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Spain's Ceuta enclave stormed by migrants
African migrants run on a road after crossing the border fence between Morocco and Spain"s north African enclave of Ceuta, December 9, 2016Image copyright Reuters Image caption Local authorities were taken by surprise as hundreds crossed the border early on Friday At least 400 people have broken through the border fence between Morocco and the enclave of Ceuta, which is part of Spain. The migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, stormed different points of the 6m-high (19ft) barbed-wire fence from 06:15 local time (07:15 GMT) on Friday. It is the biggest single breach of the border in a decade, local media report. Two border guards were injured in the surprise assault on the border, according to Spanish authorities. Local TV footage showed dozens of migrants celebrating their crossing, while others appeared exhausted, lying on the pavement with visible cuts to their feet and hands. Most of those who made the crossing have now been detained, with 20% still unaccounted for, Spanish Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said. Ceuta is a major crossing point for those seeking work or asylum in Europe. Together with a second Spanish enclave, Melilla, it is the European Union's only land border with Africa. BBC
‘Santa Clauses’ burgle Valencia’s Apple store
FOUR men dressed up as Santa Claus held up the Apple shop in Valencia, making off with a large number of iPads, says head of public safety Juan Carlos Moragues. Speaking last Saturday, Moragues said the thieves escaped at high speed – despite the city centre’s now having a 30-kilometre-per-hour limit – in a car which had been stolen on Wednesday night from Manises, where Valencia airport is based. They used it at around 14.00 on the day after pinching it as a getaway car, and it was found burnt
the previous occasion when it went into receivership, in 2013 – and has already shut down its website right in the middle of the Christmas shopping season. A message on Blanco.com says anyone with online orders placed will be contacted as soon as possible. Last time Blanco went into receivership, it managed to pull itself back from the brink – the firm's then owner, Bernardo Blanco, filed for bankruptcy on the chain's behalf due to extremely serious financial and cashflow problems, but hoped to seek a viable future for the company. It was duly bought out by AC Modus, a process which took nearly three years, but the new owners say the Spain and Portugal divisions have 'failed to
BUDGET high-street clothing chain Blanco has announced all its stores will now close and all 850 employees made redundant after having declared itself bankrupt for the second time in Spain and Portugal. The company is said to owe all staff 23 days' pay from November which is overdue, but unions say Blanco's management is ready to negotiate the 'best possible conditions' for outgoing employees. Closures of the brand's 102 shops will be gradual, but will not start until the Mercantile Court of Toledo approves its second bankruptcy application. The company, which has liabilities totalling €133 million, has applied to the court for permission to wind up – unlike
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out on the main road towards Riba-roja de Túria, close to Manises and Valencia. A fifth man had been waiting in the stolen vehicle whilst the four Father Christmases stormed the shop. Moragues says the four Santa Clauses burst into the premises, shouting at all customers inside to get down on the floor. It is not known whether they were armed, but no weapons were seen and nobody was hurt. None of the culprits has yet been caught. thinkspain
Cut-price fashion chain Blanco to shut down, costing 850 jobs
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generate profits', despite 'every effort'. AC Modus has spent the last two months seeking investors to keep the business afloat, but that this quest has 'not borne fruit'. The company launched its third mass redundancy procedure in September this year, but eventually scrapped it without any jobs being lost due to previous 'restructures' having led to 900 employees leaving prior to its commencing – although it has not been clarified whether they left voluntarily or were laid off. Last year, 'staff restructures' affected 189 workers, although when Blanco went into receivership in June 2013, the process cost 711 employees their jobs. thinkspain
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From heroic, distraught Spanish father to alleged fraudster
A week ago Fernando Blanco was a heroic Spanish father who raised over 900,000 euros for his sick daughter, but on Friday he was behind bars, an alleged fraudster accused of spending much of that cash on himself.
A judge in the northeastern region of Catalonia remanded him in custody on Friday and stripped his wife of custody
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of their child for "alleged fraud with regards to the demand for money they made for treatment for their daughter", a court spokeswoman said. The case of the young Nadia Nerea, who suffers from a rare, potentially life-threatening genetic disorder, had moved the country after Blanco went from one media outlet to another to
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publicise her case, saying a pioneering operation in Houston in the United States could save her life. Police said on Friday in a statement that her parents
had raised 918,000 euros ($969,000) for Nadia's treatment, but spent close to 600,000 euros of that on other things. expatica
Brussels ‘to fast-track offer’ for British nationals in Spain to remain EU citizens The European Union’s Brexit negotiators will offer British people a chance to individually remain part of the EU, according to media reports in Britain. There was potentially some good news on Friday for all those Brits in Spain who were unhappy about the EU referendum result The Independent newspaper claimed on Friday that Guy Verhofstadt, the man put in charge of Brexit negotiations by the European parliament, will fast-track a proposal that would allow Brits to optin and maintain their EU citizenship. It had already been revealed that the EU was considering a plan to allow Brits to stay as EU citizens but Verhofstadt has now “fast-tracked the idea to the negotiating table”, the Independent writes. Verhofstadt described the proposal as “very important” and that it had “captured the imagination and hopes” of many British people who wished to retain their rights as EU citizens. According to the Independent the chief negotiator told the European Parliament’s committee on constitutional affairs: “It is an important amendment that has captured the imagination and hopes of many of the 48 per cent of Brits that have voted
to remain in the EU. You will all have received many emails about this - and there has been many articles about this.“ It has therefore become a very important issue that cannot await treaty change - as envisaged by MP Charles Goerens when he first tabled it. “I am therefore proposing to remove it from my report - which after all is concerned with Treaty change - and to include it in the negotiations we will have with the UK government. I as Brexit negotiator for the Parliament will ensure that it is included in the parliament’s negotiating mandate.” Under the plan Brits would be offered individual “associate citizenship” which would allow them to hold on to their freedom of movement across the Union and therefore live and work wherever in the EU they choose. They would also be allowed to vote in European elections. That could potentially save Brits in Spain the hassle of either having to apply for a long term residency permit – or get Spanish citizenship, both of which many British nationals in Spain have been making efforts to get since the June referendum. thelocal
CEREMONIES FOR YOU …….your ceremony your way
What wonderful events are you planning for 2017? Are you planning a wedding, a special anniversary or a renewal of your marriage vows? Not sure where to start or who you can ask about your ceremony? No matter what occasion you are marking, I offer a fully Bespoke Service, from finding out what it is you’d like to communicate - right through to delivering a memorable ceremony experience which you will treasure for years to come. As a Qualified Celebrant I will discuss with you all your requirements, ideas and to find about more about yourselves. I will then create a beautiful and unique ceremony just for you, with readings, music and vows tailored along with special touches like unity candles or sand ceremonies for your special day. Afterwards I will present you with a pack containing highlights of your ceremony which you can keep as a keepsake. I promise never to use a “one size fits all” approach and I will take as much time as we need to create your perfect day. January is a very busy time for bookings and I only book one ceremony each day so if you have the date, don’t wait! Contact me Facebook~Lynda Gibson Celebrant
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December 2016
Spain dismantles one of EU's main hubs for fake goods
Authorities in Spain dismantled one of the European Union's main hubs for counterfeit goods, arresting 71 people and seizing close to 270,000 fake watches, jewellery and other goods, police and Europol said on Friday. The international gang that acquired and sold the counterfeit products operated in and around La Jonquera in northeastern Spain, a town close to the French border known for its brothels and supermarkets selling low cost alcohol and tobacco. Spanish police told reporters the products seized were worth over eight million euros at market prices -- "the biggest (operation) ever conducted in Spain" against violations of intellectual property (IP). In a statement, European police agency Europol, which assisted Spanish forces in the operation, said they had dismantled a "main European Union hub" for the distribution of counterfeit goods. Police staged the operation on November 29 when they made the arrests and inspected more than 40 premises, seizing clothes, shoes, sunglasses, watches, jewellery, leather goods and other products. "In some of the premises, investigators discovered the existence of secret warehouses hidden behind false walls, used by the criminals to conceal the newest illicit merchandise in case of a police intervention," said Europol. The majority of those detained were Israeli or Moroccan. Chris Vansteenkiste, head of counterfeiting at Europol, said the region was "one of the black spots in the European Union" for this type of offence, along with the border between the Czech Republic and Germany. The gang "also used a sophisticated network of fictitious companies and front men to launder the proceeds of their criminal activities, which are thought to have exceeded nine million euros", Europol said. Many of the products were imported from abroad, in particular China, Portugal and Turkey. Other products, mainly leather goods and belts, were counterfeited directly in Spain. expatica
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Sleeping Beauty by Rojales Pantomime Group
Ohhh Olga Pong the wicked witch appears in Sleeping Beauty presented by Rojales Pantomime Group directed by Christine Smith, this Classic Fairy tale is suitable for all ages and is a wonderful way to introduce children and young people to the magic of theatre. Performances are at the Escuela De Musica y Culture, Los Montesinos in January 2017 Evening performances Thursday 12th and Friday 13th at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee on the 14th at 2.30pm A beautiful princess, wicked witch, fairy godmothers, a handsome prince, bumbling king, giddy queen and a variety of palace staff, gremlins, goblins a panda and dancing jellyfish, with songs lots of laughs, and a happily ever after make this an extremely popular version of Sleeping Beauty. Staring Jan Holden, Jacqui Reed and Joan Waddington as the three Fairy Godmothers who will be sprinkling fairy dust on the audience as they interact with booing, hissing and all that stuff to remove the curse placed upon Princess Beauty by Olga the wicked witch. Every once in a while it doesn’t hurt to wish
for your fairy godmothers, a little magic, and a happy ending. Tickets are available at many local outlets in Quesada, Algorfa, Los Montesinos, La Marina and Torrevieja ADULTS 7€ / CHILDREN 5€ Contact: Christine 678 212 034 or Thelma: 634 339 588 www.rojalespantomime.com rojalespantomime@gmail.com
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December 2016
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ear Santa, It’s been a terrible month. I desperately need your help! It all started when my water pipes burst and flooded the house. A few days later my clumsy neighbour drove into my drive and knocked the wall down. Last week my son and his girlfriend announced they were moving to
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ear Troubled, Please don’t fret; I know just how to help you solve all these problems, leaving you and your family free to enjoy Christmas. I have put together some information on some of my favourite and trusted companies in your area. I’m sure if you pop in to see them or give them a call, they will have you sorted in no time – just tell them Santa sent you!
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December 2016
Best Christmas movies to watch in 2016
Top films including Elf, Polar Express, The Holiday and Home Alone Tis the season to watch telly, but what are the best Christmas films of all time to get you in the festive spirit? From It's a Wonderful Life to Love Actually - here are some jolly hints Christmas films are seldom critically acclaimed
or Oscar winners - but with cartoon reindeers and real-life elves, they are always blooming good fun for all of the family. From the childhood classics you loved that make a welcome reappearance every year right up to the newer, more slick
productions with bags of wit, there’s something for everyone who wants their heart warming come Yuletide. Whether your idea of a yo-ho-ho hit is a black and white classic or a wise-cracking animation, there is something for everyone.
elf The 2003 smash hit has become a modern classic as viewers can't get enough of funnyman Will Ferrell's antics as a human raised as an obstreperous elf who finally meets his real-life dad - played by a truculent James Caan.
its a wonderful life A box office bomb when it was released in 1946, this James Stewart movie is now a classic, featuring festive themes such as bankruptcy, sibling death and suicidal thoughts.
THE SANTA CLAUSE Back in the 1990s, Tim Allen was a TV legend, and in this hilarious 1994 take on a festive fantasy, he’s playing up to the camera as the dad who accidentally becomes Santa.
LOVE ACTUALLY You’re either for Richard Curtis’ schmaltzy 2003 take on the Brit Christmas or you ain’t - but the star power of this hit includes Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutcheon, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson...
THE HOLIDAY Talking of star power, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz definitely bring more style than substance to this 2006 romcom that’s one for the lovers.
POLAR EXPRESS Hailed at the time for its animation, the 2004 film featuring Tom Hanks’ voice hasn’t worn brilliantly, but the spirit of a child’s belief in Christmas is still strong.
THE SNOWMAN Aled Jones’ voice famously doesn’t appear in the film, but the British classic is perfect anyway thanks to Raymond Brigg’s moving pictures.
SCROOGED It’s another Christmas Carol-themed flick, but strictly for the grown ups, as Bill Murray’s selfish, cynical TV exec was haunted by three spirits and even learned something in 1988.
Miracle on 34th Street Various versions of this have surfaced but the central theme is the same. Tough consumer business mum has her belief in Father Christmas reinvigorated, everyone smiles.
