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Spanish reporters released after 10 months held hostage in Syria

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THREE Spanish reporters kidnapped in Syria 10 months ago have been released unharmed.

Photographer José Manuel López, and journalists Angel Sastre and Antonio Pampliega were captured in July in Aleppo, and are due to arrive this morning (Sunday) at Torrejón de Ardoz military airport in Madrid from Turkey.

The last that was heard of them before the three freelancers went missing was on Facebook on July 11, when they posted a photo of them all together saying they were ‘working well as a team’ in the war zone.

They were taken hostage the next day.

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ruining the highly-delicate Intelligence service operation.

And all three say their release would not have been possible without the ‘work of many people in service of the public’ linking up with countries which are allies of Spain, particularly in the final leg of their ordeal between Turkey and Qatar.

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One in four Spanish adults overweight and one in five obese: Andalucía, Asturias and Galicia worst-affected

NEARLY four in 10 Spanish adults are clinically overweight, with the highest numbers of obese people living in the far south and far north, according to research by the Spanish Cardiology Society (SEC).

Andalucía, Galicia and Asturias have more overweight residents than anywhere else in Spain, and the slimmest inhabitants are found in the Balearic Islands, Catalunya and the Basque Country.

The over-25s, up to State pension age are, in 39.3% of cases, considered medically overweight, with 21.6% of this age group – more than one in five – being clinically obese.

This rises to a quarter of the adult population in the three worst-affected regions.

Asturias has the most obese inhabitants: 41.1% are above the normal weight range for their age, sex and height, and 25.7% are dangerously fat.

But overweight residents in general are more likely to be seen in Galicia: a total of 43.5% of adults are too heavy, and 24.9% clinically obese.

In Andalucía, the totals are 38.9% and 24.4% respectively.

Balearic Islanders are overweight in 32.2% of cases, and just over one in 10 are obese – the lowest figures in the country.

Catalunya has more overweight

inhabitants even than Andalucía and nearly as many as Asturias, at 39.8%, but fewer people who suffer from obesity, at 15.5%.

The Basque Country has the secondfewest number of overweight residents at 33.9%, and the third-fewest who are clinically obese, at 16.8%.

Men are more likely to be overweight or obese than women, the SEC study reveals.

The rise in obesity and excess weight in general in the western world is becoming a grave concern, the SEC says, given that too-high levels of body fat are among the primary causes of several types of cancer, heart conditions, stroke risk and Type II diabetes.

According to the SEC and despite recent conflicting studies, body-mass index, or BMI, continues to be a benchmark for ideal weight.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers a BMI of 25 or more to be ‘overweight’ and 30 or more ‘obese’.

BMI is measured by taking the height in metres with decimal points – for example, 5’5” is 165 centimetres, or 1.65 metres – and squaring it, then dividing the body weight in kilos by this figure.

For example, a woman of 5’4” (1.63 metres) is considered a ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’ weight at between 7st 7lb and 10st 7lb (49.4 and 66.5 kilos), but

‘overweight’ from the top figure of this range through to 12st 7lb (79.4 kilos), after which she is ‘clinically obese’.

A man of 5’10” (1.78 metres) is within the ‘normal’ weight range from 59 kilos, or 9st 4lb, through to 79.4 kilos or 12st 7lb, after which he is considered ‘overweight’, and from 15st or 95.3 kilos is ‘clinically obese’.

The SEC urges everyone to try to eat a healthy, balanced diet with the right quantities of vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fat, complex carbohydrates and protein, and to keep active for a total of half an hour a day as a minimum –

even if this is just through housework, walking to the shops or gardening. thinkspain.com

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4 Primavera Sound Festival tickets sold out a month before ‘curtain-up’ EVERY single ticket has already sold out for the massive globally-famous Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona next month – one of the most keenlyfollowed music events on the planet, it features a star-studded line-up this year with tried-and-tested rock bands and club tracks.

Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Suede, Drive Like Jehu, Tortoise, The Last Shadow Puppets, Tame Impala, Brian Wilson, LCD Soundsystem, Sigur Rós and Beach House are among the acts on this year’s programme, due to hit the stage in the Parc del Forum between June 2 and 4 inclusive.

No tickets are left, either for day passes or two- or three-day subscriptions, as

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the last one was snapped up on Friday (May 6).

Other major artists and bands due to grace Spain with their presence this year are AC/DC – now featuring former Guns ‘n’ Roses singer Axl Rose – on May 10 at Sevilla’s Cartuja stadium, Coldplay on May 26 and 27, Beyoncé on August 3 and Justin Bieber on November 22 at Barcelona’s Montjuïc Olympic stadium, Paul McCartney on June 2 at Madrid’s Vicente Calderón stadium, and Justin Bieber again on November 23 at Madrid’s Barclaycard Centre sports hall. thinkspain.com

May 2016

Stars of TV hit ‘Cuéntame’ suspected of tax fraud worth €3 million

Spain’s anti-corruption prosecutor believes that the actors Ana Duato and Imano Arias evaded paying almost €3 million in taxes, from income that came principally from their roles on the hugely popular prime-time TV show Cuéntame.

The pair are suspected to have avoided paying the full amount of tax they owed via a series of opaque companies, created from a firm of lawyers called Nummaria.

Arias is thought to have concealed €2.18 million between 2010 and 2014, while Duato failed to pay €794,389 between 2010 and 2012.

A High Court judge is due to summons

the pair on suspicion of tax fraud and money-laundering offenses.

Cuéntame como pasó, to give the show its full name – meaning, “Tell me how it happened” – has been on Spanish screens since 2001, and recounts the story of a middle-class family during the final years of the Franco dictatorship and Spain’s Transition to democracy.

Duato and Arias play husband and wife Mercedes and Antonio. It is broadcast on the public TVE-1 channel. elpais

Mercadona to recruit 5,000 summer workers to cover staff holidays

SUPERMARKET chain Mercadona is seeking 5,000 new staff members to cover the summer months, from June to September inclusive.

The firm, which started as a family-run grocery shop in Valencia and now has branches in nearly every town in Spain, is taking on 1,000 more employees than it did last summer.

They will be paid a net figure of €1,109 a month – permanent staff are on a minimum full-time salary of €1,200 after tax – and are needed to cover annual leave, since summer is when most of the store chain’s workers want to take their holidays. Mercadona does not want to be short-staffed at a time when the population shoots up with the arrival of tourists, stressing the importance of continuing to offer an excellent service to their ‘bosses’, as they call their

customers.

All summer workers will be given full training, even if they are experienced in supermarket work.

Owned by founder Juan Roig – currently the second-wealthiest man in Spain – Mercadona has long held a reputation for offering quality working conditions and pay, with 90% of its 75,000 employees being on permanent contracts.

Last year, 98% of the workers received a productivity bonus totalling €277 million distributed between 73,500 staff members, and over 10% - 8,150 of them – were promoted to a higher level of responsibility with pay increases of an average of 11%. thinkspain

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May 2016

Ortega y Gasset journalism awards celebrate social reporting

King Felipe VI presides gala event that coincides with 40th anniversary of the foundation of EL PAÍS EL PAÍS handed out the 33rd Ortega y Gasset Journalism Awards on Thursday at an emotional ceremony presided by the Spanish king and queen.

The event coincided with the newspaper’s 40th anniversary celebrations, which are taking place in Madrid.

Felipe VI handed out the prizes together with Doña Letizia and Juan Luis Cebrián, CEO of the PRISA Group and the first editor-in-chief that EL PAÍS ever had.

The Ortega y Gasset awards symbolize the highest values of European culture Adam Michnik, editor-in-chief of Gazeta Wyborcza In his keynote address, the Spanish monarch underscored that the newspaper has been “a witness and a recorder of all the great events and transformations experienced by our society in the last few decades.”

Invoking the names of EL PAÍS founders José Ortega Spottorno, Jesús Polanco and Juan Luis Cebrián, the king thanked the newspaper for its “professional, intellectual and social commitment” and noted the “role of protagonist” it played in the transformation of Spanish society from a dictatorship into a democracy “integrated into Europe and with a voice of its own in the world.”

Around 400 guests attended the event, including many political, business and cultural leaders. Prominent figures included acting Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría, Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena, Congressional Speaker Patxi López and several ministers of the caretaker government. The heads of the Socialist Party, Ciudadanos, Podemos and United Left were also on hand.

It marked the first time that Felipe VI and Letizia had attended an Ortega y Gasset award ceremony. In 2001, Felipe’s father Juan Carlos, then on the throne, presided the event with Queen Sofia.

The winners of this year’s awards are Peruvian journalist Joseph Zárate for his story of a peasant woman’s fight against a mining company, Lilia Saúl and Ginna Morelo for their joint multimedia feature on missing people in Mexico and Colombia, Samuel Aranda for his photograph of a refugee struggling in the water with a child in her arms on the coast of Lesbos, and Adam Michnik, editor-in-chief of Poland’s largest newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, for his defense of democracy and freedom of expression.

“The Ortega y Gasset awards symbolize the highest values of European culture,” said Michnik, speaking for all the winners. “That is why receiving these prizes are a great honor for each and every one of us.” elpais

Ex-ETA leader who tried to blow up the King sentenced to 92 years in prison

A FORMER leader of an ETA commando who tried to kill King Juan Carlos I has been sentenced to 92 years in jail.

Eneko Gogeaskoetxea attempted to install three large flower planters with bombs hidden in them in the gardens of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao in 1997, along with his Commando Katu ‘colleague’ Kepa Arronategi, who has already been sentenced for the aborted attack.

When they unloaded the planters, two officers from the Basque Country’s answer to the Guardia

Civil, the Ertzaintza, were waiting for them and demanded to know what they were doing.

At this point, Gogeaskoetxea opened fire without warning on officer José María Aguirre, killing him instantly.

As well as the 92-year jail sentence – of which he will only serve the maximum allowed under Spanish law, of 30 years – Gogeaskoetxea (pictured) has been ordered to pay half a million euros in compensation to Aguirre’s widow. thinkspain.com

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Spring Makeup Trends That Will Make You Look Younger

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

Talk about beauty benefits

the hottest trends of the season make you look fresher than ever.

In a beauty rut? The good news is that this season's hottest new makeup trends will make you look fresher and younger than ever. Here, six new beauty looks to try this spring, plus three trends to avoid (they'll actually make you look older).

Gilded lids Gold shadow outside of the holiday-party season?

Actually, yes.

Just bitten lips No shocking orange or electric violet here! This season’s must-have lip colors are meant to subtly enhance what you’ve already got.

Strobing Intensely glowing skin is having a major moment— and for good reason. “The reflection of light creates the illusion of a smooth, plump, more youthful complexion,” Subtle contouring Rather than “sculpting” your full face, this method focuses on making just cheekbones pop.

Winged liner Make no mistake: This isn’t a full-on, 1970s cat-

eye. Rather, it’s a subtle upward stroke that gives you an instant eye-lift, explains Surratt.

Brushed-up brows Brushing hairs upward opens the entire eye area and makes brows appear fuller. http://www.health.com

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www.soltimes.com Are you an insect magnet? If you aren’t, you probably know one. Here are 12 plants that repel those unwanted insects.

Basil: Repels house flies and mosquitoes.

Plant basil in containers in your house and your outdoor areas. You also can use fresh basil to make an insect repellent spray. A simple recipe pour 4 ounces of boiling water into a container holding 4 to 6 ounces of clean, fresh basil leaves. Letting the leaves steep for several hours, removing the leaves and squeezing all of the leaves’ moisture into the mixture. Then thoroughly mix 4 ounces of (cheap!) vodka with the basil-water mixture. Store in the refrigerator and apply as a spray when going outdoors Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. Although people love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies and other unwanted insects hate it. Place tied bouquets in your home to help keep flies outdoors. Plant it in sunny areas of the garden or near entryways to your house to help keep those areas pest free. You can also use oil extracted from the flowers as a mosquito repellent you can apply to exposed skin when going into the garden or patio Lemongrass repels mosquitoes. You’ve no doubt seen citronella candles. Citronella is a natural oil found in lemongrass. Place a candle by your windows and see the little devils fly somewhere else.

Rosemary repels mosquitoes and a variety of insects harmful to vegetable plants. The plant itself and its cuttings are effective repellents.

You can make a simple repellent spray by boiling 1 quart of dried rosemary in a quart of water for 20-30 minutes and then straining the liquid into a container at least a half-gallon in size that contains a quart of cool water. Put a cap on the combined liquid and store it in the refrigerator. Add the repellent to small squirt bottles use when needed. Sourced from Mother Nature Network.

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May 2016

Fifteen-minute projects that won’t put a dent in your weekend.

Squeaky Door Hinges Spray a little WD-40 onto the hinges, moving the door back and forth to work in the lubricant. Or try rubbing the hinges with petroleum jelly. If these tricks don’t work, lift the hinge pins about halfway and lubricate them with three-in-one oil, using a rag to catch drips.

Squeaky Floor For a temporary fix, sprinkle talcum powder over the noisy area and sweep it into the cracks. Be sure to remove any traces of powder if you’re ever

going to refinish the floor.

Pee l ing Wallpaper With a knife, smear wallpaper paste onto a piece of writing paper.

Rub the paper against the underside of the peeling section. Press the wallpaper against the wall. Slide the writing paper out and smooth away bubbles with a clean cloth.

Worn Caning A little sagging over

time is natural but reversible. To tighten caning back up, use a sponge to wet the underside with warm water. Let dry slowly overnight. Repeat if necessary.

Dusty Chandelier Allow the fixture to cool. Wear a pair of white cotton gloves―one dry, one dampened with glass cleaner. (For crystal, use one part rubbing alcohol to three parts distilled water.)

Wipe each prism with the damp glove, then the dry one.

Stained Tub Combine equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain with your

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Stuck Sliding Windows A little silicone spray lubricant (sold at hardware stores) will grease the skids.

