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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

local NEWS... benissa

The Alcalde of Benissa, Juan Bautista, has granted the animal charity AKIRA its request for a parcela on the La Pedrera industrial estate.

The charity has long petitioned for a space on this site, which is ideally situated for both Benissa and Teulada-Moraira. They plan during the next year to build a much needed 20 kennel dog shelter on the site, and have received further encouragement from the Alcalde with a promise to supply water and electricity.

Not to be outdone, the Alcalde of Teulada-Moraira, Antoni Joan Bertomeu, has pledged 15,000€ to build 10 of the proposed kennels.

The remaining seven kennels, three quarantine kennels, office and veterinary room will be funded

by AKIRA, as will preparation of the site, foundations and fencing, etc. However, AKIRA has put out an appeal to local companies for sponsorship of a kennel – for 1,500€ the company would have its name and advertising placed on the building forever.

The charity is also on the lookout for anyone who would be prepared to help out on the site during construction with designs and practical labouring, or would like to hear from anyone who has contacts where reasonably priced materials can be bought.

In the longer term they are always glad of volunteers to help with caring for the dogs, both now and in the future.

Since 200, and despite not having permanent kennels AKIRA has re-homed 46 dogs to Germany and Holland as well as Spain.

AKIRA can be contacted by email: akirarescuedogs@ hotmail.com or finca.abril@gmail.com or by phone on 96 576 7781 or 660 814 083, or call Pauline Curtis on 625 767 781.

Sport

Pedregeur The Santa Cruz Church, Placa Mayor, held a truly uplifting pre-Christmas concert by the Coral Clasica Javiense.

This well-established international group, now in its 10th year, under the musical directorship of Francesc Estévez, accompanied on the church’s organ by Josep Vicent Giner, offered works by John Rutter, Francis Poulencs and Pablo Cassals as wel as the ever-popular Christmas Carols with audience participation.

The main work of the evening was a wonderful rendition of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s cantata ‘Vom Himmel Hoch’ with Rosemary Jukiç, soprano, and Iñaki Muñoz ,bass, singing solos.

For more information about the choir and their forthcoming events, visit www.coralclasicajaviense. com

Protests across Spain against government’s ‘antisocial welfare policies’

Yet more nationwide protests took place on Monday in 55 towns and cities across the country against tax hikes and funding cuts.

Numerous organisations, including two of Spain’s major unions – the UGT and CCOO – will be involved in the demonstrations which will be a public rejection of cutbacks in pensions, massive hikes in fees for court action, labour reforms making it easier and cheaper for firms to get rid of staff and the ‘general lack of job security and employment protection’, say organisers.

They are calling for as many people as possible to take part, saying these issues affect the ‘immense majority’ of the population.

The government’s policies are an ‘infringement’ of basic social and human rights and threaten the very fabric of the welfare system, including access to justice for all bar the very rich, they claim.

Those behind the demonstrations also say these policies ‘do not resolve the serious problem of mass home repossessions’, ‘make free public healthcare and education impossible and inaccessible’, ‘reduce care for those in a dependent situation’ – such as the elderly, disabled and sick – and that the decision not to increase pensions this coming year in line with inflation will leave numerous retirees on the breadline or in actual poverty.

They intend to file a case with the Constitutional Court over the pensions issue and are calling for a referendum on the

Extra charges will apply for ‘excess’ electricity consumption

Electricity bills are set to go up again, but the price increase will hit the highest consumers the hardest.

Those with power supplies of between three and 10 KW contracted from the utility board will pay a supplementary charge if they use more than the average monthly amount of energy.

The additional charges will range from 0.00138 to 0.01546 euros per KW and will be added to the part of the bill that relates to government taxes and fees.

This way, the State expects to earn a

further 280 million euros in 2013.

The main aim behind the extra costs is to encourage ‘more efficient and responsible’ energy consumption and to cut CO2 emissions by penalising excess use.

Average consumption is calculated according to tables laid down by the National Energy Centre which are designed to find a ‘pattern’ for different households and to avoid penalising those who use a lower than average amount of electricity.

According to the ministry of industry, the impact on household bills will be ‘minimal’

or ‘nil’, even though the taxes and charges payable to the government from monthly utility payments make up half of the amount consumers have to shell out.

They say the increase is likely to be between one and eight per cent, although to reach an eight-per-cent rise, excess consumption would have to be ‘extreme’, or more than double the average.

The application of the ‘average consumption’ figures will only apply to peak payment times where households have contracted a peak/off-peak usage tariff.

Toll fees rise by 2.4% next month

Toll fees on Spain’s motorways will go up by 2.4 per cent on January 1 next year, the government has revealed.

Although this is lower than the 3.2 per cent rise on January 1 this year, and still below the rate of inflation – currently 2.9 per cent – it comes in addition to the seven-per-cent rise applied this summer, which already means that the cost of using toll roads will have gone up dramatically since the end of 2011.

The mid-year increase was to compensate for a reduction in toll fees in 1999, and also to help those road maintenance companies running an imminent risk of bankruptcy, as is the case with the R-2 in the outskirts of Madrid and the

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recent restrictive measures taken, so that the government will ‘listen to the voice of the people’ and reverse its ‘radical’ actions which the protesters say is simply ‘paying lip-service to the EU and financial markets’.

Although the UGT and CCOO have ruled out another nationwide strike at present, they say further mass demonstrations will take place in March in Spain.

These will coincide with similar gatherings throughout various countries in the EU, but will ‘vary according to each State’, say the unions, given that ‘the situation in Greece is not the same as that in Sweden’.

The March demonstrations will coincide with the annual EU Summit meeting.

Unions say a further ‘occupy the Congress’ protest will take place in Madrid on Thursday, December 20 – the seventh of its kind this year – and that until the government listens to its subjects they will ‘continue to demonstrate’.

“The attempted criminalisation of public demonstrations and fining people who take part in them where they have not been previously announced – even, sometimes, as they come out of the metro at the venue – will not have any effect,” a spokesperson for one of the unions states.

“Our protests are peaceful, but it is not a question of whether or not we are doing anything illegal – the government does not want public demonstrations, so it will take any repressive measures it has in its power to stop them happening.”

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Cartagena-Vera motorway on the Murcia-Almería border.

Toll roads which will face increases of 3.33 per cent include smaller routes under the jurisdiction of the regional governments of Galicia and the Basque Country.

Motorways that will not face the 2.4 per cent increase include all those under the jurisdiction of the regional governments of Catalunya and Navarra, and the Sóller tunnel in Palma de Mallorca.

Those toll companies at risk of bankruptcy are in this situation because of a reduction in traffic volume due to rising costs of the toll booths.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

3

Jail for Brit who torched Benidorm hotel

Elderly ex-lorry driver sells millions of euros’ worth of fake toll cards, say police A gang led by a 76-year-old man who sold fake ‘Vía T’ digital toll cards to lorry drivers that would let them through without paying has been broken up in Madrid.

Transport workers would allegedly buy the cards in packs of four for around 500 euros, and would quickly make their money back through frequent use, as well as from selling the others on.

Many are said to have bought large quantities and sold them to fellow drivers.

As a result, tolls on the AP-7 in the provinces of Valencia, Sevilla, Tarragona, Barcelona and Alicante have lost over a million euros.

The cards were made up in a home laboratory by a retired lorry driver in Barcelona, said to be aged 76, and two types were made – some that could only be used in Spain and others that were valid in France, Italy and Germany.

Members of the gang – of which 39 have been arrested – would meet lorry drivers in service stations or lay-bys in the Barcelona area.

The cards were valid for one month and in number order, and the creator managed to forge them using till receipts from petrol stations and also by raiding bins.

Three houses have been raided and over 2,500 fake cards, equipment for making them, and around 30,000 euros in cash have been seized.

The 39 gang members were arrested in Valencia, Barcelona, Sevilla and Tarragona.

A British man who set fire to a hotel in Benidorm has been jailed for four years and four months.

Although there were no fatalities, 11 people were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation when the building went up in flames at Christmas in 2010.

His defence lawyer, Marcos Castañer, asked the court for his client to be imprisoned in the UK rather than in Spain, so that he can be nearer to his mother, who has just been diagnosed with a serious illness.

Castañer negotiated a lower sentence than the initial nine years proposed by the prosecution service, since the accused suffers from slight brain damage due to meningitis he had suffered as a child, leaving him with a younger than usual mental age and very dependent upon his mother, with whom he had been staying in the

hotel at the time of the incident.

Minimum ages for marriage, leaving home, working, testifying in court and consenting to sexual relations are set for a revamp, according to minister of justice Alberto RuizGallardón.

Spain’s age of consent for sex is among the lowest in the world and is the youngest in the whole of Europe, and children’s charities worldwide – including UNICEF and Save the Children, as well as child psychology experts – have been clamouring for it to be increased for some time.

According to the Civil Code, a child of 13 years or older is able to have a consenting sexual relationship, compared to other countries where the minimum age is 16 or 18.

UNICEF and Save the Children believe it should be upped to at least 14 or 15.

Being such a low age at the moment, young teenagers are open to sexual abuse by adults, the charities say.

Although the number of children either in care or under protection orders because of abuse is lower than that of northern European countries in general, including the UK – 0.6 per cent compared to one per cent – Ruiz-Gallardón has said that in the face of such serious issues there is ‘no

room for complacency’.

The issue has come to light once again after the death of a 13-year-old girl at the hands of her 39-year-old lover in El Salobral (Albacete).

Both were well-known residents in the sleepy village (pictured) and the girl’s parents did not approve of her relationship with a man 26 years her senior when she was still a child.

They had reported the matter to the police when their daughter, Almudena, was 12, but she turned 13 before the police had taken any action, at which point there was nothing they could do as she was considered to have given her consent.

Juan Carlos Alfaro shot her dead during an argument outside in the town square, and random shots killed a bystander who had left his house briefly for a cigarette.

Almudena’s grandfather suffered minor injuries in the shoot-out.

Police traced Juan Carlos to a farmhouse owned by his parents just outside the village, but he shot himself in the head when he was surrounded.

He had also been drinking alcohol at the time, but the judge found that although these served as mitigating factors, the man knew the nature and quality of his actions.

After being out drinking in town, the accused set fire to the patios of two bars in Benidorm near the hotel, and once back on the premises set light to one of the rooms.

The entire building had to be evacuated although miraculously, there were no deaths or serious injuries.

According to the court, the suspect pleaded guilty and the British Embassy in Spain will be responsible for ensuring he serves his sentence in the UK.

El Salobral murder sparks debate over minimum age of consent

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Hallowe’en tragedy: Solicitors ‘surprised there were not lots more deaths’

Solicitors acting for the families of the five young girls who died at the Madrid Arena Hallowe’en party say they are surprised there were not many more victims.

According to a report by ThinkSpain.com, having visited the premises in the company of the courts and the National Police, the lawyers working for Katia Esteban’s and Belén Langdon’s relatives say the venue was ‘totally unsuitable’ for the stated maximum capacity of 10,000 people.

Madrid Arena is primarily a sports stadium, but the city council had agreed for it to be used for a massive party on the night of October 31.

The corridors were ‘just like a tunnel’, only three metres wide and with low ceilings - “you bang your head as you walk through them,” said one of the solicitors, Abdón Núñez, working for the Langdons.

“Nobody would believe the Madrid Arena had a licence for 10,000 people.

“It is unacceptable, shameful – words fail me. There are so many issues to clarify and so many individual people who will be liable that this inspection is just the tip of the iceberg.”

He found that only 18 police officers – 12 at the start of the night – and no ambulance staffed by paramedics had been on duty at the party, where initial investigations hinted that the organisers may have doubled the maximum capacity by selling far more tickets than the venue was designed to hold.

According to Alfonso del Álamo, head of the city’s emergency services coordinator, he was not informed that the event was taking place, and neither was the Civil Protection squad, nor the fire brigade.

“We’re talking about five little girls who died, and they are not treating the matter with sufficient importance,” Núñez concludes.

Gerardo Viada, acting for the parents of Katia Esteban stated that: “The city council simply cannot allow a party to take place on the main dance floor, where there could have been up to 15,000 people, when there are only three exit doors – it is totally negligent.”

Two of the exit corridors were taken up by the stage, one was used as a dressing room and two doorways were sealed

Sport

off.

Felipe Moreno, working for the parents of Rocío Oña, questioned the medical facilities – as well as the absence of a SAMUR ambulance.

Only a very small sickroom was set up, despite the fact that at such parties, there are often cases of alcohol poisoning or revellers suffering fainting fits, minor injuries, falls, or needing treatment for pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma attacks or epileptic fits.

The only doctor on duty, who had been contracted by the organising company, Diviertt, was former PP councillor Simón Viñals – who is medically-trained but did not have any equipment.

He was there on a voluntary basis and is said to be nearly 80 years of age.

In the end, a SAMUR ambulance – having found out about the party at the last minute – went along to Madrid Arena under their own volition and began to treat various cases of alcohol poisoning in the car park, which had been deliberately set aside for massive bring-your-own-bottle street-drinking gatherings.

It was not until one of the revellers called 112 that they were aware of the stampede that the ambulance staff found 17-year-old Belén Langdon and María Teresa Alonso, 20, unconscious.

They managed to re-start the two girls’ pulses and they were taken to hospital, where Belén died two days later and María Teresa lost her life after a month in a coma.

The other three girls – Katia Esteban, Rocío Oña and Cristina Arce, all aged 18 – were in the sick-bay, but only one of them was being resuscitated – the others were unconscious, not breathing and their hearts having stopped, but were waiting their turn to be attended to.

When paramedics saw what was happening, they began working on the other two girls, but were unable to re-start their hearts.

Viñals claims he used a defibrillator on all three, without success, but nothing relating to this was found in the SAMUR ambulance records.

Resuscitating a person after their heart has stopped and they are not breathing takes up to 30 minutes, and if the

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process is not started within eight, they will not survive.

And according to one of the paramedics, there was no defibrillator on the premises and that Dr Viñals had announced at the time that ‘three dead girls’ had been brought in.

Ambulances have always been on duty at events staged at the Madrid Arena, which have so far included the Masters 1000 international tennis tournament, the Gourmet Fair and the Cirque du Soleil.

But Del Álamo says that even if the best medical precautions had been taken, they would not have saved the girls’ lives as the layout of the Arena was not suitable for a party with so many people.

Virginia López Negrete, from the association Manos Limpias (‘clean hands’), which is behind the public prosecution action for the five girls’ deaths, said: “It must have been terrifying moving along those corridors.”

Further investigations have been adjourned until January.

Fines for protesters who ‘insulted’ education minister

Five people accused of ‘insulting’ education minister José Ignacio Wert during a demonstration in Santander (Cantabria) have been fined. They are said to have shouted obscenities at the minister during his visit in July to the Menéndez y Pelayo International University in the city, including calling him a ‘son of a bitch’ and ‘tealeaf’.

As a result, when the case against the five – who were charged with public disturbance – came to trial recently, they were hit with fines ranging from 60 to 90 euros.

The group comprised two students, one unemployed man, a widow with a school-aged son and a member of a pro-public education pressure group. The latter was fined 90 euros and the others 60, plus court costs.

In their defence, they all said they were not insulting Wert per se, but railing against his political role, irrespective of the person undertaking it, and against the government cutbacks which have impacted heavily on schools and universities.

According to the accused parties, if they are guilty of anything, it is of defending the right to free State-funded education for all.

They did not know each other until the day of the protest, when they were standing on the front line during the presentation at the college in Santander, which was attended by around 50 members of the public. A sixth person was also involved, but being under the age of 18, was not subject to a fine.

The female solicitor defending the five called for their right to freedom of speech, but the judge – also female – said this freedom ‘could not be understood to be unlimited’ or to include a ‘right to insult people’.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Iberia and railway worker strikes cancelled

Javier Bardem’s ‘Bond villain’ role nets him a ‘SAG’ Award nomination

Spanish actor Javier Bardem has been nominated for a 2013 SAG Award for his role in Skyfall, the latest James Bond film.

The new father and husband of Spanishborn Hollywood darling Penélope Cruz has been described as ‘the best Bond villain ever’ for his part in the 23rd film in the 007 series.

Bardem will be up against big names in his third awards nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actor – Robert de Niro is among his rivals for his performance in Silver linings playbook, as is Alan Arkin (Argo), Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master), and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln).

The Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) prize features prestigious nominees including Bradley Cooper (Silver linings playbook), Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables), Denzel Washington (Flight) and John Hawkes (The sessions) for the Best Actor category.

Best Actress Award nominees include Jessica

MOST of the strikes affecting the tourism industry over Christmas have been called off and rescheduled, even though no consensus has yet been reached between companies and unions.

National airline Iberia has agreed not to down tools until at least January 7, cancelling the six-day strike planned for between this coming Friday, December 14 and Friday, December 21.

The various unions representing employees of the carrier, which recently announced 4,500 redundancies as a result of a ‘restructure’, have invited the company to another meeting which will be presided by the Inter-confederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA).

If Iberia – which merged with British Airways over a year ago – agrees to this, staff will give them a stay of grace as regards strikes, a period which unions say the airline should ‘make the most of’.

In the meantime, employees of the three rail companies RENFE, Adif and FEVE have called off the strikes planned for tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday after unions managed to obtain a commitment from their boards of directors to ensure all jobs would be safe.

Chastain (Zero dark thirty), Marion Cotillard (Rust & bone), Jennifer Lawrence (Silver linings playbook), Helen Mirren (Hitchcock) and Naomi Watts (The impossible), the latter having been directed by Spain’s Juan Antonio Bayona.

Best Supporting Actress nominees are Sally Field (Lincoln), Anne Hathaway – better known for her role as put-upon editorial assistant in The Devil wears Prada – for Les Misérables, Nicole Kidman for The paperboy, and Maggie Smith, who plays a feisty and insular old lady having a hip-replacement in India in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which also stars Bill Nighy and Dame Judy Dench.

Maggie Smith is also nominated for Best Actress in a TV Drama Series for her role in Downton Abbey.

Best Motion Picture Award nominees are The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Argo, Lincoln, Silver linings playbook, and Les Misérables.

5

Mar Menor pensioners ‘murdered by nephew

The elderly couple found dead in their home in Santiago de la Ribera (Murcia) were shot by their nephew because he refused to give them money, say police investigating the crime.

J.M.R.C., aged 28, who also lives in the Mar Menor town where the tragedy occurred, was arrested last night at 21.00hrs. After initially refusing to cooperate, broke down and confessed to the double murder. He said he had asked his uncle, who was in his 80s, for money, but the pensioner had refused to give him any and would not tell his nephew where he kept his cash. This led to a heated discussion, during which the accused shot his uncle as he sat in his armchair. He then shot dead his aunt, who was lying in bed, ‘so that she would not be left to cope on her own’.

They were both found by their carer; the front door had also been left open.

wages of Mayors’ and councillors’ capped

Mayors salaries will be based upon the number of inhabitants in their towns and will never exceed that of a Secretary of State under any circumstances, says the ministry of tax affairs and public administration.

Using wages of high-level politicians and civil servants at national level, mayors’ maximum pay packets will be worked out on a pro-rata basis in accordance with how many people live in the municipality they lead.

The maximum overall is around 68,000 euros, which is what a Secretary of State would earn, and it is likely that only mayors of large cities will have salaries as high as this.

Until wage tables are properly worked out by the ministry, leaders of cities with a population of over a million will be paid an average Secretary of State’s salary.

The new rule will mean thousands of mayors will see their earnings plummet – particularly those of Madrid and Barcelona, Ana Botella and Xavier Trias respectively, who currently take home over

100,000 euros a year.

Mayors of provincial capitals will probably find their salaries are between approximately 50,000 and 59,000 euros – similar to that of an Assistant Secretary of State for the latter and a DirectorGeneral of a provincial or borough council (Diputación) department for the former.

Those who govern in smaller towns or villages will receive a pro-rata of a Director-General’s wage in relation to population numbers.

Councillors will see their own salaries capped in proportion to that of the mayor and numbers will be reduced by between 20 and 30 per cent depending upon the size of the town, village or city and its budget.

The central government aims to clarify responsibilities in local councils to ensure that as few as possible have councillors with only one specialism and that there is limited duplication of tasks.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Woman commits suicide on the eve of her eviction

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A 60-year-old woman has been found dead after throwing herself out of the window of her flat when she knew she was about to be evicted.

Emergency services say she was found on the pavement with massive head injuries and was thought to have died instantly in the impact.

She had lived in the apartment in Padilla del Duero, a hamlet belonging to the town of Peñafiel (Valladolid province) with her husband for over 20 years.