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CHRISTMAS BEAUTY TIPS How to look beautiful at Christmas Whether you’re driving home for Christmas to see family, or heading out to glitzy parties to see old friends over the festive period, no doubt you’ll want to look your best. With these top seven Christmas beauty tips you’ll be looking gorgeous for those under-the-mistletoe moments. Party make-up Party make-up has to be right if you want to look beautiful at Christmas. The key to looking great for your Christmas party is to put on your eye shadow first. Then apply your foundation and any other make-up you want to wear. This way you know that any loose eye shadow won’t fall in those places you don’t want it. Simple up ‘do Christmas is such a frantic time that it can be difficult to find the energy to fuss over hair styles. Yet if you want to look fantastic then one of the best beauty tips you can master is the art of simple hairdos. If you want to put your hair up, try twisting one section from the front of your hair; once twisted pin into place at the back of your head. Repeat with the other side. Then take the remainder of your hair and tie a messy bun. This look is elegant, simple and more importantly quick. Glittery lips Nothing says Christmas like glitter, and slathering some sparkly goodness on your pout will definitely bring you some Christmas cheer this year. To master the look, line your lips with a light coloured lip pencil and add foundation to the corners of your mouth. Then apply a creamy lipstick using a lip brush before using a flat brush to add on your glitter. You can finish with a gloss. To glam up your lips even more add some clear lip gloss. The one thing to bear in mind if you’re considering having glittery lips for a Christmas do is that drinking, eating and kissing may be off limits; so weigh up your priorities before donning a glitter pout. Combat alcohol Although you may like sipping a tasty mojito or cosmopolitan, your skin doesn’t. Alcohol dehydrates you and can leave your skin dry, grey and dull. To make sure your skin glows despite the endless flow of alcohol over the festive period your moisturiser won’t be enough. Instead invest in some cleansing milks that contain hyaluronic acid. You could also apply a brightening face mask; look for ones that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, as this natural acid helps to destroy dead skin skills, firm up skin and moisturize. Tired eyes All those nights partying to Mariah Carey and Wham! is
bound to leave even young eyes looking tired. To make sure you stay looking bright and alert over Christmas give yourself a little eye massage to get rid of puffy eyes. Begin at the corner of one of your eyes and work your way up, between your brow bone and your eye, rubbing as you go until you reach the outer edge of your eye. Repeat along your lower lash line. Also, be careful about where you apply your blusher as applying it too high can make you look tired. Flat stomach For most of us, a flat, washboard stomach is like the elixir of life – a distant, priceless dream that will never become a reality. Yet we have a few tricks that might make that flat tummy achievable. Firstly, try taking peppermint capsules or aloe vera juice. Each do a fantastic job in supporting the digestive system and both can help you achieve a flat stomach by preventing bloating. So that you can look
amazing in your Christmas outfit, you can also cut out certain foods that can cause excessive gas and bloating. Try to limit things that contain refined sugar, or fermented products like cheese and alcohol. Have a great time We’re about to reveal one of the best beauty Christmas tips of all time, so sit comfortably and listen up. Here it is: enjoy yourself. It sounds so simple, but whatever you’re up to this Christmas, make sure you spend time with people you like and spend at least some time with people who make you feel good about yourself. Having a great time is the perfect beauty treatment because when you’re having a great time it shows: your skin glows, your eyes brighten and everyone warms to you and wants to spend time with you. https://www.realbuzz.com
WIG BOUTIQUE Throughout December we have a 25% discount on all TIGI products and pick & mix on clynol products. Our junior stylist is doing a special up until January. A full set of eye lashes for 25€ original price 50€ This offer is of training purposes! to book an appointment please call Tel: 966 760 133 Mob: 688 388 272 Email: beautypalace59@gmail.com Ground floor of SWEDENT Building Avda. Diamante, 5 - La Zenia Alta 03189 Orihuela Costa
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December 2016
Christmas decoration Ideas
When it comes to Christmas decorating, 'tis the season to be stylish. From fairy lights to amazing trees (and alternative trees), get inspired with these fabulously festive Christmas decorating ideas. Go traditional with a red-and-white Christmas decorating theme, or try a decor that's decidedly different - kitschy colours, anyone? Grab a glass of mulled wine and get ready to be inspired - we have stylish Christmas decorating ideas to make your home a winter wonderland. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
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Christmas beauty tips How to look beautiful at Christmas Whether you’re driving home for Christmas to see family, or heading out to glitzy parties to see old friends over the festive period, no doubt you’ll want to look your best. With these top seven Christmas beauty tips you’ll be looking gorgeous for those under-the-mistletoe moments. Party make-up Party make-up has to be right if you want to look beautiful at Christmas. The key to looking great for your Christmas party is to put on your eye shadow first. Then apply your foundation and any other make-up you want to wear. This way you know that any loose eye shadow won’t fall in those places you don’t want it. Simple up ‘do Christmas is such a frantic time that it can be difficult to find the energy to fuss over hair styles. Yet if you want to look fantastic then one of the best beauty tips you can master is the art of simple hairdos. If you want to put your hair up, try twisting one section from the front of your hair; once twisted pin into place at the back of your head. Repeat with the other side. Then take the remainder of your hair and tie a messy bun. This look is elegant, simple and more importantly quick. Glittery lips Nothing says Christmas like glitter, and slathering some sparkly goodness on your pout will definitely bring you some Christmas cheer this year. To master the look, line your lips with a light coloured lip pencil and add foundation to the corners of your mouth. Then apply a creamy lipstick using a lip brush before using a flat brush to add on your glitter. You can finish with a gloss. To glam up your lips even more add some clear lip gloss. The one thing to bear in mind if you’re considering having glittery lips for a Christmas do is that drinking, eating and kissing may be off limits; so weigh up your priorities before donning a glitter pout. Combat alcohol Although you may like sipping a tasty mojito or cosmopolitan, your skin doesn’t. Alcohol dehydrates you and can leave your skin dry, grey and dull. To make sure your skin glows despite the endless flow of alcohol over the festive period your moisturiser won’t be enough. Instead invest in some cleansing milks that contain hylauronic acid. You could also apply a brightening face mask; look for ones that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, as this natural acid helps to destroy dead skin skills, firm up skin and moisturize.
Tired eyes All those nights partying to Mariah Carey and Wham! is bound to leave even young eyes looking tired. To make sure you stay looking bright Tel: 950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com and alert over Christmas give yourself a little eye massage to get rid of puffy eyes. Begin at the corner of one of your eyes and work your way up, between and spend at least some time with people who make you feel your brow bone and your eye, rubbing as you go until you good about yourself. Having a great time is the perfect beauty reach the outer edge of your eye. Repeat along your lower lash treatment because when you’re having a great time it shows: line. Also, be careful about where you apply your blusher as your skin glows, your eyes brighten and everyone warms to applying it too high can make you look tired. you and wants to spend time with you. Flat stomach https://www.realbuzz.com For most of us, a flat, washboard stomach is like the elixir of life – a distant, priceless dream that will never become a reality. Yet we have a few tricks that might make that flat tummy achievable. Firstly, try taking peppermint capsules or aloe vera juice. Each do a fantastic job in supporting the digestive system and both can help you achieve a flat stomach by preventing bloating. So that you can look amazing in your Christmas outfit, you can also cut out certain foods that can cause excessive gas and bloating. Try to limit things that contain refined sugar, or fermented products like cheese and alcohol. Have a great time We’re about to reveal one of the best beauty Christmas tips of all time, so sit comfortably and listen up. Here it is: enjoy yourself. It sounds so simple, but whatever you’re up to this Christmas, make sure you spend time with people you like
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December 2016
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galraith
“Her head had bled a little into the snow. The face was crushed and swollen, one eye reduced to a pucker, the other showing as a sliver of dull white distended lids.” A dramatic opening, the death of a beautiful supermodel in suspicious circumstances, having fallen from her Mayfair penthouse caused a big stir with the paparazzi. Detective Inspector Roy Carver and Detective Sergeant Eric Wardle were on the case. Lula Landy, like the late Princess Diana was one of the most photographed women in the world. It seems that both women were hounded to death by the pressure of celebrity and attention. Her death dominated the news showing her “flawless face, her lithe and sculpted body” but within three months “The frenzy wore itself into staleness.” Lula was an interesting character, having been adopted by a wealthy white family. She had been investigating her biological roots and had discovered a black half-brother who she had made contact with. She was expelled from school for dabbling in drugs and ran off to London to live rough with addicts. Her on-off boyfriend was an addict, violent at times, a musician called Evan Duffield and she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She had been signed up by Guy Some the fashion designer after winning a modelling contract worth 5 million pounds over 2 years. When she died she had accumulated a fortune of 10 million. Before her death there had been a row with Duffield and he became chief suspect but at this stage, the conclusion amounted to: “The poor cow jumped. There was no one else there.” No further investigation. Three months later we meet her adopted half-brother, John Bristow, a lawyer for Landry, May and Patterson. He chooses Cordoran Strike , Private Detective with an equally interesting past who is down on his luck. His military career came to an abrupt end with a serious injury when he lost part of his leg. His long term girlfriend and his
turbulent relationship with Charlotte has finally floundered and he has nowhere to sleep other than his office in Denmark Street. His finances have hit rock-bottom and he has acquired a temp called Robin, intelligent and down-to-earth who he cannot afford without any paying clients. Bristow seems to be the lifeline that Strike desperately needs. He chose Strike to reopen the case of Lula because of his connection with Charlie who was John’s adopted brother who died when he was 9 years of age. Strike and Charlie had been bosom friends for two months prior to Charlie’s fatal accident. “They say my sister killed herself. I don’t believe it.” Strike is initially sceptical and reluctant to take on the case having decided that the police investigation was thorough and he believed the final verdict of suicide. But he is interested to hear evidence from a neighbour, Tansy Bestigui who overheard a heated argument seconds before Lula died. She was convinced that Lula was pushed over her balcony. The police had dismissed her evidence because she had been taking cocaine. Strike takes on the case and he is offered twice the going rate which will partly solve his mountainous debts. A string of interviews with all of the characters who had had contact with Lula make it compelling reading and the suspense is kept ticking over until the finale which is likened to an Agatha Christie climax when the murderer is revealed, and all the facts of the case spilled out in thorough detail. Cormoran Strike comes out of this very well. He outwitted the police force and deserves our uttermost respect. By the end of the case his reputation has spread and he has clients coming to his dingy office. Things are looking up. You’ll have guessed by now that J.K. Rowling was the author. When she sent her manuscript anonymously to Orion Books it was rejected. The sequel was published recently: “The Silkworm” which I am sure will be as successful. Rowling is certainly a master storyteller and I loved it.
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Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. If you need professional computer help that comes from over 38 years’ experience, you can contact me to make an appointment to come to my workshop or I can come to you, by calling 689 892 745 or by Email: canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk! Last week we looked at one way to stop Microsoft Windows 10 from spying on you. This week, as promised, I will be giving a list of these switches that will do the same thing but without any risk to your computer. There are two times when you can change these options: during the initial startup where all sorts of questions and options are thrown at you; and any time after that. For me it is like fitting a better lock to your house - better to stop access before any get taken! Almost everything is inside the ‘Settings’ App under the ‘Privacy’ section. What follows are guidelines that will help prevent the unwanted, intrusiveness from windows 10. 1. If you see the word ‘Advertising’ / ‘Ads’ or any variant – turn it off. 2. Smartscreen is a security measure that is supposed to prevent programs ‘Auto Running’ unless ‘passed’ by Microsoft first – if you are old enough and smart enough to know your own mind, turn it off. 3. If you see the phrase ‘Send Microsoft’ or ‘Local relevant content (advertising) - turn it off. 4. If you don’t want to be tracked turn ‘Localisation’ off 5. Under ‘Speech, Inking, & Typing’ turn off everything you can find; click on the button ‘Stop getting to know me’ and use the link to go to the ‘Bing’ (Microsoft) servers and remove stored information. 6. Minimise all Diagnostic and Usage
Data by choosing ‘Basic feedback’ and change ‘automatic’ to ‘Never’ (this will probably be disabled in future updates. 7. Turn ‘Cortana’ off 8. Turn off ‘Bing’ integration. 9. Here’s an important one – The system can be encrypted and the recovery key sent to Microsoft for ‘Safety’. Set your start up to ‘local’ which doesn’t automatically log you in to the Microsoft servers and prevent the encryption taking place automatically! 10. Windows Defender is Good! Keep it but only use the ‘Real-time Protection’. Should you accidentally turn it off then Windows will turn it back on again for you. Turn Off ‘Cloud-based Protection’. 11. Don’t use Microsoft ‘Edge’ for browsing the internet, You can’t turn it off but there is the safer ‘Microsoft Internet Explorer’ still available or better still Mozilla Firefox or a similar open-source web browser! 12. If you see the word ‘Sync’ - turn it off. All your passwords and account settings are stored on the Microsoft servers. 13. Take every opportunity to clear personal data by going to https:// bing.com/account/personalization and https://bing.com/profile/history 14. To prevent windows 10 from updating at the worst possible time, set the connection option to ‘Metered’ and in the ‘Choose how updates are delivered’ section click on the round button marked ‘PC’s on my local network’ and then turn off the switch above. 15. Finally, under the section ‘Manage WiFi Setting’ turn both switches off and untick the box at the bottom. You are as secure as I possible (for now) from prying eyes with Windows 10! So until next time ...
