Blanca b293 highres

ADVERT

RATES CALL 950 121 936 SALES@ SOLTIMES .COM

COSTA blanca

SolTimes

K ME UP’ IC ‘P Y KL EE W L IA NT SE ES YOUR

your free weekly newspaper

La Tomatina 2013

La Tomatina is a food fight festival held on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Bunol near to Valencia in Spain. Thousands upon thousands of people make their way from all corners of the world to fight in this ‘World’s Biggest Food Fight’ where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets.

The week-long festival features music, parades, dancing, and fireworks. On the night before the tomato fight, participants Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 12pm - 10pm

C/Los Arcos Local 1 Quesada (turn left just before the arches)

Menu of the day €6.50

12 noon till 5pm : COD OR HADDOCK, Chips,

Peas, Bread & Butter - takeaway also available

sunday 5,50€ NOW OPEN Fish & Chips special dayQuesada 2 Villa Martin Plaza Fish, Chips and peas all

966 764 441

www.soltimes.com

of the festival compete in a paella cooking contest.

Anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 (reported to be 50,000 in 2012) people come to this huge tomato fight, greatly expanding Bunol’s normal 9,000 person population.

There is limited accommodation for people who come to La Tomatina, so many people take the easier option of staying in nearby Valencia just 38km to Bunol by bus or train.

In preparation for the dirty mess that will ensue, shopkeepers use huge plastic covers on their storefronts in order to protect them from the carnage.

Due to numbers increasing each year in 2013 the Excellency

1.4 metre Dish with HD mini receiver one off payment

est. 8 yrs

349€

(USUAL PRIC E 399€)

Tel: 965 725 670 or 646 645 579 Or call in to our office on Calle Los Arcos No. 7 Ciudad Quesada

www.freetvspain.com

Town Hall of Buñol has decided to introduce a limit to the number of people who can participate in Tomatina plus added a 10 Euro ticket tax.

No Ticket – No Entry - You Must Have a Ticket If you are booking through one of the many tour companies then your ticket should be included but make sure you ask them and check that your ticket is included. Make sure that you have a ticket as without it you will not get into the tomato fight. Also the area where the fight is held is within the old town where there is not really anywhere to watch the fight.

“R“ s r

All Vehicles Wanted for Cash

US

A D A QUFishES & Chips

966 719 136

28 AUG - 3 SEPT

Ca

GREAT

ISSUE 293

Cars Motor Homes Boats

Wanted Cars for Cash

Tel: Tim On 66 22 11 993 Email: timcarsrus@yahoo.com

READ THE SOL TIMES ONLINE @ WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

2

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

hiker found safe

The Guardia Civil has found a hiker who became lost in the Monte Arabí.

A call was received by the Benemérita that a young hiker was lost in a mountainous area.

Several officers from the Public Safety forces, accompanied by a forest Ranger and using a patrol car with siren and lights to attracted the young man’s attention, established a search to find him.

A flashing light, identified as a possible signal, was observed by the officers on the summit of Monte Arabí in an area not accessible by vehicle.

The officers continued the search on foot until they found the hiker, a man of 21 years old and a resident of the town, He was uninjured, and was returned to his family by the officers.

Sport

UNIQUE FOOTBALL GAME AT FIESTA

The Fiesta of Villanueva del Rio Segura, which was held from 7 to 17 August, features a unique football game called fútbol-vaca.

It is a seemingly normal football game, but it is played in a bullring, in which a small heifer calf has been let loose. The calf can and does chase the players all over the bullring,

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

and there are many occasions when the players have to leap for safety over the surrounding walls!

It is extremely popular, this year’s game was played before an audience of 500 people, and contested between 6 teams: Los Serretilleros, Atlético Villanueva, Mariscos Recio, Frutas Soler Villanueva, Peña DGB and Villanueva Sensación.

Frutas Soler Villanueva were the eventual winners, and were awarded their trophy by the Alcalde.

NEW INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES ON 40,000 SQ M SITE

The renovations and decorating firm Talasur, based in Cartagena, has chosen a 40,000 square metre site on the polígono Lo Bolarín for its new industrial facilities. It is investing ten million euros in the venture, which will lead to the creation of a 135 jobs.

The factory will be on the Parque Empresarial Lo Bolarín, next to the Howden factory, facing on to the La Unión - Los Camachos road.

The project has been officially presented to the Ayuntamiento, and is being processed as a declaration of public utility and social interest in order to authorise the construction of the complex.

The Alcalde, Francisco Bernabé, announced the project after meeting yesterday with the Presidente Regional, Ramón Luis Valcárcel, who declared that the Comunidad Autónoma was giving total support to the venture.

The prediction is that formalities should be completed later this year, and work would begin in early 2014.

Talasur specialises in the manufacturing of high quality furniture and design, with most of their products going for export to international markets, mainly Asia and the Americas.

RESIDENTS PROTEST OVER LACK OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES

Solar electric systems Solar hot water systems Buy direct - no middle men no sales people - no subcontractors

Quality European products Guarantees backed by 10 years of training in Spain Complete solar systems from only 1500€ including installation 10% price beater promise we will beat any other like for like price

Residents of Los Pozuelos have mounted a protest over what they see as lack of municipal services. Carrying rakes and brushes, a group of residents of Los Pozuelos yesterday met under a pine tree in the Barriada de Santiago de la Ribera to clean the area, and to protest at a continued lack of cleaning services in the neighbourhood, in which there is a Nursing Home.

‘Neither children nor the elderly can go outside and enjoy the pine forest, because it is full of dead leaves and debris, and a high fire danger.’ Claimed the protestors.

The Presidente de la Asociación de Vecinos, Antonio Pérez Ortíz, said that ‘The protest is about the neglect of unoccupied plots, the proliferation of chiringuitos, squatters with animals, and illegal landfill dumping.’

The Asociación has hired a lawyer to compel the owners of the lots to keep them clean and in proper sanitation.

They have also begun working with the Plataforma de Afectados por las Hipotecas, whose members helped in the cleaning and the protest. They claim that some of the 400 properties in the neighbourhood from which the tenants have been evicted are being illegally occupied, especially at night, and are being used for illegal activities.

‘We will collaborate with the Plataforma for the properties to be used for families in need, rather than become a place for illegal sales.’

The Asociación has also complained of drug trafficking, which has been a persistent problem in the neighbourhood for decades.

The Concejal de Servicios Públicos, José Miguel Luengo, complained that waste removal was costing the Council a fortune, because ‘people leave debris on the sides of the roads or in any vacant lot.’

On the problem of drug trafficking the Concejal de Policía, José Manuel Alarte, said that ‘the Policía Municipal can not intervene in drug issues because it has no powers.’

He continued ‘I have evidence that the Guardia Civil are aware of the situation, conduct raids and interventions and are keeping a close watch with increased rounds in the area of Los Pozuelos.’

On the subject of the neglected vacant plots and squatters with animals he said ‘we are working with Urbanismo to identify these plots and negotiations have been opened to relocate the animals to another area farther from town.’

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Gibraltar tug-of-war

‘the relationship of trust’ between Spain and the Rock has ‘broken down’

Strict border controls by Spanish authorities on cars entering and leaving the Rock have been staged to prevent smuggling because ‘the relationship of trust between Spain and Gibraltar has broken down’, claims the former’s foreign affairs minister, according to a report by ThinkSpain.

“This has forced us to impose stricter control measures at the border to fight against illegal trafficking,” the minister declared.

José Manuel GarcíaMargallo said in a press conference in Brussels today that if the relationship were able to be re-established, the controls may be reduced.

“As soon as this trust is recovered, it is most probable that we will be able to reduce our efforts at the border – which are very expensive for

the Spanish government – provided we have the cooperation of the government of Gibraltar,” Margallo added.

He said Spain had agreed to recommence talks with the UK, provided the regional government of Andalucía and the government of Gibraltar were allowed to join in, a condition Britain has agreed to.

These talks are mainly to discuss fishing and ‘environmental issues’, in particular the concrete blocks Gibraltar has unloaded into the sea to create an artificial reef, and which it has refused to move.

“Hell will freeze over before we remove the reef,” Gibraltarian prime minister Fabián Picardo has stated.

But in terms of the border checks, Margallo said Spain ‘is not going to give up,

under any circumstances, taking measures that it considers necessary to prevent damage to the national economy’.

The minister describes this ‘damage’ as being caused by contraband cigarette smuggling and other trafficking, moneylaundering, ‘tax advantages that put Spanish companies in the region in a worse position’, and says the inspections are to prevent ‘massive incidences’ of illegally transporting goods across the border.

“What we are trying to do is rebuild the trust between both parties, but unless the concrete blocks are removed, any conversation about the fishing situation is pointless.”

Spanish border guards have been ordered not to let lorries carrying sand into Gibraltar in case this is in order to build and drop

more concrete blocks.

Already and in just two days, the European Commission has received hundreds of complaints from motorists crossing the border and stuck in queues for several hours.

PLANE PARKING TELEPHONE ISSUES

Please note that Marianne Cullen [marianne@planeparking. es] has contacted us to say that due to significant problems with Telefonica, they have had to change their main number to 968 566 410 Marianne would like to apologise to anyone who has been trying to get through on their old number which has been experiencing problems for 2 weeks now through no fault of Plane Parking.

Cathy’s curiosity corner The place to buy, sell & display your household furniture El lugar para comprar, vender y mostrar sus muebles de hogar August opening times: Mon - Sat 10am-3pm Normal opening times: Mon - Fri 10am-6pm / Sat 12pm - 6pm We have a drop off point for items to help Elche Childrens Home

Benijofar C/Rambla 5

from Quesada turn right after Citroen Garage

Tel: 622 899 906

Email: tcscuriositycorner@hotmail.es Facebook: cathy’s curiosity corner

Sensol golf villa sales

Your dream your future your way

www.sensolgolfvillasales.com (0034) 671 188 808

3

4

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

AWARD FOR PUERTO LUMBRERAS pOLICIA LOCAL The Puerto Lumbreras Policía Local may well be awarded a Diploma de Servicios Distinguidos. (Distinguished Service Award).

This would be in recognition of their dismantling of the Region’s largest ever marijuana haul – more than 14,300 plants.

Five people were arrested on a farm in El Esparragal; three North Africans and two Spanish, residents of Lorca, Mazarrón, Águilas and Cartagena. All were on the twostorey premises, and offered no resistance.

A patrol of the Policía Local had gone to the site to investigate a robbery, when they discovered the plants in four large greenhouses, equipped with modern irrigation systems and humidity and temperature control.

The crop was protected by surveillance cameras and dogs, and the greenhouses were adjacent to a warehouse in which the plants were dried and packaged for distribution.

The operation remains open and the Guardia Civil, who took charge of the arrested men, are seeking to dismantle the second step of the distribution process.

On the farm, located seven kilometres from the town, was a small planting of watermelons was being grown to camouflaged the true nature of the crop.

Apparently, one of the Spaniards in the group had rented the property from its owner, telling her that he wanted to use it to grow watermelons ... but the owner commented that she didn’t know that the watermelons grown there had five-pointed leaves!

barnes bulletin Another ADAPT Find!

Needle in the proverbial haystack perhaps, but within the hour, Sylvie, one of the lady members of the club, had a positive reading, and lo and behold, gold had been struck!

Sport

While probing the depth of the bay in the Mar Menor, Alcazeras, a week ago Friday, the metal detecting team were asked by a distraught lady, walking the beach, if

Mazarrón POLICE OFFICERS SUSPENDED Three members of the Policía Local de Mazarrón have been suspended without pay by the Ayuntamiento.

They are the Oficial Jefe de Policía, G. M., the agente and sindicalista (agent and Trade Unionist) of SIME, M.Q., and C. G., Head and Trade Unionist of the CSI-CSIF. The two trade unionists have been suspended for two years for allegedly ‘lashing out’ against Municipal management. During a press conference they said, among other things, that the Ayuntamiento had failed to collect a large sum of money in fees and licenses. This was deemed to be an infringement, an overstepping of duties, revealing details of matters that must be kept secret, and disobedience to authority.

The Jefe de Policía has been suspended for one year for disobedience to authority, not fulfilling orders made by the Alcalde and the Concejal de Seguridad Ciudadana del Ayuntamiento.

Tensions between the agents and the Consistorio began with the negotiations over the Relación de Puertos de Trabajo (RPT). A substantial drop in the labour force was agreed ‘without prior notice’ according to the Union affected by the sanction.

The Alcalde, Ginés Campillo, said that ‘no one can act on their own, and not recognise the pecking order of the Ayuntamiento, or the figure of the Mayor as first authority.’

Lorca SUFFERS TWO MINOR EARTHQUAKES Lorca has suffered two earthquakes measuring 1.6 and 1.8 on the Richter scale.

They occurred in the upper and western parts of the city last Monday afternoon (19th) and Tuesday 20th in the morning, and originated at a depth of 11 and 8 km respectively.

The Concejal de Emergencias del Ayuntamiento de Lorca, Eduardo Sánchez reported that the Instituto Geográfico Nacional had confirmed the earthquakes. However, the 112 Emergency Services did not receive any calls, and the Concejal remarked that ‘the neighbours are quiet, because they have not noticed.’

Within minutes a phone call was made, and a her son was soon on the scene, to return the wedding ring to his mother. Well done again to the A.D.A.P.T. “Wombles” If any reader would like help in finding a lost item, be it in the garden, sand or sea, contact Rd., on: r.toms@btinternet.com not sacking Cartagena, the Moors got together, supped a little ale, and took in a dance or three.

MurciaN RESIDENTS GET 5 SECONDS MORE TO CROSS THE ROAD Pedestrians now have an extra five seconds in which to cross the roads on the Plaza Circular.

The Consistorio has installed improved timing to traffic lights during rush hours and have created a ‘green wave’, where the lights are sequenced to allow motorists to travel with continuing green lights after the initial light, as long as they are driving within the speed limit.

These measures are in response to complaints from pedestrians, and have been adopted by the Concejalía de Tráfico y Transportes, but will only take effect in the rush hour.

Pedestrian crossings benefitting from this measure are: Capuchinos-Emuasa, Emuasa-Correos, Alfonso X and Circular-Ronda Levante. 5 seconds have been added to the crossing time between the hours of 8.35 to 9.15, from 12.05 to 12.45, from 14.35 to 15.15 and from 16.35 to 17.15.

The carretera de El Palmar, from the Calle Júpiter to the Puente del Reguerón, a stretch of 3.5 kilometres, has a ‘green wave’, which allows the traffic from Murcia to El Palmar to pass through without stopping at any traffic light junctions while not exceeding 50 km per hour.

the team could have a look around an area of the sea, where, over a month ago, she lost her gold wedding ring.

COME DANCE!

What has Chipping Campden, Ilmington, Hinton-in-the-Hedge and Campoverde all got in common? Fine Morris Dancing Troops, that’s what!

A wiser sage than your scribe, proffers the thought that “Moorish Dancing” was a term for the style of dance we now know as Morris Dancing, so here in Spain, we have every reason to get involved. I guess when

Terri Horvath Morris, tell me that the team is on the lookout for new members.

Just so long as you are relatively fit (Well, there is a lot of stick shaking), with or without dancing experience, they will teach you the various forms of traditional English Morris.

The team start their new “Term” on September 6th..

They are a friendly lot, and practice every Friday afternoon at Campoverde Town Hall, between 4 PM and 6 PM. Give Secretary, Heather, a bell (A bell!!!, no? please yourself!), on 966 199 756, or e-mail: hgingele@hotmail.co.uk Many years ago, I joined the Stratford Upon Avon Morris Dancers, but had to leave, as I kept falling off the bonnet.

Calling “Would be” gentlemen thespians!

Did you feel disenchanted, when, some years ago, you were unsuccessful in landing the lead role, in the school play? Did you feel dejected, when your obvious talents as a “Spear holder” were dismissed by the casting director at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon?

Yes! then all is not lost.

Studio32 are looking for “Gentlemen of the Chorus” to support the principals in their pantomime Aladdin, taking to the stage in December, at the Cardinal Belluga Theater in San Fulgencio.

Oh! Yes it is.

Dave Waller, from Studio32, would love to hear from you on telephone number 966 318 019, or drop a note on the studio electronic address: studiothirtytwo2013@ gmail.com should you now wish to “Walk

the boards”. Dave adds, that if you can sing a bit, and sway a little, hopefully at the same time, it would be admirable.

Brandy for the Parson, Baccy for the Clerk, Laces for a lady, letters for a spy. Watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!

(Rudyard Kipling)

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

www.soltimes.com

Light aircraft lands on motorway

A small aircraft made an emergency landing on a motorway last Wednesday due to engine failure, emergency services confirm.

The craft, which was flying from Bilbao, in the Basque Country to the village of Casarrubios del Monte (Toledo province) landed right on top of the AP-1 toll road in Monasterio de Rodilla (province of Burgos).

Luckily the pilot had aimed for the hard shoulder, and most of the craft was in a drainage ditch, but its sudden appearance out of the sky caused a sensation among drivers on the main trunk road, which eventually leads to Madrid.

Both members of the crew escaped unhurt and managed to avoid any collisions.

Guardia Civil offers were on duty for the rest of the day, diverting the traffic away from a radius of a few metres of the craft, and eventually managing to remove it from the ditch.

Soldier who tried to sell Army clothes and equipment on eBay absolved A soldier who put Army equipment up for sale on eBay has been acquitted after a Supreme Court judge ruled that without a buyer, he had not committed a crime.

Antonio R., who was in charge of the supplies storeroom, took photos of both basic equipment and combat gear on his mobile phone and uploaded them in his name on the internet auction site.

He had been sentenced by the military tribunal in December to three months and one day in prison for offences against the tax office and the Armed Forces.

The Supreme Court, however, said that as he had not in fact stolen the items for delivery as a winning bid had not yet been made, he was not guilty of any offence, even though it had been proven he had offered them for sale.

It was also proven that the accused took a combat equipment carrier from the store, but then returned it.

As it was valued at less than 400 euros, his taking it was not considered a crime – purchased new, it would have been priced at 71.51 euros.

Spanish Legal Reclaims

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Report On Search For Marta’s Body ‘Under Examination’

A police search for the body of murdered Sevilla teenager Marta del Castillo Casanueva in a seventh possible location has concluded and a geo-radar report received.

As yet, authorities have not given away any information about what the report contains as it needs to be fully analysed by forensics. But sources close to the investigation suggest there may be ‘at least one’ ditch that ‘may’ hold the 17-year-old’s body.

Marta was murdered in January 2009 after arranging to meet her ex-boyfriend, Miguel Carcaño, 20, at his flat in Sevilla to ‘discuss rumours’ she had heard he had been spreading about her.

Carcaño, serving a 20-year jail term, has given numerous conflicting versions of the story. He firstly claimed he had thrown an ashtray at Marta in temper and knocked her unconscious, but believing her dead, had panicked and dumped her body in the river Guadalquivir with the help of two 15-year-old friends, Samuel Benítez and Javier ‘El Cuco’, and his elder stepbrother Francisco Javier Delgado.

It later transpired Marta was probably strangled after being gang-raped by all four men, who took it in turns to pin her down, and they then claimed her body was thrown on a landfill site outside the city.

Delgado’s girlfriend María was also implicated for allegedly covering up evidence by cleaning the blood from the flat after Marta’s death. After searches of both the river and

the landfill site proved fruitless, other locations cited have included a field next to a house in Camas (Sevilla), and a ditch near Carcaño’s flat.

None of these have produced any sign of Marta’s body.

Carcaño’s latest location is a farm field in an area known as Majaloba.

The judge dealing with the murder had refused to order any further searches, but agreed Marta’s parents and grandparents could continue to look for her without needing a court order.

Police behind the initial investigations have refused to give up the search until they find Marta’s body.

Child of three dies after trapping himself in hot car

Emergency services have confirmed that a three-year-old child lost his life in a hot car in Riópar, near Albacete last Tuesday afternoon

The infant had managed to get into the family car while his parents were in the house they were staying at on their

PART 2

THOUSANDS OF BRITISH/EU CITIZENS COME FORWARD TO RECLAIM AN ESTIMATED £400 MILLION FROM THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT IN OVERPAID INHERITANCE TAX

ADVERTISING FEATURE

5

The Spanish dream? The Spanish IHT discrimination rules follows hot on the heels of the Capital Gains Tax loop hole, which saw up to 90,000 UK families overcharged CGT by an estimated £283 million. The Spanish Courts and European Courts of Justice all ruled in 2009 that Spain had discriminated against British and other EU citizens and ordered the money to be refunded to those affected.

Hundreds of British families have received their overcharged CGT money back with on average + 5% legal interest. The same legal team is leading the IHT campaign to help UK families recover their overpaid tax.

IHT scale: Spanish IHT system is complex, non residents will pay according to a scale that could reach up to 34% of the inherited property value without any tax deduction. Currently, 99% tax exemption applies to Spanish residents. For example for a property worth €150,000 non residents will pay approximately 9% IHT, whereas Spanish residents will pay 0 % in the majority of cases or a maximum of 0.9%. For a €500,000 property non residents will pay 20% IHT whilst Spanish residents would again pay between 0% - 0.9%.

Following the recent launch of the www.spanishlegalreclaims.com website, British people who believed they have been affected by the Spanish tax trap have come forward to highlight their plights and begin the process of recovering their money.

