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SolTimes issue 269

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14-20 MARCH

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Semana Santa...

Los Alcazares...

Cartagena

Cartagena will be staging processions every day of Holy Week, (25th to 31st March). The two most spectacular and important processions will be on Wednesday 27th known as the Californios, and Friday, with the enacting of the meeting of Christ with his mother, and will take place in the Plaza del Lago.

Lorca Lorca’s Semana Santa processions are listed as of International Tourist Status, with thousands of people coming from not only all over Spain but also from Europe to watch the enactments of biblical scenes on the enormous floats, which are built only inches narrower than the streets through which they pass, and reach up as much as 3 storeys high.

Actors and display teams of horsemen and women from all over Spain intersperse with marching bands, groups of Penitentes in their pointed headgear, and the huge and magnificently crafted and decorated Tronos of the Cofradias provide a 4 hour long spectacle.

The two major protagonists are the Paso Blanco, representing Nuestra Señora la Virgen de la Amargura, and the Paso Azul, representing the Virgen de los Dolores.

The main processions, which pass along the main street, are best viewed from the tiered seating along the side of the main road, and tickets for these can be bought from the Paso Blanco Museum; for more on the Paso Blanco, the Embroidery Museum, or to buy tickets go to www.elpasoblanco.org or phone 650 242 004

Sport

The locals, who have been complaining for years about the dirty state of the beach at Los Urrutias, between Los Alcazares and La Manga, are delighted that at last the authorities have acted to clear the rubbish and plant debris from the beach.

They have been campaigning for years for the beach to be maintained in a sanitary state, pointing out that those who bathe from this beach regularly suffer from ear and skin infections as well as stomach upsets, which they claim are caused by the unhealthy state

of the beach and the water.

However, not everyone is happy. Ecologists in Action claim that the clean-up was too drastic, and undertaken without any thought for the ecology of the area. They claim that many delicate ecosystems have been destroyed by the wholesale removal of weed from the beach and low water areas.

Ecologists in Action feel that a proper survey should have been carried out, using divers to investigate the underwater flora and fauna, with the possibility of conducting a much more sensitive clean-up that did not destroy entire habitats.

Murcia Murcia starts its processions on the Friday before Holy Week (22nd March) with the Santisimo Cristo del Amparo (Christ of the Homeless) a recently formed Cofradia.

Wednesday is the Colorao procession of Cristo de la Sangre, where the predominant colour is red, but the main event is the Friday procession, where the priceless sculptures of Francisco Salzillo are paraded. Known as the Procesión de los Salzillos, these images are so emotive in their representation that many are moved to tears by their poignancy.

Mura - Moratella Mura celebrates Holy Week with the Noche de las Tambores (Night of the Drums).

Participants, who come from the surrounding villages as well as from Mula itself train for weeks for this gruelling demonstration – the drumming starts in the Plaza outside the Ayuntamiento at 12 midnight on Holy Tuesday and continues without break until 4 pm on Holy Wednesday.

There is a break until the morning of Good Friday, when the drumming commences once more, reaching a crescendo in the evening of Easter Sunday. This is a completely unique celebration, with the status of International Tourist Interest.

Oliva...

The Oliva Nova resort is the venue for the first leg of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour. Weather, with torrential rain and storm force gales, disrupted the first day, Thursday, but by the week end two of the three arenas were rideable, with all three being good enough to be used for the Sunday’s Finals. Respect was shown to the French event rider Bruno Bouvier,

who was killed during a recent horse trials in Portugal. A minute’s silence was held in his memory.

Tuesday, March 19 will be the next competition date, with the major events to be held between Friday, March 22 and Sunday, March 2 The second leg of the Tour will run until Sunday 7th April.

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Lights out for British

property owners AUAN press release 11th March 2013

In the latest twist to the saga of illegal properties in Spain, authorities in Andalucia have ordered the disconnection of electricity and water to 19 homes occupied by elderly British retirees, even though the same authority has already agreed that the properties can be made legal.

Each couple spent between 160,000 and 265,000 Euros of their life savings on a retirement home in the area of El Fas in the small town of Cantoria , Almeria only to discover that the Dutch promoter had constructed the properties without planning permission in full view of the town hall. The promoter, Southern Spain Consultants C.B., was convicted of planning crimes in 2011 in a judgement that acknowledged that the homeowner’s who had assisted in the prosecution had acted in good faith. However, no order was made that they should be compensated and the promoters received a minimum sentence and fine.

In 2012 the regional government, the Junta de Andalucia, agreed that the properties could be legalised under the terms of a new Decree which, they promised, would bring order to some 300,000 illegal properties in the region.

In spite of this agreement, the same authority

continues to pursue proceedings against the properties and has ordered disconnection of all public services which, apparently, cannot be reconnected until the properties become fully legal, a process which can take many years.

Facing the prospect of more legal bills and life on an electricity generator, many have decided to give up the fight and abandon their homes to their fate.

Adding insult to injury, the only property on the estate of 19 houses that continues to enjoy public services is the one owned and occupied by the developer.

Maura Hillen from AUAN, an organisation that campaigns on behalf of homeowners impacted by the problem of illegal houses in Spain , said “These people have invested more than 3 million Euros in Spain and in return they are being treated disgracefully by a system that simply does not function to protect homeowners. And I am sorry to say that this is not an isolated case. Many thousands of illegal homeowners live in fear of disconnection and the regional government’s latest legal ‘solutions’ have simply served to make matters worse”

Seven Spanish airports to charge a euro for using luggage trolleys

Airports in Spain will start charging a euro for passengers to use luggage trolleys, according to AENA. In a report by ThinkSpain, it appears that they intend to start doing so in Madrid’s Barajas airport and then gradually extend the move to six other airports. These will include Tenerife South, Alicante, Barcelona’s El Prat airport, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga and Gran Canaria – all the major flight destinations for Spain’s most popular holiday resort towns.

The State-run airline

governing body, AENA, says this is part of a plan to claw back 3.2 million euros and clear its debts. It has defended the decision by saying Madrid airport’s luggage trolleys currently cost 3.7 million euros a year to maintain, but this will reduce to 500,000 euros if they charge per use – a saving of 3.2 million.

And the same action has been taken in other European airports already, including Germany’s Hahn, Munich, Cologne and Düsseldorf; Italy’s Milan, Genoa, Torino and Rome-

Fiumicino, and Athens.

Also, a euro per trolley remains considerably less than the charge made in certain UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Luton, Birmingham, Leeds and Cardiff, where it costs between one and two pounds a time.

One in four airports worldwide charge for the use of luggage trolleys, particularly those in the USA where the price is as high as 1.50 to four dollars (1.19 to 3.18 euros). An exact timescale for the charges to be implemented has not yet been decided upon.

TORREVIEJA...

The representatives of the Comisiones Obreras on the staff of the Policía Local do not want officers to take part in Court eviction orders that affect local residents.

The delegate of the CCOO has taken a stand in defence of those affected by foreclosures, Stop Evictions, and last November gave written notice to the Ayuntamiento that police do not have to assist at evictions.

Jesús Valero, Union Representative of the CCOO, said that at present police officers are obliged to assist at evictions ordered by the Court, often leaving the evicted in situations of helplessness and vulnerability. He said that the CCOO has launched a campaign against a practice that is unfair, and against which various associations of judges, political parties, representatives of law schools and civic associations as well as the police unions themselves had spoken out in opposition.

The move has been welcomed by the Plataforma Antidesahucios, who hope and expect that other public bodies will adopt similar agreements. They point out that the evictions are a violation of human rights, even putting lives at risk.

ORIHUELA protests necessitates 600 police attendance Protests against the Banks, the Government, both regional and central, cuts in health, education and social services were voiced at a rally attended by at least 1,000 people, with 600 police drafted in to oversee the protesters.

Measures taken by the executives of the Partido Popular were the catalyst for the Plataforma de Convergencia Contra los Recortes to convene various groups from the city and the Vega Baja to the rally.

Representatives from Rabaloche marched under the banner of protest against cuts in public health and from the IES Gabriel Miró and Thader with collective representation supporting education, aid to dependents and the halting of foreclosures.

The marchers converged on the Glorieta Gabriel Miró, but were unable to remain there due to the Feria Outlet and the Saturday mercadillo.

Slogans and banners covered the themes of protest against copayment, lack of ambulances, need for a designated Health Centre in Rabaloche, the maintenance of aid to the disabled and dependents.

Representatives from the Socialists and Ecologists were represented including the Alcalde, representatives of the Callosa PSOE and the Secretary General of the Socialists in the region, the rafaleño Manuel Pineda.

Many residents of Rabaloche marched under the banners of: La Asociación de Vecinos Oriol, La Plataforma en Defensa de la Ley de la Dependencia, la Asociación de Discapacitados Adis Vega Baja, Albatera No al Vertedero and Union Representatives of the PCPE, carrying Republican flags - the numbers

were even swelled by nationals from Venezuela.

IES Thader provided the greatest number of marchers from the Avenida de la Estación and the first section of the Duque de Tamames.

Here representatives of the Núcleo Estudiantil de Resistencia de Orihuela (Nero), the Social group Orihuela Sin Barreras, Mujeres Clara Campoamor, la Asociación para la Defensa e Integración del Enfermo Mental de la Vega Baja (Adiem), las Ampas del Tháder, del Colegio Miguel Hernández, la Federación de Ampas Enric Valor, la Plataforma de Afectados por las Hipotecas de Almoradí o Guardamar, as well as the leader and sympathisers of the CLR, with their spokesman Pedro Mancebo.

The last group came from the IES Gabriel Miró with the Izquierda Unida de Orihuela and representatives of the Comunidad Educativa de Torrevieja, who went up from the Calle Calderón de la Barca to meet up with those who were protesting about the cuts in the education service.

At the close of the protest a declaration was read underlining all the headings covered on the banners, urging the Government to keep its promises, and urging all to work for a true democracy.

Key issues were the need for Spanish banks to eradicate fraud and tax havens; to eliminate military spending; to raise taxes on the wealthy; reduce working hours and lower the age of retirement to sixty.

The protest ended after two hours streets with applause and shouts of ‘Sí podemos’ (Yes we can!).

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Creation of New Companies up 11.3% in January

In January this year, 8,853 new companies were created in Spain, which is 11.3% more than in the same month of 2012, the National Statistics Institute reported on Friday. Meanwhile, the number of commercial companies dissolved in January came to 3,482, representing a drop of 12.9% compared to January last year. Of these, 78.7% did so voluntarily, 8.6% were due to mergers and the remaining 12.7% were for other reasons.

balance, with 142 companies created.

The capital subscribed for the establishment of these new companies exceeded 1,089 million euros, representing an increase of 44.3%.

Regarding the number of trading companies dissolved in the month, the regions with the most were Madrid and Andalusia (with 713 and 536 respectively).

Sport

The average capital subscribed (123,084 euros) represented an increase of 29.6% year-on-year. Furthermore, in January 4,764 trading companies expanded their capital in January, 7.5% less than the same month of 2012. The capital subscribed in the increases registered an increase of 205.5% year-on-year, and exceeded 23,966 million euros.

The average capital subscribed in these operations (5,030,686 euros) increased by 230.4% year-on-year. 22.2% of the companies created in January corresponded to Trade and 17.8% to Construction. Regarding the dissolved companies, 22.1% were in Construction and 20.9% in Trade.

The economic activity with the greatest net balance of all the new companies created was in Trade, with 1,237 companies. Administrative and support service activities presented the lowest net

El Economista reported that in January 2013, the regions with the largest number of commercial companies created in the month were Madrid (1,782) and Catalonia (1,722).

In contrast, the regions where least commercial companies were created in the month were La Rioja and Navarra (with 42 and 91 respectively).

The regions which reported the least number of companies dissolved were Murcia (20) and Navarre (26).

The largest increases in new companies created, year-on-year, were recorded in Cantabria (+70.9%), Castilla y León (+38.2%) and Aragón (+33.1%). The greatest decreases were registered in the Canary Islands (-9.8%) and Galicia (2.5%).

As for the number of companies dissolved in January, Navarre registered the highest rate increase, year-on-year (116.7%), followed by La Rioja (78.3%) and Castilla y León (62.1%). Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands registered the greatest decrease, year-on-year (-21.9%).

FOR THE LATEST PROPERTY NEWS GO TO: WWW.KYERO.COM

Rome Are You In The Know? conclave: We want to hear from you!

Cardinals FAME & FORTUNE AWAITS! begin (well, maybe only ‘fame’!) voting for We are looking to develop our new Pope Local News Content for the

Costa Calida & Costa Blanca editions and we want to hear from YOU if you would like to submit news articles on a regular basis... ...you won’t earn a cent but you will get your name in print in every issue, complete with a byline to promote ‘you’ every week - you’ll become an overnight

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Cardinals have entered the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where they will begin voting to elect a new Pope.

The 115 cardinal-electors were locked in the chapel after swearing an oath of secrecy.

They will vote four times daily until two-thirds can agree on a candidate.

The election was prompted by the surprise abdication of Benedict XVI. There is no clear frontrunner to take over from him as head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The 85-year-old Benedict

Spain in World’s Top Ten for Tourism

Spain has risen to fourth place on the list of the world’s most competitive countries for tourism, only behind Switzerland, Germany and Austria, thanks to its price competitiveness, customer experience and the official commitment of the sector.

This is indicated in the biannual Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, published last Thursday by the World Economic Forum (WEF), in which Spain climbed four places compared to the 2011 report, according to a report by Kyero.com.

The report establishes the tourism and competitiveness ranking according to a wide range of variables, such as national legislation, environmental sustainability, security, infrastructure, political priority or cultural resources.

Spain stands out for its cultural heritage, a chapter in which it ranks first, thanks to its significant number of world heritage sites, and excels in its capacity and preparation to hold many trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as the variety and modernity of its sports facilities.

In terms of tourism infrastructure, Spain stands in fifth place, contributing to this classification with its hotel capacity, car rental facilities and the large number of ATMs that accept Visa credit cards. It also scores well in terms of air and land transport infrastructure, where it ranks tenth.

The report, published under the theme “Reducing Barriers to Economic Growth and Job Creation”, examines 140 economies from all around the world and seeks to highlight the importance of the tourism sector in the economic development of a country. In this regard, the report stresses that tourism is “even more important today” than in previous decades and in an environment of crisis, stepped down last month saying he was no longer strong enough to lead the Church, which is beset by problems ranging from a worldwide scandal over child sex abuse to allegations of corruption at the Vatican bank.

His resignation and the recent damage to the Church’s reputation make the choice of the cardinalelectors especially hard to predict. They will weigh pressure for a powerful manager to reform the Vatican against calls for a new Pope able to inspire the faithful.

Last Tuesday morning, the cardinals attended a “Mass for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff” in St Peter’s Basilica. They filed in wearing bright red

because of its important role in job creation.

The report stresses that the Spanish Government gives significant priority to tourism, a sector in which the country makes great efforts to attract tourists through “solid promotion campaigns and destination marketing.” These efforts are continuing, “even when the Government is struggling to overcome a great debt,” said Thea Chiesa, WEF Director of Tourism and Aviation. “The strength of Spain in this industry is incredibly important and is traditionally a major employer of young people, and their success here could present a credible solution to the unemployment crisis,” said Chiesa.

The WEF report indicates that Spain’s improvement over 2011 is due to the implementation of specific policy measures, such as those which make it easier and cheaper to start up a business, according to data from the World Bank, and also to the lowering of hotel prices.

Chiesa insisted that “the price competitiveness and customer experience remains a problem for some of Spain’s neighbours, as well as taxes and a lower priority by governments, issues that also contribute to the movements in the ranking.”

With all this background and improvements in the country, Diario Sur reported that Spain climbed four places to rank in fourth position, ahead of its position of two years ago when it dropped two places to stand in eighth position, and compared with the sixth position it occupied in 2009.

The United Kingdom, the United States, France, Canada, Sweden and Singapore complete the top 10 of the most competitive countries, sorted by their position in the ranking from fifth to tenth.

vestments to the sound of Gregorian chanting.

In his homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, praised the “brilliant pontificate” of Pope Benedict and implored God to grant another “Good Shepherd” to lead the church.

He outlined the mission Catholics believe was given

by Jesus Christ to St Peter the first Pope - emphasising love and sacrifice, evangelisation and the unity of the church.

The BBC’s Michael Hirst in Rome says the speech was more measured in tone than the address given in 2005 by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger before he became Pope Benedict,

which featured a fiery attack on the “dictatorship of relativism”.

A few hundred people watched the Mass from St Peter’s Square on giant screens in thunderstorms and pouring rain.

At 16:30 local time (15:30 GMT), 115 cardinal-electors - all under 80, as those over 80 are excluded - entered the Sistine Chapel for the secret conclave to select Benedict’s successor, chanting the traditional Litany of the Saints.

Once they had taken an oath of secrecy, Msgr Guido Marini, papal master of ceremonies, called out the words “Extra omnes” “Everybody out” - and the chapel doors were locked to outsiders.

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

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Motorway speed limits may increase

but reduce on B-roads

Speed limits on motorways could go up to 130 kilometres per hour – but on secondary roads, these could drop to 70 or even 50 kilometres per hour.

And speed camera detectors could also be made illegal.

Single-carriageway roads of 6.5 metres in width or more would have a speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour, but narrower ones between 70 – where there is an unbroken white line in the middle - and 50, where there are no markings.

Motorways will continue to have a maximum speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour, but the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is seriously contemplating increasing this to 130 for cars, with signs differentiating limits applicable to motorbikes, lorries and three-wheeled vehicles.

The higher limit will only apply on roads where

maintenance and safety is optimum and weather conditions permit it without creating a danger.

But built-up areas could see limits of as low as 20 or 30 kilometres per hour rather than the current 50.

Fatalities involving pedestrians in towns, and crashes on secondary roads are much higher in number than those in highspeed motorway pile-ups, the DGT reveals.

Cars with in-built detectors warning of speed cameras could become illegal, even where these do not interfere with the camera signals.

At present, it is only against the law to fit devices that block speed camera signals so that these do not capture details and speed of the car.

But some vehicles carry detectors which do not affect the camera, but warn the driver to slow down when there is one

coming up.

These may outlawed.

now

be

Seatbelts in all seats will become compulsory with no exceptions.

Currently, belting up is obligatory except in cases of serious medical emergency or disabled people who cannot physically wear a belt, delivery drivers, taxi drivers and passengers, and passengers in emergency vehicles such as ambulances.

But all of these would now be expected to wear a seatbelt.

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US arrests Bin L aden ‘spokesman’...

A man described as a spokesman for Osama Bin Laden has been arrested in Jordan and will appear in a New York court on Friday, the US confirms.

Call for gun reform after shootings...

A coroner calls for gun licensing reform af ter verdict s of unlaw ful killing at the inquest of three women shot at a house in Count y Durham..

Barcl ays paid 428 staff £1m-plus...

A total of 428 employees of Barclays earned more than £1m last year, the bank discloses.

Queen to resume official engagements...

Choose from a small beer, a glass of wine or any soft drink or bottle of house wine per couple Appetiser.....Papadoms served with chutneys Starters....Choose any 1 of the following - Fish pakora, prawn cocktail, onion bhaji or vegetable pakora Main course.....Choose any one of the following - Any chicken curry, lamb curry, fish curry or vegetable curry dish.....served with either pilau rice, plain rice, plain naan or garlic naan or cheese naan bread

The Queen will attend her first of ficial engagement, on Monday, af ter she was treated for gastroenteritis.

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

barnes’ bulletin

Volunteers this way please!

The Asociacio’n de la Rutas y Caminos de la Sal, know locally as the Volunteers of La Mata, need your help.

These good folk help look after the Natural Park and Lake of La Mata. With the financial crisis being felt across all fractions of Spain, the number of fulltime staff at the park have been reduced, so more volunteers are urgently being looked for, to join this international group.

Rod and Maggie, who head up the teams, tell me that among the many tasks undertaken by members, are the weeding of invasive plants, especially around Torreta 3, where the weeds were removed last year, but as is often the case in Spain, return again! Just like all our gardens here! Keeping a watch out for dogs off leads. At this time of the year, there will very soon, be nesting birds.

Fine if in the safety of a tree, but for our ground nesting feathered friends, this can present a real problem.

Litter picking also plays a part in the duties of a volunteer. Rod tells me there will be “Grand Litter Pick” around El Chaparral, on the 23 rd., of March. The detection and reporting of an outbreak of fire within the scrub, would I guess, be an invaluable service, as patrols are made.

Members continue to make additions to a comprehensive file of the fauna and flora, as

Sport

they walk the paths. Any problems noticed as walks are conducted, are reported back to control H.Q., where action is taken.

Members do not confront the public themselves.

The volunteers are also able to provide “Guided Visits” to the park, for groups of up to 30 persons. Any clubs or societies interested in visiting the park, guided by knowledgeable guides, should give Rod or Maggie a call.

As well as working in the park, and making new friends, members visit other interesting sites, and enjoy chatting over a pleasant lunch on the day!

Should any readers be interested in joining The Asociacio’n de la Rutas y Caminos de la Sal, would like more information, or would like to book a club visit, contact Rod on 96 679 7765, or Maggie on 96 684 8432. They would love to hear from you.

Middle Ages in Pilar De La Horadada It’s that time again, to dust of your Dulcimer, and look out that Lute, as Pilar, for three days at least, slips back to the Middle Ages, with the town’s annual Medieval Market.

Between March 15th., and 17th., the Plaza De La Iglesia, and the narrow streets surrounding the square, will be the place, to slip back to a time where the pace of life was a little slower, than we experience these days.

Strolling players will provide a musical background to the many activities taking place. Craft and trade stalls, offering

Medieval trinkets, clothing of the time, along with many appetizing dishes from the period. Not sure if Roast Swan will be on the menu.

Animals, birds of pray and the art of Falconry will keep both adults and the children, enthralled.

The Medieval Roundabout is promised to make an appearance. No electric motor here. It’s operator provides power, by pedaling furiously on a static bicycle!

The Medieval Market opens it’s doors, between 11.00. & 23.00 Hrs. each day. Right, now where did I put that Harpsichord?

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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Spooky, but he is The Wizard

Readers will recall that a couple of weeks ago, I happened to mention one Billy Waggleshaft, perhaps better known as William Shakespeare, bard of Stratford Upon Avon, from the leafy county of Warwickshire, in the United Kingdom. Well, slap my doublet and hose, if he isn’t popping up in Torrevieja this week!

The Andalusian writer and actor, Rafael Alvarez “The Wizard” , is performing Shakespeare’s Women, on stage at the Municipal Theatre. Rafael tells us “This is the doctrine that I get out of the eyes of women, always twinkling with Promethean Fire” (This concerns Prometheus, who, in Greek mythology, stole fire from the Gods, and gave it to the human race) sorry Rafael, pray continue “They are the books, arts and academies, that teach, contain and nourish the entire universe” Right.

