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Ryanair hits back against safety slurs

Ryanair have hit back against reports in the press this weekend - notably by the Financial Times and Daily Telegraph - who quoted Members of the “Ryanair Pilots Group” in their criticism of the airline’s fuel policy.

Ryanair claim that the ‘Ryanair Pilot Group’ is in fact a ‘Non Ryanair Pilot Group’, and has been created as a front for the European Cockpit Association, who the airline claims, represent the trade unions of their competitors.

Ryanair also pointed out that the “Chairman” of the Group, Evert Van Zwol, is in fact a serving KLM pilot and recent President of the Dutch Pilot Union.

Ryanair also claim that the results of the “Ryanair Pilots survey” published were fabricated by the European Cockpit Association (ECA) to cause trouble by raising questions over the airline’s safety record.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

murcia scout group rescued

Officers of the Guardia Civil and members of the Protección Civil were called out to rescue 19 children and four leaders of the Murcia Scout Group on Monday 5 August. The children, who were staying in a summer camp, are aged between 8 and 11 years old, and were accompanied by four adult Scout leaders.

They were on an organised hike in the mountains of Nerpio, south of the province of Albacete, when they were caught out by a severe hail and rain storm. While the group took shelter in a cortijo in Aliagosa, in the municipality of Nerpio, the leaders contacted the Central Operativa de la Guardia Civil, who despatched three vehicles of the Protección Civil and a patrol of the Guardia Civil to the farmhouse.

The children were then taken by vehicle to the campsite, which was in the Covaroca area.

Sport

Cartagena residents killed in kenya crash

The Ayuntamiento de Cartagena has confirmed that three

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residents of Cartagena, a man and two women, were killed in Kenya when the four wheel drive vehicle in which they were travelling was in a head-on collision with a truck.

The victims, members of a group of 5 Spanish people from Cartagena plus their Kenyan guide, had been on a sightseeing trip around the country since July 29.

The accident occurred at Ngokoni, on the road between Nairobi and Mombasa. The group’s vehicle was travelling towards Nairobi when a truck coming in the opposite direction pulled out to overtake another vehicle.

The three who died have been named as: Juan Salvador Asensio, a teacher at the Instituto, who was killed outright; María Dolores Fernández, an employee of the Ayuntamiento de Cartagena, and Pilar Naranjo, a teacher at the Instituto of San Javier, who were taken to the Hospital Sultán Hamud in a critical condition, and died later.

Another two Spanish women, the guide and the driver of the truck were also taken to the hospital with various injuries which were not life threatening.

The three bodies were taken to the morgue at Emali for identification, and for repatriation to be made by the Embassy of Spain in Nairobi.

The relatives of the deceased have petitioned the Ayuntamiento of Cartagena and the Senador Murciano del Partido Popular, Pedro José Pérez, to speed up repatriation procedures.

warehouse fire on industrial estate

Bomberos of the Consorcio Regional de Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento de la Región de Murcia, from the stations of Abanilla, Molina de Segura and Cieza have extinguished a fire in a warehouse on the Calle Baco in the Polígono Industrial de Fortuna, according to information from the Centro de Coordinación de Emergencias.

The warehouse is the property of a company that uses rubber and silica, but fortunately does not store chemicals at the site.

The firefighters had to work inside the building, which has been completely burned out. However, the firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings, and there were no injuries.

At about 9:47 pm, the Teléfono Unico de Emergencias 112 received several calls informing of a column of black smoke coming from the warehouse.

A vehicle of the Primera Intervención de Fortuna, officers of the Policía Local and the Guardia Civil de Fortuna were mobilised.

The Bomberos del Parque de Molina de Segura were called due to the possibility of the fire spreading to neighbouring warehouses.

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Protección Civil de Fortuna, ambulances and a tender with two firefighters from the Consorcio del Parque de Cieza also attended.

motorcycle accident in la manga

A man has died and another has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident at the entry to the Gran Vía de La Manga del Mar Menor, at the intersection of Las Triolas, in the municipality of Cartagena.

The incident took place about 7.26 pm when the motorcycle went off the road for no known reason. No other vehicles were involved.

The driver died at the scene, while the passenger was treated and stabilized by medical personnel of the Unidad Móvil de Emergencia (UME) del Servicio Murciano de Salud (SMS), based in La Manga del Mar Menor before being moved urgently to the Hospital de Santa Lucía in Cartagena, where he was admitted with severe trauma injuries.

Águilas residents win over a million euros

Three neighbours from Águilas have won over a million and a half euros with a La Primitiva winning ticket.

The three, who have been playing for one year using the same combination of numbers, were taking their morning coffee in the local bar where they meet every day, when one of them checked the ticket and discovered their good fortune.

Since then, the lottery headquarters has become a meeting place of many locals, all of whom are anxious to find out who the lucky winners are.

One of the three said she wanted to use the money ‘to regulate her affairs and to help her children.’ She admitted that since the win her phone has not stopped ringing with calls from friends and family, who wish to congratulate her.

The three are from working commercial business families and are well known in the city, but even so do not want to reveal their identity.

The ticket was sold at the Administración número 2 de Águilas, called L’Aguilica, which last year distributed more than three million euros through the Lotería Nacional.

Carmen Sáez, owner of the outlet, said that the ladies were well known to her, and one of her most enjoyable tasks was distributing the winnings.

feria de artesania 26-29 september

The Feria de Artesanía de la Región de Murcia, to be held from 26 to 29 September at the Recinto Ferial de Santa Quiteria will include stands, exhibitions and demonstrations by artisans from Senegal, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Peru, Mexico and Spain.

This year is the Craft Fair’s thirtieth anniversary, and as well as the representatives from overseas, professionals from throughout Spain will be participating.

The public will be treated to demonstrations of traditional cookery, craft skills both ancient and modern, and a huge variety of stands offering a vast range of decorative, practical or culinary goods.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Santiago rail tragedy Public works minister Ana Pastor ‘will not rest’

until she knows ‘the truth’ about the fatal crash

Braking systems and speed limits on all main railway lines in Spain will be fully investigated and undergo stringent safety checks as a result of the July 24 crash just outside Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, says minister for public works Ana Pastor.

All bends on the lines similar to the one know as the ‘A Grandeira curve’, where the Alvia train derailed and overturned, killing 79 people, will be examined in full.

Pastor says victims of the crash have her ‘promise’ that she ‘will not rest’ until she knows ‘the truth’ about what caused the tragedy, the worst in Spain’s rail history.

A full audit of infrastructure, procedures, wagons, engines and their mechanical parts will be carried out, Pastor assures.

Rail company ADIF has insisted the train and the track were in perfect condition, as has the rail board, RENFE, and

said the accident was entirely caused by the driver’s having been travelling too fast. The driver admitted he had not known whether he was on the high-speed AVE track, where trains travel at 200 kilometres per hour, or the regional one where the limit is 80 kilometres per hour, since there was no signal or any other type of warning where the track changed.

He would have needed to start braking four kilometres before the site of the crash, next to the village of Angrois and four kilometres from the pilgrims’ cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela.

But not knowing which track he was on meant he did not brake in time, and the automatic ETCS speedcontrol system, which stops the train from going beyond the speed limit, was not in place once the track switched from the AVE to the regional

line. Instead, the old ASFA speed-control mechanism was in place, which does not slow the train down until it is travelling at over 200 kilometres per hour and gives three warning signals before it kicks in.

Also, the automatic brake pedal known as the ‘dead man’, which is in place to prevent accidents if the driver dies at the wheel, falls asleep or passes out, was said to be flat to the floor at the time of the crash.

Other drivers who know the track where the crash took place said they had complained in the past about the fact there was no ETCS braking on the A Grandeira curve, which they said was dangerous, and added that a driver has to drop from 200 kilometres per hour to 80 in a very short distance, which is difficult and can be

Lorca’s pigeon population under control

The Concejal de Sanidad, Antonia López, announced the success of the plan to reduce the overpopulation of pigeons in the city.

She said that in the first six months of this year 466 pigeons were caught, while in 2008 there were 3,527 caught and in 2010, 2,161; all numbers much lower than the 5,800 caught in 2006, when the controls were commenced.

The pigeons are caught by the staff of a company specialising in cage traps placed in the public and private buildings where the birds congregate in the greatest numbers.

In the town cages are installed in the Óvalo and the Plazas de España and Calderón and in the outskirts of the town at La Paca, Doña Inés, Villaespesa and Zarcilla de Ramos.

According to Antonia López, the latest results from visual inspections record small numbers of these birds dispersed throughout the Municipality, with the population remaining at acceptable levels. Complaints have declined substantially, as has the risk to public health and heritage degradation.

Some of the captured birds are used for veterinary studies into the diagnosis of diseases associated with birds and their habitat. Some are ringed, released and monitored. The vast majority, however, are slaughtered in accordance with current legislation.

Plans are in hand to carry out a control campaign against rodents like rats and mice, insects such as cockroaches, mosquitoes and fleas and other arthropods such as ticks and mites.

The controls will seek to minimise the economic losses that these animals produce and at the same time reduce health risks. It aims to achieve a degree of infestation below that specified by the World Health Organization (WHO), which stands at 5%.

Particular attention will be paid to watercourses, ponds and landfills. Also cabling and wiring, which can come under attack from rodents with severe consequences.

In a few days fumigation, pest control and disinfection of the 34 schools in the municipality will commence in time for the start of the new school term on September 10. There will also be proactive hygiene and health control of tanks and water networks in schools to prevent the spread of legionellosis.

These controls will be undertaken in all premises which are managed by the Ayuntamiento.

stargazing at lorca castle

Lorca Castle was the venue for a night of stargazing in the ‘Lorca Taller del Tiempo’, a special programme focused on the constellations of the Perseids or the Tears of St. Lawrence.

The view of the stars, which commenced at 11 pm, was supplemented with expert explanations by representatives of the Asociación Astronómica de la Región de Murcia (Astromurcia), a poetry reading by the group Espartaria, and live music performed by the acoustic trio Berry Chucket.

The first Festival de Cultura Judía (Jewish Culture Festival) concluded on Sunday with a performance by EMET, the duo of Raúl Frutos and Claudio Alcaraz, who gave a concert on the terrace of the castle stables.

The Cafetería de la Alcazaba laid on a menu inspired by Sephardic cuisine especially for the occasion.

Between August 13 and 24, the ‘Lorca Taller del Tiempo’ is holding special night time sessions at the castle, with guides and medieval characters, who will narrate and re-enact old stories and legends of the fifteenth century, when the Jewish quarter of the fortress was in all its glory and environment of the synagogue of Lorca was an unmissable attraction.

hazardous.

In light of this, ADIF now says the accident was the fault of former socialist president of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who had allegedly changed the plans for the new AVE line in the northwestern region of Galicia and put in ASFA braking instead

of ETCS, which would have prevented the crash.

Pastor says she intends to install extra braking measures such as speed-bumps, put up more warning signs on the track and even voice warnings inside the engines. She will analyse the cost of fitting ETCS braking on all railway lines in Spain, and for development of the newer, digital version of the ASFA system.

ADIF has since admitted that on the regional lines through the province of A Coruña and all the way up to Santiago de Compostela, except for on the stretch where the accident happened, ETCS

braking is in place, but due to incompatibilities between the track, the Alvia 730 trains and the system, it does not work from the station at Olmedo, south of the crash site.

Furthermore, Pastor plans to ensure better training is given to drivers, rail traffic rules updated, and a mechanism for identifying passengers and their luggage, as is the case on airlines, put in place so that in the event of an accident relatives can be informed immediately and can ensure victims’ personal belongings do not go astray.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

barnes bulletin COMMERCIAL (PENULTIMATE, HONEST!) TIME

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

TERRIFICO TELEFERICO

Sport Three “What’s on” dropped into the box this week, all in Torre De La Horadada.

Thursday August 15th., it’s up bright and early at 8.15 am, to be in place at the Club Na’utico, just below the promenade, to catch the sea procession with the “Virgen de la Asuncio’n.

By the by, do any Sol Times readers remember the occasional jazz sessions, featuring Keith Monk on keyboard, with Roger “The Hat” on vocals, under the sail, at the Yacht Club? Happy days.

At 8.30pm., there is a solemn procession through the streets of Torre, with the sculpture of The Virgin.

When the procession reaches the beach of

Conde, a “Grand” firework display will take place.

Friday August 16th., will see the inauguration of the Antonio Sa’nchez Lozano plaque in, of course, the Antonio Sa’nchez Lozano Square. This will take place at 9.30pm., and will be followed by a symposium of Antonio’s life.

To bring the day to a close, there will be a dance at 11 pm., to “Trio Eclipse”.

On Saturday the 17th., in the Antonio Sa’nchez Lozano Square, where else! there will be a concert by choir “Coral Horadada” and “Viejas Glorias” serenaders. This starts at 10pm.

Deciding it was time to end my sabbatical, after a week alone, 1400 meters up in the Serrania De Ronda, living in the ruin of a goat herders hut, I made my way back down to Smurf Town (See last week’s edition) to take up the kind offer of a hot bath, at the local tavern. No sign of my friend in a blue hat today.

Following a wallow in the tub, and with a hot breakfast “On board”, it was time to

drag the Aston Martin (I wish) out of the barn, and head back up the motorway, and home.

And there it was again!

Cable cars passing over the motorway! Rude not to, I thought.

Constructed by the Swiss, of course, this Teleferico Cable Car, built in 2003, takes it’s passengers from close by the entrance of Tivoli World Show and Amusement Park, to the top of the Calamorro Mountain, overlooking the resort of Benalmadena.

The ride takes around 15 minutes to reach the summit. Return or single tickets can be purchased, at very reasonable 10 euro return if of a certain vintage.

The keen walker can buy a single ticket, and walk the mountain track, back down to Benalmadena.

Not only is the view from the top wonderful, there’s a chance to see falcons, eagles, owls and vultures, flying freely.

There are regular falconry performances, along with horse shows within a parade ring. No, no, there must be a road up for a horse box!

Ending my trip from the Calamorro, at base station, I shook hands with the attendant at the gate, who passed a comment, as he wiped his hands with an oily rag, that he was sure he could smell goat! *Photo shows the cable car in full flight, and it passing over Tivoli World

BEFORE & AFTER IN CAMPOVERDE! It was way back in May, that the rumble of an excavator within the pool area, was reported to me by “Friends of Campoverde” With on going maintenance, running costs and a possible repair bill to prevent water, seeping into the ground under the village, running into six figures, it was decided, at a hastily convened meeting at Bar Pedro, over coffee and tostada, by the powers that be, to demolish the problematic pool, and replace with an attractive square.

Fast forward to August, and all is nearly ready for the “Grand Opening” by Mayor & Corporation.

Might even be a firework display!

I’m sure it will not be too long, before Compo, Norman Clegg and Foggy, make their way to one of the many benches under the towering palm trees, and begin to sort out the financial problems of Spain.

Can’t do any worse than that lot in Madrid.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

5

Gibraltar tug-of-war continues Spain and Argentina unite to reclaim the Rock and the Falklands from the UK

Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister is hoping to team up with his Argentine counterpart and launch a double territory dispute against the UK with the help of the United Nations to win back both Gibraltar – which has been British for over 300 years – and the Falkland Islands, known to Argentina as Las Malvinas.

José Manuel García-Margallo is due to fly out to the South American country next month to discuss the legal wrangling between the two nations over the expropriation of Repsol shares in the petroleum plant, YPF, and he claims that he and Argentine foreign minister Héctor Timerman ‘will analyse the possibility’ of the two countries approaching the UN jointly over the Rock and the Falklands.

This is likely to increase tensions already building between Spain and Britain over the colony on the tip of the mainland as the Spanish government continues to push for sovereignty and the UK remains firm in its determination not to yield its overseas territory.

Conservative leader David Cameron says the stance of the British coalition government ‘has not changed’ and is ‘consistent’ with its ‘policies in other overseas territories’.

A spokeswoman for the British ministry of foreign affairs made this announcement in response to reports about the Spanish government’s intention to get the UN involved.

“Self-determination is more important than national integrity. The people of Gibraltar have repeatedly and overwhelmingly expressed their wish to remain under British sovereignty,” the spokeswoman stated on Sunday.

disputes over Gibraltar intensify Spanish fishermen pulled up by British authorities over working in Gibraltar’s waters, which Spain says it owns –

Spanish Legal Reclaims

Britain having sovereignty over the land comprising Gibraltar only – and the UK’s decision to drop concrete blocks in the sea near the Rock to form an artificial reef was what began to cause simmering under the surface within the Spanish government.

And Spain’s insistence on lengthy and meticulous inspections of random vehicles crossing the border, creating delays of between three and seven hours for workers commuting back and forth from the Rock to the province of Cádiz, as well as day-trippers, have infuriated the UK. Whilst Spain insists these are in keeping with their duty to prevent cross-border smuggling, especially of contraband cigarettes, and that Gibraltar does not form part of the Schengen agreement, the UK says such actions are ‘unacceptable’ and ‘unjustifiable’ between two EU member States.

In response to this, García-Margallo says not only will the border checks not be reduced, but he now intends to make sure even more are carried out, and to charge a 50-euro fee for people entering and leaving Gibraltar.

He has also threatened to shut the airspace leading to the Rock and to find a way to scrap its ‘tax haven’ status.

Spanish president Mariano Rajoy has threatened legal action and to get the UN involved.

In the meantime, Gib border police say they are undergoing counselling because of the traumas involved with the border checks, dealing with angry drivers entering and leaving the Rock, and even protest demonstrations targeting them personally at their homes – a practice known as an escrache and started in Spain by campaigners seeking better legal protection for homeowners with mortgages.

PART 2

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THOUSANDS OF BRITISH/EU CITIZENS COME FORWARD TO RECLAIM AN ESTIMATED £400 MILLION FROM THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT IN OVERPAID INHERITANCE TAX

The Spanish dream? The Spanish IHT discrimination rules follows hot on the heels of the Capital Gains Tax loop hole, which saw up to 90,000 UK families overcharged CGT by an estimated £283 million. The Spanish Courts and European Courts of Justice all ruled in 2009 that Spain had discriminated against British and other EU citizens and ordered the money to be refunded to those affected.

Hundreds of British families have received their overcharged CGT money back with on average + 5% legal interest. The same legal team is leading the IHT campaign to help UK families recover their overpaid tax.

IHT scale: Spanish IHT system is complex, non residents will pay according to a scale that could reach up to 34% of the inherited property value without any tax deduction. Currently, 99% tax exemption applies to Spanish residents. For example for a property worth €150,000 non residents will pay approximately 9% IHT, whereas Spanish residents will pay 0 % in the majority of cases or a maximum of 0.9%. For a €500,000 property non residents will pay 20% IHT whilst Spanish residents would again pay between 0% - 0.9%.

Following the recent launch of the www.spanishlegalreclaims.com website, British people who believed they have been affected by the Spanish tax trap have come forward to highlight their plights and begin the process of recovering their money.

