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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
local NEWS UPDATE...... San Fulgencio
The Mayor of San Fulgencio, Carlos Ramirez and the Councillor for the Urbanisations, Jeff Wiszniewski, delivered to José María Manresa Navarro school, a cheque for 300€ and packets of school supplies to 400 children thanks to the money raised during the Christmas craft market held in early December. Another part of the profits of the market, in which many residents of the urbanisations participated, was donated to families with little resources and in addition, a group of women decided to give all of their takings to buy books for the school library
Mazarrón
The usual Brit habit of taking a New Year’s Day dip in the sea was well supported at the Playa Bahia, Mazarrón – a much more clement venue than anywhere in the British Isles on that day! This slightly daft but very praiseworthy practice was in aid of PALS Café Fund, which will go, in conjunction with the Lions, towards buying an additional ambulance for the benefit of locals. Around 300 spectators watched as the 18 swimmers, many of whom were in fancy dress, ran into the sea. There was the usual chicken outfit, men in tights, outrageous wigs, and this year, a magnificent portrayal of (not!) Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, originally played by Linda Baron in the comedy sit-com Open All Hours. It is hoped that this year’s event will raise well over 1,000€. For more information about PALS and their future fundraising activities go to PALS Mazarón.
Javea
Javea Port Market is the venue for the Harvest Store, a recently opened Centre for food hand-outs for needy families – at present it is estimated that they are helping some 61 families. This is an undertaking by Peter and Tricia Cox, who rely on the generosity of members of the public to donate food at various ‘Drop in a Box’ sites around the town, and on the practical help of volunteers. Peter and Tricia estimate that a standard food basket costs around 11€. Peter said ‘This week we will need 429€, which will provide a basket for 39 families. We have to have a regular income of approximately 500€ to 600€ a week, but if we are to help everybody, and we need a regular income.’ The Drop in a Box scheme has been running successfully for 30 months, and generous support has been forthcoming from the Iceland Supermarket, as well as one marvellous lady supporter had purchased nine trolleys full of food and also donated a fridge-freezer. Harvest Store had been launched to try and fill the gap as Javea’s Red Cross and Caritas are struggling to cope with growing numbers of desperate people of all nationalities, including British. They are referred to the Harvest Store by the El Faro Baptist Church, Social Services, and the charity Guardian Angels – which supports single parent families. The Store provides not only food but also a stock of children’s clothing and donated toys, many of them brand new. Regretably the Store does not provide regular supplies of baby commodities unless it has them donated, due to the price of purchasing them. Peter is an ordained minister and a teacher at Xabia International College, and both he and Tricia run Mosaic Ministries, which has a number of initiatives projected for 2013 to help families and homeless people. The Harvest Store has been given permission to stage a weekly ‘rastro’ at Javea Port Market on Mondays, starting at the end of January or early February. Anyone wishing to donate food can do so at the store itself or at Fiesta Crafts, Javea, the Benitachell Arts Centre, or at Iceland Supermarket. Cash donations are also much needed, and can be made via Pay Pal at the website www.MosaicSpain.com
Torrevieja
It seems that the Torrevieja Ayuntamiento might have made a New Year resolution to get on with development of the new Market area! The planned site, near the Parque Antonio Soria, has been designated for the traditional Friday street market, which presently takes place beside the Torrevieja’s Bus Station, and is Spain’s largest Friday Market. However, despite its size and success, the location is not suitable for a number of reasons: It is a predominantly urban area with significant traffic congestion on market
MPs caught playing Scrabble during regional parliament meeting on the health service
Two politicians have been caught on camera playing Scrabble on their mobile phones during a regional parliamentary conference in Madrid about the privatisation of the health service in the capital. Bartolomé González and María Isabel Redondo, both MPs on the PP, were challenging each other to Scrabble when the decision to privatise six hospitals was made – a decision that has already led to the resignation of 150 doctors and a protest involving 300 medical professionals and members of the public. The two MPs were playing the game in French, as was revealed by the photograph taken by reporter Álvaro García from the national newspaper El País, which caused
them extreme embarrassment on social networks when it went viral that same day. González, on his Twitter page, immediately published the message: “A thousand apologies. There’s no excuse.” Redondo, on her own Twitter page, added a similar message minutes later: “I very much regret what happened. There is no excuse. And of course, it will not happen again. I’m sorry.” This was followed by: “After many years of parliamentary activity, I have made a mistake which is out of character for me.” The PP says it ‘regrets what happened’ and will ask for explanations about the two MPs’ ‘attitude’ before they make any decision on how to deal with the matter.
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days, the inconvenience caused to residents, and the near impossibility of clearing the area in case of an emergency in the market. The new site will have 5,000 parking spaces and easy access for buses and cars, plus more space for stalls, and has easy access from the city and the N332. It will also be suitable for the staging of other cultural events, and will have two service buildings, a police checkpoint, a medical emergency room, management zones, container area, cafe, toilets and other facilities. It will be landscaped, including a woodland, and embellished with garden ornaments. It seems that the hold up in construction was primarily due to having to design special drainage channels to take flood rainwater. It is expected that the site will be ready in time for the 2013 May Fair, which has outgrown its present site next to the Harbour. So far the Department of Infrastructure has invested a total of 5,328,885.60€. in the development.
Gandia
Children at the Preventorio Infantil de Gandia had a wonderful surprise for the Three Kings celebration when they were each given a card and present containing a 10€ note. 50 children attend the Preventorio, which is run by nuns, with a few volunteers. This was a result of an idea from 8 year old Sean McConnachie, who had the bright idea of a ‘Kids for Kids’ fund, and set about selling calendars for the cause with the help of his parents, Ian and Dr Birgit McConnachie. His Dad said ‘We are so very, very proud of him – he has enjoyed his Christmas presents and is now looking forward to giving presents to the children at Gandia. The whole idea was about Kids for Kids and he wants to put a smile on the faces of every one of them.’ Sean’s idea and initiative has resulted in a magnificent 6,000€, a truly remarkable sum.
Murcia
According to Murcia Today, the Murcian property market has shown an overall decline of 7.2% for new properties in towns and cities, according to a 6 month survey by 4,000 property professionals in 400 municipalities. This figure does not take into account the sometimes massive price drops made by banks seeking of offload repossessed properties, so-called ‘toxic’ properties. Larger falls have been seen in coastal and holiday properties, where developers have simply run out of money to complete projects, or owners have been forced for one reason or another to abandon their dreams. The domestic market for residential flats in cities and towns remained relatively buoyant, though lack of liquidity for mortgages and fears of unemployment have started to drive down the price per metre for residential flats. During 2012 the price of new residential city and large town property officially fell by 6.9% throughout Spain according to the Valuation Society, the Sociedad de Tasación, who predict that prices will continue to fall during 2013. They report that the price of property has actually declined by 33.5% from maximum levels in 2007, putting the price of housing now at the same levels as it was at the beginning of 2003. The study has been carried out on an annual basis since 1985, and data is released every six months. Information is supplied by 4,000 real estate professionals, and based on the valuations of 68,000 properties in 400 municipalities. The figures relate to 50 capital cities from each of the Spanish provinces, 21 cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants, 50 cities of more than 50,000 people and 73 towns with a population of over 25,000 people. The principal conclusions were: The price of a new flat in the major capitals was 2.212 euros per square metre, pricing a regular 90m2 apartment at 199.100 euros, a decline of 6.9% as opposed to December 2011. The biggest fall was seen in cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants, with prices in 8 capital cities falling by more than 10%. San Sebastián, Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid are the most expensive cities, with prices well above the average of 2.212 per metre, whilst in others such as Murcia, Cáceres, Badajoz, Pontevedra, Jaén, Cuenca, Lugo and Ciudad Real, the prices are well under 1.400 euros per square metre.
Benitachell
Children in the EMAUS home were overjoyed by this year’s Three Kings visit. Friends of the Children of EMAUS President Carole Saunders said that thanks to charity donations she and her team were able to go on a 1,300€ shopping spree to ensure that the children had a festive feast. The money was donated by Benitachell Charity Shop, while a further gift of 1,500€ from the Freemasons will go towards buying winter coats and shoes, taking advantage of the January sales period. The fund was further swelled by a toy drive run by the charity. Carole said ‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and support in 2012 and wish them a Happy New Year.’
Orihuela
Canny residents of Orihuela have discovered an easy way to avoid paying taxes – by counterfeiting No Parking signs! The signs in question are the official Council issued No Parking signs that are given to residents who have paid for them to be put outside their entrances, or Vados. Apparently no-one has been specifically detailed to collect the annual fees, and Government spokesman Pedro Mancebo, estimates that in Orihuela alone they are losing an estimated 80,000€ per year! The whole system seems to be in a state of shambles, with some residents having paid their fee even though they never received final authorisation to put a Vado and others who have been paying for years but who have never received updated signs. Torrevieja Town Hall has been the target of much criticism when they tried to charge house owners 80€ to have access to their driveway over a pavement. Councillor for Town Planning, Antonio Zapata is working on a modification of the ‘tax ordinance regulating the entry fee for vehicles through the sidewalks,’ but Pedro Mancebo refused to be drawn on exactly what these modifications would be.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Elderly Homeowner Locks Fake Gas Inspectors In Her House and Calls Police
Two bogus gas inspectors who stole jewellery from an elderly lady got more than they bargained for when their victim locked them in her house and called the police. They called round at the house in Vilassar de Dalt (Barcelona) the week before Christmas, claiming they were from the gas board, showing convincing-looking identity cards. But the old lady was still suspicious about whether they were real and kept an eye on them as they ‘inspected’ her gas fittings. They told her to sign forms which looked like blank invoices, saying they would fill them in later after they had left. Just at that moment, the woman noticed that one of the gas inspectors was missing and caught him coming down the stairs out of the corner of her eye. She also saw that the bedroom had been left open. Locking the door so they could not get out, the pensioner checked her room and saw that various items of jewellery had been stolen. She immediately called the Local Police, who arrested the men. One of them had managed to get away but was handcuffed and put in a cell when he later turned up at the police station to ask about the welfare of his friend. They have been identified as Carlos Javier A.S., 26, a Cuban national living in Montcada i Reixac (Barcelona) and José P.D., 37, a Spaniard from L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona).
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Mother And Infant Found Dead From Possible Carbon Dioxide Poisoning In Mar Menor Flat
A 10-month-old baby and his mother have been found dead in their apartment in San Javier (Murcia) and the child’s grandmother has been hospitalised. Emergency services say none of the victims bore any signs of violence, and they believe they may have perished as a result of a gas leak. Ambulance services and police were alerted at just after 22.00hrs on Boxing Day by a man who said he had not heard from his ex-partner or their son in three days and that he was standing by their front door but they were not answering the bell – even though all the lights in the house were on. Local Police broke into the house and called out an ambulance staffed by paramedics when they found the infant and his mother dead and the grandmother unconscious, but still breathing. The grandmother was taken to Los Arcos del Mar Menor hospital and her condition has been stabilised. At first glance, emergency services suspect carbon dioxide poisoning from the heater, but a post-mortem will need to be carried out to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Rajoy: “2013 will be a rocky road”
Spain’s president has warned of ‘tough times ahead’ for 2013 with even more ‘sacrifices’ on the part of the general public on the cards. Although Mariano Rajoy still insists the country will not need a European bail-out, he has not ruled this out in the future if necessary. Spending power will reduce even further this year, particularly in the first six months, and up to half a million redundancies will be made throughout the country this year. With already a third of Spain’s less welloff regions, such as the Canary Islands, Andalucía and Extremadura, below the poverty line, the situation is set to worsen this year. But Rajoy insists that the second half of 2013 will see a slow recovery and by 2014,
new jobs will start being created. He stresses that he does not intend to increase IVA this year or next – it having already gone up from 18 to 21 per cent this year, after rising from 16 to 18 per cent in 2010 under the previous government – nor raise State pension age beyond 67 years. The president has also pledged to reduce income tax to its former levels in 2014, after it jumped by over a third in 2012. Yet a recent report from Oxfam says that in less than a decade, four in 10 people in Spain will be living in actual poverty. Based upon previous economic downturns in Asia and South and Cëntral America, the charity says if austerity measures continue for much longer they could cause ‘serious damage’ and a ‘drastic increase’ in ‘social exclusion and poverty’.
Retirement age to rise to 67 in stages from January 1 State pension age will gradually rise to 67 as from Tuesday, January 1, says the Spanish government. Anyone born in or after 1948 – who will turn 65 in 2013 – will be affected by the change, and anyone born in or after 1960 – who will be 53 this coming year – will not be allowed to retire before they turn 67. Only those workers who have been paying Social Security – or had it paid by their employers – for a full 38 years will get their pensions between age 65 and 67 on a sliding scale until the year 2027. On the plus side, where workers’ wages for the last 15 years before they retired were taken as an average for calculating their State pension, from the start of 2013 this will rise to 25 years. It means that if a soon-to-be pensioner
has been unemployed for some time towards the end of his or her working life, this is less likely to have such a negative impact on their eventual earnings when they give up their jobs. The increase from 15 to 25 years will be gradual – one additional year between now and the end of 2022. Only those over age 55 who have lost their jobs rather than leaving them voluntarily, or self-employed persons who have spent a year or more being unable to pay their Social Security due to ceasing their activities temporarily due to financial problems or lack of work will be eligible to use more than 15 years to calculate their retirement pension. Those who chose to give up work for a time after age 55 will be restricted to 15 years.
Civil servants to work nine to five
Public sector employees will see a large chunk of their freedom curtailed from the start of next year as their working hours are set to get longer and their lunch hours and time off reduced. They will be expected to work 37 hours a day, normally 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs with half an hour for lunch, but this may be flexible and allow certain employees to start work at 07.30hrs or finish at 18.30hrs, depending upon their role. In no cases will they be allowed a three-hour lunch break, and extra time off for ‘personal matters’ – such as renewing identity cards or driving licences – will be limited to three days a year. At least half of their annual leave will have to be taken between mid-June and mid-September, and they will lose half a day’s pay for every day off sick from the fifth day onwards unless they have a doctor’s note. The new rules are based on the fact that no staff member should lose ‘spending power’ due to a ‘normal’ number of sick days for an otherwise, generally healthy worker, but that this way it prevents excessive days off.
spain’s first baby of 2013 arrives at 30 seconds past midnight
The first baby of 2013 was born in Tortosa (Tarragona) at 30 seconds past midnight on January 1 – pipping baby number two, David, at the post. Little Gerard is the first child of mum Montse Espinosa, 34, a laboratory worker, and the second child of Lluís Vendrell, 43, who works for a fertiliser company. Lluís said he was thrilled to be able to witness the birth of his new son, who weighed 3.8 kilos (around 8lb), since his first child was born by Caesarian section, meaning he was unable to be present. They had rushed to hospital at around 09.00hrs on New Year’s Eve when Montse started suffering contractions, and both said Gerard was ‘the best possible New Year present’. The second baby in Spain of this year is David, a tiny 1.8 kilos (4lb) who was born to María Rosa Navarro Ortega, 23, and Simón Cagua Guerrero, 33, in the Francesc de Borja hospital in Gandia (Valencia). The first babies in Castellón and in the province of Alicante have Moroccan mothers – Rayhana, the first baby girl along with Blanca in Ronda (Málaga) and Nigerian infant Rachael in Sevilla, came along at 00.15hrs in Castellón city and baby Amir was born at 00.47hrs in Dénia (Alicante). The first baby in Murcia was Oriol, a little boy who arrived at 00.15hrs – the same time as Candela, in Vigo, the first baby for Galicia and 10 minutes before the first one in Navarra. In the Balearic Islands, the first baby born was Albania, to Bolivian parents, but she was somewhat later than the others as she arrived at 03.57hrs. Many of 2013’s first babies were born to foreign parents – Eythem, the third of the year, in Madrid, has a Peruvian mum and Maikel, the first in the Basque Country, has a Bolivian mother and father.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Train services covering 52% of routes to be replaced with buses
Spain’s government has decided to eliminate mediumdistance train lines and replace them with buses to save money. The move will affect transport networks across the country and is expected to save 51 million euros. According to Mariano Rajoy’s cabinet, some 52 per cent of trains cover routes used by just 16 per cent of passengers. The ministry of public works says it costs them an average of 371 euros per ticket to run these services, against an average ticket price of 11 euros. But as medium-distance trains – those covering routes of approximately 100 kilometres or less – are mainly used by commuters, the dramatic fall in employment figures in the past five years is largely what has led to the reduction in passenger numbers. And many local and regional governments have been clamouring for years for more, rather than fewer, train services. These include the longawaited Alicante-Valencia rail link along the coast. Regional governments will be permitted to continue running train lines they consider to be important, but at their own cost. Concerning the cutbacks already made and yet to come, Rajoy has warned the general public that 2013 will be ‘a very difficult year’ but that the State ‘must persevere with its reforms’. • Depardieu ‘now a Russian citizen’... Actor Gerard Depardieu, who has been involved in a furious tax row with the French government, is granted Russian citizenship, the Kremlin says. • Turkish ex-military boss arrested... Former Turkish army chief Gen Ismail Hakki Karadayi is held over a 1997 coup which ousted a pro-Islamist government. • Organ donor scandal hits Germany... Prosecutors investigate an organ donor scandal in the east German city of Leipzig in which doctors allegedly manipulated a waiting list for livers.
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Spain agrees Parador hotels cuts
photo: huelva24.com
Disabled cyclist rides 2,000 kilometres around Spain on a hand-pedalled bike A disabled man whose leg does not work as a result of a rare hereditary disease is touring the whole of Spain on a hand-bike. Sergio Martín, from Huelva in south-western Spain, is due to start his 2,000-kilometre tour this week, pedalling only with his hands. He will cover cycle routes throughout the entire country. The plucky biker lost the use of most of his right leg due to a condition known as Perthes’ Syndrome, which causes necrosis in the head of the femur and severe arthritis in the hip, reducing movement by 90 per cent. It means he is unable to walk more
than a few metres, cannot run and cannot ride a conventional bike. But constant training means he is able to easily cover a fair distance on a hand-bike, which is steered, pedalled, and the brakes operated and gears changed, using hands only. “People with disabilities should concentrated on their abilities,” he quips. “Instead of focusing on what we cannot do which able-bodied people can, we should focus on the things we can do, despite our condition. “This is the only way we can enjoy a normal life – and especially our leisure activities, free time and sports.”
The Spanish government is closing one of its Parador hotels and laying off 350 staff, after reaching agreement with unions. The chain of 94 hotels in converted castles, mansions and monasteries dates back to 1926. The government announced plans in November to close seven hotels and cut 644 staff, but has reduced that after strikes and negotiations with unions. The only site to close will be Puerto Lumbreras in southern Spain. The state-run Paradores de Turismo lost 77m euros ($101m; £62m) in 2011. Its occupancy rates has fallen from 70% in 2007 to 52% last year. The company said it expected its losses to have widened to 107m euros in 2012, despite cost-cutting measures. Parador staff have held a series of strikes in recent weeks, including on 31 December and 1 January. Although only one hotel will close completely, about 30 others will close for between two and four months each year, down from the originally planned five month closures. About 15 of the chain’s restaurants will also be closed. Spain has the highest level of unemployment in the eurozone, but tourism remains one of its few growth sectors. Nonetheless, the sector has not been immune from job losses, with the airline Iberia in talks with unions about cutting 4,500 jobs.
Anti-AIDS vaccine discovered in Barcelona hospital A vaccine which holds back HIV developing into AIDS has been devised by scientists in Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic, who say this is ‘just the start’ in the ongoing search for a cure. The jab’s effects last 12 months, meaning it will need to be repeated, but will lessen the need for HIVpositive patients to take immune-boosting drugs. These have to be taken for life and are expensive, difficult to acquire outside western civilisation and can have unpleasant side-effects as well as causing long-term, permanent damage. A 19-year-old girl in Madrid infected at birth by her mother – who died when she was two – says medication left her with broken bones on one occasion because it stripped the calcium from her body. Such drugs are in themselves a massive step forward for a condition that guaranteed premature death just 30 years ago, but for the majority of sufferers – who live in the third world – access to them is limited or non-existent. But a vaccine is cheap and longer-lasting, say
researchers behind the discovery. “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close,” says Dr Josep María Gatell, head of the infectious illnesses department at Hospital Clínic, who calls the achievement ‘a very significant step’ towards the ultimate aim, that of eradicating HIV and AIDS altogether. Around 150,000 people in Spain – of whom 30,000 live in Catalunya, Barcelona’s region – are HIV positive. Worldwide, the figure is in excess of 30 million. In poor and developing countries, blood transfusions and needle-sharing among
drug-users are frequent causes, and lack of available birth control means many mothers in these nations – particularly African countries – pass the condition on to their children in the womb. This is more frequent in primitive cultures where women are considered subordinate to men and expected to serve them sexually without question, or where promiscuity is the norm. In the western world, HIV is more likely to be sexuallytransmitted, with infected men having a 90 per cent risk of passing on the condition and infected women 10 per
cent.
Whilst once considered to be almost exclusively a disease affecting gay men, heterosexual women are just as much at risk and figures in recent years have shown that there are more HIVpositive women who have had a high number of casual sexual partners without using protection than HIVpositive homosexual men. But huge progress in the last 30 years means it is even possible for a man and woman to have a baby free of HIV where one or both of the parents are infected.
