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SolTimes issue 288

25-31 JULY

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The world turns a Royal shade of blue Prince William said the couple “could not be happier” following the birth of the boy, who weighed 8lb 6oz and is yet to be named, at 16:24 BST on Monday.

Thousands of well-wishers descended on Buckingham Palace after the news broke.

The royal birth will be marked later with gun salutes and the ringing of Westminster Abbey’s bells.

The duke was at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, west London, for the birth - and stayed with Catherine and the baby overnight.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said it was “too early” to say whether they would leave hospital on Tuesday. The couple are expected to talk to

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their medical team before a decision is made.

The BBC’s Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt said it was unlikely the Queen would visit her greatgrandchild in hospital, adding - “she can of course see him privately once he leaves”.

After the new arrival was announced in a statement issued by Kensington Palace, a large Dr Hans C. Madsen DC

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cheer went up from well-wishers and journalists outside the hospital.

It was then displayed on an ornate easel at Buckingham Palace where royal watchers and tourists are queuing in the rain to catch a glimpse.

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funeral of Joaquín Alcaraz Gracia held

The funeral of Joaquín Alcaraz Gracia, aged 46, who died after winning a beer drinking contest organised by the Festival Committee of Gea y Truyols held to celebrate Nuestra Señora del Carmen de La Tercia, has taken place in the Parish Church of Campo de Murcia.

So many mourners attended that many of them were unable to find places inside the church and had to remain outside. The Alcalde Pedáneo, José Manuel Gracia, announced that there would be 3 days of official mourning for Joaquin.

Joaquin suffered a cardiac arrest after drinking 6 litres of beer in 20 minutes. His death has called into question the holding of such a competition, and the Alcalde Pedáneo, José Manuel Gracia, has promised that the Gran Concurso de Cerveza will be discussed in pleno by the Junta Municipal before the 2014 Fiesta.

Sport

Programa de Empleo Juvenil 2013-2014 Approved

The Consejo de Gobierno has approved the Programa de Empleo Juvenil 2013-2014, which promises an investment of 76.5 million euros and will benefit 36,000 people in the region.

The main objective of the plan is to reduce the unemployment rate of young Murcians, enhance their active participation in the job search process and improve their chances of entering the professional market by promoting the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

The plan includes up to 24 lines of action. The Comunidad Autónoma will offer up to 1,200 euros to all young people between 18-24 years who successfully attend adult education.

In addition, subsidies will be given to all young people under the age of 30 with a college degree of middle-grade or higher. The grant will range depending on the duration of the contract, but will be at least 1,800 euros if the contract is for less than six months, to a maximum of 5,400 euros.

The Comunidad will also offer small and medium companies in Murcia grants amounting to 400 euros per month, up to a maximum of 12 months.

The Consejo de Gobierno has also approved a grant of nearly 181,000 euros to fund small businesses in Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca, as well as approving a budget amendment of 1,500,000 euros for grants to charities dedicated to finance action against poverty, with the aim of maintaining a basic coverage of care and social protection.

trying to stop the botelleo

The Coordinador General de Seguridad, Juan Antonio Calabria, has announced that a drive against the ‘botelleo’ has been initiated along the coast, in particular on the Cabo de Palos and La Manga. 24 officers will be patrolling the areas, and 6 more will be on call ready to be deployed to any area where they may be needed.

‘Hot spots’, such as the entrance to the Cabo de Palos Centro Comercial Las Dunas, the entrance from the esplanade at Mercadona, the Cavanna car park, the coast near the Plaza Bohemia and the entrance to Cala Reona will be regularly patrolled throughout the evenings. The aim is to prevent crowds of young people gathering in one place and causing annoyance to the residents.

Access by vehicles will be permitted but monitored, and youngsters will be encouraged to meet at places further away from residential areas.

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The world turns a Royal shade of blue From the London Eye to Niagara Falls, landmarks across the globe are illuminated to celebrate the birth of Kate and William’s son Landmarks across the world were lit up overnight to welcome the arrival of Britain’s future King.

The London Eye adopted a patriotic red, white and blue colouring, while the fountains in Trafalgar Square ran blue to signify that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth to a baby boy.

Niagara Falls was also lit up in blue, providing a stunning spectacle for those who gathered to watch the famous waterfall on the U.S.-Canada border It was first announced that Kate and William’s son had been born around 8.30 last night allowing sights to Britain to light up in celebration as soon as dusk fell.

The BT tower in Fitzrovia, central London displayed a message broadcasting the news to Londoners as soon as it was revealed.

Tower Bridge was another famous London sight which turned blue for the night to tell passers-by

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1...

about the birth of a healthy 8lbs 6oz boy.

Trafalgar Square’s fountains were lit with blue lights last night, and London mayor Boris Johnson said they will be lit for the next six days in celebration of the royal birth.

‘Huge congratulations to the Duke and Duchess on the birth of their first child who will, by virtue of being born in this great city, be a Londoner through and through,’ he said.

‘I am sure millions of Londoners will be raising a glass today to toast this wonderful news.’

petition for maintenance of irrigation system

Those who rely upon the irrigation service of Campos del Río-Los Rodeos have petitioned the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS) to ‘take the actions necessary to ensure that the Río Mula maintains a sufficient minimum flow for the maintenance of the flora and fauna.’

The petition claims that ‘this flow is necessary to remove the health risks associated with the stagnant pools that occur after floods,’ adding that the maintenance of a minimum flow is necessary for the summer irrigation for the crops in the area.

Doctor Matías Valverde, Vicepresidente of the Comunidad de Regantes, said that the Río Mula situation is very worrying, citing the incidents of underground water extraction as well as the surface and check dams built in the late 80s and early 90s to prevent surface flooding in Pliego, Doñana and Los Rodeos, and which are now being used as storage reservoirs.

Dr Valverde also noted that the saline content of the water measures 8,000, when it should not be more than 2,000 to be suitable for irrigation. ‘Only when it has rained do the figures drop down to 4,000.’ He commented.

This problem has been the subject of many denuncias by residents and farmers of the Vega Baja del Mula, who have requested intervention by the Comisariado de la Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura and the Dirección General de Medio Ambiente.

They have petitioned the Presidencia del Gobierno Regional –who replied that the case was not their responsibility – and the Alcalde de Campos del Río – who has not responded – and the CHS, the only institution which to date has responded, and which has at least held a meeting.

winner nets 1.02 million

One lucky person drew all six numbers for the Bonoloto on Friday July 19, and scooped themselves 1.02 million euros.

The ticket was validated at the office of La Manga del Mar Menor.

The lucky numbers were: 3-19-29-38-43-46

ikea opens new ‘market hall’

The Swedish furniture giant Ikea has opened its new ‘Market Hall’, a completely refurbished department of decor accessories, and in which the company has invested more than one million euros.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Subdirectora de Ikea Murcia, Magda Anaut, Alcalde de Murcia, Miguel Ángel Cámara, and Francisco Muñoz, Alcalde de Churra.

The store, which first opened in 2006, has received over 23 million visitors, and now covers an area of over 5,000 square metres, including a new section of stationery, and 500 new articles.

Ikea Murcia is one of the first stores to offer this new format, which will be implemented gradually in other stores worldwide.

road traffic accident causes severe injuries

Three people have been injured, two of them severely, after a road traffic accident in the village of El Raal. Apparently excessive speed caused the driver of the vehicle to lose control of it and it fell into the Azarbe del Merancho, from which the driver and passengers had to be rescued by the Emergency Services.

men found guilty of assault & robbery receive 39 years in prison

The Audiencia Provincial de Murcia has sentenced Vasile A.C. and Valeriu D.C., both 24 years of age and of Romanian nationality, to terms totalling 39 years in prison.

They have been found guilty of assault and robbery. In the early hours of June 22, 2012, they accosted and abused two girls in the City Centre, and robbed another. One of the girls was assaulted in the street, while the other two were assaulted as they prepared to enter their homes.

There was no doubt that the defendants were responsible for the acts for which they are condemned; they were identified by their victims and when they were arrested shortly after the incident, were found in possession of some of the items they had stolen from the girls.

Also takes into account was the statement of the arresting policemen, who stated that they fled when challenged.

A Defence plea that a lesser charge of sexual assault should be made instead of abuse was not upheld.

The Court granted full credibility to the young women, who had no connection with the accused, who were able to exactly specify the goods stolen, and whose statements were ‘consistent and reasonable.’

The world now awaits the couple’s choice of names for their son, with George the bookmakers’ favourite, followed by James and Alexander.

The birth of the prince means the monarchy has three generations of heirs to the throne for the first time since 1894.

Following the announcement, a statement from Kensington Palace said: “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news.”

It added that mother and baby were “doing well”.

The Prince of Wales, in a separate statement, said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were “overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild”.

“It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy,” he added.

“Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future.”

Royal doctor Mr Setchell described the new arrival as a “wonderful baby, beautiful baby”.

Prime Minister David Cameron, speaking outside Downing Street, hailed the “wonderful news”.

Nicholas Witchell said the third in line to the throne could expect to be brought up in a “secure and loving environment”, shielded from many of the pressures of ordinary life but facing the specific challenges his position will bring.

The baby’s future, he said, will be “a lifetime of public curiosity and, in due course, the responsibility of refreshing and taking forward the ancient institution that is the world’s bestknown hereditary monarchy”.

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

barnes bulletin AND THERE’S MORE!

Sport I mentioned in dispatches last week, that as soon as information came through on the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra concert at the International Auditorium, 14th., of September, I would let you know. Well, it’s surfaced.

The music by Vivaldi and Piazzoli “ will begin at 21.00 Hrs., with tickets priced at 6, 8, 10 and 15 euro, depending upon where one wishes to be seated. This splendid auditorium can seat 1.500, and what’s nice about it is beneath every seat, there’s an outlet, from the building’s air conditioning plant.

How cool is that?

An additional four events have just been announced: August 17th, at the open air “Eras de la Sal” theatre, comedy duo “Los Morancos” will perform their new show for 2013, “Los Morancos En Positivo”. It has been said that this duo, could be Spain’s answer to

Morcambe & Wise. Not being a fan of Eric & Ernie, I couldn’t possibly comment.

Show starts at 23.00 Hrs. On Saturday and Sunday, August 24th., and 25th., it’s the International Festival of Bands.

This annual event includes a number of bands marching through the streets of Torrevieja.

Visiting bands from all over Spain, are expected to join this cornucopia of brass and silver.

Early evening might be the right time to catch them, but best to check with the Tourist Office.

Three events in September to end this week’s listing.

Saturday 21st., in the Theatre Municipal at 20.00 Hrs., the annual “Sports Gala” takes place.

There will be live music, as well as recognition of achievements of Torreviejense sportsmen, and women.

On Saturday 28th., at 19.00 Hrs., again at the Theatre Municipal, there is a choral concert, “Love for our songs”, offered by local choirs, “Coral Jose’ Hodar” and “Coral Alba Rociera”.

Admission here is 5 euro.

Two local choirs with distinct styles of music: The typical Torrevejense “Habanera” of Coral Jose’ Hodar, and the Andalucian “Rociero” style of Coral Alba.

And finally, on Sunday 29th., it time for “Me and Mr. Clapton”. This is billed as a “Quality Tribute Act” to Eric Clapton. The show starts at 20.00 Hrs., and it’s 5 euro a ticket.

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

AUGUST TOURNAMENT IN PINAR DE CAMPOVERDE

A little parochial perhaps, but as the readers of this fine periodical can be found in and around Pilar De La Horadada, as well Pinar De Campoverde, there will, I’m sure, be interest in these festivities.

Area Mayor of Pinar De Campoverde, Fernando Collazo has dropped me a note, to ask if Sol Times, would publicise the village answer to the recent Olympics, to take place, 24th., and 25th., of August.

There will individual and couples Ping-Pong championships. Swimming championships

for 5 to 7 year olds, “Sea Horse Class”. 8 to 10 year olds “Sardine Class”, and for 11 to 13 year olds, “The Triton Class”.

Football championships for children and adults (Must ask Wayne Rooney if he is free that weekend).

Couple and individual “Parchesi” games will take place. This would be similar to Ludo. Eye shades optional.

There will also be Petanque competitions for couples, again hard hats may be wise.

Mayor Fernando tells me there will be a “Chincho’n” card game knockout. That’s a new one to me, but sure to be fun.

All those interested in taking part, should drop into the Municipal Office, in Plaza Florida, in Campoverde, telephone, or email. The enrolment period finishes on July 31st..

No mention of a barbecue or fireworks at the award ceremony, but well, this is Spain.

Rude not to!

EXPOSURE IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR

Visitors to the Centre of Touristic Initiatives in San Pedro Del Pinatar, can, until the end of August, take a step back in time, to the days of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Marc Bolan, Mary Hopkin and “Liverpool Scene”, thanks to photographer Bill Zygmant.

When still at school, Bill took a job as a paperboy, to earn enough money to buy his first (Box?) camera.

In 1962, Bill joined a Fleet Street picture agency, and took the plunge to be a freelance photographer in 1966, and the rest, as oft. said, is history.In addition to photographing the pop stars of the time, Bill directed his lens to politicians, including Ted Heath and Harold Wilson.

It almost resembles a “Hall of Fame” when his list of subjects is scanned! Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barbara Dickson, The Royal Family (No, not Jim and his brood!), Barbara Windsor, Barbara Woodhouse (Sit!), Marianne Faithfull and many more.

A number of signed prints will be available to buy, at the exhibition, with all money raised going to the San Pedro Red Cross.

When not looking through a lens, Bill and his wife Sue, enjoy a day out, now and then, in their “Classic Car”, with members of Freewheelers.

As an “Exclusive” to readers of Barnes Bulletin, I can reveal that Bill will be taking to the stage on the occasion of the A.D.A.P.T. Christmas Pantomime, “Jack And The Beanstalk”. Without giving too much away, Bills lines will include “Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum!” It’s a role of “Giant proportions” Said too much already I fear! mining waste, dumped into Portman bay, some 50 years ago, by French company, Penarroya.

The cost for the project, which is estimated to be some 100,000,000 euro, will be met by the companies concerned. Francisco Bernabe’ tells me that some 500 people will be required to work the waste, with many others being employed in the supply market.

Plans for a boating marina, new houses, and a hotel, where at the moment, washing plant, Roberto graces the hillside over the town, have all been “On hold”, until the little matter of mine waste, is sorted.

At long last, it may not be too long, before the clink of ice, in a glass of G & T, aboard a yacht, moored at the new marina in Portman, becomes a reality. I’ll drink to that!

(Photograph shows washing plant Roberto)

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

Murcia airport bag-snatchers arrested

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Two men behind a spate of bag-snatching incidents at Murcia’s San Javier airport have been arrested.

According to a report by ThinkSpain.com, they used car-hire firms with fake passports for a week at a time in order to pass as holidaymakers.

The accused parties, Romanian nationals aged 23 and 28, live in Alicante and Valencia respectively and travelled around 5,000 kilometres a week between the two locations in hired vehicles.

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appeal for State help for parents so elderly are not left ‘holding the baby’

Elderly people should not be looking after young children full-time, because they are neither physically nor psychologically up to it, say geriatricians.

Doctors at Valencia’s Hospital Casa de Salud says the economic crisis is responsible for parents having to work much longer hours when they can find jobs and their wages not being enough to pay for childcare – a situation that is forcing them to effectively leave their own parents to bring up their children.

And with the average childbearing age rising, by the time grandparents have to take on the burden of care, they are often very old and not in the best of health.

Dr Fermín García, Specialist Geriatrician says: “It should not have to be the case that society’s oldest residents have to look after young children when they are no longer physically or mentally able to do so. Society needs to adapt to the changing population pyramid and to the needs of the elderly, children, and parents. It should be society and public policies that provide support so that it is the parents themselves who look after their own children, as is the case in

northern European countries.

He continued: “In these countries, mechanisms are in place to encourage people to have children: much longer maternity leave, financial incentives, flexible working hours and necessary childcare leave, legal protection at work for parents, social facilities and many other factors that enable mothers and fathers to look after their own children and not have to leave it up to the grandparents,” Dr García states.

He says the elderly are a ‘forgotten age’ in Spanish society and frequently dismissed.: “Today’s society is all about youth, beauty and all that’s productive, and the value of elderly people, their experience of life and intellectual baggage, is ignored.

“The practice of geriatric care is to keep elderly people as independent as possible towards the end of their lives so that they can do as much for themselves as is feasible and enjoy greater quality of life.

“For that reason, we need the governments to invest more resources in their care and adapt their policies to benefit this large and rapidly-growing sector of the population.”

Plan PIVE ‘scrapping’ causes panicbuying of new cars New car sales have rocketed this month on the eve of the ‘scrap for cash’ scheme being axed.

The Plan PIVE allowed owners to trade in their old cars, over seven years of age or newer ones declared total losses, for scrap metal in exchange for a generous discount on the price of a brand-new vehicle.

This scheme gave the motor trade a massive boost across the country, with 34,000 cars bought straight off the forecourt in the first two weeks of July – an increase of 25.4 per cent on the same month in 2012.

