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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

A child used as decoy in theft Two women went into a lottery outlet store, which also sold toys and other related items. While they distracted the owner by asking to see various toys, the boy emptied the cash box, which contained 2,500 euros. The two women who accompanied the boy are of Roma origins, and one of them is his mother. The theft occurred in Beniel. During a 12 hour period there were a total of four robberies in Beniel and the environs of Zeneta. laverdad.es

Sport

Poker club robbed at gunpoint The thieves burst in at six in the morning, shot the owner in the leg and wounded one of the players in the head. The property, Cafeteria Marcha.com, had a license for the playing of poker, and was holding an after-hours game. A group of four men of North African appearance, who had been hiding nearby waiting for the club to close, became impatient andburst in armed with a sledgehammer, a hammer and a sawn off gun. The premises was heavily protected, and the gang had to shoot off the doorknob to obtain entry; it was during this that the injuries occurred. They took the wallets and mobile phones of the players and owner, plus cash from the till and 10,000 euros that were on the table, then fled towards Orihuela after taking the car keys of a black 5 series BMW from one customer. laverdad.es

Drugs outlet dismantled in a bar in Totana The Guardia Civil’s operation ‘Tiralineas’ has led to the detention of a woman and the seizure of over 400 doses of cocaine, 100 doses of several grams of heroin and several grams of hashish and marijuana. Some of the doses were prepared for imminent distribution and others were stored, double wrapped and ready for preparation. Operation ‘Tiralineas’ has led to the clear up of five criminal activities this year. laverdad.es

Yellow Alert for coastal areas.

The Region was on yellow alert last Saturday for adverse weather along the coast.

The notice affected the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón and was in force from eight in the evening until twelve o’clock, as reported by sources of the State Meteorological Agency through its website.

Caravaca de la Cruz

4,000 year old dog found in Caravaca de la Cruz.

Researchers at the UnidadDocente de Anatomía y Embriología de la Universidad de Murcia (Teaching Unit of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Murcia) have partially reconstructed the skeleton of a domestic dog which lived with man in the Chalcolithic period, about 4,000 years ago. The skeletal remains of the dog were collected at an archaeological site at Caravaca de la Cruz. The researchers, led by professors Francisco Gil Cano and José MaríaVázquez, have worked for four years in the identification of some 2,000 bones or bone fragments belonging to different species of domestic animals, primarily canines, from this site at Camino del Molino. The dog, which has been given the name ‘Fibula’ corresponds to the species ‘Canis lupus familiaris’, and is of medium size and well proportioned. According to research, the dog was fed mainly bones. The study notes that ‘Fibula’ suffered a major fracture of tibia and fibula of the right hindlimb, which would have limitedhis use as an assistant to man. However, he must have been highly appreciated and loved by the people of the Chalcolithic settlement, because, despite these limitations, he died at an advanced age, which suggests thathe was well cared for. laverdad.es

national news ‘Black Friday’ offers in Spain Department stores and major distribution companies throughout Spain have decided to adopt the USA’s ‘Black Friday’ custom, where offer special deals and discounts are offered on many products to encourage shoppers in the pre-Christmas season. For the first time this year Amazon.es will offer discounts of up to 50 % on certain products. Apple, which has been following this tradition for several years in Spain, has confirmed it will continue to offer discounts in their 10 shops as well as online. Oysho is offering a 20% discount on its underwear, sports and homewear collection in its 188 stores, though Zara Home’s 20% discount will only be effective through its website (www.zarahome.com). Media Markt, with 72 stores selling electronics, and El Corte Inglés are also joining the ‘B;ack Friday’ initiative. Black Friday this year was November 29th. laverdad.es

laverdad.es

German police investigating

German police are investigating a possible case of cannibalism

A man has been arrested who allegedly killed another man after contacting him on a cannabalism forum. According to Bild newspaper the body of the victim, a 59 year old man reported missing in Hanover in early November, was found dismembered on a plot of land. The alleged murderer, a calligraphic expert of 55 years of age, who worked for the Dresden Police Force, became a suspect after officers found his entry in a cannibalism contacts page on the Internet, where apparently the two men met. The victim,who had had enough of his life,was seeking contact with someone and allegedly found the accused, who invited him to visit forum. laverdad.es

Heroic member of the public apprehends murderer

The murderer of the girls of Alcásserhas been released

‘I threw myself on him not knowing whether he still had the knife.’ said 55 years old C. Pascual, of Beteró in Valencia.

Miguel Ricart has been released from the Herrera de la Mancha prison after the Audiencia de Valencia (Court of Valencia) declared that he had ‘fulfilled the penalties imposed’ according to the DoctrinaParot.

Neighbours declared him a hero after he jumped on his bike and gave chase, eventually apprehending Juan Antonio Alacid, young resident of Cieza, who had stabbed his ex-girlfriend dead on the street before the eyes of numerous witnesses. Pascual, who works for HalcónSeguridad, was using his computer at the time. “I heard the screams of a woman calling for help, and looked out the window. I could see how she struggled with a man. I did not see if he was armed, but I went down into the street.’ he said. His son Iván, 31, was with him, and the two went to the aid of the victim. Seeing the assailant fleeing, they gave chase, and Pascual borrowed a bike from a passing member of the public, which allowed him to catch up and tackle the young man. He held him in an arm lock until the police, who had been summoned by eye witnesses, came on the scene. ‘If I had been on the street at the time, I could have prevented the crime, and the girl would have lived.’ he lamented. laverdad.es

Miguel Ricart has spent 21 years in prison for the triple murder in Alcàsser of Miriam Garcia, Toni Gomez and Desiree Hernandez, girls of 14 and 15 years old, who disappeared in November 1992 and whose bodies were found in the area of La Romana on January 27, 1993. Another man suspected of involvement in this crime, Antonio Angles, fled and is still missing. Originally the AudienciaProvincia sentenced Ricart to 170 years in prison, and his release is linked to the retroactive application of the DoctrinaParot, as determined by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, which has allowed murderers and rapists to walk free, causing fear and alarm to the public, and especially to the families of those affected by the crimes committed by these people. laverdad.es

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

100 kilos of cocaine intercepted hidden in boxes of bananas

Four people have been arrested after the PolicíaNacional intercepted 103 kilos of cocaine hidden in packs inside five boxes in a container of bananas from Colombia, and docked at the Puerto de Marín. Two of the four arrested, allegedly responsible for planning, sending and receiving the drug, had numerous contacts in the South American country, and who arranged the shipment of the drug from the port of Turbo (Colombia). After the seizure of the drug the researchers arrested the four persons involved in the events; one in Madrid and the rest in Galicia. laverdad.es

Spanish government approves draft law cracking down on demonstrations

Spain has approved draft legislation for fines of up to €30,000 (£25,000) for offences such as burning the national flag, insulting the state or causing serious disturbances outside parliament. Opposition parties, judicial and social groups have heavily criticised the bill as an attempt by the conservative government to muzzle protests against its handling of the severe economic crisis. The measures, presented by the interior minister Jorge Fernández Díaz to update a 1992 law, also include fines of up to €1,000 for insulting or threatening police officers during demonstrations. Similar fines are planned for disseminating photographs of police officers that endanger them or police operations. Spanish cities have experienced weekly protests, the vast majority of them peaceful, since the start of the crisis in 2008. The conservative Popular party took office with Mariano Rajoy as prime minister in 2011 and issued a series of austerity measures and cutbacks in health and education and labour and financial reforms in an effort to refloat the economy and stave off a bailout. The measures triggered an increase in street protests, including several attempts to encircle parliament, some of which ended in clashes with police and rubbish containers being set on fire. “When more than 20% of people are unemployed, I don’t think this legislation is what we require,” said Alejandro Touriño, partner and information specialist at the law firm Ecija. The draft legislation for the most part does not define new infractions or offences, but lays down guidelines for fines that judges will be able to impose. Until now, it was up to a judge to decide the level of a fine. It does, however, include four new offences, which are classified as very serious and could carry fines of up to €600,000. They are: demonstrations that interfere in electoral processes; unauthorised or prohibited protests at strategic installations such as airports or nuclear plants; and aiming blinding lights – such as laser beams – at public transportation. Any person who commits three lesser offences within two years will also be in line for a maximum fine.

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The bill must be approved by parliament, but its passage is virtually guaranteed as the ruling party has an absolute majority in both chambers www.theguardian.com

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE ORIHUELA COSTA AND DISTRICT BRANCH

2013 POPPY APPEAL €24,891.25

. I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful donations you have all raised towards the 2013 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Your donations totalling €24,891.25 will go a long way towards helping dependants of service personnel who have been killed in all conflicts. Also to those who have been injured, have fallen on hard times or sickness and require help from our welfare departments. I would also like to thank all of the hard working volunteers of The Orihuela Costa Branch who have helped raised €121,935.00 over the last 6 years. So again on behalf of myself, the committee and members of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch we thank you all. Keith Carter - Branch Chairman SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH ALL THAT SERVE

So again on behalf of myself, the committee and members of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch we thank you all. Keith Carter - Branch Chairman SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH ALL THAT SERVE

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

barnes bulletin

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS ON DEC 13th..

Sport

Torrevieja is again celebrating, during December, it’s patronal fiestas in honour of the “Inmaculada Concepcio’n”. On Friday 13th., December, Don. Manuel Martinez Rocamora, priest in charge at the Inmaculada Church, invites all non Spanish residents and visitors, to join him within the church, at around 19.30 hrs.. On this evening, the mass will de dedicated to the “Foreign” residents of Torrevieja, of what ever nationality, and if you live outside Torrevieja, you will be equally made welcome. An integral part of the celebration, will be the offering on non-perishable foodstuffs, which can be dropped inside the church, on the left hand side, during the mass. These goods will later be distributed to the needy of the town, so they too, may enjoy the festive season.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the annual “Christmas Carols in the Town Square” As in previous years, local choral groups, accompanied by The Phoenix Concert Band, conducted by Bill Singleton, lead the singing of traditional English and Spanish carols. Last year, it was estimated that three thousand people gathered in the square, to enjoy this typical Christmas celebration, so best to gather in plenty of time, for Bill to strike up the band, at around 17.30 hrs.. The most excellent “Belen” will be open on the occasion of the “Carols in the Square” on the 13th., and will remain so, until after the visit of the “Three Kings” on January 6th..

SUSPECT BEANS FOUND IN SAN PEDRO

The Association of English Speakers of San Pedro, best know locally as A.D.A.P.T., took to the boards Saturday last, with Jack and the Beanstalk, adapted for the Casa De Cultura stage by Jane Cronin.

December

Gossip

Necklaces for legs? Thigh chains are the latest quirky accessory to take fashion world by storm - and Vanessa Hudgens and Lindsay Lohan are already fans! Hand chains and harness necklaces have been on the fashion map for some time now, especially thanks toMiley,Beyonce, andRihanna, but the jewellery trend is going down - to the legs! Thelatestaccessoryto hit the fashion world is the leg chain - a delicate chain meant to drape across the thigh or even your entire leg if you’re feeling extra adventurous!. The style was spotted all over the streets at London Fashion Week, and Celebs likeVanessa HudgensandLindsay Lohanhave been seen wearing them.

With Enid Winskill as Jack’s mother Ethel, Bob Hill as Jack, Janet Grout as Jacks punk girlfriend Jill, and Eric Berg as Mr.Flogger, the scene was set for pantomime mayhem, and the cast did not disappoint. Lightning, the pantomime cow (Jane Cronin & Eileen Streggles) delighted all.

There is an entire website devoted to this newest accessory called (appropriately),Legchain.com. The site declares that the chains addelegance and charisma. ‘The novelty of leg chains is that they can be worn with just about anything,’ according to the site. ‘They can be worn over jeans and leggings for a punk rock edge, or merely go bare and let the metal brush across smooth skin,’ they add.

There were giant babies, hairy spiders and a barn dance, where youngsters and grown up’s, took to the boards for dance or three. True to say, the little folk were far the best dance troupe. All money raised over the three days of pantomime, will be presented to El Samaritano Association. Look forward to next years production by A.D.A.P.T.. Photograph shows Jill and Lightning.

GHOST TRAINS OF PORTMAN A recent e-mail from Sol Times reader, Stephen Thornley, took a little research to sort out, but after crawling through the loft space, here at Casa Barnes, coupled with a phone call to Andy Wood, Hon.Secretary of the 50 year old Shropshire Caving and Mining Club, in deepest Shropshire, I have some answers. Stephen asks if I knew the location of the abandoned mine railway, near Portman, and who were the manufactures of the locomotives used on the system? The mine railway bought iron ore from open cast mines behind the mountain range that towers above Portman, via the Toma’s Maestre Tunnel, to Lavadero Roberto. The 2km tunnel, unfortunately has a roof fall midway. It was the second question that took a little sorting. My colleague from Shropshire tells me, there were six locomotives in use during the productive years at the plant. The manufactures were: Gmeinder, Deutz, Orenstein and Kpooel (Apologies for any mistakes in these company names) Diesel locomotives, trucks, permanent way and washing plant Roberto, are now rusting slowly away, in the salt air of the Mediterranean. A wander above Portman in the New Year is not a problem Stephen, all at your own risk of course.

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

So what do you think? Will you be rockin’ these trendy chains? www.dailymail.co.uk Bianca London

http://1.bp.blogspot.com

If any other reader of my jottings would like to join us, do drop me a line, you would be most welcome.

