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May 2016

Spain ordered to make cigarette packets plain and unbranded

EUROPEAN Commissioners have ordered Spain to implement new laws on cigarette sales, including making all packets generic and unbranded.

Spain is one of a handful of European Union member States which has not implemented the directive on tobacco by the deadline, which was on Friday.

The aims of the directive include reducing the number of people who smoke by encouraging them to give up or not to start in the first place, dissuading teenagers and very young adults from taking up the habit, and ensuring everyone is fully aware of the dangers involved.

It covers rules on the manufacturing, production and presentation of cigarettes, loose ‘roll-your-own’ tobacco, pipe tobacco, chewing

tobacco, electronic or E-cigarettes, and herbb a s e d products designed to be ‘smoked’.

Spain’s caretaking h e a l t h ministry has responded to its EC counterpart, Lithuanian Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis that it is working to ensure the implementation is ‘ready as soon as possible’ but that to do so would ‘require legislative changes which cannot be dealt with now’, given that the country only has an acting government. thinkspain.com

Students launch campaign against unpaid work experience

STUDENTS at a Madrid university have started a nationwide campaign against the practice of being forced to undertake work experience as part of their training – completely unpaid.

“It’s shameful how, in Spain, numerous companies resort to taking on students who want to start out in the world of work and gradually learn about their chosen profession on the job, to gain experience, in order to get free labour,” says the petition on Change. org started by two undergraduates at the Complutense University.

“It means we have to take on jobs without receiving any financial compensation whatsoever.”

Graduate or undergraduate work experience ‘employees’ are euphemistically known as becarios, or ‘scholarship students’ – but the term is misleading because they do not receive a grant, or even their travel costs covered.

Although not always a condition of passing a degree course, it is generally expected and accepted that during or just after college, students will join firms for a few months or a

year or so as becarios to learn the trade. This encourages companies not to take on employees, since they know they can get a work experience student instead and avoid having to pay anything, the campaigners say.

Both are studying media and say they are speaking as ‘journalists, future journalists and communications media professionals in general’ but that they are ‘conscious that many other professions also suffer from these abusive practices’.

The petition has been addressed to the Complutense itself, calling for it to stop ‘offering unpaid work’, and are urging as many public organisms as possible to sign it.

They have set up the hashtag #GratisNoTrabajo (‘I’m not working for free’) and, at the time of publication, had already netted 77,750 signatures.

“In these tough times, a culture of exploitation in the workplace has become rife in Spain, and serves as an excuse for firms to take on students eager to work, for little or no pay,” the petition concludes. thinkspain

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Madrid metro strike planned to hit Copa del Rey and Bruce Springsteen concert

UNDERGROUND train drivers across the Greater Madrid region will strike this weekend to make sure they cause maximum impact – public transport will be restricted during the Copa del Rey football final and the planned concerts

by Bruce ‘The Boss’ Springsteen and national crooner Manolo García.

Both artists will perform live on Saturday night, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium (Springsteen) and the Barclaycard Centre (García), starting at 21.00hrs and 21.30hrs respectively.

The Copa del Rey final between Barça FC and Sevilla kicks off at 21.30hrs on Sunday in the Vicente Calderón stadium.

Only minimum services will be provided from 18.30hrs to 21.00hrs and then from 23.00hrs to 01.30hrs on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22.

Monday will see rush-hour chaos with strikes scheduled for between 06.30hrs and 09.00hrs.

Train drivers will down tools in protest over the rail board’s refusal to give them an extra 14 days’ time off in lieu a year for what they claim are unpaid extra hours.

They point out that when they finish their seven-hour, 15-minute daily shifts, they are in a different location to the one they started in, and that the time taken to return to base should be counted as ‘work’.

Metro and outer suburban line drivers in the Madrid region enjoy 58 days’ holiday a year – 24 in summer, 27 the rest of the year, and up to seven days for ‘personal commitments’ which are not holiday-related, such as dealing with town hall administration and renewing driving licences. thinkspain

Ryanair offers €20 flights to UK to vote against Brexit

Low-cost airline argues EU membership benefits British economy Low-cost carrier Ryanair has thrown its weight behind the stay-in-Europe campaign, launching a Fly Home to Vote Remain €19.99 ticket – including taxes – between June 22 and Thursday June 23.

The move is aimed at encouraging the 1.2 million British nationals living within the EU to fly back to Britain to vote in the so-called Brexit referendum on June 23, but the cheap flight offer is open to all nationalities.

To take advantage of the offer, travellers have until midnight Thursday May 19 to book on Ryanair’s website.

The offer applies to all UK airports.

The company says that the EU’s open skies policy has transformed the tourism sector Ryanair has supported the UK remaining in Europe, saying membership creates jobs and boosts

economic growth.

The company says that the EU’s open-skies policy has transformed the tourism sector, while the free movement of goods and services has made Britain one of the most competitive economies in Europe.

It also argues that the reforms secured by British Prime Minister David Cameron are sufficient to protect the pound, limit immigration from within the EU, and establish closer union while at the same time reducing bureaucracy. Ryanair says that if the Brexiteers win, Britain will lose out to Ireland and Germany in attracting foreign investment.

Ryanair employs more than 3,000 people at the 13 airports from which it operates in the United Kingdom, and transports more than 41 million passengers each year. elpais

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Three Spanish Olympic sailors robbed at gunpoint in Rio, Brazil

Three Spanish Olympic sailors have been robbed at gunpoint on a popular tourist street in Rio. The three were forced to hand over their equipment.

Spain’s Sailing Federation complained Saturday that there was a lack of security in Rio, just three months ahead of the Olympic Games which open in early August.

The trainer of Spain’s Nacra 17 catamaran class sailors, Santi LopezVazquez, said he and two other team members were confronted by “five youths with two pistols” while they walked to breakfast in Rio’s picturesque Santa Teresa district.

“They took all the work equipment we were carrying at that time,” LopezVazquez said. “It was a very unpleasant experience.”

Rio’s tourism police said the items stolen included a bag with money, documents and a camera. The Spanish team said the robbery occurred in the early hours of Saturday, while police said it happened on Friday.

Away from popular tourist areas, Rio’s large, poorer neighborhoods known as favelas are often the scene of shootouts between drug gangs and heavily armed police.

Muggings and crimes involving firearms also occur often in wealthier suburbs in the south of Rio de Janeiro.

Sailing crews preparing for the

euro

Olympics have already expressed concern about pollution and floating garbage in Guanabara Bay, where they will race.

Brazil is mired in the deepest recession since the 1930s and a series of scandals, including the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff ahead of an impeachment trial.

There are also ongoing concerns over the spread of the Zika virus. The outbreak began in early 2015 before spreading to the rest of Latin America.

Transmitted by mosquitoes, the virus is believed to cause birth defects and neurological problems. There have been around 1,300 confirmed cases of microcephaly, babies born with small brains, in Brazil, with thousands more under investigation.

Olympic worries include slow ticket sales, cuts in security spending, and the death of two cyclists last month when a clifftop bike lane built for Olympic visitors collapsed into the sea.

Interim President Michel Temer is expected to declare the games “open” on 5 August. http://www.dw.com

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EgyptAir: Submarine searches for missing flight data recorders

Egypt has deployed a submarine to search for the flight data recorders of the missing EgyptAir plane.

“We are moving hard to retrieve the two boxes,” President Abdul Fattah alSisi said in his first public comments on the crash.

The Airbus A320 was en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people aboard when it vanished from radar early on Thursday.

Mr Sisi said there was “no particular theory we can affirm right now” for what caused flight MS804 to crash.

Investigators say smoke was detected in various parts of the cabin three minutes before it disappeared.

Egypt’s civil aviation minister has said the possibility of a terror attack was stronger than technical failure, but Mr Sisi said establishing the cause could take a long time, adding “all scenarios are possible”.

The Egyptian military released images on Saturday of life vests, personal items and debris showing the EgyptAir logo which were found during the search in the Mediterranean Sea. The search has also reportedly found body parts and luggage.

The main body of the plane and the two “black boxes” which record flight data and cockpit transmissions have not yet been located.

The Aviation Herald said that smoke detectors had gone off in the toilet and the aircraft’s electronics before the signal was lost.

It said it had received flight data filed

through the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) from three independent channels.

It said the system showed that at 02:26 local time on Thursday (00:26 GMT) smoke was detected in the jet’s toilet.

A minute later - at 00:27 GMT there was an avionics alert indicating smoke in the bay below the cockpit that contains aircraft electronics and computers.

The last ACARS message was at 00:29 GMT, the air industry website said, and the contact with the plane was lost four minutes later at 02:33 local time.

ACARS is used to routinely download flight data to the airline operating the aircraft.

Agency spokesman Sebastien Barthe said the messages “generally mean the start of a fire” but added: “We are drawing no conclusions from this.

Everything else is pure conjecture.”

Philip Baum, the editor of Aviation Security International Magazine, told the BBC that technical failure could not be ruled out.

“There was smoke reported in the aircraft lavatory, then smoke in the avionics bay, and over a period of three minutes the aircraft’s systems shut down, so you know, that’s starting to indicate that it probably wasn’t a hijack, it probably wasn’t a struggle in the cockpit, it’s more likely a fire on board.”

BBC

4

May 2016

Spain trade deficit falls 10.6% in March y/y

ort Spain trade deficit falls 10.6% in March y/y Spain's trade deficit fell 10.6% in

March from a year earlier to EU796 million as imports outstripped exports, the e c o n o m y ministry said on Friday.

Exports in March fell 3.3% yearon-year to EU22.44 billion while imports fell 3.6% to EU23.24 billion, the ministry said. tumbit

Teen seriously injured when fifth-floor selfie goes wrong

An 18-year-old girl is in a serious condition after falling off a fifth floor balcony while taking a selfie.

The girl fell off the balcony in Girona, northwestern Spain, on Thursday while attempting to take a photo of herself on her mobile phone.

She was rushed to Josep Trueta hospital, where she remains in a “serious condition” police sources told Europa Press.

She was on the top floor of the building when she stepped on a false

ceiling and plummeted towards the ground. Her fall was broken by a pile of rubbish.

The girl is badly bruised and has sustained injuries to her lower back but is reported to be in stable condition.

It is not the first serious accident that has been caused by people taking selfies.

Bucket list: 16 brilliant things to do once in your life in Spain Italy has seen a spate of selfie-related deaths, including a German tourist who fell to his death while attempting to take a photo of himself in the mountains and an Italian teenager who slipped while taking a selfie on a cliff and plummeted to the rocks 20 metres below.

Another Italian teen ended up in a coma after falling from a fence outside Rome’s Colosseum while attempting a selfie, and a priceless statue was left literally legless after a foreign student attempted to take a selfie with the artwork, but ended up damaging it. thelocal

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its effect as well. Although you may brush off the milder side effects, your body is still suffering - and several of these have a significant bearing on weight gain.

Low water, slow metabolism. Your body’s ability to remove waste and detoxify is inhibited. In addition, your metabolism is slower without water. One study found that drinking 16 ounces of water daily increases your metabolic rate by 30 percent. Guys. That’s literally ONE standard-size water bottle. JUST DRINK IT. Increased hunger. When you’re somewhat dehydrated, your body confuses it for hunger, causing you to eat when you don’t need to.

Read: weight gain. break down sugar. If you’re a water bottle and FILL. IT. UP.http://www.msn.com Slowed circulation, irregular diabetic, this is especially temperature.

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8 Security fears hit Thomas Cook as tourists choose Spain over Turkey

May 2016

from Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt to the Canaries, Balearics and mainland Spain where it had found extra hotel rooms, but it was not enough to compensate.

Holidaymakers could turn to Turkey at the last minute, Fankhauser said. "There is no late market in Spain, because Spain is filling up extremely fast, and then there may be a shift back into Turkey," he said.

Thomas Cook's rival TUI said earlier this month its bookings were up 1%, with demand strong.

"We are suffering a bit more (than rivals) because we are much bigger (in Turkey) than other competitors," Fankhauser said. "We are happy with the demand outside Turkey, we are up 6% if you take Turkey out."

Thomas Cook said operating profit for its year to end-March 2017 would be between 310 million and 335 million pounds. Analysts have forecast a range of 310 million to 359 million.

First half revenue grew slightly to 2.67 billion pounds, it said, and an underlying operating loss narrowed by 5% to 163 million pounds thanks to an improvement in margins.