Dealership and franchise associations GANVAM and Faconauto say deliveries of new cars to private individuals, rather than companies, topped 17,000 in the first fortnight of this month – some 45 per cent more than in the same period last year.

And car-hire firms bought 9,400 vehicles – 31 per cent more than in July 2012.

Large firms buying new vehicles as pool cars or company cars were among the minority, say the two groups, with fewer than 8,000 sold, or a nine-per-cent drop on last year’s figures.

GANVAM and Faconauto say these statistics are due to ‘panic-buying’ as owners with cars that have no saleable value as a driveable vehicle seek to capitalise on the last few days of the Plan PIVE. Until this Plan was launched, scrapyards paid far less for old or undriveable cars, and in most cases, the owner was forced to pay a fee for their vehicle to be picked up by the authorities and disposed of.

This has always led to a high number of abandoned cars in towns and on country roads, with many town councils cracking down by considering any vehicle that had been parked in a public space for a month or more to have been ‘dumped’ and the owner subject to a fine – and people who were unable to drive for long periods having to arrange for someone else to move their car periodically to avoid this.

But the Plan PIVE means car-owners can benefit from discounts of up to 3,000 euros for trading in their old vehicles as scrap.

The scheme is due for the chop at the end of July.

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

Cash-in-hand dealings in PP headquarters ‘reached over eight million euros’

At least 8.3 million euros in undeclared cash was handled at the PP government headquarters in Madrid in a 20-year period, according to documents on a pen-drive ex-treasurer Luis Bárcenas is said to have handed to the judge.

Blocks of banknotes in briefcases, suitcases and bags were reportedly passed around in the offices on Calle Génova in the capital between 1990 and 2010, claims a report in Spanish national daily El Mundo.

The reporter, Pedro J Ramírez, says the majority of this ‘off-the-books’ money ended up in the pockets of PP members, with party consultant Pedro Ariola

being the main beneficiary, receiving 1.5 million euros in cash in hand and the person who received the secondhighest amount of undeclared money being Spanish president Mariano Rajoy, with 350,000 euros.

Bárcenas is remanded in custody and being questioned over a supposed tax fraud involving extra wages in cash being given to top-flight PP members, as well as corruption and ‘back-handers’.

Opposition leader Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba has called for a no-confidence vote in Rajoy to be cast, unless he speaks out in the Congress building.

The socialists say they do not believe they would succeed with what would be only the third no-confidence vote in Spain’s democratic history, since they would not have a majority vote, but appear willing to at least try to carry out their threat.

PP leaders have attempted to veto Rajoy’s testifying in court as a witness in the Bárcenas case, but prosecutors say they themselves have the authority to decide upon this and if they believe there are grounds to call Rajoy in to give a statement, the president will be expected to do so.

Adventure camp children go missing

Four children were said to have gone missing for 24 hours at a summer holiday boot-camp. They were part of a group of 16 boys from a club in Barcelona who were on an characterbuilding adventure trip in La Zubia, Granada and as one of their ‘survival tasks’, had to find somewhere to stay for the night and pay for it with voluntary work such as cleaning or car-washing, and be back at a communal meeting point by the morning.

The boys all aged about 13, were divided into four groups, but an elderly lady rang the police when four children knocked on her door and asked if they could stay the night at her house in exchange for some work.

Officers only managed to contact the camp instructors by ringing the parents of one of the boys, and a search party was sent out to look for the others.

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the night combing the area, and 12 of the boys were found safe and sound. Another four remained on the missing list for a further day, but the morning after they all turned up at the meeting point unscathed, having spent the night in the home of a local family.

The Guardia Civil have put the matter in the hands of the youth court to investigate why 13-year-olds were sent off on their own in an unknown village to knock on strangers’ doors, which could be dangerous for the kids and unsettling for the homeowners who may have suspected they were decoys for criminal bands. But the camp instructors said they had tabs on the children’s whereabouts at all times and knew where they were, following them closely.

They believe the lady who rang the police must have become scared and misunderstood the situation, thinking the children were homeless or fleeing some type of danger.

Fake WhatsApp spying programme nets con artist 40,000 euros

A young man who defrauded around 40,000 euros from mobile phone users via a fake application purportedly allowing them to spy on WhatsApp conversations held by their contacts has been arrested in Murcia.

Via a very convincing ‘phishing’ scam, the 23-year-old managed to obtain the telephone numbers of 11,000 users and their contacts, to which he sent a link to the non-existent new programme WhatsAppSPY inviting them to download it for free.

The link directed SmartPhone users to a website which was very close in appearance to the WhatsApp site and appeared to have been sent by one of their contacts, since the accused had previously hacked the users from a social network site and sent out over eight million messages.

The site to which the link led them asked them to reenter their telephone numbers in order to receive an activation code, which they never got.

In reality, they were signing up to premium-rate textmessage service costing between 1.45 and 7.26 euros per message.

The scam went unnoticed, because many people who received the spam message telling them about the WhatsApp spy programme assumed it was fraudulent as they considered an application allowing them to read their contacts’ private messages without consent must be illegal. Others did not report it even after signing up to WhatsAppSPY, because they had only lost a few euros via the premium-rate text messages. It was only when a user reported on an internet forum that it was a scam that others came forward and National Police began to investigate.

They have arrested a 23-year-old Spaniard and confiscated his computer and four hard-drives, which are being examined.

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

ONE MAN AND HIS WALK

best experiences of my life” Len met many incredible people from all over the world and saw some wonderful sights.

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In life some people talk about doing things, some people talk about other people doing things and some people do it themselves.

Len Allen from La Marina certainly fits into the last group.

With his 60th birthday looming Len decided to walk from Pamplona westbound to Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain along the famous pilgrimage known as “The Way”, a distance of 900 kms. In fact Len went even further than that continuing on to Finisterre. He averaged just over 45 kms a day walking over hills and mountains along rough and muddy pathways.

Len was sponsored by many people for this mammoth walk and he raised almost 2000 Euro’s for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales, a charity close to his heart.

During his 20 day marathon Len was soaked to the skin every day apart from 3 rain free days.

Describing his journey as “ one of the

Len spent some time walking with a 69 year ols Spanish lady who helped keep his spirits up when it got tough. And tough it did get at times. He would arrived exhausted at his overnight resting place only to be told it was full resulting in him walking further to find accommodation.

With one toe nail missing , seven blisters and 10 kilos lighter Len does not plan to do it again in the near future. Len explained, “I have memories that will stay with me forever. The sense of achievement and the money I have raised for the Easy Horse Care Centre made it all worthwhile” Everyone at the centre including all the animals they have saved and look after wish Len a very happy and relaxing birthday later this year.

Why not come and meet all of our residents? We are open to the public every Sunday 13:00-17:00. Free entry.

Tasty hot food, cakes, refreshments are available.

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Also our very popular horse tours. We also have Merchandise and souvenirs and a fantastic DVD all about the Rescue Centre .

Plus Faith`s book “Diary of a heroic Horse” For a map and directions visit our web site www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980

Come & Support Camposols Unique Charity Open Day - Coffee, Tea and Biscuits

Cultural Centre : 30th July 2013 10am - 3pm Camposol ‘B’

Tel: 965 040 315 Email: info@europarkingalicante.com www.europarkingalicante.com 200 metres BEFORE petrol station ‘Galp’ along the airport road, N338 easy website booking system!

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Come and see what we do, have a chat with the team and even have a bit of hands on practice. It will be nice to see you all.

Do you have a home abroad or in the UK & would like to have a secure, luxury holiday home in England. We are open 11 months of the year & can supply most makes of luxury caravans & lodges. Woodcarr Park is in the small Lincolnshire village of Belton. We are just 20 mins from Humberside & Doncaster airports.

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT?

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

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

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

Go Satellite is going from strength to strength!

COME AND MEET US!

We have an office in the Business Centre Calle Los Arcos No7 Ciudad Quesada, so you can now come and meet us and we will endeavour to help you with all of your TV queries.

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

DISH ISSUES? Here at Go Satellite, we use only Top Quality Portugese dishes and Invacom LNB’s. Sky Packages are also available. If you do not have room or do not wish to have a dish, give us a call as we have a solution!

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

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

Alternatively check out the website: www.freetvspain.com

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

colouring

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ition t e p m o c Name:…………………………………...

Address ……………………………….. ……………………………………………….. ………………………………………………..

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Enter our fun colouring competition and you could win €10 plus a winner’s certificate!

There are 2 WINNERS prizes to be won age group ‘up to 7 years’ - age group ‘8 to 12 years’

HOW TO ENTER: You can scan and email your entry to

blanca sales@soltimes.com or you can post or drop your entry in to: Sol Times Newspaper Group, Costa Blanca Office, Quesada Business Centre, Calle Los Arcos 7, 03170, cuidad Quesada

Closing date for entries: Thursday 8th August 2013 Dr Hans C. Madsen DC

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does not move?

Q: What goes up and dow n but A: Stairs alien go?

Q: Where shou ld a 500 pound A: On a diet other?

Q: What did one toilet say to the A: You look a bit flushed.

Q: Why did the pictu re go to jail?

A: Because it was framed. other wall?

Q: What did one wall say to the A: I’ll meet you at the corner. pencil?

Q: What did the paper say to the A: Write on! ed Lee that no one Q: What do you call a boy nam to? talks A: Lonely dries?

Q: What gets wetter the more it l. towe A A: Q: Why do bicycles fall over ?

A: Because they are two-tired! g the day?

Q: Why do dragons sleep durin A: So they can fight knights! her photos did Q: What did Cinderella say when not show up? !

A: Someday my prints will come Q: Why was the broom late?

A: It over swept! st?

Q: What part of the car is the lazie always tired!

A: The wheels, because they are envelope?

Q: What did the stamp say to the places!

A: Stick with me and we will go dong ?

Q: What is blue and goes ding !

A: An Avon lady at the Nort h Pole ital? hosp the in long you e We’r Q: now!

A: No, I was the same size I am card s?

Q: Why could n’t the pirate play deck!

A: Because he was sitting on the to the impatient say Q: What did the laundrym an

customer?

A: Keep your shirt on! a TV and a Q: What’s the difference between newspaper? a TV? A: Ever tried swatting a fly with the other to say ator elev Q: What did one elev ator? something!

A: I think I’m comi ng dow n with Q: Why was the belt arrested? s!

A: Because it held up some pant Apri l 1st? on tired Q: Why was ever yone so h of 31 days.

A: They had just finis hed a Marc with?

Q: Which hand is it better to write a pen!

A: Neither, it’s best to write with es long ?

Q: Why can’t your nose be 12 inch A: Because then it would be a foot!

so popu lar?

Q: What makes the calendar seem A: Because it has a lot of dates! a trip into space?

Q: Why did Mickey Mou se take A: Hew anted to find Pluto! w wheels?

Q: What is green and has yello ls! whee the t abou lied .I s….

Gras A: ery last night?

Q: Did you hear about the robb of pants!

A: Two clothes pins held up a pair t? nigh Q: Why do you go to bed ever y to you! come t won’ bed the use Beca A: e?

Q: Why did Billy go out with a prun ! date a find n’t could he use A: Beca dry in Tide?

Q: Why do eskimos do their laun ide! out-t cold too it’s use A: Beca ?

Q: What has four wheels and flies A: A garbage truck! go swim ming ?

Q: Why don’t traffic lights ever change! to long too take they use A: Beca his bed? nd arou run man the did Why Q: A: To catch up on his sleep!

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...and after you’ve finished the colouring competition... here’s a few silly jokes...

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

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

Bretón sentenced to 40 years in prison

Father-of-two José Bretón has been officially sentenced today and the court verdict document made public after a jury unanimously found him guilty of the deaths of his children, Ruth, six and José, two.

ThinkSpain reported that Judge Pedro Vela upheld the petitions of the prosecution and the mother of the children, Ruth Ortiz, in jailing the accused for 40 years – 20 years for each murder.

Bretón is found to have drugged his young children and placed them on a bonfire deliberately built to reach 1,200ºC to destroy the evidence, having lied that they had gone missing in a Córdoba park

on October 8, 2011, in a bid to get revenge on his wife after she announced that she wanted to end the marriage.

Psychiatrists did not consider Bretón had a mental illness which could legitimately allow him to cite the mitigating factor of diminished responsibility, but they described him as manipulative, obsessive, narcissistic, patriarchal and with a need for order and control, above-average but not outstanding intelligence, and sociopathic tendencies.

Bretón has served in the Armed Forces, and having seen death and destruction is believed to have distorted his outlook on

life, according to mental health experts.

He also had an OCD, meaning he would only touch door-handles with a handkerchief, and insisted all visitors to his house wash their hands as soon as they entered.

Ex-wife Ruth Ortiz, now divorced from the accused, said that when the family lived together in Huelva Bretón ‘showed no affection’ to the children, was excessively rigid and controlling towards them and when Ruth originally said she wanted to start a family, Bretón made it clear that all their care would be her responsibility and he wanted nothing to do with their upbringing.

After nearly two years in limbo, the death certificates for Ruth and José Bretón Ortiz (pictured right) have been signed now that it is considered beyond reasonable doubt that the bones found on the bonfire were the children’s remains.

The charred remains of the infants have been returned to their mother so she can hold a funeral for them.

Bretón, who has always defended his innocence, spoken tearfully of his children in the present tense and constantly asked if they had been found, is expected to appeal his sentence.

Budget Airlines Maintain Their Growth to June

According to data released this week by the Institute of Tourism Studies (IET) under the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, low cost airlines transported 15.4 million passengers up to June, representing an increase of 3.2% over the same period last year.

In a report on www.kyero.com, in contrast, the traditional airlines transported 13.3 million passengers in the first six months of the year, 3.4% less than in the same period of 2012.

Thus, between January and June 2013, the low cost airlines accounted for more than half of the air traffic, with 53.7%, compared to the traditional airlines, which commanded 46.3% of the travellers.

In June, the budget airlines carried 3.75 million travellers, up 5.1%, while 2.9 million passengers travelled with the traditional companies, representing a decrease of 0.1% over the same month of 2012.

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In June, the flight occupancy rate of the low cost airlines reached 83.7%, which represents one percentage point more than in the same month last year, and two percentage points more than the traditional companies, which reached an occupancy rate of 81.2%.

The UK and German markets lead the arrivals via low cost airlines, with 32.9% and 18.9% of passengers, respectively. The UK market increased by 4.3%, with more than five million passengers, and the German market rose by 10.1% (to 2.9 million).

Arrivals from Italy, the third source market, reduced by 15.7% to 1.4 million passengers, equivalent to 9.4% of the all arrivals via low cost airlines. France, accounted for 7.1% of the total arrivals and 1.09 million passengers, which is an increase of 3.1% from a year ago.

Arrivals of travellers from the Netherlands increased by 0.2%, to 871,000 passengers, 5.6% of the total. The

largest percentage increase registered was in passengers arriving from Denmark, with a rise of 47.8% so far this year and a total of 314,944 passengers.

El Mundo reported that the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia were the regions to receive most arrivals via low cost airlines in the first six months of the year.

Catalonia lead the list, with 25.3% of arrivals and 3.9 million passengers, registering an increase of 5.4%. The Balearic Islands came next, with 19.4% of arrivals and more than 3 million travellers, then Andalusia, with 2.2 million passengers, registering a rise of 7.6%.

They are followed by the Canary Islands, with 2.1 million passengers, Valencia, with nearly 2.1 million passengers and Madrid, with 1.4 million passengers.

Tony Ellis

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

13

Look Good Feel Great

Is there ANY point in buying Factor 50?

After a run of soggy summers in the UK which bottles of Soltan, Ambre Solaire and Piz Buin have gathered dust in bathroom cabinets, millions of Brit’s have hit the High Street in search of sun protection.

In recent years, manufacturers have unleashed an extraordinary range of products on the public often at extraordinary prices. Some are said to last for eight hours or are water resistant. Others boast you can stay out in the sun 50 times longer than normal without burning.

But, according to skin experts, many of these products are a waste of time and money and their claims are virtually meaningless.

According to a report by MailOnline.co.uk, crucially, the difference between high factor creams such as 30 and 50, and factor 15 is minimal in terms of sun protection. And it makes almost no difference if you only spend a few hours in the sun. Some even argue slapping on the highest factor creams could cause us to be reckless with sun safety. And remember, all creams will still let some burning rays through.

So - and this is particularly relevant to us expats as we need to be using sun protection 12 months of the year - what should we be using to protect against sunburn, skin cancer and an old age of leathery, wrinkly skin? And how do we avoid being ripped off?

Despite health messages about skin cancer - which kills more than 2,200 people annually - one woman in four doesn’t use sun cream, while one in three uses

lotions that are a lower factor than 15. A tan is not a sign of a healthy body, but an indication skin has been damaged by cancer- causing ultraviolet, UV, rays.

Caucasian skin gets a golden colour from the pigment melanin.

When skin is damaged by UV rays, it produces more melanin in selfdefence.

The risk of cancer is highest for those with white, freckly skin who never tan. It is lower for people with a Mediterranean complexion, and lowest for those with black skin.