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Slamming Door Soften the slam of a door by affixing a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather stripping around the doorstop.

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Eagles participates in the First Exhibition of Tourism Costa Calida-Murcia

Clara Valverde attended the opening ceremony, which highlighted the attractions of the city The mayor of Tourism, Clara Valverde, attended the opening ceremony of the First Exhibition of Tourism Costa CalidaMurcia, which until Saturday morning unfolds in Liberty Avenue of Murcia, where he highlighted the attractions of the city.

Eagles go with a promotional booth at the fair, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the School of Tourism of Murcia, part of the commemoration

of the 50th anniversary of this organization.The town offers different advertising material, distributed by a flight attendant, which include aspects such as the local gastronomy, leisure and image from different corners of the city in which highlights the natural beauty of Eagles.

Also, through 26 stands attractions offered by the counties and municipalities in our region, leaving patent quality tourism brand Costa Calida-Murcia are displayed. www.ayuntamientodeaguilas.org

The beaches of Las Delicias, Levante, La Colonia, Poniente, Calarreona, La Higuerica and La Carolina are those that have achieved distinctive with marinas Juan Montiel and Yacht Club and the Interpretation Center of the Sea A total of ten blue flags will wave in the city next summer; a story that, ahead the mayor of Eagle, Mari Carmen Moreno, "is a recognition of the excellent quality of bathing water, the removal of architectural barriers and compliance with laws and regulations related to sustainable coastal zone management and the imperatives own FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) to which the Blue Flag "program belongs.

Particular have been the beaches of Las Delicias, Levante, La Colonia, Poniente, Calarreona, La Higuerica and La Carolina that have achieved distinctive with

marinas Juan Montiel and Yacht Club and the Interpretation Center of the Sea The objective that, year after year, the City Council imposed is to get the highest number of awards for those beaches surveyed in the program of water quality and have surveillance service and first aid as they are eligible for such label.

The association responsible for the development of the Blue Flag program in Spain is ADEAC, the Association of Environmental and Consumer Education. an NGO member of the EEF, which since 1987 certifies the environmental quality of the beaches in Spain is.

Along with the Blue Flag beaches Eagles have certification Q for Quality Tourism in accordance with the UNE ISO 13009.2016 and Ecoplayas. www.ayuntamientodeaguilas.org

Eagles gets ten awards Blue Flag

11

Villarreal become first Spanish club to sign a Qatari player

Promising 19-year-old striker Akram Afif started out with Al Sadd and spent this season in Belgium with Eupen. He also spent time in Sevilla’s youth team.

Villarreal become the first Spanish club to sign a Qatari player. The coastal side have lured striker Akram Afif who is widely considered to be one of the most promising talents to have emerged from the Middle East in recent years. The 19-year-old spent this season in Belgium with Liège-based outfit Eupen.

Afif is a product of the prestigious Aspire Academy and belongs to Al-Sadd, the club where Raúl spent two years and where Xavi Hernández is currently enjoyed his football post-Barça. Those who have closely followed the player confirm that he Afif has the potential to succeed in

euro

Europe’s major league and apart from Villarreal’s scouting department, he has also impressed several other Spanish clubs as well as Porto and Zenit.

The teenage striker won’t have any problems at all with the language barrier - he already speaks Spanish: he spent time in the youth academies of Villarreal and Sevilla before establishing himself at Eupen, in the Belgian Second Division.

During his time at the Kehrwegstadion, Afif has made 17 appearances and scored six goals in the league. He has already been training with Qatar’s national side, and scored on his debut in the rousing 15-0 victory over Bhutan when the two sides met in the 2018 World Cup qualifier on 3 September last year. http://en.as.com

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May 2016

home & garden

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

how to revamp your outdoor space:

We all want to spend as much time outside as possible – so now is the perfect time to revamp your outdoor space!

“The backyard used to be the place where you kept your pets, the kids kicked the football around or played cricket and mum would hang the laundry out to dry. These days the backyard has become one of the top three spaces within the home that gets renovated to improve lifestyle and the value of the property; so it is as important to renovate and revamp as the interior kitchen and bathroom,” he says.

5 tips Here, Jamie shares his top tips or revamping your outdoor space.

1. Treat it like an indoor space I’m always telling people to treat their outdoor spaces in the same way you treat your interior spaces. All the aspects of living that you enjoy inside your house can be translated outdoors. Continue colours used in your home’s interior to the outside space to create a seamless connection between the two spaces.

2. Find the focal point Positioning the various pieces in your outdoor room is as straightforward as you would furnish your lounge room.

Identify the main feature (water, accent plants or sculptures draw the eye), and arrange your seats and lounges at the best vantage point within the garden.

3. Insert colour Bring your outdoor area alive with colour by painting your garden furniture, adding cushions, painting some pots or even making a feature wall. Another great way to add interest and décor to your outdoor room is by hanging a colourful artwork on the feature wall.

4. Create points of interest Create points of interest in your garden and outdoor area with art installations. Whether it’s a hand-carved water feature, copper wind chimes, an aerated concrete sculpture or a piece of art, make sure you buy it for the right reason – because you love it! Most of the pieces in my outdoor art collection is inspired by nature’s palette of colours, textures and patterns, and they are weatherproof, so come rain or shine, they will stand the tests of nature.

5. Balance your garden Always keep a strong balance between softs cape and hard scape. In most cases, even when you’re in tight spots, at least 30 per cent of the area should be plant material – and don’t forget about drainage. Make sure any potted outdoor plants are raised off the ground to allow for airflow and good drainage. You can use manufactured pebbles or flat rocks for elevation, and don’t forget to rotate your pots so the sun reaches all sides of the plant. http://www.insideout.com.au

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how to revamp your outdoor space: What do you think of the drip look? Is it cool, or too messy? I am personally super into it, especially the ones with "gravity defying" drips :). And, this is such an easy way to add interest to an everyday object.

I had this boring pot on the tv stand, and I wanted to add more color to that side of the room.

home & garden

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

Here's how it all went down. The drips that is.

Supplies: Pot Two different paint colours (house or craft paint) Paint brush Sealer spray Step 1. Ready, Set, Prep. Make sure the pot is clean, especially if your was previously used like mine was. I washed it in the sink to get out the dirt clods, and let it completely dry in the sun.

Step 2. To Paint or not to paint? Apply the base coat. I did a half and half approach. I brushed on a coat of white, then sprayed on the second coat when I noticed the brush strokes were getting sloppy looking. Or skip the base colour all together and keep things au naturale.

Step 3. Drip it! After the base coat dried, I applied a small puddle of yellow paint to the bottom (about the size of a quarter). I picked up the pot and tilted it until paint dripped down the side. After doing a few drips this way, I found it was easier to control (and used up less paint) if I held the bottle a few inches above the pot and squeezed out some paint so it landed right on the edge of the pot, letting it drip down right where I wanted.

I worked my way around until I had the coverage I wanted.

Tip: If I could have a do-over, I'd try to keep the paint from dripping all the way down to the lip of the pot, and making a puddle. When the puddles dried it was hard to pick them off and they left rough edges around the lip. I used a fine grit sand paper to sand them down until it was smooth again.

Step 4. Seal the deal. The yellow paint had a matte finish and I didn't want it to get dingy. I sprayed on a coat of Krylon Sealer.

This will also protect it from scratches.

Step 5. Enjoy the awesomeness! I let things seal up for a night. It's been rainy/gloomy for the past few days h t t p : / / w w w. m y c l e v ernest.com

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Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer data-hungry version of Bytes, Your Only Stop for solutions to Windows yet, but you can Your computer problems. My ‘drop-in’ restrain it from going allclinic (like the way doctors used to be!) is out on your home network with a few tricks. at Maloans Bar in Albox (opposite the BP).

Despite all Windows 10’s automatic Call (689892745); Email (canducomputing@ updates, the majority of data usage on your hotmail.co.uk); Skype (Look for the name PC probably comes from the applications “saiminja”), Viber or Whatsapp (use the you use. Windows 10 includes a new “Data phone number) for free advice concerning Usage” tool that allows you to see exactly your computer. Sales pitch over and on to how much data each application on your the topic for today. computer has been using. This will help This week my testbed computer crashed. you track down data-hungry programs, I testbed computer is used to substitute including third-party ones. questionable or faulty parts into a known Windows 10 normally downloads and working system. A quick and easy way installs updates automatically without your to find where an intermittent or just plain input. Microsoft updates Windows 10 very sneaky fault may lie. It was the hard drive often, and those updates can be fairly large. that had failed – these things happen! For example, Windows 10’s first big update, When it went, the “Insider’s Preview copy known as either the “November update” or of windows 10” died too! Having, fruitlessly, “version 1511,” was about 3GB in size on spending several hours trying to get another its own. copy to install from the Microsoft site, a There are several ways to prevent Windows decision had to be made and the decision 10 from automatically downloading updates, was to scrap windows 10. depending on the edition of Windows 10 There are many people who share my you have. To do this on any PC–even ones reservations about windows 10 and the with Windows 10 Home–set your home motivation behind Microsoft for giving away Wi-Fi network as a metered connection. something for free. Not just a little application Windows 10 won’t automatically download to solve a minor niggle, but a fully formed updates on that connection, but instead will Operating System (OS). So much so that prompt you. You can then choose when to many people are coming to me to replace download updates, or take your computer their “Upgrade” for their original windows 7! to another Wi-Fi network and update from One of the issues concerns the data traffic, that other network. that is the amount of information passed to, This is part one of a two part article so and from, your computer! keep this handy. It makes reading the Today I want to tell you of some “behind article as a whole much easier if you can the scenes” data usage that you might re-read the previous weeks article. Have a not know about and how to minimise the great week now that the weather is finally amount of control Microsoft has to put data starting to warm, although it is still damn on, and take it of, your computer. cold in this little office of mine LOL (Laugh Windows 10 is designed to be an always- Out Loud) :-) connected, alwaysFor further information or advice on up-to-date operating computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or system. It’s the most canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

King Leopold II of Belgium Whilst much of Europe was busy colonising the rest of the world in the 19th century; Belgium felt left out and their future King, Leopold II, surmised the key to wealth and influence was to annexe foreign lands. Leopold asked Queen Isabella of Spain to sell him the Philippines to which she politely refused, he unsuccessfully asked Spain again after her death and also tried his luck with Fiji.

Instead in 1876 he set up the International Africa Society; a supposedly philanthropic body with stated aims of ending the slave trade and improving the lot of Africans. It was all a front; it was his privately owned company set up to exploit Africa’s resources. The explorer Henry Stanley of ‘Dr Livingston I presume’ fame was employed to travel to the Congo and make claim to the area by signing contracts with local chieftains.

Within 8 years, 2 million square kilometres lay under King Leopold’s personal control; though buying a country is not cheap and the Belgian Gov. kindly granted him a mortgage.

At the Conference of Berlin in 1884 the European countries sat down and divided up Africa like a huge birthday cake between them, King Leopold officially took ownership of the now ironically named Congo Free State (CFS).

The Belgian parliament decreed Leopold as the

King CFS

of who

May 2016

Wear “Zero” to support young sportspeople with disabilities!

On 22nd May 2016 the ‘IX Carrera Liberty Seguros 10Km’ or ‘9th Liberty Seguros 10Km Race’ will take place in Madrid.

This vastly popular marathon has a highly significant solidarity objective: to help young athletes of the ‘Team Liberty Insurance Paralympic Athletics’ to realise their dreams of becoming professional paralympians.

These individuals struggle every day to succeed and advance in the professional paralympian arena and strive to represent Spain internationally in future Paralympic Games.

Registration is little more than 10€; however, those that do not wish to take part in the race can contribute to the development of the young athletes of the ‘Liberty Team Paralympic Promises’ by making an anonymous monetary donation of their choice. This can be done by bank transfer with the reference clearly marked as ‘Dorsal Zero’ to the following account with IBAN number: ES73 2038 1042 7560 0080 7227.

This race, which represents a very important part of Liberty’s Corporate and Social Responsibility programme, has been celebrated since 2008.

The event has seen a great rise in popularity over the years and the race has been adapted to make it even more attractive to both participants and fans.

Along with the traditional 10km run, this year Liberty Seguros is set to launch the ‘Carrera de la Superación’; a 1,000 metre race that has been specifically designed for those who do not have the physical capability, or those that have a disability that impedes them from taking part in the main 10km race.

In connection with the

marathon, Liberty Seguros has created #SeSalen, the largest fan club for Paralympic sports to date. What’s more, to further this support one of Spain’s most famous rap artists, El Langui, has created an anthem. You can show your encouragement for these athletes across social media platforms by quoting the hashtag #SeSalen.

More information can be found at: http://www. carreraliberty.es/ More information: • The Liberty Seguros Group, one of the principal sponsors of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, strengthens the activity of the ADO Paralympic Plan (ADOP) by supporting athletes in their training.

• The collaboration and partnership was established in 2007 and has since been revised.

Over the years the commitment between the two entities has grown and developed into a relationship of mutual trust and success for paralympians.

• As a result of this collaboration, the “Liberty Seguros Paralympic Athletics Promises Team” was born – an initiative in which the insurer supports and finances young people with different disabilities who are striving to achieve a future in the world of sport.

• The team, made up of 16 boys and girls aged between 12 and 15 years of age from different locations across Spain (Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Alicante, Burgos, Leon, Cadiz, Vizcaya and Toledo), are athletes with either physical disabilities, visual impairments or cerebral palsy.

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

immediately passed laws decreeing all the Congolese people and land were his to do with as he pleased.

He set up the Force Publique (FP), a military white’s only force that at first tackled the slave trade but then started trading slaves to conscript them into the FP. The FP kept the locals under the firmest and most bloody hand Africa has ever known. King Leopold’s business started with ivory trading and then opportunity knocked with the invention of the inflatable rubber tyre as the Congo was full of wild rubber vines. Local men had their families held hostage until they had returned from the forest with crippling quotas of tapped rubber. If the quotas were not met then their villages would be torched and their families murdered. There were frequent uprisings with the mutineers hiding in the jungle. The FP was sent in to exterminate them with and had to return with the severed right hands of their victims as proof they’d not wasted bullets.

