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Prime Minister’s plans. he prime minister will officially notify the European Union next Wednesday that Britain is exiting, nine months after the country voted 51.9% to 48.1% to leave in a referendum.

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Article 50 will be triggered on March 29, it has been announced.

Theresa May will trigger EU withdrawal talks at the end of this month, Downing Street said.

The Prime Minister’s letter officially notifying the European Council of the UK’s intention to quit will set in train a two-year negotiation process expected to lead to Britain leaving the EU on March 29, 2019.

Britain’s ambassador to the EU, Sir Tim Barrow, informed the office of European Council president Donald Tusk on Monday morning of the

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Combat vehicle crime

Thefts of valuables and passports from hire cars create significant problems both for those travelling or living overseas. A lost passport usually means a trip to the Consulate to obtain an emergency travel document to get travellers home.

Lost credit cards, boarding passes and mobile phones can further complicate the situation.

Last year in the Alicante consular district, 29% of stolen passports were taken at the roadside or from vehicle break-ins; 151 Emergency Travel Documents were issued as a consequence.

Hire Car companies are keen to continue working with the Consulate on this issue, in an effort to reduce this figure. Since November, AECOVAL car hire customers have been given top tips in a letter about staying safe and secure when driving: • When you arrive at the airport, drive straight to your accommodation and unpack.

Thieves often target weighed down cars at supermarkets.

• Never leave valuables in the car – thieves know where you’re likely to hide things.

• Be aware of distraction theft – such as being flagged down, or having

tyres punctured and then approached by thieves pretending to be helpful passers-by.

• Be aware of approaches by bogus police officers.

All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID. The Valencian Association of Car Hire Companies (AECOVAL) has been working closely with the British Consulate to help drive down the number of victims of car break-ins. In recognition of this, British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris was awarded the AECOVAL annual prize for the work of the Consulate in preventing problems experienced by British people motoring in Spain. Consul Sarah-Jane said, “Prevention is always better than cure, and a little caution can go a long way in avoiding problems while travelling.

For Daily Updated News & Sport Visit www.soltimes.com

Couple arrested at cannabis farm

Police in Catral near Alicante. have arrested an Irishman and his British partner after allegedly discovering a cannabis factory in their garage.

The pair are accused of having had 104 largesize plants discovered in their garage seized from them along with two sawn-off shotguns and a crossbow.

Officers said one of the guns was loaded and ready to use.

A judge released them on bail pending an ongoing probe after quizzing them in a private court hearing.

The Irishman, aged 35, and his 28-year-old British partner have not

been named.

A spokesman for the local Civil Guard, which made the arrests, confirmed: “The Civil Guard have arrested in Catral a couple who had a cannabis factory in their garage, with a sophisticated watering and ventilation system.

“A total of 104 largesize plants have been seized along with two sawn-off shotguns, ammunition and a crossbow.

“Officers were tipped off about the possible existence of cannabis inside the house and could smell the drug from the street when they got there.

NEWS

ETA to disarm fully by 8 April The Basque militant group ETA has resolved to disarm fully by 8 April, sources close to talks between the Basque separatists and Spanish government have said.

A pro Basque independence and environmental group called Bizi has been given responsibility for the disarmament, according to one activist speaking to France’s Le Monde.

The interior minister said ETA “won’t get anything in exchange”.

ETA declared a ceasefire in 2011 but is yet to relinquish its weapons.

The group killed more than 800 people over four decades of violence.

It was set up more than 50 years ago in the era of Spanish dictator General Franco to fight for an independent Basque homeland. In recent years it has been sapped by the arrest of hundreds of members, including leadership figures, and the seizure of weapons caches.

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Hammond injured in crash Richard Hammond was reportedly badly injured when he came off a motorbike while filming in Mozambique.

Hammond is said to have been knocked out in the accident, which took place when he was recording scenes for Amazon’s The Grand Tour, the successor to Top Gear. The incident comes over a decade after the television presenter was nearly killed in a 288mph crash at an airfield in a stunt for the BBC programme. Hammond, 47, was said not to have needed hospital treatment after the latest accident, which happened in a remote part of the African country.

Family stranded

A couple and their sixyear-old twins spent a night on the slopes of an active volcano after their cable car broke down.

The Jones family from Cardiff were among 70 tourists stuck 250ft (76 metres) in the air above Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teidi in Tenerife.

They had to stay in a refuge on the side of the volcano before being airlifted to safety.

“The kids think it’s an adventure but it was pretty scary,” said Berwyn Jones. Mr Jones wants to find the mountain rescue team for carrying his daughter Erin, who has cerebral palsy, because she “is pretty much deadweight”.

NEWS

Scottish Independence -Support lower than in 2014

The Panelbase survey for The Sunday Times and LBC puts backing for independence at 44%, one point lower than when the question was put to Scotland two-and-a-half years ago, while a majority

(56%) would vote to remain in the United Kingdom.

The poll of 1,008 voters in Scotland was conducted between Monday and Friday following confirmation from Sturgeon that she will seek

permission to hold a second vote on the issue. Sturgeon told delegates at the SNP conference in Aberdeen she was willing to negotiate ‘’within reason’’ on the timing of any ballot after Theresa May dismissed the call saying “now is not the time”. The poll suggests a majority of Scots agree with the prime minister, with 51% saying they do not want another referendum to take place in the next few years. Almost a third (32%) supported having a referendum in the next year or two while the Brexit negotiations are ongoing, while around 18%

Messi to marry in star-studded ceremony

LIONEL MESSI will reportedly marry childhood sweetheart Antonella Rocuzzo this summer to avoid clashing with Barcelona’s season.

According to Argentine magazine Primicias Ya, the talismanic forward will get hitched on June 24 2017 – the same day as his 30th birthday. The marriage will be held at Rosario Church, with an after party staged at Arroyo Seco where Messi’s family regularly visit when back in his homeland.

Messi and Rocuzzo are one of football’s most famous couples and have two sons together, Thiago and Mateo. Messi is set to invite 600 guests to the wedding which has been tagged ‘Argentina’s biggest wedding’. This summer Messi’ll be free from national and club duties.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to invite the entire Barcelona and Argentina squads to the big day, while a number of ex-team-mates will be in attendance too. But, it´s claimed that Shakira, Gerard Pique’s girlfriend has declined the invitation, claiming scheduling difficulties.

“The disagreements between both seem insurmountable, a source said.”

Telefónica and Vodafone sign fibre deal Telefónica and Vodafone Spain have reached a commercial agreement for wholesale access to Telefónica’s fibreoptic network.

Vodafone will now be able to access Telefónica’s fibre, not only in certain areas that are subject to regulation but also where Telefónica has been freed of wholesale fibre access obligations.

“This agreement allows Vodafone to count on Telefónica to supplement its fibre network coverage and significantly extend the footprint where

it can offer ultrafast broadband and Television services,” a Telefónica statement read.

“For Telefónica, this agreement is a milestone in its wholesale business strategy, as it enables it to take a more active role in offering its wholesale services in an increasingly dynamic and innovative business environment, and with more alternatives, in terms of provision of services by other operators or by using models of coinvestment and selfprovision.”

backed another ballot about two years from now when negotiations are complete.

On the economics of independence, just 13% of those surveyed thought it would make them at least £500 a year better off, 34% believed they would be at least £500 worse off, 28% said it would make little difference and 25% did not know. Asked who they would vote for in a Westminster general election, 47% backed the SNP, support for the Scottish Conservatives was at 28%, Scottish Labour was on 14%, the Lib Dems on 4% and the Greens and UKIP both on

3%.Meanwhile a poll for The Independent found that 44% of respondents in Scotland agreed with the statement: “Theresa May should insist that any second Scottish referendum on independence takes place only once Britain has concluded the process of leaving the EU.” However 48% disagreed, while 8% said they did not know. In England and Wales 60% of respondents said May was right to refuse a second referendum while negotiations with the 27 other EU states are under way, while 21% said she was wrong.

Impressive economic recovery

The OECD has congratulated Spain on its economic recovery just as the country is also buoyed by official figures showing inflation at a four-year high.

According to reports, growth in Spain is expected to remain above 2% over the 2017-18 period – higher than predictions for other oft-celebrated European economies such as Germany, but lower than the 3.2% registered over 2015 and 2016. OECD secretary-general Angel Gurría commended Spain’s “impressive performance”, with improving public finances and the benefits of reforms undertaken in recent years coming to fruition.

However, the country still has further to go in helping its economy recover from a severe recession in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

Unemployment remains stubbornly high, although it is falling, and the country loosened its purse strings after voters rejected further austerity in a general election in 2015 – a move the International Monetary Fund said helped boost growth in the short term, but would not support it in the long run.

Gurría also stressed that while Spain is “on the right track”, reform momentum has to be sustained. “The

recovery also needs to be inclusive, addressing inequalities and providing opportunities and improved well-being for all,” he added.

The OECD recommended measures to boost productivity, including shifting public funding for research and development from loan to grant status, and pursuing a more progressive tax system. Both of these should work to increase job creation, with tackling unemployment a “key priority”. Improving skills, extending training programmes and increasing the amount and coverage of social benefits were also suggested.

The OECD’s report came as Spain’s official statistics office published data showing inflation was rising at its fastest level since 2012, driven by rises in transport and house prices.

This puts Spain in line with a trend towards rising inflation across the eurozone, with the bloc overall also reporting its highest inflation since 2013.

However, in a recent note, analysts at Capital Economists said the recent rebound in inflation, registered across the eurozone and beyond, was “almost over”. The boost provided by rising energy prices (which are now expected to remain stable) is anticipated to “fade quickly in the coming months”.

Soltimes 5

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

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The New Bridge Part one

Matas eased himself back into the cave. His midnight sortie into Alqueria had been successful. He had ‘liberated’ a cask of Remitroot liquor a small barrel of olives and a copy of ‘Maxim en Español’. Matas still lurked in his cave overlooking the village. Believing the Civil War still to be on he did what he could for the Republic with his limited resources.

Buoyed by a belief in his cause and half a cask of Remitroot liquor he foraged through his meagre arsenal of weapons.

After discarding some corroding cartridges, a collection of highly unstable pyrotechnics he came across an innocuous looking brown canvas parcel. Cleaning the accumulated dirt of decades from the package he examined the label. ‘Demolition block-D7. RDX. TNT’.

Further rummaging brought to light a detonator, a reel of wire and an old but functional car battery. He had all the prerequisites for making a nuisance of himself and wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass.

Waiting until nightfall our erstwhile commando slipped down the easy slope from his cave and into the Río Verde. Up to his waist in the stinking green water he made for the bridge leading from the Huella Vieja, the northerly route into Alqueria. He forced the explosive between the stonework of the structure and ran the wire back to the entrance of his cave.

Rodriquez was in jovial mood. He was returning from Alicante where he had just

collected his new gleaming white Mercedes S-Class Roadster. He decided to take the northerly route into Alqueria. The bridge was narrow and he made a mental note to drive carefully he didn’t want to scratch his new machine.

Matas touched the bare wires to the battery terminals. The explosion wasn’t overly loud nor was it overly dramatic. A lot of smoke and debris and the bridge had no centre. He thought he heard a scream and wondered what the white object was disappearing into the river. Matas danced around the living chamber of his cave in a state of high glee.

Around and around he danced before the combination of over exuberance and over indulgence in the juice of the Remitroot caused him to collapse in an untidy pile on the dirt floor.

The sight of a white Mercedes floating down river with an obese mill owner leaping about in a blind rage on its roof attracted little attention. This is Alqueria after all. Rodriquez shouted for a line to be thrown. Blythe Gruntmore, the only one in earshot was confused. His bad Spanish had construed the shouted request as something to-do with Rodriquez’s loins.

Blythe had suspicions about Rodriquez’s loins for some time and pretended not to hear. Rodriquez and his Mercedes drifted down river and into the Mediterranean. He was detained by the Servicio Marítimo de la Guardia Civil as an illegal immigrant.

Alqueria needed a new bridge.

Elliot’s Lucky Escape

Henry the car had received permission from the Insurance God to go and have his broken shoulder mended.

Arrangements were made in Spanish with the Spanish Chica, and at the appointed hour we took him to the designated Car Hospital, and booked him in for surgery. We left with his substitute, a tiny blob of a car named Basix, and the promise that the garage would ring when Henrywas restored to full physical health.

Although I enjoyed myself hurtling around the countryside in my mechanical flea, Pete was housebound - there was no way he could scramble into or out of Basix’s miniscule interior.

We hoped to have Henry back

by Friday, ready for the weekly Mercadona experience on Saturday, but Friday progressed from morning to afternoon, and from afternoon to evening with no communication regarding Henry’s discharge.