Ultraviolet radiation has two forms - UVA and UVB. The latter is the main culprit for sunburn and skin cancers. But UVA can also increase the risk of cancer and cause premature skin ageing. Each year there are 70,000 new cases of skin cancer and doctors say the disease is preventable in four out of five cases. Yinka Ebo, of Cancer Research UK, says: ‘You should avoid sunburn because it is a sign the DNA in skin cells has been damaged by too much ultraviolet.

A painful sunburn once every two years triples the risk of skin cancer.’

HOW DO SUN CREAMS WORK? Two ingredients in creams protect the skin. Some are ‘absorbers’ that mop up harmful UVB rays. Others are a physical shield and reflect them.

These often contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Both increase the amount of time you can spend in the sun without burning. All creams wear off, so must be reapplied every few hours.

ARE 50+ CREAMS WORTH IT? SPF

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spend only a few hours in the sun, whether you wear factor 15, 30 or 50 will make little difference.

Experts say the SPF system is misleading when it comes to how much of the sun’s harmful rays different factors absorb. An SPF 2 cream absorbs 50 per cent of harmful rays, while an SPF 8 absorbs 70 per cent. But as the numbers increase, the additional benefit gets smaller.

A factor 15 cream absorbs 93 per cent of UVB; factor 30 absorbs 97 per cent; and factor 50 absorbs 98 per cent. So, there’s very little difference in how much UVB factors 15, 30 and 50 block out.

And doctors recommend we avoid long periods in the sun, as the rays can still damage our DNA

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arms, neck and face you need at least two teaspoons. It needs to be fully absorbed by the skin. You must apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going out and a second coat 20 to 30 minutes after you’ve been in the sun. If you are out all day, you will need two or three smotherings.

A typical bottle contains 200ml - six applications. For a fortnight’s holiday in the sun, two adults and two children need 21 bottles.

ARE EXPENSIVE CREAMS BETTER? Every cream on sale in Europe must do what it says on the label by law. What you are paying for with the most expensive brands is smell, consistency and name. But you’re not risking your health with a cheaper, own-brand name.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE THEM? Creams should have a best before date. After three years, they won’t offer anything like the same protection.

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stands for sun protection factor.

Dermatologists say it should stand for sunburn protection factor, as it only refers to how good the cream is at protecting against UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. Few of us spend 12 hours in the sun and factor 30 would give 7½ hours burn-free. If you spend only a few hours in the sun, whether you wear factor 15, 30 or 50 will make little difference No matter what your SPF factor, it is crucial you reapply your cream every few hours. A cream with an SPF of 15 means you can stay in the sun for 15 times longer than you could with no sun cream without getting burnt - as long as you have it on thick enough and keep reapplying it. So, if you start to redden after 15 minutes, a cream with an SPF of 15 should allow you to stay out for 225 minutes, or 3¾ hours, before you burn. This is the case no matter how many times you reapply it. After 3¾ hours, the only safe solution is to find shade.

An SPF factor of 30 allows you twice as much time in the sun as a 15 - but should be reapplied every few hours. So, an SFP 30 should let you enjoy 450 minutes or 7½ hours without burning. After that you can reapply as much as you like and it won’t protect you. If you burn after 15 minutes and plan to spend 12 hours in the sun, factor 50 should let you do so without burning.

Reapplication is crucial.

But as few of us spend 12 hours in the sun and factor 30 would give 7½ hours burn-free, factor 50 is probably not worth it. If you

without sunburn.

WHAT ABOUT UVA? SPF only describes the ability of a product to filter UVB. To see if a cream or spray protects against UVA, look for a separate star rating. The stars go from zero to five. These show how much UVA radiation is absorbed by the cream compared with UVB. So if an SPF30 cream has five stars, it offers the same high protection against UVB and UVA. But if an SPF8 cream has five stars, it offers the same low protection against UVB and UVA. Critics say the star rating is a marketing ruse, not sensible medical advice.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I USE? Most people don’t put on nearly enough and don’t reapply it often enough.

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14

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SOLTIMES JULY 2013

Jukebox Promotions Patrons of Help at Home (Costa Blanca)

tour

Starting on 14th August over six shows, Elvis week (36th anniversary) will be with us!!

This year, this event will be even more spectacular as it celebrates Elvis music and also looks at an !Evening with” set that gives the audience the opportunity to have their own special Elvis songs sung at the show by the fabulous winner of the Best Tribute artist (Costa Blanca 2012), Elvis 2000.

Details of the shows are below and when you purchase tickets, you will be given a paper explaining that you can choose your favourite song, email it to the Promoters and subject to time, it will be sung for you at the show and the person asking for it will get a special gift from Elvis 2000 on the night!!

This tour will be supported by the Jukebox Legends very own Fiona McLean who will have her own set and also be backing Elvis on some numbers.

It’s a fantastic and unique show for the area and a special way to remember the King so, all you Elvis fans, you really do need to get those tickets booked very early for this one to get the best seating!!!

Dates & Venues: Tickets 8.50€ unless stated Wednesday 14th August The Club, Quesada Tel: 966 717 028 Thursday 15th August Rocajuna, Punta Prima Tel: 664 591 795 / 965 997 260 (Evenings) Friday 16th (Anniversary day) The Club House, Camposol Golf Tel: 968 978 855 Sunday 18th August The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja Tel: 966 922 743 Tuesday 20th August Los Rosales, Lemon Tree Road Tel: 606 192 691 (12.50 inc meal) Sunday 25th August The Rendezvous, Campoamor Tel: 608 467 597 (10€ in buffet)

Credit card debt in Spain trebles in seven years

Residents in Spain owe more than 89 billion euros on credit cards, according to a banking consumer association, ADICAE. Its leader, Fernando Herrero, says this had risen from 26 billion in 2005 with bad debts at a fraction of this – 137.8 million euros – and rocketed to 70 billion in 2010 with bad debt from unpaid cards having increased five times over.

This works out at approximately 1,900 euros per inhabitant, although when taking into account those who do not own credit cards, including children, the average debt per head is considerably higher.

The current figures are based upon those taken as at the end of 2012, but Herrero believes it may have risen by at least 400 million since.

He criticises banks for responding to the rise in credit card debt by hiking interest rates up to an average of 19.3 per cent – compared to the average of 16.5 in the rest of the Eurozone.

Herrero explains that the recession, job-loss and growing poverty is forcing people in Spain to use their credit cards merely for survival, such as food shopping

and bills.

It is also because of the lack of facilities for staged payments in many areas of life, such as taxes and insurance, the ADICAE head reveals.

Herrero also slams the practice of banks of increasing commission for credit and debit cards – the annual fee simply for the privilege of having one – by 76 and 98 per cent respectively to make up for reduced profits.

Between the end of 2005 and the end of 2012, the average annual fee for holding a debit card doubled, from 10.21 euros to 20.25 euros, and for a credit card, from 21.35 euros to 37.71 euros.

In a survey conducted by ADICAE among 3,561 consumers, a total of 95.5 per cent believe this is purely to line bank managers’ pockets at the expense of the customer, whilst only 4.5 per cent consider it an investment on the part of the bank in improving the service provided.

And only 8.7 per cent say their credit or debit card service has improved as a result of commissions increasing in the last seven years.

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Rock & Roll Express!

This unique show and dance is now over halfway through it’s tour and all who have seen it agree that it has great music, great fun and “something special to see”!!

Starring Nick Barker, award winning Peter Day and Fiona McLean (little Miss rock & roll) of Jukebox Legends and Elvis 2000 fame, this show / dance now has only a few performances to go in July so if you haven’t booked yet, choose a venue below and do it soon!!

Tickets must be purchased and paid for before the event. All shows start at 8.30pm sharp and pre show meals start at 7-30pm.

More info at www.jukeboxpromotions. co.uk and in next weeks press!!

Remaining shows are: Wednesday 24th July The Club House, Camposol Golf 968978855 (MABS fundraiser) Wednesday 31st July - The Club , Quesada 966717028 8.50€ (show only ticket price only).

These two venues offer a great value for money optional pre show menu - ask for details at the venue of your choice)

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15

Horse Racing at Sanlucar de Barrameda Beach... http://www. carrerassanlucar. es/es/

, sherry triangle, 8km from Chipiona Situated at the nor thern tip of the the by ked flan is eda ram r de Bar the delightful small town of Sanlúca le here is the tipp ity cial spe The Guadalquivir estuary. acquires its dry, distinctive manzanilla wine, which environment and slightly salty tang from the seaside n is equally famed the moist poniente wind. The tow manzanilla is for its excellent seafood, for which animent. (coincidentally!) the ideal accomp

The town dates back to Roman times. Later the Moors built a defensive fort here which evolved into a major port under the Catholics.

Columbus set sail from Sanlúcar in 1498 and, a few decades later, the Portuguese, Ferdinand Magellan set off to circumnavigate the globe from here, in search of a westerly route to the spice islands of Indonesia. Unfortunately, he was killed by local Indians in the Philippines.

Today, the town is divided into the older quarter, the Barrio Alto where most of the interesting sights can be seen and the newer Barrio Bajo, closer to the river. The Sanlúcar beaches are also magnificent and stretch several kilometres to the south-west, while the former port and fishing quarter, the Bajo de Guía is unsurprisingly where some of the best seafood restaurants can be found.

The horse racing takes place along a 2,000 stretch of beach at the mouth of the Río Guadalquivir. This is a thrilling spectacle where real racehorses thunder across the sand watched by a large noisy crowd of spectators.

There is nothing amateur about this event and you can expect to see spectator stands, bookmakers, paddocks and, of course, the winners´enclosure.

Now an international event with horses from other European countries taking part and many famous names amongst the spectators. This is a serious competition, the total prize money amounts to millions of Euros. Most of the prize money is awarded during the last weekend.

The 2010 edition of the Sanlucar de Barrameda horse races will take place in two parts. The first round of races will take place on August 7th,

Chance to buy your own Blue Peter set

Children’s TV fans are being offered the chance to bid in an online auction for their very own Blue Peter stage set.

It includes the programme’s famous orange, blue and purple seating area and a free poster of presenter Helen Skelton.

The set, comprising four soft chairs, a bean bag, a table,

Blue Peter emblems, flooring and walls, was last used in 2011 before the show moved from London to Salford.

Bidding is currently at a bargain £55 for the lot which is being handled by auctioneers Peaker Pattinson, reports Metro.

The successful bidder will also get an iconic Blue Peter

“totaliser”, used as part of a 2010 Christmas card campaign and a number of past fundraising appeals.

More than 1,200 lots are being sold by the BBC following the corporation’s move north to Salford. Also up for grabs are props from shows such as Doctor Who and Red Dwarf,

8th & 9th with the second round taking place on the 19th, 20th & 21st August – racing usually starts around 6pm This is a splendid event that attracts people from all over the country and, of course, from beyond Spanish borders as well.

The horse racing officially dates back to 1845 when the the Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlucar de Barrameda was formed.

However, everyone knows that even before this organisation held its first official races, the event had been staged informally for years by locals who raced the horses used for transporting fish from local ports.

Some time after its beginnings, the Sociedad handed this ever more prestigious event over to the town hall for management and plus cardboard life-sized cutouts of Strictly Come Dancing’s Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly.

Auctioneer Elizabeth Sewell said the sale was as “a chance for the public to buy a little bit of TV history”: “We’re expecting interest from all over the world.

It’s impossible to put a value on most of the props because they are one-offs,” she said.

it was then included in the town’s summer programme of municipally sponsored events; it has become known as one of the most important “fiestas” in the region!

In 1981, the Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlucar reformed and took back the reigns of the annual races, and the Sanlucar Horse Races are now part of a national series of equine events that include Madrid, San Sebastian and Seville.

Now the Sanlucar de Barrameda races attract horses and riders from all over Europe. This is not surprising

as the stakes are high total prize monies running between 2 and 3 million euros. Per race, winnings run from a few hundred to up to 10,000 euros.

Should you with to experience the Sanlucar races live, get to the beach as early as possible to stake out a good place for an exciting event held at a unique venue.

For the latest information and a full programme of events for 2/3/4 August events and 16/17/18 August events go to: www.carrerassanlucar.es/es/

16

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LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

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

Q: My wife and myself (71 and 68 ) live in Spain since 2006. We are

both to the best of our knowledge tax residents. We have a house in joint names valued at approximately 180000 euro and savings of aprox. 40000. We would like to know how much inheritance tax my wife would have to pay if I deceased, and how much capital gains tax would we pay if we decided to sell?

A . You are going to like the answers. Inheritance tax: If you deceased, your wife would pay NO INHERITANCE TAX, as she would be entitled as resident of Andalucía to 175000 euro tax free, which is more than the value of the estate she would receive. Please note that the 175000 euro exemption in Andalucía, is an all or nothing exemption. If you are one cent over, you pay on all but the first 16000 euro.

Each autonomous region of Spain has it´s own exemption rates, and the legislation applicable (and therefore the levels of exemption) will be the one of the autonomous region of Spain where the heir has been a resident for the larger part of the five years previous to the death. Believe it or not very often tax planning involves moving from one area of Spain to another.

Incredible but true...A wife resident in Almería inheriting a net estate of 813000 euro from her husband would pay just under 200000 euro in Andalucia while if the same wife had been living in Madrid she would have paid 0 inheritance tax).

Could the lady have avoided the tax. Yes, but the tax planning would have required the family moved to Madrid.

Capital gains tax: you will pay NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX because if you are over 65 years of age and are selling your main home (you can not claim this if you are a non resident), the sale is exempt of capital gains tax.

ESTATE AGENCY SERVICE...

DAVIES SOLICITORS NOW ALSO OFFER AN ESTATE AGENCY SERVICE. INMA ORTEGA WILL BE RUNNING THIS NEW BUSINESS FOR US. FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL

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

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17

Diamond Geezer’s A True Hero Neil Diamond fans are in for a rare treat on Saturday July 27th at Restaurante Los Rosales in Guardamar. International vocalist Geoff “The Jazz Singer” Watts will be mesmerising the audience with his world class Neil Diamond tribute. He has appeared on UK television, and has had sell out shows in Benidorm Palace not once, but twice. His “Beautiful Noise” also includes music from Tom Jones, Chris Rea, Barry White and a whole host of great vocalists.

Afghan Heroes will once again be holding a raffle at the show. Their last one at the “More Than Your Fair Cher” show raised 300€ for the UK based charity. Now known as True Heroes, they have achieved a great deal in the 4 years since their onset in 2009.

Always a charity to support the people who served in the forces, their ultimate aim was to provide amazing long term aftercare for any wounded or mentally effected member of the British forces. They have now

achieved part of that aim by opening their second of the ten planned retreats. The facility mentors and retrains soldiers who are unable to work because of physical injuries and mental trauma. With forces now being pulled out of Afghanistan, it is now more important than ever to have the facilities in place to treat those who have given so much for their country, and allow them to move forward into their new civilian lives without the nightmare visions of all they have witnessed. For more information about Afghan Heroes work please visit www.trueheroes.org.uk For the first time the show will include a served 2 course meal, along with bread, ali oli and salad. Tickets are 15€ from Restaurante Los Rosales Guardamar, Cards and More La Marina, Card Place Punta Prima and Benimar, Hire Centre San Luis and The Post Box Dona Pepa. Reserve on www.lrshows.com or call 697 501 992 / 606 192 691

First Anniversary of Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre La Zenia Charity Shop The EHCRC had much to celebrate recently with the first year having past since the opening of their popular charity shop in La Zenia.

Taffeta, one of the Centre’s minature ponies was guest of honour and was warmly greeted by her many fans on her arrival in the horse box with Sue and Rod Weeding, co founders of the EHCRC Foundation.

Taffeta enjoys being in the limelight and is rapidly becoming a local celebrity.

Customers were welcomed with a drink and invited to look around the shop which stocks a fantastic range of quality used furniture as well as the usual charity shop fare which is replenished regularly.

“I really want to thank my volunteers for all their hard work and help in out first year here in La Zenia” explained Vicky the manager. “We have been welcomed by everyone in the community and we wanted to thank them also for their continued support” she added.

The EHCRC has a delivery and collection van so if you have any large items you want to donate to help the charity with their work then please call Vicky on 636 062 000.

This applies also to their

other shops in Guardamar, La Siesta, Ciudad Quesada and Los Montesinos.

Please come and visit Taffeta and her other 54 horses, ponies and donkeys at the open day every Sunday between 1pm and 5pm. Refreshments and a tour of the Centre to meet the equines are available and all are welcome.

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TAKING CARE OF YOUR PETS Mountain View

Cat hotel Hondon de las Nieves/Frailes

Centrally-heated houses with large individual runs Love and care will be lavished during your cat’s stay My 29 years of experience in animal and veterinary care will give you piece of mind

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Real life The Fox & The Hound

A fox cub and a puppy have become unlikely best friends in a real life version of Disney classic The Fox and the Hound.

Rosie the 15-week-old fox cub has bonded with new pal Maddy, Lakeland

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Patterdale cross, after she was left abandoned when her dad killed most of her litter.

She was adopted by Maddy’s owner Richard Bowler at his five acre smallholding in the Berwyn mountains near Corwen, North Wales.