The soldiers mostly being slaves themselves were terrified of their Belgian masters so cut the hands off any living locals they found as proof they had killed their quota. So the

horrific practice westerners condemned in the Hutu/ Tutsi wars from 20 odd years ago in Rwanda was in fact a Belgian invention. All the atrocities were hidden from the world by careful manipulation of the Worlds media.

Edmund Morel was a shipping clerk with a Liverpool firm that had a contract with the CFS; as a French speaker he was often sent to Africa where he discovered that ships travelling from Belgium only took arms, explosives and chains to CFS and returned with ivory and rubber.

Morel suspected foul play so he resigned to start work as a journalist with the aim of exposing the atrocities. His work proved pivotal as Lord Casement, the British Counsel to Congo was sent inland in 1903 to officially investigate.

Public opinion turned against Leopold and in 1908 he handed CFS to Belgium. To hide his despicable actions he ordered all paperwork be destroyed. It’s estimated that at least 10 million Africans were killed in the 30 years that made King Leopold 1.25bn Euros from his exploits, yet he never set foot in Africa!

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16

May 2016

Bowie wrote 5 songs before he died David Bowie hadn’t finished making new music in the weeks before he died.

In fact, the British music legend told his longtime Brooklyn-born producer Tony Visconti he had just written new material.

Visconti was behind the boards for 14 Bowie albums including this year’s Blackstar which was released two days before The Thin White Duke died from cancer on Jan. 10.

“Three weeks before he passed away - he was fond of doing Facetime, your phone would ring and you’d open up your iPhone and there’s David looking at you which would be very jarring, very disarming - and he said, ‘How are ya, Tone?’ He goes, ‘I’ve written five songs for the next album,” relayed Visconti to celebrity interviewer Larry LeBlanc in front of a packed Sherton Centre Hotel ballroom on Saturday afternoon.

“So I’m telling you first hand, this is from the horse’s mouth, that he had five songs planned.”

Visconti, who was presented with the third annual Nile Rodgers Global Creator Award at Canadian Music Week, never heard the new material which he said Bowie had only made as demos at home.

He wasn’t sure if or when the songs would see the light of day.

“Everybody in the Bowie family and everyone involved is still in turmoil about this, not turmoil but grieving,” Visconti said in response to a question from Postmedia Network about the future of the songs.

“It’s hard to believe that he’s gone. It’s hard for me to speak of him in the past tense. And those close to him are going through the same thing.”

In fact, Visconti was in Toronto with his Bowie music tribute band Holy Holy when the news broke of Bowie’s death but he decided to press on with two sold out shows at the Opera House.

“We were shocked,” said Visconti.

“I got the news at 2 a.m. when my text started going off and I woke up. I was the only one who knew he had cancer. It was even more

of a shock to the other musicians, especially when we were doing this kind of show. I went back to sleep. And then I got (Holy Holy drummer) Woody (Woodmansey) coming into the bedroom at seven in the morning, saying ‘Are you alright?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m f--ked.

I’m not alright. I’m really messed up.’ ... we went the next night (to the Opera House), and (the audience) cried, we cried. It was fantastic.”

Visconti, who first met Bowie in 1967, said he was first attracted to the singer-songwriter’s voice.

“I like people with a great voice and a unique voice,” he said.

“I don’t like a sound-a-like. I look for that extraordinary gentle voice which I heard on that very diverse record that he made — his first album. My words were, ‘He’s all over the place but I think I can focus him in on one of those styles.’

He told me in later years that if he wasn’t a rock star, he would have gone into music theatre.”

When Bowie and Visconti first worked together on Bowie’s 1969 self-titled second album, they decided on a “12 string folk-rock style,’ and he wrote Space Oddity a week before they were going into the studio.

Visconti was not impressed and let co-producer Gus Dudgeon handle that one song.

“He said, ‘Can we do this one?’”

Visconti recalled. “And I listened to it twice and I said, ‘You know, you sound a little bit like the Beatles.

And ‘I’m sitting in a tin can,’ is a straight rip off from Paul Simon, from the Bookends album.’ And I said, ‘Also, there’s a guy floating in space and you’re capitalizing on that and this is a cheap shot.

This is a novelty record. And you’ll get played on the radio every time they show a guy in space, they’re going to play your song. How are you going to follow up on that — a trip to Mars?’ I thought I lost the job.”

Bafta TV awards winners to be announced

Bafta preparationsImage copyright PA Image caption Preparations are under way for this year's ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall Stars of the small screen will find out later who will be picking up prizes at this year's Bafta Television Awards.

Among the nominees expected to attend on Sunday night are Idris Elba, Suranne Jones, Mark Rylance and Sheridan Smith.

BBC Two's historical drama Wolf Hall leads the field with four nominations, while Peter Kay's Car Share and This is England '90 have three each. This year's ceremony, hosted by Graham Norton, is being held at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Norton is also nominated in the entertainment performance category for BBC One's The Graham Norton Show.

Actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry will receive a special award for his outstanding contribution to TV. Rylance, who won an Oscar this year, is up for best leading actor for his role as Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall, which is nominated in the best drama series category alongside Channel 4's Humans and No Offence and The Last Panthers on Sky Atlantic.

Claire Foy has a leading actress nod for her performance as Wolf Hall's Anne Boleyn while Anton Lesser is shortlisted for his supporting role as Sir Thomas More.

Sheridan Smith is also in the running for leading actress award, for her role as a woman with cancer in BBC One's The C-Word.

In the same category are Suranne Jones for BBC One infidelity drama Doctor Foster and Ruth Madeley for BBC Three's Don't Take My Baby, about a disabled couple's struggle to keep their newborn child. Up against Rylance in the leading actor field are Ben Whishaw for BBC Two espionage drama London Spy, Idris Elba for BBC One crime series Luther and Stephen Graham for Shane Meadows' This is England '90.

Graham Norton and AdeleImage caption Adele at the BBC, featuring Adele and Graham Norton, is up for best entertainment programme Doctor Foster, London Spy and This is England '90 are all nominated for best mini-series, as is Sky production The Enfield

Haunting. The C-Word is up for the single drama prize, alongside BBC One's The GoBetween, Don't Take My Baby and Channel 4's Cyberbully.

Sharon Horgan is up for the best female performance in a comedy programme, for Channel 4's Catastrophe, as are Sian Gibson, for Peter Kay's Car Share (BBC iPlayer), Miranda Hart for Miranda (BBC One), and Michaela Coel for E4's Chewing Gum.

Michaela Coel attending the BAFTA Craft Awards at the Brewery in LondonImage copyright PA Image caption Michaela Coel is nominated for female comedy performance for E4's Chewing Gum Hugh Bonneville is nominated for best male performance in a comedy programme, for spoof BBC documentary W1A. Peter Kay is nominated in the same category for Car Share, alongside Javone Prince, for The Javone Prince Show (BBC Two), and Detectorists' Toby Jones on BBC Four.

Michelle Gomez has a supporting actress nomination for her role as Missy in Doctor Who, while Adele's BBC music special is up in the entertainment programme category.

Mark Rylance in Wolf Hall and Sir Ian McKellen in The DresserImage caption Mark Rylance (left) is up for best leading actor for Wolf Hall, while Sir Ian McKellen has a supporting actor nod for The Dresser Sir Ian McKellen will be hoping to win his first ever TV Bafta for his role in BBC Two's The Dresser. He is joined in the best supporting actor category by Sir Tom Courtenay for ITV's Unforgotten. The Great British Bake Off has its fifth consecutive nomination in the features category, an award it won in 2012 and 2013.

As previously announced, comedy writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson are to be honoured with a Bafta fellowship at this year's ceremony.

The duo, who created Hancock's Half Hour and Steptoe and Son, are credited as "the trailblazers of the situation comedy format".

The Bafta TV awards ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One at 20:00 BST on Sunday, 8 May. http://www.bbc.com

s w e N t n e m n i a entert

17

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LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM HOME INSIDE!

67% of Tourist Homes Occupied During May Holiday Weekend According to a study conducted by a specialised website, during the holiday weekend from 29th April to 2nd May it was expected that some 67% of tourist holiday homes in Spain would be occupied, at an average price per person per night of 25.5 euros, which is 0.8% less than in the May holiday weekend of 2015.

The cities registering the highest rates of tourism rentals are Seville, Granada and Malaga, with 90.7%, 86.2% and 86.1%, respectively, followed by: Bilbao (85.2%); Barcelona (85%); Córdoba (83.9%); San Sebastián (82.6%); Valencia (79.3%); Madrid (78.3%) and Gijón (69.2%).

The islands of Gran Canaria and Palma de Mallorca expected occupation rates of 66.7% and 65.9%, respectively, while Ibiza’s rate stood at 40.8% and Menorca’s at 20.5%.

Furthermore, A Coruña expected a 53.8% occupancy rate, while Cadiz stood at 52.5%, Alicante 48.4%, Santander 37.2% and Tarragona

32.6%. Ibiza ranked as the most expensive destination for holiday rental homes, with an average price of 42.6 euros per person per night, followed by Barcelona with 34.7 euros, and Sevilla with 32.4 euros.

El Economista reported that the remaining cities recorded prices ranging between 31 and 17 euros, with Alicante being the most affordable destination for tourist housing, at an average price of 17.3 euros, followed by La Coruña and Gijón, with average prices per night of 19 and 18.7 euros, respectively.

San Sebastián’s average price per night per person stood at 31.5 euros, followed by: Madrid (29.5 euros); Cádiz (28 euros); Palma de Mallorca (27.9 euros); Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (27.6 euros); Bilbao (25.6 euros); Menorca (25.4 euros); Córdoba (24.6 euros); Santander (24.2 euros); Málaga (23.9 euros); Tarragona (21.6 euros); Valencia (19.7 euros) and Granada (19.4 euros). kyero.com

Second Hand House Prices Remained Stable in April

During the month of April, the price of second hand homes in Spain remained stable, registering only a slight decrease of 0.8%, to stand at an average price of 1,539 euros/m2, according to the latest real estate price index published by property portal, idealista.com.

Compared with the data for April 2015, when the price of second hand housing stood at 1,597 euros/ m2, this represents a year-on-year decline of 3.6%.

Only two of Spain’s 17 regions registered month-on-month price increases in April: Madrid (+1%) and Andalucía (+0.1%). In the regions of Valencia and the Basque Country prices remained unchanged, while all the other regions registered price declines, the greatest being those recorded in Murcia (-1.9%), Catalonia (-1.5%) and the Canary Islands (-1.3%).

The Basque Country remains the most expensive region, with the average price of second hand housing standing at 2,551 euros/ m2, followed by Madrid (2,369 euros/m2) and the Balearic Islands (1,875 euros/m2). In contrast, the regions with the most affordable used housing are

Castilla-La Mancha (934 euros/ m2), Extremadura (942 euros/m2) and Murcia (1,015 euros/m2).

A total of eight Spanish provinces recorded price increases during the month of April, lead by Almería, where prices rose by 2.8%, followed by Castellón (+1.6%) and Madrid (+1%). In contrast, the greatest declines were registered in Lleida (-4.8%), Burgos (-2.3%) and Ciudad Real (-2.2%).

The Basque provinces of Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya remained at the top of the ranking of the most expensive provinces, with average prices of 2,848 euros/m2 and 2,626 euros/m2, respectively, followed by Madrid (2,369 euros/ m2) and Barcelona (2,119 euros/ m2).

According to the portal’s index, Cuenca is the most economical province with the average price for second hand housing standing at 851 euros/m2, followed by Toledo (854 euros/m2) and Lleida (867 euros/m2). kyero.com

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May 2016

Mortgages on Homes Up 15.9% Y-o-Y in February The number of new mortgages constituted on homes listed in the property registers in Spain reached a total of 24,887 in February, which represents an increase of 15.9% over the same month of 2015, according to data from the National Statistics Institute, which relate to transactions carried out in previous months.

February’s year-on-year increase, which represents the 21st consecutive month of increases for home mortgages, climbed by more than five points over the January figure, when the number of new mortgages on homes rose by 10.6%.

El Mundo reported that the average value of the home mortgages constituted in February reached 108,466 euros, which is 1.3% less than in the same month of the previous year, while the amount of capital loaned for these mortgages increased by 14.4% year-on-year, to over 2,699 million euros.

Month-on-month (February over January), housing mortgages rose by 6.9%, representing its largest increase in this month since at least 2012, while the capital loaned increased by 9.7%, also registering its most significant increase in the past five years.

By region, those which recorded the greatest number of mortgages constituted on homes in February, were Andalucía (4,675), Madrid (4,654) and Catalonia (3,939), while year-on-year the regions with the highest rates of increase on home mortgages were Extremadura (56%), the Canary Islands (55.8%) and Castilla-La Mancha (29.4%). The only region to register a decline in February was the Basque Country (-12.4%).

Moreover, the regions where most capital was loaned for the constitution of housing mortgages were Madrid (675.7 million euros), Catalonia (492 million euros) and Andalucía (428.7 million euros).

In February, some 89.2% of the new mortgages were of a variable interest rate type, compared to 10.8% which were of a fixed rate type, with the Euribor being the reference rate most used in the constitution of variable interest rate mortgages, appearing in 93% of the new contracts kyero.com

Building Permits for New Homes Climbed Nearly 40% to February

Licence applications for the construction of new housing in Spain soared by 39.2% during the first two months of the year, compared with the same period of 2015, to a total of 10,606 applications, according to official data from the Ministry of Public Works.

Thus, the permit requests for authorisation to build new housing in Spain maintains the upward trend that ended last year with an increase of 42.5%, marking their third consecutive year of increases and reaching their highest level in five years.

