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SolTimes issue 263
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31 jan - 6 FEB
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Medicine and disposable contact lenses withdrawn from sale
Ryanair Flight From Valencia Makes Emergency Landing In Genoa A Ryanair flight from Valencia to Bergamo in northern Italy had to make an emergency landing in Genoa this morning when the pressurisation system failed. Ryanair have issued a press release confirming the incident and apologising “sincerely to all our passengers for any inconvenience caused”. The low-cost airline’s statement said that its pilot had reacted “as soon as a warning light came on to indicate a possible problem with cabine pressure. In line with standard operating procedures, oxygen masks were deployed and the pilot began his controlled emergency descent to an altitude where air pressure was not an issue”. Afterwards, the plane “landed without incident at Genoa airport at approximately 09.50 hours”. With the aim of minimising disruption, passengers were transferred to Bergamo by bus whilst Ryanair’s engineers inspected the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the statement confirmed. Sources within Ryanair said that two of the 93 passengers on board flight FR4632 had been taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The Italian media have confirmed them to be two women, who had complained of chest pain. There are unconfirmed reports of scenes of panic within the aircraft. Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 12pm - 10pm
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Three types of medication have been withdrawn from the market by the health authorities according to a report by ThinkSpain,com. The anti-blood clotting drug Sintrom, the anti-inflammatory Junifen – which comes in syrup format and the main ingredient of which is Ibuprofen – and Acuvue daily-use contact lenses have been removed from sale, says the Spanish Medication and Healthcare Products Agency (AEMPS). Not all varieties of these drugs have been taken off the shelves – for Sintrom, manufactured by Novartis, batch number T5484 - containing boxes of 20 pills of four milligrams each - has been withdrawn due to ‘a foreign object’ detected in one of the tablets, meaning it has been returned to the laboratory for testing. Junifen, marketed by Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, has seen batch G07 – syrup of 40 milligrams per millilitre – taken off sale SELLING PROPERTIES IN SPAIN SINCE 2001
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due to ‘results outside normal specifications’, and returned to the laboratory for a ‘recount of total yeast and fungus’, or analysis of the bacteria which is the active ingredient of the drug. And Acuvue’s 1-Day Moist (Etafilcon A), and Acuvue Advance with Hydroclear (Galyfilcon A) have been removed from the shelves as a limited number of individual packs of contact lenses were found not to have been correctly sealed, meaning the solution inside the pack could have leaked out and made the lenses less sterile, potentially causing eye infections. Spain’s ministry of health has instructed pharmacies and opticians to stop selling these three products immediately and for patients to stop using them. They should go to their doctor or optician as applicable in the event of any adverse effects suffered.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Unemployment Reaches New Record High For 2012 Year End Unemployment figures in Spain reached a new record high of 5,965,400 at the close of 2012, equating to 26.02% of the labour force out of work.
going up by 14.69% across the year and by 4.34% in the last quarter.
According to the latest data published today by the Natonal Institute of Statistics (INE), the number of people unemployed rose by 291,700 (13.12%).
The number of foreign workers out of work actually dropped by 4,000 across the year, although it increased by 39,400 in the last quarter to reach a total of 1,221,800 (36.53%).
In the last quarter of 2012 alone, employment dropped by 363,300 (2.1%).
The service sector has been the worst hit over the past 12 months, with 1,737,300 people losing their jobs.
The number of people in employment dropped by 176,000 between October and December, and was especially noticeable amongst those under 25, and by 158,700 compared with the same period in 2011.
In the construction sector 387,900 people lost their jobs, 64,800 fewer than in 2011.
The number of men out of work increased by 11.77% during the course of 2012 and 2.29% in the last quarter. Women fared even worse, with the number out of work
Region by region, unemployment went up in 15 autonomous communities, headed up by Andalusia, where 194,100 more people joined the dole queue last year, and Catalunya (109,700), and only fell in the Balearic Islands (12,500) and in La Rioja (1,200).
Coming soon: discounts of between 30% and 70% on AVE tickets
Discounts of between 30% and 70% are set to be introduced for tickets on Spain’s high-speed trains (AVE) over the next few days, according to ThinkSpain. com The Spanish national railway company, Renfe, will offer the discounts on the basis of how full the trains are and how far in advance customers buy their tickets
- in a similar way to that in which the low-cost operate. The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor announced in December that steps were going to be taken to to make the AVE “more competitive”, adding that tickets for the highspeed trains were currently “very expensive”. In an interview with Antena 3, Pastor said that
under the new system there would be a basic price for an AVE ticket, and other offer prices depending on train occupancy levels and purchase dates. “We are going to try to make sure that the many people, particularly young people, who can’t currently afford to travel by AVE, will start having access to this service”, confirmed Pastor, stressing that her priority was to see the AVE operating in “the most profitable way possible”. “The AVE is currently the model for efficiency and competitiveness [...] is punctual, of high quality and covers long distances”, the Minister highlighted. For this reason, she said, Spain’s AVE “could and would be both competitive and efficient”. Pastor also confirmed that the AVE would reach Galicia by 2018, as announced recently by the prime minister Mariano Rajoy.
Nun charged in ‘stolen baby’ cases dies in Madrid
The nun, María Gómez Valbuena, better known as Sor María, who has been accused of involvement in “stolen baby” cases, has died in Madrid. The news was confirmed by a spokeswoman for the convent where she lived - Las Hijas de la Caridad de San Vicente Paúl. Sor María, who, according to the same source, was “very ill”, did not appear before the judge on January 18th, citing “health reasons” as grounds for not giving evidence in the case brought by Purificación Betegón for the alleged disappearance of twins born in the Santa Cristina Clinic in 1981. Although the news has only broken today, Sor María actually passed away on Tuesday and has already been buried according to the charitable association SOS Bebés Robados (SOS Stolen Babies). Sor María did give evidence on April 12th last year after María Luisa Torres accused her of having stolen her newborn daughter off her in 1982.
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Speed limit to be reduced to 90kmph on secondary roads
The Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, announced last week “imminent” changes to the national traffic regulations, that would almost certainly see the speed limit on secondary roads being reduced from 100kmph to 90kmph. Fernández Díaz, who made the announcement at the Traffic School in Mérida, said this decision came in response to the fact that “77% of road accidents, including fatal accidents, occur on the country’s secondary roads”. He confirmed that the “main objective and priority” of speed limits was to guarantee road safety, whilst allowing for maximum mobility. For this reason, the Minister has decided to reduce the speed limit on secondary roads to a maximum of 90kmph. Furthermore, on stretches of roads that are 6.5 metres wide or less, the speed limit will be reduced to 60kmph. With regard to the motorway network, the minister confirmed that he was studying the possibility of increasing the maximum speed limit from 120kmph to 130kmph. Any change to the maximum speed limit on motorways would, he said, have to take into account a number of variables, including the condition of the road surface, the amount of traffic, weather conditions, etc. with a variable speed limit linked to each of these the most likely solution. With regard to cyclists, the Minister underlined the fact that bicycles were not to be used on pavements around town and said he was looking at making the use of safety helmets obligatory in town as well as on main roads
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Condado De Alhama Resort
bistro
February 2nd Show starts At 8.30pm
The Everly Brothers February 9th
Back by popular demand The BEE GEES Tribute Show Starts at 8.30pm
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February the 14th Valentines Night The Bandit Band Enjoy a Romantic Night with your
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February 16th February 23rd A night with Show starts Pablo Bloom at 8.30pm Show Starts ADELE at 8.30pm FREE BUS TRANSPORT EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT Outside Mercadona Puerto de Mazarron 7.00pm Mazarron Country Club (outside restaurant) 7.25pm Camposol Sector B Commercial (outside Caixa Bank) 7.45pm
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
5
Merkel says Europe must stick to austerity
European nations must stick to continuing austerity measures to reduce government debt levels, the German Chancellor has said. In a report by the BBC, speaking at the World Economic Forum, Angela Merkel said that Europe “must implement the structural reforms today so we can live better tomorrow”. She added that it was also vital for European countries to keep up work to improve their economic competitiveness. Earlier, the Dutch prime minister had called for more work to boost growth. Also speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mark Rutte said he found it “frustrating” that eurozone nations were “so much” focused on crisis management. However, in her speech, Mrs Merkel said economic growth and structural reforms had to go hand-in-hand. She said: “Budget consolidation and economic growth are two sides of the same coin.” Mr Rutte said the European Union needed the UK and Denmark to “inspire” fresh debates over boosting growth. He also said that he wanted the UK to remain an “active”
EU member. “I can be extremely frustrated that the debates in the eurozone group are so much focused on the troubles we have. We should move to spend time on getting growth going,” Mr Rutte told a panel of speakers including Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, his Danish counterpart Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and the Republic of Ireland’s Enda Kenny. “We need countries like Denmark, Sweden and the UK... to stay not just in the EU but to be active, because they are focused on bolstering [their economies] and that is a very different debate we are having in the eurozone,” he added. “So I’m always trying to liaise with non-eurozone countries. We need them to be with us because we need their inspiration.” Prime Minister ThorningSchmidt also echoed his views, saying that Europe had “to move on to practical issues right now” such as improving competitiveness, as the “prospect for getting jobs and growth in Europe is enormous.” The comments came as the International Monetary Fund recently warned that the euro area, struggling from austerity programmes, continued to hinder an already weakening
global economic recovery. But Ireland, which has pushed through six austerity budgets since 2008 after its property bubble burst, has been facing recovery, albeit fragile, and won the confidence of international investors. “When you have a strategy and you follow it, you have results,” said Irish Taoiseach Kenny, adding that he expected his country to exit the bailout programme this year. “But our people have had to take really serious challenges... The central issue is that people see that leaders follow through with the decisions they’ve made.” “It’s important in terms of international reputation for them to understand that their money is not wasted.”
Three held over Brazil club fire
Brazilian police arrest three people in connection with a fire at a nightclub that killed 231 people in the southern city of Santa Maria on Sunday.
Raid breaks up Greek metro strike
Greek police storm a sit-in by striking Athens underground train workers, enforcing a government order requiring them to return to work.
French court orders Twitter to hand over racist data
A French court orders Twitter to hand over details of users who spread antiSemitic messages, months after offensive tweets were removed.
Ukraine and Shell sign gas deal
Ukraine signs a major shale gas deal with Royal Dutch Shell - a move seen as an attempt by Kiev to reduce its dependency on Russian gas imports
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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 & the last 2 years have been a sell out on both nights.
Tickets are now on sale the price is 16€ including a meal To book a table tel:- 966 727 001
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6
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Isabel Pantoja Knew She Was Laundering Money For Muñoz Says Prosecutor
The State Prosecutor maintained, that singer Isabel Pantoja (pictured) did indeed help Julián Muñoz, the ex-mayor of Marbella, hide his ill-gotten funds in her maze of companies with the specific intention of laundering the money.
that Pantoja used to work in Marbella town hall and that there are photos of her together with Julián Muñoz at the Fitur Tourism Fair, which is where the chalet purchase was brokered.
In her summary, María del Mar López-Herrero, confirmed that the singer, who is facing a jail term of up to three and a half years for her part in the moneylaundering enterprise, offered the use of her own private companies to conceal the source of the money and actually received funds directly into others.
Evidence was also presented that Pantoja had made numerous, substantial cash payments to agricultural workers in her employ, which “suggest further attempts to launder funds made available to her by Julián Muñoz”. The state prosecutor in this anticorruption trial maintained today that Julián Muñoz was the “cornerstone, the source, the one who orchestrated and organised,... the one who utilised the people around him to hide this money”, but insisted that Pantoja was well aware of what she was doing when she helped him conceal the illicit funds.
Sport
With regard to the apartament Pantoja allegedly bought in the Hotel Guadalpín in Marbella, the prosecutor maintains that it was paid for by Julián Muñoz, who made contact with the construction company Aifos even before the property was built. The prosecutor also maintains that the purchase of the luxury chalet ‘La Pera’ was another money-laundering exercise by Pantoja and Muñoz. She also pointed out
Baqueira Beret in northern Spain photographed on 18th January: the resort recorded the most snowfall in four days for 10 years (2.5m at 1800m) Photo: Baqueira Beret
Two arrested in Galicia for killing brown bear Animal protection officers with the Guardia Civil have arrested two people - 50-year-old J.M.A.A., and 30year-old N.R.F. - for allegedly killing a brown bear in the town of Porley in Asturias.
According to a report by ThinkSpain.com, they have been charged with contravening nature conservation laws on two accounts: first of all for using a steel lassoo, an outlawed method of hunting, and secondly for killing a protected animal (brown bears are in danger of extinction). The investigation began back in August last year, when it was revealed that a brown bear had been caught in an illegal steel lassoo in a rural area known as Las Frezalinas, in the town of Porley. Specialist agents with Seprona, the Guardia Civil’s Nature Protecion Service, collected samples from the area in order to hunt down the those responsible for the kill. 200 metres away from where the bear was found, agents found a sack containing the remains of a wild boar, whose hairs were also found on the steel lassoo later used to trap and kill the bear.
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Samples from the lassoo where sent to police crime labs, where specialists were able to establish that the lassoo used to capture and kill the wild boar, was later re-used, this time to capture a bear. A label on the sack containing the remains of the wild boar led the police to a distribution company in Gijón, and then to one of the men now charged with this crime. The second defendant is the owner of land right next to where the sack and the lassoo were found. The latter was the one who initially alerted the authorities to the presence of the dead bear, but concealed relevant data from the police right from the start of the investigation, like, for example, the time the bear was found, which could have led to the animal’s safe release. It is believed that the stress suffered by the bear during the hours it was trapped, coupled with an illness it was suffering, contributed to its untimely death. The last time someone was arrested for killing a bear in Spain was in 1991, in the town of Villaux (Pola de Somedo), where Seprona agents detained a man for being in possession of two brown bear skins.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
7
Real Madrid Still World’s Richest Football Club
eu Commission proposes new targets for electric cars
Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas says he is introducing targets for the number of charging points that EU countries must install, to boost the use of electric cars. Presenting his Clean Power for Transport package on 24 January 2013, he pointed out that 94% of all European transport was reliant on oil, the majority of which is imported. He said that electric car charging points will have to feature the same plug format, introducing a European standard. In the UK there are currently around 703 charging points, although plans could see this increased to over 120,000 by 2020.
Commissioner Kallas has estimated the cost of building green infrastructure of transport at €10bn until 2020, compared with the the EU’s €1bn a day cost of importing oil. However he said that “member states will be able to implement these changes without necessarily involving public spending”, pointing to the potential use of EU funding. Other measures contained in the package include greater use of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the shipping sector and greater use of biofuels.
Real Madrid has topped Deloitte’s football rich list for the eighth year in a row, with revenues breaking 500m euros (£420m) for the first time. Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea make up the rest of the top five spots, based on data for the 2011/12 season. Chelsea’s revenues were boosted significantly by winning both the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup. Manchester City was joint top riser, jumping from twelfth to seventh spot. The club’s revenues rose to 286m euros from 170m euros the previous season, thanks to winning the Premier League and a controversial sponsorship deal. The club has signed a 10-year deal with Etihad Airways worth a reported 480m euros. Etihad is the flag-carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is based in Abu Dhabi. Manchester City is owned by Sheikh Mansour, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, which is one of the emirates that makes up the UAE. Critics have argued the deal is designed to circumvent Uefa’s financial fair play rules, designed to stop clubs spending more than they earn. The club has refuted the claims. Arsenal dropped one place to sixth due to Chelsea’s success on the pitch, but recorded a 40m-euro jump in revenues. Liverpool held on to ninth spot, with revenues growing by 30m euros despite a disappointing season in the Premier League and a lack of European football for the first time since 1999/2000. This was due in
part to two domestic cup final appearances and the new owners focusing on increasing commercial revenues. Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus, which won Serie A, took the other places in the top 10 list. With total revenues of 513m euros, Real Madrid equalled Manchester United’s record of topping the list for eight consecutive seasons. “Real have led the way in the phenomenal level of revenue growth enjoyed by the sport’s top clubs over the past two decades,” Deloitte said. “The Spanish club’s revenue growth has been remarkable. In 1996/97, the first season for which we published our Money League analysis, Real generated revenues of 85m euros, one sixth of the revenues they generated in 2011/12.” Deloitte also highlighted the fact that the club enjoys a balanced revenue stream, with 25% coming from match days, 39% from broadcasting and 36% from commercial sales.
1. Real Madrid: 513m euros 2. Barcelona: 483m euros 3. Man Utd: 396m euros 4. Bayern Munich: 368m euros 5. Chelsea: 323m euros 6. Arsenal: 290m euros 7. Manchester City: 286m euros 8. AC Milan: 257m euros 9. Liverpool: 233m euros 10. Juventus: 195m euros Source: Deloitte: 2011-12
Welcome GO SATELLITE! Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and finding a reliable and informative company is vital. 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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Ian said “Being a small company has its advantages. We offer a personal service and get to know all our customers by name. It’s important to us that people fully understand and are happy with the service we are providing.
We realise that the technology involved can be confusing but we are happy to spend time with our customers to ensure that they get the best system for their needs”. CUSTOMER SERVICE Any concerns or queries are dealt with in a clear and professional manner and clients can call Ian at any point if they have any queries. This ensures that all of their customers have complete peace of mind throughout the lifetime of the service. Added to that is the fact that GO SATELLITE is a fully legal, Spanish registered business that provides individual, company and community installations with a free no obligation site survey. Go Satellite is going from strength to strength! COME AND MEET US!
They have now opened a new office in the Business Centre Calle Los Arcos No7 Ciudad Quesada. So you can now come and meet us and we will endeavour to help you with all of
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OTHER SERVICES Go Satellite not only provide television but are also able to provide internet and telephone services. Packages are available to suit all with a switch on/off service available for non residents. DISH ISSUES? Here at Go Satellite, we use only Top Quality Portugese dishes and Invacom LNB’s. Sky Packages are also available: Full HD Package 20€ per month (which includes Sports & Movies). If you do not have room or do not wish to have a dish, give us a call as we have a solution! At Go Satellite, we will endeavour, to provide TV for everyone. So, if you are fed up of missing your favourite programs or you have lost your TV signal and do not want to lose out any more, then call Ian or Deborah on 965 725 670 or 646 645 579 or call into our office to find out more about GO SATELLITE and its services. Alternatively check out the website: www.freetvspain.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and finding a reliable and informative company is vital.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
music with mark
of Dire Straits’ compositions were melancholic. The group’s first album, “Dire Straits”, was recorded at Basing Street studios in West London in February 1978, at a cost of £12,500. Produced by Muff Winwood, the album had little promotion when initially released in the United Kingdom on Vertigo Records, a division of the Phonogram Record Corporation, and was not well received. However, the album came to the attention of A&R representative Karin Berg, working at Warner Bros. Records in New York City. She felt that it was the kind of music audiences were hungry for and championed the band to the company. Recording sessions for the group’s second album, took place in December 1978 at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas. Released in June 1979, “Communiqué” was produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett and went to Number1 on the German album charts, with the debut album “Dire Straits” simultaneously at Number 3. Featuring the single “Lady Writer”, the second album continued in a similar vein as the first and displayed the expanding scope of Knopfler’s lyricism on the opening track, “Once Upon a Time in the West”. In the coming year, however, this approach began to change, along with the group’s lineup. In 1980, Dire Straits were nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Sultans Of Swing” which had become a massive hit. In July 1980 the band started recording tracks for their third album.
Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band, formed in 1977 by former journalist and teacher Mark Knopfler, initially composed of Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), his younger brother David (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion). Dire Straits’ sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, blues, and came closest to beat music within the context of rock and roll. Despite the prominence of punk rock during the band’s early years, the band’s stripped-down sound contrasted with punk, demonstrating a more bluesy influence that emerged out of the pub rock scene. Many
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Produced by Jimmy Iovine with Knopfler also sharing credit. The third album “Making Movies” was released in October 1980. During the recording sessions, tension between Mark and David Knopfler took its toll on the band, and David left over creative differences with his brother to pursue a solo career; he was uncredited on the album. The sessions continued with Sid McGinnis on rhythm guitar and keyboardist Roy Bittan from Bruce Springsteen’s East Street Band. After the recording sessions were completed, keyboardist Alan Clark and Californian guitarist Hal Lindes joined Dire Straits as full-time members for tours of Europe and North America. Dire Straits’ fourth studio album “Love Over Gold”, an album of songs filled with lengthy, experimental passages, was well received when it was released in September 1982, going gold in America and spending four weeks at number one in the United Kingdom. Released in May 1985,and the definitive album of them all “Brothers In Arms” entered the UK Albums Chart at number 1 and spent a total of 228 weeks in the charts. It went on to become the best-selling album of 1985 in the UK. “Brothers in Arms” was similarly successful in the US, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard 200 for nine weeks, going multi-platinum, selling nine million copies .The album featured a more lavish production and overall sound than Dire Straits’ earlier work, and spawned several big chart singles: “Money for Nothing”, which reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 4 in the UK Singles Chart, “So Far Away” “Brothers In Arms” , “Walk of Life” , and “Your Latest Trick” were all massive hits taken from the album. “Money for Nothing” was the first video ever to be played on MTV in Britain and featured guest vocals by Sting, who is credited with co-writing the song with Knopfler, although in fact, it was just the inclusion of the melody line from the Police single “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” that triggered the copyright credit, no actual lyrics were written by Sting. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 28th Grammy Awards in February 1986. “Brothers in Arms” was among the first albums recorded on digital equipment due to Knopfler pushing for improved sound quality. The album’s title track is reported to be the world’s first CD single. It was issued in the UK as a promotional item distinguished with a logo for the tour, Live in ‘85, while a second to commemorate the Australian leg of the tour marked Live in ‘86. Containing just four tracks, it had a very limited run. “Walk of Life” meanwhile was nearly excluded from the album when co-producer Neil Dorfsman voted against its inclusion, but the band
members out-voted him. The result was Dire Straits’ most commercially successful hit single in the UK, peaking at number two.”Money for Nothing”, “Walk of Life”, and “Brothers in Arms” immediately became live concert favourites. The album is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first compact disc to sell a million copies. Dire straits made only one more studio album the 1991 “On Every Street” from which the single “Elvis Calls” was a minor chart hit. With Knopfler doing more solo work away from the band including a project with The Travelling Wilburys the writing was on the wall for the band. The last concert ever performed by the band was on the 9th of October 1992, in Zaragoza, Spain. Knopfler did not want to tour the band anymore and after their last album “Live at the BBC” which they were contractually obligated to complete for their contract release. Knopfler dissolved the band in 1995. Dire Straits’ biggest selling album, Brothers in Arms, has sold over 30 million copies. They also became one of the world’s most commercially successful bands, with worldwide album sales of over 120 million. Dire Straits won numerous music awards during their career, including four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards—winning Best British Group twice, and two MTV Video Music Awards. The band’ most popular songs include “Sultans of Swing”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Tunnel of Love”, “Private Investigations”, “Money for Nothing”, “Walk of Life”, “So Far Away”, “Your Latest Trick” and “Brothers in Arms”. I personally think that track for track “Making Movies” was better than “Brothers in Arms” but that aside they were a superb band with music that will be played for many years to come. Dire Straits’ biggest selling album, Brothers in Arms, has sold over 30 million copies.[3] They also became one of the world’s most commercially successful bands, with worldwide album sales of over 120 million.[4] Dire Straits won numerous music awards during their career, including four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards—winning Best British Group twice, and two MTV Video Music Awards.[4] The band’ most popular songs include “Sultans of Swing”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Tunnel of Love”, “Private Investigations”, “Money for Nothing”, “Walk of Life”, “So Far Away”, “Your Latest Trick” and “Brothers in Arms”. Dire Straits’ career spanned 18 years. There were several changes in personnel over that period, leaving Mark Knopfler and John Illsley as the only two original band mates who had remained throughout the band’s career. Dire Straits disbanded in 1995 when Mark Knopfler launched his career full time as a solo artist.
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
The Beacon of Light
Centre for Spiritual Awareness 0€
0 9,0
8
Mazarron Very spacious three bedroom apartment in Mazarron town centre.
0€
5 9.9
9
Aguamarine Isla Plana Choice of two 2 bedroom apartments with communal pools and close to beach.
For assistance & translation in obtaining legal documents required to purchase property in Spain please contact us on
Tel: 968 153 707
For more properties see our website www.translationsmazarron.com
Meetings held every Wednesday from 7pm - approx 8.30pm: The Old School House Canadas del Romero dates for Our guest mediums:
30th January - Mercedes Garcia 6th February - Anna- Marie 13th February - Jimmy McArthur 20th February - Sammy Fitzsimmons 27th February - Joy & John Sloman For more info please call 620 877 326
www.beaconoflightmurcia.webs.com email: beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com Healing is available after the service by request. Funding for the meetings will be raised by donations collected during the evening... Join us on Facebook: Beacon of Light Murcia
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9
COSTA CALIDA GOLF TOURS SPONSORS MABS MURCIA The New Year got off to a great start for MABS Cancer Support Group with Costa Calída Golf Tours confirming MABS Murcia as their nominated charity for 2013. “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with the owners, Andy and Donna Walsh, and Keith Morrison” remarked Lyn Baines, Director of MABS Murcia. “I know that they have always supported local charities and we are honoured to be nominated for 2013.” On Friday, 25 January, they met at the Las Colinas Golf & Country Club on the Orihuela Costa, accompanied by the Director of Golf, Martin Eastgate, to hand over 300€ which was raised at a recent social function, held in the impressive Club House at Las Colinas. “We know what great support work MABS does here and that the money raised in Murcia stays within the region to help residents of all nationalities. I think that most people will have been affected by cancer or know someone who has, so it’s a cause close to many people’s hearts.” Andy commented. MABS not only provides translators, drivers and equipment in the home, but also up-to-date cancer information, support, advice, counselling and various therapy treatments
are available at the MABS Centre in San Javier. “We cover a wide range of services and will always try to find solutions for the people that we help, so don’t be afraid to call and ask the question” said Lyn. 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 CANCER DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE AND NEITHER DO WE MABS HELPS ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY CANCER, WHATEVER THEIR NATIONALITY Photographer: Alfonso Fernandez Photograph: L to R: Andy Walsh (CCGT), Babs Burks (MABS Care Co-ordinator), Lyn Baines (MABS Director), Martin Eastgate (Director of Golf at Las Colinas).
La ZONA’S Fund Raiser, JOANNE
On Tuesday 22nd January Joan Mitchell, of HELP Murcia Mar Menor, presented Joanne Scott of La Zona Bar, Los Alcazares with a “Certificate of Appreciation” for hosting events at La Zona bar that raised money for local charities. The amount donated to HELP was the amazing sum of €2,932 during 2012. This was raised from the Charity Market held every second Tuesday in the month, from Bingo sessions held every Wednesday at 3.30 p.m., quizzes held every Thursday at 3 p.m., last year’s Easter Egg raffle, the Carnival held on May Day last year, plus Joanne’s kind donation of gifts as prizes, and from this year’s Christmas cake raffle. The certificate expressed thanks for her efforts on behalf of all HELP’s members. Joanne does the same for many other charities and individual good causes. As well as running a busy bar, Joanne also teaches at a Spanish academy and is a member of Viva, a quartet associated with Spangles, a well-known 4-part harmony chorus. In truth, a very busy lady!
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‘Sing Harmony in a Day’ Comes to Mazarrón On a very windswept day, ten ladies braved the elements and turned up for the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS) ‘Sing Harmony in a Day’ course in Camposol. Some had not sung before and some hadn’t sung since they were at school, but all were keen to learn. SABS President and Spangles Musical Director, Gail Grainger, started them off gently with some vocal warm-ups and breathing exercises. They were then divided them into four sections (Lead, Bass, Baritone and Tenor) to learn a song in four part harmony which would be performed to family and friends in the evening. With the help of quartets ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Viva’, the ladies soon got to grips with their part. “I’m amazed at how quickly they all learned” commented SABS Vice President, Lyn Baines. There was some trepidation about their ability to sing competently to an audience of friends and family in the evening, but hard work and determination saw them through and they received rapturous applause from their audience. Everyone was keen to start a new barbershop chorus in Camposol and Gail and Lyn will help them see this through. “We are keen to see more people enjoy barbershop singing in Spain and we are delighted that the ladies wish to progress further after just one day” Lyn remarked. The organisers received some great comments about how the event was well organised and professionally run, how friendly and helpful Viva and Chardonnay were during the learning stage and how much they had enjoyed the experience. One participant commented: “I didn’t know if I could sing – now I think I can!” This is a new initiative for SABS to encourage more people to take up barbershop harmony singing in Spain and they are busily planning the next one on the Costa Blanca later this year. “We’re interested in hearing from men as well as ladies” commented Gail. If you would like to know more about this unique art form, please visit the SABS website: www.sabs.es or contact gail@sabs.es by email. Photographer: Jean Weller
Dates for your diary Easter Fayre 23 March 2013 11am – 3 pm at Marianos on Sector A . Raffle tickets (2 Euros per ticket) on sale from 8th Feb at the FAST bookstall on Sector B Also any donations for the tombola would be greatly appreciated please tell the bookstall staff.
Sponsored Easter Walk 31 March 2013 Starts 11am at Lower Car park on Sector B Easter Bonnets are optional (prize for best bonnet) Further events are being planned and will be advertised later
larty Sp icndeOpVenil ing Pa Night Gra
t n a r u a t s e R
Camposol Sector A
Thursday 7th February - 7pm til late
FAST would like to take this opportunity to thank all Camposol residents for their continued Support.
25€
per per person person
12
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Record spending for holidaymakers in Spain seen last year Holidaymakers are spending more money when they come to Spain than ever before, with last year seeing visitors part with a record 55.6 billion euros, according to research by the ministry of tourism, according to a report by ThinkSpain.com. These figures beat the previous record – set in 2011 – by 5.7 per cent. The ministry began keeping a register of holidaymaker spending back in 2004, but they say last year was only the third-highest in actual tourist numbers – travellers to Spain have fallen in recent times. But although there are fewer of them and their holidays are getting shorter – falling to an average of nine nights per person they are shelling out more cash, the survey reveals – an average of 966 euros per holiday, or 108 euros a day, an increase of 2.8 and six per cent respectively. Hotel accommodation remains the most popular, but other types – such as rented apartments – rose in take-up numbers more in 2012 than hotels did. Brits spent the most money last year, at 11.1 billion – a total of 7.4 per cent more than in 2011. They were followed by Germans, whose spending
rose by five per cent to over nine billion, and the French at 5.19 billion.
from this country in purchasing luxury holiday homes along the coast.
Tourists from France actually forked out 1.1 per cent less money than in 2011, but still made it into the top three and account for 10 per cent of cash circulated by holidaymakers.
More Scandinavians, French and Germans travelled to Spain last year, although fewer Brits and Italians did so.
Those from the Baltic States were not far behind, spending just under 5.1 billion, but in their case, the amount of money they parted with last year was an impressive 9.7 per cent increase on that of the year before. Spending by Italian tourists fell considerably – by 7.1 per cent – but they still account for over five per cent of the total, dishing out 2.73 billion. Brits, Scandinavians (Norwegians, Swedes, Danes and Finns), Germans and Russians were the most prolific national groups who visited Spain in 2012, although tourists from Russia did not stand out for being flash with their cash – a situation which is expected to change in the medium-term with plans to offer automatic residence rights to any Russian citizens who buy property priced at 160,000 euros or more, following an unprecedented interest
Catalunya was the region with the most money spent in it, followed by the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Andalucía and Madrid – all of which saw spending go up except the latter. The Comunidad Valenciana was in sixth place out of Spain’s 17 federal regions, following a sharp rise in the amount of cash that exchanged hands – 9.7 per cent more in 2012 than in 2011. Murcia is in 10th place, following a one-per-cent drop, falling behind the central and northern regions of Galicia, the Basque Country and Castilla y León, but ahead of Aragón, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Navarra, La Rioja and Extremadura. In all, the areas where holidaymakers paid out the most money during their stay were the major cities and coastal areas, with land-locked central regions attracting less tourist cash.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Charity Lake Challenge 2013
A Step In The Right Direction! 5th Anniversary of this very popular walk!
SUNDAY MARCH 3RD WALK, RUN OR CYCLE! It’s the New Year… and with “A Step In The Right Direction” you can make every step count! It’s out with the old and in with the new and for your personal “Hat Trick” Get fitter and lose weight, keeping healthy is a great News Year’s resolution and you will also be supporting a worthwhile cause! Now in its 5th year, participants can walk, run or even cycle the route, and it’s made even easier with no less than three distances to choose from. We have 5, 10 and 15km courses for the walkers/runners and a 20km course along the tracks and trails of the beautiful La Pedrera Reservoir, Torremendo for the cyclists. All those completing the 20km cycling route and 15km walk will receive a certificate with completed time, so if you took part last year, why not try to improve on your time. Alternatively if you managed the 5km walk why not try the 10km or even 15km distance One of the charities benefiting is The Children’s Home in Elche we had around 300 participants last year and this year we would like even more. You
can download a sponsorship form from www.thingstodoinspain.com or collect one from Quesada Country Club, Paddys Point in La Zenia and Diamond Flores in Quesada more collections points will be available or you can email sueinthesun@ hotmail.co.uk to receive one by email. We would like everyone to have a minimum sponsorship amount of €20 however, if you do not wish to collect sponsorship you can just pay a €5.00 entrance fee on the day. For those wishing to take part but not sure of their fitness level training days at Casa La Pedrera each Monday have already started – call Jenni Ray on 660 816 620 for details. There will be fabulous entertainment from 1.00p.m. and a BBQ for everyone We have been lucky with the weather but should it rain on 3rd March the event will be postponed until the following Sunday 10th March, but please check the facebook page (Casa La Pedrera Grand Design House) or telephone beforehand for a final decision as if there is only slight rain the challenge will go ahead!
Enrique simon gigs
I’m back again full of gigs coming the next weeks. First of all, let you know that La Mata’s gig has moved to La Zenia, which is called now Alfie’s Place. A warm place for lunch or dinner while you’re listening nice Jazz music. Attached is a flyer with a map. And from this week, we start playing at Alfie’s every Friday at night as well. We’ll be there from 9pm. As usual, you can also find me with the trad’ original Dixieland band “All That Jazz” every tuesday (Marina Bar) and every sunday (Bar Carlos). Schedule: Regular Gigs: • Tuesdays at 1pm: All That Jazz in Marina Bar (La Torreta) • Fridays at 9pm : Eo Simon Trio in Alfie’s Place (La Zenia) new!! • Saturdays at 1pm: Eo Simon Trio in Alfie’s Place (La Zenia) • Sundays at 1.30pm: All That Jazz in Bar Carlos (Torrevieja) Special Events: • Feb 15th&16th: 10pm-ish!Smooth Jazz with singer Eugene (Nautilus, Punta Prima) • Feb 23th: Eo Simon Piano Jazz Solo Concert in Chez Mary Posa (Downtown Torrevieja, French Cuisine.9:30pm Please book in advance 693 58 32 38, special venue with a few tables) one day only!! Further information at www.eosimon.com Best regards Enrique Simon
Sunday morning Craft Market in La Nucia - every week
Starting on 10 February, some 10 to 12 craft stalls will set up shop each Sunday morning on the square in front of La Nucía Town Hall; the Town Hall provides the space, and the craft association Amata chooses the stalls. This way more visitors come to the centre of this delightful small town and the craftsmen and women get a chance to sell their work. The idea for this collaboration came up after last July’s annual Medieval Market (also organised by Amata), in which some 70 stalls took part. Obviously you can’t hold such a big craft market every week, but just 10 stalls selling different articles each week, seemed to be a distinct possibility. And so these dedicated people will turn up every Sunday morning at about 10 o’clock, and stay on till lunch time at 2.30 or so. Already some 40 people have indicated that they want to take part, so that every week the visitor can look at something different. From hand knitted shawls to leather handbags, from original jewelry to hand forged steel coat hangers - nothing imported, nothing from a factory, everything individually designed and made. Like visiting an art gallery without art gallery prices. Everything on the stalls is made by the people on the stall - a guarantee that the visitor is buying an original. It also becomes possible to order a special piece to suit a special person or special situation, and pick it up the next Sunday or the Sunday after. Some of the stallholders will organise small workshops, every so now and then, at which children can make their own work piece, paying just a token price for the materials. Several musicians, jugglers and puppeteers have expressed interest and want to get in on the act; to keep costs down they will pass the hat at the end of the show. All in all this seems a good place to which to take the children and grandchildren on a Sunday morning. On the first market, on February the 10th, a juggler and a merry-go-round will add a little zip to the event, and children and grown ups can participate in a workshop in which they learn how to make their own soap. The week after, two Czech puppeteers will bring along their live-size string puppets, playing a wide range of instruments and singing all the old songs that bring back happy memories. So, starting on the 10th of February, every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, on the square in front of La Nucía Town Hall, till the first weekend of July when Amata organises the annual Medieval Market. Although the square itself is closed to traffic, you can easily get to the big parking just behind the old centre if you follow the Avenida Porvilla till the end (at the outside of the village on the Polop side). If you want to know more, ring 639 979 678 (English spoken) or have a look at the Amata web page www.amata.es which has an English section.
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15
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
What Happened Ne xt? Did you notice that last week’s story about my encounter with an automaton in human form, intent on denying me and my team of athletes our due share of breakfast baked beans had no conclusion? If you did, I thank you for taking the trouble to read my account of our experiences, written for your delectation by the light of the midnight candle in my draughty garret, while the frost fingers formed across the inside of the broken window pane, through which the wind soughed a sorrowful dirge as hunger gnawed at my vitals. (Actually it was written on a sunny Sunday after lunch, in my kitchen, with a cup of coffee at my side). What happened next? You might have asked. What did the fat man do? For those of you who didn’t read last week’s story, and so have no idea at all what I’m talking about, here is a summary: All outbound flights had been cancelled, and the airport departure lounge was filled beyond capacity with athletes intent on getting home as soon as possible. We were all to be given breakfast; poached egg on toast, a sausage, two rashers of josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk bacon and a
By Jos Biggs
viewpoint spoonful of beans. With my team behind me, we joined the breakfast queue, and I was served the perfectly round poached egg on toast, the sausage and the two rashers of bacon by a girl who had all the charm of a gumboil and a rooted determination to ignore the presence of beans. However, I stuck out for our right to be served beans. ‘Beans?’ I asked pleasantly, indicating the full tray of steaming hot beans. ‘No beans.’ She replied in a monotone. ‘We don’t have any beans.’ ‘Those are beans.’ I indicated the steaming tray of beans. She said ‘No beans. Please move along, you are holding up the queue.’ I folded my arms. My team folded their arms. ‘We are not moving’ I said firmly, ‘Until we have our beans.’ A fat man with a dirty apron, his dark hair streaked with sweat emerged from the background, presumably the kitchen. ‘What’s the hold-up?’ He enquired. ‘They want beans.’ She intoned without emotion. ‘Well, give ‘em beans, then. We’ve got plenty.’ He pushed her aside and dolloped a generous scoop on beans on my plate. It was at this point that I woke up. There, now you know! I have no idea what international athletic event we were attending, but, based on our bean-related experience, I am sure that my team came away covered in glory!
on my own on this?
I have always had a problem with cinema musicals. I remember going to see my first one with a girl friend in the late sixties. It was West Side Story and I had been looking forward to the much acclaimed film that had been released some years earlier. But not long into the movie as the Polish-American street gang led by Riff, are seen strutting their stuff and looking every inch the crowd of teenagers you would cross the road to avoid, they suddenly start prancing around like a load of jessies, popping their fingers and began chanting “We are the Jets!”
