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SolTimes issue 261

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17-23 january

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torrevieja rbl page 42

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Los Alcázares

Chatters Social Group are holding a social lunch at Bacchus, Los Narejos, on 16th January, and subsequently will hold an event every third Wednesday in the month.

This is in conjunction with Help At Home, a group of volunteers based in Los Alcázares and serving a 15 kilometre surrounding area, who offer help in the home for anyone who finds themselves unable to cope with daily chores, perhaps following discharge from hospital, or during illness.

The service is free, is run entirely by volunteers, but has qualified nurses and carers among its numbers; however, they are always looking out for more volunteers willing to help for a few hours a week.

For more information about Help At Home, phone 633 673 034.

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Paramount Theme Park

Ecologists are demanding 21% of the land included in the projected theme park site should be classified as protected green land, but the Regional Minister for tourism says the plans for the Paramount Park will not be affected by their demands.

The Ayuntamiento of Alhama de Murcia has had the plans of the land structure for the Paramount Theme Park on display for the last 2 months as part of the bureaucratic processes the Municipality is following in order to prepare all the necessary permissions for construction on the park to begin.

Ecologists in Action has raised objections to the inclusion of 32 hectares of land included within the Park, and want it returned to the Parque Regional Carrasco – El Valle.

They are basing their objections on a court ruling relating to Marina de Cope, Águilas, but Pedro Cruz, Consejal Regional for Culture and Tourism, said that the two cases were in no way similar.

TORREVIEJA

It seems that the stories of British people flooding out of Spain in droves are not true of Torrevieja.

A recent census shows that of the Valencian provinces Torrevieja is showing the greatest growth in population.

Its population has increased by nearly 2,000 during 2012 to 107,009, with an increased number of citizens being of British nationality.

According to the population statistics Torrevieja has a total of 107,009 registered inhabitants, up by 1,739 from 2012.

Of these 53.6% are of foreign origin (57,329, 13,226 of which are from the UK) and 46.4% (49,680) are Spanish. The next largest group of foreign nationals are from Russia, slightly ahead of Germany.

In total there are 121 countries represented in the Municipality of Torrevieja; and the city holds the record for the fastest expansion of any city in Spain!

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Castellón

Aerocas has announced that it has received a purchase offer of 200 million euros for the airport at Castellón from an un-named purchaser, according to an announcement made by Máximo Buch, the Valencian Consejero for Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment.

Although the airport was officially inaugurated in March 2011, it has not yet seen one commercial passenger!

News of the offer was made public in the Castellón Chamber of Commerce, following a meeting with the President of Aerocas ( the current concessionary) and the Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Fabra.

Apparently the offer was made on the 31st December, two days after the deadline for an agreement with the former concessionary, Conaer, which has now entered into voluntary bankruptcy, due to the failure of agreement with the Valencian Generalitat, the major investor in the airport.

The offer includes purchase of the infrastructure and part of the surrounding industrial area. It is understood that the purchaser will proceed with plans to open the airport by the end of June 2013.

It is rumoured that part of the conditions of the offer are that the Generalitat and Government undertake to support the process of obtaining all the relevant paperwork, so that the airport can open in the shortest possible time, at least in time for the height of the holiday season.

Quesada

Quesada has the dubious honour of being the Spanish town with the highest proportion of older citizens!

Figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) for towns with a population of more than 10,000 inhabitants show that the provincial average age is 41.74, but that the average age of residents of Quesada works out at 52.38 years!

Generally it is the coastal towns, which also tend to have the greatest number of foreign residents where the average age is greatest, with Torrevieja averaging out at 44 years.

The top five municipalities for the greatest average number of ‘mature’ citizens are: Alicante, Rojales, Teulada, L’Alfas del Pi, Calpe and Javea.

CaLPE

Calpe Ayuntamiento is preparing leaflets to distribute to residents regarding the disposal of garden waste.

The Ayuntamiento is facing a dilemma to the tune of 2,000 euros per load of rubbish for sorting out the garden rubbish before it can be accepted at the plant at El Campello.

Acciona, who collect the Calpe rubbish, are preparing a timetable for a weekly collection of garden waste.

Householders are asked to bundle up the garden waste, but not to put it in a bag, and to leave it beside the bins on a weekday, which will be specified according to area, as per the leaflet.

Alternatively they can take it to the Benissa Eco-park – it might be necessary, however, to take proof of residency, as they will only accept waste from householders from Calpe.

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Iberia pilots offer to take 26 per cent pay cut in exchange for ‘better management’

IBERIA pilots have offered to take a pay cut of 26 per cent in a bid to save their jobs.

Their union, SEPLA, presented proposals to the airline’s management this week which included a freeze on wages of 16 per cent and a 10 per cent reduction on top in order to save money, saying they consider the company’s problems to be due to ‘bad management’ and ‘poor marketing efforts’.

In exchange, they say Iberia needs to ‘get back the production operations’ outsourced to ‘third parties’ including Air Nostrum and Vueling, renew the fleet of aircraft and seek

better investment in the firm.

Pilots say their pay cut decision is to help reduce costs to allow Iberia to compete with budget airlines.

They also say crew on board short-haul flights such as those of the newly-created low-cost affiliate, Iberia Express, should have their pay per trip cut from the current 656 euros to 269 euros.

But these sacrifices must be rewarded by growth, stability and recovery in production on the part of the company, the pilots insist.

Penélope Cruz Up For A Goya

...And Looking Forward To Working With Ridley Scott

Penélope Cruz says she is not going to get her hopes up about her Goya nomination for her latest film, Venuto al mondo – or Volver a nacer in Spanish (‘coming into the world’ or ‘born again’) because she has already been up for so many awards in the past.

But the latest work sees the Almódovar-girl-turnedHollywood-darling in a dark and challenging new role – playing Gemma, who falls in love with Diego in pre-war Sarajevo, the film covers the lives of the couple from age 20 to 50.

As well as fleshing out her character over 30 years, with its many challenges for make-up artists and actress alike, the new mum and wife of Bond villain says Gemma speaks in English with an Italian accent, which the star is working hard to try to

CARAVACA Copper thieves have been targeting inactive marble producers in the northwest of the region.

Guardia Civil officers have made another arrest for the theft of copper from industrial premises and business parks.

Vigilance patrols have been increased during the last few months following a wave of attacks in industrial areas and in Caravaca officers detained four men after catching them in the act of robbing an industrial unit.

Several large bobbins of copper, taken from a transformer, were discovered in the van that the men were driving.

Copper theft continues to be a big problem across Europe, and the economic downturn has been blamed for an increase in these thefts – not only is it harder and harder to make ends meet, but layoffs in the marble industry, due to the downturn in construction, have left many premises unoccupied, and an easy target for thieves.

All four men were arrested.

copy.

Based upon the novel La parola più bella (‘the most beautiful word’) by Margaret Mazzantino, the Italian wife of the film’s director Sergio Castellito, the historical epic documents Gemma’s yearning to bear a child who refuses to be conceived.

“I took this experience very seriously – it was a responsibility, because although I have never been in this situation [of being unable to have children] I know women who have been through it,” Penélope says.

Having recently had a baby boy of her own – her first child – meant the Spanish screen star found it easier to identify with Gemma’s longing, but playing her still

involved ‘changing chip’ - “it’s not easy seeking out such dark tones,” the actress admits.

Although she has been famous in her native country since she was a teenager performing on the video of the 1980s’ hit La fuerza del destino (‘the force of destiny’) by iconic band Mecano – when she reputedly had a relationship with one of the musicians, Nacho Cano – and numerous roles in films by cult director Pedro Almodóvar, Penélope was relatively unknown abroad until she landed the part in Vanilla sky alongside her one-time lover Tom Cruise, a remake of the much darker film Abre los ojos (‘open your eyes’) by Spanish director Alejandro

Amenábar (The Others and The sea inside).

Now, she is heavily soughtafter and has a long list of major projects coming up.

A cameo role alongside Antonio Banderas in the next Almodóvar film, Los amantes pasajeros, set on a plane, together with a new Ridley Scott movie co-starring with her husband Javier Bardem, will keep her busy.

Penélope is also up for a role as Macarena in Fernando Trueba’s sequel to La niña de tus ojos (‘the little girl of your eyes’), about a blind child.

In the sequel, the main character, whom Penélope would be playing, is now 15 years older.

Her latest work, Venuto al mondo, has not yet been premièred in Spain.

JAVEA

Javea Park, an area with a high immigrant population, is to be targeted in a bid to put to an end the social problems and crime that blight the area.

It is an area close to the popular Blue Flag tourist beach, Playa Arenal, and Alcalde José Chulvi said that the Ayuntamiento were determined to end the growing problem of truancy, drug peddling and prostitution in this area.

‘The council has received a 67,000 Euro grant from Europe and is spending a further 29,000 Euros of its own cash to prevent Javea Park becoming a ghetto. A Council Social Worker will be given a base on site to combat social exclusion. We know there are problems and we will solve them with sensitivity.’ He said.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Telefónica Faces Action For ‘Unfair’ Locking-in Contract Terms

Telefónica has come under fire from the National Competition Commission (CNC) for ‘abusive’ terms locking mobile phone customers into contracts.

They have accused Telefónica Móviles España – previously Movístar – of applying conditions that make it ‘impossible’ to move to another provider, or at least, very difficult and expensive. This is particularly the case

Sport

Private firm offers to buy Castellón airport

A multi-million offer to buy Castellón’s brand-new, unused airport is under scrutiny by the Valencian regional government.

Since the new terminal was officially opened in March 2011, not a single plane has taken off from or landed there.

Now, a capital risk company – the name of which is being kept under wraps by ministers in Valencia – has put in a bid of 200 million euros to buy the doomed airport.

If the sale goes ahead, the new owners anticipate being able to create between 1,200 and 1,400 jobs directly and indirectly related to the terminal.

The airport is owned by Aerocas, the chief executive officer of which is Carlos Fabra, a family member of regional president Alberto Fabra, and the Generalitat Valenciana is the majority shareholder.

This means the airport will never get off the ground for as long as the regional government has no money in the bank.

But with a private company offering to invest in the inside of the terminal and in services elsewhere on the complex, flights from Castellón could take off as early as June this year.

Two Spaniards abducted in Mexico

Police are investigating the kidnap of two brothers from the province of Cuenca (Spain) who were last seen in a shopping centre in Morelia, capital of the province of Michoacán and about halfway between Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City. The elder of the two, who is 45, runs a clothing and textile firm in the area and has lived there since last year. His family had been to stay with him over Christmas.

The expatriate’s brother, 44, has also been kidnapped.

As yet, no rescue money has been asked for. The two Spaniards were last seen in a shopping centre in Morelia.

with small and medium-sized businesses and with the self-employed, says the CNC. “We have reasonable grounds to believe Telefónica is in breach of Article 1 of Law 15/2007 of July 3, for anti-competition practices,” says a spokesperson for the Commission.

Telefónica has 18 months to resolve the situation.

School canteen strike causes chaos

Dinner-lady strikes in Cádiz, Teruel and Zaragoza means school canteens are shut across both regions and parents are having to take time off work to pick their kids up at lunchtime.

Many dinner ladies have not been paid in months and their working conditions are increasingly poorer because of funding cuts in education.

Although in most cases, parents have been given plenty of notice, in some schools, mums and dads have received a call at lunchtime to collect their children as they have nowhere they can sit and eat, and no school dinners being served.

Some parents are taking in four or five other children for lunch because their parents’ shifts do not allow them to pick them up or, in certain cases where pupils travel to school on the bus and their mums and dads do not have cars, they are unable to get there at all.

Parents, teachers, headmasters and headmistresses have been taking it in turns to oversee the children at midday, often meaning they have to keep an eye on between 200 and 300 kids at once single-handedly.

In the province of Cádiz, the company which has the franchise for providing lunch and supervisory staff to 55 schools is being sued by the regional education authorities.

The firm also supplies school transport, but bus drivers have been on strike as well as kitchen and canteen staff because they have not been paid in three months.

But the regional education authorities say they are fully up to date with their invoices and that it is the franchise company itself which has not been paying its staff.

Andalucía has around 1,500 school canteens which are managed by 40 franchise companies, and all bar the ones in Cádiz under Brassica Group are running as normal, says the regional government.

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Population falls as 118,000 Spaniards leave the country

Around 55,000 Spanish people had left the country for good by the end of the third quarter of 2012, meaning the exodus has increased by over a fifth in the past year.

With job vacancies being practically non-existent and career progress unlikely in the current economic climate, more and more qualified young Spaniards are seeking their fortunes abroad.

Nine in 10 student nurses interviewed expressed a wish to go overseas to work when they qualified, with the UK, Norway, Germany, Canada, the USA and Latin America being the favoured destinations.

And Germany’s government has been offering jobs they cannot fill in the past year to unemployed Spaniards, with vacancies in engineering and the hotel and catering sector being the most-advertised.

Between 5,500 and 7,000

people left Spain for good, or for the long-term, every month last year, according to the Institute of National Statistics (INE).

Nearly a million people emigrated in 2012, although all bar around 118,000 were expatriates returning to their home countries.

Of these, over half a million were men.

Spain’s population has fallen since last year, partly due to returning foreigners and Spaniards moving abroad, and partly due to the ever-falling birth rate.

A recent survey showed that eight in 10 couples or single women who want to have children have chosen not to because they could not afford to bring up a baby.

Many of those interviewed fear that by the time the country is back on its feet financially and they have a stable job enabling them to afford to raise children, they will be past fertile age.

Wert cancels conference as protesters stop him getting into venue

Education minister José Ignacio Wert had to call off a conference yesterday evening when over 100 protesters surrounded the venue and prevented him from getting inside.

The Sevilla hotel was due to host the seminar, organised by Spanish national newspaper El Mundo, but when demonstrators blocked the entrance crying, ‘Wert resignation’, ‘out, out’ and ‘quality public higher education’, he had to abandon ship.

Wert waited 20 minutes to try to get in, but even when the conference manager addressed the crowd, they refused to be beaten.

Director of the newspaper for the Andalucía region, Francisco Rosell, called out: “If you are so certain and convinced of your arguments and reasons, listen to the minister: without freedom of speech, what sort of quality of higher education are we going to have?”

Rosell added: “We’ve listened to the general public’s side of the story inside and out – now let’s listen to that of the minister.”

But Wert was unable to get a word in.

The education minister called the protesters’ actions ‘fascist’ – saying that in Franco’s time, nobody was allowed to give conferences – and added: “This just shows how badly Spain does in fact need an education reform.”

“A situation like today’s highlights just how necessary a major education overhaul is, because education consists of complete training – not just academically, but in the values of tolerance, respect, and reason rather than shouting and screaming,” Wert concluded.

He has already been quoted as saying that protests and demonstrations against his plans will not affect him in the slightest and he intends to go ahead however unpopular his moves are.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

‘Record’ number of public demonstrations:

over 36,000 since start of Rajoy’s reign

Over 36,000 public protest marches have taken place in the first year of president Mariano Rajoy’s reign, according to figures compiled by MP for left-wing party Izquierda Plural, Ricardo Sixto.

According to a report by ThinkSpain.com, between January and October 2012, twice as many demonstrations took place as in the whole of 2011, despite this being the year when the national 15-M movement first came about.

Sixto had instructed government MPs to present the figures to him, and reveals that in the first 10 months of last year, 36,232 demonstrations went ahead – compared to 18,422 in 2011 and just under 20,000 in the whole of 2010.

The year 2004 saw 10,568 protest marches, and 2008 witnessed 16,118.

Dubbed ‘the most conflictive year on record’, minister for the interior Jorge Fernández Díaz admitted his party ‘saw it coming’ almost as soon as they took possession of the government in November 2011.

“We knew there were turbulent times ahead and that we would need to employ both right hand and left hand to preserve social peace,” says Fernández Díaz.

“We instructed police forces to ensure the law was complied with but that at the same time the public could exercise its fundamental rights, such as that of demonstrating, whilst ensuring these were compatible with the rights of other members of the public to uninhibited transit through the streets.”

Sixto, who says the demonstrations are the ‘direct result’ of cutbacks in social funding, tax hikes and the ‘repeated

Capital Needs Of Spanish Banks ‘Among The Lowest In Europe’

Spain’s banks’ need for a capital injection is lower than that of the average EU country’s financial institutions, says the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Those banks which need the most capital – around 400,000 million euros in total – are in Greece, France and Germany.

Banks in Spain, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Austria have capital needs below the EU average.

Greek banks need the most money, followed by the French, Belgian, German, Dutch and Polish entities, whilst Spain is near the bottom of the list.

Banks in the Eurozone continue to be at the crux of the

failure of the government to keep its electoral promises’, has slammed the fact that organisers of protest marches which are not communicated in writing to the government beforehand are being fined.

He calls it a ‘deliberate strategy’ to ‘instil fear in the general public’ and thus ‘reduce their freedom of speech’.

Despite this, of the 623 demonstrations in Madrid that were not communicated to the government – 1,600 others having been previously advised – only seven were

financial crisis, says the OECD. International confidence levels in banks in the Eurozone continue to be very low and will probably continue as such until underlying concerns about low capital levels of certain major banks are addressed, the organisation claims.

Current demands are not enough to build confidence in European financial institutions since they underestimate possible risks based upon the banks’ own in-house risk assessment and they are not generating enough of a buffer zone in the event of problems, the OECD explains.

It says the average ratio of own capital to total share capital continues to be less than the five per cent stipulated by the OECD itself.

Banks in the Eurozone need to be more capable of absorbing major losses and increasing their own capital in relation to shares, and these are issues that must be dealt with in the next few years, the organisation stresses.

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banned.

By regions, the total number of demonstrations in the first 10 months of 2012 for Andalucía was 7,141, followed by Castilla y León with 4,435 – none of which were prohibited – and the Comunidad Valenciana in third place with 3,147, ahead of Catalunya’s 3,116.

Sixto concludes that 2013 is likely to see even greater unrest as cutbacks in funding, the cost of living and taxes, and the restriction of social rights increase.

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5

First Winter Snows Bring Weather Warnings Across Spain

The first major snows of the winter have hit the north and centre of Spain and various inland provinces further south.

This means ski resorts are likely to be full to the brim soon, but driving conditions can bee dangerous and weather warnings have been issued.

Granada and Jaén in Andalucía, most of Catalunya - Barcelona, Girona and Lleida - Asturias, the whole of the Basque Country, Cantabria, La Rioja, most of Galicia, Aragón and Castilla y León and Cáceres in Extremadura are on ‘yellow warnings’ over heavy snowfall expected in areas of more than 600 metres above sea-level.

The northern border region of Navarra is on ‘orange alert’, meaning high risk.

Drivers should not go out unless absolutely necessary, and in most cases snow chains on wheels will be necessary.

Temperatures are expected to drop throughout the country in the next few days.

• Kurdish activists killed in Paris: Three Kurdish activists - among them a co-founder of the militant PKK group - are shot dead in Paris, but no motive has yet been established..

• Delhi rape suspects ‘tortured’: A lawyer for one of the five men charged with the abduction, rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi says the suspects have been tortured and coerced into admitting the crime.

• Australia battles scores of fires: Fire crews are tackling more than 100 bushfires in south-eastern Australia, as forecasters warn of another hot spell at the weekend.

• Obama ‘wants action’ on gun crime:

US President Barack Obama is “determined” to curb gun violence, Vice-President Joe Biden says, as high-profile White House talks begin.

• Deadly storms sweep Middle East: The worst storms to hit the Middle East in a decade claim several lives and leave parts of Israel and Jordan blanketed in snow.

6

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Jimmy Savile scandal:

Report reveals extent of abuse Paedophile DJ raped 34 and attacked 450 in ‘unprecedented’ 60 years of sex abuse, official report reveals

Jimmy Savile could have been prosecuted for sex offences while he was still alive if police and prosecutors had taken victims more seriously, an official report said today.

The paedophile DJ raped 34 and abused 450 in sex attacks spanning 60 years - the majority of which were on children.

Victims as young as eight were sexually assaulted at BBC Television Centre, as well as in hospitals, prisons and at least one hospice between 1955 and 2009.

The Met officer in charge of the investigation, Peter Spindler, said today Savile had ‘groomed the nation’.

The shocking scale of the paedophile DJ’s crimes was revealed by Scotland Yard and the NSPCC in a joint report after a three-month investigation.

Sport

Police believe that Jimmy Savile used his celebrity status to offend although he had committed sex crimes before he became famous.

One victim said today: ‘It feels so good to be free of secrets’.

The Met has branded him one of Britain’s worst ‘predatory sex offenders’, but the document raises huge questions about why he was never caught by police in his lifetime.

He used his celebrity status to ‘hide in plain sight’, the report says, with 214 criminal offences now recorded against him across 28 police forces.

Since October 589 people have come forward with information relating to the scandal, with a total of 450 complaints made against Savile himself.

The earliest reported offence

committed by Savile was in Manchester in 1955, and the final reported allegation was in 2009.

The peak of attacks was between 1966 and 1976, when he was aged between 40 and 50.

There are 34 rapes and 126 indecent acts, the police and NSPCC report said, and of his victims, 73 per cent were children, with the total victim age range between eight and 47 years old at the time.

‘It paints a stark picture emphasising the tragic consequences of when vulnerability and power collide,’ said Commander Peter Spindler, head of the Met’s Specialist Crime Investigations unit.

