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Venezuela could face beer shortage Venezuela is currently experiencing a political and economic crisis - a dire situation that could soon be much worse for many residents, as a national beer shortage looms across the country.

Workers at Empresas Polar - which makes 80% of the country’s beer - are on strike. Last week, workers at the country’s largest private distributor walked out of two plants and 16 distribution hubs, demanding higher wages, compounding the problem.

Shelves in Venezuelan shops are not yet showing any shortages, but Polar says it is already struggling to get deliveries out to some parts of the South American nation. Access to imported raw materials to make the beer - like grain - is also difficult, the Global Post reports.

The situation concerning for many citizens, prompting Tarek Willian Saab, Venezuela’s human rights ombudsman, to step in and mediate the dispute before the production slowdown could have repercussions

for beer-drinkers.

In Venezuela, beer is the drink of choice, accounting for 76% of alcoholic beverages consumed.

The inability to grab a glass of the amber nectar might be the least of consumer’s worries, however: Milk, medicine and spare machine parts have also suffered shortages in recent months.

The poor state of the economy, among other issues, triggered mass anti-government protests earlier this year.

They have since died down, but many continue to struggle with shortages.

In March, Venezuelans were so worried about food shortages and demininshing stocks of basic goods, fingerprint scanners were installed in supermarkets in an attempt to crack down on hoarding.

Venezuela’s official rate of inflation hit 64 percent last year, the highest in the world.

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Britain asks BBC’s competitors to review its remit

The BBC [TBBC.UL], the world’s largest broadcaster, has long been criticised by government ministers and by its rivals for its dominance of British media.

Chancellor George Osborne said earlier this month it had become “imperial” in the scale of its online operations.

“You wouldn’t want the BBC to completely crowd out national newspapers, and if you look at the BBC website, it’s a good product but it’s becoming a bit imperial in its ambitions,” he said on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show.

The BBC gets some income from allowing other broadcasters around the world to show its dramas, documentaries and lifestyle programmes. But its main funding comes from households paying a licence fee, enforced by a system to detect who is watching live

ort

television. Now many viewers watch online.

Culture Minister John Whittingdale said the eight-strong panel would contribute to the review of the BBC’s charter, which is due for renewal next year.

It includes Dawn Airey, an executive at Yahoo and the former CEO of Channel 5, Ashley Highfield, chief executive of local newspaper publisher Johnston Press (JPR.L), and Alex Mahon, former chief executive of Shine, a TV production company owned by Rupert Murdoch’s Twenty First Century Fox Fox. “Each member of the independent advisory group brings individual skills, experience and expertise,” Whittingdale said.

A government spokeswoman also said a preliminary

July 2015

paper of proposals on the BBC would be published this week. She declined to say what it would contain.

The Sunday Times said it would herald the largest shakeup of the corporation for a generation, including replacing the universal 145.50 pound licence fee and the scrapping of the BBC Trust regulator.

Last week the government told the BBC, already facing a shortfall in licence revenue, to meet the 650 million pound cost of free licences for the over-75s.

In return, the government said it would be allowed to charge for its online iPlayer service.

The BBC’s Director General Tony Hall told the Observer newspaper that although he had secured a financial settlement, “we should be under no illusion that this is a period of high risk for the BBC.” Reuters.com

Four people in Spain hospitalized after suffering heat strokes

40ºC+ temperatures expected to last into until mid-July in central and south-western Spain The scorching weather beating down on Spain this summer is taking its toll on the population.

Four people have been hospitalized over the last few days in Castellón, Mérida and Huelva due to heat-related illnesses.

In the Madrid region, emergency services have handled 123 heat-related calls in the last two weeks, although no serious illnesses have been reported, according to news agency Europa Press.

Spain is experiencing two back-to-back heat waves that have already broken historical temperature records for this time of the year.

The current hot spell is expected to last at least until July 16 in the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. In the Canaries, temperatures will gradually cool down beginning this Friday, according to the national meteorology agency Aemet.

Until then, thermometers will register over 40ºC in central and southwestern Spain. Elsewhere, top temperatures of around 35ºC are expected. Coastal areas will benefit from cool breezes.

Victims of heat strokes Castellón. One of the firefighters helping put out a blaze in Montán, where lightning struck on Tuesday, was evacuated by helicopter after showing signs of heat stroke.

Mérida. An 84-year-old man remains in very serious condition at a Cáceres hospital, where he was admitted with a body temperature of 44ºC. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.

Huelva. Two men aged 54 and 71 are in the intensive care units of two local hospitals after suffering heat strokes. The older man was unconscious by the time he was admitted into the medical center. The younger man, a Ukrainian national, was taken to a city hospital from the municipality of Cartaya, where he was doing agricultural work.

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WHAT THE GREAT BRITISH PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW IBERIAN FUNERAL PLANS PROUD TO SERVE THE BRITISH PUBLIC AND ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS AND NON RESIDENTS ON THE COSTA DEL SOL Buying a Funeral Plan is not Rocket Science that is why at IBERIAN FUNERAL PLANS we keep our literature simple and straight forward. The website shows clear and precise pricing with no hidden extras and the company policy of no hard selling makes us very user friendly.

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Freemasons help Paul Cunningham Nurses

The Freemasons from the Alicante Province, generously presented equipment to Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity on Saturday 4th July at La Marina. Representing the Freemasons were Barrie Mansell, Keith Allcock and John Davy. Tricia Lee, fundraiser for the charity, gratefully accepted the wonderful donation on behalf of Paul Cunningham Nurses. The equipment consisted of a hospital bed, three mattresses and three wheelchairs.

This will give the charity a boost and be able to assist many more terminally ill patients with the extra appliances. The total sum raised by the Freemasons was 2400 Euros and this was collected over the year by way of raffles.

Pictured from left to right, John Davy, Barrie Mansell, Tricia Lee and Keith Allcock.

Mazarron Bahia lions appoint new President

From July 1st 2015 Lion Virginia Barker ( Gina to her friends) was formally appointed President of Mazarron Bahia Lions Club for the next 12 months.

You may know Gina from her dedicated work building up the LEO’s club and Welfare work on STRIDES project for support of local Diabetic children.

As we head towards 2017 when Lions celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding, the challenge is still to meet the needs of local

people, and showing concern for those in need world wide, the latest is the World Wide Project to Inoculate all under 5’s for Measles & Rubella.

With over 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries Lions Fund projects in excess of $30 Million every year from Contributions by clubs and Supporters.

Please continue to help Lions in all their Events and activities in 2015 to 2016 and onwards.

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The funeral of Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, who died on Friday at the age of 83 following a heart attack, has been held in Cairo.

Among those attending the service were fellow actor Hussein Fahmy and former Egyptian Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawas, a close friend of the star.

Fahmy hailed Sharif as “a man who loved Egypt and represented the Egyptian art in its best form.”

“Somebody that we’re going to miss for a very long time,” he added Egypt-born Sharif won two Golden Globe awards and an Oscar nomination for his role as Sherif Ali in David Lean’s 1962 epic, Lawrence of Arabia.

He won a further Golden Globe three years later for Doctor Zhivago.

Mr Hawas, a prominent archaeologist, said he had “lost a close friend” while “the world lost a great actor”.

“As a movie star, he will not be repeated again. He was unique,” he

said.

Many local actors attended the funeral at the Hussein Tantawi Mosque in an eastern neighbourhood of the Egyptian capital, among them Egyptian actor Gamil Rateb and film star Khaled Nabawy.

When news broke of his death on Friday, stars from around the world paid tribute to Sharif, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease earlier this year.

‘He was handsome, sophisticated and charming. He was a proud Egyptian,’ Barbra Streisand, who co-starred with Sharif in Funny Girl, wrote on Facebook.

‘I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Omar, and I’m profoundly sad to hear of his passing.’

BBC.com

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

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.

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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Information on costs of living in Spain, including the basic necessities and a rough guide for estimating your costs.

If you’re reading this, then the cost of living in Spain is a concern for you, (ie. you’re not rich) and you’re wondering if your income is enough to get by in Spain.

The quick good news is that Spain is still relatively cheap from a cost of living standpoint, especially compared to other western european nations and foreigner’s salaries. For the Spanish themselves, things aren’t looking so good. Costs are up and wages have stayed the same.

Update: the cost of living in Spain has actually come down in several major centres across the country. Apartment rents have declined about 10-20% since the financial crisis began, and some touristic areas have seen a decline in the

costs of goods in stores as competition heats up for every tourist dollar (especially in the south).

Here we present to you the most accurate cost of living information - not just a “rough guide” - direct from Spain on costs, and recommend that you see the links on the right under Related Features and the Living in Spain section of the site for further details about many of the items listed here. Continue reading this article below for further notes from a cultural perspective on the cost of living in Spain.

Rental costs: In central Madrid or Barcelona it’s about 11€ per square meter per month (can greatly depend on location and who you rent it from, see

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much more detail here: renting an apartment). In central Sevilla or on the coast, it’s about 6-7€ per square meter per month. Elsewhere in the country it’s, say, 4 € per month. For costs when buying a house, see Buying a Property.

Electricity bills: for two people bills are about 40€/month, going up about 30% or more during the summer if you have air conditioning.

Gas bills: for two people with a gas water heater and a gas stove, bills are about 40€/ month. Your furnace may also run on gas, costing approximately an additional 35€/ month during the winter.

(Water bills are generally included in the maintenance fees of an apartment.)

Telephone/mobile phone bills: 25€/month, plus the calls you make. If you have standard internet, add 0.02€/minute. For further discussion of costs, see mobile phones in Spain. A lot of expats choose to use pay as you go service, which makes their phone costs vary enormously.

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Food: for two people, our food bills are 350 €/month. An average restaurant per person bill is 12€. A glass of beer or wine at a bar is 2€. A tapa is 2€. A good lunch (menu del dia) is 5-9€ A nursery for a child is 100 €/month for 5 hours/day.

A parking space in a garage is 90 €/month.

A gym is 30 - 50 €/month.

A movie theatre ticket is 6€.

A man’s haircut is 12€ Source: http://www.spainexpat.com/

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Home & Garden

5 Easy Summer Decor Ideas for Your Home

Summer is about relaxing and enjoying the season. From cooling interior color palettes to opting for casual interiors over the stuffy formal ones, summer decor ideas are easy. Do you have a summer beach house, or would you like your apartment to FEEL like a summer beach house? Either way, the warm outdoors and cool evening breezes make your home the optimal place to entertain and relax. Try these easy summer decor ideas to take advantage of all that the season has to offer.

FURNITURE: Dark and muted tones are perfect for fall and winter, but spring and summer scream for light and airy colors. Use removable slipcovers, or decorative throws to bring bursts of color and brightness. Prefer whites and neutrals? White and khaki slipcovers are casual but can be dressed up with formal throw pillows in an instant.

DRAPERY: When you want to bring

in the cool night air, and keep out the hot summer sun use curtains instead of drapery. Drapery material is heavy and dark, while curtains paired with sheers can give you versatile flexibility in the summer months. If you prefer to savor the views, and not cover up the windows use valances. Valances in summer textures and colors will leave your windows looking finished, with an obstructed view.

BRING IN THE OUTDOORS: When you think of summer it’s all about the feelings of the outdoors. Flowers, plants and fresh fruit centerpieces make your home smell aromatic and look beautiful.

For a more rustic feel, try bringing in eco-friendly materials like bamboo, hemp, and jute area rugs. These materials bring an exotic and natural feeling of the outdoors in. Remember, entertaining outdoors will also give a welcome break to being inside. Summer

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VIEWS: What better way to welcome summer into your home, than looking at a breathtaking view? Maximize your furniture placement by facing it towards your ocean view, pool, or lush green yard. Your enjoyment of your home is based on your emotions. If opening windows to hear nature makes you feel good, do it! Don’t love the view from your windows? Consider buying a painting or wall decor that you love the look and feel of.

KID FRIENDLY: Let’s face it, kids are out of school and summer time means kids around the house! Make sure fabrics and slipcovers are machine washable, and are casual and fun! Make summer time arts and crafts projects with seashells, pine cones, and nature inspired finds, which the kids can pick out. Their projects can turn into summer décor that you display proudly around your home!

Summer decor is all about finding the right balance between enjoyment, relaxing, and livable interiors. Try these tips for your home and see if you don’t instantly feel like taking the day off to enjoy your summer home.

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Look Good

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Skin Care Tips for

Glowing Skin in Summer Summer is about baring skin and showing off the beautiful (fake) summer tan you have. But in order to look good baring that skin, you need to take some time to ready your skin and reverse the signs of neglect you showed your skin during fall, winter and spring.

Knock of each step on my skin care tips for glowing skin and you’ll be ready to pull out your favorite summer dress in no time flat.

1. Exfoliate Your Body It’s so very important to exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll just sitting on your skin making you look dull and dry. No matter how much lotion you use, you’re never going to have glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate. Grab a body scrub and hit the shower.

Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down (you’ll want a facial exfoliator for your face and neck) and rinse clean. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for year-round beautiful skin.

2. Shave the Right Way I won’t ask for a show of hands; you know who you are. In the winter, what is the point of keeping your legs religiously shaved daily when you know your legs will never see the light of day? Those lazy days of winter are over. Find a good razor that won’t cause razor burn. I’m a fan of Gilette’s Mach 3. (compare prices) When picking out a shaving cream, don’t choose the $1.00 men’s cream; a shaving lotion is much better for your skin as it will hydrate Nothing is worse than seeing dull dry feet inside cute and help ward off nicks and cuts. In a pinch? Use sandals. It doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. Keep a your conditioner for a moisturizing shaving cream. foot scrub and file in your shower and scrub your feet 3. Hydrate your Body with a Summer-Scented a few times a week. You’ll notice a big difference in the softness of your feet.

