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February 2016

Ex Spanish minister testifies in televised graft inquiry

A former minister and high-ranking member of Spain’s ruling Popular Party (PP) testified in a televised corruption inquiry on Friday, in a first for the conservative party .

Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s party has seen graft case after graft case smear its image during its four years in power, at a time when many Spaniards suffered the effects of tough spending cuts sparked by an economic crisis.

Esperanza Aguirre, president of the PP in the Spanish capital region and a former education and culture minister under former prime minister Jose Maria Aznar, was questioned

over alleged embezzlement by members of the Madrid chapter of the party.

She has not been charged with any misdemeanour but was called to testify at the commission of inquiry created in October by the regional assembly to probe alleged wrongdoing in Madrid.

“As far as I know, there is no illegal financing at the PP in Madrid,” the 64-year-old, who was regional president for nine years, told local lawmakers Asked how she could have ignored the alleged illegal practices at her party, Aguirre

responded that she had supervised annual budgets worth 17 billion euros ($19 billion) and could not have known about the activities of every single member.

This is but the latest case affecting the PP. On Thursday, Spanish police raided the party headquarters in Madrid over the alleged awarding of multi-million-euro public works contracts in exchange for illegal commissions.

Acting Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria was also forced to announce the resignation of one of her main associates in connection with a corruption scandal at a state-run water company he once oversaw.

And PP members are also due to be questioned by a judge over how exactly the hard-drives of former party treasurer Luis Barcenas, who is in jail for embezzlement, were wiped clean before investigators were able to see them.

Corruption was one of the issues that cost the PP votes in December elections, which the party won but without the absolute majority it got in 2011 polls.

It has since failed to put together a coalition government, forcing Rajoy to stand aside and let the Socialist Party seek to form an alternative administration. thelocal.es

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Two Spanish teenagers face jail time over cheating in exam

Two young men in Almeria could face one year in prison after one was caught pretending to be the other to take an entrance exam.

The students in Almeria in southern Spain were caught attempting to cheat an entrance exam for vocational studies when one showed up to take the test pretending to be the other, Europa Press reported on Friday.

Public prosecutors have accused the boys of committing a crime of falsifying public documents because the one that went to the exam had to use the other’s ID card and took the test under the other boy’s name.

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“They have not harmed anyone and even though this conduct was reproachable, it does not create social alarm enough to have them sent to prison,” attorney José Carlos Segura said.

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“That this case is going to trial is already disproportionate and I believe it could be solved with an administrative fine or sanction of academic consequences,” he continued. “This kind of punishment threatens them with a loss of liberty and records them permanently as criminals.” thelocal.es

www.soltimes.com The four members of British indie band Viola Beach and their manager have died in a car crash in Sweden.

Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry were killed when their car plunged more than 25m (82ft)

Viola Beach killed in car crash in Sweden

from a highway bridge into a canal.

The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday near Stockholm.

Mr Tarry's family say they are grieving his loss and "for the other families involved in this tragic accident".

In a statement, issued via the UK

'Sexist' advert for barmaid slammed online by hundreds

AN ADVERT for a job in a bar in the province of A Coruña, Galicia has sparked so much outrage that the regional government has issued a statement condemning the wording.

The sits vac post went viral on social networks within minutes of being released due to the wording being 'blatantly sexist'.

Working conditions were very favourable – a full-time salary of €1,500 a month with a permanent job contract given on day one, which is very rare, and the option of accommodation for staff members who had to relocate.

But the required worker was described as: “Hard-working female offering

friendly customer service essential, very attractive and a bit tarty.” The bar has not been named but was described as 'an hour from Santiago de Compostela, and 15 minutes from Arzúa and Órdenes'. Hundreds of furious comments accompanied the re-posted advert under the hashtag #elmachismomata ('sexism kills').

Socialist MP in the Galicia regional government, Carmen Gallego, publicly criticised the advert for being discriminatory and damaging to women. or a matter of minutes before the flood of fury led to its being taken down. thinkspain.com

Foreign Office, they said they were "devastated", adding: "Craig was a warm, loving person who had worked tirelessly to achieve success and follow his dreams within the music industry.

"He will be sadly missed by his family and his colleagues."

The Foreign Office earlier confirmed the deaths and said it was supporting the families.

'Swings and Waterslides' The band were part of the line-up for Swedish music festival Where is the Music? on Friday and were due to play a gig in Guildford in Surrey on Saturday.

A musician who played at the same

3 gig in Sweden said "they were fantastic people to be around". John Olsson, from Swedish band Psykofant, said: "They were a great band. I was standing in the audience thinking I will be able to say I hung around with Viola Beach before they made it big."

The Boiler Room - the Guildford venue they were due to play - said it was "saddened and devastated" to learn of the deaths.

Blossoms, the band that was meant to be headlining the gig, tweeted: "Absolutely devastated for the loss of Viola Beach and Craig Tarry. Our thoughts are with their friends and families." http://www.bbc.com/

Car full of firearms searched at French border as second vehicle escapes into Spain

A CAR loaded with weapons and thought to have been involved in a hold-up on a casino in Aix-enProvence has been intercepted at the French-Spanish border, but a second one managed to get away and enter the country, say National Police.

French authorities say a group of men burst into the premises and held the owners up at gunpoint, causing panic to break out among members of the public who thought it was a terrorist attack.

About 15 people were injured in the crush as they tried to escape.

This was in the early hours of yesterday (Saturday) morning, and at around 15.30hrs border police found two pistols, two shotguns, a bullet-proof vest and two hand grenades in a vehicle they pulled over at the border in La Jonquera (Girona province).

It was one of two French-registered

vehicles police suspected of being loaded with weapons, but the second one fled over the border into Spain.

A Moroccan man with a French passport – which is being checked to see whether it it real or forged – has been arrested.

Spanish police are now searching for a grey Rénault Mégane with a French number plate, but do not know for certain whether it was travelling in convoy with the other car pulled over.

The vehicle stopped and searched had been stolen the day before in Nice, France, and the arrested man has an existing criminal record in the country for handling stolen goods.

Spanish police do not believe the occupants are terrorists, but suspect them of belonging to an organised criminal gang. thinkspain.com

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February 2016

Spain's first amputee pony dies, prosthesis gifted to another amputee pony in France

The first pony in Spain to be fitted with an artificial leg has passed a w a y , five years after her mutilated foreleg was amputated in a life-saving operation.

Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founders Sue and Rod Weeding, who rescued the badly injured pony in 2010, said they made the heartbreaking decision to have Faith put down on the advice of specialist veterinarians.

Faith had lived happily for years at the Equihealth Veterinarios clinic in Barcelona, under the supervision of skilled Dutch vet Gasper Castelijins, who served Spain’s 2012 equestrian Olympic team.

But last October, Gasper reported that Faith’s good front leg – previously weakened by a severe case of laminitis suffered before her rescue – had began to fail.

“No expense was ever spared on Faith and she absolutely loved her prosthetic leg because it gave her freedom. The amputation was the right thing to do – ­ it gave her a wonderful five years.

She had companionship, mobility and lived painfree in five-star accommodation,” Sue said.

“But it’s all about knowing when to let go. When it gets to the stage that a disabled animal is struggling and you can’t make it better, it’s time to let go. It

wasn’t a decision taken lightly but obviously no one was prepared to see Faith suffer.”

Faith had been found in a dusty yard beside a Spanish farmhouse in 2010, her right foreleg deeply wounded after being entangled for days in a rope used to tie her to a tree.

She underwent months of intensive treatment at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, near Rojales in the Alicante province, but her mutilated foreleg was unable to be saved.

Cookie-Faith-and-Sue Faith the Pony with Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founder Sue Weeding and Cookie the pony (left).

In February, 2011, Faith underwent pioneering surgery at Equihealth Veterinarios in Barcelona, where two surgeons worked for five hours to sever her right foreleg 7.5cm below the knee.

Faith was then fitted with a prosthetic leg specially made in the United States by Dwayne Mara of the Bayou Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre in New Orleans – the same skilled prosthetist who made the artificial leg that in 2006 saved the life of a famous American pony named Molly, a casualty of Hurricane Katrina, who was later attacked by a dog and lost her leg.

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“Faith was such a special little pony who touched so many lives and of course we wanted to keep everyone who loved her updated on her case. We hope our supporters understand our decision to take a few weeks to privately grieve before publicly announcing Faith’s death.”

Now Faith’s artificial leg is set to help another amputee pony in France.

The prosthesis has been sent to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Lyon, where veterinarian Michael Schramme is fitting it for a 10-year-old Shetland pony named Iris.

Iris-the-pony French amputee pony, Iris, who will receive Faith’s prosthesis.

“Iris had been diagnosed and treated for a chronic foot infection for several years by the time she came to see us in October of last year,” Michael said.

“Our investigations showed she had a malignant tumour in the foot and that the only chance of saving her would be to amputate the limb above the tumour.”

Iris’s leg was amputated on October 30 last year, but a second amputation had to be performed slightly higher up the limb on November 20 after the wound became infected.

“Iris returned home for Christmas on December 20. During this time, we constructed a bandage splint from two pieces of PVC drainage pipe that we attached together as a splint to replace the missing part of the limb,” Michael said.

He said the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre’s kind decision to donate Faith’s professionally made prostheses “will most certainly help” Iris regain her mobility.

Said Sue: “We are so happy that Faith’s prosthetic legs are going to help another little pony and that she and Molly the Pony have inspired other surgeons to continue this work to help others out there.” http://blogs.elpais.com/

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www.soltimes.com

Spanish civil servant off work unnoticed for six years

A Spanish civil servant who failed to turn up for work for “at least” six years has been caught after becoming eligible for a long service award.

Joaquin Garcia, 69, was fined €27,000 (£21,000; $30,000) after the award brought his long absence to light.

Mr Garcia, whose job was to supervise the building of a waste water treatment plant, has since retired.

He denies the allegations and his lawyer says he has gone into hiding after suffering a media “lynching”.

Mr Garcia said he had been a victim of political bullying in the job and moved to a post where there was no work to do.

He was paid €37,000 a year before tax by a water company run by local authorities in the south-western city of Cadiz. A court found in the authority’s favour and ordered him to pay the fine ,which is equivalent to one year’s salary after tax and was the most that the company could legally reclaim.

He has written to the mayor asking not to have to pay the fine, and will ask for a review of

the judgement.

Reading philosophy Spanish newspapers have dubbed him “el funcionario fantasma” - the phantom official.

The court heard that the boss of the water company had not seen Mr Garcia for years despite occupying an office opposite his.

The water company thought he was supervised by the local authorities and vice versa.

The deputy mayor noticed his absence when Mr Garcia became eligible to receive a plaque for 20 years’ service.

Mr Garcia says he was bullied due to his family’s politics, and was sent to the water company to be out of the way. He found there was no work to do there.

People close to him told the Spanish newspaper El Mundo that he was reluctant to report it as he had a family to provide for, and worried that at his age he would not get another job.

They said he did go to the office, although not for full business hours every day, and that he dedicated himself to reading philosophy. http://www.bbc.com/

Humanists of Murcia AGM The fourth AGM of the Humanists of Murcia took place in Bar Puente, La Majada, following the last Easy Rambling.

The walk followed a meandering course around the pueblo and passed Ricardo’s casa.

Oh know it didn’t, oh yes, it did!

There were around 30 people attending the meeting including a token catholic and El Papa who kept an eye on proceedings. The front row had Vivien, looking lovely as always, Carole and Avril to put the committee off their script.

However, the script was pretty boring and uncontroversial as there was no voting and the Committee was surprisingly returned without comment. The only change is that Barrie takes the blundering bank vault keys from Deryck.

T h e Humanists would like to thank Deryck for his work as Treasurer and hope that he enjoys his holiday in Switzerland.

The annual

subscription remains at an affordable 5€ per annum. Trevor takes control of the Discussion Group, Vincent continues with the Philosophers and Annie wheals the date stamp for the Library, oh and she also heads up the Darwinian Gardeners for another harvesting.

The Walking Groups continue with Jon and Audrey (Proper and Easy) with John and Rhian helping out. Mike² run (Surely “struggle with” :Ed) the Almeria bunch.

That is not entirely fair as the Almeria Group have had a very successful revival and on the January walk they outnumbered the sluggish Murcia people.

Finally, a big thanks to our Chairman John B for another 12 months of outstanding leadership and lemons.

For more information on the Humanists of Murcia and any of their programmes go to http://humanists.bolnuevo.com/

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February 2016

Dogs allowed on Madrid metro

DOGS on leads are now allowed on all public transport in the Greater Madrid region – subject to a maximum of one animal per person and so-called 'dangerous' breeds being muzzled.

Regional government president Cristina Cifuentes (PP) has changed the rules, which currently only allowed small pets in closed baskets, guide dogs, or 'therapy' dogs in schooling accompanied by their trainers with reflective coats in the case of the latter to identify them.

Now, ordinary family pets can accompany their owners free of charge on the metro and outer suburban lines, but must be microchipped and registered on the 'dog census' of their local council – identity requirements already in place across Spain for all canines.

Leads must be no longer than 50 centimetres (1'7.5”), and passengers with dogs must ride on the last coach of the train. They cannot use the moving escalators for safety reasons, since dogs can become injured, but are permitted to use fixed staircases and lifts.

Dogs may still be limited or banned during periods of heavy human traffic for their own safety, and for this reason must not ride the metro during the rush hours – from 07.30hrs to 09.30hrs, from 14.00hrs to 16.00hrs, and from 18.00hrs to 20.00hrs.

No hourly restrictions apply at weekends, on bank holidays or during the months of July and August when

Quesada Art Group Help Debra Childrens Charity!

A good start to the New Year for Debra Children’s charity as Quesada Art Group present a cheque for 2000 euros as a result of their 2016 calendar featuring pictures of local events and places.

Also, Gina, from Harry’s Bar received her Flamenco Dancer painting from the raffle. The painting was shown at many local workers are more likely to be out of town on their annual leave and fewer commuters use the trains.

Owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs do not cause inconvenience to other passengers by obstructing their movement, nor by their behaviour, barking or smell.

All excrement must be cleared up immediately from platforms or any other parts of the station, and owners and their pets should get off the train at the next stop if their dogs need to relieve themselves, since they must not do so on board.

Guide dogs and therapy dogs in training or working, plus small domestic pets in baskets are still allowed on the metro, all trains and buses at any time of the day or night, with the identification or reflective jackets still required for guide or therapy dogs working or being schooled. thinkspain.com

Expats are being frozen out on Europe

If the UK votes to leave in the EU referendum, two million British citizens could possibly lose their residency, employment and pension rights overnight – but no one is talking about it.