Mr Bowler, 44, was formerly in the building industry but last year moved from Bedfordshire with girlfriend Helen, 41, for a change of lifestyle. ] He said: “Rosie was slowly introduced to Maddy.

Maddy has always been playful and it’s a natural instinct for a fox cub to play so they get on great.

“They have become best of friends, although we always supervise them playing together as Rosie is still quite small. They chase each other around and Rosie often dives on Maddy; the living room is usually a wreck after they have been playing.

“I’ve been amazed at how clever she is, certainly quicker to pick up things than Maddy ever was. Her recall and sitting is 100% and we’re almost there with toilet training.

“It’s important for Rosie to be as trained as best as we can so that she can enjoy our five-acre smallholding as freely as possible.”

Butterfly Wings Could Hold Key To Developing Clothes That Change Colour

Tiny crystal-like structures discovered in the wings of tropical butterflies could lead to colour-changing clothing, according to scientists.

Physicists from Hong Kong discovered how subtle differences in the layers of butterfly wings create varied patterns of colour, even among closely related species.

They claim that this process could be replicated and lead to materials being developed which can be ‘tuned’ to change colour on demand.

The three butterflies studied by researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University all displayed what’s called iridescence - a property of materials that change colour depending on the viewing angle.

They included the Ulysses butterfly that appears to be a bluish green when seen from above and its cousin, Papilio peranthus, that looks more of a yellowish green.

The third butterfly, called the Emerald Swallowtail, is a deep green.

However, the colour of all three butterflies switch to deep blue when seen from a different angle.

They discovered that each butterfly did so with different colours so the scientists examined a cross-section of each species’ wing under a scanning electron microscope.

The wings were found to contain solid flat layers known as cuticles alternating with thin ‘air’ layers known as laminae.

The Ulysses butterfly, for example, was found to have seven cuticle layers while P. peranthus had eight.

The laminae also contain pillars of the cuticle material, which gives the wing a repeating crystal-like structure.

This structure is similar to a multi-layered mirror that reflects only certain wavelengths, or colours, of light.

It was from tiny differences in these crystals that the differences in colours arose.

‘It all comes from the fact the wing structure has subtle differences between these three types of butterfly’, said lead researcher Dr Kok Wai Cheah.

‘It was very exciting to see how nature can create a nanostructure that’s not easy to replicate by humans.’

He added the findings could lead to designer materials that could change colour in a similar way, or appear to be made of different colours depending on the viewing angle.

The same article of clothing, for example, could reflect a subdued colour during the day, and a more ostentatious one at night.

‘You would just tune your structure to produce the colour you want,’ said Cheah.

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19

2nd ALCOY 7’s RUGBY TOURNAMENT WEEKEND

On Saturday Alcoy will be running their 2nd rugby 7’s tournament kicking off at 09.30 on 27 July at the Polideportivo Las Moreras, Concentaina near Alcoy. At the moments teams that have already confirmed are Alcoy RFC, off course, Elche RFC, Albacete RFC, Aspe RFC, Penyagolpsa RFC, and Alicante University, but 10 teams have promised to come, so will just have to wait and see if they confirm this week.

This is a great achievement from a team that has only been going a couple of years and fingers crossed it will be just as successful as last years, which was excellent.

This is going to be followed by the 16th annual beach rugby 7’s at San Juan in Alicante, kicking off at 10.00.

I have been invited to both tournaments so I will be there with all of my rugby gear, so come along for two great weekends of rugby in the sun.

For rugby events in the area contact me on the number below.

Training starts back up at the end of August, more information about this will be put in the papers nearer the time.

So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level you are.

If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242.

Rajoy to speak out over Bárcenas scandal

Spain’s president Mariano Rajoy has agreed to give a speech in Commons at the end of this month or early August to answer the nation’s questions about the Bárcenas case and his own economic policies. The Premier firstly made this announcement during a press conference with the prime minister of Romania, Víctor Ponta, having previously discussed the matter privately with Congress leader Jesús Posada.

“I have done this because I consider that it is the right moment to analyse the future of things and what the government hopes to do in the next few months,” Rajoy stated.

He has stressed that his appearance in Commons will ‘give all the explanations’ and that he will describe everything that has happened from his own point of view. His version is ‘necessary for the people’ and ‘should be given in Parliament because ‘it is the headquarters of national sovereignty’, says the PP leader. When asked whether his decision to speak out was in response to threats of ousting via a no-confidence motion by the opposition, Rajoy categorically denies this and says he was ‘merely waiting for the appropriate moment’ to ‘clarify doubts that people may legitimately have’, and that in the beginning he had seen little point in doing so before Bárcenas had testified.

An exact date for the president’s speech has not yet been given.

Seven in custody over British man’s murder during burglary

Seven people have been arrested over the death of a British national in his home in Torrevieja (Alicante) as a result of a burglary.

The victim died as a result of brutal attacks by the intruders, who made off with a very valuable gold watch, a credit card and a substantial amount of money in cash.

A friend of the deceased reported the matter after finding the body inside the house in November 2011, and described the stolen watch.

Various withdrawals of cash made with the Briton’s card were discovered, and four months after the break-in a 46-year-old man of Spanish nationality was arrested when he attempted to sell the watch in a gold dealer’s.

Inquiries revealed that four Bulgarian men aged between 27 and 36 had been involved in the burglary and the assault on the

deceased, three of whom were arrested in May this year in Torrevieja following a raid on a property, which uncovered four valuable watches, computer equipment and other personal effects that may have been stolen from other homes in the area.

The fourth man, aged 34, had returned home to Bulgaria, but an international arrest warrant saw him taken into custody on June 25 this year and extradited to Spain.

Guardia Civil officers in Torrevieja also arrested two Bulgarian women of 28 and 33 years old who, although not thought to be involved in the burglary which led to the death of the UK citizen, are believed to be part of the same criminal gang and may have been involved in selling the stolen goods.

The identity and age of the British man killed has not been revealed.

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Marine Week

The World’s oceans are home to countless species, from tiny plankton to the great whales. Yet marine life, and the sea on which we depend, is under threat from pollution, over-fishing and other damaging activities.

Activities are planned all over Europe during 27 July - 11 August to highlight the amazing underwater world of our oceans!

Our oceans support an estimated 10 million species or more; less than 3% of these have been identified to date. Many “families” of animal found in the sea can be found nowhere else - they do not have equivalents on land. From the microscopic to the enormous, marine species are beautiful, fascinating, and very diverse.

Crustaceans There are more than 42,000 species of crustaceans worldwide, almost all of which are marine. They are found in every marine habitat from the upper parts of the seashore to the deepest regions of every ocean. There are four main classes of crustacean: barnacles & copepods (Maxillopoda); ostracods (ostracoda); mantis shrimps (Malacostraca) and crabs and lobsters, amphipods, isopods, shrimps and prawns (Eumalacostraca)

Crustacean Facts The crustacean body is typically divided into the head, thorax and abdomen, together with an additional tail. All crustaceans have two pairs of antennae on or around the head. Crustaceans possess an exoskeleton which forms a rigid and sometimes heavy outer body shell. They have to moult in order to grow.

The many different crustaceans have many different feeding methods. Crabs, lobsters and many other crustaceans are scavengers, feeding on a range of materials they may find on the seafloor. Barnacles feed by trapping food in their tentacle-like legs, while other crustaceans are active hunters, ambushers, and even parasites. Although there are advantages to having a rigid exoskeleton. one of the disadvantages is that crustaceans do not have rotational joints like we do. This can be seen in the way crabs walk - they have to move sideways!

For quick get-aways (albeit in a backwards direction), shrimps and lobsters have an escape response using their tails: one violent jerk of the abdomen propels the animal backwards at an amazing speed and out of harm’s way.

Sea Monsters!

The largest crustacean found in British waters is the common lobster ‘Homarus gammarus’. The largest individual on record was a 6.57kg monster caught off Pembrokeshire in 1967.

Whales & Dolphins Whales and dolphins exhibit some of the most fascinating adaptations to aquatic life of any animal. Hunted to near extinction in the 1800s many species of whale are at dangerously

Dolphins are so intelligent ...They have individual NAMES and call for each other just like humans

Dolphins have names for each other and call for each other just like humans, say scientists. They use specific signature whistles for family members and social companions - the only animal species apart from ourselves known to do this.

The Mail Online reprts that study of wild bottlenose dolphins off the east coast of Scotland found they responded to their ‘own’ whistles by calling back.

low levels despite a moratorium on commercial whaling. Fishing, pollution, habitat destruction and disturbance pose growing threats to all cetaceans.

Whale & Dolphin Facts Whales, dolphins and porpoises are warm-blooded marine mammals which belong to the Order Cetacea. Cetaceans are totally independent of land - they are mammals that have become aquatic and adapted to life in the ocean. Cetaceans range in size from the smallest dolphins and porpoises at a metre or so in length. to the enormous blue whale - the largest animal on earth - which can grow to more than 30m in length.

Cetaceans have streamlined, hydrodynamic bodies. All cetaceans must breathe air. Their blow hole allows them to expel air quickly at the surface.

Cetaceans are warm-blooded mammals and must maintain a stable body temperature (36°-37°C), for which they have an insulating layer of fat or blubber of up to 50cm thick.

Baleen whales including the Blue, Humpback, Bryde’s, Bowhead, Minke and Grey Whales feed on plankton. Toothed whales include the Sperm, Beaked, Beluga, Narwhal, Killer and Pilot Whales - and the dolphins and porpoises - feed on larger fish, squid and other marine animals.

Threats All cetaceans are affected by man’s activities. Some have been hunted to the verge of extinction - commercial whaling has been responsible for the near demise of many species, including the blue and humpback whales. Others, particularly the river dolphins, suffer from the degradation of their habitat.

Still others become entangled and drown in fishing gears, whilst all are affected by pollution.

So, next time you’re paddling in the sea, take a moment to ponder upon the wonder of the underwater world!

The findings suggest dolphins use signature whistles as labels to address or contact individuals of the same species they meet at sea.

And the use of identity signals mirrors the human convention of naming people, said biologists Dr Stephanie King and Dr Vincent Janik of St Andrews University in Fife.

The researchers played back a synthetic recording of a dolphin’s own signature whistle, the whistles of familiar dolphins from the same population and unfamiliar ones from a different group.

Monitoring responses from a small boat the dolphins reacted to their own signature whistles but did not respond to others, reports Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dolphin whistles - high-pitched clicking and squeaking sounds - can be detected up to 20 km away (12.4 miles) depending on water depth and frequency.

The researchers said naming is one of the defining features of human language and dolphins have their own unique identity - the signature whistle.

They said: ‘Here we show wild bottlenose dolphins respond to hearing a copy of their own signature whistle by calling back. Animals did not respond to whistles that were not their own signature.

‘Bottlenose dolphins therefore appear to be unique as non-human mammals to use learned signals as individually specific labels for different social companions in their own natural communication system.’

The dolphin’s constantly changing social group - coupled with their poor vision underwater - is believed to have led to the development of the phenomenon.

Dr Janik said: ‘We followed the dolphins in small boats and recorded their calls with underwater microphones on ropes and chains.

‘The whistles are very different with a variety of modulation patterns going up or down - almost like a tune.

Even our closest relatives the great apes can’t do this.

‘It’s interesting to find another mammal like humans with complex intelligence and social structure communicating in this way.

‘People see dolphins in crystal clear waters in TV documentaries and don’t realise they spend 80 percent of their time in murky oceans with little light.

‘They can’t use smell to locate partners or relatives and they are not territorial - the open ocean is their home.

‘So they have developed this sophisticated sound system to keep in touch otherwise they could get lost from each other for good.’

The researchers said it’s clear signature whistles have meaning in they are labels for individuals and may be induced by an intention to contact a specific individual.

They said: ‘Such a representational use of learned identity labels represents an interesting parallel to humans and the apparent necessity for these vocal labels in maintaining group cohesion may lie at the root of the evolution of complex communication and cognition systems.’

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HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE

WITH JENNI.......

Last week we discovered that the Black Iberian Pig, which is native to Mediterranean area, is very important both culturally and financially to the Spanish because of the demand for “Iberico” ham or jamon de bellota - (So named because the pigs roam free in the ‘dehesa’s and feed on the famous acorns or “bellotas” from the Oak Trees).

I do believe, dear Readers that I have these ‘Iberian Pigs’ or at least a cross between a Pot bellied Pig and the Iberian Pigs here at La Pedrera. They are also black and look remarkably similar with the same long snout and they definitely do not have the ‘belly’ of the pot bellied pig unlike ‘Diva’ another of my rescued pigs. Either way I can tell you that they will not end up with their legs strung up similar to those featured in the local bars and supermarkets here in Spain that ‘gross out’ many of our visitors especially those of the teenage variety.

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‘landrace’ breed, which is from a white pig. It is actually the most expensive ham and is considered a delicacy now, and was, even in the days of the Roman Empire. It is said to have “a taste that is both rich and dry, as nutty as Spanish almonds or Spanish sherry, sweet and salty at the same time, a flavour that is almost indescribably mouthfilling and deeply satisfying.” In New York, if you would like to buy this ham, it the way people do in Spain, sliced by hand, - Be prepared to pay 99 dollars a pound!

As we have found with most of the birds and animals that I have covered recently, these pigs were endangered and perilously close to extinction as recently as the 1960’s. A combination of factors was behind their disappearance.

Impatience with the old ways of doing things (it can take between 2 and 5 years to cure) and the urge to be “modern,” . Quick, cheap, easy pork from white pigs also made economic sense. extra weight and muscle coming from a tasty diet of the bellotas, that adds deep and complex flavours to the meat. Only pigs treated in this way are entitled to become a jamón iberico, according to the Denominación de Origen.

This Serano ham must not be confused with the cheaper

This is very important to the producers of this ham in this region and is jealously guarded and protected. - It even has a Facebook Page “Jamón con Denominación de Origen Dehesa de Extremadura”.

Recently it was announced on its Facebook Page that the twentieth anniversary of the Contest ham cutters, was being held in Madrid - The obective: To find the world’s best Ham Cutter. These competitions are held all over Spain and there is up to 2 000 euros in prize money. It is a very important event, prestigious event, which is taken extremely seriously. The one, Felix Jose Martinez, is known throughout Spain as ‘el cortador de jamon’, and recognised as one of the greatest exponents of the fine art of ham cutting.

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By the 1970s, the Iberian pig had disappeared from most of its original range, surviving only in environmental niches in the west of the country, in Extremadura, in the northwestern region of Andalucia and in Salamanca.

All these areas have one thing in common - Dehesas.

These ancient, man made forests of evergreen and cork oaks, support this distinctive breed of pig It is said “To come across these shy, half-wild beasts, especially in midwinter with the low January sun slanting beneath the guardian oaks, lighting the mist that drifts upward from the undergrowth, is to witness something fundamental, almost prehistoric, that takes us back to the dawn of Celto-Iberian civilization”.

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Hams from these pigs are notable for the marbling of fat that gives the flesh such a remarkably suave texture, the fat thoroughly penetrating, practically interwoven with the lean.

The pigs themselves are not fat so much as big: Mature specimens, ready for slaughter, can weigh upwards of 350 pounds.

This is due to the fact that they a allowed to forage in the Dehesas for the last three to five months of their lives, adding 30 to 50 kilos (66 to 110 pounds) to their weight. All of that

Recent reports in the press with regards to the ‘danger of eating highly salted, processed meats, does not apply to Iberico Ham according to Spanish Nutritionists. Apparently eating the prized fat actually lowers cholesterol levels due to the high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids it contains. So according to one food critic “ the release of flavour as it melts in the mouth” will at least be protected and “one of the greatest eating moments anyone will ever experience”, will continue ‘guilt free’ for many years to come.

Many people visiting us here at Casa La Pedrera ask ‘Are these pigs, destined for the pot? A definite NO, being the answer, they are intelligent, curious animals and I could never imagine sending them off for slaughter. Another bonus is that there is never any waste with pigs around, and many of my customers bring us their vegetable cuttings or spoiled fruit which is very welcome and soon gobbled up by 5 hungry pigs. They are also not averse to a tummy scratch at the same time!

Apart from feeding hungry pigs, visitors also come to see the house that appeared on Grand Designs which is for the first time, because of the very popular craft shop inside the house, open throughout the summer. Visitors are also enjoying the facilities which include the pools which feature a slide and a 4m diving board which is available to use for half price when booking a quad bike excursion, horse trek or any of the other activities we offer ie. kayaking, fishing, archery and air rifle. As it is our busiest season it is important to book in advance by calling me on 660816620 or by visiting www.thingstodoinspain.info which has a link to our Facebook page which is regularly updated. Until next week, adios Jenni

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...HOME & GARDEN This was a brilliant cycle trip, we left Quesada at 2pm on a lovely sunny Saturday afternoon (3 couples, on hybrid bikes loaded with overnight kit ) and headed for Benijofar, Rojales, Daya Nueva, Dolores and Catral where we picked up the CV90 Crevillente road passing El Realengo taking the bridge over the AP7, at the roundabout we carried straight on until we hit the Crevillente / Albatera road N340 where we turned right.