Despite the significant increase in permits registered in the first two months of this year, the figure is still far from the total of 132,260 building permits issued during January and February of 2006, the year prior to the crisis when the housing sector was still in its ‘boom’, and when more building permits were requested in a single month than are currently being requested in a whole year With regard to the data so far for 2016, El

Economista reported that of the total number of building licences applied for, some 74.5% relate to the construction of new apartments in blocks, with a total of 7,905 units and an increase of 42%.

The remaining permits requested between January and February were for individual family homes, with 2,700 permits, which is 31% more than in the same period of the previous year.

Moreover, the number of building licences requested for reforms or home extensions also remained positive at the start of 2016, albeit at a more moderate level than those for new developments. In the first two months of the year, a total of 3,867 applications were made for the reform or restoration of dwellings, representing an increase of 5.5% over a year earlier, while the licence applications for home extensions remained stable, at around 223 units. kyero.com

19

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81% of Spaniards Search for Homes Online A recent study prepared by RE/ MAX Europe highlighted that 68% of European citizens who are interested in buying a house, manage to achieve their goal within around two months. This includes Spanish citizens, who visit an average of seven properties before making their choice of home.

The desired location and price are the most important search criteria for Spaniards, and 81% of them indicated that before physically viewing any homes they search for suitable properties online, looking at property portals’ websites, websites of real estate agencies, and social media profiles of companies in the real estate sector.

The Europeans who find a new home the fastest are the Portuguese, needing just a month to find what they are looking for. In contrast, the Austrians and the Dutch are the

Europeans who take the longest to make the decision to purchase a new home, with an average of six months.

Idealista.com reported that, while Europeans visit an average of seven properties before choosing one of them, only 4% of the survey’s respondents said they visit more than 20 properties.

British and Turkish citizens visit a minimum of 10 properties before making their decision to buy a home, followed by the Germans and Italians (nine properties), while Polish and Spanish citizens exceed the European average, visiting around eight properties before deciding. In contrast, Finnish citizens only visit an average of four properties before deciding to buy. kyero.com

Property Market in Spain

Spain remains our favourite holiday home destination by some stretch and the market has picked up at an impressive pace over the last few years.

The deep property crash and global downturn put international buyers off for a couple of years, but they are very definitely back with a vengeance.

After all, that fabulous lifestyle has changed little, is still more affordable than in the UK, and tourism rates have never really dipped either. In fact some recent official figures put demand for second homes at an even higher rate than at the peak of the boom.

Whilst the domestic market remains sluggish, curtailed by lack of lending, international cash buyers are back on the Costas, taking advantage of the lowest Spanish property prices in a generation.

With many markets down by up to 50 per cent, the investors have been joined by lifestyle buyers with semi-retirement to Spain in mind, taking advantage of a strong sterling, and revisions to pensions legislation.

Buyers tend to be arriving in Spain with a healthy caution, more savvy about the importance of buying not just on price alone, the scale of buying costs, and also the need to use a lawyer to avoid some of the issues that have given the country a bad press in years gone by.

Buyers are also beginning to embrace new-build schemes again, now that a new generation of developments can offer advantages over the raft of schemes bashed out at the peak of the boom. https://www.aplaceinthesun.com/spain.aspx

Puerto Banús: Spain’s moment in the sun continues

The Costa del Sol coastline attracts more than five million visitors every year

Ireland regularly features at the top of lists of great places to live. One of the things that can’t be argued, however, is that the Irish weather is at best unreliable. For this reason, when the Irish started to look for places overseas in which to spend a portion of the “months with an R” they took a leaf from their UK counterparts and headed for Spain.

Much like Ireland, Spain has suffered a crippling economic contraction over the past eight years. There are signs of a pick-up in fortunes, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas, but it is tentative. It is also taking time to transfer into positivity in the property market.

Property is a lagging indicator of economic fortunes, particularly in tourist -areas. Desire for holiday homes takes a back seat in times of economic adversity.

This year could be patchy for Spain with worries over a British exit from the EU and an enfeebled Russian rouble. Both are markets on which the Spanish tourist sector relies heavily. On the positive side, its single biggest tourist provider, Germany, is in robust good health.

Since the Irish started to visit coastal Spain in serious numbers, the Costa del Sol – mainly southwest of Malaga airport – has held a particular attraction. Being Irish, it was inevitable that we would aspire to property ownership there. Once large-scale Irish purchasing began in the mid-1990s it gained incredible momentum until the catastrophe of 2008. One Irish agent on the coast said “it just fell off a cliff; we came in one Monday morning and the phones didn’t ring.” They haven’t done much ringing since. The company let its workforce go and downsized to its principals. They have recently rehired three staff, but recovery is a long, slow road.

The positive news, if you are in the market for a property in Spain, is that prices are still down more than 50 per cent from peak in most areas. The higher end has not been affected as much, as there are usually more owners who can afford to hold out for better market conditions, but it has still made an enormous difference to asking prices.

Marbella is the brand leader of the Costa del Sol. Some of the prime attractions include a stretch of upmarket real estate termed the ‘Golden Mile’. The name is a bit misleading as the area in question runs to around 4 miles along the coast and back into the mountains.

When selling, property agents could make it span significantly more.

Playground of the wealthy This stretch of exclusivity begins at Marbella’s western edge, running along the coast to Puerto Banús, Marbella’s famous playground of the wealthy. Along with Nueva Andalucia, often referred to as ‘Golf Valley’, which runs inland from the port, these mark the epicentre of sought-after residences in southern Spain. It is home to some of the country’s most impressive villas, estates, exclusive hotels and retail establishments.

Puerto José Banús, named after its developer in 1970, is the area around which much of the entertainment, relaxation and dining in the area revolves. It is one of the more famed pieces of maritime real estate on this stretch of Spanish coastline.

The port area is synonymous with wealth, often ostentatiously showcased in bars, restaurants and high-end retail establishments around its well-trodden perimeter. http://www.irishtimes.com

SOL Y MAR

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SM050

DELIGHTFUL COUNTRY VILLA

ALBANCHEZ Only 20 mins to Albox

87,500€

Delightful country villa set on a plot of 217m2 in a beautiful country setting.

The property is located just 2 minutes drive from the town of Albanchez which has bars, shops, bank, medical centre etc. The property is in a quiet location and enjoys excellent views of the surrounding countryside. The property comprises of:- 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen (fully fitted including white goods), and lounge/diner. Outside there is a good sized patio area for outdoor eating and sunbathing and also included in the price is a Jacuzzi.

Viewing is recommended.

SM042

SM044

ARBOLEAS

May 2016

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 Beautiful setting

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.

SM034

COUNTRY HOME

COUNTRY CORTIJO - FANTASTIC PRICE

ALMANZORA

100,000€

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

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

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

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

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

CLOSE TO ALBOX

149,950€

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

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

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www.soltimes.com

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

PARTALOA

new listing

169,950€

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

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

sM043

CELA

Two houses in one

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 4 bedrooms, large lounge with wood burner, kitchen, 2 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.

RENTAL SECTION RSM003

alfoquia

walking distance to all amenities

450€ PCM RENTAL

Attached, end of terrace, corner townhouse in immaculate order available partially furnished and long term.

Features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, upstairs balcony, terrace to the front, off street parking and walking distance to Alfoquia with it’s many cafes, bars, doctor’s surgery and many other amenities.

rsM011

bAJO SALIENTE

SEMI RURAL LOCATION

450€ PCM RENTAL

Large detached family home with stunning views, semi rural location yet only a short drive to local amenities.

Features 4 bed, 2 bath, furnished, with garage.

Is available long term and from June. Must be seen to be appreciated

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

May 2016

Welcome to Calpe At the heart of the Costa Blanca, within the region of Valencia lies the ancient fishing village of Calpe. Now transformed into a tourist magnet, the town sits in an ideal location, easily accessed by the A7 motorway and the N332 that runs from Valencia to Alicante; its approximately one hour drive from the airport at Alicante.

Calpe has a wonderful mixture of old Valencian culture and modern tourist facilities. It is a great base from which to explore the local area or enjoy the many local beaches. Calpe alone has three of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the coast.

History Calpe is a town rich in history and culture and its strategic position on the coast has attracted many voyagers and settlers throughout history.

Remains of Iberian tribes have been found around the town. Later, the Romans founded Calpe as a prosperous colony, whose main activity was drying and salting fish.

Christians and Moors lived peacefully for a time but were subjected to attacks by pirates during the 14th-17th centuries.

The peace of the 18th century enabled Calpe to regenerate and form the current tourist location.

The Rock of Ifach Calpe is dominated by the towering rock of Ifach which reaches an impressive 332m, rising almost sheer above the sea and is a nature reserve. The summit of the rock is reached after a tough climb up a footpath, by means of a short tunnel through the upper part of the rock.

Be warned the path above the tunnel has almost no safety features and is not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights, the very young,

or the remotely unfit.

It is a genuinely tough and dangerous climb. From the top, magnificent panoramic views can be had. On a clear day, the island of Ibiza is visible.

Sightseeing & Culture When it comes to sightseeing, the ancient town centre, next to the Moorish quarter is a good place to start. The old town walls and the church known as Iglesia Vieja are well worth visiting. This church is the only remaining example of Mudejar-Gothic architecture within Valencia.

Alongside the modern Paseo Maritimo are the recently discovered remains of a Roman villa, once forming part of the Roman fish factory, known as the Banys de la Reina (Queens Bath).

Overlooking the Mascarat ravine are the ruins of the Moorish Castle of Calpe and all over the local countryside are the typical rui-rau country houses, with arched porticos for raisin drying.

The town centre is also home to the Museum of Archeology and the Fiestas Museum.

Excursions Calpe has a wonderful modern marina that sits alongside the old fishing port; from here it is possible to take boat rides around the rock and to the nearby resort of Benidorm.

One of the best ways to enjoy the local coastline is by means of the narrow gauge railway that runs from Alicante to Denia, stopping at Calpe.

23

www.soltimes.com

Leisure & recreation The port has a nautical club and facilities for yachting, windsurfing and water skiing. If its dry-land sports you want then the rock of Ifach offers climbing facilities.

Golf The Ifach golf course is situated in Moraira (Benissa) on a country

Cuisine Cuisine from the Costa Blanca combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.

The diet is a typically, healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice), Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice).

If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the area is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.

While on the Costa Blanca you can delight the palate with the wonderful regional wine selection. It’s worth giving a special mention to the local

estate. The challenging course offers magnificent views of the sea and mountains. It’s a nine holes course and although the holes are quite short, the terrain and the narrow fairways make them tricky and entertaining.

Within one hour’s drive there are a good selection of golf courses to keep the fans of this Scottish game thoroughly entertained.

wine ‘Jalon’, due to its quality and bouquet.

There are many international restaurants close by offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.

Climate Calpe enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.

In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination. http://www.spain-holiday.com/Calpe

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May 2016

How to Choose an Architect in Spain

propert y services

Choosing an Architect is a hugely important decision in any design and build project, so it is crucial that you get it right and find someone you are happy to work with. Obviously, if you are looking to build in Spain, or any other foreign country for that matter, the process becomes that little bit more difficult, and that little bit more important to get right. No pressure!

Hopefully this article will help you to understand some of the important things to look for in an architect, and how to go about finding and appointing the right person to work for you.

So, How do I Start Looking for an Architect in Spain?

So far we've talked in pretty general terms about what to look for in an architect. Now I want to get more specific, and lay out exactly what you might do in order to find someone suitable and willing to work for you.

This is where the process becomes more particular to Spain, since every country has it's own accrediting bodies, systems and laws relating to architecture and construction. The following points are a few of the things you should do before appointing your architect: - Consider the language barrier - If you can find an English-speaking (and honest!) architect, they can become invaluable not only in their ability to communicate easily with you, but also to act as a middleman between you and your builders. Even if your builders do speak English, the language barrier is a convenient way of covering up problems or mistakes on their part.

- Where to find an architect - It is best to collect as many names as possible on an initial shortlist, then begin to

narrow your search down from there.

Talk to people in bars, look in the local phone book, and talk to builders and estate agents (although some will get a commission for recommending certain people so beware!).

- Talk to them - As I said before, it's really important to have a good working relationship with your architect so, if possible, meet with people on your shortlist face to face, or if not ring them up and talk to them.

Ask to see a portfolio of their work and evidence of their licensing in the area you wish to build in.

- Follow up references - It's also important to ask for references from past clients - people will be happy enough to talk to you, and this can often be the most revealing insight into how good an architect is.

- Ask about fees - An obvious one I suppose, but note that architects fees are normally a percentage of the total costs of the work being done (usually around 5-10% depending on where and with whom you build). Check too whether they operate with a fixed priced contract - although they may be reluctant to do so, this can be massively beneficial to you since any unforeseen problems in the design or build will not affect your overall cost.

And Finally The biggest thing to bear in mind when choosing an architect in Spain is to be completely thorough.

Be thorough in your research, thorough in your selection process, and thorough in your questioning in order to get someone you really respect and enjoy working with. At the same time, remember our man in the green castle and be prepared to listen to changes or advice that come your way from the architect.

Prompt and reliable service, Remember it's a two way no job too small. process, and they have Full bathrooms or just makeovers to decide whether they want to work with you and handyman service. too - showing flexibility 24 hour call out should help to ensure this is an easy choice for Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160â‚Ź them. h t t p : / / w w w . eyeonspain.com

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The AlquerianhasInfrastructure a difficult task. As there are no laws

Local taxes are non-existent in Alqueria. Which is just as well as the chance of anyone actually paying is extremely remote.

The services required to protect and keep the Village operating are paid for from the Remitroot Surplus Fund. Many prominent financial institutions have tried to unravel the intricacies of this fund but none have succeeded. It operates on the principle that the Remitroot Surplus Fund gives A a loan, A pays B for services rendered. B then pays C for goods and services who then pays A for its utility bills. A then repays the Remitroot Surplus Fund. All outstanding bills are paid and the Remitroot Surplus Fund isn’t out of pocket.