Her husband was retired and the victim, identified only by her initials of M.M.A., was in receipt of a pension after retiring early due to health problems, which included depression.

The deceased had already attempted suicide last summer, but her family managed to stop her.

Neighbours say they got along very well with the couple, who have one daughter and two teenage grandchildren, and

that theirs appeared to be a very close marriage in which the husband cared diligently for his wife.

This is the latest in a series of suicides as a result of threatened evictions, some involving home repossessions by banks.

A man of 53 in Burjassot (Valencia) tried to kill himself by jumping out of a window when the mortgage lenders repossessed his flat, but survived.

In Granada, a man in his early 50s hanged himself and a woman of around the same age in the Basque Country threw herself from a third-floor window when the banks foreclosed on their mortgages.

Another man in the province of Toledo killed himself when his siblings evicted him from his mother’s home, where he had been living after the owner had moved out because of differences of opinion with her son.

supreme court: claim ‘Dole’ abroad for up to 90 days without losing entitlement

The Supreme Court has ruled that anyone claiming dole money in Spain can be out of the country for up to 90 days without losing their entitlement to continue to receive their money on their return, although they will not be paid whilst they are abroad.

A woman signed on the dole had been ordered to pay back nearly 15,370 euros in benefits after she went to the Ukraine for three weeks, where her father-in-law, who had been suffering from angina, is living. After the high court of justice in Madrid upheld the job centre’s request for a refund, she appealed and won.

According to Spanish law, moving one’s residence abroad automatically extinguishes any dole money entitlement, but trips of up to two weeks a year are permitted as a maximum provided the claimant notifies the authorities.

But the Supreme Court’s verdict states that a claimant may be abroad for less than 90 days a year in keeping with foreign affairs laws which stipulates that this is the period of time that determines the country of permanent residence.

The judge said the woman’s dole money should have been suspended for the three weeks she was away, but not stopped altogether.

Although this verdict is now binding, one female magistrate dissented, saying the 90-day rule was ‘discrimination’ against native Spanish people.

She said Spaniards ‘do not have an economic and family infrastructure in another country’ which ‘allows them to ‘nip off at whim’ and ‘avoid their obligation to be available’ for employment on the job market in Spain.

Brit arrested for threatening flatmate into selling him hash A British man has been arrested in Valencia for threatening his flatmate into selling him marijuana. The 34-year-old lives in the port area of the city and his housemate was growing hash plants, police heard. They have confiscated all nine of these, together with a bag containing a gram of the drug.

After the man reported having been threatened, he later told police he had been followed all day throughout the city by various people.

Both men were arrested and police seized 450 euros in cash from the plantgrower, believed to have been the proceeds of his dealing.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

WELCOME have had a very busy fortnight

Firstly they went off with a coach of ladies for the day. The first stop was La Zenia shopping mall and by the amount of carrier bags put on the coach a lot of shopping was done.

They then went to Torrevieja seafront for dinner and to see the nativity sights. Then it was onto the Lounge Bar for an evening show. Ricky Powell gave them an evening to remember especially when he came on as Elvis Presley.

The next event they had, was their

Christmas dance on the 12th. What a fantastic way to start the Christmas spirit.

First to arrive was Father Christmas on his sledge pulled along by two reindeers. What a sight. A lovely start.

It was then on with the show. Next on stage was a new lady for Welcome the lovely Rhionne. On the second song the dance floor was full. She has one fantastic voice and during the evening sang a large variety of songs,

some old and some new.

It was then the turn of Rob Sweeney.

This is the second time for Rob to come down from Calpe. His wide variety of songs from Michael Buble to Bobby Vee gave the group a really entertaining evening.

BIGGEST PRODUCTION TO DATE

WELCOME now go off to Benidorm for Christmas and then look forward to their New Years Eve Dance which is sold out.

SUZI4FITZ DONATION TO REACH OUT DEC 2012 The ladies from Suzi4fitz fitness classes were pleased to present a cheque for 700 Euros to representative Yvonne Jeffries from the ‘Reach Out’ team. The amount was collected by the group over the last year through various events including car boot sales, book sales, a quiz night and class quizzes. More recently they all enjoyed their annual Christmas Party at Las Ramblas where more funds were raised though a Tombola and Raffle.

Sue, their teacher, would like to thank them all for their generosity and support throughout the year and they are pleased to be able to contribute to the good work the Reach Out team do in helping the homeless this Christmas. Also this year, Sue and a number of the Suzi4fitz ladies supported Maria and The Pink Ladies in her

7

quest to raise money for the AECC and cancer prevention. In June, Suzi4fitz girls took part in the charity walk and performed a fitness routine at Playa Flamenca Beach front. Last Sunday, Sue and a number of the ladies supported the Santa Fun Run in aid of the AECC and also Reach Out. Yvonne Jeffries and Karolina Leonard were delighted with the donation and explained to the ladies how the money would be used.

Next year the group hope to contribute to The Skin Cancer Foundation in memory of the loss of one of their lovely friends Karen to cancer this year.

Sue’s classes are held three times a week at Las Ramblas Golf Club.

For info 966 774 059 / 692 354 295 email: suzi4fitz@yahoo.com

Teatro Canovero (The Los Canovas Players) announce their biggest production to date to be performed on Friday, February 1st, Saturday, February 2nd and Sunday, February 3rd at the Salon Theatre in Los Canovas. Curtain up will be at 8pm on each night.

The play called “Play On” by Rick Abbot is a very funny comedy about an amateur drama group’s trials and tribulations during rehearsals and opening night of their “murder / mystery” play set in the 1930’s.

This production has a total of 10 actors on stage playing in front of a full set (and hopefully a full house!) together with the back stage staff, lighting and sound technicians and front of house staff. This is truly the biggest production we have done to date and hope to follow it up with similar plays.

As is usual refreshments will be available in the auditorium, at reasonable cost, before curtain up, during the interval and at the end of the play. There is ample street parking around the Salon.

Tickets are available now for only 5€ each and for further information or if you want to join us on or off stage contact Roger on 968 151 149, 660 851 064 or e-mail at loscanovasplayers@gmail.com.

Come along, cheer yourself up and enjoy “Play On” during one of these cold winter evenings.

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From 7pm – Late

Reservations are essential ~ Book now to avoid disappointment!

For reservations please call 968 199 226 or 652 126 668 (Ricky)

8

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

music with mark Simply Red The British soul-pop band Simply Red was formed in 1984 by singer Mick “Red” Hucknall. Their name came about due to a manager at a local venue who was confused about the bands name. Hucknall replied it was Red, simply Red. The resulting misnomer was printed on the publicity posters as Simply Red and the name stuck.

The original members were Mick Hucknall, David Fryman, Tony Bowers, Fritz McIntyre, Tim Kellett and Chris Joyce.

Simply Red signed with Elektra Records in 1985.

The first album Picture Book

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featured “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention),” a cover of a 1982 R&B chart single by the Valentine Brothers as the first single, and “Holding Back the Years,” a Hucknall original.

The singles caused the album to go platinum, and made the group one of the major successes of 1986.

The second album Men and Women (March 1987), featured two collaborations between Hucknall and soul songwriter Motown Legend Lamont Dozier, although less popular than Picture Book it generated the Top 40 hit “The Right Thing.” (In the U.K., “Infidelity” and a cover of Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” also made the Top 40.)

The third album, A New Flame (February 1989), went gold due to the cover of the 1972 Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes hit “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” that hit number one and became a gold single. (In the U.K., “It’s Only Love” and “A New Flame” also made the Top 40.)

The fourth album release Stars was a relative commercial disappointment in the U.S. (though it spawned Top 40 hits in “Something Got Me Started” and “Stars” and eventually went gold), but it became a major success elsewhere, especially in the U.K., where it was the best-selling album of 1991, topped the charts for 19 weeks, and spawned the Top Ten hits “Stars” and “For Your Babies” and the Top 40 hits { “Thrill Me,” and “Your Mirror.”

Worldwide, it had sold eight-and-ahalf million copies by the

second quarter of 1993.

After touring and promoting Stars for two years, Simply Red returned in 1995 with the album Life which included “Fairground”, a dance-influenced track. A massive radio hit, “Fairground” went on to become the band’s first British Number 1.

Life sold more than a million copies in the UK alone; making it the fourth-biggest seller of the year.Personell had come and gone but Hucknall and the name Simply Red continued after the Life album.

Simply Red became almost a trade name the musicians varying album to album and gig to gig as Hucknall needed them. More albums were released although they did not match the success of the earlier releases.

Then in 2009 Hucknall revealed that the tour the band were embarking on would be a Farewell Tour. He said “I’ve kind of decided that 25 years is enough so I intend that when this tour finishes the band Simply Red will be retired.”

Simply Red played their final concert at the O2 Arena in London on the 19th December 2010. It was shown live on cinemas across the UK, and marked the end of Simply Red as a functioning artist. Personally I think the band made a memorable contribution to music, the fusion of Soul, Jazz, Funk plus Hucknalls distinctive vocals made classic tracks that will be played and listened to for many years to come.

I would like to thank John of John the Barbers in Pto de Mazzaron for the request of this article.

You can listen to Mark Davies on Costa Calida International Radio, Mon, Wed and Fri evenings 7.00 till 9.00 on 90 and 100 FM or www.costacalidaradio.com

Spiritual Murcia

21-12-12 at 11.00 hr - 13.00 hr... A Coffee Morning with a Difference Hosted By... Lynne Wivanee... www.Lifetalx.com SpiritualMurcia Coffee Mornings enable us all to get together once in a while, to network and share experiences, support each other and raise funds for a united front... pointing the way for awakening people to find likeminded, creative friends and natural ways of healing..

This coffee morning will be unique, but will include the following... *A Bring & Swop Table to recycle ‘newly new’ and ‘unwanted’ items... (Please bring your goods..) *Refreshments... *Network with people who are interested in natural healing, nature, creative art, self empowerment and who share the vision of a peaceful and harmonious earth... *A table to display your holistic/creative leaflets... *A Journey with Lynne from Lifetalx... what she is all about... *Fundraising for SpiritualMurcia *A group meditation... Together we are ‘one voice’...

Please ring Lynne on 650 041 770 to get the directions to El Nido (on the 332 towards Cartagena) There will be a car convoy leaving the country club at 10.20 Please call Barbara for details: 650 796 579

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

can you help ?

Orihuela Costa and District Branch

APAH Animal Rescue Charity is facing one of the worst possible decisions an Animal Charity ever has to face. For the first time in its 12 year history, it is possible that APAH may have to close its Cattery.

The Cattery, located just outside Campoverde, is home to around 60 cats and kittens, and there is nothing worse for a charity than facing the prospect of losing the animals it has committed into its care.

Ironically in the middle of this economic recession, the reason for this situation is not financial, but due to a serious lack of volunteers to help care for the cats and kittens. A charity responsible for looking after animals has to staff its facilities 7 days per week, 365 days a year.

Cats must be fed, cleaned out and provided with clean drinking water every day. Cats on medication must be cared for every day. It is not possible to leave them for one or two days a week, because there is no-one to look after them.

The current lack of helpers means that the volunteers APAH has are seriously stretched to the limit, and close to being unable to provide the level of care that has always been a priority of the Charity.

Unless APAH is able to attract some more volunteers to work a few hours a week, it will have no other choice but to close the Cattery down. All that is needed to secure the future of APAH’s cats and kittens is a few more people to contact them, offering their help for just 3 hours a day.

If you can spare a few hours and want to help, please call Yvonne on 630 422 563, Natasha on 616 210 850 or call into one of APAH’s Charity Shops in Pilar de la Horadada and San Miguel de Salinas.

The Royal British Legion The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

We would also like to thank you all for your support and kind donations over the past year in raising €28,688.47 which will go towards the District North RBL overall total.

The Branch meet on the 3rd Thursday of each Month at The Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras 7 for 7.30pm Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the

CALIDA COUNTRY The COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB lub LA MOLATA, LOS MUÑOCES, CAÑADAS DE ALHAMA

A very Happy New Year to our patrons from all of us at CALIDA COUNTRY, and a great big THANK YOU for your support over the last twelve months! Hope you all had a great Christmas?

December 21st with the ever popular RED STROKES, gave us all a fantastic night’s pre-Christmas entertainment, complete with traditional mince pies and a ‘seasonal’ gift-wrapped mystery raffle. Combining this with the superb offers available from ‘Cody’s Country’ C&W western wear stall made sure that there was ‘something for everybody’, and not a few Christmas gifts changed hands FRIDAY 04 JANUARY 2013 Don’t forget that a brief 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, followed by a night of country music provided by the ‘Crooning Country’ CM Disco. Entry on this night will be just €5.00 per couple or €3.00 for ‘singles’. Don’t miss out! Put a note in your diary now!

FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2013 Has yet another night’s superb country music entertainment in store for you - 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 is guaranteed be a night to remember.

Entry for this night will be just €5.00 per couple or €3.00 for ‘singles’ 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 currently meets twice monthly – on the 1st and 3rd Fridays – from 8.00pm, With the exception of January 18, 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!

Just remember to...

KEEP IT COUNTRY! For further information on what’s going on, contact…

Mervyn Booth on 968 163 082 or visit their Facebook page at: ‘CALIDA COUNTRY Country Music Club’

9

Cl

You do NOT have to be ex service to become a member.

For further information visit our website www.orihuelacostarbl.com

Bowling ∙ Snooker Quiz Nights ∙ Darts Pool Table Social Dancing Comedy & Entertainment Nights

BEST EVER

LIVE SHOWURSDAY

EVERY SAT

All you need in one place:

monday

objectives of the Legion and want to help and give support for those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces and their families come and join us.

Open 10am - late

Late licence (3.30am) if needed

T he Cadillacs 4.30pm to 6.15pm , Entry 5€

Christmas Eve Special with

tuesday Ballroom Dancing 8pm -10pm Nick Gold & Thursdays FUN QUIZ 8.30pm Debbie Slater Friday Closed from 6pm for private parties. a show not to be missed!

Book yours now!

Bringing you a medley of festive

tunes, swing & pop Saturdays See guide below all tinselled up with the usual Sundays Happy hour 8 - 9.30pm PLUS Karaoke 9pm wit & flare of the Little & Large duo

SATURDAY 22nd decemBER

LENNON AND McCARTNEY TRIBUTE + DJ HELEN 2 course meal + show 8pm 10€.

Show only 9.30pm 3€

SATURDAY 29

TH

DECEMBER

ABBA ELITE + DJ HELEN 2 Course meal + show 8pm 10€ Show only 9.30pm 3€

SATURDAY 5th january

SOWADDYWADDY TRIBUTE + DJ HELEN 2 COURSE MEAL + SHOW 8PM 10€ Show only 9.30pm 3€

NEW YEARS Dance the night away EVE PARTY with Big FM’s DJ Richie Sparks

966 717 028

Tickets €25

with the award winning

Nick Gold & the sensational

Debbie Slater

This December 24t h kick off your festive fun with the best duo around.

2 course meal & show 12.50€ Show only 4€

Glass of Champagne on arrival Large Buffet 8.30pm Plus Dessert Buffet Plus Party Bags Doors open 7.30pm

Calle El Pino esq. Calle Abedul, Ciudad Quesada theclubatquesada@gmail.com www.theclubquesada.com

10

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

CRESCENDO CHOIR at VILORIEN’S The charity concert held at Vilorien’s restaurant near Rojales on Sat 8th Dec got off to a bit of a shaky start when Irene and Toni, Crescendo’s conductor and accompanist, got lost on their way to the venue and the husband of a choir member went to find them. The evening was saved though by Marie Sills, a soprano, taking over the keyboard and Joe Wallace of Just Brass (husband of Jean in the choir) taking over as conductor. The choir and audience sang their way through a medley

of carols and Christmas songs until the rescued Irene and Toni turned up. After that the concert continued as planned to very warm applause from all the people listening who had previously enjoyed a superb dinner at the restaurant in aid of Caritas Rojales. Hot roast chestnuts were passed around along with a glass of Christmas punch to finish off the evening. The sum of 370 euros was raised for CARITAS ROJALES so many thanks to everyone who helped on the evening.

help vega baja friends unlimited

Registered voluntary organisation CV-04-04761-A FRIENDS UNLIMITED, the social arm of HELP Vega Baja, held a ‘Christmas Special’ at The Club, on Thursday 13th December. A record attendance enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of entertainment by JB Brass, with some very popular sing-along tunes and carols by request, mince pies and a drink, what a brilliant way to start off the Christmas period.

THE HELP ASSOCIATION OF VEGA BAJA helps people of all ages with all sorts of problems, particularly at time of crisis and emergencies, such as in the case of accidents, thefts, break-ins, sudden deaths and when police or medical services are involved.

Offices are at: Calle Lope de Vega 46, San Miguel de Salinas, 03193 Alicante tel: 966 723 733 Opening Hours: 10:00 to 13:30 Monday to Fridays Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4, Torrevieja, 03181 Alicante tel: 965 704 282 Opening Hours: 10:00 to 13:30 Monday, Wednesday, Friday Information desk at: Office of the Urbanisation, San Fulgencia, (near Super Valu) tel: 966 443 002 Opening Hours: 10:00 to 13:30 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month Email: office@helpvegabaja.com www.helpvegabaja.com Our 24 hour emergency help-line 966 723 733

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Big Cats Support a Valencia Charity Event Written by Eric Arnold For the last 10 years there has been a very special event in aid of physically and mentally handicapped children called the Jornados de Copilotes de Education Especial en el Circuito Ricardo Tormo. I am delighted to say I was invited to attend this fabulous and very worthwhile event

by Antonio Marti, a member of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, but also a member of the Club de Automoviles Antiguos de Valencia, a major sponsor of this event.

The event was held on Saturday 15th December at the racing circuit in Cheste, over 150 classic car owners volunteered to take part. Coach after coach arrived bringing just over 500 children to the track, brass bands, police and fire sirens all added to the electric atmosphere.

After registration and a quick look round, cars of every type and shape formed a cue and slowly filtered into the pit lane.

Corvette Stingrays, Ferrari’s, Porche’s, Mercedes, Caterhams, Bentley’s, Jaguars and many many more, all polished and gleaming. Slowly we inched down the pit lane, the odd driver not resisting the urge to “blip” the engine, big V8’s with their throaty grumble, the whine and buzz of tuned race engines, as we approached the “boarding” area the excitement on the children’s faces was obvious.

I opened the door and Jose was helped in, Jose was 16 years old and autistic, but it was clear from the start he was a true”petrol head”. Securely strapped in, the ride begins. Sports mode, traction control off, pedal to the floor, the big 300bhp V8 in my jaguar XK8 responds immediately, down the pit lane, a steady left on to the track, accelerate, a hard left, tyres rumble on the turns apex rumble strip, sharp acceleration, a hard right, tyres squeal, accelerate, a right a left, a long straight, a left, another left, a few more corners then on to the home straight, accelerate hard, the spectators are a blur as we cross the start / finish grid, hard breaking for the left and another lap starts. At the end of the 4th lap we leave the track and join the pit lane cue again, Jose is dropped of to his carers and another young boy joins me for another 4 laps of adrenalin. Then change again, my last passenger was only about 12 years old but he loved the speed, “rapido, rapido” was his request, 4 more laps and the event was over, we were guided of the track and joined our colleagues and friends in the parking area. A chance to quench the thirst and let my breaks cool down, I could have cooked eggs on the wheels of my car.

Not only will I remember the thrill on the children’s faces but to be fair I will also remember the experience of taking my car on a thorough bred racing circuit, not often you get the chance to use a track for free and give pleasure to some people not as fortunate as you at the same time.

I found my friends and we compared notes as the overworked mechanical components in our cars cooled down, then off to Restaurant La Carreta, just up the road from the circuit for a fabulous lunch. A steady drive home reflecting on the days events completed the day.

I will certainly be encouraging other members of the JEC in Spain to give up a little bit of their time next year to provide some less fortunate children the thrill of a life time. And if you have a classic car, why don’t you come along to the event next year, it is always around the same time so put it in your diaries.

The next meeting of the JEC in Spain will be held at Restaurant Los Almendros in Torrellano on the 27th January, why not come and join us. The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from the fun at the meetings, members also benefit from a 132 page monthly magazine, and a technical advice service second to none. Special insurance deals and approved service centres are also part of the benefits in Spain. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold who can be contacted by email jaguarspain@ outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC web site www.jec.org.uk or come along to our next meeting and have a chat, contact Eric by email to register your interest.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

A Truly Magical Christmas Evening at the Rescue Centre

The air was filled with Christmas Love and the aroma of mulled wine, chestnuts and minced pies when the Rescue Centre held its fourth Magical Christmas Carol Concert at Rojales.