Pete, confined to the house for the best part of the week, was going stir crazy, and I was not looking forward to unpacking my trolley, paying, repacking the trolley and stashing the accumulated goodies into Basix’s hidey hole of a boot all on my own.

We had almost given up hope of Henry-filled weekend when the phone rang. ‘Hello Jos’ the phone said.

I was taken aback, and probably said something intelligent, like ‘Eh?’ I thought ‘I know that voice, but why is he ringing me? I want to speak to the Chica about my car, not sundry young men with whom I have no

By Jos Biggs editor@soltimes.com

connection.’

‘I’m phoning from the garage about your car. It’s Elliot, and the car is ready for you right now.’

Aah! now I understand! While I was still re-organising my mental processes I came out with another super-intelligent remark. ‘Oh.’ Having comprehended the full meaning of the sentence I followed it up with ‘Right. Thanks. I’ll be along within the hour.’

I clicked the phone off. ‘That was Elliot,’ I informed Pete. ‘He says Henry is ready, and we can have him now, so I’m off to get him.’

Pete breathed an audible sigh of relief. ‘Oh good! Give him a kiss from me, will you?’

I was startled. I am not in the habit of spontaneously kissing unsuspecting young men, not even good-looking ones, and neither is Pete.

‘What, Elliot?’ I queried.

‘No, Henry.’ He replied.

Elliot has no idea what a lucky escape he had that day!

And, just for the record, I’m not in the habit of kissing cars, either!

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Soltimes 7

Bankia and BNM to merge

Spain’s bank bailout fund told nationalized lenders Bankia (BKIA.MC) and Banco Mare Nostrum (BMN) to begin a merger process which it said was best option to recover public aid pumped in to the struggling banks.

Both banks were badly hit

by Spain’s economic crisis after the property market crash, which began in 2007, and were bailed out with almost 24 billion euros ($25.5 billion) of public money in 2013.

Of that, more than 22 billion euros was poured into Bankia, which lost more than 19 billion euros in 2012 due to soured real estate holdings, and over 1.6 billion euros into BMN. “Based on analysis and studies by AFI and Societe Generale, the merger of Bankia and BMN is the best

strategy to optimize the recovery of public aid,” the bailout fund, the Frob, said.

The merger of the two lenders would bring Spanish coffers 401 million euros more than the individual sale of each bank, the Frob said.

The fund said studies have valued the state’s 65 percent stake in BMN at 690 million euros ($733.1 million). The Spanish government also holds a 65.5 percent stake in Bankia.

The government passed a law in December giving it until the end of 2019 to privatize Bankia and a year more for BMN. In separate statements, both banks said they would look at the proposal though the final decision to begin the merger must be taken by their respective boards.

Strike action

Taxi drivers in Barcelona and Madrid went on strike last Thursday in protest against the stance of public authorities that they believe favours unfair competition from multinational firms such as Uber and Cabify.

In late 2014, a Spanish

court ordered Uber to stop operations in the country after a complaint from a taxi association that came in the wake of numerous protests from the sector. However in mid-2015, the firm returned to Barcelona operating as a food delivery service known

as Uber Eats. In March 2016, Uber made a comeback in the Spanish capital in the form of UberX which sees users put in touch with professional drivers holding passenger transport vehicle (VTC) licenses, which fall under different regulations.

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NEWS

Alicante downpour

The downpour last Tuesday, left Alicante with 150l/m2, half of which fell between 19.30 and 22.00, and provoked an authentic chaos in the city with basements and ground floors, with a flash flood affecting one of the colleges with water running from the Sierra Grossa.

The force of the water down the main street in Dénia, it changed into a flash flood trapping many cars. The city of Alicante registered last Tuesday, the third wettest day in more than 80 years, with 135.8 litres/m2, according to the State Meteorological Service in the Valencia Community.

Since records began in 1934, the rainiest day was Sept 30 1997 with 270.3 litres/m2, cloudbursts and torrential rain caused widespread flooding, five deaths and millions of Euros in damage.

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Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is the process of optimizing these ranking factors to influence where a search engine ranks a webpage in the search results.

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Since these users are highly targeted, it is far easier to turn them into paying customers with the right offer.

Soltimes 9

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Soltimes 11

REVIEWS FILM OF THE WEEK Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead men tell no tales.

Released: Friday, May 26, 2017 (UK).

Captain Jack Sparrow is pursued by an old rival, Armando Salazar, who along with his Spaniard Navy ghost crew has escaped from the Devil’s Triangle, and is determined to kill every pirate at sea.

Jack seeks the Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artefact that grants its possessor total control over the seas, in order to defeat Salazar.

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him.

Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor.

The Martin Lewis Money Show

OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE MOVIES & TV Ep 1/1 Tuesday 28 Mar 2017 9pm - 10pm ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show returns with an hourlong live special, in which ITV’s financial guru will try to save viewers hundreds of pounds on their bills.

Martin believes the British public is paying too much for breakdown cover, monthly mobile phone bills, digital TV and satellite packages, broadband and landlines.

Paula Rego: Secrets And Stories

OUR CHOICE

ONE TO WATCH

Question Time: Britain After Brexit Monday 27 March 9.30-11.00pm BBC ONE: LIVE Brexit will be the topic of a special live edition of the nation’s most popular political debate programme, Question Time on BBC One. With the government about to trigger Article 50 and start the Brexit process, Question Time: Britain After Brexit will allow members of the public to put questions to a panel of senior politicians who campaigned on both sides of the referendum debate.

Commissioned from Mentorn Scotland, David Dimbleby will host the 90-minute debate from Birmingham on Monday 27 March, from 8.30pm to 10pm.

Question Time Editor Liam Hanley says: “At a hugely significant moment in British history, this is an opportunity for members of the public to put their questions about Brexit to key political figures involved in the process.

An extended Question Time will give us the time and space to explore what a post-Brexit Britain might look and feel like.”

Line Of Duty Ep 1/6 Day and time to be confirmed BBC ONE The hit police corruption drama returns for a fourth series. When DCI Roz Huntley (Thandie Newton) captures a serial killer, Forensic Coordinator Tim Ifield (Jason Watkins) alerts AC-12 to a possible miscarriage of justice. Series four of the hit drama, written and created by Jed Mercurio, begins with DCI Roz Huntley and her team in the thick of a career-defining case, Operation Trapdoor. Under intense pressure to catch the culprit and prove herself to her superiors, and facing conflict with her colleague, Forensic Coordinator Tim Ifield, it’s not long before AC-12 decide to probe her handling of the investigation.

Saturday 25 March 10.00-11.30pm BBC TWO A unique insight into the life and work of celebrated painter Paula Rego, directed by her son, Nick Willing.

Notoriously private and guarded, Rego opens up for the first time in this film about the secrets and stories in her life. Born in Portugal, trained in London, she nevertheless used her powerful pictures as a weapon against the Portuguese dictatorship - a country which her father told her was no good for women - and continued to target women’s issues such as abortion. The film combines a huge archive of home movie footage.

12 Soltimes

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How to prevent and treat osteoporosis

1 2

Will Certain Vitamins Give You Better Skin?

You have peak bone mass at 20 to 30 years old and then, after the age of 40, everyone starts to lose bone.

If you live to 90, you’ll have thinnish bones, whatever you do.

Stay in the normal weight range and get adequate vitamin D from sunlight and calcium from the diet (around 750mg a day for adults should be enough).

It’s not clear how much calcium is enough in childhood though the government has issued guidance.

3 4

Calcium supplements are no better than calcium from the diet, and too much calcium can cause constipation, kidney stones and possibly heart disease.

Vitamin D supplements of 400-800iu a day are a good idea for frail and housebound people, but people who take high-dose vitamin D in short bursts should be warned that there is some evidence that intermittent, high doses may increase fracture risk.

5

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women in their 50s, who are at high risk of fractures, can reduce the risk, but treatment shouldn’t usually exceed five to 10 years. If you have a high risk of fracture, take them for five years and then reassess.

There is some research suggesting that taking vitamins A, C, and E in supplement form may have skin-saving benefits. They’re

all antioxidants that may prevent or delay some types of skin cell damage. But unless you’re deficient in any of these vitamins, you

can get what you need from a well-balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy, and fish.

(In fact, excessive

Does eating alone help you diet?

We seem to be compelled to model how we eat on those around us; not only on what they eat but on how big they are.

A study in the journal Appetite showed that in the presence of an actor in a convincing fat suit, people in a restaurant ate 31.6% more pasta, whatever she ordered. If she ordered salad, they served themselves 43.5% less salad. Another study, in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that if a close friend became obese, his or her pal had a 171%

increased risk of doing so. Somehow we aren’t good at selfregulating what we eat. We copy others. What we should do is concentrate on ourselves a bit more. If eating out, see the menu online before and plan your meal.

Don’t just opt for what “she is having”. Better still, do as dietician Aisling Pigott says: “We forget to value and enjoy food. Don’t restrict and binge. Listen to your body’s needs.” So ignore what others are eating.

Hot chocolate serving ‘has more salt than packet of crisps’

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amounts of vitamins A and E, particularly from supplements, might even be dangerous.) Also, there’s more solid research on the benefits of applying these vitamins topically, and they can be found in a variety of skin-care products.

You may be curious about collagen supplements, which are often touted to help reduce the depth of wrinkles and restore the structure of the skin. Research on safety and efficacy is still in the early stages, but some reports look promising.

As always, check with your doctor before adding supplements to your regimen. Many of them can have unwanted side effects or drug interactions. Your MD can help determine if a specific supplement (even a vitamin) is appropriate for you.

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All The Latest Health News

Soltimes 13

Children become less active from the age of just seven

Children are entering a “tragic decline” from the age of just seven, with activity levels dropping long before they leave primary school, new research suggests.

Fitness experts said pupils

were entering a state of “digital dependence” which would shorten lives, with sedentary lifestyles becoming the norm long before children reached adolescence. Until now, efforts to improve uptake

of sport and fitness have assumed that the significant slump in activity comes with puberty, especially with girls.

But the new study shows a sharp drop in activity levels between the ages of seven and nine, among boys and girls, with a decline continuing into adolescence. At the age of seven, the average boy was moderately or vigorously active for one hour 15 minutes a day, the study found, dropping to one hour 10 minutes by the age of nine, and just an hour by the age of 12. By the age of 15, the figure is just 51 minutes, the research shows.

Seven-year-old girls had such activity levels for 63 minutes a day, dropping to 56 minutes

by the age of nine, and 47 minutes by the age of 12. At 15, the average girl is active for just 41 minutes daily, the tracking devices found. Much of the damage was caused because of the amount of time children spent on smartphones and computers, as well as being driven to school instead of walking, experts said. Physical activity levels were measured when the children were 7, 9, 12 and 15, using a lightweight portable monitor worn for seven days at a time. The total volume of physical activity fell from the age of seven onwards in both boys and girls during this time, with declines no steeper during adolescence than in earlier childhood, the research found.

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14 Soltimes

Sales@soltimes.com 950 121 936 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galraith

“Her head had bled a little into the snow. The face was crushed and swollen, one eye reduced to a pucker, the other showing as a sliver of dull white distended lids.”

A dramatic opening, the death of a beautiful supermodel in suspicious circumstances, having fallen from her Mayfair penthouse caused a big stir with the paparazzi. Detective Inspector Roy Carver and Detective Sergeant Eric Wardle were on the case. Lula Landy, like the late Princess Diana was one of the most photographed women in the world. It seems that both women were hounded to death by the pressure of celebrity and attention.

Her death dominated the news showing her “flawless face, her lithe and sculpted body” but within three months “The frenzy wore itself into staleness.” Lula was an interesting character, having been adopted by a wealthy white family. She had been investigating her biological roots and had discovered a black half-brother who she had made contact with. She was expelled from school for dabbling in drugs and ran off to London to live rough with addicts. Her on-off boyfriend was an addict, violent at times, a musician called Evan Duffield and she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

She had been signed up by Guy Some the fashion designer after winning a modelling contract worth 5 million pounds over 2 years. When she died she had accumulated a fortune of 10 million.

Before her death there had been a row with Duffield and he became chief suspect but at this stage, the conclusion amounted to: “The poor cow jumped. There was no one else there.” No further investigation.

Three months later we meet her adopted half-brother, John Bristow, a lawyer for Landry, May and Patterson. He chooses Cordoran Strike , Private Detective with an equally interesting past who is down on his luck. His military career came to an abrupt end with a serious injury when he lost part of his leg. His long term girlfriend and his turbulent relationship with Charlotte has finally floundered and he has nowhere

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to sleep other than his office in Denmark Street. His finances have hit rock-bottom and he has acquired a temp called Robin, intelligent and down-to-earth who he cannot afford without any paying clients.

