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Brexit ‘will never stop the Costa del Sol being the UK’s favourite holiday destination’, says Málaga provincial council

WHATEVER happens after Britain Brexits, the Costa del Sol will always be one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations, stresses provincial council or Diputación leader for Málaga, Elías Bendodo.

Between June and September this year, a record 6.2 million tourists from all over the world will have travelled to the province for their summer break – a hike of 10% on last year, according to forecasts.

And the Málaga coast, known as the Costa del Sol, has no fears of becoming ‘overrun’ – the area has managed to move with the times without losing the elements that make it so appealing to visitors, meaning it is very geared up to the record influx, says Bendodo.

This, as well as the weather and top-quality beaches, is what has been bringing Brits to Málaga’s shores for decades and will continue to do so even after the UK leaves the European Union, the Diputación leader argues.

“I’ve issued a message of reassurance on repeated occasions, and am going to

continue to do so,” Bendodo says firmly.

“Whatever happens, we’re going to carry on being the British people’s preferred destination – the Costa del Sol has been a firm favourite for UK citizens for many years.”

Initial fears after the UK voted to exit the European Union were that with the falling exchange rate, contracting economy and possible mass redundancies in Britain, one of Spain’s largest tourist markets for its more mature destinations would dramatically shrink.

But as yet it has not stopped them booking, and with the unpredictable British summer weather – which might be baking hot for three days, three months or not even three minutes, but cannot be guaranteed – annual holidays to a relaxing beach-andpool destination like Spain where it is a given that the southern and Mediterranean coasts will see temperatures of at least 30ºC for three to four months of the year have become a pilgrimage for Brits, and even a basic necessity. thinkspain

August 2016

Shark bites bather at crowded Costa Blanca beach in Spanish holiday hotspot

A holidaymaker has been treated in hospital after being bitten by a shark at a packed Costa Blanca beach.

Bathers were ordered out of the water after the attack around 11.30am on Friday.

The 40-year-old victim was rushed to hospital in Elche on the southern Costa Blanca where he was given stitches to a wound in his hand.

First aiders described the bite as "large" and said he had come out of the sea with blood streaming from the injury. His nationality has not been revealed although he is thought to live locally.

The drama happened at Elche's Arenales del Sol beach. The attack has been blamed on a blue shark known in Spanish as a tintorera, a species of requiem shark which rarely bite humans. It is only known to have been involved in 13 biting incidents, four of which ended fatally.

The red flag was kept in place for around two hours until 1.30pm when bathers were allowed back in the water. Last August British tourists were ordered off a beach in Benidorm when a suspected barracuda bit a 10-year-old on the hip.

And in December tourist Cristina Ojeda-Thies was bitten by a shark off the popular winter destination of Gran Canaria. She tweeted afterwards as she showed off the wounds to her

arm: "Today I've had a face to face meeting with a shark. Things that happen when you swim in the Canaries in December."

Pascual Calabuig, director of the council-run Wild Fauna Recovery Centre in Gran Canaria, described the incident at the time as "very rare."

Fernando Frias, President of the Canary Islands Shark Alliance which promotes shark conservation, called it a "one-off".

He added: "I doubt something like this will happen again in the next 50 years so people shouldn't be afraid."

Spaniard Cristina, 38, from Madrid, was on holiday with her family when she was bitten at Arinaga Beach in Aguimes on Gran Canaria’s east coast which is a popular area with divers.

She went for a swim in the sea after Christmas Day dinner with her relatives.

Recalling the horror attack which happened just 60 feet from the shoreline, she told a local paper: “I noticed something pulling at my left arm but I didn’t pay any attention because it felt like a dog biting you when it’s playing. “I returned to the shoreline swimming crawl and I felt another pull again, more intense this time. http://www.telegraph.co.uk

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Spaniards chased away by crisis return home

Luis Lag is one of thousands of Spaniards who went abroad during the crisis. This "very good decision" allowed him to find a better job when he eventually came back.

But many others who left their country in search of work are still unable to return home due to Spain's sky-high unemployment.

Before leaving in 2011, Lag says he was giving private lessons as he was unable to find work as a chemist, earning between €500 and €1,500 ($550 and $1,700) a month.

Speaking just weeks after he finally returned, the 40-year-old said it had been difficult to live well and repay his mortgage with that amount of money.

So he decided to leave for Germany.

He first worked for a laboratory near the Austrian border in the southeast, and then moved west near Switzerland.

Having now returned to Alcala de Henares near the Spanish capital with his wife and son, who was born in Germany, he manages a team of 15 people at a laboratory.

This rise up the career ladder would have been impossible had he not moved abroad, he says.

"I made progress in Germany," he says, from a professional and salary standpoint.

"It helped to get a good job here."

Andreu Domingo, an expert in international migration at Barcelona's Centre for Demographic Studies, told AFP that since 2008 when Spain plunged into financial crisis to 2015, "473,000 Spaniards have left."

And the prospect that these may not come back, emptying the country of

its young and qualified workers, is of huge concern in Spain.

But as the country emerges out of the crisis, with its economy growing at 3.2 percent last year -- one of the fastest rates in the eurozone -- some have decided to return.

According to Germany's Federal Statistical Office, the number of Spaniards arriving in the country -which had for years been on the rise -- reversed its trend in 2014 just as Spain began its economic recovery and started dropping.

Meanwhile, the number of Spaniards leaving Germany is on the increase, it adds. "A multitude of little things" -the language, being closer to family, quality of life -- prompted Lag to come back, even if he was going to be paid less.

And he is not the only one. Three friends in February created a platform called "Volvemos.org" (translated as "we are returning") to help people like Lag connect with potential employers.

Since then, 4,600 migrants have contacted the website -- engineers, architects, professors, researchers or sociologists currently living in a total of 86 countries attracted by Spain's improved outlook, says founder Raul Gil. The government is predicting that Spain's economy will grow 2.9 percent this year, better than Germany and France.

And unemployment is also dropping, even if at 20 percent it still remains the second highest rate in the eurozone after Greece.

But Gil warns that "the return is often harder than leaving."

While jobs are now being created,

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many are temporary, low quality and badly paid. Gil's website has to discard 45 percent of all job offers it comes across, as the conditions are not deemed good enough. "Atypical contracts have increased a lot," says Anna Gines, professor of social law at the Esade business school.

Some 15 percent of all salaried employees in Spain now work parttime, and a quarter have temporary contracts.

Sonia Martinez, who returned to Valladolid in the north after a year spent in Kentucky in the United States, acknowledges that the work market in Spain is still difficult.

An economist, the 40-year-old returned to her post as an analyst in the public sector after taking unpaid

euro

leave, but says changing jobs would be a challenge. By comparison, she had been offered several jobs in the United States, and ended up working in human resources.

"They appreciate the fact that you have a career, an MBA, that you're bilingual," she said, refusing to exclude leaving Spain again.

Another drawback for those wanting to return is the salary level.

Gines says that on average, salaries have dropped 10 percent since 2012.

"Companies have trouble understanding that talented people are not going to come back at any price," warns Gil. thelocal

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Damaged British nuclear sub leaves Gibraltar

A British nuclear submarine that collided with a merchant vessel off the coast of Gibraltar and was forced to dock in the territory left on Friday, the defence ministry said.

The incident on July 20th sparked environmental fears as well as concerns it could lead to yet another diplomatic row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back centuries after it was ceded to Britain in 1713.

A defence ministry spokeswoman said HMS Ambush -- the front of its conning tower still damaged -- had left and was "absolutely safe to go to sea," although she refused to tell AFP where it was

ort

headed. The submarine was submerged and carrying out a training exercise when it collided with an unspecified merchant vessel last week, damaging its conning tower and forcing it to dock for checks in the overseas British territory on Spain's southern tip known as "the Rock".

Concerned, Madrid asked London for urgent explanations as to the extent of the damage.

Britain's navy tried to allay fears, saying there were "no safety concerns" as the collision had not damaged HMS Ambush's nuclear plant. The spokeswoman said that before sailing HMS Ambush underwent "a stringent

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safety review and full assessment of her ability to navigate safely."

The incident revived memories of another submarine incident at the turn of the century, when Britain's HMS Tireless was forced to dock in Gibraltar for repairs for nearly a year after a crack was found in a cooling pipe near its nuclear reactor.

Its presence caused outrage in Gibraltar and southern Spain, with people staging regular protests, and strained ties between London and Madrid. The tiny rocky outcrop of Gibraltar has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between both countries.

Spain's conservative government, which

has been in place since 2011, has been particularly vocal about its desire to see the territory come back into its fold.

In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped checks at its land border with Gibraltar in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to wade in and ease the crisis.

And there have been repeated incidents involving fishing or police patrol boats in disputed waters off the coast of Gibraltar. thelocal

Terror-wary tourists flood Spain in 2016

Spain saw nearly 33 million visitors to the country in the first six months of the year, an 11.7 per cent leap from 2015 as people fearful of extremist attacks seek refuge in the Iberian Peninsula.

The largest number of foreign visitors came from Britain, according to the Ine statistics agency, with close to 8.0 million seeking sunshine and warmth in Spain from January to June, a 16.5 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

Germans came a close second, followed by the neighbouring French.

The most popular Spanish region was Catalonia in the northeast, home to Barcelona and its beaches, which saw 7.66 million people visit.

The Canary Islands off the coast

of Africa was also highly prized, as were the Balearic Islands where Ibiza and Majorca are located.

Spain is anticipating a record number of tourists to hit its shores this year, having already welcomed just over 68 million foreign travellers in 2015 ― making it the third most visited country in the world. It has long been a magnet for holidaymakers, and even more so in recent months as fears of extremist attacks drive wary travellers away from rival sunshine destinations in North Africa and Turkey.

Portugal is also a destination-ofchoice. In 2015, it welcomed a record 10.2 million foreign tourists, and the number is only expected to grow. thelocal

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‘Couch potatoes!’ Get rid of gadgets & sofa-happiness, Pope Francis tells youth

Light Storage When we first heard about FireWater, we weren’t sure why one would need a combined waterproof container, solar powered light, and water bottle. But, it turns out, it’s an ingenious idea for anyone who’s outdoorsy.

Charge up the solar lantern during the day or, if the sun isn’t cooperating, use the USB port. When evening hits, you’ll have 50-100 lumens to light up your tent or trek. Meanwhile, use it as a leak-proof water bottle. The LED light won’t warm up your water, but your water will have a nice coloured glow.

And as well as FireWater can keep your water in, it can also keep water out. This multipurpose lantern is a waterproof storage container, too. Put your valuables inside when you kayak or if it rains. As long as you keep the included elastic over the USB port, the inside will stay dry.

When FireWater isn’t performing one of its many functions, it collapses down to pack. Store it in your backpack on a hike, boat trip, or camping trip, and you’ll almost be over-prepared.

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thingCHARGER takes your average wall socket and turns it into a universal charging station. Slip it over your three-pronged plugs, and there’s no need to negotiate between your alarm, lamp, phone, and laptop.

Stop being coach potatoes; throw away your gadgets, which make you drowsy and dull and go out to explore the world, Pope Francis told crowds of young people in Krakow. The pontiff certainly knows about living an active life as pictures on social media show. “…In life there is another, even more dangerous, kind of paralysis…[It] comes from confusing happiness with a sofa. ‘Sofa-happiness!’ A sofa that promises us hours of comfort so we can escape to the world of videogames and spend all kinds of time in front of a computer screen,” Pope Francis told the crowds on Saturday.

GentileHappiness can't be downloaded like an app, Pope tells teens “And little by little” computers and other gadgets only help children to “grow drowsy and dull,” said the 79-year-old head of the Catholic Church.

“Dear young people, we didn’t come into this work to ‘vegetate,’ to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark.”

Pope Francis called on young people “to trade” the sofa “for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths.”

“The times we live in do not call for young “couch potatoes”, but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced. The times we live in require only active players on the field, and there is no room for those who sit on the bench,” he said.

The pontiff has been communicating with numerous people during his time in Poland and has even posed for photos. Millions of pilgrims around the world gathered in Krakow to see the Holy leader.

The Pope also enjoys selfies. This one was released on his official

Instagram account, which has 2.9 million followers. “Our response to a world at war has a name: its name is fraternity,” he wrote. https://www.rt.com

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ThinOPTICS reading glasses are so compact and convenient, keeping them on hand is a nobrainer. Even better than foldable reading glasses, this pair has been pared down to just lenses and a metal bridge. They’re super thin and light—weighing less than a nickel.

The Catholic Church organized his visit for World Youth Day, an annual holiday, which was held from July 26– 31 this year.

Hands-Free View

Aside from two standard outlets, thingCHARGER has two built-in USB ports and a top that doubles as a charging dock for your phone or tablet. To use the dock, the included lightning and micro-USB tips let you power up Apple and other brands of devices. That comes in handy for friends and family with different digital allegiances.

Read Anywhere

Pope Francis’ visit to Poland has been scheduled to last five days. The pontiff has already visited the former Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp and prayed at Poland's holiest shrine in Czestochowa.

Founder Scott Blevins searched for a tablet stand for bed, and when he couldn’t find the right one, he created Tablift. This stand is substantial but streamlined, and folds down compactly when you’re not using it.

Get comfortable and enjoy your tablet fully hands-free.

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Improving your golf game can be a challenge, even if you’ve got the best clubs and plenty of time to practice. Fortunately Arccos can find you more strokes, electronically.

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U2 seen in Valencia at friend’s pre-wedding party

IRISH rockers U2 were spotted in Valencia city on Thursday night, where they had travelled to attend the wedding of one of singer Bono’s childhood friends.

“Even though we’d been told there would be special guests, we were really surprised when we saw U2 turn up,” said the owner of gastro-pub Jockey, where a pre-wedding party was held.

“Despite being the Beatles of the 21st century, they behaved in a very simple, approachable manner – not diva-ish at all.”

Adam Clayton, Bono and The Edge arrived at Jockey at around 22.00hrs, and stayed there until 01.00hrs yesterday (Friday) morning along with another 50 or so Irish nationals who were guests at the wedding.

Bono apparently ordered a ‘Spanish beer’ to ‘try it and see what it was like’, said co-proprietor David Muñoz, who owns Jockey along with Juan Albert.

And when staff played some U2 records in tribute to their celebrity guests, then asked the band members if they had any requests, they said: “Anything except one of our songs.”

The wedding venue has not been revealed as yet. thinkspain

Leo Messi's restaurant causes neighbour revolt

BARÇA FC's Leo Messi has upset his neighbours by opening a restaurant which locals claim has no trading licence and creates too much noise.

They have even raised a petition for the huge eatery, at numbers 86 to 88 of the C/ Enric Granados, to be shut down.

The Bellavista del Jardín del Norte sits in a 1,000-square-metre garden surrounded by several hundred homes, and the people occupying them say Barcelona city council has only given a permit for restaurant activity inside the building.

Its presence will 'shatter the peace', say residents, since it 'acts like a soundbox' as noises 'echo'.

They say the same already happens with patios of hotels in the Eixample neighbourhood.

"However much promoters use glamorous names to promote their premises in the media, they create a full-on attack on our right to peace and quiet," the Federation of Residents' Associations complains.

Messi's restaurant has up to 300 diners at a time on the premises from morning

until around midnight when evening meals finish.

Local dwellers are even more annoyed that the city council plans to allow the Bellavista to use an outside dining area in the street, with 12 tables occupying a five-foot-square (1.5-metre) area each with seating for four, adding another 48 potential customers to the 300 inside and in the garden. The eatery opened on Friday last week (July 22) as a result of a joint venture between restaurateur brothers Borja, Pedro and Juan Carlos Iglesias, and Leo Messi's brother Rodrigo.

Leo himself has been a prominent feature in the media lately because of his restaurant and his startling new look, having dyed his hair blond and grown a beard. thyinkspain

TV NEWSLETTER

august 2016

TV NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2016 At the time of writing we are well into July and whoever controls the heating knob has turned it up to “FULL” ! Temperatures approaching 40, hot sticky nights and tempers on edge on the streets with ALL of Madrid at the coast ! Hey it’s only six weeks and far more preferable than 3 months of cold, wet, ice and snow in the UK. New foster dog arrives this week, our third, it’s hard to let them go but we know we are helping in a very small way. Consider fostering if you cannot take on a full commitment to a four legged fiend.

