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July 2015

Number of Spanish emigrants nearly doubles in four years

But new figures also show that rate of people leaving is slowing down Young people protesting the lack of job prospects in June 2013. / Ă LVARO Nearly twice as many Spaniards moved abroad last year as in 2010, according to new demographics figures released on Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

A total of 78,785 Spaniards left the country in 2014, reflecting a drop in the resident population for the third year in a row.

The population of Spain on January 1, 2015 was 46,439,864, or 0.14 percent less than a year earlier. In 2013, the drop was significantly greater, 0.46 percent.

Population shifts depend essentially on three factors: births, deaths and migratory movement. There are still more births than deaths in Spain, although the difference is small, just 29,974.

But more people are moving away

than coming to Spain, and emigrants represent a higher number than the natural population increase. The rate of departure is decreasing, however, especially with regard to foreign citizens moving back to their home countries.

But when it comes to Spanish citizens, last year saw the highest emigration figures since the crisis began in 2008.

While 40,157 Spaniards left the country in 2010, 78,785 did so in 2014, nearly twice as many.

The vast majority of these people were born in Spain, and their main destinations were Britain, France and Germany, reinforcing the theory of migration for economic reasons, as Spain struggles to recover from the effects of the economic crisis that broke in 2008.

But last year also saw more Spaniards return home after a period abroad. source elpais

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news

No more tax or embargoes on social welfare benefits

SOCIAL welfare for families with little or no money will soon no longer have to be declared as ‘income’ for tax purposes, and will not be taxed or embargoed where the recipient has run up a debt with the town hall.

Finance minister Cristóbal Montoro says the treasury is about to agree a law reform which makes necessary social services benefits ‘untouchable’ for those who need them.

Residents struggling to get by because of redundancy or in-work poverty forcing them to seek help from their council’s welfare department, which normally comes in the shape of supermarket vouchers or payments made directly to utility companies, have sometimes found the sum of these puts them over the minimum tax-free annual allowance.

Others who do not normally struggle, but have suffered a sudden crisis such as being robbed at a cashpoint leaving them destitute until their next wage or pension comes in have been forced to seek one-off help from social services to cover food for a week or two - and this, too, may have put them over the taxable threshold.

As a result, they have effectively ended up paying, or having any tax refund reduced, because of having received milk or bread vouchers when they were unable to afford these basics.

Montoro wants to change all that, and also prevent councils from stopping welfare because of local tax or parking fine debts.

Where a resident has been unable to pay his or her rubbish rates, IBI property tax, or parking fines because of low or no income, some town councils have embargoed their regular social services assistance until the debt is covered. This can literally lead them to starve, and the Treasury says it has to change. The protection of welfare subsidies,

when it comes into force, will be retroactive, meaning any resident suffering an embargo or who has already been taxed on basic assistance will, depending upon how long ago it was, be entitled to a refund.

Tax-return ‘season’ is coming to an end, and all declarations have to be filed - and shortfalls paid, where applicable - by Tuesday this week (June 30).

Changes in regulations mean all pensions received from abroad - affecting retired expats or Spaniards who have worked in other countries for a spell - must be declared, even those which are taxed at source in the country of issue.

Anyone who has traded in their car for a new one via the Plan PIVE ‘scrap-for-cash’ scheme must also declare details of it on their return forms. Mortgages, personal or car loans, pension fund contributions and, in the case of the self-employed, any workrelated expenses including study courses and professional association fees - should be mentioned, as these are offset against the total and could make the difference between having to pay extra tax or getting a rebate.

Those obliged to file an annual tax declaration are anyone whose income last year was more than a gross €11,200, or anyone earning less than €24,000 gross whose income has derived from more than one source.

People who fall within this description and have spent more than 183 days in Spain within the past year are considered tax residents in the country, whether or not they hold a foreign residence certificate.

It is strongly recommended that all tax declarations are filed using a reputable accountant or legal and financial advisor, known as a gestor or asesor. source thinkspain

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Heatwave hits whole of Spain for next five days

A MASS of warm air will bring an intense heatwave starting tomorrow (Friday) and lasting until at least Tuesday across the mainland and Balearic Islands, says the State meteorological agency, AEMET. A 'surface anti-cyclone' and a warm front at high altitudes mean cloudy skies, brief showers and thunder storms to clear the air are unlikely.

'Yellow warnings' have been issued for the weekend in parts of Andalucía – the Guadalquivir river valley, which covers Sevilla and inland parts – as well as the southern half of the Castilla-La Mancha plains, the region of Valencia, the Ebro valley in Catalunya and the Ampurdán area of Girona (Costa Brava area), with temperatures in the shade reaching between 36ºC and 38ºC.

By Saturday, this will increase to the rest of Andalucía and the northern part of Murcia, and southern and inland areas are likely to

see the mercury rise to 40ºC. The whole of mainland Spain and the Balearics will be on 'yellow alert' by Sunday as thermometers rise even further – the Tajo, Ebro and Guadiana valleys will go up to 'orange alert' and only the Cantabria coast in the far north will escape weather warnings.

But Cantabria and its neighbours to the west, Asturias and Galicia, will hot up on Monday with temperatures hitting 40ºC – practically unheard-of in this part of the country where the weather is typically more like that of the UK than of the Mediterranean.

Night temperatures will also hit tropical levels, exceeding 20ºC in the southern half of the mainland and reaching 25ºC in some areas. source thinkspain

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ort

July 2015

Help Vega Baja donate to the Age Concern "Help Us Buy A New Bus" Appeal

Age Concern were overwhelmed when told by Michele Masson from Help Vega Baja that they wanted to donate 5,000 Euros to the Age Concern "Help Us Buy A New Bus" Appeal.

The photo shows the presentation of the cheque by Help Vega Baja from left to right, Pam Horobin, Vice President Age Concern, Chris Stimpson, Help retiring Treasurer, Michele Masson, President Help, Alan Horobin, Transport Manager, Age Concern, Maureen Payne, President, Age Concern and Carole Jones, Treasurer, Help.

The President of Age Concern gave her grateful thanks to the team from Help Vega Baja stating that this donation brings the Appeal total to date to 18,896 Euros which exceeds expectations

Young ‘high-tech’ farmers outraged at Fanta advert for featuring ‘flat-cap-wearing’ elderly landowner

YOUNG farmers from a regional union in Valencia have called for the new Fanta advert to be withdrawn because it presents a ‘derogatory’ image of their community.

The TV commercial shows the stereotypical elderly rural-dweller in a flat cap and tweed jacket, speaking in a ‘country’ accent and a ‘simple’ lexis, building a 19thcentury-style refrigerator.

He piles up ice and slots cans of orange Fanta into it, then stacks bricks around it to keep the heat out and the drinks cold.

A large group of young men and women and teenage boys and girls in a nearby swimming pool in a woods sees what he is doing and descend en masse on the refrigerator, grabbing cans as they run past, whilst the elderly farmer shakes his walking stick at them and shouts the equivalent in Spanish of ‘get orf my land’.

The Unió de Llauradors has presented a complaint to the advertising control board, saying the commercial shows an ‘erroneous, distorted and outdated’ image of rural inhabitants and farm workers, presenting them as ‘ignorant country bumpkins, village idiots and people who

live cut off from civilisation’.

Although they say they understand the advert is a parody, they point out that Spain is a ‘world leader’ in the food production industry and that ‘21st-century’ workers in the sector ‘invest more and more in innovation, change and diversification’.

“Us arable and livestock farmers are not all elderly, nor do we live cut off from education, new technology and other advances in society that anyone else in the community has contact with,” complains the Unió de Llauradors’ missive.

“The commercial pokes fun at issues which are not at all amusing – very real problems such as crop insect plagues which ruin our harvest and our livelihood.

“We consider that the advertising control board should prevent TV commercials being released where they potentially harm sensitive industries such as agriculture.”

Many viewers say the complaints against a ‘very clever and funny’ advert are ‘over the top’ and are insulting to the elderly gentleman in the clip, as well as to those ‘21st-century’ farmers who are in fact of advanced years thinkspain

Valencia mayor's grand entrance by bike parodied on social networks

VALENCIA city's new mayor Joan Ribó is one of several who have opted for no-frills official modes of transport, having famously entered the council office for his swearing-in on a bicycle rather than in a chauffeur-driven car, which has been put up for sale. And memes appearing on social networks show him entering on a surfboard, by parachute, on a skateboard, Marty McFly's floating wheel-less skateboard from Back to the future II, riding an ostrich, and riding a dinosaur.

One of the memes retains the bike, but puts loveable cinema alien ET, wrapped in a blanket, in the front basket. Ribó, from the eco-nationalist party Compromís, says the memes are 'hilarious', but was surprised his arrival by bicycle should be newsworthy rather than the norm. He says he has always used his well-worn and dated mountain bike to get around the city and is not about to break a habit of a lifetime just because he is now the mayor.

But he has also been forwarding the humorous pictures of his 'grand' entrance to the city hall, with a police officer either side saluting him as he arrives in the Kinton Cloud from Dragon Ball.

Other mayors on the 'left' throughout the country have ditched the chauffeur-driven company cars, including Manuela Carmena, from independent outfit Ahora Madrid – a local council branch of burgeoning left-wingers Podemos, who decided not to run for municipal elections but agreed to their members doing so under different names.

Sra Carmena takes the underground line to the city hall every morning at 07.45hrs, without bodyguards. She was criticised for making a 'big show' of using the metro by new regional president Cristina Cifuentes (PP), with photographers capturing the moment on her first day. Sra Cifuentes – who travels around Madrid by motorbike – says the entire scene was contrived.

In response, Carmena asked photographers to come back on the metro with her on the second day and take some 'more natural-looking' shots. In Gandia, county town of La Safor in the south of the Valencia province, new socialist mayoress Diana Morant, 36, has put the 'company' car up for auction and made the chauffeur redundant, saying she will use her own car to travel around if necessary and public transport for longer journeys.

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6

arts -entertainment

‘Bourne Legacy’ sequel to be filmed in Tenerife

Prizewinning Spanish architects design London’s Serpentine Gallery pavilion A BRIGHTLY-LIT ‘chrysalis’ in London’s Kensington Gardens has been designed by two Spanish architects.

Every summer, a tunnel-like pavilion goes up in the park in Kensington commissioned by the Serpentine Gallery and used as a temporary outpost of it.

Top world-acclaimed architectural designers are commissioned to create them, and they are used for parties, conferences, art exhibitions, fashion shows and other, similar events.

This year brings a programme of evening acts sponsored by fashion label COS, including artistic commissions from Marianna Simnett, Fleur Melbourn and Jesse Darling.

A café and comfortable meeting area are set up, and the inside is bathed in colour because of the stained-glass window effect of its rainbow stripes.

José Selgas and Lucía Cano, both aged 50, who opened their architect studio Selgascano in Madrid in 1998, used a mixture of opaque and transparent EFTE panels - a type of plastic which can stand up to all elements including bright sun and high temperatures, and keeps the heat and cold out.

The pavilion is in the shape of a chrysalis, with several entrance and exit doors all the way along it, and even has a ‘secret passageway’ running around the outside.

José and Lucía said they wanted their design to be a homage to all the previous ones in the 15th anniversary of the Serpentine Gallery pavilion, so they took influences from all those which have gone up since the Millennium and added some of their own in a six-month process they called ‘stressful’ but ‘experimental’.

Their studio in Madrid is equally as ‘experimental’, designed as a transparent tunnel in a forest, and they recently renovated an office block in London, the Second Home centre for business-owners, which includes a seating area of orange

July 2015

plastic chairs poking out of the wall so their outline can be seen from the street.

The duo is behind cuttingedge creations such as El Batel in Cartagena (Murcia), the youth centre Factoría Joven in Mérida, Extremadura.

José worked under Italian architect Francesco Venecia in Naples at the beginning of his career, and the Spanish Academy of Fine Arts presented him with the Rome Award in 1998, the year the studio in Madrid was opened.

Lucía worked with Spanish architect Julio Cano Lasso until 14 years ago.

They are the first Spaniards to design the world-famous Serpentine Gallery pavilion in its 15 years of life.

Huge world-acclaimed architects who have designed previous pavilions include Brazil’s Oscar Niemeyer, the brains behind many of the structures in São Paulo’s Ibirapuera Park, including the theatre and Biennal exhibition centre; Japan’s Toyo Ito; Portuguese team Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Soto de Moura; US designer Frank Gehry; China’s Ai Weiwei; France’s Jean Nouvel; eponymous Swiss studio Herzog & De Meuron, and Anglo-Iraqi Zaha Hadid, the first-ever architect to create the pavilion in 2000.

The Serpentine Gallery is an old tea shop in Kensington Gardens, next door to Hyde Park, which was turned into a modern and contemporary art museum in 1970.

Its 2015 rainbow-coloured chrysalis-shaped pavilion opened yesterday (Thursday) and will remain in Kensington Gardens until October 18. thinkspain

THE fifth episode of the Bourne film series based upon the novels by Robert Ludlum will be shot in Tenerife in September.

Starting midway through the month and running for five weeks in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife area, the production will create 350 temporary jobs and boost business for hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in the city itself and beyond.

It will bring in an extra six or seven million for the economy, says city mayor José Manuel Bermúdez.

Some of the filming will take place at night, so Bermúdez has apologised in advance to residents for any possible inconvenience or disturbance, but adds that it will be worth it for the benefits it brings to Santa Cruz.

Extra police, Civil Protection volunteers and street-cleaners will be drafted in during the month and a half that the cameras are rolling.

The island council’s own production company, the Tenerife Film Commission, and local producer Sur Film are behind the move, having reached an agreement with the city council.

It will be the first time that an entire film - and a potential Hollywood boxoffice smasher - has been shot on the island.

Starring Matt Damon, who was in the first three Bourne films as the spy whom the series centres on, the fifth

edition is expected to include Danish actor Viggo Mortensen as the villain along with Alicia Vikander.

The first film in the series, released in 2002 and directed by Doug Liman, grossed US$214 million in ticket sales after being produced on a total budget of US$60m.

Two years later, the second, directed

by Paul Greengrass, had a budget of US$75m and grossed US$288m, but the most lucrative edition, The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007 with the same director as in 2004, netted US$442m after costing US$110m to make.

The Bourne Legacy, part four, was less successful and is the only one Matt Damon has not appeared in - Jeremy Renner played Aaron Cross, a new spy ‘created’ by the ‘programme’.

This 2012 production cost US$125m and sold US$276m in tickets.

A fall in profit is possibly the reason for Damon to be brought back to play the original spy who gives the series his name.

The name of the fifth episode has not been confirmed as yet.

Artist Finds Possible Picasso From His Estranged Father In The Attic Scottish pop artist Dominic Currie may have discovered a Pablo Picasso rolled up in a suitcase given to his mother by his father, a Russian soldier, in the 1950s.

Currie never took his mother seriously when she claimed that she had a painting rolled up in a suitcase in the attic. When clearing out her house, he was about to throw a suitcase away when he thought he should open it to have a look at what was inside.

“It was a bombshell," he told the Scotsman. “We had thought ‘Let's just get this to the skip, let's do it'. […] we unrolled it and it was sack cloth with German writing on it. Inside it there was this old oil cloth underneath and newspapers from the Soviet Union in the 50s."

In 1998 Currie discovered that his biological father was a Russian soldier, Nicolai Vladimirovich, that his mother had met on holiday in Poland in 1955 when she was nineteen. The lovers had met up following the birth of their lovechild with Currie's mother Annette making trips behind the iron curtain.

