MarMenor M267

GREAT ADVERT

RATES CALL 950 121 936 SALES@ SOLTIMES .COM

MAR MENOR

SolTimes issue 267

your free weekly newspaper

27 feb- 5 march est. 7 yrs

www.soltimes.com

policia local rescue dogs

enjoy tapas!

full story on page 3

full story on page 3

Whats happening at the update your hair-do!

LIST YOUR PROPERTY NOW...

MURCIA VILLAS ARE LOOKING FOR NEW PROPERTIES FOR OUR CLIENTS

page 19

the New Royal Bar & Restaurant

See Page 36

For our March Entertainment guide Ken Sherwood

British Car Mechanic

TEL: 679 646 859 kentrike2011@hotmail.co.uk

Workshop based in La Pinilla Only ten minutes from Camposol Car valeting Small Bodywork Repairs Undertaken New I.C.E. Computer Diagnostic & Fault Finding Servicing

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING OR LETTING YOUR PROPERTY PLEASE CONTACT US ON

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

Tel: 968 550 147 / 630 877 887 info@murciavillas.com WE HAVE CLIENTS WAITING FOR YOUR PROPERTY

www.murciavillas.com

Air Conditioning Repairs & Re-gassing

TEL: 679 646 859

All Your Paperwork Needs Seen To

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

READ THE SOL TIMES ONLINE @ WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

2

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

ryanair remain tight-lipped on latest alicante route decision

Michael O’Leary is remaining tight-lipped about his recent decision to restore most of the Alicante destinations that he struck from Ryanair’s program last autumn.

After a major ‘difference of opinion’ last year with AENA on the subject of air bridges at Alicante’s El Altet airport, Mr O’Leary fulfilled his threat and withdrew 18 destinations.

His action had a severe effect on the airport, with an estimated one million fewer passengers passing through the gates.

It looks as if a compromise must have been arranged between both parties, as Ryanair is due to restore 17 of the 18 destinations previously flown to the timetable next April.

Sport

newly appointed benidorm police chief to crack down on street crime

Juan Carlos Hernandez Muñoz undertook to crack down on street crime in the city in his inaugural speech as the newly appointed Chief of Police in Benidorm.

residents and tourists should feel safe in the Costa Blanca’s most popular and populous resort. To fulfil this aim he promised tighter security and an increased police presence.

He said he was determined that

He gave notice that in particular

evictions take toll on all involved

The desperate situations of the Desahucios, those who have been unable to maintain their mortgage payments, and who have been summarily evicted, often in circumstances of great suffering, has touched the hearts and moral sensitivities of those commissioned with actually carrying out the evictions.

The first traders to act in defiance of the courts were the locksmiths, who passed a resolution of non-cooperation with evictions, saying that they were not agents of the banks, thus not obliged to act on their behalf.

Their decision to distance themselves from, as they see it, imposing hardship on their fellow humans has spread to the Firefighters.

At a meeting of the UGT, the Firefighter’s Union, the members voiced their anger and unhappiness at being expected to act to evict people from their homes.

The Union Deputy said ‘Our members joined the service to help the public and to save lives, not to destroy families.

We are not agents of the law, and we do not want to become embroiled in legal issues.

If the banks want to evict people onto the street, then they should do it themselves, and not expect our members to act on their behalf.’

his officers would be focussing on street crime and drug trafficking, and announced that in future and especially in the coming tourist season an increased number of arrests for petty offences would be made.

Owners of homes in Javea have had a reprieve from the crippling land value review, which was estimated in 2005, and in some cases saw land values revised upwards by as much as 10 times their original estimation.

regions tourism looks positive

The tourism outlook for the resort is rosy, according to figures from JET2.

Their booking agent, JET2 Holidays, reports an 18% increase in bookings for this year.

The success of the company at a time when many others are struggling is put down to an increase in advertising; a series of TV advertisements planned for the coming month is expected to boost bookings even further.

At the moment JET2 has bookings in 65 Benidorm hotels, and is hoping to achieve an eventual growth figure in package holiday bookings of 41%.

mad march prices

However, the Ayuntamiento has decided not to act upon these valuations, which in any case were eventually annulled in court.

Instead the value accepted will be that of 1995. Alcalde José Chulvi, while admitting that this decision would result in a ‘significant’ reduction in income for the Council, also hinted that a new review could be undertaken ‘in some year’s time.’

QUILT SETS

Over 100 designs

Linen M il ls L in en Mills

rugs

javea’s home owners receive reprieve

at

from

€9.95

BUY 1 GET ONE FREE 800m2 2nd floor SHOWROOM NOW OPEN from

€4.95

THROWS

aurura throws €45 now €20

from

€9.95

from

€5.95

€24.95

aVDA. lAS NACIONES

Calle los ARCOS

Linen Mills QUESADA

€44.95

duvets from

now €12.95

mattress & tv bed excludes TV

sheets

inc filler

complete

€995

toppers

cushions

DON’T MISS OUT - WHEN IT’S GONE IT’S GONE !

from

GLE €5.95 SIN LE UB €6.95 DO G €7.95 KIN

CALLE LOS ARCOS CIUDAD QUESADA MON - FRI 10AM – 6PM, SAT 10AM – 2PM TEL: 652 634 714

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

3

Ruta de Tapas Continues

The Ruta de Tapas is still ongoing in Alhama de Murcia.

This is an annual event that takes place in many towns in the Murcia region, and is a form of competition between bars to see which one gets the most ‘points.’

Participating bars will offer signature as well as regular tapas, which will be accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink, for a price ranging between 1 Euro and 2.50 Euros. The customer can then mark the tapa with a score between 1 and 5 on the official Ruta de Tapas card, which is available at the bar, and which must be stamped.

Should you visit at least 6 bars than your card is eligible for entry into a prize draw – hand the fully stamped card in to the Tourist Office before 12 March.

The prizes will be drawn on 15 March at the Ayuntamiento, and the winners notified by phone.

policia local save three dogs

Policía Local were able to save the lives of three dogs which had somehow been able to access a water reservoir on a finca.

It seems that the dogs had managed to get into the embalse, and either fallen in or gone into the water, but were unable to get out again due to the slippery plastic which forms the embalse.

Although this rescue was of three dogs, the police wanted to underline the hazards for humans that these reservoirs hold. There have been cases, one only recently, where a farmer entered the embalse to rescue his dog, but lost his footing on the slippery plastic, fell in, and was drowned.

The police emphasise that anyone who has one of these reservoirs should as a matter of course provide a ladder, a safety boom or at least a rope secured to the top and reaching into the water, so that escape is possible in a worst case scenario.

new choir to debut at Rafol d’Almunia

Joanna Baldwin, who is well known as a soloist as well as being Musical Director of the English Choir, is presenting the debut of a new choir on 2nd March at Rafol d’Almunia.

The program includes a wide variety of music from the classical through to the modern, a challenging brief for any group of singers!

However, Joanna feels that the new choir, named Music Unlimited, will be more than equal to the task – the members are all experienced singers, and Joanna herself has wide experience with many groups.

The evening is in aid of charity, and the night’s proceeds will be given

to Jalon Valley HELP, the churches at Rafol and Alcalali, and SCAN, an animal charity.

The concert will be held at the church at Rafol d’Almunia, and tickets for the evening will be available on the door at 10 Euros, or can be booked by phone by contacting Joanna on 636 594 014.

Princess Letizia helps single mother facing eviction A mother-of-two who was about to lose her home could have been saved at the eleventh hour by Princess Letizia, wife of heir to the throne Prince Felipe.

Nieves, from Bilbao, left her violent husband, but does not receive any maintenance for the children, and has been living in a flat owned by her former parents-in-law. Even though the man’s parents have three other properties, they started eviction proceedings so that their son could live in the house instead. The grandparents have not seen their grandchildren in four years, and the children’s father has a three-year injunction preventing him from contacting his ex-wife. Nieves’ children are in counselling and they are now facing a life on the street.

But when Princess Letizia attended a soup kitchen as part of her official duties, Nieves managed to speak to her and tell her about her case. Within days, a letter arrived from the Royal household to say the Princess of Asturias had contacted the ministry of justice to tell them about Nieves’ plight. Although the ministry cannot interfere with the legal proceedings, it may have some bearing over the outcome and help Nieves in her fight to either keep the family home or be granted council housing at a reduced rent

fed up with spending a fortune every year on electricity, gas or diesel?

www.solardirecta.com -€ Energy prices rising -€ Solar prices falling - € Reduce your outgoings -€ Free Electricity -€ Free Hot water

-€ -€ -€ -€ -€

Quality products all with guarantees Nine years trading in spain Excellent return on your investment Saving you money from day one Covering the whole Murcia region Complete systems from only 1500€ installed call keith now: 659 315 130 info@solardirecta.com • www.solardirecta.com fully legal & installing in spain since 2004

4

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Teenage football ref loses spleen after brutal attack by police officer

Parents of a 17-year-old football referee who had to have his spleen removed after being beaten up by a police officer have confirmed their son’s version of events.

Héctor G.T. was refereeing at the seconddivision regional match between Los Silos and Mislata B-teams on Sunday in Burjassot (Valencia), when a player of the away team, Alberto M. M., 27, called him ‘subnormal’ and began to kick him brutally. The accused was an off-duty National Police officer, who

Sport

has been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the case.

Witnesses say it was the 89th minute of the match with a score of 2-2, when Héctor blew the whistle and awarded a foul in favour of the home team. This attracted abusive comments from Alberto M. M., who was given a red card and sent off. He then began to insult and repeatedly kick the referee, although some witnesses say he

Protesters stop eviction of 85-year-old lady who owed a month’s rent

A mass public protest managed to prevent an 85-year-old woman from being thrown out of her rented home after this week.

According to press reports, the elderly lady was only one month behind with her rent on her property in A Coruña, in the north-western region of Galicia, when the owners started eviction proceedings against her.

Around 200 people, including members of the pressure group Stop Desahucios (‘stop evictions’) gathered around Aurelia Rey’s front door just as the police arrived to force her out onto the street and change the locks.

only kicked him once, in the ribs.

Héctor’s dad started to run to his side to intervene in the fight, but the youngster was heard to say, “dad, leave him, we’ll report him.”

The attack was witnessed by Héctor’s parents, José and Vicenta, and his 11-yearold brother Joel.

Various fans and players from both sides managed to pin down the attacker before he could do any further damage, and Héctor got up and walked away, but later complained of feeling sick and dizzy and passed out. He was rushed to Arnau Hospital in nearby Vilanova, where he underwent emergency surgery after vomiting blood.

Having lost two litres of blood, his life would have been in serious danger if the hospital had been much further away. In the end, it

was found he had a ruptured spleen, which had to be removed.

A disillusioned Héctor says he is going to give up being a referee after this incident, despite having been one for three years and his friends trying to convince him to carry on.

Valencia FC players were due to visit him in hospital, but at the time of their planned trip Héctor had to have a blood transfusion and could not see anyone.

Levante UD has promised to wear slogans on their football shirts in support of Héctor when they play Osasuna in an upcoming match.

Both the home and away teams involved on Sunday say they are ‘sickened’ by the attack, especially as ‘the referee is only a child – he has a little boy’s face’

Student creates bike that grows with your child

Firefighters were supposed to be involved in throwing her out, but categorically refused to do so on humanitarian grounds and carried a Stop Desahucios banner.

The group held a demonstration this morning at 09.30hrs in front of the court in A Coruña to demand a solution to the elderly lady’s case.

Aurelia thanked everyone there, especially Stop Desahucios, who have managed to prevent thousands of homeowners being evicted by force after they fell behind on their mortgages due to redundancy.

Eurospas

Unbeatable prices, subject to availability The longest established Spa specialist in this part of Spain Sole distributor for ‘Premium Leisure’ All Spas are CE certified

Lexus

5 Person, 33 chrome jets Air Blower, Aromatherapy LED colour mood light Headrests, Therapy Seat Lounger and Waterfall dims: 200 x 196 x 81cm

love tub z40 5 person, 40 jets,

2x massage pumps, automatic filtration ozone, double lounger, waterfall, LED Mood lights Dims: 210 x 210 x 81

5,495€

650 722 905 or 650 769 103

No deposit - Payment on completion & satisfaction www.eurospas1.com eurospas@gmail.com

also Ex-Display & used spas @ even bigger discounts a spa for every budget!!!

Are You In The Know?

We want to hear from you!

FAME & FORTUNE AWAITS! (well, maybe only ‘fame’!)

We are looking to develop our Local News Content for the Costa Calida & Costa Blanca editions and we want to hear from YOU if you would like to submit news articles on a regular basis... ...you won’t earn a cent but you will get your name in print in every issue, complete with a byline to promote ‘you’ every week - you’ll become an overnight

sensation!

office in Bolnuevo (near Farmacia) next to Cafe Colonia

editor@soltimes.com

A Barcelona student has designed a children’s bike which grows with the young user and can be adapted into a tricycle or with stabilisers.

It can also be adjusted to be ridden without pedals.

Noelia Vallano’s graduate project for her degree in product design and diploma in higher education in industrial modelling, B’Kids, got her a prize from the university and put her into the finals of the Mercat d’Idees design fair awards last year.

Her B’Kids bike (pictured) is aimed mainly at children aged between two and six and can be adjusted to keep up with the ever-changing height, weight and mental and physical capabilities of the child.

Noelia says this way, children will be able to learn to ride a bike and enjoy doing so at an earlier age, meaning they are more likely to choose this method of transport whenever they can in adult life instead of cars.

The fact it is made of natural and locally-sourced materials, including wood and cork, is another factor in its favour in terms of protecting the environment.

According to the student from Barcelona’s Art and Design School, the idea came about because, in difficult financial times such as the present, the cost of new toys when children grow out of old ones can be prohibitive for parents – but in the case of the B’Kids bike, it will last them at least four years, and possibly more.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

5

PP’s donors and Suspended School Pupils Get Community Service recipients of funds named & shamed

The former treasurer and senator Luis Bárcenas has signed a statement in front of a notary giving names of those who had donated funds to the PP and those who had received them during the 15 years he managed the party’s cashflow, according to a report received by the judge handling the slush-fund case.

According to press sources, the document, handed to the court by the Financial Crimes Unit (UDEF), and dated December 14, 2012, confirms Bárcenas (pictured) was responsible for monitoring income and expenses under the heading ‘PP Donations’, jointly with Álvaro de Lapuerta, between 1994 and 2009. It then lists names of ‘donors’ and ‘recipients of funds’.

Bárcenas, who was named PP treasurer in 2008, made the written statement in front of a notary after he found out that the Spanish government had been informed by Swiss authorities of the existence of his ‘secret’ bank account in the latter country containing 22 million euros.

Whilst union leader Toxo Méndez says “Spain’s people cannot stomach any more corruption,” and socialist opposition head Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba added that the country’s president, Mariano Rajoy (PP) was ‘politically tied to’ and ‘mortgaged to’ a ‘gentleman who is everything but honest’ – meaning Bárcenas – the PP party maintains that its conscience is clear.

Although this latest document may prove to be the undoing of the current government, depending upon the names listed and funds they received, and in what capacity, Rajoy believes that this will be just one more step along the road to proving his and other top-flight PP members’

A high school in inland Valencia province is making kids who get expelled or suspended carry out community service.

Pupils excluded permanently or temporarily for bad behaviour get unpaid jobs in nursing homes, making beds and cleaning, or sweeping up sports courts and weeding in forestry areas to prevent wildfires.

According to a report by ThinkSpain, the school in Navarrés was the first to put the scheme in action, and other high schools in Chella, Bolbaite, Quesa and Bicorp – all in the province of Valencia and a long way inland – have followed suit.

Headmistress of the Navarrés school, Amparo Bono, says being suspended and staying at home is no punishment to teenagers who misbehave – in fact, they see it as a bonus, innocence.

Rajoy, along with PP Secretary-General and regional president of Castilla-La Mancha María Dolores de Cospedal and her predecessors in the former role have always denied receiving cash-in-hand wage top-ups from Bárcenas over a 10-year period.

Rubalcaba says he is convinced the PP knew about the ‘illegal financing’ back when his own party, the PSOE, was in power with José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero as head of State.

The socialist leader says former president Felipe González had pleaded with the PSOE ‘not to be the kind of opposition’ he himself ‘had to suffer’, which ‘called for him to resign on a daily basis’.

“I would like nothing better than not to have to call for Rajoy to resign,” Rubalcaba answered.

The trial continues.

since they get a few days’ rest.

But being made to carry out work in the community without getting paid ‘makes them think’, she says.

“It annoys them far more than simply being suspended, and they learn it is harder to do these jobs than to just get on with their homework or behave respectfully towards teachers and classmates,” says Sra Bono.

Community service is ‘awarded’ to delinquent kids based upon the severity of their offence, whether they have been previously suspended or in trouble for behavioural problems, and what their local council needs them to do.

Valencia’s regional education authorities are considering rolling out the idea to all schools in the Comunidad Valenciana, which covers the three provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón.

King to go under knife for discal hernia

King Juan Carlos is about to undergo his 12th operation in as many months – this time for his discal hernia. This means he will miss his planned visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, which would have been between March 3 and 5 - the King’s first trip abroad since his fall in Botswana.

And he is still suffering after-effects from his hip-replacement operation on November 23, needing to use crutches when he attends to his public duties.

The condition, which in the monarch’s case is in the lumbar region, causes sciatica-like pain and where this cannot be kept under control, surgery is the only answer. But the operation carries a risk that the patient could be left wheelchair-bound, as it is very delicate and requires great precision.

In the King’s case, his medic, Dr Manuel de la Torre Gutiérrez from La Milagrosa clinic in Madrid, believes that this is the only real way forward.

As well as a discal hernia, the monarch also has stenosis of the spine, which needs to be operated on before it gets worse. The discal hernia is an old problem which has got worse, say the King’s medical staff. They say the monarch may have to postpone all other public duties for next month until more is known about the outcome of the operation and his recovery time.

TEL: 968 199 226 mobile: 617 435 218 Find us on Camposol Sector A (Formerly Gateway To India)

Lunch menu served between 12 noon to 15.30 Option 1.

Choose from a small beer, a glass of wine or any soft drink Choice of any chicken curry dish served with rice and naan bread Only 5.95€ per person

Option 2.Choose from a small beer, glass of wine or any soft

drink Appetiser..... Papadoms served with chutneys Starters..... choice of soups, onion bhaji, aloo, chicken tikka, pakora, gobi pakora, or ring pakora Main course....Choose any one of the following - Any chicken curry, or lamb curry dish.....served with either plain rice, pilau rice, plain naan or garlic naan bread

Only 9.95€ per person

Early bird Menu served between 18.00 to 20.00 Choose from a small beer, a glass of wine or any soft drink plus a bottle of house wine per couple Appetiser.....Papadoms served with chutneys Starters....Choose any one of the following - Fish pakora, prawn cocktail, onion bhaji or vegetable pakora Main course.....Choose any one of the following - Any chicken curry, lamb curry, fish curry or vegetable curry dish.....served with either pilau rice, plain rice, plain naan or garlic naan or cheese naan bread

Only 12.50€ per person

Free Home Delivery service available in all sectors of Camposol, Candado de Alhama and the Country Club

6

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Radical overhaul of Social Security and self-employment system

New measures to encourage self-employed people and small businesses could be brought into force as a debate is due to take place in the Council of Ministers next week.

According to press reports,

Sport Oak Exceptionally Furniture Low Prices...

For Your Home & Garden ces nique pie ...many u ... e n o ’ve g once they ! e n o they’ve g

Find us at Los Carasoles Zurgena (Almeria) On the Baza Road

950 10 42 72

www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com

self-employed persons aged 30 and under, or those newly self-employed, will only have to pay 50 euros a month in Social Security for the first six months instead of the usual 270 euros, and will get a 50 per cent discount for the next six months dropping to 30 per cent for the third period of six months.

This 30 per cent discount will continue to apply to women aged under 35.

The move has been welcomed by the public,

STEVE HAYES INFORMATICA

Serving the local community since 2003

• PC’s • Laptops • Printers etc...

• Sales & Repairs • On-siteCall Out &Tuition • Consumables Website: www.shinform.net Email: info@shinform.net Contact us on Skype at Shinform

Telephone 950 120 900

Address 28 de Febrero, s/n, 04800, Albox, Almeria

but the age limit has caused widespread outrage, since finding a job after age 35 or 40 can be difficult with companies seeking young employees.

Many question whether this ‘discrimination’ is in fact constitutional.

When a person decides to start up a new business or go self-employed, but is on the dole, they will be able to still claim for the first nine months, although it is not clear whether this is in full or in part.

The under-30s who start a business and offer a job to anyone aged 45 or over will get a reduction on the Social Security paid for these employees – 100 per cent for the first year – a move that will continue until unemployment rates fall below 15 per cent.

Other aspects under discussion are to allow business people or the selfemployed to wait until an invoice is paid before they pay the IVA on it, which is normally due in full by the end of the year and can be crippling in the event of non-payment of the client in question.

Anyone under 30 who comes off the dole to work for themselves and finds it does not work out will be

able to take up their dole money entitlement again.

A unique web portal run by the public sector will allow private-sector firms to advertise jobs, so that the unemployed will know where to look.

Companies taking on under-30s with no work experience will get a reduction of 75 per cent in Social Security payments, or 100 per cent if the firm has fewer than 250 employees.

Bonuses of between 500 and 700 euros a year for companies who make temporary job contracts permanent for the under30s will be given to companies.

Self-employed persons starting out will get a 20per-cent reduction in their income tax for the first two years and those who are on the dole when they start up will get full exemption.

New companies will pay 15 per cent tax rather than 21 per cent for the first two years up to the first 300,000 euros a year, and for anything over this, 20 per cent.

Other measures are being taken to encourage larger companies to float their shares on the stock market.

“CRISIS BUSTING”

NEATER HEATER FREEZE THEIR PRICES SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

Richard Winter and Tony Sim, of Neater Heater have decided that, in this time of financial crisis, they are going to continue to absorb four recent cost increases, and maintain last year’s prices until the end of this winter.

“This Winter” Richard informed us “our overheads have increased at four key points: Manufacture; Transport; Exchange Rate; and now Spanish IVA” “Last Year, we decided to build up our stock levels. We now feel that this action has allowed us to absorb the impact of our increased overheads. We hope this will keep our customers happy, especially those existing customers who have told us they are intending to buy more Neater Heaters during this winter.”

Neater Heater’s Feet of Engineering.

From the first day we started marketing Neater Heaters on the Costa Blanca, we have regularly been asked by our customers if they came with a free-standing option. We reluctantly had to answer that they were only available as wall mounted heaters.

This caused a lot of genuine disappointment as, like us when we first discovered them, many of our customers had genuinely been looking for an affordable economical and efficient electric heater such as this, but had no wall space available to mount them on.

Thanks to our research and development department (Richard’s father-in-law) we are now able to offer a free-standing option to the Costa Blanca’s favourite heater for just €25 above the listed price.

This allows you to place them in front of those expensive curtains, or the patio doors, yet still benefit from the state of the art Norwegian technology and design.

All together now...”That’s Neat, That’s Neat, That’s Neat, That’s Neat, I Really Love Your Neater Feet, (duh duh dum) Those Neater Feet -Yeah!”

NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

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: 672 128 945 BLUE LAGOON: The Electrical Shop (Euronics) Tel: 966 188 169 NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

COSTA calida

LOS ALCAZARES: For home inspections call Edmund. Tel. 966 765 552 BALSICAS/ SAN JAVIER Sierra Golf Tel 968 018 257 san Javier DFS Spain Tel: 968 334 194 MAZARRON Camposol B. La Red Solutions (Mapfre) Tel. 968 199 025 NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

ALMERIA

ANTAS. Iron Art Factory Outlet.

Tel: 637 259 033 MOJACAR PLAYA. D Match Digital Services. Tel: 950 472 947

info@neaterheater.es www.neaterheater.es Tel: 634 312 171

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Tenerife beheading accused awaits verdict connexions

A man accused of brutally beheading a British grandmother in Tenerife was haunted by voices telling him he was “an angel of Jesus Christ who is going to create a new Jerusalem”, his lawyer said on Monday.

According to a report by the Huffington Post, Bulgarian Deyan Deyanov, 29, denies murdering Jennifer MillsWestley, the grandmother of five, inside a Chinese-owned shop in Los Cristianos.

An acute schizophrenic, he did not even know he had been living in Tenerife, until he was told in prison.

His lawyer Francisco Beltran told a jury that he “has committed no crime” and was in “total disagreement” with the murder charge.

Deyanov hears violent voices due to acute schizophrenia, and claimed they were “direct how I act, sometimes they say kill, fight, hit, pray,” he said.

After watching CCTV footage of the attack, he said it was “a montage, a film” and claimed that he did not recognise himself in the images. The defendant said

he had been using crack cocaine and LSD before his arrest, but had no memory of living in Tenerife.

Asked if he knew he was in Tenerife after being brought there from a psychiatric unit in Seville on the Spanish mainland, he said: “I have just found out.”

He also denied that he had lived in Wales, where he was sectioned in the summer of 2010 under the Mental Health Act at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Ms Mills-Westley, 60, was repeatedly stabbed while shopping in the popular resort of Los Cristianos in the Canary Islands, Spain, on May 13 2011. Her daughters, Sarah Mears, 43, and Samantha Gomes, 39, were at the Provincial Court in Santa Cruz for the first day of the trial.

As the jury was shown “tough” CCTV footage relating to the attack, Mrs Gomes covered her mouth in horror and stared into the distance.

Giving evidence later, Mrs Mears said: “All I want to see is justice done for my mum

today.”

She explained that in the months before her death, Ms Mills-Westley had become worried about safety on the island: “It was nothing specific but she was increasingly concerned that Tenerife was not as safe as when we used to visit 30 years ago.”

The jury was shown two knives allegedly used in the attack. Both were 22cm long, and one was visibly bent and bloodied.

Prosecutor Angel Garcia Rodriguez told the court of the moment the frenzied attack took place.

Garcia Rodriguez said: “The accused approached Jennifer Mills-Westley, who he did not know and who was shopping, attacking and striking her repeatedly with a knife in her back and neck until she was completely decapitated.”

He said the prosecution was seeking for Deyanov to be sentenced to 20 years in a psychiatric unit.

Witness Davide Balsamo, an Italian who has lived in Tenerife for five years,

Desperate asylum seekers throw nearly 100 bodies overboard Adrift on the high seas without food or water for a month, the bodies of scores of starved asylum seekers who had been trying to reach Australia were thrown overboard from a ‘ship from hell’.

Their starving and dehydrated companions, almost too weak to lift the dead from the disabled vessel as it drifted in the Indian Ocean, were rescued by the Sri Lanka navy – but several were today struggling for life after being brought ashore. Only 32 of the original 130 Burmese on board were alive when naval ships reached them, many of the emaciated passengers too weak to stand.

