Blanca B267

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COSTA blanca

SolTimes issue 267

your free weekly newspaper

28 FEB - 6 MARCH

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

ryanair remain tight-lipped on latest alicante route decision

Michael O’Leary is remaining tight-lipped about his recent decision to restore most of the Alicante destinations that he struck from Ryanair’s program last autumn.

After a major ‘difference of opinion’ last year with AENA on the subject of air bridges at Alicante’s El Altet airport, Mr O’Leary fulfilled his threat and withdrew 18 destinations.

His action had a severe effect on the airport, with an estimated one million fewer passengers passing through the gates.

It looks as if a compromise must have been arranged between both parties, as Ryanair is due to restore 17 of the 18 destinations previously flown to the timetable next April.

Sport

newly appointed benidorm police chief to crack down on street crime

Juan Carlos Hernandez Muñoz undertook to crack down on street crime in the city in his inaugural speech as the newly appointed Chief of Police in Benidorm.

residents and tourists should feel safe in the Costa Blanca’s most popular and populous resort. To fulfil this aim he promised tighter security and an increased police presence.

He said he was determined that

He gave notice that in particular

evictions take toll on all involved

The desperate situations of the Desahucios, those who have been unable to maintain their mortgage payments, and who have been summarily evicted, often in circumstances of great suffering, has touched the hearts and moral sensitivities of those commissioned with actually carrying out the evictions.

The first traders to act in defiance of the courts were the locksmiths, who passed a resolution of non-cooperation with evictions, saying that they were not agents of the banks, thus not obliged to act on their behalf.

Their decision to distance themselves from, as they see it, imposing hardship on their fellow humans has spread to the Firefighters.

At a meeting of the UGT, the Firefighter’s Union, the members voiced their anger and unhappiness at being expected to act to evict people from their homes.

The Union Deputy said ‘Our members joined the service to help the public and to save lives, not to destroy families.

We are not agents of the law, and we do not want to become embroiled in legal issues.

If the banks want to evict people onto the street, then they should do it themselves, and not expect our members to act on their behalf.’

his officers would be focussing on street crime and drug trafficking, and announced that in future and especially in the coming tourist season an increased number of arrests for petty offences would be made.

Owners of homes in Javea have had a reprieve from the crippling land value review, which was estimated in 2005, and in some cases saw land values revised upwards by as much as 10 times their original estimation.

regions tourism looks positive

The tourism outlook for the resort is rosy, according to figures from JET2.

Their booking agent, JET2 Holidays, reports an 18% increase in bookings for this year.

The success of the company at a time when many others are struggling is put down to an increase in advertising; a series of TV advertisements planned for the coming month is expected to boost bookings even further.

At the moment JET2 has bookings in 65 Benidorm hotels, and is hoping to achieve an eventual growth figure in package holiday bookings of 41%.

mad march prices

However, the Ayuntamiento has decided not to act upon these valuations, which in any case were eventually annulled in court.

Instead the value accepted will be that of 1995. Alcalde José Chulvi, while admitting that this decision would result in a ‘significant’ reduction in income for the Council, also hinted that a new review could be undertaken ‘in some year’s time.’

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3

Ruta de Tapas Continues

The Ruta de Tapas is still ongoing in Alhama de Murcia.

This is an annual event that takes place in many towns in the Murcia region, and is a form of competition between bars to see which one gets the most ‘points.’

Participating bars will offer signature as well as regular tapas, which will be accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink, for a price ranging between 1 Euro and 2.50 Euros. The customer can then mark the tapa with a score between 1 and 5 on the official Ruta de Tapas card, which is available at the bar, and which must be stamped.

Should you visit at least 6 bars than your card is eligible for entry into a prize draw – hand the fully stamped card in to the Tourist Office before 12 March.

The prizes will be drawn on 15 March at the Ayuntamiento, and the winners notified by phone.

policia local save three dogs

Policía Local were able to save the lives of three dogs which had somehow been able to access a water reservoir on a finca.

It seems that the dogs had managed to get into the embalse, and either fallen in or gone into the water, but were unable to get out again due to the slippery plastic which forms the embalse.

Although this rescue was of three dogs, the police wanted to underline the hazards for humans that these reservoirs hold. There have been cases, one only recently, where a farmer entered the embalse to rescue his dog, but lost his footing on the slippery plastic, fell in, and was drowned.

The police emphasise that anyone who has one of these reservoirs should as a matter of course provide a ladder, a safety boom or at least a rope secured to the top and reaching into the water, so that escape is possible in a worst case scenario.

new choir to debut at Rafol d’Almunia

Joanna Baldwin, who is well known as a soloist as well as being Musical Director of the English Choir, is presenting the debut of a new choir on 2nd March at Rafol d’Almunia.

The program includes a wide variety of music from the classical through to the modern, a challenging brief for any group of singers!

However, Joanna feels that the new choir, named Music Unlimited, will be more than equal to the task – the members are all experienced singers, and Joanna herself has wide experience with many groups.

The evening is in aid of charity, and the night’s proceeds will be given

to Jalon Valley HELP, the churches at Rafol and Alcalali, and SCAN, an animal charity.

The concert will be held at the church at Rafol d’Almunia, and tickets for the evening will be available on the door at 10 Euros, or can be booked by phone by contacting Joanna on 636 594 014.

Princess Letizia helps single mother facing eviction A mother-of-two who was about to lose her home could have been saved at the eleventh hour by Princess Letizia, wife of heir to the throne Prince Felipe.

Nieves, from Bilbao, left her violent husband, but does not receive any maintenance for the children, and has been living in a flat owned by her former parents-in-law. Even though the man’s parents have three other properties, they started eviction proceedings so that their son could live in the house instead. The grandparents have not seen their grandchildren in four years, and the children’s father has a three-year injunction preventing him from contacting his ex-wife. Nieves’ children are in counselling and they are now facing a life on the street.

But when Princess Letizia attended a soup kitchen as part of her official duties, Nieves managed to speak to her and tell her about her case. Within days, a letter arrived from the Royal household to say the Princess of Asturias had contacted the ministry of justice to tell them about Nieves’ plight. Although the ministry cannot interfere with the legal proceedings, it may have some bearing over the outcome and help Nieves in her fight to either keep the family home or be granted council housing at a reduced rent

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Teenage football ref loses spleen after brutal attack by police officer

Parents of a 17-year-old football referee who had to have his spleen removed after being beaten up by a police officer have confirmed their son’s version of events.

Héctor G.T. was refereeing at the seconddivision regional match between Los Silos and Mislata B-teams on Sunday in Burjassot (Valencia), when a player of the away team, Alberto M. M., 27, called him ‘subnormal’ and began to kick him brutally. The accused was an off-duty National Police officer, who

Sport

has been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the case.

Witnesses say it was the 89th minute of the match with a score of 2-2, when Héctor blew the whistle and awarded a foul in favour of the home team. This attracted abusive comments from Alberto M. M., who was given a red card and sent off. He then began to insult and repeatedly kick the referee, although some witnesses say he

Protesters stop eviction of 85-year-old lady who owed a month’s rent

A mass public protest managed to prevent an 85-year-old woman from being thrown out of her rented home after this week.

According to press reports, the elderly lady was only one month behind with her rent on her property in A Coruña, in the north-western region of Galicia, when the owners started eviction proceedings against her.

Around 200 people, including members of the pressure group Stop Desahucios (‘stop evictions’) gathered around Aurelia Rey’s front door just as the police arrived to force her out onto the street and change the locks.

only kicked him once, in the ribs.

Héctor’s dad started to run to his side to intervene in the fight, but the youngster was heard to say, “dad, leave him, we’ll report him.”

The attack was witnessed by Héctor’s parents, José and Vicenta, and his 11-yearold brother Joel.

Various fans and players from both sides managed to pin down the attacker before he could do any further damage, and Héctor got up and walked away, but later complained of feeling sick and dizzy and passed out. He was rushed to Arnau Hospital in nearby Vilanova, where he underwent emergency surgery after vomiting blood.

Having lost two litres of blood, his life would have been in serious danger if the hospital had been much further away. In the end, it

was found he had a ruptured spleen, which had to be removed.

A disillusioned Héctor says he is going to give up being a referee after this incident, despite having been one for three years and his friends trying to convince him to carry on.

Valencia FC players were due to visit him in hospital, but at the time of their planned trip Héctor had to have a blood transfusion and could not see anyone.

Levante UD has promised to wear slogans on their football shirts in support of Héctor when they play Osasuna in an upcoming match.

Both the home and away teams involved on Sunday say they are ‘sickened’ by the attack, especially as ‘the referee is only a child – he has a little boy’s face’

Student creates bike that grows with your child

Firefighters were supposed to be involved in throwing her out, but categorically refused to do so on humanitarian grounds and carried a Stop Desahucios banner.

The group held a demonstration this morning at 09.30hrs in front of the court in A Coruña to demand a solution to the elderly lady’s case.

Aurelia thanked everyone there, especially Stop Desahucios, who have managed to prevent thousands of homeowners being evicted by force after they fell behind on their mortgages due to redundancy.

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A Barcelona student has designed a children’s bike which grows with the young user and can be adapted into a tricycle or with stabilisers.

It can also be adjusted to be ridden without pedals.

Noelia Vallano’s graduate project for her degree in product design and diploma in higher education in industrial modelling, B’Kids, got her a prize from the university and put her into the finals of the Mercat d’Idees design fair awards last year.

Her B’Kids bike (pictured) is aimed mainly at children aged between two and six and can be adjusted to keep up with the ever-changing height, weight and mental and physical capabilities of the child.

Noelia says this way, children will be able to learn to ride a bike and enjoy doing so at an earlier age, meaning they are more likely to choose this method of transport whenever they can in adult life instead of cars.

The fact it is made of natural and locally-sourced materials, including wood and cork, is another factor in its favour in terms of protecting the environment.

According to the student from Barcelona’s Art and Design School, the idea came about because, in difficult financial times such as the present, the cost of new toys when children grow out of old ones can be prohibitive for parents – but in the case of the B’Kids bike, it will last them at least four years, and possibly more.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

5

PP’s donors and Suspended School Pupils Get Community Service recipients of funds named & shamed

The former treasurer and senator Luis Bárcenas has signed a statement in front of a notary giving names of those who had donated funds to the PP and those who had received them during the 15 years he managed the party’s cashflow, according to a report received by the judge handling the slush-fund case.

According to press sources, the document, handed to the court by the Financial Crimes Unit (UDEF), and dated December 14, 2012, confirms Bárcenas (pictured) was responsible for monitoring income and expenses under the heading ‘PP Donations’, jointly with Álvaro de Lapuerta, between 1994 and 2009. It then lists names of ‘donors’ and ‘recipients of funds’.

Bárcenas, who was named PP treasurer in 2008, made the written statement in front of a notary after he found out that the Spanish government had been informed by Swiss authorities of the existence of his ‘secret’ bank account in the latter country containing 22 million euros.

Whilst union leader Toxo Méndez says “Spain’s people cannot stomach any more corruption,” and socialist opposition head Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba added that the country’s president, Mariano Rajoy (PP) was ‘politically tied to’ and ‘mortgaged to’ a ‘gentleman who is everything but honest’ – meaning Bárcenas – the PP party maintains that its conscience is clear.

Although this latest document may prove to be the undoing of the current government, depending upon the names listed and funds they received, and in what capacity, Rajoy believes that this will be just one more step along the road to proving his and other top-flight PP members’

A high school in inland Valencia province is making kids who get expelled or suspended carry out community service.

Pupils excluded permanently or temporarily for bad behaviour get unpaid jobs in nursing homes, making beds and cleaning, or sweeping up sports courts and weeding in forestry areas to prevent wildfires.

According to a report by ThinkSpain, the school in Navarrés was the first to put the scheme in action, and other high schools in Chella, Bolbaite, Quesa and Bicorp – all in the province of Valencia and a long way inland – have followed suit.

Headmistress of the Navarrés school, Amparo Bono, says being suspended and staying at home is no punishment to teenagers who misbehave – in fact, they see it as a bonus, innocence.

Rajoy, along with PP Secretary-General and regional president of Castilla-La Mancha María Dolores de Cospedal and her predecessors in the former role have always denied receiving cash-in-hand wage top-ups from Bárcenas over a 10-year period.

Rubalcaba says he is convinced the PP knew about the ‘illegal financing’ back when his own party, the PSOE, was in power with José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero as head of State.

The socialist leader says former president Felipe González had pleaded with the PSOE ‘not to be the kind of opposition’ he himself ‘had to suffer’, which ‘called for him to resign on a daily basis’.

“I would like nothing better than not to have to call for Rajoy to resign,” Rubalcaba answered.

The trial continues.

since they get a few days’ rest.

But being made to carry out work in the community without getting paid ‘makes them think’, she says.

“It annoys them far more than simply being suspended, and they learn it is harder to do these jobs than to just get on with their homework or behave respectfully towards teachers and classmates,” says Sra Bono.

Community service is ‘awarded’ to delinquent kids based upon the severity of their offence, whether they have been previously suspended or in trouble for behavioural problems, and what their local council needs them to do.

Valencia’s regional education authorities are considering rolling out the idea to all schools in the Comunidad Valenciana, which covers the three provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón.

King to go under knife for discal hernia

King Juan Carlos is about to undergo his 12th operation in as many months – this time for his discal hernia. This means he will miss his planned visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, which would have been between March 3 and 5 - the King’s first trip abroad since his fall in Botswana.

And he is still suffering after-effects from his hip-replacement operation on November 23, needing to use crutches when he attends to his public duties.

The condition, which in the monarch’s case is in the lumbar region, causes sciatica-like pain and where this cannot be kept under control, surgery is the only answer. But the operation carries a risk that the patient could be left wheelchair-bound, as it is very delicate and requires great precision.

In the King’s case, his medic, Dr Manuel de la Torre Gutiérrez from La Milagrosa clinic in Madrid, believes that this is the only real way forward.

As well as a discal hernia, the monarch also has stenosis of the spine, which needs to be operated on before it gets worse. The discal hernia is an old problem which has got worse, say the King’s medical staff. They say the monarch may have to postpone all other public duties for next month until more is known about the outcome of the operation and his recovery time.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

barnes’ bulletin

thespian troubles in torrevieja

“Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington”. Wise words from Noel Coward, especially when one is considering “Walking the Boards” in Torrevieja’s Municipal Theatre.

“CRISIS BUSTING”

NEATER HEATER FREEZE THEIR PRICES SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

Richard Winter and Tony Sim, of Neater Heater have decided that, in this time of financial crisis, they are going to continue to absorb four recent cost increases, and maintain last year’s prices until the end of this winter.

“This Winter” Richard informed us “our overheads have increased at four key points: Manufacture; Transport; Exchange Rate; and now Spanish IVA” “Last Year, we decided to build up our stock levels. We now feel that this action has allowed us to absorb the impact of our increased overheads. We hope this will keep our customers happy, especially those existing customers who have told us they are intending to buy more Neater Heaters during this winter.”

Neater Heater’s Feet of Engineering.

From the first day we started marketing Neater Heaters on the Costa Blanca, we have regularly been asked by our customers if they came with a free-standing option. We reluctantly had to answer that they were only available as wall mounted heaters.

This caused a lot of genuine disappointment as, like us when we first discovered them, many of our customers had genuinely been looking for an affordable economical and efficient electric heater such as this, but had no wall space available to mount them on.

Thanks to our research and development department (Richard’s father-in-law) we are now able to offer a free-standing option to the Costa Blanca’s favourite heater for just €25 above the listed price.

This allows you to place them in front of those expensive curtains, or the patio doors, yet still benefit from the state of the art Norwegian technology and design.

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Sport

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The nine million euro theatre, had been staging productions for some time, without the required licences. It is understood that a licence was sought, better late than never, at the end of 2012, but was refused in January this year. Problems with fire doors, along with extinguisher equipment and audience permitted levels were stated as reasons for refusal. No mention of the “One in Three” staircase to the bar and toilet area, that faces patrons, on entering the foyer. An accident spot, in my view, just waiting to happen.

As Billy Waggleshaft, well know Bard of Stratford Upon Avon said in As You Like It, “All the Worlds a Stage”. Before you walk towards your “Follow Spot”, just check it has a current license!

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light at the end of the tunnel

It would seem, after some six months of road works, there may be light at the end of the tunnel, for residents and traders along the Avd., De Pino, in the village of Campoverde, inland from Pilar De La Horadada.

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“Road Closed” signs, along with traffic diversions around narrow residential streets, have, until very recently, become permanent fixtures. Local traders were finding trade very slow, prior to the first swing of the workers pick, due to the general monetary situation in Spain, but, as one local publican mentioned, these road works have hit us hard. One restaurant found trade so poor, that it has been forced to closed it’s doors for good.

There is though, evidence that very soon, Campoverde will see tar macadam being applied, and rolled at last, over the fresh and waste water pipes. “Think we may have a small street party to celebrate the occasion” commented the same publican.

Lets just hope that another “Utility” company, doesn’t drop into the avenue, and dig it all up again, as happens so often in the United Kingdom !

Rob Barnes moved to live in Spain, 7 years ago. In the UK, amongst other things, he was the Chair of the Midlands Regions, Independent Television Commission. His hobbies include Industrial Archaeology, Mine exploration and photography (Sierra Minera) and is on a quest to get a quality cast conditioned real ale here in Spain! Email Rob at garfieldglencroft@hotmail.com

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Sparks & Speleology in Valencia

“It’s almost as if she’s trying to find the current to bring her back to life” said my travelling companion George, as we gazed at this plinth mounted shunting locomotive, just north of Valencia City, in the small industrial town of Rafelbuynol. Quite why the owners of the Valencia Metro, decided that this small green shunting locomotive, should take pride of place at “The End of The Line”, is anyone’s guess. “Nothing wrong with electric” commented George, as I suggested that perhaps a small steam shunter would be more appropriate! George says all locomotives are female.

Having booked into our hotel in Puig, we made our way to Rafelbuynol, about 15 minutes inland from our costal base for 3 nights. It’s a strange little town, surrounded on all sides by industrial estates. With vast, tree line boulevards, with grand fountains, sadly no longer in action. It’s as if the town had illusions of grandeur! Perhaps it awaits the economic turn-a-round.

As well as visiting the once, proud, locomotive, we headed into the industrial area, to find Derribos Andre’s. If you are looking for cartwheels to grace your driveway, antique furniture, old radio sets, record players and even a ventriloquist dummy, that had more that a passing likeness to Neil Kinnock, this is the place to wander. Quite how George is going to fit a stag’s head with a set of the largest antlers I have ever seen, into our car, I hate to think.

Puig is well worth a stroll round. It boasts the Real Monastery del Puig, built in 1300. In the past it has been a prison, a temple, a school, and home to the Order of Mercy Monks, a number of which still live in this most gracious building. Now and then, it is used to house cultural events and concerts. Puig also has a fine beach. The town has watch towers, Civil War Fortifications and many interesting museums.

Following a splendid breakfast, we made our way along the motorway to La Vall d’Uixo, (One wonders what the Chamber Maid will think of the stag head perched on top of the wardrobe!) to find the Coves de Sant Josep. This cave system has, over the years, been changed a little, to provide public access, by “Chemical Persuasion” and by damming the river that flows through the system, to enable visitors to be punted through the system on small river craft. The visit last around 50 minutes, 800 meters along the river, with another 250 meters walking through dry passages. Hidden lighting really brings the cave to life. The temperature is a constant 20 degrees C all the year. Away from the public route, the

cave continues for some 2 KM., and despite many visits by speleologist and cave divers, both the origin of the river is unknown, and end of the cave still allusive.

The Coves de Sant Josep is popular throughout the year, with school visits and many coach parties. Out tip would be arrive for the first trip into the system at around 10.15., oh! and keep your head very low in the boat. George thinks his head wound is not as bad as it looks!! It’s a must visit.

On day three, we caught the overland, electric train to Valencia. Just 2 euro 50 cents bought us a return ticket to this beautiful city. We had a problematic return back to Puig! Our train hurtled past Puig station, taking us to the end of line at Castello’n.

Jumping onto an awaiting train at Castello’n, we again headed off south towards Valencia, only for Puig station, to flash past again! We eventually caught our forth train of the day, stopping at all stations north, I’m pleased to say, and arrived back at Puig, in time for dinner!

Our final breakfast the following morning, set us up for our return journey to Campoverde. Most of the “Monarch of The Glen” fitted into the car, but George broke part of one antler. “Can we stop for some super glue on the way back?” said friend George.

Hotel we used was Ronda 1 . 961 471 228 (Best not mention the Stag). Information on Coves de Sant Josep on : 964 690 576 or www.riosubterraneo .com Rob Barnes moved to live in Spain, 7 years ago. In the UK, amongst other things, he was the Chair of the Midlands Regions, Independent Television Commission. His hobbies include Industrial Archaeology, Mine exploration and photography (Sierra Minera) and is on a quest to get a quality cast conditioned real ale here in Spain! Email Rob at garfieldglencroft@hotmail.com

Welcome GO SATELLITE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT?

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

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

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

Go Satellite is going from strength to strength!

COME AND MEET US!

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

your TV queries.

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

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!

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

music with mark Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on the 25th of March 1942. She is one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole.

She has won an incredible 18 competitive Grammy’s and has been honoured twice by the Grammy’s.

More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged.

Her astonishing run of late-’60s hits with Atlantic Records--”Respect,” “I Never Loved a Man,” “Chain of Fools,” “Baby I Love You,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Think,” “The House That Jack Built,” and several others--earned her the title “The Queen of Soul,” which she has worn uncontested ever since.

Franklin’s roots in gospel ran extremely deep. With her sisters Carolyn and Erma (both of whom would also have recording careers), she sang at the Detroit church of her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, while growing up in the 1950s. In fact, she made her first recordings as a gospel artist at the age of 14.

It has also been reported that Motown was interested in signing Aretha back in the days when it was a tiny start-up.

Ultimately, however, Franklin ended up with Columbia, to which she was signed by the renowned talent scout John Hammond.

The Columbia period continues to generate

considerable controversy among critics, many of whom feel that Aretha’s true aspirations were being blunted by poporiented material and production.

Her work at Columbia was considerably tamer than what was to follow, and suffered in general from a lack of direction and an apparent emphasis on trying to develop her as an all-around entertainer, rather than as an R&B/Soul singer. When Franklin left Columbia for Atlantic, producer Jerry Wexler was determined to bring out her most soulful, fiery traits.

As part of that plan, he had her record her first single, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” at Muscle Shoals in Alabama with esteemed Southern R&B musicians.

The combination was one of those magic instances of musical alchemy in pop: the backup musicians provided a much grittier, soulful, and R&B-based accompaniment for Aretha’s voice, which soared with a passion and intensity suggesting a spirit that had been allowed to fly loose for the first time.

In the late ‘60s, Franklin became one of the biggest international recording stars in all of pop. Many also saw Franklin as a symbol of Black America itself, reflecting the increased confidence and pride of African-Americans in the decade of the civil rights movements and other triumphs for he Black community.

The chart statistics are impressive in and

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

J Galvez Renero S.L.