It said it continued to expect to pay a dividend this year. tumbit.com

Security fears hit Thomas Cook as tourists choose Spain over Turkey Thomas Cook said its summer bookings fell as security concerns meant more holidaymakers opted for breaks in Spain over Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, outstripping its efforts to adjust flights.

Despite shifting 1.2 million airline seats from the eastern to the western Mediterranean, the British travel operator said bookings were down by 5% and full-year profit would now be at the bottom end of market forecasts.

Thomas Cook shares dropped 19% to a three-year low of 72 pence after its first-half results, on a day travel stocks fell after the disappearance of

an EgyptAir flight.

Chief Executive Peter Fankhauser said Turkey, its second most popular destination last year, had not recovered as he had hoped after an attack on tourists in Istanbul in January.

"This has had a particular impact on our German airlines business, which is the market leader into Turkey."

The last update from Thomas Cook in March, which sent its shares to a previous 3-year low, came on the same day as explosions in Brussels.

Fankhauser said holiday bookings in Belgium had come "to a standstill" as a result.

Thomas Cook shifted airline seats

Spain's MasMovil unveils internet-only plans Spain's MasMovil unveils internetonly plans Spanish operator MasMovil has unveiled its first fixed broadbandonly tariffs just a few weeks after the company launched its first fibre broadband plus mobile convergent offer.

Consumers that aren’t interested in signing up to a mobile line can now subscribe to a 300 Mbps symmetric fibre service with unlimited calls to landlines plus 60 minutes to mobile lines for EUR 39.99 per month including line rental and VAT. The 50 Mbps FTTH and 20 Mbps

ADSL services both cost EUR 29.99 per month. Consumer can, if they wish, add a mobile line for just EUR 2 per month, including 500 MB of mobile data and calls at 20 eurocents for the setup.

MasMovil launched its first convergent offers at the start of the month, after it paid Orange around EUR 20 million for fixed broadband assets from Jazztel, including fibre access to around 720,000 households in Spain's largest cities. tumbit.com

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May 2016

Tips and Hints on Starting a DIY Project Summary: Below you will find numerous DIY tips and hints on starting a DIY project and also other general items to think about. This list includes a wide range of items covering topics such as Safety, Materials, Cleaning and a great deal more.

Attraction

Always a good idea to have a magnet in your tool box. Small screws and pins can easily be dropped but can be difficult to see on carpets etc. Pass over the area with a magnet.

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Non Stick

If you are ever tiling in your bathroom, under no circumstances tile over wall paper.

The tiles need to be stuck to the wall and the adhesive will loosen the adhesion of the wallpaper to the wall. You will have loose tiles in no time. Similarly, when tiling over an existing floor surface, make absolutely sure the existing surface is stuck very fast indeed. If it is not, take it up.

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Sometimes heating the screws by applying a soldering iron to the head allows them to pull out a little easier.

Spare Bag

Any tradesman will tell you that, when working in confined spaces, tools (which have a mind of their own!) hide themselves after you have put them down!! Take an empty bag or box into the room with you and when you have finished with a tool you will be using more than once, put it in the bag. It would be nice to think that we are capable of putting each tool back where it belongs immediately after we have used it but it just does not happen !!!

Hard to Reach Screws

If you have to get a screw into a tricky position, take a piece of masking tape and push the screw through it with the sticky side face up. Then insert the screwdriver blade into the screw slot and fold the masking tape up to stick the screw to the blade. The screw is then held in position on the driver and can be inserted upside down and at an angle. If possible it is much easier to start the screw off, if you can make a small pilot hole somehow.

Extension Leads

What a pain they are when you are working! If it’s at all possible, work out where you will be using the power tools the most during your project and screw some cup hooks in the ceiling or top of frames etc. Obviously you do not want to make giant holes to fill later but some discreet placement will make it easy to loop over your leads and keep them out Sometimes dust sheets are more trouble of the way. than they are worth. They hide tools, get snagged up in your feet and all the time are pulling away from the edges which are getting dirty as a result. Sometimes, Always remember to add the plaster to whatever liquids you are using soak the water and not the water to the plaster.

Keeping Clean

Plastering Lumps

through the dustsheet and make a mess anyway. If you are involved in a messy project which may take some time, investigate the cost of placing some hardboard over the surface you are protecting. Hardboard is cheap, can be cut or sawn easily around door frames, fireplaces etc and the joints can be taped together. It gives you a solid surface to work on, does not fold under your feet and will accommodate a few paint spills without worry

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Spraying Paint

If you are ever tempted to spray paint the outside of your house or fences, rather than brush it (and it is so much quicker to do so) make absolutely sure you have put your car in the garage and have told the neighbours what you intend to do. Even with little or no breeze, paint particles can carry for quite a distance and this could cost you dearly !! http://www.diydoctor.org.uk

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Weather great, but.......

The weather continues to be exceptional along the Costas but the once reliable early May thunder storms have not appeared in most areas. When breakfasting in the village today after an early walk around the valley an old villager, actually turned out to be six years younger than me, said that in the 50’s and 60’s May was seen as a very wet month with many storms. So it looks like plants will need more watching this year to ensure that they do not suddenly dry out as the water table drops week by week. We cannot repeat too often ‘Plant deep rooted drought resistant plants’ and relax during the summer without spending a fortune on water.

Colour grows daily

Spanish May gardens

a del igh t

Vegetables taking off

With the warm weather and the help of almost daily watering spring vegetables continue to crop well and summer herbs and vegetables germinate in just a few days especially in closely tended raised beds and containers. Remember that our books ‘Growing healthy vegetables in Spain’ and ‘ Apartment gardening – Mediterranean Style’ each have chapters on growing vegetables in containers in small spaces; even 21 vegetables in three metres of space.

Fruit swelling but need water

Most fruit trees are doing well but with a lower than normal water table need regular watering to stop a fruit fall. They also benefit now from a neem, propolis and nettle cocktail spray. http://gardenspain.com/

Although early spring flowering succulents and bulbs are now past their best new plants perennials and trees are bursting into bloom almost daily including the great display plants the South Afican lilies and day lilies. One of our best trees at present is a justice tree which as a cutting from a neighbour got into our garden twenty years ago and the rose, all raised from cuttings, s could not be better. It is not often seen in Spain, at least in our part of the world, and it would be interesting to know how it arrived from its original homelands of India.

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Builders buckets are great for growing a salad bar and other mini vegetables

If you can’t buy fresh vegetables daily and especially ecologically grown ones here in Spain don’t despair. The solution is easy and takes up little space.

In theory a few vegetables as well as herbs can be grown in pots but what we normally regards as pots are not very successful especially in the summer heat of Spanish gardens once temperatures rise above twenty degrees. Today and for the past few days our temperature in the shade hovers around 37 degrees but vegetables, if watered every other day, are growing well in black builders buckets of 55 centimetres diameter as shown in the photograph above and of 65 centimetres elsewhere in semishaded corners of the garden. They include red and crinkly green lettuces, rocket, Swiss chard, purslane, carrots, cabbages, cauliflowers, stevia, cumin, horse radish, climbing yard long and butter beans, dwarf beans, tomatoes, nasturtiums for edible leaves flowers and seed pods, several types of peppers and aubergines, courgettes, onions plus leeks producing seed for autumn sowing.

Based on our now twelve years of experimenting with large tub growing along the lines of the concept of a ‘ten-tub vegetable garden’ launched in our book ‘Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain’ there are many benefits as described below.

Twenty one proven benefits

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com 10. Easy soil enrichment – just make good initial soil/compost/manure mixes and top up between crops.

11. Low water wastage – no sideways losses to dry earth.

12. Circular support frames for tomatoes, peppers and beans etc., for strength.

13. Rare insect and fungal attacks – no major area of vulnerable crops.

14. Companion plant – using mutually beneficial herbs and vegetables.

14.Instant filling of gaps to replace cleared crops- just pop in a few new plantlets from local market or garden centre.

15. Of interest – to owners and visitors.

16. Easy to move or reorganise – Nothing too heavy to pull around.

17. Feature or hidden away – Part of mine is an island on the drive while other parts are in otherwise under used corners of the garden.

18. Just grow what you need – Easy for children and the infirm as well as the totally strong and able.

19. Crop rotation possible by rotating between buckets.

21. Can have a floral centre – Mine has a tall geranium.

Yes this expanded small scale vegetable growing really does work and not only in gardens but also in small patios and on apartment terraces. My retreat from an 800 square metre allotment to raised beds and at present twenty builders buckets was driven by the increasing advent of thieving, increased cost of irrigation water, pollution of water by millions weed seeds as the surrounding agricultural land was progressively abandoned, wind-blown chemical pollution from non-organic orchards, the moving of a Michelin starred restaurant away from the area – the prices they had paid for mini organic vegetables met our production costs several times ,and to reduce my physical work as now nearing 79 years of age.

So give it a go by starting with just two or three buckets of closely planted salad plantlets even now in full summer grown in a mainly shaded position and then expand to produce the vegetables for the Christmas table, including new potatoes. http://gardenspain.com

1.Small space required – You can build up a circle, square, oblong or row in one bucket units of just a quarter of a square metre.

2.High yield per square metre – Close planting works well and you have no unplanted areas and paths to worry about.

3.Speedy harvesting – If you chose vegetables regularly used and co-locate the salad and ones for steaming for instance daily or twice daily harvesting takes just minutes.

4.Relatively inexpensive – If you hunt around builders buckets are not expensive and second hand ones can be used if located.

Repair & Install 5.Little waste as number of plants controlled by Good, Fast, Low Cost your space.

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950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer web browser–you can see Bytes, Your Only Stop for solutions to just how much by looking Your computer problems. My ‘drop-in’ at the Data Usage screen.

To save data on this web browsing, clinic (like the way doctors used to be!) is at Maloans Bar in Albox (opposite the BP). use a web browser that includes a builtCall (689892745); Email (canducomputing@ in compressing proxy feature. The web hotmail.co.uk); Skype (Look for the name browser will route the data through other “saiminja”), Viber or Whatsapp (use the servers where it’s compressed before being phone number) for free advice concerning sent to you. This is normally a feature your computer. Sales pitch over and on to common on smartphones, not desktop PCs, the topic for today. but if you really need to save data–maybe Last week we continued with our discussion you have a satellite Internet connection on how to prevent windows 10 from using with a very low data cap, for example–you your computer as a “Torrent Server” (which may want to do this. is YOUR COMPUTER being used to receive Google offers an official Data Saver and transmit THEIR information without extension for Google Chrome, and it your knowledge or consent) to help them functions the same as the Data Saver feature share all the windows 10 “updates”. We built into the Chrome browser on Android have also talked about how they, as well as and iPhone. Install that into Google, and the film and music industries, have hounded you’re good to go. The Opera browser also and persecuted torrent sites, and even has a “Turbo mode“, which works similarly, coerced the legal system into pressuring if you’re more of an Opera fan.

Internet Providers into blocking known Once you’ve gotten Windows 10’s torrent websites! automatic updates–and automatic We are almost done with the “How To” uploading of updates–under control, the part of the triad of articles and you will have Windows operating system should be using more than enough information to prevent very little data on its own. Most of your data your un-asked for assistance in Microsoft’s use will come from your web browser and updating strategy. So to continue from last the other apps you use. You’ll need to keep week where we left off with: an eye on those apps and configure them to “You can still update your Store apps use less data. manually from the Windows Store app, but In the near future I will be doing an Windows won’t automatically download app article about how things go wrong for updates on its own.”, This is useful even everyone. Albox-Online have been having if you haven’t installed any apps from the an intermittent problem with their service Store. Many of Windows 10’s app(lication)s to some providers. I have been without are updated through the Store. internet for 3 days, which does make my Those live tiles on your Start menu use job a little more difficult. They have said a bit of data, too–although not much. You that when this is resolved (and it was done won’t save much data by disabling live tiles, on Tuesday – as promised) they will explain but you can do it if you want to save every what happened, and how they resolved little bit. it. It will be my pleasure to pass on this To prevent a tile from automatically information so that anyone else affected downloading and displaying new data, right- can understand and be a little kinder when click or long-press it in the Start menu, point these thing inevitably happen. So until next to “More,” and select “Turn Live Tile Off.” week, have a great week!

