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October 2015

Spanish party Ciudadanos strives to occupy the political centre

Spanish party Ciudadanos has no seats in the national parliament, but that could change dramatically in December’s general election as recent polls indicate an upswing in support.

Having climbed in the ratings over the past year, the centrist party performed strongly in last month’s regional election in its native Catalonia, where it was the second-most voted-for party.

Now polls show it may now shake up national politics, breaking the grip of the ruling conservative Popular Party (PP) and the opposition Socialists which between them have dominated Spanish politics for decades.

That could enable Ciudadanos (“Citizens”)

to negotiate an alliance with one of the two big parties. It would be the first such powersharing situation in Spain since its transition to democracy in the 1970s.

Ten years after founding the party in Barcelona, Ciudadanos’ leader, 35-year-old lawyer Albert Rivera, is campaigning against corruption and against the separatist movement in Catalonia.

In doing so he has eaten into the right-leaning support base of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his scandal-hit party.

The first time he ran for prime minister in 2008, Rivera vowed to “score a goal against the twoparty system”. He made little impact, winning

only 0.18 percent.

But one economic crisis and much political turbulence later, he now stands to win 21.5 percent of the vote, according to a survey by pollster Metroscopia published on Sunday.

In the poll he ranks in third place behind the Socialists on 23.5 percent and the PP on 23.4 percent.

Spain’s other main upstart party, the anti-austerity Podemos, placed fourth with 14.1 percent.

“No one will win this election with an absolute majority and Ciudadanos has the capacity to make pacts with the two big parties,” as it already has in certain regions, said Metroscopia’s vice-president Juan Jose Ferrandiz.

In 2011 at the height of Spain’s economic crisis, voters booted out Socialist prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and handed a landslide majority to the PP. Four years on, polls show that unemployment -- at more than 22 percent -- is still voters’ top concern, followed closely by corruption after a series of highprofile scandals.

“Ciudadanos’ main advantage is that it has no baggage in terms of corruption,” said Ferrandiz.

“It is seen as a kind of ‘PP version 2.0’ It seems to offer gentle change, less radical than Podemos.”

The son of Barcelona shopkeepers, former swimming champion Rivera worked for a bank before entering politics.

His party came second to a pro-independence group in last month’s Catalan election, with 18 percent of the vote.

It has taken votes from the PP and the PSOE alike, said political analyst Anton Losada.

Rivera’s support base, first seen as mostly young, educated and city-dwelling, has diversified.

Rivera, himself a former PP voter, has targeted his campaign at middle-class voters, straddling the middle ground from centre-left to centre-right.

“He offers them more market-oriented, lower-tax economic policies and at the same time casts himself as a progressive, within certain limits,” said Losada.

Conservative newspaper ABC scoffed at Rivera saying he offers “a free buffet” on policy ideas while Rajoy sticks to the “set menu” of economic recovery.

Former PP prime minister Jose Maria Aznar last week said Ciudadanos’ performance in Catalonia showed it was dominating the centre-right political ground.

The Socialists’ leader Pedro Sanchez said his party could team up with Ciudadanos or with Podemos after the elections. But the unknown for him, he admitted, is that Ciudadanos has not said whether it would ally itself with his party or with the PP. Even Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias conceded Saturday on television that he saw the need to “reach agreement with Rivera on certain things, like a reform of the electoral system”.

Ciudadanos’ campaign director Jose Manuel Villegas told AFP: “Until the general election we are not going to say who we will or will not support. But if anyone agrees with our reform proposals, we could make a pact.” thelocal.com

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30 migrants reach north African Spanish enclave from Morocco

Some 30 African migrants succeeded on Saturday in crossing a barbed wire fence into the Spanish enclave of Melilla in north Africa, authorities said.

About 50 migrants attempted to cross the six-metre (20-foot) high fence on the border with Morocco at 7:00am (0500 GMT), a spokesman for the Melilla government told AFP. They were part of a group of 130 people who had attempted to make it to the Spanish territory, most of whom were arrested before they reached the fence.

Authorities said that all the migrants were men, with “no minor reported�, and that two had slight injuries and were treated at

a local hospital.

Melilla has for some years been a flashpoint for African migrants trying to enter Spain, with authorities stepping up security by strengthening border barriers after thousands of immigrants tried to scale existing fencing in 2005.

Each year, thousands of Africans seek to cross into Melilla and another Spanish enclave, Ceuta -- which have the only land borders between Africa and the European Union.

Last week, 87 African migrants made it into Ceuta after hundreds charged the border, with 13 people hurt in the attempt. thelocal.com

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October 2015

Spanish driving test examiners strike over safety fears

When Joaquín Jiménez, a driving test examiner with almost three decades of teaching experience behind him, met with members of a congressional road safety commission at the end of last year he told them a disturbing story.

ort

“I just had to tell a young man that he had failed his driving test,” began the 53-year-old who lives and works in Seville. “He was in the driving seat and I was sitting behind him. He got

and Málaga.

But the stoppage has affected thousands of people: around 45,000 driving exams nationwide have had to be suspended, according to Francisco Camarillo of the CSIF, one of the labor unions supporting the strike. In Valencia alone, around 4,000 tests have been affected, says Asextra.

Driving examiners also say their workload is too heavy.

Picasso’s morose masterpiece with a hidden secret to go up for auction

A rare Pablo Picasso painting from the collection of US tycoon Bill Koch that will be sold on November 5th was shown in London for the first time on Friday.

The painting by the Spanish artist depicts a moroselooking nude cabaret singer with red lips and brown curly hair,

and is due to be auctioned in New York, where it will be put on display from October 30th.

The painting is a rare one from the artist’s Blue Period that is not in a museum.

It was painted in 1901 by a 19-year-old Picasso - a year after he arrived in Paris.

Koch, brother of conservative megadonors Charles and David Koch, bought the painting in 1984.

contrasting with her unhealthy pale skin.

C o n s e r vat io n work uncovered hidden under the lining on the reverse of the painting a portrait of Picasso’s anarchist friend and art dealer Pere Manach.

“The whimsical and wicked rendering depicts the dealer wearing an exotic headdress, with his head on a female body in a dancer’s leap,” Sotheby’s said in a statement.

“La Gommeuse” is estimated at some $60 million (€53 million)

euro

Picasso’s masterpiece “Les Femmes d’Alger” became the most expensive painting ever sold at auction when it went for $179.36 million at Christie’s in New York in May. The previous record had been held by Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” which sold for $142.4 million at Christie’s in New York in 2013. thelocal.com

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out of the car, got into the back and said a few things to me that I am not going to repeat here. But I can say that I was afraid.”

Along with other driving examiners throughout Spain, Jiménez has been on strike for over three weeks, and among other demands, he wants the DGT highways authority to change the law so that the results of driving tests are sent by email or post rather than given in situ to avoid threats and physical intimidation.

Owing to the resistance of the DGT highways authority to their demands, examiners have called a first full-day stoppage for October 21 Around 80 percent of examiners have been on partial strike since September 14, and are only working mornings. This Thursday, owing to the resistance of the DGT to their demands, they also decided to call a first full-day stoppage for October 21.

The DGT says the eight recorded attacks on examiners in 2014 and the 15 registered so far this year do not “represent a serious problem” and are not enough to warrant the strike. It puts the following at more like 28 percent, with most of the strikers in Barcelona, Valencia, Almería

“We have to supervise up to 13 tests a day, which is just not feasible: 12 should be the limit,” says Jiménez, who accuses the DGT of not doing enough to address the problem.

Examiners also want a pay rise – “we haven’t had one for 10 years” – along with guarantees that the service is not going to be privatized.

No solution seems in sight for the moment. The DGT says the Interministerial Executive Remuneration Commission is responsible.

It meets every Monday and has been successful in unblocking negotiations. The country’s almost 700 driving test examiners are hoping that it can find a solution.

Around 400,000 people pass their driving test each year, with a similar number failing.

“The number of people failing has increased significantly with the crisis. People are trying to take their test after the minimum number of classes,” says Jiménez. elpais.com

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King Felipe tells MEPs to count on “diverse and united” Spain

Monarch seeks to allay fears over Spanish unity in address to European Parliament In his first address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, King Felipe VI sought to allay concerns over the Catalan independence bid by stating that Europe can count on a “diverse and united” Spain.

“Europe was built on the will to add, not to divide; of sharing and solidarity,” the Spanish monarch told the chamber in a long speech that was part of his official visit to the EU’s legislative body.

It is not possible to understand Spain without Europe, nor Europe without Spain. I am European because I am Spanish” “You may count on Spain as a loyal member that is responsible when it comes to the European project; on a Spain that is united and proud of its diversity; on a Spain that shows solidarity and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

The remarks could be construed as a veiled reference to Catalonia, where some separatist forces have openly called for ignoring Spanish laws after the September 27 regional elections, where pro-indendence groups won a majority. Meanwhile, some political and business leaders are defending a constitutional reform to establish a new relationship with the region that would fall somewhere between the current status quo and full-fledged independence.

“It is not possible to understand Spain without Europe, nor Europe without Spain. I am European because I

am Spanish,” he said. “Europe has been the horizon of democracy, of economic modernization and of social and political regeneration in our country. Europe is where we Spaniards want to be, where we deserved to be and where we will always remain.”

At a time when the continent is struggling to provide an adequate solution to a refugee crisis that has already caused serious disagreement among member states, Felipe defended the need to come up with a new European ideal “that mobilizes citizens in favor of integration and the project of unity.”

Speaking specifically about this issue, the Spanish monarch asked for some collective thought on the need for Europe to adopt collaborative tools with neighboring nations “to prevent massive displacements, violence and insecurity.”

The king also offered help based on Spain’s own experience dealing with large migratory flows from Africa in recent years.

Felipe VI arrived outside the chamber at 11.15am, and was personally greeted by European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who defined the king as a thoughtful, wellinformed man with great experience in European and international affairs.

Four representatives for Spain’s United Left and one from Plural Left walked out of the chamber when the king began his speech, after holding up pro-republic signs. elpais.com

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October 2015

Heating up your Spanish house in winter

Spain in the winter is warmer than England. The days are generally sunny, although the evenings can be cold. If you have a north or east facing home, you’ll probably need some form of heating between November and March.

South-facing properties are cosy in the winter, but can be unbearably hot in the summer, even with air conditioning. As it’s easier to warm a house up than cool it down, I prefer to heat the place in the winter and enjoy the coolness for the rest of the year.

If your property has air conditioning, this can also be used as a heater. However, it’s not all that efficient in a large room, and it can be expensive to run. And if you have breathing problems or suffer from asthma, air conditioning can exacerbate your difficulties.

You can buy slim, panel radiators which are economical to run, but they are mainly for background heat. Oil filled radiators are more efficient, and again are economical to run, but are rather bulky and unattractive.

Electricity in Spain is much cheaper than in England, but if you have a large property, you could find yourself with a hefty bill in March. It may make more sense, particularly if you are on a pension which has already suffered from the weakness of Sterling against the euro, to look at ‘pay as you heat’ options.

Paraffin heater Why not try a paraffin heater? If the thought of the rusty, smelly old heaters of your grandparents’ days puts you off, think again. Go to Brico House, or any other hardware chain, and you’ll find a stylish range of heaters from as little as EUR 90.

Twenty litres of paraffin will cost between EUR 38 and 45. It burns with little or no smell, and we anticipate 20 litres will last us for a month. Our living room is quite large, and we like to be cosy, so I’m more than happy with that outlay.

Bottled gas heaters Another option is bottled gas heaters. These are on castors, so can be moved from room to room. Again, there are some attractive models available for around EUR 70, though you’ll have to pay more if you want a heater with variable heat controls.

Calor gas in England is expensive, but cost only around EUR 15 in Spain. A bottle should last at least 4 weeks, so it’s an economical option. Buy your first bottle from a Ferreteria (Ironmongers).You’ll have to pay about EUR 40 deposit on it, and you’ll also need to show your passport or some other form of identity. (No, I don’t know why, so don’t ask!)

Log fire Many Spanish homes, even new builds, have open fireplaces, so you may fancy having a log fire.Wood burning stoves in Spain are very reasonable, starting from around EUR 600, but I would recommend trying a log basket and open fire first, as a wood burner may make your room too hot. Depending on your taste, you can pay anything from EUR 30 up to EUR 300 or more for an individually made cast iron log basket.

Ask your neighbours where you can buy logs; maybe several of you can club together to share a delivery and save some money? Ballaster’s, on the CV951 between San Miguel de Salinas and Torremendro is self service. Drive onto their weighbridge before and after loading your logs, and pay around EUR 1 per 10 kilos. Check local community website business directories and the classifieds in the English press for your nearest suppliers.

Better still, collect your logs from a forest near you and dry them out ready for burning. In Spain, people tend to dump wooden pallets on waste ground, and you can help yourself, so there’s another source of free firewood.

I hope I’ve given you some options for keeping warm in Spain without having heating bills which make you hot under the collar. Keep cosy!

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Warm winter locations in Spain

Not everywhere in Spain is warm in winter. the park. There are plenty of small beaches Contrary to popular mythology, some places are to savour and some amazing sights to actually cold in deepest winter. photograph.

But there are several places to go where winter B u t what makes this warm winter warmth is on offer every year. Some location special is how peaceful it obvious is. What more could you wish for locations, in the depths of winter? Warmth, others sunshine, peace and quiet, superb m o r e property to rent and spectacular surprising. views. It makes you feel warm inside just thinking about it.

H e r e are some Murcia city centre - a warming location in Spanish winters suggestions Murcia under blue winter where to go skies to chill out, Winter in Murcia but not be If you want more life around you, chilly. but still wish to avoid being A g u a cold, then why not head for Murcia.

Amarga, Almeria a warming location The splendid and busy city itself, or in Spanish winters the coastal resorts of this province Agua Amarga in winter -Snowbirds of which is significantly warmer than Spain some others during the winter In America when people flock south to Florida months. they are called the ‘snowbirds.’

Perhaps you would like to rent a Well the equivalent people in Spain would likely property in the popular seaside head to Almeria. A province famed for its lack of resort of Puerto de Mazzaron, or the smaller but just as warm and rainfall and winter warmer weather.

For those travelling from traditionally cooler winter welcoming Aguilas. Both resorts locations, the warmth that hits them when they have something for all the step out in Almeria each winter is the first pleasing family and, out of season, you will have much of the beach to part of a holiday in this unique area. yourself.

There are plenty of great places to rent in Almeria.

The city of Murica itself is too often Some have been used in famous films. Not so overlooked by those going on a holiday to Spain. much the Clint Eastwood spaghetti Big mistake.

Murcia is a magnificent city worthy of taking time to see in all its glory.

Positively tropical One coastline in Spain known for its warm winter weather is the Costal Tropical. This stretch of coastline is in the province of Granada. While the city of Granada, less than an hour away, can be cold in the winter months, the Costa Tropical is not.

Locations such as Salobreña and Almuñécar are marvellous towns to visit or to use as your holiday base out of high westerns that season. You will be pleasantly surprised put this area on the map, in which a beautiful villa with a pool would have looked out of place, but in by just how many days here are truly warm. Even, more modern movies such as ‘Sexy Beast.’

That film was shot at a favourite destination in 10 Years Almeria, the quiet little location of Agua Amarga. Experience I can verify that this is what I would call a ‘winter warmer.’

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on some days, hot.

The Costa Tropical really does have a unique climate come winter.

From La Herradura in the west, to the small city of Motril in the east; this is a coastline that lives up to its name and its billing. It is not often you can feel tropical in Europe in the months between December and March. But you can here.

And, finally, another different place to consider going for a warm up. Not a seaside destination as such – although the coast is very close by – but, instead, a tropical garden.

Yes, you read that correctly. How about going to a warm little jungle of a garden just outside the centre of the great city of Malaga.

Tall trees in Malaga The Finca de la Concepción gardens are located alongside the motorway that takes you to Malaga Airport and beyond. You will be pleasantly surprised to discover this tropical paradise.