Vladimirovich gave her the painting knowing that, as a single mother, she would struggle financially. It seems she put it in the attic for a rainy day and left it there forgotten, until now.

The painting has now been sent to Christie's London to undergo a process of authentication. If the painting turns out to be real, Currie intends to sell the Cubist work in accordance with his parents wishes.

“It's a wonderful gift. It's like a message from both of them to me," said Currie of the find. “That's how it feels. It's like, “Here son, we're going to look after you. It's taken a wee while but we've got there." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

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Spain raises terror alert level after attacks

Spain raised its terror alert level from medium to high on Friday after deadly attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait, its Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz said.

“Considering the proximity of our country to the places where some of these attacks took place, it has been proposed to raise the anti-terrorist alert” from three out of five, or ‘medium’, to four or ‘high’, he told a news conference.

“I have adopted that decision.”

He spoke after an urgent meeting of the government’s top counterterrorism and intelligence officials and opposition political leaders, prompted by Friday’s attacks.

He said the decision was also motivated by the first anniversary on June 29 of the Islamic State extremist group’s declaration of a “caliphate” in territories

news

under its control.

“We are at war with barbarism against civilisation,” the minister said.

The Riu Imperial Marhaba hotel where a gunman killed 28 people in Tunisia’s Sousse resort is run by a Spanish company.

One person was decapitated near Lyon in southeastern France, while in Kuwait a suicide bombing at a mosque claimed by Islamic State jihadists killed 25.

Among European Union leaders gathered for a summit in Brussels, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was one of the first to react to news of the attack in France.

“Barbarism will always be confronted by unity among democrats,” he wrote in a message on Twitter. source thelocal

7

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July 2015

Unvaccinated boy dies from diptheria in Spain

six-year-old boy from Catalonia, whose parents chose not to have him vaccinated has died, almost a month after he became the first child to contract diphtheria in Spain in almost thirty years.

Catalonia health authorities confirmed on Saturday morning that the boy identified only as Pau, had died during the night, 28 days after he first showed symptoms of a childhood illness that had been wiped out in Spain.

The boy from Olot, near Girona, had suffered respiratory, heart and kidney complications and had been kept alive on machines in the intensive care unit of Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron hospital since the start of June.

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The case has sparked a furious debate in Spain over the growing number of parents who chose not to vaccinate their children against preventable childhood illnesses. His parents had spoken about their “terrible guilt” over the decision not to have their child immunized and said they “felt cheated” by the anti-vaccination movement. Catalonia’s secretary of health, Boi Ruiz, said the death of the child should serve as an opportunity for “collective reflection” on the need to have the entire population vaccinated, according to the digital newspaper 20 Minutos. Pau

was the first case of diptheria, caused by the bacterium corynebacterium diphtheria, recorded since 1987 when it was eradicated in Spain thanks to a public

health vaccination programme. Alfonso Alonso, Spain’s Minister of Health sent a tweet expressing his condolences to the family and friends of the child.

Me uno al dolor de la familia y amigos del niño de Olot. Con vosotros todo mi cariño.

Mi reconocimiento a los sanitarios del Vall d’Hebron — Alfonso Alonso (@AlfonsoAlonsoPP) junio 27, 2015 Eight other children tested positive for diphtheria after coming into contact with Pau, and were kept in isolation under observation but they did not develop the illness. All had been vaccinated. thelocal

9

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Secondary Electricity Meters for Rental Properties. Install one now before the summer season!

A secondary electricity meter is a separate meter that is compatible with the existing meter in any property but uses a “pre paid credit” system. This means that a property owner can totally control the electricity usage of all, or some electrical appliances within a property. The cost of electricity in Spain has increased dramatically over the last 2 years and these meters are an absolute “must have” for any property that is rented out either on a full time or a part time basis.

A secondary electricity meter will save you money from the very first day of installation. The return on your investment can be as little as 6 weeks in peak season.

loaded card system operated meter will save you money by making your tenants pay for their electricity. It is so simple to use.

This neat little device can sit next to your electricity meter and can be used for the” whole house” supply or just for the air conditioning, depending on the way in which the electricity circuits were installed. No mess, no fuss and an installation completed in just a couple of hours.

The system, however is flexible. It may be that as a landlord or owner you are happy to give for example €50 worth of electricity per week included in the rent but any more is paid for?

The Owners “override facility” allows flexibility for friends by offering an “allowance”. or an owner to “bypass” the system.

To find out more contact Teresa at Camposol Heating & Maintenance (CHM) on 968 199 184 or email us at camposolheating@gmaill. com or visit our office inside Holmes & Pegg Estate Agency on Sector B Camposol.

The Problem

Whether rentals occur during the busy summer season or during the winter season the issue is the same.

If 6 people are sharing a property for a week and they are all using televisions, radios, hairdryers, iPads, laptops, mobiles, washing machines and dishwashers you will see the electricity consumption soar!

The summer scenario is that you rent out your property to summer holidaymakers. They turn up, open all the windows, turn on the air conditioning and then head for the beach! During the winter, many properties may only have air conditioning for both heating and cooling or electric radiators. Your electricity meter is spinning like a top and at the end of the 2 month period you end up with a huge electricity bill which barely covers the rent. So what do you do?

The Solution

Install a secondary electricity meter in your property. This pre-

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Home & Garden

We Can Dream:

7 Things to Consider Before Investing in an Outdoor Spa

Check out these tips and tricks for adding a luxurious outdoor spa to your landscape Soaking in a spa can be a great way to relax, rejuvenate, socialize, rehabilitate and reward yourself.

Relaxing in the warmth with soothing jets massaging your tired muscles is something you might expect to do on vacation. But having this creature comfort at your back door? That’s an exciting proposition.

And it’s very possible, too, as there are many home spa options available today. Here are seven things to consider when making your selection.

1. What Do You Want or Need?

Before diving into a spa purchase, think about what elements and functions you need and want.

For example, are you looking for remedial massage for sports recovery or other health issues? Are visual aesthetics most important to you? Or do you want your spa to be a social space for gatherings of friends and family?

Do your research and choose wisely. The biggest decision for most people will be whether to choose a portable, prefabricated spa or a built-in concrete one.

2. Consider Spa Safety The next consideration is safety. You should acquaint yourself with pool regulations that apply to spas, including elements such as barrier fencing, access gates, ledges, covers and placement. Also note that all spa installations require a building permit. A safety barrier and water should not be added until the barrier is deemed compliant and safe.

3. What Size Will Work Best for You? Bigger is not necessarily better with a spa. Think about how many people will be using it. If you need a spa for only two people, don’t get a huge tub, as you will need to run, heat and maintain it, all of which cost money. If you entertain large groups or have a large family, then you will need a bigger spa.

4. Where to Put Your Spa Spas are a permanent invitation to enjoy the great outdoors, so make sure you position yours as a focal point in an important vista. Tucking a spa down a dead side or around a corner will hide your investment and create a feeling of separation from the spa and its users. As previously mentioned, the closer it is to the main entertaining space, the better it will be for parties and the more you will use it.

Another thing to consider is how far away from the home to site it. Make it close enough so guests who

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are warm and cozy from the spa won’t dread the rush back to the house on a cold night.

5. Let Technology Work for You Imagine the convenience of being out for dinner windows can make the spa the central focal point or on the way home from a kids’ sporting event of your landscape all year round. Built-in decks and and knowing there’s a spa waiting at home for you, floating seats around a portable spa can also create ready to go. Well, that is very possible, as many the feeling of integration to a formerly stand-alone spa control systems are now Wi-Fi compatible and feature. Floating concrete plinths, glass mosaic tiles can be operated via a mobile device. There are also and spillovers of four-sided wet edges are features automatic water management systems to keep the that can take it to another level. If you opt for a pH and chemical balance right, along with in-floor portable spa, you could always upgrade to a swim cleaning, auto leveling and the like. Gone are the days spa and add an off-the-shelf swim jet and a small of being a slave to your spa. Heaters have also come plunge pool. The options are plentiful. Throw in a long way; these days you can heat a large spa up some colorful towels on permanent towel racks, an to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in 20 ice bucket with some champagne and a few friends and family, and your spa will be sure to bring many to 30 minutes. years of joy and pleasure.

6. Hidden Costs Buying, installing and Soft Furnishings & Re-Upholstery running a spa can take its toll on your wallet, so consider the following expenses before committing to a • 39 years experience in soft furnishings & re-upholstery purchase. Portable spas • We make completely new FIBRE FILLED INNERS FOR can have an electric CUSHIONS or RE-PLUMP EXISTING ONES. heating system built in but concrete pools and • FOAM (All densities) superior quality cut to any shape & size swim spas rely on gas.

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12

July 2015

Town halls embrace International Gay Pride Day with rainbow flags flying TOWN halls across Spain flew the rainbow-coloured flag for the first time ever today to mark International Gay Pride Day which, in Spain, is also the 10th anniversary of equal marriage becoming law for all couples.

The first-ever same-sex couple to marry in Spain was two men, Emilio and Carlos from Madrid, who tied the knot after 30 years together and called their 'I do' a 'balm which cured the wounds' of a past spent telling everyone they were 'friends' or 'flatmates' to avoid rejection and even persecution.

Carlos says he suffered at the hands of the police in Franco's 1970s, a time when those who fall in love with their own gender rather than the opposite were considered 'barbaric, monstruous and sinful'.

Since same-sex marriage and adoption was legalised on June 28, 2005 and came into force officially on July 3 that year, a total of 31,610 all-female and all-male couples have married, being considered husbands and wives in exactly the same way and with the same legal provisions as mixed-sex couples.

Despite outcry from opponents, mainly from supporters of the Catholic Church - a situation that was distressing for many practising Catholic gay men and lesbians - a decade on it has become clear that allowing all loving couples, irrespective of gender, to marry under the same conditions has not created social conflict, has not 'undermined traditional marriage' or 'affected the rights of heterosexual people', but in practice has 'enriched' society and 'reinforced the self-esteem' of homosexuals, says the State Federation of Gay men, Lesbians and Bisexuals (FELGBT).

A sociologist from the University of Salamanca says in the beginning, for every all-female couple who married, two all-male couples would pronounce their vows, but the situation is now beginning to level up.

The highest percentages of same-sex marriage are found in the most populous areas - Valencia, Catalunya, Madrid, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, regions which are also the most cosmopolitan and mixed-race.

Constitutional Court backs equal marriage Although the PP government filed an appeal to the Constitutional Court before it had even come into power, in an attempt to gain the necessary tools to repeal the Equal Marriage Act, this backfired on them because it led to a full reading and interpretation of the Spanish Magna Carta for the first time, which revealed same-sex marriage should have been lawful all along.

The court found that it would be 'unconstitutional' to deny marriage to all couples, because as well as being discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation to block these unions, it could also be interpreted as discrimination on the grounds of gender: a woman who wanted to marry her girlfriend and could not was effectively being discriminated against for being female, since if she had been male, she would be allowed to do so; the same applies in reverse with two men.

Spain was only the fourth country in the world to legalise equal marriage, and whilst many first-world and progressive countries have only just got around to it or are still debating the issue, for Spain it is 'old hat' and not even questioned.

Spain 'one of the world's safest countries' for homosexuals Whilst the FELGBT says there is still 'a lot to do', even in the west - not so much in legal terms but concerning society and public opinion in general, and 'visibility' so that the homosexual community does not feel isolated with no role models - Spain is one of the safest and most tolerant countries in the world for same-sex couples or homosexual and bisexual singles.

Most homosexual and bisexual expatriates who have bought a home and moved to Spain, or purchased a holiday home in the country, say they are pleasantly surprised by how 'ordinary' and 'unremarkable' they are made to feel, even by regular churchgoers and their elderly neighbours, and that they do not feel at all threatened if they hold hands or kiss in public.

Lesbians from other countries living in Spain say they have 'less trouble from heterosexual men' than they did 'back home' because of society's general acceptance: once they tell a man who approaches them that they are not heterosexual, he will rarely persist in his attempts and will generally be respectful and friendly.

"What used to be distrusted, treated aggressively and considered weird and disgusting, and a community who used to be considered as threatening and unsavoury, are now seen as completely normal and no different to the rest," says the FELGBT. From 'risky' protest marches to massive street party in 46 years June 28 has been International Gay Pride Day since 1969, after police surrounded the gay bar Stonewall Inn in New York in order to arrest the customers purely becaue of who they were.

Crowds of lesbians, gay men and bisexual men and women, and a few heterosexual people who supported their freedom from persecution, came out in force and campaigned in front of the bar which was under siege.

Although violent confrontations occurred between the public and the police, they were followed by a peaceful demonstration.

Gay Pride manifestations continued underground, or in public but at participants' own risk and often leading to arrests and attacks on them, for many years before society's views began to change.

Nowadays, Pride marches are merely a big, colourful party - a fiesta like any other - and a chance for homosexual and bisexual residents to see for themselves that they are not alone and do not have to feel 'different'.

This year, the celebrations have gone global because of president Barack Obama's decision to make equal marriage legal in every State in the USA. thinkspain

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

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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

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health & beauty

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Look Good

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Feel Great

Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com

Tips for Staying Healthy in Summer

The following is one in an ongoing series of columns entitled Staying Healthy Tips by .

View all columns in series

the population has a month off during the summer.

7. Sun teas are wonderful.

Use flowers and leaves (or tea bags) in a clear half- or one-gallon glass jar filled with spring water. Hibiscus or red clover flowers, peppermint, chamomile, or lemon grass are all good choices, or

awakening begun in the spring. Begin by checking your local bookstore or the web for ideas that interest you.

Plan a vacation that incorporates these new interests and provides you time to read, relax, contemplate, and breathe.

10. Above all, give yourself the time to truly experience Nature. This can happen, even in a city park, if you relax and let in your surroundings. When traveling, take activities for the family and your first aid kit for bites, bee stings, and injuries. Check for ticks after

1. Stay cool and hydrated.

Drink water, at least two to four cups (16-32 ounces) upon rising, and similar amounts if you are going out for activities and exercise. Carry water with you in a hard plastic container (more stable polycarbonate rather than polyethylene that leaches plastic into the water). You may also use a traveling water filter. Check your local water stores or www. realgoods.com.

Most people need two to three quarts of liquid per day, and more in hot weather or with sweating and exercise. Review Chapter 1 of Staying Healthy with Nutrition or Chapter 7 of The Staying Healthy Shopper’s Guide for further information on Water.

2. While enjoying the sun and outdoors, protect yourself from overexposure to sunlight by wearing a hat and using natural sunscreens without excessive chemicals.

Carry Aloe Vera gel for overexposure and have an aloe plant growing in your home for any kind of burn.

The cooling and healing gel inside the leaves will soothe any sunburn. It works great.

3. Keep up or begin an exercise program. Aerobic activity is important for keeping the heart strong and healthy. If you only work out in a health club, take some time to do outdoor refreshing activities -- hiking, biking, swimming, or tennis. Reconnecting with these activities will help keep your body and mind aligned.

4. Enjoy Nature’s bounty – fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at their organic best. Consuming foods that are cooling and light -- fresh fruits, vegetable juices, raw vital salads, and lots of water -- will nourish your body for summertime activities.

Include some protein with one or two meals. There are a number of light, nourishing proteins that don’t require cooking. Most of these complement fruits and vegetables nicely-- nuts, seeds, sprouted beans, soy products, yogurt, kefir, and cottage cheese. Fish and poultry can also be eaten.