Describing the vessel as a ‘ship from hell’, a Sri Lankan government spokesman said the group had set out from Burma two months ago to sail to Indonesia and then on to Australia, where they planned to ask for asylum. But a few days later the vessel broke down and began what for most of those on board was to prove to be a fatal drift with the ocean currents. They had set out with enough food and water to last for a month, but when no rescue came and their supplies ran out, the passengers began to collapse with hunger and dehydration as the days and weeks went by.

When they began dying and the stifling conditions under the tropical sun made living with the dead intolerable, their fitter companions had no other choice but to throw the bodies overboard.The survivors told the Sri Lankan authorities, who found the boat drifting 380 miles off the country’s eastern coast, that they were Muslims from a border village lying between Burma and Bangladesh.

‘Their captain and 97 others have died due to deydration and starvation,’ said Sri Lankan police spokesman Mr Prishantha Jayakody.

‘They said they had thrown the dead bodies into the sea.’

Australia’s Immigration Minister, Brendan O’Connor, who has received a briefing from the Sri Lankan authorities, said the tragedy underlined the danger of getting on people smugglers’ boats and making the perilous journey to Australia.

‘It is the people smugglers who have lured people onto unseaworthy vessels,’ he told Fairfax Radio today. ‘It’s the people smugglers who peddle lies to these people, take their life savings, sometimes sadly take their lives.

That’s where I target the blame.’

Mr O’Connor, who took the immigration role only earlier this month, added: ‘A lot of people are just disappearing, out of sight, out of mind. Boats disappearing – it’s very hard to put a number on it. Too many.’

Mr O’Connor said stopping boats carrying desperate asylum seekers could not be done quickly.

Under the previous Liberal government of John Howard the number of boats heading to Australia was just a trickle because word had got out among people smugglers that the vessels would be turned away from Australian waters and those on board would be sent to other nations for processing.

But under the Labour government, elected in November 2007 and headed today by British-born Prime Minister Julia Gillard, more than 33,000 people have arrived by boat on Australia’s outlying islands.

Mr O’Connor said boat arrivals were a ‘constant pressure’ for successive governments.

‘This cannot be done overnight. It can only be done over time,’ he said.

described the moment he stumbled upon the horrific scene coming out of a hardware store. He said: “I saw a guy walking around with a head in his hand. I came out of the shop and suddenly I saw him come off the kerb, completely covered in blood. I ran up to him and hit him with all my strength using my motorcycle helmet and knocked him silly.”

Asked if the defendant was the man he had struck, he said “yes”, adding that his hair was a bit longer now.

7

950 479 502

broadband internet, New wireless internet

service available 4&6mb from €24.95 p/m No landline required Call us for details if you are a part time resident. to find out if your area is covered go to

www.connexionsonline.net

computers ~ laptops Distributor for mobile phones, sales, repairs & unlocking full repair service printers ~ inks area distributor for Photo papers hits sim cards routers ~ monitors Don’t lose your TV channels wireless devices Android TV boxes available internet dongles at low cost No Satellite dish needed

Call into our shop in Turre town square just along from the Cajamar bank

Cesped artificial Tigerturf spain

tigerturfalmeria@gmail.com tel: 950 431 624 / 635 652 745

Jardin Rural

s.l.

Established 9 years in Spain

Building & Construction Services From

Planning to Project Management to Building.

New Builds, Casitas, Garages, Patios

Insurance Work, Fully Registered Testimonials available. Take a look at our website www.jardinrural.com Tel: 634 338 987

8

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

music with mark Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on the 25th of March 1942. She is one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole.

She has won an incredible 18 competitive Grammy’s and has been honoured twice by the Grammy’s.

More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged.

Her astonishing run of late-’60s hits with Atlantic Records--”Respect,” “I Never Loved a Man,” “Chain of Fools,” “Baby I Love You,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Think,” “The House That Jack Built,” and several others--earned her the title “The Queen of Soul,” which she has worn uncontested ever since.

Franklin’s roots in gospel ran extremely deep. With her sisters Carolyn and Erma (both of whom would also have recording careers), she sang at the Detroit church of her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, while growing up in the 1950s. In fact, she made her first recordings as a gospel artist at the age of 14.

It has also been reported that Motown was interested in signing Aretha back in the days when it was a tiny start-up.

Ultimately, however, Franklin ended up with Columbia, to which she was signed by the renowned talent scout John Hammond.

The Columbia period continues to generate

considerable controversy among critics, many of whom feel that Aretha’s true aspirations were being blunted by poporiented material and production.

Her work at Columbia was considerably tamer than what was to follow, and suffered in general from a lack of direction and an apparent emphasis on trying to develop her as an all-around entertainer, rather than as an R&B/Soul singer. When Franklin left Columbia for Atlantic, producer Jerry Wexler was determined to bring out her most soulful, fiery traits.

As part of that plan, he had her record her first single, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” at Muscle Shoals in Alabama with esteemed Southern R&B musicians.

The combination was one of those magic instances of musical alchemy in pop: the backup musicians provided a much grittier, soulful, and R&B-based accompaniment for Aretha’s voice, which soared with a passion and intensity suggesting a spirit that had been allowed to fly loose for the first time.

In the late ‘60s, Franklin became one of the biggest international recording stars in all of pop. Many also saw Franklin as a symbol of Black America itself, reflecting the increased confidence and pride of African-Americans in the decade of the civil rights movements and other triumphs for he Black community.

The chart statistics are impressive in and

You can listen to Mark Davies on Costa Calida International Radio, Mon, Wed and Fri evenings 7.00 till 9.00 on 90 and 100 FM or www.costacalidaradio.com

J Galvez Renero S.L.

Translations, Property Sales and International Services

Office located opposite Mercadona car park in Puerto de Mazarron

Is your paperwork in Spain up to date?

If not then we can help with honest informative advice

Checklist

Do you have a Spanish Will or does it need revising?

Are you making a tax return either as resident or non resident?

Has your residencia expired and needs renewing?

Are you thinking of selling your property and need advice on costs and taxes?

Does your home insurance need revising?

At J Galvez Renero SL we can assist and advise on all of the above and more. Please call by our office or telephone for free no obligation advice.

Do not put off until tomorrow what should be done today!

For assistance & translation in obtaining legal documents required to purchase property in Spain please contact us on

Tel: 968 153 707

For properties for sale see our website www.translationsmazarron.com

of themselves: ten Top Ten hits in a roughly 18-month span between early 1967 and late 1968, for instance, and a steady stream of solid mid-to-large-size hits for the next five years after that.

Her Atlantic albums were also huge sellers, and far more consistent artistically than those of most soul stars of the era. Franklin was able to maintain creative momentum, in part, because of her eclectic choice of material, which encompassed first-class originals and gospel, blues, pop, and rock covers, from the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel to Sam Cooke and the Drifters. She was also a fine, forceful, and somewhat underrated keyboardist.

Franklin’s commercial and artistic success was unabated in the early ‘70s, during which she landed more huge hits with “Spanish Harlem,” “Bridge over Troubled Water,” and “Day Dreaming.” She also produced two of her most respected, and earthiest, album releases, Live at Fillmore West and Amazing Grace. The latter, a 1972 double LP, was a reinvestigation of her gospel roots, recorded with James Cleveland & the Southern California Community Choir.

Remarkably, it made the Top Ten, counting as one of the greatest gospel-pop crossover smashes of all time.

Franklin had a few more hits over the next few years” Angel” and the Stevie Wonder cover “Until You Come Back to Me” being the most notable--but generally her artistic inspiration seemed to be tapering off, and her focus drifting toward more pop-oriented material. Her Atlantic contract ended at the end of the 1970s, and since then she’s managed to get intermittent hits “Who’s Zooming Who” and “Jump to It” are among the most famous without remaining anything like the superstar she was at her peak. Many of her successes were duets, with George Michael on Knew you were waiting and with The Eurhythmics on Sisters are doing it for Themselves being the most commercially successful. She also had a dalliance with

aretha franklin films appearing in the cult classic The Blues Brothers.

The 1991 album What you see is What you Sweat saw duets with the likes of Michael MacDonald and Pattie Labelle as well as proving she can still belt out a great tune with her cover of Everyday People which I play regularly on all my shows.

Critically, as is the case with many ‘60s rock legends, there have been mixed responses to her later work. Some view it as little more than a magnificent voice wasted on mediocre material. In the meantime, despite her lukewarm recent sales record, she’s an institution, assured of the ability to draw live audiences and immense respect for the rest of her lifetime, regardless of whether there are any more triumphs on record in store.

Personally I feel Aretha is the greatest female singer there will ever be and although my heart is with the Atlantic recordings I still enjoy listening to any new recordings that are released. She is truly a legend in every meaning of the word.

Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia Celebrates Its’ 2nd AGM

ACAM celebrated its’ 2nd AGM at the Golf Club House Camposol Sector C on Friday 15th February. It was supported by board members, project members, project volunteers, Legal representative Luis Canovos, Patron, Keith Donovan and the Mayor of Camposol, José Andrés Navarro and his family.

The event was a great night out for all those involved in the ACAM projects. 36 adults and 12 children from the projects were entertained by Compare Trudy Anne, DJ, Phillip Rushen and Robbie Williams Tribute Artist, Kieran Entertainer.

14 volunteers were presented with awards and gifts for their time and involvement in the ACAM projects and everyone was given an insight into all the benefits and outcomes of the innovative and creative projects through performances, presentations and a video.

New Board Members Kate Stokes, David Stokes and Sophie Bullock were welcomed on the board to take on the roles of Treasurer, Vice President and Young Persons Representative.

ACAM is now in a new stage of development. The Association’s first meeting took place with original board members in November 2010. The association was launched at the Camposol Casa Cultura in September 2011. Its’ aims are to make accessible a quality arts and leisure provision for the community of Murcia and its’ visitors. Utilising resources available in the community, individuals and groups delivering aims and objectives of ACAM can become a Project Member’s.

ACAM Project Members benefit from being able to deliver their activities within a legal framework, raise funds, offer public liability insurance for its’ members, have use of office space, and, have the ability to build partnerships with local government. This year ACAM will be working towards accessing regional grants to benefit rural and urban communities in Murcia.

For more information on the The Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia and its’ projects please telephone Louise on 655 421 120.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

9

advertising feature

WELCOME GROUP – UPDATE ASSSA - your private health insurer in Spain

Change from your current health insurance to ASSSA www.asssa.es – info@asss.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, or if privately insured and dissatisfied with premium increases, no customer service in your language, your insurance company has radically reduced and changed their services? Are you in this situation? Would you consider a reasonably priced private health insurance with ASSSA so that you can visit local, English speaking doctors in Spain? ASSSA offers you impartial advice and tailor-made 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.

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. In order to comply with the wishes of our clients, we make contracts with facilities most of whom speak your language or offer a free translation service. For this reason, we have many English speaking medical professionals under contract with ASSSA.

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 44,25 € 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 the following discounts until the 10.12.2013, of 12% for the entire contract lifetime at our Summum level; 10% on our Plus or Master level cover; 50% discount for children under 16 insured with parents, plus comfortable monthly payment without surcharge. In addition, we offer dental insurance reduced by up to 20% (from only 68 € per annum).

Insure 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.

March 6th - Ladies Evening, with fashion show, bingo and stalls selling jewellery, cards, etc. Martin Ross entertains. €3 March 13th - Monthly dance with Kevin Tyler and new to Welcome, Sandy Fitz. €8.

March 24th - Annual Treasure Hunt. €8 to include a buffet at a mystery location.

April 10th - Dance with Angie McKay and Dan Davey. €9.

Trips - Sevilla from September 16th - 20th, staying B & B at Hotel Becquer, close to the city centre and all attractions. Includes a stop in Granada on the outward journey, a visit to Huelva and a jamon factory, and time

The

in Cordoba on the return journey. €350.

Annual Benidorm trip from October 14th - 17th. Half board at everyone’s favourite Hotel Helios. This must be one of the best hotels in town, and they always look after us so well that we wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

Includes a day trip. Book now to avoid disappointment. €140.

Christmas at Hotel Helios, full board, including a gala Christmas lunch, leaving December 23rd for 4 nights 5 days. €230 including coach.

For more information ring Rosemary on 620 105 179

BEST EVER

LIVE S SHOW ATURDAY

Club

EVERY S

Bowling ∙ Snooker ∙ Darts Quiz Nights Pool Table Social Dancing Comedy & Entertainment Nights

All you need in one place: monday

Open 10am - late

Late licence (3.30am) if needed T he Cadillacs 4.30pm to 6.15pm , Entry 5€

tuesday Ballroom Dancing 8pm -10pm Thursdays FUN QUIZ 8.30pm Friday Closed from 6pm for private parties.

Book yours now!

Saturdays See guide below

SATURDAY 2nd march

CHER TRIBUTE plus SANTANA + DJ HELEN 2 course meal + show 8pm 10€, show only 9.30PM 3€

Friday 8th march

Murder Mystery

SATURDAY 9th march

STATUS QUO TRIBUTE + DJ HELEN 2 COURSE MEAL + SHOW 8PM 10€ Show only 9.30pm 3€

at the Cannes Festival Awards

SATURDAY 16th march

Tom Jones Tribute & the lovely voices of Ayla and Sophie + DJ Helen 2 course meal + show 8pm 10€.

Show only 9.30pm 3€

EVERY THURSDAY

FUN QUIZ 8.30pm Start

with ROB

(Ex. of The Sportsman)

Tickets 12.50€ includes dinner Doors open 7:30pm

Sunday 24th March 8:30pm The Costa’s Newest Singing

Visit us for a chat and without any obligation, receive a personal premium calculation.

Our employees will be pleased to answer all your questions.

1st prize 500€ / 2nd prize 100€

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09: 30-13: 30, later appointments or home visits by arrangement.

Judged by 3 professionals For more info or to enter call 625298377 or collect entry form from The Club

We look forward to your visit!

Customer service office: Mazarrón: Tel. 968 153 396 Diane Nolan mazarron@asssa.es

Competition

All entries need to be in by Monday 18th March

966 717 028

Calle El Pino esq. Calle Abedul, Ciudad Quesada theclubatquesada@gmail.com www.theclubquesada.com

10

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

SpiritualMurcia

Each quarter SpiritualMurcia holds a ‘Morning of Celebration’, hosted by a member and is as unique as the hostess/host themself... They fall approx. on each Equinox/Solstice... encouraging likeminded friends and groups to come together once in a while to network, share experiences, support each other in this great shift of consciousness and raise funds for this united front...

Together we radiate our ‘unity’ and oneness out into the world...

Our next quarterly ‘Morning of Celebration’ is 21st March, 2013 at 11.30...

Hosted By... Mari Carmen of Yogamayga, Bolnuevo (C/ Gondola 10 (Playasol 2) ... www.yogamayga.com

The morning will include the following... *A Swop table to recycle ‘newly new’ and ‘unwanted’ items... (Please bring your goods..) *Refreshments... *Time to network with people who are interested in natural healing, nature, creative art, self empowerment and who share the vision of a peaceful and harmonious earth... *A table to display your holistic/creative leaflets & offer information about SpiritualMurcia Membership... *A Yoga taster with Mari Carmen from Yogamayga... and hear what she is all about... *Fundraising for SpiritualMurcia *A group meditation... Together we are ‘one voice’...

Please ring Mari on 968 150 755 or Anna-Marie on 663 572 603 for more info..

It’s going to be another great morning of fun, celebration and meeting new friends... So please come and join us...

The more the merrier... Our last quarterly celebration was a great success. It was hosted by Lynne Wivanee at her new ‘retreat’ in the mountains just above puerto de mazarron. It was lovely meeting new like-minded people, chatting with each other and sharing new insights together... We experienced a taster of Lynne’s unique ‘journey with music’... that she offers people to help them to better understand themself and their life.

Lynne’s refreshments and trifle were mouth watering and went down a treat... We had a nice swop table and everyone went home with ‘new’ items... It is very nice to see SpiritualMurcia growing.... Thankyou Lynne... For more info about Lynne Wivanee you can check out her website... www.lifetalx.com

SpiritualMurica... Upcoming Events...

Dates for your Diary...2013 21-06-13 19.30 - 21.30hrs ‘Evening of Celebration’

Hosted by La Tienda Verde, Puerto de Mazarron 20-09-13 19.30 - 21.30hrs ‘Evening of Celebration’ Who would like to host this evening celebration?

20-12-13 11.00 - 13.00hrs ‘Morning of Celebration’ Who would like to host this morning celebration?

Our Vision...

...’WE ARE ALL ONE’, all being part of the universal energy, all being free to create and live life as we have always dreamed of...for the good of all!

SpiritualMurcia radiates Love and Light from a ‘Space of Unity’ to attract Residents/Non Resdients and Visitors of MURCIA looking for like-minded friends, holistic therapies, creative artists and spiritual wellbeing! ...One community living together in NATURAL HEALTH, HARMONY and BALANCE! ...It is time to have many MASTERS all across the community to help anchor the energy of the new expanded consciousness and work TOGETHER to cocreate a peaceful and loving NEW EARTH! ...It is NOW time for the great human awakening, the human evolution...where the human being releases all the past conditioning and fears and allows LOVE to come in and the integration of the divine human being to begin!

Hip Hop Teacher Gloria Bernal Visits Camposol The Murcia Dance young dancers had an exciting Saturday of classes at the Camposol Casa Cultura on Sector B. The dancers now benefit from a consistent program in a centre that is partly resourced for dance. The benefits enable guest teachers to visit and increase dance skills for the young dancers participating in the Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia Dance project.

Gloria Bernal, a Hip Hop teacher based in Cartegena travels around Murcia to teach at various dance schools. Visiting Camposol, Gloria worked with the Murcia Dance young dancers in the origins of Hip Hop. Popping, locking and breaking, the dancers will now use their new skills to create choreography for future performances and competitions.

Gloria was great with all the children and said how passionate they all were about dance and that they were all lovely to work with.

The Murcia Dance Parents Association funded the visit and said that all the children loved it. Murcia Dance Classes now run every week for age group 3~16 years old.

Manager of the project, Louise Bremner states that “we

will hopefully be working with Gloria again in the future and also arrange visits by other guest teachers to not only enrich the program for the children but also for the adults of the area who are passionate about dance, learning new skills and making new friends. For more information on The Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia project Murcia Dance please telephone Louise 655 421 120.

The Mazarron Festival de Baile 2013 June 29th ~ 1st July Dance Workshops, Competitions, Awards and Performance for age group 5~21 years from Novices ~ Advanced MFDB is now in its’ 4th year. It’s aims are to raise the profile and quality of dance, for dancers and teachers to share their knowledge, experiences and skills and to enrich people’s experience of dance through participation and appreciation.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Mazarron, South Murcia the event has captured some great memories for everyone involved.

Criteria for Level Entries has now been adapted and is available for all schools wishing to participate in this years event. Ethics and Management agreement are also in place with assessment criteria available shortly.

MFDB 2013 will take place at the Playa Grande Hotel, Mazarron between 29th June ~ 1st July.

The event is open and accessible to individual dancers, dance schools, volunteers, spectators and sponsors.

For more information on past festivals please visit our web site www.mfdb.net please note that the web site will updated shortly to include information on this year’s event.

PHOTOS: MARK STOCKS

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

www.soltimes.com

gomad

Christian Humanitarian Aid Charity

In the Mazarron and Surrounding area Helping those less fortunate, irrespective of race, creed or status.

Matthew 25 v 35-36 “When I was Hungry …

When I was Thirsty … When I Needed Clothes ….

When I Needed Shelter …. When I ………..”

It has recently been reported, Unemployment in Spain exceeds 6million (26%) –whilst the region of Murcia has 29.59% unemployed & the Youth now reaching 60% - that is a staggering & alarming figure especially the Youth for they are the future of Spain!

GOmaD has numerous clients who have been out of work for as long as 3 years, another staggering figure.

And on a lighter note, another staggering figure as ´Lidls´ recently gave us 7 Legs of Serrano Ham, priced at around 40.00e that were headed for the bin – we Blessed 7 families in return. We never know what delights await us & our clients at Lidls – we can have boxes & boxes of chocolates, a mountain of bananas or cat litter - Not to be eaten even by the hungry!

A story; Ahmed has been a GOmaD client for a couple of years & lives in his stationery car (as unable to insure/tax) in Mazarron. He regularly visits Cartagena Hospital for tests for a head injury & suffers severe headaches, GOmaD assists by driving him or providing the bus fare for which he always produces receipts. GOmaD also pays for his medicine again he produces receipts. Due to Ahmed´s living arrangements he calls in regularly to the GOmaD Shop for food/toiletries & He recently showed his appreciation by presenting Amanda with a present, a ´Tire Clock´ . GOmaD recently Blessed Ahmed with a bicycle that had been donated, so he could get around town.

The inscription on the Clock reads “ The Best Wish for my Good Friend” Ahmed was seen taking & clutching a photo frame in the GOmaD shop, he wanted it for a copy of the photo – we gladly gave it for free.

This is A HOME, located in a rambla in Mazarron. The approach is a rocky path with a slope needing to be negotiated, definitely no girlie heels can be worn! Due to the conditions & circumstances of the occupant, he also regularly visits the GOmaD shop to receive food/toiletries. These stories & more remind us of how truly fortunate we are & how many live around us in conditions we find hard to comprehend!

GOmaD wishes to announce its Second AGM is to be held on Monday 11th March at Cultural Social Centre, Camposol B for 3pm – ALL are welcome.

And Volunteers Meeting - Monday 15th April at 3.30pm Cultural Social Centre. If you are interested in knowing more about GOmaD, please take this opportunity to come & join us.

Fashion Show – Monday 8th April 3pm ´Mariano´s Restaurant´, Camposol A. Call Brenda on 634 348 653 for further information Mazarron Shop 634 321 161 (Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 2pm) Outreach/Enquiries 634 357 137 Email: madmazarron@live.com Face Book: mad mazarron

11

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

personal wellness

12

This column has been brought to you by Personal Wellness Practitioner, Drew Ryder B.SC. Psych. Hons, IIHHT, ThAT, MAAMET, an experienced practitioner of EFT and other disciplines. www.drewryder.com

Our bodies really are amazing machines!! Did you know that every hurt, abuse, trauma, loss, betrayal, sensation of fear or being scared and the relevant feelings that are attached to all of these are recorded at an energetic and a cellular level by our bodies? Even when we have been verbally abused and or threatened our body keeps records of these incidents. It all gets encoded into our physiology……………our physical being.

How? By leaving ‘electrical imprints’ These electrical imprints go beyond the normal processing of the mind. Image if we had it within us to repair ourselves? To ‘rewire our brain,’ as it were, to obtain relief from emotional conflicts and trauma. To by-pass these ingrained electrical imprints. Well we can!

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) enables us to do just that.

EFT operates on the following ‘discovery statement’: “The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.” For the body to be free from any of these negative disruptions we need to ‘rewire our brains’. That is to say, we need to make new connections, perceptions and understandings or interpretations. EFT allows us to free these disruptions enabling us to participate in the profound healing that is available to us and within us.

To do this we need to listen to our body. Our body is frequently emitting messages and thereby communicating with us. As we would be patient, caring and loving to a friend in need or distress, we also need to be the same with ourselves. We need to listen to what our body is telling us.

For example, pain of any kind is a very loud signal and is more often than not an unconscious process. Triggered in the nervous system it can be physiological, or psychological. Pain can be dull, it can be sharp. It can be acute it can be chronic. It can be short lived or last for ages. It can nag at you, stab at you, annoy you, cause you to ache, to feel nauseous, it can at times be debilitating. Whether it is physical or emotional pain, one thing for sure is that it usually hurts!

One way to treat pain is through the use of the mind. Consider chronic back pain for instance; chronic back pain can limit your

Luz del Sol

new properties s.l.

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

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

SolTimes

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

everyday activities and make it difficult to do every day mundane tasks or even to work. It can therefore also affect how involved you are with friends, family and work mates as they may have to do more than their usual share of daily tasks, especially when you cannot do the things you normally do. This can cause feelings of frustration within you because you cannot do what you used to do; resentment because others can do more than you can, which ultimately, can lead to stress. These feelings and emotions can (and often do) aggravate or worsen your back pain. Why? Because of the mind-body relationship. They work together – they are inextricably linked. The way your mind controls your thoughts and attitudes influences the way your body controls your pain. Both the pain itself, and /or the fear of pain, can cause you to avoid both physical and social activities. Over time this leads to less physical strength and weaker social relationships. It can also cause more lack of functioning and more pain. And so the cycle continues.

This can lead to depression which is very common among people who have chronic back pain for instance. Continual pain can cause depression or make existing depression worse and not surprisingly, depression can also make any pain worse. Even mild depression can affect how well you can manage your pain and stay active. So what is the answer?

Let’s return to EFT and the ‘discovery statement’ mentioned earlier: “The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.” EFT has proven time and time again to be best tool to work with to combat not only depression but also chronic back; and if the two are linked as in the example above then EFT can clear both. EFT gets to the root cause of the negative emotions that disrupt the natural flow of the body’s energy system.

If you are in pain or think you may be depressed or if you are having a hard time controlling your emotions, it is best to get help sooner rather than later. If your pain is the result of an accident or emotional trauma, research has shown that some people are not able to fully deal with their pain until they deal with the emotional stress that their accident or trauma caused.

Let me help you. Why suffer any more when help is at hand?

Call me on 660326194/968978876 or write to me at info@ drewryder.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Radical overhaul of Social Security and self-employment system

New measures to encourage self-employed people and small businesses could be brought into force as a debate is due to take place in the Council of Ministers next week.

According to press reports, self-employed persons aged 30 and under, or those newly self-employed, will only have to pay 50 euros a month in Social Security for the first six months instead of the usual 270 euros, and will get a 50 per cent discount for the next six months dropping to 30 per cent for the third period of six months.

This 30 per cent discount will continue to apply to women aged under 35.

The move has been welcomed by the public, but the age limit has caused widespread outrage, since finding a job after age 35 or 40 can be difficult with companies seeking young employees.

Many question whether this ‘discrimination’ is in fact constitutional.

When a person decides to start up a new business or go self-employed, but is on the dole, they will be able to still claim for the first nine months, although it is not clear whether this is in full or in part.

The under-30s who start a business and offer a job to anyone aged 45 or over will get a reduction on the Social Security paid for these employees – 100 per cent for the first year – a move that will continue until unemployment rates fall below 15 per cent.

Other aspects under discussion are to allow business people or the self-employed

Anyone under 30 who comes off the dole to work for themselves and finds it does not work out will be able to take up their dole money entitlement again.

A unique web portal run by the public sector will allow private-sector firms to advertise jobs, so that the unemployed will know where to look.