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SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT A tale of two Spanish ski resorts: Part I – Baqueira
The housing markets in Spain’s two bestknown ski resorts are going in different directions, as Baqueira recovers whilst Sierra Nevada remains in crisis made worse by Brexit. In this two-part series I look at each market, starting with Baqueira. Located in the Catalan Pyrenees (Lleida province, Catalonia), Baqueira is Spain’s most rated and upmarket ski resort where demand is growing, supplies are limited, and prices are rising. Demand is basically 60% from Madrid, 20% from the Basque Country, 10% from Catalonia, and 10% a mixture from other regions and nationalities, including the French and British. But the market is and always has been 90%+ Spanish. Baqueira ticks a lot of boxes. The skiing is great, the surroundings are beautiful, the town is attractive, the housing stock is high quality, and the apres ski is typically Spanish, and therefore much more fun than the Alps. That helps explain why the market is recovering in Baqueira better than other Spanish resorts like Sierra Nevada and Formigal. As far as skiing in Spain goes, Baqueira is the place to be for affluent Spanish buyers, so it is recovering with the Spanish economy. Buyers from outside of Spain are not important. Figures from Urban Data Analytics reported in the Spanish daily El Mundo reveal that house prices are rising in Baqueira, where it now costs an average of 2,805 €/m2 to buy, and 16€/m2/month to rent. There are no developments for sale, and resale properties in the fashionable
Val de Ruda urbanisation at the foot of the piste start at €400,000 for two beds and go up to €2m for chalets. Prices for small second hand flats in other parts of Baqueira start at around €150,000. Homes in Baqueira Prices fell around 50% peak (2008) to bottom (2013), and a duplex that sold for more than €1m at the top of the market now sells for around €550,000. But prices have now risen for several years, and look set to carry on rising. For example, two bed flats in Val de Ruda are up from €360,000 last year to €410,000 now, and increase of 14% in a year. There are no new developments for sale in Baqueira but the demand is there. The last development in the area was The White Angel Baqueira, part of The White Angel brand of new developments in upmarket parts of Spain (the first one was in Ibiza). The project was in Val de Ruda, with three phases of 50 homes, each phase selling out in a year, 150 homes sold in three years. I helped The Sunday Times do a piece on Baqueira property back in 2013, in which The White Angel was featured. I hope some readers benefited from that information, because it really was an exceptional product, and a golden opportunity for buyers. by Mark Stücklin Everything you need to know about property in Spain http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com
EU problems make pound look more attractive
This week has offered up a plethora or European news that could develop into something far bigger in the weeks to come. Much Like Bob Geldof, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi doesn’t seem to like Monday’s either. In the early hours he announced that he would leave his post after suffering a defeat in the referendum for constitutional reform held on Sunday. Italy now faces political and economic uncertainty. The banking sector in Europe’s third largest economy is already vulnerable and this vote will only add to the instability. The potential for the anti-establishment vote of 2016 reverberating into wider Europe next year is substantial. The single currency looks set to be the main victim of the fall out. Of course, this will benefit you if you have funds to secure in the coming months after a difficult second half to the year we’ve seen since the Brexit vote. On Thursday the European Central Bank announced that they would look to taper the quantitative easing package from next April. This is a mixture of good news along with bad. Good that they are reducing the amount but bad that they haven’t decided to stop. The Euro weakened as a result. All of course will not be plain sailing and we need to remember that nothing on these markets goes in a straight line, least of all the pound. Sterling is an incredibly fickle currency with seemingly anything distracting it from its course. Of course Brexit is one of these things, and quite a large distraction at that.
This week the Supreme Court has met to hear the arguments from both sides regarding the decision from the High Court to allow Parliament to vote on whether Article 50, the triggering of which will start the process in the UK leaving the EU, can go ahead. The government appealed the decision when it was originally given a few weeks ago. The final decision on this isn’t expected until January, but the market is confident that it will be approved and that MPs will finally have their say. Sterling is buoyed by this, but of course anything can happen and Theresa May has been unusually quiet on a state visit to Bahrain. Nervous of the result. Or confident that ‘Brexit means Brexit’? all will be revealed of course, but it boils down to the market rate for most people who need to react quickly and cover their requirements. We’ve reached the dizzy heights of €1.20 immediately following Renzi’s departure, but have been as low as €1.16 so volatility is still king. As I write, we’re nearing €1.19 again. Don’t get hurt if we decide to tumble again however, most people would have danced a jig for these rates just 6 short weeks ago. by Mark Stücklin Everything you need to know about property in Spain h t t p : / / w w w . spanishpropertyinsight. com
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eurozone needs more risk sharing
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HELSINKI (Reuters) The euro zone needs a way to share economic risks through a fiscal mechanism and through capital markets, the head of the euro zone bailout fund said, noting a euro zone budget did not have to entail debt mutualisation or permanent transfers. European Union institutions and governments are re-thinking how the single currency area is organised after crises since 2008 showed weaknesses in the way it is governed. The European Commission, the EU executive arm, is to come up with proposals on how to further develop the euro zone, which now comprises 19 countries, by the middle of next year. “From my perspective as an economist, the biggest remaining challenge in the EMU is the lack of economic risk-sharing,” the head of the European Stability Mechanism Klaus Regling said. “This can take place through fiscal mechanisms and through capital markets. Together, they help smooth consumption, demand and business cycles and make national economies more resilient,” he said. He said that such risk-sharing was underdeveloped in the euro zone, especially through capital markets. In the United States as much as
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80 percent of an asymmetric shock was evened out thanks to the mechanisms in place there while in the euro zone it was below 40 percent, he said. The whole European Union of 28 countries has a budget, equal to 1 percent of gross domestic product which provides transfers from the richer countries to the poorer ones. Regling said a separate euro zone budget would not need to make any additional transfers or joint debt issuance -- a notion that Germany, euro zone’s main economy, is adamantly against. “It could be worth to set up an additional fiscal capacity for the euro area for risk-sharing purposes,” he said. “One idea for such a capacity is a rainy day fund, something that exists in most U.S. states. Countries would get support from such a fund in bad times, and they would pay the money back once they recover,” he said. “Another option is a centrally managed US-style unemployment fund countries would pay into and draw on during a recession,” he said. (Writing By Jan Strupczewski)
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Bristol to Barcelona: “Be as ambitious as possible with new local currency”
British city, which counts on popular “Bristol Pound,” has plenty of advice for Catalan capital As Barcelona develops its plans for a future local currency, which is due to be launched next year, it is keeping a close eye on the example of Bristol, in the United Kingdom. It has been four years since the south-western English city launched the Bristol Pound, a currency that runs parallel to sterling, and seeks to promote the local business sector. Ciaran Mundy, the CEO of the Bristol Pound, has plenty of advice for the Catalan capital: “Be ambitious, and seek to include a great diversity of businesses,” he says. “It has already made a huge difference in the way our citizens understand money,” Mundy explains. “People from Bristol can see that change is possible and that they can attach a value to their money,” Bristol was not the first city to create a local currency but it has been the most popular so far. In the UK, the town of Lewes, East Sussex, and the Brixton area of London have both run their own experiments, and there are now around 25 cities in the country, including Exeter and Liverpool, that have a similar local method of payment. The Bristol Pound has a 1:1 equivalence with sterling and does not set out to replace the pound, but rather to coexist alongside it and strengthen ties between the community and local traders. Mundy estimates that since 2012 a total of £B2.5m has been put into circulation, both physical and digital, although he notes that is difficult to put a definitive number on it, as paper currency is hard to measure. In any case, one of the main virtues that the promoters of the initiative highlight is being able to pay local taxes using Bristol Pounds. Doing so ensures that the quantity paid to City Hall will be reinvested nearly automatically into other local businesses instead of big companies or international corporations. Bristol and Barcelona can experiment with more social ways of creating money “The Bristol Pound has worked closely with
European partner Social Trade Organization to deliver a digital platform,” explains Mundy. The platform is very secure and easy to use and allows payment by text message and online. “We will launch contactless cards in 2017,” says the CEO, who adds that digitalizing the currency ensures the security of the entire system and makes transactions easier than those carried out via conventional banks. The Pound’s webpage offers a list of establishments that accept the payment method. Lucy Wheeler, who runs a local business called Beast Clothing in Saint Nicholas Market, highlights that what makes the Bristol Pound popular is the way money circulates around the local economy. “After a customer shops with us in Saint Nicholas Market we then spend those Bristol Pounds in another local shop. This supports our local economy and the money stays in the city – it doesn’t end up in The Cayman Islands, other offshore bank accounts or disappearing into other global financial systems,” assures Wheeler, who adds that some customers try to do all their Christmas shopping using the local currency. Wheeler also says that she has seen a recent increase in the use of the local currency. “A lot of people use it because it makes them feel better,”
she says. “Some of them tell us that they try to buy as much as they can in the local stores that accept the Bristol Pound. There are even people who receive part of their salary in local currency,” Wheeler adds. One of them is the former mayor of Bristol, who implemented the Bristol Pound and went even further by taking his entire salary in the currency in order to encourage its use among citizens. In Barcelona, the new local currency should take into account the city council’s main goals, argues the coordinator from the ESCI-UPF business school, Marta Segura Bonet, who has a PhD in economics. She says that to start with, the local currency will be restricted to some areas of the city, and that it will work as a complementary payment for euros. From Bristol, Mundy says that the beginning of the project was tough, as it was hard for them to encourage local businesses to join the project. “Few people really know how tough it is to create a currency,” Mundy says. “Bristol and Barcelona can experiment with more social ways of creating money. We can choose how the money will work: change it to benefit people rather than private banks,” he concludes. elpais
Why Spain is still failing to attract high-end tourists New study encourages sector to look to the long-term and “unashamedly” target wealthier visitors Spain is on track for a record year of overseas tourists, with official forecasts predicting 74 million foreigners will have visited the country by the end of 2016, but 90% of them will be thrifty Europeans looking for a low-cost stay in the sun. Spain is still not making much of an effort to attract more visitors from Asia and the Middle East, nor has it been successful in selling itself as a desirable destination for wealthier visitors from the United States and Europe. The country needs to attract more visitors from Asia. The country needs to attract more visitors from Asia. The industry can only look on as other countries scoop the lion’s share of the high-end global tourist market – the Chinese, US and Saudi tourists with extravagant holiday spending habits. If Spain does want a share of the spoils, says a new study by Ernst & Young, it will have to begin “unashamedly” targeting these markets with a coordinated game plan. Saturation is a sure fire way of wearing a destination out Ernst & Young With this in mind, the consultancy calls
for more spending on marketing, better coordination between government agencies and a change of strategy to package Spain as offering more than just sunshine, beaches, bullfighting and parties. It points out that Europeans make up 89.4% of the total number of visitors, but that they spend on average just €135 a day. Moreover, the average tourist in Spain is spending less, a trend only compensated for by the increase in numbers. Instead, it is non-European visitors who are likely to pump cash into the wider economy, says Ernst & Young, noting that the average Chinese tourist spends an average of €960 on each shopping-focused trip, while visitors from Hong Kong spend more than €1,000, and the US traveller, €672. On the basis of this data, the report advises the industry to “give Spain’s image a makeover as a tourist destination, marketing it to highend clients, which will allow for more substantial revenue”. In other words, Spain needs to sell itself as a premium destination, targeting new markets and shifting the focus away from the UK and Germany. Of the 116 million Chinese who took overseas holidays in 2015, only 0.3% came to Spain; of the 68 million US
nationals on the move, that figure was 2.6%. Madrid has just 16 flights a week to China, while it has 68 to Paris, 66 to London and 62 to Frankfurt. The study also points out that for every tourist euro spent on duty free goods in Spain, €7.3 are left behind in Paris and €6.2 in London. Spain’s luxury goods sector is described as “still very basic”, and the sector is advised to “adopt a strategy that will unashamedly attract the premium-profile tourist.” The report urges the creation of more exclusive offers, with services adapted to the needs of specific countries and the establishment of a chain of luxury hotels, such as the US Four Seasons brand. Low-spending Europeans make up 90% of visitors to Spain Identifying new promotional tools, including more investment in online strategies, strengthening coordination between regional governments, working more closely with the private sector and increasing spending on advertising, the study came up with ideas to inform non-European tourists of Spain’s other qualities. It also noted that the budget for Turespaña, the organization tasked with promoting Spain as a tourist destination abroad, fell from €224 million in 2009 to
€91.7 million in 2016, with just 40.6% invested in advertising. Similarly, in a country where tourism accounts for 11% of GDP and 12% of employment, investment in tourism is relatively low – the Canary Islands invest just 0.9% of its overall budget on tourism, even though the sector accounts for 31.2% of its GDP. Finally, the report accuses Spain of complacency, in part due to having been chosen by visitors wary of destinations in the southern Mediterranean. It notes shortfalls in key areas such as cleanliness, safety, information technology, and language skills, while pointing out that in some cities visitor numbers are becoming unsustainable: in Barcelona, at any given time there are 4.4 tourists for every resident, and that’s without counting cruise-liner passengers or people staying in Airbnbtype apartments. Ernst & Young says the city is so overwhelmed that it faces the danger of residents moving out of the city centre, which in the long-term would make Barcelona less attractive. “Saturation is a sure fire way of wearing a destination out,” it concludes. elpais
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December 2016
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December 2016
Why getting an energy efficiency certificate for your property is essential
Owners are required to contract a registered technician to produce a report
IF you own a property in Spain and are thinking of selling or renting, there is – unsurprisingly – quite a lot of paperwork to get in order beforehand. For sellers, that includes copies of the deeds (escritura) or an extract (nota simple) from the Property Registry; receipts that prove municipal property tax (Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles (IBI), better known as rates in the UK), refuse collection (basura), and, if applicable, community fees (gastos de comunidad) are paid up to date; and an energy efficiency certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energetica (CEE)). While those who intend to rent a property are not required to have quite so many pieces of paper, they also need to be in possession of a CEE. Since June 2013, when Spain passed Real Decreto 235/2013 to comply with the terms of European Union Directive 2010/31/UE, obtaining a CEE has been mandatory for everyone who builds, sells or rents a property anywhere in the country. The law has two goals: to promote energy efficiency and to better inform buyers and users, via the use of objective criteria. To get a CEE, owners are required to contract a registered technician to produce a report that includes such information as: location and orientation; details about construction; installed energy systems, such as heating and lighting, and projected consumption in kWh/m2 on an annual basis; recommendations for improvements;
and a description of the tests carried out to obtain the data. Once issued, a CEE is valid for 10 years. The first page of a CEE report features a bar chart, similar to those on electronics and white goods, that rates a property’s overall efficiency, in terms of the power it will consume and the amount of CO2 equivalent it produces, on a colour-coded scale of A to G, where A is the most efficient. Once you have a CEE, you are then required to register it, within a period of one month, with the Andalucian Registry of Energy Certificates, operated by the Junta (the regional government). In either case, whether you decide to sell or let via an estate agent like us at Terra Meridiana or independently, in accordance with Article 12.2 of the Real Decreto, the property’s energy efficiency rating has to be included in any advertising or promotional materials used in its sale or rental. As a result, owners need to obtain a CEE before starting to market a property, rather than just in time for exchanging or signing contracts. While there are a few exceptions to the rule, the most relevant for the kind of clients we usually work for is properties that are used for less than four months a year. In this case, owners are not obliged to obtain a CEE. Instead, they have to provide a formal declaration in writing and, upon sale, have to ensure that the notary adds a clause to the deeds that specifies their exemption from the requirement to have a CEE for that reason. Failure to comply with the law leaves owners at risk of fines ranging from €300-6,000, depending on the seriousness of the infraction olivepress
Local property rates will rise in many Spanish municipalities next year thanks to an update in cadastral values just approved by the Government Cadastral values have just been updated in 2,452 municipalities all over Spain, and will rise in 1,895 of them, which will translate into higher taxes like IBI and the plusvalia that vendors have to pay. Cadastral values, which are (normally) lower than market values, are used to calculate taxes like local rates (IBI) and the plusvalía tax paid by vendors when they sell. Town halls are allowed to update cadastral values to reflect market realities every five years, and are obliged to update them every ten years. However, most municipalities fail to meet that deadline, and updates are done on average every 21 years. Cadastral values, and corresponding taxes, are going up in municipalities that last updated before the boom, and falling in areas that updated more recently. Rates will rise in Valencia City, Granada, Alicante, and Tarragona, amongst others. More than half of the place where rates will rise have not updated their cadastral values since 1990 or before. IBI will go up next year in municipalities where cadastral values have been increased in this update, but because of the way IBI is calculated most homeowners will not see much of an increase in their quarterly IBI bill. They might find the pending increase in tax on alcohol and tobacco takes more out of their pocket.