Stopping at the town square in Crevillente we had our first break treating ourselves to a cold drink and a cake.

After our well deserved rest we continued out of Crevillente passing numerous traffic lights then Lidl we kept going until we saw the sign post for Aspe. We went left at the roundabout and cycled uphill towards Aspe on the N325.

These hills were extremely tough and just went on and on and up and up for approx 10k then at the top which is right under the flight path for Alicante airport we descended at an alarming pace for 3kms down to Aspe.

At the roundabout at Aspe we followed the signs for Novelda where we stopped for our second and final break having Beer, Tapas and refilling our water bottles which were empty by now.

Once we were good to go we took the Novelda/ Monovar road CV 835 which was 11k, once at Monovar we picked up the CV83 and headed towards Pinoso for approx 15k coming to a small village called Culebron, we turned right here and headed for Ubeda then we went straight on to Las Canadas de Don Ciro where we arrived at our destination – “The Grapevine Manor”.

We were met by Chris, Sue and their daughter Jenny who welcomed us with open arms, after a lovely refreshing swim in the pool,

we showered and got changed into fresh clothes and all met up again in the bar for a beer which was followed by an excellent meal in the dining room of their beautifully restored old bodega manor house, we had a great evening, excellent food and good company but all headed off to bed early and were soon sound asleep.

Cyclogical

Monthly cycling tips / advice & routes

Cycle Route 28 Quesada to Monovar / pinoso

By Gary & Ly nn Cyclogical Quesada

On awakening in the morning and standing on our balcony watching the sun rise with a cup of tea in my hands I couldn’t have asked for more. What an amazing view and a great feeling – this is certainly what its all about.

After a plentiful breakfast we discussed our return journey, then said our farewells to the Pile family and told them that we would definitely be back. Chris gave us a map supplied by Pinoso Ayuntamiento showing the abundant cycle routes for all capabilities in and around their area.

We retraced our steps back to Monovar where we viewed the beautifully restored bullring which was open to the public and well worth a visit.

After leaving Monovar we headed back to Novelda where we visited Castell De La Mola and the Church of Magdalena which was built by one of Gaudi’s apprentices who actually lived in Novelda.

None of the group that we had with us had been there before and really

appreciated it after the hard climb up on the bikes.

On leaving Novelda it was relatively flat to Aspe where we climbed again for approx 5k up the N325 then had a really fast downhill all the way into Crevillente which made the arduous climb worthwhile.

At Crevillente we headed for the railway station and made our way down to the El Hondo nature reserve , passing through the small village of Matola where

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we stopped for ‘menu del dia’, we then cycled round the nature reserve until we picked up the main Elche/La Marina road CV855, following this all the way to San Fulgencio, after reaching Rojales we said our goodbyes and everyone headed in different directions.

This was a total distance of 165k and was an absolutely fantastic ride with excellent scenery but not for the faint hearted or the beginner cyclist.

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art competition raises over €180 for charity Budding Beginners get a Boost as Art Competition for “Beginners Only” attracted 18 artists, and a total of 39 painting were on display at Bar Sofia on Sunday 21st July.

This competition was designed to encourage beginners to exhibit their work and anyone with up to 4 years experience was invited to enter. Dee Williams owner of Bar Sofia in El Raso was once again host to a charity event raising money for The Children’s Home in Elche.

Dee said she was delighted that so many people had taken part - there was a full afternoon of activities and whilst judging was taking place there was a cake and food tasting competition, a shoe and jewellery fashion show and various crafts stalls and demonstrations. Art Teacher Susanne Sayers organised all of the artists while Art Teacher Diana Davies spent time giving a lessons to some interested guests.

Judges Gloria Howes, Bob and Jean Vallins along with their son Vic did a fantastic job despite the heat of the afternoon.

Susanne Sayers presented each of winners with certificate and a bottle of Cava to take home and celebrate with.

0-2 years Ist Katalin Gulyas with 2nd and 3rd place going to Gale Coultate and in the 2-4 year section 1st was Felicity Dubarr (certificate and prize collected by her Art Teacher Diana Davies) with 2nd and 3rd place going to Ray Scott.

Susan Reader overall organiser of the day would like to thank everyone who came and took part in some way, unfortunately or perhaps fortunately there are just too many people to mention here but heartfelt thanks to you all for making this such a successful event. After first checking with Dee Susanne announced that The Beginners Art Competition will be an annual event. Next event at Bar Sofia is a Ladies Makeover Day on Sunday 11th August TBC followed by the “El Raso Sponsored Walk & Treasure Hunt” on Sunday September 15th - sponsorship forms are available from Bar Sofia or by sending an email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk The next “Fully Fledged” Art Competition with all levels including a

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Teacher/Professional Section will be at Quesada Country Club on Thursday 17th October - date TBC but entry reservations being taken NOW please email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk PHOTOS: Lady with red top - Gale Coultate receiving one of her certificates Lady in Green Two art teachers together - Daina Davies accepting Felicity Dubarr’s certificate Ray Scott receiving one of his certificates Judges L - R Gloria Howes, Bob & Jean Vallins with their son Vic

NATIONAL AWARD FOR ORIHUELA COSTA RBL

The McCrae Shield, awarded to the Overseas branch of the Royal British Legion with the most improved membership over the previous 3 years, was presented to the Orihuela Costa and District Branch last Thursday evening by the Chairman of Spain District North, Chris Wyatt.

Peggy Wyatt, the District Public Relations Officer, received the shield on behalf of the branch at the National Conference held in Llandudno. It was presented to her by the National President of The Royal British Legion, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB CVO. Very much a worldwide award the Chonburi Thailand Branch finished as runners up.

The Branch was also presented with a Certificate marking the award, which it keeps, as well as a ‘Scroll of Award’ which it can now display on the upper panel of its RBL Standard.

Branch Chairman, Keith Carter, paid tribute to his local committee, which, he said, continues to take every opportunity to be represented at local gala’s, shows, exhibitions and other events where the good work of the RBL can be shown off. It is at these events where most of the recruitment takes place, the fruits of which have now been rewarded by the honour of the McCrae Shield.

The McCrae Shield is awarded in memory of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who wrote the poem ‘In Flanders’ Fields’ during a lull in the 2nd Battle of Ypres in 1915.

Serving as a Medical Officer with the first

Canadian Army contingent, he was inspired to write the poem in pencil on a page torn from his despatch book, after presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow soldier Alexis Helmer, who died in the battle.

According to legend, fellow soldiers retrieved the poem after McCrae, initially unsatisfied with his work, discarded it.

After being submitted anonymously the poem was first published on December 8 of that year in the London-based magazine Punch under the title “In Flanders’ Fields.”

Colonel McCrae died in May 1918. He was interred in a beautiful cemetery on rising ground above Wimereux, from where, on sunny days, the cliffs of Dover are easily visible.

Spain North was also honoured at the National Conference with the award of the Maurice Cup, awarded to the county/district which has shown the most progress and greatest efficiency during the past year.

Runner-up was Berkshire & Vale of White Horse.

In existence for a little over 5 years, in May2013, the branch collections made during the Poppy Appeals, surpassed the 100,000 euro mark. An absolutely amazing sum which is yet another tribute to the dedication of the Branch Membership and the work that they do. Although the 2013 appeal has hardly got out of first gear the branch have already raised in excess of 5,000 euro during the current campaign.

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guide....

THE SPAINIAC | El Rastro | Candice Parsons property t a property for have you go e it here! sale or rent? advertis ers!!!

Historically home to a number of tanneries back in the 15th century, El Rastro was once a commercial area, used for buying and selling second-hand clothing, with a flourishing leather goods trade.

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‘El Rastro’, translating to ‘the trail’ in Spanish, is said to have derived its name from the trail of blood that used to be left on the streets by cattle being transported from the slaughterhouse in these days.

Nowadays, El Rastro is one of the largest and well-known open-air flea markets in Spain, which attracts both locals and tourists in the capital city of Madrid.

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vicinity and its adjoining streets

its streets.

sellers here.

Located in the La Latina neighbourhood, the main street of the market, Calle Ribera de Curtidores, follows from the main hub, Plaza de Cascorro, downhill to the river Manzanares.

from 9am to 3pm every Sunday,

These bars also become similarly full of crowds on the days of the markets, with people stopping and bar hopping for tapas and beers – a staple custom to the El Rastro experience.

As the case with most crowded places, pickpockets also thrive at El Rastro each week. It is encouraged to take caution and be wary of any valuables being carried whilst wandering around.

Around 3, 500 stalls fill this

also from the tapas bars that line

as well as on public holidays.

Crowds tend to stem not only from the bargain-hunters raiding the El Rastro market stalls, but

Candice Parsons is a writer and avid Spain and Spanish culture lover from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Like’ my Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pandemicrhapsody and follow me on Twitter @MiLlamoCandi

Soldier’s surprise scuba return

A soldier surprised his wife and family on his return from Afghanistan - by suddenly emerging from the water in scuba gear during a day at the beach.

US Air Force captain Hyrum Bronson’s wife Bethany thought it would be another three weeks before she got to see her husband again.

She and their children were recording a video message for him at their home in Okinawa, Japan, when he sprung his surprise.

Captain Bronson appeared from beneath the water, saying: “Mrs Bronson, your husband’s here, reporting for duty.”

As his children rush towards him, an emotional Mrs Bronson remains speechless in the water before receiving a warm hug.

She commented on YouTube: “We thought he was coming home three weeks from now, but he is sneaky. We can’t believe he is finally back home with us!”

Firemen rescue elderly woman from deckchair

Firefighters have rescued an elderly woman who was stuck in a broken deckchair for an entire day.

The lady in her 80s from Polruan in Cornwall is believed to have been trapped for most of Monday until she was discovered in her back garden at 9pm by a neighbour who had come round to water the plants.

The neighbour called the fire brigade who arrived shortly afterwards. She was removed from the chair and taken to hospital as a precaution.

Polruan fire station manager Peter Ripley said: “It was one of those metal deck chairs with a canvas seat. The canvas had broken and she slipped right down in the seat and c o u l d n ’ t move.

“She hurt her right leg, as her legs had been over the bar.

She was in the sun all of the time too so she was dehydrated and quite brown.”

Almost anything, both second-hand and new, can be found amongst the El Rastro markets.

From furniture, clothing, jewellery, music, art, and souvenirs, to antiques and trinkets of all sorts; haggling is generally the norm with the

Although over recent years, El Rastro’s typicality of Madrileño culture has slightly dissipated, it is still one of the oldest traditions in Madrid that is worth experiencing at least once, even if just to catch some rare market finds and worthwhile bargains.

pause for thought

Now my last item may have seemed a bit negative, quoting St Paul listing all the things we shouldn’t do. But before you conclude that Christians are all kill-joys, let’s carry on looking at how Paul continued. For after listing all the selfish and wrong things we naturally want to do as pleasing ourselves, he continues by contrasting these with the positive, writing “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol; attributes that hurt no-one.” Now doesn’t that sound a bit more positive.

And interestingly, St Paul is actually suggesting that we shouldn’t have to struggle or work at being loving, joyful or peace-loving people, but that this is the natural result of being a Christian. That the Holy Spirit, available to all Christians, will ensure that we become more loving, more joyful (something much more than mere happiness), more peaceloving and patient, kinder, better, more faithful, gentler and controlled people without really trying; just as fruit grows on a tree without that tree having to work at it.

So why are so many of us so unloving, uncontrolled, impatient and unfaithful? Well, whilst we may not have to do anything to allow the Holy Spirit to bear this fruit in our lives, we do have to let it happen and not actively oppose. And so many of us are so selfish and self-centred that we remove any traces of that fruit as soon as it appears, for each of these characteristics allow me to benefit others rather than myself.

But the fact remains that if we are true Christians, filled with the Spirit, then we will be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled, and that any lack of these attributes in our lives, implies that we are preventing the Spirit from working in us. So whatever we may claim for ourselves, the acid test of our spiritual status is how well we display these characteristics, for as Jesus said “By their fruits you will know them”.

Further information about the Anglican Church and details of forthcoming events may be seen on the web site www. mojacarchurch.org . Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com

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

SOLTIMES JUNE 2013

25 Dismay (5) 26 Latin for “Earth” (5) 27 Hexagonal cells (9) 28 A hotel for travellers (8) 29 Different ones (6) Down 1 Train companies (8) 2 Evident (8) 3 Female organ (5) 5 The central theme (7) 6 Ransoming (9) 7 JFK’s assassin (6)

Across 7 Organisation (NHS) timetables restructuring (13) 8 Endless duct and princess of North America (8) 9 Be aware of cocktail at this time (4) 10 Disorganised maid communist looked up to (7) 12 Let in commercial return of Henman (5) 14 Happening in prevention (5) 16 Communication of dining-room era (7) 19 Apartment 21 (4) 20 Pepped up spider in translation (8) 22 Chances pour petitions out (13)

Down 1 Land mass is returning in a note (4) 2 State “huh? why?” - drug reportedly (6) 3 Called for medical arrangement (7) 4 Employing you and me in German capital (5) 5 Emitted fumes, or maybe inhaled them?

(6) 6 Savouring delight in England outside (8) 11 Sped back, confused love inside evolves (8) 13 Marine boys, of which there are four (7) 15 Vague idea, putting it back in midday (6) 17 Quiet! It’s right inside garments (6) 18 Presents soldier’s paper within (5) 21 Level 14 (almost) (4)

HARD SUDOKU

Very Hard!

STANDARD SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

8 Tune (6) 9 Work periods (6) 15 Exonerate (9) 17 Refute (8) 18 Course of study (8) 20 A conjunction that introduces 2 alternatives (7) 21 Submerges (6) 22 Malt whiskey (6) 23 Terminates before completion (6) 25 Until now (2 words) (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

Across 1 A rational motive (6) 4 Familial heritage (8) 10 Accuses (9) 11 A round wooden rod (5) 12 Strong feeling of anxiety (5) 13 Poured through a funnel (9) 14 One of New York’s baseball teams (7) 16 A Great Lake (4) 19 Barge (4) 21 Lend honor to (7) 24 Knight (9)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU PUZZLE

STANDARD CROSSWORD

coffee break

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

26

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

Cat’s / Tel’s Bar

Motown and Soul night with Barrington A great night was had by all on Saturday. Folk were dancing under the stars to the soulful voice of Barrington as he sang a mixture of Motown and Soul songs from across the decades.

Cat’s and Tel’s Bars were kept busy as the drinks flowed throughout the evening and the BBQ kept peoples hunger at bay.

Thanks to people paying a donation of 1€ each to come along, Cat’s and Tel’s Bar raised over 200€ for F.A.S.T. and Mabs, 2 local Camposol charities.

Barrington also gave a “taster” of what people can expect at Cat’s and Tel’s Bar Caribbean night on the 14th September.

In the mean time, take a look at Cat’s and Tel’s Bar joint advert to help you plan a few more fun nights out.

Well done to both bars, to Barrington, and to all those involved in delivering a fabulous night.

Andy Wilson Photographer

27

28

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

food & entertaining...food & entertaining...food & entertaining...

Prawn piri piri This is perfect fast food!

You will need some skewers - if using wooden ones, soak them for 30 minutes first

ingredients

24 prawns, with shells on - piri piri sauce juice of 1 lime - lime wedges, to serve

Method In a large bowl, add the prawns and a generous amount of piri piri sauce, depending on how hot you like it. Squeeze in lime juice and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Leave to marinate, overnight if you have time, or for about 30 mins. Thread three prawns onto each skewer, then throw on the barbecue. You might need to do them in batches, depending on the size of your grill. They need very little time to cook - a couple of mins for each side should be enough. When the prawns have turned pink and opaque, they’re ready (overcooking will result in tough prawns). Serve with lime wedges.

Sardines with lemon and parsley ingredients

This is the best way to serve sardines, with simple flavours that will complement the fish

drizzle of olive oil juice of 1 large lemon 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped 8 sardines, with heads on, gutted and cleaned

Method In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice and parsley, then add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and give it a stir.

Smother each fish with the mixture, then lay on the barbecue and cook for about 5-7 mins each side, till just beginning to char.

