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ANTIQUITY CERTIFICATES from 250€+IVA by MARTINEZ de la CASA. ARCHITECTS

of peace for Israel. He said Mr Sharon’s shoulders had “borne the weight of the security of our people”. Mr Netanyahu said Mr Sharon’s “unique contribution to the security of the state is engraved in our historical writings”, adding: “Your memory The Antiquity Certificate is the document needed at the Notary to will be part of this nation forever.” update the Title Deeds with any alterations introduced to the property, Mr Biden described Mr Sharon as an “indomitable bulldozer... The such as pools or extensions done with or without a license. The Architect certifies the date of construction which serves as proof of prescription of a possible planning infraction, subsequently, once done any fine is the Architect´s responsability. In the case of having done an extension or pool without a license, the Antiquity Certificate is very useful to guard against possible sanctions and highly recommendable to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of undeclared buildings in Title Deeds, even if done with license. Once confirmed, we will arrange an appointment to survey the pool/extension requiring only your NIE and current Title Deeds. The certificate, stamped by the Official College of Architects, is delivered within 7/10days, then the applicant can either go ahead and update the Title Deeds or wait for change of Property Titleholder/s at the Notary. The price of a Pool Antiquity Certificate is 250€+IVA and Extensions security of his people was his unwavering mission”. 353€+IVA. Only condition is that declared building is over 4 to 10 years, Describing Mr Sharon as “bold, unorthodox and unyielding”, but also “warm-hearted, humorous, charming and passionate”, Mr Blair called depending on the area. the former PM “a giant of this land” who would “take his place in the MARTINEZdelaCASAARCHITECTS has experience in over 200 Antiquity history of Israel with pride”. Certificates and is one of the most prominent and respectable practises Mr Sharon’s body was then taken in a funeral cortege for a brief military in the area, providing all types of certificates and licenses, amongst ceremony at Latrun, west of Jerusalem, where he was severely wounded other services. Number 1 company in EPC certificates (121 €IVAinc) in in the 1948 war of independence. Murcia, Almeria and Alicante. See over 60 reviews on our services or An Israeli security source said the Hamas government in Gaza had been call us (678 347 125) if you have any queries. All information at www. warned to prevent any rocket attacks on the burial service. martinezdelacasa.com. Because of its proximity to Gaza, three security rings were being placed around the burial site. See their main advert on page 10 The Israeli military said four rockets were launched from Gaza on Monday. The first two rockets did not reach Israel, the second two landed on open ground. Read more on bbc.co.uk

world News

burial service of former Prime Minister

Israel is holding the burial service of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his family ranch in the Negev desert. Earlier, speakers at the state memorial described him as an “indomitable” man devoted to the security of his people. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “one of the greatest military commanders the Jewish people have had”. Mr Sharon, regarded by many Israelis as a great statesmen but widely loathed in the Arab world, died on Saturday aged 85 after eight years in a coma. Thousands of mourners paid their final respects on Sunday, when Mr Sharon’s coffin lay in state outside parliament - the Knesset - in Jerusalem Amid final prayers, Mr Sharon’s coffin was placed in a plot at the Sycamore ranch he owned near Sderot, close to Gaza He lies beside his wife Lili, who died in 2000. Security was tight as a group of eight serving generals carried the coffin on the final stage of the journey. Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Benny Gantz said in a speech: “Generations of soldiers came to salute you for the last time today... I came to salute you too.” Earlier, some 20 foreign delegates and hundreds of Israeli dignitaries attended the state memorial service. They included US Vice-President Joe Biden, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Middle East international envoy Tony Blair, Czech PM Jiri Rusnok and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier Delivering the first speech at the memorial, President Shimon Peres said Mr Sharon was a “living military legend” who also always dreamed

India hails polio-free ‘milestone’

India is marking three years since its last reported polio case, a landmark in the global battle against the disease. It is seen as confirmation of one of India’s biggest public health successes, achieved through a massive and sustained immunisation programme. India’s health minister hailed it as a “monumental milestone”. In 2012 the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed India from the list of polio-endemic countries. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria remain on it. The list refers to countries in which the virus is circulating freely and the transmission of the infectious disease has not been stopped. Despite India’s success, health experts fear a resurgence of polio in other parts of the world. Read more on bbc.co.uk

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SOURCE: www.bbc.co.uk

Madeleine McCann: UK police request Portuguese assistance A letter has been sent to authorities Portuguese requesting help with the UK police probe into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, prosecutors say. The Daily Mirror said the letter sought permission to arrest burglars three believed to have been working in the resort where Madeleine went missing. The police said last year the she possibility snatched was by burglars was a key line of inquiry. Prosecutors and the police would

not comment on the details of the letter. from Madeleine, three was Leicestershire, when she disappeared in May 2007 from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, where she had been staying

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with her family. Between January and May 2007 there had been a fourfold increase in the number of burglaries in the area, police later established. Police said in October that in the 17 days before she disappeared there was one burglary and one attempted burglary in the block where the family McCann were staying. Crimewatch appeal The international letter of request last sent was week, the Crown Prosecution Service said. According to its guidance, “requests for evidence which require a judicial oversight and/or involve a degree of coercion or invasion of privacy usually require a letter of request”. It should be a request to obtain “specific evidence” and not a “fishing expedition”, the CPS says. And when it comes to an investigation, a letter of request “should ideally be no

News

more than the formal request for assistance that has already been agreed in outline with overseas competent the authority”. The CPS previously sent one such letter on behalf of British police in July, when the Met upgraded its review codenamed Operation Grange - to a formal investigation, in light of new evidence and new witnesses. At that time, the police said there was a chance Madeleine was still alive and it was investigating 38 “persons of interest”. The search for Madeleine was given fresh impetus in October when a BBC Crimewatch appeal that aired in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands in October led to 5,000 calls. In November, Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said the force was seeking an agreement to set up a “joint investigation team” with the Portuguese authorities. That came after Portuguese their reopened police Madeleine’s into inquiry disappearance in light of “new elements of evidence”.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

barnes bulletin HERE’S ONE I DID EARLIER

ort GREEN PATROL READY FOR 2014 Azucena Marin, Director of Communications at the Ayuntamiento in Pilar De La Horadada, tells me that the boys and girls of The Green Patrol, membership ages between 8 and 12 years, have a full programme of activities for this year.

It would seem that the holders of the purse strings within Malaga Council, have managed to find some 3 million euro, to make safe the Caminito de Rey path, with was / is still (Just) , attached to the cliffs of the Galtanes Gorge.The path, which at times, hangs some 100 or so meters above the floor of the gorge, was constructed by the builders of the hydro power plants, at Chorro and Gaitanes, in 1901, as a short cut between the dams. The path, when in a much better state than nowadays, was walked by King Alfonso, brave chap! Many sections of the path, have crumbled, falling into the canyon below, on two occasions, taking two walkers to their death. Future walking of “The King’s Path” will be a lot safer, and I’m sure will become a “Must Visit” tourist attraction. For readers of my jottings, who would like to try out a

NEW YEAR GATHERING Over 80 cars made their way to Los Montesinos on January 5th., to take part in the first meet of the year for the Phoenix Car Club.

The youngsters are busy making nest boxes, which they will be fixing to trees on the higher ground on the outskirts of Pilar. While sorting out the Beech from the Baobab, and the Larch from the Lime, the team will be mapping out the area, in preparation to designing a new mountain bike trail, which will test the skills of these lads and lassies. Other plans for this year include a gymkhana, hiking and camping, visiting the Guardia Civil H.Q., (Mind how you go), along with some golf lessons at La Romeo Golf Club. Azucena mentions that if any readers are interested in knowing more about “The Green Patrol”, call the Youth Information Council at Pilar, on 966 767 799. Good luck to you all.

Huge march in Spain after ban on Eta prisoner rally

At least 100,000 people have marched through the northern Spanish city of Bilbao after a rally in support of jailed Basque militants was banned. Permission had been granted only for a silent march but some demonstrators shouted slogans in support of the Basque separatist group Eta. Victims of Eta violence said the march made a mockery of their suffering. Late last year, Spain’s high court ordered the release from prison of several Eta members. It was acting on a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found Spain had acted illegally when it retroactively applied legislation that stopped them being eligible for early release. Many of the prisoners had been convicted of murder. Eta declared an end to its armed campaign in 2011 after being blamed for the deaths of more than 800 people over four decades. However, successive governments in Madrid have refused to negotiate with the group. Between 100,000 and 110,000 people joined Saturday’s march, sources in the city told Spain’s Efe news agency. Billed as a march for “human rights, understanding and peace”, it was organised by Basque nationalist and separatist political parties after a judge banned a rally calling for Eta inmates to be moved closer to their families. A prisoner group had dropped its demand for a general amnesty last month in an apparent bid to engage the governments in Spain and France, which also has a significant Basque region. One marcher, 52-year-old Itziar Goienetxia, told AFP news agency she lived in the Basque country and had to travel 1,200km (746 miles) to visit her husband in jail in the southern city of Cadiz. “It’s a double sentence,” she said. The victims’ association AVT had applied in vain to have the march banned, saying it gave “grave offence to each and every victim of terrorism”. “The only aim of the initiative is to pay homage to prisoners of the terrorist group Eta,” it argued. read more on bbc.co.uk

path similar but safer than that of the Malaga attraction, could do no better than to visit the mountain village of Chulilla, an hour or so inland from Valencia, on the CV35. Should a section of this path give way (See photograph) the worst that could happen, assuming the intrepid walker can swim, would be to get a little wet. For details of Chulilla, and accommodation in the village, drop me an e.mail. Right, where’s my water wings?

On display were M.G’s, Fords, Jaguars, Triumphs, an Austin Mini or three, a police car from the U.S.A., along with what looked a little like a Ford Popular, but had all the markings of a “Hot Rod”, that the owner assured me would reach 60 MPH (Old money) from a standing start, in about 6 seconds! I wonder if the windscreen wipers still slowed to a stop when going up hill! For information on the club, check out the web site: www.phoenixcarclub.com Must blow the dust of the Roller, and join the happy throng in February.

Rob Barnes moved to live in Spain, 7 years ago. In the UK, amongst other things, he was the Chair of the Midlands Regions, Independent Television Commission. His hobbies include Industrial Archaeology, Mine exploration and photography (Sierra Minera) and is on a quest to get a quality cast conditioned real ale here in Spain! Email Rob at garfieldglencroft@ hotmail.com

A “MUST READ” IN HAMPSHIRE. Following my jottings in December, yearning for a different style of local radio, here on “The Costas”, readership of Sol Times, well, “Barnes Bulletin” section at least, has increased a thousand fold! Again this month, Angle Radio, based in Havant, Hampshire, have placed the Sol Times logo, on their opening home page. Clicking into “Sol Times” will immediately take the viewer to my current week’s jottings. Station Manager Tony Smith, mentions that he would be prepared to give as much help and advise, to any entrepreneurial celestial “Body” that might alight in our area during 2014, to bring a stimulating radio station to our area. In the meantime, Angel listeners can enjoy reading what we get up to, here in our neighbourhood. Top man Tony.

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NEWS

New 10-euro note design unveiled

the president of the ECB. A further 80 runners up will receive a commemorative 10 euro banknote from the first series.

The new 10-euro note, boasting a range of new security features, has been unveiled by the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt.

The European Commission has published a selection of interactive games and other activities to illustrate the workings of the eurozone.

The note, which will go into circulation on 23 September 2014, has security features including raised print, a portrait watermark and a hologram.

The new 10 euro banknote will be unveiled on 13 January, 2014 and start circulating later in the year. Players must be over the age of 18 and have to uncover four of the security features. Among these will be raised print, a watermark and a hologram.

The ECB’s Yves Mersch said the new notes would enable everyone who uses them to “do so with complete confidence”.

They also must guess the number of euro banknotes in circulation in the euro area on 31 December, 2013. Christine Graeff, from the ECB, said: “The euro is the most visible and internationally known symbol of a united Europe. 334 million people use euro banknotes every day. “This game is a fun way to remind all of us to take a closer look at them.” bbc.co.uk

European Central Bank releases euro note computer game The European Central Bank (ECB) has released an online game to explain the features of a new 10 euro note. It is similar to the game Tetris, except every time you complete a level it tells you about a security feature. The top 20 highest scoring players will win a 5 euro VIP banknote from the Europa series, personally signed by

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Thai protests: Tens of thousands bring Bangkok to a standstill

Protesters are blocking roads in parts of the Thai capital, Bangkok, in a bid to oust the government before snap elections on 2 February. The anti-government demonstrations have been going on for nearly three months, with the country seemingly increasingly polarised. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has now offered to meet her opponents and discuss possibly postponing the elections scheduled for the 2nd of February. read more on bbc.co.uk

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Dancing on Ice 2014 By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

week 2

This series is looking to be the best ever! With all the past champions taking part, they are all hungry to gain the coveted title of ultimate champion. This week saw the second group skating for their position and showcasing their skills. Opening were gymnast and winner of Series 8, Beth Tweddle with her partner Lukasz. As a gymnast she has incredible flexibility shown within the performance in the lifts and choreography. However, for me she lacks in presentation skills and was a little cumbersome entering and exiting lifts in this performance. I awarded her a 6.5 and the judges 28.5. Next was Ex Goalkeeper David Seaman who finished 4th in Series 1 with his fiance Frankie. David has continued his skating during the last 3 years but tonight looked tentative, slow and very unsure over the ice. He made an error in the choreography which seemed to throw him during the performance so for me not his best night. I gave him 5.5 and the judges 22.5. Runner up in 2010 Gary Lucy and Katie then skated. Although this was a good performance, for me

Gary lacked a little depth of knee to give him faster speed over the ice. This started well but faded as the dance went on. I gave him 6.5 and the judges 24.0. Next out were Zaraah Abrahams and Andy. Zaraah was 3rd in Series 3 and this did not disappoint. A very competent performance with good speed over the ice, great presentation and superb lifts. I gave her an 8.0 and the judges 30.5. Champion from 2011 Sam Attwater and Vicky then skated. Another couple who have become engaged as a result of the series. Although there were a couple of errors during the performance, they were well covered up during a skate which was well acted out and displayed some really good lift work. He was awarded 30.0 from the judges and I awarded him 7.5. The public’s favourite Todd Carty and Alex then skated to Papa Loves Mambo. Todd was renowned in Series 4 for skating completely off the ice as he couldn’t stop! This was a bit better (but not much!). Whilst he was stood still shaking his maracas the acting was great, it was an entertaining performance but the ice got in the way! there was very little skating evident and when there it was not much bet-

ter than bambi on ice! I awarded him 4.0 and the judges 16.5 and the bottom of the pile. Closing the show and saving the best until last was Series 3 winner Suzanne Shaw and Matt. A superb performance both skating and acting with such a smoothness over the ice, an emotional performance with fantastic lifts. Suzanne is a real daredevil and is always looking for something new. I awarded her a 9.0 and the judges 35.5 and quite a long way in front of her rivals. It was no surprise to discover that the public’s clown Todd Carty made it through to next week! The celebrity eliminated was David Seaman, leaving Sam Attwater and Gary Lucy to skate off. This resulted in Gary being the second celebrity failing to make it through to next weeks show with Sam gaining a clean sweep from the judges. With past winners ending up in the skate off every week, this series is really exciting me this year and I can’t wait to see who will pull out the stops to take them to the top of the pile next week! Come and join in the fun of one of our classes but until then - Keep Dancing!

