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Spanish expats divided over Brexit

Down on the Spanish costas many expats say they are prepared to risk their pensions and healthcare to follow their hearts over Brexit It is often presumed that British expats living in Spain would never vote for “Brexit” for fear of upsetting their pension and healthcare arrangements, but in the expat haven of Alicante opinion is far more evenly divided than those presumptions suggest.

Wendy Simpson, a 69-year-old former executive with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), is among those prepared to risk her life in the Spanish sun in order to follow her “gut feeling” and vote to leave the EU. “Britain and the EU is a relationship that just hasn’t worked. So much of what comes out of Brussels is unnecessary and hampers business,” said Mrs Simpson, whose former employer in London has aggressively backed remaining in Europe.

Mrs Simpson is ready to vote for “Brexit” even though it could force her and her husband to sell up their cherished property near Alicante which they bought after retiring

March 2016

to Spain at the end of 2011 after spending five years working in Australia. “Brexit could be a hammer blow to us. We are not wealthy,” she added, “Would Britain continue to pay into the Spanish health system for our treatment? What would happen with pensions? Is there a dialogue going on? We just don’t know.”

Other Brexit-minded Spanish expats say they are prepared to vote to leave despite claims from the remain camp that British expats could become “immigrants overnight” – claims many expats believe are overblown.

Despite fears that pensions from the UK no longer be index-linked and Britons could be denied access to Spain’s public health system, John Deacon, a 75-year-old music business entrepreneur who retired to Jávea, near Alicante, is still for ‘out’. “The EU is crumbling and its currency could be the next thing to collapse. Brussels is a monstrosity of bigoted and unelected idiots, but we won’t notice anything for 10 years. There is no reason to change sensible arrangements that are already in force,” he ventured.

There has been no scientific polling of the estimated 800,000 to one million British expats living in Spain, and it is unclear how they – along with some 4 million other British expats in Europe – could sway the vote on June 23. Despite having maintained his British nationality, Mr Deacon will not be able to vote as he left the UK more than 15 years ago – a rule that is the subject of a High Court challenge that was launched last week.

He dismissed the British government’s claim that it could not change this law in order to register all foreign voters in time for the June 23 referendum as “bunkum”.

The British embassy in Spain is pushing hard to get expats who are eligible to vote to sign up in time, reporting that the daily rate of applications of overseas voters has increased to 18 times the average since the registration campaign was launched by the Electoral Commission in February. The British embassy in Madrid says that 283,000 British citizens are officially registered as Spanish residents, but the real figure is believed to be around one million, many of whom can vote and whose views on Brexit will also have an influence on family and friends back in the UK. As back home in Britain, opinion on the costas appears sharply divided, with others like Brian Reynolds, a British pensioner living in the Mediterranean resort of Calpe saying that fears of a Spanish “Brexit backlash” will make him vote to remain.

“Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas,” said Mr Reynolds, a former marketing executive, who believes that British expats in Spain are likely to be hit by a punitive tax regime in the event of Brexit.

“The Spanish don’t have a great track record of being nice to foreign residents,” he added, “Spain is in crisis.

They will want to hit somebody for all the money they are short. Who are they going to hit?”

In a possible sign of things to come, Penny Thompson in the Costa del Sol seaside town of Benalmádena said Spanish authorities were already tightening the screws, recently refusing her new baby a health card despite her being a legal resident.

“When I moved here a decade ago, it was so easy. Now people in the bureaucracy here are basically saying to us ‘why don’t you go home?’

“I have no big opinion either way on Brexit, but it’s the uncertainty for us expats about pensions, taxes and healthcare. Overnight everything is going to change.”

Like many expats who have found refuge from the British chill on the Spanish costas, Ms Thompson, 46, is desperate for nothing to threaten her newfound lifestyle.

“We love Spain despite the paperwork. The sunshine, the focus on family, that it’s okay to have a siesta, okay to be late, the entertainment down here. We’ve got nothing to go back to.” For David Johnston, a 48-yearold entrepreneur originally from Bristol who now lives in the beautiful green Alpujarras hills south of Granada, the uncertainty posed by Brexit makes him a convinced stay-in supporter.

“I’m coming up to 50 and worried about pensions. It’s the flux of the unknown. No one is able to clarify anything,” he said. Sources from the Spanish government said that in the event of Brexit, bilateral agreements between London and Madrid would have to be renegotiated to regulate British expats’ access to public health and other social services.

“People in Britain are worried about a million people from Syria. What about a million Brits coming back people with more rights to benefits than the average Syrian?,” said Mr Reynolds from his Mediterranean home, “Brexit is a nightmare waiting to happen.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

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Famous Spanish monuments in darkness for WWF Planet Hour

OVER 300 towns and cities in Spain joined in with last night's (Saturday's) annual Planet Hour, where lights are switched off between 20.30hrs and 21.30hrs mainland time.

A total of 178 countries joined in this year in the global switch-off organised by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) to raise awareness of climate change and the need to protect the environment.

Major monuments across Spain were plunged into darkness, including the Mosque in Córdoba and its neighbouring Roman bridge; Madrid's Puerta de Alcalá, the capital's answer to the Arc de Triomphe (pictured), its Royal Palace, Palace of the Orient in the square of the same name, and city hall, plus the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, the

Sagrada Família Cathedral in Barcelona, the Giralda spire in Sevilla, the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, and the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

Even major websites in Spain shut down for a whole hour to join in WWF Planet Hour. Elsewhere, Vienna's Schoenbrun Palace, Rome's Fontana di Trevi, Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science and National Stadium, Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral and the Kremlin, the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur's iconic Petronas Towers, the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and the Buddhist temple in Borobudur, Indonesia were pictured with their lights off.

Hinds: How four Spanish girls in London made the leap to global fame

The Responsible and Thoughtful Approach Two young women are walking down Camden High Street on a chilly February morning, headed to a former music hall that under various guises – Camden Palace, Music Machine and now Koko – has hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, The Clash, Madonna, Prince, and Oasis. When the pair reach the venue, before entering, they decide to smoke a cigarette. The other half of the group are still “chilling” they say, their voices raw, their eyes red, and their hair unwashed. They admit that last night, once again, things got out of hand.

They’ve come “straight” from a party.

The annual NME Awards, at which they were nominees for Best New Band.

They didn’t win, but they certainly had a good time. A chilly breeze sweeps down from Camden High Street and they quickly stub out their cigarettes before heading into Koko. As their eyes get used to the darkness, they stand in the vast empty hall staring up to the high ceiling, at the empty stage, around at the balconies. The two young women drop their suitcases as though they were in a cathedral. “Take a look at this. Fuck.”

The venue, which holds 1,200 people, is sold out. Tonight, London hosts Hinds, made up of Carlotta Cosials, Amber Grimbergen, Ana Perrote and Ade Martin, all aged between 19 and 24, and who, since performing for the first time in Madrid in 2014, have played around the world, releasing their first album in January. In the meantime, they have earned glowing praise in the music press and acclaim from any number of veteran musicians.

The four begin their sound check: Amber on drums, Ana and Carlotta on

guitar, and Ade on bass. “Fuzzy garage pop” is how Pitchfork describes their sound. They begin to crank out power chords, working on their harmonies, dancing around the stage. Last night they played in Nottingham, in two days they’ll be in Manchester, and then on to the United States, Australia and Japan.

But right now what they really want to do is take a shower: there’s no hot water in the hotel they’re staying at. The sound check over, they head backstage where they are able at last to wash and change their clothes. Eventually, Nick Holroyd, their booking agent, turns up, showing off his new tattoo: a hind.

Friends from Madrid and Berlin arrive, along with a couple of bottles of Moët & Chandon, courtesy of the promoter. Ade slumps down on the leather sofa: “I feel terrible…” Amber is struggling to open her suitcase. Carlotta emerges from the shower with her wet hair wrapped in a towel. They ask each other what they should wear, as well as what to drink: “A Red Bull? Another beer would be better!”

The four were already friends before they formed Hinds, hanging out in Madrid’s grungy Malasaña neighborhood.

Carlotta Cosials, the eldest, had dropped out of medical school to study dramatic arts. She met Ana in 2009. In 2011 they spent the summer at the beach playing guitar, even giving a couple of concerts, but they never took things further. They are the nucleus of Hinds. Ana, aged 21, was studying advertising and PR, but parked it when things took off. “There was no time to choose: this life chose us,” she explains. http://elpais.com/elpais

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4 Wednesday’s rail strike partially axed, but will go ahead on Easter Monday

ort TRAIN drivers have called off their strike planned for this coming Wednesday (March 23), but have announced they will continue with the strike scheduled for Easter Monday (March 28).

The drivers’ union, SEMAF, planned both strikes to coincide with the busiest Easter holiday periods – workers who live in regions where Maundy Thursday is a bank holiday would typically seek to leave for their long weekend breaks on Wednesday night, whilst those who live in parts of Spain where Easter Monday is a bank holiday would need to travel home that night for work the next day.

Good Friday is a public holiday in all regions in Spain.

SEMAF’s members have axed their strike for Wednesday, but drivers who belong to one of Spain’s main two unions, the labourers’ commission (CCOO) will continue – and both unions have

maintained the Easter Monday strike.

Both unions called the two strikes to protest over the ‘incomprehensible paralysis’ of applying the new collective working conditions agreement on the part of rail board RENFE, three months after it was signed and sealed by all parties.

RENFE, owned by the ministry of infrastructure and public works, had announced wage freezes and mass redundancies, but after a series of rail strikes last year by train drivers and other related staff, a binding deal on working conditions and pay was drawn up after long meetings with union representatives.

But the terms agreed have never been put into practice, complain the CCOO and SEMAF. Until they are, periodic strikes will continue, they say.

Some rail traffic disruption is expected the Wednesday before Easter, and this will be multiplied on Monday, but by law the rail board employees are required to guarantee at least ‘minimum services’.

As yet, the time slots for the strike or the percentage of trains which will still be running have not been announced. http://www.thinkspain.com/

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Most popular surname in Spain is 'García', says linguist's map of European family titles

SPAIN'S most commonly-found surname is 'García', which may come from a Basque word meaning 'bear' or 'young', according to Czech linguist Jakub Marian. He has created a map of Europe with the most-frequent surname for each country featured, and a second map explaining, in English, what they mean.

British, Irish, German and French expats in Spain are likely to be called Smith, Murphy, Müller or Martin, meaning metalworker, descendant of a 'sea warrior' or Murchadh, a miller, and 'of Mars' – the god, not the planet.

Spain's neighbours, Portugal, are most likely to be called Silva, from the Latin word for 'forest' (selva in Spanish), or Da Silva, meaning 'of the forest'.

Across the water from Spain, the most-frequent Italian surname is Rossi, meaning red in the plural, and probably referring to hair colour or complexion.

Spain's highest numbers of European expats come from Romania, where the most common surname is Popa, meaning priest, and in smaller number from Bulgaria, where the most-frequent surname is Ivanov, meaning 'of John' – the same as in Belarus, and similar to Serbia's Jovanović, which means 'son of John'.

Greece and Romania have similar surname concepts in common – the Greek equivalent of Spain's García, 'Papadopoulos', means 'son of a priest'.

Although Smirnoff vodka is popularly found in cocktails in chiringuitos, or beach kiosks in Spain in summer, the more-common spelling is Smirnov – Russia's most-seen family name, meaning 'peaceful'. In Russia's near-

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neighbours Latvia, Lithuania and Moldavia, the commonest family names are Berziņš, Kazlauskas and Rusu, meaning 'little birch', 'a person from Kozlow (in Poland)', and 'Russian'.

Scandinavian names often relate to 'son of' – Iceland's most-frequent surname is not listed, because the country still follows the Mediaeval-origin system of putting son or dóttir after the father's first name to create the surname – for example, Olafsson is 'Olaf's son', and 'Jonsdóttir' is 'Jon's daughter'.

But Danes are often called Nielsen – son of Niels, or Nicholas – whilst Norway's inhabitants are most likely to be named Hansen, or son of Hans, and Swedes, Andersson, or son of Anders.

No meaning is given for Finland's most common surname, which is Korhonen Others listed are Turkey’s Yılmaz (dauntless, courageous, unbeatable); Hungary’s Nagy (big); Austria’s Gruber (miner, or a person from the town of Grub); The Netherlands’ De Jong (‘the young’); Belgium’s Peeters (‘of Peter’) or Dubois (‘of the wood’); Luxembourg’s Schmidt (smith, or metalworker); Poland’s Nowak and the Czech Republic’s and Slovenia’s Novák (meaning ‘Newman’); Slovakia’s Horváth and Croatia’s Horvat (meaning ‘Croat’, in old Croatian); Albania’s Kelmendi (person from the Kelmendi mountains); Macedonia’s Stojanovski (‘son of Stojan’); Bosnia’s Hodžic (son of a preacher), and Montenegro’s Popovic (son of a priest). http://www.thinkspain.com/

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March 2016

The essential guide to Easter in Spain As Spain gets set to celebrate its biggest religious festival of the year, The Local gives you the lowdown on how to celebrate Semana Santa like a Spaniard.

Why is Easter such a big deal in Spain?

Holy Week (Semana Santa) is the biggest religious celebration of the year in Spain, which means public holidays, a good deal of eating and drinking and lots of processions. Easter is a time for Spaniards to take to the streets and watch elaborate reenactments of the Passion, as well as enjoy some time off work in the company of their families and friends.

What happens during Semana Santa?

Elaborate processions take place throughout Holy Week. Associations known as cofradías or ‘brotherhoods’ (whose members take part in the processions) are a strong tradition in Spain, with many dating back to the Middle Ages.

Semana Santa processions are also known as ‘penance processions’ and involve members of the brotherhood (nazarenos) parading from their church to the city’s cathedral.

To spot the start of a procession, look out for the giant cross that is always carried at the front.

Music also plays an important part in Semana Santa processions - most are accompanied by live marching bands that play religious music.

What are they wearing?

People taking part in Semana Santa processions dress in traditional capirote; the tall conical hat which also covers their faces, as well as in belted robes.

Capirotes used to be reserved for people doing penance - as a sign of atoning their sins, they would walk through the town wearing the hat, their faces covered so they could not be recognized as sinners.

Although strikingly similar, they have nothing to do with the hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan.

Women often wear the mantilla, a black lace veil worn high on the back of the head.

Alicante recently issued fashion guidelines for women taking part in the city’s Easter processions and made it clear red lipsitck and skirts above the knee were definitely not allowed.

What are they carrying?

In most Easter processions, participants carry large floats, or pasos, that are adorned with religious sculptures depicting Jesus or Mary, some by renowned Spanish artists. The floats are festooned with flowers and candles and are the focal point of the procession. Many brotherhoods have owned and preserved their pasos for hundreds of years.

Where are the best places to spend Easter in Spain?

For glamour...

If you are after the most glamourous, ornate and lively Semana Santa parades, look no further than Andalusia, especially the cities of Seville and Málaga. The region’s flamenco heritage seeps into its Easter celebrations, making for a fest like no other in Spain and one that attracts the most tourists.

Seville holds some of the biggest Holy Week processions including La Madruga (dawn), a series of processions that take place during the night of Maundy Thursday and into the morning of Good Friday, a highlight of Semana Santa for many spectators. Listen out for the saetas, or bursts of flamenco from people on balconies along the procession route who are so moved by the spectacle they have to express their lament.

In Málaga, giant tronos, or thrones, are carried through the streets by members of brotherhoods dressed in long purple robes and followed by women dressed in black and wearing the typical mantilla, or lace veil.

There is a real festival atmosphere in the city during Holy Week, much livelier than some of the more sombre celebrations in Spain’s northern towns and cities.

For history...

