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Spanish Coca-Cola workers celebrate return to work after preventing closure of Fuenlabrada factory

October 2015

More than 200 Spanish Coca-Cola employees are celebrating their return to work the bottling plant in Fuenlabrada, about 20 kilometres south of Madrid. after they blocked the closure of a factory near Madrid.

Legal victories for workers are rare in Spain, where one in five people are out of Most of the affected workers accepted being let go, took early retirement or agreed work. to be moved to another plant. But not 220 After what supporters call a David-and-Goliath battle, the reinstated workers were of them. greeted with a guard of honour by comrades when they arrived each day at dawn The company then closed three of its 11 this week to start their shift. plants, but not the one in Fuenlabrada.

In January 2014, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners, the bottler for the soft drinks firm in The workers launched a boycott campaign Spain, Portugal and Andorra, announced over 1,000 workers would be laid off at under the slogan “If Madrid no longer makes Coca-Cola, Madrid will no longer drink it”, went on strike and took the company to court.

For 21 months, they staged a protest camp outside the entrance to the plant.

“I came every day so that I would not be home alone,” said Ana, who like all the other protesting workers declined to give her last name.

“We defeated the giant. I loved the company — this was the worst break-up of my life,” the 34-year-old added.

Another worker, Miguel, said he was proud to have taken part “in the most symbolic fight” of Spain’s economic crisis, which has left nearly 5 million out of work.

“The company told everyone that it would never open this site and called workers to propose voluntary departure,” the 37-year-old added.

Unions to challenge staff cuts elsewhere Spain’s National Court in June 2014 annulled what was called a “collective layoff” and ordered the company to reinstate them.

The decision was confirmed by the Supreme Court in April 2015.

The court argued that the company had not respected the workers’ right to strike since the Coca-

Cola subsidiary continued to supply its clients with soft drinks made at other factories.

The ruling has inspired other Spanish unions to take court action to try to block staff cuts at other firms, including telecoms giant Telefonica and Vodaphone.

While the workers were reinstated in Fuenlabrada, they have not kept the same jobs with Coca-Cola Iberian Partners deciding to transform the bottling plant into a logistics centre.

The National Court said in a ruling earlier this month that Coca-Cola does not have to give their bottling jobs back as long as it maintains their pay and conditions in their new roles.

Ana said she returned to the factory “with her head held high, but furious”.

“They are not taking me back as a laboratory chemist but as a warehouse worker. It’s illogical that the courts allow this,” she said. http://www.abc.net.au/

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One fifth of Spanish potato crisps have too high levels of carcinogens developing cancer.

Potato products are one of the biggest food groups that expose people to acrylamide, as well as coffee and crisp bread. Cigarettes may also contain the substance.

More than 17 percent of commercial potato crisps in Spain had higher levels of a certain carcinogen than recommended EU levels, according to a study presented by Spanish researchers.

Nearly one in five bags of potato crisps in Spain contain levels of the carcinogenic substance acrylamide that are higher than what is recommended as healthy by the European Commission, according to the study under the Spanish Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN).

Researchers presented the study at a conference by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Milan last week.

Acrylamide is defined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as a “chemical that naturally forms in starchy food products during high-temperature cooking”. EFSA states that its presence in food can potentially increase the risk of

The researchers analyzed 40 different potato crisp brands between 2004 and 2014. The levels of acrylamide among the crisp bags seemed to differ greatly with variations of up to 80 percent.

The ICTAN study found that Spaniards’ overall exposure to the substance has decreased over the past decade, but emphasized that the country must continue efforts to reduce it further.

The study authors warned of the “unreasonably high levels” that can be combated through choosing better produce and improving cooking methods, but also praised the downward trend, reported newspaper El Pais.

Potato crisps in 2014 had 57.6 percent less of the substance than in 2004.

“We believe that with a proper education campaign, we could get the whole sector in a short time to be below the target set by the Commission,” said study co-author Francisco Morales. thelocal.com

10 Fun crisp Facts

3

1 - The average Potato Chip or Crisp is between 0.04 (0.1cm) and 0.09 (0.2cm) of an inch thick. Ridged chips are around four times thicker than non-ridged potato chips.

2 - The United States Potato Chip industry employs around 60,000 people.

3 - It takes about five to six potatoes or 600g to make a 150g bag of chips.

4 - Crisps are found in over 70% of kids' lunch boxes in the UK. 5 - Walkers UK Crisps include a Carbon Footprint label on their Crisps – The carbon footprint of a standard packet of Walkers Crisps is 75g.

6 - Walkers UK produces 10m packs of crisps every day, using more than 350,000 tonnes of potatoes a year, for the UK market.

7 - Figures from Mintel reveal that people in the UK eat a tonne of crisps every three minutes. This would be enough to fill a telephone box every 43 seconds and an Olympic sized swimming pool every 14 hours.

8 - The man that invented the Pringles can, Fredric J Baur, died in May 2008 and his cremated ashes were buried in a Pringles can.

9 - The most popular US Potato Chip flavours are Regular, Barbecue and Sour Cream and Onion.

10 - The most popular UK Potato Crisp varieties are Ready Salted, Cheese & Onion and Salt & Vinegar http://www.chipsandcrisps.com/

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October 2015

Barcelona goes blue for United Nations' 70th anniversary

MAJOR buildings in Barcelona including the regional government office and city hall were lit up in blue last night (Saturday) to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.

Judge sends Mallorca man to jail for killing his own horse after race The case marks the first time in Spain someone will serve prison time for animal cruelty A 41-year-old man was admitted into prison on Wednesday after being convicted of beating his own racehorse to death with a metal bar in 2012.

As part of the global campaign 'Turn the World UN Blue', the international aid organisation's flag flew from the Catalunya regional government headquarters (pictured).

ort

The Sant Pau modernist building, the Casa Batllò, the La Pedrera building and even the water in the fountains of the Montjuïc – home of the Olympic stadium and Palau Sant Jordi concert hall – were lit up in blue.

United Nations Day recalls the signing of the treaty in 1945 which saw the UN officially come into being and into effect.

Photograph by the regional government thinkspain.com

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This is the first time in Spain that someone has been sent to jail for animal abuse, said Silvia Barquera, president of the political party PACMA, which campaigns for animal rights.

Eugenio Sánchez, a resident of Manacor (Mallorca), will serve eight months at the Palma penitentiary after a court denied his request to have the prison term commuted to community work.

“The atrocious death of this racehorse inside his own stall at the racetrack constitutes an aberration in the 21st century,” wrote the judge in her decision, handed down on September 21.

its pace and broke into a gallop.

The total prize money was €500.

In May, the same judge handed down a one-year prison sentence to a man who starved his dog to death The six-year-old trotter, descended from a US sire and a Swedish dam, had won 24 out of 112 races, earning its two owners nearly €6,000 in prize money.

Trotting is a traditional sport on the Balearic Islands, where there are five racecourses.

In May, the same judge handed down a one-year prison sentence to a man who starved his dog to death. elpais. com

The sentence says that Sánchez, co-owner of Sorky das Pont, used unusual violence against the animal, beating him with a metal bar that broke the animal’s neck as it tried to flee its tormentor on December 30, 2012.

The horse had just been disqualified from a race for trotters in which the animal lost

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6

day of the dead History of Day of the Dead ~ Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly days of November 1 & 2.

Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, the indigenous people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.

They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.

In most Indian villages, beautiful a l t a r s (ofrendas) are made in each h o m e .

They are decorated w i t h candles, buckets of flowers (wild marigolds called cempasuchil & bright red cock's combs) mounds of fruit, peanuts, plates of turkey mole, stacks of tortillas and big Day-ofthe-Dead breads called pan de muerto. The

altar needs to have lots of food, bottles of soda, hot cocoa and water for the weary spirits. Toys and candies are left for the angelitos, and on Nov. 2, cigarettes and shots of mezcal are offered to the adult spirits. Little folk art skeletons and sugar skulls, purchased at open-air markets, provide the final touches.

Day of the Dead is a very expensive holiday for these self-sufficient, rural based, indigenous families. Many spend over two month's income to honor their dead relatives. They believe that happy spirits will provide protection, good luck and wisdom to their families. Ofrenda building keeps the family close.

On the afternoon of Nov. 2, the festivities are taken to the cemetery. People clean

tombs, play cards, listen to the village band and reminisce about their loved ones. Tradition keeps the village close. Day of the Dead is becoming very popular in the U.S.~ perhaps because we don't have a way to celebrate and honor our dead, or maybe it's because of our fascination with it's mysticism.

Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico and the Catholic world... Italy, Spain, South America and the Philippines all celebrate All Souls and All Saints Day on November 1st and 2nd. Special Masses and perhaps cleaning of the cemetery tombs are part of the traditional activities... it's only in Central and Southern Mexico where the colorful parties take place in the cemeteries and elaborate ofrenda altars are built in the homes to honor specific family members who have passed on.

This sweet angel grave marker is nestled amongst thousands of candles which illuminate the cemetery in Xoxocotlan, Oaxaca.

Here, family members sit vigil in the cemetery throughout the night of October 31, so as to welcome the "angelitos" or dead children's spirits the moment they are released from heaven to come home to visit their parents.

In northern Veracruz the village is known for preserving the ancient culinary tradition of the zacahuĂ­l, or gigantic banana leaf-wrapped tamal.

A tamale will serve over 100 people on Day of the Dead. It's a pistol to construct and wrap so it doesn't fall apart; then baked in a homemade adobe outdoor oven. It's then sealed with mud until morning.

The sugar skull fair - Feria de Alfinique - is a child's paradise.

In Mexico, the colorful, much anticipated, Day of the Dead celebrations are generally celebrated in the states from Mexico City south. This includes Michoacan, Mexico, Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Chiapas and the Yucatan. Northern Mexico, with its less indigenous and more European roots, spend the day scrubbing graves and going to Mass... not having music, drinks and parties in the cemeteries.

Folks in parts of Italy, Spain, Central & South America and the Philippines all celebrate All Souls and All Saints Day on November 1st and 2nd. Special Masses and perhaps cleaning of the cemetery tombs are part of the traditional activities...

Molded sugar coffins are actually toys to delight the returning spirits of children on November 1. Pull the string and a smiling calavera skeleton pops out of his coffin!

October 2015

& the Sugar Skull Tradition Day of the Dead outdoor market in Patzcuaro, Michoacan where locals buy their sugar skulls, special foods, copal and altar decorations. This is the only market where I've found sugar cats and sugar Guadalupes.

This woman artisan was busy decorating her home ofrenda with candles, copal, fruits, cempasuchil (wild marigolds), cock's comb and saint's images. Later, when the home cooking is done, she'll bring big plates of food to offer to the spirits of her returning loved ones! Note the beautiful cross-point cloths she made. angela with donkey while buying sugar cane to build an ofrenda Gigantic sugar skulls are made from 50 year old molds for the competition at the Feria de Alfinique in Metepec, Mexico.

These sugar skull makers have been making artisanal sugar for generations. mounds of chocolate skulls at the sugar skull fair in Metepec, Mexico Chocolate sugar skulls are hand molded & decorated and sold by the thousands at the Sugar Skull Fair. Candy makers work for 4-6 months to have enough merchandise for the sale. Sugar skulls are sometimes eaten, but their main function is to adorn the altars and tombs with a sugary delight for the visiting spirits!

Miniature candy skulls are made for the baby angelitos and are displayed on the home ofrendas on November 1... then replaced with full size skulls on November 2 for the returning adult spirits!

Sugar Skull Tradition Sugar art was brought to the New World by Italian missionaries in the 17th century. The first Church mention of sugar art was from Palermo at Easter time when little sugar lambs and angels were made to adorn the side altars in the Catholic Church.

Mexico, abundant in sugar production and too poor to buy fancy imported European church decorations, learned quickly from the friars how to make sugar art for their religious festivals.

Clay molded sugar figures of angels, sheep and sugar skulls go back to the Colonial Period 18th century. Sugar skulls represented a departed soul, had the name written on the forehead and was placed on the home ofrenda or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit. Sugar skull art reflects the folk art style of big happy smiles, colorful icing and sparkly tin and glittery adornments. Sugar skulls are labor intensive and made in very small batches in the homes of sugar skull makers.

These wonderful artisans are disappearing as fabricated and imported candy skulls take their place.

There is nothing as beautiful as a big, fancy, unusual sugar skull!

Although it is a holiday from far away in southern Mexico, it's a holiday one can personalize and integrate into their own religious and cultural beliefs. It is more of a cultural holiday than a religious one. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the memories of our loved ones who are now gone... through art, cooking, music, building ofrendas, doing activities with our children, we can recount family stories, fun times and lessons learned... not how the person died, but how they lived.

I hope you come to enjoy Day of the Dead as much as I do!

See more at: http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/

7

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SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, BENIJOFAR SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITY

The Spiritualist Centre, Benijofar held their 2015 Harvest Festival on Sunday, 18th October. The Committee voted to support “The Benijofar Family Crisis Aid” charity, which provides essentials to families who need a little help, as a result of the Recession. The Centre appealed to their congregation to donate Spanish Food, Toiletries, Toys and Clothes. As always, people gave generously, and beyond expectations, as can be seen.

The Spiritualist Centre, Benijofar hold their services at Hamilton´s Bake House in 62 CALLE VICENTE, BLASCO IBAÑEZ, BENIJOFAR 03178.

There is a Divine Service each Sunday, with Mediumship, at 11.30am and an Evening of Mediumship each Tuesday at 7pm. Healing is offered after both services.

We have

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Enjoy the services, music and also meet new people.

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living abroad advice Home and travel

Decide which possessions you will take to Spain, which you will leave behind and which items you can sell before you leave.

Obtain estimates for the move from at least three removal companies. Purchase boxes, labels and bubble wrap. When you pack boxes, list the contents on a label.

Make sure you have nothing on loan such as videos, library books and if so, return them.

Have you anything at the dry cleaners or cobblers?

Arrange moving date and confirm at least twice.

Check all the details of your Spanish purchase. Confirm mortgage and lawyers.

Make sure you have some cash for your journey and arrival in Spain (Euros) Notify authorities, banks, building societies etc of your new contact details.

Check any schooling arrangements for the children. See more about schools here.

Make arrangements for your pets travel and arrival. See more about pets here.

Check passports, travel tickets and car documents.

Have you got travel insurance ? Have you a green card

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October 2015

for your car insurance ?

See about driving in Spain here.

Personal

You’ll need to consider your pensions, tax, life assurance, investments and healthcare arrangements in your new home. Please note that members of EU countries such as a UK national, a Dane, a Swede or Norwegian has the right to live in Spain by virtue of their countries’ membership of the European Economic Area.

If you are retiring abroad, you can continue to receive your UK State pension. If you are moving permanently to Spain, you should get yearly increases in your pension.

Contact the Social Security Office to complete the correct forms. Before you leave the UK work out your retirement income by obtaining and completing a form BR19 from the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) on 0044(0) 191 218 7585 and ask for a state pension forecast.