• UK’s first hand transplant operation... A former pub landlord from West Yorkshire is making “good progress” after becoming the first person in the UK to have a hand transplant • Croatia plans Cyrillic signs for Serbs in Vukovar... Croatia says it will introduce signs in both Latin and Cyrillic scripts to respect Serb rights in the town of Vukovar, which was devastated by Croat-Serb fighting in 1991. • Basque nationalists Batasuna disband French party... Basque nationalist group Batasuna has announced it is closing down its party in France.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Men Charged With Polop Double Murder Face 76 Years In Jail Two men accused of the brutal murder of a woman and her eight-year-old son in Polop (Alicante) are facing sentences totalling 76 years. The high court of justice hear that the victim, 26, who lived with her little son in a flat above a garage, had been in a shortlived relationship with José María Z. B., who owned and worked in the premises along with Hassan F.S., and that she had decided to end it after a few months and move out. Both the accused men are then said to have broken into the flat, where José María Z.B. is said to have found the eight-year-old asleep on the sofa and belted him at least six times over the head with a heavy axe, causing his instant death. At the same time, Hassan F.S. began to stab the woman with a carving knife while she tried to escape, before he was joined by José María Z.B., who beat her with the axe. Her body presented at least 25 wounds from each of the murder weapons. The woman’s ex-boyfriend and the man who killed the child is facing 20 years in
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jail for each of the two murders, whilst the prosecution service has called for 18 years for his accomplice for each of the crimes. They may also have to pay 480,000 euros in compensation to the girl’s parents, since they have launched civil action against the two men. Hassan E.S. was caught just a few days after the crime, which occurred in July 2011, but the second man was on the run for some months before being arrested. José María Z.B.’s family have presented an appeal on the grounds of ‘anomalies’ in the evidence collected and the reconstruction of the incident. A court in La Vila Joiosa (Alicante) is also investigating whether the defence ‘manipulated’ recorded telephone conversations to hide evidence. This is the second violent murder in Polop in the last three years, the former being mayor Alejandro Ponsoda, who was killed in a drive-by shoot-out on his doorstep, leaving a wife and two daughters in their 20s, one of whom was pregnant with his grandchild.
Electricity to go up again in January Electricity bills are set to go up yet again in January – this time by three per cent. This follows the recent bidding between electricity companies – which in reality are brand names who buy the supply from Iberdrola – closed with an increase of six per cent. Half of this will be added to bills for consumption, and the other half pays the government for installations. This increase is said to be ‘in line with upward-rising tendencies in the electricity market in the last few weeks’, caused by new taxes applied to the sector which include a seven-percent levy on production of nuclear power, gas, combustible fuel and carbon. Consumer associations say all this will mean an across-the-board three-per-cent increase on utility bills, but the ministry of industry insists that it will only apply to those who use 10 per cent or more above the average consumption. The price rises are an attempt to mop up the deficit in the industry, which is currently two billion euros above the permitted 1.5 billion and could even be 1.2 million more if the central government does not agree to meet the costs of grid installations for parts of Spain off the mainland. Minister of industry José Manuel Soria says the government hopes to claw back three billion next year as a result of the price increase.
60% Of The Workforce Earns Less Than 12 Months Ago
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Six in ten workers have less income than they did a year ago, according to a leading consumer association. Among those people in Spain who still have jobs or self-employed work, only just over a third are on the same salary as they were at the end of 2011. A further 63% have seen a drop in their income, with one in 10 workers losing over 20% and one in three losing between one and 10%. Pensioners are also, in 44% of cases, in receipt of much lower amounts than they were 12 months previously, according to research by consumer protection group
OCU. The organisation says these cuts in wages are affecting consumer spending, which is what keeps the economy afloat, traders in business, and employees in jobs. Some of the workers have lower income due to pay cuts by their firms, and others because of the loss of traditional Christmas and summer extra salaries and other complements and bonuses contained within their monthly payslip, such as those for travelling, danger supplements, or for special skills or qualifications such as being a graduate or language abilities.
www.soltimes.com report & photo: bbc.co.uk
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Spain’s King Juan Carlos admits ‘hurt’ at economic fate King Juan Carlos of Spain has given a rare television interview on the eve of his 75th birthday. In it, he expressed his “hurt” at the number of young Spaniards forced to emigrate by economic difficulties. The interview comes after a difficult year for the Spanish royal family. King Juan Carlos has had to apologise for going elephant hunting in Botswana at the height of the financial crisis, while his son-in-law has been at the centre of a corruption investigation. “One of the things that is most concerning and is in the mind of many Spaniards is the lack of jobs that leads millions of families to be unable to live with dignity and forces young people to leave Spain to look for work,” he said, adding that the situation “pained him”.
“It hurts me a lot,” he told Spanish national television station TVE. The BBC’s Tom Burridge, in Madrid, says that the interview was a pitch to the Spanish people at a time when the popularity of the royal family is in decline. Our correspondent adds that the mere fact that the King gave an interview shows that there is some concern in royal circles about the future of Spain’s royal family. Republicanism is still a potent force in Spain, less than 40 years after the end of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. In the interview the king reminded his audience how he had smoothed the transition to democracy and how far, during his 37-year rule, the country had come.
“I would like to be remembered as the king who has united Spaniards, that with him democracy and the monarchy have been recovered,” he said, adding that “liberty” was a word for which he hoped he would be remembered. There were no questions in the interview about the corruption scandal in which his son-in-law, a former handball international, now the Duke Of Palma, was mired. He has been accused of misusing funds donated to a foundation he administered, allegations he denies. Nor was the King asked about the public apology he made after criticism of his trip to Africa while his country’s economic crisis was at its height. El Pais, wrote in an editorial on Thursday that
“the royal palace has launched in recent months a studious marketing operation to improve the image of the king”. Just two weeks ago, King Juan Carlos had appealed to Spaniards to have confidence in themselves and their country in his annual Christmas speech. “We cannot ignore that there is pessimism, and that its effects are felt in the social climate we are living in,” he said, after a year of mass street demonstrations and two general strikes. Of all the measures to combat the crisis, he said “the main stimulus that will get us out of this crisis is called confidence”.
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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
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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
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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
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
HARMONISER’S CARITAS DASH!
music with mark Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track is the soundtrack album from the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta. Released on November 15th 1977 on Polydor Records the album cemented the disco phenomenon which was exploding on both sides of the Atlantic in the mid seventies. In the United States, the album was certified 15x Platinum for shipments of over 15 million copies. The album stayed atop the album charts for 24 straight weeks from January to July 1978, and stayed on Billboard’s album charts for 120
weeks until March 1980. In the UK, the album spent 18 consecutive weeks at number one.
Along with the success of the movie, the soundtrack, composed and performed primarily by The Bee Gees, Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, it became the bestselling soundtrack album of all time (it was later surpassed by Whitney Houston’s soundtrack to The Bodyguard). The cultural impact of Saturday Night Fever in the United States was tremendous. The Bee Gees had originally written and recorded the five original songs for the film, “Stayin’ Alive”, “Night Fever” and “How Deep Is Your Love”, “More Than a Woman” (performed in the film in two different versions—one version by Tavares, and another by the Bee Gees) and “If I Can’t Have You” (performed in the movie by Yvonne Elliman) as part of a
The Harmoniser’s held their 6th Annual concert last November at Teatro Rojales. As usual it was a great success and hugely enjoyed by all. The proceeds from the show went to buying non-perishable food for the Rojales Charity CARITAS, to help the homeless and needy of Rojales. After a successful Trolley dash in a local supermarket, helped by Harmoniser’s wives, they delivered the food to Maria Terasa Saef, who is in charge of the distribution. The Harmoniser’s would like to thank the kind customers at Super Valu, Campo de Golf, for their generosity in digging into their own purses to swell funds
for the large shopping list! The Harmoniser’s wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year and hope to see you all soon at one of their appearances. Male singers are always invited to come along for a listen and a laugh at their rehearsals every Tuesday afternoon, between 1.30pm and 4pm at Restaurante Rosales, along the Lemon Tree Road, Guardamar. If you are interested in 4 part acapella Harmony singing, why not come along - meet new friends and experience a fascinating new hobby. Visit the website www.theharmonisers.com or call 96 671 3342 PHOTO BY KRISTOFF
of all time.
survey held by British television’s Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time. Although not a great fan of disco music in general the album is a memorable piece of music history. The tracks are still played at parties, discos etc and will remain to do so for many more years to come.
regular album. They had no idea at the time they would be making a soundtrack, and say that; basically, they lost an album in the process. Two previously released Bee Gees songs “Jive Talkin’” and “You Should Be Dancing” were also included on the soundtrack. Other previously released songs from the disco era round out the music in the movie. In addition to the Bee Gees’ score, additional incidental music was composed and adapted by Producer David Shire. Three of Shire’s cues “Manhattan Skyline”, “Night on Disco Mountain” (based on the classical piece “Night on Bald Mountain”) and “Salsation” are included on the soundtrack album as well. The soundtrack also won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. In 1994, the soundtrack was re-released on CD
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
through Polydor Records. The album was recently re-released on Reprise Records, as part of the Bee Gees’ regaining control of their master tapes. In 2003, the album was ranked number 131 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums
The soundtrack hit the Number 1 spot on Billboard Music Chart’s Pop Album and Soul Album Charts. In 2003 the TV network VH1 named it the 57th greatest album of all time. Saturday Night Fever – The Original Movie Soundtrack was ranked 80th in a 2005
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
The Royal British Legion in Spain, District North MONEY DISTRIBUTION - POPPY APPEAL - UPDATE Following various queries as to where the monies raised in Spain goes to for the Poppy Appeal, I have sought confirmation from the District Chairman of the R.B.L. His response is below Ian C Wilson, President, Ex Servicemen’s Association of Mazarrón District (ESAMD). Dear Ian, ALL the monies raised in Spain are used here for our beneficiaries. At the end of each year, whatever surplus is left in our Welfare Fund, is returned to the UK as it earns much higher interest there. This is the same for ALL Overseas Branches around the world, however, that money is always available for us should we need it. Obviously, it would not make sense to keep building up a huge surplus here. For instance, last year we raised over €134,000.00 and to date have given out around €80,000.00 so when this year´s collection is added in, the surplus from last year is returned to the UK. Although the majority of beneficiaries here are elderly, there have been a sprinkling of younger claimants. Please thank your members for all their hard work and efforts in collecting for the Appeal this year. I will be announcing the Poppy total in January but it already looks like another record breaker. Thank you Chris Wyatt. Chairman, The Royal British Legion in Spain, District North
WELCOME GROUP UPDATE The Welcome Group from Camposol went to Benidorm this year for Christmas. This is the first time that the group has been away for the Christmas period and proved very popular as two coaches were fully booked. The group stayed at the Helios Hotel for the 4 nights on full board including the Gala Christmas Lunch. By the feedback the group has received everybody enjoyed themselves and many have already put their name down for Christmas 2013. Welcome now look forward to 2013 with a games night on January 9th and then a tribute night with Buddy Holly, The Everlys, Roy Orbison, etc on January 23rd just 8 Euros and then a romantic Valentines night on February 14th bringing back The Jazz Singer, Gene Pitney and the big man with the big voice Matt Christian. 10 Euros. All these events are held at Marianos restaurant,Camposol. For more details contact Rosemary 620 105 179
Lady Golfers in Red & Black
go mad - mazarron update
NEEDED - JEWELLERY & BEADED/WOODEN CURTAINS
...including broken ones, are needed for future Women´s Craft Wo r k s h o p s!M ay b e you have Craft/Sewing talents & skills that GOmaD does not ´yet´ have! Then come & share your GOD given talent & Help Make A Difference to someone´s life. Every Tuesday 11am-1pm, Camposol A, Lower Car Park one of GOmaD Vans will be parked awaiting your donations. For larger items or Furniture/ House Clearances - call 634 357 137 for collection. 25% of the Nation is recorded as unemployed – there is a much higher percentage unknown! Many of GOmaDs clients have been unemployed for 3years & with the increasing crisis, hope is hard to find.GOmaD wants to continue to Make A Difference – Please Help us achieve this. For more information on our Work in the Community: Call 634 357 137 See our Facebook Page for update information: madmazarron or contact us via email: madmazarron@live.com GOmaD Charity Shop: C/Carmen 8, Mazarron - 634 321 161 When Life´s heartfelt experiences are spilled out – we want them to know that no judgmentwill be made & the same caring faces are there when help is necessary. This is why at GOmaD, a consistent team is vital. If you would like to be one of these regular faces – then please let Amanda know & join our invaluable Outreach Team. If ´face to face´ is not for you, then there are numerous behind the scenes; GOmaD jobs that will Help ´Make A Difference´.
Christian Humanitarian Aid Charity in the Mazarron (Murcia) & Surrounding area
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In December, Hacienda del Alamo Golf Club held their ladies’ annual Christmas competition. The golfers all dressed in red and black, wore a Christmas hat and had mince pies and brandy half way round the course. The golf competition
was supported by 65 ladies and 80 people attended lunch. A charity raffle at the lunch raised 585 Euros, which they donated to HELP Murcia Mar Menor. Bernard Ash, the President of HELP Murcia Mar Menor, accepted the money raised from Marilynn Pearce at HELP’s office on Friday 21st December. The donation was much appreciated and will be a welcome addition to HELP MMM’s funds. Photos: Bernard Ash receiving the cheque from Marilynn Pearce; Two ladies from La Manga Club and two ladies from the German Society in Torrievieja.
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
high street shops to choose when to hold ‘sales’ Shops can now hold their sales whenever they like without having to wait for January 7 or the summer months as in the past. They can also put up signs saying Rebajas (‘Sales’) at any time of the year. The central government has decided to relax the rules in a bid to boost business yearround, and has also agreed that shops in areas popular with tourists – such as on the
coast or in parts of big cities – can open whenever they wish. Sales can be held when the retailer considers it will most benefit them, meaning that shops which change their stock up to six times a year can put the end-ofline goods on display at discounted prices when they switch over. The move will take place
from January 1, meaning many shops will have already started their sales on January 2 in the hope of shifting more stock with the Three Kings celebrations and present-giving on the night of January 5. Trading associations say retailers may be reluctant to do so this early, however, for fear of getting fined by local authorities who have not heard the news, or because
Can you sell ice to an Eskimo?
they fear they will have nothing to offer customers weeks later. January to March inclusive are normally the worst months of the year in terms of profit and purchase figures, which is why the sales are normally on after Christmas. But if those have already started ahead of the rest of the high street, retailers may fear they will struggle to attract business by standing out from the others towards the end of the quarter, say the associations. However, they believe shops will eventually get used to the idea as time passes.
Spain extradites convicted killer of Serbian Prime minister
A court in Spain has approved the extradition of a man convicted of killing former Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic in 2003, according to a report by the BBC News Team. Vladimir Milisavljevic was detained in Valencia last February, together with three other alleged members of a feared Serbian criminal gang, Zemun. He had been convicted in absentia in 2007 of conspiring to kill Mr Djindjic, who was shot by a sniper in March 2003. Milisavljevic has also been convicted of 14 other murders and two abductions. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison by a court in Serbia for the part he played in the assassination of the proWestern prime minister. Eleven others were convicted at the same trial. Prosecutors argued that Mr Djindjic had been targeted because of his decision to send ex-Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to be tried on war crimes charges in The Hague, and for his attempts to crack down on organised crime. The Zemun gang, in which Milisavljevic was allegedly a senior member, was born out of Arkan’s Tigers, a Serbian paramilitary unit which gained a reputation for brutality during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Despite the assassination in 2000 of its leader, Arkan, the group is alleged to have become one of the most powerful organised criminal gangs in Serbia. Milisavljevic was detained along with the alleged gang leader, Luka Bojovic, and two others. The group were carrying guns and a large sum in cash. One of the four has already been extradited while the case against Bojovic is pending.
Gales force rescue of 1,000 skiers stranded on slopes
Around 1,000 skiers had to be airlifted to safety when gale-forced winds left them trapped on the piste. Staff at the ski station in Panticosa (Huesca) had to shut down the ski lifts for safety reasons, meaning those who were still out on the slopes could not get down.
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The regional ski resort company, Aramón – which owns the stations throughout the provinces of Huesca, Teruel and Zaragoza – said winds reached over 110 kilometres per hour, making it dangerous to be out
on the piste and even more so to use the lifts. All 1,000 of them left the slopes and sought refuge in the cafés and restaurants at the resort, where they were attended to by staff until rescue workers could carry them back to terra firma. Guardia Civil officers and members of the Civil Protection squad, together with employees from the ski station, brought them down to the base in groups of 50. Nobody has been reported as being injured.
The Beacon of Light
Centre for Spiritual Awareness
Meetings held every Wednesday from 7pm - approx 8.30pm The Old School House Canadas del Romero dates for Our guest mediums:
January 9th ~ Debbie Blevins January 16th ~ Morag Bullock For more info please call 620 877 326 www.beaconoflightmurcia.webs.com email: beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com Healing is available after the service by request. Funding for the meetings will be raised by donations collected during the evening... Join us on Facebook: Beacon of Light Murcia
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
www.soltimes.com
Another Fantastic Night at the Races
NEW YEAR CONCERT 2013...
INTERNATIONAL AUDITORIUM, TORREVIEJA ~ SUNDAY 6TH JANUARY A glorious sunset over the city of Torrevieja, greeted Sunday’s evening audience, making it’s way into the magnificent building that is Torrevieja’s, International Music Auditorium. Under the baton of Director / Conductor Jose’ Francisco Sa’nchez, the Torrevieja Symphonic Orchestra took a musical tour through Vienna, courtesy of Messrs Brahms and Tchaikovsky, and of course, Johan and Josef Strauss. Pizzicato and Tic-Tac Polka, along with a waltz or two were all there. A short boat ride down
Wednesday saw Kenz Bar in San Luis hold their first race night of the year in aid of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre. Ken and Jan have become tremendous supporters of the Rescue Centre and last year they held several Race Nights in aid of the Foundation. David Feest was on hand to accept a cheque for 1,000 Euros for the money raised and to thank all the regulars who have helped to raise this amazing amount over the past year. David said, “It is down to the generosity of Kenz Bar and customers who are willingly to host such events on our behalf that our rescue and rehabilitation work continues. Both Ken and Jan always work hard to make the evenings run without a hitch and we look forward to many more nights’ fun night to come in the New Year. “Hopefully we will beat the amount we raised last year that is certainly our aim “added Ken. Their next race night is planned for March but pop into Kens for more details, a warm reception is always guaranteed. Don’t forget the Rescue Centre is open every Sunday between 1pm and 4pm for you to come and meet our Rescue Residents and find out more about the work of EHCRC. For more details call Sue on 652021980 or email pr@easyhorsecare.net
Councillor Jeff Wiszniewski and his team at the Office for the Urbanisations would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all the people who brought in toys and food for this year’s campaign to make Christmas a happier one for the needy of San Fulgencio.
It has been a hard time for many people but the kindness of the residents of San Fulgencio means that this Christmas has been an extra special one for those who are struggling the most. Please remember that we support these families all year to the best of our ability and so do bring in food whenever you are able. Once more a huge thanks from Jeff and his team and we wish you a very Happy New Year.
SEND YOUR LOCAL NEWS AND VIEWS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES BY FRIDAY AT 3PM FOR INCLUSION IN THE NEXT ISSUE
the Danube included in the price of a ticket! Soloists Francisco Moreno performed “La Dolores “ by Breto’n. A Truly wonderful voice. Three encores, followed by a well deserved standing ovation, bought this evening to remember to a close. rEPORT BY Rob Barnes Photograph shows soloist Francisco Moreno with the Torrevieja Symphonic Orchestra
Slippery Floors?
FOOD CAMPAIGN A HUGE SUCCESS!
We were astounded by the response and were able to give every child a mountain of presents and every family a huge box of food. Special thanks go out to the lady who knitted a gift for every child in the municipality as well as providing many other gifts for the families. Another huge thanks must go go to Eugene and Dave from Posh Palace who provided a box of fresh vegetables and fruit for each family.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Ho,ho,ho at Easy Horse! The Easy Horse Rescue Centre shop at La Zenia celebrated its first Christmas with an invitation to volunteers, friends and customers to share drinks and mince pies on Thursday afternoon. Santa Claus was there to meet and greet visitors along with his helpers, and little Taffeta turned up for photo opportunities to show people how their contributions were being put to good use. The five charity shops run by the Easy Horse Foundation have been the financial backbone to provide for the animals in our care, and the celebration was a way of thanking volunteers for all the time and effort they put in during the year. At the end of the day, the Farmer’s Arms kindly invited volunteers to share some snacks, the staff at the pub being some of the La Zenia shop’s best customers, showing their support for the Easy Horse Foundation. All of us at Easy Horse Rescue Care Centre wish you a very Happy New Year 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 out For more details of the Rescue Centre call Sue on 652 021 980 or email rescue@ easyhorsecare.net
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
CLR Supporters’
Group Orihuela Costa
Tuesday 15th January 2013, 4pm to 5.30pm: The CLR Supporters’ Group Orihuela Costa meeting is at the Sophia Wellness Centre in La Regia. This meeting is open to group members, their guests, the press and those interested in learning more about CLR and the Supporters Group. CLR Supporter’s Group meetings will generally be held twice a month on weekday afternoons Wednesday Morning 30th January 2013: The first Pleno meeting of the year takes place at the Orihuela town hall in the morning, a report of the highlights will be given in English by Alan McPhail at the CLR Supporter’s group at 4pm later in the day. Wednesday 30th January 2013, 4pm to 5.30pm: The CLR Supporters’ Group Orihuela Costa meeting is at the Sophia Wellness Centre in La Regia. This meeting is open to group members, their guests, the press and those interested in learning more about CLR and the Supporters Group.
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What an achievement and in only two months. We are so proud of our EHCRC Guardamar charity shop team of volunteers led by Diane for winning first prize of 200 Euros for the most colourful window display competition held by the Guardamar Council. In only two months Di and our charity shop have become a valued part of the Guardamar community. “The good people of Guardamar have really taken us to their hearts and we would like to thank them for making us feel welcome and a part of their town” says Di. This award shows you not only how hard Diane and her volunteers have worked but also how much the local Spanish community support and care about our rescue centre, animal welfare and what we are trying to achieve. We would like to thank everyone who voted online for our window display. The Foundation would struggle to pay for all the specialised care our animals receive without the contributions made by the wonderful people of Guardamar who visit our shop, to donate and buy our goods. Can you spare a morning or an afternoon a week? IF SO WE NEED YOU We are always looking for passionate people who are willing to share their time, skills, enthusiasm and professional experience. Whether you come and volunteer at the Guardamar charity shop, or at the rescue centre or you donate any unwanted items, it all makes a difference. Volunteering your time is immensely rewarding - by helping the EHCRC Foundation, you will not only be aiding our equines, but at the same time you will have fun, meet and create new friendships with other talented passionate individuals. For more details of volunteering at the Rescue Centre in Rojales call Sue on 652021980 For more details of volunteering at the Guardamar Charity Shop call Di on 693930737or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net
ladies who lunch! The LADIES WHO LUNCH - who raise funds for Paul Cunningham Nurses and various other charities, recently held their third annual Christmas lunch at Stan & Ollie’s restaurant in El Raso. 66 people attended and enjoyed a first class meal. Special thanks to Dorothy Benson from Lo Marabu - who helped boost the coffers to 377.71 Euros on the day by selling ALL the raffle tickets - she is seen in the attached photograph getting a well deserved hug from Papa Noel who made a surprise visit and presented all the ladies with a little gift. 104 Euros of the total amount raised was for a litre bottle of Rioja Crianza wine kindly donated by John from Giovanni’s restaurant in Almoradi - this was won by Liz Price showing her obvious delight in the attached picture. Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by Paul Christie, the Costa Blanca’s version of Gene Pitney, who sang for his supper.