This fragment of the work of the Bard of Avon, is the very key to the show Women of Shakespeare. The Wizard made in this work, an eulogy of Shakespeare as creating female characters, leaving Hamlet in tatters, and all his male friends, in favour of women.

That’s alright then, I think.

As Billy said in Love’s Labour’s Lost, “Her voice was ever soft, gentle and low, an excellent thing in a woman” I couldn’t possibly comment.

The show is on Saturday March 16th., with curtain up at 10.00. P.M., with tickets priced at 12 and 15 euro.

Woodcarr Park is a small family run development set around a small lake and woodland containing all kinds of flora and fauna The park is situated in the village of Belton in Lincolnshire [the post code is for south Yorkshire]. We are 1.5 mile from junction 2 of the M180 giving quick and easy access to all motorway links. Doncaster is 12 miles to the west and Scunthorpe is 8 miles to the east.

The east coast is a easy 30 min drive and golf and leisure centre and shops are a 5min drive away fishing is 5min walk from the park We can supply any make of holiday home or lodge on the plot of your choice and landscape around it The park is open for 11 months for you to enjoy tranquility of your luxury holiday home almost all year round.

We are closed from the 6th January until 5th Febuary River side walks and country pubs are only a few minutes walk from the park The beauty of Woodcarr Park can only be appreciated by a visit

Barry & Jean Williams look forward to welcoming you to their relaxing park

Winner of the David Bellamy Gold Award for the last ten years Beautifully landscaped park set around small lake containing all kinds of flora & forna. Fishing, golf, walks, shops, leisure centre, museum all within 5 minutes drive.

Separate area for touring caravans and motorhomes.

For more information: Tel: (0044) 1427 873487 Mob: (0044) 7939 114 123 Email: barry.williams08@btconnect.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Gürtel accusations affirmed by party-planning companies

Party planners have told a judge that they were paid by the ringleader of the Gürtel corruption scandal for organising events for health minister Ana Mato and her ex-husband.

In a report by ThinkSpain, Interglobo and El Zurdo say they were paid 1,720 euros in 2002 for a birthday party and 1,580 euros in 2005 for a communion party for one of the daughters of Sra Mato and the father of her children, Jesús Sepúlveda, ex-mayor of Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid).

The two companies say they never dealt with Mato or Sepúlveda at any point, and were paid for their services by Gürtel leader Francisco Correa via his various organisations.

Bosses of both party-planning firms told judge Pablo Ruz, who is handling the Gürtel case – as well as the slush fund trial involving ex-treasurer of the PP Luis Bárcenas, who is also implicated in the famous corruption trial – on Thursday.

Police reports say Sepúlveda received at least half a million euros ‘in kind’ from the Gürtel racket between 2002 and 2005, part of which related to parties – with bills of several thousand euros for confetti alone – and also holidays, at least two cars including a Jaguar and a four-wheel drive vehicle, and luxury goods such as Louis

Vuitton handbags.

These top-of-the-range accessories, together with airline tickets and hire cars were found to be in the name of the health minister herself, who is now separated from Sepúlveda.

The latter has been called to testify but exercised his right to refuse to do so.

He said various ‘official reports’ which ‘affected his alleged involvement’ remained outstanding and had been requested on the day of his being called into the dock.

“I am, and always will be, at the disposition of this court, but I shall not make any kind of statement until all the reports are to hand and I am fully aware of all actions of which I am accused – at which point I shall provide the necessary explanations,” Sepúlveda stated.

Ana Mato has not been called to testify and Sepúlveda remains insistent that his ex-wife is innocent.

This week so far, statements have been taken by judge Ruz from former Bancaja manager in Miami, Guillermo Martínez Lluch, and Bárcenas’ second-in-command Iván Yáñez Velasco, in relation to more than 38 million euros being ‘concealed’ in Swiss bank accounts.

Stray dogs from Spain ‘may have been used to make pet food & animal feed’

Stray and abandoned dogs taken from the streets of Spain may have ended up in pet food and farm animal feed, it has emerged.

According to a report by Mail Online, the authorities in Spain have not ruled out the possibility that protein or fats from the carcasses may even have been used in some processed human food.

Britain’s Food Standards Agency says it is aware of the investigation and it is liaising with its counterparts in Spain. A spokesman said: ‘We are aware of these reports and are in contact with the Spanish authorities about their investigation.

‘We are currently not testing food for meat from dogs. Our priority is to test beef products for gross contamination with horse meat because that is where the problem clearly is.’

A criminal gang in Spain apparently took the bodies of dogs and other animals from animal sanctuaries, vets, zoos and farms, which should have been incinerated, and then processed them to create protein and fats that could be sold on.

Evidence has been found at warehouses and processing plants in Galicia and Salamanca.

Last year, police found a warehouse filled with 15 tons of dead stray dogs which they believe were going to be processed into animal feed, in the Galician town of As Neves. Similar grisly discoveries have been found in warehouses

elsewhere in the north of Spain.

Seprona, the environmental arm of the Guardia Civil, has sent dozens of samples of commercial pet food to the Anfaco-Cecopesca laboratories in Vigo, Galicia, after a judge received reports from an industry whistle-blower.

According to laboratory tests performed in one of the processing plants based in the town of Aldeaseca de la Frontera, in Salamanca, fat samples destined for animal feed had DNA traces of both sheep and dog. A major police investigation has been underway since March 2012, according to a report in Spain’s El Mundo newspaper.

The pressure group Viva, which campaigns against meat eating, is writing to UK supermarkets to ask them to test their food for the presence of dog and other species. Its campaigns manager, Justin Kerswell, said: ‘It is a horrifying possibility that dog and rat meat might have entered the human food chain, but given the depth of ineptitude shown and the EU-wide fraud the horse meat scandal has exposed, it seems entirely plausible.

‘It may only be a matter of time before dog, rat and perhaps even cat meat is found in British processed food or farmed animal feed. British supermarkets have been selling horse meat to consumers for years without knowing it, so what else has been on sale? They will have no idea unless they specifically test for it.’

Read the full report at www.dailymail.co.uk

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

music with mark Carlos Augusto Alves Santana (born July 20, 1947) is a Mexican and American rock guitarist. Carlos became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band’s sound featured his melodic, blues-based guitar lines set against Latin and African rhythms featuring percussion instruments such as timbales and congas, instruments not generally heard in rock music. Santana continued to work in these forms over the following decades.

After a lull through the 80s he experienced a resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim with the album Supernatural in 1991, and has been prolifically releasing albums up to this day. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine listed Santana at number 15 on their list of the 100

Greatest Guitarists of All Time. He has won 10 Grammy Awards and 3 Latin Grammy Awards.

Santana’s star arrived in the era-defining late 1960s San Francisco Bay Area music scene with historic shows at the Fillmore and other storied venues. The group emerged onto the global stage with an epic set at the Woodstock festival in 1969, the same year that its self-titled debut LP “Santana” came out. Introducing Santana’s first Top 10 hit, “Evil Ways,” the disc stayed on Billboard’s album chart for two years and was soon followed by two more classics — and Billboard 1 albums “Abraxas” and “Santana III”.

Among many other honors, Carlos Santana received Billboard Latin Music Awards’ 2009 Lifetime Achievement honor, 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

Local medical clinic wins top award

Medcare GP and health clinic has won a top international customer service award.

The award was presented by WhatClinic. com, which works with hundreds of medical providers around the world, helping thousands of patients make informed choices about their medical care.

Just a few clinics are chosen each year to win the coveted WhatClinic.com Customer Service Award, with the title only going to clinics that have an excellent record of service and customer satisfaction.

Medcare’s practice manager, Amim Hasan, said: “We are delighted to win this award because it means our customers are happy with the service we provide.

“We always strive to give the best quality at the best prices with a friendly and efficient team of doctors, dentists, health practitioners and customer support staff. This award is confirmation that we have got it right.”

The popularity of Medcare’s services at both its Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi clinics is reflected in the demand it is getting from patients both

in Spain and from overseas.

“We are seeing patients from all over Europe now,” said Amim Hasan. “We have people coming to us from the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway and many other countries for dental work, medical procedures, general and cosmetic surgery. They all tell us they choose to come to Medcare because we can offer the same levels of safety and quality they receive at home but at a much lower price.”

As well as providing a British GP service, Medcare has a dental practice offering all aspects of dental work including cosmetic dentistry and implants. Medcare also works closely with a top cosmetic surgeon, can offer safe, legal Botox and filler treatments and provides complementary health services ranging from osteopathy to chiropody, massage and psychotherapy.

For more details on Medcare or to take advantage of its many great offers, including free dental checks, free massage and free consultation with the cosmetic surgeon, call Medcare on 966 860 258, email doctors@medcarespain.com or visit www. medcarespain.com

office in Bolnuevo (near Farmacia) next to Cafe Colonia

Santana

he was bestowed Billboard’s Century Award in 1996. He has also been cited by Rolling Stone as 20th on the magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”. Santana’s crystalline tone and clean arcing sustain make him the rare instrumentalist who can be identified in just one note.” And, with the 2010 release of “Guitar Heaven - The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time”, Santana joined the Rolling Stones as one of only two music acts in Billboard history to score at least one Top Ten album in each decade from the 1960s on.

Ever since, for more than forty years and almost as many albums later, Santana has sold more than 100 million records and reached more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide. To date, Santana has won 10 Grammy Awards, including a record-tying nine for a single project, 1999’s Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth”). In 1998, the group was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, whose website notes, “Guitarist Carlos Santana is one of rock’s true virtuosos and guiding lights.”

Delivered with a level of passion and soul equal

to the legendary sonic charge of his guitar, the sound of Carlos Santana is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. For more than four decades—from Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco—Carlos has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries. I love the music of Carlos Santana and his cover version of Fleetwood Macs “ Black Magic Woman” is my favourite track of all time.

Swing Sensations

Fabulous Swing, Jazz and Big Band Sounds with a Nostalgic twist!

This unique tour will bring together the fabulous Patti Ross, Darren Jones and Jukebox Legends. Patti was the singer with the Andy Ross band on BBC TVs Come Dancing programme and Darren is an International swing music star. This combination, with support by Big Band singer Fiona McLean and Peter Day (both of Jukebox Legends) brings together a fabulous collection of music that will be great for everyone!

If you enjoy swing, big band, ballroom and jazz style music - You will LOVE this!!! www. jukeboxpromotions.co.uk or call 695135134 for more details.

Shows dates & venues (all shows start at 8.30pm and end at 11.15pm): Tuesday 2nd - La Marina Sport Complex 966 796 389 Wednesday 3rd - The Club, Quesada 966 717 028 Friday 5th - Bar San Miguel, Cooperativa Murla, Xalo Valley 633 076 588 ** Saturday 6th - The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja 966 922 134 Sunday 7th - The Rendezvous, Campoamor (nr La Fuente Centre) (Tickets for this show are 10€ and include buffet 608 467 597 Monday 8th - Emerald Isle, La Florida 965 327 138 ** Tuesday 9th - The Club House, Camposol Golf 968 978 855 Wednesday 10th - Costa Narejos Hotel, Los Alcazares 965 400 188 Thursday 11th - Rocajuna, Punta Prima 664 591 795 / 965 997 260 ** These shows have a major feature on Darren Jones, Fiona McLean and Jukebox Legends and do not have Patti Ross as she is unable to appear on these dates Tickets are 8.50€ (unless stated) and available at the venues NOW! Alternatively, you can book online at www.jukeboxpromotions.co.uk. This website will also give you further show information or call 695135134 Please book early for this unique tour. Don’t be disappointed - Tickets are limited at all venues!! This is a fund raising tour for Help at Home (CB), RBL and MABS. Patti Ross Darren Jones BBC TV star of Come Dancing International Crooner and Swing sensation

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

beacon of light

Ladies who Lunch diversify!!

On Thursday 28th March The Beacon of Light will be holding a special fund raising event at the Function Room at Condado del Alhama. This will start at 8.oopm with the door closing at 7.45.pm He will be working with Clairsentience of flowers. Everybody is asked to bring a flower if possible.

The April meeting for Ladies who Lunch was held at Restaurant Sofia on The El Raso Urbanisation which is situated just off the Lemon Tree Road in Guardamar Campo.

James McArtur Born and educated in Edingburgh, He began his spiritual journey from the age of 8yrs old when he first saw Spirit whilst attending a neighbours funeral, wondering why he was with us in the congregation!

A very acceptable Menu del Dia was served to thirty three ladies, complemented by wine and coffee. The surprise of the afternoon for the ladies was a visit from Teresa Sancho who was representing the new cancer charity Afecancer which was inaugurated in November 2012 in Torrevieja.

Teresa thought that she was coming to ask us to help raise some money for the new charity when in fact we had €500 ready to present to her, for which she was surprised, delighted and excited, all at the same time!

As a teenager he went to study in development circles linked to the Spiritual Church with my mentor and teacher Arthur, to whom James will be eternally grateful for his wisdom and guidence.

All his adult life he has been involved with the Spirtualist movement constantly developing his mediumship and psychic abilities.Now as a reader and teacher continuing his work in Spain, specialising in the Clairsentience of flowers.

In 2010 James was privileged to work with the Princes Trust in the U.K. to raise funds for their cause, and I visit the U.K. regularly to do his work. He also continues to raise money in Spain for charity The tickets for this evening are 5 euros which can be reserved.

Details are available on http://beaconoflightmurcia.webs.com or phone 620 877 326

EVENTS: Thursday March 28th James McArthur Fundraising Event Condado del Alhama 5 euros Wednesday 3rd April Anna -Marie Wednesday 10th April Marilyn Webb Wednesday 17th April Debbie Blevins Tuesday 23rd April Barbara Almond Fundraising Event Conado de lAlhama 5 euros Wednesday 24th April Barbara Almond

The

The total amount raised during the afternoon was €227.30 plus a large bag of ‘pesky coins’ which have not been counted yet! This wonderful amount is all due to the generosity of the members and their men folk who also contribute to the coin collection as well as support in other ways.

This group was formed during the summer of 2010,

by Janine Williams who used to be an active member of Quesada Bowls Club but unfortunately because of ill health had to stop playing ‘the wonderful game’. Later in 2010 Maddie Pinfold became Janine’s ‘assistant lieutenant’, helping with all aspects of running the group as well as being a very active club member.

The group have supported Paul Cunningham Nurses since their inauguration and will continue to do so but as the generosity of the members is so immense they will also help other local charities as and when they have the funds to spare.

For details of the group please telephone: Janine Williams on 966 261 359 or Maddie Pinfold on 966 078 646

Club

Tel: 966 717 028

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

all you need in one place

Singo Bingo

Monday

Thursday Fridays

The Cadillacs 4.30pm - 6.15pm - 5€ Singo Bingo 7.30pm Fun Quiz 8.30pm Closed from 6pm for private parties Book yours now!

Saturday See guide below Sunday 24th March Rising Stars 8.30pm

every monday 7.30pm ‘ I DARE YOU TO TRY IT AND NOT LIKE IT’ THE BEST THAT BINGO HAS EVER SOUNDED & SPOT PRIZES TO BE WON!

Wed 20th March 8:30pm

Sun 24th March 8:30pm

WED 27TH MARCH 9pm

Tribute show with a difference

Singing Competition

harry valentino band

THE CABALLEROS SHOW Cliff Richard, Barry White, Abba, Tina Turner, Madonna and many more SHOW ONLY €6 Pre-show meals available 7.30pm

BEST EVER

LIVE S SHOWURDAY

EVERY SAT

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The Costa’s Newest

the fantastic

with Chris 2€ entry

Judged by 3 professionals For more info or to enter call 625 298 377 or collect entry form from The Club All entries need to be in by Monday 18th March

arch

sat 16th m

, ayla & s e n o j m o t Helen € Dj ,+ e i h p o s 8pm 10

eal + Show M e s r u o C 2 9.30pm 3€ Show Only

arch

sat 23rd m

bison r o y o r / y gene pit Helen 10€ tribute + Dj Show 8pm eal + 2 Course M 9.30pm 3€ Show Only

arch

sat 30th m

rmed € i f n o c e b 0 to how 8pm 1

eal + S 2 Course M 9.30pm 3€ Show Only

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

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

HELP Murcia Mar Menor LOS PALACIOS GARDEN GROUP Forthcoming Events Wednesday 10th April Spring Fair at the Arches restaurant, Los Alcazares starting at 12.30 a.m.

There will be a fashion show with Zigi’s ladies and the clothes will be for sale, plus stalls Thursday 25th April Dinner / dance at the Costa Narejos Hotel, Los Alcazares.

For €40 per person you arrive any time after noon, there is an evening meal in the dining room, then dancing to the Big Band Swingtet & singers, Paul Alan and Patti Ross, an overnight stay and breakfast in the morning.

Wednesday 1st May MAY-DAY CARNIVAL at La Zona Bar, Los Alazares from 5 p.m. till late. Games for the children plus Morris Dancers and the Spangles Chorus.

Tuesday 14th May Quiz with a difference at El Carmoli restaurant, El Carmoli near Punta Brava at 7 for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are €11 which includes a chicken and chips supper HELP Murcia Mar Menor Luncheon Club There will be a lunch for all members and friends on the third Thursday of each month at Diamante’s in El Mojon at 1.30 for 2 p.m. €10.50 a person Every third Tuesday in the month HELP MMM’s general meeting takes place at Las Claras, Los Narejos at 11.30 for 12 noon (except in March when the AGM and general meeting take place on Wednesday 20th March because 19th March is a holiday and Las Claras will be closed) Tickets or information about events available from Joan Mitchell 868 185 685 or 678 135 467, Janice Clark on 968 134 355, or the office 968 570 059

Friendship Group

On 22nd March we meet at the Asia Restaurant, San Javier at 1 p.m (a week earlier than normal) On 3rd May we will meet at the Golf Deluxe on the road to Torre Pacheco at 11 a.m. for mini-golf and then lunch Ring Doreen Sykes on 637920882 or Janice Clark on 968134355 if you are interested in attending any of the Friendship Group’s events.

It gives pleasure to start off with a well-done to the part of our group who are responsible for the land opposite the medical centre and upper car park by the commercial area, on Los Palacios. What was once, a “ Piece of land “ is now a very pleasant garden.

generosity of , Luz Del Sol, who provided the new book shop sign, The March meeting,[for which I must apologise for the starting time confusion] was again very well attended was held in The Vista Bar, to who we give our thanks.

I am sure this will give inspiration to others.

The Chairman and group secretary Joce Grant, had a meeting with the mayor of Camposol, Jose Navarro, where the subject of the bus shelters was discussed he agreed that there should be shelters, he then completed the appropriate forms , which the chairman submitted to the town hall, the next day.

One of the first items, was the main project for 2013, Welcome Signs, at each entrance to Los Palacios ,at this stage the Chairman, was able to show the meeting a suitable design.

Another bit of good news, is the shed, has now become “ The Book Shop “ thanks to the

For which there was much enthusiasm. It was pointed out that the date for the next meeting April 1st, is a bank holiday, therefore it will be on Wednesday April, 3rd, 10 o,clock , at the Vista Bar. Everyone is welcome. For further information contact,646 557 887

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

www.soltimes.com

fast - update

A coffee morning was hosted by Cathie and Billie a.k.a. “Nurse Gladys” and 325 euros was raised on behalf of FAST. A big thank you from all in Fast for your continued support and to the Support Team for all your efforts.

Year 2013 As some of you may or may not know FAST, as of the 1st June will have been operating on Camposol for two years. To mark this occasion FAST will be holding a Spring Ball & Second Anniversary function in the Amapola Restaurant, Hotel Playa Sol, Bolnuevo on the 25th May 2013, tickets and for this fantastic evening are on sale at the FAST Bookstall and FAST Support on Fridays, Camposol ‘B’ Commercial Centre priced €25.

During 2012 FAST had a total of 103 shouts(call outs), to assist Camposolers and visitors in need of emergency assistance. Of the 103 shouts 73 also had an ambulance in attendance. You can see from these figures that the FAST volunteers are kept fairly busy and in order to maintain a high standard of proficiency and skill in administering Emergency First Aid the volunteers go through stringent training in Basic Life Saving techniques under the watchful eye of the Cruz Roja. This is then supplemented by additional training in dealing with Heart Attacks, Angina, Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke, Wounds and Severe Bleeds, Burns, Fractures and the list goes on....Additionally The volunteers are given training in the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Oxygen Therapy or administration. These additional training courses are approved and certified by the Murcia Health Authority thereby ensuring the highest standard of training available to no-medical personel. FAST also hold training sessions three times a month at different times of the day in order to accomodate the needs of its volunteers. It must be remembered of course that FAST Responders are not professionals and therefore not permitted to give medical advice save a recommendation to seek professional medical advice.

The FAST volunteers work a variety of shifts in order to fit in their individual needs but at the same time cover 24 hours a day 7 days a week thoughout the year ensuring there is always two volunteers on duty at any given time. As FAST is a volunteer organisation all its members, Committee, Responders and Support Personel give of their time freely and without any recompense even down to using their own vehicles to attend shouts or transporting materials to and from fund raising events. Some people have asked quite rightly so what do FAST use the donations and funds for?, where does the money go?? Quite simply we could not operate without the generosity of the businesses, organisations, clubs and individuals who support us in our endeavours to help the people of Camposol.

To give you some idea of where the money goes, during 2012 the money you all so generously give to FAST was used to purchase the following items and equipment essential to the services we undertake and again this list is not exhaustive: Training Costs:

€2638.12 Equipment Medical & Oxygen €3271.75 Uniform €556 Administation & Stationary €760.14 Telephones: €100 Publicity; Keyrings, Magnets, €463 Leaflets, Banners, Boards,

Posters, Phone/Car Stickers As stated this list is not exhaustive and does not include solicitors fees, costs obtaining charity status, registration of FAST Logo, Bank Service charges etc etc.

The costs involved in running FAST are quite extensive however we feel it is money well spent and the FAST committee is dedicated, determined and steadfastly resolute to ensuring the best possible service will be provided by its volunteer responders. In order to do this FAST is organising a number of fund raising events throughout the year which we hope you will support and enjoy starting with the Easter Fayre to be held in Marianos 23rd of March 2013 starting at 11.00am at a cost of €1. Followed by a Sponsored Fun Walk and Easter Bonnet Parade on Sunday 31st March starting at 11.00am with a prize for the best Bonnet....There are many other events taking place and information is available from the FAST Support Team every Friday on Sector ‘B’ Commercial or look out for the posters giving all the information.

We are hoping to have over 30 Trader stalls at the Fayre for you to peruse and FAST will have their exquisite Cake stall and Tombola, there will also be a display of wonderful prizes to be won in the raffle and a demonstration table of FAST Response Equipment where individuals can try their hand at CPR on our famous model Resuci Anne. FAST will also be doing 10 minute tasters on Indian Head Massage etc by a qualified FAST Responder.