This is available up to four months before you reach the UK pension age. The forecast you receive subject to your general entitlement will tell you what your pension is at the date received and whether or not you will get more by the time you reach UK pension age. Note that if you have already moved, and are paying local Spanish social security payments, that this forecast will not include your

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Spanish police free Moroccan migrants held for ransom

Spanish police said Saturday they had freed two Moroccan migrants who were kidnapped as soon as they entered Spain illegally by ferry and who were being beaten and held for ransom.

The two men smuggled themselves into a ferry in Tangier bound for the southern Spanish port of Algeciras in early October by clinging to the undercarriage of a freight truck that boarded the boat, police said in a statement.

As soon as they arrived in Algeciras they were approached by two other Moroccan men who lured them to an apartment in the city with the promise of food and the chance to take a bath after the trip.

The migrants were tied up and beaten and their family members received threatening phone calls demanding €4,000-5,000 ($4,4005,500) to secure their release.

Police began their investigation after receiving a complaint from the wife of one of the kidnapped men who lives in the northern city of Lugo.

They received a tip from someone in Morocco who said two men were being held at an apartment in Algeciras and when they raided the

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THE BEST MAKEUP TRENDS

FOR FALL 2015

Black liner shows its versatility, red lipstick feels exciting again and flushed skin replaces contouring this fall.

Here, the beauty trends to know for the season.

OUT OF LINE

RED HOT

Think black liner is boring? Ha. From the scribble marks at Fendi and Proenza Schouler to the half-stars at Anthony Vaccarello to the double-winged lines at Mugler and everything in between, we walked away from the season with 99 new ways to rim our eyes. But if classic is more your thing, Roberto Cavalli showed just how gorgeous simple and smudgy khol pencil will always be.

Red lipstick doesn’t sound all that revolutionary, but when it goes away for a few seasons in favor of clear balms and nude tints, then makes its comeback in big, notso-expected ways on the fall runways, well, it’s what we needed to get us excited about the makeup bag staple all over again.

VAMPIRE DIARIES In a season rife with ‘90s references, it only follows that goth lips would emerge as a trend. But something about pairing almost-black lipstick with soft, beachy waves (at Emanuel Ungaro, left), casual buns and stud-free clothing made them a whole lot less intimidating to try.

HEAVY METAL

just went on a brisk,

Shimmer, sparkle and sequins were used in fresh ways at Zac Posen, where makeup artist Kabuki applied either gold, bronze or silver liner (whichever shade happened to be the most flattering; "we're just using our brains," he said) across the lower lids; Rodarte, where James Kaliardos tried countless crystal shapes before settling on a single line formation that felt like something we haven't seen before; and Mara Hoffman, where luxelooking gold shadow was mixed with smoky black.

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LASH OUT The power of mascara, falsies and lash add-ons was demonstrated at Carolina Herrera (left), where silver sparkles on the tips of lashes gave a water droplet effect; Rachel Zoe, where models channeled Twiggy with their doeeyes; and Giambattista Valli, where makeup artist Val Garland layered lengthening and volumes mascaras on the top and bottom for the prettiest lashes of the season

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October 2015

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Tips on How to Stay Warm in Your Apartment in Andalucía in the Winter

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We’re already almost finished with November, which means winter is here to stay in Andalucía, the region in the far south of Spain. You’d think its latitude on the globe would protect it from the bite of cold but, nevertheless, it does get cold here; Here in Spain, however, most apartments or homes don’t have heating (calefacción), and people use their feet instead of their wheels to pick up the milk, meet up with friends, and go to work. Naturally, winter feels much

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more bitter than it might back home. This month I’ve been doing a few things

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Use a brasero A brasero is a circular table, usually in the living or dining room, with a long, heavy tablecloth that covers a little furnace that sits on the floor beneath the tabletop (recursion overload, sorry). People sit around these modified tables with the tablecloth draped over their legs (and sometimes arms), basking in

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the warmth from the electric heater. A long time ago, they used to have little bowls that they laid coals in, but now you just plug an appliance into the wall.

Use a space heater You can either get one of those tall, rectangular ones that shoot warmth throughout an entire room, or you can get a little Nintendo 64-sized one that my flatmate has, which directs heat at a specific location (kind of like an oscillating fan, but a different idea).

Stay in bed with lots of blankets Sometimes this is all you can really do.

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www.soltimes.com Back home, I usually go to bed in a t-shirt and basketball shorts (or less, depending on how sweltering Texas weather has decided to be), but here in the winter it is always sweatpants, and often a hoodie. Don’t even think about going around barefoot, especially on the linoleum! Get yourself some slippers or put on some socks.

Make sure the windows are closed I feel like this should be an obvious tip, but we often leave the windows in the kitchen open to air things out (read: let the fumes from my burned curry leave the premises). If you forget to close them at night, be prepared for an arctic blast for breakfast.

Leave!

If you just can’t keep warm, just…leave. Often for a euro or two you can get a coffee or drink at a cafetería with central heating and snuggle up in a corner for a few hours. Many shops, restaurants, and other public place usually have heating, so start mooching off of those gold mines! http://www.trevorhuxham.com/

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October 2015

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer need to open a file, read Bytes. Here is something that, until today, all the data, and close it.

I had never given a second thought about. We need to know how The question was “How can a file have a many bytes of data will be in the file zero (0) byte size. In fact the user, who was forced to consider this question, sent so we can plan ahead.

Another meaning arises from the way this message!

“This is something that I ran into and most file systems store data. Most file could not think of a proper explanation. If I systems store data in blocks. For example, create an empty *.txt file on my computer the file system may store data in 64 kB and then look at its size, it shows a size of blocks, meaning it will never allocate zero. How is that possible? I mean even anything which is not an even multiple of if the file itself is empty, it must still have some size (even it if is just to store its own 64 kB. This sounds inefficient, but it can make bookkeeping quite a bit simpler, and name). How can this be explained?”.

As this is true then the only question often simpler means faster.

A third meaning, which you are tugging is “How can it be true?”. Well the first answer does put it quite succinctly when at, would be the actual number of bits it says. “It is possible because there really required on the hard-drive to describe is no file. There is just a directory entry the presence of a file. This includes with a name and owner.”. Now if they had information that is usually stored left it there we would all be just a little separately from the file. For instance, wiser, but no!

“The directory entry is logically distinct in Linux, the concept of the file name from the file. For example, the same file is stored in the inode for the directory can have more than one name in more than containing the file. [Based on input from one directory. Unfortunately, the term file other comments, this is (technically) is not always used to mean precisely the stored in the directory’s data. When I same thing. But the file size logic comes wrote this, I was thinking of the smallfrom the model where a directory entry attaches a file to a directory, then the file directory case. Data smaller than 156 names and related meta data are stored bytes can be stored directly in the inode.]

This is not a commonly used meaning in the directory.”

Is anyone else having trouble with this because it is terribly hard to determine second bit? I know precisely what they without knowing the tremendously deep are saying as I understand the mechanics inner workings of your file system (such as of file systems, but still this is Geek speak accounting for the space needed to store at it’s best! As the mayor says on “Blazing Saddles” - “I’m glad that these young all the permissions on the file). However, people were able to witness authentic if you have a 1,000,000 byte hard-drive frontier gibberish” and that is just about and want to know how big of a file can how it must sound to anyone not into the fit on that hard-drive, this will be a very techy side of computers. important meaning to you!

Anyway, not to be outdone in the tech So there you have it, high mountain, geeks speak pecker measuring contest backwoods, authentic computer techies someone else just had to add their gobbledegook! So if anyone starts talking tuppence when they added.

“The semantic meaning of file size is like that – run as fast as you can!.

Meet me at Olivers Bar in Albox on Friday´s different from the one you are using. There are many file sizes which are meaningful. 1200-1600 for free advice concerning your The most common one, and the one you computer, without the gobbledegook, or are seeing here, is the number of bytes in to arrange an appointment, or use the the file. If the file is an empty text file, it Email address or phone number below. may indeed contain zero bytes. This For further information or advice on number is important computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or to programmers canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk because we often

An early history of the World Cup The 2014 World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil was watched by a worldwide television audience of one billion people; this figure doesn’t include anyone that watched in pubs, clubs and outdoor events so the true figure was significantly higher as watching football is a beery social experience. By coincidence every winner since 1930 qualified.

Over 2 years 203 countries attempted to qualify for the 31 spots available in 2014 (the 32nd was given to the hosts). It was all so different in 1930 at the first tournament held in Uruguay; this was an invitation event that attracted just 13 countries. Only 4 European teams took part as the 3 week sailing time across the Atlantic was deemed too long by most of Europe. Uruguay was invited to host the inaugural finals as they had won the last two competitions in 1924 and 1928 at the Olympics. Uruguay did it again and beat Argentina 4-2 to become the first ever World Cup Champions.

Football started as a very British affair, the first ever international match was played between Scotland and England in 1872 and ended as a 0-0 bore draw. Then in 1883/84 the British Home Championships started; played between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. It was the first ever international competition with Scotland beating Ireland 5-0 in the final. Sadly this competition

pause for thought “From Ghoulies and Ghosties and Long-Leggedy Beasties and things that go bump in the night; Good Lord deliver us.” So runs the ancient Scottish prayer, which we’ve all doubtless at times been known to echo.

Yet somehow many of us have a childlike streak of enjoying a good scare, so long, of course as it doesn’t go too far!

So in a few days time many children especially will enjoy dressing up as skeletons or ghosts and playing tricks on various not-so-unsuspecting adults as they celebrate Halloween.

But is it all harmless fun? Or is there really, as some suggest, something far more sinister?

For Halloween is simply the Evening before the Christian feast of All Hallows, or All Saints; a time to remember and thank God for all those ‘saints’ who’ve ‘gone on ahead’ so are now with God as our examples.

A time that many find helpful in coming to terms with the death of one they love and miss, allowing them to gain assurance of continuity in life. But this can necessarily create difficulty regarding the whereabouts of those who never had faith, encouraging, particularly in the past, a tradition of praying and lighting candles for them on All Hallow’s Eve, in hope of enabling their spirit to pass on that night to ‘a better place’. Hence the concept of candles and ghosts moving around.

So if the purpose is merely

that of understanding ancient traditions, of using humour and ridicule to reduce the agony of loss, whist simultaneously enjoying harmless fun, then fair enough. But we must take care lest we undermine the essential value of life and death and worse, by so doing, leave ourselves open to attack by satanic powers, which, like such as Ouija boards and witchcraft, we Christians believe to be very real and potentially extremely dangerous.

And as a Christian I see death as merely the birth into the next phase of life, to be celebrated as birth of a child rather than being greeted with dread.

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any who wish to Worship, but further information about the Anglican Church and details of forthcoming events may be seen on the web site www.mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@ avired.com

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

was stopped 100 years later after the 1983/84 series. The annual England V’s Scotland fixture was also stopped in 1989 though this year the fixture was played again at Wembley and England won 3-2. Over the years England has won 46 times, Scotland 41 with 24 draws.

In 1900 and 1904 football was played as a demonstration sport at the Olympics. FIFA was formed in 1904 but struggled to create an international competition outside of the Olympics. At the 1908 London Olympics football became an official sport and Great Britain won with the team made up of amateurs. Great Britain won again in 1912.

Sir Thomas Lipton, founder of the famous tea brand set up an international competition in 1909 with each country sending their best club side to represent them. The English FA snootily declined so alongside the likes of Juventus and Zurich, Sir Thomas invited a team from Durham made up of coal miners called West Auckland to represent Britain. In true fairy tale fashion the Brits won 2-0 in the final. Two years later in 1911 they were back and in what would now be a front page upset they beat Juventus 6-1 in the final to retain the trophy.

Upon their return, the club were forced to pawn

the Lipton trophy to the local hotel. It stayed there until 1960 when a local appeal bought it back. Sadly the trophy was stolen in 1994 from the West Auckland Working Mens Club where it had been displayed. It’s never been found and a replica now sits in its place.

FIFA then decided the Olympics would be the stage for footballs world championships and Belgium won in 1920. 1934 was the second ever World cup and was held in Italy, this time teams had to qualify and 32 teams were whittled down to 16 for the finals. Uruguay have the sad distinction of being the only team ever not to have tried to defend their 1930 title as they refused to travel in retaliation for most Europeans boycotting 4 years earlier. Italy became champions after an extra time goal beat Czechoslovakia 2-1.

Also absent were the 4 British teams as then as now the FA thought they knew better. Charles Sutcliffe of the FA stated that the Home Championships were ‘a far better world championship than the one to be staged in Rome!’

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15

16

reasons to love

October 2015

in Spain

Tourists may flock to Spain during the summer months in search of sun, sea and sangria but autumn is actually the best season to spend in Spain.

1. The colours With so many wooded areas of outstanding natural beauty to be found in Spain you are never too far from those stunning Autumn colours.

However, Faedo de Ciñera in León is one of the best places to see nature's display. It was voted the "best cared for wood in Spain" by Bosques Sin Fronteras (Woods without borders) and is home to beech trees that date back over 500 years.

2. The chestnuts The Hamlet of Pujerra loves chestnuts, so much so it stages its own Chestnut Festival on October 31st and November 1st. Despite being tiny (home to around 300 people) it boasts Malaga's biggest chestnut cooperative and even a museum dedicated to the humble autumnal treat.

During the festival you can taste up to 50 dishes made from chestnuts. There is also an exhibition of the clothes and tools used in chestnut picking.

3. The wine You may have missed the wine harvest, which usually takes place in early September, but autumn is a fantastic time to tour some of Spain's vineyards.

So head to the bodegas of the Rioja and Ribera region for a glimpse into the age-old wine-making tradition while the air is permeated with the scent of crushed grapes.

4.

The mushrooms Autumn is wild

m u s h r o o m season in Spain, so why not grab a basket and spend a fun autumnal day foraging for some tasty fungi but be sure to go out with an expert so you know what to look for...and what to avoid.

Many towns hold mushroom picking and tasting events, like the mycology (study of fungi) fest in Ezcaray, La Rioja, which runs from the end of October to the beginning of November, with workshops on cooking mushrooms and more. There are similar mycology fests in Beceite, Aragon and San Esteban del Valle, Avila.

5. Hearty food As soon as the temperature drops, it's nice to cozy up to some warm, Spanish cuisine in the autumn, especially after doing everything possible to avoid hot dishes in the sweltering summer.

Though they can be enjoyed year-round, there is nothing quite like churros con chocolate to warm you up from the inside now the chillier weather is here.

Spaniards also love to make use of seasonal crops, so it's time to give up the refreshing gazpacho so perfect in the summer months and instead tuck into

Strictly 2015 Week 5

With our top dancers back on form this week and the topsy turvy week restored we were treated to another superb show this week.

Opening the show were Georgia May Foote and Giovanni with a Salsa. This was really fast and furious packed with lifts and tricks but I felt it was more disco than salsa. What salsa was danced wasn’t that good but probably due yet again to the piece of music chosen. I gave her 7 and the judges 31. Next to dance were Carol Kirkwood and Pasha with a Viennese Waltz. Oh dear Carol!