11

Jewish Festival of Light

People came for miles to meet Santa’s and his four legged helpers, Dexter Elf (the mule) and our three little Rein-ponies Taffeta, Trixie-Belle and Little Miracle, decked out in all their Christmas bling.

The Atmosphere was electric at the centre, lit only with the aid of thousands of Christmas lights. The young children talked to Santa and helped him with his ‘reinponies’ and they had a chance to see all the horses snuggled down in their stables.

Lots of traditional food and drinks were enjoyed and kept people warm and in good spirits. While everyone enjoyed the fantastic entertainment provided by Cathy Carson and The Taabs Group who kept us royally entertained with their Christmas songs. Everybody joined in the singing, particularly with a lively version of ‘The twelve days of Christmas’.

Sue Weeding warmly thanked everybody for all the work and contributions people had made during the year. Almost €500 was raised in what can only be described as a night of Pure Magic.

Maybe we can`t change the world by saving one horse but WE HAVE change the world for all the beautiful horses that you have helped us to save Thank You, we could not do it without out All of us at Easy Horse Rescue Care Centre wish you a very Merry Christmas and want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has helped us during the year with their time, contributions and fantastic support.

For more details of the Rescue Centre call Sue on 652021980 or email info@easyhorsecare.net

On Saturday, 15th. December, over 150 people met at Playa Flamenca for, what has become, the annual lighting of the Menorah. The Menorah is an 8-branch candelabra which is lit to celebrate Chanukah, otherwise known as the Jewish Festival of Light. The service was led by Alan Harris of the Southern Costa Blanca Jewish Community, and the Menorah was lit by Cllr. Pedro Mancebo, deputy Mayor for Orihuela Costa. After the lighting, those present enjoyed doughnuts and wine as is traditional at this time of year.

Fiestas de Navidad The Office for the Urbanisations wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We invite you to join us on at 6pm on Friday the 21st of December in the Social Centre, Urb Marina to sing carols and to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or moscatel and Christmas treats from different countries.

Please bring any traditional sweets or cakes of your own country.

From 5pm on Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will be visiting the Social Centre to meet all the children and to hand out presents.

Between 9.30am and 2pm on the 21st you can bring your presents to our office on Calle Madrid which will be given to your child by Father Christmas on the 24th

Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and finding a reliable and informative company is vital.

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Welcome GO SATELLITE! GO SATELLITE was set up 8 years ago by husband and wife team Ian and Deborah. Ian has more than 20 years experience, having spent 10 years with SKY In Home Services in the UK, where he worked on the specialist heights team as well as SKY´S Prestigious VIP Team which caters for the “stars”, therefore the quality of his workmanship is extremely high!

After leaving SKY, Ian set up his own business in the UK and ran this very successfully for 5 years before moving to Spain.

WHERE ARE WE? GO SATELLITE is based in Ciudad Quesada and covers most of the Costa Blanca.

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS! Over the past 8 years the company has installed hundreds of satellite TV systems for individuals, companies and communities. The Go Satellite system uses highest quality

Portuguesemanufactured dishes and r e q u i r e s NO monthly payments.

Packages are available to suit everybody´s requirements and budget.

GO SATELLITE offer expertise, reassurance and a proven track record, which can be backed up by many a satisfied customer.

WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Ian said “Being a small company has its advantages. We offer a personal service and get to know all our customers by name. It’s important to us that people fully understand and are happy with the service we are providing.

We realise that the technology involved can be confusing but we are happy to spend time with our customers to ensure that they get the best system for their needs”.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Any concerns or queries are dealt with in a clear and professional manner and clients can call Ian at any point if they have any queries. This ensures that all of their customers have complete peace of mind throughout the lifetime of the service. Added to that is the fact that GO SATELLITE is a fully legal, Spanish registered business that provides individual, company and community installations with a free no obligation site survey.

Go Satellite is going from strength to strength!

COME AND MEET US!

They have now opened a new office in the Business Centre Calle Los Arcos No7 Ciudad Quesada. So you can now come and meet us and we will endeavour to help you with all of

your TV queries.

OTHER SERVICES Go Satellite not only provide television but are also able to provide internet and telephone services. Packages are available to suit all with a switch on/off service available for non residents.

DISH ISSUES? Here at Go Satellite, we use only Top Quality Portugese dishes and Invacom LNB’s. Sky Packages are also available: Full HD Package 20€ per month (which includes Sports & Movies). If you do not have room or do not wish to have a dish, give us a call as we have a solution!

At Go Satellite, we will endeavour, to provide TV for everyone.

So, if you are fed up of missing your favourite programs or you have lost your TV signal and do not want to lose out any more, then call Ian or Deborah on 965 725 670 or 646 645 579 or call into our office to find out more about GO SATELLITE and its services. Alternatively check out the website: www.freetvspain.com

12

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Look Good Feel Great Time-saving Tips For Party Hair!

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Darren the barber formerly La Finca Barbershop

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Great hair is about a good cut and glossy colour, but it’s also about clever styling ideas and haircare know-how – especially when it comes to glamorous evening events.

Here, we share our top tips from hair experts (with the emphasis on speed and ease) that are guaranteed to have you party perfect (but there’s still time to book at your local salon too!

At studio six

Unisex Stylist Over 29 years experience S.R.H “Senior Stylist” City & Guilds of London

Christmas Season

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Fake it If you’re having a bad hair day or don’t have time to go to the hairdresser before a big occasion, simply tie or clip your own hair back, pop on a hairpiece and you’re ready to go!

Play with your parting Regardless of the length or style of your hair, moving your parting, permanently or just for one night, can give you a whole new look. A side parting gives width to the top part of the head, which softens a pointed face or a heavy jaw; a centre partings work for most face shapes, apart from very long.

Trade secret If you have only 10 minutes to get ready but your hair is looking greasy, try this tip. Tie your hair back, but leave a triangular section at the front of the hair. Wash the section as quickly as you can, blowdry as normal, then blend with the rest of the hair…no one will ever know!!!

Wake up to perfect hair Sleeping on a silk pillowcase makes your fresh-from-the-salon hair last longer (not to mention it’s said to be anti-ageing too).

Making waves Transform curly or wavy hair with a styling cream; it’ll turn dull, frizzy hair into glamorous party hair with curl definition and shine.

Quick change Use large-barrelled curling tongs to create loose, sexy waves as an alternative for straight hair. Just take your hair in sections and wind your hair upwards around the

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tongs, holding for a few seconds and releasing.

Add volume When you want volume, rollers are hard to beat.

Wind heated rollers into dry hair or use hairspray with Velcro rollers and apply some heat from your hairdryer. After taking the rollers out, just use your fingers to rake through your hair.

Solutions for thin hair If your hair is thin, invest in styling products designed to bulk it up, making hair look thicker, but without stiffness or stickiness. We recommend Paul Mitchell Thicken Up styling liquid www.paulmitchell.com, Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion, www.aveda. co.uk and Kerastase Mousse Nutri-Sculpt w w w.kera s t a se.co.uk.

You may also benefit from using a shampoo and conditioner for fine hair.

Try a chignon Comb a styling spray through your hair and pull it into a ponytail at the nape of the neck.

Twist your hair around an elastic making a figureof-eight shape to create a neat bun, and fasten it with grips. For a softer look, pull some strands of hair forward…very sophisticated!

Learn to speed-dry Save drying your hair before a big event with the right technique! The trick is to section your hair with clips and dry one section at a time, rather than trying to blow-dry the whole lot at once.Use a round brush for a little root lift and soft, sexy volume Eh voila – you may go to the ball!

winter he alth tip

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine.

Find an “ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as “night creams” are oil-based.)

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

13

The Velvetones Reach Out at Christmas

Thursford

The True Spirit of Christmas

The Velvetones Ladies Harmony Chorus was delighted with the Christmas Concert held at El Paraiso Restaurant in Torrevieja on Wednesday, 5 th December. A good time was had by all who attended this evening of songs - old, new and seasonal. The chairwoman of the chorus, June Brady, made a donation of 400 euros, to Karolina Leonard, president of the charity Reach Out to help with its work reaching out to people in need in Torrevieja.

It seems to be that with most people of a certain age, the best Christmases are always the ones from years ago. Mostly from childhood days, but certainly the ones that predate the technological age and the affluent era that began in earnest during the 1960’s.

It is argued by some that in harking back to the ‘good old days’, this is merely a phenomenon of ageing and having the ability to blot out the not so pleasant stuff and selectively remembering the good times.

But it’s not that straightforward.

The simpler, less stressful lifestyle of those bygone years, were not without problems of their own, but were nevertheless much happier times with people on the whole more contented.

Nothing epitomizes this more, nor brings it to the fore more noticeably than the festive Christmas season.

Commercialism half a century ago was a mere shadow of the present slavering monster that clamours for our hard earned cash each Christmas time, with the competition to ease those flexible friends from our wallets and purses beginning as early as the summer months. And as merchandising practices have increased in intensity over the years, the understanding and keeping of the true meaning of Christmas has diminished proportionately.

I can remember with such clarity those morning school assemblies, when we sang our hearts out with the carols that many of us are still so familiar with, and never tiring of the tale of the wise men, the simple shepherds and the star in the east, each conjuring up marvellous visions of that inn in Bethlehem.

Then Christmas morning itself - usually at the unearthly hour of 2am in my case - the day so long anticipated, now suddenly arrived with a traditional stocking stuffed with fruit, sweets and nuts and a pillowcase huge and lumpy, hinting tantalisingly at its exciting contents.

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And I can honestly say, hand on heart, that the atmosphere invoked by the telling of the Christmas story and the words of the carols sung, was an equal partner to my pleasure in the receiving of gifts.

After Christmas dinner I would urge my Dad to smoke the large cigar I always bought him with my pocket money, just to see his enjoyment and for me to savour the fragrant smoke. And with my mother wearing the Lily of the Valley scent which was her favourite and therefore always my gift to her – these smells exemplify childhood Christmases.

And outside, the garden and the street took on an alien, albeit wonderful landscape.

Even the quality of light pouring from the house windows took on a somehow different aspect and there was a stillness and hush that only occurred on that special day each year. This was the unique atmosphere of Christmas.

Now the magic has all but disappeared, with materialism and excessive behaviour taking priority and the important spiritual aspect having all but vanished from our lives.

But in a small outpost in the wilds of Norfolk, the spirit of Christmas does live on.

I had booked our tickets for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular one week into the new year. It was a case of necessity. I knew from experience how popular the show is and how, if you wanted to guarantee seats for a specific performance, it was essential to move quickly.

There is no Yuletide overkill in the show’s content – not all of the songs are of Christmas itself and the music, choreography and sketches not entirely of a seasonal aspect. But the whole is still nevertheless a wonderfully festive package, bound with a ribbon that is still pure Christmas - a subtle and clever blend that manages to invoke the very best of the season.

We have just returned from our excursion – the twelfth time that we have enjoyed Thursford – and once again it has left us with emotions that are hard to describe. Part of the pleasure for us is taking friends for the first time and to watch their reaction during the performance, which is never less than pure astonishment and pleasure.

There is no adequate way to describe this show which this year opened on the 9th November and will close on December 23rd. And with two performances a day each seating 1400 people; 120 thousand people from all over the country will experience this dazzling show.

The sights and the sounds of Thursford can be viewed on film and listened to on recordings, but the essence - the ambience - of this wonderful show simply has to be experienced first hand.

The spirit of Christmas is in the very fabric of the place and indeed oozes from the pores of John Cushing – the director and MD of Thursford – and his marvellous team.

Put it at the top of your bucket list and experience it for yourself.

By Colin Bird

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

The FINAL Countdown To Christmas!

Ice your cake…

There are two main types of icing: royal, which dries very hard and white, and fondant, which is softer and can be coloured and shaped.

Royal icing is usually applied flat with the decorations piped on after, or you can spoon it over a cake and fork it so that it looks like snow – this is great if you’re short of time as you can just add a couple of shopbought figures and you’re done.

Fondant icing can be bought ready-rolled and pre-coloured.

Just get the kids involved and let them model figures or roll it out and stamp out shapes for a real quick fix.

Last-minute gif shopping…

t

rse than a There’s nothing wo presents last-minute dash for al gif ts fin so try and buy any idea od go NOW! It’s also a ric ne ge to pick up some x bo a presents, such as e ttl bo of chocolates or are of champagne, to sp an if nt any embarrassme a ng ari be unexpected guest s. gif t arrive

Christmas Eve…

Write a time-plan…

y people The Christmas dinner throws man ly no real into a cooking quandary but it’s ply sim different from a roast dinner, it t. righ ngs comes down to getting the timi the on To make sure you get everything w when table at the same time and kno menu, to start cooking each dish on the simply is write yourself a time-plan. This you time a list that reminds you at what to n dow should do everything, counting e. tabl the the time you’d like the dinner on

Assemble presents...Putting together anything under pressure is difficult so don’t leave the assembly of anything large or complicated until Christmas Day. Put the kids to bed, get out the tool kit and get building. Put the instructions or the front of pack to one side so that when the little darlings dismantle it you can put it back together again and again and again…Do your last-minute shopping… If there’s anything else you need to buy, today’s your last chance to get it! Get wrapping…If you haven’t done it already now’s the time to get the last of those Christmas presents wrapped...Prepare vegetables…Prepare your vegetables in advance and keep in the fridge overnight. The stuffing can also be made and the bird stuffed and basted ready for the oven in the morning... Set the kitchen timer…If the bird’s a big one it will need to go in the oven early so set the kitchen timer to remind you when... Lay the table and prepare a tray for Santa…Remind the kids that Santa likes a tipple and Rudolf likes a carrot, and let them help preparing the goodies. (Don’t forget to make sure they are gone in the morning!)

Solutions

Defrost the turkey…

r frozen Depending on the size of you ove it rem to d nee turkey you may days of ple cou a zer from the free give to day big the of in advance Once : TIP w. tha to e it enough tim the ove rem to et forg ’t defrosted don st roa you ore bef ets gibl plastic bag of for k stoc e mak to ets it. Keep the gibl the gravy.

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Buy DVDs, CDs and extra memory. Chec k that you have spare camera batteries an d, if you have a camcord er, make sure the batteries and any sp are power packs are fully charged. TIP: If you haven’t used your camera since yo ur summer holiday it’s time to check the batteries still work.

Don’t forget the batteries…

Check exactly what type of batteries each of your gifts requires and buy a set for each toy. TIP: A battery charger could save you a lot of money over the lifetime of a toy so think about investing!

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

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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.

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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 DECEMBER 2012

17

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Costa Blanca opticians’ charity chain Help us to help a charity this Christmas

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Throughout December, all five Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca are taking part in a Christmas charity appeal to provide food, clothing and gifts to children and families who may otherwise go without.

All stores will be acting as drop off points for donations on behalf of various local charities.

Business Development Manager, José Ángel MoralTajadura tells us “Supporting charitable causes this Christmas is important to us with many families on the Costa Blanca feeling the effects of the recession, not to mention children in care who need our help to have a happy Christmas. Our stores are passionate about their chosen charities and are all doing their bit to encourage donations.”

Specsavers Opticas in Benidorm, Calpe and Javea are taking part in the annual Toy Drive campaign for The Friends of the Children of EMAUS, a completely voluntary group of individuals, based in the Northern Costa Blanca, whose purpose is to raise much-needed funds for the children in the EMAÚS children’s shelters. Their toy

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drive will provide presents for the Children of EMAUS spending this Christmas in care and the stores are urging locals to donate new, unwrapped toys, board games, gifts and clothes.

Carole Saunders from the charity says “People needn’t spend much, even something simple such as a woolly hat or some colouring books would make lovely gifts for the children of EMAUS.” Donations of non perishable food and children’s toys would be greatly appreciated at Specsavers Opticas in Guardamar where they are collecting on behalf of Caritas charity. Caritas is a charity working on behalf of needy families and individuals,

who for whatever reason find themselves without the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter. They are focusing on supporting local men who are out of work or experiencing difficult times and all donations will be distributed within Guardamar this Christmas.

Specsavers Opticas in Torrevieja are welcoming donations of canned food and children’s toys on behalf of Torrevieja Lions Club. The Lions Club is best known for fighting blindness. It helps local Spanish residents in need, and also sends muchneeded supplies such as eyeglasses to third world countries. The charity has requested any wrapped

presents to be labelled for ages and gender appropriateness. The store has also been collecting glasses for Torrevieja Lions Club over the past year and will be presenting these to the charity to be distributed to third world countries.

Please help us put the smile back on a child’s face this Christmas by making a gift or food donation to any of the Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca.

All donated gifts will then be collected by the various charities and delivered to local families for this Christmas and Three Kings.

To find your nearest Specsavers store to make a donation, visit www.specsavers.es

A LITERARY AND HARMONIOUS START TO THE FESTIVE SEASON FOR TORREVIEJA U3A

December 10th saw a very busy Christmas meeting of Torrevieja U3A, with a record number of people in attendance. The packed programme for the morning was opened by the Chairman, who handed over to members of our Creative Writing Group led by Joy Lennick. The ladies’ entertained everyone with a selection of original festive poems and short readings, which were very well received by the audience and which set the mood for what was to come. Centre stage was then taken

by Nigel Hopkins and ‘in Harmony’, who proceeded to entertain us with a selection of traditional Carols and songs from around the World.

However, the audience did not escape without being asked to join in and there was no reason for not helping In Harmony to take the roof off the CMO,

as song sheets had been provided to everyone in advance of the meeting!! An enjoyable morning was had by everyone and it was a great way to start off the festive season in style.

Torrevieja U3A meets on the last Monday of each month at the CMO in Torrevieja (behind Carrefour). Doors open at 10.00 a.m. Our next meeting is on January 28th and our AGM will be held on 25th February. For further information please visit our website www.torreviejau3a.org or contact the Secretary on 966 844 349

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

19

Tony Ellis

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

l a i c e p s v t s a m t chris RAPID REPAIRS

Merry Christmas

to all our customers Ken Brooks 645 162 808 Doug 654 907 247

Email:rapidrepairs2668@yahoo.co.uk Behind Zoco Sunday market Unit 8

BBC and ITV have just confirmed their line-up for December 25th - and this year promises to keep you glued to your sofa for hours !

ITV will be hosting a string of classic animated films, including Disney’s Aladdin, Toy Story and Tangled, which will be briefly interrupted by the Queen’s Speech. The channel will air the much-anticipated and always dramatic Christmas episodes of Emmerdale at 5.30pm and Coronation Street at 7.30pm.

The Downton Abbey special will kick off at 8.45pm, which will be followed by Vince Vaughn’s comedy film, Couples Retreat.

Over on the BBC, the final ever episode of Merlin will be aired on Christmas Eve and on the 25th Doctor Who fans should tune in to the special episode - named “The Snowmen” - at 5.15pm.

Strictly Come Dancing will follow an hour later and viewers can then be prepared to be brought down to Earth with a bump with the always depressing EastEnders at 8.45pm.

The Royle Family Christmas special is on at 9.45pm and will see Dave (Craig Cash) plot to pitch an idea on Dragon’s Den. And to recover, on Boxing Day the BBC will be giving

Sweet Dreams Have a Cool Yule

We would like to wish all our customers a

Merry Christmas and a

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G.T.AUTOS IT Systems, Mail Boxes, ID Photos Internet, Stationary, Phones

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year Avda. Maria Del Mar Rodriguez 41 Algorfa 03169 Alicante

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LOS DOLSES

would like to thank all our customers for a successful 2012 & wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Call Tim 662 211 993

www.gtautospain.co.uk sales@gtautospain.co.uk

Mobile Auto Electrician Al wishes all his customers a lovely Christmas and very Happy 2013

Call Al on: 638 323 499

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

us a right good belly laugh with Miranda and Mrs Brown’s Boys at 9pm and 9.30pm respectively.

Unfortunately Call the Midwife will do battle with Coronation Street while EastEnders takes on Downton Abbey; viewers will have to choose which to watch and which to record.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final BBC1, 6.30pm, Saturday, Dec 22 One couple is about to be named the 2012 champions!

The three finalists will perform twice before one pair bids farewell, leaving the two remaining couples to perform their hotly anticipated show dances.

And as we await the results at 8.50pm there’ll be a performance from pop royalty Robbie Williams.

Paddy’s 2012 Show and Telly ITV1, 8pm, Saturday, Dec 22 Paddy McGuinness grills celebrities about the past 12 months of what’s been on TV. But can tonight’s three pairings - Strictly hopefuls Denise Van Outen and Nicky Byrne, Corrie’s Antony Cotton and Chris Fountain plus Kate Garraway and Nicholas Owen - navigate through the minefield of dramas and documentaries to win money for charity?

