MarMenor M275

GREAT ADVERT

RATES CALL 950 121 936 SALES@ SOLTIMES .COM

MAR MENOR

SolTimes issue 275

24-30 aprIL

‘PICK ME UP’ YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY

your free weekly newspaper

est. 7 yrs

www.soltimes.com

MOORS & CHRISTIANS PAGE 3

CARROT POWER! PAGE 32

Ken Sherwood

British Car Mechanic

MONDAY MARKET ALL YEAR ROUND 10 – 2pm

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

Los Alcazares - opp Consum & Lidl

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

Air Conditioning Repairs & Re-gassing

TEL: 679 646 859

All Your Paperwork Needs Seen To

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

Property Maintenance

Brian Jones & Co

Call now for free quotation

No job too big or too small

Tel: 646 705 021

Water Filters, Air-Con, Plumbing, Electrical, Building Work, Conservatories, Windows & Doors We have a team of fully qualified electricians, Plumbers & builders

UK

LORDS REMOVALS EUROPEAN

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE SINGLE ITEMS TO FULL LOADS FULL AND PART PACKING SERVICE AVAILABLE STORAGE FACILITIES AVAILABLE WE ALSO TRANSPORT PETS LET US TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF YOUR MOVE THE PRICE WE QUOTE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY UK (0044)7709 557109 SPAIN(0034)608 061 872

lordsremovals@hotmail.com www.lordsremovals.com

SMALL, HIGH QUALITY, FRIENDLY MARKET SELLING AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF ENGLISH & SPANISH PRODUCTS REFRESHMENTS, HOME BAKING, ROAST CHICKENS & MUCH MORE TO WHET YOUR APPETITE

OVER 30 STALLS INCLUDING, FASHION, JEWELLERY, MAKE-UP, GIFTS, BEDDING, BOOKS, TOOLS, SWEETS AND MUCH MORE… NOT JUST THE AVERAGE MARKET SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY SO WHY NOT COME ALONG AND SEE WHAT’S HERE!

READ THE SOL TIMES ONLINE @ WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

2

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

spainsave card...

Consul for ‘failing in his duties’.

If you live on the Costa Blanca, or are expecting visitors, then now is the time to get yourself a SPAINSAVE card. This is a new discount card scheme, available from www. thinkspain.spainsave.com, which offers thousands of discounts, deals and giveaways, including up to 50% off the top attractions of Benidorm’s Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Aqua Natura, Aqualandia and Mundomar. Cardholders can expect 20% off Mundo Marino catamaran, sailing and motor boat excursions from Valencia, Denia, Javea, Calpe, Altea and Alicante. Over 1,000 other top attractions, excursions, activities, shops, restaurants, pubs, bars and night clubs are also partaking in the scheme, which will cost the cardholder a mere £15.

It seems too good to miss, so why not go to: www.thinkspain.spainsave.com, and cut the price of summer days out this year?

Sport

new program for Templete del Parque el palmeral...

The Ciclo de Primavera has opened the new program to take place in the popular Templete del Parque El Palmeral. The new program offers family fun and participation.

Acts will include interactive theatre with a combination of actors and puppets, magic and storytelling. The following program will take place on alternate Sundays, from April 14 to June 2: 14. April. Marimba Puppets - The Haunted Castle 28 April. Fran Pintadera - A world of stories 12 May. Theatre R and D - In Search of King Arthur’s Treasure 26 May. Imagine Sports - Magic Show 2 June. Pizzicatto - What a laugh, what a fright!

The shows will start at 12.30, and entrance is free.

Boston: spanish consol

Boston’s Spanish Consul has been sacked for closing the Consulate within one hour of the bombing, at the height of the emergency ‘because it was our normal going home time’.

Despite the fact that 91 Spaniards were taking part in the marathon, as well as the many more who were spectating, or supporting runners, Pablo Sánchez-Terán closed the Consulate for the day. Ignoring the injured, the ambulances, the police and the numerous members of the public who rallied round to help wherever they could, he closed the Consulate and went home. Asked why he replied that it was ‘the normal going home time.’

At the time when he closed the Consulate he did not know whether any Spaniards were injured, or in need of help, and when asked what they should do he replied that they should ‘ring the police or the hospital.’ Spain’s ministry of foreign affairs has fired the

staffing levels for policia local

The new staffing levels for the Policía Local have not been generally agreed, nor found favour with the Unions. Both the Unions represented in various police precincts and Ayuntamiento representatives themselves are not satisfied with the new formulas, especially the rota that affects most of the agent, the 5x2, that is; five days worked and two free, especially as about 70% of staff reside out of town and have to travel in daily.

Yet despite the fact that in recent weeks there seemed to have been progress the negotiations have been suspended and will be re-examined again between union representatives and the Concejal de Recursos Humanos, Agustina Esteve, and technicians of the Administración General.

An agreement was signed by the members of the four unions represented in the workforce, UGT, CCOO, CSIF SEP, who on February 13 signed an agreement to work the annual 1,664 hours required by Government decree in accordance with the ‘7x7 system’, which should have allowed for the Ayuntamiento to call upon 99.5 hours of service per year, should the need arise. At that time all parties agreed on the formula, but then one of the unions pulled out of the agreement, in particular the accounting of hours.The situation within the workforce is of concern, especially on weekends, when, including sick leave, up to 22 officers on the 169 police payroll could be absent. At present cover is given by overtime.

Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca Busy!

In the nearly five months that the Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH) (Platform of People Affected by Mortgages) has been in operation in Dénia it has been very busy.

So far it has been involved in 34 cases of families trapped in foreclosure processes and achieved the halting of two evictions in Marina Alta; one in Dénia and another in Javea.

According to the Portavoz de la PAH, Juan Antonio Almendros, the group aims to offer all the people in the region information meetings to explain what to do to ‘stop an eviction and defend themselves against financial attack.’