The LADIES WHO LUNCH will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of the month in 2013 at different restaurants each month when they will carry on raising even more money for local charities. Limited membership is still available and should there be any ladies who wish to join our cause please contact Janine on 96 926 1359 or Maddie 96 607 8646. Alternatively should you just wish to make a donation or pass on unwanted quality clothing or “bling” that can be sold please call one of the above numbers
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helping to make a child happy this christmas... THANKFULLY THERE ARE STILL MANY KIND AND GENEROUS PEOPLE IN OUR TROUBLED WORLD WHO CONTINUE TO BRING A LITTLE HAPPINESS TO OTHERS AT CHRISTMAS.
For the fourth year running an initiative from Pam Heath and Gillian Spiers of the La Siesta Anglican Church resulted in over 130 shoe boxes, kindly supplied by ‘Shoe-b-Shoe’ of la Marina, being filled with Christmas gifts for distribution to underpriviledged children, living in the Torrevieja area, who would otherwise receive very little to cheer them at Christmas time. These boxes came, not only from the La Siesta Anglican congregation , but also from the Los Balcones and Lago Jardin
Anglican churches, Greenlands Bowls Club members, the Mothers Union and the Royal Air Forces Association Costa Blanca Branch members, plus many other individual friends and acquaintances who wished to be involved. As with last year these shoe boxes were taken to the International Mass held in the Inmaculada church in Torrevieja on Friday 14th December, after the Carols in the Square Concert, where they were blessed. All of these gifts were then taken by the Spanish charity ‘Caritas’ to be distributed to children known to be in most need. Grateful thanks go to all of you who were involved and contributed to this most worthwhile cause, Thank you, Pam Heath
The Lions Celebrate Christmas with JB Brass
On a cold and foggy Christmas morning the Lions of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club congregated at La Zenia Beach to celebrate Christmas with JB Brass and hundreds of revellers. As the band were preparing the sun broke through and the mist cleared to make it a perfect day on the beach. This event has become a must for many on their social calendar when the musicians of JB Brass under the musical direction of Ian Tinsley perform Christmas tunes from the traditional carols like O’Come all ye faithful, to their version of Slades’ Merry Christmas
everybody. Many of the revellers bring song sheets and form little groups of choirs to add to the occasion. As with every year the Lions were there to raise funds for their Charities during the period that the band play. Lion President Janette Bennett is delighted to announce that a total of 769.63 euros was raised in under one hour, thanks to the generosity of the crowd. The Lions have a long association with JB Brass and look forward to continuing that relationship. Janette wishes everyone a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
The Day of the Machines This year Father Christmas brought us a printer and a microwave. He left them for us to pick up in Media Markt in Lorca - apparently he was having trouble with the Reindeer Rights Movement, who claimed that he was overloading the sleigh, so all heavy objects had to be jettisoned in Lorca, or so Pete told me. So on Christmas Eve our kitchen table held a small, sleek printer, a replacement for our large, clunky ‘I’ll Print If I Feel Like It’ printer, and a huge, shiny microwave, a replacement for our puny, surly midget of a microwave. The atmosphere was electric with inter-gadget tension as the resident machines glared across the kitchen at their opposite numbers, who were so soon to depose them. Intending to use the new microwave to cook our Christmas Eve supper I unplugged the old one and consigned it to a dark corner, and plugged in the new one. It sat in gleaming majesty, a veritable Starship Enterprise of a microwave, its control panel covered in hieroglyphs signifying everything from Defrost to Intergalactic Warp Drive, but not necessarily On – Off. We sought clarification the josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk from
By Jos Biggs
viewpoint
Instruction Manual, and discovered that it only exists on-line. Undeterred we engaged our new, ever-eager laptop and within a trice had located the 40 pages that were required reading before attempting to boil a cup of water. ‘Better print that lot.’ Pete said, and prodded the old printer into action. With suspicious willingness it leapt into action, spewing out pages at a speed that it had never previously achieved before grinding to a smug and immovable halt – it had printed pages 40 back to 27, but refused to be coerced into printing pages 1 to 26. Now we had printed access to information that would be useful to a finalist in Masterchef, and could prepare all manner of exotic and impractical dishes, but we still didn’t know how to turn the microwave On! So out of its box came the new printer. Here the laptop entered the fray, took sides with the old printer, and refused to recognise the new printer. We now had: An old printer that wouldn’t work; a new printer that couldn’t work, a microwave that we couldn’t turn on, and rampant hunger pangs. I looked at the old microwave, which was enjoying a good fester in its corner. There was nothing for it, I swallowed my pride and re-instated it, begging pardon for all the harsh and hasty things that I had said about it in the past. That day The Machines had triumphed – but next day I had my revenge!
DAY OF THE KINDLE...
Messing around with my new state of the art Kindle Fire HD at Christmas, I had to inwardly smile at the comparison between this and the Christmas presents I received as a child. I reflected, as I struggled to get to grips with this supa dupa piece of electronic gadgetry, the difference between it and some of the iconic toys that we kids found in our pillow cases on Christmas morning. Anyway, I finally managed to get the Kindle out of the box and I suddenly remembered what was perhaps the first ‘hi-tech’ present that I ever received. It was an interplanetary communications centre complete with two microphones that
enabled you to speak to your space cadet colleague on Jupiter. Actually the length of wire provided, meant that conversations were limited to the distance between one end of the living room to the other, but that was an inconsequential detail. Being an only child, it meant that I would have to play with my new toy on my own if my Dad was unavailable to receive messages and I was often reduced to annoying our cat Tinker by placing one mike in his basket – or mic as it’s usually abbreviated to today – and scaring the living bejeezus out of him as he was about to drop off. It had all sorts of plastic knobs and buttons that activated flashing lights and buzzers, – the communications centre, not the cat - had a little message pad so that you could jot down the latest score between the Martian Redskins and the Asteroid Haemorrhoids, and the whole thing was presented in a bright red and yellow plastic control box with a plastic ariel on top for show. It was all very . . . umm,
By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com
plasticky. It was just an up market variation on the two cocoa tins joined by a length of string that my friend and I would rig up to talk to each other across our two gardens and was pretty pathetic by today’s standards, but for a little boy of seven whose hero’s were Dan Dare and Captain Condor, it was an exciting piece of kit. And all this reminded me of another early gift – the official replica Dan Dare ray gun. Also in red and yellow plastic and another buzzer (they liked their buzzers) every time you squeezed the trigger and blasted the Treens (see Eagle comic) or your space monster enemies with its death ray. In actual fact the death ray was an ordinary torch light in the business end of the gun, with two little attachments that could change the beam to red or green with a flick of a switch. There was even a secret compartment in the handle for all those top secret messages. Cool! The point is these were toys for their time, with an emphasis on the word toy.They were not pieces of
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equipment incorporating the very latest in technological advances, apart from batteries the size of coffee mugs. Moreover they lasted for years and gave endless hours of enjoyment. Nowadays of course we are forever playing catch-up and it is an expensive never ending exercise in updating to the next generation phone, TV, computer, or in my case, e-reader. Books are books however and still remain a feature in many people’s lives at Christmas. Comic annuals were regular items for us kids, along with other children’s books and things like encyclopaedias and reference books. I still have my Illustrated Encyclopaedia of English History. In that era anything to do with space travel and science fiction, was a sure fire winner and I have just had a rummage around and found a 1960 anthology of science fiction that my parents bought me that same year, price twelve and sixpence. It’s fascinating to again read those stories written over 50 years ago, and compare how they stack up with the achievements and events over the last half century. One of the contributors was John Wyndham with a story called ‘No Place Like Earth’. Now there was a writer of science fiction... Everyone of my generation remembers the classic ‘Day of the Triffids’, in which giant walking parsnips prey on the majority of the world’s population who have been blinded by a freak meteor storm. It’s as enjoyable today as it was then because Wyndham did not confuse the reader with science and technical gobbledegook, but simply made the subject matter plausible and totally believable through his excellent writing. But no more books for me. With shelf space now exhausted along with the patience of my long suffering wife, the Kindle prezzie was a no brainer. Buying any more hardbacks would only lead to words with my lady, although it is doubtful that I would get to use any of mine!
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A l que r i a 2 013
Alqueria started the new year leaderless, bankrupt and in a state of civil unrest. In true Alquerian tradition however, most of the population didn’t even notice. Since the exclusion of Alqueria from Spain and subsequently declaring itself a republic the village had gone from strength to strength. The unique Remitroot crop was the secret of its success. The powerful and strangely arousing beverages produced from it sold worldwide at premium prices. The Hill People controlled Remitroot with Antonio Poyato cultivating the optimum crop on his small-holding to the south west of the Village. The opposing Newcomers who inhabit the eastern barrio and led by the repulsive Rodriquez lost influence because of the success of Remitroot. With his second in command the sycophantic Robles and two obnoxious bully-boys they imprisoned Poyato, Blythe Gruntmore and took control of the village. The girl Manuela escaped and using the ancient weapons belonging to the even more ancient Matas, launched an attack on the village freeing Poyato and Gruntmore. Rodriquez who was resplendent in his meaningless and over-medalled uniform came face-to-face with the armed and wide-eyed Manuela. It was too much for him. Fearing Manuela Rodriquez now hides in the shadows. He no longer wears his ridiculous uniform but instead favours the garb of a campesino. His obese frame and arrogant manner were however at odds with the dignity required for such a station in life. The effect made him more conspicuous and absurd than ever. With no one at the helm Alqueria drifted into 2013. The village was fast losing prosperity. Rodriquez had renamed the world-beating Remitroot as Rodroot100 undoing centuries of goodwill in an instant. He knew what he had to do. First find a scapegoat to blame the whole mess on. This was usually Roberto Robles who was such a crawler he considered it an honour to carry the can for Rodriquez. Second he must make peace with Manuela and the Hill People. A meeting was proposed on the neutral ground of the old golf course. Manuela however had never been on a golf course during the hours of daylight so didn’t consider it particularly neutral. Manuela, Antonio Poyato and Blythe Gruntmore who were to become known as The Alqueria Three, dismissed all calls for peace conferences and laid plans for the re-conquest of Alqueria. The majority of the population were not even aware of Rodriquez’s coup d’état and would probably not notice the village’s return to democracy. Among the four in Matas’s cave Manuela became known as La Maracuyá Pequeña, for reasons it is best not to dwell on. Her mastery over men and ingenuity put The Little Passion-fruit in a position of dominance and de facto leader of free Alqueria.
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rafa branch end the year on a high!
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CHOIRS COMBINE FOR “ELIJAH”
The Royal Air Forces Association Costa Blanca Branch ended 2012 in style at the last General Meeting of the year that took place on 18th December at the El Paraiso Restaurant, near Carrefour. During the business side of the meeting members were informed of another magnificent year, during which, fund raising in support of the Associations charitable aims reached another significant amount, all thanks to the generosity, not only of members but also the public response to the Annual Wings Appeal that took place in three local Iceland stores during September. At the completion of the business side of the meeting, a Christmas Hamper Draw took place which raised a magnificent 320 Euros towards next years Wings Appeal and after this good news members were treated to an assortment of snacks and liquid refreshment to give a fitting end to the Branch year. It may be of interest to know that the Branch is open to anyone who would accept the aims of the Association, which as well as supporting the RAFA charity is to bring together like minded people who can socialise and have fun. If you are interested in learning more why not contact the Chairman, Terry Joy Tel: 966262695 or the Secretary, Pat Distin Tel: 966786635 or visit the web site www.costablanca.com Photo 1. Christmas Hamper Winners; Photo 2. Members enjoying the Buffet Bruce Heath - President (On behalf of Branch Members)
Two of the Costa’s foremost choirs are combining to give a performance of Mendelssohn’s “ELIJAH”. The Musical Directors of the choirs Vivace and Chorale – Tom Pargeter and Christine Eames respectively – have decided to join forces to produce a powerful interpretation of this monumental choral work by Felix Mendelssohn. They are offering other local choral singers the chance to come along to Vivace rehearsals to prepare the music and give them the opportunity to be involved in this once-in-alifetime experience. There could be up to ninety local singers involved. Starting on Thursday January 10th, weekly practices will be held in San Miguel ‘s Centro Social, between 7.15 and 9.30pm. New voices in all parts will be welcome – contact Tom Pargeter for further details – 96 572 0919 – or email: tomandkaty@ tpargeter.com. This is Vivace’s seventh year of choral concerts, including Carmina Burana and John Rutter’s Requiem, and the choir is looking forward to this new challenge of singing alongside the smaller choir Chorale in this rarely-performed choral masterpiece.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Look Good Feel Great Is three minutes a week of exercise all you need to get fit?
There is welcome news for anyone who’s resolved to get fit in the New Year. Scientists claim we don’t have to spend hours every week slogging in the gym or jogging around a park in all weathers, along with the other January resolution makers.
Instead, they advocate a pioneering new quick fitness regime that makes remarkable claims: just a few 30-second bursts of intense exercise, amounting to only three minutes a week, could deliver the health and weight-loss benefits of hours of lengthy, conventional regimes.
This may revolutionise our ability to stick to New Year fitness resolutions, which only one in five of us manage to keep for more than a few weeks.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found the main reason we break resolutions is that our plans are over-ambitious: we set the bar too high in a hopelessly optimistic burst of postChristmas enthusiasm. But this new exercise regime lowers that bar significantly. Scientists at the universities of Nottingham, Birmingham
and Bath say the secret is to commit yourself to three short bursts of highly intense exercise for 30 seconds each, with short rest periods between, in less than five minutes. They claim early results are ground-breaking and may lead to conventional medical textbooks on exercise being torn up. Instead of sweating for hours, scientists say we should hurl ourselves around on an exercise bike or rowing machine — or even just run rapidly up and down the stairs at home. After half a minute of wild exertion, we can collapse red-faced for 60 seconds, then do it all again. Three bouts like that means your exercise requirement for that session is sorted. Late last year, the scientific team behind this regime
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launched a large-scale trial involving 300 volunteers to fully test their system. It could be just the tonic for couchpotato Britain. For despite constant nagging from government and health professionals, the vast majority of us still don’t follow the official NHS advice to do at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise five times a week, plus two sessions of musclestrengthening exercise such as weight-training, push-ups or heavy gardening. More than 60 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women admit that they don’t manage that. Lack of time is our most common excuse. As a result, millions of Britons suffer early death and
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unnecessary disability due to lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. But the answer for many could be quick and simple. The ongoing study is led by leading exercise expert Jamie Timmons, a professor of systems biology. The team call their system High Intensity Impact Training (HIIT). So far, their tests on hundreds of unfit middleaged volunteers in Britain and Canada over the past eight years have shown those three minutes of exercise a week deliver the same significant health improvements as can be achieved through hours in the gym or on the running track. But scientists do not yet
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entirely understand why the short-burst exercise regime so profoundly boosts volunteers’ stamina and the fitness of their lungs, heart and blood vessels. ‘The truthful answer is we do not fully understand this,’ says Professor Timmons. ‘But a growing body of independent research shows this is the case and that the textbook explanation of the science of exercise requires revision.’ As for weight loss, the results from conventional long hours of exercise regimes often prove disappointing. Typically, exercisers get themselves into trouble by eating more than they do normally because strenuous gym sessions leave them ravenous. Brief, high-intensity exercise does not stimulate appetite as much, because it demands far less energy expenditure, so participants in the trial don’t suffer the same cravings. What’s more, it appears to do something even more beneficial, according to Professor Timmons. ‘We have found that people feel their appetites are suppressed,’ he says. ‘We should have the final evidence for this next year.’ The regime should also raise people’s metabolic rates after they stop exercising, as it builds muscle — and this tissue makes metabolisms run faster. In turn, this stimulates the breakdown of fat and burns calories. It will be about two years, though, before the British scientists publish their full findings as part of a Europewide study. In the meantime, they point out: ‘You don’t need a scientific explanation to enjoy the benefits.’
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Glasses that beat the blues
19
getting the most for your money Make a budget...
Researchers are now working on high-tech glasses that can help people hear better, sleep better, and even feel happier. ‘It’s only recently that researchers have started to realise that there may be more to wearing glasses that simply having better eyesight,’ says Dr Frank Eperjesi, head of optometry at Aston University, in Birmingham. Recent research suggests that altering the type of light that enters the eye can have knock-on effects in the body. Dr Eperjesi adds: ‘A better understanding of our visual system and how it relates to other parts of the body — in particular the brain — coupled with the development of lightweight materials has led to a range of smart specs that can be used to help detect and treat a range of health problems. As more developments take place over the next few years, and prices drop, we can expect to see more people wearing glasses for reasons other than better vision.’ ELECTRONIC LENSES Normal varifocals have two strengths of lenses in them, for close and distance vision, so the wearer has to look through the top or bottom to adjust their vision. Now scientists have developed new battery-powered glasses that automatically know when you want to read or look into the distance, and adjust the strength of lenses accordingly. The high-tech specs, with microchips and a battery embedded in the frames, contain liquid crystals in the lenses. These are found in electronic displays, such as those on mobiles and microwaves, and change their shape when an electric current is applied to them. When a person looks up from reading, the glasses detect this movement and the battery emits an electric current. This makes the liquid crystals change their structure, effectively making the lens thicker or thinner. The glasses, called the emPowers, cost around £800. HELPING YOU HEAR These glasses contain a row of four tiny microphones on each arm, which pick up the sound from the direction in which the wearer is looking, while reducing the surrounding noise. The developer says they make speech more understandable, and allow the hard of hearing to distinguish speech from other noises in a crowded room. The sounds from the microphones are relayed to each ear by two tiny flexible tubes (the glasses are worn instead of a hearing aid). In a trial at Radboud University in The Netherlands, 15 hearing-impaired men and women used the system for one day, and up to 91 per cent preferred it to their own hearing aid for intelligibility.
In a second study 27 patients used it for up to seven months, and it was preferred for ease of communication, and listening where there was background noise. MAKING YOU HAPPY These glasses, which look like a cross between a pair of glasses and a sun visor, contain eight small lights that bathe the eyes in white light. Light therapy is used for a number of conditions, such as seasonal affective disorder and depression, as it is thought that white light boosts the production of feelgood chemicals in the brain. Researchers at the University of Liege in Belgium tested the glasses, called the Luminette, which cost £200, on 32 people. The results showed seasonal depressive symptoms decreased after use, and energy levels increased: ‘Although these glasses look odd, the results suggest that they need to be used for only 25 minutes a day in order to gain the full therapeutic effect,’ says Dr Eperjesi. BEATING JET LAG Re-Timer glasses, invented by researchers at Flinders University in Australia, are designed to counter the effects of jet lag. The glasses, which cost £175, contain green lights on the sides that are shone into the eyes. Professor Leon Lack, a psychologist at the university who developed the glasses, says: ‘Our extensive research studies have shown that green light is one of the most effective wavelengths for advancing or delaying the body clock.’ Professor Lack recommends wearing the glasses for 50 minutes a day for three days after flying. They should be worn after waking in the morning if you’ve travelled east to a country that’s ahead of your time zone, or before bed if you’ve travelled west. The glasses could also be used to help keep shift workers more alert, and even get teenagers out of bed — some research suggests the body clock is altered during adolescence, which is why teenagers love late nights and long lie-ins. BATTLING BLINDNESS Researchers at Oxford University are developing glasses that could be a useful aid to the visually impaired. The glasses, which are likely to cost around £600, have two tiny cameras, one on each side. These cameras detect people, moving vehicles, and large objects which could be an obstacle and relay this information to the lenses. The lenses have special screens on the inside, and these make objects shine more brightly the closer a wearer gets to them. Early trials suggest that the wearers were able to recognise tables and another person five metres away, and the developers hope they will be available in around two years.
When faced with ‘on sale’ signs it’s incredibly easy to go mad and spend more than you should. Because of this it’s always a good idea to have a realistic idea of how much you can afford to spend before you even think about going sale shopping. You need to be quite brutal when doing this. If you don’t have any spare cash then make sure you steer well clear of the shops so that you don’t end up spending money you don’t have. Once you have a budget in mind make sure you stick to it. Keep a mental note of how much you’re spending as you go around the shops and stop once you’ve reached your limit.
Write a shopping list... Impulse buys will be the downfall of your sale shopping experience as you’ll inevitably come home laden with things you don’t actually need. So, to make your money go further make sure you write a shopping list before you venture into town. If you’re furniture shopping then make sure you take the measurements with you so you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Think through your purchase... Before you even pick something up to look at the price and ask yourself whether you really need it. Think about how much you would be willing to pay for it and if you’d even be considering buying it were it not on sale. If the answer to both questions is yes and the price is right, then you have yourself a bargain. If not, then walk away.
Get a second opinion... If you don’t trust yourself to be let loose in the sales alone then take a friend along too. Asking them to play devil’s advocate and question your every purchase is a great way of making sure that you don’t end up buying things just for the sake of it.
Check you’re getting vfm... Don’t automatically assume that just because something is on sale it’s going to give you value for money. Firstly, check how much the item is reduced by and consider whether you can get a similar item elsewhere for less (shopping around is particularly important with big purchases). Then, take the time to examine the quality of the item looking for any obvious damage or bad craftsmanship? It’s worth bearing in mind that some stores may be willing to give you an additional discount if you notice a fault. However, if you take them up on their offer they may not give you a refund at a later date.
Negotiate... Scary as it may seem, politely asking whether the sales assistant would be able to knock a little extra off the price tag often pays. Remember, you have nothing to loose, the worse they can do is say “no”.
Check the returns policy... By law you will be entitled to a refund, replacement or return if the item you buy turns out to be faulty. This applies even to items purchased on sale or as seconds. However, retailers don’t have to give you a refund just because you’ve changed your mind so it’s vital you check the store policy before you buy.
Keep your receipts... You should always keep your receipt when you buy anything as this will act as your ‘proof of purchase’ if the item later turns out to be faulty.