The chains come in a lot of different styles and colours; silver and gold hued metallic, as well as black and more vibrant colours like red. The designs, which are pulled on around the leg like a garter or attach to underwear, can be simple and understated design or more eye-catching, adorned with beads and charms. If you want one, go on eBay, where you can lay your hands on them for as little as £1.59.

www.soltimes.com

EROSKI IN PERFECT HARMONY

Eroski, the supermarket chain is part of the world’s largest worker-owned co-operative. Its policy of connecting with the communities it serves was in perfect harmony when it sponsored and hosted Raquel Peña’s award-winning Sevillanas Flamenco for All Association. The Sevillanas troupe of performers, who raise considerable amounts for charity, were wildly applauded by over 100 shoppers at Eroski Store at Dos Mares Shopping Malls. Contact Raquel at 630 689 431 or email raquelpenya@hotmail.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

MOJACAR TAEKWONDO CLUB

At 10am on Sunday 17th November at Indigo Gym, Mojacar Playa 20 students from the Mojacar Taekwondo Club attended the autumn grading. In total, a 3 hour examination was held where 6 rainbows students and 14 junior & adults with their best efforts showed off their skills which included sparring, pad work, self defence and patterns, in order to reach their next level. The board, Mr Serge Dewrée and Mrs Jodie Dewrée (instructors) and Ms Laura Linschoten (assistant instructor), were very impressed by the level of Taekwondo shown and the improvement each individual had made during the last 3 months of training. In the rainbow Category, Talia Vickery, Joshua Lee, Sophia Friend, William Thompson, Mila Vickery and Jensen Lee received a medal for their perseverance and continuous will to better themselves. Special awards were given to both junior grade students Miss Victoria Noble and Miss Mishel Cambi for best effort, and the

‘Student of the Year’ Trophy was presented to Miss Havana Thompson (junior grade) for her untiring attendance and enthusiasm in class and her excellent effort made at the World Taekwondo Championships which she attended earlier in the year in Cyprus where she brought home a silver and gold medal for the club. A very good effort was made by all… Well Done ! The Club trains Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and has lessons for 4 – 8 year olds, 9 -16 year olds and adults. The Mojacar Taekwondo Club is a member of the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF), and is home to TKD Spain, the Spanish National Squad. For more information see us on Facebook: GTF Spain, visit us at www.tkdspain.webs. com or Tel: 646 844 708.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Cathy’s curiosity corner The place to buy, sell & display your household furniture opening times: Mon - Fri 10am-6pm / Sat 12pm - 6pm

From Sat 16th Nov, every Friday & Saturday 3pm to 6pm SANTAS GROTTO 3€ to see Santa & receive a gift ALL MONEY RAISED WILL GO TO ELCHE ORPHANS We have a drop off point for items to help Elche Childrens Home

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ASSSA - your private health insurer in Spain www.asssa.es – info@asssa.es

Currently, many European citizens are experiencing changes which are bringing the effects of the crisis in Spain much closer to home. Some of you may be losing your entitlement to a SIP card while others, who already have private insurance, are finding out that their insurance company has been bought out by another insurance group. This has imposed limitations on their level of service or even on their quality of cover. Many have since discovered that they will no longer be able to visit the private doctor of their choice because the new company does not have a contract with them any more. Are you in either situation? Would you consider a reasonably priced private health insurance with ASSSA so that you can visit local, English speaking doctors in Spain? Are you privately insured, but dissatisfied: premium increases; no customer service in your language; your insurance company has radically reduced and changed their services? ASSSA offers you impartial advice and tailormade solutions with special offers available and special conditions for those transferring in from another private insurer. Personal advice and support even after signing your contract? With our insurance company, this comes as a matter of course. ASSSA has, for over 75 years, offered its customers in Spain excellent private health insurance at an affordable price. For the last 20 Years we have specialized in meeting the private health insurance demands of our European fellow citizens along the Costa. In order to achieve this superior customer service and customer proximity, we have set up a chain of customer service offices along the coast. ASSSA - Experience, Expertise & Customer Service Our personal service is unique. Our friendly, multi-lingual employees are pleased to inform you of both our achievements and policies without any obligation to purchase. Our philosophy is to answer all client queries fully and with complete honesty. Many of our clients join us on recommendation from existing ones, which is a clear indication of our unique service. After joining ASSSA you are allocated a personal contact that speaks your language and assists with any questions that you may have. Your personal contact will deal directly with you for medical assistance, offering her personal empathy, help and support. Service and support now also in our new office in LOS ALCAZARES, C/ Fuster 61, next to the Town hall, 968 574

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES CLARO’s AGM last Friday missed an opportunity to revitalize the two issue local party. As usual there was no opportunity for the rank and file to select and vote for individuals from within the party. No individuals were nominated or seconded, no choices were given, there was the usual “take it or leave it” attitude from their president who presented the same executive committee as last year to the members. He chose the executive himself and then required the party faithful to re-elect the committee en masse, which like last year, they did. I have no quibble with the manner in which Mr. Houliston dictates to his party but I find it two-faced when he declares that CLARO is a democratic party, which it certainly is not. Small parties always run the risk of being infiltrated by larger parties. In small parties even 15 or 20 infiltrators can disrupt the internal voting process, so I understand Bob’s controlling ways but I disagree with the illusion of democracy he insists to be a reality. Mr. Houliston promised in 2011 that he would not seek re-election in 2015 because he would be 78 years of age by then, so surely this AGM would have been the perfect time to install a new CLARO president so as s/he could gain a public profile. Mr Houliston can’t let go of his perceived power so does he not trust his party members to carry on with his twin policies? There are plenty of CLARO members who can carry the “Save Cala Mosca” placards and dump palm branches on the streets of Orihuela. What did Mr. Houliston do while he was Councillor for the Coast? Nothing, except to enter into secret negotiations with corruption charged Lorente. He resigned as councillor for the coast in February 2012 and boasted he would be back in three weeks with Monica Lorente as the Mayor. What did he achieve by resigning and betraying the people of the Coast? Nothing! What has he achieved since resigning from the government? Nothing! He had a unique opportunity to make a difference on the coast but he squandered his opportunity and ours for an empty promise of absolute power. Raymond Kearney - CLR Supporters’ Group - Orihuela Costa President www.clr-orihuelacosta.com

144 – you are welcome to visit us there as well Doctors and Hospitals. We offer our customers an extensive directory of private clinics, GP´s and Specialists working from some of the best private healthcare hospitals. We are happy to announce that we have just contracted two new medical clinics in the Puerto de Mazarrón area with english speaking medical professionals. Clínica Rover is located in Mazarrón and the Camposol Health Clinic is located in Sector A on the Urbanisation of Camposol. Please contact our office in Puerto de Mazarrón on Tel: 968 153 396 to find out more information. Quality insurance We provide flexible levels of health insurance - depending on the cover level and premium best suited to the client’s requirements - from a supplementary insurance (from 44 € a month) to a more fully comprehensive insurance cover (from 84 € a month). During the current economic crisis we are pleased to be able to offer discounts until 13.12.2013 up to 30% for the entire policy lifetime and 50% discount for children under 16 insured with parents, plus comfortable monthly payments without surcharge. In addition, we offer dental insurance reduced by up to 20% (from only 68 € per annum). Invest in your health! The benefits of ASSSA insurance: ASSSA offers a variety of unique, written, contractual guarantees. The age at which you sign your contract is always used as the basis on which to calculate your premiums, i.e. the premium does not increase due to increased age. In addition, ASSSA provides protection against policy cancellation from the first day of insurance. Contracts with ASSSA are of course, in your native language as transparency is important to us. Visit us for a chat and without any obligation, receive a personal premium calculation. Our employees will be pleased to answer all your questions; Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09:30 - 13:30, later appointments or home visits by arrangement. Customer service offices: Mazarrón: Tel: 968 153 396 Diane Nolan - mazarron@asssa.es Los Alcázares: Tel: 968 574 144 Nina Böhner - losalcazares@asssa.es

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

TV NEWSLETTER

R E B m e c e d 2013

HOMES & GARDENS Top tips for Christmas lights Buy lights made for outdoor use. Indoor lights aren’t sufficiently insulated or waterproof. Tell the neighbours what you’re planning, and what time you’ll be switching the lights off each night. Use outdoor power points rather than trailing electric cable indoors through your windows. Don’t hang lights on anything metal. Cover bushes with a “light net” netting dotted with lots of LEDs. www.telegraph.co.uk

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TV NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2013 December ! 11 months of the year gone where ? And Christmas rapidly approaching ………. Are you all prepared ? Matt and I are home this year with Mum Monk and some friends for dinner – well makes a change from turkey – the old ones are the best ones ! We hope you have a great festive season – it will be 2014 when you read the next edition. Any “•old timers” down here in Spain will remember when there was no hint of Christmas in the shops until a week before the day ……… times change and Leyroy Merlin had all the decorations out first week of November – but not so bad as UK..Have you noticed every advert on UK TV is Christmas related. Old man scrooge has had his say ! TV NEWS I must have been saying the same thing for the last four editions “Any changes due to the new “E” satellite are imminent” Well it’s the same story for this edition We in the industry are wondering when the satellite will come on stream. The usual practise is for a satellite to be launched , go to the testing position at 43.5E and after a weeks testing move to its transmission position and be on line working 10 days after launch. The “E” – the one that MAY change our reception of BBC and ITV – was launched during the last week of September and at the time of writing – mid November – is still at 43.5E and testing – over 6 weeks – unprecedented. This has lead to much speculation Astra and the TV companies have been VERY quiet on the subject with no announcements Has the “E” satellite some technical problems ? The big talking point at this moment is will it come on line before Christmas ? And risk a problem with transmissions over the festive period..lots of word says they wont take the risk and it will be New Year before any transmission changes are made – but there again it may all happen a day after this is sent for publication! Watch our website www.rainbowsats.org for information or sign up for email information as it

Article sponsored by RAINBIOW SATELLITES – the company for all your TV needs in the Murcia Region of Southern Spain. Contact Alan or Matt for free friendly advise ...... email rainbowsats@gmail.com or call (0034) 686 358 475. Our website – www.rainbowsats.org – has some good basic information on TV viewing in Spain.

happens at the bottom of the website. STOP PRESS 20 / 11 / 2013 the satellite is apparently on the move as of yesterday – from the test position at 43.5E to the final position at 28.2E – about 14 days to move ……… then if as previous satellites a couple of days testing and online ! Or will they wait until after Christmas AND SKY have announced an interruption to service for just 20 seconds sometime between 01.00Hrs and 03.00 Hrs on 28th November – why ? possible to do with the new satellite ? I am not sure what to say to the many of you who do not have UK TV at the moment and have been waiting for the possible changes before making a decision The safe option is internet TV if your internet is good enough Ask us for more details. I am annoyed with companies still installing 1.35 m dishes and saying “yes that will be OK” ……….. When they have no idea if that will be the case when the changes happen. I know some of our potential clients have gone elsewhere when we say we do not know what the imminent future will be and we do not know the size of dish that will be required ……….. Or worst case that satellite TV from the BBC and ITV will be available down here at all ..and other companies are saying “that will be OK”. No one knows for sure the outcome of these changes. I suppose that the safest option is to fit a 1.80m dish – the biggest practically possible – and most in the industry feel will be OK..But it may be overkill and it may be inadequate ! Watch this space..The Christmas schedules will soon be published and I really hope we can all get through that period without disruption We have an excellent offer on SKY TV at the moment.Want to upgrade for Christmas or buy him a years SPORTS pack – contact us for details. Article sponsored by RAINBOW SATELLITES – the company for all your TV needs in the Murcia region of Southern Spain. Contact Alan or Matt on rainbowsats@gmail.com or (0034) 686358475 for free friendly advise. The website – www.rainbowsats. org - has some good basic information which we try to keep updated in these turbulent UK TV times.

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The History of Christmas Lights It begins with the tradition of using small candles to light up the Xmas tree

Safe Christmas Lights Albert Sadacca was fifteen in 1917, when he first got the idea to make safety Christmas lights for Christmas trees. A tragic fire in New York City involving Christmas tree candles inspired Albert to invent electric Christmas lights. The Sadacca family sold ornamental novelty items including novelty lights. Albert adapted some of the products into safe electric lights for Christmas trees. The first year only one hundred strings of white lights sold. The second year Sadacca used brightly colored bulbs and a multi-million dollar business took-off. Later, a company started by Albert Sadacca (and his two brothers Henri and Leon) called NOMA Electric Company became the largest Christmas lighting company in the world. inventors.about.com

Neater Heater Your Norwegian heating Solution

The tradition of using small candles to light up the Christmas tree dates back to at least the middle of the XVIIth century. However, it took two centuries for the tradition to become widely established first in Germany and soon spreading to Eastern Europe. Candles for the tree were glued with melted wax to a tree branch or attached by pins. Around 1890, candleholders were first used for Christmas candles. Between 1902 and 1914, small lanterns and glass balls to hold the candles started to be used. Electricity In 1882, the first Christmas tree was lit by the use of electricity. Edward Johnson lighted up a Christmas tree in New York City with eighty small electric light bulb. It should be noted that Edward Johnson created the first string of electric Christmas lights that were then mass produced around 1890. By 1900, department stores started using the new Christmas lights for their Christmas displays. Edward Johnson was one of Thomas Edison’s muckers, an inventor who worked under the direction of Edison. Johnson became vice-president of Edison’s electric company.

Now in their fourth year of trading as Neater Heater Richard and Tony are still being asked the same questions. What makes Neater Heaters Special? Why should you choose them over other electric heaters? The simple answer is; design and build quality. Many families throughout the Costa Blanca are enjoying the soft warmth given off by these cleverly designed and unobtrusive Norwegian heaters. A good discrete central heating system has never been so affordable. As Richard and Tony explain: “The basic choices for heating your home are either a full central heating system with water-filled radiators and pipes, or gas estuffas, or electric. Or a combination. Obviously with central heating the main obstacle is the high installation cost. Also, there is quite a high ongoing maintenance cost. Gas estuffas are effective, but quite unhealthy, and give off a huge amount of vapour which causes black mould. This brings us to Electric. Until we started Neater Heater the options were awful. You either bought Jell-filled heaters that were as expensive as a central heating system to buy, or cheap-but mostly inefficient- heaters that would make your electric meter wheel spin like a helicopter. There was nothing affordable, economical, and effective available in Spain. We know, believe us- we looked.” But sometimes in life luck plays a strange hand. It was while Tony was looking for a heater for his son’s bedroom that, quite by chance, he saw a heater in a house he was doing some maintenance jobs in and it fit the bill perfectly. It was a neat and very efficient wall mounted Norwegian convector heater. It could be used as an individual room heater, or as part of a complete integrated system. The rest, as they say, is history and four years down the road he, and Richard, are making “NEATER HEATERS” available to us all. The time to buy heaters is before they are needed, so you can get what you want without compromise. Neater heater has plentiful in stock so install them now and you can be happy in the knowledge that when next winter arrives you won’t be cold. If you are limited for wall space, we are able to offer custom designed brackets to enable the heater to be used freestanding and to be moved around your house to suit. You can now choose between wall mounted options or mobile versions. Agent now available for home surveys and purchases in Roquetas De Mar and surrounding areas. For more information E-Mail: info@neaterheater.es Web:www.

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BENIJOFAR: Vincent Real Estate Tel. 966 712 440 TORREVIEJA: S J & A. Digital Tel. 966 319 253 For home inspections in North Torrevieja, call Colin Tel: 636 537 338 For home inspections in South Torrevieja call Edmund Tel: 966 765 552 Playa flamenca: Buster’s Bar Tel: 678 063 268 BLUE LAGOON: The Electrical Shop (Euronics) Tel: 966 188 169 NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

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may not be entitled to disability benefits. I receive enquiries from people who have not even heard of the benefits that they may be entitled to and others who may have heard of what’s out there but, Do you suffer from mobility problems, not understanding the rules of breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? entitlement, have previously dismissed the idea of making Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? a claim. In addition, there are You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK those who are not receiving sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain their correct entitlement due to being wrongly refused For advice or to book a consultation an award or because their call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 condition has worsened and or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com do not realise that they should be on a higher award. I continue to receive calls It’s that time of year again when people are returning to from confused and disgruntled people concerning their Spain to escape the cold and damp that starts to envelop entitlement to certain disability benefits while living in Spain. the UK around now. For many with illness or disability the When making contact with the DWP many are still being told sunnier climes of the Mediterranean provide some welcome that because they live in Spain they cannot make a claim for relief from the aches and pains, mobility problems and Attendance Allowance. Others are under the illusion – often breathlessness exacerbated by northern European winters. based on information given by friends and neighbours – that Many living with illness and disability accept the fact that any claim will affect their retirement pension or that they have because they may be getting on in years then inevitably to have spent 26 out of the last 52 weeks in the UK. I even getting around and managing their personal care issues received a call from a lady whose neighbour had told her that becomes more difficult. That is not to say, however, that they

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because she owned rather than rented her property here then she would not be entitled to anything. Since a CJEU ruling in July 2011, first-time claims for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Carer’s Allowance can be made by people living outside the UK in another EEA member state. The past presence test ( 26/52 week rule ) no longer applies as long as you can show genuine and sufficient link to the UK. Broadly speaking this means that you or a family member need to be in receipt of an contributions-based payment from the UK. It is also important to emphasise that Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are non-means tested and non-taxable thereby meaning that any award will not affect your pension. The welfare benefits system is complex and at times confusing but misinformation put about by people who do not fully understand it will unfortunately mean that many could miss out on that extra income which proves so invaluable to those living with illness or disability. For up-to-date, in-depth and reliable information on what is out there for you, a family member or a friend please give us a call. We can take you through how you make a first-time claim, ask for a review of an award and prepare you for and represent you at appeals tribunal. For more details on all the above please find contact details below. Kim Clark Benefits Consultancy tel: 950 169 729 mob: 663 297 568 www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

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Flu and the flu vaccine Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. If you’re at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu jab available from September onwards. Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat. Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as: •people aged 65 or over •people who have a serious medical condition

•pregnant women If you are in one of these groups, you’re more vulnerable to the effects of flu (even if you’re fit and healthy) and could develop flu complications, which are more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalisation. Should you have the flu jab? See your Doctor or Angel about the flu jab if you’re 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are): •a serious heart complaint •a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema

•serious kidney disease •diabetes •lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment •if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed •if you have ever had a stroke The best time of the year to have a flu vaccination is in the autumn from September to early November. Even if you’ve already had a flu jab in previous years, you need another one each year. The flu jab may only protect you for a year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing.