Mr. Luis Cuervo CEO at Spanish Legal Reclaims commented: “More than 100 UK/EU families have already filed their reclaim with us and more than 200 are in the process to do so. Many Spanish lawyers are cooperating with us on the benefit of their own clients once they understand the legal process requires deep analysis and expertise not only in domestic but also EU regulations and court procedures”.

“We urge anyone else who believes they have been affected by this tax discrimination to come forward. Taking quick action is important as the right to make a reclaim will expire due to a 4 year time limit on making a tax reclaim in Spain.”

“Potential claimants must be aware that this is not an ordinary reclaim. It is not just a matter of going to the Tax Office and asking for your money back and claiming before the Spanish Administration is not enough. The cases must be won in court one by one (as class actions are not possible in Spain for this type of reclaims).

Succeeding requires previous deep analysis and full knowledge of the Spanish and EU Treaty regulations and procedures, a clear legal strategy before the Spanish Administration and Courts.

Any mistake or wrong legal argument used through the legal / court procedures may ruin the reclaim forever: Clients can only reclaim once!”.

Spanish Legal Reclaims are experts in Spanish IHT tax and property laws are operating a no win no fee policy agreement for the reclaim.

For more information, and details of how to register your interest, visit: www.spanishlegalreclaims.com Or call the helpline on 0845 680 3849 or email: info@spanishlegalreclaims.com

holidays, without their noticing. He had been unable to get out because he had somehow managed to lock the doors.

By the time his parents found him, at around 17.30hrs, he was unconscious and showing signs of heat-stroke.

They rushed him to the nearest health

centre where medics spent over an hour trying to resuscitate him, to no avail.

The tragedy has highlighted the extreme risk of leaving children, the elderly or pets in parked cars during the summer, as it can be life-threatening.

Spanish Legal Reclaims Inheritance Tax Reclaim

Have you been gifted with an inheritance property in Spain?

Over 60,000 UK families have been overcharged by an average of £12,000 each!

1,000’s of British EU Citizens reclaim and estimated 400 million in overpaid Spanish Inheritance Tax!

A Tax loop hole means up to 40,000 British & EU citizens were overcharged almost 100% Inheritance Tax by the Spanish Tax Authorities for their properties / assets inherited in Spain

There is a 4 year time limit on being able to make your claim.......

DONT MISS THE DEADLINE!

For more information, and details of how to register your interest, visit:

www.spanishlegalreclaims.com Or call the helpline on 0845 680 3849 or email: info@spanishlegalreclaims.com

6

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

US President Barack Obama has said the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria in an attack on Wednesday is a “big event of grave concern”, according to a report by the BBC. Mr Obama said the US was still seeking confirmation such weapons were used, but if proved true the situation would “require America’s attention”.

Meanwhile, Syria’s main ally Russia has urged it to allow a United Nations team to investigate the allegations.

Activists say hundreds died in the alleged chemical attack near Damascus.

The British government believes the regime of President Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the attack, Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Friday.

But despite calls from many different countries, there is no sign yet that Damascus will allow a UN inspection team to visit to investigate the claims.

Unverified footage shows civilians - many of them children - dead or suffering from what appear to be horrific symptoms as a result of Wednesday’s attack.

Also on Friday, UN agencies said the number of children forced to flee Syria had reached one million.

The UN’s refugee agency and Unicef describe the figure as “a shameful milestone”, and say a further two million children are displaced within the country.

Last year President Obama said the use of chemical weapons in Syria would cross a “red line” and force a tough US response.

In an interview broadcast on CNN on Friday, he said that the recent claims of chemical weapons use were “very troublesome”.

“What we’ve seen indicates clearly this is a big event, of grave concern, and we are already in communications with the entire international community,” Mr Obama said.

He said that “core national interests” of the US were involved in the Syrian conflict, “both in terms of us making sure that weapons of mass destruction are not proliferating, as well as needing to protect our allies, our bases in the region.”

But he added that “The notion that the US can somehow solve what is a sectarian, complex problem inside of Syria sometimes is overstated.”

“We don’t expect co-operation [from the Syrian authorities] given their past history,” Mr Obama added.

Meanwhile Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday: “The Russian side called on the Syrian government to co-operate with the UN chemical experts.

“It is now up to the opposition, which should guarantee safe access for the mission to the alleged place of the incident.”

It claimed the opposition was currently preventing an objective investigation.

Paramount “The Model” Coming Soon

Regional Minister for Culture and Tourism, Pedro Alberto Cruz has announced that the model of the widely anticipated Paramount Theme Park will be unveiled in September.

According to a report by Tumbit.com, Cruz was quoted as saying that Paramount Theme Park is the “most important project for the region and will be exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Murcia”.

The park has been fraught with problems since its conception, mainly due to funding issues, but also environmental concerns and land purchase issues. Initially, the park was meant to cover a surface area of 1.5 million square meters, however bowing to pressure from environmentalists and following problems with acquiring sufficient land, the project was scaled back to satisfy all groups concerned.

Cruz said construction will begin in September with the installation of access roads, channelling and electrical infrastructure although no contractor has been formally appointed.

Premursa, the company behind the Paramount Theme park, led by Jesus Samper are studying tender bids for contracts this month. Amongst the companies involved are Dragados, Fomento de Construcciones y Contractors, OHL and Ferrovial.

Michael Bartok, executive vice president of Paramount Licensing was accompanied by Jesus Samper last week on a tour of the region who met with regional President, Ramón Luis Valcárcel. Together they visited the site where Paramount Murcia is set to be build followed by a visit to inspect the facilities at Corvera, anticipated to be the main international doorway into Paramount Theme Park Murcia.

Latest forecasts by the Institute of Tourism reveal Corvera Airport will double the number of passengers arriving in the Community.

Charity Aids More Spanish Than Immigrant Families

Save Money on Funeral Expenses “Buy Today Die Tomorrow However Long You Live”

NO this is not a Joke!

• Totally interest free, the price you see is the price you pay

may later regret, look at the small print for the hidden payments/extras above the basic cost of a funeral plan, what’s the interest rate being charged for the pleasure of paying by instalments? Is there a front end or rear end payment above the cost of the plan, are the terms and conditions just that terms and conditions, or a statement of intent allowing additional costs to be added at the sellers whim.

• VAT/IVA exempt

Competition is Healthy, so why is it feared?

We are a fully legal Spanish SL Company and we now that other Companies in the market place cannot commit to the above, so before you make a decision consider this:

Please look at our website prices start at €3390, our IVA exemption certificate is there, from the Spanish Tax Office, so are our terms and conditions.

Do not believe all you see and hear check out the facts before committing to something you

IFP – Iberian offering Safety, Security & Savings...

As with all other goods and services in Spain Funeral Expenses are rising in price annually So our commitment to You is: • Fixed price Funeral Plan from Day 1 • Price is frozen from the moment you sign • No hidden extras added at time of death

Reg no 11138305//CIF no B93156107

IFP – Iberian sell only Funeral Plans we are not an Insurance Company, an Insurance agent, a one man band or a UK Company selling into Spain, all our written plans are registered with the Spanish Authorities (Hacienda) so for an ethical, secure, cost saving solution to funeral expenses

Please contact us on 965 993 498 or 952 595 691 alternatively

Visit www.iberianfuneralplans.com

The 12-Monthly report from the Almeria branch of Christian Charity, Caritas, has revealed how food aid handed out to Spanish families last year outnumbered those to immigrant families - 4,652 compared to 3,844.

Tumbit.com reports that details of the 38page report were published by the Fides news agency and showed that together, Spanish and immigrant families received a combined total of in excess of 1 million kilos in food aid in 2012.

However, things may be about to slowly changed following the Bank of Spain’s

estimation that the economy shrunk by ‘just’ 0.1% in Q2 of 2013 - the slowest quarterly contraction in more than 2 years.

However, the ongoing financial crisis has resulted in record levels of unemployment and although the number of registered jobless has fallen in the last 5 months, the unemployment rate is expected to remain above 25% for the next 5 years.

A total of 62,108 families and 31,485 individuals turned to Caritas for assistance last year, mainly requesting food, clothing, medicine and child support.

Ryanair Slated For Refusing Toddler On Flight

A court in Palma de Mallorca has ruled that Ryanair must pay out €1,222.26 in compensation to a family refused boarding on a flights due to not accepting the identity documents of their three-year-old child, according to a report by El Pais.

The case, referred to the courts by the state air service, dates back to January 2011, when a married couple and their threeyear-old son were attempting to fly form Barcelona to Ibiza for a break.

The family presented check-in staff with the Spanish Libro de Familia and a certificate of residency for the child - both of which are sufficient documentation under Spanish aviation law.

However, Ryanair refused to accept either document, demanding instead a passport or Spanish identity card (DNI).

The court ruled that the airline must pay compensation to cover the cost of the new flights the family had to pay for, the hotel room they needed while stranded in Barcelona, and the day of work missed by the husband as a result of the incident.

This is not the first occasion whereby Ryanair has refused boarding due to failing to recognise such documentation.

In each case Ryanair have argued that the requirements are clearly stated in their terms and conditions that when booking flights, whilst the courts have always ruled that this does not preclude Spanish law. (www.tumbit.com)

http://spanishpropertylive.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_000000351.jpg

Syria chemical weapon claim a ‘grave concern’

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Forget Me Not... under the name FORGET ME NOT and intend to promote functions and raise funds to provide initially day care, and in the long term overnight and short stay facilities.

The humanities charities in the Mazarron area are banding together to consider the problems of those seeking Respite.

In an increasingly ageing population it is recognised that already some 5% of the expatriate population are involved in long term care for their loved ones at home, many on a 24 hour, 365 day a year basis.

We have therefore joined together in addition to our normal activities to investigate the means by which we can alleviate the anguish and stress placed upon husbands or wives now faced with a total care situation. The problem in the main is that related to Dementia or Alzheimer’s but there are other illnesses that require full time attendance. Two of the charities involved already provide some assistance and the new initiative is to provide if possible extra cover and to pressurize the health and local authorities here in Spain, where possible, and to try to encourage the UK Government to help.

The new group will function

The

MARA, Murcia Animal HELP Murcia Mar Menor Rescue Association

Respite care is not cheap as it requires dedicated nursing and attention for those afflicted but does allow the spouse to have some time to themselves, the stressful pressure on these husbands, wives and family can only be described as immense so help is needed and the problem will get bigger as our population increases in age.

Are you having more ‘Senior moments’, imagine if that’s all you had, with memory loss, bodily function control loss, a change in character and a total unawareness of the world around you. Imagine the strain in on your family.

FORGET ME NOT are holding an open meeting on September 11th at 11am in the Cultural Centre on Camposol ’B’ and would welcome your attendance, we will be needing ideas to raise money, we will be needing your thoughts, your experience and your compassion to face this on going problem.

If you have any queries please call 626 460 465 or see www. bulneuvo.com

Club

Tel: 966 717 028

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

We help people of all ages with all sorts of problems!

SUPERB RAFFLE PRIZE

3 NIGHTS’ ACCOMMODATION AT CASA DE PUEBLO, C/JOSE MARIN, VELEZ RUBIO, ALMERIA, 04820

Ebony is a young female German Shepherd who has yet to grow into her legs. When she was found she was starving and living out of the bins. She was covered with ticks and fleas. Now she is a very happy and social girl who loves to play with her kennel friend Dino the Podenco. If you are interested in giving this beautiful girl a for ever home then please call Keith on 628811188 for more information.

MARA also has a number of puppies on their books looking for new homes.

Lovely little boys and girls, and also a number of small to medium dogs. For more information call Keith. 628811188.

If you have items you were like to donate for our charity shop please contact us for information on how to do this.

Casa de Pueblo No. 7 C/Jose Marin is situated in the heart of the small agricultural town of Vélez Rubio. It is a three storey townhouse suitable for up to six guests to enjoy the experience of staying in a real Spanish house in the centre of this historic town. The village is 1 hour 30 minutes from Murcia airport and there are many interesting places to visit within a short distance.

Visit www.stayandalucia.com for more details.

Dates are flexible, just phone Dennis Radford on Tel: 968 970 965 Mobile: 664 124 482 Tickets are €5 a strip and are available at the HELP MMM

all you need in one place

Monday The Cadillacs 4.30pm - 6.15pm - 5€

Pop House 8.00pm Tuesday Karaoke with DJ Richie Sparks 9pm Thursday Fun Quiz 8.30pm Fridays Closed from 6pm for private parties Book yours now!

Saturday See guide below Sunday Karaoke with Richie Sparks 9pm

LIKE TO JIVE? THEN THIS IS THE BAND FOR YOU!

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or any other special event?

THE CADILLACS EVERY FRIDAY NIGHTS are MONDAY PARTY NIGHTS! 4:30PM-6:15PM Book yours now!!!

ENTRY 5€ BEST EVER

LIVE S SHOWURDAY

EVERY SAT

august st 1 3 y a d r Satu S TRIBUTE ROLLING STONE + DJ HELEN

7

€ OW 8PM 10 H S + L A E M 2 COURSE 9.30PM 3€ SHOW ONLY

ptember e s th 7 y a Saturd ndy fitz TE plus sa elvis TRIBU + DJ HELEN

M 10€ + SHOW 8P L A E M E S R 2 COU 9.30PM 3€ SHOW ONLY

Charity office, Tel: 968 570 059 or Gerry Sherry on (m) 634329427 or 968371091 The prize will be drawn on 17th September 2013 at the General meeting of HELP Murcia Mar Menor in Las Claras Centre, Los Alcazares.

If you are not able to attend, you will be informed by telephone if you have won.

This prize was kindly donated

by Dennis Radford of www.expats-online.es info@ expats-online.es Separate directions are available. Sorry but no dogs allowed.

Registered Charity No. 7645/1a CIF No. G73321481 Calle Penélope 11, Los Narejos, 30710 Los Alcázares, Murcia Tel / Fax 968 570 059 E-mail: helpmmm@gmail.com www.helpmurciamarmenor.org

pop house every monday 8pm ‘ I DARE YOU TO TRY IT AND NOT LIKE IT’

THE BEST THAT B***O HAS EVER SOUNDED & SPOT PRIZES TO BE WON!

karaoke’s back

Every Sunday and Tuesday with Big FM’s Richie Sparks at 9pm

tember p e s th 4 1 y Saturda m blues brother or from benid j helen tribute + d W 8PM 10€ EAL + SHO 2 COURSE M LY 9.30PM 3€ SHOW ON

8

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

TV NEWSLETTER

R E B M E T P SE 2013

Writing this in Mid August it is VERY hot and it seems the 47 million Spanish population has come to Puerto de Mazarron ! Well at least half of them !

The heat does affect our day to day living and we really should learn from those who have lived here for centuries…Siesta in the afternoon and “live” from midnight to…but its just not in our Brit culture. How I love to listen to the Brits saying “tut tut that four year old should be tucked up in bed at this time - 1am” - this nation is of a different culture to us…

But by the time you read this in September the heat will have reduced a little and the coastal towns will have returned to their 10 month ways…

TV NEWS…The big issue and the enormous rumour devices of the internet and “bars”… fuelled by the rogue advertisements in every publication and email…is that we will all lose our UK TV by satellite soon…There is NO factual basis for these rumours - just lots of speculation. There will be a new satellite transmitting our BBC , ITV and some 4’s… the other 4’s and 5’s and SKY have moved.. and it MAY affect our viewing but there is no certainty in any of the rumours you have heard.

Don’t spend vast sums increasing your dish size or swapping systems (neither of which may work after change over) as that salesman will try to talk you into…But wait until the facts are known…Yes you may miss a week or two of some TV but you will not have wasted that money.

STOP PRESS: Launch date for the ‘E’ satellite , the one that MAY affect us , is just announced as 15th September with 2 or 3 weeks testing after before it is operational. Maybe we should all face the sky and wish the launch a failure on that day ! then any changes would be further delayed !

We have had lots of callouts from clients losing picture – and generally asking if it is the satellite change over – but it turns out to be no more than an insect nesting in the LNB on the dish ! Easy to resolve but care MUST be taken not to damage the LNB – easy if you don’t know what you are doing. It really can be Article sponsored by RAINBOW SATELLITES – the company for ALL your TV needs in the Murcia Region. Contact Alan or Matt for any advice / information on all things television / radio. Email rainbowsats@gmail.com or call (0034) 686 358 475 ……… look at www.rainbowsats.org for some good basic advise and back copies of the newsletter

cheaper to call us out than buy a new LNB !

On the subject of charges we at Rainbow have had to review our policy. In the “good days” of 6+ installs a week we often used to make “quick” service calls to clients at no charge but we can not do that in these “crisis” days when the bigger money paying jobs are few and far between. In future we MUST make a minimum charge of euro25 to existing clients and euro 35 to new clients – this charge will cover many quick service calls – insect removal ! – and we will always tell you if the charge is to be more.

We have to make this policy if we are going to survive and be here in the future to service / install your TV systems.

Lots of you are buying “SMART” TV’s and digiboxes and plugging them into your internet router and then wondering why most UK based net services do not work…It’s because the service provider “sees” that you are in Spain and for various reasons – do we live in the EEC common “free” market or not – will block the download to the smart TV. As ever there are ways around this and we now have a supply of routers that will give you a UK IP address…these have to be purchased and also have a reasonable yearly fee but it will allow you to use you new smart TV. The success of these downloads will depend on the “quality and speed” of your internet – the new router in itself will take 10% of your bandwidth!

They will not work with “shared” IP address systems…There being so many possible problems we have a 1 week return policy so that you can try it before final commitment.

Ask for more details...

That’s all the space this month – the article is sponsored by RAINBOW SATELLITES – the company for ALL your TV needs in the region of MURCIA. Contact Alan or Matt for free friendly advise – rainbowsats@gmail.com or call (0034) 686 358 475.

Our website www.rainbowsats.org has plenty of basic information on TV in Spain.

Socialists concerned over ‘rise in fascist behaviour’ among PP militants

Prosecutors and political parties have warned of a rise in ‘fascist behaviour’ in Spanish society in recent times, forcing them to take disciplinary action.

A proliferation of Nazi-style salutes, swastikas and pro-Franco symbols have been reported in the last six months, including a recent scandal involving young members of the New Generations PP across Spain being photographed making ‘heil Hitler’ gestures or next to banners with fascist slogans.

And a councillor from the small town of Castil de Peones (Burgos province) uploaded a photograph on a social network in which one of the young political party members was flashing a key-ring bearing the pre-Constitutional Spanish flag, the one which represented the country during General Franco’s dictatorship.

The former mayor and current PP spokesman of Escúzar (Granada province), Manuel Alférez Bonilla, was suspended from his post on the council after being shown knowingly posing next to a swastika in the bull-ring of the Madrid region town of Pinto this week.

Numerous others were shown in the same bull-ring carrying a huge banner proclaiming

‘Adolf Hitler was right’.

Earlier, the mayor of the Galicia town of Barulla (Lugo province), Manuel González Capón (PP) came under fire for publicly stating that when people were condemned to death during Franco’s reign this ‘would be because they deserved it’.

And recently, members of the New Generations PP in Gandia and Xàtiva (both in the province of Valencia) were caught on camera making ‘heil Hitler’ salutes.

Those which have hit the headlines so far have been PP followers, and in the case of the New Generations PP, youths in their late teens, 20s and 30s.

Opposition parties, especially the socialists say the government should make such actions a criminal offence and punish them as such, since they could lead to an outbreak of extreme right-wing violence and taint Spain’s image – particularly as the current central government is the PP. Minister of justice and former mayor of Madrid Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón is due to speak in Parliament about the issue this week.

Balcony fall victim was looking for Wi-Fi signal on his mobile

A 23-year-old man has died after falling from a balcony whilst trying to find a Wi-Fi signal on his mobile phone.

The victim, who has not been named, is said to have slipped and bumped into the railings and then fallen six metres from the second floor of a block in Beniaján (Murcia) on the C/ María Matas.

Police say he appeared to be leaning over the edge to trace a signal for his phone, which

had limited cover inside the flat. It is thought he may have been drinking alcohol before the accident. He was killed instantly in the impact with the ground.

Guardia Civil officers from Torreagüera were called out just after 02.20hrs on Tuesday morning by the victim’s family.

His parents and siblings were said to be in the apartment at the time. A post-mortem will be carried out as standard procedure.

Spanish hostage in Colombia shot dead A Spaniard held hostage in Colombia has been of the Spaniard after then. found shot dead and blindfolded, say authorities in the Latin American country. Sergio Muñiz Brioso, 28, from Oviedo (Asturias) was found in the town of Corinto, in the south-western department of Cauca, on a road leading out of the area into a rural district, according to local policeman Harvey Castillo Velasco. According to the officer, residents in the area heard gunshots at about 19.00hrs local time and called the emergency services.

Sergio had disappeared in the city of Cali in western Colombia on June 5 and was taken by his captors to Santander de Quilichao, in the Cauca area – a district notorious for its high presence of armed gangs. Authorities lost trace

They do not know why he was in Santander, but he went there with two Colombian men and had an appointment in a country house over something ‘business-related’, says the Anti-Kidnap and Blackmail Group (GAULA) of the national police.

Sergio was said to be the only Spaniard still being held hostage abroad, as all the others to date have been released – including Asturiabased couple Ángel Sánchez and María Concepción Marlaska, who were freed last month and have returned home.