There’s a good For further information or advice on chance that a lot of your data usage computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk comes from your

A history of Moorish Spain (VI) 891AD; although Abdullah ibn Mohammad al – Umawi Emir of Cordoba had almost defeated his nemesis Umar ibn Hafsun by slaying his Christian army; Ibn Hafsun slowly recovered all lost territory; eventually stretching from Seville to Malaga and almost to Valencia. To strengthen his hand; Ibn Hafsun pledged loyalty to the Fatimid’s who ruled over a huge swathe of North Africa from modern day Morocco as far as Egypt. Abdullah’s’ kingdom by contrast had shrunk to just around Cordoba so he agreed a peace treaty with Ibn Hafsun in 911 only for war to break out again the next year when Abdullah died.

Years before; Emir Abdullah had designated the eldest of his four sons’ as successor. Another son promptly murdered him, so in turn Abdullah executed him. The son of the murdered son became a favourite of Abdullah where he grew up in one of the towers of Abdullah’s castle; a luxury denied to Abdullah’s squabbling children. Sometimes Abdullah allowed his grandson to sit on the throne and importantly passed the royal ring to the now twenty year old on his deathbed in 912. The day after his death, his grandson was proclaimed as Emir and Caliph of Cordoba; Abdar ar Rahman III ruled for the next 50 years until 961.

Rahman III lost no time in meticulously planning the recapture of the vast swathes of land his grandfather

May 2016

Mount Everest: Thirty climbers sick on Everest after three deaths

About 30 climbers have suffered frostbite or become ill on Mount Everest after three others died, apparently from altitude sickness.

Two Indian climbers have also been reported missing in the mountain's so-called "death zone" near the summit.

However the mountain's most successful female climber reached the summit for the seventh time on Friday.

Experts say it is not unusual for altitude sickness to claim some lives on Everest.

But this is the first climbing season for two years, after an earthquake in Nepal killed at least 18 people on the mountain last year and 16 guides were killed in an avalanche in 2014, leading to protests that prematurely ended that season.

With the mountain open again, climbers have been taking advantage of good conditions in large numbers, with nearly 400 reaching the summit from the Nepalese side since 11 May. There have been successful ascents from the Chinese side too, including Lhakpa Sherpa, a Nepalese woman now living permanently in the US and working in a convenience store in Connecticut, who reached the peak from Tibet on Friday - breaking her own record for the most Everest climbs by a woman.

But the weekend's dead and missing have highlighted the dangers of the world's highest mountain.

Indian Subhash Paul, who died on Monday, has become the latest casualty of the season. He died overnight as Sherpa guides were helping

him down the mountain.

Dutch climber Eric Ary Arnold died on Friday, after reaching the summit, while on Saturday, 34-year-old Australian woman Maria Strydom, who was born in South Africa, also died while descending from the peak.

"There was never a close call before this time," said Aletta Newman, Maria Strydom's sister.

"They were always extremely well-prepared, they trained really, really hard before each event that they did. There was never any incident before this one."

Indian climbers Paresh Nath and Goutam Ghosh went missing on Saturday, Wangchu Sherpa from the Trekking Camp Nepal agency in Kathmandu told the Associated Press.

Speaking to the BBC, Gyanendra Shrestha, a Nepalese official at Everest Base Camp, said snow blindness, altitude sickness and fatigue are very common health issues at high altitudes, although most people recover once they descend the mountain.

Most climbers are now beginning their climb down from the higher camps as spring climbing season slowly comes to an end, according to an official at the Department of Tourism.

Bbc.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

had lost to Ibn Hafsun. In January 913; Badr his eunuch army commander launched a successful attack on Ecija castle; midway between Cordoba and Seville. The defensive walls were destroyed leaving enough buildings intact to house a garrison there ready for further sorties.

The following spring after much preparation; Emir Rahman III personally led an attack on Jaen and Elvira. Concurrently another army marched south from Cordoba to retake Malaga, this action split Ibn Hafsun’s territory in two.

Rahman III then moved his forces south into Almeria, taking Finana then Juviles in the Alpujarras, Granada. Near to the modern day town of Trevelez now famed for its ham; in those days Juviles was the centre of the silk industry. Rahman III destroyed all the crops, cut off the water supply and built a huge platform to mount his siege engines on to bombard the castle perched 1200m up. Ibn Hafsuns’s soldiers who surrendered were spared and enlisted into Rahman III’s army. The fifty-five that didn’t were beheaded. For another three months Rahman III’s forces continued retaking land and hostages; forcing the defeated to send tribute back to Cordoba to prove their submission and new allegiance to the

Emir.

After Rahman III’s first victory in 913 at Ecija; the new garrison it accommodated marched west to Seville and Carmona to sue for their submission. Incidentally, Ecija once had one of the largest and intact Roman city ruins; until 1998 anyway when - remember the name of Mayor Julian Alvarez Pernia; he bulldozed the lot to create a car park. Moving again back 1000 years; Seville refused to surrender but the Lord of Carmona took advantage of the two cities rivalry throwing his lot in with the attackers. Seville was then put under siege and appealed to Ibn Hafsun for reinforcements.

Again Rahman III’s strategic planning paid off as Ibn Hafsun and his forces were ambushed and the survivors fled to Bobastro his de facto capital.

Seville finally fell in December 913 and the treacherous Lord of Carmona took his place as Vizier of Seville; for one day only as it happened because Rahman III discovered that he’d secretly continued to help Seville and so was imprisoned where he died two years later.

15

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

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

New Home Completions Rose by 15.5% to February

According to recent data published by the Spanish Government’s Ministry of Public Works, a total of 7,326 new homes were completed in Spain in the first two months of this year. This figure represents an increase of 15.5% compared with the number of home completions registered in the same period of last year, which reached a total of 6,342.

Thus, this latest data on the number of homes completed in Spain gives a positive start to 2016, after 2015 closed accumulating eight consecutive years of declines.

Since the peak levels of 2007, when some 641,419 new homes were completed during that year, the figure has decreased by 93% compared to the close of 2015, when the total was 45,152.

Of the total number of homes completed up until the end of

February, some 7,087 (96.7%) corresponded to private developer projects, representing an increase of 14.8% over a year earlier, and 239 (3.3%) related to public administrations, with a rise of 41.4%.

Among the private developer projects, some 4,421 corresponded to commercial companies, with an annual increase of 31.2%, while 2,504 were for individuals and communities of owners (+17.9%), and 144 were for cooperatives (-67.3%). There were also 18 completion certificates for other types of private developer works.

In contrast, El Mundo reported that the liquidation value of the material execution of the works fell by 7.6% up to the end of February, to a total of 792.5 million euros. kyero.com

Home Rental Prices Dropped Slightly in April The average price of rental housing in Spain fell by 0.1% in April, compared to the same month of 2015, according to the latest consumer price index data (CPI) published by the National Statistics Institute.

With the April data, home rental prices have now accumulated 37 consecutive months of declines – registering price reductions since April 2013 – although the latest decline is more moderate than the figure registered in March (-0.2%).

Moreover, the decline is a point lower than the general CPI (-1.1%), while the cumulative figures for the first four months of the year shows an increase of 0.1%, and month-onmonth, the price of rental housing remained stable.

Looking at Spain’s regions,

the price of home rentals rose in: Galicia (0.4%); the Balearic Islands (0.3%); Navarre (0.2%); Murcia (0.2%); Andalucía (0.2%); Catalonia and Melilla (both 0.2%), while in Cantabria, prices remained unchanged (0.0%).

In contrast, El Mundo reported that the regions to register the most pronounced declines were: La Rioja (-1.9%); Castilla-La Mancha (-0.6%); Castilla y León (-0.6%); Extremadura (-0.6%); the Basque Country (-0.6%); Madrid (-0.5%); Asturias (-0.3%); Aragón and Ceuta (both -0.2%). Valencia and the Canary Islands registered declines the same as the national average (-0.1%). kyero.com

18

May 2016

Maintain your Property this Summer

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Summer is upon us, despite the lack of sun! But for most of us there’s always someone that has a list of jobs to do around the house. So whether that’s you or someone to throw a list of jobs at, let us help you. We’ve compiled a list of around the house jobs to do over the summer to keep your property tip top and protected for another inevitable cold, wet and windy UK Winter.

Woodworm / Insects This time of year offers perfect warm and humid living conditions for wood boring insects such as woodworm. Go around your house and check the exposed wood.

The signs to look for include small holes in the timber which are surrounded by powder (frass), this means it is a live infestation and must be seen by a specialist to assess and treat it further. Also have some ant powder and fly spray at the ready to keep your living areas hygienic and bug free!

Damp Damp cannot always be seen easily but it can cause mould. Mould is caused by water ingress through the walls or by condensation that does not dry up. The most common mould found in the UK is Blackspot which can be found in small or large patches. A lot of the time we can sense a musty smell or see the wallpaper/paint peeling away from the walls. The affected area will probably feel damp to the touch and this is caused by lack of airflow to the area. So make sure you pull out any furniture which is against the walls to check.

Another top tip is to keep the house well ventilated, so open window when you can and leave air vents open if you have them. Another common area for damp is the basement because it is below groundwater level so moisture can enter more easily.

To solve these issues, make sure you have a respected professional in property preservation such as Timberwise and get a damp survey done on the property. For inspiration on how to convert your basement check out our Youtube videos on what to expect from the job!

Gardening and external maintenance Take pride in looking after your green surroundings. Deadhead the Roses and pull up the dead spring foliage and weeds which seem to takeover large proportions of untouched ground. Get behind the mower and plough through the overgrown pasture. Turn your attention to your patio/deck and get the power hose on it, the difference will be astounding and will mean it isn’t a green slime slide come the winter.

One thing some of us often don’t think about it is cleaning the windows, get a window washer and some soapy water to polish them up in no time so you can admire your newly pruned garden! And don’t forget to give your BBQ a good scrub for when (or if!) the weather cheers up!

Clean Dust As you are already pulling out furniture and appliances to check for other issues, you might as well get the vacuum out to clean up the dust. In particular behind the fridge, washing machine and under Prompt and reliable service, sofas and beds.

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

19

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Foreign Home Buyers on the Increase Last Year Foreign home buyers, taking advantage of the strong decline in prices registered in the real estate sector since the bursting of the housing bubble, bought more homes than ever in Spain during the last year. Specifically, these international investors acquired close to 48,000 homes, which represents a year-onyear increase of over 13% and also represents over 13% of the total number of housing transactions carried out.

According to data from the Property Registrars House Price Index of Repeated Sales, citizens of the United Kingdom accounted for the greatest volume of housing transactions by foreign nationals, with 21% of the total. French, German and Swedish buyers each accounted for between 6% and 7% of the housing transactions, while Chinese buyers, who are increasingly seeking more investment in Spain, carried out a little more than 4% of the total transactions.

All of these investments, together with the home purchases made

by Spanish nationals, explain the recent sharp increase in the price of housing. The Registrars explained in their report that the first quarter of 2016 closed with a year-on-year increase of 6.9%, which is slightly above the increase registered at the end of 2015, and they pointed

out this is the third consecutive q u a r t e r w h e r e the yearo n-ye ar increase in prices has stood above 6%.

El Mundo reported that the s t r o n g growth is the result, a m o n g o t h e r things, of the nearly 100,000 houses that were sold in Spain during just the first quarter of the year.

According to the Registrars, the volume of quarterly sales in the first quarter is the highest of the past 12 quarters, the second highest of the last 20 quarters, and is 18% more than the figures for the last quarter of last year.

Some 16 of Spain’s regions registered positive quarterly rates, noted the report, and the greatest numbers of sales were registered

in AndalucĂ­a, Catalonia, Madrid and Valencia.

Moreover, the number of houses sold in Spain during the past 12 months has also marked a milestone.

A total of 363,431 home sales were registered, representing an increase of 8,893 compared with the year-onyear results for the fourth quarter of 2015, which according to the data is the highest year-on-year result of the last 17 quarters.

According to the Registrars, these figures and very positive data show the recovery of a sector that has been, and will return to be key to economic growth, but which still carries some problems. One of them, as shown in the report, is the volume of new housing sales, which in year-on-year terms registered a new record low with just 71,703 sales. kyero.com

SOL Y MAR

20

SM051

ORIA

Features INDEPENDANT APARTMENT

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.