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The FAST XMAS PARTY Night at the ‘Steak Out’ Restaurant on Sector B, Camposol was a great success on Wednesday 11th December! Everyone enjoyed Camposol’s own Bernie Mac’s entertainment from start to finish, which created such a good party atmosphere- which is what we all come to expect when in his company! ‘The Steak Out’ provided a wonderful buffet of both hot and cold food – so much variety that plates were easily filled before managing to get even half way along the many tables of tempting food. Excellent value for the whole evening, at only €10 per person! Stand up Bingo was played, which was good fun too. The winner- the last person standing not to have a number called out, shared the amount raised with FAST and received €27.50. The Fundraising Team who organised this Event also ran a Raffle. The large selection of great prizes made it somewhat difficult for the winners to choose from. The dancing and singing added to a thoroughly good evening enjoyed by all! Thanks go to everyone who worked so hard! The amount raised for FAST during this evening came to a grand total of €393.00

FAST INFORMATION FOR 2014

FAST A.G.M Meeting - Monday 13th Jan 6p.m. at The Cultural Centre Sector B. This is open to anyone who wishes to attend. FAST BOOK STALLS Friday 10th and Friday 31st January Sector B :10.a.m. FAST TABLE TOP SALE– (date to be announced) Any items you wish to donate to FAST. Please email:paddysnell5@ gmail.com FAST RECRUITING - Responders & Supporters Info – email:rabt. val@hotmail.com Visit the FAST Website: www.fastcamposol.com for Information.

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CULTURAL VISIT TO GUADALEST The multicultural Conversation Swap classes run by Conexia (the non-profit making organisation, which has been running for some two years, under the guise of the Language School in San Javier) has organised a cultural trip to Guadalest, on Saturday 18th January, 2014. This trip will include a sightseeing tour of the village, a visit to a Church, a 12th century prison, the Casa Ordunya and the Castle. All of which will help visitors to savour the heritage of Guadalest. A 3-course lunch is also included in this visit. In the afternoon the tour will continue to the Microgigante (Micro-giant) Museum. The trip will leave San Javier ParqueAlmansa at 8.30 am arrive back at San Javier at approximately 19.00 hrs. The price of tickets for this visit is 21€ for Members and 25€ for Non Members.

The places are limited for this visit

Conexia promotes multicultural understanding amongst all its members, and there are Conversation Swap classes in Spanish/English, Spanish/German, Spanish/French and Spanish/Italian. The held in San Javier, Roda, Torre de la Horadada, El Algar, Lo Pagan, Fuente Alamo, Santiago de la Ribera, Casas Blancas, and Los Narejos. Leading the Groups are Native speakers, who are there to help. To book this visit on 18th January, and for directions, or more information please contact:

PLEASE CONTACT ANTHEA PRENTICE 968334527 MOBILE 647151267 TO CONFIRM conexiaeoisjinfo@gmail.com or conexiaeoisj.blogspot.com

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HOMES & GARDENS

Bring Insects In From The Cold The honeybee is in peril, but every gardener can help by planting pollinator friendly plants in their gardens

Insects are pollinators of about 80% of all plant species in Europe, including most fruit, many vegetables and some biofuel crops. Imagine our diet without pollinators. Prices of what we now consider ordinary food - a punnet of strawberries, beans, a pot of plum jam - will rocket.Take bumblebees alone and look at what they pollinate - oilseed rape, field beans, sunflowers, runner beans, raspberries, strawberries, apples and currants. Gone will be the era when most of us could think of having one, let alone five pieces of fruit a day. How we can help? Gardeners can help reverse this trend. Reasons for the decline in pollinators are partly new diseases (in the case of the honeybee), but more importantly, increasingly sparse foraging for these insects. With the widespread destruction of flowery habitats and

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changes in land management - for example - from clovers to chemical fertilisers, there’s less insect food around. As is often quoted, it is estimated that in Britain between 1932 and 1984, we lost 90% of our unimproved, flower-rich, lowland grassland, key areas for any foraging insect. The countryside in 2011 may look lush, but there’s precious little for pollinator insects to feed on. Gardens can’t provide all the answers - many species have specialised habitat requirements - but for honeybees and many other bees and pollinators, they can be a huge help. Growing pollinator-friendly plants in our patches can make a difference. Some cultivated garden plants have limited wildlife value. Years of selection for showy blooms can result in flowers losing their attraction to pollinators, but there are plenty of traditional cottage garden plants that are tiptop as far as these insects are concerned. Having insect-friendly plants in gardens is a win-win. Many of the best plants for insects are also great to look at, easy to grow and flower for a long time.

These are our TOP THREE:

Borage: extremely attractive to honeybees, but also attracts many other insects, including bumblebees and butterflies. Lavender: attract a wide range of insects and, compared with borage, relatively more bumblebees to honeybees, as well as lots of butterflies and hoverflies Wallflowers: Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ blooms for most of the year - as it is unable to set seed - and so keeps on flowering, and is very attractive to butterflies.

self-seeding plants Self-seeders are the opportunists of the plant world. They may be uninvited guests to the garden party, but often they make the difference between a monotonous gathering and an unforgettable carnival.

All but the tidiest of gardeners experience the joy of finding new plants that have sown themselves. And although we may intervene, there’s no need to initiate. No soil preparation is involved, no cultivation necessary. Self-seeders are pragmatists. Produce enough seed, chuck it about and some plants are bound to come up. Stepping in to cull or move seedlings when there are too many competing for the same resources may be necessary, but apart from that, all we need to do is wait and see. Alchemilla mollis Perennial lady’s mantle has furry, round leaves and produces lime-green flowers. It grows to around 45cm high. Aquilegia vulgaris This woodland dweller, also known as granny’s bonnets, likes to grow in a shady spot. It can grow to about 90cm high. Eryngium giganteum Also known as Miss Willmott’s ghost, this herbaceous perennial likes to bask in full

sun. It reaches 1.5m high. Meconopsis cambrica Happy in woodland conditions, the yellow- or orange-flowered Welsh poppies are annuals that don’t mind shade, making them perfect to weave under trees and taller shrubs. Geranium pratense A cottage garden favourite, the meadow cranesbill is a perennial that flowers in June and grows well in an open spot. Taller stems can grow to 90cm high. Forget-me-nots Forget-me-nots will pop up everywhere to create a frothy blue cloud, but are easy to pull out if you have too many. Stipa tenuissima Leave Stipa tenuissima to its own devices for abundant feathery panicles in summer. Verbena bonariensis Verbena sprinkles seed liberally in autumn, and produces airy stems from midsummer that won’t crowd or smother other plants.

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New year gardening

resolutions

I’m not one to make unrealistic new year’s resolutions, but I do have plans for the year ahead that I hope come to fruition. My main resolution is to keep on track with those important gardening jobs and not to fall behind. For instance, I’ve promised myself that this year I’ll get all the veg beds and borders properly dug and mulched before everything starts growing again in spring, when space is needed for sowing and planting. Some people are much more disciplined than me. I remember visiting a past presenter of Gardeners’ World, Arthur Billitt, at Clack’s Farm, and Arthur proudly telling me how he always dug the whole of his garden by hand, and completed the job before Christmas! Sadly I’ve never managed to follow his fine example. My excuse is that the clay soil here has been wet to dig during December. I’m hoping for sun to dry out the soil, and tempting me outside later in January to complete my digging. I also need to complete my seed order and then make a seed-sowing diary. Making a little time to sow seeds at the right time really does keep the gardening calendar on schedule, so I’m determined to keep to it this year. By successionally sowing salad leaves, for instance, I can enjoy almost continual pickings, so those calendar reminders will make sure I reap the rewards of sowing little and often. This year I really must replace one of my large wooden compost bins that has itself started disintegrating. Then there’s the out-of-sight area behing my arch, which has become a dumping ground for old pots and bags of compost. Every gardener needs an area where they can work, but this one is a bit of an eyesore. I resolve to keep it far tidier during 2014 www.gardenersworld.com

It’s New Year Resolution Time!

New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. This is a list of the ten most popular New Year resolutions.

10. Reorganise Your Life On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, ‘organisation’ can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organised enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organised enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, what you will find is that when you spend less time ‘looking’ for something, you spend more time ‘doing’ something!

9. Be More Charitable A very popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local pet charity, mentoring a child, or building a house, doing something for others makes a real difference to other and yourself!

8. Learn Something New Resolutions aren’t always about giving things up! Make a promise this year to learn something new. Whether it’s improving your Spanish, how to fix your computer or bake a better cake! Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand!

7. Get Out of Debt Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of other who will resolve to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

6. Stop – or Reduce – Your Alcohol Intake While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. For the majority of us who drink socially, it may be worth taking stock of actually how much you are drinking and the possible health benefits of reducing your units!

5. Enjoy Life More Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people in the world, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you!

4. Stop Smoking If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-thecounter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good, so don’t lose faith in yourself!

3. Lose Weight Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Year’s commitment to shed extra pounds. Why not get some help and join a slimming group for added support and advice.

2. Get Fit Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else; studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better! Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym – although this works for a lot of people – take advantage of the lighter evening and take yourself off for a brisk 20 minute walk!

AND FINALLY… 1. Spend Time with Loved Ones Recent polls conducted shows that more than 50% of people asked, vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Of all the resolutions you make this New Year, keep this one!

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

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The Dukan diet is a low-carbohydrate (carb), high-protein diet. There’s no limit to how much you can eat during the plan’s four phases, providing you stick to the rules of the plan. During phase one, you’re on a strict lean protein diet. This is based on a list of 72 reasonably lowfat protein-rich foods, such as chicken, turkey, eggs, fish and fat-free dairy. This is for an average of five days to achieve quick weight loss. Carbs are off limits except for a small amount of oat bran. Unlike the Atkins diet, benefits consultancy Dukan’s phase one bans vegetables and seriously restricts fat. The next three phases Do you suffer from mobility problems, of the plan see the gradual introduction of breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? some fruit, veg and carbs and eventually all Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? foods. The aim is gradual weight loss of up to You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK 2lb a week and to promote long-term weight sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain management. There’s no time limit to the final For advice or to book a consultation phase, which involves having a protein-only call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com day once a week and taking regular exercise.

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g n i z a m a laces p

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located in Northern Italy, about half-way between Venice and Milan.. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the provinces of Verona (to the southeast), Brescia (southwest), and Trento (north). Being easily accessible from the north via the Brenner pass, the lake is a major tourist destination, including a number of exclusive hotels and resorts along its shore. Scaligera. Sirmione’s narrow medieval streets bustle with colour and life; the tiny town is a very popular holiday destination, and the summer months bring crowds. The setting of the small town is beautiful; and was praised in earlier days by the Roman poet Catullus. At the very tip of the peninsula green lizards scuttle over the extensive remains of a grand Roman villa (once believed to be Catullus’s villa).

Desenzano del Garda

Lake Garda The northern part of the lake is narrower, surrounded by mountains, the majority of which belong to the Gruppo del Baldo. Glaciers formed this alpine region at the end of the last ice age and the resulting shape is typical of a moraine valley, probably having been formed under the action of a Paleolithic glacier. Although traces of the glacier’s actions are evident today, in more recent years it has been thought that the glacier occupied a previously-existing depression, created by stream erosion 5 to 6 million years ago. The lake has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda. Nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio, also known as the Isola dei Conigli (Island of the Rabbits). Both are offshore of San Felice del Benaco, on the west side. The three other main islands are Isola dell’Olivo, Isola di Sogno, and Isola di Trimelone, all further north near the east side. The main tributary is the Sarca River, while the only emissary is the Mincio River. Wildlife include the ‘Carpione del Garda’ or ‘Carpiù’ , a species of salmon living exclusively in the Garda and in some Swiss alpine lakes.

Destination Information It’s hard to go wrong when choosing where to stay around Lake Garda. Here are brief descriptions of the principal lakeside towns:

Sirmione Sirmione is on the southern shore of Lake Garda, a pretty town near the end of a long promontory. Sirmione’s most striking feature is its moated castle, the Rocca

Desenzano is primarily a practical destination. Transport is easy from Brescia Airport and by train from other parts of Italy. It’s easy to take a bus to Verona for day trips, and boat connections with other areas of Lake Garda are good, although it’s a long journey to Riva del Garda at the distant northern end of the lake. Desenzano is not as picture-book pretty as the lake’s smaller towns, and it has areas of modern development, but there is a lot in its favour. Around the harbour the streets are attractive, and from the castle up the hill (outdoor concerts in the summer) there’s a lovely view over the lake. Desenzano is more of a normal Italian town than a tourist toytown; in the evening you can join in the popular activity of promenading, the passeggiata. There are plenty of good restaurants, shops and busy bars. Recommended for those relying on public transport, those who want to see more of the area, and those who enjoy a realistic taste of Italian culture.

Riva del Garda Riva is at the northern end of Lake Garda, and is a pleasant tourist destination. The pretty public gardens by the waterfront have a quaint, middle-aged ‘resort’ air to them. The town is large enough to support a market and shops; although the lakeside area is packed mostly with gelaterie, cafes and restaurants aimed squarely at tourists. The waterfront is dominated by one of Garda’s fortresses, the Rocca, which contains the town’s museum. Steep wooded slopes tower above, with ruined towers emerging from the trees to tempt the energetic explorer. North of Riva, walking or driving excursions give access to some of the region’s most dramatic scenery. This includes a 287-ft waterfall at Varone, the remains of a Bronze Age settlement at Lake Ledro and the crags and fortifications of Castello d’Arco.

Gardone Riviera On the western shore, Gardone Riviera is a pretty tourist resort with a peaceful waterfront promenade dotted with benches. Two of the area’s most interesting tourist attractions are situated here: Gabriele d’Annunzio’s eccentric home and the tropical Andre Heller Botanic Garden.

Malcesine Malcesine is pretty, atmospheric, and packed with tourists. The town, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, is charming, a maze of historic alleys, and the setting is excellent. A castle (open to the public, with great towers to climb) guards the waters, while mountain slopes rear up behind the clustered buildings. A cablecar (expect queues) takes you right up to the high grassy summit of the Monte Baldo ridge, where the air is fresh and cool, the views are stupendous, and you can refresh yourself at several cafe-restaurants. Walkers can begin high-level hikes here, while the lazier can return to Malcesine to browse in the gift shops or enjoy an ice cream.