Come and see us, support us and find out what we are all about and maybe even join us and become a FAST Responder. No special qualifications are needed, only that you are capable of carrying out the tasks required to administer Emergency First Aid. FAST Future Project: FAST are hoping to purchase two vehicles kitted out with the equipment and materials to carry out their duties for use by the responders In order to do this FAST will allocate 50% of all money raised to achieving this project, the other 50% will be used to ensure continuance of the unique service provided for the Residents and Visitors of Camposol.

Rosemary and John and the bingo group at Tels Bar have once again donated 140 euros to FAST. This monthly donation is by and large used to replenish our oxygen supplies and maintain the equipment. Can we all at FAST thank you very much for helping to make Camposol a safer place

FOR SALE

Modular park home, 80 sq metres, 3 bedrooms, 2 fully tiled shower rooms, lounge and fully-tiled kitchen diner.

Excellent construction and condition.

Currently sited on a small residential park near Fuente Alamo, can be lived in on the park, or moved to your own land.

Excellent Value at 35,000€ For more information

Telephone 968 130 571/686 210 374

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Di de Di. Craplin’s is Open for Business Craplin’s Holiday Camp will be open for business on Friday 15th to Sunday 17th March 2013. Come along and enjoy this musical play by Campoverde Theatre Group.

The year remains 1959, however the camp staff have all aged considerably.

You will discover how well known characters have matured into their later years. Peggy is still the hopeful person she was in her twenties, even though she is waiting to receive her old age pension. Yvonne and Barry have become even bitterer towards each other; age certainly hasn’t brought them any serenity. Jeffrey has aged too, but he is still bumbling and naïve and tries his best to resist the temptations offered by the ageing Gladys who is still seeking a husband whilst there is still a chance. Our Bluecoats have also aged, but they are still the same sweet, helpful staff that Craplin’s are famous for.

Now Craplin’s caters to the mature camper and all the activities have specially designed for their mature tastes! Our campers may have aged but their behaviour may not have.

Craplin’s is still famous for the wonderful cabaret shows performed by the Craplin Debonaires. Come along and enjoy our colourful show full of well known songs that should stay with you after the performance.

Di di Di, the latest production from Campoverde Theatre Group will be performed on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March.

The venue for the show is the Casa de Cultura, San Miguel. There are still a few tickets available so do hurry and place your orders.

The show is promising to be a sell out, so to avoid disappointment ring Colin on 96 677 4127 or 628 404 405 or enquire at Bargain Books, San Miguel for tickets.

Lions for Lorca Appeal Since May of 2011 there has been much said and written about the support being offered to those people most in need following the Earthquake which hit the historic down of Lorca near Murcia.

Within hours of the earthquake the Lions Clubs of Torrevieja Costa and Mazarron Bahia had started fund raising to help provide food and shelter for those made homeless by the earthquake. The Torrevieja Costa Lions Club immediately committed 1,000.00 euros from their emergencies fund. In the ensuing weeks and with the support of many individuals and organisations, the Torrevieja Lions increased their donation to a sum in excess of 7,500.00 euros.

As time went on The Lions of Mazarron, Torrevieja Costa and Torrevieja Suomi realised that a more permanent facility would prove more beneficial for the townspeople of Lorca, and after many meetings with other interested parties including Ayuntamiento Lorca, The Lions embarked on a project to replace the Centro Municipal de Desarrollo Infantil y Attencion Temprana(CDIAT),a school for disabled children and children with learning difficulties.

Plans were drawn up and a suitable site found within Lorca and a major project was underway. A major sponsorship package was agreed with Vodafone ES who pledged around 300,000 .00 euros. Major contributions were also made by the Federation of Lions Clubs of Spain and the Lions Clubs of Spain Foundation.

On Sunday 10th March 2013 the new CDIAT facility was officially opened by the Mayor of Lorca, Don.Francisco Jodar Alonso. Those children most in need in Lorca now have a marvellous

new facility where they can receive education and remedial therapy in first class surroundings.

Whilst this project is now complete, the building has been constructed in such a way, that in time ,when more funds become available ,a second storey can be added which will effectively double the accommodation available.

Everyone concerned with this project are also delighted to announce that the school is the first completed project in Lorca since the earthquake, completed on time and within budget.

The Lions of Torrevieja Costa, Mazarron Bahia and Torrevieja Suomi are immensely proud of this achievement. Recognising the significant support that individuals and organisations have made to assist the Lions with this project, the Torrevieja Costa Lions would like to publicly thank the following for their excellent contributions- Peter Hull, Cathy Carson, La Siesta Church Ladies, Quesada Ladies Club, Orihuela Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force Association Torrevieja, Gran Alacant and Santa Pola Theatre Group(GASP). There were many other individuals and groups who gave the Lions good support and they can all be assured that because of their actions the disadvantaged children of Lorca are now in a much better place.

Lion members from Torrevieja Costa, Mazarron Bahia,Torrevieja Suomi, Tenerife, La Coruna and Alicante were among the many invited guests who attended the official opening.

When you help Lions to help others, you know you will make a difference.

quesada

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Justo Quesada Samper: A real man of the people, a self-made man in what were undoubtedly difficult times, who at the end of the sixties dreamed of building a holiday city from scratch.

What today, in the midst of the 21st Century, is nothing new, was then a truly innovative project well ahead of its time.

35 years ago, Mr. Justo Quesada Samper’s visionary approach began to give shape to an ambitious dream: to create from scratch a real city which would play a leading role in launching residential tourism on the Costa Blanca.

This was the birth of Ciudad Quesada.

Thousands of people from all over Europe supported this first great project to be carried out by our company’s founder, and it became a model of a services city in every way, offering amenities which for the time were considered daring and unimaginable, such as a ninehole golf course and a landing strip for light aircraft.

Ciudad Quesada is now a reference in 21st Century Spain, one of the country’s leading real estate developments, with over 20,000 homes built on an area of 10 million m2 and further areas still under development.

It also stands out for its impressive range of services open all year round: eight banks, an abundance of food stores, two medical centres, a service station, a Water Park, five supermarkets, a Norwegian state school, a town hall and the La Marquesa golf course.

Different nationalities living together in harmony has strengthened the bond between Ciudad Quesada’s thousands of residents.

In fact, it is the only urbanization which celebrates the fiestas of its own patron saint held every August,

on San Justo day, with a fiesta committee and the participation of the Town Council of Rojales, the municipality which Cuidad Quesada forms part of.

urb Doña Pepa (above Gama Supermarket) Cuidad Quesada Tel: 672 517 408

GREEN BAIZE Snooker & Pool Hall | Quesada

• Full size snooker tables Hot & Cold Breakfasts • Match-play darts boards Food • Pool tables • Sky Sports Screens Great Great • Special food menu’s Prices Beer • Great family venue Fully air conditioned for your comfort great atmosphere, everyone welcome

Tel: 966 716 315

Pepas anniversary

Saturday 23rd March

After a sucessful 1st year we invite customers old & new to celebrate with us!

Free buffet & drinks promos with entertainment all the way from Benidorm: DUGGIE

Tel: 966 717332 Calle Los Arcos 17b, Ciudad Quesada, info@howardsfitness.com

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Personal Training 1-2-1 or Groups

Open to Non-Members GYM MEMBERSHIPS from 28€ per month

Open mic session with Bill Saturday 3-6pm Quiz Night every 2 weeks from Tuesday 19th March 8pm BBQ Sunday 31st March 2pm with music from Chris HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY 6-8 pm OPEN 1pm to late

Find us behind Claptons Bar a la Taberna just off c/las Mimosas & Anda del las Naciones Cuidad Quesada

new menu Daily Specials

special easter

Sunday 31st March

MENU

Call or visit for details

13

14

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Snow hits northern Europe travellers...

Frankfurt airport, Europe’s third-busiest hub, partially re-opens after heavy snow causes severe travel disruption in north-west Europe.

Last cardinal arrives for conclave...

The last of the 115 Roman Catholic cardinals who will choose a new Pope arrives at the Vatican, meaning the date for the conclave can now be set.

Litvinenko suspect will shun inquest...

A former KGB officer suspected of killing Alexander Litvinenko says he will not attend the UK inquest into the Russian spy’s death

EU court rebuffs Poland over CO2...

Poland is frustrated after the EU’s top court rejected its legal complaint about the EU mechanism for cutting carbon emissions.

Berlusconi convicted over wiretap...

Italy’s former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is convicted and sentenced to a year in jail over an illegal wiretap.

Girl killed on bus was stabbed once...

Easy Horse care’s new van The EHCRC Foundation is delighted to announce the arrival of our new delivery van.

We are now able to offer our customers a collection service for large items donated to the Easy Horse Care Charity Shops.

To date we have five wonderful charity shops on the Costa Blanca. Guardamar, La Zenia, Montesinos, Las Siesta and Quesada. Each one is packed to the rafters with amazing treasures; you never know what you may find and every euro we raise goes towards feeding and treating our rescued equines.

Please telephone Vicky on 636062000 to arrange collections or house clearances.

For more information on locations of our shops visit our webpage www.easyhorsecare.net

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Cats performed for Lions Charities

The long awaited performance of Cats in Torrevieja, took place in the Teatro Municipal on Saturday evening. The show which was promoted by the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club was performed in aid of Lions Charities. The event was a huge success with every seat in the house sold out 11 days before the event.

The theatre goers were entertained from start to finish with the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber performed by the Footlights Youth Theatre Group from Calpe. The Jellicle cats were up to their usual nocturnal tricks playing and cavorting amongst a London rubbish dump.

Despite the performers being mainly teenagers, with the exception of Old Deuteronomy, their performance was very mature and belied their youthful years. The Cats sang ,danced and introduced each other to the audience , relating their own stories as they went along their way with the music and lyrics of Sir Andrew.

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This was a new venture for the Lions Club and thoroughly enjoyed by all those who took part.

Thanks go to all those who attended and helped to sponsor the event. When all outstanding accounts have been settled the Lions will announce how much money was raised to benefit those most in need.

Lion President Janette Bennett was delighted to greet “Old Deuteronomy” as he arrived at the Teatro Municipal.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

15

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Nobody Is Perfect The moment I first saw Laurence in the prosaic surroundings of Domestic Appliances in Hyperocio it was love at first sight - I knew I wanted him.

My rapture knew no bounds when he condescended to take up residence with us. In fact, in the humble surroundings of Casa Biggs he shone even more gloriously – purple and magnificent he commanded centre stage in every room he entered.

I am a woman satisfied as I follow Laurence devotedly throughout the house, though Pete is less enraptured; the entry of Laurence into a room heralds the exit of Pete.

Despite his flamboyant outward appearance and his imperial demeanor he has fitted in to our family with an ease that speaks of good breeding. He is not a demanding guest, insisting only on access to a power source. His personal needs are straightforward and minimal; cleanliness, both internal and external are essential for his continued cooperation, and for that reason I have bought him a special soft bristled long handled brush for getting into all the nooks and crannies that might otherwise get overlooked.

Laurence and I have an accord; I anticipate his

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint path, preceding his entry into each room by clearing chairs, tables, sofas and all movable sundries out of his way to ease his passage through the house.

Then, when the majestic entourage has passed, I put them all back again!

But recently a tiny cloud has appeared on the horizon of this blissful relationship. Nobody is perfect, and I have encountered a flaw in Laurence’s purple perfection.

This dent in Laurence’s omnipotence has become obvious through the Dog That Is Not Ours, who is moulting.

She is quite a small dog, about the size of a Fox Terrier, yet every day she leaves behind on our one and only carpet enough hair to cover a large Alsatian.

How so much hair can come off such a small dog is beyond me, but it does. Cue Laurence, whose primary task in life is to remove this hair. This he does, calmly, efficiently, and with no loss of dignity. He remains Lord of the Dance – except for his head, which becomes covered in dog hair!

The electrical charge between Laurence’s head and the dog’s hair causes the latter to stick to the former, and I then have to vacuum his head.

It’s not much of a task, but it annoys me to vacuum the vacuum cleaner. I am going to write to Laurence’s creator, that master of lateral thinking, James Dyson, and suggest that in future all Dysons be manufactured with non-dog-hair-sticky heads.

Deliver Us Our Daily Bread

Our local SuperValu supermarket has had a major refurb recently and apart from the change of name to DialPrix and the new vivid green decor - which would make Robin Hood feel right at home - there is a much better use of space and a nicer display generally.

Business is always brisk and it’s a good example of how smaller retail outlets can maintain their market share in the face of the big boys by giving a wide selection of goods and friendly service.

That is a refreshing change in this day and age when customer service is a dying art. But it also got me thinking about those presupermarket days, when shops specialised in specific produce

and goods, and when impeccable customer service was the norm.

We still have bakeries and long may that be the case, but in the UK there were butchers, newsagents, fish mongers, green groceries, sweet shops & tobacconists, all trading side by side.

Of course, we have the ubiquitous markets here in Spain, where fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance and where fresh usually does mean fresh, having come straight off the fields - unlike some of the third rate produce that can be found in English markets.

I can remember as a young lad seeing my Mum struggling up the street, loaded down with her weekly shopping, having had to catch the trolley bus into town four miles away and then back again. In addition there was a small parade of shops within walking distance, consisting of a butcher, who would

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

also oblige by making deliveries if necessary, a newsagents & confectioner and a chippie - an essential part of 1950’s life.

And I would often be volunteered to rush off to pick up this or that.

The daily delivery

ser vices of the milkman and baker were something that you could always rely on, and this was augmented in our neck of the woods by a grocery service called Premier. There was not a huge selection on this van, but it certainly helped to be able

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to pick up the odd essentials without a trip to the shops.

In addition, other services were familiar visitors in the streets of the estate. The coal wagon was a frequent caller and would stop on request to drop off the odd sack of coal here or a bag of coke there. The Rag and Bone man who gave plastic bags filled with water and a solitary goldfish in exchange for bundles of old clothes and bric-a-brac. Over the years we acquired a number of fish in this way, and those that weren’t enjoyed with chips, went on to live long and happy lives in their fish bowl on the window sill.

Most of these deliverers it must be said, used horse and cart and it was only later that they became mechanised. It was always a race with the neighbours into the street with a bucket and shovel if the nag had dropped-a-load in the course of its journey. The results could be seen by way of some spectacular displays in the rose beds of neighbouring gardens.

In addition to these we had the usual Mr Whippy and Mr Softee ice cream vans and a colourful Italian character called Giuseppe.

The vehicle he used was an ancient motorcycle combination.

The bullet shaped sidecar had been converted to a freezer and was painted white with the name ‘Giuseppe’s Cornetti’s’ on one side and the standard slogan of all ice cream vendors - ‘Stop Me and Buy One’ - on the other. The rumour

ALQUERIA - Uggaby, the visit John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

16

The Alquerian delegation blinked at their first sight of Britain. It was grey, overcast and raining. Manuela wondered why the sky was so low. A chill wind ripped through the group as they made their way to the waiting transport. A minibus which had certainly seen better times. The number-plate sported a crest with the letters RoU, Republic of Uggaby. Sid Bognurdler the driver, welcomed them in a strange strangled fen accent which Blythe Gruntmore vaguely recognised. He responded in his Geordie English and Bognurdler thought, ‘What a strange language Spanish is’.

Manuela, Gruntmore, Rodriquez and Poyato enjoyed the journey north. The view through the window of the minibus was of a dank green countryside, so different from the sun bleached Alquerian Valley. Manuela was on her best behaviour. The others were worried about her attitude problem and sent her to an ‘anger management’ specialist. However after her first consultation the ‘specialist’ himself was seeking professional help.

Uggaby’s history is on a parallel with that of Alqueria’s. It was founded by time-expired men of the VI Victrix Roman legion. Their descendants lived in peace, their way of life changing little until the summer of AD820. In that year the Viking, Sitrik the Putrid was exiled to Uggaby. His successors have ever since been a constant source of aggravation to the dark-eyed descendants of the Victorious 6th Legion.

With the River Waveney to the north and Sitrik’s stream to the south Uggaby was technically an island. Both the Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils used the island status to wash their hands of the place. On application to central government for clarification they too denied responsibility. Uggaby became an independent republic.

A reception at the Uggabian Town Hall offered traditional village fare. Unfortunately this was also on a par with Alquerian food and therefore virtually inedible. An acquired taste, Pugh the Mayor had said, however this was a euphemism for ‘ruddy awful’.

A particularly sticky moment occurred when Manuela, champion of the Alquerian Hill People met Marta, the Uggabian matriarch.

Dark eyes examined dark eyes. The girls circled each other. They could find no fault. They became firm friends, a union of anarchistic souls. The relief in the hall was almost akin to rejoicing. Homing pigeons brought from Alqueria were released. Seizing their chance for freedom they headed north east towards Scandinavia and were never seen again.

To put this new found alliance on an official footing a treaty was signed. The Treaty for Autonomous Republics and Territory Security (T.A.R.T.S) came into being.

A contented hush fell over Uggaby as it and its guests settled down for the evening. The only sounds were the gurgling of the Waveney along with Marta and Manuela giggling in the dark. was that Giuseppe had previously been a professional barber, so it’s possible - bearing in mind what it is that all barber’s stock for their male clients at the weekend – his catch phrase might then have been ‘Buy Me and Stop One’. But that’s just my mind working overtime.

Giuseppe sported a waxed moustache turned up at the ends and always wore a red striped apron and a straw boater with a feather. He would pull up in each street and with the aid of a loud hailer, bawl out, “I’m ‘Ere!” at the top of his lungs.

Another regular caller was the

Corona man, who delivered our weekly requirement of four bottles of pop in varying flavours and took back the previous weeks empties.

Then if we were really lucky, there was a rare visit from the Muffin & Crumpet man. Always on foot and balancing a large tray on his head, he advertised his wares by ringing a hand bell as he marched through the streets.

Talking of which, I quite fancy a crumpet for my tea.

I’ll just nip down to DialPrix.

Must be careful not to wear anything green though. I could get lost!

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

17

‘ADHOC’ MARCHING THROUGH PUB CRAWL IN AID OF THE AECC THE MONTH What a busy month of March for the folks at ADHOC! Friday 8th saw the first of a Murder Mystery Night at the Club in Quesada.

Sunday 17th they will be hosting a social night for members and welcome any prospective new members at El Mundo in Benimar. The night will include a TV Challenge Quiz and Play Your Cards Right, and will provide an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in joining the group to meet up with members and find out more in an informal setting.

Wednesday 20th they will be staging another Rock ‘n’ Roll night at Restaurante Los Rosales, with the ever popular ‘WOODY & THE PECKERS’. This ‘live’ 3 piece band replicate the authentic sound of Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Always a sell out, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets, at 12.50 euros, including a BBQ meal, are available from:-Los Rosales; Quesada Card and Gift Shop; The Post Room Benijófar; The Card Place, Benimar; Cards and More, La Marina and Kennedy’s at Montesenos.

Friday 29th they will be staging another Murder Mystery Night in conjunction with Cats & Dogs Charity.

Tickets are 12.50 euros including a 2 course meal and are available only from The Club, in Calle Toledo, or by phoning 966 717 028.

Office for the Urbanisations in San Fulgencio – Update The Councillor for the Urbanisations, Jeff Wiszniewski and his team are delighted to announce that the Samaritans in Spain will be working closely with the Office for the Urbanisations in San Fulgencio for the benefit of all English speakers in the municipality.

On Thursday the 21st of March, members of the Samaritans in Spain will be in the Office for the Urbanisations between 10 am and 1pm to help any English speaker who needs to talk about the stresses and strains of their life.

Samaritan Volunteers listen in confidence to anyone in any type of emotional distress, without judging or telling people what to do. Samaritans do not offer advice, but by encouraging our callers to talk about their feelings, we are able to help them explore all the options available to them.

Samaritans in Spain is operated by Costa Blanca Samaritans which is itself registered with the Generalitat Valenciana as a 100% not-for-profit organisation under CV-01042952-A and with NIF G54341466.

Common reasons to need to speak to the

Samaritans may be :* Relationship and family problems * Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or through bereavement * Financial worries * Job-related stress or overwork * College or study-related stress * Body image issues There is now also a 24 hour help line the number of which is 902 88 35 35.

Talking openly about how you really feel can often be like opening a door. Talking can put you back in control and often reveals the choices you have. Many people feel pressured into hiding their feelings out of embarrassment, or because they don’t wish to become a burden to their family or friends. But trying to hide your feelings under a calm exterior merely saves the problem for later, resulting in stress building up until it becomes intolerable.

If you need any further information, please contact the Office of the Urbanisations, Calle Madrid on 966 443 002, email us on concejaliadeurbanizaciones@aytosanfulgencio.es or come into the office.

Debbie Weedon the original organiser of the breast cancer awareness walk in Rojales is now part of Marias Pink ladies team and is the event organiser for the Quesada and surrounding areas. Feeling that a walk is now old hat Debbie decided to put a different slant on it and as anyone who knows her will know that bars play a big part in her life!

So enjoying a few drinks with friends in the Forest bar, Pueblo Bravo one evening the Quesada pub crawl was born. On Sunday 5th May at 11am the quesada pink ladies and anyone else who wants to join us are going to walk into Quesada via the various watering holes en route to collect money for the AECC. Any of the local bars who would like to participate by holding a fund raising evening/ raffle can contact Debbie who will arrange for the walkers to call in and collect the raised money on the pub crawl. If you would like to involve your bar/ restaurant or want to join in the walk please contact Debbie on 96 6719847 or 690386200.

Walkers are asked to pay 5€ to enter and wear pink

18

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Look Good Feel Great www.soltimes.com always look on the bright side of life molecules involved in hardening of the arteries, said the researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health.

it may reduce your cholesterol!

Part of the reason may be due to the optimists’ tendency to have a healthy body weight and a ‘prudent’ diet, say the researchers.

Darren the barber The Barbershop at Quesada Country Club

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Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am- 5pm OUT OF HOURS BY REQUEST Drive through Quesada Arches up main street, take left fork at Caja Murcia Bank. Continue to Consum sign and turn right onto Avenida Costa Azul, continue uphill and take right turn onto Calle Toledo.

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

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People with a sunny disposition are less likely to have high cholesterol, new research suggests.

Middle-aged optimists were found to have better levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, which has a protective effect on the heart and helps cancel out ‘bad’ cholesterol.

They also had lower levels of triglycerides, the fatty

increased by one milligram per deciliter.

known to play a role in heart attack risk.

That same HDL increase would translated to a three per cent reduction in the risk for heart disease, the researchers said.

Franz Messerli, a cardiologist at St. Luke’sRoosevelt Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the study, said: ‘It’s still impossible to say whether optimism causes a change in cholesterol, or cholesterol influences outlook, or both are subject to some third variable.’