Mr. Luis Cuervo CEO at Spanish Legal Reclaims commented: “More than 100 UK/EU families have already filed their reclaim with us and more than 200 are in the process to do so. Many Spanish lawyers are cooperating with us on the benefit of their own clients once they understand the legal process requires deep analysis and expertise not only in domestic but also EU regulations and court procedures”.

“We urge anyone else who believes they have been affected by this tax discrimination to come forward. Taking quick action is important as the right to make a reclaim will expire due to a 4 year time limit on making a tax reclaim in Spain.”

“Potential claimants must be aware that this is not an ordinary reclaim. It is not just a matter of going to the Tax Office and asking for your money back and claiming before the Spanish Administration is not enough. The cases must be won in court one by one (as class actions are not possible in Spain for this type of reclaims).

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For more information, and details of how to register your interest, visit: www.spanishlegalreclaims.com Or call the helpline on 0845 680 3849 or email: info@spanishlegalreclaims.com

Warship Departs For Routine Gibraltar Visit

A Royal Navy warship has left Portsmouth for a routine visit to Gibraltar amid increased tensions with Spain over border checks. HMS Westminster is due to dock at the British territory within a week as part of an annual deployment, Cougar 13.

It comes as increased vehicle checks at the border with Spain have led to delays for tourists and residents.

The Ministry of Defence said the visit was “long-planned” as part of “a range of regular and routine deployments”.

Spain’s foreign ministry agreed it was a routine visit, adding that the UK government had asked for permission to stop over at the Rota naval base, which is near the Strait of Gibraltar in south-west Spain.

HMS Westminster is being accompanied by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships Lyme Bay and Mounts Bay on its stop.

The BBC’s Spain correspondent, Tom Burridge, said that - while both London and Madrid had played down the timing of the visit - the boats would be arriving at a sensitive moment for British-Spanish relations,

amid a diplomatic row over the territory’s status and the waters nearby.

It follows a decision by Gibraltar to drop 70 concrete blocks into the sea off its coast, with the aim of creating an artificial reef and encouraging sea-life to flourish.

The Spanish government has accused Gibraltar of laying the blocks “without the necessary authorisation” in “waters that are not theirs”, contravening environmental laws and damaging Spain’s fishing industry.

As part of the Cougar 13 deployment setting sail from Portsmouth and Plymouth, four Royal Navy warships and six other vessels are heading to the Mediterranean, and then onto the Gulf region, to conduct military exercises.

After docking in Portugal, some of the boats will head on to the British military base in Gibraltar while others will head to Cadiz, in nearby southern Spain.

Thousands of Royal Navy, Royal Marines from Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel will take part in the exercise.

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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Spain is one of USA’s main spy targets Spain is one of the USA’s top spying targets, Pakistan, North Korea and Afghanistan, the along with France, Italy, Japan and Germany, says national daily newspaper from the latter country, Der Spiegel.

It cites documents belonging to former CIA analyst and exiled whistleblower, Edward Snowden, which claim the National Security Agency (NSA) defined ‘intelligence priorities’ in terms of the numbers 1 to 5, with 1 being ‘maximum interest’ and 5, ‘little interest’.

Germany is around the middle-upper range, along with France and Japan, and only slightly ahead of Spain and France.

In terms of the USA’s focus of interest, it has Germany on a level 3 for foreign policies, economic stability, and analysis of financial risks; level 4 for arms exportation and international trade, and level 5 for cyberattacks.

The European Union as a whole is on level 3 for international trade, foreign policies and economic stability.

According to the article in the German broadsheet, the USA has been spying on EU and United Nations outposts in Washington and New York.

Its main countries under focus of the spying operation are China, Russia, Iran,

Der Spiegel reporter says.

This week, the government of German chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed that a pact between the NSA and German spy networks was sealed during the previous president, Gerhard Schröder’s reign and during that of the now-current leader of the social-democrat opposition, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The BND, one of three German spy departments, together with the Constitution Protection department of the ministry for the interior and the military spy group, MAD, is under direct control of the minister for the chancery.

President of the BND, Gerhard Schindler, has confirmed to several German media that mobile telephone numbers were passed to the NSA, although he stresses that these were because the holders of the numbers were suspected of terrorism.

Full details of spy operations against Spain were not revealed in the article, but Spain and Italy are thought to be under the same espionage focus levels, not far below Germany.

92 Africans Rescued On 14 Rowing-boats In One Day In The Strait Of Gibraltar

Coastguard workers rescued 92 would-be migrants on 14 different rafts attempting to enter Spain via the ‘back door’ through the Strait of Gibraltar yesterday (Saturday).

According to a report by ThinkSpain, in just one day, emergency services helped 78 men, 12 women, a small baby and a little girl, the latter of whom was admitted to hospital with severe signs of hypothermia.

All the rest are said to be in good health, aside from general fatigue, hunger and thirst.

The most recent craft – the typical wooden rowing boat which immigrants from Africa trying to sail to Spain use, and which are highly dangerous on open waters – was carrying three young men, a few hours after three earlier crafts came into shore in Tarifa (Cádiz) with a total 19 people on board.

These were eight men, nine women, a baby and a little girl.

Emergency services say the last four rafts arrived in quick succession, and that a total of 14 were counted in the Strait of Gibraltar in one day.

They were all taken to the port of Tarifa

and provided with food, drink, blankets and dry clothes and attended to by Red Cross workers.

Tens of thousands of sub-Saharan Africans, frequently from Sénégal, try to sail to Spain to enter the ‘promised land’ of Europe every year, and many do not survive the journey.

Those who do are invariably shipped straight back to their countries of origin.

A few slip through the net and struggle to make a living peddling goods on the streets and beaches, dodging fines from the police.

Town councils in touristy areas on the coast have threatened fines of up to 3,000 euros for people caught selling goods on the beach and the street, most of whom are from African countries.

Hard-hitting campaigns on TV in subSaharan African nations, particularly Sénégal, have called for young people to give up on the idea of saving up to pay mafia-style organisations for a seat on a raft, reminding them that they are the ‘future’ of Africa.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

POST OFFICE RULES NOT OK!

Anyone using Correos postboxes or ‘apartados’ here in Spain should be aware that mail is being returned without warning unless addressed exactly as on documents you initially presented. “This means that if your name is Richard Alan Smith on your passport, for instance, letters from friends who know you as Dick Smith will be returned.” So says local resident Susie Mandrake who is spearheading a campaign to have Correos’ s new rules set aside as she says they are “arbitrary, Draconian, inhumane and totally contrary to the spirit of a public service.”

Under the new rules box-holders pay almost 40 euros for each family member on top of the initial 61 euro fee. “That’s expensive for a family of four or five.” says Susie.

“What’s more, apparently letters addressed simply to Mr, or Mr and Mrs without the Christian names are being returned too. Names have to be exactly as on the lists and staff are not even allowed to use a modicum of common sense.”

Complaints are flooding into local Town Halls who say they can do nothing as it is a state service. Susie, who says she has been successfully using the service for 13 years up to now is determined to fight back. “I have been listed as a box co-holder for the last two years and nobody told me when I renewed in January that I had to pay more. I have lost a considerable sum of money as a result of not receiving a letter. I asked back in March if they had a problem with my box number and they said no even though unbeknownst to me they were sending letters back on an almost daily basis.

Staff do actually try to help but say their hands are tied because boxes are checked to make sure no letters to non-subscribers get through. Surely, Correos cannot accept payment for a service one minute then change the ground rules later – especially without warning. I think they are in breach of contract. Anyway it’s certainly unjust and a stand must be taken. I will go to the Ombudsman, the Consumer Association, European Courts, the King – whatever it takes.”

If you have any horror stories about how the new rules have affected you please help by contacting Susie on susiemandrake@gmail.com. Or you could try writing to Susan Mandrake at Apartado 4, Mojacar Pueblo, 04638 Almeria and, fingers crossed, your letter might just get there!

Report by Susan Mandrake

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Colombian citizens may no longer need visas to travel to Spain if EU agrees Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos says his country’s citizens have ‘been given a wonderful birthday present’ – Spain wants to scrap visa requirements for visitors and residents.

One of Spain’s most prolific foreign groups, many Colombian nationals have been living in the country for between eight and 15 years, and their family members and friends have to apply for visas whenever they want to visit them, just as Colombians living in Spain have to constantly renew theirs to be able to carry on living there, even when they have jobs and mortgages.

Spanish president Mariano Rajoy wants to eliminate this hassle and bureaucracy for them, and plans to speak to the European Union.

Santos, speaking from the popular holiday city of Cartagena de las Indias (pictured) on the Caribbean coast, said: “That is really great news.

Three Spanish tourists have been killed and two others injured in a road crash in Kenya whilst coming back from a safari expedition.

A man and a woman from Cartagena (Murcia) and another woman from Puertollano (Ciudad Real) lost their lives immediately when their safari truck crashed head-on with a lorry on the main road between Mombasa and the capital, Nairobi, at around 13.00hrs local time on Friday.

Another two women – the wife of the Cartagena man,

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“We have the full right to be proud of being Colombian and to want to live in any part of the world without a visa.”

Spain’s most famous Colombian citizen is poprock sensation Shakira who, although her mother is half-catalana and her father is Lebanese but born in New York, has nationality in the Latin American country and was born on its Caribbean coast in Barranquilla. Now with a son by Spanish partner, Barça forward Gerard Piqué, the multilingual blonde singer – who is not married to the father of her child – lives with Piqué and baby Milan in Barcelona.

and a second woman from Alicante – were both injured in the accident, but they are not said to be in a lifethreatening condition.

A further six Spanish tourists and a Kenyan tour guide and truck driver escaped unharmed.

The uninjured survivors are a man from Jaén, another man from Cartagena and two sisters from Murcia city.

According to the embassy, the Kenyan driver has been taken into custody.

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Kenya road crash kills three Spanish holidaymakers and injures two

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transferred to the mortuary in Emali, close to the hospital where the two injured women were treated.

The Spanish ambassador in Kenya says the embassy is working on repatriating the bodies and also the injured parties as soon as possible, but that this depends upon air traffic being reopened at Nairobi airport – the largest in east Africa – which had to be closed on Wednesday due to a massive fire.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

British hospitals seek Spanish nurses

Three major hospitals in the UK are actively seeking Spanish and Portuguese nurses with recruitment days advertised in Madrid and Lisboa.

They are offering 300 permanent jobs with a gross annual salary of between 30,000 and 60,000 euros, depending upon experience, and accommodation

included.

Advertisers from www. skills4nurses.com say the number of jobs offered could increase to up to 4,000 within around 18 months.

Successful applicants must have qualified as nurses, even if they have not yet worked in the field, and fluency in English with sufficient

technical knowledge of the language relating to the profession is a must.

At present, around 7,000 nurses from Spain live and work in the UK, which has a shortage, having been unable to find work in their field in their native country.

A total of 17,000 qualified nurses in Spain are unemployed, and many of whom have never worked since finishing college due to lack of vacancies.

Petrol and diesel prices down by one per cent this month

Petrol and diesel prices fell by one per cent at the start of August, giving motorists a bit of a breathing space at a time when fuel costs tend to rocket.

The average price of petrol per litre currently stands at 1.457 euros, compared to 1.471 euros at the end of July and a long way below the costs seen at this time last year, at around 1.522 euros per litre.

Diesel, which was 1.518 euros at the start of August 2012, is now 1.364 euros a litre, compared to 1.376 euros at the end of July this year. Over the

course of a year, petrol has gone up in price by 1.1 per cent and diesel by 0.2 per cent, being an increase since the start of 2013 of four per cent for petrol and 0.14 per cent for diesel.

At current prices, for a car with a 55-litre tank, the cost of filling up is 80.10 euros in petrol or 75.02 euros in diesel.

Spanish petrol and diesel prices continue to be below the EU average of 1.59 euros and 1.44 euros respectively, and for the Eurozone of 1.63 euros per litre of petrol and 1.43 euros per litre of diesel.

CERTIFICADO DE EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA (ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE) As the Department of Energy and Climate Change states “All domestic and commercial buildings in the UK available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you own a home, getting an energy performance survey done could help you identify ways to save money on your energy bills.”

In Spain it is called the “Certificado de eficiencia energética” and has become a law as a transposition of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2010/31/EU). Since the 1st of June of 2013 your home, office or shop must have this certificate in order to sell or rent (for longer than 4 months). This certificate is obligatory even in the event of posting an advert.

EPCs gives you information on how energy efficient your building is and will show a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).

Architectural and Building Technicians (Arquitectos Técnicos) are the most competent technicians for this purpose. I can help you find out which rating your home, office or shop has and give you tips on improving it so you can save money on air conditioning or heating. Call now for a free quote.

Santiago Martínez Jenkins, Technical Architect Local 30 – Sector A Camposol 30875 Mazarrón Office opening hours 10-14h Mon to Fri

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British mum gives birth to 13lb baby in costa blanca hospital ...without an epidural!

Spain’s largest-ever baby to be delivered via natural birth was born this week to a British mum in Dénia (Alicante) hospital.

María Lorena Marín came into the world at around 04.45hrs on Wednesday morning and weighed in at 6.02 kilos (13lb 3oz).

Mum Maxime, 40, did not need an epidural and said the birth of her fourth child and first daughter was relatively pain-free.

She was rushed to hospital by her Colombian husband, Jaime, 40, from their home in Teulada, (Alicante) just before 01.00hrs when she began having contractions, and was found to be six centimetres dilated.

By 03.40hrs she was fully dilated and María Lorena appeared an hour later.

Babies of nine pounds or more (about 4.7 kilos) are normally delivered by Caesarian section, but Maxime, who says her fourth pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected

as she only has one ovary, reveals that her three boys were all born naturally.

The expatriate, who is a hairdresser in Albir (Alicante) had an ovary removed some time ago when a cyst was found and had not thought she would be able to have any more children.

María Lorena has been in the paediatric intensive care unit ever since because, although she is in perfect health, extra-large babies are often ‘lazy’ and do not wake up when they are hungry, doctors explain.

Their blood-sugar levels tend to drop and they have to be woken up to be fed.

But mother and baby are said to be doing very well, even though María Lorena was far from impressed with her new-found fame, since reporters say she cried constantly throughout the press conference on Thursday.

Girls Want To Be Teachers And Boys, Footballers – But Neither Want To Be Politicians

Children aged between four and 16 who were asked in a survey ‘what they wanted to be when they grew up’ have changed their minds about becoming politicians, which was once the favoured profession.

Only 4.4 per cent of kids want to go into politics, and 17.3 per cent say governments and councils are to blame for the recession, which 51.1 per cent believe will go on for many more years.

Most of the children interviewed said the solution to the financial crisis was to reduce politicians’ salaries, expenses and chauffeur-driven cars.

A total of 28.7 per cent said they would leave the country if it meant they could get a job.

The study showed a clear gender division when it came to chosen future careers.

Boys wanted to follow sports-related professions, with the most popular being football-player, followed a long way down the list by policemen, engineers and doctors.

Girls, however, said they wanted to work in social or educational roles, with the most frequently-cited future job being that of a teacher.

This was followed by working with animals – 14.2 per cent of the total, with two-thirds wanting to be a vet – and then doctors and hairdressers.

When asked about the gender split with housework and childcare in their homes, 55.8 per cent said it was mainly their

mothers who carried out these tasks and 3.9 per cent said their dads did most of the domestic and family-related chores.

Overall, four in 10 believed housework and child-rearing should be shared between both men and women, and roughly the same percentage said their own mother and father divided these tasks almost equally between them.

Concerning the issue of being happy in their future jobs, 20.6 per cent said they felt they would be if they were able to follow their chosen profession, whilst 18.9 per cent said the most important ingredient for job satisfaction was having nice colleagues and 13.8 per cent said it all depended upon the attitude a person has towards his or her work.

A separate section of the survey targeted children aged four to 16 with disabilities – physical or mental, from birth or acquired later in life, or caused by either hereditary conditions, illness or accident.

The ADECCO Foundation interviewed 700 disabled children taking a cross-section from a very wide range.

One in five said they wanted to follow in their parents’ professional footsteps, and the most commonly-chosen future career for boys was that of a farmer or gardener, followed by football-player and police officer, whilst most girls said they wanted to be hairdressers, followed by teachers and singers.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and finding a reliable and informative company is vital.

Welcome GO SATELLITE! Getting British TV here in Spain can be a confusing and daunting task and finding a reliable and informative company is vital.

Welcome GO SATELLITE! GO SATELLITE was set up 8 years ago by husband and wife team Ian and Deborah. Ian has more than 20 years experience, having spent 10 years with SKY In Home Services in the UK, where he worked on the specialist heights team as well as SKY´S Prestigious VIP Team which caters for the “stars”, therefore the quality of his workmanship is extremely high!

After leaving SKY, Ian set up his own business in the UK and ran this very successfully for 5 years before moving to Spain.

WHERE ARE WE? GO SATELLITE is based in Ciudad Quesada and covers most of the Costa Blanca.

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS! Over the past 8 years the company has installed hundreds of satellite TV systems for individuals, companies and communities. The Go Satellite system uses highest quality

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Packages are available to suit everybody´s requirements and budget.

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Ian said “Being a small company has its advantages. We offer a personal service and get to know all our customers by name. It’s important to us that people fully understand and are happy with the service we are providing.

We realise that the technology involved can be confusing but we are happy to spend time with our customers to ensure that they get the best system for their needs”.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Any concerns or queries are dealt with in a clear and professional manner and clients can call Ian at any point if they have any queries. This ensures that all of their customers have complete peace of mind throughout the lifetime of the service. Added to that is the fact that GO SATELLITE is a fully legal, Spanish registered business that provides individual, company and community installations with a free no obligation site survey.

Go Satellite is going from strength to strength!

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We have an office in the Business Centre Calle Los Arcos No7 Ciudad Quesada, so you can now come and meet us and we will endeavour to help you with all of your TV queries.

OTHER SERVICES Go Satellite not only provide television but are also able to provide internet and telephone services. Packages are available to suit all with a switch on/off service available for non residents.

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At Go Satellite, we will endeavour, to provide TV for everyone.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

SWINGING SUMMERTIME SUCCESS!!!!!

More than 100 people came along to the Mazarron Country Club to be entertained by the fabulous WOODY and the lovely CHRISTINE in an event to raise funds for

MABS Mazarron.

The electric atmosphere was matched only by the August heat, but it was not enough to deter the audience enjoying a good old ´knees up´.

As always, Woody performed a brilliant selection of songs which soon had everyone in the room tapping their feet and singing along and Christine made sure the mood continued late into the night.