‘Savile’s offending footprint was vast, predatory and

opportunistic. He cannot face justice today but we hope this report gives some comfort to his hundreds of victims, they have been listened to and taken seriously.

‘We must use the learning from these shocking events to prevent other children and vulnerable adults being abused in the future. They will get a voice.’

The report, called Giving Victims a Voice, states that a large amount of the abuse happened at BBC buildings, including Television Centre in London, where Jim’ll Fix it was filmed - between 1965 and 2006 - including an attack during the last Top Of The Pops.

Savile also started offended in schools after pupils wrote to him Jim’ll Fix It letters.

Peter Watt, NSPCC Director of Child Protection Advice and Awareness, who co-authored the report with the Detective Superintendent David Gray, Operation Yewtree’s Senior Investigating Officer, said that the scale of Savile’s abuse ‘simply beggared belief.’

Savile was ‘without doubt one of the most prolific sex offenders we have ever come across,’ he said.

‘We know from the huge increase in calls to the NSPCC helpline about sexual abuse that the problem did not die with Savile,’ said Mr Watt.

‘Since the Savile scandal broke we have seen a surge in contacts about child abuse, both past and present, with many victims speaking out for the first time.

‘Almost 800 additional children have been protected from abuse because of the publicity around this case prompted people to contact our helpline. We are optimistic

that this signals a watershed moment for child protection in this country. We must seize the opportunity if we are to make a lasting change.’

The offences cover the period when Savile worked at the BBC between 1965 and 2006 and include allegations linked to the final recording of Top of the Pops.

They also involve the period when he worked at Leeds General Infirmary between 1965 and 1995.

Abuse at Stoke Mandeville Hospital took place between 1965 and 1988, while at Duncroft School, a children’s home, the allegations cover a period between 1970 and 1978.

‘There is no clear evidence of Savile operating within a paedophile ring although whether he was part of an informal network is part of the continuing investigation,’ the report says.

Article: www.dailymail.co.uk

Eurozone Interest Rates Unchanged At 0.75% The European Central Bank (ECB) has left eurozone interest rates unchanged at 0.75%, as had been widely expected.

Rates have now been at this level for six months after July’s cut from 1%.

Figures released on Tuesday showed that the unemployment rate across the eurozone worsened in November, hitting a record high of 11.8%.

The UK’s Bank of England also announced on Thursday that it would be keeping its main interest rate on hold.

“The economic weakness in the euro area is expected to extend into 2013,” said ECB president Mario Draghi.

“In particular, necessary balance sheet adjustments in financial and non-financial sectors and persistent uncertainty will continue to weigh on economic activity.

Later in 2013, economic activity should

gradually recover.”

The economy of the 17-member eurozone bloc is currently in recession, having contracted by 0.1% between July and September, after shrinking 0.2% in the previous three months.

Yet no further cut in interest rates had been expected, with analysts saying it would have little effect, as banks across the eurozone are not offering interest rates anywhere as low as the ECB’s main rate.

Banks are also reluctant to lend in the first place, as the wider eurozone economy remains mired in recession at a time when countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece are having to continue to carry out extensive austerity measures to reduce their sovereign debt.

Toy wooden railway challenges Virgin

Toy train makers lodged a bid to run services on the West Coast Main Line, promising no delays, frequent services and free trains for all.

Bigjigs Toys submitted its bid after a decision to award the deal to FirstGroup was overturned following a legal challenge from Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains.

“This company has been delivering exceptional service on time and to low cost for its customers for years, and should be considered a serious candidate amongst the other four bidders.

“You might ask who can run such a service. Simple. Bigjigs Rail.”

The Department for Transport promptly replied, thanking the firm for its helpful proposals that “would certainly brighten up the railway”.

Department for Transport private secretary Mark Reach replied thanking Bigjigs for its letter and with advice on how to proceed with its application.

In its letter to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, Bigjigs Toys bosses wrote: “There is only one company that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

However he warns the bid is unlikely to succeed with Bigjigs’ wooden train carriages unlikely “to meet modern crashworthiness standards”.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

School drop-out levels in Spain ‘twice the EU average’

Spain’s school drop-out rate is as high as three in 10 pupils in several regions and well over a quarter in the country as a whole, according to education authorities.

This is a long way from meeting the European Union’s maximum levels, which for the year 2020 must be 10 per cent for other EU countries, and 15 per cent for Spain.

The figures are taken by counting up the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who do not have their Bachillerato – Spain’s answer to A-levels – or any other kind of professional qualification.

Although two regions – Navarra and the Basque Country – have a drop-out rate below the EU maximum – at 12 and 13 per cent respectively, Spain’s average is currently 26.5 per cent.

It has come down from 31.9 per cent three years ago and all 17 regions have managed to cut their numbers of pupils leaving at 16 and ending their education there, but there is still a long way to go, says Spain’s ministry of education, culture and sports.

Madrid, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Aragón and Catalunya are below the national average for early leavers, but only just, with between 19.8 and 26 per cent of 16-year-olds giving up their education.

The worst record is held by Andalucía, with a 32.5 per

cent drop-out rate, and the other regions with a percentage exceeding 30 are Castilla-La Mancha, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Murcia and La Rioja, in that order, and the two Spanish-owned enclaves on the northern Moroccan coast, Ceuta and Melilla, standing at 32.2 per cent.

Only just below 30 per cent but above average are Extremadura, the Comunidad Valenciana and Castilla y León.

The EU average is 15 per cent.

Part of the reason for the reduction in abandonment of post-16 education is that with the financial crisis, those with few or no qualifications are actively seeking to improve their CVs as the job market has become more competitive and drastically reduced.

More and more young adults are going back to college to take their Bachillerato, or A-levels, and enrolment figures for vocational and professional qualifications have rocketed.

Prior to the recession, drop-out numbers were higher because of the huge number of vacancies in the construction industry, many of which required no formal qualifications.

Thousands of pupils left school as soon as they were old enough in order to earn some money, but the property crash has left them with no chance of finding work unless they qualify in another area.

Rajoy Announces State Law Reforms For This Year

Reforms on the cards for 2013 by Mariano Rajoy’s government include greater supervision of town and city councils, removing trade barriers, restricting the abortion law and radically revamping the education system. Public administration procedures and public sector services have not been reformed in 30 years and methods will be modernised.

Rajoy also hopes to save 3.5 billion euros by reducing the number of councillors, standardising salaries in town halls and those of mayors, cutting out duplication of work and clarifying roles within local authorities. He says this reform will be worked out ‘with’ the mayors rather than being ‘imposed upon’ them.

Education minister José Ignacio Wert’s proposed schools reform, which has met with an unpopular reaction – especially in regions with a co-official language in addition to Spanish – is more or less complete and will be debated and given the seal of approval in Congress this year.

Justice minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón – former mayor of Madrid – is expected to have completed the abortion law reform by the end of the first quarter of 2013.

In it, he has decided that the deformation or severe physical or mental handicap of the unborn child will not be legal grounds for terminating a pregnancy, and girls under the age of 18 will once again require their parents’ permission to have an abortion.

A proposed Law of Market Unity aims to remove trade barriers and nationalise Spain’s markets, which are currently decentralised and segmented into 17 different ones – one for each of the federal, or autonomous, regions.

And a new Law of Entrepreneurs is being designed to give extra support to small and medium-sized businesses and help create employment.

Welcome GO SATELLITE!

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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!

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

music with mark George Michael (Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on 25 June 1963) is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame and worldwide acclaim in the 1980s.

.Michael first found success after forming the duo Wham with old school friend Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. The band’s first album Fantastic reached no. 1 in the UK and produced a series of top 10 singles including “Young Guns (Go for It!)”, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” and “Club Tropicana”.

Their second album, Make It Big, was the breakthrough that made the duo international

superstars, reaching No. 1 on the charts. Singles from that album included “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “Freedom”, “Everything She Wants”, and “Careless Whisper”, the latter of which was Michael’s first solo effort as a single.

Michael sang on the original Band Aid recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and donated the profits from “Last Christmas/Everything She Wants” to charity. In addition, he contributed background vocals to David Cassidy’s 1985 hit “The Last Kiss”, as well as Elton John’s 1985 successes “Nikita” and “Wrap her Up”.

Wham’s tour of China in April 1985, the first visit to China by a Western popular music act, generated enormous worldwide media coverage, much of it centered on Michael. The tour was documented by celebrated film director Lindsay Anderson and producer Martin Lewis in their film Foreign Skies: Wham!

In China and contributed to Michael’s ever-increasing fame.

With the success of Michael’s solo singles, “Careless Whisper” (1984) and “A Different Corner” (1986), rumours of an impending break up of Wham intensified. The duo officially separated during the summer of 1986, after releasing a farewell single, “The Edge of Heaven” and a singles compilation, The Final, plus a sell-out concert at Wembley Stadium that included the world premiere of the China film. The Wham! Partnership ended officially with the commercially successful single “The Edge of Heaven”, which reached no.1 on the UK chart in June 1986.

The beginning of his solo career, during early 1987, was a duet with soul music icon Aretha Franklin. “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” was a one-off project that helped Michael achieve an ambition by singing with one of his favorite artists, and it scored

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

number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release.The strangest thing about the track was that it was made with Michael recording his part of the song in the UK and Franklin doing hers in the USA. The two recordings were then mixed, produced then released so they never actually sang together on the song.

For Michael, it became his third consecutive solo number one in the UK from three releases, after 1984’s “Careless Whisper” (though the single was actually from the Wham! album Make It Big) and 1986’s “A Different Corner”. The single was also the first Michael had recorded as a solo artist which he had not written himself. The co-writer, Simon Climie, was unknown at the time, although he would have success as a performer with the band Climie Fisher in 1988 . Michael and Aretha Franklin won a Grammy Award in 1988 for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Vocal for the song. Michael has won numerous music awards throughout his 30 year career, including three Brit Awards— winning Best British Male twice, four MTV Video Music Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards,

three American Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards from eight nominations. In 2004, the Radio Academy named Michael as the most played artist on British radio between the periods of 1984–2004.

The documentary A Different Story was released in 2005; it covered his personal life and professional career. In 2006, George Michael announced his first tour in 15 years. The 25 Live tour was a massive, worldwide undertaking by Michael, spanning three individual tours over the course of three years

(2006, 2007 and 2008 George Michael has made only 5 studio albums in his solo career but over the decades has become one of the most prolific singer songwriters in British music although his many problems, personal as well as chemical has put a tarnish on him he remains a supremely talented though tormented man whose music will be listened to and enjoyed by people for many years to come.

Madrid vice-mayor loses post over Hallowe’en tragedy

Madrid’s vice-mayor has been removed from his post just two months after the Hallowe’en tragedy which cost the lives of five girls aged between 17 and 20.

Miguel Ángel Villanueva is a personal friend of Miguel Ángel Flores, owner of the event organiser Divertt, which was behind the party in Madrid Arena where the youngsters were killed in a stampede.

Villanueva is said to have performed a wedding ceremony for Flores’ brother.

He also said in the beginning that he did not believe the capacity of the venue had been exceeded – something that has since been disproven as it appears

over twice as many people as the building was designed to hold were let in.

But Villanueva insists he had no part in the decision to appoint Diviertt to organise the party, and that this was made by Madrid Espacios y Congresos, the public sector firm which manages Madrid Arena and which depends upon the city council’s economy department.

“I have never used my position for my own or anyone else’s benefit,” stressed Villanueva after finding out he had lost his position.

Although he conceded that his standing down might

Teacher and nine pupils injured when classroom floor collapses

Nine children and a teacher were injured last Friday when the floor of a primary school in Santa Pola (Alicante) caved in. It happened just after 09.00hrs, when the teacher was taking the register for her class of eight-year-olds at the Hispanidad school, which is a State-run centre. She fell into a hole in between tables, and nine children went with her.

Four children and the teacher were taken to Elche General Hospital with multiple bruising, but no broken bones, and another five were treated at the local health centre.

Several pupils needed to be treated for panic attacks and shock. Parents were immediately called to pick their children up, and the headmaster says the building was correctly evacuated according to the established drill. Emergency services say the teacher

and pupils had a lucky escape, as the situation could have led to a tragedy. The entire school has been shut down until repairs are carried out.

Education authorities are inspecting the building to ascertain the cause of the collapsing floor, which is as yet unknown, and whether there is a risk it will happen again.

This is the fourth incident of its kind in schools in the Comunidad Valenciana, which are severely underfunded due to the regional government being strapped for cash. All other school buildings in the region, starting with the oldest ones, will be inspected in turn for structural defects and renovations needed will be pushed through as quickly as possible, says regional vice-president José Císcar, former mayor of Teulada-Moraira (Alicante).

‘calm things down’ – given that he is a friend of Flores – the former vice-mayor has not been in any way involved in the case, has not been questioned and has nothing to do with it.

“I can’t be held responsible for what an acquaintance of mine does,” he continued.

Denying any claims of a witch-hunt against him, Villanueva said: “The only victims in this are the five girls who lost their lives in the tragedy.”

Antonio de Guindos – brother of Luis, Spain’s minister for the economy – who is in charge of the municipal police has kept his job, even though the police were not called out to be on duty to control the massive bring-your-own-bottle party in the car park, which Diviertt not only knew was happening but had planned for it.

Pedro Calvo, councillor for economic affairs, has lost his role after being called in to help with inquiries following the tragedy, although not his council seat.

Fátima Núñez, head of emergencies and therefore the ambulance service, which was not present at the party – although provided justification for this which was accepted by the court – has been moved from her post to be district councillor for the Carabanchel neighbourhood.

Mayoress of Madrid, Ana Botella – who is also the wife of one-time president of Spain, José María Aznar – has decided that the jobs of councillor for the economy and vice-mayor will disappear and will not be filled.

She has justified Villanueva’s dismissal and the redistribution of the other councillors as being a move to save public money.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

CALIDA COUNTRY COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB LA MOLATA, LOS MUÑOCES,

CAÑADAS DE ALHAMA Press Release: CALIDA COUNTRY CMC – 19 January 2013 FIRST THE BAD NEWS! Unhappily, because of the considerable reduction in patrons currently attending ‘First Fridays’ at La Molata, it was decided at last Friday night’s ‘open forum’ to hold ‘First Friday CM Discos’ in future, during the period Easter to December each year only. Accordingly, the next ‘First Friday’ will take place on Friday 05 April and thereafter on a monthly basis up to and including 06 December.

This reduced period of opening may be extended again at a later date subject to demand. The organisers would like to thank all the stalwarts who have supported them so well in the past, especially during the recent inclement weather.

Staying with bad news for a moment, unfortunately the artist that they had booked for their 15 February night at Calida Country has had to ‘cry off’ for health reasons, leaving the organisers insufficient time to engage a suitable substitute. The club will, therefore, be closed on that night. Happily that’s the end of the bad news!

AND NOW THE GOOD NEWS! Calida Country CMC is to run a coach to this year’s Costa Blanca Country Music & Linedancing Festival at ECO Camping Marjal, near Catral on Sunday 10 March.

The cost of the coach will be subsidised by Calida Country and tickets are on sale now from Mervyn Booth on a first come, first served basis, with preference being given to existing regular Costa Calida CMC patrons.

YET MORE GOOD NEWS! Their next q u a r t e r ’s programme starts with another ‘first’ for Calida Country. Friday 15 March heralds their first ever ‘double bill’

featuring, all the way from England, ‘Cactus Jack’ and ‘Eddy Miller’. Both are fantastic artists guaranteeing you a night to remember. Doors open at 8.00pm & entry is just €5.00 pp. Tickets are not required.

With the return of the delightful & talented country songstress ‘Cherry K’ lined up for Friday 19 April and the fabulous ‘Marty Ross’ booked for Friday 17 May, it looks like the next three months promise some fantastic entertainment. Entry for each night is just €5.00 pp and tickets are not required.

The club is located at the Social Club in La Molata, Los Muñoces – take the exit just north of the Condado de Alhama (Polaris World) exit and located just off the RM32/MU 603, (signposted Venta Aledo & Los Muñoces) Only around 10km from Camposol, it is a non-member club, and is a non-profit making organisation. Any excess of income after expenses have been paid is currently dedicated to the Community Ambulance Fund España (CAFE).

Boasting a large dance floor, the venue is also a licensed premises, with drinks at Spanish prices and their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, maintain a superb kitchen. The ‘fish and chips’ are, reportedly, ‘to die for!’ Advance bookings for meals are reco m m e n d ed and should be made direct to Cheryl on 619 003 022 to avoid disappointment on the night. if you fancy a ‘bit of a boogie’ on a Friday night – or simply want to put into practice what you’ve been learning at your line dance classes –go along and give it a try!

A l w a y s remember to...

KEEP COUNTRY!

IT

For further information on what’s going on, contact…

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

9

ICELAND OVERSEAS CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MABS MURCIA MABS Cancer Support Group volunteers from Murcia/Mar Menor branch were back at Iceland Overseas in San Javier this week to collect a cheque for 1,635€ which was raised there throughout 2012. The money was raised with various events through the past year at the Iceland Overseas store and they have confirmed that MABS Murcia is their nominated charity for 2013.

“We’re really looking forward to working with everyone at MABS again.

Their volunteers are game for anything and are a great help when they’re packing customers’ shopping. We love the atmosphere created at Christmas when Spangles come to sing and get our customers in the mood for the festive season.” said Sorelle Fox, Supervisor at the store.

The MABS Fundraising team is now busy working with Iceland Overseas on new events for this year, so keep checking the press and the MABS website to make sure that you don’t miss out on the fun.

MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call our HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit their website: www.mabsmurcia.com Photographer: Geoff Bell/Roger Honess

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‘Fun in the Sun’ the summer fair at Iceland

Spangles Christmas 2012

Iceland staff and MABS volunteers

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tuesday Ballroom Dancing 8pm -10pm Thursdays FUN QUIZ 8.30pm Friday Closed from 6pm for private parties.

Book yours now!

Saturdays See guide below Sundays Happy hour 8 - 9.30pm PLUS Karaoke 9pm

SATURDAY 19TH January

BEE GEES TRIBUTE + DJ HELEN 2 Course meal + show 8pm 10€ Show only 9.30pm 3€

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Seven prison closures in England announced EU ‘Makes UK More Valuable To US’ Seven prisons are to close and two more will be partially shut in England.

The Ministry of Justice said it would result in the loss of 2,600 places from “old and uneconomic” prisons and is expected to save £63m per year in running costs.

It says it also plans to build a new super prison with 2,000 places.

Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan said people would want reassurance that there would be enough prison places in coming years.

The proposed super prison would be around 25% bigger than Britain’s existing largest facility and a feasibility study into its construction is to begin.

The super prison would be in London, north-west England or north Wales.

In 2009, the previous Labour government scrapped its plans for three 2,500-place Titan prisons.

Six entire prisons are closing plus one of the three amalgamated jails on the Isle of Wight.

The prisons that are to close are Bullwood Hall in Essex, Canterbury, Gloucester, Kingston in Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, and Camp Hill on the Isle of Wight.

The UK’s oldest working prison, Shepton Mallet, in Somerset, is also among those to be shut.

Justice Minister Chris Grayling said the prisons would be closed in the next few months.

Prisons in Chelmsford and Hull are also to be partially closed.

The MoJ said six prisons were to close as it listed the Isle of Wight changes as a partial closure.

It said: “Our strategy for the custodial estate

is to ensure that we have sufficient places to meet the demand of the courts whilst securing best value for money for the taxpayer.”

Custodial arrangements for women are to be reviewed and the results are expected by the summer.

The MoJ said women offenders had “particular needs” and facilities for females should be “organised as effectively as possible to meet gender specific requirements whilst also delivering best value for the public”.

Mr Grayling said much of the prison system was “old and expensive”.

“But I never want the courts to be in a position where they cannot send a criminal to prison because there is no place available.

“So we have to move as fast as we can to replace the older parts of our prison system.”

The justice secretary added that building a super prison was “not simply about incarcerating lots of people in one place”.

“If you’ve got a big centre like that you’ve got the ability to put good training facilities at the heart of it because it’s in all of our interests to make sure that people come out of prison with more education, more skills and they have a better chance of getting a job rather than going back to prison,” Mr Grayling told the BBC. Following the MoJ announcement, Mr Khan said: “The public will want reassurance that there’s enough prison places over the coming years to keep safely behind bars those found guilty of serious crimes, and that enough is being done to rehabilitate and reform prisoners to stop them re-offending.”

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The UK is “valuable” to the US partly because it is a member of the EU, the deputy prime minister has said.

It comes after the Obama administration expressed concern about the impact of a UK referendum on its future in the EU. Mr Clegg said if the UK wanted to lead in the world you had to be “strong in your neck of the woods”.

No 10 said David Cameron wanted changes to EU relations, adding it was “hardly news” the two men took a different approach to the future of Europe.

Mr Clegg, who was speaking on the first of his weekly radio phone-ins on LBC, said it was up to the UK to decide how it handles its relationship with Europe, but the Americans were entitled to express their views.

He said: “Americans have been saying since the 1950s that Britain and the special relationship between Britain and America is one that is partly based on the fact that we’re valuable to our American friends, and important to people in Beijing and Tokyo, because we stand tall in our own neighbourhood.

“If you want to lead around the world - and this a globalised environment we’re working in - the first thing you’ve got to do is be strong in your neck of the woods and I think that’s the point they’re making.”

The EU and the single market were crucial for British jobs and helped the UK tackle cross border crime, he added.