The next will be on Saturday at 19.00 in La Mistelera de La Xara.

Juan Antonio Almendros explained that the next eviction will be served by the court on May 7 and corresponds to one that was temporarily halted in March. The most recent was the one halted in Javea and in which the payment was made and the bank has been ordered to cancel the debt of 44,000 euros to the plaintiff. He said that the intervention of the Ayuntamiento of Javea helped to favourably resolve the case and stop the eviction of the resident. He stressed the need for the Consistory to collaborate. He also urged the development of an inventory of empty homes owned by banks and opening negotiations with them for social renting. Almendros also pointed out that a letter had been submitted to the chief judge to order that all Dénia courts should adhere to the judgment of Luxembourg, and halt all foreclosure proceedings in order to check whether there are any unfair conditions in the agreements.

AMAZING APRIL OFFERS

Linen M il ls in en Mills L rugs at

BUY 1 GET ONE FREE from

€4.95

pair of Jumbo Pillows aVDA. lAS NACIONES

Calle los ARCOS

Linen Mills QUESADA

now €9.95

curly fur throws €19.95 now €9.95

800m2 2nd floor SHOWROOM NOW OPEN from

€9.95

€8.95 toppers

from

€5.95

tie backs

€44.95

inc filler

from

€45

from

duvets from

latex mattresses

pillow sham

from

€5.95

cushions

DON’T MISS OUT – WHEN IT’S GONE, IT’S GONE

Pictures for illustration purposes only

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Probably the largest and most spectacular Moors and Christians fiesta in Spain is taking place this week in Alcoi (Âlicante), a town as famous for its festival re-enacting the battle between the Arab occupants of Spain and the native Catholics during the Inquisition as Sevilla is for its Easter parades and Valencia for the Fallas.

On Sunday, the Christian troops – dressed in terrifying Mediaeval soldier outfits with helmets, swords, axes and spiked clubs – paraded through Alcoi in the morning, and the Moorish troops in exotic Arabic costume held their procession in the afternoon and evening.

Invasions by the Berber pirates, battles and storming of the castle and ejecting of the Moors all formed part of the fiesta.

Regional government president for Valencia, Alberto Fabra (PP) attended the pageant.

Most other towns and villages in the provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Castellón – which form the Comunidad Valenciana – hold Moors and Christians fiestas in high summer, although Alcoi and its neighbouring town Ontinyent organise theirs in early spring.

Thousands of visitors locally, nationally and from around the world went to Alcoi to enjoy the weekend’s parades, which will continue into the early part of this week.

Rubalcaba: “Take 500-euro notes out of circulation to stop fraud and forgery”

Banknotesof 500 euros may be scrapped to cut down on forgery rackets, tax evasion and poverty.

Leader of the opposition socialist party, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, says that by taking them out of circulation, the 500-euro notes found to be genuine could be spent on helping those living in poverty in Spain, a figure which could be as high as nearly half the population and already includes over 2.2 million children, according to official records.

Spain has more 500-euro notes than anywhere else in the European Union and about a quarter of those in circulation are within the country.

Rubalcaba says that by taking 500-euro notes out of circulation in Spain, those who had them would be obliged to change them, which would mean explaining where they came from and automatically being subject to any tax on them which they had tried to avoid paying.

The PSOE Secretary-General admitted that ‘it is evident that the State is not exactly flush with cash’, and that this would be a way of clawing back

more so that it could be used for social welfare and to support those who are struggling to survive financially.

He says that although there are lots of people who are in possession of 500-euro notes for genuine reasons, their use is more prolific in corruption and money-laundering cases, and they were the most susceptible to be forged, meaning those who had them in good faith may have been given fake notes without realising and find they were unable to spend them.

The British Organised Crime Squad has already found that 90 per cent of 500-euro notes were in the hands of those involved in illegal activities.

Rubalcaba has also called for Spain’s government to set up a ‘European social emergency’ fund with 3.5 billion euros.

He said if Spain were to approve a similar plan with one billion euros invested in it, they could create or prevent from disappearing 30,000 jobs

photo: http://almilliganimages.com/

Alcoi celebrates famous Moors and Christians festival

3

Cyclists protest over compulsory use of helmets on pushbikes

A two-wheeled protest ‘march’ in Valencia yesterday (Sunday) involved hundreds of cyclists demonstrating against a planned new law which will make it compulsory to wear helmets when riding bikes.

They say helmets are not compulsory in hardly any other European country, and their enforced use will reduce the number of people who use bicycles as their habitual form of transport.

This in turn will diminish the use of Valencia city’s on-street bike-hire scheme, which mirrors those of many other European cities, including Barcelona, and in some smaller towns, such as Gandia – an hour south of Valencia.

Bike shops will in turn lose profit, say protesters.

They claim the government is attempting to make cyclists ‘liable for their own safety’ rather than putting the onus on drivers to be more careful around bikes.

www.anotherworld-properties.com

New address

C’ Castellon de la Plana. Camposol Sector A

Next door to Camposol Insurance. Just across from the English Butchers.

Look for our sign!

We will be moving from above the Pharmacy on sector A on 31st May 2013.

All our contact details will remain the same.

Please note that the office will be closed on 31st May all day.

Another World Properties are now collaborating with agents in Almeria and Costa Blanca, anyone seeking properties in these areas please call in for a chat.

We also collaborate with a local bank on Repossessions. www.anotherworld-properties.com sales@anotherworldproperties.net

TELephone: 968 592 679

4

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

barnes bulletin BENIDORM TO GATA, VIA THE LIMON EXPRESS? It would seem I have gained a reputation as an “Anorak” where trains are concerned.

After a question last week from David, asking the possibilities of a rail link to Alicante from Torrevieja, Roger Clark from Cabo Roig, asks if I recall the Limon Express, and if I think we would ever see it rattle along the tracks again. Er., no!