Foreign affairs minister José Manuel GarcíaMargallo said the Spanish government did ‘everything humanly possible’ to try to get Sergio freed, but to no avail.

Costa Brava underground marijuana farm in shipping containers A road accident has led to an underground cannabis plantation in buried shipping containers being found at the home of a 43year-old man on the Costa Brava.

The accused, a Spanish national, had allegedly caused a serious crash through dangerous driving on the provincial GI-553 road, although miraculously, nobody was hurt.

When the Mossos d’Esquadra – Catalunya’s answer to the Guardia Civil – went to his house in Vilobí d’Onyar (Girona province) to arrest him, they noticed a strange structure made out of lorry containers which let off a ‘peculiar smell’, although one they recognised immediately.

The structure was two containers deep and

buried six metres (19’6”) underground, and officers heard the ‘continuous’ noise of airconditioning units coming from inside.

A complicated electrical lighting system – given that the subterranean farm had no natural light – and intricately-installed ventilation and irrigation mechanisms were fitted.

The accused was also said to be tapping into the electricity supply illegally, meaning huge bills in his name would not arouse suspicion or have to be paid by him.

Additionally, police found and confiscated various tools used for harvesting, cutting and weighing the marijuana once grown, as

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 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

don’t throw your money away

1.4 metre dish with hd mini receiver

one off payment www.freetvspain.com 349€ Come and visit us in our office based at: Calle Los Arcos No 7, Ciudad Quesada Open: Monday – Friday

Tel: 965 725 670

USUAL PRICE 399€

9

10

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Campaign launched to Toy boats carrying 120 encourage more expats to vote Africans caught in Almería, Murcia, Tenerife and Ceuta Fewer than 20,000 expats are registered to vote in the UK, even though a large number are entitled to do so.

Coastguard workers have caught over 120 African migrants attempting to enter Spain via the back door in just one day, with numerous jerry-built sailing boats intercepted off the shores of Almería, Murcia, Ceuta and Tenerife.

Three small crafts carrying 47 Algerian nationals were caught between 05.00hrs and about 13.00hrs yesterday (Saturday) sailing into the coast of the Almería province.

The first appeared in the Cabo de Gata with 19 men on board, and the second at about 10.00hrs carried 12 people, having been on the high seas for several days.

Two occupants of the latter boat needed urgent medical attention as a result of their ordeal.

A third sailed into the coast of the Almería province early in the afternoon with 16 men on board.

Guardia Civil officers stopped a Zodiacstyle dinghy carrying 37 men and two

women of sub-Saharan African origin as they docked on the beach of Ceuta, one of the two Spanish-owned enclaves on the northern Moroccan coast.

Coastguard workers rescued eight Algerian males, six of whom claimed to be under the age of 18, swimming into the beach of La Azohía in the CartagenaMar Menor area yesterday morning after a fisherman found an empty sailing boat – with no engine – full of remains of wet clothes.

And later in the afternoon, a local resident saw a jerry-built raft sailing into the Las Galletas pier in Arona (Tenerife) carrying 26 Africans.

All 120 were attended to by the Red Cross at the nearest ports and then transferred to an immigration centre where they will stay until they are deported.

Under the current regulations, Brits are able to vote in domestic elections provided they have lived in the UK sometime in the last 15 years.

This year, though, will see the launch of a major campaign to encourage more Brits to participate in the democratic process at home, regardless of how it influences their day-to-day lives.

It is hoped that the campaign will lead to an increase in the number of registered expat voters in time for the next general election in 2015.

What’s more, it has been suggested that people living overseas could also qualify for a referendum on Britain’s future (or lack of) with the EU. To this end, the Electoral Commission is currently drawing up plans to focus on those people who continue to use email accounts

APPEAR IN ONE OF OUR ‘SPOTLIGHT’ FEATURES

TO ADVERTISE CALL CHRISTINE

ON 966 719 647

Waiting lists for surgery in Spain’s state-run hospitals were the longest on record in 2012 as emergency spending cuts hit home, according to latest Government figures.

571,395 people were on the waiting list in December 2012, up from 536,911 in June and from 459,885 in December 2011 when the Partido Popular took office.

In a report by Tumbit.com, data for December 2012 released this weekend by the Ministry of Health revealed how the average waiting time for a nonurgent operation stood at 100 days, up from 76 days in June of that year.

In December 2008 - the first year of the financial crisis - the number of people on the waiting list stood at 364,397, with the average waiting time being 71 days.

This was the longest ever waiting time by some margin, and the sharpest rise since records began in 2004.

Data

also

showed

how

Spain and Australia, each of which is home to around one million British expats, are being targeted by the campaign, as is France, which houses around 500,000 British nationals.

Other countries that are being targeted by the campaign include the US, New Zealand and South Africa.

Speaking about the current predicament, Conservative MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “It is pretty poor that these people are disenfranchised.

“If three million people were disenfranchised for a particular reason in this country, there would be an awful row about it.”

Prior to the election in 2010, a similar campaign was launched and eventually led to the downloading of an additional 40,000 overseas registration forms.

It has been suggested, however, that the issue of overseas voters has taken a political turn, with some so-called experts suggesting that it favours a particular party.

Novagalicia to return funds to mortgage holders

British priest deported from Tenerife Spain’s Hospital waiting list now longest on record for ‘sexual abuse’ of altar boys A British vicar has been arrested in Tenerife and extradited over allegedly sexually abusing altar boys over nearly 40 years.

The accused, 85, originally from the Republic of Ireland but with British nationality, is wanted by UK authorities for indecent assaults in a parish in southern Derbyshire between 1955 and 1991.

The first of these, 58 years ago when the priest was aged 27 involved a child of seven who suffered indecent contact on around 10 or 12 occasions, up to the age of 14. But the priest told police this was merely ‘teaching sexual practices’ for later in life.

According to the British courts, the second was an eight-yearold who became an altar boy in 1963 and suffered abuse until he was 16, including attempts at penetration.

Police say the third victim, who was 12 years old in 1991 when he became an altar boy, was looked after by the priest for two weeks in the holidays.

The accused, taking advantage of the boy’s parents’ trust in him, abused him repeatedly both at home and in the altar boy changing rooms in the church.

Following an international arrest order applied for by Leicester court in the UK, the vicar was finally detained in Arona, Tenerife.

His photograph has been made public but his name has not been revealed.

that were first created while in the UK.

Last year the Government imposed cuts to both health budgets and staff numbers as part of a program to save tens of billions of euros which it says will strengthen Spain’s public finances.

Nationalized lender Novagalicia (NCG) said Monday it would return €39 million in mortgage payments made by some 90,000 clients after deciding to eliminate so-called interest-rate floor clauses from its home loan contracts.

Floor clauses limit the extent to which borrowers can benefit from decreases in the benchmark used to set variable-interest mortgages, which in the case of Spain is normally the one-year Euribor rate.

According to El Pais, NCG took the decision to eliminate such clauses in July, backdated to May 9, when the Supreme Court ruled that they lacked the transparency required by the law within the context of a mortgage contract as a whole.

NCG said of the €39 million to be returned to customers, €19 million will be in the form of cash and the remaining €20 million in the form of a reduction in outstanding principal on loans.

NCG has calculated that removing floor clauses will cost the bank some €48 million this year, the equivalent of 6.7% of its net interest income in 2012.

The move affects 49% of home loans granted by NCG to individuals involving a total amount borrowed of €6.6 billion.

A number of other banks, including BBVA and Cajamar, have also agreed to remove floor clauses from their mortgage contracts in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling

Antonio Banderas’ stepdaughter Dakota may play lead role in Fifty shades of Grey

SPANISH actor Antonio Banderas’ stepdaughter may play the female lead role in the film version of Fifty shades of Grey.

Dakota Johnson, 24, daughter of Banderas’ wife Melanie Griffith and her former partner Don Johnson, is one of the favourites on a shortlist which includes Emilia Clarke, Mila Kunis and Alexis Bledel to play the part of naïve literature student Anastasia Steele who falls in love with the attractive millionaire Christian Grey in the erotic best-selling novel.

Despite Dakota’s tender age, she is no stranger to the silver screen, having

starred alongside her stepsister Stella del Carmen, now 16 – younger daughter of Melanie and of Antonio Banderas – effectively playing themselves, or cast as the two daughters of Melanie’s onscreen character, in the 1999 film Crazy in Alabama – a true family affair, since it was also directed by Banderas.

And in 2010, aged 21, Dakota won international recognition for her part in the Facebook film Social network, alongside singer Justin Timberlake – a production which netted eight Oscar nominations including Best Film.

Having been contracted by William Morris’ agency in 2007 after finishing

high school, aged 18, Dakota has starred in four other films – Beastly, For Ellen, Theo, and the Edna Sanz production.

Banderas’ stepdaughter won a Miss Golden Globe in 2006, aged 19, the first second-generation female actor to do so in the history of these awards.

At age 23, she travelled to Sydney to launch her Rising Star campaign for the fashion label Wish.

Also a model, the Texan-born star will, if she gets the role in Fifty shades of Grey, more than likely star alongside actor Charlie Hunnam, who is earmarked to play the male title role.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

JAGUARS

11

s e v l o W d n a ts a c Pussy Written by Eric Arnold

. t is all that about you may ask “Pussycats and Wolves”, wha ed pen hap nt eve st late in Spa in The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club bers brought their beautiful on the 25th August. Club mem Resort on the CV847 near Jaguars to Font Del Llop Golf t t Del Llop is the drinking poin Aspe. Loosely translated Fon in day ic tast fan a t Jus . ect of wolves in an old Spanish dial , the views from the club all respects, a fantastic location t to see more pictures, follow house are stunning. If you wan d by John Parkin. https:// this link. Pictures kindly provide 266622852271151522/ 110 plus.google.com/u/0/photos/ 9 albums/591636176205135428 As usual in fabulous Spain, we had perfect weather. The golf club had given us special permission to display the cars on the club house front terrace overlooking the pristine golf course, a photographers dream.

A few drinks and a chat then lunch. Bread, fresh salad, chicken coujons in batter and reuvelto with home made biscuits, then a choice of Paella De Elche, hake fillet or an Iberico sirloin steak for the main course, followed by a black current cheese cake to die for, coffee, wine, beer and water etc. all for 23 Euro’s, just extraordinary value for such a beautiful spread.

May I take this opportunity to thank all those that attended especially the new members and to thank Ian our Events Manager for putting together such a

brilliant day.

white XJ, well deserved.

The superb selection of 14 Jaguars at this meeting, a little down on our normal numbers but typical for an August meeting, but those few cars brought 34 enthusiastic members. No real classics this time but a stunning display of XJ’s, XK’s, S Types and a new XF.

More photographs and a last chat and people started to depart just after 4:30pm.

A beautiful day, great food, fabulous cars, all in an absolutely stunning location. Our next meeting is on Saturday 21st September, JEC Spain has agreed to support the Royal British Legion in their Poppy Day Gala Appeal, this will include a cruise out to The Manor at Paradon near Pinoso. Ian is still making final arrangements but lunch will take the form of a carvery, contact Ian for more details.

The raffle for motoring books, the sale of Jaguar magazines and members kind donations raised 110 Euros towards club expenses. Thank you so much to those who contributed. “Murphy’s Law” was fully functional on this day as the car chosen as best car of the day by the ladies was our Events Manager’s, Ian McMenemy’s pristine blue S Type, this was obviously declined and the prize for Ladies Choice went to David Marshal with his absolutely stunning

A great a run out to help support a great cause, lunch and an opportunity to join in all the other activities, bring the family. I believe we will be joined by members from other car clubs as well. Many members have requested that we return to La Torreta for

another Country Lunch Convoy, we will be sorting out the details in the not too distant future.

The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, members also benefit from a glossy 132 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC web site www.jec.org.uk. Our Events Manager, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com.

12

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Make over day - a huge success!

Anti-bullfight protest in the run-up to fiestas

Dozens of residents staged an anti-bull fighting demonstration in the town of San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid) on Sunday on the eve of its annual patron saint festival.

Known as the ‘miniPamplona’, after the Navarra city where the famous Sanfermines bull-running takes place, San Sebastián de los Reyes’ fiestas feature more bull-fights than just

about any other town or village in Spain.

The pressure group Sanse Antitaurino marched from a huge bull monument as far as the town hall, where they read out a manifesto condemning all ill-treatment of animals and calling for festivals where no harm comes to bulls.

They said they want the town - and the whole of Spain - to ban bull-fights or

WATCH YOUR BUSINESS GROW GREAT ADVERTISING DEALS WITH SOL TIMES CALL JENNI TODAY

ON 618 530 767

any other events involving bovines where these suffer distress or harm, even where they are not killed.

Police say the demonstration was peaceful and no disturbances were reported.

Parts of Spain, including the region of Catalunya and the Canary Islands have banned bull-fights and similar events - such as bous embolats, where sparklers are tied to the animals’ horns – that involve trauma or risk of injury to bulls.

Others have actually revived these activities many years after they were stopped through lack of funding or popular demand.

On the Costa Blanca, bullrelated events at fiestas have seen a 20-per-cent reduction this summer due to the costs involved.

Big FM is your Community Radio Station, serving the

Costa Blanca from Alicante to Cabo Roig.

Playing all the best music from the 70’s right up to the latest UK Charts, we cater for a wide range of musical tastes.

Your community station, Keeping you up to date with what’s going on in your area.

If you are planning an event, why not have the team broadcast a show LIVE from your venue.

For more information

contact the studio on 647 191 100 Or email: info@bigradio.es

TUNE IN TODAY on 89.9FM

Mirror Mirror on the Wall - Who’s the Fairest one of all!

It was mid August and hot hot hot but a/c was full on during Makeover Day at Bar Sofia in El Raso and Emily Jane and Honey from Mirror Image in Pueblo Bravo Quesada did a fine job on model Cary Pessell who was a “lady in blue” which turned out to be a great colour for her.

Mirror Image had put blond and chocolate highlights in Cary’s hair and then on the day Emily Jane did a re style cut and modern blow dry followed by a light make up by beautician Honey.

Lorraine did a demonstration of Indian Head Massage and then showed how using a crystal she could pin point a troubled area in the body.

Lynne did some great demonstrations of which colours suit certain skin tones and then Lynne did some demonstrations of permanent make up and with the added attractions of Creana with Fashion and Shoes, Kas the clairvoyant and some fabulous food tastings of home made pickles and jams from chutneys”r”jammin as well as some threading done by Lucky Pearl it was a very busy afternoon all captured in the photos taken by Skye at Skyefotos.

The next exciting events will be the 5K Walk sponsored charity walk at El Raso on Sunday 15th September for CICRA and The Ladies Fashion and Shoe Show at just €2 a ticket - The Fashion Show is just part of a Ladies “Chill Out Day” at Quesada Country Club on Thursday 19th September Tickets €12 include a FREE Fashion Show Ticket - both of these events will be raising money for charity - please email sueinthesun@ hotmail.co.uk for full details of these events and a chance to win 4 FREE TICKETS to The Fashion Show and ONE FREE CHILL OUT DAY TICKET!

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Look Good Feel Great

Darren the barber

lumberjacks really are more manly than footballers!

The Barbershop at Quesada Country Club

Cuts from

Chopping wood ‘produces 15% more testosterone than competitive sports’! skip even a single meal, their testosterone levels can drop as much as 10 per cent. Fast for a couple of days and they decrease to castrate levels.

An infection from a pathogen or parasite and even injuries such as burns or surgery also decreases levels of testosterone.

The body uses food to build muscle mass and maintain a healthy immune system. When food energy is low, the body must choose between one or the other.

Trumble said: ‘I can go to the grocery store and gather 20,000 calories in 10 minutes without breaking a sweat. I don’t have to worry about a deficit.

‘But the Tsimane have to use a lot more food energy to get the calories it needs.’

Modern & Traditional Gents Hairdressing

Tel: 616 592 887 PLEASE NOTE July/August Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am- 4pm OUT OF HOURS BY REQUEST Drive through Quesada Arches up main street, take left fork at Parque Acuatico sign. Continue to Consum sign and turn right onto Avenida Costa Azul, continue uphill and take right turn onto Calle Toledo.

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

Ross At studio six

Unisex Stylist Over 29 years experience S.R.H “Senior Stylist” City & Guilds of London

Become a volunteer...you might live longer!

Lead researcher Dr Suzanne Richards, from the University of Exeter Medical School, said: ‘Our review shows that volunteering is associated with improvements in health, but more work is needed to establish whether volunteering is actually the cause.

‘It is still unclear whether biological and cultural factors and social resources that are often associated with better health and survival are also

associated with a willingness to volunteer in the first place.

‘The challenge now is going to be to encourage people from more diverse backgrounds to take up volunteering, and then to measure whether improvements arise for them.’

Tel: 966 714 970 | Mob: 677 897 788

Avda del Romero Local 6, Urb. Montebello, Algorfa 03176

Open Tuesday - Saturday (incl.) from 9am

Near Zoco Market AP7 Junc 745

Late night opening by appointment only

Tel: 966 717 000

Kellys Kutz

2b Avenido Del Mar, Urb Pueblo Bravo, Quesada

Hair and Beauty 965 501 937 / 607 528 443

also Rosa ~ Beautician

Monday & Saturday Over 60’s Day 10% Off Salon Services

10% Discount

Uk Branded clothes sizes 6 to 32 Unisex Hair & Beauty Salon Fully Qualified Staff For 10% off treatments not already discounted,

Urb. Altos del Limonar, Manzana 1 Local 3 Torrevieja

Loyalty Card Scheme

Permanent Make-up

Monday and Friday Pension Day

Super Offer! Manicure & BlowDry 20€

Tel: 966 719 067

Avda Del mar, 1 bajo,Pueblo Bravo, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, 03170 Alicante

thebeautyandwellnesscentre@hotmail.com

Kim Clar k benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles?

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain

For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

KUTS & KLAWS Hair & Nails Salon Karl & Karen

Offer an extensive range of treatments for hair & nails



• Wide range of beauty & holistic treatments • toning tables • vibration plates • semi-permanent make-up • Acrylic & Gel Nail Extensions • permanent hair removal & photo rejuvenation • Hair Salon

mention the password “belle”

August Offer Shellacs from 12€ Colour, Cut & Blow dry from 30€ Gents Cuts 6€ Facials from 20€ Spray Tanning from 10€ Avon Distributor



Send your health and beauty tips to: editor@ soltimes.com

and increasing life satisfaction.

The study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, looked at the results from trials that had been running for between one and 30 years.

However scientists said they were still unsure whether healthier people were more likely to have the time and energy to volunteer, or whether volunteering to help other people actually improved their health.



Volunteers tend to be healthier and live for longer, according to a scientific review, featured by the Mail Online.

Researchers found that those who regularly help out in their community were 20 per cent less likely to die prematurely than those who never volunteered.

A review of 40 international studies found helping others was also associated with a positive effect on mental health, reducing depression

5€



Chopping wood makes you more manly than playing football, according to new research.

Anthropologists Ben Trumble and Michael Gurven from the University of California have been studying a group of forager-farmers in central Bolivia.

They found that a physically demanding task that is critical to successful farming and food production, results in greater levels of testosterone compared with playing competitive sports like football.

With football, there was a 30.1 per cent increase in testosterone but chopping wood resulted in a 46.8 per cent increase.

According to Trumble, testosterone levels are closely related to the availability of food energy. When young men

13

10% Off all nail treatments with this voucher

We are situated just up from Gama in Quesada Town Tel: 966 716 602 - Karl Mobile: 644 125 940 Karen Mobile: 644 125 994





14

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Los Palacios Gardening & Community Group On Saturday 17th August our Group held a Summer Dance event at Mariano’s outside bar. With hind sight we wished that we had filmed ourselves getting ready for the 8.00 pm start, when paper table covers turned themselves into parachutes as we tried to stick them to large round tables. We had not bargained for the strong wind that would challenge our nerve and resources. The balloon blowing was equally humorous. As fast as we were hanging them up under the cover, they snagged on sharp objects and startled unsuspecting ticket holders who were not aware of what was going on.

We were very relieved when the rest of the evening went much more smoothly and much merriment ensured. The 2 musical turns (Phil

Brady & The Brady Bunch and Mick & Bernie) did us proud and one of our members, Glyn Webb, provided a bit of exercise for us with 2 games - “Kings & Queens” & “Human Bingo”.

I think you will see from the photo, that the evening was a success and we would like to thank the very generous members of the community for their support at this event. If ever we doubted that there was a community spirit alive and well in Camposol A/Los Palacios, then Saturday 17th should have dispelled all doubts.

I would also like to personally thank all those who worked so hard to make the night a success. It is certainly rewarding to be able to work with such a great bunch of people.

Thanks also to my neighbours who pitched in

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

Call us on 968 199 068 www.luzdelsol.co.uk

Centro Comercial #34, Sector A, Urb. Camposol, Mazarron 30875, Spain

SolTimes

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

send your news and views to editor@ soltimes. com

with the preparation in the heat of the afternoon, it was much appreciated.

Due to the great results of the evening’s fund raising, we have received many enquiries regarding what the money is to be spent on. We have formed a separate Steering Group in order to present some options to the main Group at the next monthly meeting on 2nd September, 10.00 am - Mariano’s Terrace. The Steering Group has surveyed Los Palacios and documented where improvements and support may be needed.