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How effective is the flu jab? No vaccine is 100% effective, however, people who have had the flu jab are less likely to get flu. If you do get flu despite having the jab, it will probably be milder than if you haven’t been vaccinated. The flu jab doesn’t cause flu as it doesn’t contain live viruses. However, you may experience side effects after having the jab, such as a temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. Your arm may feel sore at the site where you were

injected. More severe reactions are rare. The flu vaccine only protects against flu, but not other illnesses caused by other viruses, such as the common cold. You shouldn’t have the flu vaccination if: •you’ve had a serious reaction to a flu vaccination before •you have a high temperature (postpone it until you’re better)

Nurses & Carers Wanted

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

THE HARMONISERS SUPPORT CARITAS AND REACH-OUT

The guys and wives from The Harmonisers were out shopping last Thursday for non perishable foods and essential hygiene items for the Rojales branch of Caritas and also the Torrevieja based charity, Reach-out, both of whom provide care and food for the homeless and people in need of some help during these difficult times. As they the had over 1000€ to spend which filled eleven shopping trollies it kept them busy for a couple of hours under the strict supervision of the ladies.The cash was raised over the year from money that was donated by customers when The Harmonisers were out and about singing in local bars and restaurants. Our thanks go to all those wonderful people who parted with their cash on these occasions because without them none of this would be possible.A Very Happy Christmas to them all. A special word of thanks go Kristoff who gives his time and expertise to take all our photographs which are always free of charge.

With only weeks to go until the New Year time is running out to purchase a copy of this years Vistas de Murcia calendar. Back after a one year hiatus the calendar is limited to 1000 copies and only available from a select group of some of the areas best retailers (see advert for details).Thank you to everyone that has purchased a copy since the first edition was published in 2007 for your continued support. Work has already begun on the next limited edition calendar which will be available from next Autumn.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and

a very happy New Year

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Christmas Traditions

In the Middle Ages, a popular religious play depicted the story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. A fir tree hung with apples was used to symbolize the Garden of Eden - the Paradise Tree. The play ended with the prophecy of a saviour coming, and so was often performed during the Advent season. It is thought that Protestant reformer Martin Luther first adorned trees with light. While coming home one December evening, the beauty of the stars shining through the branches of a fir inspired him to recreate the effect by placing candles on the branches of a small fir tree inside his home

Poinsettia

This member of the Euphorbia family comes into flower only when it experiences long nights of about 14 hours, so comes into its own at Christmas time and January. The true flowers are small, inconspicuous and yellow; the petals are in fact vivid bracts that surround them. The best known are the blood-red stars which cheer gardens at Christmas, although pink, white and marbled forms occur. The traditional practice is to cut back the woody stems immediately after flowering, early in the year. If it isn’t too much of an eyesore, leave the stems until April before cutting back to 30cm from the ground. When treated in this way, the sap has time to flow back down the stems to the heart of the plant and the following year’s flowers will blaze with extra intensity. This is a good bush to plant near the wall of the house where it can’t be seen from the windows, so that you don’t have to look at the naked stems between February and April!

In 16th century Germany, fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies and coloured paper. The Christmas Tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert from his native Germany. The famous Illustrated News etching in 1848, featuring the Royal Family of Victoria, Albert and their children gathered around a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle, popularized the tree throughout Victorian England.

Christmas Trees

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

property of the week Ref. 243 mojacar

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Opportunity, 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths detached villa, Jacuzzi in the garden, lounge + fireplace, complete kitchen, fantastic sea view, large Roof terrace, various terraces, car port, close to all amenities and the beach.

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REF.129 mojacar beach 99,970€

BARGAIN Semidetached villa with 3 double bedrooms, 2 baths, plus large sun terrace with Fantastic Mountain Views, living/dining room, private drive way, A/C hot & cold, beautiful communal pool & private garden well maintained, Bargain price. Bank Valuation of 185.000€.

Bank repossessions Luxury Town house on 2 levels, of 108m built includes 2 large terraces giving amazing sea views and only 100 metres to the beach. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, A/C (hot and cold) Private parking, REDUCED FROM 350.000€

Luxury new development, apartment 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large terrace 45m with beautiful sea & golf view, winter and summer pool, store room, underground secure parking, glass lifts in all the urbanization, fully Air-con (hot & cold).

REF.653

REF.563 los gallardos 224,950 €

REF.663

bargain

palomares

95,000€

palaces

220,000€

bargain

Fantastic town house in excellent condition, full of character and charm, 2 beds, 2 baths. Very spacious and versatile accommodation, 3 terraces & roof solarium, private underground parking, communal beautiful pool.

Large detached bungalow, of 190m2 built on a 11.000m2 plot, private swimming pool in the garden, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, independent large kitchen, sea and mountain views, in an excellent condition, mature garden, A/C, electric gates, very large covered terraces.

A beautiful, spacious villa in excellent condition, set on a lovely plot with 10x5 swimming pool, 150m built, 826m Plot, 4 Beds, 3 Baths, Tranquil location, within 30 minutes’ drive to the coast, with wonderful Mountain views.

REF.661

REF.610

REF.648

san jose

179,000€

tabernas

159,000€

Cariatiz

249,000€

reduced

A beautiful duplex in very good condition, set in a quiet residential location, only 5 mins drive to the beach at San Jose. Lounge/dining room with doors to terrace. 3 bedrooms,2 bathrooms,cloakroom.2 terraces, off-street parking.

Excellent detached villa in very good condition, set on a beautiful fenced and gated plot of 3,500m2.3 beds,2 baths. Electric heaters and ceiling fans.8x4 swimming pool, patio and terraces. Tranquil location with stunning views.

Wonderful cortijo in good condition with seperate guest house,set on a mature elevated plot with beautiful swimming pool and lovely country views. Main house with 3 beds, 2 baths, guest house - lounge,kitchen,2 beds,bath. 30 mins to the coast.

Ref.651 Mojacar Pueblo 220,000€

REF.570 Agua Amarga 275,000€

REF.659

antas

189,950€

reduced

Fantastic house in good condition, full of rustic character and charm, situated in a great location with spectacular sea/coastline views from the lounge as well as the terraces.5 beds,3 baths. Very spacious and versatile accommodation.

A superb rustic-style cortijo in impeccable condition, offering very spacious accommodation and set on a beautiful, elevated plot of 1600m2 with lovely views.4 double beds, family bath(easy to put 2nd bath),garage. Very tranquil, yet only 5 mins drive to the beach.

A wonderful large family home, with 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, divided into main house of 4 beds, 3 bath, & independent apartment with own access of 3 beds, 2 bath, 2 lounges, 2 kitchens, private pool and sun bathing area, reduced for quick sale.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Professional marble polishing • Marble floor restoration & repairs • Marble floors cleaned & buffed to a high sheen • Marble stairs, worktops & fire places renovated • Rugs & upholstery cleaned

Call Mike: Day 691 649 515 Eve: 966 721 331 www.simplyprofloorcare.com simplyprofloorcare@hotmail.com Alicante to Cartegena & the Murcia region

FOR BUSINESS PREMIER PREMIER

Lowest Prices in the Area

TOP DIVISION REMOVALS & STORAGE

Commercial & Private Storage Fully secured & insured factor y located in Rojales from €25 per month

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24hrs 607 811 958

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CARPENTER LOCK SMITH

Emergency door & safe opening Fitted Cupboards 1 key system Made to Measure Kitchens new house new locks Internal & External Doors window locks Supplied & fitted all types of locks All Carpentry Work supplied & fitted Undertaken upgrade single locking to City & Guilds multi point locking 36 Years Experience

CALL MARK 634 365 944 Complete Auto Services Total Vehicle/Marine Repairs All Mechanical or Electrical/ Diagnostics Undertaken at very Reasonable Prices We fix all makes but are VW & Audi Specialists Benidorm to Murcia

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Fashions

Tel: 672 571 745 OPENING HOURS: MON -THURS 10 - 6PM FRI 10 - 8PM SAT 10 - 2PM

LADIES & GENTS UK FASHIONS AT FACTORY PRICES. ALL ITEMS ARE NEW AND PERFECT, WE DO NOT SELL SECONDS. CANNOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE.

Find us next to Quesada fish & chips and Yorkshire linen - Turn left before The Arches

Country The taste of home Kitchen

Taking care of your meal times! tel Number 603 135 387 or 868 082 067 Email info@countrykitchenspain.com Feeling under the weather, temporarily housebound or just too busy to cook? Country Kitchen has the answer. We deliver tasty, nutritious meals, fresh, frozen or chilled - starters, main meals and desserts. check out our price list.

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1. Visit us at www.countrykitchenspain.com 2. Select your meal and place your order by phone or email. 3. Delivery date confirmed, followed by delivery to your door.

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mobile showroom covering Covering the Costa Blanca 677 825 149 965 699 305

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THE READY MADE Est. 2006

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Quality Textiles For Your Home Sewing Service

www.readymadecurtainoutlet.com At Los Dolses Commercial Centre, Villamartin Next to the card shop near the canal.

SARAH & TONY TURLEY - 966 848 980 or 642 308 654

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

• Property Sales • Resales • Holiday Lets • Commercial Properties • Off Plan Investments • Property Vigilance • Maintenence Super apartment 91m² 2beds 2baths, south facing Large terraces 33+17m² lift, garage, store room Communal pool, close to beach

Fantastic apartment 72m² 2 beds, 2 baths, furnished terrace 9m², AC/H, garage com. pool, next to golf course

165.000€

105.000€

MEAP5213

REF: MEAP4013

Apartment facing Golf course 3 beds, 2 baths, AC/H, furnished 150m from the sea, terrace com. pool and gardens

Detr. house 103m² in small community 3 beds, 2 baths, terraces Roof terrace, stunning sea views Com. pool and parking

GF apartment 66,5m² 2 beds, 1 bath, store room covered terrace, parking com pool, AC/H

219.000€

85.000€

REF: MEVL2113

REF: MEAP6813

Front line apartment 73m² 2 beds, 2 baths, AC/H 1°floor, excellent views com, pool, parking, furnished

Detached villa 170m² plot 492m², 4 beds, 3 baths Lovely views to sea mountains Private pool garage, Roof terrace

1°floor aparment 84m² 3 beds, 2 baths, furnished Com pool, AC/H, parking, ready for rentals

115.000€

129.000€

325.000€

REF: MEAP5409

REF: MEAP4513

REF: MEVL3611

Mojacar Playa

Macenas

Marina de la Torre

Mojacar Playa

Marina de la Torre

2 beds, 2 baths, open views In & outdoor pool, communal pool, brand new

Reformed cortijo 200m² built plot 1200m², 15 min from Carboneras 3 beds, 1 bath main house, Guest apartment with 1 bed, 1 bath

Townhouse 81m² close to sea excellent condition, AC/H 2 beds, 2 baths, furnished com pool, off-street parking

Mojacar Playa

Los Gafares

Mojacar Playa

REF: MEVL79005

129.000€

129.950€

REF: MECT8208

REF: METH7811

south facing GF apartment 58m² 2 beds, 1 baths, terrace 18 m² excellent location, furnished Com. pool, parking short walk to beach

79.500€

Mojacar Playa

REF: MEAP4613

All prices valid for 7 days from going to print. Fully compliant with decreto 218

Lifestyle Living Levante

105.000€

Mojacar Playa

South facing villa 214 m² plot 378m² 3 beds, 4 baths, excellent sea views, pool, garage, centr. heating

365.000€

Turre

Mojacar Playa

REF: MEAP9509

99.970€

Marina de la Torre

REF: MEAP412

Corner townhouse 83m² 3 beds, 2 baths, furnished AC/H, garden & roof terrace, com. pool, parking

79.000€

Huerta Nueva

REF: METH5908

info@mojacarestates.com Mojacar: 950 478 935 Turre: 950 468 276 Avenida del Mediterraneo No 8 Mojacar

www.mojacarestates.com

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Wanting to sell?