Companies taking on under-30s with no work experience will get a reduction of 75 per cent in Social Security payments, or 100 per cent if the firm has fewer than 250 employees.

Bonuses of between 500 and 700 euros a year for companies who make temporary job contracts permanent for the under-30s will be given to companies.

Self-employed persons starting out will get a 20-per-cent reduction in their income tax for the first two years and those who are on the dole when they start up will get full exemption.

New companies will pay 15 per cent tax rather than 21 per cent for the first two years up to the first 300,000 euros a year, and for anything over this, 20 per cent.

Other measures are being taken to encourage larger companies to float their shares on the stock market.

Firefighters free woman from glove box

Fire crews were called and managed to remove the woman’s watch so she could free her hand. She suffered slight bruising.

Crew manager Stuart Hall said: “As soon as the watch came off it was fine, they were a little embarrassed as we were a last resort. But if someone is stuck they are stuck, they can’t stay there all night.

“We don’t train for something exactly like this but we will always be able get get people free somehow.”

Burglars ‘stole jukebox instead of ATM’

Police in San Diego believe two burglars who stole a jukebox from a Hooters restaurant thought it was a cash machine.

The dopy duo tried to back a pick-up truck through the glass door and into the restaurant, according to NBCSanDiego. com.

When they discovered the door opening wasn’t big enough for the truck, they towed the jukebox outside and then lifted it into the truck and drove away.

Bárcenas in the dock

to wait until an invoice is paid before they pay the IVA on it, which is normally due in full by the end of the year and can be crippling in the event of non-payment of the client in question.

weird & wonderful

Fire crews had to be sent to rescue a woman after she trapped her hand in the glove box of her car.

The 49-year-old had been trying to fish something out of the compartment, outside her home in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

But her watch got caught in the cavity between the glove box and the dashboard and she was unable to free herself, reports the Manchester Evening News.

13

The suspects, believed to be two males in the their late teens or 20s, got away with the jukebox, but police say it may not have been their intended haul.

Police Lt Andra Brown told KGTV-TV that they may have confused the jukebox with an ATM machine.

Steve Price a regular at the restaurant, said: “Maybe with all the drinks and all the ‘hooters’ going around, their brains were just not thinking straight.”

Former treasurer and senator of the PP Luis Bárcenas was due to appear in court today at 13.00hrs to testify in respect of the multi-million accounts he held in Switzerland.

In a report by ThinkSpain, having already been in the dock on Wednesday, February 6 in connection with the alleged ‘off the books’ payments to members of his party over the course of 10 years, Bárcenas will now face questioning for his tax-haven bank accounts discovered after Swiss authorities found eight-figure funds in his name at Dresdner bank.

Bárcenas has tried to explain away the 22 million euros stashed in two Swiss banks as being the proceeds of two estate agency businesses he was involved with and the sale of works of art – but neither the police nor the prosecution service believe this.

According to the ad hoc commission brought together by authorities in Switzerland, a total of 14.8 million euros in the name of the Panamábased Sinéquanon Foundation was held by the ex-senator in a Swiss bank and uncovered at the end of 2005.

This amount reportedly increased to 19.7 million euros in 2006 and to 22.1 million in 2007, before falling to 13.6 million in 2008 and 11.8 million in 2009.

Last week, the judge in charge of the case received reports from the police and the tax authorities relating to these funds, together with a Spanish translation of the bank information supplied by the Swiss authorities.

Documentation has also been presented to the court concerning Bárcenas’ authority and that of his predecessor as treasurer Álvaro Lapuerta to handle funds in the accounts between 1994 and 2009, and reflecting in detail the names of donors and recipients of the money – names which included top-flight PP members.

These reports claim that the former treasurer ‘designed a strategy for protecting his assets abroad from possible court intervention’ after he was implicated in the Gürtel corruption and money-laundering case in February 2009.

Depending upon the outcome of today’s case, Bárcenas could face restriction measures such as a ban on leaving Spain, a wrist-band allowing his whereabouts to be tracked by authorities, or the embargo of his assets.

Back in 2009, Bárcenas was thought to be involved in the Gürtel case and was charged, but the High Court of Justice in Madrid dropped the charges in September 2011.

But when the case was passed back to the National Court, the judge there, Pablo Ruz, reapplied the charges to the ex-treasurer and ordered the creation of the ad hoc commission in Switzerland.

In September 2012, the former senator was called to testify in relation to an alleged tax fraud in which his wife was under investigation for reportedly failing to declare her capital gains earned from the sale of various paintings.

The ‘cash-in-hand’ wage top-up case for PP members is being treated as a separate issue at present.

During his preliminary hearing for the same on February 6, Bárcenas denied the existence of any ‘hidden’ account records.

He claimed the handwritten ledgers found and published in the national press were not in his writing and that he had never seen them before.

Bárcenas agreed to take a handwriting test to prove this, although experts say the results will show whether or not the ledgers were in his hand but not how long ago they were written.

14

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

British Bedding

In Spain

Albox RBL – News and information

Review of meeting held on 21st February 2013. The chairman, Peter Phillips, introduced David and Jean Rham who have given service above and beyond the normal call of duty to The Royal British Legion in Spain—Albox Branch and now organise the trips and tours for members (and non-members) through the newly formed Albox Travel Club. He presented them with a certificate on behalf of all Albox branch members to huge applause.

Elaine Brown from MACS (the cancer support charity) gave an update of the progress of the newly opened shop in Albox. She said that many people had volunteered even before the shop had opened. The shop is proving very successful and bringing in much-needed funds for the charity. The charity hopes to open a new shop in an area with a strong British community. It also plans to hold monthly support meetings for patients, carers and survivors in the Albox area, updates on this will follow from Elaine when events have been organised. She did have some less pleasing news with regard to the plans for the proposed hospice as the Spanish authorities have indicated it could take several years before permission to build is granted.

Albox Travel Club – Events – 4 day Trip to Ronda • Pillows, Protectors, Quilts & Toppers • Quilt Covers, Bedspreads & Blankets • Sheets, Valances & Pillowcases • Towels, Bath Mats & Shower Curtains

• Curtains, Voiles & Blinds • Poles, Track & Accessories • Throws, Runners, Rugs, Cushions • Tablecloths, Placemats, Coasters & Trays

Closer than you think the

yorkshire linen co.

home furnishing specialists

Free parking above Mercadona, opposite Lidl Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00, Saturday 10.00 - 14.00 Centro Comercial la Pirámide, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia Call: 968 595 946 / 650 857 619 www.yorkshirelinen.com - ylcmazarron@hotmail.com

Introducing T. J Carpentry

& HARLEQUIN KITCHENS

Our bespoke kitchen cabinets are manufactured and pre-assembled in our workshop using 18mm colour matched board with a solid back panel.

As well as our huge range of kitchen door colours and styles we have a huge range of worktops, solid wooden block, granite and laminate are available.

As with all our products our kitchen units can be manufactured any size. All cabinets, as well as any storage options are purpose made to your requirements.We have no set size doors widths or heights.

We offer a design, manufacture & installation service with an exceptional level of quality & service at a competitive price. We are able to design, manufacture & install a huge range of kitchen furniture to suit your needs, with over 700 door styles & colour combinations we cater for every taste tradition to modern.

We have something for everyone & remember its manufactured to your requirements.

For a FREE home measure & quotation

The Albox Travel Club is organising a 4-day Trip to Ronda. This will take place June 3rd to June 6th 2013. The price will include 3 nights b&b accommodation in a 4* hotel, 1 free spa circuit, 1 free lunch and a guide for all excursions.

The itinerary is as follows: Day 1 – Tour of Ronda; Day 2 – Tour to Marbella, Puerto Banús, after lunch, to Algeciras. This is followed by a spectacular train ride through some of Spain’s most beautiful scenery back to the hotel; Day 3 – Tour to La Sierra de Grazalema and El Bosque, after lunch, return to Ronda; Day 4 – Tour to Pizarra to visit Spain’s 2nd largest citric farm, hear how the fruit is grown, harvested and processed.

A paella lunch with wine is included before returning home.

The price is €270 for RBL members and €280 for non Legion members. If you choose to travel on your own there is a single supplement of €81. A deposit of €50 is required upon booking, the balance will be due in April. All profits will be donated to the Royal British Legion. To book your place contact Ann Wells on 950432426 or email her at annwells09@aol.com. Tickets are also available at RBL meetings held in La Parrilla on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. It is important to remember that all travellers are responsible for their own travel insurance.

COMPLETE HOLIDAY CARE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE “We have 15 years experience of the local coastal property market, with an unrivalled reputation for reliable, honest advice and value for money and we urgently need more properties to sell and rent.

We believe our commission charges are unbeatable - check us out.”

Ref:LA/GK - 3 bed 1st fl. apt, 3 pools & gardens. 300m to beach, tennis, lift

Ref: PM/JC - Fantastic 1 bed apt, large terrace with sea views, a/c, pool

Ref: pr/Mg 2 bed 1.5 bath, 1st floor apt, terraces, solaruim, a/c, nr beach, pool

Ref: OA/HM Stunning 2 bed, 2 bath apart. on Oasis de Mar, solaruim, pool

MOJACAR - reduced €124,950

MOJACAR - reduced €84,950

MOJACAR - REDUCED €79,000

MOJACAR - NEW €169,950

Prices stated are fixed for 7 days mininum from the time of going to press, include sales commission and exclude taxes and notary or other legal charges and fees

please contact Trevor on

Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo)

Based in Albox, but will cover all areas

www.almeriaholidays.com

619 584 405

Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

15

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Absolute Pandemonium Little Lemony Squidgett, who I hadn’t seen for some time, turned up in our garden last week. His condition had gone from poor to dreadful – as he crept inside the outside Palace that belongs to The Dog that Is Not Ours I thought he had come into our garden to die.

Action had to be taken, immediately - his condition was beyond a bowl of water and a few biscuits.

I hurried all of a fluster over to Arboleas, to the ladies at Helping Animals of Almanzora, who stepped in with the number for Carla at Perros sin Casa, and within minutes Carla was in her car following me back over the mountain road to Limaria.

I drew up in a dither outside our gate, praying that Lemony would still be in the garden, and thus catchable. As Carla and I entered the garden our neighbour Malcolm came down the path. Unaware that Carla and I at that moment represented the Spanish Canine SAS on a stealth mission, Malcolm began; ‘I brought the papers round, saw the car was gone but the key was in your door, so I went inside to investigate. I didn’t realise your alarm was on. What a din!’

At that moment Andy, our other neighbour, hopped over our garden wall.

‘And I had to

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint

sprint up from the bottom of the estate, find your spare key and turn the darn thing off!’

I gave neither the thanks they deserved for their neighbourly acts. I slammed the gate rudely in Malcolm’s face.

‘We’ve got to catch Lemony.’ I replied, sprinting up the garden towards the Palace.

I reached the Palace; it was Lemony-less. ‘Is that him?’ queried Carla, pointing to his receding form.

Lemony has not survived as a stray for so long without gaining some savvy, and he was desperately making good his escape.

He circled round the far side of the house and slunk towards the gate under the cover of the oleander hedge.

The gate is dog-proofed with plastic netting, but as Lemony thought that he was fleeing for his life, he began to desperately squeeze his skeletal body between the fencing and the gate.

Enter Andy, with his rugby experience. He grabbed the rapidly disappearing wraith by its rear end, and pulled.

Lemony was captured, terrified and exhausted.

For now he’s safe and will hopefully find a proper home, someone to love him and someone he can love back - probably in Holland.

P.S. I have just heard from Carla. Lemony, who the vet estimated to be around 9 years old, was so full of tumours that the decision was taken to put him to sleep rather than to put him through major and probably futile surgery.

At least he knew care and love at the end.

Just Dropped in For a Packet of Fags

I always experience a slight tinge of envy when I see men of mature years growling by me on the N332 astride their Harley Davidson’s or similar beasts.

It’s the ultimate in expensive toys for many of us blokes, and a fantasy that is only achievable when the mortgage has been paid, the kids have sloped off to do their own thing and money worries have largely become a thing of the past.

I remember going to see that iconic 60’s movie, Easy Rider and falling in love with Peter Fonda’s Harley ‘Captain America’ Davidson as he and Dennis Hopper – playing Wyatt and Billy – travelled their drug induced way from Los Angeles to New Orleans.It’s a

weird film, and now forty odd years later, looks even weirder and with its counterculture, hippy theme, it was definitely a movie for its own time.

But one thing that remains the same even after all this time, is the thrill of the sight of those great machines - oh and of course the exhilarating music provided by Roger McGuinn, The Band, Jimi Hendrix and Steppenwolf; the title track Born to Be Wild becoming as iconic as the movie itself.

My earliest taste of motorised two wheeled travel, was my Vespa SS 200 scooter which, whilst attracting sneers and derision from hardened bikers, was a true aristocrat in the world of Mod machines.

Much later on, when I arrived in Bermuda, my new boss had provided me with a brand new Honda 50 to get around on during those early days and my initiation into island life. I felt conspicuous and a little embarrassed at first riding around on what was in fact a moped to you and me, although

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

they were never called that in Bermuda.

The truth of the matter is that with a speed limit of 20mph throughout the islands and only 15 in town, there really was no need for anything more powerful.

But I was soon whizzing around unselfconsciously and feeling quite the speed king as I reached heady and illicit speeds of 25 plus.

The parting of the ways came literally one glorious Sunday afternoon in May. I was meandering along the beautiful south shore with my

swimming pools

pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details.

Al

l sh & SIZES apes eg.

8.500 €

8m.X 4m.

pool Repairs ~ Terraces ~ Pool Covers

968 461 404 - 630 810 299 E-mail: ppsl@ono.com www.poolsureste.com

girlfriend Penny snuggled behind me on what passed for a pillion seat, when I suddenly realised that although I was still travelling in a westerly direction, my Honda and Penny were not – she had inadvertently stuck one of her wedge soled shoes in the wheel. I came crashing to the ground and rolled along the road, demolishing a heap of dog dodo as I went and finished up a tangled mass on the grass verge. I looked back to see Penny crouched in the road alongside my bike whose back wheel now resembled one of the more obscure letters of the Greek alphabet in shape and with the handlebars facing the wrong way.

As I hobbled closer I could see the tears streaming down Penny’s face as she held up a mangled item of footwear. She must be hurt I thought, but what I got was, “Look what your bike has done to my shoe”. Then wrinkling her nose in distaste she said, “Ooh, you smell!”

This seemed like a good time to invest in another machine more in keeping with my Jack-the-Lad image and so I purchased a new Suzuki 100cc trail bike and whilst I realise that once again this will attract cat calls and ribbing from serious bike enthusiasts elsewhere, it’s all relative and in Bermuda it was about as sporty as you could get.

And that’s been about it as far

ALQUERIA - The Creature from the Greeny-Black Lagoon John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

16

The Río Verde flows or rather struggles past the eastern barrio of Alqueria. The point at which it flows into the Mediterranean had for years been treated as an illegal effluent outlet. The Junta de Andalucía had spent tens of thousands in numerous unsuccessful clean-up attempts before discovering their mistake.

The River is a strange mix of water from the high sierra, the outflow from the bad drainage of Alqueria itself and the last resting place of defunct plant and animal life from the adjacent valley. From its depths many strange creatures have evolved. These range from the Alquerian Trout, inedible and hideous to the strange Fifteen Toed Newt which produces a hallucinogenic toxin and emits a strangled barking sound when cornered. The River’s ability to mutate life is staggering. It was the first place that Enrique Stenchio, the minister responsible for flora and fauna of Alqueria, looked the day the strange footprints appeared.

With seven toes, all webbed, the footprints led from the river and into the village. Sightings from villagers included one from Rodriquez.

Rodriquez reported seeing a figure with bulging bloodshot eyes, green scaly skin and large pointed ears through his kitchen window.

This sighting was immediately dismissed as being Rodriquez’s own reflection in the glass.

Suspicion was then thrown onto Loco Paco who had a history of keeping rather strange pets, of the animal variety that is. Enrique found him on his patio happily throwing a stick for his pet Saharan Dung Beetle which he had reared from a pup. A check of his cages and enclosures saw them all occupied or their occupants accounted for.

When pressed other inhabitants came forward with sightings. The sight of hideous individuals wandering the streets of Alqueria was not that unusual. On this occasion many thought the apparition was simply a visiting politician of which there had been many since the village’s declaration of independence.

A bait was laid, rotting fish, raw steak, a saucer of Remitroot Beer and a well thumbed copy of NiceBits the magazine for men. All things to all creatures. The next morning the fish was still rotting and the steak browning in the early sun however the beer and magazine were nowhere to be seen. A tracking device cunningly hidden between the pages of the glossy publication led the brave Enrique to a dwelling in the Calle Horno.

There in a dimly lit living-room turning the pages of NiceBits and sipping Remitroot Beer from a saucer was Blythe Gruntmore, the village’s resident Englishman. Rubber seven toed boots lay at his feet.

Gruntmore’s explanation lay in the celebration of Hanging Monkey Day. A tradition from the north east of England where participants wander abroad in comic monkey costumes. The rubber seven toed boots bought from a fancy dress outfitter in Almería were the closest Gruntmore could manage.

Enrique didn’t doubt his story just his sanity. as my two wheeled experiences are concerned, largely I suspect because of an incident from my younger days in England that has had me keeping these over powered machines at arm’s length mentally.

Martin, a friend, had bought himself an old beat-up 250cc Royal Enfield – the maximum allowed as a learner, but still quite mild by normal standards. Trouble was he had never got his leg over any number of cc’s up to that point, having always got around on a push bike. Unfortunately he had failed to familiarise himself with the bike and its workings and

ignoring our dire warnings, roared off and unable to negotiate the tee junction at the bottom of the hill where he lived, crashed through the door of the off licence and embedded the front wheel of his bike in the counter.

The owner had come rushing through from the back of the shop to see what the hell was happening, only to find Martin still perched on the bike, surrounded by splintered wood, smoke and debris There was a moments silence before Martin uttered the immortal words, “Twenty Woodbines and a box of matches please”.

www.soltimes.com

IVF guidelines raise age limit to 42

Couples struggling to have a baby should get fertility treatment more quickly and older women should gain access to IVF, new NHS guidelines say.

IVF should be offered after two years of failed attempts, not the current three, says the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. And the upper age limit should rise from 39 to 42 in England and Wales.

Some fertility experts fear the guidelines may not lead to changes because they are not binding. In the past, NHS trusts have struggled to find the money to meet the IVF recommendations.

A report in 2011, showed one in four NHS trusts offered the full three cycles.

Each round costs £3,000.

In 2011, nearly 14,000 women became pregnant through IVF. The new guidelines, which apply to England and Wales only, state that women aged between 40 and 42 should be offered one cycle of IVF as long as it is their first time and they have enough eggs.

The age limit for NHSfunded fertility treatment is 38 in Scotland and 39 in Northern Ireland, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Tim Child, who helped devise the guidelines and is the director of the Oxford Fertility Unit, said the decision was not taken lightly.

Some fertility experts raised concerns that the expanded recommendations may not happen in reality.

Dr Sue Avery, a spokesperson for the British Fertility Society and from Birmingham Women’s Fertility Centre, commented: “It’s good that there’s the possibility there, but the funding does not match. I can’t see any prospect of it happening immediately. Our biggest concern is hanging on to the funding we’ve got.”

The guidelines also introduced rules designed to significantly reduce the number of twins and triplets being born.

Mosquitoes bEGIN TO ignore repellent

The widely used insect repellent Deet appears to be losing its effectiveness against mosquitoes, scientists say.

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine say mosquitoes are first deterred by the substance, but then later ignore it.

They say more research is needed to find alternatives to Deet, which was first developed by the US military.

The research was carried out on Aedes aegypti, a species of mosquito that spreads dengue and yellow fever.

Dr James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “The more we can understand about how repellents work and how mosquitoes detect them, the better we can work out ways to get around the problem when they do become resistant to repellents.”

Deet - or N,N-diethylmeta-toluamide - is one of the most widely used active ingredients in insect repellents. It was developed by the US military, following its experience of jungle warfare during World War II. For many years, it was not clear exactly how the chemical worked, but recent research suggests that insects simply do not like the smell. However, there are concerns that some mosquitoes are growing resistant to it.

To find out more, researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine took some A. aegypti mosquitoes in the laboratory, and tempted them with a human arm covered in Deet.

As expected, the repellent put the insects off their potential meal.

However, a few hours later when the same mosquitoes were offered a chance to dine again, the researchers

found that the Deet was less effective.

To investigate why this might be happening, the researchers attached electrodes to the insects’ antenna. Dr Logan explained: “We were able to record the response of the receptors on the antenna to Deet, and what we found was the mosquitoes were no longer as sensitive to the chemical, so they weren’t picking it up as well. There is something about being exposed to the chemical that first time that changes their olfactory system - changes their sense of smell and their ability to smell Deet, which makes it less effective.”

Earlier research by the same t e a m found

elax evive

that genetic changes to the same species of mosquito can make them immune to Deet, although it was not clear if there were any mosquitoes like this in the wild.

Dr Logan said it was vital to understand both these permanent genetic and temporary olfactory changes that were taking place.

He said: “Mosquitoes are very good at

Relaxation Class

A retired aircraft engineer who claims to be the world’s oldest golfer still plays three times a week - at the age of 100. Tommy Thompson drives himself to Bognor Golf Club in West Sussex to compete against friends in a local league. And once he arrives for his 7.30am tee-time he jumps into a buggy and motors around the course with a 28 handicap. The centenarian has won several trophies and was once helped to victory with a glorious hole in one on the second fairway.

His son introduced him to the sport in 1980, aged 67, when an injury stopped him playing badminton. He has since “caught the bug” and played a staggering 5,148 rounds and worn out four sets of clubs. Mr Thompson, from Chichester, said: “I now play off 28 but my biggest handicap is my age, because I am not as supple as I used to be. I’ve still got the swing but I do get frustrated because I can’t hit the ball as far as I once did. Thankfully, I haven’t got the shakes so I can keep the putter steady and am quite a shot on the green. I plan to keep on playing for as long as I possibly can but I don’t expect to be sinking another hole in one any time soon.”

evolving very very quickly.”

He stressed that the findings should not stop people from using Deet in high risk areas, but that they would help scientists who are trying to find new versions that could be effective.

To follow up on the study, the researchers now plan to find out how long the effect lasts after the initial exposure to the chemical.

The team would also like to study the effect in other mosquitoes, including the species that transmit malaria.

ejuvenate retreat elax El Cucador

on Tuesday Liz Hill afternoons 667 979 445 Advanced back, face & scalp only treatment 20€

We welcome our new Therepist Abigaile

with Call for more details

World’s oldest golfer

17

http://www.toonpool.com

Around one in every seven heterosexual couples in the UK who are trying for a baby experience problems conceiving a child.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Powerful stress releasing treatment, works on deep seated tension & restores balance to vital energy points.

Initial deep cleansing back exfoliation followed by back massage, facial includes massage ,application of intensive face mask & Oriental head massage help clear the mind, calm the spirit & ease tension. Result is rehydrated, nourished & soothed skin combined with a sense of deep relaxation.

Holistic Massage

elissa, who is UK fully-qualified with over M 10 years experience, offers a range of relaxing massage treatments: from a simple Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage to Hot Stone treatments.

Reflexolgy with UK qualified therapist Melissa

1h session or discounts for a course of 6.

Melissa is only working on Saturdays 9.30 - 5pm throughout February, March & April

Abigaile starts Thursday 7th March

Pop in to meet her and book a FREE hand or foot massage on the 7th from 10am Specials for March Full Body Hopi Ear sandra Massage Candle 20€

13€

632 779 082 Beauty Therapy

urUK fully-qualified therapists O are available Wednesday & Thursday 9am to 1.30pm to pamper you… We offer a full range of Facials plus Waxing, Tinting, Manicure, Pedicure or a set of Gelish Nails from 15€!

626 144 680 We are a self-contained private suite of rooms on the right hand side of La Vida Sandra is on Holiday

and will be back in Wed 13th March

Cucador, with its own entrance, plus disabled access and good parking

If you are a fully-qualified therapist and want to know more about us or to book a room, email retreatcucador@gmail.com Become a friend on Facebook & see our monthly Special Offers!

18

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

lo ok g o o d f eel g r ea T

ouch!

Step it up...

Don’t let aches and pains put you off your stride this winter

We’re all much stiffer on cold, damp days when it takes us longer to get moving – indeed, one in three of us suffers joint pain. Mostly, it’s caused by osteoarthritis (‘wear and tear arthritis’), when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down. Inactivity makes it worse, so the longer you spend vegging out on the sofa, the more you’ll hurt. So wrap up warm, put on thick-soled shoes to act as shock absorbers and step outside. You’ll lose weight, which will take pressure off your joints, strengthen supporting

centro óptico

Avda Pio XII, s/n 04800 - Tel: 950 121 991

A Months Supply of One-Day Lenses Graduated Lenses

Only €18.90

Hard of Hearing?

Come and have a free test!!

All accessories and various models available

1 pair

Get Your Eyes Tested For FREE

€56

2 pairs:

€93

28€ Single Vision 96 € Varifocal

30% discount 30% discount off all for OAPs

Designer Sunglasses

perm 49.95€ cut & Blowdry SANDRA IS ON HOLIDAY FROM THE 21ST FEB - 8TH MARCH

Gelish nails

15

a € set

or Fingers

+ Toes

February Specials

.00 5 2 €

His & Hers Cut & Blow DrY

25€

Soak Off 5€

Tuesdays Mens Cut

€8.00

Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona)

Call for an appointment Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6pm iFi Closed Saturday FREE W Late appointments available on request

950 633 086

Prices are subject to change without notification. Please confirm on booking. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.

muscles, and lubricate the joints, so they’re more comfortable. If the weather’s bad, bring your workout indoors. Tai chi and yoga are ideal as they both increase mobility.

Spice up your cooking...

The hotter, spicier food we crave in winter has health pay-off’s. Ginger, turmeric and black pepper are all naturally anti-inflammatory, which means they relieve pain, and they also warm up the blood so you don’t feel so stiff; or, if you don’t like your food too hot, try rosemary – not just on your lamb, but on potatoes and in sauces. It works in the same way as the spices, and also soothes sore joints and muscles when you use it in a massage balm. Try Weleda Arnica Massage Balm, £10.50 for 100ml from health stores, which contains rosemary oil as well as anti-inflammatory lavender.

Know what to avoid...

Many of the foods that we’re told are bad for us also affect joints. Saturated fats (in cheese, fried foods, takeaways, chocolate and crisps) and sugar cause inflammation in the body, as can the alkaloids in members of the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines). Oranges can also be a problem so try to avoid those too; it’s also worth considering whether you could have a food intolerance as this can also lead to joint pain and inflammation. Try YorkTest First Step Test (£9.99 from www.yorktest.com), an initial finger-prick blood scan that will flag up food sensitivity, before paying out for a more comprehensive, expensive test.

