Blanca 313

ISSUE 313

COSTA blanca

5 - 11 FEB

SolTimes

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

News

A hotel in Roquetas de Mar has reduced its CO2 emissions by over 3,500 tonnes

Hotel Playadulce, on the Paseo del Palmeral, has joined the Comisión de Evaluación del Plan PIMA SOL, a plan to reduce carbon emissions in hotels which are undergoing renovation.

As a result the hotel has managed to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,560 tons, and will receive 25,000 euros and also energy certification.

Hotels which sign up to the Plan PIMA SOL have direct access to funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which supports this initiative with funding of 200 million euros.

However, the hotels are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by between 40% and 70% to qualify.

The first steps have been taken towards the new promenade.

JCBs have begun restructuring work on Altea’s shore between the Algar river and the existing pond, which will be replaced with a leisure area.

A pebble beach will be laid adjoining the existing beach and the mouth of River Algar.

The project is scheduled for completion in 24 months.

The Sindicato de Estudiantes Abdera deny that there will be a strike on 5, 6 and 7 February The Sindicato de Estudiantes Abdera has denied the rumour circulated through the social networks concerning the alleged Huelga General Estudiantil on the 5, 6 and 7 February.

Any information concerning matters of student strikes can be obtained by accessing the official website of the Union (www.sindicatoabdera.jimdo.com), or through SEAbdera social networks such as twitter, Facebook or Tuenti, or via e-mail to the Union, (sindicatoestudiantesabdera@hotmail. com).

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4,000 residents may be taken off the census list

Alfaz Ayuntamiento has launched a campaign to ‘find’ 4,000 residents whose names are about to be taken off the local ‘padrón’ list.

By law, if your pardon has not been renewed for 5 years, and during that time you do not use a public service, such as a school or a doctor, your name is removed by the national census office.

In a report, Alfaz’s population of around 22,000 residents showed 4,000 residents as ‘unconfirmed’.

The Ayuntamiento has put out a call for any resident who signed on the padrón over four years ago and who may not have used a public service since to please call in at the Ayuntamiento to confirm that they still live in Alfaz del Pi. Ayuntamiento staff are also visiting the last known addresses of as many residents as possible.

Woman sues owner of a donkey that escaped and bit her

The woman was collecting snails with her grandchildren near the village of Santo Ángel when the donkey, which was kept at a nearby farm, but which had escaped, ran at the woman, who sustained scratches to her hand, shoulder and face.

It then ran on, and attacked a jogger, biting him on the arm.

He tried to evade the animal by climbing over a wire fence, scratching his hand on wire as he did so.

The animal was apprehended by the Policía Local, assisted by staff of the Servicio de Zoonosis from the Ayuntamiento de Murcia.

The woman took the owner to the Audiencia Provincial, claiming he was negligent in his control of the animal, and also claiming for her injuries.

She sought damages of 16,700 euros, but the Court dismissed her claim, suggesting that she should have recourse to a civil court, if she felt her case was valid.

Almería EQUO opposes schedule cuts at the Alcazaba and the Museo Arqueológico during the summer.

The spokeswoman for EQUO Almería, Mar Verdejo, emphasises the irrationality of these proposed cuts to the opening hours, which will close the sites during the afternoons, and which were to be implemented this summer.

She said that the new schedule was not adapted to the demands of tourism or the weather of the city, with opening hours being restricted to the hottest hours of the day.

‘We consider that not only they are not meeting the demands of citizenship, but these new schedules reflect a covert policy of cuts in public services, jobs and culture, which goes precisely against one of economic pillars which our region still has: cultural tourism, based on a sustainable model that respects our environment and our rich architectural heritage.”

Taller de empleo ‘Arboleas Horizonte 2020’ has reached its conclusion

The Alcalde del Ayuntamiento de Arboleas, Cristóbal García, attended the closing ceremony of the taller de empleo ‘Arboleas Horizonte 2020’ (employment workshop ‘Arboleas Horizon 2020’).

The ceremony was also attended by the students of the workshop, who were handed a diploma certifying their attendance at theoretical and practical classes.

“I want to congratulate both students and teachers for their involvement in this project and wish them every success in their future careers,” said the Mayor.

The workshop has given specialised environmental and sustainability training in accordance with the ‘Agenda 21’, which links skills development with environmental sustainability.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead ‘After Overdose’

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his Manhattan apartment after an apparent drug overdose.

The Hollywood star, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2005 film Capote, was 46 years old.

The father-of-three was found dead in his bathroom with a syringe in his arm, according to law enforcement sources.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, two officials said small envelopes they suspect contained heroin were found in the Greenwich Village apartment. They said the bags were marked with the ace of hearts and spades.

Police were called by a friend of the actor to his home on Sunday at 11.30am local time.

His family said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone.

“This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

The actor’s body was removed from the apartment building in the West Village on Sunday night.

Sky’s US correspondent Greg Milam said: “The shock across the United States is being felt very keenly.”

A string of Hollywood stars have paid tribute, including Kevin Bacon, Jim Carrey and British actor Gary Oldman, who said Hoffman was “very special”.

The actor John Hurt - who starred with Hoffman in 2003 film Owning Mahowny - said: “It’s a devastating loss. His contribution was massive.”

Hoffman’s other film credits included The Big Lebowski, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mission: Impossible III, and The Talented Mr Ripley.

Last year, he revealed he was forced to check himself into rehab after taking prescription pills and snorting heroin, having managed to stay clean for 23 years.

He reportedly admitted he “started off taking prescription pills which escalated to snorting heroin”.

The star was apparently concerned he was about to lose control and checked himself into a detox facility on the East Coast.

On leaving the centre after 10 days, Hoffman credited “a great group of friends and family” for the support and encouragement to get help.

“I went to rehab, I got sober when I was 22years-old,” he said in a 2006 interview.

“You get panicked ... and I got panicked for my life.”

News of Hoffman’s death came after his representatives denied a death hoax about the actor spread earlier in the week.

Born in 1967, in Fairport, New York, Hoffman became involved in acting at high school.

He went on to study at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he graduated with a degree in Drama in 1989.

He got his first acting role in a 1991 episode of the long-running police drama Law and Order, but his big break came in the 1997 film Boogie Nights, starring alongside Mark Wahlberg.

In addition to his screen work, Hoffman was also a talented stage actor, gaining plaudits for his roles on Broadway.

He had recently been working on the last instalment of The Hunger Games franchise, in which he played the role of head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

He leaves his long-term partner and O’Donnell Mimi designer costume son. and daughters two their and Source: web.orange.co.uk

News

Russian School Siege Teen Shoots Two Dead

A teenage gunman has shot dead a police officer and a teacher, and held more than 20 students hostage during a siege at a school on the outskirts of Moscow.

The armed attacker carrying a rifle forced his way into the building this morning and took hostage pupils aged around 15 years old along with a teacher in a biology class.

He was said by authorities to be an older student at the number 263 high school, situated in the northwest of the Russian capital.

A security guard, who was injured in the assault, managed to raise the alarm by triggering an emergency button and police immediately responded.

Scores of officers and ambulances arrived at the scene and were fired at by the gunman through a school window.

One officer who had been shot died at the scene, while another was injured and airlifted to hospital.

A biology teacher was also killed in the shooting.

Police said the gunman had been arrested and all the children freed from the building, where anxious friends and family had gathered outside to await news about their loved ones.

Interior Ministry spokesman Andrei Pilipchuck told state television: “The person who took 20 people and a teacher hostage is a student in the upper classes at the same school.

“He has been neutralised and all the students have been freed.

“One policeman was fatally wounded during the operation and died in hospital, and a teacher at school number 263 was also killed.”

Demand For Real Butter Is Spreading

The demand for real butter is increasing according to the latest sales figures for the product.

In the last five years sales of butter have risen 7% in the UK, while margarine sales have dropped by 6%.

However, the market for margarine is still bigger with 271 million kilograms sold per year, while butter sells 141 million kilograms.

The increase in demand for butter has helped boost the business of many artisan producers, including Abernethy Butter in County Down in Northern Ireland.

Will and Allison Abernethy started making butter on their farm three years ago, and the enterprise has turned from a hobby into a business producing one tonne of butter a month.

Mrs Abernethy said: “We didn’t realise there was such a demand for butter and the public were saying ‘we love butter, we don’t like margarine and we’re going back to butter’.”

Their hand-made product has even melted the hearts of Michelin Star chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Marcus Wareing. They supply

butter to their London restaurants as well as highend retailer Fortnum and Mason.

Even the big producers of margarines are starting to realise there has been a shift towards butter.

Last Autumn consumer goods giant Unilever, which produces Flora margarine, introduced butter into one of its spreads for the very first time.

For decades the health benefits of margarine have been promoted over butter.

But now the experts say butter isn’t that bad for us after all.

Belfast based nutritional therapist Jane McClenaghan has been telling people to convert back to butter for years.

She said: “Not only are people looking for a more natural product but also research actually doesn’t really back up the evidence that we should cut saturated fats out of our diet totally so our trends are following what the research says, but it has just taken us a while.”

UFO sighted by airline pilot

The captain of a Thomas Cook airliner flying tourists back from Ibiza to Manchester reported a “near miss” with a “rugby ball”shaped UFO, which passed within feet of his jet.

The encounter took place over Reading, Berks. The pilot reported it to the aviation authorities, who launched an investigation, but no earthly identity for the object could be established.

The encounter was disclosed earlier this month by the Telegraph, and although the details of the jet and its flight were not made available, it is known that the incident took place on July 19th 2013, at 6.35pm.

The captain said he spotted the object travelling towards the jet out of a left hand side, cockpit window, apparently heading directly for it. He said there was no time to for the aircrew to take evasive action.

The incident was investigated by the UK Airprox Board, which studies “near misses” involving aircraft in British airspace. The report states: “The captain was under the apprehension that they were on collision

course with no time to react. His immediate reaction was to duck to the right and reach over to alert the FO (First Officer); there was no time to talk to alert him.”

The Captain told investigators he believes the object passed “a few feet” above the jet.

He described it as being “cigar/rugby ball like” in shape, bright silver and apparently “metallic” in construction.

Once it had passed, the captain checked the aircraft’s instruments and contacted air traffic controllers to report the incident.

At the inquiry, no visual sign of the object could be established, and data recordings showed no other aircraft were in the area at the time. No meteorological balloons had been released in the vicinity, and toy balloons would have been unable to reach the height at which the aircraft was flying.

Military radar operators were contacted but were unable to trace it.

Expats in Spain

Lloyds PPI Mis-Selling Provision Up By £1.8bn Lloyds Banking Group has announced an additional set-aside provision of £1.8bn for payment protection insurance (PPI) mis-selling claims.

The taxpayer-backed high street lender now has a PPI provision of £3bn for 2013.

Lloyds has amassed the largest provision for misselling by Britain’s high street banks.

Its total PPI mis-selling bill has reached £9.8bn, three times more than bailout rival RBS. The bank is due to release its full-year results on February 13 and is expected to make a modest statutory profit.

It is also expected to start paying dividends again this year, six years after payments were suspended ahead of a £20bn bailout.

Chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio said: “We expect to apply in the second half of 2014 to restart dividend payments and to deliver progressive and

sustainable payments to shareholders thereafter.

“This will be another important step in our journey to rebuild trust and confidence in our group.”

The payments need Prudential Regulatory Authority approval and are expected to be made after June.

Lloyds also confirmed it is writing a prospectus to sell part of the Government’s stake, as previously reported by Sky News.

The bank, which owns both the Halifax and Bank of Scotland, now expects 550,000 complaints about PPI. Business claims continue to mount for Lloyds and it has set aside an additional £130m over mis-selling related to small and medium-sized businesses.

Lloyds was the top faller on the FTSE 100 in early morning trades.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

barnes bulletin “DANNY BOY TO BROADSWORDDANNY BOY TO BROADSWORD”

It seems there has been a lot of activity taking place on the roof of the Town Hall, in Pilar De La Horadada recently.

My abseiling to roof level, on behalf of readers of my bulletin, reveals that a new super-duper aerial has been erected. This new erection, along with a suitably “Tweaked” FM transceiver, will give greater coverage from headquarters to all mobile units, including Protection Civil, who will be receiving improved communication equipment for their mobile units.

My accompanying photograph shows Mayor of Pilar, Jose’ Fidel Ros Samper, along with representatives of Police Local and Protection

ort

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Part 2)

Thank you to the number of readers who have dropped me an e-mail, telling of their problems in obtaining tickets for shows, from the booking office in Torrevieja.

The latest news I have, is that now, and in the foreseeable future, opening times will be, Tuesday to Friday, between 11.00 and 13.00 Hrs., that is until they change it in two weeks time. It must be a worry to professional and amateur groups, that a “Would be” audience can

experience problems, more than occasionally, in obtaining tickets for forthcoming productions.

Agreed, there is advertised, an “On Line” ticket purchase scheme, but in my experience, not always very customer friendly. I ponder the idea as to whether the good people at the new Tourist Office, Portside, Torrevieja, could look at taking on the task of issuing tickets for theatre productions? Just a thought.

Civil, talking no doubt, about the finer details of Triode and Tetrode valves, with Directorate of General Information Technology, Inmaculada Cava, along with Councillor for Safety, Lancharro Francisco. Mayor Jose’ tells me that this new antenna and improved mobile equipment, will be of great help in the event of disasters across the municipality. “Out”

DRAMA IN THE HILLS

ORIHUELA COSTA RBL BURNS NIGHT Mineral collector Fiona Pitt-kethley has, during her many years of wandering atop and beneath the Sierra Minera range, encountered many dangers such as rock / mine tunnel collapse and flooding adits, but an unexpected encounter with a thaemetopoea pityocampa was a confrontation this week, that Fiona could have done without.

While cutting out a sizable emerald from rocks above Portman, Fiona removed her gloves, unknowingly providing an ideal burrow for a pesky processionary caterpillar, to wander into. These dangerous caterpillars build silky nests in the branches of Pine trees, and wander off during January & February, in search of food, and soft ground where they can crawl into and hide, until they pupate, and during the warm summer months, return to the surface as a moth.

The processional caterpillar has around 60,000 fine hairs on it’s body, which contain an urticating toxin, similar but far stronger than that found in nettles. Should the hairs come in contact with the skin, or inhaled, can cause reactions that can range from a mild inflammation through to severe

anaphylactic shock.

Cats and dogs find the long procession of these caterpillars hard to resist. Inhaling the hairs can severely affect an animals breathing, and licking can cause necrosis of the tongue, such that parts of the tongue turn black, and may drop off, or have to be amputated by a veterinary surgeon. If caught early enough, high doses of cortisone will prevent permanent damage, and pets will make a full recovery.

Returning to our intrepid prospector Fiona, having put her gloves back on, immediately felt the pain in her hand, removed the glove to see her finger now turning black, catching sight of the pest, falling from glove to ground. By the time Fiona made her way to the nearest village, her hand was now a very strange colour. With luck, a local veterinary practice was open, and managed to administer first aid assistance. This problem will be with us until about March, when all that have survived, will pupate into moths.

Latest news from our sufferer? Fiona is now fully recovered, and sports a glossy coat along with a cold nose.

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

Over 90 members and friends of Orihuela Costa and District RBL had a great night on Saturday 25 January 2014. They held a Burns Night at Alfies Place in La Zenia.

The haggis was carried in by the Vice Chairman Eddie Coleman with the sound of the pipes played by Barry Waddington and the address was given by the Scottish dancer Mark McMillan both from the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums Band.

The meal was enjoyed by everyone followed by a speech to ladies by Peter Breen and a response from Joan Waddington.

Dancing was then carried over to the sound of the group The Rockits. A raffle was held

which raised over €350.00 towards this years Poppy Appeal. A kilt, jacket and sporran was also auctioned which raised €105.00.

The night ended with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and I am sure a few heads were a little sore in the morning If anyone is interested joining The Royal British Legion please go to our web site www.orihuelacostarbl.com You can also just come along to one of monthly meetings held at the Olympia Restaurant on the 3rd Thursday of each month 7pm for 7.30pm you will be most welcome.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE EX SERVICE TO BECOME A MEMBER

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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MABS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MAZARRON EVENTS FOR 2014 WEDNESDAY 9th Febuary - JIGSAW Group – Sunday lunch – please contact Ruth on 634 338 189 to reserve your table. The group now meets every 2 months for Sunday lunch and companionship.

TUESDAY 25th Febuary - VOLUNTEERS MEETING Trevi bar, Camposol Sector B - 11.30 am If you would like further information about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting.

WEDNESDAY 26th Febuary - MABS GAMES NIGHT – at Trevi Bar Camposol Commercial Sector B Lots of fun games and prizes to be won. Light snacks available - 7.30pm start 3€ entry.

Friday 25th March – VOLUNTEERS MEETING - Trevi bar, Camposol Sector B - 11.30 am. If you would like further information about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting.

Tuesday 19th April - MABS EASTER FAYRE - MABS CENTRE - 396 Avda de los Covachos Camposol Sector B4 – 10 UNTIL 1 - Easter Bonnet competition; Easter Egg hunt; Craft stalls; raffle and much more. For further information please ring 620 582 418.

Tuesday 29th April - VOLUNTEERS MEETING - Trevi bar, Camposol Sector B - 11.30 am If you would like further information about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting. For further information please ring 620 582 418 or call into the MABS Information Centre.