We are currently looking to expand our portfolio. For more information please call us on, Spain 0034 699 271 709 or UK 0044 7919215925 email: shirleywithvidacabrera@hotmail.com

Property of the Week

* Cortijo Grande * 2 bed/2 bath * Large terrace * Open plan

* * * *

Cortijo Grande 2 Beds /2 Baths Near Golf Fantastic views

* Arboleas * 3 Bed/2 Bath * Private pool * Garage

* * * *

Sierra Cabrera 3 Bedrooms Private Pool Sun spa jacuzzi

* Rustic feel * Fantastic views * Small complex * 5mins to Turre

SCL0098

89.000€

SCL0124

199.995€

SCL0097

275.000€

SCL0139

79,999€

* Turre * 3 bed/1 bath/wc * Spacious & airy * Seperate kitchen

* Puerto Lumbreras * Private pool * 2 roof terraces * Country property

* * * *

Sierra Cabrera 3 Bedrooms Large underbuild Private pool

SCL0140

90,000€

SCL00135

215.000€

SCL0049

280.000€

* Albox * 1/2 & 3 Beds * Central Location * Ideal 1st home

* Cortijo Grande * 2 Bed/ 2 Bath * Townhouse * Fantastic views

*Sierra Cabrera * 3 Bed/3 Bath * Seperate annex * Various terraces

* Sierra Cabrera * 3 Bed/3 Bath * 1450sqm Plot * Stunning views

SCL0127 from

33.000€

SCL0123

95,000€

SCL0130

225.000€

SCL0050

385,000€

* Cortijo Grande * 3 bed/2 bath * near golf * on one level

* Cortijo Grande * 3 bed/2 bath * on golf * Private pool

* Mojacar Playa * 4 bed/2 bath * Sea views * On golf course

* Sierra Cabrera * 4 Bed/4 Bath * 1600sqm plot * Infinity pool

SCL0131

80.000€

SCL0134

160.000€

SCL0081 from

230.000€

SCL0094

694.000€

www.sierracabreraliving.com email : shirleywithvidacabrera@hotmail.com

Tel : 950 091 830 / 699 271 709

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

spotlight on business...

curtain and blind supplier on the Costa Blanca trading from their Kootenay Design is probably the longest established British of an uncompromising commitment to a high standard of work Jalon shop since 1990. Succeeding for so long has been the result e by hand and expertly fitted is Kootenay Design’s speciality and excellent service. Beautif ul curtains and blinds made to measur range of options. Vertical, Roller wide their from le availab but there are many other window dressings Buy er’s Structur al Surv eys ux, the worlds leading maker of blinds Gradul ng includi cturers manufa various from blinds n Venetia and expert defects reporting. If and you are buy ing property in Spain or hav ensures a choice to suit all styles and budgets. e problems with an existing prop erty, a prof even it make essi to ona lining s l buil curtain price din half g g surv offerin ey will determine issues and con This month until the end of the year Kootenay Design is firm the correct and reduce heating costs. If you wish solutions. more economical to fit lined curtains to help insulate your house Santo 20 at shop their at call blinds and s curtain on advice any need or offer to take advantage of this Mark Paddon graduated with a cal 966 480 554. curtains@kootenay. 1st class Hons degree in Buildin Domingo, 03727 Jalon. Open 9:30—13:30 Monday to Friday or g Surveying from Liverpool Sir John Moores Univers t e.telefonica.ne ity in 1992 . He has worked and lived in Spain for the last 10 years (also an Architect Tecnico) preparing buyer’s surveys and expert witness repo rts for defects related court actions , as well Branded on Camposol as reporting for respected Insurers . Mark has consulted for UK Cha nnel 4 offers something for and ITV appearing in ‘Selling Hou kootenay design ses Abroad’. He is currently con sultant for everyone with regular Cha nne l 5’s ‘Co wbo y Buil ders’ and has also contributed to The Costa Blanca’s Leading Spanish property deliveries of branded books (including ‘How to buy Spa nish property and move to Spain Quality Curtain Maker safely’). clothing from the UK for For survey fees and initial free adv Made to measure... both Men and Ladies. ice contact Mark via ww w. surveyorscostablanca.com mrm • Curtains • Vertical,Roller, and Our bedding selection paddon@hotmail.com T: 653733 066 • Blinds Venetian blinds offers you great choice at • Accessories • Awnings fantastic prices including: n Duvets, pillows, duvet atio t o Call 966 480 554 u Eq cover sets, pillows, sheets, E email curtains@kootenay.e.telefonica.net FR For throws and much more. Shop – Santo Domingo 20, 03727 Jalon We offer a good selection 9:30 – 1:30 Monday to Friday of cutains and curtain poles, bath mats and shower curtains. Also Located at: URB. CAMPOSOL, Comercial Sector B our cosmetic range has (Junction 15 off the RM3) Tel: Jo - 607 050 309 E-mail: branded2012@hotmail.co.uk all your favourite brands of makeup, creams and nail care. You will s always receive a warm cher le Mens & Ladies Clothing Vou Gift availab and friendly welcome at Question- I have Full Range of Bedding & Towels now Branded and we are always tried everything Curtains, Curtain Poles & Accessories willing to help in any way Bath Mats & Shower Curtains to loose weight we can. Come and visit Cosmetics, Creams, Perfumes & Aftershaves for my daughters us on Comercial Sector B, Two state-of-the-art but Camposol, hope to see you wedding Professional Salons soon, Jo x nothing and the one by the beach at Bolnuevo &

Branded

Q&A with jane’s salon

NOW IN STOCK

www.brandedfashions.es

Kwik Fix 968 97 20 06 634 31 73 10

kwik-fix@hotmail.co.uk www.kwik-fix.es

• Servicing and repairs – all makes & models • Pre-ITV inspection checks • Headlight refurbishment • Supply and fit tyres • Adjust tracking • Repair punctures • Diagnostics • Body Shop & Crash Repair Centre • Spray Shop

Storage also available for cars, boats, trailers, caravans and campers from only 25€ per month. Courtesy car available.

Only 5 minutes from Camposol and Polaris World Cañadas del Romero

Food Menu from 10 - 4 Mon - Sat Open 9am - Late except Sun 11am - Late

Daily Specials Find us next to the Post Office, Camposol B.

wedding is only 3 one at Condado de Alhama ? away s week Answer- there are many Condado de Alhama: Tel 666 144 287 Bolnuevo: Tel: 968 158 433 Mon-Sat all day groups loss Tues-Fri (Mon & Sat by appointment only) weight om gmail.c lnuevo@ alon.bo janes.s around but finding the right one for you isn’t 4 Life - its always easy there is a program we always recommend called Fit to it but ch approa your and food literally changing you whole perception about detox and loss inch ist its not a quick fix so because your out of time try a special be prescri and salons treatment, we have a team of dermatologist’s that visit our the have to the best personalised treatment for you free of charge then return guaranteed treatment the following week. Treatments range from €20-€50 with results Question - my hair just won’t grow? prescribed Answer - there are lots of fad shampoos on the market but unless your a trained See work. always don’t something especially for your condition they ent for treatm right the be Nioxin salon or a specialist dermatologist to prescri you, we have both available so just pop in.

www.surveyorscostablanca.com Buyer’s structural surveys, defects reports & solutions Mark Paddon BSc Hons Building Surveying. MIOB. CAAT. Fully recognised in Spain

Tel 653 733 066 Insured via Lloyd’s of London

J. Galvez Renero S.L.

Translations and International ServiceS

Contact us on 968 153 707 jgalvezrenero@gmail.com To see our sale properties see our website www.translationsmazarron.com

g d

r y

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

‘Strictly Line Up for 2013’ week 10 By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

This weeks theme was soundtracks from the musicals and opening the show were Patrick Robinson and Anya with a Charleston from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang. This was very fast, oozing with energy and good charleston swivels but for me it was a bit repetitive and Patrick still flat footed. I awarded him a 9 and the judges 38. Next out were Natalie Gumede and Artem with an American Smooth performed to And I Am Telling You from the Dreamgirls. Yet again you couldn’t tell who the professional was, despite there being just a few bars of foxtrot in hold (and punished severely by Len) this girl lives and breathes dance right through her body. I gave her a very deserved 10 and the judges a mean 36. Mark Benton and Iveta then came out with Mark dressed as Simba from the Lion King to I just can’t wait to be king and a Samba This was Marks best dance to date, it was very basic but well danced nontheless. I awarded him 7 and the judges 29. Following with a Viennese Waltz from The Sound of Music and My Favourite

Things were Sophie Ellis Bextor and Brendan. This was extremely tricky choreography very well danced, the only problem being her head which was either turned too far left or dropped backwards and looked very uncomfortable. The judges awarded her 36 and I gave her 9. Abbey Clancy and Aljaz then danced Salsa to Saturday Night Fever You Should Be Dancing. This for me was Disco Hustle not Salsa but was an excellent performance which I would have liked to have seen a little more body softness. This resulted in the first full house from the judges of the series of 40 and I awarded a 9. Next were Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ola and a Rumba to A Whole New World from Aladdin. This Rumba told a nice story with good action with the exception of some pivots which Ashley lifted his feet from the ground and spoiled an otherwise credible performance. I gave him an 8 and the judges 35. Closing the show were Susanna Reid and Kevin and their Quickstep to Singing in the Rain’s Good Morning.

This was exceptionally fast and furious and unfortunately Susanna struggled to keep up and went wrong with some of her choreography. There was super energy however and I awarded her an 8 and the judges 33. This week the bottom 2 were Mark and Susanna, but the public had Mark and Ashley there. After the dance off Ashley was voted unanimously to remain by the judges. Now it’s game on! The couples left are all extremely good and it will all depend upon which dances they have left to perform and whether they suit the celebrities. With the exception of Natalie (for me an outright winner by a mile) anyone could go. Next week is the swingathon, where they will be competing directly against each other with a variety of jive styles to gain points by remaining on the floor the longest. I can’t wait! Don’t forget you can come and join in the fun at one of our classes and hear more critique each week and girls where are you? We still have spare guys without partners! In the meantime Keep Dancing!

animal corner... animal corner... animal corner Do Dogs Need Sweaters in Winter?

Do dogs need clothes? While this may at first appear to be a light concern to those who would scoff at the idea of dressing a dog, there are still many dog owners who have seen their dogs shiver violently after exposure to winter temperatures but hesitate to put clothing on their dogs for fear of appearing odd. Well, have no fear. If you are concerned about your dog being cold, there is certainly no harm in putting clothing on him. If you are still on the fence, consider this: Sure, dogs come equipped with their own external layering system, but some dogs have lighter layers of fur than others, and some are not genetically suited to the environments in which they find themselves

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transplanted. So your dog may in fact be extremely uncomfortable with the winter temperatures — as uncomfortable as you would be if you went outside without clothing. Does Your Dog Need Clothes? A sweater or jacket can be helpful during the cold seasons, especially if your dog is reluctant to go outside in the snow to relieve himself, but also if you tend to keep your home’s internal heating system set low, depending instead on blankets and sweaters for your human occupants. How warm your dog is able to physically keep himself may depend on his breed, size and even age, but if he just doesn’t have a heavy hair coat, there is only so much curling up he can do to conserve heat. Smaller, light bodied breeds, toy breeds, and breeds that naturally have very short or thin hair coats benefit from a warm dog sweater for when they need to go outside, or for just hanging around the house. A sweater can make a significant difference in your dog’s feeling of well-being. Of course, short, thin hair is not the only prerequisite for outer clothing. Dogs that tend to have shortcropped hair — like poodles, which may grow thick hair but which owners tend to keep short to avoid matting — should also be given a sweater to protect them from very low temperatures. Also, older dogs with weaker immune systems and dogs with diseases that impair hair growth (i.e., Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism) typically need an extra source for warmth, and this can be easily provided by a sweater or jacket, even indoors. Conversely, larger dogs with dense hair coats do not have a need for additional insulation, and would be very uncomfortable if they were forced to wear outer clothing, possibly to the point of physically overheating. Their fur is already genetically designed to protect them from extreme winter temperatures. The Siberian Husky, Malamute, and Saint Bernard breeds are all excellent examples of dogs that are perfectly suited to cold temperatures, while the Chihuahua, Greyhound, and many terrier and pinscher breeds are good examples of dogs that would do well with a little extra outer

insulation. Finding a Good Sweater Once you have decided to get a sweater for your dog, you will need to begin by considering material. While wool is very warm and one of the best insulating materials, take into account how often it will need to be washed, and whether it will make your dog more uncomfortable due to itching. A good blend of washable wool and cotton or acrylic may be the best bet. Second, just as you would measure your own neck, chest and waist before buying a piece of clothing, measuring your dog is the best way of assuring the best fit. Why do you want it to fit? So that your dog cannot easily pull the piece off, so it doesn’t drag on the ground, and so it doesn’t get caught on anything during normal movement. You want the piece to be snug without being tight.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Christmas Tree

Meringues

Preparation Line bake sheet with parchment and heat oven to 200 degrees F.

Ingredien ts:

Instructions: Meringue Cookie: 1. Place sugar, egg whites and tartar in a bowl over (not directly on) simmering water. Constantly whisk the egg whites until the sugar has dissolved. 2. Pour the egg mixture into a clean bowl and add mint extract. Using a whisk attachment on a stand mixer or a hand held mixture, slowly beat egg mixture on medium low. Once mixture is no longer opaque, add in green food coloring. Increase speed and continue to beat mixture until stiff peaks have almost formed. Mixture is ready when whisk attachment dipped into mixture leaves a curled but stiff peak when removed. 3. Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a close or open star tip and pipe ½ inch to ¾ inch wide cookies, making sure to set them one inch apart from one another. Bake at 200 degrees F for 2 hours, then turn off oven and leave the door slightly ajar for meringues to cool down with the oven. Store meringue cookies in an airtight container away from any heat or moisture. Alternatively, store them in the freezer where they can be enjoyed straight from the freezer without any defrosting.

Chocolate Stars:

ie: Meringue Cook s ite wh gs • 4 eg • 1 cup sugar • Pinch of tartar mint extract • 1/8 tespoon of g een food colorin • 2- 4 drops of gr s: Chocolate Star ocolate • 2 oz. melted ch

1. Line bake sheet with parchment paper. Place melted chocolate in a pastry bag fitted with a number two round tip or place melted chocolate in a plastic bag and cut a small hole in a corner and pipe chocolate into star shape. Chill piped chocolate stars in the refrigerator until ready to use. (If you are nervous about free-handing the stars, place a sheet with a star pattern underneath the parchment paper and pipe chocolate over the outline).

Assembly: 1. To place the stars on the meringue cookies, squeeze a dallop of cooled melted chocolate on top and then place chocolate stars in it. Source: www.barkersroyale.com

Holiday Tree

Brownies Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker® Orginal Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch) Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box 2 or 3 drops green food color 1 cup Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (from 1-lb container) Betty Crocker® Decorating Decors red and green candy sprinkles or miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits Miniature candy canes (2 inch), unwrapped Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil so foil extends about 2 inches over short sides of pan. Grease bottom only of foil with cooking spray or shortening. 2. Make and bake brownie mix as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan, using water, oil and eggs. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Remove brownie from pan by lifting foil; peel foil away. To cut brownie into triangles, cut lengthwise into 3 rows. Cut each row into 7 triangles, see diagram. Save smaller pieces for snacking. 3. Stir food color into frosting. Spoon frosting into small resealable food-storage plastic bag; partially seal bag. Cut off tiny bottom corner of bag. Squeeze bag to pipe frosting over brownies. Sprinkle with decors. 4. B reak off curved end of candy cane; insert straight piece into bottoms of triangles to make tree trunks. Source: flickr.com/bettycrockerrecipes

www.ecocorpshop.com Autoconsumo “Mini kits” these plug and play new systems will be available form next week. Incredibly easy to install and you can just keep adding as and when required. Using the highest quality panels from Eurener (Spanish manufactured in Alicante)

250W Complete kit with cables and fittings - everything only 595€ 500W Complete kit with cables and fittings - everything only 1045€ 1000W Complete kit with cables and fittings -everything only 1495€

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Special Offer 5kw complete system with batteries. Only 6995€ A generator or mains electricity can be wired into this system also 5Kw 48V/5000W.../50A Inverter charger/built in solar charge controller 9 x 240W Panels (25 year warranty) Panel mounting structure for 9 panels (Inox aluminium) 4 x 12V/250Ah Tabs batteries (48V/250Ah @ C100) Cables, breakers and fuses. All for just 6995€ Alternatively, you can have this system with 8 Trojan L16G-AC batteries (6V/433Ah = 48V/433Ah) for an additional 1495€

Special Offer 3kw complete system with batteries. Only 4995€ A generator or mains electricity can be wired into this system also.

3Kw 24V/3000W/...50A Inverter charger/built in solar charge controller 6 x 240W Panels (25 year warranty) Panel mounting structure for 6 panels (Inox aluminium) 4 x 12V/250Ah Tabs batteries (24V/500Ah @ C100) Cables, breakers and fuses. All for just 4995€

Alternatively, you can have this system with 4 Trojan L16G-AC batteries (6V/433Ah = 24V/433Ah) for an additional 795€

Contact us via the web for a FREE, no obligation consultation and survey, alternatively call 950 930 187, 671 716 597 or for UK numbers call 01332 896510 We now accept all major credit cards !!!