Sport

David Simpson, some 30 years ago, managed to get permission to run 12 or so vintage carriages, pulled by a diesel loco, built in Bilbao, the 40 Kms., or so, between Benidorm and Gata. I do remember that on the return journey, when bottles of Cava were popped, the guard used to switch the carriage lights off as the little train made it’s way through the number of short tunnels, on it’s merry way to Benidorm, much to the delight of many of the younger passengers.

If I recall, David sold the Limon Express to one Rudi Meyer, but without funding, often promised from the powers that be in the Valencia Community, it was soon to cease running.

Some years ago, I managed to photograph a few of the remaining carriages, parked up on a line, in the shadow of the castle in Alicante, but now can be seen, from the motorway, at the Alicante Tramway Depot., looking rather sad, having fallen prey to the graffiti “Artist”.

I’m afraid Roger, you will have to be content to take the narrow gauge to Gato de Gorgos, by means of the scheduled services. I guess you could take your own bag of lemons and a hipflask of Cava, but I expect the lights will stay on.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

With a few more days of April, still to run, a note from the Director, Oficina de Atencio’n al Residente International, Torrevieja, floats through the ether to me, about Christmas 2013!

Perhaps Director Graham Knight, spotted a flurry of snow from his office window, and thought “Gosh golly, it’s only about eight months to Christmas”.

There again, I can see the reasoning for his missive.

The popular “Christmas Carols in the Square” event, will take place on Friday 13th., of December, at it’s usual time of 19.30 Hrs., but this time it’s a little bit special, as it reaches it’s 10 edition.

Graham would like as many choirs, groups, clubs etc., to make a note of this date, in their diaries, so as to avoid the possibility of being committed elsewhere, and come along, in costume if possible, to sing in the square, on this special occasion. Perhaps a note to Graham Knight at the Torrevieja Town Hall, to advise that your team or choir will be taking part, would be an idea.

Last year, as well as local television, covering the event, national television were there. This being a special 10th., edition, perhaps the BBC will bring a crew. Well, you never know!

Right, better try and untangle the Christmas Tree lights now...

Cathy’s curiosity corner The place to buy, sell & display your household furniture El lugar para comprar, vender y mostrar sus muebles de hogar open: Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm Sat 12 - 4pm

We have a drop off point for items to help Elche Childrens Home Benijofar C/Rambla 5 from Quesada turn right after Citroen Garage

Tel: 622 899 906

Email: tcscuriositycorner@hotmail.es Facebook: cathy’s curiosity corner

Up, Up and not away

The saga at Corvera continues. The final brick to complete Corvera Airport, was laid some 15 months ago, yet not a sniff of aviation fuel has been detected.

Problems with the issues over the use of airspace, bureaucratic difficulties in the opening of customs gates, along with sorting out the piles of paperwork required when opening a new airport, have caused delays, but it would seem the dilemma that cropped up, almost from the start, was the failure to agree terms with Aena, to close down operations at San Javier, and move everything, lock, stock and flying-machines, down the road to Corvera. The concessionary, it would seem, is unwilling to open

STICK SWINGERS!

A.D.A.P.T. club from San Pedro, tell me they are joining in the festivities of the San Pedro del Pinatar Celebration events, by staging a display in the Grand Marquee, located on the sea front, by the Oceanography Research Centre.

The date for the diary is Sunday 25th., April. There will be trade stands along with entertainment for the younger folk.

A section of the beach is being fenced off, to allow the Metal Detecting Group, within A.D.A.P.T., to demonstrate their skill (Or not!), to detect valuable items from below the surface, in this case, sand.

The team will help anyone interested, be it children, or older folk, to locate specially buried “Treasure”!

The time for this motley crew (See photograph!) to take to the sands, is between 10AM and 2PM.

Corvera, without the closure of San Javier, but the chaps from the Ministry for Development, are refusing to move, without compensation, and as neither the regional government or the concessionary fellows, have 70 million odd euro to pass across, it’s reached an impasse.

Latest news I hear, is that the concessionary is ready to throw in the bath-towel, and walk away, leaving the regional government with an unopened airport, and a loan of 200 million euro, that it can’t pay.

Oh! dear, perhaps Catral International Airport, wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

You have been warned.

Right, Krugerrand or Crusader gold anybody?

Rob Barnes moved to live in Spain, 7 years ago. In the UK, amongst other things, he was the Chair of the Midlands Regions, Independent Television Commission.

His hobbies include Industrial Archaeology, Mine exploration and photography (Sierra Minera) and is on a quest to get a quality cast conditioned real ale here in Spain! Email Rob at garfieldglencroft@ hotmail.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

MADRID’S T4 voted world’s third-best air terminal

Madrid’s Barajas T4 has been named thirdbest airport terminal in the world.

A total of 12.1 million passengers travelling to and from 395 international airports took part in a survey involving 39 areas of service right through from check-in desk to boarding gate, including flight connections and VIP lounges.

The top airports and terminals in the world won prizes in the World Travel Awards 2013, presented by Skytrax.

According to the results, the world’s best airport terminal is London Heathrow T5, followed by Singapore’s Changi airport T3 and Barajas T4 in third place.

Barajas T4 has pulled itself up from last year’s fifth place, having since put in place its new Ágora Project to improve efficiency, punctuality of flights and the general travelling experience.

Self-check-in machines, information screens

Pantoja: two-year suspended sentence for role in Malaya money-laundering racket

explaining procedures, ‘express’ customer service points to deal with problems such as missed connecting flights or delayed luggage, staff who can attend to customers at any point in the airport thanks to the new IBHelp tool, group boarding, faster security and document checks due to more efficient systems and extra staff and police, and 90 per cent of flights on time mean service in general has improved at Barajas T4 since the beginning of 2012.