The UK is acknowledged to be the country in the EU with the highest number of its citizens living abroad. No one knows exactly how many UK citizens have taken advantage of free movement, but estimates are that there are more or less the same number as EU citizens in the UK (about two million.)

A lot of us work and take advantage of public health systems and social benefits in our adopted countries. There are some 800,000 retired UK citizens in Spain alone, who are free to use the Spanish health system (and therefore don’t take up valuable NHS beds).

If, as seems increasingly likely, the UK votes to leave the EU, no one seems to have considered the situation we, as British citizens, will find ourselves in, practically overnight. If the UK denies EU workers the right to work in the UK, why on earth would our adoptive countries maintain our rights to do precisely the same thing? We will suddenly become non-EU citizens with the same residency and work entitlements as, say, Americans or Australians. No one seems to have thought of contingency plans if we all have to come home. On top of this, those of us who have been living aboard for more than 15 years don’t even have the right to vote in a referendum that will affect our lives infinitely more than most of those who can vote.

“If Britain does withdraw from the EU, two million of us will be stranded and no longer have equal rights as

bars.

The group appreciates the support of local business sponsors and supporters. The calendar for 2017 is already underway. Local residents of Quesdad and Rojales are welcome to the group who meet every Wednesday at 10 am at the Cultural Centre, Quesada.

the citizens of the countries we live in – overnight.”

It’s true that over the last few years the UK economy has been stronger than the Eurozone.

Economics do however fluctuate over the years. I left the UK for France at the beginning of the 80s after the winter of discontent. I also had more personal reasons to move. Being gay I didn’t want to live my life in Britain, which at the time had Section 28, banning any promotion of homosexuality in public. I moved to a country which was at the time much more open.

If we vote “leave”, we will be denying young people the right to free movement for all kinds of reasons. The Swiss (not in the EU and often cited as a model by the “leave” campaign) have recently had their rights to take part in EU research and Erasmus programmes drastically curtailed. Their newspapers are full of young people complaining about this.

If Britain does withdraw from the EU, two million of us will be stranded and no longer have equal rights as the citizens of the countries we live in – overnight. Other EU countries are not going to grant hundreds of thousands of us nationality. We are UK citizens and yet very proud to be Europeans, our lives having been greatly enhanced through free movement. All of a sudden it seems more than likely that we will lose a lot of our rights, and find ourselves in a legislative limbo. It would be nice if someone would mention us!

Alex Taylor - Telegraph.co.uk Alex Taylor has been producing and presenting programmes about Europe for French radio and TV for the last 30 years

9

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February 2016

public & trade sales Calle Mar Cantabrico, Sector VIII San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante (Off the N332 between Guardamar and La Marina near Lidl, next to Iceland)

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February 2016

home & garden

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com to Advertise in this section Old wives tales were a simple way to impress upon someone the importance of doing (or not doing) a particular thing, in a manner which would be remembered and easily passed on from one generation to the next. Sometimes you have to interpret the hidden nuggets (ie. maybe salt stopping evil in its tracks was code for pest control, or the dire warning of accidentally

boiling over the milk was more about taking care of precious food stores).

The stories could be regionally important, culturally significant, spiritually necessary (in the minds of those who repeated them), or vital to the health of the household budget (remember there was a time when the prices of salt and other pantry items were quite dear).

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If a home is in disarray on New Year’s Day, the housewife will struggle with clutter and dissatisfaction throughout the year. If it’s tidy and clean, the home will be easy to manage.

Laundry should never be done on Sundays for there will surely be a terrible stain, tear or worse in the week ahead.

Above ground crops (such as tomatoes) should be sown in the wane of the moon; underground crops (carrots, potatoes, parsnips, etc.) at the change of the moon.

The best day of the year to plant cabbage is on St. Patrick’s day.

The best time to plant flowers is in the increase of the moon.

A mild winter lies ahead if onions dug from the garden at harvest time have thin skins.

Any women who desires to have order in her home must allow sage to flourish in her garden.

Stir cake from you and you will stir your troubles away.

A cake baked in the morning will rise, a cake baked in the afternoon will drop.

To make cake light, it must always be stirred the same way.

Pastry must be rolled an uneven number of times otherwise it will be tough.

Every scrap of pastry must be baked or there will be an unwanted expense.

Cold hands and a warm heart make the best pastry.

Stabbing needles through yarn balls will bring bad luck to anyone who wears something made from that yarn.

A thunderstorm will addle eggs and sour any milk that’s been left out.

Before a young girl bakes her first loaf of bread, her hands should be rubbed in sugar so that she may always make good, sweet bread.

Stir bread away from you for good luck, trouble will come if you stir toward you.

Evergreens should be taken down on Old Christmas Day (January 6th) or ill-luck will follow.

When making the bed, don’t interrupt your work or you will spend a restless night in it.

A clean pot should be kept in an empty oven, this will ensure there will always be at least a little food to cook in it. http://tipnut.com/old-wives-homemakers/

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LOOK GOOD FEEL GREAT Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

Surprising Beauty Uses for

Lip balm Chapped lips don’t stand a chance against ultra-hydrating coconut oil. Scoop some into a spare contact lens holder and throw it in your purse so you can dab it on with your finger throughout the day. Feeling fancy? It’s easy to create your own Coconut oil isn't just for cooking: it's also a beauty pretty package. multitasker that you can use to hydrate your skin, fight frizz, and reduce premature signs of aging.

Cuticle softener Get double duty from Go nuts for coconut oil your new DIY coconut

by Chelsea Burns oil lip balm case and say You may have already made the switch goodbye to ragged cuto coconut oil in the kitchen, but did you ticles. Using your finger, know you can also swap out some of swipe a small amount your beauty products for the wonder oil? of the oil onto each of This do-it-all ingredient can be used to your cuticles and allow moisturize skin and remove makeup, but it to sink in. The cocothat's just the beginning. Here are all the nut oil will strengthen ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your nails and hydrate your beauty routine (until we discover the delicate cuticle skin, more!). making your hands look more youthful.

Hair mask

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a creamy solid at room temperature, and turns to liquid when heated to 76°F. While in the shower, melt your coconut oil by running the jar under the warm water. Then, after shampooing, apply a generous amount of the oil to wet strands and twist hair into a bun. Let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing to add moisture and shine back into limp locks.

Body oil As a solid, coconut oil’s creamy texture makes it the perfect light moisturizer to slather all over. Apply a quarter sized amount right after you get out of the shower so it can sink into your warm skin. The light tropical scent that lingers after it’s applied. Add in a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil for a massage mix.

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Under-eye cream The skin under your eyes is thin and delicate, making it prone to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. If you hate the idea of dropping big bucks on expensive eye cream, then sub in coconut oil. Just rub a pinch in between fingers to warm it up before patting it underneath your eyes.

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950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

February 2016

The Trip leaves BBC2 & heads to Spain

Last week we talked about the simple you can try resetting the things that you can do to check and fix entire printing system. printer problems with the Apple family. This will remove your This time we need to talk about the, slightly, more advanced steps to fix list of installed printers, clear your print problems that refuse to be fixed by the queue (including any previous jobs), simple methods covered last week. and erase any presets or other settings Step 1. Ensure you have the latest you’ve configured for the printers. drivers for your printer. This doesn’t It’s a last-ditch option that will wipe work like it does on Windows, as Mac OS X will automatically install the correct everything so you can start over from drivers for the printer when you add the scratch. printer to your system. Driver updates To do this, open the System Preferences will arrive via the normal software and click the “Printers & scanners” icon. update process.

Hold the “Control” key down on your To ensure you have the latest printer drivers, click the “Apple” menu on the keyboard and click in the list of printers. menu bar at the top of your screen and You’ll see a “Reset printing system” select “App Store”. Click over to the option — click it to reset your printing “Updates” tab and ensure you have the system. You’ll have to add your printers latest software installed, particularly from this window after you do so. and operating system or printer support If your printer has a status screen with software.

If it’s an AirPrint-enabled printer and a physical control panel on it, you may you’re printing via Apple’s AirPrint, you need to use that control panel to see a might need to update the firmware more detailed error message, or just to with a manufacturer-supplied firmware press “OK” to agree to an information update to fix issues.

Step 2. You may be able to make your message and get it printing again. printer work properly by removing it This screen may also provide access to from your system and re-adding it. information about the printer’s ink levels This may be necessary if it’s a network and functions like head-cleaning, too. printer and something’s changed with If you see a more specific error the network configuration. Mac OS X message on your printer itself, perform a will also detect the printer and install the appropriate drivers when you add web search for that error message. This the printer, so this is also a way to have should point you in the right direction so your Mac attempt to detect the printer you can identify your problem and find and install the appropriate drivers again. out how to fix it.

This will recreate its print queue, too, so So there you have it! Windows makes it’s also a way to fix a corrupted print fixing problems easier BUT Apple are queue.

To do this, open the System Preferences more thorough! At home I use Linux dialog and click “Printers & Scanners”. which is based on Unix which is what Select the current printer by clicking it and click the “-” button at the bottom of Apple’s Operating System is based on. the list to remove it. Then, click the “+” Just a thought if you don’t like Windows button and use the add printer dialog to and Apple just feels wrong :-) locate and add the For further information or advice on printer once again.

Step 3. If nothing computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk else is working,

A Kodak Moment

Remember the good old days when out dining in a restaurant; someone would whip out their 35mm camera and photograph their dinner; then once the film was finished it would be sent off for processing. A few weeks later with the photos back they would then visit their friends’ houses to show them the photos of the dinner they had eaten a while back?

I suspect nobody ever did the above, and other diners would have looked on agog if someone had.

What we of a certain age do recall though is that sense of excitement and trepidation from using a film camera. Unless using a Kodak Polaroid camera there was no way of knowing how any picture would turn out. The finished roll was posted off in a special envelope or taken down to Boots the Chemists. Only when the fat envelope thudded onto the doormat or was picked up from the processing lab would the results be known. A commercial photographer could get a sneak preview at the lab but for us mere mortals we’d no idea what results would slide out of the envelope. Nowadays it’s all so different and the word ‘Selfie’ has made it

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are taking their fine dining, gentle bickering, ruminations on getting old and endless impersonations of Michael Caine to Sky TV. After two highly successful series of The Trip on BBC2, the third series will be broadcast on Sky Atlantic.

The series, created and directed by Michael Winterbottom, has seen Coogan and Brydon travel on restaurant tours of northern England and Italy.

This time, the destination is Spain. Coogan said: “Having thought long and hard about yet another sojourn into culinary distractions and middle age, I have reluctantly agreed to Eviva Espana.

Coogan and Brydon play semi-fictionalised versions of themselves in the improvised comedy, although it is never exactly clear how blurred the line is between fact and fiction.

In the last series, Coogan talked mournfully about the doubleedged success of Alan Patridge, calling him an “albatross around his neck”. Interestingly, Sky also has Partridge on its books, again poached from the BBC, with the second series of Alan Partridge’s Mid Morning Matters due to begin on Tuesday night.

Winterbottom, who last year made a documentary about Russell Brand’s anti-capitalism campaign, said of the new series: “It has been more than three years since the last Trip, and travelling with Rob and Steve is always enjoyable – so it seemed like a good idea to go on another journey together – before they get too old.”

Zai Bennett, director of Sky Atlantic, said The Trip was “as close to perfection” as you can get in comedy. “It’s a rare chance to watch comic masters, totally authoring their work with creative freedom. It’s an absolutely perfect fit for Sky Atlantic.”

Fliming will begin later in the year, with visits to top restaurants in Cantabria, the Basque region, Aragon, Rioja, Castile-La Mancha and Andalusia. theguardian.com

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

into the dictionary. Oh, and some people insist on photographing their dinner.

Usually there were 24 or 36 frames on a roll of 35mm film; sometimes the number reel on the camera kept going and an extra shot or two could be taken before having to hand wind the film back into its cartridge.

Simple pleasures eh! In the early 70s Kodak launched its Instamatic brand using a 120 cartridge which didn’t need rewinding. Coincidentally the 120 cameras were relatively slim line, not unlike the size and shape of many mobile phones today. 120 was a hugely successful format and Kodak only stopped making the cameras in the mid-80s; then the film cartridges a couple of years ago. Smaller niche manufactures have now taken over the reins for the many camera buffs out there.

Until around 2000 film cameras were the norm rather than the exception.

Then as technology leapt forward the digital era stormed the world of photography. In 2003 Kodak launched the EasyShare camera; it was the first camera to have an AMOLED

display screen, the forerunner to the screens used on many phones and tablets nowadays. Kodak had conducted extensive market research discovering that women especially didn’t like the inconvenience of getting photos printed. So the camera was designed to plug straight into a Kodak printer. But, year later they stopped producing film cameras and laid off 15,000 employees.

A sad end as the World’s first commercial digital camera was made

by Kodak and sold under the Apple label in 1994. Even earlier in1986, the Kodak boffins created the first megapixel sensor; it was capable of taking a 7x5inch photo with its 1.4 megapixels. Even though their R&D was excellent Kodak’s bosses didn’t believe that digital would ever replace film; though their competitors did.

Minolta, Sony, Nikon and Fuji were so much better at exploiting the new technology and making more stylish and importantly cheaper products!

Kodak went from being a major player in the digital camera market and having 27% of the market in

1999 to filing for bankruptcy in 2012. What also didn’t help Kodak was that as this century grew up, mobiles and then tablets started to get better cameras attached. People kept the devices that did the most. I wonder what would have happened if a Kodak boffin had added a phone attachment to a camera 25 years ago.

Kodak also ceased production of their Kodachrome film in 2010 which was something Kodak execs never thought would happen. Kodachrome was introduced in 1935 and was the first commercially available colour film, responsible for many of the iconic images of the 20th Century.

Steve McCurry took this shot in1985 for National Geographic using Kodachrome film, it’s known simply as ‘Afghan Girl!

www.soltimes.com

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16

February 2016

WE HELP PEOPLE THROUGHOUT SPAIN EVERY DAY

The Avalon team explain how different the complex funeral system is here in Spain to both non-residents and those that live here all year round.

This affects everybody so we are committed to helping all UK, Irish and European citizens make informed choices.

• We also check all types of insurance to ensure each person is covered for everything they need to be.

• We offer a tailor made funeral plan to suit every client which is fixed at today’s cost.

Avalon Team Avalon has offices throughout Spain

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All our members are covered in Spain and the UK. You will automatically be covered immediately regardless of health issues or age.

