Calida 428

LOVE Y O U R CAR?

9 02 123 461

ISSUE 428

COSTA calida

18 - 24 may

SolTimes CK ME UP’est. SINCE 2005 YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY ‘PI

your free weekly newspaper

www.soltimes.com

mary poppins

The Supercalifragilistic International Hit!

homes and garden page 12 & 13

X Factor Live Tour 2016 International cricket

England v Sri Lanka GET YOUR TICKETS TO THESE plus MANY OTHER EVENTS AT WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

3m x 5m Gazebo from our collection.

3mx3m Pergola Standard Kit = 360€ 5m x 3m Pergola/Carport Standard Kit = 415€ Wood 2 go can do any size pergola/carport kits.

Our kits are inclusive of shaping, treatment, bolts etc

CELEBRATING OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY THANKING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT 4m round poles (100mm diamenter) now in stock OFFICE TEL - 950 614 050 SATURDAY & OUT OF HOURS CONTACT PAUL’S MOBILE WEB SITE www.wood2go.eu - email: sales@wood2go.eu

The English Funeral Director Over 25 years’ Professional Service

Funerals - Funeral Plans - Funeral Insurance

For more information, call Tony Smith on 650

631 719 (24 hours)

www.EnglishFuneralDirector.com

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:

van.man@hotmail.co.uk

2

May 2016

kitchens plus s r doo

just new ete or a compl chen new kit

1

Sixteen killed in attack on Real Madrid fan club café in Iraq

make a difference with us!

 Ovens, Hobs, Cooker Hoods.  Worktops in all materials.  Superb Prices with no need for gimmicks.  Our doors start at only 12.50€ each, you cannot go wrong!

Design service, 20 years of knowledge, English speaking

968 184 235

info@kitchenplus1.com

www.kitchenplus1.com

Find us in San Pedro Del Pinatar, Murcia, on the N332, 100 yards past Lidl on the opposite side

Pool n Constructio letion

mp From design to co fully qualiby t All work carried ou en sm fied trade of it all One call takes care w pool in ne ur Relax and enjoy yo garden k loo w your wonderful ne

Call now

680 308 588

So-called Islamic State has claimed it carried out the action, which also left 20 people injured At least 16 people have died in an attack carried out against a café popular with young people in Balad, Irak, a city with a mostly Shiite population. The business was also the headquarters of a Real Madrid fan club, according to information from the soccer club given to EL PAÍS. The attack, responsibility for which has already been claimed by so-called Islamic State, took place on Thursday night and also left 20 people injured, according to the fan club’s Facebook page, in a post that condemned “this cowardly terrorist act.”

According to the Reuters news agency, at least 12 of the victims died in the attack on the café and another

Maintenance

From 39€ per month Call now

680 308 588 LEAK DETECTION

We trace all leaks and repair them with no fuss and the minimum of disruption to you and your garden All our staff are fully trained to use nothing but the most up to date equipment We only consider drainage of your pool as a last resort with most pool leaks repaired with our qualified divers Save Time, Save Money,

E SAV EY MONW NO

Call The Experts Now

680 308 588

OCEAN POOLS oceanpools@outlook.es

four in a nearby market, after one of the terrorists fled the scene and detonated an explosive belt.

Three armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons on Thursday night in the café, which is the headquarters of the Real Madrid fan club in Balad.

Two of the attackers escaped, while the third detonated the bomb he was wearing when police and Shiite militia tried to stop him, according to security service sources.

The authors of the attack managed to get past three police checkpoints before arriving at their target, according to police sources. The security forces have deployed in the area due to fears of new attacks. http://elpais.com

Repairs

• Tile replacement •R e grouting full or pa rt • Sand change • Light replacement • New pumps & filter s Any problems give the professionals a call We repair others mi stakes

CALL NOW

680 308 588

Pool covers, rollers & heat pumps

All pool supplies & cleaning equipment delivered direct to your door

Unbeatable prices

Call now for a Quote

680 308 588

3

www.soltimes.com

Zara, Santander and BBVA, among the world’s most-valuable brands

employees recently surprised him with a high-prof ile birthday party.

Three Spanish firms make it into the ‘Forbes’ list, dominated by technology giants this year Three Spanish companies have made it into Forbes’ latest ranking of The World’s Most Valuable Brands.

Fashion retailer Zara ranked 53rd, while banking groups Santander and BBVA were listed as 72nd and 94th, respectively. Ortega is a regular presence on the Forbes lists, where he ranks as the second wealthiest man on the planet According to Forbes, Spain’s most valued brand is Zara, with an estimated brand value of $10.7 billion (€9.38 million), a 13% rise on last year’s list.

Zara is the flagship brand of the Inditex textile empire founded by the Galician entrepreneur Amancio Ortega – whose

Ortega is a regular presence on the Forbes lists, where he ranks as the secondwealthiest man on the planet.

The Santander group shows up considerably lower on a list that features a lot more technology and consumer brands than banks. Forbes estimates the Santander brand value at $8 billion (over €7 billion), a 5% annual rise.

The second Spanish lender on the list, BBVA, has posted significant growth, expanding 13% to reach a brand value of $6.8 billion (€5.9 billion), which puts it ahead of names such as Philips and Prada.

Apple is currently the world’s most valuable brand, followed by Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola and Facebook.

ELPAIS

4

May 2016

Most of Ex-pats living in Costa Blanca and who have cut all ties with the UK may have experienced a lost Pension fund, either from bad advice and wrong risk assessment or just lost all funds in the recession down turn.

Due to the FCA regulation there is a legal procedure that we exercise to reclaim your refund of Funds from any Pension or investment over a period of 1216 weeks. Our acting UK Barrister can quickly evaluate a valid claim by you completing a one page questionnaire, which will enable us to contact you within a 10 day period and advise you if we can claim you your entitled refund.

We have a 98% claim success rate as we only proceed with the enquiries the Barrister advises we have a surety of a claim. We do this by either claiming form the initial financial Advisers, institution or Pension Fund providers PI Insurance where financial advice was provided, and if you invested monies into a nonregulated investment we claim from the Ombudsman Insurance Scheme.

This service is offered on a “No Win No Fee Basis” with no upfront fees payable and every enquiry is free of charge. When we have accessed if you have a claim, we then contact you and send you our terms & Conditions which endorse our promise of the “No Win No Fee Basis”.

Contact us today to request a FREE claim form on 0034 865 778 803 or email pensionclaim@gmail.com

ort

Clothes and shoe shopping reverses deflation in Catalunya: 11% price index rise in April

INFLATION in Catalunya went up last month by 0.7% because of sales of clothing and shoes – whereas the annual figure has seen prices across the board go down by 0.8%.

The north-eastern region has suffered the least from deflation – compared with Castilla-La Mancha where April ended on -1.5% - and fashion purchases were what saved it, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Thanks to residents and visitors seeking retail therapy and looking to revamp their wardrobes, inflation in clothing and footwear rose by 11% - dramatically higher than the second-highest increase seen, which was in transport at 0.8% and telecommunications, at 0.7%.

Leisure, arts and entertainment – which covers everything from CDs, DVDs and books through to concert

and cinema tickets – suffered greatly with a fall of 1.8%, and was followed by housing, with rent prices, mortgages and home values dropping by 0.8%.

Inflation figures went up by 0.8% overall in the provinces of Girona and Lleida, 0.7% in that of Barcelona and 0.5% in the province of Tarragona.

But year-on-year numbers show deflation in all provinces in Catalunya – Tarragona suffering the greatest fall at -1.5%, followed by Lleida at -1.2%, Girona at -1% and Barcelona at -0.6%.

Anyone who feels guilty for having bought too many new outfits or being unable to resist those delectable new shoes with their matching handbags, however, can take comfort from the fact that their shopping trip is helping the economy. thinkspain.com

Burglar leaves ID card in bathroom during break-in

A BURGLAR has been arrested after he left his ID card behind by mistake in a house he had just broken into.

The accused, A.H.T., a 41-yearold Spaniard who has already been convicted of 10 similar offences,

did not realise he had left his DNI document in the bathroom of the home in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria when he changed his clothing to avoid recognition. He had gained entry to the property in the Las Rehoyas neighbourhood through the window, and the owner found his card in the bathroom later along with abandoned clothes that he said did not belong to him.

The owner reported the matter to the police, saying he did not know the man whose name appeared on the ID card.

He was caught on the Cruz de la Piedra industrial estate in Las Palmas, and pleaded guilty to breaking and entering.

The burglar said he had intended to stay the night in the property, and had changed into clothing belonging to the owner.

He has been released with charges pending trial. thinkspain.com

1st FOR QUALITY, PRICE & SERVICE BUCK’S E-CIGS 4 LIQUIDS FOR 10€ 4 ATOMISERS FOR 10€

DOUBLE STARTER KIT 20€ WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE FIND US AT TORETTA NEXT TO MERCADONA AND INSIDE BIG MEN’S CASUALS, PUNTA MARINA SHOPPING CENTRE, NEXT TO ESCALATOR

NEW STORE OPEN now in toretta II

also iNSIDE FORMENTERA INDOOR MARKET NEXT TO LUMSDENS AUCTIONS Markets: La Marina Market -Thursday, San Fulgencio Market - Saturday, Zoco Market - Sunday

www.soltimes.com

5

6

950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

Rescued Spaniards arrive in Borneo after 10-day sea ordeal

May 2016

Sign language included in core curriculum at Madrid primary school

Two Spaniards who were rescued in the South China Sea after drifting for 10 days arrived at the Malaysian airport of Kota Kinabalu on Friday.

Marta Miguel, 30, and David Hernández, 29, were greeted by family members who had flown to the area to help with the search operation.

Sporting a beard, a red shirt and a wide smile, Hernández stepped out of the aircraft, walked down the ladder, and tearfully embraced a relative.

In statements to the Spanish news agency Efe, they said that they never lost hope that someone would find them.

“We always had that hope. We never thought that this was the end,” said Marta Miguel.

“The sea is merciless, but it was also generous with us,” added David Hernández, alluding to the fish that they were able to eat.

The couple will fly to Spain on May 17, said Luis Miguel, Marta’s father, A PRIMARY school in Madrid has in statements to the Spanish public radio station RNE. incorporated sign language into its Luis Miguel said he did not rule out the possibility that Marta and David might go back to Malaysia if they feel that “they have to make their dreams come true.” The couple had settled on the island of Borneo in January, and they were working at a tourist resort with a view to opening their own business later on.

But Marta’s father said he hopes they will not return. “I wouldn’t like that, it’s been very traumatic for everyone, themselves included,” he admitted.

After being rescued by Vietnamese fishermen on Thursday, the Spaniards and two boat companions – their boss and a co-worker at the resort – were flown on a Bombardier CL415 seaplane from a Malaysian naval base to Kota Kinabalu, on the northwest coast of Borneo.

They have been through two medical checkups and were found to be in good health, according to Spanish diplomatic sources.

Missing since May 2 The boat went missing on May 2, during a journey from the island of Balambangan to Kudat, on Borneo. The trip normally takes around two hours. According to Luis Miguel, Marta’s father, a large wave tipped the vessel over, and after that the engine would not start.

Because they lost everything that was on board when the boat capsized – including their bottled water – they took sips of the rainwater that they slowly filtered in a bag. The 12- to 15-meter vessel had life jackets but no GPS system.

Malaysian authorities said they learned about their whereabouts when they caught a Vietnamese ship fishing illegally in Malaysian waters. The fishermen told them that two other ships flying the Vietnamese flag had rescued the group.

“We are still gathering information about what happened,” said Captain Robert Teh Geck Chuan, director of the Search and Rescue Department.

Elpais.com

curriculum as a core subject. Its aim is to ensure children can all join in lessons and school activities equally, by enabling all other pupils to communicate with them.

This is the first school in the Greater Madrid region, and possibly the first in Spain, to incorporate Spanish sign language into its schedule of subjects.

Headmistress of Gaudem State Primary School, Natividad Roldán says deaf children at the school take lessons alongside all the others who have no hearing problems, and classes are given in Spanish sign language as well as in viva voce, meaning those who are unable to hear do not need to feel at all 'different'. And with their classmates able to 'speak' to them in sign language, they can still play with the other children in

and out of school like any other pupil.

“We have always been conscious that every single pupil has his or her own character, personality traits, interests, abilities and needs, and that these are all different,” Sra Roldán stresses.

“And the school system simply has to respect that and respond to it properly.”

She says sign language in class, and sign-language teaching, means a much higher percentage of deaf children go on to secondary school, to study for bachillerato (Spain's answer to A-levels), vocational qualifications such as the FP or Formación Profesional (the Spanish equivalent of the BTEC route), and even university, and obtain grades every bit as commendable as those of children who are not deaf. thinkspain.com

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

Wills: Do you have children from a previous marriage? Protect your wife while securing that part of your estate goes to your children.

Q. I wish to make a Spanish will. My priority is to make my present wife feel safe and secure, but I would like to leave something to my children from my first marriage. If I have to choose it is my present wife that takes priority but could I achieve safety for all?

A. There are various ways to achieve security for all parties and the system we should choose depends on your particular circumstances, the size of the estate etc. We would sit down and discuss the pros and cons of the various options.

A good inexpensive system is to use a “life possessions” to protect your wife while leaving the residual ownership direct to children.

Basically what we would do is: in your will in respect of the real estate, you can leave final ownership directly to your children but with a Life Possession in favour of your present wife.

In this way your children will not have any access to the property or to any income produced by it (via rental for example) while your wife is alive but will become the full owners on her death.

Even if you do not have children from a different marriage this system is often used to avoid or reduce inheritance tax.

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.

7

www.soltimes.com

How to Keep Your Skin from Becoming as Dry as a Sandbox This Summer Who’s excited for summer? Oh, is that a unanimous yes? That’s what I thought. But, bear with me here, there’s a downside to the coming sunny days. If you’re out and about, your skin has the potential to get a little dry or irritated. Or worse, burnt. However, this year, we are taking it upon ourselves to be prepared, and therefore, prepare our skin for the warmth and fun in the sun. But we needed advice, and who better to turn to than a woman who has made taking care of her skin her business. The president and founder of Skyn Iceland, Sarah Kugelman, gave us all of her best tips for keeping her skin in tip-top shape during the upcoming warmer months.

Kugelman’s first tip for us? Exfoliation during the

health & beauty Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

summer is going to be different in the other months of the year. Why? Because it can make your skin photosensitive. And of course, the golden rule, the first commandment: You must always, always, always wear SPF, regardless of whether you are in the city or at the beach. As for her daily routine, Kugelman starts with a cleanser that cleans the SPF on your face as well as the grime, but still protects it from drying out. All of us here at MIMI would suggest something like the Tata Harper purifying cleanser. In the summer months, Kugelman suggests a hydration booster and serum, “In the summer, I often use a hydration booster in between my serum and moisturizer. A pure form of Sodium Hyaluronate or Hyaluronic Acid is good. This gives skin an extra boost of hydration.”

Once you’ve boosted all of that moisture in your face, then you seal it all in with a good moisturizer.

“A lot of people like lotions in the summer because

they are lighter in the warm weather, but I tend to still like cream as I find my skin is dry in summer. I go for something fast absorbing and not heavy/greasy with a light scent. Another secret weapon? Oh, just our favourite beauty staple these days: face mist.

Says Kugelman, “I also carry around a face mist, to continuously add moisture to my skin throughout the day and especially before/after a workout. This is key to keeping skin moist.” And the most important part of keeping your skin looking fresh in the summer? A good exfoliating face mask. “It’s critical to do a mask once a week. Again, that helps detox skin, remove dead skin, and open the pores. This also won’t make your skin more sensitive to the sun if you do it at night.” http://news.health.com

Kim Clar k benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles?