Bristow seems to be the lifeline that Strike desperately needs. He chose Strike to reopen the case of Lula because of his connection with Charlie who was John’s adopted brother who died when he was 9 years of age. Strike and Charlie had been bosom friends for two months prior to Charlie’s fatal accident. “They say my sister killed herself. I don’t believe it.”

Strike is initially sceptical and reluctant to take on the case having decided that the police investigation was thorough and he believed the final verdict of suicide. But he is interested to hear evidence from a neighbour, Tansy Bestigui who overheard a heated argument seconds before Lula died.

She was convinced that Lula was pushed over her balcony. The police had dismissed her evidence because she had been taking cocaine.

Strike takes on the case and he is offered twice the going rate which will partly solve his mountainous debts. A string of interviews with all of the characters who had had contact with Lula make it compelling reading and the suspense is kept ticking over until the finale which is likened to an Agatha Christie climax when the murderer is revealed, and all the facts of the case spilled out in thorough detail.

Cormoran Strike comes out of this very well. He outwitted the police force and deserves our uttermost respect. By the end of the case his reputation has spread and he has clients coming to his dingy office.

Things are looking up.

You’ll have guessed by now that J.K. Rowling was the author. When she sent her manuscript anonymously to Orion Books it was rejected. The sequel was published recently: “The Silkworm” which I am sure will be as successful. Rowling is certainly a master storyteller and I loved it.

Publisher: Sphere. ISBN: 978-0-7515-4925-6

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. The only professional computer help that comes from over 38 years’ experience and a University education. You can contact me for an appointment at my workshop or I can come to you, by calling 689 892 745 or

by Email: canducomputing@ hotmail.co.uk. iTunes on Windows is terrible.

Launch it, and everything comes to a screeching halt as iT consumes all your resources just to play some music. Not only that, but year after year, it seems iTunes’ interface gets worse, confusing even the most knowledgeable of computer users. Don’t worry, you’re in luck.

Windows has more great music programs than you can shake a stick at, many of which are more powerful than iTunes anyway. Here are a couple of alternatives.

MusicBee: is the jack of all trades of the Windows music world. It does a lot of things well, and it does them all for free. Other players

may excel more in certain areas, but MusicBee aims to please everyone.

Up to today, I’ve never heard of it but is does seem to do what it says on the tin! It can synchronise music to Android phones and other noniOS devices, and convert tracks onthe-fly if they aren’t compatible with your player.

MediaMonkey is arguably more o f a true iTunes replacement.

W h y ?

Because MediaMonkey is one of the only music players t h a t can sync your music to iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads. (You still need iTunes installed, but you never have to open it as is just needs the drivers that come with it.). So what does it do? EVERYTHING that iTunes does, just a great deal better. It does have one main disadvantage as its more advanced features (like smart playlists, automatic organisation, or on-the-fly conversion while syncing) require a paid licence! This currently is $25, to not extortionate.

There are more iTunes alternatives than these, for example “AIMP”, “Clementine”, “VLC”, and even the ‘I’m-not-dead-yet’ “Winamp” are still solid choices for many. So until next time happy hunting and music playing.

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Book Review

Soltimes 15

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Fashion

At the launch event for the Victoria Beckham Target collaboration, the designer and style star made a statement that the collection was designed for “empowering women, empowering girls.”

So it’s no wonder that the line not only included music from

All you need to know

Victoria Beckham High Street Collection

the ultimate girl-power group in its TV advert but is also packed full of chic pieces that are sophisticated and playful. Beckham’s aim is to support women and girls, for this project, she used her own daughter, Harper, for her first foray into childrenswear.

The collaboration is Beckham’s first venture into designing clothes for kids, but something tells us that the mom-of-four will hit it out of the park.

“From the outset of my brand, I have always designed clothes that I want to wear, and that’s exactly what I have done here,” she said in a press release, “but this time there are also clothes that my daughter would love to wear, too!”

Ahead of the launch at Target and online on April 9, take a look at every single piece from the most widely appealing and most affordable. The retailer announced in a press release that the limited-edition collection

The Stars

will feature more than 200 pieces for both women and children.

The best part? Prices range from $6 to $70. Victoria Beckham collection. Before you ask, yes the collection will be available to buy in the UK via Victoria

Beckham’s own website.

At the launch VB wore her favourite look from the entire collection, a black shirt with white cuffs and a Calla Lily design down the front with a pair of black wide-leg trousers.

Your weekly horoscopes

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Do you really want what you are asking for? Or are you making demands to bring attention to the fact that no one has been making a fuss of you the last few days? I don’t think you really know. From Tuesday, you see where your time is best spent and you start to see where meaning in life can be found.

Fellow Aries link to a better home life.

If you don’t give your close ones the space they are asking you for, then they are just going to shut you out. Revealing what you really want from your career to those who can help you can see you move mountains this week. Attention you give to family you have not seen much of can do much for your relationship with them, both now and in the future.

The planet Venus helps you to get back your confidence in relationships and you no wonder worry about hurting other’s feelings by admitting what you want. Instead, you start to open up to you. Your house of work shows changes are coming and this is likely to be reflected in the way you admit that aspects of your job are making you unhappy.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

The planets throw you into the limelight. You find yourself having to ask questions you would rather have ignored. Just be honest and be you for positive results. Those who have been playing their cards close to their chest are at last willing to open up and you start to feel less paranoid that it was you who was making all the mistakes.

I am really excited for you Leo, as you will no longer have to worry about others lying to you. The stars hand you the gift of clear vision and you will be able to see with ease who has been telling you tall stories and who has been supporting you behind closed doors. A great week to focus on new career directions.

You never were the shy one in the corner were you Virgo? No matter how much you claimed to be. Over the coming days you get the information you need to move forward or away from a certain relationship.

Know that the decisions you make will be the right ones and that any friendships you end will be for the best.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

There are several new directions your personal life can take, but just make sure that you are not being too heavily influenced by those who have something to gain should you take their ‘words of wisdom’.

Travel plans which are laid at this time prove exciting and show you how much more enjoyable life is when you keep eyes on the future, not the past.

You are not being given all the facts about what is going on in your career.

It would be in your best interests to slow your pace and get more information and figures, especially before you sign anything which could prove life changing or a major commitment. Virgos and Capricorns bring out your naughty side.

Don’t be angry at a close one for speaking their mind over the last few weeks. You must respect them for trying to make a difference to your life and doing so fearlessly.

Some form of compromise is needed in love and work. Respect will follow. Perhaps even money. Think of new directions for your life this week.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Self-confidence is the key to you getting the most from this week. Indeed, it is only by believing in what you want that it will become a reality. Going solo in career projects is what is best for some of your sign.

Don’t be afraid, as by believing you can achieve, you will. Mars makes you more sensitive than you should be in relationship issues on Friday.

Forgiveness can help you find inner peace. If you start to forgive yourself or others then the peace in your heart will follow. Many of your sign will be finding connections with strangers or those you are introduced to for the first time by friends.

Life and love start to get more than a little interesting.

Do you see how far you’ve come since this time last year Pisces? I do, and I have to say I am more than a little proud. You would be too if you would stop judging yourself by unfair standards. Trouble in the home or with those who are supposed to help maintain it can only be solved by repetitive requests for help this week.

Soltimes 17

Property with SOLTIMES

FINANCING A HOME SEE PAGE 23

CONSERVATORIES SEE PAGE 24

Home & Garden Inside How to legally rent your property in Spain

With the summer season in full swing, the Agencia Tributaria (Spain’s tax authority) is launching a campaign to cut down on illegal property rentals. We asked Raquel Perez from Perez Legal Group to tell us more....

At worst, these illegal rentals involve agencies that let properties on their books without informing the owners and then pocket the income, meaning that both the rightful recipient of the rental money and the tax authority are circumvented.

However, these new measures are also aimed at bringing to book the increasing number of second homeowners who are renting their properties out and failing to declare their earnings. Newly released figures estimate that, of the 65,000 holiday homes rented every year in the Málaga province alone, 75% are not declared, meaning a total loss to the taxman of a breath-taking €104.8 million.

The good news is that it is not at all complicated to

place your rental agreements on a completely legal footing: • Firstly, for full security, your rental contract should be registered with the housing department. This means that you will have full legal protection in the event of any court case about your rental that could arise. Only registered contracts, where the landlord is completely legal in his operations and declares the rental income for tax purposes, have the full protection of the law, although in reality it is often the case that many landlords don’t do this and the rental contract is valid in Court.

• Secondly, if you hire a real estate agency or management company to handle your letting, they must add 18% of VAT to the rent, which must be paid to the tax agency. These companies will normally charge around a 15% commission for their services.

• You must declare your rental income and set aside 24% of the rent as a withholding tax payable to the Spanish government

every month or if you apply, every quarter.

• You should know also that you must declare this income to the UK or German tax authorities – wherever you are resident. The double taxation agreement between the two countries means that you can claim back from Spain what you have paid in the UK, so you are not taxed twice but you must declare in both countries.

• If you are a tax resident in Spain, you should add your rental income to your other income when you make your annual Spanish income tax declaration. If you register your property as a tourist letting operation, you can put down the maintenance expenses of your property as a business expense and deduct this from your tax.

Adhere to these five, very simple rules and you can enjoy the additional income that accrues from the rental of your Spanish property, secure in the knowledge that your will not receive any unwelcome communications from the tax office!

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18 Soltimes

Home & Garden Tips

Sales@soltimes.com 950 121 936

A collection of plant lists for residential landscaping.

Deciding which plants to use for your home’s landscape can be a challenge.

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Many factors must be considered, beyond simply choosing the plants you find to be the most attractive.

You’ll need to consider your climate and the amount of time you want to devote to maintenance. You’ll

also need to find plants suitable for exposure conditions, such as sun or shade or windy weather. Additionally, you should think about what you want your plants to achieve. Are you looking to add shade or privacy

Use the plant lists at right to begin

The best plants and ground covers for drought tolerance, including cacti, succulents, autumn sage, and Texas red yucca.

Plant suggestions for creating a lush, tropical landscape.

Desired plant characteristics for a Mediterranean garden.

The favorite traditional landscaping plants, which are often characterized by strong structures and showy blooms.

The main factors to consider when selecting plants for use around a swimming pool.

The top 10 vines for accenting pergolas, patio covers, and arbors.

The do’s and don’ts for selecting plants for use around a patio, terrace or deck.

The best plants for screening and creating privacy in your yard.

Ideas for creating privacy with a bamboo screen.

The top 10 trees for adding striking beauty in a landscape.

Get these tips

compiling ideas for what plants you would like in your yard. In this section, you’ll also find tips from landscaping professionals on: Using gardening zones to select the plants most suitable for your climate.

The main factors that affect plant performance, including the amount of sunlight and rainfall, the length of the growing season, average summer and winter temperatures, and elevation.

The three most important rules to remember when choosing plants for a modern garden, including tips for grouping them.

How to use succulents of all shapes and sizes to add drama to the garden.

The most popular trees and plants to use in a Japanese garden.

Preparing the soil and installing a drip irrigation system for a thriving desert garden.

Landscape Lighting Ideas We often don’t get a chance to see our homes until after dark. Soft lighting in a dark outdoor environment is nothing short of magic. It provides a warm, inviting ambiance that beckons us outdoors. It creates mood, romance, and drama. It adds interest and intrigue to any setting. A growing number of homeowners are capturing this magic in their gardens through “nightscaping,” one of the hottest trends in outdoor home improvement today.

Lighting can be one of the most important aspects of landscape and hardscape design, yet it is often overlooked or underdone.

Proper outdoor lighting design allows you to highlight focal points and hide eyesores. It can also be used to enhance safety and security, to accent special trees or plantings, and to create a festive atmosphere for outdoor entertaining.

Landscape lights also serve a number of needs, from letting you walk safely down a flagstone path at night, to giving you a place to spend time with your family after school and work. Outdoor lights even deter burglars and

And these tips

euro

to your property? Do you want something fragrant and colourful that will attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife? Plants suitable for a quaint style garden will look out of place in a garden with a Mediterranean feel.

Lawns and grass

Your lawn serves as the canvas for the rest of your landscape, forming a framework for garden beds, pathways and patios. It also helps to prevent soil erosion and provides a soft, resilient surface for recreational activities.

Because lawn landscaping plays such a crucial role, both aesthetically and functionally, many homeowners will spare no expense to grow and maintain a lush lawn. But before you outlay all those greenbacks for green blades, there are some important factors to consider to ensure that your investment grows and thrives.

Learn about the best types of turfs for various conditions, how to maintain a healthy lawn.

Selecting a lawn grass that will thrive in your local climate conditions and survive the intended use of your yard.

The best grass varieties for sun and shade.

The best grasses for cool-season and warm-season conditions.