Expat campaign groups hit out at ‘scandalous’ ruling against lost €9 million worth of Almeria housing deposits
‘Scandal’ after expats fail to get compensation for illegal homes not built EXPAT campaign groups have hit out at a court ruling after British buyers were told they would not be compensated for millions worth of investment lost in an illegal development. This comes despite Zurgena (Almeria) planning boss Carlos Berbel being suspended from public office for three years for allowing 94 houses to be built on protected land. However, a court ruled that no compensation should be given to the expat buyers who invested millions in deposits in homes at Los Cabreras resort, that were never built. In total some €9 million has been lost as a result of Berbel’s permissions. According to the judge, ‘Berbel’s
Local taxes to rise in a quarter of Spanish municipalities next year
crime does not correspond to any right to claim compensation’. President of expat housing group AUAN Maura Hillen has slammed the ruling as ‘scandalous’. “It is a complete scandal,” she told the Olive Press. “If the law allows goodfaith buyers to lose €9 million in an urbanization deemed illegal, then the law is effectively saying that the victims are to blame.” She added: “The rulings sends out a message that principles of responsibility have no place in public administration. “It also sends out a message that Spain is a land of zero accountability and that buyers have no protection in Spain.” olivepress
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Moving to Spain: Guide to Spanish visas and permits
Find out if you need a Spanish visa or permit to visit, live, work or study in Spain. You may need to apply for a visa or other permit if you want to visit, live, work or study in Spain. This essential guide will help you find out which Spanish permits you need depending on your nationality and situation. The information given here is for guidance only and you should seek specific advice from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country for your specific circumstances. Who needs a visa or permit for Spain? Under the Freedom of Movement Act, if you’re a national from one of the countries in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) – that is, all the countries of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – or Switzerland, you don't need a visa or other permit to visit, live, work or study in Spain. The one exception is that citizens from the ‘new’ EU nation of Croatia will need work permits probably up until June 30, 2020. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do need to register with the authorities and get a national identity number. Everyone else will need a visa, and if you want to work, in most cases, a work permit. Entry and short-term visas for Spain Spain is one of 26 countries making up the ‘Schengen' area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland. They have one common visa and no border controls between them. There are three types of visa allowing entry to Spain: Airport transit visa. Short-stay Schengen visa. Long-term visa. Airport transit visa for Spain An airport transit (visado de transito aeroportuario) allows you into the international transit zone in a Spanish airport. Not everyone needs one but to check whether you do, check the information and list at www.exteriores.gob.es. You’ll need to apply for a transit visa through the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Short-stay visa for Spain A short-stay Schengen visa (visado de corta duracion) allows you to stay in Spain – but not work – for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. If you have a Schengen visa issued by another Schengen state you can also come and stay in Spain for 90 days. Nationals from the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand don’t need a short-stay visa to enter Spain but will need to apply for a long-term residence visa to stay longer than three months. You need to complete an application form, which you can download here and apply through the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. You can renew your short-term visa at your local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or Police station as long as you will be staying in Spain for a total of less than 90 days. You can’t come to Spain on a short-stay visa as a visitor and change your status to employee, student or resident from within Spain – you have to return to your home country and apply for a new visa from there. Find the contact details of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your own country to apply. Long-term visas for Spain Unless you’re a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland you’ll need a longer-term national visa (visado nacionale) if you intend to live, work, study or carry out research in Spain for longer than three months. This will depend on your purpose of stay, as detailed below. Spain visa Long-term Spanish residence and work visas There are different residence and work permit types, depending on the purpose of your stay: a combined residence and work visa (visado de
trabajo y residencia) allowing you to live and work in Spain; a student visa (visado de estudios) for the duration of a educational or training course; a residence visa (visado de residencia) for family reunification or retirement. There is a youth mobility agreement between Spain and Canada for young people aged 18 to 35 to visit Spain to travel and work for up to a year. For details, see one of the Spanish consulates in Canada. You can apply for a long-term visa from the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country, or sometimes online on their websites before you come to Spain. The application must be made in person or through an accredited representative, and you usually have to pay a non-refundable fee of around EUR 60. Allow plenty of time for the consulate to process your application – check with yours for the timescale – and you or your representative must collect it in person. Find the contact details of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your own country to apply. New fast-track visa As of 2014, non-EU national investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals and researchers can now apply for fast-track visas and permits, which offer preferential treatment, such as automatic residence for the whole family with no minimum stay, and free travel throughout the Schengen visa region. However there are conditions to fulfil for each category, for example, investors may need to spend EUR 500,000 on a Spanish property. For more information on requirements for each category of applicant, contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Family reunification Once you have been living legally in Spain for a year and have received official confirmation that you will be staying for a further year, you can apply for family members (for example, spouse, common law partner, and dependants, including children under 18 and parents over 65) to join you in Spain. If you hold a long-term residence permit from another EU member state (an EU Blue Card), you can apply at any time. Students can apply for their family members to join them while studying in Spain. The relatives’ residence permits are usually granted for the same duration as the student’s residence permit, and allow the holders over 18 to take on employment in Spain without a work permit. Permanent residency in Spain After five uninterrupted years of residence, you can apply for a long-term or permanent residence. If you hold a Blue Card from another EU-member state, and have lived elsewhere in the EU for the same period, this also entitles you to long-term residence in Spain. A long-term residence permit allows you to stay in Spain indefinitely, working or otherwise, under the same conditions as Spanish citizens. You can apply for Spanish nationality after 10 years
of residence in Spain. You can also acquire Spanish nationality through marriage or through having Spanish parents even if they were born outside Spain. Studying in Spain If you want to come and study, carry out research or training, take on an internship or voluntary work in Spain you have to find a course or programme that will accept you first – and then you can apply for a visa to come to Spain. Spain visa After arriving in Spain Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, all non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens who want to stay for longer than three months must apply for a residence card/permit (Tarjeta de Residencia or TIE). You have to apply at the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or police station in the province where you’re living. You’ll need a valid passport/travel ID, colour passport photos and a completed application form, plus proof of your address, bank statements, medical insurance, and other documentation relating to your own situation, such as an employment contract, proof of university enrolment or academic qualifications. This temporary residence permit allows you to stay in Spain for between 90 days and five years, and can be renewed. Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE) All foreigners, including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, must have a Foreigner’s Identity Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) or NIE. This is essential for any financial transaction in Spain, including opening a bank account, being paid for employment, paying taxes, registering with social services, as well as getting a driving licence. EU citizens will be issued with a NIE when they apply for their registration certificate; others can apply after they have their residence permit, from the Foreigner’s Office. You may be able to apply for the NIE through the Spanish consulate in your home country (although it can take about four weeks to get it this way), unless you’re going to be living in Spain or intend to open a bank account. If you’re going to live in Spain, you must register with the local authority where you’ll be living. Registering on the padrón You should also get a Certificado de Empadronamiento by registering on the census register called the padrón at your local Town Hall. Working in Spain EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, with the exception of Croatians up until 30 June 2020, can work without a work permit in Spain but almost everyone else needs one. It’s the employer’s responsibility to apply for one on your behalf so first you need to get an offer of work and a work contract; once you have that and your employer has obtained the work authorisation on your behalf, you can apply for a visa to come to Spain. Some people don’t need work permits, for example family members joining a relative already here or those who are taking on voluntary work. You need to be over 18 (or over 16 if self-employed) to come to Spain to work legally. Legalisation and translation of documents For foreign documents to be valid in Spain, they must be translated into Spanish and legalised (certified as authentic) or have an Apostille seal. Translations should be produced by translators certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, or through the Spanish embassy/consulate in your home country. Contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country for more information. expatica
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Over 65s earned £26k from their homes this year
Over 65s earned £26k from their homes this year New research from Key Retirement has revealed that, on average, retired homeowners have earned £26k from their houses this year. According to the data, total property wealth owned by over-65s who have paid off their mortgages grew to a new record high of £1.031tr in the past three months with average pensioner homeowners gaining more than £2,300 a month since January. More than £114bn has been added to the property wealth of the UK’s over-65 homeowners since the start of the year as the housing market continues to expand. Since Key started analysing over-65s housing wealth in 2010, total pensioner property wealth has increased by around 34% or £266 billion which is worth around £60,300 on average for every homeowner. Owning a home has been worth around £9,300 a year for over-65s. Key’s Pensioner Property Index shows only Scottish over-65s suffered falls in the value of their total property wealth in the past three months with all other areas recording strong growth. Londoners made £15,445 each while homeowners in the South West were around £6,275 better off. Whilst Scotland experienced a fall it was relatively minimal at £276. Dean Mirfin, technical director at Key Retirement, said: “Property investment has earned £26,000 this year for over-65s homeowners highlighting the long-term benefits of owning a home.
December 2016
threat of low-income households tax hike
Thousands of low-income households could be required to pay council tax for the first time as part of benefit-cutting measures across Arun. Working age residents currently paying no council tax could have to pay a minimum of £3.70 per week from April, as part of changes to the district council’s support scheme. The increase would see 2,884 households now pay £192.93 annually. Conservative councillor Robert Wheal, among the supporters of the proposal at last week’s overview select committee, said: “We thought it was only fair that people who are on benefits should have to contribute a bit more.