MUSIC MARATHON - Cañadas del Romero with Barrington ASCOT LADIES Day - 19th June MABS CENTRE Camposol B BBQ – 25TH July - MABS CENTRE Camposol B September dance date T.B.A. MABS Race for Life - 26th October Event tickets on sale at the book stall between 10.00am and 1pm or from the MABS Information centre on Sector B Camposol or by Calling 620 582 418 Keep watching the press or our Notice Board for more forthcoming events

Robinson Crusoe at Casa de Cultura San Miguel this Weekend

Campoverde Theatre Group are proud to present their interpretation of that classic pantomime favourite, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. A fun filled, action pantomime that is full of memorable characters, laughter, song and dance that is being performed in San Miguel de Salinas on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of February. A great way to spice up a dreary February evening, come along to the Casa de Cultura in San Miguel and enjoy a good old traditional pantomime that has something for all the family.

Come and meet our hero Robinson Crusoe, his mom who is the ship’s cook, his lovely girl friend, and the crew of the Mary Rose. Enjoy their voyage as they try and find the Spice Islands. See how they are faced with disaster at the hands of the evil Black Patch and the horrible Slickers. Follow their progress as they make their way to the cannibal invested island, see how Robinson encounters Friday and find out how the crew outwit the locals who are determined to feast on their flesh.

There are still a few tickets left, but hurry and reserve your seat. Just a few days to go to the performance dates of The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe and tickets are now selling fast. So hurry along to and secure your seat to avoid disappointment. The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is sure to lift your spirits and give you a great evening out. Tickets are available from Colin on 96 677 4127, Bargain Books in San Miguel or Adele Kippin in Pinar de Campoverde on 96 676 2114.

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

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Tel: 622 899 906

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

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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If any one place comes close to rolling together everything that’s quintessentially Andalucian, it’s Seville. Here in the region’s capital and biggest city, that special Andalucian way of life is distilled into its purest and most intense form.

Seville has the most passionate and portentous Semana Santa (Holy Week), the most festive and romantic annual feria (fair), the best tapas bars, the best nightlife and the most stylish people in Andalucía. It has more narrow, winding, medieval lanes and romantic, hidden plazas soaked in the scent of orange blossom than half of Andalucía’s other cities put together. It’s the

home of those two bulwarks of Andalucian tradition, flamenco and bullfighting, and its heri tage of art and architecture (Roman, Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque) is without rival in southern Spain.

But Seville’s most developed art form is that of enjoying oneself.

To be out at night among the city’s relaxed, fun-loving crowds – in the tapas bars, on the streets, in the clubs and discos – is an experience you won’t forget.

There are a couple of catches, of course: Seville is expensive. You might pay €80 here for a room that would cost €50 elsewhere, and prices go even higher during Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril (April Fair). Also bear in mind that Seville gets very hot in July and August: locals, sensibly, leave the city then.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet. com/spain/seville

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The Spanish city of Malaga is a Mediterranean seaport on the Costa del Sol in the Andalucía region of southern Spain. It is the second most populous city in Andalucía, the sixth in the whole of Spain and more importantly it’s a major tourist destination. Famed for its rich architectural history, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, outstanding local wines and beautiful sandy beaches as well as being the birthplace of Picasso.

Being located on the southern tip of the European mainland, Malaga is blessed with a typical mediterranean climate. Tourists can enjoy Malaga throughout the year, though the enjoyment will be

at its peak if you travel during the Malaga Summer Fair which comes in August.

Malaga has some brilliant sites for you to go and explore. However, if you are on a short trip, then the top 10 best places to vist are Alcazaba, Malaga Cathedral, Picasso HouseMuseum, Cafe de Paris, La Cancela, Parador de Malaga-Gibralfaro, Gibralfaro Castle, Casa Natal de Picasso, Tryp Guadalmar and Hotel Larios.

Flamenco shows, jazz sessions, shopping, festivals and sight seeing in and around the city of Malaga will keep you entertained.

Source: www.malaga.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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• 4 bed/4 bathroom Ext Neptuno.

• Glazed naya.

• 8m x 5m pool.

• Jacuzzi.

• 3 bed/2 bath detached villa.

• Furnished to high standard.

• 8m x 4m private pool.

• Close to all amenities.

• 3 bed/3 bath Neptuno style Villa.

• Well maintained & furnished • 8m x 3m private pool.

• Quiet location.

paramount

Please Help

resort

villa rentals

- Your choice - your way - your holiday www.paramountresortvillarentals.com

(0034) 608 631 700

Desperately in need of Villas/Fincas for Holiday & Long Term Let in the Mazarron Area

Camposol D Long Term Let €475 + bills pcm Ref No: 0165

Camposol D Long Term Let €500 + bills pcm Ref No: 0149

Camposol Lower C Long Term Let €700 + bills pcm Ref No: 0160

Camposol D Long Term Let €325 + bills pcm Ref No: 0165

• 2 bed/2 bath Rosa type villa.

• Private pool.

• AC & Log burner.

• Furnished to high standard

• 2 bed/2 bathroom Rosa style villa.

• Fully glazed front terrace.

• 8m x 4m private pool & terrace.

• Fully furnished & equipped to high standard.

• 3 bed/2 bath Cibeles style villa.

• Private 8m x 4m pool.

• Furnished & equipped to exceptional level.

• Close to golf course & hotel spa.

• 2 bed Rebecca type villa.

• Great location.

• Gas effect fitted fire.

• Furnished to high standard

Camposol D Long Term Let €325 + bills pcm Ref No: 0158

Camposol D Long Term Let €425 + bills pcm Ref No: 0100

La Mojada Long Term Let €600 + bills pcm Ref No: 0082

Casas De Aljibe Long Term Let €650 + bills pcm Ref No: 0105

• 2 bed Classico style villa.

• Immaculate condition.

• AC & heating.

• Close to small shop.

• 2 bed/2 bath Rosa style villa.

• Fully furnished.

• Large private pool.

• Off road parking for 3 cars.

• Expansive 4 bedroom country finca.

• Walled garden, 10m x 4m Private Pool.

• 8,000sqm land.

• Outdoor kitchen area.

• Expansive 3 bedroom country finca.

• Additional 2 bed annex.

• Fully fenced 2000sqm plot.

• Private pool and outbuildings.

Many more can be seen on our websites office spain (0034)

968 970 614

office Uk (0044)

1733 592 002

7

8

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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

The Legend of St. Valentine

The history of Valentine’s Day--and the story of its patron saint--is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor’s daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly-romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Origins of Valentine’s Day: A Pagan Festival in February

While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial--which probably occurred around A.D. 270--others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman.

These matches often ended in marriage.

american breakfasts salads snacks Jacket Potatoes Steaks & Ribs, Etc... valentine’s day special meal

Your choice of Starter, Main, Dessert, with Coffee & Mints

€19.50 per person

With Live Music – Booking Essential open 7 days a week 8.30-late tel: 966 715 825 • 616 646 006

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

9

La Bohème

Valentine’s Day: A Day of Romance Typical Valentine’s Day Greetings Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “unChristian”--at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged.

Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

International bar restaurant & bakery

Special Valentines open Day Dinner 9am-late Booking Now 3 Course Meal with 1/2 Bottle of Wine, Glass of Champagne Chocolates for the lady 20€ pp Plaza Tolosa No22 - San Luis opposite side to Mercadona roundabout

Tel: 966 189 868

HARRY’S BAR

QUIZ NIGHT MONDAYS 9PM WITH PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT JAMMIN’S BACK BY DEMAND WEDNESDAYS FROM 4 - 7PM SUNDAY LUNCH 12.30 - 5PM FROM €7.95

VALENTINES NIGHT 3 COURSE MEAL 10€ DRESS TO IMPRESS BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Avda Costa Azul, Ciudad Quesada (at the top of the hill)

Tel 965 999 973

Valentine’s

Special Evening Meal

4-course Indian Meal

including Bottle of Pink Cava per Couple Avenida de las Naciones No. 57 Next to La Taberna

Cuidad Quesada Centre



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Benimar NEWSAGENT Punta Prima  Internet  

Tel: 686 701 894

Papers Valentine’s Day Cards & Gifts

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HOGGIES BAR

Monday Afternoon - Prize Bingo 2pm

San Luis

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homes & gardens 10

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Pick your paint colors last, choose mismatched seating, and don’t forget the closet lighting. Here are the best tips and tricks that nobody ever tells you about decorating.

Layer Your Lighting

Four lamps are better than two. You need ambient light for mood and direct light for reading.

Tuck In Your Throws

Keep throws under control. Fold them lengthwise, then in half, then tuck them into cushions.

Kick Your Traditional Coffee Table to the Curb The most versatile coffee table you’ll ever own is an ottoman topped with a tray.

Skirted Furniture Finishes a Room

Too many chair and table legs can make a room “nervous.” A skirted piece or two will make it feel “grounded.”

Gold Is Gorgeous

Gold is back in a big way. A few accents will warm up a room, like this classic living room

Plants Cheer Up a Lonely Corner

Nothing softens a lonely corner in a big room like a potted tree.

Leather Lasts

The most indestructible fabric for dining chairs is leather or vinyl. Especially if you want white.

Switch Up Your Seating

Mix up the seating at your dining table. You wouldn’t have eight identical chairs in your living area.

Don’t Forget the Closet Lighting

Love your closets. Paint them, paper them, hang pictures in them to inspire you. And definitely light them.

Refinish Vintage Finds

Don’t be afraid to paint a vintage piece.

Every piece of furniture can’t be brown.

Source http://www.housebeautiful.com/

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

part 2

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

11

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! about us 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.

SERVICES WE OFFER We are here to help!!!! We can arrange Installation of TV direct from the satellite with no monthly subscription. We are able to make repairs to

existing satellite systems, potentially saving you from additional costs.

We are suppliers of Sky and humax receivers direct from the UK. You will find we are the cheapest on the Costa Blanca. Ask us about Sky cards and subscriptions as well as Al Jazeera cards for bars enabling viewing of Premier League Football matches. Our latest additional service is VPN routers, pop in to the office or give us a call for more details. We are not only here for your TV and Satelite solutions, but are able to offer help with Internet and Telephone.

WHERE ARE WE? GO SATELLITE is based in

Ciudad Quesada and covers most of the Costa Blanca.

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,

Stop Wasting

money

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!

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 requires 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.

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.

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.

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 call into our office to find out more about GO SATELLITE and its services. Alternatively

check out the website: www.freetvspain.com

Would yo but wa u like to watch nt to s ave you British TV Go Sate r cash llite ca ....? n now o ffer you Rental Sc High ga a in Dish heme: 50€ insta with receiver llation 19.95€ p charge & er mon *condit th* ions

1.4 metre dish with HD mini receiver

apply

3 4 9€ www.freetvspain.com

one off payment 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€

all major credit & debit cards accepted

12

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

t a e d r o o G G l Fee Look location Things are definately going well for this time served Barber with over 20 years experience running businesses both here and in the UK, Darren can offer a wide range of cutting styles from the latest modern cuts to traditional male Barber cuts using top quality products.

The Barbershop offers a relaxed and friendly welcome, set in a modern, air- conditioned comfortable surrounding, so why not pop in for a chat and a trim up soon

Darren and his young family have settled into The Barber Shop is Open Monday - Friday, 10 am - 5 pm with no Spanish life well after relocating from Nottingham 6 lunchtime closing ( out of hours are available on request ) offering a years ago walk in service, no appointments are necessary After building up a strong client base at La Finca With Cuts starting from as little as 5 Euro, why not pop along and Golf, Darren is now very well established at the visit Darren the Barber for a tidy up soon at The Quesada Country Quesada Country Club Barbershop, having been Club Barbershop, 16 Calle Toledo, Ciudad Quesada, postcode 03170 based there for the last 18 months for sat nav´s.

With all the facilities of the Bar, Swimming pool, Further information can be found by visiting the facebook page mini-golf & Children’s play area, plus easy parking, https://www.facebook.com/quesadacountryclub.barbershop?fref=ts it is so convenient to get trimmed up at this superb

KUTS & KLAWS Hair, Nails & Beauty Salon

Karl & Karen

Karl and Karen would like to introduce Deborah Kirby our new Beautician (previously at the Studio).

We offer an extensive range of treatments for hair, nails and beauty We are situated just up from Gama in Quesada Town

Tel: 966 716 602 - Karl Mobile: 644 125 940 Karen Mobile: 644 125 994

Cuts from

Modern & Traditional Gents Hairdressing

5€

Call Darren The Barber Tel: 616 592 887 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am- 5pm 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.

Shani’s Lingerie at Zoco and now at Playa Flamenca Market offers quality English-branded underwear and nightwear at competitive prices.

Shani’s Lingerie is the largest retailer of top-quality branded British lingerie in the Costa Blanca. With over 2000 branded bras from Naturana, Ballet and Marks & Spencer and 30 types of knickers ranging from firm to soft control and nolines, this is your one stop shop for all your underwear needs. We have a selection of padded, strapless, soft, under wired and balcony bra and knicker sets, ranging from 30A to 48HH. Our prices are less than half that of the UK. All Naturana bras are 12 Euros or less and Marks and Spence bras start from 3 Euros. Many of our regular customers visiiting Spain often take back our lingerie with them as it is such good value We also have an

Shani’s Lingerie

The largest retailer of top - quality branded British lingerie in the Costa Blanca. With over 2000 branded bras, underwear and nightwear, including Naturana and Marks & Spencer at bargain prices Specialising in bras up to 48J Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/happynewyear123 email me: shanimalyon@hotmail.co.uk Telephone: 622 280 043

Where to find us: at Zoco sunday Market and Now at playa flamenca market

Massages, Hopi Ear Candling, Reflexology, Beauty Treatments & Much More

As you walk into Zoco, turn immediate left, walk toward the very end, turn right and we are the 2nd stall on the right

S

excellent exchange policy - just bring the items back with tags attached and you can exchange at the stall.

We offer a measuring and fitting service on site, which will ensure you have the correctly fitted bra.

Find all our details on Facebook: ShanisLingerie@ Facebook.com/happynewyear123. Click “Like” DIRECTIONS: Proceed into Zoco Market, turn left and walk toward Iron Art (garden furniture) at the end, turn right and we are second on the right.

Playa

Flamenca

Market:

From the Celtic Isle we are three quarters of the way down on the left hand side. Opposite a cul de sac with other stalls.

Please visit us and quote Sol Times for a special 10% discount this weekend only

Kim Clar k benefits consultancy uperhair& beautycare

at The Commercial Centre Los Balcones above the Court Yard Pub and now also at cc/ Torregrosa next to Consum & Lidl between San Luis & Quesada on the Crevillente Rd

New Hair and Beauty Wholesalers Open Trade and Public welcome

Jo Call: 687 651 212 Lorraine Call: 693 268 139 Getting Fit Just Got Easier

Avenida Federico Garcia Lorca No 88 Benijofar Opening Hours 10am - 6pm MON TO FRI

Tel: 637 473 190

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

13

Lose 5lb in 3 days How it works

INSIDE

Did you know foods such as salted

peanuts and salty crisps can make you gain pounds in extra water? We have designed a low-salt, lowcal plan, great for undoing any water retention and weight gain after over indulging at the buffet table in the past couple of weeks.

It’s strict but will get results!

The rules: Simply follow our plan that includes one breakfast, lunch and dinner plus two snacks per day. One meal has to be a veggie juice.

Aim to drink at least 2ltrs of fluid every day (you need to drink more fluid to lose it when you have water retention). This can include water, herbal tea, low-cal squash or decaf tea and coffee taken black.

But strictly no booze. Sorry!

Don’t add salt to your food or cooking.

Do 2 minutes of dry-skin brushing before getting dressed in the morning. Brush your tum, bum and thighs in the direction of your heart using light strokes. Follow this diet for 3 days – but no longer.

Please see your GP before starting this or any other weight-loss regime, especially if ill, elderly or pregnant. Stop if you feel unwell.

Day 1 Breakfast 30g bran flakes served with skimmed milk.

Snack 1 banana.

ALCOHoLICS ANONYMOUS

Lunch 1 or 2 glasses of veggie juice.

Snack 3 tbsp low-fat cottage cheese and 3 sticks of celery.

Dinner Cod fillet (cooked in foil) served with no more than four new potatoes and asparagus.

Day 2

Breakfast 30g porridge oats with skimmed milk.

Snack 1 apple.

Lunch Tuna sandwich made with 2 slices of wholemeal bread, a little low-fat spread, 100g tuna in spring water, lettuce, tomato and onion.

Snack 1 banana.

Dinner 1 or 2 glasses of veggie juice.

Day 3

Breakfast 1 poached egg on 1 slice of wholemeal toast.

Snack 3 dried apricots.

Lunch 1 jacket potato topped with 1/3 can of low-sugar, lowsalt baked beans and green side salad.

Snack 1 large slice of melon.

Dinner 1 or 2 glasses of veggie juice.

Margi’s E-Cigarettes SAF ER & CH E AP E R . SAV E UP TO 75% EXPERIENCE SMOKING WITHOUT TAR & TOBACCO WE ARE STOCKISTS OF ALL TYPES OF E-CIG ON COSTA BLANCA LIQUID TANK SYSTEMS & E-CIGARETTE FILTER SYSTEMS AVAILABLE

see in store for february offers All Liquid flavours available including, Virginia, Menthol, Strawberry, Lemon, Orange, Grape & lots lots more We have in stock Starter Kits including Neck Lanyard, Feeder Bottle and Zip Case for only €15!!!