ECOCORP are proud to support Vera & District Lions Club Helping local charities & other good causes www.veralions.com Welfare Call 634 338 322 WE SERVE

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

coffee break

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across 7 Shortened forms via one absorbent variety (13) 8 Extremely patchy raids, catching 1000 solid figures (8) 9 Require to be born as daughter (4) 10 This includes girl criminals! (7) 12 Circle or piece (5) 14 Rich and succulent just half slippery? (5) 16 Building books with label in church (7) 19 Couple of white metals (4) 20 Ailing, or ill first (8) 22 Sympathetic to an informal agreement (13)

26 Mar (6) 27 Something used to tie (8) 28 Gestures of indifference (6) 29 Break the heart of (8) Down 1 Brandy (6) 2 Personal discipline (9) 3 Electronic letters (5) 4 Foes (7) 6 Cured or healed (9)

7 Clumsy (5) 8 Craftsmen (8) 11 Break (4) 15 Hugging (9) 17 An inserted document (9) 18 Followers of an early heretic teaching (8) 20 Christmas time (4) 21 Relaxing (7) 22 Glue (6) 24 Outcast (5) 25 Panache (5)

Down 1 Carry out a command to live in old part of Yugoslavia (4) 2 Lubricate King George with ease (6) 3 A space journalist kept away from (7) 4 Aries muddled up (5) 5 Daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central meal (6) 6 Going into green tin, perhaps (8) 11 Relative at home in outskirts of Hong Kong, regularly visiting as a spirit (8)

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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.

Across 1 Swerved (8) 5 An ointment (6) 9 See-through (8) 10 Known as (archaic) (6) 12 Spring month (5) 13 Creates something new (9) 14 Chompers (6) 16 Part or serving (7) 19 Famously (7) 21 Make smaller (6) 23 Parts of a word (9) 25 Foliage (5)

13 American soldier in pub is able to reason correctly (7) 15 Force politician to enter Coleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrangement (6) 17 One way to be taken in by most of the small intervals (6) 18 Animal goes off with duck (5) 21 Girl from Johannesburg (4)

To get the solutions go to

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

La Regia Footbridge Gets Started

I would like to congratulate Martina Scheurer for continuing the good work started by Pedro Mancebo of CLR. Last week work commenced on the footbridge linking the Cabo Roig Medical Centre to La Regia at Global Cars. Other projects started by Mancebo have also been undertaken, well done Martina! It does not often happen that a politician from one party has the courage to continue the good works begun by another. The La Regia footbridge will be of great benefit to elderly residents of La Regia who have been cut off from the medical centre since the N332 was widened. Tourists and businesses will also benefit from the free flow of pedestrian traffic especially in the busy summer season. Raymond Kearney - CLR Supporters’ Group Orihuela Costa President

fast Christmas party

open to everyone

HELP Vega Baja We would like to stress that as already notified, the social arm of the charity HELP Vega Baja has ceased the Thursday meetings from 19th December 2013; this is only the social group and the charity itself is still going strong. However, a couple of the current volunteers have booked end of month menu del dias in the hope this will keep friendships alive and this arm of the charity will be ‘Friends Lunch Club’. The meals will be held on the last Thursday of the month 1:30 for 2pm, tickets at 12€ each and purchased in advance at the previous meal or at The Club on the first Thursday of the month from 2-3pm. For the January meal the tickets will be available at The Club, during the Thursday meetings from 2-4pm. January 30th Mulberry’s II, urb La Marina February 27th Maritaos Kitchen III, La Marquesa Golf

11th December 2013 @ Steak Out Sector B 7.30pm Hot & Cold Buffet Entertainment Bernie Mac 10€ pp

ExServiceman’s Association Mazarron district LOS GALAYOS PTO MAZARRON The Next ESAMD members evening meal has been arranged at Los Galayos, Pto Mazarron, 7.30pm for 8pm. The menu as follows: Set Menu for the Ex-Servicemen’s Association of Mazarrón District Los Galayos, Pto De Mazarron on Wednesday 11 December 2013

March 27th The Spice Hut, Quesada

Pan Bread Salad Starter: Carrot Soup, Mixed Meat Plate or Egg Mayonnaise Main: Lamb Shank, Chicken Breast or Swordfish Vegetarian dish of Vegetable Paella Desert: House Dessert or Coffee [choose on night]

It will also be possible to renew HELP VB memberships when purchasing tickets for the Friends Lunch Club menu del dias.

PRESS RELEASE The Torrevieja Stroke Support Group would like to extend thanks to Charity 4 Charity for its very generous donation to the groups funds at the presentation evening on Saturday November 30th at the Bull Flanagan in La Marquesa. It was a fantastic evening and the amount raised by the hard work of its members and patrons is an inspiration. The donation from Charity 4 Charity means that the Stroke Support Group can continue to support stroke sufferers and their carers for some time to come for which we are all very grateful. David Williams President.

PREMIER

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Drinks Includes a bottle of wine between two persons or small beer (Glass or Jug), any soft drink, no sprits. Drinks acquired prior to or after the meal must be paid when ordered. As this is a evening meal, 19:30 for 20:00, the dress-code for men is long trousers [no shorts or swimwear] and a collared & sleeved top [polo shirt, short/long sleeved shirt but no singlets or t-shirts]. Your adherence to this rule is appreciated. Please email us (esamd_espana@yahoo.co.uk) your individual choices and let us know who you would like to be seated with(max table size is 8). No orders can be accepted/changed after they have been placed with Los Galayos on Wednesday 4 December 2013. We look forward to seeing you on the 11th.

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Friday 6th December Dee Sharp Duo Performing

Christmas Eve Beef Stew INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, diced into 1 inch pieces 1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with juice 1 cup chopped celery

CHECKLIST

SOURCE: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/christmas-eve-beef-stew/

4 carrots, sliced 3 potatoes, cubed 3 onions, chopped 3 1/2 tablespoons tapioca 2 cubes beef bouillon 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

PREP 10 mins READY IN 6 hrs 20 mins

1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram 1/4 cup red wine 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place beef, tomatoes, celery, carrots, potatoes, onions, and tapioca into a Dutch oven. Season with beef bouillon, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram; stir in red wine. Place the lid on the Dutch oven. Bake for 5 to 6 hours in the preheated oven. Add peas during last half hour of cooking.

Indian restaurant & tapas bar Every Sunday Live Music Happy Hour 11am - 6pm Beer & Wine only 1€

tel: 950 468 425

www.chiliturre.com

Special christmas menu

Poppadoms, mixed starter € 0 2 Buffet, dessert, coffee & per person

only

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 Pre-Christmas Dinner

Sunday 22nd December

a) f cav o s s One Course 10€ la (inc g

music every sunday:

Two Courses 15€

see board for details of all entertainment

DON’T COOK, JUST EAT DELIVERY SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE. MOJACAR AREA. SATURDAYS ONLY. MINIMUM SPEND APPLIES

from 4pm

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

telephone: 950 473 135

Open 10am till late 7 days a week

1 bottle of wine (per person) red, white or rose

open everyday 11am - late • Monday 5pm - late Avenida de Almeria 36, 04639 Turre, Almeria

Bar Unique

Thursday 5th December Martin Roy playing live music with special guest from 7pm

For further details on forthcoming events and our Thai menu please see our main advert on the back page

All Reservations: barunique@hotmail.com or Contact Glenn on 634 393 235 for information on all events.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

Try a nice red to wash it down.....

air-conditioned

VidaRestaurant&Venue

In a nut shell:

Dec 7th

Cantante Choir All Your Favourite Christmas Carols Doors open 7:30

Fun Christmas Quiz Hot & Cold Buffet 8€ Pre-book Your Table Now

Spot Prizes

Free Bottle

per couple to take away after having our night menus

Valid only with this voucher dinner 19.00-22.00 until 30th december

Indian Restaurant & Takeaway

Choice of 10 starters & 10 main dishes (normal menu available) Served from 6pm WEEKEND ONLY

11€

per person

Menu del Dia

Evening Menu €10.95

Served 1pm - 4pm

Served 6pm - 11pm

Open every day 1pm - 4pm & 6pm - late

mojacar playa - tel: 950 109 758

Bar la Union

Tuesdays and Sundays Open from 11-7 pm in La Alfoquia Wednesday - Saturday Open 11am until close Closed Mondays Tapas available

AL JAZEERA TELEVISION SHOWING LIVE SPORT

Sunday Lunch from 6.95€ Lamb Shoulder

(3€ supp, pre-ordered 48 hrs in advance)

Saturday 7th December The Twilight Shadows from 8.30pm

Wednesday 11th December Cantante Singers from 8.00pm

LightofBites & Menu Chicken del dia Come try our speciality dish Californian 1-6 pm Tues Sat Salad served in an edible basket, Mississippi Chicken and our HomeEvening Made Steak, Menu Ale and Mushroom Wed - SatpieServed 6-9pm

B o ok ings now b e ing t a ke n for Pre-C hr ist mas Lunch and C hr ist mas D ay Lunches av ai l abl e f rom 4 t h D e c e mb e r- 1 4 t h D e c e mb e r

Dec 21st

New Year’s Eve

J&J Music Christmas Show

Posh Frock & Black Tie

Garlic & Rosemary Roast Chicken; Chilli; Cod & Parsley Fishcake 8€

(optional)

Bring in the New Year 3-Course Meal Option Grapes & Cava at 12

35€

Special menu for 2 people 20€ €8.50

Food options available

Dec 14th

3 Course Christmas Menu Available 15€

offer autumn crazyof wine

Super Indian Buffet

Live Music Friday from 9 pm

Free Entry

Southern Fried Chicken; Scampi; Lasagne 8€

Irene

Azeefa

Dec 13th

Solid Gold Sixties with Tom Lee

Mesón de #

Dec 12th

Bookings now being taken for Christmas Day

It has a fruity aroma with hints of berries. Soft and velvety. 75 cl Red Garnacha and Tempranillo Roasts, Meat, Cheese cured Serve at 14-16 º C

Available at

el Cucador

This red wine is from the best vineyards of Tempranillo following a rigorous selection process. Using the most modern winemaking techniques it turns in to a natural cherry red color, it is characterized by its smooth and velvety palate and lingering aftertaste.

La Mancha

Bookings now being taken

Monday Special

Chilli Night

Tuesday Special

Chicken Curry & Rice Cod Fillet & Chips

3 Course Christmas Menu Available 15€

traditional 88frfr.9.9omom55 sunday lunch served 12.30PM-5PM

5.00€ 5.00€

includes a complimentary booking coffee & chocolate recommended

FRIDAYS Beer battered

cod & Chips Atlantic Fillet of Cod Homemade Chips & Peas from

Wednesday Supper

Chicken, Chips & Salad Lomo, Chips & Peas

5.95€

5.50€

in the Bar

Thursday Pie Night

Homemade Pies, Peas Chips & SERVED 6-9PM

lite bite

snacks

5.50€

12.30pm – 9pm NOW SHOWING Saturdays &Sundays

specials burgers wraps

Dec 2nd - 23rd

Christmas Three Course Lunchtime Menu Now Available to be Pre-booked weekdays only

Tel: 950 634 562

lavidacucador@gmail.com

LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL We are here

Albox Arboleas 1km

Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547

Huercal Overa

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

check the guest list

If you are hosting Christmas lunch, with a week to go its wor th ringing family and friends to double check their attendance and find out about any possible dietary requirements or food allergies.

decorate your home

Every family will have a time in December when they like to decorate their home. Whenever you choose to do it, it's fun to involve the whole family.

ur cake try. marzipannyo is just like rolling out pas

Covering a cake in marzipa out using enough icing You need to make sure you roll it counter. After the cake r you sugar otherwise it will stick to for one week before you is marzipan-ed it needs to be left n to dry out and was ice it; this simply allows the marzipa es cak to stop moisture from traditionally done with royal iced icing and staining it. If the seeping through the cake you are ner vous about rolling If you are ordering online, ensure you check their out your order deadlines for delivery to Spain! Some people like marzipan surprises while others don't. why not If you find coming up with inspiration for gifts difficult, opt for why not invite close members of your family to draw up read ya list of five different things they'd like to receive? Even rolled... when asked for suggestions it can take some

gift shopping

Ingredients:

300g ground almonds ar 200g golden caster sug sifted ar, sug g icin n 200g golde s Zest of 2 lemon 1tsp almond extract 2 medium egg whites

people ages to get back to you with ideas so ask them early to give yourself as much time as possible for shopping.

Home-made marzipan

Put the ground almonds into a large bowl. Add the caster sugar, the 3tbsp apricot jam golden icing sugar and the llet s lemon zest. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together. Add the almond 2 x A4 clear-plastic wa extract and the egg whites. Mix everything together well to make a firm paste, then use your hands to knead lightly until smooth. Shape the mixture into a round. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 1hr. Don't worry if the paste feels a little sticky - it will firm up and dry out once it's been chilled. To make the glaze put 3tbsp apricot jam into a small pan with 2tsp cold water. Heat gently, then sieve into a bowl. Peel off the greaseproof lining from the cake, then use a sharp knife to level off the top. Turn it over and put on a cake board. Brush the sieved jam all over the top and sides of the cake. Take two A4 clear-plastic wallets and cut along the shortest edge of each one. Open them out and put the marzipan round onto one of them. Put the other opened-out wallet on top and roll out the marzipan to make a 33cm (13in) round. How to get the paste on in one piece…Take off the top wallet, flip the paste onto the cake and peel away the other wallet. Press down marzipan over top and sides, so it fits snugly. Trim away excess with a sharp knife. Lift cake onto a serving plate and cover with crumpled greaseproof paper. Leave to dry out for at least one day.

Christmas n w o td n u o C

NAMASTE NAMASTEASTE CAMPOSOL B

Indian Restaurant & Beer Bar

NEWYEARSCELEBRATIONATNAMASTE JOIN US FOR AN EVENING TO BE REMEMBERED.... FROM 7.30PM HUGE BUFFET HUGE

FIREWORK

DISPLAY

UNLIMITED FOOD!!!! INCLUDES CHOICE OF LAMB & CHICKEN STARTERS & MAIN DISHES

30€

ONLY

UNLIMITED DRINKS

PER PERSON

INCLUDES: DRAFT BEER – HOUSE WINE SOFT DRINKS – SPRITS (BRANDY, GIN, VODKA)

ENTERTAINMEN T BY BOLLYWOO D DANCERS & AD UNTIL THE EARLYJ HOURS

Reservations essential please call 968 131 721 / 637 189 114

www.soltimes.com

community news Welcome events December 4th - Christmas Party Night with Ricky Levazza and the lovely Joanna. €12. New Years Eve - with Dan Davey, Rob Sweeney and our own Christine. €20 to include a buffet January 8th - Games Night. Beetle drive, bingo, quiz and always good fun for only €3. January 22nd - Dance with tributes to Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Barry Manilow and The Everly’s. €8. 2014 TRIPS February 17th - 4 days 3 nights to Segovia staying B&B at Hotel Acueducto. €150. May 30th - Cruise to the Baltic capitals, including St Petersburg. 7 nights aboard MSC Poesia, fully inclusive, overnight in Madrid on the outward journey, flight to Copenhagen, and all meals and drinks during the cruise. Special discounted prices. HOT NEWS - September 15th - 6 days 5 nights to Galicia. Overnight in Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university, 3 nights in Santiago De Compostela, staying B&B at Hotel Hespera Gelmirez, with optional included trips to A Corruna, Vigo and Pontevedra, and overnight on the way home in Avila staying at Hotel Palacio De Valderrabanos. Reserve now as this is selling fast. €310. Call Rosemary on 620105179 for tickets and more information.

age concern FORTHCOMING EVENTS Wednesday 27th November Menu-del-dia at La Barraca, Puerto de Mazarron 10€ Friday 29th November Tabletop sale at Camposol B Wednesday 4th December 1.30pm Xmas social at Camposol Cultural Centre Saturday 7th December Christmas Fayre at Lagarto Verde, Via Axial, Puerto de Mazarron 1€ includes raffle Tickets from: Friday 11am to 1pm: Outside Bar Salud, Camposol B Camposol Cultural Centre Wed/Thu 10am to 1pm Telephone: 634 310 215 Other areas: 634 336 484

CHURCH OF ENGLAND COSTA CALIDA AND COSTA ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166/687250860 Services December 2013 Mojacar: Eucharist every Sunday at 11:00 in the church of St. Pascual, Aqua de Enmedio.