Translations, Property Sales and International Services

Office located opposite Mercadona car park in Puerto de Mazarron

Is your paperwork in Spain up to date?

If not then we can help with honest informative advice

Checklist

Do you have a Spanish Will or does it need revising?

Are you making a tax return either as resident or non resident?

Has your residencia expired and needs renewing?

Are you thinking of selling your property and need advice on costs and taxes?

Does your home insurance need revising?

At J Galvez Renero SL we can assist and advise on all of the above and more. Please call by our office or telephone for free no obligation advice.

Do not put off until tomorrow what should be done today!

For assistance & translation in obtaining legal documents required to purchase property in Spain please contact us on

Tel: 968 153 707

For properties for sale see our website www.translationsmazarron.com

of themselves: ten Top Ten hits in a roughly 18-month span between early 1967 and late 1968, for instance, and a steady stream of solid mid-to-large-size hits for the next five years after that.

Her Atlantic albums were also huge sellers, and far more consistent artistically than those of most soul stars of the era. Franklin was able to maintain creative momentum, in part, because of her eclectic choice of material, which encompassed first-class originals and gospel, blues, pop, and rock covers, from the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel to Sam Cooke and the Drifters. She was also a fine, forceful, and somewhat underrated keyboardist.

Franklin’s commercial and artistic success was unabated in the early ‘70s, during which she landed more huge hits with “Spanish Harlem,” “Bridge over Troubled Water,” and “Day Dreaming.” She also produced two of her most respected, and earthiest, album releases, Live at Fillmore West and Amazing Grace. The latter, a 1972 double LP, was a reinvestigation of her gospel roots, recorded with James Cleveland & the Southern California Community Choir.

Remarkably, it made the Top Ten, counting as one of the greatest gospel-pop crossover smashes of all time.

Franklin had a few more hits over the next few years” Angel” and the Stevie Wonder cover “Until You Come Back to Me” being the most notable--but generally her artistic inspiration seemed to be tapering off, and her focus drifting toward more pop-oriented material. Her Atlantic contract ended at the end of the 1970s, and since then she’s managed to get intermittent hits “Who’s Zooming Who” and “Jump to It” are among the most famous without remaining anything like the superstar she was at her peak. Many of her successes were duets, with George Michael on Knew you were waiting and with The Eurhythmics on Sisters are doing it for Themselves being the most commercially successful. She also had a dalliance with

aretha franklin films appearing in the cult classic The Blues Brothers.

The 1991 album What you see is What you Sweat saw duets with the likes of Michael MacDonald and Pattie Labelle as well as proving she can still belt out a great tune with her cover of Everyday People which I play regularly on all my shows.

Critically, as is the case with many ‘60s rock legends, there have been mixed responses to her later work. Some view it as little more than a magnificent voice wasted on mediocre material. In the meantime, despite her lukewarm recent sales record, she’s an institution, assured of the ability to draw live audiences and immense respect for the rest of her lifetime, regardless of whether there are any more triumphs on record in store.

Personally I feel Aretha is the greatest female singer there will ever be and although my heart is with the Atlantic recordings I still enjoy listening to any new recordings that are released. She is truly a legend in every meaning of the word.

Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia Celebrates Its’ 2nd AGM

ACAM celebrated its’ 2nd AGM at the Golf Club House Camposol Sector C on Friday 15th February. It was supported by board members, project members, project volunteers, Legal representative Luis Canovos, Patron, Keith Donovan and the Mayor of Camposol, José Andrés Navarro and his family.

The event was a great night out for all those involved in the ACAM projects. 36 adults and 12 children from the projects were entertained by Compare Trudy Anne, DJ, Phillip Rushen and Robbie Williams Tribute Artist, Kieran Entertainer.

14 volunteers were presented with awards and gifts for their time and involvement in the ACAM projects and everyone was given an insight into all the benefits and outcomes of the innovative and creative projects through performances, presentations and a video.

New Board Members Kate Stokes, David Stokes and Sophie Bullock were welcomed on the board to take on the roles of Treasurer, Vice President and Young Persons Representative.

ACAM is now in a new stage of development. The Association’s first meeting took place with original board members in November 2010. The association was launched at the Camposol Casa Cultura in September 2011. Its’ aims are to make accessible a quality arts and leisure provision for the community of Murcia and its’ visitors. Utilising resources available in the community, individuals and groups delivering aims and objectives of ACAM can become a Project Member’s.

ACAM Project Members benefit from being able to deliver their activities within a legal framework, raise funds, offer public liability insurance for its’ members, have use of office space, and, have the ability to build partnerships with local government. This year ACAM will be working towards accessing regional grants to benefit rural and urban communities in Murcia.

For more information on the The Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia and its’ projects please telephone Louise on 655 421 120.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

9

advertising feature

WELCOME GROUP – UPDATE ASSSA - your private health insurer in Spain

Change from your current health insurance to ASSSA www.asssa.es – info@asss.es

Currently, many European citizens are experiencing changes which are bringing the effects of the crisis in Spain much closer to home. Some of you may be losing your entitlement to a SIP card, or if privately insured and dissatisfied with premium increases, no customer service in your language, your insurance company has radically reduced and changed their services? Are you in this situation? Would you consider a reasonably priced private health insurance with ASSSA so that you can visit local, English speaking doctors in Spain? ASSSA offers you impartial advice and tailor-made solutions with special offers available and special conditions for those transferring in from another private insurer.

Personal advice and support even after signing your contract? With our insurance company, this comes as a matter of course. ASSSA has, for over 75 years, offered its customers in Spain excellent private health insurance at an affordable price. For the last 20 Years we have specialized in meeting the private health insurance demands of our European fellow citizens along the Costa. In order to achieve this superior customer service and customer proximity, we have set up a chain of customer service offices along the coast.

ASSSA - Experience, Expertise & Customer Service

Our personal service is unique. Our friendly, multi-lingual employees are pleased to inform you of both our achievements and policies without any obligation to purchase. Our philosophy is to answer all client queries fully and with complete honesty. Many of our clients join us on recommendation from existing ones, which is a clear indication of our unique service. After joining ASSSA you are allocated a personal contact that speaks your language and assists with any questions that you may have. Your personal contact will deal directly with you for medical assistance, offering her personal empathy, help and support.

Doctors and Hospitals

We offer our customers an extensive directory of private clinics, GP´s and Specialists working from some of the best private healthcare hospitals. In order to comply with the wishes of our clients, we make contracts with facilities most of whom speak your language or offer a free translation service. For this reason, we have many English speaking medical professionals under contract with ASSSA.

Quality insurance

We provide flexible levels of health insurance - depending on the cover level and premium best suited to the client’s requirements - from a supplementary insurance (from 44,25 € a month) to a more fully comprehensive insurance cover (from 84 € a month). During the current economic crisis we are pleased to be able to offer the following discounts until the 10.12.2013, of 12% for the entire contract lifetime at our Summum level; 10% on our Plus or Master level cover; 50% discount for children under 16 insured with parents, plus comfortable monthly payment without surcharge. In addition, we offer dental insurance reduced by up to 20% (from only 68 € per annum).

Insure your health!

The benefits of ASSSA insurance: ASSSA offers a variety of unique, written, contractual guarantees. The age at which you sign your contract is always used as the basis on which to calculate your premiums, i.e. the premium does not increase due to increased age.

In addition, ASSSA provides protection against policy cancellation from the first day of insurance. Contracts with ASSSA are of course, in your native language as transparency is important to us.

March 6th - Ladies Evening, with fashion show, bingo and stalls selling jewellery, cards, etc. Martin Ross entertains. €3 March 13th - Monthly dance with Kevin Tyler and new to Welcome, Sandy Fitz. €8.

March 24th - Annual Treasure Hunt. €8 to include a buffet at a mystery location.

April 10th - Dance with Angie McKay and Dan Davey. €9.

Trips - Sevilla from September 16th - 20th, staying B & B at Hotel Becquer, close to the city centre and all attractions. Includes a stop in Granada on the outward journey, a visit to Huelva and a jamon factory, and time

The

in Cordoba on the return journey. €350.

Annual Benidorm trip from October 14th - 17th. Half board at everyone’s favourite Hotel Helios. This must be one of the best hotels in town, and they always look after us so well that we wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

Includes a day trip. Book now to avoid disappointment. €140.

Christmas at Hotel Helios, full board, including a gala Christmas lunch, leaving December 23rd for 4 nights 5 days. €230 including coach.

For more information ring Rosemary on 620 105 179

BEST EVER

LIVE S SHOWURDAY

Club

EVERY SAT

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

All you need in one place: monday

Open 10am - late

Late licence (3.30am) if needed T he Cadillacs 4.30pm to 6.15pm , Entry 5€

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

Book yours now!

Saturdays See guide below

SATURDAY 2nd march

CHER TRIBUTE plus SANTANA + DJ HELEN 2 course meal + show 8pm 10€, show only 9.30PM 3€

Friday 8th march

Murder Mystery

SATURDAY 9th march

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

at the Cannes Festival Awards

SATURDAY 16th march

Tom Jones Tribute & the lovely voices of Ayla and Sophie + DJ Helen 2 course meal + show 8pm 10€.

Show only 9.30pm 3€

EVERY THURSDAY

FUN QUIZ 8.30pm Start

with ROB

(Ex. of The Sportsman)

Tickets 12.50€ includes dinner Doors open 7:30pm

Sunday 24th March 8:30pm The Costa’s Newest Singing

Visit us for a chat and without any obligation, receive a personal premium calculation.

Our employees will be pleased to answer all your questions.

1st prize 500€ / 2nd prize 100€

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09: 30-13: 30, later appointments or home visits by arrangement.

Judged by 3 professionals For more info or to enter call 625298377 or collect entry form from The Club

We look forward to your visit!

Customer service office: Mazarrón: Tel. 968 153 396 Diane Nolan mazarron@asssa.es

Competition

All entries need to be in by Monday 18th March

966 717 028

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

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

SpiritualMurcia

Each quarter SpiritualMurcia holds a ‘Morning of Celebration’, hosted by a member and is as unique as the hostess/host themself... They fall approx. on each Equinox/Solstice... encouraging likeminded friends and groups to come together once in a while to network, share experiences, support each other in this great shift of consciousness and raise funds for this united front...

Together we radiate our ‘unity’ and oneness out into the world...

Our next quarterly ‘Morning of Celebration’ is 21st March, 2013 at 11.30...

Hosted By... Mari Carmen of Yogamayga, Bolnuevo (C/ Gondola 10 (Playasol 2) ... www.yogamayga.com

The morning will include the following... *A Swop table to recycle ‘newly new’ and ‘unwanted’ items... (Please bring your goods..) *Refreshments... *Time to network with people who are interested in natural healing, nature, creative art, self empowerment and who share the vision of a peaceful and harmonious earth... *A table to display your holistic/creative leaflets & offer information about SpiritualMurcia Membership... *A Yoga taster with Mari Carmen from Yogamayga... and hear what she is all about... *Fundraising for SpiritualMurcia *A group meditation... Together we are ‘one voice’...

Please ring Mari on 968 150 755 or Anna-Marie on 663 572 603 for more info..

It’s going to be another great morning of fun, celebration and meeting new friends... So please come and join us...

The more the merrier... Our last quarterly celebration was a great success. It was hosted by Lynne Wivanee at her new ‘retreat’ in the mountains just above puerto de mazarron. It was lovely meeting new like-minded people, chatting with each other and sharing new insights together... We experienced a taster of Lynne’s unique ‘journey with music’... that she offers people to help them to better understand themself and their life.

Lynne’s refreshments and trifle were mouth watering and went down a treat... We had a nice swop table and everyone went home with ‘new’ items... It is very nice to see SpiritualMurcia growing.... Thankyou Lynne... For more info about Lynne Wivanee you can check out her website... www.lifetalx.com

SpiritualMurica... Upcoming Events...

Dates for your Diary...2013 21-06-13 19.30 - 21.30hrs ‘Evening of Celebration’

Hosted by La Tienda Verde, Puerto de Mazarron 20-09-13 19.30 - 21.30hrs ‘Evening of Celebration’ Who would like to host this evening celebration?

20-12-13 11.00 - 13.00hrs ‘Morning of Celebration’ Who would like to host this morning celebration?

Our Vision...

...’WE ARE ALL ONE’, all being part of the universal energy, all being free to create and live life as we have always dreamed of...for the good of all!

SpiritualMurcia radiates Love and Light from a ‘Space of Unity’ to attract Residents/Non Resdients and Visitors of MURCIA looking for like-minded friends, holistic therapies, creative artists and spiritual wellbeing! ...One community living together in NATURAL HEALTH, HARMONY and BALANCE! ...It is time to have many MASTERS all across the community to help anchor the energy of the new expanded consciousness and work TOGETHER to cocreate a peaceful and loving NEW EARTH! ...It is NOW time for the great human awakening, the human evolution...where the human being releases all the past conditioning and fears and allows LOVE to come in and the integration of the divine human being to begin!

Hip Hop Teacher Gloria Bernal Visits Camposol The Murcia Dance young dancers had an exciting Saturday of classes at the Camposol Casa Cultura on Sector B. The dancers now benefit from a consistent program in a centre that is partly resourced for dance. The benefits enable guest teachers to visit and increase dance skills for the young dancers participating in the Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia Dance project.

Gloria Bernal, a Hip Hop teacher based in Cartegena travels around Murcia to teach at various dance schools. Visiting Camposol, Gloria worked with the Murcia Dance young dancers in the origins of Hip Hop. Popping, locking and breaking, the dancers will now use their new skills to create choreography for future performances and competitions.

Gloria was great with all the children and said how passionate they all were about dance and that they were all lovely to work with.

The Murcia Dance Parents Association funded the visit and said that all the children loved it. Murcia Dance Classes now run every week for age group 3~16 years old.

Manager of the project, Louise Bremner states that “we

will hopefully be working with Gloria again in the future and also arrange visits by other guest teachers to not only enrich the program for the children but also for the adults of the area who are passionate about dance, learning new skills and making new friends. For more information on The Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia project Murcia Dance please telephone Louise 655 421 120.

The Mazarron Festival de Baile 2013 June 29th ~ 1st July Dance Workshops, Competitions, Awards and Performance for age group 5~21 years from Novices ~ Advanced MFDB is now in its’ 4th year. It’s aims are to raise the profile and quality of dance, for dancers and teachers to share their knowledge, experiences and skills and to enrich people’s experience of dance through participation and appreciation.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Mazarron, South Murcia the event has captured some great memories for everyone involved.

Criteria for Level Entries has now been adapted and is available for all schools wishing to participate in this years event. Ethics and Management agreement are also in place with assessment criteria available shortly.

MFDB 2013 will take place at the Playa Grande Hotel, Mazarron between 29th June ~ 1st July.

The event is open and accessible to individual dancers, dance schools, volunteers, spectators and sponsors.

For more information on past festivals please visit our web site www.mfdb.net please note that the web site will updated shortly to include information on this year’s event.

PHOTOS: MARK STOCKS

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

www.soltimes.com

gomad

Christian Humanitarian Aid Charity

In the Mazarron and Surrounding area Helping those less fortunate, irrespective of race, creed or status.

Matthew 25 v 35-36 “When I was Hungry …

When I was Thirsty … When I Needed Clothes ….

When I Needed Shelter …. When I ………..”

It has recently been reported, Unemployment in Spain exceeds 6million (26%) –whilst the region of Murcia has 29.59% unemployed & the Youth now reaching 60% - that is a staggering & alarming figure especially the Youth for they are the future of Spain!

GOmaD has numerous clients who have been out of work for as long as 3 years, another staggering figure.

And on a lighter note, another staggering figure as ´Lidls´ recently gave us 7 Legs of Serrano Ham, priced at around 40.00e that were headed for the bin – we Blessed 7 families in return. We never know what delights await us & our clients at Lidls – we can have boxes & boxes of chocolates, a mountain of bananas or cat litter - Not to be eaten even by the hungry!

A story; Ahmed has been a GOmaD client for a couple of years & lives in his stationery car (as unable to insure/tax) in Mazarron. He regularly visits Cartagena Hospital for tests for a head injury & suffers severe headaches, GOmaD assists by driving him or providing the bus fare for which he always produces receipts. GOmaD also pays for his medicine again he produces receipts. Due to Ahmed´s living arrangements he calls in regularly to the GOmaD Shop for food/toiletries & He recently showed his appreciation by presenting Amanda with a present, a ´Tire Clock´ . GOmaD recently Blessed Ahmed with a bicycle that had been donated, so he could get around town.

The inscription on the Clock reads “ The Best Wish for my Good Friend” Ahmed was seen taking & clutching a photo frame in the GOmaD shop, he wanted it for a copy of the photo – we gladly gave it for free.

This is A HOME, located in a rambla in Mazarron. The approach is a rocky path with a slope needing to be negotiated, definitely no girlie heels can be worn! Due to the conditions & circumstances of the occupant, he also regularly visits the GOmaD shop to receive food/toiletries. These stories & more remind us of how truly fortunate we are & how many live around us in conditions we find hard to comprehend!

GOmaD wishes to announce its Second AGM is to be held on Monday 11th March at Cultural Social Centre, Camposol B for 3pm – ALL are welcome.

And Volunteers Meeting - Monday 15th April at 3.30pm Cultural Social Centre. If you are interested in knowing more about GOmaD, please take this opportunity to come & join us.

Fashion Show – Monday 8th April 3pm ´Mariano´s Restaurant´, Camposol A. Call Brenda on 634 348 653 for further information Mazarron Shop 634 321 161 (Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 2pm) Outreach/Enquiries 634 357 137 Email: madmazarron@live.com Face Book: mad mazarron

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

The Royal British Legion (Torrevieja Branch 3456)

Cats on the prowl in Torrevieja Following on from their highly successful production of the World renowned Andrew Lloyd Webber musical CATS, in Calpe, the Footlights Youth Theatre are bringing the show to the Teatro Municipal in Torrevieja on Saturday 9th March at 8pm.

We all had a superb lunch at “Ramons Restaurant” in Urb La Marina on Wednesday 20th February 2013, the Steaks (not horsemeat) were excellent and very large, done to your choice, all washed down with very good wine, a very pleasant way of spending an afternoon with good friends.

If any one would like to join us on our visits to various Restaurant you would be more than welcome, we are not all Ex Service, so come along and see what we do for our Members and their families who need our help, our “Help the Heroes” is in need of all the help they can get when

returning from Afghanistan.

If you would like to join is then please contact, Pauline (Membership Secretary) 966 704 146 (Membership is E20.00 per year) not bad for what we get.

Rick (Public Relations) 966 790 441 Gill (Madam Chair) 966 723 888 We meet on the 2nd Friday of the Month 18.30 for 19.00 start, at the “Casa Ventura” San Luis, this is followed by entertainment, a charge of E3.00 is made to cover costs, this also includes a strip of raffle tickets, so come along along and meet up with some new friends

The show which is being promoted by the Torrevieja Costa Lions club has really grabbed the imagination of the Torrevieja theatre going public and with 11 days to go before the show the Lions were preparing the “Sold out” notices when there were only 4 seats left in the auditorium.

The Lions will be raising funds in the theatre foyer with a prize draw, with tickets priced at 1.00 euro. Tickets will be

on sale before the show starts and for a short while during the interval.

The Lions are indebted to Ayuntamiento Torrevieja for providing the venue, to Footlights Youth Theatre for putting on the production, to the local press for assisting to promote the event, to the TV Choice magazine for hosting the CATS tickets competition and of course to the theatre going public of Torrevieja.

The long wait is nearly over and the Lions are purring in anticipation of CATS.

DOUBLE MURDER AT ADHOC ‘ADHOC’ Theatre Company will be staging a ‘Murder Mystery’ Night at ‘The Club’ in Calle Toledo in Quesada on Friday 8th March. This is a slight deviation from their usual theatre productions, but gives patrons the chance to enjoy a fun filled, inter-active evening.

The action takes place at the ‘Cannes Festival Awards Night’ – a glitzy, glamorous occasion, but with undertones of jealousy and subterfuge. Nova Radio’s Martin Dean will be hosting the evening in his usual zany, charismatic style.

The evening includes a two course meal and tickets are available directly from The Club or by phoning 966717028. Cost just 12.50 euros.

‘ADHOC’ will be repeating the evening, but with a different conclusion on Friday 29th March, also at ‘The Club’, but this time they will be doing it on behalf of the Cats & Dogs Charity.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION TORREVIEJA BRANCH 3456

Our Aim is To Help those who Need Help We Meet 2nd Friday of the Month 6.30pm for 7.00pm @ Casa Ventura Restaurant, San Luis for meeting and social after You would be very welcome to attend and see what we do, Ex Service or none Ex Service can become members Membership Secretary; (Pauline), 966 704 146 TRBL Torrevieja Website Public Relations Committee Member; (Rick) 966 790 441

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Rojales Pantomime group

Rojales Pantomime group presenting a cheque to the Mayor of Rojales for ‘Caritas’ they also donated to La banda Infantil Los Montesinos and 100 euros to the Town Hall for use of their facilities, This was the proceeds from their recent production of the Pantomime Dick Whittington.

Guided tour round the old town centre of La Nucia

La Nucia is really beginning to liven up. First the town hall decided to hold a weekly craft market every Sunday morning from 10am till 2 pm, now the local tourist office is beginning to take visitors on a free conducted tour of the old town centre. In various languages, including English.

The tours start at 11, 12 and 1 on the Sunday morning, starting at the tourist information stand on the craft market. La Nucia old town centre is a very nice place once you get to know it.

The craft market is doing well. This Sunday twelve stalls turned up, with tiny children’s shoes, hand painted cushions, Joan with his 3-dimensional Noah’s ark puzzle and wooden puzzles based on photographs, Eva with baskets that looked like they were made of willow but were actually made from recycled paper. People with table lamps from fairy tales, a ceramist with feet in all sizes from

lamps to ear pendants, Gulia was drawing portraits and Lubos played guitar and sang golden oldies from all over Europe.

Next week the string puppets Maxi and Dixi are coming back and the week after that the crazy fakir Ozi k Pwedo. Every Sunday morning something different - new stalls, new people, different crafts.

On www.amata.es/La%20Nucia%20W01.html you can see photographs of what was on the stalls and there is a list of people coming the following Sunday. Or ring 639 979 678 (English spoken).

13

14

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

RAFA COSTA BLANCA BRANCH AGM

On Tuesdaty 19th February the Costa Blanca Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association held their Annual General Meeting at the El Paraiso Restaurant, in Torrevieja. It was as you were with the Committee who were unanimously re-elected to office. During the meeting two awards were made to members. The first was the Presidents Trophy awarded for those who have been judged to have contributed most to the Branch’s smooth running and efficiency during the preceding year. This went to the Secretary, Pat Distin and the Treasurer, Graham Distin not only because of their exceptional diligence in their relative duties Left to Right. Ex-president, Brian Hewett but because of the hundreds of hours they Noel Cork and Hilda Cork , winners of the spent, and continue to spend on publicising ‘Wings Trophy’ and the Treasurer, Graham Distin our Branch at the many outside events that take place during the year and their willingness to devote many hours collecting for the ‘Wings Appeal’ each year. The second award, the ‘Wings Trophy’ went to Hilda and Noel Cork for their outstanding contribution in obtaining funds for the ‘Wings Appeal. As the Chairman said ‘ A most successful year for a Branch that continues to foster charity and friendship.