If you were not into gardens when you arrived, you will be by the time you leave. In total there are over eight hundred tropical and subtropical species. The palm tree, the specimen we all associate with warmer climes, is itself represented with over one hundred varieties.

Now they would not be living here were it not a warm climate for them. The gardens also include the tallest tree in all of Malaga province, standing at forty five meters high.

There are, of course, hundreds of superb holiday homes to rent throughout the province of Malaga and along the ever popular Costa del Sol. Visit the concepcion gardens at malaga spain If it is a touch breezy on the beach, or a little cool around your pool, then get to these gardens.

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October 2015

Rowing For Cancer:

ART COMPETITION/EXHIBITION at THE CLUB (The Green Bowls Club) in QUESADA Tuesday 20th October.

Fabulous Fashion Show at La Piedra Bar and Grill

With just a few days to go until the fashion show at La Piedra in aid of Rowing For Cancer: The Kayak Challenge, everyone involved is getting really excited. The show is being presented by Glamour, Glamour Fashions, at La Piedra Bar and Grill, Gran Alacant, on Thursday 15 October. All proceeds will help towards expenses such as fuel costs for the support vehicle for Dave and Mitch Bull’s Kayak Challenge. More about that later.

VIP tickets are on sale at just €5 per person. For this, ladies will be served cava and canapés, at 11.30 am, and will be able to bag a bargain at the preview before taking their reserved seats in time for the start of the show at 12.30 p.m.

Once the show is over, there are some fabulous foods on offer, and there’s an exclusive preview for everyone who rocks up at La Piedra. The guys and girls are really going for it, and to introduce their latest idea Fabulous Friday Fish and Chips for just a Fiveryou can try fish and chips, Cajun chicken and chips or just plain chicken and chips, all beautifully cooked and presented, for just €5.

It’s going to be a great event, so if you haven’t already got your VIP tickets, or booked your fish and chips, give La Piedra a call on 865 66 97 99, or call in and see Rachel or one of the team. Life in Spain is all about having fun – even when you’re raising funds, and with Dave Bull on his home turf, there’s going to be lots of fun.

On Saturday 28 November, Dave and Mitch will row 52 kilometers – around 32 miles – along the

River Segura from Murcia City to Guardamar de Segura. The boys will be stopping off at various places, including El Raal, Orihuela, Benejuzar, Algorfa, Formentera, and Rojales, where they will be resting, chatting to supporters and collecting donations. The fashion show is a fund raiser for those who are unable to come along on the day, or would like to support the fundraising initiative in another way.

All money raised from sponsorship on the day of the Kayak Challenge, plus any surplus funds once essential expenses are met will go to the Spanish cancer charity AECC, and the boys are also raising awareness of the work of Samaritans in Spain. Dave is patron of the charity, and a member of the immediate family has been recently diagnosed with cancer, so the boys are putting their hearts and souls into this, and aim to raise at least €5,000. Like the Facebook Page Rowing For Cancer to get the latest updates.

Fundraising for AECC Torrevieja

The group of ladies calling themselves "The WeighIn Club" recently held another series of events in aid of AECC Torrevieja and again surpassed their previous best figures. Based at Casa Mia in El Chaparral the ladies raised the sum of €1679, mainly by selling home-made cakes and holding a a very profitable raffle, as in previous years. Casa Mia hosted the main event but many other local businesses also provided help by donating prizes.

AECC Hospital volunteer Ann Bissett was there to collect the money from Caroline Richardson, and was pleasantly surprised to be told that in addition to the money raised by the Weigh-In Club a lady named Jackie McGee had raised an additional €470 by organising a coffee afternoon at the Bamboo Lounge in Entre Naranjos. Jackie's amount made an outstanding sum of €2149 to be given to AECC for its battle against cancer and its help for those suffering from it. Ann thanked all the ladies and donators for their generosity and hard work, but also reminded the ladies of the need for regular breast cancer and cervical smear checks, which AECC can always provide. Ann also asked the ladies if they could remind the men in their lives to have their checks done too.

The first prize in all four sections at this event has been kindly sponsored by Golden Leaves. Doors open to the public for viewing at 12.00 midday on Tuesday 20th October and ENTRANCE IS FREE! Judging will take place during the afternoon and the winners will be announced at 5.00p.m. This is the 7th Local Art Exhibition since the early days of the first one which took place at Procomobel in March 2012.

This year we have a new host and two large bright rooms at THE CLUB in Quesada to display over 80 paintings by 35 artists.

Browse the paintings with a glass of chilled cava in hand and stop off at one of the demos that will run throughout the afternoon giving added interest to the day - learn about Colour Therapy, experience Indian Head Massage and Angel Card Readings with Tricia Lee and watch artist Suzanne Stokes at work, learn how to make your own hand tied bouquet with florist Jeanette Holdsworth and watch a flower arrangement come to life, sit up close and Patricia Creighton will demonstrate card making with a difference and she will also have a wide selection of cards for sale. There will be a raffle during the day with 10 prizes to raise funds for the registered charity The Childrens Home in Elche.

There are still a few tickets for Afternoon Tea at €7.95 email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk if you would like to book.

As well as Afternoon Tea there will be a lunch menu available It is advisable to book a table for lunch - again you can email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or you can call into THE CLUB in QUESADA where you will be assured of a warm welcome!

Melody Makers International weave their magic at Benidorm Palace Melody Makers International, the Costa's premier choral group, wowed audiences at Benidorm Palace last Sunday whilst appearing in a Charity Variety Show organised by Stevie Spit.

Conducted by their founder, Nigel Hopkins, the choir sang an exciting medley of songs from Phantom of the Opera, sending the sell-out audience into ecstatic applause.

The show, which was in aid of both Help For Heroes and the Elche Children's Hospice, also featured impressive performances from comedian Jimmy Cricket, Chesney Hawkes and Stacey Solomon, and was compered by the show's organiser, Stevie Spit.

Melody Makers are now in rehearsal for their next major production, "That's Entertainment", which will take place at the Orihuela Costa Resort in January

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5 Tips to Stay Healthy in Autumn One thing we can always be guaranteed of in life is change. Nature reminds us of this in the ever-changing rhythm of the seasons.

Our weather has certainly changed. The temperatures have become cooler and the days are shorter. The morning air is brisk, and it's time to start thinking about winter coats and woolly hats.

Those long, summer days of bright berries, crisp salads and succulent fresh fruit are almost behind us. While you might be disappointed to see the last of the summer salads, there are a plethora of yummy foods for you to choose from in Autumn Here are 5 tips to help you eat healthy and live a vibrant, healthy life this Autumn season.

1. Always buy food in season.

With the arrival of the new season, now is the time to change your diet! Embrace the yummy foods that Autumn offers. Enjoy fresh pumpkins, parsnips, yams, winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, apples, pears, figs, elderberries and even cranberries!

Some of my favorite fresh seasonal dishes are creamy pumpkin soup, roasted root vegetables, cranberry chutney, baked sweet potatoes, caramelized pears and crisp apple pies.

2. Eat your autumn colors!

Autumn is the season of warm, earthy colors; think deep greens, dark yellows and brilliant oranges.

When you eat foods that are rich in these colors, you are absorbing the vibrational energy of the earth. Fall foods are vibrant, colorful and nourishing. One rule of thumb is that the more colorful the fruit, the better it is for your health and your immune system.

3. Boost your immune system.

With the changing season, now is the perfect time to boost your immune system.

Whenever I feel the need for a boost to my immune system, I first look to Mother Nature. Some of my favorite natural immune-boosters are: to drink plenty of fresh water, eat plenty of alive (living) raw

foods, garlic, lysine, probiotics, Vitamins B, C and D, E3 Live, reishi mushroom, zinc, propolis and Manuka honey.

Another powerful way to boost your immune system and keep strong is to use the power of gentle exercise. This brings me to my next point, tip number 4.

4. Embrace gentle movements.

In summertime, it's so lovely to spend time outside. For many, this sunny weather allows them to move their body naturally, using gentle movements such as walking on the beach.

But, don’t let cooler temperatures stop you from moving your body! Far too many people stop exercising and spend more time doing sedentary activities indoors.

One way you can keep moving during the cooler season is to bring your activity inside: bounce on a rebounder, do yoga at home, get a yoga swing, swim, go to the gym or find a dancing class!

This Autumn, get yourself organized so that you are well prepared for the coming winter months.

Find an enjoyable way to gently move your body, so that this year you keep yourself fit and healthy. (Think about how next Summer

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will be even more enjoyable!)

5. Live aligned with the season.

As the season shifts, give yourself permission to make different choices and changes in your lifestyle.

The shorter days and longer nights are the perfect excuse to take the time to really look after yourself. Use this Autumn as an ideal time to hibernate, giving yourself time for you.

Spend time relaxing at home, wrapped up with a hot water bottle, wearing your favorite pajamas and enjoying early nights. Watch movies, drink chai tea, or start writing that book you’ve always dreamt about writing.

Autumn is a nice time to slow down and enjoy some internal reflection. Allow this season to be a chance to nurture yourself by eating fresh seasonal foods and living in alignment with nature. I hope that these tips help you to stay strong and healthy!

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Use these must-do fall maintenance tips to keep your house in shape and help keep you warm this winter.

Regularly clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier.

Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Use caulk to fill the holes or completely replace the wood.

Lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make fall a good time to paint the exterior of your home.

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and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them. If you have a lot of damage, it’s time to replace the entire roof. Also, check the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps, heavy snow and ice will find its way in.

To prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing, turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs.

Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes.

Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

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www.soltimes.com Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.

Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Your local utility company will often provide this service for free.

If you use a hot water system for heating, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators.

Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. The vapor barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space. If it is installed incorrectly (with the vapor barrier facing up) then the insulation will trap moisture causing possible water problems. Cut slits in the vapor barrier to allow moisture to escape. To install attic insulation, unroll the insulation with the paper side out. Install small pieces of insulation between the joists on the attic floor. Be careful not to step between the joists.

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seals to crack and shrink. Check your windows and doors inside and out for leaks and drafts. Caulk cracks or install weather stripping around windows and doors, including the garage door. Replace screens with storm windows and clean them if needed.

Fall is the perfect time to divide or move perennials. Remove dead annuals and mulch hardy perennials. Annuals typically die when temperatures drop below freezing. But perennials often appear as though they too have bitten the bullet. That’s because their top growth dies back, although in most cases the root ball is hardy enough to survive even extreme temperatures, especially if it’s covered with a layer of mulch.

The best time to mulch perennials is after the first hard freeze. Just make sure you don’t cover the crown or center of the plant, because that can lead to rot.

Clean garden tools before storing for the winter.

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October 2015

braben’s blog...

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer can be deleted. If you want Bytes. The article today is “5 Phases To Free a tool that also checks for Up Hard Disk Space On Windows”. Simple other types of duplicate and useful! Hard drives are getting larger files, try Duplicate Cleaner by and larger, but somehow they always seem DigitalVolcano to fill up. This is even more true if you’re (an English software company) – the free using a solid-state drive (SSD), which offers much less hard drive space than traditional version is reasonably simple to use and will find every duplicate that you have in your mechanical hard drives.

If you’re needing hard drive space, these Libraries! It will show you what duplicate files tricks should help you free up space for are cluttering up your hard drive. important files and programs by removing Phase 3. the unimportant junk cluttering up your hard This bit will hurt! Use a more aggressive disk. cleaner to get the stuff that windows cleaner Phase 1.

Windows includes a built-in tool that deletes missed. I like, and use, CCleaner (formally temporary files and other unimportant data. known as Crap Cleaner – until the bleeding To access it, right-click one of your hard heart do-gooding PC brigade complained). drives in the Computer window and select But is does what it says on the tin.

Properties. In XP (some of us still use it and Phase 4. love it), you will have to go to the “Start” Go to your system restore and reduce button – Accessories - System – Disk Clean. the amount of space allocated to ´Previous In ALL Windows flavours, the ´Clean-up´ versions of ...´. Reducing it from 10 or 15% tools work very well.

Select the types of files you want to delete down to 2% will still keep your system safe (which will be anything where there is an and release much needed space for you amount of used memory) and click OK. This important files. includes temporary files, log files, files in your Phase 5. recycle bin, and other unimportant files. You This is the most severe of the measures can also clean up system files, which don’t and I don’t recommend using any of them appear in the list here.

There are still more files that can be except in the most dire circumstances. accessed and removed by using the ´More Disable Hibernation – When you hibernate Options´ button and use the Clean up button your system, it saves the contents of its RAM under System Restore and Shadow Copies to your hard drive. The next time you boot to delete system restore data. This button your computer, you’ll be back where you left deletes all but the most recent restore point, off. This turns off and removed the \hiberfil. so ensure your computer is working properly before using it – you won’t be able to use sys file. Finally, as a last ditch attempt for space - Disable System Restore – If reducing older system restore points. the amount of space System Restore uses Phase 2.

Un-Install any programs that you haven´t isn’t enough, you can disable System Restore used in the past 12 months! The thinking is, entirely. You’ll be out-of-luck if you need to If you haven´t used them in that time you use System Restore to restore your system probably don´t need or want them. “Get Rid”! to an earlier state, so be warned.

Uninstalling programs will free up space.

Good Luck with you clear out. I still prefer From the Programs and Features control panel, you can click the Size column to see a bran muffin and syrup of figs!

Meet me at Olivers Bar in Albox on just how much space each program installed on your computer is using. The easiest Friday´s 1200-1600 for free advice way to get there is to search for “Uninstall concerning your computer, or to programs” in the Start Menu. arrange an appointment, or use the Look for any duplicate-files, using a freeware Email address or phone number below. duplicate file finder application to scan For further information or advice on your hard drive for computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or duplicate files, which canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk are unnecessary and

The brilliant Nikola Tesla

Tesla was born in 1856 in what is now Croatia; he was so academically gifted, that aged 14 his teachers suspected him of cheating as he’d work out complex sums in his head. In just three years he finished the usually four year long course. He was then bedridden for 9 months with cholera and when he recovered; ran away to avoid conscription into the Army.

At Vienna Polytechnic he studied from 3am to 11pm most days. In later years Tesla admitted to never having more than 2 hours sleep a night. He excelled in his first year though his family were warned he would die from overwork. Then he argued with his tutors and got addicted to gambling, losing then winning back his allowance and tuition fees. By examination time he hadn’t studied; was refused an extension and left without graduating.

In 1882 Tesla worked for the Edison Company in France. He relocated with the company to New York a couple of years later; but his money was stolen and he arrived penniless. He started work for Thomas Edison who allegedly offered him $50,000 if he could fix all the problems with his DC motor system. Of course Tesla did exactly that yet when he asked for the reward he was told it was just ‘American humour’, he resigned and set up his own company in 1886.

Tesla rightly favoured AC motors yet his investors disagreed and sacked him, again he was penniless and worked as a labourer before setting up the Tesla

reaching “el dorado” - or not

Worms.

They’ve never been one of my favourite things and when I read that the biggest one ever discovered was over 22 feet long, that just convinced me that I wouldn’t be changing my mind.

There’s no need to worry unduly right now about finding such a monster in your garden, that huge worm was unearthed in South America. But it makes your skin crawl doesn’t it?

Then, in Australia, where there are a fair share of creatures that make that monster from “Alien” seem like a pussy cat, there’s a worm that can grow up to 12 feet long and weighs almost 2 pounds. Oh, and if you’re in the sea at any time, beware, there’s a worm there that can, allegedly, end up around 190 feet long.

If you’ve managed to persevere and read this far, you may be idly wondering why I‘ve been in worm mode, so to speak. The reason is, I read an article recently and that got me thinking about wriggly invertebrates.

According to this article, which I stumbled across when I probably should have been doing something far more important, a businessman is readying an underground complex for the super rich to use in the event of, well… an event!

