COSTA calida
ISSUE 358
extra xmas edition
SolTimes est. SINCE 2005
your free weekly newspaper
www.soltimes.com
LWB Sprinter van Going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport
Tel: 610 846 260 0044 7519 186 355 or email:
van.man@hotmail.co.uk
unisex salon qualified staff
have your
back
s
ma x e tiv a n 24 r Alte nner pG di
feel
great
Wishing all our clients a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Unit 1, theworkplace Business Centre, Urb. Camposol B, Mazarron
winter Page 17 pG 4
Please ring the Bolnuevo salon to book directly, Thank You...
Queen + Adam Lambert Tour
LORDS REMOVALS EUROPEAN
OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE SINGLE ITEMS TO FULL LOADS FULL AND PART PACKING SERVICE AVAILABLE STORAGE FACILITIES AVAILABLE WE ALSO TRANSPORT PETS let us take the stress OUT OF YOUR MOVE
THE PRICE WE QUOTE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY SPAIN(0034)608 061 872
lordsremovals@hotmail.com www.lordsremovals.com
5m x 3m Pergola/Carport Standard Kit = €385.00 Wishing all our existing and new customers a Very Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year
UK
UK (0044)7709 557109
tel: 968 974 989 opening times: 9am - 5pm
17€ offer for with this voucher december Tel: 666 144 287
carol
this
For all your hair, beauty & health treatment
Nails & special Speedy Mini Facial
hair by
TOP GEAR LIVE How Now Mrs Brown Cow Tour To Book Tickets for These Events Plus Other Offers
Log on to www.soltimes.com
The English Funeral Director Over 25 years’ Professional Service
Funerals - Funeral Plans - Funeral Insurance
For more information, call Tony Smith on 650
631 719 (24 hours)
www.EnglishFuneralDirector.com
Picture as an Example Only, but most sizes, designs & styles possible. OrdersnowbeingtakenfordeliverybeforeChristmas
Wood 2 go can do any size pergola/carport kits, please contact us for full details and price. Ourkitsareinclusiveofshaping,treatment,boltsetc
Dry Animal Bedding Sawdust & Shavings etc
OFFICE TEL - 950 614 050 OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.30AM - 2PM THEN 3PM - 6PM SATURDAY & OUT OF HOURS CONTACT PAUL’S MOBILE WEB SITE www.wood2go.eu - email: sales@wood2go.eu
2
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
News
Unfazed by Pirate Bay Shutdown Torrenters The recent shuttering of The Pirate Bay the number of IP addresses logged
(TPB), which followed a police raid on a Stockholm, Sweden-based datacenter belonging to the popular torrent site, has had almost no effect on peer-topeer file sharing, the latest data from German anti-piracy firm Excipio has revealed. Although there was a slight blip in torrenting activity in the two days immediately following the shutdown, it did not take too long for things to get back to normal. According to a Variety report, the latest p2p file sharing data from the German company, which tracks torrent downloads on behalf of its clients, shows that TPB’s unavailability “appears to have put hardly a dent in global piracy activity” so far. This is because
by the company for being involved in illegal torrenting of copyrighted content on December 9 — the day the Swedish police raided TPB — was around 99 million but fell rather sharply thereafter, averaging just around 95.3 million IP addresses over the next two days. However, things got back to normal on December 12, when the number of IP addresses involved in such activity shot up to 100.2 million. These numbers not only speak to how little people care about TPB, but also highlight the Sisyphean nature of the flim and music industries’ war on piracy. Source: maximumpc.com
Solar electric systems Solar hot water systems Buy direct - no middle men no sales people - no subcontractors Quality European products Guarantees backed by 10 years of training in Spain Complete solar systems from only 1500€ including installation 10% price beater promise we will beat any other like for like price
bring back Google News
Just a few days after Google announced that it would discontinue Google News in Spain, the Association of Editors of Spanish Dailies (AEDE), a group that represents the country’s news industry, has said that it wants the Spanish government and EU competition authorities to stop the search giant from doing so. The AEDE’s move is ironic given the fact that it is the main media lobby behind the new Intellectual Property Law. However, it seems that the association has realised the damage that the closure of Google News would wreak on the Spanish newspaper industry. It was “not just the closure of another service given its dominant market position,” said AEDE in a statement, adding that Google’s decision “will undoubtedly have a negative impact on citizens and Spanish businesses.” The association is now demanding the intervention of Spanish as well as EU competition authorities, to effectively “protect the rights of citizens and companies.” When asked to comment on the matter, a spokeswoman for AEDE said that the association has always been open to negotiations with Google, but the California-based company “has not taken a neutral stance.” Acknowledging that Google is free to close its business, she said, “but one thing is the closure of Google News
and quite another the positioning in the general index.” Google’s decision to close its Google News offering in Spain came in the wake of the new copyright law that allows publishers in the country to charge online news aggregation services for showing even the smallest snippet from their publications -failure in doing so could attract fines up to €600,000 ($750,000). Justifying the move, Google had stated that since the computer-generated news site itself makes no money and is adfree, the suggested approach would not be sustainable. Earlier, Germany had passed a similar law, following which Google removed news publishers from its service, which in turn resulted in a significant drop in traffic to local news websites, forcing publishers to reach an agreement with the company. Source: techspot.com
Aladdin, A Traditional Pantomime For Christmas. De Asociacion La Whenever Angloparlantes De San Pedro Del Pinatar, known locally as A.D.A.P.T., put on their annual Christmas Pantomime, audiences can settle down in their seats, knowing that for the next 90 minutes or so, they will be richly entertained. This years production of Aladdin, as in shows of previous years, spoken in both Spanish and English, fully met their expectations, along with a number of unexpected cameo performances! Taking the role of Aladdin was Jane Cronin, with Eric Berg dressing up in his finery, as Aladdin’s mother, Widow Twankey. The evil Zafar, menacing played by Bob Hill, bought many a hiss and boo from children and parents alike, on this Friday evening performance. Princess Jasmine was played by Jim Brannigan, with the part of Genie of the Lamp, played by Jim’s wife,
Yvonne - well it is pantomime! The very talented members of Ballet Kbanna, took to the stage a number of times, with both entertaining and professional song and dance routines, with of course, audience participation at the finale. It could only be the A.D.A.P.T. Pantomime, that would have a member of the Police Local, a Municipal Grua Truck and the Mayor of San Pedro Del Pinatar, walking the boards (Almost) of the Salo’n de Actors, Casa de Cultura. As in previous years, the pantomime is a sell out, with money raised going to El Samaritano Association. There is a rumour that this most entertaining show, may be going on tour. Sol Times readers may yet get the chance to meet Aladdin and his magic lamp, but watch out for that mischievous monkey.
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
3
News Glitch on Amazon Let People Buy Anything For 1p
Small businesses in the UK have formed a support group to cope with the Amazon 1p price glitch that has plunged hundreds of businesses trading through Amazon into chaos. City A.M reports that some fear they may go bankrupt after a technical fault on Amazon MarketPlace caused products to be incorrectly listed for a single penny. The error happened on December 12 between 7 p.m and 8 p.m and affected hundreds of items. It was caused by a problem with Northern Ireland-based RepricerExpress, an online tool for automated pricing. The blunder could cost individual retailers thousands of pounds, warns The Register. Many took to social media to tell customers that their livelihoods were at stake — as some consumers celebrated their bargain purchases. It
is thought that smaller, family-run businesses are most at risk. Businesses probably won’t fulfill o r d e r s bought for 1p, but some of those orders were processed on Amazon making them a pain to undo — and causing customer ill-will. A furniture seller called Mehboob Rasool told City A.M that smaller businesses who sell on Amazon have clubbed together to hire a lawyer to represent them. He explained he had been charged nearly £5,000 in fees from Amazon, after products worth thousands were bought with the massive reduction. Seller Judith Blackford, owner of kids’ dress up company Kiddymania, said she lost £20,000 overnight and is calling for support. She tweeted: “#supportkiddymania through the amaZon 1p crisis...... please”. RepricerExpress has apologised and responded to the situation on its website. It says it worked with Amazon to
SMILE CHARITY GROUP presents ‘PANTO FROLICS’
Following the resounding success of the ‘SMILE CHARITY GROUP’s’ pantomime ‘Pantoloons’ last Christmas, the dates for this years production, ‘PANTO FROLICS’, another hilarious and ‘slightly adult’ comedy, written by John Wallace, have all now been confirmed : Tuesday December 16th – Casa Ventura, La Siesta Thursday December 18th – ‘Restaurante El Alto La Dolores’, Guardamar Tuesday January 6th – Marjal Campsite,
rectify the glitch. A statement from CEO Brendan Doherty reads: “We understand that you are angry and upset and we will endeavour to work to make good on this issue and to work to restore your confidence in our product and service.” Amazon said it cancelled most of the orders placed when the 1p pricing was in effect. However, the e-commerce giant is looking into a “small number of orders” that were successfully put through at the time. The company tells Business Insider: bolnuevocars@msn.com “We are aware that a number of Marketplace sellers listed Unable to get to the office collection can be arranged incorrect prices for a short Available 7 days a week period of time as a result of Discounted Long rentals the third party software they use to price their items on Good selection of Ford cars petrol/diesel Amazon.co.uk. We responded Airport transfers can be arranged quickly and were able to cancel No fuel payment up front the vast majority of orders Office: 968 150 979 - Paul: 616 018 742 placed on these affected Jan: 696 373 935 - Graeme: 629 558 808 items immediately and no Rebecca: 600 007 283 costs or fees will be incurred office in Bolnuevo (near Farmacia) by sellers for these cancelled next to Cafe Colonia orders. We are now reviewing the small Do you own property in Spain? number of orders that For the presentation of your Modelo 210 tax form were processed and will be reaching out We make it simple to pay all your Spanish Property Taxes Online to any affected sellers only directly.” www.taxesonline.es Source: http:// The non-resident Income Tax Website Based in Spain since 1993 uk.businessinsider. We cannot recommend com/ Taxesonline highly enough Indeed
ENTER
€49
our experience echoes that in many of the testimonials we read.
We had brilliant service, and when we received the completed forms for our four missing years, and saw the complexity involved, we felt even more grateful. Alan S.
ben.simkins@taxesonline.es
Cathy’s curiosity corner The place to buy, sell & display your household furniture
OPENING TIMES:
Guardamar Wednesday January 7th – Marjal Campsite, Catral Friday January 9th – ‘Restaurante El Alto La Dolores’, Guardamar Tickets are 10€, for both the show & a 2 course meal, are on sale at the venues and The Post Room Benijófar, or by calling 966 712 382.
Mon - Fri 10am-4pm Sat Closed
Beneficiaries from these performances will be The Benijófar Crisis Appeal, Elche Children’s Home, The Alzheimers Association & Torreveija Stroke Support - four extremely worthy causes.
from Quesada turn right after Citroen Garage
Book early to avoid disappointment.
We have a drop off point for items to help Elche Children’s Home
Benijofar C/Rambla 5
Tel: 622 899 906
Email: tcscuriositycorner@hotmail.es Facebook: cathy’s curiosity corner
4
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES december 2014
2014
By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ Class Info 635584 431
week 12 Strictly Week 12 Semi Final So we have already reached this years semi final. The pressure being increased as the celebrities were now having to perform 2 new dances that they hadn’t previously done. I felt this was a show in two halves. Disappointing first dances from all the couples, I felt that all the couples were suffering tightness and errors due to pressure of the moment which improved in most cases with their second dances. Opening the show were Jake Wood and Janette with a Cha Cha Cha. They performed to the disco tune Boogie Shoes and that was what it was - disco. Despite the fact that Jake always puts in an acting performance, I found this wanting and definitely not Cha Cha Cha. The bits of basic that were present were stompy, feet picked up from the floor and with his weight way too far back on his heels to give the necessary strong foot and leg action needed. I gave him 7 and the judges 30. Next were Frankie Bridge and Kevin with a Rumba to Somewhere Only We Know. The story was told extremely well and was intense but for me Frankie’s feet and ankles really offend me. They are constantly turned in and sickled which again results in insufficient pressure into the floor to give the strength needed to really perform a Rumba. I awarded her
8 and the judges 34. Mark Wright and Karen were next dancing a Viennese Waltz to I Got You Babe. Mark has come the furthest in this competition and I feel deserves his place in the show. His frame is strong and he gave a beautiful interpretation of the dance. He gave a good downbeat on 1 but just needed a bit more drive to really get this moving to a higher standard. I awarded him 8 and the judges 33. Simon Webbe and Kristina then danced a Samba to Move It Move It. This was a high energy, for me frenetic performance lacking in finesse and finish that the Samba needs. He also made quite a big error in the middle of the choreography which marred the overall performance. I awarded him 7 and the judges 30. Closing the first dance was Caroline Flack and Pasha with a Foxtrot to Shine Bright Like A Diamond. This was a shocking piece of music with no real beat to follow. A professional dancer would have had enough to contend with never mind an amateur. Unfortunately this was somewhat of a train crash for Caroline as she went from error to error and her bottom was stuck out for nearly the whole dance. Very disappointing I gave her 8 and the judges an extremely generous 35! With all the couples then to perform their second dances Jake Wood and
Janette danced a Viennese Waltz to When A Man Becomes A Woman. Jakes frame is awful, he is so stiff and he drops his head back and looks so awkward. His Viennese Waltz was stilted and flat footed throughout and although he danced the fleckerl, it was extremely slow. Jake is definitely not a ballroom boy and for me should lose his place in the competition. I gave him just 6 and the judges 31. Next were Frankie Bridge and Kevin with an Argentine Tango to Beethoven’s Fifth. Frankie certainly had the attitude for this dance, the intensity but the music was more akin to a Paso Doble and lost the characterisation as a result. Again her feet and ankles upset me and as the accent is on the kicks, flicks and lines it was apparent throughout the dance. Nevertheless, I awarded her 9 and the judges 38. The Rumba was the next dance for Mark Wright and Karen to Fields of Gold. Karen was extremely clever with the choreography here, she did a contemporary dance with bare feet for them both covering up many of Mark’s weaknesses. He pulled it off very well but got a bit of a battering from Len because it wasn’t traditional Rumba. I loved it and gave him a 9 and the judges 33. Simon Webbe and Kristina then performed a Foxtrot to My Guy. For me the music was way too fast and as Simon is very flat footed, I found
it very plonky and lacking in swing and sway. That said the characterisation was good. I gave him 8 and the judges 38. Closing the semi final were Caroline Flack and Pasha with a Salsa to Un Dos Tres. Some super armography here with great Salsa ripples and tricks. It was very fast and although the judges loved it, I found that about two thirds of the way through there were some basic moves which went very stiff. I gave her 9 and the judges the first perfect score of the series 40. This left Caroline in top place with the judges and Jake at the bottom after the two dances. On the other hand I had Caroline, Frankie and Mark all tying for top slot with Jake at the bottom. The public had Jake and Mark in the bottom two and after the dance off Mark survives to the final after a split judges decision relying for a second week on Len’s casting vote, for a chance to get their hand on that glitter ball trophy. We don’t have long to wait now but with the favourite Pixie out last week, I still can’t say who will win. It all depends who will be able to pull out all the stops next week. In the meantime, come and join us for our last week of classes before the Christmas break and in the meantime Keep Dancing!
Iberian Funeral Plans Registered in Portugal, Spain and the UK
Planning for the inevitable Death does not respect age or gender BUT Iberian Funeral Plans can help to ensure peace of mind for you and for those you leave behind. An Iberian Funeral Plan does not attract IVA And you will pay today's prices, regardless of how far in the future the funeral takes place
Call today :(+34) 952 49 17 88 or 952 59 56 91 info@iberianfuneralplans.com www.iberianfuneralplans.com
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Barnes Bulletin There’s Lovely! No soon had Coro Pilar packed away the Christmas Carol sheets, on Sunday evening, than on Monday, Mayor Jose’ Fidel Ros, reached across his desk in the parlour, and threw the switch, to light up the glittering Christmas Tree, proudly erected within the square, close to Pilar Ayuntamiento. The children were delighted when
Christmas sweets were handed out, and the evening took on a magical feel, when snow began to fall across the square, as high tech., snow generators were activated. Christmas lights are now twinkling in Campoverde, Mil Palmeras and Torre De La Horadada. The count down has truly started!