No movement, no drive, no core and poor arms sorry you really didn’t have much going for you this week. I gave her 4 and the judges one of the bottom places on 21. Anita Rani and Gleb then performed a Tango. For me not enough Tango content but what was danced was extremely sharp and staccato with a good frame retained. I gave her 8 and the judges 32. Peter Andre and Janette followed with a Rumba. Peter always delivers on the characteristics of the dance but unfortunately didn’t quite grasp the concept of the foot, leg and hip action essential for a Rumba. There was an awful lot of moving from one pose to another with very little dancing in between for that reason I couldn’t give him more than a 7 with the judges on 29.

Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan also danced a Viennese Waltz this week. This showed a great improvement and was much better than I expected. She managed to find a core and a frame and after an error at the beginning of the routine she managed to pick it up and turn in a good performance. The judges awarded her 29 and I gave her 7. Mr Entertainment Ainsley Harriet and Natalie were next with their Jive. You can’t knock Ainsley for trying and he always enjoys his dancing but unfortunately this week, he hadn’t quite grasped the Jive basic, he was a bit flat

footed and his kicks were going upwards instead of downwards so it looked as if he was trying to kick a football. I gave him 6 but the judges were tougher giving him just 21. Jamelia and Tristan then danced a Foxtrot. Oh dear back to her normal standard. Her legs were a mile apart nearly all the way through this looking as if she had lost her horse! Because of a poor leg action the Foxtrot ended up being plonky and looked very heavy. I gave her 4 and a kind 26 from the judges.

Kary Derham and Anton then danced a Salsa. Oh dear! Anton’s choreography yet again letting Katy down. Sorry Anton but you really are poor in the Latin discipline! As he can’t dance it very well he can’t teach his celebrities. Ballroom is excellent but Latin NO! I gave Katy 6 as she couldn’t do other than dance what she was given but the judges were harsher and awarded her just 21.

Jeremy Vine and Karen were next up with a Waltz.

Hmm.. he tried hard but the height differential is proving to be extremely difficult. He is so tall and despite trying to retain his frame he really can’t and ended up crouching over his partner in several places. His Waltz also lacked movement flow and drive and he received bottom marks from the judges on 18 and 4 from myself.

Then we had a top dance flourish to finish this weeks show. Beginning with Helen George and Aljaz with a Quickstep. This was beautifully controlled,

crema de calabaza (cream of pumpkin soup), cocido madrileño (stew of Madrid) or caldo gallego (Galician soup) with autumn veggies.

6. Fewer tourists After being overwhelmed by the record number of tourists flooding Spain this year, it is a relief to see empty pavements, open tables at cafes and shorter lines waiting to see famous sites. Spain generally sees a huge drop in the number of foreign visitors in autumn after peaking in the summer, with the number of tourists last November roughly a third (3.4 million) of the number that August (9.1 million).

So now is probably a good time to travel a bit more around the country or visit one of Spain's worldrenowned museums without the headache of too many tourists.

7. The weather For those of us who struggle to make it through Spain’s sweltering summer, autumn comes as a welcome relief: a sunny, breezy time when people are still enjoying the outside terraces, but in a much more pleasant temperature. The fall in temperatures makes it a great time for a city break. Madrid is too unbearable during the summer, but perfectly lovely in autumn. thelocal.com light and with superb movement throughout. A joy to watch. One slight criticism is that she needs to be careful that she doesn’t drop her neck back too far on some of her steps. I awarded her 9 and the judges 35 and top spot. The next dancers I was really looking forward to Jay McGuinness and Aliona and a Paso Doble. A superbly danced Paso Doble shaping and arms were excellent. There was however one glaringly obvious ommission (probably because he wasn’t told) in the fact that he wasn’t holding onto his trailing leg as he performed any Paso walks - what a pity as this would have been a 10. I gave him 9 and the judges 33. Closing this weeks show were Kellie Bright and Kevin with their Jive. Disappointing as despite her trying to lift the knees to make the Jive light, she looked very heavy and too upright in her body.

The judges had her in joint first position on 35 but I only gave her an 8.

The bottom 2 were Jamelia and Ainsley with Ainsley being eliminated after a unanimous decision on the dance off. I have to say that I disagreed with the result and thought Ainsley deserved to continue.

Next week anything goes as we have Halloween special so who knows where the costumes will go.

In the meantime come and join us at one of our classes to keep up with the ‘strictly’ gossip and until next week - Keep Dancing!

Class Info 635 584 431

17

www.soltimes.com

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Nature, weather and landscapes Climate

Andalusia is one of the warmest regions anywhere in Europe. It has a warm, Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters with infrequent precipitation. If there is one characteristic trait of Andalusia’s atmosphere, it is its light. The high proportion of hours of sunshine marks the cheerful, hospitable character of the region’s people.

Nature Landscapes

and

The diversity, expanse and ecological wealth of Andalusia bring together the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula in Sierra Nevada, large areas of wetland, dense, shady forests, volcanic deserts and all but untouched areas of coastline.

Andalusia has a huge network of Protected Nature Areas, covering around 18% of the land area, designated as Nature Areas, Nature Reserves and National Parks, making this the Spanish region at the head of the list in terms of environmental heritage protection.

The majority of these areas consist of Nature Reserves. In addition to these is the emblematic Doñana National Park, which has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation. Nature Reserves are located in mountainous or woodland areas, and areas of coast such as Cabo de Gata in Almería.

At the Nature Reserves in Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Bermeja there are examples of Spanish Fir forest that are unique in the world. Those designated as Nature Areas are mainly wetlands, smaller than the reserves, but of huge importance in terms of flora and fauna, especially bird life.

Other, smaller protected areas, which are also of great importance, are nature sites. Their interesting variety takes us from the wonderful limestone formations of the Torcal in Antequera, to Tabernas, Almería, the only desert in continental Europe.

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Servihabitat Forecasts 2.6% Rise in House Prices in 2015

According to their recent report on the housing market in Spain, the real estate management company, Servihabitat, estimates that home sales will increase by 25.6% in 2015, to over 400,000 transactions, and that the upward trend will continue in 2016, with over 460,000 homes sold, representing a further increase of 14.5%. As a result of this, the organisation predicts that the price of housing will rise by 2.6% this year and by 6% in 2016.

In the conclusions section of the report the company highlights that the housing sector in Spain “is registering a process of gradual normalisation, with an increase in the volume of sales and a progressive appreciation of house prices”, which they indicate are “clear signs of recovery in the sector”.

The Canary Islands, Madrid, the Basque Country and La Rioja will be the regions, according to the report, which will experience the greatest increases in housing transactions, with growth exceeding 20%, both in 2015 and 2016.

Moreover, the housing most in demand as a primary residence will have three bedrooms and an average surface area of 90 to 100 square metres, while the most sought-after holiday homes will have one or two bedrooms and an average surface area of 50 to 65 square metres.

The study also concludes that the holiday home market is likely to be especially active in the Alicante coast, the Costa del Sol, the Balearic and Canary Islands, as well as in some areas of the Costa Brava, while the recovery in prices will be more significant, in percentage terms, in regions such as Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León, and in 2016 they predict important increases in Galicia, Madrid, Murcia, Aragón and Extremadura.

Servihabitat also highlighted the growing interest in the rental market over recent years and believes that it will register a significant increase in the coming months.

El Mundo reported that, according to the study: “It is expected that the rental market will continue gaining ground, especially among the young population and in their first access to housing”. kyero.com

October 2015

Spain Received Record 54.4 Million International Tourists to September

In the nine month period from January to September, Spain received a record total of 54.4 million international tourists, representing an increase of 3.8% over the same period of last year, and an additional 2 million visitors.

According to data from the latest Frontur tourist border movements survey, published by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism on the Spanish Government’s website, La Moncloa, almost 7.2 million international tourists visited Spain in the month of September alone, which is 2.2% more than the same month of 2014, and another record in the comparable series.

The source markets with the greatest numbers of tourists visiting Spain in the first nine months of the year, were the United Kingdom (12.7 million), France (9.1 million) and Germany (8.2 million), while the survey also highlighted the increases registered in visitor numbers from the United States (23.1%), Switzerland (8.6%) and France (6.9%).

In September, the top tourist market for visitors to Spain was the United Kingdom, with 1,854,995 tourists, representing an increase of 4.6% year-on-year, followed by Germany, with 1,186,463 tourists (-3.4%) and France (1,018,970 tourists, +5.2%). The rise in tourist numbers from the United States was also noted, of 33%, maintaining the excellent growth rate of recent months, as well as the increase in tourists from the Netherlands, of 13.3%.

Catalonia was the region to receive most visitors in the month of September, with 1,797,996 tourists (-0.1% y-o-y), followed by the Balearic Islands (1,6 92,0 8 0 tourists, -0.2%), and Andalucía (1,012,4 4 8 tourists, +6.4%).

Some 5,845,757 of the tourists visiting Spain in September (81.6% of the total) arrived by air, representing an increase of 1.9% yearon-year, while 1,175,947 tourists came by road (16.4% of the total), and the remaining 2% arrived by other means. Of the total number of tourists visiting the country in the month, 63.9% chose to stay in hotels while 36.1% opted for other types of accommodation. kyero.com

One in Five Spaniards Own a Second Home A recent study carried out by the real estate franchise network, Re/Max Europe, revealed that one in six Europeans have a second residence. However, the proportion differs greatly among the countries. While over 20% of the citizens of Greece, Poland, Slovakia and Spain claim to have two homes, only 5.4% of German citizens, 5.6% of the Dutch and 7% of the British own a second home.

The study also revealed that socio-cultural factors, rather than economic reasons, would appear to influence more the decision on whether to invest in a second residence, as the average wage is not directly related to the decision to buy. In fact, of the 14 countries analysed, those with the greatest salaries are those which least tend to invest in a second home.

In Finland, which has the highest monthly salary of the

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countries analysed, at 2,735 euros gross, 12.1% of its citizens owns two homes. The average monthly wage in the Netherlands is 2,703 euros gross with 5.6% owning two homes. Sweden’s average monthly wage is 2,617 euros, and 11.8% of Swedish citizens claim to have two homes, while in Germany, the average monthly wage is 2,609 euros, yet only 5.4% of its citizens have purchased a second home. Despite earning an average monthly wage equivalent to 2,596 euros, just 7% of the United Kingdom’s citizens have two residences.

In contrast, the countries with lower average monthly wages have a greater proportion of citizens who have opted to purchase a second home. Despite Greece’s serious economic problems over recent years, some 32.8% of its citizens claim to have two homes, and 25.1% of Polish citizens have two homes, even though their gross salary per month stands at just 716 euros.

With regard to Spain, the average salary per month is 1,634 euros, and 20.4% of the Spaniards surveyed said they owned a second residence. Of the Spaniards who own a second home, some 44.1% favoured more rural areas away from the big cities, while 37.3% decided to purchase in their hometown or where their family comes from. According to the study, 59.8% of these Spaniards use their second home mainly for holidays while 35.3% use it for weekends away, and only 2.9% of those surveyed said they purchased a second residence for work reasons.

At European level, idealista.com reported that a third of the Europeans who own a second home said they use it as a holiday home, while 24% use it on weekends and 8.7% cited work reasons. kyero.com

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19

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CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS

MOBILE HOMES for sale or rent

We urgently require Rental Properties for waiting clients Cortijo Collados IA1770

fully equipped mobile home on secure site with bowling green, bar/restauarant, supermarket, swimming pool.

Top entertainment on a Saturday evening.

Sunday carvery 1.00 - 4.00 pm fish and chips all day friday.

Why not book for one of our Special weekend breaks to" try before you buy!" from 95€ inc Saturday entertainment & Sunday carvery

ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON! VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY phone Shirley 679970399

Focusing on smaller area to give our clients a better service.

Taberno

Cortijo in a great countryside location, ideal for a reform project.

48,000€

Villa Cerritos IA1761

Los Cerricos

Fabulous Villa with swimming pool in a stunning setting.

120,000€

Casa Holanda IA1768

Zurgena

Bargain property with plenty of potential in a good location.

109,000€

Casa Adagio IA1672

Arboleas

Nice home in the popular Limaria area with pool and great views.

Plaza Nueva, 9 Albox (Almería)

149,950€

Tel: 950 120 406

info@inmobiliaria-almanzora.com www.inmobiliaria-almanzora.com

Voss Homes would like to thank our property owners and buyers for their loyalty and support.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK - €129,950 VH820 VILLA BUBILLA

A very well maintained larger than average 2 bed, 2 bath villa with fly free enclosure, swimming pool, car port on a private 661m2 walled and fenced garden with country views walking distance to amenities. 10 mins drive to Huercal-Overa town and 35 mins drive to the coast.

For more information and to arrange a viewing contact us asap.

Please call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 / 0034 667 891 741 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com

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Office: 155a Carrerera Estacion, Huecal-Overa. 1km off the A7 motorway at exit 553. 100metres from Lidl.

20

SOL Y MAR Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox

w Ne ting Lis

Tropical oasis arboleas SM023 - 185,000€

Your own mini Oasis. A secluded detached villa with stunning views across the valley, Featuring; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, swimming pool, beautiful grounds.

w Ne ting Lis

stunning 360º views Cantoria sM005 - 109,000€

Detached 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom villa with 360 degree view of the surrounding valley. Features peller heating system, roof terrace and Jacuzzi.

w Ne ting Lis

Immaculate Home near albox sM021 - 169,000€

Detached 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom country villa with 2400m2 of land. Close to Albox and appointed to a high standard.

w Ne ting s Li

idyllic setting taberno sM002 - 139,950€

Traditional restored cortijo in an idyllic setting with fantastic views. Features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and part A/C

w Ne ting Lis

Walking distance Almanzora sM022 - 125,000€

A lovely, detached bright villa in a great location.

Well maintained gardens and room for a swimming pool. Walking distance to the local amenities, must be seen to be appreciated.

w Ne ting Lis

two living quarters Almanzora village sM020 - 200,000€

Charming villa in the heart of the village with swimming pool. Features 2 separate living quarters with 2 bedrooms in each.

w Ne ting s Li

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 Email: info@solymarspain.com www.solymarspain.com w Ne ting Lis

Albox SM025 - 120,000€

Traditional townhouse in prime location walking distance to all amenities to Albox. Features 3 bed, 2 bath, fully enclosed patio & available furnished.

close to all amenities cantoria sM004 - 160,000€

Immaculate detached 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms villa. Within walking distance to town. Features above ground pool and tranquil setting.

country cortijo partaloa sol091 - 62,000€

albox town SM024 - 120,000€

Traditional attached Spanish house with lots of character. Features internal courtyard, idyllic setting and 3 bedrooms plus 2 cave rooms, 2 bath & short drive to Albox

w Ne ting Lis

October 2015

This lovely 3 bed 1 bath attached countryhouse is situated close the beautiful town of Arboleas, and a short drive from the market town of Albox.