Towns and cities in the central region of

Castille La Mancha are famous for their more sombre and, some would say, authentic, Semana Santa parades.

Zamora (pictured above) lays claim to the oldest Semana Santa celebrations in Spain, which date back to 1179. The city, close to the Portuguese bor-

der, sees its population increase five times during Holy Week, as up to 300,000 people flock to watch the ancient traditions.

Salamanca holds one of the oldest Semana Santa celebrations in Spain; the earliest penance processions date back to 1240. More than 20 brotherhoods organize 16 processions against the beautiful backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site city.

For art...

Valladolid’s processions are renowned for their pasos (floats) which carry religious statues dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The city’s National Sculpture Museum donates over 100 images to be used during the processions, making it one of Spain’s most artistic parades.

What should I eat?

While chocolate Easter eggs are becoming more and more popular, they are not traditionally a big part of Easter celebrations in Spain. But that’s not to say Spaniards don’t have special sweet treats for Holy Week.

Torrijas are a traditional Semana Santa sweet snack of bread soaked in milk and egg before being fried and served with sugar or honey, and are available all over the country during Holy Week.

Pestiños are little pastries popular throughout Spain, but especially in Andalusia. Sesame-flavoured dough is fried then glazed with honey or sugar. thelocal.es

www.soltimes.com

Vodafone price hike challenged by consumer group FACUA

CONSUMER protection group FACUA has filed legal action against mobile network provider Vodafone for having announced it will put its prices up from April 18. The increase of between €2 and €3 applies to mobile, landline, internet and other customers.

FACUA says Vodafone’s ‘excuse’ is that it intends to ‘improve the quality of its services’, but that it ‘does not offer its users the possibility of maintaining original conditions’ stated in the contract they initially signed.

According to the consumer group, two aspects of the price increase are illegal – firstly, that customers of Vodafone have not been given a minimum of a month’s notice in writing, as telecommunications law requires; and secondly, because customers who signed up for a compulsory minimum fixed period may not have any of the terms and conditions of the deal altered, except in their favour, until the renewal or expiry date.

“Customers have the right to sever the deal if they do not agree with the price rise, to demand the company maintains the current price as a maximum until the end of the contract term, or request financial compensation equivalent to the amount stated in the penalty clause for breach of contract,” FACUA reveals.

The association says it ‘appears likely’ Vodafone will ‘refuse to meet its legal obligations’, and therefore recommends customers ‘file legal complaints with the consumer protection authorities’ in their specific region, requesting ‘disciplinary action’ be opened against the firm.

Anyone who is tied in with a contract

to Vodafone and has not been notified in writing at least a month ahead of the planned price rise has the right to apply to his or her local court, verbally, for a breach of contract case.

In the case of the latter, the customer does not need to appoint a lawyer, since the price rise, per se, is a case of res ipsa loquituur, or the breach of contract speaks for itself. If the customer wants to keep his or her contract with Vodafone going, FACUA says he or she can file a claim through the court in his or her town, ordering the telecommunications company to maintain the initial offer price until the lock-in period comes to an end, and to refund any extra Vodafone has charged over and above this sum.

Otherwise, the customer can end the contract without penalty and demand Vodafone pay him or her the sum stated in the lock-in deal as a penalty charge for early release.

This sum is normally payable by a customer who wants to break off the contract before renewal, since it is a penalty for breach of the terms and conditions – and as Vodafone has breached these terms and conditions, it works both ways and the customer should be paid accordingly, FACUA explains.

An easier, cheaper, less complex and quicker method than going through the courts is to take the case to arbitration, FACUA explains.

The outcome of arbitration is binding upon both parties, and neither is allowed to take the matter further through the normal legal channels.

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March 2016

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Easter eggs are specially decorated eggs given out to celebrate the Easter holiday or springtime.

It is the influence of the traditional spring rites that made Easter so egg-special.

And myths coming down to us from an incredibly distant past have shown man's relationship with the egg to be very deep seated one.

Easter Egg. This is caught in old Latin proverb: "Omne vivum ex ovo". This means "all life comes from an egg". Not just the Latin saying, eggs are just laid well over all corners of the world. From ancient India to Polynesia, from Iran, Greece, and Phonecia to Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, from Central America to the west coast of South America, there are reports of myths of the whole universe created out of an egg. Thus, it is not unusual that in almost all ancient cultures eggs had been held as an emblem of life. The concept of all living beings born from an egg is also a foundational concept of modern biology.

But how did eggs come to be associated with Easter?

Despite claims being made that Easter Eggs were originally pagan symbols, there is no solid evidence for this. It was not until the 18th Century that Jakob Grimm theorised a putative pagan connection to Easter Eggs with a goddess of his own whom he named Ostara, a suggested German version of Eostre.

At the Passover Seder, a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt water symbolizes both new life and the Passover sacrifice offered at the Temple in Jerusalem. The ancient Persians painted eggs for Nowrooz, their New Year celebration falling on the Spring Equinox. This tradition has continued every year on Nowrooz since ancient times.

In Christian times, the egg was a symbol of new life just as a chick might hatch from the egg. The Easter egg tradition may have celebrated the end of the privations of Lent. In the Medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden during Lent as well as other traditional fast days. During the strict Lenten fast of forty days no eggs were eaten.

It was traditional to use up all of the household's eggs before Lent began, which established the tradition of Pancake Day. This was because, in Christian times, the egg was a symbol of new life just as a chick might hatch from the egg. Eggs were viewed as symbols of new life and fertility through the ages. It is believed that for this reason many ancient cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans, used eggs during their spring festivals. In Eastern Christianity, both meat and dairy are still prohibited during the fast, and eggs are seen as "dairy" (a foodstuff that could be taken from an animal without shedding its blood). That is the reason why eggs laid during that time were often boiled or otherwise preserved.

It was during Easter that the consumption of eggs resumed after the strict Lenten fast. Eggs were thus a mainstay of Easter meals, and a prized Easter gift for children and servants. And this is probably the reason why eggs came to be associated with Easter.

Many traditions and practices have formed around Easter eggs. In Europe an egg was hung on New Year trees, on Maypoles, and on St. John's trees in midsummer. Indeed, all were of one accord in using the egg as a symbol of the regenerative forces of nature.

Later during the Christian period, it was believed that eggs laid on Good Friday, if kept for a hundred years, would have their yolks turn to diamond. If Good Friday eggs were cooked on Easter they would promote the fertility of the trees and crops and protect against sudden deaths. And, if you would find two yolks in an Easter egg, be sure, you're going to be rich soon. That's what they believed!

An Orthodox tradition related with Easter celebrations is the presenting of red colored eggs to friends while giving Easter greetings. According to a History channel documentary about Mary Magdalene and her role in Christianity, the custom derives from a biblical event.

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www.soltimes.com Colourful Easter Eggs. After the Ascension of Christ, Mary supposedly went to the Emperor of Rome and greeted him with "Christ is risen", whereupon he stated, "Christ has not risen no more than that egg is red" (pointing to an egg on his table). After making this statement it is said the egg immediately turned blood red.[citation needed] She then began preaching Christianity to him. The egg is symbolic of the grave and life renewed by breaking out of it. The red symbolizes the blood of Christ redeeming the world, represented by the egg, and our regeneration through the bloodshed for us by Christ. The egg itself is a symbol of the Resurrection while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.

The coloring of eggs is a established art, and eggs are often dyed, painted, and otherwise decorated. Eggs were also used in various holiday games: parents would hide eggs for children to find, and children would roll eggs down hills.

These practices live on in Easter egg hunts and egg rolls. The most famous egg roll takes place on the White House lawn every year.The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jellybeans. Candy Easter eggs can be any form of confectionery such as hollow chocolate eggs wrapped in brightly-colored foil. Some are delicately constructed of spun sugar and pastry decoration techniques. The ubiquitous jelly egg or jellybean is made from sugar-coated pectin candy.

These are often hidden, supposedly by the Easter Bunny, for children to find on Easter morning.

The Spanish dish hornazo (traditionally eaten on and around Easter) contains hard-boiled eggs as a primary ingredient. In the North of England, at Eastertime, a traditional game is played where hard boiled pace eggs are distributed and each player hits the other players egg with their own.

This is known as “egg dumping” or “egg jarping”.

The winner is the holder of the last intact egg. The losers get to eat their eggs. It is also practiced in Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, the Republic of Srpska and other countries. They call it tucanje. In parts of Bavaria, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland it is called Ostereiertitschen. In South Louisiana this practice is called Pocking Eggs and is slightly different. The Cajuns hold that the winner eats the eggs of the losers in each round.

There are many other decorating techniques and numerous traditions of giving them as a token of friendship, love or good wishes. A tradition exists in some parts of the United Kingdom (such as Scotland and North East England) of rolling painted eggs down steep hills on Easter Sunday. In the U.S., such an Easter egg roll (unrelated to an eggroll) is often done on flat ground, pushed along with

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a spoon; the Easter Egg Roll has become a muchloved annual event on the White House lawn. An Easter egg hunt is a common festive activity, where eggs are hidden outdoors (or indoors if in bad weather) for children to run around and find. This may also be a contest to see who can collect the most eggs.

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home & garden

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com to Advertise in this section

Spanish Lavender - Lavandula stoechas Spanish Lavenders or Lavandula stoechas are hardy to zones 8-10 and have beautiful flower blossoms.

These Lavenders have unusual blooms which are tufted and pineapple shaped in appearance with dark purple flower bracts accompanied by dark green leaves.

Another name for Spanish Lavender is French Lavender or Italian Lavender because you can find this Lavandula growing wild along the French countryside and also parts of Spain and Italy. You know Lavandula stoechas has to be good when everyone lays claim to

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it. These names refer to regions where it is most commonly growing and not actual plant varieties.

See Kew Red Lavender which is a fuchsia red colour variant of Spanish Lavender originating from the southern region of Spain.

Lavender stoechas, a subspecies in the genus Lavandula, is distinguished from other lavenders by its unusual flower blossoms.

Stoechas is used ornamentally in the garden and the flowers may be used to make Lavender sachets, Lavender wreaths and other dried floral arrangements.

The flowers of Lavandula stoechas may be dried and used just like any others in the species.

The two tufts at the top of Lavandula stoechas flower blooms are actually sterile bracts and they are cute in that they resemble rabbit ears.

Spanish Lavender is a heavy bloomer during the spring and needs to be cut back after flowering to maintain its shape. Under excellent conditions Spanish Lavender is a tall growing lovely plant.

There are also flower colour variants for Spanish Lavender. Lavandula viridis is a yellow flower Lavender variant and Lavandula stoechas var 'alba' has white blooms. The white flower version is native to Italy and some say it is not as showy as the purple.

Lavandula stoechas has short flower stems while Lavandula stoechas pedunculata (subspecies Portuguese Lavender) is distinguished by the beautiful long flowering stems.

Varieties of Spanish Lavender include Avonview, Ballerina, Bee, Bella, Butterfly syn. James Compton, Hazel, Kew Red, Madrid Blue, Madrid Purple, Major, Marshwood, Otto Cast, Spanish Curly Top, Somerset Mist, Tickled Pink, and Van Gogh.

Lavandula stoechas anouk is a very hardy compact growing newer variety recently introduced.

How To Grow Spanish Lavender

Lavandula stoechas is a tender perennial in most regions and is best grown in a pot in full sun where you will be rewarded with an abundance of fragrant blooms.

Growing requirements are basically the same for all Lavender plants with some being a little more tolerant of certain conditions than Soft Furnishings & Re-Upholstery others. Learn more about Spanish Lavender care, Lavender plant care and information on pruning Spanish Lavender plants.

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

Easter Egg DIY Beauty: 5 All-Natural Masks For Your Hair & Skin

This Easter, after you decorate the eggs and indulge in some jellybeans and Peeps (yum!), do something g o o d for skin a n d h a i r

with the food of the season – eggs!

Beyond being the perfect thing to hide during Easter Egg hunts, eggs can actually transform your beauty regimen, easily, inexpensively and organically. Egg whites, because of their firming effect, are great for oily or acne prone skin as well as for aging complexions since they can both shrink pores and tighten fine lines and wrinkles. Egg yolks, on the other hand, are ideal for dry, aging and even scarred skin because of their fat and cholesterol, which hydrate, and their retinol, which helps exfoliate and rejuvenate.

Egg White Mask (for under eye puffiness, fine lines , large pores) If under eye puffiness or fine lines are your concern, an egg white mask will help tighten the skin around your eyes. Use your finger to dab a thin layer of raw egg white on the skin around your eyes, leave it on until it dries (about 15 minutes) and then rinse it off with warm water. For enlarged pores, dab raw egg whites on any area that needs tightening, let dry and rinse off.

That’s it!

Acne-Clearing Egg and Honey Mask (for dry or pimpleprone skin) Mix 1 raw egg with 1 tablespoon of raw honey, cover your face with a layer of the mixture and let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes to tighten pores, tone the skin and kill

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Red Wine Facial Mask (for aging skin) We all know that wine is a powerful antioxidant, but did you know that you can use the leftovers from last night’s bottle (if there are any!) for a naturally firming and antiaging mask? Well, you can! Combine 1 egg white (to firm and tighten fine lines and wrinkles), 3 tablespoons of red wine (for its antioxidant benefits) and honey (to hydrate) and leave on your face for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Pumpkin Honey Facial Mask (for all skin types) Mix a few tablespoons of pureed pumpkin with 1 whipped egg white (which will help tighten pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines), 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (which will help exfoliate) and 1 tablespoon honey (which is anti-bacterial, great for clearing acne). Apply to entire face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. The yogurt and pumpkin will encourage cell-turnover and exfoliate, while the honey has anti-bacterial properties to ensure a fresh face for fall!

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March 2016

pause for thought

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer you’re smart enough to do Bytes, Your Only Stop for solutions to Your that, why are you reading computer problems. My ‘drop-in’ clinic this article? (smile)). 3. (like the way doctors used to be!) is at Find the word ‘BackGround’ and below it is Maloans Bar (opposite the BP) on a Friday a ‘drop-down’ box which will have several afternoon. To arrange an appointment options. If you are having the advertising for another time or place use the Phone then the you will have ‘Windows Spotlight’ number or Email address below, Skype option enabled. To change it, all you have (Look for the name “saiminja”), Viber or to do is select any of the others. I would Whatsapp (use the phone number) for free suggest the ‘Picture’ option. While you advice concerning your computer. Sales are there, might I suggest turning off the pitch over and on to the topic for today. switch that says ‘Get fun facts, trick and tip If you’re like me, you might have opened ….. ‘ - it only adds to the power used and up your Windows 10 today only to see a slows down (as everything together does) giant advert for Square Enix’s ‘Rise of the your computer.

Tomb Raider’ plastered across your login I have to be honest here. I didn’t have screen. After seeing Angelina Jolie in the the advertising option on my version character role of ‘Lara Croft’, I defy any of Windows 10! I can only assume it is red-blooded heterosexual male not to because my version is the test version that, give the game a second thought (before as an ‘insider’, I don’t get the advertising. dismissing it entirely!). Don’t you think that I have read the comments of many of the is it a little rude the Microsoft slap adverts testers of the past 18 months that we have on your front screen? Well, this is what been the guinea pigs and am convinced you have to put up with to have something that if they did that to us, we would dump ‘Free’ (remember the ‘Trojan Horse’?) and 10 and go back to 7 – me included! as I look into my crystal balls to see what Bonus Tip: If the adverts don’t annoy you is coming, I can see much more snooping, and you just want to see content that’s spying, monitoring and collecting of data as you rights are gradually eroded by the more tailored to your interests instead, new ‘updates’. PLEASE NOTE: I’m not a you can tell Microsoft what’s relevant by registered, authorised prophet so please clicking the icon in the top-right corner take my previous comments with a ‘pinch of your lock screen (it looks like a square ‘speech bubble’ with dots - ellipses) of salt’.