CALL ME FOR SALES OR INFO: 688 682 670

Flav o No N ured icot ine sish a pen s Only €10

Email: blackthorns@talk21.com

C/Los Arcos, 9 (Just before Yorkshire Linen) Follow us on Facebook

I remember only too well those hungover mornings on my way to work when I thought that I should get help with my drinking problem. It was shame, fear and doubt that prevented me from doing so.

I had read a little, but very little, about Alcoholics Anonymous, I had even thumbed through one of its books, “Living Sober”, in a bookstore several times but I hadn’t the courage to buy it. Had I known what was waiting for me in Alcoholics Anonymous, I might have started to enjoy freedom in my life much sooner.

You may wonder who you might see at a meeting of A.A. The answer is twofold.

Firstly, anyone whose life has become, or was becoming, so damaged by their drinking that they needed the help of others with the same problem. Secondly, I couldn’t tell you exactly. We are anonymous; deliberately and carefully so. This is fundamental to our recovery and to the survival of Alcoholics Anonymous. I know only a few of their surnames, very little about their evidently diverse working backgrounds and yet I have come to know them all in ways which those who do not suffer from this illness, because it is an illness, will seldom, if ever, understand.

What I found when I came to Alcoholics Anonymous was a group of people who instantly related to my problems with alcohol and who were willing to share their life experiences, through the years of pain in drinking to the days of sober awakenings.

The identification I got with those stories made me realise that I too could overcome my obsessive drinking.

When other members asked how I was doing or how I felt, they were not content with the bland response of “Okay” or “Fine”, they truly wanted and encouraged me to say how I was feeling at that moment in time, on that day and to talk through my innermost fears or doubts. I saw individual and collective belief in recovery and was swept along on a tide of hope.

What surprised me most was the laughter.

Yes, here were alcoholics able to laugh with each other despite their mutual history

of despair and soon I was laughing with them.

I did not find criticism, nor was I condoned, for my past actions.

I was told to “keep it simple” and to take sobriety “one day at a time” – not to worry about how I would cope tomorrow, just manage my life today. I was not asked to pay a subscription - there are no membership fees - but I was told to “keep coming back” – so I did.

My name wasn’t put on a register and ticked off when I attended. I was not policed, spied upon or checked up on by other members – I’d had enough of that already from those closest to me. I learned that I needed to trust myself so that others might again trust me.

I wish I could allay all the fears or doubts many suffering alcoholics have about coming along to an A.A. meeting. All I can say is that it works, if you really want it to and that every one of the estimated two and a half million A.A. members worldwide had to swallow their pride, admit defeat and come to their very first meeting. That is all it takes to start a new life.

We are anonymous, but not invisible. If you think you have a problem with alcohol – contact the Helpline and get to an AA meeting, any AA meeting. They are there, 7 days a week, 365 days a year throughout the Costa Blanca.

Usually, the meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are restricted to those of us with a genuine desire to emerge from the despair of alcoholism to a life of usefulness and joy. Whilst our aim is to stay sober ourselves, we are also committed to helping other alcoholics overcome their addiction to drink.

To help those unsure about what to expect from A.A. we occasionally host a meeting that is open to anyone whose lives, personal or professional, are touched by alcoholism, including, of course, those whose own drinking is giving them cause for concern, in the hope that they can learn more and take encouragement from what they hear.

14

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

braben’s blog...

Was anyone else as confused as I was when reading the article last week? It appears that when organising the paper, parts of the previous article got merged with the current article. When organising 6 different additions of a paper to allow for the differing local news and features, even the best of us can get a little overwhelmed. Add to this the loss of a day and a half for us writers to get our articles in on time, put an inordinate amount of pressure on the, now short-handed, editorial staff. Anyway enough justification for the apology for the confusion. Lets start with today’s piece.

Fantastic news!! Microsoft is going to lose the stupid window 8 tile interface in favour of the ever useful and 100 percent popular menu driven interface. If I have just rattled on in martianese please forgive me and allow me to explain.

Windows 8 comes with a screen that is covered with coloured (NOT colored) tiles, each relating to a “touch and go” function very much like the “touch and go” of tablet technology. which, for a tablet device is appropriate and innovative! Unfortunately, for the rest of us who still use a, WIMP – Yep! Real acronym which means, Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pointer system, this tiled interface is about as intuitive as counter-intuitive can be! I have studied the interface, long and hard, and still, for reasons that will ever elude me, can’t get my head around it.

So why then “yipee ki-ay mudsucker”?

The almighty Microsoft have finally realised that NOBODY actually wanted this look and people would rather be using previous or alternative operating systems instead! At the same time computer manufacturers stopped using it, as people didn’t want a new computer if it came with Windows 8. Let’s not forget that MicroSoft, as a result of these non-sales, lost a pretty penny! This is a real KITA (Kick In The Arse – another authorised acronym) to those

who, for so long, have told us what we can and can not do with our systems and then charged us an extortionate amount of money to lease, (you know that you never actually own that copy of windows that you are using), the Windows operating system.

So how do they intend to correct this faux par of epic proportion? By releasing an upgrade, (standard MicroSoft method of correcting it’s mistakes). The first upgrade called Windows 8.1 (a novel name), which gave the option to return to the good old-fashioned, stable and working interface that we all love to use, but which was hidden in a sub-folder off a floating menu option called by right clicking over the menu bar (when you managed to get the menu bar to display). Now there is to be a Window 8.1 SP1 (Service Pack 1) which will have the menu system that you and I love back where it rightly belongs!

Something that you may or may-not know is that while ever the current Windows 8 is running so are dozens of applets that Monitor your Mail, Watch the Weather, Follow Facebook, Tweak Twitter and generally take Massive bites out of the Minimal Bytes that you have for running ‘Real’ programs like XBMC, Spreadsheet, and proper programs doing useful things.

It sounds like I don’t like Microsoft. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I don’t and never have liked Bill Gates who could donate every single cent he has to charity and it won’t change my opinion. If you’re interested as to why I have such strong opinions of the man – NOT THE COMPANY – come to Jack’s bar, in Albox, on a Friday afternoon where I’ll be helping sort out problems that other people seem to be having trouble with! I’m fair and clear in my pricing, my ethics and don’t even charge if it isn’t fixable! How much fairer and honest can I be? See you there, Ring or write.

You have all the information in front of you.

So have a terrific week and see you next week if not before.

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

I couldn’t make it up!

The long commute between Estepona to Mojacar is normally as boring as it is uneventful; OCD ensures that I know to the minute how long the journey takes, which service stations serve the best grub and where the dogs and I can safely stop for a wee break.

On the Sierra Nevada from the A92 I saw the snow slowly melt throughout last summer into autumn, with white patches clinging on until the warm November killed the last snowman. Now the mountains are shrouded in white again. Since its last service the car temperature gauge has shown Fahrenheit. In January the numbers dropped from the mid-60s on the coast to a chilly 36F in the mountain pass between Granada and Guadix with snow next to the motorway.

Clients of Findmeahome viewed a property twice before Christmas, then cancelled the lawyers’ appointment to pay the deposit with just an hours’ notice saying they were buying something else instead. They had spent Christmas Day trying to find the house themselves so I should have seen it coming. Kindly people told me that the ‘clients’ had visited the owners three times afterwards without letting us know. The owners explained they

Kitchen Perils

Dr. Doolittle-remember him? He was the one who talked to the animals-even when he was sober! Well now we can do even better than that-we can talk to our washing machines, or at least exchange texts with them. Yes, the new generation of washing machines has the ability to do just that so, when you are away from home, you can keep in touch with your labour saving devices-if you really need to!

These new appliances are now fitted with a wotsit-I call it a wotsit because I haven’t got a clue what it is, how it works or what it looks like, but I know it’s there. But this wotsit allows them to receive and send texts. You may at this stage be wondering, as I did, exactly why anyone would feel the need to be in contact with their washing machine. This is exactly what I thought when I saw the report and I couldn’t in all honesty think of any possible circumstances that would encourage me to waste time texting my labour saving devices. But then, as usual, I wasn’t reckoning on the unexplainably daft things people manage to do. Not you and I of course, no, but there are some adults out there who really shouldn’t be roaming around unsupervised.

Australia is full of pretty nasty things that can cause us harm, such as spiders, jelly fish, octopus and other nefarious insecty things. Now we can add another menace to that list; washing machines! Just last month a man in Australia decided that he would surprise his wife when she came home from work.

Nothing wrong with a little innocent fun, but unfortunately he let his imagination, fuelled I would guess by excessive intake of falling down water, run away with him.

He decided to climb into their top loading washing machine…naked. Guess whathe got stuck! I imagine that like me you are shaking your head in disbelief, but unfortunately, it’s true. How they won the Ashes is beyond me!

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

On reflection, maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to stay in contact with your white goods, especially if you have someone at home with the intelligence of a mint humbug. Just in case you were wondering, the Fire Brigade freed him from the washing machine, but not before they had to take it completely to pieces. You can imagine the texts it sent its friends!

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

hadn’t told us either as they didn’t take the people seriously.

The owners agreed verbally to pay findmeahome commission but then ominously ignored my two requests for this in writing. We agreed to a meeting, in the meantime they all popped down to a lawyer in Albox, signed a contract and sorted out the deposit. So our meeting was a waste of time especially when the owner started shouting and stabbing his finger as I wouldn’t tell him who’d let on about them meeting our clients. I wouldn’t risk anyone harm from trying to help me. I was turfed out of the house, shoved roughly in the back, and warned I would be punched and my car damaged if I didn’t leave immediately. I had a witness with me but hey its only money I thought as I left!

Unfortunately it wasn’t just only money, within hours I had back pain to and by coincidence raging toothache. The next day I gingerly got out of bed only for my back to give way leaving me bent over.

I somehow managed to get in the car and when I met that day’s client I explained I was walking rather awkwardly due to a bad back. Things took a hilarious turn for the worst when an owner’s dog tripped me up, sending me sprawling over a patio.

That night a kindly dentist removed the offending molar. Dosed up with pain killers I went to bed feeling strangely elated.

The next day my back pain was worse. I found Ray Daniels the Sports Therapists’ phone number and got an emergency appointment. Feeling slightly better but heeding advice from both my wife and Ray, I rested up and drove back to Estepona the next day. All went swimmingly until a ‘bump’ sounded from the engine and in the rear-view mirror I saw 2 rubber thingies bounce away. The alternator cable had snapped, as the engine died I coasted into a nearby service station to wait for the Grua.

What should have been an hour to drive home then took ages as the car had to me dropped off at a garage. I was given a courtesy tank on this by now a dark Sunday night. I was 5 minutes down the road when a tyre exploded leaving me stranded on a dual carriageway. The mechanic couldn’t have been more helpful and was there in 30 mins with a replacement wheel. I limped home only 5 hours late feeling like the film Planes Trains and Automobiles!

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

15

Dancing on Ice 2014

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

week 5

This week saw the celebrities going head to head in the Duel. All the judges scores from week 1 had been added together and then the duels were put together 1st place v 2nd place, 3rd v 4th etc.

The winner of the duel getting an automatic pass through to next weeks show, the losers all having to skate for the public vote but no judges scores this week.

Opening were Sam Attwater and Kyran Bracken duelling to ‘Beat It’. I preferred the presentation and confidence shown by Sam as I felt Kyran appeared slightly shaky on one of the lifts. There was a split decision from the judges but as Robin Cousins had the casting vote Kyran went through to next week.

Next were bottom placed (7th and 8th) Bonnie Langford and Gareth Gates skating to Things We Used To Do, and this duel showed the elegance and precision of Bonnie versus the characterisation of this piece by Gareth.

Again the judges were left with a split decision the casting vote this time going to Gareth Gates

book review

The sun gleamed blue in the sunlight and on rainy days, its sullen pewter gloom was thrillingly brightened by crashing white surf that made my heart sing and my head clear of everything except the brilliant beauty of this wondrous place.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder although looks can be deceptive.

Finnigan intended to write a ghost story with a thriller touch but it is more of an agonising portrayal of a woman’s descent into despair and insanity like Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s autobiographical story The Yellow Wallpaper documenting her own decline into madness. A bit depressing.

Cornwall. This is Daphne du Maurier country, Menabilly where the famous Rebecca was conceived, the thriller that we all loved so much. The landscape may well be breathtaking but it can also be bleak and menacing, a god-forsaken, isolated place, shrouded in mist, rain and loneliness which is where Finnigan sets her scene.

The writer’s purpose was to show how tragic it is to lose a parent who leaves behind young children. Finnigan’s friend Caron Keating died at the age of 41 from breast cancer leaving two young sons.

When you read Finnigan’s debut novel you will see the inspiration behind the character of Eloise who also dies from cancer leaving two young daughters. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Cathy, the main character is a weak and badly disturbed heroine, if we can call her that, who has already suffered from clinical depression and throughout the novel she hovers on the brink of insanity.

Husband Chris, a psychiatrist has been tolerant and patient of his wife’s demise

leaving Bonnie to the public vote.

The third duel saw Beth Tweddle skating against Hayley Tamaddon to Fighter. This was an easy win for Hayley who gave it attitude plus whereas Beth who is technically a very good skater never quite gets the presentation side out. Hayley took the duel by a unanimous judges vote leaving Beth in the skate off.

Closing this part of the show was my favourite Ray Quinn against Suzanne Shaw and Dead Ringer For Love. Even though Suzanne skated really well she was in a no win situation against a much stronger skater with superb presentation skills (no I’m not biased!) Ray again gained a unanimous vote from the judges leaving Suzanne to face the public vote.

Each of the losers then had to skate a piece they had helped to choreograph with their partners starting with Sam Attwater and Vicky. Unlike the duel this piece lacked presentation and unfortunately the side by side step sequence wasn’t together.

Next were Bonnie Langford and Andre skating

to Devilgate Drive. This was an energetic performance with all the usual elegance and line we expect from Bonnie. Following were Beth Tweddle and Lucasz skating to Think. This was a precise, careful skate with great lifts and tricks but again lacking that essential presentation skill. Closing were Suzanne Shaw and Matt to I Knew You Were Trouble.

Even though one of the lifts caused Matt to slip and fall taking Suzanne down with him, Suzanne recovered immediately and continued as if nothing had happened - exactly what needed to be done and she gave an excellent performance.

After the public vote the bottom 2 were Sam Attwater and Bonnie Langford and after the skate off there was a judges unanimous vote for Sam, so Bonnie sadly had to leave the show.

We are getting ever nearer to crowning the ultimate champion. Who will it be? I certainly have my favourite but can anyone challenge him for the title? Tune in for next weeks exciting skate off. Until then come and join our gang for one of our classes but in the meantime Keep Dancing!

Eloise by Judy Finnigan. up until now but Eloise and Cornwall no longer provide the sanctuary that Cathy has enjoyed for 20 years. He knows his limitations and makes unreasonable demands of his wife resulting in a marriage crisis. He tells her he has had enough of her obsessions and her selfishness. He describes her emotions as being warped and twisted. This outburst shocked Cathy because it was so hostile and venomous. Cathy realises that her marriage is hanging by a thread but instead of salvaging it she chooses to unravel the truth regarding Eloise’s haunting messages and warnings.

She is disturbed by the spiritual presence of her recently deceased friend. It seems that Eloise has unfinished business trying to protect her young daughters from Ted, her husband. She appears initially as a formless shade asking for Cathy’s help after admitting to having done a terrible thing which will result in punishment for herself and her twins. Then she appears in person.

Are the visitations ghostly supernatural hallucinations or is Eloise real? Cathy’s mental instability doesn’t help the reader establish any truths here. We learn of Cathy’s bad dreams dating back to the time when her father died. She was severely traumatised by it and recurring nightmares of her father’s burning corpse haunt her to the point of driving her to insanity. She describes them as being Gothic in their horror like the nightmares of severed heads rising out of the ground with their blood dripping onto the grass.

And for Bronte fans there are many references to Wuthering Heights and Cathy’s spiritual return. Good Gothic horror stuff.

I shouldn’t be here. At least not yet. I

was terminally ill but my passing was premature.

Suspicion surrounds Eloise’s death and even Father Pete comments on a disturbance in the air, a feeling of restlessness in the parish. His belief is that Satan has taken control of Eloise and Cathy is being possessed by an evil spirit. His offering is what Chris sardonically refers to as a ghost-busting ritual. Juliana, Eloise’s mother sees it as a betrayal of a friend Eloise trusted.

The main characters may not be particularly credible although there are two interesting characters, Ted the anti-hero/villain who is introduced to us as a bit of a legend and a stunner who deals badly with his wife’s death, drinking too heavily, becoming violent and becoming unhinged just like Cathy.

His moods are unpredictable and he is wildly dangerous. Jack is the childhood sweetheart who knew Eloise as a teenager, who stole her heart and then emigrated with his parents to Australia for a better life. Another stunner but more spiritual and a good role model. And Jack was the key to unlocking the truth and saving the twins. Only then could Eloise rest in peace and allow Cathy to regain her sanity and re-establish a stronghold in her marriage to Chris. Why did Ted hate his wife so much to will her to die prematurely? What happened to the fragile Cathy when she allowed herself to be drawn into a Gothic fantasy turned reality? Did she survive? Why was Jack important and who was Arthur?

It certainly lacks the tension of a Daphne du Maurier or a Susan Hill novel although there are plenty of secrets revealed towards the end to justify the effort in reading it.

Have a look at it for yourself and decide.

Publisher: Sphere ISBN: 978-0-7515-4860-0

16

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Legal Matters

Help for Expats in Spain

So you own a property in Spain but are still taxed in the UK. You probably wonder what taxes do you have to pay in Spain? Let’s try to go through the most common issues: 1. What taxes am I liable to as a non-resident owning a property in Spain?