There must be a flaw somewhere but the system works so well no-one in Alqueria has looked too closely. It is advisable not to try this at home though.

Of all of the Alquerian public services perhaps the Fire and Rescue Service is the hardest worked. With the Alquerian liking for civil disorder fires and collapsed masonry are common place. One drawback with this fire service is that in true Alquerian tradition it is inept. It is necessary to have two fire engines, one to put out the fire and the second to put out the firemen. If the fire is any distance from the station it has been known for them to stop for lunch.

José Cabrasilbido, Alqueria’s policeman

in the Village republic he has nothing to enforce. He can’t even manage traffic or issue parking tickets All the road markings have worn off long ago. He spends a great deal of time posting notices that announce the cancellation of road closures that were never scheduled in the first place.

He struts into the Village, holster open so his side-arm can be brought into play at a moment’s notice. He lets his right hand hover just above the grip. José isn’t going to be surprised. If one looks closely at this weapon one can make out the legend etched on the barrel, ‘Dirty Harry SpecialRecommended for children over five.’

Alqueria has one ambulance and Enzo Matanzamas the local doctor has four beds in the Village’s cottage hospital.

Not that the populace has any faith in either the good Doctor or his method of transporting his would-be patients. In fact it is a common sight to see the paramedic chasing some poor causality who has hobbled off in the hope of avoiding both the ambulance and one of Dr. Enzo Matanzamas’s beds.

To survive for any length of time in Alqueria it is necessary to avoid playing with matches and to eat the proverbial daily apple.

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com - www.daviessolicitors.com MENTIONING A TRUST ON A SPANISH WILL IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE. SOMETIMES WHAT IS LEGALLY POSSIBLE AND WHAT IS PRACTICAL IS NOT THE SAME THING. THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE. Question: I had a Spanish will made for myself and my wife some time ago. We recently hired a solicitor to handle a conveyance and he has taken a look at the wills, which had been prepared two years ago, and told us they are no good and that we should make new ones. We are uncertain what to do. Our instructions to our original solicitor were to prepare the Spanish will in Spain exactly how we had prepared our English wills in UK. He said that since Directive 650/2012 this can be done.

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

There is no doubt: the wills are dreadful and need to be changed. I doubt the person who prepared your will has ever dealt with probate in Spain.

(I say this because any solicitor I know would tell you that your will is asking for trouble). The will essentially translates the English will you handed her and sets up a trust to protect your children versus your second wife. Even though Directive 650/2012 allows English law to be applied (by choice of the testator)

to how an estate is distributed in Spain, using institutions like trusts will cause endless problems and expenses for your heirs because Trusts are not understood in Spain the same way as in UK. So Certifications of English law (which are very expensive) will be required to help wind up the estate (by explaining the content of English law). To this add a lot of problems with Spanish Inheritance tax (remember Directive 650/2012 has no effect on the taxation of the estate).

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

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

Conclusion: Keep things sensible and uncomplicated. In this case achieve what you want using methods that are common practice in Spain.

Leave the life possession of your property to your wife and the residual value to your children. With the values you have sent me the estate will be exempt, probate will be simple and both your children and your wife will be fully protected as you asked for.

Michael Davies 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.

The Trouser Rebellion

My tracksuit trousers decided to take advantage of my reduced and helpless state, and to muck me about.

I will explain to those who have never been formally introduced to tracksuit trousers that they consist of 2 layers, an inside and an outside, which are joined at the waistband and the leg cuff. Thus the ends are joined, but the intervening material has autonomous freedom of movement.

Perched on the bathroom stool I ensured that the trousers into the right way around, facing in the same direction as myself, and thus thwarting their plan to arrive on my body back to front.

I grasped the waistband firmly with my only functioning hand, shook it open in a manner that indicated that I meant business, and carefully inserted my left foot into the appropriate aperture.

Knowing that one of the waistband’s favourite tricks is to suddenly fold inwards, allowing some toes in, but marooning the rest on the outside, I checked that all my toes were with my foot on the inside and that none had been excluded.

I pushed my foot down the leg, but was aware that something was amiss. The inside layer had stuck to my foot and proceeded floorwards, while the outside layer had innocently elevated itself up to my waist; thus the whole leg was inside out. I do not believe that this can happen spontaneously – there had to have been collusion between the two layers.

Inexplicable though this was I

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk was not to be beaten by such insubordination. I grasped the layers individually and returned them to their rightful places with a mild reprimand.

I raised my right foot, and again exercising toe caution, went to put it in the right trouser leg – it wouldn’t go! I pushed, I wriggled, but my foot would not go in by even an inch!

I investigated this anomaly – the bottom of the right leg had inserted itself down the top of it’s own leg, like a snake swallowing its tail, so that the leg was not so much a leg as a fabric doughnut with no top, bottom or even a way in! Now that is just perverse!

With tightened lips and a firm grip on my temper and the trousers I wrangled it straight and completed my mission – I am not a woman to be defeated by her own trousers!

I have put down the trouser rebellion – for this time at least.

EasyJet poised for losses as fear of terrorist attacks hits bookings

Recent terror attacks in Brussels, Paris, Egypt and Turkey will have hit travel companies such as budget airline easyJet and tour operator TUI, which both report half-year results this week, say analysts.

But while some destinations will be hit hard by consumer fears, others such as Spain, Portugal and Greece have been adding capacity as holidaymakers return to more traditional haunts.

Broker Numis estimates that the terror attacks in Paris and Egypt will have cost easyJet £45million in the first quarter of the year due to a fall in revenues, and that the Brussels attacks in March will cost it a further £35million.

Losses: Broker Numis estimates that the terror attacks in Paris and Egypt will have cost easyJet £45million Numis analyst Wyn Ellis said: ‘Though Brussels accounts for only about 1 per cent of easyJet’s capacity, we believe the bombings are likely to have a knock-on impact on short-haul, city-to-city travel and on customer confidence.’

Stockbroker Morgan Stanley predicted that easyJet would reveal an interim pre-tax loss £23.5million. It also revised down its full-year profits forecast for the Luton-based airline by £37million to £701million, including the effect of French air traffic control strikes as well as the Brussels attacks EasyJet is expected to outline its costsaving plans for the medium-term in its half-year presentation on Tuesday.

Meanwhile TUI, Europe’s biggest tour

operator, which owns the Thomson and First Choice brands, is expected to reveal at its half-year results on Wednesday increased traffic to Spain, including the Balearics and the Canary Islands, as well as to long-haul destinations including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica.

TUI said earlier this year that bookings to Turkey, which accounted for 14 per cent of its passengers last summer, had fallen by 40 per cent because of security fears caused by the migrant crisis and the war in neighbouring Syria.

There have also been terrorist attacks in Ankara and Istanbul. However, analysts remain positive about the company, which has reacted quickly to events, for example, instantly adding more capacity in the Canaries after the attack on a Russian passenger jet in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula last October.

TUI chief executive Friedrich Joussen has said that the group remains ‘well positioned’ to meet its target of delivering underlying full-year earnings growth of at least 10 per cent. In the UK, revenues for this summer were up 8 per cent.

Last month, TUI said it was selling its Hotelbeds division to private equity groups including Cinven for £1.2billion.

The money will be used to strengthen TUI’s balance sheet and invest in growth.

Read more: http://www.thisismoney. co.uk

puzzle pages

26

May 2016

jimmy carr

wwe live

new order

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

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

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

sol picture quiz!

name the breed of dog

1

Answers 1. Labrador Retriever 2. Shar-Pei 3. Briard

wordsearch 70’s Songs

Find and circle all of these songs from the 1970’s that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the title of an additional song from the 70’s.

2. “Enter!”..............................................

3. A wise man who knows his onions......

4. In perfect condition............................

5. Overtake Mr Trevino...........................

6. Sounds like a Scot making his confession.............................................

7. A famous hotel owner, perhaps in need of repair.........................................

Mr Morecambe.......................................

Answers

10. Turmeric

5. Parsley

9. “Ginger” Rogers

4. Mint

8. Thyme

3. Sage

7. Basil Fawlty

2. Cumin

6. Cinnamon

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1. Rosemary

SOLUTIONS

CALIFORNIA ISLAND GIRL JIVE TALKIN’ LAYLA LE FREAK LOLA LOVIN’ YOU LOWDOWN MACARTHUR PARK MAGGIE MAY MISS YOU MONEY NIGHT MOVES OHIO POP MUZIK RHIANNON RHINESTONE

wordsearch answer

standard SUDOKU

10. Could be a part of the school year for

easy SUDOKU

9. Mr Austerlitz’s famous dance partner!

ANGIE BABE BAD BLOOD BETH BROWN SUGAR CAR WASH CONVOY CRACKLIN’ ROSIE CROCODILE ROCK DANCING QUEEN DREAMING DREAMS FAME FREE BIRD GREASE HEART OF GLASS HOT STUFF HOTEL

COWBOY RICH GIRL ROXANNE SAD EYES SIR DUKE STAYIN’ ALIVE SUPERSTITION

Answers

THE JOKER TRAGEDY VENUS WATERLOO YOUR SONG

TIE A YELLOW RIBBON ‘ROUND THE OLE OAK TREE

8. You can save, serve and mark this......

soltimes golf Quiz

squiggle SUDOKU

1. A woman who had a devil of a time

1. What is the name of the Amateur golfer who set the 1998 British Open golf tournament alight and has since gone to obscurity?......

2. Which golfer is known as the Walrus?.........................

3. Which course is the traditional home of the Masters?.............................

4. What is the maximum amount of time allowed to look for a lost ball?..............

5. In 1967 which golfer made the first televised hole in one?.........................

6. Who won his only British open Golf Championship at Royal St Georges, Sandwich in 1985?..............................

7. Over how many holes is the British Open Golf tournament contested?........

8. Who did Nick Faldo sensationally beat to win his third Masters?................

9. In August 1996 who made his surprising debut as a pro in the Czech Open.........

10. Which South African won the British Open in 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1957?..................................

6. Sandy Lyle 7. 72 8. Greg Norman 9. Ivan Lendl 10. Bobby Locke

soltimes spice of life cryptic Quiz

with her baby.........................................

3

2

1. Justin Rose 2. Craig Stadler 3. Augusta 4. 5 minutes 5. Tony Jacklin

on this day 12th may

1689 – King William’s War: William III of England joins the League of Augsburg starting a war with France.

1926 – The Italian-built airship Norge becomes the first vessel to fly over the North Pole.

1937 – The Duke and Duchess of York are crowned as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Westminster Abbey.

2002 – Former US President Jimmy Carter arrives in Cuba for a five-day visit with Fidel Castro becoming the first President of the United States, in or out of office, to visit the island since Castro’s 1959 revolution.

www.soltimes.com

puzzle pages

27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 A fragrant oleoresin (6) 4 Dubioius (8) 10 Luxurious (9) 11 Touches of the tongue (5) 12 Incentive (5) 13 Mixes drinks (9) 14 An easy victory (slang) (7) 16 Breastplate (4) 19 Male cow (4) 21 Swaggering show of courage (7) 24 A reprieve in intensity (9) 25 Trophy (5) 26 A printed leaf or page (5) 27 Substance dependence (9) 28 Freedom from normal restraints in conduct (8) 29 JFK’s assassin (6)

Down

1 An American sport (8) 2 Radiant (8) 3 Initial wagers (5) 5 See (7) 6 Dancer (9) 7 Front of a building (6) 8 Sheen (6) 9 Wholesaler (6) 15 A dwelling on water (9) 17 Cathedral (8) 18 Ruled (8) 20 Away from the wind (7) 21 Befall (6) 22 A severe scolding (6) 23 A light medieval helmet (6) 25 Light kisses (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

famous bithdays on this day

standard

1968 – Catherine Tate, English actress and screenwriter 1970 – Mark Foster, English swimmer 1975 – Jonah Lomu, New Zealand rugby player (d. 2015) 1978 – Jason Biggs, American actor and producer

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 2 Back-left inside musical (5,4) 7 Left one out of liking ruler (4) 8 Buggy quiet before animal (4) 9 Muscle supporter of heartless new backer (5) 10 The French twitches (6) 11 Quiet burp without bottle opener for the French colour (6) 12 Starts to read every darn story! (4) 14 Codswallop! (8) 15 New thrones (7) 17 Party from North to South! (4) 19 “Inside” says Niall, “I’ve turned back” (8) 21 Vehicle that Evans has? (3) 22 Mad coffee pots when cop’s removed (7) 24 Cosy back for weapons (4) 25 Music of the heavens? (3,5) 26 Half the decorations (5) Down 1 Country from beach inactivity (5) 2 Big sage pulverised (7) 3 Vehicle - vicar loses six (3) 4 Sleep outside, could have concentration first (4) 5 Changes, e.g. new runs (7) 6 Pages I’m swapping (7) 8 Shop around (4) 9 Depressed fliers? (9) 12 Lived back in 12 across (3,6) 13 Party initially held at capital (4) 14 Actors get damaged (9) 16 At home in letter animal (5) 18 Reverse, as in back-street (6) 20 Maybe Alan’s of the nose (5) 23 Disease in loud, second-class university (3)

28

Baybrooks Restaurant

Commercial Centre, La Finca Golf, Algorfa Open: Wednesday-Monday 7pm

May 2016

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Your Cast Iron Skillet Will Never Be The Same After You Make These

Steak & Potato Nachos

INGREDIENTS 2 russet potatoes, sliced 1 pound skirt steak 4 Tbsp. olive oil Salt (to taste) Pepper (to taste) 2 tsp paprika 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese Sour cream Salsa (optional) 2 minced green onions

Chef red Requi

EVENING

3 Course Set Menu 16.95€, 2 Course Set Menu 12.95€ Full a La Carte Menu

SUNDAY LUNCH

3 Courses including a Small Beer or Soft Drink 13.50€

CONTACT US ON: Tel: 966 729 243 ● 666 968 639 ● 677 111 337 www.baybrooksrestaurantalgorfa.com www.facebook.com/Baybrooks

PREPARATION 1. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl.

Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Lay the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 450˚F / 230˚C for 20 minutes.

3. Season skirt steak with salt and pepper. Cook on high heat for roughly three minutes each side, for medium-rare. jack cheese. Broil for five minutes or 4. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes, then until the cheese is melted. slice into cubes.

6.

Serve immediately with sour 5. In a cast iron skillet or baking sheet, cream, salsa, green onions or any arrange cooked potatoes into a heap. Top topping of choice. with steak, then cheddar and Monterey

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

Open 7 days a week

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

12pm-3pm 5pm-Late SET MEAL DEALS For each 2 persons select any 2 starters, any 2 main dishes, 1 vegetable dish, 2 rice or 2 plain naan or one of each Dinner for 2 + Bottle of Wine.......30€ Dinner for 4 + 2 Bottles of Wine..60€ Dinner for 6 + 3 Bottles of Wine..90€ (prawn dishes not included) Free bottle of wine or 10% discount on Takeaway orders over 20€ C/ San Miguel, locale 65, La Finca Golf Commercial Centre, 03169 ALGORFA

Tel: 965 055 436

29

www.soltimes.com

F O K TAL N W O T E H T There are many ways in which you can enjoy tasting the wide variety of Spanish cuisine on offer when eating out in Spain. Basically your options are to either dine out at a restaurant or comedor (dining room) and have a full meal, or you can have a succession of tapas (small snacks) or raciones (larger ones) at one of the many tapas bars which exist in every village, town or city.

The comedors you’ll get a basic, filling, three-course meal with a drink, the menu del dia- is the cheapest option, but they’re often tricky to find, however explore the off beaten tourist path or follow the locals and you will find many good comedors, small cafeterias and family run establishments.

Breakfast Snacks and Sandwiches

For breakfast you’re best off in a bar or cafe, though some hostales and fondas will serve the “Continental” basics. The traditional Spanish breakfast is chocolate con churros – long tubular doughnuts (not for the weak of stomach) with thick drinking chocolate. But most places also serve tostadas (toast) with oil ( con aceite ) or butter ( con mantequilla ) – and jam ( y mermelada ), or more

substantial egg dishes such as huevos fritos (fried eggs), which are not a typical Spanish breakfast but do tend to be on offer in tourist areas. Tortilla (potato omelette) also makes an excellent breakfast.

Coffee and pastries ( pasteles or bollos ) or doughnuts are available at most cafés, too, though for a wider selection of cakes you should head for one of the many excellent pastelerías or confiterías . In larger towns, especially in Catalunya, there will often be a panadería or croissantería serving quite an array of appetizing baked goods besides the obvious bread, croissants and pizza.

Some bars specialize in bocadillos – hearty French bread-style sandwiches with a choice of fillings. If you want them wrapped to take away with you, ask for them para llevar . Incidentally, be careful not to use the word “sandwich” to order a bocadillo , as an Iberian sandwich is usually on sad, processed white bread – often with ham and cheese or something with a lot of mayonnaise.

Tapas and Raciones One of the advantages of eating in bars is that you are

able to experiment. Many places have food laid out on the counter, so you can see what’s available and order by pointing without necessarily knowing the names; others have blackboards or ” lista de las tapas “. Tapas (often called pinchos or pintxos in northern Spain) are small portions, three or four small chunks of fish or meat, or a dollop of salad, which traditionally used to be served up free with a drink. These days you often have to pay for anything more than a few olives, but a single helping rarely costs more than 1.20 to 2.40 Euros unless you’re somewhere very flashy. Raciones costing around 6.50 to 9.0 Euros which are simply bigger plates of the same intended for sharing among a couple of people, and can be enough in themselves for a light meal. The more people you’re with, of course, the better; half a dozen tapas or pinchos and three raciones can make a varied and quite filling meal for three or four people. http://spainguides.com/

QUOTE ‘SOL TIMES’ FOR THIS OFFER BUY 2 MAIN MEALS GET THE CHEAPEST HALF PRICE Valid until 31ST MAY 2016 (not to be used in conjunction with any set menu or other offers)

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

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

Open 7 Days a Week 12noon till 10pm All Sports Covered Homemade Food Cakes & Pastries Karaoke Weekly Clubs Outside summer events from Saturday June 18th Call in Bar for Details

QUESADA FISH & CHIPS

Menu of the Day 12noon till 5pm

Cod or Haddock Chips, Peas, Bread and Butter

€7,00

Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas

€6,00

All Day

Takeaway Also Available Quesada Villamartin Plaza

966 719 136

966 764 441

30

May 2016

Festival to be Held to in the UK to Help Inform and Teach Wine Merchants about Sherry

Sherry is becoming extremely popular in the UK, and this event aims to help professionals expand their knowledge and portfolio.

Sherry is being served outside of typical Spanish restaurants, as customers are eager to try and learn about different kinds.

The popularity of Sherry is really booming in the UK, so much so that a Sherry Festival—mainly a campaign for wine merchants—is going to be held this June, from the 13th to the 26th. What’s even more interesting is that Sherry is not only wildly popular in London, but across the entire UK, which presents an interesting opportunity for bar owners and other sector professionals.

According to Owen Morgan, who runs Bar 44: “The sector is changing hugely and has been for the last five years or so. Initially it was seen as a very London phenomenon, but the proof is in the pudding with companies such as our and others in all the regional cities and larger towns within the UK, and not just in Spanish-led outlets or restaurants.”

Young people are becoming more interested in Sherry, and there’s also more interest in premium dry Sherry.

Bar 44 is also trying out novel ways of serving the fortified wine, which are bearing fruit. For example, they pour right from the cask in their three bars, which really gets customers’ attention, and they also serve Sherry in cocktails, which has piqued the interested of the younger crowd. In fact, their tactics have proven so effective that they expect a full house for a special Sherry event in Cardiff on a Tuesday night—quite impressive.

The festival in 2015 brought together 40 wine merchants, who participated in sampling sessions, tastings and food and Sherry pairings. This year the festival is expected to be a resounding success again, and 3 merchants will win a trip to Jerez. Says Owen: “Once you’ve stepped into a working [Sherry] bodega and taste the wine when in there, you’re hooked – there’s no going back.” http://www.foodswinesfromspain.com

Spanish Food and Beverage Exports Expand by 3 to 5% in 2015 Spain exports 25% of the foods and beverages it produces, and the goal is to increase that figure to 40% by 2020.

Meat, oil and fats, beverages and dairy are among the industry’s most exported categories.

Exports of Spanish food and beverages performed well in 2015, expanding by between 3 and 5%, while exports by the food industry overall amounted to 26 billion euros.

The main products exported include meat, which accounts for 22% of total exports; beverages, accounting for almost 11%; animal feed, almost 10%; oil and fats, 9%; and dairy, also with 9%.

These products also account for roughly two-thirds of all food and beverage exports, amounting to around 56 billion euros. Spain exports about 25% of its production, and the objective is to increase that number to 40% by 2020 a very realistic goal. To that end, Spanish companies are working hard to raise the profile of their products around the world with a view to increasing demand and also networking with foreign buyers.

One example is the Almentaria Food & Beverage Fair in Barcelona, where one of the goals is to boost internationalization, as well as innovation. http://www.foodswinesfromspain.com

www.soltimes.com

Tel: 950 121 936

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 -

sales@soltimes

Ex-Servicemen’s Association

Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) events 2016 Wednesday 11th May - Costa Celbracion Rooms Mazarron Town - 10th Anniversary Dinner Dance with Grand Raffle and Live Entertainment - 7.30pm for 8pm Wednesday 8th June - Spice Villa - Camposol “B” 7.30pm for 8pm Membership and enquiries, Ian 629 818 611 or esamd.espana@gmail.com

welcome events

Welcome Group Events Wednesday May 18th. - Dance the night away this month to the music of the ever popular Woody & The Peckers. Book early as always a sell out. €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 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.

November 9th. We are off to Benidorm Market for a morning of shopping and then on to the Rich Bich show for an afternoon performance. More time for shopping and dinner before returning home. ONLY €15 November 24th. Madrid & The Races. Staying 4 nights at the city centre 4* Tryp Cibeles on B&B. Shop on Black Friday for bargains and enjoy a trip to the horse races on Sunday. Also included a trip to the beautiful Palace of San Lorenzo on Saturday. €350 p.p.

NEW December 23rd. Welcome Christmas at The Helios Hotel Benidorm. Join us for 4 nights on full board including a Gala Christmas Lunch. Don’t be lonely or worry about cooking this Christmas. Coach travel included. €260 p.p.

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

Costa Calida Country Music Club

We meet the 1st Friday of each month in Marianos Camposol . This has to be the best venue in Costa Calida , particularly where dancing is concerned --How many times have you been at a night out with good music on offer , but simply nowhere to dance-None of that at our nights -The floor is big enough to accommodate different types of dancing ie line dancing ,partner dancing, or just whatever you want to do On 6th May we have Steve Hanks--He is a well established name in the UK, and is only in Spain for 2 dates---As it is his 1st time with us , this is an ideal opportunity for anyone who has thought ”Must go along one night”-You will be made welcome -The more people we have coming along means we can fulfil our objective , which is to bring the best Country music artistes to Costa Calida --Steve certainly falls into that category We start at 7.45pm playing requests , and time permitting , teach a dance or two--with the live act coming on at 9pm---Entry is only €4 Ever wanted to learn all the popular line dances ? Ann and Roy offer a FREE weekly class at the Camposol Culture Centre every Wednesday night at 7pm If you need any more information, have a look at our Facebook page

31

HAVE YOU BEEN TO CHATTERS?

Chatters is an informal social group, free of charge and open to all without membership. Just turn up, join in and enjoy. We are sponsored by Help At Home Mar Menor. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at The Pasty Shack, Rio Nalon, near to the Mercadona in Los Alcazares.

Free refreshments are served between 10.15am & 10.45am before we start the meeting at 11am. This includes a Quiz and Picture Quiz with the opportunity to win modest prizes, after which we always have a different Guest Speaker talking about and answering questions about a range of topics of interest and use to Expats. The Speaker at the next Chatters on Wednesday April 20th will be from Coach Trips sl, aka Dave’s Coaches. He will be telling us about all the places they visit, and which trip would best meet you own particular interests.

Why not come along and join in? Meet old friends and perhaps make new ones? After the meeting several people regularly stay on to enjoy the Pasty Shack’s delicious range of snacks and lunches. Attendance is growing, and more and more attendees are coming regularly, so be sure to put the date in your diary and to arrive early.

Help At Home Mar Menor is a local charity who makes no charge for providing a little temporary help to those in need. We rely solely on fundraising and donations.

Find out more about what we do and upcoming events by following us on Facebook or by visiting - www.helpathome.es

FAREWELL PALS

6 Live Bands celebrating FAREWELL PALS Date 29th May, time 6pm till midnight,, Venue, Bahia Hotel, Puerto de Mazarron. Entrance 5 Euros food available Non Stop music except when PALS make their largest and last donation of medical equipment ever. This empties the bank account and is amazing and lets PALS leave the charity arena after having donated over 250000 Euros worth of Medical and life saving equipment to the area. Plus what PALS are giving at the presentation.

The event is the largest one day all live rock fest on the Costa this year and we have Jokers Inc, Highway 61. Itchy Fingers, Black Sheep Puppets and Snowblind already booked, we await confirmation of our other band, its an event not to be missed.

Tickets from Dragontours on Camposol A, The Tea Pot and Yorkshire Linen in The Puerto. Some tickets will be available at the door.

For those of you who have not been to a musical event at the Hotel Bahia, its on a terrace touching the beach overlooking the Mediterranean. Its the perfect setting for a great evenings entertainment, masses of parking Any queries call 626 460465

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

May 2016

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936

Hero dog saves grandmother from house fire and enters canine hall of fame

sleeping pill as her family headed out for the day.

The loyal Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd, who was rescued from a local shelter, managed to latch on to the woman’s leg, pull her off the couch and drag her across the room towards the front door.

“I heard Rex growl and I got up and there was fire engulfing the hallway. I just looked at him and Rex was nudging me,” explained Ms Lucas.

She added that she “owes her life” to the brave eight-year-old canine.

Ms Santana H a w m a n remembers travelling back Hondon de las Nieves/Frailes to the home Centrally-heated houses with large individual runs with her three Love and care will be lavished during your cat’s stay children, adding: My 29 years of experience in animal and veterinary care will give you piece of mind “We were Pick up & delivery service offered for coastal areas probably about ten kilometres Telephone: 966 195 816 away and I could Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473 see the big glow www.mountainviewcathotel.webs.com in the sky and

A heroic dog that helped saved his owner’s mother from a house fire has been inducted to the Animal Hall of Fame.

Pet dog Rex received an honorary medal from pet care company Purina Canada after dragging the sleeping woman to a door when a huge fire broke out at the property in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Noreen Lucas had travelled to celebrate the holidays with her son Mitch Hawman and his wife Santana in December but came down with pneumonia and took a

my heart just sank.”

Deputy fire chief Adrien Hamoline added: “The house was fully engulfed in flames, there was no saving the house, that was a decision we made quickly, we were hoping that there was nobody inside.”

Thankfully, the grandmother woke up just in time and managed to escape the fire with Rex who received his award this week. http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Mountain View

Cat hotel

Cassandr a Cassandra is a beautiful black and white Schnauzer cross who loves people and other dogs.

She is very lively and enjoys playing with people . She is about 7 years old and spayed . She is used to living as an outside dog and would benefit from a home with a large garden.