No Spanish airports made it into the top 10, however – for the fourth year running, Singapore’s Changi airport won, followed

by Incheon International Airport (Seoul); Amsterdam Schipol; Hong Kong International Airport; Beijing Capital International Airport; Munich; Zurich; Vancouver International Airport; Tokyo’s Haneda airport and London Heathrow

Legendary flamenco singer Isabel Pantoja has been given a jail sentence of two years for her involvement in the infamous ‘Malaya’ case.

Her former boyfriend and ex-mayor of Marbella (Málaga), Julián Muñoz, has been sent to prison for seven years in connection with the money-laundering and property corruption scandal which broke out in 2007 and was found to involve residential developments on the Costa del Sol and in Los Alcázares (Murcia).

Muñoz’s ex-wife, Maite Zaldívar will serve three years, three months and one day behind bars for money-laundering.

But under Spanish law, a prison sentence of two years or less means that the guilty party does not have to go to jail unless they have committed previous offences, or do so in later life.

Where a custodial term

reaches two years and one day, the offender will have to go to prison. This means Pantoja will not be put behind bars, even though the prosecution service maintained from day one that both she and Zaldívar were ‘perfectly aware of the illegal source’ of the funds and assets they received from Muñoz and ‘what the origins of his illicit investments were’.

Pantoja, who performed live at the October festivals in Gandia (Valencia) just two years ago and when investigations were still under way, arrived at the court for the final hearing accompanied by her solicitors and her brother, Agustín. Hecklers outside the building called her a ‘robber’ and a ‘tea-leaf’, but many long-standing fans from her days as a nationally-acclaimed artist called out messages of support.

Members of the public kicked her and tried to

hit her as she entered and left the building, and at one point her chauffeur had to climb onto the roof of his car to help Pantoja in.

The singer is said to have gone dizzy and collapsed briefly before leaving the court.

She and Zaldívar have been fined three million euros and Muñoz 7.4 million.

All three have been forced to pay back the laundered money plus interest, which in the case of Muñoz is nearly four million euros; for Zaldívar, just under 2.5 million and for Pantoja, an exact total of 1,147,148.96 euros.

She would have to serve her two-year sentence if she did not pay off her fines and the compensation ordered by the court within the set time, but Pantoja had already settled all her financial duties prior to the final hearing.

Best wishes

were the first to introduce the On-line lottery machine, play euromillions & all the spanish lotteries now.

Royal mail postal services to the u.K. and the world.

Plus recorded delivery and special delivery.

We issue your tracking numbers immediately.

Parcels delivery service

25€ per year.

This Is ideal for your couriered items, from Dhl.Fedex, mrw, tnt, parcelforce, seur

Passport services.

Do you need to re-new Your passport, then we can give you all The expert advise you need, our staff are all fully trained, in this field.

We will check your application, and courier your documents via dhl to madrid.

Your new passport will arrive back at our premises within 3 weeks.

Ask in store for Full details, of all passport services

5

If you need a contract or pay as you go mobile

Then visit the phone house. In store at best Wishes, camposol.

Digi internet dongle 35€

plus one month free Browsing & then 10€ per month for 1gb.

No contract And digi mobile for smartphones 5€ Per month for 500mb

& cheap calls

Orange bic mobile only 19€

includes 5€ calling Credit,this is pay as you go.

Top up with 5€ And for the next 7 days you can Enjoy free calls within spain to any network Or land line, just pay the connection fee 15c.

International calls (1c) to landlines.

Post boxes in camposol and the port store.

Safe and secure. Access at your leisure.

Tel: camposol - 968 199 295 - puerto de mazarron - 968 153 025 www.bestwishesgroup.co.uk

6

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

O

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 950 469 624 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

OLV615

CABRERA

...it’s all in the detail LUBRIN

OLV357

Sport This truly outstanding 3 bedroom property is nestled in the beautiful Sierra Cabrera mountain range with breath taking views over surrounding countryside and local golf course.

299.000€

OLV512

ULEILA DE CAMPO

This wonderful unique property located just over 1km from the beautiful village of Uleila de Campo and features a beautiful new Cortijo, stunning mature gardens and 700 Olive trees set in over 40,000m2 of land.

350,000€

This fabulous property is minutes from the main square of Lubrin, with lovely views over the town. It boasts 3 bedrooms and a light and airy feel.

OLV673

69,900€

(Rambla Aljibe)LUBRIN

These new 3 bedroom Townhouses are new to the market and have been build to a very high standard, located between Lubrin and Zurgena they represent great value for money.

Finance available.

75,000€

As a company we have over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and have been doing pension transfers since inception in April 2006. We are now in a position to offer ex-pats our services due to a new product launch.

We understand that times are tough and that people need cash NOW to sort out their personal lives. We are told every time we speak clients “I would rather have my money now rather than wait until I retire” we completely sympathise and understand your feelings.

We now have several options to help our clients release money NOW from the pension fund. It is a very simple process and takes only a short time to release your cash.

No matter how small or large your pension fund is even the smallest amount of money could help in these difficult times.

VISIT OUR NEW SHOP ON THE HIGH STREET IN TURRE OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 1OAM TIL’ 3PM - TEL: 634 341 171

New & Exclusive to As Seen On TV Products

The Xhose

The expanding light weight hose that never kinks expands to 3 times its original length contracts in seconds ultra durable

Easy to store

Available in the following lengths

25 foot at only 25€

50 foot at only 45€

75 foot at only 65€

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

human-trafficking and forced prostitution: Spain second-worst in Europe

Spain has the second-highest number of human-trafficking and sex-slavery cases in Europe, according to recent research. EU statistics firm Eurostat says a total of 1,605 women were smuggled into the country and held hostage, being forced to work as prostitutes against their will, in 2010 – the most recent year for which official figures are known. And this does not include the ones who have not yet been found, or who escaped without the police finding out.

In fact, there are more cases of forced prostitution among immigrants in Spain than in Romania, despite the fact that a high number of human-trafficking victims come from the latter country, says Eurostat. Only Italy has a higher number of women forced into sex slavery – 2,381, more than double Romania’s 1,154.