Well it all went downhill from then on for my taste, and so began my life- long dislike of musicals on the big screen. It’s not that I haven’t made the effort, having tried to sit through such classics as The King and I; South Pacific; Fiddler on the Roof and – heaven help me – The Sound of Music, and done my very best to acquire a taste. But it’s no good; I just cannot get to grips with the genre. Even the movies made by Elvis and Cliff left me cold. Okay, neither singer was ever on my top ten list – sorry Presley fans and look-alikes; I know I am in the minority here – but even the Beatles, who I regard as the greatest song writers and contributors to contemporary music of any generation, made several films which had the same effect on me. There was even a hint of embarrassment on my part. On the other hand, where music
By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com
is essential to the telling of a story as in The Glenn Miller and Buddy Holly biographical movies, I find this perfectly natural. Indeed one of my favourite films of all time, is the little known,‘Still Crazy’, which tells of a fictional 1970s rock band named “Strange Fruit”, who, after being split up for two decades, are persuaded to get back together to perform at a reunion of the same concert venue where they played their last gig. All of the music is original and is a necessary part of the plot. In all of these cases,the acting and the music are individual entities
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and separate parts of the whole, and therein lies the fundamental difference and perhaps the reason for my coolness to this form of entertainment. Unfortunately it’s not that simple, because paradoxically I love opera and stage musicals. I cannot rationalise this and I am unable to offer a plausible explanation, other than that the atmosphere in live theatre is much more intense with a real sense of intimacy between the performers and audience. But that’s just me grasping at explanatory straws. Anyway, this all brings me to the film that everyone seems to be raving about right now – Les Misérables. I had hoped that this film would break my long sequence of disappointing encounters with silver screen musicals; indeed with all the hype, gushing reviews and talk of Oscars, Golden Globes and guest appearances on Loose Women, I had actually expected to enjoy this seemingly cinemagraphic masterpiece of Victor Hugo’s book. But oh dear. It looks again as if I am in the small minority, because I have got to say that not only do I see it as a miserably poor relation to the stage version, but the singing for the most part, ranges from the mediocre to the grievous. Even the opening scene and the ‘Work Song’, which is a stirring number and opens the stage show with dramatic effect, falls short of the mark. Indeed, the most dramatic part of this scene is the capsized galleon and the army of convicts hauling it painfully up the slipway because as soon as Russell Crowe opens his mouth, all credibility is lost. The one exception in this poor exhibition of third rate vocals is Samantha Barks who plays Éponine in both the stage and this film version. But then frankly, it’s hard to imagine another
ALQUERIA - The diplomatic effort The Alquerian Parliament wrote to all the countries listed in Poyato’s Junior Book of World Flags. This was to ask their Foreign Ministers to present their credentials at a reception held in the village’s Ayuntamiento on the Calle Horno. The worthies of Alqueria wanted to establish the Republic in the ranks of the world’s nations and this was to be the initial diplomatic offensive. Very few countries replied and even fewer accepted. The Americans accepted because the Iranians did and the Iranians because the Americans did. The Spanish accepted as the ex-colonial power. The British accepted because the Americans told them to and because the US ambassador needed someone to carry his briefcase. Rodriquez’s white Mercedes was pressed into service ferrying the delegates from their accommodation at the Bar La Casa Devante to the Ayuntamiento. To create the illusion of having a fleet of white Mercedes the car was driven in endless circles. A dignitary would be collected from the Bar and driven sedately to the town-hall. The car would then race back taking corners on two wheels to collect another foreign minister. The red, white, and green horizontal tricolour of Alqueria with its Remitroot rampant charge hung everywhere. Trestle tables offered the finest local cuisine including vol-au-vents filled with Alquerian truffles and Knurled Río Verde Trout. A famous TV chef once said he would rather eat the toenails of an Ethiopian camel driver than these delicacies. Manuela, resplendent in a body hugging flamenco dress which gave the impression of having been sprayed on dominated the reception. A high peineta protruded from her tightly tied raven black hair. Her soulful almond eyes flashed with a seductive warmth that could melt a heart at a hundred metres. As Alqueria’s secret weapon, she charmed and captivated the collected dignitaries. Most of the foreign visitors had never been exposed to Remitroot in any of its varied forms. If the food was vile then the Remitroot based beverages were a revelation and enjoyed in vast quantity. All the ambassadors soon became worse for wear. The American ambassador drunkenly threatened to invade Iran while the Iranians in a red mist of intoxication threatened US interests in Asia. The Spanish delegate tried to seduce Manuela and was never seen again. The British ambassador sank slowly to the floor, eyes glazed and legs buckling. He muttered over and over again “It’s a good deal for Britain”. Why was not clear, however he was probably working on the theory, if you say something often enough people will start to believe it. They arrived with dignity but left a drunken giggling rabble. They all however signed large contracts to supply Remitroot Liquor to their respective embassies. It indeed was a good deal for Alqueria. John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu
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actress who could come close to matching Sam’s rendition of ‘On My Own’. Having said that, how many singers – let alone actors - could attempt with confidence ‘Bring Him Home’? But Hugh Jackman gives it a bash and in the process manages to crucify this poignant, moving and universally celebrated song. It’s just not good enough to say that he has given it a brave
shot, because this masterpiece calls for brilliance not courage. I am not a musical expert and certainly not a musical snob – I have no time for stuff like that I merely hear and enjoy, or not, as the case may be. Much of the time it’s simply a question of differing tastes. But in this case, I am at a loss to understand the frenzied approval for this movie.
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BIG CATS & Purrrrrrfect Weather Written by Eric Arnold We are so fortunate here in Spain to be blessed with beautiful weather most of the time, even in January when most of the rest of Europe is still gripped in the icy talons of a Northern hemisphere winter. Even here in Spain we had suffered bitterly cold high winds sweeping south from the Pyrenees. However on Sunday 27th January we woke up to clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine, a great day to take the beloved “Big Cat” out for a drive. This first meeting of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club for 2013 took place at Restaurant Los Almendros in Torrellano, near Alicante Airport, our usual meeting place. I wish to thank all those who attended the meeting and brought along their beautiful cars. On arrival it was so warm we sat outside to partake of a “tipple” or two, while we waited for all the members to arrive. Recently I appointed Ian & Uschi McMenemy as JEC Events Managers. This was the first meeting they had organised and what a terrific job they did. Eventually we had 25 beautiful Jaguars and 55 people. I would like to thank them both for all their hard work which helped make the day such a great success. Even with just 25 cars all lined up and glistening in the sun, it really was a sight to behold and it attracted quite a few ordinary members of the public admiring the cars and taking pictures. The old regulars were there as usual, some good examples of XK’s and XKR’s. An E type’s graced the ranks, a new Jaguar XF saloon and a number of XJ’s in various models and of course “The Guvnors” XK8 Convertible. XJS’s, more XK8’s, and a number of S Types completed the line up this time. Where else can you see such a line up of perfectly sculptured steel? For those people who are about to give in to the urge to own a Jaguar, included in the line up were an E type, an XJS and a fabulous XK8 convertible which are all for sale. Not only did we have fantastic vehicles from across the Jaguar spectrum but we had a phenomenal range of different people, of course we had good old Brits but also we had people from Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France and even Scotland and the Isle of Man.
For this meeting, we had planned a presentation on ECU remapping from Roadstar but the representative cancelled at the last minute which was disappointing but these things happen. Restaurant Los Almendros looked after us as usual the lunch was exceptional, the famous Los Almendros bread with tomato and aioli, a plate of cured hams and salami, a salad stack, deep fried baby squid. The main course was a choice on slow roast pork on the bone or sword fish. Followed by dessert. Wine, water, beers and beautiful aromatic coffee. Just fabulous food at an amazing price. It is worth coming to the meetings just for the lunch alone! After the group photographs and a last chat, people started to depart just after 4:30pm and it was still warm enough to sit outside, we finished our drinks then made our way home. One other piece of news, I am really pleased to announce the appointment of Damien Albaiges who has agreed to start a region of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club in the Cataluna area. Damien, a lawyer by profession, lives in Reus, Tarragona. Damien can be contacted by Email at art. ball@yahoo.es For the future, we are planning to hold the JEC meetings on the last Sunday of each month, therefore the next meeting will be on 24th February 2013 at our usual meeting place, Restaurant Los Almendros in Torrellano. For details of our future events contact Ian or Uschi at McMenemy@ JEC-events.com The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from the fun at the meetings, members also benefit from a monthly magazine, and a technical advice service second to none. Special insurance deals and approved service centres are also part of the benefits. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold who can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC web site www.jec.org.uk or come along to our next meeting and have a chat, contact Eric by email to register your interest.
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Look Good Feel Great
Quit while you’re ahead?
Smokers who quit before they hit middle age can live almost as long as people who never smoked, groundbreaking new research has found. The habit is known to cut at least 10 years off a person’s lifespan. However, a comprehensive analysis of health and death records in the U.S found that people who quit smoking before they turn 40 regain most of those lost years. ‘Quitting smoking before age 40, and preferably well before 40, gives back almost all of the decade of lost life from continued smoking,’ study leader Prabhat Jha, from the University of Toronto said.
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‘That’s not to say, however, that it is safe to smoke until you are 40 and then stop,’ he added. ‘Former smokers still have a greater risk of dying sooner than people who never smoked. But the risk is small compared to the huge risk for those who continue to smoke.’ His findings were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Jha’s team found that people who quit smoking between ages 35 and 44 gained about nine years and those who quit between ages 45-54 and 55-64 gained six and four years of life, respectively. The study is unique as it examines the risks of smoking and the benefits of stopping among a representative sample of Americans. Earlier studies had examined specific groups such as nurses or volunteers who are healthier than average Americans overall. Importantly, the study is among the first to document the generation of women who started smoking when they were young and kept smoking through their adult lives. ‘Women who smoke like men, die like men,’Jha said. For women, the risks of dying from smoking-related causes are 50 per cent greater than found in the studies conducted in the 1980s. Women and men who smoke both lost a decade of life. Current male or female smokers ages 25-79 had a mortality rate three times higher than people who had never smoked. Never smokers were about twice more likely to live to age 80 than were smokers. This study adds to recent evidence from Britain, Japan and the United States that smoking risks involve about a decade of life lost worldwide. While about 40 million Americans and 12million Britons who smoke, most of
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the world’s estimated 1.3 billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries. On current trends, smoking will kill about 1 billion people in the 21st century as opposed to ‘only’ 100 million in the 20th century. Jha’s research used data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey in which a representative cross-section of the population is surveyed every year about a broad range of health topics. More than 200,000 survey participants were linked to the National Death Index, which includes death certificate information for all Americans since 1986. The researchers related about deaths of about 16,000 people to their past reported smoking. Jha advises various governments around the world on disease control strategies. He is the principal investigator of the Million Death Study in India, one of the largest studies of premature deaths in the world. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Disease Control Priorities-3 project of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Become an EHCRC Member Become One Voice
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This week the theme was based around tunes from the celebrities music from their school days and some tunes were a real blast from the past. There was also improvement from the weaker skaters and now the dark horses are starting to come forward. Opening this weeks show were Shayne & Maria skating to Living La Vie Da Loca. Shayne showed improvement from last week and got into the character of the music and looked to enjoy his performance. He was much faster around the rink and his skating skills were much smoother than previously. I awarded him a 5.5 and the judges combined 20.0. Next to skate were Luke & Jenna skating to When the Going Gets Tough quite apt for a boxer. For me he is still very weak and shows no musicality. I gave him a 4.5 and one of my bottom performers. The judges awarded him 20.0. Following were Anthea and Andy skating to Puppy Love. This is such a ‘cheesy’ tune but Anthea portrayed it with her characteristic elegance. However for her to continue in the competition she is going to have to find her solo skating skills as she is still relying on her partner far too much. I gave her a 5.0 and the judges 18.5. Keith & Olga then performed to I’ll Be There and even though his skating skills are going in the right direction I found his performance to be somewhat flat. I awarded him a 4.5 and another in my bottom 3 and the judges 21.5. Gareth & Robyn followed skating to When Will I Be Famous. This was a good solid skate with all the strength lifts being used. Gareth is a good strong skater but lacks in performance and needs to address this as the competition goes on. He also carries tension in his shoulders which he needs to lose as it mars his lines. Next out were one of my favourites in this years show Matt & Brianne skating to Slam Dunk Kerplunk. This was a performance full of attitude and difficulty of choreography skated with energy and speed. I loved it! He got my top marks and the judges top marks this week with 7.5 and 25.5. Gymnast Beth and Daniel
By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ For Class Info & Venues 635 584 431
then did a number to Steps 5,6,7,8 and this was certainly full of excellent choreography, it was fast and furious and full of tricks. Beth also needs to work on her performance skills but is going from strength to strength. The judges awarded her 23.0 and I gave her 7.0. Comedian Joe and Vicky performed to The Things We Do For Love and left the comedy behind for this number. Joe has improved considerably from week 1 but he is still an awful long way behind his fellow celebrities despite still being entertaining. I had him in bottom place with 4.0 and the judges 16.0. Closing the show were Samia & Sylvain skating to the Spice Girls Wannabe. Samia is certainly one to watch, she always performs and her skating skills are getting much stronger as this week she performed the dreaded head banger move. She showed great musicality, attitude and good speed and for me is one of the dark horses along with Beth. The bottom 2 were Anthea & Keith and it was a very closely fought skate off but with a 3-1 majority Keith survived and Anthea lost her position in this years show. I’ll miss her elegance and grace. But who will improve and continue on next week and who will be the one to miss out? Tune in and find out. In the meantime Happy Dancing!
In many countries, there are already plenty of organisations in place for the protection of all animals. These organisations do have a voice as they already work hand in hand with the police, the councils, and other officials. If you see an animal in distress in England, you can pick up the phone and contact any one of a number of societies to get help for that animal. But what can you do here in Spain? Please think about it – if you saw an animal in need here, an animal that was suffering and needed help, what would you do? Who would you call? There is nobody in authority that would be willing or able to help. But you’d still have a choice – you could either take that animal home with you – or simply walk away. Is that a choice you’d want to make? Animals have No Voice, No Choice - You Do! As I am writing this article, yet another person has phoned me about 3 horses, and a number of dogs, that are in a terrible condition and have been left to starve. Apparently, the police cannot get involved, “This is how frustrating the situation is in Spain”. As a Foundation have to find a way to stop this; we cannot sit back and let situations like this arise over and over again. Too many animals are left to suffer, and no help is available for them. With your help, WE CAN CHANGE THIS. The EHCRC Foundation is already working with communities, schools and local government agencies but with people power, the more members we have behind us the more effective we can be at initiating change in attitudes towards equine welfare and legislation throughout Spain by lobbying, and campaigning and giving animals a vote. SOME PEOPLE MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! SOME PEOPLE WATCH THINGS HAPPEN! AND SOME PEOPLE WONDER WHAT HAPPENED! WHICH ONE ARE YOU? • JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (under 16 years) €10.00 • INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP (16+ years) €25.00 • FAMILY MEMBERSHIP for parents or guardians and their children €50.00 Any donation or membership is taxdeductible to anyone with Spanish Residencia. WITH YOUR EHCRC MEMBERSHIP YOU WILL RECIEVE • 10% discount on EHCRC Merchandise • EHCRC Bumper Sticker • EHCRC Annual AGM Invitation • EHCRC Members Club Events • EHCRC Quarterly Email Newsletter • EHCRC Junior Pony Club Membership To join - please visit our Charity Shops or The Rescue Centre on Sunday Open Days 1pm-4pm Membership forms are also available to download from our website www. easyhorsecare.net For more information on the work of EHCRC Foundation please contact admin@ easyhorsecare.net Or Call Sue on (0034) 652 021 980
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REVIEW it...
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach “A Spielbergian radiance” emanates from start to finish. There is one certainty in life and that is we will all die at some point in time. Sorry to be so morbid but somethings we have to accept as inevitable. Hopefully you’ll see my point soon. Moggach’s novel was published in 2004 as These Foolish Things. It is a cathartic experience for the readers as well as the retirees who seek a different life in their twilight years and their families who come to visit. The Marigold, Bangalore and India prove to be a turning point in their lives rather like Robert Frost’s crossroads in The Road Not Taken where the retirees can reflect on their lives, past, present and future. The Marigold may not be the best or most exotic of final destinations, it is a home for old people where the residents will contemplate their mortality and die peacefully. “A little corner of Britain. An oasis of olde-worlde charm in the hustle and bustle of modern Bangalore.” This is how it is marketed and even though ironically, the hotel is shabby and not at its best, certainly not the quality they were expecting, it becomes a home where friendships and love blossom. Moggach’s central idea was sociological considering the ever-growing ageing population in the U.K. The prospect of growing old and suffering poverty was not a thought to relish. What is going to happen to them and who is going to care for them? Sonny and his cousin Dr Ravi masterminded the idea of opening up the Indian hotel: “Why should they be mouldering away in rainy, dirty old Britain, when they could be sitting under a palm tree, tanning their wrinkles and getting their false teeth stuck into a nice juicy mango?” It doesn’t take much to persuade a mismatch of extremely interesting and diverse retirees to travel to India. The NHS is severely criticised, hospitals and services are being cut and black doctors are overworked. Randy Norman is infatuated with the idea that Indian women don’t have hangups over sex and as long as he can get viagra out there and plenty of sex he won’t feel “incarcerated” into what he described as a “penal institution” aka a home for old people back in the UK. Muriel is bigoted and totally reliant on Keith, her son who disappears after a dodgy business deal. Surprisingly, she warms to India and turns to spiritualism finding solace there. Evelyn sees it as an adventure and she becomes confident and more independent, ultimately finding love for the second time in her life. Madge too finds love and security. She quips: “Life begins at seventy. seventy’s the new forty, didn’t you know?” I am sure some of you will be relieved to hear that like me. “People think we’re waiting to die. Well I’m starting to live.” Moggach moves away from the maudling thoughts of mortality to show happiness in friendship and love. The central characters have “refused to resign themselves to ending their lives in quiet despair.” Sadly, two of the characters die peacefully and this inevitability has an adverse effect on the others. Douglas Ainslie was gripped with panic and asked:”Is this what it’s like?”His epiphany was to end his marriage to Jean and marry a second time for love. A new beginning, a new start. Unrealistic but optimistic. Christmas was a time for reunions with families who were more than happy to send their parents to India to end their days cut off from their nearest and dearests. Sounds heartless, doesn’t it? Evelyn’s son Christopher is grossly unhappy with his wife and their spoilt children. India gives him an opportunity to find love but he is bullied to return to America to play the family man and to keep up the pretence. We are told of the charms of India: “The miracle of this reunion had affected them all…prodigal sons, daughters…drawn to India by its transforming magic.” I found it very philosophical and refreshing. Yes there are many moments of sadness but there is warmth, humour and more importantly, HOPE. PUBLISHERS: Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0-099-57202-2
Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com
As with all the articles I write, the aim is to make them as clear as possible to as many readers as possible. So why the pre-amble? I was reading an article in another free english newspaper from last year which was entitled Why are geeks so thick? Apart from being condescending, self opinionated and extremely shortsighted, he was wrong! There are so many good, clear and intelligent computer professionals who’s mastery of the english language is such that even difficult and complicated subjects don’t drown in “geek speak”. So for a little more “geek speak” :-) and today’s article! Have you ever wondered what is in that magical box that you call your computer? No, this isn’t a geek thing. It’s more of a little knowledge and a warning type of thing. Within your box is a labyrinth of boards, circuits, and embedded transistors. Head swimming yet? No, Good! Let’s start at the beginning. Your computer case contains everything that is needed to complete whatever task you want. The list following is generalised but, in most cases, accurate. You will have a power supply, a motherboard (also called main-board), daughter-boards, hard drives and CD / DVD drives. The power supply does exactly what it says on the tin – almost. Most power supplies have a limited ability to stabilise the current and virtually no cleaning ability. This means that here, in Spain, you should have your computer / laptop / tablet powered through a surge protector to ensure the well known nasty power spikes don’t irrevocably damage your hardware. Now that you have a clean and safe power supply you need to start thinking about what is attached to this power supply. The largest single attachment to this power supply is the motherboard AKA main-board. This is simply a platform for the many individual but integrated processes. All motherboards have on them, a processor chip and memory. To this, the motherboard must also have chips and circuitry for, sound production, video generation, network and USB connectivity as well as connections for the internal hard drive(s), CD / DVD drives. Over the next few weeks I will be describing the components and their actions. But today I would like to start with the “brains” of the computer and this is the CPU (Central Processing Unit), Processor or Chip! We are told that our processors double in power every 18 months but without this single piece of technology, a result of technology, we wouldn’t be able to do anything! This is simply because the processor chip is the brains of the computer. Did you know that your digital watch or pocket calculator has much in common with the fastest and most up-to-the-minute processing technology! It might surprise you that even the best all-singing, all-dancing processor can’t even do basic subtraction! Doesn’t that give you a lovely smug sense of achievement? The truth of the matter is that the smartest part of the most expensive computer is still a simpleton albeit a VERY FAST simpleton! Having given you a taster of what is to come in the next weeks I will leave you with the promise that before we are done, you will have a clearer understanding of the powers and limitations of the “magic box”.