Merlin BBC1, 7.55pm, Saturday, Dec 22 The hit fantasy series comes to an end with the last ever episodes. Morgana and Mordred prepare to take over Camelot and destroy Emrys, but is Arthur’s life at stake, too? Concludes on Christmas Eve. The Nation’s Favourite Christmas Song ITV1, 8pm, Saturday, Dec 22 This one-off special features yuletide hits such as Wizzard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday and The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York. A host of musicmakers, including Chris Rea, Noddy Holder and Cliff Richard, discuss the secrets of a seasonal smash.

Loving Miss Hatto BBC1, 8.30pm, Sunday, Dec 23 Victoria Wood has penned this intriguing biopic inspired by the remarkable true story of Fifties pianist Joyce Hatto who enjoyed a career resurgence in her twilight years when she and her music producer husband William Barrington-Coupe (Barrie) released over 100 new recordings. Victoria stresses

this is her interpretation of events; Maimie McCoy and Rory Kinnear are a class act as the couple in the Fifties, but Francesca Annis and Alfred Molina steal the drama portraying them as Seventy-somethings.

Dragons’ Den Christmas Special BBC2, 8.30pm, Sunday, Dec 23 ‘Tis the season of goodwill, but nine nervous entrepreneurs needn’t worry that the winter weather has dampened the dragons’ fire. Their six business go before the merry millionaires as they pitch for cash to help their Christmas commerce and claim a piece of the £40billion seasonal market.

The Sarah Millican Television Programme Christmas Special ITV1, 9pm, Friday, December 23 Sarah is joined by Shane Ritchie and actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Downton Abbey’s Lord Grantham and stars in the title role of BBC1’s Mr Stink on Boxing Day. Outnumbered Christmas Special BBC1, 9.30pm, Christmas Eve The winter vomiting virus is one of the many guests at the house this year when they decide to open their doors to a procession of friends and neighbours for a Christmas party. But while the grown-ups party, the kids are up to their usual mischief. Karen would rather chat to virtual friends than join the celebrations, Ben is in charge of party games (which include swingball and blind football) and Jake has fallen in with a bad crowd.

Mrs Brown’s Boys BBC1, 10.10pm, Christmas Eve

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To To all all our our Readers Readers and and Advertisers Advertisers

Mrs Brown’s Boys has undoubtedly become a comedy phenomenon. And as if any proof were needed, there’s not one but two brand new Christmas specials this year! In the first, Agnes Brown is facing her busiest Christmas yet with son Trevor visiting from the missions, grandson Bono arriving and Dermot’s three triplets coming for dinner. However, when Agnes finds out the local Nativity play has been cancelled, everyone’s favourite mammy makes it her mission to stage her own in the community centre.

Continues on Boxing Day.

Deborah and Ian wish all their customers a

Wishing you all the best for 2013

21

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Tel: 662 249 159

22

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

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HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI.......

We are lucky living in Spain, that we can merge Spanish and English traditions, and enjoy the best of both. Christmas is what you make of it and for me it is a very special time of the year.

People bang on about it becoming too commercial and that it has lost its true meaning and yes, to some degree I would agree with them. Less people are identifying Christmas with the birth of Jesus, but rather with the big, fat, jolly man who bring children gifts. Last week, I demonstrated by simply decorating, with an advent wreath, that you could incorporate a spiritual element into your home. Many traditions that we do follow, actually have a Christian basis. Calvin Coolidge’s quote puts it into perspective - “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas¨.

Apart from the religious significance, Christmas is about family coming together and of course the food. What signifies Christmas to me is turkey and all the trimmings. Growing up in South Africa, we celebrated Christmas similarly as you did in the UK, except it was 30 degrees. I have very fond memories of Christmas. With a large family, there were always lots of presents; including Midnight Mass, Granny’s stuffing and Granny’s trifle, yum! On the other hand, my children do not have their extended family’s influence and are educated within the Spanish System, with this in mind, they will have a completely different Christmas experience, and a very Spanish one at that.

Therefore, in our celebrations, it is important that I reflect on both of these backgrounds, and start new traditions with my family.

Funnily enough, it might not be as difficult as first anticipated. as many Spanish, influenced by American films and TV Shows, have decided to switch to Papá Noel on Christmas Day rather than wait for the Three Kings, los Reyes Magos (January 6th) This year, I have managed to buy a far greater range of Christmas Decorations than ever before and new shopping centers, like the one in La Zenia, is definitely contributing to this trend.

Shopping habits are changing from the little local village shops to the glitzy, razzmatazz of global brands and then of course you have the Internet as well.

What will never change and is now a National Institution, is the world-renowned lottery draw, El Gordo, (literally “the fat one” or more accurately “the big one”) You still have a little time left to get your ticket if you have not bought yours yet, as it is drawn on December the 22nd - (By the way they did start selling the tickets way back in August already!)

El Gordo is the world’s oldest, (the first was organised in 1812)

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The beauty of El Gordo is the prize distribution. You have a great chance of winning, with a little shy of 200 millionaires expected to be created, winning an average of €3 million each.

An incredible 98% of Spain’s adult population buys an El Gordo ticket and players from around the world can also get in on the act online.

An El Gordo book splits into 10 decimas (or tenths). The price of a décimo is €20 and the payout is 10% of the published prize.

You can either buy an whole book, or play a number of decimas from either the same book or from a selection of different books.

Due to its size, the draw for El Gordo can be complex. Each number, (from 00000 to 99999), can be sold up to 195 times, meaning that the each prize – including the jackpot – is won by almost 200 tickets, There are 6 prize levels of at least €1,000 per winning ticket.

As the top prizes come out, TV and radio coverage centres on the search for the many winners and for the particular lottery shop where the winning ticket was bought. The winning numbers are traditionally sung by children from San Ildefonso primary school in Madrid, which used to be an orphanage. Lives are changed in an instant and such was that in a small village town of Sodeto, northeast of Madrid.

Sodeto had a population of 250 people, mainly comprised of farmers and construction workers and unemployment was high.

70 households in the village, organised by the town’s civic group, had purchased lottery tickets, but one man, filmmaker Costis Mitsotakis, had been overlooked. Unluckily for him, but luckily for the Sodeto residents - their ticket number won and a jackpot totaling 150 million was shared between the townsfolk and another 17 nearby villages.

Mitsotakis told a reporter that ¨he was sad he didn’t win anything¨, but he did get one lucky break out of it. A neighbour bought a big chunk of land that Mitsotakis had been trying to sell...... Quality!

And on that note, its time to remind you that our activity centre is open throughout the Festive Period and New Year for Quad biking, horse & pony treks, archery and air rifle. The last event for Christmas is our Carols by Candlelight which is taking place inside the Grand Design House on Sunday 23rd at 7pm. It is a fun, relaxed, evening of music with the lovely voices of Denise Marie Evans and Emma Ziri who are just some of the artists that will be providing the entertainment. For more information check the website at www.thingstodoinspain.info which has a link to our facebook page which is regularly updated.

Finally there is another quote that I would like to add, and this one is from Wendy Cope that sums it up quite nicely, I think...... ¨Bloody Christmas, here again, let us raise a loving cup, peace on earth, goodwill to men, and make them do the washing up!¨.... Jenni

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Final Events:

Christmas Treasure Hunt for kids Sunday 23 at 2.30pm Carols by Candlelight & Music Evening Sunday 23 at 7pm Call Jenni on 660 81 6620 to book your place.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

23

...HOME & GARDEN Farmers bombard ministry of agriculture with half a tonne of tomatoes

gardening

Farmers pelted the ministry of agriculture building with 500 kilos of tomatoes and several crates of peppers and cucumbers yesterday in protest over ‘illegal’ imports of fruit and vegetables from Morocco.

Tomatoes from the north African country are coming into Spain without any proper control, claim members of the farming association COAG. And they are undercutting Spanish prices by such a degree that the agricultural sector in Spain cannot compete.

Moroccan tomatoes are selling at 46 cents a kilo, whereas in Spain, it costs 50 cents a kilo just to produce them and to match the import prices, national farmers would have to sell their produce at a loss.

Peppers and cucumbers are also affected, but to a lesser degree.

The agricultural workers also left huge boxes of sand outside the ministry to symbolise the ‘desertification’ of their fields, with fruit and vegetables left to rot as they could not afford to harvest them.

A spokesman for COAG says Spain’s ministry of agriculture ‘has to learn that its job is to look out for Spanish farmers, not Moroccan farmers’ and says that the government is turning its back on the potential ruin that could be faced by up to 200,000 producers.

They also condemned the ‘authoritative and dictatorial attitude’ of the ministry after they received a letter telling them they were not permitted to attend the Spanish-Moroccan Committee meeting yesterday, during which representatives of both countries and their farming associations, cooperatives, and Spanish exporters would be chosen.

Brighten up your Walls!

Camellias

beauty queens of winter

There is no doubt that camellias have an exotic air. Well-grown, statement plants with their sumptuous blooms and smart, dark foliage add a memorable touch to any garden.

When they first arrived in the late 1730s from the Far East they were truly elitist and thought to be tender.

They were cosseted in orangeries and other suitable heated structures associated with our stately homes and, therefore, did not always thrive. Then in 1814, someone is said to have left a batch out by mistake and it was found that camellias survived outside in Britain in winter. This breakthrough widened their appeal and English nurserymen included them in catalogues and they became popular with a wide range of Victorian society.

There are more than 40,000 named camellias and across this spectrum they can be selected for many uses, apart from just being grown as a stunning shrub. They can be grown as tall, thin, tightly clipped, formal hedges, or laxer, blowsy hedges.

They can be grown as elegant standards, towering columns or even topiarised by a front door. They could also be an espalier or fan, tight against a wall.

At this time of year, a plant such as ‘Yuletide’, with its glowing red petals surrounding a generous boss of compact golden stamens, will often be the star of the show. You may have the luxury of blooms for your Christmas table, too.

Conditions It is commonly said that you cannot grow camellias on an east wall as the sun hits their frozen buds and browns them. A south or west-facing wall, for some such as sasanquas, can be ideal. What they really dislike is exposure to strong winds, so selecting a protected space in a windswept, cold garden is important. The acidity is important and if your soil is limey like mine, go for large containers.

If the container is large enough, watering

in long, hot summers does not become an issue, and if your barrel is empty, and the plant parched, tap water is better than nothing!

Pruning If you want a tight, tall, clipped formal hedge just use one variety, such as ‘Matterhorn’ or ‘Commander Mulroy’, with a dense habit. As Jennifer says, they will be less of a floral feast as many blooms are cut off, but you can achieve a balance of flower and formality.

Managing them involves cutting back the current year’s growth with hedge cutters, or ideally secateurs, so that you can leave more flower buds in July/August and possibly again in September/October.

Informal hedges can be composed of different varieties to give flowers over a good 10 weeks and would be trimmed in late summer, too.

Pruning of other camellias is not difficult.

Often it is not necessary, although they will tolerate being cut back into hard wood. When training against a wall you can restrain them as severe espaliers or just loosely contain them to their space.

Common queries Bud drop can occur, possibly due to insufficient water from midsummer to October, or squirrels, birds or mice could have removed them. If many buds are produced, it may just be natural thinning.

Yellowing leaves is another frequent query, feeding with ericaceous fertiliser helps and if your soil is too alkaline a tonic of sequestered iron may be needed as well, to free vital minerals that have been chemically locked up in the soil by the alkalinity.

Poor drainage may also be a culprit. Their hardiness is often queried and some are hardier than others. Last winter did cause some container-grown species to be affected, so consider insulating pots.

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Also can be seen at Da Vincis Bistro at Lakeside, La Siesta, Torrevieja on a Tuesday morning from 11.00- 15.00.

Visit our website at www.homecomfortspain.com or telephone Ian on 617 659 282.

24

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

week 11

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

This year we have 4 couples to go through to the grand final of ‘Strictly 2012’ to compete for the coveted glitter ball trophy.

I can’t remember a closer run competition than we have this year. Each week there is a different leader so it really will depend upon the performances on the night and I really wouldn’t like to call it.

For this weeks show the competitors had to perform 2 different dances, one from the Ballroom section and the other from the Latin American section.

This week Dani & Vincent opened the show with their American Smooth. As always Dani turned in a technically great performance she is always neat tidy and ‘sweet’ but there is definitely a lack of the wow factor in her dancing and I finally realised last night what it was. She is just going through the motions of doing the steps but is not giving of herself so for me it always comes across a little mechanical.

Saying that is no detriment to Dani who has danced consistently week after week but is lacking what a ‘natural dancer’ can give. I awarded her a 9 and the judges a total of 34 and 3rd place.

Next to perform were Louis & Flavia with their Jive. Oops Louis! what has happened to you over the past few weeks, you were one of my favourites earlier in the competition but this Jive was way below

par. The kicks and flicks were twine toed with no retraction of the foot and on the whole the Jive was lacking energy and speed. I gave him a 7 and the judges a 31.

Following were Denise & James with a Tango. This showed how a Tango should be performed, it had excellent transitions great speed and staccatto action. My only slight criticism of Denise is that I would love her to create a more open top line, her back is too straight for me which spoils the shape in Ballroom hold. I gave her a 9 and the judges a 39 and in 1st place.

Next were Kimberley & Pasha with an American Smooth. I would have liked to have seen a bit more Foxtrot in the choreography as this was more show than dance. That said Kimberley was sexy, sensual with great musicality and feel for what she was doing and I awarded her a 9 and the judges 38 and in 2nd place.

Completing the section of first dancers was Lisa & Robin with Salsa. As ever Lisa is personality plus and larger than life, she tried so hard and was infectious to watch but I’m afraid she was a little out of her depth technically in this dance. I gave her a 7 and the judges 31 and in joint bottom slot.

The start of the second dances saw Dani & Vincent with an Argentine Tango.

I was so looking forward to this which is

Vincent’s dance and it didn’t disappoint.

The choreography was as always superb and the intricacies that Dani had to cope with were epic but as I said previously it was a bit flat in personality and I don’t know if she can come through in time for the final to try to up the 9s to 10s. I gave her a 9 and she received 38 from the judges which left her in 3rd place over the combined dances.

Next out were Louis & Flavia with a Foxtrot. This was more like it! I hated the music which was way too fast and marred the ability to show the controlled slide and glide of the Foxtrot however, Louis performed what is the most difficult of the ballroom dances with ease and elegance.

I gave him a 9 and the judges 38 which left him in 4th position overall.

A Rumba was next from Denise & James to an exceptionally slow piece of music.

Denise performed this superbly well with a very passionate interpretation but the style of her dress which was very floaty prevented sight of her hips which detracted a little from the performance.

I did give her a 10 and the judges a 38 leaving her in overall 2nd place.

Next were Kimberley & Pasha with their Charleston. Wow Wow Wow!! The choreography was superb the tricks were very difficult and performed effortlessly

and it was quirky. I loved it and gave her a 10 with the judges another full house of 40 and in top place.

Closing the Semi Final were Lisa & Robin with an American smooth. Lisa is the consummate performer who always sells herself and this didn’t disappoint even though they couldn’t perform the lifts because of weight it didn’t detract from the overall performance. There was a moment with the choreography but Lisa recovered very quickly and I gave her an 8 and the judges 32 and in bottom overall position.

The bottom 2 were Lisa & Robin and yet again Denise & James (I guess she is just not popular with the public!) but it was a no contest with a unanimous vote for Denise & James they live to dance into the final next week.

Can you pick the winner? I know I can’t call it this year but it makes it all the more exciting next week.

Next week the couples have to face 3 dances, one which the judges will pick for them, a showdance and finally the couples favourite dance of the series.

Come and join us for our final week of dancing before we break for Christmas and catch up on the gossip! Until next week - Keep Dancing!!

Age Concern at Christmas & the New Year The Christmas Fair was held at Lagarto Verde on Saturday 1st December starting at 11.30AM and finishing at 3.30PM. The venue is on the Via axial about half way round, next to the Cine Bahia, in the Puerto Mazaron and this is the third time Age Concern have used it.

The fair attracted over thirty five stalls, with tombola, cakes, plants, sweets, pies, ceramics, clothes, bags, bling, cards, jewellery, spices, curry mixes and more! There was a special Harlequin choir performance which was well received.

Hundreds came through the doors and the event made over 1100 Euros.

The 28th November saw the Menu del Dia at la Barraca in the port with Johnny Sparrow entertaining. This event was very well received, an excellent meal and Johnny Sparrow played his heart out!

This coming year sees a lot of events; in

January the social will be on the 9th at the cultural centre and the next Menu del Dia is on the 30th January at Los Galayos in the Port, 10 Euros with entertainment.

The postponed rock n roll night is at Marianos on12th April On 7th February an auction will be held at Marianos. The gavel will come down at 1PM, but you can see the goods on offer from 11AM to noon. This is a first of the year and it is planned that a further three will be held during the year. Anyone can sell up to three items , which must be registered before the sale and delivered to Marianos on the day. You can also register at the Cultural Centre on a Wednesday morning. The only charge is a 5 Euro administrative charge and you keep all the proceeds. So far the auctions have attracted a lot of buyers and sellers, with a wide range of merchandise. It is hoped

Andy Wilson Photographer

that good quality items are attracted. It is up to you to put a reserve on any item.

an talk to us when you know you have a problem. Look after you own future

Many readers will by now be familiar with the story of Georgina and her husband, a couple in their eighties whose isolation resulted in burglary, the legal loss of their home, the husband in hospital with cancer, and Georgina repatriated to the UK.. Many of our local agencies helped as have many individuals. Sadly the need to raise money for a funeral is still there but progressing to a satisfying amount. The case underlines the need for personal planning, and the vulnerability we will all have as we age. It also underlines the need for agencies like age Concern.

Individuals will fall through the cracks and will find themselves with needs which they cannot meet on their own The main plea Age Concern would make is don’t leave matters to the last minute, come

Advice/information/tickets will be available at the Cultural Centre, Wednesday and Thursday AM, 10 while 1PM. On a Friday it will run from 12.30PM to 3.30PM.. Tickets will also be available Friday morning 10 while 1PM outside Salud on sector B Camposol will still be a ticket point, with a bric a brac sale on the last Friday of the month. For advice, information, and tickets in the port please ring 634336484. For Camposol ring 634 310215 Editorial notes: photo age concern social, members of the harlequin choir who entertained. This is for immediate publication, and issues please contact Rod Sawyer at rodsawyer41@hotmail. com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

25

THE person BEHIND MÁSMÓV!L

- THE MOBILE PHONE OPERATOR FOR SMART EXPATS

CAMBRIDGE 800

CONSULTANTS REWARDED FOR THEIR EXCELLENT WORK, ENTHUSIASM AND SUPPORT

The staff and a number of CAMBRIDGE 800 consultants from Spain were flown over to attend the annual Cambridge Weight Plan, UK Conference, in November, which was held to celebrate the successes of dieters and Consultants alike.

The theme this year was ‘’YOUR TIME TO SHINE’’ in the spirit of the Olympic Torch. As ever Cambridge rewarded slimmers who had lost significant amounts of weight in the face of adversity and Consultants who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to support their customers.

Not only did Cambridge throw a great party, but there were many interviews with slimmers with both before and after photos and it was difficult to hold back the tears when they told their story about the monumental challenges they had managed to overcome, and how their life had changed for the better after they had lost their weight and had managed to maintain it.

Every customer and Consultant is a winner in the eyes of Cambridge and the party after the Conference was a well deserved reward to all those who had made life changes to themselves or someone else.

The consistent comments from all the customers of Cambridge, was that without the vital support of their CAMBRIDGE Consultants this would not have been possible. If you would like to get in contact with your local CAMBRIDGE 800 Consultant in Spain and find out how you can get your life and health back on track, take the first step and call now: 952 586 324 or 952 475 954 Email admin@cambridge800.es www.cambridge800.es www.facebook/cambridge800 Photo Captions: Some of the members of the Spanish team: Gilly Speleers Spain Consultant, Torrevieja, Alicante, Lynda Gibson Spain Consultant, Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Sarah Hawes, Directora Cambridge 800 Spain, Ann Bridges Spain Consultant, Mojacar, Almeria, Lauren Shakespeare Spain joint Consultant with mum Lynda Gibson. At the front: Vicky Anderson, Support Administrator for Cambridge 800 Spain.