The evening raised a fantastic 611€, MABS Mazarron would like the sincerely thanks everyone who attended – look forward to seeing you all next time. THANK YOU MABS Mazarron are currently supporting over 90 patients in the Mazarron area and desperately need more volunteers so if you can drive, escort a patient to and from a hospital appointment or can help our Fundraising team please call us on 620 582 418

Helping those least able to help themselves The Lions Club of Mazarron Bahia in line with the declared aim of International Lions Clubs to assist young people to participate in their community.

We will be holding an open public meeting at the Camposol Cultural Centre on August 26th at 7pm.

This will begin the public consultation process with interested young people and parents to form a LEO’s Club in Mazarron.

At this meeting we want to gauge the support to develop and Guide a Leo’s club in the Mazarron area. It will require support of Parents and the willing involvement of Young People who want to help those in need. To help us plan seating it would help to know in advance some numbers please call Gina on 654874563 The Lions Club will commit to pay the initial membership fees and the club formation costs at Lions International, with some materials for participation in both service orientated work and of course a big fun element as well.

It will operate within the remit of Lions International following the same major aim “To help those least able to help themselves”.

After a period of time, the young people who are members will vote for a President, Treasure, Fund raising Chair etc. This is NOT the LIONS telling people what to do, just simply guiding along the Lines that Lions have operated for almost 100 years. However at all times at least1 possibly 2 serving Lions will be in attendance and reporting back to the sponsoring club on the Leo’s progress.

If there is to be Camposol Fiesta in 2014 a new committee needs to be formed as a matter of urgency.

The committee for the Camposol Fiesta 2013 are all due to step down imminently and if a new membership cannot be established immediately the Association will have to wound up.

If you don’t want to see this happen and are willing to form a committee please contact Michelle Miles, Chairman Fiesta Committee 2013 so that a formal handover can be arranged.

There a few people who unable to commit to joining the committee but are willing to help out and there is a surplus of funds left over from this year to get the new team off the ground.

Michelle can be contacted either by email michellecmiles@gmail.com or call 634 382 968.

The club is aimed at developing opportunities for Youth Volunteers working through the Organisation of Mazarron Lions itself a member of LCIF. Within this project young people from 12-25 can learn to help in their community, develop leadership skills and have fun. They will be encouraged to develop SAFE communication skills in contact with other Leo Clubs world wide Lion Andrew Brown MJFIgna oculica turordii inte, sena supimus loc, nos lius. At virtandam octam igintenin vis

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

www.soltimes.com

Two parties in Spanish government decline an ‘official’ car to save public funds Only two parties in Parliament have agreed not to accept a new ‘company’ car to save the taxpayer money.

A total of 25 vehicles on contract hire will be distributed among the eight MPs, party spokespersons and other highlevel politicians in October this year to replace the 13-year-old Audi A6 vehicles they have had since 2002.

This will cost the State 2.1 million euros, but the total transport bill for the government for the year will come to 6.75 million.

All MPs in Congress – with the exception of Parliamentary spokesman Jesús Posada, who gets a car from the ministry for the interior – are entitled to a ‘company’ car, meaning four PP members, three PSOE members and one from CiU. Another six party spokespersons qualify – those of the PP, PSOE, CiU, PNV, Izquierda Plural and UPyD. The latter two have declined.

Parliament pays the cost of petrol, cleaning, and any traffic fines incurred, and the contract hire company – which can be either Spanish or foreign – pays the insurance, ITV (MOT), repairs and maintenance on bodywork and

mechanics.

The dealership which wins the contract is also obliged to take on the old official government cars to sell or rent out – cars which, collectively, have covered 1.98 million kilometres since they were registered as new in 2002.

As well as their ‘official’ cars, each MP and party spokesperson gets travel expenses in the course of business, which is refunded upon production of a ticket for a flight, ferry, train, coach or car.

They also get their private petrol expenses picked up – 0.25 cents per kilometre for journeys taken when off duty in their own cars.

From May 2006, these same politicians are also entitled to a maximum of 3,000 euros in taxi fares.

Travelling expenses for MPs and party spokespersons come to 6,750,000 euros a year, or 19,285 euros per politician, most of which is in toll fees, flights and other public transport, traffic fines and valeting.

The actual money spent on petrol for mileage covered personally or professionally comes to 600,000 euros, or 1,714 euros per politician.

Highway robber alert on the AP-7

Police have warned that the so-called ‘tyre-puncturing’ highway robbers are back and actively targeting hired cars and those with foreign registration plates.

The thieves’ modus operandi involves puncturing a wheel either when the car is stationary at an airport or petrol station, or by firing a shot at it when it is in motion then, when the driver and passengers get out to check, offer to help them while an accomplice sneaks into the vehicle and relieves the occupants of their contents.

Other variations include stopping drivers for directions, or flashing cars to warn them of a mechanical problem such as a falling exhaust pipe or lights not working.

Distraction techniques mean that lightningquick thieves can get in the car while the driver is otherwise occupied – even just for a matter of seconds.

Around 30 per cent of crimes on the AP-7 motorway through the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and past Barcelona involve highwaymen side-tracking drivers to rob them.

Drivers and passengers should keep all

doors locked when travelling any distance, particularly if they are in a hired or foreign car.

In the event of a problem with the car that needs inspecting, lock the doors immediately upon getting out and if possible, leave at least one adult passenger in the car.

Where it is obvious that the problem cannot be resolved without expert help, call the breakdown company without leaving the car.

If approached at a petrol station or supermarket, or anywhere else that involves parking, for information, always lock the car before responding just in case it is a hoax.

Keep valuables out of sight and check your household or travel insurance policy to ascertain what cover it provides for theft from vehicles, since it is rarely cost-effective to claim for this from a motor insurance policy.

In the event of any suspicious activity, call the emergency hotline, 112, which can be done even where there is no signal on most mobiles and where English-speaking operators are available if necessary.

11

AGE CONCERN COSTA CALIDA NEEDS YOU! The charity, which undertakes many activities for and on behalf of older people, is on the lookout for volunteers who want to put something back into the community. It is legally registered as an association in Murcia region and its accounts and procedures are monitored in accordance with Spanish law. The activities of all volunteers acting on behalf of the charity are adequately covered by insurance and training is given on all aspects of volunteering with Age Concern.

The services provided by Age Concern include home visits, befriending, hospital and care home visits, social activities, loan of mobility equipment and advice and information about living in Spain.

Volunteers are welcome to become involved in any of these activities. There is no requirement to commit to a specific or minimum number of hours. Whatever time a volunteer can spare is very welcome.

Volunteers are also needed to help look after our stock of clothing and brica-brac which we sell at our regular tabletop sales at Camposol, and also to support fundraising by selling tickets for events.

There are also vacancies in several roles which offer a varied and interesting range of activities including: Volunteer Co-ordinator. To supervise the work of the volunteers and carry out home assessments.

Press Officer. To submit articles to the local newspapers, magazines and websites.

Fundraising Officer. To organise fundraising events (dances, fairs, auctions and lunches) in the Mazarron area.

Secretary. To carry out secretarial duties to support the committee.

Equipment Manager. To issue and receive mobility equipment (wheelchairs etc) on loan and maintain in working order.

Full training and supervision will be given on all of the above roles.

For further information please contact Ann Lambert, President, on 634 310 216

...we want to hear from YOU!!! ...send your news, views, events and announcements to editor@soltimes.com

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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It all sounds so simple. Smear a blob of the latest wonder cream into flabby thighs or a spreading stomach and then just watch the weight melt away. But is there any truth or indeed science in the promises on packages of weight loss lotions? Or are we just being sold a pipedream in an overpriced tub?

Plenty of us certainly buy into it.

British women, alone, spend up to £30 million a year on topical ‘fat burning’ products – with prices ranging from a tenner to as much as about £100. Of course it doesn’t take a scientist to explain that if you ditch cream cakes, your figure will thank you for it. But can it really be possible to simply rub your waistline away?

To find out, the Daily Mail asked four women to spend one month trying out a new slimming treatment from a premium skincare brand. They decided not to name the brand as the product was chosen at random from among many similar competitors.

Then, as a control, they asked another four women to use one of the cheapest moisturisers, an aqueous cream – similar in texture, but costing just £3.95 for a tub – over the same period.

The expensive treatment consists of a duo of creams, costing about £115 for two 300ml tubes, and claims to penetrate areas of the body where fatty deposits are their most dense.

Its unique ingredient? The blurb says the makers have harnessed the power of oxygen to produce firm, flab-free flesh. There are legions of enthusiastic reviews online and the host of celebrity devotees that are now entirely par for the course. The cheap control cream is made of paraffin and lanolin, which are mixtures of oil and water that help stop moisture leaving the skin. And guess what? The women using the cheap cream lost the most inches.

THE EXPERIMENT All the women were told they were trying out a new miracle product that slimmed the tummy without dieting.

We repackaged all the creams in plastic jars that gave no hint of what they were.

The wonder product consisted of two creams, one applied a couple of minutes after the other.

Those using the aqueous cream were asked to make a single application.

The women were told to use an amount the size of a 2p coin and rub it into the skin below their belly buttons and around the top of their buttocks.

The cream was massaged in until it disappeared. They did this twice a day.

THE RESULTS

Aqueous Cream £3.95 for 1225 ml

Patricia Perlman-Dee, 35, of Hale, Cheshire, is married with three children and says: ‘I’m on maternity leave and was desperate to lose post-pregnancy weight. I’m trying to be good and the weight is starting to fall off – probably because I’ve got three little children and never sit down.

I can’t say whether the loss came from that or the cream.’

Result Lost one inch Anne Hartman, 53, catering manager of a primary school, is married with three children and lives in Manchester. She says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled with the results and have got lovely soft skin on my stomach, too. Clearly the cream must have something in it.’

Result Lost two inches Lindy Margolis, 47, a receptionist, is separated and lives in Manchester with her two children. She says: ‘I was a bit sceptical about this but the result speaks for itself. Though I’ve a feeling the massaging helps to disperse the fat and could be done with or without the cream.

Mind you, my stomach feels lovely and soft.’

Result Lost one inch TOTAL LOSS FIVE INCHES

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my clothes felt looser and my skin looked and felt lighter, smoother and more toned.’

Result Lost half an inch Tanya Temkin, 39, is married with three children and lives in Cheshire. She says: ‘I have to admit I didn’t manage to use the cream every single day – life is hectic at the moment because I have a 14month-old baby as well as a sixyear-old and a seven-year-old. But I don’t think not using the cream led to gaining two inches!’

Result Gained two inches Katherine Nathan, 40, a housewife, lives in Cheshire with her husband Paul, 48, a dentist, and their children Charlotte, 11, and Jack, nine. She says: ‘The creams smelled divine! But as I have very dry, dehydrated skin, it wasn’t easily absorbed and once I’d applied it I ended up having something of a waxy feel on the top. I was quite pleased with the results.’

Result Lost two-and- a-half inches TOTAL LOSS TWO INCHES

THE CONCLUSION That there is no dramatic difference between the two sets of results comes as no surprise to Dr David Ashton, medical director of Healthier Weight Centres.

‘There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a cream could dissolve fat – and this blind test, as unscientific as it is, shows these expensive products are just hope in a jar.’

Dr John Ashworth, lead consultant dermatologist for Warrington NHS Trust, agrees, saying: ‘If anything were to have an effect on the testers’ weight, it could be the act of massage itself.

‘Massage might break down the fibrous tissue that holds this fat in place and the fat would be dispersed. But it wouldn’t really matter what cream you used.’

Repetitive massage encourages the lymph glands to flush out excess fluid, which might also have a slimming effect.

Read the full article: www.mailonline.co.uk

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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

mabs events MONDAY (every week) FUN QUIZ AT LA ROSA BAR, SAN CAYETANO. 9P.M. For more information contact Julie on 639 619 481.

SATURDAY (every week) BOOKSTALL AT THE ARCHES BAR, LOS ALCAZARES 10.30 - 1P.M. Great selection of books available.

MONDAY 26TH AUGUST: CHARITY GOLF DAY WITH COSTA CALIDA GOLF TOURS AT MAR MENOR GOLF RESORT. Great Prizes and Raffle. If you would like to take part or for more information contact Andy on 968 581 846.

TUESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER: CHARITY MARKET AT LA ZONA BAR, LOS ALCAZARES 10 - 12. Come along and grab a bargain. Clothes & Bric a Brac on sale.

TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER: LADIES LUNCH CLUB AT DIAMANTES RESTAURANT, EL MOJON. 1.30 FOR 2P.M. 3 Course Lunch with glass wine for 10.50 per head. Come along and meet and make new friends. Raffle in aid of MABS. So far this year over 800 Euros raised. To book your place call Karla on 965 352 947.

FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER: SHARE & CARE GROUP, MABS CANCER CENTRE, SAN JAVIER 11A.M. An opportunity to come along for all those affected by Cancer, or recently bereaved for an informal chat and coffee. For more information call Anne on 693 795 247.

Los Palacios Gardening and Community Group Please contact either: Jean: 646 737 479, Brenda 680 174 499, Cathie 654 084 284. visit www.fastcamposol.com for further info on FAST and details of future events. We are grateful to the following for their continued support

Another interesting and busy month for the Group, which has been very fruitful on two fronts.

Firstly, the extensive entertainments program that we now have underway (please check out the website for details http://www. lospalacios-gardeners.com) Our next event is on Saturday 17th August, at Mariano’s outside bar. Fiesta with us for only 5 euros dancing to Phil Brady and the guitar duo, Mick & Bernie. If you would like tickets, they will be on sale at the Bookstall on Friday, or you can purchase any remaining tickets on the night at the door.

Why not join us at either Tel’s or Cat’s, at the Commercial Centre on 7th September.

There will be food, music and much partying going on with a Mexican theme, all for just 5 euros. Tickets available at either Tel’s or Cat’s.

Secondly, the bucket people are out every Thursday morning collecting at the top of the stairs of the commercial centre, come rain or shine (usually shine) and we would like to thank the community of Los Palacios for their very generous donations. Without you, we would not be able to purchase membrane, pebbles and keep the irrigation systems going, which are needed in order to

maintain the plants in the communal areas.

Sweeping, cleaning and gardening activities have also continued despite the heat, palm trees have been cosseted and fronds and cuttings have been cleared away. Thank you to all the residents who carry an extra plastic bag with them when dog walking in order to pick up the dog poo left behind by other owners, plus any other litter. Also those who do their bit and sweep their street. To coin a phrase, every little helps.

The Friday Bookstall remains a constant and valued aid to the community that we can always rely on. You will also find information of our forthcoming events displayed at the Bookstall and tickets are available. One piece of not so good news for the Group, we received the resignation of our Chairman, Edward Roberts. We wish to thank Edward for his great contribution to the Group, a fantastic motivator and ideas man who will be missed. Fortunately, John Grant has stepped into the breach as Chairman, and Harry Pearson as Vice Chairman.

Now that we, the Group, have gained momentum in the community, our August meeting has focused on how to steer the Group in the best direction for the future and we intend to establish a Steering Committee to set our collective focus to this end. Working with the Town Hall and other local groups was also on the agenda.

As always, we welcome new members or associates, so if you think our aims and objectives would be something you would like to support, please feel free to contact us for a chat. (email: members@lospalaciosgardeners.com) And our aims and objectives are? Well: to continue improving our environment and having some fun along the way.

Joce Grant - Group Secretary 10/08/2013

www.soltimes.com

e m i T a st e fi in Almeria The Almería Feria lasts ten days 17-26th August and is divided into the daytime Feria del Mediodía, which takes place in the city centre, and the nocturnal Feria de la Noche, with a wide array of pavilions.

The residents of Almería enjoy their fiesta immensely, laughing, eating, drinking and generally having a good time surrounded by family and friends.

Celebrated in honour of the Virgen del Mar, patron saint of the city, the celebrations has been designated Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.

Floral offerings in honour of the Virgin combine with flamenco music and bullfighting during the day. By night, the “Real” fair ground is the perfect place to have fun with a whole range of attractions, stalls and marquees.

To get to the feria, there are special city bus services that stop right at the fair ground in the evening. Usually running into the early hours, they depart from the city centre: ‘Compañía de María’ and ‘Paseo de Almería’ – and will cost no more than 1€!

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

August 15th has a special meaning for the people of Cómpeta.

First the local people pay tribute to the Patron of the village, Our Lady of the Assumption. The date was also always the one the agricultural workers said farewell and left for the grape harvest. However, what was a spontaneous celebration in 1974 has become over the years a typical festival in Cómpeta. All this thanks to Aurelio Fernández Navas, a local man who gave the wine that was drunk in the village on that night.

Today, the celebrations are one of the main tourist attractions in summer and it has earned Internatinal fame.

The activities associated with the Noche de Vino (Night of Wine) include a cultural side where artists, poets and writers participate. There are also flamenco singers

15

Cómpeta dedicates a summer night to praise the delicious local wines that are made locally & in all the Axarquía in the province of Málaga. and dance groups and finally what gave ride to the festival at first: you can try the delicious muscatel wine that is produced in the area!

Each year a mural depicting the festival

is made. The morning festivities take place in the Plaza de la Vendimia.

At night the fun moves on to the Plaza Almijara where a stage in the style of an Andalusian farmstead is installed and

the different artists and folk groups perform.

A magical night, full of expectations!

For more information visit www.competa.es

tourism update: Fewer airline passengers but coastal areas see greater tourist numbers

Airline passengers travelling to and from Spain have gone down in number by 5.6 per cent, according to figures released by the State airport governing body, AENA. According to press reports, a total of 105.9 million people flew to Spain in the first six months of this year, but this is a fall on the same period in 2012 and the country’s largest airports, Barajas in Madrid (Terminal 4 pictured) and El Prat in Barcelona, saw the greatest drop in passenger numbers – 14.7 per cent in Madrid, with a reduction of 12.8 per cent in number of flights – just under 194,000 – and a 1.4-per-cent decrease in Barcelona’s travellers on its 160,000 flights, nearly six per cent fewer than last year.

Gran Canaria airport also saw a 5.6-per-cent fall in passengers and 10.5 per cent fewer flights.

Alicante’s El Altet airport – completely revamped beyond recognition and doubled in size in 2011- led the field for the greatest rise in numbers of travellers and flights, at 7.4 and 7.2 per cent more respectively, representing 5.4 million passengers.

Málaga-Costa del Sol airport saw 0.7 per cent more passengers and Palma de Mallorca 0.2 per cent extra.

Other airports which experienced an increase in numbers of travellers and, in some cases, more flights, are Ibiza (Eivissa), Tenerife South, Menorca (Maó/Mahón), Reus, La Gomera and Son Bonet.

These nine airports are the only ones out of Spain’s total of 47 which saw trade improving in the first six months of 2013, which may be partly due to the fact they are in coastal locations with established tourist resorts.

Whilst during the property boom between 2000 and 2007, the Spanish coast and islands were becoming an expensive option for holidaymakers merely seeking sun, sea and sand, the recession has forced prices down and more budget package deals are available, making these destinations more attractive to northern European visitors.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

The app that can help track down your lost keys in an instant

read the article in full on www.mailonline.co.uk

We have all suffered that moment of panic when you realise you cannot find your car keys or wallet.