News
T.A.A.B.S (Torrevieja Association of Amateur T.A.A.B.S Christmas show Balladeer Singers) Christmas show entertained a packed audience at the Restaurant Asturias, The show was opened with songs by students and teachers from the El Limonar International School Villamartin and followed by TAABS the first half was closed by their very own ‘Elvis’. were involved with making a During the interval there was a successful show. Donations from collection for Reach Out, and there TAABS will be given to Reach Out was the entrance ticket number and The Pink Ladies. drawn which gave the winner a Sunday lunch for 2 donated by Captains Table. The second half contained carols and at the our favourite Christmas songs sung by TAABS country club and was concluded with a grand raffle which contained prizes kindly donated by Modern & Traditional Gents Hairdressing Breakaways, Euronics, Call Darren The Barber Pint Depot, Timeless Tel: 616 592 887 fashions, Platinum hair Opening Times: & Beauty, Members of Mon-Fri 10am- 5pm TAABS, Jennifer from OUT OF HOURS BY REQUEST Reach Out also Kathy. Drive through Quesada Arches up main street, take left fork at Parque TAABS would like Acuatico sign. Continue to Consum sign and turn right onto Avenida to thank Restaurant Costa Azul, continue uphill and take right turn onto Calle Toledo. Asturias and all that Country Club / Barber is 200mtrs on right - Look for Childrens Play Area.
quesada Cuts from
The IV Feria de Asociaciones, Pilar De La Horadada. Sunday December 14th., was the turn of Associations Fair, to take over Pilar De La Horadada’s Grand Marquee. On show were many associations from the town, and neighbouring villages. Judo clubs, pensioners associations, Morris Dance groups, Caged Bird Society, walking clubs, along with representatives from the Venerable Cofradia, were all in attendance. Locally baked cakes were on offer, along with some fine wines, ideal on a blustery Sunday morning, under canvas!
From the village of Campoverde, committee members of the Neighbourhood Watch were on hand, to advise on home security, and to offer good advice on being more security conscious, when departing and arriving at airports. The team from Campoverde Neighbourhood Watch (Pictured) tell me their town has one of the lowest crime rates, in the South Alicante region, which is no doubt down to the association’s good work, and it’s close cooperation and relationship with the local police. Mind how you go!
The December meeting of the Asociacio’n De Angloparlantes De San Pedro Del Pinatar, better known throughout Spain as A.D.A.P.T., was a little different this time. As well as being time for the A.G.M., it was the occasion this year, to say farewell to President Jane Cronin, and to introduce new President Elect, John Frame to members. Jane is, to this day, still fondly remembered as the founder of Crossroads, which met most Friday afternoons in Mil Palmeras. It was in February 2008, that the ideal of an association meeting more of the needs of the now established expatriate, should be considered, and in April 2008, A.D.A.P.T. was officially inaugurated, in, at the time, Jane’s home town of San Pedro. After 6 and half years, Jane has decided it was time to take a pace back, and bring into the limelight a
new president, John Frame. John is now looking forward, with the help of members, to build on the success of retiring president Jane. My picture shows Jane Cronin receiving flowers and Christmas gifts, from members, with President John Frame alongside. And of course, no Christmas meeting would be complete, without the A.D.A.P.T. choir, leading members through a selection of favourite carols, and this December was no exception.
Ringing the changes
5
5€
6
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
ort
“QROPS”
(Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pension Scheme) have been available to ex-pats since April 2006. There is no mystery to them, they are basically the same as your UK pension but offer better benefits than the UK.
Benefits:
I. Return of fund to spouse on the death of the member , then left to your depends on spouses death. ( not so in the uk ) II. No Inheritance tax. (not so in the uk) III. Possibility of no income tax. (not so in the uk ) IV. Freedom of investment choice. (not so in the uk ) V. Income paid in a currency of your choice,plus many more benefits. (not so in the UK)
The process is very simple and takes approximately three months to complete. In the UK you may not take any benefits before you are 55 years of age. If you are 50 or above and have been outside the UK for 5 complete tax years you may withdraw 25/30% and then an income at 55. If you are pension rich but cash poor, this could be a way of solving temporary financial difficulties To find out if you qualify to release money now call
951 206 138
or email admin@kennedyfinancialservices.com or visit www.kennedyfinancialservices.com & complete the free assessment form.
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Church accused of blotting out Islamic past A regional government in southern Spain has filed a complaint with Roman Catholic Church authorities over what it believes are church moves in recent years to blot out the Islamic past of Cordoba’s ancient mosque-cathedral, one of the country’s leading tourist attractions. The Andalusia region’s tourism department said Monday the practice by church authorities who own the complex of calling it simply “The Cordoba Cathedral” on its website and on pamphlets and tickets could hurt tourism and confuse the 1 millionplus tourists who annually visit the “mezquita” (mosque), as it is known popularly. Tourism chief Rafael Rodriguez said one might think the church was looking to blot out the mezquita’s Islamic past, which he described as representing a meeting of cultures and civilizations. The department has asked for a meeting with the church. Cathedral officials deny the allegations and insist the monument’s official title has been “The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Cordoba” since the
13th century -- when the mosque built after the Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th century was transformed into a cathedral after King Ferdinand III captured the city from the Moors. The mosque itself had been built over a Christian Visigothic temple. Cathedral spokesman Jose Juan Gimenez Gueto described the dispute as “an artificial controversy,” pointing out that visitor numbers increase yearly. He said the church was proud of the monument’s past and doesn’t try to conceal it. Cordoba is known as the City of Three Cultures because Muslims, Jews and Christians lived there in harmony during medieval times. The monument, called the MosqueCathedral by Cordoba’s town hall, still combines the exquisite red-and-white arches and gleaming marble columns of the original mosque with the richly ornate Renaissance and Baroque decorations of the cathedral. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Source: ctvnews.ca
RECOGNITION AT LAST
C.A.F.E.{Community Ambulance Fund España} was formed as a joint venture between PALS and the Mazarrón LIONS. However until yesterday,when the LIONS were invited to the 150 years celebration of CRUZ ROJA, our name had not been displayed on the donated Ambulance. We are now happy to report that this has now been rectified by members of the local Cruz Roja at the above celebration. This event was attended by the New Mayor of Mazarrón Francisco Garcia along with many members of the council, and it was pleasing to hear that they have adopted sectors “B” “C” “D” are are going to work hard to improve
the problems that the residents of Camposol have been experiencing . Then we had had the pleasure of seeing our LOGO attached the Ambulance.it has been a long time coming , but we are very pleased that our contribution has now been recognised. MAZARRÓN BAHIÁ LIONS
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Spaniards turn to fortune-tellers
Maite Izquierdo and her family are doing their best to get by in Spain’s economic crisis, but work and money don’t come by magic. Or could they? After years looking for a job in a country where 1 in 4 is unemployed, this 48-year-old mother of two has turned to alternative ways to try and improve her fortunes. Around her neck hangs a necklace of shungite ― a shiny black mineral from Russia, said by occultists to bring emotional stability. In her bag she has a statue of a smiling Buddha and another of a three-legged frog ― Asian charms reputed to bring wealth. They are her latest purchases at Magic International, a spirituality fair in crisis-hit Barcelona where crowds browse over magic stones and spiritual tomes and countless fortunetellers seek new clients. “Any kind of help is welcome,” said Izquierdo, who has curly dark hair and bags under her eyes. “In our house, we’ve had enough. My husband can only find temporary, badly paid jobs. My eldest son can’t find anything and neither can I.” The government says Spain is recovering from recession, but many Spaniards are still struggling. Attendance at the occult fair has surged to 50,000 this year compared to 30,000 before the crisis started in 2008.
At one stall, hung with red drapes and gold stars, a woman waits for a tarot card reader to tell here whether her small family restaurant can escape bankruptcy. “I often come for a reading, especially when times are hard,” says the woman, Natalia Herrero. “It calms me and gives me an insight into how to face my problems.” The tarot-reader, dressed in a white robe, reassures Herrero that her restaurant will survive. For Izquierdo, it is the first time she has consulted spiritualists since she lost her job as a factory administrator four years ago. She didn’t use to believe in the occult, but says she was persuaded by friends. At the fair, she asks a public panel of four seers whether she should sell a flat in order to pay off her debts. “It looks like a difficult time to do that,” replies one of them, Maria del Mar Tort, one of Barcelona’s bestknown tarot-readers, scanning the cards. “The price seems a bit high. You should lower it and in a year or so, you’ll sell.” Tort runs a tarot-reading school where she teaches 200 pupils the esoteric ways she learned from her mother. The recent years of recession in Spain have brought fortune-tellers a new class of client, people “rather
disoriented by the situation who are looking for guidance to move forward,” she says. “Sometimes I feel like a real estate administrator or an employment counselor instead of a tarot-reader,” she said. “They ask you about their homes, their jobs, their businesses. And I ask myself: whatever happened to asking about your love life?” Specialists at the Ancora psychological clinic in Madrid say they have seen a rise in the number of patients addicted to occult consultations since the crisis hit. “They have low self-esteem and resort to that in search of quick answers: You will meet the love of your life, everything will get better. They tell them what they want to hear,” said one of the psychologists, Belen Sanchez. “That causes emotional dependency. They get so they cannot make any decisions without consulting the fortune-teller.” Late-night television in Spain is full of tarot-reading and fortunetelling shows. Psychologist Jose Elias says the popularity of these is influenced by Spain’s Catholic tradition with its doctrine of divine predetermination, as well as the stifling experience of the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco from 1939 to 1975. “Franco over-supervised citizens.
7
News
He did not teach them to fight and grow by themselves,” said Elias, a member of the Madrid College of Psychologists. “Psychotherapy emerges in democratic societies, because dictatorships are not about promoting personal development.” The director of Magic International, Sebastia d’Arbo, warns that the occult arts should not be dismissed lightly, however. He says a growing number of businesses are consulting fortunetellers. He said a chemist’s store in Barcelona nearly went bust for lack of customers before it called in spiritualist help. “It turned out to be a feng shui problem,” he said, referring to the ancient Chinese method of harmonious household alignment. “The cash register was in a zone of electrical interference. We changed where they put the cash register and now the chemist is doing great.” Source: koreaherald.com
Welcome GO SATELLITE!
g Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and findin about us GO SATELLITE was set up 10 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
a reliable and informative company is vital.
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. 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, 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
3 49€
USUAL PRICE 399€
communities. The Go Satellite system uses highest quality Portuguese-manufactured 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 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
1.4 metre dish with HD receiver
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 www.freetvspain.com all major credit & debit cards accepted
8
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
Reforms Architectural Service & Plans Painting Construction & Maintenance Decorating Interior Design Legally registered family business Quality workmanship guaranteed Tiling, Flagging, Electrics, Plumbing, Aluminuim, Swimming pools, teddybearbuilders@yahoo.com Key-holding & Maintenance
680 851 376
616 214 713
quick cash house /bar clearance
cars & motorcycles also wanted transport in 1 hour
tel: 695 479 883
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 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
n e d r a G ome & H So you think you are ready for Christmas!!
All the lists are written for the food and drinks shopping, the cards are posted, presents wrapped and friends are invited for drinky pooze and nibbles with a few games thrown in. Have you given a thought to where all these drinks and nibbles are going? The Christmas tree has taken quite a lot of room plus other decorations you have dotted about with the Christmas cards you have received and hopefully the ones yet to arrive. Do you have a large enough coffee table or would a nest of tables be better to spread around next to sofas and chairs? There is always the dining table to put your nibbles on or lay out your buffet. However, we know if you play charades you need room to move and where are the glasses of booze going? Some people do get very excited and carried away with arms flying and jumping about to get their clues across. If you are playing board games at a table it really is par for the course for drinks to go flying when dice are going everywhere and people leaning across to plot their way around the board. So this situation is good for a nest of tables so you can put them in different areas around the table for various drinks. This is not a bad idea for when you have visitors next year either. When they are not being used for entertaining, they can sit next to your sofa, chair or in a corner to be used as a lamp table or
HOUSE CLEARANCE BAR CLEARANCE
1 HR COLLECTION CASH WAITING TEL 669 723 709
www.auctionlosmontesinos.com
some other form of decoration on them. Do remember to put coasters out on your tables so you don’t get wet glass marks on your tables, red wine can be a bit of a devil to remove. Talking about red wine if anyone does spill red wine on your rugs or table clothes just throw white wine over it and soak up with kitchen towel or an old clean cloth and it will soak the stain away. So no need to lose any friends over some spilt wine. I have some lovely table clothes that I use at Christmas and New Year and what I do is put a plastic cloth under them so if there are any
spills your table does not get marked. I also use place mats for the serving dishes besides the ones for people’s hot plates. Don’t forget to put the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper holder on a place mat or plate as it can get a bit messy on the bottom. You never know, your furniture may survive another Christmas and live to tell another tale about your wayward friends. Just leaves me to wish you all a Merry Christmas, have lots of fun and enjoy yourselves. Cheers in Buck Fizz!