I am not going to get into an in/ out Brexit debate but just to say “what a mess” No plan, no leaders of government or opposition. Europe must be smiling at the utter mess.

TV NEWS…Summer always seems to be a “quiet” time for news and new developments in the TV world so rather than repeat the issues of the last few months thought I would try to give a simple guide to UK TV reception in Spain.

For domestic use there are three ways to get TV signals to television screens – Normal TV antenna , satellite dish and internet feed.

Spain has a nationwide digital TV service with reception from a “normal” TV antenna – just like your TV antenna on your chimney back in the UK where it is called FREEVIEW – in Spain it is called TDT. These transmissions from transmitters dotted all over the country have a fairly short range (which is why we can not receive the UK signals and in Spain transmit some 20 odd TV channels BUT all in Spanish – no UK channels. Having said that TDT does have dual language facility where if a programme is “bought in” from abroad, and many are including films, the original language is available alongside the Spanish dubbed version.

So if you just install TDT you will, most of the time, be able to find an English language programme/film but the choice is limited.

Satellite transmissions are the primary way to receive UK TV. Signals are beamed up to a satellite and then broadcast back down to an area on the earth called the “footprint”. In simple terms the satellite transmission is pointed at a central location and the further away from that location you get the weaker the signals get and the bigger the satellite dish is needed to get enough signal to decode to a TV picture. In the case of UK TV the centre of transmission is Birmingham and by the time

we get to southern Spain the signals are very weak and hence the need for huge dishes seen on many UK owned properties. But with the right equipment TV reception is good, there are two satellite systems in operation – FREESAT and SKY – FREESAT channels are “uncoded” and open for everyone to receive, whereas SKY code theirs and subscriptions, in one form or another, are needed to “open” the channels.

The last way to receive UK TV is from an internet connection, this is a relatively new way to watch UK TV but I predict will be the only way in some 10 or so years time. (satellites cost too much to build / launch and maintain and the mobile phone companies want the TDT frequencies used at present for TV transmissions) Internet TV is in its infancy and there are lots of different ways to receive it but as a generals rule reliable inclusive packs will cost a subscription, need not be huge but the systems must be maintained . One of the big problems in Spain is getting a fast enough, reliable and consistent internet supply. Improvements are being made continually and it will come to all but not every internet supply is at present good enough to watch TV. We at RAINBOW SATELLITES have an inclusive internet TV package that is easy to use with no computer or “geek” operator needed to watch an inclusive pack of TV, films and box sets.

So that is a simple guide to TV in Spain – it is a specialised subject so if you are thinking of installing a system get a reliable expert in to discuss both your requirements and possible solutions.

Well that’s it for this month – I am returning to the pool with a glass of wine and enjoy the reason I live in Spain – warm relaxation.

Article sponsored by RAINBOW SATELLITES – the company for all your TV needs in the Murcia region of southern Spain. Contact us for free friendly advice – email – rainbowsats@ gmail.com or telephone (0034) 686358475 ……… Our website – www. rainbowsats.org has some good basic advice on TV in Spain.

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The 2016 Summer Olympics take place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil between the 5th and 21st August.

There will be 10,512 competitors from 205 nations entering 306 events, covering 28 different sports (42 disciplines) at 10 venues.

There will be 136 medals presented to women and 161 to men with nine ‘mixed’ medal winners.

Apart from the general track and field events, there will be action in archery, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, canoeing, cycling (BMX, road and track), diving, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, swimming (including synchronized), tennis, court volleyball, water polo, weight-lifting and wrestling.

World superstars to look out • Simone Biles: Reigning World all-around gymnastics champion is unbeaten in all competitions over the last two years. The Texan (18) could win five medals in Rio. • David Boudia: Key man of the all-

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conquering American diving team that gained four medals in London, he could become the first US diver since Greg Louganis to win gold in back-to-back Olympics.

• Jordan Burroughs: Winner of the 74kg freestyle wrestling gold medal in 2012, he hopes to become the third American to seal back-to-back Olympic titles.

• Ashton Eaton: The reigning Olympic decathlon champion and world’s greatest athlete is still considered the world’s best over 10 events.

• Allyson Felix: Once called ‘chicken legs’ she claimed a sprinting gold in London and will make history if she wins the 200m, 400m and both relays in Rio. • Justin Gatlin: Could deny Usain Bolt the ‘triple triple’ - three 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold medals. It’s crystal clear that the American has been the world’s best sprinter for two years.

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www.soltimes.com • Katie Ledecky: A high school graduate, she’s the greatest female freestyle swimmer of all-time from 400m to 1500m. So dominant, there’s talk of her taking on Michael Phelps in an exhibition race.

• Claressa Shields: In 2012, aged 17, she won gold at the first Olympics for women’s boxers and is undefeated in four years.

• Kerri Walsh Jennings: Chasing a fourth Olympic beach volleyball gold medal, she is one of the greatest-ever to participate in this port.• Federica Pellegrini: The first female to win a swimming gold, she’s this is her fourth Olympics.

• Tiago Camilo: Former world judo champion, the Brazilian is confident he can win on home soil.

• Lauren Jackson: Champion Australian basketball player who has five medals to her name already.

• Serena Williams: She’s won 22 Grand Slam tennis titles and four Olympic gold medals and could easily add another in Rio. • Robert Scheidt: The Brazilian sailor already has two gold, two silver and one bronze medal to his name and can easily make it six.

• Tamika Catchings: The American has won three basketball golds with her country and is set for a fourth.

• Lina Dan: The Chinese badminton star is going for a third successive Olympic gold.

My selected men and women who could make Britain ‘Great’ in Rio • Swimmers Hannah Miley, Ross Murdoch, Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and Adam Peaty.

• Cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins and his fellow road/track riders (men and women).

• Gymnasts Claudia Fragapane, Louis Smith and Max Whitlock.

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• High jumpers Isobel Pooley and Robbie Grabarz.

• Shara Proctor and Greg Rutherford in the long jump.

• Mo Farah in the 5,000 & 10,000 metres.

• Showjumper Scott Brash.

• Equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin.

• Sailor Giles Scott in the Finn class.

• Female boxer Lisa Whiteside.

• Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith (100m) • The Brownlee brothers (triathlon) • Heptathletes Katerina Johnson-Thompson and Jessica Ennis-Hill.

• Diver Jack Laughter.

• The men’s rowers/canoeists.

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• And both hockey teams.

And you never know, but medals could be won in the rugby sevens, golf, tennis and archery. Great Britain in fact, gained 65 medals at London 2012 (29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze) and I anticipate a similar haul this time round. It’s a big ask, but there are athletes who will give their all for team GB.

Dr Hans C. Madsen DC (over 35 years experience) Member of the Danish, Spanish & European Association

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August 2016

NEWS FLASH

breaking news....breaking news....

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Exercising four times a week could stop dementia: Participants with early stages of conditions had symptoms reversed after regular gentle exercise

People with mild cognitive impairment saw improvement over six months Showed significant increase in brain size after undergoing exercise routine Demonstrated better ability to plan, multi-task and carry out daily activities Blood flow to the brain increased and showed lower levels of protein 'tau' Exercising four times a week could reverse the early stages of dementia, according to the dramatic results of a new study.

People with mild cognitive impairment – often the first stages of dementia – showed significant increase in brain

size when they underwent a six-month exercise programme.

The participants, whose brain power and memory were declining before they started the programme, saw some of these symptoms reversed demonstrating improvements in their ability to plan, multi-task and carry out normal daily activities.

Blood flow to the brain increased and they showed lower levels of a protein called tau, which attacks brain cells and is thought to play a role in Alzheimer's disease.

The volunteers, who were aged 55 to

How to actually get some sleep in a heatwave Because nobody likes a cranky, sweaty mess.

health & beauty Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

89, carried out 45 minutes of intensive exercise in a gym four times a week – in which they had to get their heart rate up to at least 70 per cent of its maximum.

For most people, that is the heart rate achieved by a gentle jog.

A second group, who simply did gentle stretches, showed none of the improvements seen by the first.

Their brains shrank, blood flow to the brain remained poor, and their ability to carry out normal tasks continued to decline as it had before. Their tau levels did not decrease. Doctors have long urged people to exercise throughout

Finding it hard to sleep in the heat? You're not alone. If the heatwave is affecting you, here are some sleeping tips to try tonight: Your body 1. Water is a great cooling agent – both externally and internally. A cool shower before bed can help and always remember to stay well hydrated. Aim to drink two litres of water or other liquids but avoid alcohol and caffeine where possible.

2. Ever get nocturnal leg cramp? It apparently affects 13 million British adults and dehydration is believed to be one of the main causes. See point one, and if you're still suffering try Crampex tablets which help to both treat and prevent muscle cramp at night. exposure. And WEAR SUN CREAM. Sunburn 3. Some people find fine mist sprays super helpful, we love the Avène Thermal dehydrates you further, not to mention makes you feel hot and uncomfortable.

Spring Water Spray and the Evian Facial Spray.

3. While no one is suggesting you stop exercising Your bedroom 1. Prevent heat build-up in your bedroom throughout the – ensure you take extra care to rehydrate, and day. Keep curtains and blinds shut during the day, while stay in the shade if exercising outside, or ask at night open your windows and allow air to circulate your gym to turn the air-conditioning on in your class. (unless it is hotter outside than inside).

If you still struggle to sleep, put some drops of 2. Use a fan to circulate the air around your room. drowsy lavender oil on your pillow and consider 3. It seems obvious, but wear lighter sleep wear (or a herbal remedy such as NiteHerb that can help none!) to ensure you don't overheat during the night and won't leave you feeling groggy the next 4. The duvet you use during the winter is likely to be too morning. heavy in this weather – use a cotton sheet or light duvet http://www.prima.co.uk instead.

5. If you are sleeping with windows or balcony doors open, you may unfortunately experience insect or mosquito bites. Something like Anthisan Bite and Sting benefits consultancy Cream can help to relive the itch and inflammation.

Do you suffer from mobility problems, 6. Keep a glass of water by your bed and take sips if breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? you wake up during the night.

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

Your health You could be entitled to extra income by 1. When you sweat a lot, you lose not just water, claiming UK but also electrolytes. This can be dangerous, so sickness / disability benefits while living in Spain ensure you top them up. Coconut water is nature's For advice or to book a consultation electrolyte replacement drink or try Dioralyte which call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 replaces electrolytes and treats dehydration. or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com 2. It sounds obvious, but avoid excessive sun

Kim Clar k

their lives, pointing out that physical fitness can reduce the risk of dementia and other illnesses.

But this is the first time that experts have found such strong evidence that exercising can actually be used to treat dementia once it has struck.

Scientists have spent decades researching drugs for dementia, and although some are making progress, there is still no treatment available to patients which can truly slow down the disease. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

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August 2016

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com

Decor in a Day: Easy Decorating Projects Try our done-in-a-day DIY decorating projects that deliver big-time personality without a lot of effort.

Brighten a Bedroom

Instantly illuminate your bedside with a series of pendant lights made from canning jars. Purchase socket lights that plug into a standard outlet so you won't have to worry about electrical work.

Cut a hole in the jar lid and tuck the light into the jar, then hang from a hook.

Materials

OrganiSe Your Office All you need to corral clutter in your office are three simple ingredients: glass jars, spray chalkboard paint, and a chalk pen. Spray the jars with a few coats of chalkboard paint, label their contents with a pen, and enjoy!

Snap Happy You'll be all smiles making this modern-day version of a bulletin board. Customize the size, fabric, and string design to create a playful display with just a few standard tools. Use a staple gun to cover medium-density fibreboard with white felt and fabric. Create rows of tacks and wrap string around each one to create a web.

Place photos behind the string, and display.

▪ 3 pint-size Mason jars with lids ▪ 2×4 board ▪ 2 clamps ▪ 1-1/2-inch bimetal hole saw ▪ Metal file ▪ 3 socket lights (We used IKEA's Hemma.)

▪ 40-watt equivalent LED bulbs Secure Mason jar lid to a 2×4 board with clamps. Place hole saw

in centre of the lid and cut a hole in the lid.

Repeat for remaining two lids. Sand the sharp edges of the lids with a metal file Thread light sockets through lid rings and the cut lids.

Screw lightbulbs into the sockets and screw them to the Mason jars.

Safety tip: Use lowwattage LED bulbs (40watt equivalent or less) to prevent overheating.

(LED bulbs put off less heat than incandescents or halogens.)

If you're still concerned about heat, add ventilation to the fixture. If the diameter of your socket light kit is narrower than the jar lid, drill several holes in the lid with a drill bit before assembling to provide ventilation. If that won't work, use a diamond or a tungsten carbide drill bit to drill a few holes in the bottom of the jar before assembling the light.

Spray water on the glass while drilling to prevent cracking.

Tighten lids, and hang from ceiling or wall with a hook, staggering the heights for a pleasing presentation.

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Punch Up Your Pillows

A repeating floral design makes a plain cotton pillowcase look like designer fabric. Remove the pillow form from the case, and slip a piece of cardboard inside to prevent ink from bleeding through. Roll an even layer of screen-printing ink for fabric over a stamp, then press evenly onto the pillowcase, starting at the centre. Repeat, working your way out to the edges and reapplying ink after each print. After the ink dries, heat-set by ironing on the reverse side of the pillowcase.

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com

Wallpaper an Accent Wall

Add pattern to your walls without visual overload.

Choose one accent wall in a room to cover with wallpaper that shares at least one color with your other walls. An accent wall injects an artistic touch while saving decorating time and dollars. If you're repainting the walls, too, do those first and paper last.

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Jazz Up Old Dining Chairs

Take an old or unfinished wooden chair from simple to stylish with this easy treatment. Sand, prime, and paint the piece a bold color, like this forest green. Finish the transformation by covering the seat in fabric. Remove the seat, place a layer of polyfill on top, and cover with the fabric, stapling in place on the bottom; replace the covered seat.

These glass displays give new meaning to the phrase "message in a bottle." Cut photos to fit bottles. Use a foam crafts brush to coat the front of a photo with decoupage medium, then press it face down onto the outside of a bottle, smoothing out air bubbles with fingers, and let dry. Write special messages on paper and drop inside a bottle or two.

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August 2016

pause for thought Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer to: https://www.microsoft.

Bytes. If you need professional computer help, you can contact me at make to c o m /e n - u s /s o f t w a r e appointment at my workshop or clinic download/windows10 For Windows 8.1 (sorry no windows 8 (which is at Maloan’s bar in Albox).

Did you know that you don’t have to anymore, they hidden it like a deformed download an illegal copy of any of the Victorian child) you have to go to: ht tps://w w w.microsof t.com/en-us/ Windows OS’s? Would be surprized to know that Microsoft will let you have a software-download/windows8 Strangely you will not need your valid copy for nothing? No! It is the 1st of April.

You can reinstall Windows from scratch Windows 8 / 10 product key as proof, using the product key that came with although it is required to download the your PC, but you’ll have to find installation Windows 7 image, proving that even media yourself. Microsoft offers free ISO Microsoft think window 7 is still better!

After you agree to the Terms and files for downloading; you just have to Conditions (no surprise there then), know where to look.

Now you all know me. My first question you are guided through a simple set of as always is “What is the catch?”, because screens designed to make the download Microsoft have never given ANYTHING of the ISO image as easy as possible. You then have a Microsoft authorised, legal away for free, this is a simple fact!

Well, what you probably didn’t know it copy of Windows 8.1 / 10 for such a time that every Windows OS always has been as you will need it.

For everyone else not taken in by the free! The licence agreement to use only one copy of windows on a single machine Microsoft sales pitch – Windows 7 and how to get it. First you need to go to: is what you are actually paying for! ht tps://w w w.microsof t.com/en-us/ For Example, if you were to buy a brand new computer with windows 10 and want software-download/windows7 It is a normal web page (no wizard) in to put Linux on it instead, You can contact Microsoft with the licence number and ask which you will need to put your authorise for your money back! I have done this and licence code (case insensitive – so no they have paid, although it took a while flicking between A and a). If all goes and 1000’s of questions why I didn’t want well and you have a legitimate copy of a Windows 7 licence the download of the their OS. Now! More important Where? And How? ISO will start.