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

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

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

8

May 2016

Fantastic quality used furniture at realistic prices!

Sofas - Dining Room Suites- Bedroom Furniture Ornaments - Mirrors - Paintings and Much Much More.

“Helping you turn your house into a home” Tel: 622 899 906

Cathy’s curiosity corner The place to buy & sell your household furniture

OPENING TIMES:

Mon - Fri 10ish- 4pm Sat Closed We have a drop off point for items to help Elche Children’s Home

Benijofar C/Rambla 5

from Quesada turn right after Citroen Garage

Tel: 622 899 906

Email: tcscuriositycorner@hotmail.es Facebook: cathy’s curiosity corner

Irwin Removal Services are a reliable, friendly removal company with 20 years experience in domestic and corporate moves.

Our friendly, helpful experienced staff are fully trained in export packing and will do everything they can to make your move as stress free as possible.

We operate a fleet of various size vehicles to accommodate any move large or small.

We specialise in moving people to and from Spain and have English/Spanish speaking staff, Warehouse facilities and offices in Alicante. Our friendly helpful staff in both the UK and Spain will do everything they can to make your move as stress free as possible and give you any advice they can about moving to another country.

Photography for everyone With more than 30 years providing photographic services around the world, photographer Keith Nicol and his team can provide you with a many different photographic services, all the way from Weddings, through journalism to baby photos.

Having worked for most of the local newspapers and magazine, Keith photo-journalistic style has been featured in such magazines as GQ, She, Tatler, Road and Track plus many wedding and trade publications. Feel free to contact him for a zero obligation chat about your next event. Email: Keith@Keith.photo, or phone/text: 609 06 36 14.

On the web: www.keith.photo.

IRWIN

INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS Low Cost Storage & Removals Storage From 5€ Per Week Safe Secure & Fully Insured Outside Storage Cars, Boats, Caravans Etc

Call Mandy 965 726 544 spain@irwinremovals.com www.irwinremovals.com

welcome to my business • Engineer’s report. This is a 1 off process to ensure your vehicle is acceptable on Spanish roads. If you have a Certificate of Conformity, the engineer’s report is not needed.

• ITV inspection. Equivalent of the UK MOT • Registration document (often called a log book).

• Payment of any taxes due including road tax and receipts from the authorities for these. Receipts from the authorities are provided for these.

• Spanish number plates.

• Where appropriate, continental headlights and rear fog lights. • Assistance in obtaining other documentation, such as Padron, NIE etc.

• An agreed price with NO nasty surprises at the end.

Hooray summer is here! But are you beach ready? Do not despair Kelly’s Kutz are here ready for you! Kelly and Jose are prepared for all the family. The very latest in hair colours and cuts, top to toe waxing, hot shellac nail colours to compliment a relaxing manicure or pedicure.

Include the men in your life for a traditional barber cut, alternative male styling and grooming needs. Bring the children too, they can have fun with the safe, glittery tattoos! See you before the beach then!!! We can’t wait to see you Kellys Kutz xxx call 965 501 937 607 528 443 near Lemon Tree Cafe Altos del Limonar Torrevieja

Kelly’s Kutz

Next to Lemon Tree Cafe

Disc oun Gift t vouc h avai ers labl e

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.

605 319 889 or 966 753 375 Hair, Beauty, Children’s Tattoos open monday to friday 10am - 6pm www.spanish-number-plates.com saturday 10am - 2pm Urb, Altos del Limonar, Manzana 1, LC 3 info@spanish-number-plates.com Tel: 965 501 937 - 607 528 443

Easily accessible, the riding CLUB HIPICO MAIPE is located just 10 minutes from downtown Cartagena.

The club offers riding lessons at all levels, from beginner to advanced. In addition, it offers classes on request for all types of groups for family or professional event groups (friends, co-workers, children) . You can also arrange weddings, tours or pilgrimages with cars.

In a family atmosphere, this equestrian center offers all kinds of exciting possibilities for horse lovers.

CLUB HIPICO

MAIPE

CARTAGENA - MURCIA Horse Riding and lessons for all ages and all levels.

Horse Stables & Livery Services.

www.clubhipicomaipe.es maipeclubhipico@gmail.com Tel: 679 572 690 Club Hipico Maipe Carretera de La Palma, KM 2,5 Los Barreros, Cartagena

ENGLISH SPOKEN

9

www.soltimes.com Gigi’s Ladies Boutique is ladies fashion store which specializes in Adini, Marble and Capri daywear as well as Panache, Roza and Naturana lingerie. We also have a large range of underwear and swimwear

I am a friendly, professional & Holistic therapist with over 16 years Salon experience, the last eight of which I spent working at Charles Worthington, a well known salon in the heart of London’s financial district. We offer packages that can be tailor made and treatments can be altered on request. Packages such as our Beauty MOT, Bride to be treatment, Pre holiday prep, and Mum’s the word.

Our treatment menu offers Face Treats, Eye Treatment, Ultimate Facial, Skin Regeneration, Body Treats, Holistic Treats, Tinting, Nails and Waxing, Gift vouchers are available on request. A mobile service is also available. For information or to book contact: Email laura@thebeautychambers.com, Web: www.beautychambers.com, Centro Comercial, Las Sabinas 6, La Manga Club, (above the Chill Café)

Is your business signed up to Google MyBusiness? If not, you are most likely missing out on a lot of local high quality clients.

The most direct benefits obtained of signing up to Google MyBusiness, is having your business placed on Google Maps with information such as your website link, opening times, address, phone numbers, photos and much more. Another great benefit is getting placed at the top and on the side of Google search results for keywords that include your business’s location.

Call us on 650 078 846 or email info@vnbenny.com for more information or to get your business signed up to Google MyBusiness for only 40€

the beauty chambers

bespoke beauty therapy

The Beauty Chambers is a friendly professional salon, providing five star treatments.

Offering value for money and a bespoke service to suit your individual requirements.

All treatments are performed using sterile equipment and high quality products.

Eve Taylor and Medik8 face and body treatments Jessica manicure and pedicures, injectable treatments.

Microdermabrasion and Chiropody also available.

2016 SWIMWEAR NOW IN www.gigispain.com/Facebook

Professional web development and programming Mobile Apps

Consultation

Web hosting

Web maintenance

Wordpress

Ben Van Nimmen 650 078 846

Online marketing

me@vnbenny.com www.vnbenny.com

Tel: 968 175 000 ext: 2200 Mobile (0034) 635861967 www.thebeautychambers.com

welcome to my business Specialist Service to help you make all your special ceremonies easy, successful, personalised.

Meaningful and beautiful.

• Weddings • Renewal of Vows • Birthdays • Baptism • Confirmation • Photographic Shoots • Animal photographs • Children’s Parties • Family Groups Any special event that you are planning.

Our team of celebrant, photographer and florist can work with you, at a price you can afford, to make your dreams of the perfect ceremony and setting come true

CEREMONIES FOR YOU …….your ceremony your way Specialist Service to help you make all your special ceremonies easy, successful, personalised.

Meaningful and beautiful.

• Weddings • Renewal of Vows • Birthdays • Baptism • Confirmation • Photographic Shoots • Animal photographs • Children’s Parties • Family Groups Any special event that you are planning.

Our team of celebrant, photographer and florist can work with you, at a price you can afford, to make your dreams of the perfect ceremony and setting come true.

Call for more information Te l : 6 6 7 8 1 7 5 4 6 email: simply18es@hotmail.com

Up to 100,000 UK investors in Spanish homes could get payout

Up to 100,000 UK investors who lost money when the Spanish property market collapsed could be in line for payouts, a law firm has estimated.

It follows a Supreme Court ruling in Spain last year, telling banks to pay investors back for the deposits they put down on homes sold off-plan.

A law firm representing UK buyers has said that could amount to as much as £20,000 per investor.

In total, Britons who lost money before 2008 could be owed as much as £2bn.

The estimates come from a law firm called Spanish Legal Reclaims (SLR), which is representing some of those who lost out.

“Property developers should have put the money in a specific account with a bank warranty - so in the event of failure, that money was protected,” according to Luis Cuervo, chief executive of SLR. “The Supreme Court said that financial institutions are obliged to repay that money to buyers, if a developer disappears or is bankrupt.”

‘Proper’ legal advice In the run-up to the financial crisis, an estimated five million new apartments and houses were built in Spain - more than any other country in Europe.

Most new developments were sold off-plan.

However, when the financial crisis struck in 2008, many developers collapsed, leaving housing projects unfinished.

Property-buyers who had put down cash deposits were at the end of the list of creditors, and thousands lost their money.

Stephanie Davis was one of many UK investors who lost money in the Spanish property market One UK investor who is hopeful of getting her money back is Stephanie Davis.

She and her late husband transferred €77,000

(£61,000) to a now-defunct Spanish developer to buy a villa off-plan in Andalucia.

“My husband would be so proud that I’m doing something about it. If he’s looking down, he’d be ecstatic,” says Mrs Davis, who is now taking legal advice about claiming her money back.

But she warns people to think carefully before joining the legal action.

“If you can afford it, then yes, but don’t get into some legal tangle. We bought off-plan in 2008 - it was nearly built. But I think I’d wait until it was fully built before I’d want to buy something again.”

However, UK investors are urged to get proper legal advice before submitting a claim.

Spanish law says claims can only be submitted once. If the claim is lost, it can never again be considered. £15bn cost Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Spanish banks are unlikely to pay out without a contest - the stakes for them are very high.

The whole thing could cost them at least £15bn and that would exclude interest owed and legal fees.

The effect could be devastating - proportionately as big as PPI payouts have been in Britain.

But British banks and the economy here are on a more robust financial footing than their Spanish equivalents. Unemployment in Spain has only recently begun to fall from its high of 26%.

Bbc.com

10

May 2016

Lower Cost to Build 15 Construction Tips and Other Ways to Save Big When Building a House

No one wants to pay more than necessary when building a home. But only the experts know how to save money on construction, right? Not necessarily. Here are 15 tips that may help keep your building budget within reason, without compromising on the home you want.

tive wood doors add inexpensive character to a home without exorbitant cost. Many times you can have the materials at no cost, as long as you're willing to haul them away. Just be sure to check first with the owner of the building being demolished.

1. Buy a large lot with a friend or family member that can be split into two smaller lots. Some of the most appealing properties may be much larger than what you want or can afford, yet the seller may not be willing to break up a large parcel. So if you can share the cost with someone else (preferably someone you don't mind having as a neighbour), you may be able to pick up a great building site for a reasonable price.

6. Splurge only on those things you truly cannot live without. However, don't skimp on structural components or doors and windows — for the safety and security of your home, you'll want to purchase the best you can afford in these areas.

2. Consider a so-called problem lot — a hillside, narrow, or in-fill property. Generally, these types of lots are not as desirable as others, so they don't sell as quickly and often go for a much lower price. With the right plan and a capable contractor, however, a potentially difficult lot might be perfect for your new home.

3. Choose a canal or bay lot instead of ocean or lakefront property if you must have a waterfront site. These choices are usually less expensive but still water accessible. Plus, they provide great protection against inclement weather.

4. Buy low-maintenance building materials — vinyl siding and metal roofing, for example.

Even if they are somewhat more expensive at installation, they will pay for themselves in the long run as you won't have to repair, replace, or repaint.

5. Collect salvaged materials from demolition sites. Old barnwood, used bricks, and distinc-

7. Don't overbuild for the neighbourhood. A home that is better and bigger than any other in its area will not command a fair price at resale.

Instead, the assessment will be coloured by the lower-priced homes around it.

8. Monitor construction allowances as the home is being built to ensure you're getting what you asked for (and are paying for). This includes decorative details as well as structural elements. If you and your builder agreed, for instance, that a particular brand of insulation would be installed, don't accept a lesser brand — at least not without a cost adjustment.

9. Use only a certified general contractor. The experience of a well-qualified contractor is invaluable to the home-building process. In addition, seasoned professionals have established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors — something you cannot possibly hope to get without years of experience in the business.

10. Try to avoid site preparation charges — hauling in-fill dirt, grading, clearing trees, blasting rock. These processes are expensive and add time to the building schedule right off the

youdr ly, frieln ble re iravice se

bat. Choose the best site you can afford and then pick a plan that fits that site or can be modified to better suit the site.

11. Avoid change orders — the changes in materials or blueprints that invariably occur in the midst of the building process. Not only do change orders cost more money, they add considerable time and frustration to the building process. Decide exactly what you want before ground is broken — and then stick to it.

12. Keep the depth of your home at 32 feet or less. Any more than that and roof trusses may need to be specially designed, which can add significant dollars to the overall building cost.

If you have sufficient land and want a larger house, consider adding width or additional stories.

13. If you really want ceramic tile or hardwood flooring but feel you can't afford it right now, consider vinyl flooring. Vinyl makes a good underlayment, and the tile or wood can be installed right on top of it at a later date.

14. Choose a stock plan over custom-drawn plans. The savings in total cost are great and you can probably customize the stock plan to get exactly what you want.

15. Do you really need a three-car garage? If you only have two vehicles and you're counting on the extra bay for storage space, consider other areas of the home that will work just as well — attic space, space under a stairwell, or spare bedroom. Or put up a garden shed, which is cheaper than building a huge garage. http://www.eplans.com

EUROZONE REMOVALS EUROPE COVERED

LOCAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS

Reforms Architectural Service & Plans Painting Construction & Maintenance Decorating Interior Design Legally registered family business Tiling, Flagging, Electrics, Plumbing, Quality workmanship guaranteed Aluminuim, Swimming pools, teddybearbuilders@yahoo.com Key-holding & Maintenance

680 851 376

616 214 713

In 2016 we will help you with your removals. Call us now!

We have a trip leaving early April/May, UK to Spain. Space Available!

FROM 1 BOX TO A FULL HOUSE find us on facebook HOUSE CLEARANCES AND PET TRANSPORTATION VERY COMPETITIVE RATES SPAIN 0034 662 569 138 UK 0044 7786 945 300 STORAGE FACILITIES AVAILABLE eurozoneremovals@gmail.com REGULAR TRIPS www.eurozoneremovals.webs.com TO AND FROM UK

11

www.soltimes.com

HIKING CLUB NIGHT ORGANIZED A ROUTE IN CABO Tiñoso

On Saturday 30 May. Upper-middle, with 12 kilometers, difficulty tour the site of Castillitos Hiking Club of Friends of Nature in collaboration with the City of Mazarrón has organized for Saturday May 30 a new night hiking route. Those who register will travel a total of 12 kilometers around the sites of Cape Tiñoso and Castillitos. Billed medium-high difficulty, will last approximately 4 hours duration.

The meeting points are the Pavilion of La Aceña in Mazarrón at 19:45 hours and Playa del Alamillo in Puerto de Mazarrón at 20:00. Participants will go to these places in their own cars and leave for the starting point of the route indicated by the monitors.

The cost for non-federal is three euros accident insurance and liability. The last registration day is Thursday, May 28th. More information on the web www.amigosdelanaturaleza-mazarron. blogspot.com. http://www.mazarron.es

Ark stored the bed for us until we could arrange delivery and for Jackie Galves to accompany to translate.

When linen was bought in ‘Branded‘ on Camposol for the bed not only did they give a discount but also donated extra bedding. What great people, of all nationalities, there are around the area, who help with raising funds for worthwhile causes either by donations or attending functions and events.