It seems that this man received a “powerful

message” in the 1980s, telling him that he should prepare an underground survival shelter.

There’s no mention of where the message came from or why he was the chosen one, but it could well be your salvation in the event of disasters like, nuclear war, or post climate change Armageddon or even, unthinkably, the return of “Eldorado”.

When I say it could be your salvation, there are some other things to take into consideration-like the phenomenal cost.

It seems that this man did not have wholly altruistic goals-surprise surprise you and I may say. Perhaps a little predictably, the cost for just a year’s stay inside this safe haven is the equivalent to a small fragment of a Premier league footballer’s left leg. According to the company’s website, potential hole dwellers could be charged upwards of 100000 Euros, per family of four, for the privilege of living in this, admittedly rather upmarket and quite swish, underground temporary home for up to a year.

Close to worms!

After careful considerationand quickly checking my bank account- I’ve decided to opt for taking my chances with “Eldorado”

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo.co.uk

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Electric Company. Within a year he had perfected his own AC motor and sold the system in 1888 to Westinghouse for $60,000. Plus he got a $2000 a month consultancy job (equal to $750,000 a year now) and future royalties on the electricity his motors produced. This was the time of the ‘War of Currents’ which pitted Edison against Westinghouse to decide whether AC or DC would be the future power supply for America and the world. As the stakes were so high Tesla was able to negotiate this almost extortionate price as his was the first commercially available AC motor.

Within a few years Edison was broke; by 1897 Westinghouse had paid out over $200,000 in royalties and was close to bankruptcy, so a negotiated final payment to Tesla of $216,000 (about $6m nowadays) bought out the royalty clause on Tesla’s patents they were using. In 1899 Tesla moved to Colorado Springs and set up a laboratory for his high voltage experiments. Once he created artificial lightning which was so powerful that its thunder was heard 15 miles away, light bulbs glowed even when turned off and sparks flew between the earth and peoples feet as they walked. The generator six miles away burnt out.

Tesla was way ahead of his time; he experimented with radio, radar, wireless power a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, even a Death Ray.

One year before the X-Ray was officially discovered Tesler took the first ever X-Ray picture when trying to photograph the hand of his friend Mark Twain. Tesla even built a radio controlled boat which the audience were convinced had a trained monkey inside steering it. Like the Death Ray before, he tried to sell the design for use in torpedoes to the American military without success.

Tesla chose to live in hotels, dining alone at precise hours with a similar meal each time. He had friends amongst his contempories yet seemingly never had relationships with women. Tesla was a brilliant man and was awarded over 300 patents in his lifetime; yet in 1943 he died penniless and alone with just pigeons as friends. FBI agents with the excuse that they were worried his discoveries may aid ‘the enemy;’ ransacked his rooms soon after and took away most of his papers which have never seen the light of day since.

www.soltimes.com

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October 2015

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Strictly 2015 Week 3

Talk about opening with pazzazz! what a dance ‘Hurray for Hollywood’ whatever Strictly are doing at the moment they are really hitting the spot it was fantastic! All this weeks performances were themed for movie week and a fantastic show it was.

Opening this week were Carol Kirkwood and Pasha with a quickstep from South Pacific. Unfortunately there was still little improvement from Carol who still hasn’t grasped the frame and core as a result of which her neck was poked forward and looked very strange throughout her performance. I gave her 4 and the judges bottom slot on 17. Following was Anthony Agogo and Oti with a Paso Doble to the theme of Rocky. As a boxer this was right up Anthony’s street and despite his ongoing shoulder problem which resulted in him still only able to lead with his left arm his performance was much improved. Again core work would improve it further and I gave him 5 and the judges 19. Katie Derham and Anton next performed a Cha Cha Cha to Pretty Woman. As I predicted before the show started, I felt that Anton would let his partner down in the Latin section and this was a case in point. The couple were accused of doing too much posing and too little dancing which left Katie with no hip action and lack of fluidity through no fault of hers. I awarded her 4 and the judges 20 but I feel she is capable of so much more. Starwars and the Charleston were the theme for the next pairing of Kelly Bright and Kevin. This was one of my favourites of the night an extremely entertaining performance using the light sabres. Kelly had superb swivel charleston action throughout and this was fast and furious. I felt the judges a bit mean on their scoring of 32 as I gave her 9.

Mr Entertainment was the next performer namely Ainsley Harriet with Natalie and a Cha Cha Cha to Happy Feet. Even though Ainsley hadn’t grasped the ‘technical’ aspects of the Cha Cha Cha, Natalie had done a great job of trying to cover it up.

Ainsley really does give it his all and I awarded him 5 with the judges 20. Corries Georgia May Foote

and Giovanni then performed a Rumba to the new James Bond theme tune The Writing is on the Wall.

Georgia really got into the character from the off and her spins were excellent but due to the style Giovanni portrayed through the dance there was very little Rumba basic steps and he did lose some marks because of this. Unfortunate for Georgia as again she deserved much more. I gave her 7 and the judges 27. Helen George and Aljaz danced a Foxtrot from Some Like It Hot. There certainly was plenty of Foxtrot choreography here and the dance moved very elegantly, but I just felt that she was a little tight in the next and shoulders. The judges scored her 32 and I gave her 8. Grease was the next movie theme with Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina and their Cha Cha Cha. Daniel had a good go at this but was a bit ‘skippy’ on the Cha Cha Cha action and he was lacking foot and leg action. I awarded him 5 and the judges 21.

Next were Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan and their American Smooth to Lady and the Tramp. Oops!

I think nerves yet again got the better of her with errors at the beginning of the routine which impacted through to the end, leaving a lumpy bumpy dance lacking in flow and elegance. I gave her 5 and the judges 23.

Swashbuckler Peter Andre and Jeanette had a Pirates of the Caribbean Paso Doble which suited him down to the ground. Where the press got his ‘too gay’ looking dance I have no idea, he had great characterisation to a powerful piece of music which only lacked a slightly higher hip line to prevent a few of the steps being a bit stompy.

I awarded him 7 and the judges 28. Jamelia and Tristan were themed with Charlies Angels and a

Salsa. Despite this being a fast piece of music and should have been suited to an ex pop star I felt that she really didn’t get the technical side too well. It looked heavy and stompy instead of light and fast. I gave her 5 and the judges 25. Jeremy Vine and Karen got a piece of music apt for him in Top Hat and a Charleston. Even though he tried really hard the length of his extremities are proving very difficult to control and he reminded me a bit of Bambi on ice. He was however much improved from last week but I could still only give him a 4 and the judges 24. An unusual American Smooth Viennese Waltz from Ghost perfomed by Anita Rani and Gleb was the next onto the floor. I really like this girl but she needs to pay attention to her neckline and head which was dropped back for most of this dance spoiling some very ambitious choreography which was otherwise performed extremely well. She received 29 from the judges and 7 from myself. Well they certainly saved the best til last this week with Jay McGuinness and Aliona with a Jive from Pulp Fiction. You really couldn’t see who the professional dancer was in this dance with some very complex choreography a multitude of kicks flicks and tricks - excellent throughout. My only criticism and this is me being very picky is that I would have liked to have seen slightly more foot retraction after the kicks and his legs being a bit closer together. I awarded him 9 and the judges favourite on 37. Jay is going to be a very tough opponent to crack this year but I think Georgia, Helen, Kelly and possibly Peter will all be in the mix.

This week the bottom 2 were Anthony Agogo and Ainsley Harriet with Anthony exiting the show after the dance off and a judges unanimous vote. This week I had a lot of the celebrities on 5 which is a holding score for me. Can any of them be lifted off? Let’s see what another weeks training will bring. I can’t wait. In the meantime come and join us for our ‘strictly’ gossip at one of our classes otherwise until next week Keep Dancing!

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

17

www.soltimes.com

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Impressive rise in Spanish property sales during August

Tw e l v e months in a row of increasing activity on the Spanish property market T h e number of residential properties bought and sold in Spain during August was 29,369, which according to central statistics unit figures released on Tuesday, represents an increase of 24.2% compared to the same month in 2014 and is the twelfth consecutive monthly total to show year-on-year growth in the market.

Impressive rise in Spanish property sales during August The number of transactions was higher this August than last year in all of seventeen regions except Castilla-La Mancha (with a minimal decrease of just 0.5%), the most significant rises being in the Region of Murcia (49.9%), Aragón (39.5%), Madrid (33.1%) and the Comunidad Valenciana (32.8%).

At the same time, the most active market was once again in the region of Valencia, where there were 110 sales per 100,000 inhabitants during the month, followed by the Region of Murcia and the Balearics (both 96).

As has become the norm in Spanish property sales over the last two years

being new-builds.

the vast majority of properties c hanging h a n d s w e r e secondhand, with only 5,941 (or 20.2%)

These latest provisional figures mean that during the first eight months of 2015 there have been 12% more property sales in Spain than in the equivalent period last year. The total has risen in all seventeen regions, most notably in Aragón (by 22.45%) and the Basque Country (20%).

This continued upturn in activity on the Spanish property market is of course most welcome after the seven-year slump, but monthly sales totals are still well short of where most analysts would like to see them (closer to 50,000). No-one realistically expects the figures of over 100,000 which were seen in 2007 and 2008 to be repeated in the foreseeable future, although there is undeniable optimism that although prices are still low and that the recovery is patchy, that the Spanish property sector is once more on a positive path upwards. http://spanishnewstoday.com/

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October 2015

Spanish House Prices Register Second Greatest Decline Globally Since 2012

Spain is the second country amongst the major world economies to record the greatest declines in their house prices since 2012, behind only Greece, according to a recent study published by ‘The Economist’ magazine.

Specifically, since the first quarter of 2012, Spain has accumulated a reduction in the price of housing of 14.3%, a figure exceeded only by Greece, which accumulated a decline of 25.6%.

In the list of 26 leading world economies, only four other countries have registered declines in their housing prices in the past four years: Italy (-13.6%); the Netherlands (-6.8%); France (-6%) and Singapore (-2%).

In contrast, the countries which recorded the greatest increases in their

housing prices were Hong Kong and Turkey, with increases of 61.4% and 56%, respectively, followed by Brazil (+35%), the United States (+30%), South Africa (+29.1%) and the United Kingdom (+24.9%).

Over the last year however, El Mundo reported that Spain registered growth of 1.6% in its housing prices, above Belgium (+0.7%), France (-2.3%), China (-2.4%), Italy (-3.3%), Singapore (-3.7%) and Greece (-5.9%).

Hong Kong and Turkey were also the countries to register the largest growth year-on-year (of 20.8% and 18.8%, respectively), followed by Ireland (+13.4%), Sweden (+10.3%), Australia (+7.5%) and South Africa (+7.3%). kyero.com

Foreigners Invested 741.6 Million Euros for Golden Visas to August

The Entrepreneurs Law in Spain has benefited from investment amounting to some 741.6 million euros from foreigners acquiring a home in Spain for more than half a million euros, in order to obtain a ‘Golden Visa’. In this regard, up until the end of August 2015, the Spanish Government had granted 11,411 new residence visas.

The extensions made by the Government

to boost capital inflows and foreign investment, through the Second Opportunity Act, has resulted in an increase in ‘Golden Visa’ requests over the past year. These changes have allowed investors to not only gain a residence permit but also obtain the right to work, while their relatives could obtain residency in Spain.

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Of the total 11,411 visas granted, idealista.com reported that some 5,856 of the visas related to investors and companies, and 5,555 to relatives. During these past two years, a total of 3,872 visas have been granted to qualified personnel and executives, followed by entrepreneurs and investors (1,182) and researchers (802).

In addition to the main investment expenditure of around 741.6 million euros associated with the purchase of housing, a further 509 million euros was invested in bringing qualified staff to the companies, while 414 million euros was spent on intercompany movements and 245 million euros related to entrepreneurs’ investments. kyero.com

Spanish are the Europeans Who Move Home Least

A recent study carried out by the RE/MAX Europe real estate network reveals that Spanish citizens are the Europeans who least change their residence throughout their life, with an average of two moves compared with four moves for the rest of the European citizens.

Finnish, Swedish and Swiss are the nationalities with a greater tendency to move house, with an average of six times, compared with Spanish, Polish and Slovakian, who only move home an average of twice in their life.

Moving home is not only a phenomenon among younger people. In fact, in Spain, it is the men aged between 50 and 59 years who have more often changed location, an average of three times.

However, the majority of Spanish women surveyed, aged between 20 and 29 years, had only lived in one property. In Europe, the trend is similar with it once again being the older generation (aged 50 to 59), who have had to move home, an average of five times.

El Mundo reported that, in Spain, the people who choose to live in rented apartments are those who most often

change homes, an average of four times, compared with home owners, who change homes an average of two times in their life.

In the rest of Europe, citizens in rental housing are also those who have moved home more frequently than those owning their own home – an average of five times compared to three for home owners.

According to the study, net monthly income is, without a d o u b t , another factor to take into account, as those

with a household income in excess of 3,000 euros are more inclined to change their residence, an average of three times, against those who have a monthly net household income of less than 3,000 euros, who only tended to move house an average of twice. kyero.com

Chinese property investors head to the Med From the Waldorf Astoria in New York to the Marriot Champs-Elysee in Paris, mainland Chinese investors have been snapping up international real estate, both commercial and residential. Now, they are looking to the Mediterranean for opportunities.

"The Chinese investor is looking further afield, they're looking at where the next growth potential will come from," Andrew Taylor, co-CEO of Juwai.com, an international property website for Chinese buyers, told CNBC. "Over the past year, Spain obtained the greatest number of Chinese buyers, followed

by Portugal, Italy and Cyprus while Greece fared the worst, due to its financial crisis," Taylor added. According to a CBRE report, Chinese outbound real estate investment saw explosive growth in the past two years, rising above $10 billion in total commercial property transactions in 2014, from $2 billion in 2009.

And estimates from Juwai.com showed Chinese buyers spent $52 billion in outbound residential real estate investments in 2014.

Taylor drew parallels between Chinese outbound real estate investments in Mediterranean countries and the housing boom in China, where the real estate investment demand strengthened in tier one cities before the spreading to the lower tiered cities.

Recent findings from Idealista, a Spanish property portal, revealed that Chinese investors were increasingly interested in Spanish property because of the "adjustment in prices and good economic prospects." Spanish property prices are also seeing an upward trend, with property prices in Madrid increasing by 3.3 percent in the second quarter of 2015 year-on-year, and 6.3 percent in Barcelona.

All-property rental income growth in Spain is expected to increase by 21 percent compared to the euro zone average of 13 percent, from 2015 to 2019, said Capital Economics in a Monday note. The increase in property yields comes on expectations that euro zone interest rates will remain near record low levels and the potential for investors to benefit from income growth, Capital Economics said. http://www.cnbc.com/

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

detatched cortijo reduced

bargain

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20 mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.

649 186 107

or email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

19

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“A Place in the Sun Exhibition - A Phenomenal Success”

“Unparalleled Interest in Almeria – Listings URGENTLY Required” Coles of Andalucia have just returned from the A Place in the Sun property exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC. The event was a phenomenal success with the show’s record attendance to date and the result is a long list of genuine qualified buyers looking to buy in this region immediately and over the coming months. We now urgently require new property listings. If you are selling a fully legal home please contact us to see what we can do for you and take advantage of our low sales commission rate and proven extensive marketing strategy!

Our dynamic marketing platform is constantly evolving. ‘A Place in the Sun’ is just one of the many major brand names we are now working with. Contact us for a copy of our free Sellers Guide offering more information on successfully marketing your home.

REF GAL2AN11 Price €94,950

REF ARB3VCH09 PRICE €169,950

REF ARB3VGL09 PRICE €187,000

REF ARB3VAP05 PRICE €184,950

A spacious 2 bed 2 bath ground floor apartment in Los Gallardos with private low-maintenance gardens and terracing areas around 3 sides of the property. Central Heating, AirCon, Communal Pool & Gardens, Underground Parking.