Don’t overcook, as the fish will be too dry. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread

29

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

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

to Advertise your bar or restaurant Call our costa blanca sales office on

966 719 647

North Staffordshire Oat Cakes are in Spain Visit Bill & Rita at

Los Alcazares Market - Monday Moncayo Market - Saturday El Zocco Market - Sunday Tel: 676 527 348 Email billsinspain@hotmail.com

SPoRTSMAn BAR

stars in bars DATE ARTIST

VENUE

25th Rhionne Arches Cafe Bar 26th Elvis Experience Tavern 2 26th John E Wood The Olde 9th 26th Woody The Clover 26th Harry Valentino Band Inn at the Green 26th Andy Jones Arches Cafe Bar 26th Backbeat 2 El Mundos 26th Cherry K Bar Amsterdam 26th Joanna A Fuego Lento 26th London Pride Traceys Bar & Grill 27th Lynden B Arches Cafe Bar 27th Matt Christian Bar Sioux 27th Lenny Mitchell Hogs Head 27th Dee The Lounge Bar 27th Just Bono Coopers Arms 27th PDQ Bar Carlos 28th Shadoogie The Snug 28th Lynden B Mulligans Bar 28th Fakers Quo/Desperados 29th Samantha Curtis Arches Cafe Bar 31st Lynden B Vista Bar 31st Rob Bonovox Arches Cafe Bar

AREA

INFO

Los Alcazares Lo Crispin Elvis Tribute Marquesa Golf Condado Alhama Entre Naranjas Los Alcazares Benimar Beatles Duo La Marina Torrevieja Torrevieja Los Alcazares Comedy Show Gran Alicant La Marina Aguas Nuevas Dona Pepa U2 Tribute Torrevieja Torre de la Horredada La Manga Golf The Country Pub Torremendo Los Alcazares Aguas Nuevas Comedy Show Los Alcazares

gig guide

QUESADA

KITCHEN OPEN 1OAM-2PM MON-SAT 6PM-9PM (8.3OPM FRIDAYS) FULL ENGLISH 2.50€ 2 MEALS FOR 5€ LUNCHTIME

www.starsinbars.org

Dave lane guitar & vocals

saturday 27th july 9pm

tel: 966 183 514

CARVERY The inn at the green every Sunday Urbanizacion Laguna Green Entre Naranjos

from 1pm

FRIDAY NIGHT

includes a glass of wine, small beer or water

€ 6-95

per person

Booking advisable as space is limited

Wednesday

saturday NIGHT

31st July

The Soundz

MEAL DEAL Fish or Pork Lomo 3 Courses

Multi Tribute Band with Full Costume Changes Show starts 10.30pm

only €4-95 san miguel de salinas

cv-95

commercial centre



orihuela



inn at the green

san javier

ap-7 los montesinos

7 piece band 3 English and 3 Spanish with a female vocalist...

Music begins 10.15pm

677 617 434 672 033 676

 www.theinnatthegreen.co.uk

alicante

Kitchen is open from 11am Breakfasts from 2€

Every Wednesday Kabaroke with & Sunday Matt Christian 9pm

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

31

C O M M U NIT Y NE W S THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA

Meets at The Dojo, Avenida de las Naciones, Quesada. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7.30p.m. And every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 7.30p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service.

WE ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER UNTIL TUESDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com

LINE DANCING

Every Friday 10.30am Bar Sofia, El Raso. Fun Learn to Line Dance for Absolute Beginners with Adam (all the basic dances to get you line dancing) No previous dance skills required, but a sence of humour a must.TEL 670711408

QUESADA LADIES CLUB

The Annual General Meeting of the Quesada Ladies Club will be held at the Cooper’s Arms, Dona Pepa, on Tuesday 3rd September 2013. This is for members only, and they will be admitted at the usual time of 2.30pm.

PASO A PASO DANCE CLUB UPDATE

CerocStyle Classes.

Mondays 7.30pm Polnastics, Los Balcones. LAST CLASS HERE 15TH JULY. Tuesdays 5.30pm Class at La Marina Sports Complex CONTINUES BY POPULAR DEMAND. Thursdays Los Rosales, Guardamar 7pm - 9pm Classes continue here but no social.

LEARN TO LINE DANCE WITH ADAM ......11.30AM Lo Crispin Tavern and 10.30am Bar Sofia, El Raso.

Both these classes will continue, but please call 670711408 for any possible changes.

NEW VENUES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED. Exciting details of club classes and social events happening will be announced at the end of September.

In the past 7 years we have taught over 1,000 people in this area “how to modern jive” and we still get a big buzz from seeing past members jiving so hope to see you very soon at a venue near you.

“La Mata Jazz”

Monday afternoons - jazz jams in Torrevieja. At The new Pegasus Torrevieja, Calle Dinamarca 7, Tel. 617 042 295. Very good musicians will be there: - Bajo / Bass: Jesús Gea Marcos (E); - Drums: Bryan James (UK) Piano: Ramon Climent (E); and some special guest.Chris from La Mata Jazz www.jazz.la-mata.com http://www.facebook.com/lamata.jazz

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

Ceroc Style Modern Jive

Thursdays 7pm Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Never Danced-No Partner-No Problem.

EVERY FRIDAY 10.30am at Bar Sofia, El Raso. Learn to line dance absolute beginners class with Adam. No dancing skills required but a sence of humour a must !!

SALSA FUN FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS. Every Tuesday 11am. Bar Sofia, El Raso.Learn the basics to get you on the dance floor. No partner or dance skills required.

We at Paso A Paso Dance believe dance should be for everyone, even if you have never danced before...the hardest part of our classes is coming through the door for the very first time, the rest is easy. Tel 670711408 for more info.

COFFEE MATES

If you would like to have a coffee and chat, exchange news etc. please join us at La Laguna Hotel, Lo Marabu, Friday mornings from 11.00 Ann - 965 070 247 or 666 747 398

50+ SOLOS

The 50+ SOLOS held a BBQ and fundraising afternoon at a local bar near Torrevieja on Saturday 6 July for a charity that raises funds to assist people having to leave the Forces for a variety of reasons and do not, for various reasons, qualify for assistance. MANY finish up homeless, living on the streets, jobless and some have mental issues.

Due to things beyond our control some of the plans for the afternoon did not take place. It was also a day full of SPORT so public attendance was mainly from friends.

I want to thank the businesses and people that donated to our event but I have a small group of people and friends that were outstanding financially and physically on the day. Without them we could NOT HAVE RAISED THE OUTSTANDING SUM OF 606.00 euros over a period of time leading up to the event and on 6 July. To me they are the people that care.

50+ SOLOs 966789063 966786281 (August)

The Office of the Urbanisation has organised the creation of a new Netball Club on Urbanisation Marina. People from all ages are welcome to attend.

For more information you can contact Sam on 966 443 002, email concejaliadeurbanizaciones@ayto-sanfulgencio.es or call into the office on Calle Madrid.

HELP ASSOCIATION OF VEGA BAJA

FRIENDS UNLIMITED, the social arm of Help Vega Baja, meets every Thursday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at the The Club, Calle Toledo, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales (adjacent to Quesada Bowls Club), unless marked otherwise.

JULY 4 Ian Gibson with an afternoon of “Fun and laughter” 7-9 **ROSA’s COACH TRIP TO CUENCA AND BEYOND (139€ FB) 11 Dean Watkin bringing you “Tapas a Tope” demonstration and tasting ** LIMITED NUMBERS – PAYMENT REQUIRED IN ADVANCE AT SAN MIGUEL OFFICE or AT A THURSDAY MEETING Charity No: 2985 Our 24 hour emergency helpline 965 723 733

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Wednesday 10th July Open Meeting. Centro Social, La Marina Urbanisation (behind the Police Station) at 18.00hrs. Are you are worried about your own level of drinking or concerned for the well being of someone close to you?

Please come along. No obligation. Helpline 625 912 078. www.aa-costablanca.org.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Are concerned about your own level of drinking? Does your personal or professional life bring you into contact with a problem drinker?

Members of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS invite you to attend, without obligation, a special Open Meeting on Wednesday 10th July at Centro Social, La Marina Urbanisation (behind the Police Station) at 18.00hrs.

Helpline 625 912 078. www.aa-costablanca.org.

FREE n o i t i t e p m o c

2 CHANCES TO WIN!!!

Every week 1 lucky couples can win a fabulous Menu del Dia… … 1 couple can win a delicious, 9 item English breakfast, including tea or coffee (between 9.30am – 5pm)

Netball club

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

space for a little one?

Lara is a beautiful little girl, about six and a half months old. She was found in Pilar de la Horadada, very frightened and covered in fleas and ticks.

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

She is currently living in a foster home and will make a lovely little companion for someone.

MEAL FOR 2: George Watson

To arrange to meet Lara, or any other APAH dog or cat, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS: BREAKFAST FOR 2: John Clarke

32

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

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday boats

SERENITY SAILING - SUMMER TEENS SAILING CLUB & YACHT CHARTERS Sit back, sip bubbly & enjoy the Med on our pristine yacht. Skippered yacht charters available for the whole family this summer. Alternatively, sign the kids up for our sailing camp this August, they will finish up with an internationally recognised sailing license & you can chill out for a change! Contact: enquiries@ serenitysailing.com / Anna: (0034) 6802 97955 / www.serenitysailing.com

electricians Electrician , available for all works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 562. davendonc@aol.com

Furniture

Furniture first

est 2006

sl

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

house clearance specialist FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE QUALITY FURNITURE Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 www.southcostablancaonline.com

hearing aids

From

550€

www.digitalhearingspain.com

TELEPHONE: 966 719 647 leak detection

for sale

advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email: blancasales@soltimes.com

M O UN T A IN BIKES, 1 ladies, 1 gents. Topbikes 926X, little used, €80 each or the two for €150. Ciudad Quesada Tel. 966 719 272.

computer,internal hard drive, Commodore m o n i t o r , Panasonic printer, books, disks, all working.85 €.Los Montesinos 966 720 631 E X T E NDING TABLE SOLID MATTRESSES x 2 PINE and 6 chairs, , single bed as new excellent condition, 30€each or 50€ for Ciudad Quesada, the pair. Tel 966 can deliver to local 848 263 area. €150 o.n.o.

K NI T T ING Tel. 966 719 272.

MACHINE Singer TRAVEL COT / System 9000, PLAYPEN, Hauck electronic including ‘Dream and play’ TV monitor and sturdy folding. all instruction Used once, in box, manuals.

Offers as new 30€ Los for quick sale as Montesinos 675 space needed.

570 404 Ciudad Quesada, AMIGA 1200 Tel. 966719272.

garden services

A1 Group

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

Telephone 628 505 733 insurance

asssa medical

Shoes Leather size 6 UK/ 39 EU. Brand new never been worn still in the box 25€.

Camposol B Tel 655095242 /968199242

C o m p lete beginners set golf clubs. Right hand mens golf set.

Donnay international, drivers, putter, sand wedge , complete irons , bag.

Camposol B . 60€ Tel 655095242, 968199242 Ladies Golf Golf trolley,

plastering

jewellery

All plumbing work GOLD WANTED undertaken, English jeweller wishes to buy broken from full or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and bathroom coins installation to small leaks.

IMMEDIATE CASH Need a plumber PAYMENT Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

in an emergency then call now

966 763 633 650 587 361

pool & water leak detection & repair specialists

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

for sale

So n y C a m co r d e r battery DR5 bought and never used 10€ W i r ele s s Tel 635885062 Ultra Slim Camposol K e y b oa r d Emprex 6311ARFIII M i xe r , 2.4GHz and Be h r i n g e r 1832FX 1600dpi Hi- XENYX Resolution Optical PA good condition, Mouse. Still boxed, 18 input channels, cost £22, Only 12€ 9 channel graphic Location: Cuidad equaliser plus Quesada, Tel many effects, 965725573, Mob reverb, echo, 659013882 chorus, flanger etc.

ADASL Wifi Hub Only 120 Euros, 965725573, Netgear (DG834G) Tel: only 10€ Cuidad 65901388, location Quesada, Tel Cuidad Quesada 965725573, Mob Pool tables, 659013882 snooker tables,

EMERGENCY

Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396 mazarron@asssa.es

664 890 990

Masa small armchair. Blue and yellow fabric. Pine arms and frame 30€ or will swap for IKEA type chair in good condition.

Camposol B Tel 655095242, 968199242

E NG L ISH PLASTERER internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@ 4 thread hotmail.co.uk ove r lock Brother EF4-B531 plumber Industrial,very good condition 275€ Te l : 9 6 6 7 2 2 0 1 0 Torrevieja area.

insurances PLUMBER

Call Peter

good condition.

20€ Camposol B. Tel 655095242, 968199242

A L UMINIUM GATES Double & Electric Sliding.

Guaranteed no rust. Call Tracy on 966 726 891

table tennis tables, darts. Tel: 666 933 726 www. spainpool.com

WANTED

under counter double freezer can collect tel: 672 033 676

Packard Bell computer.

Hard drives removed for data protection. wanted Last ran on windows xp.

2 commercial cd/dvd drives, kitchen floppy disc drive, oven several usb ports, must be digital tv network in good card, keyboard and working mouse. Suitable for spares or adding order new hard drive. can collect 40€ ono. Camposol call B Tel 655 095 242, 609 199 394 968 199 242

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

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

personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

ELEGANT SLIM, SEXY, naughty ITALIAN LADY availanble home/house visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, quesada and other areas. Escort available home & house visits Tel: 693 357 526

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

33

www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from mojacar This is a unique spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, well as a workshop, courtyard front Orihuela Costa Playa Flamenca & back & room for a pool. Mountain views. Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², We have clients Plot 1200m² €150,000 Tel: 649 186 107 enquiring in this area thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601

FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca

***FOR SALE***

PLAYA FLAMENCA FREEHOLD UNIT WITH LICENCES WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A SOUTH FACING, LARGE END COMMERCIAL / LOCAL WITH SUN TERRACE IN A VERY AFFLUENT AREA WITH GREAT PASSING TRADE

FOR MORE DETAILS CALL

(0034) 648 111 779

tony@casasolrealestate.com

LONG TERM RENTAL - 2 Bed, 1 Bath Upstairs duplex with private roof solarium in Torrevieja.

Furnished. Walking 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, distance to local school, Habaneras Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished Shopping Centre and Torrevieja Town. inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living 300€ monthly + bond + bills. Tel: 0034 Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings.

Overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, church & 966761189 / 0034 619098543. mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk

LONG TERM RENTAL - Large 2 Bed, away from the town’s attractive central square, 1 Bath Ground Floor Apartment with all other amenities are also within easy walking private garden and terrace situated on distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course the edge of the golf resort of Lomas De Private Sale €75,000 Campoamor, walking distance to La Fuente Commercial Centre. Furnished. Tel: (0034) 676 534 978 425€ monthly + bond + bills. Tel: 0034 966761189 / 0034 619098543 wigs

satellite tv

property/commercial

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

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

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

Salon Margarethas 24 years in Torrevieja hair / wig specialist for medical illness and hair loss problems. We offer Rainbow Satellites for all your TV different hair replacements, top fillers, hair prostheses, toupees needs with clients all over the Murcia & wigs. Natural & artificial hair & much more. Also fashion / Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 festival accessories. TV/TS are welcome to our service. Call 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es Margaretha on 966 921 846 for an appointment.

SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED 966 719 647

removals

Just Removals Friendly Low Cost

Full or part loads spain-uk-spain

Local Van & Pets Welcome Moves Trailer Motorbikes - Caravans Call Brian 965 326 920 - 666 847 648 email: beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

Large 22 cubic metre van with tail lift available for all removals & deliveries call Dave on 693 251 562 email davendonc@aol. com

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

homes wanted FINCA LA CASTELLANA ANIMAL WELFARE CENTRE If you can re-home foster or sponsor one of the adorable dogs please contact Eleanor 610188349.

Tessa & her sister, Labrador cross puppies, 10 months old She has been chipped, spayed & her vaccinations are up to date

homes wanted

Pets In Spain Alfie was found wandering the streets a few weeks ago, he is around 4 months old and looks like a Fox Terrier cross with one brown and one blue eye. He has been vaccinated and ready for a home.

Call:645 469 253 or 673 238 974 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

34

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

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

trade Businesses can advertise in the classified section

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Christine 966 719 647

removals cont...

De Lima’s removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Jo on 600 344 565 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

car parts

motoring starts here

Car parts

Need quality new parts for any car

Vehicles wanted

WANTED

ALL VEHICLES

Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, for sensible prices on all parts Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

FOR CASH

Telephone: 699 805 995

info@carsrus.es

or telephone 692 930 326

CA4RS

Vehicles registration UK-SPAIN-UK fortnightly service fortnightly ESP: 914 143 164 UK: 01773 service 513 013

www.britonsremovals.com britonsremovals@ic24.net

new box van leaving from the UK to Spain

Telephone Dave on

693 251 562

email:davendonc@aol.com

recruitment Staff Wanted

New Condado de Alhama branch of Jane’s Salon is looking for a hairdresser to join the existing team. Part time initially, possibly full time at a later date.

Tel: 611 611 858

RAY ARE YOU A ?

E OF SUNSHIN

SOLTIMES are looking for A

Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team in Costa Blanca based at our office in Quesada.

Full or part time sales position available.

Experience not essential as full training will be given as long as you’re organised, enjoy meeting people & can work to deadlines

Send your CV to rosemaryw@soltimes.com

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

CASH

WE BUY

Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash

jet skis urgentely wanted any condition

bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

603 100 692

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable

CALL soltimes CLASSIFIED

966 719 647

CASH CASH CASH Same day collection

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

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

Ed’s mobile

CAR AIR CONDITIONING REGASING SERVICE SERVICING, REPAIRS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS GARAGE SERVICES

610 078 940

wanted cars for cash Best prices paid

Spanish English Anything considered

telephone Tim on 662 211 993

WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

vehicle imports & matriculation.fast and competitive rates. call 687 845 730

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 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

recruitment cont...

Cook required

to work along with other Chef in a busy bar/cafe 20-25 hours contracted position Located between Montesinos & San Miguel Tel: 672 033 676

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

for a car we have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles available for sale or exchange.