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LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please

e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com

BUYING A HOME IN SPAIN

If you have decided to buy a home in Spain, follow some information regarding the legal aspects of the purchase. Here is a very general outline of the work that goes on behind the scene, so that you have a rough idea of what to expect. In any case you can take part in the fun by being present at the signing, or your solicitor can deal with the transaction using a power of attorney. 1. Request of the copy of the seller’s title deed. The registration details entered on the deed will enable the lawyer to do a complete search in the local property register, and therefore make sure that the seller has proper title and ensure there are no hidden charges or encumbrances affecting the property. 2. Make sure there are no outstanding bills (electricity, water, rubbish, rates, gas, community of owners and entidad de conservacion). 3. It is normal for a deposit to be handed over to reserve the property until the signing of the Escritura de Propiedad (title deed) can take place. When the deposit is handed over your lawyer will draw up a solid contract to secure both parties until the day of the signing. Normally the deposit will consist of 10% of the purchase price and is non refundable if you pull out of the transaction after the contract is signed. Likewise if the seller pulls out they would have to pay back double the deposit. Most agents will ask for a 3000€ good will reservation until the full deposit contract can be signed. 4. If you are a non-resident the Spanish Ministry of interior requires you to obtain a certificate of non residency (which in turn determines your fiscal number) so that you can sign the title deed. It will also be required later on by the Tax Authorities. This is known as the NIE number and your solicitor will request if for you. 5. If you buy from a non resident you must hold back 3% of the price stipulated on the escritura which your Abogado will then pay to the Tax Authority on behalf of the sellers capital gains tax. (The abogado will not be able to register your property until he has obtained the receipt from the tax office for this money). If he is accustomed to dealing with non resident transactions, he will point this out, if he does not, watch out. If you purchase from a non resident and the funds are not paid into the tax office you will be responsible. 6. When deciding where, when and how you are going to pay for your house in Spain it is very important that you seek advice on your particular case, because the Spanish Law concerning foreign investment does not permit the payment to be made in any old way. If your lawyer is used to foreign conveyance, he will automatically point out the correct way of handling this. 7. Your lawyer will prepare a draft (MINUTA) for the notary to prepare the final title deed (by contrast to

England, in Spain each time a transaction takes place a new title deed is drawn up). Your solicitor will receive a last minute at the notary just before signing which in turn triggers a system by which no other deed can be entered into the property register in advance of the one being signed in your favor. It is an absolutely fool-proof system. 8. The moment the deed is signed and the payment is made, the keys are handed over and you become the official owner. After the deed is signed there are taxes and fees to be paid, which your lawyer will do for you, on receiving appropriate funding. 9. Finally when the solicitor has cleared the deed with the tax office he will request the property register to register the new ownership. He will usually at the end request a search certificate to make sure the deed has been registered correctly. 10. Approx. one month after the signing of the title deed you will receive your registered deed (in Spain this is called ESCRITURA) with the registrars stamp on it, and receipts for all the payments made on your behalf. (I recommend you staple them to your title deed forever, because when you go to sell they are considered deductible expenses in relation to your future capital gains tax). 11. Your solicitor usually, for an extra fee, can organize for all the services to be changed into your name and set up direct debits to the account of your choice. Not all solicitors offer this service so it is important you ask in advance. Congratulations, you now have your final title deed. Now that you have your deed we recommend that you make sure that: Electricity, water, community of owners if applicable, rubbish collection and rates are set up by direct debit so no further action is required. That you have made Spanish wills. That you have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of being a resident (if applicable) or non resident of Spain. If a non resident, make sure that you pay non resident income tax every year using a fiscal representative. (this is a very small tax but it has to be organized) I want to take the opportunity to say that even though all this sounds complicated, the Spanish legal system in what concerns the buying of property when used properly, gives both the seller and the buyer total safety. Michael Davies. Abogado.

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Australian Sculptor Works Wonders With Wrenches The ReUse People Specials

edit By Ted Reiff

Many of us have great stories about the different and unique ways we or others have reused things. The following case involves the ingenious reuse of countless numbers of a single type of common item—wrenches. One of our TRP advisors forwarded to me a series of photos of sculptures made from nothing but wrenches. I suspect it was one of those “Can you believe this?” items making rounds on the web. The artist is John Piccoli of Victoria, Australia. Locally, he is known as “The Spanner Man.” Spanner is the British and Australian word for what Americans call a monkey wrench. Thirty years ago Piccoli began making small garden sculptures from wrenches he had collected. Today he is creating large statues and garden art pieces that qualify for museums. Piccoli’s art appears in many galleries around Australia, including

Melbourne, S y d n e y and St. Kilda. The popularity of his works and the quantity of wrenches needed eventually compelled Piccoli to purchase as well as collect them. These works become even more impressive when you learn that Piccoli, now in his 70s, contracted polio when he was eight years old and is in a wheelchair. His large workshop is equipped with a cross-over gantry crane and several block and tackles that allow him to work at chair level, yet in three dimensions. So, the next time you feel like throwing a (proverbial) monkey wrench into a plan or project you don’t particularly like, instead send it to John Piccoli. He needs all he can get. http://www.thereusepeople.org

with thanks to Susan Reader

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For the four-legged competitors, two months of hard work – and a fair few treats – ensured they were raring to get on the racetrack. So when the big day rolled around, the only ones likely to get hot under the collar were any bystanders who spotted a Mini hurtling towards them with a dog at the wheel. Two mutts made history yesterday by driving a car down a racetrack. Tenmonth-old beardie cross Porter put his paws to the pedals first, steering the Mini down the straight and then turning a corner. He was followed by Monty, an 18-month-old giant schnauzer cross, who completed the same feat. As the Mail reported last week, the pair – along with one-year-old beardie whippet cross Ginny – had been taking driving lessons, which began with them learning to steer a wooden cart pulled along on a string by their trainers. In just eight weeks, they progressed to driving a real car – a modified Mini in which they sat on their haunches in the driver’s seat. And they’re ruff... Now the driving dogs have been let loose on the racetrack (and show they really CAN drive a car) Their front paws were on the steering wheel, while their back paws were on levers attached to the accelerator and the brake. After successfully manoeuvring the car around a lab, the leading two were challenged to a racetrack test-drive which was broadcast live online. They were strapped in with seatbelts and then followed commands from their trainers, who walked in front of the car. The dogs were all rescued by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Auckland, New Zealand. The charity came up with the idea to train them to drive to prove how intelligent they were. Animal trainer Mark Vette, who schooled the dogs, said: ‘They are great dogs, each with their own distinct personality. ‘You wouldn’t believe any dog could learn to drive a car on its own but we’ve proven through our understanding of animal psychology and our specialised training methods that intelligent creatures can adapt to the situation they’re in. ‘It really is remarkable and we are so proud of the achievements of our dedicated training team and the incredible SPCA driving dogs.’ Before the racetrack challenge, he explained that they treated the training like a ‘film shoot’, in reference to his work in the movies. He added: ‘We train the dogs to do different actions, touch is the first thing and then we teach them to touch the different objects with the right paw and left paw. ‘They’ve all come through at this point and they’re all going really well.’ The charity behind the stunt now hopes that the public will be so impressed that they will be keen to adopt rescue dogs. SPCA Auckland chief executive Christine Kalin said: ‘I think sometimes people think because they’re getting an animal that’s been abandoned that somehow it’s a second-class animal. ‘The dogs have achieved amazing things in eight short weeks of training, which really shows with the right environment just how much potential all dogs from the SPCA have as family pets.’ The project was a collaboration between SPCA Auckland, Mr Vette, MINI New Zealand and advertising company DraftFCB. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2245771/NewZealand-dogs-pass-driving-test-really-CAN-drive-car.html#ixzz2qHMdiJrj Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Airbus delivers record orders but fails to Buyer’s Structural Sur veys and exp ert defects reporting. If you are buy ing property in Spain or have problems with an existing property, a professional building survey will determine issues and confirm the correct solutions.

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Airbus delivered a company record of 626 pla A total of 93 customers received Airbus aircra Airbus aircraft for the first time. Despite the rise, Airbus fell short of deliveries month that it delivered 648 planes in 2013. Airbus said it now had a 51% market share in The company’s commercial director John Lea “I think we’re happy with what we’ve got. It’s a have two more airplanes or we have two more Overall, Airbus delivered 493 of its A320 famil jumbo A380s last year. Growing fast The company also said it had hired 3,000 mor Last year’s total orders for 1,619 planes were warned demand was unlikely to continue at its “The fact is, we cannot as an industry continue increase production,” he said. Airbus chief executive Fabrice Bregier added: more aircraft, I think we would be silly not to ra

The company of ‘J Gálvez Renero’ is established in Puerto de Mazarro n and offers a wealth of experience within the company expanding over a peri od of 15 years dealing with all aspects of living in Spain and having the ben efit of bi-lingual staf f. Due to many changes in recent yea rs many people who are perhaps thin king of selling their homes in Spain are not aware of the total costs involved . If you are thinking of selling and wou ld like a breakdown of costs you can visit our We moved from the Alicante area office for an informal in 1991, no obligation chat. looking for new pastures and afte r visiting We can also offer Almeria and Granada, we discove red Murcia, advice on inheritance here we found a very friendly pop ulation, a tax and advice on perfect climate, unspoilt beache s and an making a Spanish abundance of unused “fincas” Will in order to try and and quaint village and town houses. minimize the costs. We quickly purchased a “finca” We offer a large and after variety of services studying the local bylaws etc we regi stered which can be found our new company, OLD FAR MHOUSES on our website www. MURCIA S.L. translationsmazarron. We are still here finding suitable com or by visiting our property office located near for people looking for a better way of life. We Mercadona in Puerto have re-opened our affiliated com pan y ROS de Mazarron CASTEN S.L to manage new builds and coastal property

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o beat Boeing

January in Spain

San Antón

(or St Anthony)

A number of fiestas occur across Spain in January - on January 16, the eve of St Antony’s Day, everyone dresses up in costume to watch the big firework display in all of the large towns and cities. January 17th sees processions pass through the streets to mark St Antony’s day itself, then on January 19, there are bonfires and dancing for the Eve of St Sebastian and medieval processions the next day - Ibiza on January 21 is famous for its fiesta offering live music and fireworks!

anes in 2013, the manufacturer announced on Monday. aft last year, including 15 who were taking delivery of an achieved by arch rival Boeing, which said earlier this

aircraft with over 100 seats. ahy said losing out to Boeing “doesn’t matter to us at all”. a duopoly, with a 50-50 split here. I don’t really care if they e,” he added. ly aircraft, 108 of its A330 planes, and 25 of its super-

re people. “We are in a growth industry,” added Mr Leahy. more than double Airbus’ expectations, but Mr Leahy s current pace. e at this level. But what we are doing is we’re continuing to

: “If the market remains positive, if the customer needs amp up again.”

Saint Anthony the Great (c. 251–356) was an Egyptian Christian saint and the prominent leader among the Desert Fathers, Christian monks in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Anthony lived in Alexandria, Egypt for much of his notable career. He is celebrated in many churches across North Africa and The Levant on Feast Day, January 17 and the Month of Tobi 22, (January 30) in the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Coptic Catholic Church, which are historically associated with Saint Anthony. The biography of Anthonys’ Life by Pope Athanasius of Alexandria helped to spread the concept of monasticism, particularly in the Western Europe through Latin translations. Most of what is known about the life of St Anthony is in the Latin vita (Life of Antony) by Athanasius, circulated in Latin and records that Anthony was born near Herakleopolis Magna in Lower Egypt in 251 to wealthy landowner parents. When he was about eighteen years old, his parents died and left him with the care of his unmarried sister. In 285, he decided to follow the words of Jesus who had said: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21). Taking these words quite literally, Anthony gave away some of the family estate to his neighbours, sold the remaining property and donated the funds raised to the poor, placed his sister in a convent, and himself became the disciple of a local hermit. Anthony is notable for being one of the first ascetics - those having adopted a life characterised by abstinence from worldly pleasures - to attempt living in the desert, completely cut off from civilization. His isolated ifestyle was remarkably harsher than

his predecessors, heading out into the alkaline desert region called the Nitra (Wadi El Natrun today), about 95 km west of Alexandria, some of the most rugged terrain of the Western Desert. Here he remained for some thirteen years. According to Athanasius, the devil fought St Anthony by afflicting him with boredom, laziness, and the phantoms of women, which he overcame by the power of prayer. After that, he moved to a tomb, where he resided and closed the door on himself, depending on some local villagers who brought him food. When the devil perceived his ascetic life and his intense worship, he was envious and beat him mercilessly, leaving him unconscious. When his friends from the local village came to visit him and found him in this condition, they carried him to a church. After he recovered, he made a second effort and went back to the desert, further out than before and there he lived strictly enclosed in an old abandoned Roman fort for some twenty years. According to the writing of Athanasius, the devil again resumed his rage against Saint Anthony, only this time the phantoms were in the form of wild beasts, wolves, lions, snakes and scorpions. They appeared as if they were about to attack him or cut him into pieces. But the Saint would laugh at them scornfully and say, “If any of you have any authority over me, only one would have been sufficient to fight me.” At his saying this, they disappeared as though in smoke, and God gave him the victory over the devil. While in the fort he only communicated with the outside world by a crevice through which food would be passed and he would say a few words. Saint Anthony would prepare a quantity of bread that would sustain him for six

months. He did not allow anyone to enter his cell: whoever came to him, stood outside and listened to his advice. Then one day he emerged from the fort with the help of villagers to break down the door. By this time most had expected him to have wasted away, or gone insane in his solitary confinement, but he emerged healthy, serene, and enlightened. Everyone was amazed that he had been through these trials and emerged spiritually rejuvenated. He was hailed as a hero and from this time forth the legend of Anthony began to spread and grow. When Saint Anthony felt that the day of his departure had approached, he commanded his disciples to give his staff to Saint Macarius, and to give one sheepskin cloak to Saint Athanasius and the other sheepskin cloak to Saint Serapion, his disciple. He further instructed his disciples to bury his body in an unmarked, secret grave, lest his body become an object of veneration. He stretched himself on the ground and gave up his spirit – it is said that Anthony lived for 105 years. Many pictorial artists, from Hieronymus Bosch to Salvador Dalí, have depicted these incidents from the life of Anthony; in prose, the tale was retold and embellished by Gustave Flaubert. Celebrations Across Spain On the eve and actual day of this Saint (17th January), there are foguerons (bonfires) in many parts of Mallorca, with the additional participation of demons. Bonfires and illuminations are also lit in various parts of the country, especially in Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, the Community of Valencia and Aragón. There are traditional mounted

processions in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, which are called dels tres tombs (3-rounders). In Arquillos (Jaén) the main character is the pelotero (he runs like a ball after people), who is symbolic of Satan the Tempter and chases the locals with a rope-soled sandal. In Castellar de Santiago (Ciudad Real) bread loaves and rolls are blessed and cockerels auctioned off, whilst Manlleu (Barcelona) sees the performing of the seventeenth century Ball del Ciri (Candle Dance) in the evening of St Anthony’s Day. Mas de las Matas (Teruel) is the scene of a procession involving blessed loaves and a masquerade in which local life is sent up, and in Trigueros (Huelva) legs of ham, bread, money and other objects are thrown at the Saint as he is paraded through the streets. In Villanueva de Alcolea and Lucena del Cid, both in the province of Castellón, riders on saddled horses jump over bonfires. On the night of the 16th in Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), the Encamisada takes place. This involves the participation of a great number of horses painstakingly adorned, which follow a circuit drawn out in the town, littered with bonfires, for more than two hours whilst the riders pile endless praise on the names of St Fulgencio, St Anthony and the Baby Jesus. In certain towns of the territory such as Forcall (Castellón) and Mirambel (Teruel) a Santantona (play about St Anthony) is performed, in which the temptations the Saint had to overcome in the desert are represented, culminating in the spectacular burning of a pine-branch hut.