Lotion Find a summery lotion that you won’t forget to put on. It’s time to pack away your thick winter body butters for more light summery lotions. You don’t have time to wait for your lotion to sink in, so look for something light fast absorbing. Gels and Purees are perfect fast absorbers. I personally love to break out the coconut or mango scented lotion for summer. Nothing spells summer more than a light refreshing fruity lotion. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from your shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

6. Find a New Bold Summer Polish Buy a bold new polish for your toes. Toe nails can be painted a much bolder color than you would usually put on your fingernails. Pick out something that screams summer. Polish tends to stay on your toes much longer than your hands because you don’t abuse your toe nails like you do your finger nails.

Apply a clear base coat, two applications of color and a clear top coat to protect. Go barefoot or put on your flip-flops for at least a couple hours to make sure your polish won’t dent.

Be safe and pick up a new one. And don’t forget the most important sunscreen advice: USE IT. You should be using a shot glass full for your body, and a full teaspoon just on your face. Reapply every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe sun fun.

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quesada country club

4. Get a Safe Summer Glow

7. Out With the Old - Buy a New Sunscreen You have so many choices when it comes to adding Throw away last year’s unused sunscreen for a a little summer tint to your skin, and the tanning bed new bottle. Sunscreens aren’t meant to last forever, shouldn’t be one of them. Using a sunless tanner and seeing most people don’t use as much as they will give your skin a beautiful start to summer. Even should, I bet you have a bottle or two stored away. if you’re not a fan of sunless tanners all over your body, you can happily use them on your face. If you alternate your facial moisturizer with one that builds a bit of color, you’ll have a healthy glow benefits consultancy that will make it look as though you just spent the Do you suffer from mobility problems, weekend on the beach. Most facial tanners build breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? color gradually, by alternating with your regular Do you need help washing / dressing or moisturizer, you’ll never get too dark.

Kim Clar k

5. Don’t Forget Your Feet Winter boots have long since been packed away; it’s sandal season ladies. Either go and get a pedicure (try a beauty school if cost is a factor), or give yourself an at-home pedicure. You scrub off the dead dry skin to reveal your sandal ready feet.

supervision?

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

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

Cuts from

5€

Modern & Traditional Gents Hairdressing

Call Darren The Barber Tel: 616 592 887 Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am- 5pm OUT OF HOURS BY REQUEST

Drive through Quesada Arches up main street, take left fork at Parque Acuatico sign. Continue to Consum sign and turn right onto Avenida Costa Azul, continue uphill and take right turn onto Calle Toledo.

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

14

July 2015

braben’s blog...

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Have you ever lost the password to your WIFI and been at a loss as to how to get it back? Well, as with all things, it’s easy when you know how, and today I’m going to give you that easy know-how!

These tricks allow you to recover the password or, better still, passphrase to any network you’ve connected to in the past from your laptop.

‘Double Click on it. At the bottom of the next box will be a ‘check box’ asking to show your password – Click on it.

You will be asked for the password that you use when you start your computer and Click ‘Allow’.

Method 2 – This works either through a network cable or wirelessly.

Under Windows 7, 8.x and 10 In the search bar at the bottom of the ‘Start’ button menu, type in ‘CMD’ to get a, usually, black screened window.

Type ‘ipconfig’ and press the return key.

Make a note of the ‘Default Gateway’ number, write it exactly as you see it and then you can close that window.

Open your browser and type in that number into where you put the name of the website that you want to see. You will, usually, be asked for a password which can be found if you turn over the router (often ‘admin’). see a ‘web page’ that is in reality the controls of your router.

Click on the ‘Wireless’ settings and then ‘Wireless Security’. The names might be a little different but should be recognisable.

In ‘Wireless Security’ you will be given options – ‘Disable’ – No WIFI protection; WPA/WPA2 Personal – Recommended as it is usually the easiest to set up and still very secure; Encryption and most importantly your wireless password – usually readable!

Contact me for free advice concerning your computer, or to arrange an appointment, at the email address or phone number below.

Method 1 - This solution only works if you have your laptop connected to your router wirelessly!

Under Windows 7, 8.x and 10 The usual way is to press the ‘Window’ key (usually bottom left on the keyboard and has the Windows ‘flag’ displayed) and the ‘R’ key together. Type into the box ‘ncpa.cpl’ which will open the network section of the control panel.

Right Click and select ‘Status’, Left Click ‘Wireless properties’ Left Click the ‘Security’ tab. Here you will find the network Security type (NONE, WPA, WEP, etc), the Encryption Type (Aes, etc) and your password covered by dots (you don’t want anyone to get to it easily do you?)! Below that is a ‘Check Box’ marked ‘Show characters’ – Left Click over that box and your password becomes visible!

I suggest either writing it down immediately or using a utility like ‘KeePass’ to safely store the information.

Under Linux Start menu • Preferences • Network Connection.

Under the section WIFI find your router ID and left click on the ‘Edit’ button.

Look for, and select the ‘WIFI Security’ Tab and you will have all the information.

Under Apple Click on the ‘Magnifying Glass’ (called Spotlight) in the top right hand corner of your screen.

Type into the box ‘keychain access’ and press enter.

For further information or advice on Scan through the list until you find computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk you router ID and

Omar Sharif

Born in 1952 to a Greek Catholic family in Alexandria, Egypt; Michel Demitri Chalhoub as he was first named graduated from Cairo University with a degree in maths and physics. His mother was a society hostess whose friendship with Egypt’s King Farouk meant royalty often visited their home to play cards. His father traded in rare woods, Sharif admitted that his father’s business flourished with the royal connection.

Omar Sharif was fluent in French, English, Greek, Italian and Arabic. He studied at RADA in London after a brief stint working for his father. Returning to Egypt in 1952 his first part was in the film Devil of the Desert. The same year he starred alongside Faten Hamama in the film Struggle in the Valley. His good looks and charm swayed the actress in breaking her rule of no on screen kisses, they fell in love and Omar converted to Islam to marry her.

Both Omar and his wife became darlings of the Egyptian film industry starring in many films together during the 50s and 60s. In 1962 Omar’s big break came with Lawrence of Arabia, David Lean insisted on casting local actors and the gamble paid off as Omar won two Golden Globes; best actor and best newcomer. By being nominated for the Oscar but not winning; he joins a list of just six actors who didn’t win both awards when nominated.

Omar and Faten had a son Tarek who aged eight in 1965 played the young Zhivago in Doctor Zhivago; again directed by Lean. Omar played the lead

bored games!

I’ve got an admission to make. We play games at home. We’ve been known to play board games and card games as the sun sinks below the horizon on many occasions. It’s such a pleasant way to spend a family evening and as we watch the sun setting, the rays slowly dissipating across the valley, showering us in a diaspora of gentle dusky light… it’s so much easier to pinch someone’s card!!

But I must say some games make even watching the omnibus edition of “Come Dine With Me” appealing. That’s not something you say every day.

I stumbled across a game which, from what I’ve read, could be worth avoiding at all costs. “Kolejka” is a game about queuing. Nothing else really, just queuing. It’s a Polish game that was developed to teach Poles about life under Communism and the difficulties of buying normal things. They had to queue and then had cards they could produce to jump the queue or liquidate others in that queue. Sounds spellbinding!

In reality it couldn’t have been that bad because it won the coveted Gra Roku Best Game award in 2012.No, I missed that news too; we’re clearly not up to speed on Polish games awards.

Then there’s “Park and Shop: The Shopping Game”. After playing this game, the Polish queue game probably sounds fantastic! “Park and Shop” involves players driving their cars to the shopping mall, getting everything off their shopping list, then returning to their car. So, after pushing and shoving your way through a busy shopping mall all day, you can come home and spend an hour or two playing a game which involves you...pushing and shoving your way through a busy shopping mall!

But it’s not just board games that excel in dullness. New technology, not to be left out, has hit the odd low itself. A game for Nintendo owners was called “Imagine: Babysitter”. In this game-which doesn’t come cheap-players have to pay to do all those things that real babysitters get paid to do, such as trying to stop a tantruming baby screaming.

Tempted? No, I’m not either.

But, I would like to suggest a sequel to the babysitter game. How about, “Imagine: Change The Nappy”! That’d be one to avoid at all costs. It could be released at the same time as another new game by the same people, “Imagine: Spending Money on Rubbish”.

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo.co.uk

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

alongside Charlie Chaplin’s daughter Geraldine. Again he won a Golden Globe as best actor but strangely was not even nominated for the Academy Award (Oscar). After King Farouk was overthrown the Nasser government put travel restrictions in place; Omar turned down film parts as he wasn’t allowed to leave Egypt. By 1966 he’d had enough and started to stay in Europe between shoots. He commented “It gave me glory, but it gave me loneliness also. I missed own land, my own people and my own country”. It also cost him his marriage to Faten though they remained good friends throughout their lives.

In 1968 Omar starred alongside Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl. Initially it was a platonic friendship but grew into an infatuation and they started an affair.

When it was made public the Egyptian government considered stripping Sharif of his citizenship due to Streisand’s support for Israel in the Six Day War. Instead, many Arab nations banned the film.

Omar lived in hotels for many years, the consummate bachelor he never had another serious relationship.

He was a skilled contract bridge player being one of the top 50 players in the world. He wrote books about the subject, had a newspaper column and even licensed a video game in the early 90’s. Other passions were horse racing and gambling. His most successful horse was called Don Boscoe, he also wrote articles

for a French racing magazine.

Obliquely he was a lifelong supporter of Hull City FC. In 2010 Hull University gave him an honorary degree and met his hero Ken Wagstaff who’d scored nearly 200 goals between1964-75; and was voted Hull’s player of the century. Omar smoked up to 100 cigarettes a day but gave up after a triple bypass operation and heart attack in the early 90s.

Omar also returned to Egypt to spend more time with family and to slow down his extravagant lifestyle; as his family had started to make fun of some of the later and direr film parts he’d been forced to take to pay off his gambling and hotel debts. Instead he waited for better parts making less than a film a year in his later life. In 2003 he won the French equivalent of the Oscar and best actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role in Monsieur Ibrahim.

Describing Faten Hamama as his only true love, she died this year and Omar followed her this last weekend. Succeeded by his son and two grandsons; Karim and Omar Sharif junior who is following in his grandfather’s footsteps as an actor.

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16

July 2015

WAKING ON SUNSHINE!!!!

Yes, the heading might be a play on a famous song but is that not what most of us do every morning? As soon as you open your eyes 99 times out of a 100 that lovely, warm, health enriching big ball in the sky is shining down on you saying “Get out here and enjoy me!” and make the most of outdoor living.

Treat your outdoor space differently to the way you did in England, remember you will be outside far more here, and so will your friends and family when they come to visit you.

I always look at my outside space as an extra room and have extended my patio area so when I have visitors they have a place to sit and relax and a place for eating and doing the B.B.Q. while I have a glass of wine and enjoy their company. Hey, don’t keep a dog and bark yourself!

So use your budget wisely, buy the best quality you can afford, this is not the U.K. where you may only sit on your patio a few days a year, your terraces, swimming pool surrounds and barbeque furniture will be used daily, yes even Christmas as the sun is warm during the day then too. Ensure it is of a standard up to Spanish climatic conditions with excellent guarantees, not every chair disintegrates because Billy Bunter sat on it you know!!!!

Think about what you will be using your various areas for, getting the sun, shade or some peace and quiet away from the visitors. (Don’t worry, we all think this but don’t always say it) Are you a party animal requiring more chairs and tables for buffets or perhaps you are sun worshippers where sun beds are more important to you? Treat the outside as another room extension (can’t say that enough) if you are limited for space stackable chairs are great at parties allowing Uncle Nobby plenty of room to perform his John Travolta “80’s” party piece, the wiggle may have vanished but the suit remains the same!!

The choice for patio furniture is limitless, aluminium, wood, steel, mosaic, rattan for the colonial look. The rattan colours popular for this year are white or grey, don’t worry if you need to match with anything you already have, brown is still around.

Before you hit the shops full of ideas with what you are doing with your outside space, measure so you know what size table or sofa set will fit into the area.

If you are buying a base for your parasol find one in stone / concrete with wheels and brakes, this allows you to push your parasol around as the sun moves. It beats lifting the base and hurting your back. None of us are getting any younger!!

Another little tip regarding your parasol, do not place it in the centre of your tables even if there is a hole for it. It may look great but when that gust of wind comes

along it empties your glasses of wine and beer quicker than “her indoors” Tell your visitors if they are not using the parasol put it down as those gusts of wind will blow it over and could break it or do some damage to poor Nan sitting their minding her own business.

Always good to use plastic glasses on your patio and around your swimming pools because when glass hits the tiles it flies everywhere and the children cry a lot when they get cut feet. If glass goes in your swimming pool the only way to get it out is to drain the water out, clean and then refill it again – yes expensive!!

Enjoy your summer with your families and most of all have fun, with or without the G & T´s.