From here a menu will drop down, where This is the work of the “Windows you can choose from the two options “I Spotlight” feature in your Personalization settings, and thankfully, you can turn it off want more!” and “Not a fan.”. The former ‘For Good’. Otherwise there would be no will give you more content related to that specific kind of ad, while the latter will point to this article!

To remove the Windows 10’s lock screen change it to a different picture the next adverts, 1. Click on your Start menu, and time you log in, as well as preventing similar open up the ‘Settings’. 2. From there you content from appearing in the future.

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The Uggabian Connection

Those who have been paying attention and for those who have travelled to Alqueria for whatever purpose will probably remember that our Village Republic is twinned with the village republic of Uggaby. Uggaby lays in a bend of the River Waveney in the East Anglian area of England. It was noticed on ancient maps that the Waveney actuary splits flowing both north and south of Uggaby. As the River forms a natural boundary between Norfolk and Suffolk, which county the Village was in became somewhat hazy. As Uggaby, like its twin Alqueria is a dysfunctional and troublesome place both counties ‘washed their hands’ of the village and Uggaby duly declared itself to be a republic.

It was perhaps natural that the two places should form a bond and the time was now considered right for a closer union to be forged. Monetary union,

It’s always amazed me how dramatically the crowd turned.

One day they were his ultimate fan club, calling for him to be crowned king, and then, just four days later, a mob including many of those same people was screaming for his blood, demanding his execution.

How can this happen? Why, even fickle football supporters don’t turn against their errant managers quite that quickly!

But as I witnessed a few years ago in Kenya, a mob displays no logical thought process, merely following blindly the demands of those who manipulate them, switching from apparent affection and gratitude to hatred and blood-lust, often directed at their closest friends and family, almost at the flick of a switch. And the sound of the mob, so manipulated, can be terrifying.

The sound of thousands of voices raised in anger, roaring to a crescendo as though a goal had just been scored, whenever another home or car was torched, intermingled with screams and the continuous pulsating beat of drums is a memory I can never forget.

And the sound of the mob, so professionally manipulated by the religious and political leaders of the day on that Thursday as Jesus stood trial, must have been equally terrifying.

Yet Jesus faced his accusers calmly, as with unwavering

confidence in his purpose and in obedience to God, he accepted that most barbaric of executions, seeking in his dying words, not revenge, but forgiveness for his tormentors. And so at this Easter time, let us remember that great sacrifice as Jesus gave his life so that we, in spite of all the wrong we have done, may be reconciled to God. But let us also really celebrate his conquest of death, as we remember his resurrection on that first Easter morning; a climax to a life so beautifully summarised in the words of a chorus I learnt many years ago: Living he loved me; dying he saved me; buried he carried my sins far away; rising he justified freely forever; one day he’s coming; O glorious day.

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

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spearhead regiment were Loco Paco representing Alqueria and Barmy Barry for Uggaby. NATO were rightly worried by this move believing it could shift the balance of power within Europe and so undermine the peace of the region.

The United States began photographing both countries looking for newly built missile sites, something they are quite fond of doing. Russia dispatched an atomic submarine and a hasty meeting of world leaders was arranged, Britain supplied the tea and biscuits.

Remitroot, produced in Alqueria and shipped to Uggaby has many uses

with the Alquerian Raro and the Uggabian Groat being replaced by the Bitcon.

including military. The USA and Russia knew that Remitroot weapons were

Two hours after its launch the Bitcon fell in value and was trading at 10 x

theoretically possible and couldn’t rule out the possibility that they were already

106 Bitcon to the Euro. The share price of the paper mill supplying the paper

in the joint arsenals of PRATNAP. Whether a feasible delivery system existed

for the currency rocketed. Both the Alquerian and Uggabian establishments

was not known but the chance couldn’t be taken. Appeals were made by the

had invested heavily in the mill a day before the currency was launched the

world community for restraint as the crisis escalated with the deployment of

respective coffers were filled to overflowing upon the selling of the shares. The

B52 bombers over Alqueria.

original currencies were restored after the sale, the manoeuvre adding a new meaning to the phrase monetary union.

The main purpose was to establish a non-aggression pact however and this was realised with the setting up of PRATNAP , the joint commanders of the

It was however a Spanish political initiative which solved the crisis. A backhand payment from the UN ‘slush’ did the trick. A simply solution from those well versed in the technique. Strangely after the cash arrived in Alqueria and Uggaby PRATNAP was dissolved and never mentioned again.

www.soltimes.com

15

16

March 2016

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

Almería L aw S oc iet y has st ar te d gat hering informat ion t o enable t hem t o t ake ac t ion against self pr oc laime d le gal advisor s in t he pr ovinc e of Almería: The De an of t he Almería L aw S oc iet y has de c ide d t o gat her informat ion in r elat ion to nonqualif ie d pr ofe s sionals ac t ing in a c apac it y of self pr oc laime d le gal advisor s in t he Nor t h of Almería.

Mur c ia L aw S oc iet y init iate d t he se ac t ions by involving t he public pr ose c ut or and pur suing in some e x t r eme c ase s prison sentenc e s for t hose involve d.

The Almería Law Societ y, apar t fr om r e que st ing informat ion fr om t he solic it or s in t he ar e a and t aking note of t he adver t isement s in t he

loc al paper s, have also made announc ement s of t heir own in t he pr e s s for pe ople who c onsider t hey have be en misle d t o c ome for war d and denounc e t heir c ase s at t heir of f ic e s in Almería.

I r e c ommend t hat when you ar e de aling wit h a solic it or always ask t o se e t heir L aw S oc iet y number.

Mic hael Davie s .

Abogado.

Member 174 8 of Almería L aw S oc iet y.

Mic hael Davie s is a Spanish Abogado and e xhonorar y Brit ish c onsul . He is spe c ialise d in Spanish e st ate planning and Inherit anc e r elate d lit igat ion and has be en prac t ic ing law in Andaluc ia sinc e 1993.

He is member of t he L aw soc iet ie s of Almería and Madrid.

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.

Telephone: 950 460 999

MUNDI

Ronda de Las Buganvillas, Local 15, (nr Garrucha) www.mundiabogados.com info@mundiabogados.com

ABOGADOS

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

• NIE Cards • Residency Cards • Social Security Cards • • Company Setup • Insurance • • Conveyancing • Translations • Litigation • Wills & Inheritance Tax • Tax Returns • Visit us now at our new office: Local 15, Ronda de Las Buganvillas.

Situated between Victor´s Bar and Cajamar Bank.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

We are pleased to introduce ourselves

MUNDI ABOGADOS SOLICITORS

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

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

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

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

www.soltimes.com

Foreigners Bought 69,196 Homes in Spain in 2015

According to data from the Spanish Ministry of Public Works, foreign buyers acquired a total of 69,196 homes in Spain during 2015, representing an increase of 13% over the previous year, and accounted for almost one in every five of the homes sold in the country last year (18%).

Moreover, the volume of home purchases in Spain carried out by foreign citizens grew well above the average increase of 9.8%, which the housing market registered last year.

Non-resident foreigners purchased a total of 4,846 homes in Spain last year, representing an increase of 10.1% over a year earlier, while resident foreign buyers acquired 64,350 homes last year, which is an increase of 13.3% compared to the previous year.

Valencia is the region where foreigners bought most homes last

year, with a total of 20,219 sold to foreign buyers, of which 1,665 of these homes were acquired by non-residents.

Andalucía was the second most popular region, with 14,384 homes being registered to foreign buyers in 2015 (1,854 by non-residents) followed by Catalonia, with 10,264 homes sold to foreign buyers (186 of them non-residents).

SOLTIMES

17

PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT

THE BEST PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

El Economista reported that in the Canary Islands foreigners bought 7,295 homes last year, 386 of which were acquired by non-residents, and in the Balearic Islands some 5,061 homes were sold to foreign buyers (218 non-residents).

In Madrid, foreign buyers acquired a total of 4,951 homes, of which 79 were purchased by nonresident foreigners. https://news.kyero.com

Price of Rental Housing Fell by 0.3% in February

The average price of rental housing in Spain fell by 0.3% in February, compared to the same month of 2015, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data (CPI) published by the National Statistics Institute.

With the February data, rental prices have now accumulated 35 consecutive months of declines, although the latest reduction is more moderate than the general CPI (-0.8%), and month-on-month, home rental prices remained stable.

All of Spain’s regions registered declines in home rental prices, except for Galicia (+0.3%), the Balearic Islands (+0.2%), Navarre (+0.1%) and Catalonia (+0.1%), as well as the autonomous city of Melilla (+0.3%), while

rental prices in Murcia remained unchanged (0.0%).

El Mundo reported that the regions which registered the most pronounced declines were: La Rioja (-2%); Castilla y León (-0.9%); Castilla-La Mancha (-0.9%); Madrid (-0.8%); Extremadura (-0.8%); the Basque Country (-0.6%); Asturias (-0.5%); Cantabria (-0.5%) and Valencia (-0.4%).

Moreover, recording the same decline as the national average (-0.3%) were the regions of Andalucía, Aragón and the autonomous city of Ceuta, while the Canary Islands registered a decline of -0.2%. https://news.kyero.com

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

18

March 2016

Renting a propert y in Spain

If you’re looking to rent a Spanish property, find out where and how to rent a property in Spain and what quirks to expect from the Spanish property market.

Although property sale prices in Spain have fallen 30 percent overall, with many individual properties losing half their value, the effect has not been seen as strongly in Spain’s rental market. However, it’s clear that less attractive Spanish properties are dropping in price, and even in Barcelona or Madrid it is possible to get a small apartment for EUR 300 per month. Double that will get you a nice Spanish home in a better area, and EUR 1000+ per month can get you a house outside town or a nice central apartment in Spain’s main cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia.

Should you rent or buy in Spain?

Renting a property in Spain is a good way to get to know the country and to decide which area you would like to live in. Just 17 percent of Spanish residents rent their home, and the market may seem more geared towards sales than rentals.

However, the Spanish property market has suffered severely since the 2008 crisis and house prices are predicted to continue to fall in 2014.

Renting for a few years before buying is generally a sound course, particularly in the current market.

On the plus side, there are no restrictions on foreigners (resident or non-resident) buying property in Spain. The costs of buying a home are around 15 percent of property sale price, and are primarily paid by the buyer. You can find more information in Expatica’s guide to buying property in Spain.Find an apartment to rent in Spain.

Find a property in Spain As with other countries, the most common way to find a house or apartment to rent in Spain is through an estate agent (inmobiliarias), online property portals, newspaper adverts or word of mouth. In addition to the Spanish property portals listed below, you may find Spanish properties listed on real estate websites based in other countries, particularly the UK and Germany. However, these will often be targeted at tourists and may therefore be more expensive.

Many foreign nationals choose to live in Spain, either for extended holidays, retirement or work; many estate agents cater to multiple languages as a result. They are often primarily focused on sales, although if you don’t speak Spanish well, you may find that it’s worth enquiring about rentals as well. Estate agents are usually paid by the landlord. However, if you ask an agent to find you a property, you can expect to pay for this service, either a fixed fee or a percentage of the monthly rent. This will typically be between EUR 250 up to a month’s rent.

Online property portals Servihabitat comprarcasa

idealista.com tucasa.com (Spanish only) venta de pisos (Spanish only)

Property descriptions While holiday and short-term lets require a licence, long-term lets don’t. As a result, properties vary in quality and the descriptions vary in accuracy.

Property portals that offer languages other than Spanish sometimes use automatic computer translations, so be sure to confirm that the key features exist when you view the property.

As in many European countries, Spanish properties are typically advertised with a monthly rent and a living space in square metres. The advert should also indicate whether the property is furnished or not. However, as there are no clear standards for this, unfurnished properties may be completely bare, have no kitchen appliances, or include a few pieces of furniture left by the landlord. Likewise, furnished properties can be either comprehensive, including kitchen items, or very basic – so if you view the property while the previous tenant is still in residence, make sure you’re very clear about which pieces of furniture are staying. One option is to email the estate agent to confirm this, getting the answer in writing.

Since 1 June 2013, all properties for long-term lets (rather than holiday lets) are required to have an energy efficiency certificate. This will often help you spot houses that will be expensive to heat or which are older, as new properties will typically have a good energy rating.

Renting in Spain

Applying for a property in Spain Expect to apply to an estate agent for a property and to put down the equivalent of one month’s rent when you do. This is usually rolled into your deposit when the contract and moving in are complete.

You will typically be asked to provide: Evidence of employment or ability to pay the rent; tax identification number (if you are working);

passport or ID; personal references.

Tenancy agreement In Spain, a tenancy agreement (contrato de arrendamiento) is valid whether verbal or written. Verbal contracts are generally a bad idea, particularly if you don’t speak the language fluently. Insist on having everything in writing so you ensure you fully understand what you’re signing. To break a contract, the lessee must give at least 30 days’ notice before the end date.

As standard, a tenant with a long-term contract (more than one year) has the right to renew annually for three years, unless the landlord states after one year that they intend to occupy the property personally on a given date – two months’ notice must be given to the lessee. The landlord is permitted to increase the rent if improvements are made, as long as the increase meets certain standards and is less than 20 percent overall.

Typically, a contract will be for 12 months, renewed annually, and if you give notice to quit during this period, you will have to pay rent until the end of the contract. However, as of June 2013 this is no longer legally required – rental periods can be as little as six months followed by a rolling one month contract. Still, if you expect to have to leave suddenly and in a way that is out of your control – for example being recalled by your company – you should budget for this or have an escape clause written into the contract.

The full details of rental law in Spain are provided on the government website (in Spanish).

Cost of renting a home in Spain The deposit is equivalent to a minimum of one, typically two, months of rent and cannot be used to pay your rent. It should be held by a third party.

The landlord cannot ask to be paid more than one month’s rent in advance, and payment is usually at the beginning of the month. The landlord may ask for a bank guarantee. This means that if the tenant fails to pay the rent, the landlord can apply directly to the tenant’s bank for the funds.

19

www.soltimes.com

“A Place in the Sun Exhibition - A Phenomenal Success”

REF ANT3VB01 PRICE €74,950

REF PAR3VC01 PRICE €169,950

REF ALB3V12 PRICE €149,950

REF TUR2A35 PRICE €57,950

3 bed 2 bath detached villa with lovely rural views in the Antas area.

Modular style construction and presented extremely well. The build size is approx 90m2 and the plot is 460m2 with mature gardens.

Spacious 3/4 bedroom 2 bathroom detached villa located on the outskirts of Partaloa with open mountain views. 171m² build size and plot of 3282m². The villa has a private pool area with a ‘figure of eight’ 9 x 5m pool, feature planted areas and a bar area facing the pool.

Beautiful 3 bedroom rural villa on over 30,000m² of land found just 8km outside of Albox surrounded by countryside and mountains. This villa benefits from stunning 360º views from its south-east facing terrace and roof solarium and also has a Jacuzzi and A/C.

2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment on the edge of Turre. Superb mountain views from the private terrace and also the communal roof solarium. Walking distance to all amenities.

REF VER2APX01 PRICE €89,950

REF LOB3A02 PRICE €69,950

REF HUE3VU03 PRICE €129,950

REF ARB3VL15 PRICE €154,950

Excellent ground floor apartment on Vera Playa just a 2 minute walk to the beach and offers a large communal pool, underground parking, storeroom, private plunge pool, two private gardens & terraces, all furniture is included and full air-conditioning installed.