STUNNING SETTING cLOSE TO ALMANZORA sol150 - 119,000€

This is a beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath villa located in a tranquil setting only 3 minutes outside of the lively village of Almanzora.

w Ne ting s Li

country home nr baza SM014 - 140,000€

Part cave country home, stunning setting, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large plot, partially fenced, stunning views

21

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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

zurgena sol314 5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS. FIRST TO OFFER FIXED PRICE SECURES FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY. IDEAL FAMILY HOME OR B&B

65,000€ WE URGENTLY REQUIRE LEGAL PROPERTIES FROM COAST TO COUNTRY WE ARE LOOKING FOR ALL TYPES OF PROPERTIES FOR RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES. CLIENTS WAITING CALL US 950 064 584 immaculate country cortijo sol726 - 89,995€

SOL Y MAR La alfoquia townhouse

Beautiful restored mid terrace cortijo. Features 1000m2 of land, private courtyard, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Beautiful Detached villa near albox sol161 - 169,950€

RENTAL SECTION

W

NO

COUNTRY SETTING FANTASTIC VIEWS - ORIA MAR620 - 350€ PCM

IMPRESSIVE DETACHED VILLA

ED

R

D

TE

T EN

W

NO

N RE

4 bed, 2 bath immaculate townhouse walking distance to amenities, unfurnished.

Tastefully decorated throughout.

Traditional cortijo with many original features .Featuring 3 beds, 2 baths, log burner, furnished. Short drive to Oria.

3 bed, 2 bath country villa with 2500m2 of land. Features swimming pool.

Only 10 mins drive to Albox.

close to albox RSM010 - 350€ PCM

IMACULATE CASITA

large family home CLOSE TO ALBOX RSM008 - 600€ pcm

D

TE

Quality villa (127m2) located just 10 minutes drive from the town of Albox & features 3 bed, 2 bath, private pool & jacuzzi. The walled corner plot is 710m2 & has a carport & garden shed (10m2)

w Ne ting s Li

unique location cantoria sol137 - 108,000€

W

NO

N RE

Traditional 2 bed Cortijo in the lovely village of Limaria, close to Albox. Fully furnished & walking distance to local bar

Fully furnished 2 bed, 1 bath casita available for 6 month rental.

Close to Albox.

Immaculate 5 bed 2 bath fully fenced family home with pool close to Albox.

Available from 1st December.

STUNNING DETACHED VILLA CLOSE TO ALBOX

IMMACULATE ATTIC CONVERSION CLOSE TO aLBOX RSM002 - 200€ pcm

town living cantoria RSM009 - 260€ pcm

Separate one bed fully self contained attic of Spanish cortijo. Fully furnished with many traditional features.

Traditional 3 bed 1.5 bath Spanish town cottage very clean and tidy walking distance to town, parking nearby.

D

TE

W

NO Delightful 2 bed, semi-detached villa with pool, set in a fenced plot of approx 611m2. In a unique location, not part of an urbanisation, only 4km from Cantoria where all amenities can be found.

N RE

Stunning 3 bed, 2 bath villa.

Close to Albox.

22

October 2015

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

antas

€70,000

Well looked after 2 bed / 2 bath penthouse apartment with private roof terrace near Antas centre. Benefits from lift and underground parking space. Ref. 1008

Mojácar playa

€99,000

Modern design 2 bed / 2 bath apartment on a large extremely well kept development with heated indoor and outdoor pools and landscaped gardens. Across road from the golf course at Marina de La Torre and 5 mins walk from beach. Ref.1192

Mojácar playa

DUE TO INCREASE IN SALES WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. FREE VALUATION. NO FEES FOR ADVERTISING. palomares

€100,000 Mojácar playa

Very nice 2 bed / 2 bath penthouse apartment with private roof terrace. Communal pool and gardens. Close to amenities in Palomares, a couple of minutes´ drive from beach. Underground parking space and storeroom. Ref.1035

€155,000 Mojácar playa

Large 2 bed / 2 bath frontline apartment on a lovely, very well maintained gated development. Fabulous pool and gardens, across the road from promenade and beach. Underground parking space. Ref. 1596

Opening hours.

Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 6.00pm Saturday 10.00 am to 1.30pm

€220,000

Airy and spacious semi-detached 3 bed / 2 bath townhouse close to sea and all amenities.

Located in residential area. Comes fully furnished with central heating, air con, garage. Ref. 1632

€149,950

Spacious 3 bed/2 bath apartment on frontline development on Marina de la Torre. Across road from beach and golf course. Communal pool, lawned garden, childrens´ play area. Underground parking space. Ref. 1606

€360,000 Mojácar playa

4 bed / 4 bath detached villa located on Playa Marqués with a modern interior, large veranda, big terrace overlooking sea on first floor and a roof solarium with 360° views. Built size of 193m2. Ref.1130

€80,000

Furnished 3 bed / 2 bath townhouse with built area of 132m2. Terraces at front & back of house, large roof solarium. Close to amenities. Garage. Ref.1629

€129,950 Mojácar playa

Ground floor 3 bed/1 bath apartment with good size terrace on large development with 3 communal pools and a tennis court. 300m from beach and promenade. Huge storeroom.

Air con, fully furnished and parking space. Ref. 1647

vera playa

palomares

€365,000

Reduced! Large southeast facing detached 3 bed / 3 bath villa with private pool, less than 5 mins walk to beach and promenade. Sea and mountain views. 224 m2 built size.

Garage, central heating, air con, wood burner. Ref.1401

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murcia webcams

23

www.sensolgolfvillarentals.com

CAMPOSOL LOWER C HOLIDAY LETS FROM €450 PW

Ref No: 087

• 3 bed/2 bath luxury villa.

• Large private pool.

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CAMPOSOL B HOLIDAY LETS FROM €750 PW

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CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €475 + BILLS PCM

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•3 Bed/! Bath Ext Fortuna Villa.

•Additional 1 bed/1 bath Extension.

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CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €575 + BILLS PCM

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•3 bed extended Fortuna style villa.

•2 bed annex.

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CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €575 + BILLS PCM

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Red

uce

d

•3 bed/2 bath Cibeles style villa.

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•10m x 5m private pool.

•Can be let unfurnished.

MAZARRON COUNTRY CLUB CAMPOSOL D MANY MORE PROPERTIES ON OUR WEBSITE LONG TERMCAN LET €550 +BE BILLS SEEN PCM LONG TERM LET €650 + BILLS PCM

CAMPOSOL D LONG TERM LET €475 +BILLS PCM

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•2 bed/2bath Rosa style villa.

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LAS CABILLAS, ALHAMA LONG TERM LET €600 + BILLS PCM

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Ref No: 0201

•2 bed/1 bath detached villa.

•8m x 4m private pool.

•Furnished to very high standard.

•Fully gated community.

CAMPOSOL UPPER C LONG TERM LET €300 + BILLS PCM

Ref No: 0202

Ref No: 0191

•3 bed/3 bath Neptuno Delux Villa.

•Private pool with large sun terrace.

•Furnished to high standard.

•Large storage area.

CAMPOSOL D HOLIDAY LETS From €400 PW

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24

October 2015

Spanish recluse behind Zara briefly becomes world’s richest man

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Amancio Ortega, who transformed clothing group Inditex from a tiny family dressmaker into Spain’s biggest company, briefly overtook Bill Gates on Friday to become the world’s richest man.

Although a 10 percent surge in the share price of Microsoft later on Friday put the software firm’s founder Gates back on top, the brief appearance of Ortega at the summit of the Forbes “real time” global rich list was hailed in Spain as a milestone.

Ortega has turned Zara into a byword in chic for the moneyconscious, transforming the apparel business with its “fast fashion” model. Affordable imitations of catwalk designs can move from drawing-board to stores within two weeks, and poor sellers are pulled off the shop floor even quicker.

At one point on Friday, Forbes put Ortega’s fortune at $79.9 billion, pipping Gates. Later in the day, thanks to fluctuations in the euro as well as the surge in Microsoft, Gates had $79.3 billion and Ortega a mere $78.5 billion.

But whether or not he can hold on to the title of world’s richest man, the 79-year-old’s fortunes are blossoming as Inditex shares have risen nearly 40 percent this year.

He holds a 59.3 percent stake in what is now the world’s biggest fashion retailer, ahead of Gap (GPS.N) and Hennes & Mauritz (HMb.ST). It grew from humble beginnings in the rainy northern region of Galicia to more than 6,000 stores in some 90 countries with a stable of brands from high-end label Massimo Dutti to homewear chain Zara Home.

With a capitalization of 104 billion euros ($110 billion), the group is only the third Spanish firm ever to be valued above 100 billion euros, after bank Santander (SAN.MC) and telecoms giant Telefonica (TEF.MC), both of which now lag well behind.

SELF-MADE In a country recently emerged from a recession that destroyed businesses and jobs, Ortega is a rare self-made mogul. The son of a railway worker started his professional

life at 14 as a delivery boy with a shirtmaker in the windswept northern city of Coruna. Within a few years he had set up a workshop making nightgowns, lingerie and babywear, and the first Zara opened in Spain in 1975.

Ortega never gives interviews and is rarely photographed.

He did not even attend the inaugural ringing of the stock market bell at the Madrid exchange when Inditex floated in 2001.

In person, Ortega is a persuasive and enthusiastic businessman, who despite progressively handing over the day-to-day management of the company over the last decade continues as an active part of it, people familiar with Inditex say He is known for selecting designs based on feedback from shop assistants who zero in on shoppers’ reactions.

“If he speaks to a shop assistant and he likes what they had to say, he will pay more attention to that than to any of his managers,” a former Inditex director told Reuters.

Since his ex-wife and Inditex co-founder Rosalia Mera died suddenly in August 2013, there has been intense speculation over the succession.

His second wife Flora Perez, 61, sits on the board of Inditex and their daughter Marta, 31, who has undergone training at the firm, including working in a store, is widely expected to take over, although the firm won’t confirm her as successor.

Ortega’s majority stake in Inditex is held through another company, Pontegadea Inversiones, which Ortega has also used to channel the steady flow of dividends and build up a real estate portfolio with assets worth 8 billion euros at end2014.

This, as well as favorable inheritance laws in the Galician region, means that his heirs are likely to keep a tight control over the fashion empire. http://www.reuters.com/

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The Experiment

Don Miguel El Sabio carefully loaded the Remitroot seed into the business end of his particle accelerator. Actually it was a modified washing machine. A Little Gem Wonder Wash Model A34/6. A turn of the control dial to ‘Quick Spin’ and the contraption started to shake. It then produced a low whine rising in frequency to shrill whistle. It then promptly exploded taking half the building with it.

The Don emerged from the wreckage bruised and blooded.

By some remarkable stroke of luck the Remitroot seed lay embedded in his left cheek. On examination the seed appeared to pulsate and Sabio was certain it was getting bigger. Finding an undamaged part of the building he put the precious kernel in a pot and added compost. As he sprinkled on water the seed grew before his eyes.

Twenty millimetres, fifty, a hundred, until it was the standard height for a fully grown Remitroot plant, just over a metre.

Another shoot then appeared. Soon a dozen healthy fully grown plants stood erect in the pot.

Don Miguel El Sabio was astounded “They need more water” he said to himself.

He thought he saw the plants nod.

“Plant food” he said and again they nodded.

“A holiday on the north east coast of England.”

The plants shook their orange petals. “two plus two.”

The plants nodded fours times in quick succession.

Rational intelligence he thought, about double the IQ of a Cabinet Minister Sabio

viewpoint

calculated.

He needed to find someone to keep an eye on the plants while he went to tell Poyato the news. Loco Paco was put in charge. Paco wouldn’t question the plant’s odd behaviour. After all he never questions the tangibility of the five foot rodent which is his constant companion.

Poyato was at his usual table in the Bar La Casa Devante. His evening libation was important to him as it was important to all Alquerians. To have it interrupted by an overexcited Don Miguel El Sabio caused Poyato to use some colourful language.

The Don was deeply hurt, he hadn’t been insulted like that since he was last at the mixed sauna.

Humouring Sabio, Poyato accompanied him to the now partially destroyed test shed. Poyato expected the plants to be gently swaying in response to some draught or other. As the building now had only two walls instead of the customary four, there was plenty of through air.

Neither of them were prepared for the sight that greeted them. Loco Paco was dancing the Lambada with each plant in turn, thrusting and gyrating like native Brazilians.

One can only wonder what Loco Paco’s five foot rodent thought of it all.

25

Money Makes the World Go Round

Or so they say – but ‘they’ are wrong!

I know this, and here’s how: Pete’s pills needed replenishing, so I left him in the car and trotted down the hill to the soothing haven of the Farmacia in Arboleas. As usual it was packed, and as usual the Spanish ministering angels behind the counter were calmly dispensing pills, potions and comforting words in two languages to those seeking succour and medication.

On this day there was an additional angel – Shannon, blond, blue-eyed and British, and definitely cast in the Arboleas Farmacia Angel mould. This threw me somewhat – my brain was channelled to Spanish, and being unexpectedly addressed in English scrambled its circuits.

However, my mother tongue managed to squeeze through my jumbled synapses, the pills were bought and paid for and I returned to the car in a disorganised state of surprise.

I had hardly started to tell Pete about Shannon when there was a knock on the window, and there she stood, shining like a good deed in a naughty world, Pete’s pills in hand. ‘You forgot your pills’ she smiled.

She could have put the pills under the counter and waited until I got home, remembered my oversight and returned to Arboleas for them, but instead she followed me, thus saving me mental turmoil, not to mention time and diesel!

Another example of constructive helpfulness happened to me in Sophia’s Gymnasium: I was determined to act upon the advice of Marion, who suggested that oil of marjoram was

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk helpful in preventing cramps – an affliction which on many occasions has caused me to rise meteorically from my bed and hobble round the room uttering wails of anguish like a demented Rumpelstilskin.

I mentioned that I had not found a source of aromatherapy oils in Albox, when a lady in Marion’s painting class, which takes place in the Reception Area of Sophia’s Gymnasium, handily near the Tea, Coffee and Juice Bar, suggested Home Sweet Home in Turre.

Then without hesitation she picked up the phone and rang them to see if they had any in stock. Now that is what I call helpful!

So does money make the world go round? No. What makes the world go round is people. People who give time and thought to others, and who are prepared to take that extra step out of their way to make someone else’s lot a little easier.

That is what makes the world go round!

puzzle pages

26

October 2015

To advertise in this space Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com

wordsearch halloween!

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

The remaining letters spell an activity played on Halloween.

soltimes sport Quiz

1. Which sport is played on the largest pitch?.................

2. In 1950, India withdrew from the World Cup because FIFA refused to let them do what?..................................