We have got to cut £4million from our budget. “Everything is being cut but they have got far too much in previous years and it doesn’t encourage them to do anything. “We (the Government) have got 25 per cent back to work from cutting these benefits which I think proves the point that people can work. “The changes, which will go before cabinet members and full council, were criticised by Liberal Democrat councillor Dr James Walsh. He said: “These proposals fly in the face of the Prime Minister’s avowed support for the ‘JAMS’ – the just about managing – and for her being ‘a government for all, and not just the privileged few’.” Supported changes also included removing the family premium – a £3.49 weekly discount – for new working age applicants. A total of 158 residents responded to a consultation over the changes. In contrast, 5,722 households currently receive support. The changes would save around £1million, with most of the saving benefitting West Sussex County Council, which receives the majority of council tax funds. Worthing Borough Council introduced a similar £5 charge in 2015.
Murcia Property Services Sales, Rentals, Management & Insurance Services Contact Andy 658 318 438 email: andyh.mps@gmail.com www.murciapropertyservices.es “Properties urgently required, we have clients waiting”
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Alquerian custom, epithets and dining
Epithets can be a means of implying esteem or in Alqueria’s case the reverse. In Spain generally it is impolite to use one’s nickname to one’s face. Using them openly is however the norm in Alqueria, especially during one of the many heated verbal exchanges that take place nightly after the bars close. The obese olive mill owner Rodriquez, has many such names. These range from the obvious, El Gordo through the sycophantic El Jefe to the unprintable. Manuela has a vast array of names for him all of which fall into the unprintable category. Epithets applied to Manuela are in the main complementary. La Guapa, La Preciosa and even La Lujuria by the young men of the village who know her well. It is the village girls who are less pretty than Manuela who call her La Siniestra. Unkind, true perhaps but unkind. Blythe Gruntmore alone is immune from this onslaught of derogatory titles. He cannot understand a word of the Alquerian dialect and Alquerians are mystified by his Geordie utterances. He is known as El Triste, The Sad One, meant to show sympathy. The villagers think his Geordie accent is a horrific speech impediment. Dining can be a purely functional exercise or it can be a formal ritual. Whichever it is the rite of breaking bread is centuries old. Enjoying a communal bowl of
Alquerian Bagre Estofado is an informal affair but still etiquette applies. The bowl’s contents are segmented as in the traditional Spanish way with each person eating almost to their divide. It is not polite to eat to the dividing line but to leave a small layer of food adjacent to it. The Alquerian method has been modified in as much as mining of the adjacent portion is much practised. When the person next to you is distracted for whatever reason a diligent excavator can dig into his neighbours portion. If he possesses the necessary dexterity, he can leave nothing but a thin crust for the unwary diner. This can lead to arguments and spoon fights often break out. Those who practise this method of food reclamation often have their spoons specially sharpened on oilstones to aid swifter hollowing and to help defend themselves. On formal occasions it is necessary to show your appreciation of the cuisine. Simple exclamations of praise are considered vulgar in Alqueria so the ‘belch’ is employed. Probably based on an old Moorish custom of the region, it is exploited with relish in the village. The belch, after or during dinner must resonate and be audible to all. When members of the opposing barrio are present, sectarian rivalry comes into play and the belches become progressively louder and more robust. On such occasions the noise and emitted gases eventually render the dining-room uninhabitable. All naked flames have to be extinguished to avoid explosion. This is a condition on all Alquerian insurance policies. Dinner invitations to those outside the village are rarely accepted.
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Jos & Barbara’s Jolly Big Adventure
As instructed by the young lady propping up the bus stop Barbara and I took the first Calle on the left. The blameless inhabitants were presumably sunk in a deep and dreamless sleep, as neither a person nor a street light was to be seen. The Calle ended in a T junction. OK, I’ll turn right, then right again, I thought. That will take us back to civilisation. There was no right turn, nor any sign of civilization. I had no option but to carry straight on. The road sucked in its sides, bucked and swerved a bit, but I was confident that I knew where it was taking us. Then we ran out of tarmac. Never mind, I know where we’ll come out, I assured Barbara as I confidently headed off-road into the gloaming. Very shortly I got the distinct feeling that we were not going where I thought we were going. However, this Rambla must go somewhere, and as there was no option to turn round, we soldiered on over bumps and dips and rounds stray boulders. Barbara maintained a stoic silence only punctuated by an occasional sotto voce oooooo. The only other sound was the subliminal messaging from Henry. ‘I don’t do off-road. I am not one of those common 4X4s.’ Then, Halleluiah! We came to a bifurcation. Inspired, I bore right, heading back to the inhabited world! The Rambla got narrower, the sides got steeper, Barbara’s oooos increased in frequency and volume, and evidence of human occupation
By Jos Biggs editor@soltimes.com
did not appear. Another fork appeared out of the looming dark. I stopped. Neither track looked welcoming, but at least I could turn round here, and head back. Or I could back up – several kilometres in the dark, on a track liberally peppered with boulders and barely wide enough for Henry to squeeze through. I was not keen! I engaged first and pointed his nose across the track. I put him in reverse, and backed his bum up to the near vertical side of the Rambla, where he settled contentedly sideways on to the track and announced that he was comfortable here, right up to his axles in grit. He was not to be shifted. His whole attitude said ‘Told you so.’ At the risk of being obvious I said to Barbara ‘We’re stuck.’ I reached for the phone and tapped in 112. ‘What is your emergency?’ Enquired 112. ‘We are 2 women. Our car is stuck in a Rambla.’ ‘Where?’ ‘I don’t know.’
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December 2016
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soltimes World Cup quiz
1. How many teams played in the first World Cup?......... 2. Who has scored the most goals in a single World Cup tournament?....................... 3. Which was the first country to host the World Cup twice?........................... 4. Who scored the quickest goal ever by an England player in a World Cup match?................................ 5. Who scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup final?.... 6. How many games were played at the World Cup 2006?................................. 7. How many different countries have won the World Cup prior to 2010? 8. Who are the only team to have played in every World Cup?.................................... 9. What was the name of the original World Cup trophy?.. 10. How many games will the winning team have to play?...................................
Answers
squiggle SUDOKU
BAKING BELT BOOK BRACELET CANDLES CANDY CHOCOLATES CLOTHES COFFEE MAKER COFFEE MUG COLOGNE COOKIES DOLL EARRINGS ELECTRONICS
standard SUDOKU
CRYPTIC crossword
1. Hooker (Thomas Hooker) 2. Dawn French 3. Pornography 4. Jonathan Swift 5. Klute
6. Archbishop Desmond Tutu 7. Bakewell 8. The Pope 9. Oliver Goldsmith 10. Mona Lisa
CROSSWORD
2
wordsearch
easy SUDOKU
Answers
1
6. 64 7. Seven 8. Brazil 9. The Jules Rimet Trophy 10. Seven
1. The 17th century clergyman who founded Hartford in Connecticut shares his surname with slang name for a prostitute, what is it?............................. 2. Who took the role of the Vicar of Dibley in the TV series of the same name?.................................................... 3. Which familiar word derives its name from a Greek word meaning ‘writings by or about prostitutes’?............................. 4. Which satirical writer in 1713 became Dean of St Patrick’s in Dublin?............... 5. In which Oscar winning film of 1971 does Jane Fonda play a prostitute?......... 6. Which Churchman was awarded the Nobel peace Prize in 1984?..................... 7. Which Derbyshire town gives its name to a familiar tart?.................................... 8. Who is sometimes known as ‘The Vicar of Christ’?...................................... 9. Who wrote the novel ‘The Vicar of Wakefield’?........................................... 10. In which 1986 film does Cathy Tyson play a call-girl befriended by Bob Hoskins?................................................
Name the CITY
Answers
soltimes vicars & tarts Quiz
SOLUTIONS
cture i p l so quiz!
1. 13 2. Just Fontaine 3. Mexico 4. Bryan Robson 5. Zinedine Zidane
on this day 14th December
1. Amsterdam 2. Venice 3. Bruges 4. Ibiza Town
557 – Constantinople is severely damaged by an earthquake. 1542 – Princess Mary Stuart becomes Mary, Queen of Scots. 1819 – Alabama becomes the 22nd U.S. state. 1972 – Apollo program: Eugene Cernan is the last person to walk on the moon, after he and Harrison Schmitt complete the third and final extravehicular activity (EVA) of the Apollo 17 mission. 1994 – Construction begins on the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze river.
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puzzle pages
27
To advertise in this space Contact our sales advisors on
950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com
Our puzzle page is one of our most popular pages. You can advertise accross our group of newspapers (Roquetas de Mar, Costa Almeria, Costa Calida & Costa Blanca) for as little as €75pw Across 1 Hodgepodge (9) 6 _____ and output (5) 9 Revenues (7) 10 Perform surgery (7) 11 What a private does to an officer (7) 12 Foolish (7) 13 Guiding (9) 15 Empower (5) 16 Not liquid (5) 19 History of a word (9) 22 Eight-seven in Roman numerals (7) 23 Fortress (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Accounts (7) 27 Pilot a car (5) 28 One who disputes (9) Down 1 Groups of two (5) 2 A file of reminders (7) 3 A group of North African languages (7) 4 Fertile areas in deserts (5) 5 Wittingly (9) 6 Specify individually (7) 7 Braided (7) 8 Betrayal (9) 13 Revealed (9) 14 Enumerating (9) 17 Seventy-eight in Roman numerals (7) 18 Vary (7) 20 Eight-armed sea creature (7) 21 Systematic (7) 23 Breed of dog (5) 24 Not a winner (5)
standard CROSSWORD
SUDOKU PUZZLES
easy
squiggle
name the landmark
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS 7 She’s following a famous sporting competition (5) 8 Selling vessel in meeting without European leader (9) 10 Has transformation when getting married outside and cleaned (6) 11 Gun-holders lets horse nearly run free (8) 12 Keep up primary train, lacking final car (8) 13 Starts to trade illegally - doubtless you’ll clean up! (4) 15 Business interest (7) 17 More annoyed with new earring (7) 20 This could produce strikes (4) 22 Something small from animal? Funny clue! (8) 25 Art of self-defence gives king small change on inside half-full (4,2) 26 Flying cyclone? (9) 27 Turn red as British leader’s luxuriant (5) Down 1 It’ll help you get to the next level! (9) 2 Making me chain Chinese leader to garage worker (8) 3 Airline object to cleaning (7) 4 Framework could come before key (8) 5 Shanghai’s first well-known gallery delays opening, it’s said (6) 6 Debut attempt after 10 doesn’t start (5) 9 Thought of an estimate? (4) 14 Food angle of sea creature (9) 16 Look into her cares, perhaps (8) 18 Put money in trust not very long ago (8) 19 Think of a drink in topless fruit (7) 21 If you are one of twelve people in court, you might be hurt (6) 23 In jail, I keep the same (4) 24 Less negative? (5)
famous birthdays on this day
standard
1960 – Chris Waddle, English footballer, manager, and sportscaster 1972 – Miranda Hart, English actress
1977 – Jamie Peacock, English rugby player and manager 1982 – Anthony Way,
English singer and actor
Quote of the week...