Think about how you’ll pay... It goes without saying that store cards should be given a wide berth when you’re sale shopping as they charge high APRs and can encourage you to spend more than you have. The only exception to this is if they give you an additional discount on your purchase and you are 100% certain that you will be able to clear them completely when your statement arrives. If you have a tendency to get carried away and go over budget it can be a good idea to shop in cash. This way the money you have feels more real and it’s easier to keep track of exactly how much you have left to spend. Avoid making extra trips to the cash point though, once your money runs out it’s time to go home. On the other hand, if you’re confident of your ability to stick to a budget then shopping on a rewards credit card can be a good idea, providing you clear your bill when your statement arrives.
The January sales are in full swing and with huge discounts on offer it can be all too tempting to forget your good intentions and splurge. However, we’re in uncertain times and it’s never been more important to watch where your money is going. So, to help you bag some bargains without breaking the bank, we share our top tips to help you get.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Special ticket deals announced for ‘Sounds of the 60s’
dancing on ice
With 12 new celebrities taking to the ice and taking their life into their hands for this years show. 6 celebrities performed this week with the bottom 2 performing in a skate off and one leaving the show. What will the standard be this year, can it possibly top last year?
Opening the show was actress Samia Ghadie more commonly known as Corries Maria with her partner Sylvain. Samia showed promise to come, she needs more lift through her core but had nice speed over the ice and good position in the lifts albeit a little unstable across the ice. I awarded her 4.0 and the judges a total of 17.5. Presenter Keith Chegwin with his partner Olga followed. Keith should have been in last years show but fell in training broke his shoulder and cracked 3 ribs so had to pull out. His enthusiasm was clearly visible throughout his performance and he really looked to enjoy himself on the ice however he will need to work on his presentation to improve through the competition. The judges gave him a total of 15.5 and I awarded 3.5. Next to skate were Gymnast Beth Tweddle with her partner Daniel. Her ice speed and depth were great but her performance needed work as she appeared somewhat robotic. Lifts, lines and flexibility were excellent and she gave a very confident performance however another skater who will have to work on the performance side. I gave her 6.5 and the judges 21.0. Following were Matt Lapinskas (currently Anthony Moon in Eastenders) with Brianne. Wow!!! what a first week opening,
By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ performing steps and lifts not normally seen until around week 6. However I did feel his performance a bit hectic it will need to be controlled a bit more but his rhythm, speed and energy were superb he is definitely a contender. I gave him an 8.0 and the judges in top place with 24.0. Next out were singer Shayne Ward and Maria. This was a much more typical week 1 performance a bit like Bambi on ice, tentative and a bit wobbly but overall a good try. He did try to make the presentation of his choreography. I awarded a 4.0 and the judges 16.0. Closing this weeks show was Actress Pamela Anderson and Matt. She showed great promise but I’m afraid her nerves got the better of her and she was stumbling and wobbling quite a bit through the performance. Parts were very good and other bits left a lot to be desired. I gave her a 3.5 and the judges 18.5. My bottom 2, Keith Chegwin and Pamela Anderson ended up in the skate off and they both performed a different routine to earlier in the evening to try to save themselves from elimination. Keith gave a very confident performance and again I’m afraid that nerves got the better of Pamela who tripped, stumbled and had a wardrobe malfunction through her routine. Keith Chegwin ended up with a unanimous vote from the judges which eliminated Pamela from this years show. Next week the other 6 celebrities will skate for the first time and we’ll be able to see if there is anyone to challenge Matt from tonights show.
Following the huge successes of ‘The Magic of the Musicals’ and ‘An Evening with Disney’, the Costa’s leading popular chorus, Melody Makers International, have announced their next major concerts, entitled ‘Sounds of the 60s’. These will take place on Saturday 26th January in the exotic setting of the Orihuela Costa Resort Hotel at La Zenia. As usual there will be two concerts ... a Matinee performance at 2pm, and an evening performance at 8pm. This year director Nigel Hopkins has announced a special deal for the Matinee performance whereby children of 16 years and under will only be charged 5€ and all adults just 10€. All tickets for the evening peformance are 12€ each. As usual, Melody Makers International will be joined by the incredible Children’s
Choir, ‘Cantemos!’ who have an important part to play in this most popular of concerts. The whole production will be accompanied by a professional band consisting of three players from the UK and two from the Costa. There will be 50 songs (yes - FIFTY!) featured in the concert, amongst which be songs by The Beatles, The Seekers, Patsy Cline, Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra, Dusty Springfield, Procul Harum, Burt Bacharach, Mary Hopkin, and many, many more. Tickets are now available from either the Orihuela Costa Box Office, Tel: 966 760 800 .... or CallNet Internet Cafe (down the alley behind Consum - next to Paddy’s Point) at La Zenia, Tel: 966 761 171. The concert, as before, supports the Costa Blanca Samaritans.
School Comes To Horse Around EHCRC
We have had an exciting Christmas period here at the Easy horse Care Rescue Centre with our educational visit from the pupils of The Escuela Europa of Alicante. The pupils who are studying charity work as part of their course work came to spend a morning with us at our charity shop in Guardamar. Then they visited the EHCRC centre in Rojales, to meet some of our rescued residents and get an understanding of what the aims of the rescue centre are and all the things that we have to consider when running the Foundation. From raising money for food, water, vets bills to advertising for volunteers, staffing shops etc. The pupils enjoyed meeting Bronson, Dallas, Rocky and little Cruz and saw just how well they are doing since their rescues. Some of the pupils also got to see our Vet Dorothea in action and ask her questions. It was real pleasure to have such wellbehaved children at the rescue centre; they are a credit to the Escuela Europa. We look forward to seeing them again in the New Year when they will be working with us on their own charity project to help us raise some much needed funds towards a new tractor. We would love to take this opportunity to invite pupils from other schools in the area to come to visit our Rescue Centre, here in Rojales, Alicante. If your school, class or club wish to visit the rescue centre please contact us as we are currently taking provisional bookings for the forthcoming year. We will be offering Wednesdays afternoons tours, to schools and other organisations. Children will have a tour of the Rescue Centre and have the opportunity to ask Sue - the founder any questions about our
equines or indeed any other animals we home here at the centre. We can provide lunch facilities for packed lunches and we also have a snack bar. All that we ask in return is that the children enjoy their day and hopefully take back with them a new love and respect for the animals around them. As we feel that to educate the young on how to behave towards animals at a young age turns them into well rounded individuals in later life. We look forward to hearing for you. EHCRC was also delighted to appear on Guamipi (the fantastic Canal 9 animal show). We wish to thank the film crew for their wonderful production. If you missed the show you can watch it on http://www. rtv v.es/va/guamipi/Guamipi-Cap_13_ 834046589.html Over the New Year period, we are urgently looking for volunteers to help out at the Rescue Centre for a few weeks, to help cleaning feed buckets, help with field clearing and a few other bits. You do not need to be horsy person or have any horse knowledge. All the help we can get would be great even if it is just 2 hours a week or so. So if you feel like getting fit, toning up and losing some of those Christmas pounds, please give us a call. To volunteer or to book your school trip - please contact Sue on 652021980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net More details of the work of the centre can be found at www.easyhorsecare.net
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JANUARY IN SPAIN
Before I get onto today’s topic I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has read my Christmas story with the technological twist and given it the thumbs up. I know that being a proper writer is very unlikely to happen but it is good to stray off the path once in a while :-) During the previous year I have written a lot of “How To’s” and had some interesting and very helpful feedback from them. This year, I would like to wander down the avenue of new technology and user interaction. The most immediate example of both being this new “Windows 8”. That will be a discussion for a subsequent week as I haven’t yet earned enough from this column to buy a copy for evaluation, and stealing as you know, even from greedy Bill Gates, is still wrong! Anyone who would like to buy me a genuine copy is more than welcome as it would benefit all our reader (well it was worth a try!). Today’s piece should get people talking, which is always a good thing, and is about the way computer technology is affecting our everyday lives. So just to get people talking to one another, the subject today is: Technology: Obsession or Liberty Albert Einstein was famously quoted as saying “I fear the day when technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots!”. This was a frightening statement from an acknowledged genius but was there any truth in it and if so are there any solutions? Start by looking around you, in the cafes and bars, or the plazas. How many people, young and not so young, have their noses buried in their iPhone, iPad or Android powered device, not actually talking to someone but sending inane messages and failing to interact with the ‘real people’ that are sat around them? Technology, by definition is the, ‘Application of knowledge to the practical aims of human life or to changing and manipulating the human environment’. One of the first problems man faced was how to keep warm. The methods that we now have on how to make fire are technologies in action and the starting place for further technological developments. The sixty-four thousand pound question is, have we, the human race, become part of this technological evolution and will the benefits outweigh the consequences? Are we obsessed with technology? Could we function without the latest iThingy, Windows doodad or Android whatsits? Is this just a natural part of evolution that is weeding out those genetically predisposed to self annihilation? Or another part of the rich tapestry that is life and it is us who, failing to keep up with it, will be the ones following the footsteps of the Dinosaurus Extincticus. We are now able to talk to people on the other side of the world without having to wait minutes or even months to get a reply. We can interact with our loved ones who are thousands of miles away, as they, in turn, react to their own real world! A final question, as like most others I have far more questions than answers. Are all these devices, tools? A means to an end? If the answer is an emphatic “Yes” then talk to your mum, dad, family member or ‘significant other’, then put down the device and become part of the “real?” world.
For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk
did you know...
January is named after Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway; the name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua) – January is the door to the year. Traditionally, the original Roman calendar consisted of 10 months, totalling 304 days, winter being considered a monthless period. Around 713 BC, the semi-mythical successor of Romulus, King Numa Pompilius, is supposed to have added the months of January and February, allowing the calendar to equal a standard lunar year (365 days). Although March was originally the first month in the old Roman Calendar, January became the first month of the calendar year under either Numa or the Decemvirs about 450 BC (Roman writers differ). In contrast, specific years pertaining to dates were identified by naming two consuls, who entered office on May 1 and March 15 until 153 BC, when they began to enter office on January 1. Various Christian feast dates were used for the New Year in Europe during the Middle Ages, including March 25 and December 25. However, medieval calendars were still displayed in the Roman fashion of twelve columns from January to December. Beginning in the 16th century, European countries began officially making January 1 the start of the New Year once again - sometimes called Circumcision Style because this was the date of the Feast of the Circumcision, being the seventh day after December 25.
1-2 January: La Toma, Granada’s celebration of when Ferdinand and Isabella marched into the city when the Moorish rulers surrendered. 16 January: A number of festivals in Palma, Mallorca, and Sant Antoni, Ibiza. January 16 is Eve of St Antony’s Day, when everyone dresses up in costume to watch the big firework display. The following day sees processions pass through Sa Pobla in Mallorca and Cuitadella in Menorca 17 January: Romería del Ermita del Santo. A religious procession from Gaudix, Andalusia. 17 January: Fiesta de Antón, Madrid. Animal owners congregate on c/Hortaleza for their pets to be blessed. Listen to this podcast (mp3 format) from Notes from Spain about the event. 17 January: Fiesta de San Antonio Abad, all over Spain but in particular in Jaen, Alpujarras, Valencia and Tenerife, with partying and bonfires on the night before. In Barcelona it is celebrated on the nearest Saturday to the 17th. 19-20 January: San Sebastian festival, including the famous Tamborrada drumming 30 January: Procession in Burgo for San Lesmes
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
THE SPAINIAC | Sobrino de Botín | Candice Parsons romantic painter.
Botín’s four floor tiled interior, boasts unique style throughout its wood-beamed vault dining rooms and brick-wall cellar, fitted with wrought-iron lanterns and various medieval decor. Its olden-day ambience is often further enhanced by the ‘tunas’ – student musical groups dressed in medieval costumes – who regularly stop by to perform. Whilst Botín’s is slightly more expensive to other comparable restaurants in Madrid, such as Casa Lucio and Posada de la Villa, the large serving portions of its meals along with the rest of its dining experience make the pricing well worth it. The average main course costs around 18 euros and a three-course meal is around 40 euros.
When strolling down Calle de los Cuchilleros, located south-west of Plaza Mayor amongst the heart of Madrid, it’s not difficult to miss the solid timber doors that form the entrance to the Guinness Book of Records world’s oldest restaurant. Built in the sixteenth century and originally named ‘Casa Botín’, the restaurant was founded in 1725 by Frenchman Jean Botin and his spouse. The couple’s nephew, Candido Remis, inherited the restaurant and changed its name to Sobrino de Botin (‘sobrino’ translating to ‘nephew’ in Spanish). In 1885, the González family acquired ownership of the restaurant, and have kept its now renowned name for three generations. Traditional dishes, such as black pudding from Burgos,
artichokes in batter, gazpacho, and garlic soup with egg to name a few – and of course not forgetting its specialty suckling pig – have only endorsed its popularity as a choice dining venue for local Madridians, but also royalty, politicians, authors and various celebrities. A number of famous novelists, one including Ernest Hemingway, have often referenced their dining experiences at Botín’s restaurant. In his 1926 novel, ‘The Sun Also Rises’, Hemingway mentions his experience lunching upstairs at Botin’s where he ate the legacy “roast young suckling pig and drank rioja alta”, and described it as “one of the best restaurants in the world.” Botín’s is also known to have once employed Francisco Goya to wash dishes, before he became a successful
Although bustling with a heavy tourist atmosphere, Sobrino de Botín is acclaimed for its peculiar decor, superior service, and skill in preparing quality food that remains typically true to Castilian cuisine. The restaurant’s touristic reputation is essentially an indication of its achievements, and an assertion of its place in providing excellent, traditionally Spanish dining experiences. As student travel guide Let’s Go described, Sobrino de Botín’s is a “truly authentic historical landmark and protector of the madrileño culinary tradition.” Candice Parsons is a writer and avid Spain and Spanish culture lover from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Like’ my Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pandemicrhapsody and follow me on Twitter @MiLlamoCandi
LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR
If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com
Q: DO I NEED A SPANISH WILL
A:YES...and here’s why... 1. Your estate will be left to the people of your choice and not to those determined by law 2.You can mitigate inheritance tax by planning the distribution of your estate. A will can be the single most cost-effective document you will sign during your lifetime. 3. You will have the peace of mind of knowing that things are in order for your heirs and that your heirs will not end up dealing with a complicated and costly procedure in a foreign country. I like the challenge of complicated inheritance work but we will never stop insisting that all our clients should make a Spanish will. Since setting up office in 1993, I have been surprised by the amount of people who have come to ask whether it is convenient to make a will in Spain concerning their Spanish assets. The answer to this is most definitely yes. In England if you do not make a will, then the law has rules, which will determine the distribution of your assets. These rules could mean that your assets are distributed in a way very different from what you would have liked. In Spain the situation is the same, with an additional factor. Your heirs will have to deal with a foreign language and legal system. All the more reasons to leave everything as organised as possible. Some people include their Spanish assets in their English will. This is legally binding, but to obtain probate in Spain, it will be necessary for the will to be translated and legalised. This is a long and costly procedure. My advice on the subject is to have two separate wills, one in England for your English assets and one in Spain for your Spanish assets. Drawing up a will in Spain does not take long and is not expensive, and will definitely save your heirs a lot of time, problems and money. Your Lawyer will draw up a rough draft, and then he will make an appointment at the notary to sign the final document. One copy is sent by the notary to the central register in Madrid. He will hold on to the original copy. You will be given a copy that I suggest you inform your heirs and lawyer in England about, and then put it in the bottom drawer, with the peace of mind of knowing that everything is taken care of. At Davies Solicitors we will listen to your wishes and advise you on the most tax efficient way of dealing with your Spanish estate. We will explain in detail the tax implications of your decisions for your heirs and ways to deal with it.We will prepare a will in both English and Spanish for signature and in general we will provide you the peace of mind of knowing that everything has been left organized for your heirs. Please call or email us for an appointment 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.
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footwork dance delight!
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Velvetones enthral the crowd at Iceland On the Saturday before Christmas the excellent vocals of the Velvetones resounded round the shopping aisles of Iceland in La Marina. The moment that the Velvetones started singing the mood in the store lifted from one of last minute shopping to one of the true spirit of Christmas . From the most popular of Christmas Carols to Jingle bells and everything in between, the Velvetones performed immaculately, entertaining everyone. The Velvetones were performing in support of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club who were holding their annual fund raiser in aid of disabled children. The Lions prize draw winning ticket was No 00554, won by Linda who will receive her prize before the end of the year. Lion President Janette Bennett thanks the management and staff of Iceland, La Marina and of course all the ladies who are the Velvetones
On December 16th at the Cultural theatre in Los Montesinos, we were treated to a magnificent show put on by the Footwork Dance Studio. The production was titled AROUND THE WORLD and the dancers took the packed audience to places from Paris ( Can-Can) to Madagascar ( Move It ) and from India ( Jai Ho ) to Thailand ( One Night in Bangkok ). All of the Performers, who were aged between 2 years and 75 years, gave it their all to make it so enjoyable for us. Much credit must to Erica Dorrill, who choreographs the routines and teaches all the students. Her mother Carole who designed the stunning and authentic costumes. Her husband John, who mixes the music and stages the lighting and sound. And to make it a truly family affair, their daughter Rhiane helps her Mother with the teaching and performs with the senior girls, who did outstanding
versions of No Place Like London, Hallelujah and Source of secrets. The younger students took us to Never land with a Beautiful piece of music from Peter pan and the younger ones got the audience clapping with their Hillbilly Rock amongst many others. The adult dancers were fantastic with their American Tributes, Show Business and Rock n Roll to name just a couple. They also were involved in the company numbers, Olympics Opening, Lord of the Dance and the British Finale. It all ran so smoothly. I congratulate all those parents and helpers in the wings. It must be so difficult to organize, with so many people on stage and backstage changing for the next number. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. All the performers should be exceptionally proud of themselves for putting on such a professional display. I look forward to the next!
jazz lunch in the afternoon... ...with swingtet-plus The “Jazz Lunch in the Afternoon” - with ‘Swingtet-Plus on Friday 30th; November was a musical success at the Casa Ventura a first for Torrevieja area. The follow-up to this latest event will be the last Friday in every month - So, we are looking forward to the next ‘ Jazz Lunch’ on Friday, 25th; January 2013. Tickets are 5 euros and are available at Casa Ventura, Urb. San Luis Torrevieja, or on the afternoon. Contact the Manager Kevin, re; menu details etc. Tel; 966 789 247. A Raffle will be held with proceeds for HELP Vega Baja
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’
Wow wow wow! What a final this turned out to be. During the week and going from previous performances, I would have had the following result: 1st Kimberley, 2nd Dani, 3rd & 4th between Louis & Denise (only because the public have had her in the dance off for the past 2 weeks) BUT......... everything changed on the night which I predicted was dependent upon the selected dances and the Show Dance and they certainly didn’t disappoint. It was one of the best and closest run finals we have had in any series. With no predicted winner any one of the 4 could lift that glitter ball trophy. The first dances to be performed were all selected by the judges who wanted to see an improvement on the first time they were dance and they were looking for certain elements. Opening the show were Denise & James with their Jive. I still felt that it was a bit heavy legged although Denise always throws her heart and soul into her performance. Her spins, kicks, flicks and timing were superb but I would have liked to see more lift in the knees on the basic steps although the choreography was somewhat limiting. I gave her a 9 and the judges 39. Next onto the floor were Dani & Vincent with Tango. I still felt that Dani was lacking upper stretch through her core which left her with her chin down and a curvature of her back in normal hold. What a pity in an otherwise flawless performance. I gave her a 9 and the
judges 36. Following were Kimberley & Pasha and their Viennese Waltz. When it mattered the most Kimberley really pulled out all the stops, she corrected her posture and neckline and danced with graceful elegance and with superb transitions throughout the choreography. I gave her a 10 and the judges 39. Completing this first dance were Louis & Flavia with their Salsa from Dirty Dancing and I have to say that Louis performed with the same nonchalant ease of Patrick Swayze with the smouldering hips, upper body isolation and salsa armography oooohhh. I awarded him a 10 and the judges 40. The second dances performed were the showdances and the best possible decision by the BBC. Opening were Denise & James with Flashdance which had some of the most difficult lift combinations imaginable performed with ease. Denise pulled out all the stops and this was the best showdance of the night. I awarded her a 10 and the judges 40. Next were Dani & Vincent with a number to Bohemian Rhapsody incorporating Rumba and Paso Doble. I liked the Rumba section of their dance but the Paso Doble was too fast and spoiled the performance a little for me. Dani also struggled a bit with the lifts and looked a little uncomfortable. I gave her an 8 and the judges 35. Next were Kimberley & Pasha with a number to Beyonces Crazy in Love incorporating Salsa, Cha Cha Cha
Rescue Centre deeply saddened...
The EHCRC were deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Solvi Jansen in the early hours of Christmas morning.
Solvi and her twin sister Kate, who were simply known as “the twins” by hundreds of people that knew them because of their tremendous fundraising efforts throughout the Costa Blanca. They truly have been incredible supporters and benefactors of the rescue centre from almost the beginning. Sue Weeding cofounder said without the twins the rescue centre would never have survived in the early days. Indeed many of the early rescues were made possible because of their fundraising and their own personal donations. Solvi had been fighting cancer for a long while and even towards the end she still continued to make the labels for the donation tins and sit for hours sticking them on the tins of which there are thousands throughout the Costa Blanca. One of the great highlights for the EHCRC and also for Solvi and Kate, was not only winning the pride of Spain Special Achievement Award in 2010 but the surprise donation that Solvi and Kate made on that very special night of 10.000Euros. Because of Solvi Jansens’ incredible kindness and compassion there are many happy horses who will be living the rest of their lives here at the rescue centre. And every day when we look at our very own special Solvi the horse, who was rescued in April this year and named in honour of Solvi Jansen, we will always remember with love the extraordinary person she really was and all that she has done for us and all the animals here at the rescue centre.
and Samba some of the most difficult dances to try. I found Kimberley, similar to Denise a little heavy legged on the basic steps but her performance level was excellent. She was hot, sexy, full of impact, flair and musicality. I gave her an 8 and the judges 39. Closing the first part of the final were Louis & Flavia with Take That’s Rule the World. This one combined Rumba with Argentine Tango and showed Louis off to maximum impact. All the lifts some of them pure strength were performed effortlessly and his performance was graceful, fluid with a sensual contemporary feel. I gave him another 10 and the judges 40. This closed the first part of the show and meant that the lowest public vote would eliminate one of the couples from the final round which was to be the couples favourite dance through the series. Unfortunately Dani & Vincent were eliminated but they were both mine and the judges weakest couple on the night so I agreed with the elimination. The second show - the ultimate battle of the ballroom opened with Denise & James performing their Charleston to ‘Walk Like An Egyptian’ Denise really proved that she deserved
to be in this dance off and performed all the tricks lifts, kicks and flicks just like a professional dancer. She got a 10 from me and 40 from the judges. Next were Kimberley and Pasha with their Tango. Apart from her upper core and head she gave an excellent performance with the Tango staccatto just as it should be. I gave her a 9 and the judges 40. Closing this series were Louis & Pasha with their Charleston. This very different to Denise’s version but every bit as entertaining. Louis had an excellent night and pulled everything out of the bag just when it was needed. I gave him a 10 and the judges 39. The judges winner was Denise and my winner just by a whisker was Louis. When the public vote came in Louis was declared winner of the coveted glitter ball trophy for 2012 and deservedly so. I can’t believe that it is all over for another year, our Saturday’s won’t be the same now without that touch of sparkle. I’ll be back with the Xmas special and then again in the New Year with Dancing on Ice. In the meantime I hope you all have a great Christmas and a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year and remember Keep Dancing!