We are approaching the end of the term for Gina Barker’s Presidency of the Mazarron Bahia Lion’s. During the past year fund raising has been undertaken for a number of causes which include funds raised by the STRIDES sponsored walk to send young diabetic children to a camp during July. Also during the year there have been several events to raise funds to help MABS provide a second Hospice room, this is an ongoing project as they need €16,000 to cover the room. Our latest project, which we thought would take us 2 to 3 months, was to raise funds for an orthopaedic bed for a 3 year old girl, Marina, from La Raya.

Due to the wonderful network on Camposol , Jenette Flowers contacted charities to see if anyone needed an orthopaedic bed which a neighbour no longer required, the neighbour donated this to the Lion’s . Noah’s

The Lions are sending €1000 to the fund for the relief of the victims of the Earthquake in Ecuador. When the earthquake happened in Lorca the Lion’s clubs of Ecuador where the first ones to donate to the fund which the Lions set up to help in Lorca.

At this point we would also like to say a massive well done to the Leos of Mazarron Bahia for their award as the best club in Spain. What a credit this is to themselves, their Leaders and their Parents, their enthusiasm is an inspiration to us all.

Upcoming events include our Presidents Night on the 25th June, entertainment with Scott James, at Mariano’s, to include 3 course meal, €15. Tickets for this and other events are available at the Lion’s stand outside Oscar’s on Camposol B every Friday Morning.

The committee, dedicated responders and supporters of FAST2016 have been busy trying to get the service back in operation for all on Camposol.

We aim to get the service resumed during June, this will depend on whether we are legally compliant or not. At the time of writing we have authorised training arranged for the end of May. This authorised training is for the use of Defibrillator and other life preserving procedures. .The emergency number remains the same 968 970 626.

We have a really good training team who give practical training each week refreshing the life preserving skills that may be required when called to an incident.

The practical side of the training involves responders taking the emergency calls and gathering information from the caller. Then finding the address, this can at times be quite a challenge, with some road signs missing and some houses with house numbers and some with plot numbers. Some holiday makers, who have rented, do not know the exact address!

Training scenarios have been staged during the month of May to give new responders the opportunity to take an emergency call and attend an address with another responder and deal with a staged incident.

FAST2016 will respond to any life threatening situation on Camposol and give assistance where required until the emergency services arrive.

The responders when they are at the incident will give advice on what documents may be required by the ambulance crew when they arrive, if an ambulance is called. Also on what other things that may be helpful at the hospital such as mobile phone, money, medication, day clothes to return home in, and spectacles. Having a FAST2016 team at your house when there is a medical emergency can be very comforting and reassuring for the family members.

During the last few months there has been a recruitment drive trying to get the number of responders up to 40. Responders will always be in pairs attending incidents, at this time we do not have that number. We are in need of more responders and support workers. No previous knowledge is required as full training is given. Many responders do have past knowledge as there are ex nurses, care workers and first aiders. There are ex service personnel, firemen and police officers who are responders. If you have any spare time and want to help this great community of Camposol then get in touch and help us to help you.

Other benefits of being a member of FAST2016 are being part of a great group of like minded people who are always willing to help each other. It is a great way to meet new people and give something back to the community.

If you are interested in becoming a responder or support worker then you can get in touch in several ways; support workers run a bookstall on the second and last Friday each month outside Euronics on B sector. You can e mail Recruitment@fast2016.org or come along for a coffee at the cultural centre every Tuesday morning. You can get more information by phoning our information line on 634 309 899. You can also visit our web page on www. fast2016.org

12

May 2016

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com

Summer Decorating Ideas Block-Print Poppies

Rethink your home decor and get inspired by the bright, sunny colours of summer.

Decorate pillows with our poppy templates for breezy, warm weather decor.

Poppies' graphic outlines are a cinch to block-print onto fabric: Brush strokes of textile paint in saturated tones. Start with the stem and leaves to help map out the composition.

mias tbc

13

www.soltimes.com

Leaf Throw Rug howRaffia to revamp your outdoor space:

Rethink your home decor and get inspired by the bright, sunny colours of summer.

Decorate pillows with our poppy templates for breezy, warm weather decor.

Poppies' graphic outlines are a cinch to block-print onto fabric: Brush strokes of textile paint in saturated tones.

Start with the stem and leaves to help map out the composition.

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com outside of loop and 1/2 inch from A on centre line; this will be your new point B. 7. Repeat steps 4 and 5, moving C and D 1/2 inch forward along edges of leaf each time. Leave space at the end for a stem. marthastewart

This throw rug's leafy design, made with raffia in three cool-green shades, conjures a vision of palm fronds moving in the breeze Introduction Work gently with the raffia to prevent any fraying or breakage. materials Grass mat Raffia in 3 shades Disappearing-ink fabric pen Large-eyed needle steps 1. Start with a grass mat and raffia in 3 shades. Download the template for the palm fronds.

(Enlarge template to fit the size of your rug. Follow our pattern or arrange leaves as desired.)

2. Using a disappearing-ink fabric pen, trace templates onto rug where desired; draw a straight line down middle of each leaf. Thread a large-eyed needle with raffia in desired colour, knotting it before

HOUSE CLEARANCE BAR CLEARANCE

1 HR COLLECTION CASH WAITING TEL 669 723 709

www.auctionlosmontesinos.com embroidering design using a fish-bone stitch.

3. The very first stitch (point A to B) should be about 1 inch long, to create the top point of the leaf. Stitches that follow should be about 1/2 inch apart. [See image 2 above.]

4. Draw needle up through A, then down through B.

5 .

Draw needle up through C, which should be 1/2 inch to the left of A. Draw needle down through D, which should be 1/2 inch to the right of A, creating a loop.

6. Draw needle up through B, inside loop; this will be your new point A. Draw needle down,

alarmas

swimming pools pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details.

Al & SIZES l s hapes

Repair & Install Good, Fast, Low Cost

600 993 667

Based in Quesda Home Improvements

C/ Los Arcos 17, Local 5, Ciudad Quesada losarcos17@mail.com www.tyco-torrevieja.com

eg.

8m.X 4m.

pool Repairs ~ Terraces ~ Pool Covers

Buyers and Sellers of Quality Used Furniture, House Clearances and Removals.

Visit one of our spacious stores or see Avenida De La Libertad 199, our website www.atime4achange.com Los Alcazares. 30710 Murcia

Tel: 608 016 880

OPENING TIMES: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm Saturday 11am-2pm

8.500 € 968 461 404 - 630 810 299 poolsureste@gmail.com www.poolsureste.com

Ctra Cabo De Palos Km1, El Algar, 30366 Cartagena

Tel: 968 136 501

14

950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer W10! By default, Windows Bytes, Your Only Stop for solutions to 10 automatically uses Your computer problems. My ‘drop-in’ your Internet connection clinic (like the way doctors used to be!) is to upload Windows and app updates at Maloans Bar in Albox (opposite the BP). to other Windows 10 PCs. Unlike the Call (689892745); Email (canducomputing@ average BitTorrent client, Windows hotmail.co.uk); Skype (Look for the name does this insidiously and silently in the “saiminja”), Viber or Whatsapp (use the background without warning you first. The phone number) for free advice concerning simple solution that prevents Windows 10 your computer. Sales pitch over and on to uploading updates, is if you if you set a the topic for today. connection as metered, but you can also Last week we discussed the possibility turn it off directly. Here is how to do it. of reducing the “Traffic Hungry” nature of You’ll need to open the Settings app, go to windows 10, so this week we need to look Update & Security > Windows Update and at the “How To”! click “Advanced Options.” Click “Choose How For some reason, Windows 10 doesn’t Updates are Delivered” and set this option provide a way to set a wired Ethernet to just “PCs on My Local Network” or disable connection as a metered connection, even it. Then you have to Prevent Automatic App though many ISPs impose bandwidth caps. Updates and Live Tile Updates! If you set You’ll need to connect over Wi-Fi instead a Wi-Fi network as metered, Windows 10 of a wired connection if you want to delay won’t automatically install app updates automatic updates. So If you have a tower and fetch data for live tiles when you’re that is ‘Wire connected’ to the internet you connected to that network. However, you might want to consider getting a wireless can also prevent this from happening on all card / dongle instead. Now for the “How networks.

To”.

Again, here is how. To prevent Windows To set your connection as a metered one, 10 from updating Windows Store apps on open the Settings app, and go to Network its own, open the Store app. Click or tap & Internet > Wi-Fi. Scroll down below the your profile picture near the search box list of Wi-Fi networks and select “Advanced and select “Settings.” Disable the “Update Options.” Enable the “Set as Metered Apps Automatically” checkbox. You can still Connection” slider here. update your Store apps manually from the This will only affect the Wi-Fi network you’re Windows Store app, but Windows won’t currently connected to, so Windows 10 will automatically download app updates on its start automatically downloading updates own. when you connect to another network. To Last week I lied to you! Albeit set another Wi-Fi network as metered, you’ll unintentionally! This is a 3 part article, this need to connect to it and change the option being part two. So, as I suggested last again. Windows 10 remembers this option week, keep this handy. It makes reading the for each Wi-Fi network you enable it for, article as a whole much easier if you can however, so it will be automatically set the re-read the previous weeks article. Have a next time you connect. great week now that the weather is finally Whereas Microsoft, the Music and Film starting to warm, although it is still damn industries, all have pushed for banning cold in this little office of mine LOL (Laugh Torrent sites (where you get the best free Out Loud) :-) films and music For further information or advice on from!), Microsoft computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or have built it into

canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

Microbeads - the Tiny Killers A good few years ago; the boffins at various chemical companies decided that we were all very dirty and started added plastic microbeads to liquid soaps and cleansing scrubs so we could all scrub away the dirt that was hiding on our smelly selves.

No need any more for existing natural solutions; as adding tiny polyurethane beads to soap was the new way. A single 200 ml bottle of exfoliating facial scrub can contain up to 300,000 beads or put into weight form; about 20 grams of plastic beads per bottle.

The beauty industry stepped up to the breach and marketed ‘age defying’ beauty creams filled with the tiny plastic beads. When these miracle products are rubbed on the face; unwitting ladies (and gentlemen) magically look younger whilst thousands of these beads some measuring just 10 Micrometres across that’s one hundredth of a millimetre or 0.00039 inch in old money; fill their wrinkles. Toothpaste manufactures also saw the advantage of adding these beads to their products so cavities across the globe are filled with plastic. Micro-beads also add the shiny shimmer found in lip gloss and nail polish.

Washing off the face scrub puts beads straight down the plug hole. Licking lips or kissing others with lip gloss on; or brushing teeth lets nature takes its course and eventually these beads flush down the toilet.

Being so small; sewage plants cannot capture them.

Instead they flow into rivers, lakes and eventually the

May 2016

Spain’s only openly gay soccer referee quits over constant insults

Jesús Tomillero doesn’t like soccer, yet he has been on a pitch for over a decade, a whistle always hanging around his neck.

This 21-year-old from La Línea de la Concepción, in the Andalusian province of Cádiz, was the only registered referee in Spanish soccer who had publicly admitted to being homosexual.

And “was” is the right tense, because Tomillero has just announced he is quitting. He can no longer deal with all the taunts and insults he has been getting since his sexual orientation became known.

“I can’t take it any more. I was scared going into the matches, and that’s not right,” he says. “I don’t know what I’m going to do now, but I can’t keep doing this.”

The last straw was the seconddivision juvenile game that he refereed last Saturday. Back in the stands, one fan began yelling out abuse such as: “Aren’t you ashamed of blowing the whistle on that, you fucking fag?” or “They’re going to score that goal up your ass, you faggot!”

“You go into shock at times like that,” explains Tomillero. “You have trouble believing your ears.

It’s a shame that these things should happen in the 21st century.

And the worst part is not the insults themselves, but hearing everyone else laugh.”

After filing a complaint on Monday, Tomillero told the Royal Andalusian Federation that he was quitting.

A waiter and member of the Popular Party’s youth group, Nuevas Generaciones, Tomillero got involved in the world of soccer almost by chance.

“I started to get interested after going to my younger brother’s soccer practice. I started out refereeing friendly matches, and little by little I trained and started

to love what I was doing,” he recalls. “Being a referee is my life, it’s in my blood, on my skin.”

And he shows off a leg tattoo depicting two cards and a whistle.

“I’ve been very happy these last few years, even this last year,” he says with pride, hoping that his example will help educate younger kids.

But the fact is that the Saturday episode has been a recurring nightmare for the last 18 months.

“Ever since I admitted that I was homosexual, every day has been worse than the one before. I’ve been insulted often on the pitch, even by six- and seven-year-old children.”

In March, Tomillero filed a complaint over another verbal aggression by a Peña Madridista kit manager. The Cádiz Competition Committee suspended the man for nine games and made him pay a €30 fine.

“I have received support from other referees, friends, relatives and people I don’t know at all,” he says, grateful at all the messages of support on the social media.

Even acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias have sent him notes.

“Good afternoon, Jesús. Our opinion on this is clear: we condemn all types of violence or discrimination. You have our support. Be strong and keep your spirits up. Affectionately,” wrote Rajoy. “Keep your spirit up, Jesús.

I trust that sports authorities will not allow these things to happen again,” wrote Iglesias.

Elpais.com

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

sea. Then chemistr y kicks in as the tiny spheres petrochemical ingredients attract pollutants.

Nasty dangerous things such DDT PCBs and flame retardants are absorbed by the tiny spheres and become toxic time bombs.

Nature also gets confused as fish, seagulls, and turtles mistake these beads for fish eggs and gulp them down so poisoning the food chain that we all rely on. A large part of the 8 million tonnes of plastic that enters the sea comes from these products.

A single micro-bead can become a million times more toxic that the water around it; Sushi anyone?

Luckily many countries have banned these products with the USA and Canada leading the way. Consumer outcry and public petitions have led Companies like Crest toothpaste to stop using microbeads. L’Oreal who own Body Shop and Johnson and Johnson are in the process to phase them out. One well known Company called St. Ives already use apricot pits and coca husks in their products.

The EC first proposed a ban on micro beads in 2013, many countries agreed but as usual when environment issues may hurt company profits the current UK government favours an industry led

volunteer ban. A petition with 150,000 signatures was handed into No.10 a few months ago to try and reverse the UK’s position.

If any of the following scary sounding ingredients are marked on the side of a tube or bottle; polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polymethyl methacrylate; plastic microbeads are contained within. Flushed down the drain after use; they pollute the rivers and seas further. It’s all a con anyway as microbeads are smooth compared to natural alternatives; so customers need to use more to get the same effect which means more profit.

Natural products containing ground oats or baking powder are good for gentle exfoliating. Almond shells, walnut husks, jojoba beads and coffee grinds give more of an effect. For a full over major scrub; look for salt and even sugar scrubs. Arm and Hammer toothpaste uses baking soda. Get checking those labels and save our seas!

www.soltimes.com

15

16

May 2016

Buying a Funeral Plan with IBERIAN FUNERAL PLANS will save you and your loved ones the heartache of dealing with Spanish red tape at a most vulnerable time.

Plans can be bought safe in the knowledge that we are legally registered not only in Spain but also in Portugal and the U. K. Plans start at only 3390€ and offer the facility to pay over a 60 months period without interest or VAT

Things you should know before buying a funeral plan!

Is the company fully Operative, Legal and Above Board?

(Portugal, Spain and U. K.) OURS IS Is the money held in a “ring fenced” Funeral Directors Account?

(B.B.V.A. and H.S.B.C. Banks) OURS IS Is the company contracted with a Professional Funeral Director? OURS IS Is the company policy ethical OURS IS and no hard sell?