ESAMD EVENTS

Wednesday 11th December, Los Galayos, Pto Mazarron Wednesday 15th January 2014, Winter Dinner & Grand Raffle, Costa Celebration Rooms, Mazarron Town Wednesday 19th February 2014, PEKIN 5 Chinese Restaurant, Pto Mazarron Sunday 30th March 2014, Mothering Sunday Lunch, Trevi’s Restaurant, Camposol “B”

Torrevieja Costa Lions Club

Come and join our club members on one of our “ Business meeting nights” and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities, in our local area and further afield. We are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping us then we can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cevera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.00 hours. If you like what you see and hear, then you will be invited to join us at our next social night event later in the month, where ever and what ever it may be you can be sure of a good night. Contact me on davedanie@gmail.com or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions. org

SEND your news & views

TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

happy 60th Birthday

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

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

Grandad Al

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

lots of love

Have A Drop Off Point Here For

hope you have a lovely day

jo & Sam xxxxxxx

SolTimes

Payments Private Or Trade Advertisers, Birthdays Or Other Announcements

Paso A Paso Dance club winter times

Mondays 5pm La Mosca Minigolf, Playa Flamenca. Tuesdays 2pm The Club, Quesada Special Class for Couples Tuesdays 5pm. La Marina Sports Complex, La Marina Urb. Thursdays 5pm Los Rosales Rentaurant, cv895 Guardamar. Members FREE dance social Thursdays, Los Rosales from 7.30pm. All welcome. Non members €2. The evening you get to practice all those new moves and dances. No Partner-Never Danced-No Problem LEARN TO LINE DANCE WITH ADAM Mondays 3pm La Mosca Minigolf. €4 Wednesdays 11.30am Entre Naranjos Community Centre. €4 Absolute beginners in all the above classes please arrive on time. Classes €5 unless stated . Please call 670711408 for all info. Or Face book Maxine Goodie (yellow banner) JAM SESSION & OPEN MIC WITH MAXINE TRUDIE AND FRIENDS EVERY WEDNESDAY 5pm8pm EL LIMONARIO, (Old Castilla Bar) CV895, Lemon Tree Rd, Guardamar STARTS 27TH NOVEMEBER 2013 Dust of those instruments and have some fun Even if you’re a novice this session is meant for YOU Or if you feel you could help fellow musicians we need you to Also Open Mic for all you budding singers Come along and support this local free event even if its to lend an ear or want an entertaining afternoon your support would be welcome. Dancers…feel free to have a boogie or two Tel 670711408 for more details or just come along!!

THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA

SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, BENIJOFAR (formerly Spiritualist Church, Quesada) Meets at NEW ADDRESS: with immediate effect at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7.30 p.m. And every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 7.30 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. Ray Bailey will take the Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 8th December. On Tuesday 10th December we are having our Christmas Carol Service. The Phoenix Brass Band will be present with Christmas Cake and Mince Pies available. Tickets are available from church at 4€. Ticket holders will be given seats first, so confirm your ticket. Star time 7.30 p.m. We are now closed until Tuesday 7th January, 2014. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gmail.com

CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

COSTA CALIDA AND COSTA ALMERIA Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166/687250860 Services December 2013 Mojacar: Eucharist every Sunday at 11:00 in the church of St. Pascual, Aqua de Enmedio, Additional services: Sunday 1st December at 5pm – Christingle. Tuesday 24 December at 23:30 Midnight Mass Wednesday 25 December at 11:00 Eucharist Albox: In the Community Hall Aljambra. Sunday 8 December at 17:00 Children’s Nativity & Crib Service Sunday 22 December at 18:00 Nine Lessons & Carols Roquetas: in Burty’s bar in Avenida Playa Serena in the urbanisation. Thursday 19 December at 11:30 Nine Lessons & Carols Costacabana: in the Community Centre, Saturday 7 December at 12:30 Nine Lessons & Carols Mojacar Parish Church Mojacar Pueblo Monday 16 December Joint Service at 20:00 Nine Lessons & Carols Parque Comercial Mojacar Playa Saturday 14 December Carol Singing at 11:00 Details: Church Wardens Eric Dore 950 615 105, Pam Carter 667947573 or visit www.mojacarchurch.org

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday

966 719 647

handy man

for sale

NEED A HAND? HAVE YOU A JOB YOU NEED HELP WITH? GENERAL LABOURER SEEKING WORK ODD JOBS. CALL TOM 687 363 540

advertise all your unwanted

MR FIXIT For all your Electrical, Plumbing, General Appliance & Boiler Repairs. No Call Out Charge. 698320434

hearing aids

BY E-MAIL

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

blancasales@soltimes.com

From

550€

awnings

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

Furniture

Furniture first

est 2006

ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES

house clearance specialist FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE QUALITY FURNITURE Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 www.southcostablancaonline.com

garden services

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

TELEPHONE: 966 719 647

house clearances

quick cash house clearance

cars & motorcycles also wanted transport in 1 hour

tel: 669 723 709 jewellery

items for sale in this section

any single item up to 300€ free of charge email: blancasales@soltimes.com

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

Double folding put-u-up bed, nice condition 30€. Tel: 865 774 441 / 685 054 729 (Laguna Green 2)

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

With an entry in the

SOLTIMES business directory From just €15 a quarter

www.soltimes.com Tel: Christine on 966 719 647 Or email: sales@soltimes.com for details

2 Stairgates 81cm min X 88cm for sale max extra extensions can be added 15€ e-mail rojo.cats@ 1 pine door 2m x each. Tel: 865 774 yahoo.co.uk 60cm 10€. 2 sliding 441 / 685 054 729 aluminium pine wardrobe doors (Laguna Green 2) 10€. 2 new pedestal 2 child carry garage Up and wash hand basins cots, one with baby over door, complete 10€ each. Tel: 699 changes 15€ each. with frame lock and 172 982 (Los Altos) Tel: 865 774 441 / keys 300€ tel: 608 Electric Guitar 685 054 729 (Laguna 437 590 mazarron [Fender-shape] 65€. Green 2) Royal 2000 garden Tel: 966 763 081 Gas Fire, needs vacumn, Also blow, 15WattAmplifier, attention or service. Good condition 25€ new 120€ size 12’’x 11’’x 7’’ 25€. Cost ono Ring 608 437 accept 20€. Tel: 865 Tel: 966 763 081 774 441 / 685 054 729 590 14’’ Television [UK (Laguna Green 2) mazarron model], blue case, TV channel access via 1 Full set of Peter garden leaf blower DVD or VHS recorder Alliss Series 2 Clubs, & pick up (with bag) 15€. Tel 966 763 081 used once, includes as new 55€ quesada Carry Bag bargain tel: 966 716 599 Slimline DVD 95€ Player 15€. Tel 966 Heavy duty 16 Delongi Café 763 081 Otello Coffee Machine inch hedge trimmer F latbed with milk frother, only (vgc) 45€ quesada Scanner, A4 size used twice, no box, tel: 966 716 599 15€. Tel: 966 763 081 35€ Email: Sandra@ Black & decker Mens Golf Clubs opres.biz or tel: 619 jig saw 25€ quesada & Golf Bag, Slazenger 010 616 tel: 966 716 599 irons [Nos 1, 3-9, sw], For Sale two as bike pw, chipper, putter, new cat carriers cost Exercise taylor made driver, €32 new will sell for fs300f magnetic with Big Bertha Nos 3 & 7 €30 the pair. Quesada clock, temperature, fairway clubs 75€. Tel area 966719272 or pulse and tension 966 763 081 for 35€ tel: 966 plastering control Ladies complete 712 200 (benijofar) right hand set of Golf E N G L I S H NIKON d50 digital slr Clubs from the USA, incl. woods, sand P L A S T E R E R camera body, good finishing, condition yseful back iron, putter, large bag, internal short bag, Samsonite external rendering, up body 100€ tel: 676 travel bag and folding 15 years experience, 534 978 trolley. Giveaway at good rates. FULLY A LARGE lounge rug 150€. Tel: 968 199 LEGAL IN SPAIN. 182cm x 275cm, dark 913 (Camposol). Call Chris 671 444 blue with beige floral Two single beds 246 / 965 078 866 pattern on 2 diagonal very good condition c_pettit@ corners, in excellent 30€ each. Tel. 966 email: condition.80 euros. hotmail.co.uk 716 710 (Quesada) ono. tel. 968 974 insurance 053.(camposol)

GOLD WANTED asssa medical English jeweller wishes to buy broken

or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

BE SEEN

24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR

insurances

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

WANTED

Wanted Man’s Mountain Bike must be excellent condition up to 75€ paid. Telephone 698 289 324

locksmith Locksmith locked out!! Call Me Telf: 647 151 972 (24hrs) Put This Number In Your Phone – 24 Hrs Call Out! Commerical, Residential, Cars Locks Changed - Dierre Locks Changed - All Locks To Work Off I Key – Motura Gardesa Locks Changed – Window Locks - Cars Opened To Retrieve Keys – Alarms Fitted

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

pets

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

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

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

plumbing

mr fix it For all your electrical, plumbing, general appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge 698 320 434

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

WANTED cont... two hairdresser salon chairs and other related salon equipment required must be in good condition Tel: 647 379 878

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

www.soltimes.com

Tel: 966 719 647 or 902 750 190 ext 330

property for sale / rent cont.. for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from mojacar Spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan, kitchen & diningroom,workshop, courtyard front & back reduced €140,000 Tel: 649 186 107 or email thunderpaul2003@ hotmail.com

Completely refurbished & available for long let 1 bed ground floor flat with terrace, quiet area, 1 minute to sea, all amenities close by, Marazul/Eliseos playa (close to New2you Torrevieja) Tel: 695 063 890 or 868 182 495 e-mail:robertsmith6292yahoo.com 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 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

Telephone Dave on

693 251 562 email:davendonc@aol.com

whats in the news?



SOLTIMES

Large box van with tail lift for all removals & deliveries inc uk - Spain & handyman

want to know

Van hire

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

move it vantastic

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.

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 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

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

looking for that special person advertise all your vacancies here telephone 966 719 647 & ask for christine

ARE YOU A RAY OF SUNSHINE?

SOLTIMES

cars for sale

motoring section wanted

PEUGEOT 307cc

WANTED

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

red/black leather interior, fsh, 94K One previous owner New tyres, brakes, discs

Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

Best prices paid

6995€ O.N.O.

Telephone: 699 805 995

CONVERTIBLE 2004 SILVER, ALL VEHICLES TOP MODEL WITH Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats,

Tel: 966 185 242

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

2500€ ono

FOR CASH

info@carsrus.es

4 CASH

WE BUY

jet skis urgentely wanted any condition

603 100 692

for the worlds leading health care company with best anti aging product with 18patents, join one of Forbes most trusted companies which is listed on the new your stock exchange.

For more information email ageloc.mk@ gmail.com.

Or call Martin 629293042

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

Contact Christine

966 719 647

telephone Tim on 662 211 993 Vehicles registration

MATE GB

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

are looking for A CASH CASH Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team in Costa Blanca based at our office Renault clio 1.2 SameCASH day collection 2003 Spanish in Quesada. We pay instant cash same day 2 door for cars, vans, bikes, quads, Full or part time sales position available. caravans, trailers, FSH absolutley anything! Experience not essential as full training will be given as 1 lady owner long as you’re organised, enjoy meeting people & can no accidental damage From 1€ drives like new to 10,000€ work to deadlines Call Phil: 607 848 332 2,500€ ono Send your CV to rob@soltimes.com mobile 627 968 442

Distributors wanted for across Spain

Spanish English Anything considered

“RE-PLATE” R A S C

bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

personals cont...

wanted cars for cash

Ed’s mobile

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

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

610 078 940 car parts

Car parts

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:

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

this space for only 15€

Need quality new parts for any car

for sensible prices on all parts

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

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326 PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647

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SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

viewpoint

Pete currently has a bad back. He has been poorly for some time, but has been getting steadily better and stronger, thanks in no small measure to the efforts and encouragement of the staff of the gym in Arboleas. The gym has recently moved to new premises, and is now so spacious that it would be possible to swing not merely a cat, but a fully grown tiger, should the mood take you. Should Arnold Schwarzeneggar call by and not fancy a spot of tiger swinging, he could work up a serious sweat on the various items of equipment available – and this was Pete’s downfall – moving from one machine to another, he got up awkwardly, and tweaked his back! The tweak rapidly degenerated into crippling agony, and poor Pete was rendered immobile; the reclining sofa became his bed, and his feet became as unreachable as if they had emigrated to Australia without the rest of his body. I took on the role of Nursie, and in between the myriad of daily chores that somehow seem to materialise from nowhere I would check at regular intervals on my patient. However Pete, who is an

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

independent sort of a person, and doesn’t like being helped at the best of times, was not happy with me constantly appearing in the living room asking if he wanted anything, so we worked out a compromise – a whistle! He took some convincing that it was OK to whistle for his wife, but for me it was a relief – I knew when he needed help, and that he wasn’t going to attempt something he couldn’t manage, and make his back worse in the process. The whistle works excellently – but we discovered an unexpected side effect; The Dog That Is Not Ours had gone visiting who knows who, who knows where, but off our development somewhere when Pete demonstrated the effectiveness of the Wife Summonsing System to a neighbour. A few minutes later the Dog came hurtling up the road, screeched to a halt in front of us, grinning from ear to ear and panting like a steam engine. ‘I came as quick as I could!’ she said. The Dog is not the only one to respond; the wife does too – I can imagine an entry in the paper under Small Ads For Sale. Placed alphabetically just below Wedding Dress, size 10, never worn due to over optimism by mother-in-law would be: Wife, model 1947, type Caucasian, not fully domesticated, but economical to run. Comes to call. Yes, that’s me!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells . . . Oh Stuff It! It’s rapidly approaching that time of year again when the fat man with the flowing white face foliage and rosy cheeks, is getting the blades of his sleigh greased up and putting his production staff on maximum overtime in readiness for the big night on December 24th. I don’t know why he does it quite frankly. It’s a thankless task these days and the advent of Xboxes, iPads and Smart Phones has taken all the romance and excitement out of the traditional opening of prezzies like M&S sweaters; smelly bath stuff and Black Magic under the tree on Christmas morning. Who actually puts out a pillow case anymore? And in these times of political correctness and Jimmy Saville, it’s only a matter of time before someone starts asking questions about a bloke who shacks up with a regiment of male dwarves and a small herd of reindeer for twelve months a year. Santa’s days are surely numbered as Operation Yule