5. Take some special summer time with your family, kids, and friends who share the enjoyment of outdoors. Plan a fun trip if you’re able and motivated for a day or longer -- hiking in the wild, camping, playing at the river, or a few days resting at the ocean. Rekindling our Earth connection has benefits that last beyond this season, continuing to enrich the whole of your life.

6. Relax and breathe. You’ve been working hard.

This is the season to slow the pace a bit and absorb the light that stimulates your hormonal message center. Leave your cell phone at home or take a week off from TV. In many European countries, most of

use your local herbs and flowers that you learn are safe, flavorful, and even medicinal. Leave in the sun for two hours or up to a whole day. Moon teas can also be made to enhance your lunar, dreamy side by letting your herbs steep in the cooling, mystical moonlight. Add a little orange or lemon peel, or a sprig of rosemary and a few jasmine flowers.

8. Nutritional supplements can support you with a greater amount of physical energy, enhancing your summer activities. The B-complex vitamins are calming to the nervous system and helpful for cellular energy production, while vitamin C and the other antioxidants protect your body from stress, chemical pollutants, and the biochemical by-products of exercise. Helpful summer herbs are Siberian ginseng as an energy tonic and stress protector, dong quai is a tonic for women, hawthorn berry is good for the heart, and licorice root will help energy balance and digestion.

9. Use the summer months to deepen the spiritual

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

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your hikes. Watch for overexposure, take time in the shade, and drink your water. http://www.healthy.net

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

14

July 2015

seconds Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer several Bytes. Today I want to continue with the before the computer is theme of “Myths that won’t die” and my completely shut down. occasional counter argument. The first When you are ready of these is that ‘You Have to Turn Your to return to the task, Computer Off At Night’ hours, days or weeks

The author of the article has later, the computer will said “Shutting down your computer isn’t restart quicker than something you should regularly have to a ‘cold’ start and with do, assuming you’re using a computer everything you were doing, exactly where made at any point in the last decade.” you left it!

They then go onto say that there are 3

I have seen ‘unpredictable’ options when it comes to leaving your events as a result of the previous computer for any length of time. I think modes. The most common being that that with the ever increasing price of the WIFI will not be found! Another, far electricity and the heat produced in this less common problem is related to an already gloriously warm climate by your ‘imperfect’ image being created and when running computer, you really don’t want it is restored it doen’t work ‘quite right’. you computer running all night long while The final consideration is a simple one. If you sleep (unless, like me, you are running you put your computer into ‘Sleep’ mode any number of long term projects). and the power goes off without having

OK, What are these options and some kind of battery backup, you will which one shall I choose? The answer to lose everything! I have an Uninterrupted the first excellent question is (in order Power Supply for my work horses and that of electrical consumption), Turn Off; gives me that ‘safety net’.

Hibernate and finally Sleep. Now for

The final mode really doesn’t the important question of which one to need any real describing as we all do it choose. Lets turn the question round and regularly. The benefits of ‘Powering Off’ ask “When do I put the computer into ….. your computer are that your work is mode?”. safe and any power fluctuations won’t

The first is ‘Sleep mode’ and is make the slight difference to you! The the one that I use every day. It is best for down side is that your computer can take when you are in the middle of something between 45 seconds and several minutes (like writing this article) and find you have to restart, unless you have a Solid State to leave for some time but plan of returning Drive (SSD), in which case the start time is soon to complete it (when I get a call out so fast (sometimes as little as 10 seconds) to do a repair). This mode turns off the that you do what ‘feels right’ – in my case display, hard disk, fans and anything that turning the computer off when I’ve done. sucks up electric, but keeps just enough

Next time we will look at the myth electricity running through the system to that automatic updates will always break keep what you are doing ‘alive’. The best your computer. Discuss the options, look thing about this mode is that you are back at some statistics (not as bad as it sounds) working in seconds rather than the normal and put another myth to bed. So until then several minutes restart time. have a lovely week, enjoying this wonder

The next mode is ‘Hibernate mode’. This one is what I call a hybrid summer that has now finally arrived. If mode or cludge! Having said that it is an things go wrong you can contact me for extremely useful, albeit limited, mode. free advice concerning your computer, or How this mode works is to make any to arrange an appointment, at the address or phone number below. image of everything that is going on For further information or advice on in memory and computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or stores it to the hard canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk disk. This can take

Phone Stress 2

My quest to renew my mobile contract continued; I’d initially been defeated, in retrospect by the simple question ‘titular.’ After using the Bing online translator, I now knew all the computer voice at Vodafone wanted was my name as it appears on my bank account.

Vodafone were good and called the next morning at the appointed hour, computer lady asked me ‘titular’ I amazed her with my grasp of the Spanish language and finally the computer said yes! A real person came on the line and told me my new shiny phone, dongle and paper contract would be delivered to me in a blink of an eye.

A few days later the dongle arrived first.

Technology nowadays is tiny. I’d no luck trying to fit the nano (tiny) sim card into it so the nice lady in the Vodafone shop did it for me. Then I amazed myself by successfully phoning Vodafone HQ and activating the dongle so stage one all good.

Then shiny new phone arrived. Carefully I opened the box and just as carefully closed it as I am clumsy; there was no way I would touch shiny new phone without a bomb/Stephen proof cover.

Once the cover arrived; I carefully removed shiny phone from its box and promptly dropped it onto the tiled floor. Some choice expletives later, cursing my clumsiness the luckily undamaged phone was safely in its cocoon.

Back in the day, mobile phones simply enabled us to call people. Texting was added with the nightmare of

RENEWAL OF EUROPEAN DRIVING LICENSES EU driving licenses are valid for driving throughout the Spanish territory. The renewal of EU driving licenses requires the holder to undergo psychometric aptitude tests and be legally resident in Spain.

WHO NEEDS TO RENEW? The latest EU Directive 2006/126/CE states that holders of EU driving licenses that have expired or are about to expire need to renew their license.

Holders of EU driving licenses that are valid indefinitely or for more than 15 years for Group 1 (AM, A1, A2, A, B & BE) or valid for 5 years or more for Group 2 (BTP, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE) need to renew their license providing they have been legally resident in Spain for 2 years since 19th January 2013.

TWO EXAMPLES EU license holders that are valid indefinitely or for more than 15 years, who are legally resident in Spain before or up to 19th January 2013, should renew their driving license from 19th January 2015.

EU license holders that are valid indefinitely or for more than 15 years, who are legally resident in Spain since 6th June 2014, should renew their driving license from 6th June 2016.

HOW TO RENEW This can be done in the local

office of the Spanish Traffic Department, by calling 060 and making an appointment, or online at www.dgt.es DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED • Official application form (available from local Spanish Traffic Dept. or download from www.dgt.es) • Proof of identity and residency • EU driving license.

Original and a photocopy • Results from psychometric aptitude tests from recognised and authorised centre • A recent photograph 32mm x 26mm IN THE INTERESTS OF ROAD SAFETY These procedures have been implemented to comply with driving license regulations (Directive 2006/126/CE) in an effort to help increase road safety in general. Countries of the European Union have a single driving license for all 28 members, in a drive to harmonise the more than 110 different types of driving licenses currently in circulation.

If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 461 More information on Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

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

p r e d i c t i ve text and then tiny cameras. I avoided Smart phones for year until Mrs Amore kindly bought me one for Christmas. I can avoid anything except temptation (thanks Mr Wilde); so once I’d used it I was hooked. Nowadays there’s apps everything so upgrading a phone means entering an Orwellian nightmare of downloading, allowing private information to be shared and then we have passwords, lots of passwords. Passwords litter my diaries and notebooks like confetti. I don’t seem to be able to remember more than a couple, some like my online banking password I’ve changed so many times I’ve run out of old pet names and schools to use.

Mere days later and the apps were on new shiny phone plus many passwords; I logged into our home broadband, ready to surf the net; Facebook was up and running, I could read my online newspaper and scour Trip Advisor for restaurants. My virtual life was good until I tried to use the phone for what is its main purpose; to phone someone. Shiny phone that could book me a hotel in Kuala Lumpur and enable strangers to share their boring baby photos with me would not make a simple call.

Using my old non-shiny phone I spent 40 frustrating minutes talking to nice man at Vodafone HQ; I innocently enquired if shiny new phone had to be activated in any way but he said no. Instead he

deduced the new sim card was broken and I needed to visit a shop to get a free replacement.

Inwardly I screamed as that would be now three visits to a shop that were not allowed to give me a shiny new phone. Nice man told me to take along the contract they’d never sent me. FFS was what I wanted to say but instead we agreed he’d talk to a different department and get my contract emailed to me. 18 full colour pages later, the contract was printed out at my expense saving Vodafone a huge wedge.

The shop assistant quoted €5 for the sim as I hadn’t bought the phone from them. This time my scream was audible, I explained how first I’d tried to upgrade in a shop, that nice man had told me to visit her, showed her my shiny phone and the freshly printed full colour 18 page contract.

Maternal pity washed over her, she took my phone, made a call to Vodafone Towers and asked them to activate my phone. The same thing I’d asked nice but now seemingly dim man to do days earlier. A nano second later my phone was working and I left uttering Spanish pleasantries full of gratitude!

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16

July 2015

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com - www.daviessolicitors.com QUESTION: I am going to see my estate agent today to talk about marketing my property. Is there anything I should be looking out for ?

THE SIX QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ESTATE AGENT BEFORE SIGNING CONTRACTS. 1. How much will you charge?

Estate agents in the Mojacar area usually charge a percentage fee, which varies between 3% and 6% of the agreed selling price for your home depending on the type of contract you choose. Ask if the amount quoted includes V.A.T. 2. Are there any other costs?

It’s at this point all good agents mention the EEC (energy efficiency certificate ) if they haven’t already. Legally, you must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EEC) conducted before putting your house on the market. These certificates usually cost between 150 and 250 euro. You will also have to take into account Plusvalía tax , a solicitors fee and Capital gains tax.

3. How will you market my home?

4. What type of contract do you use?

There are many different types of contract and each has its benefits and draw backs. The contracts can be classified in two main groups with many variations of each.

Multi agency – You can use as many agents as you like and only pay commission to the one who sells your property. The more agents you get working for you, the more potential buyers you will reach, and potentially the higher the offers you will get – but you will pay higher fees.

Sole agency – The agent is given the

exclusive right to sell the property. But if the contract is open-ended, the agent might be able to claim commission, even years after the contract is over (see below).Ask what happens if you sell the property yourself to someone not introduced by them ?

5. How long does the contract run?

Be careful with sole agency contracts that renew automatically unless cancelled (they are frequently used and cause a lot of problems).

If this is the case you must make sure that the when you request the cancelation , that the agent acknowledges it in writing (at least by e-mail ). If this is not possible you need to cancel by Burofax to enable you to prove that you did actually cancel the contract. This point causes many court cases.

6. What happens if we disagree on something?

It is not obligatory to have any type of qualification to become an estate agent in Spain and there is no obligatory membership to any governing body to which you can complain. Therefore if you cannot settle you dispute it would be necessary to go to court.

We recently organised a seminar with estate agents and judges in Moraira and it was clear that badly written and unclear estate agency contracts where causing many court cases.

Only go with an agent that you feel comfortable with. Keep away from potential bullies, as if you have a dispute only a court case can resolve it .

The estate agency contract is a very important document and we strongly recommend you have your solicitor take a look at it before it is signed.

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

braben’s blog is back...

Ant & Peck!

You’re not going to believe this. No, really you’re not but it’s true, all of it. Even the bit about the seagulls.

I suppose if we’re honest we’ve all done things that, on reflection, are a little embarrassing, if not downright dim. A couple of weeks ago for instance, I put some dirty dishes in the microwave, mistaking it for the dishwasher, and tried to wash them on maximum power.

In case you were wondering, don’t do it, it doesn’t work. Why I did it I don’t know and I’d be hard put to explain it even under extreme torture, or, even worse, the threat of a free lifetime season ticket for Telly Tubby World.

But, compared to what I’m going to tell you about, my microwave escapade was small fry-or should that be small electromagnetic radiation rays! A man in America had a problem with ants last year and, instead of calling pest control or buying several spray cans of instant ant killer, he decided he’d do it his own way. He doused his house with petrol and set fire to it.

To be fair, you can’t argue with his choice of extermination- it certainly got rid of the ants, he completely obliterated the ants, nest and all, but in the process he didn’t do his house much good. Once the fire brigade had finished putting the blaze out, he was left with a charred wreck, but he was ant-free.

I don’t think he really thought that one through. As anyone who saw that 1970s disaster movie, “The Towering Inferno”, will know, fire is pretty tricky and if Steve McQueen and Paul Newman can’t easily sort it out, what chance have we got!

What he needed were seagulls. No, not to fight the fire, but to get rid of the ants. Apparently, according to someone from The Society of Biology, seagulls have developed quite a taste for ants as the formic acid in the ants’ stomachs reacts with the seagulls’ insides, causing the gulls get drunk pretty quickly.

Anybody who has seen that scary Alfred Hitchcock film “The Birds”, or read the Daphne du Maurier short story which is equally capable of sending you cowering under the bed, after covering up the budgie’s cage, will know that out of control birds could be dangerous, but imagine hordes out of control, drunken, seagulls- more Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice.

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

PROPERTY supplement

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LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM HOME INSIDE! Spain home stays now more popular than hotels

Private home rentals have surpassed the number of hotel beds on offer in Spain for the first time, thanks to popular online services such as Airbnb, a study published by Spanish tourism sector body Exceltur showed.

Airbnb and other similar sites listed a total of 2.7 million beds in Spain at the end of 2014, compared to 2.4 million beds available at hotels and other traditional regulated lodgings, according to the study carried out by audit firm EY for the association.

Sites like Airbnb, which lets homeowners rent out their homes for a fee by marketing them online, list around 278,000 properties in Spain.

“This is a highly lucrative business which has experienced rampant growth,” Exceltur, which groups Spain’s major hotel chains, travel agents, tour operators and airlines, said in a statement on Thursday.

In the northeastern city of Barcelona, where a surge in visitors numbers in recent years has triggered a backlash

Spain’s most charming undiscovered towns

from some locals, 64 percent of available rooms are offered by online home rental services.

Spain is the world’s most popular tourism destination after the United States and France, according to Madridbased United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

The country received a record 65 million foreign visitors last year, a 7.1 percent increase over the previous year.

Tourism is crucial to the slowly recovering yet jobs-scarce Spanish economy, accounting for about 11 percent of all economic activity and one in nine jobs, according to the tourism ministry.

But Exceltur said online home rental services generated just 9.8 jobs per 100 tourist beds compared to 53.3 jobs per 100 tourist beds at a hotel.

It also warned that they could cost state coffers up to €800 million ($895 million) in lost tax earnings due to undeclared earnings. source thelocal

We all know Seville is stunning, Barcelona’s beautiful and Oviedo’s awesome but Spain has dozens of small towns that are just waiting to be discovered.

Spain is, arguably, the best holiday destination in the world and enjoys record breaking numbers of tourists every year, who lap up its tapas and enjoy visiting its beaches and big cities.

But away from the costas and its more famous cities, Spain is home to dozens of beautiful towns and villages, steeped in history, yet undiscovered by the majority of tourists.