You will need to pay yearly: • A local tax called “Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles” (IBI); and • Non-Resident Income Tax. Also, depending on the value of your Spanish assets, you might be subject to Wealth Tax. 2. When and how do these taxes have to be paid?

The IBI is payable between the 20th of September and the 20th of November each year.

The easiest way to pay IBI is to have it automatically debited each year from your Spanish bank account.

Non-resident income tax derived from rentals is payable as income accrues. If you have a property in Spain for your private use, you will also have to file a tax form concerning deemed income.

And Wealth Tax has to be declared if the value for tax purposes of your Spanish assets exceeds the exemption limits (currently 700,000 Euros).

Everything you need to know about...

Non-Resident Spanish Property Owners’ Tax

3. Hang on a minute, does that mean I get taxed on income even if I don’t rent out my property?

Yes, unless what you own is a property which qualifies as “rural” land. But, generally speaking, most second homes, be it an apartment or a villa by the sea or in the country, will qualify as “urban” land and, as such, will be subject to Non-Resident Income Tax (even if you never rent them out).

4. Do I have to appoint a Spanish tax representative?

It is not compulsory if you only own one property for your private use (but it is advisable unless you really know what you are doing). And you will definitely have to appoint one if you are liable to Wealth Tax. 5. Who can I choose to take on that role?

Appoint a “Representante fiscal”, which usually will have an office called “Asesoría” or “Gestoría”.

As your tax representative, they will receive any communications from the Spanish tax authorities about your property. Which means that important tax requests aren’t left mouldering in your Spanish postbox while you’re at home blissfully unaware they’ve arrived (that is if the letters ever reach your postbox!).

6. When I come to sell my Spanish property, will there be tax to pay in Spain?

Yes, on the basis that you make a gain from the difference between your original acquisition value and the sale price. And the Spanish tax authorities will tax this capital gain by means of two taxes: • a local Capital Gains Tax called PLUSVALÍA (which is levied by the Town Hall where the property is located and depends on local values); and • a general Capital Gains Tax (the applicable rate is 21% of the profit made) 7. How long do I have to pay that general Capital Gains Tax after sale?

As a tax resident in Spain, you do your normal tax declaration before the end of June and declare the profit (or loss) made by the sale of a property.

As a non-resident in Spain (for tax purposes), 3% of your property’s sale price must be retained by the buyer and paid on your behalf within one month of the purchase to the Spanish tax authorities as a contribution to Non-resident Income Tax liability regarding capital gains.

8. But with Spanish property prices going soft, I think 3% of the sale price will actually exceed my Spanish Capital Gains Tax liability - what then ?

The 3% retention still has to be made. However, you can apply for a partial or total refund from the

tax authorities. This must be made within 4 months of the sale. Refund will be made into your Spanish bank account (but don’t expect it to be quick!)

9. And Inheritance Tax – does the Spanish tax man get that off me too?

Not exactly. He gets it off your heirs.

In Spain, inheritance tax is paid by the heirs to an estate (rather than the estate itself) and will be taxed on a sliding scale up to 34%.

10. What tax breaks are there to reduce liability to Spanish Inheritance Tax? Not many for non-Spanish residents (note that there is no spouse exemption, so if a Spanish property belonging to a non-Spanish resident couple passes from one to the other on death, Spanish Inheritance Tax is still payable). However, it is advisable to divide the assets between various heirs, each with an allowance before tax of about 16.000 euros. For this, do not forget to grant a Spanish Will, that will make the inheritance smoother and less costly for your heirs.

Information provided by:

For all your legal needs Tlf. 646 844 708 4wayconnections@gmail.com www.4wayconnections.webs.com

properties for sale houses and land can be separated with own escrituras or sold as one lot.

Two detached villa shells built up to and including roofs 125m2 built on flat 3000m2 plot. Secluded position, unspoilt countryside views across orange and lemon groves front and rear.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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17

Online Property Portal

More than 500 estate agents have joined forces to create an online property portal to rival what they call an “anti-competitive duopoly”.

The collaborative group has pledged £6m to create their own online presence to compete against the industry leaders Zoopla and Rightmove.

Agents’ Mutual has been founded by some of Britain’s biggest estate agencies and is on course to launch soon.

They claim Rightmove and Zoopla keep putting their prices up and reaping huge profits against those made by small estate agents.

Douglas & Gordon executive director Ed Mead told Sky News: “Agents’ Mutual will be a search engine

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purely designed for searching for property.

“No ads and the knowledge of thousands of agents to get the very best experience for the consumer.

“Actually using the existing duopoly’s sites is not good, and all of data they use as their own research is ours.”

Zoopla currently operates its own site and powers other domains using property searches, such as national and regional newspapers.

Mr Mead said the new co-operative will benefit from its on-the-ground knowledge.

“We wish to control it, which is not unreasonable, and use it to produce coherent and consistent data,” he said.

Zoopla has seen impressive growth in the last five years amid an acquisition plan to buy competitors and Rightmove remains its key competitor.

Both companies declined to comment about the potential start-up rival.

The new co-operative intends to remain as a bulwark to the pair, with a structure designed to prevent a buyout.

Mr Mead added: “The cost element is important and it will never be sold, one agent one vote regardless of size, what could be more democratic.

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18

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Boo, Hiss, He’s Behind You! The Good ship Mary Rose is now in dry dock but is preparing for her voyage that will take our hero Robinson Crusoe on his epic adventure. Captain Perk is busy engaging the best possible sailors for his voyage, but unfortunately he has to make do with characters of the standard of Bill and Ben, his on board jokers. Whilst Captain Perk is busy trying to stamp his mark of authority on the ship’s compliment his daughter and Mrs Crusoe are seeking ways to undermine his orders.

Come along to the Casa de Cultura San Miguel on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of February and enjoy the Campoverde Theatre Groups presentation of the well known pantomime The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. You will enjoy an evening of light hearted fun, song, dance and all round entertainment that should appeal to all members of the family. You will meet the rag tag crew of the Mary Rose, our hero Robinson Crusoe, his mother and his brother along with his beautiful girlfriend Sally.

Along the way you will also encounter some of the nasty characters who are trying to destroy Robinson’s dreams.

The evil pirates under the beady eye of the wicked and twisted Black Patch, the slimy Oil Slickers, the man eating cannibals not to mention zombies! See how Robinson meets his new friend Friday. Will Robinson Crusoe survive and

JETT OFF TO BARCELONA bigger than we expected and his deformed joint cannot handle this and could collapse.”

Back in May last year Sue and Rod Weeding co founders of The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales were contacted by a concerned member of a walking club who had come across a malnourished young horse with severe deformation of both hind legs.

Arrangements were made through a third party to persuade the owner of the horse to hand the horse over to the achieve happiness with the lovely Sally? Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.

To find all the answers you will have to Thankfully he agreed to do so. come along and see for yourselves!

Sue explains,”We had no idea how bad Just two weeks to go to the Campoverde Theatre Group’s production of The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe and tickets are now selling fast. So hurry along to and secure your seat to avoid disappointment. The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is sure to lift your spirits on a dreary February evening.

Tickets are available from Colin on 96 677 4127, Bargain Books in San Miguel or Adele Kippin in Pinar de Campoverde on 96 676 2114.

his condition was until we arrived with the horsebox to collect him. Back at the stables Dorothea our vet conducted extensive x-rays to determine the extent of Jett’s deformities. It is believed they were caused by him contracting a virus as a new born foal, which miraculously he survived. Unfortunately this caused him to develop septic arthritis in his joints, which through neglect, and combined with malnourishment in his short two years of life has lead to these horrific deformities which we have been trying to work with.

It was agreed with Gasper our surgeon in Barcelona, our vet Dorothea and ourselves that the best way forward for Jett was to wait another two years for him to finish growing and in the meantime to support the deformed joint using specially made remedial shoes. This worked very well for several months and his leg was much straighter.

However Jett has grown quicker and

So now Rod will be taking him on the same long journey to Barcelona in the same old green horse box that Faith did 3 years ago, this is his only chance and once again Dorothea our fantastic horse vet will make and fit him with a special supportive cast for his joint to help as she did for Faith.

Gasper hopes to be able to perform the ground breaking arthrodesis surgery.

This will involve breaking and rebuilding his damaged joint, reshaping the bone and plating both sides.

Jett will also get to meet Faith for the first time as she is still enjoying 5 star accommodation and care at the Equihealth clinic.

To help raise money for Jett’s treatment EHCRC have six charity shops in the area.

Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, La Siesta, Los Montesinos and for fantastic furniture bargains visit Guardama and La Zenia shops.

To donate furniture and other items including white goods, bric a brac and complete house clearances and items for recycling call the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre hotline on 636 062 000.

The centre in Rojales is open to the public every Sunday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm where you can enjoy a tour of the horses and hear there stories and sample the excellent hot food, drinks and snacks in the café garden.

For directions to the centre and charity shop locations go to www. easyhorsecare.net.

APAH Space for a little one?

Born on 11th October 2012, Molly is one of nine puppies found in a cardboard box when they were a few weeks old. They are medium sized dogs and the six remaining puppies are all living in the APAH kennels, hoping for a loving home. If you would like to meet the little family, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

Bailey is a lovely young ginger and white boy who was rescued as a kitten. He is one of the many cats in APAH’s Cattery who have never had a loving home. If you would like to meet Bailey, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY2014

www.soltimes.com

gardening tips Question 1

Should my plants be covered if it gets icy?

Those cooler evenings are coming thick and fast and before long, we’ll be layering on the jumpers and snuggling infront of a gorgeous, glowing fire.

A feature fireplace is a great luxury in your home here in Spain and should be treated as such!

A Fireplace Focal Point

Fireplace...

Answer 1

If there is a danger of frost it is always advisable to protect any sensitive plants. Keep an eye on the local weather forecast and also listen to your instincts and if you think it may be a very cold night, cover as much as you can.

Try a variety of items,for example, horticultural fleece, old net curtains and also newspaper - anything to keep that frost off. It is not advisable to leave this covering on the next day. Sometimes damp will accumulate underneath it and if the air cannot circulate properly around the plant it can rot.

Question 2 I have heard tha

t I need a licence to have a bonfire. Surel y that isn’t correct if it is in my ow n garden?

The fireplace itself is rarely an organisation problem. If you have a gas fireplace, you don’t even need to worry about cleaning ashes or storing firewood. If you have a woodburning fireplace, the brick or stone footing around the base of the fireplace should only be used for the fireplace accessories and perhaps a decorative urn or sculpture.

Fireplace tools should be kept organised with a stand or separate hangers.

Keep wood tidy in a large, fireproof wood basket, tin bucket, or metal cradle.

Keep on hand only the wood you need for a single fire; too much wood means extra mess.

Mantel Although it’s a tempting ledge for all kinds of small

Answer 1

Yes it is! It is hard to believe, when you see all the burning rubbish on the building sites and when the Spanish burn the prunings of their olive and almond trees. Recently I had to burn a lot of rubbish and went up to the Ayuntamiento to ask what the procedure was. The Secretary didn’t know - an indication of how often he is asked! He had to telephone the next village to find out! I faxed the completed application form through to the Junta De Almeria and they should have responded to let me know if the time requested was ok. I heard no more until the proposed morning of my fire, when the Vigilantes de Almeria called round to tell me where on my land to site the fire and how long it could burn before I had to douse it with water.....

The concern with regard to fire is very understandable in this dry climate and it is pretty terrifying to see how rapidly a fire can get out of hand and spread. There is a hefty fine for an unauthorised fire especially between May and October, but for all that I doubt the Old Fellas around here bother with any licence!

19

items, keep the mantel as clear as possible. Use it as a showcase for one or two of your favourite decorative (fireproof) pieces.

Put a cherished ceramic bowl in the centre of the mantel, or place candles in heirloom candleholders at either end. The mantel is also a place for items relating to the function of the fireplace, such as a decorative match holder or fire igniters.

Keep the mantel spare and people are less likely to absently place their glasses or their empty mugs there.

The less there is on the mantel, the more items that don’t belong will stick out.

Hang a beautiful garland of plants and lights for a really enchanting focal point...

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SPOTLIGHT on you

Eurozone manufacturing g Eurozone manufacturing activity is at its strongest since mid-2011

Furniture first sl

Eurozone manufacturing grew strongly in January on the back of new orders, a closely-watched business survey suggests, with Germany leading the way.

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21

ur LOCAL BUSINESS

grows strongly in January 50 indicates growth.

This compares to December’s figure of 52.7 and reflects the overall pickup in eurozone economic activity.

But France failed to break the 50 mark.

“The eurozone manufacturing recovery gained significant further momentum in January, with final PMI readings for Germany, France and the region as a whole all exceeding the earlier flash estimates,” said Chris Williamson, Markit’s chief economist.

Germany’s manufacturing PMI rose to a 32-month peak, said Markit, while France’s rate of contraction slowed, but it still failed to move into growth territory.

Greece’s PMI was 51.2 - the first time it has been above 50 since 2009 - joining Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria and Ireland in the growth stakes.

All the countries in the survey reported an increase in exports.

New orders across the 18-country region rose at

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their fastest pace for nearly three years, Markit said, encouraging manufacturers to take on new staff.

As a result, the employment index rose from 49.9 to 51 in January - the first time it has moved into positive territory for two years.

Despite this, eurozone unemployment remains stubbornly high at 12%.

Source: BBC.CO.UK.

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ICELAND Have the WOW factor ICELAND Torrevieja certainly have the WOW factor when it comes to helping with fundraising. The Store welcomed The Royal British Legion Torrevieja Branch during Poppy Appeal 2013 and helped raise nearly €3,200.00. This was a bumper year for the Branch where ICELAND helped to break all records and take the total raised in the Branch area to €19,471.78 !!! In the past the Branch had used Carrefour to spread Poppy Appeal information but in recent years ICELAND had stepped in when asked to help. This has also been a record for ICELAND during Poppy Appeal increasing the collection by €500.00 on the 2012 total.

The Branch Officers and Members would like to take this opportunity to thank all the public for their support and generosity over Remembrance time, especially in the current financial climate, and hope the support will continue in this the Branches 25th Anniversary year, the very necessary work by the Branch goes on 24/7.

The photo shows Lady Chairman Gill Burden, Presenting a Branch Certificate showing the total amount raised to Manager Russell Clements and Assistant Manager Sam Harriman.

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A meeting will be held at The Casa De Cultura Quesada Friday February 7th at 6pm any one interested can pop along and introduce themselves to the group.

All we ask is a few hours of your time each week anyone is welcome, singers, dancers, actors, make up artists, and backstage crew are more than welcome but anyone willing to do anything please come along to the theatre room in the Centre in Quesada.

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Please call for viewings and/or appointment.

Thank you.

Phone / Fax Office: 966 180 004 Mobile Eva: 669 621 173 www.spain-fincas.info info@spain-fincas.info ASPE € 179,000

Abanilla (Murcia) € 75,000

Ref.: E-1716

fortuna €105,000 Ref.: E-1892

Ref.: E-1944

Fantastic bargain, reduced by €100.000- to €197,500. Impressive family home 5km near to Aspe. Strong and solid construction of 275m2 on 2.300 m2 fenced and walled plot. 4 plus 2 double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), toilet, kitchen, utility room, diner, 2 lounges, open fireplace, large porch, wide views, big garage, fire wood room, BBQ and summer kitchen, fronton court, 9 x 5 m pool with plunge pool and large terrace, established garden with high palm and pine trees, 3-phase electricity, oil central heating. A comfortable family home for whole year living. www.spain-fincas.info

La Zarza: Cozy mountain retreat 10 mins drive to Pinoso. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dressing room, open plan kitchen/diner, lovely lounge with rustic open fireplace, workshed, large terrace off mains bedroom, wide views to mountains, garden with high trees, off-road parking, space for pool. Neighbours around. Beautifully fitted and furnished. A lovely low maintenance country retreat with character. www.spain-fincas.info

Country home fully re-furbished 75m2 on 6.800m2 plot, 10 mins drive to Fortuna, neighbours around. Asphalted access, 2 bedrooms, lounge with open fire place, large country style kitchen, utility room, bathroom, large porch with stunning views to mountains, roof terrace, dogs garden. A beautiful character home to relax and to enjoy nature . Mains water and electricity, internet. www.spain-fincas.info

ORIHUELA (Alicante) €129,000

orihuela (Alicante) €132,000

orihuela (Alicante) €149,000

In the “campo“: Stylish villa of 147m2 living area on a plot of 1.600m2 fully walled, between orange and limon horchards, 8 m drive to Orihuela town. Large porch, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), spacious kitchen, utility room, lounge/diner with open fireplace, tower room, Pool 8 x 4m. A modern home for a comfortable country life. Distance to airports Alicante and Murcia: 40 min., beaches of Guardamar 25 min. www.spain-fincas.info

Hurchillo: Dream country home, 5,090m2 plot with high, shady pine trees. 2 wooden luxury, cozy houses of together 120m2 living area, very private but with neighbours, all services. South facing, big living room, open plan kitchen, 2 beds, walk in wardrobe, direct access to amazing pool area, aircon. Pool 8x4, summer kitchen and bar. Outside toilet. Completely self contained guest cottage, 1 bed, bathroom, kitchen, aircon, garage for 2 cars. Stunning views to la Pedrera lake, asphalted access, electric gate, impressive drive in area, terraces, vegetable garden, walk to bar/restaurant. 25 Mins from Mediterranean and Mar Menor, 8 mins drive Orihuela town. A relaxing retreat for friends of nature, near to ameneties .www.spain-fincas.info

Ref.: E-2215

Sunny and cozy 125 m2 detached country home, 2 minutes drive from the al ameneties vil age of La Murada, next to Orihuela town, on 2,000 m2 of plot, with apartment annex on first floor. The main house consists of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen with center worktop and open fireplace, utility room. The separate access 35 m2 approx. first floor apartment has two bedrooms and a bathroom, for visitors or for a small B&B business offering a lovely 10x5 m pool area with bar , BBQ and shady sitting areas, most beautiful wide views. Just a home to enjoy the relaxed Spanish life the whole year round.