Even in the Netherlands, where prostitution is legally regulated – or perhaps because of this – the victim count is lower, with 993 women trafficked in 2010. A total of 651 cases were detected in Germany in the same year.

Eurostat also reveals that the number of human-trafficking cases in Spain nearly quadrupled in a year – from 443 identified and released in 2009 to 1,605 in 2010.

Lithuania, Malta, Luxembourg and Portugal have the lowest numbers of forced prostitution victims.

These figures have been published recently by the European Commission.

According to the International Work

Organisation (OIT), as many as one in five human-trafficking victims are male. They detected a total of 880,000 people forced into slavery, sexual or otherwise, within the EU in 2010, of whom 68 per cent were women, 12 per cent were underage girls, 17 per cent men and three per cent underage boys.

A total of 75 per cent of traffickers are men, and 84 per cent of them trap their prey in order to exploit them sexually.

Brussels has slammed the fact that in ‘free and democratic’ countries such as the European Union member States, tens of thousands of humans are deprived of all liberty and are forced into selling their bodies, and yet only six EU nations have implemented the Directive aimed to combat human-trafficking, approved in 2011.

These six countries are the Czech Republic, Latvia, Finland, Hungary, Poland and Sweden, with Lithuania, Slovenia and Belgium having adopted part of the Directive.

Provisions of the Directive include the harshest possible penalties for offenders, total support – before, during and after trial – for victims, maintenance of statistics on such crimes, and special protection for those who fall prey to traffickers to ensure they do not come to any harm from their captors or become targets for similar criminal organisations.

Javier Bardem agrees redundancy terms with staff following restaurant closure

Bond villain Javier Bardem has finally decided to close his Madrid-based restaurant, La Bardemcilla, and has agreed redundancy terms with his staff.

The actor, husband of ‘Almodóvar Girl’ and Hollywood darling Penélope Cruz, had to resort to opening an Expediente Regulador de Empleo (ERE), an official mass redundancy procedure, because it was the only route available to him given that the business is closing and the fact that he has so many employees.

The Bardem family – Javier, Carlos, Mónica and their mother Pilar – have agreed to pay all workers 35 days’ wages per year of service, as opposed to the 20 days’ wages required by an ERE, and their salary for the month of March.

Javier, who announced the closure of his restaurant on March 26, has said all along that he had no intention of falling back on the highlyrestrictive ‘labour reform’

devised by the current central government, which makes redundancies much cheaper and easier for companies and removes their need to provide sound financial reasons or show irrevocable proof of

disciplinary issues to enable them to get rid of staff.

The actor, who recently won a Goya for his role as the ‘baddie’ in the latest 007 film, Skyfall, has joined numerous protest marches against the labour reform.

Women Carrying Deformed Or Handicapped Babies Will Not Be Allowed To Have An Abortion

A forthcoming reform to the existing Abortion Law in Spain will prevent women from terminating a pregnancy if they find out the foetus will be deformed or physically or mentally handicapped.

In cases where an abortion is necessary because the mother’s life or physical or mental health is in danger, this will have to be accredited by doctors in writing and approval given.

Justice minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón says this should not be a ‘pretext’ or an ‘automatic justification’, but must be proven to be irrevocably true by at least one medical expert.

He says terminating a pregnancy because the baby would be born handicapped ‘goes against the convictions of the United Nations’ and that ‘live is not a discretionary concession, but an

unalienable right’ which is ‘not reduced due to disability’, and that ‘life should not attract a lower level of protection’ due to physical or mental handicap or deformity.

The law will also prevent girls under the age of 18 from having abortions without permission from their parents or guardians.

Effectively, the only grounds for abortion are where the mother’s life is in real danger or she could suffer permanent and serious health problems if she goes ahead with the pregnancy.

STEVE HAYES INFORMATICA

A Full Selection

Serving the local community since 2003

• PC’s • Laptops • Printers etc...

• Sales & Repairs •O n-site Call Out &Tuition • Consumables Website: www.shinform.net Email: info@shinform.net Contact us on Skype at Shinform

Greeting Cards Now Available

Great Prices Great Selection

Telephone 950 120 900

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

All Cards One Price

2€

Monday - Saturday 10am - 2pm Ics Shop within Knights Insurance Office Calle Malaga, Albox by Cutting Edge

Oak Exceptionally Furniture Low Prices...

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

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

950 10 42 72

www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com

7

8

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Tony Ellis

N N A A M M E E R R U U T T I I N N R R U U F F E HE T TH A C CA

N N A A L L B B A A T T S S O O C C E E H H T T N N O O WAS WAS QUALITY USED FURNITURE AT IT’S BEST

ck i qu g n i sell

tony ellis

to campoamor & pilar

park of nations

























calle villa madrid

calle bibao

calle san luis

tony ellis avda. diego ramirez

620 998 997

On CALLE VILLA MADRID No. 5, TORREVIEJA

NOW OPEN!

tony ellis La Zenia

10am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10am – 2pm SATURDAY

all major credit cards now accepted New opening times for Diego Ramirez Store

lidl

punta prima

to torrevieja

Avd. Diego Ramirez, No. 19 Torrevieja Tel:



cabo roig

TORREVIEJA

hurry I CRISIS PRIC ES! T ANIN OUR NEW STORE

c.c. Bellavista Cabo Roig monday – friday 10am to 9pm - no siesta Tel: 669 412 236 saturday 10am to 2pm

TORREVIEJA • CABO RoiG You’ve Seen The Rest NOW BUY The Best

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

9

Lagarde warns UK growth ‘not good’

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, has expressed renewed concern over the health of the UK economy.

In a report by the BBC, the UK’s growth numbers are “not particularly good”, Ms Lagarde said. But speaking ahead of a highlevel meeting of policymakers in Washington, she refused to be

Judge calls for Duke & Duchess of Palma’s last 10 tax returns

The court handling the fraud charges against the King’s son-in-law Iñaki Urdangarín has ordered him and his wife to produce their last 10 annual tax declarations.