Fully Licensed and Registered Company Spain, Portugal and the UK

For a no obligation chat with a professional caring company contact IBERIAN FUNERAL PLANS SL

E-mail: info@iberianfuneralplans.com ● Freephone 900 104 351 or 965 993 498 / 951 203 994

www.iberianfuneralplans.com

17

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT THE ORIGINAL PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

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

Spanish Construction Workers Earn 4% More Than in 2010

SIMA 2016 Ends With 5% Increase in Visitors

The 18th Edition of the Salón Inmobiliario de Madrid (SIMA) closed its doors on Sunday after four days in which it noted the return of buyers’ confidence together with greater real estate activity, while at the same time registering an increase in visitors of around 5% and the reappearance of the younger audience aged between 25 and 35 years old, who are looking for their first home in Spain.

Although the final data for this latest SIMA real estate exhibition has not yet been posted, the director of the Salón, Eloy Bohúa, said in a press statement that the 5% increase in visitors is “in line with expectations”, in an event that clearly demonstrated the quality of the visiting public and the interest in purchasing they have shown to the over 200 exhibitors at the show.

The number of exhibitors this past weekend increased by 25% over the previous edition, and the exhibition floor space increased by more than 30%.

Said one exhibitor, “In the last two years, SIMA has achieved spectacular results and sales, and this year we exceeded expectations, thanks to the influx of quality visitors which has allowed us to close a large number of reservations.” A similar view was shared by another exhibitor who said that this year visitors know this is a good time to invest and that they have come to the fair with clear budgets and also with a realistic view of the current market situation.

There was a great demand shown by visitors to the fair, for new and second hand housing in Madrid, either as a first home or a replacement home, and after several years in a sort of temporary limbo, tourist housing was once again attracting the attention of visitors to the fair with great opportunities to acquire coastal properties as rental investments. kyero.com

Spanish construction professionals are better paid now than five years ago, according to the latest report by the consulting firm Adecco, but wages in the sector are still behind the national average. The report says that the average salary of a construction worker in Spain currently stands at around 1,630 euros per month, which represents an increase of 4% over the amount earned in 2010, when the average salary was around 1,565 euros per month. According to Adecco, despite this increase in remuneration, construction workers still earn less than the national average, which stands at around 1,640 euros per month, and also less than most of the other branches of activity.

Specifically, their remuneration is almost 200 euros per month lower than that of a worker in the health or social services sectors, and 264 euros per month less than an employee in the industrial sector, while their earnings are just over half of those employees in the electricity and gas, or finance sectors and less than half of a banking professional.

However, they are not at the bottom of the ranking – the average salary in the education sector is just under 1,620 euros per month, while in the

real estate sector the average does not even reach 1,500 euros, and in the commercial sector it is around 1,380 euros. Artistic activities, administrative and hospitality are the lowest sectors in the ranking, all registering an average monthly salary of less than 1,200 euros.

The study also concludes that more money is not always synonymous with having more purchasing power, as it all depends on any changes in the prices of products and services.

With regard to construction workers, idealista.com reported that, despite wages increasing by 4% between 2010 and 2015 (equivalent to around 65 euros per month), their purchasing power has reduced by 2% during the same period.

Adecco explained: “In the last five year period the average salary has accumulated a reduction in purchasing power of 4.5%, which is equivalent to around 912 euros per year less. Only the wages in the industrial sector have seen a real improvement, although slight, at 0.6%. In construction, the reduction was 2% while in the services sector it reached 5.7%.” kyero.com

18

May 2016

How the pound may affect your Costa Blanca property purchase in 2016

If you plan to buy a property on the Costa Blanca in 2016, you may already know how important it is to get a great exchange rate. After all, if the pound is flying high versus the euro when you transfer your money, you get an extra wodge of euros in your Spanish bank account, thus cutting the cost of your Costa Blanca property.

With this in mind, will the pound conquer the euro this year? Well, nobody’s got a crystal ball, but we can at least look at the available information, and come up with an educated guess. Read on to find out how this might affect your Costa Blanca property purchase!

Fortunately for you if you’re buying a Costa Blanca property, the most likely outcome for 2016 is that sterling will come up trumps versus the common currency. This is because the UK is being tipped to Remain in the European Union, ahead of the referendum on June 23rd. To be specific, bookmakers like William Hill and Paddy Power reckon there’s a 66% chance that Brits will vote to Remain in the EU, while all the polls show the Remain side ahead.

This could give sterling a rocket boost, because if the UK stays put, it will remove a particularly dark cloud from the UK’s economic and political outlook.

For instance, one possibility if the UK votes to Remain on June 23rd is that sterling could jump from 1.26, where it’s sat today, back to 1.43, where it was back in November

last year, before prime minister David Cameron announced the referendum date. Were you to transfer £250,000 to Spain to buy a Costa Blanca property, this surge in sterling would net you €357,500, or +€42,500 more than today.

With this in mind, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the result of the referendum in 6 weeks, as well as how the pound reacts, because it could make buying Costa Blanca property a lot more affordable!

Of course, we can’t ignore the possibility that all the polls could be wrong, and the UK may shockingly vote to leave the EU on June 23rd. If this happens, sterling could plummet versus the common currency, because the UK would be voluntarily removing itself from the world’s largest free trade bloc.

If you’re at all worried about this outcome ahead of our Costa Blanca property purchase, what you can do is set up a forward contract. This lets you lock in today’s exchange rate, so that regardless if the pound falls tomorrow, you’re protected. It’s a great shield against foreign exchange volatility!

With all this in mind, you’re in good shape to make the most of the exchange rate when you buy a property on the Costa Blanca this year. Good luck!

By Peter Lavelle at foreign exchange broker Pure FX http:// www.purefx.co.uk

Home Sales Increased by 16.8% Y-o-Y in March Sales of homes in Spain increased by 16.8% in March, compared with the same month of 2015, to a total of 31,925 transactions, according to the latest Transfer of Property Rights data published by the National Statistics Institute this week. With this increase, home sales have accumulated two consecutive months of year-on-year increases, following the 15.8% increase registered in February.

The second hand market was responsible for the rise in home sales in March, with transactions climbing by 24.2% year-on-year, to a total of 25,765 transactions.

In contrast, sales of new homes registered a decline of 6.6% compared with March last year, with 6,160 transactions.

Some 89.2% of the housing sales in March were for free housing and 10.8% for subsidised housing.

Sales of free housing increased by 16.5% in March, year-on-year, to a total of 28,492 transactions, while transactions on subsidised housing rose by 18.9%, to a total of 3,433 sales. In the first three months of 2016, El Economista reported that home sales accumulated an increase of 9.2% over the same period of 2015, thanks to the 16.9% increase in

transactions on second hand homes, since the number of transactions on new homes fell by 13%.

In March, the greatest number of home sales per 100,000 inhabitants was registered in the Canary Islands (127), followed by the Balearic Islands (108).

Andalucía was the region to register most housing transactions in March, with 6,299 sales, followed

by Catalonia (5,123), Madrid (4,878) and Valencia (4,186), while the regions with the least transactions were La Rioja (186), Cantabria (352) and Navarra (382).

In relative terms, home sales rose in all of Spain’s regions except for La Rioja and Galicia, where both recorded year-on-year decreases of 3.1%. In contrast, the regions to register the greatest increases in housing transactions were the Canary Islands (+52.7%), Extremadura (+34.6%) and Cantabria (+28.5%).

Month-on-month (March over February), homes sales in Spain registered a decline of 8.2%, slightly less than the 9% decline registered in the same month of 2015. kyero.com

19

www.soltimes.com

Foreign Buyers Accounted for 20% of Housing Transactions in 2015

According to the latest data released by Spain’s General Council of Notaries, foreigners bought a total of 76,680 homes in Spain in 2015, which accounted for 20% of the total housing transactions during the year, and represents an increase in transactions year-on-year of 12.9%, confirming that the volume of purchases by foreigners has been increasing since 2007.

Some 51.7% of the housing transactions last year were carried out by non-resident foreigners. However, housing transactions by foreign residents still increased by 18.2%, which is a higher rate than that experienced by the non-resident foreign buyers, which stood at an increase of 8.4%.

All of Spain’s regions registered year-on-year increases in the number of housing transactions carried out by foreign buyers, the greatest being those of La Rioja (+59.1%), Castilla-La Mancha (+57.3%) and Navarra (+41.5%), followed by those of: Aragón (+39.8%); Castilla y León (+34%); the Basque Country (+30.7%); Murcia (+25.8%) and Cantabria (+25.5%), and those of Galicia (+23.2%), the Balearic Islands (+22.3%), Madrid (+17.3%) and Andalucía (+13.6%). In contrast, the regions which registered the smallest increases were Catalonia (+4.9%), Valencia (+7.2%), Extremadura (+9.8%), and the Canary Islands (+10.3%).

In 2015, the regions which had the greatest volume of housing transactions by foreigners over the total housing transactions were the Balearic Islands (44%), the Canary Islands (39%), Valencia (37%), Murcia (25%) and Andalucía (25%), while in contrast, the regions with the lowest volume of transactions carried out by foreign buyers were the Basque Country, Cantabria, Castilla y León,

Galicia and Extremadura, all with around 4%.

El Economista reported that the average price per square metre of the housing transactions carried out by foreign buyers in 2015 stood at 1,598 euros, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.9%. The average price of the homes purchased by non-resident foreigners increased by 5.6%, to 1,792 euros per square metre, while those purchased by foreigners resident in Spain fell by 0.1%, to 1,367 euros.

The average price of per metre of homes bought by foreigners stood above the national average in the Balearic Islands (2,580 euros), the Basque Country (2,047 euros), Madrid (1,867 euros) and Catalonia (1,856 euros), while the regions where prices were furthest below the national average were Extremadura (576 euros), CastillaLa Mancha (597 euros), La Rioja (710 euros) and Castilla y León (712 euros).

With regard to the nationalities of the foreign home buyers in Spain, the Notaries’ data showed that British buyers accounted for 20.6% of the transactions carried out by foreigners, followed by the French (8.8%), Germans (7.5%), the Belgians (5.7%), Italians (5.5%) and Romanians (5.3%). All of these nationalities accounted for over half of the housing transactions made by foreigners in 2015.

The nationality which showed most activity in the housing market during 2015 were the Romanians, with an increase of 59% year-on-year, while other nationalities showing year-on-year growth rates higher than the national average were: the Ecuadorians (+43.1%); British (+37.7%); Moroccans (+25.8%); Italians (+18.5%); Irish (+17.8%); Chinese (+16.8%); Swedish (+15%); Argentinians (+14.8%) and Swiss (+13.6%). kyero.com

SOL Y MAR

20

SM051

Features INDEPENDANT APARTMENT

ORIA

268,000€

A truly stunning 6 bedroom property in a plot of over 16.000m2 with fabulous views. The ground floor has a spacious living room with feature fireplace, the large open plan kitchen diner is complete with wood burner, the 1st floor has 5 double bedrooms 2 of which include ensuite bathrooms, There is also a fully integrated but independent apartment with a generous living room with feature fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with access to the rear garden / seating area, large double bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

Situated approx. 2km from the town of Oria which has all amenities such as bars, restaurants, schools etc.

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.

SM044

May 2016

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394 Beautiful setting

ARBOLEAS

NEW LISTING 129,000€

SM034 sM040

COUNTRYViews HOME Elevated

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.

LIMARIA

New Listing 149,950€ 175,000€

Main property is a detached villaelevated with 2 large bedrooms.

Large master bedroom Impressive detached villa with views across the valley. with ensuite withmature bath andgarden separate shower.

Beautiful walled with BBQ The area.second bedroom is large and has Finished a very standard with many extras pelletfitted central sufficient to space for high two double beds if desired.

Partialincluding air con. Large kitchen heating, built inhas damp swimming pool, screened gazebo surround. eating area and / diner, lounge insetproofing, log burner with a traditional brick fireplace aAdjacent generous size of 936m2.is a large patio area with plenty of room for alfresco to plot the main entrance Walking to local and 10 mins driveand to the Albox. living anddistance dining from here bar there arerestaurant views overand theonly extensive garden above Must viewed totoappreciate. groundbepool.

Next the pool is a separate annexe that could have various uses including store, studio or guest accommodation. Further down the garden there is a 4 berth caravan in good order, perfect for overspill of summer guests.

21

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.

rsM019

ARBOLEAS

walking distance to all amenities

350€ PCM RENTAL

End terraced house set in small hamlet of homes in a beautiful mature garden setting. Features small courtyard to the front and balcony.

Two bedrooms,one bathroom and open plan kitchen/diner/living room.

The home is furnished and in good order.

Available immediantly for long term let Walking distance to local bars, cafes and supermarkets (Please note pets are not permitted at this property)

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

WALKING IN JAVEA The Summit of Montgo From Javea

The massive hulk of Montgó dominates Jávea and many have no doubt stared at its high summit, some 753m above the sea, and wondered just what it would be like to stand on its lofty peak from where the distant island of Ibiza can be seen as well as a stunning panorama of the inland mountains of this part of Spain. In fact, it's not as tough as it looks and the mountain top welcomes thousands of visitors each year, all of whom have made that extra effort to reach the summit from a variety of directions. This route describes the simplest route to the top from the flat plateau of La Plana, a steep climb up the eastern face of the mountain by way of a series of zig-zags which carry the narrow but well-trodden path to the bottom of a modest ridge which provides an exciting scramble to the summit. It's well within the capabilities of everyone with a bit of drive and determination and, of course, with the utmost respect for the mountain.

Formed some 70 million years ago, the massif of Montgó forms the last spur of the huge Cordillera Prebética mountain range that runs across southern Spain from Andalucia to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It rises to 753m - about 2,470ft - and dominates the skyline for miles; from the south it is often said to resemble the head of an elephant with its trunk extending out into the sea. Its steep cliffs host some of the most unusual flora and fauna in Spain and the Parque Natural del Montgó was created in 1987. There are more than 650 species of flora, including the Carduncellus Dianus, a small thistle-lile flower which is only found on the slopes of Montgó and on the island of Ibiza and there are eight species of bird of prey recorded to be breeding in the area, including the Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Eagle Owl and Goshawk.

Therefore it is very important that visitors respect the natural habitat of the mountain, keeping to official paths and avoiding taking short-cuts through the

May 2016

LENGTH 8 kilometres TERRAIN Forest Track and Rocky Path some ridge scrambling

EQUIPMENT Sturdy Footwear, Snacks, Water Camera, Wet Weather Gear START Camp di Tir "Les Planes" Denia N 38° 48' 18.9", E 0° 9' 5.9"

undergrowth, especially on the descent. (Park rangers and volunteers have done plenty of work in the past to try and prevent irresponsible walkers from destroying the precious flora; click here to read about Xàbia Viva's efforts to re-plant damaged areas.)

The usual access is by car using the CV-736 Javea-to-Denia road and parking is available at Les Planes Campo de Tiro (shooting range) on the Dénia side of the plateau. Be aware that vehicle security cannot be guaranteed by the shooting club and therefore cars should not be left in such a state to be tempting to a potential thief. Incidents are rare but not unknown.