The plot needs TLC, the house is to move-in immeditaly. Unique opportunity to get your country home near to all ameneties at this incredibly low price of € 129.000,-, (this means more than 50% reduction of the original price) www.spain-fincas.info

D L SO

MAR MENOR AREA (MURCIA)

Abanilla (Murcia) € 174,950

€120,000 Ref.: E-2214

This traditional Spanish country property is located between Sucina and San Javier, 10 mins drive to beaches, 2 km from the new Mar Menor hospital, 10 minutes from the San Javier airport . The house which would need some TLC offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), lounge/, kitchen/dining room, large southfaced porch. It benefits of oil central heating, landline phone, internet. It is built on a 890 m2 plot with trees and plants, with a 42 m2 garage, workshop and an indoor pool of 8x4 m. Price reduced to now € 120,000,-- . A fantastic opportunity to live real country life, only some minutes away from the beaches and ameneties.www.spain-fincas.info

Ref.: E-2177

Ref.: E-2137

Orihuela €139,000 Ref.: E-2217

Ref.: E-2175

Luxury, spotless country villa of 150 m2 living area, 5 years young, on a walled and fenced plot of 1.700 m2 : 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, (1 en-suite), lounge with open fire place, large kitchen/diner, spacious utility room, beautiful summer kitchen, outside toilet/changing room, lovely 10x5 m pool area with gazebo, stunning views to mountains, neighbours around. Central aircon hot and cold, solar panel for water, telephone, internet, satellite TV and alarm. 5 min. drive to the historic town of Abanilla with Saturday street market, 50 minutes to airports, 20 min. to Murcia town. A wonderful place for an enjoyable country life. www.spain-fincas.info

EVA VERONIKA

Beautiful and cozy country home in walking distance to Orihuela town with all ameneties. Ther 110 m2 living area consists of an entrance halle, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge with open fireplace, diner, lovely kitchen and a fantastic outside area of 4.200 m2 plot (1.500 m2 fenced) with a private pool of 10 x 6 m surrounded by a large terraced area. The property is in very good conditions, ready to move-in. There is mains water, electricity and landline/internet www.spain-fincas.info

Your Country Property Advisor Pinar de l Perdiz, 94A

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top tips to update any room

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money. If you’re looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these:

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1. Rearrange The Furniture - Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

2. P aint A Wall - Paint one wall your favourite colour and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there. The trick is to make sure that the colour is one that is shared with several other objects and fabrics in the room.

3. Bring In Plants - Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a room. If you don’t have a green thumb, try silk plants and trees; the quality is now so good that its hard to distinguish them from the real thing!

4. L ay An Area Rug - An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Try one that complements the room; lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

5. Hang Pictures or A Mirror - Hang pictures that reflect your personality.

Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects and nice view or an interesting architectural element of

your home or garden.

6. G roup Collectibles - Pull out your favourite collectibles - show off your personality! Find a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five. Try and vary the shapes for maximum impact.

7. Add Decorative Pillows - The good news about decorative pillows is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room. Still better, they can be changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is ready for a major makeover.

8. R eplace Lamps - Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give others a clue that your room is outdated. Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a statement.

9. Add A Throw - Similar to decorative pillows, throws add texture to your furniture. They come in all kinds of natural and man made fabrics so it’s just a matter of finding a pattern and style that you like.

10. Eliminate Clutter - Clutter has a way of eliminating the desired mood and effect of any room. Find storage spaces for papers, toys, and other items that take from the personality of a room.

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Microvinyas:

Ethical vineyards producing wine for the common good

Wine producers in Spain are pioneering a collective approach, where investors can buy a small plot and produce their own vintages from the vines there The idea of making your own wine conjures up images of plastic tubing and vats bubbling away in airing cupboards.

There’s a bootlegging vibe to it, which has its attractions, particularly after reports at the end of last year that we’re facing a “wine shortage”, but these don’t necessarily include the taste of the end product.

However, what if making your own wine conjured up images, instead, of a valley in Southern Europe, snowtopped mountains in the distance, olive and almond groves climbing up the hillsides and an abandoned, 100-yearold vineyard, that you’d bought for less than the price of a used Ford Mondeo?

Juan Cascant, the co-owner of a winery called Celler La Muntanya in El Comtat, a northern corner of Alicante, Spain, is sceptical that there is any looming “wine shortage” (and he’s far from alone). He is, however, very open to the idea of outsiders buying vineyards in the region.

Cascant’s business is based on what he calls, in the local Valencian language, microvinyas, 28 small-holdings, each of less than a hectare, which supply the Celler with grapes. In Argentina a winery called Vines of Mendoza run a scheme which encourages wealthy foreigners to buy a small plot of land and, under professional supervision, produce their own label wine. Why couldn’t the Celler, he wonders, help, say, a “retired doctor from London” do the same thing in El Comtat?

At times Cascant makes winemaking sound implausibly easy. He comes from an architecture background and says that when he and his business partner, Toni Boronat, started out 10 years ago they were just “playing”. Armed with secateurs to take cuttings, they visited a friend who had an abandoned vineyard and, a few years later, they had produced wines that were lauded by critics including The Wine Advocate.

“Everyone knows how to make wine,” he shrugs, “you crush the grapes and then ferment them. When we tried what we’d made after the first year, though, it was pretty good.” Good enough, in fact, that it was given an impressive 90 points by Spain’s best known guide Peñin (90-94 out of 100 means “outstanding: a wine of superior character and style”). However, it’s clearly not quite as simple as he makes it sound.

“There was a cooperative that would buy the grapes here in the past,” he admits, “without thinking about the quality of the wine or the authenticity. It was as if you have a beautiful jewel you sell by weight.”

Currently most of the 28

microvinyas sell their grapes directly to the Celler. However, there are already three that, although they’re still letting the experts make the wine, plan to market it under their own label.

One of these is owned by another local architect, Beatriz Vicent Ripoll.

Her family have half a hectare of land, not far from the medieval town of Cocentaina, which, under advice from the Celler, they have planted with monastrell and garnacha tintorera grapes, as well as French import syrah.

Visiting her at the vineyard, shortly after the harvest, it’s clear that, even if you’re not relying on wine to make a living, it can still be a stressful business.

She doesn’t know how much money they have spent over the past three years but Cascant estimates it’s up to €9,000. A chunk of that investment could be lost with one bad summer. “There was a moment this year when the grapes still hadn’t ripened,” she says, looking out over the bare vines. “You don’t know if it’s going to start to rain and it can all start to rot. You’re thinking: ‘All that work and we could lose it!’” Still, Cascant also estimates that, with the 2,500 vines they have planted, the Vicent Ripoll family should be able to sell 3,500 bottles a year. Could they eventually make a profit? “This isn’t going to feed us,” says Vicent Ripoll. “But it’s something more romantic. It’s about restoring the value of this land that was abandoned.”

That’s because the microvinyas project is about more than just money.

It’s partly inspired by the ideas of Austrian economist Christian Felber and his Economy For The Common Good, which argues that no business can be regarded as profitable unless it profits the whole community. To be allowed to use the microvinyas label producers have to sign up to pay workers fairly, use grape varieties appropriate to the region, respect the environment and support the community.

The “retired doctor” is not going to get rich quick, then. Particularly as many experts have argued that the so-called “wine shortage” is about as plausible as any other appeal to “buy now, while stocks last”. “It might not seem profitable,” says Cascant. “But if you think about people who want to own an ethical vineyard, they’re searching for another kind of profitability. They want the satisfaction of having their own wine and coming to a beautiful place to enjoy it. It’s not sustainable unless you make money, but people buy wine in order to enjoy it. We’re just putting enjoyment in there right from the start.”

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

25

Weird and Wonderful

Photographer Christopher Schlaf says he couldn’t help but laugh when he captured this Belted Kingfisher with a dinner almost as big as him. But the bird proved it hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew when he gobbled it right up

Larger than life lanterns inspired by the Terracotta Warriors, created by artist Xia Nan for the Beijing Olympics, are lit up at Edinburgh university as they go on show for the first time in Scotland.

These horses galloping along a beach look real - but they’re made from thousands of pieces of driftwood. The lifesize sculptures are the work of British craftsman James Doran-Webb and took six months to create in the Philippines where he has lived for the last 26 years

Adventurous gardeners are paying up to £2,500 for quirky bird boxes shaped like cricket stumps, a giant padlock, a drinks can or even a lawn mower. Prices start at £150 for the extraordinary homes for garden birds made by skilled Essex woodworkers Eric Simonds and Den Humphrey.

This young seal looks as if it is still suffering a New Year’s hangover. Wildlife photographer Richard Bowler captured the groggy-looking grey seal waking up after storms at Horsey in Norfolk Source: http://web.orange.co.uk/

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

1 Climbing tall hills (14) 10 Furies (5) 11 Acquit (9) 12 Ultimately (7) 13 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 14 A sloping edge on a cutting tool (5) 16 Nosebleed (9) 19 Bankrupt (9) 20 Hollowed out (5) 22 A rope for a sail (7) 25 Instructions on

food preparation (7) 27 Barrier (9) 28 Swampy lake (5) 29 Slides used with overhead projectors (14) Down 2 Coordinates (9) 3 Relating to the nose (5) 4 Welder’s fuel (9) 5 Hangman’s knot (5) 6 Industrious (9) 7 A Rocky

Mountain state (5) 8 Suppositions (7) 9 Pre-built (6) 15 Bedtime song (9) 17 Interpose (9) 18 Plant adapted for limited water (9) 19 Live or dwell (7) 21 A field event (6) 23 Insect stage (5) 24 A literary genre (5) 26 Boxlike (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLE s

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

court, without returning supernatural being (7) 7 Additional part of complex traverse (5) 8 Football team’s Midwest snack (9) 12 Shred a bit of meat in church (5) 14 Empty liquid from man in empty brickyard (5) 15 Sound reproduction equipment, if seen in greeting (2-2) 16 First men Bourne destroyed (6,3) 17 Hamlet, perhaps, is tragic, with no time to flip (5) 18 Present soldier with paper (4) 19 Hope raised, in part, for musical drama (5) 21 Something given in part exchange for tin, without a red Down composition (5-2) 2 Ethereal antenna (6) 22 Student initially tries to get cutting tool (6) 3 Financial gain from 24 A professional bearing part of the stage (5) cruel fabrication (5) 4 Strength for exam?

25 Prices crash - no end of trouble for provisional No way! (5) certificate (5) 5 Lacework comes before end of student’s 26 Boredom in French University is cut short, with new head coming to the front (5) splendour (5) 6 Vary the pitch in 27 Vertical pipe to get up before summer’s end (5)

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.

squiggle

standard

squiggle SUDOKU

Across

Across 1 Producing refashioned cell accommodation?

(4,2,9) 9 One selling foodstuffs said to be more unpleasant (6) 10 Left one boy in charge from birth to death? (8) 11 Flower-head came out in extremely ramshackle surroundings (6) 13 An entry into European river, turning round to make something possible (6) 17 Parts of submarines not screwing on, perhaps (7,6) 20 Region of physical space deflecting aim off (8,5) 23 Mistakes in printing a kind of shirt in rare trouble (6) 26 They are almost made to be coarse (6) 28 Listen unknown above this place, say (8) 29 Car-maker is second to be taken in by grandmother (6) 30 Plant making level and stiffly formal girl (7,8)

easy SUDOKU

STANDARD CROSSWORD

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

standard SUDOKU

26

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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27

SolPUZZLES

Q&A

Logic Puzzle

Logic Puzzle SOLUTIon

19. What sport was at the centre of Death In The Afternoon by Ernest Hemmingway? ...........................................................................

20. On which group of Scottish islands would you find the neolithic village of Skara Brae? ...........................................................................

There are 5 houses in 5 different colours.

In each house lives a person of a different nationality. The 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet. Using the clues below can you determine who owns the fish?

The Brit lives in a red house.

The Swede keeps dogs as pets.

The Dane drinks tea.

The green house is on the immediate left of the white house.

The green house owner drinks coffee.

The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.

The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.

The man living in the house right in the middle drinks milk.

The Norwegian lives in the first house.

The man who smokes Blend lives next door to the one who keeps cats.

The man who keeps horses lives next door to the man who smokes Dunhill.

The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks beer.

The German smokes Prince.

The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.

The man who smokes Blend has a neighbour who drinks water.

Nationality: Norweg, Dane, Brit, German, Swede Colour:, Yellow, Blue, Red, Green, White Beverage: water, tea, milk, coffee, beer Smokes: Dunhill, Blend, Pall Mall, Prince, Blue Master Pet: cats, horses, birds, fish, dogs

1. Which Carry On star died on the stage of the Sunderland Empire in 1976? ...............................................................................

2. What colour are the 5 Olympic rings? ...............................................................................

3. Which animal is South African rugby union player Bryan Habana often compared to? ...............................................................................

4. Which rugby union team won the 2007 EDF energy cup? ...............................................................................

5. In which film did the song White Christmas first feature? ...............................................................................

6. Which TV character has sisters called Daisy and Rose? ...............................................................................

7. Was the West German currency introduced in East Germany before or after re-unification in 1990? ...............................................................................

8. Who won the Golden Boot at the 1986 football World Cup? ...............................................................................

9. The word HENNA can be made using the periodic symbols of which three elements? ...............................................................................

10. Which football team has the nickname of the Bluebirds? ...............................................................................

11. Which football team has the nickname of `the Blades`? ...............................................................................

12. In the board game Cleudo, whose murder has to be solved? ...............................................................................

13. If you walked one mile south, one mile west, and then one mile north, and ended up where you started, where would you be? ...............................................................................

14. Who were the two voice artists of the cartoon characters Dangermouse and his sidekick Penfold? ...............................................................................

15. The Savoy Grill, the Boxwood Café at the Berkeley Hotel and Maze are all restaurants owned by which famous chef? ...............................................................................

16. Which South American country will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup? ...............................................................................

17. In which North Amercan city is there a neighbourhood known as Hell`s Kitchen? ...............................................................................

18. In which city were the 1940 Olympic Games scheduled to take place before being cancelled due to war? ...............................................................................

~ quotes ~ e of humour, “There’s terrific merit in having no sens anything at of e sens no ly no sense of irony, practical defects you lled so-ca e thes with born e you’r If all. the top.” - Peter have a very good chance of getting to Cook st the “Humour is just another defense again universe.” - Mel Brooks - when you “A pun is the lowest form of humour nt Leva r Osca ” first! don’t think of it ’t hurt won it you g tellin “Happiness is your dentist the drill.” in hand his catch him ng havi then and Johnny Carson Teach him “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. weekend.” how to fish and you get rid of him all Zenna Scha ffer htier than the sword, and mig is “The pen .” - Marty considerably easier to write with Feldman to keep your “Never pass up an opportunity ler Mil l Pau t.” shu mouth heard the yet not has last “He who laughs bad news.” - Bertolt Brecht wasted.” “A day without laughter is a day Charlie Chaplin n they “I like long walks, especially whe - Noel me.” are taken by people who annoy Coward begin to smell after three , fish like , “Guests jamin Franklin Ben days.” can “Martyrdom is the only way a man rge - Geo become famous without ability.”

Bernard Shaw

SCUBA Diving

Find and circle all of the SCUBA Diving words that are hiddden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the meaning of the letters SCUBA.

1. Sid James 2. Blue, Yellow, Black, Green & Red 3. Cheetah 4. Leicester Tigers 5. Holiday Inn 6. Hyacinth Bucket 7. Before 8. Gary Lineker 9. (He) Helium (N) Nitrogen (Na) Sodium 10. Cardiff City 11. Sheffield United 12. Dr Black`s 13. The North Pole 14. David Jason and Terry Scott 15. Gordon Ramsay 16. Brazil 17. New York 18. Tokyo 19. Bullfighting in Spain 20. The Orkneys

Q&A ANWERS:

AIR PRESSURE ALTITUDE DIVING ANOXIA ATMOSPHERE BAROTRAUMA BOOTIES BOUNCE DIVE BUBBLES BUDDY SYSTEM BOUYANCY C CARD COMPASS COMPRESSOR CORAL REEF CURRENT DECOMPRESSION DEPTH GAUGE DIVE COMPUTER DIVE FLAG DIVE MARSHAL DRYSUIT EDDY EMBOLISM GAS CYLINDER GAS MIXTURE GIANT STRIDE HELIOX HOSE HYPOTHERMIA LEEWARD LUNGS MASK MEMBRANE MOUTHPIECE NARCOSIS NEOPRENE NITROGEN NITROX

OCEAN OXYGEN PANIC REBREATHER RECOMPRESSION REGULATOR SCOOTER SEA LEVEL

SHEARS SHOAL SILICONE SNORKEL SPEAR GUN STROBE SWIM FINS SWIMMING

TANK THE BENDS TIDE TOXICITY TRIMIX UNDERSEA UNDERSUIT UNDERTOW

VALVE VISION VOLUME WATER WEIGHT BELT WEIGHTS WETSUIT WINDWARD

28

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Tasty food for everyday, special occasions and for sharing with friends how to cook the perfect rice Long-grain or basmati rice should be light and fluffy when perfectly cooked.