SM052

zurgena

viewing highly recommended

99,000€

Detached 2 bedroom property set in a small hamlet of houses in a peaceful location. Lovely views. 2 beds, 2 well appointed shower rooms, inner and outer lounges, large well fitted kitchen with centre island unit & breakfast bar. The master bedroom has en-suite shower room.

The garden is paved with planted mature borders. The separate garage (with additional covered parking) is accessed from the garden.

Viewing is highly 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 distance to local and 10 mins driveand to the Albox. living and 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

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

PARTALOA

new listing

169,950€

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

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

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

May 2016

in and around the costa blanca

The town of Moraira lies about 8 kilometres away from Teulada.

Right in between Denia, Calpe and Altea, Moraira is a tranquil town on the Costa Blanca with an important active tourist community, both those living there all year round as well as those who either just visiting it once or coming back every summer holiday.

This old fishing town with the Mediterranean Sea stretched out at its feet and

a beautiful mountain range covering its back maintains an average temperature of about 18 degrees. Thanks to its tourism, this town has known how to mix all the necessary and modern services into its typical fishing port ambiance. The harbour area of Moraira is proof of this with the magnificent fish auction that is held from Tuesday to Sunday in the Lonja (public exchange market) right in the port area.

The Province of Alicante where Benidorm and Torrevieja are found is defined as having fine sandy beaches, rocky ones and mysterious coves and, these are some of the choices that the 8 kilometres of shore with the Blue Flag of the European Community can also offer you in Moraira. Either on foot or with small boats, this long stretch of beach area has crystal clear waters, restaurants right on the beach, parking areas, Red Cross services and showers.

One nice cute cove with a lot of history is the one called the Portet. It was the place of shelter for Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab or privateer sailing or trading ships. Today it is a well equipped zone for doing all kinds of nautical sports. And from there we can take a stroll to the watch out tower near the Cap d’Or (the Golden Cape). This tower is on the most elevated part of the cape, overlooking the beach mentioned before. The Cova de les Cendres (the Cendres Cove) is an Archaeological field from the Upper Palaeolithic times about 40 metres above sea level. In the near future there will be a museum near this cove with all the findings. The castle of Moraira was built in 1742 and there is a shield from the Royal Borbon family over the door way.

Arriving at Moraira The Map of Moraira and the Costa BlancaIf either coming along the national highway N-332 or by AP-7 ( pay highway), the landscape is filled with vineyards and there is a nice wine cellar to be visited. There is a great street market in Teulada, just 8 kilometres inland from Moraira.

If you are lucky to be there in July, the Patron Saint is the Virgin of the Unsheltered and the Virgin of Carmen who is said to protect the sailors and fishermen. There is a beautiful parade and fireworks and a water procession with the statue of the Virgin floating among endless bouquets of flowers. Quite a scene to be seen!

To sum it up, Moraira is really worth a visit. With its mild Moraira weather and its traditional way of life, the town found its way to maintain its identity and combine it with the goods of modern tourism. If you are in the area, you should really visit Moraira and see for yourself http://www.alicante-spain.com

BARGAINS GANGAS

PROPERTIES

PROPIEDADES

WE SPECIALISE IN RURAL PROPERTIES WWW.OLDFARMHOUSES.ES

TEL: 968 159 631 618 407 779

23

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things to do

Daytrips to Valencia

It’s a 90-minute drive to Spain’s third-largest city. Here, there’s an old town to explore, where you’ll find one of Spain’s biggest and oldest cathedrals, along with the country’s first bullring. For contrast, the City of Arts and Sciences is a cutting-edge complex that’s home to interactive museums and an outdoor art gallery. And Valencia’s the birthplace of paella, so do sample one while you’re here.

Moraira has plenty of variety food-wise, with British, French and Italian cuisine on the menus. For authentic dishes like tapas, Spanish tortillas and arroz negro – rice blackened in squid ink – try the eating places in and around the main square, Plaza de la Iglesia. Meanwhile, you’ll find the best fish restaurants overlooking the small port. http://www.alicante-spain.com

Skip the beach for an afternoon and take a walk in the mountains behind Moraira – local companies will supply you with a guide and some Nordic poles. You might feel strange at first, but it’s supposed to be better for you than jogging or cycling. And, as well as getting fit, you’ll see the mountain’s pine forests up close and get some knockout views of the coast.

For your one stop property sales and management.

We Urgently Require Properties For Sale In All Areas.

Vetted Clients Waiting.

This Beautiful 2 bed/2 bath Dona Pepa Townhouse in a fantastic location of Ciudad Quesada is one of the best properties of this kind we have listed. It is presented in show house condition and being sold at a reduced Bargain price.

Ref: PM618 Townhouse for sale in Quesada 99,000€ Avda. de los Naciones 1/C, No. 10, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 Rojales, Alicante

www.pmpropertiesspain.com

24

May 2016

Latest index figures show Spanish property prices are stable, but rents down

Average residential property prices in Spain have remained stable, rising 0.1% in April compared to a year ago, according to the latest index data to be published.

Balearic and Canary Islands, up 2.7% on the Mediterranean coast, up 1.1% in metropolitan areas and up 0.7% in large cities.

But the April increase is more moderate than the year on year growth recorded in March and February at 0.8% and 2.1% respectively, the data from real estate appraisal firm Tinsa shows.

While prices are down overall by 41.1% comparted to the peak of the market, this decline varies according to location. It is down 30.6% in the Balearic and Canary Islands, down 35.8% in other municipalities, down 46.7% on the Mediterranean coast, down 45% in large cities and down 44.4% in metropolitan areas.

However the figures also show that between January and April, house prices have accumulated an average increase of 1.9% and compared to the peak of the market in 2007 they are down 41.1%, a level similar to the summer of 2003.

A breakdown of the figures show that the biggest year on year price increase was on the Mediterranean Coast with growth of 4.4%. Prices in metropolitan regions were unchanged year on year and in large cities they were down 0.2%.

The Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, where prices have been rising, saw a fall of 0.4% and the other municipalities group recorded a fall of 0.9% but this group had the biggest increase in prices between January and April at 3.8%.

Another set of figures show that compared with the end of 2015 prices are up more substantially, with growth of 3.8% in other municipalities in the first quarter of 2016, up 2.9% in the

Separate figures from the National Statistics Institute show that average rents in Spain were down 0.1% in April year on year. It means that rents have now fallen for 37 months Castilla y León, Extremadura and the in a row.

Basque Country. Madrid record rental But the latest decline is more fall of 0.5%, while rents were down moderate than the 0.2% recorded in 0.3% in Asturias, by 0.2% in Aragón March while for the first four months of the year rents are up 0.1% and there is regional variations.

Rents in Galicia increased by 0.4%, were up 0.3% in the Balearic Islands, up 0.2% in Navarre, Murcia, Andalucia, Catalonia and Melilla, but were unchanged in Cantabria.

and Ceuta and by 0.1% in Valencia and the Canary Islands. http://www.propertywire.com

Mortgage lending in UK fell in April, but no surprise due to March buy let boost

Gross mortgage lending in the UK reached £18.5 billion in April, some 29% lower than March’s lending total of £26.2 billion, but 16% higher than the £16 billion lent in April last year.

But a number of regions saw declines, CML economist Mohammad Jamei including a fall of 1.9% in La Rioja, pointed out that a fall was expected due down 0.6% in Castilla-La Mancha, to a rush in buy to let lending in March as landlords rushed through sales to beat the new 3% surcharge on additional homes that was introduced on 01 April.

‘As we move past the stamp duty change that came into effect at the start of April, we expect to see a quieter second quarter, as some transactions that were due to take place were brought forward to the first quarter of this year,’ he explained.

‘This is likely to mean that over the next few months buy to let takes a back seat as lending is driven by first time buyers, movers and remortgage customers.

The underlying picture still shows signs of growth, as the market remains underpinned by strong fundamentals such as increasing wages and rising employment,’ he pointed out.

‘But it is possible that the uncertainty around the upcoming European Union referendum in June will weigh on activity in the upcoming months,’ he added.

According to David Brown, chief executive officer of Marsh & Parsons, April lending was never going to live up to the March boost which was characterised by massively increased borrowing to landlords and second home owners.

‘But while we’ve seen a bit of a monthly comedown since then, the annual fundamentals are indicative of strength in the mortgage market. Widely expected to be an underwhelming month, April has still set an impressive benchmark for this time of the year, with lending levels harking back to the pre-recession era,’ he said. ‘Buy to let investors are just one type of buyer after all, and borrowing isn’t going to ground to a halt while they have a breather. The stamp

duty changes didn’t affect the plans and intentions of hordes of other first time buyers and home movers, and in these areas buyer demand is still bursting at the seams,’ he added.

David Whittaker, managing director of Mortgages for Business, pointed out that underneath the month on month lending patterns, there is a strong and steady current of buy to let lending critical to meet growing public demand for private rented accommodation.

‘Underlying annual growth in April shows a more sustainable path aside from any short term fluctuations and the need for buy to let mortgages to support the role of landlords,’ he added.

The extremes of March make it futile to try to extract any meaningful insight from April's numbers, according to John Eastgate, sales and marketing director of OneSavings Bank. More importantly, market feedback suggests that normality has returned at enquiry level, although it will be the third quarter before we see this in new lending,’ he said.

‘A strong undercurrent of demand and a growing UK population means that we can largely ignore these numbers and focus on longer term trends and underlying fundamentals. House prices have increased 9% in the last year, a symptom of heightened demand still outstripping limited supply, and with the UK Employment levels hitting fresh highs this week, more people are in a position to consider purchasing a property,’ he explained.

‘Mortgage rates are still historically low for both prospective home owners and investors, and with interest rate rises remaining a distant speck on the horizon, mortgage lending figures should return to an even keel in coming months,’ he added. http://www.propertywire.com

viewpoint

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

www.soltimes.com

El Día de lameaning.

Constitución

Defining the fundamental rights of the Alquerian people became the next challenge for the fledgling Republic. After their expulsion from Spain the people of Alqueria began setting up business for themselves. With the two barrios of the village constantly engaged in a state of undeclared warfare the task looked formidable.

The Constitution of the Republic of Alqueria was however drafted with little or no dissent. It is a two page document. One page compiled by the Hill People and the other by the Newcomers. The clauses on page one contradicted those on page two but that didn’t seem to matter in fact it was the strength of the document. If something was deemed as unconstitutional on one page, simply referring to the relevant clause on the other made it permissible. Nothing was unconstitutional, it meant all things to all villagers, everything and anything was legal and therefore possible.

A new impetus was given to the Government. Manuela, the Minister of Culture began taking her duties seriously.

To assess the cultural needs of her people she personally interviewed a section of the population. This section however turned out to be the younger and fitter men of the village. The consultations took place on her settee, giving the phrase ‘reproduction furniture’ a whole new

The people of Alqueria were so pleased with their handiwork they declared a public holiday, ‘El Día de la Constitución’.

At least one half of the village did. The other half were to have their Día de la Constitución six months hence. They still celebrated the day though, calling it ‘No El Día de la Constitución’.

A fiesta was organised with tables laden with food and drink erected in the village plaza. El Enveneno, the town’s gourmet chef prepared a pig roast. He could do some surprising things with a pig, at least they surprised the pig. The fiesta soon degenerated into the usual sectarian brawl.

The Hill People, defending the Bar La Casa Devante launched fusillades of bread rolls, olives and rocks at the Newcomers who lay siege to the Plaza.

The overturned tables acted as barricades as the alcohol soaked belligerents exchanged volleys.

José Cabrasilbido, who was both the local and national policeman was powerless to act. According to the constitution the fracas was both legal and illegal, depending on which page one referred to. The state of constitutional anarchy offered a degree of freedom unknown in the more traditional democracies.

Is this level of emancipation envied by more conservative peoples? Would they follow the Alquerian example? Are they even remotely interested?

The Portacabin

With a quizzical look I walked into Oncology and held up my recently plastered arm. ‘Ah! said Nursie #1.

‘Oh! said Nursie #2. ‘You’ll have to see the Oncologist.’

I had a feeling my arm was going to cause trouble. However, as if by teleportation Victoria Eugenia, she of the studious spectacles and the degree in Oncology arrived.

‘You will have to have a port-a-cath fitted. I will make you an appointment with General Surgery.’ She uttered without hesitation.

‘A what?’ queried Pete. ‘A portacabin?’

So a portacabin it became!