The best types of lawn fertilizer.

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Choosing which areas to light can be a challenge. Here, landscape professionals share their expert tips for lighting different areas of the landscape. This section will give you a better understanding of what to expect when landscape lights are installed, where the best places are to put lights, how to create effects with lights, and much more. Landscape lighting is more than just shining some direct light at a walkway or up a tree. Not only are there techniques and methods for creating ambiance with lights, but some contractors even prefer to accent the architecture of the home rather than the trees or walkways or patio areas. Home lighting gives

you the chance to highlight architectural features like pillars or columns, or enjoy the shadow play of lights on the craggy surface of stone veneer. “When you have a beautiful home, sometimes it’s more effective to light the architecture than the trees,” says TJ Wilcoxson of Alexon Design Group. You can also pull features off the architecture and bring them into the landscape so the home and landscape feel integrated. “We’ll sometimes create a pillar using the same stone veneer as the home, and match the fixture on the pillar to the ones on the home,” says Barton. It’s professional tips like this that will help you learn about landscape lighting and make informed decisions.

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CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €575 + BILLS PCM

Ref No:0031

• • • •

• • • •

Ref No: 0012

• 3 bed/3 bath Neptuno style villa.

• Glazed front naya.

• Private swimming pool.

• Log fire, AC plus much more.

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €650 + BILLS PCM.

MARGAJON VALLEY LONG TERM LET €650 + BILLS pcm

Ref No:0216

3 bed/2 bath Cibeles style villa.

9m x 4m private pool.

Large corner plot.

Log fire plus much more.

• 3 bed/1 bath refurbished finca.

• Amazing valley living.

• Furnished to exceptional standard.

• Must been seen.

CAMPOSOL B HOLIDAY LETS FROM €50 PER DAY.

CAMPOSOL D HOLIDAY LETS FROM €90 PER DAY.

Ref No :0198

• • • •

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €650 + BILLS PCM

3 bed/2 bath Carmen style villa.

Large glazed naya.

8m x 4m private pool.

Log fire plus much more.

Ref No: 0096

2 bed/1 bath Fortuna style villa.

Secluded private pool.

Great views to golf course.

UK TV, AC & wifi.

CAMPOSOL B HOLIDAY LET FROM €110 per day

Ref No: 0172

• 4 bed/3 bath executive villa.

• Amazing pool & terrace area.

• AC, wifi & much more.

• Furnished to exceptional level

Soltimes 19

Ref No: 0215

• • • •

3 bed/2 bath Cibeles style villa.

Luxury villa, sleeps 7.

10m x 5m private pool.

UK TV, AC & wifi.

CAMPOSOL C SOUTH HOLIDAY LET FROM €80 per day

Ref No: 0087

• 3 bed/2 bath executive villa.

• 9m x 4m private pool.

• AC, wifi & much more.

• Furnished to exceptional standard.

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €300 + BILLS PCM

Ref No: 0111

• 2 bed/1 bath Fiesta style villa.

• Large corner plot.

• Furnished to good standard.

• Off road parking.

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €475 + BILLS PCM

Ref No: 0219

• • • •

2 bed/1 bath Fortuna style villa.

Additional upper bedsit with dbl bed.

Full length glazed terrace.

Log fire plus much more.

CAMPOSOL A HOLIDAY LETS FROM €60 PER DAY

Ref No :0221

• • • •

2 bed/1 bath Classico style Villa.

7m x 4m private pool.

Close bars, restaurents & shops.

Ideal holiday villa for 4 people.

CAMPOSOL D HOLIDAY LET FROM €55 PER DAY

Ref No: 023

• 3 bed/3 bath luxury villa.

• Bespoke outside dining/bbq area.

• Kidney shape private pool.

• Wifi, AC & much more.

MANY MORE PROPERTIES CAN BE SEEN ON OUR WEBSITE

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SM074

950 121 936

SOL Y MAR 4000m2 PLOT WITH STUNNING VIEWS

• ESTATE AGENTS • RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 150,000€ OFFERS

Living the Spanish dream spacious 4 bedroom 3 bathroom with pool family home featuring fantastic views over the Almanzora valley mountains and surrounding hills.

Modern easy to maintain large 190 sq mtr villa with a private 9x4 pool set in a 4000 sq mtr fenced plot containing olive and almond trees, idyllic landscaped gardens and terraced pool area with outside shower, shaded pergola and BBQ. Must be viewed to appreciate the setting and potential lifestyle.

SM073

145,000€ OFFERS

WELL PRESENTED DETACHED VILLA

Well presented detached villa with pool and many extras. Ideal location as within a rural hamlet of homes but a short drive to local amenities. Features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms gravel lined plot, covered sun terrace, outside casita and many other extras. Must be viewed to appreciate the setting and presentation.

SM009

145,000€ OFFERS

IDEAL B AND B OR HOTEL OPPORTUNITY

Now at reduced price large house representing great value for money. Detached 6 bedroom villa with 1.5 bathroom. Easy walk to the many facilities of Cantoria town centre Currently empty but in good condition, mature garden setting and many extras. Ideal B and B or hotel opportunity. Must be viewed to appreciate the locale, sheer size and space this property offers.

sM040

viewing highly recommendED

zurgena

99,000€

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.

Soltimes 21

950 064 584 sM005

Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox

Email: info@solymarspain.com │ www.solymarspain.com

LARGE PLOT WITH 360 DEGREE VIEWS

CANTORIA

125,000€ OFFERS

Stunning detached home with 5000m2 of land on the outskirts of Cantoria , a short drive to its many amenities . Features 2 bedrooms, 2 living areas) or potential third bedroom, carport, outside storage, air conditioning, jacuzzi and stunning views across the valley.

Semi rural setting yet only ten minutes walk to the town of Cantoria with its many bars and cafes.

Amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside.

Home in excellent order.

sM065

DETACHED COUNTRY HOME WITH GUEST ANNEXE

145,000€

RAMBLA DE ORIA

Cortijo modernised, Rambla de Oria with mountain views. Rural settling but not isolated.

Main house comprises of large modern kitchen / dining room, reception with utility room and separate toilet off. Stairs lead to the first floor which has a large lounge with log burner, spacious master bedroom with en-suite (separate shower and jacuzzi bath), a second double bedroom with en-suite shower room. C/H on both floors. Air con in master bedroom and lounge. Separate accommodation has a lounge, kitchen, rustic style double bedroom, large bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle. Outside there is gardens for sun or shade, terraces, patios, parking, garage driveway, gravelled sitting are with tended fruit trees and planting and other unused hillside land that is attached to the property. Garage is a generously sized double length block built and has an insulated roof.

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

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RENTAL RSM009

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WALKING DISTANCE TO ALL AMENITIES

RENTAL MAR998

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Traditional village house 3 bed 1.5 bath in the heart of the town walking distance to all local amenities within the heart of Cantoria. This property features a small private courtyard to the side of the house ideal for al fresco dining or sunbathing. Available for long term rental, fully furnished allows pets with parking close by. Cantoria is a busy market town with many facilities, including bars, restaurants, post office, banks, medical centre, supermarkets to name but a few.

AVAILABLE FOR SHORT TERM LETS 6 TO 9 MONTHS ONLY

450€ PCM RENTAL

This property is unfurnished , allows dogs and for short term lets 3 to 9 months only.

Ideally located just 10 minutes drive to the large town of Albox, this detached villa is well presented providing charming and comfortable accommodation. The property which is fully walled, and gated sits on a plot of approx 1000m2. It is also a stone’s throw away to local bars and restaurants. The property comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a spacious lounge/dining area and fan assisted log fireplace there is also hot and cold air conditioning. The kitchen is fitted with all white goods. Must be viewed to appreciate the locale and presentation of the property.

22 Soltimes

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2 local family estate agents to feature on a BRAND-NEW property programme – SUN, SEA, AND SELLING HOUSES. This fantastic docu soap follows the day to day lives of The Casas Manuel Family (Costa Blanca South) and the Garner Family (Almeria). Ricochet (Warner Bros) followed and filmed the 2 families for 7 months last year and will show all aspect of their professional and personal lives. Despite the Brexit its business as usual for the 2 families. There will be laughs and tears throughout. The programme will start on Monday the 13th on CHANNEL 4 – 4pm UK time and will run for 20 x 1 hour episodes.

HAPPY WATCHING!

Got your eye on a place in Spain?

Soltimes 23

The reason for Spain’s widespread appeal is easy to see. Cheap flights, great airport access and plenty of sunshine make it a good choice for a weekend bolthole as well as the ideal place to retire.

But while there’s no shortage of information – both on and offline – offering insights into the expat life in Spain, how do you start the process of actually purchasing your home there? A good place to start is with these key three questions: 1. What are you primarily buying this property for?

Is it a holiday home, a financial investment, or somewhere to eventually retire to?

2. What do you see yourself doing while there?

This might be spending relaxing time with your partner, hosting family and friends, indulging in sport and leisure or working.

3. Which of these are most important to you?

Is it budget, location, type of property or facilities?

Once you have these answers you’ll be clearer about what you are looking for and can move onto specifics. If good weather and simplicity are high up on your priority list, the Costa Blanca, which is south of Valencia on the east coast of Spain, is expat-friendly and has a climate judged by the World Health Organisation to be the healthiest in the world. Head slightly north up the coast from there and you’ll find the towns of Dénia and Jávea, both of which are good alternatives for the same criteria. Or if you’re after a more authentic Spanish lifestyle, head slightly inland to the Jalon Valley.

ESPAŃA... WHERE DREAMS BECOME REALITY...

FINANCING A HOME If not, you will need to consider your borrowing options. You won’t be able to take a mortgage from a UK bank to pay for a home that lies on different soil but many Brits use local Spanish banks which are accustomed to foreign buyers and more than happy to deal with them.

Mortgage terms in Spain typically span between 15 and 30 years depending on your age, against a maximum loan of around 70% of the property value. Although lending in Spain is more stringent since the recession, if you present a sound credit history and solid proof of ability to repay the loan it should be a relatively simply process.

It’s worth noting that practically all Spanish loans are repayment only. An ‘interest only’ loan is rare and usually attached to the sale of the bank’s own repossessed property to make it more appealing.

Most well-known Spanish banks employ multilingual staff but if you prefer not to negotiate direct, consider using an English-speaking overseas broker to seek out the best deal on your behalf. Bear in mind also that it is good practice to borrow in the same currency you will repay the loan in. This avoids currency fluctuations moving against you. For example, if you are paying your mortgage with a UK salary, borrow in sterling.

LANDLORDS WE NEED YOUR PROPERTIES NOW!!!

MANAGED FROM 7% TENANTS WAITING Tel: +34 966 719 689

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Property SERVICES

A Guide to Conservatories

Why build a conservatory?

Conservatories were very popular in Victorian and Edwardian times and, with the

introduction of modern building techniques, have become an affordable and desirable part of modern-day living. In fact, over a quarter of a million were built in 2006.

For many people they are an ideal way of acquiring more living space without having to move house.

Planning permission is not needed if it´s a removable structure, and, provided they are well-built, they are almost guaranteed to add value to your property.

They provide a versatile space and can be used as a sun room, dining room, breakfast room, family den, study or even

kitchen. One of the real advantages of conservatories over any other type of extension is that they let in the light and warmth from the garden whilst at the same time providing shelter from the elements.

Where to build it?

Conservatories have traditionally been built on the side or back of properties, leading out to the garden, although it is possible to have them on the side or even the front.

Since they are designed to feel part of the garden they are almost exclusively built on ground floor level, although there is no real reason why they cannot be built on an upper level, depending on the design of

your house.

Different aspects bring with them different advantages and disadvantages, and careful consideration should be given to the direction of your proposed conservatory at the planning stage.

East-facing - This will get the sun in the morning so is ideal for a breakfast room. It will not overheat in the middle of the day or evening.

South-facing - This is excellent for catching the sun but will be unbearably hot in the summer with the sun overhead at the hottest time of the day. Give careful thought to ventilation and blinds, as these will add much needs shade from the sun.

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Soltimes 25

Health Benefits Of A Clean House

You’ve probably heard people say, “Why clean the house if it’s just going to get dirty again?” This excuse may ring true for some, but people should also know that there are more incentives to cleaning than just having a sparkling house. The act of cleaning has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits that may improve one’s health. Check out these health benefits of a clean house and get scrubbing!

Reduces allergies: Regular cleaning is the best way to reduce dust and other irritating allergens from the home. Chores like sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming dispose of dust, dust mites, pet dander, and dozens of other allergens that cause cold and flu-like symptoms. People with allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems can relieve their symptoms and breathe easier by keeping their house clean.

Why use a Property Management Company?