If you are interested in what the Branch is all about then Left to Right. Branch President, Bruce Heath with Pat Distin please contact the Secretary and Graham Distin with the Presidents Trophy ,Pat Distin, on 966 786 635

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

It’s fundraising week for Elche Children’s Home!

On Thursday there is An Elegant Afternoon Tea at Quesada Country Club and we will be raffling another superb hamper to raise some money for the children who live at the home in Elche and then on Sunday 3rd March there is the now famous Charity Challenge Walk at Casa la Pedrera Afternoon Tea at Quesada Country Club Your Special Invitation to Afternoon Tea €7.50 per person On Thursday 28th February 2013 1.00p. m. until 4.30 Call 966 719 60 LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!! At the Lake Charity Challenge March 3rd….!!

Walkers and non walkers - there is something for everyone!

A fantastic line up of Live Entertainment will be a feature for the Lake Charity Challenge, Now in its 5th year…. so we are celebrating!!

Talented Musicians and entertainment

by Sunshine FM, Jackie Whytte, Nick Gold, Tom and Cara, Stephanie - X Factor Contestant and Dan Davy will be at Casa la Pedrera to soothe away the aches and pains… so you can kick back, enjoy a burger and a beer or 3 and enjoy the spectacular views overlooking the lake, and know that each step has made and will make a difference to someone’s life!!

If you cannot walk or cycle, don’t worry,

you can still be involved and come and enjoy the entertainment and BBQ or even perhaps a cream tea!

We are also looking for donations for the hampers: please bring some wine, chocolates or anything that can be included into a hamper that will be then raffled off and the proceeds divided between both charities. Hamper donations can be brought along on the day or left beforehand at The Tea Garden in Casa La Pedrera, Quesada Country Club, Lidon & Ass Real Estate Lo Marabu, The Emerald Isle La Florida, Spud Murphy’s Playa Flamenca and Help at Home Charity Shop in Playa Flamenca.

The children from the home will also be there and they will be walking, and you can sponsor them too!! You can pick up sponsor forms locally or by sending an email to granddesignhouse@gmail. com or you can just come along and complete your sponsorship form on the day, alternatively although we would love you to get sponsors, you can just pay €5 registration on the day. Please wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a small high energy snack and your health card with you.

So hope to see you all here, at the moment the weather forecast is good, lets hope it stays that way!

A.M.T.E

would like to invite you to take part in a

Sponsored Walk

on March 2nd starting from Mirador de Gebas at around 11am Approximately 10km Registration costs 5€ and participants who complete the walk will receive lunch and refreshments.

The money we raise will help fund our riding therapies for disadvantaged children and adults as well as those vulnerable because of their physical, psychological or emotional problems.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact us Today and we will send you your sponsorship form

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

15

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Absolute Pandemonium Little Lemony Squidgett, who I hadn’t seen for some time, turned up in our garden last week. His condition had gone from poor to dreadful – as he crept inside the outside Palace that belongs to The Dog that Is Not Ours I thought he had come into our garden to die.

Action had to be taken, immediately - his condition was beyond a bowl of water and a few biscuits.

I hurried all of a fluster over to Arboleas, to the ladies at Helping Animals of Almanzora, who stepped in with the number for Carla at Perros sin Casa, and within minutes Carla was in her car following me back over the mountain road to Limaria.

I drew up in a dither outside our gate, praying that Lemony would still be in the garden, and thus catchable. As Carla and I entered the garden our neighbour Malcolm came down the path. Unaware that Carla and I at that moment represented the Spanish Canine SAS on a stealth mission, Malcolm began; ‘I brought the papers round, saw the car was gone but the key was in your door, so I went inside to investigate. I didn’t realise your alarm was on. What a din!’

At that moment Andy, our other neighbour, hopped over our garden wall.

‘And I had to

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint

sprint up from the bottom of the estate, find your spare key and turn the darn thing off!’

I gave neither the thanks they deserved for their neighbourly acts. I slammed the gate rudely in Malcolm’s face.

‘We’ve got to catch Lemony.’ I replied, sprinting up the garden towards the Palace.

I reached the Palace; it was Lemony-less. ‘Is that him?’ queried Carla, pointing to his receding form.

Lemony has not survived as a stray for so long without gaining some savvy, and he was desperately making good his escape.

He circled round the far side of the house and slunk towards the gate under the cover of the oleander hedge.

The gate is dog-proofed with plastic netting, but as Lemony thought that he was fleeing for his life, he began to desperately squeeze his skeletal body between the fencing and the gate.

Enter Andy, with his rugby experience. He grabbed the rapidly disappearing wraith by its rear end, and pulled.

Lemony was captured, terrified and exhausted.

For now he’s safe and will hopefully find a proper home, someone to love him and someone he can love back - probably in Holland.

P.S. I have just heard from Carla. Lemony, who the vet estimated to be around 9 years old, was so full of tumours that the decision was taken to put him to sleep rather than to put him through major and probably futile surgery.

At least he knew care and love at the end.

Just Dropped in For a Packet of Fags

I always experience a slight tinge of envy when I see men of mature years growling by me on the N332 astride their Harley Davidson’s or similar beasts.

It’s the ultimate in expensive toys for many of us blokes, and a fantasy that is only achievable when the mortgage has been paid, the kids have sloped off to do their own thing and money worries have largely become a thing of the past.

I remember going to see that iconic 60’s movie, Easy Rider and falling in love with Peter Fonda’s Harley ‘Captain America’ Davidson as he and Dennis Hopper – playing Wyatt and Billy – travelled their drug induced way from Los Angeles to New Orleans.It’s a

weird film, and now forty odd years later, looks even weirder and with its counterculture, hippy theme, it was definitely a movie for its own time.

But one thing that remains the same even after all this time, is the thrill of the sight of those great machines - oh and of course the exhilarating music provided by Roger McGuinn, The Band, Jimi Hendrix and Steppenwolf; the title track Born to Be Wild becoming as iconic as the movie itself.

My earliest taste of motorised two wheeled travel, was my Vespa SS 200 scooter which, whilst attracting sneers and derision from hardened bikers, was a true aristocrat in the world of Mod machines.

Much later on, when I arrived in Bermuda, my new boss had provided me with a brand new Honda 50 to get around on during those early days and my initiation into island life. I felt conspicuous and a little embarrassed at first riding around on what was in fact a moped to you and me, although

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

they were never called that in Bermuda.

The truth of the matter is that with a speed limit of 20mph throughout the islands and only 15 in town, there really was no need for anything more powerful.

But I was soon whizzing around unselfconsciously and feeling quite the speed king as I reached heady and illicit speeds of 25 plus.

The parting of the ways came literally one glorious Sunday afternoon in May. I was meandering along the beautiful south shore with my

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girlfriend Penny snuggled behind me on what passed for a pillion seat, when I suddenly realised that although I was still travelling in a westerly direction, my Honda and Penny were not – she had inadvertently stuck one of her wedge soled shoes in the wheel. I came crashing to the ground and rolled along the road, demolishing a heap of dog dodo as I went and finished up a tangled mass on the grass verge. I looked back to see Penny crouched in the road alongside my bike whose back wheel now resembled one of the more obscure letters of the Greek alphabet in shape and with the handlebars facing the wrong way.

As I hobbled closer I could see the tears streaming down Penny’s face as she held up a mangled item of footwear. She must be hurt I thought, but what I got was, “Look what your bike has done to my shoe”. Then wrinkling her nose in distaste she said, “Ooh, you smell!”

This seemed like a good time to invest in another machine more in keeping with my Jack-the-Lad image and so I purchased a new Suzuki 100cc trail bike and whilst I realise that once again this will attract cat calls and ribbing from serious bike enthusiasts elsewhere, it’s all relative and in Bermuda it was about as sporty as you could get.

And that’s been about it as far

ALQUERIA - The Creature from the Greeny-Black Lagoon John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

16

The Río Verde flows or rather struggles past the eastern barrio of Alqueria. The point at which it flows into the Mediterranean had for years been treated as an illegal effluent outlet. The Junta de Andalucía had spent tens of thousands in numerous unsuccessful clean-up attempts before discovering their mistake.

The River is a strange mix of water from the high sierra, the outflow from the bad drainage of Alqueria itself and the last resting place of defunct plant and animal life from the adjacent valley. From its depths many strange creatures have evolved. These range from the Alquerian Trout, inedible and hideous to the strange Fifteen Toed Newt which produces a hallucinogenic toxin and emits a strangled barking sound when cornered. The River’s ability to mutate life is staggering. It was the first place that Enrique Stenchio, the minister responsible for flora and fauna of Alqueria, looked the day the strange footprints appeared.

With seven toes, all webbed, the footprints led from the river and into the village. Sightings from villagers included one from Rodriquez.

Rodriquez reported seeing a figure with bulging bloodshot eyes, green scaly skin and large pointed ears through his kitchen window.

This sighting was immediately dismissed as being Rodriquez’s own reflection in the glass.

Suspicion was then thrown onto Loco Paco who had a history of keeping rather strange pets, of the animal variety that is. Enrique found him on his patio happily throwing a stick for his pet Saharan Dung Beetle which he had reared from a pup. A check of his cages and enclosures saw them all occupied or their occupants accounted for.

When pressed other inhabitants came forward with sightings. The sight of hideous individuals wandering the streets of Alqueria was not that unusual. On this occasion many thought the apparition was simply a visiting politician of which there had been many since the village’s declaration of independence.

A bait was laid, rotting fish, raw steak, a saucer of Remitroot Beer and a well thumbed copy of NiceBits the magazine for men. All things to all creatures. The next morning the fish was still rotting and the steak browning in the early sun however the beer and magazine were nowhere to be seen. A tracking device cunningly hidden between the pages of the glossy publication led the brave Enrique to a dwelling in the Calle Horno.

There in a dimly lit living-room turning the pages of NiceBits and sipping Remitroot Beer from a saucer was Blythe Gruntmore, the village’s resident Englishman. Rubber seven toed boots lay at his feet.

Gruntmore’s explanation lay in the celebration of Hanging Monkey Day. A tradition from the north east of England where participants wander abroad in comic monkey costumes. The rubber seven toed boots bought from a fancy dress outfitter in Almería were the closest Gruntmore could manage.

Enrique didn’t doubt his story just his sanity. as my two wheeled experiences are concerned, largely I suspect because of an incident from my younger days in England that has had me keeping these over powered machines at arm’s length mentally.

Martin, a friend, had bought himself an old beat-up 250cc Royal Enfield – the maximum allowed as a learner, but still quite mild by normal standards. Trouble was he had never got his leg over any number of cc’s up to that point, having always got around on a push bike. Unfortunately he had failed to familiarise himself with the bike and its workings and

ignoring our dire warnings, roared off and unable to negotiate the tee junction at the bottom of the hill where he lived, crashed through the door of the off licence and embedded the front wheel of his bike in the counter.

The owner had come rushing through from the back of the shop to see what the hell was happening, only to find Martin still perched on the bike, surrounded by splintered wood, smoke and debris There was a moments silence before Martin uttered the immortal words, “Twenty Woodbines and a box of matches please”.

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Top DJ seeks SOUL POWER

Di de Di Campers, South American Night at Craplin’s “Di de Di Campers, tonight in the splendid Hawaiian Ballroom it is South American Night and our fabulous Craplin Debonnaires are waiting to entertain you.

Please come early to find your seats and so you don’t miss our wonderful show”.

Top DJ Peter Hurst of Torrevieja Radio is always on the lookout for good new bands, although his real love of music is Classic Rock he recently went to see Soul and Tamla Motown band Soul Power at one of their open rehearsals, the band had already organised the rehearsal to be filmed and in a different location The Washington Bar, La Siesta.

The crowd were treated to songs by Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Edwin Star, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The O`Jays and The Real Thing to mention just a few.

Peter said afterwards ´It was good to hear totally live music without backing, bars are missing the great sounds that a 5 piece can make and if we are not careful we will loose them if they are not being used, this band brings back the Tamla and soul sounds in a big way`.

Soul Power have quite a unique sound as there seems to be a shortage of soul bands on the Costa Blanca, this is what Maria Wilson from the Pink Ladies Cancer Charity saw and immediately asked Soul Power to cover part of their musical activities at an outdoor event at Zenia Boulavard shopping center recently which Soul Power along with many other acts help raise hundreds of euros for a very needy charity.

The 5 piece band line-up consists of JJ

Soulman on lead vocals and guitar, Elvar Masson on keyboards, Kenny Dee on backing vocals and sax (but not at the same time), Duncan Phillips on bass guitar and Ray Prentice on drums and backing vocals.

Dates for your diary Friday 8th March at Mr Smiths, Quesada.

Show an buffet 5 euros call 965 999 923 Every Monday from Monday 18th March at The Celtic Drop, Flamenca Beach Commercial Center.

Saturday 30th March at Cheers Bar, Eagles Nest. Meal and Show call 966 723 812 to book a table.

Saturday 13th April at Breakaways Bar, El Galan Saturday 15th June at The Camposol Fiesta (more detail nearer the time) For more information or to book Soul Power call 680 572 427 or visit Facebook page SOUL POWER.

Elche children’s charity shop The Elche Children’s Charity Shop - on the Lemon Tree Road - has now raised over 3000 euros!

This little shop is situated in CarsRUs on the Lemon Tree Road and it was just an after thought, an idea that Lorraine came up with last may, so she decided to move her kitchen diner outside of the little hut and transform it into a shop.

The items that are donated to Elche children’s shop are sorted out into 3 piles, some items are sold, some go to Elche orphanage and baby stuff goes to Altea orphanage. She runs the garage with her husband ,manages to run the shop and have the occasional charity event at La Campana which she is very grateful to all the staff there, the last valentines dinner raised 200e alone.

Over the months the shop has got busier and busier and just recently she has been working with Russ from The Rag N Bone man who she says has been a great help and gives her a lot of money for the home. Russell even invited Lorraine to join him on El Moncayo market on a Saturday to sell books and toys

in aid of Elche children.

Lorraine has now got a good team together and as well as Russell helping out she has gone in with Cathy Reynolds and Therese Gantley in Benijofar selling furniture items etc. They can be found round the corner from the Citroen garage in TC’s Curiosity corner, So if u cant get to the charity shop in Guardamar, Lorraine will be putting brica-brac items in here and maybe having the occasional auction.

All these locations will also be a food drop off point where you can donate an item or items of food to Elche children’s home or donate anything from bric-a-brac to furniture.

Elche children’s charity shop, Russ The Rag N Bone Man and TC’s Curiosity corner – all can all be found on Facebook or you can call Lorraine on 691 305 749, Russ The Rag’N’Bone Man on 603 903 984 or the furniture ladies on 622 899 906 657 789 168

17

The Bluecoats and entertainers at Craplin’s Holiday Camp are waiting to entertain the next intake of campers waiting to enjoy the Pensioner Specials. Peggy is busy cleaning your chalets, Ted and Spike are polishing up their comedy routines, Fred and his horses are well rested after the winter and are in a fit state to accommodate elderly, incompetent riders, Partridge has some new puppet shows bound to entertain the mature holiday maker, our resident ballroom dancers Barry and Yvonne are keen to teach new dance routines and the Bluecoats have been busy thinking up new daytime fun activities. Our elderly campers seem to be having a great time too, especially because now all the activities have been especially designed for them.

Campoverde Theatre Group are fast approaching show dates for their latest production, Di de Di and the cast are very busy in the last few weeks of rehearsals.

Come and enjoy a fun filled night of staff and camper antics and enjoy the cabaret shows by the splendid Craplin Debonaires.

Tickets are selling fast, so hurry and reserve yours so you will not be disappointed. To be performed at the Casa de Cultura San Miguel on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March.

Tickets can be purchased at Bargain Books, San Miguel, The Panderia Campoverde Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Portobello Sunday 1pm - 3pm or phone Colin on 96 677 4127.

18

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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Don’t let aches and pains put you off your stride this winter

Step it up...

We’re all much stiffer on cold, damp days when it takes us longer to get moving – indeed, one in three of us suffers joint pain. Mostly, it’s caused by osteoarthritis (‘wear and tear arthritis’), when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down. Inactivity makes it worse, so the longer you spend vegging out on the sofa, the more you’ll hurt. So wrap up warm, put on thick-soled shoes to act as shock absorbers and step outside. You’ll lose weight, which will take pressure off your joints, strengthen supporting muscles, and lubricate the joints, so they’re more comfortable. If the weather’s bad, bring your workout indoors. Tai chi and yoga are ideal as they both increase mobility.

Spice up your cooking..

The hotter, spicier food we crave in winter has health payoff’s. Ginger, turmeric and black pepper are all naturally antiinflammatory, which means they relieve pain, and they also warm up the blood so you don’t feel so stiff; or, if you don’t like your food too hot, try rosemary – not just on your lamb, but on potatoes and in sauces. It works in the same way as the spices, and also soothes sore joints and muscles when you use it in a massage balm. Try Weleda Arnica Massage Balm, £10.50 for 100ml from health stores, which contains rosemary oil as well as anti-inflammatory lavender.

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Being stressed makes every little ache and pain feel worse – so schedule in some chill-out time. A relaxing bath and soothing music can help, but for the best benefits, look for a course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – a combination of yoga, meditation and mind-body exercises. In one trial, a six-month course cut participants’ joint pain by more than a third.

Take a supplement...

If all else fails, the right supplements can make a huge difference to joint pain. Try Cherry Active (£14.49 for 473ml), with pure Montmorency cherry juice, and rosehip-rich LitoZin (£20.42 for 120 capsules). Or try Regenovex, which comes in patches (£13.99 for 10), a gel (£9.99 for 40ml) and capsules (£18.99 for 30), and contains jointhealthy marine oil and hyaluronic acid.

You can find them at healthfood stores.

Many of the foods that we’re told are bad for us also affect joints. Saturated fats (in cheese, fried foods, takeaways, chocolate and crisps) and sugar cause inflammation in the body, as can the alkaloids in members of the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines). Oranges can also be a problem so try to avoid those too; it’s also worth considering whether you could have a food intolerance as this can also lead to joint pain and inflammation. Try YorkTest First Step Test (£9.99 from www.yorktest.com), an initial finger-prick blood scan that will flag up food sensitivity, before paying out for a more comprehensive, expensive test.

igital Hearing HEARING LOSS Hearing loss is often a gradual

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process that sneaks up on you over many years. It is very common, but all too often it isn’t properly recognised or treated.

When you can’t easily hear the people around you and when it is hard to take part in conversations, then it is going to be harder to live life to the full.

Hearing loss is not a mystery. ‘It is easily identified and in most cases can easily be treated. Often the biggest

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Country Club / Barber is 200mtrs on right - Look for Childrens Play Area.

barrier seems to be taking the first step and acknowledging that you might have a hearing problem and having your hearing checked out.

It is a frustrating statistic that on average people wait seven years after the onset of hearing loss before taking the first step and having a hearing test. Seven years of unnecessary grief for everyone!

Hearing loss can have very negative effects on a person’s quality of life: confusion, embarrassment, frustation - often leading to social isolation, low esteem and even depression.

The person who has the hearing problem has the choice of putting up with it or doing something about it. Those close to them have no choice; they are stuck with the problem. Do something about it now. There is a better life and a richer world waiting for you.

LIFE AFTER STROKE

Torrevieja Stroke Support registered charity firmly believes in this, and as they continue to expand, more volunteers are needed particularly someone (or two) with some knowledge or willingness to acquire some knowledge of stroke, and preferably with some organizing experience or committee skills. The group already have a good dedicated volunteer team, but would like to add extra capacity. Your help is needed to be a part of this interesting team.

For more information please contact Louie on 96 671 8964 or Margaret on 96 507 7331.

Email: strokesupportgroup@hotmail.com www.torreviejastrokesupport.com

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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20

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

dancing on ice Week 8

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ For Class Info & Venues 635 584 431

This week the skaters were all vying for a place in the semi final and with props week looming anything could happen.

Jayne & Chris tried to give all the celebrities props which were valid to their everyday jobs and with the judges looking for seamless use of these props within the routine to give a cohesive performance of celebrity, professional and prop, it was always going to be a difficult call. Dropping the prop would probably mean a bottom place with the judges so it was crucial that everything worked and for the first time ever it did - no props were dropped!

Opening the show was gymnast Beth with Daniel and their prop a hoola hoop. Beth was given a little help to control the prop by a couple of team GB rhythmic gymnasts and it definitely paid off. Her performance was totally seamless albeit a little tentative for fear of losing control but it was a clean performance. I awarded her 8.0 and the judges 30.0.

Next were boxer Luke with Jenna and a skipping rope. As Luke uses this constantly in training he was very comfortable this week and as you can imagine how a rope could get tangled! He was in control throughout his performance and received the same score as Beth from the judges of 30.0 although I didn’t agree and gave him 7.0.

Third to skate were Matt & Brianne with not one but 3 hats!

Talk about asking for trouble!

Matt skated to 3 separate pieces of music, each with a different style of hat and produced choreography which perfectly fit the music. His presentation was excellent and the hat tricks seamless throughout. I awarded him 9.0 and the judges gave him the top series score of 36.0 and a performance extremely difficult to better.

Fourth to skate were Samia & Sylvain with a chair on wheels from her performance in corrie as a hairdresser. Her performance this week was much better, showed more confidence although for me there was not enough use of the prop. It was used at the beginning

of the routine and again at the end whereas the other skaters used theirs throughout. I gave her 6.5 for this reason but she received her best score to date from the judges of 28.0.

Closing the show were Gareth and Robyn with a rugby ball which Gareth as a rugby player was extremely comfortable with.

Gareth turned in his best performance to date, all the ball tosses were done with effortless ease, his skating was strong and I really enjoyed his performance tonight. I gave him 9.0 and he received 34.5 from the judges.

So the judges bottom 2 were Samia and then a tie for 4th of Beth & Luke although for me it was just Luke. The public bottom 2 turned out to be Samia and Luke but with a unanimous decision Luke survived to skate into the semi final next week.

That said Samia was very brave to perform in the skate off as she had pulled her groin during the show but like a trooper still carried on to the end. So who will be the victors next week to gain a coveted position into the grand final? I can’t wait as things really hot up!! In the meantime - keep dancing!!

www.soltimes.com

REVIEW it...

THE TEAM by Bernie COMASKEY

People exuding pride, a determination to succeed and succeed they certainly did!

The Team is about solidarity and in this microcosm of fictional Ballymona for the locals and “exiles” who are magnetically drawn to their homeland like an umbilical cord attached to a newborn babe for heart-warming celebrations and reunions. Of course it’s not just about solidarity, the characters also display a “sense of camaraderie and joviality” of people who exude pride and there’s plenty of that in abundant quantities evident in Comaskey’s recent debut novel.