3 Bedroom 2 bath Villa with Pool, air-

Fantastic 3 bedroom 2 bathroom villa on a 900m2 plot with private rear terrace around a 10 x 5m pool and waterfall feature, 142m2 build size, gas central heating, separate dining room, air conditioning and 15 minute walk into Arboleas.

Immaculate 3 bed 3 bath villa in Arboleas

REF VAL2AT19 PRICE €79,950

REF GAL3VJ06 PRICE €130,000

REF RUB3V10 PRICE €154,950

Ref PAM4V03 Price 135,000€

Spacious 76m2 ground floor apartment

3 bed 2 bath semi-detached villa in Los Gallardos with communal pool, underground parking, south facing aspect, private garden, roof terrace, walking distance to the village and just 15min drive from Mojacar beach. A very well situated villa and perfect condition.

A bargain! 3 bed 2 bath country villa

A very well presented 4 bed 2 bath detached villa in Piedra Amarilla on a large plot of 2800m2 with a build of 127m2. The villa enjoys great views, a conservatory, fly free dining enclosure, central heating, air-con and a short walk to the local bar/ restaurant.

on Valle Del Este. 2 bed 2 bath, Air Con throughout, 4 communal pools, mature gardens, underground parking and storeroom, large terrace area and superb value.

con, car port, huge fly free enclosure, private aspect and extended day room to front in Arboleas. 3 Beds, 2 baths, 608m2 plot, excellent views and a 5 minute drive into town.

on 30,000m2 of land with stunning views, gardens, covered porch, private pool, garage. Generous build size with lots of internal space. 5 minute drive from Velez Rubio.

very close to the village centre. Stunning, stunning views! Mature low maintenance gardens, 8 x 4m shaped pool, extended terracing, shaded areas, and very private outside. Air Con and many other extras

For more information, property viewings or no obligation valuations please call 950 469 592 mobile 697 640 681 email info@colespain.com or go to www.colespain.com

20

SOL Y MAR Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox

Ocotber 2015

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 Email: info@solymarspain.com www.solymarspain.com

Arboleas - villa sOL161 - 169,950€ New Listing

Almanzora - villa sM022 - 125,000€ New Listing

cantoria - villa sM004 - 160,000€ New Listing

Beautiful detached quality villa (127m2) is located just 10 minutes drive from the town of Albox & features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private pool & jacuzzi. The walled corner plot is 710m2 & has a carport & garden shed (10m2)

A lovely, detached bright villa in a great location.

Well maintained gardens and room for a swimming pool. Walking distance to the local amenities, must be seen to be appreciated.

Immaculate detached 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms villa. Within walking distance to town. Features above ground pool and tranquil setting.

Cantoria - country villa sM005 - 109,000€ New Listing

arboleas - 2 houses sM015 - 165,000€ New Listing

partaloa - country villa sol140 - 149,995€ New Listing

Detached 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom villa with 360 degree view of the surrounding valley. Features peller heating system, roof terrace and Jacuzzi.

Former millhouse converted to 2 houses in a tranquil setting, close to the rambla with mountain views. Tastefully refurbished with many original features.

Set on a plot of 2,500 sq metres in a slightly elevated position with views to the Almanzora valley.

This 4 bedroom detached property has a covered arched terrace, 100m, which surrounds the villa and provides shade and extra outdoor living space.

near albox - country villa sM021 - 169,000€ New Listing

Almanzora - villa sM020 - 200,000€ New Listing

albox - country cortijo sol178 - 62,500€ offers New Listing

Detached 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom country villa with 2400m2 of land. Close to Albox and appointed to a high standard.

Charming villa in the heart of the village with swimming pool. Features 2 separate living quarters with 2 bedrooms in each.

taberno - country house sM002 - 144,000€

zurgena - townhouse sol314 - 89,995€

olula del rio villa SM018 - 130,000€

Traditional restored cortijo in an idyllic setting with fantastic views .Features 3 bed , 2 bath and part AC

Ideal property for a large family or a great B&B business opportunity. The property consists of 5 large bedrooms 2 with en-suite wet rooms and two family bathrooms. There is a small courtyard to the rear with a small cave.

Lovely house with 2/3 beds, 2 baths, in a beautiful garden setting of 1194m² with swimming pool.

Close to town centre.

Former B and B, attached villa features 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with large garden. Only 10 mins to Albox.

21

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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

arboleas sM023 your own mini oasis.

A Secluded detached villa with stunning views across the valley Featuring: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Swimming pooL beautiful grounds

POA€

WE URGENTLY REQUIRE PROPERTIES BETWEEN ALBOX & THE COAST FOR OUR GROWING SALES PORTFOLIO. ALMOST ALL OUR RENTAL PROPERTIES ARE OCCUPIED AND WE HAVE MORE CLIENTES TO SATISFY! CALL US 950 064 584

almanzora - cortijo sol726 - 89,995€

SOL Y MAR La alfoquia townhouse RSM003 - 450€ PCM

RENTAL SECTION

oria cortijo MAR602 - 350€ PCM

Beautiful restored mid terrace cortijo. Features 1000m2 of land, private courtyard, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

seron - country villa sol516 - 169,995€

Traditional cortijo with many original 4 bed, 2 bath immaculate townhouse features .Featuring 3 beds 2 baths, log walking distance to amenities, unfurnished, burner, furnished and short drive to Oria tastefully decorated throughout

RAMBLA DE ORIA CORTIJO RSM004 - 325€ PCM

LA HORTICHUELA Detached CASITA RSM005 - 350€ pcm

URGENTLY REQUIRED 3 BED, 2 BATH VILLA WITH A POOL, TENANT WAITING 15 MINS TO ALBOX

Required 1 to 3

Stunning 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms country villa. Features swimming pool, Jacuzzi, underfloor heating and security systems.

urracal - stunning villa sol307 - 299,999€

bedroom 3 bed attached cortijo with roof terrace , fully furnished with fantastic views only 20 mins to Albox

Fully furnished 2 bed , 1 bath casita available for 6 month rental close to Albox

DETACHED VILLA MAR801 - 450€ PCM

ATTIC CONVERSION RSM002 - 200€ pcm

flats Albox centre

This amazing villa overlooks the village of Urracal Features 4 bedrooms with dressing room, swimming pool and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Tenants 3 bed 2 bath country villa with 2500m2 of land. Features swimming pool and only 10 mins drive to Albox

Separate one bed fully self contained attic of Spanish cortijo. Fully furnished with many traditional features

waiting

22

October 2015

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

Mojácar playa

€95,000

Sunny and light south facing 2 bed / 2 bath apartment with panoramic sea views and private lock-up garage. Ref. 1507

Mojácar playa

€128,000

Lovely spacious 2 bed / 2 bath ground floor apartment with its own private garden, less than a 5 minute walk from the beach and all amenities. Ref.1021

Bédar

DUE TO INCREASE IN SALES WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. FREE VALUATION. NO FEES FOR ADVERTISING. Mojácar playa

€135,000 Turre

2 bed / 2 bath penthouse apartment with private roof terrace and independent garage. Very good sea views and close to all amenities. Ref.1076

€230,000 Mojácar playa

Detached 3 bed / 3 bath villa with private swimming pool in the village of El Pinar near Bédar. Magnificent coastal and mountain views. Ref. 1628

Opening hours.

Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 6.00pm Saturday 10.00 am to 1.30pm

€250,000

Immaculate 3 bed / 2 bath villa with garage and with amazing sea views from bedrooms, living areas and all terraces. Ref. 1062

€175,000

Extremely well looked after 3 bed / 2 bath villa in Agua Nueva, Turre with gardens, car port and a lovely pool. Ref. 1636

€289,000 Vera

Reduced! 3 bed / 3 bath detached villa near Turre with a modern interior and large terrace looking onto the mountains and distant sea views. Ref.1106

€95,000

2 bed / 1 bath south facing penthouse apartment, set on a front line development across the road from the sea with a fabulous communal pool. Ref.1513

€149,000 Turre

Light and spacious 3 bed / 2 bath town house set on two levels with sunny terraces, near shops and restaurants.

Ref. 1644

Turre

mojacar playa

€344,950

Very private 3 bed / 2 bath villa with swimming pool and landscaped gardens and a large garage. The 10,000m2 plot of land is terraced and fully fenced. Ref.1010

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murcia webcams

23

www.sensolgolfvillarentals.com

CAMPOSOL LOWER C HOLIDAY LETS FROM €450 PW

Ref No: 087

• 3 bed/2 bath luxury villa.

• Large private pool.

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• Close to golf course.

CAMPOSOL B HOLIDAY LETS FROM €750 PW

Ref No: 0172

• 4 bed/4 bath ext Neptuno Delux • Amazing private pool area.

• Furnished to high spec.

• Free wifi & games station etc

office spain: (0034) 968 970 614 mobile: (0034) 608 631 700 CAMPOSOL UPPER C LONG TERM LET €475 + BILLS PCM

Ref No :0195

Red

uce

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €575 + BILLS PCM

d

• 3 bed/3 bath Neptuno Delux Villa • Furnished to high standard.

• Log fire plus much more.

• Close to Camposol Club De Golf los Agueros/Tallante Long Term Let €350 PW

Ref No: 0168

• Wonderful secluded finca • 3 beds/2 bathroom main area • 2 bed/ 1 bathroom attached annex • Pool plus much more.

Ref No: 0204

•3 bed extended Fortuna style villa.

•2 bed annex.

•Private freeform pool.

•Oil Fired CH + much more.

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €575 + BILLS PCM

Ref No: 0127

Red

uce

d

•3 bed/2 bath Cibeles style villa.

•Large 650sqm plot.

•10m x 5m private pool.

•Can be let unfurnished.

MAZARRON COUNTRY CLUB CAMPOSOL D MANY MORE PROPERTIES ON OUR WEBSITE LONG TERMCAN LET €550 +BE BILLS SEEN PCM LONG TERM LET €650 + BILLS PCM

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €475 +BILLS PCM

Ref No :0079

•2 bed/2bath Rosa style villa.

•8m Freeform pool.

•Log fire Plus much more.

•Well furnished.

LAS CABILLAS, ALHAMA LONG TERM LET €600 + BILLS PCM

Ref No: 0183

Ref No: 0201

•2 bed/1 bath detached villa.

•8m x 4m private pool.

•Furnished to very high standard.

•Fully gated community.

CAMPOSOL UPPER C LONG TERM LET €300 + BILLS PCM

Ref No: 0202

Ref No: 0191

•3 bed/3 bath Neptuno Delux Villa.

•Private pool with large sun terrace.

•Furnished to high standard.

•Large storage area.

CAMPOSOL D HOLIDAY LETS From €400 PW

Ref No: 0023

To cover, Al Alamillo, Puerto De Mazarron, El Alcolar, Bolnuevo, Isla Plana.

Urgently require villas and apartments for Long Term or Holiday Rental.

(0034) 610 152 682 Website: www.BahiaVillaRentals.com •4 bed/2 bath semi detached finca.

•6m x 5m private pool.

•Fully fenced.

•Spanish campo living.

•2 bed/1 bath Classico style villa •Furnished to a good standard •Full size upper solarium with great views.

•Close to Camposol Club De Golf.

•3 bed/3 bath Neptuno Delux villa.

•8m Freeform pool.

•AC, Internet + much more.

•Bespoke outside dining area.

24

IMF warns of ‘Triad’ of risks facing global economy as it happened

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Emerging market vulnerabilities, weak liquidity levels and the legacies of the last crisis could all threaten stability, says International Monetary Fund • Latest: IMF warns of triad of risk • U K economy probably grew 0.5% last quarter • G erman industrial output down 1.2% • Spanish output also drops in August • Tesco profits halve It’s a busy day for central banks on Thursday, with the latest Bank of England interest rate decision as well as the minutes.

Meanwhile the Federal Reserve will release the minutes from its September meeting, when it held rates when it was widely expected to sanction a rise.

So we’ll be back tomorrow to cover all that, as well as the IMF meeting in Lima and the rest of the day’s financial news. For now it’s time to close up, so thanks for all your comments and see you tomorrow.

European markets close off their best levels Global stock markets have been supported in recent days by the hope that the Federal Reserve will not raise US interest rates this year, in the wake of Friday’s weak US jobs data. Other central banks are also expected to continue to support the global economy with further stimulus measures.

And a recent surge in the oil price, with output predicted to fall and demand stabilising, has also helped, as has the fact that China’s stock market - so volatile - has been closed for a

October 2015

holiday which ends tomorrow.

Hence an early surge on stock markets, with the FTSE 100 at a seven week high despite more gloomy comments from the IMF on the global economy.

However as the markets came towards the close of trading, much of the optimism fizzled out. One factor is the oil price losing all the day’s gains after US crude stocks rose by more than expected last week. Brent crude is currently down 0.08% at $51.88 following the US data, having earlier climbed as high as $53.15.

But with commodity companies still ahead on the day, most markets have ended in positive territory.

The final scores showed: • T he FTSE 100 finished up 10.19 points or 0.16% at 6336.35 • Germany’s Dax added 0.68% to 9970.40 • France’s Cac closed up 0.14% at 4666.94 • Italy’s FTSE MIB dipped 0.79% to 22,007.34 • Spain’s Ibex ended up 0.66% at 10,170.0 • I n Greece the Athens market added 1.4% to 680.10 •O n Wall Street the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up just 11 points or 0.07%. http://www.theguardian.com/

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NEW BUSINESS? 2 WAYS TO ADVERTISE RING 950 121 936 OR EMAIL YOUR ADVERT TO blancasales@soltimes.com

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The Call Centre

Following the collapse of the Alquerian tourist industry and the subsequent legal action the Village Republic needed to replenish its coffers. There was no shortage of suggestions.

Bank robbery, hostage taking were all discussed even the more ridiculous suggestion of actually working for a living was mooted.

Always eager to take the easy option, it was decided to set up a call centre in Alqueria. A customer had already been found in the shape of a large British telecommunications company.

The success of the employment drive for the call centre was variable. Due to high power inertia that exists in Alqueria there were only two applicants. Loco Paco, who thought it was a competition to win a years supply of axolotl food and Blythe Gruntmore, eager to converse in his own language once more.

The fact that Blythe Gruntmore’s Geordie accent was incomprehensible to anyone south of Newcastle was unknown to most Alquerians. However the British were used to call centres where operators couldn’t string a coherent sentence together. As it was Britain that this service was aimed there shouldn’t be a problem.

Loco Paco, apart from not speaking a word of English had a poor track record with people and even animals for that matter. People he kept at arms length in case they intruded into the make-believe world he had built up around himself. As far as animals were concerned the first Saharan Dung Beetle he trained soon

viewpoint

discovered he was Paco’s intellectual superior and moved out.

The Beetle still lives in the Village.

If they accidentally bump into one-another they try to avoid all eye contact.

As the switchboard lit up for the first time and the centre went live Blythe got into his stride. Such gems as “Rabooot yer rooutah, pet” and “Wheeel hev te sen a gadgie te check yer foone bonny lad” soon assailed the ears of callers . As no-one could understand this gibberish no-one could argue with his advice.

Loco Paco who couldn’t understand a word simply selected an answer at random from a type written sheet of paper and read the English which he made unfathomable with Spanish pronunciations and accent. He would often break into Spanish telling the unfortunate individual on the other end of the phone all about his imaginary five foot tall rodent friend Bert.

Even though callers became irritated, swore and issued death threats the call centre was a great success. It was cheap, eroded the callers will to live so much so that their complaint seemed insignificant compared to the hell of calling the call centre. After all isn’t this the real purpose of these places.

the wrong knickers

My morning routine is: 1 - Slide out of bed and gather up clothes and shoes as quietly as possible, leaving Pete to slumber on in peace for another hour.

2 - Go into the living room and get dressed in the dark, hindered, or in their view assisted, by two cats and a dog, all of whom are convinced that their close attention will make my task quicker and easier.