A problem I found is that if your The Microsoft preferred method is to get to use their “Media Creation Tool” which is software is part a corporate licence then a Wizard to guide you through the process you will have to contact your computer of downloading the chosen OS and either manufacturer. This is Microsoft speak for creating an ISO file (standard CD image “Tough S**t pal), and then they wonder file – real easy to create a CD from) or why I have absolutely no time for the stick it on a memory stick (my favourite Microsoft(MicroCON) organisation! option).

For further information or advice on For Windows 10 computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or you will have to go canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

The Camino de Santiago II Walking the Camino gained popularity throughout the medieval period. In the early thirteenth Century when the Inquisition arrived just over the Pyrenees in Carcassonne in the Languedoc; certain religious ‘crimes’ could be atoned for by a pilgrimage to St. James’s tomb. As a penitent’ if Galicia didn’t appeal then Canterbury or Rome were other options.

Knowing the barbarity that accompanied the first French inquisition this was very generous of the Dominican Monks. The offer was made only for light first offences as a second offence meant death with half the guilty party’s property being forfeited by the Catholic Church.

Strangely enough almost everyone was found guilty over a murderous 100 year period.

In 1119 Pope Callixtus II announced that whenever St James’s feast day (July 25th) fell on a Sunday it would be counted as a Jubilee year. All that made the pilgrimage and passed through the Cathedral doors with true intentions would be granted full indulgence. In 1179 Pope Alexander III said that the Jubilee tradition would continue in perpetuity. By the

We’ve just spent time with family in Madrid, where among other things we were introduced to the joys, if such they may be called, of ‘Escape Rooms’, an entertainment, apparently of growing popularity.

So the six of us were locked together in a room, furnished to resemble an Egyptian tomb, and informed that the main entrance had just collapsed, so our only hope for escape was to find and open an alternative exit, by solving a number of puzzles and manipulating a variety of artefacts, using our own ingenuity and occasional hints. It was fascinating to note how we each reacted.

Two spent ages trying to solve a 3D puzzle to create a pharaoh look-alike, one got stuck into something like a rubrics cube, made of heavy metal, whilst two others started examining and documenting various works of art. The youngest, aged 8, however rushed round at great speed twisting, pulling or turning anything that moved so that after only a few minutes she’d released a whole series of hidden panels, behind each of which were concealed hints or suggestions, often extremely obtuse, which together enabled us to recognise and solve further puzzles, the last of which opened a hidden door, not to the outside world,

but to another chamber of puzzles.

In all, there were three chambers to explore, and in each, it was the youngest family member who produced the various keys that allowed puzzles to be solved and doors to open. And, I couldn’t help thinking, how like the Christian life that is! For as St Luke tells us, Jesus said that we can only enter the kingdom of God if we receive it like little children.

And that so often is the problem. We tend to try to be too clever and earn God’s acceptance, where a child is just happy to accept with gratitude whatever is offered, understanding they can never deserve it. So, to enter His Kingdom, as to gain freedom from the Escape Room, we need to become as little children.

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

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

thirteenth Century with the prospect of a full Church pardon for ones sins and even some crimes; 200,000 people were walking the path every Jubilee year. The next Jubilee is 2016.

After being published in 1135; the travel guide for the Camino Santiago the Codex Calixtinus was copied and distributed to churches, wealthy households and monasteries across France and further afield.

The texts were read out as sermons to encourage potential pilgrims by describing the route, its religious benefits and reassuring them of the safety of the Camino.

It became fashionable among royal and noble society to make the pilgrimage though I imagine on horseback rather than on foot mingling with the peasants; Kings from Spain, Portugal, Austria and France made the journey. King Henry I of England’s daughter Matilda also crossed it off her bucket list.

Between1213-15; Saint Francis of Assisi reputedly walked from Italy to Compostela and then back again.

Just into the Basque region of Spain where the Camino enters from

France, there is a small town called Puente la Reina. Here a six arched bridge was built to save pilgrims from fording the river; upon the order of Dona Mayor the Queen of Sancho III of Pamplona. It’s one place where the route hasn’t changed in almost a thousand years; modern day pilgrims walk a few hundred metres in the footsteps of Saint Francis. The first Pope to visit Santiago de Compostela was John Paul II in 1982 and again in 89.

The Codex was kept in a safe at the Cathedral and brought out for special occasions. In July 2011 however the Codex was stolen. Cathedral staff searched for hours before calling the police. There were five security cameras in the archives but none aimed at the safe. Immediately it was suspected as an inside job as the safe keys were still hanging in the door of the safe.

A year later the Codex was found undamaged in a lock up locally; along with a million in cash and other manuscripts missing from the Cathedral. The Cathedral’s

former part time electrician of 25 years, José Manuel Fernández Castiñeiras was sentenced to 10 years earlier this year for the theft of not only the Codex but also 2.5 million Euros from the collection boxes. His wife was given six months and both were convicted of money laundering as they’d bought property in the region in his wife’s name. Already 1.7 million has been recovered and returned.

Manuel led a seemingly ordinary life but crazily kept a diary detailing his nefarious deeds; his entry for 5th January 2005 read ‘went to cathedral, took 2,910 Euros and 114 dollars, updated my account books, went out for two coffees, returned to the cathedral, back to a café, chatted with a priest, took a siesta, fed the animals, picked up wife from work, and did an electrical repair job.’ Buen Camino!

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16

August 2016

Better to plan ahead

‘‘

WE all know, from our own experience or that of close By pre-planning now you fix the cost of friends, how traumatic it is to have to cope with your funeral at todays paperwork, officials and bureaucracy at a time when we prices, which are inflation proof. are emotionally vulnerable.

And yet, that is precisely the situation that we find ourselves in when there is no funeral plan in place.

This time of grief can be made much easier on your family by having a pre-planned and pre-paid funeral plan ready in the event of your death.

Iberian Funeral Plans SL, established in 2006, is one of the key professionals in the sector and want to be able to offer the full range of benefits of an Iberian Funeral Plan to everyone, irrespective of where they live.

That is why Iberian has developed a network of locations throughout Spain, Portugal, and its islands, with locations at Alhaurin el Grande/Malaga, Benijofar, Ayamonte, Castila, Nerja, Tenerife, Tavira and Portimao.

By pre-planning now you fix the cost of your funeral at today’s prices, which are inflation proof irrespective of how long you live. Plans start at € 3,390 and payment can be made in euros or sterling, either as a lump sum or by a deposit and regular instalments, which attract no interest.

Plans are not subject to IVA, furthermore they do not charge a set-up fee, administration fee or interest.

Plan benefits are transferable to the UK and other EU countries.

Iberian is a fully operational registered SL company, with Iberian Lda in Portugal and IFP – Iberian Ltd in the UK (The Iberian Group). All funds are held in secure ring-fenced accounts with Santander, HSBC, and BBVA banks.

Through our own funeral directors Iberian Servicios Funerarios SL, with a centralised freephone bereavement helpline, work with several major funeral directors enabling them to operate to the highest possible standards.

Please contact us for further information or a no-obligation / no-pressure chat or visit from one of our representatives.

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17

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SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT THE ORIGINAL PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM LOCATION INSIDE! Q2 Home Rental Prices Register Greatest Rise in 8 Years

The average price of renting a home in Spain increased by 2.4% in the second quarter of the year to stand at 7.41 €/m2 in June, according to the latest real estate index data from property portal, fotocasa. This quarterly increase in the price of rental housing continues the trend that prevailed during 2015, when the prices began to rise following eight years of widespread declines.

According to Beatriz Toribio, head of research for the portal, the rental market has shown strong dynamism in recent years and prices are increasing over a good part of the country, with specific areas of large cities and main tourist destinations even recording double-digit increases of the kind not seen in the last eight years. Toribio also cited the high demand and the high returns offered by this market as the main reasons for the price increases.

In fact, the increase registered in the second quarter of the year is the most significant rise recorded in a second quarter in the portal’s real estate index since 2007, when prices rose

by 2.8%. Rental housing prices increased in 15 regions in the second quarter of the year, over the previous quarter, and rose in 16 regions, year-on-year. Specifically, the year-on-year increase in the second quarter was 4.8%, the second highest increase registered in the index which goes back to 2006. The highest year-onyear increase to data was recorded in May this year, when rental prices increased by 5% over May 2015.

In addition, the report noted that rental prices have registered positive quarter-on-quarter increases for six months now, since January, and have also registered 16 consecutive months of positive year-on-year results, since March 2015.

Since the maximum prices registered in May 2007 (10.12 €/m2 per month on average) the price of rental housing has accumulated a decline of -26.8%. Three regions have recorded declines in excess of -30% since the maximum levels reached: Aragón (-39.6%), Castilla-La Mancha (-35.2%) and Cantabria (-33.7%).

With regard to the ranking of prices, Madrid has overtaken the Basque Country and Catalonia for the first time in recent years as the region with most expensive home rental prices. Specifically, rental prices in Madrid stood at 10.36 €/m2 per month in June, followed by Catalonia (10.24 €/m2 per month) and the Basque Country (10.16 €/m2 per month). In contrast, the two regions with the most affordable rental prices were Extremadura (4.56 €/m2 per month) and Castilla-La Mancha (4.69 €/m2 per month).

Looking at the provinces, some 39 of them recorded increases in home rental prices over the previous quarter, ranging from 7.2% in Huelva to 0.2% in Burgos. Nine provinces recorded declines in their rental prices, ranging from -0.1% in Huesca and Vizcaya to -3.3% in Cuenca, while prices remained stable in Navarra and Girona. kyero.com

18

August 2016

Ibiza Residents Dedicate Most Economic Effort to Buying a Home

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In Spain, the economic effort required to buy a home varies depending on the municipality in which the purchase is carried out. According to a study by idealista, using published income tax data on average income available per declarant, the capital of Ibiza is the place where residents have to dedicate the greatest effort to acquire a home, since they must allocate the equivalent of 15 years’ income for the purchase.

Also requiring over ten years of income are the Ibiza municipality of Santa Eulalia del Río (12.4 years), the Malaga town of Nerja (11.6 years), Sant Josep de Sa Talaia in Ibiza (11.5 years), Barcelona (10.9 years), Marbella (10.5 years), Sitges in Barcelona (10.4 years) and Sant Antony de Portmany, also in Ibiza (10.3 years).

Municipalities requiring less than 10 years of economic effort to buy a home are Sanxenxo in Pontevedra (9.9 years), Calviá in Mallorca (9.6 years), Adeje in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (9.3 years), San Bartolomé de Tirajana in Las Palmas (9.2 years) and L’Escala in Girona’s Costa Brava (9.1 years). Completing the list of the top 15 are Montgat in Barcelona and O Grove in Pontevedra (both with 8.8 years of economic effort).

The city of Madrid ranks at number 16 on the list, with 8.6 years, equal to the financial effort necessary in the municipalities of Sant Felilú de Guixols (Girona), Roses (Girona), Baiona (Pontevedra), Chipiona (Cádiz) and Llanes (Asturias).

El Economista reported that, after the cities of Barcelona and Madrid, Cadiz and Palma de Mallorca are the next capitals on the list with regards to financial effort, with 7.2 years each, followed by A Coruña (7 years), Santander (6.9 years), Sevilla (6.7 years) and Malaga (6.7 years).

Among the residential markets, the greatest economic efforts required are in the municipalities around Barcelona, although Madrid also features one municipality: Cornellà de Llobregat (8.2 years), El Prat de Llobregat (8 years), Esplugues de Llobregat (7.8 years), Sant Feliu de Llobregat (7.7 years), San Fernando de Henares in Madrid (7.6 years), Sant Adrià de Besòs (7.5 years) and Sant Joan Despí (7.3 years).

In contrast, L’Alcora in Castellón is the municipality where least economic effort is required to buy a home, standing at an average of 2.3 years of income, followed by the Lérida municipalities of Mollerusa and Balaguer (with 2.4 and 2.5 years respectively), as well as Novelda in Alicante, Puertollano in Ciudad Real and Onda in Castellón, all with 2.6 years.

Lérida is the Spanish capital requiring least economic effort to buy a home, with an average of 3.2 years of income, followed by Ávila (4.1 years), Cuenca (4.1 years), Cáceres (4.2 years), Huelva (4.2 years) and Ciudad Real (4.2 years). kyero.com

COAST 2 COAST

REMOVALS Over 25 years experience Regular trips SPAIN-UK-SPAIN

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coast2coasttransport@hotmail.com www.coast2coastremovals.com

DAVID THE PLUMBER

The Plumber

Prompt and reliable service, no job too small.

Full bathrooms or just makeovers and handyman service.

24 hour call out Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160€

Call David on 634 286 590

Paul

Call Paul for a FREE no

General Plumbing Obligation Quote on: 634 326 804 Bathrooms Kitchens Find us on Water Heaters Facebook /paul_theplumber Tiling

Email: paultheplumber@hotmail.co.uk

NICK THE TILER Call Nick for all your tiling & laminate floor requirements.

Tel.. 605 305 405 NEW BUSINESS? 2 WAYS TO ADVERTISE CALL 950 121 936 OR EMAIL YOUR ADVERT TO blancasales@soltimes.com

19

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Housing Investment Profitability Reached 6.1% in Q2

Profitability from investments in housing in Spain reached 6.1% in the second quarter of the year, compared with 5.5% in the same period a year ago.

Moreover, this percentage is well above the margin offered by 10 year bonds, which stood at around 1.5% in the latest auctions.

These are some of the conclusions from a study carried out by property portal, idealista, which analyses prior sales and rentals of different real estate products in order to calculate their gross profitability.

According to the analysis, commercial premises remain the most profitable real estate investment, as buying or renting one of these properties offers a return of 7.7%, in line with the figures offered a year ago. Furthermore, office premises offer returns of 7.3%, up 1% compared with last year, and the profitability on garage premises has risen from 4.6% to 5.6% El Economista reported that, among the Spanish capitals, the study found that housing investment in Lleida is most profitable, with returns of 7.7%, followed by Palma de Mallorca (6.7%), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (6.5%), Alicante (6.4%) and Huelva (6.3%), while the profitability in both Madrid and Barcelona reached 5.5%.

In contrast, the lowest returns for investors on homes for rent in Spain, are those obtained in San Sebastián (3.7%), Ourense (3.7%), A Coruña (3.9%) and Zamora (4.3%). kyero.com

Spain – Ninth Most Attractive Country for Real Estate Investment

According to the ‘Real Estate, Hospitality & Construction Capital Confidence Barometer’ published recently by Ernst & Young, Spain is the ninth country in the world considered most attractive to investors looking to make any acquisition in the coming months within the real estate and construction sectors.

Spain climbed seven places to stand among the top ten countries of greatest interest to investors, behind only the United States, the United Kingdom, India, China, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Germany and Sweden.

The Barometer highlights Spain’s favourable evolution in the rankings despite the current uncertainties which exist on an international scale, affecting optimism over the world economy and confidence in the capital markets.

Moreover, El Mundo reported that, with this rise in the rankings, Spain has overtaken such countries as France, Italy, Cyprus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Argentina and Australia.

In contrast, the study also indicated that global economic uncertainty was reflected in the percentage of investors planning to make an acquisition in the next year, which fell from 50% last year, to 37%.

In addition, some 48% of the companies surveyed said they had three or more deals in the pipeline, compared with 57% six months ago. However, at the same time, 29% of the respondents believe that the price of assets will fall over the next 12 months, compared with 4% six months ago, and only 19% expect prices to increase, down from 40% last year. kyero.com

E VA V E R O N I K A Countr y Properties in Spain P I NA R D E L A P E R D I Z 9 4 ª E - 0 3 1 9 1 P I NA R D E C A M P O V E R D E Te l : 0 0 3 4 9 6 6 1 8 0 0 0 4 www.spain-fincas.info – eva-veronika@spain-fincas.info Mob: 0034 669 621 173 LOS ALCAZARES (Murcia)

SAX (Alicante)

Ref: E-2303 Villa 120m2. 7.500m2 plot. Stunning views.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge /diner, large kitchen, covered terrace.