La Plana is crossed by a number of wide forestry tracks which are a pleasure to walk. From the shooting range, walk back down the wide track for just a few metres and a narrow often muddy path will push through the trees on the right-hand side. Continue along this path for 750m as the huge eastern face of Montgó dominates to the view ahead before the path widens and then meets the junction with one of the main forestry tracks. Here we join the PR-CV 355 official path which started in the Port de Xàbia and has passed through the Cova Tallada and the Torre del Gerro on its way to the summit of Montgó. Turn right towards the mountain and keep straight on when the path divides, a second wide track leading off to the left. The slope becomes a little steep and the track a little more eroded and after 400m or so, it ends at a large wooden sign on which has been carved a modest map of the natural park. This is a perfect place to take a few moments to study the eastern face of Montgó as it looms ahead of you. You might pick out people already on the narrow path; the Penya Roja is obvious amongst the grey limestone crags and the path passes beneath it.

www.soltimes.com

23

WALKING IN JAVEA The Summit of Montgo From Javea To the left of the wooden information board, a rough narrow path, indicated by a small wooden sign, disappears into the undergrowth and it’s going to get a lot tougher. The ground is very rough underfoot and whilst enjoying the views as the plateau opens up behind you, don’t forget to keep an eye on where you’re placing your feet for there have been many a twisted ankle or a jarred knee taken away as a souvenir of the ascent to the summit of Montgó.

The path zig-zags its way up the mountain in varying degrees of slope, sometimes steeply, other times quite pleasantly as it contours around the face, although you know that there must be more ascent ahead. Once again, resist the temptation to follow one of the ‘paths’ eroded by the feet of irresponsible and seemingly impatient people; instead, enjoy the wonderful views as you climb and take plenty of photographs. The path is quite pleasant as it passes below the Penya Roja, the red crag of rock that serves as a decent place to stop, take in some fuel and admire the view to east, before it begins a steep set of seemingly never-ending zig-zags.

After an hour or so of climbing the path appears to end abruptly at the top of a long drop over the edge of a high cliff with stunning views over Jávea, its wide bay and the fertile plain. Take another breather, admire the views, pick out familiar landmarks and take on some more fuel. For behind you likes the final stretch to the summit which is effectively a ridge scramble over rough rock. There is rarely a discernible path but look out for the white-and-yellow markings painted on rocks at intervals which will assure you that you are on the right track.

At the top of the ridge, a path hugs the cliff as it passes above an almost vertical drop down to the villas below, not one for those with a nervous regard of heights! And with a final scramble through a narrow cut in the rock, the summit is finally reached and a stunning panorama opens up all around you.

To some, the top might be a little disappointing; a short wooden post kept in place by a pyramid of stones and a touch of concrete marks the actual summit whilst a low graffiti-covered concrete post set on a small concrete plinth is close by; it’s difficult to determine which marks the absolute highest spot. There are plans to restore the huge cross that used to stand here and if you look to the north, you might just see a cross at the end of a long ridge that is often mistaken for the summit from people ascending from the other direction but it is more than 50m lower than the actual summit.

On a clear day, the view is stunning in all directions. To the east, the headland of Cabo de San Antonio points towards the island of Ibiza on the horizon; to the south is the Peñon de Ifach (Calpe Rock), the Sierra Bernia and the Morro de Toix. To the west, the Col de Rates, the Sierra de Aitana and the Val de Laguart; and to the north, the gulf of Oliva and Cullera stretches up towards the city of Valencia.

Please take your time to enjoy the experience; too many people charge up to the summit, take a few photos and then disappear back down the path. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime moment; you may not want to ever to do it again but you’ve hauled yourself up to this point and you should darn well enjoy it!

Unless the weather is extremely poor, you won’t be alone on the top. There are two longer routes to the summit which come in from the west; one from Jesús Pobre and one from Dénia. Little groups will be sitting around, enjoying the views, having a picnic and maybe a few celebratory glasses of cava or wine. Nods of acknowledgement often turn into long conversations of shared experiences; you’ve all made great efforts to reach this point and the desire to share is almost irresistible.

The return is via the same path that you ascended the mountain and it’s fairly straighforward, although from painful experience, extreme care should be taken on the ridge as it’s not much fun to hobble down the remaining twothirds of the descent. Again, resist the urge to take short-cuts; not only will you be contributing to the destruction of a natural habitat that is almost unique to the mountain but also run the risk of slipping on the steep slopes. When you reach the bottom of the summit path, don’t forget to take a look back - you’ve done it! And when you next sip a cool beer on the Arenal and stare at the mountain dominating the view to the north, you can take pride in the fact that you’ve climbed it! http://www.javeamigos.com

24

May 2016

Asking prices for homes in England and Wales reach record high in May

propert y services

Asking prices for homes in England and Wales have reached a record average of £308,151 in May, according to a report on Monday.

Property website Rightmove said average asking prices rose £1,118 on last month despite a three percentage point stamp duty increase for buy-to-let investors and second home owners from 1 April, which was expected to slow the market.

The price of an entry-level home in England and Wales with two bedrooms or less - typically sought by first time buyers and buy-to-let investors - rose £11,298 on last month to £194,224 on average.

Croydon was the top property hotspot with asking prices jumping 18.6% on last year to an average of £298,770.

Dartford was also a popular area for people priced out of London with properties rising 18.5% to £244,310 on average.

London continued to surge with asking prices up 10.8% on the year to an average of £644,088.

The East of England saw asking prices jump an annualised 10.1% to £334,538 on average.

Rightmove director Miles Shipside said the rush of buy-to-let investors snapping up properties before the increase in stamp duty had added to the supply shortage issue in the market, pushing prices higher as a result.

“Estate agents have perhaps been

focused on getting investor sales through to completion before the tax hike, and some may have been surprised by the continuing momentum and scarcity of stock to meet ongoing demand,” he said.

“The net effect is eye-watering increases in asking prices in some towns, and is further stretching first-time buyers’ affordability even though they are competing against fewer buy-to-let investors in the market.”

The report follows a data from RICS last Thursday which showed demand in the property market had weakened in April as homebuyers brought forward purchases to March to beat the increase in taxes.

RICS’s monthly house price balance edged lower to +41 in April from +42 in March, its lowest since June 2015.

The latest house data from Halifax, also published last week, revealed property values in the three months to April saw the smallest annual increase since November 2015.

Average property prices in UK between Prompt and reliable service, February and April no job too small. rose 1.5% on the Full bathrooms or just makeovers previous quarter. The and handyman service. report from Halifax 24 hour call out added that house Boilers: 80 litre fully installed from 160€ prices dropped 0.8% in Call David on 634 286 590 April month-on-month. http://sharecast.com/

DAVID THE PLUMBER

We will move it!!

Pets, boats, caravans, trailers Full and part loads. Full roof-rack for long loads 3 long wheel-based vans/twice per month Travelling to South/North UK Based in Mar Menor, Murcia

Spain-UK-Spain Tel: (0044) 7783 222 251 / (0034) 634 360 846

Email: wewillmoveit@hotmail.co.uk

COAST 2 COAST

REMOVALS Over 25 years experience Regular trips SPAIN-UK-SPAIN

Call NOW for a 617 500 876 competitive quote 0044 7722 77 9062 Pets also carried - Fully Insured

coast2coasttransport@hotmail.com www.coast2coastremovals.com

Paul

The Plumber Call Paul for a FREE no

General Plumbing Obligation Quote on: 634 326 804 Bathrooms Kitchens Find us on Water Heaters Facebook /paul_theplumber Tiling

Email: paultheplumber@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

www.soltimes.com

viewpoint

Luncheon of the Boating Party great sport to wait until she submerged for

Today was the annual riparian luncheon. The vision behind the idea was a relaxed waterborne journey down a meandering waterway then partaking in a luxurious and well watered repast on the river bank. Alqueria’s Rio Verde isn’t quite the Isis stretch of the Thames and some argue that the slimy green amorphous mass that flows in it isn’t technically water but it is the only venue in Alqueria for watersport.

The craft, ‘The Saucy Sue’, leaked, smelt, and always listed alarmingly to port, but it did float which was more than any other Alquerian registered vessel did. Progress was slow down the Rio Verde due to its viscosity, like green lumpy discarded engine oil it impeded progress and clogged the cooling systems.

Instead of the expected relaxed party of would-be diners partaking of leisurely aperitifs, we had a wide-eyed life jacket wearing mass of humanity huddling together for safety, some prayed while others wept openly. Judging by expressions and body language one would think they were freshly shanghaied to serve on some ‘Yankee Blood Boat’ never again to set foot on ‘terra firma’.

A fatalistic depression descended on the ‘passengers’ and, unfortunately Loca Pepa was having an off day. She had decided to ‘end it all’ by throwing herself into the Rio Verde. The crew would ‘fish’ her out only for her to throw herself in again. It became

the third time before dragging her on board.

The crew warmed to their task and took it in turns to perform the rescue. Pepa was overjoyed as she played the victim with an audience, the fish however objected, it was bad enough having to live in the Rio Verde without having the sudden, unwelcome and repeated appearance Loca Pepa.

By some miracle of navigation or sheer good luck the Saucy Sue tied up at ‘Dodgy Pedro’s Wharf’ close to the border with Spain. Their lunch awaited, spread over white starched linen with the best EPNS cutlery at the ready. At Loca Pepa’s place a plastic knife and fork waited, the Sanity Court had not yet agreed to her using sharp objects.

It was with relief that the luncheon party scrambled ashore, some kissed the ground, risking a dose of tetanus to show their surprise at having survived the Saucy Sue. The Alquerian Trout which had to be boiled for three hours in order to render it non-toxic was only toyed with.

The Lemming Stew was left uneaten, the trauma of the boat trip had dissolved all appetites. It was a sullen and traumatised group that gratefully gulped their Remitroot chupito.

The luncheon party walked home as the Saucy Sue rose vertically, bow to the sky before plunging stern first into the sticky green depths of the Rio Verde

Silenciosamente

It was an auspicious event. We were gathered in the Salon de Pleno, an inner sanctum of Arboleas Ayuntamiento, a splendid statement of Municipal power overlooking the Arboleas section of the Valle de Almanzora.

The Salon de Pleno is not wastefully opulent, but it does expect an amount of respect from its occupying citizens. It is a comfortable, dignified room with the obligatory artwork representing the great and famous, and a raised dais for those who consider themselves to be great and famous, even if only for a day.

The assembled company had come to witness the launching of The Book – Distintos Acordes Para Una Misma Melodia. This much anticipated publication is a collection of very short stories, written in English and Spanish by those who took part in the Creative Writing Workshop ‘Juntando Letras’ at the Arboleas Library.

As one of the contributors I was there on the dais, feeling very much like the poor relation at the party.

I was wearing the only clothes available to me in my pathetically plastered state – push-on shoes, pull-up trousers and Pete’s jumper.

The Spanish attendees were dressed as if they were guests at a high-class wedding, while the British section were dressed with that understated smartness which is our identity.

The speechifying began, and after everyone had congratulated everyone else the moment and the spotlight was upon us, the authors.

The idea was that we would all read a short excerpt from one of our stories as a taster to encourage

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk putative sales.

I had been assured by Cathy, who doesn’t get things wrong, that I would be reading my ‘bit’ in English.

No problem – until Cathy turned to me and said ‘There are only 2 English people here – you’d better read it in Spanish.’

There was no time to plead a previous engagement or a headache – I switched on my mic, swept a pleading look over the audience, apologised for my pronunciation and lack of fluency, and commenced.

I was not doing too badly until I ran headfirst into Silenciosamente. I rebounded, regrouped and attacked it by splitting it into its component syllables – Sil-en-cio-sa-mente. Ha, now I had it – I looked my audience straight in their collective eyes and took a run at it; Silenciosamente! I proclaimed.

A small murmur of sympathy or appreciation, either or both, rippled round the auditorium. I had it nailed!

Silenciosamente! It’s a long word when it comes at you suddenly!

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

2

3. Where did Typically Tropical go in 1976?.....................................................

4. Guantanamera is a song about a girl from which country?...............................

5. Where did Supertramp have Breakfast in 1979?.................................................

6. Gene Pitney sang about ‘24 Hours from Tulsa’ In which US state is Tulsa?...

7. Which river featured in the Title and and also the theme music to a James Stewart Civil War Film?...........................

8. Who did Alain Boublil and ClaudeMichel Schoenberg write a musical

10. Clarksville

5. In America

9. Pennsylvania 65000

4. Cuba

8. Miss Saigon

3. Barbados

7. Shenandoah

2. Londonderry Air

6. Oaklahoma

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1. Egypt

SOLUTIONS

wordsearch answer

standard SUDOKU

Answers

easy SUDOKU

10. Where did the Monkees take the last train to in 1966?.....................................

GOOD LOVIN’ GROOVIN’ HAIR HEATWAVE HEY JUDE HOLIDAY ITCHYCOO PARK LAST KISS MEMPHIS MY GIRL MY GUY PEOPLE PUPPY LOVE RESPECT RUNAWAY SHERRY

SOUL MAN SPOOKY STAY SURF CITY TEEN ANGEL THE BOXER THE TWIST THESE EYES VALLERI VOLARE WHITE RABBIT WILD THING WINDY WIPEOUT WORDS YESTERDAY

MRS BROWN YOU’VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER

9. What was Glenn Miller’s phone number?................................................

BABY LOVE BLUE MOON BLUE VELVET BUS STOP CARA MIA CHAIN GANG CHERISH CRAZY CRYING DIZZY DOWNTOWN EL PASO ELENORE FINGERTIPS FIRE GALVESTON

soltimes golf Quiz

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

60’s Songs

Find and circle all of these songs from the 1960’s that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the title of an additional song from the 60’s.

1. Which trophy is played for by women golfers from the United States in competition with Britain and Ireland?

2. Which US golfer had 11 successive tournament wins in 1945?

3. Which US president’s home was alongside the course on which the US Masters is played?

4. Who captained the European team to victory in the 1995 Ryder Cup? 5. Who headed the European Order of Merit between 1971 and 1974?

6. Who is nicknamed ‘The Great White Shark’?

7. Who is ‘The Golden Bear’?

8. Who opposed the US in the Ryder Cup between 1973 and 1977?

9. Who was involved with John Daley in the 1995 British Open play-off?

10. Who was the first Englishman to win the US Open after World War II?

6. Greg Norman 7. Jack Nicklaus 8. Great Britain and Ireland 9. Constantino Rocca 10. Tony Jacklin

wordsearch

1. In which country is Aida set?...............

abot.......................................................

3

Answers

soltimes Geographic music Quiz

2. The lyrics to Danny Boy were set to which folk tune?.....................................

name the breed of dog

1. Curtis Cup 2. Byron Nelson 3. Dwight D Eisenhower 4. Bernard Gallacher 5. Peter Oosterhuis

sol picture quiz! 1 1. Boston Terrier 2. Shi-Tzu 3. Bedlington Terrier

on this day 19th may

1536 – Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England, is beheaded for adultery, treason, and incest.

1655 – The Invasion of Jamaica begins during the Anglo-Spanish War. 1845 – Captain Sir John Franklin and his ill-fated Arctic expedition depart from Greenhithe, England.

1943 – World War II: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set Monday, May 1, 1944 as the date for the Normandy landings (“D-Day”). It would later be delayed over a month due to bad weather.