Countless hours have been wasted rummaging through drawers or with hands thrust down the back of sofas. But such frustrating moments could become a thing of the past after scientists say they have developed a smartphone system that instantly tracks down lost items.

They have devised postage stamp-sized electronic tags which can be placed on those valuables that tend to go missing the most. Mini receivers are then placed on furniture, the mantelpiece and other places around the

home.

The system, called FindMyStuff, is activated by tapping the name of the missing item into a smartphone app.

Within seconds its precise location is revealed, as the receiver is sent a signal from the tag over a wireless network.

Computer scientists in Germany who came up with the system say it should cost as little as £43 if developed for commercial sale.

Florian Schaub, a research assistant at Ulm University, said he envisages a ‘digital home’ where we can talk to computers all the time to make life easier.

‘This is the direction we’re going towards,’ said Mr Schaub. ‘If you could get the tech smaller, you could use it on sunglasses and things like that.

‘Phone manufacturers can integrate this technology and you easily make smart furniture by putting antennas inside.’

Mr Schaub acknowledged there is a security risk associated with the product. For instance if your wallet is in your pocket, someone else using FindMyStuff would be able to track you as you pass buildings kitted out with sensors.

To counter this, the system is geared

for strong user authentication which only allows the user to search for the lost items.

Mr Schaub said: ‘We don’t want to build a surveillance network.’

Using sensors and transmitters to locate missing items is not new. Several US companies use Bluetooth transmitters to attach mini tags to objects. Unlike the FindMyStuff system they do not provide a precise location but point the user in the general direction of where the items are hidden.

On average we tend to mislay nine items a week and waste 15 minutes a day searching for them, according to a survey by insurance firm Esure.

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

Q:

I understand that if I sell my property I needtothink about the following expenses: solicitors fee, capital gains tax and plusvalía tax. What is plusvalía tax , and how is it calculated?

A . Up to recently this was a small tax when you sold or inherited , but now it can be a high amount and needs to be considered before the transaction. It is charged on the transfer of ownership of a property by sale, inheritance etc. . This tax is a local tax charged by each municipality on the increase in value of Urban land in its own district land and is distinct from Capital Gains Tax. It is important to realize that the tax is charged on land alone, not on the buildings that may stand on the land.

The rates of tax are set by each municipality and can vary widely between neighbouring municipalities.The tax is based on the increase in the official, that is to say the “Catastral”, value of the land which a property occupies. This is the same value that is used to set your local property tax or “IBI” and can be found on the bill for your “IBI” issued by your local ayuntamiento each year and is shown as the “valor del suelo”.The actual price at which a property changes hands, or the value attributed to it if is the subject of a gift or inheritance is irrelevant.

Calculation: The Plusvalia is calculated as a function of the catastral value of the land and the number of years of ownership (up to a maximum of 20 years). The higher the catastral value and the number of years of ownership, the higher the tax.

Plusvalia tax = Catastral value of the land x Yearly percentage of value’s increase x Number of years of ownership x Tax rate The yearly percentage of value’s increase and the tax rate are fixed by the Town Halls.They are established locally. Up to now, when a Town Hall had updated the catastral values, usually with really high increases of the values compared to the existing ones, article 107.3 of the Law had established that on the following five years after the revision of the values, the Town Halls had to apply a deduction of 40 to 60 % to the catastral value. If a Town Hall made not contemplation of this rule teh law established an automatic deduction of 60%. However new Law passed in 2012 has changed that situation allowing the Town Halls to eliminate those deductions, which is why a loto of people are suddenly paying much

higher rates and find themselves with an unfairly high plusvalíaa tax when they sell. On a sale of a property it is the responsibility of the seller to pay the tax, but if the seller fails to pay this responsibility may be passed to the buyer, who would then have to recuperate the money form this seller. If the property is being inherited or is the subject of some other type of gift it is the beneficiary or recipient of the property who is liable to pay the tax.

Certain transactions are exempt from the Plusvalia Tax, the main ones which are likely to affect the general public are the transfer of property between spouses who are divorcing, or to children to comply with Court judgments, and “aportaciones” or transfers to companies in which spouses are the only shareholders which may be used for tax planning.

The amount of the tax that will be charged on a transaction will depend firstly on the Catastral value of the land which the property occupies, and secondly on the length of time since it last changed hands. If you are selling an individual house which stands on a large plot which you have owned for a considerable length of time the amount of the Plusvalia Tax could be many thousands of Euros. On the other hand, as the tax is charged on the value of land alone, the amount of Plusvalia Tax charged on a flat in a block which you have not owned for very long the tax may be quite modest.

For those of you who are considering rearranging your financial affairs to take advantage of tax planning schemes, the amount of Plusvalia tax that may be due is one of a number of elements, which include the Notary and other fees that may be payable, which you need to consider when balancing the costs and benefits of these schemes. Depending on the amount of Plusvalia, it may be cheaper to make a gift of the property rather than enter into more complex arrangements with higher Notary and other fees.

The time for paying the Plusvalia Tax is within 30 days of a sale or gift between living people, or 6 months of the date of death on an inheritance.

Your town hall can advise you of the amount of Plusvalia that may be payable on a transaction involving your property, or in many cases it is possible to obtain the calculation “on line”, but as I always write in concluding these articles, if in doubt take professional advice.

Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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Spain’s Housing ‘Stock’ at 25.3 Million

The housing stock in Spain stood at 25.382 million units at the end of 2012, representing an increase of just 0.5% compared to the previous year, its lowest annual growth in the last decade, according to recent data from the Ministry of Development.

71.3% of the housing stock corresponds to primary residences, totalling 18.11 million units and an increase of only 0.11% over 2011.

The stock of second-homes registered a greater increase, of 1.7%, and closed 2012 with a total of 7.27 million units, representing 28.7% of the total.

Since the beginning of the crisis in 2008 until the end of 2012, Spain added 1.35 million units to its housing stock, only half compared with the 2.55 million homes that were added in the five preceding years, which coincided with the boom in the sector.

During these years, Spain’s housing stock total grew at annual rates of up to 2.5%, which contrasts with the increases of between 0.5% and 1.3% experienced since the outbreak of crisis.

In the whole of the last decade (20022012), the housing stock has increased by a total of 4.35 million units, rising from the 21.03 million homes registered at the end of 2001, to 25.38 million at the end of 2012.

Four regions account for more than half of the country’s total housing stock (56.5%). They are: Andalusia; Catalonia; Valencia and Madrid.

Andalusia has 4.4 million unsold

homes, while Catalonia has a total of 3.88 million, Valencia has 3.15 million, and Madrid, 2.9 million.

The regions with lower totals of housing stock are La Rioja, with 200,183 homes at the close of 2012, Navarra (312,305 homes) and Cantabria, (360,627 homes).

According to the Ministry of Development data, 30,384 home constructions were completed in Spain in the first five months of 2013, which represents a decrease of 38% compared to the same period in 2012 (49,021), and maintains the negative trend of recent years. In 2012, the decrease was 28.4% (with 120.206 units), accumulating five consecutive years of falls. Since the peak recorded in 2007, with 641,419 homes completed, the market has dropped by 81%.

Of the total homes completed in the first five months of 2013, 99.2% (30,116) were for private developers and 0.8% (268) for public administration.

El Mundo reported that, compared to 2012, housing construction by private developers fell by 37.4%, and public administration fell by 69.5%. In the private sector, 17,623 units were for corporations, with a decrease of 39.2%, 9,858 for individuals and communities of owners (-28.6%), and 1,811 were for cooperatives (-48.3%).

In addition, there were 824 completion certificates for other private promoter projects, while the liquidation value of the material execution of the works fell by 33.7% to 3,699.1 million euros.

For the latest property news go to: www.kyero.com

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

legal action begins for brits in Cyprus mortgage trap

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Hundreds of Britons with holiday homes in Cyprus are to start legal action to have their debts wiped out.

As many as 20,000 investors are caught up in a major dispute with a number of different developers and banks over flats bought between 2005 and 2008. Many did not realise their mortgages would be taken out in Swiss francs.

These were subject to wild fluctuations, often sending repayments rocketing from the equivalent of £300 to £800, making it impossible to meet their debts.

Their problems were exacerbated during the global credit crunch when property prices plunged in Cyprus, hitting developers and banks, who then turned the screw on borrowers.

A group of people who bought largely in Paphos have at last secured a date for a legal challenge. On October 17, law firm Judicare will argue in a Cypriot court that the deals are void.

It will assert that the power of attorney needed by each British buyer to instruct a lawyer to act on their behalf in Cyprus was not administered properly by the banks and solicitors involved.

Judicare will also say they were not properly told about the nature of the Swiss franc mortgage.

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• Ideal for studding & framing, pergolas, car-ports, fencing, roof beams etc • Sheet materials: Weatherdeck Flooring Chipboard - 22mm, Ext Plywood & OSB, ranging in size from 5.5 - 18mm • TG&V x 12mm, 16mm & 20mm thick and up to 200mm wide - made to measure boarding now available • Made-to-order American and European decking now available • Trellis, handrails & skirting boards to order, wide range of sizes available • Car-ports, pergolas and - incorporating “The Shed Shop” New In sheds - all made to order Reclaimed • Laminated timber beams 100x100, 140x140, 200x200 (x12m) Railway Sleep • Round poles 100mm diameter & 3.6m long pressure treated 230x130x2600 ers

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***Budget Interior Doors €15 and Oak Faced Interior Panel Doors (2 styles) €45 ***

Sawdust & Shavings Available: ideal for animal bedding etc

FIND US ON THE A91 JUNCTION 108 VELEZ RUBIO

IT’S GOOD TO GO TO WOOD 2 GO

GRAHAM - 606 156 151

PAUL - 661 147 689

office telephone: 950 614 050 sales@wood2go.eu

Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9.30am -2pm then 3.30pm - 6pm Saturday & out of hours contact Paul’s mobile

Web Site: www.wood2go.eu

FOR MORE INFORMATION clubdegolf@valledeleste.es 950 398 743

Bailiffs served warning letters on Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd in April on behalf of a law firm representing nearly 400 British nationals who purchased property on the island with loans from the Bank denominated in Swiss Francs.

Accord to a report by Cyprus Property News, the buyers were given no option other than to take out loans denominated in Swiss Francs instead of Sterling without being notified or warned of the inherent risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations.

In their letter to the Alpha Bank their lawyers assert that this failure constitutes a breach of the Bank’s duty of care to its clients who were not in a position to understand the financial implications of taking out loans in a currency other than the currency of their income; and as a consequence, the Alpha’s clients ended up owing substantially more than if the bank had issued loans in Sterling.

The letter also highlighted the fact that in the majority of cases signatures on Power of Attorney documents were not certified in accordance with the law as the Certifying Officer was absent when they were signed. As a consequence, these PoAs were illegally executed and are therefore invalid in law.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Spain’s Housing ‘Stock’ at 25.3 Million

The housing stock in Spain stood at 25.382 million units at the end of 2012, representing an increase of just 0.5% compared to the previous year, its lowest annual growth in the last decade, according to recent data from the Ministry of Development.

71.3% of the housing stock corresponds to primary residences, totalling 18.11 million units and an increase of only 0.11% over 2011.

The stock of second-homes registered a greater increase, of 1.7%, and closed 2012 with a total of 7.27 million units, representing 28.7% of the total.

Since the beginning of the crisis in 2008 until the end of 2012, Spain added 1.35 million units to its housing stock, only half compared with the 2.55 million homes that were added in the five preceding years, which coincided with the boom in the sector.

During these years, Spain’s housing stock total grew at annual rates of up to 2.5%, which contrasts with the increases of between 0.5% and 1.3% experienced since the outbreak of crisis.

In the whole of the last decade (20022012), the housing stock has increased by a total of 4.35 million units, rising from the 21.03 million homes registered at the end of 2001, to 25.38 million at the end of 2012.

Four regions account for more than half of the country’s total housing stock (56.5%).

They are: Andalusia; Catalonia; Valencia and Madrid.

Andalusia has 4.4 million unsold homes, while Catalonia has a total of 3.88 million,

Valencia has 3.15 million, and Madrid, 2.9 million.

The regions with lower totals of housing stock are La Rioja, with 200,183 homes at the close of 2012, Navarra (312,305 homes) and Cantabria, (360,627 homes).

According to the Ministry of Development data, 30,384 home constructions were completed in Spain in the first five months of 2013, which represents a decrease of 38% compared to the same period in 2012 (49,021), and maintains the negative trend of recent years. In 2012, the decrease was 28.4% (with 120.206 units), accumulating five consecutive years of falls. Since the peak recorded in 2007, with 641,419 homes completed, the market has dropped by 81%.

Of the total homes completed in the first five months of 2013, 99.2% (30,116) were for private developers and 0.8% (268) for public administration.

El Mundo reported that, compared to 2012, housing construction by private developers fell by 37.4%, and public administration fell by 69.5%. In the private sector, 17,623 units were for corporations, with a decrease of 39.2%, 9,858 for individuals and communities of owners (-28.6%), and 1,811 were for cooperatives (-48.3%).

In addition, there were 824 completion certificates for other private promoter projects, while the liquidation value of the material execution of the works fell by 33.7% to 3,699.1 million euros.

For the latest property news go to: www.kyero.com

SALES NOW ON sofas-mattresses-garden furniture-recliners-leather sofas-packages

POl.ND.EL REAL C/VENTE VACIO E-14 04628 ANTAS - ALMERIA TEL: 950 392 307 MOVIL: 617 478 344

www.KOALAFURNITURE.ES monday to friday 10:00 to 19:00 saturday 10:00 - 14:00

Clean Team Sunergy Almanzora Valley

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services Quality Cleaning at an Affordable Price 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Regular or One-Off Service No Job Too Big or Too Small All Areas Covered . d e over www.cleanteamspain.com All areas c as, Albox, Arbole to an ria, Albanchez, C lfoquia, Cucador, La A a Partaloa, Ori

Tel: 950 930 652 Mob: 634 332 502

E-mail: cleanteam.es@gmail.com

19

Almeria

Established 2002

Over 15 years installation experience Solar powered swimming pool filter systems from €2200 to circulate pool water whenever sun shines, up to 10 hours a day, independent of mains so reduces electric bills Independent stand alone or mains assisted electricity systems to power your house, or reduce bills and power cuts, for example 5kw 48v system from €7950

Call Phil for competitive prices

636 261 240

Email: info@sunergyalmeria.com www.sunergyalmeria.com

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

age concern events Tues 27th August In aid of Age Concern, Welcome Group open-air dance at Mariano’s, Camposol. The B Boppers. Tickets from The Welcome Group, Telephone 620 105 179. 8€ entrance 5€ food (optional) Wed 11th September Black & White Ball at Bar La Sal, Puerto de Mazarron marina. Dancing to Martin Ross & Karen Noble. Buffet included. 15€ entrance 5€ bus from Camposol or MCC Wed 25th September Menu-del-dia at Gula Gula, Puerto de Mazarron marina 10€ Thurs 24th October Auction at Mariano’s, Camposol A 10 – 11 bring registered items 11 – 1 public viewing.

BLACK & WHITE BALL 1pm hammer dow. Register on 634 310215 or as below 5€ total to enter 3 items. Tickets (during August) from: Friday 11am to 1pm: Outside Bar Salud, Camposol B Telephone: 634 310 215 (Camposol) or 634 336 484 (Port) On the last Friday of the month we hold a ‘tabletop sale’ at Camposol B sector.

Good-quality clothing and bric-a-brac are always in demand. Anyone who would like to donate their unwanted items could bring them to the sales or leave phone 634 310215 to arrange drop-off.

N.B. WE ARE TAKING A BREAK FROM THE SOCIAL/CULTURAL CENTRE IN AUGUST BUT CAN BE CONTACTED BY PHONE ON 634 325408 (LIFELINE) OR 634 310216 (ADVICE & INFO)

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

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

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

SolTimes

Have A Drop Off Point Here For Payments Private Or Trade Advertisers, Birthdays Or Other Announcements

send your news and views to editor@ soltimes. com

Age Concern holds an annual openair dance at the marina in Puerto de Mazarron, centred around Bar La Sal. The setting is idyllic - dancing, dining and drinking under the stars.

something smart but always black & white. No shorts or tee shirts please! For only 15€ including buffet and 5€ return transport from Camposol and MCC you can have a special night out.

It’s a chance for the ladies to get dressed up in their best black and/or white, and for the men to follow suit or just wear

Tickets on sale at Camposol B outside Bar Salud every Friday 11am to 1pm. For other areas telephone 634 336484.

Wed 11th Sept 2013 7.30 for 8pm

Bar La Sal Open-air venue on the Marina, Puerto de Mazarrón

S T C A T REA G 2

Martin Ross and Karen Noble G WEAR SOMETHIN and SMART, BLACK WHITE

Tickets from: Friday 11am - 1pm Outside Bar Salud, Camposol B Port area Telephone 634 336 484

€15.00 Transport from Camposol & MCC €5

including Buffet

MAbs Mazarron Events

Slippery Floors?

Tel: Martin 659 232 507 martin.freeman@free-sol.com

www.free-sol.com

Suitable for ceramic tiles, slate, terrazzo, quarry tiles, marble, stone, concrete and more...

September 14th Camposol Club de Golf MABS (Mazarron) Open Golf Competition, Camposol – open to all golfers, great prizes to be won, BBQ included in entry fee – 40€ non-members 15€ members, buggies just 10€. Book early to avoid disappointment. BBQ only available at 10€.

September 27th La Vida Cancer Support Coffee Morning – at La Vida Bar, El Pareton. Homemade cakes, teas and coffee´s all proceeds to MABS Mazarron. Starts at 11.30am.

Thinking of becoming a volunteer? Come along and meet the MABS volunteers and find out how you can get involved.

October 27th MABS Race for Life - 5€ per entry Entry forms available now. 4km or 8km course.

All finishers will receive a medal, trophies for winners.

November 8th The Harlequins

Rock

Choir,

Meson

Mariano´s, Camposol 8.00pm Enrty 5€ or 10€ to include Chicken and Chips.

November 9th Artisan Co-operative Craft Fayre, Meson Mariano´s, Camposol 11am – 3pm Only 1€ entry, more than 25 stalls packed with unique Christmas gift ideas. Grand raffle; home-made cakes and lots more The last Tuesday of the month VOLUNTEERS MEETING - Trevi bar, Camposol Sector B - 11.30 am. If you would like further information about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting.

For further information please ring 620 582 418. Next meeting September 27th.