Price: €115.000 FORTUNA (Murcia)

Price: €75.000

Price: €95.000 Ref: E1872 Countryhome, fully refurbished, 75 sqm on 6.800 sqm fenced plot, 10 mins. drive to Fortuna, neighbours around, asphalted access, 3 bedrooms, lounge with open fireplace, large country style kitchen, utility room, bathroom, large porch with stunning views to mountains, roof terrace, dog´s garden. A beautiful home with character to relax and to enjoy nature. Mains water and electricity, internet.

LA ROMANA Ref: E-2300 (Alicante) Only 150m from the white sand beach “El Espejo” Suitable for disabled persons.

Stair hoist, lift to the apartment, underground parking. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, spacious kitchen, side balcony with sea views. walk to Price: all amenities!

PINOSO

Price: €146.000

€90.000

Ref: E-2234 Lovely Casa de Campo, living area 100 m2. Fenced plot 500 m2. 3 bedrooms, bathroom,open plan lounge/diner/kitchen, large covered terrace, utility room, work shed.

Small pool. 10 mins drive to Aspe, Elche airport 20 mins

Ref.: E-1977 We build your natural stone house to your own design if you want to within 6 months!

Rustic style country home on one or two levels. Living area 110 m2, plot 10.000 m2.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, diner, kitchen, porch.

On mains water and electricity, perfect paper work. 5 mins. drive to centre of Pinoso. Airport and beaches 40 km

YOU DESERVE PRIVACY, peace, harmony, wide views, Spanish relaxing sunny lifestyle – therefore you are here in Spain! It is still affordable and there are still real bargains waiting for you, making your dream come true for this heaven on earth life. EVA VERONIKA will be at your side finding you the right home, she will assist you in all doubts and questions whenever they may arise during the process of purchasing, before and after it.

EVA VERONIKA is there for you to advise and to support you

20

SM052

SOL Y MAR 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

viewing highly recommended

99,000€ PARTALOA

zurgena

Detached 2 bedroom property set in a small hamlet of houses in a peaceful location. Lovely views. 2 beds, 2 well appointed shower rooms, inner and outer lounges, large well fitted kitchen with centre island unit & breakfast bar.

The master bedroom has en-suite shower room.

The garden is paved with planted mature borders. The separate garage (with additional covered parking) is accessed from the garden.

Viewing is highly recommended.

SM033

SM041

Modernised Cortijo, Low price

El Margen, near oria

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 new listing

169,950€

Large detached 4 bed villa with extensive grounds and log cabin, in a quiet location. Ample parking. Large walled patio with fixed BBQ, great views of distant mountain range. Large enclosed porch forms summer living room and dining. Large lounge with pellet burner, doors to the covered porch. Fully furnished kitchen. 4 double bedrooms two with fitted wardrobes.

A/C & CH radiators in most rooms. Good quality log cabin with lounge/kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom and loft space could provide sleeping for another two. Outside is a porch overlooking the pool and country views. The pool is set in its own private walled patio with country views. Fully walled garden has many aspects affording a variety of views and peaceful spots where you can enjoy life in Spain.

SM020

immaculate home with guest accomodation

60,000€ almanzora

Traditional refurbished cortijo with many original features retained. The house is set in the heart of the village with stunning views, and features 3 bedrroms, 2 bathrooms.

To the front of the property there is a parking space and to the side a courtyard, also to the front is approx 400m2 of very fertile land currently used for growing vegetables. Overall the property has been finished and maintained to a high standard.

Fantastic value for money

August 2016

200,000€

Detatched two storey house set in the lovely village of Almanzora close to the shops and bars.

This villa has two separate entrances, one from the top and one from the bottom. The lower area has a separate living space, ideal to rent or for guests. In addition both properties have 2 large double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and own luxury kitchens.

The house also features underfloor heating and air conditioning throughout.

Must be viewed to appreciate.

21

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Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox Email: info@solymarspain.com │ www.solymarspain.com SM010

two for one opportunity

almanzora/Arboleas

sol178

85,000€ near albox

Two for one opportunity. Unfinished houses ideal project in beautiful setting of 3000m2 of land with fantastic views. Prime location between Almanzora and Arboleas.

former b and b

62,500€

This spacious, beautiful country house with large garden and pool formerly a B&B is only a ten minute drive from the centre of Albox. 250m2 (Build Size) Full of original features and charm this would only need very minor cosmetic work to restore to it’s original glory. This home features 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms making it an ideal income opportunity as it could easily be turned into a B&B again.

In addition there is a private courtyard with a large, walled and gated garden beyond featuring an above ground pool.

RENTAL SECTION rsM026

arboleas

beautiful country home

rsM027

500€ PCM RENTAL limaria

Beautiful country home set against stunning mountain backdrop. This home is in a semi rural location in an idyllic setting yet only 10 minutes to many amenities of Arboleas. Features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, furnished to a high standard, jacuzzi, beautiful mature garden, garage and fully fenced area.

This home is in immaculate order and available from 1st September. Will allow a small dog and is available long term.

country home close to amenities

500€ PCM RENTAL

Detached country home on the outskirts of Albox Features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, unfurnished, stunning views, large plot, very private setting yet short drive to all amenities.

Available ASAP for long term let, pets welcome.

WE URGENTLY REQUIRE LEGAL PROPERTIES FROM COAST TO COUNTRY WE ARE LOOKING FOR ALL TYPES OF PROPERTIES FOR RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES. CLIENTS WAITING CALL US 950 064 584

22 registered member murica turistica

www.sensolgolfvillarentals.com office spain: (0034) 968 970 614 mobile: (0034) 608 631 700

PUERTO DE MAZARRON LONG TERM LET €650 + BILLS PCM

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €500 + BILLS pcm

Ref No: 0214

• • • •

Ref No: 0212

• • • •

3 bed/2bath luxury villa.

200m to fantastic beaches.

Private pool/jacuzzi.

Fitted to high standard.

Ref No: BOL1

• • •

2 bed/1 bath ground floor apartment.

Fully furnished.

20m to large communal pool.

150m to sandy beaches.

Ref No :0178

• • • •

• • • •

2 bed/2 bath Rosa style villa.

Freeflow private pool.

Log fire, AC & much more.

Large corner plot.

• • • •

4 bed/3 bath executive villa.

Amazing pool & terrace area.

AC, wifi & much more.

Furnished to exceptional level

3 bed/3 bath Neptuno style villa.

AC & much more.

Furnished to exceptional

standard.

Great views to mountains.

Ref No: 0208

• • • •

• • • •

3 bed/3 bath Neptuno Delux Villa.

Private pool.

Oil fired central heating throughout.

Amazing golf course views.

Ref No: 0126

• • • •

4 bed/ 4 bath extended Neptuno style villa.

AC, Sat TV & much more.

Private pool & hot tub.

Sleeps up to 10 people

3 bed/3 bath Neptuno style villa.

Log fire & much more.

Furnished to high standard.

Plenty of storage.

CAMPOSOL C NORTH LONG TERM LET €300 + BILLS pcm

Ref No: 0184

• • • •

2 bed/1 bath Classico style villa.

Fully furnished.

Quiet street.

Close to Camposol Golf Club.

CAMPOSOL C SOUTH HOLIDAY LET FROM €80 per day

Ref No: 0087

• • • •

CAMPOSOL D HOLIDAY LET FROM €55 per day.

CAMPOSOL B HOLIDAY LET FROM €110 per day

Ref No: 0172

Ref No: 0206

CAMPOSOL UPPER C LONG TERM LET €600 + BILLS PCM

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €475 + BILLS pcm

Ref No :0079

2 bed/2 bath Rosa style villa.

8m x 4m private pool.

Glazed front terrace.

AC, log fire & much more.

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €500 + BILLS pcm.

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €550 + BILLS pcm

BOLNUEVO LONG TERM LET €425 + BILLS pcm

•

August 2016

3 bed/2 bath Executive villa.

9m x 4m private pool.

AC, wifi & much more.

Furnished to exceptional standard.

CAMPOSOL C SOUTH HOLIDAY LETS FROM €50 per day

Ref No: 0108

• • • •

2 bed/2 bath Rosa style villa.

Large private pool.

Wifi & much more.

Glazed front terrace.

MANY MORE PROPERTIES CAN BE SEEN ON OUR WEBSITE

23

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Visiting Sp ain in Sum m er Its festive character. Feel the festive spirit of the capital of Galicia.

Traditional celebrations where custom and folklore play an essential role.

Music, colour, dance and games fill the streets and squares on the most emblematic dates. Above all, however, the Fiestas in honour of the Apostle Santiago stand apart. They are in the month of July and have the International Tourist Interest designation.

Gateway to Galicia. Come to Santiago and make the most of your visit to discover Galicia, a fascinating region in the north of Spain you will want to come back to. Here you will find beaches, magical forests, unusual traditions, charming villages... There are a whole range of varied routes and trails to follow. Come and discover them for yourself.

bil b ao

Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis where more than a million people live. It is the centre of the economic-social development and the main factor of the modernisation of the Bay of Biscay. The great architectural and infrastructure projects have been the driving force of the urban and economic regeneration of the city. The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster's Underground, Calatrava's airport, the towers designed by the architects Arata Isozaki and César Pelli... are all examples of the dynamism that exists in Bilbao.

The city is situated in the area of Bizkaia and is surrounded by a fertile landscape with forests, mountains, beaches and steep coasts. All this makes Bilbao a privileged destination for visitors. The modern transport and network of roads run to locations nearby such as the other capitals of the Basque Country - Vitoria and San Sebastián.

Quantity and quality in all artistic expressions The cultural activities in Bilbao are irresistible, with two of the best art galleries in Spain, six theme museums, contemporary art exhibitions and an ongoing programme with shows: opera, symphony orchestras, theatre, dance, cinema and light, pop and rock music.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has become the cultural and tourism driving force of the Basque Country. This spectacular building (Frank O. Gehry, 1997) is covered in titanium panels and has its own important collection, as well as sharing the largest private modern and contemporary art collection in the world with New York and Venice. The Fine Arts Museum is one of the best in

Spain and has a complete and priceless art gallery with three collections: old art (El Greco, Zurbarán, Goya or Van Dyck), contemporary art (Gauguin, Bacon or Tàpies) and Basque art (Regoyos, Zuloaga or Iturrino). The Basque Museum includes Basque prehistory and archaeology; the Diocesan Museum of Religious Art and the Easter Pasos Museum hold religious works connected with Bizkaia. Other museums in Bilbao are the Maritime Museum and the Bullfighting Museum. The Rekalde exhibition hall holds top class contemporary art exhibitions. There are also about twenty other galleries with permanent plastic art exhibitions. http://www.spain.info

“Too many agents selling your property” We Offer Exclusivity with our VIP Service Contact our office for advice Quesada, 3 Bed Det. Villa, 2 Bath, Ind Kitchen, Furnished, Space for Private Pool. €149,500 PM779

Quesada, Quad Villa 3 Bed, Family Bath, W/c, Ind Kitchen, Furnished, Com Pool. €134,500 PM784

El Raso, Det. Villa 2 Bed, Family Bath, American Kitchen, Spacious, Com Pool €125,000 PM775

Lo Crispin, Det. Villa 5 Bed, 3 Bath, American Kitchen, Spacious, Com Pool. €135,000 PM781

Quesada, Townhouse 2 Bed, Family Bath, W/c, Ind Kitchen, Sun Room, Terrace, Com Pool. €99.500 PM780

Guardamar, Apartment 2 Bed, Family Bath, Ind Kitchen, Furnished, Balcony, Com Pool €84,500 PM782

Avda. de los Naciones 1/C, No. 10, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 Rojales, Alicante

www.pmpropertiesspain.com

24

August 2016

Room With A View Alicante Dream Homes, your Inland Property Specialists

EVERYTHING WE TOUCH TURNS TO SOLD!

For your dream Spanish Villas, Country Fincas, Alicante country houses, Murcia Villas and Costa Blanca property Contact: -

Avda. Justo Quesada, 33 03170 Rojales (Alicante) T: +34 966 290 781 M: +34 670 262 227

Spain tel: (+34) 645 746 176 or UK tel: 020 3695 8977 Email: alicantedreamhomes@gmail.com Apartado 256, Pinoso, 03650 Spain

www.immo-carlos.com email: info@immo-carlos.com Address: La Plaza Nueva, No 10, Albox Office: 950 102 191 • Carlos: 648 505 938 • Gavin: 671 293 942 *Albox* Spacious townhouse with 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a garage.

97,000€

*Oria* This villa has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a private pool.

120,000€

F O R

E

the house.

159,950€

ER

F

*Albox* Nice villa with Rambla De Oria a garage on Nice Cortijo (200m²) with some land, garage & beautiful views. The a plot of 16 cortijo has 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge and kitchen. The cortijo hectares. is in a very good condition and has water & electric connected to

D UN

159,000€

*Albanchez* Beautiful villa with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and stunning views.

€95,000 169,950€

*Limaria* *Arboleas* Quality Stunning villa with 4 villa with 3 Taberno bedrooms, bedrooms, 2 This beautiful detached villa in the town of Taberno (114 mtrs) 2 bathrooms comprises 3 bedrooms, bathrooms and 2 bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, a spacious and private lounge and a views. private splash pool (5 x 3). All of this is on aa small low beautiful maintenance plot (400 sq mtrs) with off road parking and all pool. amenities very close by!

179,950€

€140,000

We speak English • Wij spreken Nederlands • Hablamos Español

We are looking for more properties due to an increase in both British and Belgian clients.

We have lots of customers looking! So please contact us if you want to sell.

advertise your business in our room with a view feature contact paulette on 950 121 936 or sales@soltimes.com

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

www.soltimes.com

The Realisation

Manuela’s head was clearing from the excesses of the night before. She knew she needed to do something but her head still wasn’t functioning properly.

The analytical side of her brain seemed to be doing its job but her memory was still malfunctioning.

A protection mechanism perhaps but she knew whatever it was she had forgotten shouldn’t have been forgotten. She checked her purse, all her credit cards were there, she checked her clothing, all correct, she hadn’t left anywhere she shouldn’t have. ‘What had she forgotten?’.

A powerful jet of steamy hot water hit Manuela as she showered. She luxuriated in the sensation of water pressure and heat, the ill effects of her ‘night out’ were being exorcised. As she became ‘normal’ once more the terrible truth struck her. The monthly Cabinet Meeting, where Rodriquez would table his usual motion. Manuela grabbed a towel and raced to the Cabinet Office.

Passers-by paid little attention to her, a semi naked Manuela making near dawn departures was not an uncommon sight in Alqueria. The sight that met Manuela as she opened the Office doors was however a rare sight indeed. The Office was populated by obese balding men, smoking cigars, and belching. Rodriquez and his cronies. Manuela was too late.

Her missing vote had allowed Rodriquez to dissolve the Republic and declare himself, perpetual and total dictator of what was the Village Republic of Alqueria.

The first act of the new Dictatorship was to tear up the constitution, fortunately

viewpoint

they couldn’t find the ‘fag’ packet on which it was written so had settled for tearing up Rodriquez’s parking fines which he never paid anyway. In fact no one in the Pueblo paid them but it kept the Village Policeman, José Cabrasilbido occupied. They then transferred the Remitroot crop into state ownership, a euphemism for Rodriquez´s ownership.

Poyato was evicted from his small holding on which the Crop grew and now he wanders the streets of Alqueria swearing vengeance and drinking Flemitcroot Whisky, a cheap alternative to Remitroot distilled in southern Iraq using war surplus napalm.

Manuela lost no time in setting up a provisional government in exile.

Somewhere in the backstreets of Vera Pueblo Manuela, Loco Paco and Poyato considered their options.

Manuela favoured an allout assault on the town using hired mercenaries. She had contacts with Red John Begone, the soldier-of-fortune who liberated Central Uhandup from the evil dictator Mad Big-belly Maluugy. Poyato wanted to send a strongly worded text message. Loco Paco wanted to play hopscotch with a group of athletic fairies he had recently met.

Will it be all out war, nasty test messages or playing hopscotch with energetic sprites?

We will see.

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com - www.daviessolicitors.com

QUESTION: I am trying to help my mother who has very bad health and wishes to move back to the UK but has not managed to sell her Spanish property yet. From a legal point are there any matters to take care of before she comes back ?