I attended General Surgery and proffered my magic piece of paper bearing the words port-a-cath. ‘Ah!’ said Diego, for whom port-a-caths hold no mystery. ‘Go to Demanda Cirugia, tell them to put you on the Priority list. It must be done within a week ’ I went. ‘No, we don’t do that operation at this Hospital. You have to go to General Surgery for them to make an appointment.’

‘I’ve just come from General Surgery.

You do do the operation here.’

For some minutes we argued the toss. I stood as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar outside, while inside the office an ever-increasing number of Receptionists assured me that the operation was not done here, and I’d have to go to General Surgery for them to make the appointment.

I made it obvious that they were not going to get their window back anytime soon, and as a last-ditch attempt to get rid of me one resorted to the Folder of Available Services.

‘Yes, port-a-cath. We’ll ring you.’ She said in a no-fault-admitted kind of

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk voice.

We’ll ring you is hospital-speak for Go away and stop cluttering up our window.

I didn’t believe her. I wished to remove any possibility of doubt surrounding this appointment.

‘General Surgery wants me on the Priority List.’

‘Your name?’ I felt like asking how I could be on a priority list waiting for a phone call if they didn’t know my name, but instead I sweetly indicated my name, health card number, hospital case number, mobile number and address all printed on the magic piece of paper given to me by General Surgery.

‘You are on the Priority List. We’ll ring you.’

I felt like asking whether that would be before or after Hell froze over, but thought better of it. Instead I opted for an unctuous but insincere Gracia, and the certain knowledge that it was going to be a long week!

‘HARMONY OF THE SEAS’ THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CRUISE SHIP – A FLOATING CITY!

Here are some fascination and certainly interesting facts and figures appertaining to the world’s biggest and most costly cruise liner…

SPECIFIC FACTS • Length: 1,188 feet (almost five large aircraft set in a line) • Width: 215 feet (the average length of a full-size football pitch) • Weight: 227,000 tons • Height: 20 feet (as high as seven London buses stacked on top of one another, or three times as high as Buckingham Palace) • Normal cruising speed: 22 knots (approx.. 40.7kph or 25.3mph) • Number of decks: 18 (sixteen for passengers and guests) • Number of restaurants: 16 • People capacity: 8,880 (6,780 passengers and 2,100 crew members) • Cost to build/construct/equip: £800 million FOOD & DRINK FACTS Not all the food on a cruise ship will be consumed during the voyage.

However, there must be a fair percentage kept in reserve to allow for delays, etc.

The details given here include all supplies for cooking meals in all of the restaurants and buffet areas, room service, bars and lounges, as well as all baking and confectionery supplies, for officers and crew as well as passengers.

The Harmony of the Seas, at full capacity, is scheduled to feed three meals a day to almost 6,800 passengers and over 2,000 officers and crew, comparable to the provisions that any reasonable sized town might consume in one week. And here is a list of supplies provisioned on board the ship when carrying a full assignment of passengers and crew, for an average seven-day cruise. It’s quite

staggering!

Please note, these figures are approximate.

• 85,000 pounds (385,000 kg) of beef • 17,640 pounds (8,020 kg) of lamb • 25,250 pounds (11,400 kg) of pork • 16,100 pounds (7,850 kg) of veal • 5,880 pounds (2,650 kg) of sausage • 36,700 pounds (16,646 kg) of chicken • 11,030 pounds (5,020 kg) of turkey • 48,450 pounds (22,070 kg) of fish • 1,225 pounds (560 kg) of crab • 6,850 pounds (3,325 kg) of lobster • 90,070 pounds (40,850 kg) of fresh vegetables • 53,030 pounds (24,045 kg) of potatoes • 70,100 pounds (31,700 kg) of fresh fruit • 43,260 litres/9,485 gallons of milk • 6,545 litres/1,440 gallons of cream • 8,050 litres/1,750 gallons of ice cream • 387,800 eggs (fried, boiled, poached, scrambled etc) • 2,500 loaves of bread • 20,130 pounds/9,140 kg of sugar • 13,300 pounds/5,950 kg of rice • 6,130 pounds/2,765 kg of cereal • 1,575 pounds/700 kg of jelly • 8,600 pounds/3,900 kg of coffee • 6,775 pounds/3,073 kg of cookies • 8,575 tea bags • 420 pounds/189 kg of herbs and

spices • 11,900 bottles of assorted wines • 900 bottles of champagne • 920 bottles of gin • 1,015 bottles of vodka • 1,225 bottles of whiskey • 530 bottles of rum • 160 bottles of sherry • 2,100 bottles of assorted liqueurs • 75,500 bottles/cans of beer • 2,500 bottles/cans of soft drinks • And don’t forget the soup!

BAKED BREAD Each day of a cruise, the baker and his staff will prepare more than 20 different kinds of bread, including 700 standard loaves (that’s almost 5,000 a week), 450 French loaves, 14,000 dinner rolls, around 3,000 croissants and 2,800 Danish/sweet rolls.

WATER SUPPLY The Harmony of the Seas requires approximately 4.5 million litres of fresh water every day.

ON BOARD THERE ARE: • 3,000 cabins, with a price per person between £900 and £2,760 per week • A towering 100 feet water slide – The Ultimate Abyss Slide - aimed into the sea • Football, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts; a mini nine-hole golf course; a golf simulator; various games rooms/areas for darts, snooker, pool, table tennis, quoits etc.

• High-pressure wave machine – the Flow-rider for surfing purposes • The Boardwalk - for outside activities, games and attractions • The ‘Market Place’ - called the Windjammer - with a variety stalls • Agua Theatre with seating for 600 people to watch synchronised

25

swimming shows • Far East restaurant – Izumi Asian Cuisine • Under-18 disco complex with adventure lab plus a nursery for infants • A splash-away bar with drinks galore • Bionic bar with robot bar-tenders mixing cocktails • Rising Tide bar which ascends and descends, according to the sea level • High quality ‘Casino Royale’ with everything a gambler wants!

• Central Park, New York style, which contains 10,000 trees (some 20ft tall), a town square and a Jamie Oliver diner • The Royal Promenade with cafes, shops and great night life • Fitness Centre for classes in Pilates, yoga, kick-boxing etc.

• ‘Vitality At Sea’ beauty salon with spa, massage parlour, and facial and manicure facilities • The Boleros Lounge where you can enjoy Latin-style dancing and music • Main Theatre with 1,300 seats for daily shows to suit everyone • An ‘adult only solarium’ • ‘The Attic’ for all your night life (shows and entertainers aplenty).

• A good-sized indoor ice-skating rink, open all year round.

• A perfect trio of water ‘storm’ slides called Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell.

• There is the traditional pool deck, plus much, much more as well.

As yet, I’ve not been able to trace anyone who has travelled on this ‘Floating City’ but I will… that’s if I don’t give it a go myself, taking my wife along with me for company.

Compiled by Tony Matthews

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

3

Stephen King Movies

Find and circle all of the Stephen King Movies that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

CLAIBORNE HIGHWAY DREAMCATCHER ROSE RED FIRESTARTER RUNNING MAN CAT’S EYE GRAVEYARD SHIFT SALEM’S LOT GREEN MILE CHILDREN OF THE SHAWSHANK HEARTS IN CORN REDEMPTION ATLANTIS CHRISTINE SHINING LANGOLIERS MANGLER SILVER BULLET CREEPSHOW I MAXIMUM SLEEPWALKERS CREEPSHOW II OVERDRIVE STAND BY ME CUJO MISERY THE STAND NEEDFUL THINGS DARK HALF THINNER NIGHT FLIER DEAD ZONE TOMMYKNOCKERS PET SEMATARY DOLORES TRUCKS QUICKSILVER APT PUPIL CARRIE

answer

standard SUDOKU

soltimes football quiz

1. In which city is the Stadium Strahov?..................................

2. Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the first keeper for which English football club ?..........................

3. Which top goal getter in international competitions wore the number 13? ...............

4. What colour did the Queen wear when presenting Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy?....................................

5. Who was the youngest player in England’s world cup winning team?.......................................

6. The book “The clown prince of soccer” was about which football legend? ......................

7. Why couldn’t “The Bank of England” play in the 1970 world cup match between England and Germany?.............

8. Which English back four player has had goals disallowed in a make or break game in a world cup match and a European championship match?.....................................

9. In which club’s trophy cabinet would you find Alan Ball’s flat cap?..........................

10. Which German imitated a cock (and Gazza) after scoring the deciding penalty in the EURO ‘96 semi final between

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

wordsearch

easy SUDOKU

4. Land of Hope and Glory 9. Opera 3. Johann Sebastian Bach 8. The Messiah 2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 7. Woodwind 1. Ludwig van Beethoven 6. Royal Albert Hall

CRYPTIC crossword

3

1

IN NINETEEN SEVENTY FOUR DOUBLEDAY RELEASED CARRIE WHICH WAS STEPHEN KING’S FIRST PUBLISHED NOVEL

10. Concerto

CROSSWORD

2

6. Len Shackleton 7. Montazumas revenge 8. Sol Campbell 9. Portsmouth FC 10. Andy Moller

5. Violin

Answers

name the breed of dog

Answers

soltimes classical music Quiz

1. Which composer was able to write in spite of becoming almost totally deaf in later life?...............................................

2. About which composer was the 1984 film Amadeus?.......................................

3. Who wrote the six Brandenburg Concertos? ............................................

4. Pomp & Circumstance March No 1 by Sir Edward William Elgar is better known as what?................................................

5. With which musical instrument do we associate Sir Yehudi Menuhin?...............

6. Where was the annual Promenade Concerts, or “Proms”, held in London?...

7. To which family of musical instruments does the bassoon belong?..

8. The Hallelujah Chorus comes from which work, often performed at Christmas?............................................

9. La Boheme, The Marriage of Figaro, Rigoletto and Aida are all examples of what?....................................................

10. What term is used to describe a composition in which one or more solo instruments are assigned leading roles, often with orchestral accompaniment?...

SOLUTIONS

1. Prague 2. AFC Portsmouth 3. Gerd Müller 4. Yellow 5. Alan Ball

sol picture quiz!

1. Chow-Chow 2. Mastiff Napolitono (Mastino) 3. Jack Russel Terrier

on this day 25th may

1938 – Spanish Civil War: The bombing of Alicante takes place, with 313 deaths.

1966 – Explorer program: Explorer 32 launches.

2001 – Erik Weihenmayer, 32 years old, of Boulder, Colorado, becomes the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

2008 – NASA’s Phoenix lander lands in Green Valley region of Mars to search for environments suitable for water and microbial life.

2011 – Oprah Winfrey airs her last show, ending her twenty-five-year run of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

www.soltimes.com

puzzle pages

27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

across

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 Annual virus (9) 6 Full of flavor (5) 9 On the beach (7) 10 Boat in Venice (7) 11 Deletion (7) 12 Imperial ruler (7) 13 Steals from stores (9) 15 Entice (5) 16 Modelled (5) 19 Stunt plane (9) 22 Instructions on food preparation (7) 23 A distant settlement (7) 25 Mediterranean sailing ship (7) 26 Choking or retching (7) 27 Is concerned for (5) 28 Prediction (9)

Down

1 Silly (5) 2 Melange or hodgepodge (7) 3 Not normal (7) 4 Gentle push (5) 5 Attacker (9) 6 Storm on the sun (7) 7 TV show (7) 8 A pronunciation mark (9) 13 A drug that induces sleep (9) 14 Flagpole (9) 17 Not religious (7) 18 Portrays (7) 20 Double crosses (7) 21 Equipping (7) 23 Different (5) 24 Taut (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

easy

squiggle

famous birthdays on this day

standard

1958 – Paul Weller, English singersongwriter and guitarist (The Jam and The Style Council) 1959 – Julian Clary, English comedian, actor, and author 1964 – Ray Stevenson, Northern Irish actor 1973 – Molly Sims, American model and actress

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Robotlike gold cat in the loft, it sounds like (9) 6 Stop a person including the Guardian, say (5) 9 Sounds come back without second sitting (7) 10 Contracts for nitrogen weapons (7) 11 Ways out in mid-dress (6) 12 Retrieval that every orc makes (8) 14 Tilt Joseph, without hesitation (4) 15 Mathematical instrument in favour of vehicle (10) 18 Tart action spoilt pulling power (10) 20 Drop everything on Friday! (4) 23 Flowers defeat manic mobs outside (8) 24 Growing teacher comes back in middle-age (6) 26 Joy of French luminosity (7) 27 Twister returns at a party, or nothing initially inside (7) 28 You don’t finish twice, then you get small toys (2-3) 29 Dissimilarities surprising or scant when good man is inside (9) Down 1 Untidy USA - a trial country (9) 2 Stops us making unpredictable events (4-3) 3 First men without help (6) 4 Very small team in New York, initially (4) 5 Meeting regarded as a normative example (10) 6 Individual for each child, Alex (8) 7 Dissent over professional exam (7) 8 Try us out - we’re out of practice (5) 13 Numerical calculations?A Red Indian thought he might eat toffee in class initially! (10) 16 Pious, silly girlie is nothing to America (9) 17 Food that South Africa and America have for a long time (8) 19 Telly or silly thing to put your shopping in (7) 21 Manila’s odd beasts (7) 22 6 across reflector (6) 23 Sinbad lying disguised being not well (5) 25 Shock a French saint first (4)

Quote of the week...