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The future of computers: what can we expect? been suggested that a time will come when computer chips will be embedded under our skin, making it more than likely that we can just ‘think’ of a command and have it done – it sounds like something out of a sci-fi film, but we have plenty of

reason to see it coming. Cloud sharing: The idea of a cloud network replacing hard disks as we know them is fast becoming a reality. Both Apple and Microsoft have made cloud networks key to their respective operating system – the former with iCloud and the latter, if slightly late to the game, with SkyDrive. For the moment the cloud networks in existence are used for the sake of backing up computer data, or to share the same data across

multiple devices – the more they develop, the more likely it is that something as ‘bulky’ as a hard disk will soon become obsolete. Smaller devices: This is already very much a factor. Tablets have already advanced far enough to be ‘replacements’ for desktop computers, even making laptops seem bulky in comparison. Even more than that is the new generation of smartphones, which are becoming more and more similar in scope to computers. With a variety of apps available resembling – sometimes bettering – the software we are used to, it won’t be too long before we can rely on them completely. Battery life is still an issue – but again, we can only expect mobile manufacturers to find new ways to develop and improve this with time. This is a generation still very much used to having computers around, and it is unlikely we’ll see them disappear anytime soon. However, it is fast becoming time to reckon with what the future holds for our computers – and technology in general.

SOURCE: http://www.uniblue.com/news/future-computers-what-can-we-expect/

Years ago you would have forgiven people for believing that the typewriter was the end of the line as far as that invention goes. Considering how far we’ve come since the typewriter was created, it’s incredible to even imagine a computer beyond the ones we are used to now. Yet new technology keeps appearing, including features we would have once only expected to see or read about in science fiction. Whilst it’s hard to predict what’s next, the question still remains: what do we have in store? Smarter systems: How long will it be before we can stop using keyboards all together and simply voice our commands? Apps like Siri for iPhone have proven this is possible, though even this seems to be at the basest level of what we can expect. It has

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property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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2 bed / 1 bath Penthouse Apartment with underground private parking. Terrace & solarium with views. Lift & pool . Ref. 1020

nr antas

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€95,000

2 bed / 1 bath south facing Apartment with terrace with sea views. Complex with pool & gardens near beach and amenities. Ref. 1513

huerta nueva

€99,000

Immaculate south facing 2 bed / 2 bath ground floor Apartment with private plot of 321 m². Fully fitted kitchen. Ref. 1540

mojacar playa

€179,950

villaricos

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2 bed / 2 bath pretty bungalow near beach & amenities. Plot: 135 m². Terraces & solarium. Communal pool. Ref. 1006

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€109,950

THE BEST INVESTMENT PROPERTY:

3 bed / 1 bath charming detached renovated Cortijo with 2 plots (121 m² & 437 m²) in Jauro. Garage & Store room. Ref. 1082

3 bed / 1 bath Apartment with terraces with sea views. Gated complex with tennis court and pools near promenade. Ref.1527

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Turre

€110,000

3 bed / 2 linked Villa on one level with plot of 100 m² within walking distance to beach and amenities. Carport. Community pool. Ref 1044

2 bed / 2 bath south facing Apartment with panoramic sea views and garage within minutes walk to beach. Communal pool. Ref. 1507

mojacar playa

€129,500 san juan

Nice south facing 2 bed / 2 bath Townhouse with terraces and roof solarium near beach & amenities. Ref.1535

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Amazing 2 bed / 2,5 bath sea facing Apartment with garage. Fully furnished. Large terrace. Lift, tennis & pool. Ref.1546

Mojácar Playa €197,000

carboneras

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Lovely 3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse set on well kept development near promenade and amenities. Terraces & solarium. Ref.1523

Incredible 2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with panoramic sea views from everywhere. South facing terrace of 33 m². Pool & lift. Ref.1552

antas

€135,000

Well appointed 4 bed / 2 bath Village House with garage on plot of 300 m². Front terrace with nice views. Ref.1545

vera

€115,000

Nice 3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse with front terrace and court yard set on a quiet residential street. Open fire place. Ref.1063

aqua nueva

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2 bed / 2 bath Villa with pool on plot of 500 m² near all amenities of Turre. Conservatory, patio & solarium. Ref.1550

€250,000

Nice 4 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage and pool on plot of 5.000 m² a few minutes to town. Terrace & solarium. Ref 1017

Please visit our office or refer to our website for more “bargains”. Vendors: If you are seriously considering selling your property please visit our office to discuss effective ways of achieving your goal. As per decree 218/2005 the “Documento de Información Abreviada” (D.I.A) for any property sold by Veritas Homes is available at our office.

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how to teach your dogs tricks Your dog is probably brighter than you think. Assistance-dog charities teach their dogs over 100 commands and used advanced methods that allow dogs to solve, sometimes complex, problems. For example, if a disabled owner blacks out in the bath, their trained dog will jump in, pull out the plug and keep their owners head out of the water until the danger passes – truly amazing! Even if your dog likes to laze around, they will still love an opportunity to exercise their brain. You can easily trach your dog to do things that help you but are not demeaning. Historically, we used dogs to help hunt for food, so why not use their natural instincts in ways more appropriate for their modern life they share with us? These days, dog trainers use reward-based method rather then the ‘Barbara Woodhouse’ philosophy of shouting and pulling violently on choke chains. If food is their strongest trigger - remember that a dogs sense of smell is a million times better than ours – a little of something tasty can go a long way! Amongst the top three treats that dog trainers swear by are crispy bacon, chicken skin and cheese, but use only small pieces because if the dog has to chew they may forget why they were being rewarded! Be generous at first – this will get your dog’s attention – giving treats freely if your dog ‘nearly’ does what you want; then as they start getting better, reward them accordingly, only giving rewards for excellence. When your dog is reliably doing what you want them to, start varying the frequency and type of reward so that they keep trying their best. You’ll probably find that random rewards work much better. If you’re dog is not of the usual ‘food-obsessed’ type, then think about other things that make your dog happy like playing fetch, curling up next to you on the sofa or even just a little praise and a stroke may suffice! The trick to teaching tricks is to look at some of the things your dog does naturally, then build on it. Remember that the tricks are mainly meant to give your dog some meaningful activity so don’t bore your dog with tricks, only do them as long as you both are having fun, and when they have mastered one thing, think of something new instead of just repeating the old routines. Tricks to Teach - If your dog already knows how to heel on your left, teach them to heel on your right or to walk right behind you. These may be useful in crowds, narrow corridors, etc., - Teach your dog to lift up each of their feet on command (‘right-front’ etc. - this is useful when you clip his nails, or need to wash or wipe them, etc. - Are you tired of collecting all of your dog’s toys; tennis balls, squeaky

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He’s Behind You!

The members of Campoverde Theatre Group are now putting the polishing touches to their performances for their February production, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. Our annual pantomime will be staged at the Casa de Cultura, San Miguel de Salinas on Friday 7th, Saturday

family. It is full of all the ingredients expected form this very traditional British form of theatre, laughter, jokes, song and dance. As normal you will encounter larger than life characters including our brave hero Robinson Crusoe, his beautiful girlfriend Sally and his outrageous mother. The crew of the Mary Rose

8th and Sunday 9th February and promises to be a fun filled evening with all the features of a good old traditional pantomime.

has its fair share of misfits. Then there are the man eating cannibals, the evil pirates and the nasty Slickers. Like all good pantos we have our good fairy who weaves her magic and helps our hero on his quest.

Come along and enjoy the story of Robinson Crusoe and follow him on his journey to the spice islands of the Caribbean. Enjoy Robinson’s first encounter with Friday and see how they avoid being eaten alive by the blood thirsty cannibals. Robinson Crusoe is a pantomime that can be enjoyed by the whole

The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is sure to lift your spirits on a dreary February evening. Tickets are available from Colin on 96 677 4127, Bargain Books in San Miguel or Adele Kippin in Pinar de Campoverde on 96 676 2114.

toys, etc. then teach your dog to do it themselves! They can learn to pick up all of their toys and put them into a box on command. - If you live alone and sometimes fall asleep again after turning off the alarm clock in your sleep, you can teach your dog to start licking and poking you at the sound of your alarm clock. - Everybody’sheard of the classic trick where a dog fetches slippers or a newspaper, but what about letting your dog ‘answer the phone’ (lift up the receiver for you), put an empty beer bottle back in the box, or carry some other things on command? – it’s possible to teach a dog to identify a very large number of objects by names. - “Give a kiss” or “hug” - your dog gives you (or somebody else!) a wet kiss or puts his paws on your shoulder - “Sit up” or “dance” are quite common tricks – when a dog gets up on their hind legs - but you can also teach them to respond to a more unusual command, for example, ask your dog “What does a CIRCUS-DOG do??” to make him dance for you! Some of them may require lots of time to learn - don’t worry, that’s exactly why they are so useful! In order to master the trick your dog needs to concentrate very much and use their brain! Progress in small steps if needed, and don’t forget to reward your dog when he makes progress!

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SPORT SHORTS by Tony Matthews

* The first Grand Slam of the year - The Australian - started on Monday and already Great Britain’s number one woman Laura Robson and third-ranked Heather Watson, are out, both eliminated. * This weekend’s Premiership matches include Arsenal-Fulham, ChelseaManchester United, Liverpool-Aston Villa, Manchester City-Cardiff and Swansea-Tottenham. * In Scotland its as you were with Celtic and Rangers still unbeaten and both racing away at the top of their respective Divisions. * The bottom-the-table six-pointers in the Premiership last weekend saw 10man West Ham win 2-0 at Cardiff while struggling Fulham were hammered 4-1 at home by improving Sunderland. * Arsenal played Aston Villa on Monday and Hull lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea whose goalkeeper Petr Cech claimed a club record 250th clean-sheet (taking over from Peter Bonetti). * Manchester City won 2-0 at Newcastle who had a ‘good’ goal disallowed at 1-0. * Stoke and Liverpool were involved in an eight-goal thriller in the Potteries where Stephen Gerrard celebrated his 650th appearance for the Merseysiders by scoring a penalty while Luis Suarez took his goal-tally for the season to 22. * Manchester United gained sweet revenge by beating Swansea 2-0, Everton emulated that scoreline against Norwich and Spurs defeated Crystal Palace, also 2-0. * Southampton edged out WBA 1-0 for the second week running. Albion, meanwhile, have appointed Spaniard Pepe Mel (ex-Real Betis boss) as their new manager. * In the Championship, leaders Leicester whipped Derby 4-1 (last Friday), QPR won 3-1 at Ipswich, Reading took the points at Watford (1-0), and Burnley collected three points at lowly Yeovil (2-1). * Sheffield Wednesday hammered Leeds 6-0in the Yorkshire derby. * Here in Spain, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona drew 0-0, Athletic Bilbao thrashed Almeria 6-1 and Real Madrid closed the gap at the top by beating Espanyol 1-0. * Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been named African Footballer of the Year for the third successive time. * Clermont Auvergne, Connacht, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leinster, Munster, Northampton, Toulon and Toulouse all recorded victories in recent Rugby Union’s Heineken Cup pool games. * There is no place for Toby Flood in England’s squad ahead of this year’s Six Nations tournament which starts on 1st February when Wales play Italy ad France meet England. * In cricket, England women, and holders, beat Australia by 61 runs in the Perth Test Match. But England’s men (269-7) lost their first ODI against the Aussies (271-4) by six wickets. * And Steve Bunting is the new WBD World Darts Champion. He beat Alan Norris 7-4 in the final at Lakeside to collect a cheque for £100,000 (120,000 euros). DID YOU KNOW? In 2002-03, Plymouth Argyle listed Labour MP Michael Foot as squad member in the club’s programme... he was aged 90.

JAGUARS - Country Cruise to La Torreta Fabulous blue sky and brilliant sunshine greeted the members of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in Spain for their latest event on the 12th January 2014. A Country Lunch at a little known, but excellent restaurant called La Torreta located half way between Sax and Elda about 30 Km. inland from Alicante. Most of the cars congregated at the Repsol Gas Station in Sax before going on to the restaurant just a couple of kilometres away. May I take this opportunity to thank all the members that attended especially the new members and to thank Ian our Events Manager for putting together such a brilliant day. We finished up with 23 beautiful Jaguars, all polished to within a inch of their life, especially David Sleap’s newly acquired S Type which I have to say looks as though it has just come out of the showroom even though it is 11 years old. This superb selection of Jaguars almost filled the car park of the little country eating house. As for Members and Friends, we had a Record Turnout with 65 people. This filled the restaurant to almost overflowing. I have to compliment Simona and her girls from La Torreta for providing not only fabulous food but brilliant service

pause for thought

At the start a new year many of us, particularly as we get older, enjoy a period of reflection, as we consider the past and look forward to the opportunities and challenges of the coming year. For my wife and myself this always has a particular poignancy as we got married in early January, and this year marked our fiftieth anniversary of that occasion, so was a bit special. But lest we became too maudlin in our reflections, a niece sent us the following, quite amusing and very apt poem:

The Holy Bible, you will see, In Genesis and chapter three, Says clearly in the sixteenth verse That women always have it worse. But men do not get off scot free, Ephesians states emphatically, A husband has to love his wife As much as Christ, who gave his life. So on this most auspicious date They both have cause to celebrate; They’ve stayed the course for fifty years With blood and toil, with sweat and tears. So now we raise our glass to him Who stuck it out through thick and thin; But we must raise our hats to her For putting up with Duncan Burr! A timely reminder that marriages don’t just happen, with everyone living happily ever after as fairy stories would have us believe, but need considerable work, a great deal of understanding, plenty of give and take, a permanent readiness to forgive and a lot of love. And that of course is implicit in that second verse, which reminds us of our need to love as Christ loves us. A challenging requirement indeed. And as we think back over our lives and ponder the future I cannot but recall words from a hymn I learnt in my youth “We’ll praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that’s to come.” And that must be one of the great benefits of the Christian faith, that we really have no need to worry, but can just trust ourselves to God’s care. Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any wishing to Worship, whilst additionally, further information about the Anglican Church in this area may be seen on the web site www.mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com.