From medieval walled villages to beautiful whitewashed ports, The Local

explores some of the most charming towns in Spain you’ve (probably) never heard of. thelocal

PROPERTY supplement

18

Ibiza’s Platja d’En Bossa most expensive for holiday rentals, Galicia and Valencia cheapest IBIZA’S Platja d’En Bossa is the most expensive beach holiday location in Spain, according to a recent report. Quantity surveyors TecniTasa studied seafront holiday rental property fees per week, and found the difference between the cheapest and the priciest runs into four figures.

A 70-square-metre apartment – typically big enough for two bedrooms – on the popular Balearic beach costs an eye-watering €1,680 a week on average to rent for a summer break. And the cheapest seaside holiday lets are found in the province of Lugo in Galicia, where a similar or very slightly smaller apartment costs less than €200 a week to rent. The national average, which has grown 7% since last year, comes in at €595 per week if the property is right on the seafront esplanade or directly on the beach, but variations are vast according to region.

Barcelona and Almería have shot up in price, Castellón and Valencia are going down and the Balearics remain near the top.

Second- and third-most expensive holiday lets in Spain are also found in Ibiza – the Cala Martina bay in Santa Eulàlia des Riu, and Sant Antoni de Portmany, otherwise known as San Antonio.

They even outstrip typically upmarket areas such as Sotogrande (Cádiz province) which even has its own polo club, and Hondarribia – also known as Fuenterrabía – in the Basque Country province of Guipúzcoa, the capital of which is San Sebastián.

At €595 a week, the average Spanish family would spend 27% of their monthly household income on a beach ‘staycation’, but much cheaper lets can be found easily.

‘Cheap’ does not mean ‘lacking in quality’ – some of the areas with the lowest prices are either less touristy but still with proper facilities at hand and, because they are not as well-known, offer much more space on the beach, whilst in other areas, holiday home supply outstrips demand, bringing prices down.

Spain’s most affordable coastal locations for holiday lets are mainly in the far northwestern region of Galicia - Esteiro, Portosin, Boiro, Muros, Riberia (A Coruña province), and Burela and Vicedo (Lugo province) – as well as in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria at

July 2015

International Tourist Arrivals Rise by 5.1% Y-o-Y to May

Spain has registered another new record for international tourist arrivals, receiving 22.5 million visitors between January and May, representing an increase of 5.1% over the same period in 2014, equivalent to 1.1 million additional tourists, according to the latest Frontur tourist border movements survey, released this week by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

In addition, Spain also registered new record figures for the month of May, with 6,504,872 international tourist arrivals, which represents an increase of 6.8% over the same month of the previous year. The number one tourism source market in May was the United Kingdom, with 1,669,491 visitors to Spain, followed by Germany (1,111,056 tourists), and France (1,064,300 tourists).

The United Kingdom was also the first tourist market for visitors to Spain from January to the end of May, with 4,945,507 tourists, which represented an increase of 3.3% year-on-year and accounted for 22% of the total number of arrivals during that period.

A total of 3,632,891 German tourists visited Spain in the first five months of the year, equivalent to an increase of 3.1%, and 16.1% of the total arrivals.

V i s i t o r s from France registered the greatest i n c r e a s e b e t w e e n January and May, of 8.2%, reaching a total of 3,703,125 tourists, which accounted for 16.4% of all tourist arrivals.

In the months

the Las Canteras beach, or in parts of the Comunidad Valenciana on the east coast.

In the latter, bargain holiday rentals can be found on the Castellón province coast in Oropesa, Canet d’En Berenguer, Almassora, Moncada and Xilxes, or on that of the Valencia province along its northern stretch up to the Castellón border, as well as in the far south of the province in Gandia, Tavernes, and Oliva.

Apartments to rent for a week’s holiday in Oliva, ranging from 40 to 90 square metres – roughly a small one-bed flat to a spacious three-bed – come in at an average of €290.

Source thinkspain

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five to

the end of May, tourists from the Scandinavian countries, the fourth market by volume of arrivals, registered a decline of 5.7% over the previous year, to 1,883,790 tourists, and 8.4% of the total arrivals.

The fifth tourism market, Italy, registered an increase in visitor numbers of 11.3%, one of the biggest increases recorded, to a total of 1,303,566 tourists, accounting for 5.8% of the total, followed by the Netherlands, with 913,804 tourists to May (+1.2%, and 4.1% of the total arrivals), and Belgium (770,455 visitors, +7.4% and 3.4% of the total).

The Frontur statistics, published on the Spanish Government website, La Moncloa, also highlighted strong increases in the visitor numbers from Switzerland, which climbed by 21.7% in May and by 12.1% in the five month period, and from the United States, which registered an increase of 18.3% in May and of 13.2% between January and May, while significant increases were also recorded in the Asian markets up until the end of May, such as China, which rose by 56%, South Korea which increased its number of tourists to Spain by 107%, and Japan, which increased by 21%.

With regard to the destinations of choice for the international visitors to Spain, Catalonia was the top destination, registering 5,732,394 tourists, which is 5.2% more than in the first five months of the previous year, and accounted for 25% of the total arrivals, followed by the Canary Islands, which received 4,859,434 tourists (+0.1% and a 21.6% share of the total), Andalucía (3,107,262 tourists, +7.7% and 13.8% of the total), the Balearic Islands (2,663,523 tourists, +7.7% and 11.8% of the total), Madrid (2,103,079 tourists, +11.7% and 9.3% of the total), and Valencia, with 2,080,393 tourists, representing a 2.7% rise and 9.2% of the total arrivals in the period. keyero

www.soltimes.com

PROPERTY supplement

19 Contact us now on

950 064 584 609 199 394

Office : Avenida 28 De Febrero, 44 Bajo, Albox

info@solymarspain.com Many more properties on our website: www.solymarspain.com Cantoria Country house sol091 - 62,000€

Seron Villa sol516 - 179,995€

This lovely countryhouse is situated close the beautiful town of Arboleas, and a short drive from the market town of Albox.

absolute bargin reflected in the price for a quick sale.

This beautiful Villa built to the highest standard sits on 2.5 hectares of land with stunning 360 degree views

Oria Villa sol054 - 94,950€

Cantoria Villa sol080 - 174,950€

Immaculate Villa sits among an olive grove and has fantastic views. Modern kitchen, white goods, lounge/ diner, 3 good sized beds, 1 ensuite & family bathroom

Beautiful detached Villa of 142m set on a 1290m plot just 10 min walk from the town of Cantoria

4 Beds / 2 Bath,10x4 pool. Solar elec and mains, Solar water, Gas C/H, Jacuzzi, Ornamental ponds 7,000m2 plot fully fenced Viewing required to appreciate.

Albox Country House sol082 - 164,995€

locaiba villa sol510 - 229,000€

Arroyo Albanchez CORTIJO sM007 - 116,000€

Beautiful reformed Country House of 190m2 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Beautiful Villa on 3200m2 plot great views. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, (1 en-suite) covered terrace, garage, fireplace, A/C.

Cortijo, 2 beds, 1 Bath in main house Plus 1 Bed Apartment with Bathroom 240m2 build Solar in addition A/c throughout 10x3 Pool

Cantoria Country house sol973 - 165,000€

cantoria VILLA sM005 - 109,000€

Taberno cortijo sM002 - 144,000€

This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Villa is located in a privileged elevated position

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albox villa sol996 - 155,000€

cantoria villa sM004 - 168,000€

sorbas town house sM003 - 85,000€

This very impressive and beautifully presented detached Villa is located 5 minutes outside of the town of Albox. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

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la caÑada villa sM006 - 284,995€

PROPERTY supplement

20

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Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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Lovely studio with sea views, terrace, solarium & garage less than 5 min walk to beach bars and playa del Cantal. Ref. 1520

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1 bed / 1 bath fully furnished Apartment with underground parking place and store room. Lift & heated pool. Ref. 1626

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PROPERTY supplement

www.soltimes.com

Expat homeowners win victory over demolitions “It is a great victory,” Maura Hillen New legislation will protect thousands

of homeowners across the Spanish costas whose properties are threatened with demolition after falling foul of planning laws.

Helen and Len Prior have yet to receive compensation, seven years after becoming the first British homeowners in Spain to have their property demolished over ‘planning irregularities’.

But on Wednesday they won a victory that will ensure nothing similar will befall those other property owners who have fallen victim to administrative planning errors.

The Priors, both now 71, witnessed a vote in Spain’s Senate that will mean the introduction of legislation to halt all house demolitions until owners have been paid compensation.

In 2008 the Priors saw their €350,000 ($392,000) villa demolished after the regional government revoked a planning licence issued by their town hall – making their property, and others on the development, illegal.

The Senate vote represents a shallow victory as has no bearing on their own case; they are still waiting for compensation, seven and a half years after watching the bulldozers roll in and flatten their luxury villa in Vera, Almeria.

But it marked the culmination of a massive campaign for justice by not just the Priors but the hundreds of expat homeowners threatened with demolition across the region.

Telephone: 950 460 999

MUNDI

Legislation passed by the Senate in March saw a suspension of the demolition of homes found to be built illegally by unscrupulous developers, until owners have been compensated.

Maria Maroto Perez: Solicitor/Barrister - Esther Serrano Saez: Solicitor/Barrister

• NIE Cards • Residency Cards • Social Security Cards • • Company Setup • Insurance • • Conveyancing • Translations • Litigation • Wills & Inheritance Tax • Tax Returns •

That measure was extended on Wednesday to include homeowners that were under threat of demolition not because of criminal action but “administrative error”.

“We have achieved something hugely significant that many thought was impossible,” said Hillen, who became a local councilor last month and is now in charge of Tourism and International Relations at the Albox town council.

“The only sadness is that is has come too late to help the Priors who have been tangled up in a legal system for seven years and have yet to receive proper compensation.” thelocal

Ronda de Las Buganvillas, Local 22, (nr Garrucha) www.mundiabogados.com info@mundiabogados.com

ABOGADOS

president of pressure group AUAN measure to be introduced this year.

“It means that not only will there be protection for those living in homes built illegally by rogue builders but also those who bought in good faith with all the papers in order only to see the licence revoked at a later date,” Hillen said “That anomaly needed to be addressed and now it has been. Authorities cannot demolish a property unless responsibility is determined first and the owners paid compensation. It means there won’t be any more cases like Helen and Len Prior,” she explained.

21

Visit us now at our new office: Local 22, Ronda de Las Buganvillas.

Situated between Victor´s Bar and Cajamar Bank.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

We are pleased to introduce ourselves

MUNDI ABOGADOS SOLICITORS

We are a multidisciplinary law firm based in Vera (Almería) and as such we deal with many different aspects of law, specialising in litigation, conveyancing, taxation, civil, commercial and fiscal law. Our aim is to provide a personal, quality service, in plain English and to do so promptly, efficiently and in a friendly manner.

We will keep you up to date and fully informed throughout and all at a very competitive price.

We can also arrange the following if needed: • Open a Spanish bank account • Connection of utility services • If you are considering renting your house or land we will negotiate your letting agreement, ensuring that the terms of your contract meet your requirements • Write your Spanish will • As your Fiscal Representatives, we will assist you in any dealings with Spanish Tax Office and explain to you all the taxes that you are liable to pay.

For those that become residents of Spain, we can also assist in other legal matters, such as matrimonial issues or business contracts.

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PROPERTY supplement

22

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE

July 2015

Infanta Cristina flogs mansion to raise bail

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MOJACAR – REDUCED - €249,950

Mojácar REDUCED- €275,000 MOJACAR PLAYA - €149,950 Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo) Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

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99,000€

lubrin

OLV849

AFP. They have both denied the charges.

Cristina is the first member of the Spanish royal family in modern times to be sent to the dock. No date has been set for her trial.

The scandal contributed to the abdication last year of Felipe’s father Juan Carlos.

Felipe marks the first anniversary of his coronation on Friday.

Juan Carlos handed over the crown in the hope his son could restore the monarchy’s popularity, which plunged during the recent economic crisis.

The crown’s image was damaged by the Urdangarin affair and by other scandals such as a luxury elephant-hunting trip Juan Carlos made in 2012 at the height of Spain’s recession.

On June 11 Felipe announced he was stripping Cristina of her title as Duchess of Palma. thelocal

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

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OL447

Spain’s Infanta Cristina and her husband have sold their Barcelona mansion, reportedly worth nearly €7m ($8 million), in a fraud scandal that has embarrassed the monarchy, a court said on Thursday.

Cristina, sister of King Felipe VI, and her husband the former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, were forced to sell the house to pay a court bond for their liability in the case.

They paid a €2.4m instalment of the bond on Thursday, having raised cash by selling off the house, the court on the island of Mallorca said in a statement.

Spanish newspapers said the couple were paid €6.9m for the big modern villa with its swimming pool and 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet) of land.

Cristina, 49, has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly taking part in tax evasion

by Urdangarin. He himself is accused of embezzling €6m in public funds.

The mansion is in Barcelona’s upmarket district of Pedralbes Photo: Lluis Gene /

OLV532

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75,000€

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179,000€

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www.soltimes.com

PROPERTY supplement

23

Algar Waterfalls

A visit to the impressive waterfall of L’ Algar at the Costa Blanca Whenever you think about the Costa 18 Celsius.

Blanca and cities like Benidorm, Calpe, Swimming in the Altea or Alicante, you most certainly waterfall. More than think about hot summer vacations. just a waterfall The Algar riverside Lying on the sandy beaches at incredibly high temperatures. But there is a very nicely maintained area with pathways along the various waterfalls and natural pools.

Most of you might perhaps have experienced various kinds of showers at the different water parks around, but its nothing compared to is much more to the Costa Blanca than swimming or diving flights, hotels, sand and nightlife. into an ice cold river A bit off the coastline, about 10 km from on a very hot spanish Altea and only 15 km from Benidorm you summer day.

Jumping into the cold find the village of Callosa de’n Sarria.

Just nearby lies the impressive waterfall water of the river Oh yes, its big fun to jump of Algar. into an ice cold sweet The Fuentes del Algar should be on the water river. Well, at top of your list for places to visit whilst least during very hot you are around the area. Not only do summer days. they offer a sharp contrast to the normal Driving to Algar from days at the beach, but furthermore they Altea or Calpe drive the N-332 road to show you a different, very quiet and Urbanizacion Sierra Altea, where you even cool Spain. take the CV-755 which gets you directly On one of our last visits during a hot to Callosa d’En Sarria (which is just 2 summer months, the river still had only minutes from the waterfall). or if you come from Benidorm take the CV-715 via

La Nucia and Polop gets you directly to this lovely place.

Parking is no problem. Plenty of parking lots when you enter the village of Algar. There are two different entrance to the waterfall area. One at the center of the village and another at the very end. So you can pass

through Algar and parking grounds at the second entrance.

Entrance Fee or better said admission fee is around 3 Euros. Absolutely worth it, as the place is well preserved and even life guards are on duty.

Clothing: Take your bathing suit and a pair of good shoes would be useful, as the river is full of stones.

Outside the waterfall area, at the second entrance area, is an additional picnic and barbecue area.

Well preserved with a little camping ground.

Apart of the beautiful waterfall area, just at the second entrance two museums are located. The Environment Museum and the Water Museum round up this perfect day trip into the beauty of nature.

Together with a little pathway through a garden of aromatic plants, the entire day should be a nice and recharging some energy for the often stressed tourist days and nights around the Costa Blanca. ht tp://www.alicantespain.com/

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PROPERTY supplement

24

July 2015

Argentina judge orders asset seizure of Falklands oil firms

A federal judge in Argentina has ordered the seizure of assets of five companies drilling for oil in the Falkland Islands.