1950 – Egypt announces that the Suez Canal is closed to Israeli ships and commerce.

www.soltimes.com

puzzle pages

27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 Rehearse (8) 5 Relating to the iris of the eye (6) 9 Attacks (8) 10 Be against (6) 12 Draws through a straw (5) 13 Blimps (9) 14 Dried grape (6) 16 Cigar (7) 19 Seeing (7) 21 A style of architecture (6) 23 Pasta (9) 25 A mendicant preacher (5) 26 Stableboy (6) 27 Thoroughly soak (8) 28 Faery (6) 29 Hated (8)

Down

1 Kudos (6) 2 Companion (9) 3 Guided journeys (5) 4 A native member of a state (7) 6 Be a delegate for (9) 7 Hindu loincloth (5) 8 Distilled wood tar (8) 11 Heroic (4) 15 Most meager (9) 17 Not reproductions (9) 18 Eludings (8) 20 Fence door (4) 21 A contorted facial expression (7) 22 Pal (6) 24 Plays a role (5) 25 An unpleasant woman (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

famous birthdays on this day

standard

1945 – Pete Townshend, English singer-songwriter and guitarist (The Who, Deep End, and Thunderclap Newman) 1960 – Yazz, English singer 1973 – Dario Franchitti, Scottish race car driver 1992 – Sam Smith, English singersongwriter

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Seat from South of Africa (4) 3 This place, that woman’s sweetheart (4) 6 Roles change for also-ran (5) 10 Generates new young people? (9) 11 Graduate and prisoner make meat (5) 12 A lost hospital internally receives burnt offerings from fags (7) 13 Allow almost curt written messages (7) 14 Rid each internal thought (4) 16 No time outside respect (6) 18 Curve in barcode (3) 21 Catch new head alien (3) 22 Seniors deny - so corrupt (6) 23 Starts to hear you making new song of praise (4) 25 Nut goes off languages (7) 27 Weapon is unusually miles out (7) 29 Aim West, maybe (5) 30 Strange, Californian, or missing money matters (9) 31 About the elderly being kept in captivity (5) 32 Corrosion of rasied ancient city street (4) 33 Dull sound in fat huddle (4) Down 1 Place one in station, taking in upper-class American leader (9) 2 Body shelf collapsed (5) 4 All people extremely ebony outside, when name replaces daughter (9) 5 Rough sea, the French returns stand (5) 6 Sea creatures lob rest at sea (South) (8) 7 A line after hidden assistant (9) 8 Calls circles (5) 9 Woman takes right to unite (5) 15 Stretching used to be caring? (9) 17 Nothing in Tango men returning street for healing creams (9) 19 Hid clean code erratically (9) 20 Only dead, moved around, and altered (8) 24 Exploiting you and me in Gateshead (5) 25 Theme of first 99 (5) 26 More secure of animals - a ferret (5) 28 One Rabbi is hard, of the Republic (5)

Quote of the week...

28

Baybrooks Restaurant

May 2016

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Garlic, chilli and broccoli stir-fry

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

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

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparation method 1.Heat the olive oil in a wok, add the broccoli

85g/3oz broccoli, cut into florets and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until starting to 1 garlic clove, chopped

soften, then add the garlic and chilli and fry

½ red chilli, finely chopped

for 1-2 minutes.

2 tbsp soy sauce

2.Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice,

1 tsp sesame oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper and fry

½ lime, juice only

for 1-2 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

salt and freshly ground black

3.To serve, spoon the stir-fry into a bowl and

pepper

serve as a side dish.

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 PERFECT STEAK EVERYTIME AT THE HOT STONE The Hot Stone, Urbanisation El Raso has become well known now for quality food.

Their signature Argentinian steaks are the most tender and succulent cuts of meat you will find on the Costa Blanca. Each steak is presented to you on an individual hot volcanic rock, heated to optimum temperature. Every piece you cut will be almost instantaneously cooked to your own personal perfection. The pure quality of the meat is realised within the very first bite. Due to the high temperature of the stones, each cut of meat is sealed ensuring that all the flavours and juices get trapped inside, making the steak truly succulent.

This team believe that top quality meat is fundamental in making the dining experience one to remember and have imported the very best cut of Argentinian meat, which is globally renowned as being the most tender and flavoursome, giving you the finest quality meat, without having to go to Argentina! Prices start from only 12.40 for an Argentinian rump steak, including any side order and 3 sauces.

If you are not quite the carnivore, chicken, pork and local seafood dishes are also all available on the stone. Vegetarian options are available. They also serve other house specialities off the stone.

The Hot Stone, El Raso is open Tuesday to Sunday: 12.30pm – 10pm (Menu del Dia 12.30pm-4pm).

For more information or reservations, please call 656 613 356.

The Oasis Benijófar is a popular bar/bistro in the heart of the town with a sun drenched terrace overlooking the square, where local the scenery and views of the fountains, palm trees and local church add to the experience.

It is the best place to enjoy the end of the day sun and al fresco Tapas dining in the evenings. Their ‘Tapas on the Terrace’ menu is now available Thursday to Saturday evenings, extending to Tuesday to Saturday from May onwards. With an exciting range of international tapas dishes to suit all tastes.

Plus there are great meal deals on beer, wine and Sangria for you to enjoy The Oasis is open from 9.30am for breakfast. There is an extensive brunch, lunch and tapas menu plus, a Menu del Dia that includes choice of starters mains and desserts with 3 courses and a drink at just €9.95.

If you haven’t been to the Oasis in Benijófar recently why not pop along and experience the difference.

Plaza de la Constitución, Benijófar, 03178. Tel: 603 169 090.

Find them on Facebook or visit www.oasis-benijofar.es

BUY 2 MAIN MEALS GET THE CHEAPEST HALF PRICE Valid until 31ST MAY 2016 Bring this advert to claim this offer

(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

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

San Javier Under new management we speak english & spanish

Calle Mallora, 42, Poligono Industrial, Alto del Villar, San Javier 30730 (behind Mercadona facing the AP7, Near Junction 784, San Javier)

C/Jose Carreras, Torrevieja 03184 (on the CV905 next to Sara’s Petrol Garage, opposite the ITV & La Hoya Hermosa Light Shop

air conditioning suppliers - trade and public. for great prices please contact us.

Trade enquiries welcome

3 wheeled scooter from 695€

We supply a wide range of Batteries for mobility scooters

Pellets & Briquettes in Stock

Wheelchairs self propelled and transit

FROM 195€ * NICO 29B

2 Seater Mobility Scooter Range 45km

3300€

over 25 different models in stock special offer electric bikes

from 895€

Top Of The Range Mountain Bike

now in stock cast iron & pellet fires

* Scout Mobility Scooter

Easy to Assemble Range 13km Max user weight 130kg

1050€

* NICO 38

SR013 6kw to 6.5kw 325€ SR031-2 13kw to 6.5kw 720€

e in or rom l h f g Cblets 5€ k 5 Ta 1

we supply public and trade including Retail we are the official distributor

pellet fires, various models available

SR0032 12KW 580€

kg ne 25 lori from s Ch let 5€ b 6 Ta

WE ARE THE BIGGEST MOBILITY SCOOTER DISTRIBUTOR ON THE COSTA BLANCA OVER 200 MOBILITY SCOOTERS IN STOCK! WE OFFER 2 YEARS GUARANTEE AND A FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE UNBELIEVABLE QUALITY, THE BEST ON THE MARKET. WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE!

13km/h Mobility Scooter Range 30km

2300€ 3 Wheel Shopping Bike

100% FINANCE 0% INTEREST

ON SELECTED PRODUCTS

hot seller

*NICO 22 High Quality 10km/h Mobility Scooter Unisex Bike Range 30km Folding Bike

1800€

Battery testing & rejuvenating Mobility scooter servicing from 40€

Head Office: TORREVIEJA OFFICE: 865 670 022 - Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Sat 10am -2pm SAN FULGENCIO: 966 728 199 - Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Sat 10am - 2pm SAN JAVIER OFFICE: 968 193 267 - Open Mon - Fri 9:30am - 6pm - Sat 9:30am - 2pm www.homesandgardenimports.jimdo.com-homesandgardenimports@gmail.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 8th June Spice Villa Camposol “B” 7.30pm for 8pm Wednesday 13th July Restaurant Ramonette Lugar, Las Librilleras 1.30 pm for 2pm.

Membership and enquiries, Ian 629 818 611 or esamd.espana@gmail.com

welcome events

Welcome Group Events 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 Thursday September 22nd. We are pleased to present, for the first time in this area, a fantastic band Ges Rogers Union Gap. Tickets are going fast for this fab show. €10 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 are already booked, we await confirmation of our other band, it’s 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, it’s on a terrace touching the beach overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s 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

Ways You Can Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease 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

Mountain View

Cat hotel Hondon de las Nieves/Frailes

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

Pick up & delivery service offered for coastal areas

Telephone: 966 195 816

Answerphone - we will call back: Mobile 654 155 473

www.mountainviewcathotel.webs.com

Use Tick collar will be Preventives on a good defense.

Tufts recommends you buy Your Pets products that carry a veterinary

get a look at the underlying skin.

Hot spots to watch out for are under their legs, inside their ears, and on their necks.

Also familiarize yourself with how to remove ticks

Take Care of Your Lawn

Ask Your Veterinarian About Vaccination

Summer is nearly here, and yards are already greening up with the spring rains. That means it's time to venture into the great outdoors - you and your pet.

Unfortunately, that will put you and your cherished friends within reach of deer ticks. The pests attach themselves to people and pets and proceed to gorge on their blood.

The danger ticks present is Lyme disease, which animals and people can get from the pests.

Cats don't seem adversely affected by it, but Lyme disease can seriously harm dogs and people.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of Tufts University, for what you can do to keep your pets and you from getting sick.

First off, a good flea and tick

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 T ra i l er , 60€, Tel: 696 290 192 O r i h u e l a Costa area E xerc i s e b i ke D omyo s , 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 arden 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.

recommendation and are safe for all the critters in your home.

Keeping up with yard work is essential. Mow your lawn regularly and pull weeds whenever you see them. Get rid of any leaf litter you can find, particularly from underneath shrubs -- they’re good environments for ticks, which set up shop and lie in wait And, while you’re at it, keep those overstuffed outdoor trash cans tightly covered -- otherwise, they could attract rodents, which could carry ticks onto your property.

Inspect Your Pets Every Day

Get into the habit of performing daily tick inspections on your pets.

You’ll want to feel for bumps on their fur. Part the fur so you can

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

Don’t Forget About You Finally, remember that you can be a tick victim, too. Invest in a good repellent, wear treated clothing, be sure to shower after being outside, and inspect yourself often for ticks. http://news.discovery.com

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

www.ecocorpshop.com 4€ 1 DAY

According to Tufts, dogs that have never been exposed to the Lyme disease bacterium may benefit from a vaccination. And, even if you do that, the university recommends you double up and use things like preventive tick collars as well.

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

“RE-PLATE” MATE

Kia Picanto 2008 - 5 door hatch 1.1 76,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C PAS, ABS Electric windows CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Awaiting full valet Metallic silver

Landrover Discovery 7-seater 1995 - 7 Seater 2.5 TDi 337,000 kms, 4 owners Fully serviced A/C, PAS, ABS, Alloys E. windows/mirrors, Front fog lights, CD Remote locking, Alarm Sunroof, Towpack Dark metallic green

Seat Altea XL 2012 - 5 door hatch 1.6 TDi Ecomotive Reference 58,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C, Alloys PAS, ABS, CD player Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix Metallic black

Nissan Micra 2012 5 door hatch 1.2 (80 bhp) 76,000 kms 1 owner Full service history A/C, PAS, ABS E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix Metallic silver

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

BMW 320D Cabriolet 2011 - Cabriolet 2.0i 94,000 kms, 1owner Full BMW history A/C ABS, CD player E. windows/mirrors Front fog lights Multi Airbags, PAS Rear head restraints Remote locking Metallic mid-blue

Hyundai i20 Aug ‘12 - 5 door hatch 1.2 54,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate) Isofix PAS ABS E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Metallic silver

WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION

€4,950

€2,250

€10,950

€7,450

€27,450

€21,950

€7,450

Alan 662 249 159

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

GB

E

Don’t take a chance!

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

www.replatematecostablanca.com

Email:info@replatematecostablanca.com

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

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

for sale and Wanted

600 726 221 965 687 976

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

Phone Jane 950 121 936

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

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

Looking for a car ?

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

www.fwreurocars.com

The Alfa Romeo Giulia

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

wanted cars for cash CASH CASH

Best prices paid Spanish English Anythingconsidered

tel: Tim on 662 211 993

The Alfa Romeo Giulia, in ordinary 2.2 MultiJet 180 Super form is less exciting than the 503bhp Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio already tested, but rather more relevant because this 2.2-litre diesel Giulia is the one almost everyone will buy.

The standard compact Alfa Romeo saloon will also be available with two trim levels to choose from – Giulia and Super. The entry level Giulia trim will equip the Alfa with 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a 6.5in infotainment system, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. While the Super trim, as fitted to our test car, comes with 17in alloys, extra interior touches and the option to have a leather interior.

No clue is being provided as to what Alfa Romeo will actually charge for it when sales commence this autumn, save the suggestion that it will follow closely the pricing structure of the BMW 3 Series; so expect something in the region of £32,000 to £40,000 according to specification.

Initially the Giulia is quite annoying, progressing upon further acquaintance to really rather encouraging. The irritation stems from a raft of superficially minor issues that still contrive to diminish your enjoyment of the car.

You can’t turn off the stability systems, there’s no such thing as the correct wiper speed in light rain, the hazard lights trigger much too soon under moderate to heavy braking, the temperature in the car at times sometimes seemed to be at significant variance to that displayed on the screen and the sat-nav screen is decidedly low rent compared to what is now found in its BMW and Mercedes rivals. Out there in the real world where cars are lived with as well as driven, this stuff matters.

However, it shouldn’t be allowed to cloud the fundamental fact that this not only the most competitive Alfa Romeo saloon since the last Giulia was launched more than half a century ago but, crucially for anyone with Alfisti blood lurking in their veins, the most likeable, too. The detailing may need some work, but the fundamentals are mainly excellent.

So you start with a flawless driving position (at least for left-hand drive cars) and, at least by compromised modern standards, excellent all round visibility. The engine is noisy at idle and under full load, but otherwise quiet, quieter for sure than equivalents found in the C-Class and Jaguar XE, but probably still behind BMW and Audi. The instruments in their classically hooded binnacles are clear, though not that attractive.

The wheels won’t have completed their first revolution before you notice the ride quality. It is eerily good for this kind of car and not just on smooth Italian roads.

CASH

Same day collection

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

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

We found some horrendous potholes and goggled not only at the suspension’s talent for absorbing each event, but the structure’s ability to isolate each one within a single corner of the car. The springs feel soft, but superbly damped, the platform itself exceptionally stiff, which is exactly how it should be for this kind of car. I hope these standards have been maintained for right-hand drive production cars.

Cruise around in it and you’ll notice too how little wind noise there is, and how deftly the gearbox interacts with the engine. You might in theory lament the absence of a third pedal, but in reality, I doubt very much that one would materially improve the driving experience.

The acid test for a new Alfa, however, comes in the hills. The good news is that it passes, the bad is that it does so with a merit at best leaving a distinction a distant dream.

On the positive side, the car maintains its ride height beautifully, making it feel poised and stable at all times. The all new electronic power steering disappoints, though; it’s too quick, too aggressive off centre and almost entirely lacking in desirable feedback.

It makes it difficult to feel the front of the car and judge precisely the correct lock required to angle in to a quick curve. This is a shame because the car seems to have a nice balance, gentle under steer appearing to want to flow into equally benign over steer before a barrage of needlessly early electronic interference unceremoniously shuts down that particular avenue of entertainment.

If you’re bored with the traditional German establishment you might also find there is much to be commended in a Giulia.

Mercedes and BMW offer more complete cars, but they lack the Giulia’s novelty value and, to a certain sort of fashionable, sporting customer, the image too.

Its shortcomings are minor in nature, but sufficient in number for the knowledge of how much better it could have been to irk, but there’s nothing I’d call a deal-breaker here.