The narrative is lyrical and the author has adopted an autobiographical style reminiscent of Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, just like a soap, here everyone knows everyone else’s business and I mean everyone! No secrets barred.

Johnny Murtagh, publican, needs to be “affable” and he is central to the plot in creating unity and harmony with a backdrop of volatility with the almost domineering exploits of the IRA and Sinn Fein. He is seen as a “pillar of wisdom and common sense, a diplomat and a politician.”

Someone who means business, extremely realistic and not stereotypical of a dim-witted Irishman, at the butt end of a stale jibe thankfully! Cathal Moran, reverently referred to as the Master represents the other important character to lead discussions and is pivotal in persuading the County Council to allow Ballymona to return to the glory days of hurling.

There is a balance of optimism, the “hurling fever” at re-establishing a hurling team within the community and uniting generations which is the main focus of The Team against a “pallor of gloom” which hung over Ballymona, an accurate historical account of hunger strikes, Bobby Sands’ death, Cellco’s closure and job losses amidst explosive politics in the 80s. Unsettling times.

Hurling has been played for over 3,000 years. It is thought to be the world’s fastest field team game and shares a number of features with Gaelic football. It is Ireland’s second most popular sport and in Ireland it is considered a “fixture of life.”

Re-establishing a team becomes the pivotal element:”the enthusiasm for forming their own team became contagious and was whipped up almost to hysterical pitch.” There were plenty of set-backs, obstacles, opposition from local villages, red-tape issues with the local and county council. That kind of thing.

Whilst the battling continues and tempers are frayed with frustration, thwarted by obstacles, the characters get on with their lives and provide an entertaining pitch for enlightening the reader with extremely diverse storylines sometimes sad, sometimes dangerous but always credible. Enda Murtagh at the age of 8 almost lost his leg when Jim’s tractor was idling. He was “spun around like a rag doll “ and was lucky to escape with just a badly mangled leg, two inches shorter than the other.

Dr Harte, vindictive over Star’s sexual exploits with his niece got into it a bit too deep, when engaged in some amateur surveillance of Star’s trailer and informing his detective friends of irregular activity, when a revolver was pushed into the side of his neck with a menacing growl of “Where the fuck do you think you are going?” The gunman’s face was “streaked with something black like charcoal and he was dressed all in tight-fitting black clothes.” Moments of sheer terror.

Christy Larkin was one of the exiles who never lost his love for his home place having moved to England 25 years ago. He was involved in a hijack but instead of hysteria he was surprisingly calm at the prospect of death and after 12 hours the French Special Unit stormed the plane and removed the hijacker without any casualties.

The Star aka The Stud had challenging political views, a charismatic character but very complex.

He treated his women like animals “circling his prey.” He enjoyed the chase more than the kill.

He bedded most of the young girls in Ballymona, including one of Johnny’s daughters. Action had to be taken and so it was. The most talked about individual was arrested and Ballymona once more, became a safe haven for sport and life.

And all the characters are Ballymona to the bone, determined to succeed and succeed they certainly did thanks to the team. I enjoyed it, you will too.

Publisher: Deel Publications. ISBN: 978 0-9553686-2-2 Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Día de Andalucia, a r are but significant civil r ather than religious day, is celebr ated throughout the Andalucian region. The day honours Blas Infante, the founding father of the ‘Estatuto de Autonomia de Andalucia’, which roughly tr anslates as the ‘statute of the autonomous region of Andalucia’.

f e l i z dí a de andalucia

Born in Casares, Malaga in 1885, Blas Infante attended school in Malaga and Cordoba, and went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Granada where he also studied philosophy. In 1909, he returned to Casares where he worked as an assistant to his father who was employed as Secretary to the Municipal Courts. It was in 1913, during the celebration of an International Congress in Ronda, that Blas Infante presented his famous speech that started with the words “The moment has come for the privileged to die…”

Proclaiming Andalucia as the most fertile land in Spain, he continued to write articles promoting his cause for the magazine ‘Betica, and presented a speech at the Ateneo in Seville on ‘The Andalucian Ideal’, subsequently writing a book of the same name.

In 1916, the first Centro Andaluz was established in

Seville, which is today located on O’Donnell street, where the Blas Infante foundation can also be found.

In 1918, the Assembly of Andalucian Provinces was held in Ronda, this was Andalucia’s first ever assembly. The official Green - White - Green equal horizontal bands of the Andalucian flag was unveiled.

Variations of it were frequently used and documented from Al Andaluz and the Moorish times. Green being the colour of the Omeya dynasty representing the consensus of the people. The white was frequenty used in Eurpean Heraldry represents peace or parliament. The emblem of Hércules was inspired by Cadiz, Andalucia’s oldest city and is called “Las Insignias de Andalucía”. The hymn of Andalucia was also published.

In 1918-19, Blas Infante was elected Diputado (Council Representative) for the district of Gaucin-Casares-Estepona. In 1919 he also married Angustias Garcia Pradas and eventually fathered three daughters and a son. The newlyweds moved to Seville, where Infante founded the Abante Library. In 1931 he created the Liberal Junta of Andalucia in Seville.

It was in 1936, after the February elections, that the Andalucian campaign intensified in favour of the Autonomy Statute. Blas Infante

21

So, what do people do on Día de Andalucía?

The answer is bound to be found in the heart of your nearest town or city where municipal bands are generally called out to play the regional hymn (el Himno de Andalucia) and speeches are made on behalf of regional traditions and politics.

The day is regarded as a fiesta holiday often falling during the February half term known as Semana Blanca (White Week).

Schools however do not let this important day pass without mention and celebrate the week before.

At this time Andalucia’s green and white flag can be seen all around the region, with municipal bands parading, playing ‘el Himno de Andalucia’ (the Andalucia Hymn) with towns and villages providing samples of typical local cuisine....so there you have it - another reason to celebrate! was proclaimed President of the new Assembly and the following week in Cadiz, the Diputacion was celebrated with a meeting where all villages of the province were represented. The Andalucian flag was subsequently raised at the Town Hall of Cadiz, Seville.

Unsurprisingly, Blas Infante’s ideals and achievements fell foul of the fascists under General Franco, and he was imprisoned during the Civil War. On the 2nd August 1936 he was arrested in his house in Cora del Rio by various members of the Filange in the early morning of the 11 August, along with two others, he was taken to the side of the Seville - Carmona road where he was shot dead. As he fell to the ground, he shouted out his famous last words: “Long live free Andalucia!” A monument at ‘KM4’ of the marks the location and a commemorative service takes place here every year on Andalucian Day.

22

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

CUTTING

Costs

The idea behind budgeting is simply to give you a better idea of where your money goes, so you can plan ahead. Write down everything you spend over a month, from bills to coffees.

With the figures in front of you, you can make informed choices about where to cut back. Always check your bank statements to keep track of what money is going out. Where you can, pay monthly - it's easier to budget and spreads the cost.

Frugal Tips Around The Home • Instead of using expensive cream cleaners use a teaspoon of

bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth - it works just as well.

• Vinegar is great for cleaning surfaces such as glass that you want to be smear free - if you have an old spray bottle fill it with half vinegar and half water for a great window and mirror cleaner.

• Switch off all your appliances at the wall before going to bed at night. Many electrical items continue to use electricity even while their off if connected to an outlet.

• Using your oven or microwave as a clock uses up a huge amount of energy and if you think about it, isn't really necessary. A battery powered wall clock uses much less power.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES • Switch off the oven, hotplates and iron a few minutes before you need to stop using them - they will stay hot for a long time. Heating devices use more power that anything else.

• If you are by the kettle when it reaches the boil switch it off by hand - the automatic cut off will leave it boiling and burning up watts for longer. Also, only boil the quantity of water you need as this will take less time and energy.

• When using your oven, try to fill it! If you really need it on for only one thing pile the bottom up with baking sheets, cake tins etc - this will make it into a much smaller space to heat meaning that it will heat up quicker.

• Instead of shoe polish, use the inside of a banana skin to scrub up your shoes.

Tips For Savings On Your Car • An estimated 50% of car tyres on the road are underinflated so keep your tyres pumped up as soft tyres waste fuel and wear out quicker.

• Roof racks and carriers should be removed when they are not being used to reduce drag and weight which will lessen the fuel consumption.

• Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuelefficient way of driving. Travelling at 37mph in third gear uses 25% more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear.

• The use of air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 10% so open up the windows and let the fresh air in.

• Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. This way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change gear and be on your way.

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

PURCHASING A HOME IN SPAIN

Buyers of property in Spain naturally find the formalities and procedures involved, strange and confusing and this is often compounded by problems of language and difficulty in obtaining local professional advice that they can understand.

The wise thing to do is to take on the services of a qualified professional; of which there are many in all the tourist-orientated resorts who speak good English or who at least have English-speaking secretaries. The Law Society in each province controls the work of Spanish solicitors in Spain.

Here is a very general outline of the work that goes on behind the scene, so that you have a rough idea of what to expect.

1- Request of the copy of the seller’s escritura. A study of the first notarial copy of the sellers Escritura de Compraventa will indicate whether all the tax and registration procedures have been completed on the previous transfer. The registration details entered on the Escritura will enable the lawyer to do a complete search in the Register, and therefore make sure that the seller has a proper title and ensure there are no hidden charges or encumbrances affecting the property.

2. Make sure there are no outstanding bills.

3. It is normal for a deposit to be handed over to reserve the property until the signing of the Escritura de Propiedad can take place. When the deposit is handed over your lawyer will draw up a solid contract to secure both parties until the day of the signing. .

4.If you are a non-resident the Spanish Ministry of interior requires you to obtain a certificate of non residency (which in turn determines your fiscal number) so that you can sign the escritura. It will also be required later on by the Tax Authorities. This is known as the NIE number.

5.If you buy from a non-resident you must hold back 3%

of the price stipulated on the escritura which your lawyer or in this case yourself will pay to the Tax Authority on behalf of the sellers capital gains tax.

(The lawyer will not be able to register your property until he has obtained the receipt from the tax office for this money,). If he is accustomed to dealing with foreigners, he will point this out, if he does not, watch out.

6. When deciding where, when and how you are going to pay for your house in Spain it is very important that you seek advice on your particular case, because the Spanish Law concerning foreign investment does not permit the payment to be made in any old way. If your lawyer is used to foreign conveyance, he will automatically point out the correct way of handling this.

7. Your lawyer will draw up a rough draft for the notary to prepare the title deed. (By contrast to England, in Spain each time a transaction takes place a new title deed is drawn up).

8,when the escritura is signed there are taxes and fees to be paid, which your lawyer will do for you, on receiving appropriate funding.

9 Order the property register to inscribe your title deed.

10.Aprox. One month from the signing of the escritura you will receive your escritura with the registers stamp on it, and receipts for all the payments made on your behalf. (I recommend you staple them to your title deed forever, because when you go to sell they can be used as deductions against capital gains.)

Congratulations, you now have your final title deed.

I want to take the opportunity to say that even though all this sounds complicated, the Spanish legal system in what concerns the buying of property when used properly, gives both the seller and the buyer total safety.

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

www.soltimes.com

Turf Arrives at EHCRC for Faiths Garden

We have had an amazing day today. The lovely children from IES CARRUS School in Elche came to visit us today and had the unique opportunity to see Kay our equine dentist and our farrier Enrique in operation today.

To make the day more memorable – The long awaited turf arrived for Faiths new garden. Faith is our beautiful little pony that had to have a leg amputated. She is currently very happily residing with the world renowned equine foot and leg vet specialist Gasper Castelijns, in Barcelona, while she awaits her return to the EHCRC. Faith is doing fantastic and is getting used to moving on her newest leg that arrived from America last week.

As with all prosthetic limbs, over the months and years the limb change shape as it settles, so we continually change the leg to fit her and continually monitor how she uses the leg and make adjustments to suit.

On Faith return to the centre, she requires soft stable ground so we wish to thank all our volunteers and supporters for helping us raise the money for Faiths beautiful garden. We hope you will all be proud of the beautiful garden you have helped us create for her.

To make the week extra special we are delight to see that both Rocky and Cruz our rescue horses found on Rojales hill before Christmas are loving their first few days of freedom out with their friends in the fields.

Show your love and support for our Equines. Help EHCRC Foundation by: • Visit Rocky and Cruz and our other Beauties on Sundays 1pm-4pm • Join our quiz night on Thursday 28th at the Daya Vieja Centre 8pm • Come to our Easter Sunday Eggstravaganza March 31st 1pm – 4pm • Donate or Buy Items from our Charity Shops • Become an EHCRC Member and Give Them a Voice • Become a Volunteer • Share our site with your friends www.easyhorsecare.net

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY2013

Neighbourhood Watch in Spain

23

(Vecinos Cooperando y colabando de espana) has been involved in the plan of action should an earthquake occur in the Torrevieja area. The Neighbourhood Watch people involved with the extra skills required to help in situations likely present in a time of crisis will be an additional help to the police etc. Should you wish to become involved in not only helping in this type of situation but in helping create a safer and more secure environment, you can contact the Neighbourhood Watch by visiting our website at www.nhwinspain.com.

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

one for the boys

PHOTO: WWW.brandeis.nl

24

Re-Platemate has been established for a number of years in the Vega Baja Repla te area of Alicante District and our sole purpose is to enable the registration M of foreign plated cars brought into Spain. Our aim is to provide a simple, ate stress-free and timely service, so that your vehicle is fully Spain-legal.

We want you to be so satisfied with the service, that you would be happy to refer Rapid us to a friend or relative. As with any business, there is always somebody cheaper.

Since 2008 Rapid Our aim is to provide a high quality, value-for-money service at competitive rates.

Repairs Repairs has operated Whilst the majority of our clients are British, we have also successfully re-plated a specialist company vehicles from many other EU countries including Ireland, Germany and France providing veicle body and paintwork repairs as the process is essentially the same irrespective of the country in which the car (minor scratches accident damage SUNBURN) is presently registered. Our service is designed to successfully take your vehicle - ALL WORK GUARANTEED - We are an through all of the phases necessary to make you a fully legal vehicle owner in Spain. a APPROVED INSURANCE REPAIRER for This specifically includes a matriculation engineer’s inspection and report (to satisfy the Spanish authorities that your vehicle is what it says it is on your present log book), Spanish and English companies ITV (MOT) inspection, presentation and exchange of your documents with various Now we have opened a new spray bay Spanish government departments in Alicante or Murcia, depending upon where you for painting HOUSE/OFFICE FURNITURE live. Also included in our flat- fee charge are the new number plates for your vehicle. (kitchen doors /drawers Bedroom furniture EU legislation states that vehicles must be registered, taxed and inspected (MOT) Interior / Exterior Doors) ANY COLOUR OF in the same country as which the owner normally lives. If your vehicle is in Spain for YOUR CHOICE TO A HIGH QUALITY FINISH. more than 6 months, then you need to re-register the car in Spain and drive on Spanish licence plates. Contact: Tel: Alan 662 249 159 www.replatematecostablanca.com

SEE THE LIGHT!

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The Magic Lamp Liquid was developed in the Costa Blanca after a gap in the market was noticed. Thousands of headlights in the Costa Blanca are glazed over, yellowed and dull due to the sunlight, pollution, grit and washing detergents. A solution to this problem needed to be found to save people money from buying new headlights when their original ones could be cleaned up, sparkling, as new. This process took 2 years to develop and now is available as a service to the public. Telephone 965 419 769 or 646 730 507 for more details.

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The Green BAIZ Baize Snooker and Pool Hall, in Quesada is the ideal venue for a relaxing gam snooker , pool or darts, with full s snooker tables, pool tables and ma play dart boards. Why not enjo bite to eat from the varied me while watching all the big sport events on the big screens. A gr venue with a great atmosphere.

9th March there is a Pool Competi with a prize of 500€ - Telephone 716 315 - find us right next to Ques Fish & Chips!

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Operating in Spain for more than 9 years, San uis Computers offer a full range of sales and ervices for all your computer needs. The company urrently has new English lap tops, Windows 8 om just 429€ including IVA and new tower with Windows 7 from 359€ including IVA. Specialists n computer repairs including virus removal, pgrades etc. Telephone 966 785 625 or 619 963 18 or call into our shop at Zona Comercial 3 a Siesta - San Luis - 03180 San Luis Torrevieja - Alicante

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Fishermen, you really need to pay a visit to Tim’s Tackle Shop in La Marina – they have everything you need for your fishing trip from rods to bait and all in

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Manchester Steve has been tattooing for 20 years and done 1000s of tattoos, from the popular; stars flowers and tribals to the slightly more unusual.

He’s got thousands of designs in the shop and now with the internet the choice is virtually infinite and it doesn´t have to be a tattoo image because he can make most pictures into a good-looking tattoo too! Cover-ups are also available. People have lots of different reasons for having a tattoo. Sometimes they are as a memorial and sometimes to celebrate a new life, here in Spain, our oldest person to have their first tattoo was in her 70s, so you´re never too old! Steve and his son, Stan, are based at La Zenia, above Mercadona, in Sensation, so no one has to travel too far! Have a look at his Facebook page, Manchester Steve or give him a ring on 634 141 331.

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI.......

Due to my lifestyle and living in the Campo without mains electricity or mains water I have been forced to face these issues head on and find a way to generate our own energy and clean our own agricultural water. As reported, it has been an expensive journey and we have had to overcome many obstacles along the way.

Many of you would never in the past, given a second thought to what were my daily problems, but the cold reality of receiving substantial electricity bills, have brought these issues into sharp focus, for all concerned. Not only have I been plunged into this world out of necessity but we also keenly aware of extortionate prices of petrol, diesel and gas as we own a local Petrol station, Petronor on the San Miguel Road. Things have not run smoothly, I am afraid, as penalties, a water debt for the previous owner,

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court cases ,corruption etc. you name it, it’s been thrown at us. If we had not had some property in the UK that we could sell, we would have lost everything!! No doubt about it!

Whatever my woes the fact is the days of cheap electricity, gas, fuel and water are over! It is an energy-thirsty world out there and the hunt for cheaper sources of fuel continue unabated. Recent announcements in the press has confirmed that ‘fracking’has arrived in Spain.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves blasting huge amounts of water, mixed with sand and often toxic chemicals, to break up shale formations thousands of feet under the earth, to release natural gas.

The truth of the matter is that global demand for gas is rising and will continue to rise by about 30 percent by 2040. A large proportion of that increase will come from unconventional gas reserves (i.e., shale gas via fracking) That is because the global shale gas resource is huge, so large that exploiting it will dominate supply and therefore set natural gas prices at least for the next decade. Countries such as China, Poland, Libya, Mexico, Brazil, Algeria and Argentina all have huge reserves So from today’s perspective, shale gas is here to stay, and it is a resource that will be exploited. So we’d better get it right.

We need to get it right because the impact on the environment could be huge. As with all controversial issues either side blow things out of proportion or play down the effects. In the United States there has been talk of inflammable tap water, contaminated ground water, cancer threats and earthquakes. There is also a danger of methane leakage which - a powerful greenhouse gas as well as a local air pollutant.

In the UK The government has given the go-ahead for a firm Cuadrilla to continue fracking to exploit gas in Lancashire after it was stopped after Blackpool experienced two tremors.

The company estimates there could be 200 trillion cubic feet contained in the Bowland Shale.

With figures like that it is no wonder that it has the energy companies excited as it boosts overall worldwide gas supplies and can help to reduce market cost. Shale is not anticipated to supply a large proportion of Britain’s gas needs, but it is contributing to a worldwide flow of gas that has halved gas prices in the US domestic market. Exploration companies are also claiming there is a potential £70bn of reserves in rocks deep under South Wales.

And now, it has arrived in Spain with two American companies partnering with the Basque government to explore 13 areas that officials say contain enough

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unconventional natural gas to supply Spain for five years. Spain is almost totally dependent on imports for its crude oil and natural gas requirements, other than for some gas production mostly in the Gulf of Cadiz (Poseidon field) and minor quantities on shore on the Guadalquivir valley, representing in total some 0.17% of the country requirements, and some crude oil production offshore in the Mediterranean (Casablanca and Boquerón fields) and also minor quantities onshore in Spain´s first oil field discovery (Ayoluengo field), covering in total about 0.14% of the country requirements.

In a further development in March last year Trofagas, which is owned by the California-based BNK Petroleum, was awarded the six-year concession of 61,470 acres of land by the regional Government of Cantabria. The environmentalists are concerned as Cantabria’s geology is extremely complex. Some areas are transected by a vast network of underground caves that expands into the neighboring region of Asturias. Those caves can be more than 1,000 meters deep, and the entire network, still unexplored, can be hundreds of kilometers long.

That geological structure supports a number of critically important archaeological sites. At least four decorated caves from the Paleolithic Age that have been listed as World Heritage Sites

by UNESCO lie within the Arquetu. Among them is the worldfamous Altamira Cave which, in 1880, became the first discovery of Prehistoric art, and has been nicknamed ‘the Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art’ for the quality and the degree of preservation of its paintings. Surrounding Arquetu are 13 other UNESCO-listed caves, plus other sites, such as El Sidrón, in Asturias, where exceptionally well-preserved Neanderthal remains have been discovered.

On the other hand, it is equally true that Spain is going through a tremendous economic crisis, and that any source of jobs and economic growth is welcome, no matter the environmental or archaeological uncertainties. So far, the Spanish government has granted Trofagas 1.2 million hectares (296,000 acres) to frack in Spain but hopefully lessons learned in the US will be very important for getting the right balance between energy and environmental security. For a wider understanding and balanced opinion on this issue you can visit http://www.shalegasinfo.eu/ index.php/en/info/top-10-myths.html who is committed to provide an independent information on a wide range of European energy issues.

It is in our interests to keep up to be aware of what is happening in the world around us and specifically what we can do to keep one step ahead in this ever changing environment. Next week perhaps a lighter subject again and fingers crossed for good weather for the Lake Charity Challenge this weekend. Jenni

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Events : Annual Lake Charity Challenge, Walk or cycle Sunday 3 March www.thingstodoinspain.info or 660 816 620 Jenni

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27

Lighting Up! Your garden is ready for everyone to see and you are very proud of all the hard work that has gone in to making it just the way you wanted.

You invite your friends over for a drink or two and dinner later on to show off your carefully decorated garden. Drinks are over and dinner is served too but not one word of praise for the garden from any one of them. You get frustrated and you are wondering all along what could have possibly gone wrong. Before blaming your friends for not noticing anything different, stop and think! Is it because it’s not good enough for praise or they simply haven’t noticed it because the lighting was so bad that they couldn’t really differentiate between your earlier garden and the garden now.

If you are one of the above, then it is about time you illuminate your garden in the right way, and using all the right lights. After all, a garden looks more captivating when illuminated in the dark!

Commonly used lights...

Some of the commonly used lights in the garden are incandescent light that is very bright but uses a lot of power.

While illuminating a tree, people use flood lights or spot lights. They, again, are powerful but consume a lot of energy.

12 volt halogen lights are also used. But all of these have disadvantages, the more these lights are used, the more transformers are required and the globes constantly need replacing.

LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes...