“ A Record Turnout “

to 65 hungry and rather noisy automotive enthusiasts. I also have to mention that we were honoured with a special guest, John Brewster, the JEC XK120, 140, 150 Forum Co-ordinator who was visiting Spain and was brought along by our good friends Mike & Brenda Pike. Restaurant La Torreta went to exceptional efforts to make this event a success. The food was fabulous and for a price that was phenomenal value for money. We started with a plate of sliced fried cheese on a bed of thinly sliced tomato drizzled in olive oil, and a basket of fabulous fresh baguette slices, followed by deep fried Boquerón’s (small fishes), then Sepia a la plancha, the tenderest griddled squid you have ever tasted. A choice of main course was offered, slow cooked shoulder of lamb, entrecote steak, sea bass with cava sauce, grilled hake, or for a small supplement either a fillet (solomillo) steak (the best you will get anywhere) or a Chuleton Steak (T Bone) a huge piece of prime beef. A selection of deserts were then offered as well as good strong coffee. Wines consisted of El Cotto 2008 for the red, Olite for the rose and a very pleasing little Riesling for the white or for those who wanted it endless beer.. All this for 23 Euros which offered our members exceptional value for money. This is the second time that JEC Spain has visited La Torreta, I am sure it will not be the last. Some members have already said we must repeat this event again in the

not too distant future. Satisfied a satiated, all the members congregated outside just as the sun was going down for the obligatory group photographs. A last chat and a final coffee or last slurp of wine and then people started to depart just after 5:00pm however some of us were still there at 6:00pm - what a great day. Our next meeting is provisionally planned for Sunday the 2nd March, venue

yet to be decided. The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, members also benefit from a glossy 132 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out www. jec-spain.es or the JEC main web site www.jec.org.uk. Our Events Manager, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com. Not forget David Shea who looks after our Facebook identity and John Parkin who manages our dedicated web site www.jec-spain.es.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD

Across

1 Water closet (8) 5 Set up (6) 9 Pull out (8) 10 A metamorphic rock (6) 12 Enumerating (9) 13 Fence openings (5) 14 Sinewy (4) 16 Support or vote for (7) 19 Caustic (7) 21 A vaulted recess on a building (4) 24 A language of India (5) 25 Indescribably (9) 27 A style of sleeve (6) 28 Turnip cabbage (8) 29 Acquired deservedly (6) 30 Head restraint (8)

Down

1 Lament (6) 2 Rag (6) 3 Diameters (5) 4 Not transparency (7) 6 Rebels (9) 7 Dampness (8) 8 Calamity (8) 11 Look amorously (4) 15 Overlap (9) 17 A stand to hold wood that is being sawn (8) 18 Adolescent (8) 20 Potato crisp (4) 21 Windflower (7) 22 Afire (6) 23 One who uses a computer keyboard (6) 26 Placed in folders (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

Across 1 Animal seen in sort of music show (8) 5 Element of vehicle and element of skeleton, nearly (6) 9 Almost defer southeastern uncertainty (8) 10 Russian physiologist with a forty-five in Post Office vault, at first (6) 12 Catapult outside of quiet vessel that’s glittering (9) 13 Armed operation? It’s only imaginary (5) 14 Turn to swallow stopper (4) 16 Dawn chorus finally inures change (7) 19 A cold figure standing less chance of survival after 16? (7) 21 One of two (or more) contesting groups is subsidiary (4) 24 Puts up with swellings (5) 25 Religious code of ceremonies follows spin, mostly (9) 27 Make a mistake inside hill, causing extreme fear (6) 28 Awfully hot demos freed from obstructions (8) 29 Lower sword back into empty drawer (6) 30 Half of gifts certain to show

constraining force (8)

Down 1 Maintain persistently in relative quiet, at the end (6) 2 Most of dish might appal (6) 3 Charlie to smell stream (5) 4 Trying out the heartless weapon of some plants and animals (7) 6 Gave up China’s last group with one head of department (9) 7 Slug in news report (8) 8 Somehow move with Bernie that is, disappearing for a month (8) 11 Matures for a long time (4) 15 One following fruit with saint’s rock (9) 17 Detached after time in parties - I turned up (8) 18 Come without Mercedes to interchange of merchandise on a large scale (8) 20 Where eggs may be found at a place of residence (4) 21 Mrs Wei drunkenly caught Malaysia’s first athlete (7) 22 Silence shown by hospitals around America (4) 23 Shanghai’s leader has shelf for vehicle (6) 26 In armchair on social clubs (5)

STANDARD

Very Hard! To get the solutions go to

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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motoring

Toyota Auris

Hybrids are all very well but they’re generally smaller than traditional cars and therefore less user-friendly. Well, at least that used to be the case with the likes of the Honda CR-Z. The largest was a hatchback, either a Toyota Prius or the more luxurious Lexus CT200h. No estates. Well, not until Toyota launched the new Auris Hybrid Tourer, which really does provide the environmentally conscious with a well sized, capable vehicle but also performance. Things have really moved on since I drove a hybrid a year ago. My first acquaintance with the striking island blue estate is at night. It’s always more of a challenge to drive a car you’re unfamiliar with when it’s dark, for obvious reasons. A click of the keyfob and I’m inside. The delivery driver was fairly short by all accounts as my knees are around my neck as I sit in the driver’s seat. It’s easy to adjust. In common with other hybrids I am instantly struck by a

substantial but on engaging the reverse function it quietly moves backwards. There is an electric parking brake and a traditional one; the first car I have come across with two. The dashboard looks a bit boxy especially where the sat nav is located; it looks like an after thought. Over time the driver does become more used to it, though. It’s a large car, not dissimilar to the Ford Focus estate in terms of styling. Head on it’s attractive and the front looks striking and well designed. The large panoramic glass roof that stretches from the front to the back of the vehicle has an electric cover and this, in common with those found in Peugeots, is a winning formula. It really does make the cabin much lighter when the sun does decide to show its face. With my growing family we’re having to make use of every bit of space our Victorian terrace house has to offer and so I have cleared the loft to make way for a more imaginative use of this space; office come bedroom. Needless to say I have a great deal of rubbish to take to the tip including old bits of wood and plasterboard and a vacuum cleaner. The cavernous boot swallows it all with ease. Although I have to push down two of the rear seats to make way for this large load, it is so easy to do; you simply pull a lever on the right of the boot. Removing the security cover in the boot does prove a little more awkward. A roof box from roofcarriers.co.uk provides extra space.

feeling of fear as I rummage around for the ignition and even though I push the button start on the right of the steering wheel, there is an unnerving silence. The automatic box really does not look very

Despite its loading carrying abilities this Auris Tourer still feels a very compact and sporty vehicle to drive. My wife complains that there is not enough legroom for her as a front passenger

Toyota Auris Touring Sports Excel Hybrid 1.8 CVT T&G New price: £24,390 Top speed: 112mph 0-60mph: 10.9secs Economy: 49mpg CO2 emissions: 92 g/km but space in the back seems more than adequate. If you want to be environmentally friendly then it will travel a mile or two on ev mode at under 30mph and I notice there’s also a battery mode on the auto box, which has the same effect of engaging ev mode but it is much easier I find than rummaging about for the other dashboard mounted switch when driving. While driving in a green way is slower it does have power when required and there is a more urgent tone to the engine, a bit like a high pitched hum when the accelerator is kicked to the floor. Toyota claims that it will return over 70mpg but the best I have experienced is 49mpg according to the Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former electronic reading. Overall this is the best hybrid I have driven to date, not only is it striking in appearance, it’s fast when required and capable.

Puttering back into life:

Volunteers restore 100-year-old First World War prototype fighter plane but replace its original 45-horsepower engine with one from a Citroen 2CV Eastchurch Kitten restored to former glory at Yorkshire Air Museum

years after the war Now, the Port Victoria P.V.8 Eastchurch began. Kitten has been brought back to life - 100 But while the replica years after the war began. has been built using But while the replica has been built using an original wooden an original wooden frame, it also includes frame, it also includes Replica features Lewis gun, wooden frame recycled materials, such as the engine of recycled materials, and 500cc Citroen engine, Prototype was a Citroen 2CV such as the engine designed as ‘high altitude’ fighter during of a Citroen 2CV. It was a one-of-a-kind First World War First World War prototype fighter plane, armed with a 45 Ian Reed, manager But it was deemed too fragile and horsepower engine, a 20-foot wingspan at the museum in underpowered to enter production. Elvington, York, said the £10,000 restoration and a Lewis gun. It was a one-of-a-kind First World War Now, the Port Victoria P.V.8 Eastchurch project had been ‘very exciting’. prototype fighter plane, armed with a 45 Kitten has been brought back to life - 100 ‘This is the only plane of its kind in horsepower engine, a 20-foot wingspan existence. It would have disappeared from

Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk

and a Lewis gun.

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28 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

K N I R D & FOOD Medse ón

Ho isi n Por k St ir-fr y w it h Eg g N o od le s

winter crazy offer

Irene Free Bottle of wine per couple to take away after having our night menus

Valid only with this voucher dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st january

Method

buy 1 meal, get 1 half price throughout January eat in only

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Hoisin sauce, ginger, chilli sauce and garlic until well combined. Set aside. Ingredients: Bring the vegetable oil 1 ½ cups egg noodles, uncooked to medium high heat in 2 tbsp vegetable oil a wok or high-sided fry pan. Sauté the pork, while 1– 1½ lb. pork, thinly sliced stirring constantly, in the 1 cup green peppers, cubed oil for 4–6 minutes or until 1 cup celery, sliced on angle just undercooked. Add the celery and green peppers 2 tsp soy sauce, to the wok, and cook for an 2 tsp rice wine vinegar additional 2–4 minutes. 3 tbsp. Hoisin sauce Reduce the temperature to 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated medium heat and add the Hoisin mixture to the wok. ¼ tsp chilli sauce Bring to a boil and cook for 2 tsp garlic, minced 1 minute. Serve on top of the egg noodles.

Bar la Union Friday 17th January

TWILIGHt SHADOWS

Free

Now a Family Run Bar Tuesdays & Sundays open from 11:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 until close Closed Mondays Tapas - Lite Bites - Daily Specials

1st February New to this Area

Kay Frances

sings a Musical Journey through the Decades - 60’s / 70’s to 2000’s from Ella Fitzgerald to Amy Winehouse. Booking is essential. Tables will be reserved for Diners only. “Don’t forget your Dancing Shoes” Special Menu available for the night.

A night NOT to be missed...

15th February Alternative Valentines’ Vicars & Tarts Night with renowned DJ

Johnny Slade

Bottle of “Fizz” for best dressed Tart & Vicar. 6€ per person to include a Hot & Cold Buffet. Tickets available from the Bar.

Sadie & Jon wish all Customers Old & New “ A Happy and Prosperous New Year”.

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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Bar

Live Music every Sunday at 3pm and entry is totally free. We also offer Authentic Thai food cooked with original Thai ingredients. Set menu is 14.95€ per person to include 3 courses plus a bottle of wine per couple

Send your recipes to Unique Entertainment at Bar Unique Saturday 18th January 22.30 pm El Lilo - Spanish Rock Band editor @ Sunday January 19th 3pm Trade Winds Saturday 25th 9pm DJ Ray Peters playing all the hits from Motown Sunday January 26th 3pm Brendan O’Dee soltimes. Sunday February 2nd 3pm Atlantis February we have 4 more amazing acts already booked in including The Best band in Almeria...... com watch this space........

air-conditioned

VidaRestaurant&Venue el Cucador

Saturday Burns Saturday Burns 25th 25th January Party January Night Night

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E.E. S.S. TERDIGUERA Servicio de Neumaticos • Petrol • Shop Cafe • Restaurant • Car/Lorry Wash

+J with J+ Music Music

from from

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Restaurant

Menu del Diario Monday to Friday

Choice of 8 Starters Inc. Paella, Beef Stew, Roast lamb

Choice of 8 Main Courses inc: Oxtail, grilled beef, baked cockles, Calamari, Salmon, Grilled Chicken, Panga in Green Sauce Choice of 8 Desserts Inc. Ice Cream, Profitteroles, Cakes

Salad, Café & a drink €9 Different menu every day Polig. Ind. De Albox. Opp. I.T.V.

Tel: 950 120 303

traditional sunday lunch served 12.30PM-5PM

includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate

Kilts Optional 6.00pm - 9.30pm evening menu 3 Course 5€ 9 . 1 2 Themed

OUR MAIN MENU INCLU 16oz STEAKs ~ MIXED GRILL ~ DES FRESH FISH Menu changes weekly please ask for our daily specials fri – SAT EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM

7:30 pm pm 77 -- 7:30 HOMEMADE STARTERS & Bookings Essential Essential Bookings SCRUMPTIOUS HOMEMADE DESSERTS all 3.00 each! NOW SHOWING el Cucador Saturdays La &Sundays

Chilli Night

4 COURSES WITH WINE & COFFEE DINNER 7PM - 10PM 20oz T-BONE STEAK, 16oz BEEF ENTRECOTE 12oz PORK TENDERLOIN, ROASTED LAMB SHANK & SHOULDER, ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE & MORE

Mesón

Irene

winter crazy offer

sunday roast menu del dia

4 courses with bottle of Free Bottle of wine ESTE wine per couple & coffee included: per couple to take away after having our night menus Roast Lamb Shoulder & Pork Knuckle, 16oz Valid only with this voucher Entrecote, 20oz T-Bone, dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st january 12oz Pork Tenderloin, Roast Potatoes & Fresh Vegetables 4 Courses with Wine & Coffee Monday to Saturday Freshly Baked Bread

MENU DEL DIA inclusive Lunch 1pm - 4pm

SERVED 1pm - 4pm

vegetarian menu available

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childrens menu available

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booking recommended

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OPEN 7 days a week

Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 ~ English Speaking 647 730 103 Poligono Industrial Albox, Near the ITV Garage

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5€

TUESDAY special Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

5€

homemade burger, Chips & Salad Home cooked Ham, Chips & Salad

5.50€

Thursday Pie Night

Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas

5.50€

SERVED 6-9PM

Beer battered cod

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lite bite snacks

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We are here

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

! e m o H r u o Winterise Y y z o C & m r a W p e e l S It’s likely that our houses will soon feel the full force of the Spanish winter with bitter cold wind, heavy rain and possibly even snow. Here are a few jobs that you’ll want to get out of the way as soon as possible! Service your boiler… Now is the time to check your boiler is working fine and doesn’t let you down when you most need it. Gas Safe Register recommends you get your boiler checked annually by a registered engineer. This is mainly to protect you and your family from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, which every year claims lives and in less extreme cases ill health too. This may be a good time to replace an old boiler for a newer model. If your boiler is over 10 years old you could be wasting up to half the gas you buy! Seal draughts to windows and doors… It’s no good having a boiler in tip top order if the heat it’s pumping out is leaking through cracks and gaps in your windows and doors. Around a fifth of heat lost from the home is due to draughts; this can be fixed simply by locating draughts and sealing them and is often a much cheaper solution than replacing old windows or doors. There’s a wide range of draught proofing available from local hardware stores (Ferreteria) in the form of brushes, foams and sealants in strips or shaped rubber or plastic.