ANSWER 1. Make sure her Spanish will is in good order. There have been some changes to the laws recently which make it convenient to have a solicitor take a look at it.

2. Locate the title deeds to the property and their NIE numbers.

3. Make sure internet banking is set up on her Spanish bank account.

4. Your mother may wish to consider signing a power of attorney for you to deal with her Spanish assets (in case a buyer is found and

she does not wish or is not able to visit Spain).

5.

Look in to the advantages/disadvantages of selling quickly now versus holding on and waiting for a better price. From a tax point of view, if she is a resident and over 65, there is a certain advantage to selling before she loses her resident status in Spain, as she is entitled to a 100% exemption from capital gains tax.

6. Meet her solicitor before you leave in case you later need to deal with things remotely.

Depending on your circumstances there could be other things to do, but I would at least cover these items.

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

Asking for It

25

The Waiting Room at the Medical Centre was uncharacteristically calm, so I knew that Ernesto was not on duty that day.

Ernesto attracts the feeble and failing of Arboleas to him in the same way that a lamp attracts moths; he is a kindly man, whose grasp of English and computer skills has become masterly, but even he has to have a holiday now and then.

On those days his place is taken by a locum, who may or may not speak English, and who obviously will not be on first name terms with the patients and their ailments. However, on the basis that fools rush in, etc. I swanned into the Waiting Room unperturbed, and sat down to wait for Pete and pass the time of day with those souls already present.

The first question was ‘Who’s on?’ to which the reply was ‘The lady doctor.’

I’ve met ‘The lady doctor’, and found her to be everything a doctor should be, including run-of-the-mill pretty, so I was slightly taken aback by the sotto voce statement from one of the male patients that she was ‘Gorgeous.’

Pleasant, or attractive in a motherly sort of way is how I would have described her.

However, we all have standards, though how he could have called her ‘gorgeous’ when he had such a goodlooking wife sitting next to him was not clear to me.

My turn was called. I entered the Inner Sanctum, and staggered weakly to a chair. Gorgeous was definitely an understatement! And not just gorgeous, but kind, efficient and understanding, with a smile that could

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk melt a polar ice cap in minutes!

Immediately I knew what this gentleman meant – perfection like this should not be allowed to roam at large, for fear of causing confusion to unprepared and possibly frail males.

I passed this information on to Pete, who had attended in a supporter’s role.

He cogitated for a second, then asked ‘Do I need any prescriptions renewing?’

‘No.’ ‘Oh. Maybe I don’t feel very well. I think I should see the doctor.’

I favoured him with a caustic look.

‘Or maybe I might faint, and need medical assistance.’ He persisted.

I gave him a look that made Agua Fuerte seem like mouthwash.

‘I think I should see the doctor.’ He bleated pitifully.

‘I’ll smack you round the chops and give you a reason to see the doctor if you don’t shut up.’

I wonder how many other wives have had much the same conversation recently?

Enchanting Spain - out now

From Santiago de Compostela in the north-west to Granada in the southeast via Madrid in the centre, Enchanting Spain reveals the fascinating breadth and depth of this exuberant country.

The Moorish Alhambra, Toledo’s Jewish quarter, the Roman amphitheatre at Mérida and Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, the famously unfinished cathedral, each show a different aspect of Spain’s complex history, now intermingled with fabulously contemporary museums and art centres.

The major towns sparkle with life, which visitors can share through the vibrant night scene, the delicious food and wine, the flamenco performances and the abundant festivals.

The landscape is diverse and dramatic, whether you are discovering the sundrenched beaches of Andalucía, hiking in the Picos de Europa or taking a trip down the Guadalquivir River.

Enchanting Spain is a portrait in words and images of both the familiar and the unexpected pleasures of this vibrant country.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------John MacDonald has written for many Spanish and international publications and has a special interest in Spanish history. He studied journalism, photography and archaeology at the University of Exeter and UCL. He shares his time between the UK and Spain.

Patricia Díaz Pereda studied at the Complutense University of Madrid, and has worked as a television director and for a media publication.

She is passionate about her homeland and has written many articles for magazines as well as contributing to Descubrir España, a National Geographic publication on the subject.

She lives in Madrid.

ISBN 978-1-909612-70-9 £9.99 paperback

puzzle pages

26

August 2016

To advertise in this space

Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com

wordsearch Types of MUSIC 2

Find and circle all of the different types of music that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining 15 letters spell an additional type of music.

1. At which olympic games in the USA were there special events for ‘ethnic minorities’?........................

2. The playing of which instrument was once an olympic discipline in ancient Greece?.............................

3. What are the five ring colours on the olympic flag?...........................

4. What was unusual about two time olympic marathon winner Abebe Bikila’s running style at the 1960 games?.................................

5. How were false starters punished in ancient Greece?..........

6. In which discipline did Wassil Aleksejew excell?...........................

7. The stadium in Athens for the 1896 games was built from which material?.......................................

8. Which Finnish star won nine gold medals before he was unfairly barred from the 1932 games in

answer

EUROPOP EXPERIMENTAL FOLK ROCK FUNK GOSPEL GRUNGE GYPSY IRISH MAMBO MARIACHI MIDDLE EASTERN NEW AGE NEW ORLEANS OPERA

POP MUSIC

L.A.?..............................................

PROGRESSIVE

9. What do Ben Johnson and Waterford Crystal both have in common?......................................

REGGAE ROCK AND ROLL SALSA SURF SWING

standard SUDOKU

10. Which two sports that start with the letter C are no longer olympic?.......................................

Answers

TECHNO TRIP HOP TROPICAL URBAN ZYDECO

squiggle SUDOKU

ACID JAZZ AFRICAN ALTERNATIVE BEBOP BLUES BOLLYWOOD BOSSA NOVA BRAZILIAN CELTIC CHAMBER CLASSICAL COUNTRY DOO WOP ELEVATOR

easy SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

soltimes olympic quiz

alternative rock

1. The Silver Chalice 2. Road to Perdition 3. Screwing heads off parking meters 4. Private Investigator 5. The Drowning Pool

10. Butch Cassidy 9. Rocky Graziano 8. Exodus 7. The Color of Money 6. Minnesota Fats

CROSSWORD

3

7. marble 8. Paavo Nurmi 9. disqualified for doping.

10. Cricket and Croquet

Answers

2

1. St. Louis 1904 2. Trumpet 3. Blue, yellow, black, green & red 4. barefoot 5. whipped 6. weightlifting

1. What was Paul Newman’s first movie role in which he won a Best New Star Golden Globe?.......................................

2. In what movie did Paul Newman play a top member of the Irish Mafia?............

3. What crime was Paul Newman’s character in Cool Hand Luke imprisoned for?........................................................

4. What occuptation was Paul Newman’s character in Harper?...............................

5. What movie was the sequel to Harper in which Paul Newman played Lew Harper?.................................................

6. What character did Paul Newman’s character play pool against in the finale of The Hustler?.......................................

7. What sequel to The Hustler earned Paul Newman an Academy Award for Best Actor?.............................................

8. What Paul Newman movie is based on the founding of Israel as a modern nation in 1948?......................................

9. What real life boxer did Paul Newman portray in Somebody Up There Likes Me?.......................................................

10. Which title character did Paul Newman play in Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid?.......................................

1

Answers

soltimes Paul Newman Quiz

SOLUTIONS

Name these famous sports cups and trophies. e r u ct i p l o s quiz!

1 Canada 2 Vietnam 3 Brazil 4 Norway

on this day 3rd august

1492 – Christopher Columbus sets sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain.

1900 – The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is founded.

1946 – Santa Claus Land, the world’s first themed amusement park, opens in Santa Claus, Indiana, United States.

1958 – The nuclear submarine USS Nautilus travels beneath the Arctic ice cap.

2004 – The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty reopens after being closed since the September 11 attacks.

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puzzle pages

STANDARD CROSSWORD

across 1 High school certificate (7) 5 Spoke in ignorance (7) 9 Bellicose (9) 10 San Antonio fort (5) 11 A writer of laments (7) 12 Cloths used in mending (7) 13 Very irritable (9) 15 Coarse files (5) 17 Not yesterday (5) 19 Teachers (9) 22 Find innocent (7) 25 Acquired the knowledge (7) 26 City in Viet Nam (5) 27 Grape plantations (9) 28 Jagged (7) 29 Inhabits (7) Down 1 Haggles (7) 2 Struck with a fist (9) 3 Applause (7) 4 A Greek philosopher (9) 5 Pup (5) 6 Praise dishonestly (7) 7 Averse (5) 8 Snoozes (7) 14 Matings (9) 16 Villain (9) 17 Instructs (7) 18 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 20 One who examines processes (7) 21 They inflict pain for pleasure (7) 23 Spanish for “Mister” (5) 24 Emissary (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

27

squiggle

famous birthdays on this day

standard

1958 – Lindsey Hilsum, English journalist and author 1966 – Eric Esch, American wrestler, boxer, and mixed martial artist

1971 – DJ Spinderella, American DJ, rapper, and producer (Salt-N-Pepa) 1981 – Pablo Ibáñez, Spanish footballer

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Element of vehicle good in France (6) 5 Stupid idiot Dan gets arithmetic operation (8) 9 Carefully considering pre-fight event before midnight (8) 10 Apes manage to catch one student leader (6) 11 Associated closely, if it denied production (10) 12 Animal’s quiet old state (4) 13 Attribute of suitable drink, say (8) 16 Vehicle left in plant (6) 17 Fluid that’s disputed in silence (6) 19 Puts down, so tips off after removing half of debt (8) 21 Setter’s section of exam in English (4) 22 Sadly dies on horseback initially, with feathers inverted (6-4) 25 A head of department, only to alter slightly (6) 26 English meadows in colour that’s slackened (8) 27 Amicable conclusion in adornment, mostly unknown (8) 28 Most crafty instruments without right to be in the street (6) Down 2 Leading margin of victory? (5) 3 Start to live with drink (5) 4 Number one to rise awkwardly with more sound (7) 5 Any girl exploding with rage (7) 6 Determines policemen’s entry into river with pole (7) 7 Foremost university (extremely poorly-off) to witness turnaround - thanks to these? (3-2,4) 8 Her voting’s erratic, happening in a short time (9) 14 What’s left of a memento, externally (9) 15 Course of action, perhaps, prouder to include church (9) 18 The Uni mostly ‘ad trouble, having resident ghosts (7) 19 Ruin of the French city of old (7) 20 In mix-up, add less oars (7) 23 Journal’s sudden attack coming up at start of year (5) 24 Tiny daughter’s unwanted growths (5)

Quote of the week...

28

August 2016

food & entertaining Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

pINEAP PLE cHIC KEN kEBABS

sPANISH mUSTARD bEEF Ingredientsy

err 1/4 cup sh vinegar ht 1/4 cup lig il olive o on s 2 tablespo ard st u Dijon m ns o o sp le 2 tab ka ri p a p d e smok 4 cloves ced rl ga ic, min a (option l) round salt and g per to p e black p e st ta very 2 pounds eak st k n a fl thin

Method

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Whisk sherry vinegar, olive oil, mustard, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Place steak in marinade and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Cook steak on the preheated grill, turning once, until each side is browned, steak is beginning to firm, and is hot and slightly pink in the centre, about 2 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Transfer steak to a plate and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Ruby’s

Ingredientpser, cut

pep 1 green bell pieces ch in 1to in t into 1-inch 1/2 onion, cu nd skinless, ou pieces 1/2 p ken breast ic boneless ch to 1-inch in t cu s, ve hal pieces le ) can pineapp 1 (15 ounce drained chunks, , or beque sauce 1/4 cup bar as needed 6 skewers

Method

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Thread green bell pepper, onion, chicken, and pineapple onto skewers; brush with barbeque sauce.

Cook on the preheated grill until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 7 to 10 minutes per side.

BBQ Pork Sandwich es

URBANISATION EL RASO, CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR, JUST OFF THE CV895 LEMON TREE ROAD, 03140

TEL 622 434 912

Opening times 10am till Late Tuesday - Sunday

Ingredientsrk

Full Main Menu 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch Available 2pm - 7pm 3 Course 9.95€ / 2 Course 7.95€ Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm Wednesday is quiz night with Nick Marshall with our great 5€ meal deals for quiz players PLUS Karaoke with guest singers Last person standing, winner takes all

GREAT FUN NIGHT OUT

2-3 pounds Po Shoulder s 2 tablespoon Barbecue Rub ue 2 jars Barbec Sauce hite 1 cup sliced W Onion Buns

Suggested Toppings:

Cole Slaw Sautéed Mushrooms Roasted Bell Pepper Caramelized Onions tter d Brea and Bu s le Pick

Method

Generously rub the BBQ seasoning all over the pork.

Heat a pan over high heat. Sear all sides of the pork shoulder for 2 minutes each.

Place the pork in a slow cooker, on top of the sliced onion. Pour the BBQ sauce over and cover the slow cooker and turn on low.

Cook for 6-8 hours - at this point the pork will be fall apart tender. Use tongs to place the pork in a bowl. I poured the sauce (including the onions) into a large saucepan and thickened it letting it reduce by one third. Use two forks to shred the pork and stir in the BBQ sauce.

Place about ½ cup of the shredded pork on a bun, and add any toppings you like

29

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F O K TAL N W O T E H T Calling all Tapas Chefs!

National Competition Accepting Entries

Spanish chefs interested in entering the upcoming edition of the Concurso de Pinchos y Tapas Ciudad de Valladolid (City of Valladolid National Pinchos and Tapas Competition), can rise to the challenge between now and October 4th, 2016.

Originality, creativity, imagination, technique, taste, budget and presentation are just some of the factors that aspiring tapas champions will have to keep in mind when preparing their recipe for this annual competition, which will unfold from November 7-9th, 2016, in Valladolid's Cúpula del Milenio.

The 2016 event will be the 12th edition of this prestigious competition, which chooses its participants through a selection process that is based on the judgment of seventeen anonymous gastronomy experts (one for each of Spain's Autonomous Communities). Prospective participants must be currently working as chefs in any Spanish establishment that has a bar where tapas are served.

Chefs compete for the top prize of 6,000 euros in cash, while other awards are also presented to the second place winner and

the chefs responsible for the "Most Traditional", "Most Avant-garde" and "Best Concept" tapas.

Although details have yet to be announced as to the make-up of the seven-member jury, which in the past has been presided over by prestigious chefs like Albert Adrià, Martín Berasategui, Pedro Subijana and Nacho Manzano, among others; these details and more are sure to follow on this beloved Spanish gastronomic event. http://www.foodswinesfromspain.com

Open 7 Days a Week 12noon till 10pm All Sports Covered Homemade Food Cakes & Pastries Karaoke Weekly Clubs OUTsIDE sUMMER EVENTs CaLL IN BaR foR DETaILs

QUESADA FISH & CHIPS

Menu of the Day 12noon till 5pm

Cod or Haddock Chips, Peas, Bread and Butter

€7,00

Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas

€6,00

All Day

Takeaway Also Available Quesada Villamartin Plaza

966 719 136

966 764 441

30

August 2016

Spain discovers the benefits of berries... to the economy The strawberry fields of Huelva are increasingly being turned over to growing the new super food Widely considered as one of the most potent super foods, the berry may not yet have taken off on the Iberian Peninsula but demand abroad continues to rise: four out of every 10 berries in British kitchens now come from Spain, or more specifically Huelva, where 95% of the country’s berries are grown.

“Demand for this kind of fruit has soared, while strawberry exports have dropped thanks to strong competition from other countries,” says Rafael Domínguez, director of Freshuelva, a representative association for companies in the sector. And although the strawberry is still tops, it is gradually ceding to its rivals.

Of all the berries, the cranberry has seen the steepest escalation in demand over the past four years, with exports rising by 138% in that time.

Hard on its heels is the raspberry with a 129% increase, while blackberries have been subject to a more modest rise of 35%, according to the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX).

Land allocated to growing blackberries has expanded by 160% over the past four years, yet when it comes to eating them, Spaniards lag behind the rest of Europe and the United States Naturally, there are now more berries than ever being grown in Spain.