By Colin Bird :

badbirdnow@gmail.com

Tree closes in. Presents are an increasing problem. The lessening choice of what to buy each other becomes commensurate with the advancement of years. At the risk of using a well worn aphorism: just what do you buy someone who has everything . . . bar the Airbus A380 and an island in the Caribbean? And the problem is compounded when I was told, “Don’t buy me chocolate, it goes straight to my tummy.” That’s a revelation and worthy of an article in next month’s issue of The Lancet. Chocolate goes straight to your tummy. Brilliant. But I’m sorry light of my life; you gave away your real thoughts when you told me to hide my own stash of chocolate this year somewhere where you wouldn’t find it. Under my Eddie Grundies, in the top drawer of the bedside cabinet in the downstairs bedroom - as you instructed. Sounds like a plan. One thing that is noticeable in Spain and in complete contrast to the UK, is the laid back almost horizontal atmosphere in the supermarkets at this time of year. Visit Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s or any of the other big supermarket outlets anywhere in England right this minute, and I am prepared to bet a euro to a bucket of hamster droppings, that it will be as manic as Bedlam on visiting hour. Even Christmas Eve, when occasionally I have had to drop in to our local Supa Value for some last minute stuffing mix or a bottle of cooking sherry, it has never been anything other than business as usual. We took some friends to Iceland in Torrevieja yesterday. Like many

ex-pats, they love all the familiar products on offer from back home, but find it increasingly difficult to get into town these days. For my part, there is nothing I like more than a good old British pork pie and always use the opportunity to buy one for immediate use and another to slam in the freezer for, um, well to be honest . . . tomorrow. Having said that, there has never been an occasion when I have been able to leave it at that, and we have always emerged shell shocked and mumbling incomprehensibly about the eighty bags of groceries that we somehow find ourselves loading into the car. But some of the frozen stuff on display leaves me utterly confused and puzzled, much like the EU directive 452 subsection 28, clause 241c . . . I just don’t bloody understand it. I mean, there is a complete aisle and a bit, of frozen sliced bread. That’s seven and a half freezers full of what is - let’s face it - frozen white or brown floppy cardboard. Understandable if there is no alternative to white or brown floppy cardboard, but here in Spain where the fresh bread is simply wonderful . . . Then you have frozen shepherd’s pie, or frozen bangers and mash or frozen baked spuds for goodness sake. How hard or time consuming is it to knock any of these uncomplicated meals together? Then you have bags of grated

La Ventana Trasera

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

Comes To Call

alqueria

Dolores Cocermucho’s barrow rumbled over the cobbles signalling the arrival of the morning’s freshly baked bread. A tantalizing aroma pervaded the square as she hung the plastic bags containing the succulent ‘bollos’ on the door handles of her customer’s dwellings. Antonio Poyato watched mournfully. He felt sorry for himself. His leg was in plaster, in fact it was broken in numerous places. Poyato found that breaking his leg was surprisingly easy. A combination of Remitroot Whisky, chronic stupidity and an inflated belief in his own athletic prowess did the trick. He had moved into the Bar La Casa Devante, occupying a room at the rear and overlooking the Town’s Plaza. Poyato wanted to be looked after and a constant supply of alcoholic beverages was a bonus. Poyato watched the children on their way to school. They laughed loudly, their mothers chirping to each other in the high pitched musical way of southern Spain. He remembered his own childhood days. The tables and chairs in the Plaza doubled for space rockets, pirate ships and cavalry forts. The memory so vivid he still felt the excitement of those far off days. After his lunch Poyato dozed until the early drinkers arrived. The wise seeking inspiration, the not so wise seeking inebriation while others just wanted to avoid chattering wives. Antonio Poyato finished a large glass of Remitroot Whisky before trying to insert a straightened coathanger into his cast to subdue a very irritating itch. A gaggle of excited children passed

under the rear window of the Bar La Casa Devante. It was their ‘home time’ and they were bent on disruptive enjoyment. Their mothers were not so happy, their joy of dropping their children off at school doesn’t seem to be matched at their collection.

The evening began.

The bar below Poyato’s window filled with the serious evening drinkers. Discussing Alquerian politics, putting the world to rights or telling their woes to the long-suffering barman. The cacophony of sound increased as the evening progressed. Poyato watched as the square below filled with villagers, some sober, some drunk and one or two unconscious. Fistfights broke out regularly, known as the ‘Alquerian Pastime’ as Remitroot based alcohol precipitates belligerence. The Bar eventually closed and all is quiet. A fleeting shadow of a female form closely followed by two male forms crossed the square. Manuela, Poyato thought although he felt he was better off not knowing the details of this particular triangular tryst.

Poyato dozed.

cheese. But look, here’s a tip: buy a block of cheese grate it – a grater is that shiny metal thingy with holes that resides in the cutlery drawer – bung it in a bag and it’s all done. Three minutes tops and much cheaper. Anyways up, we emerged a half hour later; our friends with their supplies and me with my two family size pork pies which cost me ninety one euros and sixty five cents. Why? Because of all the other ‘must have’ items that we cannot find anywhere else and which, being Christmas, are just perfect for when we are entertaining. That’s why. My flexible friend is still groaning in my wallet with a pulled muscle and a very high temperature.

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

braben’s blog...

Do you ever get lost

I used to live in Mansfield. You may wonder why I bother to tell you this as it’s hardly the stuff of dreams. There is a reason, I’m not just bragging! Mansfield has a lot to commend it, but I only lived there for seventeen years so never actually found any of the commendable bits. The reason I mention the Mansfield years is that we went back there not so long ago and the town had acquired a brand new one way system, which was so completely and utterly confusing that we got lost. I’m pretty good at getting lost in fact it’s something I excel at, though in my defence I have to say that I do eventually find my destination-or at least I arrive somewhere that looks to be pretty much like the place I was aiming for and I settle for that. But, getting lost round the one way system of Mansfield, or some other modern metropolis is one thing. Landing a stonkingly large aeroplane at the wrong airport is quite another. No, I haven’t made it up, it Graham is married happened and I have to Helen and has a to tell you it warmed daughter, Alice. He my heart-and I’m sure lives part of the year the hearts of all those near Albox, but works people who have in Qatar, teaching. If fallen foul of their you wish to contact satellite navigation Graham regarding system, or read their this article email: road map upside helenandg@yahoo. down. Although I’ve co.uk

never flown a plane, I imagine that the pilot doesn’t rely on the well used and badly torn maps that the rest of us depend upon to get us to mysterious destinations. I would hazard a guess that they have computerised this that and the others to make sure they know where they are going and that they do in fact get there. Not this time. A pilot was attempting to land his rather enormous Boeing something or other at an airport in Kansas, but mistakenly pointed the plane at a very minor airstrip nine miles from the huge one he was meant to land at. The poor old pilot admitted that he got his points of the compass mixed up and went north instead of south, then panicked when he saw the postage stamp he had committed to landing on! You’ll be glad to know he did land safely in Kansas, but it gives some comfort to those of us in the Get Lost Easily Club and heartwarminlgy shows that technology is absolutely no match for the human messupability factor.

South Sea Bubble?

As a child Star Trek held unimaginable delights – especially those tiny walkietalkie things that went kik-kik and enabled Captain Kirk to talk to Scotty. In the 70s the idea of phoning whilst on the move was the stuff of science fiction and the red phone box was an essential icon. Nowadays there are mobile phones with so much processing power they could probably run the Starship Enterprise and still enable us to check Facebook and watch a video at the same time. The Americans landed men on the moon with a computer controlled guidance system called AGC. The computer ran at the speed of 0.043 MHz and had a memory of 64kb. One kb is equivalent to about a page of text on a piece of A4 paper. My mobile phone by comparison has a speed of 1.5 GHz (that’s 15000 MHz in old money) and a memory of 16 Gigabytes which makes my phone about 350,000 times faster, with the memory 260,000 times larger than the Apollo 11 computer. In fact any toaster with a defrost button is more powerful than the one used to take Man to another celestial body in 1969. Gordon Moore is a co-founder

of Intel, he predicted in 1965 that computing performance would double every 18 months for the same cost. This is now known as Moores Law and when you consider how the cost of the latest gizmos tumbles almost as soon as they are released; Moore had a point! The memory card for my first digital camera in 2000 was a mighty 256 Megabytes and cost £70. Last month I bought an 8 Gigabyte card for £5; giving me 32 times more memory for less than 10% of what I paid 13 years ago, or to put it another way 320 times better value. It makes my eyes water now as I also remember shelling out £1000 on the Sony camera (and that was duty free) for what now is a dinosaur, trilobite even compared to modern cameras. I have kept it, waiting for a museum to call one day! Friends Reunited was the huge thing before Facebook was even a twinkle in its father Mark Zuckerberg’s eye. Launched in 2000 the website attracted 3000 users in its first year. I never really saw the attraction of contacting old school mates but by the end of its second year 2.5 million other people did. ITV bought

it from the owners Steve and Julie Pankhurst for £120 million in 2005 when it had 15 million users. ITV let it go for just £20m in 2009; the current owners DC Thompson who print The Beano now value it at just £5m and its run more as a family history service. By comparison Facebook numbers are stratospheric; 10 million users in 2004, to 100 million 4 years later and now, 1.1bn monthly active users! Half log in every day for an average of 20 minutes. Last year Facebook had $5bn in revenues. It’s now so popular with older people that teenagers are abandoning the site in droves preferring to use Twitter and other more trendy sites. The potential embarrassment of their parents seeing their sweet dear innocent child dancing on the roof of a car with a traffic cone on their head is thus avoided. Facebook floated at $38 a share in May 2012. The shares nosedived reaching a low of $17.58 four months later. A year on they are trading at $48 valuing the company at $110bn. Small change when compared to Google as its market value is $350,000,000,000!!!

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

Windows 8 or The Curse of Those Who Choose For Us!

Airport Service: Car ready to drive away upon arrival, no waiting in queues on arrival, all paperwork done beforehand!! NO CREDIT CARD BLOCKING!! No hidden extras, price includes damage waiver (excluding vans. Fuel policy – cars full on collection, return full, pay only for what you use. !SAME 2013 RATES! – Autumn rates from 13€ per day, Vans from 48€ per day.

40 New Cars arriving this Autumn Can’t find a flight from Almeria this winter? – our friendly, helpful English speaking staff can arrange a fully legal transfer from either Alicante or Murcia for the best quote ring our Mojacar office. Prearranged collections/returns anywhere in the area available – small charge applies. Long term always negotiable. Always 10 – 15 ex rental cars for sale at Mojacar, all well serviced and reliable. We are, and always have been a budget car rental company, established 6 years, year round low prices with a friendly service you can trust, from an established and reputable company. Book online at www.costacochesrentacar.biz

Booking details email us at costacoches@hotmail.com or call us on 950 459 208 / 950 069 272 to reserve your rental vehicle

THE ALMERIA AIRPORT SPECIALISTS

There’s an emotive statement if ever there was one! At the very least, a good start to an article. So, what provoked this outburst? Earlier this week I got a ‘call-out’ to a gentleman who has Windows 8 on his machine and on which I had installed a desktop that mimicked Window 7. He was, and still is, a happy chap! He had heard that windows had released an upgrade called ‘Windows 8.1’, had tried to get it and found that he couldn’t! Thinking that he had done something wrong and it needed to be ‘fixed’, he called me! Before he could be upgraded, Windows had to be ‘Activated’. This is where Microsoft takes a wander around your machine and then stores information about your computer – for ‘your safety and security’! The problem was that every time we tried to activate it, we hit a ‘DO NOT PASS GO’ and got this damned error code, which was a standard error code for window 7 (NOT 8) that indicated that a particular update patch hadn’t been installed. Easily resolved, I thought! But guess what, that particular update isn’t available on the Microsoft website – anywhere! I came home without payment because if I can’t fix your problem, I won’t charge you (unlike some I’ve seen out here!) and started my research. There are a number of causes that will prevent you from ‘Activating’ your copy of W8 (isn’t that textspeak for WAIT?). The list follows: 1. Excuse - ‘Didn’t have a previous or correct version of the windows’. Solution – Ring America and contact support.

2. Excuse - ‘A different version of windows or product key might have been used as part of a repair’. Solution – Get the original disk and re-insert the codes or Ring America and Buy another licence. 3. Excuse - ‘Windows might have been installed on a number of machines’. Solution – If it is a multi-user licence used by larger computer shops and businesses, Buy another licence from Microsoft. 4. Excuse - ‘Counterfeit Software’, which is anything that Microsoft hasn’t been paid large amounts of money to ‘authorise’! Solution – Remove ALL unauthorised software, freeware, shareware and anything without the Microsoft Logo plastered all over it. Then try again – No promises though! 5. Excuse - ‘Used PC’ Solution – Just ring America and Buy the damned licence from Microsoft! 6. Excuse - ‘Hardware changes’ - WHAT!!!!! Solution – Go back to Windows 7 or XP or another less anal retentive Operating System and save your money! Now I’ve told you the solutions to this irritating problem it it my hope that you will have about 2 years joy with your windows before Microsoft bring out the next latest and greatest way to part you from your money. Speaking of which I’m at La Vida on Thursday and will do everything I can to help you part with your cash. Remember, only 3 more Friday afternoon computer clinics @ Jack’s bar before Xmas!