3 bed 2 bath ground floor apartment of 88m2 in the village of Los Lobos just 7 minutes from San Juan.

Coming with a large communal pool, terrace, roof solarium, Pellet burner fire, fully fitted kitchen and underground parking space with lock up store. A genuine bargain!

A bargain 3 bed 2 bath detached villa of 126m2 in Huercal Overa.

With 6 seat Jacuzzi, fly screen dining area, large conservatory, fitted wardrobes, full air-con and immaculate presentation. Walking distance to amenities.

Well-presented 3 bedroom 2 bathroom villa in the Arboleas area with excellent mountain views, low-maintenance gardens, conservatory area, enormous roof solarium and separate casita.

REF ARB3VAP03 PRICE €184,950

REF MOJ5V02 PRICE €499,500

REF ALM5V01 PRICE €199,995

REF VER2AF02 PRICE €97,500

Fantastic 3 bedroom 2 bathroom villa with 9 x4m pool and wonderful mountain views on the outskirts of Arboleas village. Air Con, Fitted Wardrobes, Excellent Build Quality, Roof Terrace, Walking Distance to Bars/Shops.

Spacious and private 5 bedroom detached villa in the area of La Parata, Mojacar Playa. A traditional style property including a 5-seater Jacuzzi, 8 x 4m pool, air conditioning throughout, plenty of terrace space in various areas of the property and the all-important sea views.

Excellent villa in a superb location in Almanzora village. Easy walking distance to all amenities. On the upper level is the main 3 bedroom property with an enormous kitchen/diner and an open luminous aspect.

On the lower level is an enormous selfcontained 2 bedroom 2 bathroom property, plus garage and small orchard.

Superb ground floor corner apartment in Vera Playa with outside space in abundance. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, covered terrace, established mature gardens, communal pool, 88m2 build size.

Fully furnished.

SOL Y MAR

20

March 2016

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394

NEW LISTING

ARBOLEAS

SM038 RUIN

13,000 OFFERS

Ruin requiring major renovation including structural repair and major cosmetic works.

Potential to develop as set over three stories, fantastic value for money Terraced house in small hamlet of homes in a semi rural setting with fantastic views across the valley.

ARBOLEAS

Beautiful setting

SM044

Two houses in one

LARGE PLOT 2750M2

ALBOX

S0L144

135,000 OFFERS

Immaculate detached house set in 2750m2 of mature garden setting.

Features swimming pool, partially fenced, log burner, modern fitted kitchen,3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

In ideal tranquil location yet only 10 minutes drive to Albox.

NEW LISTING 139,000€

Beautiful Country Home set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

This property is in a semi rural location set against a beautiful mountain back drop yet only 10 minutes from the town of Arboleas. It features a stunning garden setting with fantastic views , decking area with Jacuzzi, bbq area, plot size of 600m2 and also land to the front of the property, an additional 400m2 with a garage.

The house is in immaculate order, ready to move into.

CELA

sM043

260,000€

Very large and attractive 256m2 house on the edge of Cela.

Presently set out as two separate properties on individual floors with shared garden and large pool. Each floor have 8 bedrooms, large lounge with wood burner, kitchen, 4 bathrooms, individual patio etc. Large well managed garden has separate alfresco bbq and dining area with fantastic views, store room, raised planting areas and a large unusual and very attractive pool. Completely enclosed and walled property.

Ample parking space. Ideal for extended family, B&B or rental possibilities.

Short easy walk to the natural spring water pool of Cela and bars / restaurants.

21

www.soltimes.com

Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox Email: info@solymarspain.com www.solymarspain.com fantastic value for money

Elevated Views

LIMARIA

sM040 New Listing 175,000€

Impressive detached villa with elevated views across the valley.

Beautiful walled mature garden with BBQ area.

Finished to a very high standard with many extras including pellet central heating, built in damp proofing, swimming pool, screened gazebo eating area and a generous plot size of 936m2.

Walking distance to local bar and restaurant and only 10 mins drive to Albox.

Must be viewed to appreciate.

ALMANZORA

SM042

100,000€ OFFERS

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 5 mins drive to the nearest main market town of Albox.

RENTAL SECTION RSM020

ARBOLEAS

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

MAR620

2 LISTINGs FROM 350€ PCM RENTAL ORIA

This is ‘No. 10’ (pictured) 3 bed terraced home with open, closed terrace areas, modern fitted kitchen and garage.

Property is furnished and available immediately for long term rental.

This house is in an idyllic tranquil setting yet walking distance to all amenities including bars, cafes, and facilities of the local village of Arboleas.

STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS

FROM 350PCM

Detached country cortijo featuring 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms Recently refurbished with fitted kitchen, log burner and many original features In semi rural setting yet only 10 mins drive to Oria.

Absolutely stunning mountain views.

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

March 2016

Looking to sell?

We can sell your property for you.

Properties needed in all areas

API Bancario Bank Property Agent

Tel + 34 637 309 092 - www.indalocasas.es info@indalocasas.es Las Brisas

Los Gallardos

Lovely 90 m², 2 bed duplex situated 300 meters

A semi-detached 78 m², 2 bed villa situated 10

from the beach. The property, which is in very good

minutes from the beach in Mojacar and several

condition, has 2 bedrooms with both sea view

golf courses. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1

terraces, 1 bathroom, 1 toilet, a lounge-dining room

bedroom/room of 11 m² on the solarium, a fitted

with an open fireplace, a fitted kitchen, a nice rear

kitchen, a lounge-dining room, central heating,

terrace and a small from garden. The urbanisation

A/C, parking and a private garden of 150 m². The

€90,000

urbanization has communal pool and 1.140 m² of gardens.

€128,500

€269,000

gardens and is just a short walk from the beach.

Mojácar

Vera

Fabulous 240 m², 5-bed, 2 storey villa situated in Urb. La Ribina near to the Desert Springs Golf complex, the coast and the town. This superior quality property has 5 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bathrooms, a large lounge, a separate dining-room, a fituated kitchen, a covered porch with view to the pool, a large storage room, a basement, air-conditioning and alarm. The plot is 770 m² with a swimming pool, large garden and parking area.

This is a very nice superiour quality property

has community parking, a nice pool area and

Beautiful 215 m², 2-bed villa situated just 500 metres from the beach. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge-dining room with a fireplace, a fully fitted kitchen, large terraces, two garages with capacity for

€335,000

3 cars, A/C and a fenced 500 m² plot with own pool.

Tel + 34 637 309 092 - www.indalocasas.es - info@indalocasas.es

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

NEW

Voss Homes would like to thank our property sellers, buyers & friends for their loyalty and support.

British Family Run Estate Agents

VH920 Villa Emilio - €174,950

An immaculately presented 3 bed, 2 bath villa with 9m x 4m private swimming pool, carport, 4m x 4m wooden shed / workshop and lovely country views on a large walled established garden of 1,464m2. 4 mins drive to a restaurant / bar. 8 mins drive to La Alfoquia village.

Please call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 / 0034 667 891 741 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com For more information and to arrange a viewing contact us asap.

www.vosshomesspain.com

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

www.soltimes.com

23

Home Sales in Spain Climbed by 9.8% in 2015

Sales of homes in Spain increased by 9.8% during 2015, reaching a total of 401,281 transactions.

According to the latest statistics published by the Spanish Government’s Ministry of Public Works, this represents the third consecutive year of increases in home sales and the greatest volume of transactions since 2010.

The Ministry’s data shows that the growth is mainly due to the second hand housing market, which accounted for 340,753 of the transactions (89%), and is 13.4% more than the figure for 2014. In contrast, sales of new homes, which represented 11% of the total, dropped by 10.6% over the previous year, to 41,938 transactions.

Looking at only the data for the fourth quarter of 2015, El Mundo reported that a total of 114,598 homes were sold, which represents an increase of 2.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Moreover, to find a fourth quarter with more transactions one must go back to 2010, when 150,494 transactions were registered.

All of Spain’s regions recorded increases in home sales during 2015, with the exception of Castilla-La Mancha, which registered a decline of -0.8%. Among the greatest increases registered were those for the Balearic Islands

(+17.4%), the Basque Country (+17%), Cantabria (+16.6%), Murcia (+16.3%) and Aragón (+14.3%).

With regard to the provinces, the steepest increases were recorded in: Segovia (+28.5%); Vizcaya (+24.8%); Cádiz (+21.4%); the Balearic Islands (+17.4%); Cantabria (+16.6%); Murcia (+16.3%); Valencia (+14.8%) and Zaragoza (+14.8%). In contrast, among the provinces with the greatest declines are: Ciudad Real (-9.5%); Guadalajara (-7.5%); Ávila (-4.9%); Cáceres (-4.8%) and Salamanca (-4.2%).

The Ministry also highlighted that transactions carried out by foreign residents in Spain experienced year-onyear growth for the 18th consecutive quarter, rising by

9.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, to a total of 18,029 homes sold, while purchases by non-resident foreigners amounted to 1,453 transactions during the quarter, representing an increase of 10.3%. Altogether, some 19,482 housing transactions were carried out by foreigners (resident and non-resident), representing 17.0% of the total transactions in the quarter.

The provinces which recorded the greatest numbers of home purchases by foreign residents, were: Alicante (3,910); Málaga (2,377); Barcelona (1,621); the Balearic Islands (1,426) and Madrid (1,406). kyero.com

World’s Wealthiest Will Increase their Real Estate Investment in Next Decade

Based on data published in ‘The Wealth Report 2016‘, prepared by real estate consultants, Knight Frank, some 47% of citizens with a net worth of more than 30 million dollars (27.6 million euros), excluding their primary residence, will increase their exposure to real estate in the next 10 years.

The study indicates that although the portfolios of these ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) are very diversified, real estate (residential and commercial) is their preference, with approximately 35% of their fortunes being invested in real estate.

Within the commercial arena, offices, hotels and shopping malls are the favourite sectors for investment.

However, logistical assets are likely to be more attractive to the large fortunes than the commercial centres over the next 10 years. In addition, residential investment is the first choice of the UHNWIs, and will remain so in the next decade.

While the forecasts for the next 10 years are for growth, of 41% at the global level, and of 14% for Spain, the rate of increase will be considerably lower than in the past decade. According to the report, the numbers of ultra rich have decreased by 3% globally, while in Spain they have fallen by 10%. Specifically, the decrease in global wealth has been due to global economic uncertainty, exacerbated by the continued fall in oil prices, and the crisis in the liquidity markets in dollar terms.

El Mundo reported that London is once again the city preferred by the UHNWIs, followed by New York

and Paris, which is favoured due to its good connectivity. A total of 467 UHNWIs reside in Madrid, which represents a decrease of 14% over the previous year, while Barcelona has 227 ultra rich residents, 48% less than last year.

The consultants also publish the Prime International Residential Index (PIRI), which analyses performance data of the top 100 second and luxury home markets of the world, which this year includes the five Spanish destinations of Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, Marbella and Mallorca.

Madrid and Ibiza jointly occupy 20th position on the index, climbing from 32nd and 35th positions, respectively. Barcelona, Marbella and Mallorca also improved in the rankings over last year, now occupying 29th, 35th and 47th positions, respectively.

All of the Spanish entries recorded growth in prices, most notably Madrid and Ibiza with increases of 5%, ahead of Los Angeles or second residence destinations such as The Hamptons. Vancouver leads the PIRI with an increase of 24.5% over last year, followed by Sydney (15%), Shanghai (14%) and Istanbul (13%).

According to the PIRI index, Monaco remains the most expensive city in the world, with the highest price per square metre, while Vietnam is the most attractive country, Méribel the favourite winter destination for the ultra rich, and the Australian Gold Coast the best location for a second home. kyero.com

Non-Residential Real Estate Investment Grew by 36% in 2015

Non-residential real estate investment in Spain reached a record 11,700 million euros in 2015 which, according to a real estate investment market study carried out by Deloitte Financial Advisory, represents a year-on-year increase of 36%.

The city of Madrid accounted for 57% of the investment, while Barcelona received 10% of the total investment.

With regard to the sectors which had most activity last year, the offices sector showed to be most active, representing 45% of the total investment, followed by the retail sector, with more than 1,817 million euros of investment in commercial centres and 1,220 million euros of investment in street shop premises.

The third most active sector was the logistics sector, which reached 674 million euros of investment last year, and confirmed its place as the more affordable alternative for those investors seeking higher returns without the risk of land development.

El Mundo reported that, in 2015, the

private equity investor represented only 7% of the volume of investment, giving way to the large institutional investors and the Socimis, which represented 62% of the total annual activity.

Global investment in non-residential real estate exceeded 600,000 million euros in 2015. The EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) registered 35.5% of the activity, Asia-Pacific 19,4% and the Americas 45%.

In this regard, the study highlighted the strong growth in the flow of investment from the United States to the EMEA region, which has doubled in the past year due, among other factors, to the greater strength of the US dollar.

Within Europe, the cities of London and Paris concentrated 50% of the registered volume of investment, while Madrid is the fifth European city in the ranking, by volume of investment, taking 4.6% of the volume in 2015. https://news.kyero.com

24

March 2016

“Spring” Up Your Home and Get Ready for Easter Easter is a wonderful holiday that shepherds in a season and easy way to bring in some spring. And there’s no

property services

in which new life and new growth begins to spring up all around us. It’s also a great reason to reinvigorate your décor and plan the perfect Easter party for your friends and family to enjoy. Here are some Easter décor ideas to get you spruced up for spring in no time.

Eggs Eggs are the perfect mascot to represent the spring season, and they can be used to create many springtime decorations. For example, you can nestle them into a beautiful wreath to adorn your front door, brush them with metallic paint and place them in a bowl to create a sparkling centerpiece, or string them into a garland and hang them around your home’s common areas. To construct a bit of natural flair, build small twig nests and place them strategically throughout the home. You can even add small spotted eggs (or egg-shaped candies) within them. If you want a more elegant look, paint your eggs with fancy and stylish designs, affix them to some cloth ribbon, and hang them as ornaments.

Natural and Artificial Greenery Nothing screams spring like a healthy handful of flowers. Add some natural effects to your home by selecting and arranging blossomed branches in a vase, or cheer up any room by adding colorful helpings of tulips, irises, or daffodils. With so many new flowers to choose from, bouquets are a quick

reason to stop at live blooms. Create a no-fuss bouquet by making your own crepe paper flowers.

If you’re tired of having to purchase new plants every year and constantly tend to your indoor potted plants and drooping bouquets, consider artificial greenery as a permanent fix for the green thumb blues. Artificial greenery gives you a chic, reusable, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly means by which to ring in the season.

Pictures and Presentations Don’t be afraid to go back to your childhood roots by getting crafty with a big ream of colorful construction paper. Cut out butterflies, rabbits, birds, and other springthemed silhouettes and hang them from branches or string them up to make long-lasting spring scenes that can outfit any room in the home with an Easter element.

Picture frames fitted with simple spring-themed designs (this can be as simple as framing a swatch of flowered wrapping paper) is also an easy way to add a splash of spring to your interior design.

Edible Décor Add in some edible décor by placing Easter eggs full of jelly beans in Easter baskets on an entryway table, or add some chocolate eggs to a bowl by the bedside.

With so many candy treats to choose from this season that already come adorned with bright foil and fancy packaging, setting out some delectable delights can bring a bit of Easter to any surface and satisfy a sweet tooth at the same time. Cookies are another great way to offer up a treat while adding to the Easter ambiance. Bake up some Easter-themed sugar cookies and decorate them with pretty pastels to delight your guests. If your party patrons have kids in tow, baking up a batch of cookies and setting up a decoration station can be a great way to keep those little hands busy and those minds engaged.