3. In darts, what is the lowest score that CANNOT be scored with a single dart?...

4. Which sports playing area is 2.7 metres by 1.5 metres?

5. Which sport do the Oklahoma City Thunder play?...................................

6. In Athletics, what is the last event of the Decathlon?

7. What is the highest possible break in snooker 147, 150, 155?......................

APPLES

FULL MOON

SCARY

BATS

GHOSTS

SCREAM

BLACK CAT

GHOULS

SKELETON

BROOMSTICK

GOBLINS

CANDLE

GRAVEYARD

CANDY

JACK O LANTERN

CEMETERY

MASK

COFFIN

MUMMY

COSTUME

NIGHT

WEREWOLF

DRACULA

PUMPKIN

WITCHES

FRIGHTENING

SCARECROW

ZOMBIE

SKULL SPIDERS TOMBSTONE

8. Who were the runners up in the Europa League Final of 2010?..............................

9. James Naismith invented which sport?........................

10. 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds is the fastest ever winning time for what race?.

Answers

VAMPIRE

standard SUDOKU

squiggle SUDOKU

wordsearch answer easy SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

BOBBING FOR APPLES

1. Football 2. Carpenter 3. British Gas 4. School Teacher 5. Rice & boiled eggs

6. Pentium 7. Marillion 8. Golfer 9. Fishwife 10. Linford Christie CROSSWORD

3

1

6. 1500m 7. 155 8. Fulham FC 9. Basketball 10. Grand National

Answers

SOLUTIONS

Answers

soltimes Quiz “FISH & CHIPS”

1. Which sport is played by a fictional character called Billy the Fish?...............

2. What craftsman is informally referred to as a chippy?.......................................

3. Which company issued a credit card called a Goldfish card?...........................

4. In the film and musical ‘Goodbye Mr. Chips’, what is the occupation of Mr. Chips?....................................................

5. Apart from fish, what are the other two main ingredients of the European kedgeree? .............................................

6. Which microchip, produced by Intel in 1993, could process about 9 million computer instructions per second?........

7. Which rock band was fronted by a singer called Fish, until he left them in 1988?....................................................

8. In the old days, who would chip with a spoon?................................................

9. What sort of fish is a vulgar abusive woman?.................................................

10. Who was Derek Redmond referring to when he said, in 1993, ‘He’s a wellbalanced athlete. He’s got a chip on both shoulders’. ...................................

4

2

1. Polo 2. Play barefoot 3. 23 4. Table Tennis 5. Basketball

IDENTIFY THEse FAMOUS trophies

sol picture quiz!

1 Davis Cup 2 Copa del Rey (Spanish King’s Cup) 3 Augusta Masters Trophy 4 DFB-Pokal

on this day 31st October

683 – During the Siege of Mecca, the Kaaba catches fire and is burned down.

1913 – Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile highway across United States.

1922 – Benito Mussolini is made Prime Minister of Italy.

1961 – In the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin’s body is removed from Vladimir Lenin’s Tomb.

2011 – The global population of humans reaches seven billion. This day is now recognized by the United Nations as Seven Billion Day.

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UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

6 Ice containing milk (7) 7 Relating to the lower body (5) 9 Achy (4) 10 From time to time (10) 11 Powerfully (8) 13 Recorded (6) 15 Anglo-Saxon slave (4) 17 Laughs (5) 18 Person, place or thing (4) 19 Restricted caloric intake (6) 20 Saw (8) 23 Minor in significance (10) 26 Travel through water (4) 27 Relative magnitudes (5) 28 Arouses (7)

Down

1 Showing kindness (10) 2 Rectangular (6) 3 Relating to the ear (4) 4 Rockets (8) 5 Grain storage building (4) 6 Fire a weapon (5) 8 French country house (7) 12 An online directory (5) 14 Being willing to give your time or money (10) 16 One who twists fibers into threads (7) 17 Porcupine (8) 21 Comfort (6) 22 Leaves (5) 24 A very small amount (4) 25 T T T T (4)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Consuming ground I’ve made (9) 6 Reptile company supporter (5) 9 Official officer? (7) 10 Top dog awake in ‘Morse’ alternative (7) 11 Extra sleep (more than once), that’s in fifty-second surroundings (3-3) 12 About employment journalist made anew (8) 15 Test weapon up at Maidenhead (4) 16 Variation if French queen’s in retreat with church (10) 19 Application of science for cogent holy development (10) 21 Competent sailor left England... (4) 24 ...to nearly make hay with wife for years inside weapon (8) 25 Unusual exit? (3,3) 27 Sorted pure God out (7) 29 Doorman for a ball? (7) 30 Fabric returning river with time (5) 31 What could happen to one planet, perhaps (9) Down

1 Softening of French animal books caught inside (9) 2 Type of word, in French a plant (7) 3 Release a French worker (6) 4 Not doing anything, I led astray (4) 5 Fuel for a tennis player without a second identity at first (3) 6 100-up, reportedly tired of storage space (8) 7 Succession of pots in burglary (5-2) 8 Refrain from a five-nil ideal start with bad end (5) 13 Image of fruit in eastern heartless fairy (6) 14 Edge up and down cushion (6) 17 Strange celery - almost a lot of voting? (9) 18 Good from weapons happened without writer and without form (8) 20 Come out of cannabis dessert (7) 22 British inch or new tubes (7) 23 South African bird, reportedly god! (6) 24 Starts to take innocent Germans - how terribly mean!

(5) 26 Assist a stake (4) 28 Princess and Prince go down (3)

famous birthdays on this day

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Derek Bell, English race car driver (1941)

Michael Kitchen, English actor and producer (1948) Vanilla Ice, American rapper, producer, and actor (1967) Matt Dawson, English rugby player (1972)

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October 2015

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Fright night feast

Lay out a feast for everyone to enjoy this Halloween with these frighteningly tasty recipies from BBC Good Food.com.

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the onion and cook for 5 mins until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the pumpkin and tomato purée. Season with nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil before turning down to a simmer for 8-10 mins.

The pumpkin should be just tender and almost all of the liquid evaporated. Spoon into a bowl Serves 8 and set to one side to cool.

Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Unroll the pastry and roll it out slightly thinner with a rolling pin. Cut out 8 diamond shapes approximately 10cm wide x 15cm long.

Brush each pastry diamond 1 tbsp olive oil with beaten egg. Stir the grated cheese into the cooled pumpkin small onion, finely chopped mixture, then divide between 250g pumpkin flesh (buy a large the diamonds, placing the mix wedge and peel, or use leftovers on the top half of each piece of from lantern-making), cut into pastry. Fold the bottom of the diamond over the filling, pressing small cubes of about 1cm the edges together firmly to make 2 tsp tomato purée a well-sealed triangle. Brush all pinch grated nutmeg over with egg glaze and scatter 75ml vegetable stock over a few pumpkin seeds, in star or moon shapes if you like. Chill 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry for 30 mins, or overnight, covered egg, beaten with cling film, if you are making 50g cheddar, grated ahead. Bake for 20-25 mins until 2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds golden and puffed.

Wizard’s hat pasties Ingredients

Heat the orange juice in a medium-size pan until nearly boiling. Cover the gelatine with cold water and leave for 5 mins until spongy and softened.

Squeeze out any excess water.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the gelatine until dissolved. Let the mixture cool a little, then divide between 10 serving dishes. Place in the fridge for at least 5 hrs, or preferably overnight.

Cover a baking sheet with some baking parchment. Melt the chocolate either in the microwave (1-2 mins should do it) or in a bowl set over a small pan of boiling water. Pour the melted chocolate into a small freezer bag. Make a piping bag by snipping off a tiny piece of one corner. Now pipe out 10 spider-web shapes onto the baking parchment: pipe a circle with a smaller circle inside, then pipe lines coming out from the centre like the spokes of a wheel. Place the chocolate spider webs in the fridge to harden.

Just before serving, carefully peel away each spider web from the parchment and place on top of a jelly.

Serves 10

Chocolate orange spider jellies Ingredients

1l smooth orange juice 6 strips gelatine 25g dark chocolate

Pumpkin biryani Serves 10

Ingredients large pinch saffron strands 500g/ 1lb 2oz onion, thinly sliced 175g/ 6oz butter 8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 100g/ 4oz ginger, roughly chopped ¾ tsp chilli powder 1 tsp ground cardamom seeds ½ tsp grated nutmeg 3 small cinnamon sticks 1 tsp clove

3 bay leaves 2 blades mace 2 tsp garam masala 1 green chilli, deseeded and shredded juice 3 limes 3 x 1kg/2lb 4oz pumpkins 175ml/ 6oz Greek yogurt 450g/ 1lb basmati rice large handful mint leaves

Soak the saffron strands in 4 tbsp hot water and leave on one side for about 30 mins until the liquid turns a deep auburn.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Soften the onions in 100g of the butter for 10-15 mins in a covered pan. Give them a stir now and again to stop them catching. Put the garlic and ginger in a small food processor with 3 tbsp water and blend to a paste.

Add to the onions and fry for 2-3 mins.

Stir in the spices, green chilli and lime juice.

Cut the top off the pumpkins and scrape out any seeds, leaving the flesh and skin intact. Transfer to a roasting tin and spoon the spiced onion mixture into the cavity of each pumpkin.

Put the lids back on the pumpkinscover with foil, and bake for about 1 hr 15 mins – until the flesh is tender when pierced with a knife. Leave to cool slightly.

Turn oven down to 160C/140C fan/ gas 2. Scoop the filling and most of the pumpkin flesh into a pan, leaving a thin layer of flesh inside the skin. Stir in the Greek yogurt.

Wash the rice, then soak for 15 mins in enough cold water to cover.

Drain, then partially cook the rice in a pan of fast-boiling water for 4-5 mins – it should still have bite to it. Drain in a colander.

Warm the spiced pumpkin mixture and layer it inside the pumpkin shells with most of the rice and a scattering of mint leaves.

Finish with a layer of rice on top. Dot the top of the rice with the remaining 75g butter and drizzle each pumpkin with the saffron and soaking liquid.

Pour water into the base of the roasting tin to about 1cm depth.

Put the lids on the pumpkins and cover with wet greaseproof paper, then seal the tin with foil. Bake for 1 hr – the rice should now be perfumed and perfectly cooked.

Place the pumpkins on a serving plate, gently fluff up the rice with a fork and serve straight from the shells.

29

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Ingredients To decorate 1 egg white 50g icing sugar 200ml single cream 200g dark chocolate, finely chopped 125g rich tea finger biscuits 100g double chocolate cookies 25g white chocolate silver balls, to decorate For the cake 85g cocoa powder 200g self-raising flour 375g light brown muscovado sugar 4 eggs 200ml milk 175ml vegetable oil

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Serves 10

Haunted Graveyard Cake

TO MAKE THE GHOSTS, heat oven to 110C/90C fan/gas ¼. Whip the egg white in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Whisk in the sugar a tbsp at a time and keep whisking for a couple of mins until the mixture is thick and resembles shaving foam. Gently spoon the mixture into a large freezer bag, then cut a 1.5cm hole in one of the corners. Cover a baking sheet with some baking parchment.

Carefully squeeze a small circle of whipped egg white out of the bag, pulling upwards as you do to make a ghost shape. Repeat until the mixture is used up – you should get about 15 ghosts.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6 and brush 2 baking trays with a little oil. Mix the honey, ketchup and mustard together in a bowl, then brush over the

Sausage Mummy Dippers

Bake for 1½ hrs until crisp.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Now make the cake. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Tip the cocoa powder, self-raising flour and sugar into a large bowl, breaking up any clumps of sugar. Mix together the eggs, milk and oil in a measuring cup or bowl, then pour over the dry ingredients and stir everything together until smooth. Grease and line a deep baking dish (20 x 30 x 5cm) with baking parchment.

Pour in the cake mixture and bake for 30 mins.

Leave to cool, then turn out onto a serving plate.

Alternatively, wrap well and store for up to 2 days.

FINISH DECORATING THE CAKE: heat cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Place the dark chocolate in a large bowl and pour over the hot cream. Stir until the chocolate melts. Use a clean brush to paint a layer of chocolate over 7 rich tea finger biscuits, then set aside to cool. Pour the rest of the chocolate mixture over the cake and smooth over with a knife. Whizz the chocolate cookies, or bash in a freezer bag with a rolling pin, until small crumbs form. Sprinkle over the top of the cake.

Place the white chocolate in a small bowl, set over a pan of simmering water. Leave for 5 mins or until melted, then spoon into a small freezer bag. Wait for 10 mins so the mixture is not too runny, then cut a tiny hole in one corner of the bag. Pipe out 2 small blobs onto each ghost, place a silver ball on each to make eyes, then pipe out suitable words and shapes on the gravestones.

Leave for 30 mins to set, then push the biscuit gravestones into the cake and arrange the ghosts around. To get the ghosts to ‘fly’, push a thin wire (you can get these from a florist shop – remember to remove before eating) into the bottom of the ghost, then place in the cake, hiding the wire behind a gravestone.

Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion and gently cook over a medium heat for 5-6 mins until softened but not coloured. Add the garlic and cook for a further min. Stir in three-quarters of the

chipolata sausages.

petit pois, then pour in the stock.

Unroll the croissant dough and

Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-12 mins. Meanwhile, grill the

divide into 3 rectangles. Pinch

bacon until crisp.

together the diagonal perforated seams, then cut into long thin strips – you should get about 16

Allow to cool for a few mins,

Serves 12

then carefully transfer to a food processor and whizz until smooth.

per rectangle.

Ingredients

Wind the little croissant strips

oil, for greasing

around the chipolatas, leaving a

1 tbsp honey

little gap at one end to make a

1 tbsp ketchup

add the remaining petit pois.

slit for the eyes. Place on baking

2 tsp French’s yellow mustard,

Bring to the boil and simmer for 2

trays and bake for 20 mins. Cool

plus a little extra to decorate

a little, then, using the mustard,

12 chipolatas

dot a pair of little yellow eyes

tube of 6 ready-to-roll croissant

bacon into pieces and scatter over

on to each mummy. Serve warm

(look in the chiller cabinets near

bowls or mugs of soup. The soup

with your favourite dip.

the pastry in the supermarkets)

You might need to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your processor.

Return the soup to the pan and

mins or until the whole peas are tender. Season to taste, then stir in the butter, if using. Break the

can be made up to a day ahead; just grill the bacon on the day.

Serves 8

Witches’ brew

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil

onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 650g frozen petits pois 750ml vegetable stock 6 rashers streaky bacon 1 tbsp butter, optional

30

Pesto: How the insatiable demand for pine nuts to make the sauce is damaging the environment

Italian restaurateurs and gourmets have reacted with horror to a call for a key ingredient to be removed from one of Italy’s most popular recipes because it is damaging the environment.

The culinary villain is pesto – and its suspect ingredient is the pine nut. According to Jonathan Slaght, a leading figure in the US-based Wildlife Conservation Society and a forestry expert, the insatiable international appetite for the tasty green sauce, which millions of people eat with pasta every day, is threatening the survival of pine forests.

Those in Russia are in particular danger as the rising global demand for pesto has prompted “unsustainable” nut harvests in many regions.

“The entire Korean pine ecosystem could collapse if it continues,” he said, noting that many animals from birds, chipmunks and red deer to wild boar and Asiatic black bears depend on the calorie- and protein-rich nuts to survive harsh winters.