Ford Focus Dec ‘07 - Estate 1.8 TDCi 105,000 kms, 3 owners Fully serviced A/C, PAS, ABS Cruise control Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Bluetooth Parrot Metallic dark grey

Telephone 600 726 221 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

€7,450 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

1.9 DIESEL RHD, SPANISH REG. 1999, 125,000 MILES A/C, 10MTHS ITV, TRANSFER INCLUDED €1500 622 338 515 VW LT109 RIGHT HAND DRIVE Re-con engine 2003 - Luton van 2.5 TDi, 229,000 miles 4 owners Fully serviced CD player Central locking Rear roller shutter Reverse camera Parrot blue tooth Taxed and MOT’d Red

€4,250 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

BMW 320i RIGHT HAND DRIVE 2003 – Spanish Registered 4 door saloon 69,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights CD, Remote locking Parktronic, DSC Headlamp wash Multi function wheel Metallic grey

€8,800

€4,950

600 726 221 965 687 976

Looking

SEAT CORDOBA

Citroen Picasso Xsara 2009 - MPV Type 1.6 HDi 35,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C PAS, ABS E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix Metallic bronze

www.fwreurocars.com

cars for sale

cars for sale

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

THIS SPACE, FOR PRIVATE ADVERTISERS, IS ONLY 15€ INCLUDING A PHOTO

SELLING YOUR car ?

PHONE CHRISTINE

ON

966 719 647

IS ONLY 15€ INCLUDING A PHOTO

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

I was well up on all the humdrum ordinary daily jobs, and it looked likely that I would have time to start the jigsaw that has been sitting in the cupboard for 6 years, waiting for me to have nothing to do and a whole kitchen table upon which to do it.

Then it turned into One Of Those Days. It started when I changed the bag in the pedal bin. The previous evening we had had salmon, the detritus from which was the last thing in the bag, so therefore on top.

Balancing on one foot, my other foot firmly on the pedal of the bin I pulled out the old bag and held it in one hand while with the other hand I stuffed the new bag into place.

However the new bag didn’t want to go, and it clung tenaciously to the outside of the bin, like a child to its mother’s leg.

There was nothing for it; to disentangle the new bag I had put the old bag down on the kitchen floor, where with calm inevitability it flopped sideways, disgorging salmon remains in a random manner over a good portion of the josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk j u s t - m o p p e d

By Jos Biggs

kitchen floor.

With tightened lips and studied self-control I fetched a cloth, picked up the archaeological remains of last night’s supper, and mopped the floor all over again before starting out for the Bank in Arboleas.

My task was not difficult. I had to hand in a form, pay 15€ and get a receipt at Unicaja, so I parked, took the form and money and pulsar’d the timbre that would allow me access to Cajamar.

It was so full that I could only just get in through the door, but I squeezed myself in and settled to wait. Through no fault of anybody’s, everybody’s business took ages, but I am British, therefore I was born to queue.

For 20 minutes I queued before reaching almost the head of the line, form and money ready in hand. As I watched the hardly perceptible progress ahead of me, I glanced at the form, to check that I had it the right way up – I didn’t want the unnecessary delay caused by the presentation of an upside-down form.

At this point that I noticed that I was in Cajamar - the form distinctly instructed me to pay at Unicaja. I had just wasted 20 minutes of good jigsaw time because I hadn’t read the form properly!

The third thing that went wrong? The laptop made sure that it happened, but I daren’t tell you – it’s listening!

Ne ver De al in Small Change

Life is all about choices and not simply what fate has in store for us. Who has not at some point, looked back over their life and pondered on the direction they may have taken had they elected to follow a different path. Or if we had not been in a particular place at a certain time or perhaps crossed paths with a certain individual and knowing that as a result, our future fortunes would have turned out differently.

I am not a believer in predestination – I didn’t even know what it meant until I looked it up - what would be the point to life if everything we do had been pre-ordained.

But I am convinced that we are presented with options throughout our lives and our destiny is therefore entirely in our own hands. The difference between one small sherry and six pints of Adnam’s Broadside could have devastating consequences if imbibed whilst deciding on proceeding right or left on life’s highway.

If we take a look back over our lives, we can clearly see the many cross roads and

tee junctions where we have had to decide which particular path to take. Some were easy decisions whilst others may have required a good deal of thought and soul searching.

On other occasions it may have been decided on the proverbial toss of a coin or just plain gut feeling. There are never sign posts at these junctions to give us clear instructions on the best route.

But most of us have in our reflective moments - when in melancholy mood or simply jarred off with our humdrum existences - wondered what might have happened if only we had made different decisions along the way.

I envy those people who when asked, say confidently that they have few regrets in life. I have a million of them – and that’s just since last Wednesday. I consistently made unwise choices as a young man: principally opting for a career with no future in favour of a secure job for life with a good salary and early retirement. Not that retirement considerations were even thought of at age 17 in those halcyon pre-banking and pension fund scandal days.

I just could not see myself pushing a pen and compiling statistics for the rest of my life.

But then was it really so unwise, taking everything that

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

has happened in the intervening years into consideration?

Because, as ill advised and foolhardy as that particular decision might now appear, it set me on a different path that led me to places and to meet people and form friendships that would have escaped me if I had taken the ‘sensible’ route and opted for an office bound life in the nation’s capital; never experiencing the bucolic Elysium of country living. And I almost certainly would not be writing this in the Spanish sunshine.

Had I not been fortunate enough to be able to knock off a few years from my designated retirement time, we may never have left rural Suffolk. And living in that lovely county for thirty years, was brought about by way of a promotion which necessitated a move from Hull where we had lived briefly. This in turn had come about because of a job application made some months earlier in Birmingham, having recently returned from working overseas. My time abroad encompassed meeting my present lovely lady and thereby set me off in another new direction, and my job there had been the result of an advertisement in a trade paper, noticed purely by chance during my time in Cornwall.

The village of Polperro where I lived at that time, was the February feature photograph on a calendar that had been

hanging in our local chippy in Reading a year earlier and had such an impact on me at the time, that I resolved to upsticks and move there, even though I had no knowledge of the county and no job to go to at that point.

So you see; from waiting for my haddock and a bob’s worth of chips in an obscure little chip shop on a Reading council estate and falling in love with a photograph of a quaint fishing village – my future course was set. What if it had been March and the picture had been of Windermere or Whitby – where might I have ended up? And what if they had been out of haddock and I had selected a sausage in batter instead? I will never know of course and the whole question can only be the object of idle speculation on those winter nights when there is nothing worth watching on the box.

Life – as they say – turns on a sixpence, which is perhaps a case for never dealing in small change.

alqueria - Diversión en el Campo John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

One Thing After Another

viewpoint

35

The midsummer heat lay waste to the streets of Alqueria.

Too hot for even the slightest exertion, too hot to think, but relief was at hand. Today was the annual ‘Diversión en el Campo’. The day when the people of the village move down to the banks of the Río Verde where a vast picnic takes place.

Impromptu games for the children and the young at heart bring undignified scampering amidst gales of laughter. Adolescent boys engage in feats of strength designed to impress the young ladies of the village. They looked on with admiration tempered with coyness, a feat in which Spanish girls are so well trained.

It would indeed to be an idyllic day. Idyllic, if this was anywhere else but Alqueria. The reality was barrio rivalry and the disgusting green slime of the Río Verde.

Pilar del Redondorodillas, the bakery owner undertook to make the filled bocadillos. Having a job lot of La Mancha cheese which was well past its sell-by-date she made 2,500 foul smelling rolls. The hog roast had to be abandoned as the pig outwitted its pursuers and now resides happily on the high sierra free to live a life of religious fulfilment. Horacio Stranglardeganso, landlord of the Bar La Casa Devante took exception to the beer being imported. He withheld access to his cold room with the result that the beer was lukewarm and exploded when opened. All in all it was a miserable affair.

The trestle-tables carrying their forlorn fare sat unhappily by the banks of the Río Verde. The foul stench from the stagnant green water added nothing to the desirability of the repast.

The plain vinyl covered tables of the Hill People stood in contrast to the elegant tables of the Newcomers, silver plated and cut glass gobleted. This show of opulence was in keeping with those who regard themselves as privileged. They needed to prove their superiority at every opportunity with absurd shows of pomposity. This display of arrogance was wasted on the Hill People who began hurling insults at their supposed superiors. This soon became the most enjoyable part of the day.

Manuela, who had disappeared into the undergrowth with several of the fitter lads wasn’t there to control her followers.

Soon the insults were followed by something more tangible as a fusillade of Manchego filled buns found their mark. The Newcomers joined in the fun as surplus flour based products and empty beer bottles filled the air.

It was in some way reassuring that the old barrio rivalries had been restored and Alqueria could once more settle into a routine of insults, sabotage and dispute.

The weary villagers returned home to find every house in every street ransacked and looted.

36

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

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

Thunderbird Part 3: Options! Options! (or set it up the way you want it to work!)

First let’s go to the ‘Tools’ option on the menu bar, then, near the bottom of the list is an option called ‘Options’ (inventive!). Choose this and yet another box (microsoft does love it’s windows!) appears, called surprisingly, ‘Options’. At the top of this window are 7 icons, each with a name of what this section contains.

The first 2 options ‘General’ and ‘Display’ have very little impact on how you do things and are perfectly fine as they are. The next option ‘Composition’ might need a little ‘tweaking’ (Yep, real computer term!). Under the icon are 3 tabs, ‘General’, ‘Addressing’ and ‘Spelling’. You might want to look at the first 2, but they probably won’t want changing. The last tab, ‘Spelling’ probably will. You might want the spelling to be checked before you send it or better still, check the spelling as you type it. Here’s the rub! The default language is American ‘English’. Little use to the Brits over here! So you will have to find British ‘English’ which, for better or worse, has evolved since ‘the Mayflower’.

The bottom sentence says ‘Download more languages’.

Left click on this and watch a page of different languages appear on the main screen below this window. At this point you will have to click the ‘Cancel’ button to close the options window. Scoot down to ‘English (British)’, and next to it is the instruction ‘Download Dictionary’, so follow the instructions.

The last instruction will be ‘Install Now’. Return to the options window, which should open exactly where you closed it, at ‘Composition’ → ‘Spelling’. Click on the Drop-down box marked ‘language, and change the preferred language to ‘English/UK’. From now on you will spell in ‘Her Majesty’s’ English. Nothing else needs altering. I recommend that you look at each option, read it carefully, and then decide if you want to change it.

Your options are done! Now for something completely the same! ‘Account settings’. These are to be found on the tool bar under ‘Tools’ and just above the previous section on ‘Options’. This allows you to change how Thunderbird talks to your web server. The first screen tells who you are, your email address and where the emails get sent to.

Under ‘Server Settings’ there are only 2 changes that I would make and they are; ‘leave all messages on the server, until I delete them’ – this way there will be a copy of them, just in case; and ‘Empty trash on exit’ – why store deleted emails?

Skip ‘Copies and Folder’ and go to ‘Composition and Addressing’ for the next changes. Here it says ‘automatically quote ….’ there is another drop-down box with the message ‘start my reply below quote’. This default setting is good provided you don’t plan on having very long correspondences.

It only becomes a problem when you will have to go to the end of the page to read what has just been written and then add your reply. My personal choice is to change the setting to ‘start reply above quote’. That way you can read their reply immediately, without having to go look for it, then add your own at the top. The recipient can then read your reply at the beginning of the email and add their response, if one is needed. Not rocket science (but then, rocket science isn’t rocket science any more!).

Every other setting can be left unaltered. Now you have Thunderbird set up ready to go. Next time we will talk about ‘message filters’ what they are, how they work and why bother with them?

For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

China police use geese to fight crime

Police at a remote station in China have swapped dogs for geese to guard their premises at night. Officers at the station in the province of Xinjiang, northwest China, prefer the feathered gatekeepers because they have better hearing and make more noise when intruders are near.

“Dogs are good, but when thieves came, they would poison the dog first,” said one police officer. “Geese are quite alert and they have marvellous hearing. As long as there is noise, they will cackle loudly. And big geese are quite brave; when they see strangers, they will go forward to attack. What’s more, geese have bad eyesight at night so even if they were exposed to poison, they are unlikely to see and eat it.”

Last month, the geese alerted sleeping policemen after a farmer, who had his motorbike confiscated, broke into the station to try and steal it back.

REVIEW it...

Seeking Wisdom on a Day by Day Basis

by Clive G Walker No way was optimism ever going to be allowed to shape the future. Even to suggest there was a glimmer of hope was met with a sharp rebuff.

This is an interesting collection of 6 short stories recounting actual events on various visits to either European countries or within the U.K. The commonality is a touch of philosophical resonance mixed with an element of humour, notably sarcasm and wit.

Even a search for wisdom, insight and enlightenment can produce, along its path, moments of hilarity.

This is Walker’s first collection and hopefully, not his last.

Why Are Pessimists So Vocal? touches upon those infuriatingly annoying but spontaneous and unavoidable encounters with one of those oddballs suffering from verbal diarrhoea which I am sure we can all relate to and detest?!

It doesn’t really matter whether it was Portugal, Spain or the moon. It can happen anywhere. The writer was at peace with the world, walking through a pine forest remarking on the beauty of nature’s little pocket of paradise . The sensory imagery helps the reader to identify with this microcosm: the scent, the song of the birds and the feeling of being a million miles from civilisation .

Along the Spanish/Portuguese border, Villa Real San Antonio and the Guadiana river taking the ferry to Ayamonte and back.

The intrepid traveller soldiered on with determination until he was stopped in his tracks by a German intrigued by Walker’s S.S. Norway cap that fired him into lecturing our hero on the moral failings of the world and the international war crimes destroying the tranquility of a perfectly wonderful day.

Maybe he’s a former SS officer or a new breed of neo Nazi or a student of the school of Socrates?

His barbed comments on the decadent society of the west was depressingly seen as an obsession with money, materialism, t.v. and shagging. No comment.

It’s decadent, has no morality, no true direction and no long term future .

How to spoil a holiday. A perfectly orchestrated 20 minute lecture.

Annihilation? Armageddon? You’ve got the drift. The lecture started with the 40s, then covered the second world war before moving to the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict. He became known as Doom and Gloomer, alias Herr Miserables .

Ironically, the return ferry to Portugal seemed like an action replay with the arrival of another PESSIMIST meditating on the world being on the brink of

disaster but vocally: They won’t be happy ‘till everything’s dead.

Two in the same day was an uncanny coincidence, hence the question: Why are Pessimists so Vocal? Walker questions why HE always seemed to be sharing space with such resigned pessimists , these gloomy people .

He reaches a simple answermaybe he just spends too much time on ferries, buses or in woods and that if there are any optimists out there they are seen as a pretty rare breed, unusually quiet.

Is It All Just Vanity? begins with disembarkation from Pula airport after the former Yugoslavia tore itself apart in bloody conflict. The story covers a decade later when British tourists were reluctant to return. Walker describes being escorted to the plane with these fierce looking dudes more akin to exsecret service as a sort of Hawaiian welcome in reverse .

The reflection or philosophical angle is how small the world looks through the windows of the plane and the insignificance of humans.

I felt miniature, negligible, unimportant . Don’t we know the feeling? And the question of how we believe in our own importance , that we ARE at the centre of the earth, believing it’s man’s vanity-his inflated vanity. We have choices.

We can choose between good and evil deeds. Creativity or destruction with a final and positive remark: We can choose, hopefully, to build a free thinking and inspirational world .

The story builds up to a climax with the sudden and shocking revelation of copious amounts of oil spurting out of the engine and seeing himself as a condemned man as the plane bursts into flames……….

Perhaps we should tolerate Herr Miserables? If I had a choice I would prefer the 20 minute lecture than hoping that divine intervention can save me from an explosion that will wipe out lives.

Out, out, brief candle!, Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more.

The book is dedicated to all of you who seek wisdom. Thought-provoking and interesting. And I am sure you can recognise the quotation! (Available on ereader and Kindle Amazon.

Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times...

Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

Andy Murray inspires new Scottish dance

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon heroics have been honoured in the form of a new Scottish country dance.

Entitled The Pride of Dunblane, it has just performed the first time by several hundred dancers at Linlithgow Castle, reports The Scotsman.

It is set to the Wimbledon theme tune and includes movements which have been inspired by Murray’s Wimbledon journey.

These include dancers representing the shape of Centre Court, the scurrying run of Murray retrieving a drop shot and even the motions he makes for the ever-present towel.

And to complete the authentic feel of Murray’s most epic encounter to date, dancers are also encouraged to pump fists and shout “come on!”.

News of the dance has even reached Judy Murray, who showed her support by retweeting reports of its premiere.

It was written by Ian Brockbankwho has composed more than 50 dances in Scottish traditional form.

He said: “I was watching Murray in the semis and just got the feeling that he would go on to win it so I thought that something should be done to honour this.

“I tried to create a simple dance which everyone could enjoy so that Andy’s achievements could be celebrated at ceilidhs up and down the country.”