A Thank you from AFA
At the start of 2012 we felt very vulnerable as an organisation. We knew we needed to meet a budget 400,000 euros plus, just to maintain the level of care and support for patients and families suffering from dementia. The demand for which was increasing faster than we could accommodate. We had been told that the donations from NGO’s ( banks and similar organisations ) who had previously supported us were not going to be able to do so during 2012! This could have so easily spelt disaster for AFA. However the Ayuntamiento of Torrevieja continued to support us, albeit slightly less than previously, and the clubs and associations etc. once again rose to the challenge. The Memory Walk in October had over 200 participants and many more supporters including the Nook Bar, thus we raised over 4,000 euros. (see you all again next year!) Our thanks also go to our shop volunteers who work so hard for us, and to those customers and supporters of our shop. This is such a valuable and essential source of funds; a very big thank you goes to the english papers for their support in promoting us and our events, it means a lot. We would like to give all our sponsors a very big thank you individually, but there were so many wonderful people it would be impossible to mention them all and we would not like to miss anyone. So can we just say without all of you more than 80 people (and their families and carers ) each week would not be receiving the therapies and professional care to maintain a quality of life which is the minimum they deserve when suffering from this very cruel and non curable disease. Our patients cannot get better, but the dedicated and professional care we give them, can delay the total breakdown of their quality of life for them and their carers. The Alzheimer’s Association of Torrevieja (AFA ) covers the whole of the Puma 22 health area but only the Torrevieja ayuntamiento supports us financially, so any time there are concerts, plays and fund raising events do please look and see which one supports AFA, and choose that one to support, that way you will be helping us to help those who cannot help themselves. We would be pleased to attend any club or organisation to tell you more about the work that we do and to answer any questions or queries your members may have. Please call 636110250/610082593. Sincere and grateful thanks to you all, and Very Good Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year from us all.
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ESTATE AGENTS • MOJACAR • INMOBILLARIA Mojacar Playa 120,000€ LV641 A superb linked villa of 76m2 on a small community with low community fees and just 100m from the beach. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, parking, sea views from the upper terrace. To be sold furnished. For a superb selection of properties for sale & rent visit our office on the Paseo del Mediterrano and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff - or visit our website:
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www.indalorealestate.com Email: info@indalorealestate.com Legal properties urgently required in the Albox, Arboleas, Huercal Overa,Los Gallardos and Mojacar areas
ARBOLEAS .............. €129,000 ARBOLEAS.................€138,000 ARBOLEAS.................€149,950 ARBOLEAS.................€164,950
• Excellent 2/3 bed Villa • Lounge/diner and conservatory • Family bathroom and ensuite to bed 1 • Fully fitted kitchen • 650m² mature garden with 8x4m swimming pool • Central heating, air-con, fly-screens and ceiling fans REF: A1610 • 2/3 minute drive from Arboleas
• 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms • 31m² lounge/diner with a feature gas fire • Fully fitted kitchen with white goods • 15m² conservatory with retractable glass doors
• 8x4m swimming pool and 24m² workshop
• Central heating; air-con; fly-screens, satellite TV etc.
• Walking distance to amenities
Ref: A1683
• Located within walking distance of amenities • High quality villa with many extras • 3 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes • Family bathroom and ensuite to bed 1 • Good size lounge/diner with fire-place • Fully fitted kitchen REF:A1571 • Covered terrace and swimming pool
• Luxurious 3 bed Villa • Good size lounge/diner • Beautiful conservatory/sunroom • Family bathroom and ensuite to bed 1 • Fully fitted kitchen • 128m² build; 626m² garden with pool • 2/3 minute drive from Arboleas
REF: A1616
NR CUCADOR ......€495/month NR ARBOLEAS......€550/month NR ARBOLEAS......€595/month TURRE...................€600/month
• Fully furnished, 3 bed, 3 bath Villa • Fully fitted kitchen with appliances • Good size lounge/diner with log-burner • 8x4m swimming pool • Air-con, ceiling fans, satellite TV REF:R307 • Roof-top solarium; peaceful location
• Fully furnished 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • 3-4 minute drive from Arboleas • Fully equipped kitchen • Lounge/diner with fire-place • Swimming pool and off-road parking REF: R286 • Covered terrace and bbq area
• Beautifully furnished Villa with Annexe • 4 beds, 3 baths in total • Fully fitted kitchen & utility room • Good size lounge/diner with log-burner • Swimming pool and great views • Garage and lots of extras REF: R301
• Fully furnished 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Walking distance to all amenities • Fully equipped kitchen • Lounge/diner with fire-place • Swimming pool and off-road parking • Air con/satellite TV
REF: R244
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
your current kitchen. Where do you need extra electrical outlets? Is it too dark at night? Is your refrigerator too small? Do you hate to clean your cooktop? The first thing to do is to begin to think outside the box. Certain utilities such as water, drains and electric may be in certain parts of your existing kitchen, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be relocated with a little effort; relocating utilities can open up a wide vista of planning opportunities!
The Perfectly Designed Kitchen… Sometimes the best things take the longest to develop and with a good kitchen design it is no different. This is so because the kitchen is not only one of the most important functional rooms in the home but also because it serves the added purpose of adding tangible and aesthetic value to your home and any good kitchen design will be able to accomplish all these purposes.
and lighting should be adequate enough for these people to execute their kitchen tasks. Some people prefer a lot of work space in the kitchen so opting for all encompassing built-in units like kitchen islands and wall to wall counter tops are a great idea. Others prefer large refrigerators and stoves and ovens in which case these appliances should be chosen according to your particular needs and preferences.
A good kitchen design takes into account the needs of the person or family that is going to be using the kitchen and as a result, things like the cabinets, appliances, furnishings
Entire books have been written about kitchen planning, but the key factor is that common sense needs to be applied in all situations. Make a list of all complaints you have with
If at all possible, install a double bowl sink - don’t settle for a standard one. You can get gorgeous stainless steel and cast iron ones that have very deep bowls for large pots and pans. Make sure your plumber installs separate ball valves under the sink so you can easily and reliably shut off water to the sink and dishwasher. Speaking of dishwashers, focus your attention on the ones that are whisper-quiet or completely silent… you’ll be grateful you did! Lighting is everything. Try to create different levels of light; you can do this with multiple recessed lights and traditional surface mounted or hanging fixtures where certain ones are operated by different switches. Indirect lighting can create a soft glow for mood lighting when the kitchen is not in use. Skylights allow abundant sunshine to cascade into the kitchen and light the space even on the odd cloudy day. Countertops are very important and don’t think you have to limit yourself to using just one material. You may decide to splurge on a natural or reconstituted stone island top while using high-grade plastic laminate for the remainder of the tops. Solid surface tops can be mixed with any other top material. If you like to make your own dough for baking, you may want a cool slab of granite inserted in a food preparation area. At the very least, you can buy a standalone granite trivet for this same purpose. Be sure you plan for plenty of countertop space in critical areas. You need a landing pad for things taken from the refrigerator. Ample countertop space is a must-have on both sides of the cooktop and sink.
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Skiing In The Sierra Nevada
You’re sitting on the chairlift, heading up through cold, bright sunshine for the first run and the last thing on your mind is whether your bindings are set orrectly. Therefore, adequate ski holiday preparation is fundamental to ensure ski safety; and make sure that you have adequate ski insurance cover.
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Ski Safety
Your equipment needs to be up to scratch to make learning and/or improving easy and safe so ensure your skis and ski poles are the correct length for your ability, with ski bindings that are set properly. As a beginner you’ll probably be renting your gear, in which case the rental shop should do all this for you - but make sure they do as you’ll not get too far with unsuitable skis and ski poles Next, you want to make sure you have the right clothing. You need to dress in layers with clothes designed specifically for winter sports - these will keep you dry and warm at the same time as transporting moisture (i.e. sweat) away from your body. You’ll also need good gloves or mitts, a warm hat and scarf, and maybe a helmet. Sunglasses and/or goggles are vital to prevent snow blindness on sunny days and to let you see where you’re skiing on snowy days - and they assist greatly with looking cool as well as ensuring ski safety. Don’t forget to smear on plenty of high factor sunblock and lip balm throughout the day - the sun is more powerful at high altitudes, and also reflects back off the snow, whilst the wind exacerbates this effect. Another effect of altitude is that you dehydrate rapidly, so keep drinking throughout the day (not alcohol though - this dehydrates you more). And keep yourself well fed, as you’ll be burning up lots of calories. If you get ski fit before you go you’ll have a much better and far less achy holiday, so do skispecific exercises for up to six weeks before leaving, and consider visiting an artificial slope for lessons or practice. Ski insurance might sound boring but it’s vital - make sure your ski insurance also covers you for stuff such as theft/loss/damage of ski equipment, ski lift closure and lack of skiing due to poor snow cover, and the cost of being evacuated and repatriated in the event of an injury. It’s always worth considering ski lessons everyone has room for improvement. When booking lessons try to get an English-speaking instructor. Your first day on the slopes will be hard work physically, so break yourself in slowly, spend time getting to know the resort’s runs and stop skiing when you feel tired.
Safety Tips
The Sierra Nevada, just above Granada, has the best snow and the longest season in the country, usually five months of snow, though this year it opened a week early. Technology guarantees that there will be snow all season. There are 16 artificial snow machines, and the resort has the best groomed snow in Europe. With 61km of ski slopes - 45 piste and 6 off-piste routes - there are also 2 cable cars, 12 chair lifts and 5 ski lifts. The ski resort is open from 9am to 5pm although you can ski at night at weekends and Bank Holidays night skiing was introduced in 1994 with the installation of lighting along the 3 kilometre El Rio slope. Not having the right gear is not a valid excuse - everything you need can be hired on a daily basis. Also, not being able to ski is also no excuse as there is no shortage of schools for everyone from beginners to experts.
being built and will be available depending on snow conditions. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, Sierra Nevada offers crosscountry skiing, artistic skiing (ballet, jumps, moguls), telemark skiing, trekking and adventure skiing. It’s also the place to be seen, even if you don’t ski. The resort has a reputation – it’s a cool place to be seen, but you have to have the most trendy gear! Pradollano is Sierra Nevada’s village area. It has attractive alpine-style buildings, and most importantly a four-storey underground parking complex with a capacity of 2,880 vehicles.
If you’re a bit embarrassed, because the area has such an active nightlife, the slopes tend to be less crowded between 9am and 11am and between 1pm and 3pm (no prizes for guessing why!) so head out then when’s there’s less of an audience!
The village offers a variety of services including quality hotels, the best of which boast jacuzzis, squash courts, workout areas, saunas and indoor swimming pools. There is ample opportunity for you to spend your money too with shops, night clubs, pubs, bars and discotheques, supermarkets, sports and fashion boutiques, gift shops, magazine and newspaper kiosks, ski rental, photodeveloping services, hairdressers, car rental, taxi service and a pharmacy!!
Snowboarders as also well- catered for with specialised snowboarding shops and schools within the resort. An on-slope half pipe is
Oh and don’t worry there is a new medical centre, child day-care centre, and banks with ATMs.
Beware of hypothermia - if you’re feeling cold head indoors and warm up Learn how to read a piste map - it’ll ensure you ski the runs best suited to your ability Take it easy on the booze and partying if you’re serious about skiing as it’ll definitely have a negative effect on your performance on the slopes. Boring but true...and definitely don’t forget the sunblock!
Most facilities are located around the main Plaza, and there is a small tourist train that takes you round the resort. Take the lift from the main square and, at various stages before the peak, you will find bars and restaurants offering panoramic views and blazing sunshine reflecting off the slopes. The road to the resort is narrow and winding and as you get within a mile of the resort, the air gets rapidly colder. Take extreme care, especially when it is icy, though even the coaches get to the top without problems. Be prepared for traffic jams at the top, especially at peak times, and allow plenty of time to arrive - during the season the road can have queues for several hours. Remember to prepare your own car for the journey and invest in some de-icer! The best place to park is the main underground park, which has easy access to the facilities, though it is expensive for the long-term. If you are early enough you can
get free parking on the roadside before the main resort - but pull in your wing mirrors! Queues for the lifts can be very long at peak times, and the bars often get packed to capacity. During the winter season the whole place pulsates with life and energy, but it is also a beautiful place to visit out of season, when there is no snow. You will find it a peaceful place with plenty of hill walking routes; the air is clean and fresh and there are a few cafes and bars open for refreshments. And as a plus you will find ample free parking! IMPORTANT Sunscreen! The strong sunshine reflects off the snow so put sunscreen on as normal, but also put it on the under surfaces of your forearms, and under your chin and ears. You will burn from the sun above, and also from the reflected sun from the snow!
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Easy Entertaining
Salt-crusted Mini Baked Potatoes with Cold Chive Hollandaise
Starter
INGREDIENTS - Serves 5 10 small red potatoes olive oil ½ tbsp salt flakes 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoons white wine vinegar 6oz butter seasoning (1oz) chives, snipped You will need a large solid baking sheet. METHOD First of all, make the hollandaise by placing the egg yolks in a small bowl and season them. Then place them in a food processor or blender and blend them thoroughly for about 1 minute. After that, heat the lemon juice and vinegar in a small saucepan until the mixture starts to bubble and simmer. Switch the processor or blender on again and pour the hot liquid on to the egg yolks in a slow, steady stream. After that, switch the processor or blender off Now, using the same saucepan, melt the butter over a gentle heat, being very careful not to let it brown. When the butter is foaming, switch the processor or blender on once more and pour in the butter in a thin, slow, steady trickle; the slower you add it the better. (If it helps you to use a jug rather than pouring it from the saucepan, warm a jug with boiling water, discard the boiling water and pour
the butter mixture into that first.) When all the butter has been incorporated, wipe around the sides of the processor bowl or blender with a spatula to incorporate all the sauce, then give the sauce one more quick burst and you should end up with a lovely smooth, thick, buttery sauce. Then pour it into a bowl and stir in two-thirds of the snipped chives. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave in the fridge until the sauce is cold and set. Next, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and dry them with a tea towel, then leave them aside for the skins to dry completely (if you get ready-scrubbed potatoes, just wipe them with damp kitchen paper). Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5. When the skins are nice and dry, prick them with a fork, then moisten your hands with oil and rub the potatoes to oil them all over. Put the tablespoon of salt flakes in a bowl and swirl each potato in the salt to coat it lightly. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until crisp and tender. Then when you’re ready to serve, cut a cross in the top of each potato and gently squeeze up from the base to open out the cut slightly (use a towel to protect your hands). Quickly top each one with a spoonful of the chive hollandaise, then sprinkle with the reserved chives.
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alicante
Mini dessert Panettone INGREDIENTS SERVES 8
2 eggs plus 1 yolk 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract 500g plain flour 2 x 7g sachets easy-bake dried yeast 100g caster sugar Salt 200ml warm milk 200g soft butter 140g mixed dried fruit 100g mixed candied peel Milk, for brushing 1-2 tbsp flaked almonds
METHOD
Beat the eggs and yolk with the vanilla. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and ½ tsp salt. Add warm milk and egg mixture, then beat to a very soft, sticky dough with
a wooden spoon. Cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place until dough has doubled in size. Drop large muffin wraps into ten clean, 200g size cans, or line them carefully with baking parchment so the paper comes well above the cans to make a collar (or use a muffin tray). Blend the butter, fruit and peel into the risen dough, preferably with your hands. Cut into ten equal pieces and drop a piece into each prepared can. Cover again and leave until they are very well risen. Heat oven to 190c/170c fan/gas 5. Gently brush the panettone with milk, scatter over the almonds and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Eat within three days, or freeze for up to six weeks.
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METHOD
main
To start, if the scallops are large slice each one in half. Then pour the vermouth into a medium-sized saucepan and add the bay leaf. Bring it up to the boil, add the scallops and, when it comes back to a simmer, time it for exactly 1 minute before removing them with a draining spoon to a colander over a bowl. Next add the monkfish – in two batches – following the same procedure (back to a simmer, but this time cook each batch for 2 minutes). cornichons, drained Next poach the frozen mussels (same and roughly chopped as above, but remove them just as they 1 heaped tablespoon come to a simmer) and finally the frozen chopped dill prawns, only this time poach them until a good pinch of they turn pink and opaque. Then add the cayenne pepper drained juices from the poached fish to seasoning the poaching liquid in the pan and bring it For the pastry: up to the boil, then reduce by two-thirds, 375g ready-made which will take about 10 minutes. butter puff pastry Then pour the poaching liquid into a jug, 20gfreshly grated you need about 150ml (5fl oz). Next make Parmesan, plus the sauce, do this by melting the butter 2 tablespoons to in a small saucepan, stir in the flour, then sprinkle gradually add the poaching liquid bit by 1 egg, beaten bit, stirring continuously with a mini whisk. You will need a Cook on a gentle heat for 3-4 minutes, round pie dish stirring occasionally. When the sauce has 20.5cm (8in) in cooked, add the crème fraîche, capers, cornichons, and dill then season and add diameter at the base, some cayenne pepper. 26cm (10½in) at the top and 3.5cm (1¼in) Once the sauce and fish are completely cold, mix them together in a bowl and deep.
Seafood Pie
with a parmesan crust INGREDIENTS Serves 6 250g scallops (with corals if possible) 800g monkfish fillet, cut into 3cm (1¼in) pieces 250g frozen cooked mussels 250g frozen large, raw tiger prawns 450mldry vermouth 1 bay leaf For the sauce: 25g butter; 15g flour; 2 rounded tablespoons crème fraîche; 1 heaped tablespoon fine capers in vinegar, drained, or salted capers, well rinsed; 8
Manhattan
9 Item English Breakfast
3.70€
Served 9.30 till 5pm (Sunday till 12)
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pile into the pie dish. Next roll the pastry to an oblong 20 x 30cm (8 x 12in), then use a pastry brush to dampen the surface with a little water and sprinkle evenly with the 20g (¾oz) of Parmesan. Then fold the pastry over and roll it out to 35cm (14in) square. Now cut two 2cm (¾in) strips from two of the edges of the pastry square. Dampen the rim of the dish with water, press the strips of pastry on to the rim and dampen them. Press the rest of the pastry loosely over that to form a lid and, using a sharp knife, trim any excess pastry off. Then press the edges firmly together and flute them all round. Make a steam hole in the centre with a skewer and roll any pastry trimmings together and cut them into leaves or little fish to decorate the top. Cover and chill for at least an hour, but it will be fine until the following day. When you are ready to cook the pie, preheat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 7, then brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan. Place the pie on a baking tray and cook on the centre shelf of the oven for 25 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/gas mark 4 and cook for a further 20 minutes. Leave to stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Fantastic summer SPECIALS BOARD €4.50
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AuthorHouse UK author Steve Lawrence brings murder and mayhem to the West Country! The latest author to come under the AuthorHouse UK reviews spotlight is established author Steve Lawrence who has just published his third book with us, Moondance. Leaving school at fifteen Steve set out on his career in engineering, progressing from apprentice to managerial roles before stepping away at age 52 and he and his wife moving to Spain. Since Steve took up keeping a journal as a hobby in 2008, he felt inspired to really get into writing and conceived his initial ideas for a book and began to write in earnest. Despite a few aborted attempts he has now progressed to having three published novels, the latest as we said being the very recent release, ‘Moondance’. Steve’s literary influences are the likes of James Patterson, Michael Connelly, Ian Rankin and Clive Cussler, so it is not surprising that he writes in the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres. With a style of writing that Steve describes as basic and raw, but with a flowing storyline designed to keep the reader turning the pages. The particular inspiration for ‘Moondance’ came from a desire to write a story based in an area that he is familiar with, and as Steve lived in Cheltenham for several years, he decided that it would be the ideal setting.
‘Moondance’ Steve claims the actual story line for ‘Moondance’ came from nowhere in particular and although the characters in the book are purely fictional, some of the character names are cheekily of friends and family. Let’s take a look at the actual storyline; Detective Chief
Inspector Derek Williams and his team at Gloucestershire CID, have been trying to track down a serial killer terrorising Cheltenham Town for several months. They know it is only a matter of time before the killer, who they believe is a woman, will strike again, but they don’t know where, when or who. Will they be able to stop her before she claims another innocent victim? Added to tracking this serial killer; during their investigations they stumble across some other dirty dealings, tax evasion and drug running. The police combine forces to take them all down, but will it all go to plan? Throughout the book Steve has tried to imbue the flavour and dialect of Gloucestershire and the West Country.
Tenacity and Persistence “My advice to anyone thinking about writing a book is “have a go”, what have you got to lose? Once you get those first few chapters written down as a rough draft, you will want to continue. Let the story flow naturally; don’t try to force the storyline. Try to think that you are in the story yourself…you are that person walking in that room describing the sight, sound or smell. Ideas will start popping up, so just get it down on paper, you can always edit it at a later date. Coupled with this doggedness to completing your manuscript is the great feeling of achievement when you receive and hold that first book that you have produced and worked hard for in your hand. There is also the satisfaction of having control of each stage of the self-publishing process”.