Lauren Shakespeare Spain joint Consultant with mum Lynda Gibson, Lynda Gibson Spain Consultant, Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Gilly Speleers Spain Consultant, Torrevieja, Alicante, Vicky Anderson, Support Administrator for Cambridge 800 Spain, Sarah Hawes, Directora Cambridge 800 Spain.

When Norwegian born Christian (Chris) Nyborg, cofounder of MÁSMÓV!L, set up his Spanish Mobile Phone Operating company back in 2006, he set out to compete with Spain’s three big mobile phone providers: Movistar, Vodafone and Orange.

MÁSMÓV!L has since become ‘’the best value for money mobile phone operator for both calls and Internet in Spain’’ with customer service in Spanish, English, German- and the ‘’Scandinavian language’’.

Tell us a bit more about yourself Chris?

I have had a senior position with Swedish mobile phone and network manufacturer Ericsson for many years and quickly learned that mobile telephony in Spain was extremely expensive compared to other European countries and that customer service was average and often not very satisfactory at all.

I used my experience and extended knowledge of the Spanish market, together with a vision to improve customer service and offer clients the best possible mobile phone and Internet rates, to make my dream become a reality and develop what is now known as MÁSMÓV!L, a mobile phone operator with more than 115.000 satisfied customers in Spain.

How was MÁSMÓV!L first established?

My business partner Meinrad (Meini) Spenger and I came up with a business plan for this concept back in 2005. Less than a year later the EU ordered the three main Spanish mobile operators to rent out their mobile network to other operators in order to create competition within the market and we managed to come to an agreement with one of the major mobile phone operators – Orange.

Today MÁSMÓV!L has distributors all over the country and employs over 100 people.

Meini has become the CEO, whilst I am responsible for the International Business Division, focusing on Northern Europeans residing in Spain.

You had a vision, but how did you finance it all?

The capital was provided through two main sources: ‘North Zone Ventures’ whose most impressive investment project is Spotify, and ‘Schibsted ASA’, a Norwegian Media Group with operations in over 20 countries, with more than 8.500 employees.

It is safe to say that investors like these stand for long-term quality and they would not be involved in MÁSMÓV!L unless they fully believed in its potential and what it stands for.

How did you get people to switch to MÁSMÓV!L? The Spanish are generally conservative and sceptical of new mobile phone operators but over time we have gained people’s trust and they now recommend us to friends and acquaintances. Customer growth increases each month and we currently have more than 115.000 satisfied customers. A recent survey showed that 91,5 % of our clients would recommend MÁSMÓV!L to friends and family.

Plus there is no risk in trying MÁSMÓV!L, since there are no long-term contracts and no penalties and you may leave whenever you want. We stand for total transparency without the small print and you may log on to your personal Internet account at all times for an overview of costs, balance, dialled numbers etc. or contact our friendly staff in your own language for any queries.

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They may put their mobile number and Internet ‘on hold’ when travelling back home, that way they only pay when they are here and avoid expensive roaming prices! They can get Internet from the moment they arrive back in Spain without the need to install ADSL and there are no fixed Internet charges.

Also, the USB modem is ‘unlocked’ and may be used with other branded SIM cards back home if preferred.

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There is no need for a Spanish bank account. One can pay by Credit card; Pay as you go; Direct Debit and even by Automatic Top-up which, of course, is ideal if you want to manage your kid’s spending limits and control exactly how much you’re paying too!

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MEET CHRIS!

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

coffee break STANDARD CROSSWORD

Down 1 Made from the residue of grapes (4) 2 Marks against a person for misconduct (8) 3 Requested earnestly (6) 4 Academic (7) 5 The ability to see (8) 6 A natural cavity in a bone (6) 7 Shaft on which a wheel rotates (4) 14 Pertaining to Scandinavia (5) 16 Foot joint (5) 18 In an advanced stage of pregnancy (8) 20 Unnerve (8) 21 TV show (7) 23 Pharynx (6) 25 Elevated open grasslands (6) 27 Pocketbook (4) 29 Pleasant (4)

11 Mathematical symbol for musical drama and hill (8) 12 Tool for dances at a first wedding (6) 13/27 Place in Shanghai - a ‘Dragon Inn’ collapses with Juliet inside (7,4) 14 At a consistent rate, it delays reconstruction (8) 16 Business opening, in a way, is in a foreign country (6) 18 Official allows China’s leader to enter, then meditates (8) 22 Brought in Eastern daughter after near disruption (6) 24 Doctor is without new ‘King’ beverages (6) 25 Envelops western music from Eminem? (5) 26 Victor’s headless, but not on the outside! (5) 27 See 13 29 Steal from, or return to, Britain (3) 30 Complicated section of animal (3)

Down 1 Truthful part of rich one’s testimony? (6) 2 Smells bad, and sings without words! (4) 3 Land for a rest? (3) 4 Existed, as after first war (3) 5 What you’re hoping to do with Shanghai’s first love, perhaps (5) 6 Give out children (5) 7 Profited from dealing crookedly? Not likely at first!

(6) 8 Puts forward southern guest’s adaptation, taking German capital (8)

HARD SUDOKU

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 2 Not using a machine, down Shanghai’s development, missing nothing (11) 9 Identified setter in new commercial (5) 10 Spattering remains in second quiet fish (9) 12 Funny ape with Jeans from an Asian country! (8) 15 Cab thanks football team (4) 16 Strangely sad without initially difficult sums (4) 17 Scope of Iran, generally (5) 18 Reportedly hurry a country (6) 19 Killer-whale comes up to a ship, not down (6) 20 Time concealed river inside musical interval (5) 21 Moved swiftly (through the air?) (4) 23 A good editor is old! (4) 25 Squirmed with funny g-girl getting married outside (8) 28 Vessel to hold the Queen?

(9) 30 Left to possess Chinese leader’s first buffoon! (5) 31 Sid came back, attempted to surround but passed around (11)

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 8 A support or foundation (4) 9 Scratchy (5) 10 Following (4) 11 A long tiresome piece of writing (6) 12 Saw (8) 13 Badge (8) 15 A device used to keep instruments steady regardless of motion (6) 17 Braids (7) 19 Marked with linear discolorations (7) 22 Gaelic (6) 24 Critiqued (8) 26 Longing (8) 28 Showing affection (6) 30 Goddess of healing (Babylonian mythology) (4) 31 Browned slices of bread (5) 32 Tick ____ (4)

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Calvin Coolidge

STANDARD SUDOKU

26

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

MEMBERS’ LUNCH The annual HELP Murcia Mar Menor members’ lunch was held this year at Diamantes on 13th December, when members, family and friends enjoyed a superb Christmas lunch accompanied by a wonderful afternoon of entertainment with Paul Allen singing ballads (not forgetting the very amusing Ryanair rant).

HELP MMM’s President, Bernard Ash thanked everyone for attending. In his report to the last General Meeting of the year he had said that in difficult times for the Spanish economy, HELP had had a successful year and everybody should give themselves a pat on the back for the work they had done.

HELP MMM had helped at least 500 people in 2012 with the services that they provide in terms of mobility equipment, hospital visiting, information given from the office or over the telephone, talking books and all the other services

that HELP provides. They had also been able to make donations to a children’s charity and to CARITAS, and had made progress on integration with the Spanish community.

It is estimated that next year around 5 million people will need help with food in Spain, and HELP will endeavour to assist where it can. It is hoped to have a reasonable surplus available at the end of the year so that further donations to good causes can be made. HELP has a great team of volunteers and members and Bernard. is sure the good work will carry on in 2013.

There are new initiatives which will be put in place in January that respond to needs that have arisen over the last 23 years, which will be publicised in the New Year. He thanked all the members for their loyalty during the year.

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t t h a e n green n i e Campo Verde Theatre Group Th Get into the Christmas Spirit Monday Campo Verde Theatre Group are now very busy rehearsing for their spring show, Di de Di. Remembering the holiday camp era of the 1950’s we follow staff and campers during a typical week of holiday mayhem. The show includes well loved music of the late 1950’s, the antics of mature holiday makers enjoying the “pensioner specials” now on offer, and a staff group of well known characters, somewhat more careworn and older. The show has something for everyone, fun, laughter and memorable songs.

The group took a well earned break from their rehearsals to get into the Christmas spirit. Everyone enjoyed minced pies, mulled wine and joined in enthusiastic singing of well loved Christmas carols accompanied by their musical director Huw Jones.

The group meet Monday and Wednesday afternoons at the Community Centre, Blue Lagoon and also enjoy a range of social activities. New members are always welcome, everyone can contribute, not just budding or experienced actors, but also dancers, singers, artistic, creative, technical and backstage crew. For further information contact Tony on 96 618 2415 or Colin on 96 677 4127 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

- Buy One Get One Free English Breakfast Served 10am – 1pm for €3 - Happy Hour Mon – Fri 4 – 7pm Sunday 23rd December from 2pm Christmas sing – along jam session, carols, homemade mince pies and sausage rolls with Tony Viagra (he’s had a hard life!) and Emma Ziri Why not come down and try our stunning Sunday Roast for only €5 and have a sing song, or bring an instruments and join in!

Amigos Big Menu del Dia

Soup of the Day Mushrooms fried in Garlic Butter Calamari a la Romana Stuffed Jalapenos Loaded Skins with Bacon & Cheese -----Crispy Chicken & Bacon Salad Liver & Onions, Mash & Veg Amigo’s Famous Chilli con Carne with Rice Scampi, Chips & Peas Homemade Pie of the Day €6.90

Open Mon-Sat 10am-1am, Sun 11am-1am Avda. De la Naciones, Quesada Tel: 965 992 187

incl. small wine or beer Meals subject to availability Please book to avoid disappointment

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Thursday Pop Quiz

Dominoes Club 3pm New members welcome

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Ken’s General Knowledge Quiz 9pm

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Christmas & New Year Entertainment Friday 21st Thursday 27th Pop Quiz 9pm Friday 28th - TBA Saturday 29th - TBA Sunday 30th Kabaroke with Matt Christian Monday 31st New Year Eve Party with Paul Christie.

Tuesday 1st January Ken’s Quiz 9pm Saturday 5th January Lucinda 9pm

Double Trouble 9pm Saturday 22nd Race Night Fun for all the family 9pm.

Sunday 23rd Kabaroke with Matt Christian 9pm Monday 24th Christmas Eve Party with Rionne 9pm Wednesday 26th Lynden B Crazy Christmas Show 9pm

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alicante

28

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

CHRIST MAS dinner

Port and Stilton Pate

Ingredients 50g unsalted butter; 6 spring onions, finely chopped; 50ml port; 1tbsp finely grated lemon zest; 125g Stilton,

crumbled; 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped For the cranberry chutney: 250g fresh cranberries; 65g golden caster sugar; 1tsp

each allspice and paprika; Melba toasts or crispbreads For the port wine jelly: 2-3 leaves of gelatine; 150ml (1/4pt) port

method: For the pâté, melt butter in a saucepan, gently

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sweat spring onions until soft. Add port and simmer for 34 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Remove from heat and blend thoroughly in a processor. Season with freshly ground black pepper then divide between 4 small ramekins. Cover and chill.

Make the chutney by placing all ingredients in a small saucepan with 3tbsp water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium and stir. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes or until cranberries have softened. Remove from heat. When cool, transfer to a small serving bowl and set aside.

Make the jelly seal for the pâté by placing the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water; leave to soften for 12-15 minutes.

Heat the port in a small saucepan until boiling, then remove from the heat. Remove softened gelatine from the water and squeeze out any excess before adding to the port. Stir to dissolve and allow to cool, then pour over the prepared pâté to seal. Return to the fridge and chill until set. Serve with the chutney and thin Melba toasts or crispbreads.

INGREDIENTS

Chestnut Stuffing

s t r a e l d e a s r t Ian and His Magic Carpets

Ex-pat Ian Hill has decided to take the plunge and try his hand at a new venture. After serving with the AA for 25 years in the UK (Automobile Association!) Ian moved to Spain six and a half years ago with his wife Tracy.

He has tried his hand at many things including gardening, painting, working on the markets and has now decided to try it alone and has set up a small company called ‘Home Comfort Spain’ based in Cabin 222 at Moncayo Market on a Saturday morning.

The weather is much cooler now and we all like to be nice and cosy in our homes so Ian aims to provide quality goods to enable us all to do just that!

He has in stock, at the moment, a large selection of rugs priced between 15 and 60 euros, blankets, pillows ,snuggies and dog beds.

The rugs have proved to be a very popular addition to the market and if the rug you like isn’t there in your size, you can order from Ian’s catalogue and he will collect from the manufacturer within a couple of days and if required even deliver it to your door.

In the oncoming weeks Ian will be adding to his stock by introducing quality towels and bedding at realistic prices.

Please come along to Moncayo Market on a Saturday morning between 09.00-14.00 and see what Ian and the other stall holders have to offer and you can even visit his website at www.homecomfortspain.com

Moncayo Market is open every Saturday morning and can be found behind the Procomobel Home Centre on the N332 between la Mata and Guardamar Del Segura

method:

Fry the onion in the butter for 5 mins.

Add the mushrooms, then fry for 5 mins more. Tip into a bowl, then lightly stir in the other ingredients with plenty of seasoning. Stuff into the neck end of the turkey, or spoon into oiled muffin tins (half-fill to make 8 servings) and bake for 30 mins alongside the turkey.

INGREDIENTS

225g/8oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed 2 tbsp olive oil 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped 3 sprigs thyme, chopped 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 onion , chopped 50g butter 140g small button mushrooms , thickly sliced 200g vac-pack whole cooked chestnuts , halved 170g pack Ardennes pâté , cubed 25g pack parsley , chopped 1 tbsp thyme leaves 6 rashers smoked streaky bacon , each rasher cut into 6-8 pieces 140g white breadcrumbs 2 eggs

Herbed Roasted Sprouts

method:

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Boil the sprouts in salted water for about 3-4 minutes, then drain. Heat the oil in an ovenproof frying pan and fry the sprouts along with the herbs and garlic for 1-2 minutes. Transfer the pan to the oven and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender. Serve in a gratin dish.

Honey-glazed Coriander Carrots

INGREDIENTS

method: Bring a saucepan of water to the boil

1 bunch baby carrots, washed & trimmed 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, to serve

and blanch the carrots for 3-4 minutes, then drain.

Heat the butter in a small frying pan and add the carrots and honey. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the carrots are glazed. To serve, stir in the coriander

Maple and Chilli Roasted Parsnips INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp olive oil; 2 parsnips, cut lengthways into eight pieces; pinch dried chilli flakes; drizzle maple syrup; salt and freshly ground black pepper

method:

Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Drizzle the olive oil into a roasting tin and place in the oven until hot.

Blanch the parsnips in a pan of boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then drain well.

Remove the roasting tin from the oven, add the parsnips and stir to coat with the hot oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper then add the chilli and maple syrup. Stir until evenly coated, then roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender in the middle and golden brown on the outside.

Transfer to a warm serving dish and serve at once.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Traditional Roast Turkey

INGREDIENTS

6.5kg turkey, oven-ready (fresh or defrosted in the fridge for at least 3 days); 75g butter, softened; 225g very fat streaky bacon; 1 quantity of stuffing; Seasoning You will need: Extra-wide strong turkey foil and a small skewer or cocktail sticks.

For a 6.5kg (14lb 5oz) turkey - TIP: It’s only dangerous to put turkey stuffing inside the body cavity if either the turkey or the stuffing is not defrosted properly, because the heat will not penetrate it quickly enough. If both are at room temperature it is perfectly safe.

METHOD

7.45AM Preheat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 7. First stuff the turkey with your chosen stuffing.

Loosen the skin with your hands and pack the stuffing into the neck end, pushing it up between the flesh and the skin towards the breast (not too tightly, because it will expand during the cooking).

Press it in gently to make a nicely rounded end, then tuck the neck flap under the bird’s back and secure with a small skewer or some cocktail sticks. Don’t expect to get all the stuffing in this end - put the rest into the body cavity.

Now arrange two large sheets of foil across your roasting tin, one widthways and the other lengthways (no need to butter them).

Lay the turkey on its back in the centre, then rub it generously all over with the butter, making sure the thigh bones are particularly well covered.

Next season the bird all over and lay the bacon over the breast with the rashers overlapping each other. I always put some over the legs as well.

Now wrap the turkey loosely in the foil. The parcel must be firmly sealed but roomy enough to provide an air space around most of the upper part of the bird. So bring one piece of foil up and fold both ends over to make a pleat along the length of the breastbone. Then bring the other piece up

Mini Christmas Puds INGREDIENTS

200g mincemeat; 60g self-raising flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp ground mixed spice; 1 medium egg ~ 25g butter; 40ml black treacle; 55ml Irish stout; 1 tbsp dark rum; 40g Bramley apple, peeled, cored and finely diced; 10g roasted chopped hazelnuts; 75g currants; zest of ½ an orange & ½ a lemon; Four 175ml mini non-stick pudding basins ~ a small shallow roasting tin, some baking parchment and foil

at both ends and crimp and fold to make a neat parcel.

8.15AM Place the turkey in the preheated oven, where it will cook at the initial high temperature for 40 minutes. Once it is in, you can peel the potatoes ready for roasting and keep them covered with cold water in a saucepan.

Now begin making the bread sauce (see link to recipe below).

8.55AM Lower the oven temperature to 170°C/gas mark 3.

11.45AM Now is the time to finish off the bread sauce. Remove the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns, and keep the onion on one side. Stir the breadcrumbs into the milk and add half of the butter.

Leave the saucepan on a very low heat, stirring now and then, until the crumbs have swollen and thickened the sauce - approximately 15 minutes.

Now replace the clove-studded onion and again leave the pan in a warm place till the sauce is needed.

Just before serving, remove the onion and spices and squeeze it between two saucers to extract all the juice. Reheat gently, then beat the cream and taste to check the seasoning.

Pour into a warm serving jug and dot the remaining butter on top and keep warm until needed.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Sift the flour, baking powder & mixed spice into a medium mixing bowl, then add the egg and butter. Measure the treacle into a glass measuring jug, add the stout and rum and mix these together. Next pour this mixture into the bowl & whisk everything thoroughly together. Add the apple, nuts, currants, mincemeat & grated orange and lemon zests. Then mix everything together very thoroughly, and divide the mixture among the 4 well-buttered pudding basins.

Top each with a small circle of buttered baking parchment, followed by an 18cm (7in) square of foil large enough to fold under the edges of the basins, making a pleat all the way round to seal.

Now place the basins in the tin and pour in 2.5cm (1in) of boiling water from the kettle, then place the tin in the oven and leave to cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the puddings are springy and firm to the touch in the centre.

Then remove them from the oven, remove the foil and baking parchment and let them stand for 10 minutes before carefully running a small knife around each one to turn them out on to warm serving plates.

Baked Apples with Calvados Sauce

INGREDIENTS

For the baked apples 4 Reines des Reinettes apples, or similar russet apples, washed, dried 60g/2½oz unsalted butter, melted 4 tbsp caster sugar For the Calvados sauce 50g/2oz caster sugar; 20g/¾oz unsalted butter 40g/1½oz Braeburn apple, peeled, cut into 0.5cm/¼in dice 80ml/3¼oz apple juice ½ tsp arrowroot, diluted in a little water 1 tsp Calvados For the garnish 15g/½oz bread, cubed; 15g/½oz icing sugar; 15g/½oz pistachio nuts; 10g/¼oz whole almonds; 5g flaked almonds; 1-2 tsp Calvados

METHOD:

For the baked apples, preheat the oven to 170C/350F/ Gas 4. Cut the bases off any apples that do not sit flat, making sure not to remove too much of the base. Remove the cores from the apples, using an apple corer or a small sharp knife.

Brush a shallow ovenproof dish with some of the melted butter and sprinkle over some of the sugar. Brush each apple with the remaining melted butter, then roll them in the remaining caster sugar. Place the apples into the ovenproof dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. If possible cook the apples in without fan assisted heat as this is too intense and will burst the skin of the apple before it is cooked.

For the Calvados sauce, heat the sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat until it reaches a dark golden caramel.

Stir in the butter and add the diced apples , cook for 30 seconds, without moving the pan (use a spoon to cover the apples in the caramel mixture).

Add the apple juice and bring to the boil.

Stir in the diluted arrowroot a little at a time, until it has thickened slightly, then remove from the heat and add the Calvados.

For the garnish, mix together the bread cubes and half of the icing sugar.

Sprinkle the mixture onto a baking tray.

Mix the pistachios, whole and flaked almonds, Calvados and the remaining icing sugar together until well combined. Spread the mixture onto the same baking tray.

Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the nuts and bread cubes are golden-brown. Set aside to cool.