For comparison, regular exercise can decrease heart disease risk by six per cent.

The report, published in Mail Online, indicates they analysed data from the Midlife in the United States study, which included phone interviews and lab tests for 990 people aged 40 to 70. Based on the interviews, participants’ levels of optimism were rated on a scale from 6 to 30 depending on their agreement or disagreement with statements such as ‘in uncertain times I usually expect the best’, and so on.

But there was no connection between optimism and total cholesterol levels, or to low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad’ cholesterol.

People with higher optimism scores also had more high-density lipoprotein (HDL) the desirable form of cholesterol that is believed to protect against heart disease.

Previous research by Boehm and her colleagues had shown a link between optimism and lowered heart attack risk, so they decided to look at whether there was an independent connection between optimistic or pessimistic outlooks and cholesterol, which is

For every increase of five points on the optimism scale, HDL in the blood

Lead study author Julia Boeh said: ‘It is one additional piece of evidence suggesting that our psychological health and physical health are intertwined, and that viewing the world optimistically may have some tangible benefits for our health.’

The Harvard researchers did try to account for other influences, and when they factored in lifestyles, including diet and alcohol consumption, and body weight - the link between optimism and blood fats became weaker.

That suggests that optimists’ tendency to have healthier lifestyles and weight may explain ‘in part’ the differences in their blood lipids, researchers said.

Conversely, the risk of heart attack and stroke goes up in depressed people, Messerli said.

‘But nobody has shown the opposite, that all of a sudden if you go from a pessimist to an optimist your risk goes down.’

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

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

dancing on ice

Grand Final

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

Here we are already with the 2013 grand final of Dancing on Ice with 3 great celebrities who have all worked so hard to earn their place in the final. However for me there is a clear winner by a mile and a distinct 2nd and 3rd before the final even commences.

Opening the show were Jayne & Chris with their Bolero performed to a large group of drummers and with a new twist which was absolutely fantastic. I don’t know how they manage to keep up the standards they do!!

For the final, the celebrities were given a showcase number with another 2 professional couples and then given the chance to perform their personal favourite from the series. The public only were picking their winner and even though the judges were voting tonight there was no input into the results from them.

After the 2 performances, the lowest placed couple were eliminated leaving the other 2 to perform their version of the bolero. All of the celebrities who took part in this years show also returned for a small cameo performance whilst the votes were coming in.

Opening the show were Beth & Dan skating to ‘Car Wash’ with their showcase number.

With some original moves and tricks this was a lively fun performance and a great opening number which scored them 36.5 from the judges and 9.0 from me.

Next out was Luke & Jenna with their showcase to Crazy Little Thing Called Love. This was a country themed number and Luke managed to keep up with the professional skaters quite well although for me he is lacking the standard of the other 2 celebrities in the final. I gave him 8.0 and the judges 34.5.

Closing the showcase section were Matt & Brianne with a swing style number to Mr Pinstripe Suit. Fantastic!! an up tempo number full of tricks and superb speed and Matt looked completely at home with the other professional skaters.

I awarded him 10.0 and he received a series first 40.0 from the judges. Very well deserved.

Beth & Dan then performed their series favourite to ‘Clown’. Again very competently skated emotional and entertaining but for me lacking the

presentation skills needed to pull you into her performance. I gave her 9.0 and the judges awarded 37.5.

Next out were Luke & Jenna skating to Little Things. Luke did quite a bit of solo skating in this routine and for me it just wasn’t up to the standard for a final. I gave him 6.5 and the judges 32.5.

Closing this section of the show were Matt & Brianne performing to ‘Turn up the Music’.

This was a phenomenal performance, an upbeat number which showed Matts character to a Tee. He showed superb speed across the ice and his energy throughout was boundless. Again he received a full house from the judges of 40.0 and again a 10.0 from me. Unstoppable!!

At this stage Luke was eliminated from the competition finishing in 3rd place leaving Matt and Beth to perform the bolero.

The two bolero performances couldn’t have been further apart. Beth & Dan gave a very passionate intense performance which was her best by far in the series, where Matt & Brianne’s bolero was much more dramatic sharper and slicker but no less passionate.

My winner however by a long way was Matt but in the end the public crowned Beth their 2013 series Dancing On Ice winner - oh!!!.

Next year will be the 30th anniversary of Jayne & Chris’ Olympic Gold for their Bolero so what will they have tucked up their sleeves to celebrate this one? I guess we’ll just have to tune in next year to find out!!

Until ‘Strictly’ returns in the Autumn I’ll sign off but just say Keep Dancing and we hope to see you in one of our ‘Strictly’ classes or our Saturday social night very soon!!

2013 Winners

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

21

REVIEW it...

The Major - Stephen Lawrence

“Unfamiliar territory, not knowing what lies ahead.”

Betrayal and murder dominate from start to finish.

Stephen Lawrence adopts the mystery, thriller and suspense genre and admits to being influenced in his writing by James Patterson, Michael Connelly, Ian Rankin and Clive Cussler.

Pete, as the protagonist in this thriller is an interesting mixture of aggression and brutality combined with a sense of guilt and wrongdoings or what I would simply call humanity. He almost becomes a real life James Bond ! The mystery is this. Pete longs for the camaraderie and the adrenaline rush, the thrills and spills of army life but he has been medically discharged and he seems to be in retirement mode, happily married to Jess, a talented freelance architect. Okay so far?

Something is missing. He wanted to recapture his SAS days in the Glorious Glosters craving the excitement and danger of former times. He reflects on his Falklands’ experience in June 1982 with hand to hand combat and death.

The air was filled with smoke and fumes of cordite. Atmospheric. He had strayed past the enemy line and came face-to-face with his enemy. He killed him of course. That’s what he was trained to do. Once a killer, always a killer. How can a mercenary settle for a mundane, domesticated life and existence? A suburbanite, a retiree who longed for that unfamiliar territory, not knowing what lies ahead, that danger. Pete was beginning to feel trapped and admitted that he wasn’t really content with his life.

His salvation, the well-needed tonic arrived on his 45th birthday, a late mid-life crisis halteda proposition, an offer too good to refuse special operations, highly confidential work. Very tempting.

To digress, we have a steamy sex scene after Pete’s birthday bash. He was knocked out in the barn, bound to a chair, hooded with a gag tied round his mouth and stripped of his clothes. When he started to return to part-consciousness he thought back to his days of being trussed up ready for interrogation OR torture OR EVEN WORSE execution! Horror. He thought it might be a sexual, deviant or ritualistic torture. You can probably work this bit out for yourself. X-rated.

Inevitably, Pete agrees to work for the Major. His senses became hyper and after making the decision, he felt confident that it would give him a purpose in life, self-belief and restore his shattered confidence.

He goes into each of his assignments metaphorically blindfolded, uncertain as he performs his role of playing God or more accurately, playing the devil’s advocate. There were many moments when Pete simply felt out of his depth and wanted OUT. Could he? No. Pete was stupidly caught in a compromising position so the Major blackmailed him in such a way that it could have jeopardized his marriage and endangered his family.

Having to eliminate a person unnerved him, it clawed at his insides. He assassinated his victim by shooting him through the heart, followed by a clean hole in the back of his head followed by a third bullet in the centre of his bare back. That’s what I call thorough. If you enjoy a bit of horror you’ll like this: Pete knew his face would have blown away and his heart would be in shreds. This is the Spanish connection-Guardamar del Segura. A cold-blooded killing.

Anger and hatred gnaw away at his insides as his bank balances explodes and Pete’s mission, in fact his sole purpose in life is now to locate the monster and destroy him. A tall order.

In his pursuit of this fiend he also discovers the truth of what really happened to his brother Mark who had been allegedly killed in a freak car crash.

The heat had been so intense that nothing recognisable remained.

The narrative builds up to a dramatic and unexpected climax with a number of surprises or shocks to keep you on your toes from start to finish. Is it all’s well that ends well? Well not quite so in this case but ENJOY! Publisher: Author House UK. ISBN: 978-1-4772-4342-8 Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

If you are one of those people loving the sight of flames and the smell of gunpowder, the Valencian famous festival known as ´Las Fallas´ is the event for you. This unique celebration is characterised for being smoky, loud, crazy and rowdy while the city is literally set ablaze.

This well-known Valencia event began as a feast day to commemorate St Joseph, the patron of Valencia and the saint of carpenters.

The Valencia Fallas have developed into a multifaceted festival also celebrating ´fire´ with a population swelling to three million of flame-loving people.

Las Fallas´ centre of attraction are the creation and destruction of the ninots, which are statues made of huge cardboard, wood and plaster located over 350 places like parks and key intersections all over Valencia city.

The lifelike ninots frequently and satirically portray current events and bawdy scenes (Spanish celebrities and lampooning corrupt politicians are especially liked).

Crafted by neighbourhood organisations, they are quite expensive and take about six months to build; many ninots are quite a few stories tall with cranes needed to move them into position.

The ninots remain in place until St Joseph´s Day, 19th March, when they are burned during “La Cremá.” Young men with axes chop holes into the ninots and put fireworks inside them in the early evening.

While the street lights are turned off the spectators chant; then at exactly the stroke of midnight all the ninots are set on fire. The local firemen have devised over the years unique ways to protect Valencia´s buildings from burning alongside the ninots: for instance, by covering storefronts neatly with fireproof tarps. Also one of the ninots is spared from burning into flames each year by the crowds´ vote and will be exhibited in the local ninot museum along other years´ favourites.

The Valencia Fallas festival origins are

somewhat obscure, though they are thought to be the evolution of pagan ceremonies of the celebration held on the planting season and spring onset. Also in the 1500s the city of Valencia only used street lights during the long winter nights, street lamps that were hung on wooden structures or ´parots´. When the days were longer, since the parots were not needed, they were customarily burned on St Joseph´s Day. Even now Las Fallas have kept their working-class satirical roots, while the upper classes and the faint-of-heart often leave the city when it is the actual time for this celebration.

Apart from burning the ninots, there are also other activities during the Valencia Fallas festivities; there are a wide range of beauty pageants, paella contests, parades and bullfights daily all throughout the city.

Besides, during the days leading up to “la cremá”, improvised displays of fireworks happen.

Finally another highlight of Las Fallas in Valencia are the 2pm daily “mascletá” held in the Town Hall square, where the ground literally shakes for the 10 minutes following the ignition of a huge pile of firecrackers.

Article courtesy of www.aboutvalencia.com

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Bankers

Last December I visited my new bank in Vera. It’s blue instead of the old yellow as they had bought my old bank for just a Euro. The bank typifies the arrogance the banking sector is famed for; I was scolded for daring to come in just before Christmas when I told them I had not received a letter informing me of my new account number.

They explained that my post man is dishonest or lazy, or both as he had burnt, stolen or eaten the letter.

I returned in early January as my business banking charges doubled after the takeover. I was brusquely told that nothing could be done so I asked to close my account. Suddenly the man smiled and said ‘you can have free banking if you deposit 800€ a month into your business account!’ Times may be hard in the property sector but if I couldn’t pay in 800€ then I would be sweeping the streets.

I was also offered a mouth-watering inducement of a Repsol charge card giving a gigantic 2% discount on fuel purchases. My knees went weak as I imagined how I could spend my new found savings. Of course I said yes to the man from Del Monte.

Then every fortnight I would pop back to the bank and stand in line for ages only for the computer to say ‘no, no card yet!’ One time even the man who had originally tempted me with the devilish wonder checked and said ‘no, not yet try next week!’ I now know never to book any other appointments if a bank visit is on the cards and to take a flask, sandwiches and sleeping bag.

Then, one day the most senior and most grumpy lady looked for my card. Ten minutes of fruitless

searching later and victory was at last mine – not a card but a meek ‘sorry’ followed by an almost inaudible ‘very sorry!’ Senior grump had to admit that the man had never ordered the card in the first place. A new card was promised in a weeks’ time.

Knowing Spanish efficiency is non-existent unless nabbing our money via taxes and fines I left it a fortnight before girding my loins and donning battle dress for a return trip. My face dropped as the queue was again almost out the door. Never mind I thought, I will speak to senior grump as she will certainly recall her earlier capitulation.

No such luck and I was told to stand in line. So I explained that I was only here due their earlier mistakes. Senior grump still said no.

So I asked for the complaints book! Sparks flew from her feet as she sped into the bank managers’ office swiftly returning with the forms. The poor woman seemed grateful that I was officially moaning about their snail’s pace of service, all due to a lack of staff.

Then I had to deliver the form to the Trading Standards office. I found the building where I thought they may be and entered an office only to be told that they were the Diputacion of Almeria and I needed the office opposite, the Junta de Andalucía. So I went up to the door and checked the opening hours which said Mon-Fri 10-2 and as it was only 1pm I turned the handle and of course it was locked!

Back at the Diputacion they helpfully shrugged their shoulders, so I posted the form under the locked door wondering if Trading Standards have their own complaints book. At least I finally have the discount card now!

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

braben’s blog...

I was lying in the bath last night thinking, isn’t nature funny, but that’s beside the point! Whilst in there I had an idea. I often get good ideas in the bath but we won’t go there at the moment. In amongst all that I was thinking, isn’t it just as well we’re not all the same and enjoy the same things. Food for example. Imagine if we all loved steak, there’d be mayhem at the Mercadona everyday as we all lay siege to the meat counter. But thank goodness we do all like many different things, some more weird than others. For example there are certainly some seventies wild children who still play their Little Jimmy Osmond albums to this day, which is sad because probably even Little Jimmy Osmond doesn’t play them now!

But when it comes to food I’m firmly in the I don’t like shellfish camp.

Lobster. I know it’s a delicacy and that many many people clamour for it, but really, apart from the taste, I can’t imagine eating something that you need an instruction manual for. If you must eat it, beware because when you read the instructions there is often a warning about the green stuff you may find inside. Call me unadventurous but I’m not really of a mind to devour something which, upon being decapitated by me, reveals squishy green stuff.

No thank you. And quite apart from anything else, from certain angles they are the spitting image of that nasty creature that knocks lumps out of the crew in the film “Alien”.

Of course, as I said, we’re all different and many people love seafood and especially Sushi. The Japanese have brought the world so much that is good and I am especially partial to their home theatre systems, but I am yet to be converted to Sushi! An example of why I have an aversion to it is Nazersushi. Yes it sounds like is married an evil army from Lord of the Rings but it is in fact a Graham to Helen and has Sushi dish that you eat after it has been stuffed with a daughter, Alice. salt and squashed with a stone for six months. Yes six He lives part of the year near Albox, months. but works in Qatar, So it’s not just nature that’s funny, our taste buds teaching. If you wish Graham are a little odd too! But it’s okay that people are all so to contact regarding this different and that some like really unfathomable things, article email: helenandg@yahoo. it means my fabulous Mantovani records are safe! co.uk

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

IMPORTANT - A NEW OBLIGATION FOR RESIDENTS:

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED IF YOU ARE A TAX RESIDENT: YOU NEED TO FILE FORM 720 DECLARING YOUR ASSETS WORLDWIDE RISKING HEAVY PENALTIES IF YOU DO NOT DO SO

Q.

I have heard that I need to present a declaration to the tax office declaring my assets in

other countries. Surely this cannot be true?

A. It is correct. Orden HAP/72/2013 of 30th of January has brought to life form 720, which needs to be filled

in by all residents of Spain who have assets abroad worth more than 50,000 euros. This form must be presented before the end of April with severe penalties for not doing so.

All resident of Spain shall provide the Spanish tax administration with the following information: 1. Information of bank accounts you may have abroad, already in your name, or have authorization or rights to at any time of the year which corresponds to the declaration. The information shall include:

• The full name and address of the bank.

• Full identification of the accounts.

• The opening or cancellation date, or if applicable, grant and revocation as authorized.

• The average balances of the last trimester and the corresponding average balances for the last trimester of the year 2. Information on securities, assets, values or rights representing the equities of all types of entities, or transfer own equities to a third party, of which they own and are abroad, as well as life insurance and life annuity policy holders or beneficiaries of temporary policies. In this case, the information must include, in addition to the identification of the entity, the balance on December 31st, the number and class of such assets.

3. Information on real estate located abroad. This last section will contain the following statement:

• Type of property.

• Property location: country, city, street and number.

• Date of purchase & Value of purchase.

The presentation in subsequent years will only be required when the value of the assets and rights have experienced an increase of over 20,000 euro on the determined value of the last statement made.

The information shall be declared in the new model 720 from February 1st to April 30th 2013 for the data of the fiscal year 2012. Starting from the next fiscal year the declaration should be presented between the dates January 1st & March 31st.

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

Craft Fair in La Nucía

The weekly Craft Fair in La Nucía: the place to meet real craftmen (and women)

After a month of running a small but select craft market in La Nucía, the organisers are very happy to see that it is steadily becoming a meeting place for people who are looking for genuine craftwork and for the craftsmen who produce it. More and more people find their way to La Nucía to look for an original present. And as all participants bring their tools along, the chosen object can be given a personal touch there and then, or special orders can be placed and collected a week or two later.

Every Sunday (apart from Easter Sunday, 31st of March), some 10 or 12 craftsmen and artists turn up at the Plaza Mayor, the little square in front of the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) in La Nucía. More than 40 craftsmen and women take it in turn to make sure that every week you can find something different.

In “coming events” on the web page of the association Amata (www.amata.es) you will find a list of who is coming when; the photos will show you what they offer.

see our advert on page 29 Reforms - Architectural Service & Plans Painting - Decorating - Interior Design Tiling - Flagging, Electrics, Plumbing, Aluminuim, Swimming pools Key-holding & Maintenance Teddy Bear Builders is a family run business. The name was adopted by Dean and his wife when their son was born, he is their little teddy bear and so they decided to take a chance and name the firm Teddy Bear Builders.

Dean and his family have lived in Spain nearly 5 years and Deans’ mother also lives in Spain.

Teddy Bear Builders client base is very varied and the company has carried out building work for English, Spanish, German, Hungarian, Swedish and Norwiegian clients.

Over the years, many of Teddy Bear Builders clients have become good friends.

The company is fully legal and can provide more than enough references, all works are of the highest quality and guaranteed.

Teddy Bear Builders incorporate all forms of building work, including interior design and they never turn down any job no matter how big or small.

Construction & Maintenance Legally registered family business Quality workmanship guaranteed teddybearbuilders@yahoo.com

680 851 376

616 214 713

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TORREVIEJA U3A The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING was held on 25 February 2013 at the CMO in Torrevieja and a packed meeting gave three rousing cheers to outgoing Chair, Bob Hill, who had done a fantastic job moving the U3A forward over the last three years, raising our profile within the Torrevieja and wider environs, and seeing our membership rise to over 600. Bob had been an energetic, enthusiastic and conscientious Chairman and one with whom the other members of the Committee have enjoyed working. We know Bob will remain an extremely active member of the U3A, leading one of our walking groups as well as being a member of various other interest groups we have.

Thanks also were expressed to Barbara Hill, Geoff Crane, Jean Cook and Brian Storey who had all decided to step down from the Committee after years of sterling work.

The new President of Torrevieja U3A, Penny Godfrey, who was voted in unanimously to a loud cheer and much applause, took the stage. Penny has been an active and prominent member of the U3A for many years, having previously undertaken the roles of Deputy Chair, Travel Co-ordinator and Groups Co-ordinator. Her first task was to form the new Committee. Members of the previous Committee who had agreed to stand for re-election were invited to take the stage and were all unanimously re-elected and, last but not least, three new members were voted on to the Committee to help carry on the work that the Committee does

on behalf of the members.

Everyone at the U3A is looking forward to another year of growth and some exciting and interesting meetings to come. The next meeting of Torrevieja U3A is on 25 March. Doors open at 10.00 a.m. and this month we are doing something different.

Instead of having a speaker we have a Quiz.

New members are always sure of a warm welcome to our Association, so please feel free to come along and meet some new people and see what goes on. For further information about Torrevieja U3A please visit our website www.torreviejau3a.org or email The Secretary, Sue Kenyon, at secretarytorreviejau3a@gmail.com The photograph shows Bob Hill, retiring Chairman and Penny Godfrey, newly elected President.

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

moncayo market S BARGAIN f o ’s 0 100 every Saturday!!!

Visit the retail village - 1000s of new items all at barg Just look at what’s here ……

• Craft cabins, Hand Made Gifts, Bric-a-Brac • New clothing for men and Women in normal and large sizes • Hand bags, bedding, towels, rugs, golf equipment • Specialist products for the disabled • New car parts any make or model imported from the UK with big discounts • AST Specialist General and Automotive Tool Specialists ( UK company) established in Spain over 4 years Trades and Services Upvc windows and doors British company Mosquito nets and blinds British company Toldos covers Glass curtains Awnings blinds Pool covers Don’t throw away Your old gazebos Replacement gazebo Curtains and roofs British and continental fashion British cosmetics • Huge display of British and Continental toiletries • Plants shrubs fruit trees etc, home made jams and preserves • Need any advice on gardening or garden pests? just ask for Ray or Barry

• Do you need water filters or replacements? ask for Tommy opposite the steps • Computer problems?

Need new printers or cartridges cables hard or software?

• Blue moon solutions are on site to repair immediately or to make home visits

A P to m R R s

• Herbs, Spices, Chinese cooking ingredients

G e

• 5 fruit and vegetable stalls - pick your own. Be early and pick the best

W

B • Sweets, toffee, nuts and dried fruit all on one stall fr • Embroidery stall with children’s embroidered bibs • Ladies and gents underwear and work ware • M&S ladies and gents fashion 1st seconds and returns quality • British book service Steve and Gina, buy sell, swap.

• Premier post provides a full postal service along with greetings cards wrapping paper books and stationery

H m t

P r r C D a

• Specialist men’s footwear stall (turn left through the main gate)

I a • Are you going away and need to find somewhere c a for your pet? speak to Lawrence from Amber Lodge Kennels and Cattery This establishment s supports the cats and dogs charity in many different ways W t a c

fabulous re-sale market!

• Brand new fitted kitchen specialists on site ready to give quotes and arrange site visits

• Have you got cash lying in the attic? why not bring those unwanted items and sell them to genuine dealers and the general public

• Specialist wood turning and carpentry equipment for the professional and the D.I.Y. enthusiast

• Don’t bin it, sell it, swap it, trade it or barter on your own stall and make money

P T s a w

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

IS bigger & better than ever!

Open Every Saturday from early until 2pm

traders from all over Spain arrive saturday morning to sell their products

gain prices

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

every Saturday along with Big FM

Broadcasting live all over the Costa

Radio

Blanca south

We have them dancing in the aisles whist grabb ing bargains galore

Antiques and bric-a-brac Professional dealers are on site every Saturday o value, or to buy and sell all types of precious metals antiques, clocks, watches, Capo De Monte, Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Beswick, Aynsley, Royal Worcester, Royal Albert, and all classic second hand gifts

Genuine second hand furniture and household effects bought and sold - ask for Russell

Why not get a value on your family heirlooms

Buying or selling? Try to be early -dealers arrive rom 06.30 am

Here at the Moncayo Market we support many local charities one of the them is the cats and dogs charity

Please bring along all good quality resalable items - they will be gladly received Can you help?