The advance of technology has led to the invention of the LEDs or the Light Emitting Diodes that is becoming increasingly popular everywhere. The LEDs are basically lights that are used in the mobile phones and the computer. They are long lasting and give a nice effect in the garden when used. They are very different from the normal lights; they do not have the traditional filament but are made up of electrons. Due to this, they give a very soft and subtle effect and they don’t burn out soon.

Types of LEDs...

Barrel LEDs: They are ideal for illuminating a garden art.

The light is put on the art piece that shines and casts a shadow behind. They can also be put on the trunk of a palm tree.

LED Button Lights: These lights are water resistant and hence can be used in water features. They can also be put along a path to show the way or along a border for an illuminated effect.

Solar Garden Lights: Available in aluminium and stainless steel, they come in amber or white light. As they are solar lights, they do not use any power and saves electricity. They get completely charged during the day and as the sun sets they light up automatically and are on throughout the night.

As a result, these bulbs last for years.

6 Styling Tips to Refresh a Room A home makeover doesn’t have to require new furniture, a trip to the hardware store, or a big budget. Here’s how to style a space for an instant refresh.

Use Cut Branches An organic element in a room will help it come alive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money at the florist. Just take a pair of scissors out into your yard, clip a few branches or even just a single stem, and place in a vase.

Stack Wood in the Fireplace Mantels can define a space with their architectural interest, but the hearth can drain a room visually – it’s a big, black hole. A stack of wood ready for a fire will help fill it out. In the spring and summer, try beautiful white birch logs for a lighter look

Stack Up On White Towels Keep a stack of white towels in the bathroom. The monochromatic color scheme is aesthetically soothing, so the space will look crisp, fresh, and spa-like. Plus, they’re a cinch to clean since you can always bleach them.

Add a Throw

A pretty throw draped over a bench, sofa, or the back of a chair can be an instant update, adding both color and texture.

It’s also a simple way to relax a room, creating an inviting spot to curl up to read a book or take a nap.

Accessorize Your Coffee Table A large coffee table can become a huge block of dark wood that weighs down a room. Try taking a few beautiful art books down off the shelf and using them to break up table’s surface.

The room will feel lighter and brighter and you’ll likely enjoy your books more, too.

Display a Favorite Piece Instead of keeping your beautiful things tucked away in cabinets and closets, open up a door, and take out that beautiful vase, tray, or bowl. Showcase it on a dining table or a console, anywhere that you can actually appreciate it. It doesn’t have to live there permanently.

We urgently require properties for sale or rent, Orihuela Costa & surrounding areas for waiting clients Please contact

Sitara Properties Tel: 966 723 437 or 636 615 716

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...HOME & GARDEN

Cycle Route 24 Quesada to Aspe “Get on yer Bike” Leave from Quesada and head for Benijofar , turn right at the town square (cobbled area) and pass through Benijofar, at the roundabout for Rojales turn left, cycle up and over the bridge to the next roundabout, go straight across and follow the road to San Fulgencio where you turn left at the roundabout following the signs for Elche, follow this road past La Marina Urbanisation and stay on this road which is a relatively good straight road.

Pass the petrol station on your left and you will come to a roundabout where the road becomes a dual carriageway with a cycle track on the left, cycle on this track until you come to the next roundabout , turn left here onto the CV851 and follow this road for approx 1km then turn left, once on this road follow it for approx 12kms passing El Hondo nature reserve, just stay on this road until you come to a junction with 2 signs one for San Felipe Neri and one for El realengo.

Take the right fork for El Realengo and carry straight on through the village to the T-junction with the main road.

Turn right and cycle up and over the bridge down to the roundabout and just carry on going straight over another roundabout until you come toT- junction where you turn right and cycle slightly uphill and into Crevillente. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants for refreshments here if you require to have a stop.

Follow this road through Crevillente past the Lidl store until you come to a large roundabout with sign posts for Aspe/ Novelda. Turn left here and follow this road all the way up it’s the N325. This is a long arduous climb for approx 10kms with a nice Tapas bar / bikers café almost at the top and then you have a great ride down the other side

( 3kms ) to another roundabout where you go straight on following the signs for Aspe ( approx 1.5kms ).

O n c e you arrive in Aspe there is a lovely town square with many churches

By Gary and Lynn and places of Cyclogical” Quesada interest, also many restaurants and Tapas bars in which to refuel.

On your return trip follow your route all the way back to the roundabout at Crevillente and go straight across this time following the signs for the Railway station, keep going until you get to the station cycle past it and now follow the signs for El Hondo nature reserve.

Once at the nature reserve turn left and you are now back on your original route which you should recognise from earlier. Follow your route all the way back to Quesada or alternatively cycle through the nature reserve and you will come out close to the La Marina urbanization. Well done.

Cyclogical CYCLE ROUTE

Total Cycling time : 6 Hours Total Distance : Approx 90 Kms. Summary : Beautiful Scenic route

however some very steep climbs up from Crevillente, with lovely views at the top and great roads.

All of our routes are now available from our website on www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com or from our newly published book “Cycling Routes, Maps, Tips and Advice”. Gary and Lynn are available at “Cyclogical” in Quesada, Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 5.30pm and from 10.00am till 2.00pm on a Saturday to assist and advice you on all you’re cycling requirements.

Monthly cycling tips / advice and routes

POOL AND WATER LEAK DETECTION & REPAIR SPECIALISTS

DON’T LET YOUR POOL & WATER BILLS DRAIN YOU!!

www.leak-tech.net

Tel: 627 752 965 | 622 400 365 | 966 194 179

info@leak-tech.net

Installation & Maintenance

Your Local AirConditioning Experts!

Visit: www.installaircon.com Office: 965 720 512 Mobile: 603 877 683 or 616 926 446 We also supply and fit electric boilers

The Mosquito Screen & Window Co Serving the Coast and Inland for over 10 Years

The house where everything is wooden

Mr De Marchi first worked with marble, then bronze, before moving on to wood.

An artist has built a house where everything is made of wood - even the books, stove, a loaf of bread and a coffee pot.

He said: “Wood has always been my favourite material.

Every item in Livio De Marchi’s holiday home right down to an umbrella, a scarf, cutlery and napkins - is crafted from wood.

The sculptor has spent his life creating unique pieces of work using just a hammer, chisel and his favourite types of wood.

The 69-year-old Italian has now fitted out his holiday home in Belluno with the wooden objects he has made.

Hundreds of individually carved books line the shelves, while perfectly chiseled coats can be seen hanging from the wardrobe - seemingly ready to wear.

The house also has a fullsized dining table, complete with wooden cutlery and crockery.

“The wood is alive and has energy - and it gives me a lot of pleasure to be able to use it for my work.”

Soft Furnishings & Re-Upholstery

Fabric Flair

• Over 30 years experience in soft furnishings and re-upholstery • Foam (All densities) superior quality, cut to any shape or size • Curtains and Blinds all made to measure • Loose covers that fit like upholstery made for all types of furniture indoor and out • Gazebo covers made in a waterproof canvas fabric from customers original template • Hundreds of fabrics to choose from

All our work is professionally made at our premises in...

The Interior Centre, 1 Calle Portugal Los Maromas Pol, Ind Almoradi 03160 Contact Kim & Rick on 625 716 063 or email fabricflair@yahoo.co.uk www.prestigeguides.com/fabricflair

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

www.mosquitoscreenco.com

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

fastcat

removals & storage

local & international moves all goods fully insured weekly UK - Spain Service

Storage Available from 5€ per month Pet & Car Transport ~ Packing materials Available

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Please call for a friendly No Obligation Quote

Spain - 952 452 099 or 697 681 334 www.fastcatsl.com info@fastcatsl.com

30

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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Happy Birthday Manhattan!

Easy Entertaining

Manhattan Quality Homefood Restaurant in Cabo Roig celebrates its third anniversary on St Patricks Day weekend.

truly delightful homemade desserts, all from the original quality food experts.

There are no giant screens for sports at Manhattan.

Manhattan is a family run business and on the first day they opened the only meal on the menu was Cottage Pie.

There are no live bands, quizzes, bingo or other such distractions.

But since then, eager to please and determined that no matter what the cost in terms of sheer hard work , regular diners have returned week after week to see the menu grow steadily to over 30 different food items along with a 7.95 3 course Winter Specials board containing a further 20 fabulous main courses.

They stick to what they know best and at Manhattan the food speaks for itself.

You can visit their amazing website , hear about them as sponsors of Peter Hurst Terrific breakfast show on Radio Torrevieja, or talk to one of their very saitsfied customers.

Nothing is perfect however and over the last few months with the fantastic support of their customers Manhattan has reviewed every single meal on the menu refreshing and improving many favourites as well as introducing some terrific new ones.

But really there is only one way to find out what all the fuss is about.

Find them just off the N332 at Cabo Roig inside the La Rotonda aparthotel.

Happy birthday Manhattan and many happy returns.

No compromise will ever be made on quality.

In fact no meal arrives on the Manhattan menu if it cannot be produced from the best quality ingredients at a great value price. This is the Manhattan way.

Marvellous value, fabulous quality in a menu that has something for everyone.

North Staffordshire Oat Cakes are in Spain

Giant Cod in homemade batter, fabulous homemade pies in I melt in the mouth pastry along with steaks mixed grills , lasagne, the list is just endless.

Discover Fresh vegetables, delicious gravy, wonderful homemade chips and

9 Item English Breakfast

3.70€

Served 9.30 till 5pm (Sunday till 12)

Visit Bill & Rita at Los Alcazares Market - Monday La Marina Market - Thursday Moncayo Market - Saturday El Zocco Market - Sunday

Tel: 676 527 348 Email billsinspain@hotmail.com

Manhattan

Quality HomeFood Restaurant

Choice of “The best kept secret in Cabo Roig” 25 MAIN COURSES Hidden Within La Rotonda Aparthotel Cabo Roig Choice of DESSERTS

20

Real Hand Cut Chips  Delicious Homemade Pies  Mouthwatering Steaks  Fabulous Homemade Desserts Finest Teas & Coffee  Homemade meals from €4.50 nch after Perfect for a relaxing lu rd 5 mins away shopping at Zenia Bouleva We Are HERE

Zenia Boulevard

Fantastic winter SPECIALS BOARD €4.50

Changed twice weekly

Available till 9pm

Always fresh, always exciting, always incredible value!

Truly Fabulous Homemade food at pocket Friendly prices

CELEBRATE MOTHERS DAY at MANHATTAN Same fantastic choice – Same fantastic prices!

Wide selection of menu favourites including, Fillet of Salmon, Steak Pie, Lasagnes, Chicken, Ham off the Bone plus many more And of course we will be serving our magnificent Sunday Roast

1 Course €5.95 2 Course €6.95 3 Course €7.95

Serving from 9.30am to 9.30pm Mon - Sat Sunday 9.30am to 7.30pm

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www.manhattancaboroig.com

31

(1€ extra for beef)

Tel: 966 111 605

3 course HOMEMADE Menu del Dia €7.95 served 12 till 9pm

32

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La Vista Deli Cafe Bar FOOD NEWS...

The Deli with a Difference!!

Fresh foods & drinks served daily

Great Prices! Great Service! Friendly Atmosphere! FREE WiFi, TV & Kids corner, disabled facilities. FREE Parking, FREE Entertainment, Buffet nights & much more...

Calorie labelling is ‘wildly misleading’ claim scientists

Saturday 9th March 2013

Entertainment, Karaoke and Music with the hilarious Stevie Soul Free nibbles with all drinks orders

Eat, Drink and be Merry

L/C9 La Finca Golf, Algorfa, 03169

www.lavistalafinca.com

Telf: 634 331 098

NEW

HOGGIES BAR San Luis

• Monday Evening - Crib Night • Tuesday Evening - Darts FOR • Wednesday Evening - Live Music with the Fabulous Michelle NOW FOR BOOK NOW BOOK • Thursday Afternoon - Neil’s�Cards DAY S ERS DAY MOTTHHER MO • Thursday Evening - Ken’s�Crazy�Quiz LUNCHH - Fish�‘n’�Chip Night PECIAL LUNC • Fryday Evening SSPECIAL • Saturday Evening - Live Music with the Fabulous Michelle - Traditional�Roast & good old “singalong” after 4pm • Sunday Lunch All�Sports�Shown�Daily • Outside�Catering • Offers�on�Drinks All�Day�Special�Breakfasts • home�Cooked�Menu find us on

thenewhoggiesbarrestaurant

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c/Beasain�Commercial, Phase�3�San�Luis�Torrevieja

Eating a bowl of muesli or porridge each morning may not be the best way to shift unwanted pounds. Scientists say calorie labelling has for years ignored the energy content of fibre. This means

that dieters have been ‘unknowingly’ eating more calories than they thought in their muesli or porridge.An average bowl of bran cereal contains an extra 20 calories, while muesli has 12 more, say scientists.

According to a report by the Mail Online, the issue was discussed at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston where Dr Geoffrey Livesey, a British nutritionist: said: ‘When people eat muesli, it is a healthy food but they are often putting on lots of weight.’

Regulators have known

La Bohème

International bar restaurant & bakery

Bakery, Cream Cakes, Pies, Fresh Bread Sausage Rolls, Pastries open

9am-late Breakfasts lunch time menu 3 courses & glass of wine €9.50pp evening menu 3 courses & ½ bottle of wine €12.50pp

Plaza Tolosa No22 - San Luis opposite side to Mercadona roundabout

Tel: 966 189 868

CARVERY The inn at the green every Sunday

Wednesday 6th March 3 courses including glass wine beer or water.

This weeks menu - Soup, Fish ‘n’ Chips, Ice cream

from 1pm

includes a glass of wine, small beer or water

SATURDAY STEAK DEAL 2 for 14-95

inc bottle wine with entertainment with the

Per. person

de salinas

cv-95

commercial centre

Booking advisable as space is limited

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orihuela

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inn at the green

san javier

ap-7 los montesinos

Wednesday Menu del Dia.

only €4-95

€ 6-95

san miguel

since the early 1990s that fibre had a calorie content, but stuck with the old system for assessing calories which said fibre is indigestible and so had a negligible calorific contribution. But European food labelling regulations are being changed and by the end of next year retailers will have to add two calories for each gram of fibre in a food item.

Traditionally, calorie content has been calculated using the general factor system, which only looked at the protein, fat and carbohydrate in a food item. Four calories were assigned for each gram of protein and carbohydrate, while each gram of fat added nine calories.

Dr Livesey said: ‘What the old system gave us is a very general calorific value, which is misleading. So consumers have been eating more calories than they thought, particularly if the food was high-fibre.’

The recommended daily fibre intake is 18 grams, meaning an average adult consuming this amount will have been eating more than 250 extra calories each week.



alicante

Fantastic Duo SOUNDZ - not to be missed. 9pm THE SOUNDZ are a duo offering a full costumed trip down memory lane with hits from the 60’s & 70’s and multi tribute shows featuring GARTH BROOKS, VAN MORRISON, THE BEATLES, MICHAEL BUBLÉ, ERIC CLAPTON, COUNTRY CLASSICS & ROCK plus the hits from today

677 617 434 672 033 676 Every Sunday www.theinnatthegreen.co.uk

Kabaroke with Matt Christian 9pm

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email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

...FOOD & ENTERTAINING

Quail’s Egg Salad with Baby Spinach Leaves INGREDIENTS

33

dessert

starter

100g (3½oz) baby spinach leaves 1 red onion, sliced 200g (7oz) yellow and red cherry tomatoes, halved 1tbsp wholegrain mustard 6tbsp avocado oil Juice of 1 lemon 1tsp runny honey 12 quails’ eggs, hard boiled (4 halved)

METHOD

Place the spinach, red onion slices and halved tomatoes in a wide mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, oil, lemon juice and honey, season well with salt and pepper and stir until well combined.

Divide the salad mixture between 4 serving plates and scatter the quails’ eggs over the salad, drizzle the dressing over each serving.

Tip: Serve with a garnish of grilled pancetta.

Curry-spiced Chicken with a Tartare of Peas main

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp mild curry powder 1.5kg/3lb 5oz chicken, ready for roasting FOR THE PEAS 3 slices smoked streaky bacon, cut into small pieces 250g/9oz frozen peas, defrosted 400g/14oz fresh peas, podded (about 2kg/4lb 8oz unpodded weight) 1 shallot, finely chopped 10 stalks marjoram or oregano leaves picked and chopped Small bunch chives, chopped Splash olive oil Pinch ground ginger

METHOD

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Mix the oil with the curry

powder and rub this all over the chicken. Transfer to a roasting tin and cook for one hour and 30 minutes. To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a skewer between the thigh and the breast - the juices should run clear. Remove and allow to rest for 20 minutes, loosely covered with foil.

Meanwhile, fry the bacon until crisp in a dry, non-stick pan.

Remove and leave to cool slightly.

Pulse the peas separately to a rough purée in a blender, or using a hand blender.

Mix the peas together with bacon, shallot, marjoram, chives, the splash of olive oil, the ground ginger, and season with salt. Serve alongside the chicken.

The return of the pasty tax

Pastygate took a new turn today when a leading High Street baker announced it will now sell more hot snacks that are subject to 20 per cent VAT. A report by the Mail Online states, six months after forcing the government into a U-turn over the infamous pasty tax, Greggs said it will trial pasties, sausage rolls and other hot food, all be subject to VAT at 20 per cent.

Greggs bakes savouries instore at its 1,600 branches before leaving them to cool.It was this method of selling hot food that enabled Greggs, following extensive lobbying of MPs, to escape the imposition of 20 per cent VAT slapped

on hot takeaway food in the 2012 Budget.

Chancellor George Osborne originally announced plans to raise £110 million by levying 20 per cent VAT on hot baked goods at the Budget. The move prompted a huge outcry, with critics accusing ministers of waging class warfare against pasty eaters.

Feedback from customers on Greggs’ Facebook page shows many customers are unhappy if they are served lukewarm or cold savouries which they thought would be hot.

A spokesman for Greggs said it had begun experimenting with increasing the amount

of hot food it serves in stores.

Although she could not confirm which products were being trialled, they are likely to include Cornish pasties, steak bakes, sausage rolls and pizza slices.

The spokesman said: ‘Greggs already offers toasted sandwiches but is looking at extending the range of food that could be served hot or heated up. If something is served hot, it will attract VAT.’ The 20 per cent tax on hot takeaway food sparked consumer fury and several campaigns from High Street stores.

Greggs boss Ken McMeikan even marked on Downing

Street with a petition signed by half a million customers, forcing Chancellor George Osborne into a U-turn over hot food left to cool.

However, Greggs’ decision to sell more hot food products subject to VAT has angered customers who backed its ‘pastygate’ campaign.

One fan of the company’s products said: ‘After all the fuss it made over VAT on pasties and sausage rolls, now Greggs has decided to impose VAT on hot products: ‘It leaves a nasty taste in the mouth among those customers who backed its opposition to the pasty tax.’

However, a company spokesman disputed this,

Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

INGREDIENTS

200g (7oz) pack of fresh dessert shortcrust pastry 12tbsp lemon curd 1 medium egg white 50g (1¾oz) caster sugar

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°/gas 6.

Roll out the pastry to 3mm (1/8in) thickness and use a 9cm (3½in) cutter to cut 12 rounds.

Use to line the base of a 12-hole mini muffin tin and prick with a fork. Line with baking parchment and baking beans and bake blind for 10-12 minutes or until the pastry begins to brown.

Allow to cool, then fill each one with a little lemon curd – not too much or it will bubble out while cooking.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until it is stiff enough to form soft peaks and hold its shape. Add the sugar gradually, until the mixture is glossy.

Pipe each tart with the meringue mixture. Place on the top shelf of the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes or until the meringue is beginning to brown. Cool for a few minutes and remove from the tin.

Tip: Using read-made pastry makes this quick, but you can make it. Sift 115g (4oz) plain flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Cut 75g (2¾oz) butter into small pieces. Rub into the flour to form fine breadcrumbs and stir in 2-3tbsps cold water to form a dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 1 minute.

Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. saying Greggs already charges 20 per cent VAT on hot food such as toasted sandwiches, soup and hot drinks, and has not made any changes to pricing policy.

Sainsbury’s has admitted

that sales of hot chicken had fallen since they added 20 per cent VAT to the price.

Mike Coupe, commercial director, said: ‘Many retailers are trying to find a way round the VAT rules.’

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STANDARD CROSSWORD

29 Abattoir (14)

Down

2 An abnormal condition of the lungs (9) 3 Genus of rhubarb (5) 4 Burial chamber (9) 5 Nigerian monetary unit (5) 6 An appreciation of beauty or good taste (9) 7 A valley in France (5) 8 The time zone for New York (7)

9H unting expedition (6) 15 Comes with thunder (9) 17 Crocodile (9) 18 Heat, water and electricity (9) 19 Spears of frozen water (7) 21 Pleaded (6) 23 Asp (5) 24 Should or must (archaic) (5) 26 Type of drum (5)

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1 Shortest of 12 nearly bares fury violently (8) 2 One who possesses nothing with Emperor, almost (5) 3 Breathing help for young mammal as going back outside (5) 4 Flower is outside River Island (4) 5 Number in... in... in... second half comeback? (4) 6 A note read first at a distance (4) 7 I’d turned up outside hotel to return loin-cloth (5)

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Down

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 Congressman (14) 10 F ruit or computer company (5) 11 A woman priest (9) 12 Unfathomable (7) 13 Accomplish (7) 14 M odel of excellence (5) 16 Indigestion (9) 19 First (9) 20 Ascend (5) 22 Instigates (7) 25 Chattering (7) 27 Grease or oil (9) 28 Dissonant sound (5)

8 The Spanish regular football team? (6) 13 Cut Leo awfully with nothing in - in a manner of speaking (9) 14 Burden of limos lent foolishly (9) 15 Love-rat - one on after commercial worship (9) 17 Glen arranging a new dimension for country (7) 18 Give a new name to the French renegade on the outside (7) 23 Hoarding an animal without part of the leg (8) 26 Quiet, official sailor with parts made before assembly (6) 29 Deduce official Northern Ireland rising (5) 31 Country existed without the French (5) 32 Boredom universal in 5 performance (5) 33 A boat which might go after land when it’s spotted? (4) 34 Volunteers “thanks” and “goodbye” (2-2) 35 A new turn before I initially lost part of finger (4)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

1 Thread of first final defeat (5) 6 Dead, left out to go bad? (5) 9 Capital punishment finally out of Dutch traffic disruption (7) 10 Made, but without an African (5) 11 Conductor of orchestra beginning to enter and finally leave (5) 12 Pollute s-setter wearing animal (7) 16 Fake Lauren, perhaps? (6) 18 Odd bits of rain tree ceremony? (4) 19 I left house after job centre - the French place where potential fuel might be found (3,4) 20 Circle call (4) 21 Allow to be served again? (3) 22 Look hear you, I created Asian State! (9) 24 By way of victory, I attack at first (3) 25 Wager without a pound (4) 27 May guitarist return taking nothing before one’s capital (7) 28 Attack right before help (4) 30 Young birds’ scruffy towels (6) 33 Catch up in an each-way feeler (7) 36 Disgusting stuff left out loudly in interval (5) 37 I’m after organ cloth (for wearing) (5) 38 Briefly describe back 3 in part of rugby match moving to the front (7) 39 Fruit key with queen railway (5) 40 Directions in good type of music (5)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Concejalia de Urbanizaciones The Office for the Urbanisations is currently organising many activities including golf lessons at Alicante Golf. The first lesson on the 11th off February was a great success and as such the classes will continue on the first Monday of every month at a cost of 10€.