Land allocated to the blackberry has expanded by 160% over the past four years, to the cranberry by 151% and to the raspberry by 51%, while strawberry fields have shrunk by 8.43% in the same period. Yet when it comes to eating them, Spaniards lag behind the rest of Europe and the United States.

“Spain does not have a berry culture,” says Domínguez. “So we’ve decided to change this with comics for children and conferences for adults.”

The sector is convinced that Spain simply needs to be more informed on the health properties of berries, which can help in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, among other things.

“It would have been easier to focus on the strawberry because there seems to be more information on its health benefits,” says Daniel Velo, the owner of El Bosque which has been concentrating on blackberry production since 1995. “But the blackberry was largely unknown and a good market to get into. It’s been a slow process but we’re growing more all the time and creating more jobs.

In the first five months of this year, a t

least 112,000 workers have been hired to pick berries in Huelva, according to the deputy of the provincial government, Enrique Pérez Viguera.

Most of them are locals employed on a temporary basis, but some enjoy more stability.

“I lost my job in a restaurant and came to the country,” says Mario Sánchez, 57, during a rest from picking blackberries in Rociana del Condado.

“My wife and daughters work here. Its hard work but you can make a living. At the start, the working day was shorter, but ­it’s gotten longer and longer, but I like working in the fields.”

“There are hardly any immigrants now,” he adds. “Those that are here are residents in Spain, like the Romanians.

I was lucky to start a long time ago and I work all year round. I will stay here as long as I can, Monday to Saturday, whatever the season.”

Brexit fears In 2015, 10% of Spain’s strawberry exports – amounting to 33,500 tons – went to Britain, along with 40% of its other berry exports, or 16,000 tons, making Britain one of the main importers of Spain’s berry produce.

Consequently, Brexit has taken its toll, with the price of fruit plummeting by almost 10% due to the 7.48% fall in the pound caused by the surprise referendum result. Growers producing the last berries of the season – blackberries and raspberries – are being hit with big losses. The average price of a 125g tub hasn't changed since the referendum, remaining at around €1.16, and if the price remains the same but the pound weakens, profits fall.

The big question is what kind of trade agreement the UK is going to have with the EU. As far as Domínguez is concerned, export policies are already quite rigorous. “They could increase the number of inspections which would make it more difficult to get the produce in,” he says. “We understand that the UK could start campaigns and pass laws favoring trade for their own produce which would put countries such as ours at a disadvantage.”

While the consequences of Brexit unravel, the sector is studying possible strategies. “If they don’t work, we’ll have to seek out new horizons.

Nobody was expecting this,” says Domínguez. elpais

Why food is at the centre of

Spanish life

Spain’s after-dinner ‘sobremesa’ has shaped its society — airing feelings about food, friends and politics It is simply impossible to understand Spain without understanding its food.

Food to a Spaniard is a source of pride, a way to live; it is central to our identity.

You can say pretty much anything to a Spanish person and have a fair chance of making up with a proper apology, but if you insult our mothers, our food, or — worse — the food of our mothers, then that’s it.

The Spain of today has very little to do with the Spain of my childhood. It is one of the European countries that has undergone the most rapid change: from a place where, in the 1960s, pretty much everybody was — or at least pretended to be — a staunch Roman Catholic, to one in which the state and the church regard each other with mistrust, where gay marriage was legalised nine years before the UK, where there has been a fully gender-balanced government, and where women will not even consider giving up their jobs when they have kids.

Despite all these changes, our Catholic roots still play an important part in our lives and in our food — from recipes such as percebes, which calls for barnacles to be thrown into a pan of boiling water for the time it takes to say an “Our Father”, to desserts like the scrumptious “Little Bacon of Heaven” (tocinillo de cielo) made by the Poor Clare nuns with the countless eggs that Spanish brides take to convents to encourage the nuns to pray for good weather on their wedding day. Not for nothing, when we eat well in Spain, do we say we have eaten “like a priest”.

And yet, while Catholicism is part of our history, so, too, is the influence of the Arab world. Spain was under Arab rule for 800 years, a full two centuries longer than under Christianity. The Arabs left behind many words, customs, stunning buildings like the great mosque of Córdoba and the red-brick Mudéjar architecture, but nowhere is their influence seen more clearly than in food: the nougats (turrones) made with almonds and honey in the Spanish Levant, the aubergines fried with dark honey (berenjenas con miel de caña) from Andalucia, or partridge and tuna escabeches, a technique imported into Spain from the Arab world.

The main characteristic of modern Spain is, without doubt, its regional diversity.

Spain is a collection of proud regions with strong identities, bound together by a common purpose but also in competition with each other about everything from politics to football — and

food. The culinary competition is such that we often give the region’s name to our most precious dishes. In fact, we believe that nobody cooks those dishes better than in the region where they come from, be it the humble Castilian soup made with garlic and bread from my region; the Manchego vegetable stew (pisto) that we eat with fried eggs; or the outstanding Galician hake, lightly poached and served with olive oil and paprika, which enhances rather than masks the flavour of the fish and epitomises the main principle of Spanish cuisine: to respect a really good ingredient by doing as little as possible to it.

Regardless of the many different regional identities, all Spaniards put food at the centre of our lives, just as, deep down, we are all convinced that nobody cooks like we do. Most of us, I’m afraid, are truly shameless about our food chauvinism. It is not a particularly attractive characteristic, but one that is genuine. As I now go to Madrid relatively often for work, no matter who I am meeting for lunch they will say things like, “have a final slice of ham before you go back”, “you deserve the biggest portion of tortilla”, “the last grilled prawn”, “take it, since you live up there where you do not have these things”. Obviously, in Spain, the concept of food exports and trade has not fully sunk in.

Food is so central to Spanish society that it even affects our social structures, shaping the importance of the family network. Proper sit-down meals with the family are a must. And when a weekend meal ends, there is a social imperative to stay at the table and discuss everything at what we call the sobremesas. These are after-dinner discussions over a cup of coffee with an orange, a mandarin or a small sweet that can last from 20 minutes to hours on end. They often start with “how well we have eaten” and end with arguments about anything on the planet. It is during the sobremesas that we forcefully disagree — Spaniards are never light on emotion! — and can have the most ferocious arguments about who is better: Real Madrid or Barça; Messi or Ronaldo; whether the food had enough salt or not; the latest bit of news or gossip that has gripped the country. We will throw our opinions at each other, have monumental arguments that lead to everyone raising their voice, and at the very end of it all we kiss and make up. It is through this emotionally intense process that Spanish family bonds are made. read more -http://www.ft.com

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Tel: 950 121 936

COSTA COBRAS RFC

new rugby club training on Guardamar beach in front of the restaurants.

Junior and senior training on Monday and Wednesday 18.30-20.00.

For more details contact Garry 692 767 242, whatsapp, or Robert on 697 286 416

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION,

- community news -

I n t er n a t i o n a l Christian Assembly evangelical church,

Calle Urbano Arregui 23, Torrevieja 03185. Meets every Sunday, 11am, includes Sunday School for children.

Prayer meetings, craft and computer clubs, Bible study groups. Also house groups at La Siesta: Tuesdays, 3pm.

Call 674552754 for details. La Zenia: Wednesdays, 3pm, call 620318964.

Torrevieja: Thursdays 5.30pm. Call 608283661, and in church building, Tuesdays, 6pm call 617591399 and Thursdays, 5.30pm call 608283661. For other church matters call pastor, Rafael Restrepo, on 966799273 or mobile 660127276.

Orihuela Costa Branch, covers the area from Punta Prima to San Javier and inland. The branch meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. You do not have to be ex military to attend or to join. Everyone is welcome. More information can be found at the branch website - http://branches.britishlegion. 50+ SOLOS org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa IS open to ladies and gentlemen who Casa Tom Community find themselves on their own but would like to get out and meet people through Choir: Casa Tom Community Choir meets a difficult time. No Fees or Subs just every Monday at 2.00pm for 2.30pm. a get together normally twice a month It is a mixed choir and all levels are for a meal. chat and perhaps a quiz welcome. No auditions, no solos. at different locations in the Torrevieja Make new friends and have a good time. Location: CASA TOM, Avenida area. We have run this little group for JACA 31, San Luis, Torrevieja. some 10 years and more such events Phone or email Terry for further are needed, 966 789 063. details. Phone: 647-189-135. Email: ‘Strictly’ Dance casatomsanluis@gmail.com.

THE ROYAL ASSOCIATION,

NAVAL

Torrevieja Branch, meet at 1700 on the first Wednesday of each month at the Restaurante El Paraiso, Urb. Jardin del Mar 3, (behind Carrefour), Torrevieja.

Contact Paul Edwards, Chairman, 618 644 934 or Margaret Forshaw, Secretary 966 921 996.

BADMINT0N AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs. 10-1pm.

For information ring John McGilvray on 966 786 774 or Mobiles 634 658 506/695 871 707 or e mail carolejohn_3@hotmail.com

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

Table Tennis Torrevieja.

at

Held Tuesdays and Thursdays 13.30 to 17.30 at Casa Ventura.

Equipment and coaching provided if required. All standards catered for. If more information required contact Del on 653564831

Pilar Christian Community Church

Calle Canalejas 3. Pilar de la Horadada.

Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and Worship Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact PilarChristian.CommunityChurch@gmail. com. 966 849 448 - 966 848 806

TABLE TENNIS AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA

Sports Centre every Monday at 10am Five tables equipment supplied, coaching given if necessary, all standards welcome.

Contact George on 965 326097 or Gordon on 966 848304 or e-mail drewgeorge49@yahoo.com.

sales@soltimes.com

Summer Schedule

Every Monday Rock and Roll Class The Emerald Isle, La Florida,7:30-8:30pm Beginners & Improvers followed by Rock & Roll session. Every Tuesday The Country Club, Quesada 8:00-10:00pm Ballroom & Latin Tuition Beginners & Intermediates and Social Dancing Every Thursday, The Madhouse, Pueblo Principe, 8:00-10:00pm Ballroom & Latin Tuition Beginners & Intermediates and Social Dancing. You have seen the show now come and learn how its done with the professionals. New courses start every 3 week and singles are always welcome. For more info contact Lyn on 635584431, 966188430 or email strictlydancelyn@gmail.com

CHESS club

Please be advised that the Age Concern Centre in La Siesta will close for the summer on Wednesday 27th July and re-open on Thursday 1st September. Our Shops in Los Montesinos and Torrevieja will close on Friday 29th July and re-open on Monday 29th August.

volunteer drivers required

Age Concern require two experienced volunteer drivers, one for Tuesday and one for Friday mornings, 10.00am until 1.30pm. You must have a Spanish Driving Licence. If you think that you can help Age Concern in this respect, please call in to the Day Centre in La Siesta, or call Age Concern on 96 678 6887.

CAN YOU HELP?

An important part of Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is the Residential Home Visiting Team whereby volunteers visit English speaking people in a Residential Home for a couple of hours each week on a monthly rota basis. Can you spare a couple of hours each month to help Age Concern in this respect? If you can help, please contact Age Concern on 96 678 6887.

T.A.A.B.S ( T O R R E V I E J A ASSOCIATION BALLADEER SINGERS) Charity Singing Group

The Leading award winning charity singing group on the Orihuela Costa, This Charity Singing Group, are rehearsing, in Ernest, for late summer, and Christmas Charity events.

We are group of dedicated non professional singers, singing for Charity, at various events around the Oriheula Costa. and have helped raise Thousands of euro’s for different charity’s.

The San Miguel We now have a vacancy for a lady singer, Walking Football Club, to compliment our small group of singers.

If you feel you may be able to help in this known as the strollers vacancy please contact our secretary, If you would like to join the happy Marion. 638 266 432. band of players, or just want to come along and watch, have a laugh, The ALL NEW ROJALES and have chat with the players, in the bar following the game. wives and PANTOMIME GROUP are still looking for new members to join partners included.

Come along on a Wednesday evening, our SPECTATULAR next PRODUCTION from 6-30 to 8 o.c. of SLEEPING BEAUTY we still need some we will be happy to see you there. main characters and YOU could be our for more information, next KING RUMBLETUM (a e.mail: smstrollers@gmail.com glutton, doting Father to or Phone Ann on 638 840 392 Princess Beauty, and hen pecked husband!!)

Amigos Friendship The Rojales Pantomime Group Group are going from We meet at Rayz Bar El Raso every strength to strength, Wednesday at 3.00pm. we have a NEW LOGO For a social get together and fun quiz. We (designed by Richard arrange lots of Kingston) activities including day trips, meals out Contact us NOW Christine walks and holidays.

You are welcome to join us and widen 678 212 034 or Thelma 653 729189 your circle of friends.

Just turn up and you will be made Email: rojalespantomime@ gmail,com welcome or for further info Call Ann tel. 642774399 or Ken tel. W e b s i t e : rojalespantomime.com 642703488

31

Friendly Chess group looking for more players.

FRIDAYS 1.00 PM REFLECTIONS BAR SAN LUIS (Lakeside) Tele: John 966 786 774 or 634 658 506 (M)

ALMORADI CLUB

MONDAY

The “Almoradi Monday Club” meet every FIRST and THIRD MONDAY of the month at 4PM in “The Victoria Tea Rooms” that is situated on the main road just off the big church square in Almoradi.

The idea of this modern and progressive club is so that people who speak ENGLISH and live in Almoradi or the surrounding area can meet one another on a regular but informal basis to talk together and enjoy life in this Spanish community.

The club activities will include social events, club lunches and evening meals in and around the local area, with guest speakers at some meetings and other forms of entertainment when possible. We will also try to associate ourselves with other local clubs that hold other events including coach trips and anything that may be of interest to members.

If you are interested and would like to have a wider circle of friends then come along to one of our meetings. For more information contact davedanie@gmail. com or look us up on FaceBook. Search for - Almoradi Monday Club.

The Almoradi Monday Club is an ENGLISH speaking club and is open to people of every nationality living in or just visiting Spain.

Please note the club does not operate during July and August.

Paso A Paso Summer Dance Times at Papas from Thursday 21st July.

Mondays 11.30am Classes for all level plus practice time .. stay and enjoy a Papas brunch.

Thursdays 8pm Classes for all levels plus social dancing till late.

Food available.

Both commence with a beginners class for all to join in and meet and greet any newcomers.

Monday day class and Thursday evening class will also include a taste of West Coast Swing or Swing Blues dance for those that want to try it...

Sorry no Monday West Coast class until further notice.

Av Justo Quesada, Rojales. 03170 Call Maxine 670 711 408 or Adam 638 330 342 for more info.

Ruby’s

URBANISATION EL RASO, CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR, JUST OFF THE CV895 LEMON TREE ROAD, 03140

TEL 622 434 912

SolTimes Opening times 10am till Late Tuesday - Sunday

Have A Drop Off Point Here For Payments Private Or Trade Advertisers, Birthdays Or Other Announcements

32

SOL CLASSIFIEDS For sale

ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UP TO 300€ FOR FREE EMAIL:SALES@SOLTIMES.COM BY TUESDAY 5PM

pool tables snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com

Sgt Pepper Beatles Album, without sleeve with original cover, Beatles Abbey Rd, with sleeve and original cover, The Carpenters, Singles Album with sleeve and cover, Bob Dylan, Nashville Skyline, with sleeve, Queen, Greatest Hits 11Dble Album, all in good condition or playing order. Make me an offer Tel:605 063 165 Mazarron Area.

Genuine Headlights for a Citroen Berlingo Multispace LHD. Brand new, still in box. 90€, Computer desk with glass top and chair. Would suit small area. As new, 25€, Electric oil filled radiator.

Hardly used 30€, Tel: +44 754 965 1043 Quesada area.

Delongi Stretto 2500 w., oil filled radiator on wheels with thermostat.

25€, Rointe Royal TM wall radiator, 700 w. Thermostat range 17 to 27 degrees.

Daily, weekly time controls or Manual override 30€, Sherwins Model HAS 2800 Garden Shredder

2800 w. shreds up to 45 mm. excellent condition full manual. 50€, Child Car Seat, Babyauto, instruction manual, excellent condition.

25€, Baby Booster seat, Creates a High Chair when installed on normal dining Chair. Excellent condition.

15€ Tel: 966 712 200 (Benijofar).