28

Baybrooks Restaurant

May 2016

food & entertaining Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

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

The Mojito

Chef red Requi

Ingredients

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

method

1 serving 10 fresh mint leaves 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste 1 cup ice cubes 1 1/2 fluid ounces white rum 1/2 cup club soda

Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge. http://allrecipes.com

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.

Take in the Late Afternoon and Evening Sun at Oasis Benijofar The Oasis in Benijófar has a wonderful terrace for you to enjoy the late afternoon sun and a tea or coffee with a great range of homemade cakes and scones or teacakes & muffins or an early evening tapas and drinks deal.

Their ‘Tapas on the Terrace’ evening menu is now available from 7pm Tuesday to Saturday with an exciting range of International tapas dishes to suit all tastes from just €1.50 Oasis is open from 9.30am daily for breakfast and daytime diners with 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

From Monday 30th May, our hours are changing to the Summer Time Table!!!!

Open Every Day 5pm to 11pm Menu del dia available from 5pm to 6pm.

3 Courses inc Drink from €9.95 Menu de la noche 6.30pm to 10pm.

3 Courses from €15.95

Call 656 613 356 for Reservations OPENING HOURS: Monday-Sunday:5pm to 11pm

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

Foodies flock to county as Cornwall named top UK food destination

Image by Daniel Scott (theheadthetail. com) Fish and chips at the St Tudy Inn, North Cornwall.

THE days of the cold-not-soappetising pasty are over as foodies flock to Cornwall for fine dining and some of the nation's best cuisine.

A new survey by travel company Expedia has revealed Cornwall as one of the top food tourism destinations – in the world.

Reaching number three on Expedia's 'Europe on a Plate' survey, it found 23% of Britons would stay in the area for its food alone, placing it just behind Puglia in Italy (34%) and Madrid in Spain (25%).

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

Paella Takes on Mobile Devices Paella emoji to be included on phones and in messaging applications.

A campaign to have an icon featuring Spanish culinary favorite paella included as an emoji on mobile devices was a success.

The new icon has been accepted as one of the 74 new emojis picked up by the Unicode Consortium for this year. Made up of representatives from Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM and Adobe, among others, the consortium is the body in charge of deciding which emojis make the cut for mobile devices.

Although each of these companies will develop its own version of this icon, whose technical name is “Shallow Pan of Food”, there will be no doubt as to the origins and identity of this culinary tradition, which is a symbol for Spanish gastronomy all over the world.

The campaign to have paella accepted as a new

Spanish Olive Beer?

La Chinata Launches Singular Craft Beer.

This new and innovative product aromas of quality Spanish olives and captures the puts them into La Chinata beer, which in the trad ition of artisanally made beers is neither pasteurized nor filtered.

According to the company, which is based in the historic city of Plasencia (Extrem adura), the beer gets its light and refreshing char acte its second fermentation, which take ristics from s place in the bottle, producing natural CO2. Mad e with barley and the essence of carefully selected olive has pleasant notes of olives and citru s, its palate s fruits, and a somewhat sweet and bitter finish.

Makers of extra virgin olive oils and food products including pâtés, jams other quality , vinegars, salts, pimentón and more, La Chinata has also massively branched out into the cosmetics indu stry, offering a huge range of products made with its star products: Spanish olives. http://www.foodswinesfromspain.c om

Agu aES. c om water purification at it's best

Special MAY offer!

EURO TAP the perfect water purifier.

Gives you up to 3000 litres delicious tea and coffe water.

AQUA SHOWERFILTER Provides up to 99% chlorine removal, reduces the content of heavy metals. Makes the water healthier and softer for your hair and skin.

Your price for both products!

119€ (Normal price: Euro Tap 79€ & Aqua Showerfilter 55€) Price valid until 31 may 2016 To order contact AguaEs by mail or phone: info@aguaes.com www.aguaes.com Peter +34 691 957 395

emoji took social networking sites by storm last year, after kicking off with the support of comedienne Eugeni Alemany (who travelled to Silicon Valley for the cause), Spanish rice company La Fallera, and important Spanish gastronomic figures like chef José Andrés. The initiative also travelled to Japan, where further campaigning was needed to guarantee that the design was transformed into a faithful representation of classic Spanish paella, made using traditional ingredients.

In total, the campaign to get paella accepted on the list of new emojis became a world trending topic on twitter and other social networking sites. This is the first time that a collective campaign has determined an emoji symbol. Now, excited paella lovers and users of popular messaging applications like What’s App, need only wait a little longer to “smiley face” “heart” “paella” on their mobile devices. http://www.foodswinesfromspain.com

www.soltimes.com

Tel: 950 121 936

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA & ALMERIA

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

Archaeological Museum

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

Closed Monday mornings. At C/ Conde de Aranda.

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

TABLE TENNIS AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA

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

St. Nicholas Ecumenical Church

We hold services each week at 10.30am on Camposol, Mazarron. Everyone is welcome to join us. For further details, CALL the church on 665 302 019

A parkinsons Support Group

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

Roman Catholic Church

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

Talks & Workshops

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

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN -

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

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

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

- community news -

sales@soltimes

Ex-Servicemen’s Association

Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) events 2016 Wednesday 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 keep Your dog cool in the summer...

LILY

LILY is a sweet little girl who was dumped from a car with her sister on a busy main road. She is super friendly, almost a year old, only small 7kgs, healthy , gets on well with all the dogs and adores people.

Lily would make a wonderful pet.

For more information contact Santa Clara,

Call Margaret 697 495 315.

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

Ready for a summertime game of catch with your favorite four-legged friend? Not so fast. If you're feeling the heat, you can bet your dog is, too. And for him, overheating can be dangerous.

"Heatstroke is by far the greatest concern," A University study found that 50% of canines with heatstroke won't survive.

Also known as hyperthermia, heatstroke happens when a dog's body temperature rises above 106 F. Normal ways your pal's body cools off, like panting, can’t control it when it’s that high. Warning signs include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and, at the worst, confusion and seizures.

Here's how to keep your dog cool and healthy all summer long, and get in a few games of outdoor catch with him while you're at it.

The No. 1 sign that a dog's core temperature is getting too high is fatigue, if you're out for a hike with your dog on a hot day and he's searching for every shady spot to lie down in, turn around and carry him home. If you’re worried that he’s overheated, you can use a rectal thermometer to check his temperature when you get home.

Don't let the temperature fool you. Canines can get too hot in weather as low as 80 degrees. Add in humidity and exercise, and it could be a recipe for disaster. If you can't comfortably sit outside for an extended period of time, then don't let your dog do it, either.

Change your walking time. Your buddy still needs activity in the summer, but it's best to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Try going early in the morning or late at night after the sun has set.

Don't give your dog a haircut. You may be tempted to shave your pup's thick hair in an effort to cool him off for the summer, it could do more harm than good. A dog's coat provides a buffer to help him regulate his body temperature. A trim won’t help him handle the heat. It could make him more likely to get a sunburn, too.

Don't use ice. If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, wet him down with room-temperature water and put him in front of a fan. Your first instinct might be to pack ice packs around him or cool him off as quickly as possible, but the cold causes his blood vessels to constrict, and when they constrict they can't [get rid of] heat. Call your vet and take your dog in right away for treatment.

SOL CLASSIFIEDS 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

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

www.spainpool.com

Yamaha 3.5 Ou t b o a r d Air cooled £ 3.5 hp standard leg outboard for sale, not used since €150 service, can be seen working € 200, 12 volt power winch ( like you see on Land rovers ) capable of pulling 5000lbs- 2260 kg never used €150, Tel: 636 541 266 or 969 978 827 GENUINE U G G C L A SSI C S H ORT B OOTS , Animal Print, Size 3/4 (36/37) BRAND NEW, 50€ (ONO).

Tel: 966 722 299 Mob: 620 135 988

To r r e v i e j a Area.

ERDE 122 Trailer, 60€, Tel: 696 290 192 Orihuela Costa area Ex e r c i s e b i k e Domyos, as new checks heart rate, speed, distance, calories, 50€ Tel: 695 061 161 Three piece red leather look suite, two seater settee + two tub chairs 103 Tel: 966 722 157 / 620 098 874 Gas Fire & Bottle 35€, Roof Bars & Top Box to fit

Ford Fusion 35€, Fold up put u up Bed 10€, Gas BBQ little used 25€, Tel: 865 774 401/653 561 952 Sam s ung programmable electronic w a s h i n g m a c h i n e approx. 5 years old 150€.

4 x wooden d i n i ng cha i r s , good clean condition. 20€, 4 x childrens mountain bikes, ages 4 to 6 years. 30€, Fridge freezer clean working condition 60€, Can deliver reasonable distance at cost Tel: 606

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

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

business opportunity

“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & x 98.5 cm wide 075 644.

More Without Any Previous Tel 966 Experience” Gas fire & 50€.

713 297 Bottle 55€, Roof Bars & Top Box for Ford Fusion 50€, Fold up Double Bed 20€, Gas BBQ Little used 45€, Tel: 865 774 401 or: 651 563 952 G a r d e n Gate round top steel gate with aluminium privacy panel 1,760 cm high

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.

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 Pets- Transport

sat/tv services

Pet transportation service UK|Spain|UK

Rainbow Satellites

TRANS-PET 600 55 20 30 r o o 965 96 06 58 D 2 00 44 7801 272 162

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

for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan on 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@gmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

AGE CONCERN Require an experienced

removals

volunteer driver for Tuesday

LWB Sprinter van going from

You must have a Spanish

south to North of the UK & back

mornings, 10am - 1:30pm.

Driving Licence.

If you think that you can help

every 2 weeks, based near Murcia

Age Concern in this respect,

Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044

Centre at La Siesta, or call

7519 186 355. or email:

966 786 887

van.man@hotmail.co.uk

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

please call into the Day Age Concern

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

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

want to know whats in the news?

go online: www. SOLTIMES.com 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

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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:

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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

ecu remapping

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

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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

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wanted cars for cash CASH CASH

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tel: Tim on 662 211 993

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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

The Ford Mustang is an American automobile manufactured by Ford It was originally based on the platform of the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car.

The original 1962 Ford Mustang I two-seater concept car had evolved into the 1963 Mustang II four-seater concept car which Ford used to pretest how the public would take interest in the first production Mustang. The 1963 Mustang II concept car was designed with a variation of the production model's front and rear ends with a roof that was 2.7 inches shorter. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, and thus dubbed as a "1964½" by Mustang fans, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A. The Mustang has undergone several transformations to its current sixth generation.

The Ford Mustang was brought out five months before the normal start of the 1965 production year. The early production versions are often referred to as "1964½ models" but all Mustangs were advertised, VIN coded and titled by Ford as 1965 models, though minor design updates for fall 1965 contribute to tracking 1964½ production data separately from 1965 data (see data below). with production beginning in Dearborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964; the new car was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair.

Mustangs grew larger and heavier with each model year until, in response to the 1971–1973 models, Ford returned the car to its original size and concept for 1974. It has since seen several platform generations and designs. Although some other pony cars have seen a revival, the Mustang is the only original pony car to remain in uninterrupted production over five decades of development and revision.

The sixth generation Mustang was unveiled on December 5, 2013, in Dearborn, Michigan, New York, Los Angeles, California; Barcelona, Spain, Shanghai, China; and Sydney, Australia. The internal project codename is S-550.