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December 2016
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MENU Beetroot & Gin Cured Salmon Ingredients 500-600g piece of salmon fillet, skin on 2tbsp juniper berries ½ tsp black peppercorns 2tbsp sea salt 2tbsp sugar 5tbsp gin 150g raw beetroot, peeled and grated (wear rubber gloves!) 3tbsp grated horseradish For the pickled cucumber: 75g caster sugar 1½ tsp sea salt 175ml white wine vinegar 10 peppercorns rind of ½ lemon 1 cucumber, peeled, de-seeded and sliced 1. Remove any pin bones from the salmon with tweezers. Line a baking sheet with cling film and place the fish on it, skin
side down. 2. Crush the juniper and peppercorns in a pestle and mortar. Mix together these spices with the remaining ingredients. Spread the mixture over the salmon and press down. Wrap cling film around and over the top of the salmon a few times. Place another baking sheet on top and weigh it down with jars or cans. Leave in the fridge for at least 36 hours and preferably 3 days. 3. Unwrap the fish and scrape off the marinade. The salmon will freeze very well at this point. It will keep for 5 days in the
fridge. 4. For the pickled cucumber, dissolve the sugar and salt over a gentle heat then add the white wine vinegar, peppercorns and lemon rind. Set aside to cool, then pour over the cucumber, cover and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. www.womanandhome. com/
Ruby’s
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT NEV & PAT WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL CUSTOMERS, NEW AND OLD URBANISATION EL RASO, CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR, JUST OFF THE CV895 LEMON TREE ROAD, 03140
TEL 865 662 543 Opening times 10am till Late daily
Full Main Menu 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch Available 2pm - 7pm 3 Course 9.95€ / 2 Course 7.95€ Ha p p y Ho u r 4 p m - 6 p m Wednesday is quiz night with Nick Marshall
with our great 5€ meal deals for quiz players Last person standing, winner takes all
GREAT FUN NIGHT OUT
Calvados and honey glazed ham with baked apples and parsnips Ingredients 1·5kg (3lb) unsmoked gammon joint 1 x 2ltr bottle dry cider 1 carrot, chopped 1 onion, halved 2 fresh bay leaves 2 celery sticks, chopped 6 black peppercorns 2 star anise 1 tbsp calvados 2 tbsp clear honey 2 tsp English mustard powder For the apples and parsnips 2 large parsnips, quartered 1 tbsp olive oil 3 Cox’s apples, cut into wedges
200°C, fan 180°C. Put the parsnips in a large roasting tin and drizzle with most of the oil; season well. Roast for 1. Put the ham in a large pan. Pour over the 20 minutes. cider and add the carrot, Using a knife, remove onion, bay leaves, the skin from the ham, celery, peppercorns and leaving behind a 1cm (1/2in) layer of fat; score star anise. Bring to the diamond shapes. boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for an 3. In a bowl, mix the hour. Remove and leave calvados, honey and to cool slightly. mustard powder to a paste, then spread 2. Meanwhile, preheat most of it over the ham the oven to gas 6,
(reserving a little for the parsnips and apples). 4. Add the gammon and apples to the roasting tin. Drizzle the apples and parsnips with the remaining oil and reserved honey paste; season. Roast for 20 minutes, basting once or twice, until golden on top. Remove and leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving. www.realfood.tesco. com
Black forest frozen cheesecake Ingredients BISCUIT BASE: 75g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 300g dark chocolate biscuits TOPPING: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), plus extra for serving 1 dash of double cream 50g unsalted butter 1 clementine FILLING: 2 x 425g tins of dark cherries in syrup 2 clementines 350g caster sugar 6 large free-range eggs 400ml double cream 560g Philadelphia plain cream cheese 2 tsp vanilla extract 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Grease the sides and line the base of a deep 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin. 2. To make the biscuit base, melt the butter in a pan over a low heat. Blitz the biscuits in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs, then add to the melted butter. 3. Mix well to coat the crumbs, then tip into the prepared cake tin, spreading it out evenly. 4. Place in the hot oven for 10 minutes, or until darker in colour, then
remove and leave to cool. 5. Meanwhile, to make the filling, add the tinned cherries and their syrup, the clementine zest and juice and 150g of sugar to a pan over a medium heat. 6. Cook for around 20 minutes, or until reduced to a syrupy consistency. Leave to cool and set aside. 7. Separate the egg yolks and whites into 2 separate bowls. Add the remaining 200g of sugar to the yolks, then use an electric whisk to beat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until pale and fluffy. 8. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. 9. Place the cream, cream cheese and vanilla extract into a third bowl and beat into soft peaks. 10. Fold the egg yolk
mixture into the cream cheese mixture and gently fold through the egg whites. Spoon the mixture onto the biscuit base, then gently swirl through the cherry syrup. 11. Place the cheesecake in the freezer to set overnight. 12. When you’re nearly ready to serve, make the chocolate glaze topping. Place a medium heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, then add the dark chocolate, cream and butter. Allow to melt, stirring occasionally. 13. Remove the cheesecake from the tin and place on a cake stand. 14. Pour over the chocolate glaze, then decorate with some gratings of dark chocolate and clementine zest. www.jamieoliver.com/
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F O K TAL WN THE TO
ST1
SOL TIMES 14th DECEMBER 2016 73mm high x 111mm wide
AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING RESTAURANST • QUESADA 865 679 736 • LA MARINA 965 992 144 • EL RASO 865 661 277 All open from 5pm
Open 7 Days a Week 12noon till 10pm
QUESADA FISH & CHIPS
Menu of the Day 12noon till 5pm
Cod or Haddock Chips, Peas, Bread and Butter
€7,00
Sunday Special Fish, Chips & Peas
€6,00
All Day
Takeaway Also Available Quesada Villamartin Plaza
966 719 136
966 764 441
ebbie o D & Sara me you t Welco
Cat’s Bar CHRISTMAS EVE 1-5PM MARTIN ROSS ALL YOUR CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONGS “The Best for Food, Drinks, Entertainment And Sports”
Camposol sector A
Tel: 634 322 729
Plaza de la Constitución, Benijófar 03178
Stephen & Alex wish you a very Merry Christmas We are now fully booked for New Year’s Eve and will be closed December 25th, 28th & 29th and New Year’s Day OPEN 26th DECEMBER for our Traditional Boxing Day Buffet Pre-book and pay €9.95pp see our facebook page for details TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH with great roasts & extended menu 2 courses €9,95 or 3 courses €11,95 both include a drink BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: Tel: 865 775 171 email: oasisbenijofar@outlook.com
30 successful debut concert for Cantabile Choir
A packed and appreciative audience greeted Cantabile Choir’s take on a Concert of Christmas. Carols at La Siesta church on the 8th December with not a sight nor sound of Wenceslas, ‘Jingle Bells’ or ‘Hark the Herald’. Indeed new M.D. Valerie Beange’s eclectic choice included numbers sung in Spanish and Swedish with the latter carol partly sung as a duet between a Danish and a Swedish member of the choir. Obviously, the pronunciation for this was much superior to
the other verses sung by the choir. The concert was held in aid of church funds with free entrance but a bucket collection being made.
December 2016
AECC Maria and the Pink Ladies/ Panthers Santa Walk
This was our seventh Santa Walk and the third one from Zenia Boulevard. We would like to thank Zenia Boulevard for hosting the event, Simon Morton and Dan Davy of Sunshine FM for providing the entertainment in the Boulevard and on the walk.
To Trainer John for the loan of his pick-up truck which became Santa’s sleigh for the day. A big thank you to all of the walkers that took part and everyone that brought donations for Reach Out and Elche Children’s Home. To the local police for our escort and of course, all the Pink Ladies and Panthers. Together a fantastic €1056.04 was raised on the day, in the beautiful sunshine! Our office in Playa Flamenca C.C will be closed from 17th December to 9th January 2017. Appointments can still be made on our webpage www.pinkladies.es and for emergencies, call Maria direct on 633 487 595.
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Tel: 950 121 936
- community news -
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
welcome events
sales@soltimes.com
January 11th. 2017. Games night at Mariano’s. A fun evening to start the New Year-Prize Bingo, Beetle Drive, Mini Quiz and more. Bring your friends and have a great night. €3 January 25th. 2017. The first dance of 2017 at Marianos features Gary George, first time in area, a very popular comedian from Benidorm ably supported by Martin Ross, always puts on a great show. This should be a really good night. €9 February 17th. 2017. Granada Trip. There are still some rooms available for this trip so don’t delay give Steve a call, 3 nights on half board at 4* Melia Granada city centre hotel. On the return journey we will visit the amazing cave houses and museum in the fabulous village of Guadix. All this including coach travel €215 p.p. February 22nd. 2017. What a show we have for you tonight. We start with a fabulous female singer Sian and continue with a Meat Loaf Tribute, some say the best, followed by a Commitments Tribute. These acts are in this area for the first time and are sure to give you a great night of entertainment. €10 March 16th. 2017. St. Patrick’s Day in Benidorm. If you enjoy a fun weekend this is the trip for you, there is still availability, you know it makes sense. Paint the town green and watch the procession on Friday 17th. Staying at the 3* Ambassador Playa 1 for 4 nights on half board with a visit to a chocolate factory on the journey home. Coach travel included €215 p.p. For more information or to book your tickets call Steve on 697 960 590
DECEMBER DIARY – ANGLICAN CHURCHES OF COSTA ALMERIA AND COSTA CALIDA
MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s - Sewing MOJACAR Group Every Mon Fortuna. Taking place every other Saturday 17th Parque Commercial, Mojacar, 11am, Monday at Urb. Las Kalendas from 14:00. For further Carol Service information email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com Satuday 25th St. Pascual Church, Mojacar, 11am Holy Eucharist Ex-Servicemen’s Association ALJAMBRA Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006) Sunday 18th Aljambra Chapel, 6pm, Carol Service EVENTS – 2016 Thursday 29th No Service Wednesday 14 Dec (Christmas Draw) LLANOS DEL PERAL LA SIENA, MAZARRON Monday 19th Carols by Candlelight, 6pm, followed 7pm for 8.30pm by mince pies & mulled wine Sunday 25th Pray & Praise, 11am Membership and enquiries esamd.espana@gmail.com Ex-Servicemen’s Association of Mazarrón District [ESAMD] Registered in the Community of Murcia with the number 8.694-1a
Costa Calida Country Music Club
We meet the 1st Friday of each month in Marianos Camposol (Which has a huge dance floor) starting at 7.45pm , with requests being played and dance tuition between then and 9pm when the live act takes over If you need any further information have a look on our Facebook page Ann and Roys line dance class continues each Wednesday at 7pm in the Culture Centre CamposoL
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
The Royal British Legion Spain District North
• The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans and their families. • If you feel we can help you, please ring 676 451 780 (9-5 weekdays) or email assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com. • Any general enquiries to 648 860 251 (10-4 weekdays)
To the memory of the fallen and the future of the living
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
Charities and Churches
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ANIMAL ORGANISATIONS: ACTIN: 968 163 529 Andrea’s Animal Rescue: Fuente Alamo 690 906 565 Camposol Kitty Kitty:Camposolkittykitty@gmail. com Cavalli Foundation: Alhama de Murcia 636 172 198, infocavallifoundation@gmail.com Cruz Azul: Los Alcazares 693 017 616 Dog Rescue Calasparra: dogrescuecalasparra@ gmail.com Easy Horse Care: Rojales 652 021 980 Equipo Bastet: Alcantarilla adopcionesbastet@ gmail.com Galgos del Sol: Murcia galgosdelsol@hotmail. com JJ’s Puppy Rescue: Mazarrón 618 034 921 John Kemp’s Puppies: La Pinilla, Fuente Alamo 646 737 230 Little Starfish Dog Rescue: littlestarfish@ doglover.com Los Infiernos: San Javier 633 357 309 MAMAS: Mazarrón 666 186 037 MARA: Mula 685 311 599 Noah’s ARC: Mazarrón 699 352 818, Pto de Mazarrón shop 634 364 553, Camposol shop 634 332 335 Pets in Spain: San Fulgencio/ La Marina info@ petsinspain.info San Animal: lorna@sananimal.org CHARITIES: Age Concern: Mazarrón 634 310 216 Alcoholics Anonymous: Mazarrón 646 290 420, Cabo De Palos 968 545 181 Costa Blanca Samaritans: www. costablancasamaritans.com Ex Servicemen’s Association: Mazarrón District 629 818 611 FAST: Camposol 968 970 626, recruitment@ fast2016.org Forget Me Not: Camposol 647 142 071 HAH Help at Home: San Javier 968 134 978/ 633 673 034 Help Murcia Mar Menor: Los Alcázares 968 570 059 Helping Hands: contact@helpinghands.org.es Lions Club Mazarrón Bahía: Mazarrón 636 746 959 MABS Mar Menor: 693 275 779 MABS Mazarrón: 620 422 410 MABS NW Murcia: mabsmurcianw@gmail.com MAD: Mazarrón 634 321 161 PALS (Protection & Life Saving): Mazarrón 626 460 465 Samaritans Spain: 900 525 100 Swap Tears for Smiles: Mazarrón 659 270 885 CHURCHES: Beacon of Light: Cañada del Romero 620 877 326 Mass in English Pastrana, Mazarrón 628 824 555 Olive Branch Christian Fellowship: Camposol 618 720 181/ 968 199 622 Open Door: Los Almagros 646 705 403/ 655 141 721 Puerto Lumbreras Church: 619 945 283 Rios de Vida: Fuente Alamo 618 963 978 St Nicholas Church: Camposol 634 143 260 Welcome House: Cehegin 633 447 937 Wellspring Victory Church: Mazarrón 620 599 270
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SOL CLASSIFIEDS For sale
personals
ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UP TO 300€ FOR FREE EMAIL:SALES@SOLTIMES. COM BY TUESDAY 5PM
“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”
December 2016
Call: 950 121 936 or 950 680 007 Extn: 1342 locksmith
ELEGANT slim, sexy, naughty Italian lady available home/house visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, Quesada plus all other areas. Speaks 3 languages. Escort available home & house visits. Tel: 693 357 526 2 Spanish ladies Playa Flamenca near new Carrefour before La Florida. 37 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€. Full discretion. Tel: Ana 865 646 437
Your One Stop Adult Online Store
S l i ng s h o t 17metre Wind Kite + pump + Slingshot harness + O’Neill Wet Suite 80€ Tel: 662 560 472 ( La Manga ) H un t i ng scene framed tapestry in very good condition measuring 124x109cm 50€ Tel 662560472 ( La Manga ) GAES brand new hearing aid for sale €300 Los Altos area Tel: 615 530 730.