One Electro Western style guitar, natural finish, very good cond with slider volume, tone, balance controls, ideal for beginner or accomplished Player, with lead, carry cover, capo, tuner. 55€OVNO, Round table in red varnish finish, very nice, in good cond. 4 matching cushioned chairs 40€ Tel: 605 063 165 ERDE 122 Trailer, 60€, Tel: 696 290 192 Orihuela Costa area Three piece red leather look suite, two seater settee + two tub chairs 103 Tel: 966 722 157 / 620 098 874 Gas Fire & Bottle 35€, Roof Bars & Top Box to fit

alternative power

www.ecocorpshop.com are you getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills do you want a clean, reliable energy alternative

Ford Fusion 35€, Fold up put u up Bed 10€, Gas BBQ little used 25€, Tel: 865 774 401/653 561 952 Samsung programmable electronic washing machine approx. 5 years old 150€.

4 x wooden dining chairs, good clean condition. 20€, 4 x childrens mountain bikes, ages 4 to 6 years. 30€, Fridge freezer clean working condition 60€, Can deliver reasonable distance at cost Tel: 606 075 644.

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Property buyer’s surveys and expert defects diagnosis

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Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, Quesada plus all other areas. Escort available home & house visits. Tel: 693 357 526

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Have you ever wondered why do dogs love to sunbathe? You have to admit, sitting under the sun gives us this great feeling. Plus it gives us a good dose of vitamin D. And when it comes to our furry companions, they also get their dose of Vitamin D but not in the same way that we do.

Vitamin D3 is really not a vitamin, per se. It is more of a hormone that helps regulate your mineral metabolism as well as maintains the calcium balance in your bones. Experts believed that his vitamin plays a major role in affecting the expression of more than 200 genes.

Us, humans, create vitamin D3 when we stand in direct sunlight, the natural oil from our skin would react to the UV rays. The UV radiation then breaks

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down the chemical bonds in our natural oil, hence producing vitamin D3 (aka sunshine vitamin).

Once the oil is converted to vitamin D3, it would then be automatically absorbed by the body and enters the blood stream. Ideally, you need about 10-15 minutes under the sun in order to have enough amount of the vitamin. However, most people can’t do that these days, thus the experts would recommend taking a supplement instead.

Dogs, birds and cats also secrete the same type of oil from their skin. And when they lay down under the sun, that same oil would be converted to Vitamin D3.

However, due to their fur, the vitamin would just end up on their hair and doesn’t get absorbed by the skin.

When they lick their body to clean or groom themselves, that is the time they ingest Vitamin D. Vitamin D gets into their system via the oral route.

Sun Safety Tips for Dogs No shaving. Do not shave your dog during the summer since the sun may damage his skin. This fur is a barrier between the UV rays and without it he would be prone to sunburn and skin cancer.

Protect your serious sunbather. If you happen to own a dog who is a serious sun bather, keep an eye on him.

Serious sunbathers could happily fry themselves for long hours, but you have to drag them inside before they get too much exposure. And id you see your dog lying on his back while sunbathing, call him in.

Such posture would make them prone to developing tumours on the inguinal area.

Cool bath. If he happens to get sunburn, give him a You may recall Capitan the white male chihuahua, approx. 2 years old, who came to the K9 Animal Shelter together with Lola and Chiquita. He has been castrated and vaccinated. Although Capitan was rehomed, unfortunately he did not settle and would suit someone who could offer him a quiet and calm environment.

Please call if you would like to adopt this lovely little fellow.

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cool, soothing bath with a gentle, soap-free product l i k e the TheraNeem pet shampoo.

Prior to lathering it up, add 5 drops of Neem Oil to the shampoo then work it down to his fur and skin. Let it sit for a while before washing him up with cold water.

Use sunblock. Choose the correct sunscreen protector for your dog. Experts would advise that you pick a sunscreen that is also safe for human babies.

Avoid zinc oxide. When selecting a sunscreen for him see to it that it doesn’t have zinc oxide in its ingredients since that is toxic to your dog.

Use protective clothing for him. If he is shaved, consider using a t-shirt that is tailored for him.

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34

August 2016

motoring Kia Rio SUV on the way with plug-in hybrid tech

Kia is planning a new crossover to rival the Nissan Juke, and it could get plug-in hybrid power.

Kia is launching its new Rio supermini next year and plans

are afoot for a new crossover version to compete in the booming compact crossover segment. The Rio SUV will cost more than its supermini

stablemate when it goes on sale late next year; we’d expect it to be priced from around £14,000.

This new small Kia crossover could also get plug-in hybrid power.

The manufacturer has put out teasers of a baby SUV before, with 2013’s Niro concept (pictured) but now insiders claim a production model, based on the next-gen Rio, is due soon after the supermini’s launch in 2017. John Kim, head of Kia's Western Europe Team, said: “Kia is launching some new products next year, such as a new Rio, with an SUV as well.”

Thanks to a higher driving position and a bigger boot, the new model will be more practical than the Rio. Key Kia styling cues such as the ‘tiger grille’ will feature, along with sporty design touches to help the car rival the funky Juke. The small SUV won’t be offered with fourwheel drive. However, Kia is considering a plug-in hybrid, potentially mating

the electrification tech in the new Niro crossover with a smaller motor than that car’s 1.6-litre unit.

The new crossover would join the Soul in the Kia range and the Soul does have a pure-EV version already available. This uses a 109bhp motor with a range of 132 miles but with the extra weight of an engine, we’d expect a Rio plug-in hybrid model to have a shorter all-electric range.

In terms of styling, the Rio SUV will get a toned-down design compared to the funky Soul. Asked if there is room for a more conventional SUV than the Soul in the B-segment, Kia’s design boss Peter Shreyer told Auto Express that “the Soul has a very unique personality - maybe there is potential for this.”

The new Kia Rio SUV’s design direction is set to follow on from the striking new Sportage. Kia’s design boss Peter Shreyer told Auto Express that; “we have built up a design identity and future cars will follow on from that.”

We expect to see the familiar Tiger-nose grille on the front, plus sporty design touches to help it rival Nissan’s stylish Juke, which is due for a refresh in 2017. http://www.

autoexpress.co.uk

New VW Tiguan 2.0 BiTDI review in fact, it’s the most powerful engine of its size on the market.

With a w h o p p i n g 500Nm of torque from as low as 1,750rpm, it has considerably more grunt than any mid-size SUV in the mainstream class. This means the Tiguan finally gets the performance to compete in the premium sector VW has priced it at. On paper, the numbers make for impressive reading; 0-62mph is dispatched in 6.5 seconds, which is 1.4 seconds faster than the next best diesel Tiguan, and a mere three-tenths off Jaguar’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel F-Pace. Ingear acceleration is brisk, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this means the SUV feels like a Tiguan ‘GTI’ on the road.

Being a boxy SUV, body roll is everpresent, and while the steering is quick it does feel quite numb. As for the engine, power delivery is extremely linear, and it builds speed deceptively rapidly with real smoothness – so you find yourself going much faster than you might anticipate.

The standard-fit seven-speed LOS DOLSES S.L DSG gearbox contributes to this feeling, slurring shifts nicely in auto mode and responding BEST quickly to manual changes. This PRICES powertrain is effective rather than PAID CARS FOR CASH exciting, but it certainly fixes the rather sluggish nature for which Call Spencer on 637 090 665 we’ve criticised lesser Tiguans.

MECHANIC WORKSHOP The Tiguan BiTDI is available PHONE JAMES on 672 532 758 only with VW’s 4MOTION allThe Volkswagen Tiguan's punchy biturbo diesel engine makes it the most powerful mid-size SUV on the market. Is that enough?

If you’re willing to pay a bit extra for class-leading pulling power, then the beefy, twin-turbocharged Tiguan will be worth considering. Its pace is enough to make BMW and Audi sit up and take notice with their premium SUVs, while the rest of the package remains strong, if unexciting. If you can find a good lease deal for this bi-turbo the numbers might stack up, but the 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel version is cheaper, much more efficient and almost as nice to drive.

We’re already quite familiar with the new Volkswagen Tiguan. But when we tested it against its closest rivals, the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai, it finished only third. So does an engine upgrade change anything?

VW has made the SUV available with its punchy BiTDI twin-turbo diesel. The 237bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder appeared first in the Passat saloon last year, and the Tiguan is the next car to benefit.

Extremely high injection pressures on the twin-turbos ensure it’s no ordinary diesel;

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however, and it isn’t wheelonly the ambitious list price: drive system, efficiency takes quite a big hit on which (along with the monstrous torque) is part of paper. UK specs have yet to be the reason the SUV can tow up confirmed, but in Germany VW to 2,500kg. It also makes the claims the model will manage car feel very surefooted on the around 45mpg and emit 167g/ road; there’s precious little fun km of CO2. That doesn’t sound to be had, but it’s composed and too bad, but the 148bhp 2.0-litre comfortable nonetheless. Thank will return nearly 60mpg. In fact, the optional adaptive dampers for a 3.0-litre V6 diesel F-Pace is this. Without them, the Tiguan’s cleaner than the bi-turbo VW. So ride is on the choppy side. it’s hardly surprising that a mere You can spec the BiTDI Tiguan 10 per cent of Tiguans sold in the only as an SE-L or range-topping UK will be fitted with this engine.

R-Line model. SE-L – tested here http://www.autoexpress.co.uk – is probably the one to go for. Although it doesn’t have as many muscular styling add-ons, you get the Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 BiTDI SE L same quality feel, Price: £36,000 (est) intuitive cabin layout and a decent kit list.

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl bi-turbo diesel There’s also loads Power/Torque: 237bhp/500Nm of space; the sliding Transmission: Seven-speed dualrear seat ensures you clutch auto, four-wheel drive can prioritise space for passengers or 0-62mph/Top speed: 6.5 luggage, depending on secs/142mph your needs.

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Film Review

My Week With Marilyn

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

“What I remembered most was her embrace, her belief in me and the joy she gave, that was her gift. When I think of her now, I think of that time when a dream came true and my only talent was not to close my eyes.” Colin Clark.

This film was based on two of Colin Clark’s diaries: The Prince, The Showgirl and Me and My Week With Marilyn published in 1995. Clark was the least famous of his family in 1956 but he achieved great success after this brief but memorable and intimate encounter with Marilyn Monroe. His father was the renowned Kenneth Clark, art historian and his elder brother was Alan Clark M.P, another renowned diarist.

Clark chronicled the clash of egos between two legends: Olivier (played by Branagh) and Monroe (Michelle Williams) as well as his growing infatuation with Monroe which left him with a broken heart. Written by Adrian Hodges and directed by Simon Curtis-this is his debut feature film.

The film opens with this simple revelation: “This is their true story.” And it is moving and sad for everyone touched by Monroe’s glamour and stage presence.

Clark (an attractive Eddie Redmayne) was just 23, from an extremely privileged background, fresh out of Eton, determined to pursue a career in films much to his father’s irritation who offered to get him real work. Clark wanted to prove to himself as well as the famous Clarks that he could make a go of it. He had a lot to live up to. So, as he put it, he decided to join the circus.

Coming from such a famous family he already knew Olivier and his wife, Vivien Leigh as well as Margot Fonteyn who were regular visitors to Saltwood castle for afternoon teas.

It made sense for Clark to use his link with Olivier to ask for a job. Even when he was told there weren’t any jobs he came back to the office every day and just waited and waited… It was Vivien who persuaded Olivier to find something for Clark and guess what? He was given the most rudimentary and unglamorous job of being a Gofor which in the film industry means a person who has been told to Go for this or Go for that. We would call it a dog’s body. Officially it was third assistant director. But what a start!

Marilyn Monroe was due to come to Britain to film with Olivier and Clark would be working with this legend.

Larry had fallen in love with Monroe on a recent visit to New York and he wanted her to rekindle his career in films. Monroe wanted to gain respect as an actress something she desperately craved and both felt that working together there would be mutual benefits. It didn’t quite turn out like that

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and the film based on a Terence Rattigan play The Sleeping Prince was largely panned by the critics.

It was 1956 when Britain had finally started to shake off the shadow of the last world war. Monroe had been married for 3 weeks to Arthur Miller. It was her third marriage and she was just 30. She had told the press that it was third time lucky. Already there were signs that the marriage had got off to a shaky start. Clark saw her sitting on the stairs holding a manuscript of Miller’s latest play: After The Fall about Marilyn and she was devastated to read about her mood swings, not to mention the drugs and the booze. Miller decides to return to the States, telling Larry: “She’s devouring me. I can’t work and I can’t think.”

During rehearsals Clark witnessed a prickly relationship with tantrums, walkouts and tempers flared. As director, Olivier’s patience was tested. She was often late, fluffed her lines, was ill-prepared and would walk off the set when greeted by a sarcastic Olivier. An infuriated Olivier told Clark: Teaching Marilyn to act is like teaching Urdu to a badger. He vowed he would never direct again.

Marilyn had destroyed his desire to do so.

“Monroe doesn’t really forget her lines. It is more as if she had never quite learnt them.”

Clark’s intimacy with his Greek Goddess lasted 9 days. It was a whirlwind of a chaste affair for the showgirl and her younger Prince Regent which afforded them some well-deserved privacy. “Monroe took a shine to the confident yet innocent Clark and whisked him away to spend a week virtually alone with her.”

You Stepped Out of a Dream plays in the background as the two visit Windsor then Eton before the bubble bursts to Autumn Leaves and Clark’s heart is inevitably broken.

Monroe went on to make Some Like it Hot and Olivier played Archie Rice, a failing middle-aged song-and-dance man in John Osborne’s The Entertainer. It proved to be one of the triumphs of his career.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

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August 2016

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ALICANTE GOLF – 26th JULY 2016 It was one of those hot, hot Spanish Summer Days when the temperatures were higher than some of the point’s scored. Sadly, the turnout was down in numbers due to holidays and injuries, but those Gold Category Winners: who played enjoyed the Ron Swift - Rod Smith – Mike Davies joys of the ever improving Alicante Golf.

Looks like Rod Smith had a field day with a second place, two Nearest the Pins plus a Longest Drive, seems like a good days work Rod! RESULTS GOLD CATEGORY Silver WinnerS: Graham Knight – Malcolm Wood 1st Mike Davies 33 pts, – Andy Billing 2nd Rodney Smith 32 pts, 3rd Ron Swift 31 pts SILVER CATEGORY 1st Malcolm Wood 28 pts 2nd Graham Knight 28 pts C/B 3rd Andy Billings 27 pts NEAREST PINS Hole 3: Rod Smith Hole 6: Paul Mutter Hole 12: Rod Smith Hole17: Mike Davies LONGEST DRIVE: Rod Smith BEST GUEST: Paul Brown So it was back to St. James’s Gate for the celebrated munchies and Martin’s hospitality.

Remember to drink a lot of water before going out, to avoid dehydration in this heat, before you go out to play as it is difficult to rehydrate on the course when playing Next home game is back at Vistabella on Tuesday 9th August. First Tee 09:00.

For more information or if you wish to play with arguably the friendliest Golf Society contact Ron Nicholson on 678 849 142 or email sanmigron@gmail.com

El Plantio 2 Golf Society

A depleted entry on the 26th July of 12 players was accounted for by Holidays and not the fact that it was the dreaded Monthly Medal, where every shot counts.

Nearest the pins : Hole 5, Mike Davies, Hole 6, Henry Mellor.

3rd Place, Handicap 4 - John Wilby, Net 57 points.

2nd Place, Handicap 6, Net 56 points.

1st Place, Handicap 8, Lawrence Wanty, Net 53 points.

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If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities. The

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membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details. Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230.

www.soltimes.com

SAN JUAN ANNUAL BEACH 7’S THIS WEEKEND

This coming weekend is the annual 19th San Juan beach 7’s tournament down in front of the Restaurante Mediterraneo starting at 10.00 and going on well into the evening, always a great day out of rugby.

On the Costa Cobras RFC front we had plenty of people down training on the beach this week, both Spanish and English, a great step forward for the club and looking at more coming down this coming week.

We also have been approached by José María Mena the owner of Europa House, from the Sun House Group over here in Spain, to sponsor the club with their own pitch with the backing of Guardamar Town Hall, subject to permission from Madrid.