Written By Chris of Furniture Plus Centro Comercial La Piramide (Above Mercadona Opp. Lidl) Puerto de Mazarron Tel. 968 153 907
COSTA BLANCA REMOVAL SERVICES
HOUSE REMOVALS HOUSE CLEARANCES BAR CLEARANCES IKEA/BRICO COLLECTIONS ALL TYPES OF REMOVAL AND VAN DELIVERY WORK UNDERTAKEN NO JOB TOO SMALL (+34) 688 883 097 email costablanca.removalservices@hotmail.com
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
opening hours : MON-THURS 9am-8pm FRIDAY 9am-5pm SATURDAY 9am-6pm
Audi A4 TDi Estate (2010)
Seat Exeo TSi Estate Auto (2010)
€12,995
Opel Meriva 1.7 CDTi Diesel (2012) - €12,995
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 6Speed (2010) - €12,995
Honda Civic CDTi GT (2011) - €14,995
Audi A3 1.9 TDi Sportsback Auto/Tip (2010) - €14,995
Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi Active (2012) - €13,995
Opel Astra Diesel (New Shape) (2012) - €13,495
Mini cooper S (170) Auto/Tip (2005) - €10,995
Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Petrol 5 Door (2008) - €10,995
€18,995
Fiat Panda Plus 1.2 Petrol (2013) - €10,495
Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Trend (2010) - €9,995
Ford Transit 135 T350 2.5 TDCi (2006) - €7,995
Ford Transit High Top 9 Seater 2.0 TDCi (2004) - €7,495
Citroen Picasso Xsara 1.6 HDi 5 door (2004) - €6,495
Opel Meriva 1.7 TDCi (2004) - €5,995
O ne day name transfer
+ 6% tax included! Guarantee, including parts & labour Professional valet Suma (road tax) paid Full service Long ITV
Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVT-i Petrol 5 door (2007) - €8,995
Fiat Punto Grande (2008) - €7,995
Kia Rio 1.4 Petrol 5 Door (2008)- €7,495
Ford Tourneo Connect (2007) - €6,995
Ford Focus Saloon (2006) - €5,495
Hyundai Atos (2005) - €4,995
Renault Clio 1.5 DCi Authentique (2003) - €3,795
VW Golf 2.0 TDi Highline Estate (2009) - €12,995
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 5 door (New shape) (2011) - €11,995
Ford Fiesta TDCi (2011) - €10,495
Citroen C3 1.4i LX 5dr (2011)- €9,995
Skoda Fabia Combi (2012) - €9,495
Toyota Rav 4 1.8 Petrol 5 door (2004) - €8,995
Kia Carens 6 Sea (2003) - €5,495
Ford Mondeo Estate (RHD UK Plates) (2006) - €4,995
Kia PIcanto LX (2006) €4,695
“No Hidden Costs”
www.autosdirect.es • 966 723 718 San Miguel de Salinas
9
10
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES december 2014
News
BRITISH EMBASSY PRESS RELEASE
Paul Rodwell moves to new position within the Foreign Office Sarah-Jane Morris appointed British Consul in Alicante The British Embassy in Spain has today (9 December) announced that Sarah-Jane Morris is to take over as British Consul in Alicante, whilst the current consul Paul Rodwell moves to a new role within the Foreign Office. As consul in Alicante, Mrs Morris will be responsible for one of the busiest British Consulates in the world, whose team supports the two million British visitors to the region every year, as well as the large expatriate community of over 165,000 who are registered on the Padrón in the provinces of Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, Castellón and Albacete. Every year the team handles around 2,500 consular customers – from victims of crime to individuals in extreme distress. Mrs Morris will manage Alicante in addition to the Consulate-General in Madrid, where she has served as consul for central and northern Spain for the last two years. The management of Alicante and Madrid consulates by one consul follows the model already used elsewhere in Spain and many other parts of the world. The job of a consul is to focus on strategic issues, such as new ways of preventing and tackling the most common and complex problems that face British nationals abroad, whilst local teams, led by experienced vice-consuls, continue to lead the frontline delivery of consular assistance to Britons in distress. Sarah-Jane Morris said: “I am proud to have the opportunity to oversee the excellent work of the Alicante team, so ably led by Vice-Consul Lloyd Milen. And I am looking forward to seeing what more can be done to improve yet further the service offered to British nationals. Alicante is one of the busiest consulates in the world, supporting two million British visitors to the region every year, as well as a very large British expatriate community.” Paul Rodwell is relocating and will continue to work for the Foreign Office in a global communications role, to design consular campaigns aimed at reducing the number of British nationals getting into difficulties abroad. Paul Rodwell said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years in Alicante, and would like to thank the team enormously for all their hard work and achievements, as well as the many external partners and
charities across the Costa Blanca who work with us and make our job easier. I am looking forward to my next challenge.” Commenting on the two appointments, British Ambassador Simon Manley said: “I would like to congratulate both Sarah-Jane and Paul on their new roles. Having worked with Sarah-Jane in central and northern Spain, I know she will bring her more than 10 years of consular experience to the new challenge. She will, I am sure, be an invaluable asset to the whole region covered by our Alicante Consulate. I look forward to working with her and our consular teams in Alicante and Madrid. “I know too from my own visits to the region covered by Alicante the outstanding contribution Paul has made to our consular work there, as well as to prevention campaigns across southern Europe more broadly. Besides providing assistance to those who most need it, our ambition must be to help Britons help themselves and reduce the numbers who require assistance in future.”
ANGLICAN CHAPLAINCY OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, TORREVIEJA ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2014
new social aid package for unemployed
A new social aid package for the unemployed in Spain has been approved that will give a monthly allowance of $529 to around 450,000 affected people. A new social aid package for the unemployed in Spain has been approved that will give a monthly allowance of $529 to around 450,000 affected people. Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy signed the package Monday that mainly aims to help unemployed citizens who were unable to overcome the consequences of the 2008 economic crisis. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rajoy said the consequences of the crisis were still visible in Spanish economy. Rajoy acknowledged Spain had failed to meet the expectations of its peoples. He said Spain was still recovering from the harsh consequences of the 2008 and 2012 economic crises. According to the new social aid
package, unemployed persons will receive a monthly allowance of $529. It comes into effect on Jan. 15, 2015 and will run until April 15, 2016. The secretary-general of the Spanish Workers’ Commissions trade union, Fernandez Toxo, said the social protection funds significantly dropped after more than three years of economic crises. Toxo said about 450,000 people would benefit from the new social aid package and it would cost the Spanish government about $1.5 billion. In 2008, the Spanish economy was left paralyzed by an international financial crisis that severely impacted Europe. Spain has been since struggling with the consequences of the crisis, which led to the bankruptcy of major companies and high increase in unemployment. www.aa.com.tr/en
In addition to the normal Services (see below) the following special Services are planned over the Advent and Christmas period:
LA SIESTA
Wed 24 Dec 14 Midnight Mass – Holy Communion (to be confirmed) 11:30pm
LOS BALCONES
Thu 25 Dec 14 Christmas Day – Holy Communion 10:30am
LAGO JARDIN
Sat 27 Dec 14 Holy Innocents – Holy Communion 6:00pm
LA MARINA (SAN FULGENCIO)
Thu 25 Dec 14 Christmas Day – Holy Communion 10:15am Sun 28 Dec 14 Holy Innocents – Morning Prayer 10:15am
CAMPOVERDE
Sun 21 Dec 14 Community Carol Singing in the Rusty Nail 6:00pm (Replaces service in Campoverde Church) Wed 24 Dec 14 Midnight Mass – Holy Communion 11:30pm Sun 28 Dec 14 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 6:00pm
LA MANGA
Wed 24 Dec 14 Christmas Eve – Holy Communion 6:00pm
CRISTO RESUCITADO (LA ZENIA)
Sun 28 Dec 14 Holy Innocents – Holy Communion 6:00pm For more information on the workings of the Chaplaincy - and other planned activities and events – please view their web-site: http://c-of-e-torrevieja. com/ The specific location of the various Church Centres together with their normal Services can be found here: http://c-of-e-torrevieja.com/where.php Also follow them on their Facebook pages too: https://www.facebook.com/ChaplaincyOfStPeterAndStPaul?ref=hl The Anglican Chaplaincy extends a very warm and friendly welcome to all denominations who live in or are visiting our area and our Church Centres
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Christmas TV Special Doctor Who to Downton Abbey Like a giant tin of Quality Street, Christmas telly has something for everyone, be it Doctor Who (Christmas Day, BBC1), Strictly Come Dancing (Christmas Day, BBC1) or an Irish mammy being singed by her fairy lights in Mrs Brown’s Boys (Christmas & New Year’s Day, BBC1, 10.05pm & 9.35pm). And this different.
year’s
festive
collection
is
no
Tradition dictates that laptops, tablets and smartphones be put aside as the family gather round the gogglebox for a blast of Frozen (Christmas Day, Sky Movies Premiere, ) or some good old EastEnders cheer (Christmas Day, BBC1). Cracking dramas include Harry Hill as a bonkers boffin in The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm (Christmas Eve, BBC1), while your heart will be warmed to its very cockles on Christmas Day as Call The Midwife (BBC1) segues neatly into Downton Abbey (ITV) On Boxing Day, David Walliams referees the adaptation of his debut novel, The Boy In The Dress (BBC1), about a 12-year-old boy who finds freedom from his family problems with a spot of cross-dressing. Finally, if you’re wondering why James Corden is proferring a pair of tortoises (far right), that’s because New Year’s Day sees Richard Curtis’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot (BBC1), starring Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman. (And what does Esio Trot spell backwards?) But perhaps the most anticipated festive fare is the long farewell to Miranda, which gallops off into the sunset with a two-part special (Christmas & New Year’s Day, BBC1). When last we met, our galumphing heroine had received not just one marriage proposal but two… Surely, she’s not setting herself up for one last pratfall, is she? Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
11
12
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
WOMEN LIVE LONGER THAN MEN It is a fact of life that men enjoy certain physical advantages over women. On average, men are stronger, taller, faster and less likely to be overweight. But none of these attributes seem to matter over the long haul. For whatever the physical virtues of maleness, longevity is not among them. Women, as a group, live longer than men. At Iberian Funeral Plans we hear time and time again – my husband really does not want a plan. Consideration must be given to the person left behind (statistics show that this will probably be the lady in the partnership). Ladies would you know what to do in the event that your partner died? Would you know who to contact? Could you cope with the red tape and bureaucracy? Would you be in a position to make decisions and organise a funeral? We feel certain that most ladies will answer no. With a pre-paid funeral plan from Iberian we can make the time of stress and grief a little easier to bear. One simple phone call to our English
speaking funeral directors quoting your unique Iberian Funeral Plan reference and the funeral will be carried out according to the plan. Help, assistance and professional guidance will be provided to those left behind. Gents – we urge you to consider the implications should you die first. Do not leave the sorrowful and difficult task to your partner of making all decisions upon your demise. However, should you be amongst the percentage who will outlive the female species, then do have a plan in place for your partner. For those of you who are financially savvy, paying now, with a promise of no increase and no extra to pay should you die in 10, 20 or even 30 years time makes a whole lot of sense. Iberian Funeral Plans offer 5 years interest free instalments, after an initial deposit and NO VAT (IVA), with immediate cover and no health or age restrictions. Can you really afford to ignore the statistics or dismiss peace of mind for those left behind.
Contact Iberian for full details 965 993 498 “What on earth shall I do”? ”How will I cope”? “Where do I go”? These may well be the questions you will ask Following the death of a love one!!!
As I lay me down to sleep, I know there is no need to weep, Friends and family free from worry, No need to spend a heap of money, With a pre-paid plan that is free of VAT Plus Interest free instalments on top of that A wise man I most surely am, For putting my trust in Iberian.
How an Iberian Funeral Plan can help you: A practical way to help reduce the financial strain on loved ones. Prices are fixed from day one, so you know exactly how much you have to pay. The services outlined in the plan are guaranteed to be carried out in full. A cceptance to the Funeral Plan is guaranteed, whatever your age or health situation.
Your family will receive personalised attention, compassionate guidance and complete support.
A ll details handled with discretion and care. Fully transferable to the UK or any other EU Country. Prices Start from €3390
Iberian Funeral Plans SL www.iberianfuneralplans.com Phone 952 595 691 / 952 490 690 / 951 203 994 e-mail: info@iberianfuneralplans.com
Iberian Funeral Plans SL, Edifico Los Jardines, Bloque V, Local 1-B, San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva, 29692 Reg/CIF no: 11138305/B93156107
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Look Good
Santa’s Treat
Even Santa needs extra help to carry all those heavy sacks at this time of year. All the bending, lifting, pushing and pulling... the wonders of laser therapy could help to keep his back stronger, his spine healthier. Many of us take our spines for granted. We may complain about a sprained ankle or a stiff neck, but no one thinks about a ‘swollen spine.’ The spine is central to our general state of health. It is full of nerves, muscles and ligaments, connecting to all other parts of our body. Over 70% of spinal problems are associated with lower back pain. At the Benijofar Chiropractic Clinic, Dr Hans Christian Madsen D.C. sees many cases where lower back pain has affected people’s lives. Sciatica, (where trapped nerves cause pain, travelling from the lower back, through the buttocks and down the sciatic nerve running down the back of the leg), is one of the most common issues for patients. He also treats many people who have developed arthritis in their joints. This is also one of the most common causes of trapped nerves. Treatment for Osteoarthritis: He has many years experience using
Feel Great light which supplies energy to the body. The tissues and cells absorb this energy where it is used to accelerate the normal rate of healing. It brings vital nutrients and fluids to cartilage and discs and increases blood flow to the injured area. It is also particularly helpful in reducing inflammation. Laser therapy is safe, non invasive, non toxic, easily applied, highly effective and has no negative side effects. Our website: www.chiropractor-benijofar. es explains more about how the treatments work. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A TREAT LIKE SANTA, BRING THIS ARTICLE WITH YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR CONSULTATION AT HALF PRICE! Offer lasts until end of January 2015. Tel: 966185242 / 693371616/617
Shockwave therapy. Over time, calcification can build up affecting the joints of the body, including shoulders, hips, knees, hands or feet. Shockwave therapy removes this calcification which helps to release trapped nerves resulting in more movement and less pain. Patients are then treated with laser therapy, which helps to regenerate new cell growth. Laser Therapy: Dr Madsen has developed his own specific laser systems which can strengthen and heal damaged cells. They produce a penetrating
Kim Clar k benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain
For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com
Prevent Christmas injuries
Never drink & drive
CorteChino
standards. Don’t overload sockets. Christmas plants - Mistletoe is poisonous, its berries contain toxic proteins Promoting Wellness & Healthy Ageing Full Body Diagnostic Scan that slow the heart rate & cause hallucinations. EU Approved Medical Technolgy - Computerised Non-Invasive - 96% Accurate The orange berries of the Christmas cherry can Detailed Analysis of all Body Systems & Organs cause stomach pains. The Christmas rose is so Detection of viruses, bacteria, fungi & parasites effective at causing diarrhoea it was used as a Diagnosis of Diseases & Complications chemical weapon by ancient Greeks!! Detection of Toxins • Non - invasive Blood Test Stress - Christmas is one of the most Allergy Test • Analysis of Chromosomes Identification of Personal Genetic Risks stressful times of the year. A combination of drink, relatives, lack of sleep & Christmas Recommended Natural Healing • Diet & Lifestyle Counselling shopping can be too much for some. Try to find Only €120.00 - 10% Discount for Couples some time alone, even if only for a relaxing bath. Appointments Only Learn to say no to the demands of relatives. Free Follow - up Mini Scan & Consultation Indigestion & food poisoning - Call Dr Machi Mannu: n-332alicante n-332cartagena Food poisoning is always a worry at Christmas. 965 071 745 Centro PuntaPrima Read instructions on the turkey - it takes hours Clinic at 1161 Punta Marina Commercial Rounabout to cook properly. You could contract salmonella Punta Prima, Los Altos medb poisoning, which can be life-threatening for In partnership with Sensitiv Imago Technology vulnerable people. Alcohol - Apart from risk to your own health, alcohol can be the chief mischief maker when it comes to accidents. It reduces your risk awareness & can make people relax so much that they don’t think about AREA everyday risks. After a AZARRON m n i party, empty alcohol equired r f f a out of glasses as t s children may drink the remains if they get up early to play with their toys.
A cocktail of excitement, stress, tiredness & alcohol can create unexpected hazards in the home at Christmas. Over 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries: falls, cuts & burns during the festive period. Your home is likely to be full of people &, in the excitement, accidents easily happen. Kitchen - Hot fat, boiling water& sharp knives make the kitchen one of the most dangerous places. Try to keep people (especially children) out of the kitchen. Avoid alcohol until you’ve finished cooking, & wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Stairs - Clutter, alcohol & tiredness make stairs an accident hotspot. It’s very common to fall down steps or stairs after drinking. Keep stairs well lit & obstacle free. Presents - Typical Christmas Day accidents include parents stabbing themselves with scissors, which they’ve used to assemble toys, instead of using a screwdriver. People also trip over toys & electric cables while rushing to try new computers & other appliances. Don’t rush. Take time to enjoy the moment. Have a screwdriver ready. Christmas trees – Beware - that Norwegian spruce is not as innocent as it looks. Every year, about 1,000 people are injured by their tree, usually while fixing decorations to higher branches! Always use a step ladder & don’t over-reach. Fairy lights - Around 350 people a year are hurt by tree lights. Injuries include falling while putting them up, children swallowing bulbs, electric shocks & burns from faulty lights. Test lights & wiring before putting them up, as they deteriorate over time. Replace old lights with new ones that meet higher safety
13
14
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES DECemBER 2014
News rent changes ‘could close 20,000 small businesses Abolition of rent controls this month an influx of chain stores.
have prompted some landlords to increase fees by tens of thousands of euros An estimated 80% of Spanish firms are family owned. Photograph: Alamy
Up to 20,000 small Spanish businesses could be forced to close when rent controls are abolished at the end of this month, according to the self-employed workers union. Many of the closures will be emblematic shops that shape the urban landscape in cities such as Madrid, Granada and Barcelona. The Camisería Hernando has been in business since 1857 and has occupied the same shop on Madrid’s Gran Vía for 50 years but is closing after the rent shot up from €3,000 to €30,000 a month. Barcelona has already lost a toy shop and a secondhand bookstore that have been a feature of the old part of the city for more than a century. Both premises have been occupied by retail clothing chains. Other gems such as the modernista Monge stamp shop and the Quiles grocery are also under threat as the city succumbs to
FOR BUSINESS
Local government officials have refused to intervene to preserve the city’s heritage but local artists and intellectuals are taking the case of Monge to court. While some landlords have been prepared to negotiate affordable rent hikes, many shops are in buildings owned by banks and funds that simply notify the shopkeepers of the impending rise. An estimated 80% of Spanish companies are family owned and they generate about 70% of GDP. La Dolceria de La Colmena has been satisfying Barcelona’s sweet tooth since 1849. Its owner, Josep María Roig, is also president of the Barcelona Association of Emblematic Establishments, and has been able to survive a rent rise from €1,100 to €7,500 because, as well as the shop, his business supplies other outlets in the city. “About 60% of the 200,000 affected businesses have been able to negotiate a rise of around 35%,” César García, of the self-employed workers union, said. “But most of the rest have received a letter telling them the rent is going up by thousands of euros and that it’s not negotiable.” “We’re closing after 72 years,” said Susana Esnarriega, owner of Así, a doll shop on Madrid’s Gran Via. “The landlord is giving us till Epiphany to get out but he hasn’t even made us an offer.” Unemployment in Spain is running at about 24%. Mariano Rajoy, the prime minister, said on Monday that “the crisis is over, but not its consequences.” Source: theguardian.com
We will move it!!