A competent property manager can add significant value to your investment, which is why many seasoned real estate investors will tell you that a good management company is worth their weight in gold. Here are a few ways that a good property manager earns their keep.

Higher Quality Tenants Think of tenant screening as the moat and draw bridge around your castle. It is certainly possible to get a bad tenant out of your home once they are in, but it’s a real hassle and you are so much better off never accepting them in the first place. A thorough screening

process results in reliable tenants that: Pay on time Rent longer Generally cause less problems.

An experienced property management company has seen thousands of applications and knows how to quickly dig for the real facts about candidates and analyze that information for warning signs. By allowing a management company to handle the screening, you will also be shielding yourself from rental scams directed at owners, and discrimination lawsuits resulting from an inconsistent screening process.

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Sanitation: Every time you clean the house with disinfectants, you are killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can compromise your health. These powerful cleansers target germs and bacteria, such as E. coli, staph, and salmonella that are responsible for many foodborne illnesses and infections. Sanitizing surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the house will help protect you from these potentially dangerous bacteria.

Reduces stress: Both the act of cleaning and maintaining a clean house can help relieve and prevent unnecessary stress.

A clean house makes maneuvering and finding things much easier. Easy cleaning like sweeping, doing the dishes, and making your bed will make your house look clean and ready for guests if the opportunity arises.

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26 Soltimes

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SOL Y MAR

tel: 950 064 584

ESTATE AGENTS, RENTALS, & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Email: info@solymarspain.com │ www.solymarspain.com can you name the european flags?

just for fun Answers

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Friendship wordsearch

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

The remaining letters spell an additional word related to friendship.

2. In which country is the Barossa Valley wine making area?..................................................

3. Who was the leading actor in the 1988 film cocktail?.........................................................

4. Who composed a champagne Polka?...........

5. In relation to ale what do the letters SG stand for?.......................................................

6. What is usually added to Pernod before it is drunk by the French?.......................................

7. Who boasted of eating human liver washed down with Chianti?.........................................

down river in rabelo boats?.............................

Answers

CRYPTIC crossword

10. Port 9. Laurie Lee 8. Marstons 7. Hannibal Lecter 6. Water

CROSSWORD

1. I get a kick out of you 2. Australia 3. Tom Cruise 4. Johann Strauss 5. Specific Gravity

SOLUTIONS

HONESTY KINSHIP LEND LOYALTY PAL ROOMMATE SHARE SUPPORTIVE SYMPATHY TRUST

COMPANION COMRADE CONFIDE EMPATHY FAVOR FONDNESS FRIENDLINESS FUN GIRLFRIEND GOOD TIMES

standard SUDOKU

10. Which drink was traditionally transported

easy SUDOKU

9. Who wrote the novel Cider with Rosie?........

ACQUAINTANCE AFFECTION AFFINITY ALLY AMIGO AMITY BOYFRIEND BUDDY CHUM CLOSENESS

The hidden message is: CAMARADERIE

8. Who produces a beer called Pedigree?........

soltimes sports quiz

1. Who was the first female jockey to ride in the Grand National?...................................

2. In 1967 which golfer made the first televised hole in one?.........

3. How many players are there in a baseball team?........................

4. On his 28th attempt to win the race, which jockey rode pinza to win the 1953 English Derby?

5. Which football team, in the Scottish league has their home ground in England?

6. In which year were the Olympic Games first held in London?

7. In which event did Britons Nash and Dixon win a gold medal at the 1964 Winter Olympics?

8. Who became the world heavyweight boxing champion after the retirement of Rocky Marciano?

9. In the darts game 501, what is the least number of darts required for one player to check out?

10. Name three of the four English football league clubs with an X in their name?

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

line from which Cole Porter song?...................

sol picture quiz!

7. 2 man bob 8. Floyd Patterson 9. Nine 10. Crewe Alexander, Exeter City, Oxford United, Wrexham

sol times drinks Quiz

1. Mere Alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all? Is a

1. Charlotte Brew 2. Tony Jacklin 3. Nine 4. Sir Gordon Richards 5. Berwick rangers 6. 1908

on this day 22nd march

1: Greg Norman 2: Ian Woosnam 3: Bernhard Langer 4: Ernie Els 5: Sergio Garcia 6: Ben Hogan 7: Lee Travino 8: Seve Ballesteros 9: Lee Westwood 10: Tiger Woods

871 – Æthelred of Wessex is defeated by a Danish invasion army at the Battle of Marton.

1621 – The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony sign a peace treaty with Massasoit of the Wampanoags.

1765 – The British Parliament passes the Stamp Act that introduces a tax to be levied directly on its American colonies.

1906 – The first England vs France rugby union match is played at Parc des Princes in Paris.

1945 – The Arab League is founded when a charter is adopted in Cairo, Egypt.

1993 - The Intel Corporation ships the first Pentium chips (80586), featuring a 60 MHz clock speed, 100+ MIPS, and a 64 bit data path.

Soltimes 27

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Across 8 A male figure in Polynesian mythology (4) 9 Determined (10) 10 Stableboy (6) 11 Costs (8) 12 Television award (4) 13 Called (10) 17 A Freudian stage (4) 18 Swearings (5) 19 Faucets (4) 20 Weather balloon (10) 22 An Egyptian deity (4) 23 A large pear-shaped fruit (8) 27 Stress (6) 28 Fanatic (10) 29 Require (4) Down 1 Alcoholism (10) 2 Traitorous (8) 3 Surgical procedures (10) 4 Exhort (4) 5 Takeover (4) 6 Hut (6) 7 Positive (4) 14 Language of Rome (5) 15 Ownership (10) 16 Accentuated (10) 19 Narrowing (8) 21 Accuse (6) 24 The handle of a weapon (4) 25 Gemstone (4) 26 Strike sharply (4)

standard CROSSWORD

7 Bird before I drink (7) 8 Condiment from first Chinese hut with part of body, we hear (7) 10 Compare most of lip with short Kenneth (5) 11 Average father, right? (4,5) 12 Place to stay in macho telethon (5) 13 Gas me when clutching Ethan (7) 15 Company put roe all over the place (6) 17 Polite maids, for example, working for the government?

(5,8) 20 Embarassed and stolen at a very high temperature (3-3) 21 Brings in devil, or returns saint (7) 25 So, a Catholic leader comes before sun-god in TV or radio drama (4,5) 26 Ornament in wide corridor (5) 28 Fetch a higher price, not in a prison room, we hear (7) 29 Flagging or lauding, perhaps (7) Down

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

squiggle

famous birthdays today 1459 – Maximilian I, Holy

standard

Roman Emperor 1499 – Johann Carion, German astrologer and chronicler 1684 – William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath, English politician, Secretary at War 1855 – Dorothy Tennant, British painter 1920 – James Brown, American actor and singer 1931 – William Shatner, Canadian actor 1976 – Reese Witherspoon, American actress and producer

1 Put me back twice, with half-blot inside - a distinctive design (6) 2 Long journey starts to turn revolutionary English King (4) 3 Capital of 6 before Anne came back (6) 4 Offend Sid, coming up with delight (9) 5 It sounds like you for international leader - a feeling of great elation (8) 6 Teacher in second farm vehicle, with a slight change inside (10) 8 A thick string company backs doctor (4) 9 “Shaken”, Ledley cried (6) 14 A fraction do with this type of insurance! (5,5) 16 Easily annoyed by new tribal ire (9) 18 These have the same atomic number - is zero highest at east and south? (8) 19 Forces moving wall painting? (6) 22 One who loves the rules has domestic animal without boy (6) 23 Walked to Shanghai first, then stepped east (6) 24 Distribute a business transaction? (4) 27 Friend of much change? (4)

28 Soltimes

Beetroot soup with dumplings 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve, 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed, 1 onion, peeled and finely diced , 1 tsp fennel seeds. Salt and freshly ground black pepper , 1 litre beef (or vegetable) stock, 600g raw beetroot, peeled and cut into 2cm pieces 1½ tsp lemon juice, 160g soured cream, to serve 5g dill leaves, finely chopped.

For the dumplings 3 slices German rye bread (100% rye), lightly toasted and roughly blitzed. Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, 10g dill, finely chopped, 10g tarragon leaves, finely chopped, 40g walnut halves, toasted and roughly chopped, 1 tsp caraway seeds, lightly toasted and crushed, 2 eggs, beaten.

Put all the dumpling ingredients in a medium bowl with a good grind of pepper.

Mix to combine, then form into 12 dumplings weighing about 30g each, squeezing the mixture very firmly as you shape them; it’s really important to compress the dumplings like this, or they won’t hold together during the cooking.

Refrigerate for at least an hour, to firm up. Put the oil for the soup in a large saucepan on a mediumhigh heat, then sauté the garlic, onion, fennel seeds and half a teaspoon of salt for about five minutes, until soft. Cover with 750ml of stock, then add the beetroot, lemon juice and a grind of pepper.

Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 50 minutes, until the beetroot is very soft.

When the soup has been cooking for 25 minutes, put the remaining stock in a medium saucepan with 250ml water and half a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat to low.

Take the dumplings from the fridge and compress them again. Poach the dumplings in the liquid in two batches for three minutes a batch, turning them halfway, then transfer the cooked dumplings to a plate using a slotted spoon.

Strain the stock and water into the soup pot and leave to cook until the 50 minutes is up.

Divide the soup between four bowls and top each portion with three dumplings. Spoon the soured cream alongside, drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with dill and serve.

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Recipes for breakfast and brunch

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Poached eggs with melted leeks and chipotle-tahini dressing

Breakfast and brunch are among my favourite meals The art of home cooking is about making life easier for yourself

Ruby’s

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT NEV & PAT WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL CUSTOMERS, NEW AND OLD URBANISATION EL RASO, CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR, JUST OFF THE CV895 LEMON TREE ROAD, 03140

TEL 865 662 543 Opening times 10am till Late daily

Full Main Menu 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch Available 2pm - 7pm 3 Course 9.95€ / 2 Course 7.95€ Ha p p y Ho u r 4 p m - 6 p m Wednesday is quiz night with Nick Marshall

with our great 5€ meal deals for quiz players Last person standing, winner takes all

GREAT FUN NIGHT OUT

Breakfast and brunch are among my favourite meals, and equally delicious in all their forms, whether sweet, savoury, salty, healthy, fried, poached or baked.

They have the advantage that the rest of the day stretches ahead, so even if you eat a little too much, you can still recover by bedtime.

3 large leeks, 40g butter, 25g tahini, 1 small garlic clove, peeled and crushed.

The juice of 1 lemon, 1 heaped tbsp chipotle in adobo, finely chopped. 75g natural yoghurt, 2 poached eggs per person, to serve 2-4 slices sourdough or rye bread. Olive oil, Za’atar, to serve.

Top and tail the leeks, then peel off and discard the outer layer. Cut the leeks in half lengthways, wash under cold

running water, drain and cut into finger-width rounds.

Put a large, heavy-based frying pan on a high heat and, after a few minutes, add the butter.

When it is melted and sizzling, add the leeks, turn down the heat to medium, season generously, and sauté for five to 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until collapsed and soft.

Meanwhile, put the tahini, garlic and half the lemon juice in a small bowl with the chipotle, and beat with a fork until smooth. Stir in the yoghurt, taste and season; add more lemon juice if it needs brightening.

Poach the eggs and toast the bread, drizzling it with a little olive oil afterwards. Top the toast with the leeks, eggs and a sprinkling of za’atar,

and eat with great dollops of the dressing.

Scandi-style breakfast For the rösti ½ celeriac peeled, 300g floury potatoes peeled ½ onion, peeled and finely chopped, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg 2 heaped tbsp plain flour Vegetable oil, to fry For the rémoulade Juice of 1 lemon, ½ celeriac peeled, 4 tbsp crème fraiche 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp grated horseradish, 1 small handful dill fronds, finely chopped, plus extra to serve 2 green apples.

To serve: Crème fraiche 200g smoked salmon, 1 lemon, quartered.

To make the rösti, coarsely grate the celeriac and potatoes, then mix with the onion.

Add half the salt and put in a colander set over a bowl, to drain off any liquid. For the rémoulade, fill a bowl with cold water and add half the lemon juice. Cut the celeriac into 2- to 3mm-thick slices (with a mandoline, ideally), then into matchsticks, and add to the bowl (the lemon stops it discolouring).

Whisk the crème fraiche with the rest of the lemon juice, mustard and olive oil, season generously, and add the horseradish and dill.

Serve straight away, and enjoy.

Soltimes 29

Great Food & Drink

Cheddar, leek and maris piper soda bread

25g butter, 1½ tbsp light brown sugar, 1 small bunch lemon thyme, leaves picked, plus a few extra branches.