If you would be interested in adopting any pet

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

www.k9club.es

SOL CLASSIFIEDS AIRPORT PARKING

For sale

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

pool tables snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

Tel: 666 933 726 www.spainpool.com

ERDE 122 Trailer, 60€, Tel: 696 290 192 O r i h u e l a Costa area Ex e r c i s e b i k e Domyos, as new checks heart rate, speed, distance, calories, 50€ Tel: 695 061 161 Three piece red leather look suite, two seater settee + two tub chairs 103 Tel: 966 722 157 / 620 098 874 Gas Fire & Bottle 35€, Roof Bars & Top Box to fit Ford Fusion 35€, Fold up put u up Bed 10€, Gas BBQ little used 25€, Tel: 865 774

401/653 561 952 Sam s ung programmable electronic w a s h i n g m a c h i n e approx.

5 years old 150€.

4 x wooden d i n i ng cha i r s , good clean condition. 20€, 4 x childrens mountain bikes, ages 4 to 6 years.

30€, Fridge freezer clean w o r k i n g 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: 651 563 952 G a r d e n Gate round top steel gate with aluminium privacy panel 1,760 cm high x 98.5 cm wide 50€. Tel 966 713 297 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.

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

DEADLINES

All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

"If there is no heaven for dogs, then I want to go where they go when I die."

Anonymous "The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

Samuel Butler "If dogs could talk, perhaps we would find it as hard to get along with them as we do with people."

Capek

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

www.ecocorpshop.com 4€ 1 DAY

pet quotes

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

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,

electrician

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

asssa medical

insurances

Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan

968 153 396

mazarron@asssa.es personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

every single month.

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.

www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk

Tel: 693 357 526

For Free Information Visit

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

sat/tv services Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact

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

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 servicre e 10 Y Over erience E xp Covering all areas from Miraira to Mazarron

Matt or Alan on 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@gmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

AGE CONCERN Require an experienced

Call 634 186 710 or 638 175 699

volunteer driver for Tuesday

Pets- Transport

removals

You must have a Spanish

Pet transportaion service UK|Spain|UK

LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email:

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

van.man@hotmail.co.uk

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication UK-SPAIN-UK fortnightly service SPAIN: 914 143 164 UK: 01773 513 013 www.britonsremovals.com britonsremovals@ic24.net

mornings, 10am - 1:30pm.

Driving Licence.

If you think that you can help Age Concern in this respect, please call ito the Day Centre at La Siesta, or call Age Concern

966 786 887

spas

surveyors

structural

euro spas surveys Mark Paddon Spas at factory Property buyer’s prices. surveys and expert defects diagnosis Used & Ex 962 807 247 653 733 066 display models. www.surveyorscostablanca.com wigs Spares & WIG BOUTIQUE Choose from the best repairs. human or synthetic hair.

BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT.

Part exchange Telephone 650 722 905

Private fitting room.

Ladies & Gents Professional Service

Head to Toe

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

To advertise on this page Call Jane TODAY on 950 121 936 vehicle hire

34

May 2016

motoring section for sale and Wanted

vehicle registration

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Mazda 2 The art of deception is a difficult thing to

master.

The Victorians were particularly adept at this when building their terrace houses that appear small from the outside and are often far larger than expected on the inside. I know because I live in one. But the modern houses of today are very small in comparison.

Some car manufacturers are able to replicate this with their vehicles. I am particularly thinking of the Kia Venga, which is certainly spacious. I am not expecting anything great though from the Mazda 2 because after all it is a supermini and they are small aren’t they?

It’s not much bigger than my Ford Fiesta yet I am pleasantly surprised by the reasonable amount of space found inside in terms of front and rear legroom. This becomes even more appreciated after spending time testing the tiny Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 city cars where if my daughters are to travel in the back the front seats have to be pushed uncomfortably far forward.

It is typically well styled in the usual Mazda fashion with not a straight line in sight, a quality that has appealed to me about this Japanese manufacturer since the early ‘90s.

First impressions, from the rear, are that it is a well designed and attractive five

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door hatchback but there is nothing super exciting about this package, a bit of a conservative plain Jane. But then I revisit it the following day and discover that there are some unique qualities to the design.

There is an area in the top middle of the rear bumper to accommodate a hand for lifting the tailgate. This somehow adds a touch of Americanism to the design for me, the bumper seems a little bigger perhaps than others on similar vehicles, better for any pedestrian impact. There is a sweeping curve down the side of the vehicle adding some character to the overall side profile. And I do like the front, which juts out in a similar way to some Maseratis and American vehicles. It also carries a standardised Mazda grille, the same design of which can be found across the range; in a similar way to other manufacturers. The 2 is a very good lesson in appreciation; it is only when you care to open your eyes and look deeper that you find some very pleasing characteristics. The chrome Mazda logo is placed on the front and rear and can also be found on the steering wheel.

On first glance at the interior I am not blown away because apparently there is nothing that special about it. But revisit it and there you will find a minimalist and uncluttered dashboard where all controls have been helpfully placed for the driver.

There is a marriage of analogue and digital where the speedometer sits in pride of place above the steering wheel and when

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the engine starts the digital rev counter and fuel gauge magically appear as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz.

There is a push button start in the 2 and it takes some time to discover that it sits to the left of the steering wheel, obscured by the steering wheel stalk. To start, just push while your foot is on the clutch. The smooth sounding 1.5-litre petrol engine is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox.

That gearbox I find to be thoroughly decisive and one of the better ones on the market. There is a good driving position and the seats are supportive and comfortable. But the dashboard and finish itself does feel a little too black plasticky for my liking as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. However, I do like the fact that the powered wing mirrors can be electronically folded. I also like the fact that the test model is fitted with satellite navigation.

Equipped with electronic stop/start Mazda claims that this vehicle will return 56.5mpg and I cannot disagree with this because the fuel gauge did not move all week.

So, not so plain Jane after all, and many hidden surprises if you care to delve deeper.

Facts at a glance, Mazda 2 1.5 75ps SE 5 door, New price: £11,995 to £15,995, Top speed: 104mph, 0-60mph: 11.4secs Power: 75bhp Economy: 56mpg Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

By Tim Saunders

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Book Review

The Casual Vacancy by J.K.Rowling.

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

“We are the guardians of something unique. We are the custodians and the stewards of a shining principle. We do not turn our backs and look away from people in need.”

The tv drama was written by Sarah Phelps and produced by Ruth KenleyLetts. Rowling herself was one of four executive producers. Set in what seems an idyllic setting, fictional Pagford turns out to be a village divided between the privileged do-gooders, the hypocrites in society with the trappings of middle-class affluence compared to the working class and their dodgy deals and drug abuse living in the Fields, a council estate on the doorstep of middle England.

It might be said that Phelps and Rowling share a passion for social justice which is a myth in “The Casual Vacancy.” Don’t expect any. The story is heartbreaking. Phelps rewrote the ending which was bleak and too devastating for words. She went in search of a redemptive moment after the tragedy. Just compare the film with the novel and you will realise what I mean by bleak and grim.

“We have but a short time to live. Like a flower we blossom and then wither.

Like a shadow we flee and never stay. In the midst of life, we are in death.”

The only honourable man, Barry Fairbrother, a solicitor who believes in the vision of Sweetlove House which was bequeathed by Sir Phineus Sweetlove 150 years ago to the people of the Fields. More recently the Fields has become synonymous with drug abuse and petty crime. Howard and Shirley Mollison, pretentious snobs but extremely influential through their bullying tactics represent the Parish Council and want the house to be turned into a hotel and spa. It is virtually dismissed as AOB on the agenda and Barry goes ballistic and is supported by two other council members, Tess Wall and Dr Jawanda. They want a proper discussion on the use of the house. He accuses the Mollisons of “herding people into ghettoes because they don’t fit the aesthetic” and even compares it to fighting fascism. This is nakedly political and dirty.

We see evidence of Barry’s humanity (played by Rory Kinnear) and social conscience when he collects Terri Weedon from the police cell and drives her home. He cares for Krystal, her vulnerable and damaged daughter who is the chief carer for her heroin addicted mother and her young brother Robbie, a seemingly tough and precocious 16 year old, encouraging her to go to school for maths and counselling then offering her an apprenticeship working for him where she’ll have her own desk.

When Terri breaks down the bedroom door, stealing house-keeping money, some of Krystal’s clothes and her little telly, to refuel her addiction, Barry repairs the door and gives Krystal money to get something to eat. When Krystal feels she cannot go on any longer it is Barry who pulls her through.

He also forks out £600 for a new door.

On the evening to celebrate his wedding anniversary he collapses after suffering an aneurysm and dies. There were warnings at the start when he crashed to the floor after cleaning his teeth, unconscious. He thought it was the beer that was making him feel ill. An election is then held to fill this casual vacancy and initially there are 3 candidates, Barry’s step-brother Simon, an obnoxious man who bullies his children and who is involved in petty crime. He withdraws as soon as word gets round about his criminal activities. Colin Wall,

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the deputy head is a serious contender up against Miles Mollison, referred to as a “ventriloquist’s dummy sitting on Howard’s lap.” Sadly he is manipulated by his parents and made to be a laughing stock.

His wife Samantha has been branded a failure by Shirley, her in law, as a wife as well as a mother. She enjoys telling her that her two daughters haven’t bonded with her and they have never loved her: “You couldn’t even sell whore’s knickers in that ridiculous shop.” There’s nothing nice about Shirley played by Julie McKenzie and even when she turns into a dithering wreck at the end she is still pathetic.

Michael Gambon plays Howard, a mean-spirited, uncharitable hypocrite who owns the local delicatessen and despises the plebs as he calls the working class: “They choose to stick needles in and rob decent folk.” He objects strongly to these junkies streaming through his village suggesting: “We must raise the drawbridge and lower the portcullis.” He has a weight problem with over-indulgence as well as a heart problem. A premonition of death on a number of occasions start to shake his confidence. He sees the ghost of Barry with his wingman, the Grim Reaper asking what his legacy will be. Howard’s answer is cheese and we are left with images of maggots crawling through the cheese in the shop. One gruesome image of Barry is with worms crawling through his eye holes. It reinforces death as being the greatest mystery which “yawns open briefly and then it is filled by us. Dead meat. It’s dark and it’s lonely. So lonely.” The ghost of Barry dominates the run up to the election with unflattering remarks on the council website, unearthing the skeletons rattling in people’s cupboards.

Robbie Weedon is the biggest victim. His mother is a heroin addict and he is neglected. He has to rely on Krystal for his own survival. Treats are chips from the chippie and a slice of bread. He is surrounded by syringes and has to be locked in his room at night for his own safety. What kind of a life is that for a little boy? None. Yes, the dark undercurrents in this drama are worryingly frightening and show alarming shortcomings in social justice. Is this really a microcosm for English societies?

The tv drama is available from Amazon.

Publisher: Sphere. ISBN: 978-0-7515-5286-7. Novel.

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36

May 2016

motoring

New Seven Point Plan for Road Safety Spain´s Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced a seven-point action plan for the roads of the country which are aimed at significantly reducing the number of casualties on the roads.

In order to implement the plan, the government will allocate 7.2 million euro in funding towards the life saving measures.

The announcement was main when the minister attended the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Guardia Civil Traffic School in Mérida, Badajoz.

Whilst praising the work of the men and women of the Guardia Civil Trafico, the minister pointed out how more than 9,100 officers who are dedicated to the service are a “fundamental tool for road safety policies of the Government developed through the DGT”.

So far this year, there have been 295 fatal incidents on interurban roads in which 349 people died. In just 3 incidents, there have been 25 fatalities.

Given those statistics, the government unveiled the package of measure to reduce these statistics.

Specifically, the plan will increase attention on three distinct area, conventional roads, motorcycles and vans.

On conventional roads last year 913 people lost their lives, many of those were involved in head-on collisions.

As for motorbikes, the death count increased by 49 last year, and so the new measures are aimed at achieving better behaviour from bikers and improving coexistence with other road users. In the third group, vans, there has also been a significant increase in the number of fatal incidents which also require measures to achieve safer behaviours.

Here is the seven point plan in more detail.

1.Rumble Strips Some 3,000 kilometres of roads will have “rumble strips” installed on both the hard shoulders and the central lane markings to avoid vehicles leaving the road and colliding with those coming in the opposite direction. These will be similar to those installed recently on the N-332 in Torrevieja, itself a known incident blackspot, and for which 5 million euro has been assigned. The completion of this element is expected to be within 5 months.

2.Limiting overtaking on certain conventional roads As overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres that can be carried out on the open road, this will be restricted in more areas.

Again, similar to what was recently implemented on the N-332 in Torrevieja, the solid double white lines would be reinforced with wider and marked lines whenever possible.

This too will take around 5 months to complete and the 1 million euro budget will reinforce 1,000 kilometres of road, with an estimated reduction of 20 deaths per year. In 2015, 217 people died in head-on collisions.

3.Treatment of dangerous intersections Junctions can be some of the most dangerous areas on the road network.

Vehicles cross and interact with those already moving, which can be a significant risk to all. Last year, 20% of injury incidents occurred at intersections on conventional roads and 134 people died in side-impact collisions.

Part of this plan will involve the installation of warning signs on the approach to key junctions, specifically those where visibility might be impaired.

With another million euro set aside for this, it is also expected to save 20 lives each year.

4.Pedestrian crossing signals A number of illuminated warning signs will be installed on pedestrian crossings, advising drivers to be aware. These signs will be the standard triangular (P20) warning signs with orange lights at each point.

A total of 100,000 euro has been set aside for 100 signs in 50 areas over the next seven months. It is hoped that this measure will save 10 lives per year, reducing from the 113 people killed in 2015.

5.Monitoring and control of excesses of speed night, border traffic and delivery vans

N332 - Driving In Spain

Advice and information about driving in Spain.

New App Can Report if Mobile used by Drivers

Israeli technologists have devised an application that they hope will significantly reduce the number of incidents on the roads caused by drivers using their mobile phone.