SOLTIMES

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17

PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT

THE BEST PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

Number of New Buildings to Be Constructed Doubles in 2016 from the Last Two Years

Sales of New Housing Fall to a Record Low

While the housing market in Spain showed certain signs of recovery last year, with the official figures saying that home sales increased by 11% year-on-year, marking their best data since 2011, sales of new housing have continued to fall, registering their worst figures since the comparable statistics began, almost a decade ago.

In fact, the figures published this week by the National Statistics Institute reported that a total of 77,865 new homes were sold in 2015, which is the lowest annual figure since the statistics began in 2007. Year-on-year, sales of new homes registered a decline of 32% over 2014, while compared with the housing boom years this decline is more significant. Specifically, compared to 2007, the year which registered the all-time record in new home sales, with 326,380 transactions, the decline is over 76%.

Moreover, in some of Spain’s provinces the decline is even steeper. In Huesca, the level of sales compared to 2007 has fallen by over 90%, and a further 17 provinces have registered declines in sales of new homes in excess of 80%.

These are: Cadiz (-82%); Córdoba (-83%); Huelva (-83%); Jaén (-82%); Seville (-86%); Cantabria (-83%); Salamanca (-84%); Zamora (-89%); Albacete (-80%); Ciudad Real (-84%); Cuenca (-86%); Girona (-84%); Lleida (-88%); Tarragona (-81%); Valencia (-81%); Murcia (-87%) and Navarra (- 81%), Lugo is the province which has registered the smallest decline in new home sales since 2007, of 46%, while among the highest populated provinces, Madrid is the one which

has recorded the least reduction in sales compared to 2007, of 57%.

However, there have been years when sales transactions for new homes have outnumbered those for previously owned homes. In 2008 some 278,034 transactions were carried out on new homes, in 2009 there were 218,775 and in 2010 there were 220,612, but since 2011, the tendency has shifted in favour of second hand homes which accounted for 78% of all home sales in 2015, with 276,267 transactions, compared with new home purchases which, with 77,865 transactions, accounted for only 22% of the total sales.

Despite the reduction in sales of new homes registered in 2015, the construction of new homes has nevertheless grown. In the first eleven months of the year, there were 19,529 building permits authorised for the construction of new homes, which represents an increase of 17.8% over the whole of 2014. If the trend continues, last year could register the best figure since 2011.

El Economista reported that although the construction of new housing last year has risen over previous years, the figure is still close to 60,000 less than the total sold in the year, which indicates that the surplus stock of unsold new housing will continue to reduce again for the sixth consecutive year, and in fact could fall below the half a million mark for the first time since 2007. kyero.com

So, the property situation in Spain is looking brighter as each year goes by and the crisis is left behind.

We’re nowhere near the figures that we were used to seeing when the real-estate boom was in full swing, but today’s statistics are certainly a lot healthier than they were a few years ago.

And, these days even constructors and promotors can allow themselves to smile again, as a great number of them believe that this year more than double the number of new constructions will be built than have been over the last two years.

Experts have calculated that the minimum number of new constructions to appear this year is 100,000. They might not all be finished, as this could take some time, but the consensus is that 100,000 new buildings will at least be started.

Seven out of ten professionals (72.3%) within the industry believe that the number will be somewhere between 100,000 and 350,000, although almost half (47.4%) estimate between 100,000 and 175,000.

Nevertheless, even with the

minimum of 100,000 new constructions this year, that would still double the number of new constructions in both 2014 and 2015 put together.

And if we take 175,000 as the top figure for 2016, this would still exceed the accumulated number of constructions for the last four years: 2012: 44,200 new buildings 2013: 34,300 new buildings 2014: almost 35,000 new buildings 2015: almost 50,000 new buildings But, let’s not forget the remaining 25% of those interviewed for the study, as they are even more optimistic. The majority, 19.7% think that in 2016 there will be 250,000 new constructions in Spain, while 5.2% say that the absolute maximum will be 350,000.

And, at this maximum, we’re still looking at a figure that is less than half the number of new constructions from 2007, with 760,000 that year.

The record number fell in 2006, with a record-breaking 820,000.

Just a few years later, however, the number had plummeted to just 196,500 in 2010. http://www.onthepulse.es/`````````

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Landlords and Pensioners Are Main Investors in Cheap Property in Barcelona

With the current financial situation in Spain as it is now, with interest rates close to 0% and stock market shares falling, this precise moment has never been so enticing to new investors on the property market. And this is what’s happening all over Spain, but particularly in the area of Barcelona and its surroundings.

A new type of property investor has come onto the scene and is snapping up cheap properties with the intention of renting or just waiting and selling at a profit. And, unexpectedly, the new type of buyer has moderate savings (around 120,000 euro) and is either already retired, or close to being so.

According to a recent study carried out by Tecnocasa and the Pompeu Fabra University, one out of every four properties sold is to an investor (24.65%). Amongst these, 26.7% are over the age of 55, and 18.97% are already of pensionable age. This is a fairly uncommon situation as those in retirement usually hang on to their savings and prefer to keep them in the bank. However, with large sums of money not earning any interest, they are now looking for other options.

These are also people that know the market and the area where they opt to purchase a property, and therefore know what property prices are like now and how they were before the crisis. The type of property that this mature investor is looking for is generally small, with two bedrooms, without a lift, and which doesn’t need much further investment to do up or reform.

This is so that once purchased, the property can quickly be offered out to rent. They are mainly

properties that are overlooked as a potential main family home. There are many districts within the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat area where it is possible to obtain a property for less than 120,000 euro. In other cities, for example like Zaragoza, the same type of property would fetch around 70,000 – 80,000 euro.

While larger investors are still hesitant about investing in property with the intention to rent due to the legalities of evicting a tenant that hasn’t paid their rent for some time, the smaller, private investor is less at risk as he has the opportunity to meet the tenant before renting out the apartment and forming an opinion as to whether he is likely to default or not.

And the fact that there is such demand in the Barcelona area for rented property means that many with money to spare cannot pass up on the opportunity to make a profit from their cash.

In fact, an average of 34% of people in the Barcelona region are looking to rent a property, and this figure rises to 48% in L’Hospitalet and 44% in Valencia.

Profitability on rentals is also high in these areas with 6% profit made on a rental property investment in Barcelona and 7.7% in Madrid.

For those that require a mortgage for their investment, the amount required to borrow from the banks has been drastically reduced by as much as two thirds since before the crisis. House prices have fallen 55% since then on average and interest rates are the lowest they have ever been.

Source: www.lavanguardia.com

Second Hand House Prices Rose in January

The average price of second hand housing in Spain registered a monthon-month increase of 0.3% in January, to stand at 1,623 euros/m2, according to data published by property portal, fotocasa, while year-on-year prices fell by -0.3%, continuing the trend of recent months in terms of slight yearon-year price adjustments.

Since registering their record values in April of 2007, of 2,952 euros/m2, average second hand housing prices in Spain have accumulated a decline of -45%, which is equivalent to a reduction of 1,328 euros/m2. In fact, a total of 12 of Spain’s 17 regions have registered price declines in excess of -40% since the maximum prices reached nine years ago, with the most significant decline being registered in La Rioja (-54.7%), followed by: Castilla-La Mancha (-52.2%); Navarra (-52.1%); Aragón (-51.4%); Murcia (-50.1%); Valencia (-47.8%); Catalonia (-46.6%); Asturias (-45.6%); Madrid (-44.7%); Andalucía (-42.7%); Extremadura (-41.6%) and Cantabria (-40.1%).

In January, some 10 regions registered increases in the average price of second hand homes. The greatest increase was registered in the Canary Islands (2.1%), followed by: Aragón (1.2%); Valencia (1%); Andalucía and Catalonia (both

0.9%); Castilla-La Mancha, Navarra and La Rioja (all 0.8%); the Balearic Islands (0.2%) and Asturias (0.1%).

In contrast, Extremadura registered the greatest decline in second hand house prices in January (-1%), followed by: the Basque Country (-0.9%); Galicia (-0.6%); Cantabria (-0.5%); Castilla y León and Murcia (both -0.4%), and Madrid (-0.2%).

The Basque Country remains the most expensive of Spain’s regions, with an average price of 2,730 euros/ m2, followed by Madrid (2,197 euros/ m2) and Catalonia (2,064 euros/ m2), while the regions with the most economical second hand housing prices are Castilla-La Mancha (1,058 euros/ m2), Extremadura (1,100 euros/m2) and Murcia (1,145 euros/m2).

Month-on-month, some 30 of the 50 Spanish provinces recorded price rises over December, with the increases ranging from 2.6% in Las Palmas to 0.1% in Asturias. In Burgos second hand house prices remained stable over December 2015, while the 19 remaining provinces registered price declines, ranging between the decline of -3.3% registered in Ourense to -0.2% recorded in the province of Madrid. kyero.com

Home Sales in Spain Increased by 11.1% in 2015 The latest Transfer of Property Rights statistics released by the National Statistics Institute show that home sales in Spain rose by 11.1% in 2015, over the previous year, reaching a total of 354,132 transactions. This marks a second consecutive year of increases which, according to the Institute’s data, has been driven by the second hand housing market, and is the best figure recorded since 2011.

In December last year, home sales rose by 6.8% year-on-year, accumulating 16 months of increases, although, compared with November, they registered a decline of 3.9%.

In 2015, some 276,267 transactions were carried out on second hand homes in Spain, representing 78% of all the home sales transactions carried out in the year, and a year-on-year increase of 37.2%. In contrast, sales of new homes dropped by 33.7%, to just 77,865 transactions, accumulating five consecutive years of declines.

89.8% of all the homes sold last year, amounting to 318,055 transactions, were free housing, which

represents an increase of 11.1% over 2014, while sales of subsidised housing rose by 10.8% year-on-year, reaching a total of 36,077 transactions (10.2% of the total), following several years of declines.

The largest number of home sales per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015, were recorded in Valencia (1,322 transactions) and the Balearic Islands (1,177), while the region to register most housing transactions last year, in absolute terms, was Andalucía, with a total of 70,739, followed by Catalonia (54,571), Valencia (51,788) and Madrid (50,373).

In contrast, the regions which registered the least housing transactions in 2015 were La Rioja (2,561), Castilla y León (4,298) and Navarra (4,313).

In relative terms, home sales transactions rose in all regions in 2015, except for Navarra, where they registered a decline of 1.7%. The regions where these housing transactions increased most were the Basque Country (+17.2%) and Aragón (+16.6%). kyero.com

eurozone growth

The economies of the 19 countries that use the euro expanded by 1.5% in 2015.

In the last three months of the year, they grew 0.3%, compared with the previous three months, according to the statistics agency Eurostat.

The 28 countries of the EU also grew 0.3% in the fourth quarter, to a GDP growth rate of 1.8% for the full year.

Growth slowed during 2015, suggesting that more action may be needed to stimulate economies from the European Central Bank (ECB).

“We continue to think that further monetary easing is required, with further policy rate cuts on the cards from March onwards,” said Nick Kounis, economist at ABN Amro.

Eurostat also announced on Friday that industrial production had fallen 1% in December compared with the previous month, both for the eurozone and the EU. Year on year, it fell 1.3% in the eurozone and 0.8% in the EU. The biggest contraction in GDP came in Greece, where the economy shrank 0.6% in the fourth quarter, which was better than had been expected.

But the contraction in the third quarter turned out to have been bigger than previously thought, being revised from 0.9% to 1.4%.

Bbc.com

SOL Y MAR

20

sM030

CANTORIA

Mountain Views

120,000€

Well presented detached family home, fantastic value for money.

Set on 1000m2 of land, features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms fly screens, part AC and fully fenced with stunning views of the mountain backdrop. Ideal location and walking distance to the local town. This home is ready to move into and must be viewed to appreciate.

Lovely setting in small hamlet of houses in a semi rural location yet so close to all amenities of the local town of Cantoria.

SM042

SM005

CANTORIA

February 2016

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 360º VIEWS

109,000€

Superbly presented detached home with stunning 360º views across the valley Features 2 beds, 2 bathrooms, log burner, jacuzzi and many other extras.

This home is in immaculate order and ready to move into, contact us now for more information Set on 4000m2 of land this home has unparalleled views across the local countryside and must be viewed to appreciate. Only a short drive to the local town of Cantoria.

SM034

COUNTRY HOME

COUNTRY CORTIJO - FANTASTIC PRICE

ALMANZORA

100,000€

Spacious 3 bed 4 bathroom detached traditional cortijo with much charm and character and many original features. Most attractive and desirable location as short drive to the nearest village and just off main access road.

This large property offers scope for minor renovation hence the fantastic price.

This home comes with many extras including 4 outbuildings, garage and a new fitted kitchen. Set in a small hamlet of country houses in a setting yet so close to amenities.

A short drive to the traditional village of Almanzora with all amenities you would require including bars, cafes, medical centre and banks.

Only 10 mins drive to the nearest main market town of Albox.

CLOSE TO ALBOX

149,950€

Main property is a detached villa with 2 large bedrooms. Large master bedroom with ensuite with bath and separate shower. The second bedroom is large and has sufficient space for two double beds if desired. Partial air con. Large fitted kitchen / diner, lounge has inset log burner with a traditional brick fireplace surround.

Adjacent to the main entrance is a large patio area with plenty of room for alfresco living and dining from here there are views over the extensive garden and the above ground pool. Next to the pool is a separate annexe that could have various uses including store, studio or guest accommodation. Further down the garden there is a 4 berth caravan in good order, perfect for overspill of summer guests.

21

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Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox Email: info@solymarspain.com │ www.solymarspain.com sM041

PARTALOA

new listing

169,950€

Large detached 4 bed villa with extensive grounds and log cabin, in a quiet location.

Ample parking. Large walled patio with fixed BBQ, great views of distant mountain range. Large enclosed porch forms summer living room and dining. Large lounge with pellet burner, doors to the covered porch. Fully furnished kitchen. 4 double bedrooms two with fitted wardrobes. A/C & CH radiators in most rooms. Good quality log cabin with lounge/kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom and loft space could provide sleeping for another two. Outside is a porch overlooking the pool and country views. The pool is set in its own private walled patio with country views. Fully walled garden has many aspects affording a variety of views and peaceful spots where you can enjoy life in Spain.

sM026

TRADITIONAL MANY UNIQUE FEATURES

NEAR ALBOX

106,950€

Impressive and highly individual traditional semi detached home with many original features. There is parking to the front of the property. This home has 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two of the bedrooms are cave. Situated in a semi rural location with mountain views yet close to all local amenities.

This property is finished to a very high standard. Beautiful internal courtyard and roof terrace with stunning views across the rambla and countryside.