Written by Chris of Furniture Plus

17

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SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT

THE ONLY PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM HOME INSIDE! Construction of New Homes Down 18.3% to April

Non-Hotel Overnight Stays Increased by 6.8% in May

Holiday, ApartmentOvernight stays in non-hotel tourist accommodation in Spain (holiday homes, campsites, rural tourism accommodation and hostels) accumulated a year-on-year increase of 6.8% in May, to over eight million, according to recent data published by the National Statistics Institute.

Between January and April the construction of 13,786 new homes were completed in Spain, which represents a decline of 18.3% compared to the same period of 2014, when the figure was 16,884, according to data from the Ministry of Public Works.

Thus, the number of new homes completed in Spain remained in negative at the beginning of 2015, after accumulating seven years of declines in 2014.

Of the total number of homes completed up to the end of April, 98.6% (13,597) related to private developers and 1.4% (189) to public administrations.

Compared to a year earlier, the construction of homes by private

developers fell by 18.7%, while public administrations’ construction increased by 19.2%.

Among the private initiative, El Mundo reported that 7,402 of the projects related to corporations, with a year-on-year decline of 14.8%; 4,944 were for private individuals and communities of owners (-5.1%), and 578 related to cooperatives (-6.6%).

There were also 673 completion certificates for other types of private developer works.

Moreover, standing at a total of 1,839.7 million euros, the liquidation value of the material execution of the works registered a decline of 18.8% in the first four months of the year. keyero.com

Specifically, the number of overnight stays by resident tourists increased by 8.3% to over 2.7 million, while those of non-residents increased by 6.1%, with around 4.8 million overnight stays by travellers from the European Union (excluding Spain) and 459,157 overnight stays by visitors from the rest of the world. In addition, the average length of stay registered was 4.4 nights per traveller.

El Economista reported that during the first five months of the year, overnight stays grew by 3% over the same period of the previous year.

In May, the number of overnight stays in tourist apartments grew by 2.5%, driven primarily by stays by residents (+5% compared to the same month in 2014) compared with stays by non-residents (+1.9%), and with an average length of stay of 5.5 nights per traveller (-4.4%). In addition, the occupation rate for holiday dwellings was 31.3%, representing an increase of 1.6% over the fifth month of the previous year, while the weekend occupancy rate was 35.8% (+4.1%).

The Canary Islands was the preferred destination for holiday homes, with

more than 1.8 million overnight stays, representing an increase of 0.4% over May 2014. Campsites recorded a 16.2% increase in overnight stays in May, over the same month of 2014, with a 12% increase in residents’ stays and a 20.6% increase in non-residents’ stays, and an occupation rate of 32.6% (+8.2% over May 2014), while the weekend occupation rate was 36.7% (+8.9%). The preferred campsites destination was Catalonia, which recorded 1.2 million overnight stays, and is 19.8% more than the same month of the previous year.

Rural tourism accommodation stays rose by 10.6% in May thanks to a 14.7% increase in stays by non-residents and an 8.9% increase in stays by residents.

The occupation rate was 13.7% (+9.8% compared to May 2014) with a weekend rate of 27.4% (+18.2%). Castilla y León was the preferred destination, with 111,595 overnight stays and an increase of 2.2% over May 2014.

Overnight stays in hostels increased by just 0.8% over the previous year, with a 1% increase in residents’ stays and a 0.3% increase in stays by non-residents.

The occupation rate in May was 25.4%, registering a slight decline, of 0.2%, over the same month a year earlier, while the weekend rate was 30.8% (-6.7%).

Catalonia was the preferred destination for stays in hostels, with 90,258 overnight stays, representing a decline of 1.7% compared with May 2014 keyero.com

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July 2015

Unspoilt Costa Blanca and turns for several miles. The most attractive villages here are Llíber, Alcalalí, Parcent and Gata de Gorgos. Each has its own distinct character and its own unique specialist produce drawn from the surrounding countryside - wine from the vines, baskets from the reeds or honey from the orange blossom.

rowdy behaviour or drunkenness, the party atmosphere is positively electric.

It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but head for the villages and countryside north of Alicante and the vibe changes from turismo to tradicional, writes Katie Wood Northern Costa Blanca 'I found myself in lush valleys of oranges, almonds and lemon groves.'

An hour and a half into my drive north of Alicante and I noticed something pretty dramatic - suddenly, almost within the turn of a corner, the landscape changed from brown and arid to green and mountainous; the high-rise concrete hotels gave way to smart villas, and I found myself in lush valleys of oranges, almonds and lemon groves. There are few places in the world where the northern part of a small coastline contrasts more with the south.

I went expecting a landscape of mass tourism but, in the northern part of the Costa Blanca, I found quaint Spanish villages where bar owners spoke only 10 words of English, and I found a part of Europe where life goes on the way it has for decades, with siestas religiously adhered to, and local customs and culture still very much a part of everyday life.

This part of Spain is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest in the country. Tourism earns considerable returns for the locals and property prices reflect the number of well-heeled northern Europeans who buy a second home in this tempting area. The weather has a lot to do with this. In the region's main town, Denia, the sun is said to shine 320 days a year.

Denia Denia's skyline is dominated by the 18th-century Castillo de Denia. Not only does a trip to this honey-coloured fortress give you an insight into the region's long history, the building's grandness offers an excellent opportunity to get your bearings.

Twenty miles of Blue Flag beaches extend from Denia to the north; head south and the rocky coves provide excellent scuba sites.

I loved Denia. It had the feel of being a real working town.

With its pavement cafes, smart shops (wonderful fashion boutiques!) and bustling indoor market I felt as if I was in a small version of Nice. There's just so much life about the place. Maybe that's why the town celebrates more fiestas than any other in Spain - quite an achievement. The biggest is the Hogueras de San Juan (22-24 June). Similar to the Fallas Festival in Valencia, it features hundreds of huge papier måché sculptures, representing anything from politicians and celebrities to hot issues of the moment. These are set up in the main streets and squares, only to be set alight in spectacular bonfires on June 24 to celebrate the arrival of summer. The carnival lasts through the night and, although there is no

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

During July the town celebrates Santissima a Sangre, which celebrates the town’s patron saint and the blood shed by Jesus Christ. Events include infamous Toros a la Mar bull running around the seafront, in which young men run in front of the bulls before throwing themselves into the sea.

The following month, on August 14-16, sees the Moors and Christians Fiesta. This Moorish ‘invasion’ is re-enacted every year with the accompanying canon- and musket-fire and the following day the Christians stage an attack and retake their castle with even more enthusiasm.

For a great fish restaurant in Denia go to Restaurante mena, Final las Rotas (tel +34 96 578 0943). An excellent assortment and under €15 a head.

Jávea Well worth a visit is neighbouring Jávea, a portside town of 20,000 which sits astride a hill. I loved wandering the narrow streets with old houses built from Tosca sandstone. They cluster around the 15th-century Gothic fortress church of San Bartolome. No high-rise buildings are allowed in Jávea which explains its attractive landscape.

Pueblo, the old village of Jávea, has made few concessions to tourism. Whitewashed houses surround the bay, and it’s a great place to just sit in one of the outdoor cafes watching the fishermen bring in their fresh catches or watch the sailing boats set off from the marina.

I stayed in a villa near Jávea run by the excellent operator Villa Select. Set halfway between Jesus Pobre and Jávea old town, Casa Valls sleeps 10, has its own tennis court and pool and is surrounded by its own two-acre oasis of orange and lemon groves and tropical gardens. In early summer it costs £1,295 a week and even in July and August it is still available at under £2,000 a week.

Among the delights of this area are the scenic Orba and Jalón valleys - a pleasure for walking or touring by car.

Orba Valley Running inland from Denia, the Orba Valley is home to the Girona river and charming, atmospheric little villages such as Tormos, Rafol, Benidoleig, Sagra and Pedreguer. These five villages are collectively known as the ‘Rectoría’.

As I sat with a strong coffee in an even stronger sunshine in the tiny hamlet of Tormos I realised that this was the Spain I was hoping to find but didn’t dare count on. Old men sat in the street playing dominoes; women were conspicuously absent apart from the industrious ones hanging out their washing on their balconies and spying on the menfolk below; children and dogs played in the squares and narrow streets. Located at the foot of the Sierra del Recingle, next to the Caval and Migdía Sierras, it is an excellent base for walking and the odd visitor that one does see is clad in suitable hiking gear .

The charm of the ‘Rectoría’ villages is that they remain totally uncommercialised. In an area still mainly devoted to growing fruit, the inhabitants are country people and proud of it. This is the place to head for a complete chill-out.

Jalón Valley In the Jalón Valley, just to the south, the Gorgos river running through it is a striking feature and the road follows its twists

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Llíber is the smallest village, with 498 inhabitants and, for me, it’s the most charming. I had lunch there in a cafe where, between my halting Spanish and the owner’s pidgin English, we managed a conversation about the local wine which is produced and marketed under the ‘Vall de Xaló’ label by the Virgen Pobre cooperative. Their pride is the Muscatel and after half a bottle you’ll know why. It’s perfect with the garlic mushroom, sardines and stuffed tomatoes you often find in this region.

Another beautiful place is the hillside village of Parcent. Head for the main square and enjoy a relaxed meal in the Co-Op - a place full of local workers enjoying a three-course meal with beer for €12 - then sit back and listen to the peeling bells of the Immaculate Conception church. Parcent is sleepy for most of the year, but certainly not so between August 10 and 14 when the entire village celebrates the feast of their patron saint, St Lorenzo.

Gata de Gorgos is worth visiting for its crafts shops, though more business in cane and wicker goodies tends to be done on the plentiful street stalls than in the shops. The houses here, white with ivory lintels, give the village a specific character, and don’t miss the wonderfully ornate church which dates from 1535; the same year the village became an independent municipality from Dénia.

Benissa is an enchanting medieval town. Located on the windy coastal road between Valencia and Alicante, its highlight is the ‘Cathedral of the Marina Alta’ which was constructed in the 1920s by pious local masons who relied their own physical strength and money. It served as a wonderfully cool haven on an otherwise baking hot day, but there was a quality about it - which had nothing to do with the shade it provided - that made me want to linger. Perhaps it was the abundance of art in a small, unprepossessing town, for here you find a truly magnificent altarpiece in honour of the venerable patron saint of the village, the Blessed Xiquet. Its detail is incredible. The church also houses a statue attributed to the famous 16thcentury Spanish artist Juan de Juanes.

Explore the old quarter of Benissa starting from the Ayuntamiento -the former Hospital for the Poor - where you can see the beginning of the track used by the ancient ribereros (the workers who emigrated from Benissa to harvest rice on the Valencia coast). The houses here have ornate iron grilles on their windows and the floral display in the windowboxes are the cause of local rivalry. The result is a charming, photogenic little gem, reminiscent of the old parts of Granada. www.theguardian.com

19

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950 064 584 609 199 394

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Luxury 3 bed / 3 bath fully furnished Townhouse with sea views, private gardens, terrace & solarium. Communal pool Ref.1638

€80,000

Reduced! 3 bed / 2 bath furnished Townhouse with underground garage, terraces and roof solarium near amenities. Ref. 1629

€129,950 Oria

Opportunity! 2 bed / 2 bath Villa on plot of 1.500 m² with amazing golf & mountains views. Mains elec. Water tank. Ref. 1635

€188,000 Macenas golf

Palomares

€375,000

Charming secluded 4 bedroom villa Great location lovely private pool Large terrace modern kitchen Well maintained 1820 m². Ref 1045

21

www.soltimes.com

The latest statistics from the Government show that turnover in the Spanish property business has stabilised after years of declines.

Telephone: 950 460 999

MUNDI

ABOGADOS

The market turned over €10.5 billion in the first quarter of the year (Q1), just a fraction (0.8%) more than the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Public Works (Fomento).

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 •

These figures are still some way from those registered in 2008, when the year’s total balance reached €94,951.40 million, double the total registered in 2014 (€47,475.50 million).

By market segments, the value of business in new builds continues to fall registering a total of €1,489.10 million in the first three months this year, a drop of 17.7 per cent compared to the same period last year when the value reached €1,752.30 million.

The resale market, on the other hand, was up 3.8% up with turnover of €9 billion, which offered some compensation to the decline in new home sales.

By region, turnover was greatest in Madrid (€2,075.8 million), followed by Catalonia (€1,976.9 million), Andalusia (€1.901.8 million) and the Valencian Community (€1.265.8 million).

At the other end of the scale, the regions registered the lowest figures were Ceuta and Melilla (€25.0 million between them), La Rioja (€58.0 million), Extremadura (€79.0 million) and Navarra (€93.9 million).

Source www.spainishpropertyinsight.com

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

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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.

www.immo-carlos.com email: info@immo-carlos.com Address: La Plaza Nueva, No 10, Albox (Opposite the Donkey Statue)

Office: 950 102 191 • Carlos: 648 505 938 • Gavin: 671 293 942 Santopeta,

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Nice villa with

Nice villa

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with 3 bed, 2

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2 bath & a

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bed, 2 bath &

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small pool

146,000€

Cantoria, Nice villa with 3 bed, 2 bath, pool & a plot of 1,600m².

155,000€

private plot.

159,000€ private pool.

La Perla, Very nice villa with 3 bed, 2 bath & room for a 155,000€ private pool.

Cerro Gordo, Nice quality villa with 3 bed, 2 bath & private 189,000€ pool

Properties Urgently needed in all areas

22

July 2015

Half a million home owners are ‘property millionaires’ owners and rising house prices.

Zoopla said the areas outside London with the highest concentrations of £1 millionplus streets are all in Surrey, with Guildford, Leatherhead and Richmond housing 158, 154 and 144 streets respectively.