The other morning I felt through the darkling pile of my clothes, and located my knickers by touch.

I inserted one leg and then the other into them and began to pull them up.

A little voice from deep within my sleep-soaked brain told me that they didn’t feel right. I took them down a bit and discovered by feel that I had one leg through the top and one through the leghole.

I have few superstitions in life, but one of them is that if you take off a garment that has been put on wrongly, then it must not completely leave your body, or bad luck will inevitably follow.

This was not going to be easy, especially in the dark. I sat down and took the erroneously placed leg out. However, I could not put it in its right place, because there already was a leg in situ. I put it carefully and not too deeply in the top while removing the other leg and putting it next to its partner. Now there were two legs ready and waiting for correct deployment.

Being careful that some part of my anatomy remained within the misplaced garment I shuffled the knickers around until I had them positioned so that had one leg

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk could be put into each aperture, and commenced the raising of the knicker.

However, they felt no righter. So down they came to knee height, and by touch I located the label, which should be at the back, but was instead in the front – I had them on back to front!

I sat down again, reversed them, being very aware that they must remain in contact with at least some part of my body. I checked that I had the top where the top should be, and the label was in its proper place at the back and carefully inserted one leg into each appropriate leg-hole.

Ah! that felt better! The Raising of the Knicker was successfully completed.

It was only later, when daylight had arrived, that I discovered that I had put them on inside out!

puzzle pages

26

October 2015

To advertise in this space Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com

1973 – Henry Kissinger and Lê Duc Tho are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

1995 – The Skye Bridge is opened.

1998 – Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet is arrested in London on a warrant from Spain requesting his extradition on murder charges.

1

Answers

2 4

soltimes wine Quiz

wordsearch

bottle of wine?.......................................

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining 47 letters spell a Mother Theresa quotation.

1. What is the normal capacity for a

NURSING HOME

2. What would be the term to describe a dry champagne?.....................................

3. Which country does Sukhindol wine come from?............................................

4. Which red wine is drunk when young and is called ‘nouveau’?.........................

5. Which scientist discovered that yeast causes fermentation?.............................

6. Which white wine grape variety is most widely planted in California?..........

7. Which wine can be ‘fino’ or ‘oloroso’?.

8. Which wine has the varieties Malmsey and Sercial?............................

‘doux’ be medium sweet or medium dry? .....................................................

Answers

CRYPTIC crossword

6. Chardonnay 7. Sherry 8. Madeira 9. Jilly Goolden 10. Medium sweet CROSSWORD

1. 75 centilitres 2. Brut 3. Bulgaria 4. Beaujolais 5. Louis Pasteur

SOLUTIONS

FRAIL GLUCOSE METER HAIRDRESSER HALLWAYS HELP INCONTINENCE LAUNDRY LINERS MAGAZINES MEDICAL GLOVES MEMORY LOSS MOISTURIZER MUSIC NAIL CLIPPERS NEEDLE NURSES OUTINGS PET THERAPY PHYSIOTHERAPIST PUZZLES

wordsearch answer

standard SUDOKU

10. Would a French wine described as

easy SUDOKU

BBC’s ‘Food and Drink’ programme?.......

ACTIVITIES AIDES ASPIRIN BATHROOM BEDRAIL BEDS BOARD GAMES BULLETIN BOARD CANE CARE CASE MEETING CHARTS COMFORT DENTURES DINING ROOM DOCTOR DRUGS EXERCISE FALLS FLU SHOT

READING RESIDENTS ROUNDS SCRABBLE SCRUBS SENIORS SHAVE SHOWER SING ALONG SLEEPING PILL STAFF MEETINGS SUPPER TABLES TELEVISION TRANSFER BELT URINAL VOLUNTEERS WANDERING WHEELCHAIR

WE SHALL NEVER KNOW ALL THE GOOD THAT A SIMPLE SMILE CAN DO

9. Who is the female wine expert on the

soltimes sport Quiz

1. What is the highest score a judge can award in Figure skating?..............................

2. In 1988 who became the first boxer to have won world championships in five different weight categories?

3. Which piece of sporting equipment is 3 inches in diameter and weighs 6 ounces?..............................

4. In which city is the Maracana stadium?.............

5. Who has played international football and cricket for Scotland?............

6. What sport is played by the Minnesota Twins?..........

7. At what sport did Scotland become world champions in 2005?............

8. At which Test cricket ground could you bowl from the Radcliffe Road end?.......

9. Which two teams compete in the Turin derby?.

10. From which club did Newcastle sign Jermaine Jenas?.................................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

Westminster in London burns to the ground.

3

6. Baseball 7. Elephant Polo 8. Trent Bridge 9. Juventus and Torino 10. Notts Forest

1834 – Much of the ancient structure of the Palace of

1. Six 2. Sugar Ray Leonard 3. An ice hockey puck 4. Rio de Janerio 5. Andy Goram

she is a woman.

IDENTIFY THEse FAMOUS faces

sol picture quiz!

1. UNICEF 2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 3. SED Socialist Unity Party of Germany 4. Freemasons

on this day 16th October

1384 – Jadwiga is crowned King of Poland, although

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puzzle pages

27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 Deliberate (7) 5 Mesh (7) 9 Out-and-out (9) 10 What chocolate comes from (5) 11 Pins (7) 12 Make bigger (7) 13 Assign (9) 15 Effeminate (5) 17 A South American rodent (5) 19 A finger or toe (9) 22 Laid bare (7) 25 Craftsman (7) 26 Dike (5) 27 Discriminate (9) 28 Probably (2 words) (7) 29 People watching their calories (7)

Down

1 Made broader (7) 2 In an illegal manner (9) 3 Front limb of a horse (7) 4 Make laws (9) 5 French for “Our” (5) 6 These stop football plays (7) 7 Become liable to (5) 8 Food market (7) 14 Disaffected (9) 16 Well-kept (9) 17 Pampered (7) 18 Take one’s clothes off (7) 20 Utmost (7) 21 One of New York’s baseball teams (7) 23 Forever no (5) 24 Dirty (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

famous birthdays on this day

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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

39 Fruit key with queen railway (5) 40 Directions in good type of music (5) Down 1 Shortest of 12 nearly bares fury violently (8) 2 One who possesses nothing with Emperor, almost (5) 3 Breathing help for young mammal as going back outside (5) 4 Flower is outside River Island (4) 5 Number in... in... in... second half comeback? (4) 6 A note read first at a distance (4) 7 I’d turned up outside hotel to return loin-cloth (5) 8 The Spanish regular football team? (6) 13 Cut Leo awfully with nothing in - in a manner of speaking (9) 14 Burden of limos lent foolishly (9) 15 Love-rat - one on after commercial worship (9) 17 Glen arranging a new dimension for country (7) 18 Give a new name to the French renegade on the outside (7) 23 Hoarding an animal without part of the leg (8) 26 Quiet, official sailor with parts made before assembly (6) 29 Deduce official Northern Ireland rising (5) 31 Country existed without the French (5) 32 Boredom universal in 5 performance (5) 33 A boat which might go after land when it’s spotted? (4) 34 Volunteers “thanks” and “goodbye” (2-2) 35 A new turn before I initially lost part of finger (4)

standard

Mohammed Zahir Shah, Afghan king (1914-2007) Tony Hart, English artist and children’s television presenter (1925- 2009) soltimes Tito Jackson, American singer-songwriter and Movie quote guitarist (The Jackson 5) "Do I look like I give a damn?"

(1953) James Bond (Daniel Craig) after being asked if he would Mesut Özil, German like his vodka martini shaken or footballer (1988) stirred, Casino Royale (2006)

28

October 2015

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

umpkin picks

Keep one step ahead this Halloween & Save yourselves from being surrounded by pumpkin slush this Halloween with this selection of recipies from http://communitytable.parade.com

Savory Pumpkin and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Preheat oven to 190C; generously grease a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with butter.

Cook the pasta shells to al dente according to the package directions in salted water. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat; once hot, add the onion, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and cook until softened and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and nutmeg, and cook 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat and cool slightly.

(SERVES 6 ) Combine the onion mixture, cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, Cheddar, Parmesan, and eggs in a large bowl.

Fill the shells with the cheesy pumpkin filling (be careful not to fill them too full or the filling will ooze out when cooking), and arrange the shells in the bottom of the prepared dish. Cut the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into small pieces and dot the tops of the shells with it.

Cover the dish and bake until the cheese is melted, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the cover during the last 5 minutes so the shells can brown a little.

Serve hot, with fresh minced parsley sprinkled on top

Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter, divided, plus more to grease the casserole dish (350 g) jumbo-sized pasta shells 1 large onion, diced ½ teaspoon salt, divided ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided 4 large cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning, crushed in the palm of your hand ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (340 g) small-curd California-style cottage cheese, (245 g) pumpkin puree, (60 g) sharp white Cheddar, shredded (60 g) Parmesan, finely grated (a microplane works well) 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, for garnish

Baked Pumpkin Risotto

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Bring a medium-sized pot of water to the boil, add some salt, and then stir in the brown rice. Reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes.While the rice is cooking, heat a 30cm / 12 inch cast-iron casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, and then the diced onion.Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and is beginning to turn golden brown.

Add the garlic, and sauté for another few minutes until the garlic is slightly browned as well.Add the vermouth to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift up any browned bits that are stuck to the pan, and then remove from the heat.

(SERVES8) Drain the rice well, and then add it to the dish with the onions.Stir in pumpkin puree, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to combine well, and then spread it out in an even layer in the casserole dish.Pour the hot broth over top of the rice mixture, but do not stir. Transfer carefully to the oven, as your dish may be very full. (Alternatively, I like to put the casserole dish into the oven and then pour the broth over top).Bake, uncovered for 40 minutes.When you remove the dish from the oven there will still be a layer of liquid sitting on top. This will continue to absorb as it cools.Allow the risotto to stand uncovered for 15 minutes, and then, give it a good stir. The rice should be fully cooked, and the risotto quite creamy.

Serve hot with lots of freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep it vegan.

Ingredients

450g short grain brown rice 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 425g pumpkin puree ¼ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp fine sea salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 65ml white vermouth or white wine 1200ml approx vegetable broth, hot Parmesan cheese for serving

Pumpkin Hummus

Place chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times, then run until the chickpeas are broken down and powdery.

Add pumpkin puree, tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic clove, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and olive oi. Pulse to combine, then run the food processor to combine all ingredients.

While the food processor is running, slowly pour the water through the food chute.

Stop and scrape the sides, then run again for about 1 minute until the hummus is very smooth.

Scrape the hummus into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds to serve.

Ingredients

495g cooked chickpeas 275g pumpkin puree 4 Tbsp Tahini paste Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 Tbsp) 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed 2 tsp salt 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cinnamon 65ml extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling) 130ml cold water

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29

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Chicken Bacon Pumpkin Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions.

Once cooked drain, drizzle with a little olive oil (to keep moist and from sticking together) and set aside.

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add bacon. Fry until crispy and remove from pan to a paper towel lined plate to help drain off any remaining fat.To the pan add diced chicken and season with kosher salt and pepper.

Cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken from the pan (SERVES 4-6 ) and set aside.If there is a lot (more than a tablespoon) of fat remaining in the pan, drain and then add cream cheese.. If not skip the draining and directly add in cream cheese. Stir gently until it starts to melt.Add in pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder and garlic powder. Stir to combine. Add in milk and stir until combined.Add gnocchi, chicken and bacon to the pan. Stir together and let sauce cook for 5 minutes to warm the gnocchi and chicken throughout. At this point the sauce should have thickened up nicely. If the sauce is too thick add a little more half and half, if it’s too thick let it cook down just a little more.

Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the finished dish with green onions and serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS:

2 packages gnocchi (about 900g) 8 strips bacon, diced 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced 225g cream cheese, cut into cubes 225g pumpkin puree 100g Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 255g half or whole milk salt and pepper, to taste 3 green onions, sliced

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the second egg) and stir with a large spoon until all of the dry ingredients are moistened. Knead with the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes. Add additional flour by tablespoon if needed to get a tacky but not sticky dough.

Be careful not to add too much extra flour. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl or dough rising bucket and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let (Makes 12 ) rise until doubled, about 90 minutes. It will take longer if your kitchen is cool. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and divide the dough into 12 even pieces (I use a scale). Roll each piece into a 12 inch rope. Tie each rope into a single knot. Place the knots on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C with a rack placed in the middle. Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and proof for about an hour, until doubled.

Brush the rolls with with the egg wash and bake for about 16 to 18 minutes, until golden. You can serve these immediately, or cool on a rack.

Ingredients 412g bread flour 1 tbs plus 3/4 tsp instant yeast 50g sugar 1/2 tsp salt 80ml lukewarm milk 3 tbs room temperature unsalted butter 112g pumpkin puree 1 room temperature egg 1 lightly beaten egg and a pinch of salt for glazing

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

(SERVES 6-8 )

In a large, covered saucepan, immerse the potatoes in boiling water. Wait until the water returns to boiling and cook potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender; drain.

In the bottom of the mixing bowl, add the melted butter and softened cream cheese. Place the drained, hot potatoes on top of the butter and cream cheese. Add the milk, salt, and pepper. Mix on low, building up the speed to medium, and then high, for 4-5 minutes, until nearly smooth. Beat in canned pumpkin and fresh thyme. Taste.

Return to saucepan; heat through before serving.

Ingredients 910grams. russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 2� pieces 225g canned pumpkin 2 Tbsp. butter, melted 113g. cream cheese, softened 65ml milk Salt and pepper Fresh thyme

30

October 2015

Domino's Just Opened Its First Pizzeria In Italy

Domino's -- the fast-food-ish mainstay that serves up American-style pizzas topped with things like Philly cheese steak, ranch dressing, and buffalo chicken -- just opened its first store in Italy, pizza's mother country. If I could insert a wide-eyed surprise-face emoji here, I would.

How will Italians react to Domino's very particular iteration of fast food that Americans have grown to know and love and identify as pizza over the past half century? It remains to be seen. But, according to the company's announcement, Dominos' Pizza Italia will be offering a slightly different menu -- one that might play better to local sensibilities and tastes.

"Domino's is a global brand, with American roots, and we're proud to be able to introduce it to the Italian people -- with a twist," said franchise head Alessandro Lazzaroni. "We will be using a recipe created by us, using locally sourced wheat.

Everything else is purely Italian. We are purchasing all of our products from Italian producers. We've created our own recipe, starting for the original pizza recipe, with Italian products, like 100 percent tomato sauce and mozzarella, and products like Prosciutto di Parma, Gorgonzola, Grana Padano, and Mozzarella di bufala Campana."

According to national surveys, Italians eat pizza on average seven times each month -- with margherita pizza coming in on top as the country's overwhelming favorite. To that end, Domino's Milan will offer margherita pizzas -- along with Napoli-style pizzas and Sicilian style, as well.

Even more exciting? Domino's will be bringing its online ordering system to Milan. Customers in the city will be able to have a hot takeout pizza delivered right to their door with just a few clicks of the mouse -- not a dinnertime formula that's very popular at the moment in Italy.-huffington post.

Nigella Lawson: 'Everyone has to get through what they have to ‘get through' Nigella Lawson has spoken out about the difficulty of being in the public spotlight during the breakdown of her marriage to Charles Saatchi.

In an interview on BBB Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, she said that she had had a “tough time, very much in the public eye” and that it “had made me realise how much I have to preserve my privacy”.

The food writer and television presenter, 55, became the focus of heavy media attention in June 2013, after photographs were published of her being grabbed around the neck by multimillionaire advertising tycoon Saatchi, during an argument outside a London restaurant. The pair divorced less than two months after the incident.

Lawson said that she had “no desire to be fanning the gossip machine ever again” but that “everyone in life has to get through what they have to get through” and that “the past was the past”.

Lawson is promoting a new book and television series Simply Nigella, which feature many dishes that are lighter and healthier in style than her previous recipes, but she told the BBC that she disliked the current fad for “clean eating”.