Pets, boats, caravans, trailers Full and part loads. Full roof-rack for long loads 3 long wheel-based vans/twice per month Travelling to South/North UK Based in Mar Menor, Murcia
Spain-UK-Spain Tel: (0044) 7783 222 251 / (0034) 634 360 846
Email: wewillmoveit@hotmail.co.uk
COAST 2 COAST
REMOVALS Over 25 years experience Regular trips SPAIN-UK-SPAIN
Call NOW for a 617 500 876 competitive quote 0044 7722 77 9062 Pets also carried - Fully Insured
coast2coasttransport@hotmail.com www.coast2coastremovals.com
ITV and satellite rivals’ butt heads over pay-TV fees for free channels The X Factor broadcaster said its fees compensate for public-service duties. A war of words broke out on Monday between ITV and its cable and satellite rivals over the X Factor broadcaster’s demand that it should get fees from pay-TV platforms for airing its free channels. The Commercial Broadcasters Association (Coba), representing Sky, Discovery, Disney and other big payTV firms, claimed ITV already receives a net benefit of at least £87 million a year because it gets regulatory perks as Britain’s biggest public-service commercial broadcaster. Coba said ITV’s prominent slot on channel three on the electronic programme guide (EPG), the menu of channels on the TV set, and “privileged access” to the TV spectrum “significantly outweigh” the costs of its public-service duties. Coba added so-called retransmission fees could give ITV a benefit of up to £221 million, according to independent research that it commissioned, and that could “risk harming the rest of the market”. ITV hit back, insisting it calculated the present benefit at only around £40 million and it was “purely compensation” for its public-service duties such as regional news. One source close to ITV dismissed Coba’s claim of an £87 million benefit as “ridiculous”. Coba and ITV spoke out as regulator Ofcom launched a consultation on the future of public-service broadcasters including ITV, Channel 4 and the BBC. ITV has been lobbying for such fees, which are commonplace in America. Analysts estimate the fees could add tens of millions of pounds
DAVID THE PLUMBER Prompt and reliable service, no job too small. Full bathrooms or just makeovers and handyman service. 24 hour call out Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160€
Call David on 634 286 590
G.T.AUTOS LOS DOLSES S.L
THE ONE STOP CAR CENTRE
WANTED
BEST PRICES PAID CARS FOR CASH
Call Spencer on 637 090 665 MECHANIC WORKSHOP PHONE JAMES on 672 532 758
Est. 2006
a year to ITV’s profits. But Coba fears retransmission fees would suck money away from its members. Adam Minns, executive director at Coba, said: “ITV is calling for additional concessions that risk harming the rest of the market. “The UK benefits from a thriving mixed ecology of PSB broadcasters and non-PSB broadcasters that has made us the biggest TV sector in Europe, and we caution against intervention that favours one side at the expense of another.” ITV said it was already “well established” by Ofcom that PSBs required prominence on the EPG and “subsidised” spectrum access to underwrite costs such as regional news “that is extremely expensive to sustain and could not otherwise be provided”. ITV pointed out Ofcom found recently during a review of the Channel 3 licence that the broadcaster received “no surplus” from such subsidy. Paul Richards of Numis Securities said he thought it “unlikely” that retransmission fees will happen, despite some favourable noises from Culture Secretary Sajid Javid. “The UK is very different to the US market,” said Richards. Source: theguardian.com
CURTAIN & BEDDING STORE
large selection - great quality - great prices
SARAH & TONY TURLEY T: 966 848 980 or 642 308 654 C/C Los Dolses, Villamartin
Next to the card shop near the canal.
www.readymadecurtainoutlet.com
NICK THE TILER Call Nick for all your tiling & laminate floor requirements.
Tel.. 605 305 405
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
David Vickers
Antas
Location & Property Consultant
wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year
to all our customers
merry christmas & happy holidays
Parque Ind El Real, Antas 04628 Tel: 950 459 136
Mobile: (00 34) 616 760 409
Email: david@indalorealestate.com
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas Office: & a Happy UK: New Year
www.indalocio.com tel: 850 993 090
Albox • Arboleas • Huercal Overa • Mojacar • Vera
ALMERIA PROPERTY FINDER
removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE
Quality Second hand - furniture showroom
Please contact our office in Huercal-Overa on 0034 950 616 827 or visit our website www.vosshomesspain.com ready for a busy 2015 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal-Overa, Almeria 04600
Karen & The Team would like to wish all our Customers a Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year. 950 064 584 Mobile +34 635 979 829 E-mail:info@solymarspain.com Website:www.solymarspain.com
Probably the largest selection of garden furniture, merry christmas & happy new year to everyone gas BBQ’s, BBQ accessories, solar lights, patio
heaters, glasses and wall art 263 parasols, Paseo delunbreakable Mediterraneo inMojacar the Almeria NEW RANGES Playa,region. Next to Sal Marina Hotel IN STOCK.
We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
FREE DELIVERY. Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm bakerstonebox.com Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz
www.delimas.biz Grillstream 2014 fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS
Alicante AA Parking Almeria wishes all our customers a Murcia Merry Christmas
TEL: 850 99 30 90 EMAIL: INFO@INDALOCIO.COM WWW.INDALOCIO.COM
Happy New Year Airport Parking Cheap 639 081 067 &a
www.AAparking.es
Looking to sell? We can sell your property for you. Properties needed in all areas
Call in to see us or drop us an email
info@almeriapropertyfinder.com
950 431 624 / 658 811 628
www.almeriapropertyfinder.com
API Bancario Bank Property Agent
Tel + 34 637 309 092 - www.indalocasas.es
Detached 130 m², 2 bed villa situated just a few minutes drive from Arboleas or Albox town centers, the coastal resorts of Garrucha and Vera Playa are 30 minutes away. The property is in good condition and has 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite to the master bedroom), a fully fitted kitchen including white goods and a large lounge-dining room. The 500 m² plot is walled and gated. All services connected.
Arboleas
€95,000
Apartment Vera bedrooms situated in a very attractive development just a few minutes from the beach and with 20 minutes of 5 golf courses. The properties have private parking, some houses have gardens, terracees or solariums. The urbanización has a comunity swimming pools and gardens.
Detached 228m², 4-bed farmhouse in very good condition set in 2000m 2 of land situated just a few minutes from town and 30 minutes from the beach and several golf courses. It has 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a large kitchen, a living room, a 30,000litre water tank, a garage, a large outbuilding and about 2000m² of land. It has air conditioning and mains water and electricity connected.
Mojacar
Villas, duplexes and apartments with 2 and 3
€91,188
Looking to sell your property in 2015?
Find us at the Garden Centre next door to Longo’s
Arboleas
€88,000
(00 34) 950 091 137 (00 44) 1865 522 648
www.indalorealestate.com
De Lima’s we would like to wish everyone a merry christmas & happy new year
15
€153,000
Fabulous 110m2, 3 bed, detached villa with great sea and mountain views on a 712m2 plot situated in one of the most exclusive area of Mojacar. The villa, which needs some work, is 2 storey but the entrance is on the upper floor where there is a lounge-dining room with an open fireplace, a large enclosed porch, a large terrace, a fitted kitchen, a bathroom, 2 more rooms and a large garage. On the ground floor there are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms one of which open out onto to the lower terrace and gardens.
Indalo casas Wishes you all a Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for 2015
16
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES december 2014
Carol, John, Ryan, keli & All Staff would Like to Wish all our Customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year Open 9am - Late except Sun 10am - Late
Daily Specials Find us next to the Post Office, Camposol B.
Internet anywhere No phone line required!
Pr
ob se ably rvi th ce e Co on bes sta the t s
• Pc Sales & repairs • CCTV Security Systems • Denia to Mazarron & Inland • Tablet PC’s & Mobiles
wishing all our customers both new & old a Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year
Call Clive NOW on 966260403 / 648883202 or visit www.clivegraycomputers.eu
Cathy’s curiosity corner To all our clients we wish you a very merry christmas & a happy & prosperous new year
PROPERTY SALESPAÑA
Office: 965 999 059 Barry: 662 404 334 Glyn: 634 341 302 info@propertysalespana.com www.propertysalespana.com
The place to buy, sell & display your household furniture
To all my customers & Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New year OPENING TIMES: Mon - Fri 10am-4pm Sat Closed We have a drop off point for items to help Elche Children’s Home
Benijofar C/Rambla 5
from Quesada turn right after Citroen Garage
Tel: 622 899 906
Email: tcscuriositycorner@hotmail.es Facebook: cathy’s curiosity corner
We will move it!!
Pets, boats, caravans, trailers Full and part loads. Full roof-rack for long loads ROD WOULD vans/twice LIKE TO 3 long wheel-based perWISH month ALL HIS CUSTOMERS Travelling to South/North UK A MERRY CHRISTMAS Based in Mar Menor, Murcia &
HAPPY NEW YEAR Spain-UK-Spain
Tel: (0044) 7783 222 251 / (0034) 634 360 846
Email: wewillmoveit@hotmail.co.uk Brian Jones & Co
Property Maintenance Est 2004 Puerto de Mazarron
brian would like to wish everyone a merry christmas & a happy new year
free no obligation quotes & security advice
Your “One Stop Shop” for all your property maintenance needs Tel: 646 705 021 Email: bjworks@hotmail.co.uk www.bjmaintenance.com
Branded
Located at: URB. CAMPOSOL, Comercial Sector B, (Junction 15 off the RM3) Tel: Jo - 607 050 309 E-mail: branded2012@hotmail.co.uk
wishing all of our customers new & old a merry christmas & happy new year hers love jo x ouc lable ift V G avai now
www.brandedfashions.es
SOLTIMES december 2014
www.soltimes.com
PETE WISHES ALL HIS CUSTOMERS NEW & OLD A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Gary & Kate would like to thank all of their customers past & present and wish them all a very merry christmas & a happy 2015
Tel: 966 720 782
A n d y ’s A E S
Electrical Services
17
Andy Would Like To Wish All His Customers A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year
617 644 339
Mobile English Car Mechanic Peter wishes all his customers new & old a very merry christmas & a prosperous new year Call Peter on 6 6 6 1 61 1 2 9 / 6 3 4 3 8 6 8 27 p.s.carservices@gmail.com
Jardinería ALCAYNA PERIENCE 20 YEARS EX
Wishing all our customers past & present a merry christmas & a happy new year
Tel: 680 374 230
Email: calidagarden@gmail.com www.jardinerialaalcayna.es
IRWIN
INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS wishing all our customers old & new a merry christmas & a happy new year
Call Mandy 965 726 544 spain@irwinremovals.com www.irwinremovals.com
Seasons Greetings to all my customers and a Prosperous New Year
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
Malcolm & his team would like to wish all our customers a wonderful christmas & a very happy new year
telephone: 968 199 295
18
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
wanted urgently for many dutch & belgian clients 2-3 bed, 2 bath villas with pools in the huercal-overa, zurgena, la alfoquia areas
READY FOR A BUSY 2015!
Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele & Steve Would Like To Wish Everyone, All Our Past, Present & Future Clients A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy & Prosperous New 2015
all these lovely people got early presents this christmas BER
SOLD
IN DECEM
VH623 €155,000 SOLD Urcal (Huercal-Overa)
IN
IN
EMB nov
VH710 €39,000 SOLD Las Norias (Huercal-Overa)
OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM VH538 €169,000 Los Carasoles (Zurgena)
IN
OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM
VH688 €179,950 Cucador (Zurgena)
IN DECEM
VH647 €99,000 SOLD La Alfoquia
IN
VH525 €119,000 UNDER OFFER Huercal-Overa Countryside
OFFER ER UNDER EMB c e d
BER
SOLD
VH584 €65,000 UNDER OFFER La Alfoquia
ER
SOLD
OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM
IN
OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM
VH736 €115,000 UNDER OFFER Urcal (Huercal-Overa)
IN SOLD
VH690 €199,000 UNDER OFFER Huercal-Overa Countryside
OFFER ber UNDER m e nov
IN
OFFER UNDER BER NOVEM
VH265 €115,000 Urcal (Huercal-Overa)
in
VH700 €69,950 UNDER OFFER Las Norias (Huercal-Overa)
IN
BER
EM nov
SOLD
IN DECEM
VH668 €139,950 Cucador (Zurgena)
Please call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 / 0034 667 891 741 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com
www.vosshomesspain.com
Office: 155a Carrerera Estacion, Huecal-Overa. 1km off the A7 motorway at exit 553. 100metres from Lidl.
BER
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
CAMPOVERDE CANINE CLUB
The latest results from the end of the obedience courses are now in and the winners have been presented with their certificates and trophies at the Polideportivo Sports ground, Pinar de Campoverde. Our congratulations go out to all who passed their final examination. The C.C.C. was formed in July 2000 and since then many owners have benefited from expert tuition and are now proud of the way they are able to control their best friends. Prior to the presentation a “Fun Day” was held where the handlers
and dogs competed in various events such as Statues, Egg/ Potato and Spoon and the Recall past a delicious Sausage. A great time was had by all the handlers and friends and families, including the “Youngest Handler”, Jaimee, helping her mum Tracy and their dog Charlie. Our thanks go out to Marlene, one of our stalwarts, for all the hard work she put in making the “End of Year” party go down so well. Character of the year award, there really was only one winner, the amazing Jack Russell answering to the name of “Alfie” and his owner
Susan Beckett. The winner of the Basic Class with the highest score ever recorded since July 2000 was Carol Johnson and her cross Spanish Water Dog, Lolita. The score of 109.1 out of a possible 110 marks really was an incredible result. The result shows how much effort was put into the training. Carol, you should be so proud of Lolita. The Intermediate class was won by Rebel, a G.S.D, ably handled by Heather Powell. The highly commendable score of 137.2 out of 140 by Rebel was only possible because of the handling by Heather. After coming in second place in the Basic Class this was a fitting result in the higher grade. So well done Heather. The Advanced Class saw a runaway victory for Pat Frewin and her dog Bailey. 137.3 marks out of a total of 140 marks is a truly magnificent result in this, the hardest class, from which to qualify. The final trophy, the Fred Moeken Memorial Trophy, awarded each year, to the dog
News
which has made to most progress was also won by Pat and Bailey in recognition for all the effort put in to their training. I am sure that my good friend Fred would approve of the choice of winner. New courses will start on 3rd January 2014---- If you are interested in training your four legged friend.