To serve, place one baked apple into the centre of each of four serving plates. Spoon the Calvados sauce into the centre and sprinkle over the toasted garnishes.

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

D D

animals D

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k c a r et c a r ws o r r o b Zoo for its cheetahs

A US zoo has been borrowing a racetrack - so its pair of cheetahs can stretch their legs.

As the world’s fastest animals, the big cats need to run at full stretch to burn off metabolic compounds.

But Houston Zoo does not have the room for Kito and Kiburi to reach their 65mph top speed - so they have been borrowing the nearby Sam Houston Race Park.

“They need about 600 feet,” said Beth Schaefer, the zoo’s curator of primates and carnivores. “We don’t have that straightaway anywhere on zoo

grounds.”

She says the racetrack, which is enclosed with fencing, has proved the perfect exercise yard for the five-yearold cheetah brothers.

“We knew if things went completely as wrong, as they could, we were going to be able to get these cheetahs back on leash,” she added.

“They were so calm it was amazing. It was like they had been there every day of their lives.

“We think because it’s so wide open.

Cheetahs on the plains are comfortable with wide-open spaces.”

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Three rescue dogs trained to drive by an animal rescue charity have successfully passed their tests.

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Porter, an old beardie cross, were put through their paces on live television.

The initiative was set up by the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to show how clever rescue dogs can be.

The dogs spent seven weeks learning how to start the car, accelerate, change gears and steer.

Trainer Mark Vette, who has worked with animals on a number of Hollywood blockbusters, said: “This has been the toughest assignment we’ve had.

“It’s all the dog doing it.

He’s started the key, put the paw on the brake to allow it to go into gear, put it into drive, paw on the steering wheel, accelerator on, and off he goes down the track.

“We’ve done Lord of the Rings, many of the big movies but to actually get a dog in a car with no trainer and it does the whole gig itself, I tell you what, it’s been a real challenge.”

APAH FASHION SHOW

Being a Christmas Fashion Show, there were six ladies and one man, modelling between 3 and 5 outfits each, in three categories; casual, smart casual and evening wear. There was also lots of clothes, shoes, boots and fashion accessories such as handbags, jewellery and hats and scarves for sale. Many of items for sale had the original tags still attached, and some were designer labels, for sale at greatly reduced prices.

The Show was compered by a very attractive young lady called Laura, who is a supporter of APAH, and works very hard on APAH’s behalf, looking after their Facebook Page. She slipped effortlessly between English and Spanish, guiding everyone through the outfits that the models were wearing.

There was a large Christmas Hamper offered as a door prize and this was won by another staunch supporter of APAH, who always comes along to events and whose dog, Oscar recently won Best Veteran at the APAH Dog Show, so it was lovely to be able to reward her for her continued support of the Charity.

The total raised on the night was 316.10 euros and this brings the combined total of both of APAH’s events held at El Rancho to in excess of 2,000 euros.

A fantastic amount and judging by the positive comments from many people who attended, El Rancho will be the chosen venue for more of APAH’s events in the future.

For people still looking for that special outfit for Christmas, the APAH Charity Shop, located in San Miguel de Salinas, is open Monday to Saturday, between 10am and 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and browse, hopefully taking away with them a bargain, as well as helping the Charity to keep looking after abandoned dogs and cats.

And the Christmas festivities continue at Easy Horse…

Santa Claus comes to our La Zenia Easy Horse Charity Shop next Thursday December 20th for a flying visit before his busy Christmas time. He is bringing little Taffeta Rein-pony along at 1pm to help him. There will be refreshments, a raffle, and the chance to put some money in Santa’s bucket.

All of us at Easy Horse Rescue Care Centre wish you a very Merry Christmas and want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has helped us during the year with their time, contributions and fantastic support.

‘Maybe we can`t change the world by saving one horse’ ‘but WE HAVE change the world for all the beautiful horses that you have helped us to save’ ‘Thank You, we could not do it without you’ For more details on the EHCRC Foundation call Sue on 652021980 or email info@ easyhorsecare.net

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS -

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

The Easy Horse Care Rescue THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, Centre............................................... QUESADA...................................

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre are pleased to announce the opening of a NEW Sunday market. From 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

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. We are now closed from 11th December, for Christmas, until Tuesday, 8th January, 2013 Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965 323 028. www. spiritualistchurchquesada.com

50+ SOLOS lunches during January 2013! .................................. coffee morning at St Nicholas’s LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WELCOME Our first get-together is on 5 January at THE GRAND Ecumenical Church.........................

CHINA ON LASIESTA ROUNDABOUT on the Crevillente main road from Torrevieja. 1.00 pm for 1.30pm. Please contact Ruth on 966789063 or Anne 966786281 to book a place or ask for information.

The next lunch will be on Saturday 19 January at Meson Esgueva- 1 C/Almudena No 57 Torrevieja- near LOMOS Medical Centre. New location and very welcoming, Arrive 1.00 pm for 1.30pm. Contact Ruth 966789063 for information and to book.

The 50+ have supported the military, mainly in Afghanistan for over 6 years.

Now we are in touch with a small charity that Helps the Homeless Veterans. With 8000 being cut from the forces in January 2013 there will be many who will need help - no jobs, no homes and ill.

THE BLACK BULL in Chaparral near Torrevieja have donated over 400 euros to the above cause. The Charity intends on Christmas Day to feed 40 homeless people at a time in premises in Barnsley with the Council, local supermarkets and businesses helping and our contact envisages meeting a few ex military. They are at present trying to help 2 young men leaving the Army.

Thank you for considering our 50+ SOLOS get togethers. We have seen the figures rise over the year and it is nice to be told that we are helping people recently divorced or widowed pick up life a little. Again your support has been important in what we do.

STRICTLY FUN DANCING.......................

BALLROOM,LATIN & SEQUENCE.GRANDE SOCIAL DANCE. Every Friday 8.00-10.30 at: PILAR SOL CLUB, LO MONTE HOTEL. Off The N332 at PILAR DE LA HORADADA. Nice 2 C U 2 C U Nice Tel: James 966 785 610 Email: jimmytheone2@ fsmail.net

St Nicholas’s Ecumenical Church is holding a coffee morning on Monday 14th 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 D2248 Sector D20. Second right on the brow of the hill at the half roundabout.

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

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

Special Christmas Varity Show..

Due to unforeseen circumstance the Special Christmas Varity Show to be held on Wednesday 20th December for the Butterfly Children Charity has had to be cancelled, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

CAROL SINGING...............................

During the annual CAROL SINGING IN THE TOWN SQUARE of Torrevieja (Friday 14th December), a ‘bucket’ collection was made on behalf of the local charity ‘ALIMENTOS SOLIDARIOS’ which provides a ‘social kitchen’ and up to 300 meals a day for needy families. The amount raised through this collection was an outstanding 985€!!!

Best wishes for a HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2013!!

Graham Knight.

Director, Oficina de Atención al Residente Internacional.

(Ayto. de Torrevieja).

‘Strictly Dance’.................................

‘Strictly Dance’ our new classes for 2013 start with our Saturday Social at The Sophia Wellness Centre on 5 January then our tuition restarts at The Palms (Old Asturias) on Monday 7 January 8:00pm and on Tuesday 8 January at The Club Quesada. Singles are always welcome. For more details contact Lyn on 635584431

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.....................

(Mormons) meet at 10.00 each Sunday at their Torrevieja meetinghouse in the Torreaguas building on the corner of Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 104, close to the windmill in Torrevieja, 667 533 597

Successful Slimming..................

Tuesday: Quesada,10am at Goyo’s Restaurant, opposite the town hall. Thursday: La Marina 11am at The Hillside Bar. A healthy eating food plan with very good results. Only 5 euros weekly with no joining fee or charge for missed weeks. For more information please ring Sian on 965 496 209 / 658 271 553. All are welcome

COFFEE MATES......................................

If you would like to have a coffee and chat, exchange news etc. please join us at La Laguna Hotel, Lo Marabu, Friday mornings from 11am Ann 965 070 247 / 666 747 398

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)

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

FREE competition

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: colin thorne, Beryl French

BREAKFAST FOR 2: Brian Sharp

space for a little 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

SEND your birthdays, events and announcements TO:

EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

& WE’LL PRINT THEM FREE OF CHARGE!

31

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

Dave is 3 years old and has been with us since he was a puppy. He is castrated, micro-chipped and his rabies and booster vaccinations are up-to-date.

Tyson is just over a year old, he was found in a cardboard box with his 2 sisters when they were just 8 weeks old. He is castrated, microchipped and his vaccinations are up-to-date.

Do you have a few spare hours a week? We are looking for people to work in our shop Pilar de la Horadada. If you are interested please contact Natasha on 616 210 850

dave

tyson

32

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

SOL CLASSIFIEDS 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

Sweet Dreams

50% off all matresses

See our Advertisement on page 13 for more information

Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, La Planta, Playa Flamenca

Tel: 965 321 701 businesses for sale

Mañanas

Popular Cafe Bar in Algorfa Traspaso/Lease for sale full legal license 40 covers inside 20 covers outside Fully stocked Existing business ready for immediate takeover

Please contact Tel: 966 781 307

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

ALUMINIUM GATES Double & Electric Sliding.

Guaranteed no rust. Call Tracy on 966 726 891 Pool tables, snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

Tel:666 933 726 www. spainpool.com TV unit, teak wood with frosted glass doors. Very good condition.

Buyer collects, Quesada

area.

15€ ono.

Telephone 966 716 529 or 676 754 520 Honda EU10i Generator. Boxed as new, never used.

300€. Tel 664450336. Punta Prima area Fujifilm Finepix A610 Digital Camera.

6.3 megapixels, 2.5 inch screen.

Includes 512mb memory card and battery charger.

As new, in box. Ideal

to place your advertisment....

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

SOLTIMES

NEATER HEATER

asssa medical in s uran c e s Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es

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

PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY • NO PETS

telephone 672 033 676

insurance

limousine hire

EMAIL YOUR ITEMS FOR SALE TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Only British Type Pub on Urb of 1500 homes This is a fantastic offer to run your own business. for more details please

heating

See our main advert on the news pages

SELL IT FAST SELL IT FREE

KItchen turnover 30,000 P.A. Bar turnover 250,000 P.A.

garden services

Telephone 628 505 733

in the

Very profitable bar with all accounts available.

table and 2 chairs.

Solid teak wood.

Good condition.

Buyer collects. 25€ ono.

Telephone: 966 716 529 or 676 754 520 Hi Fi/DVD/display unit with 2 drawers.

Teak wood. Very good condition, buyer collects.

Quesada area.

Telephone 966 716 529 or 676 754 520

A1 Group

free of charge

Fully stocked bar with all sports and entertainment 5 nights a week.

petrol generator 2.4kw, plus 12 meter cable, excellent condition, 100€ mazarron, telephone no. 968 956 127 barbecue fire & ice grill never used cost over £250, sell for 100€ quesada area, tel: 96 671 6241 Circular extendable dining

Complete Garden Maintenance & Property Services We cover Mazarron & surrounding areas

If it’s under 300€ you can advertise your items

Full opening licence

Costa blanca areas christine 966 719 647 Costa calida area Paulette 902 750 190 ext 332

for sale

Christmas present 40€ Tel 672960589 (Camposol) mckeller hand held circular wood saw in its original case. 1200 watt motor, 4500rpm, adjustable angle of cut, 185mm blade x 16mm bore. hardly used. 60€; portable air cooler and humidifier. three fan speeds / timer / swing control. 3€ring 966848263

From a pocket watch to a piano....

Trespaso/Lease

By PERSON: Quesada business centre, calle los arcos 7, quesada

GOLD WANTED

English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

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

pets

Pepe is 18 months and a big softie! He has all vaccinations up to date and he has been neutered. Pepe is calm when needed and when it is time he likes to get-up-and-go, he loves to play and go on long walks.

Call: 655 103 082 Call: 665 062 361 www.petsinspain.com info@ petsinspain.info

Simply Doors Espana (Quesada)

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

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

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

contact emma mtmprints@hotmail.com

electricians

photography

Electrician , available for all works.

Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 562. davendonc@aol.com

est 2006

sl

ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES

house clearance specialist FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE QUALITY FURNITURE Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

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

Blanca Pointer/Staffy cross. she mixes well with other dogs, likes people & is obedient, she needs a little training but walks well on a lead. She does love to play with her toys & balls.

She has been spayed.

D.O.B Approx Sept 2009 The K9 Club, Please call: 664 891 382 www.k9club.es E-mail: k9clubinfo@gmail.com

play station repairs

from €595 fully installed

Furniture

Telephone 966 716 529 or 676 754 520 Mobile butane room heater including part used cylinder - €50 Tel. 965 073 193 Book sale Quesada. 3 boxes – 80 best sellers, almost new €25 Tel: 966 716 599 baby Bebe confort baby car seat 20€ Travel Cot 10€ clothes age 0 – 2 years ( most items 1€ Grobags 0 – 6 & 6 – 18 months 603 209 177

jewellery

hearing aids

doors

Furniture first

2 pine mirrors, 1 brand new. Medium sized, ideal for bedrooms etc. 10€ for the 2. Quesada area. Buyer collects.

Telephone 966 716 529 or 676 754 520.

Pace 2600 Sky Digibox with white Sky card, updated software, hand control, brand new scartlead, power lead.

Best Sky box for the Costa Blanca.Can be seen working. 35€ ono. Buyer collects, Quesada area.

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 DECEMBER 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 620 582 063

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 Spain ‹ UK › Spain some with only 1. It’s a first come, first served basis! Great deal!

• Full & Part Loads The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre • Local-No jobs too small installation air conditioning.

• Pets Welcome Quality and location • Experienced owner/driver The apartments are finished to a (Playa Flamenca) very high quality with communal areas decked out with marble Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607 floors and spacious corridors UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 which make the building very light.

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

simply removals

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

SOLTIMES Now offer our Classified advertisers 4 LOCAL EDITIONS

costa blanca costa calida + mar menor Almeria Roquetas De mar ...Let the Soltimes team help you...

for more information Telephone 966 718 979 902 750 190

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

www.soltimes.com

tel: 693 806 409 property for sale

wigs

FOR SALE

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.

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

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 Affordable Removals Spain - UK & Return

property rentals

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

Personal, friendly door 2 door Service - Van & Trailer



Local Moves Pets Welcome

Papers arranged

Local



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

Also available online at

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

Full or part loads

Europe

Office: 965 326 920 email Mobile: 666 847 648 beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

Brian Torrevieja

personals

satellite tv

“Readers of a sensitive

R ainbow for Satellites all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region.

Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra. es

for rent, disposition may find some 3 bed, 3 bath spacious semi-detatched house with garage of the ads in this section in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, situated in the popular area of Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida offensive” La Zenia, walking distance to We have clients enquiring in this area nata s ha , 677 676 554 San shops, beaches and the new Contact Divorced, diverse Policarpo No. 87 La Zenia Boulevard, Price (Private Sale) super sexy, Apt 1-17 Cerca CASASOL REAL ESTATE Furnished, Long term, private apartment, Calle Orihuela. tel: 965 325 601 550€ monthly plus electric & complete massage Can accommodate Email: water, perfect family home with massage bed. one person or Tel: (0034) 676 534 978 tony@casasolrealestate.com Tel: 966 733 079 or 619 098 543 Very discreet. Call accompanied.

€ 79,950

Motorbikes & Caravans

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

34

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

wanted

translation

Vehicles registration

Steptoe & son

Translation Services

“RE-PLATE” MATE

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

Wanted Pre 1960 British Football Programmes. Private Collector staying in San Pedro del Pinatar from 19th December - 16th January 2013. Pays good prices for programmes and other vintage sporting memorabilia. Please contact Tony on 07823 775900 during that period.

Name transfer on all types of vehicles 50€ Registering of vehicles from English to Spanish Don’t Get Caught Out!

80€

All trafico work

Also available to do all types of translations 20€ first hour, 10€ every hour after

The police are cracking down on residents who still have a British driving licence. Call me to get yours changed over for a fee of

only 30€

dead o BODYWORK & PAINT SPECIALISTs alive r FULLY LEGAL

scrap metal plastic glass white goods all electricals (working or not working)

furniture tv’s, dvd’s etc clothes

t don’k it c u ch ak e it t i’ll

€ cash

for house

clea r a nces

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

Renault Megane Estate 2010 - Estate 1.5 DCi Eco2 Dynamique Sport 47,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights Roof rails, CD Auto fold mirrors Metallic silver Reduced from €13,950!

€12,450

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

€7,750

SOLTIMES THIS SPACE, FOR PRIVATE ADVERTISERS, IS ONLY 15€ INCLUDING A PHOTO

PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647

& REACH OVER 40,000 READERS

SELLING YOUR bike ?

SOLTIMES

www.replatematecostablanca.com

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. www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com

mechanic

car parts

€7,950

SELLING YOUR car ?

For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

605 319 889 or 966 753 375

Behind the Sunday Zoco Market CV940 Benijofar • San Miguel Finca Garroferos • Nave 8 • Algorfa 03169 Email: rapidrepairs2668@yahoo.co.uk

Renault Clio Emotion 2007 - 5 door hatch 1.5 DCi 42,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C, PAS, ABS Electric windows Front fog lights, CD Rear privacy glass Remote locking 2007 Facelift model Metallic black Reduced from €7,950!

600 726 221 965 687 976

Approved Insurance Repairers

Ken brooks: 645 162 808/654 907 247

Renault Scenic Auto/Tiptronic 2006 - 5 door hatch 2.0 16v Prestige AUTO/TIP 105,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, ABS, Cruise Alloys, 6 CD changer E. windows/mirrors Front fog lights PAS, Park sensors Auto lights/wipers Remote locking Met black, half leather

www.fwreurocars.com

WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION

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

jig facilities

cars for sale

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

Please call Ashley McCulloch 638 899 350

body repairs

ed want

GB

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Car parts

Ed’s mobile

Need quality new parts for any car

for sensible prices on all parts

Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326

live in

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

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

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

610 078 940

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

recruitment

Can you sell ice to an Eskimo?

£525

PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647

& REACH OVER 40,000 READERS

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

Tel: 950 047 033 or 687 845 730 info@hispavan.com www.hispavan.com

Vehicles wanted

WANTED

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

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.

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

• Do you have an outgoing, friendly attitude?

And more importantly...

THIS SPACE, FOR PRIVATE ADVERTISERS, IS ONLY 15€ INCLUDING A PHOTO

Motorhomes for sale & wanted urgently

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

top rates paid

per week Telephone 685 406 881

motorhomes

you can sell ice to an Eskimo ...then we would really like to meet you!

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

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

CA4RS CASH

WE BUY

Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash

jet skis urgentely wanted any condition

bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

603 100 692

www.soltimes.com

Piece of Ca k e

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint

they come.

On this occasion we had exhausted small-talk, and I had settled to people-watching.

My attention was caught by a tall, distinguished looking gentleman, who was pacing the room with an anxious air and many glances towards the door.

I slipped into Sherlock Homes mode and assessed his appearance: I came to the conclusion, based on his deep tan, dark eyes and snow-white ponytail, which obviously at one time had been dark, that he was Spanish, though unusually tall for a Spaniard from Andalucia.

He was impeccably, though casually dressed, and carried himself easily, and with a grace that spoke of years of fitness and physical awareness.

I trawled through my mental list of possible occupations, and decided that he had been in the entertainment business, possibly as a flamenco dancer. This, I thought, would account for the trim physique, the grace of movement and the dress sense, not to mention the pony-tail

Mission Incapable

– only a Spaniard, I reasoned, could wear a pony-tail with such dignity.

I was deep in conjecture when he approached me and said ‘Do you have a mobile phone? My interpreter hasn’t turned up, and I need to phone her.’

Right, so much for the Spaniard bit!

His interpreter was not forthcoming, so Pete piped up; ‘Jos will help, she’s really good.’ Oh, the rose-tinted glasses that he wears, bless him!

Thus it was that I accompanied a tall non-Spaniard, who was not and never had been, a flamenco dancer, in to see a Spanish specialist.

We walked in and took our seats.

I was doing a swan act – calm and serene on the surface, but out of sight the brain cells were paddling like mad!

The specialist rose to shake our hands. ‘Good morning’ he said, with a broad and friendly smile.

Piece of cake, this interpreting – just as long as the specialist speaks English!