JIGSAW BEREAVEMENT GROUP Cats Bar Sector A Camposol 12.00 pm NOW the first Friday of each month. This informal group provides support and information to all bereaved people. Call 620 582 418 for further details.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

21

THIS SUMMER Supporting your local businesses has never been more important. Many small towns are seeing their streets taken over by national chains and giant companies, so it is vital that the smaller, local shops, run by people from the community, are not taken for granted. The services these places tend to offer are usually second to none and once they are gone, we will miss them. Therefore we all need to ensure that we do our bit and support our local business.

From local coffee shops to your town’s own tradespeople, and from your smaller retail outfits to your farm shops, your local

community always has more to offer than you would think. So, next time you are thinking of a trip to the supermarket, have a look and see what is on your own high street.

These smaller businesses are often more friendly and offer a far more personable service than the larger national companies, and they play a large role in the community, often being vital for the elderly. Supporting your local community and keeping smaller businesses in your town alive, can help to maintain a wide choice of local products and services right on your doorstep.

office in Bolnuevo (near Farmacia) next to Cafe Colonia

ROS CASTREN CASTREN S.L S.L ROS SERVICES & MANAGEMENT

Ken Sherwood

British Car Mechanic

Small Bodywork Repairs Undertaken New I.C.E. Computer Diagnostic & Fault Finding Servicing

Translations: - Notary, Doctors, Police etc.

Maintenance: - Building, Renovations, Cleaning.

Courtesy cars available for certain jobs: Pre ITV Checks Available And we can even take your car for its ITV test too!

Air Conditioning Repairs & Re-gassing

C/ Perdro Guerrero 14 Fuente Alamo

Mobile English Car Mechanic Servicing and repairs on all makes of cars, including replacement cambelts, brakes and welding ITVs with pre-checks For a reliable service at competetive prices Call Peter on 6 6 6 1 61 1 2 9 / 6 3 4 3 8 6 8 27 p.s.carservices@gmail.com

kentrike2011@hotmail.co.uk

Workshop based in La Pinilla Only ten minutes from Camposol Car valeting

N.I.E, Residencias, Driving Licence, Taxes, Catastro, Energy Efficiency Certificate, Insurance, Property Measurements.

Tel: - 968159631 - 636529085 Email: - roscastren@gmail.com

TEL: 679 646 859

TEL: 679 646 859

All Your Paperwork Needs Seen To

We have moved

New premises 4km from the old garage in the direction of Cuevas de Reylo

Open Mon - Thurs 8.30am - 5pm Friday 8.30am - 4pm Costa Calida area covered

22

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

...take care of your pets... big or small...furry or feathered...young or old...

Palomino Kennels

Exclusive Boarding Kennels/Cattery

Offer a Warm, Friendly Environment in a secure Countryside Setting.

All Diet Requirements Catered for.

Daily Exercise in 10 Acre Estate, Vet on 24/7 standby.

(25 years Experience).

Glad t me to hey sent Pa Kenne ls whi lomino back t e they wen o t wet En cold & gland !

Call 722 435 226 or 950 067 051 www.palominokennels.com

puppies now in !

PET CHAUFFEURS PET TRANSPORT

german ds shepher o f

PEOPLE AND PETS

il d re n G ra n d ch o n A rl e tt V C h R it m o

Huge Selection Of Fish & Equipment Top Quality Pet Foods Always In Store Full Range Of All Pet Accessories All Breeds Of Birds From Only 3€

JULY OFFERS

Canary Seed Mix without rolled oats 25kg ................ €22.90

FRENCH s BULLDOG British Bulldogs

wheat 25kg ........................ €6.95 Rabbit food 25kg ............... €9.85

Alfalfa Bales ..................... €6.00 Complete Horse Feed from... €11.00

FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY (As far north as Manchester)

Call in store for more details

NEW ARRIVAL OF TROPICAL FISH ARRIVINGTHIS WEEK

DOOR TO DOOR / DAILY UPDATE

ROLLS OF CANE

FOR SHADE VARIOUS SHAPES & SIZES FROM €9.70

CATS £285 ANY SIZE DOG £345

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

Hen Food 25kg .................... €11.65 Oat Straw Bales ................. €5.50

NO NONSENSE SET FEE

Enter our draw

whole corn 25kg ................ €7.50 broken corn 25kg ............... €7.60

TO OR FROM SPAIN / UK

call in and see them today! win a 26” TV

New fluval Fish foods ... Less 15% barley 25kg ....................... €6.25

LUGGAGE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Golden ers Retriev

NOW IN SELECTION OF MOSQUITO NETTING

FROM €3.99M2

olula del rio

tanatorio

Open: Monday - Friday 8.30am-2pm & 3.30pm - 8.30pm, Sat 8.30am - 2pm

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery arboleas

Small friendly kennels 24hr vets service pet transporting arranged welcome to view ministry approved

Tracy 650 211 952

54

Warehouse & Pet Shop - Olula Tel: 950 613 130

baza

DELIVERY AS FAR NORTH AS MANCHESTER

From Albox on A334 do not turn off for Olula Mercadona, take the turning after the Tanatorio km

English Speaking Tel: ben 687 497 892

DEFRA COMPLIANT

Olula Fines del rio

albox

mercadona

We are here

www.pet-chauffeurs.co.uk

email: info@pet-chauffeurs.co.uk

a334

4 a33 Agro Animalia Jesada comercial carmona warehouse & petshop

Tel: 0044 (0) 1323 301 991

Ken & Jackie Let us transport your loving friends to and from the UK & Europe in comfort with loving care in our air-conditioned van Tel 950 092 096 or 661 402 493 - Email jt.transport@yahoo.co.uk

Dog & Cat Sitter service

• Your home or ours • Honest & trust worthy • 5 years experience of all types of animals • References available on request

676 389 592

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

PRICE BROWN

Est 25yrs

PARTNERSHIP

ESTATE AGENTS / INMOBILiARIA / MANTENIMIENTO - MOJACAR SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENAMIENTO

LV654 Mojacar Playa €125,000

DV1262 Mojacar Playa €290,000 A1159 Al Andalus, Vera €79,950 A1158 Mojacar Playa €140,000 A very attractive 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, detached villa of 138 m2 on 747 m2 with a 2 room/1 bathroom annexe. In superb order throughout. Garage, terraces, gardens & pool. Good sea views.

LV657 Mojacar Playa €74,995 Pretty modernised townhouse of 60m2 + 20 m2 private terrace with lovely views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Off street parking. Beautiful community gardens. Less than 5 mins walk to the beach.

A1156

Mojacar

Very attractive ground floor apartment of 63m2+ 42m2 private garden & terrace overlooking the superb community gardens. 2 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms. Outdoor & heated indoor pools. Perfect holiday home..

LV652 Mojacar Playa

Quality ground floor apartment of 85m2 + 37m2 on sought after front-line complex, overlooking the superb community gardens and pool. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge main terrace. Furnished.

Allocated parking.

Quality furnished townhouse of 86m2 on 117m2 less than 400m from the beach. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, terraces, garden & off street parking.

Community gardens & pool on a secure complex.

€85,000 SDV653 Mojacar Playa €125,000

Lovely modernised townhouse of 60m2 + 20 m2 private terrace with sea views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Furnished. Pretty communal gardens & off street parking. Less than 5 mins walk to the beach

€120,000

LV667 Mojacar Playa €130,000

Spacious apartment of 67m2 with fabulous sea views very close to the beach. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge main terrace of 41m2.

Furnished. Mains gas. Community pool. Good rental potential.

Lovely townhouse of 80m2 + large terraces & solarium with sea views in a small, sought after, urbanisation. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms.

Communal pool, gardens & terraces. Furnished.

Pretty end of terrace bungalow of 67m2 on 193m2 with roof terrace. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Community garden.. Furnished. Short distance to shops, beach & restaurants.

DV1275

El Pinar

DV1263

€299,950

Top quality detached villa of 134m2 on 9602m2 on the edge of the village. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, private pool, terraces, gardens & parking. Short drive to golf & beaches.

€299,000

Large detached villa of 310 m2 on 3,250 m2 with superb views. Newly renovated with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms & 2 further rooms in the attic for conversion. Ample terraces, gardens, garage & large pool.

Turre

sdv1277 Huerta Nueva €124,950 Immaculate semi-detached house of 81m2 on 253m2 on a superb urbanisation. 3 bedrooms, 2bathrooms, central heating, H+C A/C, huge roof terrace & much more. Lovely community gardens & pool.

www.pricebrown.com Tel: +34 950 478 915 Fax: +34 950 478 963 sales@pricebrown.com

rentals@pricebrown.com

August hours: 9.30am to 3pm

Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

We are able to organise Energy Efficiency Certificates at very competitive prices Contact us for more details All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

Prices are correct for 7 days from going to print for all properties on these pages

23

24

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

You deserve Privacy, Peace, Harmony ...

! t i d r o f f a n a c u o ...and y

Please call for viewings and/or appointment.

Thank you.

Phone / Fax Office: 966 180 004 Mobile Eva: 669 621 173 www.spain-fincas.info info@spain-fincas.info ASPE € 197,500

Abanilla (Murcia) € 75,000

Ref.: E-1716

Ref.: E-1974

Fantastic bargain, reduced by €100.000- to €197,500. Impressive family home 5km near to Aspe. Strong and solid construction of 275m2 on 2.300 m2 fenced and walled plot. 4 plus 2 double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), toilet, kitchen, utility room, diner, 2 lounges, open fireplace, large porch, wide views, big garage, fire wood room, BBQ and summer kitchen, fronton court, 9 x 5 m pool with plunge pool and large terrace, established garden with high palm and pine trees, 3-phase electricity, oil central heating. A comfortable family home for whole year living. www.spain-fincas.info

La Zarza: Cozy mountain retreat 10 mins drive to Pinoso. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dressing room, open plan kitchen/diner, lovely lounge with rustic open fireplace, workshed, large terrace off mains bedroom, wide views to mountains, garden with high trees, off-road parking, space for pool. Neighbours around. Beautifully fitted and furnished. A lovely low maintenance country retreat with character. www.spain-fincas.info

CATRAL (ALICANTE) €199.850 Ref.:E-2164

A dream home in campo of Catral town with all amenities only 15 minutes drive to beaches. This perfect villa of 150m2 living area is set on a plot of 2,500m2, fully walled with an electric gate. Nicely landscaped and has new 10x6m pool with large terraced area around. An impressive villa has a large light living area with high ceilings with above windows and a beautiful open fireplace. The 3 double bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), the spacious fitted country kitchen has a big utility room. The round roof terrace overlooking the Vega Baja would allow to built another room on it. This villa has everything for a wonderful family life! Price: € 199.450 - www.spain-fincas.info

= CABO ROIG (ALICANTE) €108.000

BURRIANA (Castellón) €60,000

orihuela (Alicante) €149,000

Luxury, furnished, 2 bed apartment at Calas de Campoamor in the coastal resort of Cabo Roig. Situated on ground floor with private garden with direct access to the beautiful gardens, lawns, picnic tables and sun-shades. Safe matted children’s play area, padel courts and barbecue provision just behind the beach promenade. Offering privacy, there is a sitting room with dining area. French windows to large sun terrace overlooking private garden.

Separate kitchen fully fitted with white goods and wall units, utility room, bathroom with bath and shower, patio, underground car parking space plus individual storage room. This apartment is ideally suitable both for residential use or for holiday rental - wheel chair friendly. Incredible offer: € 108.000 www.spain-fincas.info

This 100 m2 approx. casita offers campo and beach at 10 min. Located in the campo of Burriana (Castellón), consisting of lounge and diner with open fireplace, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, former water deposit as pool, BBQ, own well water, electricity near or solar panels. Orange production type “clemunules” of abt. 18,000 kg on 4,000 m2 of land, variation of fruit trees like cherries, caquis, peaches, vegetable garden, olive trees. 10 min. drive to the beach of Burriana with bars, restaurants, pharmacies, etc., 15 mins to Villarreal hospital. It would require some modernizing! Unbelieveable price www.spain-fincas.info

Hurchillo: Dream country home, 5,090m2 plot with high, shady pine trees. 2 wooden luxury, cozy houses of together 120m2 living area, very private but with neighbours, all services. South facing, big living room, open plan kitchen, 2 beds, walk in wardrobe, direct access to amazing pool area, aircon. Pool 8x4, summer kitchen and bar. Outside toilet. Completely self contained guest cottage, 1 bed, bathroom, kitchen, aircon, garage for 2 cars. Stunning views to la Pedrera lake, asphalted access, electric gate, impressive drive in area, terraces, vegetable garden, walk to bar/restaurant. 25 Mins from Mediterranean and Mar Menor, 8 mins drive Orihuela town. A relaxing retreat for friends of nature, near to ameneties .www.spain-fincas.info

Ref.: E-1948

Ref.: E-2181

orihuela (Alicante) €129,000

Abanilla (Murcia) € 174,950

Ref.: E-2102

Two rustic style cottages in one on a plot of 650m2 5 minutes drive from Orihuela town. Living area 180m2 : Three bedroom cottage with two bathrooms, kitchen, lounge / diner with open fireplace, aircon, SAT TV. Two bedroom cottage with 1 bathroom, kitchen, lounge / diner, aircon. Private pool area, BBQ, parking. Bargain price of € 129.000 www.spain-fincas.info

Ref.: E-2137

FORTUNA €110,000 Ref.: E-2162

Ref.: E-2175

Luxury, spotless country villa of 150 m2 living area, 5 years young, on a walled and fenced plot of 1.700 m2 : 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, (1 en-suite), lounge with open fire place, large kitchen/diner, spacious utility room, beautiful summer kitchen, outside toilet/changing room, lovely 10x5 m pool area with gazebo, stunning views to mountains, neighbours around. Central aircon hot and cold, solar panel for water, telephone, internet, satellite TV and alarm. 5 min. drive to the historic town of Abanilla with Saturday street market, 50 minutes to airports, 20 min. to Murcia town. A wonderful place for an enjoyable country life. www.spain-fincas.info

EVA VERONIKA

New villa on 2.600 m2 plot, living area 120 m2. Built with first quality materials.

Impressive large lounge/diner, 2 double bedrooms, one single bedroom, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), kitchen, utility room.The southfaced terrace offers beautiful wide views. The large and bride lounge is just impressive. Built-in wardrobes, central aircon pre-installed. Near an established urbanization with ameneties, motorway A-7 10 minutes drive, Murcia 15 minutes, Fortuna Spa 10 minutesbeaches and airports Alicante and San Javier 45 minutes . Mains water, needs solar panels (€ 10.000 approx.). A beautiful home at an excellent price www.spain-fincas.info

Your Country Property Advisor Pinar de l Perdiz, 94A

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

25

. . . . e d i u g y t r e p o r p ertise it here! adv ? nt re or le sa r fo ty

have you got a proper

O Olive

reach over 30,000 read

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant)

Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

Reduced to 49,950€ ULEILA DEL CAMPO Fabulous opportunity to purchase a cortijo / ruin for complete restoration and put your own stamp on it. Set within rolling countryside within 4 hectares of land. Price open to offers

Europe cuts 5500 Bank branches in 2012

Banks cut 5,500 branches across the EU last year, 2.5% of the total, leaving the region with 20,000 fewer outlets than it had when the financial industry was plunged into crisis in 2008.

Last year’s cuts come after 7,200 branches were axed in 2011, according to data analysed by Reuters from ECB statistics.

Banks across Europe have been closing branches in a bid to trim operating costs and improve their battered earnings. Consumer take-up of online and telephone banking services has accelerated the trend.

The data show EU banks cut 8% of branches in aggregate in the 4 years to the end of 2012, leaving 218,687 branches, or one for every 2,300 people.

Last year’s sharpest cuts were largely contained to the embattled periphery.

Crisis-stricken Greece saw one of the biggest contractions in 2012, shedding 5.7% of its outlets, as mergers of local banks led to 219 branch closures.

The trend is expected to continue into 2013 as Piraeus shuts some of the 312 branches it snapped up from stricken Cypriot lenders in March.

OLV709

Hours: 9:30-14:00 / 15:30-18:00 Saturdays: 10:00-14:00

Mojacar Office Tel: 950 478 935 Fax: 950 478 524 Turre Office Tel: 950 468 275 Fax: 950 478 524

info@mojacarestates.com www.mojacarestates.com

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS

cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com

Vera Playa Apartment

33,000€

TEL: 678 527 602 macael75@hotmail.com

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in the Huercal Overa / Taberno / Zurgena / San Juan de los Terreros area, please contact us NOW!

Call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal Overa. 100m from LIDL

www.vosshomesspain.com

David Vickers

Location & Property Consultant Mobile: (00 34) 616 760 409 Email: david@indalorealestate.com Office: (00 34) 950 091 137 UK: (00 44) 1865 522 648

www.indalorealestate.com Albox • Arboleas • Huercal Overa • Mojacar • Vera

1 Bed Apartment for sale

Fully legal / All paperwork New white goods Gated Entrance & Parking Cheap running costs Great value for money !!!

Genuine reason for sale

€29,995

Ireland’s branch network contracted by 3.3% and is expected to shrink again in 2013, while Italy’s network was 3.1% smaller by the end of the year.

David

The ECB gathers data on lenders’ branch networks across the EU, and the data Reuters reviewed included the 27 EU member states at the end of 2012. Croatia has since become the 28th member. ECB data can differ from statistics from national banking groups, depending on criteria for inclusion.

•3 bedrooms •Kitchen •Fireplace • 900m2 All main services

Cortijo Grande Golf

T: 664 291 793 jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

In Britain, the ECB data showed the number of branches remained little changed at 11,870.

town house

Qualified Professional Estate Agents since 1982

Spain, where massive loan losses have put banks under fierce pressure to cut costs, lost 4.9%, or 1,963, of its branches in 2012.

Branch numbers were on the rise in some eastern European countries including Poland (up 4%), the Czech Republic (up 2.3%) and Lithuania (up 1.8%).

ers!!!

665 517 643

Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com

Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

...CALL 902 750 190 EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

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

SOLTIMES August 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

coffee break

Down 1 The first 4 books of the New Testament (7) 2 Doubters of religion (9) 3 Arouse passions (7) 4 Sheets of unbound paper (9) 5 Move sideways (5) 6 Lasting through all

time (7) 7 A resin used in incense (5) 8 Prawns (7) 14 Phrases (9) 16 Good for you (9) 17 Mediterranean sailing ship (7) 18 Old Scottish for “Salmon” (7) 20 Leaner (7) 21 Long pins for holding meat (7) 23 A synthetic fabric (5) 24 Wireless audio (5)

Down 1 Seems father comes back with some fruit (7) 2 Big Church animal, he’d intially rather aluminium (9) 3 Number one to me in reverse feeling (7) 4 Generates odd youngsters (9)

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS 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.