If you do not attend our meetings you can follow the progress of our efforts on the website: http://www. lospalacios-gardeners.com - and also check out the dates for our next events.

Another great piece of news, is that the double height step leading from the steps down to the post room has been corrected and an additional step added.

The old saying “it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good” comes to mind here. The owner of the Quality Indian restaurant on B Sector unfortunately fell down this step, and a quick thinking Edward Roberts asked him if he would be prepared to pay for an extra step to be constructed. Edward arranged for a builder to do the deed, and we are now all benefitting from the joint resources of the two gentlemen.

Do our social or gardening activities appeal to you?

If you would like to discuss joining our happy band, email us at: members@ lospalacios-gardeners.com or speak to our members who regularly carry out collections on Thursday mornings at the top of the stairs, next to the Los Palacios Commercial Centre.

Why not contribute to our community and have a great time along the way?

Joce Grant - Group Secretary

Wed 11th September

7.30 for 8pm

Bar La Sal Open-air venue on the Marina, Puerto de Mazarrón

S T C A REAT G 2

Slippery Floors?

Tel: Martin 659 232 507 martin.freeman@free-sol.com

www.free-sol.com

Suitable for ceramic tiles, slate, terrazzo, quarry tiles, marble, stone, concrete and more...

Martin Ross and Karen Noble ING WEAR SOMETHand SMART, BLACK WHITE

Tickets from: Friday 11am - 1pm Outside Bar Salud, Camposol B Port area Telephone 634 336 484

€15.00 Transport from Camposol & MCC €5

including Buffet

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

15

LIBERTY SEGUROS BECAUSE IMPORTANT MATTERS SUCH AS CAR OR HOME INSURANCE, REQUIRE COVER FROM A REPUTABLE COMPANY

Luckily most of us never suffer the large losses that everyone worries about, and people generally have very little experience in dealing with larger claims. Those that do however, might be in for unpleasant surprises, with insurance companies creating problems or delays for unsuspecting policyholders. That’s why it is so important to make sure you choose a reputable insurer from the outset, with not just Spanish or UK, but GLOBAL support.

LIBERTY SEGUROS forms part of the Liberty Mutual group, one of the world’s advertising feature leading insurance and financial services companies, who has been protecting the past and future of millions of people across 5 continents and who recently celebrated its 100th anniversary!

People build their lives on Liberty’s promises and Liberty keeps them, as well as giving you piece of mind knowing that they can always meet their financial obligations, now and in the future.

Employing over 50.000 people worldwide, their brokers understand like no other that by treating customers well, strong and longlasting relationships are build. Go to www. libertyexpatriates.es to find a broker near you. They can give you personal advice on which cover best suits your family situation, in Spanish, English, German, Dutch and Scandinavian languages.

swimming pools

pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details.

Al

l sh & SIZES apes eg.

8.500 €

8m.X 4m.

pool Repairs ~ Terraces ~ Pool Covers

968 461 404 - 630 810 299 poolsureste@gmail.com www.poolsureste.com

16

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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:

I understand that if I sell my property I needtothink about the following expenses: solicitors fee, capital gains tax and plusvalía tax. What is plusvalía tax , and how is it calculated?

A . Up to recently this was a small tax when you sold or inherited , but now it can be a high amount and needs to be considered before the transaction. It is charged on the transfer of ownership of a property by sale, inheritance etc. . This tax is a local tax charged by each municipality on the increase in value of Urban land in its own district land and is distinct from Capital Gains Tax. It is important to realize that the tax is charged on land alone, not on the buildings that may stand on the land.

The rates of tax are set by each municipality and can vary widely between neighbouring municipalities.The tax is based on the increase in the official, that is to say the “Catastral”, value of the land which a property occupies. This is the same value that is used to set your local property tax or “IBI” and can be found on the bill for your “IBI” issued by your local ayuntamiento each year and is shown as the “valor del suelo”.The actual price at which a property changes hands, or the value attributed to it if is the subject of a gift or inheritance is irrelevant.

Calculation: The Plusvalia is calculated as a function of the catastral value of the land and the number of years of ownership (up to a maximum of 20 years). The higher the catastral value and the number of years of ownership, the higher the tax.

Plusvalia tax = Catastral value of the land x Yearly percentage of value’s increase x Number of years of ownership x Tax rate The yearly percentage of value’s increase and the tax rate are fixed by the Town Halls.They are established locally. Up to now, when a Town Hall had updated the catastral values, usually with really high increases of the values compared to the existing ones, article 107.3 of the Law had established that on the following five years after the revision of the values, the Town Halls had to apply a deduction of 40 to 60 % to the catastral value. If a Town Hall made not contemplation of this rule teh law established an automatic deduction of 60%. However new Law passed in 2012 has changed that situation allowing the Town Halls to eliminate those deductions, which is why a loto of people are suddenly paying much

higher rates and find themselves with an unfairly high plusvalíaa tax when they sell. On a sale of a property it is the responsibility of the seller to pay the tax, but if the seller fails to pay this responsibility may be passed to the buyer, who would then have to recuperate the money form this seller. If the property is being inherited or is the subject of some other type of gift it is the beneficiary or recipient of the property who is liable to pay the tax.

Certain transactions are exempt from the Plusvalia Tax, the main ones which are likely to affect the general public are the transfer of property between spouses who are divorcing, or to children to comply with Court judgments, and “aportaciones” or transfers to companies in which spouses are the only shareholders which may be used for tax planning.

The amount of the tax that will be charged on a transaction will depend firstly on the Catastral value of the land which the property occupies, and secondly on the length of time since it last changed hands. If you are selling an individual house which stands on a large plot which you have owned for a considerable length of time the amount of the Plusvalia Tax could be many thousands of Euros. On the other hand, as the tax is charged on the value of land alone, the amount of Plusvalia Tax charged on a flat in a block which you have not owned for very long the tax may be quite modest.

For those of you who are considering rearranging your financial affairs to take advantage of tax planning schemes, the amount of Plusvalia tax that may be due is one of a number of elements, which include the Notary and other fees that may be payable, which you need to consider when balancing the costs and benefits of these schemes. Depending on the amount of Plusvalia, it may be cheaper to make a gift of the property rather than enter into more complex arrangements with higher Notary and other fees.

The time for paying the Plusvalia Tax is within 30 days of a sale or gift between living people, or 6 months of the date of death on an inheritance.

Your town hall can advise you of the amount of Plusvalia that may be payable on a transaction involving your property, or in many cases it is possible to obtain the calculation “on line”, but as I always write in concluding these articles, if in doubt take professional advice.

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.

Sunergy “English spoken”

Deborah Cubel fisher

“on parle francais”

7 years experience in this area legal & fiscal advice for residents & non-residents Tax Payments and refunds

Almeria

Over 15 years installation experience Solar powered swimming pool filter systems from €2200 to circulate pool water whenever sun shines, up to 10 hours a day, independent of mains so reduces electric bills

• Wills and Inheritance process • Translations / Interpreter • Purchase / Sale private contracts • NIE’s, Residencia, Medical Cards....

• Land property and Catastro • Vehicle registration / driving registration licenses licenses • Conveyancing / Notorial documents • Mortgages • Taxes (local rates, rubbish collection, vehicle, tax returns for residents and non residents and refund of the capital gains tax)

Special offer !!!

Wills €125 / each Including Notary Fee

Yearly contract €149 Including VAT 21%

• Yearlytax returns (no increase if more than one owner, or more than one property) • Legal and fiscal advice FREE throughout the year • Free assistance / advice for any visitors staying at your property • Free visit from a technician / architect to offer independent expertise on matter such as: putting in insurance claims, confirmation of the legality of an extension / building work, free estimate for any work to be carried out

If you introduce another client to us you will not be charged your next annual fee

C/ del Mar, 33 - Galeria Alcana Local 11 Vera 04620 (Almeria) Tel: 950 39 06 21 Fax: 950 39 02 12 email: dcasesores@notin.net

Established 2002

Independent stand alone or mains assisted electricity systems to power your house, or reduce bills and power cuts, for example 5kw 48v system from €7950

Call Phil for competitive prices

636 261 240

Email: info@sunergyalmeria.com www.sunergyalmeria.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Lions Spanish Solution to a fun day

A full house for Elvis!

Comaskey Properties and Spanish Solutions are hosting a fun day at their new joint La Zenia offices on Friday 6th September 2013 in support of Torrevieja Costa Lions Club.

‘El Alto La Dolores Restaurant’ hosted another charity fund-raising night on behalf of Quesada Spiritualist Church, when 800€ was raised. The event was held on 16th August, to mark the anniversary of Elvis’ death, and was another huge success, with all tickets sold. The night included rare film footage of “The King”, music and a quiz, as well as a superb tribute to Elvis by Martin Dean of Radio Nova. The money raised will be shared between Church funds and two local charities. Once again, Andreas, manager of the Restaurant, donated 100€ of his own money to the charity. What a gentleman!!

The event will commence at 1100 hrs and go on throughout the afternoon until 1700 hrs. Already planned for the day will be a super barbecue, outside bar and real ice cream van. Music and entertainment will be provided by Paul Cullen, Sunflower Valley, JB Brass and Juan Angel , with music to suit all tastes.

There is a fabulous Prize Draw with over 20 prizes, the first prize donated by Worldwide Horizons of La Zenia is a 7 night Mediterranean Cruise for 2 people travelling from Malaga to Sardinia, Malta and Sicily. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Lion members plus the La Zenia offices of Spanish Solutions and

IBEX Insurance.

The event takes place on the terrace outside Comaskey/Spanish Solutions new offices, which can be found at the roundabout between the N332 and Zenia Boulevard on Calle Malaquita 1, Bajo, La Zenia.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Lions Club who are currently raising funds for ALPE, the educational centre for handicapped children and young adults in Torrevieja.

ALPE are a truly worthwhile cause and desperately need your support.

So put the date in your diaries, Friday 6th September, come along to Comaskey Properties/Spanish Solutions La Zenia, and join in the fun in the knowledge that every euro raised will be spent wisely in aid of ALPE.

Beach Fair With A Difference In Jávea Port

Saturday and Sunday night there is a potter who will teach you to make your own bowl on his wheel.

The craft fair that is being held on the sea front in the port of Jávea has turned into an extra attraction for the Spanish and foreign visitors to this part of town. Up till 20 stalls offer jewellery, turned wood, scarves, carvings, leather, ceramics, even sculptures and paintings, all made by the people of the stall. Here you can buy something you admire, or, if you have a little patience and what you ask is not too complicated, order something and pick it up a few hours (or days) later. And on Tuesday, Thursday,

Some of the craftsmen and women are locals who are just looking for somewhere to sell what they make. Others are people from Madrid or Albacete who want to escape the heat and spend a month with their family at the seaside, and who sell their work as a way of making it possible to take a holiday. Whatever the reason, this is where you can find the sort of goods you associate with real craftsmanship.

The market continues till 15 September and opens every evening at 7; the stalls pack up at about midnight. Not everybody is there every day: some take turns so as to have time to spend in their workshop - they can’t just go to the whole saler and buy more: if they sell they have to sit down and make more!! Ring 639 979 678 for further details (English spoken) or have a look at www. amata.es which has an English section with photographs of this and similar fairs.

The next fund-raising night at ‘El Alto La Dolores’, will be on Wednesday, 11th September. We have a return visit from PETER SAUL, star of London’s West End and with film credits to his name. Peter has just finished a West End run in the show “Burn The Floor”, and has also played Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, at the Queens Theatre, as well as appearing in the film ‘Closer’, with Julia Roberts and Jude Law. Peter performed in a Charity Night in January this year, and received a standing ovation for his superb vocals. Supporting Peter will be Costa Blanca’s favourite comic, JUSTIN SANE, with his very funny, and a little bit naughty act. He will also be performing his excellent Elton John tribute. Do not miss

17

this superb, quality entertainment.

Tickets are still priced at just 10 euros, and include a meal. These are available from Restaurante El Alto La Dolores, The Post Room Benijófar, The Card Place Benimar, or by calling 692 866 536 after 3rd September.

18

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Residents walled in by ring of fire around their village

Residents in a western Spanish village have been going through over 24 hours of terror after a forest fire literally circled the municipality and sealed it off.

According to a report

by ThinkSpain, the 500 or so inhabitants of Santibáñez el Alto in the Cáceres province, in the Sierra de Gata mountain range in the region of Extremadura found they were unable to leave

their village all day on Saturday because of a ring of fire surrounding it.

Various residents of the village, which is about 30 kilometres from the Portuguese border, called the emergency services at around 01.30hrs yesterday morning when they saw flames close to their homes, but said the situation rapidly worsened over the next hour or so after the wind

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS WITH SOL TIMES

CALL JENNI ON 618 530 767

changed direction.

Terrified villagers, who realised they would have no escape if the flames came any closer since leaving their homes would still leave them trapped by a wall of fire, gathered water buckets and hosepipes in an attempt to keep the inferno from spreading inwards.

Not only was the village completely sealed off with no way in or out, but the main road leading to it was closed until some time after lunch yesterday.

Inhabitants say the fire was ‘uncomfortably close’ and lapping at the edges of their town, meaning there was no point in emergency services evacuating them as there was no way out.

They praised the efficiency of the fire brigade and the Armed

Forces, who came from Sevilla, and Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), complete with 12 hydroplanes.

Emergency services had to attend to 13 residents and 12 soldiers and firefighters, all of whom were suffering from smoke inhalation.

Luckily none of them had to be taken to hospital, since they could not get out of the village to be taken to the

nearest one.

Extremadura has been hit by some of the worst fires this summer, including one of several in the province of Zamora which travelled 15 kilometres from Portugal.

Wildfires continue to rage in central Portugal, particularly near the towns of Vouzela – about 80 kilometres north of Coimbra – Tondela and Covilhã, the nearest to

the Santibáñez el Alto fire at 70 kilometres west.

Spain and France have sent back-up military and rescue forces to help after one fireman died and another nine were injured tackling the ongoing inferno in Tondela, northern Portugal, about 100 kilometres from the Spanish border and 50 from the coast.

animal corner... animal corner... animal corner 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

Pick up & delivery service offered for coastal areas

Telephone: 966 195 816

Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473

www.mountainviewcathotel.webs.com

Mountain View Cat hotel

All cats are special to us at “Mountain View Cat Hotel” no matter if they need extra care, medication, injections, special diets if they are very old, young or just plain normal cats. They will all be lavished with love and care because we truly love cats.

We have been running Mountain View since 2006 Paul

and I look after the cats together so they get very used to us. I have many years of Veterinary care, this gives me the ability to provide professional care for the cats and to be able to spot any problems quickly.

We work in conjunction with Puntovet veterinary clinic in Aspe .Their telephone no.is 965494770 /607188566. The

Domino Pet Hotel Domino Petshipping worldwide

The local pet hotel where your beloved pet goes when you are on holiday or just away...

Domino Pet Hotel offers cattery with warm and cosy beds, daily grooming guaranteed! Large comfortable dog kennels, large exercise park, doggie wellness weekend Fri - Mon 25€ incl.

Wellness bath, Short / long term stay. Professional trained team

• Professional Pet Shipping Worldwide - UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand…

• We take care of all documentation • Travel Crates in all sizes from small up to extra large (best Price guaranteed) • IPATA Member

Tel: 654 168 366

info@dominopetshipping.com

www.dominopetshipping.com

CLIPPERS

Experienced Mobile Dog Groomer Based in Quesada Collection Service Available Pamper Your Dog For Only 19€ Ring Sue on:

659 458 161

girls Andreia and Rosa (whom both speak English ) run an outstanding and modern clinic, they will give your cat all the time and dedication if ever needed. Needless to say if there are signs that your cat is not well and I can’t solve them Puntovet will be their first point of call as

your cat’s health is paramount to us Just two of the testimony from our Web page www. mountainviewcathotel.webs. com Lesley-Anne : “Very good site and brilliant cattery ( 5 Star Hotel). The only problem is that it is so good, our cat doesnt want to come home!!

She now likes us to go on holidays..

Lots.... For healthcare advice Carol is a genius.”

Kathy: “The best cattery my cats have ever been to. This is the first time I have ever felt relaxed about leaving my cats and I can’t recommend it enough. Thankyou Carol and Paul.”

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

expat services GREEN BAIZE Snooker & Pool Hall | Quesada

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

Tel: 966 716 315

Lezsonja’s Boarding Kennels

Residencia Canina Sax

All weather kennels with around the clock security

Tel. 966 182 838 Mb. 677 343 653

www.lezsonjaskennels.com www.lezsonjaskennels.com

the car service centre legal & registered for over 11 years now british mechanic with workshop in loy hoya With the recent closure of local British garages we would like to take this opportunity to welcome new clients In addition to all types of mechanical repairs and diagnostics, we offer ITV pre test and service, body shop facilities, spare parts supplied, tyres, brakes and exhausts.

19

3 page special

Guide to the Spanish railway network

Spanish network & main stations

The Spanish railway system is centred on Madrid, from where three main lines radiate out to other parts of the country (two extend to the French border and the other to Andalusia and the Levante). Consequently there are good links between Madrid and other cities, although to get to a destination without going via Madrid often requires a circuitous journey.

Madrid has two main stations (estaciones). Chamartín (the largest) serves A Coruña, Albacete, Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Irún, León, Lugo, Ourense, Oviedo, Salamanca, Santander, Soria, Vallodolid, Zamora, Zaragossa, and France plus local services. Puerta de Atocha station (south of the Prado museum and recently extensively restored and renovated) serves Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Extremadura, including Almeria, Badajoz, Cadiz, Ciudad Real, Cordoba, Cuenca, Granada, Malaga, Mérida, Salamanca, Seville, Toledo, Valencia, plus Portugal and local services.

The main stations in Barcelona are França and Sants (the most important), which has a link to Barcelona airport. Trains to all major Spanish cities and to France (via Gerona) leave from Sants, while França has daily international trains to Geneva, Milan, Paris and Zurich. Note that in smaller towns, stations are often located

a few kilometres from the town centre and there may be no bus service.

Other trains include the independent FGV narrow-gauge line (1915) operating the Costa Blanca Exprés running along the Costa Blanca from Denia to Alicante (93km/58mi) and the Limón Exprés operating between Benidorm and Gata de Gorgos. A coal-burning steam train (Tren de la Fresa) with wooden seats runs from Madrid to Aranjuez on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from May to October.

Buying train tickets (billetes) in Spain can be confusing as there’s a baffling range of fares (precios/importes) and trains to choose from. Confusion is widespread and ticket office clerks aren’t always familiar with the variety of special tickets and reductions available. You should double check to ensure that you pay the lowest possible fare for a journey.

Fares for long-distance and high-speed trains such as AVE are published in leaflets available from stations and RENFE offices, and all fare information is available on the RENFE website (www. renfe.es). Children under four years of age travel free (including sleeping accommodation) and those aged between 4 and 12 travel for half fare.

Article: www.expatica.com

drainage services

Toilets - Sinks - Baths - Showers Drains - Cleaned & Repaired

24 emergency service

no callout

charge

cctv

jetting

celebrating

our 10th year

pest

control

www.completemotoringsolutions.es Office 965 419 769 (mornings) Mobile 646 730 507

tel: 966 720 109 mob: 618 356 270 www.unblockarod.com info@unblockarod.com

TRANS LINGUA

• • • • • •

Translation - Notary Services - NIE Number - Wills - Residencia - Transfer of Vehicle Ownership

2 X Wills €175

Written & Verbal Translations

CALL NOW

634 174 978

20

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

expat services

LOCKSMITH LOCKED OUT!!! CALL24hr

Tel: 647 151 972

Put this number in your phone now!

...for all of your requirements as an expat living in S there for help solve your problems... Email: editor

Festivals in Spain 2013

LOCKS CHANGED ALL LOCKS TO WORK OF 1 KEY EXTRA SECURITY WINDOWS & DOORS FREE SECURITY SURVEY MOTURA & DIERRE LOCKS CHANGED FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN

Augu absol last ov

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

Plumbing & Heating co 11 years in Spain

All plumbing work. New Bathrooms.

Summer offers on Solar heating hot water systems State of the art, cutting edge specialist leak detecting equipment as used by major . Insurance Companies

Call Tony 617 055 100

Free Quotes all work guaranteed and certified to Spanish Regulations waterworks@europe.com

SAN LUIS COMPUTERS

GB

from 349€, inc iva

E

NEW TOWER WITH WINDOWS 7 REPAIRS, VIRUS REMOVAL, UPGRADES ETC

In spain for over 11 years Commercial zone 3, San Luis

www.sanluiscomputers.com john@sanluiscomputers.com

tel: 619 963 018

OP

GroupSpain

“RE-PLATE” MATE

YOUR FIRST STOP COMPUTER SHOP NEW ENGLISH LAPTOPS WINDOWS 8

from 379€ inc iva

Are you looking for an agent you can trust to rent or sell your property? Please contact us on info@opgroupspain.com or call: 966 729 653

By

Manchester Steve

Above Mercadona in La Zenia

Telephone: 634 141 331

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

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

Sep 7 de la S main back t awarded Heritage music more th main p giant Aragon a General

S Int Sebast Spain ta often Retrosp and

Sep 24 This c Merc

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

21

Spain, there’s sure to be a business out r@soltimes.com and we’ll put you in touch...