David Cameron is facing pressure to hold a referendum on Europe at some stage during the next Parliament and has been criticised by some in his own party for not doing more to distance the UK from the EU. Mr Cameron wants the UK to remain within the EU but believes there is a need to redefine the relationship in light of moves towards further integration by countries using the single

currency.

He has suggested that “fresh consent” from the UK people could be sought for any new deal that emerges as a result of negotiations with other EU countries.

However, many Conservative MPs want him to go further and to commit to a referendum on the question of whether the UK remains in the EU or not - a so-called “in-out vote”.

Philip Gordon, the US assistant secretary for European affairs in the US State Department, told journalists on Wednesday that the UK would always be a key ally of the US and that “what is in the UK’s interests is up to the UK”.

But he added: “We have a growing relationship with the EU as an institution, which has an increasing voice in the world, and we want to see a strong British voice in that EU. That is in America’s interests. We welcome an outward-looking EU with Britain in it.”

Discussing the often “inward-looking” history of EU negotiations, Mr Gordon said that “referendums have often turned countries inward”.

“The more the EU reflects on its internal debate, the less it is able to be unified,” he said.

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Meetings held every Wednesday from 7pm - approx 8.30pm: The Old School House Canadas del Romero dates for Our guest mediums:

January 23rd - Sammy Fitzsimmons January 29th - Mercedes Garcia Fundraising Event at Condada de Alhama 8pm doors close at 7.45 pm Tickets 5 euros 30th January - Mercedes Garcia For more info please call 620 877 326

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YOUR Camposol Fiesta!

d e t r a t S s a H n u The F The Camposol Fiesta 2013 is now confirmed as Friday and Saturday 14th & 15th June. Although the finer details are still to be worked out, it is proposed to start the event at 7.30pm on Friday evening with a Music Extravaganza by local acts followed by a fun packed Saturday with events for all the family.

We will be holding a Camposol’s Got Talent Competition on the day which will be open to all with a cash prize for the lucky winner.

There will be the usual Paella and Fireworks and a programme of British and Spanish events to entertain young and old.

However, the fun of the Fiesta is not limited to the weekend itself and we have already held events to engage the community and raise funds.

We held a Three Kings Children’s’ Party which was held in Oscar’s Bar and Trevi Restaurant supported the Fiesta with a Race Night.

It costs around 10,500 Euro to stage the Fiesta and we have to fund this from the Fiesta Funds.

Over the next few months we have various entertainment events planned and a number of raffles. All you have to do is purchase tickets…. enjoy the events and help us raise funds at the same time! Simples!

Here are some of the events we have planned: • Wednesday 6 February, The Steakout Camposol B, – It’s Buzzare TV Game Show, an interactive and visual quiz for all the family. Tickets 10 € per team (maximum 4) or 3€ per person – Available now!!

• Saturday 9 February, Alley Palais, Camposol B, Dave Rawson Comedy Hypnotist Show. Dave is a fantastic hypnotist from Ibiza who recently hit the headlines after hypnotising Rylan Clark from the X Factor! Tickets 10 € per person.

Available now!

• March 2013, Race Night in conjunction with Mazarron Lions Club – Details to be confirmed • Week commencing 25th March – Chocolate Factory coach trip – Details to be confirmed • Saturday 16th March, Rock’n’Roll/American Diner Theme Night at Oscar’s Camposol B – Details to be confirmed • Saturday 24th May – Spring Ball at The Club House – (Sensol Golf) – Details to be confirmed Tickets for all the above events are available from the venue, Paramount Villa Rentals/Sales, Camposol Sector C; by telephoning the Fiestafone: 642795193 or email info@camposolfiesta.com. You can also message our Camposol Fiesta Facebook page. We will also be present wherever possible at the Thursday & Friday Camposol Markets.

On this point I would like to make a plea for help!! We are desperate for volunteers to help us sell tickets. Whether this be raffle tickets, event tickets and very soon the tickets for the Grand Car Draw. If you can spare just a couple of hours a week please contact us.

Design a Logo Children’s Competition for the

Camposol Fiesta 2013

Winning logo will be used for all official Fiesta purposes.

Award to be presented on the Main Stage with a framed copy of their design and trophy !!!!

Entries must include name, age, parents name, signature and contact number.

Entries cost 1 Euro

all proceeds to the Camposol Fiesta Fund.

Open to all children under 16 years old.

Competition closes 31/1/2013. Judges decision is final.

Drop off points: Paramount Resort Villa Rentals - Camposol Sector C Alley Palais - Camposol Sector B Healthy H2O stand - Thursday Market Sector A ASSSA Seguros - Puerto de Mazarron Sara Lara´s Bar – Puerto de Mazarron

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

11

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

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Elvis tribute

THE ONLY WAY2GO - helping your money go further Way2go was founded because there was a gap in the market between ‘cash in hand’ man with a van and large expensive removal companies. It quickly became apparent in these trying financial times that a more cost effective and flexible service could be offered to help people move from one country to another with the minimum amount of stress.

Way2go now have four depots in Javea, Malaga airport, Swanley and Burton-onTrent adding more value and convenience to our service and if these don’t suit then we offer a delivery and collection service.

We also offer one day`s free hire on all bookings, no charges for credit or debit cards transactions and additional drivers are free of charge. We can also offer discounted rates when using Brittany Ferries between Spain and the UK where you can transport your pets for as little as £40.00. It is worth remembering when traveling self-drive, you don’t have to pay for expensive flights as with conventional removals.

So, if you don’t fancy using a removal company to handle and deliver your personal belongings and want a more cost effective option, Way2go is perfect for you. Pack and load your own prized possessions, take full control of your schedules whilst taking in the beautiful scenery of Spain, France and of course, the UK. Rest assured that all Way2Go vehicles have commercial insurance with Lloyds of London which i s

essential for self-drive hire companies.

Beware of alternative insurance being offered where the wrong insurance is as good as having no insurance!

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We will include all the overheads along with a full UK invoice offering you peace of mind and us accountability for the service we are providing. Please remember that Way2Go never tranships your consignment onto third party subcontractors’ articulated lorries which has become common practice within the industry. The same helpful and professional driver loading your consignment will be the same making the delivery at your destination. We feel that this old fashioned, tried and tested method is hard to find these days unless you pay large organisations huge sums of money.

We are confident when quoting ‘apples for apples’ that Way2Go can’t be beaten on value or service.

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On February 8th & 9th the fabulous Elvis tribute artist Paul Larcombe will be appearing at camping Marjal Guardamar del Segura with his backing group “the Passionettes” Paul is officially endorsed by Elvis Presley enterprises, Graceland Memphis USA. He has appeared on numerous television channels including ITV and BBC and has performed for the queen and royal family on three separate occasions.

In 2007 he won the European Elvis tribute competition, the prize entitled him to enter the world competition in Memphis organised

by E.P .Enterprises, he came in the last ten with only the first three being announced.

He is a fabulous entertainer and the last two years have been a sell out on both nights.

Tickets are now on sale the price is 16 euros including a meal To book a table tel:- 966 727 001 Also the Passionettes are appearing as an “ABBA tribute” on Thursday 14th February (Valentines night) Michael Lomax Tel;- 686 580 600

PDQ AND MAGIC TOO

GRAEME MYKAL ADDS A BIT OF MAGIC TO A BIT OF A DO! Black & White Magic Night is coming soon...

Friday February 8th at Quesada Country Club

Remember this?

Well there’s PDQ & Magic Too!!

After the success of the Cinderella Bling Ball at Quesada Country Club we ended the year with the running total at €1,400 for the Children in Elche three Queasda ladies are working to raise funds to support the Children’s Home in Elche and they just wanted to remind you to reserve your tickets for The Black and White Sixties Night at Quesada Country Club on Friday February 8th - PDQ are already booked and so is the fantastic magician Graeme Mykal. Once again this event at Quesada Country Club will be to raise money for The Children’s Home in Elche and Jose Antonio Gonzalez MD of Grupo Barcelo Building Company and Real Estate Agency in Ciudad Quesada will be the main sponsor. Jose is better known as Pepe Barcelo and this time he will sponsor the event by paying for the black and white decorations. If you would like to join us please email to reserve your tickets as we have 60 bookings already! This event will be a 3 course sit down meal with various choices

and there is a bottle of wine between two - tickets are just €13.50 so please don’t delay - send you email today to rod.day01@gmail. com The theme of the evening is Black and White and it is optional to come 60’s stlye but have some fun and see what you can dig out! And talking og digging... next is The Garden Project and the plan is to help the children with their own allotment, they have plenty of land and the first meeting for volunteers (and this can be advice rather than digging!) is planned for January 22nd email Anne Day for details rod.day01@gmail.com Pepe Barcelo wants to get involved and support this project too and he has already pledged one of the first fruit trees! The idea is for the children to be encouraged to “grow their own” and the plan is to start with potatoes and tomatoes and a few fruit trees. If you would like more information please contact Anne Day

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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Newly opened and re-furbished, the dojo, just off Avenida las Naciones (5 minutes away from the Masonic hall) have come to our rescue and accepted us with open arms. Our first service will be on Sunday, 3rd February, and we look forward to welcoming old and new friends to the start of what we know will be a happy new relationship with the dojo. Details and map are available at each service in January at the Masonic hall and will also be on our website www.spiritualistchurchquesada. com. Under special events. see you at the dojo.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

15

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

The L ady Said...

It was Saturday evening as I charged through the doors of the Albox Urgencia and came to an abrupt halt. Sitting around the waiting area were: The usual tiny elderly person; the inevitable Moroccan woman with babe in arms and another apparently Velcro’d to her leg, and a middle-aged man who was presumably a gardener, as he seemed to be wearing a good portion of his work in the form of mud and weeds. The reception desk, however, was as deserted as the Marie Celeste.

The explosive nature of my entry did not go unnoticed, and a small round man wearing small round glasses on his small round face sauntered into view. He gave me the sort of look that people generally reserve for unmentionables stuck to the bottom of their shoes.

‘Keh?’ he enquired.

In Spanish I rattled out ‘I need help. My husband has collapsed and is unconscious in my house. I need a doctor to come.’

An obstinate look spread slowly across his round face. It was a look which said ‘I’m going to make you sweat for josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk this.’ A donkey,

By Jos Biggs

viewpoint seeing this look, would have acknowledged him as a master of non-cooperation.

He shrugged his shoulders and repeated the Keh. I had given him all the necessary words, in more or less the right order, plus I was generating enough nervous energy to light two roundabouts and a Big Dipper. I felt that he should be able to work out that medical help was called for, even if only to administer veterinary strength tranquiliser to the tower of stress hovering before him.

I opened my mouth to start all over again when Gardener Man sprang to his feet and planted himself foursquare in front of my adversary. ‘The lady said she needs help. Her husband has collapsed and is unconscious in her house. She needs a doctor to see him.’ He concluded with a heartfelt ‘Hombre’, the Spanish equivalent of ‘Doh’ as he re-took his seat.

The human Weeble wobbled peevishly. He had been thwarted in his ambition to put the English lady in her place, which in his view was England. ‘Wait there.’ He pointed to a specific floor tile, and with the urgency of a continental drift, departed to seek the doctor.

I waited on the exact tile, fearing that to move off it might render me invisible, or at least invalidate my plea for medical assistance.

The doctor appeared, had no trouble understanding me, scooped up his bag and within a minute we were en route for my house.

There is Nothing Carved in Stone, but

Completely out of the blue the other night, a thought came into my head whilst enjoying some out of season mince pies in front of the telly and I asked my wife, what she wanted putting on her head stone?”

Well she nearly choked on the pie and I also noticed, resisted the urgent need to take a slurp of tea to help it down, because she was now eying the brew suspiciously and probably wondered if it had perhaps acquired a new and exotic additive.

“No seriously”, I assured her,“It’s just that I was wondering what to put on mine and wondered if you had given your own any serious thought.”

Once she had calmed down

having reached the conclusion that her husband was not after all a latter day Dr Crippen, she considered the matter for a few moments.

“Just the usual I suppose”, she eventually told me. “Loving wife of etc. etc. You know – that kind of thing”. Obviously comforted, she now took a tentative sip of her Sainsbury’s Red Label. “You still want your ashes buried in the village cemetery back home then?” she asked.

Hell no I didn’t. I had changed my mind about that a long time ago and suddenly realised that I had failed to inform the good lady. Good job I didn’t snuff it in my sleep last night I thought, otherwise I might have woken up under a load of dirt and a lot of Suffolk sods . . . no offence intended to any of our past East Anglian neighbours if they are reading this.

Because what I wanted, I now belatedly informed Janet, was to have the head stone as discussed, but purely as a memorial to the 30 years of our lives we had spent in the village together. The village

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

where over the years, we had embraced the community spirit and become involved in just about every facet of our bucolic idyll.

As a Parish Councillor at one time, I had personally taken on the duty of keeping the various greens, church yard and cemetery in good nick and I was a familiar sight in the summer, whizzing round the village on the PC’s bright red Kubota ride-on mower - grinning like some demented Monty Don on speed.

I often pondered where exactly in that pleasant three acres of ground - only half of which was at that time occupied – I would eventually find myself resting.

Hopefully it would be the very last plot by the boundary hedge, although I noticed during a recent visit, that the dead centre of the village is filling up worryingly fast.

So no, my ashes should be distributed elsewhere in an appropriate place I told my wife – a place where I was most happy, but one that I would be content to leave to her discretion.

She thought for a bit and then said, “Aren’t they going to be a bit surprised when I chuck you

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into the lounge bar of the Robin Hood?”

“Very droll - just leave the funny lines to me if you don’t mind”, I mumbled.

“Somewhere outside obviously, and what I meant to say,” I hastily continued, “Was somewhere where we were most happy together.”

“Oh right; I’ll give it some thought then.”

“No hurry”, I assured the light of my life, as I took another bite of mince pie.

The whole thing though if you think about it, is ludicrous and purely symbolic. I mean, the dearly departed are hardly going to know anything about it and apart from an unsightly slick on the surface of the sea or some lake somewhere, or a pile of dust in the loo of a 747, seven miles up - neither is anyone else.

Nevertheless, it’s still something that many of us attach great importance to and we receive comfort from the knowledge that our sooty debris has been scattered in some meaningful location or other.

The question to my wife was prompted by my thoughts about what to have inscribed on my own head stone. I have been racking my brains for a long time now, and I still cannot come up with anything suitable.

What I am certain about is that there must be something away from the norm . . . something witty and original that would be a talking point for generations to come. Trouble is, all the good stuff seems to have been composed and used by others.

I toyed with the idea of “In Memory Of Colin Bird Who Fell Off His Perch . . .” and then the date.

But it lacks a certain something.

As do “See You Then!” and “There Goes The Neighbourhood”.

But I shall persevere to find a suitable epitaph – or die in the attempt!

ALQUERIA - THE RE-CONQUEST John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

16

The struggle to re-establish democracy in Alqueria began gathering pace. Led by the indefatigable Manuela, the forces of good waged a ceaseless campaign to ruin Rodriquez’s standing in the village. His picture was pinned to the information board in the village square under the title ‘ENEMY OF DEMOCRACY’.

Unfortunately next to a police notice asking for information concerning an overturned garbage truck. Most of the villagers thought it was a ‘Spot the difference’ competition.

On Christmas Eve Manuela broke into Rodriquez’s house dressed in nothing more than a thin sheet and chains. She was hoping to play the old Marley’s Ghost ploy. However the sight of Manuela wandering abroad at night partially dressed and fettered was not really that unusual. It did frighten Rodriquez but not for the reason she intended.

Rodriquez was soon to become completely demoralised. He was a broken man. A five-year-old with a balloon on a stick would have him running scared. He looked terrible, unshaven and dulleyed, his countenance resembled the rear-end of a badger. He turned to drink or at least he fell over more than usual. Seen laying in the gutter one evening, passers-by considered the kiss-of-life but settled for sending a get well card instead.

Paradoxically Manuela and the Hill People needed Rodriquez, without him there would be no opposition. No opposition would mean a one party state, exactly what the ‘Alqueria Three’ have been struggling to overturn.

They had to open discussions with the man. At midday after an unseasonably warm morning, Manuela, Poyato and Gruntmore walked purposefully down the Avenida del Rico towards Rodriquez’s house. They spanned the road. The girl Manuela in the centre. A heavy silence hung in the air. Their footsteps resonated through the hushed streets of Alqueria.

Rodriquez was terrified, he hung white sheets from the windows surrendering unconditionally. Shaking and sweating Rodriquez promised to return the village to democracy and support whatever proposals the Hill People put forward. He promised complete unity in the Alquerian parliament, which of course is very undemocratic.

After a flagon of the best Remitroot Liquor and the most soothing of tones from Manuela, agreement was reached.

Rodriquez must remain in opposition and could return to his old rotten ways as long as he did it democratically. He would of course have to relinquish the Remitroot crop.

Rodroot100 was again called Remitroot and sales soon recovered bringing Alqueria back to prosperity.

Matas only lived in Alqueria for a week. Seven days of its dysfunctional population was enough for him and he returned to his dark dank cave.

By mutual agreement the incident was never spoken of again.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

17

McDonald’s replaces Happy Greece unemployment hits Meal toys with books highest rate in European Union

McDonald’s is set to replace the toys which come with its famous Happy Meals with educational books as part of an effort to boost child literacy.

The fast food giant will become the UK’s largest children’s book distributor after announcing plans to give away more than 15million books over the next two years.

shows.

McDonald’s will also give away additional vouchers for the books which can be redeemed at WH Smith.

And the DK books will be available to buy in McDonald’s as standalone purchases too.

The giveaway was apparently inspired by research from the National Literary Trust which revealed that just 50 per cent of children say they enjoy reading a lot.

The company is teaming up with Dorling Kindersley and WH Smith for the promotion, which started this week in the UK. McDonald’s, which is frequently accused of helping to perpetuate childhood obesity, will be hoping to banish its image with the ‘Happy Readers’ initiative.

The campaign launched this week with a five-week nationwide giveaway, and will continue until the end of next year, by which time a total of 15million fiction and nonfiction books will have been given out.

‘Our research tells us that there is a very clear link between book ownership and children’s future success in life, so it is very concerning that one in three children in the UK doesn’t own a book, and half of kids don’t really enjoy reading,’ an NLT spokesman told the Daily Telegraph.

The first set of books offered are short non-fiction works by DK, which is known for its lavishly illustrated picture books.

‘Initiatives like McDonald’s Happy Readers campaign play an important role in getting more books into the hands of children, and inspiring families to read together as a fun and interactive pastime.’

One book will be included with each children’s Happy Meal, which traditionally include plastic toys promoting films and TV

The firm launched a pilot scheme last year, and claims that 90 per cent of parents said they wanted to see more such giveaways.

The latest unemployment rate for Greece has risen to 26.8%, the highest figure recorded in the European Union (EU).

The official Greek data for October sees Greece overtake Spain as the country with the highest unemployment rate in Europe.

The Greek economy remains mired in recession and the government is in the process of imposing significant austerity measures.

Athens is cutting spending to meet the terms of its financial bailouts.

So far, the European Central Bank, International

Monetary Fund, and the European Commission have pledged a total of 240bn euros ($315bn; £196bn) in rescue loans, of which Greece has received more than two thirds.

The Greek government required the bailouts because it was struggling to meet the interest payments on its existing debts.

Under the terms of the rescue funds, Greece is having to agree to substantial spending cuts, such as redundancies and pay freezes in the public sector, and reduced pensions. This is having a major knock-on impact on the wider Greek economy.

While Greece’s unemployment rate in October was 26.8%, the most recent official figure for Spain - for the month of November - was 26.6%.

Spain is also in recession, with its government having to cut spending to reduce its debts.

The BBC’s Athens correspondent, Mark Lowen, said: “Greeks blame austerity for the rise, with the number of jobless more than doubling since the country was first bailed out in 2010.

“And with more spending cuts this year, many predict the rate will soon hit 30%.”

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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Could herbal medicines REALLY be as good as for menopausal women as HRT? Herbal and complementary medicines are a viable alternative to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women who fear the possible side effects, according to new research.

Soy for instance, the most common plant containing oestrogen, can reduce hot flushes by more than half, says a scientist who carried out a review into previous studies.

Red clover, a legume also containing the female hormone, and black cohosh, a plant originating in the US and Canada, also ease symptoms.

Women’s primary care specialist Dr Iris Tong, of Brown University, Rhode Island, who led the review, said: ‘Up to 75 per cent of women use herbal and complimentary medicines to treat their postmenopausal symptoms.

Ross is a highly qualified hair stylist with a wealth of experience, based at an attractive salon on Montebello Urbanisation (near Monty’s Bar).

All manner of styling and treatments are available, such as Blow Dry at €13 for short hair, €16 for long.

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‘Therefore, it is vitally important for healthcare providers to be aware of and informed about the non-pharmacological therapies available for women who are experiencing postmenopausal symptoms and who are looking for an alternative to HRT.’ The menopause is associated with an oestrogen deficiency and can cause an increase in hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, frequent urinary tract infections, urinary

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incontinence and joint pain as well as sleep and mood disturbance.

About two in three postmenopausal women experience hot flushes and a fifth for up to 15 years, writes Dr Tong in the journal The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (TOG).

Oestrogen deficiency can also lead to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and while many drugs are available, a number of non-pharmacological alternatives are sometimes preferred.

Dr Tong found HRT is the most effective treatment of hot flushes, improving symptoms in 80 to 90 per cent of women.