In short, if Alfa can get it priced and built properly, I can see this Giulia and the variants it will spawn going some distance to undoing the decades of damage suffered to date by this once fabulous marque. For Alfa Romeo, it will come not one moment too soon.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 MultiJet 180 Super Price £35,000 (est); Engine 3cyl in line, 2143cc, turbocharged, diesel; Power 177bhp at 3750rpm; Torque 332lb ft at 1750rpm; 0-62mph 7.1sec; Top speed 143mph; Gearbox 8-spd automatic; Kerb weight 1445kg; Economy 67.3mpg (combined); CO2 109g/km

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

Phone Jane 950 121 936

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

Book Review

MGs, The Mini and Me by Dudley Pike

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

“Working on a production line can be tedious and boring, and you would need to take breaks in order to maintain your focus and concentration.”

It had been a family tradition to work for MG. Pike’s father and two brothers were wellestablished before Pike served his apprenticeship in Abington. He spent 45 years in the motor industry with many interesting tales included in this book.

“I didn’t have a particularly privileged childhood.” Travelling around the world with the rally circuit compensated for an uneventful childhood, with plenty of celebrations, champagne parties and glamorous women waiting to fulfil a young man pumped with testosterone. We are presented with glimpses of his personal life, from school to marriage, chaotic, marked by infidelity and marital breakups.

He reminisces over the camaraderie of the past, explaining how bad weather in 1947 caused extreme havoc and chaos with flooding. People were much closer and they made their own entertainment unlike today when they expect it to be provided for them.

“I hated school with a passion.” He’s in good company. There were a few exceptions though, his English teacher was one mentioned. The class would sit silently “enthralled and hanging off his every word.” He indicates his admiration for his maths’ teacher although he suffered from Little Man Syndrome. He admired the music teacher with her “stunning figure.” It seems that everyone was infatuated with her. We also hear about her sexual antics with the P.E. teacher in the school garden shed. This excited a young Pike who had never seen a naked woman before.

There were signs when he was 14 of his delight in exploring the female body. He refers to Irene as one of his conquests: “I delighted in exploring her body and ample curves.” It was April 1958 when he left school and started working with the MG car company. He was given a good grounding into the company starting with the Goods Inwards Department.

Then he moved to the MG front line where he learnt about working on the production line.

He spent three months in the trim line department, moving onto the MGB assembly line.

The apprenticeship lasted 5 years because of the intricacy of the work within all of the departments. His first task was to file a metal block followed by making different tools which had to be “exact, precise and perfect.” The Nuts and Bolts Department was described as being a “complete and utter nightmare.” One month seemed like hell.

MG was not a modern factory by today’s standards-production lines were not automated so each operator had to push the car to the next stage of completion. Pike worked for 6 months in the Tool Room and he enjoyed this experience. For those of you mechanically minded, you’ll understand the work of the Production Lines. This is where Pike learnt to assemble a car. Six/seven months of heaven.

He worked alongside his mentor Eddie Burnell, a month of training of production road tests. “His driving ability shone out above the rest.” The author felt that this training was “quite a cushy and relaxing number.” Burnell became chief road tester for any track testing that the Competitions Department (or the company) were involved in.

A six month stint in the Service Department involved stripping engines and rebuilding them. It was deemed “more practical, efficient and cheap” to rebuild an engine rather than replace it. How times have changed. The technical content was described as being extremely high and complex. On one occasion his mentor had warned him to be careful.

Pike missed the nut and smashed a mallet into the wing of the car. As expected, he got a “huge bollocking” and a warning from the foreman:”If I ever made the same mistake again that meant that I was a lousy mechanic and I would find it nigh on impossible to find employment as one.”

All the apprentices dreamt of ending up in the Competitions Department where they would prepare rally cars for BMC and later, British Leyland: the Mini Cooper S, the Austin Healey 3000 and the MGB. Pike spent six months here. He helped Brian Moylan, the longest serving mechanic at the factory to build a car for the Monte Carlo Rally. It was one of the

Special Offers Visit:

35

950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com

minis that was going to be used as a recce (a car used for practice) for The Tulip Rally. The car completed the recce without incident.

Two years later Pike joined another department. In the Drawing Office he “drew and designed the rear tail light plinth for the MGA Mark III.” Once fully trained, he worked in the Show Department for three months before moving onto the Competitions Department working on rally and race cars with a starting salary of £1,200 plus overtime. It took Pike six weeks to build a recce car for the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. There was wonderful publicity with several drivers and staff appearing on “Sunday Night at the London Palladium.” The Alpine Rally was one of Pike’s favourite events from Marseille through the Alps and back. A 100% finish was good news. Winning the manufacturer’s prize although it was a disappointing result for Rauno, Timo and the Morley brothers.

The 1960 Monte Carlo proved more problematic. The Minis were competing against Porsches, the Lotus Cortina. Stories in the French press suggested that the British team had cheated so they were disqualified. The Sun newspaper sponsored the 1966 RAC Rally. Two formula 1 drivers were recruited: Jim Clark and Graham Hill. There are further accounts of the San Remo Rally in 1967 and it was here that Pike built an event car that Paddy Hopkirk would drive. During 1967 there were many rallies: the Tulip Rally, the Acropolis Rally and the Austrian Rally.

In the 1968 Monte Carlo Rally competition was stiff, yet again. The Minis had to compete with the Porsches and the Renault Alpine. If conditions were dry it favoured these cars. The British team preferred it cold or wet. Consequently, Timo’s car suffered overheating but overall, we are told the result was fantastic. Rauno came third, Tony twenty-fourth and Paddy fifth.

1968 was the East African Safari Rally covering Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in four weeks.

Brands Hatch was Pike’s first race meeting followed by Silverstone and Mallory Park. 1970 saw the World Cup Rally Experience London to Mexico. Andrew Cowan drove the car that Pike had prepared. It was an 8 week event covering 16,000 miles. He had won the London to Sydney Marathon in 1968. Bobby Moore started the rally at Wembley Stadium, then it was onto Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia ending in Lisbon. Then the cars were shipped to Rio de Janeiro. An illegal entry into Uruguay proved a costly expense for Pike and Tommy. 2,000 dollars was handed over to release them from prison. Pike appeared on tv and was asked if his arrest had been drugs-related (possessing cannabis).

“I was obviously the celebrity of the night and I was flooded with offers of marriage, autographs and young ladies wanting to celebrate the night with me.”

Publisher: Create Space (with assistance from Word Play Publishing Ltd.) ISBN: 978-150778516 REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

www.ecocorpshop.com

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

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

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

from 6995€

including battery bank.

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

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

Solar swimming pool filtration pump kit.

Run your swimming pool on solar

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

from 2295€

Auto-consumo solar power kits, supplement your electricity bills

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

from 5995€

Call Ecocorp on

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

La Meseta, Bedar, Almeria

WWW.ECOCORPSHOP.COM

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

36

May 2016

motoring

Driving in Spain: top tips

All you need to know about driving in Spain, with tips, advice and a full car checklist Taking the car on a ferry to Santander or Bilbao is a great way to visit Spain, and Brits have been starting motoring holidays that way for years. Many other drivers take on the long drive down through France.

Thousands more fly into Spain every week, and with its stunning coastline and some of the trendiest cities in Europe it’s no surprise that many UK tourists want to get around in hire cars.

Like every other European country, Spain has a particular set of driving rules and customs, some of which will be quite unexpected for UK motorists.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse when the traffic cops are handing out on the spot fines, though. Key differences to note include the blood alcohol limits, the need for headlight beam deflectors for right-hand drive cars, speed limits and carrying a spare pair of glasses for those who need them.

Spain isn’t very different for drivers when compared to the rest of Europe, but the combination of driving on the right side, traffic signs in a different language, and a change in local road manners can confuse even the most experienced drivers. That’s why we’ve compiled a handy guide to driving in Spain packed with the best tips, advice and checklists for all UK motorists to read before taking to Spanish roads .

Which documents do I need for driving in Spain?

To drive in Spain you will need a full and valid UK driver’s licence. You will also need proof of ownership (V5C) and insurance, as well as a passport or a national identity card.

What do I need to carry in my car when driving in Spain?

All cars driving in Spain are required to carry two warning triangles to be placed at the front and back of the car in the event of a breakdown. Headlamp beam deflectors are another must for UK drivers venturing into Spain in their right hand drive cars. Spanish law does not require drivers to carry reflective jackets, but anyone found walking on the motorway hard shoulder without one will be fined.

If you need glasses to drive, you are required to carry a spare pair with you in the car and if your car does not have a GB-euro symbol number plate you must purchase a GB sticker to fit on the car.

Spain recently issued a law banning the use of radar detectors, with users facing a €200 fine. However, sat-navs with speed camera location warnings have yet to be outlawed.

The use of mobile phones while driving is also on the banned list, but handsfree devices are still allowed within Spanish road laws.

Driving in Spain checklist: • Full and valid driver’s licence • V5C • Proof of Insurance • Passport/national ID • Reflective jackets • Warning triangles • Spare pair of spectacles (for those who use glasses while driving) • Headlamp beam deflectors • GB sticker (non GB-euro symbol cars only) What is the alcohol limit for driving in Spain?

You don’t need to worry about buying a breathalyser kit for driving in Spain,

but you should make a note of the more stringent drink-drive limits. The blood alcohol limit is Spain is 0.05 per cent, and an even lower 0.01 per cent for drivers with less than three years of experience.

Spanish Autopista tolls and petrol prices Like other central European countries Spain houses an impressive motorway network complete with tollbooths to charge you for the privilege. The fees are in a similar class to France and Italy, with the 136km coastal route from Malaga to Gibraltar setting you back €9.55.

Cars towing a caravan or a trailer will pay the same fees as normal cars for motorway use in Spain. The tolls are only on A-signed roads, and anyone wishing to save a little money can use the E-signed roads, these are the Spanish equivalent of UK A roads.

While you may have to shell out on motorway travel, you’ll make back the money at the fuel pumps. Spanish petrol stations are a welcome sight for UK drivers, with petrol and diesel costing on average €1.319 and €1.159 per litre, (compared to €1.681 and €1.704 per litre in the UK).

Driving in Spain: insurance and breakdown cover Most UK insurance companies allow for 90 days of cover in EU countries – but the majority will only provide third party cover. Confirm the type of insurance cover you will have in Spain before you leave.

Unlike insurance, breakdown cover is not a mandatory requirement in Spain. It is nevertheless a welcome addition to any long journey. The bigger breakdown providers will do Europe wide coverage, but this is often an add-on to the basic policy. Check with your provider the type of cover you have, and if necessary you can purchase single trip cover online.

Speed limit leeway for overtaking The national speed limit on motorways is 120km/h, and those looking to overtake you will often flash their lights in anticipation. On smaller roads with one lane in each direction, drivers are allowed to exceed the speed limit by 20km/h when overtaking a slower vehicle.

Use those indicators Spanish authorities have also started to enforce indicating while changing lanes or road position – this is something some UK drivers need to readjust to.

Take care in towns Unless the traffic signs say otherwise, the speed limit drops to 50km/h when you reach most cities and towns. Spanish cities are often congested and it’s not LOS DOLSES S.L unusual to be surrounded by mobs of scooters edging into the oncoming traffic. At first the driving style can take some getting used to, but on the whole, BEST PRICES Spanish drivers are friendly and courteous.

Enjoy the costal roads PAID C AR S F O R C A S H The southern coastal roads are a treat to any driver, Call Spencer on 637 090 665 and they stop by some of the biggest cities in Spain, MECHANIC WORKSHOP too.

PHONE JAMES on 672 532 758 http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

G.T.AUTOS

THE ONE STOP CAR CENTRE

WANTED

www.soltimes.com

San Miguel Golf Society at Lo Romero.

May 11th, 2016.

3rd Norman

Lo Romero always attracts a good Society turn out and 47 members and 3 guests made their way this time around to a course bathed in sunshine, and once again found to be in excellent condition. Whilst the wind got up a bit during play, it was the slick greens that caused most problems, with putts from above the hole being particularly difficult to gauge. Scoring though was pretty good, with the stand out return of the day being posted by President Phil Birtwistle, some 5 points ahead of any other prize winner from the 3 categories played.

In this season’s match play competitions, Steve Higgins knocked out last year’s single’s champion John Osborne 2 up, and in the doubles event Steve Fleet and Ken Flaherty overcame Mick Roscoe and Mike Jordan 3&2.

The winners now go through to their respective semi-finals.

The day’s stableford results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 5th Brian Butler (33 on CB), 4th Chris Hamblett (35 on CB),

37

COSTA COBRAS RFC BEACH RUGBY TRAINING

Costa Cobras RFC this coming Friday are having McBride (35 their AGM at the on CB), 2nd Bridge Bar in Brian Mulligan Rojales at 19.00 (35 on CB), to decide on the next step forward, and 1st, with by far the day’s as we have plenty best score and of things in the pipeline.

So if a major cut anybody wants now due, Phil to come along Birtwistle (41). and join the club Silver on the night and find out what is Category: happening then 5th Mike they are more than Fearnehough (31 on CB), 4th welcome to.

In June we will Nick Spicer (33 be looking at on CB), 3rd Norman Cahill (33 on CB), starting to train 2nd Dave Stewart (35) and 1st, Glen on the beach at Rapley with 36 points.

Guardamar in front of the restaurants Gold Category: 5th Robin Eastman (29 to get plenty of beach rugby practice in ready for the summer tournaments. on CB), 4th Theo Boelhouwer (33 on CB), 3rd Darren Hancock (33 on CB), With new members joining we are 2nd Richard Wale (35), and 1st, Steve looking to put a team in for the San Javier beach 5’s on 23 July and San Higgins with 36 points.

Juan 7’s the first Saturday in August, The Abacus, a decent bottle of red just like last year so come along and plonk, was won by Paul Cobain. let’s get a good strong team together.

Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open to We have also been invited to other all) went to Bjorn Pettersson (5), Alan tournaments as well, like the La Vila Hill (7), Mike Fearnehough (12) and beach 7’s on 16 July.

John Aitchison (15).

Also have had players asking to Our thanks go to the staff at Lo Romero come and join the Cobras and play for them in the tournaments again golf course for their contribution to an this year, so come along and join in enjoyable day. the fun.

Keep up to date with all SMGS matters Costa Cobras RFC training is by logging on to our website www. on Monday and Wednesday from smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig 18.00-19.30 at Daya Vieja at the a call on 966 731 033 to find out more sports ground until the end of the about the society and its weekly golf month concentrating and ball skills get-togethers. Next week we will be at and fitness, ready for the beach tournaments. Then we will be on Alhama.

Guardamar beach.

We have also just been given by Elche RFC the Ireland ladies signed 7’s shirt, the team that was in Elche last year in the 7’s and won the bowl in the USA 7’s circuit. All proceeds will be going to DEBRA so if anybody is interested in the shirt let the club know or contact me on the number below.

So come a long and join the rugby revolution with this new rugby club from the start and be part of something new in the area.

All ages, gender and nationalities

are welcome, from beginners to experienced players, the more the merrier, as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport.

So come along and join the newest rugby club on the Costa Blanca. Also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.

For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242. Also I am down at Zoco market on Sunday from 09.00-13.30, so come on down and find more out about the club and rugby in the area. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals, Cotton Traders, club and international shirts.