2 leeks, trimmed, washed and cut into 1cm-thick rounds, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, 100g extra-mature

cheddar, finely grated, 250g maris piper (or other floury potato), peeled and cut into quarters. 300g plain

Chocolate truffles Tapas with real ale

Treat Yourself

MAKES 40 truffles INGREDIENTS 130ml real ale, beer or stout 65g unrefined dark muscovado sugar 300g 70% or above dark chocolate Cocoa powder METHOD: Warm the beer and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar is fully dissolved. Do not allow

the beer to simmer or boil.

Pour the beer mixture into a bowl with all the chocolate and whisk until smooth (use a blender if you have one).

Pour onto a plate and allow to cool. Then refrigerate for an hour.

Once cooled, roll into even sized truffles and dust in cocoa powder. Serve at room temperature and enjoy within two weeks of making.

Fried stuffed olives.

500 g, passata, 1 x 354 g jar of black olives, 5 g feta cheese, 1 tablespoon capers, 40 g plain flour, 2 large free-range eggs, 200 g breadcrumbs, 1 litre vegetable oil, a few sprigs of fresh oregano, 1 good pinch of dried chilli, extra virgin olive oil. Pour the passata into a wide dish. Drain, destone and add the olives, making sure they are all submerged.

Set it aside to soak for about 1 hour. Beat the feta and capers to form a rough paste. Remove the soaked olives from the passata, keep the sauce to one side. Roll little balls of the feta mixture into tiny shapes and stuff these into the olives. Line up three shallow bowls – the first with the flour, whisk the eggs in the second, and the last with the breadcrumbs. Pour the vegetable oil into a deep pan and place over a medium heat. Roll the olives in the flour& egg, coat in the breadcrumbs and serve with bread.

Open 7 Days a Week 12noon till 10pm

QUESADA FISH & CHIPS

Menu of the Day

12noon till 5pm Cod or Haddock Chips, Peas, Bread and Butter €7,00 Quesada

966 719 136

Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas

€6,00 All Day

Takeaway Also Available Villamartin Plaza

966 764 441

flour, plus extra for dusting, 300g wholegrain spelt flour, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 1 tsp fine sea salt, 568ml buttermilk (ie two large pots) 40g parmesan, finely grated Heat the oven to 200C/390F/ gas mark 6. Heat the butter and sugar in a large frying pan, season generously with salt, pepper and the lemon thyme, then sauté the leeks for 15-20 minutes, stirring from time to time, until sticky and caramelised.

Leave to cool and, once completely cool, stir in the cayenne, if using, and all but a tablespoon of the cheddar.

Meanwhile fill a small pan with cold water, add the potatoes and bring to a boil.

Simmer for 10 minutes, until

tender, then drain and leave to steam dry in the pan. Once dry, mash and leave to cool.

Lightly flour a clean work surface. In a large bowl, mix the flours, bicarb and salt. In a second bowl, lightly whisk the leek mixture through the buttermilk, then incorporate the mashed potato. Make a well in the centre of the flour bowl, then pour in the leek and potato mixture, and whisk to combine. Tip the dough on to the work surface and knead briefly, just until it comes together: the more you work soda bread dough, the heavier it will be, so the quicker you can get the loaf into the oven after mixing the wet ingredients with the dry, the better. Shape

the dough into a ball and put on to a floured baking sheet. Cut a deep cross into the top of the dough with a very sharp knife, then dust with flour and scatter with the remaining cheddar and parmesan. Press the remaining branches of lemon thyme into the loaf.

Bake for an hour, until the loaf is cooked through. To check that it’s done, turn the loaf over and tap the underside: once cooked, it will sound hollow. If it still sounds solid, pop the bread back in the oven for 10 minutes more, then test again. Leave to cool before tearing apart and serving with a crisp salad and a plate of cheeses and hams.

Enjoy the taste of

Spain!

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Bon voyage

Local events send details to us!!!

If you have a local event which you would like in the Sol Times Newspaper, please send details and pictures to email address Editor@soltimes.com and we will do our best to publish your articles.

Lyn Aspden and Chris Gaskell of ‘Strictly Dance’ are proud to announce that their daughter Janelle, versatile vocalist and her boyfriend Alex Scott, acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter have successfully achieved a position on the high seas working for Carnival Cruise Lines and will be touring for the next 5 months as the musical duo Unity.

They have been working very hard for the past 18 months or so learning the required number of songs across numerous genres of music and after their dedication were successful in following their dreams.

Janelle is a second generation cruiser as both Lyn and Chris worked for both P&O and Princess Cruise Lines for several years before Janelle was born. It all happened so rapidly that from applying to being accepted and leaving

to join the ship was only just over 3 weeks.

It was somewhat of a whirlwind trying to get all the necessary paperwork completed but they joined Carnival Imagination in Los Angeles just over a week ago where they will be resident for the next 5 months. We have already heard from them and last cruise they had a group of 180 dancers onboard who said they were the best duo they had heard in 7 previous cruises and were literally filling the floor with their music. We would like to take this opportunity to wish them bon voyage and good luck with their new life and hope to see them back sometime in August performing locally If you are interested you can follow them on facebook as Unity Acoustic or alternatively there are several videos on you tube available to view.

TEL: 950 121 936 - SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Pleasure doing business with us

Contact our business team now on 950 121 936

Tap Your Troubles Away

STUDIO32 are now halfway through rehearsals for their summer production of “Mack and Mabel”. Tickets are available now and are already selling fast.

“Mack and Mabel” is a true story, set in the period of the silent movies, starting in 1911 through Mabel’s death in 1930 and ending in 1938. The role of Lottie is played by one of Studio32’s younger stars, Alice Wakeford.

This is Alice’s fifth show with Studio32, her previous credits include a show-stealing performance as the cat in “Dick Whittington”, the youngest daughter Chava in “Fiddler On The Roof” and more recently the Ghost of Christmas Past in “A Christmas Carol”. At only 15 years old she is an accomplished singer, dancer and actress who is relishing the challenges of her current role.

Lottie is Mack’s previous leading lady, a girl who has been round the block a few times. She is the tap dance lead in the show, and her poignant song tells of years of putting up with life’s little knocks – so just “Tap Your Troubles Away”!

The show contains some great songs, dancing and humour, and the high standards of production from this talented company ensure that audiences will be in for a spectacularly entertaining evening.

Studio32 are continuing to support the San Fulgencio Alzheimer’s Association and local charities with this show. Past shows have raised significant sums of money and the company hope to repeat that with sell-out performances again. Seats for their previous productions have sold out quickly so make sure to book your tickets early.

Show dates are Wednesday May31stto Saturday June 3rdat the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio, all performances start at 7.30pm with doors open 7pm. Reserved seating tickets are now on sale, priced at 9 euros, and can be obtained by calling Philip on 602 454 033, or by emailingtickets@ studiothirtytwo.org. A seating plan is available on their website www.studiothirtytwo.org, along with lots of information about the company and past shows.

Learn, improve or just play bridge MAZARRON BAY BRIDGE CLUB (MBBC) is a friendly Club with members of all nationalities. Our motto is Bridge with a Smile. We offer Bridge activities (and regular lunches!) to suit card players of all levels, from absolute beginners with no previous experience, to fully hardened experts - we have four distinct sessions to suit whoever you are.

Do you like playing cards?

Have you always wanted to learn Bridge, the most popular card game in the world, but not sure what you might find, or how to go about it? If so, then come along to one of our

3-hour ´NEW 2 BRIDGE´ SAMPLER sessions to experience what Bridge is all about? Don’t worry about getting confused with lots of theory – the emphasis is on practical card play. No partner needed.

If you played Bridge years

ago, but have forgotten what you learnt.

Or the Bridge Sampler has wetted your appetite, then our short BRIDGE BASICS course would suit. The emphasis is on learning while you play, rather than listening to lots of theory.

Maybe you only play Bridge socially, but have wanted to find out what playing Bridge in a club is like, but been too nervous to give it a try?

Maybe you are a regular player but want to improve your game.

Then either of our weekly BETTER BRIDGE or DUPLICATE BRIDGE events will be for you.

It costs virtually nothing.

It’s fun. It’s a social game.

If you are interested, or want to come along to one of our regular lunches to meet us socially, then phone Phil (602 539 830) or email mazarronbaybridgeclub@ gmail.com to find out more.

Ruby’s Golf

This month’s scramble for points to move up the player of the year table took us to Font Del Llop and with the two’s pot standing at a healthy 80 euros there was much to play for.

The weather was excellent and the course played well with some good scores being returned.

The results were as follows: Nearest the pin on the par 3’s were Michelle Evans (2) Colin Fear (2) and Dave Johnston, Nearest the pin in 2 was Rob Litton. Best front nine Theresa Wright and best back George Marshall

Deane. The silver division was won by Marc Doherty and our captain Colin Fear consolidated his position at the top of the table with a fine 37 points winning the gold and overall prize.

Back at Rayz Bar, a fine buffet was served after the presentation and Brian Wilson won the football card and the two’s pot was split between Michelle and Colin, well done you two.

Our next game is at Roda on the 17th of March anyone wishing to join us for this, or any other game please email us at rubysgolf@yahoo.co.uk

On Thursday 16th March Eurogolf played their monthly medal off the plates for the Presidents Trophy.

It was a sunny but blustery day which affected the scores as there were some relatively low scores even in the prizes.

Cat 1 1st Malcolm Foskett 36 2nd George McCallum 35 c/b 3rd David Gregson 35 Cat 2 1st Stan Low 31 2nd Glo Manning 31 3rd Linda Lynch 29 Cat 3 1st Debbie Weedon 37 2nd David Valentine 35 3rd Bob Shorley 33 Cat 4 1st Ed Silvester 37 2nd Phyllis Venables 36 3rd Kevin Bonser 30 Overall winner Debbie Weedon c/b Best front 9 Frances Buckeridge Best back 9 John Barraclough NTP´s 5th and 17th Bill

Martin 11th Colin Willis 12th in 2 John Barraclough 15th Terry Sayers Football draw G. Lavender John Fairhurst Keith Wright Colin Hobden and Claire Daye-Gretton.

President David Blanchette was pleased to present Captain Debbie Weedon with the Presidents Trophy plus a bottle of champagne which he donated at his own expense.

Unfortunately the usual Toffs game on Tuesday was cancelled due to the strong high winds.

If you would like to play with Eurogolf on Tuesdays and Thursdays at La Marquesa for more information please visit the website www.eurogolfquesada.co.uk

Eurogolf

Community News COSTA COBRAS RFC

Training at San Fulgencio sports ground on Monday and Wednesday from 20.30-22.00 all ages and nationalities welcome, together with my contact details, Garry 692 767 242 whatsapp.

Tuesday Night Trios

Week 21 (14/03/2017). Week 21 Saw Med Bistro & Bar El Raso’s lead at the top reduced to 4 points as they fought out a 4-4 draw in a tight encounter with Los Bandidos, Lesley Day top scoring for the Med Bar with a 637 hdc series, supported by John Richards with a 612 hdc series, Lynne Ailsby with a 634 hdc series and David Johnson 619 hdc series for the Bandidos. Team Finland kept up the pressure on the leaders with a 6-2 win over X-Factor, Jukka Koskinen led the way for T F with a 237 game in a 679 hdc series, followed by Keijo Liikanen with a 225 game and 646 hdc series, Heikki Suomi with a 630 hdc series and Jouni Lappalainen 613 hdc series for the Factor.

Cafeteria Octubre with a similar score line against Crazy Pinz drop a place to third, tied on points with T F, but with a superior pinfall of a mere 46 pins , in a high scoring encounter, Antonio Burmudez posted a 257 game in a 684 hdc series, Ramon Alarcon with a 222 game, 644 series and Antonio Berenguar 629 series, for Cafeteria, Ivar Henriksen with a 236 game , 660 series and Eero Lento 646 series for Crazy Pinz. Splash and Mixers Sunset Beach started the night equal on points, a 6-2 win for Splash see’s them move above Mixers into fourth , Manuel Martin with games of 221, 222 , 686 series, Diego Munoz 605 series, Juanjo Carral 603 series for Splash, Ludo Staes 656 series and Kjell Monsen 618 series replying for Mixers.

Right Move Insurance drew 4-4 in a low scoring match,both teams retained their positions in the league. Cruiserz took their match 6-2 with Los Diablos, Bosse Soderstrom with a 228 game, 644 series, Eva Sandgren 603 series for the Cruiserz, Roland Verstreken with a 606 series for Los Diablos. Las Guapas recorded a fine 8-0 win against Los Lobos, Anne Theys with a 218 game , 660 series for Las Guapas. The one remaining match saw basement team Juan’s Warriors record a 6-2 win over Team GB.XP, Jamie Brian with a 231 game, 662 hdc series, for the Warriors Rod Day 623 series for the X P. Neil Pipkin League Secretary.