Swap Out Fabrics Swap out deep winter colors for light, airy pastels and you can quickly transform your home into an Easter paradise. Replace those table runners, hand towels, napkins, rugs, blankets, and throw pillows with springinspired colors and floral patterns. Try your hand at sewing together simple slipcovers, and witness how quickly you can reengineer your entire living room into a spring sensation.

Wreaths, bouquets, Prompt and reliable service, garlands, eggs, Easter baskets, sweet treats, and no job too small. textiles are all quick and Full bathrooms or just makeovers easy ways to spruce up the home for spring. With just a and handyman service. few changes in décor, you’ll 24 hour call out be ready to host an Easter Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160€ event and celebrate the season in style.

Call David on 634 286 590 new http://bhgrelife.com/

DAVID THE PLUMBER

We will move it!!

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NICK THE TILER Call Nick for all your tiling & laminate floor requirements.

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

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Alqueria and the Arts who completed the application but being

The income from the export of Remitroot, in all its forms provides the bulk of the finance which keeps Alqueria ticking over. More or less everyone takes part in the production, sales and shipping.

Some are involved in more imaginative ways such as Pepe Lopéz better known as El Hígado de Cuero who is a self appointed taster for Remitroot Whisky and wine.

Now and again the Village coffers demand more cash and a creative approach to Village finances is called for. One method of bringing in cash was simply to do more work but this was rejected out of hand.

The solution arrived at by the Government of Alqueria was to approach the International Arts Council for a huge grant. Accorded to the application, Alqueria is a hotbed of culture with aspiring writers, painters and sculptors waiting for nothing more than hard cash to realise their full potential. In fact the only talent in the Village is the talent for total inertia. But the application had all the correct boxes ticked and the cheque duly arrived, it was cashed and spent in the same afternoon.

The International Arts Council, very unreasonably in the eyes of the Alquerian Government sent a delegation of five ‘experts’ to the Village to see how their money was being spent. This could have been a bit of a problem for those

experts in this sort of deception an exhibition was duly organised to showcase the very best of Alquerian art.

Held, as most events are in Alqueria in the bar of the La Casa Devante the exhibition was advertised as the greatest artistic event of the century. It was thought that the hype might muddy the waters as far as quality is concerned and hopefully cloud the judgement of the visiting critics.

The three ‘exhibits’ were a literary piece, a sculpture in granite and a water colour.

The literary piece was plagiarised from a work by Ivan Bogeroff, a little known Siberian Haiku Poet. The work was translated from the original Siberian Turkic into Alquerian Spanish by Nester Clacketo who has no knowledge of the former language. The sculpture resembled the corner stone of the Bar La Golondrina Verde, which coincidently went missing just before the exhibition opened. The water colour looked like the bottom of an aviary, which it was.

The Arts Council weren’t fooled and asked for their money back. What offended them the most was the claim that the literary work and the sculpture could be likened to the works of Hemingway and Henry Moore. But as the organisers pointed out, Henry Moore was lousy writer and Hemingway couldn’t sculpt to save his life.

The Boiled Egg Effect

Recently several people have commented about how nice I look. Is that the result of the latest age-defying foundation, which will rejuvenate me to the point of babyhood? Or perhaps a mascara that claims that it will lengthen my eyelashes until I trip over them, or even a lipstick which claims to be ‘kiss-proof.’ Now that’s a weird one – who wants to be kiss-proof?

It is none of the above; it is all down to the Boiled Egg Effect.

On Thursday I noticed a few hairs were taking their leave of my head.

On Friday quite a lot more had joined the migration floorwards. By Saturday a good 50% had left with no forwarding address.

It was time for action! I galloped into the friendly environs of Wavelengths in Albox, and requested the ever cheerful Debbie to pre-empt the fallout by removing that hair which had not already left voluntarily.

There are many ladies who look absolutely gorgeous without hair, but I discovered that I am not one of them! I simply looked like a boiled egg upon which someone with little artistic talent had scrawled a face!

Next stop was the wig shop, Scala in Huercal-Overa, where nobody batted an eyelid at my bald bonce.

Instead wigs in profusion were offered – I felt like Maureen Lipman – they had all the sizes in all the colours!

I left wearing a fully coiffured symphony in Creamy Toffee, complete with its own special shampoo, washing instructions, and the advice to hang it upside down

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk to dry.

I have noticed that the compliments have been voiced while I have been wearing Creamy Toffee - I have to admit, it is a darn sight better than my real hair ever was!

However, I can’t wear it all the time, so I only don it on Special Occasions, like shopping in Mercadona, for instance. I feel that going out literally bald-headed would be too much of a shock for the general public, might cause children to run crying to their mothers and horses to bolt in fear.

Apart from an enhanced appearance thanks to Creamy Toffee, there are other advantages to the Boiled Egg Look. I’m saving a fortune on shampoo and conditioner, plus it is so nice to simply take your hair off and hang it up ready for tomorrow, with no fear of a ‘bad hair day!’

In fact, I am quite happy with The Boiled Egg Effect!

puzzle pages

26

jimmy carr

wwe live

Funny Business Tour, TVs Funnyman is on the road in another side splitting tour.

Watch your favorite stars in action in the UK. John Cena, Big Show & Sheamus

March 2016

new order

Formed in 1980 the Manchester band have regrouped & are touring the UK

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THESE plus MANY OTHER EVENTS AT WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

Answers

wordsearch treasure island

soltimes pot luck Quiz

1. Which Colonel was the manager of

3. Which European flat race is run annually on the first Sunday in October?..................

of Batman?............................................

3. What became Hot Chocolate`s first UK number one single in 1977?....................

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

4. Who painted the Mona Lisa?..............

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

5. What is the correct way to address a Duke?....................................................

6. Which horse gave Lester Piggott his first Royal Ascot winner?....................................

6. Which famous actress was the part of Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz originally intended for?.........................................

7. Which horse was the first to win both the Derby and the St Leger?......................................

7. What is the sixth planet from the Sun in the Solar System?..............................

8. In which war was the Victoria Cross

10. In music, who has sometimes been called the thin white duke?....................

Answers

10. David Bowie

5. Your Grace

9. Diamond

4. Leonardo Da Vinci

8. The Crimean War

3. So You Win Again

7. Saturn

2. Bob Kane

6. Shirley Temple

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1. Tom Parker

SOLUTIONS

wordsearch answer

standard SUDOKU

composed of one single element?..........

easy SUDOKU

9. What is the only gemstone to be

ADMIRAL COAST PARROT BENBOW INN COMPASS PIRATES APPLE BARREL COVE PISTOL ASHORE CREW QUARTERMASTER BEACH CUTLASS SAIL BEN GUNN DR. LIVESEY SCHOONER BILLY BONES GUINEAS SEAFARING BLACK DOG HISPANIOLA BUCCANEER ISLAND SEAMEN BURIED GOLD ISRAEL HANDS SHIP CABIN BOY JIM HAWKINS SKELETON CANNON BALLS JOLLY ROGER SPY-GLASS CANNONS LOGBOOK SQUIRE TRELAWNEY CAPE LONG JOHN SILVER THE BLACK SPOT CAPTAIN FLINT MAROONED TREASURE CAPTAIN SMOLLETT MUSKET CHEST MUTINY WALRUS : TREASURE ISLAND WAS WRITTEN BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

first awarded?........................................

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

8. Which horse, in 1977, became the first to win the Mackeson and Hennessy in the same season?..........................

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

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

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

2. Who orginally created the character

Find and circle all of the words and names from the book Treasure Island.

The remaining 46 letters spell a secret message.

soltimes sports Quiz

1. Where was the Derby held during the two World Wars?......

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

Elvis Presely?.........................................

IDENTIFY THEse FAMOUS films

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

sol picture quiz!

I: It J: Leon K: Sleepy Hollow L: The Big Lebowski

on this day 23rd march

1806 – After traveling through the Louisiana Purchase and reaching the Pacific Ocean, explorers Lewis and Clark and their “Corps of Discovery” begin their arduous journey home.

1918 – First World War: On the third day of the German Spring Offensive, the 10th Battalion of the Royal West Kent Regiment is annihilated with many of the men becoming prisoners of war 1956 – Pakistan becomes the first Islamic republic in the world. (Republic Day in Pakistan) 1965 – The first issue of The Vigilant is published from Khartoum.

1994 – Aeroflot Flight 593 crashes in Siberia when the pilot’s fifteen-year-old son accidentally disengages the autopilot, killing all 75 people on board.

www.soltimes.com

puzzle pages

27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 Shackles (7) 5 Without ceasing (7) 9 Trademark or signature (9) 10 Long metal nail (5) 11 Tedious (7) 12 City in Washington state (7) 13 Estimate (9) 15 Whips (5) 17 A small picture inserted within another (5) 19 Unsteady in gait (9) 22 Frolic (7) 25 Affective (7) 26 Stitched (5) 27 Crooks (9) 28 Female siblings (7) 29 Funeral cars (7)

Down

1 Preventing (7) 2 Not thinness (9) 3 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 4 Whipping boy (9) 5 An attribute of a people or era (5) 6 Female (7) 7 Poet T.S. _____ (5) 8 Searchers (7) 14 Frisky or flirtatious (9) 16 Not reproductions (9) 17 Asserts (7) 18 Pretentious talk (7) 20 Strange or rare objects (7) 21 Suppositions (7) 23 Caterwauls (5) 24 Strikes with the feet (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

famous bithdays on this day

standard

1980 – Russell Howard, English comedian and television host 1983 – Mo Farah, Somalian-English Runner 1990 – Princess Eugenie of York 1994 – Nick Powell, English footballer

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Talks second tops (6) 5 Least expensive ape in bureau (8) 9 Rum label - unusual hand-held shelter (8) 10 Convicted Graphical User Interface Lieutenant at end of July (6) 11 Commoner’s nice, but left out (7) 12 Lack of difficulty of endless stand (4) 14 Return a little bit of information (4) 15 Oddly, say, duets - they come around once a week (8) 18 In addition, done after Rome moves (8) 19 Blinkers contain connection (4) 21 Snatch breaking rag - bad start (4) 23 Gents in trouble setting up home (7) 25 Get on with silly bat and his heart inside (6) 26 Reassembled tin deity - it’s who you are! (8) 27 Depression is time saved initially, for those who look into your mouth (8) 28 Bell sound after commercial totting up (6) Down 2 Jam up without start returning animal (4) 3 An eloper, a new flying craft (9) 4 Ruler of a Muslim country is nearly dried fruit! (6) 5 Architects cars I mangled, for distinguishing features (15) 6 Perhaps the Genie can be served from here onwards (8) 7 A group of lions’ satisfaction with what they’ve done? (5) 8 Hearty meeting (10) 13 Eva Balfour could be advantageous (10) 16 Well pleased act, holding illumination (9) 17 Level in ghost ship starts the latter parts of the day (8) 20 Deformed Iceman may appear on screen here (6) 22 Note most recent explosion (5) 24 Shock the heart of first uncle (4)

soltimes minion quote

28

March 2016

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

How to make an Easter egg

and slapping it in, I allowed the chocolate to cool and then, using a pastry brush, I spooned and spread a quarter of the chocolate evenly around each of the two mould halves then left to set.

Fancy making your own Easter egg? Roxanne Fisher Tip: To make Good Food's chocolate Krispie chick recipe discovers how easy it really is... all you need to do is add 50g Rice Krispies when you take I always toy with the idea of crafting my own Easter the chocolate off the heat. You'll only need one layer too. egg, but the assumed impossibility of the project means Step 3: Second layer.

I succumb year-after-year to BOGOF brands or swanky Belgian bunnies. Inspired by Good Food's lovely simple Buoyed by a successful start, I popped the two set egg chocolate button egg, I decided this was the year to roll up halves in the fridge for the strict five-minute time allowance my sleeves, borrow some egg moulds and investigate just and in the meantime reheated the remaining chocolate how easy making your own really is... before once again leaving to cool. Again, I was surprised by the lack of drama involved, though if striving for perfection, The chocolate.

Immediately I was fearful that the cocoa content in my I would recommend ensuring you have equal measures for chosen chocolate was only 70%, while the recipe used each mould before applying your second layer (one half 82% - but thankfully 'good quality' were the key words to focus on and it melted and set beautifully.

Two 100g bars of quality supermarket, own-brand chocolate set me back £2. Decorative delights aside, this is the only ingredient you need. Thoughtful AND thrifty. All was looking good from the off.

Step 1: Melting the chocolate.

I'll confess now, I didn't have a thermometer. While the recipe doesn't call for it, tempering chocolate is key to avoiding that mottled look and my masterpiece suffered from the patchy effect, which doesn't alter taste but scuppered my chances of a professional finish.

However, thermometer-free homes need not despair. This piece of kit can be pricey and some clever decorating of your egg (see our ideas below) can completely hide a mottle-mishap.

Step 2: First layer.

I was unconvinced that my melted chocolate would keep its shape. I was certain I'd be left with a gloopy mess in the middle of the moulds but this turned out to be a fun and satisfyingly simple step that older children would love to help with. Refraining from taking it straight off the heat

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

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

of my egg was definitely a little chunkier than the other.)

Tip: While the drying time wasn't in fact as lengthy as I expected, patience is not my virtue and I can imagine younger children would find the waiting quite frustrating.

Making treats to go inside your egg is a lovely extra touch, so try making some of the suggestions below while your egg sets - guaranteed to distract even the most impatient little chefs.

Step 4: Becoming one.

I left my egg to dry the second time for about two hours.

This was possibly a little excessive (it looked ready after about an hour) but I wanted to be sure it wouldn't crack when eased from the mould. After a brief stint in the fridge again I gingerly eased the edges of the mould away from the rim of the egg, turned it upside down and (very) gently squeezed it out onto greaseproof paper. And it really was that simple - one whole egg, with not a break in sight.

I reheated the remaining tablespoon of chocolate, brushed

the edges as the recipe instructed, popped in some sweets and placed the other half on top, filling in any gaps. Once completely dry (only 20 minutes this

time) we had our four-year-old neighbour on hand to cover our creation in magic stars... and that was it! http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/

F O K TAL OWN T E H T

29

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F O K L TA 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 CH 2015 (7 of 7) 73mm high x 111mm wide,

€7,00

Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas

€6,00

All Day

Takeaway Also Available Quesada Villamartin Plaza

966 719 136

966 764 441

Plaza de la Constitución, Benijófar 03178. Open Daily from 10am

Experience the Oasis Difference this Easter Easter Sunday Lunch with Roast Lamb or Turkey mains special starters and dessert choices included 2 courses €10,95 or 3 courses €13,95 both of which include include a drink Tapas on the Terrace evenings are back Thursday to Saturday evenings from 24th March For further details, telephone 603 169 090 or email oasisbenijofar@outlook.com / www.oasis-benijofar.es

harry’s bar 965 999 973 Open Daily from 9am until late Avd. Costa Azul (at the top) Quesda LUNCHES, SNACKS AND EVENING MEALS AVAILABLE DAILY

Easter Sunday

FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Served 10 – 3pm only

3.50€ inc. Tea/Coffee

27th March Fabulous Sunday Lunch

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

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

FOLLOW HARRY’S BAR ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES QUOTE ‘SOL TIMES’ FOR THIS OFFER

SATURDAY 19TH MARCH OFFER COME AND ENJOY A 200G ARGENTINIAN STEAK OR FRESH SALMON ON THE STONE

SERVED WITH CHIPS, FRESH SALAD, ONION RINGS AND PEPPER SAUCE ONLY 9.95€ includes half a pint of beer

Call 656 613 356 for Reservations OPENING HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday:12:30 to 10pm

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

Easter Day 27th March You can book now for this special Sunday Tables available from 1pm to 9pm

Come and enjoy warm hospitality and great food.