But she says there are possible health risks associated with HRT such as links to breast cancer, blood clots, stroke and cardiovascular problems.

Dr Tong said due to these possible risks, other treatment options may be equally effective such as behaviour modification and herbal and complimentary medicines.

The review states that as many as 50 to 75 per cent of postmenopausal women use herbal options to treat hot flushes, and of the complimentary therapies, soy, red clover and black cohosh have been the most investigated.

Soy, found naturally in food and supplements, has shown a reduction in hot flush symptoms ranging between 20 to 55 per cent.

Dr Tong recommends it, as well as red clover and black cohosh, as there are no significant adverse side effects associated with them, as long as they are used in women with no history of breast cancer, are not at high risk for breast cancer and are not taking tamoxifen.

But she warns herbal medicines are not regulated in many countries, and therefore the contents of a given product may vary from sample to sample.

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TOG’s editor in chief Jason Waugh added: ‘Postmenopausal symptoms can be very distressing and it is important to review the advantages and limitations of the non pharmacological treatments available as well as the pharmacological ones.

‘Even simple behaviour modification can make a differencetopostmenopausal symptoms, including keeping the room temperature cool, wearing layered clothing, relaxation techniques and smoking cessation.’

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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Tel: 965 325 56

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Lions in Torrevieja promoting Cats

Headlines nowadays are not always as they first seem once you read the story, but this one definitely is.

danciWneegk 2on ice

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

For Class Info & Venues 635 584 431

The second week saw the other 6 celebrities take to the ice for their first performance and there are already a couple who look to be promising. Opening the show were Welsh Rugby International Gareth Thomas with his partner Robin. He is one of the skaters who looks promising as he is already comfortable around the ice with good speed, some degree of difficulty in the choreography and already skating solo with good technical skills. He will need to work on the performance part of the skating but I gave him a 7.0 and the judges had him in top position with 22.5.

Next out was TOWIE star Lauren Goodger and Michael. This was more typically a first week performance with an extremely nervous skate, lacking both confidence and poise and unfortunately Lauren looked as if she was just going through the motions with no level of performance. I gave her a 3.5 and the judges in 5th place with 15.0. Following was comedian Joe Pasquale and his partner Vicki. I have to say that Joe probably has the furthest to go skating but his entertainment value was super! I awarded him and 3.0 and the judges in bottom spot with 14.0.

Politician from the House of Lords Baroness Oona King followed with her partner Mark and she is one to watch. I would have liked to see a bit more attack as her performance was slightly tentative, but her skating skills are excellent and the judges think she is one of the best skaters in this years competition.

She is very elegant on the ice but her dance

side was a bit flat which I am sure will improve as the weeks go on. I awarded her a 6.0 and the judges a total of 20.5 and in second place. Next out was Olympic Gold Medal Boxer Luke Campbell with his partner Jenna. I found him a bit disappointing as normally the younger skaters pack more of a punch and his performance was very flat. He will need to move across the ice with more speed and lift his core more to attract the public. I gave him a 5.0 and the judges 18.5 and in 3rd place. Closing this weeks show was TV presenter Anthea Turner and Andy.

I love the chemistry between these two which I will be watching with interest. At the moment Anthea is relying on her partner a bit too much but once her confidence over the ice improves she will be one to watch as she has a softness and elegance on the ice.

I gave her a 5.0 and the judges 18.0 and 4th position.

Lauren and Anthea ended up in the bottom 2 skate off and it really was a no contest with Anthea gaining a unanimous vote to go forward to next weeks show and TOWIEs Lauren losing her position. So now all the celebrities have performed and my tips are: my favourite for this year - Matt & Brianne from Week 1 followed by Gareth & Robin and the ones to watch Oona & Mark, Anthea & Andy and from Week 1 Samia (from Corrie) with Sylvain and Beth and Daniel. Let’s see how this show will develop as it already looks very promising, see you next week and in the meantime Keep Dancing!!

The Torrevieja Costa Lions Club in association with the Ayuntamiento Torrevieja are promoting the forthcoming performance of the world renowned and fantastic, Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “CATS”. The musical will be performed in English by the acclaimed Footlights Youth Theatre in the Teatro Municipal, Torrevieja, on Saturday 9th March 2013 at 2000hrs, with proceeds from the profits being disbursed locally to Lions Club Charities. Tickets for this superb show are reasonably priced at only 12.00 euros.

This performance will be for one night only and demand for tickets is expected to be high, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

To book in person you can go to the theatre box office which is in the Plaza directly in front of Teatro Municipal, Torrevieja. The box office is open Tuesday-Friday every week from 1100-1300hrs and for 2 hours before every performance taking place there.

Alternatively you can book directly online by going to www.servicam.es , click on the logo for the Teatro Municipal Torrevieja, and follow the drop down menu, a seating plan for the auditorium will be displayed and you can then pick seats of your choice, it is as simple as that.

CATS was first performed in Londons’ West End in 1981 and since then has been performed in over 20 countries and around 250 cities worldwide , additionally it has been translated and performed in 10 languages. The Footlights Youth Theatre have a multi national cast of around 30 in number and are performing 4 shows in Calpe from 14th -16th February, prior to there one night performance in Torrevieja.

For more information on Footlights Youth Theatre go to www.footlightscalpe.com For more information on Torrevieja Costa Lions Club go to www.torreviejacostalions. org The Lions are purring in anticipation!

www.soltimes.com

IN and around spain...

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

in and around espana...

Arcos de la Frontera

One of Andalucia’s most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages), Arcos balances atop a rocky limestone ridge, its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls stopping abruptly as a sheer cliff face plunges down to the fertile valley of the river Guadalete below Declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962 in recognition of its exceptional architecture and impressive location, the old town is a tangled labyrinth of cobbled streets that lead up to a sandstone castle, the Castillo de los Arcos. As you’d expect from such a spectacular vantage point, there are exhilarating views over the town and the rolling plain below.

Although its time under the Moors was one of its most successful, Arcos has had a long history of occupation, as shown by the discovery of numerous archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Tartessian, Phoenician and Roman periods. Plentiful water and its superb defensive hilltop location were the main attractions for settlers.

Arcos’s population of 28,000 is divided between the newer town on the lower slopes of the ridge and the old town, which you reach by following Cuesta Belén up the hill. In the heart of the old town is the cobbled Plaza de Cabildo, its picturesque situation somewhat marred by its dual function as a car park. On the southern side of the square there are some stomach-churning views, where the mirador (viewpoint) ends in a steep 150m-high cliff Among the most memorable of Arcos’s pretty and often strikingly narrow streets are the alley-like Calle Cuna and Calle Maldonaldo, lined with elegant palacios built by the town’s 18th-century nobility and overhung by wroughtiron rejas of windows.

Tapas bars in the old town are concentrated on or near the central Callejón de las Monjas. Try the Mesón El Patio, an atmospheric cave-like bar near the Santa María church that serves good-value tapas. If you want something more

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formal, one of the most upmarket restaurants in town is El Convento on Marques d e To r r e s o t o, which is in a 17thcentur y palace and has plenty of game dishes on the menu.

The terrace at the luxurious Parador on Plaza del Cabildo is the place to go for a leisurely drink in style and enjoy the best views in Arcos.

Down below the town is the Guadalete river lined with olive and orange groves.

The tourist office is on the Plaza del Cabildo (Mon-Sat 10.00-14.00 and 15.30-19.30, Sun 10.00-14.00).

LA COLA DEL EMBALSE DE ARCOS NATURAL AREA This embalse (reservoir), close to Arcos de la Frontera, is worth a visit for its waterfowl, particularly in winter when there are many more birds here and it is also a stopping place for migratory birds. The area covers 120ha and includes the reservoir and small surrounding area. Regular sights include little and great crested grebes, grey herons, coots and ducks like mallards, red-crested pochards and shovelers. There are also ospreys in winter Easily easily accessible, take the A382 from Arcos de la Frontera towards Villamartín. A few kilometres out of Arcos turn right towards El Bosque and then follow the road around the southern edge of the embalse to a village called El Santiscal, from where there are good views to the reservoir.

A couple of days ago, I was asked to run a clean-up on a client’s computer.

This I did, and after making a considerable reduction on “start-up” time and vast improvement on running speed, I left the client, who was extremely happy with 20€ in my pocket. Cleaning, as talked about in an earlier article, is a relatively straightforward list of operations that improves the “start up” time and running speed. Anyone can do it with a little caution but allowing a trained, qualified and experienced professional (me) will guarantee the success that you desire and demand.

While at the client’s, they asked whether they should upgrade the computer by adding memory and a bigger hard drive. This is a common and very valid question as processing power is usually doubled every 18 months, and after looking at the specification of their computer I had an alternate suggestion.

When you buy a new system you will automatically get the entire kit and caboodle. Mouse, monitor, keyboard and box, usually at a price beyond what we all would like to pay. Usually, the current mouse, keyboard and monitor will still be completely functional and it is pointless to replace the complete system.

The suggestion that I made was, quite simply, to replace the box! The ‘box’ that is being referred to is the main computer which contains the disk drives, processor(s) and connectors for the peripherals. Peripherals are the ‘bits’ that are attached to the box to allow you to ‘do things’, e.g. Keyboard, Mouse, USB devices and the like.

So, why replace the entire box? Why not just replace the motherboard, memory, processor and fan as separate components? How about a third option to have a pre-built motherboard that has the memory chips, processor and cooling fan all installed and tested? The answer in most cases is down to the almighty dinero, moola, dosh or bank balance.

I compared the prices of a list of component to a pre-built ‘bare-bones’ system with these components installed and tested on two of my favourite websites ‘Dynos’ (www.dynos.es) website and my favourite english website ‘Ccl Computers’ (www.cclonline.co.uk). The conclusion from this research shows that there is very little difference in prices (actually the prices were to within 10 cents!) and had the added benefit of the motherboard being tested as working! So why suggest a complete base unit which did cost 75€ more? It too has been pre-built and tested and has the addition of an acceptably large 500Gb Hard disk and case with power supply all ready to go! What I will ask you to do is look on the internet at base units and compare the prices to the equivalent list of components.

Assuming that you have enough knowledge (and it really isn’t rocket science), a suitable case with power supply and the Hard drive that holds all you data from your previous machine what is stopping you being Dr Frankenstein and creating your own ‘tailor made’ monster? Nothing! Not a single thing! There will be minor niggles such as removing the old drivers that were part of the old system and replacing them with the correct ones for this new system configuration, ensuring that you kept any static build up in your body to a minimum (static kill electronics stone dead!) and you understand what jumpers, if any, need to be set, there are more but these things are only niggles! But you have your data exactly where you left it, in a box you are familiar with, in the environment that you know!

I have built, literally, 1000’s of computers from basic components, over the years and seen the development of the internal workings of the PC change dramatically yet stay exactly the same. So my final thoughts are: 1. Do you NEED to ‘keep up with the Jones’s’ and have the latest and greatest? 2. Are you being fooled by the adverts for the next ‘latest and greatest operating system’? 3. Are you just ignorant (having insufficient knowledge!) about what your needs really are? As always, I can help you by answering just about any computer related question that you might have because eventually you will use people you can trust to look after your complete computer needs and who else offers so mush free information?

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

22

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

The beginning of a new year can get you inspired to make changes or to do things differently. Read our ideas for resolutions to make this New Year a happier, more organized, and more beautiful year for ourselves and our homes.

To find “Your Style” gather ideas by studying decorating photos, magazines, TV shows, books and websites. If you don’t know where to start, then take a style quiz, to refine your ideas. Tear out pictures, play with colour and make mental notes of things that really appeal to you, from china patterns and wallpaper to flower arrangements and rug designs. Keep your ideas and dreams in a design notebook. Then, when you’re ready to decorate you’ll have plenty of clues as to what you really love and want.

creativity rather than an unlimited budget to furnish or fix up your home; be a savvy shopper and find bargains that turn to treasures with your own creativity. Don’t turn up your nose at used furniture; after all, used pieces become treasured antiques with a few more years. Scratches and dents provide a story and an opportunity to fix and recycle. Fresh paint or refinishing helps you reuse a cast off. And with the work you put into these projects, you’ll discover a hidden piece to cherish.

Why not resolve to make this year more beautiful

Live With What You Love: When for you and your home, more organized and efficient

you’re making decisions on purchases for your home, whether it’s a major piece or an accent, only bring into your home things you truly love. We’re not just talking about furniture or decorative pieces in a certain style, we’re talking about

for your lifestyle, and more in tune with your own personal style?

s n o i t u l o s e R g n i t a r o Dec

Get Organized: This first resolution is a great one, because even if you don’t get any further on the list, you’ll really feel that you’ve accomplished something, and you’ll appreciate it throughout the year. Clean out a wardrobe, rearrange your kitchen cupboards, discover the floor of your garage!

Just organising a space to make room for what you need to do every day or every week, such as reading, will make you feel like you’ve achieved. Next, make space for the things that you want to do—like cooking, crafts, or painting. Don’t be too grandiose in your plan or you’ll get discouraged before you reach your goal. Let your organisation solutions fit your budget - large or small - and you will feel revitalised and refreshed. Your space will work for you.

Choose Your Style: If someone gave you 10,000 Euros or 50,000 Euros to redecorate your home, what would you do? Would you be stumped to decide even where to start? Or would you know exactly what you wanted and how to achieve that goal?

decorative elements that you want to live with. This resolution extends to colour, texture, focal pieces and collectibles. You’ll decide whether you want heavy drapes or light curtains, colourful walls or a subtle background, heavy mirrors or Chinese porcelain. How much better to have even one piece of something wonderful that you love than to have a whole house filled with humdrum pickups!

Don’t Be Impatient!: An empty space might be better than a wall filled with an impulsively-chosen piece of furniture or piece of artwork. Don’t buy something unless you really love it, or you might have “buyer’s remorse” when you later find what you really wanted. Save your money for the “perfect armoire” or a “just right” dining room set, an oil painting instead of a poster, or a beautiful lamp rather than basic lighting. Don’t settle for something okay. You’ll find the pieces you love will be with you through your lifetime, and things you purchased on impulse will go out with the next trash. Buy with a sharp eye for quality, style, and function.

Reuse, Recycle & Appreciate The start of a new year is a good time to plan to economise. Use

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. P lease explain the situations in which a resident qualifies for non-payment of capital gains tax A: The first thing is to be able to prove to the notary the day of the sale that you are in fact a Spanish tax resident. It is very important to realize that having what everyone calls the “residencia” issued by the police does not in fact prove you are a tax resident of Spain, and that if this is the only document you take to the notary to prove tax residency, the notary will consider you a nonresident and you will be subject to a 3% retention.

To prove you are a tax resident your solicitor needs to request a certificate from the tax authorities, which can then be taken to the notary. If you suffer the nasty surprise of them saying that in fact you are a non resident, you will need to get this amended by proving to them that you are in fact a resident before they will issue you with the correct certificate for the notary. The best way to secure tax residency status is making a resident income tax declaration in Spain in June of every year. If you are going to sell shortly, request this certificate in advance to avoid last minute surprises.

1. The possible total or partial exemption from capital gains tax due to reinvestment (roll-over): If you are a resident and sell one property to purchase another of the same or higher price you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax. To benefit you have to have been a resident for at least 3 year before the sale takes place, and you must purchase the next property within 2 years of the sale. If you are moving to a smaller property, you can claim exemption of a percentage of the capital gains tax.

2. C laim of total exemption if you are over 65 years old: If you are over 65 and sell your main home (where you must have lived for at least 3 years as a resident), you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax even if you do not reinvest. If the property is owned by a couple and one member is over 65 and the other is not, you are allowed to claim the exemption in respect to half the price.

If you do not qualify for any of the above exemptions the rate of tax applied to your profit is 21% for profit up to 6000 euros, 24% for profit between 6001 euros and 24000 euros and 27% of profit above 24,001 euros.

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

www.soltimes.com

v Vintage

Florals, vintage fabrics and soft pastel colours have taken the fashion world by storm - and all the signs are that this look is set to take over our homes too. After the trend in recent years for neutral, minimalist interiors, this refreshing return to colour, texture and comfort is likely to be embraced in homes everywhere.

Vintage-style decorating has the potential of bringing you back to your grandparent’s home; your furniture may be well-loved and well-used with peeling paint and many dents and scratches.

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Style

23

Fabrics:

Fabrics are an important ingredient in creating this style. If you love the old cabbage roses of the 40’s you are well on your way to enjoying this style. Calico prints from the 30’s and 40’s are also used extensively.

In the kitchen, oilcloth tablecloths were often used – and prove extremely practical in the modern home today. Another kitchen staple was the terrycloth towel with the crocheted buttoned handle that could be attached to a drawer knob or the oven door handle.

During wartime when fabric was scarce, grain bags were printed with patterns so women would have access to fabric they could use. Often bags were sewn from these to keep dry goods in the pantry. Beans, rice, pasta were stored in these homemade bags made from the grain bag fabric. Since many women canned in those times and many gave their specialties as gifts, jar toppers were also made from these bags. Many of these grain bag patterns are avidly sought for by collectors today.

Kitchen:

Enamelled pots are to be found in abundance in vintage kitchens.

The variety of tools used is extensive huge and great fun to look for at markets; look for gallon butter churns, butter moulds, wire egg baskets, rug beaters, a display of old keys, coloured jars, milk bottles, antique cookbooks, vintage pottery and canisters, tin breadboxes and vintage salt and pepper shakers If you have a laundry area, a washboard could also be hung on the wall.

To go along with that, everyone had clothespin bags that were hung from the clothesline, keeping the pins handy for use.

Ironing boards were often covered with colourful calicos or cotton floral prints; ticking was also a favourite fabric for covering ironing boards.

Living Room:

If you have a living room with a fireplace, you can use an old trunk, wooden tool box or toy chest for a wood box. A basket piled high with pine cone starters along with some vintage fire andirons and hand wrought tools will complete the picture.

Bedrooms:

In the bedroom you can transform your linens by sewing crocheted lace to your sheets and pillowcases. Be sure to pile plenty of pillows covered with vintage pillowcases on the bed; quilts and comforters will also help you create the vintage style look.

Shop at markets for some vintage lamps and lampshades.

Beautifully shaped lamp shades fit this style as do padded hangers covered in vintage fabric, hang scented packets of potpourri from the hangers too Antique water pitchers with matching bowls are highly sought for this style of decorating. Even chamber pots are used for an authentic look here!

Antique jewellery placed in a vintage jewellery box is another way to add character to a vintage-style bedroom.

Look for some old heavy glass vintage candlesticks for added romance.

Vintage Style Decorating Tips •A collection of shaving mugs with brushes would look good in the bathroom •A long with the shaving mugs would fit a razor strop used to sharpen straight edge razors • Place a wooden peg rail in the entryway for hanging hats • An umbrella stand would be appropriate in the front hall • Antique glass jars could hold bath salts and bath oils •V intage frames holding a collection of old family portraits would fit in almost any room.

Whatever you choose, keep the emphasis on craft-based and home-made, battered and worn, definitely not new and shiny!

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

win 25€ in our wordsearch competition TO BE SPENT WITH ONE OF THE ADVERTISERS ON PAGES, 24 & 25

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell the name of a popular location for celebrating New Years Eve APPETIZERS ~ BABIES BA LLOONS BANNERS BU F F E T ~ CE L E BR AT E C H A M PAG N E CON FET TI DA NCE ~ DAY ON E DECOR AT ION S EN D OF DECEMBER E V E N T S ~ FA M I LY FAT H E R T I M E FEAST ~ FESTIVITIES F I R E WOR K S FIRST OF JA N UA RY FRIENDS H AT S ~ HOL I DAY HOR NS KISS ~ MIDNIGHT MUSIC N E W Y E A R S DAY NEW YEARS EVE NOISEM A KERS OCCASION PA R A D E S PA R T Y ~ P U N C H RE SOLUTIONS SINGING STREAMERS THIRTY FIRST TIARAS ~ WINE YEAR IN REVIEW

Send your answer to: blancasales@soltimes.com

MARTIN & THE CUTTING CREW The Barber - El Barbero

Dry Cuts from €8 Pensioners €6 Wash and Cut from €12 All Over Buzz Cuts €6 Dry Cut and Sculpturing from €9 Children under 5 years from €5 Children under 16 years from €7 Ladies Dry Cuts from €8 Hot Towel Shave and Facial Massage €20.00 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9.30am - 6.00pm Friday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Saturday 9.30am - 2.00pm

Tel: 664 051 612 Through Quesada arches on the left

CLOSING DATE:

23rd JANUARY

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

25

FIRE BELL ALARM CLOCK ~ 16.84€

• Wide range of beauty & holistic treatments • toning tables • vibration plates • semi-permanent make-up • teeth whitening • permanent hair removal & photo rejuvenation • Acrylic & Gel Nail Extensions

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Now open in La Zenia Nr Mercadona and Lidl, La Zenia Tel: 966 730 694 Calle Los Arcos, Quesada

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Yes it’s loud and yes it sounds like an old fashioned Fire Bell! If this does not wake you then check your pulse!

Designed not only to look like a real fire bell, it’s got very similar decibels with a digital time display and three alarm settings. If you need just a couple more minutes, simply hit the big white snooze button and you’ve got 8 minutes before the next noise-fest kicks in!

Gadgets …TO GET YOU UP & ABOUT!