Inspect your roof and chimney…

Sleeping warm and cozy is sometimes hard to do in the cold of winter! When you go to bed, the sheets are so cold you just about jump back out, but there are ways to remedy this and stay warm all night!

First, use flannel sheets on your bed. They make a Your roof is the first bed instantly warmer than point of contact between cotton or satin which will your house and rainfall or freeze you! But flannel will snow, so now is the time be warmer to the touch to check that your roof is instantly and hold your weatherproof. body heat all night. Steep roofs or roofs Next, use a down covered with slate or tiles comforter! They are so, shouldn’t be walked on so warm that you will – that’s most roofs here in think you have an electric blanket. Down feathers Spain! In this case it’s advisable insulate and therefore you stay extra cozy under a to check from a ladder down comforter on your around the perimeter bed. from the eaves. Always Reconcile temperature make sure you are using preferences by giving the an appropriate roof ladder colder partner a fleece that is securely fastened at blanket. Use a twin size the top and bottom and fleece blanket on one have someone with you side of the bed so that the for safety. Here are some colder partner does not checks you should make suffer from a lack of covers and replacements where or make you sweat with necessary: comforter overkill. This way, Look for missing, cracked, you two can sleep happily curled, broken or rotted side by side even if your slates or tiles. These will temperature preferences are need to be replaced and old very different. Replace your mattress if it nails removed. is more than 10 years old. Check for any broken or The average mattress lasts missing points where the for around 10 years. After roof meets chimneys, walls, that it starts to break down vents, dormers, or skylights and no amount of attention – roofing cement can fix can make it comfortable problem areas. again. Check your chimney Pick the right size is free of any unwanted mattress to make you cozy. guests! A mattress that is too small

The weather outside may be frightful, but your fire can be oh-so delightful with a few key tips… Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

You should get your fireplace cleaned and leads to feeling crowded; if inspected by a certified it is too large you can feel chimney specialist every lost inside the bed with too year. much space. Lay down on Be Cautious and the bed and extend both arms out to your side. Conservative with Where your fingertips Burning Fuels extend to is the ideal size for Don’t use lighter fluid to you. If you have a partner start a fire, keep a wire grate in bed, you should both be in front of the fireplace, able to extend your arms. and remove any decorative Additionally, put a and flammable materials far comfortable mattress pad away from the hearth. Never on top of the mattress. For leave a fire unattended, and extra comfort, consider extinguish the fire before putting a foam pad on the you go to bed or leave the mattress underneath the home. fitted mattress pad. Be sure Protect the Outside to put a mattress pad with of Your House deep enough sides to hook firmly over the mattress so Keep your firewood at it doesn’t pop off and create uncomfortable bunches under your sheets.

least 30 feet away from the outside of your home, and cover the top of the chimney with a mesh spark protector Protect the Inside of your Home Install smoke alarms and check them monthly. Make sure there is proper ventilation around the fireplace and throughout the home. EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY: Make sure everyone in the home knows where the fire extinguisher is and knows an evacuation plan in case things go wrong. As long as you practice fire safety, there is no reason to fear this beautiful home heat source!

Replace hot water bottles with herbal neck and foot wraps. You can put them in the microwave and warm them right at bed time. Then take them to bed with you and put them at your feet and neck. Now when you talk about comfort, this is it. And since they are herbal wraps, they will have a wonderful smell when you heat them. Aroma therapy and warmth lead to restful sleep. How much better does it get?

n o i t a x a l e R e d i s e r i F t c e f Per

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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community news Burns night in the club House

Welcome events

January 22nd - Dance with tributes to Buddy Holly, Camposol Roy Orbison, Barry Manilow and The Everly’s. €8. Friday 24th January 2014 TRIPS A Burns night is being held in the club House February 17th - 4 days 3 nights to Segovia staying Camposol on Friday 24th January ---we have a piper to greet guests, a Burns meal of soup---haggis/ B&B at Hotel Acueducto. €150. neeps/tatties and Scotch trifle followed by coffee and May 30th - Cruise to the Baltic capitals, including shortbread ---dress is highland attire or formal ---St Petersburg. 7 nights aboard MSC Poesia, fully Traditional Burns speeches will be made –Address to inclusive, overnight in Madrid on the outward journey, the haggis –Immortal memory-Address to the lassies flight to Copenhagen, and all meals and drinks during and laddies(full of humour) the cruise. Special discounted prices. After the formal part of the evening is over Interactive HOT NEWS - September 15th - 6 days 5 nights to Murcia will provide music for dancing Galicia. Overnight in Salamanca, home to Spain’s At the time of writing , a few tickets are still available oldest university, 3 nights in Santiago De Compostela, at 25 euros staying B&B at Hotel Hespera Gelmirez, with optional An Englishman –well known in Camposol who has included trips to A Corruna, Vigo and Pontevedra, never been to a Burns night ,has agreed to wear a kilt and overnight on the way home in Avila staying at ---but we have to find one for him –Can anyone help? Hotel Palacio De Valderrabanos. Reserve now as this --This alone would be worth the admission For further enquiries or to reserve tickets, please is selling fast. €310. contact Call Rosemary on 620105179 for tickets and more Telephone /text 968 970 630 or 610 632 152 information. E mail thw35@yahoo.co.uk

ESAMD EVENTS

Wednesday 19th February 2014, PEKIN 5 Chinese Restaurant, Pto Mazarron Mothering Restaurant,

If you like what you see and hear, then you will be invited to join us at our next social night event later in the month, where ever and what ever it may be you can be sure of a good night. Contact me on davedanie@gmail.com or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions.org

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA AND COSTA ALMERIA Priest:

Reverend

166/687250860

Pauline

Williams

950

956

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

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

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Torrevieja Costa Lions Club

Come and join our club members on one of our “ Business meeting nights” and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities, in our local area and further afield. We are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping us then we can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cevera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.00 hours.

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Wednesday 15th January 2014, Winter Dinner & Grand Raffle, Costa Celebration Rooms, Mazarron Town

Sunday 30th March 2014, Sunday Lunch, Trevi’s Camposol “B”

Luz del Sol

happy Birthday

claire

hope you have a lovely day

lots of love

from the staff at soltimes

24 hour Helpline 902 88 35 35 or email pat@samaritansinspain.com Samaritans in Spain (SiS) operate under license from the Samaritans UK and the team of volunteers is trained to their high and exacting standards. These volunteers have a diverse range of ages and experiences and offer support to English speaking people with emotional and personal issues, any time day or night, regardless of their nationality. The team are available on the Helpline 24 hours a day to listen to your concerns, worries or your grief. No problem is too small or too large and if you need practical support then SiS will endeavour to help you reach a solution and aim to find support from other agencies in your locale. Your call will be treated with total confidentiality and honesty and most importantly, you will not be judged or told what to do. SiS do not advise but help you to reach your own conclusion by talking. So don’t suffer alone - pick up the phone - or email SiS - any time day or night.

You talk – We listen.

FINAL SHOW FOR LION COUNTRY CLUB Well folks, the end of an era finally reached us at Lion Country Club on 20th Dec. Kris Kelly put on a fabulous set keeping the audience on their toes throughout the evening. With a Christmas drink and mince pies all round plus a great Xmas raffle, it brought a very fitting end to one of the most foremost Country Clubs in the Calida Region. We have been running for over 5 years and have, with the help of the audiences, contributed 3,000 euros to the café fund, and when all is complete over 1,000 euros to FAST in the near future. As most of you know, we were a non-profit making organisation and until recently had been headed by Mervyn Booth, associated with The Lions Of Mazzaron. It is with regret that, due to illness, Mervyn returned to UK to live and the temporary Management did not want to take on the responsibility of running the club anymore. After all, it was Mervyn’s club, so the decision was taken to finish what he had put in place and to close the doors on 20th Dec for the last time. When the books are closed and audited we will announce the final amount we will donate to FAST, the first aid response team at Camposol. It just remains for present and past managers of the club to say a huge thank you for everyone that contributed to the success of the club, both artists and the public.

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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glass curtains

glass curtains create more living space, no unsightly frames, reasonable prices, for a free estimate tel: 646 111 825

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awnings

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Furniture

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A1 ground & gaRDEN SERVICES Diggers, Skips, Garden Re-form & Maintenance Telephone 628 505 733

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for sale advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section

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Exercise Bike FS300F Magnetic with clock, temperature, pulse and tension control for 35 Euros. tel: 966712200 (Benijofar). Up and Over Aluminium Garage Door, In Good Order, complete with frame, lock & keys 300€ Tel: 608437590 Mazarron

252

Immacul ate ‘Hawksmoor’ B l a ck E v e n i n g Suit, size 34” (87cm) waist (expandable) 32” (82cm) inside leg. 50€ ono Tel: 625 724 252 R a d i at o r , ROINTE low energy wall m o u n t e d thermostatically controlled oil filled radiator, 1430w. €125. Tel. 966713297 Tavar Gas fridge freezer looks tatty but works well, it has to go, make an offer. Tel 699 275 530 Lorca area.

H ALO G EN OVEN Boxed , used twice 20€ Slimline DVD Tel: 966 841 946 Player 15€. Tel 966 763 081 Play Station 2 48 x DVDs. F l a t b e d Offers? Tel plastering 606744890 4 Stainless steel inset kitchen sinks all with Roco mixer taps 780 x 430, left hand drainer, good condition, Camposol. Tel.676 028 725 NIKON DIGITAL CAMERA 100€ plus 50mm f1.8

D50 SLR body fast lens

EN G LIS H P LASTERER internal finishing, e x t e r n a l rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_ pettit@hotmail. co.uk

insurance

GOLD WANTED asssa medical English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

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Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

locksmith

Locksmith locked out!! Call Me Telf: 647 151 972 (24hrs) Put This Number In Your Phone any single item up to 300€ – 24 Hrs Call Out! Commerical, Residential, Cars Locks Changed free of charge - Dierre Locks Changed - All email: blancasales@soltimes.com Locks To Work Off I Key – Motura 50€ Tel: 676 534 A4 Scanner, pool 978 size 15€. Tel: 966 Gardesa Locks Changed – Window tables, Locks - Cars Opened To Retrieve snooker 3 PIECE 763 081 Keys – Alarms Fitted tables, table YOUN G MAN Mens Golf tennis tables, aluminium Clubs Two musician darts. tel: 666 extendable ladder single beds very 933 726 100€ tel: 625 724

Two single beds very good condition. 30€ each Tel. 966 716 710

electricians

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insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396

mazarron@asssa.es

good condition only used in spare bedroom,30euros each Quesada tel.966716710

H i n a r i deep heat massager, bought in UK. It has 3 settings, heat with massage, heat or massage only, comes with 5 inter-changable heads, boxed and as new condition only 8 euro Tel 635885062 Hinari heated foot massager, bought in UK. can be used with or without heat. boxed and as new condition 8 euro. Tel 635885062 Petanque set consisting of 8 metal balls in hard carry case 15€ Tel 635885062 Camposol

WANTED t

hairdresser salon chairs and other

salon equipment required must be in good condition Tel: 647 379 878

Lenny Mitchell: Guitarist-singer, professional, international, solo act. Music can range from 60s, 70s pop, rock ‘n’ roll, big ballads, country, blues, classic rock, to 50s standards. Tel: 658321891 or email: lennymitchell@live.co.uk or facebook”. pets

pet taxi TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

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18 month old male donkey (rescued). kind knowledgeable home with plenty of space ony. 90€ fuente alamo. tel 634334169

property for sale / rent

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa Playa Flamenca

We have clients enquiring in this area Contact

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www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from mojacar Spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan, kitchen & diningroom,workshop, courtyard front & back reduced €140,000 Tel: 649 186 107 or email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com Completely refurbished & available for a long let 1 Bed ground floor flat with terrace, quiet area, 1 minute to the sea, all amenities close by Price reduced was 350€pcm now 300€ plus utility bills

Marazul/eliseos playa (close to new2you torrevieja)

tel: 695 063 890 or 868 182 495 email: robertsmith6292@yahoo.com FOR SALE Apartment

(Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca

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Private Sale €75,000

(0034) 676 534 978

Tel: 966 719 647 or 902 750 190 ext 330

Just Removals Friendly Low Cost

Full or part loads spain-uk-spain

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+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 satellite tv Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@ terra.es

Large 22 cubic metre van with tail lift available for all removals & deliveries call Dave on 693 251 562 email davendonc@ aol.com LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van.man@ hotmail.co.uk

removals

De Lima’s removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Jo on 600 344 565 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

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fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

trade Businesses can advertise in the classified section

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Christine 966 719 647

wigs Salon Margarethas 24 years in Torrevieja hair / wig specialist for medical illness and hair loss problems. We offer different hair replacements, top fillers, hair prostheses, toupees & wigs. Natural & artificial hair & much more. Also fashion /festival accessories. TV/TS are welcome to our service. Call Margaretha on 966 921 846 for an appointment.

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recruitment Wanted experienced accountant for occasional book keeping in Guardamar JOLU1951@GMAIL.COM TELephone 644 166 347

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motoring section

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cars for sale BMW 1998 Z3 1900cc convertible. 8mths MOT. All lights converted to Spanish spec so ready for ITV if desired. 2500 or nearest offer.....may swap for motorcycle 600cc and above. Tel: 966 731 953 after 6.30pm Mob: 634 115 764 anytime.

sold€thanks to the 2500 soltimes ono

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Do you have a caravan, vehicle, wanted cars for cash boat or motor Best prices paid bike for sale Spanish English Anything considered

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vehicle imports & and matriculation.fast competitive rates. call 687 845 730

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cars for sale cont...