Try a bit of happiness...

Being stressed makes every little ache and pain feel worse – so schedule in some chill-out time. A relaxing bath and soothing music can help, but for the best benefits, look for a course in MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction – a combination of yoga, meditation and mind-body exercises. In one trial, a six-month course cut participants’ joint pain by more than a third.

Take a supplement...

If all else fails, the right supplements can make a huge difference to joint pain. Try Cherry Active (£14.49 for 473ml), with pure Montmorency cherry juice, and rosehip-rich LitoZin (£20.42 for 120 capsules). Or try Regenovex, which comes in patches (£13.99 for 10), a gel (£9.99 for 40ml) and capsules (£18.99 for 30), and contains jointhealthy marine oil and hyaluronic acid. You can find them at healthfood stores.

Meditation: it really works!

Meditation has been talked about for some years now and people are starting to understand the amazing benefits we can each receive by either visiting a class once a week or getting into a quiet space at least once a day at home. In this article I would like to share with you what happens when we relax and bodies.

There are four major categories’ of brainwaves ranging from the most activity to the least these are: BETA, ALPHA, THETA and DELTA. BETA brainwaves are engaged when the brain is aroused or processing activities such as: involved conversations with others that command your attention, public speaking, teaching or even complex problem solving situations.

ALPHA brainwaves move towards deep relaxation, imagination and intuitive thinking as they accompany a relaxed mind after complex thinking, meditation and setting the minds attention to itself away from outside distractions. Also which is paramount this aids recovery from stressful thoughts and emotional despair.

THETA brainwaves access the sub- consciousness information that eludes the consciousness mind. Reductions in the body rhythms, such as heart rate and breathing, and states like daydreaming.

DELTA brainwaves are often related to the lowest frequencies, possibly indicating subconsciousness thoughts and information, extremely deep meditation and hyper-relaxed mind states.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT THE BRAIN DOES NOT OPERATE ON ONE FREQUENCY RANGE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. By meditating we can move from a relaxed state of mind which is healing into a deep state shown in the Delta brainwave state.

One to One Meditation Sessions and Group Classes available please contact Tracy Hughes at thmeditation@yahoo.com telephone 968583979 or 672567627 for more information. Classes currently running every Monday at - Ascention Holistic Centre in Los Alcazares.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

19

DON’T FORGET TO SEND YOUR BEAUTY & HEALTH TIPS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

Eating nuts can lower cholesterol, say experts

years. e hair cut for m a s e th d a h ga Q: I ’ve o about findin g to w o h n o Any tips new style?

A hair cut is so personal; you need to take into account your hair type, face shape, body shape and how much time you are prepared to spend on styling it at home.

Book three consultations at good hairdressers they are normally free; any hairdresser who tries to charge you should be avoided at all costs! There is no obligation to book, it’s simply the perfect opportunity to sound out and see if you like them and their ideas.

The right cut should knock a few years off; clever graduation and playing with lines can open up the face, enliven the eyes, strengthen the cheekbones, extenuate the neck, sharpen the jaw line and generally give you a face lift! Talk to the hairdressers during the consultation about these aspects of a haircut; if they ‘get it’, they’re a good cutter - if they have no idea what you’re talking about, don’t book!

Also if you see someone in the street with a great cut, ask them who did it!

WE HAVE OVER 42,000 PEOPLE READING THE SOL TIMES EVERY WEEK... ...PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THEIR HANDS! CALL PAULETTE ON

950 121 936

DO YOU OFFER HEALTH & BEAUTY SERVICES?

Eating nuts may help lower cholesterol levels, US research suggests. The review of 25 studies, involving nearly 600 people, showed eating on average 67g of nuts - a small bag - a day reduced cholesterol levels by 7.4%.

The US Loma Linda University team believes nuts may help prevent the absorption of cholesterol.

UK experts said the research showed nuts were an important part of a healthy diet, but warned against eating nuts covered in sugar or salt.

Previous work has indicated eating nuts regularly is beneficial, but the Archives of Internal Medicine study set out to put an accurate figure on the effect.

The people involved ate 67g of nuts a day on average, over a period of three to eight weeks. As well as improving cholesterol levels, it also reduced the amount of triglyceride, a type of blood fat that has been linked to heart disease. However, the impact was least pronounced among the overweight.

It is not yet clear why nuts have this effect, although one suggestion is that it is down to the plant sterols they

• mobility problems •h elp with washing/ • pain/breathlessness dressing • falls/stumbles • supervision rule changes mean that you could now be entitled to extra income by claiming UK Sickness/Disability Benefits while living in Spain For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

He added: “The effects of nut consumption were dose related, and different types of nuts had similar effects.”

Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, agreed, but she urged people to go for unsalted nuts.

“Apart from salted peanuts at the pub, nuts in sugary cereals or the traditional Christmas selection, nuts have been largely lacking in our diets in the UK,” she added.

The study was carried out by independent researchers, although it was partly funded by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation.

Become a germophobe!

It pays to be obsessive about keeping your hands clean, since they’re a major way germs get into our bodies.

One study showed a 45 percent decrease in respiratory illness among people who upped their handwashing to at least five times a day.

A few easy and low-effort strategies: Carry your own pen, don’t share your cell phone, keep antibacterial spray or gel handy and use it after you’ve come in contact with lots of surfaces. Also, an important tip on technique: When washing your hands, be sure to lather outside the stream of water, not under the tap - friction between soap and skin is what dislodges germs!

Provide a full range of beauty & nail treatments

Special offers on waxing for march call wendy for details

on 678 992 093

Treatments available in: Arboleas, Styles in Turre & Room 97 La Alfoquia

Osteopath Naturopath Dra Monica Algañaraz –has over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken

Tel: 695 355 381 Olula Del Rio

kim clark benefits consultancy

■ if you suffer from... ■ or you need...

contain, which are thought to interfere with cholesterol absorption.

Lead researcher Joan Sabate said increasing nut consumption as part of a healthy diet should be recommended.

Hair & Beauty Studio Join us on @ Room 97 Hair & Beauty Studio

for current offers & giveaways

La Alfoquia

Tel: 683 479 261

Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O

Tel. 629 289 385

for info and appointments

Health Care For Adults and Children • Emergency Home Visits • English • Spanish • French • German • 20 Year’s Serving the community

UK Registered - Treating

Sciatica - Back Pain - Sports Injuries Digestive and Cardiovascular Disorders Headaches - Arthritis - Skin Conditions Centro Cueva Del Lobo Paseo Mediterraneo 10, Mojacar Beach Centro Medico Indalo C/ Manuel Azaña, Almeria

20

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

braben’s blog...

Monkey

Life is never boring and since the New Year I have shared my time each week between Almeria and Estepona. My wife Katherine decided a few months ago that the myriad joys of property rentals and management were slightly outweighed by the uncertainty of when the next pay cheque would arrive.

Now she works in Gibraltar enjoying not only a 5 day week, lunch breaks, tea breaks with free digestives and a monthly pay cheque, but also the heavenly delights of holiday pay, private healthcare and sick pay! I prefer working long days, often without any money coming in for weeks until the next sale completes and answering the phone 24/7 as apparently it’s okay to call estate agents whenever the fancy strikes.

I also love my ambassadorial role of being an unpaid Almerian tour guide for those people who mistakenly think they ‘may’ one day possibly maybe buy a house somewhere in Spain. They appreciate me driving them around for a few days extolling the delights of Almeria.

My tongue in cheek fashion will be familiar to those that regularly read this column; as I love the freedom of self-employment and the thrill of the chase. Every day is different and the buzz experienced when a sale is made can’t be beaten and my bank manager certainly appreciates that aspect. Now running the rental side of the business, means more work but I also meet even more great people. They are mostly Brits fleeing the awful coalition Government and miserable weather, with also Germans, Belgians and Dutch.

Mainly it used to be people looking for a property to retire to but nowadays with the magic of the interweb, people of working age also relocate to our sunnier climes.

Findmeahome for example via the wizardry of VOIP have a London landline number so clients can call us cheaply from the UK. It does cause confusion to some especially my dear 93 year old Gran who thinks I have a huge telephone extension cable.

The sales market has certainly picked

business

up recently yet some people still wait years to sell to be able to move on with their lives.

Quality properties especially with pools rent very quickly so owners in this situation could consider the option of renting out their homes.

Tenants will often agree to contracts that keep the house on for sale so the owner has the best of both worlds. Tenants get 60 days’ notice from when the 10% deposit is paid giving them plenty of notice to find another rental property. The pull of family back in the UK or maybe ill health with none of us are getting any younger means this option could be explored as we only have one life to live and should enjoy it whilst we can.

One benefit of living part time near Gibraltar is Morrisons supermarket; full of all the yummy goodies that are difficult to find in mainland Spain. Healthy stuff of course such as decent bacon, chocolate bars, Hula Hoops, mature cheddar cheese and British bread rather than boring barras.

The title and photo came from a recent visit to Gibraltar as walking towards Main Street we saw Monkey atop the railings, We were thrilled as usually they live high up on the rock. A little old lady reached into her handbag and pulled out an orange which was gently taken and eaten, a magical moment!

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there...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

Awards here, awards there, everywhere you look some people are getting shiny wotsits thrust at them! Sometimes it seems as if there are oodles of the things, but some fascinating little awards get lost in the nonsense that surrounds Oscars, BAFTAS and the like. I want to raise the profile of a particular award presented every May in Britain, an award for which I’m sure many people wait with mounting anticipation; of course I’m talking about none other than, “Shed of the Year!”

I will confess that owning a shed has so far never been a high priority for me.

What tools I have are in a C&A carrier bag somewhere in the dark corner of a small bedside drawer. I don’t own a bike and have never been a hoarder of plant pots, but I have to admit that the entries for this competition have made me wonder if shed world is one to which I should consider belonging. There are sheds that have really pushed the boat out in this competition, resembling, amongst other things, the TARDIS, a 1950’s American diner a fairy castle and even a Chinese pagoda. I admit, they may have spent the equivalent of a minor celebrity’s monthly plastic surgery budget, but they do bring a certain jolliness into people’s lives during difficult times.

I think that most of us would agree that the same can be said for chocolate biscuits! How on earth did we get to chocolate biscuits from sheds? Easy really and the answer is dunking! Scientists have recently spent a not insubstantial pile of money to make eating chocolate biscuits less messy.

They’ve come up with a formula that magically stops your chocolate biscuits from melting at high temperatures, so now you can eat a Chocolate Digestive biscuit, in the desert, at the height of the summer, without getting melted chocolate all over your camel! Should you wish to.

Is this an example though of modern science spoiling our Graham is married to Helen and has secret pleasures? Many people enjoy taking their chocolate a daughter, Alice. covered biscuit, plunging it in a hot cup of tea and devouring He lives part of the the soggy, but allegedly, delicious mess. I’m that there are year near Albox, countless sheds where consenting adults are engaging in but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish a secret mutual dunk or two of their chocolate biscuits, to contact Graham safely away from public gaze. Unfortunately, unless one regarding this article email: of the award winners is a time travelling shed, dunkable helenandg@yahoo. chocolate is history. Oh crumbs! co.uk

www.ecocorp.eu

At Ecocorp we do not just sell you a system We deliver, install and guarantee everything for up to 10 years

Solar Power System kits

Ecocorp are convinced that the needs of our customers energy alternatives, Ecocorp offer a no obligation, free consultation come first. All members of our team are fully committed to to help you both save energy and money You can browse through the website www.ecocorp.eu or finding solutions to meet your individual needs.

We believe that understanding your requirements enables us to identify the best options in order to design your unique system. Your home is personal to you: the amount of energy that you consume and the times at which you demand it will vary.

Every system we design and install is tailor made to be both effective and efficient. From standard “off the shelf” systems to specific, space - saving, tracking systems; we can ensure that all individual requirements can be met.

Whether you are considering alternative energy provision or need an electrical supply to a remote location, contact Ecocorp for a professional, cost effective service. We do not just send your kit to you. When we deliver your solar power system, no matter how small we install it and take time to ensure that you are confident with it.

A high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and personal recommendations. We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and to provide you with the best in the industry.

With ever increasing electricity costs and the awareness of cleaner

call 671716597 (sales) 671948213 (Tech Support) Monday – Friday 8am - 6pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm

Why choose Ecocorp?

“Official” Victron energy installers for Almeria and Murcia.

Rolls batteries with a 7 year guarantee.

The highest grade panels with 25 year performance guarantee.

Inox panel mounting systems for security against high winds and severe weather conditions.

Technical back up with over 30 years experience.

Service contracts and extendable warranties available on all systems.

The Almeria region receives some of the highest hours of sunshine in Spain, so why not consider harnessing some of this free energy.

Whether for heating your water or powering your home, have a friendly chat with us and see what we can do for you.

See our new advert on the back page for our special offers!

www.soltimes.com

REVIEW it...

THE TEAM by Bernie COMASKEY

People exuding pride, a determination to succeed and succeed they certainly did!

The Team is about solidarity and in this microcosm of fictional Ballymona for the locals and “exiles” who are magnetically drawn to their homeland like an umbilical cord attached to a newborn babe for heart-warming celebrations and reunions. Of course it’s not just about solidarity, the characters also display a “sense of camaraderie and joviality” of people who exude pride and there’s plenty of that in abundant quantities evident in Comaskey’s recent debut novel.

The narrative is lyrical and the author has adopted an autobiographical style reminiscent of Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, just like a soap, here everyone knows everyone else’s business and I mean everyone! No secrets barred.

Johnny Murtagh, publican, needs to be “affable” and he is central to the plot in creating unity and harmony with a backdrop of volatility with the almost domineering exploits of the IRA and Sinn Fein. He is seen as a “pillar of wisdom and common sense, a diplomat and a politician.”

Someone who means business, extremely realistic and not stereotypical of a dim-witted Irishman, at the butt end of a stale jibe thankfully! Cathal Moran, reverently referred to as the Master represents the other important character to lead discussions and is pivotal in persuading the County Council to allow Ballymona to return to the glory days of hurling.

There is a balance of optimism, the “hurling fever” at re-establishing a hurling team within the community and uniting generations which is the main focus of The Team against a “pallor of gloom” which hung over Ballymona, an accurate historical account of hunger strikes, Bobby Sands’ death, Cellco’s closure and job losses amidst explosive politics in the 80s. Unsettling times.

Hurling has been played for over 3,000 years. It is thought to be the world’s fastest field team game and shares a number of features with Gaelic football. It is Ireland’s second most popular sport and in Ireland it is considered a “fixture of life.”

Re-establishing a team becomes the pivotal element:”the enthusiasm for forming their own team became contagious and was whipped up almost to hysterical pitch.” There were plenty of set-backs, obstacles, opposition from local villages, red-tape issues with the local and county council. That kind of thing.

Whilst the battling continues and tempers are frayed with frustration, thwarted by obstacles, the characters get on with their lives and provide an entertaining pitch for enlightening the reader with extremely diverse storylines sometimes sad, sometimes dangerous but always credible. Enda Murtagh at the age of 8 almost lost his leg when Jim’s tractor was idling. He was “spun around like a rag doll “ and was lucky to escape with just a badly mangled leg, two inches shorter than the other.

Dr Harte, vindictive over Star’s sexual exploits with his niece got into it a bit too deep, when engaged in some amateur surveillance of Star’s trailer and informing his detective friends of irregular activity, when a revolver was pushed into the side of his neck with a menacing growl of “Where the fuck do you think you are going?” The gunman’s face was “streaked with something black like charcoal and he was dressed all in tight-fitting black clothes.” Moments of sheer terror.

Christy Larkin was one of the exiles who never lost his love for his home place having moved to England 25 years ago. He was involved in a hijack but instead of hysteria he was surprisingly calm at the prospect of death and after 12 hours the French Special Unit stormed the plane and removed the hijacker without any casualties.

The Star aka The Stud had challenging political views, a charismatic character but very complex.

He treated his women like animals “circling his prey.” He enjoyed the chase more than the kill.

He bedded most of the young girls in Ballymona, including one of Johnny’s daughters. Action had to be taken and so it was. The most talked about individual was arrested and Ballymona once more, became a safe haven for sport and life.

And all the characters are Ballymona to the bone, determined to succeed and succeed they certainly did thanks to the team. I enjoyed it, you will too.

Publisher: Deel Publications. ISBN: 978 0-9553686-2-2 Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Día de Andalucia, a r are but significant civil r ather than religious day, is celebr ated throughout the Andalucian region. The day honours Blas Infante, the founding father of the ‘Estatuto de Autonomia de Andalucia’, which roughly tr anslates as the ‘statute of the autonomous region of Andalucia’.

f e l i z dí a de andalucia

Born in Casares, Malaga in 1885, Blas Infante attended school in Malaga and Cordoba, and went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Granada where he also studied philosophy. In 1909, he returned to Casares where he worked as an assistant to his father who was employed as Secretary to the Municipal Courts. It was in 1913, during the celebration of an International Congress in Ronda, that Blas Infante presented his famous speech that started with the words “The moment has come for the privileged to die…”

Proclaiming Andalucia as the most fertile land in Spain, he continued to write articles promoting his cause for the magazine ‘Betica, and presented a speech at the Ateneo in Seville on ‘The Andalucian Ideal’, subsequently writing a book of the same name.

In 1916, the first Centro Andaluz was established in

Seville, which is today located on O’Donnell street, where the Blas Infante foundation can also be found.

In 1918, the Assembly of Andalucian Provinces was held in Ronda, this was Andalucia’s first ever assembly. The official Green - White - Green equal horizontal bands of the Andalucian flag was unveiled.

Variations of it were frequently used and documented from Al Andaluz and the Moorish times. Green being the colour of the Omeya dynasty representing the consensus of the people. The white was frequenty used in Eurpean Heraldry represents peace or parliament. The emblem of Hércules was inspired by Cadiz, Andalucia’s oldest city and is called “Las Insignias de Andalucía”. The hymn of Andalucia was also published.

In 1918-19, Blas Infante was elected Diputado (Council Representative) for the district of Gaucin-Casares-Estepona. In 1919 he also married Angustias Garcia Pradas and eventually fathered three daughters and a son. The newlyweds moved to Seville, where Infante founded the Abante Library. In 1931 he created the Liberal Junta of Andalucia in Seville.

It was in 1936, after the February elections, that the Andalucian campaign intensified in favour of the Autonomy Statute. Blas Infante

21

So, what do people do on Día de Andalucía?

The answer is bound to be found in the heart of your nearest town or city where municipal bands are generally called out to play the regional hymn (el Himno de Andalucia) and speeches are made on behalf of regional traditions and politics.

The day is regarded as a fiesta holiday often falling during the February half term known as Semana Blanca (White Week).

Schools however do not let this important day pass without mention and celebrate the week before.

At this time Andalucia’s green and white flag can be seen all around the region, with municipal bands parading, playing ‘el Himno de Andalucia’ (the Andalucia Hymn) with towns and villages providing samples of typical local cuisine....so there you have it - another reason to celebrate! was proclaimed President of the new Assembly and the following week in Cadiz, the Diputacion was celebrated with a meeting where all villages of the province were represented. The Andalucian flag was subsequently raised at the Town Hall of Cadiz, Seville.

Unsurprisingly, Blas Infante’s ideals and achievements fell foul of the fascists under General Franco, and he was imprisoned during the Civil War. On the 2nd August 1936 he was arrested in his house in Cora del Rio by various members of the Filange in the early morning of the 11 August, along with two others, he was taken to the side of the Seville - Carmona road where he was shot dead. As he fell to the ground, he shouted out his famous last words: “Long live free Andalucia!” A monument at ‘KM4’ of the marks the location and a commemorative service takes place here every year on Andalucian Day.

22

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

CUTTING

Costs

The idea behind budgeting is simply to give you a better idea of where your money goes, so you can plan ahead. Write down everything you spend over a month, from bills to coffees.

With the figures in front of you, you can make informed choices about where to cut back. Always check your bank statements to keep track of what money is going out. Where you can, pay monthly - it's easier to budget and spreads the cost.

Frugal Tips Around The Home • Instead of using expensive cream cleaners use a teaspoon of

bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth - it works just as well.

• Vinegar is great for cleaning surfaces such as glass that you want to be smear free - if you have an old spray bottle fill it with half vinegar and half water for a great window and mirror cleaner.

• Switch off all your appliances at the wall before going to bed at night. Many electrical items continue to use electricity even while their off if connected to an outlet.

• Using your oven or microwave as a clock uses up a huge amount of energy and if you think about it, isn't really necessary. A battery powered wall clock uses much less power.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES • Switch off the oven, hotplates and iron a few minutes before you need to stop using them - they will stay hot for a long time. Heating devices use more power that anything else.

• If you are by the kettle when it reaches the boil switch it off by hand - the automatic cut off will leave it boiling and burning up watts for longer. Also, only boil the quantity of water you need as this will take less time and energy.

• When using your oven, try to fill it! If you really need it on for only one thing pile the bottom up with baking sheets, cake tins etc - this will make it into a much smaller space to heat meaning that it will heat up quicker.

• Instead of shoe polish, use the inside of a banana skin to scrub up your shoes.

Tips For Savings On Your Car • An estimated 50% of car tyres on the road are underinflated so keep your tyres pumped up as soft tyres waste fuel and wear out quicker.

• Roof racks and carriers should be removed when they are not being used to reduce drag and weight which will lessen the fuel consumption.

• Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuelefficient way of driving. Travelling at 37mph in third gear uses 25% more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear.

• The use of air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 10% so open up the windows and let the fresh air in.

• Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. This way, the traffic may have started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change gear and be on your way.

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com

PURCHASING A HOME IN SPAIN

Buyers of property in Spain naturally find the formalities and procedures involved, strange and confusing and this is often compounded by problems of language and difficulty in obtaining local professional advice that they can understand.

The wise thing to do is to take on the services of a qualified professional; of which there are many in all the tourist-orientated resorts who speak good English or who at least have English-speaking secretaries. The Law Society in each province controls the work of Spanish solicitors in Spain.

Here is a very general outline of the work that goes on behind the scene, so that you have a rough idea of what to expect.

1- Request of the copy of the seller’s escritura. A study of the first notarial copy of the sellers Escritura de Compraventa will indicate whether all the tax and registration procedures have been completed on the previous transfer. The registration details entered on the Escritura will enable the lawyer to do a complete search in the Register, and therefore make sure that the seller has a proper title and ensure there are no hidden charges or encumbrances affecting the property.

2. Make sure there are no outstanding bills.

3. It is normal for a deposit to be handed over to reserve the property until the signing of the Escritura de Propiedad can take place. When the deposit is handed over your lawyer will draw up a solid contract to secure both parties until the day of the signing. .

4.If you are a non-resident the Spanish Ministry of interior requires you to obtain a certificate of non residency (which in turn determines your fiscal number) so that you can sign the escritura. It will also be required later on by the Tax Authorities. This is known as the NIE number.

5.If you buy from a non-resident you must hold back 3%

of the price stipulated on the escritura which your lawyer or in this case yourself will pay to the Tax Authority on behalf of the sellers capital gains tax.

(The lawyer will not be able to register your property until he has obtained the receipt from the tax office for this money,). If he is accustomed to dealing with foreigners, he will point this out, if he does not, watch out.

6. When deciding where, when and how you are going to pay for your house in Spain it is very important that you seek advice on your particular case, because the Spanish Law concerning foreign investment does not permit the payment to be made in any old way. If your lawyer is used to foreign conveyance, he will automatically point out the correct way of handling this.

7. Your lawyer will draw up a rough draft for the notary to prepare the title deed. (By contrast to England, in Spain each time a transaction takes place a new title deed is drawn up).

8,when the escritura is signed there are taxes and fees to be paid, which your lawyer will do for you, on receiving appropriate funding.

9 Order the property register to inscribe your title deed.

10.Aprox. One month from the signing of the escritura you will receive your escritura with the registers stamp on it, and receipts for all the payments made on your behalf. (I recommend you staple them to your title deed forever, because when you go to sell they can be used as deductions against capital gains.)

Congratulations, you now have your final title deed.

I want to take the opportunity to say that even though all this sounds complicated, the Spanish legal system in what concerns the buying of property when used properly, gives both the seller and the buyer total safety.

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

www.soltimes.com

Est 25yrs

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR

SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENAMIENTO

130,000 € Mojácar Playa A1156 145,000 € Mojácar Playa A1154 149,995 € Mojacar Playa A1048 125,000€ Mojácar Playa SDV653 Spacious apartment of 67m2 + 41m2 of terrace in a popular community with superb sea views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Community pools & gardens. Furnished.

Superb penthouse apartment of 68m2 + terraces of 65m2 & roof terrace of 64m2 on a quality golf complex. 360 degree views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Community terrace,gym,gardens & pool.

Charming ground floor apartment of 134m2 + garden of 20m2 on a sought after front line complex. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Huge storage areas.

Superb community gardens & pool.

Pretty end of terrace bungalow of 67m2 on 193m2 with roof terrace. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Community garden. Furnished. Short distance to shops, beach & restaurants.

130,000 € Cuevas del DV1246 135,500 € Mojácar Playa LV651 115,000 € Mojácar Playa A1136 145,000 € Mojácar Playa A1116 Almanzora Charming detached villa of 83m2 on 1,500m2 near to Desert Springs golf.

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, beautiful gardens & unfinished pool. Furnished.

Only 5 mins drive from Vera town.

Lovely townhouse of 147 m2 just 3 minutes walk from the beach.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, part furnished. Large garage & roof terrace with sea views. Community pool & gardens.

135,000 € Mojácar Playa A1129

85,000€ Mojácar Playa LV652

A charming penthouse of 71m2 with fabulous sea views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & lift access. Garage nearby. Community gardens & pool.

In walking distance of the beach.

Very attractive fully modernised townhouse of 60 m2 + 20 m2 of terrace in a small complex near to the beach.

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Furnished.

Lovely community gardens & off street parking.

Quality apartment of 71 m2 terrace of 23 m2 with sea views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. In immaculate order.

Carport. Fabulous pool & gardens.

Part furnished.

245,000 €

Cabrera

Top quality ground floor apartment of 78 m2 + 24 m2 of terraces in a well maintained gated complex with community pools, tennis, gardens & parking. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom & storeroom. Furnished.

DV1114 235,000 € Mojácar Playa DV1257

Attractive detached villa of 165m2 on a plot of 535 m2 with stunning views.

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Private pool, parking and roof terrace. Approx.

20 mins drive from local beaches.

Charming modernised bungalow of 105m2 on 499 m2 only 5 mins walk from the beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and garden with room for a pool. A/C, PVC windows & good security.