Eventually, we decided to continue our search on foot, so finding a narrow track we drove for several My friend Jim and I had Unfortunately we had minutes deep into the met student nurses in one forgotten that emblazoned woods. of the prominent watering along the side of the Ford We turned the engine off holes in town during the were the words ‘The and waited a few minutes autumn of 1968 and had Lincoln Greens Show listening intently for enjoyed their company Group’, the band for sounds that would indicate through to December whom my mate played we were not alone. But – something of a record in rhythm guitar and sang the night was still, with lead vocals. But you can’t no sign of another human longevity for us.

As Christmas approached think of everything and being in the vicinity and we promised to find them fair do’s, we only had four so grabbing our torches the best Christmas tree GCE ‘O’ Levels between and bow-saw we renewed our search for the elusive they had ever seen, and us.

We prepared for our Christmas tree. what was more, it would cost them nothing. We mission in the girls flat Almost immediately we had envisaged some by donning our fishing wandered into a small worthwhile brownie points gear – camouflaged jacket clearing and there before being awarded accordingly and trousers bought at the us as if by divine command local Millets stores - and stood the object of our - heh heh heeeh!

We planned to launch black wellies. We smeared assignment – the perfect our faces with burnt cork specimen. a raid on Burghfield and topped the ensemble It was the right height, Common a few miles from off with dark woolly hats had a flawless triangular town, and to bring home pulled down low. profile and on closer our prize in Jim’s old We were ready to rock inspection possessed a full Ford 5cwt Thames Trader.

The common was awash and roll and we looked the complement of healthy branches – the girls were with fir trees of different part.

Three hours after going to be sooo grateful. denominations, including We were about to get to Norway spruce, which reaching the common and was our tree of choice, and wishing that we’d had the work, when a voice boomed would present no problems foresight to bring along out of the darkness, “Shine a flask of something hot, that torch over here cacker we reasoned.

A report in the local we were still looking for a monger”.

Both of us swung round rag, stated that wardens suitable tree amongst what were on patrol in the area appeared to be a forest of and as instructed shone our to deter gypsy gangs from stunted and disfigured torches on a lone figure standing at the edge of taking large numbers of examples of coniferous growth – Burghfield the clearing. It wasn’t his trees, but we felt that a Common at night gnarled face that had our small van like ours would go unnoticed and just to resembled the set from immediate attention, nor was it the build of the man be sure, we slopped mud Curse of Frankenstein.

It didn’t help that no – well over six feet tall and over the number plate sooner had we parked almost as wide – but the in an attempt to remain up than an assortment double barreled shotgun incognito. of vehicles cruised past pointing right at us. menacingly. There was no “What you think you way to distinguish whether doin’?’” he growled. they were wardens, wouldIt was no good telling be Christmas tree robbers him we were picking like us, or just members mushrooms. It was obvious of the public looking for a what we were about, so I place to indulge in a bit of told him. “Looking for a festive nooky.

Christmas tree for

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com our girlfriends.”

As if sharing the blame with the nurses somehow mitigated the crime.

“Not here you not” he said, “Now git off you pair of gishnuts for I pepper yer backsides!”

And we did – quickly without bothering to ask what a ‘gishnut’ was.

As we were driving home I asked my friend, “Who the hell talks like that?”

But I knew the answer as soon as the question was asked – and so did Jim. Our tormentor wasn’t a warden, but a Gypsy. We had been out manoeuvred by a rival Christmas tree bandit!

Dirty and dishevelled, and me with damp underwear from the sight of that 12 bore, we were a pathetic sight as we shuffled treeless up the stairs to the girls flat.

“How do you feel?” I asked Jim as we waited at the door.

“Like a knob” he mumbled.

I nodded . . . So did I!

35

A l q ueria Now Rodriquez had absolute sovereignty over Alqueria he set about making his stupidity absolute.

With Antonio Poyato securely locked away in the castle dungeon he controlled Alqueria’s only source of wealth.

The Remitroot crop. It has been known as Remitroot since Roman times and sold internationally under that name.

It has become a cult beverage with Remitroot Wine singularly the best known high potency fermented beverage.

With inspired insight, well Rodriquez thought it was inspired he renamed it Rodroot100. Why 100 no one seemed to know. This single act of idiocy reduced the sale of the root and it derivatives by eighty percent. Rodriquez of course blamed the drop in sales on others, after all it could not possibly be his fault.

He had taken to wearing his gaudy over-medalled uniform night and day. The impressive row of medals clinked as he strutted about the village. Just what his medals represented and who awarded them is a mystery. One was made of cardboard covered in tin-foil and another inscribed ‘Second place, under 12 Alicante Junior Golf Tournament’. Rodriquez even carried a sword, a replica scimitar bought from ebay.

Manuela looked down from her vantage point outside Matas’s cave. The lights of Alqueria twinkled in the early evening. She and Matas comprised the Maquis. The resistance movement bent on undermining Rodriquez and restoring the rightful government of Alqueria. The first aim was to sabotage the Remitroot crop, however Rodriquez had managed that pretty well on his own.

Direct action was now called for and Manuela prepared for a sortie into the village.

With a smoothed-bore Mauser slung over her shoulder she mounted Matas’s old and faithful pony. She sat erect and bareback, hair flowing in the breeze, if ever an animal smiled it was surely that old nag.

As she entered Alqueria she saw Rodriquez swaggering about the village square. A purple mist rose as her hatred for the man came to the fore. She charged, stopping a metre or so from him.

Her pony reared, legs kicking in free-air, a good trick Manuela thought. The sight of Manuela at her most belligerent, hair flying, eyes flashing and nostrils flared is awe inspiring. Now armed as well it was too much for Rodriquez. He dropped his scimitar and had a bowel movement.

With Rodriquez trembling in an untidy heap it was a simple matter to release Poyato and Gruntmore from their confinement in the castle’s dungeon. The Maquis’s numbers were now doubled and Matas’s cave became very cramped. Manuela, however was overjoyed to be hemmed in by the three men, even if one was a geriatric. She eyed them with a proprietorial stare and thought to herself, ‘It will soon be Christmas’.

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

Pete and I, along with a representative cross-section of humanity, were sitting patiently waiting to see the specialist in Huercal-Overa hospital. We had given Nursie the piece of paper that sanctioned our presence, and now we had to wait until called.

On these occasions I find there is not a lot to occupy my mind other than ‘What is he/she going to say?’ and ‘Can I remember the Spanish for it?’ which only gets me into smaller and smaller and tighter and tighter circles, and generally very wound up, so I people-watch.

I like people. I find them fascinating and endlessly interesting. I can watch them for hours; I like to weave stories around them, who they are, what they do and from where

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

T h e M a q uis

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

Happy Christmas

braben’s blog....

Duck - for Christmas!

– don’t be scared

Christmas is not complete without a tree; not just any tree but a proper Christmas tree though choosing one on a warm sunny day felt very weird last weekend. When I first moved to Spain it was almost impossible to find a decent tree, one year in desperation I ended up buying two of those tiny ones with their pots wrapped in tacky gold tin foil that businesses put outside their doors.

Another year I dragged a tree all the way back from Sotogrande near Gibraltar (well put it in the boot of the car) as the larger ex-pat population in the area means shops and garden centres are jam packed with traditional British decorations that are all made in China. Apart from the two little ones I mentioned that I planted in pots in afterwards, I have never managed to get a proper tree to survive.

As I child however, I fondly recall my granddad standing proudly next to a huge Norway spruce in his garden which he had planted after a Christmas back in the 1950s.

Americans have the highest number of guns per 100 inhabitants (88.7) in the world; they also have the highest number of deaths per year by firearms in the world (17,000). Factor in the 60,000 people that get injured every year by guns and the statistics make even grimmer reading.

The weekend saw a dreadful school massacre in the US with 20 children and 6 teachers shot dead. A depressed young man, as if in his own video game, used 5 guns and ammunition legally held by his mother to kill as many innocents as possible before turning the gun on himself. I wonder how he got access to the guns as he used one to kill his mum with. This disturbed kid guarantees his actions will be remembered for a long time for the most unsavoury reasons.

Within hours US media described the attack as the second worst ever. Will this sensationalist style of news reporting encourage the next crazy to go one better? Soon afterwards I read of a mother whose 2 young children were worried about going to school in case a ‘bad man’ hurt them. A difficult choice for a parent to make with two options, to reassure them that these things happen very rarely and everything will be fine as the teachers will look after them. Or, let them stay at home. It’s awful that these terrible things happen but to put things into perspective there are around 130,000 schools in the United States looking after over 60 million children. There have been 16 other people murdered in schools by guns in 2012.

In 2012 American school children and their teachers faced a 1in1.4 million chance of being murdered at school. At the same time they were twice as likely to drown in the bath, 4 times more likely to choke to death whilst eating and a massive 18,000 times more likely of being killed in a transport accident instead of being shot by a crazed gun man. Finally on a cheerful note if we survive the Mayan prophecy regarding the 21st there is still a 1in10,000 chance a 100m wide asteroid will hit earth next year. Happy Christmas everyone – don’t be scared!

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 - www.facebook.com/stephen.amore

The Beano Annual. The Guinness Book of Records. The Crackerjack box set.

What does it mean? Christmas! Well almost Christmas and you know what that means? Presents to buy. Now I don’t want this column to be a self help thing but, I have great news for everyone, the answer to the what to buy nightmare! You thought that Harry Potter and Sooty’s Revenge-or whatever it was called-was a godsend, well I can beat that. “Tractors of Eastern Europe”.

Now come on, be honest, it’s fantastic isn’t it? I can tell, you are… tractored.

Can you imagine the look on your loved one’s face when, on Christmas morning, they carefully remove the wrapping paper to reveal such a sought after gift? There, between the glossy pages, are treasures of Eastern European tractor history; the Czechoslovak Zetor, the Polish Ursus, amongst others. They can learn all about engine capacity, torque expectations and pulling power.

Can’t you see it? Christmas Day will start, as Sam Goldwyn the Hollywood Producer said, with a bang and work upwards!

But it gets better. Let me bring you another golden Christmas morning moment. In these high technology days, when alarm clocks cajole you to leave your warm bed with warm messages, when your car talks to you with warnings of low fuel or impending speed traps, why should your pet escape progress? It can’t. A talking litter tray! Yes, you are reminded when your cat’s litter tray is, how shall we say, abundant! If you ignore the first warning, the voice continues, like Tiny Tim on heat, until you finally empty it. Unfortunately what it doesn’t do is nominate a litter tray changer, perhaps that will be a new party game-no, maybe not.

I think we can safely predict that this Christmas has the potential to be the best and most memorable ever.

Conversation over lunch will never flag as the whole is married family compare the merits of those Eastern European Graham to Helen and has agricultural machines everyone has been reading about, a daughter, Alice. with those of the rest of Europe. Any brief silences- and He lives part of the year near Albox, really, would you anticipate any-would be filled by the but works in Qatar, litter tray informing you that it needs emptying as a teaching. If you wish matter of urgency, accompanied by the plaintiff howls of to contact Graham regarding this your cat, desperate to relieve itself yet unable to use the article email: tray, either because it is full, or, more likely, because that helenandg@yahoo. co.uk disembodied voice has got it petrified. Perfect!

REVIEW it...

Shifting Shadows by Betty Woodcock

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Matt and Lorna appear to be a happily married couple, both professional with three young children but this is where any normality ends.

Matt is ambitious and hopeful for promotion before he secretively discovers that he is on the redundancy list after the company is facing an economic downturn and it needs to shed a third of its workforce. He describes it as a “freefall to hell.” He sees a job advertised in Yorkshire and convinces Lorna that he must apply even if it means relocation from their Kent home, a big upheaval for all the family. Matt describes the opportunity as a “miracle” and a “Godsend.” Well-needed.

“I was right to get out before the bomb of redundancy dropped, before the shock waves spread.”

Protest marches and strikes ensue but fortunately, Matt has successfully secured a deputy managerial position at Grafton engineering.

Settling into a new job became problematic for Matt. Open hostility and resentment of this southerner invading their territory are evident. Duggie, the boss, warns him that Frank the book-keeper is “up to summat.” He sure is but he is not the only one. The plot thickens.

Embezzlement, an arson attack and a break-in are some of the delights that poor Matt has to deal with without losing his head. Rather like being thrown in the deep-end when you can’t swim! And that’s not all.

Simultaneously, the family move into a huge house and early on in the story we are conscious of Matt’s paranoia over the noises, slamming of doors, footsteps and the sound of a child sobbing. There is something “menacing” and “brooding” about their new home.

“Goosepimples skittered along my arm” and there always seemed to be a constant “stale fetid air.” The cellar is likened to a “medieval dungeon” with “rusted manacles on the walls.”

Plenty of omens, images of darkness, shadows and a chill in the air transporting us into the world of the supernatural.

From then on we have moments of melodrama and sinister occurrences especially with 3 year old Tracy’s “self-absorbed behaviour” with the malevolent spectre, Seth the boy and the “fend” which results in her wailing screams and dangerous behaviour when the spirits use her body as a medium and she tries to strangle her baby brother, Martin.

Psychologically, Matt hits rock bottom and tries to fight to keep his family safe and retain his sanity which is in dispute amidst one catastrophe after another. He comes into constant conflict with Lorna who is sceptical about the existence of any ghosts. The tension is excellent and there are climaxes that will rock your comfort zone.

The exorcisms and the revelation of a secret, hidden room housing the dead body of a child holding a prayer book are terrifyingly gruesome images of the supernatural. At this point Betty Woodcock plunges us into the realms of horror.

“I felt like a Kamikaze pilot bent on self-destruction.” Life was tough on poor Matt.

What will become of Matt and Lorna? Their children? Will they survive? You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out won’t you?

Available on ekindle from Amazon.co.uk/es

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

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sport

ITV ORIHUELA RF

ITV ORIHUELA RFC CONTINUE MARCHING ON UP THE LEAGUE At the weekend ITV Orihuela RFC entertained Cartagena in the final round of the league for this year, hoping to capitalise on their great win 2 weeks ago in Albacete.

Hoping to continue this success and show that all the hard work in training was going to pay off and finish on an almight high for the year.

Unfortunately, through

illness I was able to get there, but was told that is was a cracking game that you could not talk your eyes off for one moment.

Bouyed by previous success ITV Orihuela RFC started off strong putting Cartagena under pressure from the off, but they were not going to be having it all their own way.

The home side were first to get points on the board with Alvaro getting a penalty to settle the nerves, but

Cartagena hit back with one of there own. Half way through the half with some excellent teamwork Zapater went over for the first try of the game, converted by Alvaro. Cartagena hit back with a try of their own before Orihuela score again through the forwards with Samoano scoring a try to bring the half time score 15-8 in Orihuela’s favour.

The second half continued as the first with no let up by either team, and the opposition tying the score with a converted try towards the end of the third quarter.

Orihuela were not going to lose their grip on the match and put the Cartagena line under intense pressure with Sergio and then Ramon going over for two more tries and bringing the bonus point try for the second time in

consecutive matches.

To make a tense and nail biting finish to the game the opposition went over for their third try of the game, but Orihuela RFC held out to record their second memorable victory of the season, 25-20. This brings the club just 2 points of second place in the league.

The team are really gelling together and bringing out the best in each other, and is a credit to everyone associated with the club with all of the hard work been put in from the players on the pitch to the coaches and management.

A fantastic end to the year and let us hope that it will continue after the Xmas break away to Lorca on 12 January, this is just one of three away games on the trot, followed

by Murcia XV and UCAM. This coming weekend we

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Costa entertained Rafal this week looking to improve from last weeks disappointing second half performance. It was Costa who started well despite losing Georgie Mint within 10 minutes to injury.

Jack Mcginnell especially was

impressive on the left along with Glen Lawton & Charlie Frost closing down and winning important challenges to give Costa a platform to keep possession.

Gummi Gudmundsson along with his strike partner Luke Deegan caused Rafal defence problems with their pace and ability on the ball. Rafal when in possession tried to knock the ball out to Costa ‘s left as much as possible and on 21 minutes capitalized when Costa gave away a cheap free kick out

will be televising all of the live Aviva and Pro12 matches at the rugby bar in Rojales, The Steakhouse, used to be Tylers Bar, on Friday there is either Ulster v Leinster or Blues v Scarlets at 20.00, on Saturday Saints v Quins at 16.15, and Sunday at 16.00 Falcons v London Scottish so come along to the only designated rugby bar in the area and join the Costa Blanca Rugby Supporters Club as well.

Looking forward to seeing another good turn out down there this weekend.

Also on Thursday 20 December I will be at the rugby bar between 10.30 and 13.30 selling rugby branded clothing including Help 4 Heroes fleeces and polos, perfect Xmas presents.

I am at the Moncayo Market every Saturday to Xmas with all of the rugby branded gear and club/international shirts

etc, so see you all down there, also with the Cotton Traders Help 4 Heroes fleeces and polos. Ideal Xmas presents.

side the box. Rafal drilled the ball across the defending Costa players and a clearance bounced to the feet of a Rafal player to hit the target against the run of play to take a 1 - 0 lead. Costa fought back well and this week the new center defence partnership of Kristjan Gudmundsson & Patrick Bass looked calm and confident when called upon.

Costa were unlucky not to go into the break 1 - 1 when Lawton struck the crossbar from a free kick on 40 mins.

Second half and Costa got off to a terrible start when they got caught out in possession and were made to pay with a cool finish from a Rafal striker who accepted the gift on 42 mins.

Despite being 2 - 0 down the home side had most of the possession and the most chances at scoring. Mcginnell once again was in the thick of it and was clearly brought down inside the box from the visiting goal keeper , and when the ball fell to Gudmundsson who along with the rest of his team mates just froze awaiting the referee’s whistle that never

came didn’t put the ball into the empty net. The referee then decided to award the keeper a free kick instead of a penalty or at the very least a drop ball. This week to the home sides credit the players kept plugging away and on 77 mins Gummi Gudmundsson struck a fine goal back for Costa to make it an intense final few minutes.

Unbelievable Costa struck the post twice but were to slow to react to the rebound and allowed Rafal to clear their lines. The final score remained 2 - 1 to Rafal which was very difficult to swallow after so much effort from all the Costa players had put in and really deserved a point if not all three. Next Saturday see’s the final game at home before the Christmas break against Thader.

For more information on the Costa youth team who train every Tuesday & Thursday at C.D.M. Player Flamenca Sports Center 18:30 - 20:00.

Or visit www.orihuelacostafc. com or contact club secretary George on 679 77 44 88.

Training is at the Miguel Hernandez University ground at 20.15 on Tuesday and Thursday for the seniors and juveniles. The juniors start at 18.15.

So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level you are.

If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish)

Quesada Golf Society..................................................................................

Wednesday 12 December 2012 at Mar Menor 25 members set off for Mar Menor Golf Course to play our Xmas Pairs, first tee time was 10.00 am, with the prospect of a chilly start to our day we could only hope that the sun would shine, and sure enough by 11 am we were bathed in sunshine, the course was in wonderful conditiion with fast greens and as they warmed so they got faster, from the comments heard later on most of our members enjoyed the course very much as I had a job to get many stories from them but here goes, Ronnie Speirs had the longest / shortest drive today when his drive only moved 14ins, on hole 5 Ray Lee had a few problems in the waste area to the right of the tee when his ball came up against the grass verge in this area, he hit the ball sideways away from the verge only to hit his third shot back against the verge so in anger tried to smash the ball away only for it to hit a tree and bound back to his feet after his

fifth shot which was still in the waste area he decided to give up, Paul Flannaghan didn’t like the bunkers today as on hole 6 he teed off and hit the top of the bank on the bunker only for his ball to come backwards past the bunker 20ft, on hole 6 John Featherstone hit the houses on the right from the tee which were occupied so being prepared he asked his playing partners if they new the word for SORRY in six different languages, finally Rod Day was very glad he remebered to put undies on today as he split the seam on his tousers in a very prominent place.

Results First David Winchcombe & Tony Patterson 62pts Second Chris Neild & Bob Steward 54 pts Third Darryll Wright & Ann Hobbs 50 pts Nearest the Pin Hole 2 Darryll Wright, Hole 17 Norman lewis Nearest the Pin in 2 Hole 12 Bob steward, in 3 Hole 7

John Dunnion The Roy Janet Candilin & Ronnie Speirs Our Charities this year were Afghan Heroes and Elche childrens Home we were very pleased to present the Afghan Heroes with 500.00€ and after a special raffle held at our Xmas dinner dance we raised an extra 297€ and presented Elche Childrens Home with 885€.