FLYING ALARM CLOCK ~ 16.84€ The Flying alarm clock is pretty much as it sounds - an alarm clock which makes alarm noises and a flying bit which comes to life when the alarm goes off. All you have to do is set the alarm as you normally would.

When it’s time to get up the helicopter bit of the clock will fly off, and the only way to switch the alarm off is by sticking this back in the base. We do set the alarm to get our lazy bums out of bed and this will do exactly that!

What are Talking Therapies?

Being able to share your thoughts and feelings that are having a negative effect on your life can, help you look at things in a different way. Talking to someone who is not connected to any of your worries or issues could help you explore, and explain, these thoughts and feelings in a way that you can understand.

Speaking to a therapist can help you see patterns that emerge when certain thoughts and feelings are explored. A therapist can help you work through negative thoughts and feelings help you understand where they come from and why you have them.

Talking Therapies can help improve your self-image and confidence by helping you make positive changes through acting and thinking differently.

Come and see how we could work together.

Are you dependent on alcohol? Do you drink more than others?

Are you living your life around your next drink?

Would you like to change this?

tel: 633 161 555 liziesteward@hotmail.com

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La Vida

Happy Hour 7 days a week 5 - 7pm with Nibbles.

Entertainment Saturday & Karaoke every Thursday Acoustic Guitarist with Chris Sunday 5 - 8pm No TV - Have a proper conversation

Open 9am till late

Yet another clock where old is combined with new, the Wiki MP3 Alarm Clock might look old fashioned but contains the latest technology to allow you to wake up dancing to the tune of choice. Browse, select and use sounds from a Sound Bank or download your favourite songs through a PC You can also arrange the sequence, set for repeat or insert silence, then record into the alarm clock.

ANIMAL SOUNDS ALARM CLOCK ~ 16.28€

Sunset Bar

Avda Antonio Quesada 1 Doña Pepa

MP3 ALARM CLOCK ~ 21.34€

Food Available Shortly Tel: 965 996 684

Choose from one of six clocks. Available there is a Cat, Cow, Frog, Pig, Duck and Rooster. We could also explain what each clock sounds like, but with any luck you might just have heard what each animal sounds like. The sounds are very realistic and the clock and alarms are set in the normal way, but instead of a loud ring you’ll be awoken by your favourite animal! Just like being on a farm eh?

please note, prices do not include p&p all of these products are available to purchase online - for more information PLEASE EMAIL: EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

26

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI.......

Open any newspaper in Spain and one cannot deny that Spain is in a severe financial crisis and the news is not good for 2013, despite assurances otherwise. You know when things get bad, when my family are worried for me back in South Africa! Images from the World´s Media are reinforcing this view, televising strikes, news of daily suicides, Red Cross Appeals for food, pharmacies running out of medicine and of course revealing the true extent of the banking crisis. The recent BBC program did not help matters either, exposing the huge hole in Valencia´s finances and focusing on our little pueblo, literally 5 minutes down the road from Casa la Pedrera, San Miguel de Salinas.

Sport is now also suffering the effects of the financial squeeze, and Spanish cycling which was once a major force across

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Europe, in terms of teams, races and riders, is a shadow of its former glorious self.

Spain was long the home to dozens of vigorous, Spanishbacked squads, from the top level to the development ranks.

Over the past decade, however, that number has dramatically shrunk.

The racing calendar now has some major holes as one race after another has shut its doors. Among the major uskal Bizikleta.

For more than a decade, local savings and loans banks and regional governments buoyed teams and races. Both are now under heavy pressure. Cycling teams not helped themselves either with an endless string of doping scandals and have to compete with rising competition for pages from Formula 1, tennis, Moto GP and NBA, sports where Spanish athletes are having success.

There are no quick fixes for Spain’s Cycling woes but Joaquim Rodríguez, Samuel Sánchez, Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador — the latter two back from racing bans that seemed to have little impact on their popularity with fans or media — are winning races at the sport’s highest levels. So all is not lost, if anyone, it is Contador who seems to be the one rider capable of lifting the sport, at least in the eyes of the media and fans.

Football is not escaping the pressure of the financial melt down either. It is not only the effect of the crisis but there are also other problems in the form of terrible scheduling and excessive prices.

“In terms of the prices, the average ticket in Spain costs between 25 and 30 pounds more than the average ticket for an English Premier League match.” It does not take a genius to work out that if the large portion of the public are battling to put food on their families tables, they are unlikely to be able to afford the exorbitanly priced tickets. It is an anomaly that I have personally experienced in Spain and I am sure others of

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you have experienced it as well:- When there is no demand the prices go up, not the other way around. However many Football clubs are being forced to tighten up with regards to their spending and are having to be more inventive about investing their money.

Spain however are the current world and European champions, even though their friendly against Belarus in October was not televised for financial reasons.

What has been the saviour for Spain is Tourism and Spain has seen the largest growth again in that industry since 2011 and 2012. Spain’s geographical advantages, general atmosphere, the Arab Spring, and other non-economical factors are contributing to its resurgence as a key tourism destination.

While the economy of Spain itself is not doing great, PPP is general is going back up around the globe and as people decide to travel again, Spain is at the top of their lists. Not only that, but violent unrest in North Africa and the Middle East is redirecting tourists concerned about their own safety back to locales with relatively stable governments, like Spain.

ManyEnglishTourOperatorsareactivelybackingSpainwithhuge TV campaigns. Travel comparison website, TravelSupermarket is brightening the gloom of January with some early summer sunshine this year, with the launch a new TV and radio advertising It’s the first time in two years the brand has been on UK TV in January – the key season for summer holiday bookings The TV ad sees a Spanish flamenco dancer and a burly, moustachioed Turkish rug seller battle against each other in an intense game of volleyball on a beach by the sea. The voiceover invites viewers to decide – “Seven nights in Spain, full board and flights, £350 per person. Or nine nights in Turkey, flights, transfers and hotel, also £350.” “Holiday vs. Holiday. Where is your money going?”

So yes, let´s hope their money is heading over this way and reports from some friends who own a local property rental company that all their Villas are already rented out for the summer season. As with all things yes, times are tough and things are bad, but at least we have the sun and no matter how hard things become we can always count on the weather and be poor but with a tan!

Don´t forget with this beautiful weather we are experiencing we are starting walking again in preparedness for the Lake Charity Challenge, walk or cycle now in its 5th year. Full details can be found on our website at www.thingstodoinspain.info which has a direct link to the face book page which is regularly updated. Until next week, this weeks quotable quote and my mantra for 2013.....

All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and Inland for over 10 Years obstacles, have strengthened me...

Walt Disney

The Mosquito Screen & Window Co Serving the Coast and

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

Casa La Pedrera, Grand Design House: The Outdoor Activity and Event Centre is open year round for family based activities & events.

Manufacturers & Installers of Insect Screens, Aluminium & UPVC Windows & Doors Tel: 966 716 329 or Spanish Mob: 722 763 055

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email: the.mosquito.screen.company@gmail.com Find us at Moncayo Market on Saturdays

Actvities: Quad biking, Horse & Pony Rides, Canoeing, Fishing, Air Rifle & Archery.

Events: Valentine´s Day Lovers Tea 14th Feb Annual Lake Charity Challenge, Walk or cycle Sunday, 3 March For more details contact Jenni on 660 816 620

www.soltimes.com

Est 25yrs

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR

SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENAMIENTO

290,000 € Los Lobos DV1258 Outstanding detached villa of 172m2 on 10,00m2 +10,050 m2. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms, central heating & much more.

Secure parking, large pool & ample terraces.

MUST BE VIEWED.

155,000 € Mojácar Playa A1112 Very spacious upper apartment + outstanding sea views just 1 min. walk from the beach & chiringuitos. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & A/C. Underground parking. Community gardens & pool.

159,950 € Huerta Nueva DV1260 Charming detached bungalow of 86m2 on 578m2 in immaculate order. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Private parking, carport & garden with space for pool. Gas central heating. Pretty views.

109,950 € Cortijo Grande LV626 Very attractive terraced house of 85 m2 with a private terrace of 22m2 with fabulous views of the valley. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & furnished. Just a 15 minute drive to the local beaches.

170,000 € Mojácar Playa A1109 Immaculate ground floor apartment of 86m2 + 33m2 on a sought after front line complex.

2 bed, 2 bath, furnished. Well maintained community gardens & pools. Underground parking.

85,000 € Mojacar Playa LV652 Lovely modernised townhouse of 60m2 + 20 m2 private terrace with sea views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Off street parking.

Furnished. Less than 5 mins walk to the beach.

139,950 € Mojácar Playa LV602 Superb linked villa of 81m2 with a private terrace of 22m2 just 400m2 from the beach. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms & furnished. Well maintained community gardens & pool.

85,000 € Valle del Este A1148 A quality 2nd floor apartment of 70m2 in a well kept community next to the golf course.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Garage parking & storeroom. 2community pools. Country views.

97,500 € Cortijo Grande LV640 Lovely furnished front-line golf townhouse of 89m2 with breathtaking views over the golf course. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, private terrace. Short drive to towns & beaches.

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

rentals@pricebrown.com

Mondays 10.00 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Tuesdays - Fridays 9.30 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

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

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

27

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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www.soltimes.com daily

28

Local News

What’s happening in your area?

What’s on?

Where to go? What to do?

Local Business Directory

All your local businesses at your fingertips

Sky News

Live local & international News feeds

Our new website has been running for a while now, and this column is to introduce the new additions, explain what’s already there and to answer any questions you have...

Based on the rising number of website hits, many of you are just discovering the new site...I’m not surprised as I included FREE to air TV! Basically, if you have an internet connection you can watch UK TV absolutely FREE. The channels available are BBC 1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV 2/3/4, E4, More 4, Dave, Really and for the children CBeebies.

Below the channel links you will also find a TV guide.

Soltimes FREE to air TV was designed as a secondary TV service which can be viewed anywhere around the home and even on the go (with a smart phone).

If you have any questions or ideas please email me at

webmaster @soltimes.com

Pensions ‘Plunge Over £3,000 In Five Years’

People planning to retire this year expect to be living off the lowest average incomes recorded in six years, it is claimed.

This year’s retirees expect to have a typical annual income of £15,300, making them around £3,400 a year worse off than workers who retired in 2008, according to the Prudential.

The gap becomes much worse when taking into account the effects of inflation’s erosion of people’s household budgets.

Someone who retired last year would have needed an annual income of £21,400 to have the same spending power as an average person who entered retirement in 2008 on a typical income of £18,700, the Prudential said.

However, the average amount private employees retired on last year was £15,500, leaving them £5,900 worse off in real terms than workers who retired in 2008.

Across Britain there is also a £5,700-a-year difference between the regions with the highest and the lowest anticipated incomes for people retiring this year.

Londoners expect to retire on an annual income of around £18,200 this year, while retirees in the West Midlands have the lowest anticipated incomes, at £12,500.

Post-financial crash, annuity rates have dropped 33% and wiped thousands of pounds off retirees’ incomes in recent years, while pensioners have faced a perfect storm of high living costs and low returns on their savings.

Experts also warned that possible changes to the way that Retail Price Index (RPI) is worked out could lead to more people being forced to put their retirement on hold due to the squeeze on their incomes.

Tom McPhail, head of pensions research at financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “For people approaching retirement, that is a huge blow to their expectations at a time when it is probably too late for them to do anything about it.”

Hargreaves Lansdown said that a 65-yearold man with a £100,000 pension pot could have secured an annual income of £7,855 by buying an annuity in the summer of 2008 but if he was doing so in December 2012, that figure would have fallen to £5,338.

Quantitative easing (QE) has been blamed for pushing down annuity rates which set the size of someone’s retirement income for life.

QE makes it cheaper for companies to borrow by pushing down the yield on government bonds, but annuity incomes are also based on these yields, meaning that new pensioners see their incomes reduced.

The Office for National Statistics has also been consulting on changes to the RPI and the recommendations from this will be announced on Thursday.

This trend downward is set to continue as baby boomers pass the age of 65, with 55% of 55 to 64-year-olds drawing a salary, compared with 41% in February 2010, Aviva has said. www.web.orange.co.uk

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

29

...HOME & GARDEN

a n e b Ver Every gardener is familiar with the willowy Verbena bonariensis, a tall lilac-purple vision beloved by butterflies. But there is a more dazzling, low-growing verbena which produces a three-branched candelabra of deep purple to magenta flowers.

Named Verbena rigida after its upright habit, this frontof-the-border performer, although only a foot or two in height, can outshine almost everything else, particularly in late autumn sunlight. The hundreds of tiny flowers found on each upright head will provide a purple haze from June until October. This is a plant that gives great garden value.

One of 200 species of verbena - all but two are found in Latin America, and V. rigida is a native of Brazil and Argentina - it was introduced into Europe circa 1820 by Dr John Gillies, in an era when many South American plants were collected by copper-mining engineers setting up new businesses.

It soon dazzled and, being easily raised from seed, it found itself bedded out in three grand French gardens - Versailles, Malmaison and Fontainebleau.

For more than 100 years this species was considered only borderline hardy. Gardeners were recommended either to mulch the crown, or to

collect and dry the tuberous roots. But warmer winters have persuaded us to leave dahlia tubers in the ground and relaxed our attitude towards other tender plants.

V. rigida is now considered perennial, given good drainage. It comes through in my bleak garden on top of the Cotswolds with no

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special treatment at all.

‘Santos’ is a very new diminutive purple, and there are two lilac-pink forms (‘Lilacena’ and ‘Lilac Haze’), plus a pale silver-blue named ‘Polaris’. But they don’t have the razzle-dazzle of the true species.

How to grow: V. rigida is easily grown from springsown seeds. They germinate within 3-4 weeks and seedlings can then be pricked out individually into 3in pots of John Innes No 2. Once the roots reach the bottom of the pot, usually within 5 weeks, the individual plants can be put out into position.

They may not flower until September in their first year, but in their second year will perform for many months. When flowering is over, leave the head and leaves intact throughout winter as protection against hard weather. The foliage weathers to an attractive light brown and stays rigid.

Cut the plants down in midspring and they will soon reshoot.

Good

companions:

The rigid heads of deep

purple flowers mix well with soft, silky grasses that flop. The best combination is provided by the creamwhite powder puffs of Pennisetum villosum, a grass of similar height which will also overwinter in the same well-drained conditions. But if your soil is damper, or your garden very exposed, plant the hardy, P. alopecuroides ‘Hameln’. The annual barleylike grass, Hordeum jubatum, is also excellent. But it’s a short-lived perennial for a hot spot, although always happy to self-seed a little.

For a sharp contrast, plant

with the acid yellow Achillea ‘Moonshine. Or place the purple flowers against one of the later, less invasive orange crocosmias (‘Severn Sunrise’ or ‘Star of the East’). This tuberous-rooted verbena is also excellent among dahlias.

The dark, deep reds, such as ‘Bishop of Llandaff’, will look more vibrant. Or you could use the warm orange ‘David Howard’.

V. rigida can also line a path, grow among silver-leaved rock roses such as ‘Wisley Primrose’ and the orange ‘Chocolate Blotch’.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Easy Entertaining Herbed Goat Cheese and Balsamic Tomato Crostini Ingredients: Olive oil spray 1 long French bread loaf 1½ cups tomatoes, diced 2 tbsp shallots, finely minced 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced 4 oz herb goat cheese

Method

bread to cool before assembling.

In a separate bowl, lightly toss the tomatoes, shallots and balsamic vinegar until completely coated. Spread a small amount of goat cheese on one side of each toasted bread slice. Then, scoop a small spoonful of the tomato mixture on top of the goat cheese. Garnish with the basil and season to taste.

Preheat the oven to 400F/200C/Gas 6.

Using a bread knife cut the French bread on a bias about ½ inch thick. Lay each slice in a single layer on a sheet pan and spray each side with olive oil.

Place the sheet pan on the top rack of the oven and toast for 3 minutes on each side for a total of 6 minutes. Allow

Thursday Pop Quiz

Dominoes Club 3pm New members welcome

every tuesday

with Lynden B, from 9pm

e

Ken’s General Knowledge Quiz 9pm

Saturday 9pm

Andy Jones Great all round entertainer.

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Burns Night Now booking for Burns Night.

Friday 25th January.

Please book your table at the bar.

Sunday With Matt Christian

Kabaroke

The entertainers choice of the best singer 9pm de salinas

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Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.

Drain and set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Hoisin sauce, ginger, chilli sauce and garlic until well combined. Set aside.

Bring the vegetable oil to medium high heat in a wok or high-sided fry pan. Sauté the pork, while stirring constantly, in the oil for 4–6 minutes or until just undercooked. Add the celery and green peppers to the wok, and cook for an additional 2–4 minutes.

Reduce the temperature to medium heat and add the Hoisin mixture to the wok. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Serve on top of the egg noodles.

t t h a e n g n r i e e en h T

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Method

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Ingredients:

1 ½ cups egg noodles, uncooked 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1– 1½ lb. pork, thinly sliced 1 cup green peppers, cubed 1 cup celery, sliced on angle 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp rice wine vinegar 3 tbsp. Hoisin sauce 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated ¼ tsp chilli sauce 2 tsp garlic, minced

CHEF’S SPECIALS

Wednesday from 1pm Or Special Menu del Dia

3 Courses including small glass of wine or small bottle of water All for

Menu changes weekly

SATURDAY SPECIAL FOR 2

Choose from 8oz Sirloin Steak Or Hunters Chicken,Chips, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes.

Includes bottle of house wine per. couple or small beer or water €14.95

Our Sunday Lunches are great value

2 courses €5.95 3 Course €7.95

Includes glass of beer or wine or small bottle of water By popular demand our Sunday Lunch will include Lamb Shank. If possible please book at the bar by Friday.

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31

Easy Entertaining Ingredients:

For the brownie batter ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 5 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces 4 oz coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs ½ tsp vanilla essence For the cheesecake batter 1 ½ tsp instant espresso powder 1 tbsp boiling water 8 oz cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla essence 2 large eggs ¼ cup sour cream 1 tbsp all-purpose flour For the topping 1 ¼ cups sour cream ½ cup icing sugar

Method

Preheat the oven to 350.

To prepare the brownie batter, in a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

In a microwave safe bowl, add butter and chocolate - heat at 50% power just until the butter has melted and the chocolate has softened. Stir the mixture and if any lumps of chocolate remain, reheat briefly, stopping every 30 seconds or so to stir.

Whisk sugar into the chocolate mixture.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined after each. Whisk in vanilla.

Add dry ingredients and stir just until combined - set aside.

To prepare the cheesecake batter, in a small bowl, stir together espresso powder and boiling water - set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth.

Add sugar and beat until well combined, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla and espresso mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined after each.

Mix in the sour cream. Add flour and stir

until combined.

Stir brownie batter and pour three quarters of it into a 9” baking pan coated with non-stick spray. Pour cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter. Drop dollops of the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl the dark batter into the cheesecake batter, making sure not to push the knife down into the bottom brownie layer.

Place into the oven and bake until the cheesecake layer is beige in the centre and lightly browned around the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Place cooled pan into the refrigerator and chill at least 2 hours.

To prepare the topping, in a small saucepan, add sour cream and confectioners’ sugar - warm over very low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and pour evenly over the cold cheesecake layer.

Place the pan back into the refrigerator and chill until the topping is thoroughly cold, at least 1 hour before serving.

Expresso Cheesecake Brownies

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32

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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

New Year - New Lions

Lions Club President Janette Bennett was delighted to welcome two new members to the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club. Ann Hunt and Jeff Carter from Villa Martin having shown an interest in the work that Lions do locally to help those less fortunate and in need, fulfilled the requirements of the Club to qualify as members and were inducted at the January business meeting.

Janette spoke of the successes achieved in 2012 and looks forward to an exciting year in 2013. More new members are on the horizon and with each new member comes new enthusiasm and new ideas.

Janette made mention of the great success in fund raising during December and thanks the management and staff at Iceland La Marina, Lo Marabu Restaurant, Quesada Fish and Chips, Claptons bar, The Windsor Tavern, The Courtyard, and the Olive Grove for their assistance with Lions Fund Raising.

There is a very busy programme already planned for the coming year including the promotion of CATS at the Teatro Municipal in March, Charter Night in April, A golf tournament in June, Annual Duck Race in September and a speakers night is also planned this year.These events are of course in addition to all the usual fund raising activities throughout the year.

Anyone who would like more information about the Lions Club and our activities can go to www. torreviejacostalions. org or come along to our business meeting in Hotel Cabo Cervera, La Mata at 1700 hrs on the second Thursday of every month.

Christmas Special

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ Christmas Day saw the ‘Strictly’ Xmas special underway and with the celebrities having had only 1 week training the standard in some cases was spectacular to say the least.

Taking part this year were JB from the boy band JLS, Comedian Bobby Ball, Actress Sheila Hancock, Helen Skelton a Blue Peter presenter, Comedienne Katie Brand and Footballer Fabrice Muamba.

Opening the show was JB from JLS paired with Ola who performed a Jive. He had great musicality and rhythm and great kicks and flicks. He also performed the Jive knee lift well something that was lacking from this years ‘Strictly’ show from any of the contestants - well done JB. I gave him a 10 and the judges had him in top place with 39.

Second to dance was comedian Bobby Ball with Katia dancing an American Smooth.

Unfortunately he was a little small for Katia and obviously he had not done much dancing so he brought a comedy element to the routine which was really good. A very enjoyable performance which I gave 7 and the judges 29 and 6th place.