1 Extremely cold (7) 5 Slave traders (7) 9 Composure (9) 10 Chieftain (5) 11 Trap (7) 12 Self-importance (7) 13 Weak in willpower (9) 15 Gapes (5) 17 Electrical safety devices (5) 19 Uses (9) 22 Lethargy (7) 25 Effeminate (7) 26 A large stringed

instrument (5) 27 Rot (9) 28 Orange-red dye (7) 29 Polls (7)

1 Very old ant, strangely nice inside (7) 5 Jar takes into new caretaker (7) 9 Our temple moves crude oil (9) 10 Bad liars make tracks (5) 11 Country rock band comes back in artificial intelligence, half calm (7) 12 Game, lead into a tricky situation (7) 13 Most powerful street Ron, get about second (9) 15 Quiet in English glow (5) 17 Georgia, the French strong winds (5) 19 Picking the chosen in sin at midnight (9) 22 Unfurls United Nation bread products (7) 25 Come up to the outer boundary (7) 26 Instrument in tailor gang (5) 27 Corgis ‘ere reproduce food (9) 28 Eternal don’t stop so often? (7) 29 Lengthens former partner inclines (7)

5 Leaps and bounds (5) 6 Edgy system? (7) 7 Reckon no good knight changes (5) 8 Book the substitute (7) 14 Pete Cole’s new magnifier (9) 16 I’m it, at charged particle, fake (9) 17 Reportedly attach Seb’s sugar (7) 18 License producing no sound (7) 20 Charlie, strange rector, right (7) 21 Gus, around English, south-southeast estimates (7) 23 Stiff radius I dig up (5) 24 Epic tales of South African gas (5)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

Across

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

STANDARD SUDOKU

26

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

27

28

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

...FOOD NEWS...FOOD NEWS...FOOD NEWS...FOOD NEWS...

Scrumptious barbecued desserts Barbecued nutty peaches

Slice eight doughnut peaches in half and remove the stones. Put four halves in a square of foil big enough to wrap around them, and make three more parcels like this. Beat together 15g butter, 2tbsp light muscovado sugar, 2tbsp brandy or apple juice and a pinch of mixed spice. Divide it equally among the peaches, smearing it on top of each, then top with 8 chopped amaretti biscuits. Seal each parcel and put on the barbecue for 15 minutes. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped pistachio nuts.

Chocolate bananas, nutty peaches and more brilliant barbecue dessert recipes

Hot spiced barbecued berries

The day before the barbecue, dip the ends of 8-12 sponge fingers into 50g melted white chocolate. Set aside on a sheet of baking parchment to dry. Put 500g summer fruits in a large square of foil. Add the zest and juice of 1 orange, 2tbsp maple or golden syrup and 1tsp vanilla extract. Stir everything together.

Bring the foil together and seal the ends. Put on the barbecue and cook for around 10 minutes until the berries are saucy. Serve with the chocolate-dipped fingers.

Los Mellizos Restaurant La Alfoquia, Zurgena

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

Restaurant

Menu del Diario Monday to Friday

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

Delicious home made starters and desserts 3.50€

Menu changes weekly!

pecials

Daily s 4€ r details) frobm o oards f (see

Choice of 8 Main Courses inc: Oxtail, grilled beef, baked cockles, Calamari, Salmon, Grilled Chicken, Panga in Green Sauce

Main Course

Choice of 8 Desserts Inc. Ice Cream, Profitteroles, Cakes

Choice of Roast Beef, Pork or half roast chicken with roast potatoes, mashed potatoes Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and crackling All served at the table with a bowl of fresh vegetables. 5.95€

Salad, Café & a drink €9 Different menu every day

Open 1pm - 10pm Thurs - Mon (Closed Tues & Wed) Bar snacks always available

The Traditional English

Chippy

667 919 025

Fun Quiz Every Wednesday Evening Tel: 634 324 484

for more information!

Opening Hours:

... eat in or Takeaway! ... patio Bar Entertainment

Darren Anthony

Steve Fisher (Rod Stewart)

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY LUNCHTIMES

MENU DEL DIA FISH, CHIPS, DESSERT + A DRINK

Tel: 950 120 303

La Alfoquia

Real Home Made Chips from a real chip shop Crispy Battered Atlantic 5.50€ Cod or Haddock Served with Homemade Chips & Mushy Peas

Friday 16th August Saturday 17th August

Polig. Ind. De Albox. Opp. I.T.V.

8.00€

Weekdays 12:30 - 3:00pm - 5:30 - 9pm Sat 3:00 - 8pm (Closed Tuesday)

from 9pm from 9pm

chocolate rum bananas Take four bananas.

Cut out four pieces of foil, each one big enough to wrap around one banana.

Cut a slit from the stalk to the end of each banana, then divide 50g chopped chocolate (minimum 50% cocoa solids) evenly between the slits and drizzle 1tsp rum or apple juice over the top of each. Scrunch up the foil to seal and cook on the barbecue for 15 minutes. Open each parcel, sprinkle with toasted coconut and serve with coconut ice cream.

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover

Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Fantastic New menu of the Day only 10€ per person Chicken, Chips, Salad & a Bottle of Wine Only per 2 People 15€

thursday 26th september

status quo tribute karaoke every night

all gaa games shown & all major sporting events

Fresh d eer Battere mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach B s Fish & Chip

telephone: 950 473 135

Open 10am till late 7 days a week

www.soltimes.com

Barbecued tropical fruit kebabs Cut a selection of tropical fruit, such as melon, mango and kiwi fruit, into chunks and put in a bowl, making enough for four people. Do the same with 2 oranges. Add the zest and juice of 1 lime and 2tbsp light muscovado sugar. Toss everything together to coat.

Push a chunk of orange onto a skewer, then thread four other pieces of fruit onto it, finishing with another chunk of orange. Continue until you’ve made 8 skewers.

Cook on the barbecue in a foil parcel for 10 minutes until cooked through

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

Barbecued cherries

with chocolate brownies Put 250g cherries in a foil parcel. Mix together a generous pinch of cinnamon, 1 tbsp icing sugar, 2tbsp fruit vodka or liqueur or orange juice. Pour over the cherries.

Wrap up and place on the barbecue for 15 minutes. Place a small square of brownie on each plate. Spoon the cherries on top and serve with a ball of vanilla ice cream

tIGEr bAR

29

open 6 days a week 12 - late Sunday opens from 6pm Food available from 1pm to 4pm & 6pm to 11pm

Tel: 950 449 000 www.tigerbarzurgena.com

India n Bar & Rest aura nt open in Zurg ena

Great Food with an extensive eat in or takeaway Menu

YELLOW STONE BAR Piedra Amarilla, Partaloa Tel: 634 332 178 (fOOD AVAILABLE TUESDAY - SATURDAY)

Breakfast

served 9 - 12: 2.50€ or 5€

Daily Specials

Lunches 12 - 2.30pm from 4€

Sunday Lunch ON The Last Sunday of eVERY month themed on a different country each time 4 or 5 courses ay Take awble availa

Parties & Events Catered for

Mobile Top Ups

find us using GPS Co-ordinates Lat: 37.38738 Long: -2.201018

Tues - Sat: 9am - 9pm, Sun - Mon: 2 - 9pm

30

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

EXPAT SERVICES...

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

...for all of your requirements as an expat living in Spain, there’s sure to be a business out there for help solve your problems...

Email: editor@soltimes.com and we’ll put you in touch...

Festivals in Spain 2013

DO YOU PLAY BRIDGE? DUPLICATE BRIDGE IS PLAYED ON WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AT “THE TREVI BAR” ON CAMPOSOL B ….. 9.30AM FOR 9.40 START

The CLUBS are organized for YOU to enjoy the game.

All the players are DIAMONDS and have HEARTS of GOLD. Also all the SPADE work has been done for you.

Just come along & play

Just give one of us a call and we will be glad to WELCOME you with open HANDS. We can also arrange partners for you.

cONTACT: Bernie Wood 642 413 998 Berniegwood@gmail.com Barry Wilson 609 925 497

Early to mid-August: Festa Major de Gràcia, Catalonia: All year long, the residents of Gràcia work on elaborate decorations with themes such as marine life, the solar system, or even local politics, to hang in the streets. By day, long trestle tables are set up for communal lunches and board games; at night, thousands invade the tiny streets for outdoor concerts, dances, and general revelry.

August 28: La Tomatina, Buñol, west of Valencia: This is the world renowned, absolutely crazy, tomato flinging, juice-spraying five-day festival held on the last Wednesday of August.

Thousands of joyful revelers use truckloads of overripe tomatoes as missiles. Bring goggles and a change of clothes.

Sep 7 – 8: Fiestas de la

Mare de Deu de la Salut in Algemesí, Valencia: The main local festival in Algemesí dates back to the Middle Ages and has been awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. Theatre, dance and music are part of the celebrations and more than 1,400 people take part in the main parade. The festival also features giants representing King James I of Aragon and his wife as part of the “Volta General”, which also includes numerous biblical characters.

Sep 20 – 28: San Sebastián International Film Festival, San Sebastián: The premier film festival of Spain takes place in the Basque capital, often at several different theaters.

Retrospectives are frequently featured, and

Agents Required

mail@funeralsinspain.com

weeklong screenings are held.

Sep 24: Fiesta De La Mercé, Barcelona: This celebration honors Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercè), the city’s patron saint.

Free music concerts, from traditional to contemporary, are held in the plazas (particularly Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça Sant Jaume), and figures from folklore such as the gigants (giants) and cap grosses (fatheads) take to the streets. People come out to perform the sardana (the traditional Catalan dance) and to watch the nail-biting castellers (human towers).

Firework displays light up the night, and the hairraising correfoc, a parade of firework-brandishing “devils” and dragons, is the grand finale.

Oct 12: El Día de la Hispanidad or Columbus Day), throughout Spain - A national holiday of Spain that is celebrated on October 12, commemorating the exact date that Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. A special parade is held in la Plaza de Colon, in Madrid, led by the Spanish military and followed by the King and the Royal Family.

A wide array of other authorities, from foreign diplomats positioned in Spain to the presidents of the autonomous governments, are invited to attend this parade. The Spanish Armed forces also fly through the air doing aerobatics with red and yellow smoke drawing images in for the crowd to see.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

31

COMMUNITY NEWS WELCOME EVENTS

August 27th dance outside at Mariono’s to the sound of The B Boppers, playing old favourites from the 50’s and 60’s.

All profits to go to Age Concern. €8 and €5 for chicken and chips.

September 25th dance with entertainment

by Matt Christian and Paul Christie. €8 and €5 for chicken and chips.

October 23rd dance to a five-piece band with tributes to Status Quo and The Eagles. €10 and €5 for lamb and chips.

For more information call Rosemary on 620 105 179.

MAbs Mazarron Events

September 14th Camposol Club de Golf MABS (Mazarron) Open Golf Competition, Camposol – open to all golfers, great prizes to be won, BBQ included in entry fee – 40€ non-members 15€ members, buggies just 10€. Book early to avoid disappointment. BBQ only available at 10€.

September 27th La Vida Cancer Support Coffee Morning – at La Vida Bar, El Pareton. Homemade cakes, teas and coffee´s all proceeds to MABS Mazarron. Starts at 11.30am. Thinking of becoming a volunteer? Come along and meet the MABS volunteers and find out how you can get involved.

October 27th MABS Race for Life - 5€ per entry Entry forms available now. 4km or 8km course. All finishers will receive a medal, trophies for winners.

November 8th The Harlequins Rock Choir, Meson Mariano´s, Camposol 8.00pm Enrty 5€ or 10€ to include Chicken and Chips.

November 9th Artisan Co-operative Craft Fayre, Meson Mariano´s, Camposol 11am – 3pm Only 1€ entry, more than 25 stalls packed with unique Christmas gift ideas. Grand raffle; home-made cakes and lots more The last Tuesday of the month VOLUNTEERS MEETING - Trevi bar, Camposol Sector B - 11.30 am. If you would like further information about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting.

For further information please ring 620 582 418. Next meeting September 27th.

JIGSAW BEREAVEMENT GROUP Cats Bar Sector A Camposol 12.00 pm NOW the first Friday of each month. This informal group provides support and information to all bereaved people. Call 620 582 418 for further details.

esamd (Founded 1 May 2006)

Members Social Event Wednesday 18th September 2013 Time: 1330 for 1400 Venue: Viggos Restaurant, Avenida Costa Calida, Puerto de Mazarrón

fast - events

24th August Flamenco Show, Oscars Camposol B Commercial. 8€ incl. basket meal 18th September 160K sponsored Cycle ride by Colin Thackwell & Sharon Chambers.

Starting from TJ’s sector B, Camposol. Sponsor forms available from TJ’s. On Friday the FAST team will also have sponsor forms.

11th October Comedy Cabaret Night with Justin Sane, The Club House Sector C. 8€ incl Raffle 23rd November FAST Christmas Fayre, Mariano’s Sector A. 1€ Entry 27th November Day trip to Benidorm. Departing from sector B 9am. 12€pp 11th December FAST Christmas Party Night Hot & Cold Buffet entertainment Bernie Mac. Steak Out, Commercial Sector B. 10€ Further information tel: Cathie 968 199 717, Brenda 680 174 499, Jean 646 737 479

MABS MAR MENOR EVENTS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER....

MONDAY (every week) FUN QUIZ AT LA ROSA BAR, SAN CAYETANO. 9P.M. For more information contact Julie on 639 619 481.

SATURDAY (every week) BOOKSTALL AT THE ARCHES BAR, LOS ALCAZARES 10.30 - 1P.M. Great selection of books available.

MONDAY 26TH AUGUST: CHARITY GOLF DAY WITH COSTA CALIDA GOLF TOURS AT MAR MENOR GOLF RESORT. Great Prizes and Raffle. If you would like to take part or for more information contact Andy on 968 581 846.

TUESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER: CHARITY MARKET AT LA ZONA BAR, LOS ALCAZARES 10 - 12. Come along and grab a bargain. Clothes & Bric a Brac on sale.

TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER: LADIES LUNCH CLUB AT DIAMANTES RESTAURANT, EL MOJON. 1.30 FOR 2P.M. 3 Course Lunch with glass wine for 10.50 per head. Come along and meet and make new friends. Raffle in aid of MABS. So far this year over 800 Euros raised. To book your place call Karla on 965 352 947.

FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER: SHARE & CARE GROUP, MABS CANCER CENTRE, SAN JAVIER 11A.M. An opportunity to come along for all those affected by Cancer, or recently bereaved for an informal chat and coffee. For more information call Anne on 693 795 247.

Members wishing to attend this event should contact Ian on esamd_espana@yahoo.co.uk or 629 818611.

As this is a lunchtime meal it has been agreed to relax the dress-code for men to smart shorts [no sports shorts or swimwear] and collared & sleeved top [polo shirt, short/long sleeved but no singlet’s or t-shirts]. Members’ adherence to this rule is appreciated.

The HOPEFULS

invite all carers who are coping with partners suffering with Alzheimer´s or similar illnesses to come to a friendly get-together on Friday 23 Aug at 11.30 in Lui´s spacious and user friendly Lounge at the San Javier Camp site for a beverage and a chat. Those wishing to, can play pool, cards, dominoes, or petanque and even stay on to have lunch.

We are sure this will become a popular place to meet as there is no such dedicated charity in Murcia but we are The Hopefuls. Please come along.

For further info. contact Tlfn: 968 185008 or Mobile: 667 587 187

SEND your events, ANNIVERSARies and birthdays GREETINGS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM & WE’LL PRINT THEM for FREE

Tel’s & Cat’s Bar

31st August

byron hawaii

tickets 1€ to reserve seat money to fast & mabs bbq available Food served

Forthcoming Events................

14th September

Caribbean Night with Barrington 21st September

Just BONO U2 tribute

daily 10 – 3pm

Fish and Chips

Wednesdays 6-9pm with fun quiz hosted by Eddie B from Costa Calida Radio

BOOKING ADVISABLE 666 188 353

Sunday lunch served 12-3pm

Camposol Sector A Telephone: 634 143 088 Daily menu available from 10am until 3pm and on Thursdays 8.30am until 3pm.

Traditional Sunday Lunch 12.45 - 3.00pm Small €4.50 large €6.50

Booking advisable

32

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com

WILL BE FINED

enquiries@serenitysailing.com / http://serenitysailing.com/ powerboating-level-2

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

advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email: blancasales@soltimes.com from perjero (england) 70€ for 2 front headlights from toyota carina 1800cc 70€ for 2. front & rear brake pads new still in box for perjero 2.8 sup/excd.

50€. tel: 662 465 080 (camposol, mazarron, area)

6311ARFI I I 2.4GHz Wireless Ultra Slim Keyboard and 1600dpi HiResolution Optical Mouse Still boxed unused, cost £22, Only 10€ Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573, Mob 659013882

pool tables, snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts. tel: 666 933 726 www. spainpool.com

966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 www.southcostablancaonline.com

hearing aids

From

550€

garden services

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

Folding table tennis table with bats and balls, Only 110€ Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573, Mob 659013882

asssa medical

insurances

Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, 968 153 396 mazarron@asssa.es jewellery

GOLD WANTED

PFAFF sewing machine. As new.

All attachments i n c l u d i n g buttonholing and embroidery 50€ 965319784 Shoes Leather size 6 UK/ 39 EU. Brand new

plastering

English jeweller wishes to buy broken E N G L I S H or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and P L A S T E R E R internal finishing, coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT

www.digitalhearingspain.com

never been worn still in the box 25€.

Camposol B Tel 655095242 /968199242 C omplete beginners set golf clubs. Right hand mens golf set.

Donnay international, drivers, putter, sand wedge , complete irons , bag.

Camposol B . 60€ Tel 655095242, 968199242

N etgear ADASL Wifi Hub (DG834G) only 10€ Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573, Mob Ladies Golf E mpre x 659013882 Golf trolley,

METAL BUNK Furniture BED With est computer station 2006 sl glass curtains underneath ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE single & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES create extra living space and house clearance specialist choose from glass curtains, double futon to match FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE glazing, bi-folding doors. for a free bed.

Excellent WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE estimate. Tel: Peter on 646 111 825 condition - Used QUALITY FURNITURE only twice.

Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 insurance C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales Rojales area. 75€ PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: Tel: 635 303088

Furniture first

leak detection

for sale

recon turbo for perjero 2.8 super excd 1998 not used 300€ or near offer. 2 nearly new bridgestone dueler h/t 256/70 r15 110h 50€ boats each. 2 boch fog lights 50€ or 70€ IT IS ILLEGAL TO SKIPPER BOATS for 2. bonnet WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE chip protector If you are caught skippering a power from perjero 2.8 boat without a license you 20€. rear stop light for roof from Possessing an perjero 30€ front (internationally recognised) headlight chip RYA license saves money.

Contact us now with NO OBLIGATION: protectors 40€ for Richard Plaster 638 056 224 / 2. front headlights

see us online everyday

TELEPHONE: 966 719 647

Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@ hotmail.co.uk

good condition.

20€ Camposol B. Tel 655095242, 968199242

Masa small armchair. Blue and yellow fabric. Pine arms and frame 30€ or will swap for IKEA type chair in good condition.