Lawson's new book features many lighter recipes “Behind the notion of clean eating is the implication that any other form of eating is dirty or shameful…there is a slight puritanism which is as much about the horror of the flesh, in one’s own flesh and also the flesh one might be eating, and I don’t like extremes,” she said.

“Food should not be used as a way of persecuting oneself. I think that one should really look to get pleasure and revel in what’s good, rather than think oh no, that’s dirty, that’s bad, that’s sinful ,and the other kind of eating is virtuous.”

She added that she thought the current obesity

Buying a pumpkin to carve? Easy tips for cooking and serving the insides too

This time of year, it's impossible to resist snapping up a gorgeous pumpkin or two for carving, cooking or just decorating the house. But before you toss out the pumpkin parts you're not using — whether it's the seeds, the shells or the flesh — check out these smart tips and delicious recipes. Keep in mind that small sugar pumpkins work best in most recipes; the larger jack-o’-lanterns (great for carving) are packed with seeds that make excellent snacks, but their flesh is usually not ideal for eating. Pick up a few choice specimens at the pumpkin patch this weekend, and use these ideas to make the most of your loot: shell, stem, seeds, flesh and all.

Shell and stem You’ve seen pumpkins-as-bowls on the covers of magazines for years, and surprisingly, they usually take less work than a jack-o’-lantern.

Miniature pumpkins require very little cleaning, says Alison Awerbuch, chef and partner at New York City’s Abigail Kirsch Catering. Simply cut the lid off, scoop out any string or seeds, lightly coat the lids and insides with canola oil, and bake at 180degC for 15 minutes. Another tip: Sprinkle the insides with seasonings that will complement the dish you’ll serve in the pumpkins, Awerbuch says. And while pumpkin bowls are perfect for serving soup — she does an excellent

cider squash bisque— don’t stop there: For example, Awerbuch also uses the bowls as beautiful vessels for risotto.

Seeds When you’re carving a pumpkin, save the seeds instead of throwing them out. You can always make the classic pumpkin-seed snack by tossing them with salt and roasting them, but for something more unexpected, try this recipe from Los Angeles pastry chef Christina Main. She uses brown sugar, agave syrup, cayenne, paprika, garlic, salt and Worcestershire sauce to achieve the sweet-spicy-salty flavor trifecta. This snack is super-addictive, and even better: Pumpkin seeds are loaded with fiber, protein and vitamins.

Flesh As for the meat of the pumpkin, you basically have two options: Puree or mash it for use in desserts, breads, sauces, soups and the like, or cut it up and roast it like other squash.

crisis was partially caused by “people eating not real food… it’s very much easier to consume enormous amounts of processed food.”

Lawson, who was joined by food writers Diana Henry and Bee Wilson in the discussion, also aired her views on women’s often fraught relationships with food, saying that she had always been careful not to feed her son and daughter differently, because her mother had an eating disorder.

“The history of women's eating has been about trying to ensure that women take up less place in the world,” she said.

“It really is still that women will always say ‘You’ve lost weight' as a compliment and that in itself is not a good thing.”- the telegraph.

Life Cycle of a Banana UNDERRIPE Color: green Texture and flavor: very firm, starchy with little flavor or sweetness Uses: cooked in stews and curries, or fried as a substitute in a recipe that calls for plaintains ALMOST RIPE Color: greenish-yellow with green stem Texture and flavor: firm with mild flavor Uses: raw, or cooked in stews and curries; mashed and fried as fritters; sautéed for desserts COMPLETELY RIPE Color: totally yellow Texture and flavor: tender, but holds shape; delicate, sweet flavor and aroma Uses: raw in fruit salads, flambéed or sautéed for desserts VERY RIPE Color: yellow and mottled with brown flecks Texture and flavor: very tender and sweet with pronounced banana flavor and aroma Uses: raw in fruit salads and smoothies, flambéed or sautéed in desserts and breads OVERRIPE Color: large brown spots to

completely brown Texture and flavor: very soft and almost sticky; strong flavor and aroma Uses: mashed into milkshakes, breads, cakes, pancake batter, and smoothies BANANA BASICS: To speed up ripening: Put them in a paper sack with an apple. Apples produce ethylene gas that ripens fruit.

To slow down ripening: Put them in the refrigerator. The skins will still darken, but the fruit will stay firm a few extra days.

Too many ripe bananas? Freeze them. The skins will turn black, but no worries: That helps protect the fruit from freezer burn. Or you can peel and cut bananas into thick slices, and then freeze on a cookie sheet in a thin layer; once they're solid, store them in a zip-top plastic bag.

Either way, their texture becomes too soft after thawing to eat them raw, but they're delicious mashed and used in recipes.

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Tel: 950 121 936

50+ SOLOS

Is open to ladies and gentlemen over 50 years of age who are on their own and wish to get ‘back into the social scene.’

We meet normally twice a month at different restaurants for lunch and a chat at 1.00-1.30 hrs.. There are no subs or fees, just the cost of the meal. There may be a fun quiz or a raffle. For information and to book please contact Ruth on 966789063

Casa Tom Community Choir:

Casa Tom Community Choir meets every Monday at 2.00pm for 2.30pm.

It is a mixed choir and all levels are welcome. No auditions, no solos.

Make new friends and have a good time. Location: CASA TOM, Avenida JACA 31, San Luis, Torrevieja.

Phone or email Terry for further details. Phone: 647-189-135. Email: casatomsanluis@gmail.com.

CASTILLA AMIGOS

We are a friendship group for single people. We meet every Wednesday from 3pm at RAYZ Bar on El Raso urbanisation (off the Lemon Tree Road, Guardamar) ANN – 966 717 390 - 666 747 398

art club

Art Club, all mediums, no charge, in the Playa Flamenca area. Anyone interested, please contact Lyn tel: 966 189 118

COFFEE MATES

If you would like to have a coffee and a friendly chat, please join us at the La Laguna Hotel, Lo Marabu every Friday morning from 11am ANN - 966 717 390 - 666 747 398

Strictly Dance Ballroom and Latin

with the Professionals. Every Tuesday, The Club, Quesada, 8-10pm Beginners and Intermediate tuition and social dancing.

Every Wednesday, New Venue, The Emerald Isle, La Florida 3-5pm Beginners and Intermediate Tuition and Social dancing.

New courses every 3 weeks, singles welcome. Info: 966 188 430, 635 584 431 or lynatdenelledance@hotmail. com

COSTA COBRAS RFC

new rugby club based on the beach.

Training juniors Monday and Wednesday 20.00-21.30, seniors 20.00-21.30 For more details contact Garry 692 767 242 or Robert on 697 286 416

- community news -

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31

PASO A PASO MODERN FRIENDS FOREVER- WE CARE Welcome to A.C.T.S. JIVE DANCE FUSION Friends Forever-We Care is a non profit We are a new drama group made TUESDAYS 11am El Castillo, Av San Fulgencio, La Marina Urb, new day.

Beg/Imp/Int THURSDAYS 7pm Los Rosales Restaurant, CV895 Lemon Tree Road, Guardamar. Beg/Imp/int and social dancing.

All classes €5 / social dancing €3.

Every class commences with a beginners class.

No partner required come along and make new friends, lots of out of class events.

We require a big venue or function room north of Torrevieja for Mondays.

Any info please call Maxine or Adam 670711408 / 638330342 www.modern-jive-spain.com or find us on face book

Torry Army Social Events

Day Trip to the thermal Spa at Archena On Thursday 22 October the the Torry Army have arranged a day trip to the Thermal Spa at Archena which is 50 miles away and a hours coach ride.

The Spa has both indoor and outdoor sections, jacuzzi´s and a “man made river” with a current which will propel you forward - slowly.

Now that the sea and outdoor swimming pools are cooling down this is an ideal opportunity to relax in thermal waters.

The price is 22€ which includes coach travel & entrance to the Spa. There is a bar & restaurant on site for a drink & some food after relaxation in the spa.

Fun Quiz Night with Buffet This will be held at the Casa Ventura, San Luis on Saturday 7 November 2015 starting at 9.00 pm. The cost will be 7€ for members & 8.50€ for nonmembers which includes a hot & cold buffet.

Christmas Dance to the popular group “Timeless” with Buffet This will be held at the Casa Ventura, San Luis on Saturday 12 December 2015 and will include a hot & cold buffet. The cost is 12€ for members and 14€ for non members.

If you would are interested on going on/attending any of these events put your name/s down at the Torry Army office in San Luis or ring the office on 966784111 or Pat Stewart on 966786352. All are welcome.

stars in bars

DATE ARTIST VENUE

AREA INFO

14th Samantha Curtis The Park Inn Quesada Start 8pm 15th JJ Soulman Hermanos Bar Flamenca Beach C.C. 15th Done & Dusted The Lansdowne Playa Flamenca 16th Woody Maggie OBrians Campoverde 16th Samantha Curtis Bar Carmens El Chapperal Start 2pm 16th Done & Dusted Quesada Country Club Quesada 17th Lynden B Foxy´s Bar & Grill Via Park V 17th Danny ray PALS Club La Siesta 17th Richie C Inn at the Green Entre Naranjas 17th Andy Balsamo Boulevard Bar Campoverde 17th Samantha Curtis Black Bull La Castalla 17th Rob Bonovox Tavern Lo Crispin 17th Beatles Story The Club Quesada 17th Debbie Slater The Lounge Bar La Marina 17th Cherry K Whispers Bar San Miguel 18th Lynden B La Taberna Entre Naranjas 18th Andy Balsamo The Snug Torre de la Horredada 18th Cherry K Marjal Camping Guardamar Start 1pm 20th Lynden B Arches Cafe Bar Los Alcazares 20th Cherry K The Wok Benimar 21st Las Vegas Tribute Show POSH Club La Marina Start 8pm

up of novices and some folk from the now disbanded Dramatic License.

We rehearse every Thursday at 6.30 at Cafeteria Trasgu, Calle Alicante, Formentera. If you have ever had the desire to try your hand at amateur dramatics we would be pleased to hear from you. You don’t need any experience ( although this is always welcome ) just enthusiasm. So, if you would like to appear on stage or Pilar Christian assist back stage, you would be most Community Church Calle Canalejas 3. Pilar de la Horadada. welcome. Anybody interested and for Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday more information should either pop at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and along to a rehearsal evening or contact Tony Goddard on newleaf2014@ Worship Home groups meet during the week. hotmail.co.uk.

All welcome from any church SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, background or none.

For further information contact BENIJOFAR PilarChristian.CommunityChurch@ Meets at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 gmail.com. 966 849 448 - 966 848 806 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 BADMINT0N AT PILAR a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship DE LA HORADADA at 7 p.m. And every Thursday there is Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs. 10-1pm.

For information ring John McGilvray an Open Circle where you can develop on 966 786 774 or Mobiles 634 658 your skills commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Spiritual healing is available every 506/695 871 707 or Sunday and Tuesday after the service. e mail carolejohn_3@hotmail.com The Divine Service with Mediumship, TABLE TENNIS AT PILAR on Sunday, 18th October, will be taken

by George Lawson (UK Medium).

DE LA HORADADA Sports Centre every Monday at 10am Sunday, 18th is our Harvest Festival Five tables equipment supplied, and we ask people donate Spanish coaching given if necessary, all Food, Toiletries, Clothes to this year’s standards welcome. Contact George charity “The Benijofar Family Crisis on 965 326097 or Gordon on 966 Aid” Goods can be left at Hamilton’s 848304 or e-mail drewgeorge49@ Bake House or brought on the day. yahoo.com.

George will also take the Evening of La Bamba’s - Ballroom Mediumship on Tuesday, 20th October.

Kim will take the Divine Service, with / Latin / Sequence Mediumship, on Sunday, 25th October.

Dancing Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.

Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar spiritualistcentre-benijofar.com New CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com Market] or info@spiritualistcentre-benijofar.com Monday - SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm 10.30pm [SEQUENCE CLASS 7.30pm Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.

- 8.30pm] Friday - SOCIAL DANCE 7.30pm - FAB , Friends After 10.30pm Bereavement Wednesday - New Beginners Class The summer break for FAB has come to starting 2nd September 2015 [new an end after the first year. beginners welcome every Wednesday] The club was founded by Rosina 2pm -3pm and Joan who realised that people Intermediate Class 3pm - 4pm suffer bereavement in many ways Intermediate Plus Class 4pm - 5pm and that some people need a safe, Andrea Murphy [0034] 616 478 157 nonthreatening way to begin to move COME SEQUENCE DANCING forward with their lives.

In the air conditioned Olympia Rosina says the first step is the most Restaurant, Mil Palmeras Monday difficult but we have to take it together evenings at 8pm in a very congenial with varying degrees of hope, At FAB atmosphere. Programme and music we provide practical advice based change weekly. New dances introduced on experience, we understand each at 7-30pm. For further details contact other, we listen, we support and Sina and Terry. Tel. 96 676 9420 respect that each of us is coping with own personal set of problems and ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, our worries, but mostly we have learnt to Orihuela Costa Branch, covers the area from Punta Prima to San Javier laugh again. We are a mixed group and inland. The branch meets on the of people, we are not looking for new 3rd Thursday of every month at the partners and the club is not a dating Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras agency, just simply a weekly escape at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. You do from our thoughts and a chance to not have to be ex military to attend meet others in the same situation as or to join. Everyone is welcome. More ourselves. We have now had our first information can be found at the branch meeting for 2015/16 with 10 of our 20 website - http://branches.britishlegion. members; our new venue is”The Pato Pekin “opposite the BP garage as you org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa enter Rojaies from Benijofar. We thank THE ROYAL NAVAL our hosts, Cindy and her family for the warm welcome we have received.

ASSOCIATION, Torrevieja Branch, meet at 1700 on If you would like to take the first the first Wednesday of each month step, make some understanding new at the Restaurante El Paraiso, Urb. friends, and want more information, Jardin del Mar 3, (behind Carrefour), pleas contact Rosina Email :Torrevieja.Contact Paul Edwards, rosinamontagu3@gmail.com or James Chairman, 618 644 934 or Margaret 965 073 907 we look forward to seeing Forshaw, Secretary 966 921 996. you

making mixed club that meets the 2nd and 3rd Thursday afternoons 2-4pm at “The Club” Quesada.

We play Bingo, have a speaker and go to different restaurants for Menu del Dia on the 4th Thursday of the month.

If you would like to make new friends and have a fun afternoon come along and join us. You can phone JOHN on 626 905 853 for more information.

32

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

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Monday to Friday Between 10am & 5pm

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business opportunity “Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience” If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping. This is the reality for people that are making money online.

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October 2015

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October 2015

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936

Keeping pets safe in autumn

Pets in autumn

a n d looks pale, glossy or white. Take them to the vet if you feel this is developing.

The arrival of autumn brings a new set of challenges to pet owners, especially when the clocks go back, so here are some tips for keeping you and your pet safe and well as the nights draw in.

The change in seasons can bring on skin conditions, breathing issues, aching joints and allergies, make sure you are carefully monitoring your pets health. If you notice any unusual changes seek veterinary advice.

Prevent potential burns by protecting your cat from open fires and heaters.

Hoot your horn or bang the bonnet before starting your car as cats do have a tendency to curl up on the tyre or near the engine.

Slug pellets are poisonous to all pets so avoid using them in your flowerbeds and pots. If consumed by your pet it may cause twitching, fitting, diarrhoea, vomiting, excessive panting, uncoordinated walking, muscle tremors, hypothermia and many other symptoms. If your pet is showing any of these signs take your pet to the vet immediately.

Cats are the most inclined to eat anti-freeze so keep it locked away.

Similarly anti-freeze and screen-wash have the same dangerous life threatening effect on pets as slug pellets do, so if you are getting your car ready for winter remember how deadly they are to animals. What’s worse is that there is a substance in anti-freeze and screen-wash that is highly palatable, so keep them away from your pets.