Move-in condition. The house is situated in a small hamlet of homes and only 10 mins drive to Albox.

RENTAL SECTION rsm009

CANTORIA

TOWN CENTRE

310€ PCM RENTAL

Traditional attached cortijo in the centre of town, walking distance to all amenities.

Has many original features, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and small courtyard to the side of the house. This house is available immediately for a long term let.

The property comes fully furnished including all white goods, off street parking and satellite TV. It is in a prime location as literally walking distance to town.

Cantoria is a lively bustling town with many bars and cafes, banks, supermarkets, medical centre and all local amenities you may require. Only 10 minute drive to the market town of Albox.

rsM015

LAS POCIcAS

STUNNING COUNTRY HOME

550€ PCM RENTAL

Well presented and newly refurbished semi detached country home with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. This house is in a beautiful semi rural setting in a small hamlet of homes with views of the mountain backdrop. Features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1000m2 of fully fenced land, large roof terrace with stunning views and swimming pool. This home is available immediately for long term let, furnished to a very high standard in immaculate order. Combines country living with access to amenities. Located 5 minute drive to Las Pocicas with a medical centre, shop & swimming pool. Only 15 minutes drive to the busy market town of Albox.

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

22

February 2016

MASSIVE FINES FOR ESTATE AGENTS ADVERTISING PROPERTIES WITHOUT ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES BY CATALONIAN GOVERNMENT

The “Generalitat de Catalunya” Catalonian Government (Catalonia is located north of Valencia), through the Catalan Consumer Agency (ACC ) has officially published (12th of January of 2016) that disciplinary proceedings have started against 42 Real Estate Agencies for advertising properties without having the obligatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). We are waiting to receive confirmation if these fining processes are also to be extended to the property owners.

The Public Department informs that inspections found these Agencies advertised properties without the

obligatory Energy label, in violation of the Law and the rights of consumers.

In some cases, Estate Agents have been advertising that the certificate is “pending”, as a mechanism to avoid the obligation. But authorities informed that the 42 fining processes started subsequently after the agencies failed to demonstrate that the certificate was being processed, according to sources of the ACC. Please visit the official information at the Government website following this link: http://bit.ly/1Q94D1m Please be aware that ultimately the responsibility of having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is down to the owner of the property (fines depend on the kind of infraction: marketing without an EPC, falsifying an EPC or not using a competent technician to issue the document). So if your Estate Agent is advertising / marketing your property without an EPC (to sell or rent) please be advised they are risking themselves to be fined and also potentially risking their clients and owners to receive a fine.

Also be aware you have the right to choose a technician to have your EPC done, so please contact Martinez de la Casa Architects and we will provide you with your property’s EPC guaranteed within a strict 48 hours deadline after our survey, a prompt and trouble free service for only 121 € all inclusive of IVA, official registration with the authorities and the registration tax. The same fixed price applies to any size build and is valid for 10 years.

We also offer substantial discounts for Estate Agents or group visits, so please ask your Estate Agent to contact us to get the most competitive rate possible for your EPC. Only Martinez de la Casa Architects can guarantee all services within a stated deadlines and fixed prices. With over 4,000 clients in South East Spain including the most reputable law firms and Estate Agents, Martinez de la Casa are considered one of the most prominent and respectable architecture practises. We also offer unbeatable discounts services combining your EPC with Habitation Licences (from 118 € IVA Inc included, Town Hall fees not included) or Certificates of Antiquity/ Retrospective Licences for pools (190 €+IVA) and extensions (270 € +IVA).

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive ever growing list with of over 150 testimonials by different clients.

Andalusia property owners must register under new rules Rental properties in southern Spanish region will have to be registered from May

Owners of rental properties in southern Spain face new regulations obliging them to register their properties as tourist rentals.

The Registry of Tourism of Andalusia (RTA), which includes the Costa del Sol where many Irish people bought property during the last economic boom, has moved to establish a register of tourist lettings. Owners will have three months, from May 2016, to register these properties on the RTA website.

The move follows the decision in 2013 by the Spanish government to relieve the Ley Arrendamientos Urbano (LAU) of responsibility for holiday rental properties. It passed the task of regulating these properties instead to the country’s 17 regional governments or Juntas.

Many Irish owners of properties in Spain let them out when not using them. When Spanish sales in Ireland peaked in 2006-07, many were made with borrowings, raised either in Ireland or Spain. Following the property collapse, in many cases the borrowers have been heavily reliant on rental income to pay down loans.

The prospect of regulation and the hidden and stated costs involved in

meeting regulatory requirements is likely to prove unpopular.

Owners who let out more than three properties within a 1km radius will have to register as “Apartamento Turistico”, a category to which more stringent regulations, and presumably more expense, will apply.

The mood among owners is not helped by the hard line taken by the Junta de Andalusia on compliance. It has been reported that it may issue fines of up to €150,000 to those found to be flouting registration.

The RTA will outline minimum accommodation requirements for tourist accommodation providers.

The official line on the need for regulation is to improve accommodation quality, reduce tax fraud and prevent unfair competition.

This final point is controversial, as a powerful hotel and tourism lobby is

seen as the driving force behind the push to regulate. A deep recession and websites such as AirBnB have been eroding profitability in the industry.

The worry is that the move will involve costs for smaller operators that are proportionally much more onerous than those borne by larger tourism operators.

The Junta estimates there are 80,000 private properties offering up to 400,000 beds as tourist

accommodation, either on a parttime or full-time basis. The intention is to have tourist rental activity fully regulated by the end of summer of 2016.

So far 11 of the 17 Juntas have published intentions to regulate holiday rentals. For those with property in Spain and unaware of the regulations pertaining to their area, there is a useful guide at spanishpropertyinsight.com. http://www.irishtimes.com/

23

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y t r e p o pr r e d n i f ANOTHER WORLD PROPERTIES S.L.

Next to Camposol Insurance & opposite the Butchers

Centro Commerical B Urb Camposol, Calle Jara 34b, Mazarrón 30875 Murcia Tel: +34 968 592 679 www.anotherworldproperties.net

New build Villas with Gardens 3 bed,3 bath,Terraces inc roof. Living room open plan. Kitchen open plan modern. Aircon extra. Underfloor heating, electric shutters. Pool available extra.

Furniture available extra. Luxury at it’s best. Close to shops and bus routes from €208,500

Buy any of these properties and receive ONE YEARS FREE property GKPNBAVIII management and a WELCOME Quesada GIFT for your new home in Spain Contact Ena Cummings for more info or to view call into our office Calle San Jaime Bajo 5 Benijofar.

Tel: 636 942 204 ● www.goldenkeysproperty.com

Choice Rentals Alicante Dream Homes, your Inland Property Specialists For your dream Spanish Villas, Country Fincas, Alicante country houses, Murcia Villas and Costa Blanca property Contact: -

Spain tel: (+34) 645 746 176 or UK tel: 020 3695 8977 Email: alicantedreamhomes@gmail.com Apartado 256, Pinoso, 03650 Spain

Almeria Property

Agency Sales & Lettings - Inmobiliaria Visit us to see what the Almeria property market has to offer Office: 850 993 099 Mobile: 628 872 334 Email: info@almeriapropertyagency.com

www.almeriapropertyagency.com

We are looking for all types of properties in Guadamar, El Raso & surrounding areas for long term & holiday lets call Heidi on 645 140 718

Email: info@choicerentals.es

Choice Rentals... helping you make the right Choice!

Are you looking for an agent you can trust to rent or sell your property?

Please contact us on info@opgroupspain.com or call: 966 729 653

OP

GroupSpain

J Galvez Renero S.L

Urgently require properties for sale in the Mazarron area.

Email jgalvezrenero@gmail.com or telephone 968 153 707 For A No Obligation Valuation & Competitive Rates

RENTALS? Short and long term lets available, in & around Camposol.

More properties also needed.

For more info, contact Tracey Tel: 0034 699 107 072 Email: camposolvillas4rent@yahoo.co.uk Web: camposolvillas4rent.co.uk Now Located in the Villa Quest Office

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950 121 936

24

February 2016

How To Clean The Oven

property services

What You Need Oven Baking soda Water Rubber gloves Damp dish cloth Plastic or silicone spatula Spray bottle White vinegar

Instructions Remove the oven racks: Remove your oven racks, pizza stone, oven thermometer, and anything else you have inside the oven. Set aside.

Make a baking soda paste: In a small bowl, mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Adjust the ratio of both as needed until you have a spreadable paste. For me this took about 3 tablespoons of water to get the desired spreadable consistency.

Coat your oven: Spread the paste all over the interior surfaces of your oven, steering clear of the heating elements.

I used gloves for this portion as my oven was pretty grimy. It helped me really get in there and coat the dirtiest nooks and crannies without having to worry about all that grime under my nails. The baking soda will turn a brownish color as you rub it in; it also might be chunkier in some places than others. That is fine. Just try to coat the whole oven to the best of your abilities, paying attention to any particularly

greasy areas.

Let it sit overnight: Allow the baking soda mixture to rest for at least 12 hours, or overnight.

Clean your oven racks: Meanwhile, clean your oven racks. See the full cleaning tutorial here.

Wipe out the oven: After 12 hours or overnight, take a damp dish cloth and wipe out as much of the dried baking soda paste as you can. Use a plastic or silicone spatula to help scrape off the paste as needed. I found that the damp cloth was enough for me, but a spatula might come in handy in those hard-to- reach places.

Spray a little vinegar: Put a little vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz everywhere you still see baking soda residue in your oven. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and gently foam.

Do a final wipe down: Take your damp cloth and wipe out the remaining foamy vinegar-baking-soda mixture.

Repeat until all the baking soda residue is gone. Add more water or vinegar to your cloth as needed while wiping to really get Prompt and reliable service, the oven clean and shiny. no job too small.

Replace your oven racks: Full bathrooms or just makeovers Replace the oven racks and anything else you and handyman service. keep in your oven, and 24 hour call out you're done!

Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160â‚Ź http://www.thekitchn.

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Tel.. 605 305 405 NEW BUSINESS? 2 WAYS TO ADVERTISE CALL 950 121 936 OR EMAIL YOUR ADVERT TO blancasales@soltimes.com

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

www.soltimes.com

Cuthbertism

Sacerdote del Semblante Lánguido arrived in Alqueria as a young man full of hope, piety and optimism. As a young and energetic priest he was committed and idealistic. It wasn’t to last. His grandiose plans for the spiritual salvation of Alqueria came to an abrupt end one Friday afternoon in January. Manuela asked the worthy priest to take her confession. He simply wasn’t ready for it, few people are, in fact no one is. His hair turned white, he was unable to process the information and began a frantic search for understanding.

His search took him to the teachings of Nietzsche and Sartre, which he preached from the pulpit much to the annoyance of the church establishment.

A bishop was duly despatched to Alqueria where he suggested that Existentialism was perhaps not a fit credo for his congregation. Semblante was past caring.

Existentialism relieved him of any responsibility to his congregation. How could he be blamed if nothing made sense? Why should things make sense? It simply didn’t make sense for things to make any sense.

Semblante was ‘off the hook’.

He needed to find a framework in which to weave Existentialism into a worshipable faith within his newly formed ‘Church of Alqueria’. He already had the building and congregation, such as it was, all he needed was a ‘creation myth’. His studied those of ancient China and Greece and after a vivid

viewpoint

if not troubled dream he drafted his creed.

Cuthbert was the superior being singled out for worship by the Church of Alqueria.

Cuthbert, according to Semblante lived in a ‘semi’ in the celestial suburbs. One rainy day in February he was preparing a paella after consuming rather too much wine, in fact he was totally ‘wasted’. Making a complete ‘hash’ out of the paella he accidentally created the universe. His wife, Mrs Cuthbert was furious, “How can I feed our children on that universal, it’s meaningless” she screamed and threw a plate of stale Boquerones at him.

She missed and the Baroqueness were sucked into the newly formed universe thus creating life. Now Cuthbert, realising that his universe was indeed meaningless and totally devoid of any intelligence whatsoever flushed it down the loo, this is why of course the galaxies are in the form of spirals.

The Sunday observance in the Church of Alqueria is to the ‘Holy Paella’ and the ‘Boquerones of Genesis’. They pray for a cosmic plumbing failure so the universe as we know it, or as least as Semblante knows it can be saved.

The established churches were quite happy for the spiritual well-being of Alqueria to be taken out of their hands and so accepted the teaching of Cuthbertism into the mainstream of world religions where of course it justly deserves to be.

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com - www.daviessolicitors.com MENTIONING A TRUST ON A SPANISH WILL IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE. SOMETIMES WHAT IS LEGALLY POSSIBLE AND WHAT IS PRACTICAL IS NOT THE SAME THING. THIS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE. Question: I had a Spanish will made out for myself and my wife some time ago. We have recently hired a solicitor to handle a conveyance and he has taken a look at the wills and told us they are not good and that we should make new ones. We are now uncertain of what to do. We have attached the wills for you to take a look at them. Our instruction to our original solicitor in Spain was for him to do exactly what we did in the UK on our English wills. He said that since the Directive 650/2012 this can be done.

Answer.

As my granny would always say: a little knowledge can cause a lot of damage.

There is no doubt, the will is dreadful.

You must change it. I doubt the person who prepared your will has ever dealt with probate in Spain and in fact I doubt the person is even a solicitor. ( I say this because any solicitor I know would tell you that your will is asking for trouble). The will essentially translates the English will you handed over and sets up a trust to protect your children versus your second wife. Even though Directive 650/2012 allows English law to be applied (by choice of the testator) to how an estate is distributed in Spain, using institutions like trusts will cause endless problems and expenses for your heirs because Trusts are not understood in Spain the same way as in UK. So Certifications of English law (which are very expensive) will be required to help wind up the estate (by explaining the content of English law). To this you

will have to add a lot of problems with Spanish Inheritance tax (remember Directive 650/2012 has no effect on the taxation of the estate).

In Spain it is the beneficiary that pays inheritance tax and not the estate.

Descendants and spouse in Andalucía are exempt if they each receive less than 175,000€. In this case the trustee is a non-family member and as he has faculty to dispose of assets, the Spanish tax office could interpret that he is in control of the estate and is the person who owes the tax. As non-family he would receive a large tax bill. (This could all be battled out but it would be a mess.)

Conclusion: Keep things sensible and uncomplicated. In this case achieve what you want using methods that are common practice in Spain. (Even though with the Directive it is possible to have the will run under English law you must remember that probate will need to be obtained in Spain, so making a will that nobody understands in Spain is not a good idea It would be up to your heirs to prove what UK law says and I can tell you from plenty of experience that dealing with Trusts in Spain is nightmare scenario.) In this case leave the life possession of your property to you wife and the residual value to your children.