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

rentals@pricebrown.com

Mondays 10.00 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Tuesdays - Fridays 9.30 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

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

23

eu commission: SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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

Paint or Wallpaper?

24

Eurozone downturn and deficits to persist

The eurozone recession will persist into 2013, the European Commission has conceded in its latest forecast.

Governments face an uphill battle to rein in their overspending, with Spain, France and Portugal all failing to cut their deficits to agreed targets. According to a report by the BBC, Spain’s deficit, at 10.2% of GDP in 2012, was well above its 6.3% target, and would stay above target into 2014.

The eurozone economy would shrink 0.3% in 2013, the Commission said, making the governments’ task even harder.

Previously, the Commission had expected the 17 economies in the eurozone to collectively enjoy 0.1% positive growth this year. In 2012 the economy is estimated to have shrunk 0.6%.

Delivering its winter forecast, Commission VicePresident Olli Rehn said that unemployment across the single currency area expected to continue rising to 12.2% this year as the recession lingers. Last year’s jobless rate was 11.4%. However, he said the eurozone was expected to rebound in the last three months of this year, registering 0.7% growth in the fourth quarter.

The forecast appears somewhat more pessimistic than the European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, who last month said he believed the eurozone would begin recovering in the second half of this year.

The Commission’s acknowledgement that the eurozone is in worse economic shape than previously mirrors a change in the International Monetary Fund’s thinking. The IMF said in January that it expected the

eurozone to experience a “mild recession” in 2013, having previously predicted growth.

The austerity measures being implemented by eurozone governments are widely blamed by economists as a major contributor towards the Continent’s economic woes, although there is disagreement among economists as to whether governments should therefore go easy on the spending cuts.

Spain has one of the biggest budget deficits and has made the least headway in bringing its finances back under control, and faces one of the nastiest recessions.

Of its 10.2% deficit in 2012, 3.2 percentage points was due to the cost of cleaning up its banking system, which has been decimated by loans made to property developers and speculators during the last decade’s housing bubble that have since proved unrepayable.

More worryingly, the Commission does not expect Spain to improve greatly over the next two years. Its deficit is forecast to be 6.7% this year, compared with a 4.5% target, and 7.2% in 2014, compared with a 2.8% target.

Spain cannot simply blame its weak economy for this outcome, the Commission implied. Madrid’s structural deficit - which strips out the effect of the recession fell only by 1.4% of GDP last year, barely half the 2.7% target set by the Commission. However, overspending by governments across the eurozone as a whole is still expected to fall on average this year. That is despite the persistent economic downturn, which typically reduces governments’ tax revenues and increases their benefit bills.

Decklid Auto Services

Mazarron, Murcia

Dave The English Mechanic is now based in Mazarron New workshop, computerised diagnostics, pre ITV checks, ITV’s arranged Courtesy drop off service ...always professional and friendly...

Slippery Floors?

WE HAVE MOVED to Avenida de las Moreras (The Old Ford Dealership)

telephone: 626 678 840 email: decklid@hotmail.co.uk

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

www.free-sol.com

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

With floral and animal designs also set to be popular in 2010, it would seem that paint lovers are set for a rough ride this year – especially as embossed wallpaper is all set for a comeback!

The question of whether to use paint or wallpaper designs throughout the home has caused plenty of domestic strife over the years. Many dwellers enjoy busy and vibrant wallpaper patterns that exude character – but not necessarily style – whilst others prefer painted walls that feature neutral tones and colours – uncomplicated but not exactly exciting.

Of course, some wallpapers can feature plain patterns and colours whilst certain paints are bold and vibrant, however, in somewhat broad terms, it remains possible to divide people into two categories: those who enjoy the modest charm of painted walls and those who prefer the energy of striking wallpaper prints.

It was Oscar Wilde who said on his deathbed “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go” but those people whose memories of wallpaper include the Anaglytpta, flock or woodchip styles that were popular in the Seventies may be surprised to learn that wallpaper is undergoing a revival. The minimalism of the Nineties is being phased out in many homes and being replaced instead by a full range of colour and pattern including on the walls.

Wallpaper designs on a large scale often work best in well-lit rooms and many interior designers are incorporating them as important elements of living room or bedroom design.

You can, for example, choose wallpaper in a favourite colour, or colours, and coordinate your bedroom furniture, curtains and other soft furnishings accordingly. Another possibility is to pick out a single wall in a room and paper that wall – perhaps with hand printed wallpaper for added richness and depth of colour – as a focal point or feature. If traditional, old-fashioned, hand printed wallpaper is beyond your means there are some wallpapers which, although mass produced and therefore less expensive, have almost the same characteristics.

There is, of course, an issue with wallpaper – as there is with carpet and paint – with regard to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are responsible for a strong odour as well as being hazardous to the environment. Thankfully environmentally friendly wallpaper with no such compounds is readily available nowadays. If you are hanging wallpaper yourself make sure that you remove any existing wall covering and debris – including flaking paint – beforehand and wash down the wall(s) with sugar soap. For ease of hanging and maximum effect afterwards wall surfaces should be smooth, clean and dry before wallpaper is applied.

As such, are interior design trends likely to be dominated by paint lovers or wallpaper nuts in 2010? The answer, as perhaps can be expected, is somewhat self-evident; indeed, paint will always remain more popular as it is the weapon of choice when attacking interior walls.

Notwithstanding this, it would seem that wallpaper has been afforded greater attention this year by many of the leading retailers, who have released some rather unconventional patterns that will be of concern to paint lovers!

25

TV NEWSLETTER

march 2013

Two months gone and into the third ...doesn’t time go quicker as you get older ! ? All is well at the Rainbow House – Matt having become a Great Uncle again today – congrats to Tom and Alex on the arrival of Dylan Thomas Brookes a healthy 8lb 11oz.

Spring is “springing” its way into all life in the garden – plants, fish and terrapins all on the move. One of the garden watering well pumps gave up the ghost but good old Amazon came to the rescue with a reasonably priced new one...And free delivery to Spain. Did you know if you have a UK Amazon account you can go straight into Spanish Amazon (www. amazon.es) and use all the same account details...Check both as the prices are different ! The site is in Spanish but laid out EXACTLY as the UK site so if you can remember the UK wording and procedures the Spanish one is identical...

TV NEWS…We are getting a lot of different offers for IPTV – TV over the internet – it does work and can be an only way if you can not accommodate the big dishes needed for UK TV – but you do need an excellent internet connection – not only speed but consistency - otherwise picture break up will occur – and it will “eat” any download limits you have – but it is a way to get UK TV...

We have had a small problem with recoding PLUS boxes missing some planned recordings and we think we have resolved the problem…Believe it or not – to much signal ! With lots of channels on a strong transmission signal people with 1.8 m dishes are “swamping” the digibox with signal and some boxes just can’t handle it ! (After 13 years down here installing UK TV I never thought I would say “you have to much signal” !).

If you are having any recording “failures” we may be able to attenuate (reduce) the signal - but remember that when all gets swapped to the “E” satellite later in the year we will have to “undo” the procedure Article sponsored by RAINBOW SATELLITES THE company for ALL your TV needs in the Murcia region of Spain. Contact Alan or Matt for free friendly advice on any TV related subject...from FREESAT to SKY... from cheap universal digiboxes to expensive SKY PLUS 3D. Email rainbowsats@gmail.com, call 686 358 475 or www.rainbowsats.org for some good basic information

as for sure these signals will be weaker !

You just can’t win !

I certainly do not get all the snippets of info relating to UK TV changes and welcome any input to the newsletter you may find ………John A sent me these two items that I had not heard of and may well be of interest to all you SKY viewers...

UNDELETE FOR SKY+: Sky has recently added an “undelete” feature to its Sky+ Planner. Very useful if, like me, you have accidentally deleted the wrong programme. Or, having deleted one, someone else, who shall remain nameless, now wants to watch it after all.

Just go into the Sky Planner with its list of programmes that you have recorded.

Move left from the “All” tab and there is the list of programmes that have been recently deleted. Move down through the list, and any programme there can be undeleted by pressing the Green button.

The Sky software will automatically remove the oldest “deleted” programmes from the list, as it needs disk space to record new ones.

FILM 4 TO GO HD ON SKY: Channel 4 has agreed to bring the high definition version of Film4 and More4 to Sky+ HD. They will join the already available Channel 4 HD and E4 HD, completing the rollout of Channel 4’s HD channels on Sky. This will also mean that Sky homes will be able to access 66 HD channels. More4 HD has already appeared on Sky; Film4 HD is expected to appear soon. (Thanks John A) I am not sure if I mentioned this but there are three new channels on FREESAT – SKYNEWS on 202, PICK TV on 144 and CHALLENGE on 145 – anyone with FREESAT boxes should have picked these up automatically – any problems contact us.

PICK TV is showing mainstream SKY programmes from 7pm until 11pm each evening until 11th April - Yes they ARE trying to entice you to join SKY!

26

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

property guide....

Sales of Homes Moderates Fall to 11.3% in 2012

In 2012, despite the end of tax incentives for home purchases, 319,058 home sales transactions were carried out, 11.3% fewer than in 2011, and a more moderate decline than registered in the previous year, of 17.7%, and in 2008 and 2009, coinciding with the crisis in the sector. According to the year-end data published this week by the National Statistics

Institute, the biggest crashes were recorded then, with housing sales sinking by 28.8% and 24.9%, respectively.

This trend contrasts with the 6.3% growth which was recorded in 2010, when housing sales rebounded months before the elimination of the deduction for the purchase of a main residence for middle and high

Many can do it well...

Some can do it very well... but only a few do it like us... always with the customer in mind Camposol Business centre sector a, camposol mazarron

www.anotherworld-properties.com sales@anotherworldproperties.net

TEL: 968 592 679

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

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

cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com

Vera Playa Apartment

O Olive

CUEVAS

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

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

Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

DE

139,000€

incomes became effective.

All in all, this real estate indicator remains far from the figures reached in 2007, when in the middle of the sector boom sales of homes approached 800,000 transactions in a year.

After a 17-month streak of declines, sales rose again in August just after the Government announced the end of the deduction for home purchases and the VAT increase

www.olivehouse-es.com

Apartment For Sale on golf course

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen with white goods, Nice views of golf course parking, Mojacar approx 7 mins

ALMANZORA

An immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex with garage situated in the popular and historical town of Cuevas de Almanzora

for such transactions, which looked likely to be a factor that would boost operations before the end of the year.

Despite registering the largest decreases of the year in the first three months of 2012, with declines of 26.3%, 31.8% and 22.7%, respectively, the downward trend moderated gradually over the following three months to stand at around 10%. for the full report go to www.kyero.com ...for all the latest property news...

now only

OLV598

€39,950

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

Restored, large Cortijo in Almanzora Valley with lovely mountain and valley views

• 3 Double Bedrooms • Spacious Kitchen/Dining Room • Roof Terrace 45m2 • Large Covered Front Porch • Garage • 1500 metres garden • Walled and gated • Fully legal • Mains water & electricity

large country properties needed

€125,000

in the Los Velez area

genuine clients waiting to view

English Tel: 0044 1952 246 476 Email: berniefinlay@hotmail.co.uk

info@icasaspain.com

...CALL 902 750 190 OR 950 121 936 ~ EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Amazing Villa

with pool and beautiful views in Agua Nueva €349,950 Amazing 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom Villa set on a freehold plot of 960 mts2 at the bottom of the hill that leads to Agua Nueva which is no more than a 5 minutes gentle walk to the village of

Turre with its supermarkets, weekly market, banks, doctors, dentist, chemist,... etc.

This detached villa has an approx. built area of 135 m2 distributed between living/ dining room, independent fully fitted

kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, one of them with jacuzzi. The property also has several terraces, a roof solarium with beautiful views of Mojacar village, Turre and Cabrera Mountains, and an 8x4 mts swimming pool.

All in all a unique property in Agua Nueva which must be viewed to be fully appreciated.

For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1106

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria property group

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

27

Lighting Up! Your garden is ready for everyone to see and you are very proud of all the hard work that has gone in to making it just the way you wanted.

You invite your friends over for a drink or two and dinner later on to show off your carefully decorated garden. Drinks are over and dinner is served too but not one word of praise for the garden from any one of them. You get frustrated and you are wondering all along what could have possibly gone wrong. Before blaming your friends for not noticing anything different, stop and think! Is it because it’s not good enough for praise or they simply haven’t noticed it because the lighting was so bad that they couldn’t really differentiate between your earlier garden and the garden now.

If you are one of the above, then it is about time you illuminate your garden in the right way, and using all the right lights. After all, a garden looks more captivating when illuminated in the dark!

Commonly used lights...

Some of the commonly used lights in the garden are incandescent light that is very bright but uses a lot of power.

While illuminating a tree, people use flood lights or spot lights. They, again, are powerful but consume a lot of energy.

12 volt halogen lights are also used. But all of these have disadvantages, the more these lights are used, the more transformers are required and the globes constantly need replacing.

LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes...

The advance of technology has led to the invention of the LEDs or the Light Emitting Diodes that is becoming increasingly popular everywhere. The LEDs are basically lights that are used in the mobile phones and the computer. They are long lasting and give a nice effect in the garden when used. They are very different from the normal lights; they do not have the traditional filament but are made up of electrons. Due to this, they give a very soft and subtle effect and they don’t burn out soon.

Types of LEDs...

Barrel LEDs: They are ideal for illuminating a garden art.

The light is put on the art piece that shines and casts a shadow behind. They can also be put on the trunk of a palm tree.

LED Button Lights: These lights are water resistant and hence can be used in water features. They can also be put along a path to show the way or along a border for an illuminated effect.

Solar Garden Lights: Available in aluminium and stainless steel, they come in amber or white light. As they are solar lights, they do not use any power and saves electricity. They get completely charged during the day and as the sun sets they light up automatically and are on throughout the night.

As a result, these bulbs last for years.

6 Styling Tips to Refresh a Room A home makeover doesn’t have to require new furniture, a trip to the hardware store, or a big budget. Here’s how to style a space for an instant refresh.

Use Cut Branches An organic element in a room will help it come alive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money at the florist. Just take a pair of scissors out into your yard, clip a few branches or even just a single stem, and place in a vase.

Stack Wood in the Fireplace Mantels can define a space with their architectural interest, but the hearth can drain a room visually – it’s a big, black hole. A stack of wood ready for a fire will help fill it out. In the spring and summer, try beautiful white birch logs for a lighter look

Stack Up On White Towels Keep a stack of white towels in the bathroom. The monochromatic color scheme is aesthetically soothing, so the space will look crisp, fresh, and spa-like. Plus, they’re a cinch to clean since you can always bleach them.

Add a Throw

A pretty throw draped over a bench, sofa, or the back of a chair can be an instant update, adding both color and texture.

It’s also a simple way to relax a room, creating an inviting spot to curl up to read a book or take a nap.

Accessorize Your Coffee Table A large coffee table can become a huge block of dark wood that weighs down a room. Try taking a few beautiful art books down off the shelf and using them to break up table’s surface.

The room will feel lighter and brighter and you’ll likely enjoy your books more, too.

Display a Favorite Piece Instead of keeping your beautiful things tucked away in cabinets and closets, open up a door, and take out that beautiful vase, tray, or bowl. Showcase it on a dining table or a console, anywhere that you can actually appreciate it. It doesn’t have to live there permanently.

We urgently require properties for sale or rent, Orihuela Costa & surrounding areas for waiting clients Please contact

Sitara Properties Tel: 966 723 437 or 636 615 716

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

soltimes

Sol Insure

What’s happening in your area?

Looking Around for Insurance or Renewal Due?

www.soltimes.com daily

28

Local News What’s on?

Where to go? What to do?

Local Business Directory

A New Ray Of Light For Insurance

All your local businesses at your fingertips

Sky News

Live local & international News feeds

Sol Insure

Let find the best policy for you!

Providing the best cover at competitive rates

info@bwispain.com

Did You Know... www.soltimes.com has all five editions of the NewsPaper.

Almeria, Blanca, Calida, Roquetas and Mar Menor.

These Pages include an Editor’s Choice of news within that area and a direct link to view the Full Online Edition.

NOTE: We appologise for the technical problems with the TV viewing page which now appears to be functioning as normal. You can again enjoy Live TV FREE on www. soltimes.com

902 750 190 If you have any questions or ideas please email me at webmaster

@soltimes.com

950 472 098

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

29

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

*THE BEST

€

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

cafe

At the Pink House VEGETARIAN MEALS IT’S OFFICIAL.... CUT HEART DISEASE BY 30%

VEGETARIAN MEAL IN TOWN

Our main menu full of mouth watering meals from the VEG CURRY served with cous cous and rice, the MIGHTY JACKET POTATO with all the fillings you can think of. The hot crispy freshly baked BAGUETTE with your choice of filling. The Italian SPAGETTI & MACARONI with our authentic Italian Bolognese & béchamel sauce. And of course our HOUSE SPECIALS with our secret flavours,

A: The TASTY KOUSHERY everyone’s favourite.

B: FALAFAL “Veg Burger” and the newly introduced Middle Easterns most popular meal C: FOUL full of protein. TOGETHER with Our homemade soup of the day ~ Our delicious

freshly baked cakes – carrot, cheesecake, lemon meringue, lemon drizzle, apple and walnut, triple chocolate cake, pear and almond etc......

SERVED WITH Hot and cold drinks......and remember ALL soups, cakes and drinks still at €

THIS WEEKS SPECIAL

Home-made Pizza 1€ (plus any topping of your choice for 50cent extra)

WANTED URGENTELY CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES English & Spanish Reg up to 1995 - any condition we collect from any area Tel: 681 095 096 / 636 411 540 REST. Balabona & Petrol Station

Murcia

E15/A7 Motorway A 

x lbo

Vera/Mojacar EXIT 543

La Concepcion

We are here



30

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

send your recipes to editor@soltimes.com d o o G

Calorie labelling is ‘wildly misleading’ claim scientists

Eating a bowl of muesli or porridge each morning may not be the best way to shift unwanted pounds.

Scientists say calorie labelling has for years ignored the energy content of fibre. This means that dieters have been ‘unknowingly’ eating more calories than they thought in their muesli or porridge.An average bowl of bran cereal contains an extra 20 calories, while muesli has 12 more, say scientists.

According to a report by the Mail Online, the issue was discussed at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston where Dr Geoffrey Livesey, a British nutritionist: said: ‘When people eat muesli, it is a healthy food but they are often putting on lots of weight.’

Regulators have known since the early 1990s that fibre had a calorie content, but stuck with the old system for assessing calories which said fibre is indigestible and so had a negligible calorific contribution. But European food labelling regulations are being changed and by the end of next year retailers will have to add two calories for each gram of fibre in a food item.

A spokesman for the British Retail Consortium,

which represents supermarkets, said members have made this change already.

31

Grea tF rie nds YELLOW

s e m Ti

STONE BAR

Mother’s

Day

Sunday 10th March - Lunch served from 12 noon

its

Pre Starters Salad - A bowl of fresh Chef’s salad served with bread and Ali Oli and a bottle of house red or white wine per couple Starters Broccoli & Stilton Soup Breaded Camembert with Redcurrant Jelly Main Courses Chicken Breast in a Peppercorn Sauce served with Vegetables & New Potatoes Breaded Pork Escalope with Mushroom and Parmesan Cheese Sauce served with Vegetables & New Potatoes Pan fried Thai style Salmon served with Rice Vegetable Quiche served with New Potatoes and Vegetables (V) Desserts Rum and Raisin Cheesecake Apple Pie served with Cream or Custard per pers Vanilla Ice Cream served with a choice of homemade on Chocolate Fudge, Toffee or Strawberry Sauce Booking essential, call paul on 634 332 178 (€5 reservation deposit per person)

Traditionally, calorie content has been calculated using the general factor system, which only looked at the protein, fat and carbohydrate in a food item. Four calories were assigned for each gram of protein and carbohydrate, while each gram of fat added nine calories.

Dr Livesey said: ‘What the old system gave us is a very general calorific value, which is misleading. So consumers have been eating more calories than they thought, particularly if the food was high-fibre.’

The recommended daily fibre intake is 18 grams, meaning an average adult consuming this amount will have been eating more than 250 extra calories each week.

€12,95

To add to the confusion, Dr Livesey claims the calorie content of protein has been exaggerated by 20 per cent because the system does not take into account the extra calories people use chewing and digesting it.

Referring to all types of food, Dr Livesey said that in some cases the calorie content on the label can be 25 per cent out.

Find us in Piedra Amarilla (Formerly The Grapevine) For more information and phone orders call Paul: 634

ITV CENTRE

← Albox

332 178

Fines →

Yellow Stone 1km Piedra Amarilla →

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Forthcoming events......

March 1st

Status Quo Tribute Basket Meals Available

17th March

Back by Popular Demand Morgan - Irish Folk Singer Mark Nugent and Tommy McCarthy

Eagles Tribute Friday 12th April

telephone: 950 473 135

mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach Open 10am till late (Closed Mon & Tues)

32

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

ALBOX

Bar Menu & Snacks Home-made puds

MENU DEL DIA

Burgers, Lasagne, pies, Omelettes, chilli plus

All Day Breakfast from 9am

onl y €

2 Courses

5

served 12 - 3 except Fri & Sun

Includes FREE Tea or Coffee

friday & SATURDAY Fridays &

Cod ‘n’ ChipS

Beerfrom battered 5.95€ Atlantic Cod, Homemade Chips, Mushy or Garden PeaS SERVED 12-9pm

Saturdays The Restaurant is Open 6pm-9pm MENU FROM 5.95€

Traditional SUNDAY LUNCH

Delicious & Home-cooked nl y o served A Choice of Topside Of Beef & 12.30 - 5pm Yorkshire Pudding; Roast Pork With Crackling And Apple Sauce Tender or Roast Chicken With Stuffing - all served with Locallygrown Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables & a Glass Of House Wine, Tubo of Beer or a Coffee

6.95€ to include a FREE Drink

Los Mellizos Restaurant La Alfoquia, Zurgena

We have a new chef and a new Menu !

Starters, Puddings - 2€ each

SUNDAY SERVED 10AM-12PM

BREAKFAST

Friday 8th March Activities at

the fabulous

Steve King

Monday Rock ‘n’ Roll - 7:30pm Tuesday Quirky Quiz - 7:30pm Wednesday Line Dancing 7:30pm Thursday Ceroc Dancing & Fun

from 8pm-12am come and boogie on down to all your dance Plus Social Night 7:30pm favourites ...Art Classes (held most days)

free admission

all welcome food available from 6pm

...Computer Club ...Keep fit & slimming classes

check the board for times

ALBOX

@

BP Garage

•••

BAZA → OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN ← ARBOLEAS Av•••AL . L BO ep an X → to jacksalbox@gmail.com

950 120 718 / 610 641 567

special Mothering sunday menu with our new chef Tracy

Live Entertainment Every Friday Disco Music from 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & today

Open Mon - Fri 8am - late. Sat & Sun 9am - late

Tlf: 667 919 025

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

...FOOD & ENTERTAINING

Quail’s Egg Salad with Baby Spinach Leaves INGREDIENTS

33

dessert

starter

100g (3½oz) baby spinach leaves 1 red onion, sliced 200g (7oz) yellow and red cherry tomatoes, halved 1tbsp wholegrain mustard 6tbsp avocado oil Juice of 1 lemon 1tsp runny honey 12 quails’ eggs, hard boiled (4 halved)

METHOD

Place the spinach, red onion slices and halved tomatoes in a wide mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, oil, lemon juice and honey, season well with salt and pepper and stir until well combined.

Divide the salad mixture between 4 serving plates and scatter the quails’ eggs over the salad, drizzle the dressing over each serving.

Tip: Serve with a garnish of grilled pancetta.

Curry-spiced Chicken with a Tartare of Peas main

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp mild curry powder 1.5kg/3lb 5oz chicken, ready for roasting FOR THE PEAS 3 slices smoked streaky bacon, cut into small pieces 250g/9oz frozen peas, defrosted 400g/14oz fresh peas, podded (about 2kg/4lb 8oz unpodded weight) 1 shallot, finely chopped 10 stalks marjoram or oregano leaves picked and chopped Small bunch chives, chopped Splash olive oil Pinch ground ginger

METHOD

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Mix the oil with the curry

powder and rub this all over the chicken. Transfer to a roasting tin and cook for one hour and 30 minutes. To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a skewer between the thigh and the breast - the juices should run clear. Remove and allow to rest for 20 minutes, loosely covered with foil.

Meanwhile, fry the bacon until crisp in a dry, non-stick pan.

Remove and leave to cool slightly.

Pulse the peas separately to a rough purée in a blender, or using a hand blender.

Mix the peas together with bacon, shallot, marjoram, chives, the splash of olive oil, the ground ginger, and season with salt. Serve alongside the chicken.

The return of the pasty tax

Pastygate took a new turn today when a leading High Street baker announced it will now sell more hot snacks that are subject to 20 per cent VAT. A report by the Mail Online states, six months after forcing the government into a U-turn over the infamous pasty tax, Greggs said it will trial pasties, sausage rolls and other hot food, all be subject to VAT at 20 per cent.

Greggs bakes savouries instore at its 1,600 branches before leaving them to cool.It was this method of selling hot food that enabled Greggs, following extensive lobbying of MPs, to escape the imposition of 20 per cent VAT slapped

on hot takeaway food in the 2012 Budget.

Chancellor George Osborne originally announced plans to raise £110 million by levying 20 per cent VAT on hot baked goods at the Budget. The move prompted a huge outcry, with critics accusing ministers of waging class warfare against pasty eaters.

Feedback from customers on Greggs’ Facebook page shows many customers are unhappy if they are served lukewarm or cold savouries which they thought would be hot.

A spokesman for Greggs said it had begun experimenting with increasing the amount

of hot food it serves in stores.

Although she could not confirm which products were being trialled, they are likely to include Cornish pasties, steak bakes, sausage rolls and pizza slices.

The spokesman said: ‘Greggs already offers toasted sandwiches but is looking at extending the range of food that could be served hot or heated up. If something is served hot, it will attract VAT.’ The 20 per cent tax on hot takeaway food sparked consumer fury and several campaigns from High Street stores.

Greggs boss Ken McMeikan even marked on Downing

Street with a petition signed by half a million customers, forcing Chancellor George Osborne into a U-turn over hot food left to cool.

However, Greggs’ decision to sell more hot food products subject to VAT has angered customers who backed its ‘pastygate’ campaign.

One fan of the company’s products said: ‘After all the fuss it made over VAT on pasties and sausage rolls, now Greggs has decided to impose VAT on hot products: ‘It leaves a nasty taste in the mouth among those customers who backed its opposition to the pasty tax.’

However, a company spokesman disputed this,

Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

INGREDIENTS

200g (7oz) pack of fresh dessert shortcrust pastry 12tbsp lemon curd 1 medium egg white 50g (1¾oz) caster sugar

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°/gas 6.