Relax in our comfortable and smart surroundings. Enjoy live music entertainment with us every Saturday

19th March: RANDALL CAIN

3 course Set Menu (15€ pp) plus A La Carte menu available 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

March 2016

Juvé&Camps:

A Serious Cava Business

In the heart of DO Cava, Juvé&Camps produces 12-million bottles of cava a year, none of it younger than a crianza.

In the capital of the DO Cava producing region, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia – a sturdy, no-nonsense little town dotted with resplendent art nouveaux bodegas (wineries) – is Juvé & Camps, a family run concern dating back to 1796. Tara Stevens visits the premises and tastes the wines.

It’s popular sport in Barcelona to compare cava and champagne. Usually over a glass or two. But it’s unfair really since it is only methodology that unites them. The grapes used and the terroir they are grown on are completely different: champagne is predominately limestone and chalk soil for example, while the Penedès – where 90% of Spanish DO Cava is produced – is mostly a mix of rock, sand and clay.

Champagne is made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Cava is traditionally crafted from autochthonous grapes Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada, and when well done offers a clean, crisp alternative fizz especially for drinkers looking for wines that really express the place they come from.

A family run winery Today Juvé&Camps occupies two sides of the street driving into town. On one an elegant 1920s building (built to coincide with the release of their first cava in 1921), the other a neat, red brick affair from the 1960s, that interconnect via a series of tunnels that spread web-like through vaulted cellars that run six-storeys deep.

It’s a serious business producing 12-million bottles of cava a year, none of it younger than a crianza (9-15 months in the bottle). But a good chunk of the production is top-end: 800,000 bottles per year are reserva (15-30 months in the bottle) and a whopping 35%, or 2 million bottles per year, is grand reserva (30months in the bottle) – an anomaly in a market that tends towards quick-selling, fast turnaround bottles.

The company is now steered by Juan Juvé, and run by Meritxell Juvé and Laià Rosal - the fourth generation of its founders Juan Juvé Baqués and Teresa Camps Ferrer - who have set about streamlining the winery into a state-of-the-art facility with strict principles. 80% of their grapes are grown at three dedicated vineyards: Espiells, La Cuscona and Mediona. 20% are sourced from local farmers, and as of 2015 they finally achieved a dream to move over to a fully certified, 100% organic production.

Dedicated to traditional local grapes I was shown around by head of communication Àlex Fenollosa, who has been with the company for nearly 20 years. He told me: ‘Although it’s become fashionable to add Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to cava in keeping with the French

style of champagne, and it is something we do in our entry-level wines, we’ve always been very dedicated to using the traditional combination of grapes – just like the wines being made three to four hundred years ago - and it’s a big part of our heritage.

We’re passionate about preserving that tradition and the expression of our terroir and so, in our Reserva de la Familia, you’ll find only native grapes.”

With sales of Reserva del la Familia peaking at over one-million bottles a year clearly their strategy is absolutely right. But it’s never been a company to rest on their laurels. Keen to remain at the forefront of the cava industry the company is now looking at evolving their legacy with Xarello – a Catalan strain of Sauvignon Blanc – as their flagship grape.

Two cavas using 100% Xarel-lo have already hit the market. Essential is a relatively young, easy-drinking fruity reserva that strives to capture the essence of the country that comprises the Penedès.

At the other end of the spectrum, La Capella, comes off just two hectares of pristine 100-year-old Xarel.lo vines and retails at around €75 in Spain. A serious drinking experience.

Cava following the traditional method It’s this meticulous thought and care that goes into every bottle the winery produces that keeps it at the forefront of the industry.

From the moment the wine comes off the land to the second it leaves the bodega, there’s nothing but tender, loving care following the traditional method.

After the second fermentation, when yeast and sugar are added to the wine to create the tiny bubbles that make it such a festive drink, the cava is turned daily by hand to work the sediment up to the neck of the bottle. Once it reaches this point, the bottle neck is frozen, the yeasty sediment disgorged and the bottle topped up with dosage – a mixture of wine and sugar that will ultimately determine whether the finished bottle is dry or sweet.

From here, at Juvé&Camps at least, each bottle is gently shuttled into its cellar via an electric railway that traverses the labyrinthine winery and left to ‘sleep’ until it reaches optimum maturity, with one notable exception.

Magnums (the equivalent of two bottles) and jeroboams (the equivalent of four bottles) are never topped up because the second fermentation always takes place in the bottle, ensuring a wine of a much higher quality and intensified flavours. Likewise, following the success of their mono-varietal cavas Blanc de Noirs Reserva and Milesimé Reserva, which were first released when French-style fizz was in high demand during the Millenium celebrations, they are now placed in yellow bottles by way of distinguishing the brand.

The products proved so successful it was

madness not to continue, but for true aficionados, traditional cava is shining brighter than ever: its time is now.

Juvé&Camps Tasting Notes La Capella, 9.5 years in bottle, 100% Xarel.lo Golden hued with delicate bubbles, intense stone fruit, brioche and butter in mouth, a lightly spiced, dried apricot finish Gran Juvé & Camps, 4 years in bottle, 25% Macabeu, 40% Xarel·lo, 10% Parellada, 25% Chardonnay Golden colour and tiny bubbles that surprises with white flowers on the nose, but complex toast and honey in the mouth Blanc de Noirs Reserva, 2 years in bottle, 100% Pinot Noir Pink gold colour with a fine mousse and cherry notes on the nose, juicy citrus in the mouth and plenty of structured backbone Milesimé Reserva, 2 years in bottle, 100% Chardonnay Made only during the best harvest of the Espiells estate, generous fizz with elegant white fruits (peaches and apples) on the nose, and creamy mouth-feel with back notes of honey and brioche Reserva de la Familia, 3 years in bottle, 35% Macabeu, 55% Xarel·lo, 10% Parellada The company’s most classic and bestselling classic cava, pale gold colour, rich and elegant in the mouth and overflowing with ripe white fruits, sweet baked goods and just a hint of spice Essential, 15 months in bottle, 100% Xarel.lo Harvested from the Espiells and Can Rius estates, pale yellow colour with greenish hues typical of the grape, notes of fennel and Mediterranean herbs on the nose with a creamy freshness in the mouth Reserva Cinta Púrpura, 2 years in bottle, 33% Macabeu, 34% Xarel·lo, 33% Parellada A very traditional cava, deep golden colour, stone fruit and white flowers on the nose and a pleasing, rippling acidity in the mouth Brut Rosé, Crianza, 100% Pinot Noir (available in both Brut and Semi-Sweet) Exuberant, easy-drinking cavas, bright cherry colour with generous fizz, red fruits and strawberries on the nose and in the mouth Sweet Cava, 2 years in bottle, 33% Macabeu, 34% Xarel·lo, 33% Parellada Deep golden colour with fine bubbles, roasted spices on the nose and sweetness in the mouth counterbalanced by a refreshing acidity. Exceptional with blue cheese and foie gras http://www.foodswinesfromspain. com/

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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 the church on 665 302 019

A parkinsons Support Group

On Tuesdays at 11am At Bobbie Jo·s, Los Montisinos For a chat and a cup of tea For further information contact Wally Williamson On 966 770 871

Roman Catholic Church

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

Talks & Workshops

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

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN -

In 2016 we aim to expand our teams of listeners around Spain.

If you are resident in the Mazarrón área and would like to hear how you can join us as a Listener or spare a few hours a week to help with fundraising / other events held in the area please contact our General Manager stephenrbaker@outlook.com to register interest in attending an initial group meeting locally. www.samaritansinspain.com Also on Facebook and Twitter. (Volunteer positions are unpaid but certain expenses can be claimed)

MARKET DAYS IN THE AREA

Monday - San Pedro del Pinatar Tuesday - Los Alcazares / Alhama de Murcia Wednesday - Santiago de la Ribeira / Fuente Alamo / Totana Thursday - San Javier / Camposol Sector A / Lorca Friday - Isla Plana (Summer only) Saturday - Mazarron Pueblo / Aguilas Sunday - Puerto de Mazarron / Mar Menor / Cabo de Palos

- community news welcome events

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sales@soltimes

Welcome Group Events Sunday April 10th. - Annual Treasure Hunt. Explore the countryside you have not seen, solve clues and win prizes. Lovely buffet at the end. €9 THURSDAY April 21st. - This month’s dance at Mariano’s features PDQ, a live band with excellent musicians and vocalists. Dance your socks off while enjoying this superb group. €8 Wednesday 15th June. - Ladies Afternoon at The Club House, Camposol - Fashion show, Stalls, Bingo plus a Cold Buffet. Dancing to Terry J. €10 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 €5. This is always a very popular event so book early to avoid disappointment. €30 NEW September 12th. Trip To Barcelona. On the way up stay overnight in Valencia at the 4* Tryp Oceanic, in the morning continue to Barcelona for 3 nights in the very central hotel HCC Montblanc both on B&B. Cost includes return coach travel and a trip to Montserrat. €375 p.p. (€75 deposit when booking) NEW November 3rd. Benalmadena & Gibraltar. Due to popular demand this trip returns for 2016. Staying 3 nights at Hotel Mac Puerto Marina on half board inc. wine & water with dinner. A trip to Gibraltar and an evening Ricky Lavazza show included. €200 p.p.

NEW Fancy having Christmas in an excellent hotel with excellent food then join us at the very central Helios Hotel in Benidorm Coach travel from Mazarron area, commencing 23rd December for four nights , Full Board, Gala Christmas lunch just 260€ per person. No need to be lonely or cook this Christmas. Call 620105179 to make a reservation for any of the above.

For more information or to book your tickets, call Rosemary on 620 105 179

Ex-Servicemen’s Association

Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) events 2016 Wednesday 13th April Bocapizza Puerto de Mazarron 7.30pm for 8.00pm Wednesday 11th May Costa Celbracion Rooms Mazarron Town 10th Anniversary Dinner Dance with Grand Raffle and Live Entertainment 7.30pm for 8pm Membership and enquiries, Ian 629818611 or esamd.espana@gmail.com

Costa Almeria and Costa Calida Anglican Church services for Holy Week

Palm Sunday 20th March San Pascual Mojacar 11am Liturgy of Palms and Holy Eucharist Llanos del Peral 11am Liturgy of Palms And Holy Eucharist Maundy Thursday 24th March Aljambra Chapel 11am Holy Eucharist Albox Llanos del Peral 6pm Commemoration Of the Last Supper Good Friday 25th March San Pascual Mojacar 11am At the Foot of of the Cross Easter Sunday 27th March San Pascual Mojacar 11am Holy Eucharist Llanos del Peral 11am Holy Eucharist

The Mar Menor is a huge (135 square kilometres) salt-water lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean by the 24 kilometre long La Manga del Mar Menor (The Strip).

The average depth of the Mar Menor is four metres and at its maximum it is seven metres which means that the seabed slopes very gradually and you

have to get several hundred metres in before the water is of any depth.

The Mar Menor’s salinity provides buoyancy so it is, supposedly, one of the safest places to swim in the world. The mineralrich waters are said to have therapeutic effects and because of this the area has a significant spa tourism industry.

The sludge in the salt pans is also credited with beneficial effects

on the health, so there are often dozens of mud people wallowing in it at any one time.

Playa Paraiso beach on a summer weekend.

The beach at Playa Paraiso is very popular, partly because it has road access right onto the beach. On summer weekends it will be packed with Spanish

families, who move most of their house onto the beach.

The sea is very shallow, with netted off areas to exclude watersports, fishing and jellyfish.

The jellyfish are mainly harmless and much reduced in numbers from previous years, apart from the summer of 2006 when they were back with a vengeance.

Playa Honda beach During the week the beach is quiet.

SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, BENIJOFAR

Meets at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7 p.m. And every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 6.30 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. The Divine Service with Mediumship, on Sunday, 27th March, will be taken by Kim Westgate.

Jillian and Martin will also take the Evening of Mediumship on Tuesday, 29th March. Len Cox will take the Divine Service, with Mediumship, on Sunday, 3rd April. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistcentre-benijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com or info@ spiritualistcentre-benijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

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

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

SolTimes

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

32

March 2016

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936

Betty

Mountain View

Cat hotel Hondon de las Nieves/Frailes

Betty is very striking tortie , about 6 months old.

She was abandoned with her sisters in Catral.

She loves other cats and is very affectionate towards people.

Like all girls she loves attention and enjoys being spoilt.

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

These two sisters and two brothers were rescued by APAH when they were only a few weeks old. They are very sweet puppies, four months old now and ready to be adopted.

They are probably only going to be small/ medium sized dogs. If you would like to meet the family please call.

If you can offer Betty a home please call

610832726 or 600845420.

Chip

This is what it is all about. Just after Christmas K9 rescued this elderly lady after she was abandoned. Her name is Chip and she was very traumatised, in fact she was terrified of everyone.

Well here she is after being with our new Kennel Managers only 60 minutes!!!!!!!!

Wonderful .

If you would be interested in adopting Chip

Please contact K9 or PHONE: 600 84 54 20 for more info

www.k9club.es

630 422 563 or 616 210 850

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.

Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com

Sam s ung pro grammable electronic w a s h i n g machine approx.

5 years old 150€.

4 x wooden dining chair s , good clean condition. 20€, 4 x childrens m o u n t a i n bikes, ages 4 to 6 years. 30€, Fridge freezer clean working condition 60€, Can deliver reasonable distance at cost Tel: 606 075 644.

Gas fire & Bottle 55€, Roof Bars & Top Box for Ford Fusion 50€, Fold up Double Bed

20€, Gas BBQ Little used 45€, Tel: 865 774 401 or Mob: 651 563 952 G arden Gate round top steel gate with aluminium privacy panel 1,760 cm high x 98.5 cm wide 50€. Tel 966 713 297 C A M PIN G GAZ EXPERT BBQ with cover & full bottle of gas 70€Tel: 966 722 299 Mob: 620 135 988, Buyer collects Torrevieja area Brand new white slate shower tray 80 x 70 95€, Wrought iron DB headboard in cream 35€

Headboard - DB size in white with black inset 35€, Pair of bedside cabinets in white 25€ Tel: 966 713 707 Quesada area.

F RI D G E FREEZER w WHIRLPOOL size 170 –60 –60 white no frost fast freeze option can be seen working ex condition 75€, MICROWAVE white range of settings including defrost good condition working order 25€ Tel: 966 716 646 Quesada.

4€ 1 DAY

30€ 10 DAY

60€ 1 MONTH

Annual contracts from 229€

• New Indoor parking too • 100% secure and insured • Cheap car repairs & MOT • Meet & greet valet parking service • Only 2 mins from the terminal (closest airport parking) • 24hr short/long term parking

Tel: 615 374 404 info@europarkingalicante.com www.europarkingalicante.com

alternative power

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

Pets In Spain

Bella is a 2 year old pure white cat, she is very laid back and would suit someone who wants a lap cat that doesn't go out much. She is sterilised and good with other cats.

Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

Call Jane on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 330 building

electrician

B BETTER B BUILDING COMPANY C

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

Extensions - Terraces Tiling - Patios - Roofing Brickwork - Plastering Balustrades - Gates - Grills

insurance

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

asssa medical

email: betterbuilding@hotmail.com

Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan

968 030 674 642 321 472

business opportunity “Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience” If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping. This is the reality for people that are making money online.

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

every single month.

For Free Information Visit

www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk

insurances

968 153 396

mazarron@asssa.es

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

ELEGANT slim, sexy, naughty Italian lady available home/house visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, Quesada plus all other areas. Escort available home & house visits.