For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
A well-designed bedroom can not only provide a calm, tranquil environment in which you can escape the pressure of modern living, but also add value to your property through its appeal to potential buyers. The emphasis in any bedroom is on relaxing and sleeping, but depending on what else you what you want to do in your own space – working, watching TV, etc. – there may be other elements that you wish to incorporate into your bedroom design. You have the choice, of course, of fitted or freestanding bedroom furniture. Fitted furniture allows you to create your own, coordinated look, and can be useful if your bedroom is an odd shape, or there are awkward areas to be filled. Fitted wardrobes also usually extend from floor to ceiling, creating extra storage space for bedding, etc. that needs to be stored separately from your clothes, shoes and accessories. You do need to exercise a little caution when planning fitted furniture, however, as filling more than one of your bedroom walls with fitted wardrobes may make the room feel a little claustrophobic. If you prefer the flexibility – in terms of being able to rearrange various items, at will – of freestanding furniture, you can mix and match pieces that suit your needs, both externally and internally. If you wish to store long winter coats, or party dresses, for example, you’ll need the full height of a wardrobe to hang them in, and don’t forget drawers and shelves, for sweaters, shoes, etc.. The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, of course, and dressing the bed is as important as your choice of furniture. The trend in bed linen this year is likely to be towards brighter and warmer styles, which are reflected in colour and texture in curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings to create a sense of style in the bedroom. The easiest and most straightforward way of opening up any room is to whitewash the walls. White helps to redefine the space available in a room by distorting the mind’s perception of where the boundaries actually lie – in effect, white walls can make a small room look spacious and airy.
Bedroom Basics In contrast, dark walls have the effect of closing the boundaries in considerably, therefore giving the impression of less space than there is in reality. Nevertheless, refreshingly white walls ought to be complemented by bold bedroom furniture colours. The bed in particular must be a focal point in the room, therefore it is advisable to opt for rich, deep colour schemes with vivid and imaginative patterns that will instantly draw the eye’s attention. Furthermore, it is essential that the bedroom is clutter-free and, unless it is absolutely necessary, electrical equipment in the room should be limited to a radio alarm clock and television – peace is essential. And, when it comes to bedroom furniture, a cabinet with multiple drawers or a chest or ottoman placed discretely at the end of your bed can provide crucial extra storage. You need not be restricted solely to bedroom furniture either; bookshelves and/or a small desk area in a guest bedroom, for example, can be an excellent method of using the available space to maximum effect.
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. Claim 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.
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Opera San Miguel presents
“Cavalleria Rusticana” by Pietro Mascagni
Friday 15th and Saturday 16th February Casa de Cultura, San Miguel de Salinas, at 8.00pm. As February approaches, it is once more nearing the time when strains of Grand Opera will be heard in San Miguel de Salinas. Opera San Miguel is returning to present its 5th Opera Workshop under the guidance of Tom and Katy Pargeter. After the last very successful production of Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas”, set in ancient times in what is now Tunisia, the staging moves across the Mediterranean to late 19th century Sicily, with this wonderfully melodramatic opera Undoubtedly the composer’s best known work, it takes place, almost in real time, in a rural Sicilian village on the morning of Easter Sunday. The full range of human emotions are played out in this One Act opera – love, hate, jealousy, revenge and death. The setting of the story to Mascagni’s beautiful music catapulted the composer to international fame after its first performances in 1890. The music is as fresh and powerful today
as it was when it was written, the best known item being the glorious “Easter Hymn”, sung in the village church while the drama unfolds outside. As ever, singers from the United Kingdom come to San Miguel to join together with singers from the Costa Blanca area to rehearse and present the fully staged opera in a week – a cast of 30 will take to the stage. Quite an undertaking! Rehearsals start in the Casa de Cultura in San Miguel on Sunday 10th February, and continue every day during the course of the week. These rehearsals are open to the public to come and watch the work in progress. Please call in at any time – there is no charge for this. As the last two productions have been “Standing Room Only”, for the comfort of the ever increasing audience, it has been decided to hold two performances of the opera, on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th February. The Box Office is now open. Telephone 659 616 356 Tickets are €5 and are also available from the Tourist Information Office in San Miguel.
Fashion Show & Afternoon Tea for TRBL is The Talk of The Town in Bigastro...
Calling all Ladies and Gentlemen too!! To the very first Afternoon Tea at La Terraza Cafe Bar in Bigastro – supporting The Royal British Legion Afternoon Tea and a Fashion Show is on the menu and Afternoon Teas will be served from 1.00p.m. until 4.30p. m. on Wednesday February 6th at La Terraza Cafe Bar – The Fashion Show will start at 3.00 p.m at just €4.95 per person for Afternoon Tea and a Selection of Sandwiches followed by a generous slice of one of Katharine’s Famous Cakes!! This is sure to be a popular event, Bling Bling Fashion and Accessories will be putting on a Fabulous Fashion Show! There will be a selection of sandwiches on a combination of brown and white bread - if you have a particular preference of all brown or all white sandwiches then please email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or call in and see Darren or Hazel. If you would just like to “see the show” you can book your seat for just €1 with Darren or by emailing sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or darrenyar1967@yahoo.co.uk your €1 ticket will guarantee your seat and is a token for your first drink to the value of €1. Additional tea will be at the special price of just 75 cents per person and Pink “Champagne” will be just 1.50 a glass! & wine €1.20 a glass. We also hope to have a colour consultant joining us who will chose one lady from the audience to show colours really do make a difference! Do join us for this exciting afternoon and support RBL at the same time – if you like speciality tea and your tea in a tea pot then you can bring one along and Darren will supply the hot water!! Darren wants to make this a monthly event and to have a selection of interesting tea pots so if you would like to donate one or you see an unusual tea pot in a charity shop call in and see Darren and Hazel – La Terraza Teas could be The Talk of The Town!!!
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
take a d BECHI’S BEAST 2012 WINNING CAR AND DRIVER AT
VELOCITY RACING CARTEGENA OVAL A new and exciting leisure activity for the community started last year at Cartegena Oval Track. Promoted by Velocity Racing Cartegena the event has interested many drivers and spectators. The fortnightly organised events are pencilled in as a community get together for everyone to enjoy. The fast dynamics and passion amongst all drivers on the track spark off rush’s of anticipation and thrills for spectators off the track. With a combination of speed, quick witted manoeuvring and an odd collision, drivers and spectators alike are charged with adrenalin. Last year’s track winner, David Belcher, otherwise known as BELCHI to his fans was awarded Best Driver 2012. Winning the Trophy by over 100 marks he is was also presented with Sportsman of the Year. BELCHI is currently getting his car all ready for the 1st race of this season following a major crash in the last race of last season which saw the car, otherwise known as “BELCHI’S BEAST” being written off totally. With a new engine installed the “BEAST” will be ready to rock ‘n’ roll and will be in tip top condition ready for the 1st race on Sunday 10th February. Participation in the event for BELCHI is a passion for fast driving. It is a hobby that businesses, sponsors and the local community have supported throughout the year. It has been calculated
that over last year’s season the cost of each meeting, consisting of transport, entry fee’s, new parts, mechanical work, insurances, licenses, new tyres, petrol and printing, works out to around 300e. Much of these costs are offered in kind or through sponsorship. Major funder, Ken Sherwood Garage contributes to 50% of these costs with support of a garage and mechanic to carry out repairs and some parts. Ken and Lindsay Sherwood are also huge fans and have attended all meetings bar one. Other sponsors include Costa Calida Transport who
enable “BELCHI’S BEAST” to get to the race meetings each fortnight, Fuente Alamo Car Parts Sumistros and Fuente Alamo Tyres. Other funding and in kind support has come from Banners, MisterPrint and individuals Malcolm Rushton, Karl Skitt and Helen Marron. Paintwork is currently being restored on the “BEAST” and new business logo’s are ready to be offered for anyone that would like to support this exciting community event and advertise their work at the same time. BELCHI also has his own website kindly sponsored by KeyWeb
Designs. The website is soon to be updated and will be available for sponsors. A new Facebook page will also be produced. BECHI is looking forward to getting back to racing next weekend stating “the camaraderie amongst drivers is exceptional, we all in it for a bit of weekend fun, it’s great to see so many people spectating and enjoying the sport and I would like to thank all my friends that come and support me and all the other drivers at each meeting”. For more information please telephone 6 55 421 120.
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drive along the cv 905...
to advertise on this feature in a future issue of Sol Times email: ncasales@soltimes.com or call
966 719 647
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...close to Torrevieja and discover a treasure trove of hidden gems – Fabulous San Luis, Lovely La Siesta, Elegant El Chapparal and the Delightful El Limonar. These areas offer an Aquapark, a quaint little church, two bowling greens and of course the pink lake, together with.a wealth of local businesses to cater for your every need.
So whether you need to hire some baby equipment, get a top class haircut, have your computer repaired, stop for lunch or a coffee, or perhaps book a special dinner venue, then take a drive along the CV905.
La Bohème
International bar restaurant & bakery Bakery, Cream cakes, Pies, Fresh Bread Sausage Rolls, Pasteries open Breakfast Specials
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Kelly’s Kutz Peluqueria y Estetica Hair and Beauty 965 501 937 / 607 528 443 Monday and Friday Pension Day 10% Discount Super Offer! Manicure and BlowDry 20€ Urb. Altos del limonar, Manzana 1 Local 3 Torrevieja
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-Feb 6th..Mexican Night3 Course Mexican Meal + Entertainment -Feb 14th..Valentines Night2 Course T hemed Meal + Entertainment -Feb 27th..Parisian Night3 Course T hemed Meal + Entertainment Sunday Carvery 3 Course................. €9.50 Menu Del Dia 2 course ....................€6.00 A la Carte Served All Day + Evening.........Mon-Sat
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
HOME & GARDEN...
CAMPO LIFE
WITH JENNI.......
It seems that since I wrote last week´s article, energy is on top of everyone´s agenda and that it is because they are putting up prices in Spain again! It is quite confusing as different sources are quoting different percentages. According to one report, Electricity bills are set to increase three to six percent for around 20 million families this year and those exceeding the average consumption will have to pay a surcharge of up to eight percent. According to Rueter, ¨power prices would rise by 7 percent to help contain an accumulated 24 billion euro deficit due to utilities selling
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electricity below nominal costs¨. This is quite shocking as it reveals the true extent of the problem and it only means one thing! Prices are going to rise even more in the coming years, so the days of cheap energy and electricity are over! Now, I also mentioned last week, the fact that we are not connected to the grid but we have relied on fuel for a generator for many years and as the prices have climbed we have had to make sharp changes to our ´Campo´ lifestyle and we treat our electricity with great respect. For example, I never use an iron as that takes far too much electricity and its a great excuse as I really did hate ironing in the first place. The second item I never use, is an electric kettle. None of my family drink tea or coffee anyway, but those who do relish a cuppa in our tea garden will notice that we use gas. When it comes to getting food from the fridge, my family know that they are not allowed to open and stare vacantly into the fridge wondering what they should eat, wasting electricity by keeping the door open. Finally I do not use a hair dryer or a straightener so maybe now you can understand why I sometimes look like a tramp with crumpled clothes and sticky-uppy hair! Not being connected to the grid is not by choice I might add, as we have tried for many years to get an electricity project together. Some of you have probably experienced the same difficulties as we have, as here in Spain you cannot just cross someone’s land without their consent. Getting their consent is very difficult and many want money to cross over their land or to be connected for free. There is actually a privately owned transformer just over the road from us, but the owner will not let us join, despite us offering him 25 000 euro’s to do so. Even more frustrating is the fact we actually had an electric project finalized with paperwork and deposits paid but the electric engineer did a runner with all of the money. Fortunately we did finally manage to get some of the funds back after 2 years but the damage was done and we never managed to get the project back on track again.
gone one step further and have ordered a solar system for our hot water as we waste 15 euros a week, just heating the water. For those of who are connected and get your monthly bill every month don´t have to worry about such things but because of rising costs I think it is in everyone´s interests to be aware of what´s happening with our European neighbours as it could so easily happen here. In Germany electricity prices for households have increased 61% since 2000. One quarter of household costs now stems directly from renewable energy. Also, the increase is *not* because of increasing production costs (which have actually slightly declined since 1978).The increase is due to dramatically increasing taxes, most noticeably from the Renewable Energy Act (EEG). In 2013 the EEG will increase 50% to 6.28 euro-cent (5.28 cents plus 19% VAT). The side effect of this is an increasing number of German people turning to wood-burning stoves for warmth, 400 00 thousand in one year alone. The hard pressed Greeks have done the same as the deep economic crisis faces its fourth year of recession as well as the new fuel taxes introduced by the government, have caused a sharp increase in the price of heating fuel. As a result, the old wood-burning stoves and fireplaces have seen a revival, creating a lucrative market for legal importers and salesmen of firewood, but even more so for illegal loggers who collect and sell their product without a permit.. Deforestation has become a real threat in both countries due to illegal logging, The official figures suggest that thousands of hectares of forest have already suffered severe damage,
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Apart from our wind generator we have now fitted 13 Solar panels as the prices for the panels have dropped dramatically. Panels that cost over 200 euros a year ago have dropped to half that and they have proved very effective in keeping our batteries charged. We have
Even back in the UK, Birtons are increasingly turning to wood-burning and other solid fuel stoves to heat their homes. Last year more than 180 000 UK homes had a stove installed and although wood is one of the most environmentally friendly fuels, it can also come at a cost as seen in Greece and Germany above. Fortuantely Spanish winters are not as long as those in other parts of Europe but it is wise to look at alternatives, especially if you end up with more money in your pocket at the end of the month. Remember we are walking again every Monday at 10.30am for experienced walkers and again at 2pm for those who need to build up their fitness to participate In the lake Charity Challenge on March 3rd in aid of HAH and Elche Children´s Home.For all those requiring a sponsorship form or needing more information please email granddesignhouse@gmail. com Jenni
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Tea Garden & Crafts are open daily from 11am – 4pm Actvities: Quad biking, Horse & Pony Rides, Canoeing, Fishing, Air Rifle & Archery. Events : Annual Lake Charity Challenge, Walk or cycle Sunday, 3 March www.thingstodoinspain.info or 660 816 620 Jenni
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Blinded By The Light
While blinds do an excellent job of blocking out unwanted light, they are also great at providing privacy. In the hot summer months blocking out sunlight also means blocking some of the heat. Venetian blinds are by far the most popular types of blinds, although there are several other types on the market.
Varieties of Window Blinds With so many different types of blinds available, here’s a quick guide to find the best one for you; it’s easiest to distinguish them by their construction and the types of materials that they use. Venetian Blinds These are what most people think of when they hear the word blind.These blinds are constructed with slats, most often made from metal or plastic. When bamboo or wooden slats are used they are called either bamboo or wooden blinds instead of Venetian blinds. The widths of the slats can vary, but they are most commonly about 50mm. Wider slats look better on larger windows. There are a couple of variants to the Venetian blind which have become very popular – mini blinds and vertical blinds. Mini Blinds ~ The slats of these blinds are never more than 19mm. They get their name from their very narrow slats. Vertical Blinds ~ The slats of these blinds hang vertically instead of horizontally, as their name implies. The slats of these blinds are often constructed from stiffened fabric. Solid Blinds These blind open and close by pushing and pulling. These types of blinds have a solid piece of material instead of slats. Holland Blinds These are blinds constructed using woven wood. They open and close by being rolled up using the attached strings. These are great at controlling sunlight and thus very popular in tropical locations. They provide a
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tropical ambience wherever they are used. Pleated Blinds These blinds are constructed using pleated fabrics. They can be pulled up to open and usually contain a recess at the top to hold the material. Honeycomb Blinds Due to their unique construction, honeycomb blinds are known for their superior performance. Honeycomb blinds are also referred to as cellular shades and are made with two panels of pleated fabric shades have become one the most popular window treatments. The two panels of fabric form air pockets, or cells, which are honeycomb shaped, thus giving these blinds their name. When raised the honeycombs collapse and expand when the blind it is released. Because the honeycombs or cells form a vacuum and trap air, they provide energy efficient insulation and sound absorption. Due to their unique construction, honeycomb blinds are known for their superior performance. With their soft textured fabrics, however, they bring a sense of luxury to any room. Honeycomb blinds come in single, double, and triple honeycomb design as well as a variety of pleat sizes and colored fabrics to offer anyone a customized look. Depending on the thickness of the fabric will determine the degree of light control within the room.
So, when it comes to purchasing blinds for your home, you’re bound to find one to suit!
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3 bed 2 bath villa with pool Arboleas €169,000
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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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...
Did You Know...
That anyone holding an event can post the information directly online for all to see. All you need to do is visit www.soltimes. com and choose the whats on link in the area of your choice and you will find instructions on how to do so. We accept Birthday & Anniversary Greetings, Public Announcments, Charity Events and Voluntary Requests. You can also advertise a Business event by phoning our sales team on
902 750 190
If you have any questions or ideas please email me at webmaster @soltimes.com
Spain Again Ranks Among The 20 Most Globalised Economies
Spain has once again been placed among the 20 most globalised economies in the world, after climbing a position after three years at No. 21 in the ranking prepared by Ernst & Young. However, this improvement has occurred even though their overall score (4.45 points) is “substantially similar” to that obtained last year.
According to the report, ‘Looking beyond the obvious: globalization and new opportunities for growth’, Spain has improved its score this year in three of the five categories analysed in the Index (commercial activity, labour mobility and cultural exchange) and has declined in two (capital flow and technology exchange). Thus, in this classification the Spanish economy stands above countries like Australia, the United States and Italy, but is below some of its neighbours, such as Britain (which this year lost a couple of positions) or Germany and France (who climb several places). According to Cinco Dias, this annual report notes that, with regard to the global situation, despite the weak global economic growth in 2012 and the uncertain outlook for 2013 in many markets, “Globalization continues to advance in the majority of the 60 largest economies in the world.” The global ranking, presented on Sunday on the occasion of the World Economic Forum meeting being held in Davos (Switzerland) this week, is led by Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland, Belgium and Switzerland, while the rest of the top ten positions are held by the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary and the United Kingdom. The Ernst & Young Index also suggests that, while most of the forecasts see global GDP in 2013 increasing between 3% and 3.5%, with modest growth in subsequent years, globalisation will continue to advance, driven by technology and the cross-border flow of ideas. The Index also highlights the advancement of mid-sized markets, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines; and of smaller European countries such as Belgium, Slovakia and Hungary.
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...HOME & GARDEN
All is not lost for the butterfly
Butterflies are in trouble. Such serious trouble that Britain’s foremost naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, not a man given to rash or alarmist statements, believes that unless they are helped to survive, the whole delicate, interconnected ecosystem could suffer a “catastrophic breakdown”. An alarming 70% of Britain’s butterflies are in decline, and almost half are threatened with extinction. In the past century, four species have disappeared altogether. The most dramatic drop in numbers has happened, inexplicably, in the past three years. Even the “common” small tortoiseshell, with its lovely splodges of black on orange and the distinctive blue chain edging its wings, is disappearing at an uncommonly fast rate – there are 65% fewer than 10 years ago. “The ecosystem is extremely complex,” says Sir David, “and because of the knock-on effect, if butterflies became extinct, the consequences would be almost incalculable. Without butterflies and other insects to fertilise flowers, there would be no fruit or seeds. And caterpillars are essential for the diet of many small birds.”
The ability of such delicate, insubstantial creatures to hold the balance is striking. The days are gone when butterflies could be thought of as just pretty additions to our gardens. Butterflies are fussy eaters. Despite appearances, they don’t flit indiscriminately from one flower to another, or lay their eggs any old where, but depend on a specialised diet. When they lose the habitat that produces their favourite source of nectar, or the specific leaves needed to sustain their caterpillars, they die. Sir David, president of the charity Butterfly Conservation, is concerned that urbanisation
and pollution are squeezing butterflies out of the ecosystem with potentially dire consequences. He is behind a nationwide campaign, run by Butterfly Conservation and supported by Marks & Spencer, that aims to reverse their fortunes before it is too late – by encouraging people to grow butterfly-friendly plants. “By planting wisely, gardeners can help the cause of butterflies in a considerable way. Butterfly conservationists have demonstrated that these declines can be reversed. And when you change the environment to help butterflies, other wildlife benefits too. Nature comes back to life.” Sir David, 85, belongs to an age of environmental innocence when it was permissible to collect birds’ eggs, pick wild flowers and proudly mount butterfly specimens on boards. Then, children learnt as much by acquisition as by observation: “We are talking of 75 years ago,” he says, “that was the way you discovered things. You collected flowers, you
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collected butterflies, birds’ eggs and fossils. But that was a time when a third less people lived in this country. It is amazing that in my lifetime, the world population has tripled. “There is lots to be done,” he says. “By planting the right plants in the garden, by planting seeds, by seeing things grow. Children and adults in Britain today are separated more and more from the natural world. There are some people who do not see a living animal from one month to the next, unless it is a pigeon or a rat. “You might say: ‘Does it matter?’ Yes, it matters hugely. We depend on the natural world for the food we eat and the air we breathe. If it becomes impoverished, we make ourselves impoverished.” Sir David believes it requires a national effort to save Britain from a post-butterfly era. He worries about the threat to butterflies and other wildlife from loss
of flower-rich grasslands. Housing and the concreting of front gardens are also huge concerns. According to the RHS, 12 square miles of front gardens in London have been lost to car parking, and in the North-East, a quarter of front gardens have been paved. The result is flash flooding and poorer air quality, as well as the loss of plantlife.