Judge José Castro has asked for the Duke and Duchess of Palma’s tax returns dating back to 2003, which he believes will shed further light on the Nóos Institute case.

The request for these fiscal declarations came from the pressure group Manos Limpias (‘clean hands’), which has also expressed its support for Castro for his attempt to press charges against the Duchess, the Infanta Cristina.

But the prosecution service is against these charges, saying there is no new evidence that could incriminate her.

A decision is expected to be made in the next few days.

In the meantime, the judge says he sees no reason to confiscate Urdangarín’s passport.

Another judge in Barcelona, working for the Duke and Duchess, has ordered a ban on publishing of the couple’s personal emails after Urdangarín’s co-director Diego Torres and seven national newspapers printed text from private messages.

The

Club

Tel: 966 717 028

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

TO JIVE? LIKE THEN THIS IS THE BAND FOR YOU! THE CADILLACS EVERY MONDAY

4:30PM-6:15PM ENTRY 5€

BEST EVER

LIVE SHOWURSDAY

EVERY SAT

drawn on whether UK should reassess its austerity policy.

Her comments came as Mark Carney, the next governor of the Bank of England, hinted at his concerns over the UK. In an interview ahead of the meeting between the IMF and the World Bank, he said the US recovery was leaving behind “crisis economies” that included the UK, the eurozone, and Japan.

Mr Carney has been reluctant to comment directly on the UK ahead of taking the helm of its central bank in July. But he appeared to back Chancellor George Osborne’s view that were measures austerity important to promoting growth: “[Central banks] can provide the conditions for growth... but they can’t deliver the longterm growth...That needs to come from true fiscal adjustment and fundamental structural reforms.”

The IMF’s chief economist, Olivier Blanchard, urged the UK to rethink its austerity policy in the face of continuing weakness in the economy. But speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ms Lagarde refused to go as far: “We clearly support the [austerity] policy,” she said. “[But] we’ve also said that, should growth be particularly low, then there should be consideration to adjusting by way of slowing the pace [of austerity]. Looking at numbers... the growth numbers are certainly not particularly good.”

The IMF is due to arrive in the UK in May to conduct a thorough investigation of the UK’s economy as part of its “Article IV” consultations. The consultations are made annually, and allow the IMF to monitor member countries and issue recommendations about economic policy.

Ms Lagarde said she did not wish to pre-empt those consultations by giving a view on UK economic policy now.

So far, the IMF has supported Mr Osborne’s policy of cuts to spending in order to reduce the budget deficit. But in recent months there have been growing questions over whether austerity measures are doing more harm than good, not least due to weak economic numbers.

Since cuts were introduced in 2010, the UK’s economic growth has consistently been below official forecasts, and borrowing has not been significantly reduced.

Earlier this week, the IMF cut its growth forecast for the UK. It now expects the economy to grow by just 0.7% this year, down from its January forecast of 1% growth. However, Mr Osborne has insisted that the only way to ensure long term economic growth in the UK was to first bring down the deficit. (www.bbc.co.uk)

all you need in one place Monday

Thursday Fridays

The Cadillacs 4.30pm - 6.15pm - 5€ Pop House 8.00pm Fun Quiz 8.30pm Closed from 6pm for private parties Book yours now!

Saturday See guide below Sunday Karaoke with Richie Sparks 9pm

WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY 8.30PM JUKEBOX PROMOTIONS Presents TONY LEE’S TRIBUTE TO GENE PITNEY AND ROY ORBISON With Jukebox Legends TICKETS €8.50 Pre show meals available 7.30pm

BEE GEE PLUS DJ HELEN W 8PM 10€

EAL + SHO 2 COURSE M LY 9.30PM 3€ SHOW ON

every monday 8pm ‘ I DARE YOU TO TRY IT AND NOT LIKE IT’

THE BEST THAT B***O HAS EVER SOUNDED & SPOT PRIZES TO BE WON!

karaokes back

Every Sunday with Big FM’s Richie Sparks at 9pm

ONE NIGHT – 2 LEGENDS

SAT 27TH APRIL E S TRIBUT

pop house

y SAT 4TH ma

ribute t w o l i n a barry m DJ HELEN & k y r r e PLUS ch W 8PM 10€ EAL + SHO 2 COURSE M LY 9.30PM 3€ SHOW ON

ay SAT 11TH m

RIBUTE T e t i l e a abb € PLUS DJ SHHELEN OW 8PM 10

EAL + 2 COURSE M LY 9.30PM 3€ SHOW ON

10

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

SOLTIMES MARCH 2013

music with mark

R.E.M. were an American rock band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck’s ringing, guitar style and Stipe’s unclear vocals. R.E.M. released its first single, “Radio Free Europe”, in 1981 on the independent record label Hib-Tone. The single was followed by the Chronic Town EP in 1982, the band’s first release on I.R.S. Records. In 1983, the group released its critically acclaimed debut album, “Murmur”, and built its reputation over the next few years through subsequent releases, constant touring, and the support of college radio.

Following years of underground success, R.E.M. achieved a mainstream hit in 1987 with the single “The One I Love”. The group signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1988, and began to espouse political and environmental concerns while playing large arenas worldwide. By the early 1990s, when alternative rock began to experience broad mainstream success, R.E.M. was viewed by subsequent acts such as Nirvana and Pavement as a pioneer of the genre and released its two most commercially successful albums, “Out of Time” (1991) and “Automatic for the People” (1992), which are the 2 albums most recognized by people and the ones I will concentrate on. Released in March 1991, “Out of Time” was the band’s first album to top both the US and UK charts. The record eventually sold 4.2 million copies in the US alone, and about 12 million copies worldwide by 1996.The album’s lead single “Losing My Religion” was a worldwide hit that received heavy rotation on radio, as did the music video on MTV. “Losing My Religion” was RE.M.’s highest-charting single in the US, reaching number four on the Billboard charts. “There’ve been very few life-changing events in our career because our career has been so gradual,” Mills said years later. “If you want to talk about life changing, I think ‘Losing My Religion’ is the closest it gets”. The album’s second single, “Shiny Happy People” (one of three songs on the record to feature vocals from Kate Pierson of fellow Athens band The B-52’s, was also a major hit, reaching number 10 in the US and number six in the UK. “Out of Time” garnered R.E.M. seven nominations at the 1992 Grammy Awards, the most nominations of any artist that year.