To make sure you get good results every time, wash the rice in cold water until it runs clear. Drain the rice and put into a medium saucepan. Pour in water so that it covers the rice by 1.5cm/5/8in. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat so that the water is simmering.

Cover with a tight-fitting lid.

White rice will cook in 10-12 minutes. When ready to serve, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

ELVIRA’S

RESTAURANTE

Slow cooker minestrone

Opening Times: Tue - Sat

6.30 pm till late

Sunday

12.30pm - 3pm 6.30pm - 9pm

- EVENING MENU tuesday to saturday - SUNDAY ROAST WE CATER FOR: - thursday - SPECIAL EVENTS 6th & 20th feb - PARTIES 50’s, 60’s & 70’s - WEDDINGS

This hearty Italian soup is made with pasta and beans and finshed with a generous sprinkling of parmesan.

Ingredients Preparation method

100g/3½oz smoked, dry-cured lardons Put a large frying pan over a low heat, add the lardons and cook for 10 minutes until crisp, golden and the 2 carrots, roughly chopped fat has run from the meat. Transfer onto a plate.

2 sticks celery, sliced Tip the carrots, celery and onion into the bacon fat 1 onion, roughly chopped and fry for two minutes before adding the garlic, 2 garlic cloves, crushed herbs and tomato purée. Cook for one minute, then 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, needles finely chopped add the tomatoes and most of the stock. Bring to the boil. Carefully transfer the soup to a slow cooker, 1 tsp dried thyme - ANNIVERSARIES 1 tbsp tomato purée cover with the lid, then cook on high for four hours until the vegetables are tender.

400g/14oz can chopped plum tomatoes Stir the beans and pasta into the soup, adding the 1.2 litres/2 pints good-quality chicken stock rest of the stock if it seems overly thick. Scatter the 400g/14oz can cannellini beans in water, rinsed and shredded greens over the top of the soup, then reComercial Centre 3, Avenida Abanto drained cover with the lid. Cook for 30 minutes until the pasta Urb.San Luis, Torrevieja (Alicante) 50g/1¾oz spaghetti, snapped into short lengths is tender. Stir in the greens, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then serve in bowls thickly greens, spring or leaf baby head 100g/3½ e-mail: barelvira@telitec.com with a drizzle of oil and plenty of parmesan. shredded Salt and freshly ground History black pepper 2 tbsp extra virgin olive Some of the earliest origins of minestrone soup pre-date the expansion of the Latin tribes of Rome oil parmesan, into what became the Roman Republic and later 25g/1oz Roman Empire, when the local diet was “vegetarian grated Monday Afternoon - Prize Bingo 2pm • by necessity” and consisted mostly of vegetables, 14th February such as onions, lentils, • Wednesday Evening - Karaoke with Michelle & DJ ONE VALENTINE’S cabbage, garlic, broad • EVENING DINNER mushrooms, beans, Thursday Afternoon - Cards 3 COURSES • and asparagus, carrots, Freshly cooked plus • Thursday Evening - Ken’s�Crazy�Quiz turnips.[2] entertainment live • During this time, the main Friday • 4pm - HOT ICE/jose west alternate weeks live music per14€ dish of a meal would Friday 7th February at 9pm person • have been pulte, a simple Saturday Evening - Karaoke with Michelle & DJ ONE kitchen opens 6-9pm but filling porridge of All�Sports�Shown�Daily • Outside�Catering • New garden area spelt flour cooked in salt water, to which whatever Super Save Breakfast Menu • home�Cooked�Menu vegetables were available find us on thenewhoggiesbarrestaurant would have been added c/Beasain�Commercial, Phase�3�San�Luis�Torrevieja read more on wikipedia.

music with woody

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NEW

HOGGIES BAR San Luis

SPoRTSMAn BAR woody as “buddy holly”

Tel:�966�785�476

2 meals for 6€ tel: 966 183 514

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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29

Send your recipes to editor@soltimes.com and we’ ll place them in Bon A ppetit

Chocolate crumb puddings with a dark chocolate centre, served with white chocolate sauce Add “Chocolate crumb puddings with a dark chocolate centre, served with white chocolate sauce” to FavouritesAdd to Favourites For the chocolate crumb puddings 50g/2oz good-quality dark chocolate, broken into 8 pieces, plus 8 extra squares of chocolate, to serve 75g/3oz butter or margarine, plus extra for greasing 75g/3oz caster sugar 1 large free-range egg, separated 1 tsp vanilla extract 110g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 50g/2oz self-raising flour 4-5 tbsp milk For the white chocolate sauce 110g/4oz good-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces 142ml/5fl oz double cream

Preparation method

Grease four ramekins with butter. Set aside.

For the chocolate crumb puddings, bring a little water to the boil in a pan, then reduce the heat until the water is simmering. Suspend a heatproof bowl over the water. Do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water. Add the 50g/2oz of chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter (or margarine) and the sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat the cooled melted chocolate, egg yolk and vanilla into the creamed butter and sugar until well combined.

Creaming butter by hand Mix the breadcrumbs and flour together. Fold half of the breadcrumb mixture into the chocolate mixture,

ENNEDY’

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K

then carefully stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk.

Fold the remaining breadcrumb mixture into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the remaining milk, as necessary, to loosen the mixture.

(The mixture should be of dropping consistency.)

Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed.

Carefully fold the whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture until just combined.

Whisking egg whites Divide half of the pudding mixture among the prepared ramekins. Put two squares of dark chocolate on top of each portion, then cover each with the remaining chocolate pudding mixture.

Cover each ramekin with aluminium foil.

Prepare a steamer with 2.5cm/1in of boiling water. Add the covered ramekins and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Steaming a pudding Meanwhile, for the white chocolate sauce, bring a little water to the boil in a pan, then reduce the heat until the water is simmering. Suspend a heatproof bowl over the water (do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water). Add the white chocolate and cream and stir until smooth, melted and well combined. (Do not allow the mixture to boil). Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Keep warm.

To serve, turn out the chocolate crumb puddings onto serving plates. Drizzle over the white chocolate sauce.

Avda Del Mar 87 (Main Street) LOS MONTESINOS

TEL: 966 720 006

TRADITIONAL BRITISH STORE Open Daily From 9am Fresh Bread & Savoury Pastries Secure Mail Boxes Phone Cards - Newspapers Greeting Cards & Much Much More..........

Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love this hearty, vegetable lasagne. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients 450g/16 oz courgettes 1 aubergine 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 kg firm, ripe tomatoes, sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 10-12 fresh basil leaves, torn Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper 2x125g/4½ oz low-fat mozzarella cheese, sliced 150g/5¼ oz fresh lasagne sheets 100g/3½ oz freshly grated parmesan, or similar vegetarian hard cheese

MONTGOMERY’S —BAR— FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA FIND US ON THE MAIN ROAD NEAR SUPERVALU

STEAKS, SUNDAY LUNCHES AND FULL MENU

966 792 800 monty.1958@hotmail.co.uk

Preparation method

1. Slice the courgettes and aubergine into diagonal slices. Heat a ridged grill pan, brush the slices with olive oil and grill for several minutes each side until chargrilled, then remove. You’ll have to do this in batches.

2. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Brush the inside of a large baking dish with a little oil. Place a layer of sliced tomatoes (about one third of the total) on the bottom, slightly overlapping.

3. Next, layer with half of the courgette and aubergine slices. Sprinkle with half the chopped garlic and one tbsp balsamic vinegar.

4. Scatter over half of the torn basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.

5. Layer half the mozzarella slices on top, then cover with half the lasagne sheets.

6. Continue layering with the rest of the ingredients, ending with a layer of tomatoes on top. Sprinkle over the parmesan.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake another five minutes until the parmesan’s golden on top.

Fr

Re

SUPERMARKET

Roasted vegetable lasagne

st au

atelli

an o

Ingredients

l rante Ita

i

e le piec t t i L A y in of Ital art of the he ar f Benijo

early bird special any pizza, any pasta & a drink €8.50 Menu del Noche 4 courses & drink €14.50 pp Sunday Lunch Menu 4 superb courses & ½ bottle of wine €12.50pp Plaza PlazaConstitucion Constitucion2, 2,Local Local55 03178 03178Benijofar Benijofar(Alicante) (Alicante)

Tel: Tel: 966 966 713 713 645 645

30

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! d e t t stars in bars p o S

DATE ARTIST

VENUE

AREA INFO

6th Woody Elviras San Luis 6th Done n Dusted Los Rosales Guardamar 7th Soul Power Evolution La Fuente 7th Andy Balsamo Banana Tree Playa Flamenca 7th Done n Dusted El Mundos Benimar 7th Woody Sportsman Bar Quesada 8th Andy Jones The Clubhouse Camposol Golf 8th PDQ Bar Carlos Torrevieja 8th JJ Soulman Luis Lounge San Javier 10th The Cadillacs The Club Quesada 11th Lynden B Arches Cafe Bar Los Alcazares 12th Woody The New Tavern San Miguel

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN? IF YOU DO, SEND YOUR ANSWER AND YOUR NAME & WHERE YOU’RE FROM TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM AND IF YOU’RE THE FIRST TO GUESS RIGHT, WE’LL PRINT YOUR NAME HERE!

no one guessed correctly

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

966 719 647

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Tel: Christine on 902 750 190 blancasales@soltimes.com

new fords available mercedes clk 200

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All automatic • 2006 BMW X5 3.0 DIESEL AUTO 102,000 KMS............................................................ €21950 • 2005 MERCEDES E320 CDI DIESEL AUTO 167,000 KMS ............................................ €14950 • 2010 renault gran modus 1.6 PETROL AUTO 28,000 KMS.................................... €10950 • 2012 OPEL AGILA 1.2 PETROL AUTO 3,500 KMS............................................................ €10950 • 2009 FORD FOCUS 2.0 TDCI DIESEL AUTO 119,000 KMS .............................................. €9950 • 2004 MINI COOPER 1.6 PETROL AUTO 92,000 KMS.................................................. €8950 • 1998 RANGE ROVER 4.6 HSE PETROL AUTO 288,000 KMS .................................. €4950 • toyota hilux surf 3ltr diesel auto 1994 74,000 miles.....................................€poa • nissan primera 2 ltr petrol auto (rhd) 1998 91,000 miles........................€2,250

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

www.specialistvehicles.com renault twingo Automatic 1.1 petrol 2009 44,000kms

€7,450

VW passat

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smart FORFOUR automatic diesel 2006 71,000kms

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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31

COMMUNITY NEWS Paso A Paso Dance club

CLASSES CerocStyle Modern Jive Tuesdays at the Club, Quesada.

Improvers 1.30pm followed at 2.15 by beginners.(as flyers are already out unable to change times at the moment, Tuesdays La Marina Sports Complex.

5pm Beginners followed by improvers. €4 Wednesdays PALMS FUNCTION ROOM AND BAR (next to go karts) Punta Prima, on the n332. 4pm Beginners/ improvers Thursdays Los Rosales Restaurant.

5pm beginners/improvers plus footwork and style.

NEW CLASS Fridays 4pm Camping International La Marina (beach side not the urb) €6 including a drink.

It has been asked if we could repeat Tuesdays La Marina class on Thursdays and Wednesdays Palms class on Fridays at Camping International. We will give it a trial run to see how it goes...always willing to try out your suggestions.

LEARN TO LINE DANCE WITH ADAM NEW CLASS WEDNESDAYS 2PM AT MANISHAS RESATURANT, SAN MIGUEL. All the basic dances taught to get you on the line dance trail.

All classes €5 unless stated.

-spain.com

welcome events

February 12th - monthly dance with Sandy Fitzpatrick and Terry J. €8.

March 5th - Ladies Evening. All the usual stalls, bingo, fashion show, and entertainment by Woody. €3.

March 12th - Show Time dance. Always popular, so get your tickets now. €8.

March 30th - annual treasure hunt, with a buffet at our final mystery destination. €8.

2014 TRIPS. Our February Segovia trip is fully booked. There are still cabins available on our May/June cruise to the Baltic capitals. Call for details. Our September Galicia trip is also fully booked.

Christmas in Benidorm - reserve your place now as this is selling fast.

Call Rosemary on 620105179 for more information.

Office for the Urbanisations

On Saturday the 1st of February the Office for the Urbanisations is organising a trip to the Orihuela Medieval market.

We will be leaving the Social Centre, Urb Marina at 5pm and leaving Orihuela at 9pm. The cost of the trip is 6€.

If you wish to reserve a place please come into the Office on Calle Madrid.

Estamos organizando una excursión al Mercadillo Medieval en Orihuela para el sábado 1 de febrero.

Salida : 17,00 frente a Policía Local Urbanización La Marina Regreso : 21,00 desde Orihuela Precio Excursión : 6€ Interesados : Apuntarse en la Oficina de las Urbanizaciones en C/Madrid.

SPIRITUALIST CENTRE,

BENIJOFAR (formerly Spiritualist Church, Quesada) Meets at NEW ADDRESS: with immediate effect at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. 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. Ray Bailey will take the Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 9th February.

On Tuesday 11th February, there will be an Evening of Mediumship with Jimmy McArthur (please bring a flower untouched by anyone else). On Sunday, 16th February Mark Brandist (U.K. Medium) will take the Divine Service with Mediumship. Everybody welcome.

Contact Wendy on 965 323 028. www. spiritualistchurchquesada.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789

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 - 666 747 398

Darwinian Gardening Club

The Darwinian Gardening Club’s next meeting is on February 8th at 11.45 at the Camposol Golf Club.

Entrance will be €5 per person Dick Handscombe, well known for his gardening books and regular articles in newspapers and magazines will share a condensation of his experience of living and gardening in Spain for over 25 years.

The title of his talk will be: ‘Mediterranean gardens - Challenges and common sense’ What he talks about will be relevant to all, whether with a small or large garden or even only having an apartment terrace.

Following his talk we will have lunch – a carvery for €9.

Drinks are not included in the price, please buy your drinks at the bar.

After lunch there will be a question and answer session. When that is finished Dick will be available to help individuals or groups of attendees solve their garden design, planting or maintenance problems not touched during the talk or question and answer sessions.

If you would like to attend this meeting please reply, before Thursday 6th February, either by e-mail to: darwiniangardeners@ gmail.com or call Annie on 968 599 031.

CULTURAL VISIT TO THE RICOTE VALLEY.

booking is advisable as places are limited.

Conexia promotes multicultural understanding amongst all its members, and there are Conversation Swap classes in Spanish/English, Spanish/German, Spanish/French and Spanish/Italian. They are held in San Javier, Roda, Torre de la Horadada, El Algar, Lo Pagan, Fuente Alamo, Santiago de la Ribera, Casas Blancas, and Los Narejos. Leading the Groups are Native speakers, who are there to help.

To book this visit on 15th February and for directions, or more information please contact: conexiaeoisjinfo@gmail.com or conexiaeoisj.blogspot.com END IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EDITORS. CONEXIA WOULD WELCOME A MEMBER OF YOUR STAFF – FREE OF CHARGE, ON THIS VISIT PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL on 0044 7763581503 or ANTHEA PRENTICE 968334527 MOBILE 647151267 TO CONFIRM

send your announcements birthdays, news & events to editor@soltimes.com

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EXTRAS

The multicultural Conversation Swap classes run by Conexia (the non-profit making organisation which was the brainchild of the Language School of San Javier) has organised another cultural trip. This time to the three villages of Archena, Cieza and Blanca in Ricote Valley, on Saturday 15th February.

This trip will include a guided tour on foot through Archena, visiting the Church, Town Hall and the Esparto (grass) museum. Carrying on from there to Cieza and where it will visit the the abyss-cave of Serreta: Heritage of Humanity since 1998, which also houses a shrine of cave painting, a Neolithic homestead and a Late Roman settlement.

Onward travel will be to Blanca, with lunch (included) and a tour through the village and a visit to the Museum of Water and Light.

The trip will leave San Javier Parque Almansa at 8.30 am arrive back at San Javier at approximately 19.00 hrs.