“The population of this country is accelerating in an alarming way,” says Sir David. “Perhaps another two million people are going to have to be housed. It will mean the loss of gardens. It will mean taking land from the countryside. We are only just beginning to realise what a great loss it is that front gardens are disappearing.”
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
t Month and we’re February is National Hear a bang! going to kick it all off with whether you’re at work, On Friday 1st February, mmunity, school or in your local co ht heart disease! Rock Up In Red to help fig Healthy eating for your heart Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help protect your heart! Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables Eating a healthy, balanced diet which includes at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day will make sure that you get a combination of vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy. Eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. They can be fresh, frozen, chilled, canned, dried, cooked or raw. There is no evidence that taking vitamin tablets or supplements has the same benefits as eating fruit and vegetables. Choosing healthier fats Foods containing fat contain a combination of saturated fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Choosing healthier fats can help to protect your heart. But remember that all fats are high in calories. So, if you are watching your weight, you should limit the amount of all the fats you eat. • R educe the total amount of fat you eat by cutting down on foods such as pastries and fatty crisps, and replacing them with healthier fruit and vegetables. Fill up on wholegrain versions of starchy foods instead, such as bread, rice, and pasta. • C ut down on saturated fats such as butter, cheese, sausages and fatty meats, which raise cholesterol levels. Replace them with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. See page 38 for examples of foods containing all these fats. • C ut down on foods containing trans fats as they can increase your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Trans fats are formed when vegetable oils are ‘hydrogenated’ and can be found in processed foods like some cakes, biscuits, crackers and hard margarines. Foods that have ‘hydrogenated oil or fat’ or ‘partially hydrogenated oil or fat’ in the list of ingredients are likely to contain trans fats. Trans fats are also found naturally in very small amounts in dairy foods and meat. Eat oily fish regularly Eating oily fish regularly can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, and help protect your heart. Oily fish provides a rich source of a particular type of omega-3 polyunsaturated fat.This type of fat is found mainly in fresh and canned
oily fish such as herring, mackerel, pilchards, sardines, trout and salmon, and in fresh tuna (but not canned tuna). Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week. One of the portions should be oily fish. (One portion of fish is 140 grams or 5 ounces of fish.) Cutting down on salt People who have a lot of salt in their diet are more likely to have high blood pressure. Most people eat far more salt than they need. It is recommended that adults have no more than 6 grams of salt a day – that’s about one teaspoonful. It is the sodium in salt that contributes to high blood pressure. There is sodium in all types of salt, whether it’s salt in • Cut down on processed foods that contain a lot of salt. Three-quarters of the salt we eat is hidden in processed foods such as ready meals, packet and canned soups, instant noodles, ketchups and sauces, sausages and burgers, and salty savoury snacks. • D on’t add salt to your food at the table. • C ook without adding any salt. Use extra pepper, herbs, garlic, spices or lemon juice to add flavour to your food instead. Within a few weeks, your taste buds will change and you will get used to less salt and appreciate other flavours more.
blood pressure, stroke and some cancers. Alcohol is high in calories too, so it can lead to weight gain. Reducing stress: Challenges can help to keep us motivated, but when we feel unable to cope with the high demands that are placed on us, we experience stress. Feeling isolated can make you feel even more stressed. The way you deal with stress can encourage unhealthy behaviour, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating unhealthily or being less physically active.These can all increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease or having a stroke. It’s important to learn how
to relax and deal with stress effectively. • Try to identify situations that make you feel stressed, and avoid them if you can. • Be realistic about what you can achieve and learn to say ‘no’ to unnecessary demands. • Doing something active – such as going for a brisk walk or a run – can help you let off steam. • Try relaxation techniques or join a yoga class. • If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a friend or a partner, or ask your GP for advice.
Other things you can do
Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, make sure you drink within the recommended limits and avoid binge-drinking. It is better to have just a small amount regularly rather than large amounts in one go. • Men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day. • W omen should not regularly drink more than 2 to 3 units of alcohol a day. These guidelines apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week, or just occasionally. 1 unit of alcohol = a small glass (100ml) of wine (10% ABV [alcohol by volume]); or half a pint (about 300ml) of normal-strength lager, cider or beer (for example, 3.5% ABV); or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits. Moderate drinking – 1 or 2 units of alcohol a day – may offer some protection from coronary heart disease for some people. However, if you don’t already drink alcohol, there is no need for you to start, as there are much healthier ways to look after your heart. Drinking more than the recommended limit does not protect the heart and can lead to damage to the heart muscle, high
One in three people in Spain ‘are clinical shopaholics’
A third of Spain’s adult population is addicted to shopping, and their ‘condition’ gets worse during the sales or at Christmas. This was revealed recently by Dr Manuel Armayones, professor of psychology at Catalunya Open University (UOC). He said mass purchases and impulse buys are more ‘socially-acceptable’ during sales and at Christmas, which means closet addicts tend to ‘let themselves off’, their guilt subsiding and their problem going unnoticed. Shopping addiction is usually a hidden ‘disorder’ and is only discovered when the addict can no longer pay their credit card bills, or has no money left over after constant
shopping for general living. In even worse cases, the addiction can cause serious problems in personal, social, family and working life, says Dr Armayones. He says he and other experts in his field are seeing a growing number of clients suffering from shopping addictions, which are said to be largely due to depression, loneliness or isolation, and a general lack of satisfaction in life. Conversely, the economic crisis and recession is a help for these people, since they do not have the money to spend and cannot get credit – and also because there is greater awareness with campaigns aimed at encouraging responsible consumerism.
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Easy Entertaining
email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com
e t a r b Cele p! Sou
First, allow yourself to be inspired by soups from around the globe, from the homespun Jewish chicken soup, to the gumbos, made from okra, chicken, seafood or meat, of the American South. India has countless dahls (lentil soups); Middle Eastern Muslims break their Ramadan fast with harira, made from lentils, chickpeas, and lamb; and Japan is famous for soups based on miso (fermented soybean paste). Eastern Europe boasts goulash (a beef and paprika stew that started life as soup) and borsch (beetroot and meat soup). Spanish gazpacho is always fashionable; Greeks love avgolemono (egg and lemon soup); and Italy has numerous bean and pasta soups, such as minestrone. Soup Specifics The word ‘soup’ comes from the Latin ‘suppare’, which means ‘soaking’, and once described a dish of meat or vegetables that was soaked in the liquid in which it was cooked.
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Few things evoke home and hearth as soulfully as a bowl of soup. Soup is grandma’s hugs, gossip with a best friend, and therapy all rolled into one. So how can you make better, more flavourful soup?
In ancient times, soup was referred to as either broth (meaning ‘brewed’) or pottage (‘cooked in a pot’). Bouillon, from the French word for ‘boil’, simply means stock. Consommé, a French word meaning ‘consummated’, describes the process in which an ingredient is simmered for a long time to acquire a concentrated flavour; its modern meaning is ‘clear soup’. Chowder, which comes from chaudrée, a Breton word for cauldron, is a thick soup that’s associated with New England and the American north-east. Depending on where it’s made, it can have clear stock or a tomato base, or a creamy milk base, into which seafood (usually clams) are added. Possibly originating in the Bay of Biscay near Spain, bisques are rich, thick soups that were once made from poultry and game birds, but are now normally cooked with crustaceans. Velouté, literally ‘velvety’ in French, is soup that’s thickened with cream, egg
yolks, flour and butter. Making Stock To make a good soup, it’s essential to use good stock. It’s fine to use stock cubes in a pinch but for the best-flavoured soups, it’s best to make your own. Use fresh vegetable trimmings or frozen peelings - you can accumulate these in freezer bags and use them as needed. Dried or fresh mushrooms, carrots, celery, pumpkins, corn cobs, meat bones, inexpensive cuts of meats or unused ingredients (such as chicken carcasses or shells from shellfish) make excellent bases for stock. For flavouring the stock, herbs such as parsley and thyme add depth. Bay leaves are practically a must, because they add a haunting background flavour. Asian-style stocks can be made from miso paste, dried bonito fish flakes or seaweed and
flavoured with fresh ginger and lemongrass. Brassicas (the cabbage family, including broccoli and Brussels sprouts), spinach, artichokes, and asparagus can leave a bitter, metallic taste, so it’s best to avoid using these as the basis for your stock. Likewise, onion skins and strongly flavoured herbs and spices will overwhelm. Vividly coloured ingredients such as beetroot, turmeric, saffron and soy sauce, while fine in a soup, are best left out of a stock. For an extra depth of flavour, sauté or roast the vegetables or meat before use. Put the ingredients in cold water (half solids to half water is a good ratio), bring to boil, and simmer. Vegetable stocks takes 30min-1 hour to cook, while chicken and meat stock take between one and five hours. Skim off the whitish foam that appears on the surface regularly, and strain as soon as possible after cooking. Thickening Soups Once you’ve mastered the art of stock-making, you’ll be making soup regularly. But what if your soup is too thin? The best remedy is to thicken the soup with the purée of a central ingredient you’re using in the soup. Root vegetables, tomatoes, beans or lentils are particularly good for this. Alternatively, you can use cornflour, arrowroot, rice, tapioca, semolina, cornmeal, bulgar wheat, breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. Egg yolks, milk, cream, yoghurt, crème fraîche or béchamel sauce are also suitable. To avoid lumps or curdling, add your chosen ingredient first to a ladleful of soup in a bowl, amalgamate well, and then pour the mixture back into the soup pot. Garnishes & Accompaniments In addition to using croutons, chopped fresh herbs or a swirl of cream, you can decorate soup with finely diced or shredded vegetables, deep-fried wafer-thin vegetable slices, deep-fried herbs, toasted nuts and seeds, cooked quail’s egg, or a spoonful of caviar. Serve your soup creations with crusty breads or elegant grissini, float croûtes (largish bread slices) on top, or serve with fritters or savoury biscuits and muffins. Most Asian soups are served with rice and pickles. As ever, experimentation is the key, and with the wealth of local ingredients here, you can create your very own taste of Spain!
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Easy Entertaining Raymond Blanc challenges ‘hypocritical’ attitude to food following horse meat revelations
Beef burgers sold by several supermarkets – almost all of them part of the big chains – have been found to contain meat other than beef. A total of 27 beef burger lines were analysed by scientists in Ireland. Ten contained horse DNA while, more worrying for some religions, 23 contained pig DNA.
Most revealed only small traces of horse but, in one sample, horse accounted for around 29 percent of the meat content. Pig content was low but, just as with horse, it shouldn’t have been there at all. As you would imagine, the supermarkets concerned have apologised and have withdrawn the contaminated
burgers. It is not illegal to buy or sell horse meat, or pig meat for that matter, in the UK. What is illegal is not declaring every ingredient on food labels. But it appears as though the supermarket chains were caught by surprise. I mean, it is unimaginable that they would knowingly allow this. So, how did it happen? Tim Smith, technical director of the supermarket chain, Tesco, said, “We are working with the authorities and with the supplier concerned to urgently understand how it has come about and how to ensure that it does not happen again.” Smith, who is a former head of the Food Standards Agency, added, “The presence of illegal meat in our products is extremely serious. Our customers have the right to expect that the food they buy is produced to the highest standards. We understand that many of our customers will be concerned by this news and we apologise
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lid on some of the more distasteful ingredients used to produce cheap food for families on a budget. Professor Chris Elliot, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University, Belfast, said, “What goes into a burger is all the low quality meat that cannot be sold in any other form. It is the bottom of the chain.” Irish researchers, who identified the horse meat contamination in beef burgers, also found that a number of other beef products, such as ready meal cottage pies, contained pig meat that was not declared on the label. This has serious implications for Muslims and Jews for whom eating pork is forbidden. Horse meat is, of course, eaten in many countries around the world. China, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Argentina, Italy, Brazil and Kyrgyzstan eat almost five million horses between them every year. Britain, where eating horse
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sincerely for any distress.” The plant at the centre of the scandal has suspended all production after new tests confirmed that contamination is rife. The Irish company, which makes burgers for many of the big supermarkets, said fresh tests have confirmed that the source of contamination is a European processing company. The processing company, which supplies meat bulking protein powder used in burgers made for supermarkets in both Ireland and Britain, said its investigations have so far centred around two third party European suppliers. Irish agriculture minister Simon Coveney said its own investigation will continue until the source of the contamination is established conclusively. In Britain, watchdogs are under pressure to test all supermarket frozen beef burgers for the presence of horse meat. The scandal has lifted the
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meat is almost taboo, exports as many as 10,000 live horses a year to Italy, France and Belgium for human consumption. They are mainly ponies that have reached the end of their working lives. This whole saga has led top French chef Raymond Blanc to suggest that the British have a hypocritical attitude to food. He asks the question, “Who exports their old horses to be eaten on the Continent?” His answer, “Yes, it’s the British. So it seems hypocritical.” Blanc, who owns a restaurant in Oxfordshire, said he detects an unappetising taste of hypocrisy, adding, “Many British people like to pretend food doesn’t come from animals. Horse is a good source of protein. I love horses but I also love horse meat. I feel the same way about pigs and pork, cows and beef, hens and chicken.” The chef may have a point. But if you go to the supermarket and buy beef burgers, you would not want or expect to find horse meat, pig meat or any other meat except beef in them. Article: www.newsday.co.tt
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com
Root Vegetable Râpés
dessert
...FOOD & ENTERTAINING
starter
main
BEEF WITH CARROTS
INGREDIENTS
(Makes 10 râpés) 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated 1 parsnip, peeled and finely grated 1 sweet potato, peeled and finely grated 2 small eggs, lightly beaten with a fork 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Sea salt and pepper, to taste Vegetable oil, to fry Smoked salmon, to serve Crème fraiche or mascarpone, to serve Slices of pear, to serve
33
METHOD
In a bowl, combine the vegetables with the eggs, parsley, nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Heat a few tablespoons of oil on medium to high heat and when warm, add a heaped tablespoon of vegetables. Use the back of a flat spatula to flatten the râpé. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes and
then flip on the other side. Cook for 3 more minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep them in the oven preheated at 250 F while you keep working. Serve topped with crème fraiche spread on top, a slice of smoked salmon and one of pear. Add salmon roe too, if you like. And enjoy!
Flourless Walnut Cakes
INGREDIENTS
Method
In a large flameproof 2tbsp olive oil casserole or Dutch oven 2tbsp butter over medium heat, heat 1 2.5lbs boneless stewing tablespoon of the oil. When beef, cut into 1.5” pieces it is hot, add the butter. When it melts, add half the 1 red onion, thinly sliced meat to the pan. Cook, 3 sprigs fresh thyme without moving the meat, for 3 to 4 minutes or until 1lb carrots, cut into 1” it is brown. Turn the meat pieces and brown the other sides 1 stalk celery, cut into for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove 0.5” pieces the meat from the pan and brown the remaining meat ½ cup dry white wine in the same way; remove it 4 cups (or more as from the pan with any juices necessary) cold water from cooking. 1 bay leaf Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the Salt & pepper to taste
INGREDIENTS
10 oz walnuts halves 4 egg whites, whipped 2 raw egg whites
Method
Using a food processor, chop the walnuts coarsely (medium rather than fine) with the icing sugar. In a bowl, place the soft butter, add the nuts and the raw egg whites, and mix with a whip. Beat 4 egg whites and before they are too firm, add the cane sugar and mix. Fold the whites delicately into the previous preparation. Place pieces of parchment paper at the
pan. Add the onion and 1 spring of thyme. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook 2 minutes more. Add the white wine and return the meat and its juices to the pan. Add the water - it should just cover the meat - with the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover the pan. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours or until the meat is very tender when pierced with a skewer. Serve with brown rice. Garnish with remaining thyme
2 2/3oz icing sugar 3.5 oz butter, very soft 1.5 oz fine cane sugar 1 pinch of salt bottom of ramekins and grease them. Sprinkle with sugar and fill the ramekins with the batter (the cakes will rise slightly). Level the top of the batter with the blade of a knife and place the moulds in the preheated oven at 350 F for 20 mins (the recipe indicates 10 mins, but I thought it was not long enough.) Wait for 5 mins before unmoulding the cakes. Sprinkle with icing sugar and eat lukewarm, it is even better.
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
STANDARD CROSSWORD
some punk? No way! (4) 9 Rise anew in my wretchedness! (6) 14 Escapades coming with sure failure (10) 17 Someone running or standing? (9) 19 A 100-company in Ronald’s creature (7) 20 If your letters are in this, they’re probably leaning to the right! (7) 21 Union somehow independent of NUS! (6) 22 Stretches pain in insides of dress (7) 24 Sweet stuff you reportedly put in flipping newspapers! (5) 26 Demonstrate how to follow a point (4)
Down
(7) 25 A parasitic disease spread by mosquitos (7) 26 A southern state (7) 27 Connecting points (5) 28 Prolonged unfulfilled desires (9)
Down
1 Bogs (5) 2 Repossess (7) 3 A cry of praise to God (7) 4 Aligned oneself with (5) 5 Converse (9)
6 Searchers (7) 7 Drag along (7) 8 Abilities (9) 13 Preacher (9) 14 Camel (9) 17 Spoke with an accent (7) 18 Accounts (7) 20 Spoof (7) 21 Breed of horse (7) 23 British Association of Film and Television Arts (5) 24 Beloveds (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 Bought (9) 6 Ledge (5) 9 Incriminated (7) 10 Doubter (7) 11 Glanced at (7) 12 Including everything (7) 13 An officer (9) 15 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5) 16 Breed of duck (5) 19 Overburdens (9) 22 Wrestle (7) 23 Repeatedly drop bombs
HARD SUDOKU
Across
1 Vehicle which accepts far travelling? (10) 2 A large letter starts to cause a problem in the American law (7) 4 Naked university dean surprisingly lacks acceleration without woman’s garment! (9) 5 Starts to believe in Brian, like endlessly famous book? (5) 6 See that lies are bad (7) 7 Modified dead Pat, perhaps (7) 8 Be acquainted with
CRYPTIC
1 Draw in Student’s Union with heartless crook (4) 3 I’m OK, said Monty’s song (10) 10 Put to use a branch of mathematics? (7) 11 Display of bravery in not ending rave in graduate party (7) 12 Outermost, almost additional key setter (7) 13 Is set out without 6 coming back (6) 15 Drink up in hearltess, rocky sort of race (5) 16 Came after University College entered second church with new deed (9) 18 Not permitted, because offered (9) 21 Power for church (5) 23 Fights second game (6) 25 Part of Gavin’s tan thrilled for a very short time (7) 27 Nothing in house ruler playing number 2? (7) 28 One more heron at wreck (7) 29 Wrongly screwed in new part of car (10) 30 Requests a king on board ship (4)
CROSSWORD
coffee break
Across
STANDARD SUDOKU
34
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
35
EHCRC Foundation Gallops into the New Year with the grand folks of Gran Alicant The New Year has brought with it a whole new group of volunteers, all from Gran Alacant, each bringing with them their professional expertise to help push the foundation further forward in its quest to continue growing into a large organisation, that will ultimately help horses, ponies, and donkeys throughout Spain.