Book Marketing Strategy Steve puts a lot of time and effort into his book marketing, including making it a priority to inform all his relatives and friends of a pending book release, via e-mail, Facebook, card, letter or whatever. Also he makes it known at his local bar and golf society that he is an author. Online he has now set up a personal website www. stephenlawrencebooks.com that displays all his books, along with brief excerpts from each, and provides direct links to all the major book sellers’ websites. He is also currently preparing for book reviews with local newspapers, and trusts these will lead to an invitation to a local radio station to talk about ’Moondance’.
A Sequel to ‘Moondance’? Steve says he has nothing definitive in mind for a sequel to ‘Moondance’, however, if the ideas are forthcoming it might happen. In any event AuthorHouse UK reviews would like to thank Steve for his patience with us and wish him success with his busy book marketing schedule.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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GARDEN & ENVIRONMENT Met Office: 2012 Was Uk’s Second Wettest Year On Record
s ’ e i k n a r F n e d r a G Answer
Euphorbia Pulcherrima, commonly known as the Poinsettia, is an indigenous plant to Mexico. This Christmas the local villages have them planted in gardens, roundabouts and Municipal Buildings and the weather has been kind to them so they don’t look tatty as in previous years. Poinsettia dislike strong sunlight but do need light so place them in a bright but shady place or, if indoors, diffuse the sunlight by placing them behind a net curtain. They also hate being in standing water but do like to be kept on the damp side, so water when soil starts to feel dry to touch. Always remove your plant from a decorative container before watering and allow it to drain completely before returning it to its permanent spot. It is not a good idea to place them too near frequently opened doors, fireplaces, central heating appliances, or radiators as they hate draughts, excessive heat or fluctuating temperatures. Fussy aren’t they? It is best not to feed your poinsettia when it is in bloom but wait until the
The past 12 months were the second wettest on record in the UK, according to data released by the Met Office and reported by the BBC The total rainfall for the UK during 2012 was 1,330.7mm (52.4in), just 6.6mm short of the record set in 2000. Most areas were affected by the extreme weather, with thousands of homes flooded and farmers struggling to grow crops in the saturated soil. The latest data comes as analysis says the frequency of extreme rainfall in the UK may be increasing. Statistics showed that days of particularly heavy rainfall had become more common since 1960. The study into extreme rain was based on statistics from the National Climate Information Centre, the UK’s official climate record. The Met Office said this was the wettest year on record for England, the third wettest for Wales, the 17th wettest on record for Scotland and the 40th wettest for Northern Ireland. The records date back to 1910. The Met Office added that four of the top five
wettest years had occurred since 2000.
“The trend towards more extreme rainfall events is one we are seeing around the world, in countries such as India and China, and now potentially here in the UK,” said Met Office chief scientist Prof Julia Slingo. “Much more research is needed to understand more about the causes and potential implications.” Most areas in the UK experienced flooding during 2012, affecting thousands of homes and businesses. In the run-up to Christmas, South-West England was particularly badly affected, with a number of railway lines remaining closed over the entire festive period. The Environment Agency said almost 8,000 properties in England and Wales were flooded during 2012 and it sent more than 200,000 warnings to households and businesses. However, it added that flood defences had protected more than 200,000 properties in atrisk areas.
us town bans sale of small water bottles
Question
I was given a beautiful poinsettia just before Christmas, how can I keep it going as they always die on me after the holiday season is over?
bright bracts have died down before giving it a general purpose feed. Which brings me on to my next point; many people try and save their poinsettias each year and fail. My advice? Don’t even try it! The best policy is to buy them, admire them, use them and then lose them! Otherwise you will spend a lot of time and effort only to be sadly disappointed when they don’t come up with another beautiful display next year. After all, they are very cheap to buy in the markets just before Christmas. Everyone recognises the beautiful dark green leaves and bright red bracts of the poinsettia we are used to having in our homes at Christmas but there are many other varieties less well known. There are pink ones, cream, white, marble, salmon, red with pink spots, white with rose flecks, dark red and purple and also multiheaded varieties. Why not keep an eye out next December for one of these unusual ones to surprise friends and neighbours with? Email your gardening questions to Frankie at editor@soltimes.com
The US town of Concord in Massachusetts has banned the sale of bottled water in units smaller than one litre. The law came into effect on January 1, after a three-year campaign to reduce waste and encourage tap water use. First offenders will get a warning. Anyone caught selling the banned bottles a second time will be fined $25 (£15), with $50 for further offences. The Australian town of Bundanoon introduced a complete ban on bottled water in 2009. More than 90 universities in the US and others around the world have already restricted the sale of plastic bottles, as have some local government authorities., Concord has not introduced any restrictions on the sale of small bottles of other drinks, and the bylaw has an exemption in case of emergencies. Campaigners say Americans consume 50
billion small bottles of water each year. The bottled water industry says the small bottles are essential to modern life and encourage people to live healthier lifestyles. But Jean Hill who led the campaign for the ban in Concord, told the New York Times: “What I’m trying to do with this bylaw is to increase the barriers to buying single-serve bottled water.” “In order to help people change, you need to put policies in place that steer them away from buying bottled water and toward considering the many other good alternatives.” Some of the town’s residents argue the ban is pointless, as they can go down the road and buy small bottles from shops in neighbouring towns. Ms Hill says she was inspired to begin her campaign by her grandson, who told her about a vast floating island of plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean.
More objections to Gwynedd hydroelectric power scheme Conservationists claim a dam for a planned £100m hydroelectric scheme could spoil a beauty spot on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, according to a report by www.bbc.co.uk. The Open Spaces Society has added to objections to the Glyn Rhonwy plan, warning it will encroach on common land and be an eyesore. The developer, the Quarry Battery Company, has said it will do everything to minimise the impact. Gwynedd council said no date has been set for the proposal to be discussed. The Open Spaces Society has raised objections to the proposal, saying it is especially concerned that the site boundary takes in common land. It said the applicants need to be aware that they cannot develop common
land unless they offer land in exchange. The society’s general secretary Kate Ashbrook said: “We are dismayed that there is no mention of common land in the principal documents accompanying the application. “We urge the council to reject this application as inappropriate in this area of natural beauty which is much enjoyed by walkers and climbers.” The proposed pump storage scheme is based on the same principle as Dinorwig’s First Hydro plant in Llanberis. Water there is pumped uphill to a reservoir when electricity is cheap and then released back down through a turbine to generate electricity to sell on when it is more expensive for suppliers to buy. A dam
would be built at the upper reservoir and the society says it is concerned about the effects of construction. The Snowdonia Society has already voiced its concerns about the effect the Glyn Rhonwy scheme on the wildlife, culture and heritage of the area. It also said there are no details available on how the scheme will be connected to the grid and they fear extra pylons may have to be constructed locally. The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has also said it feels that the “scale and size of this development requires much more consideration”. The site has previously been the subject of planning applications for schemes ranging from a large ski dome to a mountain biking centre.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
STANDARD CROSSWORD
7 Head of Cambridge returning company without items for improving beauty (8) 8 Making calm gnats die out? (8) 9 Stop education, perhaps, keeping cold place for your money (7,7) 15 Relieve Woody, nearly, by way of time and energy! (9) 16 Clearly left one lazily following MP (8) 17 Lovely daughter, or a bighead when taken by drink! (8) 19 Nearly discover a learner’s important exams! (6) 20 Cigarette stump craze surrounding information (3-3) 22 Cat’s tail and part of rat not in fish (5)
Down
24 Swearings (5) 25 Terribly (9) 27 Pictures (6) 28 Cornhusker state (8) 29 A metamorphic rock (6) 30 Guess (8)
surface (9) 7 Luminaries (8) 8 Stoneless (8) 11 Grasp (4) 15 Monasteries or convents (9) 17 Fighting against (8) Down 18 House loan (8) 1 Fix (6) 20 Couch (4) 2 Wheat or oats, for 21 Dealers (7) example (6) 3 Chance or lot (archaic) (5) 22 Elijah’s assistant (6) 23 Spin and twirl (6) 4 Omits (7) 6 Study of the Earth’s 26 Persian (5)
1 Ball in this place after initially students keep quiet (6) 2 Discover wide tectonic section (6) 3 Extra money for university to put Iron and Ecstasy in young dogs (3-2,4) 4 Not in anger, Souness displayed immoderacy (14) 6 A way in to mineral? (5)
HARD SUDOKU
Very Hard!
SUDOKU PUZZLE CRYPTIC crossword
CROSSWORD
SOLUTIONS SUDOKU PUZZLE
Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.
Across 1 Record in writing (8) 5 Secret or insurance, for example (6) 9 Rehearse (8) 10 Abhor (6) 12 Hotelier (9) 13 Revolutionary (5) 14 Fifth book of the New Testament (4) 16 Jalapeno or chili, for example (7) 19 Sub-atomic particles (7) 21 Playthings (4)
CRYPTIC
1 Second issue causes offence (8) 5 Origins, say, of things to go with food? (6) 10 Shot off with drug at area of potential trouble (3,4) 11 Passed Lynam coming back with White (7) 12 Summarise funny caper! (5) 13 A hundred soldiers surrounding England - time for reconciliation! (9) 14 Rare invite surprising a new sort of doctor (12) 18 Without doubt, uni bedsit plan almost collapses (12) 21 Put a nearly nice Rhode Island inside, being strictly moral (9) 23 There it is love, hiding in a broken vial! (5) 24 Questionable university subject initially taken after bringing up mate I love (7) 25 A conflict in United Nations - Egyptian leader not knowing (7) 26 Girl, yet strangely without 14, shortly (6) 27 Put the emphasis on bringing up puddings? (8)
CROSSWORD
coffee break
Across
STANDARD SUDOKU
34
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
January in Spain
San Antón
35
17th January
(or St Anthony)
A number of fiestas occur across Spain in January - on January 16, the eve of St Antony’s Day, everyone dresses up in costume to watch the big firework display in all of the large towns and cities. January 17th sees processions pass through the streets to mark St Antony’s day itself, then on January 19, there are bonfires and dancing for the Eve of St Sebastian and medieval processions the next day - Ibiza on January 21 is famous for its fiesta offering live music and fireworks!
Saint Anthony the Great (c. 251–356) was an Egyptian Christian saint and the prominent leader among the Desert Fathers, Christian monks in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Anthony lived in Alexandria, Egypt for much of his notable career. He is celebrated in many churches across North Africa and The Levant on Feast Day, January 17 and the Month of Tobi 22, (January 30) in the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Coptic Catholic Church, which are historically associated with Saint Anthony. The biography of Anthonys’ Life by Pope Athanasius of Alexandria helped to spread the concept of monasticism, particularly in the Western Europe through Latin translations. Most of what is known about the life of St Anthony is in the Latin vita (Life of Antony) by Athanasius, circulated in Latin and records that Anthony was born near Herakleopolis Magna in Lower Egypt in 251 to wealthy landowner parents. When he was about eighteen years old, his parents died and left him with the care of his unmarried sister. In 285, he decided to follow the words of Jesus who had said: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21). Taking these words quite literally, Anthony gave away some of the family estate to his neighbours, sold the remaining property and donated the funds raised to the poor, placed his sister in a convent, and himself became the disciple of a local hermit. Anthony is notable for being one of the first ascetics those having adopted a life characterised by abstinence from worldly pleasures - to attempt living in the desert, completely cut off from civilization. His isolated ifestyle was remarkably harsher than his predecessors, heading out into the alkaline desert region called the Nitra (Wadi El Natrun today), about 95 km west of Alexandria, some of the most rugged terrain of the Western Desert. Here he remained for some thirteen years. According to Athanasius, the devil fought St Anthony by afflicting him with boredom, laziness, and the phantoms of
women, which he overcame by the power of prayer. After that, he moved to a tomb, where he resided and closed the door on himself, depending on some local villagers who brought him food. When the devil perceived his ascetic life and his intense worship, he was envious and beat him mercilessly, leaving him unconscious. When his friends from the local village came to visit him and found him in this condition, they carried him to a church. After he recovered, he made a second effort and went back to the desert, further out than before and there he lived strictly enclosed in an old abandoned Roman fort for some twenty years. According to the writing of Athanasius, the devil again resumed his rage against Saint Anthony, only this time the phantoms were in the form of wild beasts, wolves, lions, snakes and scorpions. They appeared as if they were about to attack him or cut him into pieces. But the Saint would laugh at them scornfully and say, “If any of you have any authority over me, only one would have been sufficient to fight me.” At his saying this, they disappeared as though in smoke, and God gave him the victory over the devil. While in the fort he only communicated with the outside world by a crevice through which food would be passed and he would say a few words. Saint Anthony would prepare a quantity of bread that would sustain him for six months. He did not allow anyone to enter his cell: whoever came to him, stood outside and listened to his advice. Then one day he emerged from the fort with the help of villagers to break down the door. By this time most had expected him to have wasted away, or gone insane in his solitary confinement, but he emerged healthy, serene, and enlightened. Everyone was amazed that he had been through these trials and emerged spiritually rejuvenated. He was hailed as a hero and from this time forth the legend of Anthony began to spread and grow. When Saint Anthony felt that the day of his departure had approached, he commanded his disciples to give his staff
to Saint Macarius, and to give one sheepskin cloak to Saint Athanasius and the other sheepskin cloak to Saint Serapion, his disciple. He further instructed his disciples to bury his body in an unmarked, secret grave, lest his body become an object of veneration. He stretched himself on the ground and gave up his spirit – it is said that Anthony lived for 105 years. Many pictorial artists, from Hieronymus Bosch to Salvador Dalí, have depicted these incidents from the life of Anthony; in prose, the tale was retold and embellished by Gustave Flaubert.
Celebrations Across Spain On the eve and actual day of this Saint (17th January), there are foguerons (bonfires) in many parts of Mallorca, with the additional participation of demons. Bonfires and illuminations are also lit in various parts of the country, especially in Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, the Community of Valencia and Aragón. There are traditional mounted processions in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, which are called dels tres tombs (3-rounders). In Arquillos (Jaén) the main character is the pelotero (he runs like a ball after people), who is symbolic of Satan the Tempter and chases the locals with a rope-soled sandal. In Castellar de Santiago (Ciudad Real) bread loaves and rolls are blessed and cockerels auctioned off, whilst Manlleu (Barcelona) sees the performing of the seventeenth century Ball del Ciri (Candle Dance) in the evening of St Anthony’s Day. Mas de las Matas (Teruel) is the scene of a procession involving blessed loaves and a masquerade in which local life is sent up, and in Trigueros (Huelva) legs of ham, bread, money and other objects are thrown at the Saint as he is paraded through the streets. In Villanueva de Alcolea and Lucena del Cid, both in the province of Castellón, riders on saddled horses jump over bonfires. On the night of the 16th in Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), the Encamisada takes place. This involves
the participation of a great number of horses painstakingly adorned, which follow a circuit drawn out in the town, littered with bonfires, for more than two hours whilst the riders pile endless praise on the names of St Fulgencio, St Anthony and the Baby Jesus. In certain towns of the territory such as Forcall (Castellón) and Mirambel (Teruel) a Santantona (play about St Anthony) is performed, in which the temptations the Saint had to overcome in the desert are represented, culminating in the spectacular burning of a pinebranch hut.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
animals D D Cat arrested in prison
D D
Prison guards in Brazil have arrested a cat - for attempting to smuggle contraband goods in for inmates. The white cat was apprehended crossing the main prison gate in Arapiraca city, in Alagoas state.
It had items including drill bits, files, earphones, a mobile phone and charger
fastened to its body with tape. Officials said the items could be used to effect a means of escape or for communicating with criminals on the outside. A prison spokesperson was quoted by local paper Estado de S. Paulo as saying: “It’s tough to find out who’s responsible for the action as the cat doesn’t speak.”
Orphaned cheetah cub wins hearts
Eyewitness Account...
It has been reported in the Spanish press that three elected councillors were verbally and physically attacked in a small popular Orihuela restaurant on Saturday evening. The infamous brother of disgraced ex-mayor Monica Lorente was in the restaurant with a partner, the three elected councillors were eating with others and there were a number of people standing in the bar area. Jorge Lorente began insulting and trying to provoke the councillors and their group, so Pedro Mancebo and his colleagues decided to leave the restaurant as the ugly scene was unfolding, but Lorente grabbed Pedro Mancebo by the neck and smashed the back of his head against a wall, bruising his head, then the thug began beating Mancebo with his fist injuring his inner lip. Councillor Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas tried to pull Lorente off Mancebo only to be attacked by Lorente himself in a very aggressive manner. Lorente then beat Martha Campillo in the arm and pushed her as she tried to stop him assaulting her councillor colleagues. When Mancebo released himself, he immediately phoned the police to report that they were being assaulted. To stop Mancebo calling the police, Lorente’s partner Vivi started shouting threats and insults and joined the attack on Mancebo by grabbing his neck again. Onlookers were shocked by Lorente’s wild manner as he continued to attack the group as they were trying to leave the restaurant. Lorente then struck out at the young lady councillor, Marta Campillo several times hurting her arm and hand which she raised to protect her face. Two police units arrived promptly but Lorente had run off into the night before being apprehended. Lorente’s partner “Vivi” was taken to the police station for formal identification as he had no documents with him. Both Marta Campillo and Pedro Mancebo were treated at the local medical centre for their injuries and have made formal complaints (denuncias) to the police which will be reported in the courts as an attack on public representatives. Numerous witnesses to the entire incident gave their names and phone numbers to the councillors so as to be called as witnesses to the unprovoked attack when it goes to court. Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas also denounced the two attackers for aggression, threatening behaviour and insults. Some time later the main aggressor, Jorge Lorente probably realising the further shame that he was bringing on his already disgraced family denounced Pedro Mancebo for aggravating the incident and has declared that his hand was hurting him from the attack that he perpetrated. When an incident of such a nature happens in Spain, it is expected that both sides denounce each other to give their side of the story and then the courts rather than the police make the decision about who the guilty party is. In this case with so many witnesses at the scene, there will be no difficulty in making that decision. Report by Raymond Kearney Dear Readers
An adorable orphaned two-month-old cheetah cub is the new star attraction at a zoo in Poland. The cub is being hand
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- is already nearly 8lbs (3.5kg) and thriving after a month in an incubator. But she seems happy to snuggle down for a cat nap as her new human foster parents give her a cuddle. Zoo spokesman Mariusz Zientalski said: “Cheetahs are very difficult to reproduce in captivity. This is the first we’ve had in 17 years. “She is very lively, intelligent, and tactile she loves being cuddled and has adapted to her new conditions very quickly and very well. “For some reason her mother Zele stopped feeding her and stopped looking after her. “The cub’s life really hung in the balance for a while but she’s survived and has really taken to her alternative lifestyle,” she added.
SEND FUNNY PHOTOS OF YOUR PETS TO EDITOR@ SOLTIMES.COM
Christmas has been wonderful in Orihuela Costa this year, definitely the best ever. With my budget being tighter than ever I was not able to spend as much as I normally would buying gifts or wining and dining, I thought I was going to be miserable. Then I got an email from the town hall telling me about free events and I decided “what the heck” I’m going to go to as many of these events as I can. It all started with the Jewish festival on Saturday the 15th followed by the lighting up of the beautiful red Christmas tree outside the town hall. The night was magical. Over the next few days, all around the coast Christmas lights appeared, brighter, nicer and more than I’ve ever seen here before. The free Christmas Carol Concert in Orihuela came next with free buses laid on and plenty of time allowed for wandering around Orihuela, I never realised how many beautiful buildings we had on our doorstep before. This was a very special evening for me and my neighbours who accompanied me; we will definitely make some
day trips to Orihuela in 2013. Christmas morning we walked from Consum in La Zenia down to the beach. There were more cars parked than on a hot summer’s day. There were thousands of people, mostly dressed in red on the beach. They were all in good form and the music was playing. People brought drinks and sandwiches and the party atmosphere was fabulous. We stayed for two hours and only left because we had not brought any goodies with us. I won’t be able to go to the free New Years Eve celebrations but I will definitely be going to the 3 Kings event on the 5th January. I heard on the grapevine that there will be a hot air balloon at La Zenia Boulevard giving FREE rides from 5pm, I have always wanted to try this but never did, I think I’ll be on the queue at 4pm. It’s a long time since I’ve had so little and yet had so much. I just want to say THANK YOU to the people in the town hall who organised the best Christmas ever for me, keep up the good work. P. Clinton
Andy Wilson Photographer
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
COMMUNITY NEWS A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW...........
It is very sad to hear that a very worthwhile charity finds that it is unable to keep going because of not receiving enough support, be it financial or for lack of volunteers, as is the case of the cat charity called PAWS. They state they are not officially registered. One of the easiest and very inexpensive things to do in Spain is become a non-profit Association. All one needs to do is go to your Town Hall, fill in the forms and for less than €20 become legal. We have done just that with no problems in two municipalities, and received all the information and help free of charge. So why did this charity not do this? At the same time, we have raised millions of pesetas and thousands of euros through our “bums on seata” performances for many charities. I can only guess the problems that PAWS state about the little money received for “bums on seats”is due to not having discussed with the donating parties the exact conditions as we always do with each participating charity. We always make it very clear that we give a donation and all the charities we help are grateful for whatever we can give them, we sign an agreement with the charity stating in writing exactly how and what we will be donating so there never are any problems. So my advice to charities is put it in writing and very clearly stated exactly what you will be receiving, be it the total take, a percentage or a agreed apon donation. If Paws would have done this, there would never have been this problem. In the end, many charities would receive with a grateful thank you the €450. The Raquel Peña Flamenco Dance Company next major professional concert is on Sunday, May 19th at 5:30pm, at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja with a donation of €2500 for Torrevieja’s Alzheimers Association. Pre-reservations are now being accepted. Call 630 689 431 to reserve or information. Raquel Peña Artistic Director
A Happy New Year from The Torrevieja Costa Lions Club....
If you feel that Christmas has gone and left you high and dry with nothing more to do, then come along and join us at our business meetings on the second Thursday of the month at the Cabo Cevera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja. Meetings start at 5pm and usually last for about an hour and a half. If you want to help people in an “International Charity Organisation” this year and have some fun with some new found friends while you do it, then come and join us. We hope to see you and your friends soon. Regards, David Daniel. Membership DirectorThe Torrevieja Costa Lions Club.
TERRY LOCKWOOD.........................