B.D. Security

Big enough to cope, small enough to care

ust 28: La Tomatina, Buñol, west of Valencia: This is the world renowned, lutely crazy, tomato flinging, juice-spraying five-day festival held on the Wednesday of August. Thousands of joyful revelers use truckloads of verripe tomatoes as missiles. Bring goggles and a change of clothes.

7 – 8: Fiestas de la Mare de Deu Salut in Algemesí, Valencia: The local festival in Algemesí dates o the Middle Ages and has been d the UNESCO Intangible Cultural e designation. Theatre, dance and are part of the celebrations and han 1,400 people take part in the parade. The festival also features s representing King James I of and his wife as part of the “Volta l”, which also includes numerous biblical characters.

saint. Free music concerts, from traditional to contemporary, are held in the plazas (particularly Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça Sant Jaume), and figures from folklore such as the gigants (giants) and cap grosses (fatheads) take to the streets.

People come out to perform the sardana (the traditional Catalan dance) and to watch the nailbiting castellers (human towers). Firework displays light up the night, and the hair-raising correfoc, a parade of firework-brandishing “devils” and dragons, is the grand finale.

Sep 20 – 28: San Sebastián ernational Film Festival, San tián: The premier film festival of akes place in the Basque capital, n at several different theaters. pectives are frequently featured, weeklong screenings are held.

Repairs to Washers, Dryers, Electric Cookers, Dishwashers, Fridges and Freezers All makes, Torrevieja and surrounding areas 20 years experience Call Stewart on fast reliable service office

4: Fiesta De La Mercé, Barcelona: celebration honors Our Lady of y (La Mercè), the city’s patron

FREE CALL OUT

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

966 785 451 / 654 939 202hours 10 - 4

Small call out on Fridges

GRILLES - GATES - FENCING - Arches

Call for a free quote for all your metalwork and security needs phone david on: 679 360 744 email: davegrilles@hotmail.com

Are your security grills/gates rusty?

Do they need a professional facelift so they look like new again?

We take away your existing grills, sandblast them back to bare metal removing all old paint and rust.

We then prime and powder coat them to your required colour and taste.

Dr Hans C. Madsen DC

(over 21 years experience with lasers)

Member of the Danish, Spanish & European Association

Also Karma Days & Holistic Therapies Beauty Treatments & Massages cc/ Torregrosa next to Consum & Lidl Lo Marabu, CUIDAD QUESADA

Call 687 651 212

Getting Fit Just Got Easier

“Laser therapy specialist be free from pain” September • OSTEOARTHRITIS

special

• SPINAL INJURIES ½ price • SPORTS INJURIES consultation • BACK PAIN offer

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR ARTHRITIC JOINTS www.chiropractor-benijofar.es info@chiropractor-benijofar.es

966 185 242 C/Federico Garcia Lorca, No.90 –L8, 03178, 693 371 616/617

Benijofar (Opposite the Citroen Garage)

Monday & Wednesday 10am - 1.30pm 3pm - 6pm Tuesday & Thursday 3pm - 6pm Friday 10am - 1.30pm

qualified builder Curson construction all types of building work undertaken to an excellent standard

Brickwork Plastering Tiling Roofing Pool Repairs Laminated Floors Etc phone for a free quotation no obligation ring steve 966 731 347 or mob 638 196 305

22

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS WITH SOL TIMES

CALL JENNI ON 618 530 767 The Mosquito Screen & Window Co Serving the Coast and Inland for over 10 Years

Manufacturers & Installers of Insect Screens, Aluminium & UPVC Windows & Doors Tel: 966 716 329 or Spanish Mob: 722 763 055

www.mosquitoscreenco.com

email: the.mosquito.screen.company@gmail.com Find us at Moncayo Market on Saturdays & we are pleased to announce we are now at Lemon Tree Market on Sundays

Britannia

SOLAR POOLS COVERS - ROLLERS HEATPUMPS - FENCING

Established 40 years in the UK

8.2kw heat pumps at 1,700€ 12kw heat pumps 2,000€ small ROLLERS FROM 200€

www.poolsafetyfencing.es

www.britanniapoolcovers.com

400 MICRON 500 MICRON Swim

6x3m.................165€ 6x3m.................220€ 8x4m.................270€ 8x4m.................355€ sooner 8x5m.................330€ 8x5m.................420€ in a 10x4m...............330€ 10x4m...............420€ warmer 10x5m...............420€ 10x5m...............520€ Pool 12x6m...............600€ 12x6m...............750€ For more prices & information Trade Enquiries WELCOME Ian 966 765 378 / 649 784 193

Just as the ink was drying on last weeks article that I wrote for the Soltimes about the danger of fires in Spain, three-quarters of Spain, ie 17 Spanish Provinces, were put on state of high alert by the government´s weather agency as the hot weather continued to be experienced across the country! The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a map showing the probability of fires across different parts of Spain, and almost the entire country had been designated as at ‘extreme’ or ‘very high’ risk, according to national daily ABC. I also mentioned that many fires were started by what could only be described as idiots!

The ´barbecue buddies´ that started the Majorca blaze face charges because they decided to throw their used hot coals over a ploughed field which became the fire that destroyed almost 1,800 hectares of the World Heritage Tramuntana mountains. Did no-one ever think of pouring water over the coals?

It seems that the Irish were caught in the act as well as along with a couple of Americans they were arrested at the end of July after they allegedly started a fire in the Montgo Mountain Nature Park, between Denia and Javea. which is just up the coast from us.

According to the Spanish Daily, El Mundo, locals alerted the Spanish National police when they noticed a Chinese lantern, falling from the skies into a forested area. Shortly after this, a blaze started, which took fire fighters an hour to put out, by which stage 1,000 square metres of woodland had been destroyed.

Apparently they admitted to officers on the scene that they had sent ¨a number of sky lanterns up into the air¨at a get together they were having. Fortunately the prompt action of the fire service and the fact the wind was not stronger, disaster was averted, but it did not stop them in getting in trouble with the law. The eight detainees, five men and three women, were granted bail by a Valencia judge and were named ´as suspects in an official investigation into a fire in a protected area caused by negligence´.

It was subsequently reported by the Irish Times, that they in fact tried to put out the flames and called the emergency services themselves¨ What started out as a family get-together following the death of a family member ended in disaster. I can imagine the idea of remembering someone by setting a lantern free might , somehow be symbolic.... To be honest ¨I have thought about trying these Sky lanterns out myself, for example, for bonfire night instead of fireworks! They are readily available on the Internet, and have been used by the Chinese for centuries, but I don´t think I will bother now!! My husband always questioned their safety but

Casa la Pedrera Tel: 660 816 620 www.thingstodoinspain.info

Activity Centre: Quadbike Excursions, Horse Treks, Archery, Air Rifle, Kayaking, Fishing Grand Designs House: Tea Room and Craft Shop Serving Cream Teas & Light Lunches Next Events: Last Pool Party Friday 7pm Flamenco with Horse show Saturday 14 September 6pm

the material on them insist they are safe as when lit the flame heats the air inside the lantern, lowering its density and causing the lantern to rise into the air before it sinks back to the ground as the flame goes out - mmm obviously not the case when ´flown´in forested areas!!

It was recently reported in the UK, again in July of this year, that over 6 million pounds worth of damage was caused, when a recycling plant in Smethwick went up in flames because of a Chinese lantern that floated on to the site and landed on some rubbish, setting it alight. Calls have been made to ban the sale of these lanterns but no bill has been passed.

Although there has been some light relief this week with some rain and thunderstorms it has not been sufficient to dampen undergrowth and the risk for fire outbreaks are still high.

According to a US Climate Report published on August the 21st, July 2013 was the sixth warmest or record GLOBALLY. The State of the Climate report, showed that large swaths of the planet were unseasonably warm in July.

Here in Europe we also faced extreme heat. Austria broke an all-time national record high in July, only to break it again in August. Triple-digit readings affected Spain, Italy and much of southeastern Europe.

Broken down by region, July 2013 temperatures ranked sixth warmest on record over land and eighth warmest on record over oceans. Temperatures ranked sixth warmest on record over the Northern Hemisphere and seventh warmest on record over the Southern Hemisphere. The report ended and The NCDC said July 2013 was the 37th consecutive July and 341st consecutive month with a global temperature above the 20th century average.

I must just be getting used to it, but I have not noticed it being hotter than usual, but what I have noticed it has been much less windy than last year. Many of my customers have also remarked that they have not found it as hot as last year? Who knows? It is the first summer in a long time that we have had rain in the last week of August but what I have come to expect, with the weather at least, is not to expect,,,,, if that makes any sense! What we have had is some beautiful sunsets and I would like to share this amazing photo of my daughter Linzi taken just two days ago diving into the pool from our high diving board... It looks like she is diving over the sun!

So enjoy was is left of the summer holidays we are still very busy with all the activities, the most popular still being the quad biking, followed closely by the Horse Treks.

The summer show, ´FLAMENCO WITH HORSES, also proved very popular and we are hosting a charity show POOL AND WATER LEAK DETECTION & REPAIR SPECIALISTS in aid of one of the flamenco dancers, on Saturday 15th, DON’T LET YOUR POOL & WATER tickets only 5 euros and 3 BILLS DRAIN YOU!! euros for kids and as this is your last opportunity to see the show, don´t miss out. More info as always on the website Tel: 627 752 965 | 622 400 365 | 966 194 179 www.thingstodoindspain.info orby calling me On 660 816 620...

Jenni

www.leak-tech.net info@leak-tech.net

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

23

...HOME & GARDEN

Cyclogical

Monthly cycling tips / advice & routes

Cycle Route 29

Quesada to Crevillente / Albatera

By Gary & Ly nn Cyclogical Quesada Leave Quesada and head for Benijofar, turn right at the town square (cobbled area) and pass through Benijofar, at the roundabout for Rojales turn left, cycle up and over the bridge to the next roundabout, go straight across and follow the road to San Fulgencio where you turn left at the roundabout following the signs for Elche, follow this road past La Marina Urbanisation and stay on this road which is a relatively good straight road.

Pass the petrol station on your left and you will come to a roundabout where the road becomes a dual carriageway with a cycle track on the left, cycle on this track until you come to the next roundabout, turn left here onto the CV851 and follow this road for approx 1km then turn left, once on this road follow it for approx 10kms passing El Hondo nature reserve which is on your left hand side.

You will eventually come to a fork in the road where if you stay on the road you will come to San Felipe Neri, you take the right fork heading for El-Realengo which you pass through and turn right at the junction cycle along this road up and over the rail line and at the roundabout turn right onto the Camino road follow this road for approx 5kms passing under the AP7 motorway and up a slight incline, just keep following the road until you come to a road junction where you turn left and cycle straight into Crevillente.

Turn left at the first junction then take the 4th on the right which takes you into one of the town squares where there is plenty of choice for restaurants and cake shops to stop at for a refreshment. Once you are watered and fed turn left on the main road N340 and pass all the traffic lights and head straight on to Albatera. On the long straight

downhill you will pass two petrol garages one on each side of the road ( if you turn right just before the petrol garage and drive along this track for approx 2km you can visit the Moroccan Gardens, well worth a look ).

At Albatera you turn left and follow the signs for San Isidro, then Catral, Dolores San Fulgencio, Rojales and finally Benijofar then you are back on home soil again. A very enjoyable ride not too many small inclines and some lovely scenery . There were 11 of us on this ride all of mixed abilities and I was on the Tandem with my daughter which was great fun. We cycled for a total of 76kms burnt 1400calories and cycled for 3hours and 20 mins with a 30 minute stop for coffee and cake. The temperature was 38degrees but we had a nice breeze whilst cycling. If you fancy joining us on a Saturday afternoon give us a call. So what are you waiting for ? “ Get on Yer Bike”.

Total Cycling time : 3.5 Hours Total Distance :Approx 76 Kms. Summary: Beautiful Scenic route over mostly flat terrain , with lovely views and great roads.

All of our routes are now available from our website on www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com or from our newly published book “Cycling Routes, Maps, Tips and Advice”.

Gary and Lynn are available at “Cyclogical” in Quesada, Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 5.30pm and from 10.00am till 2.00pm on a Saturday to assist and advice you on all you’re cycling requirements.

pool & water leak detection & repair specialists

THE LEADING COMPANY IN THE COSTA BLANCA FOR UNDERWATER TILING & REPAIRS

BY WORKING UNDERWATER THE POOL REMAINS FULL & TOTALLY OPERATIONAL

!!DRAINING YOUR POOL IS NOT NECESSARY!!

WE CAN FIX FROM ONE TILE UP TO SQUARE METERS OF TILING €€€€€ SAVE TIME € SAVE WATER € SAVE CHEMICALS € SAVE MONEY €€€€€ OUR REPAIRS ARE UNMATCHED IN QUALITY AND APPEARANCE THE COMPLETE REPAIR & REFURBISHMENT FOR YOUR SWIMMING POOL

Underwater services include:

Broken or missing tile replacement Areas of missing grout Crack & expansion joint repairs Grill replacement – inlets & outlets Drilling & fixing Rebar rust stains Underwater video & camera surveys

Tel: 966 789 370 or 660 718 259

Trade call

FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN

Accurate pressure testing Full re-tiling & grouting Leak detection & repairs Structural repairs Water leak detection (domestic & commercial) All work guaranteed

Eco Build

upholstery cleaning specialists

ALL CLEANING WORK UNDERTAKEN

our services:

Tel: 627752965 / 966194179 / 622400365 Email: info@leak-tech.net www.leak-tech.net

C & M Cleaning services * Sofas, Suites, Fabric & Leather Cleaned * Rugs, Carpets, Curtains, Blinds * Mattresses Steam Cleaned * Car, Caravan Boat Interiors * House Cleaning, Spring Cleaning * Bars & Restaurants, No Job To Small * Call For a Free No Obligation Quote

APPEAR IN ONE OF OUR ‘SPOTLIGHT’ FEATURES TO ADVERTISE CALL CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647

Wall Insulation, Damp proofing & Dry Lining Specialist Reforms Architectural Service & Plans Painting Decorating Construction & Maintenance Interior Design Legally registered family business Tiling, Flagging, Electrics, Plumbing, Quality workmanship guaranteed Aluminuim, Swimming pools, teddybearbuilders@yahoo.com Key-holding & Maintenance

680 851 376

616 214 713

CALL NOW ON

REDUCE HEATING AND COOLING COSTS BY 45% 965 319 512 or 634 009 109 e-mail : ecobuildspain@gmail.com or visit our website www.prestigeguides.com/ecobuild

leaky roof ? - we have the solution

24

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Jukebox Promotions Patrons of Help at Home (Costa Blanca)

w o h S / e c n a D l Rock & Rol Rock & Roll

is bemabecr)!!k Ex py twroeshss ows in Sept (onl

Traditional R & R and a fabulous new rhythm and style created by the Coastrider Music Awards BEST MUSICIAN of the year winner 2012 & 2013, Nick Barker have been combined in one show / dance and it will simply blow you away!! With Nick on this tour will be Peter Day and Fiona McLean (little Miss rock & roll) of Jukebox Legends and Elvis 2000 fame.

Both venues have a meal inclusive ticket price offering great value for money and guaranteeing a fantastic night out!! The food variety offered by the two venues will mean there is something for everyone.

Tickets at the venues. Show tickets must be purchased before the event and seating is allocated so, BOOK EARLY for the BEST!! All shows start at 8.30pm sharp and pre show meals start at 7-30pm or earlier (ask when booking).

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

Date & Venue details: Sunday 15th September: Restaurant Fu (was Los Arcos), Avd Baleares, Torrevieja 965 703 170 €15.95 (includes three course high quality meal and a drink - Other menu options available, ask when you book your tickets) Tuesday 17th September: Los Rosales, Lemon Tree Rd, Guardamar 606 192 691 €12.50 (includes a value one course meal with sided salad and a desert option at only 1€ extra)

Return of the sell out tour -

Dusty & Tina

This fabulous show is not to be missed and stars the one and only Patti Ross with full support from Jukebox Legends.

Patti (International singer with the Andy Ross Orchestra on BBC’s “Come Dancing”), always has the house rocking as she portray the look and sounds of Dusty and then hits the stage with Tina Turner!! How does she do it??? We have no idea but as promoters Jukebox Promotions tell us “She simply amazes audiences every year and we are very excited about this tour again in 2013”!

No more to be said - Nostalgia at it’s best, music at it’s best and a “Simply the Best” night out at a FANTASIC value for money price!!

Dates & Venues (all shows at 8-30pm - Tickets at the venues now - 8-50€ unless stated) Thur 19th Sept - The Club House, Camposol Golf 968 978 855 (MABS) Sun 22nd Sept - The Rendezvous, Campoamor 608 467 597 10€ (This venue includes a great buffet in the price) Tue 24th Sept - La Marina Sport Complex 966 796 389 Wed 25th Sept - The Club, Quesada 966 717 028 Thur 26th Sept - Rocajuna, Punta Prima 965 997 260 / 664 591 795 More info at www.jukeboxpromotions.co.uk and in the press shortly!!!!

Book early - this one always sells out!!!

Visit Specsavers at the Calpe Multicultural Fair

WOMEN In Business Club Spain (WIBC), in collaboration with Calpe Town Hall, will be presenting a Multicultural Fair at the Plaza Mayor Calpe, on Sunday, September 1 from 12.00-20.00. This is a free, fun event for all the family with live entertainment, many stands, arts & crafts stalls, a bouncy castle, fashion shows, raffle and dog show. Specsavers Opticas have announced their presence at the event and are inviting local residents to come to their stand for eye care advice from their highly qualified optometrists and to check the UV protection of their sunglasses to make sure their eyes are safe from the sun.

To provide some entertainment for the kids, there’s a fun competition where children are asked to submit drawings of their favourite cartoon character. They can bring a finished drawing with them on the day and enter it, or paper, pens and crayons will be available on the Specsavers’ stand for the little ones to create their masterpieces! The best drawing will be selected by the team to win two pairs of children’s glasses.

During the event Specsavers are collecting unwanted glasses for the Lions Club, which will be distributed to people in need and are urging everyone to bring their old glasses. Mike Stone from Specsavers Opticas Calpe explains, “Each pair of glasses sitting unused in someone’s home or office could be making a real difference to the world’s poorest people who are unable to afford optical care. The Lions do a great job, but they need more frames to help more people!

Please bring your frames down to the stand during the event, or drop them into the store on Avenida Ejércitos Españoles.”

WIBC is a Women’s Networking Club that helps progress the business aims and objectives of women of all nationalities living and working in Spain. The club also raises money and awareness to support victims of gender violence in Spain. All monies raised at the fair from raffles, tombola and space hire will be put to good use within the local community.

For enquiries about the event please email eventswibc@gmail.com, for more information about Specsavers Calpe please call 965 835 367 or visit the store at Avenida Ejércitos Españoles 6, Calpe. To find other Specsavers stores please visit www.specsavers.es.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

25

Rock Band playing at the Bowling Centre

Saturday 31st August from 20.00

Full bar and Bistro menu available

Amigos Bowling Centre Los Llanos Poligono, Arboleas

950 120 269

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

SOLTIMES August 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

coffee break

9 Delete (6)

Down

19 Where planes land

2 Passed on from family (9) 3 Shelf (5) 4 Make unclear (9) 5 Chambers (5) 6 Encountered generally (9) 7 The topping on a cake (5) 8 Portion (7)

15 Children (9) 17 Preparedness (9) 18 Illuminate (9) (7) 21 Cause a liquid to spatter (6) 23 A monetary unit of Oman (5) 24 Step (5) 26 Sixty-three in Roman numerals (5)

Down 1 USA leper could produce delight (8) 2 Instrument is eastern set up (8) 3 Ground planet (5) 4 Abridge, quiet or return net (7) 5 One in position of authority of French rice (cooked) (7) 6 Declared new can undone (9) 7 Merges British loans (6) 8 Flanks gain good

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

1 Lists of writings (14) 10 Experienced pain (5) 11 Blooming (9) 12 Lurches (7) 13 Sequin (7) 14 Ease (5) 16 Accord (9) 19 A nearby galaxy (9) 20 Informs (5) 22 Condoms (slang) (7) 25 Not lawful (7)

27 Come into being (9) 28 Seizure (5) 29 Sins (14)

1/18 Painful, sore fools oddly see red after this (12,4) 9 Keen queen surrounds age (5) 10 Attacking marshes, 05 outside (9) 11 Stenchy? It could be man-made (9) 12 Drug (Ecstacy) moved and encouraged (5) 13 Language of two blokes? (7) 15 Guy with lots of money? (4) 18 See 1 20 Little bit of one from Poland’s larval frog (7) 23 Additional former partner returned art (5) 24 Holds dear precious things (9) 26 Tricky, fitful CID astray (9) 27 Musical drama often following soap (5) 28 Famous Day’s autonomy (12)

Samaritan, initially (5) 14 Estrangement is a lotion, strangely (9) 16 Number of backward tenure moved (8) 17 Win support for, for each reported material (8) 19 The French cutback in the heartless plant (7) 20 That heat reduction hides place of performance (7) 21 Rarely does elm (without starting) move (6) 22 Second quarrel is rigid (5) 25 Was upright street nothing (zero), daughter?