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

MOTORING

a bit of history

SOURCES: wikipedia.org / indianmotorcycle.com/

1920’s Scout Indian

The Scout was introduced in October 1919 as a 1920 model, with a 606 cc (37 cu in) engine. The engine size was increased to 745 cc (45 cu in) in 1927 in response to the popularity of the Excelsior Super X In 1967 Herbert “Burt” Munro rides his self-modified 1920 Scout® to an under-1000cc land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Forty years later, Munro and his Indian’s record still stands. Between 1962 and 1967, New Zealander Burt Munro used a modified 1920s Indian Scout to set a number of land speed records, as dramatised in the 2005 film The World’s Fastest Indian.

new fords available BMW X1

Automatic 2.0S Drive Diesel 2011 15,000kms

All All automatic automatic • 2006 BMW X5 3.0 DIESEL AUTO 102,000 KMS..........................€21950

€26,950

• 2010 Audi A4 2.0 TDI Saloon 43,000kms one owner..... €18950

citroen ds3

• 2008 landrover freelander hse DIESEL AUTO 65,000 KMS

Automatic 1.6 Diesel 2013 10,000kms

€16,950

mitsubishi montero Automatic 3.2 Diesel 2006 104,000kms

€13,950

mini cooper Automatic 1.6 petrol 2005 75,000kms

€8,950

............................................................................................................€17,950 • 2011 PEUGEOT 308 1.6 Hdi DIESEL AUTO 32,000 KMS..........€15450 • 2005 MERCEDES E320 CDI DIESEL AUTO 167,000 KMS .......€14950 • 2011 OPEL MERIVA 1.7 CDTI DIESEL AUTO 70,000 KMS .......€12950 • 2012 OPEL AGILA 1.2 PETROL AUTO 3,500 KMS.....................€10950

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

www.specialistvehicles.com renault twingo Automatic 1.1 petrol 2009 44,000kms

€7,450

VW passat

Automatic 1.9TDi diesel 2004 102,000kms

€6,950

citroen xsara Automatic 2.0HDi diesel 2009 138,000kms

€4,950

• 2009 FORD FOCUS 2.0 TDCI DIESEL AUTO 119,000 KMS .......€9950 • 2004 MINI COOPER 1.6 PETROL AUTO 92,000 KMS.................€9950 • 2005 FORD FOCUS 1.6 PETROL AUTO 65,000 KMS..................€6450 • 1998 RANGE ROVER 4.6 HSE PETROL AUTO 288,000 KMS ...€4950

ford focus Automatic 1.6 petrol 2003 117,000kms

€3,950

Visit our website

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Over 40 cars in group stock

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

SOLTIMES DECEMBER 2013

sport

DAYA WIN A CRACKER Daya Nueva 2 v. Almoradi 1 Cadets Alicante 2A

The first 10 minutes were pretty even with both sides committed to attacking football. Almoradi wasted a good chance to open the scoring on 12 minutes when their shot went just wide of the post. The visitors were now turning the screw although a Luis fierce short produced a good save from the visitors’ keeper. With Almoradi still piling on the pressure Danni was by far the busier of the two keepers. Daya should have taken the lead on 25 minutes but instead of shooting, Marcos elected to pass to Luis who was in an off-side position ! Two more good chances fell to the home side moments later but somehow both were missed when it was easier to score ! It was the home side’s turn now to put some pressure on their opponents but Almoradi hit back and had a chance or two of their own. It was end to end football that was very exciting to watch. How it was 0 - 0 at half time though, I do not know. The second half continued the same as the first with both sides committed to all out attacking. It made for a highly entertaining game but who would score that elusive first goal that would probably win

the game ? On 55 minutes Almoradi did have the ball in Daya’s net but it was ruled out for a foul on Danni. Minutes later Danni had to make a good save to keep Daya in the match.

The lead lasted less than a minute when from a Jota free kick Jesus levelled the scores. Just 4 minutes later Marcos latched on to a through ball to calmly put Daya ahead 2 1. The final minutes saw Almoradi throw everything at Daya in an effort to force a draw but the home side held on for a 2 - 1 victory. Jota was a giant in defence for Daya and gets Man of the Match from other strong contenders. This game was a great advert for football at this level. It was played in a good sporting spirit and in all honesty a draw would have been a fair result. Well done to all the players. Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab

“This is a very important victory” says coach Oosterhof after the match, “not only the 3 points but also to win from a good team”. Oosterhof had some doubts before the match started because he had to miss his top scorer Moha and his captain Juan. It was time for the other players to shine. So the 17 year old Abdel not only made the important goal but also he managed to play his best match ever. “What also pleases me is that the defense was great again, they didn’t give a change away today”. According to the coach Sporting started as usual with a lot of pressure on the opponent from the first minute. From there the quick combinations on midfield

and then trying to find the very fast players Fran and Dani. These 2 players together with striker Pirri were a nightmare for the defense of A.D Murcia. Because of the many changes in the positions of these 3 strikers the defense could not get a grip on them. In the first half the second ball was lost sometimes, but this was a lot better in the second half. Only 2 corners and a free kick where give away, were the only things the defense of Sporting had to worry about. “They played a really high level and were able to keep that high level during the whole match”. The only point of criticism is that they had to end the match earlier”. according to Oosterhof. Next match Sporting Camposol EF Vistalegre (municipal Mazarron 16.00) Text: Martin

International CB Football ORIHUELA COSTA 2 – 0

CDM Team: Lopez, Dimitry, Angel, Manuel, Omar, Diego, Marcos, Rubio, Ruben, Edu, Vazquinho.

injury problems currently facing CD Montesinos – both regular goal keepers missing, both regular centre halves, Becker and David, are also ruled out and Fernando was still not 100% and was on the bench.

Monte travelled down the coast to Orihuela Costa, the league leaders, with a much depleted squad on a wet, windy and very chilly Sunday mid-day encounter.

Add to this horrific injury list Dario who was unable to play as he went down injured in the pre-match warm up and the second half injury to Edu, who will miss at least three weeks.

Certainly the starting line-up was much changed and the travelling fans were left scratching their heads as the players ran out. The

So it was with some trepidation that both players, and fans started the game against a very strong Orihuela Costa side, who have been

CD MONTESINOS

Nine players from Rojales Netball Club, together with their Umpire, Pam, travelled to Murcia on a cold Wednesday evening to take on a newly formed team from Kings College. The first quarter was very close with Rojales’ defence of Tracey and Claire having to work hard to keep the ball out and play it up to their centre court of Mercedes, Donna and Louise. The shooters then took over with a result of 3-2 in Rojales’ favour.

On 64 minutes a fabulous through ball from Luis saw Marcos hit a superb shot that flew past the post with the visitors’ keeper stranded. Following more intense pressure and a succession of corners Almoradi took the lead on 68 minutes, it was a great headed goal following yet another corner.

Sporting Camposol wins again. Jelco Oosterhof is very proud of the 0-1 win from his team Sporting Camposol against A.D Murcia. According to the Dutch coach his team made some very good steps forward in the league.

Rojales Netball Club

Rojales made some changes in the second quarter and started to work together as a team with Charlotte

San Miguel Golf Society

It was certainly a big bonus, not only being dry as we arrived but staying that way for the rest of the daylight hours. Even though it was considerably drier, it’s just a shame that the cold wasn’t a bit warmer .... if you get my drift. Whether inland or on the coast, there was no argument, it was definitely brass monkey weather!! Over thirty of us went out searching for as many Stableford points as we far and away the best team in the division, and one of the few teams at this level who actually pay their players. But Monte gave it their all and although they eventually went down to a goal in each half, they were a credit to their colours, as they refused to be overawed by their opponents. Orihuela controlled the game with Monte sitting back and playing on the break. But despite all their possession, it took a wonder strike after 40 minutes to break through the Monte defence. Even a goal early in the second half to double their lead could not dampen the spirit being showed by the visitors, and Vazquinho, wearing the Captains armband for the day, gave everything for the team.

In the third and fourth quarters Ronnie and Carole pressured Kings College into making numerous mistakes and Rojales capitalised on this. As the game progressed Rojales’ superior experience started to show and they finished the game with a 24-9 win. If you would like to be part of this successful Netball Club contact Tracey on 679539995. place with 33 points was Norman Padmore but with the same score Norman McBride just pinched top spot on count back.

I feel certain that La Finca is one of the firm favourites amongst San Miguel Golf Society members from the many local courses that we visit. But, I’m sure like many of us, I had my doubts that we’d even be teeing off there as the rain battered down in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

For those of us who live down near the coast, the trip to La Finca was expected by many to be a quick “hello” to everyone, a nice hot coffee and back home for an early lunch. This area’s rapidly changing weather conditions within such a small radius once again caught us all out – La Finca, according to the caddy-master, had barely seen any rain apart from a few spots!

doing some excellent feeds into the circle for her mum, Wendy, to shoot through the hoop.

Silver division saw Chris Hamblett in 3rd place (31), Ray Harris in 2nd (32) and Glen Rapley’s 35 earned him 1st place. Gold category had the best scores with Ken Potts (37 C/B) in 3rd with Tony Smale 2nd (37 C/B) and once again in top slot it’s John Aitchison with 40 points! A big “Well Done” to all those in the prizes.

could muster on a course where a lot of work was being carried out on the gents’ tee boxes. This resulted in most of us either teeing off from the dreaded whites or the odd time, from just behind the reds! I feel the disorientation this caused to the vast majority of us was decidedly UNFAIR!

Ewins with 24 then a big gap to 2nd

www.smgs.org is where to log on to keep up to date with all society matters or give Phil de Lacy a call on 966 774 197 to find out any details or to book for forthcoming Wednesday meetings – visitors are always welcome.

Anyway – NTP’s went to Tony Smale (Hole 3), Mike Jordan (Hole 6), Ray Harris (Hole 13) and Ken Potts (Hole 16). A very steady par round from Roger Webb earned him the guest prize on the day. The 3 winners in the bronze division were – 3rd to Ray

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LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY Roda - 27.11.13 Rain was forecast and how right they were, but why does it have to be on a golf day? It rained for most of the night and was still raining when we reached Roda. However, out of 37 prospective players, a hardy bunch of 29 decided to venture out, not able to resist the lure of a game and also to play Roda. The course, as always, looked splendid from the club house. In spite of the weather conditions, or because of them, some members came to the fore and produced good scores. I say this because the best score of the day was gained by a member from Yorkshire and the second best came from a member from Anglesey and both must be used to playing the rain!! Seriously, well done to everyone who played. Because the Lo Crispin Tavern is closed for holidays, we met at Monty’s Bar on Montebello for the presentation. The staff at Monty’s made us very welcome and provided us with plenty of food.

The bravest of the brave were:

Gold Division: 1st Ray Brown 37 pts, 2nd Meirion Roberts 33 points and 3rd Tom Johnson 32pts

Bronze Division: 1st John Featherstone 31pts, Frank Cusack 28pts and 3rd Tony Ellis 26pts. NTPs Meirion Roberts holes 2 and 7, hole 11 Gordon Cobb and hole 13 Dave Keating. Meirion Roberts had two 2s and received 44€ and Dave Keating received 22€. the Free game draw was won by Brian Smith. Our next games are at Vistabella and Villamartin and although Villamartin is full please get your name down on the reserve list and there is always someone having to pull out at the last minute.

68 players were due to take part in our Chuck Martinez Memorial Trophy on Thursday 28thNovember 2013 at our home course of La Marquesa Golf Course. The format of this competition was a Medford i.e. Medal for the first nine holes followed by a Stableford for the back nine with the Stableford points being deducted from the nett medal score. As the weather conditions deteriorated early on some players gave up after a few holes and other decided not to start. Those that decided to either continue playing or start were surprised to finish the

Villamartin, 27th November, 2013 We had a few cancellations due to the prospect of rain but those that did cancel missed out on what turned out to be a decent day for a game of golf and in the end, 25 of us ploughed our way around the improving Villamartin track with only one very brief miniscule drop of rainfall.

be in the do-do when his “better half” finds out he put his win down to the fact that she wasn’t there and therefore, he wasn’t under any kind of handicap. Time to cover the family jewels Robbie, they might be in danger of as right knees up, and I don’t mean of the party kind.

All four NTP’s were claimed and the recipients of a very splendid bottle of wine were Vernon Brown, Robbie Rae, Peter Wells and Alan Rickers.

The Gold lot didn’t fare much better and it only needed a 30 pointer from Alan Rickers to take 4th, Richard Wale’s 31 took 3rd and that left Dag Lomas with 33 to secure the runnerup slot and Vernon Browns 36 took top spot in that division. Photo is of the Gold Category Winners.

The Silver boys fared fairly well and Colin Marsden’s 29 points were enough to secure 4th spot and 30 points was enough for Per Skarnes to claim 3rd place. However, they were a long way behind Alex Goslan’s 35 points for the runners-up slot and the Solver Honours went to Robbie Rae with 36 points. Methinks he will

Our next game, Wednesday 4th December 2013, see’s us at the Marmite of golf courses, Las Ramblas where we will be holding a Texas Scramble 4 ball event followed by our Christmas Dinner so if you fancy a game just look at our website www.tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604.

Gold Division 1st Robin Richards 15 points 2nd Malcolm Foskett 18 points 3rd Bob Buckeridge 21 points Silver Division 1st Ken Enever 22 points c/b 2nd Tony Stanley 22 points 3rd Dave Nicholls 23 points Bronze Division 1st Colin Hobden 16 points 2nd Gill Britten 22 points 3rd Phyllis Venables 25 points Nearest the Pins 5th n/a 11th Phyllis Venables 12th n/a 15th Bob Buckeridge

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Cartagena SUFFER SHARK ATTACK This League 2 clash lived up to the much anticipated tough test for the fledging players from San Javier. Cartajena, were favourites but were knocked back and surprised by the inyour-face tactics of the young Squalos. These “Sharks” were attack orientated and showed great determination by their relentless tackling, speed and willingness to run the ball so early in the game. Territorial pressure forced a penalty, which centre, Alex Alejandro, coolly converted from 40 metres to give Los Squalos the lead after ten minutes. At this stage, former winger, Juanma, switched to second row, showed great speed and always gained ground. Los Squalos were denied two tries before half time and a ham string problem saw Javi replace Alej. “OSO” the Bear Could the Squalos extend their slender lead? Well three minutes after the restart, young Samuel on the left wing finished off a team move with and excellent try to give his side an eight points lead. Relentless pressure restricted play to the Cartagena half before “OSO” known as “The Bear” crashed over to touch down for a second unconverted try. Then a big hit by prop, CACO, left him injured and needing the help

round without getting wet. The wind got up towards the end of the round making playing conditions a bit more challenging. Ian wants to apologise to Phyllis as her leg managed to stop his ball going into the ditch on the second, he hopes the bruise is not too horrific. The results were as follows:

sport

LOS SQUALOS (Sharks) 13 CARTAJENA 7

Silver Division: 1st Alan Crain 27pts, 2nd Malcolm Morrison 24pts and 3rd Paul Flanaghan 22pts

Eurogolf, La Marquesa Press Report

It has been a busy week for the society, 24 players took part in our away day at Alenda on Sunday 24 November. It was a cold start with temperatures at 4˚ and although conditions were good the cold weather and long course meant that few people achieved high scores. Well done to Paul Manning who won the day with 36 points.

TMGS Match Report

3rd Sue Gillett 34 points

17th Malcolm Foskett Best front 9: Terry Sharley 35 shots nett Best back 9John Fairhurst 19 points WINNER OF THE CHUCK MARTINEZ MEMORIAL TROPHY – ROBIN RICHARDS Football Winners: Bev Fairhurst, Phyllis Venables Debbie Weedon and Keith Wright TOFF’s Results Tuesday 26 November 2013 Overall Winner –Alan Caithness Gold Division 1st Alan Caithness 38 points 2nd Bill Martin 35 points

Silver 1st Harry Armstrong 36 points c/b 2nd Marilyn Eckersall 36 points 3rd Ian Stewart 35 points Bronze 1st Phyllis Venables 35 points c/b 2nd Geoff Evans 35 points c/b 3rd Phyllis Venables 35 points Nearest the Pins 5th Paul Manning 15th Malcolm Foskett 11th Tony Stead 17th Stan Low Best Front Nine – Tony Stead 20 Best Back Nine – Terry Sharley 19

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of paramedics. He was replaced by Juandi. Minutes later, Cartagena centre, Caballo, touched down under the posts and Rafa converted to narrow the gap to six points. Though the visitors then brought on some big “Guns” the young Los Squalos held on and closed the game down to run out very happy victors. Coaches Ian Morrison and John Lester made Juanma their “manof-the-match” for his all round contribution to this tactically successful performance. Overall Los Squalos worked to their game plan and got first to the break downs, thus unsettling the visitors. Great cheers greeted the final whistle followed by the Los Squalos “Haka” Gerry Sherry Photo No1 shows Capt. and No8, Kike, breaking from a scrum. Photo No. 2 shows Jaunma - Manof-the-match

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