With the values you have sent me the estate will be exempt, probate will be simple and both your children and your wife will be fully protected as you asked for.

Michael Davies. Abogado.

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

And As For Answering

I am not the only one suffering the high-minded whims and peccadillos of the Smartphone. It extends its over-engineered perversity to any innocent person who may wish to get in touch with me via the ether.

When anybody rang me on Stupidphone all I had to do was open his lid and press the symbol of a phone to make the connection.

Stupidphone carried all the information necessary to make and receive a call right there in plain sight. His sole effort towards obfuscation was to offer choices, such as Message, Contacts or Missed Call, all of which could easily be found by tapping Options. This was all I needed – a phone is for making phone calls, isn’t it?

Not so Smartphone! Should someone ring me he plays what he considers to be an appropriate jingle, accompanied by a vigorous and rather unnerving vibrating action. I capture him and clasp him tight, fearful lest he might elude my grasp and jump onto the floor in an expensive act of suicide.

I open his fashionable turquoise jacket, squeeze the tiny button on his side that opens communication between us, and wait. Eventually his screen lights up in psychedelic greeny-yellow, and displays a green symbol of a human head in the bottom corner.

Common sense suggests that a tap on this symbol will establish contact, but Smartphone despises anything so straightforward and logical – I have to swipe it! And not just swipe it, but swipe it in a manner acceptable to Smartphone.

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk It has to be neither too hard not too gentle, and in the exact right place and direction; should I not contact the exact centre of the symbol, or not angle my swipe at the precise angle he favours, then he continues to ignore me while the unfortunate person at the other end of the call wonders what the heck is taking me so long.

Should I miss a call, no doubt due to procrastination by machine, he suggests that maybe I would like to re-dial, simply by pressing the green button. That is an absolute, bare-faced lie! There is no green button ANYWHERE on the phone’s blank face!

Neither can I look to see whether I’ve missed any calls –there is no facility for viewing missed calls – so if you called me and didn’t get an answer, you’ll just have to call again! Sorry.

In short, don’t call me – email me – much less complicated and almost certainly quicker!

puzzle pages

26

February 2016

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

3

Winter

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

The remaining letters spell a Japanese proverb.

3. Which sporting term possibly stems from the poorly pronounced translation of the word ‘egg’?.................................................

4. Which natural phenomenon is responsible for the creation of fulgurites?....

5. Cape Agulhas is the southern most point of which continent?.....................................

6. Similiar to samosa’s, what are the small Spanish stuffed breads or pastries called?...

7. 75% of all the countries in the world are found where; north or south of the equator?

8. Which colourful comic book hero is the Lone Ranger’s grandnephew?......................

Answers

9. Plaster of Paris

4. Lightning

8. The Green Hornet

3. Love in tennis

7. North of the equator

2. China

6. Empanadas

1. Anne Hathaway

CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC crossword

10. Cuban cigars

5. Africa

SOLUTIONS

ICE FISHING ICICLES KNIT CAP LONG UNDERWEAR MITTENS OLYMPICS PARKA SCARF SEASON SKATES SKI DOO SKI PANTS SKIING SLED SLEET SLIPPERY SNOW CASTLE SNOW PLOW

wordsearch answer

standard SUDOKU

10. Just before signing the United States trade embargo against Cuba in 1962, President Kennedy instructed Pierre Salinger (his press Secretary) to buy what?..

easy SUDOKU

name?.........................................................

BLACK ICE BLIZZARD BOOTS CARNIVAL CHRISTMAS COLD EGG NOG FIREPLACE FIREWOOD FOG FREEZE FROST GLOVES HAIL HEADBAND HIBERNATION HOCKEY HOLIDAYS

SNOW SHOVEL SNOW TIRES SNOWBALL SNOWBOARD SNOWFLAKE SNOWMAN SNOWSHOES SOLSTICE SOUP STEW STORM SWEATSHIRT TOBOGGAN VACATION WIND CHILL WOOL SOCKS

ONE KIND WORD CAN WARM THREE WINTER MONTHS

9. The better known name for calcium sulphate hemihydrate contains a European capital city. What is the better known

soltimes sport Quiz

1. London hosts/hosted the 2012 Olympic Games. In which previous years have London hosted the games?...................

2. In the 1994 Winter Olympics, how many athletes represented Israel?......................................

3. How old was Linford Christie when he won gold for the 100m in Barcelona (a record age)?.....

4. Which Olympic sport is played with stones and brooms?...................................

5. Which racket sport made its Olympic debut in 1992?............

6. What colours make up the Olympic rings?.........................

7. Considering that India has a population exeeding one billion people, how many gold medals did India win at the Beijing games of 2008?............

8. How many national Olympic committees exist (Plus or minus five)?.............................

9. The first disabled athlete to compete in the Olympic Games was American George Eyser in 1904, he had one artificial leg.

In which event did he compete?

10. Which track athlete won the gold medal in both the 200 and 400 metres in gold shoes at the 1996 Olympics?..................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

wordsearch

Red, Yellow & Green 7. One 8. 204 9. Gymnastics 10. Michael Johnson

2. In which country would you be if you found yourself at the furthest point from any ocean?..................................................

1

1. 1948 & 1908 2. One 3. 32 years old 4. Curling 5. Badminton 6. Blue, Black,

1. Which modern Hollywood actress shares her name with Shakespeare’s wife?.............

4

2

Answers

soltimes Quiz

IDENTIFY THEse FAMOUS actors

1. Ed Begley Jr. 2. Bruce Willis 3. Benny Hill 4. Charlton Heston

on this day 18th February

1478 – George, Duke of Clarence, convicted of treason against his older brother Edward IV of England, is executed in private at the Tower of London.

1885 – Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is published in the United States.

1978 – The first Ironman Triathlon competition takes place on the island of Oahu and is won by Gordon Haller.

1991 – The IRA explodes bombs in the early morning at Paddington station and Victoria station in London.

2013 – Armed robbers steal a haul of diamonds worth $50 million during a raid at Brussels Airport in Belgium.

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puzzle pages

27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

8 Cry loudly (4) 9 Shot from a bow (5) 10 Fake (4) 11 Zodiacal twins (6) 12 Ability to read and write (8) 13 Remembrances (8) 15 Adorned (furniture) (6) 17 Anagram of “Deserts” (7) 19 Self-importance (7) 22 Pre-built (6) 24 Imagines to be true (8) 26 Bells in a tower (8) 28 Difficult to detect (6) 30 Final (4) 31 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5) 32 Heroic (4)

Down

1 Ebb (4) 2 Chicago’s state (8) 3 Large North American deer (6) 4 Uncultured (7) 5 Hitting swiftly (8) 6 Stellar (6) 7 Ketch (4) 14 Mistake (5) 16 A small picture inserted within another (5) 18 Occlusion of a blood vessel (8) 20 Shook (8) 21 Inane (7) 23 Swoons (6) 25 A yellow-and-black Eurasian finch (6) 27 At a distant place (4) 29 Placed (4)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Saturations in 10 places, reportedly (11) 7 Take action against woman (3) 9 Amusing funnyman (5) 10 Surprisingly re-enlists those hearing a radio programme (9) 11 Meddle in the heartless referee, missing a couple of Egyptian leaders (9) 12 Even floor (5) 13 Foes see me in trouble (7) 15 Refuse of French New York (4) 18 Account about unit of area (4) 20 Fix the others mineral (7) 23 Sound on return is echo (5) 24 Odd Essex vice is over the top (9) 26 Helper organised satanists (9) 27 Fruit oil disturbed - very English (5) 28 Bind in the nineties (3) 29 Communities of strange nettle stems (11)

Down 1 Leaning incorporated in LED outside (8) 2 Fruit to mother extremities (8) 3 French resort river is more pleasant (5) 4 I will half-need ship disease (7) 5 Alternatively move Diane outside street (7) 6 Single LP’s arranged for the organisations of letters (9) 7 Arm of garment in aisle, even... (6) 8 ...as I hid in Ely without difficulty (6) 14 Goes up in wrinkles (9) 16 Place returns? No - it is operation (8) 17 Officials about - free sulphur outside England (8) 19 Graceful and a gentle organisation (7) 20 Channel Islands Tango in real performance (7) 21 Supporter in broken tin baby (6) 22 Time with offspring for type of paper (6) 25 Violent weather in West or Midlands (5)

famous birthdays on this day

standard

1609 – Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, English historian and politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (d. 1674).

1959 – Jayne Atkinson, English actress.

1975 – Gary Neville, English footballer and coach.

1985 – Anton Ferdinand, English footballer.

soltimes famous quote

28

February 2016

NIGEL SLATER’S CAULIFLOWER RECIPES

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Whether creamed or spiced or crisped, cauliflower is enjoying its moment of fame.

It’s time you got reacquainted from www.theguardian.com

Roast Spiced Cauliflower

INGREDIENTS

yellow mustard seeds 2 tsp

cauliflower 1, medium to large

ground turmeric 1 tsp

Serves 2 as a main dish, 4 as a side groundnut oil 4 tbsp fresh ginger 30g

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. Trim the cauliflower and cut it into large florets. (If you intend to cook it whole, hollow out the stem.) Steam or boil the florets for 7-10 minutes, until almost tender.

Pour the oil into a pan, not too deep, and large enough to take the cauliflower, with just enough room for you to get a spoon in to baste.

Grate the ginger finely into the oil.

Finely chop the chillies, discarding the seeds if you wish, then add to the pan. Peel, crush and add the garlic, then place over a moderate heat and let the spices and aromatics cook for a few minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the mustard

seeds and continue cooking until the garlic has softened, then add the garam masala, turmeric and salt.

Pour the coconut milk into the spice mixture, stir well and season with a little ground black pepper.

When it starts to bubble gently, turn off the heat, place the drained cauliflower in the dish then baste it with the coconut-spice mixture.

Bake the cauliflower, basting occasionally with the spiced sauce in the roasting tin, for 40-45 minutes. If it has caught a little on top, then all to the good. Chop the pistachios and the coriander, then scatter over the top as the cauliflower comes from the oven.

Ruby’s

URBANISATION EL RASO, CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR, JUST OFF THE CV895 LEMON TREE ROAD, 03140

TEL 622 434 912

Opening times 10am till Late Tuesday - Sunday

garam masala 3 tsp sea salt flakes a scant tsp coconut milk 400ml

green chillies 2

shelled pistachios 2 tbsp

garlic 2 cloves

coriander a handful of leaves

F O K TAL OWN T E H T Open Mon-Sat from 9am Closed Sunday Campsol Sector B, Next door to Consum Tel: 634 31 32 32

Eat i Takeor n away

A wide selection of delicious food available including hot and cold baguettes etc ...

Excellent Coffee Come and enjoy a Pint or Bottle of Estrella Beer, A Glass of Wine or Tinto from 1.50€

Menu Del Dia 12.30pm - 4pm Tuesday - Friday 4 Course 7.95€ Full Main Menu 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch Available 2pm - 7pm 3 Course 9.95€ / 2 Course 7.95€ Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm Wednesday is quiz night with Nick Marshall with our great 5€ meal deals for quiz players PLUS Karaoke with guest singers Last person standing, winner takes all

GREAT FUN NIGHT OUT

29

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F O K TAL N W O THE T

Open 7 Days a Week 12noon till 10pm

QUESADA FISH & CHIPS

Menu of the Day 12noon till 5pm

Cod or Haddock Chips, Peas, Bread and Butter

€7,00

Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas

€6,00

All Day

Takeaway Also Available Quesada Villamartin Plaza

966 719 136

966 764 441

harry’s bar 965 999 973 Open Daily from 9am until late Avd. Costa Azul (at the top) Quesda Free Dessert With Any Main Meal Purchased With This Advert

(valid until 29th February 2016.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers) Call 656 613 356 for Reservations OPENING HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday:12:30 to 10pm

Urbanisation El Raso, just off the Lemon Tree Road, Guardamar

LUNCHES, SNACKS AND EVENING MEALS AVAILABLE DAILY

FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Served 10 – 3pm only

3.50€ inc. Tea/Coffee

SUNDAY ROAST from 7.95€ QUIZ NIGHT

With Play Your Cards Right Every Monday from 9pm Special dietary requirements catered for.

Please advise when booking.

SPECIAL DEALS for group parties, clubs & societies

MOTHER’S DAY

Sunday 6th March Fabulous Sunday Lunch

Kitchen Open: Mon – Sat 10am – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm. Sun 10am – 7pm

FOLLOW HARRY’S BAR ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES COMPLIMENTARY WINE OFFER Dine with us Tuesday to Friday during February and enjoy a bottle of our superb Synera house wine on us, FREE!

*Offer Valid for the set menu or a minimum 2 courses pp from a la carte menu

Come and enjoy warm hospitality and great food.

Relax in our comfortable and smart surroundings.

Enjoy live music entertainment with us every Saturday 20th February: ROSE MACLEAN ● 27th February: IT TAKES TWO Make Sundays special with our delicious Sunday Lunch menu 3 course menu, 13.50€, including wine Served from 1pm to 9pm. Our A La Carte menu is also available.

LUNCH AND LIVE MUSIC: Thursday 25th

Enjoy lunch & live music, choose from our Set Menu (15€ for 3 courses) & A La Carte menu plus our Complimentary Wine offer applies too.

Doors open 1pm, perfect for a pre-lunch drink on our rooftop terrace.

Table Reservations

965 077 444

info@laurelandhardys.com

Opening Hours Tuesday-Saturday from 6pm Sunday from 1pm-9pm Monday - Closed

Calle Los Arcos, 21 Ciudad Quesada w:laurelandhardeys.com f: Laurel & Hardy’s, Quesada Elevator available ● Gift Vouchers available

30

February 2016

'It's an act of war!' French horror French supermarkets banned from throwing at British 'pancake massacre' away and spoiling unsold food

England has declared war on France, according to a French newspaper - because of the way we 'massacre' pancakes.

The controversy began on Shrove Tuesday, when an English user on Reddit and Imgur revealed how a French colleague had brought a stack of homemade crêpes into the office for his colleagues to enjoy.

But rather than simply taking a crêpe off the top, another worker carved a slice out of the entire stack, as if it was a cake.

"A French colleague made crêpes today. English people are barbarians," the caption read.

After the picture went viral, the Libération newspaper described the offence as a "declaración de guerre" and " ‘le massacre anglais des crêpes françaises".

"If we needed a further reason for the French rugby team to massacre the English on March 19 at the end of the 2016 Six Nations, here is one," the newspaper thundered.