(5)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

Across

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

STANDARD SUDOKU

26

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

27

MABS MAR MENOR EVENTS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER....

MONDAY (every week) FUN QUIZ AT LA ROSA BAR, SAN CAYETANO. 9P.M. For more information contact Julie on 639 619 481.

SATURDAY (every week) BOOKSTALL AT THE ARCHES BAR, LOS ALCAZARES 10.30 - 1P.M. Great selection of books available.

TUESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER: CHARITY MARKET AT LA ZONA BAR, LOS ALCAZARES 10 - 12. Come along and grab a bargain. Clothes & Bric a Brac on sale.

TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER: LADIES LUNCH CLUB AT DIAMANTES RESTAURANT, EL MOJON. 1.30 FOR 2P.M. 3 Course Lunch with glass wine for 10.50 per head. Come along and meet and make new friends. Raffle in aid of MABS. So far this year over 800 Euros raised. To book your place call Karla on 965 352 947.

FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER: SHARE & CARE GROUP, MABS CANCER CENTRE, SAN JAVIER 11A.M. An opportunity to come along for all those affected by Cancer, or recently bereaved for an informal chat and coffee. For more information call Anne on 693 795 247.

28

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

GREEN BAIZE Snooker & Pool Hall | Quesada

Hot & Cold Food - Great Beer - Breakfasts - Great Prices • Full Size Snooker Tables • Match-play Darts Boards • Pool Tables • Sky Sports Screens • Special Food Menu’s • Great Family Venue

ONE MEAL €3 OR TWO MEALS €5 CHOOSE FROM: Liver and Bacon Mash, Veg and Gravy Sausage Egg and Chips Ham, Egg and Chips Pork Steak, Mash, Veg and Gravy Sausage, Mash, Veg and Onion Gravy Homemade Chicken Curry and Rice Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice Pasta Bake and Garlic Bread Roast Beef served in Giant Yorkshire Pudding, Mash, Veg and Gravy (supplement of 1.50 euros) Cheese & Ham Omelette, Chips & Salad Garnish Toad-in-the-Holel, Mash, Veg and Onion Gravy Southern-Fried Chicken, Chips and Coleslaw

Tel: 966 716 315

Fully Air Conditioned for your comfort - Great Atmosphere - Everyone Welcome

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

29

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

massive meringue Forget cupcakes, macaroons and whoopie pies; there’s a new dessert in town and sweet-toothed types, disappointed by diminutive delicacies, will be delighted to learn that the new pretenders are, frankly, enormous.

Huge, airy puffs of meringue the size of dinner plates - often sprinkled with crumbled pistachios or freeze-dried raspberries - have become ubiquitous at posh dinner parties and at trendy delis around the country. At such places they’re often stacked in gleaming piles as window displays, designed to lure foodies through the door. And considering that they’re made just from egg whites and a pinch of sugar, these outlandish confections don’t come cheap.

Prices usually start at around £3 but they can cost up to £5 at exclusive establishments. Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, often credited with starting the trend, now says he sells around 60 of his multi-flavoured meringues a day, and double that on weekends in his eponymous delis, while Selfridges has started selling mini versions for 70p a pop.

Even Waitrose sell raspberry, mango and passionfruit and chocolate versions for £1.90, and you can now order giant, tiered meringue wedding cakes in a rainbow of colours for around £500 from meringuegirls.co.uk.

Experts say the popularity of the dessert is down to the fact that meringues still sate a sweet tooth while, due to their airy nature, they are seen as slightly more healthy than other desserts (indeed, there are around 300 calories in a cupcake, versus 150 in a meringue) so are popular with women.

And the good news is that if you don’t want to shell out for your own, this is one trend that’s easy to make at home — music to the ears of anyone who tried to construct the last tricky confectionery trend, the cakepop.

To make your meringue, just beat 115g sugar and four egg whites together until stiff and glossy, then fold in 115g of icing sugar and bake for one and a half hours at 100C for deli-worthy treats at a fraction of the price.

So go on, indulge your sweet tooth the chic way.

The New Hoggies Bar in San Luis, easy to find at the Commercial Centre,Calle Beasain, has re-opened after refurbishment with new management. The new fantastic chef has re-vamped their already extensive menu. Enjoy a full traditional English breakfast served daily from 9.30 am to 12 noon. The three course menu del dia is served from 12 noon to 4 pm and is priced at only 7.90 euros. A three course menu del a noche is served between 4pm and 9pm for 9.90 euros. You can also choose from my large selection of authentic tapas and light snacks and a full a la carte menu is also available. All can be enjoyed in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant or outside on the newly refurbished garden area. Various activities happen every week including Bingo and Cards on Mondays and Thursdays , and Ken’s Crazy Quiz on Thursday evenings. Wednesday and Saturday there is Karaoke with Michelle and DJ Juan from 9pm.

There is also live entertainment every Tuesday.

Find us on Facebook:- thenewhoggiesbarrestaurant or call 966 785 476 for any information.

NEW

HOGGIES BAR is

Monday Afternoon - Prize Bingo 2pm

San Lu

• Refurbished Tuesday Afternoon - Live Entertainment • Under New Wednesday Evening Live Music with the Fabulous Michelle Management • Fabulous New Chef Thursday Afternoon - Cards Spanish / English • Cuisine Thursday Evening - Ken’s�Crazy�Quiz • Assorted Tapas & Snacks • Friday Evening - HOT ICE Live must be seen + DJ Juan • Saturday Evening - Live Music with the Fabulous Michelle • Sunday Lunch - tradtional Roast & a good old “singalong” after 4pm All�Sports�Shown�Daily • Outside�Catering • New garden area Super Save Breakfast Menu • home�Cooked�Menu find us on

thenewhoggiesbarrestaurant

Tel:�966�785�476

c/Beasain�Commercial, Phase�3�San�Luis�Torrevieja

Fantastic Manhattan summer 3.90€ Quality HomeFood Restaurant SPECIALS “The best kept secret in Cabo Roig” BOARD €4.95 Hidden Within La Rotonda Aparthotel Cabo Roig 5 2 f o e c i Truly Fabulous C ho , g in it c x e S s y RSE Always fresh, alwa MAIN COU lue!

Homemade ys incredible va a lw a 20 9 Item English Breakfast

Served 9.30 till 3pm (Sunday till 12)

Changed twice weekly

C hoice of DESSERTS

Real Hand Cut Chips  Mouthwatering Steaks  Delicious Homemade Pies  Fabulous Homemade Desserts Finest Teas & Coffee  Homemade meals from €4.50 We Are HERE

Ct ra A

Ca

rr er

de

Po n

en

t

dessert lic

an

te

-C

ar ta

ge

na

Zenia Boulevard

food at pocket friendly prices

SUNDAY at MANHATTAN NEW For the first time EVER!

W A wide selection of Menu Favourites are now available on Sundays NE Including – Fillet of Salmon, Steak Pie, Lasagne, Chicken Pie, Ham off the Bone & many more…

Tel: 966 111 605 Perfect for a relaxing lunch after shopping at Zenia Boulevard 5 mins away

Available till 9pm

And of course, we will still be serving our magnificent Sunday Roast

1 course €5.95

(1€ extra for Beef)

2 course €7.25

www.Manhattancaboroig.com

Serving from 9.30am to 9.30pm Mon - Sat throughout September Sunday 9.30am to 9pm

3 course €8.50

3 course HOMEMADE Menu del Dia €8.50 served 12 till 7pm

30

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Costa Bäcker German Bakers

freshly made daily

Baked on the premises not from frozen Cakes, bread and rolls English spoken

stars in bars DATE ARTIST

Mon - Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-1pm

Phone: 96 684 55 04 Urb. San Luis ( Behind Restaurant Elvira)

SPoRTSMAn BAR QUESADA

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

saturday 31st august 9pm dave Lane and friends FREE Quiz 9pm Friday tel: 966 183 514

to Advertise your bar or restaurant

29th Shadoogie 29th Stevie Spit 29th Greg Lomas 30th Lynden B 30th Cherry K 30th Andy Jones 30th Joanna Arches 30th B Boppers 31st Robert Bonovox 31st Lynden B 31st Samantha Curtis 31st Lenny Mitchell 31st Kolted 31st Michael Jackson Tribute 1st Samantha Curtis 2nd Dee 3rd JJ Soulman 3rd Andy Jones 3rd Joanna 4th Lynden B 4th Steve Clark 4th Diverse The Vault

VENUE

AREA

INFO

Arches Cafe Bar Los Alcazares Legends Playa Flamenca Comedy Drag Show Y.O.L.O Cabo Roig Marina Pool Bar Torrevieja Comedy Show Bobby’s Bar Quesada Tavern 2 Lo Crispin Cafe Bar Los Alcazares Harrys Bar Quesada Vista Bar Aguas Nuevas Bar Sioux Gran Alicant Comedy Show Arches Cafe Bar Los Alcazares Vistabella Golf Entre Naranjas Coopers Arms Dona Pepa The All New Bushwacka Cabo Roig Starts 9.30pm The Snug Torre de la Horredada Arches Cafe Bar Los Alcazares The All New Bushwacka Cabo Roig La Campana El Eden Nr Guardamar Vistabella Golf Entre Naranjas Vista Bar Aguas Nuevas Comedy Show Arches Cafe Bar Los Alcazares Blue Lagoon

gig guide www.starsinbars.org

Call our costa blanca sales office on

966 719 647

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

from 1pm

includes a glass of wine, small beer or water

€ 6-95

per person

Booking advisable as space is limited

Wednesday

saturday 31st 9pm The Soundz A Multi Act Tribute

MEAL DEAL Menu changes weekly 3 Courses

only €4-95 san miguel de salinas

cv-95

commercial centre



orihuela



inn at the green

san javier

ap-7 los montesinos

677 617 434 672 033 676

 www.theinnatthegreen.co.uk

alicante

Kitchen is open from 11am Breakfasts from 2€

Every Sunday

Kabaroke with Matt Christian 9pm

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

31

COMMUNITY NEWS “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

Torrevieja Costa Lions Club

Come and join our club members on one of our “ Business meeting nights” and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities, in our local area and further afield.

We are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping us then we can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cevera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.30 hours.

If you like what you see and hear, then you will be invited to join us at our next social night event later in the month, where ever and what ever it may be you can be sure of a good night.

Contact me on davedanie@gmail.com or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions.org

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

THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA

Meet at NEW PREMISES from 10th September at Hamilton´s Bake House (sign not up) 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. Directions follow sign to Benijofar to cobbloes where you can´t go any further then turn left and it is the last building on right hand side. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7.30 p.m. And every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 7.30 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. WE ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER UNTIL TUESDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER WITH LESLEY AND FRIENDS. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com

! d e t t o Sp

Torrevieja Costa Lions Club

Come and join our club members on one of our “ Business meeting nights” and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities in our local area and further afield.

We are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping us then we can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cevera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.30 hours.

Contact me on davedanie@gmail.com or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions.org

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.

LINE DANCING

Andy Wilson Photographer

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

Netball club

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL CHRISTINE 7 4 6 9 1 7 6 6 9 ON

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)

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

space for a little one?

Malik is an 18 month old male Doberman X.

Along with his sister, they are the last remaining puppies of Izzie, a female who was pregnant when she was rescued and produced 11 puppies in the APAH kennels.

Malik is a lovely dog, but because he was born in kennels, has never known the joy of living in a loving home.

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!

If you would like to give Malik his first loving home and family, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

MEAL FOR 2: gORAN tHUNSTROM

To arrange to meet APAH’s dogs and cats who all need loving homes, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS: BREAKFAST FOR 2: JOAN BUTLER

32

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com

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

pool tables, snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts. tel: 666 933 726 www. spainpool.com

Player 25€, Foster, 400, 750kilo load Orihuela Costa area. with waterproof cover, private use only, good Tel.966773890 condition ideal for Sansui PA sound home and garden or system 9 channel for small builder. 295euro Stainless Steel sale in good condition quesada area inset sink left hand with 2, 300 watt 966716646. drainer, 780 x 430 speakers. In excellent with mixer tap working condition. D esktop ,good condition.20e €300 non negotiable. computer Camposol area. Contact: Andrew on complete tower, hp printer, hp scanner, Tel.676028725 633 274 006 boats english keyboard, Two and three large lounge 17” LCD flatscreen seater sofas, rug 182cm x 275cm, 2 speakers, mouse IT IS ILLEGAL TO SKIPPER BOATS good condition, beige dark blue with beige can be seen working pattern, 150€ the floral pattern on 2 bargain 295€. price WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE pair, may split.

Buyer diagonal corners, in If you are caught skippering a power includes all loaded collects, El Pareton. excellent condition. software. quesada boat without a license you 80€ O.N.O tel. 968 area 966 716 646.

Tel: 968484151 974 053.(Camposol) Fuji Digital Bowling woods camera 7.3 m- 2 fold-up bikes, size 3 medium Almark Possessing an pixels, needs an SD hardly used. 40€ commander excelent (internationally recognised) card. Digital Photo each. Orihuela Costa condition bargain RYA license saves money.

Tel.- 656 280 940 or 70euro. quesada area Viewer hardly used.

868 186 035 Contact us now with NO OBLIGATION: Card Reader for 966716646.

Richard Plaster 638 056 224 / Windows XP All 3 Car trailer with Golf clubs / bag for 50€, Airis DVD paperwork Fue-vert- Used left handed clubs enquiries@serenitysailing.com and bag for sale. FILA / http://serenitysailing.com/ golf bag, containing garden services powerboating-level-2 Slazenger X.T.C. irons no. 3,4,5,6,7,8,and9; Slazenger X.T.C. electricians drivers no. 1,3, and 5; pitcher, snadwedge Electrician , available for all and two putters. works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 Camposol C. Buyer 562. davendonc@aol.com collects. Offers in region of sixty euros.

Furniture TEL 634318870.

see us online everyday

TELEPHONE: 966 719 647

WILL BE FINED

A1 ground & gaRDEN SERVICES

to reduce the size. In excellent condition.

Retails in the U.K. for £599. Asking price 150 euros. Rojales area. Photo can be e.mailed on request.

Tel. 96 671 5353 Mountain Bikes, 1 ladies, 1 gents.

Topbikes 926X, little used €80 each or €150 for the two (includes helmets etc.)

Ciudad Quesada tel.

966719272.

Extending Table Solid Pine and 6 chairs excellent condition, €150. ono Ciudad Quesada (can deliver to local area) tel. 966719272.

Emprex 6311ARFIII 2.4GHz Wireless Ultra Slim Keyboard and 1600dpi Hi-Resolution Optical Mouse Still boxed unused, cost £22, Only 10€ Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965 725 573, Mob 659 013 882

Netgear ADASL Wifi Hub (DG834G) only 10€ Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965 725 573, Mob 659 013 BMX Black KOBE 882 est RbK boost BMX cycle, 2006 Folding table suit teenager (needs sl tennis table with bats new inner tubes) offers glass curtains ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE in the region of fifty and balls, Only 110€ & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES Quesada, create extra living space euros. Buyer collects Cuidad house clearance specialist choose from glass curtains, double from Camposol C. Tel 965725573, Mob FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE 659013882 glazing, bi-folding doors. for a free TEL 634 318 870.

WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE Gas Oven Edesa estimate.

Tel: Peter on 646 111 825 plumber QUALITY FURNITURE four ring, free standing Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 gas oven, two years insurance C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales old in white with fold PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: down lid and glass window in the door, 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 excellent condition, www.southcostablancaonline.com replacing kitchen and can deliver locally..

120 euros. tel. 606 hearing aids 075 644.

F armhouse Table Made by Scotts of Stowe a natural wood and buttermilk coloured oval farmhouse table on pedestal stand approx. 148cms x 109cms and 4 wheel back chairs.

The centre panel of the All plumbing jewellery table can be removed

Furniture first

Diggers, Skips, Garden Re-form & Maintenance Telephone 628 505 733

EMERGENCY

PLUMBER

asssa medical

insurances

From

550€

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

GOLD WANTED

plastering

English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and E N G LI S H PLASTERER coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT

www.digitalhearingspain.com

Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@ hotmail.co.uk

work undertaken, from full bathroom installation to small leaks.

Need a plumber 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

locksmith

want to know whats in the news?

Locksmith locked out!! Call Me Telf: 647 151 972 (24hrs) Put This Number In Your Phone – 24 Hrs Call Out! Commerical, Residential, Cars Locks Changed - Dierre Locks Changed - All Locks To Work Off I Key – Motura Gardesa Locks Changed – Window Locks - Cars Opened To Retrieve Keys – Alarms Fitted

SOLTIMES

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

go online

www.soltimes.com

pets FINCA LA CASTELLANA Animal welfare centre Milly, Molly and Monty 3 puppies arrived at the Finca last week. Found in a box, by a bin. Very thin, covered with ticks and fleas. The flea infestation was so bad in areas on two of the pups they now have bold patches. About 11 weeks old, running round just waiting to go to their new home, can you help us?

Eleanor 610188349

WANTED

under counter double freezer can collect tel: 672 033 676 wanted commercial kitchen oven

must be in good working order

can collect call 609 199 394

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

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

Alfie is about 1 year old and loves to be made a fuss of. He is a small dog who is very friendly and affectionate with others.

He would make someone an ideal pet that has very little space.

The lady who found him said he loves sitting on laps and loves children Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 www.k9club.es E-mail k9clubinfo@gmail.com

Pets In Spain Tilly is approx 5 months old and was rescued from the campo along with her siblings and Mother. Tilly weighs just 2 kilos and will remain small when fully grown. Call: 667 623 254

Cleo is around 8 months old and she has already given birth to 2 kittens who are also ready for homes. Cleo is very affectionate and desperate for a home. Call: 645 469 253

www.petsinspain.com - info@petsinspain.info

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

www.soltimes.com

Tel: 966 719 647 or 902 750 190 ext 330

property for sale / rent

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa Playa Flamenca

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601 tony@casasolrealestate.com

for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from mojacar Spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan, kitchen & diningroom,workshop, courtyard front & back² €150,000 Tel: 649 186 107 thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca

4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings.

Overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, church & mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course Private Sale €75,000

33

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

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 satellite tv

Sky Digibox, Pace with sky card, BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5, 60€ can deliver. Tel: 667 235 205 Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 Tel: (0034) 676 534 978 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es

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

De Lima’s removals new box van leaving from the UK to Spain 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

ONE WAY

UK to Spain or Spain to UK

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain

CLASSIFIED 966 719 647

email:davendonc@aol.com

Spain ‹ UK › Spain



SOLTIMES

693 251 562

simply removals

Van hire

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

Telephone Dave on

• Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)

Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com wigs

Salon Margarethas 24 years in Torrevieja hair / wig specialist for medical illness and hair loss problems. We offer different hair replacements, top fillers, hair prostheses, toupees & wigs. Natural & artificial hair & much more. Also fashion / festival accessories. TV/TS are welcome to our service. Call Margaretha on 966 921 846 for an appointment.

34

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 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

recruitment

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 rob@soltimes.com personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

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

or telephone 692 930 326 Vehicles registration

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

FOR CASH

Telephone: 699 805 995

info@carsrus.es

CA4RS 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

ELEGANT SLIM, SEXY, naughty WE PROMISE TO BEAT ITALIAN LADY available home/house ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact: visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Alan 662 249 159 Pacheco & Mazarron, quesada and www.replatematecostablanca.com other areas. Escort available home & house visits Tel: 693 357 526 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...

vacancy

Hairdresser part-time with view to full time at Condado & Bolnuevo and beautician part time

Call Jane on 611 611 858

wanted uk cars & vans bought for cash Tel: 667 235 205

SELLING YOUR car ?

THIS SPACE, FOR PRIVATE ADVERTISERS,

IS ONLY 15€

INCLUDING A PHOTO PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647

& REACH OVER 40,000 READERS cars for sale cont...

SEAT CORDOBA , 1.9 DIESEL, RHD, SPANISH REG. 1999, 125,000 MILES A/C, 10MTHS ITV, TRANSFER INCLUDED €1500 telephone: 622 338 515

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

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

mobile

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

610 078 940

wanted cars for cash

cars for sale cont...

BMW 316 T1 M-Sport 2005 - 3 Door hatch 1.8 Ti M-Sport (115 bhp) 127,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights, CD E. windows/mirrors Onboard computer Half Alcantara leather Metallic black

€6,450 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Hyundai i30 2011 - 5 door hatch 1.6 CRDi Classic 18,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history 3 Years orig warranty!

A/C, PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix Metallic burgundy

Best prices paid

Spanish English Anything considered

telephone Tim on 662 211 993

€9,950 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

cars for sale cont...

Mercedes C220 CDi “Sports Coupe” June ‘07 - Sports Coupe 53,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Pearl Blue/Black Grey/Cream leather

Renault Laguna Estate 2006 - Estate 2.0 DCi Privalige 6-Speed 69,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C (Auto controls) Alloys, PAS, ABS, Cruise E. windows/mirrors Roof rails, CD player Rear privacy glass Headlamp wash Metallic grey

€12,750

€8,450

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Looking for a car

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Renault Megane Scenic Sep ‘05 - 5 door hatch 1.5 DCi 6-Speed 73,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, Alloys, PAS, ABS Cruise, Isofix Front fog light E. windows/mirrors Remote locking, CD Rain/Light sensors Metallic silver/grey

€6.750 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

boats for sale

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

Telephone 600 726 221 965 687 976

www.fwreurocars.com

Converted speedboat,

skiing, fishing ssr reg, 40hp two stroke outboard trailer 850€ Tel: 672 863514

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Beaten

That Machiavellian mutt from down the road, a.k.a. Lucero Rodriguez, a.k.a. The Dog That Is Not Ours, is putting the squeeze on me.