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viewpoint

Not the Whole Picture Recently Pete and I had an excellent trip to Malaga with the Almanzora Group of Friends. Among the delights offered and arranged for our enjoyment was a visit to the birthplace of Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso, otherwise known as Picasso. Here I discovered that he could, in fact, paint very nicely – Of course I would never admit in public that I find his famous works a little bewildering, and leave me secretly thinking that on the whole, people look better with one eye each side of their nose; I don’t want to appear an uneducated Philistine! Of course, the exit is through the shop, and as we passed through I noticed an exceptionally pretty scarf, draped in artistic folds and heavily under lock and key in a display cabinet. ‘I like that’ I commented, before I saw the price tag. ‘No I don’t’ I hastily countered, ‘not at that price!’ However, Pete was for buying it as a Christmas present, because he considers I am worth it, so I gave in

quickly but graciously. A gift-wrapped version of the scarf was fetched out from under the counter, and the well-polished lady assistant assured me that it was a genuine copy of one of the Master’s masterpieces, reproduced in silk and complete with signature. The picture, which is depicted on the scarf’s outer wrapper, is titled Faunes et Chèvre, and shows three figures frolicking by a lake in a green and mountainous spot under a blue sky dotted with, presumably, clouds. On Christmas Day, with due gravitas, I unwrapped the key to my credibility as a connoisseur of Fine Art; my Picasso scarf. The image depicted is indeed Faunes et Chèvre, but with most of the sky missing, and the unfortunate Faunes with their lower extremities cut off, while the poor Chèvre only has his horns to signal his existence – the scarf show only the middle third of the picture! I was aghast! The wrapper showed the whole picture, not just the middle third! Would an art gallery buy Sunflower, by Van Goth? Can you imagine the Mona Lisa in a Burkha? Would Da Vinci’s Last Supper have had the same impact if only 3 of the Apostles had turned up? I doubt it! It is a lovely scarf, and nobody will be aware of its shortcomings when discretely draped around my neck, but I consider that we are the victims of sharp practice – we have not got the whole picture! josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

By Jos Biggs

Pine Needles, Crooners and Resolutions tin – artificial. Then our consciences started giving us gyp over cutting down a tree each year and putting it on display for a few weeks, before chucking it away or burning it on the bonfire in the garden. It was possible to purchase them with a root of course, but just how many fir trees can you plant in the average garden before a herd of elk or a branch of the Mohican tribe takes residence. This coincided with the time that Christmas tree makers finally got their act together and started to manufacture examples that to all intents and purposes were hardly discernible from the real McCoy. We reluctantly decided therefore to forego the tradition of using a real specimen in favour of an all singing all dancing, made in China, look-alike. There was even a choice of species, so having looked at the options, we decided on a Norway Spruce with a tasteful dusting of artificial snow on its artificial branches. It was sad to say goodbye to something that had been a regular Christmas feature in our lives since we were children, but we consoled ourselves with the mistaken belief that at least we would be doing our bit for the environment and there would not be the usual layer of shed needles to clear up after the festivities were over. How wrong we were. And this is where the myth comes in because the plastic ‘needles’ that drop in the course of erecting and badbirdnow@gmail.com dismantling the damn

Now that Dia de Los Reyes is over and the Three Kings have turned their camels round and headed back east, the festive season can be said to be well and truly over for another year. The tree has been dismantled; the decorations and Christmas arrangements are all packed in their boxes and stowed away once more in the garage. But for those who have not converted from a natural to an artificial Christmas tree (not many here in Spain I would imagine) and are contemplating doing so, let me dispel a myth. Up until some twenty years ago, we would not have dreamt about using anything other than a freshly felled natural tree at Christmas. Apart from the evocative aromatic whiff of the pine in your front room, how tacky to use some plastic and metal monstrosity in its place we thought. But this was in the days when artificial trees looked exactly how they were described on the

By Colin Bird :

thing are as abundant as the real ones, and far more difficult to prise out of the carpet. They get everywhere and each year we sweep up dustpans full of the things; the vacuum bag is clogged with them and still they appear. And you can bet that come August, we will still be finding them in the furnishings and some of the darker corners of the room along with those annoying bits of sparkly stuff. And it seemed that everyone seemed to have caught the dreaded bug over Christmas. Almost certainly imported from the mother country, I reckon those Brit germs come over by Ryanair or Easy Jet wrapped up in their heavy coats and woollies and when they feel a bit of warm sunshine on their backs, strip down to their Speedos and start breeding like mad.The television over the holiday period was predictably boring. Not only with the now to be expected number of repeats, but repeats of those repeats just days apart. Robbie Williams did a show from the London Palladium at the beginning of December; resplendent in a white tie and tails, it was his offering of all those swing classics from the past. But puleeese, I know that he is a great entertainer and has had some songs of his own that are classics in their own right, but

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

alqueria

El Palacio de La Paz

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

www.soltimes.com

The burning down of the Newcomer’s bar, La Golondrina Verde was immediately blamed on the more radical elements of the Hill People. The situation looked ugly for a time. A contingent of Newcomer youths threatened to take over the only remaining bar in Alqueria, the Hill People’s Bar la Casa Devante. A standoff in the Plaza was only defused when José Cabrasilbido, the local policeman promised an inquiry. After an exhaustive examination of the devastated Bar la Golondrina Verde Cabrasilbido made his findings public. Some discarded ‘cheese and onion crisps’ accidentally mixed with Remitroot Whisky formed a sort of ‘guncotton’. The rays of the setting sun focused through the base of a broken bottle of Brainbuster Absinthe caused an incendiary beam which ignited the makeshift ‘guncotton’. The resultant explosion, enhanced by the detonation of the remaining full bottles of Absinthe completely destroyed the building. The Hill People were vindicated. Which was fortunate as this happened a mere ten minutes before the explosive that was actually planted by the Hill People was due to go off. There were a few dissenting voices among the Newcomers. Some suggested that this was the political cause rather than the actual cause of the explosion. However it was sufficient to restore some semblance of law and order. Something had to be done though and quickly. The increasing violence between the two barrios and their increasing ingenuity

in producing viable weapons made this apparent. One particular group among the Hill People had actually been awarded an arms contract from a central African country. As this prompted possible UN sanctions they refused to supply their particularly effective Bacalao Catapult. The answer came in the form of a monument to tolerance. On the waste ground to the east of the Río Verde, where the now defunct holiday park stood

completely

non-partisan

edifice would be built. Here villagers could spend their time in a non threatening environment. All the entertainment would be international, there would be nothing home-grown. The theory being that if the opposing groups are exposed to international ideas, thoughts, cuisine and the like it would make them more tolerant of each other. The building itself was to be financed equally by both barrios but the construction and fitting-out to be put out for foreign tender. This reduced the scope for internal corruption and strife. The well known firm of British architects Fleecem, Skinem and Leggit from East Loonyton won the turnpike project. They in turn commissioned Bodgeit and Son as the project’s builders. What could go wrong?

Michael Bublé he is not. Still, it didn’t detract from the ooh’s and aah’s from the predominantly female audience and let’s face it, he could sing the Albanian national anthem accompanied by a tambourine and the audience would still be full of swooning ladies and damp underwear.Then with the New Year of course the inevitable resolutions, but what a load of old cods that is. I mean, if you are really determined to make some sort of change in your life then why wait for January 1st? It’s just an excuse to delay the fateful day and how many of us having resolved that we would give up chocolate at the end of the year for example, then go on a chocolaty binge over Christmas in an orgy of Quality Street, Ferrero Rocher and Terry’s Chocolate Oranges before the deadline. Still one thing hasn’t changed. I’m still the same miserable old git that I was last year.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

braben’s blog...

Pillow Fights!

You’d have thought that by now we’d have got the hang of pillows wouldn’t you? They’ve been around since the Mesopotamians came up with the idea in about 7000BC-I wonder if they invented IKEA too? But, even though they’re over 9000 years old, it seems that there are still some people who just can’t get their heads around using them properly. I have to say, with a certain smugness, that I’ve managed to negotiate my whole life, using a pillow every single night, without ever needing so much as a plaster on my little finger. There are an awful lot of people however who clearly lack my pillow expertise! Tens of thousands of careless sleepers each year end up in hospital with pillow related injuries. Just what those injuries are or what they doing with the pillow, or perhaps even pillows, that left them so damaged that they needed hospital treatment, we will never knowunless we look to Canada! Canada is generally a pretty unobtrusive country-very chilly yes, but not normally the cause of too much in the way of trouble. One thing they have got though, something which is a possible clue to the mystery of many pillow related injuries, is a Pillow Fight League! Yes, grown men and women, well actually, just women, try to knock seven bells out of each other with their pillows. Injuries in this most ridiculous of pastimes have included lost teeth, concussion and even kidney damage! From a pillow! When you go to bed tonight, you should see your pillow in a different light, in fact, maybe we should all leave our respective lights on all night in case someone close to us decides to take up this pillow fight sport thing. Graham is married But what this discovery did was it whetted my appetite for all to Helen and has a things Canadian and I couldn’t resist a little more research. After daughter, Alice. He all, a country that gives us semi professional pillow fighters must lives part of the year near Albox, but works surely have other wonders hiding somewhere in its vastness, Niagara Falls and great winter sports facilities notwithstanding. in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact I was right, it does! Guard donkeys, bath tub races and the Graham regarding World’s first UFO landing pad! Now look, any country that has this article email: things like this, as well as a Pillow Fight League, has to be worth helenandg@yahoo. a visit, wouldn’t you agree, but be sure to pack your own, house co.uk trained, pillow! Well, you can’t be too careful can you?

Downhill from here?

It is inconceivable for any Briton to contemplate a scenario where Princess Anne our Queens daughter is charged with tax fraud and money laundering. Well in Spain that’s precisely what’s happening with their royal family, King Juan Carlos’s daughter ‘La Infanta’ Cristina has been charged in relation to 6 million Euros that her husband Inaki Urdangarin allegedly embezzled from Noos his ‘charitable’ foundation. At the same time Cristina and her husband were partners in a business called Aizoon which investigators suspect was set up to launder the loot. The Judge says it’s inconceivable that Cristina didn’t know what was happening so up before the judge she goes in March. Crossing back into Spain from Gibraltar border recently, a chap was returning home from a shift in a bar with an unopened packet of cigarettes in his pocket. The Guardia Civil searched him, found the cigs and confiscated them. They would not let him open the packet and smoke one so he was humiliated and granted a receipt for his attempted smuggling and obvious criminality. Over the New Year in Torrevieja; a holidaying French couple were assaulted by security guards at Carrefour because an

alarm went off as they were leaving. They were taken to a side room, searched and nothing was found. When they asked to leave the guards tried to handcuff the woman and punched her repeatedly. The husband was gripped round the throat as he tried to help her, all this in front of their two terrified and screaming children. Luckily the teenage son managed to film the attack and the security firm now says it ‘regrets’ the incident. In future the guards can do this down some dark alley as the Spanish Government are introducing a law allowing private guards to arrest people outside of the places they are paid to look after. Coincidentally the poor lady happened to be black. The Spanish authorities are planning to purchase water cannon trucks to help the police against violent demonstrations. Although widely used in the fascist Franco years, Spains’ 5 water cannon are quietly rusting away as they were last used in 1987 against demonstrators in Madrid, a 14 year old girl was shot that day by police. Interestingly with 1300 demos last year in Madrid alone just 2 were deemed as violent. Coincidentally in London Boris Johnson and the Metropolitan Police have also asked if they too can have the same toys.

In a beach resort that will go unnamed; a chap told me about how over Christmas he and some others had left a pub lock-in at 3am all very drunk, instead of finding cabs they all stupidly decided to drive home. The local police stopped them yet instead of arresting them and locking them up, they made them leave the cars and the police called a taxi. Now, is this sensible policing or letting someone get away with a crime? A discussion point for sure. At Christmas Eve the roads are busy as people go to stay with friends and family or maybe do a bit of last minute shopping. In Spain especially so as Christmas Eve is celebrated more than Christmas Day itself, bars and restaurants are filled with revellers. So what did the Guardia Civil decide to do dead on lunchtime at 2pm? They formed a road block across both lanes of the E15 complete with jack booted men, with their machine guns and tyre stingers at the ready. Then they spread their peculiar version of Christmas cheer endearing themselves to all, whilst we endured the 45 minute queues. Happy 2014!

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

Cloud Storage and Should we use it? While reading up about cloud storage it soon became clear that every article was written by proponents (goody two shoes followers) of the companies that provide these services. In each case they talk about the “Myths” surrounding their service. Today, with your help, I am going to look at the first of these “Myths”, that of the security aspect, from our (an ordinary user’s) perspective. Myth: With all the legal requirements associated with this service, and it is a service (another way to part you from your money), it is as secure as any other method of storage. They use the examples of a bank that ENCRYPTS your information and uses various layer of AUTHENTICATION to ensure that you are who you say you are. Response: Although they use the example of a bank your information is usually not encrypted or encoded in anyway on their server (computer – a rose by any other name). Even where authentication is used (login into Facebook – one form of authentication) it isn’t always that secure. Someone with appropriate skills or just blind luck can get passed authentication given enough time and research. Myth: Our general misconception of “The Cloud” is that it is one gigantic suitcase where everyone puts their information. The truth is that your information is not stored on one server! It is stored on several servers and usually in a RAID format. Very quickly, RAID is several methods of sharing data to ensure it is safe. One way splits the information into chucks and puts chunk 1 on server A, chuck 2 on server B and chuck 3 back on server A – and so on. Method 2 will copy any changes, as they happen to a second server to make an exact duplicate of the information. Response: This is what I call a technical smoke screen. A way to misdirect you away from your concerns by bamboozling you with BS. Whereas what they say is true and has merit, the question is ‘Why must they use this method to confuse you into feeling safe?’. Myth: Your data isn’t any more secure at home than on their, paid for, service. Response: You can use any one of hundreds of free and inexpensive programs to encrypt your data and data storage drives that would make even the most determined thief (civil or military) give up before getting any where near your information. Buy a safe or create a hidden place in your house / casa / villa / cortijo to store your external data drive. In the time that it has taken you to read this article you know EXACTLY where your information is, You know that it is as safe as it can be and finally have saved yourself a tidy sum. I think the final words should be from someone who, after reading one of the same articles I did, just had to comment. ‘Cloud storage is all well and good if you are happy to have the Americans crawling all over your data and you have plenty of time and money

to pay for and wait for the data uploads and downloads. A gimmick to attract the hard of thinking’. A sentiment that I can agree with! As always, you know where I am, what skills I have, how long that I’ve been doing I.T. and the telephone number to get hold of me. So see you at my regular clinic at Jack’s Bar, Albox on Friday afternoon 12-4 (1200 – 1600h).