Camposol B Tel 655095242, 968199242

plumber

EMERGENCY

PLUMBER

All plumbing work undertaken, from full bathroom installation to small leaks.

Need a plumber in an emergency then call now

966 763 633 650 587 361

pool & water leak detection & repair specialists

don’t let your pool & water bills drain you!! www.leak-tech.net tel: 627 752 965 • 622 400 365 • 966 194 179 info@leak-tech.net

musician Lenny Mitchell, guitarist singer, international, professional, solo act. lenny Mitchell & his musical time machine invite you on a trip back to the 60’s & 70’s.

Available to play in any venue. tel: 658 321 891 or email lennymitchell@live.co.uk

SOLTIMES CLASSIFIED 966 719 647

pets FINCA LA CASTELLANA ANIMAL WELFARE CENTRE Dougie: Dougie was found in a field after being hit by car, back to full health now and has been castrated, chipped and vaccinations to date.

He is around 12 months old, medium size & loves everyone!

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

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

Basil is about 8 months old and is very affectionate. Good with people a&other dogs.

Would love a home of his own . Smallish, very sociable & desperate to please.

Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 www.k9club.es E-mail k9clubinfo@gmail.com

Eleanor 610188349

WANTED

under counter double freezer can collect tel: 672 033 676 wanted commercial kitchen oven

must be in good working order

Pets In Spain Pixie was found in the campo and was extremely dehydrated and underweight.

She is approx 9 months old and looks like a Sheltie cross, weighing just 5 kilos.

Call: 645 469 253

Nina was thrown from a white Porsche last week and the people drove off leaving her behind. She is around 8 months old & had kittens recently as she still has milk. Nina is very friendly & will make a lovely lap cat.

Call: 645 469 253

can collect call www.petsinspain.com - info@petsinspain.info 609 199 394

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

33

www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa Playa Flamenca

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601 tony@casasolrealestate.com

for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from mojacar Spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan, kitchen & diningroom,workshop, courtyard front & back² €150,000 Tel: 649 186 107 thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca

4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings.

Overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, church & mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course Private Sale €75,000

removals

Just Removals Friendly Low Cost

Full or part loads spain-uk-spain

Local Van & Pets Welcome Moves Trailer Motorbikes - Caravans Call Brian 965 326 920 - 666 847 648 email: beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

UK - SPAIN - UK From a parcel to a small house move

Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk +44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 satellite tv

Sky Digibox, Pace with sky card, BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5, 60€ can deliver. Tel: 667 235 205 Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 Tel: (0034) 676 534 978 475 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

De Lima’s removals new box van leaving from the UK to Spain 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

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

ONE WAY

UK to Spain or Spain to UK

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain

CLASSIFIED 966 719 647

email:davendonc@aol.com

whats in the news?



SOLTIMES

693 251 562 want to know

Van hire

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

Telephone Dave on

SOLTIMES

go online : www.soltimes.com 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.

34

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

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

recruitment

RAY ARE YOU A ?

E OF SUNSHIN

SOLTIMES are looking for A

Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team in Costa Blanca based at our office in Quesada.

Full or part time sales position available.

Experience not essential as full training will be given as long as you’re organised, enjoy meeting people & can work to deadlines

Send your CV to rob@soltimes.com personals “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

ELEGANT SLIM, SEXY, naughty ITALIAN LADY available home/house visits. Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron, quesada and other areas. Escort available home & house visits Tel: 693 357 526

car parts

motoring starts here

Car parts

Need quality new parts for any car

Vehicles wanted

WANTED

ALL VEHICLES

Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, for sensible prices on all parts Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326 Vehicles registration

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

FOR CASH

Telephone: 699 805 995

info@carsrus.es

CA4RS CASH

WE BUY

Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash

jet skis urgentely wanted any condition

bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

603 100 692

E

Don’t take a chance!

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

wanted uk cars & vans bought for cash Tel: 667 235 205

SELLING YOUR car ?

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

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

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

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

recruitment cont...

Same day collection

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

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

Ed’s mobile

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

CAR AIR CONDITIONING REGASING SERVICE SERVICING, REPAIRS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS GARAGE SERVICES

610 078 940

cars for sale SEAT CORDOBA

1.9 DIESEL RHD, SPANISH REG. 1999, 125,000 MILES A/C, 10MTHS ITV, TRANSFER INCLUDED €1500 622 338 515 Ford Fusion Nov - 5 door hatch 1.6 Trend 105,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C, Alloys, CD player PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Remote locking Rear head restraints Awaiting full valet Metallic blue

wanted cars for cash Best prices paid

Spanish English Anything considered

telephone Tim on 662 211 993 cars for sale Toyota Auris 2007 - 5 door hatch 2.0 D4D 6-Speed 108,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Dual Climate) PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix Metallic silver

Mercedes C220 CDi “Sports Coupe” June ‘07 - Sports Coupe 53,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Pearl Blue/Black Grey/Cream leather

€5,250 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Hyundai i30 2011 - 5 door hatch 1.6 CRDi Classic 18,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history 3 Years orig warranty!

A/C, PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Isofix Metallic burgundy

€9,950 www.fwreurocars.com

THIS SPACE, FOR PRIVATE ADVERTISERS,

IS ONLY 15€

vacancy

INCLUDING A PHOTO

Call Jane on 611 611 858

& REACH OVER 40,000 READERS

Hairdresser part-time with view to full time at Condado & Bolnuevo and beautician part time

CASH CASH CASH

PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647

€7,750

€12,750

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

Looking

Ford Fiesta 2003 - 5 door hatch 1.4 Steel 81,000 kms 2 owners Fully serviced A/C, , PAS, ABS Electric windows CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Burgundy

600 726 221 965 687 976

for a car we have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles available for sale or exchange.

Telephone 600 726 221 965 687 976

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

€3,950 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

Do you have a caravan, vehicle, or motorbike for sale To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers call Christine on

966 719 647

www.soltimes.com

viewpoint alqueria - Pacoism

I don’t like shopping, thus I go to Mercadona, where I can get everything that I need under one roof.

Non-household shopping, by which I mean clothes, shoes, bags, curtain, cushions, etc. is no more pleasurable, but still at times necessary. For these items the one roof principle gives way to the one stop principle, e.g. the Shopping Centre - Specifically, the Almenara

outside Lorca.

We needed between us shoes, shorts, tops and T shirts, but we didn’t need a size chart, because we knew what size we were. However, what we didn’t know is what size the various items were – it may say 34 on the label, but 34 what?

It started with trainers for me – easy, size 6 or 40 will fit. Oh, no they won’t! Like the Ugly Sister in Cinderella there is no way my foot was going into a size 6; size 8 had to be called for, which turned out to be a 41. Now there’s an anomaly; If 6 = 40, and 8 = 41, where has size 7 gone?

Shorts for Pete was no easier. We soon gave up selection by label size, and chose by the oldfashioned method of holding the item up and judging the size by eye.

He retired into the cubicle with size 38, 42 and 52, where he discovered that 38 was too big, 52 a bit snug, but 42 was perfect!

With our shopping tolerance waning by the minute we riffled through the thousands of T shirts, totally disregarding the size labels, and chose a dark blue M, which was the same size as its neighbour XL, but without the garish logo.

Having waded through acres of men’s walking shorts in the sports shops but drawn a complete blank for women’s walking shorts, I pinned my hopes on C & A, which is normally a good hunting ground for me as I am C & A shaped.

Yes, they had shorts. In two sizes – Advanced Anorexia or Elephant’s Comfort Fit. I gave up and glanced dismally at the bras, where my size, according to the size conversion label, is 90. I have no idea what 90 relates to, as no part of my chest area measures 90 anythings!

They had plenty of bras, all between size 80 and 110. Are C & A deliberately discriminating against the normal sized woman? Midway between anger and despair I wandered past the Sale rail, where 3 blouses fell into my hand – XS, M and 48/50.

They all were the identical dimensions and all fitted – so josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk what size am I? I don’t know!

By Jos Biggs

Welcome To the Twilight Zone

World shattering ideas and the best wheezes, always seem to pop into my head in that half sleep/half wakeful no-man’s land. And I know that it’s either drag myself out of my comfortable bed and make notes quickly, thereby upsetting my lovely lady by switching on the light, or go back to sleep in the knowledge that come morning, they will have melted away like snow in Barbados and be lost forever.

And so it was last night, when a vision of the Queens Corgi’s appeared uninvited into my almost comatose head. Don’t ask me why, nothing royal had crossed my mind that day, neither had dogs or anything remotely doggy. But there they were, sitting side by side, just looking at me expectantly.

I was determined not to get out of bed and reach for my note book and threw them a mental stick to chase, but they were having none of it and just sat there with lolloping tongues, willing me to come up with some Corgi type tales. And although I did manage to resist the idea of dragging myself to the computer, I spent the

35

next God knows how many hours – fully awake – allowing all sorts of scenarios to troupe in bizarre procession through the twilight world of my imagination. All it needed to recall every eccentric detail this morning, was the trigger word ‘Corgi’.

I’ve always thought that it would be a real eye opener to be a fly on the wall inside the royal apartments, to catch glimpses of Her Majesty and Phil totally relaxed and away from the glare of the media. After all they are just two flesh and blood people like the rest of us when you get right down to it.

So there they are in their lynge, in dressing gowns and wearing Homer Simpson slippers. The Queen is knitting a cardy for baby George as she catches up with Emmerdale on telly, and the Duke is nodding off - a whiskey and soda on the table beside him - as one of the Corgi’s lets one go. Now I’m sorry, they might be royalty, but dogs is dogs and they all have the same disgusting habits and peculiarities.

200TH ARTICLE A HUGE

THANK YOU

TO COLIN WHO HAS BEEN WRITING FOR US FOR OVER 4.5 YEARS NOW! ED X

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

The Queen is the first to notice the change of atmosphere and naturally does what any woman would do, and that’s blame her partner.

“Is that you Phillip?” she retorts, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

“What? . . . no it’s that bloody mutt Candy” He observes, kicking the nearest dog.

It has to be noted that in fact not all the Queens dogs are pure bred Corgis, Candy and Vulcan being what are known as Dorgis – a cross between Corgis and Dachshunds - and who can therefore legitimately be referred to as mutts.

And as if by way of confirmation, Candy lifts her head and with her whole front end doing a ‘U’ turn, she sniffs the grey cloud hovering around her rear end and delivers the surprised look that all dogs give at times like this and which basically says: “Was that me? . . . Really?”

A footman enters carrying a tray of cocoa for HM; another Scotch for HRH, and a plate of custard creams. As he turns to leave, one of the Dorgi’s/ Corgi’s, attaches itself to his left leg in a death lock as it tries to achieve what Mick Jagger apparently could not, back in 1965 and proceeds to vigorously hump his calf. But Royal footmen are impeccably trained and made of stern stuff, so pretending not to notice, and gathering as much dignity as possible, he about turns and with head held high exits with immaculate decorum, complete with a panting dog superglued to his leg.

You have to assume that the royal hounds have the run of the house, so it must be a nightmare making sure that little wet messages and embarrassing Richard the Thirds are cleared away as quickly and discretely as possible.

Perhaps there is a dog flap in the drawbridge, so that they have easy access to the gardens, but whose job is it to clean up after them?

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

Size Matters

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

Whether Pacoism will rival the great religions of the world only time will tell. Whether Existentialists or Humanist will convert to the Pacoist philosophy, we will have to wait and see. Presently Pacoism only flourishes in Alqueria. Groups of travellers make pilgrimages to the village just to worship at the feet of Loco Paco. The great man had absolutely no idea of what was going on. His world is one of a finely crafted veneer meticulously built up over the years. Anything outside of his small terraced house was a complete mystery to him. His only friends are a Saharan Dung Beetle called Benjy and an imaginary five foot rodent. To the Travellers the three identities form the ‘Holy Trinity of the Divine Paco’.

The villagers themselves were delighted at this influx of visitors and their cash. The Travellers consumed Remitroot at an unnerving rate, their hedonistic community relished the effects of the liquor particularly its qualities as an aphrodisiac. Although the traders of Alqueria were delighted the population in general were rather puzzled and surprised at the choice of the ‘Holy One’. It is a commonly held belief that simply staying in bed drains Paco’s intellectual reserves.

Paco’s followers believe Manuela to be his foil and therefore the Evil One, calling her ‘La Diablesa’ and making the sign of ‘La Moza Malvada’ whenever she appears. This did not surprise the villagers however, they have had their suspicions for years. Manuela did nothing to disprove this conviction. It all added to her kudos, her mystery, her control over the male population of the Pueblo.

The route from Órgiva to Alqueria is by now a well-trodden one. A pilgrim’s trail for the Travellers. Groups sit crossed legged under Paco’s window discussing his philosophy and miracles. Paco’s philosophy is one woven around him without his knowledge or consent, certainly without his understanding.

The miracles The Miracle of the Crying Virgin. This turned out to be Pilar Redondorodillas keeper of the local bakery. The flour made her appear as a plaster saint, the crying because Paco had walked in and as for being a virgin, sheer invention.

The Apparition of the Dancing Man. This figure appears on Paco’s patio dancing and singing in an incomprehensible and unknown language. It usually appears a day or so after Blythe Gruntmore, the resident Englishman and Geordie receives his Newcastle Brown Ale shipment from Gibraltar.

Even someone as intellectually challenged as Paco couldn’t remain oblivious to his new found status indefinitely. He began putting two and two together. Despite several wrong answers the realisation finally dawned and it made Paco feel rather uncomfortable.

(No of course they don’t have a drawbridge at Buck House; that’s just me being silly).

I can’t see Her Majesty carrying poop bags around with her, so some poor servant must have the responsibility for this distasteful task. And how would he or she have got the job. I mean how would it have been advertised? That’s a question for another

sleepless night.

These then were the musings of my tired and hyper active imagination – and I haven’t even started on Prince Phillip’s ferrets, or the palace parrots with their colourful collection of ribald songs, courtesy of the Duke’s coaching.

I should really get out more...

36

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

http://www.yellowfindesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Kate-Crowther-Portfolio-2011-sml_Page_1.jpg

braben’s blog...

I think it’s good that we celebrate so many important events throughout the year, with days set aside for things like World Peace Day, World Literacy Day and World Environmental Day. All are worthy and important events, but what of the other, lesser known days, what do we do to celebrate them? In July every year in America they have National French Fries Day. Really? They celebrate chips with a day to themselves? I suppose it must be held on a Friday, what do you think? Sorry, that was like a joke-a bit.

Strangely enough, the day that National French Fries Day is celebrated is also Embrace Your Geekness Day. Now come on, who on earth sits in a darkened room night after night, drinking gallons of Red Bull inventing ridiculous things to celebrate and why chips and geeks? Surely there are others who are equally worthy of being remembered with a day all to themselves? What’s wrong with, say, National Pest Control Operative Day, or National Person Who Makes Your Hot Chocolate at Starbucks Day? Worryingly, there are sites that recommend presents for many of these days and for the Geek in your life, if you have one-a Geek that is, not a lifethere are recommendations to buy Geek or Nerd clothing, whatever that may be, or subscriptions to things like PC World. Now look, I’m beginning to become suspicious. Chips day, Geeks Day and other days like themyes there are many-are designed only with the intention of getting us to part with our money. Maybe they should rename those days National Gullibility Day? They’re harmless I suppose, apart from costing a small fortune in sending appropriate greetings cards and gifts, if you take them seriously. My favourite Day is Peculiar People Day, celebrated on 10 January, so next year, don’t forget that strange person in your life and send a card telling them how odd they are. I’m sure they’ll see the funny Graham is married side of it and not want to visit you in the dead of to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. night with a sinister look in their eyes to administer He lives part of the a Norman Bates moment or two. year near Albox, If you can wait, in September there are two days but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish that surely are especially for politicians amongst us. to contact Graham First we have National Procrastination Day, I think, regarding this then Ask a Stupid Question Day. I’m confident that article email: helenandg@yahoo. they’ll do justice to both-as they manage to do co.uk every day!

Spain & Morocco’s Differences of Opinion courtesy Wikipedia

The Pot and the Kettle

The Islas Chafarinas are three small islands located just 3.5km off the coast of Morocco, they have been occupied by the Spanish since 1847 with the only residents being a 190 strong military garrison. There used to be a colony of the world’s second rarest seal the Mediterranean Monk Seal living there but by 1990 they had all been murdered by fishermen for ‘stealing’ their fish.

The Alhucemas islands consist of three islands all within hailing distance of Morocco. The Penon de Alhucemas at just 200m off the Moroccan coast is the largest with a Spanish fortress housing a garrison of 30 men on it. The other two islands are Isla la Mar at 207m away and the Isla de Tierra is closer still being just 93m from its African neighbour.

Next we have Penon de Velez de Gomera; this island is so close to Morocco that in 1934 a huge storm washed so much sand between them that it created an 85m beach to connect them. It’s classed as the world’s shortest land border. A Spanish

garrison is stationed on the fort that’s built on the 100m high rock. Last summer the Committee for the liberation of Ceuta and Melilla which included the local mayor managed to scale the rock and plant Moroccan flags before getting arrested. 1790 was the last time there was a military attempt to get it back from Spain. It looks like a ‘Mini-Me’ of another place that’s been in the news recently – Gibraltar.

The Isla de Perejil is uninhabited lying 250m off the coast of Morocco, about 13 km from mainland Spain with ownership disputed between the two countries. Morocco placed some Army cadets there in July 2002 to stop illegal immigrants and smugglers using the island. Spain was having none of it and a week later sent a major invasion force consisting of the Air Force, the Navy and their elite commando unit across the Straits of Gibraltar to valiantly retake the island from the terrified teenagers who gave up on the spot without firing a shot. Even the Spanish Legion got involved. The spat was deemed so important that the great warrior Colin

Powell brokered a peace deal which still leaves the island disputed by both sides. The island is again empty apart from some goats with Moroccan nationality.

Melilla is part of the European Union and lies in east Morocco. It’s been won and lost by the Spanish many times since they first invaded in 1497.

The last conflict ended in 1926. It is twice as large of Gibraltar, with the population of about 75,000 fiercely holding on to their Spanish identity.

Melilla was where the Spanish Civil War started with a military revolt against the Republican officers in July 1936. The first concentration camp by the Nationalists was also built here and infamously the town boasts the only statue of Franco still on Spanish soil. King Juan Carlos visited in 2007 causing massive protests in Morocco.

I remember Charles and Di’s visit to Gibraltar in 1981 causing a similar stir.

Lastly there is Ceuta; 18 miles from Gibraltar and three times the size with a population of 85,000. Invaded by the Portuguese in 1415, a treaty signed in 1668 gave it to Spain just a few years before the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 gave Gibraltar to the British.

Ten thousand Moroccans cross the border each day to work there; it has a low tax regime, a strong military presence and is notorious for smuggling. Morocco wants it back but Spain ain’t budging. Sound familiar?