Roll out the pastry to 3mm (1/8in) thickness and use a 9cm (3½in) cutter to cut 12 rounds.

Use to line the base of a 12-hole mini muffin tin and prick with a fork. Line with baking parchment and baking beans and bake blind for 10-12 minutes or until the pastry begins to brown.

Allow to cool, then fill each one with a little lemon curd – not too much or it will bubble out while cooking.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until it is stiff enough to form soft peaks and hold its shape. Add the sugar gradually, until the mixture is glossy.

Pipe each tart with the meringue mixture. Place on the top shelf of the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes or until the meringue is beginning to brown. Cool for a few minutes and remove from the tin.

Tip: Using read-made pastry makes this quick, but you can make it. Sift 115g (4oz) plain flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Cut 75g (2¾oz) butter into small pieces. Rub into the flour to form fine breadcrumbs and stir in 2-3tbsps cold water to form a dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 1 minute.

Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. saying Greggs already charges 20 per cent VAT on hot food such as toasted sandwiches, soup and hot drinks, and has not made any changes to pricing policy.

Sainsbury’s has admitted

that sales of hot chicken had fallen since they added 20 per cent VAT to the price.

Mike Coupe, commercial director, said: ‘Many retailers are trying to find a way round the VAT rules.’

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

29 Abattoir (14)

Down

2A n abnormal condition of the lungs (9) 3 Genus of rhubarb (5) 4 Burial chamber (9) 5 Nigerian monetary unit (5) 6 An appreciation of beauty or good taste (9) 7 A valley in France (5) 8 The time zone for New York (7)

9H unting expedition (6) 15 C omes with thunder (9) 17 Crocodile (9) 18 H eat, water and electricity (9) 19 S pears of frozen water (7) 21 Pleaded (6) 23 Asp (5) 24 S hould or must (archaic) (5) 26 Type of drum (5)

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1 Shortest of 12 nearly bares fury violently (8) 2 One who possesses nothing with Emperor, almost (5) 3 Breathing help for young mammal as going back outside (5) 4 Flower is outside River Island (4) 5 Number in... in... in... second half comeback? (4) 6 A note read first at a distance (4) 7 I’d turned up outside hotel to return loin-cloth (5)

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Down

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

1 Congressman (14) 10 F ruit or computer company (5) 11 A woman priest (9) 12 Unfathomable (7) 13 Accomplish (7) 14 M odel of excellence (5) 16 Indigestion (9) 19 First (9) 20 Ascend (5) 22 Instigates (7) 25 Chattering (7) 27 Grease or oil (9) 28 Dissonant sound (5)

8 The Spanish regular football team? (6) 13 Cut Leo awfully with nothing in - in a manner of speaking (9) 14 Burden of limos lent foolishly (9) 15 Love-rat - one on after commercial worship (9) 17 Glen arranging a new dimension for country (7) 18 Give a new name to the French renegade on the outside (7) 23 Hoarding an animal without part of the leg (8) 26 Quiet, official sailor with parts made before assembly (6) 29 Deduce official Northern Ireland rising (5) 31 Country existed without the French (5) 32 Boredom universal in 5 performance (5) 33 A boat which might go after land when it’s spotted? (4) 34 Volunteers “thanks” and “goodbye” (2-2) 35 A new turn before I initially lost part of finger (4)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

1 Thread of first final defeat (5) 6 Dead, left out to go bad? (5) 9 Capital punishment finally out of Dutch traffic disruption (7) 10 Made, but without an African (5) 11 Conductor of orchestra beginning to enter and finally leave (5) 12 Pollute s-setter wearing animal (7) 16 Fake Lauren, perhaps? (6) 18 Odd bits of rain tree ceremony? (4) 19 I left house after job centre - the French place where potential fuel might be found (3,4) 20 Circle call (4) 21 Allow to be served again? (3) 22 Look hear you, I created Asian State! (9) 24 By way of victory, I attack at first (3) 25 Wager without a pound (4) 27 May guitarist return taking nothing before one’s capital (7) 28 Attack right before help (4) 30 Young birds’ scruffy towels (6) 33 Catch up in an each-way feeler (7) 36 Disgusting stuff left out loudly in interval (5) 37 I’m after organ cloth (for wearing) (5) 38 Briefly describe back 3 in part of rugby match moving to the front (7) 39 Fruit key with queen railway (5) 40 Directions in good type of music (5)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Shakespeare it ain’t!

This year, the Luvvies theatre group have decided to stretch their abilities into the realms of Shakespeare.

Well – not exactly, and not quite what the bard had in mind when he first wrote “the Scottish play”. Actors, being a very superstitious lot, are not supposed to mention the title “Macbeth”, or even quote from the play!

This latest “Luvvies” production is actually an uproarious comedy by David Mcgillivray and Walter Zerlin jnr., based (very) loosely on Shakespeare’s original.

Here we have the tale of the ladies of Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society. Their startling inept production of Macbeth is their hope to get to the area drama finals but, under the carefully mascaraed eye of the adjudicator, George Peach, events conspire against them.

A series of mishaps leads to a succession of hilarious situations, as both the producer and stage manager are press ganged into helping and then actually acting in the play. These valiant men, aided and abetted by

Fire fighters free woman from glove box

Fire crews had to be sent to rescue a woman after she trapped her hand in the glove box of her car.

The 49-year-old had been trying to fish something out of the compartment, outside her home in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

But her watch got caught in the cavity between the glove box and the dashboard and she was unable to free herself, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Fire crews were called and managed to remove the woman’s watch so she could free her hand.

She suffered slight bruising.

Crew manager Stuart Hall said: “As soon as the watch came off it was fine, they were a little embarrassed as we were a last resort. But if someone is stuck they are stuck, they can’t stay there all night.

“We don’t train for something exactly like this but we will always be able get get people free somehow.”

some very inept female players, misbehaving props and errant scenery, struggle to do justice to this Shakespearian classic.

The Luvvies are often complimented on the quality of their sets – however in this case, as you will see, the quality is all in the badness, achieved at no little cost to their pride, of the set designers and builders.

As we all know (hubble, hubble toil and trouble, and a l l

that), there are 3 witches in Macbeth. One of them is pictured here – could it be “grumpy” witch?

The Luvvies performance of “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s production of Macbeth will be on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, and Sunday 10th. March 2013 at the Teatro del Museo Pedro Gilabert in Arboleas.

Ticket prices have been held at the same price for the third year running, and as always a bar will be available. And for some good news, heating has now been installed at the theatre, for your added comfort.

Please see posters and advertisements for full details, or visit our website www. theluvvies.com,email info@theluvvies. com or call 697 384 513.

Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue

tapas 1€

Mother’s day

Sunday 10th March

Bookings now being taken

a gift to all the mum’s on the day

in the bar

ST. PATRICK’S night

saturday 16th march ST. PATRICK’S THEMED

MUSICAL QUIZ PERFORMED BY J&J MUSIC

& 3 course Irish-themed dinner

All Selections 1€ Each

Tuesday Bar

Specials 6 - 9pm Chicken Curry & Long Grain Rice

5€

or Cod, Chips ‘n’ Peas

Finish the evening with a large helping of J & J Music’s rock & roll

call for menu & to book Thursday night special Enjoy Wonderful Views delicious homemade from our pies , Homemade Chips & Peas Restaurant Candelit wed - sat evenings Opens 6:30 - 9:30pm Includes complimentary filtered water, bread & alioli & filtered water

Traditional Takeaway Fish & Chips Opening Hours

Mon:12:30-3pm, Tues-Fri 12.30-3.30pm & 5-9pm Sat: 12.30-3.30pm & 5-7.30pm Opposite Iceland Car Park,Vera

Tel: 667 333 361 www.thechippyvera.com Eat in or No more sitting in your cars to eat...

Take-Away The Chippy now has tables & Chairs

STOP ‘N’ SHOP IN YOUR...

Super Corner

ENGLISH SUPERMARKET ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS AND MORE IN ONE SUPERSTORE!!

TURRE, NEXT TO MESON DEL POBRE OPEN MON-SAT 9:30-6PM & SUN 9:30-1:30PM

Bay bistro Mojacar Playa

CLOSED FOR VACATION RE-OPENING MONDAY 11TH MARCH

Tel: 950 450 199 • 628 761 391

35

fridays

Beer-battered cod,

homemade chips & peas

Starters Ask for today’s choice of Starters, €2.50 each Mains Stuffed Chicken €7.45 Chicken stuffed with spainach & havarti cheese wrapped in bacon served with chicken veloute

served 12.30pm - 9pm from

5.95€ in the Bar

Liver with Onion & Crispy Bacon €7.95

Tender liver & onions, shallow fried served with crispy smoked bacon in a rich gravy

Pork Pechay €7.95

Fillet of pork with a cracked black pepper crust served on creamy apple

Gammon & Pineapple or Egg €7.95

Juicy gammon steak served with a choice of pineapple or fried egg, chips, peas & salad

booking advisable

Entrecote Steak

16 oz 18.95 ~ 12oz 15.95 ~ 8oz €12.95 Cooked to your liking, with a black peppercorn or Roquefort sauce on the side with onion rings, grilled tomato, hand cut chips & garden peas

traditional

sunday lunch

12.30PM - 5PM

Mixed Grill €14.95

4oz Steak, chicken fillet, pork sausage, onions, mushrooms, fried egg with grilled tomato, hand cut chips & garden peas

Surf & Turf 12.95

4oz Entrecote steak & deep fried Scampi, served with salad garnish, grilled tomato, hand cut chips & garden peas

Atlantic Cod ‘n’ Chips €7.95

a to include e in w f o glass or tubo

Beer-battered medium Atlantic cod served with hand cut chips & peas All mains served with a choice of potatoes& seasonal vegetables Scrumptious Homemade Puddings

Ask your waitress for the specials of the day, all €2.50

fISH OF THE DAY OPTION

Cheese & Biscuits Selection

booking advisable

A selection of Cheeses served with biscuits & homemade chutney €3.50 Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox

Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

book the Venue

For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

36

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

the New Royal Bar & Restaurant Tel 968 595 864

Our food is full of flavour & freshly prepared Breakfast ~ Menu Del Dia ~ A la Carte Friday Fish and Chips from €6.00

e

ENTERTAINMENT IS FREE AT THE NEW ROYAL

Our Royal Performances

MARCH ENTERTAINMENT 2nd – Itchy Fingers – Duo singing sounds of the 60’s and 70’s 9th – Neil Diamond Tribute Show 16th – Suzy G – Singing and Dancing Cabaret Show 23rd – Barry Manilow Tribute Show 30th – Dee – All round Entertainer and Singer

Sunday’s at The New Royal

Sunday Lunches from € 8.50 Menu de la Noche Mon - Thurs 7 - 9pm 10€ per person

3 Courses plus 1 bottle of Wine per couple

e

Menu del Dia

An Amazing For ONLY

5

Courses

8.50€

All Live Sporting Events Shown On 3 BIG Screens

We Are Open Every Day Mon - Thurs 10am - 11pm, Fri - Sun 10am - late

(El Alamillo Plaza, 200mts from the Beach – Pto De Mazarron)

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

community news

send your emails to editor@soltimes.com

fast - Future Events 2013 Age Concern Events

To Sharron & Lee Congratulations on the birth of baby Flynn our beautiful grandson Love to you all Nanny & Grandad To Sharron Happy Birthday Darling Loads of Love from Mum & Dad XXX

F.A.S.T Bookstall is back – 2nd & 4th Friday every month Camposol ‘B’ Commercial Centre Saturday - 23rd March – F.A.S.T Easter Fayre – Marianos, Camposol from 11am – 3pm Sunday - 31st March - Sponsored Fun Walk and Easter Bonnet Parade (prize for best Bonnet). Sponsorship forms available from FAST bookstall.

Friday - 5th April – Rock n Roll n Jive Night – Camposol Club House, ‘C’ Sector Saturday - 25th May – F.A.S.T Spring Ball & Second Anniversary – Amapola Restaurant Bolnuevo - €25 Saturday - 15th June – Camposol Fiesta – F.A.S.T Tombola Stall & CPR Demonstration Stall Saturday - 13th July – BBQ & Western Theme Night – Camposol Golf Club House Friday - 11th October – Oktoberfest? Beer & Wine Festival – Camposol Golf Club Saturday- 23rd November – F.A.S.T Christmas Fayre – Marianos Camposol ‘A’ 11am – 3pm Event tickets will be on sale from the F.A.S.T bookstall Camposol ‘B’ Commercial Centre 2nd & 4th Fridays each month. Keep watching the press for updates and new events. For information about F.A.S.T please call: 634 314 386 or 626 465 847or 634 327 730

HELP Murcia Mar Menor forthcoming Events Thursday 21st February Bargain Hunt/ Auction at Paddy Singh’s, Los Urrutias.

Items for the auction to be brought between 10-12p.m., hammer down at 2p.m. €10 fee for 3 items and €4 for one item.

Thursday 25th April dinner / dance at the Costa Narejos Hotel, Los Alcazares.

For €40 per person you arrive any time after noon, there is an evening meal in the dining room, then dancing to the Big Band Swingtet, an overnight stay and breakfast in the morning.

This is only a foretaste of events planned for 2013.

New events will be publicised as soon as they are arranged.

The sale of clothes by Help Murcia Mar Menor volunteers at The Arches on Saturday mornings has been postponed until

February.

Every third Tuesday in the month HELP MMM’s general meeting takes place at Las Claras, Los Narejos at 11.30 for 12 noon.

Tickets for events available from Joan Mitchell 868 185685 or 678 135 467, Janice Clark on 968 134 355, or the office 968 570 059 Friendship Group On 22nd February there will be card games or a quiz (or perhaps even the mysterious Chicken Scratch) at the Café Golf, San Javier at 12 noon.

On 22nd March we meet at the Asia Restaurant, San Javier at 1p.m (a week earlier than normal) Ring Doreen Sykes on 637 920 882 if you are interested in attending any of the Friendship Group’s events

The Beacon of Light

Centre for Spiritual Awareness

Meetings held every Wednesday from 7pm - approx 8.30pm: The Old School House Canadas del Romero dates for Our guest mediums: February 20th - Sammy Fitzsimmons February 27th - Joy and John Sloman March 6 - Debbie Blevins March 13th - Sammy Fitzsimmons March 20th - Morag Bullock March 27th - Jimmy McArthur

For more info please call 620 877 326 www.beaconoflightmurcia.webs.com email: beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com

Healing is available after the service by request.

Funding for the meetings will be raised by donations collected during the evening...

Join us on Facebook: Beacon of Light Murcia

37

Wednesday 20th March Shopping Trip to Murcia Wednesday 27th March Menu-del-dia at the Playa Grande Hotel, with Johnny Sparrow Tickets /info from: 634 310 215 or 634 336484

The Ex Servicemen´s Association of Mazarron District ( ESAMD) are meeting on the 10th March at the Trevi Restaurant for a Mother´s Day lunch at 1-30 for 2pm.

The function is open to all members of ESAMD and invited guests.

Please contact the Social Secretary on 968 437 074 or 618 591 298 for more information.

Any Ex Service personnel wishing to join, should contact the Membership Secretary on 629 818 611

EMAIL YOUR events and BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO: EDITOR@SOLTIMES. COM

mABS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MAZARRON EVENTS FUTURE 2013 EVENTS

Tuesday 23rd April – ST GEORGE’S DAY – La Vida Bar, El Pareton Further details to be announced at a later date – reserve the date in your diary!

Saturday 25th May –SPRING FAIR 396 Avda de los Covachos Camposol Sector B4 – 12.00 am to 3.00pm Our regular Spring Fair is in the planning stage, but please add it to your diary.

Every 2nd & 3rd Friday – BOOK SALE Camposol Sector B Commercial Centre – 9.30 am – 1.00 pm Event tickets on sale at the book stall Between 9.30am and 1.00pm or from the MABS Information Centre on Sector B4 Camposol or by Calling 620 582 418 Keep watching the press or visit our website www.mabsmurcia.com for more events For further details, please call 620 582 418

market tavern & cm construction (Camposol A)

(puerto de mazarron)

are drop off points for soltimes

Private or trade letters to editor for birthdays or announcements

Bulgaria

Drop your details into them and we will print them in the next edition of the paper

bistro

Condado De Alhama Resort

(polaris world resort)

Presents

March 30th

1ST YEAR ANIVERSARY A PARTY TO REMEMBER!!!

1 HOUR STAND UP COMIC SHOW 8.00pm FOLLOWED BY

THE BEE GEES!!!

FREE BUS TRANSPORT EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT Outside Mercadona Puerto de Mazarron 7.00pm Mazarron Country Club (outside restaurant) 7.25pm Camposol Sector B Commercial (outside Caixa Bank) 7.45pm

Set 3 Course Menu from 15.00€ (full menu also available)

Or if you don’t fancy food Then just come along & enjoy a great night of entertainment

Please Reserve For The Bus Reservations please call 968 328 084 www.bistrobulgaria.com bistrobulgaria@hotmail.com

38

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday 902 750 190 ext 330

966 719 647

BY E-MAIL

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

blancasales@soltimes.com

IN PERSON

Quesada Business Centre, calle Los Arcos No 7, ciudad Quesada Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm

PAYMENT

VISA ,Paypal, bank transfer & Cheques made payable to MATHEWS mEDIA s.l

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

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

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

hearing aids

appliaNCE repairs

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

SOLTIMES

Repairs to Washers, Dryers, Electric Cookers, Dishwashers, Fridges and Freezers

CLASSIFIED

All makes, Torrevieja and surrounding areas 20 years experience fast reliable service Call Stewart on office

902 750 190

966 785 451 / 654 939 202 hours 10 - 4 FREE CALL OUT

Small call out on Fridges

beds

CALL

boats

ext 330

B O A T I NG LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, See our Advertisement on page 13 for more information VHF & ICC. Owntuition on Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, boat La Planta, Playa Flamenca sail and power. If you have a yacht Tel: 965 321 701 or powerboat get qualifiedandcertified.

Furniture Contact Richard +34 638 056 224 est Email: enquiries@ 2006 serenitysailing. sl com or visit: www.

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

Sweet Dreams

sale now on

car hire

for sale

Furniture first

house clearance specialist FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE

glass curtains

for sale

ALUMINIUM GATES Double & glass Electric Sliding. no curtains Guaranteed rust. Call Tracy on PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: Create more 966 726 891 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 living space, Pool tables, www.southcostablancaonline.com no unsightly snooker tables, frames, table tennis tables, reasonable darts. Tel: 666 prices.

933 726 www. garden services For a free estimate spainpool.com Tel: 646 111 825 Gas Fridge, Domeic (Swedish) 137 litre capacity, heating with ice box. Size NEATER HEATER 118cm x 59 cm x 62cm. 275 euros.

See our main Tel 686 471141 advert on the news Barbecue with pages hydraulic riser for height horse riding different levels. Cost over £250 never used Horse back will accept 100€ riding Murcia, This is a little extra electricians in the barbecue cartagena market. Tel: PM Telephone Electrician , available for all Quesada area. 96 works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 679 572 690 671 6241 562. davendonc@aol.com WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE QUALITY FURNITURE Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

A1 Group

Complete Garden Maintenance & Property Services We cover Mazarron & surrounding areas

Telephone 628 505 733

ELECTRICS & PLUMBING IN THE COSTA BLANCA

no job too small & free estimates! specialists in all electrical & plumbing works

new icp’s fitted - swimming pool heaters & air-con, electric gates & burglar alarms hot water boilers,gas heaters & solar new bath/shower suites - spanish legal

call clive: 617 268 346 or frank: 639 988 487 www.electriciancostablanca.co.uk

Solar Energy System, Xantrex 12v 1500w Inverter/ Charger, 2 x Rolls 530AH Batteries, 2 x 120W Fotovoltaic Panels. In use for less than 3 years until 2 weeks ago.

Easily extended.

Price 1200 euros.

Tel. 686 471141 ALUMINIUM Boat Gang Plank, Custom built with plywood treads, 8ft (2.4m) x 14”(36cm) easily adapted to any size if required. 60€o.n.o.

Tel: 965725573 / 659013882, Ciudad Quesada, Portable TV with built in DVD and CD player and remote control 30€, 2 new Duracell DR5 video camera batteries 20€, Blow up single

jewellery

GOLD WANTED

English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

guest mattress with foot pump 8€ Tel 635885062 Camposol.

Thule Karrite Car Roof Top Box, White, in good order. 60€ O.N.O. . Location Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573 / 659013882 Com p u te r Monitor 15” flat screen with built in speakers model L5EX-TA complete with power cord, VGA cable and audio cable only 25€.

Location Cuidad Quesada, Tel 965725573 / 659013882 SALE BOOK – 100 plus Best Sellers, nearly new condition. €25.

Quesada Tel: 966 716 599 Large Garden Table (130 x 100) Seats 6 €25, Wall Mirror (Cane surround (55 x 60) €15. Cane Basket Chair €10 Quesada Tel: 966 716 599

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

39

www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent

leak detection

reasonable priced for SALE detatched cortijo properties / 20mins from mojacar This is a unique RENTAL PROPERTIES spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & URGENTLY REQUIRED diningroom as well as a workshop, pool leak detection & repair specialists

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

CALL SOLTIMES CLASSIFIED

902 750 190

ext 330 insurance

asssa medical i n s u r a n c es Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es

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

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

PETS

pet taxi

in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601 tony@casasolrealestate.com

courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.

Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200m²

€145,000

Tel: 649 186 107

locksmith

24 HR EMERGENCY LOCKSMITH Window / Shutter / Door locks Opened, Changed & Fitted Telephone: 653 145 300 Email:locksrus@hotmail.co.uk Special Deals for Urbanisations

personals

TRAVESTI SPANISH

Friendly spectacular breasts XXL Domination Erotic Massage with a happy ending expert with beginners, Private.

Claudia Tel: 674 615 827 (Torrevieja)

E NG L I S H PLASTERER internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. FULLY LEGAL IN SPAIN. Call Chris 671 444 246 / 965 078 866 email: c_pettit@ hotmail.co.uk

for immediate viewing

Reduced Reduced Reduced

only€39,950

Don’t miss the biggest BARGAIN yet!

Apartment For Sale

ATTACHED TOWNHOUSE DOÑA PEPA

1 bed, 1 bath apartment, fully fitted kitchen, white goods, parking, lovely views.

Ideal golfing holiday apartment.

Close to Mojacar / Turre.

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

We have a key-ready block of apartments in Los Montesinos with full finance! All you pay is €3,000 to complete.

3 Bedrooms 1 with Balcony, 2 Bathrooms, Fully Equipped Kitchen, Large Living & Dining Room, W Double glazed Terraces, Wonderful Sun Terrace/ Solarium, Satellite TV, Furnished, Communal Pool, 104 M2 Build, 110 M2 Plot €123,000

key ready block of apartments in los montesinos with full finance. all you pay is €3000 to complete

to d uce red 0

cortij0 grande golf course

for rent, 3 bed, 3 FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca bath spacious semidetatched house with garage situated in the popular area of La Zenia, walking distance to shops, 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished beaches and the new inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living La Zenia Boulevard, Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings.

Overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, church & Furnished, Long mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk term, 550€ monthly away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking plus electric & water, distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar perfect family home del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course Private Sale €75,000 Tel: 966 733 079 or 619 098 543 Tel: (0034) 676 534 978

pets

2 only€49.00

Cheaper than renting?

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some All you pay is EUR 3,000 buying costs and the rest is mortgaged at of the ads in this section offensive” around EUR 250 per month. Cheaper than renting an apartment in the ELEGANT SLIM, house visits Tel: 693 massage bed. Very area. Some of these 2 bedroom apartments have 2 bathrooms and some SEXY ITALIAN 357 526 discreet. Call 677 676 with only 1. It’s a first come, first served basis! Great deal!

LADY availanble n a t a s h a , 554 San Policarpo The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre home/house visits.

No. 87 Apt 1-17 installation air conditioning. diverse Torrevieja, La Manga, Divorced, Cerca Calle Orihuela.

Torre Pacheco & super sexy, private Can accommodate Quality and location Mazarron.

Escort apartment, complete one person or The apartments are finished to a very with accompanied. available home & massage high quality with communal areas

plastering

ring now on 648 111 779

thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom

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

immaculate 2 bed, 1 bath ground apartmant situated in the very nice area of Lomas de Campoamar golf resort. very spacious accomadation of 86m2, furnished, walking distance to La Fuente Commercial centre, 24 hour security, includes use of communal pools, tennis courts etc, 395€ + bills, no offers

decked out with marble floors and spacious corridors which make the building very light. The location is second to none, on the entrance to Los Montesinos overlooking the Torrevieja salt lakes and every apartment has its own private roof garden but there is no communal pool.

Prices are 59.900 €, the payment plan is 3.000 € deposit and straight to mortgage. If a client wants a 30 year mortgage it works out at 266 € per month and if it is a 35 year mortgage it works out at 242 € per month.

tel: 693 806 409

Monty is 8 months old, he is a staffie cross and would love to find a forever home.

He is neutered, chipped and vaccinated. He loves being with people but would prefer to be the only dog.

Call: 950 466 055 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

Pets In Spain Ricki is approx 3 years old and was rescued from a perrera. He is a lively, playful dog, chipped & good with other dogs. His long coat was extremely matted but has now had a good cut and blow.

Call: 645 469 253 Marta is a beautiful black and tan German shepherd cross,2 years old medium sized. She is spayed is a very gentle and affectionate dog.

She is good with other dogs and very responsive towards people. Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 for more info www.k9club.es

40

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

trade Businesses can advertise in the classified section

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Christine 902 750 190 ext 330 or 966 719 647

recruitment

removals

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

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

SOLareTIMES looking for

Spain ‹ UK › Spain • Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)

Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team in Mazarron/ Camposol area and Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607 leap into spring with us.

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON Experience not essential as full training melvyynleo@yahoo.com will be given as long as you’re organised and can work to deadlines.

SPAIN -UK - SPAIN

www.intereuropremovals.com

Send your CV to rosemary@soltimes want to know whats in

the news? www.soltimes.com

beechdale Removals Spain - UK & Return Personal, friendly door 2 door Service - Van & Trailer



Pets Welcome

Papers arranged

Local

Full or part loads

EARN 50€ - 100€

PER WEEK • Part-Time • Flexible Hours

Working with a British PLC www.vistagroup.es

want to know whats Linen Mills in the Express news?

UK Spain Uk www.soltimes.com 

Local Moves

Europe

storage storage storage

NEATER

simply removals

intereuroperemovals@yahoo.com

Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es

swimming pool safety

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

twice monthly service full or part loads local moves fully insured excellent rates tel: 607 016 267 /634 360 179

storage

Sky Digibox Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5 60€ can deliver.