Next were 79 year old Sheila Hancock with a Foxtrot. This was excellent very elegant, smooth with a great core and top line. A beautiful classy performance and phenomenal for her age, which I awarded a 10 the judges putting her in 3rd place with 36.

Following was footballer Fabrice Muamba dancing with Aliona. You may recall that earlier this year Fabrice collapsed with

a heart attack on the football field and actually his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes. A miracle that he was alive never mind being able to perform a Salsa. Again another performance full of natural rhythm and great body isolation for which he was awarded 35 by the judges and 8 from myself and in 4th place.

Following was Katie Brand with Anton and a Viennese Waltz and again for the length of time a great attempt. The dance was very smooth, lacking a little drive but not a bad frame. I gave her an 8 and the judges into 5th place with 33.

Closing the show were Helen Skelton with Artem and a Jive. This was full of Jive content performed with great energy, musicality and personality plus. Great job! I gave her a 10 and the judges into 2nd place with 37.

The audience were then given the opportunity to vote and combined with the judges score the winner was JB from JLS and a very worthy winner. Another great show which also saw the return of many past celebrities in an All Star performance. It’s sad that we now have to wait until Autumn 2013 before we can enjoy more.

However in the meantime you can always come and join us in one of our classes which we restart with our social night at the Sophia Wellness Centre, Cabo Roig on Saturday January 5th. Come and join us or for further info you can contact me on 635 584 431.

Until 2013 Happy New Year to you all and Keep Dancing......

Rojales Town Council’s press release

More than 200 people enrolled the language exchange programme among Spanish people and foreign residents.

The Department of Youth of Rojales Town Hall is promoting a language exchange programme among Spaniards who are learning a foreign language and foreign residents who are learning the Spanish language and culture. This innovative project in our municipality is being a success as for the number of enrolments.

More than 200 people have already enrolled this programme which will start this month, but the registration period will be open the whole year. The language exchange will be held at the Ciudad Quesada Cultural Centre and in the Social Centre in Rojales town. There will be two kinds of : duo and group, talking half of the time in Spanish and the other half in the chosen foreign language.

This programme wants also to promote and help integration between foreign residents and Spanish locals. A further step for social integration.

The Department of Youth will run this programme for the whole year, together with other cultural and educational activities.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

33

There’s just never enough time!

Chicken Kiev followed by Arctic roll and a glass of something from the Soda Stream!

How sales of 1970s food have soared thanks to our nostalgia for all things retro!

It was the decade that dedicated foodies would rather forget, when the height of sophistication was a prawn cocktail and a Chicken Kiev.

But it seems our nostalgia for all things retro has sparked a shopping basket revival for the 70s.

Sales of Arctic rolls (that deliciously barmy dessert made of a jam roll filled with ice cream) have risen by over 40 per cent, while chicken Kievs are up by 59 per cent.

Even quiche sales have soared by almost 20 per cent as customers of Ocado, who deliver all Waitrose’s online groceries, have turned back the clock.

The added ingredient of a celebrity chef has certainly helped.

Heston Blumenthal, the face of Waitrose, has concocted his modern take on the 70s classic prawn cocktail for the supermarket.

Sales of the £2.99 classic, one of the chef’s ‘all-time favourite things to eat’ after a hard night at his three-star Michelin restaurant according to the marketing blurb, are up by 95 per cent.

And even Angel Delight - the packet-mix mousse beloved of children everywhere - has

made a comeback.

Many of the original artificial flavourings and sweeteners have been removed, which makes it more attractive to Waitrose mum’s shopping basket.

Sales of Angel Delight have risen by more than five per cent, while another children’s classic Soda Stream has seen its popularity soar by 82 per cent.

Jason Gissing, Ocado Co-Founder said: ‘I was born in 1970 so I’m excited to see my childhood foods making a come-back in our digital age and holding their own alongside more modern staples like ready meals, organic veg boxes and sushi.

‘The internet hadn’t even been invented in the 70s and shopping online for groceries would have been unthinkable 40 years ago.

‘Now customers can order their Chicken Kievs with just a few clicks from Ocado and have them delivered to their kitchen table later that day without even having to leave the house.

‘We’ve changed people’s lives and we’ll continue to do so for the next 40 years and beyond!’

sales but Sainsbury’s disputed the figures.

Tesco, the UK’s biggest retailer, said takings for the six weeks around Christmas were up by 1.8 per cent on the year before.

However, Sainsbury’s claimed the rise, the biggest for three years, was an exaggeration.

The attack – evidence of an increasingly bitter battle between the two – was swiftly dismissed

by Tesco as a ‘smear’.

Sainsbury’s pointed out that Tesco’s figure included sales made through vouchers given to shoppers under its Clubcard loyalty scheme.

An email from Sainsbury’s said the 1.8 per cent figure was ‘disingenuous’.

But even without the voucher sales, at 1.4 per cent Tesco’s rise was ahead of the 0.9 per cent at Sainsbury’s for the same period.

Shoppers buying food and drink online for Christmas gave Tesco a particular boost, with website sales up by 18 per cent.

More than half a million food orders were fulfilled in the week before Christmas.

The sales surge follows a £1billion action plan

ranges.

These included Everyday Value budget products, which along with upmarket Finest outperformed other ranges.

The latest figures are a stark contrast with a year ago, when Tesco revealed a Christmas sales slump of 2.3 per cent and its shares lost almost £5billion in a day.

While Sainsbury’s executives launched a series of briefings to accuse Tesco of massaging the figures, the boost surprised the City, bringing a 3 per cent rise in the share price yesterday.

John Ibbotson, of consultants Retail Vision, said: ‘After a listless 2012, the empire strikes back. With like-for-like sales growth jumping to its highest level for three years, Tesco has come out fighting. The £1billion invested in revamping stores and boosting customer service is finally delivering a handsome return.’

Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said: ‘I am pleased with our performance over the important Christmas and New Year period in the UK.’

I bet we all feel that the years fly by as we get older. Yet long ago I remember the school summer holidays lasting for an eternity. It’s all about perspective as when I was 6 years old; the 6 week holidays represented 2% of my life to date. Now I can only dream of getting 6 weeks off and only then if the lottery ticket came in. That same holiday would be less than ¼ % of the time I have spent on this mortal coil and would flash by so it’s a good job I can’t afford it anyway – inserts sideways smiley thingy!

A day off always go faster than a day at work and weekends fly by, one minute its Friday evening with all that the weekend can offer before me, then suddenly the alarm is shattering my reverie on Monday morning. A favourite music track always finishes quicker than a track less liked, when I was young the side of a record album was plenty long enough but now having to get up and turn it over after 20 minutes seems like seconds especially when a CD can last an hour or more. Curly Wurlys and Mars bars are smaller than in my day; well no actually my hands and mouth are larger so they just seem smaller. Second halves of football matches take much longer if and when Liverpool are winning and clinging on to a lead, if they need to score to win then the inverse applies and there is much less time to catch up and score that important goal.

Toothpaste certainly plays with the fabric of time and space, when the tube is running low and there is no replacement it becomes never ending

and can last for weeks; yet as soon as its successor is in the house suddenly its gone. Washing up liquid too can stretch for ages when almost empty by adding a little water. Sadly gin and beer run out all too quickly. Maybe putting them in squirty bottles would make them last longer too.

Policemen and teachers get younger every year and I wonder now if they are old enough to qualify, yet when I was a kid they all seemed ancient. A couple of years ago I went to a school reunion and was gob smacked to see most of the teachers looked mostly the same as when I was there 25 years earlier. When I got my first driving licence it said valid until 2036 a date seemingly set in infinity.

In 1975, Space1999 hit the television screens and jolly dark and scary it was too, a sort of 2001- A Space Odyssey for children. Back then as man had just landed on the moon, space stations on the Moon seemed the next logical step especially it was set so far in the future.

So Space 1999 was really believable, yet here we are in 2013 and?

In my 20s I got a job working for an old hairy hippy delivering futons around the UK and Amsterdam! I almost sprinted to the interview and practically begged for the job when I realised I would get paid for going to Amsterdam every few weeks. Keith ‘that’ old hippy was then 47, which is how old I will be next birthday coming! His mates had long grey ponytails which looked mature and very cool. How I longed for the time when my own ponytail would also be grey like theirs which of course is now happening in earnest!

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too!

Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

Supermarket giants lock horns over figures FANCY BEING A WATER SLIDE TESTER? Two of Britain’s supermarket giants have by Tesco to refurbish stores, employ 8,000 locked horns after Tesco reported a surge in more customer service staff and launch new

APPLY HERE!

A holiday company is advertising what it says is one of the most fun jobs in the world - a water slide tester.

First Choice needs someone to travel the globe trying out the exhilarating chutes at its SplashWorld resorts.

The successful applicant will even be paid for the privilege - £20,000 for the six-month contract.

Fun junkie Tommy Lynch was in the role for four years and called it “the best job in the world”.

Mr Lynch, 33, added: “It can be tough when it’s chilly and you have to strip off, but otherwise it’s great.

“Getting to check out the flumes is by far the best bit. But there is a serious side and it carries a lot of responsibility.”

Mr Lynch, from Liverpool, who hung up his trunks last month to take a new job, hurled himself down slides about 5,000 times during his stint.

And he clocked up 108,000 miles travelling between the 20 resorts in countries such as Turkey and Egypt.

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

11 A Spanish gentleman is Lab. oracle, perhaps (9) 13 Date surrounding England’s massive ruin (9) 15 England left in first election postal disaster - sticky stuff! (9) 16 150 taking back conflict stroke (5) 17 Thermoplastic made from crude oil, with one side replaced with the other (twice) (9) 20 Most recent dead saint? (6) 22 The sea, gleaming, shrouds bird (5) 24 This dam is almost unearthly! (4) 25 Dupe French left, with nothing to love on the inside! (4) 28 Some bleary-eyed grass (3)

Down

26 Overhang of a roof (5) 27 A complicated situation (9) 28 Making turbid (8) 29 Shoulders, chests, _____ _ then hips (6)

Down

1 Evolves (8) 2 Strikingness (8) 3 Memorable saying (5) 5 Frolic (7) 6 Apportions (9) 7 Ploy (6)

8 However (6) 9 Horse barn (6) 15 In a futile manner (9) 17 Freight receipts (8) 18 Lines of hair on one’s face (8) 20 Bus, train, or television (7) 21 Scrivener (6) 22 Sputum (6) 23 Established the validity (6) 25 A North American native tribe (5)

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.

1 Depressing (6) 4 Snails (8) 10 With valor (9) 11 Oblivion (5) 12 Vassal (5) 13 Forking (9) 14 Photograph (7) 16 Friends (4) 19 Marries (4) 21 South African antelope (7) 24 Taken from the mane or tail of a horse (9) 25 Skewered cubes of meat (5)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

1 Lacks confidence, but somehow goes into parties! (6) 2 Bend stomach-first to work (5) 3 Age of Gerald? (3) 4 Tiny creature’s credit?

(4) 5 So, bringing up commercial drink? (4) 6 Harass odd rebel without illness (9) 9 With Lib Dems, he creatively left a mark (9)

CRYPTIC

1 Takes away the enthusiasm, or the centre? (11) 7 Returning Labour party is even more strange! (5) 8 Run away with a fictional spy, without second bit of consideration (7) 10 Group of countries hiding in pub lockin? (4) 12 Starts to anger Dutch in European Union? That’s goodbye! (5) 14 Gave money to first politician with a ‘yes’ journalist (5) 16 100 go without a good split (8) 18 Healthy table is converted to shed that’s been around for a while (4-11) 19 Flower gets Tory second place, taking Birkenhead East by 50 (8) 21 Squander a second (half) term after Wednesday! (5) 23 Let a Labour leader down? (5) 26 Some surprise, as Tories show direction! (4) 27 Authorise me to return control (7) 29 Language of party that doesn’t get started without Galloway at first (5) 30 Substitute temple built with crane (11)

CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

35

START THE NEW YEAR wITH A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By becoming fitter and raising funds for H.A.H & The Elche Children ´s Home

WITH CASA LA PEDRERA ´S ANNUAL CHARITY LAKE CHALLENGE!!

SUNDAY MARCH 3, WALK, OR CYCLE!!!! In aid of HELP AT HOME & ELCHE CHILDREN ´S HOME

Its 2013! Out with the old and in with the new: Time for new challenges, new hobbies, losing weight and meeting new people!

All that can be achieved by taking part in Casa La Pedrera ´s, The Grand Design House, 5th Anniversary of the Lake Charity Challenge where participants walk or cycle around the beautiful La Pedrera Reservoir.

Urb. Vista Bella close to the villages of San Miguel and Los Montesinos and minutes from the AP7 Motorway.

Monday where we will introduce you to the terrain and build up to whatever distance you would like to achieve.

No one need be left out as there are distances to suit all fitness levels:

The route winds around the beautiful and unspoilt La Pedrera Reserve with its stunning views overlooking the blue lake and mountains beyond but yet conveniently situated just off the CV95

For those wishing to take part but not sure of their fitness level, we will help you get focused and be ready for the challenge by coming to one of pre-training days at Casa La Pedrera which will be held each

Starting Monday, January the 21st, this will give you a full 6 weeks for everyone to get into good shape and participate with confidence and reach your goal. There are 2 sessions on a Monday: 10.30am for experienced walkers or 2.00pm for the beginners who need a gentler start.

*5, 10 or 15 km course for the walkers *20 km round the lake course for the cyclists.

Dick Whitttington Tickets now on sale

The Rojales Panto Groups production of Dick Whittington is now in its final stages of rehearsal.

Tickets for this family friendly production are now on sale at the following venues.

The Hire centre San Luis. Da Vinci’s San Luis. Halfway house Quesada.

Quesada fish and chips. Kennedys supermarket Los Montesinos.

Las Brujetas Los Montesinos, La Marina Cards and more and News4u. and The Card Place Benimar.

Tickets are priced at 7€ Adult and 5€ Child. They can also be purchased on the door half an hour before performance times or e mail Bazbov@ yahoo.co.uk and we will put them on the door on performance nights awaiting your collection.

The dates for our panto directed by Christine Smith are 18th Jan at 7.30pm and 2 performances on the 19th Jan at 12.30pm and 7.30pm.

Once again the Panto group present this matinee performance for families with children and for those who dont like to be out too late on an evening.

Come along and be part of this unique form of entertainment and help keep the spirit of Pantomime alive. Our production will feature The fairy Bow bells as she does battle with King Rat and his Mischief.

Idle Jack and the Alderman Fitzwarren who is trying to discourage the advances of Sarah the housekeeper.The show also features catchy singalongs,colorful costumes and bigger better scenery than ever before.

Will Dick fall in love with Alice?. Will Tommy the lovable Cat see off the Rats? Come to Los Montesinos this Christmas Season and find out in our best christmas panto yet. Dick Whittington a purrrrrrrrrfect panto for all the family.

Sponsorship Forms can be obtained by emailing granddesignhouse@gmail. com and it will be sent by return and you can simply nominate which charity you

would like to support or pay 5 euros on the day, which will be split between both charities.

So to take that first step, why not get a group of friends together, or even members of a club or a bar and call Jenni to get registered on 660816620 or visit the website at www.thingstodoinspain. info which has a link to the facebook page which is updated regularly.

Dogs

on lead are welcome, but we do need to be notified in advance.

jazz in the afternoon.......... a music success

The first ‘Jazz in the Afternoon’ with ‘Swingtet-Plus, was a musical success at the Casa Ventura, Urbanization San Luis - and a first for the Torrevieja area. The follow-up to that first event, is to be on the last Friday in every month.

We look forward to the next afternoon ‘Jazz Lunch’ on Friday 25th; January 2013 - 2pm to 4pm ( Meals available earlier )the first Concert for the New Year Admission is by tickets only - 5 euros - available now from Casa Ventura and on the day.

Diners are advised to book in advance, and to call Kevin re; menu available and cost. Tel; 966 -789 -247

36

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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

Clear the Clutter One persons clutter is another’s treasure or necessity

What constitutes clutter in your life?

What is stopping you moving forward?

What’s getting in the way of you living the life you truly want to live?

Where is your clutter located? In the garage, spare room, hidden in cupboards, the loft or is it everywhere?

What is it that forms your clutter?...

Broken toys, unworn clothes, unread magazines, unwanted and unused equipment?

Old ways of doing things, unsupportive thoughts or timewasting emails. Or are you like my mother – can’t resist a bargain? (Remember - it is only a bargain if you would buy it full price and if you will use it and enjoy it!)

Clutter comes in many guises, but before you tackle it ask yourself

“What do I really want?”

“What makes me happy?”

Once you know the answers to these questions, clearing your clutter will become a little more focused and easier.

Items you decide to keep have to enhance your life in some way. If they don’t then they have to go.

Work Clutter: Begin by going through your files and throw out all the old memos, reports and articles you have been saving ‘just in case’. You haven’t needed them up to now and the chances are that you had forgotten you had saved them anyway. Imagine that you are being promoted or moving on and clear out everything you won’t need in your new job. This really works. A few years ago I cleared out my ‘work’ space at home then set about sorting and organising my space at work. Shortly after that I handed in my notice and moved on. When I began the task I had no intention of leaving - new opportunities arose after I had cleared the space for them.

What might happen for you when you clear the space?

Sat nav takes woman on 1,800 mile detour

A 67-year-old woman went on an astonishing 1,800 mile detour across Europe after her satnav went wrong on a trip to her local railway station.

Sabine Moreau had meant to drive just 38 miles to meet a friend arriving by train in Brussels, Belgium. But when her satnav told her to keep going she did - and going, and going, and going.

She didn’t stop - apart from refueling breaks - until she reached a station in Zagreb, Croatia, two days later - after crossing five international borders and covering 900 miles.

“I saw all kinds of traffic signs. First in French, then in German - Cologne, Aachen, Frankfurt,” she told a Belgium news website.

“But I didn’t ask myself any questions. I was

just distracted, so I kept my foot down,” she added.

Police believe she crossed through France, Germany, Austria and Slovenia before finally getting to Croatia.

Then she faced another 900 mile journey back to get to her home in Solre-sur-Sambre.

After her son reported her missing, Belgian police searched her house and were about to launch a full scale manhunt when she phoned home to say she was in Zagreb.

She told police: “I didn’t really notice anything was wrong until I suddenly arrived in Zagreb and realised that I was no longer in Belgium.”

“Weird? Maybe, but I was just preoccupied,” she added.

White House blocks Death Star calls

The White House has shot down a petition to build a Death Star - on grounds of cost and its opposition to destroying other planets.

The decision disappointed Star Wars fans, who submitted the proposal on the White House website where it attracted 34,000 signatures, qualifying it for an official response.

The petition proposed that the US build a moon-sized military battle station modelled on the Death Star seen in the Staw Wars movies.

A formal response to the online petition said building the fictional battle-station would cost too much, adding that “the administration does not support blowing up planets”.

A White House official said: “The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850,000,000,000,000,000. We’re working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it.”

The petition, created last November, asked the White House to begin construction on a Death Star by 2016.

Shaping their proposal to America’s straightened economic times, the petitioners emphasised the project had great job-creation potential.

It gained 34,435 signatures - almost 10,000 more than the threshold which obliges the White House to provide a formal response under its rules.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

C OMMUNI T Y NE W S 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

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. Ray Bailey will take the Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 20th January. Followed by an Evening of Mediumship with Sammy Fitzsimmons on Tuesday, 22nd January. On Sunday, 27th January the Divine Service will be taken by Deanna and Peter Sparks.

We will be moving premises on Sunday, 3rd February details available at church. Please support your church.

Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965 323 028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com

Rojales Neighbourhood Watch

The next meeting of the Rojales Neighbourhood Watch Group will be held on Monday 4th March 2013 at 11am in the Municipal Centre in Ciudad Quesada.

The meeting is open to all residents living in the 03170 postal area and we look forward to welcoming you. Please tell your neighbours and come and join us.

For further information about Neighbourhood Watch in Rojales please see our website www.rojalesnw.info or contact: David East (LeadCoordinator) david.east82@gmail.com or Helen Tudor (Secretary) helentudor22@gmail.com

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – Open Meeting.............................................

Friday (25th January) Calle San Miguel de Salinas 2, (Corner of Calle Santomera), Torrevieja. 1.00pm. If you are worried about your own level of drinking or concerned for the well being of someone close to you, please come along. No obligation. Helpline 625 912 078. www.aa-costablanca.org.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS................

Are concerned about your own level of drinking? Does your personal or professional life bring you into contact with a problem drinker? Members of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS invite you to attend, without obligation, a special Open Meeting on Friday 25th January at Calle San Miguel de Salinas 2, (Corner of Calle Santomera), Torrevieja at 1.00pm.

Helpline 625 912 078. www.aa-costablanca.org.

37

EM A I L E D I T OR @ SO LT IMES . C OM

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship (TCF)..................

This English-speaking evangelical Church is located on Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, Torrevieja (opposite Maxi Dia). Sunday Service with Communion and Sunday School 10.30 am. Wednesday night Fellowship Meeting 6.00 pm. A warm welcome awaits you!

Contact Secretary 966 788 771 for further information

ROJALES ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET..

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

art exhibition.................................

We are an amateur art group meeting at Quesada Cultural Centre every Wednesday. The art exhibition is to be held at the municipal building in Quesada 10.00hrs - 15.00hrs.