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

YOU ARE BEING LIED TO!

Now I have your attention, let me explain!

A new study says that on average, more than half of the ink from inkjet cartridges is wasted when we throw them in the rubbish bin. Why is that interesting? According to the study, we are throwing them out when the printers are telling us that the cartridge is empty and this, usually, isn’t true.

The study by TÜV Rheinland looked at inkjet efficiency across multiple brands, including Epson; who were among the highest rated, at more than 80 percent efficiency using single-ink cartridges and not too surprisingly, commissioned the study; Lexmark, Canon, HP, Kodak, and Brother. The test was a simple one, weigh an unused, empty cartridge of the type being tested, to get a baseline weight. Weigh a full cartridge and finally re-weigh it when the printer says it is empty.

Simple!

That’s the first problem. Printers routinely report that they are low on ink even when they aren’t. We, the user, assuming that the printer is reporting the accurate measurement of ink used, according throw out the used cartridge. The truth is that there can be up to 20% of the original quantity of ink left in the cartridge. You are being conned out of 1 fifth of the possible printing that could be done and in some cases there are still hundreds of pages worth of ink left.

Now add this to the fact that when you buy a new printer the cartridges are usually only half full in relation to the ‘normal’ standard cartridge, and the cost of replacing these cartridges is almost equivalent to buying a new printer, and that these cartridges are all the same size but are marketed at ‘standard’ and ‘high-capacity’ and differ only by the amount of ink! Then you will begin to see just how much you are being lied to and conned!

The second issue is a familiar one: multi-ink cartridges are marked “empty” when only one colour runs low. Multi-ink cartridges store three to five colours in a single cartridge. Printing too many photos from the air show will kill your cartridge faster than you can say “blue skies,” as dominant colours (say, “blue”) are used faster than the others. Therein lies the reason Epson backed the study: the company is singing the praises of its single-ink cartridge approach, an approach which is necessarily more efficient in terms of wasted ink because there’s only one colour per cartridge, and thus only one cartridge to replace when that colour runs out.

Still, the unintended result of this study is that regardless of the battle between single- and multi-ink cartridges, inkjet printers themselves are way off the mark when it comes to reporting the fullness of their cartridges. Next week we can look at possible solutions to this problem.

I am waiting for you, the reader, who might be experiencing problems, to suggest the best day(s) to have a regular ‘clinic’ at ‘Jacks Bar’, where you can come and get your computer related problems diagnosed FREE of charge! Now that has to be a good deal :-) For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

TEST DRIVE: SEAT TOLEDO

We live in extremely straitened times where most countries including the UK continue to accumulate debt. The prospect of a career for life has become virtually nonexistent. UK house prices have risen to such an extent that first time buyers are now nearly 40 years old.

In fact when my father was my age he borrowed three times his salary to purchase our family

home - a beautiful four bed detached property in need of updating with two acres of land in a picturesque part of Dorset. That would barely get me a one bed house in a rundown part of the next county now.

Why has life become such a struggle? Most of us feel that there’s less money with which we have to do more.

Consequently, the hard up motorist craves a good

deal and Seat, realises this. It has responded with its Toledo, the family hatchback priced from under £13,000 to just below £18,000. And its diesel model also happens to be super economical. Thank goodness – perhaps life is not so bad after all.

Named after the historic Spanish city, this is an extremely sensible car for our times. With its clean lines it one to be proud

TEST DRIVE: CITROEN BERLINGO

A friend needs a broken cooker replacing immediately. I suggest repairing it but he says it costs more to repair than to replace. He is frustrated that only the four hobs on his Beko work and that an element for the grill and oven needs replacing at considerable expense,

which isn’t justifiable.

“Older cookers don’t have built in redundancy,” my cynical friend claims, “like all new appliances, which are designed to fail so that the manufacturer and their supply chain continue to make money after the product has been sold.”

Now, normally, I wouldn’t

be able to help him because firstly I am no electrician and secondly even with the best will in the world a cooker will not fit in the back of my old Ford Fiesta.

But this week I’m driving a shiny new Citroen Berlingo van with double doors at the rear and a helpful sliding door at the

of; the 1.6TDI SE test model s ig n i f ic a nt ly helped by its rich burgundy finish.

Sharing the same chassis as the Skoda Rapid, which I tested only a few weeks ago both models clearly share a good deal.

This comes as no surprise as Spain based Seat is owned by Vol k s w agen , which also owns Skoda.

The rear wash/wipe on both models has been borrowed from the Audi A1. The washer is built into the wiper and effectively projects a jet of spray across the window unlike any other wiper I have come across.

Buyers pay a premium for such innovative features on the Audi, too. Inside, the dashboard is very similar to the Rapid with the same layout and controls. Then there’s the side as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. So I suggest that we pop down to this reconditioning specialist I know not far from where I live and see what they can offer. He’s delighted because he was fretting about how he would transport a cooker if he found one. And he’s even happier when he learns that there are three seats in the Berlingo cabin, so his girlfriend can come along, too.

Inside, the cabin is comfortable and, just like the exterior it is reminiscent of the Peugeot Partner van, that I tested a few weeks ago. Air conditioning, electric windows and a decent stereo all come as standard and the five speed manual gearbox is easy to use. The diesel engine is responsive and economical.

Anyway, they find a cooker for under £100 and we take it away there and then. It’s fairly easy for us to manoeuvre it into the back of the van, shoving it through the double doors

37

motoring

good build quality and the hardwearing interior trim.

Its seats could do with being more supportive, especially over longer journeys. Generally it has a competent if bland ride.

There’s a folding armrest in the centre of the cabin, which is useful for long motorway jaunts when gear changes aren’t required.

At speed the Toledo does buffet a bit in the wind but this is quickly forgotten when realising that this little gem returns over 50mpg at 70mph. Engine stop/start helps this model easily cover 700 miles on a tank of fuel. It’s pretty gutsy, too, hitting 60mph from standstill in just over 10 seconds. The five-speed box is as reasonable as you might expect; I don’t have a bad word to say about it.

Families need a massive boot and they won’t be disappointed with the 550 litres of luggage space as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. If more room is required the rear seats fold down and the centre rear armrest conceals a hole for long, awkward objects such as skis or piping. Luxuries include electric front

on its back and then my friend opens the sliding door and jumps through to pull it into the rear. There’s a step inside the sliding door that makes getting into it fairly easy.

“The Citroën Berlingo has ruled the small panel van market since it was launched in 1996,” says Parkers, the car experts.

“A market leader through virtue as well as value, the [second generation Berlingo introduced in 2008] offers a raft of improvements over the previous model, which make the arguments for choosing one even more compelling. Two body lengths are now available and many new features, including a collapsible passenger seat to increase load length for

windows, electrically adjustable wing mirrors and air conditioning.

“Seat will be hoping that the Toledo can help dent the sales figures of popular established hatchbacks like the Ford Focus while pinning back newer entries in to this market such as the Volvo V40,” writes Parkers, the car experts. While it may have the appearance of a saloon, this latest version of the Toledo comes with a large, wide-opening rear hatch.”

The Toledo, just like the Skoda Rapid, makes an ideal family proposition.

specification 2013 onwards New price range: £12,495 - £17,840 Economy: 64mpg 0-60mph: 10.1secs Top speed: 118mph Power: 103bhp Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz especially long items.

The Ready To Run range includes factory-produced specialist conversions including glass-carriers, dual-fuel LPG models and temperatu re - controlled vans.

specification Citroen Berlingo 1.6HDi Diesel New price range: £13,289 - £18,879 Economy: over 50mpg Power: 90bhp Top speed: over 100mph Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former 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

38

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

SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

sport

motoring

There is only one luxury people mover and that is the...

Chrysler Grand Voyager

It is fortunate that I have a grand voyage of my own planned to really put it through its paces. And I am pleased to report that it scored very highly with the Saunders family.

I want to whisk my family away for a long weekend to Tichborne’s Farm Cottages in Wiltshire and all our belongings would not have fitted into a standard car.

It is only when you have at least two children that you realise many cars just aren’t big enough anymore. They won’t fit all the paraphernalia.

But this cavernous yank easily swallows everything including our cumbersome tandem pushchair, together with one crib, four days of food for the self-catering break, various suitcases for the girls and a couple of shirts for me...

Life is so very easy with the Chrysler. Everything is electrically operated including the power folding wing mirrors and front seats.

The rear doors and boot can be opened or closed by pressing the appropriate button on the keyfob or by the front occupants who can push the roof mounted switches as you can see in the videos at testdrives.biz.

The rear passengers aren’t forgotten either because there is a button close to the Hello

inside of each door for them to use if desired. The doors also automatically slide open when the external handle is pulled. These rear doors are especially userfriendly when children’s car seats need fitting because there is so much space.

Traditional car doors that open outwards often pose a problem when they cannot be fully opened, for instance where there’s another car parked next to you in a car park.

The third row of seats, which accommodate three passengers is easily lifted at the click of a button in the boot. This rises or falls with ease and when stowed, the boot is simply enormous.

My wife likes the fact that there is a space between the two seats in the second row, giving passengers plenty of room and allowing for long items to be easily stored.

Simple to pull up blinds are also fitted inside all the blacked out rear windows for extra protection from the sun.

As a treat my eldest daughter is allowed to watch a DVD and headphones are stored in a useful overhead compartment.

This large vehicle is famed for its regular appearance in BBC1’s The Apprentice,

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where it ferries hapless candidates to Lord Sugar’s various challenges.

It’s an ideal vehicle for such activities because there is plenty of room inside, making it perhaps more user-friendly than the slightly cheaper but more traditional black cab taxi.

With its brilliant black finish, chrome grille, door mirrors and handles the Grand Voyager cuts a dashing figure commanding many a second glance from admiring motorists.

I like the captain’s style seats, which incorporate fold down armrests in the front and in the second row. The driving position is excellent

and it’s a responsive vehicle considering its size although the brakes are not as responsive as I might wish on some occasions.

The 2.8-litre diesel engine is a little rough around the edges and can be heard from inside the cabin but for me this just adds to the sense that it is a van and that’s quite appealing. It’s perhaps what the A-team might have moved up to if they ever became more sophisticated. The six speed auto box is guilty of being a little indecisive at times usually when travelling at low speed up a hill and second gear might do the job just as well as third at around 25 to 30mph. Despite its size it has the power to safely overtake vehicles at speed along Wiltshire’s B-roads.

Overall the Chrysler Grand Voyager is unequalled in terms of luxury and capability. We travel around 300 miles on under half a tank. A hard vehicle for the family to return.

specification

Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD Limited OTR price with options: £36,930 0-60mph: 12.8secs Top speed: 115mph Economy: 30mpg Road tax: £600 a year

Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former 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

SMGS at VILLAMARTIN

San Miguel Golf Society’s monthly visit to Villamartin, one of our most popular venues, is always well supported but as is usual in the searing August temperatures, quite a few regulars don’t brave the midday heat.

From a personal point of view after a run of fairly good performances, lying in a shady spot beside a few chilled beers does sound a far more constructive way of killing a few hours…..

Still, it was me who chose to duff the odd shot as well as missing a bagful of putts resulting in getting even hotter and more bothered over this most frustrating of pastimes. Makes you seriously consider taking up line-dancing or even knitting!

That reminds me…..

Paddy and Mick came dashing out of the local zoo covered in scratches and their clothes in tatters with Paddy shouting, “Well Mick, I don’t know about you but that’s the first and

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last time I’m goin’ liondancing!”

Anyway, I couldn’t lay any blame on the course which, in fact, was a tad shorter than normal as someone had been sensible enough to move the blocks forward to a reasonable distance away from the whites!

As I say, it didn’t do me a lot of good but the vast majority of the field scored well with the very unusual result of all six winners in the members’ section shooting under par. Barry will have the scalpel out tonight!

NTP prizes went to Brian Staines (Hole 6), John Aitchison (Hole 9), Alan Gilbert (Hole13) and John Osborne (Hole 17). The best guest award went to Ian Drakesmith for a very commendable 36.

Top three in the silver division were Norman McBride, 3rd with 38 pts, Mick Roscoe, 2nd with 39 pts and Alan Gilbert in 1st place with 41 pts.

3rd in the gold division was big Mick Cook with 37pts, 2nd was Brian Staines with 38 pts and top of the gold was Arnie Hansen with 39 pts. Congratulations to all this week’s prize-winners.

Get all your society info at www.smgs.org or simply give Baz a buzz on 966 731 033 for all the details of forthcoming Wednesday meetings.

Visitors are always made to feel very welcome.

Photo: Some of this week’s happy winners.

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2013

FC TORREVIEJA

CD Montesinos

TWO MORE SCORE DRAWS FOR TORRY Torry have signed another central defender in the past week. He is 25 year old, Alicante born Alexis Who has played for Torrelano, Elche Ilicitano and more recently Mexican first division side Estudiantes de Altamira who he joined in January and made 10 appearances for.

In the latest pre-season friendlies Torry drew 2 -2 at home to Murcian Tercera side UCAM Murcia and 1-1 away at Regional Preferente side CD Almoradi.

The results of both games were probably a fair reflection of the play.

The scorers against UCAM Murcia were Pastor and trialist Javi and against CD Almoradi Carrasco netted from a spot kick.

I am pleased to report that Rafa is back and came on as a substitute in both friendlies. Both keepers played a half apiece and both performed competently with Carrion probably looking the most likely to start as the no 1.

Defensively Torry look o.k. except for defending set-pieces. This needs to be worked at on the training ground.

Vicente should occupy the right-back position and Dani the left-back position with Eloy as back-up.

In central defence the pairing of Rafa and new signing Alexis, who looked comfortable on his debut at Almoradi, looks to be the most effective although Alexis needs to put in a bit of extra training to come up to match pace.

The versatile Burguillos can stand in there as can the trialist Maxi if Torry sign him. In central midfield

Valdeolivas and Burguillos will compete for the holding role although the manager may elect to play both of them. On the flanks there will be competition for places between Pastor, who looks a promising prospect, Micro and Manu Amores and probably Eric who is not a natural centre forward. Depending on whether the manager plays one or two holding players there will be competition between Carrasco, Alberto and Gasch for the second central striker role.

Carrasco would be my pick given his experience and technical ability.

The problem position is definitely centre forward.

Eric does not have the physical presence there and the manager needs to act quickly and try and get somebody in. If he doesn’t then that is where Gasch may have to play through necessity.

Last night Torry played at home to CD Cox who achieved promotion to the Regional Preferente at the end of last season. On Saturday Torry play their final scheduled friendly away to another Regional Preferente side Thader (Rojales).

Hopefully Torry will have/ will record victories in both these games against lower level opposition to take them into the season with some confidence.

A slightly worried Darrylldinho, following his adopted team in Spain prepare for the new season with a bit of a lack of real fire-power.

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Sporting maz Camposol FC Alley Palais 5 -2 In the first small test of the season Sporting showed the first 20 minutes what potential there is. Within 20 minutes it was soon 3-0.

The 16-year-old Daniel Scott in the center of the first half scored a hattrick and gave an assist. This young talent was man of the match. After the first hurricane of attacks FC Alley Palais came more into the game and create some possibilities.

By a small mistake of the goalkeeper of Sporting gave FC Alley Palais the 3 -1.

After that showed Sporting some skills and ran it to 5-1.

In the second half the heat

clearly began to play a role.

The game was slower in the second half and with some changes in the game the level of the teams was not reached as in the first half.

FC Alley Palais scored 1x, bringing the final score to 5-2. All in all a fun game to watch and promised much for the future. Coach Jelco Oosterhof “I’ve seen enough things we can continue, this was very good for us.” “A very good start.”

(Sporting Camposol: Daniel Scott 3x, Dani 1x, 1x Budia / AP FC: Tom 1x, 1x James) Gerard

Lo Marabu Golf Society (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Font del Llop on 8th August 2013.

For this month’s interim society meeting a group of 20 players visited the established course at Font Del Llop taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The weather was superb and the course in excellent condition and we played a BOGEY competition which was a new concept to many of the players, although judging by the scores we should play this event more often.

The wining scores were as follows: 1st –Sebastian Lee +2 2nd – Craig Ross +2

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3rd – D Bensley +2 4th – P Hardiman +1 Nearest the Pins: Paul Hardiman and Malcolm Wright We were joined today by Craig Ross who plays off plus 2 and recently lost in the semi-final of the Scottish Amateurs Championship and played Font Del Llop in 68 gross today and so at 19 years old is one to watch for the future.

Our next FULL society fixture is at Villamartin on 28th August 2013.

Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costablanca-greenfees.com.

This week we play the first of our pre season friendly matches. On Wednesday evening 14th August at 9pm we play a training game against a non federated side to give the players their first run out.

On Saturday 17th August kick off 7.30 we are at home to Dolores in our first real test.

On Wednesday 21st August at 9pm we are away to El Altet (to be confirmed).

On Saturday 24th August at 7.30pm we are at home to Torrevieja (to be

39

sport confirmed).

On Wednesday 28th August at 9pm we are at home to Santa Pola (to be confirmed).

On Saturday 7th September we are at home to San Fulgencio (to be confirmed).

This will be the presentation of the team before the season starts proper.

A complete list of pre season games, photos information and full training scedule is in the “PRE SEASON” section on the club website www. cdmontesinos.com

TMGS Match Report for Saurines de la Torre – m7th August 2013 This was our first venture to Saurines although one or two had played it before.

It has to be said that the fairways and the greens were in an excellent condition and the Caddy Master had the attitude of “no matter what, I am here to serve you” which is, in itself, a diminishing attitude of some courses in the area.

The main area of concern seemed to be the “lost ball” syndrome where if you strayed left or right, you were in an area of desert sand (not really sand, more gravel and fescue bushes). We might, in the future, introduce a local rule where the ball “isn’t lost, but unplayable”…which could and should increase the pace of play. Many enjoyed the challenge, a few didn’t and the scores were a reflection on just how tough this course can be.

The Silver Division, like the Gold suffered and it only took m27 points for John Hillier to claim 4th spot. 28 points was enough for Mick Kennedy and Alan Rickers to claim 3rd and 2nd…and this

left Roger Nilsen to win that Division with 30 points.

The Gold lot didn’t do much better and 29 points (countback employed) wasn’t enough for Vernon Brown to edge out John Eyre for 4th and 3rd. Alan Rixson took the runners-up slot with 32 points and this left James Hunter with an excellent 40 points to take the honours of the day.

NTP’s were claimed by Richard (Hippy Boy) Wale, James Hunter and gusts Mark Howard…who in addition won the Best Guest prize with 35 points.Photo is of the Silver category winners Our next game, Wednesday 14th August 2013, see’s us at the La Finca golf course, so if you fancy a game just look at our website www. tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604.

We also run small matches on Friday’s and if you fancy a fun knock around, contact Steve Higgins on 968 978 188.

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