T.M.G.S. @ La Finca 11/5/16

With many of our Scandinavian members leaving for home in the last few weeks our numbers were a little depleted. A pleasant warm and windless day greeted us as we arrived, a welcome change after the rain of the last few days. Unfortunately it wasn’t going to last, as we turned onto the back nine the wind began to blow and the scores began to fall. Dave Lethaby’s 33 pts. proved to be the best score of the day and give him 1st place in the Gold category, Norbert Spaniol came 2nd on lower handicap from Ian Brown both with 31 pts. The Silver category members didn’t score so well and it only took 29 pts. from Sandra Twentyman to take 1st place, Alan Rickers was 2nd with 28 pts. and Mick Kennedy 3rd with 26 pts. the “2’s” pot this week contained only €23 and as no one made a “2” this will be carried over to Villamartin next week. In the N.T.P. competition Ian Brown won it on the 3rd hole, Dave Lethaby was closest on the 6th, Sandra Twentyman on hole 13 and Kenny “Isaac” Hunter on the 16th. Best guest this week was George Dixson with 25 pts. Photo: N.T.P. winners Date for your diary; 25/5/16 golf trip to Las Pinaillas (Albacete) transport, green fee, buggy meal and comp fee are all included for just €60. Book your place via our website www.tmgs.org or Facebook.com/TMGSGOLF or call the Secretary on 661 524 101

SOL TIMES

COSTA BLANCA

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

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

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

May 2016

EUROGOLF 3 CLUBS AND A PUTTER

getting wet as at 7.50 the heavens opened for 10 minutes but then it stopped and just stayed grey but warm so conditions were quite good for golf much to the annoyance of one of my playing partners who bought an umbrella from the golf shop before we set out! The results were Cat 1 (0-15) 1st Pino Perito 2nd Arthur Crammon 36 3rd George mcCallum 34 Cat 2.

(16-24) 1st Morag Turner 32 2nd Debbie Weedon 31 3rd John Fairhurst 30 Cat 3. (25-31) 1ST Angelique Berndt 36 2nd Bruce Gordon 35 3rd Eamon Divine 33 Cat 4. (32+) 1st Chris Stanley 31 2nd Lauraine Walker 29 best front 9 Frances Buckerideg 16 Best back 9 Bob Buckeridge 19 NTP´s 5th Morag Turner 11th Chris Stanley 15th Cindi Green 17th Arthur Crammon Overall winner Pino Perito Football draw Eamon Divine Bruce Gordon Bev Fairhurst Ian Stewart.

Congratulations to all the winner.

If you would like to play with Eurogolf on Tuesdays and Thursdays at La Marquesa please visit the website www.eurogolf-quesada. co.uk. We also have an active social scene for golfers and non golfers.

La Marina Golf Society For the first time this year ,we seem to have been jinxed as we were hit by a series of mishaps.

Initially ,we should have played a Texas Scramble for the OPTIMA OPTICA TROPHY but due to various illnesses not enough players could make the journey to PERALEJA golf course to do justice to the competition.We therefore played a singles competition and the OPTIMA OPTICA TROPHY wIll be fought for later in the year.

Winner of the Silver group was Captain Jimmy Scott with a very creditable 37 points and the prize in the Gold Group went to Les Pirie with 33points.

Nearest the pins were won by Brian Stewart, Graeme Buchanan , Alan Craig and Louvain Smith.

The 2’s Pot was won by returning star Eric Taylor who banked 43 Euros.

This leads to the next mishap when it was discovered that due to an oversight, no golf balls were available for the prizewinners but all accepted gracefully that they would be available at the next meeting.

BRADLEY BREAKERS

965 723 270 607 848 332

So to the final mishap of the day when I discovered that the photograph I had taken had disappeared from my I-Pad!!

Hopefully ,all will be well at our next meeting at Font del Llop on 26th May, first tee 10.a.m. at a cost of 40 Euros.

Just a note to wish Royal Marines Trophy Sponsor ,Eric Edwards , well whilst he is undergoing hospital treatment and hope to see him participating again soon.

___________________________________________ Diesel Engine Tuning Specialists. We fine tune your vehicles engine management software to save you money on fuel.

Also Performance Diesel Engine Tuning

REDUCE FUEL COSTS

Custom Tuning

Up to 20% better fuel Economy is achievable

From just 199€

On Thursday 12th May Eurogolf played a ´fun´ game with 3 clubs and a putter and amazingly the scores weren’t much different to when we play with a bagful of clubs! In fact its fair to say there may be a few drivers for sale on ebay as a lot of us found we hit our 3 woods just as far off the tee. As most of Cat.1 players chose not play in this but to play a more serious game behind us there were only 2 prizes in this division.

Cat.1 (0-15) Arthur Crammon 29 2nd David Gregson 26 Cat 2. (16-24) 1st Robin Richards 31 2nd Ian Stewart 31 3rd Alan Venables 30 Cat.3 (2531) 1st Eamon Divine 33 2nd Steve Sayers 32 3rd Ken Enever 29 Cat.4 (32+) 1st Clare Daye-Gretton 32 2nd Franco Gentili 30 3rd Mike Gillett 30 NTP`s 5th Albert Lawson 11th Robin Richards 15th Robin Richards 17th Eamon Divine Best front 9 Chris Stanley 18 Best back 9 Martin Rigers 19 Football draw Joy Gray Arthur Crammon Keith Wright Steve Sayers Martin Rogers TUESDAY TOFFS We were pleasantly surprised we got the full 18 on Tuesday without

All makes & models

38

MORE BHP & TORQUE

Up to 35% more power! with

ECU

Remapping

Also Performance Petrol engine Tuning

We have a fully mobile service, so come to you at your home or work place.

We cover most of the Costa’s and inland Spain. from Denia to Gibraltar.

Google us: Veloc Tuning Spain or Call us: 600827517 & 950104488

Email Us: paul@veloc-ecu-remapping-spain.com

39

www.soltimes.com

new fords available

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511

www.specialistvehicles.com

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

€69,950

Landrover Disco.Sport 2.2SD4, HSE, Auto, 2016, NEW!

€POA

BMW 428 COUPE

luxury, auto, 2014, 4,700 kms

€39,950

vw california 2.5tdi, 2007, 178,000km,

€27,950

•VW California edition 2.0TDi Auto, 2015, Delivery km...... €69,950 •MGTF Cabrio 1250cc, 1954, 146,000km.........................................€27,950 •bmw 320d, cabriolet, diesel, 2011, 92,000km...........................€21,950 •toyota fj cruiser 4.0l petrol, auto, 2009, 87,000km.........€poA •Kia Sportage 1.6GDi, 2014, 23,000km, ...................................€16,950 •honda civic, 1.6i, dtec sport, 2013, 37,000km.......................€16,450 •hyundai i30 1.4 Crdi 2013, 5-doors, silver........................... €12,950 •Toyota yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012, 40,000KM.................................... €12,950 •citroen c-elysee exc. auto, 2015, 0km....................................€12,950 • Dacia Duster 1.5DCi, 2013, 83,000km..............................................€POA •Kia Sportage 2.0CRDi, 2010, 37,000km .............................. €11,950 •Toyota Avensis 2l D4D, 2010, 60,000km...................................€11,950 •Opel Astra 1.6 16v, 2012, 51,000km.............................................€11,950 •ford kuga, 2.0tdci, 2009, 164,000km............................................€11,950 •Mini Cooper Clubman 1.6D, 2011,166,000km....................... €10,950 •Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 HDi, Auto, 2008, 148,000km. €8,950 •Mini One black, beige leather, 2008, 96,000km.......................€8,950 •Seat Leon 1.9TDi, 2007, 115,000km..................................................€7,950 •FORD FUSION 1.6 AUTO, 2007, 108,000KM...............................€6,950 •Chrysler Sebring 2.0i Cabrio, 2005,152,000km..................... €4,950 •Opel Meriva 1.3CDT1, 2006, 156,000km........................................€4,450

Hyundai Tuscan

1.7 CRDi, 2016, New, 0 km

•Citroen C5 2.0HDi, 2003, 184,000km................................................€3,950 •Chrysler Grand Voyager 3.8 Auto, 2001,166,000 miles.. €3,950 •CITROEN C5 1.8 I PETROL, 2004, 99,000 KM................................... €3,450

€23,950

•CITROEN Picasso 2.0HDi, 2000, 70,000km, .............................€3,450

mercedes clc 200

•Fiat Palio Weekend 1.9 TDi, 2002 , 110,000km................... €2,950

1.8CDi (Diesel) 2008, 89,000 kms

Right hand drive vehicles •rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles....................€13,950 •honda civic 1.8 petrol, 2006, 118,000miles..................................€3,950

VW Golf

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

106,000km €14,950

Toyota Yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012 40,000km

€12,950

d4d, 2010, 60,000km,

€11,950

AUDI A3

2.0TDI DSG, 2006 AUTO, SPORTBACK, ALLOYS, 149,000kms

€9,950

Kia Soul 2 (RHD) 1.6CRDi, 2013, Diesel, 22,000miles,

€9,950

Citroen c4 grand picasso 1.6hd1, auto, 2008, 148,000kms

€8,950

Ford Focus (RHD) 1.6 Zetec, 2011, 19,000miles

€7,950

•chrysler stratus 2.0 auto, 1999, 104,000km......................€2,950

€15,750

1.4 Match TDi DSG, Diesel, 2012,

toyota avensis 2l

•mazda 3 sport, 2.0, petrol, 2005, 50,000 miles...................€3,950 •ReNault Megane 1.6 Petrol, 2006, 80,000 miles...........€2,950

Right hand drive - spanish reg •Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6HDi, 2008, 85,000 miles....€6,950

citroen jumpy

2.0hdi, 2005, Diesel, 183,000kms

€5,950

Ford Fiesta

1.3 Petrol 2007, 68,000km

€5,450

•toyota hilux, 2.5 diesel, 2004, 105,000 miles......................€5,450 •jaguar s-type, 3.0 v6, petrol, 2000, 112,000 miles...........€3,950 •Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 CRDi, Auto, 2004, 128,000 miles.........€3,450 •Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0TDCi, 2005, 115,000miles.............€2,950 •Ford Mondeo 2.0i, 2004 127,000 miles.................................... €2,450 •Citroen Picasso HDi Diesel, 2001, green..........................€1,950

~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash ~ Full procurement service

Toyota Hilux

2004, 2.5D4D 168,981 kms

€5,450

Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com

N-332 km carretera, Call us: 968 146 18 158 or 618 628 511

pilar de la horadada

●Re-registration service available ●no obligation test drives ●we bring the vehicle to you

40

SOLTIMES may 2016

www.soltimes.com

ENGLAND SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Tel 902 750 190

stages of Euro 2016, which runs until 10 July.

They kick off their Group B campaign against Russia on 11 June, England manager Roy Hodgson has named Manchester United’s before facing Wales (16 June) and Slovakia (20 June).

18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford in an initial 26-man squad for Euro England warm up for the tournament with matches against Turkey (22 2016.

Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend and Arsenal midfielder Jack May), Australia (27 May) and Portugal (2 June).

Wilshere are also called up for the tournament in France, which starts Hodgson said he would like to tell the 23 players who have made the final squad after the game against Australia. on 10 June.

But there is no place for Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, Former England striker Gary Lineker said the 26-man Everton’s Phil Jagielka or West Ham’s Mark Noble. squad contained “bags of talented youngsters”.

The deadline for all 24 teams to submit their 23-man He tweeted: “Great experience for them. Give them their squads is 31 May. wings, take pressure off, have fun and see where it takes Rashford only broke into the United first team in the us.” second half of the season but quickly became a firm Squad fixture.

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster He scored four times in his first two appearances and has seven goals from 16 games since making his senior debut (Southampton), Tom Heaton (Burnley). on 25 February.

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Chris Smalling Asked about Rashford’s chances of featuring in his final (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker 23-man squad, Hodgson, 68, said: “The competition is (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), quite strong, he’ll understand that.

Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne “There’s no reason why he can’t knock someone off their (Liverpool). perch, but it will be harder than some people might expect.”

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley “Huge honour to be named in provisional England squad,” tweeted Townsend, who joined Newcastle in a £12m from (Everton), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Tottenham in January.

Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson “Will give my all over next few weeks to try and make final squad!”

(Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Wilshere, 24, broke his leg in August and only made his first start of Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Newcastle the season for Arsenal on Sunday.

United), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

He tweeted: “Absolutely buzzing! I can’t wait to meet up with the squad and start preparing for the Euros. Thanks for all the messages.” Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Responding to his omission, Walcott tweeted: “I am of course disappointed not to make the squad, but I have spoken with Roy and Marcus Rashford (Manchester United). respect his decision.”

Hodgson’s 26-man squad features two players from Premier League England squad in stats champions Leicester City - striker Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater Forster has kept 19 Premier League clean sheets in the last two - while Tottenham, who finished third, and Liverpool both provide five Premier League seasons; Joe Hart (29) is the only England keeper to players. keep more.

England will play Wales, Russia and Slovakia in the group Bertrand is one of only five Premier League full-backs to have made more than 200 crosses in the last two seasons Smalling has been present for 17 of Manchester United’s 18 clean After dominating the game for 50 minutes against a La Hoya side sheets in the Premier League already promoted, Mazarron fell foul of some poor defending and Stones made 33 Premier league blocks for Everton - nine more than refereeing decisions and were eventually beaten 4-1 after being any other player at the club reduced to nine men.

Alli has been involved in 19 Premier League goals (nine goals, 10 The opening exchanges were fairly even but Mazarron had a couple of scares when first Mounir and then Bogdan slipped to let in La Hoya but assists) this season, more than any other English midfielder in the division goalkeeper Antonio and captain Juan Andreo came to the rescue.

Drinkwater made more tackles (106) than any other English midfielder After 25 minutes a pin-point free kick from Miguel found Hafid who in the Premier League this season hit a first time volley just over the bar only to be given offside. Five minutes later Jose’s headed from a Willy cross was saved by the La Henderson made more passes than any other England midfielder Hoya keeper but the offside flag had been raised again. during Euro 2016 qualifying (353).

Mazarron took the lead after 35 minutes when a superb through ball Wilshere played more successful passes than any other England

by Willy found Jose racing into the penalty area and hitting a right foot midfielder during the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign (291). shot firmly into the net. La Hoya equalised three minutes before the Rashford became the youngest player to score in a Premier League interval when Antonio completely missed a right wing corner to allow Manchester derby this season, when he netted against Man City aged Juan Cruz to head into an empty net at the far post.

18 years and 141 days.

Mazarron should have regained the lead just two minutes into the second half but Willy delayed his shot too long and the La Hoya keeper Sturridge scored a goal every 122 minutes in the Premier League this smothered his shot at close range. This miss proved costly as the season, the best goals per minute ratio of any English player to score. home team went ahead in the 53rd minute after a poor back pass by Bbc.com

LA HOYA LORCA CF B 4 MAZARRON FC 1

Alfonso allowed Pedro to round Antonio and score easily.

Rollon came on to replace Champi after 63 minutes and within five minutes had received two yellow cards which reduced Mazarron to ten men. Five minutes later it was nine men when goalkeeper Antonio was astonishingly shown a red card after an altercation with the La Hoya official responsible for retrieving lost balls who was indulging in some unnecessary time wasting tactics. Antonio was so incensed by the decision that it took three Mazarron players to restrain him and escort him to the dressing room under the watchful eye of the Guardia Civil.

Substitute goalkeeper Paco replaced Mounir and made a number of good saves but was powerless to prevent Juan Cruz and Pedro adding two further goals as La Hoya made their numerical advantage pay in the closing minutes.

Team: Antonio; Mounir (Paco); Bohdan (Enrique); Juan Andreo; Alfonso; Juanlu; Champi (Rollon); Hafid; Miguel; Willy (Silverio); Jose.

Man of the Match: Juan Andreo.

Mazarron’s final game of the season is at home on Sunday (22nd May) against CD Juvenia kick off 6 pm. Only a win will keep alive Mazarron’s chances of reaching the play-offs.