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Sporting de San Fulgencio Football Club Treasurer Terry Lockwood passed away on January 1st 2013 after a short battle with cancer. “Tel” (as we all knew him) was a much-loved, larger than life character who will be greatly missed by all of us, as both a football fan and a friend. He moved to Spain with wife Ann about ten years ago, the last eight of those on phase five Urb. La Marina where he took over the post of President before becoming the Treasurer. He held this position until his return to the UK in December 2012 when his health started to deteriorate. In 2009 “Tel” became involved with the Football Club helping out on the commercial side as well as becoming club Treasurer, he loved his football and was a life long Spurs supporter. Other than football “Tel” looked forward to his weekly Thursday night card game with his five mates, something he took most serious, he did not enjoy losing and has been know not only to bend the rules but also the corners of the cards. In life you need characters like “Tel”, it would be a dull place without them, we have just lost a big one. Our thoughts, at this time, are with his wife Ann and his family and we offer them our deepest sympathies.
37
E M A IL E D I T O R @ S O LT I M E S . C O M
THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA...................................
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. Lesley Pickering will take the Divine Service with Mediumship, on Sund ay 13th January followed by an Evening of Mediumship with David Darnbrough on Tuesday, 15th January. The Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 20th January will be taken by Ray Bailey. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www. spiritualistchurchquesada.com
Dear Editor..................................
As we approach the end of another year, I thought I should give you an update on what ‘HELP’ has achieved through the very generous efforts of its members. Everyone has to appreciate the hardship Spain is going through at the moment, as are many other countries. With many now out of work and not having any means of income, this leaves many families living in poverty. HELP has purchased 1,800 litres of milk that is being distributed to 60 needy families in Almoradi. Also 35 San Miguel families are being given a box of fruit and vegetables; a box of toiletries and washing products; a box of dry goods and meat or fish vouchers; all donated by HELP and been distribution. Many may be aware that HELP has contributed 50% of the cost of school books to both Almoradi and San Miguel underprivileged children; also of our significant donation of equipment to ‘Reach Out’ in Torrevieja. We feel our members would approve of us putting help back into the local community and it is thanks to all members of HELP, that we are in a position to provide for the less fortunate, as well as maintaining our membership benefit schemes. We also raised through the raffle and donations at our recent Menu del dia at Portico Mar, over 500€ ; for which we are extremely grateful for all the diners and sponsors generosity. Thank you must go to Mary at Maritaos Kitchen, Brigitta at The Vestry, Mindy at Portico Mar, Cheryl at Diamond Flores and Andrea and Brian at La Bamba’s, for their donations to the raffle and all the participants. On behalf of HELP Vega Baja , from Ron (President)
LINE DANCING.................................. Every Friday from 4th Jan 10.30am Bar Sofia, El Raso. Fun Learn to Line Dance for Absolute Beginners with Adam (all the basic dances to get you line dancing) No previous dance skills required, but a sence of humour a must.TEL 670711408
ROJALES ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET..........................
Sunday January 13th from 11am at the Cuevas el Rodeo - artists’ caves. As it is the 3 kings day on the first Sunday this month, the monthly art & crafts market will be on the 2nd Sunday this month! But in February it will return to the first one - i.e. 3rd February. So come and pick up some bargains or discuss your commission with some great artists! And if YOU are an artist or craftsperson and want to display/sell YOUR work etc. free, just contact me. HOW TO GET TO THE ARTISTS CAVES - CUEVAS DEL RODEO!!!? map, directions, photos etc are all on the CostaArt.Net website at: www.CostaArt.Net/caves.html ROJALES Studio 17 weekly life drawing classes Fridays at studio of Martin the artist in Rojales. These restart after the Christmas/New Year break, on Friday 11th January with model. Belle (21), over from UK specially. Also a photographic model, she will be available for other artists or photographers on Saturday 12th January & from Mon 14th to Wed 16th January. Contact me if you would like to book her. More info 648 535 165 or martin@martin-enterprises.eu ORIHUELA A GAME OF LOVE a new play from NETWORKS THEATRE. ORIHUELA January 25th & 26th at 9pm www.networksenglishstudies.com/theatre www.martin-enterprises.eu martinrobinson.deviantart.com www.CostaArt.Net 965 724 927
Ceroc Style Modern Jive............
Every Thursday from 7pm CerocStyle Modern Jive.The easy jive with latin style. Never Danced-No Partner-No Problem. New dancers joining us every week at Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Tel 670711408 LEARN TO LINE DANCE WITH ADAM. ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, NO DANCING SKILLS NECESSARY BUT A SENSE OF HUMOUR A MUST. HELD EVERY FRIDAY 10.30am AT BAR SOFIA, EL RASO. GENTS ALSO WELCOME
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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
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
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CALIDA/BLANCA SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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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 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 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 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 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. 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
Simply Doors Espana (Quesada)
From a pocket watch to a piano....
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
If it’s under 300€ you can advertise your items
from €595 fully installed Calle azul, cuidad quesada tel: 966 718 738 see our main ad on page 8
free of charge in the
electricians Electrician , available for all works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 562. davendonc@aol.com
Furniture
DEADLINES
A LU M I N I U M 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 2 Stainless Steel Inset Sinks 780 x 430 both right hand drainers with Roco mixer taps Good condition , C a m p o s o l Area 20€ each Tel.676028725
Furniture first
jewellery 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
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
SOLTIMES
SELL IT FAST SELL IT FREE EMAIL YOUR ITEMS FOR SALE TO
BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY NO PETS
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
39
www.soltimes.com heating NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages
insurance asssa medical insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es
property for sale / rent
house clearances
quick cash
house
clearance
transport in 1 hour
tel: 669 723 709
limousine hire
Tel: 968 969 648 618 315 933 (eng) 634 321 024 (esp) info@tuxedolimousines.es www. tuxedolimousines.es
locksmith
CLASSIFIED
to ced ext 330 u red 0 y l on 2 9.00
€4
Telephone: 653 145 300 Email:locksrus@hotmail.co.uk Special Deals for Urbanisations
personals
“Readers of Lenny Mitchell, a sensitive guitarist singer, international, professional, solo disposition act. may find some lenny Mitchell & his musical time machine invite of the ads in you on a trip back to the 60’s & 70’s. this section Available to play in any venue. offensive” tel: 658 321 891 or natasha , email lennymitchell@live.co.uk Divorced, diverse super sexy, photography private apartment, complete massage with massage bed. Very discreet. Call 677 676 554 San Policarpo No. 87 Apt 1-17 Cerca Calle Orihuela. Can accommodate one person or accompanied.
ENGLISH PLASTERER internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@hotmail.co.uk
We have a key-ready block of apartments in Los Montesinos with full finance! All you pay is €3,000 to complete.
902 750 190
Window / Shutter / Door locks Opened, Changed & Fitted
plastering
for rent, for SALE detatched cortijo 3 bed, 3 bath spacious semi-detatched house with 20mins from mojacar in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, garage situated in the popular Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida area of La Zenia, walking We have clients enquiring in this area distance to shops, beaches and Contact the new La Zenia Boulevard, CASASOL REAL ESTATE Furnished, Long term, This is a unique spanish tel: 965 325 601 550€ monthly plus electric & cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Email: water, perfect family home Open plan living areas, kitchen tony@casasolrealestate.com Tel: 966 733 079 or 619 098 543
CALL SOLTIMES Don’t miss the biggest BARGAIN yet!
24 HR EMERGENCY LOCKSMITH
musician
RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED
CALL CLASSIFIED
902 750 190 ext 330
Cheaper than renting? All you pay is EUR 3,000 buying costs and the rest is mortgaged at around EUR 250 per month. Cheaper than renting an apartment in the area. Some of these 2 bedroom apartments have 2 bathrooms and some with only 1. It’s a first come, first served basis! Great deal! The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre installation air conditioning. Quality and location The apartments are finished to a very high quality with communal areas decked out with marble floors and spacious corridors which make the building very light. The location is second to none, on the entrance to Los Montesinos overlooking the Torrevieja salt lakes and every apartment has its own private roof garden but there is no communal pool.
Prices are 59.900 €, the payment plan is 3.000 € deposit and straight to mortgage. If a client wants a 30 year mortgage it works out at 266 € per month and if it is a 35 year mortgage it works out at 242 € per month.
TOWNHOUSe TORREMENDO
& diningroom as well as a
C ortijo workshop, courtyard front & grande back & room for a pool. golf course 1 bed, 1 bath apartment, fully Mountain views. fitted kitchen, white Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200 m² goods, parking, lovely views. Close Telephone 649 186 107 to Mojacar / Turre. email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com T: 664 291 793 only €150,000 offers welcome jescott29@hotmail. co.uk
FOR SALE
Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi, Costa Blanca 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings Spacious apartment overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, views of the church & mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course
Price (Private Sale) € 79,950 Tel: (0034) 676 534 978
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...
Also available online at 2 bedrooms & Family Bathroom, Built on 3 Levels, Spacious Living/Dining Room, American Style Kitchen, Solarium & Terrace, Gated Complex, Stunning Views of the Lake. Great Value €59,000
tel: 693 806 409
www.soltimes.com for more information Telephone 966 718 979 902 750 190
40
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
trade Businesses can advertise in the classified section
Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Christine 902 750 190 ext 330 or 966 719 647
wigs
recruitment
removals
S alon M argarethas 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.
Can you sell ice to an Eskimo?
Linen Mills
Express
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...
UK Spain Uk
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
weekly service 620 582 063
VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service Also Spain-UK tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com
removals cont...
UK - SPAIN - UK
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
simply removals Spain ‹ UK › Spain • Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)
From a parcel to a small house move
Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service
uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk +44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 satellite tv
Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607
UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com
Personal, friendly door 2 door Service - Van & Trailer
Papers arranged
Local
Pets Welcome
Full or part loads
Europe
swimming pool safety
R ainbow for Satellites all your TV needs NEATER HEATER with clients all over See our main the Murcia Region. advert on the news Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or pages rainbowsats@terra. es
Affordable Removals Spain - UK & Return Local Moves
wanted
Motorbikes & Caravans
Office: 965 326 920 email Mobile: 666 847 648 beechdale@hotmail.co.uk
Brian Torrevieja
wanted
ed want
dead o alive r
scrap metal plastic glass white goods all electricals (working or not working)
furniture tv’s, dvd’s etc clothes
t don’k it t chuc k a ei i’ll t
€ cash
for house
clea r a nc es Wanted Pre 1960 British Football Programmes. Private Collector staying in San Pedro del Pinatar from 19th December - 16th January 2013. we will take anything you don’t Pays good prices want from cars to clothes, for programmes and electrical items working or other vintage sporting not. One man’s junk is another memorabilia. Please one’s treasure, so don’t delay call today contact Tony on 07823 775900 during Tel: 634 383 298 that period.
Steptoe & son
cars for sale 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
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!
€7,750
www.fwreurocars.com
600 726 221 965 687 976
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
€7,950
www.fwreurocars.com
600 726 221 965 687 976
car parts
Car parts
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 Vehicles registration
“RE-PLATE” MATE GB
E
Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:
Alan 662 249 159
www.replatematecostablanca.com
vehicle imports & matriculation.fast and competitive rates. call 687 845 730
For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.
605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
translation
pets
Translation Services Name transfer on all types of vehicles 50€ Registering of vehicles from English to Spanish 80€
All trafico work
Also available to do all types of translations 20€ first hour, 10€ every hour after
Don’t Get Caught Out! 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€
Please call Ashley McCulloch 638 899 350
Vehicles wanted
WANTED
ALL VEHICLES
Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics
FOR CASH Telephone:
699 805 995 wanted cars for cash Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered telephone Tim on 662 211 993
CASH CASH CASH Same day collection
We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!
From 1€ to 10,000€
Call Phil: 607 848 332
CA4RS CASH
WE BUY
Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash
living abroad is good for you!
7 PUPS Looking for homes at the beginning of February. Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 for more info The K9 Club Please call: 600 84 54 2 www.k9club.es k9clubinfo@gmail.com
Dobby is approx 3 years old, has a very kind and gentle nature, he is good with kids, other dogs and cats. Dobby has had all his vaccinations and has been neutered. Call: 655 027 676. www.petsinspain.com info@ petsinspain.info
mechanic
Ed’s mobile
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).
SELLING YOUR car ?
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
jet skis urgentely wanted THIS SPACE, FOR PRIVATE ADVERTISERS, any condition IS ONLY 15€ INCLUDING A PHOTO bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647 & REACH OVER 40,000 READERS
603 100 692
41
People who have made the leap to live in warmer climes can take heart from a belated acknowledgment by part of the British medical establishment that the sun is good for you, after all. Six years have elapsed since doctors in Australia - where they know more than most about skin cancer - admitted that they had overstated the dangers of sunlight, and understated its advantages. In March 2005, Australia sharply revised its guidelines on sun exposure in favour of controlled tanning. The reason was simple: sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. People in south Australia were deficient in the vitamin, which plays a central role in cancer prevention. Deficiency is also linked to multiple sclerosis, heart disease and diabetes. As the U-turn was announced, Professor Bruce Armstrong, of Sydney University, said: “It’s a revolution. I have been working in public health and preaching sun avoidance for 25 years. But this statement says there are two sides to the story.” The Cancer Council of Australia acted after research showed vitamin D deficiency affected 43 per cent of females in Geelong, near Melbourne in winter. Moderately severe deficiency was found in 11 per cent of females. At 38 degrees south, Geelong offers a useful comparison for expats in the Mediterranean. Sicily and the Costa Blanca in Spain are the same distance from the equator, and the Costa del Sol is a touch nearer. A month after the Australian rethink, came a complementary study from Harvard Medical School. Research showed that lung cancer patients doubled their five-year survival rate if operated on in the summer. The American Association for Cancer Research heard that the startling difference was attributed to high summer vitamin D
levels. Vitamin D is thought to slow cell growth and spread. While melanoma rates are unquestionably higher in sunny countries - and the dangers of sunburn are acknowledged by all - southern European countries do better than their northern counterparts in all sorts of cancers. Cases of prostate, colon and breast cancer are less prevalent around the Mediterranean. An element within the British medical establishment now appears to accept that it has been pushing anti-exposure too far. It may have stoked paranoia, at least among parents. Cases of rickets – a bone disease thought to have died out 80 years ago – are appearing among children. Last month, Britons were told that “little and frequent” sun exposure was good. The statement was issued by the British Association of Dermatologists, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society. People in the Mediterranean are able to benefit from sunshine almost year-round, whereas those in the UK can expect to get enough sun to produce vitamin D principally in the summer. For all winter, and before 10am and after 4pm in summer, the sun is not strong enough to trigger vitamin D production. Expats who take a holistic line on health won’t be surprised by the news from the UK bodies. Who doesn’t feel good for a few rays? Besides, the information on vitamin deficiency has been around for six years.
42
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
HOME & GARDEN...
Bring Insects In From The Cold The honeybee is in peril, but every gardener can help by planting pollinator friendly plants in their gardens
Britannia
SOLAR POOLS COVERS - ROLLERS HEATPUMPS - FENCING
Established 40 years in the UK
8.2kw heat pumps at 1,700€ 12kw heat pumps 2,000€
Insects are pollinators of about 80% of all plant species in Europe, including most fruit, many vegetables and some biofuel crops. Imagine our diet without pollinators. Prices of what we now consider ordinary food - a punnet of strawberries, beans, a pot of plum jam - will rocket. Take bumblebees alone and look at what they pollinate - oilseed rape, field beans, sunflowers, runner beans, raspberries, strawberries, apples and currants. Gone will be the era when most of us could think of having one, let alone five pieces of fruit a day. How we can help? Gardeners can help reverse this trend. Reasons for the decline in pollinators are partly new diseases (in the case of the honeybee), but more importantly, increasingly sparse foraging for these insects. With the widespread destruction of flowery habitats and changes in land management - for example - from clovers to chemical fertilisers, there’s less insect food around. As is often quoted, it is estimated that in Britain between 1932 and 1984, we lost 90% of our unimproved, flower-rich, lowland grassland, key areas for any foraging insect. The countryside in 2011 may look lush, but there’s precious
little for pollinator insects to feed on. Gardens can’t provide all the answers - many species have specialised habitat requirements - but for honeybees and many other bees and pollinators, they can be a huge help. Growing pollinator-friendly plants in our patches can make a difference. Some cultivated garden plants have limited wildlife value. Years of selection for showy blooms can result in flowers losing their attraction to pollinators, but there are plenty of traditional cottage garden plants that are tiptop as far as these insects are concerned. Having insect-friendly plants in gardens is a win-win. Many of the best plants for insects are also great to look at, easy to grow and flower for a long time. These are our TOP THREE: Borage: extremely attractive to honeybees, but also attracts many other insects, including bumblebees and butterflies. Lavender: attract a wide range of insects and, compared with borage, relatively more bumblebees to honeybees, as well as lots of butterflies and hoverflies Wallflowers: Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ blooms for most of the year - as it is unable to set seed - and so keeps on flowering, and is very attractive to butterflies.
Eco Build
extreme weather hit spain in December
small ROLLERS FROM 200€
www.poolsafetyfencing.es
Wall Insulation, Damp proofing & Dry Lining Specialist
www.britanniapoolcovers.com
400 MICRON 500 MICRON
Swim
6x3m.................165€ 6x3m.................220€ 8x4m.................270€ 8x4m.................355€ sooner 8x5m.................330€ 8x5m.................420€ in a 10x4m...............330€ 10x4m...............420€ warmer 10x5m...............420€ 10x5m...............520€ Pool 12x6m...............600€ 12x6m...............750€ For more prices & information Trade Enquiries WELCOME Alan 966 765 378 / 649 784 193
CALL NOW ON
Eleven provinces were issued with weather warnings over the festive perios as strong winds and high tides hit Spain. 965 319 512 or 634 009 109 These were are mainly in the north of the country and e-mail : ecobuildspain@gmail.com included the Atlantic coastal strip and the provinces of or visit our website www.prestigeguides.com/ecobuild Tarragona, Girona and Castellón. From north of Valencia to the French border, and also on the island of Menorca, strong winds stayed through New Year’s Eve and extreme The Mosquito Screen & Window Co high tides hit beaches and Serving the Coast and Inland for over 10 Years seafront esplanades. Further south and inland, moderate winds caused minor disruptions but were, luckily, not strong enough to lead to excessive damage. In Galicia, gales of over 127 kilometres per hour led to flights being delayed and cancelled, whilst fog also prevented planes from taking off from and landing at Madrid’s Barajas airport.
REDUCE HEATING AND COOLING COSTS BY 45%
leaky roof ? - we have the solution
STEELWORK DIRECT Manufacturers of high quality security grills and ornate iron work
covers all areas from Quesada Trade and Community Enquiries welcome •Security Grills/Handrails Arches •Electric and Manual Gates •Decorative Fencing •Garden Furniture •Gazebos, Car Ports, etc Calle Heredades, Almoradi
For a free no obligation quote call: Chaz 661 162 927 or 603 323 599
Manufacturers & Installers of Insect Screens, Aluminium & UPVC Windows & Doors Tel: 966 716 329 or Spanish Mob: 722 763 055
www.mosquitoscreenco.com
email: the.mosquito.screen.company@gmail.com Find us at Moncayo Market on Saturdays
email your news & views to editor@ soltimes.com
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
43
...HOME & GARDEN
Brassicas will have you blooming with good health
At this time of year what we need is plenty of vitamin-rich, low-calorie restoratives!
honeysuckle
the colour of 2013 2013 kicks off with verve and vigor, thanks to vibrant lipstick-pink honeysuckle. It’s the colour of the year, according to the Pantone Color Institute, the research branch of Pantone, which sets the trends and colour standards for fashion and home decor. The energetic, feel-good colour shows up in everything from dresses and men’s ties to wallpaper and sofa pillows. Designers including Cynthia Steffe, Badgley Mischka and Peter Som have incorporated the colour into their spring runway shows. The hue also translates into cosmetics, such as Bobbi Brown’s limited-edition Pretty Face collection. Unlike 2010’s colour of the year, turquoise, which served as an escape (think beach vacation and ocean views), honeysuckle is about energizing us, says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going, perfect to ward
off the blues,” she said in Pantone’s announcement. Eiseman also said the colour, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle scent can bring a wave of nostalgia for its association with the carefree days of spring and summer. Wearing the colour can make you look and feel happier, she said. Honeysuckle pairs well with black, charcoal or other grays. Green tones can add an interesting touch with honeysuckle. Look for decorative pillows with honeysuckle in the pattern to give a pop of colour to a room.
fastcat
removals & storage
local & international moves all goods fully insured weekly UK - Spain Service
Storage Available from 5€ per month Pet & Car Transport Packing materials Available Designated Vehicle Service Available
Please call for a friendly No Obligation Quote Spain - 952 452 099 or 697 681 334
www.fastcatsl.com
email info@fastcatsl.com
Forget those memories of school-dinner cabbage or long-simmered diet soups; the brassica family with its crinkly blue-green Savoys, elegantly ribbed purple cabbages and multicoloured kales that I started in pots, are now a luscious tapestry, with their outer leaves nibbled to lace by my hens. Cabbages are easy to grow, but need to be rotated carefully with other crops to avoid club root. To prevent young plants becoming leggy, they can be grown in shade, but make sure they do not dry out and are firmly planted. The more compost-rich the soil, the better. Interplant with nasturtiums to distract insects during late summer. Winter cabbages are grown in late spring in pots to plant out when mature and left to stand through the winter. Colourful drumheads such as ‘January King’ and ‘Robin’, and Savoys such as ‘Alaska’ or ‘Clarissa’ take up quite a lot of space, so you only need a few. ‘Cavolo Nero di Toscana’ is a navy blue palm tree of kale, which looks especially stunning underplanted with pot marigolds. The small central leaves can be harvested now, cut into ribbons and stir fried with pancetta, finely sliced sundried tomatoes and pine nuts, and dressed with a few drops of soy sauce and sesame oil - yum!