Kensington Palace Gardens is ranked as the country’s most expensive street overall, with homes there worth £42.6 million on average.

The Boltons, where one house sold for £51 million this year, takes second place, with average property values standing at £30.3 million.

Grosvenor Crescent rounds out the top three, with an average property price of £22.7 million.

Lawrence Hall, of Zoopla, said: “London continues to be the epicentre of the million-pound property market in Britain, but our property rich list reveals a number of high-value property areas outside the capital, particularly in Surrey and Buckinghamshire, that are very attractive to professionals seeking to live outside yet within easy reach of the city and enjoy low crime rates coupled with good schools.”

Britain’s 10 most expensive streets (average price) 1. Kensington Palace Gardens,

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

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We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients Properties of the week

London, W8, £42,591,972 2. The Boltons, London, SW10, £30,288,586 3.

Grosvenor C r e s c e n t , London, SW1X, £22,752,425 4.

Courtenay Avenue, London, N6, £19,609,231 5. Ilchester Place, London, W14, £13,718,746 6. Compton Avenue, London, N6, £12,049,363 7. Manresa Road, London, SW3, £11,600,920 8. Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W, £11,321,413 9. Cottesmore Gardens, London, W8, £11,037,133 10. Frognal Way, London, NW3, £10,702,421 Britain’s most expensive towns (average price) 1.

Virginia Water, Surrey, £1,208,638 2. Cobham, Surrey, £1,037,825 3. Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, £982,660 4. Keston, London, £976,354 5. Esher, Surrey, £969,337 6. Richmond, Surrey, £939,652 7.

Chalfont St Giles,

O

More than half a million people in Britain are now estimated to be “property millionaires” after the number doubled in three years, according to a website.

The total number of people living in houses worth more than £1 million now stands at 524,306 according to Zoopla’s property rich list.

There are now 10,958 streets where the average property price is more than £1 million.

More than 4,700 of these are in London, around 3,700 in the South East, 121 in Scotland, 17 in Wales and just 53 in the North East. There are 13 streets in the capital the average prices is more than £10 million.

The figures come with surveys showing a pickup in house price growth occurred after the election.

According to data collected by Halifax, one of Britain’s biggest mortgage lenders, the annual growth rate increased from 8.6 per cent in the 12 months to May to 9.6 per cent in the 12 months to June, the highest pace since September 2014.

Experts said home movers had been reassured by “stability” of a party gaining a majority in the new Government, particularly because the Conservatives are seen as supportive of home

Buckinghamshire,

£920,797 8.

Radlett, £843,814

Hertfordshire,

9.

Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, £828,974 10. Weybridge, Surrey, £799,828 Numbers of streets average price is £1m +

where

1. London, 4,735 2. South East England, 3,697 3. East of England, 1,350 4. South West England, 398 5. North West England, 234 6. West Midlands, 146 7. Scotland, 121 8. East Midlands, 104 9. Yorkshire and the Humber, 99 10. North East England, 53 11. Wales, 17 12. Northern Ireland, 4 telegraph.co.uk

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

...it’s all in the detail

OLV889 BEDAR ( Los Pinos )

OLV980

VERA ( campo)

This very interesting property is located in the pretty village of Los Pinos with 3 beds, 2 baths & good views.

This substantial property has lots of interesting features & would make a very good permanent home or holiday lock up. The property has room for a plunge pool also and is located in a quiet area less than 10 mins from Bedar .

This fabulous house has been lrestored with great style. 3 beds , 2 baths & an open plan living/ dining room is finished with polished concrete floors & great features throughout.

In addition this property has excellent facilities for horses with 6 horse boxes, riding ring, tuck room, horse showers etc. 5 mins from Vera town with great views.

d l o s Ref: CM/RB Secluded 3 bed, 2 bath, det. villa, nr centre of playa, gardens, terraces & parking, 126 m2 build, 540 m2 plot.

Ref: VA/TL Beautifully presented modern 1 bed/1 bath apt, private underground parking, private large lock-up store room

MOJACAR PLAYA REDUCED - €199,950

MOJACAR PLAYA REDUCED €64,950

NOW 149,950€

BEDAR

OLV925

Ref: PM/TW - 2 bedroom, 2 bath/shower room, first floor, furnished apt, a/c, large terrace with spectacular views MOJACAR PLAYA €109,950

Ref. AE/AB – Spacious semi-detached 3 bedroom house, terrace with sea & mountain views, garage, peaceful location near Mojacar Playa.

MOJACAR CAMPO reduced €137,000

Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo) Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

www.almeriaholidays.com

390,000€

This is a rare find in the pretty village of Bedar. A substantial 4 bed property with all the original floor tiles. beamed ceilings, wooden doors & windows throughout.

The property is in excellent condition & has been presented very well. It has a large under build, incredible sea views & large walled garden with mature planting.

199,950€

LUBRIN

OLV729

A very pretty cortijo in original state perfect for reforming.

Set at the edge of a pretty village within Urban land & with views. The house has a garden with fig, olive & almond trees. A great project for reforming. Electric, water easily connected. Possible to purchase additional land adjacent with a ruin. A great little buy.

Only 29,950€

23

www.soltimes.com

Insure your holiday to Spain As far as holiday destinations go, you can hardly get any better than Spain. In fact, Spain is one of the most popular holiday locations in the world.

According to UK Government statistics, Spain is visited by just under 12 million Brits every year. But why do so many people flock to Spain?

Well, the main reason is probably the weather. Spain has a dry, warm climate, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and relaxing by the side of the pool.

By itself, that’s enough to bring in millions of Brits a year but that’s certainly not all Spain has going for it.

For one thing, holidays in Spain are relatively cheap. Not just the flights and accommodation, but with goods like groceries and toiletries. The Post Office discovered that a typical basket of goods in Spain costs around £36, whereas a similar basket from Egypt would set you back by around £80.

A trip to Spain can also save you money when it comes to insuring your holiday.

Travel insurance for trips to Spain can be picked up from under £6 for single trip cover and just £29 for annual cover.

Another big draw for tourists is Spanish cuisine. From omelette to tapas, Spanish food is very tasty and quite healthy too, with a wide range of fresh ingredients.

Due to the country’s maritime roots, seafood plays a very large part in Spanish food, particularly in dishes like paella.

And then, of course, there are the Spanish people, who are warm, friendly and welcoming to visitors. The Spanish are a vibrant and expressive people with a rich cultural history.

If you’re into culture and history, Spain has plenty for you to see. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a spectacular building, designed by American architect Frank Gehry. Inside the museum, you can find a huge range of works by Spanish and international artists.

Seville Cathedral, for which building began in the 15th century, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is sure to take your breath away. It also serves as the burial site of Christopher Columbus, the explorer who helped to pioneer European colonisation of the Americas.

Price of New Housing Rises 1.8% The real estate market is continuing to show clear signs of recovery. According to the Sociedad de Tasación, the average price of new housing rose by 1.8% in the first half of 2015 – the first increase since 2007 – and by 1.4% in the last year. However, in real terms, prices have registered a decline of 38.7% on average since the maximum values recorded, with prices at the level of May 2002.

Thus, the price of new housing in the provincial capitals stands at an average of 2,030 euros per square metre, which equates to 182,700 euros for an apartment of 90 square metres.

The appraisal company stressed that the price increase in the first six months of 2015 (+1.8%) reverses the downward trend observed during 2014, when declines were registered, of 1.8% in the first half of the year, and 0.4% in the second half.

Price increases have been registered in 10 of Spain’s 17 regions, the greatest being in Madrid and Catalonia, with increases of 4.2% and 3%, respectively.

In contrast, the biggest declines were recorded in the Basque Country (-1.1%), and Aragón and Murcia (both -1%).

Once again the most expensive capitals are San Sebastián (3,291 euros per square metre) and Barcelona (3,255 euros), while the most economical capital is Cáceres, with a price per square metre of 1,116 euros.

In the report’s conclusions, the company suggests that although the

situation of the sector has improved significantly, it is not uniform, as the decline in housing prices has stopped in most populations, but not in all, and some have even registered slight increases.

However, El Mundo reported that the Sociedad de Tasación has noted an improvement in the conditions for obtaining a mortgage, although this is still in an incipient phase. Specifically, the company highlighted that around 30% of the transactions carried out by individuals in the first half of the year were formalised without the need for financing, and although the access to finance is improving, it is often linked to “collateral conditions which are little affordable to many of the potential customers”.

In these circumstances, the organisation only noted that “the possibility of the recovery of the sector seems closer”, and observed that “the unemployment rate and the quality of the employment generated still do not favour a consistent recovery of the real estate market”.

The report suggests that the production activity of new housing continues at “very low” levels in relation to those considered suitable for the needs of the population, although it noted favourably the resumption of work on long-paralysed projects, as well as the commencement of works in vacant lots in some locations. keyero.com

old farmhouses s.l fuente alamo REAL ESTATE Est in Murcia 1991 INMOBILIARIO Specialists In Character Properties In The Region Of Murcia C/ PEDRO GUERERRO 14. FUENTE ALAMO. 30320 MURCIA

DIRECTIONS:- FROM THE CHURCH SQUARE, TAKE THE ROAD BETWEEN THE SANTANDER & SABADEL BANKS. PARKING :- BEHIND THE CHURCH OR NEXT TO THE FARMACIA AT THE OTHER END OF THE STREET.

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EL MOLINO (TALLANTE) Traditional Finca with 2 guest annexes, total 4 bed 3 bath. Possible B&B or letting. 6.500m² plot.

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MULA (MONAS) Large town house, 3 bed. 2 bath.

Needs some updating, but ready to move into now.

A great opportunity to own your home in the sun for only €28.000

24

July 2015

Eurozone summit strikes deal Eurozone leaders have agreed to offer Greece a third bailout, after marathon talks in Brussels.

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been no deal, Greece could have crashed out of the euro.

Mr Tsipras also said he had the “belief and the hope that... the possibility of ‘Grexit’ is in the past”.

Amid one of the worst crises in the EU’s history, the head of the European Commission said the risk of Greece leaving the eurozone had been averted.

“The deal is difficult but we averted the pursuit to move state assets abroad,” he said. “We averted the plan for a financial strangulation and for the collapse of the banking system.”

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that after a “tough battle”, Greece had secured a “growth package” and debt restructuring.

Athens has been offered a third bailout. Bankruptcy - the spectre of a failed state - has been avoided, and Greece will stay inside the euro. But the deal has left many Greeks humiliated. It is not just the ranks of the left that are using the word “surrender”.

Greece will now have to pass reforms demanded by the eurozone by Wednesday.

These include measures to streamline pensions, raise tax revenue and liberalise the labour market.

An EU statement spoke of up to €86bn (£61bn) of financing for Greece over three years.

But there was no provision for a reduction in Greek debt - a so-called “haircut” - which the Greek government had sought.

“There will not be a ‘Grexit’,” said European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, referring to the fear that if there had

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will have to rush key measures on pension reforms, tax increases and a debt repayment fund through parliament. It will be a bruising process. Only then will bridging loans be released that will enable Greece to meet a payment to the European Central Bank next Monday.

As it is, the deal will almost certainly lead to snap elections.

Mr Tsipras will reshuffle his cabinet and discard those cabinet ministers who opposed his latest proposal.

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Harsh deal leaves European vision tainted Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the head of the eurozone group of finance ministers, said the agreement included a €50bn Greece-based fund that will privatise or manage Greek assets. Out of that €50bn, €25bn would be used to recapitalise Greek banks, he said.

Greek banks have been closed for two weeks, with withdrawals at cash machines limited to €60 per day. The economy has been put under increasing strain, with some businesses closing and others struggling to pay suppliers.

Bbc.com

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viewpoint

www.soltimes.com John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

La Hechicera de Alqueria

Sanchia Sústomore lives with the Hill People in their western barrio, although she doesn’t owe allegiance to either of the village groupings.

She lives alone in perhaps the oldest property in the Avenida de las Naranjas. The downstairs room is still a stable, although she has no horse. The attic is still for drying locally grown produce of which she produces none. Her whole house is given over to cauldrons and dried herbs, desiccated bats and hopping amphibians. For Sanchia is a hechicera, a sorceress, a witch, at least she believes she is.

She is the ninth daughter of a ninth daughter.

This is believed to have special significance apart from demonstrating a total lack of selfcontrol by her parents and grandparents.

Some of the elderly residents of Alqueria believe she may be beneficial in the curing of minor skin rashes and mild indigestion.

The general opinion is however that she is as mad as a snake but harmless. Unless of course one is tempted to swallow one of her potions. She once offered Manuela a love potion. The young men of the village couldn’t take the chance of it working and hastily organised a football outing to Barcelona.

Sanchia introduced one of her concoctions into the town’s water supply claiming it was a cure for Purple Gibbon Disease. This appears to have worked as there hasn’t been a single reported case in the village.

Part of the stock-in-trade of witches is the ability to curse those unfortunate enough to incur their displeasure. Sanchia didn’t believe in the evil eye method and had developed the evil buttock. Cursed with the left buttock is alarming, with the right it can

put you off your food for a week. During her 72 years Sanchia has cursed just about everyone in the village. Whether they hold her responsible for their present condition or whether they just humour the inept witch of Alqueria, is difficult to tell.

She is on firmer ground when it comes to fortune telling. Those who use her services are halfway to believing before she gets her nabo out. She uses a nabo instead of a crystal ball. This is probably down to economics rather than a belief in the mystical powers of root vegetables.