Tel: 667 235 205

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

VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service inc furniture collection & assembly tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com

satellite tv

Motorbikes & Caravans

Office: 965 326 920 email Mobile: 666 847 648 beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

Brian Torrevieja

620 582 063 weekly service

HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

wigs

S a lo n M a rga reth as 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.

cars for sale Ford Ka Dec 2003 - 3 door hatch 1.3 150,000 kms 3 owners Fully serviced A/C PAS, ABS CD Electric windows Central locking Rear head restraints Metallic blue

€2,650

Mazda 5 7-SEATER 2008 - 7 Seater 2.0 CRTD 16v D.I. Sportive Model 136,000 kms, 1 owner Full Mazda History A/C (Full climate), ABS Cruise, Parktronic Twin sliding side doors Rear privacy glass Keyless entry/start 17” sports alloys Top of the range!

Pearl Grey

€10,450

www.fwreurocars.com

www.fwreurocars.com

Ford Focus Ghia 2003 - 4 door saloon 1.6 Ghia 98,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, Multispoke alloys PAS, ABS Electric windows Cd player Remote locking Rear head restraints High spec model Dark metallic grey

Opel Zafira 7 Seat Auto/Tip 2008 - SEVEN SEATER 1.7 CDTi Energy 83,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, CD player Front fog lights, MP3 E. windows/mirrors High spec model, ESP On-board computer, Rain sensors Metallic black

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

5€ per week for 5 cubic metres cheapest on the Costa Blanca Safe & secure

Call mandy

Irwin Removals

info@irwinremovals.es

965 726 544 car parts

Car parts

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 Vehicles registration

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

E

Don’t take a chance!

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

€3,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Seat Ibiza 2009 - 5 door hatch 1.4 Style 77,000 kms, 1 owner Full service history A/C, Alloys, PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD Player Remote locking Rear head restraints Awaiting valet Metallic black

€12,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Looking for a car

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

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

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

Telephone

€7,450

For a full service contact:

600 726 221 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

body work

Vehicles wanted

WANTED

ALL VEHICLES

Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

FOR CASH Telephone:

Anything considered telephone Tim on 662 211 993

call SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

Telephone: 902 750 190 ext 330 mechanic

mobile

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

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

610 078 940

CASH

Best prices paid Spanish English

699 805 995

Ed’s

CA4RS

wanted cars for cash

WE BUY

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

jet skis urgentely wanted any condition

bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

603 100 692

servicing, small bodywork repairs, ITV and paperwork needs.

Ken Sherwood, British Mechanic - Tel: 679 646 859 (Costa Calida area only).

CLASSIFIED Telephone:

902 750 190

Same day collection

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332 All vehicle repairs,

call SOLTIMES

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

van hire Van hire

ONE WAY



UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

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

41

ext 330 From a pocket watch to a piano....

If it’s under 300€ you can advertise your items free of charge in the

SOLTIMES SELL IT FAST SELL IT FREE

EMAIL YOUR ITEMS FOR SALE TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM

PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY • NO PETS

42

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

OPEN for business

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962 Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet

Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

fully legal company with public liability insurance carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

Work-related stress which leads to suicide on the part of the sufferer is considered an accident on the job – even if the attempt was made at home, says a recent ruling by the Supreme Court.

José Luis M.F., who worked for Sevilla Urban Transport (TUSSAM) killed himself in November 2008 at home.

His widow claimed on his death-in-service insurance policy, held via the mutual society FREMAP and an automatic benefit as part of his job, for a widow’s and orphan’s pension for herself and the couple’s children, but this claim was repudiated as it was not considered the deceased had died at work.

But the mutual society’s appeal against a decision by Sevilla court to award the payment on the grounds of it being an ‘accident at work’ has failed, and the Supreme Court has held that this was indeed the case.

Coastal Mosquitos

Mosquito Screens for Windows & Doors For a free estimate call us on 610 000 700 Awnings shower screens replacement window and doors

TNT

Enclosures / Conservatories Convert your patio area into a sunroom or a mosquito free area with glass or mesh

Plisse retracting screens ideal for all types of door openings

Need a Translator?... or help with NIE, Cadastre etc?

Working in conjunction with Lawyers & Spanish officials Translation Services

• Technical Manuals • Legal Contracts • Reports & Certificates • Notary / Court appearances (Vera only) • and many more

other Services

• NIE & Residencias • Cadastre • Conveyancing of properties • New Building Declarations • and many more!

Tlf. 646 844 708 Mojacar and surrounding areas

www.4wayconnections.webs.com

Suicide caused by job-related depression is an ‘accident at work’

José Luis A.F. joined a strike staged by workers at the company in May 2007, as was his legal right to do so.

He and several others were arrested for allegedly taking part in a disturbance, which he always denied, and which no witnesses were able to substantiate.

Based upon this, his company took disciplinary action against him, causing him to suffer from depression and panic attacks, which forced him to be signed off sick.

The employee also suffered severe stomach upsets, which his doctors said were directly caused by his anxiety and depression and were a result of his having been charged with a criminal offence and with his firm’s disciplinary proceedings.

On several occasions, wanting to go back to work, José Luis asked his bosses to let him work the morning shift ‘for health reasons’, but they claimed they could not justify doing this and refused each time.

In 2009, the charges against him were dropped by the police as there was no evidence or witnesses, and based upon this, the firm cancelled its disciplinary measures.

But José Luis had already died in November 2008 after committing suicide at home as a result of the depression and stress caused by the situation. (www.thinkspain.com)

POOL SHOP

Mix & Match

Protect your property Heavy duty 110 decbel Alarmed Padlocks

Ideal for doors - garages - sheds pool pump houses - rejas - trailers etc

any 2 Tubs Of either Multi, Shock or Chlorine tablets for just 36€ tighten up on security with an alarmed paddlock at ony 15€

available from

FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

pucker plastering & tiling Damproofing and SIKA TANKING Specialist Guaranteed British quality internal plaster finish

covering all aspects of:

Rendering, Plastering, Floor Screeding, Morticem, Partition Walls, Tape & Joint, Dry-Lining, MF Ceilings, Re-Skims, Coving, Cornice & Mouldings 28 years Experience in the trade 9 years in Spain English & Spanish Fluent

697524238

puckerplastering@hotmail.com covering Baza to Mojacar

HIRE A HUSBAND

Professional, reliable, handy man available... ...for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting Exterior/Interior, Small Plumbing Jobs, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work - Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc... Property Maintenance Good hourly/daily rate - 7 yrs in the area.

Call Jim 677 557 190 Evenings 950 930 596 References available & Pics of work completed

Solar Panels

S

l Supermercado

POOL SHOP

S.M.S. BUILDING MAINTENANCE

New Walls New Roofs Structual Alterations professional bricklayer Building for you Phone Gerard - 626 730

only 15€ each

All Building Work Undertaken

764

Tel: 619 744 516

• New and secondhand solar products bought and sold • Battery Reconditioning and installation service available • Full solar systems available from 350€ Solar • 3000 watt inverter charger 850€ Swimming SOLAR • 230 watt solar panels 230€ Pool POWER • Solar charge controllers from 35€ Pumps • MPPT from 100€ up to 30%more power • Batteries from 60€ inverters from 60€ for 700watt inverter • 2v Traction batteries from 275€ set of 6 � Double insulated 4mm solar cable 1 per mtr • 690watt grid tie system no paperwork needed just plug in a socket and save money easiest system on the market 999€

Garages, Patios, Boundary Walls, Cladding Driveways, Tiling plus more...

Painting & Decorating ( from 50€ per room including paint) Also All Exterior Painting and Damp-Proofing GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY QUOTE For free estimate or advice please call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690

elite plant hire construction & drainage

• general builders • walls • jcb 3cx hire • paving • patios • extensions • roofing • cladding references available call lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

43

Ferrovial buys UK energy firm Enterprise for 443 million

Spanish firm Ferrovial has just bought the British company Enterprise for 443 million euros (385 million pounds).

Ferrovial Servicios already has a presence in the UK via its affiliate Amey, but in addition to its main activities of road and rail maintenance and services, will now enter the utility and power sector.

Enterprise is one of the UK’s largest energy and water companies, but demand for these services in the country is rapidly increasing and the 100-percent takeover by Ferrovial will allow it to increase its offer, says Mel Elwell, managing director of Amey in Britain, who will be chief executive officer of the new company once the purchase has gone through.

In 2012 alone, Enterprise reported gross profits

SMITH PLUMBING SL official gas installers to Spanish Regs IG II New Installations Safety Checks Gas Boletins Issued Fully Insured 19 years experience in this area

Tel: 950 468 041

of 60 million pounds (69.1 million euros) with a turnover of 1.1 billion pounds (1.27 billion euros).

And the takeover means Ferrovial will now double its size in the UK, with over 21,000 employees, a combined portfolio of 9.4 billion euros and a turnover in excess of 2.6 billion euros.

MD for Ferrovial, Iñigo Meirás (pictured, left, with CEO Rafael del Pino, right) says the Spanish firm’s purchase of Enterprise will allow them to reinforce its activities both with Amey and in the energy sector.

The takeover will be completed no later than April this year once the required permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities, the company told the National Values Market Commission (CNMV), Spain’s answer to the FSA, this week.

personal shopping from the UK (Argos, Screwfix, Wickes etc)

Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates 950 529 731 / 627 968 434

Log-on-Tommy

Stacking service available Free Kindling with every full load

now incorporating “Sammy Sweep”

Small Cut Olive Logs No Roots For The Smaller Fire

619 070 839

TYRE KING The Best Deal for Miles

car - motorcycle - van - 4x4 - motorhome - quad - trailer - wheelbarrow

● All new tyres supplied have manufacturers warranty ● Computerised tracking including 4x4s ● While you wait service ● Motorbike tyre specialists balancing - computerised laser tracking - puncture Poligono El Real, Calle El Garcel F19, Antas - 950 459 253 e: tyreking@ymail.com - Mon - Fri: 9.30 - 17.30

James & Son Removals / Storage

UK, France & Spain

Tel: 950 930 527 & 646 341 575

OFFICIAL HITS AGENTS IN ALBOX

WE HAVE THE FULL RANGE OF HITS PHONES & SIM CARDS IN STOCK Contact us now on: Tel: 950 064 584 | Mob: 654 590 258 Email: info@solymarspain.com | Web: www.solymarspain.com We also offer all major mobile top ups from our office

LOGS FOR SALE City & Guilds & ACS qualifications, CORGI registered with 10 years experience

Chris: 637 82 97 87 / 618 06 20 80 Gas & Oil Fired Central Heating - Gas Appliances Plumbing - Servicing - Repairs - Installations FREE QUOTATIONS & ADVICE

FREE KINDLING WITH EVERY LOAD - Grade a Olive - No Roots - Best Prices Available

Tel: 687 314 775 Same Day Delivery & Stacking Service Available

Clean Team British Plasterer Brighten up your Walls!

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services Quality Cleaning at an Affordable Price 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Regular or One-Off Service No Job Too Big or Too Small All Areas Covered

Holiday ers Change Ov m fro

€ 35 .0 0

www.cleanteamspain.com

Tel: 950 930 652 Mob: 634 332 502 E-mail: cleanteam.es@gmail.com

Stunning Prints & GIANT posters A3 x 9 100’s to choose from or email your own photos...

• 8 years in Spain with 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

Tel: 634 327 201 / 661 129 028 Email: atpspain@gmail.com www.paulmorrison.es David

665 517 643

Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com

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

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

Tel: 634 388 243

newallprints@hotmail.com

ANOTHER GREAT INSTALL BY: mobile:

699 909 737 office:

950 528 334 E-mail:

solosat@gmail.com

44

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

sport

Ship Hispaniola Golf Society T.M.G.S. (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Font Del Llop 17th February 2013.

For this month’s replayed meeting a group of 14 players visited the established course at Font del Llop taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

We tried to play the course one week earlier but most of the players were forced off the course by bad weather conditions and we replayed the event under a rain check issued by the course and this time there was no wind, some fog but ended as a beautiful day and this reflected in excellent scores.

The winning scores on the day were as follows: 1st – Mervyn Evans – 38 points 2nd – Grant Goble – 35 points Both players earn a much deserved handicap cut.

The hidden pairs event was won by Mervyn Evans and Wayne Matthews and Karen Matthews and Jim Speakman After the game we returned to the Ship Hispaniola bar in La Mata for well deserved refreshments and our thanks go to Janet for the on-going support Kevin Robinson has been appointed the new Captain with Ian Noad the Vice Captain and our congratulations to them.

The next society fixture is at Vistabella on Monday 11th March 2013 and guests and more members are welcome so call Grant Goble on 667329772 or better still call in at the bar.

Note for the future that Captains day could be moved to Benidorm in June 2013.

Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costablanca-greenfees.com.

The journey down the AP7 seems to get shorter, or is due to the days getting a little brighter? We arrived to find the golf course in its usual good condition with the greens being as slick as we remember (lots of 3 putts). The misunderstanding of many players that are not used to winter golf on this coast, is that they think that it is poor condition because the course looks brown, the type of grassed used (Bermuda or gramma as it`s known in Spain) simply hibernates when the air temperature drops to single figures, it plays the same but doesn`t look the same.

Anyway onto our scores and as you can see some of our

members and especially one of our guests didn`t mind it at all.

The Gold category was won on count back by John Eyre from Doug Baldry (37 points) Captain Alan Rickers came in 3rd with 36 points and in 4th place with 34 points was John Mellor, welcome back John.

Silver category was again won by the inform Sandra Twentyman 32 points, Roger Nilsen, another regular prize winner took 2nd with 31 points and 3rd and 4th places had to be decided using the count back rule with Derek McLean taking it from Ray Ewins both on 30 points. Our best visitor this week was P. Farrance with 40 points playing it for the first time of handicap 5!!

Nearest the pin results were, Hole 2 Gold Doug Baldry, Hole 7 Gold John Mellor and Hole 13 Silver Roger Nilsen. Photo is Silver category winners.

Next Wednesday we return to Villamartin to play the 3rd round of the Stableford Eclectic. If you would like to play golf with a friendly bunch, we play every Wednesday; all are welcome, visit our web site www.tmgs.org or call the Match Secretary on 966719604

shot was turned over by the Alquerias keeper. Then, after 68 minutes, more excellent work down the left

by Ruben saw Alfonso’s shot tipped away for a corner.

Mazarron supporters were annoyed by the Alquerias tactics during the whole of the second half when they took the opportunity to break up play by feigning injury after virtually every tackle. In the last minute of normal time, Jose Ruben was amazingly given a red card by the referee for showing his displeasure at

these tactics to one of the Alquerias players who was lying on the ground laughing at him.

Even then, Ahmed could have equalised in the 9th minute of added time but his point blank header from Toni’s corner was once again bravely saved by the Alquerias keeper Team: Ruben, Pollo (Toni), Diego (Ahmed), Pepelu, Matt Clarke, Barrachina, Alfonso, Baeza, Panocha (Santi), Jose Ruben, Cecilio Man of the Match: Baeza

MAZARRON FC 2 ALQUERIAS FB 3 Despite taking the lead after just 1 minute and 25 seconds, a superb display by the visiting goalkeeper saw Mazarron suffer only their second defeat in 10 games.

Baeza put Mazarron ahead with a deflected shot in their first attack but Alquerias equalised in the third minute when juvenile keeper Ruben, deputising for the suspended Iker, could only parry a shot to Samuel Manzano, who poked the ball home.

Alquerias took the lead after 12 minutes when Pollo, in attempting to a clear a free kick from the right, merely passed the ball to Manzano who had the simple task of scoring from 6 yards.

The game flowed from end to end on a difficult bumpy surface although the better chances fell to Mazarron who equalised after 21 minutes with one of the goals of the

Breakers yard ooking for runners/non runners l

Free collection Best prices paid Baja issued

(All paperwork taken care of with certificate of destruction)

NO MORE SUMA BILLS TO PAY Also parts available

607 848 332 Ask for Phil

season so far. Cecilio picked the ball up 25 yards out and unleashed a superb right footed drive into the roof of the net to bring the home supporters to their feet.

After 32 minutes, a cross from the left was headed down by Barrachina to Jose Ruben whose fierce shot was just tipped over the bar by the Alquerias keeper.

Mazarron’s captain, Diego, limped off after 40 minutes to be replaced by Ahmed and, almost immediately, Alquerias took the lead. A left wing run exposed young Ahmed for pace and the resultant cross was fired home by Samuel Manzano to complete his hat trick.

The second half was almost totally dominated

by Mazarron with Jose Ruben causing all sorts of problems for the Alquerias defence. Firstly, his pinpoint cross found Cecilio whose

Mobile Auto Electrician ENGINE MANAGEMENT DIAGNOSTICS

fault Finding & Repairs Engine Diagnostics Air-conditioning Re-gas & repairs Starter Motor & Alternator Repairs

Telephone Al - Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm FULLY MOBILE

638 323 499

MAZARRON BOWLS CLUB

Friday 22nd Feb Mazarron “Miners” played away to La Manga “Crusaders” in the CBBA League. Unfortunately Mazarron only managed to win 1 game and lost 63 shots to 140. With only three more CBBA League matches now left to play Mazarron will be hoping to improve on their present table position of 3rd from the bottom. It has been a bit of a mixed bag of matches so far for Mazarron with 6 wins 8 losses and 1 draw but it isn’t all over yet.

Their next match is on Friday 1st March at home against La Siesta “Blues”.

Mazarron BC have started playing their Spring Trips League and after 2 weeks played we have 2 teams Jammy & True Brits head to head at the top. For those of us playing this frustrating

MAGGOTS END

RODS AND REELS Due to the inclement weather early in the week, the competition was changed from the Embalse de Pedrera to the Eden canal. The competition was the penultimate round of the Winter Championship.

The day was glorious with no wind and temperatures reaching high teen´s. The fishing however, did not reflect the weather with 2 anglers not weighing in, and most of the field struggling to break 2 kilo´s. The bamboo´s at present are in their quiescent state, but it is only a matter of time before they decide to try and take over the world. So for any anglers going there, please take some cutters with you and try to keep the bamboo´s at bay.

Top Rods on the day 1st Dave ( Yours Truly ) Hoare fishing the pole using maggot, bread and corn with 8.22 kilo´s.

2nd Clive ( Golf No More) Cleghorn fishing the pole using maggot with 4.70 kilo´s.

3rd Alan ( The Chairman ) Reid fishing the feeder using maggot with 2.66 kilo´s.

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966729293 or 603535771.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS Supplied by Terry Screen The venue for this week’s 7th round of the Abbey Angling cup was fished at

game we know it’s very likely with 7 more weeks of play any team could win.

If you have been thinking about having a go at playing bowls or you have been a bowler and would like to take it up again then come along to our Thursday roll up 10am for 10.30 start.

We have bowls you can borrow and members who are trained to coach you in the basics of the game should you need the advice.

For more information on the club and how to find us look us up on our web page :- mazarronbowlsclub.webs. com or Tel Club Captain :637461038 or Club Secretary :-968157275 Report by Wendy Reynolds

Nancy’s or the Sweet water canal on the 19th February.

With no recent rainfall the water is still low and coloured, but the sluice at the top end is still putting a fair amount of water into the river. The fish are still reluctant to feed with only the odd peg producing, and maggot and corn still seem to be the top baits at present.

1st Terry (Swing em) Screen with 17.080kg fishing the feeder using maggot 2nd Andy (The Web man) Stevenson with 11.500kg fishing the pole and feeder using corn 3rd Richard (The Lion Heart) King with 6.280kg fishing the feeder using corn These and all other details are available on our website www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965328368 ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish.

It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day.

No meetings are held now but information is still available through our email address; anglerstogether@ hotmail.co.uk.

TIGHT LINES DAVE HOARE

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

sport

GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB

San Javier GS This week we returned to Corvera Golf course for the first time in two years and what a day the weather was fantastic just right for golf lots of sun shirt sleeves and very little wind not bad for February. thirty one players turned out in an Individual Stableford event and there was good scores from most of the players. We played in two division and in the first the winners was a new comer Ian Townes who came in with 39pts four points clear of Paul Matthews on 35pts and in third was our captain on 34pts just getting in there on count back.

In the second division the big points scorer and now looking forward to a nice cut in his handicap was Bernie Waspe with the big 40pts followed in second place by Chris Flanagan on 35pts and Barry Geary in third on 32pts but only getting there on count back. In the nearest

the pins it was ladies two men two with jenny O’Neill and Joan Williams for the ladies and Dave Williams and Mick Hardy for the men.

Top lady scorer on the day was Anne Holder with 34pts who finished in 4th place.

With only one more event for player of the year which is at Vistabella next month. The leader Barry Butterworth on 223pts as a 5 point lead over second place Roy Herbert on 218pts with third place Paul Matthews on 211pts.

The next Society’s game will be at VISTABELLA on Monday, 4th March 2013.

The format will be Individual Stableford. 1st Tee time 9.45am (final of the Player of the Year 2012-13 Men & Ladies).

Payday is on Saturday, 2nd March 2013 at La SERENA (in the bar area) between 11.00 & 12.00 hours.

What a league this is it must be the best & most competitive league in the whole of Spain and with positions at the top so close it proves that the Format is the right one So to the Monday games First off was league leaders Marinasol v/s Club 25 with the men from Marinasol maintaining their good form with a 27pts to 15pts win.Second out was second placed San Javier against La-Zenia The result a win for La-Zenia by 31pts to 22pts the difference being the form of Captain Morris Flint & his partner Andy Kane who won 12pts to 3pts.The next match saw Sierra Golf take on the very strong team of The Celt Club & beating them 25pts to 22pts Wednesday Dawned with a slight drop in wind conditions game one saw the not so Sprightly Crew take on RocoGogs who despite several of their players suffering with heavy colds recorded the highest winning score of the season 37pts to20pts..Next out where bottom placed Hacienda facing La-Manga this was a very closely fought match with La Manga

winning by 24pts to 20pts.

Neither of these two teams deserve to be in their current position in the league and i am sure they will be back to winning ways soon.

Now to Las-Ramblas to play the outstanding match from September and the form book was the winner here as La-Zenia carried on where they left off the Monday before with a 29pt to 22pts win over The Celt Club. So now all teams have played the same number of games and here is the new league table.

1st Marinasol 158pts 2nd Roco-Gogs 155pts 3rd The Celts 153pts 4th La Zenia 152pts 5th San Javier 147pts 6th Sprightly Crew 140pts 7th Club 25 134pts 8th Sierra Golf 133pts 9th La Manga 127pts 10th Hacienda 111pts.

It is so Close at the top only ten points covering the first five places Well done everyone for this is without doubt the best league in Spain carry on the great work. The next round of matches is on March 11th see you then.

Alex Mc

Murcia Matchplay Golf

BY STEVE HIBBERD No doubt which result took pride of place last week.

Against all odds, Greenlands Premier 20 side beat a strong team from San Luis by 10 points to 6. This well deserved victory has earned GBC a place in the final against Javea. Hats off to home based G Bater who convincingly won the singles 21-3, and the pairs team of S Hibberd & S Heath, who came back from the dead to triumph 20-19. Special thanks to Jim Reeves for marking the singles. But it was the 3 disciplines that won away, who really stole the show.

S Cantley (21-11) singles, S Stead, J & B Pocock (22-13) trips, plus B Sims, W Latham, L Greenland, B Latham (23-12) rinks, pulled off a magnificent set of results.

In the top SABA league, both our teams were in action.

At home, Sycamores must have felt a bit sick, as they went down 3-11 to Horadada Falcons. Take a bow: Z Wilcock, M Lockley, B Miller 24-14. E Merrick, J Wilcock, Pete Tomkins 21-21. Over at San Miguel, Averil’s Maples met the Meteors. Three wins and a draw, were supplemented with a 2 shots advantage, as they won 9-5. Jolly well done: C Thomas, J Pocock, M Brown 25-10. B Tomlin, F Tilley, V Mahomet 17-12. M Mackay, S Hibberd, S Heath 23-17. S Stead, S Mahomet, B Pocock 15-15.

La Siesta was the venue for the winter leaguers, who won 6 (68) - 4 (65). Winning rinks: N Bater, T Hodges, B Collins, D Greenland 18-10. D Watts, T Coombs, M Veale, S Cantley 22-19. Berleen team lost 02, even though J Collins, S Johnson, T Sambrook & Penny

Tomkins won their rink 16-12.

The Fed 4s have reached the 2nd round of matches, so it was off to Quesada for the Bulls, who took on QBC Panthers. Even though they lost 6-2, it was a spirited performance by a small, but committed (dedicated as opposed to institutionalised!) bunch of bowlers. Bulls eye: G Bater, A Toozer, S Heath, S Hibberd 18-17. Marilyn’s Bears continued their good run, with a superb 8-0 victory at Horadadadada. Bear with me: F Tilley, C Thomas, P Lockley, A Goodfellow 22-19.

T Sambrook, Penny Tomkins, F & M Edwards 17-15. M Lockley, S Johnson, T Hodges, M Fryatt 22-17.

Congratulations to A Butterworth, S Taylor & J Reeves who beat H Langlois, Y Dutton & G Inwood by 2 goals to 1, in the club Thurs football league.

Southern League. OAKS - 9 COUNTRY BOWLS RAMBLERS - 5: D Thompson, M Veale, S Cantley 21-10. J Thompson, B Miller, D O’Sullivan 23-9. T Lawton, W Latham, B Latham 23-11. S Stead, A Toozer, L Greenland 17-17. ELMS - 8 EL RANCHO MUSTANGS - 6: M Mackay, N Cork, Bobbie Sims 22-13. T Coombs, V Mahomet, Bill Sims 21-17. J Pocock, M Brown, B Pocock 29-11. LA SIESTA SILVERS - 0 CEDARS - 14: F Tilley, Penny Tomkins, T Upham 19-9. M Beardsall, Z & J Wilcock 20-13. M Kilby, J Redfern, A Brown 23-11. T Hodges, T French, J Wray 2112. N Bater, C Dewar, Pete Tomkins 30-14. M Dewar, E Merrick, D Webb (sorry Dave, for missing your name last week!) 21-6.

Cornish Pride Los Dolses Ten Pin Bowling League Matches played February 19th Bar Mosquito bowled their highest scratch game, 534, and scratch series 1512, as they beat Lucky Strike 8-0.

Caballo Negro moved back to third place with an 8-0 win over Split Happens, Eija Suomi bowling for C.N. had her best game scores so far, 177 scratch and 213 hcp.

Despite Ivar Henriksen bowling his highest hcp game so far, 231, his team Crazy Pinz, were still beaten 6-2 by Cornish Pride. Top bowler for the ‘Cornish’ boys was Paul Johnson with a 597 hcp series.

Another 8-0 win for Hall y Day this week, against Splash, moved them another 2 points closer to the mighty Finns.