For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

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Eurogolf,

TORREGOLF.EU Alenda Thursday 2nd. January

We kicked off our New Year of fixtures at Alenda, although we did escape the rain, the day was dull but only where the weather was concerned as nearly 50% of those playing managed to score 30 points or more in our Stableford competition. La Marquesa Press Report. 66 players took part in the 2 Ball Better Ball team game played on Thursday 9 January 2014 at our home course of La Marquesa. The weather conditions were pleasant, cool to start with but brightening up with no wind to send the ball wayward, resulting in excellent scores for some of the teams playing. Are we not fortunate to enjoy living here? Some team members carried their partners round the course, resulting in excellent scores, while others seemed to want to murder their playing partners, but discretion prevents me from naming names. Ok I will give you a clue that Chris Stanley now has rounded shoulders carrying her partner. Now who was that? I think everyone enjoyed the day and as usual our thanks to our match secretary Keith for all his work in arranging the games each week. The results were as follows: 1st The Team of: Ian Turner and Chris Stanley 47 points (well done Chris) 2nd The Team of:

Tony Hitt and Margaret Richings 46 points 3rd The Team of: David Gelsthorpe and Gina Ashworth 42 points Nearest the Pins Hedy Paehlig 11th Keith Wright 15thTony Hitt 17thLiz Menzies Football Winners: Keith Wright, Morag Turner, Ian Stewart and Terry Sharley. TOFF’s Results Tuesday 7 January 2014 Overall Winner –Corine Jones Gold Division 1st John Fairhurst 37 points 2nd Doug Spiring 36 points 3rd David Blanchette 35 points Silver 1st Harry Armstrong 40 points 2nd Tony Stanley 39 points 3rd Marilyn Echersall 37 points Bronze 1st Corine Jones 44 points 2nd Bob Shorley 39 points 3rd Joy Gray 36 points Nearest the Pins 5th Roderick Duff 15th John Fairhurst 11th Bob Buckeridg 17th David Gregson Best Front Nine – John Jones 19 Back Nine – Alan Marshall 21

Lime Bar Golf Society

Los Altos, Orihuela Costa Presidents Trophy

Alan Jackson with a score of 25 points (on count-back).

The golf societies venue for the 8th January 2014 was held at the Roda Golf Course.

Silver Class 2nd place was Barry Shawyer with a score of 26 points .

Once again a fair number of players assembled ready to enjoy the first Societies outing for 2014. The course was in very good condition but challenging and demanding as the scores showed. All players started on the 10th tee which by several accounts proved to be the easiest nine holes.

Silver Class 1st place was Chris Rowland with a score of 27 points.

The competition was in the stapleford format and the scores recorded are as follows. Nearest the Pin on the 11th Hole (par 3) was Charlie Mc Gonagle. Nearest the Pin on the 13th hole (par 3) was Paul Abbott. Nearest the pin on the 2nd hole (par 3) was Graham Mitchel. Nearest the pin on the 7th hole (par 3) was Digger Silver Class 3rd place was

Results then, Category 1. 1st. Terry Harper 36 points 2nd. David Gill 35 on c/b from 3rd. Paul Hurrell 35. Category 2. 1st. Peter Cowd 35 points on c/b from 2nd. Vince Lannon 3rd. Mick Hart 32. Nearest the pin winners of

The

Full

Monte

TMGS Match Report

prize

support of our football team CD Montesinos and sponsored by Vince Lannon went to Chris Robertson. Our scratch card for 20 Euros to-day went to Rob Marchant

Week Fourteen played 7th January

La Finca 8th January 2014. 31 members and guests arrived at La Finca with the sun already shining and it was obvious the day was going to be splendid and maybe there would be some good scores forthcoming. Sadly, the latter was not the case.

both had 32 points, and with using the good old ‘count-back’ system, age and seniority saw Captain Mick Kennedy claim top spot over Alex Goslan.

The course itself, is in splendid condition for this time of the year and the greens were a little on the tricky side with a mix of slow and fast which was the problem, you didn’t know which was which until it was too late!

The Gold Division fared a little better and there were three decent scores but it only took 30 points for Alan Rickers to claim 4th spot. The top 3 of this division all returned scores of 35 and, once again, the countback system saw 3rd place go to Stevie McGuinness, the runner-up slot going to new member Ole Rong and the top spot went to John Eyre.

Only 1 of the 4 NTP’s available was actually claimed and a sleeve of balls wentto KjellAasebo for his effort on the 6th, the other Par 3’s were left in their virgin state.

We only had a few visitors on the day, and the runner-up prize went to Chris Katich on 31 points and one point ahead of her was Mr B Green. Photo is: Silver Category Winners

Once again, the Silver crew found points a little difficult to come by and it only needed 25 points for Mrs P Johnson to take 4th spot, with Jenny Morris’s 27 points good enough for 3rd. The Runner Up and Winner

Our next game, Wednesday 15th January 2014 see’s us at water covered course of La Serena, so if you fancy a game just look at our website www. tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604.

Photograph to-day shows some of winners on the balcony of Alenda Club house

Tuesday Night Trios Ten Pin Bowling League

This week saw the League have a ‘position round’ night, where the team top of the table played the team in second place, third place played forth and so on. It was a chance for teams to close or open a gap between themselves and their nearest rivals. Coming back after the Xmas break, S***t Happens were confident they could ease away from Hall y Day in second place but, it didn’t quite work out that way. With Bob Day bowling a 624 scratch series and Lesley Day rolling a 633 handicap series, HyD ran out 8 – 0 winners on the night and so, took over at the top of the League. Team Finlands’ Olli Leppanen found his range again and, with a 263 scr game helped TF take the first two games against The Mixers. But the Mixers roared back in the third game and Rudy Zees’ 225 scr game, enabled the Mixers to draw 4 – 4. Splash had a comfortable 8 – 0 win over Lucky Strike, who were still in the ‘party mood’. Sue Duke of LS, with her highest scores this season of 198 and 470 put up some resistance but, couldn’t prevent a heavy defeat. There was another 4 – 4 scoreline between Caballo Negro and Los Hello

Gold Class 3rd place was Digger with a score of 30 points.

Bandidos, with Maurice Allen of LB leading from the front with a 626 hc series. “What do we have to do to win a game?” was the comment from Dave Haynes of Bar Mosquitos, after he rolled his highest game and series 246 and 635 but, still ended up on the losing team. Crazy Pinz put together their team high series hcp of 1739, to take the game 6 – 2. Cornish Pride and Los Lobos decided to share the points 4 – 4, with neither side wanting to ‘upset’ the other. It was good to see Juans’ Warriors claim the team high hcp series of 1847 on the night and, Maria Jesus Perez bowling her highest scr game and series, 193 and 536. She was ably assisted by Sam Kearn and Andy Copp, who rolled 629 and 583 hcp series respectfully. This enabled JW to an 8 – 0 win over The Dreamers, who were clearly still welcoming in the New Year. Next week we will be having our second raffle of the season and, any donations will be greatfully received. Please hand them to a committee member on the night. The draw for the first round of the Cornish Pride cup will take place before the raffle and, we would like to thank Shane and Sue Winfield for their continued sponsorship of this competition.

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Gold Class 2nd place was Bill Denne with a score of 32 points.

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Gold Class 1st place and winner of the Presidents Trophy was Pat Heaney with a score of 42 points. A very good day in pleasant company, thank you to Captain Mick Slater for organising the event and mentioning Mick’s wife Angie who helps considerably behind the scenes. Also thanks to the Staff at The Lime Bar and ladies for a most enjoyable meal. Anyone wishing Join our friendly society just need to phone Mick on 659866468

those very special TORREGOLF. EU golf balls. Hole 3. Brian Coombes. Hole 5. Vince Lannon. Hole 13. & Hole 16. David Gill.

This year with the increasing membership of our Club has us now playing once a week and our next game on Saturday 11th we are at Vistabella (now full) and then to that wonderful course of Font del Llop on Thursday 16th. so if you would like to play more regularly there are plenty of venues to choose from, just contact David Winder at davidwinder.torregolf@gmail. com or give him a call on 626 774 157. or visit our website www.torregolf.eu

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LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY 8.01.14 - Las Ramblas

After the excesses of the Christmas and New Year festivities, it was nice to get out onto the golf course and take a little exercise, so for the first game of 2014 we chose a good course for this, Las Ramblas. After a misty night the day began with having to scrap ice off windscreens as the temperature plummeted to 4C, but we knew as soon as the sun was out the heat would go up, as in fact it did. Las Ramblas was in good condition and as tricky as ever, so to break us in gently the format was a 2 man scramble, so no pressure than, but when your partner calls ‘it’s up to you’ after his tee shot goes array the pressure is back on. This proved to be the case when one unfortunate team had to go back to the tee three times to get over the ravine, in the end they did managed to

finish the hole in single figures. The first winners of the new year are: 1st John Featherstone and Dicky Claeys 69 2nd Bill Croft and Bob Berry 70 3rd Andy Ayres and Dave Lewis 71.7 NTPs Steve Harrington hole 6, Brian Smith hole 10, Scott Blair hole 12 and Brian Coultate hole 14. Two 2s were recorded, Steve Harrington and Brian Smith. The free game draw was received by Dave Lewis. Happy New Year to you all and remember to sign up as soon as you can as games are filling up quickly already. Gail Coultate Lo Crispin Golf Society http://sites.google.com/site/ locrispingolf/

Torrevieja Masters

Poor decisions cost Daya dear Daya Nueva 2 v. Bigastro 2

were now exerting.

Cadetes Aiicante 2A

On the 20th minute Angel brought the ball out of defence taking it deep into the visitors’ half, his pinpoint pass found Marcos whose cross was fired home by David for 1 - 0 Daya.

The first game of the New Year saw Daya start very nervously giving the ball away on too many occasions. On 7 minutes though Marcos had a golden opportunity to open the scoring for the home side but the chance went begging. Daya were now finding a good rhythm and mounted a couple of good attacks. Bigastro hit back though and on 15 minutes Danni had to make a very good save to keep the home side from going behind. The visitors pushed forward sensing they could score from the pressure they

The goal was against the run of play and knocked Daya’s confidence allowing the visitors to up their game.

With 5 minutes of the second

Just minutes later Daya were

Adam back with Torrevieja Masters. The first competition for “Club Natacion Torrevieja” saw the Master welcome back Adam Stewart. Adam had been in the UK for 7 months but returned to join the team in December. This, the first competition for the club saw the Masters, challenged from their festive break, start their preparations for the Spanish Winter National Competition to be held in Palma, Majorca from 20th to 23rd February. Each member of the team swam two races against 17 other regional clubs. Unfortunately the final member of the team Rafael Bordes Alonso was unable to race on Sunday but is busy preparing for Majorca. First to compete Adam swam the 400 m freestyle event, he achieved a good time and followed it later with a good 100 m butterfly swim, a good return to Spanish swimming for Adam. Paul Matthews the other

male swimmer in the team had an excellent swim in both his events the 200 m Individual Medley (65+ yrs) and the 100 m Freestyle event. Paul amassed a new personal best in the Freestyle with a time of 1:19:44, one of the best swims of the day. The ladies of the team followed with both Beth Altabas and Gillian Mc Niece swimming in the same events, the 200 m Freestyle and the 200 m Backstroke races. Both Beth and Gillian were close to their previous personal bests and Beth achieved a new best in her 200 m Backstroke event. Beth has now achieved new regional records in both todays events in the 70 yrs+ category. Last of the ladies to compete was Vicki Connolly in the 45 yrs+ catagory in the 50 m Breaststroke and 800 m Freestyle events. Vicki came close to her personal best in the breaststroke event and her record in Valencia for 800 ms.

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Daya’s coach, Paco, made a couple of changes up front and this had the desired effect as the home side came back into the game. Still the poor decisions came, a blatant handball by the visitors in their penalty area was missed by the referee.

level when Luis jinked his way through a crowded defence to score with a great side footed shot. So 2 - 2 with 12 minutes to play and it was any ones’ game. With time running out Luis had a great chance to win it for Daya but somehow the ball just would not cross the line. It was a game that Daya should have won and probably would had the match official had a better game ! The man of the match (certainly not the referee) was Daya’s Angel. He played his best game of the season by far. Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab

ITV ORIHUELA RFC TAME THE TIGERS On Saturday ITV Orihuela RFC played Torrevieja Tigers away taking 15 players only including one player who had never played before, in what was expected to be a tough match with a full squad, without taking a depleted one. They came away with their 100% record against Torrevieja in tact since I joined ITV Orihuela RFC.

The game started of with the perfect start with Tirso breaking through within 30 seconds to score the opening try of the game. With the game going from end to end after Orihuela RFC had spurned a few chances to extend the lead Torry got back on level terms with a try of their own in the corner. As always Orihuela RFC were not going to sit back and re-took the lead with Alvin going in under the posts and Jose converting.

Photo - From left to right – Paul, Vicki, Adam, Gillian and Beth.

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half played Bigastro took the lead when the referee missed a blatant off-side (two players) allowing the second goal to be scored. It was a bad decision from the match official who was having a poor game.

Just 5 minutes later the referee awarded Bigastro a penalty, for what ? The penalty was despatched to level the score. It was now end to end attacking football with both sides looking likely to score again but it remained 1 - 1 at the break. Daya started the second session well and that man Angel was at it again, his fierce shot was well saved low down by the visitors’ keeper.

Torry closed the gap again with two simple penalties and then took the lead with a third, but Orihuela RFC were to have the last say of the half with Alvin getting his second try of the game to go in at half time 17-14 up, deservedly. With tired legs and aching bodies Orihuela RFC put 150% into the second half and with no subs were battling against fresh legs and against the odds started to extend their lead quickly getting the all important fourth try with Paco driving over and Jose again getting the extras, a good forwards try. ITV Orihuela RFC extended their lead with Alvaro dancing his way through the Torry defence to put the shine on the result for another try and again Jose converting, bringing the full time score 31-14 to ITV Orihuela RFC. I

was a hard fought win, but all credit must go to the players the way they played as one team with the backs and forwards working b r illia n t l y to gether,

fingers crossed they can continue this for the rest of the season. The next game is 18 January for the second team away to Cartagena, kicking off at around 17.00, followed by the following week, 25 January, with the first team away to Albacate. I am also down at Zocco’s Market on Sunday so for all of your rugby branded clothing and any information about rugby in the area come down and see me there. Training is at the Miguel Hernandez University ground at 20.15 on Tuesday and Thursday for the seniors and juveniles. The juniors start at 18.15. So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level you are. If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish)

For more information about the Masters swimming team in Torrevieja please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@ clubnataciontorrevieja.com

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