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

The band won three awards: one for Best Alternative Music Album and two for “Losing My Religion”, Best Short Form Music Video and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

R.E.M. did not tour to promote Out of Time; instead the group played a series of one-off shows, including an appearance taped for an episode of MTV Unplugged and released music videos for each song on the video album This Film Is On. Late in 1992, the band released “Automatic for the People”. Though the group had intended to make a harder-rocking album after the softer textures of Out of Time, the somber Automatic for the People “ seemed to move at an even more agonized crawl”, according to Melody Maker.

The album dealt with themes of loss and mourning inspired by “that sense of ... turning thirty”, according to Buck. Several songs featured string arrangements by former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. Considered by a number of critics (as well as by Buck and Mills) to be the band’s best album “,Automatic for the People” reached numbers one and two on UK and US charts, respectively, and generated the American Top 40 hit singles “Drive”, “Man on the Moon”, and “Everybody Hurts”. The album would sell about ten million copies worldwide. As with “Out of Time,” there was no tour in support of the album. The decision to forgo a tour, in conjunction with Stipe’s physical appearance, generated rumors that the singer was dying or HIV-positive, which were vehemently denied by the band. R.E.M.’s 1994 release, “Monster”, was a return to a more rock-oriented sound. The album was not as commercially successful as the last two although it did spawn the massive single hit “What’s the Frequency Kenneth?” The band began its first tour in six years to support the album; the tour was marred by medical emergencies suffered by three band members. In 1996, R.E.M. re-signed with Warner Bros. for a reported US$80 million, at the time the most expensive recording contract in history. The following year, Bill Berry left the band, while Buck, Mills, and Stipe continued the group as a trio. Through some changes in musical style, the band continued its career into the next decade with mixed critical and commercial success. In 2007, the band was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. R.E.M. disbanded in September 2011, Stipe announcing the split on its website. I am a big fan of the music of R.E.M and play a lot of their tracks on my shows “Man on the Moon” is in my personal top 20 all time greats.

I would like to thank Ian for requesting the band and hope that I have done them justice in the article.

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

www.soltimes.com

BARBERSHOP TAKES THE COSTA DEL SOL BY STORM! Some 300 barbershop aficionados took Benalmádena, Málaga by storm when they arrived for their fifth annual convention last weekend. This is the second time that the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS) has based its event on the Costa del Sol. “Our delegates come from all over Europe, and we are keen to establish convention venues with excellent travel connections and accommodation.” said SABS Vice President, Lyn Baines. “This is the second time that we have hosted this international event in Benalmádena; it’s a great venue and we always receive such a warm welcome”.

Delegates were based in the Sunset Beach Club Hotel, with shows and contests taking place in the Moonlight Lounge at the Sunset Beach Club, where SABS also held its second international quartet contest.

Spangles, from Los Alcázares, Murcia, became gold medal champions of Spain and Portugal for the second time, also sweeping the board by winning all three trophies for top scores in music, presentation and singing. “We’re over the moon with our win,” said Gail Grainger, Spangles’ Musical Director “and to get the top scores is testimony to the hard work that the chorus has put in over the past twelve months.”

Madrid ladies’ chorus, The Barbees, won the silver medal and Southern Sound, from Fuengirola, Málaga, took the bronze medal.

In the quartet contest, Fourmidables from Torrevieja, Alicante were crowned Gold Medal Champions for the first time, having won silver in the last two contests. The silver medal went to Hanfris from Barcelona and the bronze medal was won by Cleftomania from the Algarve in Portugal. Hullabaloo from Torrevieja won the Senior Quartet Award and Fénix Quartet from Los Alcázares won the Highest Scoring Ladies’ Quartet Award.

The international quartet contest saw Tone-acity walk away with the gold medal and Simply 4 win the silver medal.

Both quartets are from the UK. The next SABS annual convention is scheduled for Calpe, Alicante from 36 April 2014 at the Gran Hotel Sol y Mar, right by the sea, with the national and international contests being held in the Casa de Cultura in Calpe. If you are interested in attending this event or would like to know more about SABS, you can find information on the SABS website: www.sabs.es or contact by email: lyn@sabs.es or gail@sabs.es Photographer: Michael Phillips

11

NEW AMBULANCE FOR MAZARRON On Saturday 27th April The Honorary British Consul, Antonio Berdonces Vivancos will present a new additional ambulance to the Ayuntamiento of Mazarron. The funds for this ambulance costing 57536 Euros have been raised over the past 6 years from events, donations and in this year an advance of 12390Euros from PALS, who together with Bahia Lions have administered the fund.

In these hard times it is good to see the expat population clubbing together to put something positive back into the local community.

The ambulance will be administered by Cruz Roja and will be based permanently in Mazarron. The presentation at noon will be held in the open market in the approach road and all are welcome.

President of PALS Ken Payne acknowledged the financial help of many organisations and individuals but in particular mentions Costa Calida International Radio and Lions Country in making this possible. PALS themselves have since the year 2000 donated health and life saving equipment to the value of 188414 Euros to local emergency teams including over 10500Euros to local team FAST and were leading agency in raising 6400 Euros worth of emergency medical equipment for the Lorca earthquake.