Changes include widened body by 1.5 inches, 1.4 inches lower body, trapezoidal grille, and a 2.75-inch lower decklid, as well as new colors. The passenger volume is increased and three engine options are available: 2.3 L EcoBoost 310 hp four-cylinder, 3.7 L 300 hp V6, or 5.0 L Coyote 435 hp V8, with either a Getrag six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The newly introduced smaller 2.3 L EcoBoost I4 engine is developed to reach high tariff global markets like China.

The 2015 Mustang features a new independent rear suspension (IRS) system, developed specifically for the new model.

Book Review

Night Music by Jojo Moyes

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

“There was nothing gentle about grief. It launched itself at you like a rogue wave on the seafront, flooding you, threatening to pull you under.”

This is Moyes’ sixth book. She has an unusual Christian name doesn’t she?

Her parents were artists and named her after a famous Beatles’ song. But I’m sure you probably knew that! The two main female characters are strong and tough although we see their vulnerabilities and plenty of tears. They are meant to be very different, one more Mother Earth, typically a home-maker, the other a professional musician who has chosen a career before her husband and family.

Do they have anything in common? The Spanish house and betrayal by the men they loved. After a lot of soul-searching and intensity they both have second chances. Isabel moves on at an alarming rate unlike Laura who relished the opportunity to be loved by a faithful and honest man only to be drawn back to her pathetic, unfaithful wreck of a husband.

Laura McCarthy is a wonderful woman, late thirties, handsome, lean and agile.

She had been married to Matt for 18 years. Her mother had disapproved of the marriage. She had warned Laura that he was unsuitable and Laura had invested a lot of money into the marriage to enable them to buy property and land. She loved Matt in spite of his flings. They had a level-headed and decent boy called Anthony who disliked his father’s lies and philandering.

Laura had been looking after Samuel Frederick Pottisworth for 9 years, running after him and cooking for him. He was a despicable man who leered and made suggestive comments about her clothes and figure. He had promised the McCarthys his Spanish house when he died to show his gratitude and this kept Laura and Matt going. Matt had already had plans drawn up concerning renovation and extensions. As for Laura she had mentally dressed the windows and recovered every inch of the floor. She knew exactly how the house would look when it was hers. Being able to move into this grand house would be enough to show her parents that she had made the right decision in marrying Matt. Everything would be okay.

An unexpected stroke of luck meant that Pottisworth died sooner than later.

At his funeral, just as the McCarthys were celebrating their good fortune, the solicitor, Derek Wendell drops the bombshell-the old man had not made a will and there was one remaining relative who would inherit the house. Laura’s world seem to fall away “ like the segment of an orange.”

Isabel Delancey was a professional violinist, in fact she had worked her way up to become lead violinist in the City Symphonia. Music had been her obsession and had taken priority to boys, marriage and families. Whilst trying to establish her career at the age of 20 she had unexpectedly fallen in love with a French man

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12 years her senior, recently divorced. Like Laura, her parents disapproved. Even the vicar made remarks about the number of mistresses she would have to tolerate.

You’ll understand the irony of this remark once you read the book. Impulsively she married and became pregnant after her honeymoon. Kitty was born then later, Thierry. She wasn’t cut out to be a mother and persuaded Laurent to employ Mary as a nanny, cook and general housewife. This released her from the guilt and pressures of domesticity so that she could travel to Europe and play.

Laurent had died suddenly in a car crash more than 9 months ago and Mr Cartwright, her solicitor informed her that her late husband had had debts and that downsizing might be the only option. Or perhaps she would sell her precious violin?

Isabel’s choice? Sell the house and break her children’s heart or sell her violin and break her own? Not easy. Kitty was now 15 and Thierry 8. They had had a privileged lifestyle, having had every affordable luxury possible. That was going to change.

Isabel felt a sense of amputation as she tried to blot out the encroaching grief.

Mountains of bills, unopened letters gathered dust. Her grief was so consuming she couldn’t deal with practical matters. Kitty opened one of the letters and thought someone was playing a joke on them. She told her mother that someone had left Isabel a house! Would this solve Isabel’s financial difficulty or would it create more heartache?

The house was in Norfolk. Isabel had fond memories of visiting this glorious place when she attended a garden party as a child. She did not know the history behind that house particularly McCarthy’s obsession to own the house to get revenge for the way the Pottisworths had destroyed his father. Isabel Delancey proves to be an easy target for a determined Matt. But there are surprises in store and some happy endings. I call it pure unadulterated delight.

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton. ISBN: 978-0340-895962.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

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May 2016

motoring

New Jaguar F-Pace S review At over £50,000, the 3.0-litre diesel F-Pace doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the Porsche Macan S undercuts it by more than £5,000. But this is likely to be the only reservation buyers will have with this particular version.

The effortless performance, agile responses and impressive all-round packaging mean it’s a convincing proposition for someone wanting a sporty SUV. That said, there’s better value to be had in the excellent 2.0d Given the increasing number of SUVs available to UK buyers, it’s surprising just how few are even remotely sporty. The Porsche Macan is one exception, but now Jaguar is claiming to have finally put the sport into its new sport utility vehicle.

The F-Pace stormed its way to the top of the mid-sized SUV class when we tested the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel version against two key rivals. It’s that model which will make up the bulk of sales, but for those who want a bit more punch, there’s the option of a 296bhp 3.0-litre sixcylinder – tested here in the UK for the first time.

Available only in top-spec S trim, it’s priced from £51,450 (the same as the supercharged V6 petrol model). But as you’d expect, the kit list is extensive, with an eight-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and sat-nav, while all-wheel drive, leather plus a Meridian sound system feature, too.

There’ll be few grumbles about kit; in fact, in terms of overall package, the F-Pace hits the spot. If there’s a niggle, it’s the interior. Aesthetically, we’ve no issues, but it’s a copy of the XE and XF’s – and doesn’t feel all that special against rivals like the Mercedes GLC. But that’s where the negatives end. Visually, the F-Pace has to be one of the most handsome SUVs on the market, which you’ll soon notice from all the attention it attracts.

Short overhangs, a slippery body and huge 22-inch wheels on our test car go some way to achieving the sports-caron-stilts look.

Those enormous wheels are a £1,600 option, though, and as a trade off, you will have to put up with a slightly fidgety ride. It’s comfortable enough for the most part, but when 1,884kg of SUV crashes into a pothole, you’re going to feel it. On smaller rims, the F-Pace is better behaved, offering a perfect compromise of ride comfort and fun.

The muscular band of torque – 700Nm in total – effortlessly shepherds you down the road, with seamless upshifts from the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The engine isn’t the most sonorous six-cylinder, but there’s no questioning its effectiveness.

What impresses more is the F-Pace’s ability to belie its size.

It may hide a 650-litre boot and generous rear passenger space, but the steering is direct and body control taut. It means the car handles more like a sports saloon than an SUV – exactly the result Jaguar was aiming for. www.autoexpress.co.uk

Key specs speed auto, fourModel: Jaguar F-Pace wheel drive 3.0d S 0-62mph: 6.2 Price: £51,450 seconds Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl Top speed: 150mph turbodiesel Economy: 47.1mpg Power: 296bhp CO2: 159g/km Torque: 700Nm On sale: Now Transmission: Eight-

BMW 2002 Hommage takes M2 Coupe to the retro extreme BMW has unleashed the 2002 Hommage concept on the eyeballs of the world at the 2016 Villa d’Este car show in Italy BMW has given itself a fast, blue, fat-tyred anniversary present – called the 2002 Hommage – to commemorate one of its favourite fast small cars.

The brand has turned the new M2 Coupe into a 50th anniversary celebration of the 2002 model that sparked its transformation from struggling bit part player to leading premium car maker.

The 2002 Hommage debuted at last weekend’s Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Italy, but BMW wasn’t talking about the car’s powertrain. Instead, it was boasting about a design that harks back to the 2002 Turbo from

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the seventies. “Exactly 50 years ago, the 02 range kick-started an era of success for BMW,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice-president of BMW Group Design. “This compact coupé is one of the vehicles which made the brand what it is today.”

Riding on the same wheelbase and with the same engine as the M2 Coupe, the 2002 Hommage gets short overhangs as an unabashed nod to its predecessor. A deep front splitter is shaped by three large air intakes, and the shark-nose kidney grille leans inwards at the bottom.

Controversially, it strays from modern BMW design language by discarding the usual quad lights in favour

of the original 2002’s single outboard headlights.

Where the old car had a full-length chrome strip, the Hommage replaces that with carbon fibre that runs around into the grille above the headlight. This breaks up the unique Space Race Metal blue paint finish, with high-gloss paint at the bottom and matt at the top. The glasshouse is unmistakably M2 and remains unchanged.

It features oversized front and rear wheelarch bulges, complete with 20-inch wheels and tyres, which hide gold-painted M brake calipers. The rear end does without a wild spoiler, but lifts up the bootlid to create downforce. Below the bumper, the quad tailpipes remain.

The latest concept follows a strong recent tradition of Hommage cars making their debuts at Villa d’Este, including last year’s CSL Hommage, the Vision Future Luxury concept in 2014 and the Grand Lusso Pininfarina collaboration in 2013. www.autoexpress.co.uk

37

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San Miguel Golf Society at Condado de Alhama. May 18th, 2016.

Thirty-two members and 2 guests made their way to what is for many the most distant of the local courses played, and one with which a large number were not familiar.

The intended signature course of those once under the Polaris banner and designed by Jack Nicklaus, it remains in reasonable condition with a layout and design that, if having a very average round and losing concentration, could make one believe that they are at La Torre, El Valle or Hacienda de Riquelme.

Only the broad sweep across to the spectacular Sierra Espuña, and a rather sparse barrack style urbanisation and temporary club house makes one realise that they are not. An increasing wind, which eventually became something of a gale, made scoring progressively difficult for all, but particularly for those starting later, and the hard greens and proclivity towards inundating fairways and greensides with soggy sand filled bunkers contributed to making scoring difficult.

Only 11 of the 32 members playing beat 29 points, and opinion was very much divided about returning to play the course some time in the future.

Special recognition must go to Phil de Lacy for his handicap equalling 36 points, the day’s best score, and in particular his apparent overcoming of his fear of bunkers (Well done Phil!!), as well as a mention for the only two lady members playing, Eva Pettersson and Marg Birtwistle, who both made it in to their respective category prizes.

The final match was played in the

quarterfinals of this season’s SMGS singles match play competition, with Darren Hancock beating Ken Flaherty 1up.

The day’s stableford results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 5th Norman McBride (24), 4th Brian Butler (26), 3rd Paul Cobain (28), 2nd Marge Birtwistle (29) and 1st Ray Ewins with 32 points.

Silver Category: 5th Mike Jordan (27 on CB), 4th Glen Rapley (31), 3rd Roger Webb (32 on CB), 2nd Alan MacDonald (32 on CB), and 1st, with the best score of the day, Phil de Lacy with 36 points.

Gold Category: 5th Barry Roehrig (32), 4th Eva Pettersson (33), 3rd Robin Eastman (34 on CB), 2nd Bjorn Pettersson (34 on CB) and 1st Steve Higgins, also with 34 points.

The Abacus, a bottle of good red plonk, was won by Mick Roscoe.

Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open to all) went to Robin Eastman (3), Brian Butler (7), Marg Birtwistle (11) and Norman McBride (17).

The best guest prize was won by Dave Watson with 20 points.

Our thanks go to the staff at Alhama golf course for their contribution to the day.

Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www. smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf get-togethers. Next Wednesday, May 25th, we will be at Villamartin.

25’95 €

Quesada Golf Society The Society made the short trip to play the well established course on the doorstep, La Marquesa , which was found to be in good condition. The skies overhead were blue and the sun was out. Perfect day for a game of golf. There was a bit of a cock up with the start time which was thankfully resolved and everyone got their round of golf. The course always proves popular with our members.

The competition was an individual stableford. For the men there was a Gold and Silver division and also a competition for the ladies. Ann Hobbs wore a very colourful skirt which may set a trend.

The winner of the Gold division was the genial Irishman and the Society’s lowest handicapper with 32 points closely followed by Brighton boy Victor Dew with 31 points who just pipped Welshman Mike Thomas to second place on C/B. In the Silver division the winner was Buffalo Bill Acton with 26 points followed by young David James in second place with 24 points and in third place with 23 points was the jovial Scotsman Sergio Spiers. In the ladies competition the winner on C/B with 28 points was Sheila McSweeney who just pipped Ann Hobbs. In third place with 25 points was Janet Candelin.