Please contact Roy campoverdecanineclub@ or outlook .com 966 762 265
Infanta Cristina hands over €600,000
TOUCHED BY VELVET !! The Velvetones ‘Touch of Velvet’ Christmas Charity Concert went down a storm last week! The ladies proudly handed over one thousand euros split between ‘REACH OUT’ and ‘AGE CONCERN’ charities (see photo by KRISTOFF). The audience was treated to the naughtylicious voice of Nikki ‘G’ who performed show songs and Christmas tunes in between the Velvetones costume changes, carols and repertoire songs. Velvetones dancers ‘Grans People’ wiggled and strutted their stuff to ‘Night Fever’ with special guest performer John Travolta (AKA Maria Comber). The chorus meet each Wednesday morning at Restaurante El Paraiso, Jardin del mar, Torrevieja (behind
Carrefour and McDonalds - 9.45 till 12.30 approx. So if there are any ladies lacking company or something to do - why not drop in - if you are not musical there are many social activities to join in with too! Many of the social members end up becoming singing members - as the magical 4 part harmonies just get under your skin!! We have had many new ladies this year - so if you fancy a laugh and some new songs - check out the website www.velvetones.org or call Ena on 965 707 598 or June 965 327 446 A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR LOYAL READERS AND LISTENERS - THANKS FOR HELPING US RAISE FUNDS FOR GOOD CAUSES.
The sister of Spanish King Felipe VI, Cristina de Borbón, has paid the Palma courts the almost €600,000 civil liability bond demanded of her by prosecutors to cover her alleged profiting from financial crimes committed by her husband Iñaki Urdangarin. Although anti-corruption attorney Pedro Horrach does not consider the infanta criminally responsible in the Nóos corruption investigation – which involves the alleged embezzlement of millions of euros from public contracts awarded by the regional governments of Valencia and the Balearics to Urdangarin’s non-profit Nóos institute – he does see her as civilly responsible as someone who benefited from her husband’s business dealings. The infanta’s lawyers hope making the payment will ensure that Cristina is not put on trial The infanta’s lawyers hope that making the payment will achieve two aims: to ensure that Cristina is not put on the stand in a possible trial, and also, as the prosecution has requested, that she is not called in as a witness. The defense believes Cristina will not face trial, as the private prosecution brought by obscure right-wing labor union Manos Limpias has demanded. The €587,413.585 sum is the amount Horrach specified that she should pay to cover her responsibility as someone who personally profited
19
from her husband’s illegal business activities. The amount constitutes half of the funds that, according to Horrach, were illegally deposited in the firm Aizoon, which was jointly owned by the Infanta and Urdangarin. Princess Cristina will have to return 600,000 euros if husband found guilty Horrach believes that although Cristina de Borbón was unaware of the illegal source of the funds paid into Aizoon, she benefited from the money as her husband used it to pay for personal and family services and supplies. Urdangarin created the Nóos Institute with business partner Diego Torres – who is also a target in the investigation – as a consulting group in 1999 and began organizing sporting events and tourism conferences for the Balearic Islands and Valencia regional governments after winning no-bid contracts. Urdangarin faces eight criminal charges, including embezzling around €6 million in public money and up to 18 years in prison. The trial is scheduled to begin a year from now. The investigation began in 2010 as an offshoot of the Palma Arena case involving a sports arena that was constructed well over budget by the Balearics regional government of Jaume Matas.
20
SOLTIMES december 2014
News
made by airport director general Alain Russel on Thursday, speaking at the airport terminal. Russel did not confirm the existence of any closed deals Castellón airport finally with airlines to receives its first flight operate regular routes, but he did say that the The inaugural flight arrives at airport will be fully open by next Castellón Airport. José Luis and Joaquín, two summer and that it will handle retired members of the Grau de 35,000 passengers in 2015. The building had been closed Castellón flying club, on Thursday became the first people to land an to the public since 2011, when aircraft at the infamous Castellón central authorities stopped the airport. Three years and nine politician Carlos Fabra – formerly months after its inauguration, airport president, head of the the airport has finally received a provincial authority of Castellón and leader of the provincial flight. “We were having breakfast in branch of the Popular Party, and the bar of the flying club and we now in jail for tax fraud – from read in the paper that you could using the airport for electoral fly there now, so I said to my purposes. “Some people say we are crazy friend, ‘Why don’t we go?’ And so we did,” explained José Luis for inaugurating an airport without airplanes,” said Fabra on the day on his return. The pilot, who counts on 30 of the controversial inauguration, years of flying experience, flew in March 2011. The event was a helicopter into the airport. covered by The Guardian, The His friend counts on 35 years of Telegraph, The New York Times experience, but only flying planes. and other international media The inaugural flight lasted just outlets, who called Castellón 10 minutes. After the pair had airport a prime example of a a look around the building itself, white elephant, a project born they returned to their flying club from the boom times in Spain’s construction sector, which came a half-hour later or so. to an abrupt end with the start of The visit was made possible the economic crisis in 2008. after the Spanish Air Safety The regional government ended Agency (AESA) awarded the up paying for the construction of license that the airport needed a facility that was going to come to begin operating. SNC-Lavalin, a Canadian company, will run the free of charge to taxpayers, as it facilities for the next 20 years, was going to be built by the private and will receive €24.5 million sector with an expected return on from the Valencian government investment after 50 years. In the end, however, Valencia’s public to do so in the first nine years. coffers had to disburse €120 Chartered flights will come later, million for construction work, while commercial airlines will only plus an additional €50 million in begin flying to and from Castellón compensation, cost overruns and after March of next year. external work. This, at least, was the forecast Source: elpais.com
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Uber pledges to pay fines incurred by users in Spain
Judge orders Uber to cease all operations in Spain Taxi app Uber is currently available in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. US ride-share and taxi service Uber is preparing for tough times as it bids to get its business off the ground in Spain. The internet-based service stated on Wednesday that it would cover any fines its users incur when using the application in the country, after a Madrid judge this week ordered the company to cease all activity pending an unfair competition lawsuit being filed by an association of taxi drivers. “We have received a message from the company in which it assured us that nothing has changed, that the judge has accepted a complaint that has no legal basis and they are offering us their help,” explained an Uber driver on Wednesday, who preferred to remain anonymous. This version has also been confirmed by the company, which stated it would continue to support its users, as it has always done.To date, Uber has received 56 fines in Catalonia (28 to drivers and 28 directly to the company), of which it has appealed two, while in Madrid there are 25 cases open. We have received a message from the company in which it assured us that nothing has changed”. José Andrés Díez, a lawyer for the Madrid Taxi Association, which has filed the lawsuit, announced on Wednesday that the organization had now paid the €10,000 guarantee requested by the judge for the cessation of activities to go into effect. In the meantime, Uber is still functioning in Spain and charging for its journeys without issue. The judge’s writ also instructed telecommunications and electronicpayment firms to cease processing transactions for Uber in Spain, and to stop hosting its software and applications. Visa, which handles payments for Uber, has confirmed that it received a notification from the judge and that its legal department is studying the measures. Alfonso de la Viuda, general director of the 4B payment network, also received the judge’s request, and explained that the company
would take action when the legal documents arrived, although it did not yet know how. “We don’t have knowledge of the financial structure of Uber, but it is very likely that the bank they work with is not based in Spain, and as a result only part of its payments, or none at all, would be processed via our networks,” he explained. It’s important not to completely prohibit new technologies just because they are new” Meanwhile, the European Commission has warned the Spanish authorities that any measures imposed to regulate the workings of Uber must respect the principles of proportionality, non-discrimination and freedom of establishment. “It’s important not to completely prohibit new technologies just because they are new, although we are conscious that they must meet the regulations of member states,” announced the European Commission spokesman for Budget, Transport and Regional Policy, Jakub Adamowicz. Uber puts passengers and drivers – who have no license or insurance for the activity – in touch, and keeps a percentage of the fare calculated by the online application. Taxi drivers accuse the firm of intruding in the sector, and have filed complaints and held a number of demonstrations and strikes in recent months. The Catalan government is planning from next year to start immobilizing any vehicles operating as taxis on an irregular basis, and to levy fines of up to €6,000 on drivers, according to draft legislation. Source: elpais.com
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Book review
Oh Dear Sylvia by Dawn French.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, I was once lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
mother abandoned her when she most needed her.
This is French’s second novel, ambitious but dark. The writer presents us with multi-narrators who are linked to Silvia, a 60 year old who is in a coma after falling from her balcony. She has sustained a serious head injury and is in a critical condition. The million dollar question is did she fall or was she pushed? Had she been drinking? What was her secret? Why did she reject those she loved?
Sister Jo has promised her late mother that she will protect her younger sister and she has lived her life in Silvia’s shadow a little resentful of her sister’s selfcentred attitude. She refers to her as being thoughtless and insensitive. She feels useless and a complete failure although she does try some pagan ritual, a celestial gathering as she calls it. She hopes that the angels will purge her of her “toxic anger and bitterness”, frowned upon by the hospital authorities in order to try to bring Silvia back to full consciousness. It will cleanse and vitalise her sister.
Her family Ed, Cassie, and Jamie have been rejected by Silvia and monologues delivered at the side of her hospital bed reveal the true extent of why she wanted to protect them and in doing so, reject them. Of course, her family remain in total ignorance of this and grow to hate her. They harbour grudges and it creates insecurities. Her son Jamie signs up out of rage and is sent to Afghanistan where he is almost killed. He writes a scathing letter to Silvia telling her how he hates her, a letter that Cassie, his sister reads to Silvia. It is shocking how much hatred he bears her particularly when she is fighting for her life. It has taken Cassie a lot of courage to face her mother and forgive her. Cassie was thrown out when she became pregnant as a teenager and refused to have any contact with her mother once Willow was born. Over the years she is desperate to understand why her
“Shower this wretched invalid with your healing vibrations, envelop her in your protective love, and let her body glimmer with light and health.”
gyrating to Tom Jones’ “You can leave your hat on” to celebrate Silvia’s 60th birthday along with a Miss Piggy cake! Weird. But that’s Jo. Does it work?? Winnie is her primary caregiver, a Jamaican nurse who symbolises goodness and who confides in Silvia as she checks her breathing equipment or washes her. She is there to support the family and finds friendship with Silvia’s ex. Cat is the femme fatale, a G.P. who is also a drug addict, in awe of Silvia with violent tendencies. She is married to Philip, also a doctor but it’s a sham of a marriage and she is physically abused. Cat becomes infatuated with Silvia and they have embarked on a lesbian relationship with tragic consequences. This is where the story gets a bit messy and the police get involved. Certainly worth a read but remember what I said, it’s rather bleak most of the time. “It’s only at the very edge of life and death that we truly live.” Try and work that one out.
She brings in animals believing they have inherent powerful healing Publisher: Penguin. ISBN: 978-0qualities. She hides a chihuahua in 141-04635-8. her handbag, a hamster and a stick insect. Desperate REVIEW it by Carol Naylor. tactics. She is so desperate www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com / she will try anything, even www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com sneaking in a male stripper naylorcl@hotmail.es
21
pause for thought For most Churches, certainly in Britain, the Service held on Remembrance Day (November 9th this year) is one of the most popular and busiest of the year. Attendance in fact often exceeds that of both Christmas and Easter, the two great festivals of the Christian faith, as people from all walks of life come to remember with gratitude those who gave their lives so that we who remain can enjoy the freedom we have today. As the years pass, even the Second World War can seem a distant memory and many question the need for so potent a reminder of the horrors of war. But the very fact that we have the freedom to travel and to choose for ourselves where we wish to live is clear evidence of the benefits we have gained from the sacrifices made so long ago. So it is right and fitting that we do indeed remember them, together with those who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts, thanking God for their lives, their service and their sacrifice. And as we remember them, we also similarly remember the life and death of Jesus, so many centuries earlier, who gave his life so that we may enjoy freedom from God’s judgement on all that we’ve done wrong. So not just on Remembrance Sunday, but week by week we, along with many other Christians scattered around the globe, meet together to remember him in the bread and wine, the symbols of his ultimate sacrifice, rejoicing that through him we may be preserved not just for this life, but for eternity. So let’s rejoice at the privilege of being able to live in relative peace here in Spain. Let’s thank God for each new day we enjoy in this wonderful location. And let us remember with gratitude all those who lost their lives so we can enjoy these wonderful privileges today, as we join together with the Royal British Legion, either in Mojacar on the 9th, or at Alfoquia or Aljambra on Armistice Day, November 11th. Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard; for any wishing to Worship, whilst additionally, further information about the Anglican Church in this area may be seen on the web site www. mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com
22
SolPUZZLES
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
pub quiz
1. In July 2007, which former formula one racing driver was forced to attend a driving education course following a
sports quiz
string of convictions on the road?
2. Which religion supports the caste
1. Why is the Calcutta cup so named? 2. Which famous trophy was stolen in 1966 and was later found by a dog? 3. Which type of sporting event do you associate with the annual Calgary stampede? 4. The King George V Gold Cup and Queen Elizabeth II Gold Cup are major competitions in which sport? 5. Which sport would you be competing in if you aimed to win the Lance Todd trophy? 6. With what sporting event do you associate Putney and Mortlake? 7. The Sam Maguire Trophy is the major championship in which sport? Australian Rules, Gaelic, Association, American or Football or Ludo 8. How often are the World Championships held in netball? (every 2 or 4 years) 9. In which sport do teams compete for the Federation Cup? 10. Which sport had its first world championship in Yugoslavia in 1951?
of which game? 4. The “One-Step” was a ballroom dance. How is this dance now known? 5. Which Welsh word is used as a term of endearment, usually after a person’s name, and is also the name of a German composer? 6. Which pirate sank in March 1980? 7. Which book by Ian Flemming descibes the glittering world of gambling? Roman Catholic President? 9. Which James Bond film was made predominantly in and around the city Udaphur?
Answers 1. Nelson Piquet 2. Hinduism 3. Bingo 4. The Foxtrot 5. Bach
6. Radio Caroline 7. Casino Royale 8. John F. Kennedy 9. Octopussy
soltimes trivia
STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES
8. Which US President was the first Across 2. Scope (5) 4. Congenial (9) 6. Stark (7) 7. Smooth fabric (5) 9. Set free (8) 11. Gesticulated (8) 13. Rule (5) 14. Book depository (7) 16. Bad dream (9) 17. Tendency (5)
Down 1. Hindered (8) 2. Deep ravine (5) 3. Spicy sauce (7) 4. Contention (9) 5. Disentangle (9) 6. Brownish-yellow (5) 8. Nursemaid (5) 10. This evening (7) 12. Insincere praise (8) 15. Vapid (5)
SUDOKU PUZZLE s
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
squiggle SUDOKU
standard SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
SOLUTIONS
You’ve been in Spain too long when... 1. You have dinner at 10 pm and only start getting ready to go out at 11 pm. You never get back home until 3 am, and more often at dawn. 2. You plan your life around the siesta. No need to try to find something open between 2 and 5 pm! 3. You automatically answer mañana when asked to do something. 4. You’re known as the guiri. 5. You cheek kiss (twice) anybody you know, even new acquaintances.
standard
Answers 5. Rugby League 6. University Boat Race 7. Gaelic Football 8. Every 4 years 9. Tennis 10. Sky Diving / Parachuting
3. Keno is the American casino version
1. Made out of Rupees left in the bank by the disbanded Calcutta Rugby Club 2. Jules Rimet Trophy (Football World Cup) 3. Rodeo 4. Show Jumping
system?