Top scorer for HyD was Martti Timonen, 615 hcp series, and for Splash it was Manuel Martin, 552.

Los Lobos only had 2 bowlers, so it was an easy 8-0 win for the Mixers, as they bowled their highest team hcp series 1792.

Carp-r-us have not won for 5 weeks now, this week beaten 6-2 by Team Finland, top scorer for the Carps was Bill Hogg, 542 hcp series, and for T.F. it was Olli Leppanen 546 hcp series.

In the battle of the ‘bandits’, Los Bandidos beat Bandoleros 6-2. L.B had their highest hcp game so far 639. And Bandoleros welcomed back Chris Vidal, who bravely bowled a 505 hcp series.

45

Orihuela Costa F.C

Orihuela Costa F.C 3 V’s Oriol C.F. 1 Sponsored By: Morgans Bar - Amber Pools - Sunworld Properties - The Shandon Bells Bar - The Central Grille Cheers Bar - Specsavers Torrevieja - Blue Hill Security Grilles - Morgans On The Plaza.

This week Costa entertained high flying Oriol. Costa had failed in the past meetings to pick up any points in previous encounters with Oriol and with seven players currently out and unable to play the home side where down to bare bones for the second week running. This week the main objective for the Costa players was to work harder off the ball and close down quicker than previous games. This was taken on board from the opening minutes and Costa enjoyed most of the play in Oriol’s half. The back five of Marshall, Cockroft, Mint, Quest & Nicholas looked calm and composed at the back and with Charley Frost playing a more defensive role in front of the back line allowed the midfield to push and support the front pairing of Bass & Gudmundsson who chased and hounded the visitors and gave them no time to relax on the ball. This paid off for Costa on 10 mins when some great work from Gummi Gudmundsson down the right side saw him take on and beat two players to strike a shot that deflected into the net from an Oriol defender. 60 seconds later from a lack of concentration and poor marking saw the visitors equalize which started from a throw and this allowed their receiving player to pick out his spot with a fine effort which flew into the net past Marshall in goal. Constant pressure paid off though for the home side when a second hand ball by an Oriol player was punished with Costa being awarded a penalty. Glen Lawton stepped up and smashed the back of the net to take Costa back into a 2 - 1 lead. Just before halftime Costa had Jordan Marshall in goal to thank for a great save pushed round

the post. Minutes later left winger Cesar Augusto who had been playing very well down Costa’s left recieved a blow to the head from a high foot in a nasty collision which was to stop him from playing the second half.

Second half saw Costa carry on with a high tempo of closing down and when in possession not panicking on the ball and playing the ball around the team and hurting Oriol in their half and keeping the pressure off their own defence. Sam Broadway was causing problems for the visitors down the left with his blistering pace and trickery on the ball and getting back when needed especially when Costa captain and left back Jamie Cockroft was bundled into metal railings and took a bad knock on his knee & ribs, but like a true leader played through the pain barrier. Unfortunately central defender Quest had to pull up with a groin strain after a great effort in the heart of defence along with Nicholas, but with Frost dropping in to cover, Costa still played with flair and a lot of heart through out the side. On 61 minutes Gudmundsson put Costa 3 - 1 up with a cool finish in front of goal which was well deserved from the hard graft he had put in from the very first minute of the match.

Oriol ‘s frustration was boiling over which started from their manager on the side line and filtering through to his players who lost their heads which allowed Costa to find time and time again opening’s in their defence to attack. Bradley Munz costa’s youngest player ran his socks off up front for 30 minutes to keep the pressure on and to allow Costa to triumph 3 - 1 and collect 3 points.

For more information on Orihuela Costa Cadetes who represent the Orihuela Costa area in the Valencian Federation league then visit www.orihuelacostafc.com or call George on :679 77 44 88.

Training takes place every Tues/Thurs 18:30 - 20:00 @ C.D.M. Sports Center Playa Flamenca.

46

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

sport

course, so not too many complaints were made.

Results: Winner of February Monthly Stableford: Bob Buckeridge.

Gold Division. 1st Bob Buckeridge, 38.

2nd Doug Spiring, 37.

3rd Pino Perito, 36.

Silver Division. 1st Hedy Paehlig 37.

2nd Jill Young 30. 3rd Bruce Gordon, 30. (Countback) Bronze Division. 1st Franco Gentili, 34. 2nd Chris Stanley, 33. 3rd Brian Heard, 32.

Nearest The Pins. 5th Mike Young, 11th David Lewis, 12th Bob Buckeridge, 15th Doug Spiring, 17th Dave Nicholls.

Best Front 9: Roy Lowe, 19.

Best Back 9: Tony Stead, 18.

Football Draw: Phyllis Venables, Chris Stanley, John Holland & Hedy Paehlig

EUROGOLF REPORT

21 FEB 2013. This week’s competition was the February monthly Stableford . The weather was kind with a slight breeze and 60 players teed off on what should have been a good day for scoring. In the event, although our winner Bob Buckeridge scored a very respectable 38 points, just piping Doug Spiring & Hedy Paehlig on 37 points, a lot of players could be seen shaking their heads and trying to hide their score cards. Still, it was a good day to be out on the

car hire Airport Service Available

Tel: (0034) 635 732 012 info@ costablanca-carhire.com www.costablanca-carhires.com

24 hours a day 7 days a week

Recovery Assistance

607 848 332

Asistencia de Grua

692 190 880

From 30€

No distance too far Hello

amigo Ca rs

La Marina € 0 5 7 M O R PRICES F Only Stealing is Cheaper

We can find any car you are looking for!!

Huge selection of well cared for second hand cars, coming with MOT and warranty.

Thankst A lo

Fully serviced & transferred into your name without hidden costs.

E03194 (old N332) La Marina Village Email: carsofconfidence@yahoo.de

965 419 857

game for the club as he is leaving to work in the USA) could do nothing to keep out the Rafal penalty.

Just as bad as the first half was, the second 45 minutes proved to be one of the most entertaining of the season.

Veteran defender, Becker, came on as a substitute for youngster Omar and it was Becker who got his head to a free kick and glanced his header past the Rafal keeper for the equaliser.

Minutes later, Monte thought they had gone ahead when Rodrigo netted. But his effort was ruled out for a dodgy offside decision. Then the overworked referee, who had a very poor game, actually awarded Monte a goal when the ball clearly went wide.

However, as the Monte players were not celebrating and the

Rafal players were incensed with the decision, the official decided that perhaps he had got it wrong and awarded a goal kick instead!!!!

brilliantly guided strike.

The visitors enjoyed a bright period, creating some openings and putting pressure on the Saint’s backline.

Despite the constant pressure, San Fulgencio wasted a great chance when Carl Kirby was put through, but the keeper made a brave save at the striker’s feet.

Hondon had another great chance, but with the whole of the goal to aim at, the centreback fired miles over the bar.

The team two points above the Saints prior to kick-off continued to create opportunities, but as

long as the scoreboard stayed at 1-0, there was still hope.

The hosts improved in the second half. In an encouraging spell, Marco Aurelio hit the crossbar from a swivelling effort and then forced the away keeper into a decent reaction save. Carlos Sampere headed over the rebound.

The game turned on a controversial decision with 20 minutes remaining. Hector Silva received a second booking for an innocuous challenge on the left wing, which infuriated the Saint’s players.

Hondon took advantage of the

extra man and ended all hope of a recovery with a goal on the break in the last few minutes.

After a fluid move, the ball was played into number 17 who couldn’t miss from inside the six yard box.

Ros, Abel (Manu Amores, 51’), Luis, Gasch, Jose Manuel (Patri, 65 ‘), Villanueva.

In front of a crowd of around the 300 mark, the match kickedoff with a bitterly cold strong wind blowing down the pitch which was in Torry’s favour in the first-half. The game started pretty evenly with an early chance falling to Jose Manuel who blazed over the top after being set up by Gasch. The home side responded and Tur had to be alert to stop a fierce shot on target which he spilled but re-claimed at the second attempt. With the wind behind them, Torry had territorial advantage and Jose Manuel had another opportunity from a header which he again put over the top. Torry then made the breakthrough when Jorge nodded a well flighted Cuco Ros free-kick into the back of the net for a GOALLLLL to Torry 0-1. Tur then made an excellent stop with his legs from a shot from a Saguntino forward who had broke clear and was presented with a “one on one” on Tur. As the first half came to a close and entered time added

on, Saguntino won a free-kick in a dangerous position. The free-kick was struck well and pushed onto the cross-bar by Tur but unfortunately for Torry the ball rebounded back into play and was headed over the line and into the back of the net by an opposing player for a GOALLLLL to Saguntino 1-1 and that’s how it remained at the break. Torry brought on Sergio in place of Dani at the beginning of the second-half and were forced to make another change 6 minutes later when Abel picked up what appeared to be an ankle injury and had to be replaced by Manu Amores in central midfield. With the wind in their sails, Saguntino started to dominate and boss midfield and push Torry back into what became a rearguard action.

Tur was forced into action on a number of occasions and Torry managed to repel the surge of Saguntino attacks. Torry might have won in at the end when they managed to break forward and Gasch played Manu Amores in but his weak effort came to nothing. A much needed hard earned point for Torry.

Torry are now 14th in the table only 4 points outside the relegation zone in a very tightly contested league with all the teams in the bottom half of the table certainly not safe from relegation. On Sunday Torry are at home to 6th placed Villarreal C who are pushing for a promotion play-off spot, although they cannot be promoted unless their 1st team get promoted to La Liga from Segunda. Their away record is very good and better than their home record with 7 wins, 3 draws and only 2 defeats on the road. They will be a young, technically gifted and very well coached side and will present stiff opposition for Torry. Torry will have to be at their best to get something out of the game and lets hope they are as they definitely have to start winning at home to stave off the threat of relegation. The game is again at the Nelson Mandela and kicks off at 5.00 pm. Try to be there.

A slightly less anxious Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain draw again.

CD MONTESINOS 2 – 1 CF RAFAL CDM Team: Cubano, Dimitry, Fernando, Yonhi, Sergio, Rubio, Wallace, Andres, Omar, Rodrigo, Edu. CDM Subs: Becker for Omar and Javi on for Dimitry. CDM Goals: Becker and Andres CD Montesinos put their bad form of the last few weeks behind them with a much improved performance in this game, especially in the second

half. The less said about the first 45 minutes the better as Monte played as badly as they had done in midweek at Sporting Orihuela, a match they lost 2-1 on a cold and miserable evening.

The first half ended with Monte 0-1 behind after a rather dubious penalty decision went against them. Cubano in the Monte goal (playing his last

C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio Promotion dream fading away for Saints C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio 0-2 Hondon Nieves C.F San Fulgencio lost yet more ground on the leading pack after a well-organised and hard-working Hondon side deservedly took all three points.

The start of the game was marked with defensive mistakes and nervous play by San Ful and they paid the price after 15 minutes. A mix up between Aaron Lopez and Hector Silva allowed Hondon’s number 15 to put his side into the lead with a

FC TORREVIEJA

TORRY PICK UP A SHARE OF THE SPOILS AGAIN Last Sunday Torry travelled up to just north of the City of Valencia to Saguntino to take on Athletico Saguntino. Saguntino were in 7th place but their points tally at home was not as fruitful as their points tally away from home with too many draws. 7 draws, 3 wins and 3 defeats. Torry were without the injured Koeman , JuanFran and Burguillos so the manager had to put out a somewhat makeshift team. The one bit of welcoming news was that Jorge made a welcome return to the Torry team. Javi Tur was given another chance to prove himself in goal being preferred to Manolo who has suffered a dip in form and confidence of late. Jose Manuel made a rare start up front. Despite Torry not being at their strongest it was hoped that they could come away with at least a point and add to Saguntino’s record of being the division’s home draw specialists.

Torrys starting line-up: Tur, Boix, Rafa, Jorge, Dani Meseguer (Sergio, 46 ‘), Cuco

The winner finally arrived with just five minutes to play.

A Rafal goal kick only reached the half way line and Andres, on the volley, smashed it right back towards goal. With the Rafal keeper out of position, the ball crossed the line much to the delight of the players and supporters of CD Montesinos.

To keep up to date with everything at CD Montesinos and their British supporters club “The Full Monte”, please visit our website at www. cdmontesinos.com or email us at thefullmonte2011@hotmail. com VAMOS MONTE!!!

Disappointing from the Saints in an important fixture.

Our next game is away against Orihuela, time of kick off yet to be confirmed.

Thank you to Telecom 900 and the rest of our sponsors.

Match report by Jordan Lucas

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

47

sport

DAYA LUCKY TO DRAW ITV ORIHUELA RFC LEAGUE DAYA NUEVA 2 v. CALLOSA 2 their own penalty area. For all INFANTILS G10s this possession though a goal MATCH POSTPONED

Las Colinas was the welcome destination for this week’s San Miguel Golf Society meeting.

Managed by the highly efficient and professional team from Troon Golf, it certainly is one of the finest courses amongst the many on our circuit up and down the coast.

After recently inserting a much improved tee box on the picturesque short par 3 (hole 7) which is only a downhill shot of some one hundred and a few metres, improvement work is still underway on the buggy paths in the same part of the course.

Around forty members and guests proceeded to square up to each other in the second round of the “Bogeys Medal Shield”, sponsored for around twenty years by one of the area’s leading restaurants which is highly recommended, situated in the very popular Villamartin Plaza.

Although quite a long course which could hardly be described as anything approaching “easy”, its slope-rating seems very much under-rated and for mid-handicappers to only receive one extra stroke does appear a little harsh, which was clearly reflected in the scores.

SMGS VISIT LAS COLINAS NTP’s were won by Marg

Birtwistle, Knut Vosko and Ove Andersen who bagged himself two! Ray Harris (net 76) and Mick Cook (82) took this week’s top honours amongst the visitors.

Silver division’s top three were John Sorensen in third (81), Marg Birtwistle in second (75) and David Marshall just clinching first on count-back with his net 75.

These scores were mirrored in the Gold category where Graham Cockayne finished third with 76, second went to John Drakesmith (75) with Phil Birtwistle’s 75 just taking top slot on count-back.

A difficult day for many saw the “Abacus” award keenly contested once again with Wenche Westburg coming out on top and claiming a very desirable bottle of the finest red variety!

Keep up to date with all SMGS activities by logging on to www. smgs.org or simply give Barry a quick buzz on 966 731 033. We play every Wednesday and all guests are always made very welcome.

Photo: Some of the day’s happy winners.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY Thursday 21st Febuary for him, Today we returned to our regular course for this year,to play our monthly Ecelectic competion, The day started witht the usual complementery Coffee and Tostada, which is agreat to start a game of golf,on a bright but windy and slioghtly chilly day. The course was in good condition with the greens playing very fast, so a few players found them difficult to handle despite this some reasonabl scores were recorded especially Elspeth Craig who scored another divisional win the second on the trot well done and the ladies shone again with Carrol Mariner getting nearest the pin on hole six.

However one four ball, acheived the distiction of lossing eight balls between them but the winner of the submariner trophy was our El Presidenty Bill McGrandle who lost five of the eight , a very exspensive game of golf

The results are follows.

Winner Bronze Division Elspeth Craig 34 points Winner Silvert Division Malcolm Jones 28 points Winner Gold Division Mick Cook 29 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole 1 Mick Cook, Hole 6 Carrol Mariner, Hole 12 David Bibby, 17 Alan Jones Next Game Bonalba on the 7th of March first tee off 10 30 Those playing please remember payment into the Bank, no cash on the day please and rember to bring your bank rceipt with you as proof of payment thanks to you all for your cooperation.

Next Entertainment March the 5th Binggo Quiz Night including food,for further information on this event and booking contact Jimmy Scott on 966 184 316 For further information on the society including Membership and playing as a guest contact Bill McGrandle on 679 007 756

Daya were out for revenge today having been beaten at Callosa, their only defeat of the season so far. So it was no surprise when the home team started at a tremendous pace.

Against a strong wind they forced the visitors back into their own half for long periods.

With 15 minutes played and no sign of a goal for Daya, Callosa began to gain in confidence and it was the home side’s turn to come under pressure.

On 25 minutes a wonderful opportunity fell to Daya’s Carlos but he only managed to tread on the ball and the chance was gone. Daya began to exert pressure on Callosa now and they created a number of good chances that produced good saves from the keeper.

The deadlock was broken on 30 minutes when Youssef headed home a deep cross for 1 - 0 Daya. The home side continued to press but it was just the one goal still at half time. With the wind behind them in the second half Daya soon had Callosa penned into

for Daya just wouldn’t come.

With just the 1 goal lead it was a very nervous home side now and they desperately needed a second goal to calm these nerves. On 65 minutes the inevitable happened a quick breakaway by the visitors saw them equalise with a good shot. The goal gave the visitors a big big boost, so it came as no surprise when just two minutes later Callosa took the lead, although it did look offside. Daya pushed and pushed for equaliser and on 69 minutes they were rewarded when an own goal levelled the scores. So final score 2 - 2 but Daya were very lucky. Callosa are certainly becoming Daya’s bogey team, they have now taken 4 points this season from Daya and have probably ended their title chances. Daya just cannot score goals from the many chances they create each week. It was the same today and is so disappointing for all their supporters.

Daya Dave Team Sponsor: Segurlab

CLAPTON’S GOLF SOCIETY BONALBA SPA AND GOLF 16TH DECEMBER 2011 This month’s competition was to be played at Bonalba.

Something of a favourite course for most of the Society members. On arriving the wind had started to blow which made a chilly start to the day and the wind was to play an integral part of the scores of the day. After standing on the first tee for a few minutes members were soon reaching for warm hats and jackets.

The course was once again in excellent condition but the wind made life difficult catching the members out when the water also appeared. Some thought we were playing water golf and were using harpoons and diving suits rather than clubs.

To this end there were some good scores and also some not so good scores. Nevertheless the members enjoyed their day at Bonalba be it that most of them came in cold and disappointed. Our thanks to the staff at Bonalba. We then journeyed back for the prize giving at the Clubhouse. Prize winners and scores as follows: Best Overall: Tony Stead 33 points Gold Winner: Andy Trefry 28 points on c/b Gold Runner Up: Steve Hatt 28 points Silver Winner: Peggy Hamilton 27 points Silver Runner Up: Barry Bentley 26 points Best Front Nine: John Stones

19 points Best Back Nine: Ian Faulkner 15 points Best Guest: John King 27 points Nearest the Pin: 4th Steve Clay 8th Terry Smith 11th Tina King 14th Steve Clay Most Potential: R o n a Farrell Members went back to Claptons for the prize giving and the usual feast supplied

by Chris and his staff. Many thanks for their hospitality.

Next meeting 27th January at Font de Llop.

This coming weekend ITV Orihuela RFC were suppose to play Cartagena away, but all league matches have been postponed and will be played now on 17 March, the day after the final round of 6 Nations matches.

So Orihuela RFC’s next match will be their final home match of the league on 9 March against Lorca, and hoping to get the double over them like we did against Albacete. This will make it a very memorable season for the club in their 40th year.

Having already got an impressive double over Albacete and pushed both Murcia teams to the wire, as well as have already beaten Lorca away and Cartagena at home. What makes this season even better is that we have done it with new players coming up from the juveniles as well as players new to the game.

This coming weekend we are back televising the live Premiership and PRO12 rugby matches at the rugby bar in Rojales, The Steakhouse, used to be Tylers Bar. Starting on Friday with Ulster v Treviso, then on Saturday, Quins v Exeter at 15.30, followed by Munster v Glasgow at 19.15.

Looking forward to seeing another good turn out down there this weekend.

On Thursday I will be at The Steakhouse in Rojales for any rugby clothing and information about rugby in the area from 10.00 to 13.30.

I am down at the Moncayo Market on Saturday, with all the rugby branded clothing, so come down and get all your shirts for the rest of the 6 Nations games for the above games. Also will have all new stock in as well.

Training is at the Miguel Hernandez University ground at 20.15 on Tuesday and Thursday for the seniors and juveniles. The juniors start at 18.15.

So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level you are.

If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish)

SOL TIMES COSTA BLANCA

CHRISTINE : 902 750 190 (EXT: 330) ANDY: 693 803 409 OR MARK: 693 775 347 email: blancasales@soltimes.com

COSTA CALIDA/MAR MENOR ROSEMARY - 647 379 795

Classifieds - Paulette: 902 750 190 - 950 121 936 Costa blanca office email: calidasales@soltimes.com QUESADA BUSINESS CENTRE,

Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government.

Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions.

Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

CALLE LOS ARCOS 7, 03170, CIUDAD QUESADA

48 SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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

875 cc, 2012, 1,584 KMS

€14,950

BMW X3

AUTOMATIC ESTATE, 3 LITRE, DIESEL, 2005,129,000KMS

€14,950 SEAT LEON COPA

1.6TDi, DIESEL, 2011, 61,000KMS

€8,450

• BMW 135i. M SPORT 3L PETROL, 2009, 13,000KMS...€31,950 • MERCEDES ML 320, AUTO, DIESEL, 2006.....................€29,950 • MERCEDES CLK 200K, CAB, AUTO, 2008, 71K..................POA • se at leon, 1.6 tdi diesel, dsg auto, 2011, 33,000kms..... ....................................................................................................POA • BMW X3, 3L, DIESEL, AUTO, 2004, 169,000KMS..........€10,950 • vw bEETLE, 2.0 pETROL 2005 30,000KMS....................€9,950 • MINI COOPER, 1.6 AUTOMATIC, 2004, 92,000KMS........€9,950 • HYUNDAI I30, 1.4 PETROL, 2009, 68,000KMS ….......... €8,950 • RENAULT SCENIC 2L PETROL, 2006, auto, 105,000 KMS........ ............................................................................................................€7,750 • SKODA OCTAVIA, 1.9TDi, 2006, 64,000KMS...................€6,950 • PEUGEOT 1007, 1.4Hdi, 2006, 108,000KMS....................€6,450 • JEEP CHEROKEE 2.5TD SPORT, 144,000 KMS................€5,950 • RENAULT SCENIC 1.5 DCI diesel, 2004,129,000K..........€5,950 • CITROEN XSARA 2L DIESEL, AUTO, ‘03, 96,000 KMS...€4,950 • OPEL ASTRA 1.6 PETROL, 2001, auto , 79,000 KMs....€4,250 • GRAND

JEEP CHEROKEE, 4L, PETROL, AUTO, 1999, 152K Ms.................................................................................€3,950 • MAZDA PREMACY 1.8 petrol, 2001, 157,000kms...... €3,750 • Mitsubishi Carisma 2000, a/c 1430,000kms............ €2,950 • CHRYSLER NEON 2L PETROL, AUTO, 2002, 117.000KMS..... .......................................................................................€2,950 • SEAT INCA 1.4 PETROL, AIC, 2001, 94,000KMS.............€2,450 • MITSUBISHI PAJERO 3L, V6, PETROL, 1996..................€2,450 • FIAT BRAVA dIESEL,1.9JTD, 2000.98,000kms...............€2,250 • RENAULT CLIO, 1.9 DIESEL, 1999, 127,000KMS............€2,250 •C ITROEN XSARA, 1.8 PETROL, AUTO, ‘98, 121,000KM...€1,450

€11,950 ford transit 2.6 diesel, 2008, 28,000kms

€11,950

HARLEY DAVIDSON

SOFTAIL DEUCE, 2003 €10,950

LEXUS RX300 3.0 V6 PETROL,, 2003, 148,000KMS

€9,950

Right hand drive vehicles

•r olls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles..€13,950 • VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 1.9 CDTi, DIESEL, 2010, 35,405 KMS.......... ......................................................................................................€12,950 • bmw x5, 3l dIESEL sPORT AUTOMATIC 2003 82,000K MILES..............................................................................€10,950 • SAAB 93 ESTATE, 1.9D, AUTO, 2005, 85,000 MILES ... €7,950 • JAGUAR

S TYPE, 2.7 SE, DIESEL, 2007 …..................... €7,950 •R ENAULT GRAND ESPACE, 2.2 DCi, DIESEL, 2005.....€6,950 • FIAT DOBLO ACTIVE, 1.4 PETROL, AIR CON, 2009, 37,000 MILES ...................................................................................... €5,950 • KIA SORRENTO 1.9CRDi, DIESEL, 2003, 85,000 MILES €5,950 • KIA CARENS CRDi, DIESEL, 2006, 45,000 MILES..........€5,950 •K IA CARENS 2L CRDi, DIESEL ’05, 90k MILES...€5,950 • CITROEN XSARA, 2L HDi, DIESEL, 2004, 69,000 MILES.............. ..................................................................................................... €4,950 • FORD

MONDEO 2L PETROL, HATCH, 2004, 120,000 MILES …........................................................................................€2,950 • MAZDA 323, 1.6 PETROL, 2001, 60,000 MILES..............€2,450 • BMW 316 1.6 PETROL, AUTO, 1994, 138,000KMS.. €1,750

Right hand drive - spanish reg

• AUDI S5, 4.2 QUATTRO, PETROL, MAN, 2009,19k......€26,950 • mits

ubishi shogun sport, 3 litre v6, petrol, auto, 2002, 155,999 miles........................................................ €4,950 • CITROEN C2 AIRPLAY, 1.1 PETROL 2007, 48,000 kms................ ...................................................................................................€4,950 •V AUXHALL ASTRA, 2002, 1.4 petrol, RHD, 119,000 miles, Spanish Plates..................................................................€2,250 •V W GOLF CABRIOLET, 1995, 1.8 petrol, RHD, Spanish Plates …........................................................................ €1,950

~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash ~ Full procurement service

toyota auris 1.6 WTi, SOL, 2008, 99,000kms

€8,950

FORD FOCUS 1.8 TDCi, DIESEL, 2008, 57,000KMS

€8,450

HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.0L CRDi 2003, 123,000KMS

€6,950

TOYOTA AVENSIS 2.0 D4D DIESEL, 2005, 177,000 KMS

€6,950

OPEL COMBO

1.4 PETROL, 2005, 87,000KMS

€6,450

SMART FORFOUR PASSION 1.5 PETROL, 2005, 32,000KMS

€6,450

HONDA HRV 1.6 PETROL, 1999, 186,000 KMS

€3,950

Visit our website Over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com

Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511

●Re-registration service available ●no obligation test drives ●we bring the vehicle to you

902 750 190

FIAT 500 CABRIOLET,

DIESEL, 2006, 123,000KMS

€9,950

€26,950

€21,950

VW GOLF 1.9TDi

2.0L, 2005, 38,692KMS

AUTOMATIC, 2.0S DRIVE, DIESEL, 2011, 15,000KMS

3L DIESEL AUTOMATIC, 2006, 96,000KMS

Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com

VW BEETLE

BMW X1

BMW X5

Calle Mallorca, San Javier

www.soltimes.com

new fords available