Many English were amused at the controversy however, with one Imgur user saying: "This makes me oddly proud to be British."

Another went so far as to suggest this was a passive-aggressive attempt to disrupt the Entente Cordiale. "As a Brit, this person knew exactly what they were doing," they insisted. -The Telegraph

Organic farming 'could be key to feeding the world as global warming takes hold'

Organic farming – long held to be irrelevant in tackling world hunger – could be key to feeding the world as global warming takes hold, one of the biggest studies ever to be carried out into the “contentious” practice has concluded.

The research, which has reviewed hundreds of studies stretching back over four decades, not only overturns conventional wisdom but contradicts Britain’s official Food Standards Agency, which has repeatedly attacked chemicalfree agriculture. It adds to emerging evidence that it may be more productive and profitable than conventional farming in the long term, especially in developing countries, and says it can provide an “ideal blueprint in addressing climate change”.

Published this month in the leading journal Nature Plants, the study admits that “organic agriculture has a history of being contentious” and is still considered by its many critics as “an inefficient approach to food security and a farming system that will be become less relevant in the future”.

It adds that the practice is regarded as “ideologically driven”, with “many shortcomings”, not least because it “relies on more land to produce the same amount of food as conventional

Supermarkets in France have been banned from throwing away or spoiling unsold food by law.

The stores are now required to donate unwanted food to charities and food banks.

To stop foragers, some supermarkets have poured bleach over the discarded food or storing binned food in locked warehouses.

It will apply to any supermarket with a footprint of 400 square metres or larger.

If companies flout the law they could incur fines up to 3750 Euros.

Jacques Bailet from Banques Alimentaires, a network of Food banks, told the Guardian: "Most importantly, because supermarkets will be obliged to sign a donation deal with charities, we’ll be able to increase the quality and diversity

agriculture”, And it quotes a 1970s US Agriculture Secretary, Earl Butz: “Before we go back to organic agriculture in this country, somebody must decide which 50 million Americans we are going to let starve or go hungry”.

Yet, the study – led by Professor John Reganold of Washington State University – goes on, “organic food and beverages” are now “a rapidly growing market segment in the global food industry”. Worldwide sales increased fivefold to US $72bn (£50bn) between 1999 and 2013, and are expected to double again by 2018. The practice is certified in 170 countries and the current US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, describes it as “one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture” driven by “growing consumer demand.”

The research also acknowledges it produces lower yields than chemically driven agriculture, but at 8 –25 per cent, the reductions are less than often supposed. Another mammoth study – at the University of California 14 months ago – found that the deficit could be more than halved by rotating crops and avoiding monocultures: for leguminous produce such as beans, peas and lentils there was no difference at all and overall it could be “a very competitive alternative to industrial agriculture”.

But it is climate change that may give organic farming the edge. As the new research underlines, “organically managed farms have frequently been shown to produce higher yields than their conventional counterparts” during droughts, because the manures they use retain moisture in the soil. And severely dry conditions “are expected to increase with climate change in many areas”.

As other studies have shown, organic fertilisers also increase the amount of carbon in the soil, while intensive agriculture denudes it, increasing erosion and reducing its fertility. Wheat, for example, has traditionally produced much higher

of food we get and distribute "In terms of nutritional balance, we currently have a deficit of meat and a lack of fruit and vegetables. This will hopefully allow us to push for those products.

"That is very important for food banks because this is a real source of quality products, coming straight from the factory."

Mr Derambarsh is now looking to get an EU-wide law banning supermarket food waste.

He said: "The next step is to ask the president, François Hollande, to put pressure on Jean-Claude Juncker and to extend this law to the whole of the EU. "This battle is only just beginning.

We now have to fight food waste in restaurants, bakeries, school canteens and company canteens."-The Independent

yields in conventional than in chemical-free farming, but these have now stagnated for some 20 years after almost tripling during the previous 50 years.

Losses of organic matter from British soil now cost the country £82m a year and the Government admits that this is “not sustainable in the long term”. But it has done little about it: there is not even any countrywide monitoring of soil health.

Organic techniques, moreover, are even more effective in developing countries, where most farmers cannot afford to buy much artificial fertiliser or pesticide. One UN report which looked at 114 projects, involving nearly two million African farms found that they more than doubled yields.

Chemical-free farming is also more profitable in both developed and developing countries, the new report adds: four decades of studies covering 55 crops grown on five continents found they yielded a 22-35 per cent better return than conventional produce. This was, of course, due to the premium organic producers can charge, but even slashing the price differential several times over would still leave them better off. And they employ more people.

More predictably, the report finds that organic farming is better for nature and wildlife and reduces exposure to toxic pesticides both on the farm and in food. And it adds that 80 per cent of major studies into its nutritional value have suggested that it is better for consumers, contradicting the position of the Food Standards Agency.

It stresses that “no one farming system alone will safely feed the planet”, but calls for “the untapped potential role” of chemical-free agriculture to be realised by blending it with the best practices of its conventional counterpart.The Independent

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Tel: 950 121 936

MABS MAZARRON EVENTS

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

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & ALMERIA

Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166 / 687 250 860

Archaeological Museum

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

Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda.

Tel: 968 493 287. Entry: Individual €1.20 Groups €0.60

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.

St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church

We hold services each week at 10.30am on Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join us. For further details, call Rev. Maureen Kent 968 970 637

- community news welcome events

sales@soltimes

Welcome Group Events Wednesday February 24th. - Get ready to dance the night away at Mariano’s with 3 very talented artists Vice Verse Her. €8 Wednesday March 2nd. - Ladies charity evening at Mariano’s. Fashion show by three charities, MABS, GOMAD & AGE CONCERN together with stalls and raffle. Finish the night off dancing to the ever popular Woody. €3 Wednesday March 23rd. - Dance at Mariano’s with two fantastic artists, Sandy Fitzpatrick and Darren Jones always a great night. €8 Saville Trip Monday May 2nd. - 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.

June 6th Trip to Cuenca, Toledo & Aranjuez staying in the 4* Hotel Ciudad in Cuenca for night of 6th June then at 4* Hotel Eurostars in Toledo for nights of 7th & 8th June, all B&B. Also a trip to Aranjuez. €190 (€25 Deposit when booking) Wednesday June 22nd. The Welcome Summer Ball at La Cumbre Hotel, Puerto de Mazarron. Start the evening with a champagne reception, followed by a 6 course meal including drinks, and then dance the night away with Rob Sweeney. Rooms are available for €50 if you would like to stay the night or book a seat on the coach for €8. This is always a very popular event so book early to avoid disappointment. €30 For more information or to book your tickets, call Rosemary on 620 105 179

The Lions of Mazarron Bahia

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Lions? The Lions of Mazarron Bahia have members A parkinsons Support Group from as far afield as Puerta Lambreras who car share On Tuesdays at 11am At Bobbie Jo·s, Los Montisinos to the meetings and functions so if you are from For a chat and a cup of tea For further information round this area and interested in finding out about contact Wally Williamson On 966 770 871 the Lions please feel free to contact either Alistair :- Alistair.mcewan1@gmail.com or Ken :- barum@ Roman Catholic Church hotmail.co.uk . We will be looking to hold a ‘Get to Saladillo, Mazarron ( close to Camposol) know the Lions’ at a local venue near you in the near Mass in English every Saturday at 4.30 pm future to answer any questions you may have.

Mass in Latin every Sunday at 4.030pm For further information please contact Father During the final 3 months of 2015 the Lions raised Octavio on 676 219 445 or Father Carlos on 628 824 €1135 at a Race night for MABS who are trying to raise €16,000 for another hospice room for Cancer 555. patients, this will be an ongoing fundraising project for the Lions throughout 2016.

Talks & Workshops MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing We also raised €1320 at a STRIDES walk which goes Group Every Mon Fortuna. Taking place every other to sending children with Diabetes away to a camp Monday at Urb. Las Kalendas from 14:00. For further to have fun whilst learning how to manage their information email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com diabetes, we have gone from funding 2 children 4 years ago to 10 last year. All of the participants have given feedback as to how much they have enjoyed the camp.

In 2016 we aim to expand our teams of listeners During December the Lions ran ‘Operation Kilo’ around Spain. during which members of the Lions and the Leos ( If you are resident in the Mazarrón área and would a junior branch ) collected food from outside of the like to hear how you can join us as a Listener or spare local supermarket. In total 9 trolleys of food were a few hours a week to help with fundraising / other handed over to the Cruz Roja to be handed out to events held in the area please contact our General local people in need. Along with this 60 presents Manager stephenrbaker@outlook.com to register where also given to the Cruz Roja for local children. interest in attending an initial group meeting locally.

We already have events planned for this year www.samaritansinspain.com starting with a Masked Ball, 19th March, at Oscars Also on Facebook and Twitter. (Volunteer positions on Camposol. The next event is a Fun Race Night on 20th April at Mariano’s, this is not your usual big are unpaid but certain expenses can be claimed) screen races but an audience participation event, great fun I assure you. There is also a Presidents night and a Charter dinner coming up along with a Monday - San Pedro del Pinatar Garden Party in June as well as a social lunch every Tuesday - Los Alcazares / Alhama de Murcia month, tickets for all these events can be obtained Wednesday - Santiago de la Ribeira / Fuente from the Lion’s stand outside Oscars every Friday from 10am till 1pm.

Alamo / Totana

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN -

MARKET DAYS IN THE AREA

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

We are looking to spread out to cover a larger area so are looking for members within driving distance of Mazarron who are interested in becoming members and to be able to hold events and help deserving causes in those areas. Are you interested, if so either email Alistair or Ken or come long to the meetings which are held on the first Monday of every Month, 5 o’clock, at Cat’s Bar on Camposol.

31

Ex-Servicemen’s Association

Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) events 2016 Sunday 6th March Trevi Restaurant, Camposol B Mothering Sunday Lunch -1.30pm for 2pm Wednesday 13th April - To be Confirmed Possibly an Indian Meal, 7.30pm for 8.00pm Wednesday 11th May Costa Celebracion Rooms, Mazarron Town 10th Anniversary Dinner Dance and Raffle 7.30pm for 8pm Membership and enquiries, Ian 629818611 or esamd.espana@gmail.com

MABS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MURCIA MAR MENOR EVENTS LIST

Friday 11th March Spring Market, 11.00am – 3.00pm La Zona, Los Alcazares, Lots of stalls offering great value fashion, shoes, bags, crafts, cards, home ware, accessories, skin care & make up, home bakes plus many more. Plus a hand picked selection of high quality, previously loved fashion, shoes & accessories. If you would like a stall please email mabsdonnawalsh@gmail.com Like our facebook page to be kept up to date with all of our fundraising events. www.facebook.com/mabsmurciamarmenor Volunteers Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at Roda’s Bar, Roda 11.00 for 11.15.

If you are interested in helping MABS and would like to know more, come along to the meeting or phone our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Sylvia on 634 353 575.

Share & Care Group is held on the 3rd Friday of the month at Vintage Restaurant, San Javier between 11.00am and 1.00pm . This is an informal get together for anyone affected by cancer. Newly diagnosed, cancer survivor, family or friends and indeed anybody affected by cancer or bereaved is welcome to come for a coffee and a chat and to meet others in a similar situation. For more information please call Anne 693 795 247 or the centre 868 171 035.

Book Stall at The Arches Bar, Los Narejos, Los Alcazares EVERY Saturday between 10.00am – 1.00pm. Book donations always welcome.

Charity Shop: Avenida de la Union, San Javier is open Monday – Friday 10.00am – 2.00pm Good quality second hand clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac. Donations gratefully received. Ring 968 191 300 during shop hours.

Information Centre: Urb Foque, Avenida Mar Menor, San Javier is open Tuesday & Friday 10.00am – 2.00pm. Drop in for information or help for anything related to cancer. A volunteer is always available to make you a coffee and take the time to talk. Ring 868 171 035.

Cancer does not discriminate and neither do MABS, we help anyone of any nationality affected by cancer. HELPLINE 693 275 779 anytime.

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

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

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

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

32

February 2016

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936

Pets In Spain Jet

Mountain View

Cat hotel Hondon de las Nieves/Frailes

Centrally-heated houses with large individual runs Love and care will be lavished during your cat’s stay My 29 years of experience in animal and veterinary care will give you piece of mind

Pick up & delivery service offered for coastal areas

Telephone: 966 195 816

Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473

www.mountainviewcathotel.webs.com

APAH

APAH urgently need a home or a long-term foster home for Ruben. Ruben is a 10 year old Spanish Water Dog. He is a lovely dog, sweet natured and undemanding. He was abandoned because his owner did not want the responsibility of caring for an older dog.

Ruben shouldn't be in kennels at his age, he deserves somewhere warm with lots of love. If you can help care for Ruben,

please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Jet is 13 weeks old and looking for a forever home.

He has been in foster since he was 6 weeks old and is in excellent health. He has had his first vaccination, house trained and good with other dogs, he will be medium size when fully grown. www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.com Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

SOL CLASSIFIEDS AIRPORT PARKING

For sale

ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UP TO 300€ FOR FREE EMAIL:SALES@SOLTIMES.COM BY THURSDAY 5PM

pool tables snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

4€ 1 DAY

Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com

Reebok mini trampoline exerciser 36 inches 20 €.

Ladies Raleigh cycle P2000ALU aluminium frame 18 gears VGC lights, back rack, lock etc 50€.

Auto massager, stand on with belt 2 speed old but works 12€. Decathlon D o n n y ’ s exercise cycle with manual 40€.

Gents Raleigh mountain bike Manta ray 21 gears 50€.

Delta AB- Tech workout with manual 12€.

White bathroom cupboard, top is slightly marked, W 23 1/2”/60cms D 12”/30.5cms H 321/2”/82cms

12€.

Lovely glass dropped chandelier 5 glass shades bayonet fitting with bulbs 15€ Tel: 968 131 879 Camposol area D ecathlon D onny ’ s exerci s e cycle with manual 40€, Gents Raleigh mountain bike Manta ray 21 gears 50€, Ladies Raleigh cycle Aluminium frame 18 gears 50€, Auto massager, stand on with belt 2 speed old but works 12€, Aerobics step on short legs with height adjustment underneath 12€, Delta AB-

Tech

workout

with manual 12 euros,

White

b a t h r o o m cupboard, top is slightly marked, W 23 1/2”/60cms D

12”/30.5cms

H 321/2”/82cms 12€,

Lovely

glass

dropped

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34

February 2016

motoring section for sale and Wanted Fiat Punto June ‘10 - 3 door hatch 1.3 JTD Multijet 44,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, Multi-spoke alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors High spec model, CD Rear privacy glass City mode, Bluetooth Red

Hyundai i10 2012 5 door hatch 1.0 Classic (68 bhp) 34,000 kms 1 owner Manufacturers warranty!