We recently organised a trip for 110 people to Orihuela Medieval Market. It was a huge success and many people are waiting for the next trip to the Chocolate factory in Villajoyosa.

We are in the process of creating both a Netball and Padel club on Urbanisation Marina and are arranging self defence classes in the Social Centre.

The Social Centre is now being used for classes every day including craft classes on a Wednesday between 10:30 and 1pm, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, table tennis and many more. We are constantly looking at a variety of activities for all nationalities and ages on the urbanisations.

From Thursday the 21st of February, and every subsequent Thursday, GAES Centros Auditivos will be carrying out free hearing tests in the Social Centre between 2pm and 5.45pm. Appointments can be made by ringing 965414953 The Social Centre is also used to host events such as the Open Day for AECC on

the 12th of March from 4pm to 6pm with a talk from the Chairman D.Pablo Enríquez Valens.

Since November 2011, the Office for the Urbanisations, headed by Jeffrey Wiszniewski, has campaigned continuously for people to donate food for the most needy of San Fulgencio. Inicially this campaign was to collect food to give the most needy a better Christmas, but due to the huge collaboration of especially the British expat community, this campaign continued throughout the next 15 months.

We have now distributed more than 5000 kilos of food to more than 60 families.

This Christmas, as well as basic food stuffs, we were able to also give out over 500 kilos of fresh fruit and vegetables thanks to the amazing generosity of the Posh Palace Restaurant, Urb Marina, who donated it.

We were also able this Christmas to provide sacks of toys to more than 60 very happy Children.

Anyone who wishes to donate food, please bring it into the office in Calle Madrid as, due to the crisis, more and more families are being added to the list. concejaliadeurbanizaciones@ay to sanfulgencio.es

35

d w o y o o H ll y & a Broadw is back with a new 2013 production !

The fabulous Andy Jones (Mr Voice) will feature in a sensational tour of five venues in the region during March. The shows, commencing on the13th, will illustrate the fabulous songs that hit the stage on Broadway and The West End with such splendour and Andy is just the singer to bring it all to life on the Costa Blanca!

Over 37 years, Andy has been on stage with the Doyle Cart’e Opera Company and performed in almost every Gilbert and Sullivan Show inc Carousel, Guys and Dolls,Oklahoma, Camelot, Merry Widow, The Card, Calamity Jane, and a lot more. Such a powerful voice from a small guy is amazing and Andy says “I have been to numerous auditions for the big shows and I have been told that although I can sing and act the parts perfectly, I am to small to be considered! Well, small or not, Andy will be belting it out on this tour! During Andy’s 37 years on stage, he has appeared at top venues throughout Europe and performed with many top stars such as Black abbots, Bernard Manning, Vince Miller and many others.

Broadway & Hollywood also features great songs from musical films that you will know and love, bringing the memories flooding back. Bond Film tracks (including Skyfall) will form part of this great show along with other great film and show songs. These will be performed by Jukebox Legends “Queen of song” Fiona McLean, once again showing her amazing versatility as she supports the incredible talent that is Andy Jones.

Don’t miss this spectacular fund raising tour in aid of Help at Home (Costa Blanca).

Quote from the 2012 Broadway & Hollywood tour - “I would have paid West End prices to have seen that show”!!

Someone could win 50 Euros at each show with the very popular “will the key turn” competition.

Dates & Venues

Wed 13th March The Clu b, Quesada 966 717 02 8 Thur 14th March - Roca juna, Punta Prima 664 591 795 / 965 997 260 Friday 15th March - Th e Lounge Bar, Torrevia ja, 966 922 134 Sat 16th March - Casa Ventura, San Luis 96 6 78 9247 Wed 20th March - Emera ld Isle, La Florida 965 327 138

Tickets 8.50€

Available NOW at your chosen venue. Book early for best seats as allocated!!

Shows star at 8.30pm and finish at 11-15pm Pre show meals at 7.00pm available at all venues (please ask at venue when you are booking tickets)

36

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

space for a little one?

Thrown over the Cattery fence in a box, Fred is a beautiful young tabby cat, but he is a very timid boy and is bullied a lot by many of the other cats in the Cattery. Offered a home on his own, we are sure he would come out of his shell and be a delightful companion.

w w w. S O LT I M E S . C O M

Dear Editor

Towards the end of 2010 I took my car to this garage to prepare it for ITV telling them it has an emissions problem. They said it failed ITV with the emissions problem, they said it could be one of many reasons.

Malik is a 2 year old Doberman X whose mother Izzie was pregnant with 13 puppies when she was rescued. Malik is a lovely natured medium sized dog who would make a great family dog.

I had left all the documents in the car for ITV for this service, they charged me 229 euros, I also had to pay out not returnable insurance 215 euros then my road tax 90 euros. I decided to cut my losses and ask how much they would give me for the car. He stated 50 euros and I accepted and had a receipt for the car dated 21.2.12 and thought my problems were over. I kept going to see him and just heard excuses and he always said he would sort things. Then I got a statement from the bank that I have paid road tax 90 euros. I went to see him and he said he would sort things out and get my road tax back. He stated he would have to go to Alicante and all would be sorted. I found out you do not have to go to traffico if you are scrapping a car. He4 said he wanted the registration of the car and I said they were all left in the car. Then he said he knew a man who was interested in buying it for spares, that took nearly three months to do. Then he said that in 10 days he would have the paperwork and could claim a rebate on the road tax. I told him I was going to the UK in two days, gave him my bank details and he would put the money in. I was away for seven months. I then received a bank statement stating no money put in. I went to see him and when I told what he had said earlier he looked at me as I was making it all up. He said see me tomorrow it will all be done. I went to see him and the staff at the garage said he had gone to UK yesterday and would be away for a week.

Please call Yvonne on 630 422 563 or Natasha on 616 210 850 if you want to meet any of APAH’s dogs or cats.

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

I go to see him again said going today and will phone you this afternoon. Guess what! He didn’t.

What I am claiming is the paperwork and the money he has cost me.

Road Tax 90 euros Search 20 euros Plus Court Fee Also the stress factor I must have called at the garage sometimes three times a week minimum 2 times, plus all the stories I had to put up with running after him.

Correct me don’t you have to show documents when you have an ITV? It is my belief he did not take it for ITV because he knew it would fail. But he charged me for it my bill plus odds and ends 229 euros. He told so many stories I believe anything he could do.

I went to the Guardia Civil and they said I would have to pay another 90 euros road tax for this year, and go to Alicante to pay for 2014. The man’s excuse is now he did not have the registration documents. They were left in the glove box when the car was to go for ITV. I am 85 years old and trying to live on a state pension. I cannot afford to lose money like this.

If anyone can offer me advice I would be grateful Tel: 654 666 686 Regards Mr Shaw

SEND your birthdays, events and announcements TO: EDITOR@ SOLTIMES.COM & WE’LL PRINT THEM FREE OF CHARGE!

3EveryCHANCES TO WIN!!! week 2 lucky couples can win a fabulous, 3 course meal, from

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

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

FREE competition

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS:

MEAL FOR 2: Janet Hibberd, Hannah Cassidy BREAKFAST FOR 2: Peter McMillan

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

COMMUNITY NEWS Guys, can you spread the word regards the Spanish locost airline VUELING , which flies between Alicante and the UK and in particular to Cardiff direct 3 times per week, which is great news for Welsh travellers, following the demise of flights with BMI Baby and means more Welsh travellers can commute to the Spanish mainland.

(Edinburgh and Gatwick flights available too) Check out their lo-cost fares at www.vueling.com/en.

Have flown with them several times and they are very professional...please spread the word. Great for ex-pats and great for the region too!

Malaga, Barcelona and Palma flights from Cardiff too!

Regards L Evans

CLR Supporters Group

Due to the continued growth of the CLR Supporters Group in Orihuela Costa, we are pleased to announce that there will now be open meetings every Thursday at 5.00pm.

Pedro Mancebo, CLR leader, elected councillor and the former councillor for the coast will attend the open meetings.

The purpose of the CLR Supporters Group is to help improve Orihuela Costa.

The first weekly open meeting will take place at 5pm on Thursday 28th February at the Sophia Wellness Centre in La Regia and all are welcome to attend.

Sincerely Raymond Kearney President CLR Supporters’ Group

Spiritualist Church, Quesada

Meets at The Dojo, just off Avenida Las Naciones, Quesada (behind Clapton´s Bar). We hold a Sunday Service with Mediumship at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7.30 p.m. Every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Spiritual Healing is available after both the Sunday and Tuesday services. The Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 3rd March will be taken by Gail Ross (U.K. Medium).

Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965 323 028 or 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

CASTILLA AMIGOS

A friendship group for single people, now meeting every Wednesday afternoon from 3pm at BAR SOFIA El Raso urbanisation (off the Lemon Tree Road) Guardamar. ANN - 965 070 247 - 666 747 398

LINE DANCING

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

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

50+ SOLOS

Dear Editor

37

NORMALLY meet on the first and third Saturday of each month. The get togethers are open to anyone over 50 years of age and are on their own for various reasons. We are trying to use establishments in an extended area around Torrevieja.

2 MARCH 1.00 for 1.30pm Lunch at NANDOS RESTAURANT near the LOMOS MEDICAL CENTRE Torrevieja 16 MARCH 1.00 for1.30pm Lunch at QUESADA COUNTRY CLUB For information or to BOOK IN please contact RUTH 966 789 063 NO SUBS OR FEES to attend

entre naranjos & Laguna green fiesta committee

auction

“La Mata Jazz”

Monday afternoons - jazz jams in Torrevieja.

At The new Pegasus Torrevieja, Calle Dinamarca 7, Tel. 617 042 295 Very good musicians will be there: - Bajo / Bass: Jesús Gea Marcos (E); - Drums: Bryan James (UK) Piano: Ramon Climent (E); and some special guest.

Chris from La Mata Jazz www.jazz.la-mata.com http://www.facebook.com/lamata.jazz

Successful Slimming

Tuesday: Quesada,10am at Goyo’s Restaurant, opposite the town hall. Thursday: La Marina 11am at The Hillside Bar. A healthy eating food plan with very good results. Only 5 euros weekly with no joining fee or charge for missed weeks.

For more information please ring Sian on 965 496 209 / 658 271 553. All are welcome

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 agegroups. For more info call Margaret on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159. Looking forward to meeting you

Peter started in June 2012 with attracting customers through home & internet shopping as part of The Vista Group Spain.

“We offer superb customer service with 1600-2000 products that are wanted, needed & affordable at UK prices direct to your door from a major british home shopping catalogue plc of 90 years that you all know and love”.

Our customers are delighted with the fast turnaround & FREE Delivery! Business is expanding and we are teaching others how to do the same as we do in the Costa Blanca, Calida, & Almeria area.

We look forward to more people joining OUR Team and Follow Us in 2013. Contact us and start earning profits! www.pahomeshopping.com ~ 663 558 148/950 467 769 (see opportunity advert on page 12 in this paper)

saturday 2nd March 11am green area entre naranjos Money raised goes to 2013 Fiesta Fund

38

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday 902 750 190 ext 330

966 719 647

BY E-MAIL

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

blancasales@soltimes.com

IN PERSON

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

PAYMENT

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

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

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

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

hearing aids

appliaNCE repairs

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

SOLTIMES

Repairs to Washers, Dryers, Electric Cookers, Dishwashers, Fridges and Freezers

CLASSIFIED

All makes, Torrevieja and surrounding areas 20 years experience fast reliable service Call Stewart on office

902 750 190

966 785 451 / 654 939 202 hours 10 - 4 FREE CALL OUT

Small call out on Fridges

beds

CALL

boats

ext 330

B O A T I N G LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, See our Advertisement on page 13 for more information VHF & ICC. Owntuition on Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, boat La Planta, Playa Flamenca sail and power. If you have a yacht Tel: 965 321 701 or powerboat get qualifiedandcertified.

Furniture Contact Richard +34 638 056 224 est Email: enquiries@ 2006 serenitysailing. sl com or visit: www.

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

Sweet Dreams

sale now on

car hire

for sale

Furniture first

house clearance specialist FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE

glass curtains

for sale

ALUMINIUM GATES Double & glass Electric Sliding. no curtains Guaranteed rust. Call Tracy on PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: Create more 966 726 891 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 living space, Pool tables, www.southcostablancaonline.com no unsightly snooker tables, frames, table tennis tables, reasonable darts. Tel: 666 prices.

933 726 www. garden services For a free estimate spainpool.com Tel: 646 111 825 Gas Fridge, Domeic (Swedish) 137 litre capacity, heating with ice box. Size NEATER HEATER 118cm x 59 cm x 62cm. 275 euros.

See our main Tel 686 471141 advert on the news Barbecue with pages hydraulic riser for height horse riding different levels. Cost over £250 never used Horse back will accept 100€ riding Murcia, This is a little extra electricians in the barbecue cartagena market. Tel: PM Telephone Electrician , available for all Quesada area. 96 works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 679 572 690 671 6241 562. davendonc@aol.com WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE QUALITY FURNITURE Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

A1 Group

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

Telephone 628 505 733

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

Solar Energy System, Xantrex 12v 1500w Inverter/ Charger, 2 x Rolls 530AH Batteries, 2 x 120W Fotovoltaic Panels. In use for less than 3 years until 2 weeks ago.

Easily extended.

Price 1200 euros.

Tel. 686 471141 ALUMINIUM Boat Gang Plank, Custom built with plywood treads, 8ft (2.4m) x 14”(36cm) easily adapted to any size if required. 60€o.n.o.

Tel: 965725573 / 659013882, Ciudad Quesada, Portable TV with built in DVD and CD player and remote control 30€, 2 new Duracell DR5 video camera batteries 20€, Blow up single

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

guest mattress with foot pump 8€ Tel 635885062 Camposol.

Thule Karrite Car Roof Top Box, White, in good order. 60€ O.N.O. . Location Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573 / 659013882 C omputer Monitor 15” flat screen with built in speakers model L5EX-TA complete with power cord, VGA cable and audio cable only 25€.

Location Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573 / 659013882 BOOK SALE – 100 plus Best Sellers, nearly new condition. €25.

Quesada Tel: 966 716 599 Large Garden Table (130 x 100) Seats 6 €25, Wall Mirror (Cane surround (55 x 60) €15. Cane Basket Chair €10 Quesada Tel: 966 716 599

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

39

www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent

leak detection

reasonable priced for SALE detatched cortijo properties / 20mins from mojacar This is a unique RENTAL PROPERTIES spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & URGENTLY REQUIRED diningroom as well as a workshop, pool leak detection & repair specialists

don’t let your pool & water bills drain you!! www.leak-tech.net tel: 627 752 965 • 622 400 365 • 966 194 179 info@leak-tech.net

CALL SOLTIMES CLASSIFIED

902 750 190

ext 330 insurance

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

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

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

PETS

pet taxi

in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601 tony@casasolrealestate.com

courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.

Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200m²

€145,000

Tel: 649 186 107

locksmith

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

personals

TRAVESTI SPANISH

Friendly spectacular breasts XXL Domination Erotic Massage with a happy ending expert with beginners, Private.

Claudia Tel: 674 615 827 (Torrevieja)

E N G L I S H PLASTERER internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@ hotmail.co.uk

for immediate viewing

Reduced Reduced Reduced

only€39,950

Don’t miss the biggest BARGAIN yet!

Apartment For Sale

ATTACHED TOWNHOUSE DOÑA PEPA

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 or email: jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

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

3 Bedrooms 1 with Balcony, 2 Bathrooms, Fully Equipped Kitchen, Large Living & Dining Room, W Double glazed Terraces, Wonderful Sun Terrace/ Solarium, Satellite TV, Furnished, Communal Pool, 104 M2 Build, 110 M2 Plot €123,000

key ready block of apartments in los montesinos with full finance. all you pay is €3000 to complete

to ced u red 0 y l on 2 9.00

cortij0 grande golf course

for rent, 3 bed, 3 FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca bath spacious semidetatched house with garage situated in the popular area of La Zenia, walking distance to shops, 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished beaches and the new inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living La Zenia Boulevard, Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings.

Overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, church & Furnished, Long mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk term, 550€ monthly away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking plus electric & water, distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar perfect family home del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course Private Sale €75,000 Tel: 966 733 079 or 619 098 543 Tel: (0034) 676 534 978

pets

€4

Cheaper than renting?

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some All you pay is EUR 3,000 buying costs and the rest is mortgaged at of the ads in this section offensive” around EUR 250 per month. Cheaper than renting an apartment in the ELEGANT SLIM, house visits Tel: 693 massage bed. Very area. Some of these 2 bedroom apartments have 2 bathrooms and some SEXY ITALIAN 357 526 discreet. Call 677 676 with only 1. It’s a first come, first served basis! Great deal!

LADY availanble natasha , 554 San Policarpo The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre home/house visits.

No. 87 Apt 1-17 installation air conditioning. diverse Torrevieja, La Manga, Divorced, Cerca Calle Orihuela.

Torre Pacheco & super sexy, private Can accommodate Quality and location Mazarron.

Escort apartment, complete one person or The apartments are finished to a very with accompanied. available home & massage high quality with communal areas

plastering

ring now on 648 111 779

thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom

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

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

decked out with marble floors and spacious corridors which make the building very light. The location is second to none, on the entrance to Los Montesinos overlooking the Torrevieja salt lakes and every apartment has its own private roof garden but there is no communal pool.

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

tel: 693 806 409

Monty is 8 months old, he is a staffie cross and would love to find a forever home.

He is neutered, chipped and vaccinated. He loves being with people but would prefer to be the only dog.

Call: 950 466 055 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

Pets In Spain Ricki is approx 3 years old and was rescued from a perrera. He is a lively, playful dog, chipped & good with other dogs. His long coat was extremely matted but has now had a good cut and blow.

Call: 645 469 253 Marta is a beautiful black and tan German shepherd cross,2 years old medium sized. She is spayed is a very gentle and affectionate dog.

She is good with other dogs and very responsive towards people. Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 for more info www.k9club.es

40

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 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

UK - SPAIN - UK From a parcel to a small house move

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

SOLareTIMES looking for

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

Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team in Mazarron/ Camposol area and Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607 leap into spring with us.

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON Experience not essential as full training melvyynleo@yahoo.com will be given as long as you’re organised and can work to deadlines.

SPAIN -UK - SPAIN

www.intereuropremovals.com

Send your CV to rosemary@soltimes want to know whats in

the news? www.soltimes.com

beechdale Removals Spain - UK & Return Personal, friendly door 2 door Service - Van & Trailer



Pets Welcome

Papers arranged

Local

Full or part loads

EARN 50€ - 100€

PER WEEK • Part-Time • Flexible Hours

Working with a British PLC www.vistagroup.es

want to know whats Linen Mills in the Express news?

UK Spain Uk www.soltimes.com 

Local Moves

Europe

storage storage storage

NEATER

simply removals

intereuroperemovals@yahoo.com

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

swimming pool safety

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

twice monthly service full or part loads local moves fully insured excellent rates tel: 607 016 267 /634 360 179

storage

Sky Digibox Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5 60€ can deliver.

Tel: 667 235 205

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

VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service inc furniture collection & assembly tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com

satellite tv

Motorbikes & Caravans

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

Brian Torrevieja

620 582 063 weekly service

HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

wigs

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.

cars for sale Ford Ka Dec 2003 - 3 door hatch 1.3 150,000 kms 3 owners Fully serviced A/C PAS, ABS CD Electric windows Central locking Rear head restraints Metallic blue

€2,650

Mazda 5 7-SEATER 2008 - 7 Seater 2.0 CRTD 16v D.I. Sportive Model 136,000 kms, 1 owner Full Mazda History A/C (Full climate), ABS Cruise, Parktronic Twin sliding side doors Rear privacy glass Keyless entry/start 17” sports alloys Top of the range!

Pearl Grey

€10,450

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

Ford Focus Ghia 2003 - 4 door saloon 1.6 Ghia 98,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, Multispoke alloys PAS, ABS Electric windows Cd player Remote locking Rear head restraints High spec model Dark metallic grey

Opel Zafira 7 Seat Auto/Tip 2008 - SEVEN SEATER 1.7 CDTi Energy 83,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, CD player Front fog lights, MP3 E. windows/mirrors High spec model, ESP On-board computer, Rain sensors Metallic black

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

5€ per week for 5 cubic metres cheapest on the Costa Blanca Safe & secure

Call mandy

Irwin Removals

info@irwinremovals.es

965 726 544 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

€3,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Seat Ibiza 2009 - 5 door hatch 1.4 Style 77,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C, Alloys, PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD Player Remote locking Rear head restraints Awaiting valet Metallic black

€12,950

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D D

animals D

Crocodile ‘spotted in the Thames’

A retired university lecturer says he got the shock of his life when he spotted a 4ft crocodile in the River Thames.

Cyclist Richard Smith, 64, claims he saw the reptile swimming along the river at Reading, Berkshire, reports the Daily Telegraph.

He said: “I was cycling on my own and I saw what I thought was a bough of a tree with four stubby branches on it close in to the bank.

“As I got closer I saw it was a crocodile. It was about 4ft long. It had a 2ft tail and 2ft body.

“I got off my bike and ran back to where it was, but it had gone. I ran along the river for about 50 yards, but it wasn’t there any more.”

He came forward with his sighting, from June last year, after a tackle shop worker claimed to have also seen the beast.

Mr Smith added: “The man in the shop said he was on the bank of the Thames near Tilehurst station and he saw a fully grown swan pulled down into the water and it totally disappeared.”

D D D D D

The lamb that looks more like a calf

Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473

A 14-year-old boy has found himself playing mother to a baby lamb with an identity crisis.

Jake Collier is currently caring - night and day - for a little lamb that looks more like a baby Friesian calf.

Jake agreed to bring-up one of three Jacob Sheep lambs born at his home at the Axe Valley Animal and Bird Sanctuary in Axminster.

The teenager had to step in after it became clear their mother could not care for all of the triplets.

Jake’s mum Jayne said: “Jake has taken it in his stride.

He’s never raised a lamb before, but we’ve said it’s his animal and he’s very independent.

“Feeding it every three or four hours certainly gets him out of bed in the morning.”

Wildlife Park proprietors Jayne and her husband Andrew bought four sheep last year as “something different” to add to their collection of meerkats, miniature ponies and parrots.

Jayne said: “We are looking forward to taking the lamb outside. The sun has started to shine, but it’s so cold they are having to stay indoors.

“The lamb looks like a black and white Friesian calf.

When we first got it, everyone thought I’d bought a black and white cow.”

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tongue twisters New research has shed light on exactly why tongue-twisters like ‘she sells sea shells on the sea shore’ are so hard to saY

It found the brain exercises split-second, symphony-like control to coordinate the tongue, jaw, tongue and larynx to articulate the words we speak.