The price of tickets for this visit is 19 Euros for Members and 24 Euros for Non Members all are welcome, early

• Catch-up min 14 days on all channels • Radio • EPG Program guide • Video on demand

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With more that 10 years on the coast. Nb. looking for dealers as well

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32

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com

see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm Monday to Friday

966 719 647

glass curtains

glass curtains create more living space, no unsightly frames, reasonable prices, for a free estimate tel: 646 111 825

handy man

BOB A JOB? GOT AN ODD JOB YOU NEED DOING I AM 16 AND STRONG CALL TOM 687 363 540 hearing aids

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at noon prior to publication

From

awnings

550€

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

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Furniture

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

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

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

house clearances

quick cash house /bar clearance

cars & A1 ground & motorcycles gaRDEN SERVICES also wanted Diggers, Skips, Garden transport Re-form & Maintenance in 1 hour Telephone 628 505 733 tel: 669 723 709 garden services

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TELEPHONE: 966 719 647

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 Musto Heavy Weather Boat Gear HPX Jacket & Bib/Brace Trousers size XS & M good clean condition 110€ each Tel: 634 826 373

4 Stainless inset steel kitchen sinks all with Roco mixer taps 780 x 430, left hand drainer, good condition, Camposol.

Tel.676 028 725

C a r ava n Accessories F i a m m a Undervan Roll/ Waste Tank Large 60€, Showerhead with Hose complete with plug in adaptor Naucca M a y e s t 60€, ( M i l a n ) Radio/TV Aerial Kitchen Tent as 30€ Tel: 634 826 new 150 euro ono 373 Tel 965328608 B o s c h Samsung No Tassimo T20 Frost fridge Coffee Machine freezer VGC new in box plus 1.8x60x60 white 7 packets coffee 140€ Tel: 699 50€ Tel: 634 826 275 530 (Puerto 373 Lumbreras) Black & Te l e s c o p e Decker Jigsaw multi-coated plus new blades 100mm S11 with €25, Black & range finder 200€ Decker drill and ONO Tel: 966 bits 25€, Cane 841 946 (Playa wall mirror 80cm x 65cm 12€ Tel: Flamenca) 966 716 599 Sony wide Quesada angle lens VCL0637H 20€, plastering New Duracell DR5 Camcorder E NGLISH Battery 10€, PLAST E R E R Petanque set for 4 internal finishing, players complete e x t e r n a l in hard case 20€ r e n d e r i n g , years Tel: 635 885 062 15 experience, (Camposol)

NIKON D50 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA body 100€ plus fast 50mm f1.8 lens 50€ Tel: 676 534 978

pool tables,

snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

666 933 726

www. spainpool.com

Two single very beds good condition only used in spare bedroom 30 euros each Quesada tel.966 716 710

Round pine table and four chairs, table extends 80€ Tel: 646 552 731 / 966 722 157 (Los Altos)

good rates.

FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_ pettit@hotmail. co.uk

jewellery

Ladies set of Golf Clubs from the USA, (Ativa V2000 Aldila Graphite + L Flex incl. woods, sand iron, putter, large bag, short bag, Samsonite travel bag and folding trolley. 200 Euros.

Tel: 646 444 942( Camposol).

E l ec t r i c piano €299, cost over €1000 new.

Excellent condition. Hardly used. 659 370 200.

S h o we r c h a i r , adjustable height €20. 659 370 200.

Piano stool €20. 659 370 200.

WANTED t w o hairdresser salon chairs and other related salon equipment required must be in good condition Tel: 647 379 878

locksmith 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

musician Lenny Mitchell: Guitarist-singer, professional, international, solo act. Music can range from 60s, 70s pop, rock ‘n’ roll, big ballads, country, blues, classic rock, to 50s standards.

Tel: 658321891 or email: lennymitchell@live.co.uk or facebook”. pets

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

18 month old male donkey (rescued). kind knowledgeable home with plenty of space ony.

90€ fuente alamo. tel 634334169

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

insurance

GOLD WANTED asssa medical English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

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insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396

mazarron@asssa.es

detatched cortijo

reduced

20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views. €135,000 ono 649 186 107

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com

Tel: 966 719 647 or 902 750 190 ext 330 removals

property for sale / rent Completely refurbished & available for a long let 1 Bed ground floor flat with terrace, quiet area, 1 minute to the sea, all amenities close by Price reduced was 350€pcm now 300€ plus utility bills

Marazul/eliseos playa (close to new2you torrevieja)

tel: 695 063 890 or 868 182 495 email: robertsmith6292@yahoo.com 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

(0034) 676 534 978

33

UK - SPAIN - UK

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

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

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

Go Satellite

wanted

satellite tv

TV Installations and repairs

Humax HDR-1000s only 350€ Sky+ HD Receiver 295€ All latest models fully guaranteed

all major credit & debit cards accepted

Tel: 965 725 670

Or call in to our office on Calle Los Arcos No. 7 Ciudad Quesada www.freetvspain.com

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

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

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fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

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Mum and baby Guinea pigs are in need of new homes, the mother is around 6 months old and the babies around 4 weeks old, they can be adopted together or separate.

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lift for all removals & deliveries inc uk - Spain & handyman

simply removals

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want to know whats in the news?

go online: www. SOLTIMES.com

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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

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.

motoring section

SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

Contact Christine

966 719 647

recruitment Wanted experienced accountant for occasional book keeping in Guardamar JOLU1951@GMAIL.COM TELephone 644 166 347

WANTED

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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

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

tel: Tim on 662 211 993 Vehicles registration

CASH CASH “RE-PLATE” MATE CASH Same day collection

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

SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

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966 719 647

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.

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cars for sale

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viewpoint

The Quicksand of Language forsooth or verily, couples don’t plight their troth any more, although solicitors are still encouraging us to bequeath and bequest our worldly goods – or stuff as modern parlance would have it!

Other words have crept in and assumed an unbecoming importance, such as ‘like’. A humble little word, like has been quietly doing its job providing the link between similarities (she looks like her mother), expressing preference (I like carrots better than Brussels sprouts) or an opinion (It looks like rain again today) for so many years.

Now, however, this poor innocent little word has been hijacked by an unfeeling mass, that employs it as slave labour, forcing it to take on the meaning of virtually every other descriptive word or sentence uttered by its erstwhile captors – I was like going to the supermarket when I saw my like boyfriend with my like best friend, it

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

was like so awful like……At this point poor little like expired, done to death by overwork caused by a lack of basic vocabulary.

Take the word intercourse, which is an old-fashioned word for conversation, as any dictionary will tell you. this word caused an Spanish gentleman no embarrassment whatsoever, but covered the lady to whom he was talking with confusion.

It happened at an English/ Spanish integration evening, where each English person sits with a Spaniard, the idea being that for half an hour Spanish is spoken, then for the ensuing half hour English is spoken.

The gentleman in question expressed, in English, the desire for a girlfriend.

His opposite number, a lady of refined taste, covered her surprise at his directness by enquiring if he wanted a girlfriend for companionship. ‘Oh no,’ he replied. ‘For intercourse.’

Ah! How tricky a foreign language can be! And how innocent are those who put their faith in old dictionaries!

The Time to Bite Back When there’s not much else on the box and my lovely wife gets stuck into a book, and relinquishes her death grip on the television remote, I will sometimes tune into the sinisterly named, River Monsters.

For those who haven’t seen the programme, or only have an interest in fish if it is coated in batter and deep fried; it covers the travels of a bloke called Jeremy Wade who refers to himself as an extreme angler. We called them specimen hunters in my day, but I love the title.

It conjures up images of someone prancing around the river bank wearing red satin flares; a bright plaid shirt and a Doctor Who scarf.

Anyway, Jeremy travels all over the globe chasing up stories of people who have had their genitals bitten off by some unseen monster lurking in the depths of the Congo River or some God forsaken tributary of the Amazon. His travels have taken him to such places as Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Mongolia.

He has fished in many countries in Europe and the Americas, as well as Asia and Africa.

All in all not a bad old life.

The programme often ends in disappointment for me because what starts as a hunt for some mythical river monster that the natives believe to be a supernatural fish god, often turns out to be some haddock look-

By Colin Bird :

badbirdnow@gmail.com

alike, just big enough to capsize a small canoe.

When the unfortunate occupant is never seen again, it’s assumed that he has become a fish’s lunch, although the more likely scenario is that having consumed far too much palm wine he simply drowned and drifted off downstream.

But it all brings back memories of my first encounter with that monster of the deep: the barracuda. Barracudas are not what you would call massive fish, but it is their frightening appearance that gives them their fearsome reputation.

So there I was snorkelling around a small islet close to shore in Bermuda, fascinated by a flotilla of squid I was shadowing, when something alarmed them and they shot off in all directions faster than you could say calamares a la Romana. Because there, directly ahead, no more than six feet from me and eyeing me speculatively, was a barracuda. Apart from a gentle undulation of its torpedo like body, it hung motionless in the water and seemed to be weighing up how best to enjoy parts of me as lunch.

And let me tell you, if you have no prior knowledge of this fish, the sight of that open mouth packed with wicked looking teeth with two bulbous eyes locked on to you, is the stuff of nightmares.

It was only later I learned that barracuda are rarely a danger to humans and in fact will often make themselves scarce when approached by divers. They are opportunist predators, preying entirely on other fish, particularly those that are sickly or in trouble.

But in my ignorance and extreme haste to leave the vicinity that day, I became only the second man ever

to walk on water.

Then years later we found ourselves in the beautiful Virgin Islands where the snorkelling is spectacular and the undersea life a kaleidoscope of colour and beauty. My lovely bikini clad wife was floating on her back, sunning herself in shallow water a few yards from me and I had just surfaced to clear my face mask, when she let out a scream of pain and shot out of the water clutching her leg. In my haste to get to her I made the mistake of standing up and trying to splash my way across the coral where I had been snorkelling, cutting my feet in the process.

When I finally reached her, it was obvious that she had been bitten because there was a clear elliptical impression on her thigh of a dozen or so teeth puncture marks.

A kindly local who had witnessed the whole episode from his ramshackle house on the beach, brought over a first aid kit and whilst sterilising the bleeding wound, sagely declared that it was a barracuda bite.

“But I thought that barracuda never attack people”, I told him.

‘They do when they think you are something else’, he proclaimed, and pointed to my wife’s diamond ring. The fish had seen the twinkling of the jewellery and thinking that it was a potential snack, attacked before realising its mistake and beat a hasty retreat.

Back in England some time later, we were surveying the menu in a pleasant country pub, when an item caught my eye: Barracuda steak with a green pepper sauce.

There was no hesitation and as I ordered my lunch, I muttered absently to the startled waiter: “It’s payback time you son-ofa-bitch!”

alqueria

Alquerian Sporting Legends

The chances of Alqueria ever staging the Olympic Games are somewhat remote but that does not rule out the existence of sporting greats in the Pueblo.

We only have to cast our minds back to 1954 when Bannister broke the four minute mile.

Alqueria’s very own Pedro Piernaslargas managed it in twelve minutes and fifty seconds. He argued that taking into account the time he stopped for a fag and a beer meant he actually ran the race in three minutes ten seconds. The International Athletes Committee weren’t impressed however and told him to stop being silly.

Manuela has long been regarded as the most sporting girl in Alqueria. Her fame spreading to the four corners of the Iberian peninsular. Unfortunately the International Olympic Committee have not had the imagination to sanction her particular area of expertise.

Ernesto Muyinestable who amazes audiences with his hard stamping and emotional flamenco attended the Olympic Triple Jump trials. The organisers pointed out, rather harshly Ernesto thought that the sport should be left to those who have a full complement of limbs. Ernesto having lost a leg in the Great Halibut Conflagration of ninety-seven. Alonso Plucketo on the other hand would John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

Language is a dangerous thing, and foreign language is especially dangerous. It is a seductive minefield, full of traps for the unwary, and pitfalls for those who boldly go where their knowledge has never been before.

It is bad enough in our own language, where over time the meanings of words change completely; for instance, wicked, cool or gay are all words which had a clearly understood meaning until they were morphed into something entirely different by a younger generation.

I suppose this is a natural progression, normal in a living language, and has been going on through the ages ever since Man uttered his first monosyllable. Not many people these days use

35

excel in the Three Legged Race if such a race were an international event. He could participate individually since sprouting an extra leg after taking an afternoon swim in the polluted Río Verde.

Fringe events are also well represented in Alqueria.

Long distance spitting, a traditional and popular pastime has many devotees in the Village. On a peaceful Summer’s evening plastic raincoated men can be seen spitting with a precision and range that would gladden the heart of any artillery officer worth his salt. These events take place after dinner, spitting being a natural reaction to the consumption of Alquerian cuisine.

Loco Paco was not to be left out of the Alquerian sporting hall of fame. He is certain that Benjy, his pet Saharan Dung Beetle could beat all comers. As soon as he can find a jockey small enough for Bengy he intends to put him through his paces. Anton Limpwrist, a window dresser originally from Lubrín trained for the Handball Team. He lost interest however when he discovered it was a team event. Another possible would be ‘Speedy Gonzalos’ Alvarado. He was given his epithet by Manuela for reasons it would be better to draw a veil over for the time being.

Alqueria may not produce the greatest sporting legends but there are none more lethargic and indifferent than those from the Pueblo.

advance moves

Leading Removal Company reports on strengthening housing market One of Spain’s top removal companies has reported that they experienced a resurgence in the Spanish housing market during 2013 and it looks like 2014 will be an even busier year. Mat Ford-Dunn, the Managing Director of ‘Advance Moves International Removals’ pointed to the fact that many property values in Spain have now fallen to a much more realistic level and this has definitely resulted in increased house sales. This has been noticed in all regions of Spain as Advance Moves operate their relocation services throughout the mainland.

Advance Moves has its main warehouse in Murcia, Spain, with an additional warehouse in Kent in the UK and has had to purchase 5 new vans and trucks to cope with the increased demand over the past year.

The UK housing market is also in a state of recovery and increased house sales have resulted in more people selling up and looking to buy in Spain. There are many factors that

tempt expats to Spain, not least the recent periods of turbulent weather, which many parts of the UK have suffered.

On the flip side, for economic reasons many British Expats are now able to sell properties in Spain and Advance Moves are often the first choice when it comes to repatriating them back to the UK. Mat was also keen to point out that the increase in demand for their removal services was also down to the level of service and expertise that Advance moves offer to their clients and the fact that many clients had already seen the brightly liveried vehicles on the roads undertaking their removal services.

Advance moves is also a member of the British Association of Removers and one of only a few companies that export wrap furniture to provide extra protection for international removals.

‘Our clients know that they are getting a more competitively priced, premium removal service, when compared to the rest of the market. The increased volume of removals enables Advance Moves to offer their clients a more regular and flexible timetable for their individual removal requirements’ Mat sees the trend continuing throughout 2014 with the housing market in the UK and Spain continuing to make steady process.

Advance Moves are gearing up for another busy year.

36

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

TMGS Match Report

Alicante Golf January 2014.

29th

On this day in history, in 1820 - Britain’s King George III died insane at Windsor Castle and only one member of TMGS achieved or bettered his handicap at the Seve designed Alicante Golf Course.

Today, 20 odd members of TMGS and 4 guests turned up to enjoy a good test of golfand it must be said that a visit to this absolute jewel hidden in concrete should be a “must” on any golfers list of courses to play. Arrive at the course (when you can find it!) and you are treated to a smile and a very honest welcome by the staff which, in itself, is a rare occurrence in the majority of courses in Spain.

The results on the day and previous visits do show that

the Silver Division appear to fare better than their Gold counterparts and today was no different.

Those that know this course are aware that there are 6 par 3’s and we, TMGS, reward the NTP’s with a sleeve of Srixson Soft Feels and today, we gave away the full complement with a sleeve going to Alex Goslan, Steve Higgins, Dag Lovas, Roger Nielsen, Mick Kennedy and Darren Hancock.

We also reward the ‘best guest’ with a Society towel and ball marker and this went to Mrs A Swinnerton.

As said earlier, once again the Silver crowd took the course by the wotsits and achieved some decent scores and it needed 35 points for Ernie Wilson to claim 4th spot. 36 points

MONTE It was a nice

saw Mick Kennedy and John Hillier claim 3rd and 2nd spots and the only one to achieve handicap (and better it) was Alex Goslan with a very good 37 points.

The Gold crowd didn’t fare anywhere near as good and it only needed 29 points for Dag Lovas to claim 4th spot, with John Eyre and Steve Higgins both scoring 30 points for 3rd and 2nd places respectivelyand Alan Rixson only needed 31 points points to take home the winners prize. Photo: Nearest the pin winners.

Our next game, Wednesday 5thFebruary 2014, see’s us at Rodawhere we partake in our 3rd leg of the Captain’s Stableford Trophy, so if you fancy a game just look at our website www.tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604.

Dire Daya lucky to draw Santo Domingo 1 v.

Daya Nueva 1 Alicante Cadetes 2A On a cold and windy morning we were looking for some exciting football from Daya to warm us up ! In fact, it was the home side who were the more dominant in the early stages forcing Daya back on a number of occasions.

Then on 8 minutes Daya won a free kick just outside the Domingo Penalty area, but trying to be too clever with the free kick the visitors gave the ball straight back. From this Domingo launched an attack that saw them almost score. At this stage it was Danni in the Daya goal who was by far the busier keeper. The visitors had a good effort from Manuel on 18 minutes that was very well saved by the Domingo keeper. Moments later Manuel was through on goal again but could not control the ball and the chance was gone.

Then it was the turn of Marcos who was also through on the home side goal but

with just the keeper to beat shot tamely wide. At least Daya were now playing good football and in the process warming us all up ! On 28 minutes the visitors won another free kick again just outside the Domingo penalty area, this time there was no messing about and David hit a great strike that had the keeper well beaten but it cannoned off the bar and over.

It did seem that the visitors would score soon but back came the home side with two good attacks of their own. So the first half ended scoreless and to be honest neither side deserved to be in front. The second half began much the same as the first half ended. Then on 48 minutes Daya went a goal down when poor defending saw the home side punish them for this mistake.

Marcos went close to equalising minutes later but his shot flew just wide. Another error in the Daya defence on 52 minutes saw them almost go 2 goals behind. Coach Paco pushed Jesus forward from defence in an effort to give

Daya more punch up front.

This had the desired effect as the visitors now looked more threatening.

Domingo should have put the game to bed on 60 minutes but following good build up play their finishing was poor. Daya were now just hanging on and in danger of conceding every time the home side attacked. Then on 64 minutes Daya came alive when Jesus caused the goalkeeper to misjudge the flight of the ball, this allowed Carlos to head home the equaliser. Could the visitors now find another goal and win the game ?

The answer was no and 1 - 1 was the final score. This was probably the worst that Daya have played and they were very very lucky to come away with a point. Man of the Match was Danni, he saved Daya from what could have been an embarrassing scoreline, mind you he was helped in part by some woeful finishing by the home side.

Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab

Saturday afternoon and the scene was set for a match that has always never failed to bring excitement, and this encounter was no different.

Early Bigastro pressure paid off when only 10 min’s gone their No9 slotted home after good footwork took him past 3 Monte defenders. 1-0.

Roberto in the Monte goal made a good save soon after. It wasn’t until the 20th minute that Monte got their breakthrough, with a cross

by Vaz, met by Rodrigo, who netted with ease. 1-1.

With possession now 50-50 both sides missed chances especially Vaz with a one on one with keeper. On 35 min’s Monte took the lead from a corner by Marcos which was met by a thunderbolt header from Dimitry 1-2. Bigastro started the 2nd half like they did the 1st but could not find the killer pass, Roberto got lucky when he fumbled a shot and VAZ couldn’t take his chance when he again had a one on one with keeper on 55 min’s. Roberto pulled off a fantastic double save to protect Montes lead. The pacy OMAR replaced Rodrigo, who immediately made an impact when he threaded a perfect ball for EDU to run on and score 1-3 after 65 min’s. The ref’ who made some strange decisions, sent off RUBIO shortly after Bigastro made it 2-3 after sloppy defending. Monte put 10 men behind the ball and saw the game out for a hard gritty win. LUKE BURTON named RUBIO as Monte man of match. Next week Monte are at home to Playas de Orihuela kickoff 4pm For more details check website www.cdmontesinos.com or email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com VAMOS MONTE

sport

SPORTING HEROES

A singer who has appeared on the same bill as Johnny Mathis and The Eagles and has performed at the famous Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas will be appearing at the Club House, Camposol Club de Golf on Tuesday 11th March at 7.30 pm.

Former World Welterweight Boxing Champion John H Stracey is taking part in a Sporting Legends Evening with ex-Watford, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Queens Park Rangers and England international, Tony Currie.

They will be inviting the audience to put questions to them on their respective careers. Steve Tucker of Costa Calida Radio will be Master of Ceremonies for the evening and DVD highlights will also be shown of John and Tony in action during their careers. It is another special event organised by Los Amigos de Mazarron FC in support of Mazarron Football Club and takes place the evening before their sell-out 5th Annual Gala Evening & Dinner at the Hotel la Cumbre.

John H Stracey stunned the boxing world in December 1975 when he travelled to Mexico City and defeated the legendary Mexican World Champion Jose Napoles in his own back yard. Stracey became the first British Boxer to be inducted to the WBC Hall of Fame in October 2005.

During the Sporting Legends Evening, John H Stracey has promised to give the audience a taste of his excellent singing prowess with a few numbers from his repertoire which includes songs by such as Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond and Michael Bolton .He has also enjoyed T.V. and film work and has appeared in such shows as “Minder” “Brushstrokes”, and “Eastenders” as well as in the film “Hamlet” with Mel Gibson.

John played a major part in the success of the film “The Krays”, acting as Boxing Trainer to Gary and Martin Kemp for a full six months, before going on to choreograph the boxing scenes, which were acclaimed by the critics as the most authentic fight scenes ever used in a British film.

Joe Royle, who is the guest speaker at the Dinner, will be in the audience at the Sporting Legends evening along with Sheffield Wednesday Commercial Director, Andy Daykin.

Admission to this very special event is by ticket only. Tickets are 10€ (8€ for Los Amigos members) and can be obtained by ringing Barbara on 627 012 646, Dave on 634 369 639, Gerard on 624 320 567, email losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail.co.uk or call at the Club House, Camposol Club de Golf.

ITV ORIHUELA RFC RUN IN TRY FEST At the weekend ITV Orihuela RFC B ran riot with a try fest against Yecla a newly formed rugby club.

The result makes it look very one sided and in many ways it was, but they made life difficult at the scrums for the home team and never gave up and showed great passion for the sport and played in the true spirit of it as well.

ITV Orihuela RFC got off the mark very quickly with Primi driving over for the first try of the game, followed quickly by another one from Jaime ripping through the defence and using his speed and converted

by Sergio, all in the space of 5 minutes. With both teams then battling it out to get the upper hand and Yecla giving as good as they got it was not until half way through the half that Orihuela RFC unlocked the defence again

with Jaime getting his second of the game.

This was followed by Segio racing away after some quick hands by the backs to get the bonus point and shortly after David capitalising on a lose ball to score another. Yecla never gave up and got a consolation try on the stroke of half time, Orihuela RFC going in 27-5 up at half time. The second half started very much of the same as the first with the off loads going to hand and some great support work and Fernando scoring the try followed by Joseri getting another shortly after. After Alexi getting two penalties Yecla got another well deserved try for all of their efforts. ITV Orihuela RFC followed this up to put the gloss on the score line with Alexi, Victor, Richi and Juan getting further tries and another conversion by

Alexi making it eleven tries in total and a 65-10 win.

Well done Yecla for making a great game of it and playing it in the true spirit of the sport, looking forward to the return match in May. Training is at the Miguel Hernandez University ground at 20.15 on Tuesday and Thursday for the seniors and juveniles. The juniors start at 18.15.

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

If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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sport

Lo Marabu Golf Society Lo Marabu Golf Society (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Las Colinas on 30th January 2014.

For this month’s meeting a group of 30 players visited the established course at Las Colinas taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

Without doubt the winner on the day was the course and the weather conditions because although bathed in sunshine we had 30 m.p.h westerly winds cutting across the course with tight pin positions and lightening fast greens.

Standing on the first tee 30

points looked like a good score and this proved to be correct and the winning scores were as follows: 1st – Winston Blackwood – 29 points 2nd – Steve Davey – 29 points 3rd – Mike Probert – 28 points 4th – Dave Bensley – 28 points Best Front 9 – Malcolm Jones – 14 points Best Back 9 – Dave Marriott -16 points Nearest the Pins – Winston Blackwood (2), Mike Probert & Dave Marriott Dog of a Day Trophy – Ron Kerry

After the game we returned to the Lo Marabu, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation.

Our next fixture is the social day at Las Ramblas on Monday 10th February 2014 followed by the monthly meeting at La Manga on 27th February 2014.

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

Mazarron FC 2 – 2 EMF Fuente Alamo Before the game a cheque for 500€ was presented to Mazarron Football Club by members of Los Amigos de Mazarron FC Supporters Club, showing that they are still in the business of supporting the football club.

Unfor tunately this was probably the highlight of the afternoon, and the chances of completing a double over local rivals Fuente Alamo, almost disappeared in the opening 5 minutes. A long ball into the Fuente penalty area was completely missed by Tolo and the ball was cleared to the other end of the field. Ruben, who was again surprisingly preferred to Noguera in the Mazarron goal, allowed a harmless shot from Carlos to trickle over the line to give Fuente the lead.

Mazarron struggled to find any rhythm but, even so, created and missed a number of chances before they equalized after 30 minutes.

A free kick was headed against the post by Jose Ruben but the rebound was turned home by Dani to level the scores. Tolo and Ruben missed further chances for Mazarron and Fuente Alamo had a blatant miss from a seemingly offside position just before the interval.

Mazarron took the lead virtually straight from the kick off at the start of the second half when Tolo took on four

ROCKETS’S GOLF SOCIETY ALICANTE GOLF – 28th JANUARY 2014 The sun was shining when 20 players made the trip to San Juan Playa where Alicante Golf is located and all was ready for an enjoyable round on the Seve designed course, that was until we got out of our warm cars and found that the wind was blowing strong and cold. Following the Spanish breakfast kindly provided by Alicante Golf it was out to face the elements.

Being hardy fellows we battled on and played a 2 Ball Better Ball Hidden Partners. The scoring was effected by the wind, not the self generated kind, you understand!.

It was back to Izzy’s Bar for our favourite munchies, and Roxy’s Izzy Chips, all followed by “Rocket” Ron to carry out the drawing

of the cards and presenting the prizes, the prize giving was delayed due to feast of the Izzy chips and golf.

RESULTS 1st Ron Swift/ mike Hithersay 55 Points 2nd Arthur Williams/les Yates 52 Points 3rdken Hopkins/malcolm Anderson 50 Points C/b 4th Ron Nicholson/geoff Cogswell 50 Points Nearest Pins Geoff Cogswell - Mick Hithersay - Malcolm Anderson – Les Yates – Noel Dempsey Longest Drive: Ron Swift Many thanks as always to Tony, Jackie and Roxy.

Next match will be at Vist-

SMGS visit BONALBA

Some of this week’s happy winners. defenders and hit a hard, low shot into the bottom corner of the net. With the game then seemingly at their mercy Mazarron failed to take advantage and tended to sit back in defence allowing Fuente to attack.

Although Mazarron still managed to create and squander further chances, Fuente equalised just before the final whistle. A lengthy spell of sustained pressure ended in a goalmouth scramble which saw Carlos’ s shot deflected in off the post for his second goal of the game.

With only two points gained from 4 games in 2014, it is a mystery why a team with such a strong squad on paper is failing to make a challenge for promotion.

Team: Ruben, Ishamel, Juan Andreo, Alcaraz (Adrian), Dani, Tico, Moha (Randry), Enrique, Cecilio (Chema), Jose Ruben, Tolo.

Man of the Match: Tolo

Torrevieja swimmers Two days of intense swimming in the municipal pool Petrer this weekend proved favourable for many of Club Natacion Torrevieja’s swimmers. The third regional control for the Infantil and older swimmers saw some of the younger members join the team in preparation for this coming weekends “Winter Alevin Regional Championships” in Xirivella, Valencia.

On Saturday 14 members

of the squad raced against 14 other clubs clubs and a total of 306 swimmers. Some of the best results of the day came from Elian Rio de Castillo, Samira Lucumbi, Zoe Connolly, Skye Burns and Paula Garcia. All swimmers significantly reduced previous personal best times with Elian and Zoe earning new regional qualifying times in the 400m and 800m Freestyle events.

Other swimmers Victoria Pigneur, Alexandra Amat, Taya Gubrenyuk, Piroska Rideg, Edurne Moreno, sisters Louise and Ruth Brassington and Yuriy Lymar all had good swims in their 2 events reducing previous best times or setting a

37

new target for themselves in new races.

Back to the pool in Petrer on Sunday, Vicki and Zoe Connolly attacked the 400m medley, 50m Breaststroke and 200m Freestyle events.

Zoe’s goal, swimming in the 400m medley and 200m Freestyle events, was to earn regional qualifying times for the “Valencian Infantil Winter Regional Championships” in Castellon in 2 weeks time. Zoe

It was good to see over 30 members and guests undergo the trip up the AP7, through the tunnel the other side of Alicante, then turn inland to the popular golf and spa venue at Bonalba.

It’s a course that’s been a regular on our schedule over the years but more recently the visits have not been as often, due simply to not being able to muster the support.

The ever increasing cost of fuel has certainly been one of the factors.However, after our dull but dry day, on our return to the Villamartin area it was clearly quite evident that it had been a wise decision to travel so far.

Travelling south down the motorway the thick black rain-clouds were hanging heavily over our usual golfing worked hard and achieved both her target times and territory. regional qualifying times in both The roads near home were events knocking a massive more like shallow rivers as 23 seconds off her 400m the flooded drains couldn’t medley time. Vicki matched previous personal bests in the cope. At least it made our 50m breastroke and 200m day out very worthwhile as Freestyle events in preparation I’m sure a golf game or two for the National Spanish Winter on our home courses must Masters Championships in have been abandoned.

Palma, Majorca in 3 weeks In his presentation spiel time.

Capt Steve Davis, in his For more information efforts to not offend our regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa hosts, described the course’s – 665454126, President condition as “interesting”…..

Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki I think I’ll take a leaf from his 669637015 or by e-mail on book and go along with that. info@clubnataciontorrevieja.

The greens were pretty good com

abella first tee 09:30 so be at the course by 08.15am.

The next League Game will take place at La Finca Golf on Friday 7th February, For more information or if you wish to play with the arguably the friendliest Golf Society contact Ron Nicholson on 678849142 or email sanmigron@ gmail.com Photo: The winners, Ken Hopkins – Malcolm Anderson- Arthur Williams –Ron Swift – Les Yates

and slick but the rest was…….yes, interesting just about sums it up!

NTP winners were Bella Phillips (Hole 4), Steve Fleet (Hole 8), Phil de Lacy (Hole 11) and Shay Cunningham (Hole 14).

Well done to Shay in also securing his place in the next round of the singles match-play by defeating Glen Rapley 3 & 2.

We haven’t seen him for a few years but it was “welcome back” to long-standing member, Alan Williams, who is over here from his native Liverpool on a long holiday.

Playing as a guest today he won the visitor’s bottle of wine, then promptly re-joined the society.

Keith Stevenson (30), Bella Phillips (31) and Norman McBride (37) were the top three in ascending order in the bronze division.

The silver divisions corresponding three were Phil de Lacy (31), Ken Potts (35) and Alan Gilbert (36).

Gold division sees some usual names in the top spots as three more consistent players all scored well – Tony Smale (34), John Osborne (35) and, yes – you’ve guessed it! – Stevie Fleet with top score of the day, 38.

Good luck to Steve and his match-play team who’ll be looking to hang on to top spot in the Quesada Match-play League game which takes place at Bonalba on 3rd Feb. when we’re up against “Claptons G.S.”….wonder if Eric’s playing?

Get logged into www.smgs. org for all society info or give a buzz to Phil de Lacy on 966 774 197 and he’ll tell you all you need to know.

38

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Eurogolf

La Marquesa Press Report 67 players took part in our Texas Scramble team game on Thursday 30 January at our home course of La Marquesa. The wind got up again today and although we did have some sunshine, it was still quite a cool day. The wind caused some problems for players due to the fact that it kept changing direction and gusting.

The team with a ghost player once again won the day.

Some teams got a bit confused between the start time and the handicap to be deducted on the card and mistakenly deducted their start time instead of the handicap from their end score. We are all getting older aren’t we Robin. Also, we must remind players it is not always beneficial to make

decision on which ball is to be played. Allow time for the Team Captain to overview the overall position, before picking balls up, as it is not always the nearest ball that requires to be played. A few teams fell fowl of this and were disqualified.

The results were as follows: 1st The Team of: Keith Wright, Franco Gentili, Jenny Cheetham & Ghost.

63.3 nett 2nd The Team of: Paul Manning, Bruce Gordon, Marilyn Eckersall & Connie Parker 63.4 nett 3rd The Team of: David Nicholls, Dave King, Joe Ogden & John Langford 64.4 nett Nearest the Pins 5th Dave Nicholls

Quesada Golf Society

11th Gloria Manning 15th Tony Hitt 17th Marilyn Eckersall Football Winners: David Gregson, John Fairhurst, Morag Turner & Bob Buckeridge W TOFF’s Results Tuesday 28 January 2014 Overall Winner –Beverley Fairhurst Gold Division 1st David Blanchette 32 points 2nd Vince Tocker 32 points 3rd Tony Stanley 31 points Silver 1st Colin Hobden 36 points 2nd Gill Britten 34 points 3rd Debbie Weedon 34 points Bronze 1st Beverley Fairhurst 37 points 2nd Marilyn Eckersall 36 points 3rd Frances Buckeridge 34 points Nearest the Pins 5th Brian Fenwick 15th John Barraclough 11th Marilyn Eckersall 17th Frances Buckeridge Best Front Nine – Keith Wright 18 Back Nine – Gina Ashworth 19

Rojales Netball Club

Rojales Netball Club made their way up to Valencia for a couple of hours of netball last Saturday but the journey was well worth it as they came away jubilant winners after beating both the home team of Valencia and, the other travelling team of Murcia, empathically.

Rojales played both Clubs twice and only conceded a handful of goals all afternoon, and with their shooters in fine form the final score lines made for healthy reading.

Rojales’ next challenge is to conquer the mighty Madrid who they will take on at La Manga Sports Club in April.

If you would like to be part of Rojales Netball Club then come along on a Tuesday 7pm-8.30pm at the Norwegian School in Quesada, or for further details contact Tracey on 679539995.

Last Wednesday, the Society played their second game in 2014 at Alenda. The course was in decent condition and for the cost represents good value for money. The weather was kind with dark clouds starting to appear in the middle of the afternoon but fortunately everybody managed to finish their round before the heavens opened and there was a heavy downpour. The format of the game was a drawn Pairs “Better-ball” competition with 11 pairs doing battle on the day.

The winners on the day were:- 1st with 41 points Rod “Butch Cassidy” Day & Bill

“The Sundance Kid”Acton, 2nd with 40 points Norman Lewis & Terry Smith, 3rd with 38 points on C/B Victor Dew & Brian Airey. The Pair who played the most shots were John King & Ted Hooker with the latter delighted to take home the “Roy” to put on display on his mantelpiece for a couple of weeks. The Nearest the Pin winners were Brian Smith, Roy Westlake, Les Lindores and Bill Acton. The “Charity” scratch-card winner was “diddy” Dave Winchcombe.

The presentations were made at the Societies base, the Quesada Country Club after the game. A tasty hot &

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cold buffet was provided by mine hosts Dave and Anita for which the Society is as always extremely grateful.

There is a members meeting at the Quesada Country Club on Tuesday 4 February starting at 10.30 with all members being encouraged to attend. The next game is at Bonalba on Wednesday 11 February. Anyone in the Quesada area looking to join a very friendly golf society and play golf once a fortnight at a wide variety of courses at very reasonable cost, should contact the membership secretary Les Pancott on 966716723.

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