Tierra del Fuego judge Lilian Herraez ordered the authorities to seize boats and other assets worth $156m.

Argentina claims sovereignty of the islands, which it calls the Malvinas.

The oil companies named in the case are not based in Argentina and it is not clear how the measure will be implemented.

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Drilling for oil in the territorial waters around the Falklands began in 2010 despite opposition from Buenos Aires.

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J u d g e H e r r a e z says the new ruling will take steps to try to seize the companies’

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The five companies mentioned are: Premier Oil Plc, Rockhopper Exploration Plc, Falkland Oil and Gas Ltd, Noble Energy Inc and Edison International Spa. Three of the companies are Britishbased, one is American, based in Texas, and one is French-owned, based in Italy.

Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falklands in 1982.

Argentina occupied the South Atlantic archipelago for 74 days, before British forces regained control.

During the conflict, 255 British and about 650 Argentine servicemen were killed, along with three Falklands civilians.

Argentina accuses Britain of colonialism, saying the islands lie some 700km (450 miles) off its coast.

Britain has held the Falklands for 180 years and says the wishes of its 3,000 residents should be respected.

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The vast majority of them want the islands to remain a British overseas territory.

“They want to remain British and that view should be respected by everybody, including by Argentina,” said David Cameron after a 2013 referendum in which the islanders gave almost unanimous support for the status quo.

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said at the time that Britain was “arrogant” and “bordering on stupidity” for refusing to negotiate on the future of the islands.

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Los Gitanos and the crystal ball

The Gypsies of Andalucía belong to the Romani Iberian Kale group and it was a column of their caravans that entered Alqueria on that chilly day in February. Attracted by the near anarchy which reigns daily they hoped to settle in the Village Republic. The true freedom which can only be experienced by total chaos became an irresistible lure for these nomadic people.

The ramshackle procession crossed the old stone bridge and took up residence on the waste ground east of the Río Verde.

Leading the group was the matriarch La Adivina. The most gifted mystic and teller of fortunes alive today on the Iberian Peninsular.

A delegation from the Alquerian Town Hall paid the new arrivals an official visit.

Temporary visas had to be arranged and Antonio Poyato wanted the great La Adivina to tell him what was going to win the threethirty at Zarzuela. Manuela being Minister of Culture and an inquisitive girl insisted that the great prophetess demonstrated her abilities.

That evening in the confines of La Adivina’s foul smelling caravan sat Manuela, Rodriquez and the great woman herself.

They spoke in hushed tones, an act of great self-control for anyone of Spanish descent.

Most Gypsy caravans are spotlessly clean this one however was an exception. The smell of stale cooking odours and human sweat was overpowering. Rodriquez, the most hated man in the village was now apparently despised on the ‘other side’ as well. When a ghostly voice drifted down asking “Is there anybody there” and Rodriquez answered in the affirmative.

The voice immediately replied “Is there

anybody else there” The lights were dimmed and La Adivina began her preparations. She produced an impressive crystal ball and started to caress her globe, for what purpose it was impossible to say. She started to chant.

Manuela was unsure whether she was casting a spell or singing a flamenco cante.

The object of the exercise was for the fortune teller to evoke images in her crystal ball which would lay open the very soul of Manuela.

It appeared to have worked, La Adivina took one look into her shiny orb and ran screaming from the caravan, eyes wide and tearing at her hair. Manuela’s soul is not a place for the unwary to play.

The remainder of the gypsies after seeing their leader so affected believed it to be the result of a curse either on them or Alqueria. They piled into any transport available. Arms and legs protruding from windows and doors as they headed for the high sierra. Here they underwent penance to rid themselves of any curse. Refraining from alcohol, tobacco and pleasures of the flesh for thirty days and presumably nights as well. A tough penance indeed.

The people of Alqueria don’t believe their village to be cursed. If it is however it would certainly explain a great deal.

Given the Run-Around

Knowing that Arboleas’s tiny surgery can get busy to the point of being overwhelmed I thought a fortnight was plenty of time for me to book Pete’s two-monthly blood test, which he has to have before his appointment at Torrecárdenas Hospital.

However, Juan Miguel the Receptionist thought otherwise. He fixed me with a sympathetic but firm brown-eyed stare. ‘It’s full. No blood tests for a fortnight.’

I sighed glumly.

‘Go to Albox’ he suggested. ‘Or better still, Huercal-Overa. You don’t need an appointment, just go in.’

We went, but going in was impossible as the entire population of Huercal-Overa, plus all their family relations, were noisily crammed cheek by jowl in the waiting room.

I went to Cita Previa and asked hopefully ‘Blood test? Today?’

Again I got the sympathetic but firm brown-eyed stare. ‘It’s full. I can give you an appointment for next month.’

I sighed glumly. Again.

We regrouped in the car park. It is possible to get the relevant blood test on the same day as the appointment at Torrecárdenas Hospital, but it means getting there before 8.30, and then waiting until 1ish for the result. That’s not enough time to do anything meaningful, and too much time to hang around.

‘There’s nothing for it – we’ll have to get up and go to Torrecárdenas early.’ Pete sighed glumly.

‘Let’s try Albox first.’ I suggested with determination, so we retraced our steps and with all fingers crossed went in to the Centro Medico and up

Route 66 diner helps raise €625 for horse rescue centre

A fundraiser celebrating the first anniversary of Benimar’s Route 66 American diner has helped raise €625 for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre at Rojales.

Rescue centre cofounder Sue Weeding thanked everyone who supported the dinner and raffle last Tuesday (June 16), saying the money would go towards the feeding and care of the centre’s more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse and neglect.

“It was a very busy day, as Rod had been called out by the police to rescue a horse and later had 700 bales of alfalfa to get off the field,” Sue said.

“I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to attend because I broke my wrist a few weeks ago and can’t drive. But at the last minute all our volunteers from our La Zenia charity shop came to the rescue. They bought the raffle prizes with their own money and picked me up to make sure I could be there. It was just wonderful and a huge

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk to the brown-eyed girl at the desk.

‘Blood test?’ I asked hopefully.

‘Today?’

‘Where do you live?’ ‘Arboleas.’

‘Why don’t you go to the Centro Medico there?’ ‘Because it’s full. And the test is urgent.’ I added, to give weight to my plea. She tapped her keyboard and looked up. ‘It’s not. You should go there.’

Brown eyes met blue. I attempted to portray a mix of Pathetic and Needy with Not To Be Messed With.

It is not an easy look to master.

‘Juan Miguel said it was full, and I should come here.’ Not To Be Messed With took ascendancy over Pathetic and Needy.

She sighed glumly and returned to her keyboard. The printer coughed and spat out an appointment slip, which she handed to me. ‘Down the corridor on the left.’ she added wearily. Not To Be Messed With disappeared to be replaced with Grateful, even though I have a feeling that we were being given the run-around!

items purchased from the charity stores.

Every cent donated to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre or spent in the charity shops goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.

The rescue centre, located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 1pm to 4pm.

For more details and directions, please visit www. easyhorsecare.net.

thanks to everyone involved.”

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre relies solely on donations to fund its animal welfare work.

As part of its fundraising efforts, Sue said a ninth charity shop selling second hand clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac will soon open in Dolores.

A manager and volunteers are needed to run the Dolores shop, which is expected to open in about four weeks’ time. If you’re interested in helping out, please call Sue on 652 021 980.

The centre also accepts donations to stock its charity shops. Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large

puzzle pages

26

July 2015

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Answers 5

soltimes sports Quiz

is SW ?...........................................

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

The remaining letters spell a special occasion for families.

2. When was the first Wimbledon Tournament held?.........................

3. What other sport appears in the name of the club responsible for organising the Wimbledon Tournament?.................................

4. The Tournament is made up of how many main competitions?.......

5. After the initial change, new balls are changed in Wimbledon after how many games?...............

6. How many Grass Courts in total will be used in this year?s Tournament?..................................

7. What object appears on the top of the Men?s Singles Championship Trophy?...................

GRANDPARENT HALF BROTHER HALF SISTER HUSBAND KIN MARRIAGE MOM MOTHER NIECE NEPHEW NEWLYWED OFFSPRING PARENTS

wordsearch answer

PROGENY RELATIONS RELATIVES SIBLING SISTERS SON SPOUSE STEPPARENT TRIPLETS TWINS UNCLE WIFE

standard SUDOKU

8. How many times has a wild card entrant won the Championship?.....

9. In the 2008 Main Tournament how many matches took place?......

10. What was last used at Wimbledon in 1987?.......................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

ANCESTOR AUNT BOND BROTHERS CHILDREN CLAN COUSINS DAD DAUGHTER DESCENDANTS FATHER FOLKS GENEOLOGY

easy SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

6. Cocoa bean 7. Circus Maximus 8. Caviar 9. Sir Francis Bacon 10. Being There CROSSWORD

4

1. Wimbledon?s famous postcode

FAMILY REUNION

1. Time 2. Swallow Sidecar 3. Sopwith 4. Tiffany 5. Animal Farm

SOLUTIONS

3

7. Pineapple 8. Once 9. 687 10. Wooden Rackets

Answers

2

wordsearch FAMILY TIES

soltimes general knowledge Quiz

1. The Oxford English Corpus has a list of the most common words in the English language. ‘The’ and ‘be’ are ranked number one and two. Which fleeting word is the most common noun in the English language?....................................................

2. The company name Jaguar was first introduced after WW II. Before that the name of the car company, and the name given to each car model, had which inappropriate initials?.......................................................

3. In the early 20th century, which British company built Pup’s, Dolphin’s, Snipes’, Camel’s, Bulldog’s and Salamander’s?.............................................

4. Which American ‘Art Nouveau’ rtist and designer is best known for his stained glass lamps and windows?.....................................

5. A silver tongued character named Squealer spreads propaganda for his leader in which popular book and film?..................

6. The Ivory Coast is the world’s largest exporter of which bean?...............................

7. With a capacity for about 150,000 spectators, what was the name given to the largest hippodrome or racecourse in ancient Rome?.........................................................

8. Beluga, Ossetra, Sevruga and Sterlet are the four main types of what?........................

9. Which English philosopher, statesman, scientist, lawyer, jurist and author was also known as the 1st Viscount Saint Alban?........

10. Name the film in which Peter Sellers plays Chauncy Gardiner?.............................

1

1. 19 2. 1877 3. Croquet 4. Five 5. 9 games 6. 20

sol CAN YOU NAME THESE FAMOUS BABIES? picture quiz!

1: Ozzy Osborne 2: Sir Winston Churchill 3: Matt Lucas 4: Boris Johnson 5: Gordon Brown

on this day 1st JUly

1569 – Union of Lublin: The Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania confirm a real union; the united country is called the Polish– Lithuanian Commonwealth or the Republic of Both Nations.

1690 – Glorious Revolution: Battle of the Boyne in Ireland.

1862 – Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, second daughter of Queen Victoria, marries Prince Louis of Hesse, the future Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse.

1863 – American Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg begins.

1903 – Start of first Tour de France bicycle race.

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car of the week

Antas across 1. Circumvent (5) 6. Villain (5) 7. Section of a legal document (7) 9. Automobile (3) 11. Moose (3) 12. Hit lightly (3) 15. Succulent (4) 17. Charter (4) 18. Paragon (5) 19. Postpone (5) 20. Psyche (4) 22. Excavation (4) 23. Constrictor (3) 24. Be unwell (3) 26. Feline (3) 27. Fretwork (7) 30. Geographical region (5) 31. Used as an abrasive (5)

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Down 1. Make a mistake (3) 2. Elect (4) 3. Nimble (5) 4. Water bird (4) 5. Snakelike fish (3) 7. Store of arms and equipment (7) 8. Building (7) 9. Ascend (5) 10. Sound (5) 13. Sports area (5) 14. Cap (5) 16. Possessed (3) 17. Cloth border (3) 21. Heading (5) 24. Particle (4) 25. Prevaricator (4) 28. Simian (3) 29. Weep (3)

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27

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.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

standard

ACROSS

easy

squiggle

7 No time to tease southern relatives (5) 8 Resist change, enshrouding middlemen after my secrets (9) 10 Boy wears most of vest, breaking what it doesn’t have (6) 11 Drunk doubles without first reaching for large stones (8) 12 Health facility tips up in headless group of fish (8) 13 Follow up small idols (4) 15 Coastal disease is disastrous (7) 17 Protracted your old following - the French at first no good (7) 20 First lady provided oriental existence (4) 22 Idealistic man in round opening of the ear (8) 25 Prison food? (8) 26 Reportedly, you smell a brilliant discovery (6) 27 Desire completely, if all goes well (9) 28 Poet puts vessel in empty vehicle (5)

Down

1 Powerful vehicle for animal that sleeps? (9) 2 Tries to put politician in a sort of t-test (8) 3 Slob (my son) returns signs (7) 4 Fight a battle (8) 5 Dealt with commercial in the red?

Not he! (6) 6 Rages about part of the engine (5) 9 Finest bighead set off (4) 14 Psychiatrist in middle-age is getting smaller! (9) 16 Some had read “Full Throttle” it’s terrible (8) 18 Giving our genes new order (8) 19 Regular 12 attendant? (7) 21 No Princess on the outskirts of former PM’s country (6) 23 Mulder’s first eye-opening alien encounter (4) 24 Car, or it’s test to start off with (5)

FOOD & DRINK

28

FOOD & DRINK... Sanwiches

Veggie Dagwood Sandwiches

Method:

Whisk the mayonnaise, ketchup and relish in a small bowl. Lay out 24 slices of bread and lightly spread one side of each with the mayonnaise mixture. Top 4 slices with lettuce and grilled mushrooms.

Top with another slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up, followed by cheese, grilled eggplant and a third slice of bread, mayonnaise-side down. Set aside.

Top 4 more slices of bread with lettuce, cheese and marinated tomato.

Top with another slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up, followed by marinated zucchini and radishes, and pickled onions. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, mayonnaise-side down.

Stack the eggplant clubs on top of the zucchini clubs to make a Dagwood, secure with a long skewer and top with an olive. Arrange

wrapMexican? cuban sanw Is Mexican FoodichReally Ingredients:

Juice of 8 lemons Juice of 8 limes 12 cloves garlic 1 bunch fresh cilantro sprigs 2 cups kosher salt 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 (8-pound) pork shoulder butt 2 ounces freshly ground black pepper

July 2015

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish 24 slices bread (about 2 loaves),such as potato, sun-dried tomato, olive or rye 1 heart romaine lettuce, leaves separated Grilled mushrooms and eggplant; marinated tomatoes, zucchini and radishes; pickled onions (recipes below) 12 ounces dill havarti cheese, sliced Spanish olives, for serving the Dagwoods on a platter; dismantle into club sandwiches to serve.

Marinated Radishes: Thinly slice 1 bunch radishes. Toss with the juice of 1 lemon and season with salt and pepper. Let marinate about 20 minutes.

Grilled Eggplant: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced thyme.

Thinly slice 1 eggplant. Brush with the garlic oil, season with salt and pepper and grill until charred, about 3 minutes per side.

Pickled Onions: Bring 1 1/4 cups red wine vinegar, 6 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1 bay leaf, a pinch of red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil.

Add 2 sliced red onions and simmer 1 minute; let cool.