In a report by the Mail Online, in the same way an orchestra relies on a conductor to coordinate the orchestra’s plucks, beats or blows to make music, speaking demands well-timed instructions from the brain to orchestrate these various parts.

So, like a conductor’s gestures being picked up by the wrong player, when the brain sends messages to muscles near each other that make different sounds, confusion can ensue.

The research by a team from the University of California, San Francisco has potentially important implications for the treatment of speech disorders.

It also sheds light on an ability that is unique to humans among living creatures but poorly understood.

‘Speaking is so fundamental to who we are as humans – nearly all of us learn to speak,’ said senior author Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon at UCSF. ‘It’s probably the most complex motor activity we do.’

The complexity comes from the fact that spoken words require the coordinated efforts of numerous ‘articulators’ in the vocal tract – the lips, tongue, jaw and larynx.

However, until now, scientists have not understood how the movements of these distinct articulators are precisely coordinated in the brain.

To shed light on how speech articulation works, Dr Chang and his colleagues recorded electrical activity directly from the brains of three people undergoing brain surgery at UCSF. By implanting an electrode array under the skull of the outer surface of the patients’ brains, they were able to record neural activity related to the enunciation of various commonly-spoken English syllables.

They used this information to determine the spatial organisation of the ‘speech sensorimotor cortex,’ which controls the lips, tongue, jaw, larynx as a person speaks.

This gave them a map of which parts of the brain control which parts of the vocal tract.

They then applied a sophisticated new method called ‘state-space’ analysis to observe the complex spatial and temporal patterns of neural activity in the speech sensorimotor cortex that play out as someone speaks.

This revealed a surprising sophistication in how the brain’s speech sensorimotor cortex works.

They found that this cortical area has a hierarchical and cyclical structure that exerts a split-second, symphonylike control over the tongue, jaw, larynx and lips.

For example, the neural patterns involved in pronouncing consonants, they found, were quite different from those for vowels, even where they used exactly the same parts of the vocal tract, Dr Chang told Nature.com.

That difference could help to explain why slips of the tongue happen in predictable ways. In so-called spoonerisms, we often mix up two consonants, or two vowels, but hardly ever do people mistakenly swap consonants for vowels.

Findings also showed the brain seems to coordinate its articulation of words not by what they sound like, as was previously believed, but by which muscles it needs to move.

The UCSF data distinguished front-of-the-tongue consonants (like ‘sa’), back-of-the-tongue consonants (like ‘ga’), and lip consonants (‘pa’); vowels split into those that require rounded lips (‘ooh’) or not (‘ee’).

‘This implies that tongue twisters are hard because the representations in the brain greatly overlap,’ Dr Chang told Nature.

‘Sss’ and ‘Shh’, for example, are both recognised by the brain as front-of-the-tongue sounds, so it more easily confuses these than sounds made by different parts of the tongue.

And that’s why ‘she sells sea shells by the sea shore’ is more difficult to say than ‘he sells sea snails by the green door’.

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motoring TEST DRIVE: KIA CEE’D SPORTSWAGON

“Added emotion, character, improved proportions and stance.”

That’s how Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer, describes the new Cee’d Sportswagon in comparison to its predecessor.

As I set eyes on it, I tend to agree.Traditionallyestatecars have been bland and boring, drivers really only buying them because they needed the extra space rather than necessarily wanting to drive one. I know couples where the husband has the fun car – the coupe – and the wife has the estate, under sufferance.

Thankfully such purchases are now more subjective the more attractive they have become. The curvaceous Cee’d Sportswagon is right at the forefront of this revolution.

Mr Schreyer and his team should be satisfied with a job well done.

Head on, its sloping bonnet complete with sophisticated chrome edged grille sets the standard for this futuristically styled estate. Kia has even done away with the dull ‘estate’ term preferring instead ‘Sportswagon’ shortened to SW - far more trendy and upbeat. Of course, this puts it straight in Peugeot 308SW territory but in terms of classy looks the Kia wins.

You want to get in and drive this car. But estates are all about load carrying so we must consider the boot first. It’s capacious and has been made as easy to use as possible; the boot floor flush with the tailgate opening as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. The rear seats fold to ensure a completely flat load deck. It makes light work of the week’s shopping and on another journey, the

month’s supply of logs.

But there’s more to the Sportswagon. I drove the old Cee’d and I was therefore surprised when I first stepped inside this new model. Where its predecessor lacked refinement and quality its replacement oozes with them.

Seriously, it’s as if VW has breathed on certain parts, most notably the hard and supportive driving seat and its position – perfect for the dreaded motorway commute.

You can imagine that this will withstand much wear and tear.

The doors shut with a satisfying ‘thunk’ and the environment in which driver and passengers find themselves is indeed very comfortable and of good quality. Its dashboard favours the driver, which is a nice touch.

The SW is let down though, by the use of seemingly cheap looking and feeling black plastics for the indicator and windscreen wiper stalks either side of the steering wheel.

Then on opening the driver’s window the trim proceeds to rattle as I drive along. The engine stop/start leaves much to be desired for me, too as there’s no consistency as to when it kicks in. Iron out these minor criticisms and this could be a faultless vehicle.

Just two diesel engines are available, a 1.4 or a 1.6 but both return well over 60mpg.

The 1.6 model EcoDynamics model tested comes with a smooth six-speed gearbox and steering mounted cruise control, stereo and telephone functions. It’s a responsive vehicle, making for a thoroughly enjoyable drive and noticeably surprises the driver of a Volvo V70 as I overtake him.

Equipment includes

adjustable and automatically folding heated wing mirrors, air conditioning, all round electric windows, projection headlights, daytime running lights and even a cooled glovebox with controls inside.

“The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon is a medium-sized estate that’s designed to be practical, stylish and good value for money,” writes Parkers, the car experts. “Further bolstering the Sportswagon’s load carrying capabilities are roof rails, myriad storage points and a braked towing weight of 1,500kg. The original Kia Cee’d SW, launched in 2007, proved to be a spacious and smartly-styled small estate which didn’t cost much to run. The only downsides were a dull drive and some questionable interior trim.”

Welcome to a new breed of exciting estate where there is plenty of useful storage space and good levels of comfort. The only thing I don’t understand is its name but perhaps it relates to vision… as Focus does for Ford.

specification Kia Cee’d Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi 4 5d 2012 onwards New price range: £16,895 - £24,795 Economy: 64mpg 0-60mph: 10.8secs Top speed: 120mph Power: 126bhp Fuel capacity: 53 litres Over 600 to a tank 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

sport

Orihuela Costa Monday night fun darts league

Results - Week 18.

18/02/13 Horacio A 3 - 6 Pablos’s Concierto’s 6 - 3 Horacio´s B Oche-Holics’s 6 - 3 Liberty´s JJ Belushi´s 3 - 6 Belushi´s High scores 120+ 140 Dave “Daddy” Frew ( Concierto´s ) 140 Liam Johnson ( JJ Belushi´s ) 138 Damian “666” Lambert ( Concierto´s ) 138 Terry Bates ( Oche-Holic´s ) 135 Terry Bates ( Oche-Holic´s ) 135 Martin Batham ( Liberty´s ) 125 Dave “Daddy” Frew ( Concierto´s ) 122 Dave Laverick ( Horacio´s B ) 121 Nigel Blackburn ( Liberty´s ) 121 Tony Jones ( Liberty´s ) 120 Terry Bates ( Oche-Holic´s ) League Table 122 OCHE-HOLICS 89 CONCIERTO´S 83 PABLO´S 79 LIBERTY´S 69 BELUSHI´S 52 HORACIO´S A 43 HORACIO´S B 30 JJ BELUSHI´S

43

Sucina Golf Society Tuesday, 19th February 2013 at La Serena Today we had 27 players arriving to a later tee time than normal at 11.30am with grey clouds looming, questions asked whether wet weather clothes were going to be required. Fortunately the rain did hold off, albeit a rather cold day! Though I have to commend one of our players who turned up wearing shorts. Andrew, you were a brave man!

To take on the 16 holes of water on this course, we bravely took on a team game format of a Team Waltz with an orange ball, teeing off from both the 1st & 10th tee.

Each player taking their turn to tee-off with the coloured ball, and their score doubling providing the ball not lost in play. An additional point was also added for each hole the coloured ball remained in play.

For most players the coloured ball was lost within the first few holes, so at least the pressure was off for the remaining game. One team kept their ball until the 13th hole, but certainly there was a relief once it had been lost in the water! Calm had been restored!

Presentation of the prizes were held afterwards in the bar at La Serena. Our

winning teams of the day were:Winners - 1st tee David Hurst, Pam Redgers & Bill Nagle 104 points Winners - 10th tee Marion Vincent, Colin Comber, Peter Tuit & Mike Palmer 96 points Nearest the pins went to: Hole 3 - Ty Stainfield, Hole 9 - Mike Palmer, Hole 15 - Ray Banks and Hole 17 - Mo Khan . Thanks go to the Great Golf Co who supplied our NTP prizes.

In addition, we were also able to present the New Year Cup to the winner - Les Vincent.

This game had been previously played in January but we had been unable to present this prize at our earlier social event.

Our next meeting is at Corvera Golf, on Tuesday 19th March at 10.00am. 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

Andy Wilson Photographer

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Ship Hispaniola Golf Society T.M.G.S. (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Font Del Llop 17th February 2013.

For this month’s replayed meeting a group of 14 players visited the established course at Font del Llop taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

We tried to play the course one week earlier but most of the players were forced off the course by bad weather conditions and we replayed the event under a rain check issued by the course and this time there was no wind, some fog but ended as a beautiful day and this reflected in excellent scores.

The winning scores on the day were as follows: 1st – Mervyn Evans – 38 points 2nd – Grant Goble – 35 points Both players earn a much deserved handicap cut.

The hidden pairs event was won by Mervyn Evans and Wayne Matthews and Karen Matthews and Jim Speakman After the game we returned to the Ship Hispaniola bar in La Mata for well deserved refreshments and our thanks go to Janet for the on-going support Kevin Robinson has been appointed the new Captain with Ian Noad the Vice Captain and our congratulations to them.

The next society fixture is at Vistabella on Monday 11th March 2013 and guests and more members are welcome so call Grant Goble on 667329772 or better still call in at the bar.

Note for the future that Captains day could be moved to Benidorm in June 2013.

Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costablanca-greenfees.com.

The journey down the AP7 seems to get shorter, or is due to the days getting a little brighter? We arrived to find the golf course in its usual good condition with the greens being as slick as we remember (lots of 3 putts). The misunderstanding of many players that are not used to winter golf on this coast, is that they think that it is poor condition because the course looks brown, the type of grassed used (Bermuda or gramma as it`s known in Spain) simply hibernates when the air temperature drops to single figures, it plays the same but doesn`t look the same.

Anyway onto our scores and as you can see some of our

members and especially one of our guests didn`t mind it at all.

The Gold category was won on count back by John Eyre from Doug Baldry (37 points) Captain Alan Rickers came in 3rd with 36 points and in 4th place with 34 points was John Mellor, welcome back John.

Silver category was again won by the inform Sandra Twentyman 32 points, Roger Nilsen, another regular prize winner took 2nd with 31 points and 3rd and 4th places had to be decided using the count back rule with Derek McLean taking it from Ray Ewins both on 30 points. Our best visitor this week was P. Farrance with 40 points playing it for the first time of handicap 5!!

Nearest the pin results were, Hole 2 Gold Doug Baldry, Hole 7 Gold John Mellor and Hole 13 Silver Roger Nilsen. Photo is Silver category winners.

Next Wednesday we return to Villamartin to play the 3rd round of the Stableford Eclectic. If you would like to play golf with a friendly bunch, we play every Wednesday; all are welcome, visit our web site www.tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604

shot was turned over by the Alquerias keeper. Then, after 68 minutes, more excellent work down the left

by Ruben saw Alfonso’s shot tipped away for a corner.

Mazarron supporters were annoyed by the Alquerias tactics during the whole of the second half when they took the opportunity to break up play by feigning injury after virtually every tackle. In the last minute of normal time, Jose Ruben was amazingly given a red card by the referee for showing his displeasure at

these tactics to one of the Alquerias players who was lying on the ground laughing at him.

Even then, Ahmed could have equalised in the 9th minute of added time but his point blank header from Toni’s corner was once again bravely saved by the Alquerias keeper Team: Ruben, Pollo (Toni), Diego (Ahmed), Pepelu, Matt Clarke, Barrachina, Alfonso, Baeza, Panocha (Santi), Jose Ruben, Cecilio Man of the Match: Baeza

MAZARRON FC 2 ALQUERIAS FB 3 Despite taking the lead after just 1 minute and 25 seconds, a superb display by the visiting goalkeeper saw Mazarron suffer only their second defeat in 10 games.

Baeza put Mazarron ahead with a deflected shot in their first attack but Alquerias equalised in the third minute when juvenile keeper Ruben, deputising for the suspended Iker, could only parry a shot to Samuel Manzano, who poked the ball home.

Alquerias took the lead after 12 minutes when Pollo, in attempting to a clear a free kick from the right, merely passed the ball to Manzano who had the simple task of scoring from 6 yards.

The game flowed from end to end on a difficult bumpy surface although the better chances fell to Mazarron who equalised after 21 minutes with one of the goals of the

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season so far. Cecilio picked the ball up 25 yards out and unleashed a superb right footed drive into the roof of the net to bring the home supporters to their feet.

After 32 minutes, a cross from the left was headed down by Barrachina to Jose Ruben whose fierce shot was just tipped over the bar by the Alquerias keeper.

Mazarron’s captain, Diego, limped off after 40 minutes to be replaced by Ahmed and, almost immediately, Alquerias took the lead. A left wing run exposed young Ahmed for pace and the resultant cross was fired home by Samuel Manzano to complete his hat trick.

The second half was almost totally dominated

by Mazarron with Jose Ruben causing all sorts of problems for the Alquerias defence. Firstly, his pinpoint cross found Cecilio whose

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MAZARRON BOWLS CLUB

Friday 22nd Feb Mazarron “Miners” played away to La Manga “Crusaders” in the CBBA League. Unfortunately Mazarron only managed to win 1 game and lost 63 shots to 140. With only three more CBBA League matches now left to play Mazarron will be hoping to improve on their present table position of 3rd from the bottom. It has been a bit of a mixed bag of matches so far for Mazarron with 6 wins 8 losses and 1 draw but it isn’t all over yet.

Their next match is on Friday 1st March at home against La Siesta “Blues”.

Mazarron BC have started playing their Spring Trips League and after 2 weeks played we have 2 teams Jammy & True Brits head to head at the top. For those of us playing this frustrating

MAGGOTS END

RODS AND REELS Due to the inclement weather early in the week, the competition was changed from the Embalse de Pedrera to the Eden canal. The competition was the penultimate round of the Winter Championship.

The day was glorious with no wind and temperatures reaching high teen´s. The fishing however, did not reflect the weather with 2 anglers not weighing in, and most of the field struggling to break 2 kilo´s. The bamboo´s at present are in their quiescent state, but it is only a matter of time before they decide to try and take over the world. So for any anglers going there, please take some cutters with you and try to keep the bamboo´s at bay.

Top Rods on the day 1st Dave ( Yours Truly ) Hoare fishing the pole using maggot, bread and corn with 8.22 kilo´s.

2nd Clive ( Golf No More) Cleghorn fishing the pole using maggot with 4.70 kilo´s.

3rd Alan ( The Chairman ) Reid fishing the feeder using maggot with 2.66 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 The venue for this week’s 7th round of the Abbey Angling cup was fished at

game we know it’s very likely with 7 more weeks of play any team could win.

If you have been thinking about having a go at playing bowls or you have been a bowler and would like to take it up again then come along to our Thursday roll up 10am for 10.30 start.

We have bowls you can borrow and members who are trained to coach you in the basics of the game should you need the advice.

For more information on the club and how to find us look us up on our web page :- mazarronbowlsclub.webs. com or Tel Club Captain :637461038 or Club Secretary :-968157275 Report by Wendy Reynolds

Nancy’s or the Sweet water canal on the 19th February.

With no recent rainfall the water is still low and coloured, but the sluice at the top end is still putting a fair amount of water into the river. The fish are still reluctant to feed with only the odd peg producing, and maggot and corn still seem to be the top baits at present.

1st Terry (Swing em) Screen with 17.080kg fishing the feeder using maggot 2nd Andy (The Web man) Stevenson with 11.500kg fishing the pole and feeder using corn 3rd Richard (The Lion Heart) King with 6.280kg fishing the feeder using corn These and all other details are available on our website www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965328368 ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together 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 FEBRUARY 2013

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GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB

San Javier GS This week we returned to Corvera Golf course for the first time in two years and what a day the weather was fantastic just right for golf lots of sun shirt sleeves and very little wind not bad for February. thirty one players turned out in an Individual Stableford event and there was good scores from most of the players. We played in two division and in the first the winners was a new comer Ian Townes who came in with 39pts four points clear of Paul Matthews on 35pts and in third was our captain on 34pts just getting in there on count back.

In the second division the big points scorer and now looking forward to a nice cut in his handicap was Bernie Waspe with the big 40pts followed in second place by Chris Flanagan on 35pts and Barry Geary in third on 32pts but only getting there on count back. In the nearest

the pins it was ladies two men two with jenny O’Neill and Joan Williams for the ladies and Dave Williams and Mick Hardy for the men.

Top lady scorer on the day was Anne Holder with 34pts who finished in 4th place.

With only one more event for player of the year which is at Vistabella next month. The leader Barry Butterworth on 223pts as a 5 point lead over second place Roy Herbert on 218pts with third place Paul Matthews on 211pts.

The next Society’s game will be at VISTABELLA on Monday, 4th March 2013.

The format will be Individual Stableford. 1st Tee time 9.45am (final of the Player of the Year 2012-13 Men & Ladies).

Payday is on Saturday, 2nd March 2013 at La SERENA (in the bar area) between 11.00 & 12.00 hours.

What a league this is it must be the best & most competitive league in the whole of Spain and with positions at the top so close it proves that the Format is the right one So to the Monday games First off was league leaders Marinasol v/s Club 25 with the men from Marinasol maintaining their good form with a 27pts to 15pts win.Second out was second placed San Javier against La-Zenia The result a win for La-Zenia by 31pts to 22pts the difference being the form of Captain Morris Flint & his partner Andy Kane who won 12pts to 3pts.The next match saw Sierra Golf take on the very strong team of The Celt Club & beating them 25pts to 22pts Wednesday Dawned with a slight drop in wind conditions game one saw the not so Sprightly Crew take on RocoGogs who despite several of their players suffering with heavy colds recorded the highest winning score of the season 37pts to20pts..Next out where bottom placed Hacienda facing La-Manga this was a very closely fought match with La Manga

winning by 24pts to 20pts.

Neither of these two teams deserve to be in their current position in the league and i am sure they will be back to winning ways soon.

Now to Las-Ramblas to play the outstanding match from September and the form book was the winner here as La-Zenia carried on where they left off the Monday before with a 29pt to 22pts win over The Celt Club. So now all teams have played the same number of games and here is the new league table.

1st Marinasol 158pts 2nd Roco-Gogs 155pts 3rd The Celts 153pts 4th La Zenia 152pts 5th San Javier 147pts 6th Sprightly Crew 140pts 7th Club 25 134pts 8th Sierra Golf 133pts 9th La Manga 127pts 10th Hacienda 111pts.

It is so Close at the top only ten points covering the first five places Well done everyone for this is without doubt the best league in Spain carry on the great work. The next round of matches is on March 11th see you then.

Alex Mc

Murcia Matchplay Golf

BY STEVE HIBBERD No doubt which result took pride of place last week.

Against all odds, Greenlands Premier 20 side beat a strong team from San Luis by 10 points to 6. This well deserved victory has earned GBC a place in the final against Javea. Hats off to home based G Bater who convincingly won the singles 21-3, and the pairs team of S Hibberd & S Heath, who came back from the dead to triumph 20-19. Special thanks to Jim Reeves for marking the singles. But it was the 3 disciplines that won away, who really stole the show.

S Cantley (21-11) singles, S Stead, J & B Pocock (22-13) trips, plus B Sims, W Latham, L Greenland, B Latham (23-12) rinks, pulled off a magnificent set of results.

In the top SABA league, both our teams were in action.

At home, Sycamores must have felt a bit sick, as they went down 3-11 to Horadada Falcons. Take a bow: Z Wilcock, M Lockley, B Miller 24-14. E Merrick, J Wilcock, Pete Tomkins 21-21. Over at San Miguel, Averil’s Maples met the Meteors. Three wins and a draw, were supplemented with a 2 shots advantage, as they won 9-5. Jolly well done: C Thomas, J Pocock, M Brown 25-10. B Tomlin, F Tilley, V Mahomet 17-12. M Mackay, S Hibberd, S Heath 23-17. S Stead, S Mahomet, B Pocock 15-15.

La Siesta was the venue for the winter leaguers, who won 6 (68) - 4 (65). Winning rinks: N Bater, T Hodges, B Collins, D Greenland 18-10. D Watts, T Coombs, M Veale, S Cantley 22-19. Berleen team lost 02, even though J Collins, S Johnson, T Sambrook & Penny

Tomkins won their rink 16-12.

The Fed 4s have reached the 2nd round of matches, so it was off to Quesada for the Bulls, who took on QBC Panthers. Even though they lost 6-2, it was a spirited performance by a small, but committed (dedicated as opposed to institutionalised!) bunch of bowlers. Bulls eye: G Bater, A Toozer, S Heath, S Hibberd 18-17. Marilyn’s Bears continued their good run, with a superb 8-0 victory at Horadadadada. Bear with me: F Tilley, C Thomas, P Lockley, A Goodfellow 22-19.

T Sambrook, Penny Tomkins, F & M Edwards 17-15. M Lockley, S Johnson, T Hodges, M Fryatt 22-17.

Congratulations to A Butterworth, S Taylor & J Reeves who beat H Langlois, Y Dutton & G Inwood by 2 goals to 1, in the club Thurs football league.

Southern League. OAKS - 9 COUNTRY BOWLS RAMBLERS - 5: D Thompson, M Veale, S Cantley 21-10. J Thompson, B Miller, D O’Sullivan 23-9. T Lawton, W Latham, B Latham 23-11. S Stead, A Toozer, L Greenland 17-17. ELMS - 8 EL RANCHO MUSTANGS - 6: M Mackay, N Cork, Bobbie Sims 22-13. T Coombs, V Mahomet, Bill Sims 21-17. J Pocock, M Brown, B Pocock 29-11. LA SIESTA SILVERS - 0 CEDARS - 14: F Tilley, Penny Tomkins, T Upham 19-9. M Beardsall, Z & J Wilcock 20-13. M Kilby, J Redfern, A Brown 23-11. T Hodges, T French, J Wray 2112. N Bater, C Dewar, Pete Tomkins 30-14. M Dewar, E Merrick, D Webb (sorry Dave, for missing your name last week!) 21-6.