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 email carolejohn_3@hotmail.com

A parkinsons Support Group

On Tuesdays at 11am At Bobbie Jo·s, Los Montisinos For a chat and a cup of tea For further information contact Wally Williamson On 966 770 871.

Soltimes 31 rock and roll class

‘Strictly Dance’ Rock and Roll for beginners and intermediates every Monday at the Emerald Isle La Florida 7:30-8:30pm.

Ballroom and Latin for beginners and intermediates every Tuesday at The Country Club, Quesada 8-10pm and every Thursday at The Madhouse, Pueblo Principe.

New courses every 3 weeks, singles welcome. Come and join our fun group and keep up with the ‘strictly’ gossip. For further info call Lyn on 966188430 or 635584431 or email strictlydancelyn@gmail.com. Also you can follow us on facebook. Look forward to welcoming you to one of our classes soon!

50+ SOLOS IS open to ladies and gentlemen who find themselves on their own but would like to get out and meet people through a difficult time.

A get together normally twice a month for a meal. chat and perhaps a quiz at different locations in the Torrevieja area.

We have run this little group for some 10 years and more such events are needed, 966 789 063.

SPIRITUALIST BENIJOFAR

CENTRE, Spanglish Golf Society House, 62 Calle

Meets at Hamilton´s Bake Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7 p.m. Also, every alternate Thursday from 23rd February, there is an Development/Awareness Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 6.30 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. The Divine Service with Mediumship on 26th March will be taken by George Lawson (UK Medium). George Lawson will also take the Evening of Mediumship on Tuesday, 28th March. The Divine Service with Mediumship, on Sunday, 2nd April will be taken by Len Cox. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www. spiritualistcentre-benijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com or info@ spiritualistcentre-benijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY @ALTORREAL

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

Friends after Bereavement. F.A.B for short We are a mixed group of people who meet on a Saturday afternoon between 2 to 4pm.

The club is run by Joan. We are a very friendly group with a lot of chat but with plenty of time to listen. We try to help bereaved people to take their first steps to new friendships, we understand bereavement as each and every one of us has been bereaved.

For more information please contact Joan on phone number 634 336 103 where she will give you information on any questions you have, and where we hold our meetings. We look forward to seeing new friends and old friends alike.

Torrevieja Maritime Association

We are a group from the Torrevieja area who were created to stimulate and maintain interest in maritime activities.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 12 midday in the Casa de Galicia in El Chaparral, Torrevieja, and any one with an interest in things maritime will be made more than welcome to join in the activities we organise.

For more information please email us at torreviejama@outlook.com or visit our Facebook page.

Our next meeting is our Annual general meeting on the 8th March with the subsequent meeting on Wednesday 12th April.

We arrived at altorreal expecting a very wet course after the rain early in the week ,but were over the moon to find buggies allowed on fairways and a course in excellent condition. this week we were competing for the “committee trophy “ . alas , scores did not generally meet expectations and only two players managed over 29 points despite the sunny skies and course condition. in third place was bill stobo with 29pts with runner-up position going to alan craig with 30 pts. however , captain elspeth craig took the trophy with a magnificent 35 pts. best guest went to lindsay merchant with 26pts. bill and alan took two of the nearest the pins,with the only other going to guest graham fraser. our next meeting is at font de llop on march 30th ,first tee 10.00 playing a texas scramble for the optima optima trophy. fee is 40 euros including a buggy. entry sheet on the board at the sports centre as usual or contact alan craig by e-mail or on 634347788. on 4th april we shall be holding our second quiz night of the year at the sports centre. entry fee is still only 8 euros to include a meal of either meat pie or fish and chips. please contact elspeth on e-mail or the above number to book your place.

The Royal British Legion Spain District North

• The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans and their families.

• If you feel we can help you, please ring 676 451 780 (9-5 weekdays) or email assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com.

• Any general enquiries to 648 860 251 (10-4 weekdays)

To the memory of the fallen and the future of the living

(in association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Hacienda Del Alamo on 15th March 2017.

For this months meeting the Spanglish Golf Society and a group of 22 players visited the established course at Hacienda Del Alamo taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

After the mini ‘gota fria’ in the previous days it was a pleasure not to get wet BUT extremely high winds made scoring extremely difficult and this relected in the scores.

The competition today was an individual stableford and the winning scores on the day were as follows: 1st – Ruddy Wattley - 36 points 2nd – Mike Nelson – 31 points 3rd – Jack Fanning – 29 points 4th – Mike Probert – 29 points Nearest the Pins – Cameron Cawte and Mike Probert.

After the game we returned to the Spanglish bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome snack prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Our next friendly day fixture is at Vistabella on Wednesday 5th April 2017 and the monthly meeting is at Mar Menor on 19th April 2017.

If you are interested in joining the society call Paul Cawte on 966731223 or Graham Hall on 664692638 or better still pop into the bar.

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

CHESS club

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).

THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

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.

Ruby’s

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

TEL 865 662 543

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Classifieds alarms

ALARMS & CCTV

Tel: Paul & Matthew

645 495 484

www.besurealarms.es

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Monday to Friday Between 10am & 5pm

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DEADLINES

All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

get online @ www.soltimes.com

EMAIL:SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

BY TUESDAY 5PM

locksmith

www.ecocorpshop.com are you getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills do you want a clean, reliable energy alternative if so call ecocorp on 671 716 597 or 950 930 187 for a no

ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UP TO 300€ FOR FREE

Security UNION

obligation quotation

cleaning services

Bosch extendible as new. Folds for easy inox hob storage. Cost 200€ will extractor 15€, take 125€ ono for quick Italian round metal sale. Private sale in adjustable table 60cms Quesada Tel: 625 266 932 plus 2 adjustable swivel FOLDING SINGLE stools 45€, Brand new BED, as new 30€. white slate shower tray Tel: 968 171 738 Los 80cmx x 70cms 90€.

Alcazares.

Quesada. Tel: 966 713 HUMAX Freesat HD Recorder,320GB, 707. like Sky+, twin tuner, seen Treadmill (power working 95€ Tel: 690 772 walker) 1000 w motor.

Used only twice so good 178 (San Fulgencio)

pOOLS & GARDENS spas

sat/tv services

PET TRANSPORT

Pet Transportation Service D

UK|Spain|UK TRANS-PET r o o

600 55 20 30 2 r 965 96 06 58 D oo 00 44 7801 272 162 Kennels & Cattery Passport service-DEFRA authorised Fully insured- Vehicles inspection certificates

www.trans-pet.co.uk sharon@trans-pet.co.uk

removals

LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van.man@hotmail.co.uk

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

euro spas

Spas at factory prices.

Used & Ex display models.

Spares & repairs.

Part exchange

Tel: 650 722 905 wigs

structural survey

structural WIG BOUTIQUE

surveys

Mark Paddon BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT.

Choose from the best human or synthetic hair.

Private fitting room.

Property buyer’s surveys and expert defects diagnosis

Professional Service

www.surveyorscostablanca.com

Hair, beauty, nails, massage La Zenia 966 773 216

962 807 247 653 733 066

Ladies & Gents

Head to Toe

personals

Pleasure doing business with us

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive” ELEGANT slim, sexy, naughty Italian lady available home/house visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, Quesada plus all other areas. Speaks 3 languages. Escort available home & house visits. Tel: 693 357 526

SOLTIMES

www.soltimes.com See us online everyday

2 Spanish ladies Playa Flamenca near new Carrefour before La Florida. 37 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking.

Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€.

Full discretion.

Tel: Ana 865 646 437

Contact our business team now on 950 121 936

Soltimes 33

Classifieds

Call: 950 121 936 or 950 680 007 Extn: 1332

Plus

MOTORING

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1800 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.

605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com

CASH CASH CASH Same day collection

We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!

From 1â‚Ź to 10,000â‚Ź

Call Phil: 607 848 332

wanted cars for cash

Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered

tel: Tim on 662 211 993

animal corner

600 84 54 20

www.k9club.es

Build up your business with us

Contact our business team now on 950 121 936

Born in March 2015, Harry and his brothers and sister were found in a cardboard box by the side of a bin when they were just 10 days old. Harry is a large dog, but he is very friendly and sociable.

He is happiest when someone is making a fuss of him, and just wants to be with people all the time.

To arrange to meet Harry, please call the number below.

APAH

You may recall that Sally was rehomed recently.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Sally is again back at the K9 Animal Shelter and available for adoption. This quiet, friendly and affectionate girl is in need of some quality TLC and a comfortable home.

Sally walks well on a lead and is good with people.

If you are able to offer Sally a forever home, please call Alan and Bev at the K9 Animal Shelter

To advertise here call: 950 121 936

630 422 563 or 616 210 850

Pets In Spain

Cindi is a delightful little Chihuahua cross and was found on the campo last week. She is in good health, great with other dogs and the perfect companion.

Cindi is around 1 year old and weighs approx 6 kilos.

Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

Two German Shepherd/Corgi Crosses Princess and David are two beautiful short legged German Shepherd crosses we have available for adoption.

Both are 18 months old, they are adorable. Due to their ages, they would adapt quickly to new people and surroundings. We would like them to be rehomed together as they have been companions since birth.Fully vaccinated, passport and micro chipped, and ready to go.

600 84 54 20

www.k9club.es

Santa Clara shelter VALENTINA is a small

girl, 7kgs, 14 yrs old, vaccinated, dog and child friendly. A calm, gentle, loving old lady. The shelter is not the place for her to spend her remaining time in.

Has anyone got space in their heart for Valentina?

Contact Margaret at Santa Clara, Tobarra 697495315

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Mozambique’s has pristine islands Mozambique is a destination on the up, thanks to a wealth of natural attractions, in particular vast stretches of unspoilt coastline and picture perfect desert islands.

Perhaps lesser known on the luxury holiday circuit than some of its African contemporaries, Mozambique is nevertheless home to a wondrous coastline. With their palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs, the beautiful islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the south or the Quirimbas Archipelago in the north make the perfect luxury holiday destination.

DID YOU KNOW The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The official language spoken in Mozambique is Portuguese. Mozambique’s coastal waters boast some of the richest coral reefs with over 1,200 species of fish.

Mozambique Island is a World Heritage Site. The Zambezi River is the longest river in the country. Lake Niassa is one of the largest lakes in Africa.

But there’s more than spectacular beachfront lodges to a luxury holiday in Mozambique. Many of the towns on the mainland and on the islands have attractive Portuguese colonialera architecture, and a colourful local culture. A case in point is Ibo Island, whose strategic position has meant it’s been conquered by everyone from the Omanis to the Chinese and eventually the Portuguese.

Stunning Mozambique

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The waters off Mozambique are one of the world’s hidden gems and the Quirimbas Archipelago has, in our opinion, the best diving on the East African coast From July to November, southern right and humpback whales arrive in the warm coastal waters of the Mozambique Channel to mate and calve Few islands are as unspoilt as those off the coast of Mozambique, often with just one lodge and miles of deserted white sand to make your own while on a luxury holiday.

When a country has this long a coastline, and so many islands, then watersports are going to be high on the list of activities. With that in mind, we work with some excellent companies to offer spectacular kayak and dhow sailing boat safaris along the coastline, exploring places otherwise unreachable.

Snorkelling and diving are also highly recommended in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. You can arrange private or set departure traditional dhow safaris and kayak safaris between some of the country’s most remote islands, accessible only by boat. The Quirimbas also have some huge underwater drop-offs; researchers have so far catalogued over 354 species of reef fish, five species of turtle and 30 different genera of coral. One of Mozambique’s pristine islands can make a magical destination for a week’s beach holiday – and there’s never been a better time to visit!

Pambele ia an exclusive private retreat on the white sand shores of southern Mozambique.

Pambele is on the southern border of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, renowned for its virgin coral reefs and pristine tropical islands and ideal for diving. Big game fishing and whale-watching is possible from July through to November, and there is a whale breeding area just 30 minutes away by boat.

The lodge is fully equipped with vehicles (with drivers) and dive boats and there are kayaks, a traditional sailing dhow and an inflatable rib for snorkelling trips.

The Nampula Province is an area delightfully free of tourism, where visitors can wonder around uncontrived beachside villages, stop and watch traditional dhows being built and explore the dilapidated streets of Ilha de Mozambique. Soaking up local life is a huge part of the experience here making it the perfect stop for those who want to get under the skin of the country.

Travel INSIDERS

Soltimes 35

Amazing Auckland

LETS Travel

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the most Cosmopolitan city of the Canaries, and one of the cities with the beast climate in the world thanks to its location, next to the Tropic of Cancer, and also thanks to the trade winds coming from northwest Atlantic. The result is an average temperature of 17ºC in winter and 25ºC in summer.