Tel: 693 357 526 Spanish lady Playa Flamenca near new Carrefour before La Florida. 37 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€. Full discretion. Tel: Ana 865 646 437

33

www.soltimes.com

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

www.soltimes.com legal

pools

removals

LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back

SERVICES WE OFFER ● INHERITANCE ● fiscal representation ●TITLE DEEDS ● CONVEYANCING •SPANISH WILLS CALL 609 656 056 - 965 352 552

Email: info@costamedconsulting.com www.costamedconsulting.com Office: C/ Gabriel Miro 1, 1D, Pilar de la Horadada

Pets- Transport

Pet transportaion service UK|Spain|UK

TRANS-PET 600 55 20 30 r Doo 965 96 06 58 2 00 44 7801 272 162 or Do

Kennels & Cattery Passport service-DEFRA authorised Fully insured- Vehicles inspection certificates www.trans-pet.co.uk sharon@trans-pet.co.uk

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

All Swimming Pool Reforms, Re-grouts and ReTiling, Pumps Repaired and Replaced, New Roman Steps, New Sand Filters and Sand Changes, New or Repairs to Skimmers, Jets, Hoovers, Bottom Drain, etc... Structural Repairs, Leak Detection Tests.

Fully Legal in Spain 24h rs a e servicre 10 Y Over erience E xp Covering all areas from Miraira to Mazarron

every 2 weeks, based near Murcia

Rainbow

Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044

Satellites

7519 186 355. or email:

for all your TV

van.man@hotmail.co.uk

needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact

Call 634 186 710 or 638 175 699

want to know whats in the news? go online

www.soltimes.com

sat/tv services Cont...

surveyors

structural

surveys

Mark Paddon BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT.

Property buyer’s surveys and expert defects diagnosis

962 807 247 653 733 066

www.surveyorscostablanca.com

upholstery KENT UPHOLSTERY

Matt or Alan on

UK-SPAIN-UK fortnightly service SPAIN: 914 143 164 UK: 01773 513 013 www.britonsremovals.com britonsremovals@ic24.net

686 358 475 or rainbowsats@ gmail.com

sat/tv services

spas

SAT MART

euro spas

FOR ALL YOUR TV NEEDS FULLY LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL QUOTATIONS SPARES & REPAIRS 1.4M HIGH GAIN DISH FULLY INSTALLED HD OFFER OR STANDARD BOX NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS OVER 250 TV & 60 RADIO

299€

FULL SKY TV PACKAGE 150€ PER YEAR HOLIDAY PACKAGE UNLIMITED INTERNET 19€/MONTH. FREE TO TURN ON/OFF SO YOU ONLY PAY FOR THE MONTHS YOU USE PLEASE CALL JOHN / MIKE 693 969 872 MOBILE 965 319 830 LANDLINE WWW.SATELLITETVTORREVIEJA.COM SATMARTINSTALLATIONS@GMAIL.COM

vehicle hire

Spas at factory prices.

Used & Ex display models.

Spares & repairs.

Part exchange Telephone 650 722 905

For all your upholstery needs Homes Sofas/Garden furniture etc Cars Seat repairs inc. soft top Boats Interior/exterior

Foam cut + supplied

Contact Ken: 634 334 776 email: kentuphol@yahoo.com near Lumsden Auctions Formentera www.zenithupholstery.org

wigs

WIG BOUTIQUE Choose from the best human or synthetic hair.

Private fitting room.

Ladies & Gents Professional Service

Head to Toe

Hair, beauty, nails, massage La Zenia 966 773 216

34

March 2016

motoring section for sale and Wanted

vehicle registration

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

Email:info@replatematecostablanca.com

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

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

Full service history A/C, PAS, ABS Electric windows, CD Remote locking Rear head restraints Metallic grey

Ford Focus 2012 - 5 door hatch 1.6 Trend 78,000 kms 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), PAS Front fog lights, ABS E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Also available in silver!

Metallic blue also Available in silver.

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

KiaCarnivalEX 2002 - SEVEN SEATER 2.9 EX CRDi 16v 177,000 kms, 3 owners Fully serviced A/C (Front/Rear), Alloys Front fog lights, PAS E. windows/mirrors Roof rails/bars, CD Centre arm rests, ABS Twin sliding side doors Metallic blue

VW Polo 2006 - 5 door hatch 1.2 (64 bhp) 119,000 kms 2 owners Fully serviced A/C, PAS, ABS E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix, Nokia Bluetooth Metallic silver

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

€19,450

€6,450

€10,750

€5,250

€4,995

€4,995

€16,950

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

Looking for a car ?

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1800 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.

605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com

mechanic

Mobile Auto Electrician ENGINE MANAGEMENT DIAGNOSTICS

fault Finding & Repairs Engine Diagnostics Aig Bag, ECU, Instrument Cluster, Diagnostic & Repair Air-Conditioning Re-Gas & Repairs

We have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles for sale or exchange Quality cars purchased all paperwork legally undertaken Telephone 600 726 221 or 965 687 976

www.fwreurocars.com

ecu remapping

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

wanted cars for cash CASH CASH

Best prices paid Spanish English Anythingconsidered

tel: Tim on 662 211 993

CASH

Same day collection

We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

600 726 221 965 687 976

Do you have a vehicle, boat or motor bike for sale?

Phone Jane 950 121 936

To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers

For a small-volume hypercar manufacturer with only a little over 150 cars sold since the company started series production of the 2002 Koenigsegg CC8S back in 2002, Koenigsegg has had a lot of models in its lineup at any given time. For example, the current Koenigsegg range consists of three models (2013 Koenigsegg Agera R and 2015 Koenigsegg One: 1) while the upcoming 2015 Geneva Motor Show will add two more cars to the stable.

Telephone Al - Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm FULLY MOBILE

638 323 499

ACB Diagnostics andybulletvan@gmail.com

658 109 849 Service parts included from 80€ All brakes with labour from 170€ RHD to LHD light conversions from 100€ Accident repairs free collection or repairs at yours

One of those two is the mysterious 2015 Koenigseff Agera RS while the other one is a new model called the Regera According to Koenigsegg, “Regera” is a Swedish transitive verb that means to “rule; govern, or reign.” If that definition wasn’t enough to get your blood flowing, you may also want to know that the model is neither a supercar nor a hypercar, instead being called a “megacar” by the carmaker. As you may remember, when the One: 1 was unveiled, it was also called a megacar by Koenigsegg, courtesy of its “one MegaWatt of power.” On the other hand, the Regera will trounce that figure with over 1.11 MW of power from its plug-in hybrid drive train with no gearbox.

www.acbautorecambioscostablanca.com

are you a mechanic? do you have a motoring business?

Phone Jane 950 121 936

To advertise here in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers This size advert for less than 4€ a week

www.soltimes.com

Book Review

950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by

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

"Sometimes when I want to be on my own I get into the airing cupboard in the bathroom and slide in beside the boiler and pull the door closed behind me and sit there and think for hours and it makes me feel very calm."

This is an extraordinary book about being special and cherishing differences in spite of the isolation felt. The title is taken from Arthur Conan Doyle's "Silver Blazes" and quoted by the maestro himself, Sherlock Holmes. In Haddon's novel the main character, Christopher, a 15 year old boy wants to be a mystery detective solving the murder of Wellington just like his idol Holmes.

As soon as you start reading it is obvious that Christopher is different and special. He has a photographic memory and thinks logically and literally. He demonstrates his thought patterns by adding illustrations, maps, diagrams and stories. This appealed to Haddon's younger audiences but the book has been very popular with adults. It won 17 literary prizes and was adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott for the stage. In August 2012 it premiered at the National Theatre (London) before transferring to London's West End in March 2013. It was broadcast live to cinemas worldwide on the 6th September 2012.

It seems more than likely that Christopher suffers from Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning autism. The author didn't want to simply present a manual on Asperger's but emphasize the differences in being an outsider like Christopher, isolated and yet one who is remarkably able and capable of seeing the world in a surprising and revealing way. He is absolutely brilliant at maths and sciences and has ambitions of being an astronaut or more realistically, a scientist. The latter is achievable. What he fails at is understanding people's emotions. "He can't read their faces. He can't put himself in their shoes."

He can understand literal meanings of everyday things that you and I take for granted but becomes frustrated and confused with metaphors and idioms. Fear usually develops. Siobhan, one of his teachers has advised him to ask people what they mean when he is confused by their emotions and if he doesn't receive a response that makes sense logically to him he is told to walk away. He cannot cope with people shouting especially at him and he will groan and scream more like a person having a fit or a person who is insane.

Christopher's behaviour can be violent and worrying.

He carries a Swiss army knife around all the time and this is his protective weapon against anyone who grabs him. Just like self-defence. Shockingly, he also keeps it there to protect himself from his father thinking that his father

Special Offers Visit:

35

might murder him.

Siobhan is the one who encourages him to write a murder mystery novel and the story begins aptly with the murder of Wellington, Mrs Shears' poodle.

When she sees Christopher carrying the dog she screams and this causes an adverse reaction with him. She contacts the police who ask too many questions flooding his mind. He lies face down on the ground, groaning: "They were starting up on my head like loaves in the factory where Uncle Terry works." The policeman tried to lift him up from the grass and Christopher hit him. It was an instinctive reaction. Back to the self-defence.

It seems impossible to imagine a child who refuses the reassurance of touch such as hugging, especially from his parents who love him. Any attempt at touching him leads to violence. He was arrested but cautioned, then released.

He lives with his father, Ed, a boiler engineer after the death of his mother. Ed tries his best but there is conflict and frustration sometimes culminating in a fist-fight. He discovers that his mother and Mr Shears were very, very good friends and included this in his "novel." His father read this and confiscated it. When Christopher was in the detective mode he went searching for his book and discovered a pile of unopened letters addressed to him. Frightening revelations from his father forced Christopher to run away from home, on a treacherous journey to London. The impossible journey is a testament to his determination and it will succeed in giving you goosebumps.

Publisher: David Fickling ISBN: 978-1-849-921763 Also Jonathan Cape.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

www.ecocorpshop.com

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

Solar is a child of the electronics age and prices will trend downwards.

Solar Power system to run in conjunction with your home electricity, reduce your monthly bills

from 6995€

including battery bank.

9 PANELES (250W Full systems - special offer, while stocks last 12 PANELES (250W Eurener) + Inverter Eurener) + Inverter and analizador de and analizador de redes, panel mounting redes, panel mountsystem, cables and ing system, cables and breakers – only €5,995 breakers – only €4,995 (save around €1,100 (save around €750 per per year) year)

No Tax On the Sun! (Real Decreto 900/2015 Boe 243 10th October 2015) Now that the government have passed the new laws with regard to solar energy, there is no better time to subsidize your electricity bills. Our systems can be scaled to suit your energy requirements so as you attain the fastest payback. All systems meet EU and Spanish requirements for connecting to the grid and there is NO TAX to pay!

Solar swimming pool filtration pump kit.

Run your swimming pool on solar

Solar swimming pool heating, extend your swim season or heat your pool all year round.

from 2295€

Auto-consumo solar power kits, supplement your electricity bills

Solar power system servicing & updating, fault finding & diagnostics.

from 5995€

Call Ecocorp on

671 716 597 or 950 930 187 for a no obligation quotation

La Meseta, Bedar, Almeria

WWW.ECOCORPSHOP.COM

Why not consider PX your old, tired system for a new, more efficient one.

36

March 2016

Club de Golf El Paraiso @ Roda Golf 18/3/16

With overcast skies and the likelihood of a shower or more, 25 members and guests made their way down the AP7 to play our Stableford competition.

Although the sky was black at times not a single spot fell on the golf course. The course was in excellent condition and although the greens had been aerated they were true and slick, the bunkers were in perfect condition, not something that you usually find here on the Costas.

Many thanks to Jose for making us welcome and helping us to enjoy our golf. Upon arrival the course seemed

to be quite, in fact we got round the course in just 4hr.30 mins. It was clear to see by the score cards that the course was playing easy, probably due to very little wind. The best score of the day was recorded by “Isaac” Hunter A.K.A. Kenny, his 36 points was good enough to take 1st place, Dutchman Fred Kras is still in his rich vein of form and if he could have made another couple of putts might well have taken the top spot by some margin, as it was he had to settle for 2nd place with his 35 pts. Scotsman Bob Watson returned a very credible 34

D Gardening and Community Group News letter – March 2016

Our gardening team started work mid way through January on an area on Calle Salvias D30. A resident who lives across from this area started to cut down the foliage around the area a week before, and asked if the garden group could help out. So the team arrived to support and clear what was a dumping ground for fly tippers. The garden team worked extremely hard clearing rubble and old household items as well as cutting and removing foliage. A skip was hired and paid by the group because there was so much rubbish dumped in the vicinity and it was filled to the brim. After the clearing was accomplished, 8 metric tons of gravel was delivered and spread and finally the team could begin planting. Many of the plants were donated by our residents and they were put to good use to transform this area and make it a nicer place for the residents.

Whilst the team was in the neighbourhood, work was started on Calle Mentas D30, this was a tough one as 30 metric tons of gravel was unloaded along the road side, which was spread by the team over three visits.

The team also planted along the new gravel surface and did a magnificent job for all to see. As a bonus two of our gardeners are building a barbeque area on the Patange court on Calle Piteras D30, and as you can see there has been a regeneration around the D30 locality.

The D Group was approached by the Red Cross Station, Mazarron to

clear an overgrown bank in front of the station, and after an inspection it was obvious they needed more help, so the word was put out and other groups volunteered their services. On the 13th February the teams arrived in the morning ready to get stuck in and they all did a fantastic job, not only clearing the bank but also around the sides. The volunteers came from other groups in Camposol, Spanish groups from Mazarron, Red Cross volunteers and the largest group were the youngsters from the Leos organization, with 23 members and their leaders.

There was a great atmosphere, people

from different back grounds, language, and age working together for such an important institution. There was also a TV unit there the following week to film what the volunteers had done and we managed to be there with only a few of the original team. Unfortunately all of the Leos that worked so hard, missed the 11am start for the filming as they are all students. The Red Cross station is most grateful to the volunteers for doing such a fantastic job clearing the area.

Our Pothole team are once again doing wonders working on the main duel carriageway and roads around our sector. With one particular job they had to make good the surface and spread in 23 tubs of tar to fill the pothole. With many other jobs in the pipeline, we need volunteers and most important a storage area for their Kit. If you have a vacant place in your under build please contact any of the team.

On the 10th February our group held an EGM to vote onto the committee a Treasurer and Secretary as both positions were becoming vacant. It is with great pleasure to announce that Jo Steer has been voted on as Treasurer and Patrick Steer as Secretary, both of them have only lived on D for a short time and they wish to do something for the community. The Chairman and Vice Chairman were both voted in as President and Vice President, as this follows Spanish protocols.

Our Treasurer Anita who stood down at end of February, has done a magnificent job for the community and will be missed by the committee and we wish her all the best for the future.

Unfortunately Sam has recently stood down as Vice President, because of other commitments, but has expressed that he will support the committee and be a strong supporter with our volunteers. Thank you for the work you have done as VP and working for the D community.

The committee have great pleasure to announce that an interim Vice President, Gordon Cockburn, who hails from Scotland and now residing on D15 has stepped in. Our next meeting for our sector is in May and this will be a good opportunity to him .We will inform you through the D website of more details regarding Gordon and the meeting.

Ken D´Angelo President

pts. For 3rd place and in 4th place was the flying Fin. Kari Huopalahti with 33 pts. In the N.T.P. competition Joe Dean was closest on hole 2, Henning Kyvag on hole 7, Gerd Cromm on hole 11 and Bob Watson on hole 13. The “2’s” pot had just €25 in it as it was won on our last meeting at Alicante Golf and Henning managed to sink the putt on hole 7. As always all winning cards are removed from the pack and a draw is made, the lucky winners of a bottle of rioja were, Lars

Sandgren, Kjell Johnsen. Photo; the bottle winners. Our next competition is at Hacienda Del Alamo on the 1st April, guests are always welcome to join us.