Grilled Mushrooms: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Scrape out the gills from 8 portobello mushroom caps, brush with the garlic oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill about 4 minutes per side.

Marinated Zucchini: Thinly slice 2 zucchini lengthwise. Lay on a platter, sprinkle with the zest and juice of 1 lemon and season with salt and pepper. Let marinate about 20 minutes.

Marinated Tomatoes: Thinly slice 2 beefsteak tomatoes and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Let marinate about 20 minutes.

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com

Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches

12 whole wheat tortillas Yellow mustard, to taste 1/2 pound sliced ham 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese Pickles, to taste 1 head lettuce, finely chopped 2 tomatoes, sliced

Ingredients:

Method:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. juice, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and cumin, lemon the mix blender a In pan until well combined and a paste forms. Place the pork in a large roasting roast and oven the in pan roasting the Place pork. over all paste the rub and a bit the pork for 4 hours. Remove the pork and let sit for 10 minutes. Once cooled, using 2 forks, pull the pork into shreds. on each Heat the tortillas on stove for 30 seconds each side. Spread mustard cheese, Swiss of slice a ham, of slice a pork, pulled some add tortilla, warmed serve. and tortilla the up Wrap tomato. of some pickles, lettuce, and a slice Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 medium carrots, shaved into ribbons with a vegetable peeler 4 radishes, thinly sliced 2 crusty hoagie-style rolls 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4 limes) 2 teaspoons honey 2 tablespoons chopped cornichons or gherkins, plus 1 tablespoon brine from the jar Kosher salt 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from 1 small chicken) 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus cilantro leaves for topping 1 tablespoon Asian chile sauce (such as Sriracha)

Method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Soak the red onion, carrots and radishes in ice water for 5 minutes, then drain. Split each roll in half lengthwise to make 4 pieces.

Transfer to the oven to toast.

Whisk 1/4 cup mayonnaise, the lime juice, honey, cornichons and brine, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.

Add the chicken, onion, carrots, radishes and chopped cilantro and toss. Mix the chile sauce and the remaining 1/4 cup mayonnaise in a small bowl.

Spread each piece of bread with some chile mayonnaise, then top with the chicken salad and cilantro leaves.

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FOOD & DRINK

history of the sandwich Who invented the sandwich?

When? Where? And Why?

Acknowledging the fact that combinations of bread/pastry filled with meat or cheese and dressed with condiments have been enjoyed since ancient times, Food historians generally attribute the creation of the sandwich, as we know it today, to John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.

This Englishman was said to have been fond of gambling. As the story goes, in 1762, during a 24 hour gambling streak he instructed a cook to prepare his food in such a way that it would not interfere with his game. The cook presented him with sliced meat between two pieces of toast. Perfect! This meal required no utensils and could be eaten with one hand, leaving the other free to continue the game. Sadly, the name of real inventor of the sandwich (be it inventive cook or the creative consumer) was not recorded for posterity.

Recipes for sandwiches were not immediately forthcoming in cookbooks.

Why? In England they were (at first) considered restaurant fare. In America? Many colonial cooks in the last half of the 18th century were not especially fond of imitating British culinary trends. Did colonial American cooks make sandwiches? Probably...most likely, though you will be hard pressed to find solid evidence. When viewed in historical context, it is understandable why Americans didn't begin calling their bread and meat combinations "sandwiches" until [long after the Revolution & War of 1812] the late 1830s. The primary difference between early English and American sandwiches? In England beef was the meat of choice; in America it was ham. A simple matter of local protein supply. Or??! A tasty opportunity to promote government split. You decide.

This is what the food historians have to say: "The bread-enclosed convenience food known as the "sandwich" is attributed to John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792), a British statesman and notorious profligate and gambler, who is said to be the inventor of this type of food so that he would not have to leave his gaming table to take supper. In fact, Montague was not the inventor of the sandwich; rather, during his excursions in the Eastern Mediterranean, he saw grilled pita breads and small canapes and sandwiches served by the Greeks and Turks during their mezes, and copied the concept for its obvious convenience. There is no doubt, however, that the Earl of Sandwich made this type of light repast popular among England's gentry, and in this way, his title has been associated with the sandwich ever since.

The concept is supremely simple: delicate finger food is served between two slices of bread in a culinary practice of ancient origins among the Greeks and other Mediterranean peoples. Literary references to sandwiches begin to appear in English during the 1760s, but also under the assumption that they are a food consumed primarily by the masculine sex during late night drinking parties. The connotation does not change until the sandwich moves into general society as a supper food for late night balls and similar events toward the end of the eighteenth century...

Charlotte Mason was one of the first English cookbook authors to provide a recipe for sandwiches...

During the nineteenth century, as midday dinner moved later and later into the day, the need for hot supper declined, only to be replaced with light dishes made of cold leftovers, ingredients for which the sandwich proved preeminently suitable. Thus the sandwich became a fixture of intimate evening suppers, teas, and picnics, and popular fare for taverns and inns. This latter genre of sandwich has given rise to multitudes of working class creations...

During the early years of the railroad, sandwiches proved an ideal form of fast food, especially since they could be sold at train stations when everyone got off to buy snacks...

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the sandwich came into its own, especially as a response to the Temperance Movement.

Taverns and saloons offered free sandwiches with drinks in order to attract customers."

"The invention of the sandwich and its acceptance as an institution is a typical example of the power of the ways of life to prevail over all so-called rules of gastronomy and even established facts of physiology and psychology. Bread, when cut into slices, has always proved a handy foundation for other food. From the buttered bread and thick slice which was used in the Tudor period as the foundation of meat dishes there is a direct line of descent to the sandwich.

But according to all the rules of sciences governing nutrition the sandwich should never have been born. If a slice of bread is spread with

29

Italian steak sandwiches

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 1/4 pounds minute steak 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 1/2 cups giardiniera (pickled vegetables), plus 3 tablespoons brine from the jar 4 ciabatta rolls, split open 4 ounces sharp provolone, thinly sliced Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Method:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the onion and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until soft, about 3 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Lightly pound the steak between 2 sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/8 inch thick. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat in batches and cook until browned, about 30 seconds per side; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the meat to the bowl with the onion and garlic. Add the parsley and giardiniera brine and toss to coat.

Drizzle the cut sides of the rolls with olive oil. Pile the steak and onion mixture on the roll bottoms and top with the giardiniera and provolone. Cover with the roll tops. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com

some other appetizing food it is obvious to both eyes and nose what it is, and there is a definate psychological reaction.

When, however, the appealing surface is covered by another slice of bread, it is a matter of guesswork to find out what the filling is. This is not so easy and often the eater does not try to guess at all but is satisfied with something esay to chew and swallow which satisfies his hunger. The sandwich is thus a poor substitute for a single slice of bread, spread with something won can both see and anticipate in advance. That it has all the same become a staple article of diet is in the first place due to its handiness for carrying, as compared with a slice of bread spread only with butter Sandwiches can replace a meal and avoid the necessity of carrying cooking utensils about.

Their popularity owes much to the fact that the distances between home and work have increased enormously in recent times, and they can so easily be wrapped up and stowed away in a man's pocket, In the face of these advantages, the physiological and psychological attractions of a single slice with its surface openly displayed could not prevail. Eating a sandwich requires neither crockery nor cutlery, and as the hand comes in contact only with the dry side of the bread the fingers are not smeared; this even creates the fallacy that dirt from the fingers will not adhere to the bread.

The ease of handling has led to further uses of the sandwich. In many countries we find sandwiches set down on plates in the home for lunch or tea, and also at snack-bars...one sandwich tastes much the same as another, unless the filling has a very pronounced flavour...

It is only high up in the culinary scale that one finds delicacies spread on bread without the coffinlid which spells death to the flavour."

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30

Ridiculously

Awesome

Things To Do In Your Backyard

This Summer

July 2015

Host a picnic with vintage rugs.

passageway.

Make a "wee village" garden.

Create a garden teepee.

Your child will have so much fun playing with this miniature village, and it’s a great way to get them outside.

Or a willow den.

Make a butterfly feeder.

They luuuurrrve overripe fruit!

Cover rusted swingset chains with pool noodles.

They also add a little pop of color to an otherwise drab backyard.

Play a refreshing game of water balloon piñatas.

Build a fairy garden.

Make a convertible sandpit/seating area out of pallets.

It’s a little bit of pure magic in your yard.

Make one easily out of a birdbath or a tree stump.

Bury that trampoline

Use your slackline for zip-lining instead.

It’s actually safer than an above-ground trampoline, and much more aesthetically pleasing too.

Build a rope bridge.

Or a rope course.

Make giant bubbles that bounce.

Combine that in-ground trampoline with a SPLASH PAD.

It’s also a scintillating science project.

Epic times ahead.

Play a game of kick croquet using hula hoops

This reading nook will give you so many enjoyable future summers.

Play a game of kick croquet using hula hoops.

Make an inflatable pool fountain

Get the full directions here. ehow.com / Via thehairpin.com

Create a giant bubble with plastic sheeting and a fan Just be sure to supervise during this activity.

A tarp and sprinkler will create a fun splash pad for a slide.

A tarp and sprinkler will create a fun splash pad for a slide. The sprinkler keeps the tarp wet for a full day of fun splashing.

If you've got the landscaping skills, build a secret

Create your own mini golf course.

For your summer BBQ: Make a game of beer pong battleship created out of styrofoam.

Take a shot when a ship is sunk.

Write an inspirational quote on a brick wall with moss graffiti.

29. Make a giant rug loom out of an old wooden frame.

31. Don’t have a pool? Make a water blob!

Get the whole family in on a game of Twister.

Spray paint isn’t awesome for your lawn, but all the fun you have will make it 100% worth it.

Spring for a giant inflatable movie screen.

It’s 12 feet wide, people.

You’ll be hosting the ultimate sleepovers.

Turn your shed into a livable space.

Create a puppet theater out of vines and tree stumps.

Nature play at its best.

Hide your pool.

Possibly more ridiculous than awesome, but one can dare to dream.

Summer is ready when you are Make a race car track Instructions here. nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com Make an epic pillow quilt for backyard slumber parties/ movie night.

Build a swimming pool out of bales of hay.

That’s right. I said BALES OF HAY.

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age concern

Tel: 950 121 936

Wednesday 19th August - Welcome Dance for the Age Concern at Marianos Camposol A.2 acts Tickets from the Welcome Meeting 1st Saturday of the month Marianos or tel 620 105 179 8€ Entrance 5€ Food (Optional).

Wednesday 9th September - Black & White ball at bar Puerto de Mazarron marina Karen Noble & Terry Jay. Includes cava on arrival and buffet supper A chance to wear something smart black & white 15€ Transport Camposol/MCC 5€ Tickets from : Camposol Cultural Centre Wed/Thu 10am to 1pm, Friday 12.30 to 2pm Telephone: 634 310 215 Other areas:634 336 484

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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

Roman Catholic Church , Saladillo

Holy Mass Saturdays at 4.30 PM in English Sundays at 4.30 PM in Latin Eucharistic Adoration: last Saturday of the month at 3.15 PM. Further Information please call Father Octavio 676 219 445

Ex-Servicemen’s Association Mazarrón District

welcome events

31

Wednesday July 22nd. - Dance under the stars outside at Mariano’s. Showtime with Dan Davy and Darren Jones. €8 Wednesday August 19th. - Dance outside again at Mariano’s with Terry J and our own Christine. €8 Wednesday December9th. - Book now for Christmas Party at Mariano’s. Truly excellent night with Ricky Lavazza and Time Warp. €12 A Romantic Weekend Trip to Benalmadena, leaving February 12th 2016 for 3 nights half board with wine and water at the 4* Hotel Mac Puerto Marina. Price includes coach travel and day trips plus The Ricky Lavazza Valentine show. €170 NEW Welcome Cruise March 6th 2016. - 10 nights aboard Norwegian Epic, fully inclusive including drinks package from Barcelona calling at Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Tangier and Malaga. Price also includes Insurance, Coach travel, Taxes and overnight stay in Valencia. More info call Rosemary.

The lions Club meets 1st Monday of every month at 4 pm upstairs in the Trevi bar Camposol Sector (Founded 1 May 2006) EVENTS - 2015 B all are welcome Contact Nigel 605 111 205 Wednesday 8th July mazarronlions@gmail.com 1.30pm for 2pm - Restuarante Ramonete, Lugar Las For more information on all these, call Rosemary on If you are interested in joining the Lions please Librilleras, Take RM-332 towards Aguilas then onto 620 105 179 contact Nigel barker or Visit us at our stall every D21 Friday outside Oscars camposol B 11 to 3 pm Tel 696 827 525

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950

956 166 / 687 250 860

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

Wednesday 12th August - 7.30pm for 8pm, A parkinsons Support Group Restaurant Pekin 5, Puerto de Mazarron Near On Tuesdays at 11am At bobbie jo·s, los montisinos Mercadona For a chat and a cup of tea For further information Wednesday 16th September - Restaurante Viggos, contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871 The Pasea Pto de Mazarron, Lunchtime Menu Membership and enquiries, Ian 629 818 611

Archaeological Museum

Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00.

Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda.

Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church We hold services each week at 10.30am on €0.60 Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join us. For further details, call Rev. Maureen Kent 968 970 637

or esamd_espana@yahoo.co.uk

Talks & Workshops

MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group Every Mon Fortuna Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las Kalendas from 14:00. For further information email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com

Wish your Friends or Loved Ones Happy birthday, Anniversary or just send them a special message

Send details to

production@soltimes.com

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

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

32

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES 950 121 936 www.soltimes.com see us online everyday Advertise all your unwanted items for sale Any single item up to 300€ is

free of charge deadline thursday 5pm

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

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

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Any single item up to 300€ is free of charge email:

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pool tables snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com

kitchens

just new doors or a complete new kitchen 968 184 235 email: info@kitchenplus1.com www. kitchenplus1.com

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

pets

Very large garden umbrella 25€ Tel: 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio) Electric Powakaddy Freeway golf trolley In very clean condition with a charger No Battery with it. A bargain at 70€ Tel: 650 570 234. Mazarron Protrolley S360 Electric golf trolley. Looks like new. Complete with the Battery and Charger, Only 110€. Only needs viewing Tel: 650 570 234

electricians

Tash, 9 month old Mastin cross, fully vaccinated and ready to travel. Fantastic nature, good with cats/dogs and children.

Please contact Maz’s Canine Rescue on facebook or call Maz: 634 30 44 98

insurance call neil on 693 496 510 mands24@googlemail.com www.artificialgrass.pro

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transfer & Cheques

Call Paulette on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com

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

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These 5 week old kittens are in need of new homes. They are all in good health and very friendly.

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jewellery

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33

www.soltimes.com

Call Paulette on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 or email: sales@soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

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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

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personalshoppingfromtheUK (Argos,Screwfix,Wickesetc) Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates

0034 627 968 434 0044 7874 638 330 Email: jsinternational@mail.com

want to know whats in the news?

go online: www. SOLTIMES.com

motoring section 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

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sat/tv services 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

situations vacant

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34

July 2015

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936

Chocolate Toxicity:

What To Do If The Dog Finds Your Stash Despite what our Nannas might insist, we all know Easter is all about the chocolate. Unfortunately, it can be very dangerous for pets. How much is too much and what should you do if your dog eats chocolate?

One of the common questions we receive after a suspected chocolate raid is how much is safe? So long as you know how much was eaten and what sort of chocolate it is, it is relatively easy to work out if your pet is in danger.