Karen Bull is developing the riding and education side of the rescue centre as she is a trained riding instructor and has her BHS Stable Manager and BHS AI, and has worked in many areas of the equine field. A few years ago, she came to Spain after leaving university, with a Higher National Diploma in Horse Studies, level distinction. She wanted to carry on teaching and riding here in Spain; unfortunately she became disillusioned due to the lack of empathy to the horse and how to give basic care. She therefore left the horse world and worked in sales. She was later diagnosed with cancer, and after coming through the treatment of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and an operation, she realised life was too short. She was discussing her situation with a friend who said that EHCRC may want to use her expertise. Karen met with the EHCRC founder, Sue Weeding, and they realised instantly that they were like minded. Karen’s aim now is to work with the centre, and share her knowledge. Many people, when they come to the centre, say that they’ve never been on a horse, and indeed never been around a horse. These people feel they are too old to start now, but Karen wants to show them that you’re never too old; her aim is to give the opportunity for the more mature
person to come to the centre on a Wednesday afternoon and have a gentle introduction using our more mature horses which will be of benefit to both humans and equines. As always, riding lessons are available daily, and the pony club continues on Sundays as normal. Then we have Barry and Sandra Lane, along with their daughter Kelly, who are the owners of the Gran Alacant Advertiser. Not only are they promoting the rescue centre in their magazine and advertising for items for our five charity shops, they are actively organising a new charity shop for us in Gran Alacant where already many members of the community are ready to help staff it when it opens. Then of course there’s Gayle Thompson and Chris and Doreen Gibbs, all professional people in their previous lives, who now come here to volunteer doing bucket washing, mucking out, and anything else that’s needed throughout the week. This is certainly community spirit at its best. All of these new volunteers have definitely made a huge difference to the centre already this year. Thank you Gran Alacant! Don’t forget the Rescue Centre is open every Sunday between 1pm and 4pm for you to come and meet our Rescue Residents and find out more about the work of the EHCRC Foundation. For more details please visit our website www.easyhorsecare.net or email rescue@ easyhorsecare.net For riding lessons or info on our Junior Members Pony Club please contact riding@ easyhorsecare.net
TORREVIEJA SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP We had our annual “Burns Supper” at the Los Rosales Restaurant on Wednesday 23rd Jan 2013, and all monies after expenses will be donated to the “TORREVIEJA STROKE SUPPORT GROUP”
the Haggis with real spirit (Whisky), and entertained us with Song and poems,
A lovely evening was had by all, the meal was excellent with all the usual trimmings for a Burns Supper, the entertainment was very enjoyable, Andy Ramage addressed
We had our Founders with us, Mr Joseph Killeen and Mrs Louie Killeen, I am sure they enjoyed it along with everyone who greeted them on arrival with a standing
Gerry Shaw was in charge of the music, and gave us a large variety of Scottish Ceildh and dancing to popular tunes.
ovation, and Bagpipes played by Mr Barrie Waddington, who also piped in the Haggis and entertained us with some popular tunes on the pipes.
Our thanks must go to all who attended, 64 in total, as well as the people in the background who organised the event, the speakers who gave the usual toast’s, and the committee, a superb evening, well
done.
If anyone would like to take up Scottish Country Dancing, we meet every Thursday at 15.00 until 17.30 at the Los Rosales Restaurant, on the Lemon Tree Rd (Guadamar) and you would be made most welcome, and taught the various steps, we do this because we enjoy ourselves, come and join us.
36
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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)
FREE competition
AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG
JUST FIND WHERE WE’VE HIDDEN A BOTTLE OF WINE IN THIS ISSUE AND SEND THE ANSWER TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM OR DROP YOUR ANSWER INTO MANHATTAN’S DIRECTLY!
CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS: MEAL FOR 2: charles finlay - marie maher
BREAKFAST FOR 2: craig crawley
space for a little one?
Carbonel is approx 8 months old, he is a chubby, healthy kitten who was being fed by an elderly resident whose neighbour threatened to poison him. He is quite a dominant kitten who loves his food and wants everyone else’s. It would be better to re-home him where he would be an only cat. Pandora is 8 months old, she arrived as a 10 week old kitten with her sister Nirvana, soaking wet and tied up in a plastic bag. The man who brought them in told volunteers he had fished the bag out of a swimming pool. Pandora is a delightful little cat, who desperately needs a home with someone who will care for her because she has a small skin problem which it is believed to be due to Cattery stress. Just recently her condition has improve greatly but she would love to find a home. For more information please contact Natasha on 616210850 or visit our website www. apahrescue.org Please visit our website www.apahrescue.org under urgent appeals to see our other dogs and cats in need of finding a foster home.
carbonel
community NEWS
E D I T O R @ S O LT IM E S . COM Ceroc Style Modern Jive............
Thursdays 7pm Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Never Danced-No Partner-No Problem. Please note no class 14th Feb but class will be held on Wed 13th Feb same times for that week only. EVERY FRIDAY 10.30am at Bar Sofia, El Raso. Learn to line dance absolute beginners class with Adam. No dancing skills required but a sence of humour a must !! SALSA FUN FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS. Every Tuesday 11am. Bar Sofia, El Raso.Learn the basics to get you on the dance floor. No partner or dance skills required. We at Paso A Paso Dance believe dance should be for everyone, even if you have never danced before...the hardest part of our classes is coming through the door for the very first time, the rest is easy. Tel 670711408 for more info.
Q&A Session with Pedro Mancebo...........................................
pandora
On Wednesday 30th January at 6pm there will be a Question and Answer session with Pedro Mancebo, Councillor for the Coast at the Sophia Wellness Centre in La Regia. All are welcome. Those actually in attendance, whose questions have been sent in advance will be given priority. Please enter your questions on www.CLR-OrihuelaCosta.com
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
COMMUNI T Y N E W S THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA............................................
Meets at The Dojo, just off Avenida Las Naciones, Quesada (behind Clacton´s Bar). 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. Marilyn Webb will take the Divine Service with Mediumship, on Sunday 3rd February followed by an Evening of Mediumship with David Darnbrough on Tuesday, 5th February. The Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 10th February will be taken by Morag Bullock.. WE MOVE TO NEW PREMISES ON 3RD FEBRUARY. (SEE WEB FOR DETAILS)) Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com
‘Strictly Dance’.................................
‘Strictly Dance’ Monday ‘The Palms’ Punta Prima (old Asturias) 8:00-8:45 Tuition 8:45-10:15 Social Dancing Tuesday ‘The Club’ Quesada 8:00-8:45 Tuition 8:45-10:15 Social Dancing Saturday ‘Sophia Wellness Centre’ Cabo Roig Your Requests Social Night ballroom/latin american/old time & sequence/ line dancing on a wooden floor 7:30-10:30. New courses every 3 weeks ballroom and latin american tuition for both beginners and intermediates, singles welcome. Come and join our fun nights. For further details contact Lyn on 635584431 or 966188430
STRICTLY SOCIAL CLUB.......................
Why not come and join us for an afternoon of entertainment, fun, quizzes and games. We also have speakers, and arrange meals out and coach outings. We meet on the top floor at The New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima between 2.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. Open to all age-groups. For more info call Margaret on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159. Looking forward to meeting you
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E M A I L E D I T O R @ S O LT IM E S . COM
50+ SOLOS.............................................. Torrevieja Christian 50+ SOLOS will be having their get togethers during Fellowship (TCF).................. February at the following locations and times Gentlemen and Ladies over 50 years and on their own are very welcome During March the get togethers will be in different locations.
SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY EL ESTABLO AVIENDA LOS PINOS NO 50 GUARDAMAR Opposite the Park and located near other bars and restaurants. 1.00 for 1.30 pm = Limited to 24 people SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY CLUB NAUTICO ON THE HARBOUR GUARDAMAR For information AND TO BOOK contact RUTH on 966789063 Due to the limit in places available on 2 February there will be a STORY TELLER , coffee and chat followed by a homemade HOTPOT (4 EUROS) made by Yvonne at SACKOS EL LIMONAR La Siesta 11.00 until 1.30 pm on SATURDAY 23 February Contact Christine on 965077903 for information AND TO BOOK.
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 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................ Successful Slimming.................. 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.
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
Every Friday 10.30am Bar Sofia, El Raso. Fun Learn to Line Dance for Absolute Beginners with Adam (all the basic dances to get you line dancing) No previous dance skills required, but a sence of humour a must.TEL 670711408
(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
The Church of Jesus Christ LINE DANCING.................................. of Latter Day Saints.....................
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday
BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOL CLASSIFIEDS beds
Sweet Dreams sale now on See our Advertisement on page 13 for more information
Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, La Planta, Playa Flamenca
Monday to Friday
Tel: 965 321 701
902 750 190 ext 330
boats
966 719 647
BOATING LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified. Contact Richard +34 638 056 224 Email: enquiries@serenitysailing.com or visit: www.serenitysailing.com
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businesses for sale/rent
All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication
Guaranteed no lens, vcl-0637h rust. Call Tracy on 37 mm thread 966 726 891 25€ 635 885 062 est Pool tables, campasol 2006 sl snooker tables, single blow ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE table tennis tables, & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES darts. Tel:666 up guest mattress, 933 726 www. complete with foot house clearance specialist pump 8€ 635 885 FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE spainpool.com 062 campasol WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE home toning QUALITY FURNITURE table smaller learn spanish Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 beginners, than salon type for C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales 5 hour oxford but as good for PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: cassette course full body tone 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 see slendertone with manual 10€ www.southcostablancaonline.com on internet cost tel 635 885 062 2000 new for sale campasol garden services 299€ La marina book sale 80+ tel.638266432 best sellers nearly one folding new condition 25 € single bed – 16€ quesada tel: 966 quesada tel: 654 716 599 666 686 evenings large garden
Furniture
Furniture first
A1 Group
Complete Garden Maintenance & Property Services We cover Mazarron & surrounding areas
Telephone 628 505 733
hearing aids
If it’s under 300€ you can advertise your items
free of charge
SOLTIMES SELL IT FAST
SELL IT FREE
EMAIL YOUR ITEMS FOR SALE TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM
CALL
SOLTIMES ext 330
table seats 6, heavy duty pvc 25€ cane basket chair 10€. quesada, tel: 966 716 599
in the
Please contact Tel: 966 781 307
902 750 190
large amount of vhs videos and dvd’s cd’s and games low price negotiable
From a pocket watch to a piano....
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
CLASSIFIED
for sale
Electrician , available for all A L U M I N I U M quesada tel: 654 works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 GATES Double & 666 686 evenings Electric Sliding. 562. davendonc@aol.com sony wide angle
Mañanas
electricians
DEADLINES
electricians
PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY • NO PETS
hearing aids
new ex demonstration models b.t.e only 4 channel aids €250 each 1 pair 8 channel aids €600 a pair
digital hearing tel: 698 418 642
ELECTRICS & PLUMBING IN THE COSTA BLANCA
no job too small & free estimates! specialists in all electrical & plumbing works
new icp’s fitted - swimming pool heaters & air-con, electric gates & burglar alarms hot water boilers,gas heaters & solar new bath/shower suites - spanish legal
call clive: 617 268 346 or frank: 639 988 487 www.electriciancostablanca.co.uk
glass curtains
glass curtains Create more living space, no unsightly frames, reasonable prices.
For a free estimate Tel: 646 111 825
heating
horse riding
NEATER
Horse back riding
HEATER See our main advert on the news pages
Murcia, cartagena Telephone 679 572 690
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
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
39
www.soltimes.com limousine hire
CALL
SOLTIMES
RENTAL PROPERTIES for SALE detatched cortijo URGENTLY REQUIRED 20mins from mojacar This is a unique
CLASSIFIED
in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida
902 750 190 ext 330 insurance
asssa medical insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es
property for sale / rent
Tel: 968 969 648 618 315 933 (eng) 634 321 024 (esp) info@tuxedolimousines.es www. tuxedolimousines.es
We have clients enquiring in this area
Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE
tel: 965 325 601 Email:
tony@casasolrealestate.com
locksmith
spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.
Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200m²
€150,000ono Tel: 649 186 107
thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom
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 piano player
Piano Player
able to play for small functions, cocktail music etc.
Would suit over 50’s ex London Pub Pianist. Can let you have demonstration if required.
John the piano Tel: 966 714 366
Don’t miss the biggest BARGAIN yet! We have a key-ready block of apartments in Los Montesinos with full finance! All you pay is €3,000 to complete.
TOWNHOUSe TORREMENDO
ced redu
3,000 5 € to
€39,950
Apartment For Sale
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 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 €53,000
natasha , Divorced, diverse super sexy, private apartment, complete massage with massage bed. Very discreet. Call 677 676 554 San Policarpo No. 87 Apt 1-17 Cerca Calle Orihuela. Can accommodate one person or accompanied. ELEGANT SLIM, Cheaper than renting? SEXY ITALIAN All you pay is EUR 3,000 buying costs and the rest is mortgaged LADY availanble at around EUR 250 per month. Cheaper than renting an apartment in the area. Some of these 2 bedroom apartments home/house visits. Torrevieja, have 2 bathrooms and some with only 1. It’s a first come, first served basis! Great deal! La Manga, Torre Pacheco & The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre installation air conditioning. Mazarron. Escort Quality and location available home & The apartments are finished to a house visits Tel: very high quality with communal 693 357 526 areas decked out with marble floors and spacious corridors plastering which make the building very light. E N G L I S H The location is second to none, on the entrance to Los Montesinos PLASTERER overlooking the Torrevieja salt internal finishing, lakes and every apartment has its external rendering, own private roof garden but there is no communal pool. 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY Prices are 59.900 €, the payment plan is 3.000 € deposit LEGAL IN SPAIN. and straight to mortgage. If a client wants a 30 year Call Chris 671 444 mortgage it works out at 266 € per month and if it is a 35 year mortgage it works out at 242 € per month. 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@ hotmail.co.uk
to ced u red 0 y l on 2 9.00
€4
tel: 693 806 409
FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca
4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings. 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
PROPERTY swap
for rent, 3 bed, 3 For swap bath spacious semiModern 2 bed / 2 bath 2nd top floor apartment detatched house in Dolores town Alicante. Roof top pool, private with garage situated in the popular area solarium, secure garage parking, lift and balcony of La Zenia, walking with great mountain views. 15 mins from beach, 25 distance to shops, mins to airport. Friendly international block and pets beaches and the new are allowed. Furnished inc all white goods, so ready La Zenia Boulevard, to move in immediately. Will swap for a country Furnished, Long property to reform in the Costa Calida region. term, 550€ monthly Would also consider land / ruin in the same area. plus electric & water, Cash either way perfect family home Tel: 968 157 268 or email Tel: 966 733 079 or stevecoen@hotmail.co.uk 619 098 543
SOLTIMES Now offer our Classified advertisers 4 LOCAL EDITIONS
costa blanca costa calida + mar menor Almeria Roquetas De mar ...Let the Soltimes team help you...
Also available online at
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40
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
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
recruitment
removals
wigs
EARN 50€ - 100€
Pounce on the opportunity...
PER WEEK • Part-Time • Flexible Hours Working with a British PLC Visit
Linen Mills
Express
www.vistagroup.es
To join an expanding newspaper group SOLTIMES are looking for full and part time,
field and telephone sales people, to join their team. Your role will be to let local businesses know how Sol Times can help them reach more customers and develop their business. Advertising sales experience is preferred but not essential.
UK Spain Uk weekly service 620 582 063
VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service inc furniture collection & assembly tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com
If you have an outgoing friendly personality, are organised and can work to deadlines we would like to meet you.
Send your CV to: rosemary@soltimes.com removals cont...
UK - SPAIN - UK
LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van. man@hotmail.co.uk
simply removals Spain ‹ UK › Spain
Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service
uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk +44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389
Steptoe & son
Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607
UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com
we will take anything you don’t want from cars to clothes, electrical items working or not. One man’s junk is another one’s treasure, so don’t delay call today
Tel: 634 383 298
beechdale Removals Spain - UK & Return Personal, friendly door 2 door Service - Van & Trailer
Papers arranged
Local
Pets Welcome
Full or part loads
Europe
Motorbikes & Caravans
Office: 965 326 920 email Mobile: 666 847 648 beechdale@hotmail.co.uk
Brian Torrevieja
want to know whats in the news? www.soltimes.com
R ainbow for Satellites all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra. es Sky Digibox Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5 60€ can deliver. Tel: 667 235 205
swimming pool safety NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages
From a parcel to a small house move
wanted
• Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)
Local Moves
wanted
satellite tv
wanted
dead or alive
scrap metal plastic glass white goods all electricals (working or not working)
furniture tv’s, dvd’s etc clothes
t don’k it chuc k e it ta i’ll
Wanted Pre 1960 British Football Programmes. Private Collector staying in San Pedro del Pinatar from 19th December - 16th January 2013. Pays good prices for programmes and other vintage sporting memorabilia. Please contact Tony on 07823 775900 during that period.
€ cash
for house
clearances
carvery wanted telephone
672 033 676
SOLTIMES
Now offer our Classified advertisers 4 LOCAL EDITIONS costa blanca costa calida Almeria Roquetas De mar
...Let the Soltimes team help you...
Also available online at
www.soltimes.com
for more information Telephone 950 121 936 902 121 936 EXT 332
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.
car parts
Car parts
Need quality new parts for any car
for sensible prices on all parts
Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights
Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com
or telephone 692 930 326 Vehicles registration
“RE-PLATE” MATE GB
E
Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:
Alan 662 249 159
www.replatematecostablanca.com
vehicle imports & matriculation.fast and competitive rates. call 687 845 730
For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.
605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Vehicles wanted
body repairs
WANTED
ALL VEHICLES
Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics Telephone:
699 805 995
Anything considered telephone Tim on 662 211 993
JT METAL RECYCLING Ed’s mobile
CAR REPAIR SERVICE
CAR AIR CONDITIONING REGASING SERVICE SERVICING, REPAIRS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS GARAGE SERVICES
610 078 940
All vehicle repairs, servicing, small bodywork repairs, ITV and paperwork needs. Ken Sherwood, British Mechanic - Tel: 679 646 859 (Costa Calida area only).
NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF Almeria & MURCIA Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility. We also take fridges, washing machines, microwave s, all elect rical appli ances
Certificates Issued
WANTED CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY
CASH
Best prices paid Spanish English
FOR CASH
mechanic
CA4RS
wanted cars for cash
House & ga rden clea ra nces , sk ip s supplied
Spanish or English
Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL
TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763
WE BUY
Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash
jet skis urgentely wanted any condition
bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk
603 100 692
CASH CASH CASH Same day collection
We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!
From 1€ to 10,000€
Call Phil: 607 848 332
van hire Van hire
ONE WAY
UK to Spain or Spain to UK
*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN
* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE
TEL: 667 235 205
Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain
41
WANTED JCB’s, Mini-Diggers (All Makes), Tractors, Trailers & all other types of plant machinery. Any age, any condition.
Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles
Urgently Required ALL Mitsubishi Shogun, Monteo, Pajero, Landrover & all other makes collect from anywhere Telephone 645 094 339 or 950 064 763
42
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
D D
animals D
D D D D D
Dolphin asks diver for help with hook Google faces legal battle from British internet users complain firm has breached their privacy
A video of a dolphin apparently seeking help from a diver to free itself from a fishing hook has surfaced. It shows scuba instructor Keller Laos tend to the stricken mammal’s injured dorsal fin in an eight-minute rescue captured off the Hawaiian coast. Mr Laros was leading a group of snorkelers to observe
DIGS 4 DOGS A good home for your dogs while you’re away, clean and safe environment. New grooming centre open to everyone, wash & brush service after boarding
Call: 670 469 544 digs4dogs@ymail.com • www.digs4dogs.info See our clients Xmas videos and get a feel for how it is here. We’re smaller but very “one 2 one” as our testimonials tell you. So come and see for yourself.
see our editorial on page 12
Domino Pet Hotel
The local pet hotel where your beloved pet goes when you are on holiday or just away...
Domino Pet Hotel offers cattery with warm and cosy beds, daily grooming guaranteed! Large comfortable dog kennels, large exercise park, doggie wellness weekend Fri - Mon 25€ incl. Wellness bath, Short / long term stay. Professional trained team
• Professional Pet Shipping Worldwide - UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand… • We take care of all documentation • Travel Crates in all sizes from small up to extra large (best Price guaranteed) • IPATA Member
Tel: 654 168 366
info@dominopetshipping.com
www.dominopetshipping.com
manta rays when the incident took place. While the group were in the water, a dolphin swam towards them after it had earlier let out a cry that had been audible to Mr Laros and the company. Having noticed the dolphin move strangely, Mr Laros realised that a hook had been embedded in its pectoral fin. “The way he came right up and pushed himself into me there was no question this dolphin was there for help,” the instructor explained As Mr Laros helped to untangle the mammal from the fishing line, the dolphin waited patiently as the diver did his work. “I was trying to unwrap it, I got the line fishing hook out of the pectoral fin. There was a line coming out of his mouth,” said Laros. “I was worried if I tugged on it, it might hurt him more. I was able to cut the fishing line and unwrap it.”