Dedicated hardworking staff always welcome

You’ll never go hungry at Moncayo Continental Cuisine to eat here or to take away Spanish, British, Belgian, German, Moroccan, Indian, Bulgarian and many more British and Continental cheese, British bakery for all your pies pasties etc British sausages maker Enjoy German and British cakes with a cup of freshly made tea or coffee.

Full English or continental breakfast, Dutch fish and chips, Spanish spit roast chicken and chips, Genuine, authentic German Sausage.

Fancy a real British bacon butty?

Try the ‘scousers’ they’re the best and don’t forget your Staffordshire Oatcakes with hot or cold fillings to eat in or take away

If you are involved in a local charity and would like space to sell or promote come along with your proof of identity and all relevant paperwork (space is subject to availability)

We at the Moncayo Market would like to thank the Sol Times for all their help and continued support for the local charities

Polite notice Traders and dealers travelling long distance we strongly recommend you arrive early the first week and then reserve and pay in advance for future weeks

Ironart

Find us behind the Procomobel Home Centre

Moncayo Market

procomobel

torrevieja N332

N332

Guardamar

25

26

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI.......

This week I was going to continue to explore more about the Basque nation, but I have since met and heard about so many UK expats here , that are still battling and facing financial ruin. Whether it has from buying an illegal house, trusting a dodgy lawyer, fines, or business ventures that have gone sour, etc. they have effectively lost everything and I can identify as we were in a similar position.

Those of you who are fortunate enough to be financially independent can still enjoy an amazing lifestyle, however those of us who have to earn a living over here, are faced with many challenges that one would never have to encounter in other countries. Credit crisis aside, I have owned, run several business, built homes in both the UK and South Africa and I have never come across such blatant incompetence and dare I say it, corruption in my life. I stupidly thought coming to a predominantly English speaking area, that learning Spanish would not be so important, but I soon woke up, with a sharp, cold shock and realised if

Britannia

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I could not speak their language, I was not in control and could easily be taken advantage of.

I think, sometimes our desire for change and excitement of moving to a new country, obscures the risks and sometimes results in foolish decisions that would not normally be made. In our case, working for 20 hours a day and 10 years without a holiday lead us to entrust the entire building and managing of ‘Grand Design’ house to the Builder.

Often the TV Company knew more about the build than we did! When presented with an “extras bill” of 300 000 euros we were in shock.

We did not realise this at the time, that this was ‘normal’ practice and instead of disputing the bill and negotiating a settlement, my husband mortgaged our properties in the UK and paid him out.

This remortgaging lead to extreme financial pressure and we could no longer live off the rental income. With no jobs, 3 children and some hefty repayments to cover, the road ahead looked ominous, but we dug deep, lived off credit cards and started the Activity business. It has not been easy and we have had to overcome some very difficult obstacles, but it is now a very successful Outdoor Adventure Centre that is visited by people of all nationalities.

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The fact is that no matter how successful the Activity Business is, it relies on the tourist trade, which is essentially 4 months of the year. My husband decided to buy a local Petrol Station with our pension money to provide an income over the winter period. By now, we could speak Spanish and we thought we had experienced the worst and were ready to take the next step. Wrong! In reality we blundered head on into corruption and bureaucracy on a scale that is almost unimaginable. It has resulted in a court case that has uncovered fraudulent practices on an epic scale: Dodgy accounting, colluding lawyers, perjury - you name it!

It is all very well for people who shrug their shoulders and say, “this is Spain, what else did you expect” You just try and be on the receiving end, when you are fighting against injustice and are

covers all areas from Quesada Trade and Community Enquiries welcome

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Can also help with Call: Jordan car ITV (MOT) Mobile: 654 92 99 39 House Sitting Landline: 965 70 26 93 Covering the Vega Baja area

almost powerless to do anything and when you do, you end up losing anyway.

It certainly cannot be right and after all Spain is part of the EU and has benefited immensely financially. Billions of euros have been invested into the country and people like myself, who have invested their life savings into Spain, deserve some respect. Their policy of “industry without smokestacks” i.e. tourism. was and still is actively promoted and resulted in a building program frenzy to provide accommodation for all these visitors.

The world seemed to go mad and people were herded on planes on inspection trips and purchased properties within a day or arriving in a foreign country. Unfortunately many gullible expats were duped into buying properties that were not legal and various other problems and issues that have been well documented in the local press.

It has taken years, but finally and with eyes now opened, we are refusing to be taken advantage of anymore! Simply, all that we have done, is refused to be ignored, and like an annoying fly, have been buzzing around, uncovering more ammunition that can be used as leverage against ‘them’. It is definitely not for the faint hearted and it has stretched our resources to the limit. Fortunately we are still ‘relatively’ young, and we can recover, but what of those who are not, and have encountered the same problems? Sadly, many have given up and are left with shattered dreams, broken marriages, poor health and financial destitution.

Naturally this group of people have become and will continue to lessen due to the awareness of these issues and of course the credit crisis. I do hope that what we have gone through ,will serve as a warning to others, so they in turn will be aware of the pitfalls and avoid the mistakes we have made.

A quote from Robet H Schuller puts it beautifully when he says ‘Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” Yes, I’ll go with that! I sincerely hope, that all that we have gone through in these past years, our period of ‘Spring Time’ is just beginning.

Spring is my most favourite time of the year here at Casa la Pedrera, when the Campo bursts back into life plus Easter is just around the corner. We will once again, be holding the very popular Easter Egg Hunts, where the children follow in the Easter Bunny’s footprints: Find clues, solve some riddles and pick up some treats along the way.

Booking is essential and full details can be found on the website at www.thingstodoinspain.info which has a link to a face book page which is regularly updated May ‘Spring’ soon with us all, in more ways than one... Jenni

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27

What the Color of Your Living Room Says About You! willingness to put themselves ‘out there.

brown If you love rich browns in your decor, you take your obligations seriously, are industrious, and value the respect of those close to you.

black Dare to go with dramatic black?

You’re elegant, comfortable with formality, complex, a bit mysterious.

Precise in your thinking you quickly understand concepts, connect ideas, and envision ways to make things happen.

bright green Bright green lovers are someone who exudes positive energy and a ‘we can make it happen’ philosophy. With a discerning sensibility and an innate desire to put others at ease, this person is a natural when it comes to social endeavors.

Yellow Bright sunshine yellow has the same high energy as you do when you set your mind on a goal; a unique mix of several bold colors says that you make you own rules — and you inspire others with how you experience life fully.

blue As tried and true blue, you bring a nononsense attitude to most endeavors, and your strong belief in the things you undertake is often the key to their

success.

light green Celadon indicates that you are a good listener, have genuine compassion, and allow others to express their hopes and fears.

pink If you’re drawn to bright pink, you’re maybe a bit tempestuous, someone who seeks out new experiences and surroundings. Easily bored by the mundane, you live life with a

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ECOLOGICAL LAVENDER FARM CASA LAVANDA OPENS FOR PUBLIC Tucked away in the hills of El Valle lays the lavender farm Casa Lavanda. Set in a dazzling environment, just a stone’s throw away from Melegis and Restabal, the Dutch owned farm grows 1.5 hectares of ‘lavandula angustifolia’ organically, taking advantage of all the natural resources the Lecrin Valley and Sierra Nevada offers.

Being the only ecological lavender farm in Andalusia, Casa Lavanda finds itself back in a unique position.

Amongst snow-topped mountains, neighbouring pueblos blancos and countless citrus, almond and olive-groves, Casa Lavanda cultivates more than 20.000 plants on the breathtaking cortijo Buena Vista. Planting, maintenance and harvesting is carried out by hand and the production of the organic essential oil takes place at the farm itself.

By using a traditional copper alembic still for steam distillation, Casa Lavanda restored an old Andalusian craft skill and sets back hands of time while enjoying the golden liquid, extracted from one of the worlds most authentic and medicinal plants. Due to the fertility and richness of their ancient soil, Casa Lavanda produces

ecological oil of excellent quality. Lavender and its oil aids relaxation, is a great skin toner, improve quality of sleep, relieves headaches, eases muscle pain and contains many other health benefits. Because of its characteristics lavender oil is one of the most used oils in holistic- and aromatherapy.

Casa Lavanda offers a broad range of own branded lavender based products. A quick glance reveals; fresh and dried flowers, lavender sachets, bath salts and oils, soaps, massage-, body- and facial oils, hydrolytes and lavender mists for body and mind. The pure essential organic oil vaporised is set back the mind, distresses and comforts body and soul.

The farm tells the story and advantages of lavender through field walks, workshops, harvesting and distilling demonstrations, lavender picking days, high teas, fairs and/or customized arrangements on request. If it is just a one hour visit, or a long stay around the purple glowing fields and the beautiful Lecrin Valley, feel welcome at Casa Lavanda.

With the 1th Spring Home & Garden Lavender Fair at 28 April; a flower/plant, antique, brocante, art and culinary market starting at 11.00 a.m. and lasting till sundown – the ecological farm opens the lavender season at their premises.

Casa Lavanda opens for public from May till October at Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am till sunset. For groups and/or other private options pls. contact the farm.

For more info and arrangements visit www.casalavanda. es or find us on Facebook (casa.lavanda). For direct contact call Femke; 692 534 949 or Erik; 634 849 633

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The Mosquito Screen & Window Co We have now been manufacturing and installing all types of mosquito screen for the past 10 years, from the Costa Blanca to the Costa Del Sol.

concentrate on screening, manufacturing and installing all varieties of screens from Aluminium Sliding Screens for windows and doors to roller blinds, both pull down and Dave Edgar, wife Carol and son Carl side to side, also American swing doors. opened the company on the Costa Del Sol Because we manufacture our turnaround then branched out into the Costa Blanca is usually within 5 to 7 days. But Summer 5 years ago. months can be a lot busier so why wait Dave says we opened our business to solely for the first bite?

The Benefits of a Good Mattress We spend roughly one third of our life sleeping. This fact is lost on most people when they think about their mattress. A mattress lacking in back support reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help keep the spine in alignment, and therefore sleeping on the wrong mattress has nothing but negative consequences.

Two main factors to consider when choosing a mattress are comfort and support. Both are equally important, and choosing one that provides both will help reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to really rest and rejuvenate during the night.

A comfortable memory foam mattress means that there will be a large reduction in the amount of back pain, and memory foam mattresses that are available are designed to mould to the sleeping position of the user’s body, so that aches and pains may be alleviated altogether. Apart

from the obvious fact that the person will no longer suffer the physical pain, there are other benefits. Older people will be able to have fuller and more active days because of the relief from pain, and this in turn will lead to less stress in their lives.

Mattress design and technology has never been more innovative. We offer a wide range at prices to suit every pocket.

Open spring mattress: This remains the most commonly used springing system in the world. Border rod or wire gives the mattress a firm edge and helps retain its shape.

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Springs work independently to respond to individual body weight. Ideal if there’s a considerable weight or size variation between you and your partner! These need to be turned regularly to

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Foam Mattress: Memory foam mattresses adjust to the contours of the body when someone sits or lays on them, however they are slow to expand back to their natural shape making middle of the night adjustments uncomfortable.

Latex mattress: Similar to foam but they don’t take as long to recover! Resilient feel with excellent durability and are ideal for anyone with allergies as they are labelled hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.

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sushi can have more calories than a Big Mac and fries!

Sushi is no longer the sole preserve of the adventurous diner. These days, grabbing a pack for lunch is almost as common as picking up a cheese and pickle sandwich.

The Japanese dish can be bought from every major supermarket (where sales have risen a staggering 88 per cent in the past two years).

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Indeed, the British sushi industry — of which Tesco has a 60 per cent market share — is worth more than £56 million annually.

The main reason for its surge in popularity is its reputation as a healthy meal. Japanese women are among the healthiest in the world, while slender celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole and Keira Knightley are all fans of the raw fish dish.

But do sushi’s nutrition credentials — especially the Western version — stack up? Not always, according to dietitian Rachel Beller. In her book Eat To Lose, Eat To Win, she says a ‘light lunch’ of sushi may mean you overdose on calories and carbohydrates.

‘A typical sushi roll contains 290 to 350 calories and has the carbohydrate equivalent of two-and-a-half to four slices of bread,’ says Ms Beller.

‘So a California roll (round rolled sushi, containing a small piece of fish and avocado plus fatty mayonnaise) equals two sandwiches filled with crab sticks (processed fish that is flavoured and coloured to look and taste like crab), a sliver of avocado and a tiny bit of veg.’

Bear in mind a sushi lunch contains two or three of these rolls, a total of up to 1,050 calories, and it’s easy to see how we’re conning ourselves that we’re enjoying a low-calorie, healthy lunch.

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HOW TO MAKE IT HEALTHY Skip the soy sauce: it’s like dipping your sushi into liquid salt. If you eat sushi at your desk, keep a bottle of reduced-salt soy sauce in your drawer (and measure it out with a spoon rather than pouring liberally).

Finish your meal with fresh fruit, so you can be sure you’ll get at least one of your five-a-day.

Don’t have miso soup with your sushi. With around 3g of salt per serving, you’re better off with a cup of green tea.

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Sushi has been touted as a great choice for dieters — and it can be. But not all sushi boxes are low in calories and fat.

Yo Sushi’s Mixed Sushi Box has a whopping 755 calories — more than a McDonald’s Big Mac and small fries.

Those with big appetites may not find the small sushi servings filling enough to see them through the day. Much sushi lacks filling fibre and satiety-inducing protein.

Tesco’s Sushi Fish Selection Pack (257g, £4) contains a fifth less protein and half the fibre of a Wiltshire cured ham and pickle sandwich from Pret (as well as having 64 calories, 23g carbs and 1.6g salt more than the sandwich).

And never assume sushi is low-calorie. High-fat ingredients — cream cheese and mayonnaise, for example — often find their way into Western versions of sushi, pushing up the calorie count.

Sushi often contains fewer nutrients than you’d find in a sandwich. It’s low in calcium (due to the lack of dairy products) and provides little vitamin A, vitamin C and folate (which helps sustain a healthy nervous system).

La Bohème

International bar restaurant & bakery Bakery, Cream Cakes, Pies, Fresh Bread Sausage Rolls, Pastries open 9am-late easter sunday 31st march menu 3 courses €9.50 choice of starter, per main Course Pork and/or Turkey person choice of homemade desserts

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Tel: 966 189 868

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

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A Pint Of Guinness The Brewing Process 4 Key Ingredients:

• Barley We use malted barley, which provides the foundation for the flavour of the beer, and roasted barley. Our traditional craft of roasting barley gives GUINNESS® its wonderful dark ruby red colour (it looks black, but hold your glass up to the light, and you’ll see there’s a ruby in every glass, as the old saying has it) and its unique roasted character.

and charged with flavour. It’s so valuable to us that a small reserve amount is kept under lock and key in case something should happen to our main supply.

We don’t believe anything should be wasted, so the spent grains from the brewing process become animal feed, the hops become fertilizer and surplus yeast makes yeast extract or health products.

Milling

Boiling Now the hops and our roasted barley is added. The liquid wort is boiled for 90 minutes to concentrate the sugars and extract bitterness from the hops. After boiling, the wort is left to settle before being emptied (or ‘struck off’) and passed through a cooler.

Malted Barley is fed into the GUINNESS® brew house mills which crush the grain, releasing the inner starch and flour, and leaving the outer Fermenting • Hops barley husk material as intact as possible. Once Arthur’s yeast in action; now the liquid is the grain has been milled it is referred to We use the finest female hop (we cooled, our special yeast is added and is allowed as ‘grist’ and is passed into a grist discriminate in favour of the fairer to ferment for a number of days. The yeast Guinness Fact case where it collects ready for sex), and use around double converts brewing sugars to alcohol and carbon the next stage. The phrase the amount of hops in our Arthur Guinness started brewing dioxide gas, creating that wondrous flavour. This ‘grist for the mill’ has its brew than most beers, for ales from 1759 in Leixlip, then at the St. gas is collected and purified for re-use. origins here . a more intense flavour James’s Gate Brewery, Dublin.

On 31 Maturation and aroma. Hops are also Mashing a natural preservative, December he signed a 9,000 year lease During the maturation process everything The grist is mixed with giving GUINNESS® the is allowed to settle, slow down and mellow. at £45 per annum for the unused brewery; hot water — known long life essential for Some rest is needed so all the ingredients and as ‘liquor’ — and then ten years later on 19 May 1769 Guinness global export. elements achieve the balance and consistency of passes through a ‘Steel’s exported his ale for the first time, when flavour that is demanded by the brewers for that • Water Masher’ — a horizontal perfect GUINNESS® taste. six and a half barrels were cylinder with a series Like Arthur Guinness of rotating paddles shipped to England. before us, we prize our water Packaging Guinness mounted inside. The for its purity and softness. In The beer is now almost Fact ‘mash’ is then mixed for fact, it’s so important to us, we call ready for packaging, Guinness® is sometimes a time to extract the brewing it ‘liquor’. At the St James’s Gate Brewery but whatever the believed to have originated the in Dublin the water comes from springs in the sugars. variant, GUINNESS® is Wicklow Mountains (which are also known as St stout style of beer. However, the first use of always crowned with a Filtering James’s Wells). the word ‘stout’ in relation to beer was in a distinctive head.

The mash drops down into a • Yeast letter in the Egerton Manuscript dated With GUINNESS® Kieve (an old Dublin term for a Draught, nitrogen is added 1677, almost 50 years before To capture the full freshness of the ingredients, Mash Tun). The Kieve acts like a in the packaging process , we use our famous strain of GUINNESS® yeast, giant sieve to collect the extracted Arthur Guinness this is what gives the pint descended down from Arthur’s time. It works like sugars and water, whilst leaving the was born. the magical beauty. When the no other to ensure our beer is fully fermented grain behind. This collected liquid is

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beer is served, the nitrogen bubbles will be released, bringing the beer alive and creating that famous surge, settle and wonderfully creamy head.

called sweet wort.

With GUINNESS® Foreign Extra Stout — the depth of character in flavour is matched with the amount of entrained carbon dioxide. When poured from a bottle it releases an eruption of foam, creating the classic, slightly brown, full and creamy head.

After packaging, every batch is tasted by the brewer before leaving the brewery, to ensure that it meets our exacting standards - one of the world’s greatest jobs! It’s the tradition, craft and passion, passed down through generations for 250 years, that makes it GUINNESS®.

Finally our creation is offically GUINNESS® and it’s ready for the rest of the journey. Whether in keg, bottle or can it’s on the move again, bound for pubs and bars around the world (or the local just Guinness around the corner).

Fact

Enjoying

Although Guinness® There’s one final step before may appear to be black, you can delight it is officially a very dark in the distinctive shade of ruby.

GUINNESS® flavour — the pour. It’s a small detail, but get it right and all that preceding craftsmanship will pay off!

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a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission - to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish.

St Patrick’s Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick’s Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

Who Was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures; but for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling!

It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the 4th century and is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family!

At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. Transported to Ireland, he spent six years in captivity, during which he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian.

After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice - which he believed to be God - spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.

Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation - an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training,

Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs; these included bonfires to celebrate Easter and he also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish.

Although a small number of Christians were already entrenched when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based pagan religion, centering on a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick’s life became exaggerated over the centuries-spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life!

St. Patrick’s Day is therefore celebrated on March 17 - his religious feast day and the (alleged) anniversary of his death.

On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.

Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the US. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds.

In modern day Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day traditionally remains a religious occasion; up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17.

Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick’s Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world.

Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland ‘s St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, and fireworks shows.

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COMIC RELIEF – FUNNY FOR MONEY Red Nose Day is back and bigger than ever before with an unmissable night of TV on Friday 15th March on BBC One

Red Nose Day is back on BBC One on Friday 15th March with a fantastic evening of unmissable TV: Comic Relief – Funny for Money. A star-studded line-up of the nation’s favourite comedians will be doing something funny for money as Red Nose Day celebrates its 25th anniversary with a TV extravaganza.

A stellar line up of presenters – Michael McIntyre, Rob Brydon, John Bishop, Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Jack Whitehall, Nick Grimshaw, Jonathan Ross, Dermot O’Leary, Claudia Winkleman, Alan Carr, David Walliams and Russell Brand – will entertain from start to finish, with original sketches from the stars of the comedy firmament promising to keep the nation roaring with laughter. Here is a taster of what will be shown live on the night - there will also be further announcements about more exciting sketches in the coming weeks!

For one night only viewers will be treated to a comedy special of the nation’s favourite TV drama, Call the Midwife. Miranda Hart, Jessica Raine, Pam Ferris, Jenny Agutter and the other midwives struggle to get to grips with a particularly unusual birth!

Rowan Atkinson will be donning a cassock for the occasion and addressing the nation as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop will be sharing his views on the importance of fundraising for “Red Nose in Need”, in a script written and directed by Richard Curtis.Peter Kay will be pushing himself to his physical limits and taking on the ‘toughest challenge ever undertaken for Red Nose Day’ as he forces himself to sit down for practically a whole week.

The highs and lows of Peter’s gruelling adventure will be shown on the night, with the comedian hoping to make a triumphant arrival live at BBC Television Centre. Slough’s most famous salesman, David Brent, will be back for a Red Nose Day special and this time the legendary businessman will be employing his talents as a music producer in a not to be missed sketch.

Viewers will also be treated to Comic Relief does MasterChef, with comedians Jack Whitehall and Micky Flanagan going head-to-head in a cook off for the one and only Dame Edna Everage. There will also be two sketches from Comic Relief legend David Walliams, one of which will see David share an intimate secret with some of his celebrity friends. The loudest and proudest mother in Ireland Agnes Brown, from Mrs Brown’s Boys, will be telling the nation all about the ways she has raised money for Comic Relief, whilst Russell Howard has filmed a special Good News which will feature some of his favourite funny moments from the last year. Award winning magician Dynamo will also be performing a mindboggling trick that promises to leave viewers awestruck.

Pop sensation Jessie J will finally be taking on her big ‘Dare’ and will be shaving her head down to 0.5mm live on the night. Jessie J is part of a team of celebrity Fun Raisers who are hoping to encourage the nation to do something funny for money this Red Nose Day. Miss Piggy who has been encouraging the nation to ‘Dress Up’ will also make a live appearance. The night will also feature a performance from the world’s biggest boyband One Direction who have recorded this year’s official Red Nose Day single ‘One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)’ - a mash up of Blondie and The Undertones.