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Skoda Fabia Dec ‘05 - 5 foor hatch 1.4 TDi 57,000 kms 2 owners Full service history A/C ABS, CD player Remote locking E.windows/mirrors Multi Airbags, PAS Rear head restraints Metallic silver

Mercedes SL55 Sports cabriolet 2003 - Sports Cabriolet 32,200 kms 2 owners, AMG spec A/C (Full climate) ABS, 5-Spoke Alloys Parking sensors 5-Speed auto Bluetooth Front fog lights Rain/Light sensors Stunning specification Metallic silver

BMW 630I May ‘09 - Cabriolet 3.0 (270 bhp) Auto/Tip 67,624 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys Cruise, Nav, Xenon Wind deflector Memory/heated seats Park sensors, Phone Wind deflector Met champ. Full leather Black power hood

Mercedes B180 CDi Sport 2014 - 5 door hatch 1.5 Sport 6-Speed 46,700 kms, 2 owners Fully serviced A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise E. windows/mirrors Cruise, Isofix, Head Lamp Wash, Bi-Xenon ESP, Parktronic Head lamp wash Met silver Half leather

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Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor Cab Aug ‘06 - Cabriolet 1.8 Kompressor 82,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C (Climate), Xenon 17” Alloys, Cruise Head lamp wash Auto fold mirrors Rain/Light sensors Reverse camera Navigation, Bluetooth Metallic silver

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A classic 1957 Ferrari is set to become the most expensive car to sell at a European auction.

The red 335 Sport Scaglietti will to go under the hammer Friday afternoon in Paris at the Retromobile auction in Paris, with a price estimate of $30-$34 million.

The car is described as “exceptional in every respect” and was raced by some of the world’s greatest racing drivers, including Stirling Moss and Mike Hawthorn. It won the 1958 Cuba Grand Prix and came second in the ill-fated 1957 Mille Miglia, where a crash killed several spectators.

The vehicle has been owned by Ferrari collector, Pierre Bardinon, since 1970 and has been infrequently sighted since.

“Photographs of this car appear in the most important books on the history of the marque. It is rare that a racing car of this caliber has such clear and direct history, without any uncertainty, and with a small number of owners. Such provenance, racing history and historical importance makes this one of the most important Ferrari in the history of motorsport,” Artcurial Motorcars, which will auction the Ferrari, says on its website.

At present, the record for a car sold at a European auction is £19.6 million (then equivalent to $29.7 million). That was set in 2013 by a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Formula 1 racing car at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale in England. The world record for a car at auction is $38.1million for a Ferrari GTO that sold in the U.S. in August 2014.The record for a car sold to a private buyer is $52 million, also for a Ferrari 250 GTO, according to the Guinness World Records.

However, the market for collectible cars looks uncertain in 2010. January auction sales at Scottsdale — the U.S.’s largest auto auction by volume — fell by 15 percent to $251 million. This was the first drop in sales since 2010.

Film Review

The Counsellor

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

“To aspire to the stone’s endless destiny. Isn’t that the meaning of adornment? To enhance the beauty of the beloved is to acknowledge both her frailty and the nobility of that frailty.”

Star-studded actors: Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and of course husband, Javier Bardem, wonderful scenery of Texas and California from the acclaimed writer Cormac McCarthy who made his screenwriting debut here with his wit, dark humour and a nightmarish scenario with graphic images more akin to horror. Well it is an 18 and not suitable for children. McCarthy is seen as one of the greatest American living authors. You may remember “No Country For Old Men” (2007) which left me cold, also starring Bardem as the baddie, Anton Chigurh who embodied pure evil. “The Road” (2009) was just as bleak. McCarthy’s trademark is the frequent use of graphic violence which includes disturbing details and I mean disturbing.

Directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator fame). Scott’s brother committed suicide during filming and the film was dedicated to the memory of Tony Scott. The plot is straightforward and touches on themes connected to morality, love, ambition savagery and man’s greed for power and wealth.

If you are a McCarthy fan you probably belong to an educated, elitist group, lost in translation springs to mind adapting the novel into a screenplay/film. The film isn’t successful in spite of these famous actors, too many things happen behind the scenes and the characters are thrown together to deliver philosophical statements about the nature of mankind, greed or simply, bloodlust, monologues that you might see in Shakespeare, out of place here.

“Greed really takes you to the edge, doesn’t it?” spoken by the Femme Fatale, Malkina, unconvincing as the lover of an eccentric playboy Reiner. Cameron Diaz represents pure evil ; she will kill for drugs equating to wealth. She hires her hitmen of course, indulges in kinky sex with a Ferrari and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The scene at confession when she tries to turn the young Priest on is creepy. She gets turned on

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35

950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

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by watching her two pet cheetahs chasing jackrabbits in the desert: “ The hunter has grace, beauty and purity of heart to be found nowhere else.” The cheetahs or Malkina herself?

The Counsellor, Fassbender is a lawyer with a beautiful girlfriend, Laura (Penelope Cruz) and he travels to Amsterdam to buy a beautiful diamond ring for his beloved.

We are meant to believe that he aspires to the playboy image and suffers the sin of avarice. Unfortunately, he is naïve and gets involved with Reiner, Westray (Pitt, meant to be the shifty facilitator) and dubious and dangerous business associates in drug trafficking from Mexico to the USA. Very dangerous and risky. He fails to listen to some sensible advice and things turn out really nasty with double dealings and betrayals. This could have been a Greek tragedy. His flaw is his greed to finance his burgeoning lifestyle. A fatal flaw, no less.

Four drums are loaded onto a truck containing 625 kilos of drugs (cocaine) worth about 20 million dollars. In one of them is the decaying corpse of an illegal immigrant, put there as a sick joke.

These barrels of cocaine are hidden in a full sewage tanker but when the vehicle is sabotaged it leaves in its wake plenty of bloody corpses. Se Fue. Reiner, Westray and the Counsellor are on their way down, actually on their way out. “Headless body baffles police.”

If you think this scene is gruesome involving The Green Hornet wait until you see the Bolito in action in the streets of London. It can cut a person’s head off-the wire cuts through the carotid arteries. Not a pleasant sight. Be warned. Mexican cartels had a vicious reputation and a lust for blood and guts.

Monsters are created. McCarthy’s world shows a nihilistic bleakness; it certainly comes across as a bloody tale of betrayal and retribution, it explodes with violence from start to finish. Don’t try counting the dead, mutilated bodies. It’ll give you nightmares.

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36

T.M.G.S. @ La Finca 10/2/16

La Finca was the choose venue for the 3rd round of our Captain’s Stableford Competition.

This competition is played on 5 different courses throughout the year and the best 3 cards from each player are added together, obviously the highest score wins.

The course was in good condition but the tricky pin placements and some of the tees were back on the white tees so anyone who could break par would have played particularly well.

As it happens only one player managed to score a par 36 points.

In recent months it has been noticed that the greens have become much harder and faster, supposedly this is to help reduce the pitch marks, but what it has done is to make putting an art, as you look down the line, it’s in, no it’s not, yes it is, no it’s not, in the end it comes down to luck!

At this point it’s worth noting that we had €33 in our “2’s” pot and as the putting seemed to be throwing up a few problems, Secretary Joe Dean thought that it must be safer to miss the green on the 3rd and just chip-in for his birdie 2. It was the only 2 of the day.

In the N.T.P. Competition Graham Rickelton was closest on hole 3, Joe Dean on hole 6, Kristin Palsdöttir on hole 13 and Hermes Woerdemann on hole 16. Graham Rickelton also won the visitors category with 33 points.

The Winners of the Silver category were :- 4th John Dursley 32 pts. 3rd Jack Daroszewski 33 pts, 2nd Mick Kennedy on lower handicap with 33 pts.

And the winner of this category was 80 years young Irishman Robbie Ray with 35 pts. In the Gold category: - Cuddly from Dudley, aka as Alan Rickers came 4thwith 30 pts. Alex Alm had the same score but with his lower handicap took 3rd place.

The only Viking in the prizes this week was Sverre Sonesen in 2nd place with 32 pts.

And with the best score of the day Bob Watson took 1st place with 36 pts. Photo:Gold category winners. Forthcoming venues: La Marquesa 17/2, 24/2 Villamartin 2/3 Campoamor.

For more information visit www.tmgs.org or call 661 524 101 Facebook/TMGSGOLF or Twitter @TMGSGOLF

February 2016

ROCKET’S GOLF SOCIETY VISTABELLA GOLF – 9th FEBRUARY 2016 It was back to Vistabella on a bright but chilly February morning but the sun got up to strength and made it a very enjoyable day and a course that is in very good condition and very playable, with greens that held your shots and putts (when hit properly). It was a very good turnout despite an early chilly start and it became shirt sleeve order although ideal day for golf, the scores did not reflect it.

But let’s face it its February RESULTS GOLD CATEGORY 1st Ron Chambers 31 pts 2nd Seamus Martin 27 pts C/B 3rd Mike Freeman 27 pts SILVER CATEGORY 1st

Arthur Williams

34pts

2nd Rocket Ron 26 pt 3rd Ken Hopkins 25 pts NEAREST PIN Hole 4: Tom Richardson Hole 8: Malcolm

Anderson Hole 15: TITCH LONGEST DRIVE: Ivie Davies Best Guest: Norman Kemp 32 pts So it was back to St James’s Gate for the celebrated munchies, thanks to Martin, and Mandy for their hospitality.

Our next game is at El Plantio Golf on Tuesday 23rd February.

First tee 10:00am so please be there by 09:25 For more information or if you wish to play with arguably the friendliest Golf Society contact Ron Nicholson on 678849142 or email sanmigron@gmail.com Photos: Cat 1: 2nd and 3rd: Seamus Martin and Mike Freeman Cat 2: 2nd and 3rd: Rocket Ron and Ken Hopkins Nearest The Pin Winners:

El Plantio 2 Golf Society

CD Thader 4 v. Daya Nueva 0

After a slow start from both sides Daya gifted Thader the opening goal ! Jota's cross field pass was easily intercepted by a home side forward whose shot Danni could only help over the line in the fifth minute. The goal seemed to knock Daya's confidence and their play became very ragged. On twelve minutes a long throw in caused mayhem in the visitors' defence, Danni had to make a good save to push the ball away to safety. Even though Thader were having the lion's share of the ball with just the one goal in it Daya were not quite dead and buried yet. With minutes to go to the break it was 2 - 0 when a Thader player took on and beat three or four Daya defenders to cross to an unmarked colleague who had the easiest of chances from close range to beat a a stranded Danni.

So 2 - 0 at half time and it was difficult to see how the visitors could get back into the game given the dominance the home side had enjoyed in the first half. Just two minutes into the restart Daya conceded a third goal following sloppy defending that allowed a fiercely struck shot to whistle past Danni. It was now damage limitation time as Thader swarmed all over the Daya defence. On fifty five minutes though a chance did fall to the visitors when a rare defensive slip from the home side gave Alberto a chance to shoot but his poorly struck shot was easily saved. Another good chance for the visitors saw Marcos hit a stunning shot that had goal written all over it, only for the keeper to make a fantastic save. The home side attacked immediately forcing a great stop from Danni but as the ball spun towards the goal line Jota somehow just managed to get a foot to it. On sixty eight minutes another thumping shot gave Danni no chance and Thader their fourth goal. Another last ditch clearance by Jota on eighty five minutes prevented a fifth goal as Thader continued their dominance of the game right to the final whistle. So final score 4 - 0 but the gap in class was far greater. Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab

Despite strong winds, which increased as the rounds progressed, several members managed to post very good Stableford scores for their `Joker` competition at El Plantio on Tuesday, 9th February. Unfortunately for Dave Southwell, a poor return from his two bonus holes prevented him from claiming 1st prize, despite registering a handicap reducing 40 Stableford points and he had to settle for 2nd prize of a bottle of gin – shame.

Nearest the pins – Hole 4 , Gordon Abba : Hole 6 , Ian Craig.

In 3rd Place, Handicap 11 with 41 points – Keith Smith.

In 2nd Place, Handicap 17 with 43 points – Dave Southwell.

In 1st Place, Handicap 8 with 44 points – Dave Swann.

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 Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and play in the Society as a government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate guest or join as a new 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 member, contact Ian made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality Henderson 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 on 966 716 616 or 636 Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010 116 230.

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37

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motoring

review

New Seat Ateca crossover in pictures: Spanish rival for Qashqai SUV

112g/km) Prices, on-sale date Seat will open the order books on Seat.co.uk from 11 February 2016, and the Ateca will roll into dealerships in time for the new 65-registration number plate in September.

No word yet on cost ahead of the Geneva motor show, but insiders vow it’ll be competitively priced against the Qashqai et al. Our best estimate is for sticker prices to kick off from £18-19,000.

It's been a long time coming, but Volkswagen's Spanish outpost has finally jumped aboard the fast-moving crossover bandwagon: meet the new Seat Ateca, named after a Spanish town and due in UK showrooms in September 2016, priced from around £18,500.

That's half a year after its formal debut at the Geneva motor show in March, but they're in no mood to rush this launch. It's a major plank in Barcelona's expansion plans, as it seeks to cast off the shadow cast by super-successful sister brand Skoda: the Ateca is Seat's first fully fledged SUV (barring curios such as the Altea 4Track we last drove in 2007) http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/ It’s aimed squarely at the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and the market-leading Nissan Qashqai. Despite being shorter than Nissan’s pioneering family crossover, the Seat has a considerably bigger boot at over 500 litres, the company claims.

Ateca: the key to unlock future Seat growth No surprises for guessing why this car is so important. Chairman Luca de Meo predicts the crossover segment will grow by a further 25% in western Europe: this additional model stretches the brand into more family-friendly niches - perfect for those trading up from a Leon hatchback.

And the car will be followed by a smaller SUV, based on the forthcoming VW Polo-based Juke rival being cooked up in secret test labs of Wolfsburg, as well as a larger off-roader Based on a platform related to that underpinning the new ENGLISH VW Tiguan, the Ateca harnesses the power of the Volkswagen AND mothership’s MQB architecture, here dubbed MQB-A1. That means that most models will be front-wheel drive, but the 4Drive badge engine with 113bhp. The most powerful model boasts a brawnier, SPANISH on the car pictured in our photo gallery signifies that a Haldex part- more Cupra-esque 187bhp. Both 1.6 and 2.0 diesel engines will be offered, the latter with the option of 4wd (badged 4Drive). time 4wd system is available on higher-spec diesels.