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Strictly Dance
Monday The Palms, Punta Prima 4-6pm Beginner and Intermediate tuition and general dancing. Tuesday The Club, Quesada 8-10pm Beginner and Intermediate tuition and general dancing.
New
courses every 3 weeks, singles welcome. Come and join us with our Strictly gossip. Hope to see you there! Info 966188430, 635584431 or lynatdenelledance@ hot mail.com
Quesada Pool League The start of the 2014/15 Quesada Pool League is nearly here - games are played most Wednesday evenings between October and May with a couple of leagues plus optional knockout competitions for singles, doubles and teams. We are looking for any bars or clubs in the greater Quesada area that have an English Pool table and would like to enter a team, to get in contact as soon as possible – please email quesada-pool@outlook.com
art club
Torrevieja Costa Lions Club Wish your Friends or Please come and join our club members on one of Loved Ones Happy our “ Business meeting nights” and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities, in birthday, Anniversary our local area and further afield. We are growing in or just send them a numbers every month so if you feel like helping us special message. then we can be found on the second Thursday in Send details to every month at the Cabo Cervera Hotel in La Mata production@soltimes.com near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.30 hours.
PASO A PASO MODERN JIVE CLUB
Nov / Dec update : CLASS & SOCIAL WITH DANCE JUNCTION DISCO MONDAYS 7.30pm Maymar Restaurant. Catral THURSDAYS 7pm Los Rosales Restaurant, cv895, Guardamar CLASS ONLY Absolute beginners always welcome to all sessions. No partner-Never danced-No problem More info Maxine 670711408 / Adam 638 330 342 Find us on facebook or www.modern-jive-spain.com New venues and classes in the new year
Art Club, all mediums, no charge, in the Playa Flamenca area. Anyone interested, please contact Lyn tel: 966 welcome events New Years Eve dance with Rob Sweeney, Dan Davey 189 118 and our own Christine. €20 to include cold buffet. Wednesday 7th January - Games Night, with beetle Archaeological Museum drive, bingo, quiz and more. €3 for a night of fun and Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00. laughs. Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda. Wednesday 28th January - dance with the lovely Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups Lucinda, supported by Andy Jones. €8. 2015 Trips. €0.60 May 11th - 3 night trip to Cordoba for the “Patio Of A parkinsons Support Group The Flowers” festival, a sight not to be missed, staying On Tuesdays at 11am At bobbie jo·s, los montisinos B&B at a 4-star hotel. €260 to include all travel and a For a chat and a cup of tea For further information trip to Ubeda. contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871 May 27th - Cruise around the Mediterranean. Overnight in Valencia, then on to Barcelona for 12 nights aboard CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & Royal Caribbean “Vision Of The Seas.” Calling at ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 Villefranche, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, 2 days in Venice, Ravenna, and Kotor, Montenegro. All outside 956 166 / 687 250 860 cabins. September 14th - 5 night trip to Salamanca. 2 nights in 50+ SOLOs Salamanca, close to city centre, 2 nights in Leon, and (Torrevieja area) No subs or fees and open 1 night in Valladolid. All B&B in 4-star hotels. €295 to to ladies and gentlemen over 50 years of age and on their own. We go to different include a trip to Astorga. restaurants normally the first and third Saturday For more information call Rosemary on 620105179. of the month. First get together of 2015, hopefully a Brunch inc Cava on Jan 10th at Carmens San Luis. Talks & Workshops MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All. Thank you Every Mon Fortuna for your support. To enquire or book please contact Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las Ruth 966 789 063 or Anne 966786281 Kalendas from 14:00. For further information email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com MARKET DAYS IN THE AREA Monday - San Pedro del Pinatar Tuesday - Los Alcazares / Alhama de Murcia Wednesday - Santiago de la Ribeira / Fuente Alamo / Totana Thursday - San Javier / Camposol Sector A / Lorca Friday - Isla Plana (Summer only) Saturday - Mazarron Pueblo / Aguilas Sunday - Puerto de Mazarron / Mar Menor / Cabo de Palos
23
pals events
1st January Annual Swim from Bahia Beach sponsorship forms available silly dress is expected. 16th/20th March BENMIDORM full board at helios. 160 Euros covering St Patricks and san Jose Cancellation list in existance 14th/20th May Coach trip to PORTUGAL half board and visiting fabulous locations 510 Euros pp sharing double. For information please call 626 460465 or visit www.pals.sm4.biz or see us at La Ratatouille on a wednesday from 1 till 3 or at The Trevi on a Saturday 11 till 1.30pm
If you like what you see and hear, then you will be invited to join us at our next social night event later in the month, where ever and what ever it may be you can be sure of a good night.
Contact philip.buckman@btinternet.com or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions.org
learn to paint
Every Mon, Fri Using watercolour, pastels or acrylics these are small classes on Monday and Friday afternoons at Playa Paraiso, La Manga. For further information contact Bee Tel: 968 564 416 or 670 353 738
St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church
We hold services each week at 10.30am on Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join us. For further details, call Rev. Maureen Kent 968 970 637
TELL THE SOLTIMES ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENTS CONTACT
EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM WITH FULL DETAILS
Luz del Sol
new properties s.l.
Call us on 968 199 068 www.luzdelsol.co.uk
Centro Comercial #34, Sector A, Urb. Camposol, Mazarron 30875, Spain
SolTimes
Have A Drop Off Point Here For Payments Private Or Trade Advertisers, Birthdays Or Other Announcements
24
Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com food & drink
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2014
INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 ese
FED UP OF K? Smoked Salmon TURKEY TAL & Cream Cheese WHY NOT TRY Roul ades OUR ALTERNATE CHRISTMAS MENU
–
• 200g cream che • 2 tbsp creamed horseradish 1 cut • 1 lemon, juiced, plus into wedges to serve • 300g smoked salmon • 4 slices rye bread , • 1 handful salad leaves to serve • 1 pinch salt • 1 pinch black pepper
METHOD
1. Mix together the cream d cheese, horseradish, an on as se lemon juice, then of well with a pinch ck bla of salt and plenty pepper. on 2. Cut the smoked salm t ou ab s gle tan rec into n the 30cm (12in) wide, f lay out on greaseproo am cre paper. Spoon the to cheese mixture on d rea sp d an , the salmon the er ov all evenly surface. ort 3. Starting from a sh on lm end, roll up the sa n. ca u as tightly as yo
f Next, roll the greaseproo ing ist tw it, d un aro paper r the edges of the pape ve ha tightly so that you at a sausage shape. Repe s ha on lm until all the sa – 15 for ill been used. Ch 30 minutes to firm. , 4. When ready to serve o int ad bre rye cut the e small squares, remov the the paper from salmon and slice the ls. roulade into small rol top on l rol Sit a salmon , of each square of bread n rso pe r pe 4 3– and serve d with a lemon wedge an s. ve lea lad sa some
INGREDIENTS
ALMONDY MINCE PIES method
For the mushroom duxelle • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 large onion, finely chopped • knob of butter • 350 g button mushrooms, finely ped chop hly •1 handfuls flat leaf parsley, roug chopped
For the Welling ton •1
kg beef fillet • 1 packets ready rolled puff pastry • 75 g smooth ch icken paté • 1 egg, and 1 eg g yolk, beaten together
INGREDIENTS the For s pancake • 3 eggs ur • 6 tbsp plain flo • 150 ml milk • knob of butter
1. Put the flour in a blender with the cinnamon. Add the butter and blitz to form fine breadcrumbs. Add the almonds, sugar, egg yolk and 2-3 tbsp of cold water and blitz to form a soft dough. Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface, then wrap in cling film and chill for 30
BEEF WELLIN GTON
METHOD
• 225g/9oz plain flour on • 2 tsp ground cinnam r, cut into tte bu lled • 140g/5oz chi cubes ds • 55g/2oz ground almon • 25g caster sugar • 1 egg, yolk only an • 55g/2oz golden marzip cemeat min n ria eta veg • 170g/6oz • 2 tbsp sherry ling • caster sugar, for sprink ndy butter, bra or d, tar • cream, cus to serve
minutes. 2. Meanwhile, chop the marzipan into small pieces. Stir into the mincemeat, along with the sherry. 3. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Thinly roll out the pastry and cut out twelve 7.5cm/3in rounds. Place the rounds in a greased 12 hole tart tin. Divide the mincemeat
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6. 2. For the pancakes: whisk together the eggs and flour. Add the milk, whisking to give a batter that will thinly coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over whisk at this stage or the batter won’t be light. 3. Heat a crepe pan or non-stick frying pan until really hot. Add a knob of butter and use a ladle put in enough batter to thinly coat the base of the pan. Cook until golden then flip and cook the other side. Tip out onto a plate covered with a square of greaseproof paper. Use up the batter to make several pancakes, stacking them together between layers of greaseproof. Freeze any not required for later use. 4. For the mushroom duxelle: fry the onion and garlic in butter until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook over a high heat until dry. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool. 5. For the Wellington: season
between the pastry cases. 4. Cut out 12 stars and place one on top of each tart. Bake for 20 minutes until the pastry is golden and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle with caster sugar. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.
the beef with black pepper and sear in a hot dry pan to brown on all sides. 6. Roll out the pastry a little thinner. Lay 2 pancakes on top and spread the pate over the centre. Spoon over the mushroom duxelle and lay the beef in the centre. 7. Tuck in the end edges of the pancakes and bring up the pasty around the meat to make a parcel. Use a little of the beaten egg to seal the edges. Place on a baking tray with the sealed edge underneath so that the juices do not escape and brush with the remaining egg. 8. Cook in the oven for 25 minutes, or a little longer if you don’t like your beef rare. Leave to rest before slicing.
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
News
UKRAINE asks NATO for More Help
Ukraine’s prime minister on Monday asked NATO to do more to help his country’s military, which has been unable to quell a pro-Russian insurgency, and called for an urgent increase in financial aid from the European Union. “It’s difficult for us to fight with a nuclear state that is armed to the teeth,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk said. He accused Vladimir Putin’s Russia of seeking to eradicate an independent Ukraine. Visiting NATO headquarters, Yatsenyuk said he asked the alliance’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, for assistance in shaping a new defense and national security strategy for his country. He said he also sought “additional support” for Ukraine’s Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security “to improve the stance of the Ukrainian military and the National Guard.” He gave no specifics, and Stoltenberg did not comment on NATO’s reply to the request. Later, Yatsenyuk attended the inaugural meeting of the Association Council between Ukraine and the European Union, which is supposed to lay the groundwork for Ukraine’s political association and economic integration with the 28-nation bloc. He said his government was
25
committed to free-market and legal reforms, but that Ukraine’s economy has been devastated by the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Kremlin unilaterally annexed Crimea in March, and Ukrainian forces have been combating a pro-Moscow rebellion in the country’s east that NATO and Western governments charge is managed, supplied and Man partying in Ibiza hit with £19k bill staffed by Putin’s government and on return to UK after iPhone stolen Corey Pye, 21, did not report the theft military. of his phone on the Balearic island as he Because of Russian aggression, assumed password protection meant it could not be used by the thieves Ukraine has lost 20 percent of its A holidaymaker who did not report his economic output, Yatsenyuk said. password-protected phone stolen on
19k Phone Bill
the trip. Chef Corey, of Basingstoke, Hants, says Vodafone offered little help in clearing the debt so he took out a loan to pay it off - and he was then horrified when the next monthly bill came in at £12,450.35.
“When we need financial assistance, Ibiza for five days came home to bills of £19,000. let me put it in a nutshell: yesterday,” Corey Pye, 21, was enjoying a holiday he told reporters in English. with three friends on the Balearic island
However Vodafone has now agreed he need only pay £500.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said the best response to people trying to destabilize Ukraine was to make it a “prosperous and safe country that is open to business.” Any sizeable increase in foreign financial assistance, though, is unlikely before an international conference expected in early 2015.
Corey, a Voafone customer his whole adult life, is furious that the company allowed such a huge bill to be accrued without cutting off the phone.
European Council President Donald Tusk, right, welcomes Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
SOLTIMES newspaper group
to advertise in this space and reach over over 100,000 readers and see your advert online call paulette on 950 121 936
when his phone was nicked three days into the trip. He thought it was not necessary to report the iPhone 4s as stolen because he assumed password protection meant it could not be used by the thieves. Once back in Basingstoke, Hants, he told Vodafone his handset had been stolen - and got a first bill of £6,439.76. SWNSCorey Pye, 21, was partying in Ibiza with three friends when his mobile phone was stolen just three days into
A spokesman said lost phones should be reported “as quickly as possible”.
Speaking before the mobile giant agreed to the £500 bill, he said: “I shouldn’t be punished for the naivety of failing to report my mobile missing, or for the criminal acts of others who are the ones profiting from this.” Source: mirror.co.uk
26
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
SOL CLASSIFIEDS
SOLTIMES 950 121 936 www.soltimes.com see us online everyday
TELEPHONE 950 121 936
Monday to Friday Between 10am & 5pm
or EMAIL us Send your advert or lineage to
sales@soltimes.com
DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication
PAYMENT VISA ,Paypal, bank transfer & Cheques made payable to
MATHEWS mEDIA s.l
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES Call Kate on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com
for sale
pool tables
snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts. Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com 3 ORANGE GAS BOTTLES for sale 10€ each or 25€ for all 3 Quesada Area Tel: 622 704 864 PORTABLE GAS HEATER with orange gas bottle 40€, Orange gas bottle 15€, Tel: 965 704 891 (Torrevieja) WROUGHT-IRON FIRE BASKET 50cm (wide) x (45cm deep) complete with log-effect electric “glow” brings instant cheer to your room for Christmas. Complete with wroughtiron fire guard. Make your room homely by a realistic log-effect fire to pop into that empty fireplace, 50€ o.n.o. complete,TWO GENEROUSSIZED SINGLE washable duvets - snuggly warm, cosy and practical for winter. Immaculate condition 25€ the pair Matching single duvet covers, immaculate complete with p/cases and toning fitted sheets, one cream/jades - fresh and pretty, the other set cream plus traditional florals in pinks/greens with frilled p/cases and duvet edgings. Quality bedding, immaculate. Perfect for Xmas/New Year guests. Each bedding set 20€ Tel: 965 326 817 Ann or Ron (Playa Flamenca area). UNUSED GIFT. 16 INCH HP LAPTOP COMPUTER, 3 months old with Windows 8 in English. Wi-Fi. 4GB memory. Still boxed cost 450€ accept 285€ Tel: 634 334 532 GENTS BLACK LEATHER JACKET worn 3 times only. Classic style with zip, size 46. 60€ CURTAINS, SWAGS, TAILS AND TIE BACKS. 3 pairs approx 260cm drop x 140cm width. Gold with green stripe, silky material. 30€ per pair or 80€ for 3. Quesada Tel: 966 713 707 KENWOOD INDUSTRIAL FOOD MIXER with book and tools area los altos 50€, Panasonic fax machine with two phones, 20€, los altos Tel: 669 172 982 INVALID BUGGY: plus Galvanised Ramp, plus Invalid Shopping Trolley 299€ the lot, new gel batteries (good for flights), and tyres an absolute bargain, must be sold as owner gone back to UK. Tel: 966 700 397/660 646 674 or photo neave2@live.com N.Johnson BROTHER KNITTING MACHINE and lace carriage, good working order. Extras include ribber and sack of yarn. 85€ ono, Brother Embroidery Machine fraction of new cost includes two embroidery cards and & large hoop, recently serviced by Brother €250€, Brother PE-Design V6 embroidery digitizing and copying software with USB writer box and card. fraction of new price 199€ Tel: 865 779 402
BROTHER INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE on stand with single phase motor in excellent condition, 100 needles and lots of accessories. 275€ o.n.o Tel: 865 779 402 OAK NEST OF FOUR TABLES, suitable for use with table lamps or as side tables, vgc – 80€ Tel: 646 444 942/968 199 913 CENTRAL HEATING RADIATOR 750mm x 400mm double convector with top grill & side panels vgc 10€ ono Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103 SHORT BLONDE LAYERED STYLE WIG WITH STAND. As new Make: Camaflex by Coiffures Paris (Cost 160€), 40€ Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103 COUMBIAN 300 BOWLING BALL 12lb made in USA with carry bag,10€ ono Tel: 965 724 183/616 883 103 EXECUTIVE DESK, curved with locking drawers, matching filing cabinet with 2 wide lockable drawers, good quality, teak & black finish, executive chair in black upholstery. Bargain at 190€ ono Tel: 966 190 695/620 600 562 2 BUTANO GAS BOTTLES 40€, Single phase deep submersible water pump (as used in a domestic well), can be seen running 100€, Tel: 634 334 532 (Murcia region) ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEY, choice of two a Powakaddy Freeway black and an Energy/Lucas also black, both are in good working order, but neither have a battery and charger included (both require a 12v 24amp battery) Mazarron area. These are both very reasonably priced at 45€ each, Tel: 691 646 606 SINGLE SIZE FOLDING GUEST BED(Z-BED) unused in dust cover 50€, Artists folding easel including brushes and paints and pallet. Unused, would make lovely Xmas present. 30€. Both items can be delivered locally. Tel: Pam 0044 7974 567 927
business opportunity
“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience” If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping. This is the reality for people that are making money online. Read why you should be cashing in on today’s booming economy and discover for yourself how you can turn your passion into a large monthly wage, every single month. For Free Information Visit
www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk
Advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section
Any single item up to 300€ is free of charge email: blancasales@ soltimes.com electricians
Electrician available for all works Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 562
davendonc@aol.com insurance
asssa medical
insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396
mazarron@asssa.es jewellery
GOLD WANTED English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins
IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter
664 890 990
Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths
personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”
Spanish lady Playa Flamenca near new Carrefour before La Florida. 37 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€. Full discretion. Tel: Ana 865 646 437 ELEGANT slim, sexy, naughty italian lady available home/house visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, Quesada plus all other areas. Escort available home & house visits. Tel: 693 357 526
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Call Kate on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com
www.soltimes.com pets
pet taxi
property for sale / rent
VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT
SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL
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
Alf
Alf is a terrier cross, He is about 2 years old. Very placid and about the size of a spaniel so is a medium to small young man. Alf really is lovely and would make someone a very loyal companion.