There will also be highlights from Fresh Meat’s university challenge; Fresh Meat does Comic Relief.The cast will travel to five universities on the ‘banter bus’ and take on various fundraising activities in the hope of raising as much money as possible for Comic Relief. All the celebrities who battled their way down the Zambezi, Dara O Briain, Melanie C , Jack Dee, Chelsee Healey, Phillips Idowu and Greg James, will be live in the studio on the night as we hear more of what they went through in the name of Red Nose Day. Highlights will also be shown from Mark Watson’s 25 hour stand-up gig and Comic Relief’s Big Chat with Graham Norton.

There will also be powerful reminders of the serious side of Red Nose Day, with moving appeal films from John Bishop, Brenda Blethyn, Rob Brydon, Davina McCall and Bill Nighy to show how the money raised could help change lives both here in the UK and in Africa Don’t miss it!

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 Consuming ground I’ve made (9) 6 Reptile company supporter (5) 9 Official officer? (7) 10 Top dog awake in ‘Morse’ alternative (7) 11 Extra sleep (more than once), that’s in fifty-second surroundings (3-3) 12 About employment journalist made anew (8) 15 Test weapon up at Maidenhead (4) 16 Variation if French queen’s in retreat with church (10) 19 Application of science for cogent holy development (10) 21 Competent sailor left England... (4) 24 ...to nearly make hay with wife for years inside weapon (8) 25 Unusual exit? (3,3) 27 Sorted pure God out (7) 29 Doorman for a ball? (7) 30 Fabric returning river with time (5) 31 What could happen to one planet, perhaps (9)

nil ideal start with bad end (5) 13 Image of fruit in eastern heartless fairy (6) 14 Edge up and down cushion (6) 17 Strange celery - almost a lot of voting? (9) 18 Good from weapons happened without writer and without form (8) 20 Come out of cannabis dessert (7) 22 British inch or new tubes (7) 23 South African bird, reportedly god!

(6) 24 Starts to take innocent Germans how terribly mean! (5) 26 Assist a stake (4) 28 Princess and Prince go down (3)

Down

Down 1 A metamorphic rock (6) 2 Selfish (6) 3 Insect stage (5) 4 8th planet of the solar system (7) 6 Xmas (9)

7 Rebel (8) 8 Receptacles for cigarette ash (8) 11 Animal companions (4) 15 SW (9) 17 Specified individually (8) 18 Standards (8) 20 Inheritor (4) 21 Apprehending (7) 22 City in Turkey (6) 23 A group of six (6) 26 Ease (5)

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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 Petrol (8) 5 Dross (6) 9 An engraved inscription (8) 10 In England, it’s a spanner (6) 12 Autograph (9) 13 A sweetener (5) 14 Small island (4) 16 An unspecified future time (7) 19 From end to end (7) 21 Where birds live (4) 24 An exact duplicate

(5) 25 Disequilibrium (9) 27 Naughts (6) 28 Confuse (8) 29 Not airtight (6) 30 Aubergine (8)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

1 Softening of French animal books caught inside (9) 2 Type of word, in French a plant (7) 3 Release a French worker (6) 4 Not doing anything, I led astray (4) 5 Fuel for a tennis player without a second identity at first (3) 6 100-up, reportedly tired of storage space (8) 7 Succession of pots in burglary (5-2) 8 Refrain from a five-

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

35

The Culmination of a Dream for the Samaritans in Spain

d ollywoo H & way Tour April 2013 roadSensations BSwing Starring Patti Ross, Darren Jones and Jukebox Legends

On Saturday 2nd March the Samaritans in Spain formally opened their new MultiPurpose Centre in CC Punta Marina, Torrevieja. The centre houses an enlarged telephone call centre with capacity to handle the recently introduced 24/7 service; a new Drop-in Centre for those who prefer face to face contact, and equally important a new Charity Shop to generate funds, so essential to maintaining the current and future service. The Drop-in Centre and the Charity shop are open Monday through Saturday from 10.00 am to 2.00pm.

Special guests for the opening were Liz Bell from the British Consulate in Alicante and Ricky Valance, who cut the ribbon, formally opening the premises.

Chris Sumter, the President, welcomed the many guests and volunteers who had turned up for the opening. She thanked everyone for their tremendous support and hard work, not just the volunteers but their partners, local businesses and others. In less than four weeks the unit had been transformed from a mere shell to the centre which was about to be opened. The new centre was a dream come true for the Trustees and would provide the base from which to continue to expand the services. However, in order to expand the service still further more volunteers are needed, some to train as Listeners others to assist in the new charity shop and other fund raising events. Anyone interested should contact the Recruitment Manager on joinus@coastablancasamaritans. com . Obviously anyone living within the vicinity of the new centre is very welcome to pop in and leave their contact details. There is also a warm welcome in the shop for people wishing to browse the stock or donate clothes, bric-a-brac and other items.

Liz Bell congratulated the team on their achievement and explained how the Samaritans in Spain worked closely with the Consulate in many ways.

She drew particular attention to the Prison Visiting Programme set up in conjunction with the Consulate and the Prison Service.

The monthly visits provide a lifeline to English speaking prisoners as it was often the only occasion when they could speak to another person in English. The value was immeasurable.

Finally Ricky Valance was asked to formally open the premises. Before cutting the ribbon he commented on the many Samaritan organisations in various parts of the world and how good it was to see the organisation here in Spain. He also reflected on how wonderful it was that people gave their time to be of service to others.

Bowing to popular demand he also sang a couple of bars from “Tell Laura I Love Her”. Finally, wishing the Samaritans every success with this new venture, he cut the ribbon and declared the Centre open.

Patti was the singer with the Andy Ross band on BBC TVs Come Dancing programme and Darren is an International swing music star. This combination, with support by Big Band singer Fiona McLean and Peter Day (both of Jukebox Legends) brings together a fabulous collection of music that will be great for everyone!

If you enjoy swing, big band, ballroom and jazz style music You will LOVE this!!! www.jukeboxpromotions.co.uk or call 695 135 134 for more details.

Shows dates & venues: Tuesday 2nd La Marina Sport Complex 966 796 389 Wednesday 3rd The Club, Quesada 966 717 028 Friday 5th Bar San Miguel, Cooperativa Murla, Xalo Valley 633 076 588 **Saturday 6th - The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja 966 922 134 Sunday 7th - The Rendezvous, Campoamor (nr La Fuente Centre) (Tickets for this show are 10€ and include buffet 608 467 597 Monday 8th Emerald Isle, La Florida 965 327 138 Tuesday 9th - The Club House, Camposol Golf 968 978 855 Wednesday 10th - Costa Narejos Hotel, Los Alcazares 965 400 188 Thursday 11th - Rocajuna, Punta Prima 664 591 795 / 965 997 260 ** These shows have a major feature on Darren Jones and do not have Patti Ross as she is unable to appear on these dates Please book early for this unique tour. Don’t be disappointed Tickets are limited at all venues!!

Broadway & Hollywood A HUGE show for lovers of musicals!!!

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 again on the Costa Blanca! 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 theatre groups. His voice is simply amazing!

Broadway & Hollywood also features great songs from musical films that you will know and love including James Bond and Skyfall. Great Musicials and film songs (old and new) will be performed by Jukebox Legends’ Fiona McLean. Songs that will show her amazing versatility as she supports the incredible talent that is Andy Jones for this spectacular fund raising tour.

If you love swing, big band and jazz style music - You will LOVE this!!! www.jukeboxpromotions.co.uk or call 695 135 134 for details.

Full date / venue listings will also be in next weeks edition

Dates & Venues

Thursday 14th M arch Rocajuna, Punta Prima 664 591 795 / 965 997 260 Friday 15th March The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja, 966 922 134 Saturday 16th March Casa Ventura, San Luis 966 789 247 Wednesday 20th March Emerald Isle, La Florida 965 327 138

Tickets 8.50€

Available 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 MARCH 2013

V I E W T H E O N L I NE I SS U E AT www. S O LT I M ES . C O M Well-known musical celebrity is moving away from the Torrevieja area

space for a little one?

Lucylou is a 2 year old Terrier female. She is a small, very social dog who has lots of love to give and gets on well with people and other dogs. She is currently living in a foster home, where they would be both happy and sad to see her go to a new home.

Susan Brace Guest, currently the organist at the La Siesta Church, is moving further north and in doing so leaves a big gap needing to be filled.

Sue was born in Llanelli, South Wales. She worshipped at St. Paul’s Church and as a teenager was deputy organist.

Janey is a 4 year old female. She is the first cat to greet any visitors to the Cattery as she just loves everyone! She would be a wonderful cat for someone offering her her first home as she has lived in the Cattery since she was a tiny kitten.

To arrange to mee Lucylou, Janey or any other APAH dog or cat, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

3 CHANCES TO WIN!!!

She read music at Reading University and after 2 years of piano teaching, studied viola and piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

lucylou

Every week 2 lucky couples can win a fabulous, 3 course meal, from our Winter Specials Board menu, with a bottle of wine … and … 1 couple can win a delicious, 9 item English breakfast, including tea or coffee (between 9.30am – 5pm)

janey

FREE competition

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS: MEAL FOR 2: marie maher - punta prima & richard haig - campoverde BREAKFAST FOR 2: margaret cunningham - playa flamenca

Sue worked as a viola player in the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon, Portugal and for ten years with the Welsh National opera. She has also free-lanced with many other orchestras and music groups.

Sue, together with husband Ted, retired to live in Spain in 2002 and for ten years was the piano accompanist for the popular Torrevieja Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

Since 2009 Sue has been the organist at the La Siesta Church which is an Evengelical Church of many demoninations and which enjoys an enviable reputation for good singing. The choir, in particular, will miss the experience and talent of Sue. On March 24th, Palm Sunday, the choir will be singing Beethoven’s Hallelujah Chorus from his oratorio “The Mount of Olives” and the accompaniment for this work is extremely difficult but Sue makes it sound so easy!

If there is anyone reading this who enjoys a challenge and would like to take up the position of church organist/pianist please contact Mr Charles Smith in the first instance on tele: 96 679 0398.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

C O M M U N I T Y NE W S new International Choir

A new International Choir has been formed in San Fulgencio, for ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls; people of all nationalities.

If you want to participate, the group will be rehearsing every Thursday from 6 to 8pm in the San Fulgencio Music Centre.

For more information, please contact the Office for the Urbanisations on 966 443 002.

La Bamba’s - Ballroom / Latin / Sequence Dancing

Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.00pm [Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10.00pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class 2pm -3pm Improvers Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Class 4pm - 5pm For more information contact Andrea & Brian 616 478 157

CostaArt.Net

ROJALES ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET - Sunday April 7th from 11am at the Cuevas el Rodeo - artists’ caves.

There will also be paella, bread and sangria around 2pm for just 3.5€ So if YOU are an artist or craftsperson and want to display/sell YOUR work etc. free, just contact me.

Or if you are a visitor, come and browse the bargains and don’t forget your wallets!

HOW TO GET TO THE ARTISTS CAVES - CUEVAS DEL RODEO!!!? map, directions, photos etc are all on the CostaArt.Net website at: www.CostaArt.Net/caves.html ROJALES: Studio 17 weekly life drawing classes Fridays at studio of Martin the artist in Rojales.

Although these are generally running most weeks, we are having difficulties getting female models sometimes, so please check if the class will be running or not and if you are interested in modelling, or know someone that is, please contact martin@martin-enterprises.eu Amongst models booked are:Friday 29th March - model= Cristina, Spanish from Galicia specially to sit for the group Friday 19th April - new model = Karen from UK Friday 26th April - model= Sophia Disgrace breaking into her busy world-wide work schedule to visit.

More info 648 535 165 or martin@martin-enterprises.eu ROJALES: Art Exhibiton by Maire Kalkowski at the Sala Mengolero art gallery cave at the Rojales Caves - Cuevas del Rodeo - Daily through March with inauguration at 12 noon Sunday March 3rd ORIHUELA: CHOIR a theatre play from NETWORKS THEATRE. ORIHUELA March 21st , 22nd & 23rd www.networksenglishstudies. com/theatre FUENGIROLA: Art Exhibition by Lisa Wheeler Now on daily until March 20th 11am to 9pm at Cafe Academia Picasso, Calle Miguel Unamuno n 5 ALGORFA: Sat/Sun, April 27/28, 2013 - Homes gardens & leisure exhibition Artists wanted for demos...

Martin the artist in Rojales www.martin-enterprises.eu www.CostaArt.Net 965 724 927 (from Spain)

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

THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA

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

Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. David Darnbrough will take the Divine Service with Mediumship, on Sunday 17th March followed by an Evening of Mediumship with Annette Rodgers (U.K. Medium) on Tuesday, 19th March. The Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 24th March will be taken by Annette Rodgers. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com

St Patricks Parade

The Office for the Urbanisations is very pleased to announce that we are arranging a coach to take people from San Fulgencio to the St Patrick parades in the Orihuela Costa on Sunday the 17th of March. The coach will leave the Social Centre on Urb Marina at 11:30am and will leave the Orihuela Costa at 6:30pm.

The cost of the trip is 5€. To reserve your place, please come into the Office of the Urbanisations in Calle Madrid, Urb Marina.

“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

50+ SOLOS

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.

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

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

37

San fulgencio Computer Club

Every Wednesday 11am to 13.00. No computer? well use one of ours free. For more information see our website www.sanfulgencio computerclub

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)

38

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

SOL CLASSIFIEDS SOLTIMES Air-con

www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE

Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday

950 121 936 or 902 121 936

BY E-MAIL Send your advert or Classified lineage to

sales@soltimes.com IN PERSON

los carasoles, 27 Zurgena, 04650, Almeria

Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm above New Horizon Villas

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

DEADLINES

All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

for sale in this section

any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email: sales@soltimes.com

Airport services

www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking Alicante • Almeria • Murcia New

Servicing / Repairs

Tel: 667 939 885 BABIES PLAYPEN (lindam) Can easily convert from playpen to room divider, safety gate, or hearth guard, folds flat for easy storage, padded base area is washable. Easy assembly Brand new still boxed Bargain.

60€ Tel: 667 939 885 Solar panels 240w bargain 240€ Tel: 619 744 516 Solar power batteries new 230amp 12volt can make 24v 200€ Tel: 619 744 516 Samsung Mobile HITS Phone. Never Used, still in box.

Cost 29€ accept20€.

Tel: 630 493 474

equipment hire

construction

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917

Mat Murray 647 841 750 matmurrayes@gmail.com

email: info@md-aircon.com

established in spain for 14 years

alternative energy

Constructions

607 364 917 or 950 432 110

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

Solar Wind Power Solutions.

Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email:info@ s un e r g ya l m e r i a . com www.sunergy almeria.com

carlos saliente plumbing & heating for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com

business opportunity ---------

advertise all your unwanted items

80€ each or 150€ the pair. Tel: 634 302 967 Halogen oven - with accessories.

Little used.

Cost 69€, will accept 25€.

Tel: 950 327 805 (Roquetas de Mar) A M C O R dehumidifier VGC Genuine reason for sale 75€ ONO Tel: 618 827 970 Satellite dish with LNB and long cable for sale ,as we are moving. Only 3 months old. La Alfoquia area. 130€.

Tel: 662 390 453 DOUBLE BED with base, mattress and mattress topper (135cms). as new buyer collects. Playa Serena. Roquetas de Mar. Bargain. 100€

MD S.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

LOOKING TO BOOST YOUR INCOME??

FOR SALE

Range of good quality girls clothes 0-3 years old. Call Karen for more info Tel: 630 002 371 Chicco electric breast pump hardly used 60€ Tel: 630 002 371 Above the ground pool 15 feet x 42 inches deep complete, used for 1 month only, removal forces sale 115€ Boxed (Mojacar) Tel: 634 311 915 Wood Burner 59cms x 46cms x 65cms 65€. Buyer collects. Tel: 637 984 270 2 x 3ft single beds, including headboardss. matress, slatted base and wrought iron headboard.

Excellent condition.

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

construction

Ladies or gents Do you have what it takes to become an Independent party organiser To display and sell a wide range of lingerie, dressing up clothes, oils & adult toys?

Sell at adult themed parties

--------FULL START UP KIT PLUS HELP TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT NOW!!

Tel: 627 851 679 Enquiries or direct sales adamandeveeu@hotmail.co.uk

carer wanted Elderly lady requires carer from Monday 13.30 to Friday 09.30 every other week. Phone Lola on 648 653 318 or 950 345 012

carpenter

Bills Carpentry & Shop fitting • Hanging Doors • Flat Pack Furniture • Tiling • Kitchen Fitting

NO JOB TOO SMALL FREE QUOTATIONS tEL: 633 507 165 computers

Steve Hayes

A irport Informatica Pc’s, Laptops, transfers Printers etc. pick up all areas, Sales & Repairs competitive rates. on-site callout / For a quote please tuition. visit www. spanish Consumables estateagent.c om Albox, Almeria or call 661 143 871 Tel: 950 120 900

fully legal

Martinez moreno cb (Rambla de Oria) All types of building work undertaken inc plumbing & electrics

tel: 609 421 734 (Spanish) tel: 696 052 044 (English) drainage

BABY HIRE

furniture

Everything for

Linea

the visiting baby Car seats,high chairs, stair gates, cots etc Tel: 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 expectingababy@ hotmail.co.uk

Nueve sofas kitchens bedroom furniture Arboleas

Tel: 950 120 630

gardening

Cleaning of Septic Tanks

▪ Emptying of septic Tanks landscape gardening & Cesspits, with high • Block work pressure cleaning • Balustrades ▪ Small unblockages of • Paving Driveways pipes & drainage

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808

LICENSED POZO/CESSPIT EMPTYING • Installation of fibreglass

septic tanks

& Paths

Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate 620 112 193 or 667 853 062 potty finca services professional tree felling & pruning,

• Blocked Toilets, Sinks, Baths & Drains • CCTV Surveys • Drain Tracing • Turbine Root Cutting • All types of domestic plumbing carried out

including all types of palm trees

950 091 109 or 648 768 587 electrical Knowles & Abbott no.1 for electrics and plumbing. Re-wires, free to air UK satellite systems 950 137 208 or 638 010 691

ELECTRICIAN Neil Godwin

25 years experience

Full City & Guilds

Fully

insured & legal

Boletins supplied

Tel : 687 245 569

strimming of overgrown gardens & hedge cutting spanish registered. logs available ring john on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

heating neater heater See our main ad on the news pages Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services. If it involves water, we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel: 968 969 962

health & beauty

avon cosmetics

claire Tel: 691 987 454 avonfromclaire@yahoo.es

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

39

www.soltimes.com house clearance

NUMBER PLATES

THE HOUSE CLEARING SPECIALIST

“RE-PLATE” MATE

Immediate Cash. Quick decision. * We cover all areas * We turn up, give cash & carry * We buy almost anything – The Highest Cash Prices Paid **ONLY serious & immediate sellers should call please**

Tel: 679 207 545 or 636 411 540

hobby/craft Elaine’s Wools quality UK wool & accessories. Come & view my display Also available at Camposol, Mazarron Call 667 273 889 elaines wools@gmail. com

insurance

“we have grea offers on lifet insurance”

glenn & jayne Formerly of Knights Insurance, C / Malaga, Albox ... are now exclusive agents for Liberty Seguros

same people - same great service - differeent name

Tel: 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

iron/metal works

The Metal works

Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/ sliding/roller, rejas, concertina doors etc.

Tel: Keith Wood on

638 900 949

GB

E

for sale. 8 weeks old, 150€ ono for more information.

British plasterer All work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201

Optica Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

plumbing

painter & decorator

over 25 years experience

give your property or business a fresh look this NEW YEAR

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com now covering mainland spain

expert quality workmanship visit our website for more info tntpainters@live.co.uk www.tntpaintersltd.co.uk PETS SECTION

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

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

To advertise your property for sale or rental in this section with a photograph for only 10€ email Paulette at sales@soltimes.com

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT Reduced SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

Plumber KNOWLES AND ABBOTT No 1 for Plumbing & Electrics All types of Plumbing

Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

PROPERTY TO RENT – URCAL 2 Bedroom Casita.Furnished or Unfurnished. Fully Fitted Kitchen, Log Burner, Internet Connection, Large Fly Free Patio within a large Fenced area. Available from the middle of March.

300€ pcm inc. water Tel: 666 281 323 ARBOLEAS

self contained 1 bedroom apartment with B & B facilities offered starting from 25€ per night, walking distance of Arboleas & Zurgena

Tel: 950 449 074 or 634 368 071 TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797 Long term rentals also

Gas Safe Registered

For all your plumbing needs Fully Qualified heating engineer

considered 175€ + bills chalmersj8@hotmail.co.uk

ref: NW907

Lovely 2 bedroom townhouse of 70 sq metres with stunning sea views overlooking Mojacar Playa with WIFI, furniture included. Excellent CARLOS SALIENTE Plumbing and Heating communal pool, Rental Investment. offer machined boiler decals for gas water Call New Wave VIllas on 950 475 800 for info & viewings.

SOLTIMES Now offer our Classified advertisers 5 LOCAL EDITIONS online at

www.soltimes.com

for more information Telephone 950 121 936 or 902 121 936 ext 332

1 bed, 1 bath apartment fully fitted kitchen, white goods, parking, lovely views. Ideal golfing holiday apartment.

Close to Mojacar / Turre.

T: 664 291 793

jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

for SALE detatched cortijo

20mins from mojacar This is a unique spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & dining room as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool.

Mountain views.

reduced €150,000 0no

649 186 107

email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

Business Opportunity Good size room to rent in busy salon call cutting edge on 950 633 086

satellite/ television Sky Digibox

Pace with sky card

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

41

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

D D

animals D

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Mighty mouse attacks snake to save pal

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A mouse has been given its freedom after it tackled a poisonous snake in a bid to save a fellow rodent at a zoo in China.

The two mice were served up as a live dinner for the snake at Hangzhou Zoo in Zhejiang province, eastern China.

Keeper Wen Shao said: “We always give the snakes live food and we put the two mice into the snake enclosure, but instead of trying to hide like they usually do one of the mice attacked the snake when it saw it trying to eat the other mouse.

“I have never seen anything like that before, usually the mice keep as far away from the snake as possible but this one caused a lot of damage.

“It was biting the snake on the head as the snake was trying to eat the first mouse.”

He added that the mouse had deserved its freedom after putting up such a brave fight.

“In any case it didn’t do the snake any good either, it was expensive and the mouse did a lot of damage by biting it on the head,” he added.

Sadly the mouse did not succeed in its bid to free its pal. It died and was later eaten even if mighty mouse was no longer around to witness it.

SEND FUNNY PHOTOS OF YOUR PETS TO EDITOR@ SOLTIMES.COM

How to Hypnotise Animals !