She has had the measure of us all along. She never demands; she doesn’t need to. She has perfected the art of mute appeal, but above all she is persistent.

She has run of the garden, and can come and go as she pleases through the specially designed Lucy hole in the gate, the only restriction being that she must be home by bedtime.

She has access to the house on demand, (and believe me she demands!) with the exception of the bedroom. This gives her a choice of the spare bedroom, which doesn’t interest her at all, as no humans live in it; the kitchen, a place of interest only when cooking is in progress; and the living room, in which are her beds (winter soft, thick and fluffy – summer soft but not fluffy) the heaters, the fire, the air con, and for most of the day at least one human.

But then she took it into her head that she would sleep on the bedside mat in our bedroom, a room that is totally out of bounds

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

for dogs!

I caught her in there, all smiles and tail. ‘Out!’ I said in the voice of command. She immediately got up and outed, but without any suggestion of a guilty conscience, more like an ‘I was just going, anyway.’

The next night I heard her quietly enter, and settle down on the bedside mat, which is next to Pete’s side of the bed. Not wishing to wake him, I ignored her transgression, and this is probably where it all began to go wrong.

This is happening every night now. She waits until she thinks we are asleep, then calmly walks in and settles down. If I get up in the night she slinks silently out, only to return as soon as she thinks I am asleep again. I’m not sure whether she thinks I haven’t seen her, but she never refers to the incident if questioned about it in the morning!

Pete pretends that he doesn’t know she’s there, right by his bed. But by the light of last night’s full moon, shining full wattage through the open blinds, I saw him patting her head.

Maybe he was patting her head in his sleep, who knows? What I do know is that I’m being beaten by a dog, and it’s not even our dog!

Think Hard Before You Make a Scene I was about to put the car away the other evening, when my neighbour came rushing up to me with the news that she had just seen something standing by the rubbish bins two streets away that she thought might be of use in our drama group. A set of stocks.

“A set of socks?” I queried. My hearing along with the rest of me is showing signs of wear these days.

“No, a set of STOCKS” she repeated patiently. “You know, those things that they used to put thieves in and pelt with eggs and stuff.”

I thought it must be a joke, but she was adamant so I jumped back in my new Maserati Ghibli (yeah right) and went to look for myself before some used-stocks dealer cruised by.

Well, she was right. Standing between the puke yellow ‘plastic’ bin and the varicose blue ‘paper’ container, was a genuine medieval timber stocks, with holes for head and hands. When I say genuine, it wasn’t your actual ye olde piece of kit, but it looked real enough if you ignored the standard ferretería hinges and brackets holding it together.

It would lend itself perfectly to the obligatory Town Square pantomime scene, I thought. But we don’t do

By Colin Bird :

badbirdnow@gmail.com

panto’s do we. However when you are a luvvie, you never turn down anything that might be useful in some future project.

That’s why most AmDram society storerooms and wardrobes resemble a cross between Aladdin’s Cave and an explosion in a brothel.

Our society’s ‘lighting engineer’ in Suffolk, was a farmer who had given us access to substantial barn space and had even equipped a workshop for us to make our stage flats. There was also a hanging area where we would paint our backdrops for the various productions and store them after use.

Canvases are expensive items to purchase, but we were fortunate to have acquired a couple of second-hand cloths from an RAF drama group in Coltishall, Norfolk. They were investing in some new gear and were happy to off-load the old ones cheap. Problem was, they were already painted and we had the laborious and ultra messy task of cleaning them down to bare canvas - and remember, these things can be 200 square feet and more. We obliterated a country churchyard and a woodland scene if I remember correctly.

Anyway, thanks to our resident artist, we soon had – you’ve guessed it – a colourful Town Square backdrop, and another depicting an ancient watermill and stream.

The following year we were reluctant to repeat the lengthy process of cleaning down, so decided that hey, we would simply paint more scenes on top. Brilliant. Well not so brilliant as it turned out because after three years of this, they became huge rigid slabs the thickness of kitchen work tops and totally untransportable. Dropped from a great height, they would have shattered like glass.

Sometimes though, a bit of lateral thinking can help.

We had entered a play in three drama festivals in East Anglia. We had already collected several awards in the first two, including ‘Best of Festival’, so we were very

optimistic going in to the final event. Everyone was allotted one hour on the day before the festival opened to familiarise themselves with the venue; chat to the festival stage manager about requirements and have a partial runthrough.

Their SM had noticed that one of our actors was wearing a charcoal grey ensemble and had to enter stage right in front of the standard matt black back cloth. He pointed out that the adjudicator was very picky and would probably mark us down for a black-onblack entry.

The actor concerned was playing an upwardly mobile business woman, who by necessity was power-dressed accordingly, so I was reluctant to change anything there.

However, our minimalist set was of a village hall in the middle of refurbishment and included just a basic small table and chairs, and one or two pots of paint scattered around with a step ladder and broom. A solution was simple. We would acquire another set of steps; drop a plank between the two, draped with a whitish dust sheet and bingo – a black on whitish entrance.

On the evening of our performance, another group had arrived with thirty young leylandii in pots. They were re-creating a country garden complete with wicket fence, garden furniture and a facade depicting a large house, for their production of ‘Round and Round the Garden’, one of the plays in The Norman Conquests trilogy. It took them an age to set up.

Their faces were a picture at the end of the week when the awards were dished out.

We had won the prize for ‘Best Set’, giving truth to the adage that sometimes - less is more.

alqueria - The Barrio Rivalry, its origins John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

viewpoint

35

Barrio rivalries are a de-facto part of Spanish life, they range from good-natured competition to general non-association and rarely get out of control. The Alquerian model however is more acute, more venomous and extremely disruptive. The feud’s ‘terminus post quem’ is the fateful year of AD932. Before this time Alqueria occupied a hill-top position, the enlightened population lived in a single barrio contented and at peace.

In AD932 Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III ordered the Village moved stone by stone from its favoured position into the dark valley below. Just why the Caliph took this step is not recorded in detail but the essence of the story has been pieced together by archaeologists. The venerable gentleman was so incensed with a particular Alquerian male known as El Potente, whom he caught brightening up the life of one of his wives ordered the relocation. El Potente, the wayward young lady, an amphora of olive oil and a sheep’s bladder of Remitroot wine formed the essentials of the tale.

After relocation the villagers lived in the grim shadow of the Sierra Alhamilla. Bad drainage and a vicious temperature inversion caused by the sheer cliff face made Alqueria a desperate place to live. Alqueria became a repository for anyone who displeased Abdar-Rahman so populating the Village with all the undesirables of his Caliphate. These new arrivals became known as Los Recién Llegados or The Newcomers. The original people of Alqueria adopted the title of Los Gente del Cerro, The Hill People.

This is the origin of the two barrios. The Hill People residing in the east of Alqueria with the Newcomers living in the western barrio. Just how they became so enraged with one another is a matter of speculation.

Some say the Newcomers supported the French during the Spanish War of Independence while the Hill People sided with Wellington and the British. Others say the feud is more recent. The Hill People being Republican and the Newcomers Nationalist.

Perhaps it is because the two groups are different in appearance, religion and aspiration, that’s usually enough to start most conflicts. The relish with which the barrio rivalry is savoured suggests that the anarchic people of Alqueria just enjoy getting up each others noses.

The feud could be pure invention, invented to legitimise the rivalry. If this invention is their creation then they have a responsibility to care for it, which they certainly seem to have done. The splendour and ingenuity of the internal Alquerian conflict is a masterpiece of applied anarchy. A warning or perhaps a beacon for others to follow.

36

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

braben’s blog...

The Zombies of Spain

So there we were on holiday in North Wales and, suddenly, the rain stopped. Now those of you who have experienced the rain in that part of the world will be aware that when it rains it has this knack of getting into any sort of protective clothing you may choose to wear. Anyway, a break in the wet weather was too much to ignore and we took the chance to visit one of the tourist sites recommended by everyone. Oh dear, what a disaster that turned out to be!

We were walking down the pathway between some very ornate and quite splendid buildings when we were stopped by some people wearing strange capes and very serious expressions. Well I’d look serious if I was wearing a cape like that! We were told, quite unceremoniously, that the only way we would be allowed any further was if we were part of the convention. Well, always being a bit of a devil, I said that of course we were part of it and could we pass. I should have known! We had to give them our numbers. Look, I have no idea what my mobile phone number is or my car registration number, so to pluck a number out of the air was the only way; I said I was 46 and Helen was 36. Do you know, they let us through!

I have to say that by now I felt like we were part of a James Bond film and that at any time some evil no gooder would come along and clap us in irons. Well nearly, instead a man in strange multi coloured clothing arrived on a Penny Farthing and directed us to where the champagne was being kept on ice. Well, that was the magic word, although the Penny Farthing was puzzling.

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice.

He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo. co.uk

When we got to the drinks we felt a little conspicuous and certainly we got a few stares! It seems we had stumbled into a Prisoner convention as we had visited Poertmeirion, where they made the series. We were both bemused, but at least the rain held off and the champagne flowed. Gradually we inched towards the doors and before the full force of the Prisoner Appreciation Society feel upon our heads, we sneaked out, with more success than Number 6!

So, a word of warning, be careful this summer! Be seeing you. I hope!

Coastal Desolation & Despair

Believe it or not there are around 40,000 zombies walking the Spanish streets; they are mostly invisible as they hide in their flash cars and behind the high walls of their plush homes. These zombies once feasted off their shareholders, home buyers and lenders.

A zombie in this case is a developer that only has enough income to pay the interest on its loans.

These Loans enabled the zombies and another 50,000 construction companies to destroy both the Spanish countryside and the economy. 20,000 of these

property businesses have hit the wall since 2007. Domestic renting is not big business in Spain as home ownership stands at a massive 80%.

Only those developers with commercial property such as retail units and offices are in a position to carry on paying their debts.

Spain joined the Eurozone in 1999 and immediately took advantage of access to cheap loans. As a result house prices rocketed 55% until the bubble finally burst in 2008.

Since then prices have fallen by an average of 45%. Average is the word as more than half of the new properties

were built on the Costas and aimed at foreign buyers, where prices have fallen much further.

Between 1999 and 2006 Spain built 675,000 new homes a year. That’s more than France, Germany and the UK combined!

Construction once accounted for 20% of Spain’s economy a figure now down to about half that.

There are lies, damn lies and statistics, so estimates vary between 2 and 3 million for the number of empty homes in Spain, 700,000 of these are new builds and about half of these are basically unsold apartments by a beach somewhere. It’s estimated it will take up to 13 years to get rid of these properties. Traditionally Spanish don’t commute to work so unless it’s for a holiday home there’s no point in a Spaniard buying a beach view property as their job is more likely to be inland.

So that leaves Johnny Foreigner to slowly pick up the slack. 80% less mortgages were granted last year compared to 2006, loans which enabled 275,000 homes to be bought.

Spanish unemployment is over 26% with 56% of the under 25’s out of work. This is a damning figure as 40% of these young people were college educated.

What a horrific waste of talent which will have repercussions far into the future. Only Greece as the slightly sicker European

man fairs worse with 2 out of 3 of its youth jobless!

The sums involved in the property bubble are mind boggling with apparently about 325,000,000,000€ in outstanding property related loans. One good thing the Rajoy administration has done is to make banks assume 80% are bad loans rather than the 31% the banks were trying to brush under the carpet.

100€bn has been borrowed from the ECB though estimates suggest another 400€bn may be needed to save the Spanish banking system.

Madrid seems to exist on a different level of consciousness as the rest of us mere mortals.

On one hand there is the Rajoy administration sabre rattling over Gibraltar potentially alienating British home buyers and over at the Bernabeu; Real Madrid think that paying 100,000,000€ and erecting a stage to show off their new striker Gareth Bale is right and proper in these austere times. To try and explain the offside rule as it were; Spain’s entire toxic loan book amounts to 3250 Bales or just 1300 Lionel Messi’s if ever his mega bucks buyout clause were activated at Barcelona. No wonder UEFA is introducing financial fair play rules next season!

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

Reservations 968 566 410 / 65 65 32 490 24hrs Alicante 656 532 725 / 24hrs Murcia 656 532 724

Before we get started in this weeks article, a quick announcement. From Friday 30th August, I will be at “Jacks Bar” from 12 til 4 offering a free computer diagnostic clinic. Bring your problem computers to me for a free examination. This is a trial period until Christmas to see how many people will make use of the free computer check-ups. Use Me – Keep Me :-) The mystic art of refilling your ink cartridges isn’t! There are many suppliers on the web that will provide you with the gloves, tools, templates and enough ink to keep you refilling your cartridge many times over for the same cost as buying a single new one. As nearly all cartridges are similar in construction and purpose, the methods of refilling them are similar, and generally, simple.

It is a messy task and disposable gloves are included in the pack to prevent getting multi-coloured fingers (something I found to my own cost!). These kits come with their own, usually comprehensive, set of instructions so it is almost impossible to get it wrong. This is a general routine for modifying your cartridge to make it reusable.

When you open a kit there will be a list of instructions, read them because they will cover any minor differences from what I’m about to tell you. In the trade this is called RTFM. There will usually be a sticky label that will tell you where to drill holes and You will find some kind of awl for doing this with.

Attach the label to the cartridge as instructed and make a hole to inject the ink into. Place the modified cartridge on a piece of tissue, on the table.

Open the ink supplied for the cartridge that you are filling. Some cartridges have 3 chambers, one for each colour. The sticky template that you have already attached, will tell which colour is to be injected into which hole. Take the syringe, attach the round ended needle, fill it with the correct colour ink, to the correct volume of ink and inject it into the correct hole.

Done and correct (getting irritating isn’t it – but unavoidable, Sorry)? Usually, there will be a plug for stopping dirt getting into the cartridge, find it and push it into the ink hole. Leave it to stand on the paper for 5-10 minutes before re-introducing it to the printer.

Check out www.youtube.com for examples, from the suppliers of these kits, to see how simple it really is. If after watching these videos, you still feel that your confidence is less than is needed for the job, there are places that will refill your cartridge at a reasonable cost, which is still MUCH LESS than a new replacement, and have you on the way home in half an hour.

The owner of your favourite free newspaper (this one!) does provide just such a service. The added benefit of this service is that the cartridges are tested and working before you take them away.

This is probably the way to go for the average printer user, like you and me.

But what if your printing needs where greater?

What if you were likely to be printing multicoloured business card, flyers or photo quality images?

Having to trot down to the refill shop every other day will suck away any profit made by refilling!

You could, of course, have a supply of pre-filled cartridges, changed when they are getting low, refilling a load of them once a month. That, for you and I might be the good, working solution. There is an alternative!

Continuous Ink Supply Systems (CISS). These work by having several tanks for the ink on the outside of the printer, feeding the replacement cartridges which are now permanently installed in the printer through tubes. These systems can be quite expensive but, once installed, COULD save you money provided the amount of printing warrants the initial start-up cost. These systems are much more difficult to set up and beyond a short article such as this one.

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

motoring

f1: Lewis Hamilton will ‘keep

pushing’ Sebastian Vettel for F1 title Lewis Hamilton admits it will be “very Schumacher have previously managed. tough” to beat Sebastian Vettel to the world drivers’ title but insists he is “going to keep pushing”.

The Mercedes driver is 58 points behind Vettel with a maximum of 200 available after the Red Bull driver’s dominant victory in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix.

“It’s a big, big gap. It’s a huge gap,” said Hamilton, who finished third at Spa behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton admitted it was “difficult” to see Vettel in such a strong position.

The Englishman started from pole position but was passed by the German on the first lap, before being demoted by Alonso 14 laps later on.

Hamilton’s Mercedes did not have the pace to keep up with his two rivals.

“There’s nothing you can do,” Hamilton said. “It’s difficult when people pull away from you and there is nothing you can do about it.

“I feel happy we’ve extended our lead [in the constructors’ championship] ahead of Ferrari, and also I’m up to third [in the drivers’ ahead of Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen], so I have come and done what I planned to do.

“But it is difficult when he is pulling away at the rate sometimes he pulls away.”

Vettel is 46 points ahead of Alonso, who is second in the championship, and is well on course for his fourth consecutive world title, a feat only Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael

Hamilton, who won the previous race in Hungary, said: “He has just had a phenomenal car for a long, long time and it’s still phenomenal and he does the job, so it’s a perfect package.

“But we have had some really strong races and we’ve been competing with him and we have finished ahead of him in the past so it doesn’t mean we can’t do that in these next races. But it is getting closer and closer to the point where we need to be finishing ahead every time to close that gap.”

Hamilton said he believed his Mercedes team’s form in Spa meant Vettel and Alonso would start favourites at the next race, the Italian Grand Prix on the high-speed Monza track on 8 September.

But he is optimistic he will be fully competitive for the final seven races, starting in Singapore on 22 September.

“They’re more windy circuits, more higherdownforce circuits,” he said.

“These two circuits [Spa and Monza], you get a downforce package and you’re kind of stuck with it. It either has or hasn’t worked.

“You may improve in the next race or be in the same position. We won’t be any worse.

“Then afterwards we’ll have the highdownforce package we had in the previous races but hopefully it should be improved again. So I’m hoping we’ll be more competitive from then on.”

MotoGP: Marc Marquez takes fourth straight win at Brno Championship leader Marc Marquez became the first rider to win five races in his debut MotoGP season with victory at Brno in the Czech Republic.

The 20-year-old Spaniard took his fourth win in a row to boost his bid to take the title at the first attempt. He reeled in long-time leader Jorge Lorenzo, who had to settle for third after Dani Pedrosa also passed him.

Cal Crutchlow’s hopes of a fifth podium finish of the season, after starting on pole, ended with a crash on lap eight. The Briton was running in fourth place after seeing the fast-starting Lorenzo, plus Marquez and Pedrosa, pass him on the run-in to the first corner.

He was also briefly overtaken by Alvaro Bautista, but had re-established a small gap over the Spaniard when he lost control of his Tech 3 Yamaha.

“Alvaro came past and slowed the pace so much that I had to push hard,” Crutchlow told BBC Sport. “I was trying to push to get back to the front guys but I made a mistake.

“We had some issues on the grid with the bike and it was important to get away from them [at the start], but Jorge [Lorenzo] did a fantastic first lap and put us all under pressure.”

Crutchlow did manage to get his bike back on the track, restarting in 20th place, but was unable to get into the points after finishing 17th.

Marquez, meanwhile, extended his lead in the championship from 21 points at the outset to 26 - more than the allotted amount for a race win.

The Repsol Honda rider prevailed after a tit-for-tat tussle with Lorenzo’s Yamaha in the later stages.

Defending world champion Lorenzo, 35 points adrift in the standings beforehand, stormed through from fifth on the grid to take the lead at the first corner and established a healthy lead.

But Marquez and Pedrosa closed in with seven laps left to make it a three-way fight at the front.

Lorenzo repelled the first two attempts at a pass by Marquez, but could not resist the youngster’s continued probing.

“I enjoyed the battle,” the winner told BBC Sport. “It is the first time I have had a fight like this in MotoGP. In the beginning Jorge pushed quite a bit and made a big gap, but in the end I was a little bit stronger.”

Lorenzo’s hopes of defending his title suffered a further blow when Pedrosa also passed him, with three laps left, as he fell 44 points behind Marquez with seven rounds left.

“It is a bit disappointing because I almost had the race [in the bag] so to lose the first two positions in the last part of it is not the best,” he conceded.

Meanwhile Britain’s Scott Redding will take a 21-point lead in the Moto2 standings into next weekend’s race at Silverstone after finishing eighth in Brno.

His closest rival, Spaniard Pol Espargaro, narrowed the gap after coming home fourth, with Finn Mika Kallio taking victory.

CD MONTESINOS 2 – 2 TORREVIEJA CF CDM Side: (1st Half) Cristian, Fernando, Johnny, David, Manuel, Ruben, Marcos, Dimitry, Angel, Omar and Rodrigo.

player Marcos in their starting line up whilst the visitors had ex Monte player Andres on the bench for the first half.

CDM Side: (2nd Half): Cristian, Fernando, Dario, David, Manuel, Diego, Rubio, Dimitry, Marcos, Rodrigo and Omar.

The visitors opened the scoring inside 10 minutes from a corner kick and were worth their advantage at half time. They could have increased that lead but some good work from Cristian in the Monte goal as well as some excellent defending by youngster Manuel, kept the score respectable.

CDM Subs (all used): Kevin for Fernando, Alex (GK) for Cristian and Javi for Dimitry.

CD Montesinos played their 4th pre season match.

On this occasion their opponents were from a higher division as Torrevieja CF visited the Campo Municipal for what was an attractive encounter.

Juanpe is at the point where he knows his best side and although he continues to give all his squad a run out, it does look obvious to those that have followed the clubs pre season, who the main side will include. Monte are still without the services of the Brazilian striker, Vazqhuino who will miss another two weeks of the pre season as well as top scorer Edu, who has taken a few days away.