Her customers seem reasonably happy with her generalisations and she relies on all prophesies being self fulfilling.

Alas, Sanchia is now in the Loca Mujeres ward at the Hospital de Alta Resolucion El Toyo in Almería. Admitted after an abortive attempt to launch herself from the roof of the Bar La Casa Devante. Whether this was because of a misplaced belief that she could fly or an overindulgence in Remitroot liquor, has yet to be established. It was probably a combination of the two. The upright vacuum cleaner she used in place of a broomstick broke her fall and prevented serious injury.

Those who are yet to be cursed can rest easy for a week or so while Sanchia’s wounds heal.

Chicken and Chips, Part2

The time was about 1.15. We had 1¼ hours in which to receive, eat and pay for our chicken and chips. We didn’t need to leave the restaurant until 2.30, and how long does it take to prepare chicken and chips? We would be finished in plenty of time to get to the coach pick-up by 3.00.

I had seen portions of chicken and chips being delivered to every other table but ours, so I knew to expect a small mound of rice and the thigh and drumstick of a normal sized chicken, accompanied by a sensible sized serving of chips, all on a round plate.

We waited. And waited. What was the hold-up? Couldn’t they catch the chicken? Were they waiting for the potatoes to grow? Or had they sent out to China for the rice? At 2 o’clock I said ‘Come on, we’ll go.’

‘We haven’t paid for our drinks.’

Pete pointed out.

‘We’ll leave it on the table.’

‘No. Hang on a little longer.’

We hung on, despite my protests, and because by now we were in the early stages of malnutrition. Other customers received their orders while we continued foodless.

At 2.20 the waiter approached, bearing two oval platters heaped to spillage point with sufficient rice to feed a small Chinese village, upon which half a turkey-sized chicken balanced precariously, surrounded by enough chips to account for an entire harvest of potatoes.

We had 10 minutes in which to down this gargantuan feast. We set

Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre newsletter

This month our wonderful Spanish volunteers in our Guardamar charity shop rescued six kittens from the port area and, after organising vaccinations, began looking for new homes for these cuties. It’s wonderful to see our volunteers doing their bit to help abandoned animals in Spain.

Meanwhile, at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, the bond between our rescued donkeys Little Lady and Della grew even stronger. These two arrived at the centre from two separate rescues, both suffering from severe malnutrition and with terribly deformed hooves cause by years of neglect that left them almost unable to walk.

Now looking much healthier, these two happy little donkeys spend their days lying side-byside in the stables or munching alfalfa out in the paddocks. It’s wonderful to be able to give them a second chance.

Sue’s broken wrist is also healing nicely and she should be able to have the cast removed this month. She is very much looking forward to being fully operational again – not being able to drive is a pain in the neck!

Police

seize

neglected

stallion

after public complaints This month we were called by San Pedro del Pinatar police to rescue a grey stallion left without food and water, after complaints from members of the public who were concerned about the horse’s skeletal appearance.

We brought the horse home to the centre and veterinarian checks showed he was malnourished but otherwise healthy. Diplomat, as we named him, has now been castrated and is settling in well at the rescue centre. He especially loves the string curtain Rod set up to keep the flies out his stable and prevent infection after his surgery.

We’re delighted to see the police now acting on public complaints, which even just two years ago wouldn’t have happened. We are so encouraged by the changes that we’re seeing. We believe there’s a huge movement forward in Spain for animal welfare and these rescues do have a knock on effect because people start to realise that they can’t get away with animal abuse.

Volunteers needed for new charity store in Dolores The challenge for us now, after eight years of operation, is to continue raising enough money to grow as a structured organisation with the resources to respond to every case.

As part of our fundraising efforts, we’ll soon open our ninth charity shop selling second hand clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac 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

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk to – determined if not to finish, at any rate to make a serious dent in our dinner. We threw it down our throats as if we were competitors in an All You Can Eat In An Hour competition.

We stuffed until 2.40, leaving behind two seriously depleted platters, and the exact money on the table. As we waddled down the road like two racing penguins, we prayed that the coach would be late.

If I ever go to Évora again I will go to that same restaurant; search out that same waiter and wait patiently for my order, even if that takes days out of my life. Having eaten I will go into the kitchen, ask to see the boss, and tell him/her that I am an undercover agent hired by the Tourist industry to check waiter service in small restaurants. I will tell him/her that although the food was excellent, the waiter was in a category of awkwardness all of his own.

helping out, please call Sue on 652 021 980.

Thanks to Route 66 diner for helping raise €625 Benimar’s Route 66 American diner this month held a fundraiser for us to celebrate their first anniversary, which raised a wonderful €625. The money will help us feed and care for our more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse and neglect. The fundraiser came on a very busy day, as Rod had been called out by the police to rescue Diplomat and later had 700 bales of alfalfa to get off the field.

Sue was worried she wouldn’t be able to attend because her broken wrist has left her unable to drive. But at the last minute all the volunteers from the La Zenia charity shop came to the rescue.

They bought some of the raffle prizes with their own money and picked Sue up to make sure she could be there.

It was just wonderful and we have to extend a huge thanks to everyone involved.

Open day schedule If you’d like to meet our two new foals, a reminder that our open day is held on the first Sunday of every month. Entry is free.

If you’d like regular updates from the centre throughout the month, please “Like” our Facebook page, where we regularly post stories and pictures of all our animals.

Don’t forget, we offer loads of donation options if you’d like to financially support our work. As always, a huge thank you to all our wonderful supporters across the world. With your help and support, we are making huge steps forward for animal welfare in Spain.

puzzle pages

26

July 2015

To advertise in this space

Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com

sol Identify the CORRECT movie titles from the edited photos. picture quiz!

Answers

1: Spartacus 2: Speed 3: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 4: Tremors 5: Lost in Translation

on this day 16th JUly

622 – The beginning of the Islamic calendar.

1377 – Coronation of Richard II of England.

1861 – American Civil War: At the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25-mile march into Virginia for what will become the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the war.

1999 – John F. Kennedy, Jr., piloting a Piper Saratoga aircraft, dies when his plane crashes into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. His wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette are also killed.

2013 – As many as 27 children die and 25 others are hospitalized after eating lunch served at their school in eastern India.

2

3

wordsearch weather

soltimes general knowledge Quiz

1. The adventures of Robinson Crusoe were probably based on the real trials and tribulations of which Scottish sailor?...................................................

1

4

5

soltimes sports Quiz

1. Where was the Derby held during

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

The remaining letters spell an additional weather word.

the two World Wars?.......................

2. Which course celebrated 100 years of racing in July 1987?............

3. Which European flat race is run

2. What large objects are often named after ancient middle eastern kings?........

annually on the first Sunday in October?........................................

3. Which American physicist is known as ‘the father of the atom bomb’?...............

4. Which gossip columnist was owner of My Purple Prose?.............

4. Name the six most populated cities in the world that end with the letter ‘i’. .....

5. Which Grand National winner of the 80s was named after a

6. In a film sequel Dr Chandra is a father like figure for Heuristic Algorithmic.

Heuristic Algorithmic is better known as what?....................................................

lighthouse?....................................

7. Italy’s longest river.............................

both the Derby and the St Leger?....

SNOW SQUALL STORM SUNNY TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER THUNDER TORNADO TSUNAMI TYPHOON VISIBILITY WINDY

FREEZE FROST HAIL HOT HUMIDITY HURRICANE ICE LIGHTNING MIST MONSOON OVERCAST RAIN SHOWER SLEET

wordsearch answer

Hennessy in the same season?.......

9. Which is the oldest British flat classic race?...................................

10. Which jockey had most Classic wins before Lester Piggott?.............

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

BAROMETER BLIZZARD CELSIUS CLOUDS COLD CYCLONE DOWNPOUR DRIZZLE DROUGHT FAHRENHEIT FLOOD FLURRIES FOG FORECAST

standard SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

5. Zirconium 6. HAL 9000 7. Po 8. Odin 9. Pigeon 10. Vietnam - the currency

CROSSWORD

1. Alexander Selkirk 2. Wine bottles.

3. J. Robert Oppenheimer 4. Shanghai, Mumbai, Karachi, Delhi, Chennai and Hanoi.

SOLUTIONS

the first to win the Mackeson and

easy SUDOKU

Answers

8. Which horse, in 1977, became

PRECIPITATION

10. Where could you legally flash your dong - then spend it?.............................

7. Which horse was the first to win

5. Corbiere 6. Malka’s Boy 7. Champion 8. Bachelor’s Hall 9. St Leger 10. Frank Buckle

9. Dragoon, Antwerp, Pouter, Tumbler and Horseman are all types of what?......

his first Royal Ascot winner?...........

1. Newmarket 2. Wolverhampton 3. The Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe 4. Nigel Dempster

8. The two wolves Geri and Freki usually accompany which man?.........................

6. Which horse gave Lester Piggott

puzzle pages

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Renault Grand Modus 1.5 DCi 90CV - 2011 - 97000kms - Climate Control - Cruise Control 8495€

car of the week

Antas across 1. Pleased (5) 6. Mindful (5) 7. Envisage (7) 9. Beard (3) 11. Edible tuber (3) 12. Man or boy (3) 15. Molten rock (4) 17. Shrivelled (4) 18. Egg-shaped (5) 19. Swivel (5) 20. Successor (4) 22. Domesticated (4) 23. Part of a circle (3) 24. Lair (3) 26. Mariner (3) 27. Learned (7) 30. Asinine (5) 31. Noisy riotous fight (5)

RENAULT MODUS 1.5

phone or check our website for more cars

Sales Vehicles always in Stock Servicing & Repairs all makes & models Opening Hours: Mon~Fri 9.30am - 7pm & Sat 10am - 2pm Workshop: 950 459 209 Sales: 950 459 136 Email: costacoches@mail.com

www.costacoches.net

Down 1. Someone who overacts (3) 2. Not present (4) 3. Heathen (5) 4. Dainty (4) 5. Japanese currency (3) 7. Bill for goods or services (7) 8. Raise (7) 9. Hawaiian greeting (5) 10. Hesitate (5) 13. Fragrance (5) 14. Dissuade (5) 16. Atmosphere (3) 17. Be seated (3) 21. Decoration (5) 24. Sand hill (4) 25. Number (4) 28. Flange (3) 29. Golf pin (3)

STANDARD CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES

Parque Ind El Real, Antas 04628 Tel: 950 459 136

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

submerged... (6)

easy

squiggle

Down

1 Had an impact on court in a very loud, rising river (8) 2 Edges of “jump” sign (10) 9 ...like here? (8) 3 Hurts good man with funny gins 10 Tendencies of angels in storm (8) (6) 11 Time to give out soft paper (6) 4 Love in spas? Nothing unusual!

12 Takes duck on board ship (6) (7) 13 Be against it on the inside? On the 5 Manifold animal left hint inside (8) 6 Members of “Charm Squad” (4) contrary! (8) 15 Looked up to some climbing alder 7 Month of the gold wind? (6) 14 Fortify head of Government in - I’m daring! (7) river, with second animal on the 17 The closest are in a home (7) outskirts (10) 20 Holder of tape ready before time 16 Never-ending without ten on the in case... (8) outside (8) 22 ...bloke gets a good extra first run 18 Advises Gus to return with nonuniversal visitors (8) (6) 19 Rich in iron without bringing up 23 Creature of prides, perhaps (6) unit of capacity (7) 25 Tory leader rents without it turning 21 How’s that attractiveness? (6) back a decade (8) 22 First Aid embraced by soldiers 26 A game of vile dance? (8) (6) 27 Not having PR stops things 24 Some made epigrams low in happening! (6) pitch (4) 8 Nothing in a place to live is not

FOOD & DRINK... Summer Dessert.....

28

July 2015

sundaes nut Really & cocoFood Mango, Islime Mexican

Ingredients:

3 ripe mangoes, peeled, cored and sliced juice and zest 2 limes, plus 6 slices 500ml tub dairy-free coconut

milk ice cream (we used Booja-Booja Coconut Hullabaloo) a few mint leaf

ding pud ck For IsBla Mexican Foodest Really Mexican?

Ingredients:

Sunflower oil, for greasing 300g blackberries 300g dark cherries, halved and stoned, or quartered if large 200g small black seedless grapes 140g golden caster sugar 200g blackcurrants

200g blueberries 4 tbsp Crème de Cassis (or 2 tbsp Ribena) 400g medium-sliced white bread clotted or single cream, to serve (optional)

Method:

Method:

Put half the mango slices in a bowl with half the lime juice and half the zest, cover and chill until serving. Put the rest of the mango in the freezer for 3-4 hrs or until frozen solid.

Put the frozen mango in a blender with the rest of the lime juice and zest (saving a few pinches for decoration), blend until smooth, then tip into a container and leave in the freezer until needed.

Just before serving, put the chilled mango pieces in the bottom of 6 sundae glasses and take the coconut ice cream and frozen mango sorbet out of the freezer to defrost just enough to scoop. Divide the mango sorbet and the coconut ice cream between the glasses, and decorate with mint leaves, lime slices and any remaining lime zest.

Serve immediately.

Read more at: www.bbcgoodfood.com

T

I C P A NA O R EXC I NEW TING MEN U

EW ER N NT D N U ME AGE N A M

ALGORFA NOW SERVING Genuine Home Cooked ENGLISH FOOD A la Carte Menu English Tapas Selection available

POPULAR RELAXING BAR AREA Enjoy our Tuesday Curry Night Drink & Curry

only 7.95€ Open: Mondays 5pm til late Tuesdays - Saturdays 12noon - 3pm & 5pm til late Tel: 645 179 443 C/Mayor, 16 (20mts from the square)

Brush a 1.5-litre pudding basin with oil – if you don’t have a 1.5-litre pudding basin, use a smaller one and serve any fruit that won’t fit on the side.