Cornish Pride Los Dolses Ten Pin Bowling League Matches played February 19th Bar Mosquito bowled their highest scratch game, 534, and scratch series 1512, as they beat Lucky Strike 8-0.

Caballo Negro moved back to third place with an 8-0 win over Split Happens, Eija Suomi bowling for C.N. had her best game scores so far, 177 scratch and 213 hcp.

Despite Ivar Henriksen bowling his highest hcp game so far, 231, his team Crazy Pinz, were still beaten 6-2 by Cornish Pride. Top bowler for the ‘Cornish’ boys was Paul Johnson with a 597 hcp series.

Another 8-0 win for Hall y Day this week, against Splash, moved them another 2 points closer to the mighty Finns.

Top scorer for HyD was Martti Timonen, 615 hcp series, and for Splash it was Manuel Martin, 552.

Los Lobos only had 2 bowlers, so it was an easy 8-0 win for the Mixers, as they bowled their highest team hcp series 1792.

Carp-r-us have not won for 5 weeks now, this week beaten 6-2 by Team Finland, top scorer for the Carps was Bill Hogg, 542 hcp series, and for T.F. it was Olli Leppanen 546 hcp series.

In the battle of the ‘bandits’, Los Bandidos beat Bandoleros 6-2. L.B had their highest hcp game so far 639. And Bandoleros welcomed back Chris Vidal, who bravely bowled a 505 hcp series.

45

Orihuela Costa F.C

Orihuela Costa F.C 3 V’s Oriol C.F. 1 Sponsored By: Morgans Bar - Amber Pools - Sunworld Properties - The Shandon Bells Bar - The Central Grille Cheers Bar - Specsavers Torrevieja - Blue Hill Security Grilles - Morgans On The Plaza.

This week Costa entertained high flying Oriol. Costa had failed in the past meetings to pick up any points in previous encounters with Oriol and with seven players currently out and unable to play the home side where down to bare bones for the second week running. This week the main objective for the Costa players was to work harder off the ball and close down quicker than previous games. This was taken on board from the opening minutes and Costa enjoyed most of the play in Oriol’s half. The back five of Marshall, Cockroft, Mint, Quest & Nicholas looked calm and composed at the back and with Charley Frost playing a more defensive role in front of the back line allowed the midfield to push and support the front pairing of Bass & Gudmundsson who chased and hounded the visitors and gave them no time to relax on the ball. This paid off for Costa on 10 mins when some great work from Gummi Gudmundsson down the right side saw him take on and beat two players to strike a shot that deflected into the net from an Oriol defender. 60 seconds later from a lack of concentration and poor marking saw the visitors equalize which started from a throw and this allowed their receiving player to pick out his spot with a fine effort which flew into the net past Marshall in goal. Constant pressure paid off though for the home side when a second hand ball by an Oriol player was punished with Costa being awarded a penalty. Glen Lawton stepped up and smashed the back of the net to take Costa back into a 2 - 1 lead. Just before halftime Costa had Jordan Marshall in goal to thank for a great save pushed round

the post. Minutes later left winger Cesar Augusto who had been playing very well down Costa’s left recieved a blow to the head from a high foot in a nasty collision which was to stop him from playing the second half.

Second half saw Costa carry on with a high tempo of closing down and when in possession not panicking on the ball and playing the ball around the team and hurting Oriol in their half and keeping the pressure off their own defence. Sam Broadway was causing problems for the visitors down the left with his blistering pace and trickery on the ball and getting back when needed especially when Costa captain and left back Jamie Cockroft was bundled into metal railings and took a bad knock on his knee & ribs, but like a true leader played through the pain barrier. Unfortunately central defender Quest had to pull up with a groin strain after a great effort in the heart of defence along with Nicholas, but with Frost dropping in to cover, Costa still played with flair and a lot of heart through out the side. On 61 minutes Gudmundsson put Costa 3 - 1 up with a cool finish in front of goal which was well deserved from the hard graft he had put in from the very first minute of the match.

Oriol ‘s frustration was boiling over which started from their manager on the side line and filtering through to his players who lost their heads which allowed Costa to find time and time again opening’s in their defence to attack. Bradley Munz costa’s youngest player ran his socks off up front for 30 minutes to keep the pressure on and to allow Costa to triumph 3 - 1 and collect 3 points.

For more information on Orihuela Costa Cadetes who represent the Orihuela Costa area in the Valencian Federation league then visit www.orihuelacostafc.com or call George on :679 77 44 88.

Training takes place every Tues/Thurs 18:30 - 20:00 @ C.D.M. Sports Center Playa Flamenca.

46

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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course, so not too many complaints were made.

Results: Winner of February Monthly Stableford: Bob Buckeridge.

Gold Division. 1st Bob Buckeridge, 38.

2nd Doug Spiring, 37.

3rd Pino Perito, 36.

Silver Division. 1st Hedy Paehlig 37.

2nd Jill Young 30. 3rd Bruce Gordon, 30. (Countback) Bronze Division. 1st Franco Gentili, 34. 2nd Chris Stanley, 33. 3rd Brian Heard, 32.

Nearest The Pins. 5th Mike Young, 11th David Lewis, 12th Bob Buckeridge, 15th Doug Spiring, 17th Dave Nicholls.

Best Front 9: Roy Lowe, 19.

Best Back 9: Tony Stead, 18.

Football Draw: Phyllis Venables, Chris Stanley, John Holland & Hedy Paehlig

EUROGOLF REPORT

21 FEB 2013. This week’s competition was the February monthly Stableford . The weather was kind with a slight breeze and 60 players teed off on what should have been a good day for scoring. In the event, although our winner Bob Buckeridge scored a very respectable 38 points, just piping Doug Spiring & Hedy Paehlig on 37 points, a lot of players could be seen shaking their heads and trying to hide their score cards. Still, it was a good day to be out on the

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game for the club as he is leaving to work in the USA) could do nothing to keep out the Rafal penalty.

Just as bad as the first half was, the second 45 minutes proved to be one of the most entertaining of the season.

Veteran defender, Becker, came on as a substitute for youngster Omar and it was Becker who got his head to a free kick and glanced his header past the Rafal keeper for the equaliser.

Minutes later, Monte thought they had gone ahead when Rodrigo netted. But his effort was ruled out for a dodgy offside decision. Then the overworked referee, who had a very poor game, actually awarded Monte a goal when the ball clearly went wide.

However, as the Monte players were not celebrating and the

Rafal players were incensed with the decision, the official decided that perhaps he had got it wrong and awarded a goal kick instead!!!!

brilliantly guided strike.

The visitors enjoyed a bright period, creating some openings and putting pressure on the Saint’s backline.

Despite the constant pressure, San Fulgencio wasted a great chance when Carl Kirby was put through, but the keeper made a brave save at the striker’s feet.

Hondon had another great chance, but with the whole of the goal to aim at, the centreback fired miles over the bar.

The team two points above the Saints prior to kick-off continued to create opportunities, but as

long as the scoreboard stayed at 1-0, there was still hope.

The hosts improved in the second half. In an encouraging spell, Marco Aurelio hit the crossbar from a swivelling effort and then forced the away keeper into a decent reaction save. Carlos Sampere headed over the rebound.

The game turned on a controversial decision with 20 minutes remaining. Hector Silva received a second booking for an innocuous challenge on the left wing, which infuriated the Saint’s players.

Hondon took advantage of the

extra man and ended all hope of a recovery with a goal on the break in the last few minutes.

After a fluid move, the ball was played into number 17 who couldn’t miss from inside the six yard box.

Ros, Abel (Manu Amores, 51’), Luis, Gasch, Jose Manuel (Patri, 65 ‘), Villanueva.

In front of a crowd of around the 300 mark, the match kickedoff with a bitterly cold strong wind blowing down the pitch which was in Torry’s favour in the first-half. The game started pretty evenly with an early chance falling to Jose Manuel who blazed over the top after being set up by Gasch. The home side responded and Tur had to be alert to stop a fierce shot on target which he spilled but re-claimed at the second attempt. With the wind behind them, Torry had territorial advantage and Jose Manuel had another opportunity from a header which he again put over the top. Torry then made the breakthrough when Jorge nodded a well flighted Cuco Ros free-kick into the back of the net for a GOALLLLL to Torry 0-1. Tur then made an excellent stop with his legs from a shot from a Saguntino forward who had broke clear and was presented with a “one on one” on Tur. As the first half came to a close and entered time added

on, Saguntino won a free-kick in a dangerous position. The free-kick was struck well and pushed onto the cross-bar by Tur but unfortunately for Torry the ball rebounded back into play and was headed over the line and into the back of the net by an opposing player for a GOALLLLL to Saguntino 1-1 and that’s how it remained at the break. Torry brought on Sergio in place of Dani at the beginning of the second-half and were forced to make another change 6 minutes later when Abel picked up what appeared to be an ankle injury and had to be replaced by Manu Amores in central midfield. With the wind in their sails, Saguntino started to dominate and boss midfield and push Torry back into what became a rearguard action.

Tur was forced into action on a number of occasions and Torry managed to repel the surge of Saguntino attacks. Torry might have won in at the end when they managed to break forward and Gasch played Manu Amores in but his weak effort came to nothing. A much needed hard earned point for Torry.

Torry are now 14th in the table only 4 points outside the relegation zone in a very tightly contested league with all the teams in the bottom half of the table certainly not safe from relegation. On Sunday Torry are at home to 6th placed Villarreal C who are pushing for a promotion play-off spot, although they cannot be promoted unless their 1st team get promoted to La Liga from Segunda. Their away record is very good and better than their home record with 7 wins, 3 draws and only 2 defeats on the road. They will be a young, technically gifted and very well coached side and will present stiff opposition for Torry. Torry will have to be at their best to get something out of the game and lets hope they are as they definitely have to start winning at home to stave off the threat of relegation. The game is again at the Nelson Mandela and kicks off at 5.00 pm. Try to be there.

A slightly less anxious Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain draw again.

CD MONTESINOS 2 – 1 CF RAFAL CDM Team: Cubano, Dimitry, Fernando, Yonhi, Sergio, Rubio, Wallace, Andres, Omar, Rodrigo, Edu. CDM Subs: Becker for Omar and Javi on for Dimitry. CDM Goals: Becker and Andres CD Montesinos put their bad form of the last few weeks behind them with a much improved performance in this game, especially in the second

half. The less said about the first 45 minutes the better as Monte played as badly as they had done in midweek at Sporting Orihuela, a match they lost 2-1 on a cold and miserable evening.

The first half ended with Monte 0-1 behind after a rather dubious penalty decision went against them. Cubano in the Monte goal (playing his last

C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio Promotion dream fading away for Saints C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio 0-2 Hondon Nieves C.F San Fulgencio lost yet more ground on the leading pack after a well-organised and hard-working Hondon side deservedly took all three points.

The start of the game was marked with defensive mistakes and nervous play by San Ful and they paid the price after 15 minutes. A mix up between Aaron Lopez and Hector Silva allowed Hondon’s number 15 to put his side into the lead with a

FC TORREVIEJA

TORRY PICK UP A SHARE OF THE SPOILS AGAIN Last Sunday Torry travelled up to just north of the City of Valencia to Saguntino to take on Athletico Saguntino. Saguntino were in 7th place but their points tally at home was not as fruitful as their points tally away from home with too many draws. 7 draws, 3 wins and 3 defeats. Torry were without the injured Koeman , JuanFran and Burguillos so the manager had to put out a somewhat makeshift team. The one bit of welcoming news was that Jorge made a welcome return to the Torry team. Javi Tur was given another chance to prove himself in goal being preferred to Manolo who has suffered a dip in form and confidence of late. Jose Manuel made a rare start up front. Despite Torry not being at their strongest it was hoped that they could come away with at least a point and add to Saguntino’s record of being the division’s home draw specialists.

Torrys starting line-up: Tur, Boix, Rafa, Jorge, Dani Meseguer (Sergio, 46 ‘), Cuco

The winner finally arrived with just five minutes to play.

A Rafal goal kick only reached the half way line and Andres, on the volley, smashed it right back towards goal. With the Rafal keeper out of position, the ball crossed the line much to the delight of the players and supporters of CD Montesinos.

To keep up to date with everything at CD Montesinos and their British supporters club “The Full Monte”, please visit our website at www. cdmontesinos.com or email us at thefullmonte2011@hotmail. com VAMOS MONTE!!!

Disappointing from the Saints in an important fixture.

Our next game is away against Orihuela, time of kick off yet to be confirmed.

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

Match report by Jordan Lucas

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

47

sport

DAYA LUCKY TO DRAW ITV ORIHUELA RFC LEAGUE DAYA NUEVA 2 v. CALLOSA 2 their own penalty area. For all INFANTILS G10s this possession though a goal MATCH POSTPONED

Las Colinas was the welcome destination for this week’s San Miguel Golf Society meeting.

Managed by the highly efficient and professional team from Troon Golf, it certainly is one of the finest courses amongst the many on our circuit up and down the coast.

After recently inserting a much improved tee box on the picturesque short par 3 (hole 7) which is only a downhill shot of some one hundred and a few metres, improvement work is still underway on the buggy paths in the same part of the course.

Around forty members and guests proceeded to square up to each other in the second round of the “Bogeys Medal Shield”, sponsored for around twenty years by one of the area’s leading restaurants which is highly recommended, situated in the very popular Villamartin Plaza.

Although quite a long course which could hardly be described as anything approaching “easy”, its slope-rating seems very much under-rated and for mid-handicappers to only receive one extra stroke does appear a little harsh, which was clearly reflected in the scores.

SMGS VISIT LAS COLINAS NTP’s were won by Marg

Birtwistle, Knut Vosko and Ove Andersen who bagged himself two! Ray Harris (net 76) and Mick Cook (82) took this week’s top honours amongst the visitors.

Silver division’s top three were John Sorensen in third (81), Marg Birtwistle in second (75) and David Marshall just clinching first on count-back with his net 75.

These scores were mirrored in the Gold category where Graham Cockayne finished third with 76, second went to John Drakesmith (75) with Phil Birtwistle’s 75 just taking top slot on count-back.

A difficult day for many saw the “Abacus” award keenly contested once again with Wenche Westburg coming out on top and claiming a very desirable bottle of the finest red variety!

Keep up to date with all SMGS activities by logging on to www. smgs.org or simply give Barry a quick buzz on 966 731 033. We play every Wednesday and all guests are always made very welcome.

Photo: Some of the day’s happy winners.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY Thursday 21st Febuary for him, Today we returned to our regular course for this year,to play our monthly Ecelectic competion, The day started witht the usual complementery Coffee and Tostada, which is agreat to start a game of golf,on a bright but windy and slioghtly chilly day. The course was in good condition with the greens playing very fast, so a few players found them difficult to handle despite this some reasonabl scores were recorded especially Elspeth Craig who scored another divisional win the second on the trot well done and the ladies shone again with Carrol Mariner getting nearest the pin on hole six.

However one four ball, acheived the distiction of lossing eight balls between them but the winner of the submariner trophy was our El Presidenty Bill McGrandle who lost five of the eight , a very exspensive game of golf

The results are follows.

Winner Bronze Division Elspeth Craig 34 points Winner Silvert Division Malcolm Jones 28 points Winner Gold Division Mick Cook 29 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole 1 Mick Cook, Hole 6 Carrol Mariner, Hole 12 David Bibby, 17 Alan Jones Next Game Bonalba on the 7th of March first tee off 10 30 Those playing please remember payment into the Bank, no cash on the day please and rember to bring your bank rceipt with you as proof of payment thanks to you all for your cooperation.

Next Entertainment March the 5th Binggo Quiz Night including food,for further information on this event and booking contact Jimmy Scott on 966 184 316 For further information on the society including Membership and playing as a guest contact Bill McGrandle on 679 007 756

Daya were out for revenge today having been beaten at Callosa, their only defeat of the season so far. So it was no surprise when the home team started at a tremendous pace.

Against a strong wind they forced the visitors back into their own half for long periods.

With 15 minutes played and no sign of a goal for Daya, Callosa began to gain in confidence and it was the home side’s turn to come under pressure.

On 25 minutes a wonderful opportunity fell to Daya’s Carlos but he only managed to tread on the ball and the chance was gone. Daya began to exert pressure on Callosa now and they created a number of good chances that produced good saves from the keeper.

The deadlock was broken on 30 minutes when Youssef headed home a deep cross for 1 - 0 Daya. The home side continued to press but it was just the one goal still at half time. With the wind behind them in the second half Daya soon had Callosa penned into

for Daya just wouldn’t come.

With just the 1 goal lead it was a very nervous home side now and they desperately needed a second goal to calm these nerves. On 65 minutes the inevitable happened a quick breakaway by the visitors saw them equalise with a good shot. The goal gave the visitors a big big boost, so it came as no surprise when just two minutes later Callosa took the lead, although it did look offside. Daya pushed and pushed for equaliser and on 69 minutes they were rewarded when an own goal levelled the scores. So final score 2 - 2 but Daya were very lucky. Callosa are certainly becoming Daya’s bogey team, they have now taken 4 points this season from Daya and have probably ended their title chances. Daya just cannot score goals from the many chances they create each week. It was the same today and is so disappointing for all their supporters.

Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab

CLAPTON’S GOLF SOCIETY BONALBA SPA AND GOLF 16TH DECEMBER 2011 This month’s competition was to be played at Bonalba.

Something of a favourite course for most of the Society members. On arriving the wind had started to blow which made a chilly start to the day and the wind was to play an integral part of the scores of the day. After standing on the first tee for a few minutes members were soon reaching for warm hats and jackets.

The course was once again in excellent condition but the wind made life difficult catching the members out when the water also appeared. Some thought we were playing water golf and were using harpoons and diving suits rather than clubs.

To this end there were some good scores and also some not so good scores. Nevertheless the members enjoyed their day at Bonalba be it that most of them came in cold and disappointed. Our thanks to the staff at Bonalba. We then journeyed back for the prize giving at the Clubhouse. Prize winners and scores as follows: Best Overall: Tony Stead 33 points Gold Winner: Andy Trefry 28 points on c/b Gold Runner Up: Steve Hatt 28 points Silver Winner: Peggy Hamilton 27 points Silver Runner Up: Barry Bentley 26 points Best Front Nine: John Stones

19 points Best Back Nine: Ian Faulkner 15 points Best Guest: John King 27 points Nearest the Pin: 4th Steve Clay 8th Terry Smith 11th Tina King 14th Steve Clay Most Potential: R o n a Farrell Members went back to Claptons for the prize giving and the usual feast supplied

by Chris and his staff. Many thanks for their hospitality.

Next meeting 27th January at Font de Llop.

This coming weekend ITV Orihuela RFC were suppose to play Cartagena away, but all league matches have been postponed and will be played now on 17 March, the day after the final round of 6 Nations matches.

So Orihuela RFC’s next match will be their final home match of the league on 9 March against Lorca, and hoping to get the double over them like we did against Albacete. This will make it a very memorable season for the club in their 40th year.

Having already got an impressive double over Albacete and pushed both Murcia teams to the wire, as well as have already beaten Lorca away and Cartagena at home. What makes this season even better is that we have done it with new players coming up from the juveniles as well as players new to the game.

This coming weekend we are back televising the live Premiership and PRO12 rugby matches at the rugby bar in Rojales, The Steakhouse, used to be Tylers Bar. Starting on Friday with Ulster v Treviso, then on Saturday, Quins v Exeter at 15.30, followed by Munster v Glasgow at 19.15.

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

On Thursday I will be at The Steakhouse in Rojales for any rugby clothing and information about rugby in the area from 10.00 to 13.30.

I am down at the Moncayo Market on Saturday, with all the rugby branded clothing, so come down and get all your shirts for the rest of the 6 Nations games for the above games. Also will have all new stock in as well.

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

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

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

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Right hand drive vehicles

• rolls

royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles..€13,950 • VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 1.9 CDTi, DIESEL, 2010, 35,405 KMS.......... ......................................................................................................€12,950 • bmw x5, 3l dIESEL sPORT AUTOMATIC 2003 82,000K MILES..............................................................................€10,950 • SAAB 93 ESTATE, 1.9D, AUTO, 2005, 85,000 MILES ... €7,950 •J AGUAR S TYPE, 2.7 SE, DIESEL, 2007 …..................... €7,950 •R ENAULT GRAND ESPACE, 2.2 DCi, DIESEL, 2005.....€6,950 • FIAT DOBLO ACTIVE, 1.4 PETROL, AIR CON, 2009, 37,000 MILES ...................................................................................... €5,950 • KIA SORRENTO 1.9CRDi, DIESEL, 2003, 85,000 MILES €5,950 • KIA CARENS CRDi, DIESEL, 2006, 45,000 MILES..........€5,950 •K IA CARENS 2L CRDi, DIESEL ’05, 90k MILES...€5,950 • CITROEN XSARA, 2L HDi, DIESEL, 2004, 69,000 MILES.............. ..................................................................................................... €4,950 • FORD

MONDEO 2L PETROL, HATCH, 2004, 120,000 MILES …........................................................................................€2,950 • MAZDA 323, 1.6 PETROL, 2001, 60,000 MILES..............€2,450 • BMW 316 1.6 PETROL, AUTO, 1994, 138,000KMS.. €1,750

Right hand drive - spanish reg

• AUDI S5, 4.2 QUATTRO, PETROL, MAN, 2009,19k......€26,950 • mitsubishi

shogun sport, 3 litre v6, petrol, auto, 2002, 155,999 miles........................................................ €4,950 • CITROEN C2 AIRPLAY, 1.1 PETROL 2007, 48,000 kms................ ...................................................................................................€4,950 •V AUXHALL ASTRA, 2002, 1.4 petrol, RHD, 119,000 miles, Spanish Plates..................................................................€2,250 •V W GOLF CABRIOLET, 1995, 1.8 petrol, RHD, Spanish Plates …........................................................................ €1,950

~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash ~ Full procurement service

toyota auris 1.6 WTi, SOL, 2008, 99,000kms

€8,950

FORD FOCUS 1.8 TDCi, DIESEL, 2008, 57,000KMS

€8,450

HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.0L CRDi 2003, 123,000KMS

€6,950

TOYOTA AVENSIS 2.0 D4D DIESEL, 2005, 177,000 KMS

€6,950

OPEL COMBO

1.4 PETROL, 2005, 87,000KMS

€6,450

SMART FORFOUR PASSION 1.5 PETROL, 2005, 32,000KMS

€6,450

HONDA HRV 1.6 PETROL, 1999, 186,000 KMS

€3,950

Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com

Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511

●Re-registration service available ●no obligation test drives ●we bring the vehicle to you

902 750 190

FIAT 500 CABRIOLET,

DIESEL, 2006, 123,000KMS

€9,950

€26,950

€21,950

VW GOLF 1.9TDi

2.0L, 2005, 38,692KMS

AUTOMATIC, 2.0S DRIVE, DIESEL, 2011, 15,000KMS

3L DIESEL AUTOMATIC, 2006, 96,000KMS

Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com

VW BEETLE

BMW X1

BMW X5

Calle Mallorca, San Javier

www.soltimes.com

new fords available