Its wonderful geographical location makes it also the European Capital of Mid-Atlantic and a cultural and financial bridge between Europe, Africa and America.

The city of Columbus. Before his first trip, the one of the Discovery, Christopher Columbus stopped in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to repair one of his vessels, La Pinta, a necessary layover to cross the Atlantic. The city, only a small settlement in those days, founded in 1478, began to grow around a few houses which later became the historic borough of Vegueta and the Guiniguada ravine.

From city hot spots to hidden gems. ​Wherever you go in Auckland, you’ll find something special – it’s a whole region waiting to be explored.

The city centre’s world-class shopping, restaurants, bars and galleries are encircled by wine regions, stunning beaches, pristine rainforest and the magnificent Hauraki Gulf.

Hauraki Gulf and Island. Discover tranquil islands lined with golden-sand beaches, sip on fine wine on the ‘island of wine’, or go kayaking, sailing or dolphin spotting.

North Auckland. Head north and discover the ultimate laid-back lifestyle, where great food and wine is always close at hand and the sea is your constant companion.

West Auckland. Journey into a region of natural wonders. Walk through untouched native rainforest, experience the rugged beauty of the wild west coast beaches and visit Auckland’s oldest wine region.

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Competitively priced & sporty looking Honda CBR500R, delivers much the same enjoyable, respectably lively and riderfriendly performance as its predecessor, perhaps with a subtly enhanced soundtrack. The CBR pulls crisply from low revs, harder from about 5,000rpm, and stays reasonably smooth near its 8,700rpm redline, heading for a top speed of about 110mph. The reshaped fairing and screen do a fair job of diverting the wind without excessive turbulence, helping to make the Honda as useable as it is fun to ride.

Similarly there is little change to the steel-framed chassis,

BMW 1 Series M140i

whose main update is new front forks with the addition of adjustable spring preload.

With an unchanged kerb weight of 194kg the Honda is respectably light, although it’s among the larger and more substantial A2 class bikes.

The CBR handles very well, staying reassuringly stable at speed, and gives respectable ride quality thanks to fairly compliant yet well-controlled suspension.

It steers with ease and accuracy, if not with quite the agility of some lighter class rivals, or even the closely related naked CB500F with its wider, one-piece handlebar.

What we say…

“The M140i’s turbocharged straight-six engine is a masterpiece, making this hot hatch faster than many sports cars.”

THE BMW M140i is basically a facelifted version of the M135i, so it has a turbocharged 3.0-litre engine and rear-wheel drive layout that’s more common among sports cars than hatchbacks.

With most hot hatches, we’d choose a manual gearbox, but the M140i’s eight-speed automatic is actually the better option. It cuts emissions, improves performance and contributes to the

car’s remarkable dual personality. In everyday driving, that smooth auto ’box combines with the strong engine and supple suspension to make progress effortless and relaxing.

The M140i can even return more than 35mpg in real-world use. However, when you get to a quiet stretch of road and put your foot down, it will really pin you back in your seat.

Okay, a VW Golf R or a Ford Focus RS will corner quicker, but the M140i is more fun. Its steering lets you place the car exactly where you want it and you can also feel the car moving around beneath you when you get back on the power, which sounds scary but is actually thrilling. The M140i is even reasonably affordable.

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Motoring Roundup

“The MINI John Cooper Works is quick enough to worry larger hot hatchbacks – just be mindful of the cost of options.”

The JCW builds on the MINI brand’s famous ‘go-kart’ handling with stiffer and lower suspension than other models and a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine of the Cooper S. Its dimensions are the same as the rest of the range, so rear passenger space is still cramped and the boot size

Soltimes 37

MINI John Cooper Works

isn’t much to shout about.

However, the JCW does come with unique styling additions, including a chunky bodykit, smart alloy wheels and flashes of red, including an optional red roof. A Harman Kardon stereo can be included, too.

Smaller than a Golf GTI, the JCW is a better match for cars like the Audi S1 and Abarth 595 Competizione – a hot version of the chic Fiat 500 city car. The JCW starts at just over £23,000 – around £2,000 cheaper than the S1, but roughly £2,000 more expensive than the Abarth.

And it’s a massive £5,500 more than the cheapest

version of our favourite hot hatch, the Ford Fiesta ST. In fact, the price is probably the most contentious issue: the JCW is definitely an entertaining car, but the Cooper S costs around £5,000 less and almost as fun to drive. However, the JCW will be a rare sight on the road and that ‘most powerful production MINI’ tag gives you serious bragging rights.

Fuel economy is surprisingly respectable given the sporting intentions of the JCW The rest of the MINI hatchback range has some very efficient engines

and even the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol in the JCW is relatively economical – particularly considering the performance on offer.

When fitted with the sixspeed Steptronic automatic gearbox, it’s capable of up to 49.6mpg and emits 133g/km of CO2. The sixspeed manual version is less efficient and costs £1,300 more. Even so, it still manages 42.2mpg and emits 155g/km, for £180-a-year road tax. Plus, the manual version is arguably more fun to drive.

Insurance premiums will be high, too, but MINI offers a very good five-year/50,000mile TLC service package, which helps keep servicing costs to a minimum.

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FOOTBALL FIXTURES

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

INTERNATIONALS

Spoils Shared

Wednesday 22 March 17:00 18:00 20:45 20:45

Cyprus V. Kazakhstan Czech Republic V. Lithuania Germany V. England Scotland V. Canada

Manchester City and Liverpool had to settle for a point apiece as they battled out a thrilling draw at Etihad Stadium.

A hugely entertaining game was littered with talking points, astonishing misses and a sense of injustice for both sides as they felt they were on the receiving end of debatable decisions from referee Michael Oliver.

James Milner put Liverpool ahead against his former club with a penalty six minutes after the break, after Gael Clichy was penalised for a raised boot on Roberto Firmino.

Sergio Aguero scored against Liverpool for the fifth successive Premier League game at Etihad Stadium from Kevin de Bruyne’s perfect cross after 69 minutes - before both sides wasted glorious opportunities to secure a vital win in the race for top-four places.

Thursday 23 March 14:00 Kenya V. Uganda 21:00 Nigeria V. Senegal

Friday 24 March

14:00 Tunisia V. Cameroon 17:00 Russia V. Côte d’Ivoire

Tuesday 28 March 12:00 17:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 20:00 20:00 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 21:00

Georgia V. Latvia Egypt V. Togo Albania V. Bosnia and Herzegovina Estonia V. Croatia Macedonia V. Belarus Russia V. Belgium South Africa V. Angola Cameroon V. Guinea Luxembourg V. Cape Verde Islands Austria V. Finland Netherlands V. Italy Portugal V. Sweden Republic of Ireland V. Iceland France V. Spain

Costa Cobras make huge steps This week has been a huge week for S. F. Costa Cobras RFC. At the beginning of the week we got the news we had been waiting for, we are now a feeder club with CRU Elche, where we borrow players for the season so that we can play as many games as possible to prepare the club for the league. Also the juniors have a chance to play regular rugby as well in Elche. On Wednesday we had the presentation of the shirts for all of our sponsors and a big thank you for all their support. Then on Saturday

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE Saturday 25 March 14:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00

Swindon Town V. Millwall AFC Wimbledon V. Southend United Bury V. Fleetwood Town Chesterfield V. Rochdale Coventry City V. Bristol Rovers Gillingham V. Peterborough United Northampton Town V. Oxford United Oldham Athletic V. Sheffield United Shrewsbury Town V. Bolton Wanderers

Sunday 19 March

13:30 Scunthorpe United V. Bradford City

SOL TIMES CALL : 618 530 767

we had Old Brodleians vets against Wondervra and Elche vets where both Wondervra and Old Brodleians won and drew one game each in an excellent weekend of rugby.

Costa Cobras RFC helped organise and bring them over and were presented with a pendant for doing so, the first of many for the club.

Also at the end of March there will be another fun quiz been held at the club at the Power Pub, which is used as the club house for after training and matches. We are now training at the football

ground in San Fulgencio on Monday and Wednesday from 20.30-22.00 and then meeting up at Power Pub in the town after training and using this is our club house.

All the players are training at the same time, but once we get more juniors and seniors we will be doing two separate sessions. Everybody welcome, from beginners to experienced players. For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 whatsapp.

Or at Zoco market on Sunday from 09.00-13.30.

Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone hopes Lewis Hamilton is not driven out of the sport prematurely by criticism of him.

Hamilton enters his second decade of F1 at this weekend’s season-opening Australian GP aiming to win his fourth world title, with the Mercedes driver the bookmakers’ favourite to reclaim the crown he lost to former team-mate Nico Rosberg last year. But despite continued success on the track, Hamilton is routinely

the subject of media scrutiny of his jet-setting lifestyle, and Ecclestone, who once described Hamilton as “the best world champion we’ve had” for the way he promotes the sport, hopes the 32-yearold does not become fed up and decide to quit.

Derby Date set Lay off Lewis Sky Sports has added three more live Premier League matches in April, including Manchester City’s crucial clash with Manchester United.

The Manchester derby was initially postponed due to United’s participation in the EFL Cup final, but a new date

has been set on Thursday, April 27 for an 8pm kick-off.

They will also show Chelsea’s tussle with Southampton, which is now scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 at 7.45pm, and Arsenal’s clash with Leicester on Wednesday, April 26, also at 7.45pm.

COSTA McLaren explore Mercedes engine option BLANCA

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McLaren have made an exploratory approach to Mercedes about engine supply in the wake of problems with partner Honda.

The move follows a dismal pre-season test programme for McLaren-Honda, in which the Japanese company’s new engine was both unreliable and uncompetitive.

McLaren are said to be evaluating options in the event the relationship with Honda cannot be made to work.

McLaren and Mercedes were unavailable for comment.

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier

said during last week’s final preseason test that there was “no plan at all” to end the Honda relationship.

Any switch to an alternative engine supplier would require McLaren to find a way out of its multi-year contract with Honda, which was signed in 2013. McLaren’s contact with Mercedes was characterised by sources as informal and brief and has not led to any resolution on either side. But the Mercedes board and motorsport boss Toto Wolff are said to be open-minded about the possibility of supplying their former partner.

Soltimes 39

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Right hand drive - spanish reg •citroen c4 grand picasso 1.6hdi 2008, 85,000 miles.......€6,950 •VAUXHALL AGILA 2009 1.2 PETROL, AUTO, 30,000 MILEs.......€5,450 •Lexus RX300 3.0l Auto, 2003, 101,000miles, ....................... €5,450 •Ford Mondeo 2004 2.0 Petrol, Auto, 107,000miles,..... €2,750 •toyota avenisis 2.0 petrol, 2002, 90,000miles..................€2,450 •Honda CRV 2000 2.0 Auto, Petrol, 147,000 miles..................€2,450 •ford focus 1.4 petrol, 2003, 130,000 miles....................€1,950 •Fiat Punto 2003 1.2 Petrol, 47,000 miles............................. €1,950

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Sport

Bilbao 1 Real Madrid 2

Messi´s double

Lionel Messi struck twice as Barcelona beat 10-man Valencia in a thrilling match to move two points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Eliaquim Mangala headed the visitors in front from a corner, before Luis Suarez steered in an equaliser.

Messi’s penalty made it 2-1 after Manchester City loanee Mangala was sent off for dragging back Suarez, but Munir El Haddadi swept Valencia level.

Messi scored his second after the break and Andre Gomes made it four late on.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to two points with a narrow win against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium.

Real, who are chasing their first league title since 2011-12, went ahead through Karim Benzema on 25 minutes. Aritz Aduriz equalised on 65 minutes, before Casemiro scored the winner three minutes later.

Australian Open champion Roger Federer beat Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in an all-Swiss final to win the BNP Paribas Open - his fifth Indian Wells triumph. World number 10 Federer claimed the first set before being broken for the first time at this year’s tournament in the first game of the second set. Wawrinka, the world number three, went 2-0 ahead before Federer won three games in a row on his way to the title.

Elena Vesnina beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 6-4 in the women’s final.

Federer becomes the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, surpassing Jimmy Connors, who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984.

HAYE VOWS TO RETURN

David Haye is convinced his warrior-like mentality will help him return to the ring later this year better than ever before.

The former WBA heavyweight world champion is happy with his progress as he continues his recovery from surgery to cure a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in his British blockbuster against Tony Bellew earlier this month.

Haye was hampered by the injury which occurred in the sixth round of the bout, brave, David Haye battled through to the 11th before his trainer Shane McGuigan eventually threw in the towel to end the fight.

SOLTIMES FEBRUary 2017 - Tel 950 680 007

SOLTIMES

THIS WEEK’S ROUND-UP...

Federer wins BNP Paribas Open!!!