Line the basin with a double layer of cling film, overhanging the basin at the top.

Put the blackberries, cherries, grapes and sugar in a saucepan with 3 tbsp water. Cover and gently heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has melted and the fruit is syrupy. Add the currants and blueberries, cover and cook gently for 2 mins more until the fruit is just softened. Take off the heat and cool.

Strain the fruit into a colander set over a bowl. Leave for 5 mins to drain well, then stir the cassis or Ribena into the captured juices.

Trim the crusts from the bread slices and discard, losing as little bread as possible. Then use a pastry brush to spread a little of the berry juices over one side of each slice. Cut a circle from 1 slice (or 2 semi-circles from 2 slices) that will neatly cover the base of the basin, and push in – juice-side down.

Reserve some bread so that you have enough to cover the top of the basin, then halve the remaining slices into fat fingers – trimming to the correct length to line the sides of the basin. Then, juiceside down, work round the basin, overlapping the edges of the bread slightly and pressing them to stay in place, until the basin is completely lined with bread. Patch any gaps with scraps.

Reserve a couple of spoonfuls of fruit to serve, then spoon the remainder into the bread-lined basin, squishing the fruit down to level it. Reserve 150ml of the juices with the reserved berries, then pour the rest into the basin, concentrating on pouring it around the edges to soak into the bread. Jigsaw the reserved bread to neatly cover the top and seal in the fruit, this time placing it juice-side up. Loosely cover the top of the basin with cling film. Find a small plate that will fit snugly inside the basin so it is in contact with the pudding and add 4 x 400g cans to weigh it down. Chill overnight with the reserved juice and berries.

To serve, unwrap and invert the basin onto a serving plate with a lip to hold any juices. Lift off the basin, holding the cling film down tightly as you pull to help you remove it. Peel off the cling film round the pudding. If you’ve any white bread patches visible, spoon over some juice to colour it. Spoon the rest of the berries and juice onto the top of the pud and serve with clotted or single cream, if you like.

Read more at: www.bbcgoodfood.com

BAR TROPICANA PRESS RELEASE

‘That’s the best Shepherds Pie I’ve ever eaten’ commented one lady diner at the re-opening of the Tropicana in Algorfa.

The recently modernised Bar/Restaurant has now opened its doors to a steady stream of diners eager to sample the new ‘Gastro Pub’ menu created by professional chef Dave.

Dave explained ’the menu is blend of traditional home cooked English food and some well known International dishes all cooked with the very best of fresh ingredients .

This mix of English and International food is proving popular with locals in town and word seems to be spreading much further than anticipated commented Samantha the general manager who recently joined the family business from Birmingham in the West Midlands back in the UK. Ever keen to spread the word the new owners of the Tropicana have a ‘Special Offer’ for all diners choosing two courses from their menu.

‘So ….. bring along the voucher attached to the advert to take advantage’ said Sam ‘Phone booking on 645 179 443 will ensure a seat

29

www.soltimes.com

Apricots

Apricot tarte tatin Ingredients: 75g/2¾oz caster sugar 40g/1½oz unsalted butter, cubed 300g/10½oz fresh apricots, halved and stoned (about 7 or 8 apricots) 375g/13oz sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, plain flour for dusting crème fraiche or ice cream, for serving

Method:

1.For caramelising the apricots, you need a small ovenproof frying pan with a base that measures about 20cm/8in in diameter. Put the sugar in the pan and set it over a medium heat. Cook until the sugar first melts and then caramelises and turns golden brown. Don’t stir the sugar but swirl it around the pan every now and then.

2.Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the butter with a wooden spoon. The caramel will be extremely hot so watch out for splashes and don’t dream of tasting it.

3.Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes as the caramel cools and thickens. It will look oily and separated to begin with, but will become smooth and toffee-like as you continue stirring. When the caramel is smooth, carefully arrange the apricots on top, cut-side down.

Leave to cool for 20 minutes.

4.Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

5.Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured

surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out until it is 2cm/1in wider. Place a dinner plate or 25cm/10in cake tin on the pastry and cut around it.

6.Gently slide the pastry on top of the apricots and push down the sides with a round-bladed knife. Prick the surface to allow steam to escape.

7.Bake the tarte tatin for 25 minutes until the pastry is golden-brown and the apricots are cooked. Remove the pan from the oven using an oven cloth to hold the handle of the pan – don’t forget - it will be very hot.

8.Leave the tart to stand for a couple of minutes to allow it to settle, then loosen the edges and place a large serving plate or board on top of the frying pan.

Very carefully, but quickly, turn it over, using a folded dry tea towel to help you hold it, and allow the tarte tatin to drop gently on to the serving plate.

9.Serve warm with crème fraiche or ice cream.

Chestnut and chocolate ice cream with apricot sauce

Ingredients:

For the ice cream 225g/8oz quality plain chocolate 60ml/4 tbsp maple syrup 225g/8oz canned chestnut pureé 500ml/18fl oz double cream, whipped 30ml/2 tbsp kirsch 3 free-range egg whites (optional) 225g/8oz whole tinned chestnuts in syrup, drained (save a few for decoration)

For the sauce 450g/16oz tinned apricots in natural juice 30ml/2 tbsp apple juices concentrate

Method:

1.For caramelising the apricots, you need a small ovenproof frying pan with a base that measures about 20cm/8in in diameter. Put the sugar in the pan and set it over a medium heat. Cook until the sugar first melts and then caramelises and turns golden brown. Don’t stir the sugar but swirl it around the pan every now and then.

2.Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the butter with a wooden spoon. The caramel will be extremely hot so watch out for splashes and don’t dream of tasting it.

3.Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes as the caramel cools and thickens. It will look oily and separated to begin with, but will become smooth and toffeelike as you continue stirring. When the caramel is smooth, carefully arrange the apricots on top, cut-side down. Leave to cool for 20 minutes.

4.Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

5.Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to

roll it out until it is 2cm/1in wider. Place a dinner plate or 25cm/10in cake tin on the pastry and cut around it.

6.Gently slide the pastry on top of the apricots and push down the sides with a round-bladed knife. Prick the surface to allow steam to escape.

7.Bake the tarte tatin for 25 minutes until the pastry is golden-brown and the apricots are cooked. Remove the pan from the oven using an oven cloth to hold the handle of the pan – don’t forget - it will be very hot.

8.Leave the tart to stand for a couple of minutes to allow it to settle, then loosen the edges and place a large serving plate or board on top of the frying pan. Very carefully, but quickly, turn it over, using a folded dry tea towel to help you hold it, and allow the tarte tatin to drop gently on to the serving plate.

9.Serve warm with crème fraiche or ice cream.

Apricots are those beautifully orange colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer.

Although dried and canned apricots are available year-round, fresh apricots with a plentiful supply of vitamin C and are in season in North America from May through August. Any fresh fruit you see during the winter months have been imported from either South America or New Zealand.

Relatives to peaches, apricots are small, golden orange fruits, with velvety skin and flesh, not too juicy but definitely smooth and sweet.

Some describe their flavor as almost musky, with a faint tartness that lies somewhere between a peach and a plum Apricots are rich in many plant antioxidants.

Some of these are the vitamin antioxidants so familiar to regular users of this site. Others are more difficult to obtain from other foods, and may be responsible for specific health benefits.

Overall, consider the apricot to be a great

food that provides you with the protective effects of antioxidants while adding very few calories to your daily total.

Apricots are originally from China but arrived in Europe via Armenia, which is why the scientific name is Prunus armenaica. The apricot tree came to Virginia in 1720 but its appearance in the Spanish missions of California around 1792 marked the fruit’s real arrival. The climate there is perfectly suited to apricot culture, and apricots in the United States are grown primarily in the sunny orchards of California.

Apricots are enjoyed as a fresh fruit but also dried, cooked into pastry, and eaten as jam. The fruits are also distilled into brandy and liqueur. Essential oil from the pits is sold commercially as bitter almond oil. Turkey, Italy, Russia, Spain, Greece, U.S.A. and France are the leading producers of apricots.

30

Humanists of Murcia Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice was a repeat of last year without the kites and held on Bolnuevo beach in front of the Oasis under the trees.

A montón of food, including some leaves for the 3 noncarne eaters, was brought by the 30 members and guests orchestrated by Joan.

And, amazingly, twice this month, funds have been released from under Deryck’s mattress. They paid for the BBQ chicken (free large loaf of bread and 6€ off from our man in the market), bread and some condiments (salt and pepper – Paul).

Only one illness so far reported.

It couldn’t be the mayo or salt.

Or Liz’s chocolate cake and someone else’s choc brownies - I had 2 of each. Still, better

than last year, when we lost 3!!

President John said a few words and a reverse-charge call was received from Martin and Anne who were in Barcelona and an email from Annie up a foggy fiord in Finland**, wishing everyone a happy day.

Eleven pairs played petanca and after several hours of play and only three fights, Carole and Rick won the Final, beating Avril and Bill.

Lots of people played giant jenga. Steve and Janice were crowded Champions.

Jenga gathered a large audience from people walking on the paseo. Three Spanish kids asked to play and b e a t Margaret and Jean.

Then some mad fools went into the sea. ** actually Sweden but alliteration not so good.

July 2015

great turn out for Caritas Event

Another recently held successful Caritas event was held on June the 6th again at the Rusty Nail in Campoverde.

A total after other donations received was a grand £668. 86 as can be seen by the receipt.

A 1st prize on the raffle was a Samsung Tablet valued 125 Euros, plus several other prizes.

Jimmy (landlord at Rusty), again put on a free buffet, The Portobello ladies supplied the casino free of charge for the night, and again Brian Jenkins supplied the free of charge, but this time Music of the 50’s and 60’s and even with his own tribute to the music of “Elvis”, The last event seemed better attended, (which was a Country night), but we believe the main reason was the football match !, it was the cup final between Juventas and Barcelona, something we had overlooked !!!! and even “Elvis”, had to wait until it was over !!!.

So, Once again a great big thank you to all who attended, donated and supported the event, Jimmy

the landlord for hosting it again, The Portobello ladies, Brian for his music, and of course, last but not least to Eddie Te m p l e m a n and his long suffering wife Margaret for arranging everything. Caritas were well pleased with the donation, which make it nearly 1400 euro’s we have handed over in just two events. Keep up the good work all. And thanks.

www.soltimes.com

Tel: 950 121 936

age concern

Summer’s here and Age Concern have had a busy first half of the year. Each month sees several new clients needing our support which means we need more volunteers to lend a helping hand, be a friendly face to visit someone who may not see anyone else all day. If you can spare a few hours of your time doing something we can all do (make a cup of tea, sit down and have a chat, provide a bit of company for someone) please contact the numbers below for further information.

- community news -

sales@soltimes

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 We need people to fill committee posts – Vice Eucharistic Adoration: last Saturday of the month at 3.15 PM. Further Information please call President, Press Officer & Secretary. None of these Father Octavio 676 219 445 jobs are demanding but, if you prefer administrative work, there may be a place for you!

Ex-Servicemen’s Association All the services we provide are becoming very popular – see our forecast of events for details.

Please note – our Advice & Information service at Camposol Cultural Centre will be closed during the month of August.

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 THURSDAY October 1st. - Dance the night away to one of the top acts on the Costas, Andy McBride & Co, fantastic Rod Stewart & Faces. First time in this area and NOT to be missed. €10 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 Mazarrón District drinks package from Barcelona calling at Madeira, (Founded 1 May 2006) EVENTS - 2015 Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Tangier and Malaga. Price also includes Insurance, Coach travel, Taxes and Wednesday 8th July overnight stay in Valencia. More info call Rosemary.

1.30pm for 2pm - Restuarante Ramonete, Lugar Las For more information on all these, call Rosemary on Librilleras, Take RM-332 towards Aguilas then onto 620 105 179 D21

Lifeline 634 344 589 Advice & Information 634 310 216.

Wednesday 12th August - 7.30pm for 8pm, A parkinsons Support Group Wednesday 29th July - Menu-del-dia at Restaurante 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 Siena, Mazarrón town 10€ Wednesday 16th September - Restaurante Viggos, contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871 Wednesday 19th August - Welcome dance for Age The Pasea Pto de Mazarron, Lunchtime Menu Concern at Mariano’s, Camposol. 2 acts. Tickets Archaeological Museum from the Welcome meeting 1st Saturday of the Membership and enquiries, Ian 629 818 611 Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00. month, Mariano’s or tel 620 105 179. 8€ Entrance, or esamd_espana@yahoo.co.uk Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda.

5€ Food (optional).

Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church Wednesday 2nd September - ‘Talking Shop’ social at We hold services each week at 10.30am on €0.60 Camposol Cultural Centre, 1.30pm Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join Wednesday 9th September - Black & White Ball us. For further details, call Rev. Maureen Kent 968 970 637 SORRY, SOLD OUT! Tickets from: Camposol Cultural Centre Wed/Thu 10am to 1pm, Friday 12.30 to 2pm. Talks & Workshops Telephone: 634 310 215 Other areas: 634 336 484. MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group Every Mon Fortuna Call us on 968 199 068 www.luzdelsol.co.uk mazarron lions Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las The lions Club meets 1st Monday of every month Kalendas from 14:00. For further information email: at 4 pm upstairs in the Trevi bar Camposol Sector mabsmurciane@gmail.com

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

Wish your Friends or Loved Ones Happy If you are interested in joining the Lions please contact Nigel barker or Visit us at our stall every birthday, Anniversary Friday outside Oscars camposol B 11 to 3 pm or just send them a Tel 696 827 525 special message CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & B all are welcome Contact Nigel 605 111 205 mazarronlions@gmail.com

ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950

956 166 / 687 250 860

Send details to

production@soltimes.com

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

SolTimes

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

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

alternative power

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

sunlife solar solutions

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sl registered company 100% legal installations we will beat any like for like genuine written quotation

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solar directa

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artificial grass

top quality artificial grass installed by qualified professionals

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Advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section

Any single item up to 300€ is free of charge

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

If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping. This is the reality for people that are making money online.

Read why you should be cashing in on today’s booming economy and discover for yourself how you can turn your passion into a large monthly wage,

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kitchens

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

personals

email:

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

pool tables

new Carrefour before La Florida. 37

blancasales@soltimes.com

snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

Spanish lady Playa Flamenca near years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€. Full discretion. Tel: Ana 865 646 437

Tel: 666 933 726

ELEGANT slim, sexy, naughty italian

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& Mazarron, Quesada plus all other

Very large garden umbrella 25€ Tel: 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio)

lady available home/house visits.

Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco areas.

Escort available home &

house visits. Tel: 693 357 526

pets

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

insurance

“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience”

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

business opportunity

PAYMENT VISA ,Paypal, bank

July 2015

asssa medical

insurances

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

Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396

mazarron@asssa.es jewellery

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

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

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

Call: 645 469 253.

Call: 645 469 253 info@petsinspain.info

www.petsinpain.com

33

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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

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

removals

De Lima’s

removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

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fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

detatched cortijo reduced

bargain

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34

July 2015

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936 Dogs Home reports record numbers of dumped pets after distraught owners watch TV show

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, which captured the nation’s heart on For the Love of Dogs, has reported an 84 per cent increase in abandoned pets in three years.

Record numbers of pets are being dumped at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home because their owners can’t afford to keep them.

The famous London rescue centre, which featured in Paul O’Grady’s ITV show For the Love of Dogs, reports an 84 per cent increase in abandoned pets in the past three years.

and 1,870 cats – after watching Paul O’Grady’s show, in which cameras follow the progress of abandoned animals.

A Battersea spokesman said: “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs has shone a light on the important work done by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and rescue centres across the country.

“Customers have travelled through the night from Fife and Falmouth, France and Denmark, citing their love for the Battersea TV series.

include being work hours, move into rental accommodation, to flats and being unable to afford

“In the past three years we’ve seen an 84 per cent increase in calls from owners wanting to give up their dogs to us.“

But staff say many people are turning up at Battersea – which last year took in 2,723 dogs

Elsewhere, a total number of 403,967 calls were made to the RSPCA’s national

Reasons owners forced to longer having to downsizing vets’ bills.

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emergency line for the year to May 2015.

Staff say they are currently dealing with a horse crisis as record numbers are being abandoned and left to starve.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Simon Osborne said: “People may associate abandonments with dogs and cats, but over the last few years we have seen a horse crisis in this country.

“Our centres only have about 125 places, but we have 800 horses in our care at the moment.

“To anyone out there who is struggling, please seek advice and help from friends, family or animal charities before just abandoning your animal.” mirror.co.uk

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Book Review

35

Smile by Deborah Moggach

“Through a fog of early morning sickness I’d carry out the plates of scrambled eggs.”Cheer up,” he said. “It might never happen.” “I thought it has.”

This collection is composed of 11 short stories examining marriage and modern families, insecure and generally unhappy. In some cases freedom and divorce are feasible alternatives to an empty and unfulfilled life.

In Smile imagine the workers in a hotel having to wear badges that simply read Smile. The hotel was American so perhaps this explains it? Sandy, the narrator was 19. Formerly known as Alexandra, we learn that she changed her name when she was 12. She has been in and out of care homes since her dad walked out on her at the tender age of 4. A damaged young lady.

She seems attracted to older men, one in particular “who never turned up, married and based in Huddersfield.” We learn of her pregnancy when she is working in the hotel, serving breakfasts. Further into the pregnancy she is moved into the kitchen. She has decided to keep the baby: “I’d have someone to love, who would be mine.” You soon get the feeling of how unhappy she has been and her desperate need to be loved. When Donna is born she monopolises her: “ I’d sit for hours, just breathing in her scent.”

Mum wasn’t the best of role models for a young mother like Sandy. She had a volatile relationship with her current boyfriend, Eddie, one minute giggling, the next rowing. Sandy felt warm and whole towards the end of her pregnancy. Once the baby is born, Moggach portrays her as a fulfilled young woman: “Donna had changed my world, nothing seemed real anymore, only her.” An older man, the type that Sandy is usually attracted to turns up at the hotel on a fairly regular basis, happy-go-lucky, a rep. doing a bit of this and a bit of that takes a shine to Sandy paying her the usual compliments: “You’re looking bonny” followed by www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es

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“You’ve got a beautiful smile.” Sandy is not her usual smitten self because she takes the responsibility of motherhood seriously.

When he flirts with her she tells him he’s too old for her and he admits to being “matured in the cask.” When she took his Access card for payment one time she saw the name on the card and of course, recognised it.

“What’s up? Seen a ghost!” Of course she was shocked.

She takes the opportunity to visit him in his room to ply him with questions and he tells her he sells toys: “It’s the child in me. I’m just a little boy at heart.” He persuades her to play a sixties game called Ker-Plunk which was being relaunched. She feels uncomfortable when he puts his hand around her waist and squeezes her before asking for a kiss. “You make me feel years younger,” he tells her then asks if he can take her to Brighton pier to eat ice cream the next time he visits.

Sandy is unable to smile through another heartache and one wonders what the future will hold for the poor girl.

In Making Hay we meet Frank who hints at some medical problem that he hasn’t disclosed to his wife or anyone else. It sounds serious. He’s a coach driver and he is taking a group of women and children for a CND rally. Women Against the Bomb. It seems to be a beautiful June day and Frank seems meditative.

He is married to Doriza, a Hungarian who he met 15 years ago. It had been a fiery relationship, Frank being seduced by her mysterious ways but once the rot sets in: “mystery’s the first thing to wear off.” He is still fond of her but something is missing. Something else though. He mentions his visit to the hospital and “some little creep in a white coat” and the need to tell his wife, hints of not feeling well. Even the mention of cancer: “I’ve got leukaemia.”

Something out of the ordinary happens as he is checking the coach before locking it up. A woman was still on the coach, reluctant to go on the march, complaining about feeling ill. She was pretty but dressed badly, making her frumpy and she seemed

to be depressed. Both of them took a walk outside before she grabbed him, stripped off and they made passionate love. “Greedily she wanted more. She gripped me, there was something impersonal and determined about the way she did it.” Not once did she smile.

“Make hay while the sun shines,” she told him. He rephrased it substituting love for hay. Her answer was surprisingly: “Love? I’d call it despair.” Once the rally was over, Frank dropped the women off home and this young woman disappeared out of Frank’s life for ever.

Imagine what Frank told his wife when he returned home!

Lost Boys focuses on family relationships. Ewan complained to his wife that he had had a deprived childhood even though Lily, his mother had taken him to France and Tuscany for the summer and a year spent in a Cairo hotel. How could Ewan describe Lily as being untrustworthy and yet his wife describes her as being romantic? He resented his mother for neglecting him.

He recalls an incident when she was painting nudes by the river when he was a young child: “I wandered down the stream and fell in and nearly drowned.”

The narrator, his wife, idolises Lily and after having her children she longs for Lily’s company. “I felt emptied, an empty vessel, drained by others’ needs.” She takes the children to Lily’s and they go swimming. She had hoped to be inspired by her. The swimming trip initially proved to be a wonderful experience before turning sour and potentially tragic.

The narrator leaves us with an image of Ewan as a little boy in his school blazer waiting at the school gate for a mother who didn’t turn up. She also leaves us with a poignant image of another lost boy, her son. The interesting message is that by idolising someone that person is lost to us. Reflective and thoughtful.

Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd. ISBN: 0-74931227-0 REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

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36

T.M.G.S. at La Finca

Today I was blessed with playing with a Brummy, who when it suits him is a little hard of hearing and a Swede with a dodgy eye who by his own admission doesn’t play his best golf at La Finca.

Having started our round from the 10th, due to maintenance being carried out on the front 9, we had hardly reached the 11th fairway when the Brummy began to give the Swede words of encouragement, by the time we had reached the 12th tee the Swede asked if I could translate for the Brummy as he couldn’t understand a word, I replied, just nod or shake your head because he can’t hear you to which the Brummy replied “I heard that”. You can probably imagine what I went through for the next 4 ½ hours and upon reaching the clubhouse all I needed was a couple of paracetamol, seriously though thank you to Alan and Arne for giving me an entertaining day.

The new Green Keeper continues to make improvements to this course; his latest work includes putting some shape into the fairways which makes it more pleasing on the eye and more difficult to find the short stuff. His recent improvements on the greens can now be seen, they are fast and true.

After having said that you would have thought that the scoring would be poor, especially playing in 37º! Well the truth is that in either category, to win a prize you needed to play to your handicap.

Today we welcomed 5 visitors to join us, 1 of which has now become a member, so the runner up in the visitors’ category was Dave Smith with 28pts.

While Gary Seddon took 1st place just 1 point better. In the Silver category, the outright winner was Carsten Landaas with 39 points, this provoked a few comments from his fellow Norwegians

July 2015

especially Ole Rong, there seems to be a fierce competition going on between the two of them, with Ole wanting to know what Carsten’s new handicap will be before he plays him again tomorrow.

2nd, 3rd and 4th place were decided by Lower handicap as Mick Kennedy, Alex Goslan and Gunn Handeland all had 36 points.

Now when should you impose a penalty for the score cards being returned late?

The scorer was waiting for just 4 cards and the group had been seen in the bar, when asked about the cards, Ian Parkinson said that he had left them on the buggy for Les Wilton to bring in, where were they? Still on the buggy and as their scores were not, shall we say going to win a prize they didn’t seem too enthusiastic about going to get them but another member of that 4 ball was keen to get them, Hans Arvesen had scored 38 points and didn’t want to miss out on his prize, well we are a friendly Society so no penalty was awarded. In 2nd place was another new member Steve Matthews with 38 points but higher handicap, 3rd and 4th were also decided by handicap with Chris Gray and Roger Nilsen both returning 36 points.

Photo: Silver category winners. Our next Competition is at La Marquesa on the 15th July. This comp will be followed by a meal in the clubhouse restaurant.

So if you fancy a game call the Secretary on 661 524 101 or visit our website www.tmgs.org you can now also follow us on twitter @tmgsgolf or visit us at Facebook/tmgsgolf

Ashes 2015

Consistency now key for England after Cardiff win England's four-day victory in the first Ashes Test has to be one of the most unexpected triumphs they have ever had over Australia.

In the dressing-room they might have believed they could win, but everyone outside it was thinking they would do well to escape with a draw against a side that thrashed them 5-0 down under.

Now that they have buried the demons of that whitewash and shown they can beat Australia, the big challenge is to play consistently and match those standards in game after game.

They must arrive at Lord's next Thursday and show that they

can catch the same catches, bowl those lovely fuller lengths and bat positively all over again.

After all, England's cricket over the past 18 months has been very erratic. In the Test series against West Indies and New Zealand, England produced a promising performance and then followed it up with something that left you scratching your head.

Crucially, England have now committed to a style of play that is both entertaining and effective.

Alastair Cook says the team made a conscious decision to be more positive after the draw in Source bbb.co.uk

37

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COSTA COBRAS RFC IN SAN JAVIER BEACH 5’S

This coming weekend Costa Cobras RFC will be taking part in their second rugby tournament at San Javier in their beach 5’s tournament on Saturday, 18 July, kicking off at 09.00 with seniors ladies and juniors taking part.

the end of January it is great to be able to get a team together to play in these tournaments, but still need more and more players to join. We have players from U10’s to vets at the moment and would like to get a ladies team

The teams taking part in the seniors matches are from Alcalá (Club de Rugby, Alcalá de Henares), Cartagena (Club de Rugby Cartagena), Cieza (Club de Rugby Cieza), Costa Cobras RFC, Colossus Cockroach (Cartagena), Lorca (Club de Rugby Lorca), Los Zorros (Alicante), Moe´s Team (Totana), Squalos (Club de Rugby Squalos San Javier), Úbeda Atlanes (Club de Rugby Úbeda Atlantes), XV Murcia (Club de Rugby XV Murcia) and Zepeling (Murcia) .

With the Costa Cobras RFC only been going since

set up as well. So come on down to Guardamar beach and see what we are all about as just for the summer months we are training there.

The next tournament is the San Juan beach 7’s one on 1 August, which we will be playing in, so if anybody would like to come and join in would be welcome.

During the summer months training is continuing on Guardamar beach on Monday and Wednesday at 20.00, so anybody who wants to come along and take part is more than welcome,

also on Tuesday for seniors only at 19.00 to train for the tournaments.

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. 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.

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!

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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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38

July 2015

Marc Marquez wins German MotoGP

Defending champion Marc Marquez won the German MotoGP with a dominant race ahead of Dani Pedrosa.