A light hearted look at Hypnosis

By Alan Gilchrist - Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

We have all been there, the neighbours with the constantly barking dog that seems to get louder at 3.00am in the morning (the dog – not the neighbour).

Short of placing a small pellet of lead in its ear that would guarantee you a good nights sleep, (with the help of a colt 45), there doesn’t seem to be answer to this.

As a Hypnotherapist it would be wonderful if I could hypnotise the offending dog to do just that, keep quiet. If that were the case I would have millions of beagles at my door wanting to stop smoking!

But did you know that there are some animals that you can “Hypnotise”.

Many years ago in Northern Ireland there was a stage hypnotist that was famous for hypnotising chickens and he labelled himself “The one and only Chicken Hypnotiser” Hypnosis in animals is more of a physical condition than it is mental. Just because it makes the animal not respond, it makes it appear to be “asleep”.

Ok, lets start with hypnotising Chickens!

Take one chicken, preferably not from the freezer as it makes the effect that much more difficult, if not impossible.

Hold the (living) chicken flat on the floor with its head down. Take a piece of chalk and draw a line directly out and away from its beak for about 2 feet. When you remove your hands the chicken will stay there. To awaken it just move its head away from the line.

Try this one with the cockerel that lives on the local farm that crows at dawn, you will be the hero of the neighbourhood!

Rabbits!

Hold the rabbit out in a stretched position

on its back with its ears and back legs flat out. Keep it in this position for about 30 seconds then take your hand away. To awaken blow on its nose!

(Ever notice the ones in the Spanish supermarkets stretched out, is this how they do it?)

Lobsters!

Stand the lobster on its head using its claws as supports. When you hold it in this position for a few moments it will immediately go to “ Sleep”. While in this state quietly whisper to it that it will soon be going for a relaxing sauna. To waken it up just put it back on it’s legs again. (Then place it into the pot for its lovely sauna)

Guinea Pigs!

Roll it over a few times and place it on its back. To awaken it, again just blow on its nose. Then return it to the next door neighbours frantic child!

Frogs! (And lizards) Simply flip it on its back and hold it for a few moments then take your hand away. To awaken it, just flip it back over. As regards lizards, keep them small- Komodo dragons can be a handful!

One animal that we would all love to hypnotise is that elusive creature – the Bank Manager- to forget all about our overdrafts.

Sadly it can’t be done, because if that were the case I would not be writing this article, you would find me down at their office swinging a watch at them, and we would all be Hypnotists!

Alan and Jonathan Gilchrist holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, Benidorm and Fortuna.

Also in Spanish with Jonathan!

Alan is also the Originator of the Stop Smoking in under 30 minutes Fast Track Hypnosis Session For an appointment, Brochure, or free of charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. Jonathan on 691 784 954 Visit his web site alangilchristinspain.com or hypnosiscostablanca.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE

KAMEELEON PREMIER DIVISION – 8th MARCH at ALTORREAL GOLF The Vega Baja Premier Golf League first matches of the second round series for the Premier Division started at Altorreal Golf, and it would appear that Spring was peering around the corner as the sun shone and it was delightfully warm.

With this Division having five teams each match, it was the turn of leaders Club25 Serena G.S. to sit this month out and wait to see

what rivals do, and for the other Club23 to strengthen their grip on top spot when they take on bottom team Claptons.

Las Ramblas were in their own battle to try and close the gap but had a resolute La Manga to contend with.

Club 25 GOLF found it tough going and did not find Claptons an easy day and it was the first match and last matches that showed the way but the Claptons pairing of Ian Faulkner and Andy Trefy who spoilt the party.

RESULTS Claptons G S 1.5 (33 holes) La Manga North G S 2 (34.5 holes)

It was a very close thing between La Manga and Las Ramblas with both sides having and win and two draws, but with Las Ramblas winning more holes they were three points better off.

vs. Club 25 GOLF G S 2.5 (39 holes) vs. Las Ramblas G S 2 (37.5 holes)

Bonus points went to Las Ramblas G S, Club 25 GOLF G S. TEAM PLAYED WON DRAWN LOST BONUS POINTS CLUB 25 GOLF G S 20 11 2 7 12 47 LAS RAMBLAS G S 20 10 2 8 9 41 LA MANGA NORTH G S 20 8 3 9 9 36 CLUB 25 SERENA G S 16 8 1 7 6 31 CLAPTONS G S 20 6 2 12 0 20 Las Ramblas still maintain second place but the gap widened slightly from four points last month to six, La Manga moved ahead of non players Club 25 Serena but the gap widens between second and third. But there are still four games to play with 15 points up for grabs each game it wide open. It’s

the turn of Clapton’s to take a rest and it’s weird how things happen but league leaders take on the second place side, can the gap get wider or narrower, the same applies to third and fourth?

Watch this space.

You will also be able to see updated Vega Baja Premier Golf League

fixtures, tables, and news on the website www. vegabajapremiergolfleague. com and on Facebook, throughout the season For more information on the Vega Baja Premier Golf League, contact The Secretary; Ivie Davies 669 211 410 or golfdavies@ gmail.com

43

sport

A Busy Weekend for Torrevieja Swimmers.

It was a busy weekend for 5 members of the squad knocking over 4 seconds off

members of Club Natacion Torrevieja as two of the Infantil team, Piroska Rideg and Hakeem Teland qualified for the 4th Winter Regional Championships at the Municipal Pool Camilo Cano, La Nucia and the Masters squad were in Elda for the seasons 3rd Regional Time Control.

The younger team members spent two days of competition against 36 regional clubs and against 257 swimmers. Piroska Rideg swam in 4 events 100m backstroke, 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle and 200m medley. In these 4 events Piroska obtained 3 new personal bests in backstroke 1:15:67, Butterfly 1:18:87 and Medley 2:45:56 this placed her 10th, 7th and 6th in the competition in the 14yrs age group. Hakeem Teland, new to Spanish competitions as he previously swam in Norway, qualified to compete in 50m and 100m Freestyle events. In the 16yrs age group Hakeem gained 5th position in his 50m race with a new personal best of 26:49 and 6th position in his 100m race 58:02.

Whilst the younger team members were being challenged in La Nucia the Masters of the club were competing in the 3rd regional Control in Elda. All

competed in two races each.

Beryl Altabas in the 65years+ 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle, Gillian McNiece in 35yrs+ 100m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, Vicki Connolly in the 45yrs+ 50m and 100m Freestyle, Rafael Bordes Alonso in the 35yrs + 100m Backstroke and 200m Freestyle and finally Adam Stewart in the 25yrs+ 50m and 200m Freestyle events.

The team had some good swims with some five new personal best times, 5 first places, two seconds, a 4th, 5th and 6th place. Beryl got two new PB’s 50m butterfly 51:73 and 100m freestyle 1:33:19, Gillian and Vicki made new PB’s in their 100m Freestyle Gillian 1:09:58 and Vicki 1:16:84. Adam Stewart had a fantastic swim in his 50m Freestyle event

his previous best time and earning a new time of 37:80.

For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa - 665454126 or President Felipe on 609418776 or by e-mail on info@ clubnataciontorrevieja.com

Cornish Pride Los Dolses Ten Pin Bowling Matches played March 5th Los Bandidos made it 4 wins in a row as they beat Los Lobos 8-0. Top scorer for L.B was Maurice Allen 611 hcp series, and for L.L it was Brian Blackburn with a 545 hcp series.

Lucky Strike have now gone 4 weeks without a win, beaten 6-2 this week by Splash. Top bowler for Splash was Juanjo Carral, with a 606 scratch series.

Juoni Manninen had his highest hcp series so far, a 607, helping his team Caballo Negro to an 8-0 win over Carp-r-us.

Hall y Day dropped another

4 points this week, held to a 4-4 draw by Bandoleros.

The HyD captain Lesley Day was the leagues highest lady bowler of the night, with a 597 hcp series.

League leaders Team Finland, were also held to a 4-4 draw this week, that was

by Crazy Pinz. Top scorer for C.P. was Gunter Wilms, 562 hcp series.

Markku Maatta bowling for T.F had the highest scratch game of the night, 234.

Bowling for Cornish Pride, Shane Winfield had the nights highest series scores, a 621 scratch and a 660 hcp. But his team were beaten 6-2 by

Split Happens.

Bar Mosquito’s 5 match unbeaten run came to an end as they were beaten 6-2 by Mixers.

It was also cup semi-final night. Splash beat Team Finland by 184 pins, and last years finalists Mixers made it to the final for the second year running, by beating Los Bandidos by 62 pins.

In the second week of our Easter egg competition sponsored by THE MED bar and bistro, urb El Raso, another 32 tickets were won, and will go into the draw next week.

Andy Wilson Photographer

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

sport

FC TORREVIEJA

SMGS at VILLAMARTIN

Most of the thirty plus golfers arriving at Villamartin well before 9am on what have become recently known as “Wet, Windy & Wild Wednesdays” could hardly believe the conditions…..dry, sunny and warm!!

Maybe after all, the arrival of March is going to go down as a milestone in the local weather conditions. There were even a few of the San Miguel Golf Society who must have actually believed the weather forecast earlier in the week which mentioned a midweek high of 22º and to celebrate they decided to give some white legs a bit of an airing!

It was a big surprise to the vast majority who had spent all day Tuesday scraping and hosing half the Sahara off porches, paths and patios. As a golfer of many years I understand that mixing a little sand in with the rain makes it ideal to be sprinkled quite liberally on the area’s courses as it nourishes the grass and fills in the divots simultaneously.

But to randomly drench all the neighbouring properties and cars with such a mucky mixture seems grossly unfair, modern technology should be adapted in some way to direct such conditions only where they are welcome.

Anyway, back to the golf – I can’t report that the beautiful Spanish weather caused a

high-scoring day as not one player in the whole field broke par. Mid to high twenties in Stableford points appeared to be the popular range with quite a few even struggling to reach into the 20’s.

Alan Gilbert took the honours for best guest player with a mere 23 points while NTP sleeves of balls were awarded to Graham Cockayne (6th), Marg Birtwistle (9th), Chris Hamblett (13th) & John Osborne (17th).

Silver division’s top 4 were Ellen Drakesmith (26 C/B), Chris Hamblett (28), Les Wilton (32) & Ian Parkinson (36).

Gold division’s winners were Alan McDonald (29), John Osborne (31), John Drakesmith (32) & Brian Staines with 35.

To keep things in the family Jenny Staines picked up this week’s “Abacus” award with her “not so good” points tally earning a fine bottle of vino!

Well done to all the prizewinners.

El Plantio and Roda are our next 2 meetings with full details of these and more on www.smgs.org or, with Barry away on another holiday, give Phil B. 659 439 074 or Ken F. 616 079 790 a quick buzz.

Visitors are always made very welcome.

Photo: Some of this week’s happy winners.

Waxing & body polishing alloy & chrome wheels Windows, dashboard & door trims Seats, roof lining & carpets wet washed

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TORRY SUFFER A FRIDAY NIGHT SETBACK IN CASTELLON Last Friday Torry made the long trip to the far north of the Valencia region to play the “biggest” and best supported team in the Division, CD Castellon, who have a long history but have fallen on hard times.

A consortium of local businessmen took over the club at the start of the season and appear to have stabalised the ship but they obviously still have large debts from the past still to be cleared.

The game had been switched to a late Friday evening because of the local fiesta. CD Castellon had won 8, drawn 3 and lost 3 at home going into the game.

They had lost their last 2 games so there was hope for Torry who were unbeaten in their last 4.Torry were again without the injured Koeman, JuanFran and Abel so the manager had to again put out a bit of a makeshift team.

Luis Carlos returned from injury but found himself on the bench along with Manolo with Javi Tur again preferred to him in goal.

Torrys starting line-up: Javi Tur, Vicente (Jose Manuel, min. 68), Jorge, Rafa, Dani Meseguer, Burguillos, Sergio (Luis Carlos, min. 46), Cuco Ros (Mati, min. 79), Manu Amoros Villanueva, Gasch In front of a crowd of around the 800 mark, down on the usual gate of around the 2,000 mark, the match kicked-off under lights.

The game started evenly with Torry having some success down the flanks but the crosses were comfortably dealt with by the Castellon central defenders. On 11 minutes a mistake by Vicente gave the Castellon wide left player the chance to scamper clear down the left and deliver a cross which was struck into the back of the net by a Castellon forward for a GOALLLLL 1-0 to Castellon.

A set back for Torry but they responded well and edged out Castellon in the first half with strikes from Gasch and Cuco Ros forcing excellent saves from the Castellon keeper. Torry took off Sergio at half-time and brought on the more attacking minded Luis Carlos.

Torry continued to have the upper edge until the 57th

minute when Castellon made a substitution to bolster their midfield and started to gain control of the vital midfield area. In the 61st minute Javi Tur had to make a good save from a fiercely struck effort to prevent Castellon extending their lead. In the 63rd minute, the referee stopped the game for 2 minutes after a local idiot threw a firecracker onto the pitch in the direction of Torry goalie Javi Tur. Hopefully this will have been noted by the ref and action taken against the individual and the football club. Torry took off defender Vicente in the 68th minute and introduced another forward, Jose Manuel, in attempt to add a greater threat in the final third and try and get something out of the game.

However, in the 73rd minute Javi Tur spilled the ball and it was gleefully stroked into the back of the net for a GOALLLLL 2-0 to Castellon.

Castellon were then content to play out the game but got a 3rd GOALLLLL in the 87th minute, after a defensive error by Torry and it was game, set and match. The 30 score-line was flattering to Castellon as overall the play was even with the difference being that Castellon were more clinical in front of goal and took their chances. There were no “cards” issued to Torry players.

Torry are now 15th in the table and now hover just 2 points outside the relegation zone. On Sunday Torry entertain Gandia who are comfortably placed in 9th place in the table but like most teams are in financial trouble. They lost at home to league leaders Novelda 10 last Sunday. Hopefully one or two of the injured Torry players will be back, most notably Koeman to give Torry much greater potency up front. Torry quite simply need to win the game. It is again being played at the Nelson Mandela and kicks off at 5.00 pm. Try to be there.

A disappointed Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain lose. It you want to read more about FC Torrevieja access the Torry Army supporters club website www.fctorrevija.net

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MAZARRON FC 2 A.D. SOHO-MEDI 3 Despite an improved performance, Mazarron suffered their third successive defeat against promotion-seeking A.D. Soho-Medi.

After a slow start, Mazarron almost took the lead after 6 minutes after good work by Barrachina. The full back’s cross fell to Cecilio whose fierce left foot shot on the turn was tipped on to the crossbar by the Soho-Medi goalkeeper.

Mazarron keeper Jose Iker came to his team’s rescue when he dived at the feet of a Soho-Medi forward to prevent what seemed a certain goal and then, after 17 minutes Jose Ruben latched onto a bouncing through ball but couldn’t control his shot which went harmlessly over the bar.

On 19 minutes, Iker made another fine save but the ball rebounded to the edge of the penalty area and Sergio struck a low shot into the corner of the net to give Soho-Medi the lead.

Eight minutes later it was 20 when a shot from the left

by Ortiz bounced in front of Iker and over his despairing dive into the corner of the net.

For once Mazarron heads did not go down and five minutes later Baeza pulled a goal back after a quick free kick by Jose Ruben. After 35 minutes another long ball out of the Mazarron defence deceived the onrushing goalkeeper and Jose Ruben coolly ran on to equalise from a difficult angle.

Mazarron could have taken the lead five minutes before half time when Panocha’s tantalising cross from the left was met with a spectacular

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overhead kick by Jose Ruben but the ball flew just wide of the post.

Soho-Medi regained the lead early in the second half when Hurtado met a cross from the right with a looping header that gave Jose Iker no chance. Mazarron continued to press forward and had the better of the chances in the second half.

After a foul on Jose Ruben, substitute Toni drove a powerful free kick into the chest of the visiting keeper.

The rebound fell to Alfonso who was unable to control the awkward bouncing ball and his shot went wide.

On 74 minutes, good interplay between Alfonso and Ruben saw Ruben unleash a fierce drive which was parried by the keeper but fell agonisingly short of the Mazarron forwards and was cleared to safety.

The defeat means that Mazarron slip to 11th in the league. There is no game this weekend and the next home game is against EMF Fuente Alamo, scheduled for Sunday 24th March Team: Iker, Barrachina, Diego, Pepelu, Perico, Santi (Toni), Baeza, Alfonso, Panocha (Ahmed), Jose Ruben, Cecilio (Pollo) Man of the Match: Jose Ruben

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SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

sport

cd montesinos

TMGS Match Report, Las Ramblas, 6th March 2013.

At last, no wind, no gusts no gales, just sunshine and an almost perfect day to play golf with gusto on what is known as the “Marmite” course of Las Ramblas where we were slightly fortunate in having a late start and it meant we got the best of the day’s sunshine and some even ventured out in shorts, a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner.

Although conditions were damn near perfect, you could still hear the expletives reverberating around the course as balls found their way into the many valleys, gorges and what have you.

Really Ladies, you must curb your language on the golf course, some men have very tender dispositions!

As the scores came in, it wasn’t any surprise to see that a low 30 score was going to be very good, as it always is on this course. That was until the Scandanvian’s came swaying in and where Norwegian Roger Neilson romped the Silver Division with 35 points, a full 3 points clear of our Austrian lady member, Olga Haubner who took 2nd place with 32 points, 5 points clear of3rd placed Ally Murray on 27 points.

Rogers 35 was a very good score, but Swede Arne

Hansson who was in the same 3 ball as Roger, led the way home in the Gold division with an excellent 38 points and will now be playing off less next match than he was today!

It seems that the “foreign” contingents like Ramblas, as in 2nd place in the Gold Division with 32 points was our Hungarian member, Alex “Big Boy” Alfoldy and to continue with the foreigner theme, in 3rd place was one of our Brummies, Captain Alan Rickers who sneaked 3rd place with 31 points.

For once, all 4 NTP prizes were claimed with Darren Hancock and Mike Fearnehough claiming the Gold pins while Ernie Wilson and Sandra Twentyman claiming the Silver pin prizes.

It nearly cost Sandra a round in the bar as her ball clattered the flag, sadly rebounding to a few feet from the pin. Photo is of the Silver Category winners.

Our next game, Wednesday 13th March 2013, see’s us at the La Finca golf course, so if you fancy a game just look at our website www.tmgs.org or call the Fixture Secretary on 966719604.

We also run small matches on Friday’s at VillaMartin so if you fancy a fun knock around, contact Steve Higgins on 968 978 188.

Busters Golf Society March Competition Friday 8th March we played the greens in at Alicante Golf Course , the course has usually been enjoyed by our members but Friday the elements played havoc with most of our player’s by means of strong winds that always seemed to be head on , making this course appear longer than normal , we met early and enjoyed tostados and coffee as part of the deal that Alicante was offering , then headed to the first tee for the start of our battle against these prevailing winds , with the conditions being what they were this reflected on our scores ( or lack of them ) with our top score of thirty three points and the only member to break thirty points . The results were as follows , although the course has six par three’s our members only managed to hit four of

regulation , nearest the pins were , on hole three Bill Peters , hole 6 Steve Edwards , and our new member Owen Desmond on holes twelve and fifteen , the prize for nearest the pins was a sleeve of Callaway golf balls , our runner up was Steve Edwards with twenty eight points and our winner of the day was Ron Perkins , both receiving cash prizes , Ron was in our four ball and I have to say he played very well to achieve this score so well done Ron and also to the rest of our players .

We returned to the Mini Golf Bar in Quesada for our presentation , a couple of beers and some snacks that were provided by this very welcoming bar .

Barry Grinsell Busters Golf society .

Competing with the F.A. CUP, 6 Nations and Mothers Day, a crowd of 152 was a victory in itself.

Monte were a goal down after just 3 minutes when a short corner saw the ball whipped into the box for Lopez to palm it onto the crossbar with the rebound going straight to the head of an opposing forward 2 yards out. Monte got out of jail on 20 minutes when goalkeeper Lopez was lobbed only for the ball to bounce onto the crossbar and come out this time to Javier to clear.

From then on it was all Monte.

After weaving through their defence, Edu managed to get dispossessed on the goal line, and Andres saw 3 free kicks just go wide.

Then on 44 minutes when it looked as though Andres had scored, a defender managed to clear the shot off the line.

The second half started as the 1st. half finished with Monte on top. Then on the hour Johny got himself sent off and to make matters worse Edu missed a 1 on 1

chance.

With only 10 men Monte still pressed forward and on 65 minutes Omar who had come on for Rubio latched onto a defensive error to level the score.

Edu once again missed a 1 on 1 then disputing an offside decision we lost concentration and from a punt down the middle from their free kick a Formentera forward lobbed Lopez and we were again a goal down against the run of play. With 5 minutes left M & A broke through to once again to bring Monte level.

In injury time M&A put a shot from 6 yards out over the bar and with time running out Formentera missed 2 very good chances themselves.

Watching the game with his girlfriend was our little Brazilian star from last season so let’s keep our fingers crossed and wallets open, who knows.

Howard Yeats.

Orihuela Costa F.C. 4 V’s Bigastro C.F. 2 Sponsored By : Morgans Bar - Amber Pools - Sunworld Properties - The Shandon Bells - The Central Grille Blue Hill Security Grilles Specsavers Torrevieja - Morgans On The Plaza The Cheers Bar - La Florida Clinica.

Costa this week were looking to improve from their opening day result which saw Bigastro take the points from that encounter.

On the pitch in front of the biggest crowd of the season Costa got off to a great start with Gummi Gudmundsson finishing from great link up with his new partner Patrick Bass to put the home side 1 - 0 up.

The confidence was flowing through out the side and some of the passing and movement from Costa gave the visitors a torrid time.

Against the run of play Costa conceded a corner which wasn’t dealt with and Bigastro with their height advantage snatch an equalizer on 15 mins.

Costa replied straight away with some great work down Costa’s left wing from Georgie Mint who supplied a great ball into Bigastro’s penalty area which saw the ball land to Ciaran Sullivan to smash into the back of the net to score his first goal at Cadete level despite being an Infantil player.

2 - 1 to Costa and it was to get even better before half time when Gummi scored Costa’s third goal after some slick passing from his team mates. Bigastro though got their second to leave the

score 3 - 2 at half time.

Second half costa had to thank their goal keeper Jordan Marshall for a fine double save to keep the score 3 - 2.

But with the introduction of Luke Deegan for the injured Georgie Mint saw Deegan chase a loose ball down on the edge of the visitors box and with great strength and a cool finish give Costa a 4 - 2 advantage.

Unfortunately the visitors seem to lose their discipline and temper and this resulted in a red card for one of their defenders for shirt pulling in the box.

This led to more trouble two minutes later when from a strong but fair challenge from Callum Gildea saw several visiting players throwing punches and kicking the Costa players.