Please contact K9 or PHONE: 600 84 54 20 for more info
www.k9club.es
2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment FOR SALE Apartment
(Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi, Costa Blanca
bargain 4 BED, 2 BATH, Large Terrace overlooking Plaza, separate kitchen and utility room, lift, furnished incl. white goods, UK TV. 105m². Close to the town ‘s attractive central square and all other amenities. 10 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar and close to La Finca Golf.
Reduced price 72,950€
(0034) 676 534 978
swimming pools
plasterer ENGLISH PLASTERER internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. fully legal in spain. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@hotmail. co.uk
property for sale / rent detatched cortijo reduced
bargain
Contact email: spain@daisypoolcover.com.au
Mobile: 660 080 201 sat/tv services
20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas,kitchen&diningroomaswellas aworkshop,courtyardfront&back& room forapool.Mountainviews. €125,000 ono 649 186 107 oremail thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com
for sale
mojacar playa front line apartment 1 bed apt with private, gated parking & gardens. Communal pool. Walking distance to amenities, shops and restaurants. Opposite beach. Sea views.
€69,000
T: 646 844 708
want to know whats in the news?
go online: www. SOLTIMES.com
wigs
removals
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-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz
www.delimas.biz
fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS
UK - SPAIN - UK
Van hire
ONE WAY
UK to Spain or Spain to UK
*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN
* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE
TEL: 667 235 205
Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain
From a parcel to a small house move Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service
uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk
+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389
For all Enquiries & Orders
Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan on 686 358 475 or
rainbowsats@gmail.com translation services LOOKING FOR A QUICK
TRANSLATION ? English/Spanish Translations
EMAIL YOUR TEXT TO:
quicktranslations11@gmail.com
27
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
SOL TIMES
spas euro spas Spas at factory prices. Used & Ex display models. Spares & repairs. Part exchange Telephone 650 722 905
Salon Mar ga r etha s 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.
want to know whats in the news? go online
www.soltimes.com
COSTA BLANCA
KATE- : 902 750 190 (EXT: 330) email: blancasales@soltimes.com
COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR PAULETTE : 902 750 190 (EXT: 332) email: calidasales@soltimes.com
Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010
28
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
Call Kate on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com
jaguar C-X75 to star in upcoming James Bond film Spectre as villain’s car Cancelled 850bhp hybrid Jaguar supercar appears set to make its on-screen debut in new Bond film alongside the Aston Martin DB10 The Jaguar C-X75 will star alongside the Aston Martin DB10 in the upcoming Bond film Spectre
The Jaguar C-X75, a cancelled million-pound 850bhp hybrid supercar project, is set to star in the upcoming James Bond film Spectre. Individuals involved with the project have reported on the ongoing engineering works to the car, which are designed to make it suitable for filming use. Autocar understands that for production purposes the C-X75 will be fitted with Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8, instead of using its existing hybrid powertrain. It is also rumoured that the C-X75 will be driven by the film’s villain. Such a role in the 24th Bond film ties in neatly with Jaguar’s “Good to be Bad” campaign, which heralded the launch of the new F-type coupé and showcased British actors playing villains. Jaguar officials would not confirm which cars are involved in the film at this stage but did not directly counter the reports of the C-X75’s involvement, instead simply indicating that any official announcements will be made in 2015. It would not be the first time that Bond’s enemies have driven Jaguars; for example, in the 2006 version of Casino Royale, both the XJ8 and XJR make appearances. A Jaguar XKR also starred prominently in 2002’s Die Another Day, battling Bond’s Aston Martin Vanquish. The hero car of the film, driven by James Bond, will be the recently revealed Aston
vehicles for sale Nissan Qashqai June ‘11 - 4x2 1.5 DCi 6-Speed 1 owner Full Nissan history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Remote locking, CD Full panoramic roof Isofix, Navigation Reversing camera White
€13,450
www.fwreurocars.com
600 726 221 965 687 976
Ford Fiesta 2012 - 5 door hatch 1.25 35,000 kms 2 owners Full service history A/C PAS ABS E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Metallic silver
€8,750
www.fwreurocars.com
600 726 221 965 687 976
Peugeot 207cc 2007 - Cabriolet 1.6 Sport (150 bhp) 86,000 kms 2 owners Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, CD player Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Remote locking Auto-fold mirrors Directional headlamps Metallic silver
€7,950
www.fwreurocars.com
600 726 221 965 687 976
Ford Ka 2005 - 3 door hatch 1.3 60,000 kms 2 owners Full service history A/C PAS, ABS Electric windows CD player Central locking Rear head restraints Metallic blue
Looking for a car
we have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles available for sale or exchange
€3,250
600 726 221 or 965 687 976
600 726 221 965 687 976
www.
www.fwreurocars.com
fwreurocars.com
Do you have a caravan, vehicle, boat or motor bike for sale To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers this space for only 15€
this space for only 15€
Martin DB10. Aston Martin itself has been using the hashtag “Good to be Bond” on Twitter, imitating the official Jaguar line and further indicating the brand’s involvement with the upcoming film. Read more: www.autocar.co.uk
mobile auto electrics
Vehicles registration
Mobile Auto Electrician ENGINE MANAGEMENT DIAGNOSTICS
“RE-PLATE” MATE
fault Finding & Repairs Engine Diagnostics Air-conditioning Re-gas & repairs Starter Motor & Alternator Repairs
GB
Telephone Al - Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm FULLY MOBILE
638 323 499 wanted
CASH CASH CASH Same day collection
We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!
From 1€ to 10,000€
Call Phil: 607 848 332
wanted cars for cash
Best prices paid Spanish English Anythingconsidered
PHONE kate On 950 121 936 ext 330 tel: Tim on 662 211 993
E
Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:
Alan 662 249 159
www.replatematecostablanca.com
For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.
605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com
SOLTIMES DE CEMBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
29
Go to our web site for all our excursions. Costa Blancas No1 Tour Operator for day trips, city breaks, cruises through to Christmas & New Year.
online Booking Now Available!
Book online or call us direct, either way one of our operators is waiting to take your call or visit www.coachtripsonline.com for more info
BBC sparks criticism
John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu
The BBC has sparked criticism over plans to broadcast a “mischievous” story on Radio 4 imagining the assassination of Margaret Thatcher. The Assassination Of Margaret Thatcher by Hilary Mantel will feature in the station’s Book At Bedtime slot. But Lord Tebbit told the Mail on Sunday: “It is a sick book from a sick mind and it’s being promoted by a sick broadcasting corporation.” Meanwhile Lord Bell told the paper the BBC is “inevitably going to be accused of political bias”, adding: “If it really was independent it would avoid doing things that were provocative.” But a BBC spokesman said the literature is “of significant interest to
the public”. He said: “Book At Bedtime offers the best of modern and classic literature and, in doing so, presents a wide range of perspectives from around the world. “The work of Hilary Mantel – a double Booker Prize-winning author – is of significant interest to the public and we will not shy away from the controversial subject matter that features in one of the four stories read across the week.” The broadcast from Mantel’s collection of short stories will go out in the week of January 5 and will be read by Dame Harriet Walter. BBC Radio 4 Publicity said online: “In Hilary Mantel’s mischievous story, a knock at the door announces an unexpected visitor who has plans to
viewpoint the airship
As all borders with Spain are sealed and the export of Remitroot products halted Alqueria was in an even sorrier state than usual. There were no political initiatives to reopen trade with the Pueblo as the Japanese Remitroot substitute, Gremittoot sustained those addicted for the time being. Remitroot berries, leaves and stalks rotted in Poyato’s warehouse. Urgent meetings of the Village elders were called, convened, degenerated into fist fights and were adjourned. Supplies were running low, tempers were running short and what’s worse people were starting to sober up. Poyato came to the rescue with a bold plan, a rather stupid one but bold nonetheless. He proposed to build an airship fuelled with the gas from rotting Remitroot berries. The gas is lighter than air, the foul smell and its tendency to explode at awkward moments seemed a small price to pay. The airship was to be filled with barrels of Remitroot Whisky, floated over the Mediterranean where a rendezvous with a tanker would be arranged. The Whisky would be pumped into the tanker which would deliver it to an agent who would arrange its sale. What could go wrong? The fabric of the airship posed the first problem. Using silk from the underwear belonging to the ladies of Alqueria was mooted. Unfortunately they are a promiscuous lot and didn’t possess underwear. Manuela even had to look the word up in her dictionary. The now dried Remitroot stalks provided the solution. Shredded and spun into a yarn they were then woven into an airtight
fabric. It was a truly organic craft. Construction, preparation and launching went surprisingly if worryingly well. Christened the ‘A 101’ it soared into the air. The Remitroot gas lifted the craft above the clouds, its nose then turned southward towards the open sea and the waiting tanker. The good ship ‘Carrycrapp’ was soon transferring the Remitroot Whisky into its tanks. The ‘A 101’ hovered above, its leaky system of hoses reaching down to the Tanker’s deck. The tanker’s crew helped themselves liberally to the Whisky leaving them feeling rather light footed from its effect as an aphrodisiac. When the transfer was complete the Tanker sailed into the sunset with its crew giggling in the dark. Shortly after the successful return of the Airship the World Food Organisation declared the Japanese substitute, Gremittoot safe for human consumption. No side effects, hallucinationary, erotic or otherwise had been reported. This of course made the product mundane and it soon lost its appeal. Those in international high places addicted to Remitroot pulled strings and the border restrictions applied to Alqueria were lifted. Remitroot once more flowed freely. Alqueria regained prosperity and the Airship incident was never spoken of again.
alter the course of history as people know it. “The stories selected from Mantel’s collection The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher are dark and sharply observed. “From the middle-class woman with powerful feelings about a former prime minister to the woman trapped in her apartment in Jeddah to the two young girls who during the heat of the summer holidays venture into forbidden territory, each of the stories deals with psychological unease, and at the same time is wickedly witty.” Thatcher’s biography was Book of the Week on Radio 4 when it was published. Two-time Man Booker Prize winner Mantel, who made her name dissecting the 16th century court intrigues of King Henry VIII’s adviser Thomas Cromwell,
has not been afraid to speak out about modern-day Britain.
When Somebody Else’sCat first appeared, pleading homelessness and promising ‘to be no trouble’ she was all sweet demure innocence, a victim of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, a lamb cast loose in a world of wolves. She needed a name, and being both meek and extremely black, hence obviously a Witch’s Familiar, it seemed appropriate to christen her Magrat, in homage to the inept but gentle and lovable witch created by the great Sir Terry Pratchett. However, all that has changed, starting from the day she stole our dinner. She moved by imperceptible degrees from pitiful waif with a dependent kitten,struggling for survival in hostile surroundings to Queen of all she surveyed. There was an urgent need to ‘get her done’ before the local tom did. She returned from the vet.all out of focus eyes and rubber legs, and, of course, nobody with an ounce of humanity could leave her outside in the garden in that condition, hence she was inside on the day of the dinner stealing incident. As soon as her world josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk had stopped
going round in circles and the furniture had stopped bumping into her, she began her bid for power. She is, however, a canny cat, and tactically astute. She didn’t thunder in with all guns blazing; she surveyed the situation, and waitedsubmissively until she had us in a situation where her point of view seemed the most reasonable and victory was almost guaranteed to be hers, before quietly asserting herself. This is in no way how Magrat of Discworld would have behaved; hers is a pure and innocent soul, devoid of artifice – the cat needed another name so Pete resorted to the Web to search for something suitable, putting in as a search ‘Female Pirates’. Surprisingly there are quite a few, but one stood out as being so like Somebody Else’s Cat that it seemed almost as if she were a re-incarnation of the original. With the possibility that other-worldly influences might be at play we wasted no time in rechristening her Sayyida al Hurra, which translates as ‘noble lady who is free and independent; the woman sovereignwho bows to no superior authority.’ As her rule in benign, we are happy to grant her Sovereign Status. However, Sayyida al Hurra is a bit of a mouthful so, Queen or not, she has to put up with being known as Sayyida al Hurra, a.k.a. Sid.