Forests in Russia and Korea are said to be in danger (Alamy) In an article in the New York Times, he said a shortage of pine nuts may have contributed to recent incidents of hungry bears roaming the streets and attacking residents in Luchegorsk, a Russian town near the Chinese border.

Paolo Nano, a spokeswoman for Slow Food, an Italian-based sustainable eating movement, said if nuts were sourced locally it would be possible to stick to the recipe without damaging the environment. “It doesn’t make sense exporting tons from the Far East,” she said.

Mr Slaght had another suggestion: “For those who feel that it’s the combination of roasted nuts and fresh basil that gives pesto its unique flavour and texture, walnuts, cashews, pistachios and even almonds are all palatepleasing alternatives.”

This got short shrift, however, from a celebrated restaurant owner in Genoa, the Italian port that gave the world pesto alla Genovese, the rich blend of crushed garlic, basil and pine nuts blended with salt and olive oil. Luciano Belloni, owner of the Zeffirino restaurant, who used to send fresh pesto to Frank Sinatra’s Ligurian mother and who has made it for Pope Francis, said other nuts won’t do.

“Lots of people substitute peanuts. The pine nut is expensive and we pay €60 [£44] a kilo for those from Versilia. But if you want to make pesto, this is the recipe.” Otherwise, he told La Repubblica, “the quality fails”.

Mr Belloni revealed that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, had now fallen under the spell of his pesto. “He wanted some in the Moscow restaurant where he usually eats,” he said. In return, he added, “he sent me a bottle of his vodka”. - the Independent

October 2015

Jamie Oliver calls on David Cameron to show big business 'who is boss' and introduce sugar tax David Cameron should “be brave” and show big business “who is boss” by introducing a tax on sugary drinks, Jamie Oliver has told MPs. Appearing before the Health Select Committee, the chef, who is spearheading a campaign to cut the country’s sugar consumption, said successive governments had done “an incredible disservice” to children by failing to crack down on unhealthy diets.

He called for a hypothecated tax of 20 per cent per litre on the cost of sugary drinks, which he said could raise £1bn to be shared between the NHS and primary schools.

The Government has come under fire in recent days for failing to publish a review of international evidence on measures to cut sugar consumption – including regulation of advertising, and taxes – carried out by the arms-length body, Public Health England.

Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, said there had been “no conspiracy” around the failure to publish the evidence on a sugar tax (PA) Mr Oliver said it “doesn’t seem right” that the public could not see the evidence. The Department of Health has said the review will be published at the same time as the Government’s new strategy to reduce childhood obesity.

Mr Oliver said that he did not think a sugar tax had been “written off”.

“The discussions I’ve had are robust and Mr Cameron is reviewing everything, [and] seems to be interrogating it really well,” he said. “We need to make sure that he is brave.”

Such a tax would not be “radical” he said, pointing to similar measures already in force in France and Mexico. “When the single largest source sugar into our children and teenagers’ diet is sugar-sweetened drinks, at what point can point can business have free rein to be effective and profitable? The tax does just remind them who’s boss,” he said.

He said ministers should “work out who is running the country”.

“Is it the businesses that are profiting from ill health in our children or is it us?

Britain has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in Europe and Government nutritionists recently recommended that we cut our sugar consumption in half, amid growing evidence of its contribution to ill health, particularly in the diets of young people.

Mr Oliver, who also called for a ban on TV junk food advertising before 9pm, and tighter

controls over food and drink adverts online, said any tax could be tested for three years.

A voluntary sugar surcharge in 46 of his own restaurants had led to six to seven per cent reductions in sugar consumption, he said.

“We should hypothecate [a sugar tax] and find a home for it and yes I believe the home should be part NHS – supporting our nurses and doctors and practitioners to have proactive outreach in the home to people who suffer from diet-related disease…and the other side is primary schools,” he said. “Half a billion pounds divided by primary schools in this country is £20,000 – that’s proper money.”

Appearing before the committee immediately before Mr Oliver, Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England said there had been “no conspiracy” around the failure to publish the evidence on a sugar tax.

He said he had reached “an agreement” with the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt to publish the evidence review at the same time as PHE’s advice to Government, which is by convention private until the Government has published its own plans.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, chair of the committee, said the decision would give the public and independent experts no opportunity to review the evidence or contribute to the Government’s planning, and accused Mr Selbie of setting “that a dangerous precedent to set and rather a patronising one”.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: “This Government is committed to turning the tide on childhood obesity. That is why we are developing a comprehensive strategy looking at all the factors, including sugar consumption, that contribute to a child becoming overweight and obese. This will be published in the coming months.”

- the Independent

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welcome events

Welcome Group Events Wednesday November 11th. Ladies day out to Benidorm Market and Christmas shopping.

Afternoon show at the Rich Bitch is now full. A few seats on coach remain for shopping. €10 Wednesday November 18th. Enjoy and dance the night away to the ever popular Woody and The Peckers at Mariano’s. €8 Wednesday December 9th. - Book now for Christmas Party at Mariano’s. Truly excellent night with Ricky Lavazza and Time Warp. €12 Christmas in Benidorm - Wednesday December 23rd. 4 nights full board at The Helios with Christmas Day Gala Lunch, price includes coach travel. €250 Thursday December 31st. - New Years Eve Dance. Three great artists, Rob Sweeney, Dan Davy and Christine will help you welcome in the New Year with all your friends. Fabulous night to include excellent buffet and champagne at midnight. €20 Saville Trip Monday May 2nd 2016 - 4 nights staying in the heart of the city at the newly refurbished 4* Hotel Melia Sevilla on B&B. Price Includes coach travel, day trip to Tio Pepe Factory, Jerez and hopefully another trip to the Jerez Horse Show. €350 p.p.

- community news MABS MAZARRON EVENTS

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OCTOBER ****New this year – MABS Race for Life Sheild awarded to winning Team******* Forms available from – MABS Charity Shop; MABS Information Centre, TREVI, ALI PALLAIS, EURONICS,COSTA CAFÉ, BEST WISHES, TEL´s Bar, CAT´s Bar, TROPICANA´s, VISTA Bar, Tuesday - 27th OCTOBER – Volunteers Meeting – TREVIS Bar, Camposol 11.30 all welcome **DON´T FORGET TO VISIT OUR CHARITY SHOP IN TOTANA LOADS OF BARGAINS!!!! ** Donations always needed and welcome REGULAR EVENTS CRAFT GROUP - every other Wednesday from 1.30 at the MABS Information Centre – restarts 9th September after the summer break BOOK SALES – every 3rd Friday at Commercial Sector B Event tickets on sale at the book stall between 10.00am and 1pm or from the MABS Information Centre on Sector B Camposol or by Calling 620 582 418

TABLE TENNIS AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA

Sports Centre every Monday at 10am Five tables equipment supplied, coaching given if necessary, all standards welcome. Contact George on 965 326097 or Gordon on 966 848304 or e-mail drewgeorge49@ yahoo.com.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA &

NEW June 6th Trip to Cuenca, Toledo & ALMERIA Aranjuez staying in the 4* Hotel Ciudad in Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166 / 687 Cuenca for night of 6th June then at 4* Hotel 250 860 Eurostars in Toledo for nights of 7th & 8th St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church June, all B&B. Also a trip to Aranjuez. €190 We hold services each week at 10.30am on (€25 Deposit when booking) Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join For more information or to book your tickets, us. For further details, call Rev. Maureen Kent 968 call Rosemary on 620 105 179 970 637

Roman Catholic Church

Saladillo, Mazarron ( close to Camposol) Mass in English every Saturday at 4.30 pm Mass in Latin every Sunday at 4.030pm For further information please contact Father Octavio on 676 219 445 or Father Carlos on 628 824 555.

Ex-Servicemen’s Association

Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) EVENTS - 2015 Sunday 8th November - 1.30pm for 2pm - Restaurant Trevi - Camposol “B”Remembrance Sunday Lunch following the 12.30pm Service at St Nicholas Church Saturday 12th December - 7.30pm for 8pm Restaurant Bar Med - Puerto De Mazarron.

Talks & Workshops Christmas Evening Meal with Music by Christine MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing Group Every Mon Fortuna. Taking place every other Wednesday 13th January 2016 - Hotel La Cumbre Monday at Urb. Las Kalendas from 14:00. For further Puerto De Mazarron, Winter Dance and Grand Raffle information email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com 7.30pm for 8pm Membership and enquiries, Ian 629 818 611 Archaeological Museum or esamd.espana@gmail.com Every Day, Open from 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00.

A parkinsons Support Group Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda.

Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups On Tuesdays at 11am At bobbie jo·s, los montisinos For a chat and a cup of tea For further information €0.60 contact wally Williamson On 966 770 871

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

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

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

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MARKET DAYS IN THE AREA Monday - San Pedro del Pinatar Tuesday - Los Alcazares / Alhama de Murcia

Wednesday - Santiago de la Ribeira / Fuente Alamo / Totana Thursday - San Javier / Camposol Sector A / Lorca Friday - Isla Plana (Summer only) Saturday - Mazarron Pueblo / Aguilas Sunday - Puerto de Mazarron / Mar Menor / Cabo de Palos

31

First National Animal Welfare Conference leads to closer cooperation

Seventeen guest speakers addressed an audience of representatives from many Animal Welfare Associations at the three day National Animal Welfare Conference, PAES, held in Los Alcázares, Murcia October 16th through 18th.

They had been gathered together by three Associations - Cruz Azul, ACTIN Spain (Animal Care Treatment International Network) and SAS (San Animal Santuario) - for the purpose of finding synergy with others concerned about animal treatment here in Spain.

Lyn Baines, President of Cruz Azul and organiser of the conference, was overwhelmed by the interest not only of the speakers but also the attendees. “A lot of ex pats show concern for the way animals are treated in Spain, but I was thrilled to see the number of Spanish people who show great empathy” she said Monday. “By Sunday the speakers were calling on me to arrange a strategy meeting where we can discuss working: the lawyer, the veterinary college, the police and our three charities want to move this forward as a cohesive group with a strong voice. I’m so looking forward to having strength in numbers and thank everyone for their enthusiasm and dedication!”

One of the guest speakers, and first person to ask for the strategy meeting, was Pedro José Moratalla. Pedro is heading UPROMA, the first unit of its kind to be set up to ensure all Policia Local are aware of current legislation regarding animal welfare, so the police can deal with cases correctly.

Lyn Baines said “Pedro’s involvement is a big advancement for animal welfare in Spain; small steps but forward ones. I’d like to thank all of our guest speakers and delegates who attended. Also many thanks to Team Harmony and volunteers from Cruz Azul for helping out with registrations.

Team Harmony held a raffle which raised 284€. We are very grateful to the Northerners and Barrington Dubois, all animal lovers; they gave their time free of charge to entertain our delegates. ” We hope everyone reading this will have an interest in keeping up with National Animal Welfare – PAES – here in Spain and to do that check out our website regularly: www.proteccionanimales. es and follow us on Facebook: https://www. faceb ook.com/PAES-Prote ccion-Animale sEspaña-920051248058415/ For more information of some exciting upcoming activities within the National Animal Welfare area please contact: www.proteccionanimales.es

32

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

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October 2015

LEASE FOR SALE Bar in Puerto Mazarron Large Terrace Area Fully Equipped Kitchen Store Room Was €34,000 Reduced to €29,995 For more information Tel: 634 027 986

Marshall 100 watt combo, lots of features 130€. P A Speaker and stand 350 watt Thomman box 15 in speaker with tweeter, new 70€ Tel: 966 789 612 / 629 975 378 Hitachi Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill. 20mm Dh24dvc.

New, Box Still Security Sealed. 280€ ono. Los Montesinos Tel: 965 073 270 Cast Aluminium Outdoor Street Light. 3 Globes, 6 Positions. New, Still Boxed.

60€ Los Montesinos Tel: 965 073 270 Nintend0 Wii Sports & Wii Sports Resort Pack. 15 Sports.

Built In Wii Motionplus New, Still Boxed 150€ Los Montesinos Tel: 965 073 270 Homedics Shiatsu Heated Massager. Suitable For Most Chairs New, Still Montesinos

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JUST ELECTRICS Domestic ● Commercial ● Industrial

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661 530 372 / 966 184 674 Electrician available for all works Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 562 davendonc@aol.com

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pets

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34

October 2015

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936 Snow leopards face 'new climate change threat'

Snow leopards are a species in crisis, the WWF report says Warmer temperatures are threatening to shrink the habitat of the snow leopard and weaken their struggle against extinction, a report says.

Conservation charity WWF says more than a third of the animal's mountain living areas could become uninhabitable because of climate change.

It says plants and trees there are not able to survive in warmer temperatures.

The report describes snow leopards as one of

APAH

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To arrange to meet the brothers, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850

Cute and gorgeous, fluffy little Corry is one of many of the kittens currently in APAH’s care. They are all colours and personalities, but the one thing they all have in common is the need to start their new lives in a loving home. To arrange to meet APAH’s cats and kittens please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

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the most beautiful a n d enigmatic big cats.

"But it is also one of the most elusive and endangered," it says.

WWF says that the animal is threatened not just because of climate change but also because of a combination of other factors including: H a b i t a t fragmentation: the snow leopard's h a b i t a t especially in the eastern Himalayas - is being increasingly encroached upon by humans A decline in natural prey, resulting in snow leopards sometimes attacking livestock, which can result in local people killing them Illegal wildlife trade: Snow leopards are being increasingly poached for their body parts The WWF report is accompanied by rare camera trap images of snow leopards in Mongolia Snow leopards have been described by WWF as one of the world's most majestically beautiful and

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enigmatic big cats Climate change will exacerbate most of these threats, the report says, further increasing the pressure on snow leopards and reducing them to unsustainable numbers in many areas.

"The Himalayas region will face a major crisis if we choose to ignore climate change. Not only do we risk losing majestic species such as the snow leopard, but hundreds of millions of people who rely on water flowing from these mountains may be affected," WWF-UK's Snow Leopard Programme Lead Rebecca May said.

The charity says that India, Nepal and Bhutan's success in increasing the number of endangered species such as tigers and rhinos could be replicated for snow leopards Snow leopards Native to the mountains of Central and South Asia, it is estimated that there are some 4,000 to 6,000 worldwide Usually found at elevations of 3,000-4,500m (11,480-14,760ft) Solitary creatures, they usually hunt at dawn and dusk and are able to kill prey up to three times their own weight Mostly feed on wild animals, but will also prey on livestock Their spotted coats change with the seasons from a thick, white fur to keep them warm and camouflaged in winter to a fine yellowgrey coat in summer Retaliatory killings by farmers are not uncommon but are rarely reported http://www. bbc.com/

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Book Review

The Devil Rides Out - by Paul O’Grady

www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com - www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com - naylorcl@hotmail.es

Paul O’Grady? Lily Savage?

O’Grady takes us back to life in the seventies and gives us a glimpse of his life from the age of 18. He presents us with a vivid and usually a sordid and seedy picture of the Birkenhead club scene followed by the equally sordid London scene, dens of inequity for a troubled soul whose lifelong ambition seems to be to get inebriated every night and wake up with a stinking hangover.