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
builders
Sexy Lingerie, Love Toys, Aphrodisiacs, Male Impotence Aids, Fancy Dress, Body Jewellery, Adult Games, Adult Novelty Gifts, Stag/ Hen and Party Essentials Diva Queen Size Range Quality larger size lingerie 100’s of Clearance Lines Lowest shipping rates in Spain! FREE shipping on men’s famous blue pills – while stocks last. Discreet packaging delivered to your door. www.sensualworld.co.uk info@sensualworld.co.uk
Pets-Transport
Pet Transportation Service UK|Spain|UK TRANS-PET
600 55 20 30 r D oo 965 96 06 58 2 r 00 44 7801 272 162 Doo Kennels & Cattery Passport service-DEFRA authorised Fully insured- Vehicles inspection certificates www.trans-pet.co.uk sharon@trans-pet.co.uk
removals Leddy Contractors SL Bespoke building works 622 154 380 · 966 363 176 leddycontractors.com Free-form swimming pools False ceilings Complete renovations
LeddyContractors ContractorsSL SL Leddy
622154 154 380 380 ·●966 966363 363176 176 622 leddycontractors.com leddycontractors.com
car parts
LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van.man@hotmail.co.uk
w w w. c a r p a r t s i n e u r o p e . c o m
0044 1223 969 544 carpartsineurope@gmail.com
sat/tv services
Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan on 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@gmail.com
spas
euro spas
Spas at factory prices. Used & Ex display models. Spares & repairs. Part exchange
Tel: 650 722 905 wigs
structural survey
structural WIG BOUTIQUE
surveys
Mark Paddon BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT.
Choose from the best human or synthetic hair. Private fitting room.
Property buyer’s surveys and expert defects diagnosis
Professional Service
www.surveyorscostablanca.com
Hair, beauty, nails, massage La Zenia 966 773 216
962 807 247 653 733 066
Ladies & Gents
Head to Toe
situations vacant
SOLTIMES have a vacancy in the
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT We are looking for a talented artworker to work remotely for our production department. You must be able to use
INDESIGN & PHOTOSHOP
have a creative eye, love the pressure of working to a deadline and have a good sense of humour! If this sounds like you
Please send your CV to editor@soltimes.com
SOLTIMES have a vacancy in Costa Calida Area
Quality new parts for all cars including: Clutches, Brakes, Alternators, Service Kits, Starter Motors & Headlights for a sensible price and a free quote go online or telephone
Security UNION
field sales person
UK-SPAIN-UK fortnightly service SPAIN: 914 143 164 UK: 01773 513 013 www.britonsremovals.com britonsremovals@ic24.net
Ideally you will have business to business sales experience and be able to work to weekly deadlines in a fast paced environment. Strong communication and administration skills are required for this role. You will need to be self-motivated, success driven & able to achieve weekly targets. In return we offer-Basic salary, Commission, Mobile telephone and Flexible hours. In-House training will be given. If you tick all of the boxes above send your CV to
sales@soltimes.com For the at tention of Paulet te
33
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Call: 950 121 936 or 950 680 007 or email: sales@soltimes.com
www.soltimes.com motoring
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
CASH CASH CASH Same day collection
We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!
From 1â‚Ź to 10,000â‚Ź
Call Phil: 607 848 332
wanted cars for cash
Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered
tel: Tim on 662 211 993
animal corner KIRA is a sweet, gentle, little girl who desperately needs a home. She hates the cold, wet shelter and at 9 years old who can blame her. All she needs is a warm, soft bed in a loving home. Kira is blind in one eye, dog and child friendly and very loving.
Contact Margaret at Santa Clara, Tobarra 697 495 315
This big guy is a real gentle giant. He is loveable and likes a good belly rub. He is good with people and in excellent condition. He was found wandering the streets trying to interact with people. He appears to have been well looked after, but has obviously been lost and with no microchip found, we do not know his owners. He is well house trained, is very good on a lead and when left to roam freely within boundaries. He would make an excellent family dog.
600 84 54 20
www.k9club.es
APAH has lots of beautiful kittens all fully vaccinated, looking for loving homes to start their new life in. If you are looking for a kitten, come along and meet them, there could be one waiting just for you.
To advertise here call: 950 121 936
APAH
Santa Clara shelter
630 422 563 or 616 210 850
Pets In Spain
Sally is just 8 months old and had been discarded by the people she thought would protect her. She was being bullied on the streets by feral cats and when we approached her with a cat box she immediately walked straight into it. She loves to curl up on a lap and will make a wonderful companion. Sally is vaccinated and sterilised. Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info
Animals with superhero senses
Scientists aren't the only ones turning miraculous tricks this year. Mother Nature has a few up her sleeve as well. Animal super senses turned up in dolphins and vampire bats in 2011, and even one possible sixth sense in humans made an appearance. Researchers at Rostock University in Germany discovered that the common Guiana dolphin has a special sixth sense: It can sense electric fields with a special organ on its snout. While the ability is common in fish, the dolphins are the first placental mammal (as opposed to a marsupial mammal) found to sense electricity, which they probably use to find fish in the shallow, murky waters they call home. In other odd animal senses, researchers discovered in August that the vampire bat
can "see" the heat from veins and arteries with a special organ on its nose that is incredibly sensitive to heat. The bat uses this organ to find blood meal and to bite the right part of the skin: A mouthful of hair is unappetizing to these little bloodthirsty critters. A possible extra human sense also made an appearance this year. A human protein, when expressed in fruit flies, has the ability to detect magnetic fields. The researchers caution that the protein might not work that way in humans, though. Sorry, Magneto wannabees.
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December 2016
and AJ then danced a quickstep. This was the best dance of the show this week with a supremely light fast and powerful quickstep. Her frame never moved and AJ had given her some extremely complex choreography which despite the height difference she handled like a pro. A 10 from me and 38 from the judges (this was a definite 40!). Closing the show were Ore and Joanne with an Argentine Tango. Good characterisation but Joanne played a very clever game with
Strictly Week 12 Semi Final By Lyn Aspden of 'Strictly Dance'
out instead of a soft knee which prevented the ripple through to his upper body an action he demonstrated superbly well in Samba. 9 from me and 37 from the judges. Claudia Fragapane and AJ then danced a Rumba. Beautiful characterisation and lines demonstrated but
Class Info 635 584 431 With just four couples remaining and two dances to perform this week the pressure was really on. That said I have never been more disappointed with a set of judges with the exception of Craig in my professional career. To say this has been the Clifton show this year is an understatement. Coupled with the fact that Ore presents a show with Darcy and that Len is Godparent to the Cliftons I think you may see where I am coming from! Opening the show were Louise Redknapp and Kevin with a Tango. Oops! Her frame was not retained, her posture was not good and she was not low enough in her knees to gain the staccato action needed for this dance definitely not her strongest she is far better with the softer ballroom dances. I awarded her an 8 and the judges 37 (a 10 Bruno seriously!!) Next were Danny Mac and Oti and a Salsa. Some phenomenal lift work and great armography but his basic was too stilted due to knee lock
her basic action was a bit stilted and didn’t reach her hips and upper body in several places. Another 9 from myself but only 35 from the judges. Closing the first set of dances was Ore Oduba and Joanne with a Quickstep. This looked very heavy and lumpy, too much bouncing up and down on kicks and flicks and his left arm was practically parallel to his elbow. I gave him 7 and unbelievably 38 from the judges (3 x 10s!!!) Louise and Kevin’s second dance was the Samba. Louise looked totally unnerved with this dance as if she was unsure of her steps, despite there being a lot of Samba content here I definitely didn’t feel the ‘party’ vibe and gave her just 7 with the judges again overmarked on 36. Danny and Oti’s second dance was a Viennese Waltz American Smooth. Wow! another steamy superb characterisation and some very tricky and risky lifts superbly controlled. A couple of things on the Viennese section his head was unnaturally moving and again his left arm was almost parallel to his elbow for this reason a 9 with the judges 39. Claudia
the choreography as she danced around Ore who was standing still for much of the dance. There was a distinct lack of the gancho hooks and flicks from Ore which are the moves very difficult to perform. I gave him 9 and the judges again totally overmarked on 39. My bottom two were Louise and Ore and of those two probably Louise was the weakest and would have been my exit from the competition. However exactly the opposite happened Claudia and Danny were in the bottom two (seriously!!) Despite the fact that these would have been my top two and as you are aware Danny has been my favourite from the start of the competition Claudia didn’t stand a chance against Danny and left the show. I have discovered this result before the Sunday evening show via the Facebook page of Strictly and can’t believe the slagging the judges have taken from this week’s show. It makes me ashamed to be part of this profession! So let’s see if the judges can push Danny into third place next week and have a Clifton 1,2 which is what the Cliftons have been looking forward to. I competed against their mum and dad back in the day and know what they are like (the less said the better). I would love the beeb to answer me this question If there is nothing to hide how come we can’t see the public vote percentage each week? (but perhaps they can rig that too?!) Coupled with the fact that the phone lines went down just as the voting started! Well this has soured my enjoyment of this year’s show so I guess we’ll have to wait and see what will happen next week in the final? Will Danny be allowed his position and the glitter ball trophy or not? Tune in for the grand final (which is on the night of our dinner dance this year!) In the meantime Keep Dancing!
Keep Dancing!
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Emoji translator wanted London firm seeks specialist A company in London has advertised a freelance basis by the start of 2017,
for an emoji translator in what is thought to be the first such job worldwide. The role will involve explaining crosscultural misunderstandings in the use of the mini pictures, and compiling a monthly trends report. Agency boss Jurga Zilinskiene said emojis were a “potential growth area” as “inconsistencies” had developed in their use. Last year, a UK linguist said emoji was the country’s fastest-growing language. Emojis have been available on Japanese phones since the late 1990s but gained worldwide popularity after 2011, when iPhones started coming with emoji keyboards. They are now widely available on Android phones too. They differ from emoticons by being coded little pictures rather than collections of punctuation points like :) or :’( or ¯ \_(ツ)_/ ¯ . (For emoticon newbies, the latter is a shruggie). But like emoticons, emojis can be used to indicate tone or emotion in messages composed largely of text. Ms Zilinskiene, who speaks Lithuanian, Russian and English and codes in the programming languages Python and C#, needed someone to translate diaries into emojis for one of her clients, but could not find a specialist. She says software translations can only go so far and a human translator was needed. With more than 30 applications so far, she is hoping to appoint somebody on
with the potential for it to become a fulltime post. Translation jobs will be paid by the word/emoji, while research into the changing trends in emoji usage will be paid at an hourly rate. Waving hand - You might think this emoji is waving hello or goodbye. Well in China, it has a very specific meaning, along the lines of “bye, you’re not my friend any more”. Like a middle finger in Europe. Poo - In Japan, the words for “poo” and “luck” sound similar, so it’s tradition to send your friends a funny “poo” message before an exam or job interview. Now that the symbols have gone global, though, some people use the smiley-faced poo for its cuteness, others to indicate something rubbish. So can emojis be considered a language? No, absolutely not, says Rob Drummond, a senior lecturer in linguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University. He says his test for a language is that you have to be able to translate a full sentence from one to another, with shared meanings - not necessarily fixed, but shared - and emoji meanings vary from person to person. “It’s an addition to language rather than a language itself,” Dr Drummond says. Red heart - French speakers use more heart emojis than any other language group, according to a study from last year, bumping even smiley faces off the top spot.
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Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko coming soon
Anthony Joshua unfazed at prospect of facing shortly after Joshua dispatched Eric Molina by third round stoppage to defend his IBF strap in Manchester Klitschko in front of 90,000 people Anthony Joshua insisted he is unfazed at the prospect on Saturday. of fighting Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 people The Briton has previous at Wembley -- he scored at Wembley Stadium -- and revealed the secret behind a first-round knockout win over Matt Legg on the undercard of Carl Froch vs. George Groves II in May his intended longevity. 2014. While Froch-Groves took place in front of 80,000 Tyson Fury and David Haye disagreed in their people, promoter Eddie Hearn has already hinted that appraisal of Anthony Joshua on Saturday, but what record could be broken. is definite is the Briton will face a much sterner test "The last time I fought at Wembley it was in front of against Wladimir Klitschko. about 3,000 people at half-past five in the afternoon. The world heavyweight super bout -- slated for April But it's a fight and whether it's in front of 90,000 29 at England's national stadium -- was announced people or nine people, it makes no difference," Joshua said. "I remember the ring was tiny and before I knew it he was in my corner swinging hooks. I was a bit raw then so I took a few and I managed to get him out of there.