Instructions to the Pride of Dunblane are available for free from. scottishdance.net and the Scotch Hop Web sites

Mini Monet brings in the money

A 10-year-old art prodigy dubbed the ‘Mini Monet’ has seen his earnings soar to £1.5m after his latest collection sold for £250,000 in just 20 minutes.

Kieron Williamson first started painting when he was just five years old and was inspired by boats in dock during a family holiday to Cornwall.

His work first came on the market in 2009, when he was just seven, and 19 of his paintings were sold for £14,000 in a sealed-bid auction.

Since then he has gained international renown and his new collections are regularly snapped up for hundreds of thousands of pounds from buyers around the world.

At the most recent sale 23 of his works were bought for a total of £242,000 in just 20 minutes by eager buyers.

Prices ranged from £2,450 for a small watercolour to £30,000 for a winter snow scene near his home in Norfolk.

Despite his phenomenal success Kieron has only just finished primary school and will home-tutored from next year so he can concentrate on painting.

His earnings mean he has been able to buy a new house for his parents Keith and Michelle and invest in works by other artists.

Kieron has his own company, Kieron Williamson Limited, which has his parents as directors, and will be opening his own gallery later in the year.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

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

SOLTIMES JULY 2013

sport

Quesada Golf Society Wednesday 17th July at Altorreal Golf Course 29 members and guests set off for what promised to be a very hot game of golf at Altorreal, and hot it was the temperature must have been up in the 40,s the course was in excellent condition and the greens very fast , with the heat being what it has for the last few weeks the greens staff have had a lot of work to do to keep the course in such good condition, so well done , the condition of the course was reflected in the scores that came in, Gordon McGregor was deemed to have had a very lucky game of golf today as all the trees that he hit sent his ball straight back onto the fairway but Brian Smith who had purchased a new 3 wood has renamed it to a TREE WOOD, after his game today, Les Lindores was in the winning mood as he landed his ball nearest the pin on hole 8 leaving him a 3ft putt which he then proceeded to take 3 putts to hole out.

Results

Gold Div Winner Norman Lewis 35pts 2nd Darryll Wright 33pts 3rd John King 32pts Silver Div Winner John Burgess 36pts 2nd Janet Candilin 34pts 3rd Les Lindores 33pts Nearest the Pins Gold Div Hole 17 par 3 Andrew King Hole 12 in 3 shots Darryll Wright Silver Div Hole 8 in 2 shots Les Lindores Hole 3 in 3 shots Les Lindores Best Guest Mark Good The Roy Pam Martin Our thanks to Anita & David at Quesada Country Club for their hospitality and refreshments on our return, our next game is on Wednesday 31st July at Alicante and our next members meeting is Tuesday 23rd July at Quesada Country Club 10.30am Aanyone interested in joining the society please contact Membership Secretary Les Pancott on 966716723.

Reported by Pam Martin Secretary QGS

Sucina Golf Society Tuesday, 16th July 2013 at Peraleja Golf A Texas Scramble chosen for this months outing.

Our numbers very much depleted this month from our usual turnout, although a very enjoyable day with good weather. We are very pleased to welcome three new Members to our game today, all of whom were on a winning ¨streak ¨.

Ray Lyons on the winning team, and Rob Walsh & Sue Lyons (keeping it in the family!)were in the Runners Up team.

Many congratulations to all our Winners.

Presentation of the prizes was held afterwards on the terrace at Peraleja.

Hello

The winning team on the day was:- Ray Lyons, Roy Kemp & Peter Robinson with 59.4 pts The runners up were:- Rob Walsh, John Storey, Dave Flavell & Sue Lyons with a total of 60.3 pts.

Nearest the pins went to: Hole 2 & 12 - Colin Griffiths, Hole 9 - Mick Reeves and Hole 16 - Ron Mckinley.

Our next meeting is at Saurines, on Tuesday 20th August at 10.00am. Format is an Individual Stableford.

Start list is on the Noticeboard in Franc & Louise Bar, Sucina or contact any Committee Member. All details can be found on our website:- www. sucinagolfsociety.com

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Torrevieja swimmers

Trophies for four Torrevieja swimmers in this weekends Travesia!

This Sunday, 21st July, at the beach next to the Port of Torre de la Horadada the 9th Travesia of the “Puerto de la Torre” took place with 406 swimmers battling it out in three different sea swims.

The youngest swimmers (57yrs) swam 200m followed by the 8 – 13yr olds swimming a 500m course and then 316 swimmers from 13yrs upwards swam the gruelling 1500m race.

Club Natacion Torrevieja entered 20 swimmers into these races, 8 in the 500m swim and 12 in the 1500m swim. Starting with the 500m race Samira Lucusni won 2nd place in the female Benjamin category (9-10yrs) with team mate Victoria Pigneur just missing out on the trophies with 4th place. In the boys Benjamin category Jonathan Izquierdo came 11th. In the

Alevin group team mates Zoe Connolly, Paula Garcia and Alexandra Amat came in 6th, 7th and 9th place.

Elian Del Rio Castillo and Timofeiy Pykin finished 6th and 11th in the Boys Alevin race.

FAIRWAYZ GOLF SOCIETY

FC TORREVIEJA

A lovely day was had by all at Alenda Golf course on Thursday 18th July.

22 players were up for the challenge on a well groomed course, well done Alenda for keeping up a good standard. Scores were average to good, playing on a hot day which had a welcomed breeze blowing.

Scores were as follows:Only one category today due to fairly low number of players.

1st Barry Wright - 33pts.

2nd Steve Hamilton - 31pts.

3rd Dave Harwood - 30pts.

Nearest the pin - Steve Hamilton.

Nearest the pin in 2 - Gerry Williams.

Best front 9 - Dave Titchen - 20pts.

Best back 9 - Ali Rich 18pts.

2 ball prize winner - Steve Lawrence.

Next week Thursday 25th July we are playing at Altorreal, 1st tee time is 10:15am. The following week Thursday 1st August. we are playing at Vistabella and the 1st tee time is 09:30am. Please be at the courses 1 hour prior to 1st tee time.

Thank you.

Steve Lawrence.

Then as the large yellow inflatable markers were dragged out to sea the nerves set in for all the swimmers in the 1500m race. Swimming a triangle around the bay the markers seemed like a dot on the horizon!! With the starting gun fired a frenzy of 316 swimmers set off on the gruelling 1500m course.

Having swimmers in 6 of the 10 age groups the club amassed 3 trophies, with the

UPDATE ON THE PRE-SEASON BUILD UP The revolving door keeps turning with some players coming in and some going out. It is the silly season in Spain when football clubs have to re-new contracts with players and recruit fresh blood and the players have to decide on the least riskiest moves in terms of will they get paid or won’t they.

Bit like a game of Russian roulette for the players.

Torry have signed 2 more players. RODRI , a 24 year old defender, who was born in Orihuela, of promise who featured for Real Murcia B in 2011/12 and then sustained a bad injury which kept him out of the game for a long time and from which he has only recently recovered.

Signing for Torry will give him a chance to re-establish himself and prove that he has overcome the serious injury and hopefully kick-start his career. The other signing is that of ex-Torry favourite, 36 year-old veteran and a player of great experience, skill and vision, CARASSCO who last season played for relegated Crevillente.

Torry have also lost 3 players who have after further deliberation have decided not to re-sign after it was reported that

female Masters of the club scooping 1st and 2nd place in the younger age group, Gillian mc Niece winning first place and colleague Vicki Connolly second. In the older Female masters group Beryl Altabas won 1st place.

Others swimmers Piroska Rideg won 5th place in the female Infantil category and Louise Brassinton 10th place.

Of the men, Yuriy Lymar 4th in the Absolute group and they had re-signed. These are fringe player SERGIO, impressive performer from last season LUIS CARLOS and experienced defender JUANFRAN who has signed for local rivals Orihuela CF. The current situation with regards to confirmed signings is:Keepers: Carrion Defenders: Vicente Boix, Rodri Eloy, and Danio Meseguer Midf ielders/Strikers: Burguillos, Manu Amores, Micro, Carassco, Gasch Youth Players: Guillem, Mati and Pau ( All midfielders) The revolving door will keep turning as Torry try to build their squad. 7 or 8 new arrivals due + “fingers crossed” the re-signing of highly promising central defender RAFA. Torry are interested in re-signing ERNESTO if he has overcome his injury problems and gets himself in shape. He would be a real asset if fully fit. It has also been muted that Torry would like to sign striker OBELE who played for Almoradi last season. I hope they do because he is a decent striker. They should also try to sign his mate ERIC from Almoradi who is also useful down the flanks.

The president of the football club has brought in a “specialist” company to try and restore the pitch to

Konstantin Badminov 15th in the Infantil category. In the younger male Masters group Juan Martinez, Javier Solla and Joaquin Garcia came 20th, 76th and 95th of 148 male swimmers in this group.

For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa - 665 454 126 or President Felipe on 609 418 776 or by e-mail on info@ clubnataciontorrevieja.com good condition before the season begins. This should really have be done by the local council as the ground belongs to them but as they are not prepared to do anything, Senor Boix has, therefore, taken the initiative and done something about it -. the saviour of the football club.

The football club have announced the following pre-season HOME friendlies which will be played at the NELSON MANDELA ( Rugby/ Football) STADIUM while work continues on restoring the football pitch at the Vicente Garcia Football Stadium.

Date Time Opposition Sunday 28 July 7pm Elche Ilicitano Promoted to Segunda B Group 3 Wednesday 7 August 7pm UCAM Murcia CF - Murcian Tercera side Wednesday 14 August 7pm CD Cox Promoted to Regional Preferente Group 4 Another friendly may be arranged at the VICENTE GARCIA before the season kicks off on Sunday 25 August with a home game against LA NUCIA. A still concerned Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain prepare for the new season still short of a few players.

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an over-hanging tree on the right next to a cavernous bunker!

The only hazard missing was an unfriendly pack of wolves popping down from the surrounding hills for a quick slurp!

SMGS SMGS visit FONT de LLOP It was a trip inland for members and guests from San Miguel Golf Society as we made the longish trek to the Aspe area where one of the newer courses in the area can be found.

Font de Llop, which translates as the wolf’s watering hole, can be found nestling in its own secluded valley from where there’s great views over the rugged Spanish countryside. I know the actual film location was further south but the surroundings could well be straight out of many scenes from the famous Clint Eastwood “spaghetti westerns”.

As would be expected, the course is tricky, tight and hilly and any player who happens to possess a few characteristics of a mountain goat, or indeed a wolf, would find them a great asset over the undulating terrain.

The 500m 9th hole which is a par 5, stroke 1, starts with a pretty long carry over one of the five lakes then it’s an uphill struggle trying to avoid the bunkers, usually against the prevailing wind, to a very well protected green with a ditch on the left and

TMGS

TMGS Match Report for Las Colinas, 17th July 2013 It was hot and sultry and that was not just the barmaid that served the morning coffee but the weather too. However, we shouldn’t complain; but we do, it is our nature.

The course today was, shall we say, slightly indifferent and there were some bare spots on the fairways that needed avoiding, but the golf was enjoyed as was the weather, although some were seen to be wilting as the day went on.

Talking of wilting, it was Les Wilton that took the 4th spot in the Silver Division with 31 points and it was a trio a 35 pointers that sorted out the next three placing’s, decided on count-backs and in 3rd place was Ray Ewins who was beaten by Per Skarnes who in turn lost the top slot to the ‘old stager’ George Smith.

Thankfully it was probably too hot for them when we visited and there wasn’t a wolf to be seen…… they were just as rare as birdies and eagles, didn’t see one of them all day!

Four out of five of the par 3’s gave up their NTP prizes which went to Alan Gilbert, Connor Jeffrey and two to John Osborne.

Connor also won the best guest prize with an audacious 45 points and his pal, Haydon Clarke claimed 2nd prize with his 41 …… definitely two young guns for the future!

Silver division’s top three were Jackie Marshall in 3rd (34), Captain Steve Davis in 2nd (35) & top spot went to Derek Johnston with 36 points.

Gold division’s winners were Phil Birtwistle in 3rd (32), John Osborne in 2nd (35) & Ron Stenhouse, back to his winning ways, with 39 points taking 1st place.

Well done to all concerned and don’t forget to visit www.smgs. org to keep abreast of all society matters or give Baz a buzz on 966 731 033 to find out about all the future Wednesday meetings – visitors are always made very welcome.

Photo: Some of the society’s happy winners.

The Gold Division didn’t score much better and claiming 4th place was Paula Hagart on 32 points, edged out by Alan Rixson on 33 with Bill Starkey claiming the runners-up slot with 34 points and finally, John “I got new clubs” Eyre with 35 points.

The Best Visitor of the day was another “waif and stray” from the Bog Road pub, John O’Connell with 26 points.

Four NTP’s were won by Steve Higgins, Les Wilton, George Chapman and Nev Hutchins.

Our next game, Wednesday 24th July 2013 , see’s us at the Villamartin golf course, so if you fancy a game just look at our website www.tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 661 524 101 We also run small matches on Friday’s and if you fancy a fun knock around, contact Steve Higgins on 968 978 188.

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ROCAJUNA OPEN PAIRS Despite the heat, four teams ended with 4 wins each, with the winners Gordon Morrow, from the Panthers, and home favourite Paco Lopez, just doing enough to snatch victory, runners up were Hans Carlsson, and Bob Kellaway from Rocajuna, with third place going to George and Francois from Rocajuna. Just missing out were Chris Charlton and Roger Seymour, from Lakeside, they beat Hans and Bob in the final game.

DOMINOS PETANCA Work is in hand to extend the number of pistes before the start of the winter league, this is a great help to the club.

PANTHERS PETANCA CLUB The club have decided to play at the Mediterraneo site in Torrevieja, which is also the home of Los Balcones ,and the Dutch club.

LAKESIDE MIXED PAIRS This takes place on Monday September 16th, and starts the winter season. Entries are coming in well with many still to arrive back.

Roger Seymour

TORREGOLF.EU

Thursday 18th saw us returning to our home course for some time and while there is a great deal of re seeding going on, the course was in good condition greens slick but soft however scores overall on the day were very low.

Our usual Stableford competition resulted in the winners being Category 1. 1st.Paul ‘The Hulk’ Hurrell 30 points on c/b from 2nd. Phil Brigham and 3rd. Reima Matikainen 29 points, good to see one of our other European members, in this case from Finland in the winners circle.

Category 2. 1st.Christopher Rose 33points 2nd.Tony Mackman 32 and 3rd. on c/b Joe Curran 29 points.

Nearest the Pins to-day, Hole 9 Mick O’Brien, Hole 18 Joe Curran, no one on either the 7th. or 14th.

4th.shot nearest the Pin on our sponsored Hole 12. Paul Hurrell The Full Monte prize in association with the Supporters Club of our football team CD Montesinos and to-day sponsored by Vince Lannon went to Christine Cronan.

Other than our usual roll up day at Vistabella on the 29th, our next game is at the lovely course of Las Colinas on the 3rd.August, our first visit for some while and now added to our list of playing courses here on the Costa Blanca, so if you would like to join us for great rates and great courses call David Winder on 626 774 157 or email him at davidwinder. torregolf@gmail.com.

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39

sport

And the name is Sporting Camposol / Mazarron After a year of very hard work, it is really gonna happen. There is a new football club in town.

Sporting Camposol take-off in September playing their home games in the stadium of Mazarron and then they will move their home games to the beautiful new park between Mazarron and Puerto de Mazarron.

The club will mainly focus on talents from the area. The people behind this project of this club are Augustin (former trainer of Mazarron) and Jelco Oosterhof (formerly trainer Deportivo Lumbreras & Mazarron).

Sporting Camposol has a clear vision with a clear goal. It is built on a strong foundation. The business club currently exists of: Restaurant Ratatouille, 2 note 2 sell 2 buy, Villaquest, Mercers, La Caixa, Oscar’s, Steak-Out, Trevi Bar, Alley Palais, Liz Cafe, TJ Electronicals, Amber Polish, Quick Save, Branded , TJ’s Bar, Camposol Ferreteria, Martins Barber & Gift shop, Another World properties, Cat’s bar, Mister print quality indian restaurant. And who wants to join this business club you can always send a email to: jelcooosterhof@hotmail.com

of the thinking level from some football clubs”.

In a country like Spain you expect a lot. For example the club let a coach have full control over the team and he will bring 9/10 new players with him but after a year they go away, and you have to built a whole new team again. Why do you have a youth system. This is understandable. ; says the coach.

Sporting Camposol must and will be different. The ambition speaks

20

from everything. The club hopes to grow at a fast rate and also in the social sphere bring Camposol and Mazarron closer.

The change is really big that they will begin in the Autonomica because at the moment there not enough clubs signed in for the Autonomica segunda. “That would be just nice, then we are one step closer to the Tercera .... winks” Jelco Oosterhof.

Writer: Gerard

t n i a p y k a % of f f l er w i t h t his

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This is an important part because without Sponsors you can’t make it.

What a big difference is with the other clubs in the area is that this club is going to keep working on educating players.

“What I have noticed is that they have absolutely no idea how to build something here”; says Jelco Oosterhof . “I am working as a coach in the Murcia area now for 3 years and I am really shocked

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