Vanity and hedonistic pleasure dominated his life. At 18 he had to be “friggin’ gorgeous” dolled up in the tightest of garments to accentuate his sexuality and desirability before he could storm the club scene. His mother called it “tomcatting” and the expression “the devil rides out” is one of the phrases his mother used for his clubbing, dressed up to the eyeballs and on the pull! Her prejudice was more evident when she called it “debauchery “ and then lashed out at him with: “You fornicating, no-good, dirty big who-er.” Don’t get the wrong impression. His mother loved him BUT also worried about him always getting into trouble, especially with the police.

At times the author allows us to see a vulnerable child, unsure of himself, immature and unable to face up to any kind of responsibilities. He was deeply affected by his father’s sudden death and made to feel guilty because of his troubled sexuality that created un-necessary tensions in the family. Mother had just had a near fatal heart-attack and was not expected to survive. Father was so shocked that HE then had an instantaneous heart attack and died immediately afterwards. Mother was “numb with shock” and far too ill to be allowed to bury her own husband.

His father’s death left a “raw gaping wound” and his guilt at causing his death was “growing heavier” as he quietly mourned the loss of his father’s “reassuring presence.”

Surprisingly for me, he had some girlfriends and seemed like any other heterosexual male. He slept with Diane who was one of his girlfriends who became pregnant with Paul’s daughter. In between this “hysterical queen” act there was a parent trying to establish itself. At 18, Paul was too immature and unable to face up to any responsibilities and he admitted that his blood ran cold when he saw the baby.

“Having sowed my wild oats I’d prayed for crop failure.” He was “going nowhere fast” or crudely put: “ up shit creek without a paddle.”

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Another big surprise was to agree to an arranged marriage to a lesbian. On paper this lasted 28 years. Very strange.

The other side you don’t hear about concerns the physical graft, caring for the disabled and the most vulnerable when he worked for Camden Social Services or at the Convalescent Home and School. Stephen was one of his favourites at the home. He was 12 and had muscular dystrophy.

He would bellow “Move your arse, spaz.” His head shook like a “bobble toy” but he was as mischievous and ruthless as the others in his abuse and insults. Also we find out about Moya with Down’s syndrome who would “drop her drawers” indiscriminately to Paul’s delight and to everyone else’s horror!

Fraudster Robin was a conman “the type who would charm a maggot off a corpse.” Then we had Shirley, an escort girl who was going to see her Saudi Prince Abdul to engage in a bit of sexual fantasy. O’Grady describes her as “no clumsy slapper” but as a “seasoned pro.” The Hilton was where the illicit sex took place. O’Grady’s job was the same as a pimp but an upmarket one. His tip was £200. “The wages of sin weren’t death. Sin was extremely well paid!”

As an interesting diversion we hear about the author’s visit to East Berlin, Poland and Auschwitz with sobering recollection. This was riveting. In Manila we are exposed to abject poverty and sexual trafficking that appalled the writer.

It was a “dirty, sprawling, poverty-stricken metropolis” with a booming sex trade, reeking of exploitation.

The desire to perform on stage seemed to be a niggling need throughout this period of life and his ambition is realised when he returns to London, to the Elephant and Castle the birthplace of Lily Savage. He called it a “ persistent theatrical itch.” He longed for the “mayhem at the circus” a combination of the Weimar Berlin cabaret, the vaudeville, burlesque but also something that was “quintessentially” British. To continue this interesting saga about O’Grady’s phoenix you will have to read the third volume and discover the delights of Lily Savage for yourself.

Bantam Press: ISBN:978-0593064245

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36

motoring

October 2015

review

Ford Transit 50th birthday celebrated

On October 9 1965, Ford introduced the commercial vehicle that would rule British roads. Andrew Roberts travels back in time with the world's oldest plain-finish Transit A Ford Transit Mk1 is now a rarer classic than a Jaguar Mk2, but there was a time when no high street would have been complete without at least one. Back then, the average delivery van driver might have favoured a Shane Fenton quiff, a brown shop coat and an artfully angled Woodbine, plus an interesting approach to driving. A dab on the throttle, a hand signal not officially approved by the Highway Code, and it was off to the next shop with Hillman Avengers scattered in the Transit’s wake.

And it is because the original Ford Transit was so ubiquitous that it takes a while for the importance of Peter Lee’s immaculate example to resonate. The Transit was the first joint project undertaken by Ford GB and Ford Germany, the first British light commercial vehicle to offer car-like comfort and handling qualities, and a vehicle that became so popular that within months of its launch on October 9 1965, an entire market sector became known as “Transit-sized”.

Ford Transit van history The Ford Transit has become the definition of a van and is now in its seventh generation The message to large and small businesses alike was clear: for just £542 you could own a panel van that was actually fun to drive. This was a phrase rarely used to describe the Transit’s main rivals in Britain, namely the Austin/Morris J4, the Leyland 15/20, the Commer FC and the Bedford CA. Better still, the new Ford also had the advantage of looking rather dashing.

The Transit’s lines were a balance between form and function and as Ford had spent £10 million on “Project Redcap”, it was understandably keen to produce a van suitable for all of its key

markets. The load bay had to be wide enough to accommodate pallets and tall enough to serve as a milliner’s transport, and when product planning manager Arthur Molyneaux questioned fleet buyers, he learnt that they also wanted a vehicle with an engine able to cope with the stop-start motoring a heavy delivery schedule entailed.

To reinforce the message, boxer Henry Cooper appeared in early PR shots to highlight the new Ford’s strength and durability, while an appearance with the Small Faces in pop film Dateline Diamonds emphasised that here was a van that was truly swinging. The film may have gone out as the B-feature to Doctor in Clover, but it illustrated Ford’s keen eye for product placement.

An early high-profile role for the Transit was distributing London’s Evening News and in 1966 there were few pedestrians who were not aware that the sight of a black-andyellow van might mean a bundle of papers being hurled out of the passenger door. Often doing the hurling was the teenaged Lee, who went on to build Transits at Ford’s Langley factory and, over the years, accumulated a magnificent collection of vans and memorabilia. This enthusiasm has been passed on to his daughter Tasha, the proud owner of a 1969 Camper, and led Lee in 2002 to get a 1965 version urgently needing restoration.

By 2013, this Ivory White van had been returned to showroom condition, and although Ford Heritage owns an older, GECliveried version, Lee’s is believed to be the oldest plain-finish Transit in the world. It may have its foibles (he advises against leaping in and out of the driver’s seat, because contact with the protruding door lock can prove quite painful) but it is still eminently usable. The passers-by who slowed to admire GYH 194C may not have realised that this Transit was as historically important as an early Morris Minor or Mini – but they were responding to a vehicle that became part of British life.

The 2.0-litre petrol-engined Transit has long been consigned to history, but back in the day it was the weapon of choice for delivery drivers, leaving the plodding but torquey diesels for those with heavy loads and trailers.

Mine was an early Mk2, stellar mileage but up for anything. It was (relatively) rapid, too, I suspect because of some quirk of the final drive ratio in the reconditioned rear axle. It did 80mph flat-out, but was pleasingly sprightly between 20 and 50.

You might dismiss it as only a battered panel van, but it was my office too and I was very attached. Then in 1986 my miserly employer astounded me by ordering a new Mk3 Transit, the first with the sloping front. In the van world, it was as significant as when the squared-off Cortina was replaced by the aerodynamic Sierra in Ford’s passenger car range. Other van drivers would stare in admiration.

The improvements to the handling and the ride were a revelation. No longer the noisy, rattly workhorse, the van was on its way to becoming as refined and comfortable as a regular saloon – not before time, as most van drivers rack up many more miles than car drivers.

But they’re in such a hurry these days, all the pleasure seems to have gone out of the job. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

in the news Motorists risk having cars towed in ‘confusion’ over vehicle tax changes - uk

New figures published a year after the tax disc was scrapped show more drivers having their vehicles clamped and towed Growing numbers of motorists are having their cars clamped and towed away because of confusion over tax disc changes.

The disc was an obvious reminder. It has now gone and we think people might be forgetting - The AA The number of vehicles being clamped or impounded has leapt from about 5,500 a month under the old system to more than 8,000 a month. This hit a peak of 10,554 in July.

The increase has been put down to confusion over new rules regarding transfer of ownership which came in at the same time that tax discs were scrapped after 93 years.

The AA said that while most people know that they no longer have to display a tax disc in their car window, many do not realise that when they sell a car or transfer its ownership the new owner has to tax the car even if the previous owner had several months of outstanding tax.

The new rules put an end to the longstanding practice of advertising second hand cars that are taxed up to a certain date, but are also causing confusion among those who did not opt to set up a direct debit when the new system came in, despite DVLA reminder letters.

An untaxed vehicle with a DVLA wheel clamp An untaxed vehicle with a DVLA wheel clamp Photo: Alamy An AA spokesman said: “The disc was an obvious reminder. It has now gone and we think people might be forgetting.”

Motoring organisations have now called for a publicity campaign to inform motorists of the changes.

Although the DVLA says it sends reminder letters to all new vehicle keepers some motorists claim they have not been notified.

Dylan Casella, a student at Portsmouth University, had his car towed away and was required to pay a £242 fine after his father transferred the ownership of a car into his name so he could get a parking permit.

He told the BBC’s You and Yours programme: “I didn’t receive anything from the DVLA to say ‘your car is not taxed and you need to renew it’. So as far as I was concerned I thought the tax had carried on and that was that.

“I had actually gone on holiday to Budapest and returned to find my car had disappeared off the road. I headed home and checked in the post and found a letter from the DVLA to say my car had been towed, and taken up to Reading.

And they said I had to come and collect it and pay £242.”

Check if a vehicle has up-to-date tax or has been declared SORN (off the road) online here: https://t.co/rWJfrFOj9I pic. twitter.com/9G7jsQzsqx — GOV UK (@GOVUK) October 19, 2015 The DVLA is urging motorists to check the tax status of their vehicles on their website, which is accessible on mobile devices and works by entering the vehicle’s make and registration number.

A DVLA spokeswoman said the “vast majority of people tax their cars on time”, with over 47 million drivers taxing their vehicles since 1 October 2014. Of these, nearly 34 million have chosen to tax their vehicles online or by phone.

The spokesman added that clamping “remains an effective enforcement tool,” but is only used as “a last resort” with vehicle keepers receiving a number of reminder letters advising them that they need to tax their vehicle before enforcement action is taken. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

37

www.soltimes.com

T.M.G.S. @ La Serena 21/10/15

La Serena is probably one of the most under rated courses on the Costa Blanca, once again we found the course in excellent condition and that was after it had been soaked during the night. With so much rain falling we had thought that the course would be unplayable but upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised that the only condition was that the buggies were not allowed on the fairways.

Dean, hole 15 Sandra Twentyman and hole 17 Norbert Spaniol was nearest.

The score in the Silver category were a reflection on the day’s conditions with Irishman Robbie Ray in 4th place on higher handicap from Scotsman George Chapman with 26 pts. 2nd place went to the very consistent Yorkshire man Mick Kennedy with 31 pts. this week’s winner was new

Cafe Uno Golf Society.

19 members and 1 guest played at Vistabella today, Thursday 22nd October.The format for the day was Stableford, and after quite a chilly start to the morning (8:30 1st tee) it started to warm up, and by around 10 am it was like a perfect Spring day, even though we are now going into Autumn! Who cares what the golf scores are like when you can play golf in shorts and polo shirts in October?

Another lovely day for golf.

The winners were as follows:1st B.Wright 33pts.

2nd G.Pope 30pts.

Best front 9 - J.Pedersen - 16pts.

Best back 9 - G.Butterworth - 15pts. c/b.

Nearest the pin - D.Stewart.

Nearest the pin in 2 - D.Briggs.

No 2's today so the prize money rolls over to the next society day.

Thanks to Cafe Uno for the after match hospitality.

Our next game is on Thursday 29th October at Altorreal. 1st tee is 11:00am, please be at the course by 10:00am.

As you may know that this course has water in play on 16 holes, well several more water hazards were encountered had you ball fallen into what should have been a bunker but today was a lake!

The green keeping staff deserve a big pat on the back for getting the course into a playable condition so quickly. In our recent competitions our Viking members haven’t been doing so well, that could be down to them returning to the motherland to regroup, however there are still one or two lurking in the shadows and it has been sometime since the last battle between Roger “Viking” Nilsen and his adversary Sandra Twentyman, well today the battle resumed and although Sandra couldn’t compete with the Viking’s 37 points she decided that enough was enough and after a handbag battle, or whatever it is that Viking use, the Norwegian Viking found out that not all English women will stand to be raped and pillaged, you will notice that in the photo of the Gold category winners, Roger is NOT smiling, could it have something to do with a broken tooth. Vikings beware our women are made of strong stuff!

Occasional participant in our competitions is John Vayelt, John is a cameraman for BBC news, he said that he has been in many war zones around the world but didn’t fancy his chances filming THIS battle. We had only 4 visitors this week and it seems that our visitors like us so much that by the following week they have become members.

In this category Irishman Vivien O’Gorman took the top spot with a very credible 33 points.

The N.T.P.’s competition was sponsored by Handicap Secretary, Colin Marsden and the winners were; hole 3 John Eyre, hole 9 Joe

member John Dursley with 33 pts.

In the Gold category the scores were a little better with Scotsman Stephen Ross taking 4th place on 35 pts. but Swede, Norbert Spaniol had a lower handicap to take 3rd place, Captain John Eyre returned a level par 36 pts. to finish a point behind the winner, Roger “Viking” Nilsen who returned the best score of the day, 37 points. Our next competition is at Villamartin on the 28th October.

Photo; Gold category winners, circled is the Viking. Forthcoming events!

Las Colinas 2/12/15 and La Manga South course on the 16/12 for the incredible low green fee of just €50 Visitors are always welcome to join us especially if they like to mix competitive golf with a little banter to find out more visit our website, www. tmgs.org or follow us via Facebook at facebook.com/TMGSGOLF our twitter account is @TMGSGOLF or just call the Secretary on 661 524 101. Special event! Club de Golf El Paraiso at Las Ramblas on the 30th October if you would like to join us visit www.clubdegolfelparaiso.com to reserve your tee time

BRADLEY BREAKERS

965 723 270 607 848 332

Spanglish Golf Society

For the latest meeting the Spanglish Golf Society and a group of 26 players visited the established course at Bonalba taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

Despite heavy early morning rain we played without getting wet BUT with buggies restricted to the paths a fair amount of walking across fairways was the order of the day.

Today was an individual stableford event with fairly average scoring.

The winners on the day were as follows:1st – Phil Johnson – 35 points, 2nd – Bob Hewitson – 33 points, 3rd – Paul Owen – 33 points, 4th – Mike Probert - 30 points, 5th – Don McClune – 28 points Nearest the Pins – Mike Probert (3) and Chewy Best Front 9 – John Clark – 17 points Best Back 9 – Roger Clarke -17

points Best Supporting Act – Andy Howard Football Card – Paul Owen After the game we returned to the Spanglish bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support.