It was the Spaniard's first victory since the second race of the season, at Austin in April - but his sixth in six years at the Sachsenring circuit.

Championship leader Valentino Rossi was third but extended his overall lead over Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

Rossi - chasing his first title since 2009 - now leads Lorenzo by 13 points at the halfway stage of the season.

Marquez was utterly dominant in the 2014 season, winning 13 of 18 races, but has been off the pace in 2015.

His second win of the season leaves him fourth in the standings, 65 points behind Rossi.

Lorenzo - winner of four races this season - made a fine start but Marquez soon sliced past to take the lead.

Marquez then moved clear as Rossi fought out a duel with his team-mate Lorenzo, while Marquez's Repsol Honda team-mate Pedrosa - back on form after missing three races at the start of the season with an arm problem - moved his way past both Yamahas to take second, his best result of the year.

British riders Bradley Smith and Cal Crutchlow finished sixth and seventh respectively.

In the Moto3 class British rider Danny Kent won for the fifth time this season to extend his lead to 76 points and enhance his chances of becoming the first Briton to win a world championship in any class since Barry Sheene in 1977.

In the Moto2, Belgian Xavier Simeon won his first race of the season while Johann Zarco stayed clear at the top of the standings with a second place. British hope Sam Lowes - third in the overall standings - finished fifth.

German Grand Prix results: 1. Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda 41:01.087 2. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 41:03.313 3. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 41:06.695 4. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 41:11.015 5. Andrea Iannone (Italy) Ducati 41:21.872 6. Bradley Smith (Britain) Yamaha 41:24.302 7. Cal Crutchlow (Britain) Honda 41:30.968 8. Pol Espargaro (Spain) Yamaha 41:36.040 9. Danilo Petrucci (Italy) Ducati 41:36.962 10. Aleix Espargaro (Spain) Suzuki 41:38.340 11. Maverick Vinales (Spain) Suzuki 41:38.361 12. Yonny Hernandez (Colombia) Ducati 41:43.168 13. Hector Barbera (Spain) Ducati 41:49.698 14. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Aprilia 41:51.774 15. Jack Miller (Australia) Honda 41:54.856

25’95 €

SOL TIMES

COSTA BLANCA

Sales- : 902 750 190 (EXT: 330) email: blancasales@soltimes.com

COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR PAULETTE : 902 750 190 (EXT: 332) email: calidasales@soltimes.com

Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY AT RODA Nearest the Pins Hole 2

Alan Craig

Hole 7

Mike Davies

Hole 11

Colin Hasler

Silver Division on C/B Elspeth Craig

33 points

Gold Division The recent hot weather has not daunted the spirits of our members and guests and we have continued to have growing support this year. Our trip to Roda was no exception and, whilst there was a pleasant breeze, the expected strong winds failed to materialise and a good golfing day was enjoyed by all. The winners probably enjoyed it the most but, yet again, there were many scores in the 30’s.

Congratulations to all those players.

Barry Thorogood

Our next game is at Vistabella on July 23rd, 2015 First tee 09.30a.m.

Anyone wishing to play can enter their names on the entry list in the Sports & Social Club or contact Alan on 634 347 788

Lime bar Golf Society Los Altos, Orihuela Costa

The golf societies venue for the 8th July 2015 was held at Campoamor Golf Course.

Twenty members teed off on a very warm and sunny morning. For the majority of the players this was their first visit to the course and will not be the last. The course was magnificent condition and played very well, with the greens being fast and true.

The competition was in the stableford format and the scores recorded are as follows.

Nearest the pin in 3 on the 1st hole ( par 5) was Mike Heighway.

Nearest the pin on the 6th hole ( par 3) was Steve Cottle.

Nearest the pin in 2 on the 11th hole ( par 4) was Digger.

Nearest the pin on the 12th hole (par 3) was John MacGregor.

Nearest the pin on the 15th hole (par 3) was Bob Adair.

Nearest the pin on the 17th hole (par

39 points

As usual we re-assembled at the La Marina Sports & Social Club for after game drinks and presentation by the Captain and to enjoy a buffet provided as always by Paolo and Helena.

3) was Les Henderson.

Bronze Class in 2nd place was Colin Clarke with 27 points.

Bronze Class in 1st place was Barry Shawyer with 30 points Silver Class 2nd place was Steve Cottle with a score of 30 points.

Silver Class 1st place was Les Thwaites with a score of 37 points.

Gold Class 2nd place was Ken Farrow with a score of 27 points Gold Class 1st place was Les Henderson with a score of 32 points.

Best guest with 27 points was Eddie Allen.

A very good day of golf in pleasant company, with thanks to the committee for organising the event and the bar staff for providing the meal, also to the ladies selling the football draw.

Members of the Lime Bar would like to wish Ken Sutton a speedy recovery following his recent illness.

39

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• ferrari f430, challenge car, 4.3l, v8, 2008, 7,000kms ...... ..............................................................€89,950 • bmw m1 2011, 3.0l, petrol, 9,000kms.....................€poa • toyota fj cruiser 4.0l petrol, auto, 2009, 87,000km ...............................................................................................€poa • vw tIGUAN 4-MOTION, 2.0tdi, 2008, dIESEL, 92,000KM. .........................................................................................€16,450 • pEUGEOT 5008 PREMIUM ESTATE 1.6HDI, 2011 DIESEL, 104,000KM.....................................................................€14,950 • KIA SPORTAGE, 2.0 CRDI DIESEL, 2006 158,000KM...€POA • ford mondeo, 2007, diesel, 171,000km................€7,950 • opel corsa 1.3 cdti, 2007, 120,000km ...................€6,450 • VW Golf, 2006, 1.9 tdi, diesel, 186,000KMS............€6,450 • Ford Focus Estate 1.6 2007, PETROL, 139,000KM.......€5,950 • toyota aygo 1.0l 2009, petrol 91,000KM......................€5,950 • opel corsa 1.2, auto, 2001, 91,000kms................€3,450 • CITROEN BERLINGO 1.9 DIESEL, 2004, 248,000km.........€3,450 • Kia rio 1.4 petrol, 2004, 4 door............................€2,950

motorcycles

• kawasaki eliminator 125cc, 2007, 1,400kms..€1,500

Right hand drive vehicles • rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles....€13,950 • Chevrolet sPark ls plus, 2010, 1.2 petrol..€4,950 • KIASEDONA2005, 2.9 TD, DIESEL, 113,000 MILeS........€4,250 • renault laguna 2.0i, extreme, 83,000 miles 2006... ............................................................................................€3,450 • toyota corolla 1.6 auto, 2000, 80,000 miles.........€1,950

Right hand drive - spanish reg

Mercedes CLK55 AMG 2001 83,000kms

€8,950

Ford Mondeo 2007, Diesel, 171,000kms

€7,950

renault scenic

1.9dci 2007 80,000kms €7,450

ford focus estate

75,000 kms, 2006 1.8TDCi (Diesel)

€6,950

vw golf 1.9 tdi 2006 186,000km

€6,450

kia carnival 7 seater 93,000 kms, 2001 2.9 (Diesel) auto €3,950

fiat palio

• LEXUS RX400 HYBRID, AUTO, 2009, 54,000 MILES...€16,950

1.9 2002

• toyota hilux, 2.5 diesel, 2004, 105,000km..............€5,450

103,000kms

• hyundai matrix, 2006, 1.6 gls 137,000km...............€4,600 • honda civic, 2003, auto, leahter interior, silver, .

106,000 miles.....................................................................€3,950 • mercedes 220 cdi estate auto,.........................€3,950 • ford ka, 2004, 63,000 miles....................................€1,950

~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash

~ Full procurement service

€3,450 KIA RIO

1.4 petrol 2004 103,000kms

€2,950

Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock

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40

SOLTIMES July 2015

SAMM CHARITY RACE A great day was enjoyed by spectators and competitors when the race staged by SAMM, the Sailing Association Mar Menor, on June 17th raised over 1200€ for their chosen charity AMMA, Alzheimer Mar Menor Association.

The event was a team race; with four teams of three boats, one IOM radio controlled boat, one dinghy and one day boat. The IOM radio controlled yachts opened the proceedings at 11:30, resulting in a very close four lap race. As each team’s IOM boat finished, the dinghy commenced its first lap in ideal conditions.

As this finished, it passed a baton to the day boat which did the second lap.

Then the dinghy did the third lap till each boat completed four laps.

The format was interesting and exciting.

As the race progressed, the conditions gradually became more challenging (the Easterly wind force 2-3 at the start built to around 4-5) and the baton passing increasingly difficult, often requiring a number of attempts before success was achieved. For some, this proved to be decisive,

as with the increasing wind came swimming, the odd paint exchange and shroud twanging as battens were exchanged.

This provided both excitement and anticipation of the result, whilst adding to the ever increasing complexity of keeping track of the race. Despite this, the officials did a great job recording the exchanges and the numerous start and finish times, helped of course, by some computer timing and reporting.

Overall, all participants agreed this proved to be a good spirited, fun and worthy event (albeit challenging) and worth doing again.

Many thanks to the officials for all their hard work .Special thanks to Paul Miles Hobbs, Bob’s son-inlaw, for creating the program used for timing and result calculations whilst here on holiday.

Main Officials Bob Miles, Grahame Gannon, Paul Miles Hobbs. IOM Officials Rosie Wilson, Nancy Jones, Nigel Lane.

Rib Crew Andy Grant, Eddie Barlow. Committee Boat Helm Mike Phillips

www.soltimes.com

Tel 902 750 190

FINAL RESULTS SAMM SPRING SERIES 2015 The SAMM Spring Series racing is now over and the final point’s total and positions are now calculated.

The lead was closely fought all season and the final result shows only 1.25 points separate the top two boats. Congratulations to the Catamaran ‘Hamour’ on their first and Sailfish ‘Sirocco’ on its second. They recorded 5 and 4 race wins respectively during the season and neither was ever positioned lower than sixth.

The mixed fleet races using the PY handicap system and the full results show that the handicaps are now fairly accurate as 5 different boats have won races and 6 boats have achieved a second place. This indicates the results are mostly affected by the experience of the different crews, the tactics and the weather conditions.

The Autumn Series is scheduled to start on September 6th at the usual venue, The Centro Tecnico Deportivo at Los Narejos on the Mar Menor. Everybody welcome, have a look at our web site www.sailingmarmenor.com for full details.

1st: Team Orange, total corrected time 50.46 min.

IOM, Nigel Lane; Martin, Tony Jones, Eric Bromham; Catamaran, George Noden, Derek English, John Parker.

2nd: Team White, total corrected time 54.59 min.

IOM, Ernie Foster; Shoestring Tres, Tug Wilson, Pat Fleck; Shoestring Uno, Jack Moss, Jeff Beadle, Dave Hardwicke 3rd: Team Stripes, total corrected time 58.50 min. IOM, Rob Nichols; Bosun, Bob James, Robert Brice; Shoestring Quatro, Vernon O'Byrne, Jim Moyles, Richard Ford 4th: Team Green, did not finish. IOM, Eric Millar; Shoestring Dos, Tim Clarke, Paul Shard; Sirocco, Bob Blinkhorn, Janice Penning, Nilam Wright

Novak Djokovic will dominate tennis says McEnroe

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will win “four or five more Grand Slams” in the next two years, according to former world number one John McEnroe.

Djokovic, 28, beat Roger Federer on Sunday to retain his title, his third at SW19 and his ninth Major in total.

“Novak is just coming into his prime and it is pretty hard not to think that he is getting stronger and

stronger,” McEnroe told BBC Sport.

“If he stays healthy, he is going to dominate the next couple of years.”

Djokovic has been top of the world rankings for the last 53 weeks and has won two out of the three Grand Slams this year, losing in the French Open final.

“He is definitely into my all-time top five,” added McEnroe. “My top four are Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Roger and Rafael Nadal but Novak is at number five and rising.

Tim Henman, four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist “When you reflect on how Novak has left no stone unturned, his serving has been getting better all the time, his diet, his preparation, it is all first class.

“He is in his prime, he is 28, I see him at the top of the game for five or six years. I see him adding to his Grand Slam collection very soon.”

“Novak does not have as many Grand Slams as those guys but I am thinking his total is going to rise quickly.

“He could be moving up even further in my eyes, but he has already jumped some people by winning Wimbledon again.”

Djokovic’s best year since he turned professional in 2003 came in 2011 when he won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

He won only two more majors in the next two-anda-half years but McEnroe, who won three Wimbledon titles, does not foresee any more lapses in form from the Serbian.

“He is a different player now,” McEnroe explained.

“Mentally he is tougher but he has also added more to his game.

“He is a better volleyer, he is more resilient defensively, and he is also a better returner.

“Now he is not just able to do that consistently, he

also steps in and just crushes the ball.

“I did not think that was possible, but he is more aggressive now when before there were times that he was content to just get it back.”

Djokovic also seems settled off the court, celebrating his first wedding anniversary with Jelena during Wimbledon fortnight, and enjoying family life with son Stefan, who was born in October last year.

“He seems supremely motivated,” said McEnroe.

“His dream must be to win a Calendar Slam, which he can’t do this year because he lost in the final in Paris.

“It is not going to be easy, but at the same time he keeps finding ways to push himself.

“He has got a great team and emotionally he is in a great place so you have got to think he has got a couple more great chances.

“I am always pulling for the top guys to stay healthy so they can maximise their potential. He certainly is right now.”

Bbc.com