Developed by a company called Cellebrite, the Textalyzer tool allows the authorities access to the mobile phone´s history to show if the phone was being used at the time or just before an incident took place.

Unable to immediately show any personal information relating to the call, text or phone use, Textalyzer will only be able to report on the functions being operated.

The application has yet to be adopted although the American law makers are the first to consider its use in legislation.

In Spain, the DGT started installing a new series of traffic cameras which not only watch for speeding motorists but also monitor for mobile phone and even seatbelt use. These devices act automatically and support other methods of detection such as airborne and ground patrols.

In the most recent campaign, more than 1,100 drivers were caught using their mobile whilst driving.

Renault to build new car in Spain, invest over 600 million euros

The Interior Minister explained that the implementation of this action is based on the continued planning of campaigns on a monthly basis to increase controls at night, on routes frequented by such vehicles.

These controls would see vehicles stopped and their occupants identified whilst also testing for alcohol and drug use, and the correct documentation, including ITV and insurance.

The estimated budget for this action is 30,000 euro and should reduce the number of deaths each year in vans by 10. In 2015, 68 deaths were reported in vans.

6.Monitoring speed and safe distance between vehicles on motorways In addition to excessive speed, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles will see a focus in a 5,000 euro campaign. As well as roadside patrols, helicopters will be used for this purpose, as well as information panels warning of the importance of maintaining a safe distance. The number of people killed last year where driving too close was an attributing factor was 54, an increase of 10 from the year before.

7.Motorcycles Finally, motorcycles will be given considerably more attention with extra monitoring points on the roads and checks on ITV, insurance and other documentation, as well as speed and dangerous manoeuvres.

In recent months, 9% of motorcycles involved in injury incidents did not have an ITV. Some 15% of motorbikes were over 20 years of age.

Raindrops cover the logo of French car manufacturer Renault on a automobile seen in Paris, France, in this January 14, 2016 file photo. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/Files French carmaker Renault (RENA.PA) on Thursday said it had decided to invest over 600 million euros (472.13 million pound) in a new project in Spain that includes building a new car and a new motor in its Valladolid plant in the north of the country.

The 2017-2020 project would exceed Renault's previous two investment plans in Spain, a company spokesman said, without giving any more details.

Its largest previous investment in the country had been 600 million euros. http://uk.reuters.com

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FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SPAIN’S FORMER CHAMPION GOLFER, SEVE BALLESTEROS Born Severiano Ballesteros Sota on 9 April 1957, Pedrena, Spain; died also in Pedrena, 7 May 2011 • From birth, Seve had a physical defect whereby his right shoulder hung down below his left.

• He was just ten when he played in his first tournament, taking ten shots at the opening hole, eventually finishing 5th on 51 over par for nine holes.

• At the age of 12, he was expelled from school for fighting and bad behaviour!

• Seve started cycling when he was eight and later owned 12 bikes, using them to keep fit.

• He enjoyed boxing as a youngster and it was in the ring that he first injured his back, which caused him trouble throughout his golfing career.

• He turned professional in April 1974 and played in his first ‘big’ tournament that same year - the Spanish Open at La Manga - carding rounds of 83 and 76 and missing the cut by six shots. American Jerry Heard won the event and collected £4,336. In contrast, Seve’s first professional wage was just £15.

• In 1976, he finished joint second with Jack Nicklaus at the Open at Royal Birkdale… soon after bailing hay with his father and caddying for his brother Manuel. The winner that year was Johnny Miller.

• Dick Draper, a British policeman, caddied for Seve in the mid-1970s.

• A Santander Doctor, Cesar Campuzano, lent Seve $1,000 to help get him through his first year as a professional. Seve paid him back by giving him the ball he won the 1979 Open with.

37

WARMING UP FOR THE LÍNEA DIRECTA NATIONALS We are just a few days away from the most exciting lawn bowls tournament of the year, the 2016 Línea Directa National Championships which gets underway at the Emerald Isle on Saturday 14 May and do we have some exciting games in prospect!

In the triples, four of the teams to watch. Lynn Greenland, Gail & Fred Willshire (San Miguel), Jacqui Johnston & Mel Highland (last year’s Ladies Pairs champions) team up with Colin Highland (Quesada), Graham, Robert & Grace Cathcart (Teide) & Stuart Denholm, Don Whitney & previous Ladies Singles champion Ann Allen (San Miguel).

Mixed Pairs – lots of strong pairings in this discipline, too many to name.

Mens Pairs – my tip for top slots – Stuart Denholm & Chris Collier (San Miguel), Frank Close & Dave Close (Emerald Isle), Fred Willshire & Cliff Plaisted (San Miguel) – all in one side of the draw while in the other side Paul Parkes & Julian Pering (San Luis) Robert & Graham Cathcart (Teide).

In the Ladies Pairs there could be some very close matches. Last year’s Champions Mel Highland & Jacqui Johnston (Quesada) line up against Eileen Potts & Sheila Errington (San Miguel). We have a pairing travelling all the way from Santa Maria, Pat Fisher & Simone Morgan. Pat is no stranger to National titles so will be watching this pairing. An all San Miguel tie Lin Miller/ Chris Parsons against Lynn Greenland/ Gail Willshire. Last year’s finalist Peta Rhodes teams up with a new partner Carol Broomfield & will play home side

Yvonne Mallaburn & Mary Whitelock in their first game.

Despite neither of last year’s finalists in the Mens Singles being involved this year there are still strong players.

Can Frank Close (Emerald Isle) add the National title to his CV? Terry Morgan, Graham Phillips (Quesada), Graham Cathcart (Teide), Stuart Denholm, Chris Collier, Cliff Plaisted (San Miguel), Dennis Birkett (Country Bowls). My players to watch.

Last year’s Ladies Singles champion Jan Dando (Indalo) returns this year to try for the double, but with a first round match against Ann Holland (San Luis) will be a tough match to start. Last year’s losing finalist Nina McKenzie (Mazarron) takes on Suzi Cooper (Quesada). Other matches to watch are Peta Rhodes (Quesada) v Ann Allen (San Miguel), Ann Eagle (San Miguel) v Carole Donnellan (Country Bowls), Mel Highland v Carol Broomfield (both Quesada).

There is no doubt that the spectators will be treated to some great bowling.

The tournament all gets underway at 11am on the 14th with a most colourful opening ceremony. The bowling itself kicks off with the mixed triples at 1pm.

Admission is absolutely free so why not go along and take in the atmosphere.

You might be pleasantly surprised.

• Before the 1980 Masters, Seve walked the whole course, taking notes of every fairway and every green.

• His favourite football team was Racing Santander. He was just an ordinary fan, who paid the entry fee and either stood on the terraces or sat in the stand with his mates. Nothing special.

• During National Service, Seve earned £2-a-week teaching Air Force officers how to play golf!

25’95 €

• In the 1985 Italian Open, Seve had eight birdies in a row and his third round score of 64 contained nine birdies and an eagle… a record at the time.

• The tattoo on Seve’s left arm showing him punching the air, was also painted on the door of his house.

• In 1988, Seve married the daughter of the owner of Banco Santander, Carmen Botin, who was at the time, one of the richest women in Spain.

• In May 2007, played on the Champions Tour in Alabama. His first tee shot missed the 75-yard-wide fairway by a distance. He tried to thread his second shot through a six-foot gap; the ball struck a tree, rebounded into a bunker and he finished with a double bogey and a round of 78. With two more horrible rounds of 81 and 73, he finished joint last of 78 participants.

He returned to Spain straightaway!

• On the professional golf circuit, Seve won 96 titles worldwide, including 50 around Europe, and after every victory, the bells of home town church in Pedrena were rung in celebration.

• For 20 years, Seve kept a .38 calibre pistol under his bed, in case intruders came in.

• Seve is the only golfer to have ‘kept’ two Green Jackets from the Augusta Masters at his home.

• Seve’s favourite actor was Charles Bronson; his favourite actress was Brooke Shields; he loved Miami Vice and was a huge fan of Julio Iglesias • When he died, Seve had no golf books in his living room, and only one golf video.

• An old Spanish ballad, which locals from Pedrena still sing, contains the line ‘Oh, Severiano, you have left the English and Americans like destroyed eagles’. Compiled by Tony Matthews

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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

38

SUNSHINE PETANCA LEAGUES SUNNY START Bob Hornsey started The Sunshine

Petanca players in the Southern Costa Blanca always know that Summer is around the corner when the Annual General meetings happen and the presentation of the trophies and medals for the winners of the Winter league take place. The Sunshine Petanca league got celebrations off to a brilliant start with their presentation on Wednesday 30th March. It was held at Domino Bar in Los Altos and did not let anyone down with a crackling (ha ha) hog roast and a wonderful array of salads. Many thanks to all the staff there.

The winners of RED Division - 1st Guardamar, 2nd Domino Phoenix, 3rd Pumas BLUE Division - 1st Rocajuna Lions, 2nd Domino McCoys, 3rd El Mirador.

Music was provided by Geoff Taylor (‘Geoff the Ref’) who very cleverly matched the tune to the place in the league and team that were receiving the award.

Conversation and laughter was provided by the 150 people who attended.

The AGM was held the week before to decide the format for the 2015/16 Winter season and also to conduct the draw for the forthcoming Summer league. The Summer league will again follow last years format i.e.

Red and Blue divisions. The teams have now played 4 matches and the standings in the league are as follows RED 1st Domino Phoenix, 2nd Pumas.

BLUE 1st Domino McCoys, 2nd Los Bandidos.

So far there have not really been many surprise results, a couple of disagreements but overall everyone seems delighted.

BOBS MEMORIAL

League in 2014 but sadly died in 2015.

He left a great legacy and teams have maintained the ethos Bob intended the league to be. Lots of fun, enjoyment and not too serious. The league has been kept small deliberately and is by invitation only. On the 23rd April --St. Georges Day -- (Bob was proud to be English) a memorial tournament was held at Rocajuna Petanca Club. The weather wasn’t very good, spits and spots of rain and very windy at times but the enthusiasm of the players over came all of this, Bob would have been proud of the spirit it was played in. The format was 6 players from the same team, split into 2 triples, 4 games were played - 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. The scores were then added together.

The grand winners of the 1st Bob Hornsey Trophy were 1st El Mirador Sol, 2nd Pumas 1 and 3rd Rocajuna 1.

This tournament will become a yearly event.

Sunshine Leagues policy is TRUSTHONEST Y-INTERGRIT Y-RESPEC TCOURTESY

By Susan Ward

May 2016

The 2016 SLS Nike SB Pro Open returns to Europe’s mecca of skateboarding

The 2016 SLS Nike SB Pro Open returns to Europe’s mecca of skateboarding in Barcelona, Spain on May 21-22 to kick off the Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Nike SB World Tour. This international contest will be hosted for the second straight year at the Skate Agora BDN Barcelona concrete skate plaza, built in 2015 by Lateral Thinking in conjunction with Nike SB and the City of Badalona and designed by California Skateparks.

As the official international qualifier, this contest serves as gateway into SLS season of live televised arena events on FS1. The two highest scoring non-SLS Pros will advance into the series giving them a career-forging opportunity to make their mark alongside today’s greats of street skateboarding. In 2015, rookies Evan Smith and Cody McEntire outperformed a pool of international hopefuls for the last remaining spots in SLS, and then proceeded to shake up the rankings land in the final season top 10 ahead of several SLS veterans.

For existing SLS Pros, the SLS Nike SB Pro Open is a chance to gain crucial Championship Points for the season and compete for the coveted Golden Ticket: an express pass straight into the SLS Nike SB Super Crown World Championship this October in Los Angeles, CA, USA. Nike SB’s Nyjah Huston will be returning to Spain to defend his victory from 2015, alongside Paul Rodriguez who narrowly missed taking the top of the podium on the last trick.

New for 2016, the latest SLS wildcards, Kyle Walker, Kevin Bradley, Miles Silvas, and Chris Joslin, will also compete in Barcelona after joining this year’s SLS contest line-ups thru the SLS Picks

BRADLEY BREAKERS

gateway. The Picks will also be skating for their chance to join SLS. With the unique winner-takes-all first-place prize open to all finalists, innovation and continued elevation of skateboarding is guaranteed.

Day One of the SLS Nike SB Pro Open will cut the field of the best pro skaters not currently in SLS to eight Qualifiers.

The competition lineup will be full of heavy hitters from all over the world such as Belgium’s Youness Amrani, Norway’s Karsten Kleppan, Australia’s Chima Ferguson and Americans, Curren Caples and Nick Tucker. On Day Two, the top eight qualifiers will compete against current SLS Pro Veterans and the newly named SLS Picks to form the Final, and compete for first place and the sought after Golden Ticket.

Who will advance into the SLS Nike SB World Tour and battle it out with the current seasoned SLS Pros? Can Nyjah Huston take his third straight Pro Open win and take the coveted Golden Ticket straight to the SLS Nike SB Super Crown World Championship? Will a rookie shake up the competition and earn the victory? Tune in on May 21st and 22nd for the live webcast on StreetLeague. com or catch it on May 22 on FS1.

International fans can watch each event webcasted live exclusively on StreetLeague.com. Fans in the United States can watch SLS on FS1 and customers of participating cable and satellite TV providers may access the live stream through the FOX Sports Go app for iOS, Android, Windows and Kindle devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGo.com.

SLS NIKE SB WORLD TOUR DATES AND VENUES: • May 21-22 SLS Nike SB Pro Open | Skate Agora BDN I Barcelona, Spain • July 2 SLS Nike SB World Tour: Munich | Olympic Park | Munich, Germany • August 28 SLS Nike SB World Tour: New Jersey | Prudential Center | Newark, NJ, USA • October 2 SLS Nike SB Super Crown World Championship | Galen Center at USC | Los Angeles, CA, USA http://skateboarding. transworld.net/

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VW California Edition 2.0 TDi, Auto, 2016, Delivery KM

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SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK

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