The general rule is the darker it is, the more dangerous it is. Dark, bitter baking chocolate can be up to 8 times as toxic as milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is not as toxic as dark chocolate, and white chocolate contains very little of the chemical of concern, which is theobromine.

For a great chocolate calculator visit here. Of course, we need to add in a disclaimer: the calculator is a simplified tool and does not account for any individual variation in

APAH

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Brothers Billy and Bobby are 3 years old and have lived in the APAH kennels since they were 8 weeks old. They are large dogs, but very soft and gentle in nature. They have never known a loving home, but very much deserve to find one. To meet them please call

630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Patches and were rescued the side of a they were just

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Her kittens are lovely and already very friendly.

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www.apahrescue.org

sensitivity. In particular an older pet with a heart condition, pancreatitis or kidney problems could be more sensitive to smaller amounts.

When such calculators work out the toxic dose, it is based on the LD50, or the fatal dose that causes 50% of c a n i n e patients to suffer a fatal outcome. So if your pet is even close to the dangerous level, err on the side of caution and get them to the vet as soon as possible.

Other factors that may impact your pet include whether there were any other ingredients such as caffeine, sultanas, macadamias and xylitol (also toxic to pets and used as an artificial sweetener). Many pets are very sensitive to rich and fatty foods and will get a nasty bout of pancreatitis or gastroenteritis from overindulging. Also, pets that gobble the whole lot so quickly that they eat wrappers, foil and plastic are more susceptible to a foreign body problem as well.

WHAT DOES CHOCOLATE DO TO DOGS? Chocolate contains theobromine which is a methylxanthine that stimulates the heart and nervous system while relaxing smooth muscle. The low grade signs of poisoning often include vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, restlessness, hyperactivity and increased heart rate.

At higher doses neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, coma and death can occur. Often it takes a few hours to develop the dangerous symptoms and as theobromide has a long half-life it can take a few days for pets to improve even with treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO? If you have reason to suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, get them to the vet immediately. If there is a chance that the chocolate is still in the stomach, inducing vomiting quickly is cheap, effective and safe. Usually if the consumption was within an hour, inducing vomiting solves the problem. Insider tip: vets don’t mind making chocolate-eaters vomit – it smells so much nicer than the usual vomit!

CAN I MAKE MY DOG VOMIT AT HOME? There are many ways we have heard of to induce vomiting. Unfortunately, some are almost as dangerous as the toxin itself. Get it wrong and you could end up in an even worse situation. So while we don’t recommend

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inducing vomiting yourself, if there is no way to get to your vet, here are a few precautions: Never try to induce vomiting if your dog is not fully awake and able to swallow properly.

Never induce vomiting in a dog having seizures.

Never induce vomiting if your dog has eaten anything caustic that will cause damage on the way up. If you are unsure, ring Poisons Information on 131126.

Never give salt water or hydrogen peroxide. These can be very dangerous to pets.

Never give anything orally to a vomiting dog (sounds obvious, I know!).

Never try to get a cat to vomit at home, save that for the vet.

If you try washing soda crystals (advice below) and your dog doesn’t vomit after one dose of crystals, do not administer more.

Inducing vomiting is really only a good option if you are more than an hour from your vet or emergency centre and you know for sure what your pet ate.

Once you have induced vomiting, avoid giving any food or water for a couple of hours at least.

The safest way to induce vomiting at home is using washing soda crystals (sodium carbonate). This is not baking soda and is only something you would have around if you make your own washing powder or have hard water.

Just make sure you are not using any other washing products besides washing soda (and especially not caustic soda!).

Just use one small crystal for a small dog. The dose is 1cm3 per 20kg, so you don’t need to use much. In fact you don’t even need to make your dog swallow it, just pop it on your dog’s tongue and hold the mouth closed so it dissolves on the tongue.

It should work within 10 minutes, so don’t administer any more if it doesn’t work immediately. If it doesn’t work within 15 minutes, get in the car and get yourself to your vet.

What if my dog ate the chocolate more than an hour ago?

If the ingestion was a while ago, inducing vomiting is probably not going to help. In this case, if you know it is a potentially toxic dose, get your dog to the vet for treatment. If you are not sure the amount eaten, just err on the side of caution and seek treatment.

Just make sure to call your vet and let them know you are on the way so they can prepare for your arrival. They will usually recommend an overnight stay, fluids and monitoring for seizures and heart problems. Chocolate is rarely fatal when treatment is started early.

Dogs have such a wonderful sense of smell and a tendency to be very experimental with what they eat. For some more common toxins in pets, visit here. And play it safe, keep the chocolate well out of reach.

last hope dog rescue Mungo is looking for his own soda to lie on. He is 5 months old, castrated, fully vaccinated and has his own passport.

He loves attention but is nervous until he get to know you.

If you are interested please contact us either by email: lasthopedogrescue@ outlook.com or mobile 634065540

If you are interested please contact us either by email: lasthopedogrescue@outlook.com or mobile 634 065 540

www.soltimes.com

Book Review

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

“A beauty that ripped you open and scoured you clean,” as you floundered through the Alaskan wilderness.

A compelling and beautifully written debut novel that is highly recommended, combining folklore, the supernatural and mystery.

It seems that life is full of oxymorons. You don’t have to be a literary genius to work that one out.

Joy and sorrow. Life and death. Black and white.

An endless list of contrasts.

“Life doesn’t go the way we plan or hope,” Ivey tells us. A truism?

The story is set in the 1920s. Life has been cruel to Mable and Jack the two main characters.

Through the course of the novel Mabel realises that joy and sorrow go hand in hand. It seems you can’t have one without the other.

I found her an interesting character although sometimes too pessimistic, harbouring thoughts of suicide as the novel opens-toying with the idea of ending it all. She is uncomfortable with the harsh Alaskan environment, unhappy and carrying the heavy burden of guilt, sadly for her stillborn son many years back. Middle-aged and childless she sees herself as a failure as a woman.

Mysteriously, she admits to being driven to Alaska by fear of all things. Reserved, insecure and lacking in confidence she wants to bury herself in a remote and isolated place with Jack, presumably hoping to eventually find peace, happiness and harmony as well as self-sufficiency through farming. Her life was a paradox, a mixture of darkness and light and sadness. We are constantly aware of her discomfort and her recurrent nightmares of babies and snow in a harsh and dangerous environment that doesn’t

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suffer fools gladly.

“Alaska gave up nothing easily. It was lean and wild and indifferent to a man’s struggle.”

Jack is sensitive and perceptive to Mabel in some ways but he cannot always provide her with the emotional support she needs. He is very good at repressing his feelings by walking away from her when he cannot comfort or reassure her. They build their future around farming and for Jack, working single-handedly it proves hard, almost an impossible task when the land is a barren wasteland.

A tragic accident, a broken back foretells imminent ruin. Sporadic sobbing for a pathetically self-confessed “useless burden” and out of desperation he begs Mable to leave him and return to her family where she can be cared for properly.

The Bensons, wonderful neighbours, step in and offer a crucial lifeline. Esther Benson nurses Jack giving him laudanum and moonshine whilst her son Garrett and Mabel work together in the fields planting seeds. Mabel develops as a character; she shows perseverance and sheer determination to be useful. She is filled with a kind of pride she has never experienced before.

There are some lighter moments between Jack and Mable then later on with Faina, the snowchild where they become hypnotised by the snow falling and playfully throw snowballs at each other as if they are trying to recreate their lost youth. Then they create snow angels and enjoy skating as a family. Mabel is the one who suggests building a snow-girl and they decorate their creation with a scarf and mittens.

Like the Russian fairytale Snegurochka and Arthur Ransom’s The Little Daughter of the Snow Ivey’s snow-child comes to life and becomes the

35 daughter that Mabel and Jack yearn for. She brings joy to their lives and inevitably, sorrow.

Faina is an embodiment of contrasts-she is fierce yet fragile, violent yet beautiful. Tough yet delicate. In essence, a mysterious being. Even as a child, she knew the land by heart and she saves Garrett Benson’s life when he becomes lost, steering him towards Mable and Jack’s homestead. She symbolises innocence and yet displays an uncanny wisdom and knowledge far beyond her youthful years.

She seemed both newly born and as old as the mountains.

She is wild like the animals and survives on hunting and feeding from the animals and birds that she snares. She visits Mable and Jack each winter and then mysteriously disappears in the spring.

There are moments of joy as the parent-child relationship grows, tinged with longer-lasting moments of sadness. Like the fairy-tale, Mable constantly worries that Faina will melt and leave them for ever. Losing one child is a tragedy but two?

If an old couple created a snow-girl what would she be to them? A daughter? Or a ghost?

Or perhaps an illusion created by cabin fever?

Intriguing? I’ll leave you to work that one out for yourselves!

Publishers: Headline Review.

ISBN: 978-0-7553-8053-4 www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es

www.ecocorpshop.com

Oil is a child of the fossil fuel age and prices will trend upwards.

Oil may last a few years or a few hundred Solar is a child of the electronics age and prices will trend downwards. years. The sun will last a few billion years.

All of the oil coal and gas known to The latest in auto-consumo humans has the same energy as 20 days technology! of sunshine reaching earth!

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Self-monitoring so as no power is fed back to the grid!

1 x Victron Multiplus 5Kw inverter/Charger 1 x Victron BlueSolar MPPT 150/70 Solar charge controller 4 x 12V/250Ah Deep cycle batteries (48V/250Ah) 12 x 250W Eurener panels (25 Year guarantee @ 80%) 1 x Inox aluminium Mounting frame for 12 panels.

Cables, connectors, fuses and breakers.

This system is normally 11,495€ installed.

If you are getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills and want a clean, reliable energy alternative that can run in conjunction with your mains electricity. A system that you can add to, as and when you or your budget requires. free consultation and survey.

With solar power systems that can pay for themselves in around 6/7 years. No more power cuts, we can supply and install a system to provide your whole home with a UPS system.With some of the highest sunshine in Europe, it is a great time to consider solar energy to reduce your electricity bills.

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36

sport & motoring

July 2015

IV FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA 7’S TOURNAMENT

At the weekend the IV Formentera del Segura 7’s was held, with 9 senior teams taking place this year.

In the first year we just had 4 teams Lorca, Orihuela, Squalos and Alcoy.

This year we had teams from Albacete, Lorca, Squalos, Orihuela, Elche, Villena, Torrevieja Tigers, Los Zorros and Costa Cobras RFC playing in their first ever rugby matches.

On a very hot day we saw some great entertaining rugby from all the teams kicking off at 10.00 and finishing at 18.00 with a full days rugby.

Costa Cobras RFC first ever game was against local team Torry Tigers and in a very close match with the Cobras coming out just on top 15-10, it was a great performance by the players who had only had 3 training sessions together and some players who had never touched a rugby ball until the Monday before the game.

Elche and Albacete were the front runners winning their opening games comfortably with all of the others been close.

The Cobras second game was against eventual winners Albacete who showed their experience and composure, but the team never laid down and eventually got their reward with a try of there own.

At the end of the leagues Costa Cobras RFC were lined up for a place in the top six, which was a great achievement on its own.

With play offs it went down to Lorca, champions of the first tournament and Albacete last year’s winners, with Albacete coming out just on top 25-20 and Elche finishing third.

Costa Cobras last two games were very hard fought ones with injuries mounting, going down 25-15 to Los Zorros and 40-15 to Orihuela, but the players can hold their heads up high considering the team was formed just 5 months ago and most of them had never played rugby before and the only way is forward. Also scoring tries in all of their games, which was great to see from a coaching point of view. There is still a lot to learn, but are going in the right direction. Well done David, Jamie,

EUROGOLF SOCIETY Thursday 25 June 2015

Jose, Curtis, Alex, Jake, Chris, Andre , Derek, Maxi and Guillermo.

Would like to thank all of the teams that came from far and wide as well as the referees and Ventura Fleet for sponsoring the trophies and off course Bar Pepito for putting on the third half.

In the end the biggest winner on the day is rugby.

We have been invited to the beach 5’s in San Javier on 18 July so if anybody wants to come along and join the club and play in the tournament come down to the beach and join in.

All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome, from beginners to experienced 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 club on the Costa Blanca. Also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be. Training still takes place on Monday and Wednesday from 20.00-21.30 at Guardamar beach in front of the restaurants.

For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or Robert on 697 286 416. Also I am back down at Zoco market on Sunday again from 09.00-13.30, so come on down and find more out about the club and rugby in the area. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts. Also come down to the rugby 7’s tournament on the Saturday and have a fun day out in true rugby spirit and chat to the club members.

On a hot and sultry day, the Eurogolf Society competition this week was a team game of Waltz, at our home course La Marquesa. After the game, players gathered back at the Clubhouse for a well earned cool drink and prize presentations. Due to a smaller turn-out this week the prizes were reduced from the usual three payouts to two.

Nearest the par three pins were won by: 5th Martin Rogers 11th Nico Baken 15th Tony Stanley and 17th Keith McRae The winning team of Martin Rogers, Geoff Evans, Gordon White and Claire Daye-Gretton came in with an impressive score of 87 pts. In second place were Robin Richards, Gordon Bourne, David Lewis and (that infamous) Ghost scoring 84 pts Five football payouts this week: John Fairhurst x 2, Debbie Weedon, Martin Rogers, Ken Enever The results of TOFF´s Stableford played on Tuesday 23rd were as follows: Competition Winner: Ian Pegg with a score of 39 points Gold Division: 1st Ian Pegg 39 pts 2nd Bill Martin 38 pts CB 3rd John Barraclough 38pts Silver Division:1st Ken Brett 37 pts 2nd Alan Venables 36 pts 3rd Tony Stanley 35 pts Bronze Division: 1st Mary Sanderson 36 pts 2nd Morag Turner 33 pts CB 3rd Angelika Berndt 33 pts Best front nine David Gregson 19 pts and best back nine Sue Gillett 21 pts Nearest the pins: 5th John Barraclough 11th John Fairhurst 15th & 17th Bill Martin We have now come to the end the current playing season. The final social event will be the Annual Presentations ‘Tropical Poolside Cocktail Party’ evening on Saturday 27 June. The AGM is to be held on Friday 3 July at 10.30. Then we will be having a break during the months of July and August and the Committee would like to wish everyone a fantastic summer.

For more information about Eurogolf’s friendly society visit www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk

BRADLEY BREAKERS

965 723 270 607 848 332

www.soltimes.com

sport & motoring

TV NEWSLETTER

july 2015

July is here and the longest day of the year has gone ....Nights will start to draw in !............................. But we still have the hottest two months to live through and the coasts busiest two months when the whole population of Madrid and inland Spain seem to descend on our coast and Mazarron in particular. It really is a different place in these months with the influx of holiday folk ...... some of us residents and working people do get frustrated with the numbers but then it is only 6 weeks and is the financial lifeblood of the area ............

All is well at the Rainbow household with the dogs sleeping all the hot days and wanting to play in the cool nights !

Scruffi the oldest (some 18/19 years) is showing his old age like the writer of this article !