Also a lot of enquiries coming through for touring teams from the UK, ladies, seniors, vets and juniors so will be looking for teams to play them for next year, this will be great experience for all the rugby clubs in the Alicante/Valencian and Murcia area.

Check the clubs group page on Facebook for all of the updates of what is going on.

Costa Cobras RFC training is on Monday and Wednesday from 20.00-21.30 on Guardamar beach in front of the restaurants in July and August, by the Red Cross place. Looking to recruit more players through training on the beach to get a team together to put into the Valencian league this year.

So come a long and join the rugby revolution with this new rugby club from the start and be part of something new in the area.

All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome, from beginners to experienced players, the more the merrier, as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport. So come along and join the newest rugby club on the Costa Blanca. Also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.

For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242. Also I am down at Zoco market on Sunday from 09.00-13.30, so come on down and find more out about the club and rugby in the area. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals, Cotton Traders, club and international shirts.

Marabu Lounge Golf Society

@ Lo Romero Golf Wednesday 27th July 2016 A turnout of our maximum 20 players even in the summer time heat, taking advantage of the offer from the course of €41 Green Fee & Buggy. The course was in great condition, nicely manicured fairways and greens. The weather as expected for this time of year was pretty uncomfortable for most. Today we decided to play a team Waltz as well as Individual Stableford. We also had a roll over on the two's sweep and two players managed to scoop the prize fund, well done John Sanchez and Tony Stead, how Jim Gaw failed to make a 2 foot putt for his two no one knows. Only two players managed to break Par on the day, both sharing 37 points.

The highlight for one group was that of Steve Fleet deciding to go for a swim half way round to cool off.

Waist deep in the water the only draw back from this was that his playing partners didn’t get it on video...... A full list of scores is available on the Society Golfing page or by visiting the Master scoreboard website. A big thank you to Tracey & Steve at the Galleon Bar, Quesada for serving up a cracking Homemade Quiche and salad.

Winners of the Day : Winner : Steve Fleet 37 points lowest handicap Runner-up : Tony Stead 37 points Team Winners : Kevin Hall, Alec

Aspden, Mark Jarvie & Bob Eaton 89 points Nearest the Pins : 5th Fleet, 7th Jim Gaw

Steve

12th John Sanchez 15th John Sanchez Two's Sweep : 12th Hole Par 4 Tony " 3 Putts" Wilson 13th Hole Par 3 McCully

Football Card : Pattenden

Graham

Ronnie

Thanks all for a great day, next outing is Wednesday 24th August @ Alenda Golf, new members are always welcome.

Follow us on Facebook : Sportsman Golf Society For info on free membership email : sportsmangolf@hotmail.com

Steve Hanaway – 36 points

Nearest the Pins –Danny Wheatley, Mally Wright and Paul Greenwood.

Dog of a Day –Rod Allan (losing team Captain)

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Football Card Winner– Andy Jones After the game we returned to the Marabu Lounge, which is located at Pueblo Brava, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their continued support under the new owner Lorraine and why not pop into the bar and see for yourself..

Our next interim fixture is at Font del Llop on 11th August 2016 followed by the society fixture at La Finca on 25th August 2016.

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

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2nd Best Score Vice-Captains Team – Neil Atkinson – 33 points

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(in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Lo Romero on 28th July 2016.

For this month’s meeting a group of 22 players visited the established course at Lo Romero taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The weather was beautiful and the course in the usual good condition and was enjoyed by all the players.

Today was the annual Captain versus Vice-Captains challenge with the best 9 stableford scores from each team to count.

The Vice Captain (Andy Jones) and his team were the victors over the Captain (Rod Allan) by 273 points to 264 points and a winning margin of only 9 points so a tight fought match There were some individual prices and the winners were as follows: Best Score Captains Team – Derrick Cooper – 38 points 2nd Best Score Captains Team – Bill Fantom – 34 points Best Score Vice-Captains Team –

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Quesada Golf Society

Last Wednesday the society travelled south to play Campoamor golf course, a course the Society had never played before. The views from the club-house are superb. The course was in great condition. If you don´t know it and most of the players didn´t and were playing it for the first time or quite a while since the last time, then it is difficult as there are numerous dog-legs and blind shots plus the sloping fairways on quite a few holes. It was a hot sunny day and the last few holes proved difficult as the heat took its toll. It was a good turn-out with 30 players contesting an individual stableford competition with 2 divisions.

The winner of the Gold division was for the third time in a row big hitter Brent Hollins with a score of 35 points. Big Bad John will look forward with glee to cutting his handicap again. In second place with 31 points was Welshman Tony Forbes. In third place was the big scouser and Evertonian Roy Kavanagh with 29 points. The winner of the Silver division with a great score of 32 points was sailor-boy David Johnson.

In second place with 29 points was Quesadas top rock & Roller Bert Morl on C/B from third placed Yorkshireman John “De Da” Murphy. The best guest was Derbyshire lad Richard Giles with 35 points playing off a handicap of just 2. He was in the same Group as Brent Hollins and it was a real good humoured battle between the pair with Bent winning on C/B as the heat took its toll on Richard on the last couple of holes. The “nearest the pin” winners were

August 2016

EL RASO GOLF SOCIETY On Friday 29 July 22 members and guests of the El Raso GS travelled to Lo Romero to play the last game of the current season.

A pleasant day on a challenging course, enjoyed by all.

Competition results were as follows: Best guest was Sandy Holland with an impressive score of 34 pts. NTP’s hole 5 George McCullum hole 7 Dave Nicholls hole 12 Dave Blinston. Best front nine with 20 pts George McCullum and best back nine Jan Shorley 17 pts. Four players tied with 32 pts but after applying the count back rules Gordon Bourne was third, Hadge Armstrong second, and the overall winner of the day with 34 pts was Tony Stead.

Brent Hollins (2), Richard Giles, young Ann Hobbs, John Murphy and big John Featherstone. There were no 2´s winner/s on the day with the pot being carried forward again to the next game. The scratchcard was won by Jo with Swindon Town.

After the game the players returned to the society base at the bright and airy bar area at the Quesada Country Club for the presentations, a drink or two and a tasty hot and cold buffet kindly laid on by mine hosts.

The next society game is on Wednesday 10 August at the course on the doorstep La Marquesa.

Anyone in the Quesada area looking to join a very friendly golf society and play golf once a fortnight at a wide variety of courses at a very reasonable cost, should contact the Chairman & Membership Secretary Les Pancott on 966 716 723. Darrylldinho

Bev Fairhurst performed her last duty as Captain by presenting Dave Nicholls with the Player of the Year trophy. The Eclectic trophy went to Bob Shorley and John Hill, who both achieved the same score of 49 pts.

After the game we returned to our home venue the Olde 9th in Quesada, for presentations and tasty refreshments prepared by the bar.

Our next game is on Friday 26 August at the ever popular Las Colinas course.

TORREVIEJA 253 FOR 2, LEVANTE 2nds 250 FOR 7

Levante made the long journey down to Torrevieja for the latest round of league games looking to improve their league position against against a team struggling to find any sort of form. Torrevieja won the toss and decided to put Levante in to bat, a decision proving correct with the first wicket going down with the Italian Ceasar Sampaio being bowled for 5. 12 for 1 soon became 42 for 2 as Kyle Davies was bowled for 11. Thats when Levante woke up and with opener Tony Little scoring 66 and Graham Hunt scoring 89 they pushed the score along and a quick 22 from Andrew Lofthouse and 54 extras meant Levante finished their 40 overs on 250 for 7. Pick of the bowling were Rahul Maini with 2 for 25 and Angus McDowall with 2 for 47.

A formidable total for Torrevieja to chase but openers Chris Darwen and Leigh Blann put on 78for the first wicket in only 11 overs. Chris then tried for a quick single that even Usain Bolt would have struggled to make his ground. This brought Kalesh Singh to the crease and a quick fire 34 brought Torrevieja to 141 for 2. In the meantime Leigh was steadily scoring and was on 58 when the 2nd wicket fell. He was joined by Kieran Wood and between them they started to punish the Levante bowlers for some fairly medium bowling. With Leigh being very aggressive, he and Kieran reached the required target in the 35th over with Kieran 40 not out and a season’s best 119 not out for Leigh. With the return fixture next week, Torrevieja will definitely fancy their chances.

Their next home game is on August 27th starting at 12.00 o’clock at the sports centre in Torrevieja.

Anyone wishing to join Torrevieja CC should contact Graham on torreviejac ric ket@live.c om or visit the web site torrevieja. cricket website. com

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T.M.G.S. @ Alicante Golf 27/7/16

The attendance at this course always seems to be low and when the membership is asked why, it appears to be that it is difficult to find or that the journey is too long.

What a pity that they miss out on this very interesting course.

Those of us that did make the trip found that it was not easy to score, mainly due to the water hazards and the tricky greens.

It must be said that during the months of July and August the noise factor from the urbanisation the boarders it can also be a distraction, but not so for our winners this week as can be seen in the results.

N.T.P. competition; Hole 3 Alex Goslan. Hole 6 Troy Norris, Hole 8 Joe Dean, Hole 12 Alex Goslan Hole 15 Troy Norris and Hole 17 Derek Sullivan: No “2’s” were won this week so the pot of €55 will be rolled over to our competition next week at Campoamor.

Silver category winners; 3rd Alex Goslan 32 pts. 2nd Roger

Nilsen 32 pts. on lower handicap and 1st Mick Kennedy 33 pts.

Gold category winners; 3rd new member Fredrik Bjorling 31 pts.

2nd Chris Gray 34 pts. and 1st Troy Norris 35 pts.

Photo: Gold category winners, next week at Campoamor will be our 4th Anniversary competition with many prizes and a free buffet for members (just €10 for visitors) for more information about our Society please visit our website or our facebook page Facebook/TMGSGOLF or call 661 524 101

Conclusions from the German GP Lewis Hamilton completed a clean sweep of victories in July, while Nico Rosberg botched a 43-point lead on the Drivers’ Championship table.

Nico’s Summer to Forget Nico Rosberg left Sochi on May 1 with four wins from four starts and a century of points.

Moreover, Lewis Hamilton was 43 points adrift of his tally.

Rosberg will wake up on August 1 and try to comprehend how a 43-point lead was eroded, overturned, and became into a 19-point deficit to Hamilton.

The German was decisive in qualifying to claim pole at his home grand prix, but wheelspin off the line pushed him down to fourth.

His aggressive move on lap 29 to pass Max Verstappen was deemed too aggressive by the stewards, who slapped him with a 5-second penalty.

“He didn’t turn in. He kept driving straight. I had to go off track or we would’ve crashed,” was Verstappen’s assessment of the incident.

For his part, Rosberg expressed “surprise” at receiving the penalty.

Rosberg has four weeks process that unwanted surprise, mull over the season thus far, and plan his response to Hamilton’s challenge.

It’s worth noting that the 2016 F1 season resumes in Belgium, the venue of the crash between the Mercedes team-mates in 2014 that was deemed to be Rosberg’s fault.

The psychological damage inflicted in that incident has shadowed Rosberg for many months. The 2016 Belgian Grand Prix will be the perfect opportunity for him to put that ghost to rest and re-ignite his title push.

It’s Now a Bull Market Remember 2015? Constant engine failures, a lack of horsepower so embarrassing that Red Bull felt they should race in a lesser formula, terrible race results…and even a threat to withdraw from the sport.

The Red Bull double podium in Germany

39

San Miguel Golf Society at La Finca. 4th Round Bogey’s Shield

The heat and summer vacations, as well as the fact that some don’t like playing a medal competition, saw SMGS’ first relatively low turnout for a very long time, with only 26 members and 2 guests making it. Committee members had arrived early to participate in their regular quarterly meeting, and saw the cooler part of the day, temperatures having risen considerably by the time of the first tee off at 11.10. Of course, by the time everyone had finished many had baked, and ciders, claras and straight pints (all deliberately mentioned in the plural!!) went down very well.

The course, set up pretty long, was in good condition, but with slow greens where the longer than normal grass, presumably so to protect from scorching from the sun, seemed to have a nap which not only made reading breaks difficult, but which seemed to send the ball off along unrecognisable channels.

Thus many found putting difficult.

Three players posted excellent scores, Roy Willing with 71, Brian Mulligan with 70, and President Phil Birtwistle, clearly trying to win his son’s restaurant’s donated prize with a superb 69, throwing in (not literally!!) an eagle at the par 5 11th to boot with an approximate, according to those nearby, 150 metre chip in to the cup. Well played El Presidente! Perhaps early starts and Committee meetings beforehand are good for your game. Maybe we should have more!!

Proposers!!

The day’s medal competition results, by

underscores that the Bulls are back in business. After outqualifying the Ferraris and moving ahead of the Italian manufacturer in the Constructors’ standings, it is clear that Red Bull are now the second best team on the grid.

And in Daniel Ricciardo and Verstappen they have arguably the strongest – and most exciting – lineup in F1.

Almost 100 points behind Hamilton in the title race, Ricciardo is unlikely to challenge for top honours. But as Niki Lauda admitted post-race in Germany, “Red Bull’s pace surprised us”.

Lest we forget, too, that Red Bull’s innovative approach and aggressive design philosophy could well reap rewards when the new regulations are implemented in 2017.

On Air With Vettel, Airing Dirty Laundry?

The airwaves in Hockenheim were again reverberating with Sebastian Vettel’s voice.

The four-time Champion again sang his “blue flags, blue flags” tune but, more worrying for Scuderia fans, he once again questioned a strategy call.

Fans might recall Vettel over-ruling the Ferrari strategists in Azerbaijan (“Are you sure about this,” he asked when called in for an early stop in Baku.)

On Sunday Vettel again defied an order to pit when, on lap 44, the team requested that he box in an attempt to push Max Verstappen.

“Negative, negative. “Who do you want to undercut?” he said.

The insubordination is no doubt born of frustration as the 2016 Ferrari has failed to challenge Mercedes.

After the race Vettel conceded that he was wrong to disobey the team. Yet incidents of this nature only serve to bolster the impression that Ferrari is adrift as it continues to lose ground to both Red Bull and Mercedes.

The resignation of James Allison underscores concerns that the stability brought about by massive leadership changes in 2015 has begun to rupture.

At the same time, the sight of Mick Schu-

category and in reverse order, and with only 3 prizes being given in each this week because of the numbers turning out, were the following: Bronze Category: 3rd Chris Ayres (77), 2nd last month’s category winner here Brian Mulligan (70), and 1st Phil Birtwistle with his aforementioned eagle including net 69.

Silver Category: 3rd Matt Newman (75), 2nd Steve Davis (74), and 1st Roy Willing with a cut inducing net 71.

Gold Category: 3rd Mike Frankish (80), 2nd John Osborne (75), and 1st, Order of Merit leader Steve Higgins with a net 74.

Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open to all) went to Mike Jordan (hole 3), Barry Roehrig (6), Darren Temple (13) and Tony Smale (16).

The Abacus was won by Norman McBride.

The Best Guest prize went to Darren Temple with a respectable 77.

Our thanks go to the staff at La Finca golf course for their contribution to an enjoyable day.

Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf get-togethers. Next week, August 3rd, we will be at Villamartin.

macher in the paddock this weekend stirred memories of the golden age that his father brought to Ferrari. Often compared to his compatriot Michael Schumacher, Vettel won three times last season to burnish his credentials as a worthy successor.

But as Fernando Alonso discovered, postSchumacher leadership has been a far cry from the likes of Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, and Rory Byrne.

McLaren Continue to Rise It is testament to how far McLaren have fallen that finishing P8 is considered a good result – this is, remember, a manufacturer with 182 grand prix victories.

For Jenson Button an eighth-place finish is timely and important as he seeks to convince F1 bosses (most likely at Williams) that he is still good value for a seat.

Racy Racers Go Racing There were some spectacular overtaking moves at Hockenheim. Kevin Magnussen’s lunge past a struggling Felipe Massa on lap 20 looked magnificent on TV, while Romain Grosjean’s move around the outside of the Renault man on lap 56 was a good reminder of the talent in the Haas cockpit.

A word, too, for Grosjean’s team-mate Esteban Gutierrez who finished 11th for the fourth time this season. A point can’t be too far off.

Planetf1.com

40

SOLTIMES august 2016

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