Make a cozy place for your cat to sleep with some warm bedding, free from drafts and you could even raise the bed off the floor as they love that.

Dogs

Even with the darker mornings and nights and the worsening weather, your dog still needs regular This time of year encourages rodents to seek warmer shelter so do not leave exercise. Your dog is unlikely to get the same level of exercise and access to the outdoors that he any rodenticides down in garages or sheds where your pet could get at them had during the summer, but it can lead to behavioural problems if your dog does not have enough activity and mental stimulation. If your dog is getting less exercise during the week, his fitness as these can also be fatal if eaten.

The Firework season seems to be getting longer each year and can be a levels will not be as high as in the summer, so don’t go crazy with his exercise at the weekends as stressful time for all pets in different ways. Please take a look at NAWT’s advice he could experience health problems. on Fireworks if you need further information.

If you are walking your dog early in the morning or after work, invest in a reflective vest or jacket Problems with fleas and ticks both increase over the autumn period, with a for yourself and even a reflective collar and lead for your dog. If you take your dog to a safe area peak when people start turning on their central heating. Make sure you use flea where he can run off lead, you can purchase small flashing lights that are attached to the dog’s and tick control and check your pets coats often. If a tick is found make sure collar so you can see where he is and when he stops for a poo! The blinkers come in different to use the correct tick removal kit. colours which is useful if you have more than one dog.

Cats Also buy a good quality torch with a good range or a ‘headlight’ which keeps you ‘hands free’.

Some cats get a lot less exercise in these colder months as they don’t go outside so much. Do make sure you adjust their food intake accordingly to Keep your personal safety in mind when dog walking in the dark and only walk in areas where avoid them gaining too much weight, also make sure fresh water is always you feel safe such as where there are street lights or other people. It’s always best to walk with someone else so perhaps you could set up a walking group with other dog owners you know. available.

If your cat does continue to go outdoors during the colder months, make sure Avoid listening to anything on your headphones and taking or making calls on your mobile as any they don’t stay out for too long especially when temperature is below freezing. distraction can make you more vulnerable.

Look out for frostbite. It is most common on the ears, the tail and footpads Always let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be. Carry a mobile phone in case you need to call someone in an emergency and always take a route you know.

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Film Review

Summer in February

www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com - www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com - naylorcl@hotmail.es

“Ruined with brawling and caterwauling Enchant no more as they did before, And so it ends with friends.” (William Ernest Henley.)

This is an Edwardian period drama directed by Christopher Menaul based on the period leading up to the first world war. It has been adapted for the screen

by Jonathan Smith from his 1995 eponymous novel.

Based on a true story set in Cornwall so you might recognise Penzance, Lamorna, Prussia Cove, Holywell and Porthcurno. The scenery is rugged and there are plenty of beach scenes and views of the rolling waves on a moonlit evening adding atmosphere as well as natural beauty.

The storyline focuses on a group of Bohemian artists known as the Lamorna Group because of the location of their colony. AJ dominates the group as the enfant terrible without quite achieving its notoriety. He is better known as Alfred Munnings played by Dominic Cooper ( Mamma Mia and My Week with Marilyn.) The others see him as a genius, a great painter and are filled with admiration. He relishes in dominating the group and during rowdy drink sessions he recites atmospheric verse to captivate his audience who are truly smitten.

AJ is described as a bibulous boor although in reality he seems more of an arrogant lout than quintessentially Bohemian. Undeniably he is self-centred and prone to violent outbursts especially when he can’t get his own way. He becomes brutish with Florence when she is unwilling to consummate their relationship, prepared to rape her, leaving her inconsolable and destroying this illusion of love.

His friendship with Captain Gilbert Evans (Dan Stevens from Downtown Abbey) seems rather contrived. They are more like polar opposites. For a soldier Gilbert seems very gentle and courteous. Perhaps he’s a new breed? He seems well-suited for a match with Florence Carter Wood, an aristocrat, determined to become an artist and independent from her father. Naturally she is depicted as a beautiful and talented young woman and desirable to the two eligible bachelors who are unwittingly vying for her affections.

AJ seems paranoid that he is working class; he believes that Florence will civilise him and yet his wildness motivates

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his passion for the canvas. He seems just as insecure as Florence.

I paint. That’s what I do. And nothing else matters. I see it and I paint it.

He hates Modernism and loathes the works of Pablo Picasso whom he crudely calls Piss-casso. But husband material to an innocent virgin with his experience of women?

I don’t think so.

Florence agrees to sit for the great artist so that she can be tutored by him. He advises her to be bold, to dive in at the deep end and be daring.

I will bring you alive and will capture you forever. Years from now they’ll look at you and they’ll know exactly what I was thinking.” But what was he thinking about when he painted her mounted on a horse? It certainly wasn’t love.

Perhaps infatuation?

He produces a fine work of art called Morning Ride which is exhibited in the Royal Academy alongside his other women.

Florence disapproves and feels that she is just another of AJ’s conquests alongside Dolly and the gypsy woman.

Florence’s character (Emily Browning) is rather sketchy but what motivates her to accept AJ’s proposal is rather baffling.

She may be in love with the idea of his brilliance, love-struck like a child. She is inexperienced and wanting to discover herself and talents through art so she isn’t mature enough to make a commitment and acts impulsively. Meanwhile Gilbert dilly dallies too long and the opportunity to have a romantic encounter with the woman he loves is lost. She agrees to marry AJ, something she lives to regret. She knows that they are going to be trapped in a loveless marriage which leaves her suicidal. Gilbert observes from a close distance, still hoping.

An unsatisfactory and short-lived marriage followed by a pregnancy could only amount to scandal and humiliation for a vulnerable Florence which it does. She has this selfdestructive thread in her character and her demise is tragic.

The critics panned the film but I think it is an interesting film although it doesn’t portray the real conflicts in the love triangle or resolve them.

AJ eventually became President of the Royal Academy. The soundtrack is beautiful: Siren’s Lullaby, In Perfect Straight and After the Ball. Composer: Benjamin Wallfisch.

Worth a watch.

pause for thought

I guess we’ve all known folk who, either because they’re too proud or because they fear being a nuisance, don’t ask when they need something. I’m not psychic and being fairly thick skinned, a gentle hint is rarely enough, so I often say “if you don’t ask me, I’ll not be able to decline, so if you need anything, then tell me and I’ll do what I can to help, or explain if I can’t.”

For it’s both frustrating and upsetting and worse, can lead to a nagging sense of guilt to discover afterwards, when it’s too late, that I could have helped someone if only I’d known.

And of course, we ourselves, particularly as we grow older, can also all too easily find it difficult to admit a need for something or to ask for help. But things weren’t always like that.

In bygone days, when there was a stronger community spirit, one thought no more of asking a neighbour than a family member for help. It was normal and expected, and we, as a community are the poorer for our lack of such a readiness to both offer and seek help when needed.

So, in one of his stories, Jesus speaks of a man knocking up a neighbour at midnight, when all the family were asleep in bed,

to ask for some provisions that he may feed a friend who had just arrived after a long journey. Unthinkable today maybe, but clearly quite normal in his day, and Jesus uses this picture, emphasising the immediate acceptance of the neighbour who willingly accedes to this most inconvenient appeal, to illustrate how God is always more than happy to hear our requests.

So Jesus continues “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened”; but the trouble is that so often we’re just too proud or too lacking in faith to do as he suggests and bring our needs and concerns to God in prayer.

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any who wish to Worship, but further information about the Anglican Church and details of forthcoming events may be seen on the web site www.mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@ avired.com

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36

motoring

October 2015

review

On the road: Honda Civic Type R

‘It is insanely powerful. I felt like the Hulk bursting out of his shirt’ In my day, a Honda Civic looked like the car you would drive if you were going on an IT training course in Milton Keynes and wanted to fit in: reliable, characterless, neither large nor small, fast nor slow. At some point in the intervening decade, the designers or maybe the entire Honda brand have had a midlife crisis.

If I utter the phrase “black with red detailing”, you’ll think you know what I mean; you do not. The body looks like a Batmobile. The wheels look as though they were deliberately conceived as fresh wounds – a kind of Bruce Willis-esque aesthetic statement: “I’m so hard I haven’t even noticed I’m bleeding.” There is a spoiler at the back so substantial and proud that it would only really make sense if this vehicle could fly.

Taxi drivers give you vaudeville thumbs-ups, and young men ogle it, on one occasion at traffic lights swarming round it to touch it. It was like Suddenly Last Summer, with the Civic as Elizabeth Taylor. Another guy pulled up next to

me at lights and asked me to rev it so he could hear what it sounded like.

It is insanely powerful. I felt like the Hulk bursting out of his shirt. A top speed of 167mph and a 0-62 of under six seconds are bold but entirely credible claims. It meets no definition of the word “civic” that I can think of.

The engine is pretty noisy, but there’s something about it that sounds more encouraging than invasive. The handling is incredible even if you don’t hit the +R button, which turns the controls an angry red, firms up the suspension so it’s like driving on solid rubber and acts like a formal… no, written… no, embossed invitation to drive too fast. “Dear young idiot, listen to that horsepower! Wouldn’t you like to go much, much faster? How’d you like to corner at 120mph? What do you think I’ll sound like if you rev the hell out of me?” It’s like a love letter from death. OK, that’s melodramatic: a billet doux from irresponsible road use.

The interior has perky elements: I like the sparkling steel of the pedals, the sporty posture forced by the bucket seats and the noisy reds of the seatbelts and suedette. Oddment stowage is pesky – the shelf between driver and passenger sits at an awkward height and the glove compartment sheers away in a style that is meant to suggest dynamism (I’m guessing) but makes it quite hard to reach. The economy is better than you’d expect but, at 38.7mpg combined, nothing to boast about; commensurately, emissions are such that you’d have to park round the corner if you were visiting eco-warriors.

You’d have to do that with most people, though: it would be hard to arrive in this car without raising questions about your ego.

Honda Civic Type R: in numbers Price £32,295 Top speed 167mph Acceleration 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds Combined fuel consumption 38.7mpg CO2 emissions 170g/km Eco rating 6/10 Cool rating 8/10 http://www.theguardian. com/

in the news

VW’s culture of fear and respect

Former Volkswagen boss Martin Winterkorn was known for his authoritarian management style. File photo: Julian Stratenschukte Wolfsburg, Germany - Like many chief executives, Martin Winterkorn was a demanding boss who didn’t like failure.

But critics say the pressure on managers at Volkswagen was unusual, which may go some way to explaining the carmaker’s crisis.

Three weeks after it admitted to cheating on US emissions tests, Europe’s largest carmaker is under pressure to identify who exactly was responsible.

Volkswagen has declined to comment on whether the firm’s culture or the management style of Winterkorn, who resigned in September, had been a factor in the cheating.

Lawyers for Winterkorn did not respond to a request for comment.

But now that VW’s problems are coming out into the open and Winterkorn has gone, some executives are saying the company needs to change its approach.

“We have to streamline our processes,” Volkswagen Group of America CEO Michael Horn told a United States congressional hearing when asked about what the revelations said about VW’s integrity.

“This company has to bloody learn and use this opportunity in order to get their act together, and 600 000 people worldwide have to be managed in a different way,” he said. “This is very, very clear.”

Volkswagen supervisory board member Bernd Osterloh was even more precise in a letter to staff on 24 September, a week after US regulators revealed the cheating.

“We need in future a climate in which problems aren’t hidden but can be openly communicated to superiors,” said Osterloh, who as chief of the VW works council represents employees on the board.

“We need a culture in which it’s possible and permissible to argue with your superior about the best way to go.”

Five former Volkswaghen executives and industry observers describe a management style under Winterkorn that fostered a climate of fear, an authoritarianism that went unchecked partly due to a company structure unique in the German motor industry.

Read more Independent Online

Renaultsport boss sees future for hybrid cars - just not yet

The thinking is that Renaultsport need to have the base vehicle they enhance in a more advanced state of hybrid technology before the costs start to make sense The boss of Renaultsport (RS) sees a future when electrification can be used to improve the performance of their performance cars, but that future is not just yet.

Patrice Ratti is well aware that RS make several thousand cars a year only, and the investment would be too much for them to bear on their own.

The latest thinking is that Renaultsport need to have the base vehicle they enhance in a more advanced state of hybrid technology before the costs start to make sense.

For example, the platform would have to be built to accommodate the currently bulky and heavy batteries, and that has major implications for the platform’s use in other applications.

At the moment Renaultsport is heavily engaged in Formula E. Ratti says that this involvement is accelerating battery technology for them quite significantly. But, as it stands, to get the performance you need a bigger battery as the performance drains it faster, and then you have more weight and less range.

One aspect does attract him: “What’s great with electric motors is the acceleration. We’re working on it, but we cannot go too expensive with technology.”

Ratti is optimistic though: “In a few years’ time, I am sure we will have three or four times the range we have today” he said.

Independent Online

www.soltimes.com

CD Torrevieja 2 - 0 Orihuela CF

When the young Croatian, on as a substitute, ran on to fellow countryman Matej’s header he looked like he had nowhere to go. But with a sharp change of direction, a swerve of the body and a dropping of the shoulder Brani danced inside. He entered the penalty area from the left and the Orihuela defenders did not know how to stop him. He went past one then two, leaving the third on his backside as he smashed the ball past Emilio.

The biggest crowd of the season at Estadio Vicente Garcia lept up in the air, the drums of the Fondo Sur banging loudly than ever and airhorns going off all over the place.

The three points were going to be CD Torrevieja’s for just the second time this season, and they had been won with a goal that would have graced any game in Spain over the weekend.

Pedreno must have been pleased with the previous result, the 2-2 draw with Crevillente, as he made just three changes to the side. Goalkeeper Oscar was restored, Cesar started in front of Juanfran and, finally, club captain Jorge was recalled to partner Quintero in the centre of defence. The game started at a frenetic pace, befitting the prematch billing of “Los Clasicos de Sal Part Two.” Torrevieja got the first real break of the game.

Vicente, overlapping from right back, saw his cross handled by the Orihuela left back Franco and the referee gave the penalty. Cesar calmly stepped up and sent the ball to the right as Emilio disappeared to the left. The game remained even, without many chances and the second best moment of the first half involved Jorge, a fiftyfifty tackle and the resulting burst ball being kicked into the stands as a present for the young fans. Torrevieja went in at half time holding on to their slender lead.

The second half delivered more of the same, Torrevieja clearly the more dangerous of the two sides and being driven on by a dominant display by their captain Jorge. The big hearted leader was a rock at the heart of the defence, and even found time for one of his trademark gallops from deep running the full length of the pitch before ending his trip with a yellow card for a foul with a little bit of a chat for good measure. Torrevieja have missed this passion in recent weeks.

As the game neared the final ten minutes Carrasco missed a point blank effort, Emilio blocking superbly.

At the other end Oscar was called into action for the first time in the match, tipping away a dangerous looking cross. Then, with 83 minutes on the clock, Matej headed the ball wide to Brani and moments later the ground erupted.

The victory sees CD Torrevieja leap three places in the table to 14th, just 8 points off the playoffs with a lot of football still to be played. If they can turn this mini-run into three games unbeaten next weekend away to Elche then the next home game against Castellon becomes very, very interesting indeed.

The game against Elche B, next Saturday, kicks off at 5pm and will be covered live on www.twitter. com/cdtorrevieja_en - Torrevieja return to Estadio Vicente Garcia on the 25th October against the most famous club in the division, Castellon. Kick off will be at 5pm.

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MAZARRON FC 4 AD ALQUERIAS 0

Mazarron made it two wins on the trot with an emphatic 4-0 home victory over AD Alquerias.

Juanito was the first to impress with a good run and shot just over the bar and both sides began in attacking fashion forcing corners at either end. Mazarron took the lead after 12 minutes when Hafid was brought down in the area after a run down the left wing and Juan Andreo converted the penalty kick with some ease.