Last year, the Wolf Hall author attacked the Duchess of Cambridge as a ”shop-window mannequin” with no personality, whose only purpose is to breed. During a lecture at the British Museum, she criticised Kate as appearing to have been ”gloss-varnished” with a perfect plastic smile in contrast to the late Princess of Wales, who she described as awkward and emotionally incontinent. She went on to suggest that the”painfully thin” Kate was selected for her role of princess because she posed no risk of showing any character.
a.k.a. Sid
By Jos Biggs
30
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
SPORT & motoring
Top Man Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Gymnast Claudia Frangapane won the Young Sports Star of the Year award, while Sir Chris Hoy (on home soil) was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Torrevieja swimmers
Young Torrevieja swimmers gave themselves early Christmas cheer this weekend when all members of the team had good swims and new personal bests in all their races. The competition, on Saturday, at the Municipal Pool in Petrer, was the last timed control of 2014. Eight of “Club Natacion Torrevieja’s” younger swimmers raced against 7 other clubs and 220 other swimmers in the region in a range of Butterfly, Breastroke and freestyle events. In the 100m Butterfly races Vilja Therese Bilstad,
Vicky Pigneur and Amy Connolly all had good swims.For Vija it was her first Butterfly event and for Vicky and Amy their swims knocked a second off their previous best times. The girls then all went onto the 16 length race, the 400m Freestyle. Another first event for Vilja and very good swims for Vicky and Amy both winning new best times knocking 18 and 12 seconds off previous times. The boys also continued with this winning theme in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke races. The youngest member of the team, Sergio Martin Moreda swam 50m Breaststroke for the first time as did colleagues Patrick Met and Nicholas Zon Acuna in their 100m Breastroke races. Finally Vitalio Veres improved upon his previous best 100m Breastroke time by 8 seconds. Well done all. Racing will begin again on the 17th January 2015, meanwhile the club continues to train throughout the festive period. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@ clubnataciontorrevieja. com
Calendar
The PL games this weekend include Aston Villa-Manchester United, Liverpool-Arsenal, Manchester CityCrystal Palace, NewcastleSunderland, QPRWBA and StokeChelsea. The top Championship matches are Derby-Nor wich and IpswichM i d dl e s b r o u g h; it’s Crewe-Bristol City and SwindonDoncaster in FL1 and AccringtonWycombe and Luton-Newport in FL2 while Celtic visit Dundee United in the SPL. Two quarter-final League Cup-ties took place last night - Derby-Chelsea and Sheffield United-Southampton while this evening, it’s BournemouthLiverpool and Spurs-Newcastle. And for those who missed it, the 3rd round of the FA Cup will feature Manchester City-Sheffield Wednesday, Blyth Spartans-Birmingham, ArsenalHull, Chelsea-Watford, Dover-Crystal Palace, Sunderland-Leeds, WimbledonLiverpool, Yeovil or Accrington S t a n l e y Manchester United and
Championship by beating Cardiff 5-3; Middlesbrough (2nd) also won, as did Wolves at Sheffield Wednesday (their first at Hillsborough for 50 years); Birmingham 6-1 v Reading and Sir Elton John saw Watford beat Wigan 2-1. The respective leaders of Leagues One and Tow, Bristol City and Wycombe both won, as did Celtic who are six points clear in the SPL. Last Friday, under 14,000 fans saw Real Madrid extend their unbeaten run (in all competitions) to a record 20 games with a 4-1 away win over Almeria. Barcelona drew 0-0 with Getafe, leaving Real four points clear at the top of La Liga. Sixteen countries (four groups of four) will compete in the 2015 African Cup of Nations. Rangers boss Ally McCoist said, after his team had lost their latest League game 2-0 at Queen of the South: “I will not quit”. And Manchester United could pay £50m (€63m) for Everton’s Ross Barkley.
CRICKET - England lost their ODI series in Sri Lanka. Alastair Cook’s team were beaten in the sixth game by 90 runs to go 4-2 down. The final match (the seventh) took place yesterday. And Australian captain Michael Clarke hinted his career may be over due to an irritating hamstring injury.
BOXING Bolton’s Amir Khan beat American Devon Alexander to retained his WBC Silver welterweight title, and Andy Lee became the new WBO world middleweight champion after stopping Russia’s
WBA-Gateshead. Also, the draws were made on Monday for the first knockout round of the Champions League and Europa Cup competitions. In Rugby Union, there are full programmes over the weekend in the AVIVA Premiership and the Guinness Pro12 League, and there is a two-day NH meeting at Ascot (19-20 December).
FOOTBALL - Last weekend there were Premiership wins for Arsenal (4-1 v Newcastle), Burnley (1-0 v Southampton), Chelsea (their eighth on the bounce at home this term, 2-0 v Hull), Manchester City (at Leicester), Manchester United (3-0 v Liverpool), Spurs (2-1 at Swansea) and WBA (10 v Aston Villa). Everton met QPR on Monday. Bournemouth
went
top
of
the
Matt Korobov.
RUGBY UNION - Leinster, Northampton (67-0 v Treviso), Saracens and Toulon all recorded wins in the European Champions Cup, while Exeter and Gloucester were victors in the Challenge Cup. FOOTBALL BOOKS (for Christmas) I have for sale four of my latest football books: (a) José Mourinho Story: 50 Defining Matches (signed €15), (b) Miscellany of Huddersfield Town (€12), (c) Miscellany of Middlesbrough (€12) and (d) The Ronnie Allen Story (reprinted: €3.00). Only a few copies are available of each one… Contact me on 634 391 414 - you to collect. Sports Shorts written by Tony Matthews.
SOLTIMES decemBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
31
..
new fords available
Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511
www.specialistvehicles.com
Mercedes E500 Brabus Cabrio 2011 22,359kms
€52,950
BMW M5 touring
• ferrari f430, challenge car, 4.3l, v8, 2008, 7,000kms.......................................................................€89,950 • bmw m1, 2011, 3.0l, petrol, twin turbo, 9,000kms..... .............................................................................................€poa • bmw x1, 2011, 2.0l, diesel, s drive, auto, 27,000kms.. .........................................................................................€21,950 • nissan qashqai 1.5 dci Diesel, 2008, 75,000kms............ ..........................................................................................€11,950 • peugeot 308 sw, 1.6hdi, Diesel, 2012, 61,000kms, 7 seater .......................................................................€13,950
5.0V10 petrol 2007,110,000 kms • seat leon 1.9 tdi, 2010, 96,000kms, fsh............€10,950
€27,950
audi q5
2.0 tdi quattro, 2012, 96,000kms
€26,950
audi a3
auto, 1.6, tdi 32,000 kms, 2012
€18,950
MERCEDES E320 CDi
DIESEL, AUTO, 2005,167,000KMS
€14,950
VW Caddy
Wheelchair adapted, 2007,82,000 kms
poa
Renault Fluence
1.5DCi, 2011, 55,000kms
€12,950
chevrolet captiva
2.0 vcdi, 2009,103,000km
€12,950
• toyotacorolla verso auto, 7 seat, 2007, 108,000 kms....................................................................€9,950 • citroen c4 gran picasso, 1.6i, 7 seater, 2009, 90,000kms.......................................................................€9,950 • mini cooper, 2005, 1.6, auto, 76,000kms.............€7,950 • kiacarnival, 2.9 td, 2006, auto, 7-seater, 90,000kms........................................................................€7,450 • ford fiesta 1.4 tdci 5-door, 2006........................€5,950 • alfa 156 crosswagon 1.9, jtd, 2005, 84,000kms........... ...........................................................................................€5,950 • citroen c3 1.4, petrol, 2007....................................€5,750 • RENAULT MEGANE SCENIC RX4, 168,000kms 1.9DTi, Diesel, 2001....................................................................€4,950 • citroen berlingo 2.0 hdi, gold, 2004, 147,000kms...... ...........................................................................................€4,950 • opel corsa 1.3 cdti, 2005, diesel, 113,000kms€4,950 • opel corsa 1.7 cdti, 2003, diesel, 3 door 97.000 kms.......................................................................€3,950 • citroen picasso, 2.0hdi, 2000, diesel, 145,000kms....... ...........................................................................................€3,750 • ford ka 1.3, 2002, 69,000kms...................................€2,950 • opel corsa 1.2, auto, 2001, 91,000kms...............€2,950 • Mitsubishi Carisma 2000, a/c, 143,000kms.........€2,950 • nissan cargo 2.3, d, 1997, 160,000kms................€2,450
motorcycles • honda vt750 shadow, 2005, 17,000kms............€3,950 • kawasaki eliminator 125cc, 2007, 1,400kms.............. ..........................................................................................€1850
Right hand drive vehicles
• audi a5 cabrio 2011, 2.0, tfsi, 30,000 .miles.....poa • renault kangoo 1.6i, automatic, 2008, rhd, wheelchair adapted..............................................poa • renault clio 1.2 estate, 2011, 30,000 miles, blue, ...........................................................................................poa • rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles.......... ......................................................................................€13,950 • vauxhall vivaro 2.0l diesel 2010, 6 seater........... 52,000kms..................................................................€12,950 • KIA SEDONA 2005, 2.9 TD, DIESEL, 113,000 MILES......... ........................................................................................€4,250 • vauxhall omega 2.0 gls, 2000, mot & tax...€1,450
Right hand drive - spanish reg
• nissan primera 1998 2L petrol auto............€1,950
~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash
~ Full procurement service
Nissan Qashqai
2008,1.5 DCi Acenta
€11,950
Seat Leon 2010 1.9 TDi 96,000kms
€10,950
renault clio 1.2
2011, petrol, 31,000km
€9,950
hyundai terracan,
2.9 crdi, 2007 diesel, auto, 155,000km,
€8,950
Mini Cooper
1.6 litre 2005, auto 76,000km.
€7,950
peugeot 207 1.4, 2008, 37,000kms
€6,950
lancia musa
2005 121,000 kms
€5,950
HYUNDAI GETZ
1.1 PETROL, 195,000KM 2004
€2,950
Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock
www.specialistvehicles.com
Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511
●Re-registration service available ●no obligation test drives ●we bring the vehicle to you
32 SOLTIMES december 2014
www.soltimes.com
CD ALBERCA 1 MAZARRON FC 1 Mazarron gave a much improved and battling performance against fourth placed CD Alberca and earned a deserved 1-1 draw. Alberca almost took the lead in the sixth minute when their striker dribbled round Conejo in the Mazarron goal only to lose his footing as he was about to shoot. Mazarron’s first attempt on goal did not come until the 21st minute when Manu’s free kick was deflected for a corner. Monty’s flag kick was scrambled clear by Alberca with Mazarron appealing for a penalty for handball. Monty and Tolo then combined well but Tolo’s shot was saved by the keeper. After 30 minutes Tolo’s through ball put Manu in the clear but his shot was turned round the post for a corner. At the other end a tremendous goalmouth scramble saw Mazarron defenders blocking three shots in succession before the ball was finally cleared. Alberca came more into the game and Conejo had to be alert in the Mazarron goal with two excellent saves. Enrique was injured and replaced by Cristian in a bizarre incident. Cristian came onto the field only to be asked by the referee to remove a shirt which he had on under his blue Mazarron shirt. The linesman clearly signalled that it was OK for him to come back on to the field of play only for the referee to show Cristian a yellow card much to the anger of the Mazarron supporters who were directly behind the incident. Conejo was again in action in the early stages of the second half making two more good saves before three Mazarron players were booked in succession for complaining about a decision by the referee. After 61 minutes an attempted clearance by Lorca struck Mateo, his own player, on the back and rebounded just wide of the post for a corner to Alberca. Tolo was again Mazarron’s main threat up front and he had two good efforts saved, the second in the 65th minute when, following a free kick by Dani, he swivelled to hit a right foot shot just wide. Conejo then had to dive smartly to his right to foil an Alberca attack before Tolo hit a fierce drive which was scrambled around the post for a corner by the Alberca keeper. Alberca took the lead after 79 minutes when Perez slipped inside Lorca before sliding the ball past Conejo. The lead was short lived as the irrepressible Tolo burst through the Alberca defence before firing home the equaliser for his tenth goal of the season. Manu was sent off for a second yellow card but Mazarron managed to hold out for the rest of the game including 7 minutes of added time.
TMGS Match Report, La Finca
On this day in history way back in 1868, the first traffic lights were installed outside the Place of Westminster and 28 golfers arrived at La Finca with the sun shining but a little chill in the air, but fortunately, the wind of late had dropped and it made playing golf a little easier to which the Gold Players were quite thankful for as today, was the 2nd of our Medal Play Trophy where the Gold Division had to play Medal and the Silver Division had their separate Stableford comp. The course itself, is in quite good condition for this time of the year and the greens were a little on the tricky side with a mix of slow and fast which was a problem and add a sadistically placing of pins it was no real surprise that no-one had a “two” to claim the “two’s pot” and that will be carried over to next week when we nip down the road to La Manga. All 4 NTP’s available was actually claimed and a sleeve of balls went to Nick Spicer, Dag Lovas, Robbie Rea and Torve Roed. The Silver Division players had a semi decent day and it needed 31 points for new member Reima Matikainen to take 3rd spot on the countback system which pushed Ole Rong into 4th with the same score. The Winner and Runner-up slots also went to a countback and Colin Marsden was pushed off of the top spot by Jack Daroszewski, both scoring 35 points. The Gold Division played medal and it needed a nett score of under 80 to claim any of the prizes and just inside the 80 with a 79 was Torve Roed to take 4th spot. One shot ahead of her on a nett 78 was Roger Nielsen. The Runner up spot went to Dag Lovas with a nett 76 and the winner of the Gold Division was Steve Higgins with a nett 74. Photo: Gold Category winners The Best Visitor prize went to A Mills with a nett 80 (Guests also played Medal). Our next game, Wednesday 17th December 2014 see’s us at the South Course of La Manga at a very nice price of 50€ for those walking this prestigious course. The following Monday (22nd December) we are at La Marquesa with a meal afterwards and on New Year’s Eve, we have secured tee time for Campoamor at a price of only 25€ (walking) so if you fancy a game on any of these matches, just look at our website www. tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604.
TMGS
Tel 902 750 190
DS BARBARIANS RFC FUNDRAISING SUCCESS At the weekend DS Barbarians RFC held a fundraising event to help raise money for the new rugby club at the Steakhouse in Rojales, which went down really well, thanks to everyone that came and donated their time and money, like Beauty by Lauren who did the leg waxing on three of the players for free. This rounded off a great week at the club with new players joining to build up the cadetes team with both experience and novice players. Training is on Monday and Wednesday this week, but at 20.30 until 22.15 and is on artificial grass so no studs allowed, but will make a big difference for the training and hopefully will attract more people. Next week training will be on Monday and Tuesday, so no let up over the Christmas period. Our aim is to get teams into the league next season for the juniors and seniors, also to enter the 7’s tournaments at the end of the season, all good experience for the players. All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome and also beginners to experience players the more the merrier as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport, so come along and join the newest rugby team on the Costa Blanca, also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be. For more information about the club contact Saul on 634 042 913 or myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or come and see me at Zoco market on Sunday, third row in form the main road at the far end. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts, all great Xmas presents.
Furniture First Rojales Tuesday Night Trios
In a very closely fought match, Lucky Strike edged Right Move Insurance in each of the three games, eventually claiming a 8 – 0 win by only 28 pins overall. The Dreamers were hoping to move off the bottom of the table but Team Finland blew them away, with the most complete three game series seen in the league for years. Olli Leppanen scooping all the mens weekly highs with a 237 scratch game and 679 scr series, ably assisted by Keijo Liikanens’ 611 scr series and Kari Savolainens’ 543. Overall they bowled an 1833 scr and 2013 h/c series, to take the Team weekly honours and, put TF in line for seasons honours. The Med Bistro & Bar El Raso always seem to bring the best out of Splash and, this match was no different. Games one and two went the way of MBB but by only nine and one pin. Game three saw MBBs Mirja Hakonen starting with five strikes and, eventually finishing with a 218 scr game. With her two other games, she easily swept the Ladies honours for the night. Sp rallied further into the game but MBB held on to take a very entertaining win 8 – 0. Los Bandidos and Los Lobos spent a ‘very long night’, battling not only each other but the lanes. This did not help the flow of the games and, LL eventually came out 6 – 2 winners, on a very frustrating night of bowling. Split Happens found Caballo Negro in determined mood and, even with Neil Pipkins 613 h/c series, went down to a 6 – 2 defeat. CBs Paku Hakonens 647 and Seppo Tuominens 625 h/c series, saw CB bowling the second highest team scores for the night. It was thanks to Eero Lentos 616 h/c series that helped Crazy Pinz continuing their good start to the season, with a 6 – 2 defeat of Belgas Torreveija 2. Mixers stopped their recent slide, with a comprehensive 8 – 0 win over Juans Warriors. Bob Califice finally finding his form and rolling a steady 626 h/c series. It was the second week of three for our annual ‘turkey shoot’, sponsored by The Med Bistro & Bar El Raso, where bowlers receive a raffle ticket for bowling two or three strikes in a row, depending on their average. So far 68 tickets have been handed out and next week we will have the draw, when four lucky winners will each receive a 25 euro ‘meat’ voucher