Equally exotic are the crinkled burgundy curly kales such as ‘Redbor’. Their tiny top leaves will liven up any winter salad, especially when partnered with chopped olives, crumbled feta cheese and caraway seeds, or dressed with a warming blend of fresh grated ginger, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Use your brassicas to cheer up soups and minestrones. To 500g (1lb 1oz) of cooked beans (Franchi Seeds does a wide range) add a handful of fresh sage, a whole head of peeled garlic and two tablespoons of fruity olive oil. Simmer for half an hour, season and add 500g (1lb 1oz) of chopped kale or cabbage. When bubbling and tender, add more oil and lemon juice to taste. This soup makes a delicious meal with melted Emmenthal or Taleggio cheese and crusty bread. Red cabbage, such as ‘Ruby Perfection’ livens up the winter menu and the vegetable plot. In a pan, fry a couple of red onions and green apples in a
little olive oil or goose fat with a tablespoon of muscovado sugar. Add crushed garlic, sea salt, juniper berries and coloured peppercorns, a few cloves and finally the finely shredded cabbage. Cook so there’s still a bit of bite for 15 minutes with a splash of sherry vinegar. Try crunchy red cabbage raw in a pretty pink coleslaw, cut fine and dressed with one part yogurt to one part sour cream with crushed juniper berries and pink peppercorns, seasoned and sprinkled with chopped parsley. These healthy dishes, along with occasional bursts of pale January sunshine will fill you with energy.
It’s hard to make the right choices when choosing your seeds for the coming year. A year-long menu diary of wish-list foods may be the way to make sure you order what you want to eat and not just what looks fun to grow!
Home Comfort
Spain
Starting to feel the cold ?
Then let Home Comfort Spain help you into the warm Home Comfort Spain offer quality rugs, towels and homewares at affordable prices Delivery service available upon request Come along and see us between 09.00-14.00 in the Retail Village at Moncayo Market every Saturday in Cabin 222. 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.
44
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
TEST DRIVE: volkswagen polo
hardwearing fabrics cover the seats. The dashboard is solid. True to form there are no rattles or squeaks. Equipment levels are good including all round electric windows, air conditioning, rear privacy glass and alloy wheels. The electrically adjusted wing mirrors feature indicators for added safety. Parkers, the car experts, say: “It’s refined, stylish and - depending on which engine you choose - can be incredibly frugal or delightfully quick. Much of the look and layout inside echoes that of the Golf - a high quality car itself. It works so well that many buyers should consider whether they need the extra space of a Golf when this 3/4
Small car, low price, poor quality. That is often the bleak prospect facing car buyers and when I bought my Ford Fiesta it was certainly the offering.
everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen’. Their cars exude good quality and we would all own one if only our bank managers would allow us.
But for those of us who don’t want to re-glue trim that should have been fitted correctly in the first place, Volkswagen has long been the preferred choice. Remember the ‘80s Golf advert where a driver cannot work out where a squeak is coming from? A garage attendant realises it’s his wife’s earring and duly oils it. Then the advert tagline appears ‘If only
The German manufacturer’s fifth generation Polo is pleasingly no different from its larger siblings. It looks and feels bomb proof. The marvellous thing is that the Polo was already very good when it was launched in 1975 and over time it has evolved to become excellent. Ford take note. There’s no trim here that will blow off in a
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high wind. This, I deduce, without even stepping inside. This latest version is a very smart looking car indeed. Remember the awkward design of the Mark 2? Thank goodness VW resigned that to history. Today’s upmarket Polo Match 1.4 85PS is a head-turner, the test model finished in bright red. Overnight the temperatures have plummeted to minus 2 and it’s covered in ice. My heart sinks because this invariably means spending at least 15 minutes clearing the windscreens and warming the car up. I am therefore delighted to find a winter pack in the boot (the first place I visit to place my briefcase and laptop) including a scraper and de-icer. The de-icer instantly works on contact meaning that little time is wasted clearing the windows as you can see from the video at testdrives.biz. VW has fitted winter tyres, too, which gives added confidence as I make my way along treacherous roads where ignorant motorists still insist on speeding. The little Polo feels competent and handles country lanes just as well as it does the motorway. There is a little buffeting when large vehicles overtake. It’s not the most
economical car of the range but this 1.4-litre petrol still returns almost 50mpg. Those seeking greater frugality will be drawn to the Bluemotion, which will deliber over 80mpg. Inside,
good
quality
scale replica does a very similar job just as well.” On the motorway it feels as quiet and refined as a larger car, while the light steering and good visibility make it ideal for driving in town. A good all-rounder.
specification Volkswagen Polo (09 onwards) New price range: £10,420 - £19,165 Economy: 47mpg 0-60mph: 11.5secs Top speed: 110mph Power: 83bhp Tank range: 473 miles Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz
Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk
Thousands of drivers banned for poor eyesight
Almost 6,000 motorists have had their licences revoked or blocked because they cannot see the road properly Thousands of drivers have been banned from the road because they cannot see properly, according to the latest figures. The Department for Transport (DfT) revoked or blocked 5,285 licences for cars and motorbikes in 2011 because the motorists could not pass a standard eye test. This is an increase of eight per cent since 2010, when 4,906 motorists were banned. The number of lorry or bus drivers who had their licences revoked or banned has increased by 39 per cent, from 493 in 2010 to 685 in 2011. Transport minister Stephen Hammond revealed the figures in response to parliamentary questions from Labour MP Meg Munn. He said: “Licensing rules have an important part to play in keeping our roads safe. We must make sure that only those who are safe to drive are allowed on our roads while at the same time avoiding placing unnecessary restrictions on
people’s independence.” Under DfT rules, drivers must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres in order to pass a driving test. But once a driver has passed their test, there are no further compulsory eyesight tests. Instead, drivers assess themselves when renewing their licence to ensure that they meet the required standard. Mr Hammond continued: “If the DVLA is made aware that a licence holder may not meet the minimum eyesight standards for driving then they will investigate. If it is confirmed that a driver does not meet the standards, the DVLA will revoke the licence.” Driving with defective eyesight is an offence and a driver who does not meet the required standard could be prosecuted or have their insurance invalidated. But the Government has ruled out introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers looking to renew their licence. What’s your view on the issue? Is the Government right to take no action or should it toughen the rules?
Skoda to release six new models in 2013
Skoda has confirmed six new models for 2013, including the Octavia Estate. Skoda has confirmed it will be unveiling six new models in 2013, with this shot – posted on Skoda’s Facebook page – confirming the Rapid, Octavia hatch and Octavia Estate set to arrive first. The three mystery models – due to arrive in August, October and December respectively – are thought to be the Octavia vRS and facelifted versions of the Superb and
Yeti SUV. There have been leaked pictures of the Octavia vRS, which will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 217bhp and a 2.0 TDI variant with 181bhp. Skoda is likely to give buyers the choice of hatchback or estate versions of the vRS. When it comes to the Superb and Yeti, we’re expecting to see new engines, subtly updated styling and some improved technology, too, like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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MAGGOTS END........................ Buster Golf Society.......... Fairwayz Golf Society..... RODS AND REELS
January Competition
Well here is 2013 so happy new year to you all, hope you had a good Christmas and ready to get out and catch some fish!!!!!. ( Hopefully ) Our first match this year was the 3rd in the Presidents cup series. The venue , being the Embalse de Pedrera. Now this time of year and with the cold winds, lakes are not normally the best to fish, however fishing the deeper parts has produced some fish and some blanks for other anglers????. As it was the first match of the new year ,there was only a small turnout as some people were still in the UK. Of the 10 who turned up there were 5 blanks, fishing is not easy!!!!!. Top Rods on the day 1st Dave ( Yours Truly ) Hoare fishing the feeder and using maggot with 7.60 kilo´s. 2nd Jim ( The Chairman ) Rouse fishing the feeder using maggot with 3.60 kilo´s 3rd Tony ( The Flower man ) Price fishing the feeder using maggot with 2.74 kilo´s. PLEASE NOTE: The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966729293 or 603535771. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS Supplied by Terry Screen Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. As our first cup match is not until the 8th January a few of us got together this week for an open match on the Embalsa de Pedrera. The water level has now started to rise slightly and the temperature is down, fish are being caught on various baits but not in great numbers, the best on the day was Richard King with four Carp but he also lost four. 1st Richard (The Lion heart) King with 4.520kg fishing the feeder using corn. 2nd Pete (Yorkie) Kerr with 2.920kg fishing the feeder using maggot . 3rd Terry (Swing em) Screen with 2.100kg fishing the feeder using pellet. The new annual fixture list will be available as soon as confirmation is received for all the match dates, and our next club meeting will be on the 14th January 2013 at The Abbey Tavern. All details are available from our website www. abbeyangling.com or from the match secretary Terry Screen on 965328368. ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish. It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day. No meetings are held now but information is still available through our email address; anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk. TIGHT LINES, DAVE HOARE
SUCINA GS...............................
This months game was an Individual Stableford held at El Valle. 18 players turned up for a sunny and warm start. This game counted as our last game towards “ Player of The Year 2012”, so with only 1 point separating two of our players contending for the men´s title of “ Player of the Year”, this was going to go be a close contest. Some good scores were returned, though for some there was certainly no records broken
and for them, the Course won on the day! Our last 3-ball of players included our 2 competing players for the men’s title. An audience awaited them on the terrace overlooking the 18th green, so no pressure! Winners were: Division One - 1st place Dave Maskins with 32 points, 2nd place David Hurst with 31 points. Division Two - 1st place Brian Kay with 30 points ( on count back) and 2nd place Ray Banks
On Friday 4th January we played our monthly Stableford Competition at El Plantio golf course , the recent bad weather had given the course a bit of a battering , however the greens staff seemed to be continually working to get the course back to its usual good condition , when we arrived at the course at around 9:00 their was evidence of frost on the greens and we were told that their may be a delay in playing until the frost had disappeared so we adjourned to the restaurant for coffee , I returned to the pro’s shop at 9:45 expecting a long delay in our starting times to be told that we could now tee off at our allocated time of 9:52 , some of the greens had been treated with a top dressing which made the them a lot more difficult , but we all
found our game a lot better than being in tow around the shopping malls .
Only 3 of the courses par three’s were hit in one with Steve Edwards getting nearest the pin on holes seven and nine , and Mark Butterfield on the fourteenth , our prize for the nearest the pin was either a sleeve of three Srixon or Callaway golf balls, our runner up for the event was Preston Ives with our winner for the day being Graham Ball , both receiving a voucher for a game at the course ( including Buggy) well done all winners . Next month sees us at Las Colinas which we are all hoping will be up to it’s normal very good condition . Barry Grinsell Busters Golf Society
El Plantio 2 Golf Society
Tuesday competition was the monthly medal which had all the hallmarks of a typical medal round, lots of smiling faces and a number of long ones too. 16 players were there today including a couple of visitors George Stanhope managed an unenviable 11 on hole 7 but was greatly cheered up when ex Captain Ray Housley said the magic words “me too” never mind lads, it is a large pond ain’t it!! Kenny Reddington has been reported for using a Sat Nav inserted into his golf ball. The results this week are: Nearest the pin, Hole 5 ray Housley, Hole 9 Martin Rickman 3rd place Ian Henderson Hcap 5 score nett 56 cb 2nd place Frank Stanhope
(on count back). Division Three - Doreen Crowhurst with 21 points and 2nd place Ray Davies with 17 points. Nearest the Pin winners were:Hole 6 - Dave Maskins, Hole 9 Peter Tuit, Hole 12 - Andy Harvey and Hole 15 - Brian Kay. Our next game is on Thursday, 10th January 2013 at Peraleja Golf. This is the “ New Year Cup”. More details of all our 2013 Fixtures will be on the Website - http://www.sucinagolfsociety. webs.com
Hcap 10 score nett 56 cb
1st place Kenny Reddington Hcap 5 score nett 52 Our next game is on the 8th January and will be a Yellow ball competition. Visitors are welcome, please have your names on the board in the club house by 2pm Monday 7th January or phone Ian Henderson on 966716616. On behalf of all the members I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year. John O’Brien, SecretarY C.A.P.CIUDAD DE MURCIA 1 MAZARRON FC 2 Mazarron’s excellent form continued with a hard fought 2-1 away victory at Ciudad de Murcia making it five wins and two draws from the last eight games. New signing Baeza made his debut in midfield with juvenile central defender Victor replacing the previously ever-present Pepelu who was unavailable. After a quiet opening spell, Mazarron took the lead in the 18th minute when Baeza’s free kick was headed into the roof of the net by top scorer Jose Ruben. The lead lasted barely five minutes before Ciudad de Murcia equalised when a slip by Victor allowed Candel to sneak in behind the defence and place the ball past Jose Iker. Mazarron always looked
Thursday 20th December we had 28 players attend our Xmas game at Alenda Golf course. Once again the weather was fabulous and the course was excellent. Our captain must have a friend upstairs who takes care of the excellent playing conditions. We all played Stableford format, although a couple did mark their card for their match play game as well. The match play games are now coming down to the semi finals. Anyway, results for the day were as follows:Gold category 1st - Alex Duchart 30pts, 2nd - Derek Briggs 30pts, 3rd - John Saunders 28pts, Nearest the pin - Graham Lawrence, Nearest the pin in 2 - Derek Briggs. Silver category 1st - Phil Bowditch 30pts, 2nd - Colin Pepperday 29pts, 3rd - Alex Gosling 27pts Nearest the pin - Gerry Williams. Nearest the pin in 2 - Alex Gosling. Bronze category 1st - Paul Smith 32pts, 2nd - Dominic Weston 28pts, 3rd - Iris Cleaver 25pts, Nearest the pin - Iris Cleaver Nearest the pin in 2 - Nil. 2 ball prize winners; Fran Cummins; Terry Rogers; Steve Lawrence. Back at Fairwayz bar we were treated to a fabulous Xmas dinner and prizes for everyone who played. Thanks to everyone for making it a terrific day. Special thanks to Captain Tony Macmillan and vice captain Steve Hamilton for all their hard work arranging the day, and for all the games arranged this year. Extra special thanks goes to Fran Cummins and all his staff at “Fairwayz Sports Bar” Dolores, for sponsoring our golf days with prizes and meals. Our next game is on 3rd January 2013 at Vistabella, 1st tee time is 9:30am. Please be at the course 1 hour before. New members and guests always welcome, for more info please call Tony on 966785781. or Steve on 966637449. Finally, a happy new year to all our members and friends. Thanks, Steve Lawrence
mazarron fc dangerous on the break and Baeza shot wide following good work by Alfonso and Poyato before Cecilio played a superb through ball to Ruben who raced on before placing a shot just wide of the far post. Mazarron began the second half in attacking fashion and should have regained the lead almost immediately. Unfortunately, Cecilio headed wide from just four yards after a brilliant run and cross down the left by Ruben. At the other end Jose Iker made the first of a number of good saves to keep Mazarron level, before Cecilio missed another great chance when he ran clear only to hit his shot straight at the keeper. However, Mazarron took the lead in the 59th minute when Alfonso was fouled on the right touchline. Once again Baeza took the free kick and this time found the head of Barrachina who guided the ball into the corner of the net. Ruben continued to cause problems for the Ciudad de Murcia defence and from yet
another cross Alfonso almost made it 3-1. After 65 minutes a tremendous shot from a Ciudad de Murcia forward was tipped onto the bar by Jose Iker. Murcia continued to put pressure on the Mazarron defence in the closing stages but were unable to grab an equaliser. Indeed, Mazarron should have increased their lead when Alfonso broke through and rounded the keeper only to see his shot blocked. Then, in injury time, Ruben beat three men and was racing clear of the Murcia defence when he was unceremoniously hacked down but the foul resulted only in a yellow card. Once again it was a great team effort by Mazarron with everyone playing their part and, in this form, a push for promotion is not out of the question. Team: Jose Iker, Barrachina, Diego, Victor, Urrea (Matt Clarke), Alfonso, Poyato (Diego 2), Baeza, Santi (Panocha), Jose Ruben, Cecilio (Pepe Pollo) Man of the Match: Jose Iker
46
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lo crispin golf society Villamartin - 19.12.12
Villamartin has been our chosen venue for the last two years, not only because of the locale but also its’ popularity with members. As always at Christmas people are in good spirits as was shown today, with Santa hats of various kinds resplendently displayed. The weather was superb too, wall to wall sunshine very unchristmas like for us expats. A four person Texas Scramble was the order of the day so a medal round for once, good job it was a team game someone said, much less stressful. As it turned out this was not the case as the course was set up with tees a long
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1st Dave Lewis, John Featherstone, Peter Morris and Paul Carter 66 c/b, each player receiving vouchers for a free game of golf at Villamartin, 2nd Don Oliver, John Soderburg, Colin Ranson and Dicky Claeys receiving bottles of spirits 3rd Bill Mackay, John Henderson, John Cobb and Steve Harrington, receiving bottles of wine and a sleeve of balls each. NYPs: hole 6 Brian Coultate, hole 9 Dicky Claeys, hole 13 Dave Lewis and hole 17 Allan Budd. The 2s club: the team of Oliver, Soderburg, Ranson and Claeys received 8 Euros each Free game draw We all met up again in the evening at The Lo Crispin Tavern where a Christmas dinner was served after the presentation of prizes, followed by the Secret Santa draw and Tony providing the entertainment and getting most people up dancing and singing. Many thanks to David and Jose for the champagne and their staff who worked very hard all night. This evening could not have been such a success without the hard work and organisation by David and Joan Dodd many thanks from all of us.
Maybe the normally “unlucky 13” is going to be quite the opposite for Wednesday golfers this year! San Miguel Golf Society kicked off their 2013 programme with a Wednesday game at Villamartin and, just for a change, it was a beautiful day……. warm and calm, admittedly this was after an initial chilly start.
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way back and most people coming in had tales of woe all except our winners who saved the best putt til last holing a long putt to help them win, which proved to be close thing.
A couple of dozen members and guests enjoyed good company in friendly rivalry on a well turned out course where the obviously sadistic green-keeper had decided to make some of the pin placements, especially a couple of the par 3’s, a little tricky to say the least! Out of 24 golfers, how can you possibly win nearest the pin and then proceed to blob the hole?? I think that very fact makes a nonsense of the day’s ridiculous placing of the flag for every day society golfers. It’s OK for the big competitions but all it succeeded in doing on the 17th was cause the only hold-up of the round. Our treasurer, Keith, unfortunately couldn’t make it to Villamartin and all our best wishes are sent to him for a speedy recovery from a touch of retina problems in his left eye ……… we all wish him well. Just three NTP’s were won with the 6th hole ending up as a virgin green! Jacqui Rust won two of them with Geoff Giddy claiming the other. Obviously an accomplished player, Brian Mulligan, won the guest prize with a commendable 37 points. Top three in the silver category in ascending order were Mike Jordan (29 on C/B), Norman McBride (30) and Ellen Drakesmith with 34. Third place in the gold went to the other Drakesmith…. John with 33, 2nd was Barry Roehrig, also with 33 but beating John on count-back. Needless to say the winner once again, still on his unbelievable run, was Phil de Lacy with 34. Their was a huge tussle at the other end of the field….. I think someone must have had a sneak preview of the delicious looking bottle of wine which was this week’s “Abacus” award. Three members tied for the bottom slot, so with some nifty backward counting back, which sounds highly unethical, the bottle was claimed by John Parker. www.smgs.org is now up and running, so please have a shufty at our up-coming events or telephone Barry on 966 731 033 for more details. Visitors are always made very welcome.
A Message from the Commodore: Mike Phillips The end of another successful year for the Sailing Association Mar Menor, the seventh since its inauguration in 2006 and it was time to celebrate the festive season. This year the Christmas Event was held at La Perdiz Restaurant, Pozo Aledo, near San Javier, a very Spanish venue. The staff was very attentive and the round tables allowed for lively conversation after the meal the Spanish and English diners joined together to enjoy the music, dancing the night away. It was the last event of a busy year’s social programme for SAMM, lead by Oakley Petts and his Social Scene team of six ladies. Rivals on the water on Race Days and in the Bowling Alley at la Bolera Dos Mares, but there was plenty of opportunity to make friends during the visit to the Mine at La Union and a coach trip to Cuenca and numerous other activities. With a steady
membership of around 150, including German, Dutch, Scandinavian and Spanish there is a pool of skills and knowledge and the willingness to share it with others, whether it’s sailing related or not. Now our Racing Committee and Social Scene team are considering their plans to give all SAMM members an exciting year in 2013. I would like to take this opportunity to give a special vote of thanks to all the staff of the Infanta Cristina Sports Centre in Los Narejos, where our operations are based, especially to Auri Isabel Sintas Rodriguezand her team who support our sailing efforts and Susannah and the girls who looks after us when we return from our Sailing trips. I wish all of them and the readers un Prospero Año Nuevo 2013. If you wish to learn more about SAMM there are details on the website at www. sailingmarmenor.com
CREVILLENTE MAKE IT TOUGH FOR DAYA
U.E. CREVILLENTE 2 v. DAYA NUEVA 4 (INFANTILS G10s) Daya opened the scoring within the first minute when the ball dropped kindly for Cuneo who had the easiest of chances to find the back of the net. The visitors pushed forward sensing further goals but the home side’s defence held firm. On 12 minutes a fierce Cuneo shot brought a good save from the Crevillente keeper. It was all Daya and surely more goals would come ! Somehow though the home side weathered the storm and set up a few chances of their own. On 20 minutes Jota had to make a last ditch interception to save a certain equaliser. Daya created two wonderful chances on 28 minutes but the home side’s keeper made fine saves. Back came Crevillente forcing the Daya back line into some frantic defending. With the whistle about to go for half time an unstoppable shot flew past Danni in the Daya goal for 1 - 1. Daya started the second half brightly and pushed Crevillente back into their own penalty area. Just five minutes into the half Manuel scored with a great glancing header from a Francisco corner. Could this be the goal that turned the game for Daya ? It certainly seemed to be as the visitors piled forward, chance after chance fell to Daya but poor finishing let them down. With time flying by Daya desperately needed that elusive third goal that would surely seal victory. Then the inevitable happened, Daya gave away a penalty that was well taken to bring the scores level at 2 - 2. Now it was the home side’s turn to force the pace but a silly mistake at the back allowed Carlos to score from close range to make it 3 - 2 Daya. Three minutes later it was 4 - 2 when a beautiful strike from David flew in. Under intense pressure now Crevillente were at full stretch to keep Daya at bay. So final score 4 - 2 but Daya knew they had been in a scrap. It was a hard fought victory but one they deserved. Man of the Match was Jota, his cool head under pressure saved Daya on more than one occasion. Daya Dave (Team Sponsor : Segurlab)
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