Our next fixture is Captains Day at Vistabella on Wednesday 4th November 2015 and the monthly society fixture is at Font del Llop on Wednesday 18th November 2015 and both are already almost FULL. If you are interested in joining the society call Paul Cawte on 966731223 or Graham Hall on 664692638 or better still pop into the bar.

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

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38

October 2015

San Miguel GS at Font de Llop. 1st Round of President’s Trophy. Oct 21st 2015.

Thirty-six members and a guest made their way to the somewhat tricky to find Font de Llop course close to Aspe. Something of an early morning chill, pretty clear sky and brisk wind that was behind playing the uphill holes was, during the round, replaced by warm conditions, the threat from heavy shower clouds all around, and a wind that turned 180º. With yellow tees generally quite forward, fairways and greens in good condition and relatively benign conditions some good scores could have been expected.

However, this course is never easy and only two members broke par, Captain Barry Roehrig and, just back from a golfing trip to Ireland where the Links courses played appear to have done his game some good, Mick Roscoe. Given it was the first round of the 2015/16 President’s Trophy obviously the society’s long time President Phil Birtwistle could not allow himself to go unnoticed. Whether it is just age, or a crafty manoeuvre to be heard in the clubhouse, Phil left a Ping Zing wedge on a green for which he later asked all if anybody had found it. Quite surprisingly those in the group behind had picked it up but handed it over to a complete unknown who appeared to be no longer around. So the Ping has zinged its way off to unknown lands. If anybody

CD Torrevieja vs CD Castellon

eurogolf society

Torrevieja 0 - 1 CD Castellon As tempting as it was to roll out the same match report as last week, writer’s the result was different. CD Torrevieja

They only needed to do this twice in the first period to get what they came for. The first quick counter ended with Selvas making a fine block on the goalline with Oscar beaten, the second led to the eventual winning goal.

outplayed CD Castellon for the entire match and once again their inability to turn endeavour, possession and even the occasional chance into goals came back to bite them on the proverbial losing bottom.

Pedreno feels as if he is getting closer to a preferred eleven, and who can blame him after 11 fixtures. That is likely to change next weekend at Levante, with Rafa Gomez unlikely to remain a substitute for much longer and the talent of Ruben Suarez craved by everyone.

Pedreno made just the one change from the draw with Elche, the tall, elegant Javi Selvas handed a debut alongside Jorge at the back.

Quintero, following his man of the match display a week ago, remained in the defensive midfield berth The first half, to the untrained eye, looked like a spell of Torrevieja dominance and many felt they were unlucky to be behind at the interval.

However, Castellon were executing a clear game plan. Their back four was dropping to a certain point and inviting Torrevieja to find a way in behind them, which they were unable to do.

Each Torrevieja half chance was a shot that had defenders in front of the ball, showing that for all their neat and tidy possession they were not hurting their opponents.

Juanma had is obligatory cut inside and shoot moment, but his shot from distance was palmed away to safety. Once in a while Castellon decided to venture forwards, attempting to hit Torrevieja on the break.

out there......... etc. etc.

Scores overall were not very good and many players will hope that they can improve on the day’s returns in the four remaining rounds of the competition. The day’s results (stableford), by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Keith Stevenson (30), 3rd Keith Wraithmell (33 on CB), 2nd Marg Birtwistle (33 on CB) and 1st, with the best score of the day, Mick Roscoe with 38 points.

Silver Category: 4th Ken Flaherty (32), 3rd Glen Rapley (33), 2nd Norman Cahill (34 on CB), and 1st Peter Reed, also with 34.

Gold Category: 4th Steve Higgins (32), 3rd Tony Smale (33), 2nd Humphrey Kelleher (35) and 1st Barry Roehrig with 37 points.

Nearest the pins (open to all) went to: Barry Roehrig (3), Ivan Hanak, with a magnificent shot to 18 inches at 8, Vice Captain Theo Boelhouwer (12), Humphrey Kelleher (16) and guest Graham Temple at 17.

The Abacus’ bottle of wine prize, for which it appears he may have developed a liking, was won by Ernie Johnson.

Our thanks go to the staff at Font de Llop golf course for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf get-togethers. Next week we will be at La Finca.

Luis Carlos was caught up field supporting an attack which broke down. Mareyna drifted into the hole created and went up against Jorge one on one. A fortunate bounce of the ball took him round the Torrevieja captain and he drilled the ball into the far right hand corner of the goal. With just moments until half time it was a killer blow.

Rafa Gomez was introduced for Brani at half time, the young Croat unable to influence the game. The second half was a mirror image of the first, Torrevieja again invited to take the game to Castellon and again unable to break down a stubborn, well drilled back line.

Half chances came and went, with nothing clear cut. With about fifteen minutes to go, having spent a large portion of the game hitting long high balls in the direction of the diminutive Cesar and Carrasco, Pedreno ordered Jorge up front to lead the line.

It was refreshing to see that the “stick the centre half up top” tactic was alive and well in the lower divisions in Spain.

However, this signalled the end of any long, high balls into the front line, meaning Jorge was left to wonder why he had moved forward. orrevieja had two minor penalty appeals, the kind that would have left you furious if they had been given against you and bar a Javi Selvas header from a corner that went wide by millimetres the men in white never truly looked like finding the equalising goal.

The defeat leaves Torrevieja in 14th place and next week they travel to CF Levante, currently sitting in 4th. Ten points from eleven games with ten goals scored tells it’s own story.

On Thursday 15th October Eurogolf played a stableford off the plates and to celebrate 25 years of Eurogolf society we played for The Silver Jubilee Cup. Also each member was presented with a commemoration towel emblazoned with the Eurogolf logo. Also after the game members were treated to a subsidized 3 course meal at the Clubhouse. The results of the day were as follows Bronze div 23+ 3rd Gill Britten 32 pnts 2nd Phyllis Venables 32 pnts c/b 1st Morag Turner 34 pnts Silver div 16-22 3rd John Fairhurst 31 pnts 2nd Gloria Manning 32 pnts 1st Steve Tombs 35 pnts Gold div 0-15 3rd Bryan Fenwick 30 pnts 2nd Pino Perito 31 pnts 1st John Barraclough 35 pnts The overall winner and winner of the Jubilee Cup was John Barraclough playing off a handicap of 5 is in superb form at the moment. Best Front 9 Mike Gillett 18 pnts Best back 9 Paul Manning 18 pnts. Nearest the pins 5th Malcolm Foskett 11th David Gregson 15th Bill Martin 17th Ed Sylvester. Football draw John Barraclough x 2 (what a good day he had) and Paul Manning On Tuesday 13th October the results for Toffs were as follows Bronze div 3rd Mary Sanderson 31 pnts 2nd Brian Heard 33 pnts c/b 1st Francis Buckeridge 33 pnts Silver div 3rd Colin Hobden 33 pnts 2nd Dave King 34 pnts 1st Stan Low 37 pnts Gold div 3rd Pino Perito 36 pnts 2nd Keith Wright 37 pnts c/b 1st John Barraclough 37 pnts Overall winner Stan Low Best front 9 Bill Martin 17 pnts Best back 9 David Gregson 19 Nearest the pins 5th Keith Wright 11th Pino Perito 15th Dave Nicholls 17th Keith Wright Football draw Ian Stewart John Hill Joe Ogden and Bev Evans.

If you would like to play with Eurogolf on Tuesdays and Thursdays please go to the website www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk for more information.

SOL TIMES

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

39

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Lester Piggott – Champion Jockey

Tomorrow, the 5th November 2015, former flat race jockey Lester Piggott will celebrate his 80th birthday.

Born in Wantage in 1935, into a family that could trace its roots as jockeys and trainers back to the 18th century, the Piggotts initially worked in farming and in fact and later ran the Crown Inn in Nantwich, Cheshire for at least 40 years from the early 1870s.

Lester’s grandfather Ernie Piggott (1878–1967) owned a racehorse stable in Letcombe Regis and his father, Keith Piggott (1904–1993) ran one at South Bank in Lambourn, where Lester lived until 1954.

In fact, Ernie Piggott rode three Grand National winners, in 1912, 1918 and 1919, and was related to jockeys Mornington and Kempton Cannon who won the Derby in 1899 and 1904 respectively.

Ernie himself was also three-time British National Hunbt Champion jockey (in 1910, 1913 and 1915) while Keith Piggott was a successful jump jockey and trainer, winning the Champion Hurdle as a jockey in 1939 and the Grand National as a trainer in 1963 with Ayala.

Lester Piggott is the cousin, through his mother Lilian Iris Rickaby, of two other jockeys, Bill and Fred Rickaby. The latter was champion flat race apprentice jockey in 1931 and 1932.

Piggott is married to Susan Armstrong at St. Mark’s church, North Audley Street, London in 1960. Her father, Sam Armstrong, and her brother, Robert Armstrong, were both racehorse trainers.

Piggott has two daughters, Maureen, a former eventer, and Tracy, a sports presenter on Irish television station RTÉ, and a son, Jamie, from a relationship with Anna Ludlow.

Piggott began riding race horses out his father’s stable when he was just ten and won his first race in 1948, aged 12 years, on a horse called “The Chase” at Haydock Park.

Then a teenage sensation, his first Derby winner was Never Say Die in 1954 and eight more successes followed, on Crepello (1957), St. Paddy (1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), Empery (1976), The Minstrel (1977) and Teenoso (1983).

Stable jockey to Noel Murless and later to Vincent O’Brien, Piggott certainly had a glittering career of unparalleled success. Known as the ‘housewive’s favourite’, he had legions of followers (throughout the UK) and did much to expand the popularity of horse racing.

Surprisingly tall for a jockey (5 ft 8 in/1.73 m), hence his nickname of ‘The Long Fellow’ P i g g o t t struggled at times to keep his weight down and for most of his career rode at little more than 8 stone (112 lb/51 kg) but nevertheless he became Champion flat race jockey eleven times.

In 1980, his

relationship with the Sangster–O’Brien combination came to an end and he was appointed as stable jockey to Noel Murless’s son-in-law Henry Cecil, the then flat race champion trainer.

Piggott retired as a top-line jockey at the end of the 1985 flat season and became a trainer.

At its peak, his Eve Lodge stables housed 97 horses and sent out 34 winners.

Unfortunately (if that’s the right word) Piggott was convicted of tax fraud in 1987 and sent to prison for for three years, of which he served 366 days.

The following year, because of his conviction, he was stripped of his O.B.E. which he had received from the Queen in 1975.

On his release from jail in 1990, Piggott surprisingly returned to riding and almost immediately won the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Royal Academy. He rode another Classic winner, Rodrigo de Triano, in the 2,000 Guineas of 1992.

His last ever winner came in October 1994 and he officially retired, this time for good, in 1995.

After twelve years out of racing (other than an admirer) in mid-May 2007 he was admitted to intensive care in a Swiss hospital following a recurrence of a previous heart problem. Allowed to return home after a short while, he was fit enough to attend Royal Ascot in 2007 and the Epsom Derby the following year where he tipped the winner, New Approach, during a BBC television interview.

• The annual jockey awards, The Lesters, inaugurated in 1990, are named in his honour.

Piggott’s major race triumphs: 1,000 Guineas (2); 2,000 Guineas (5); Ascot Gold Cup (11); Champion Stakes (5); Coronation Cup (9); Coronation Stakes (5); Derby (9); International Stakes (5); July Cup (10); King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (7); Lockinge Stakes (6); Nunthorpe Stakes (7); The Oaks (6); Queen Anne Stakes (5); Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (4); St. James’s Palace Stakes (5); St. Leger (8); Sussex Stakes (6); Yorkshire Oaks (4); Grand Prix de Paris (2); Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (3); Prix du Jockey Club (1); Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (3); Irish 1,000 Guineas (2); Irish 2,000 Guineas (3); Irish Derby (5); Irish Oaks (3); Irish St Leger (3) He also won big races in Germany, Italy, Singapore, Slovakia and the USA Extra information: • The British band James recorded a song named ‘Sometimes (Lester Piggott)’ on their album Laid.

• The Hope and Anchor pub in Margate, Kent has been restyled with a horse racing theme and renamed Lester’s after the famous jockey.

• The Van Morrison song ‘In the Days Before Rock ‘n Roll’ also mentions Piggott by name.

• In 1992, HRH the Queen agreed, under pressure, to pay taxes. The satirical magazine Private Eye showed a picture of her talking on a telephone, asking for Lester Piggott.

• One episode of the ITV series Cracker has DCI Wise advising Jimmy Beck (in trouble for beating a suspect) that ‘You’re going on more courses than Lester bloody Piggott!’

By Tony Matthews

El Plantio 2 Golf Society

A reasonable turn out this week for the monthly medal, with the weather cooler but dry we went out as 6 three ball teams, this was to facilitate the Norwegians who had a competition starting at 11am. All started well but as usual the pressure to f a Medal round got the better of a few people, the 3rd and 7th took it's usual toll on some individuals scores, including mine, having driven three balls out of bounds, one to the left, two to the right and finally one down the middle, a serious case of Red Arrows golf, unfortunately for some others, they thought I knew what I was doing and proceeded to copy me. For the rest there were some reasonable scores.

Next week is Martin Rickman's final week as Captain so we will be holding the Captain v Vice-Captain competition, this will be Matchplay format, we hope to see a really good turnout for this.

The results this week: Nearest the pin: Hole 2: Mel Hope, Hole 9: Ian Henderson 3rd place: Ray Housley, H/cap 9, with a nett 55 2nd place: Ian Henderson, H/cap 5 with a nett 54 1st place: More Chelsea Goujon, H/cap 13 with a nett 51 If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, we use both courses, the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities. The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details. Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230

Lo Crispin Golf Society

Alicante Golf 21st October 2015 38 Players and guest’s travelled down the AP7 to Alicante golf in drizzly rain expecting a damp game of golf.

Fortunately, the sun come out before our start time and the day stayed dry. The course was in reasonable condition however due to the overnight rain the fairways were damp and give no run on the balls which made the holes long for some members.

Results for the day were as follow’s Gold Division 1st Dicky Claeys – 31pts off 10 2nd Bob Berry 29pts off 10 3rd Brian Coultate 27pts off 12 C/B 4th Ian Fogarty 27pts off 18 C/B Silver Division 1st Margaret Obrien 33pts off 32 2nd Bill Croft 27pts off 27 3rd Paul Flanaghan 23pts off 23 4th Steve Cosgrove 22 pts off 21 Nearest the Pins Hole 3 Ian Fogarty Hole 8 Padraig Obrien Hole 12 Ray Brown Hole 17 Brian Coultate Unfortunately, no one could fine the greens on holes 6 & 15 One of our Guest’s Ron Smith collected the 2’s’ pot The free game raffle was won by Chris Nield The Members and Guest’s returned to the Lo Crispin Tavern for Prizes and once again our thanks go to David and his staff for the refreshments.

40

SOLTIMES october 2015

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