Unfortunately the visiting manager was quite happy to allow this thinking the game may be abandoned and a possible replay but the referee for once in this league stood firm and sent off three bigastro players and when their manager told one of his players to go down injured this meant the game had to be stopped , but with Costa being awarded the victory.

45

Eurogolf, La Marquesa 51 members took part in the March Monthly Medal/Birthday Cup at our home course of La Marquesa on Thursday 7 March. The forecast was for rain from noon onwards, however we were lucky to get away with just a few spots.

Although conditions were reasonable, only the winner was anywhere near breaking par.

Commiserations to Ian Turner who had a ‘mare of a game’ and was beaten

by Bill Martin in the final of the Men’s’ Singles Annual Competition. However, it did make his day when he found out that he had come in with a better score than his other half.

The results are as follows: Gold Division 1st Roy Lowe 72 nett 2nd Ian Pegg 76 nett 3rd Ken Brett 77 nett Silver Division 1st Colin Hobden 78 nett 2nd Liz Menzies 79 nett 3rd Chris Stanley 79 nett Nearest the Pins 5th None Supavalu 11th Debbie Weedon Manolo’s 12th Bill Martin Manolol’s 15th David Gregson Bar Sophia 17th Bob Buckeridge Lo Maribu

Thanks to all our sponsors.

Best Gross: Roy Lowe 83 gross Best Front Nine: Malcolm Foskett 37 Best Back Nine: Tom Hull 36 (c/b) OVERALL WINNER OF MARCH MONTHLY MEDAL/ BIRTHDAY CUP – ROY LOWE Football Winners: David Curtis, Alan Bacon, Tony Stanley and Frances Buckeridge.

There are still a few places left for the Away Day on 14 April at Vista Bella. Speak to Ian next week if you want to be included.

TOFF’s Results Tuesday 5 March 2013 Overall Winner –Debbie Weedon Gold Division 1st John Fairhurst 35 points 2nd Bob Buckeridge 34 points 3rd Mike Young 33 points Silver 1st Debbie Weedon 36 points 2nd Bob Shorley 34 points 3rd Ken Brett 32 points Bronze 1st Beverley Fairhurst 34 points 2nd Cindy Green 34 points 3rd Morag Turner 33 points Best Front Nine: Jill Young 18 Best Back Nine: Gordon White - 20

Orihuela Costa Monday night fun darts league Results - Week 20. 04/03/13 Horacio´s A 3 - 6 Liberty´s Concierto´s 5 - 4 Belushi´s Pablo´s 5 - 4 Horacio´s B JJ Belushi´s 1 - 8 Oche-Holics High scores 120+ 145 Jack Maude ( Liberty´s ) 140 Dave “Daddy” Frew ( Concierto´s ) 140 John Kerr ( Belushi´s ) 140 Nigel Blackburn ( Liberty´s ) 140 Alfonso Gonzales ( Horacio´s A ) 135 Clive “Jacko” Jackson ( Liberty´s ) 133 Martin Batham ( Liberty´s ) 123 Clive “Jacko” Jackson ( Liberty´s ) 121 Nigel Blackburn ( Liberty´s ) 121 Damian “666” Lambert ( Concierto´s ) 121 Nick Hunt ( Concierto´s ) 120 Nigel Blackburn ( Liberty´s ) 120 Keith “Yorkie” Powell ( Belushi´s ) League Table 139 OCHE-HOLICS 102 CONCIERTO´S 91 LIBERTY´S 89 PABLO´S 78 BELUSHI´S 59 HORACIO´S A 47 HORACIO´S B 34 JJ BELUSHI´S

46

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

sport

ITV ORIHULEA RFC DIG DEEP TO BEAT LORCA At the weekend we played our last home game against Lorca, looking to get the double over another team in the league.

Lorca who have improved a lot this season and have become a force to reconned with, was going to be a strong test and a very good measure how far ITV Orihuela RFC have come this season as well.

Lorca came into the game to attack and try and play open rugby, and for once this season at home Orihuela were not able to get a grip on the game from the start.

Fortunately a couple of pieces of indiscipline gave Jose the chance to keep his goal kicking going, going into half time 60 up. The first half was about a strong Orihuela defence and organisation, as well as a couple of missed chances to score tries.

The second half started off badly for the home side with miss tackles and Lorca breaking

out of defence to score the opening try of the game after about 5 minutes.

This seemed to wake Orihuela up and responded quickly with Raffa breaking away to score a try himself and Jose converting.

With the game becoming a lot more open, and not good for the coaches hearts, the scores went from one side to the other with Jose converting another penalty, then Lorca scoring another try. Orihuela again responding with a well worked try with the forwards getting involved with Primi and Jose, again, having good hands to set up Adrian for his first try for the club, and off course Jose converting.

But Lorca then went over for their third try of the game to set up a very tense finish, but ITV Orihuela RFC held on to win 23-17 in a very exciting match.

Again Jose was the match winner, and man of the match,

with some excellent kicking off the tee, but it was a dogged display by all the players that won the game in the end.

Lorca can count themselves unlucky not to come away with something from the game, but that is how it goes. They will be a very strong force in the league if they continue to build as they have.

With next weekend been the last game of the season away to Cartagena on Sunday, Orihuela are hoping to end the season on a high having already beaten them at home with a try bonus point.

It has already been a great season for ITV Orihuela and that would be the icing on the cake.

This coming weekend we are televising the final weekend of live 6 Nations rugby matches at the rugby bar in Rojales, The Steakhouse, used to be Tylers Bar. Starting on Friday with the U20’s Wales v England at 20.10.

On Saturday, Italy v Ireland at 15.30 followed by Wales v England and finally France v

Scotland. On Sunday is the final of the LV Cup with Quins v Sale at 15.30. Looking forward to seeing another good turn out down there this weekend.

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 final weekend of the 6 Nations.

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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Match 4 saw us return to the swing, the putting and the Altorreal.

The forecast for general all round play on the the day was rain around 4pm. day.

Hence even Benijofar First tee saw us on a cloudy, didn’t come in with their usual cold March day so much so set of scores. Nevertheless that everybody thought they we all finished and made our were in England, but the day way back to the Old 9th for was only to get worse, as the some much needed hot fuel. forecast was totally wrong as Many thanks to the Old 9th by lpm we were all playing in for providing us with excellent waterproofs. This of course hospitality at the end of a bad makes a lot of difference to day. Results as below.

TEAM SCORES : CLAPTONS GS Chris Gridley / Paul Burletson 34 pts Mick O’Grady / Kevin Williams 27 pts Mike Wyatt / John Harvey 35 pts Ian Faulkner / David Gray 28 pts OLD 9th GS Lew Joss / Keith Wright 33 pts Peter Butterworth / Keith Smith 36 pts Colin Edwards / Alan Gifford 33 pts Phil Harris / Bill Fantom 31 pts BENIJOFAR GS Andy Trefry / Dave Smith 38 pts Larry Kinsela / Michael Swan 33 pts Stuart Tosh / John Fullicks 37 pts John Kemp / Steve Edwards 36 pts LUNES GS Jeff Greswell 25 pts Tony Simmonds / Keith Lowe 34 pts Dave Mace / Phil Docherty 33 pts Geoff Tedham 33 pt Nearest the Pins 5th Steve Edwards (Benijofar GS) 8th Peter Butterworth (Old 9th GS) 10th Phil Harris (Old 9th GS) 17th Peter Butterworth (Old 9th GS) LEAGUE STANDINGS QUESADA GOLF SUPER LEAGUE TABLE 2012-13 TEAM PLD WON DRAWN LOST BONUS PNTS BENIJOFAR GS 16 12 1 3 12 49 LUNES GS 16 7 1 8 6 28 10 3 21 CLAPTONS GS 16 6 0 10 3 21 OLD 9th GS 16 6 0

MAGGOTS END RODS AND REELS

What a difference a day makes (sounds like the start of a song) yesterday getting soaked for 3 hours and today bright sunshine and really warm. The venue again today, due to the weather was the Eden canal.

The competition being the 1st round of the Summer series 6 matches with the best 5 results to count. The river yesterday rose around 6-8 inches and today it still came up some 3-4 inches. When it was pegged, only swims with slack water were used as the river was bombing through. The amount of rubbish that came down you would think there would be no rubbish left anywhere.

Best part of the day was, you could lay your gear out and dry it !!!!!!.

Top Rods on the day 1st Alan (The Chairman) Reid fishing the feeder using maggot, with 8.42 kilo´s.

2nd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson fishing the pole using pole with 5.72 kilo´s.

3rd Clive (Golf No More) Cleghorn fishing the pole using bread with 5.12 kilo´s.

In spite of the conditions there were only 2 dry nets.

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966 729 293 or 603 535 771.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS Supplied by Terry Screen This week’s 9th round of the Abbey Angling Cup was fished on the 5th March at the Eden Stretch.

Following the heavy downpours of rain the water was really pushing through with the levels rising throughout the match, they are now cutting the bamboos down and are at Rojales at present, and this in turn is putting vegetation in the water which was coming through in big rafts and made the fishing hard going, especially on the feeder.

Maggot and corn seemed to be the bait with Mullet being taken on the bread punch.

1st Clive (No more Golf) Cleghorn with 5.200kg fishing the feeder using maggot 2nd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 5.120kg fishing the pole using the bread punch 3rd Richard (The Lion heart) King with 4.180kg fishing the feeder using sweet corn All details are available on our website www.abbeyangling. com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965 328 368 ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish.

It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day.

No meetings are held now but information is still available through our email address; angler stogether@hotmail. co.uk.

TIGHT LINES DAVE HOARE

PILAR BADMINTON CLUB 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Pilar Badminton Club celebrated their 10th anniversary on Friday 8th March at the Sunrise Restaurante - Playa Flamenca.

Eighty players and guests enjoyed a slap up meal and danced the night away to the fantastic sound of The Pinnacles, a 5 piece band playing music from the 50’s to the 90’s.

The Club was started 10 years ago at The Duques de Palma Sports Centre in Pilar de le Horadada. The club started from humble beginnings with 2 makeshift badminton courts marked out on a volleyball court. Masking tape was laid down on Mondays and removed on Thursdays for the first year of the club’s existence.

The club now boasts a total of 7 courts with proper line markings and new posts and nets.We cater for more than 100 players 4 days a week from

Monday to Thursday (10.00 am to 1.00pm). All levels are welcome from beginners to experienced players.

There is an active social scene in the club and most players retire to the on site cafeteria for coffee and a chat after play. In fact it has often been remarked that this is the most important aspect of the club!

Mondays are reserved for experienced playersd and feather shuttlecocks are used.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays we use nylon shuttles.

So if you want to get fit in an enjoyable and fun atmosphere contact us.

We also have some spare racquets which are available to borrow free of charge.

Contact for more information John McGilvray 966786774 or e mail carolejohn_3@hotmail. com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

DAYA NUEVA 3 v. COX 0 INFANTILS G10s The half time DAYA TOPPLE THE LEAGUE LEADERS The biggest game of the season for both sides, the outcome will probably mean the winners will go on to claim the title. The teams are presently placed first and second with Cox just holding a slender advantage. It was a frantic start by both sides but Cox had the very strong wind behind them and were soon the more dominant.

Then on 10 minutes a good clearance from Danni in the Daya goal found Manuel who calmly rounded the Cox keeper to open the scoring. Still the visitors pushed forward using the wind to their advantage but the Daya defence held firm.

On 32 minutes Danni put the home side under pressure when from his poor throw out Cox produced a great shot that brought an excellent save from Danni thus redeeming himself.

whistle went soon after with Daya 1 - 0 to the good but the visitors had much the better of the half. With the wind now behind them Daya were in control right from the start of the second period. This pressure paid off on 45 minutes when Cox conceded a penalty.

Up stepped Jesus who buried his spot kick for 2 - 0. The visitors did not take this lying down and pushed forward in an effort to get back in to the game.

This seemed to be to no avail as on 55 minutes a long ball out of defence was chased down by Marcus who lobbed the advancing keeper for 3 - 0 Daya. Surely now the home side would go on to win the match and put themselves right back in the title hunt ?

To their credit the visitors continued to play good football and cause Daya a few anxious moments but they were few

LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY Peraleja Golf Course 06.03.13 Gail Coultate - Correspondent With trepidation and wet suits packed the Society travelled down to Seve’s course at Paraleja, but we need not have worried the sun was shining brightly and all doubts were dispelled. It is a tough little course this, so the AmAm format suited everyone and helped to keep the spirits up after a bad hole. There were 27 of us who held our nerve and resisted to call to cancel on the very wet Tuesday the day before the game. The course was wet in patches but not a problem as we played lift and place on to firm ground and the same with the sandy patches on the fairways on the last few

Hi Everyone, Well it had to happen and on our final Individual stableford of the season it did. What was it you ask Wind and rain for the first time in over 12 months it was very windy and very wet. So well done to everyone that play it was not nice.It was the last match in the player of the year for the society and well done to to the two winners Barry Butterworth for coming out on top in the men’s beating Roy Herbert in who was second by 5 points. In the Ladies The top spot when to Joan Williams from Christine Flanagan in to second place. So well play to you both. I must say the Vistabella was in very good

sport

and far apart.

The home side should have added to their total but a combination of poor finishing and scrambled clearances kept the score at 3 - 0. The match official had a very good game, probably the best referee of the season, so far. The very large crowd were treated to a great game from both sides, probably what you would expect from first and second in the table.

Man of the Match is difficult to call as all the squad played their part. If pushed I would make Luis David Man of the Match.

He tied up the visitors’ very dangerous and prolific scoring number 9.

Dava Dave Team Sponsor: Segurab Daya are not now in action until the 7th April.

holes, this said the greens were very good and fast and hard to read. It was nice to have Mick the Grip play with us again, he always adds a positive input to the proceedings and his knowledge of golf is invaluable.

The winning teams were: 1st Tony Ellis, Malcolm Morrison, Ian Blincoe and John Henderson 81pts 2nd Gail Coultate, Colin Ranson, John Soderberg and Paul Carter 74pts 3rd George Stewart, Geoff Dowsett, Peter Morris and Bob Bunyon 68pts on countback The NTPs: John Soderberg hole 2, Gordon Cobb hole 9, Mick the Grip hole 12 and Tom Johnson hole 16.

There were also two 2s, Mick the Grip and Brian Coultate.

The free game draw was won

by Gail Coultate.

Our next game is at El Plantio on the 20th March and Bonalba 3rd April. Our much awaited day away to Lorca is now on the website so please put your names down as soon as possible as it is run on a first come first served basis as there is a limited amount of places available. For those wishing to join or have a look at how we do things then go to our website at http://sites.google. com/site/locrispingolf/ and read our Members Handbook.

Lo Crispin Golf Society http://sites.google.com/site/ locrispingolf/

condition it as also been over a year since we last play there.

We had 2 division and in the second the winner was Roger McGeagh in the number one spot with 29pts nice to see you back at the top roger. In second place on count back was the man From The Isle Of Man Les Doherty on 28pts taking that spot from Barry Geary also on 28pts Barry is from The other Island The Isle of Wright. In Division 1 Mick Hardy came out on top with 34pts with d.ave Archer grabbing second on count back from Bill McLaughlin both on 25pts. that is the end of the report from a waterlogged Vistabella.

Congratulations to the Players of the Year 2012-13.

Men - Barry BUTTERWORTH & Lady - Joan WILLIAMS. Player of The Year Men 1st Barry Butterworth 223pts 2nd Roy Herbert 218pts 3rd Paul Matthews 211pts Ladies 1st Joan Williams 105pts 2nd Christine Flanagan 96pts 3rd Lyn Gallard 94pts The next Society’s game is on Wednesday, 20th March 2013 at La SERENA. This is the CAPTAIN’S DAY - various prizes of skill in Golf & hopefully will be supported for the last game of the season for Captain Barry.

The format is Mystery Pairs plus Individual Stableford for the Captain’s Trophy.

1st Tee time - 10.40am Payday is on Saturday, 16th March 2013 at La SERENA in the bar area between 11.00 and 12.00 hours.

Many Thanks Regards Mick

san javier gs

47

TORREGOLF.EU a Altorreal Tuesday 5th.March To celebrate El Presidente’s birthday we were at Altorreal for a day that can only be described as a bit of a ‘colourful day’ yes, it started with red rain then yellow/ orange sun, grey mist, blue skies, black clouds, green and brown grass more rain and mud, mud glorious mud, but did it deter us NO! some reasonable scores being recorded in what can only be described as not the best day to play golf.

Winners then on the day Category 1. 1st. David Watson 32 points 2nd. Ray Tennant on a c/b from Sue Owens 30 points. Category 2. 1st.Phil Brigham 34 points 2nd.Brian Coombes 33 3rd. Mick Heart 31 points.

Category 3. Steve James 36 points 2nd .Roger Twigg 35 and 3rd Barbara Watson 34 points. Nearest the pins on the 5th. and 17th. Geoff Betts, fast becoming the winner in our NTP King at the

end of the year.

On the 8th it was impossible to find a winner as the distance was exactly the same so 2 winners Sue Owens & Peter Kerr (just as well no one got near on the 10th! as we would not have enough TORREGOLF.EU golf balls to give away) The scratch card to-day for a 20 Euros prize went to Al Warnock with Plymouth Argyle…..sorry Paul H. you lost

out to-day for not playing!

Our next outing is Hacienda del Alamo on the 20th.

March followed by Vistabella on the 30th and then back to Altorreal on the 4th.April so if you would like to come and join our Club then call David Winder on 626 774 157 or email him at davidwinder. torregolf@gmail.com.

Our picture of some of the winners on the day at Altorreal.

Victor’s goal too little too late as barren run continues C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio 1-2 Benferri C.F The Saint’s poor run of form continued against a Championship chasing Benferri outfit, who condemned their opponents to a fourth straight league defeat.

After an even 20 minutes Benferri opened the scoring, taking advantage of some slack Saint’s defending. A simple ball over the top was converted expertly by their number 7, lobbing a helpless Manuel Llopis.

The home side reacted and should have levelled through Aaron Lopez, but the defender glanced his header well wide.

At the other end Joaquin Rodriguez denied Benferri a second with an important block when the striker looked certain to score.

The end to end action continued in the second half with both teams having very presentable chances. Another mistake at the back let the visitors in, but the opportunity was wasted. Then, Llopis got down well to push a strike wide and was happy to see a header evade his crossbar moments later.

Joaquin was in action again a few minutes later, brilliantly intervening at the last minute with a perfectly-timed tackle.

Carlos Sampere then had San Ful’s best chance of the match, but his goalbound lob was hooked off the line by Benferri’s impressive centreback.

If the Saints were to equalise, Marco Aurelio would be the man. The top scorer couldn’t quite beat the opposition

goalkeeper with his free-kick though. Spurred on by their keeper’s save, the second placed team ran up to the other end and seemingly finished the game off. A spell of pressure culminated in their striker finishing neatly past Llopis.

Marco had another chance with 5 minutes remaining, but his header flew over the bar.

San Fulgencio would get a consolation goal and it was Victor Garcia who scored for a second game running, heading in to an open goal.

Our next game is away against C.F La Coca de Aspe on the 23rd of March.

Thank you to Telecom 900 and the rest of our sponsors.

Report by Jordan Lucas

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LEXUS RX300

• BMW 135i. M SPORT 3L PETROL, 2009, 13,000KMS....€31,950 • MERCEDES ML 320, AUTO, DIESEL, 2006.....................€29,950 • BMW 325M SPORT COUPE, 2010, 25,000KMS …...€26,950 • BMW X1, 1.8 DIESEL, AUTO, 2011, 28,000KMS ...................… POA • seat

leon, 1.6 tdi diesel, dsg auto, 2011, 33,000kms...... ..............................................................................................€15,750 • SUZUKI VITARA 2L, PETROL, 2007, 77,000KMS ..........POA • MINI ONE 1.6 PETROL, 2010, 54,000KMS …............ €10,950 •B MW X3, 3L, DIESEL, AUTO, 2004, 169,000KMS..........€10,950 • MINI

COOPER, 1.6 AUTOMATIC, 2004, 92,000KMS........€9,950 • HYUNDAI I30, 1.4 PETROL, 2009, 68,000KMS …........... €8,950 • RENAULT SCENIC 2L PETROL, 2006, auto, 105,000 KMS........ ............................................................................................................€7,750 • RENAULT KANGOO 1.6 PETROL;, AUTO, 2007, 112,000KMS … ....................................................................................................................POA • SKODA OCTAVIA, 1.9TDi, 2006, 64,000KMS...................€6,950 • JEEP

CHEROKEE 2.5TD SPORT, 144,000 KMS................€5,950 • RENAULT SCENIC 1.5 DCI diesel, 2004,129,000K..........€5,950 • BMW 320 DIESEL, 2003, 179,000KMS … ...........................€4,950 • OPEL ASTRA 1.6 PETROL, 2001, auto , 79,000 KMs....€4,250 •G RAND JEEP CHEROKEE, 4L, PETROL, AUTO, 1999, 152K Ms.................................................................................€3,950 • MAZDA PREMACY 1.8 petrol, 2001, 157,000kms...... €3,750 • Mitsubishi Carisma 2000, a/c 1430,000kms............ €2,950 • CHRYSLER NEON,2L PETROL, AUTO, 2002, 117.000KMS..... .......................................................................................€2,950 • FIAT BRAVA dIESEL,1.9JTD, 2000.98,000kms...............€2,250 • RENAULT CLIO, 1.9 DIESEL, 1999, 127,000KMS............€2,250 •C ITROEN XSARA, 1.8 PETROL, AUTO, ‘98, 121,000KM...€1,450

€13,950 SEAT LEON COPA

1.6TDi, DIESEL, 2011, 61,000KMS

€11,950 ford transit 2.6 diesel, 2008, 28,000kms

€11,950

HARLEY DAVIDSON

SOFTAIL DEUCE, 2003

€10,950

Right hand drive vehicles

• rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles....€13,950 • bmw x5, 3l dIESEL sPORT AUTOMATIC 2003 82,000K........

MILES..................................................................................€10,950 • SAAB 93 ESTATE, 1.9D, AUTO, 2005, 85,000 MILES...................... ........................................................................................................€7,950 • RENAULT GRAND ESPACE, 2.2 DCi, DIESEL, 2005........€6,950 •F IAT 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 • 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

• 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

902 750 190

BMW X1

AUTOMATIC, 2.0S DRIVE, DIESEL, 2011, 15,000KMS

2.0L, 2005, 38,692KMS

citroen xsara 2L DIESEL, AUTOMATIC, 2003, 96,000KMS

€4,950

FORD FOCUS 1.8 TDCi, DIESEL, 2008, 57,000KMS

€7,950

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 mitsubishi pajero

3L, V6, PETROL, 1996

€2,450

SEAT INCA

1.4 PETROL, A/C 2001, 94,000 KMS

€2,450

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