Regular readers may want to know both Rainbow Mums are in hospital but on the mend and will, hopefully, be out soon. (just a short note .... since originally writing this Scruffi has passed away - 19 good years and sure he is where ever all the good dogs go – RIP) TV NEWS ........... a couple of channel closures first ---- for SKY subscribers SKY ARTS 2 has shut down due to low viewing figures – I have learnt that an average of 10,000 viewers is Sky’s criteria for keeping a channel (or perhaps the advertisers criteria ? ! ) – Not really very many in the numbers associated with TV viewing – millions being the ratings figures we are used to. Anyway the best and most popular of SKY ARTS 2 will be incorporated in SKY ARTS 1 with that channels least watched programmes being deleted – or perhaps not so many repeats ............

AND SKY 3D is going of air again due to low viewing figures. When SKY 3D TV arrived a few years ago I wondered “where it would go” ........ soon after the BBC said it would not go down that route and now with SKY gone there is no TV 3D .......... so all you 3D watchers with the TV sets and glasses now only have the odd DVD – provided you have a compatible 3D DVD player.

The technology behind internet TV progresses at the rapid rate all technology seems to these days with both picture quality and service improvements .................. Internet TV (IPTV) is a classic case of a ready commercial market bringing a product to the market place .......... prior to the satellite signal changes last year all we Brits in southern Spain , Portugal and the Canaries watched our UK TV via satellite signals and dishes ........ Then the changes stopped all south western areas from viewing on “reasonable” sized dishes so there became a huge ready market

for another way to watch UK TV and commercially available IPTV was born with vast improvements over the year ........ This market has spread now to British viewing worldwide where previously even the thought of UK TV was just not possible. Along with the internet TV development has been an internet supply development to keep pace with the TV viewing demands ........... Consumer win win all round.

Consumers do drive the market place in all walks of life ......... manufacturers often create a product and new market but consumers will so often drive a market with their requirements. .........

See the channel closure section above – no consumers no product.

We at Rainbow have a really good internet TV package .......... ask us for details.

We still have lots of people asking us why they have lost their satellite TV signal on many channels recently and its all about weaker signals in the hot weather and thus hot air temperatures.

There has always been a reduction in signal strength in the summer months but in previous years we have had enough signal that the small reduction made no difference to viewing ..............

Now we have the much weaker signals many viewers are finding the small summer reduction is losing them picture. There is really no solution except a bigger dish, internet TV or wait for the cooler weather when we hope the signals strong enough for a picture will come back. Just a small item …….. we should be able to take Credit / Debit cards again from Monday 29th June 2015 …….. we have found a supplier whose charges are “reasonable”.

That’s about it for this month ........

Remember if you have a question about any aspect of TV or Radio we are here to try to answer it – an email is preferable so we can answer when we get a minute.

TV NEWSLETTER is sponsored by RAINBOW SATELLITES the company for all your TV / RADIO needs in the Murcia region of Spain. We have been operating in the area for some 16 years – contact us for free friendly advise by email – rainbowsats@gmail.com or phone – (0034) 686358475. Our website www.rainbowsats.org has lots of basic information on viewing TV in Spain.

San Miguel Golf Society at La Finca.

June 24th, 2015. Eclectic 4th Round

Thirty-nine members and 5 guests attended SMGS’s monthly visit to La Finca to play a stableford competition and, for members only, the 4th and penultimate round of this season’s Eclectic competition. The course was in superb condition and fully recovered from last month’s scarifying and hollow tining. Although a little windy, again against (as it always seems to be) on the stroke index 18 12th hole which makes it one of the most difficult “easiest holes” we play, as evidenced by it being one of the poorer scored holes within the eclectic competition, conditions were excellent for high scoring. Whilst those in Gold averaged highly, it seems those in the Bronze and Silver categories had something of an off-day with the exceptions of Karen Simpson in Bronze (40 points) and Silver’s Mike Jordan, who had the day’s highest score of 43. Perhaps there was something of a golfing hangover for many from the previous weekend’s away trip to Almerimar.

Two doubles matches were held in this year’s SMGS match play competition, with Ivan Hanak and Steve Davis (Dumpers) beating last year’s finalists Les Wilton and Ian Parkinson (Ayoops) 5 and 4, and Darren Hancock and John Osborne (the Wizard and Oz – probably the best and most inventive name for this year’s teams) beating much fancied Scottish duo, with their own rather splendid name of Big Mac and Chips, Alan MacDonald and John Aitchison 1 up. The winners will now play each other in the second semi-final to find out who will meet current Captain Phil de Lacy and partner and former Captain Ken Flaherty in the final.

The day’s stableford competition results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Les Wilton (26), 3rd John Trehy (29), 2nd Ray Ewins (32), and 1st,

37

with an excellent score, the 2nd best of the day, Karen Simpson with 40 points.

Silver Category: 4th Ken Flaherty (31 on CB), 3rd Steve Davis (31 on CB), 2nd Colin Rust (32) and 1st, principally thanks to finally being able to putt after months of trying, Mike Jordan with a superb 43 points.

Gold Category: 4th Kevin Reeson (36 on CB), 3rd Ivan Hanak (36 0n CB), 2nd Barry Roehrig (36 on CB), and just sneaking ahead of these three, theo Boelhouwer with 37 points.

Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open to all) went to Steve Davis (3 and 13), Darren Hancock (6, who must like this hole as he achieved the same here last month), and Simon Stephens (16).

The Abacus was won by somebody often at the other end of the prizes, Chris Hamblett.

Two best guest prizes today, with David Johnston finishing runner-up to a high scoring Simon Stephens, who came in with 39 points Our thanks go to the staff at La Finca golf course for their contribution to an enjoyable day.

Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf get-togethers. Next week we will be at Villamartin.

sport & motoring

38

July 2015

Lo Marabu Golf Society (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Lo Romero on 25th June 2015.

T.M.G.S. at Villamartin Upon arrival for this month’s visit to Villamartin we were welcomed by rising temperatures and a course that is in excellent condition.

Now is the “low” season for golf so most courses are relatively empty and if you can stand the temperatures you can take advantage of millionaire’s golf.

That said only one player managed to beat par and that was only by one point.

You may recall from last week’s report, that Roger Nilsen romped home with 42 points, well this week he managed just about half of that, what a difference a week makes, or is it a different course?

Or was it due to his arch rival playing this week? There is definitely a battle going on between Roger and Sandra Twentyman, she often comes into the club house asking “have I beaten him today” well today she did, by a country mile with her 37 points and looking at the start sheet for next week’s comp. at Campoamor they are even playing in the same 4 ball.

Next week’s report will be a “must” read. Local lad Colin Marsden also had a good knock with 36 points, back in 3rd place in this, the Silver category came Polish member Jack Daroszewski with 33 points and 4th was taken by Per Skarnes with 32 points on lower handicap from John Hillier.

In the Gold category things were a little tighter, lower handicapper Dag Lovas took 3rd place ahead of Alan Rickers both with 32 points, 3 points ahead came Turid Finne, or at least I think that’s who it was, she has an identical twin who also features in the prizes on a regular basis or maybe

they just decide between themselves who should take the prizes this week, anyway whichever one it was she came second to the Swede, Arne Hansson because he has the lowest handicap.

In the Nearest to the pin competition one of the twins featured again being the closest on hole 17, I’ve just remembered that one of the twins told me that I can recognise her because one of them wears ear rings and the other doesn’t, but I can’t remember which of them it was that told me! Hole 6 Arne Hansson, Hole 9 Colin Marsden and Hole 13 Bob Rankin. The “2’s” pot this week contained €27, due to the fact that no one made a “2” this will be carried over to next week at Campoamor, where it surely will be won, there being 5 par 3’s on the course. Best guest this week who later joined the Society was Robert Malmberg with 25 pts. Photo. Including one of the twins, Gold category winners.

Our next comp. is at Real club de Golf Campoamor on the 1st July, so if you fancy a game with this truly international Society please visit our new website www.tmgs.org or call our Secretary on 661 524 101 or follow us via our Facebook page; face book/tmgsgolf or our twitter account; Twitter/tmgsgolf.

Club de Golf El Paraiso have their next fully federated competition at Campoamor on Sunday 12th July, if you are federated and would like to participate in this competition visit www.clubdegolfelparaiso.com for full details.

25’95 €

For this month’s meeting a group of 28 players visited the established course at Lo Romero taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The course was in excellent condition and the weather was absolutely perfect.

Today was the annual Captain Versus Vice-Captain match with 14 players a side with the best 10 scores from each team to count.

The winning team on the day was the Captains team by 302 points to 296 points.

There were a number of individual prizes on the day and the winners were as follows: Best Individual score Captains team – Derrick Cooper – 38 points Best Individual score Vice-Captains team – Tony Richardson – 40 points

Nearest the Pins – Mike Probert(2),Tony Robson and Steen Tidemann Dog of a Day Trophy Captains team Graham Hall Dog of a Day Trophy Vice-Captains team - Terry Moseley Football Card Winner – Karen Matthews After the game we returned to the Marabu Lounge, which is located at Pueblo Brava, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their continued support.

Our next interim fixture is at Font Del Llop on Monday 13/07/15 and the next society day is at Roda on Thursday 30/07/15.

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

PRESIDENT’S CUP - LA MARINA G.S.

entertained and then the Captain made the announcements of the winners and handed out the prizes and vouchers for the qualifying members to use against their next green fee.

The recent hot weather had little effect on the 30 members and guests who contested the annual President’s Cup at Lo Romero.

This course, which is the favourite of many members, was in wonderful condition and a fitting location to play for one of the most sought after trophies in the La Marina Golf Society calendar.

The standard of play did not appear to be influenced by the blistering sun and many players beat the ’30’ barrier.

The presentation of the hard earned prizes was made at the annual Summer Dance which was held at our ‘home’, La Marina Sports & Social Centre.

During the meal we were royally

Nearest the Pins Hole5 -Tim Ruse Hole 7 - John Thompson Hole 12 - Danny Divers Hole 15 - Carol Marriner 3rd Place - Eric Taylor - 34 points 2nd Place - Lyn Young- 35 points 1st Place & Cup winner - Alan Craig 38 points Our next game it at Roda GC on July 9th, 2015 First tee time 09.28a.m.

An entry sheet is on the notice board in the Sports & Social Centre for those wishing to play.

Alternatively, contact Alan Craig on 634 347788.

SOL TIMES

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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

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new fords available

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Masters Summer Regional Swimming Championships - Valencia This weekend was one of the important summer competitions for

Paul Matthews continued this winning theme by both taking gold medals in

Torrevieja Masters in the run up to the Spanish National Championships in July. This year the “5th Valencian Regional Championships” were held at the “Parque Oeste Sports complex” in Valencia on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June. Hundreds of swimmers from clubs across the region and many invited from outside the Valencia Community participated in a range of 38 different races, in both male and female categories. Each swimmer being allowed to participate in a maximum of 3 individual races and relays. Club Natacion Torrevieja entered a team of 5 swimmers but unfortunately due to illness and last minute work commitments only three swimmers competed.

First to swim Saturday morning was Vicki Connolly in the women's 50m freestyle event. Nervous but determined Vicki swam a close a race and won a Bronze medal. Missing out on Silver by 7 hundredths of a second and missing gold by half a second. Not to be disheartened she later on in the morning stormed on to take gold in the 200m Freestyle by a clear 11 seconds lead. Team mates Beth Altabas and

their races. Beth winning gold in the women's 50m Butterfly and Paul in the men's 100m Freestyle event.

After a break over lunch racing commenced again for the afternoon session. First to swim was Paul in his 50m Butterfly, matching his current best time and beating his long standing rival, he won gold. Paul later went on to finish with a third gold in his 100m Backstroke event. Beth then swam her final two races of the competition, the women's 200m Individual Medley and the 200m Backstroke. Victorious again Beth won a further two gold medals.

Last to swim, in the last race of the day, was Vicki in her 400m Freestyle event.

Keeping up the teams successes Vicki won gold in this event and beat her own Regional Record by 4 seconds.

So all in all a good warm up for the Summer Nationals and bringing back to the club 9 medals from 9 events!

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

Tel 902 750 190

Quesada Golf Society

Last Wednesday the Society traveled to Horadada to play Lo Romero, a popular course with our members, but one which we hadn´t played for a year or so. The course was in good condition although the greens on the back nine hadn´t quite fully recovered from recent hollow-tining and some of the tees likewise after remedial work.

The weather was again perfect for golf with bright sunshine and a light breeze.

28 players contested 2 divisions in an individual stableford competition. The winner of the Gold division on the day with 32 points on C/B was Welshman Mike Thomas who has now started to use a driver and it is starting to pay dividends. He did also admit to warming up for this event at a stag weekend at the prestigious Celtic Manor golf complex in his native Wales. In second place was West countryman Ron Perkins with 32 points who took home another bottle of Soberano. In third place was the steady “Iron” Brian Smith with 31 points. In the Silver Division the winner was Scotsman Charlie Wallace with 34 points. He had a knee replacement earlier in the year and it now appears to be helping his balance and swing. Digressing , there were quite a few members out there with knee supports and a few others hobbling along. Perhaps we should re-name the society the “Knackered Kness Golf Society”. In 2nd place with 31 points on C/B was veteran golfer young Trevor Hobbs. In third place

again with 31 points was Welsh girl Glenys Thomas who didn´t warm up at Celtic Manor in advance of this game.

Good job she didn´t. The best guest was Greg, sorry Fred Norman with a very creditable 30 points. The nearest the Pin winners were, John Dunnion, Mike Thomas, Janet Candelin, Charlie Wallace and Sheila McSweeney. Again we had winners from the length and breadth of the British Isles and a mixture from both sexes. Janet Candelin got a 2 today and took away 50€ from the 2´s pot which still has a sizeable amount to carry forward to the next game.

Recently joined member Mark Goode was the winner of the scratchcard.

In the preliminary round of the annual knock-out competition Roy Kavanagh beat Darry Wright. Roy was 3 down with 5 to play but hung on in there and won the last 5 holes after Darryll suffered a melt-down. Well done Roy. After the game the members returned to the society base, the Quesada Country Club for a bit of banter and the prize giving over a drink or two and a tasty buffet kindly laid on.

The next game is a Texas Scamble at Font De Llop on Wednesday 24 June.

Anyone in the Quesada area looking to join a very friendly golf society and play golf once a fortnight at a wide variety of courses at very reasonable cost, should contact the Membership Secretary Les Pancott on 966716723.

SUMMER SUNSHINE PETANCA LEAGUE

Phew! its getting hot now so thank goodness the Summer petanca league is finishing in a few weeks time.

The positions in the 2 divisions have gone very much the way it could have been predicted. It has been interesting when meeting your opponents because unlike the Winter league, where you have to register players, the Summer league allows teams to choose any one from anywhere to play!

The positions of Division A are Division B Rocajuna 57 games Dragons 44 games Laguna Rosa 42 games McCoys 43 games Peacocks 29 games Guardamar 42 games Falcons 29 games El Mirador 39 games Misfits 25 games Pumas 34 games Buddies 23 games Hideaway 15 games

Costa Knights 19 games S.M.Tigers 14 games As you can see the top 2 teams of A are way ahead, but B has an exciting end to the season.

Being hardy and keen petancists we don't stop completely during July, August and September. Friendly matches do take place but mostly for the social (drinking) practice(eating) part.

Future competitions to take note Sat. 25th July at Rocajuna -open doubles. For entry contact the club on their website or Jacqui on 663 144 093.

Sat. 26th September at Peacocksmixed triples. contact the club on izzyann@hotmail.com All profits go to a local charity.

The presentation of medals for the Summer Sunshine League will take place on Friday 17th July. Details will be emailed to club secretaries shortly.

Hope all players will be there...

Susan Ward