Monday 21st January, Tuesday 22nd January Wednesday 23rd January.

For more information email Malcolm: mal.hitchcock@terra.es

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 CHANCES TO WIN!!!

Every week 2 lucky couples can win a fabulous, 3 course

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

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

FREE competition

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS: MEAL FOR 2: elizabeth murdie ~ frances ewing

BREAKFAST FOR 2: sheila hutchinson

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

38

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday 902 750 190 ext 330

966 719 647

BY E-MAIL

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

blancasales@soltimes.com

IN PERSON

Quesada Business Centre, calle Los Arcos No 7, ciudad Quesada Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm

PAYMENT

VISA ,Paypal, bank transfer & Cheques made payable to MATHEWS mEDIA s.l

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

SOL CLASSIFIEDS beds

Sweet Dreams

All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

for sale

Electrician , available for all A L U M I N I U M works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 GATES Double & Electric Sliding.

562. davendonc@aol.com Guaranteed no rust. Call Tracy on Furniture 966 726 891 est Pool tables, 2006 snooker tables, sl table tennis tables, See our Advertisement on SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE darts. page 13 for more information ROJALES Tel:666 & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES 933 726 www.

Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, house clearance specialist spainpool.com La Planta, Playa Flamenca FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE 2 Stainless WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE Steel Inset Sinks QUALITY FURNITURE 780 x 430 both right Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 boats hand drainers with C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales Roco mixer taps BOATING LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: Good condition REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 , C a m p o s o l RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew www.southcostablancaonline.com Area 20€ each to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat Tel.676028725 tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified.

Nilox digital TV Contact Richard +34 638 056 224 Email: garden services decoder for Spanish enquiries@serenitysailing.com or visit: TV complete with www.serenitysailing.com remote control as new and boxed 18€ businesses for sale/rent Tel: 635 885 062 Camposol

sale now on

Furniture first

Tel: 965 321 701

A1 Group

Mañanas

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

Please contact Tel: 966 781 307

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

Telephone 628 505 733 hearing aids

steakhouse

restaurant for rent

fully equipped low rent great opportunity for the right people

contact mark 966 714 318

companions wanted

Simply Doors Espana (Quesada)

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

from €595 fully installed Calle azul, cuidad quesada tel: 966 718 738 see our main ad on page 8

nearly new condition €25. Quesada 966 716 599 Two Foldaway Beds 35 euros each Tel: 634 149 012 / 966 708 268 hall/sofa table removable glass top metal work pewter in colour L;48cm W;16cm H;30cm €30 gas portable heater with connection €30 phone 965 369 886 AKG D 880 Professional Microphone with cable, 55€ ono. Tel 965 725 573 / 659 013 882, Cuidad Quesada

Pace Sky Amstrad Digibox with remote control, HP Deskjet 25€. Tel 965 725 Printer model D1460 573 / 659 013 882 12€ Tel: 635 885 Cuidad Quesada 062 Camposol Carl Foggarty Sports Life Shark replica Jackets, Sports/ helmet, size small, Ski life jacket for sale, little used, 1998 approx, as only 25€ ono. new, collectors or item Tel: 965725573/ enthusiast’s 659013882 Cuidad open to offers. Tel Quesada 965 725 573 / 659 Learn Spanish 013 882 Cuidad Beginners to Quesada Intermediate level, Olivetti Fax Lab Oxford Audio 220 – Fax machine, course, consists of good condition only 4 audio cassettes and book 10€ 20 €, Tel 965 725 Tel: 635 885 062 573 / 659 013 882 Cuidad Quesada Camposol Garden Table, Barbecue with riser.

Seats 6 (Heavy hydraulic Duty PVC) €25, Cost over £200, will Cane Basket Chair accept 100 € This is €10 Quesada 966 a little extra in the 716 599 barecue market.Tel BOOK SALE 80 pm Quesada area, plus Best Sellers, 966716241

From a pocket watch to a piano....

Lady 60’s (attractive) seeks gentleman companion/escort (presentable) for Lunch/Dinner Dates, Outings, Holidays etc. Discrestion Assured 666 747 398

doors

DEADLINES

electricians

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

jewellery

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

free of charge

SOLTIMES SELL IT FAST in the

SELL IT FREE

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

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

39

www.soltimes.com heating

limousine hire

NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

property for sale / rent

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

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

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

locksmith

for rent, 3 bed, 3 bath spacious semi-detatched house with 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, tel: 965 325 601 550€ monthly plus electric & Email: water, perfect family home tony@casasolrealestate.com Tel: 966 733 079 or 619 098 543

Reduced

24 HR EMERGENCY LOCKSMITH Window / Shutter / Door locks Opened, Changed & Fitted Telephone: 653 145 300 Email:locksrus@hotmail.co.uk Special Deals for Urbanisations

musician

personals

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

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

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

PETS

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

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

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

photography

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

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

Can accommodate one person or accompanied.

plastering E N G L I S H 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

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cortij0 grande golf course 1 bed, 1 bath apartment fully fitted kitchen, white goods, parking, lovely views. Ideal golfing holiday apartment.

Close to Mojacar / Turre.

T: 664 291 793

jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

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.

Overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, 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 Private Sale €79,950

Tel: (0034) 676 534 978 immaculate 2 bed, 1 bath ground apartmant situated in the very nice area of Lomas de Campoamar golf resort. very spacious accomadation of 86m2, furnished, walking distance to La Fuente Commercial centre, 24 hour security, includes use of communal pools, tennis courts etc, 395€ + bills, no offers

ring now on 648 111 779

for immediate viewing for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from PROPERTY swap mojacar This is Cheaper than renting? a unique spanish For swap All you pay is EUR 3,000 buying costs and the rest is mortgaged cortijo with 4 beds, Modern 2 bed / 2 bath 2nd top floor apartment in at around EUR 250 per month. Cheaper than renting an 2 baths, Open plan Dolores town 9 Alicante). Roof top pool, private apartment in the area. Some of these 2 bedroom apartments have 2 bathrooms and some with only 1. It’s a first come, first living areas, kitchen solarium, secure garage parking, lift and balcony & diningroom as with great mountain views. 15 mins from beach, 25 served basis! Great deal!

The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre well as a workshop, mins to airport. Friendly international block and pets courtyard front & are allowed. Furnished inc all white goods, so ready installation air conditioning. back & room for Quality and location to move in immediately. Will swap for a country a pool. Mountain The apartments are finished to a property to reform in the Cosat Calida region. very high quality with communal views. Build 256 Wouls also consider land / ruin in the same area. areas decked out with marble m², Terrace 100m², Cash either way floors and spacious corridors Plot 1200m² Tel: 968 157 268 or email which make the building very light. €150,000ono Tel: stevecoe@hotmail.co.uk The location is second to none, on 649 186 107 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.

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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

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FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca

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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.

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To join an expanding newspaper group SOLTIMES are looking for full and part time,

field and telephone sales people, to join their team.

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VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service inc furniture collection & assembly tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

animals D Snake on a plane shocks passengers D D

D

Passengers on a flight from Australia were shocked to look out their cabin windows - to see a huge snake on the wing.

The 10ft long Amethystine python was clinging on to a flight from Cairns to Papua New Guinea, reports the Daily Telegraph.

“Halfway to Papua New Guinea, passengers reported seeing a snake clinging to the wing,” a Qantas spokesman said of the snake.

A crew member told Australian media that the initial reaction when the python’s presence was first reported was “you’ve got to be kidding”.

The stowaway was believed to have crawled onto the plane from scrubland or mangroves that surround the airport in tropical Cairns.

Amethystine pythons, which are nonpoisonous, are also known as scrub pythons and can grow to as long as 28ft. It was found dead on arrival.

Shaved Labradoodle sparks lion scare

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A US man who shaved his dog’s hair to make it look like a lion inadvertently sparked fears of a big cat on the loose.

Worried residents of Norfolk, Virginia, rang 911 claiming a fearsome jungle cat was wandering the streets.

Officers checked with Virginia Zoo to make sure all their lions were accounted for before launching an investigation into the claims.

But panic was replaced by laughter when it emerged the ‘big cat’ was local celebrity canine, Charles the Monarch.

Daniel Painter shaved his Labradoodle to look like the lion mascot of nearby Old Dominion University.

Mr Painter said his pet dog, who has more than 2,000 friends on Facebook, is often mistaken for a lion thanks to his furry mane.

“I tell people he’s a Lab-a-lion, and half the people believe that,” he told The Virginian Pilot.

SEND FUNNY PHOTOS OF YOUR PETS TO EDITOR@ SOLTIMES.COM

TORREVIEJA BRANCH OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION APPOINT A NEW PRESIDENT

Mr Ted Marsh was recently appointed President of the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal British Legion, the oldest Branch in Spain. He was presented with his Presidents Jewel (chain of office) by our Lady Chairman, Mrs Gill Burdon.

Mr Marsh joined the Air Training Corps in 1950 at the age of 15 and at the age of 17½ he joined the Royal Air Force and served for 36 years in many countries from Norway to the Falklands. He rose up the ranks to reach Warrant Office in 1978 a long and interesting career meeting many Royals and other VIPs. Before leaving the RAF in 1988 he joined both the RAFA and The Royal British Legion.

Ted and his wife Margaret (also ex-RAF) moved to Scarborough and bought a small hotel which they ran successfully for 9 years. During this period he served on five committees, Local, Area and National.

Later after selling the hotel they moved to Los Montesinos in 2000 where he joined the local Royal British Legion Branch in 2001 during which time he became Membership Secretary, Chairman, Vice Chairman and has now been appointed President.

He also became the Founder Chairman of the local branch of RAFA in March 2004.

Gilbert and Sullivan Society

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society are considering the possibility of widening their repertoire to include modern musicals, light comic operettas and other musical shows.

very friendly, social, musical society please get in touch with the Chairman, Sue Woodward-Prior on 966784108, email suzywoodward@gmail.com

They would be very pleased to hear from any of our readers who may wish to join them to be involved in this broader spectrum of musical theatre, whether performing or in some other capacity.

Rehearsals are held at Bar/Restaurant Lo Marabu, Lemon Tree Road, Dona Pepa on Fridays 5:30 to 8:00 pm, so if you would like to be a part of this

Andy Wilson Photographer

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

EMAIL EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the cinema in your living room, or wondered what Star Trek’s holodeck would really be like, Microsoft may have the answer.

The firm has revealed an astonishing prototypes projector and scanner than can turn an entire living room into a screen.

The IllumiRoom proof-of-concept system from Microsoft Research has been shown off playing games in a stunning promotional video.

Microsoft has refused to reveal details of how the system works until it is presented at a computer graphics conference later this year.

However, the firm did say: ‘It augments the area surrounding a television screen with projected visualizations to enhance the traditional living room entertainment experience.

‘IllumiRoom uses a Kinect for Windows camera and a projector to blur the lines between on-screen content and the environment we live in allowing us to combine our virtual and physical worlds.’

The Kinect sensor, more usually used to allow users to control computer games, is known to contain several sensors capable of tracking a user’s movement in highly accurate detail.

Microsoft also shows of the system scanning a room to create the perfect ‘holodeck’.

‘Our system can change the appearance of the room, induce apparent motion, extend the field of view, and enable entirely new game experiences.

‘Our system uses the appearance and the geometry of the room (captured by Kinect) to adapt the projected visuals in real-time without any need to custom preprocess the graphics.

The Kinect will also be able to recognise the furniture

43

...science & technology

TV not big enough?

Microsoft shows off new ‘holodeck’ system

to turn your ENTIRE living room into a screen

in your room, either incorporating chairs and tables directly into the game, or masking them by adapting the video output to render the items invisible.

It conjures up an image where a gamer could literally turn around in their living room to see an enemy

sneaking up behind them.

‘What you see in the videos below has been captured live and is not the result of any special effects added in post production.’

The firm patented the gadget last year, but refused to reveal any details.

Is Facebook about to launch a search engine?

Facebook is set to launch its own search engine to take on Google, it was claimed today.

The firm is due to make a major announcement tonight, asking journalists to attend its US HQ to ‘see what we’ve been building’.

Online rumours have claimed everything from a mobile phone to an internet telephone service is set to be revealed - with the latest rumours claiming we will see ‘Facebook Search’ unveiled According to website Pocket-Lint, the move is a ‘no brainer’ for Facebook.

‘Although exact details of how the new search engine will work remain unclear for now, we have been told that the social network is planning to launch a big new ‘search feature’ on the site ‘very soon’, one that will shake everything up,’ the site claimed.

Facebook already offers a basic search feature on its site, allowing users to look for ‘people, places and

things’.

tonight’s announcement.

However, it is believed tonight’s announcement could see this dramatically upgraded.

Some experts also believe Facebook could reveal a mobile phone.

‘If Facebook were to allow users to quickly search the social network and beyond for example, it could cause major headaches for Google: the new feature would give Facebook users a reason to bypass Google altogether,’ said Pocket Lint.

‘This could do very well,’ Stuart Miles of Pocket Lint told MailOnline.

‘A lot of people are used to Facebook, and I think it’s a no-brainer.

‘Google has tried to get into social with Google+, and the two areas go together.’

Mr Miles also warned Facebook would need to tread carefully around privacy, but said: ‘As long as Facebook doesn’t touch settings, users will not be worried’.

The new feature is expected to be made available within hours of

The firm has been rumoured several times to be developing its own phone.

Its apps for existing phones have already been expanded to include many features found in other handsets, such as messaging and photo sharing through the recent purchase of Instagram.

Recent reports claim it has poached engineers from Apple’s iPhone and iPad team to work on the project, which is believed to be being built by HTC.

software than any other handset.

Facebook is also preparing to roll out a new feature for its Messenger app which allows users to place free voice calls to friends.

The feature is so far available only to iPhone users in Canada and is buried within the latest update to the app, but it

will eventually allow users to make free internet voice calls, known as VoIP calls, to any Facebook friend.

Experts are saying it represents an attempt by the world’s largest social network to dominate the social world by taking on the default calling function in mobile phones.

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The social networking giant has also previously collaborated with HTC to launch the ChaCha and Salsa phones with a dedicated Facebook button and deep integration of the social network.

However, it is believed the new handset could be fully Facebook branded, and run far more of the firm’s

send your news & view to editor@ soltimes. com

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

MOTORING

TEST DRIVE: MAZDA 2

Who Stole My House? is a great children’s book that my little daughter and I enjoy reading together.

It tells the story of a snail who takes off their shell to have a bath and then forgets where they’ve left it. A common problem, you can imagine.

Nature knows that the weight of a snail’s shell cannot be too heavy otherwise it would have disastrous consequences.

The same is true in car production and the engineers at Mazda have given it considerable

thought with the Mazda 2, which weighs a tad over 1,000kg, almost 100kg lighter than Vauxhall’s Corsa.

That sack of spuds difference leads the manufacturer to claim that its 1.3-litre petrol fivedoor hatchback will return 56mpg as its lighter shell makes for a more efficient vehicle. All sounds good on paper and should mean that the 42 litre tank will see the car travel 500 miles.

A lighter body does mean that it feels a bit leaf-like in

high winds or when a lorry overtakes. But overall it provides an enjoyable drive and its five-speed gearbox is smooth and decisive - among the best on the market.

Distinctive and attractive styling boosts the Mazda 2 package as you can in the video at testdrives.biz. It’s a good quality and well put together vehicle. But to me the rear wiper looks out of place and the rear washer could be better positioned as water seems to miss the wiper when cleaning the screen.

Inside, the interior is comfortable if a little drab and black but there is reasonable leg

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room for both front and rear passengers. Rear passengers get privacy glass and for the driver there’s a useful left foot rest. The seats are comfy and the dashboard is well designed and easy to navigate. The stereo speakers seem to be of high quality picking up instruments that I was unaware of in my favourite tunes. I like the design of the glove box, too. The electrically folding wing mirrors prove particularly useful during a long traffic jam where I can only fit into my chosen lane by folding the mirrors to get past a van. It works a treat.

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Opel reveals 10-year plan

Following continuous losses in Europe, Opel has revealed details of its exciting 10-year plan for growth The Vice Chairman of GM and interim president of GM Europe, Steve Girsky, has revealed details of a radical 10-year plan for reviving Vauxhall and Opel’s fortunes in Europe and he calls it “the biggest comeback in European automotive history”.

Despite selling more than a million cars a year, GM Europe has lost $15billion over the last 10 years.

This new plan - dubbed ‘Drive 2022’ - is designed to lay the foundations to

say: “The Mazda 2 introduced the world to the Japanese firm’s belief that light weight was every bit as important in the fight against emissions and fuel consumption. The philosophy of Mazda with the 2 is to make every component as light as possible.”

Despite my best efforts I have only experienced 49mpg when travelling at a constant 50mph. Travel at 70mph and this drops nearer to 40mpg. Although Mazda has shied away from incorporating engine start stop technology perhaps this would help improve efficiency as might fitting a six-speed gearbox and cruise control.

specification Mazda 2 1.3-litre Tamura (2012) fivedoor hatchback New price range: £10,495 - £14,795 Economy: 46mpg 0-60mph: 13.2secs Top speed: 106mph Power: 82bhp Fuel tank: 42 litres Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

break even by the middle of this decade, and turn to increasing profits thereafter.

“I’m not expecting a huge recovery any time soon in Western Europe,” Girsky told us. “We can’t rely on volume to bail us out.”

The basic plan is simple - to increase profits while driving costs down - but Girsky breaks that down into three distinct phases. The first is to optimise manufacturing costs, sharpen the brand image (especially in Germany where it’s seen as boring and sales have slumped) and reduce the cost of materials.

The second phase is to match supply more closely to demand, produce cars that are currently made outside Europe locally) and launch additional variants with the help of partners such as PSA. “If we’ve got something that’s working, we should put our foot down and keep going with it,” said Girsky.

Vauxhall launched six new cars in the UK last year including the new Adam, Mokka and Astra VXR - and was the fastest growing retail brand. Judging by a slide flashed up during Girsky’s presentation, there’s no sign of slowing down. In total, 23 new Opel/Vauxhall models and 13 new engines will be launched between 2012 and 2016, with many more to come in the six years after that.

Key to this rapid model expansion is GM’s joint venture with PSA, which includes the co-development of engines and several new platforms for small medium and large cars. These will allow GM to reduce costs dramatically and launch more variants of each model than ever before.

“Where products are European-specific, we should use PSA,” Girsky explained. “We know how to use scale, and they’re smaller and can do things quicker, it’s a good combination.”

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

ST JAMES’S GATE points G S toATtakeVISTABELLA TUESDAY 8TH JANUARY first place in was We had our first home game of the year at the above course and it was cold to start with but once the sun came up it was lovely. Course and greens in excellent condition with one or two good scores.

Best score of the day came from Rocket Ron with 36

the Silver category followed closely by Ken Hopkins with 35 points. In third place was John Trailor with 25 points.

In the Gold category Arthur Williams took first place with 33 points.

In Second place was Mick Hithersay with 32 points and in Third place on count back

San Javier Golf Society

San Javier Golf Society kicked off their 2013 year with a return to La Serena for the first time in over 18 months the format being a Individual Stableford.. We are happy to say that the course is in good shape after a lot of hard work by the staff there to get in back into playing conditions.

I would also like to thank the staff for there friendliness and

being very helpful which is great to see.

Also for a change it was a beautiful day warm with a little breeze which did not trouble any of the golfers out there.

With 14 players coming in with over 30pionts it would seem the course played ease but with all that water around the scores where very good.

Mazarron FC 4 CF Molina 1

After a poor first period, Mazarron’s second half performance earned them a third successive victory against improving CF Molina.

Pepelu replaced suspended captain, Diego, and Pollo came in at left back in place of Urrea.

Neither side created many chances in a poor first half on a bumpy pitch. The early threat came from Molina when a low cross from the right wing was splendidly cleared

by Alfonso with a desperate late tackle. It was half an hour before Mazarron created a chance when Santi’s excellent cross from the left was met

by Alfonso who directed a powerful header past the Molina keeper only to see his effort headed off the line.

Just before half time, clever work on the left by Ruben saw Alfonso get in a shot which

was blocked and at the other end Molina should have taken the lead when a free kick found their centre forward unmarked but he directed a tame header straight at Mazarron’s keeper, Jose Iker.

Diego (2) replaced Poyato at half time and Panocha came on for Pollo after 53 minutes.

Mazarron then began to take charge of the game with Santi moving to the right hand side of midfield and Panocha on the left. A few minutes later a clever lob by Santi was tipped over the bar and Santi’s corner was volleyed in at the far post

by Panocha with virtually his first kick of the game to give Mazarron the lead.

After 65 minutes Molina were reduced to ten men when Galera was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards. Five minutes later a free kick on the right taken

Larry Lambe with27 points. Only 2 Nearest the pins today by John Trailor and Larry Lambe.

The longest drive was taken by Les Yates and Andy Nicholls won the Guest prize with 29 points After the game we returned to Izzys bar in Torreta 11 for presentation of prizes `and a lovely eats We had two Categories and i will start with the second where all the big points where scores I can also tell you the Highwayman is still around by the name of Barry Butterworth our El president who came in with 42 points Well done Barry you can now look forward to a big big cut. In second place came John Hillier with 38 points which 24 of them cam e on the first nine holes Bob Eaton was third on 34pts.