Our thanks to Anita and David for the refreshments

laid on for our return to Quesada Country Club and for their continued support, we would like to wish Anita & David a Very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Our next game will be on 16th January at Altorreal and we hope to see as many members as possible at the AGM on January 8th 2013 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MEMBERS. Reported by Pam Martin

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

ST JAMES’S GATE AT VISTABELLA TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER This was our last game of the year. The weather was fine but very cold, the course was very good but starting to get its winter coat. Greens very firm and fast making it not easy to putt. Scoring was very average with the highest score being 32 points in the Gold Category.by Ron Chambers ( who won a 10 Kg Turkey ) In Second place was Last weeks winner Mick Hithersay( who won q Duck )with 31 pts and Third place was taken by Ivie Davies (who won a Capon )with 27 pts In the Silver category Maura Mullen (our Irish Colleen) took first place with 30 pts and won a(10 Kg Turkey) followed be Rocket Ron with 28 pts( who won a Duck )and Tom Richardson taking Third ( who won a Capon )with 26 pts.

John Trailor won the Longest Drive. Mick Hithersay was Nearest to the Pin which was Sponsored by Dyna Drain and won a bottle of Spirits.

We had no Presentation after the game as we are having it tomorrow night at our Annual Xmas Dinner when the prizes will be presented.

The first game in the New Year which is our next game is at Vistabella on Tuesday 8th January. When I will be taking subscriptions for 2013.

Any one who would like to join our friendly society or just want a game give Ron a ring on 678-849-142. We have had a very good year and all that remains now is to wish all Members and their families A Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Ship Hispaniola Golf Society (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Villamartin on 10th December 2012.

For this months meeting we paid a visit to Villamartin taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The sun was shining and the course was in excellent condition and all this reflected in the good scoring on the day.

The winners on the day were as follows: Winner: Kevin Robinson - 37 points (on count back) Runners-Up: Brian Burnard 37 points 3rd: Allan Demery 37 points All of whom earned a well deserved handicap cut!

Nearest the Pins: Allan Demery and Bob Hewitson Longest Drive: Bob Hewitson After the game we returned

to the bar which is located in La Mata for refreshments and the prize presentation.

This was our Christmas competition but the trophies won on the away trip to Benidorm in September were handed out today The venue for the January fixture is still to be arranged but our AGM will be held at the Ship Hispaniola on 7th January 2013 where Grant Goble will take over as fixture Secretary.

New members and guest are always welcome so call Wayne Matthews on 671907458 or better still call in the bar.

Finally a merry Christmas to all from the Ship Hispaniola Golf Society Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costablanca-greenfees.com.

TMGS

TMGS Match Report for La Finca, 12th December 2012 Even though we had fairly late start times, nearly all the 25 members and 2 guests were in their winter attire and there was one or two naughty looking clouds but, thankfully, the day remained nice and dry and even warmed up later in the afternoon.

The course was, as ever, in good condition and the greens fairly nippy but some seemed to have mastered

the speed even though only 2 members and 1 guest achieved par or better, but there were some reasonable scores reported and recorded.

The Best Visitor prize went to Grace McLaughlin who came home with a very nice score of 37 points off of her playing handicap of 11. It must be said that the shot of the day was from Grace who drove the 17th but unfortunately, her ball ended up in the greenside

Los Altos, Orihuela Costa The golf societies venue for the 13th December 2012 was held at El Valle Golf Course.

Again the weather can

only be described as good even if a little cold at first, the course was in fairly good condition although a bit tricky for some players which resulted in the

sport

bunker and she was unable to take full advantage of her tremendous drive. She must have inspired her playing partners for she took one of the NTP prizes while Captain Alan Rickers took two of the others.

In addition to these, he also claimed the Gold Division winners spot with 35 points followed very closely by Secretary Alan Rixson on 34 points and in 3rd place was Roger Nilsen with 32 points.

The Silver Division players fared a little better in the scoring, with Ray Ewins taking the top spot on 36 points, beating Per Skarnes who also had 36 but with ray winning on the count-back system. 3rd place was taken by a lady who is becoming a regular in the prizes, Pearl Sabine with 31 points.

In addition to this Stableford event was a Medal event for those that wanted to play the pure form of golf! This was won by Alan Rixson with a Net score of 74.

Photo is of the Nearest the pin winners.

If anyone wants some

woods, Colin “Chuckle Brother No.1” Marsden has his for sale. He’s been persuaded to see that he trying to hit woods is akin to a rabid giraffe trying to do a limbo dance under a 12 inch bar. In other words, futile; ergo they are up for sale and if you have 5 bob (yes, his woods are THAT old) you could be the proud owner – and the laughing stock of the course – of Colin’s woods that have totally unmarked and unused sweet spots.

The heel and toe parts of the faces are a bit of a mess, but the sweet spots are virtually virginal.

Anyway, back to golf. Next week we are visiting Lo Romero golf course and we do have some spaces should you fancy a game of golf with a happy go lucky gang of golfers, all you need to do is look at our website www. tmg.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604.

We also run a fun Friendly Friday series at Villamartin and again, should you wish to play, contact us via the website or the Match Secretary.

scores.

points.

Gold Class 2nd place was Mick Slater with a score of 30 points.

Gold Class 1st place was Michael Heighway with a score of 31 points.

A very enjoyable days golf in pleasant company, thank you to Captain Mick Slater and Vice Captain Stewart Coleman for organising the event 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.

The competition was in the stableford format, and the scores were recorded, as follows:-

Lime Bar Gs

39

Nearest the Pin in two on the 9th hole was Charlie Mc Gonagle.

Nearest the Pin on the 16th hole was Mick Slater.

Best guest was Charlie Mc Gonagle with a score of 29 Silver Class 3rd place was Dave Kirk with a score of 23 points.

Silver Class 2nd place was Don Martin with a score of 24 points.

Silver Class 1st place was Norman Dobson with a score of 28 points Gold Class 3rd place was Bob Adair with a score of 25

8 Man Monte hold on for a point..................... C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio ...............................

RACING SAN MIGUEL 1 – 1 CD MONTESINOS CDM Side: Cubano, Becker, Sergio, Geremias, Javi, Rubio, Andres, M & A, Chulo, Dimitry and Edu CDM Subs: Sito on for Dimitry and Omar on for Chulo CDM Goal: Edu (17mins) CD Montesinos remain 3rd in the league after a hard fought 1-1 draw away at local rivals Racing San Miguel. A dire game from the visitors ended all square, but Monte had 2 players red carded and another rushed to hospital right at the end of the game, leaving them with 8 players at the final whistle.

Local pride was at stake here as the rivalry between Montesinos and San Miguel goes back a long way in local sports and fiestas. This rivalry has sometimes been known to spill over into something more that just banter. However, on this occasion, the rivalry was very much on the pitch where the home side were, for much of the game, the better side despite their lowly league

position.

Despite having to rearrange his defensive line up after Fernando was injured in the pre-match warm up, it was Monte who scored first with an Edu goal after excellent work from Russian player Dimitry.

His cross found Edu inside the six yard area and the striker scored at the second attempt. But this was as good as it got for the visitors, as the home side came back and equalised after 35 minutes when they scored after a goal mouth scramble, with the Monte defence failing to clear the ball on at least three occasions.

The second half was full of controversy, none more so than the two red cards issued by the match official. Both were for two yellow cards with the two for Monte Captain, Becker, being particularly harsh as they were both for unintentional hand ball well outside the area and both bouncing awkwardly on the terrible, uneven playing surface.

At the very end of the game, another CD Montesinos player, SITO, collapsed near

the touch line with breathing difficulties and was taken to the local health centre for treatment before, much to everybody´s relief, he was send home to rest. He had suffered a minor asthma attack, and is now well.

But the biggest talking point amongst the supporters was the lack lustre performance of the side who, against what was on paper an inferior side, were simply not good enough for a side looking to gain promotion. Unless there is a massive improvement in form and attitude amongst the players, we can all say goodbye to this for another season – even at this early stage.

Next Sunday, 23rd December, Monte are at home against 2nd placed Sporting Saladar. The game kicks off at 4pm. For more information about CD Montesinos and their International Supporters Club (The Full Monte), please visit our website at www. cdmontesinos.com VAMOS MONTE!!!

Much needed win for the Saints in game of two halves Atletico de Catral C.F 1-2 C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio In a game in which all the goals came in the second period, San Fulgencio snatched a vital win after a run of poor results. A moment of brilliance from Marco Aurelio and some typical Braulio persistence were enough for the Saints, despite Catral’s late flurry of attacks.

The first half consisted of a few half chances for both sides, it seemed as if they were weighing each other up before committing to go forward. The majority of the play was spread across the midfield as the visitors just shaded the half.

Braulio had the first decent opening, but his shot found the side netting after some good work by Jairo Sousa.

The hosts couldn’t find a way past a resolute San Ful defence, their only real chances being gobbled up

by Jovi Navarro in the Saint’s net.

The second half began in

a similar fashion to the first.

Neither team could conjure up good opportunities until Braulio found some space and arrowed a rocket just wide of the far post. Catral then had a lucky break when a strange bounce fooled Victor Garcia, but with just Jovi to beat the winger snatched at his shot and the ball flew harmlessly wide.

San Fulgencio began to control the play and eventually broke the deadlock after 65 minutes. Catral’s goalkeeper didn’t have too much to do during the game and when he was put under pressure he didn’t look too convincing.

His attempted clearance found Marco and the striker took full advantage, lobbing the keeper effortlessly from near the halfway line. Just what the Saints needed.

The lead was doubled ten minutes later. Alex Lee Hall found Braulio with a clever through ball and the recent signing took it past his man before sending in an inviting cross was put into his own net by the unfortunate

centreback.

After the goal the visitors continued to threaten their opponent’s goal, but they couldn’t find a third and Catral began to throw men forward in search of a miracle.

The hosts did get a goal back with 5 minutes remaining.

Aaron Lopez mistimed his defensive header and it fell to the winger who couldn’t miss with his own header.

Catral then started to believe and had some excellent chances to equalise but it just wasn’t meant to be!

Our last game before the Christmas break is at home next Sunday 23rd at 12:00 against F.C Jove Español San Vicente.

A special mention to our treasurer Terry Lockwood who is leaving us. This win was for you Tel! Thank you to Telecom 900 and the rest of our sponsors.

Match report by Jordan Lucas

40 SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2012

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THE CHRISTMAS BREAK CAN’T COME SOON ENOUGH

Phyllis Venables 141 points.

2nd John Barraclough, Hedy Paehlig, Rachel Leckey and Joe Ogden 133 points 3rd Pino Perito, Roger Richings, Terry Sayers and Morag Turner. 131 points.

Nearest the Pins 5th Roger Richings 11th Jill Young 15th David Gregson 17th David Gregson Football Winners: David Gregson, Vince Tocker, Tony Hitt.

TOFF’s Results Tuesday 11 December 2012 Overall Winner –Terry Sayers Gold Division 1st Tony Stead 38 points 2nd Tony Hitt 37 points 3rd Robin Richards 37

points Silver 1st TerrySayers 39 points 2nd Ken Brett 36 points 3rd Jill Young 34 points Bronze 1st Pat Jackson 35 points 2nd Frances Buckeridge 34 points 3rd Gordon White 32 points Nearest the Pins 5th Bruce Gordon, 15th Terry Sharley, 11th Tony Hitt, 17th John Fairhurst, Best Front Nine – Beverley Fairhurst 18, Best Back Nine – Marylin Eckersall 20 Remember next week is Fur and Feathers Texas Scramble with a shotgun start and brunch afterwards.

Make sure you have your name down for both if you wish to participate.

CORNISH PRIDE (LOS DOLSES)......................

Ten Pin Bowling League

Matches played December 11th

on

The in form team of the moment Lucky Strike, extended their unbeaten run to 6 games, when they beat Los Lobos 6-2, that win moved them up to 3rd in the table, Jackie and Norman both had their highest series scores of the season, and they also had their highest team game and series hcp scores 632 & 1766.

Mixers earned a 4-4 draw with 2nd placed Hall y Day, that draw moved them up to 4th place. Top scorer for Mixers was Rudy Zee with a

606 hcp series.

Splash made it 3 wins in a row as they beat Crazy Pinz 8-0, top scorer in that match was Juanjo Carral with a 601 scratch and 631 hcp series.

Bar Mosquitos lost for the 3rd week in a row, beaten this week 6-2 by Cornish Pride, top bowlers for C.P. were Sue with her highest scratch game, 180 and her hubby Shane with his highest scratch series 593.

Team performance of the week was by Carp-r-us, who with only 2 bowlers and a ‘blind’ score beat Los Bandidos 6-2. Top bowler for the Carps was Sue Allen, who had a 211 scratch game (her husband

bowling for L.B only had a 156 game) well done Sue. After 6 weeks in 3rd place Split Happens finally changed position, unfortunately, they slipped down to 6th place when they were beaten 8-0

by Team Finland.

This week it was the turn of Markku Maatta to be the Finns top bowler, as he had his 4 highest scores so far, including a 677 hcp series.

Top lady performance of the week went to Chris Vidal bowling for Bandoleros, who had a 245 hcp game and a 622 hcp series, helping her team to a 4-4 draw with Caballo Negro.

LOCAL DERBY.......................................................

DAYA NUEVA 7 ALMORADI EDM ¨”B” 0 Slow start but from a free kick for handball from the halfway line by Jose Gregorio found Manuel in Almoradi,s box but the shot was just wide.

Good defensive work from Jota put Daya back in control all action in away sides box for 10 mines. or so but Day unable to finish.A lofted long clearance Danni beaten by the bounce but ALmoradi not able to take advantage,same occurs the other end within minutes Marcos beats their keeper to a bouncing ball but shoots wide. Jose finds Carlos whose shot is put behind by the keeper,from the corner Manuel finds the head of Jota

and then the net. 1.0.

Another corner soon follows after much pressure from Daya but Jota sends the ball high over into the adjoining fields.Good cross from Francisco from the byeline on 22 mins. parried by keeper, goes to Manuel who finishes it off 2.0, shortly after throw in the ball somehow comes to Manuel again and he puts it in for 3.0.

Youssef replaces Jose Gregorio after 30 mins.a good save by the keeper from a Francisco shot collected by Carlos and put in the net 4.0 Cunio replaces Marcos just before half time From the restart a good

pass from Carlos finds Cunio who vollies and produces a great save.

From a cleared corner the ball fell to Francisco 25 metres out who produced a great volley to bring the score 5.0 .Jesus left the field 15 min. into 2nd half to make way for new boy Damian.Good run from Jota wins a corner the keepers attempted clearance rebounded off Abraham and the fall fell to Carlos who finished it off 6.0.

All Daya now and a scramble in the goalmouth results in Damian getting his first goal at Daya 7.0 All-in all a good day for Daya.

Match report : Ebeejay

Last Sunday, Torry entertained 13th placed CD Llosa who had won 6, drawn 4 and lost 7 but ominously had won their last 2 away games . Torry had dropped to 11th place after their recent dip in form. Torry had lost regular left winger Inarejos in the past week after he left the club for personal reasons and then a day later signed for Novelda. They have also lost central defender Pedro Lopez who I understand has had to retire after sustaining a serious knee injury. Captain and defensive linch-pin Jorge was unavailable through suspension. The only good news for Torry was that defender Rafa was back after a couple of month’s absence. Manager Casimiro “tinkerman” Torres was left with a threadbare squad to select from so didn’t have too much scope for tinkering.

Torry desperately needed a win to address their recent slump and descent down the table. A mention must be made about the poor state of the playing surface at the Vicente Garcia. It is reputed to have been re-seeded but the underlying problems with it are much more serious than a few grass seeds can put right.

Unless it is dug up and proper drainage put in or an artificial pitch laid then the problems will continue season after season. I certainly wouldn’t want to try and display my silky skills on that cabbage patch.

The gate was disappointingly just over 300 and I must say the atmosphere was quite subdued. Torry needed to show greater togetherness, determination and desire than they certainly have of late.

Torrys starting line-up: Manolo, Vicente, Abel, Rafa, Javi Rosa, Burguillos, Dani, Luís Carlos (Manu Amores 60’), Ernesto, Gash (José

Manuel 78’) and Koeman.

Torry started the better and Koeman put a header just wide from a good cross

by Javi Rosa. After 11 minutes Koeman had the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out for offside. Torry were generally on top had had territorial advantage as the opposition were content to get behind the ball and invite Torry on and try and break them down. It was apparent that Llosa had come to shut up shop and steal a point. After 24 minutes Ernesto whipped in a freekick from wide which hit the back stanchion. After 31 minutes the first meaningful attack by Llosa was defended well by Torry. Soon after a speculative long range effort from a Llosa midfielder was punched away by Manolo.

On 33 minutes Ernesto played Koeman in and he went down under a challenge from a defender. There were appeals for a spot-kick but nothing given. The intensity of Torrys attacking play went up a notch. On 43 minutes Ernesto pierced the Llosa rearguard with a deft pass which played Luis Carlos in but the angle was tight and his effort was blocked by the Llosa keeper at the near post. There were no changes at half-time.

Manolo had to be alert to block a fierce shot early in the second period. On 53 minutes Javi Rosa was turned inside out on the wide right and Abel was first to the dangerous cross in and cleared. On 57 minutes a good turn and vicious ball in from Ernesto, after a short throw-in, hit the keeper and ricocheted across goal and was hacked clear. After 59 minutes Manu Amores replaced Luis Carlos to try and inject a bit of pace out wide. After 62 minutes a cross cum shot from Javi Rosa clipped the bar and went over.

After 73 minutes disaster for

Torry when Manolo didn’t deal effectively with a low ball in the box and the loose ball was seized upon and driven into the net for a GOALLLLL to Llosa which they hardly deserved. After 78 minutes Gasch was replaced by Jose Manuel to try and beef up the Torry attack. Torry then sent Abel up to add more physical presence and high balls were pumped into the box which were repelled by the Llosa defence. There were also histrionics and time wasting tactics from some of the Llosa players who went to ground to easily and obviously stayed down feigning injury. Their keeper got booked at the end for delaying taking a goal kick. Llosa came for a point and took away all three which they really didn’t deserve.

Another defeat for Torry which makes it a “pointless” last three games. Torry have problems. Most of the players put the effort in but most of the play lacked cohesion and direction. Torry are supposed to have three recognised marksmen in their ranks in Gasch, Koeman and Ernesto but the chances and goals have dried up. Abel and Dani picked up cautions.

Torry drop to 14th place in the table, only 4 points outside the relegation zone.

On Sunday they travel up to Valencia to play 17th placed Ribarroja CF and need an upturn in fortunes to arrest the decline. The Managers position must now be under close scrutiny and the January transfer window looms. The squad needs freshening up with a few ins and outs.

However, like most clubs at this level there is little or no money available so we will have to see what happens.

A dis-appointed Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain slide further down the table.

The second Infantil, Junior and Absolute Competition took place this weekend over two days in the Municipal Pool Petrer. Eight regional swimming clubs met with 190 swimmers competing against each other. on the first day, Saturday four Torrevieja swimmers gained two 1st places and two 3rd places in their age categories.

Konstantin Badminov swam 50 freestyle with a time of

29:12 seconds,a new PB coming 3rd in his age group Piroska Rideg followed with 100m butterfly coming 1st in her age group with a new PB of 1:21:80. Ruth Brassington knocked a massive 8 seconds of her previous time coming 1st in her age group with a time of 3:20:73. Finally for the day Yuriy Lymar came 3rd in 200m breaststroke with a new PB 2:19:43.

Sunday Torrevieja swimmers

returned to Petrer with 5 of the clubs members Ruth Brassington swimming first with 100m freestyle earning 5th place and new best time of 1:11:67. Konstantin back with another 5th place in the 100m freestyle and a new PB 1:06:51. Louise Brassington lengthen the distance with a great 400m freestyle swim coming 1st in her age and a new PB of 6:05:81. Finally Piroska Rideg swam two races throughout the morning winning two 1st places in 200m backstroke 2:44:15 and 100m Medley, 1:17:78. Once again both new personal bests for Piroska. All the clubs swimmers put everything into the two days races and earnt themselves just rewards. 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

Triumph in 2nd League Event....................

966 719 647 OR 902 750 190 EXT: 330

62 players took part in our Yellow Peril Team Game on Thursday 13 December at La Marquesa Golf Course.

Everyone quaked in their shoes when it was their turn to have the dreaded yellow ball, because no one wanted to be the person who lost it and lost the double points for the team. Although the day started quite fresh, it soon turned into what would be a beautiful summer’s day in the UK. Many players stripped off layers of clothing very quickly as the sun’s heat intensified and it made a lovely change to be warm rather than the multiple layers needed on Tuesday.

The wining team were as follows: 1st David Gregson, Ian R Pegg, Gordon White and

Eurogolf, La Marquesa FC TORREVIEJA...................................................

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