Puppy’s life saved with vodka
An Australian vet saved a puppy that was dying after drinking anti-freeze by giving her vodka. The puppy, an American Staffordshire named Cleo, licked radiator fluid off spare car parts in a garage in Truganina. Within 30 minutes, she was swaying on her feet, rejecting food and at risk of kidney failure, according to News.com.au. Owner Stacey Zammit, 27, rushed Cleo to the vet, who said the puppy was hours away from renal failure. “It was only a 6.6lb dog, so it doesn’t take much of the anti-freeze for it to become poisoned,” said vet Scott Hall. “The owners were straight on top of the money. They realised straight away that things weren’t right and came straight to us.” Alcohol stops a chemical reaction in the liver that causes kidney failure. The vets used a bottle of vodka that a nurse had in her car. The vodka was fed via drip through her nose and into her stomach. Cleo consumed more than a third of the bottle during her treatment.
SEND FUNNY PHOTOS OF YOUR PETS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM
Google is facing a legal battle from iPhone users in the UK who claim their online browsing habits were secretly tracked by the internet giant. The landmark case could pave the way for up to 10 million Britons to sue Google for alleged privacy breaches. A group of 12 people, all of whom use Apple devices, including the popular iPhone, are seeking damages in a case thought to be the first of its kind in the UK. They say that cookies, small tracking files, were installed by Google on the Apple computers and mobile devices of those using the Safari internet browser without their knowledge. Cookies are used by advertisers, and owners of other websites, to target advertising based on an individual’s internet use. One example given by law firm Olswang - which is bringing the case - is that a person carrying out an internet search for an engagement ring could find that their partner, when using the same device, later encounters adverts for rings when browsing online. Claimants thought that cookies would be blocked because of assurances given by Google in the time their devices were allegedly affected, from summer 2011 to spring 2012, and also because of Safari’s default settings. Dan Tench, a partner at Olswang, said: ‘Google has a responsibility to consumers and should be accountable for the trust placed in them. ‘We hope that they will take this opportunity to give Safari users a proper explanation about what happened, to apologise and, where appropriate, compensate the victims of their intrusion.’ Judith Vidal-Hall, former editor of magazine Index on Censorship, has issued proceedings against Google after claiming they had covertly tracked her use of the internet. The 74-year-old said: ‘Google claims it does not collect personal data but doesn’t say who decides what information is ‘personal’. ‘Whether something is private or not should be up to the internet surfer, not Google. We are best placed to decide, not them.” A campaigning group, called Safari Users Against Google’s Secret Tracking, has been set up on Facebook and Olswang believes it could prompt others to come forward to take action. It is estimated there were 10 million users of Apple products in the UK at the relevant time. Last year, Google was fined $22.5m dollars (£14.2m) in the US for using tracking cookies on Safari. Article: www.dailymail.co.uk
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
sport
TEST DRIVE:
Chevrolet Orlando
Did you know that the people carrier concept was introduced over half a century ago? In 1950 Volkswagen introduced its multiseat Kombi vehicle and then a decade later Fiat introduced its own version. And there I was thinking that it was all down to Renault with its Espace in 1984. The Espace is no longer but that hasn’t deterred other manufacturers from introducing their own take on this popular vehicle. But while many do the job admirably many lack style and character. It is this area in particular where Chevrolet, that famed and historic US car manufacturer, owned by General Motors, has sought to shake things up. I don’t usually bat an eyelid at a people mover but as I take delivery of the Orlando it demands a second glance, so clearly Chevy has been successful. The curved brick shape is without doubt very appealing as you can see from the video at testdrives.biz. It’s like a modern day ATeam van. Step inside and the black cabin is well appointed and comfortable; the dashboard, which slants at an angle towards the windscreen, has something of the future about it. An initial criticism is that the interior is very black although it feels hardwearing and well
put together. The driver’s seat is like an armchair and comes complete with a folding armrest. There is a foot rest for the driver’s left foot, which is welcome while all controls are close to hand and easy to operate. Turn the ignition and the two-litre diesel unit is slightly audible from inside but when driving this is not noticeable. The six-speed gearbox is decisive. It becomes apparent that this vehicle, much like its driver, prefers clear roads as opposed to clogged up ones. At a crawl it prefers first gear to second where there is a feeling that it might stall. The diesel unit is gutsy and can be worked hard but then it does become vocal. Unfortunately the test takes place when there are numerous flood warnings and the ensuing downfalls require frequent wiper and blower action. When turning the blowers to the medium setting they make an irritating whistling noise but turn them to a higher or lower setting and this disappears; this could be a glitch with the test car. The high up driving position is always welcome as it gives a commanding view of the road ahead allowing for forward planning when considering overtaking. Stuck at the lights and it is possible to see how waterlogged the fields
are. It will transport seven people in comfort and there is a cavernous boot when the third row of seats are down. Another surprise is that it has a tight turning circle. Parkers, the car experts, say: “The Orlando is Chevrolet’s first ever MPV and it’s a competent offering. It’s a reasonably priced, spacious and practical people carrier that puts function over form. The design might not be to everyone’s tastes but one might consider that a trifling price to pay for a decent schoolrunner that won’t break the bank. The Orlando – the new kid of the MPV block, complete with a f ive -yea r/10 0,0 0 0 -m i le warranty and attractive ownership benefits.” I agree with Parkers, a very good family proposition and more economical than cars half its size such as the Mazda 2 hatchback!
specification 2.0 LT VCDI 5Dr 6Spd Manual New price range: £17,600 - £25,165 Used price range: £7,393 - £15,876 Economy: 47mpg Fuel tank: 64 litres 0-60mph: 10 secs Top speed: 111mph Power: 128bhp Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz
Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk
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FC TORREVIEJA – TROUBLING TIMES AT TORRY Last Sunday, Torry entertained league leaders Novelda who included in their line-up ex-Torry favourite Manu. Torry had a threadbare squad to choose from and again were missing the influential Jorge. Vicente Boix was back after a one match suspension and new signing JuanFran was brought in for Jorge in central defence. Manolo was re-called in goal in preference to Javi Tur. On the bench was Javi Tur, youngsters Sergio and Patri and a couple of other youngsters I haven’t seen before. The line-up was a bit questionable with the diminutive Manu Amores taking up a position in central midfield and Gasch wide on the right. Torrys starting line-up: Manolo, Vicente (Juan Carlos, min. 82), Juanfran, Abel, Rafa (Patri, min. 68), Burguillos, Cuco Ros, Manu Amores, Luis Carlos (Sergio, mn. 68), Gasch , Koeman. The gate was around the 400 mark including a group of noisy “drummers” from Novelda who got behind their team. The game started slowly but Novelda started to show that they hadn’t come to defend. Novelda won a corner in the 8th minute and the delivery was met by a Novelda player with a downward header which Torry keeper Manolo did well to keep out but he could only parry it across goal and it was met by a Novelda player who gleefully headed the ball into the back of the net from close range for a GOALLLLL to Novelda 0-1. A few minutes later a good break by Novelda culminated in a cross-shot which flashed just wide of
the far post with Manolo beaten. On 13 minutes after another good move by Novelda and a lofted pass, which Abel couldn’t get to, fell invitingly just inside the box and was seized on by the big Novelda no.9 and he lifted it over the advancing Manolo and into the back of the net for a GOALLLLL to Novelda 0-2.
Torry were shell-shocked but tried to lift their game and were given a life-line in the 25th minute when a mistake by a Novelda defender, let Luis Carlos in and he lobbed the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net for a GOALLLL to Torry 2-1and game on. On 28 minutes Burguillos was cautioned for an infringement which appeared to enrage the Torry players. It had the desired effect as Torry started to battle more. On 33 minutes a bouncing ball forward deceived Rafa and Manu for Novelda struck a powerful drive just over the top. On 36 minutes, the turning point of the game, when Koeman received a straight red for a reckless challenge on the half-way line. It was a foul but should have earned a caution not a sending off. Captain Abel received a caution for protesting too much. Torry re-shuffled with Manu Amores moving out wide on the right and Gasch moving into a central position up front. The game was heating up. Manolo then had to deal with a whipped in free-kick and a couple of corners which he did so competently. On 43 minutes after the best move of the match by Torry, Abel had a header strike the Novelda post but he was ruled offside. The second-half started more evenly with Novelda
having took their foot off the gas but they still posed the biggest threat and after 60 minutes it was “game, set and match” when a ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the Torry defenders and the loose ball was blasted into the back of the net off the crossbar for a GOALLLLL to Novelda and 1-3. Novelda then won a number of corners and there were a few near misses. After 68 minutes Torry made a double substitution and took off Rafa and Luis Carlos and brought on the fresh legs of youngsters Sergio and Patri. 3 minutes later Vicente was replaced by, not the King of Spain, but youngster Juan Carlos. Novelda eased off and Sergio had a shooting chance but had a “rush of blood” and blazed wide. In injury time Patri nearly got on the end of a through ball which their goalkeeper just got to first. The final whistle blew. Torry tried hard but without too much effect against a well drilled and confident side who posed a real threat up front. Torry now have 2 way games on the trot, the first being at Muro next Sunday. They are again likely to be down to the absolute “bare bones” with Jorge missing through injury and Koeman suspended. Lets hope Torry can get 2 or three half decent players in before the Thursday transfer deadline closes, preferably in midfield. Keep the faith but its getting hard. An increasingly worried Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain get well beaten.
Andy Wilson Photographer
44
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
MOTORING Members of the Balaton Group
St. JAMES’S GATE GOLF SOCIETY Alenda Golf January 2013
–
22nd
What a gorgeous day blue skies, slightly breezy, but what could be better for a day of golf, in some cases the golf could have been better, but what the heck.
sailing samm CHANGE AT THE TOP SAMM ELECTS A WOMAN AS COMMODORE. At the AGM congratulations were extended to Janice Penning as she was elected as the Commodore of SAMM (Sailing Association Mar Menor) a first for a woman. Janice is hoping that the new job does not interfere
too much with her love of yacht racing. The retiring Commodore Mike Phillips was thanked for his stewardship in presiding over a very successful year of racing and social events culminating in the Christmas Dinner. S A M M Robert Hudson & Janice Penning continues to thrive with at Dos Mares as well as a both the Spring and Autumn race three day trip to Cuenca, series being keenly an informative visit to the contested. All the mines at La Union, and some groups welcomed organised cycle rides. In newcomers to their addition each group follows brand of ‘messing their own full programme about in boats’ The taking advantage of the social scene was opportunities afforded on well supported with the Mar Menor John Down and Peter Cadwell regular bowling The AGM was also the opportunity to present the trophies for the Autumn Advanced motorist Tim racing series. Champion Saunders is the former Trophy awarded to the Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. Balaton Group Sirocco, His regular test reports appear Sailfish 18.75 points This in numerous newspapers, boat competed in all 10 magazines and websites races with 11 helms and throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in crew making the winning Spain! For more information points of 7.75. contact Tim on: Coming 2nd with 24.75 timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk points the other Balaton Sailfish 18. However due to some gear failure this boat only managed to compete in ENGINE MANAGEMENT DIAGNOSTICS 5 races with 11 helms and fault Finding & Repairs crew. In 3rd place Shoestring Engine Diagnostics Tres, a Laser 2000 which Air-conditioning sailed in 6 races with 8 Re-gas & repairs helms and crew and accrued Starter Motor & 27 points. Alternator Repairs Robert Hudson achieved Telephone Al - Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm top helm with our new FULLY MOBILE Commodore Janice achieving top crew. Members look forward to a new year with the potential of introducing match and looking for runners/non runners class racing alongside the established handicap Free collection racing. Best prices paid SAMM welcomes anyone Baja issued interested in sailing, visit (All paperwork taken care of with the web site at www. certificate of destruction) sailingmarmenor.com or NO MORE SUMA BILLS TO PAY come along to a meetings Also parts available at 11.00 hours second Wednesday in each month 607 848 332 at CAR, Los Narejos, Los Ask for Phil Alcazares.
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Breakers yard
Every time we go to Alenda the course is always in really good condition and despite the cold spell we have had today was no exception, fast and pristine greens, so our thanks to the greens staff and golf director Jose. It was a Stableford Competition and the Results from yesterday were: Gold Category 1st:
Ivie Davies 34 pts
2nd: Mick Hithersay 33 pts 3rd:
Geoff Poyner 29 pts
Silver Category 1st: Ken Hopkins 41 pts 2nd: Ron Nicholson 37 pts 3rd: Malcolm Woods 34 pts
MAGGOTS END RODS AND REELS
This week was a rare week for the club as the match was an open match. The second and last one of the season. The venue was the Eden canal, the venue being switched from the Embalse de Pedrera due to the rain of the evening before. The Pedrera is treacherous during and after rain, until the bank has dried out. Although the Eden has not been fishing too well, it did produce more fish than it has of late. The wind was blowing a hooley and everybody settled for the feeder, which was really the only method available considering the conditions. There were only 3 blanks from the 10 anglers, an improvement from the Pedrera!!!!!!! The water did come up during the day as a result of the previous nights rain but it did not affect the fishing. Top Rods on the day 1st Terry ( Swing E´m ) Screen fishing the feeder and using maggot with 6.32 kilo´s. 2nd Tony ( The Flowerman) Price fishing the feeder using maggot with 3.58 kilo´s 3rd Bill (The Master) Reade
Winner of the Organiser Trophy for the with the highest score Ken Hopkins, his points score will result in Mademoiselle Guillotine calling with a handicap cut of a whopping 2.3 shots, he is now playing off 19.3 Two players scored 5 points on one hole they were Ron Nick & Ken Hopkins. Sometimes you have to admire the good fortune of golfers and in this instance a players shot was seen to Barnes Wallace across a lake onto the first cut at the far side of the green and then a chip in from 20 meters, rubbing shoulder with ‘Rocket’ should at least mean a lottery win! Nearest the Pins Hole 5: Malcolm Anderson. Hole 3: John Trailor. Hole 13: Ken Hopkins. Hole 16. Tom Richardson. Longest Drive: Alan Moody Best Guest: Alan Barrett There
were
two
new
fishing the feeder using maggot with 3.48 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 3rd round of the Abbey Angling Cup on the 22nd January once again at the Embalsa de Pedrera, and this match also incorporated the 3rd round of the Round Town News Inter club trophy. The lakes water level is constant at the moment, as the water being drawn off by the canal for irrigation equals the water being pumped in. The fishing is still hard going with five dry nets on the day (R & R also fished one man short ) and Hemp and Tares being the order of the day on the feeder. 1st Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson with 11.960kg AA 2nd Mick (The Arsenal) Hill with 7.760kg AA 3rd Clive (No more golf) Cleghorn with 3.800kg RR 4th Terry (Swing em) Screen with 3.660kg AA 5th Bill (The Master) Reade with 1.840kg RR 6th
Dave
(Yours
Truly)
members who were welcomed by the members, Reid Kane and Alan Barrett Sympathy should go to Ron Chamber who retired hurt after 9 holes with a ricked back, we are not sure how it happened, but information was received that at his birthday party on Monday, someone was trying to access the ‘family jewels’ which made him leap with delight. Thanks to Tony and Roxy at Izzy’s Bar for the most welcome food. Next game is at Vistabella Golf, Tuesday 12th February please be at the course for 08.15am the First tee is 09:00. For more information or if you wish to play with the friendliest Golf Society contact Ron Nicholson on 678 849 142 or email sanmigron@gmail.com
Hoare with 0.640kg RR With five dry nets All fishing the feeder using hemp and tares The winning team for the Round Town News Trophy on the day was Abbey Angling with 16pts and Rods & Reels with 13pts Overall standing after three matches out of the six is Rods & Reels 5pts Abbey Angling 4pts All details available from our website www. abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965 328 368 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
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
Cornish Pride Los Dolses Ten Pin Bowling League
Matches 22nd
played
January
This week all the teams were bowling in the first round of our Cornish Pride sponsored knock-out cup competition. So instead of playing each other for points, a team simply had to get a higher team handicap pinfall to beat their opposition. Los Lobos were the unlucky team to be drawn against Team Finland, again (as they played them in the first round last year). The result was the same aswell, with T.F. winning by 224 pins. After the first game Cornish Pride were 55 pins up on Split Happens, but S.H. comfortably out scored C.P. in the next two games to win the match by 90 pins. Mainly thanks to a superb game (ladies highest scratch
of the season) 244, by Mirja Hakonen, Hall y Day led Mixers, by 51 pins. But after two more very close games, Mixers, last years beaten finalist’s eventually won the match by 37 pins. Splash went through to the next round, easily beating Crazy Pinz by 178 . Top scorer for Splash with his highest hcp game of the season, 220, was Ivan Munoz. With only 2 bowlers it was going to be difficult for Carp-r-us, but after the first game against Los Bandidos, the scores were level. In the next two games L.B. outscored the Carps by 187 pins, to go through to the quarter finals. Last years cup winners Bandoleros were drawn against Caballo Negro. In a close first game C.N. led by just 3 pins. But in their second
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
In the match between Lucky Strike and Bar Mosquito, the scores were close after the first two games, L.S. had a lead of just 22 pins.
Hall y Day (1716), go through to th quarter finals. Go through to the quarter finals
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.
Division 1 - 1st place John Storey 32pts, 2nd place Graham Hawley 30pts, 3rd place Andy Harvey 29pts.
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
I’m certainly going to fall Finally to the green we were so now we had to putt Some balls just kept on going and others they just stuck The hole was an exclusion zone, it would not except the ball So you tried with very great effort to see the blessed thing fall On and on and on we went up and down the course Some balls reached the water, does it matter a jot, OF COURSE Nearest the pins were organised, this was one of our little tasks With balls going straight up in the air, how can we do this he asks But finished we did with
and Bernie Waspe just missing out by one point to the winners Mick Hardy and Frank Broadhurst on 42pts scoring 21points on both nines. I would like to end by thanking everyone for playing and making it fun on a day that was not good to play golf being very cold and windy.
Bill & Bernie
The next Society’s game is on Monday, 4th February 2013 at La SERENA. The format is MEDALFORD (front holes - Medal, Back holes - Stableford & subtract the Stableford points from the Nett score). Payday is on Saturday, 2nd February 2013 at La Serena, in the bar area, between 11.00 and 12.00 hours.
The winners of each tie and the losing highest scorers,
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 3 - 1st place Les
san javier gs
But in the third game Sue Duke bowling for L.S. bowled her personal best scratch scores of 217 game and 508 series, that gave her team a winning margin of 106 pins, and put them in the quarter final draw.
Vincent 35pts, 2nd place Bill Nagle 32pts and 3rd place Ray Davies 28pts.
Division 2 - 1st place Peter Robinson, 2nd place Ray Banks, 3rd place Sue Grewer ( on count back).
sport
Bandoleros lost the match by 121 pins.
near the pin only to be seen rolling off the green and into the water!
LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY Font del Llop - 23.01.13 Does he know what he asks The wind she was ablow’n up aqt Font del Llop Great gusts of the Levante came screaming ov’r the top But our members are a hardy bunch, with ne’er a thought to stop We all trouped out onto the tees, this wind will stop us NOT Standing on the first tee was not an easy task This wind would knock you over it didn’t need to ask So off we go with fingers crossed that the balls we could find Next to a rock or tree or stump or even out of bounds Keep your head down he would say, you’re moving on the ball
game, Paku and Heikki, bowling for C.N. both had their highest hcp games of the season, 223 & 243, it was also the teams highest hcp game 668.
cobwebs gone and sand and grit in our ears Another day of golf has passed when is the next one please? The wind worshippers were: Gold Division: 1st Martin Collins, 2nd Brian Coultate and 3rd Colin Ranson Silver Division: 1st Alan Crain, 2nd Paul Flanaghan and 3rd John Featherstone Bronze Division: 1st Damien Elliot, 2nd Steve Harrington and 3rd Geoff Dowsett NTP’s Hole 8 Paul Flanaghan, hole 12 George Stewart The free game draw was won by Geoff Dowsett. Gail Coultate Lo Crispin Golf Society http://sites.google.com/site/ locrispingolf/
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Diary Dates -
Frank & Mick Results from the Society’s game at Altorreal on Wednesday, 23rd January 2013. The format was Better Ball Pairs - Stableford. What a Day gale force wind blowing and so cold but we still had a great turn out of 32 players many of them wishing that they had stayed at home with the weather. But we played and what a close competition it was with just 4points between the top six pairs with four places
being sorted on count back. The course was not in bad shape with the greens being very quick, not what you want with a wind of 35km. When we had all finished I think we felt we have done 18 rounds then 18 holes we where all batter by that wind. From third to sixth the pairs all finished with 38pts so after a long sort out on count back Roy Herbert and Alan Clarke took the third place. In second place on 41pts came Bill McLaughlin
Monday, 4th February 2013 - La SERENA – MEDALFORD - 1st Tee – 10.00 Wednesday, 20th February 2013 – CORVERA - INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD - 1st Tee –10.00 Monday, 4th March 2013 – VISTABELLA - INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD - 1st Tee – 12.00 Wednesday, 20th March 2013 - La SERENA CAPTAIN’s DAY - 1st Tee – 10.00 Regards Mick the winners Group 1. 1st.Geoff Betts 28 points 2nd.Paul Hurrell 26 on c/b from David Gill. Group 2. 1st. Ken Holmes 35 points 2nd. Peter Kerr 31 3rd. Brian Coombes 29. Group 3. 1st. Christopher Rose 34 on c/ b from David Winder 3rd. Steve James 28 Nearest the pin winners, Holes 5 & 8 Geoff Betts Holes 10 & 17 Ken Holmes
TORREGOLF.EU at Altorreal 21st.January For our second major meeting this year we were back to another of our special courses and for those that had returned from the snow of the UK it was very warm, for the others a normal sunny winters day here on the Costa’s though it has to be said only 1 member turned up in shorts. Another great day of golf with the course in good condition though very
wet under foot. However, something must have caused the scores to be very low with only 4 players scoring more than 30 points and I would suggest it was the putting, greens were very hard to read some fast some slow and as most will know the greens at Altorreal are not flat ones! and are very testing. Or maybe it was the wind which at times was very strong. The competition was our normal Stableford one with
The photograph of all but one winner show L to R. Brian Coombes, Paul Hurrell, Geoff Betts, David Winder, David Gill, Steve James, Christopher Rose & Peter Kerr. Our next game is our Saturday Fun Day at Vistabella on the 26th. and then La Peraleja on the 1st. February and Vistabella on the 9th. so if you are interested in joining our Club call David Winder on 626 774 157 or email him at davidwinder.torregolf@ gmail.com.
46
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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
sport
DAYA NUEVA 4 v. CATRAL 0 INFANTILS G10s
DAYA’S SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE BLOWS CATRAL AWAY This was a must win game for Daya to keep the pressure on the League Leaders, Cox.
torrevieja swimmers Torrevieja Masters prepare for Barcelona. This Saturday saw 3 of the 5 Torrevieja Masters swimmers begin their preparations for the Spanish Winter National Competition to be held in Barcelona 710 February. The female members of the team travelled to the Municipal Pool in Elda for their 2nd time trials of this season. Due to injury the two male members of the team were not able to participate but girl power prevailed! First of the races saw Beth Altabas claim 1st place in the 65yrs+ 50m backstroke event with a time of 50:70 followed quickly by Gillian McNeice with 3rd position in the 35yrs + category and a new PB of 39:35. Next up was Vicki Connolly and Gillian again in the 200m freestyle event. Beating her previous time Vicki won 2nd place in the 45+ category
with a PB of 2:53:49 and Gillian a new PB of 2:39:60 and 4th place. Finally at the end of the days racing saw the longer distance races in the 800m freestyle event. Racing again the Torrevieja ladies took first place in both the 65yr + and 45yrs + categories with Beth and Vicki storming home with times of 14:14:44 and 12:15:24 respectively. In the next two weeks the team will be training hard in preparation for the Spanish Winter National Competition. Well done to all and good luck to the team in Barcelona. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa - 665 454 126 or President Felipe on 609 418 776 or by e-mail on info@ clubnataciontorrevieja.com
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The home side went in at half time with their 1 goal lead but knew they were very lucky to be in front. Daya started the second half well taking the game to Catral. It took just 7 minutes for the home side to double their lead when a cross/shot from Jose sneaked in at the far post. Daya were now playing
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some good football but Catral were still dangerous on the break. As the second half wore on the home side became more dominant and well in control. On 65 minutes a great through ball found Manuel whose shot from distance made it 3 - 0 and surely the game was safe. Youssef put the icing on the cake when in the dying seconds he headed home the 4th goal. After a poor first half Daya thoroughly deserved their stunning victory, no team could have lived with their second half performance. Daya sit proudly on top of the division but Cox have a game in hand. go to Oscar’s for breakfast instead of playing golf. The results were as follows: Winning Place Team
Eurogolf, La Marquesa 64 members took part in today’s competition, 24 January at La Marquesa Golf Course which was a Walz. The weather started off quite calm but quickly deteriorated into a wild windy day with the ball having a mind of its own, going in all direction, dependent on the wind at the time of taking the shot, making it an interesting round. Lots of debris on the course , trees blown over, bags and trolleys being blown over or running away in the wind, buggy covers acting like sails and blowing
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amigo Ca rs
Huge selection of well cared for second hand cars, coming with MOT and warranty.
It was end to end now with both sides committing to attacking football. Catral had the ball in the back of the Daya net on 15 minutes
The visitors were now having the lion’s share of the game and looking very dangerous. Very much against the run of play Daya took the lead on 25 minutes when a long range effort from Marcos alluded the keeper and went in off the post.
off at every opportunity. Well done to those members who managed to complete the course. However, it was disappointing to find that only 4 people in the prizes were there at the end of the competition for the prize giving Please try to make the effort to support the Society, its there for your benefit and you have to play your part too. Happy birthday to Terry Glazier who was 80 this week. The Match Secretary pulled a blinder today by re-arranging the teams so that he could
GREENLANDS BOWLS REPORT
No distance too far Hello
Catral started strongly and had the home side’s defence under pressure forcing two quick corners in succession. Then on 6 minutes a great chance fell to Daya’s Jose, he was put clean through but his fierce shot cannoned back off the post.
but it was ruled offside.
Firstly, I would like to thank all team captains for promptly sending their reports, enabling me to submit a ‘full house’ of results this week. Space is of a premium, so it’s only initials instead of first names. Let’s start with Maples v Sycamores SABA league Greenlands derby, which resulted in a 10-4 double for the good guys! Maples winners: S Heath, S Hibberd, D O’Sullivan 2218. J Clements, A Toozer, M Edwards 22-10. D Fryatt, S Mahomet, M Fryatt 1916. C Thomas, J&B Pocock 20-13. Sycamores victors: E Merrick, Jim Oliver, Pete Tomkins 24-15. Joan Oliver, P Lockley, L Miller 20-16. Next on, were Chestnuts, hosting San Miguel Comets.
Although they lost 4-10, this little lot certainly did the biz: S Hewett, J O’Brien, C Langlois 24-15. H Lanlois, M Cassidy, G Watt 19-14. The much delayed (funny how it always seems to chuck it down on a Tues!) internal trips league, threw up this impressive roll call: winners - H Langlois, D Bray, M Edwards. runners up - H Meston, B Miller, F Edwards. As 60s group ‘Hedgehoppers Anonymous’ once sang - ‘It’s good news week’! Well, it certainly was for the guys & dolls in the much depleted winter/berleen teams. After 2 trouncings, it’s good to announce that they are back! An 8-2 victory for Winter leaguers: Bobby Sims, P Goodfellow, S Heath, A Goodfellow 24-
Doug Spiring, Harry Armstrong, Beverley Fairhurst and Connie Parker 75 points c/b Second Place Team Pino Perito, Colin Hobden, Orlando Ferrol and Phyllis Venables 75 points Third Place Team John Barraclough, Ray Porter, Peter Sanderson and Janet Tocker 73 points c/b Nearest the Pins 5th Alan Venables 11th Terry Sayers 15th Tony Stanley 17th Nico Baken Football Winners: Ian Turner, Alec Relph, Beverley Fairhurst, Sue Gillett. TOFF’s Results for Tuesday 22 January 2013 Overall Winner – Paul Manning Gold Division
16. S Johnson, T Hodges, B Collins, D Greenland 329. Bill Sims, W Latham, L Greenland, B Latham 21-18, was aided by Berleeners 2 points: J Collins, D Watts, T Sambrook, G Watts 20-14. Fed 4s update now. In the most horrendous weather conditions immaginable (and yes, it was a Tues!), the Bulls went down 3 points to 5 (50-50 shots) at Country Bowls. Playing against the Clarets, not only did these martyrs help earn their team points, but played the last 2 ends in strong winds & heavy rain, whilst the more sensible colleagues were under cover supping their favourite tipple: S Heath, Bill Sims, L Greenland & D Greenland 22-17. Two days later, the Bears recorded
Man of the Match ?, well take your pick from any of the back four, Francisco, Jota, Jesus or Alberto, they were all outstanding. Danni also had another solid game in goal. There was a little bit of an edge to the game as you would expect, being a local derby and given that the teams were second and third in the table at the start of the match. The referee handled it all quite well though and the large crowd saw a thrilling game, especially the second half. Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab 1st Paul Manning 40 points 2nd Tony Stead 36 points c/b 3rd John Barraclough 36 points Silver 1st Bruce Gordon 36 points 2nd Bob Shorley 36 points 3rd John Holland 33 points Bronze 1st Phyllis Venables 34 points 2nd Morag Turner 33 points 3rd Brian Green 32points Nearest the Pins 5th Malcolm Foskett, 15th Roy Lowe, 11th David Gregson, 17th Robin Richards Best Front Nine: Robin Richards 19 Best Back Nine: Tony Hitt 23 The Manning’s have had a mixed week with Paul playing a blinding game of golf but forgetting to lock the door and Gloria forgetting her club when going to take a shot. Getting old is wonderful, isn’t it?
a super 6-2 victory at La Marina. Give yourselves a hug: C Thomas, F Edwards, J Parker, M Edwards 25-8. F Tilley, T Sambrook, P Lockley, A Goodfellow 18-13. Southern league results only (too much fingerrhea again!). El Rancho - 11, Oaks - 3 (J Clements, G Watt, C Lloyd 16-16. J Thompson, W Latham, B Latham 1915. Elms - 4 (N Cork, Bill Sims, Bobbie Sims 21-18. T Coombs, V Mahomet, J Parker 17-16), Vistabella Lanzadores - 10. Cedars - 12 (N Bater, T Hodges, T Upham 26-14. E Merrick, M Dewar, C Langlois 45-4. B Doran, T French, Penny Tomkins 247. K Page, M Kilby, D Webb 19-14. F Tilley, C Dewar, Pete Tomkins 21-11), Vistabella Conquistadors - 2.
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C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio Golden opportunity goes begging for disappointing Saints C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio 0-1 S.C.D Carolinas San Fulgencio missed out on the chance to rise up the table after a poor display against the mid-tabled Carolinas of Alicante. The only goal of the game arrived at the half-way point of the first period and the visitors held on, despite having 10 men. The hosts had the first clear chance of the afternoon when Gary Williams was played through, but the coach/player was denied by the onrushing goalkeeper. Carolinas almost opened the scoring moments later, but the long range effort just about cleared the crossbar. The deadlock was broken soon after and the Saints can only blame themselves for some poor defending. The ball wasn’t cleared and a cross from the left took a deflection off Enrique Serrano and Carolina’s midfielder calmly slotted past Jose Navarro.
Jose Bonmati almost conjured up an instant equaliser, but his ferocious strike was brilliantly kept out by the visiting keeper. Minutes later Alexander Hall produced an excellent lastditch challenge to keep the Saints in the end to end contest. A few minutes before the break San Ful were handed a lifeline when Carolina’s goalkeeper saw red for handling outside the area. Gary’s attempted lob hit the hand of the unfortunate keeper. After the break San Fulgencio improved as Hector Silva and Jairo Sousa had some half chances before Gary got behind the defence and looked certain to score, but his shot agonisingly smashed off the inside of the post. Some of the loyal fans were beginning to think it wasn’t going to be our day... Marco Aurelio then had a glorious opportunity, but his effort was thwarted by the substitute keeper. S.C.D
Carolinas
almost
JUMILLA CD 5 MAZARRON FC 2
Mazarron’s unbeaten run came to an end with a 52 defeat at second placed Jumilla but the score line certainly flattered the home team. Once again the game hinged on two controversial first half decisions by referee Manuel Martinez Tirado. Mazarron were without top scorer Jose Ruben and Alfonso, both through suspension, but started the game in lively fashion with Barrachina enjoying his new role as an attacking right winger. On 22 minutes a lovely ball from the hard working Cecilio found Barrachina clear on the right and he ran on before hammering the ball into the corner of the net to give Mazarron a well deserved lead. Ten minutes later Cecilio won the ball outside the Jumilla penalty area and this time found Panocha on the left and the young winger coolly slid the ball under the Jumilla
keeper’s legs for what should have been Mazarron’s second goal. Amazingly the referee awarded a free kick for a foul by Cecilio when he had clearly won the ball fairly. Then three minutes before half time Cecilio was put clear by Santi and was brought crashing to the ground by the last defender. Instead of awarding a free kick which would have meant an automatic red card for the Jumilla defender, the referee waved play on. Jumilla cleared the ball straight down to the other end of the field and from the resulting cross Navarro out jumped Pollo to head the ball over Jose Iker and level the scores at half time. Jumilla took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Pollo was again found wanting defensively and the left winger squared the ball across the goal for an easy tap in. Jumilla were then
doubled their lead in bizarre circumstances with just over 15 minutes remaining. With one of visiting players down ‘injured’, the Saints decided to play on. When the ball was cleared by Carolinas, it didn’t go out of play and with everyone focused on other things, Bonmati was on hand to clear the danger. The home side continued to attack, but the visitor’s second keeper was on form to keep out Gary and then Giacomo Marcello. As tempers began to fray, Giacomo, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes, saw his marching orders for a late kick at the man who was marking him. That was that; a great win for Carolinas but a big chance missed by the Saints. Thank you to Telecom 900 and the rest of our sponsors! Our next game is away against C.D Cox on the 3rd! Match Lucas
report
by
Jordan
reduced to ten men when one of their defenders was dismissed following a second booking. Cecilio shot over the bar from a good position and a clever free kick from Panocha deceived everyone with Diego just failing to make contact at the far post. However, Jumilla virtually settled the game after 76 minutes with two goals in rapid succession, the second of which was clearly offside. In between the two goals captain Diego, once again Mazarron’s best player, was inexplicably substituted much to the disgust of the Mazarron supporters. Mazarron still created chances and with ten minutes left, Santi’s cross was hammered against the post by Cecilio and then Santi broke clear and rounded the keeper only to try to pass inside to Cecilio with an empty net in front of him and the ball was cleared. Jumilla made it 5-1 in the 89th minute and substitute Perico scored a consolation goal for Mazarron on his debut in injury time. Team: Jose Iker, Pollo, Diego (Perico), Pepelu, Urrea, Barrachina, Diego 2 (Fran), Baeza, Santi, Panocha, Cecilio. Man of the Match: Diego Mazarron’s next home game is at home to Corvera this Sunday, 3rd February, kick off 4.30 pm.
47
sport
tmgs Match Report, TMGS Villamartin 23rd January, 2013. Let it blow Horatio. By heck did Horatio let it blow too. I don’t think any of us have played in wind that strong here in Spain since Captain Alan Rickers was in nappies, but did they have nappies back in his infant days or did they just go commando under their loin cloths back in the days when Julius Caesar was a figment of his Daddy’s mind? I am digressing, sorry. It is fair to say that the wind was a little bit on the strong side and many shots were a 2 or 3 club difference to what we would normally use and without doubt, the scores on the doors reflected the conditions of the day with only 2 players actually breaking the 30 point barrier and one of those was Colin “Ice cream man” Marsden who took the Silver Division with 30 points and it has been noted that this is his second win in consecutive weeks. Coming in as runner up and only 1 point behind ‘Mr Softee’ was our Austrian lady member, Olga Haubner with one of our Norwegian
contingent, Per Skarnes sneaking into 3rd place with 28 points. Only Captain Alan Rickers broke the 30 point barrier with, what was an excellent score on the day of 35 points, a full 8 points in front of the Runner Up, Steve Higgins with 27 points with Richard Wale sneaking into 3rd place on the countback system with 26 points. Poor Richard, ever since his “quack quack” escapade at La Finca, he has this bird problem and knobbed one off of the tee when he saw the resident geese coming up to him. Photo is Gold Category winners We would like to thank Vincent of Pro Clean, the golf club cleaning service for the
LAS SALINAS PETANCA LEAGUE LEAGUE KO CUP
The second round results showed mixed results with the Panthers holding the Bandidos by 4-3. El Presidente, won away to the Peacocks by 5-2, Dominos Red won at home to Torre Bears by 5-2, the same score saw Freebooters win at home to San Miguel. Castillo Cannons also won by 5-2 against Dominos’ Dragons. The Belgium teams fared well with Amigas Belgas 2, winning away to Buddies Bar by 6-1. Amigas Belgas 1 proved too strong for Peacocks Blue winning by 7-0. The final match went to Torre Del Moro away to Danish Vikings by 7-0 WEEK 8 DIVISION 1 Leaders Rocajuna, increased its lead with a 6-1 victory over Los Balcones, leaving Los Balcones in 7th place. Lakeside Lakers, in second place ,slipped up at home to the current champions Castillo losing by 3-4, the return of skipper Ray Hayes, making the difference. Lakeside Vagabonds, faced the Buccaneers, this was well matched with the Vagabonds taking a 4-3 win. Blue Lagoon made full use of home advantage defeating
XPS by 5-2, which left XPS in bottom place, this division is becoming very competitive, and apart from the dominance from Rocajuna, the remaining 7 teams have plenty to play for. DIVISION 2. Amigas Belgas, remain in top place with a 5-2 win over Torre Bears. In second place are Dominos Dragons, who won away to Castillo Caballeros, by 5-2, they hold a 4 point lead over Dominos Red, who recorded a 5-2 win at home to the Corsairs, DIVISION 3. High flyers this week are Florentilles who won away to Castillo Comrades, by 7-0, this moves Florentilles into 3rd place. Leaders Danish Dynamite, proved to strong at home to San Miguel, who won by 6-1. Second placed Lakeside Hellcats visited El Rancho to play El Presidente, they came away with a 5-2 victory. Danish Vikings won away to Buddies Bar by 4-3. DIVISION 4. The Bandidos are maintaining good form, they won at home to Danish Friends by 6-1 to stay top. In second place are La Dolores Red, they slipped up at home
donation of two of the NTP prizes which were won by Peter Wells at Hole 6 and Steve Fleet at the tortuous Hole 17. The only other one to win a NTP prize was Sandra Twentyman on Hole 13. Our next match see’s us travelling to Hacienda Del Alamo for our away day on 30th of January so if you fancy a game with us, book in with us at www.tmgs.org or call our Match Secretary on 966 719 604. We will welcome you with open arms. We also run mini Friday games at Villamartin and once again, we welcome anyone to play in the fun spirit of the way the Friendly Friday events are enjoyed.
to Laguna Vista, losing by 2-5. With Laguna Rosa, the Danish and Swedish team winning 5-2 at home to Hideaway, this makes them joint second. Freebooters, won at home to Peacocks Blue by 5-2. Hideaway , and Peacocks Blue are rooted in the relegation zone. DIVISION 5 Torre Del Moro, the all Swedish team are still leaders they won away to Dominos 3, by 6-1, they are 4 points ahead of Amigas Belgas, who won at home to the Panthers by 6-1, both look certain to gain promotion with Torre Bears in 3rd place despite a 5-2 away win over Torre Del Agua, they trail by 7 points. Daya Vieja, are improving well they won away to El Raso Bandits by 5-2. All eight teams are new to the league . ROCAJUNA OPEN This attracted a good line up with the eventual winners Michelle and Jean Santiago, from the Belgium Amigas Belgas club in San Luis, (photo) shows Michelle and Jean being presented with cash prizes from Jackie Lopez of the Rocajuna club Roger Seymour
48 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
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