It’s clearly not going to challenge a Land Rover Discovery Sport Key stats are: for off-roading class honours, but the torque-shuffling, all-wheel- CO2 emissions From 112-141g/km drive ability means it can scramble out of a gymkhana mudbath Claimed average fuel economy 47-66mpg and up a snowy drive with minimum drama, vows Seat R&D chief Petrol engines 113bhp 1.0, 148bhp 1.4 (CO2 from 123g/km) Matthias Rabe.

He also told CAR that the Ateca could easily adopt a hybrid Diesel engines 113bhp 1.6, 148bhp or 187bhp 2.0 (CO2 from powertrain in future, although there are no current plans to launch this technology.

Gadgets, features and spec That MQB foundation brings a host of clever-clogs equipment: cameras to check behind you and to the side LOS DOLSES S.L when ignoring the Highway Code and reversing out onto a main road; a bird’s-eye view panoramic camera; footwaggle-to-open electric tailgates for mums in a rush; and wireless charging of suitably specced mobile phones BEST There’s no denying the familiarity of the Golf/Octavia/ PRICES A3/Leon-alike interior (or exterior, for that matter). But PAID CARS FOR CASH that’s the price you pay for leveraging group scales of economy. Both Seat and Skoda are piggybacking the Call Spencer on 637 090 665 Tiguan for quick-fix SUVs to plug gaping holes in their MECHANIC WORKSHOP product portfolios.

PHONE JAMES on 672 532 758 And, make no mistake, the cabin is an impressive place to sit: it’s very roomy, in both rows, and you get the excellent 8in touchscreen, which controls most of the car’s impressive connectivity functions. Apple CarPlay features, as does Mirrorlink and Android’s system for hooking up your mobile All Mechanical Repairs phone.

The boot’s big, too, at Diagnostics, Car Servicing 510 litres (shrinking to Cambelts, Tyre Repairs 485 for 4wd models), and there are nifty levers in Laser Wheel Alignment the luggage compartment to flop the back seats Welding, Exhausts, ITV flat without you lifting a Headlight Refurbishing / Cleaning finger. You can spec an electrically hidden towbar IS YOUR ITV DUE SOON? and the powered tailgate Pre-ITV check, Plus I will take your car to the ITV station.

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Engines largely reflect Contact Chris on the range available in (0034) 634 048 339 or 642 923 669 the Leon - and the Ateca And have your car repaired by a reliable, expert and time served mechanic. becomes the second Garage Services, Ctra de Benijofar, San Miguel de Salinas model after the Ibiza to Finca Garroferos - Nave 13, Algorfa 03169, Alicante sport the group’s new 1.0 (Off CV940 - behind the Zoco Sunday Market Algorfa) TSI three-cylinder petrol

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38

Ozone Torrevieja Bowling Centre

Tuesday Night Trios

Ten Pin Bowling League.

Performance of the week must go to Las Guapas, Suzanne Cleremans 200 scr /250hdc game, 613series, Anita Roels 600hdc series ,Alberte Hubert 592hdc series helping them to a 6-2 win , over second placed Right Move Insurance, Team Finland extended their slender lead at the top of the table , with a 6-2 win over Cruiserz thanks to a KeijoLiikanen 612hdc series, Cruiserz taking the middle game , Inga – LillSoderstrom top scoring with a 575 series. Splash continued to maintain the pressure on the top two teams with a 6-2 win over Caballo Negro, Diego Monoz top scoring for Splash with

February 2016

a 574hdc series. Mixers Sun Set Beach remain in fourth position after another 6-2 win over B T 2 , despite a Werner Koninckx 629hdc series for B T 2, Mixers Kjell Monsen posting a 248scr game in a 610scr series. Split Happens took the first two games against The Dreamers, Neil Pipkin a 602hdc series for Split Happens, but Pete Ward 557, Rod Day 571 and Don Galley 552, hit back in the last game to snatch a draw , taking the overall pinfall by a single pin, thanks to two strikes by Don in the final frame of the match. Right Move Insurance slipped two places, losing 6-2 to Los Bandidos.

Juan’s Warriors remain in a two way battle at the foot of the table with The Dreamers

Quesada Golf Society

Last Wednesday the Society made the short journey to the “Lost City” otherwise known as Entre Naranjos where Vistabella Golf Course is situated. The 11 hole course was in good condition. The course is not overly long with the main challenges presented by the course being the large number of bunkers and the undulating greens which on the day were slick and fast. What was visible from the course was the work going on to extend the course to 18 holes which is good news.

Should be ready for play by this time next year. The weather on the day was perfect with only a very light breeze.

The turn-out was a bit on the low side with 17 golfers contesting an individual stableford competition. The scores were low with nobody coming in with 30 points or more. The winner on the day was “Diddy” Dave Winchcombe with 29

BRADLEY BREAKERS

points who beat his best mate Brummie boy Ray Lee on C/B. They always have a side bet but neither took the money as they ended all square. In 3rd place with 27 points was Man Utd fan and not the West Ham Utd legend by the same name, Tom Taylor, who pipped 4th placed recently joined member David Trotman on C/B. The Nearest the Pin winners, who each went home with a bottle of wine were Dave Winchcombe, Tony Forbes, “Wild” Bill Acton, and Tom Taylor with two. Well done Tom you certainly had a good day. The 2´s pot was taken by John Featherstone who returned home with a fistful of euro´s.

The scratch-card was won by Tony Forbes with Bournemouth.

After the game the players returned to the society base at the Quesada Country Club for the presentations, a drink or two and a tasty hot and cold buffet kindly provided by mine hosts.

The club has recently undergone refurbishment and is now bright and airy and well worth a visit.

The next society game is on Wednesday 24 February at, what many golfers consider to be the best golf course around here, Las Colinas.

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

Darrylldinho

965 723 270 607 848 332

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Lime bar Golf Society Los Altos, Orihuela Costa Pat Creegan

The Golf societies' venue for the 10th February 2016 was held at Font Del Llop Golf Course.

Twenty-nine members teed off on a pleasant sunny morning. The course was in excellent order and the conditions initially allowed it to be played well. However, very strong winds developed later which hampered a number of players.

The competition was in the Stableford format and the scores recorded are as follows: Nearest the pin on the 3rd hole was Pat Creegan Nearest the pin on the 8th hole was Les Thwaites Nearest the pin on the 12th hole was Les Thwaites Nearest the pin on the 16th hole was Alun Hewitt Nearest the pin on the 17th Hole was

Best guest was Keith Wood with a score of 13 points Silver Class in 3rd place was Nev. Greenwood with a score of 27 points Silver Class in 2nd place was Dave Railton with a score of 27 points (on countback) Silver Class in 1st place was Pat Creegan with a score of 29 points Gold Class in 3rd place was Bill Denne with a score of 27 points Gold Class in 2nd place was Les Henderson with a score of 29 points Gold Class in 1st place was Ken Farrow with a score of 34 points A very enjoyable days' golf in pleasant company, thanks to the committee for organising the event and the LimeBar staff for providing the meal, also to the ladies for selling the football draw.

It was sadly announced that our Chairman Tony Jones Mother has passed away. Condolences were observed and our sympathy and thoughts are offered to him and his family at this sad time.

Sent from Mail for Windows 10 to the ladies for selling the football draw.

EUROGOLF GREENSOMES

39

Los Amigos Golf Society; February 2016 competition

In a galaxy far, far away, ‘The Federations’ Golf Club (good) at Paraleja invited the ‘New Republic’ aka Los Amigos Golf Society (v good) to do battle on their course (quite good). At the dead of night and guided only by the distant light of the Death Star (v bad) 40 intrepid rebels (good) set off at light speed for a distant land.

Unfortunately the ‘First Order’ (bad) had got there first and had sabotaged the course with magnetic sand traps, boggy fairways and had their own double agent caterers in place. Unbeknown, Fred Harvey unwittingly placed his own ‘First Order’ of coffee and bacon butties for himself and his playing partners, believing these had been provided by the New Republic (good). He was astonished as one of the disguised Storm Troopers (bad) presented him with a bill for €24 (v bad...

but funny!) With light sabres at the ready, battle commenced at the rising of the sun and it turned out to be a wonderful day for combat. It would appear that one of the rebels, Keith Collins (good..ish) aka dolly dealer n°2, was playing with a ball that closely resembled ‘droid BB8 (very good) as it seemed able to find its own way into the hole for not one but two birdies (suspicious). Keith has since been tarred and feathered to resemble one of his birdies (very bad).

As always the battle was close; in division 1, Peter Coupland (v good) won on count-back from Geoff Ewins (also v good). In division 2 Dave Gautier (exceptionally good) won with a score of 36 points to become the clear winner. In Division 3, Eddy Spong (v good) won with 27 points, winning on countback from Rob Jowett.

The Nearest the Pin winners were; Hole 2; Dave Pugh 9.2 metres, Hole 7; Fred Harvey 5.85 metres, Hole 9; Neil Macfarlane 12.5 metres, Hole 12; Alan Benton 7.56 metres and Hole 16; Dave Gautier 5.1 metres.

The Final Prize of the evening was a free draw for all members attending the Presentation Evening.

A voucher, donated in lieu of the Captain's Green Fees, for a round of golf plus buggy for two players was won by Alan Benton.

Another brilliant day and yet another excellent presentation evening the following night at the always welcoming Black Bull, Camposol. With the Death Star destroyed, all Storm Troopers vanquished and only a handful of members still chewing ‘baccy’ (get it?), this was another great day for Los amigos Golf Society aka The New Republic.

Playa Flamenca Walking Football Tournament Friday 4th March 2016 10am-5pm Playa Flamenca Sports Center (CDM) On Thursday 11th February Eurogolf played a Greensomes format which means 2 players Tee off then they decide which drive to take then continue with alternate shots. The winners with an incredible score of 45 points were the team of George McCallum and Maralyn Eckersall 2nd were Robin Richards and Alan Venables with 44 points and 3rd were Pino Perito and Lorraine Walker on 43 points. NTP´s 5th David Blanchette 11th Ray Porter 15th Keith Wright 17t6h Ian Stewart.

Football draw John Hill TUESDAY TOFFS On Tuesday 9th February nearly 60 players took part in the weekly stableford competition at La Marquesa.

The results were Cat 1 1st Paul manning 38 2nd Keith Wright 33 Cat 2 1st Bob Shorley 34 2nd Gloria Manning 34 Cat 3 1st Mary Sanderson 35 2nd Ray porter 34 Cat 4 1st Gill Gordon 36 2nd Chris Stanley 35 Overall winner with an impressive 38 points Paul Manning. NTP´s 5th Keith Wright 11th David Gregson 15th Ken Enever 17th Ian Pegg. Football draw Ian Stewart, Joy Gray, Keith Wright and Bill Martin

8 teams are Participating Teams from

Congratulations to all the winners. If you would like to play with Toffs and Eurogolf at La Marquesa on Tuesdays and Thursdays please visit the website www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk.

refreshments available Spectators welcome – come watch and enjoy

Both ladies and gents welcome.

England Los Montesinos Moraira Daya Vieja Playa Flamenca

Proceeds to Elche Children's Home Further Details from -TERRY SAWKINS

965319279

40

SOLTIMES february 2016

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•VW California edition 2.0TDi Auto, 2015, Delivery kms. €POA •BMW X5 M-Sport, 40D x-drive, 2014, New shape, 48,000km..€67,950 •BMW 428 coupe Luxury Auto, 2014, 4,700km...................€39,950 •toyota fj cruiser 4.0l petrol, auto, 2009, 87,000km.....€poA •Audi Q7 S-line, 3.0 TDI, diesel, 2007, 170,000km..............€19,950 •hyundai i30 1.4 Crdi 2013, 5-doors, silver........................... €12,950 •Toyota yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012, 40,000KM.................................... €12,950 •Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 HDi Auto, 2011, 98,000km.......................... €POA •Toyota Avensis 2l D4D, 2010, 60,000km..................................€11,950 •Ford Fiesta 1.25 Duratec, 2015, 4,000km.............................€10,950 •Audi A3 2.0TDi DSG Automatic, Sportback, Automatic, Silver, Alloy Wheels, 2006, 149,000km .................................................€10,950 •Mini Cooper Clubman 1.6D, 2011,166,000km...................... €10,950 •Peugeout 207 sw 1.6 HDI estate, 110,000km......................... €9,950 •SEAT ALTEA XL, 1.9TDI, 2009 , 70,000KM.......................................€9,950 •Peugeot 207 SW 1.6HDi, 2007, 89,000km....................................€7,950

•ford fusion 1.4 newport, 2007, blue, 85,000km...................€5,950

•Ford Fiesta 1.3 Petrol,2007, 68,000km..................................... €5,450

•Opel Meriva 1.3CDT1, 2006, 156,000km......................................€4,450 •Chrysler Grand Voyager 3.8 Auto, 2001,166,000 miles. €3,950 •chrysler stratus 2.0 auto, 1999, 104,000km.....................€2,950 •Citroen xsara 2.0 TDi, Diesel, 2003, 139,000KM................€2,950 •Fiat Palio Weekend 1.9 TDi, 2002 , 110,000km.................. €2,750

Right hand drive vehicles •rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles..................€13,950

€poa

•Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi, 2009 , 53,000miles......................... €5,450

mercedes clc 200

•renault laguna 2.0i, extreme, 2006 ,83,000 miles....€3,450

1.8CDi (Diesel) 2008, 89,000 kms

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opel corsa 1.2, petrol AUTO, 2014, 16,000 kms €12,950

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•RENAULT SCENIC 1.6 AUTO, 2005 , 90,000KM............................. €5,950

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•Ford Focus 1.6 Auto, 2007, 60,000 miles.............................. €3,750 •ReNault Megane 1.6 Petrol, 80,000 miles...................€2,950

Right hand drive - spanish reg •CITROEN DS3, 1.4I, PETROL, 2010, 38,000 miles....................€7,950 •Jaguar X-Type Sovereign Estate, 2.2 Diesel, 2007, 57,000 miles...€6,950 •toyota hilux, 2.5 diesel, 2004, 105,000 miles....................€5,450 •Fiat Bravo 1.4 Petrol, 2009, 15,000miles........................... €4,950 •Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi, Auto, 2004, 128,000 miles.......€3,450 •Ford Mondeo 2.0i, 2004 137,000 miles.................................. €2,450 •Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.4 Petrol, 2003, 86,000 miles.. €2,250 •Honda Accord 2.2 VTEC, Auto, 1996, 130,000 miles............€1,950

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