In Category one Dave Archer came out on top with 36 points followed close by Mick Hardy on 34pts then Alex McLennan third on 32pts. Nearest the pin winners where Dave Archer getting two then Barry Beale, Ann Geary one each.

Following these results there is now a change at the top of the player of the year award

by Ruben found Panocha unmarked only six yards out but he blazed his shot well over the bar. However, in the 78th minute Ruben raced clear of the Molina defence and tapped the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to increase Mazarron’s lead.

Although Molina grabbed a consolation goal through Caballero, Mazarron increased their lead with the best goal of the game when Panocha’s cross was steered home at the far post by Barrachina.

Molina were reduced to nine men following a bad tackle on Alfonso and Ruben sealed another victory for Mazarron in stoppage time when he again ran clear of the Molina defence, took the ball round the keeper and slotted home to make it 4-1.

Mazarron move into 8th place and Ruben took his goal tally to 9 in 13 starts, making him the second highest scorer in the league.

Team: Jose Iker, Barrachina, Victor (Urrea), Pepelu, Pollo (Panocha), Alfonso (Matt Clarke), Poyato (Diego 2), Baeza, Santi, Jose Ruben, Cecilio.

Man of the Match: Alfonso

`provided by Tony, which all our guys thank him for. Next game will be on Tuesday 22nd January at Alenda first tee 10.30am, Please be at the course by 09.45am Anyone who would like to join our small friendly society just give Ron a ring on 678849-142 with Barry Butterworth going to the top on 223pts over taking Roy Herbert on 218pts then Dave Williams third on 208pts all very close.

Category One 1st Dave Archer 36pts 2nd Mick Hardy 34pts 3rd Alex McLennan 32pts 4th George Stein 31pts Category Two 1st Barry Butterworth 42pts 2nd John Hillier 38pts 3rd Bob Eaton 34pts 4th Barry Geary 33pts The next Society’s game will be on Wednesday, 23rd January 2013 at ALTORREAL. 1st Tee time - 10.00am. The format will be Better Ball Pairs.

Payday will be on Saturday, 19th January 2013.

On the Road

Running Wild A.C. of Los Dolses were represented at various events during late December & New Year´s Eve, as follows :21st. Dec. – Orihuela 6.5 K Frauke Gerlach (VW 74) tackled this very hilly course with 600 competitors & managed 6th place in the “Over 50 Ladies” category in 44 mins.

31st. Dec. – Crevillente 10 K Keith Richards (VM 40) elected to run the hilly but popular evening race & finished in 41´ 09” among the large 1,700 no. entry. This was a couple of minutes off his current pb, understandably due to the crowded start & the course´s twists and turns. The field included some very good athletes, the first 3 coming in under 30 mins.

31st. Dec. – Barcelona 10 K (a huge 11,000 entry) John Pascoe (VM 80) celebrated his birthday by entering the annual “Cursa dels Nassos”

45

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with family & friends. He finished in 56´ 40”, behind son-in law Adrian Kite (VM 44) who ran 48´24”. John´s sons, Gary & Johnny, along with granddaughter, Philippa &her fiancé, Karl Davies, all came through in just over the hour mark.

Fellow Club member, Lin Gossage (VW 65) was overjoyed to run the whole distance, completing in 83´48”, especially as having little adequate preparation since suffering stress fractures last January. After many months of enforced inactivity she then persevered with walks & gentle jogging over short distances.

The finishing of the 10 K course does her great credit.

The Club will now be training for January´s Santa Pola Half Marathon, Feb.´s Torrevieja Half & 10 K and April´s Paris Marathon.

46

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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LO CRISPIN gs

Las Ramblas - 09.01.13 Here we go again the start of another golfing year and after the festivities and excesses of Christmas and New Year, most people were ready for a little exercise and isn’t Las Ramblas the place to start?

Players certainly had some exercise when searching for balls not only in the hazards but in the semi rough.

Once your ball landed in the semi rough it was almost impossible to find it,so the guy who sits on the 5th tee selling balls did a marvellous trade, but having said this, the course and greens were in good condition, the first nine were quite slow and the back nine being more open were much faster. The format for the day was a Texas Scramble, the draw was seeded putting high and low handicaps together making the handicaps

of all teams quite close. winners were:

1st David Dodd and Mike Johnson 76.7 2nd George Stuart and Gordon Cobb 77.5 3rd Sue Smith and Rick Hards 78.4 NTPs: Bill Mackay holes 6 and 10 and hole 14 Brian Smith.

There were two teams with 2s: Brian Coultate and Paul Carter and Bill Mackay and Don Oliver.

The free game draw was won

by Colin Ranson.

Our next 18 hole games are at Font del Llop on the 23rd January, Alenda on the 6th February and in between these days we will be playing the 11 hole competitions at Vistabella as usual. Any further information can be found on our website http://sites.google.com/ site/locrispingolf

Sucina Golf Society Thursday 10th January 2013 A beautiful day, albeit rather chilly first thing, welcomed an excellent turn out of 34 players for our first outing in 2013 which was at Peraleja Golf. Perfect golfing weather. This game was an Individual Stableford format with the additional challenge of winning the Annual ‘ New Year Cup”. The fairways were not in the best of condition but the greens played well, and certainly caught a few of us out! Many a grumble back in the Bar of 3 & 4 putts. One Par 3 being extremely tricky when many balls landing near the pin only to be seen rolling off the green and into the water!

Our Winner of the New Year Cup was Les Vincent, our oldest Member but who can still manage to smoke his pipe whilst hitting a steady, long and straight shot.

Well done, Les. Our Division winners were:Division 1 - 1st place John

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Storey 32pts, 2nd place Graham Hawley 30pts, 3rd place Andy Harvey 29pts.

Division 2 - 1st place Peter Robinson, 2nd place Ray Banks, 3rd place Sue Grewer ( on count back).

Division 3 - 1st place Les Vincent 35pts, 2nd place Bill Nagle 32pts and 3rd place Ray Davies 28pts.

Nearest the pins went to: Hole 2 - Gary Bird, Hole 7 - Doug Oxlade, Hole 9 - John Storey and Holes 12 & 16 - Graham Hawley.

Thanks go to the Great Golf Co who supplied our NTP prizes.

Our next meeting is at La Serena, on Tuesday 19th February. Start list is on the Noticeboard in Franc & Louise Bar, Sucina or contact any Committee Member. All details can be found on our website:www.sucinagolfsociety.com

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ITV ORIHUELA RFC ITV ORIHUELA RFC MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW This last weekend ITV Orihuela RFC travelled to Lorca for another tough away game looking to make it three wins on the trot.

Going down with a full squad and still buoyed by the two bonus points win from the last two games last year, looked at also making two away wins in a row.

The game started off with ITV Orihuela RFC on the front foot, determined to put their mark on the game, but Lorca kept the basics right and their defence held firm for most of the time after Orihuela had two tries disallowed, but that is life here.

In the end after some great work by the forwards sucking in the Lorca players fed the backs, who used the overlap perfectly sending Alvaro over for the first try of the game, converting his try.

Lorca are never a team to lie down and started taking the game to their opponents and before half time scored and converted a try of their own making, going in at half time score 7-7. Orihuela should have been well clear by half time, but the coach calmed things down ready for the second half hoping that they will not regret their missed chances.

In the second half Lorca kept the pressure on from the first half and took the lead with another try, but Orihuela hit back soon afterwards with the backs and forwards again working well together setting up Raffa in the corner.

Going into the last 10 minutes of the game Orihuela broke out of their own 22 with some excellent backs work after the forwards had won the ball with Alvaro out running the Lorca defence to score under the posts and again converted his own try.

ITV Orihulela RFC pressed hard

for the try bonus point, but the Lorca defence held firm with Orihuela running out winners 19-12.

This coming weekend we will be televising all of the live Amlin and Heineken Cup matches at the rugby bar in Rojales, The Steakhouse, used to be Tylers Bar. Starting on Thursday with Dragons v Wasps followed on Friday by either Biarritz v Quins at 20.30, on Saturday Castres v Ulster at 14.00, then Montpellier v Toulon and Scarlets v Clermont.

On Sunday at13.30 Munster v Racing Metro and finally Tigers v Toulouse so come along to the only designated rugby bar in the area and join the Costa Blanca Rugby Supporters Club as well. Looking forward to seeing another good turn out down there this weekend.

I am back down at the Moncayo Market on Saturday, 19 January, with all the rugby branded clothing, so come down and get all your shirts ready for the 6 Nations starting on 2 February.

The water is definitely rising roughly about 1 or 2 inches in 24hours, according to how much water is being drawn off.

It is still hard going and this week the temperatures had really dropped down, and fish are being taken on a variety of baits, i.e: with pellet hemp and tares, and maggot 1st Bill (The Master) Reade with 9.780kg fishing the feeder using hemp and tares 2nd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 7.360kg fishing the feeder pellet and using maggot 3rd Ian (From the Dark Side) Houghton with 2.320kg fishing the feeder and using pellet 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

ITV Orihuela RFC’s next game is away to Murcia XV on 26 January.

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

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

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

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RODS AND REELS This week was the 8th round of the Winter Championship. The venue chosen for this match was again the Embalse de Pedrera ( which is running in line with Blanca as the place to blank.)

Of the 10 brave anglers who turned up, we had 4 blanks ( 40% !!!!! better than the normal 50% ). The embalse is being filled and you can measure the increase during the match. Also, I believe that this water is snow water from inland, and this is also putting the fish down. Deep water is the order of the day, and then hope and pray.!!!!!!!!

Top Rods on the day 1st Bill ( The Master ) Reade fishing the feeder and using tares with 14.08 kilo´s.

2nd Terry ( Swing E´m ) Screen fishing the feeder using maggot with 3.12 kilo´s 3rd Mick ( The Arsenal ) Hill fishing the feeder using pellet with 3.10 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 We fished the first round of the Abbey Angling Cup at the Embalsa de Pedrera this Tuesday the 8th January.

No distance too far

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Lime Bar Golf Society Lime Bar Golf Society Los Altos, Orihuela Costa The golf societies venue for the 9th January 2013 was held at the Vista Bella Golf Course.

The weather was fine but very cold in the strong wind which made play difficult, the course was in fairly good condition.

The competition was in the stableford format and the main prize on this occasion being the Presidents Cup. The President of the society, Pete Rushton, teed off to lay the marker for the Presidents Drive which was won by Len Henderson, Nearest the Pin in two on the par 4 12th hole was won by Stewart Coleman.

Best guest was Charlie Kohn Winkley.

Silver Class 3rd place was Norman Dobson.

Silver Class 2nd place was Nev.

Greenwood.

Silver Class 1st place was Andy Mc Donald.

Gold Class 3rd place was Steve Cottle.

Gold Class 2nd place was Charlie Mc Gonagle.

Gold Class 1st place and winner of the Presidents Cup was Dave Gill with a score of 33 points.

A very enjoyable days golf in pleasant company, thank you to Captain Mick Slater and Vice Captain Stewart Coleman for organising the event and also thanks to the Staff at The Lime Bar for a most enjoyable meal.

Anyone wishing Join our friendly society just need to phone Mick on 659 866 468 or Stewart on 966 180 003.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

CORNISH PRIDE (LOS DOLSES) Ten Pin Bowling League Matches played on January 8th Week 15 of the season saw the start of the second cycle of fixtures, meaning teams were playing against the same team as the first week of the league, giving them chance to get revenge if they lost on the first week, or get the ‘double’ over them.

After three very close games, Bar Mosquito managed to take all 8 points from Crazy Pinz, and ‘do’ the double over them.

Cornish Pride beat their opposition Splash again 6-2, top scorer for C.P. was Shane Winfield 636, and for Splash it was Juanjo Carral 591.

Caballo Negro got revenge over Mixers, beating them 62, despite Rudy Zee having his 4 best scores for the Mixers, including a 205 scratch game.

Top bowler for C.N. was Seppo Tuominen with a 638 hcp series.

Split Happens got back to their winning ways by beating Carp-rus 6-2, top scorer for them was

Terry Capon, 600 hcp series, and for the Carps it was Sue Allen 592 hcp series.

Bandoleros drew with Los Lobos the first week, this time they beat them 8-0, mainly thanks to Chris Vidal bowling a 574 hcp series. Top scorer for L.B. was Irene Lakin.

Revenge for Los Bandidos, as they beat second placed Hall y Day 6-2, top scorer for L.B. was Roger Phipps, 589 hcp series, and for HyD it was Lesley Day, 603 hcp series.

Olli Leppanen bowling for Team Finland nearly had his new year wish come true, in the third match of their game against Lucky Strike. He had strikes in his first 9 frames, there was a hush when he stepped up to bowl his tenth frame, a big cheer from the crowd as he struck again, he stepped up for his eleventh shot, but unfortunately not a strike with this one. His final score for that game was 284 scratch. Not surprisingly, his team won 8-0.

FC TORREVIEJA FAIL TO DELIVER Last Sunday Torry hosted 14th placed CD Acero, a team which drew away to high flyers Novelda last time out and were unbeaten in their last 4 games.

In their team was a natural goalscorer Bielsa who they acquired from local rivals Saguntino at the start of the season. Torry didn’t start with experienced players Abel and Dani, who were both I understand carrying injuries, but both had to take up a place on the bench because of the lack of depth in the squad. Manolo was preferred to Javi Tur in goal.

Ernesto was at the game but didn’t even get a place on the bench. I don’t know the reason for his absence.

Torrys starting line-up: Manolo, Boix, Jorge (Patri, 73’), Burguillos, Rafa, Sergio (José Manuel, 55’), Cuco Ros, Manu Amores, Luis Carlos (Dani, 55’), Gasch, Koeman.

The game kicked of in the late afternoon sunshine with a real chill in the air. The pitch was again in poor condition and obviously not conducive to the short passing game but was the same for both sides.

The gate was just over the 300 mark. The game got of to an uneventful start with little in the way of goalmouth action to warm the fans up and get them going. As the game progressed the opposition began to gain control of the mid-field area and play what little football there was on offer. After 14 minutes Acero got the vital breakthrough after a poor kick up field by Manolo was returned over the top of the advancing Torry defenders and the Acero number 11 Bielsa was first to the ball and accelerated away the Torry defenders and chipped over the advancing

Manolo for an exquisite finish and GOALLLLL to Acero. After 31 minutes a good cross by Sergio was flapped at by the Acero keeper and first Jorge had an attempt on target blocked and then Manu Amores. In the latter case there was a loud appeal for a penalty for hand-ball but nothing was given. After 39 minutes the Acero no.11 Bielsa went past 3 defenders with ease and his shot was only just wide of the far post. Early in the second half Torry made a double substitution taking off Sergio and Luis Carlos and bringing on Dani and Jose Manuel in an effort to shake up the largely lethargic and ineffective Torry team. After 56 minutes danger man Bielsa turned Jorge in the box with ease and just as he was about to pull the trigger Burguillos took the ball off his toe with a superb challenge. After 75 minutes it was that man Bielsa again, who latched on to an excellent through ball and stroked the ball past Manolo into the bottom corner of the net for a second GOALLLL to Acero. Torry had a number of attempts on goal from distance but they all flew wide or over the top. The game finished 0-2 and Acero went away deserved winners against a poor Torry side.

Torry drop to 13th place in the table. Torrys threadbare squad is desperately in need of re-inforcements and hopefully 3 or 4 new faces can be brought in not to just bolster the squad but to start games and replace a number of players in the team who are not really good enough.

On Sunday Torry make the short trip to Crevillente to play 2nd bottom Crevillente in a 5.00 pm kick-off. Try to be there.

A very disappointed Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain get beaten quite easily

FC TORREVIEJA

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GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB REPORT

BY STEVE HIBBERD

The club internal 1-2-3 league, recently reached a conclusion.

Winners were Nadine Bater, Dave Dudding & Brian Miller, with Avril Toozer, Dave Thompson & Tony Sambrook finishing as runners up.

Not a good start to 2013 for the winter league, for they came away from San Miguel empty handed.

Although Jill Collins, Jim Oliver, Penny Tomkins & Graham Watt won 28-18, a defeat for the Berleen League’s other rink, meant that they too failed to add to their points tally.

Management and Committee of Greenlands Bowls Club, would like to confirm that as there have been recent disagreements, an EGM has been called for Sat 26 Jan at 1pm. All club members are invited to attend.

On Sat 19 Jan at 8.30pm, the group ‘Pinnades’ will be playing 50s, 60s & 70s music at Greenlands, where entry will be free of charge.

Recently opened at Greenlands, where the golf/ bowls shop used to be, is now the very impressive ‘Tea Room’.

TMGS Match Report for La Finca TMGS Match Report for La Finca, 9th January 2012 The day was a chilly one for the 27 members that turned out for the Stableford competition, cold but at the same time, sunny but with the wind knocking a couple of degrees, it was a day for jumpers and windcheaters.

The course itself was, as usual, in very good condition and surprisingly quiet, which helped our Society to trundle along at a nice pace and without the normal waiting times on the Par 3’s.

Sadly, the results on the day didn’t compliment the course or the speed of play with only one member actually achieving or bettering his handicap.

The Silver Division was won

by Peter Wells with a score of 33, 3 points ahead of Ian Parkinson on 30, who was also 3 points ahead of third place Paul Cobain with 27 points.

The Gold Division players fared a little better and it took 33 points to secure 3rd place

by Secretary Alan Rixson who is having a personal Order of Merit battle with Society Captain Alan Rickers who pipped him into 2nd place by one point. Top score of the day and a well deserved little cut to his handicap was the “duck hunter” Richard Wale who came home with a very good score of 38 points.

Nearest to the pins deserve a mention today and Captain

Alan Rickers took the NTP prize for Hole 3 and how he had the brass neck to claim it beggars belief for it had to be a good 30 yards away from the pin. Hole 6 was taken by Vice Captain, Mick Kennedy and the 13th was taken by the bigger half of the Chuckle Brothers, Colin Marsden, however, there is suspicion that he thought it was an NTP in three shots.

There is also a very nasty rumour spreading around that his tee shot at the 14th barely made the ladies tee and he refused to adopt the UK system normally employed when one fails to pass the ladies tee. Was he worried that the moorhens behind would think there was a worm for lunch? Or maybe the squirrels would fall over on their backs with laughter? Photo is of the Gold Category winners.

Next week we are at the wonderful course that guarantees that you need at least a dozen balls, La Serena.

We do have one or three slots available, so if you wish to come along and join in with a truly international mixture of golfers, just take a look at our website www.tmgs.org or give our Match Secretary a bell on 966716604 and we will welcome you with open arms.

47

Eurogolf, La Marquesa The first team game of 2013 was a Texas Scramble played at our home course of La Marquesa on Thursday 10 January 2013. 71 members took part in this competition on what was a lovely spring morning It was good to see the increase in numbers. We had a few accidents along the way with a certain player falling off a ladder the day before. At your age Malcolm you should know better (thanks for turning up to support your team) The writer has also been advised that a certain member of the Manning family was doing her scissor leg exercises on the 16 tee on Tuesday whilst waiting to tee off. |You will have to give us a demonstration next week Gloria.

The results are as follows: 1st Terry Sharley, Robin Richards, Jan Shorley and Tom Hull 61.1 points 2nd David Gregson, Graham Cheetham, Geoff Evans and Gill Gordon 61.8 points 3rd Roger Richings, Jill Young, Bruce Gordon and Cindii Green 62.7 points

CD Montesinos SAME OLD STORY FOR MONTE CD MONTESINOS 1 – 1 CD THADER “B” CDM Team: Lopez, Javi, Rubio, Geremias, Fernando, Andres,Sergio, M & A, Dimitry, Edu and Chulo. CDM Subs: Wallace for Chulo, Yonhi for Geremias and Rodrigo for Sergio CDM Goal: M & A CD Montesinos once again dropped points against opponents who, on paper, they should have beaten. Monte have now gone four matches without a win and almost certainly have lost their chances of gaining promotion this season, even with almost half the league programme left to play.

Despite dominating the game and creating most of the chances, it was the visitors who took the lead with almost their first attack on goal, midway through the first half. From that moment on, it was the home

Nearest the Pins 5th Liz Menzies 11th Bill Martin 15th Roy Lowe 17th Bill Martin Football Winners: Tony Stanley, John Barraclough, Bill Martin, Ian Turner.

TOFF’s Results Tuesday 8 January 2013 Overall Winner – David Gregson.

Gold Division 1st David Gregson 38 points 2nd John Fairhurst 37 points 3rd ony Stead 36 points Silver 1st Gloria Manning 36 points 2nd Ken Brett 36 points 3rd Hedi Paehlig 34 points Bronze 1st Gina Ashworth 37 points 2nd Morag Turner 36 points 3rd Chris Stanley 35 points Nearest the Pins 5th John Fairhurst 15th Pino Perito 11th Tony Stead 17th Tony Stanley Best Front Nine Paul Manning.

Best Back Nine Tom Hull

side who controlled the game but created very few clear cut chances.

Manager Juanpe made three changes at half time and Monte took control of the midfield and eventually, the pressure on the visitors goal ended with club captain, M & A, equalising.

But despite having further chances, the game ended in a disappointing draw for the home side, a draw which now leaves Monte well off the pace at the top of the division.

Next week, CD Montesinos travel to Deportivo Orihuela in a game that is likely to be played on Sunday morning, although at the time of going to print, this has yet to be confirmed.

As such, we would ask that you check on the official website/ forum at www.cdmontesinos. com.

Keep the Faith, Vamos Monte!!!

48 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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