There were only 4 nearest the pin winners from the 6 on offer. Two were won by the big hitting Welsh lass Sue Forbes with Welshman Mike Thomas and Wild Bill Acton picking up the others.

There were 3 winners of the 2´s who each pocketed a fist full of euro´s.

These were John the Panda Dunnion - big cutie, Stormin Norman Lewis and Sue Forbes who had a good day. The winner of the scratchcard was Ann Hobbs.

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

The next society game is on Wednesday 1 June at La Finca which is already full.

Before then on Tuesday 24 May there is a members meeting at the Quesada Country Club starting at 10.30a m Anyone in the Quesada area looking to join a very friendly golf society and play golf once a fortnight at a wide variety of courses at a very reasonable cost, should contact the Chairman & Membership Secretary Les Pancott on 966716723.

Darrylldinho

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

38

SPORT SHORTS with Tony Matthews

• Last Saturday, ten-man Manchester United lifted the FA Cup for a joint record 12th time, defeating Crystal Palace 2-1.

Van Gaal’s ‘last game’ as United’s boss .

• Hibs scored twice in the last 10 minutes to beat Rangers 3-2 to win the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1902.

• There were also Cup final wins for Bayern Munich, Juventus, Barcelona (2-0 over Sevilla) and PSG… and as a result each team completed their domestic double.

• Halifax beat Grimsby 1-0 in the Trophy final and Morpeth Town beat Hereford 4-1 Vase final.

• Last Sunday, England pipped Turkey 2-1 in a pre-Euro 2016 warm-up friendly.

• Ex-Inter Milan boss, Walter Mazzarri (54) has become Watford’s eighth manager in four years; Brendan Rodgers is Celtic’s new head coach; Paul Trollope has over at Cardiff City and Neil Warnock has left Rotherham.

• England crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 88 runs in the first Test at Headingly. James Anderson took 10 wickets in the match (5-16 & 5-29) while wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow claimed nine catches and scored 140.

• Warrington, Catalan Dragons, Hull and Wigan, stand 1-2-3-4 in the Super League.

• Tomorrow the PGA Golf Tournament starts at Virginia Water, Wentworth.

• Coming up we have three Playoff finals at Wembley - Hull-Sheffield Wednesday (Championship, Saturday), Barnsley-Millwall (FL1, Sunday) and

Wimbledon-Plymouth (FL2, next Monday).

• On Friday, England play Australia, Northern Ireland take on Belarus and the Republic of Ireland meet Holland, followed on Sunday by Italy-Scotland and Spain-Ukraine, all friendlies.

• On Saturday, it’s Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final in Milan.

• Also on Saturday, Scot Ricky Burns fights Michele di Rocco for the WBA Light welterweight title while England’s Tony Bellew faces Ilunga Makabu at Cruiserweight level.

• Monaco stages Sunday’s F1 Grand Prix; Nurburg, Germany hosts the World Touring Car Championship; Donnington Park stages the Superbike World Championship and the BMX World Championships take place in Medellin, Colombia.

• The French Open Tennis tournament continues at Roland Garros and the European Archery Championships are taking place in Nottingham.

• The second England-Sri Lanka second cricket Test starts in Durham on Friday and on Saturday it’s the Indian Premier League final.

• Saracens oppose Exeter Chiefs in the Rugby Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham and Connacht meet Leinster in the Pro12 final at Murrayfield.

• There’s the Diamond League Athletics meeting at Eugene in Oregon, USA.

May 2016

Catalan flag allowed at Spain's cup final after ban lifted

A Spanish judge on Friday overturned a controversial ban on Barcelona fans flying Catalan separatist flags at Sunday’s Copa del Rey final against Sevilla in Madrid.

The Madrid authorities had told Barcelona on Wednesday that the Estelada independence flags could not be flown at the Vicente Calderon stadium, the home of Atletico Madrid because they contravened a 2007 law.

That legislation allowed for a ban on flags and symbols that are deemed to “incite violence” or “show contempt for participants in a sporting event”.

But the judge on Friday ruled that “in no case had it been proven” that the exhibition of the flags could “incite violence, racism, xenophobia or any other form of discrimination that is an affront to human dignity”.

Barcelona said they welcomed the judicial decision to allow the display of Estelada flags.

“The club celebrates that the judge’s decision will allow the free expression of legal symbols and banners by its members and supporters,” the Spanish champions said in a statement.

The club has long been an outlet for Catalan who favour secession in the wealthy Northeastern region to express their beliefs.

The controversy over the flag ban

BRADLEY BREAKERS

dominated headlines in Spain just five weeks before a repeat general election in which the ruling conservative Popular Party is once again presenting itself as the best guarantor of national unity.

An influential group of proindependence campaigners, the Catalan National Assembly, had planned to hand out 10,000 Scottish “Saltire” flags to Barcelona supporters at the final in protest against the ban on the Catalan flag.

But in the wake of the judge’s decision to overturn the ban, it called the plan and called on Barcelona supporters to “fill the stands” the Catalan pro-independence flag.

“This is the best way to celebrate victory for freedom of expression, to peacefully demonstrate that the Estelada is a symbol that identifies us, and to answer those who would try to limit our freedom,” it said in a statement.

The head of Catalonia’s proindependence government, Carles Puigdemont, and the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, had both said they would boycott the King’s Cup final because of the flag ban but after the judge’s decision was announced they both said they would now attend.

965 723 270 607 848 332

“The courts have blocked a completely un d e m o c r a t i c decision by the Spanish government,” Puigdemont told a news conference in Barcelona called to announce he would attend the match thelocal

39

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The ceremony was attended by members of the UK press corps, as well being filmed by ZDF, a German National television station based in Mainz, with, no doubt, much of the additional interest created by the impending EU vote.

Always a very colourful affair, this year was no different as each of the represented clubs marched onto the green in turn to be loudly applauded by a large number of spectators, before wheeling around to line up in front of the guests platform.

Following the players the loudest cheer of the morning was for the

Seamus Moran, the popular owner of the Emerald complex, then handed the rink over to the tournament committee after which Neil and Seamus delivered the two opening bowls.

ZDF remained at the complex for most of the remainder of the day during which they interviewed a number of the bowlers and guests, including Councillor Sofia Alvarez and National Director Bob Donnelly.

With the triples getting underway early in the afternoon, at least for the successful competitors there now follows an arduous two weeks of bowling, while for those not so lucky there is always the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to make new friends.

Cllr for tourism Sofia Alvarez and National Director Bob Connelly competition umpires, always the beneficiaries of ‘friendly’ banter from the players.

Despite having the furthest distance to travel, Teide Bowls Club from Tenerife had a good sized contingent on parade, with representatives also from many of the local clubs as well as those from further south.

Following the parade of teams the new Spain National Director, Bob Donnelly, welcomed the bowlers and all of the guests and spectators to the championships. He gave particular thanks to the tournament sponsors Línea Directa who were supporting the championships for the very first time. He said how delighted he was to have such a major international company endorsing the 2016 tournament and hoped that this would be the start of a long and fruitful relationship for them with National Bowls.

Neil Reardon answered on behalf of the tournament sponsor wishing

The tournament runs until 28th May at the Emerald Isle Bowls Club with entry free starting at 10am. There will even be a ‘taster’ session for potential bowlers next Sunday 22nd May where, from 2.30 pm, anyone wishing to try out the game can go along and give it a go themselves. Everything will be provided absolutely free including bowls, shoes and tuition.

The two Blue Ribbon events, the Gents and the Ladies Singles, get underway on Wednesday and Thursday. With Pete Bonsor in Australia we are assured of a new men’s champion while the 2015 ladies winner, Jan Dando will begin her defence of the title at 2pm on Wednesday afternoon against Ann Holland.

term” contract extension with American sportswear giants Nike on Saturday, which will reportedly see the Catalan club surpass Manchester United with the most lucrative kit-sponsorship deal in the world.

Barca said the details of the deal will be revealed and ratified at the club’s next general assembly.

Catalan sports dailies Sport

Assembly.”

A record-breaking deal with ease the strains on Barca’s finances with a €420 million renovation of their Camp Nou stadium due to begin in 2018.

Moreover, the club are reportedly set to announce an extension to Brazilian star Neymar’s contract — who is a key Nike-sponsored

and Mundo Deportivo reported, however, that the world champions could make up to a staggering €155 million euros ($174 million) a season.

That would dwarf the current £75 million ($109million) a season, 10-year deal Manchester United agreed with Adidas last year.

“FC Barcelona and Nike, Inc. have extended their current sponsorship deal, which was due to end on 30 June 2018,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“The long-term agreement is a landmark in global football and builds upon a highly successful partnership.

“The details of the agreement will be reported and will have to

athlete — in the coming weeks.

“Through this new agreement with Nike we are extending a strategic alliance for the club, while also reinforcing our global position, hand in hand with the leading global sports brand,” said Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu.

“We are excited by this new agreement and are confident that we’ll be able to celebrate continued sporting successes together.”

Despite sealing a 24th La Liga title last weekend, Barca are yet to agree a shirt sponsorship deal for next season as talks with current sponsors Qatar Airways have stalled. thelocal

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With rather more than the usual interest from the International media The 22nd opening c e r e m o n y of the LÍnea Directa National Lawn Bowls Championship was held Lyn Hawkins Leads out the Emerald Isle in beautiful sunshine at the Emerald all of the competitor’s success in Isle Bowls Club on Saturday morning where their efforts, and pointing out that competitors, all resplendent in their it was their skills and exemplary club colours, paraded in front of a conduct when playing that would healthy and supportive crowd, at undoubtedly make the competition a venue richly adorned with the such a memorable event.

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•hyundai i30 1.4 Crdi 2013, 5-doors, silver........................... €12,950

BMW 428 COUPE luxury, auto, 2014, 4,700 kms €39,950 vw california 2.5tdi, 2007, 178,000km, €27,950 Hyundai Tuscan 1.7 CRDi, 2016, New, 0 km €23,950

•MGTF Cabrio 1250cc, 1954, 146,000km.........................................€27,950 •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 •VW GOLF 1.4 PETROL, AUTO, 2012, 106,000KM............................... €14,950 •Toyota yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012, 40,000KM.................................... €12,950 •citroen c-elysee exc. 1.2, auto, petrol, 2015, 2000km......€12,950 •PEUGEOT 208 1.6 PETROL, 2013, 19,000KM..................................€12,950 •Dacia Duster 1.5DCi, 2013, 83,000km............................................€11,950 •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 •PEUGEOT 5008 1.6HDI, DIESEL, AUTO, 2011, 129,000KM.............€11,950 •PEUGEOT 5008 1.6HDI, DIESEL, AUTO, 2010, 120,000KM.............€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 •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 •chrysler stratus 2.0 auto, 1999, 104,000km......................€2,950

toyota avensis 2l d4d, 2010, 60,000km, €11,950 AUDI A3 2.0TDI DSG, 2006, AUTO, SPORTBACK, 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

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

mercedes clc 200 1.8CDi (Diesel) 2008, 89,000 kms €15,750

•OPEL ASTRA ESTATE 2.0 DIESEL, 2001, 207,000KM...............€1,950

Right hand drive vehicles •rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles....................€13,950 •honda civic 1.8 petrol, 2006, 118,000miles..................................€3,950 •mazda 3 sport, 2.0, petrol, 2005, 50,000 miles...................€3,950

VW Golf 1.4 Match TDi DSG, Diesel, 2012, 106,000km €14,950

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

Toyota Yaris 1.3 V VTi, 2012 40,000km €12,950

•Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 CRDi, Auto, 2004, 128,000 miles.........€3,450

Right hand drive - spanish reg •Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6HDi, 2008, 85,000 miles....€6,950 •toyota hilux, 2.5 diesel, 2004, 105,000 miles......................€5,450

citroen jumpy 2.0hdi, 2005, Diesel, 183,000kms €5,950 Ford Fiesta 1.3 Petrol 2007, 68,000km €5,450

•jaguar s-type, 3.0 v6, petrol, 2000, 112,000 miles...........€3,950 •ReNault Megane 1.6 Petrol, 2006, 80,000 miles...........€2,950 •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

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