Find out more information about our club at www.clubdegolfelparaiso.com or via social media at Facebook/club de golf El Paraiso or at Twitter @ELPARAISO14 Date for your diary. If you fancy a trip to Valencia to play El Bosque (past senior tour venue) we will be playing it on Monday 18th April, G.F. just €35 transport will be via car sharing.

Marina Phoenix Golf Society

Thursday 17th March the team game was a waltz with 1/2/3 to count. The winners with an eleven over par 83 were; Ali Mahmud, Eddie Vaughan, José Urroz and Rosalie Fardon. Second were Jeff Williams, Isobel Jones, Carol Taylor and Tony King (81), followed by Malcolm Taylor, Don Atkins and Nadie Wass (80) in third. There were nearest the pin prizes for Rosalie Fardon (5th) and Jim Budd (14th).

Monday’s individual stableford was a success for Ed Newman on 36 points

followed by Tony Wells (33) second and Neville Duncan (32) third.

The ladies division was won by June Nicol with 32 points, ahead of Isobel Jones (29) second and Carole Taylor (28) third. There were two’s prizes for June Nicol and Malcolm Taylor both on the 17th.

Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game).

To join us for a €25 greenfee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

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

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motoring

news and reviews

Yes, Israel and Spain used to make cars, too

Amelia Island Concours showcases near-forgotten automakers.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — Did you know they made cars in Israel and Spain? Neither one is known as an automobile capital, but they did produce them, and cool ones at that. I saw autos from both countries during the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida.

Auctions circle around the main car show like pilot fish on a shark, and Bonhams, for one, held its sale a few days before the central event. I was stunned to see a 1964 Sabra there. It's a cute little sports car, but there were plenty of them in the 1960s. This one, though, was produced in Haifa, Israel! It used to be possible to make a few dozen cars a year, and survive.

These days it isn't easy to start a boutique automaker.

Israeli Sabra The name "sabra" refers to a Jewish person who was born in Israel, and so was this car, though its parents came from elsewhere — Britain, specifically.

The body was via kit car manufacturer Ashley and actually made by Reliant; the chassis, with a 1.7-liter Ford Consul engine, from Les Ballamy.

So even if it was something of an illegitimate child, the Sabra was a proud son of Israel. The man behind the car was Itzhak Shubinsky, who built his first prototype in time for the New York Auto Show in 1961.

Sabras were sold on the U.S. market, though in tiny numbers (just 144). They loved the car in Belgium, apparently; 88 made it there.

In total, 379 Sabras were sold in Israel (where they had tax advantages) and elsewhere between 1961 and 1968. The car at Amelia Island was one of the Belgian ones, and had been delivered new to the wife of the Belgian Israeli Consulate General. It was in rough shape and got a ground-up restoration.

Performance is said to be "feisty," though your Toyota Corolla would leave it in its dust. At the auction, it fetched $93,500, though there's no word if it was a sabra who bought it.

Pegaso Z-102 Spain was also a hotbed of car manufacture, and not just Italian designed Seats. A proud company named Pegaso built beautiful exclusive sports cars.

And they were a featured marque at the Amelia Island Concours. Can you believe they were produced by a truck company?

Pegaso Z-102 It helped that the company's technical manager and

engine designer was ex-Alfa-Romeo and a Ferrari rival. Pegaso built just about everything itself, starting with prototypes in 1951. The elegant aluminum bodies were by Carrozzeria Touring or Saoutchik. And the chassis was innovative, featuring in the Z-102 fivespeed gearboxes, a four-cam alloy V8 and dry-sump lubrication.

A big row of Pegasos brightened the field at Amelia Island. I was absolutely blown away by a bright orange car, one of two built (and the only survivor) with amazing and ultra-streamlined "Cupola" coupe bodywork. There's not a straight line on the car and an astonishingly huge rear glass hatch. The strangerthan-fiction story is this Z-102 was displayed at the 1953 New York Auto Show, then sold off the stand to President Rafael Trujillo of the Dominican Republic; it got nicknamed "El Dominicano" as a result.

Trujillo was a brutal dictator known for human rights abuses, deposed and killed by rebels in 1961. He loved "El Dominicano" though. The car was confiscated by the Dominican government, and eventually made it onto the international classic scene, the Rosso Bianco collection and then the Louwman Museum in Holland.

Pegaso Z-102 One of the intriguing Z-102s on the show field, with a stylish Saoutchik body, was one of the few totally unrestored cars at the show. It sat in a Connecticut garage for 40 years, and it only emerged for the show. The owner's son told me the original tires were pumped up, held air, and the car rolled onto the trailer for a long trip to Florida. It may soon be restored, as its now-pristine mate — with the same owner — was sitting nearby.

Just 86 Pegasos were produced, and production was

discontinued in 1958. Hagerty values a concours-level 1956 Pegaso at $1.5 million; imagine what that Trujillo car — with no other like it — is worth!

Hispano-Suiza Incidentally, another Spanish car — the HispanoSuiza — was also well-represented at Amelia Island.

The car was launched in Spain, circa 1904, with Swiss parentage, hence the name. And starting in 1911, it was also built in France. Hispano built huge cars, with coach-built bodies (many very exotic) for the very rich. That was effective as a strategy for a while, but the Depression and World War II made it untenable.

Production in France ended in 1938, with 3,000 built.

The car was built in Spain until sometime during the early war years. A few were made in Czechoslovakia and in Argentina, until approximately 1942.

Israel and Spain, two countries that can claim only footnotes in automotive history, but they're interesting footnotes.

I thought I'd throw in here that Amelia Island isn't dedicated to celebrity cars. The actual provenance of the automobile is the key thing. But that doesn't mean there aren't star cars. One of the biggest crowds was around Janis Joplin's 1964 Porsche 356C, which she had painted in psychedelic colors (the murals include a faithful rendition of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company). The car was sold for $1.7 million last year, affirming its iconic status.

Janis Joplin's Porsche And let's not forget the 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible from "Rain Man." It's still owned by the film's director, Barry Levinson. http://www.mnn.com/

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38

San Miguel Golf Society at La Torre. March 16th, 2016. vast that people seem

March 2016

day and the only player to break par, Steve Belshaw with 39 points.

The Best Guest prize this week was won by Sue Gee with 29 points.

Gold Category: 4th John Aitchison (31), 3rd Ivan Hanak (32 on CB), 2nd to give up on raking Jack Simpson (32 on CB) and 1st them, if in fact there is Steve Higgins with 34 points. a rake anywhere near, The Abacus was won by Phil de Lacy. they were incredibly inconsistent.

Luck Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open of where in them to all) went to Norman Padmore (3), your ball actually Grattan Forber (5), Karen Simpson lay became a major (9), Marg Birtwistle (11), Tony Smale factor. In addition, (15) and Steve Higgins (17). it seems those living alongside the course like to wander through the sand to take short cuts. It was the first time this writer has seen bicycle tracks through bunkers on a golf course, and 30 metre trails to adjoining gardens. Still, of the 29 members and 4 guests playing, some dealt well with the difficulties, the two stand out scores of the day being posted in Silver Category, with Karen Simpson’s 36 points coming second only to the excellent score posted by Steve Belshaw of 39 points.

The day’s stableford competition results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Brian Mulligan On Thursday 17th March Eurogolf (32 on CB), 3rd Tommy Boyle (32 on CB), 2nd Grattan Forber (34 on CB) played a Waltz team game, meaning on and 1st, with an identical score but the first hole you take 1 score, second winning thanks to having a better hole 2 scores and third hole 3 scores and so on. It makes an interesting back nine, Chris Hamblett.

Silver Category: 4th Peter Reed game especially when you need 3 (31 on CB), 3rd Marg Birtwistle (31 good scores but some really good on CB), 2nd Karen Simpson (36) and scores were achieved. The results 1st, with by far the best score of the were 1st the team of Pino Perito, Gloria Manning, Jenny Cheetham and a ghost player 86 points 2nd Ian R pegg Phyllis Venables Marilyn Eckersall and Alan Marshall 84 points 3rd David Blanchette Morag Turner Ray Porter and Joe Ogden 82 points c/b NTP´s 5th George McCallum 11th Debbie Weedon 15th Ian Pegg

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

Next Wednesday, March 23rd, we will be at La Finca.

EUROGOLF WALTZ

Two days short of a year since SMGS last visited La Torre, and whilst the weather encountered on this occasion was much better than the pretty wet conditions then, the sandiest 18 holes around probably had several wishing they had gone for a paseo along the real stuff a few miles east than taking on the challenge of another bunker laden Nicklaus designed course. Whilst the greens were generally slick and a number of pin positions difficult, as well as the fairways narrow in places and water a major hazard on a number of holes, it was the size, placement and state of many of the bunkers that proved a major difficulty for many. Varying between light, fluffy and deep sand alongside fairways to wet, compacted and shallow sand greenside, principally due to the problem often found in the region of water from sprinklers dowsing the bunkers, and of a size often so

BRADLEY BREAKERS

17th Bob Buckeridge Football Keith Wright David Gregson Eamon Divine Jenny Cheetham TUESDAY TOFFS

On Tuesday 15th March Toffs played their normal stablefod and some amazing scores were recorded.

Cat. 1 (0-15) 1st George McCallum 37 2nd John Baracklough 36 3rd Keith Wright 36 Cat 2. (16-24) 1st Alan Venables 38 2nd David Blanchette 36 3rd Ian Stewart 36 Cat 3 (25-31) 1st John Cross 41 2nd Gina Ashworth 36 3rd Phyllis Venables 35 Cat 4 (32+) 1st Sue Pegg 34 2nd Gill Gordon 32 Best front 9 Ray Porter 18 Best back 9 David Gregson 19 NTP ´s 5th Alan Venables 11th Phyllis Venables 15th Pino Perito 17th Akan Venables The Venables household had a lucrative day at the office!

Football draw Morag Turner George McCallum Gina Ashworth and Ian Stewart.

Congratulations to all the winners and to Geoff and Pat Evans who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently and kindly brought a beautiful cake to the Clubhouse for us all to partake of after Thursdays game.

965 723 270 607 848 332

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

Both ladies and gents welcome. We also have an active social scene for members and friends with dinner dances, quiz nights, ladies lunches and day trips.

39

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new fords available

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SOLTIMES march 2016

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SPORTS SHORTS by Tony Matthews

• In the PL title race, Leicester, 1-0 winners at Crystal Palace, are five points clear of Tottenham who ‘Kaned’ Bournemouth 3-0.

• Arsenal (third) won at Everton; United beat City in the Manchester derby; the big games between Newcastle-Sunderland and ChelseaWest Ham ended in draws; Southampton, 0-2 down, defeated Liverpool 3-2; and there were also wins for Stoke (at Watford), Norwich (at WBA) and Swansea (v Aston Villa).

• Burnley (75 points) lead the Championship from Brighton (71) and Middlesbrough (70).

• Burton Albion (74 points) head FL1; Northampton (82 points and unbeaten in 18 games) top FL2 and Celtic and Rangers lead their Divisions in Scotland.

• The Champions League quarter-finals draw is Barcelona-Atletico Madrid, Bayern MunichBenfica, Manchester City-PSG and Real MadridWolfsburg.

• And in the Europa League it’s Borussia Dortmund-Liverpool, Sevilla-Athletic Bilbao, Shahktar Donetsk-Braga and Villarreal-Sporting Prague.

• There are no PL/Championship games over Easter, only international friendlies, including Czech Republic-Scotland, Italy-Spain and WalesNorthern Ireland tomorrow; Republic of IrelandSwitzerland on Friday; Germany-England on Saturday; Romania-Spain on Sunday; Northern Ireland-Slovenia on Monday and EnglandNetherlands, Germany-Italy, Republic of IrelandSlovakia and Scotland-Denmark next Tuesday.

• Last weekend England beat France 31 points to 21 to clinch the Grand Slam for the first time since 2003. Wales walloped hapless Italy 67-14 and Ireland defeated Scotland 35-25.

• Nico Rosberg won the first F1 Grand Prix of 2016 in Australia. Lewis Hamilton was second with Sebastian Vettel third. Spain’s Fernando Alonso escaped serious injury when his McLaren flipped twice after crashing, before plummeting into the barriers on lap 17.

• Jorge Lorenzo won the first MotoGP of 2016 in Qatar.

• England lost to the West Indies in their opening T20 World cricket match but bounced back to beat South Africa in their second (230-8 against 229-4). Joe Root (83 off 44 balls) led the run chase.

• In other group games, New Zealand defeated Australia and Pakistan beat hosts India. England play Afghanistan today and Sri Lanka on Saturday.

• Lorraine Ugen (long jump) and Tiffany Porter (80m hurdles) won bronze medals and high jumper Robbie Grabarz earned gold for GB at the World Indoor Championships in Oregon.

• Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka won their respective singles titles at the Indian Wells tennis championships.

• 282,200 racegoers attended the Cheltenham festival.

• Last weekend a record £60m was raised for the BBC Sport Relief challenge which ended with Eddie Izzard running two marathons in one day.

NEW SHOP… Tomorrow, at 12 noon, Tony will be present at the opening of a new ‘stylish gifts and home accessories’ shop - ABODES - on Mojacar Playa, situated near the Commercial Centre roundabout, between cafés Koi and No 353. Come along and have a celebratory ‘opening’ drink.

Tel 902 750 190

MAZARRON FC 2 SFC MINERVA 1

Mazarron worked hard to earn a vital 2-1 home win against promotion chasing rivals SFC Minerva in a scrappy, often bad tempered game at the Estadio Municipal. The game got off to a slow start but after 14 minutes a clever free kick from Minerva was headed over the onrushing Antonio and into the net but the goal was disallowed for offside. Five minutes later another Minerva free kick was headed just wide of the target as the visitors took control of the game. Antonio was kept busy dealing with numerous crosses and long throws and Mazarron's first effort did not come until 22 minutes when Willy's free kick was cleared by the Minerva defence after Juan Andreo had mis-kicked at the far post. Five minutes later Willy raced down the left and found Palote whose shot on the turn was blocked.

Mazarron took the lead on 33 minutes when a long clearance

by Antonio was controlled by Champi in midfield. He surged forward and exchanged passes with Jose before laying the ball into Palote's path and the striker made no mistake with his 10th goal of the season.

Four minutes before half time Mazarron were reduced to ten men after Palote was fouled just inside the MInerva half. The striker appeared to retaliate and was sent off by the referee along with

Mounir who was dismissed from the substitutes bench for expressing his views too vociferously. Minerva equalised 10 minutes into the second half when a cross from the left was missed by the Mazarron defence and Sergio arrived at the far post to fire into the net with goalkeeper Antonio appealing in vain for offside.

Three minutes later Jose was brought down right on the edge of the Minerva penalty area and Hernandez was sent off for a second yellow card.

Mazarron appealed in vain for a penalty but Willy's free kick was only half cleared and Champi controlled the rebound and hit a delightful left foot shot which hit the crossbar and bounced down over the line to restore Mazarron's lead.

Mazarron should have gone further ahead in the 87th minute when Jose raced down the left before sending a perfect ball into Gilberto's path but the substitute got his legs tangled up and fell over the ball missing a great opportunity.

It was not the best performance by Mazarron but certainly an important one which took them up into fourth place before the Easter break.

Team: Antonio; Juanma; Alberto; Juan Andreo; Alfonso; Juanlu; Champi (Hafid); Jesus; Palote; Willy (Gilberto); Jose.

Man of the Match; Antonio

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