T.M.G.S. @ Campoamor 7/12/17
to the reseeding the tees were forward, today they were back on the main tee boxes and it’s clear to see that the extra distance did have an effect on the Silver and bronze category N.T.P. Only Remi Matikainen managed to hit the green on hole 17 and no one hit the green from the Bronze category on hole 15! Full results: N.T.P. Competition, hole 4 new member Ian Sutehall, hole 6 Mick Kennedy, hole 10 Bob Watson, hole 15 Nada, hole 17 Remi Matikainen. Viking and Ships Captain Ole Rong was the only member to make a “2” to
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"I was pleased to be on first that night because I wanted to watch Froch vs. Groves. It was a crazy night and showed how boxing can capture 80,000 people's imagination. "I don't mind if there's 60,000 or 40,000 there on April 29 -- whoever is interested will buy their tickets, come down and get a good night of boxing with another good undercard." Britain's 2012 Olympic gold medallist gave another impressive performance to see off Molina and clinch a 16th successive knockout win within three rounds since he turned professional. espn.co.uk
San Miguel Golf Society at Villamartin. December 7th, 2016.
Gold category winners 40 members and just a couple of guests turned up on what could be said was the best day of the week regarding the weather conditions and after the recent rain the results of last months over seeding could be clearly seen. Today’s format was just a straight forward Stableford and with the said conditions everyone was expecting the scoring to be high. Alas it was a lone Viking who was the only member to break par and Ove Cederberg’s 37 points won him top spot on the podium in the Gold category. For last months’ visit due
December 2016
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collect the €34 on offer. Best of the 2 guests E. Asp 35 pts. Bronze category; 3rd Rose Cox 30 pts. 2nd C. Marsden 32 pts. 1st J. Dursley 35 pts. Silver category; A. Rickers 32 pts. L/H, 2nd R. Matikainen 32 pts. L/H, 1st J. Davidson 34 pts. Gold category 3rd K. Aasebo 32 pts. 2nd B. Watson 34 pts. 1st O. Cederberg 37 pts. On the 19th December we will be celebrating Christmas at La Marquesa, 4 ball Texas scramble with prizes for the best fancy dressed followed by a meal in the clubhouse (free to members) for more info about our Society visit www.tmgs.org or www. facebook/TMGSGOLF or call us on 661 524 101
Villamartin is always popular with members and 42 turned out for SMGS’s monthly gathering at the course which was in pretty good condition after all the rain we have had lately. Barry Roehrig announced that the society had just donated 350-00 euro to The Pink Ladies, 350-00 euro to Paul Cunningham Nurses and 460-00 euro this year’s Royal British Legions Poppy Appeal, which made a total during the year close to 3000-00 euro raised for various charities out of the infamous blob tin, well done to all at S.M.G.S. especially Mr. Extractor Tony Smale! Results by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category:5th,Les Wilton(27CB) 4th,Norman Padmore (27CB), 3rd ,Gratten Forber (28), 2nd, Chris Hamblett (29) and 1st, with the best score of the day, Kyree Skarsmoen with 40 points. Silver Category: 5th, Ken Flaherty (28) 4th, Liz Sully (33), 3rd Steve Davis (34), 2nd, Theo Boelhouwer (35) and 1st, John Aitchinson with 37 points. Gold Category: 5th,Bjorn Pettersson (31 CB) 4th, Barry Roehrig ( 3 3 ) , 3rd, Mike Frankish (36CB), 2nd, John
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Osborne (36CB) and 1st, Eve Pettersson with 39 points. Best front 9 and not in the prizes went to Phil Sully with 16 points, best back 9 not in the prizes was Jamie Rorison with19 points. Nearest the pins, Mike Frankish (6), Steve Higgins (9), Mike Frankish (13) and Ivan Hanak (17). Best Guest Per Arne Skarnes 28 points. The Abacus winner was John Trehy. Nearest the pins (open to all) on the par 3’s were won by John Aitchison (holes 6 and 17), John Drakesmith (9) and Neil Sheldon (13). Our thanks go to the staff at Villamartin golf course for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we are at Las Colinas for the annual Jingle Balls Competition. If you fancy a game anytime you can book in at www.smgs. org, or give Barry Roehrig a ring on 966 731 033.
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champions league draw Manchester City vs Monaco
14/15 and 21/22 February, and the
Real Madrid vs Napoli
return legs on on 7/8 and 14/15
Benfica vs Borussia Dortmund
March.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal Porto vs Juventus Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid PSG vs Barcelona Sevilla vs Leicester City The first legs will be played on
Spanglish Golf Society
Spanglish Golf Society (in association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Las Colinas on 7th December 2016. For this month’s meeting the Spanglish Golf Society and a group of 28 players visited the established course at Las Colinas taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services. Today was our Christmas Competition and this was a team event best 2 from 4 stableford and the course was in good condition but following heavy rain in the previous days no buggies were allowed on the course so much walking for everyone. The winning scores on the day were as follows: 1st – Probert,Fanning,Owen and Wheatley – 80 points 2nd – Muttock,Drinkall,Goulder and McDermott – 72 points 3rd – Birkett,Jones,Clark and Evans - 70 points Nearest the Pins – Probert (2),Speakman,Hewitson and Wheatley Later that day we returned to the Spanglish bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for our Christmas Dinner and annual prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties. The following annual awards were made by our sponsor John Clark from Sapphire Properties. Players of the Year – Mike Probert
Runner Up Player of the Year – Jack Fanning Most Improved Players of the Year – Cameron Cawte Our football card draw was for a full size golf bag and this was won by Roger Chapman who immediately returned it for auction and we raised €70 which was passed to Mervyn Evans on behalf of Paul Cunningham Cancer Nurses. Thanks to Danny Wheatley for his donation and contribution. The evening was the official handover of Captaincy from Jack Fanning to Joe Valente and both were presented with special society shirts to thank them for their efforts on behalf of the society. Our last fixture of the year is a friendly society day at Vistabella on Wednesday 21st December 2016. The Spanglish Golf Society would like to wish all of your readers and fellow golf societies all the best for the festive season and a successful 2017. If you are interested in joining the society call Paul Cawte on 966731223 or Graham Hall on 664692638 or better still pop into the bar. Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web site at www.costablanca-greenfees.com.
25’95 €
La Marina Golf Society The Barclay’s Trophy
We met on a cold but sunny morning at Las Colinas course to compete for a trophy kindly sponsored by Barclay’s estate agency in la marina. Unfortunately for some of us, buggies had to remain on the paths which on an undulating course meant much walking and climbing. This resulted perhaps in the relatively low scoring , although outgoing captain Jimmy Scott defied the odds and took the trophy with an excellent 34 points ,also winning the silver medal. The gold medal was won by the only other player to achieve the heady heights of over 29 points, John Thompson with 30 points. Nearest the pins were spread between just two players, Iain Lyall and John Lywood with two each. Iain went home very happy after also achieving the only 2 of the day. We were pleased to welcome 2 new members to the fold, namely
37
Dave Williams and Dave Spence and wish them a happy association with the society. Also congratulations to our new captain Elspeth Craig and we wish her a successful year. Our first meeting in the New Year is at Bonalba on 5th January at 10 am when we will compete for the Royal Marines trophy, the list is on the board or e-mail Alan Craig on a100ac@yahoo.co.uk. Finally we wish all our sponsors, Helena, Paola and Nicky at the la marina club and our members a happy Xmas and a Happy New Year.
38
SHORTS with Tony Matthews
* Dundalk and Southampton are out of the Europa League, but Manchester United are through to the knockout stage. * In the Champions, Leicester crashed 5-0 at Porto in their final Group game while Spurs beat CSKA Moscow 3-1 in their last match. * The ties between Manchester City and Celtic and Real Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach ended in 1-1 and 2-2 draws and there were wins for Arsenal 4-1 v Basel, Barcelona 4-0 v Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich 1-0 v Atletico Madrid. * Last weekend’s PL results: Leicester 4 (with a Jamie Vardy hat-trick) Manchester City 2; Arsenal 3 Stoke 1; Burnley 3 Bournemouth 2; Chelsea 1 WBA 0; Hull 3 Crystal Palace 3; Swansea 3 Sunderland 0; Watford 3 Everton 2; Manchester United 1 Spurs 0; Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 0 and Liverpool 2 West Ham 2. * Championship leaders Newcastle walloped Birmingham 4-0 and Wolves drew 4-4 with Reading. * After this week’s midweek games, the top PL matches coming up are Crystal Palace-Chelsea, EvertonLiverpool, Manchester City-Arsenal, Tottenham-Burnley, WBA-Manchester United and West Ham-Hull. In the Championship we have BirminghamBrighton, Burton-Newcastle, Norwich-Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest-Wolves and QPR-Aston Villa; it’s Chesterfield-Bolton in FL1 and Accrington-Plymouth and CarlisleYeovil.
* India (631) thrashed England (400 and 195) by an innings and 36 runs in the fourth cricket Test in Mumbai to clinch the series. Debutant Keaton Jennings scored 112 in England’s first innings but bagged a first-ball duck in the second, while India’s captain Virat Kohli smashed 235 and Murali Vijay scored 136 for the hosts. The final Test starts in Chennai on Friday.
December 2016
PLUS ULTRA 0 MAZARRON FC 2
* England’s Rugby Union star Dylan Hartley was sent off as Northampton lost 37-10 to Leinster in the Champions Cup. * GB boxer Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title by stopping Eric Molina in the third round. Joshua, will 18 successive knockouts to his name, will fight ex-heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko next April. * Also, on the same Manchester bill there were wins for Dillian White and Katie Taylor, in her second professional fight. * It is understood that over 1,000 Russians - including Olympic medal winners - benefited from a statesponsored doping programme between 2011 and 2015. Competitors from 30 different sports are involved on an unprecedented scale and it seems as if salt and coffee were used to manipulate blood and urine samples. * Did you know? Referee Major Mandirin officiated in a record eight FA Cup finals between 1880 and 1890.
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Mazarron moved up to ninth position in the league with a 2-0 away win at Plus Ultra but the result could have been different had it not been for a superb performance by Mazarron keeper Juan Pedro. He was called into action as early as the ninth minute when a right wing corner was headed goalwards and he made an excellent save diving to his right to push the ball away. At the other end Cesar’ s pass to Jimmy saw the Mazarron striker round the goalkeeper only to see his shot deflected into the side netting for a corner. On eighteen minutes a mistake by Pedro let in Alejandro but the Plus Ultra’s striker’s fierce drive went just wide of the post. At this point Plus Ultra were well on top with Mazarron unable to make much impression on the home defence. After 22 minutes a Plus Ultra free kick was headed downwards from point blank range but Juan Pedro again made a great save although the linesman was flagging for offside. However, it was Mazarron who took the lead against the run of play on 30 minutes. A superb ball out of defence by Raso found Chino on the right. His cross into the centre was met by Ruben who turned inside and hit a left foot shot into the roof of the net. It was 2-0 after 37 minutes when a dangerous left wing corner from Ruben was spectacularly fired into his own net by Julio to give Mazarron a half time lead that they barely deserved.
The second half began with a fierce volley by Raul Torrano which the Plus Ultra keeper just managed to claw over the bar for a corner. Mazarron forced two more early corners and on 53 minutes Jimmy just failed to get on the end of an excellent cross from Cesar. Juan Pedro made another good save on 64 minutes and at the other end Jimmy’s clever control saw him hitting a right foot shot just over the bar as the game opened up. Three minutes later Cesar saw a shot deflected wide after an excellent pass from Boudia. Plus Ultra were striving to regain control of the game but Mazarron continued to have chances with substitute Raul glancing Ruben’s corner just wide of the far post. However it was Juan Pedro in action again as he continued to deny Plus Ultra the goal they probably deserved with more excellent saves in the 80th minute and in stoppage time. Team: Juan Pedro; Pedro (David); Juan Andreo; Raso; Marcos; Boudia; Ruben; Raul Torrano; Chino (Raul); Cesar (Jose); Jimmy Man of the Match: Juan Pedro. Mazarron FC are at home to Cartagena FC UCAM next Sunday (18th December) kick off 4.30 pm. Admission is just €3 with juveniles free.
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COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR Trudy : 950 680 007 (EXT: 1331) email: calidasales@soltimes.com STACEY: CLASSIFIEDS 950 680 007 EXT:1332 Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010
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SOLTIMES december 2016
Tel 950 680 007
pink house and buy buy subasta MASSIVE DISCOUNTS CLOSING DOWN SALE NOW ON!!! Large selection of pine furniture, welsh dressers, side cabinets, beds, wardrobes FROM 10e Many sofas, 3 piece suites, leather and Fabric ALL TO CLEAR Dining tables, old and new, with or without chairs at KNOCK DOWN PRICES Kitchen appliances, many fridges, large and under counter cookers, hobs, microwaves Bedroom furniture, mattresses, beds, side cabinets headboards FROM 5e Large selection of carpets and rugs FROM 5e Gym Equipment Running machines, vibrating machine, abs and biceps, plus much more as gym closing down
Tel: 681 095 096 / Directions 679 207 545 / 622 288 750 & Map Take exit 547 from A7 motorway, head towards Albox, 5kms from motorway, we are the blue & pink warehouse by La Alfoquia turning. Albox
Los Carasoles
Buy Buy Auction
A534
Arboleas
E-15
HuercalOvera
A534
A7
La Alfoquia
547
El Palaces
Zurgena
PINK HOUSE La Concepcion
A7 E-15
543
AntasVera