The game itself was an interesting encounter.

Monte had ex Torrevieja

The second half, when most of the 200 in the crowd thought would bring more goals for the visitors, proved rather more interesting. Rodrigo scored one of the best goals you will see at this level as he cut inside on the edge of the box, rounded two defenders and smashed a shot into the top far corner of the net for the equaliser.

The rest of the half was even and both sides had chances to take the lead.

But on 60 minutes, a very disputed penalty for hand ball, once again gave the visitors the lead much to the dismay of the home supporters and players.

But with 78 minutes on

Bull Flanagan Golf Society

For their August meeting on 23rd Bull Flanagan visited the popular course at Altorreal where visiting societies always get a warm welcome.

The course was in excellent condition and whilst the greens had not fully recovered from recent hollow tyning they were playable even though it made made putting that much harder.

Good support from members meant that 31 players headed down the motorway to the days destination for what they all hoped would be a good days golf.

The scores were generally better than previous meetings of the society even though we all faced

warm humid conditions.

Only one person, Jim Bryce was able to beat the course and returned to the clubhouse with 38 points, and he was followed by new member Barrie Hopkinson who returned 34 points for second place and a further point back on 33 points for third place by Alan Gifford.

A large number of players returned scores between 28 and 33 and they all were in with a chance of getting in the frame for best front nine which was taken by John Chatham and best back nine which was taken

by Chris Smith.

Nearest the pin winners on the par threes were hole 5 John Chatham, hole10 Alan Gifford and hole 17 Chris Stott the societies

37

sport the clock and with the introduction of British youngster Kevin up front, Monte gained a well deserved equaliser. A ball was played through the middle, both Kevin and another youngster, Omar, ran for the ball. The visitor’s keeper and centre half got in a muddle and the ball landed at the feet of Dario who, from fully 40 yards, lobbed the retreating Torrevieja players to give his side a 2-2 draw.

The game was played in good spirits and proved to be very enjoyable.

For full match report and additional information about CD Montesinos and their International Supporters club, THE FULL MONTE, take a look at the clubs website at www.cdmontesinos.com.

You can always email us at thefullmonte2011@ hotmail.com Also, don’t forget to check the forum and it’s predictor thread.

TORREGOLF.EU A golf club for the people - by the people supporting and in association with the Full Monte and CD Montesinos Contact: davidwinder. torregolf@gmail.com

favourite landlord. A draw for the 28ers group saw the name of Chris Stott being selected for the second time.

The group returned to the Bull Flanagan where Chris and his staff provided a tasty mixed choice of curry, rice, chips and salad which members appreciated and thanked Chris and the staff in the normal manner.

This was a good day out and members are thanked for their attendance by the acting Captain who for personal reasons could not be there today but he woukd hope for a similar attendance for the next meeting on 20th September at Vistabella which will be the Captains Day of the society.

38

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

sport

LAS RAMBLAS hosts SMGS

A welcome breeze at Las Ramblas kept the heat to a bearable level, or so I was told after my absence from this week’s “cauldron” – I found a shady spot near the house where my Presidential loyalty kept my thoughts firmly on the society….. or was it the persistent opening of the chilled San Hello

Miguel cans?

The heat eventually got the better of me last week so my thanks go to John Parker this week who bravely took my place in the fiercely fought two-ball better-ball competition….. judging from the results he could have the job permanently!

Generally in very good

amigo Ca r s La Marina

Only Stealing is Cheaper

Don’t spend all that money hiring a car

You can easily buy a well-cared for secondhand one at a bargain price, also without residence. Huge selection of all types of cars, mostly imported from Germany, lots of automatics...

All serviced with MOT & Warranty transferred in to your name without hidden costs

Thankst A lo

E03194 (old N332) La Marina Village Email: carsofconfidence@yahoo.de

965 419 857

condition is how the course was described to me, the only slight fault being pretty slow greens.

This is a usual complaint in July/August when the grass is often left a little longer than normal on many Spanish courses offering some protection against the blistering sun.

A huge mix-up over car keys meant some people went home with too many and those who wound up without any had to stay firmly entrenched in the bar…..life can be really cruel sometimes!

NTP’s were claimed by John Aitchison (Hole 6), Darren Storer (Hole 10), Steve Fleet (Hole 12) & Captain Steve Davis (Hole 14).

The 3 top partnerships were Norman Padmore & Alan Manson in 3rd spot (43 pts C/B), John Parker & Marg Birtwistle in 2nd place (44 pts) and Brian Mulligan & Joost Boelhouwer in top spot with 48 pts.

All society matters can be obtained by visiting www. smgs.org or by giving Baz a quick buzz on 966 731 033 to find out details of forthcoming meetings at which all visitors will be made very welcome.

Photo: Some of the happy winners at Las Ramblas.

SOL TIMES COSTA BLANCA

CHRISTINE : 902 750 190 (EXT: 330) ANDY: 693 803 409 OR MARK: 693 775 347 email: blancasales@soltimes.com

COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR SAMANTHA - 693 779 435

Classifieds - Paulette: 950 121 936 Costa blanca office email: calidasales@soltimes.com QUESADA BUSINESS CENTRE,

Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government.

Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions.

Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

CALLE LOS ARCOS 7, 03170, CIUDAD QUESADA

Sucina Golf Society

TMGS

Tuesday, 20th August at Saurines de la Torre, Roldan An Individual Stableford format for our game this month at Saurines de la Torre, counting towards our 2013 Player of the Year award. Some cloud gave us some initial respite at our 10.00am start, but the day soon turned very warm & humid.

Most players opting for a buggy, but we did have 4 hardy souls who decided to walk!

Again a lower turnout this month with 24 players, but with several players away it was still a good representation and some good scores were returned.

We were also delighted this month to welcome 3 guests and one new Member.

Our Division winners were:Division 1 1st place Gavin Naismith 37pts (on c/back), 2nd place John Storey 37pts (on c/back).

Division 2 1st place Christine Comber 37pts, 2nd place Mark Digby 34pts.

Division 3 1st place Doreen Crowhurst 36pts, 2nd place Wayne Harris 35pts.

Guest Division 1st place Matt Ruck 33pts Nearest the pins went to: Hole 6 - Tom Crowhurst, Hole 10 - Richard Moore, Hole 14 - Gavin Naismith and Hole 18 Doreen Crowhurst.

In addition two 2´s were recorded, both on the 18th.

Congratulations to both Doreen & Matt, and all our Division & NTP Winners on the day.

Our next meeting is at Hacienda Riquelme on Tuesday, 17th September and is our “ Captains Day”. Start list is on the Noticeboard in Franc & Louise Bar, Sucina or contact any Committee Member. All details can be found on our website:w w w.sucinagolfsociet y. com

TMGS Report; 2013.

Anniversary 21st August

Today we played at the excellent course of Campoamor for our first anniversary game which was very kindly sponsored by Arne Hansson’s company; Quiet Coast SL where 45 golfers enjoyed what must be said is an excellent track of Campoamor. Yes for sure, there are a couple of greens that need some TLC, but in the main the course was of a very high standard.

However, what really excelled was the reception afterwards where 45 hungry and thirsty golfers plus guests were treated to a service in the “new (but old) clubhouse/bar by the 10th. I am of the belief that any Society that is looking for a venue where they can play golf and enjoy a meal/buffet later, look no further than Campoamor.

This refurbished bar area even has a putting green where you can have a few beers and lose money on putting bets!

This was our first anniversary and there was a plethora of prizes on offer prizes donated by Quiet Coast SL for which was gratefully appreciated.

Dealing with the main winners the Best Visitors and the top spot was taken

by A. Ricketts with 35 points and new member Jesus Lozano in 2nd place with 32 points. I have been told you don’t pronounce his name the way it looks.

The Silver Division was won by a Lifetime member, Robbie Rea (who even

stopped me in the road to tell me how his name was spelt). He did mention that he hopes his beloved remains in Austria in case she stops his winning streak. Robbie’s 37 points pushed back George Chapman into 2nd spot (36 points) and Les Wilton into 3rd place with 33 points.

The Gold boys didn’t fare much better and it only needed 36 points from Alan Rixson to take top spot with Richard Wale pushing John Eyre back into 3rd spot with 35 points.

NTP’s were won by Alan Rixson, Steve Higgins and Robert Ricketts and in addition there were prizes for Longest Drives (ladies) won by Janet Mason and (Men) Alan Rixson.

Congratulations go to the inaugural champion of the Anniversary Shield Robbie Rea. Our next game, Wednesday 28th August 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 966719604.

We also run small matches on Friday’s and if you fancy a fun knock around, contact Steve Higgins on 968978188.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

sport

Tony Mackman.

Overall Winner Andy Trefry 38 points

The Full Monte prize in support of our football team C.D.Montesinos going to Chris Rose to-day and sponsored by Mick Hyland

Gold Winner Tony Stead 37 points Gold Runner Up Iain Ralph 35 points Silver Winner Craig Lambert 31 points on c/b Silver Runner Up John Stones 31 points

CLAPTONS GOLF SOCIETY LA TORRE 19th AUGUST 2013 This was our new Captain Andy Trefry’s first outing of the new season at the par 68 Polaris World La Torre course. With a 9.30 tee off, and the sun already rising in the sky, we all knew we were looking at a very hot day’s golf (mad dogs). The course looked in good condition, although of course much of it is sand. The greens were found to be true but very quick and on the par

3 llth the swimming pool adjacent to the tee proved to be a major distraction as the nearest the pin winner was some 50ft. away. As the cards started to come in they showed, despite the hot conditions, a lot of good scores had been achieved and the Captain came out on top, well done.

As the players finished and handed in their cards they made their way back to the Clubhouse for the usual presentation and meal.

Our thanks to Chris and his staff. Results as follows.

Best Front Nine Bob Eaton 18 points Best Back Nine Mark Pollitt 17 points Nearest the Pin 5th John Stones 9th Peggy Hamilton 11th Bill Martin 15th Mark Pollitt Best Guest Arthur Huke 29 points Most Potential O’Grady

Mick

Two’s Competition: Mark Pollitt; Arthur Huke and John Stones.

Next meeting Polaris World El Valle 20th September 2013

TORREGOLF.EU at Las Colinas Yes a second visit to this lovely course in less that a month but what a day in more ways than one, beautiful weather for a 08.20 start but where was ‘King Kong’ and others. Still in bed! when they should have been on the 10th.tee. and then 3 other no shows Not to worry, with a lot of reorganising and changing everything around we did get off without too much delay and King Kong managed it for the last tee time but how it stressed out El Presidente but having said that he then goes out a scores 23 points for the back 9 so maybe he should

FC TORREVIEJA STALEMATE ON TORRYS RETURN TO THE VICENTE GARCIA Torry began the new season last Sunday with a home game against La Nucia. On a bright hot sunny afternoon just over 400 football fans turned up to watch the action.

The pitch, which has had extensive work carried out on it over the past 6 weeks, thanks to the club president Senor Boix, was in excellent condition and there could be no excuses by the players for a bad bounce or bobble as was the case in the past. Torry like most clubs have assembled an almost entirely new squad. Only a trio of players from last season made the starting line-up, young captain, Rafa, Burguillos and Dani

Meseguer. Regular players from last season Gasch and Manu Amores found themselves on the bench and Vicente Boix didn’t feature He may have been injured. Recent signing Alexis couldn’t play because his player registration hasn’t gone through yet and this will undoubtedly be a lengthier process as he has joined Torry from a Mexican team. Let’s hope it is sorted out in the next week.

The Torry Team: Carrion, Eloy, Valdeolivas, Burguillos, Rafa, Dani Meseguer, Pastor (Gasch 64 ‘), Carrasco (Manu Amores 83), Eric (Obele 61’), Alberto and Micro. Not Used: Carlos and Guillem. Manager:

Mobile Auto Electrician

ENGINE MANAGEMENT DIAGNOSTICS

fault Finding & Repairs Engine Diagnostics Air-conditioning Re-gas & repairs Starter Motor & Alternator Repairs

Telephone Al - Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm FULLY MOBILE

638 323 499

Anselmo Serrano

Torry started on the front foot but after 4 minutes La Nucia penetrated the Torry defence and one of their forwards had a clear scoring opportunity but Carrion stood tall and made an excellent reflex save to block the shot. Eric then had a slim chance from a tight angle at the other end but is no “Daniel Sturridge” and didn’t take advantage.

Torry were looking the most dangerous and getting behind La Nucia down the flanks. The crosses although well delivered mostly went to the far post were there was noone coming in to capitalise on them. Something to address on the training

Breakers yard ooking for runners/non runners l

Free collection Best prices paid Baja issued

(All paperwork taken care of with certificate of destruction)

NO MORE SUMA BILLS TO PAY Also parts available

607 848 332 Ask for Phil

39

ground. Eric then did well to chase down a long ball and drive in from out wide and deliver a dangerous low ball across goal which nobody got on the end of with the ball being cleared by a La Nucia defender.

The game evened up in the last 10 minutes of the half with neither side creating anything meaningful. The game went a bit flat at the start of the second-half but after 55 minutes it livened up when a good cross from Eloy was met with a header from Alberto which flew just wide with the La Nucia keeper an onlooker.

In the last 30 minutes of the game Torry made substitutions to try to achieve the breakthrough

2 Scratch cards to-day to win 20 Euros each 1. going to Neil Casey with Arsenal and the other to Steve James with Brighton.

get stressed more often.

With ideal conditions it was strange that only 7 players managed to score more than 30 points so the results of our Stableford competition were Category 1. 1st. Kevin Edwards 37 points 2nd.Sam McReynolds 35 and 3rd. on c/b Mac Mcdonnell 34 Category 2. 1st.

Brian Coombes 36 points 2nd.

David Winder 35 and 3rd.

Tony Mackman 29 Our nearest the pins to-day were Hole 5 Brian Coombes.

Hole 7 Tony Mackman. Hole 10 Vee Hardwidge. Hole 14 Kevin Edwards. Hole 17

Our next games are August 30th. at Font del Llop and then Vistabella on the 7th.

September.

with some fresh legs. On 65 minutes a powerful drive from distance by Gasch wasn’t far off target. After 78 minutes a ball over the top by Burguillos found Alberto in space ,in the box in a central position.

He pulled the ball down well and set himself up for the finish but didn’t hit it with any venom and the La Nucia keeper saved without too much difficulty.

I the last 15 minutes the sides cancelled themselves out and there were no further chances created of note by either side. La Nucia will be happier with the point than Torry who could have nicked it as they were the side which were the more creative.

Good performances by captain Rafa, Carrasco , Micro and Burguillos who for me was the Torry “Man of the Match” .

So if you are interested in joining the only golf club on the Costas formed for the people by the people then contact David Winder on 626 774 157 or email him at davidwinder.torregolf@ gmail.com. Our picture today taken with the 18th. fairway behind all the winners L-R Mac McDonnell, Tony Mackman, David Winder, Kevin Edwards, Vee Hardwidge, Sam McReynolds , Chris Rose and Brian Coombes.

Torry travel north to play Llosa at the weekend. Llosa started their season with a victory against Castellon at Castellon which was a very good result against the leagues “biggest” team.

Let’s hope Torry come away with at least a point from this game.

A reasonably satisfied Darrylldinho, following his adopted team in Spain draw their first game of the season on their return to the Vicente Garcia.

24 hours a day 7 days a week

Recovery Assistance

607 848 332

From 30€

Asistencia de Grua

692 190 880

No distance too far

40 SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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

€19,950

MERCEDES E320 CDi DIESEL, AUTOMATIC, 2005, 187,000KMS

€14,950

BMW 320

touring 2L diesel auto 2007, 109,000kms

€13,950

MITSUBISHI

MONTERO 3.2 AUTOMATIC, DIESEL, 7 SEATS, 2006, 104,000KMS

€13,950

audi a3

2006 93,000kms

€9,950

• BMW X5 3L, DIESEL, AUTO, 2006, 102,000KMS...........€21,950 • KIA SPORTAGE 2L, 16V, DIESEL, 2010, 20,000KMS.........POA • FIAT DOBLO MAXI CARGO 1.6SX, 16V, 2012.........€12,950 +IVA • MERCEDES C220 CDi COUPE, 2007, 54,000KMS.............€12,950 • VW

BEETLE 2L, 2005, 38,692KMS …............................... €9,950 • FORD FOCUS CMAX, 1.8TDCi, DIESEL, 2008, 68,000KMS........ ...................................................................................................€9,950 • MINI

COOPER, 1.6 AUTOMATIC, 2004, 92,000KMS........€9,950 • RENAULT MEGANE SCENIC 1.5 DCi, DIESEL, 2005, 73,000KMS ..............................................................................................…. €7,250

• MERCEDES SL 500, 1993, 164,000KMS ….........................€6,950 • OPEL COMBO 1.4 PETROL, 2005, 87,000KMS................€6,450 • FORD FIESTA 1.3 PETROL, 2006, 23,000 KMS …..............€5,950 • JEEP

CHEROKEE 2.5TD SPORT, 144,000 KMS................€5,950 • OPEL CORSA AUTOMATIC, 1.2, 2006, 122,000KMS......€5,450 • Mercedes C220 Cdi Classic, 2001,159,000KMS.............€4,950 • PEUGEOT 307 2.0L HDi, DIESEL, 2003, 144,000KMS........€4,950 • R ENAULT MEGANE SCENIC RX4, 168,000kms 1.9DTi, Diesel, 2001.........................................................................€4,950

www.specialistvehicles.com VW POLO 1.4TDi, DIESEL, 2007, 93,000KMS

€6,950

FORD TRANSIT T350L, JUMBO, 2.4 DIESEL

€5,950

OPEL CORSA

1.2,PETROL, AUTOMATIC, 2005, 64,000KMS

€5,950

RANGE ROVER 4.6HSE, PETROL, AUTO, 1998, 268,000KMS

€4,950

• RENAULT CLIO 1.2 PETROL, 2005, 128,000KMS ….........€4,450 • HONDA HRV 1.6 PETROL, 4WD, 1999, 185,000KMS.........€3,950 • Daewoo kalos 1.4 petrol, 41,000KMS.......................€3,450 • HYUNDAI SONATA 2L PETROL, 1997, 109,000KMS ….. €2,950 • Mitsubishi Carisma 2000, a/c 1430,000kms............ €2,950 • YAMAHA 350 BRUIN, QUAD BIKE, 2005......................... €2,750 • RENAULT CLIO, 1.9 DIESEL, 1999, 127,000KMS............€2,250

OPEL ASTRA

1.8 TWIN TOP, 2006, 19,500KMS

€9,950

HYUNDAI I30 1.4 PETROL, 2009, 68,000KM

€7,950

Right hand drive vehicles

• AUDI A3, 1.4 TFSi SPORTBACK, 0 MILES, NEW........€24,950 • rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles....€13,950 •R ENAULT GRAND ESPACE, 2.2 DCi, DIESEL, 2005........€6,950 • KIA SORRENTO 1.9CRDi, DIESEL, 2003, 85,000 MILES...€5,950 • RENAULT SCENIC 1.6, 16V, petrol, 2005, 47,000 MILES ............ ..............................................................................................................€5,450 •V AUXHALL VECTRA 2.2 petrol, AUTOMATIC, 2005, 68,000KMS .........................................................................€4,950 • MINI COOPER 1.6 petrol, 2002, 65K MILES, Eng Reg....POA • OPEL ASTRA 1.6 AUTOMATIC, 2006, 120,000 MILES €3,950 • Ford transit connect 2004 1.8D 126,000............. €2,950 • BMW 316 1.6 PETROL, AUTO, 1994,138,000KMS....€1,750

Right hand drive - spanish reg

SUZUKI SPLASH 1.2 PETROL, 2008, 58,000KMS

€7,950

• CITROEN C2 AIRPLAY, 1.1petrol 2007, 48,000 kms.........€3,950 • MGB GT 1.8 PETROL, 1978.............................................€3,950 • AUDI A4 1.9 DIESEL, 2000, 87,000 MILES …............... €2,950 • FORD

MONDEO 2L petrol, HATCH, 2004, 120,000 MILES …..........................................................................................€2,950 • BMW 316i auto 1994.......................................................€1,750

~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash ~ Full procurement service

HYUNDAI GETZ 1.5DCi, DIESEL, 2005, 55,000KMS

€4,950

CITROEN XSARA 2.0 HDi, 2003, diesel, automatic 138,000KMS

€4,950

RENAULT MEGANE CABRIO,

2L PETROL, 2000,106,000KMS

€3,950

FORD FIESTA 1.4 PETROL, 2004, 164,000KMS

€3,950

Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com

Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511

●Re-registration service available ●no obligation test drives ●we bring the vehicle to you

902 750 190

MERCEDES

CLK 200K, CAB AUTO, 2008, 71,000KMS

• ferrari f430, challenge car, 4.3l, v8, 2008, 7,000kms, .................................................................................................€89,950 • BMW X1 AUTOMATIC, 2.0S, DRIVE, DIESEL, 2011, 15,000KMS....... ............................................................................................................. €26,950 • BMW X1, 1.8 DIESEL, AUTO, 2011, 28,000KMS ....................… POA • MERCEDES ML 320, AUTO, DIESEL, 2006.....................€24,950

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

www.soltimes.com

new fords available