Mazarron’s confidence increased and some of their passing was a joy to watch. Juanito was causing problems linking up well with Juan Fran and Enrique but Alquerias were also giving Mazarron plenty to think about in the air with the presence of their tall striker .However, Mazarron scored a much needed second goal four minutes before the interval.

Two shots on goal were blocked before the ball fell to the feet of Juanito who smashed it onto the net.

The final move of a very good half for Mazarron nearly produced a third goal when a right wing cross was met by Hafid who headed it onto a post and out for a goal kick.

Champi replaced Santi at the start of the second half and immediately

made his touch of from the despatch

37

mark with possibly his first the game when a cross right wing allowed him to a good

shot into the net after 49 minutes to make the score 3-0.

By now the crowd were really getting behind the team with even the Spanish supporters behind the goal encouraging Mazarron by chanting in English!! Juanito was still causing problems and an away player was booked for holding as he lead another attack. With a three goal cushion, Mazarron now sat back for a little while and allowed Alquerias more time on the ball.

However, with time running out, a run on goal by Champi saw the Alquerias keeper handling the ball outside the penalty area and he was promptly sent off by the referee.

With three minutes remaining Mazarron made it 4-0 when a pass by substitute Palote allowed Juanito to run on and fire past the substitute goalkeeper for his second goal of the game.

EUROGOLF BETTER BALL PAIRS

On Thursday 8th October on what turned out to be a blustery but dry day Eurogolf played a 2 ball better ball at La Marquesa. The overall winners on c/b were Pino Perito and Ian Stewart with a great score of 44 pnts just beating, by having a better back 9 Dave King and Bev Evans. In 3rd place were John Barraclough and Marilyn Eckersall with a respectable score of 43 pnts. Nearest the pins 5th John (I win this most weeks) Barraclough 11th Debbie Weedon 15th Bob Buckeridge 17th David Gregson Football draw Gill Britten Bruce Gordon Keith Wright and Bob Buckeridge.

On Tuesday 6th October Toffs played their normal stableford and the results were as follows In gold div 3rd Malcolm Foskett 34 pnts 2nd John Barraclough 34 pnts c/b 1st Pino Perito 37 pnts silver div 3rd Colin Hobden 33 pnts 2nd Robin Richards 35 pnts 1st Ken Brett 37 pnts Bronze div 3rd John Hill 34 pnts 2nd Geoff Evans 36 pnts 1st Mary Sanderson 37 pnts.

Overall winner Pino Perito, Best front 9 Sue Gillet 18 pnts Best back 9 Tom Corbett 20 pnts.

Nearest the pins 5th Bill Martin 11th Malocolm Foskett 15th Pino Perito 17th Andrea Darlington

Football draw Gordon Bourne x2 Tony Stanley and Ken Brett.

If you would like to play with one of longest established golf societies on the Costa Blanca (in fact celebrating 25 years this year) please visit the website www.eurogold-quesada. co.uk . Every Tuesday we play in our chosen 4 ball or we can place you with you with a suitable team and we always play a stableford. On Thursdays we play various games always including a monthly medal and stableford off the plates plus fun team games. Both men and women are welcome to join us as we do encourage mixed golf.

BRADLEY BREAKERS

965 723 270 607 848 332

38

October 2015

player flamenca walking football team On Monday 5th October, The Player Flamenca Walking Football Team celebrated Their 1st year Anniversar y,with a fantastic meal, and what year it has been, with 2 competitions, an away Tour to Benidorm,and a cruise arranged by our lively social group with other social activities, and are followed to every game and fixture by their very own waggs.

The Walking wanders play every Monday at Player Flamenca Sports Center kick off at 4 o.c all members are

over the age of 55 years of age. and continue after the game to a very social bar.

sport shorts by tony matthews FOOTBALL – England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be playing in next year’s European Championships in France but the Republic of Ireland must wait a bit longer (they are in the play-offs) but Scotland are out.

Hosts France, Albania, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland are the other countries already in the finals next year.

After the international break, it’s back to Premiership action this weekend. Leaders Manchester City

A crowd of 73,512 saw Leeds Rhinos complete the treble by beating Wigan Warriors 22-20 in Rugby League’s Grand Final at Old Trafford.

play Bournemouth while Arsenal visit Watford, Manchester United go to Everton, Chelsea take on Aston Villa, Liverpool, under new manager Jürgen Klopp, travel to Tottenham, Crystal Palace play West Ham, Newcastle welcome Norwich, it’s Southampton v Leicester, Swansea v Stoke and WBA v Sunderland who have new boss Sam Allardyce in charge.

Here in Spain, La Liga leaders Villarreal take on Celta Vigo (3rd) while Real Madrid (2nd) meet lowly Levante and Barcelona (4th) play Rayo Vallecano.

The Rugby World Cup quarterfinals are Wales against South Africa and New Zealand v France on Saturday, followed by Australia v Scotland and Argentina v Ireland on Sunday. England bowed out with a convincing 60 -3 victory over Uruguay!

rider’s championship by 18 points.

For more information contact Maggie on mob 698 418 629 L/L 966 184 917

Lewis Hamilton won last Sunday’s Russian F1 Grand Prix in Sochi; Sebastian Vettel was second with Sergio Perez third. Nico Rosberg retired, leaving Hamilton 73 points ahead of him in the driver’s championship.

Twenty four hours earlier, Dani Pedrosa, Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo finished 1-2-3 in the Japanese MotorGP. Rossi leads the

or email bobbyg2542@hotmail. com

T.M.G.S. at Roda Golf

It was just one of those days’, we haven’t visited this course for more than a year and wow! 43 members and guests turned out to play on this immaculately manicured course.

Recognition must go to Jose and his staff for giving us such a warm welcome and presenting the course in great condition.

Swedish member Karin Alm had brought a long a few “girl” friends from Sweden as guests. The 7th Hole at Roda is a tricky par 3 surrounded by water, which is where most balls end up, but Mrs. E. Lovden-Persson, one of Karin’s guests totally ignored the water and hit it straight into the hole for hers and the Societies first hole in one. Can you imagine the noise that 4 screaming ladies can make; we heard them from the 10th green.

Whilst on the subject of good shots, John Hettrick managed a “2” on the same hole to win the 2’s pot which had been rolled over from the last two weeks, and as his was the only 2, that putt was worth €103. Well done John. Our membership continues to grow with new members coming from most European countries, the latest additions come from Holland and it’s now beginning to show that the Vikings are not having things all their own way, there was even a discussion last week on our Facebook page between a Swede and a Norwegian on who is a Viking.

However in the N.T.P.’s competition the Norwegians did send in reinforcements in the form of twin sisters Tove and Turid, I’m told that the only way to tell them apart is that Turid wears earrings and Tove doesn’t anyway Turid was nearest on the 13th, Dutchman Fred Kras couldn’t be beat on hole 11 and John Hettrick took both hole 3 and hole 7.

The Swedish ladies dominated the visitors category with the hole in one winner also took 3rd place on 28 pts. Englishman M. Stanton took 2nd place with 29 pts. and winner of this category was Mrs. C. Kinefelt with 31 pts. Argentinian, Claudio Torres bid his farewell before he leaves for Argentina next week with a 4th place 31 pts. Mr. Consistency Mick Kennedy was 3rd with 34 pts. Colin Marsden resumed normality after last week’s relapse at Las Ramblas with level par 36 pts.

As I said earlier the Dutchmen are coming and recent member Fred Kras took 1st place with the best score of the day 37 pts. In the Gold category 4 countries were represented and in 4th place was Englishman and Captain John Eyre with 33 points on higher handicap.3rd place went to Dutchman Ger Nicolasen with the lower handicap on the same score.

Swedish member Arne Hansson came 2nd on 34 pts. and top of the shop was Norwegian Kjell Aasebo on 35 pts. Our player of the month competition was won

by Mick Kennedy.

Our next competitions are at 14th La Finca, 21st La Serena and 28th Villamartin.Photo; Gold category winners. Guests from all nationalities are welcome to join us, come along to experience a great atmosphere on and off the course.

For full information visit www.tmgs. org or Facebook/TMGSGOLF or follow us via twitter @TMGSGOLF. You can still call our secretary on 661 524 101

Last Sunday at Brands Hatch, Gordon Shedden clinched his second BTCC title, finishing four points ahead of Jason Plato with my fellow WBA fan Matt Neal third.

In golf, Sheffield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick won the British Masters title at Woburn; the USA beat an International team 15½ points to 14½ top win the President’s Cup for the sixth year in a row and Jessica Korda triumphed in the women’s LPGA tour event in Malaysia.

England’s cricketers (198-11 – James Taylor 61 and Ian Bell 53) drew with Pakistan (191-12 – four wickets for Steven Finn) in their last warm-up game ahead of first Test which is now taking place in Abu Dhabi.

SOL TIMES

COSTA BLANCA

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COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR PAULETTE : 902 750 190 (EXT: 332) email: calidasales@soltimes.com

Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

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About us

Although many Removal firms nowadays claim to be a 'family business' few actually are.

This is where we are different.

We pride ourselves on giving each individual job (regardless of size) a personal service that is second to none, and in achieving complete customer satisfaction. After all, its our reputation our name - at stake, so we do all we can to maintain our high standards and also meet those of the customer. It's for this reason that a majority of our work is due to recommendation.

Spain and France

We specialise in relocations to and from France and Spain, and often have weekly loads going to both destinations. By combining knowledge of the european laws with local information and years of overseas experience, we have managed to remain as reliable in Europe as we are in England, and consequently have built up a good reputation in both countries.

We work closely alongside several english-run storage companies in Spain, allowing us greater flexability with our customers on both sides. All work within our guidelines and adhere to our high standards. We have become one of their top recommended removal companies for moves to and from the UK, and still remain the removal company of choice for many ex-pats.

European Removals

We offer a professional yet personal service to and from most parts of Europe and will gladly tailor make a package to suit your individual needs. We understand that flexability and reliability is of utmost importance to our customers, especially when moving overseas and we aim to cover both areas within the services we offer.

Quotations for european moves follow the same protocol as for domestic UK removals (see 'Quotations '). They require an estimator to visit your home (where possible) or can be submitted via 'Online Quotes' . You may wish to email your enquiry to: fredphillipsremovalsltd@ymail.com

Full or Part Loads

The main options to consider in a european move are how big your load is likely to be, and whether you require your belongings on a specific date, or just within a certain timescale.

We offer two main services to cover these options: • Full Load - You pay for sole use of the vehicle. Gives you full control (as far as is possible) over the collection and delivery of your belongings, allowing you to work to a specific date.

• Part Load - The cost effective option. You have part use of the vehicle along with other loads going via the same route to their desinations. Collection can still be when you require, but delivery is arranged on a full vehicle (cost efficient) basis. However, we will still do our best to work within your time frame.

Both services can have storage incorporated into the move, and both offer the same experienced, dedicated customer care service from planning and preperation right through to delivery.

Spain and France: We specialise in relocations to and from France and Spain, and often have weekly loads going to both destinations. By combining knowledge of the european laws with local information and years of overseas experience, we have managed to remain as reliable in Europe as we are in England, and consequently have built up a good reputation in both countries.

We work closely alongside several english-run storage companies in Spain, allowing us greater flexability with our customers on both sides.

All work within our guidelines and adhere to our high standards. We have become one of their top recommended removal companies for moves to and from the UK, and still remain the removal company of choice for many ex-pats.

Storage

We offer Storage Facilities both in the UK and in Spain. We can store anything from single items to full house loads, for any duration.

Our Storage Facilities offer the following: • 24 hour Security and Surveillance • Heated Warehouse • Full Insurance • Flexibility

Storage is charged on a weekly basis and customers are invoiced monthly.

For more specific information please email us at: fredphillipsremovalsltd@ymail.com

Aims: Our goal is to make your relocation overseas a completely stress free experience from start to finish, (as far as the removal is concerned!) and to maintain customer satisfaction throughout.

Contact Us : 01634 856433 International : +44 1634 856433 Email:fredphillipsremovalsltd@ymail.com

40

SOLTIMES october 2015

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new fords available

Tel 902 750 190

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511

www.specialistvehicles.com

BMW x5 m-sport

40d x-drive, 2014, new shape, 48,000 kms

€poa

Range Rover Evoque 2015, 2.2TD4, Auto, NEw!

€Poa

Landrover Disco.Sport 2015, 2.2SD4, Auto , NEW!

€POA

BMW 428 COUPE

luxury, auto, 2014, 4,700 kms

€poa

mercedes clc 200

1.8CDi (Diesel) 2008, 89,000 kms

€15,750

vw golf 1.6tdi, bluemotion, 2011, 5 Doors 67,000 kms €13,450

Ford Focus Cabriolet 1.6, 2010 20,000kms

€10,950

Renault Fluence

1.5DCi, 2011 55,000kms

€10,950

• BMW X5 M-Sport, 40D x-drive, 2014, New shape, 48,000km ...............................................................................................................€POA • BMW 428 coupe Luxury Auto, 2014, 4,700km......................€POA • toyota fj cruiser 4.0l petrol, auto, 2009, 87,000km....€poA • Audi Q7 S-line, 3.0 TDI, diesel, 2007, 170,000km..............€19,950 • VW Golf 1.6TDi, Bluemotion, 2011, 5 doors, 67,000km ..€13,450 • opel corsa 1.2, petrol, auto, 2014, 5 doors, 16,000km......€12,950 • Ford Focus 1.6CC Cabrio, 25,000km, 1 owner, Champagne, 2010, 25,000km...................................................................................€10,950 • Audi A3 2.0TDi DSG Automatic, Sportback, Automatic, Silver, Alloy Wheels, 2006, 149,000km .................................................€10,950 • Mazda MX5 1.8i, 2007, Cabrio, 43,000km, ...............................€10,950 • Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTi, 2012 5 door,54,000km, .....................€9,950 • hyundai i30, 1,6crdi, auto, diesel, 2008, 71,000km.............€poa • Ford S-Max, 2.0l TDCI, 7-Seats, 2006 ,155,000km....................€8,450 • seat altea 2.0, tdi, diesel Auto, 2005, 131,000km .............€6,950 • Citroen jumpy 2.0, hdi, diesel, 2005, 183,000kms................ €5,950 • ford focus 1.8tdci, 2003, 240,000kms.................................. €3,450 • chrysler stratus 2.0 auto, 1999, 104,000km... .................€2,950 • Fiat punto 1.2 auto, petrol, 1998, 37,000km........................€2,950 • Citroen xsara 2.0 TDi, Diesel, 2003, 139,000KM................€2,950

motorcycles

• kawasaki eliminator 125cc, 2007, 1,400kms............€1,250

Right hand drive vehicles

Mazda MX5 2007, 1.8i Petrol 43,000 kms

€10,950 audi a3

sportback 2.0tdi, diesel, auto 149,000kms

€10,950

ford s-max 2.0tdci, diesel, 2007, 164,000kms

€9,950

Opel corsa 1.3cdt1, diesel, 2012, 54,000kms

€9,950

Ford Mondeo 2007, Diesel, 171,000kms

€6,950

Toyota Hilux

2004, 2.5D4D 168,981 kms

€5,450

• rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles..................€13,950 • honda frv 2.0 petrol, sport, 48,000miles............................€poa • KIA SEDONA, 2.9 TD, DIESEL, 2005 ,113,000 MILeS..................€4,250 • renault laguna 2.0i, extreme, 2006 ,83,000 miles....€3,450 • Trailer, 1000kg with Sides....................................................... €795

Right hand drive - spanish reg • toyota hilux, 2.5 diesel, 2004, 105,000km..........................€5,450

~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash

~ Full procurement service

fiat palio 1.9 2002 103,000kms

€3,450

AUDI A4

1.9TDI DIESEL, AUTO, 1997, 319,000KM

€2,450

Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com

N-332 km carretera, Call us: 968 146 18 158 or 618 628 511

pilar de la horadada

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