The new ambulance has been made available in advance of the Summer influx of visitors and holidaymakers. Any questions please call 626 460 465

Samaritans in Spain are seeking

a Marketing Manager and a Fundraising Manager to support members of the Trustee Board Both positions are voluntary and neither requires a full time commitment.

The Marketing Manager role would suit a retired marketing professional.

The role includes developing and maintaining a marketing and public relations programme which raises awareness of Samaritans in Spain and generates additional funding.

The Fund Raising Manager will be required to work in cooperation with the Marketing team, organising and coordinating events to raise funds and awareness of the SiS. The organisation operates from its new Multi-Purpose Centre in CC Punta Marina Torrevieja which houses the telephone call centre with the capacity to handle the recently introduced 24/7 service, a new Drop-in Centre for those who prefer face to face contact, and equally important a new Charity Shop to generate funds so essential to maintaining the current and future service. The successful candidates will ideally be within easy reach of Torrevieja and the centre.

For further information regarding either post please contact Chris on 689 301 724 Samaritans in Spain is operated by Costa Blanca Samaritans, which is a Registered Charity in Spain.

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 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

As last week’s column was about gratitude I would like to start this week’s column with a great big hearty felt thank you! This thank you is meant for one person – the name calling, shameless, gutless person who left a note under the windscreen wiper of my car last week. Why a thank you? Simply because you have highlighted that I am not perfect, which incidentally, is something I have never claimed to be.

I may not be as thin as I could be as you pointed out, but I am 35 kilos lighter and eight trouser sizes smaller than I used to be! This is part of the reason I am so successful at working with people who have weight issues and who are willing to face up to that and do something about it.

Surveys have shown that people who coach people to lose weight (note the spelling by the way! The word you used was loose!), have far more success with their clients if they have dealt with weight issues of their own. Slimming World was one of the first Slimming companies to recognise this and did not place limiting weight restrictions on their consultants. Weight Watchers used to have very strict rules regarding their consultants but once the they realised that people had more success in losing their weight with a more rounded consultant they relaxed their rules a little.

People respond to people who have struggled in much the same way as they have themselves. Losing weight is hard enough for some people, as they keep repeating the same patterns when it comes to getting to the weight they want to be, or in some cases have been told that they should be. One if the things that has always fascinated me is why people lose weight and then put it back on again. This is an area where I feel traditional diet clubs and slimming groups let their members down.

What do the majority of people do when they lose something? Take keys or a mobile phone for example; they spend an awful lot of time looking for what they have lost. Similarly, if someone loses a lot of weight without addressing the issue or issues behind the weight gain in the first place, the weight gradually goes back on – it is found again.

It is because of this I encourage my clients to look at releasing their weight and letting it go rather than to lose it.

Whilst they are releasing their weight I also encourage them to explore why their weight had increased in the first place and usually, there is a reason behind the weight

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

gain. Once this reason is identified I then work with my client to look at ways of dealing with the reason and doing something about it to ensure that they stop letting self-repeating patterns get in the way of their success.

Quite often this can be linked to self-esteem issues or other health issues, either way a solution can be found to enable the client to move forward and release their excess weight enabling them to live a more active, confident and better life.

At the same time, particularly where a lot of weight is being released, the client may need help and support in becoming the healthier and slimmer person they say they want to be. It is not uncommon for new challenges to get in the way of their success, as they suddenly have nothing to hide behind. Yes some people do hide behind their weight as it takes the emphasis off other things that may be happening in their life, which usually have negative connotations that they may be struggling with.

Let it be known that this is applicable to both men and

women and not solely women.

So, if there is anyone struggling with their weight for whatever reason let it be known that help is at hand.

You do not have to struggle on your own. Help can be given from distinguishing the right foods for you, meal planning, gentle encouragement and positive support, to enabling you to live a life full of confidence and vigour having released and let go of your excess weight. Help is on-going as you move forward in life and adjust to being the new you.

It is partly because of the comments I received last week attached to my car that I do the work that I do.

I started this article with a thank you, and I will end it with a thank you – again to the person who left the note: thank you for giving me an opportunity to highlight some of the positive work I do.

If any of these words above resonate with you and you feel you would like to explore the help that is available to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can contact me by email at info@ drewryder.com or by telephone on 968978876 or 660326194.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

13

radio controlled mar menor sailing group The Radio Controlled Mar Menor Sailing Group has just started its Spring/ Summer monthly race series.

Racing commenced on Friday the 19th running 6 races starting at 11.00 hours the wind was light and

from the North East. First Race started with a wind speed around 6 knots progressively rising to 9 knots over the next five races.

The Race officer for the day was David Atherton assisted By Tony Jones who

both acted as O.D. and Monitors calling out penalty turns for rule infringements, all races are run to RYA rules.

The course was a sausage and triangle which consisted of one lap of a windward loo-erd course followed

BIKE FOR LIFE DOES IT FOR MABS

On Friday, 19 April, JP’s Bar in Mil Palmeras held a presentation night for their annual charity event ‘Bike for Life’, held on 30 March, in aid of local charities. Supporters of the event included: JP’s Bar and Restaurant, and FamilyBikeHire.com from Mil Palmeras, together with Bar UK, The Greenwich and The Mail Room in Torre de la Horadada.

Over 70 riders took part in the event, raising a fantastic 2500 euros so far (with money still coming in), which was donated to three local charities, including MABS Cancer Support Group Murcia. MABS Care Co-ordinator, Barbara Burks, received a cheque for 1000 Euros. “We’re absolutely delighted” she said. “We support many patients in this area and this donation will be so helpful in continuing that support.

We are really grateful to everyone who took part and helped to raise so much money for local charity.”

JP’s Bar will continue to organise this annual event to raise funds for local cancer charities. “It’s a cause dear to all our hearts” remarked owner, Graham Lewis. “Everyone has been touched by cancer at some time in their life and we are pleased to do whatever we can to help.”

MABS Cancer Support provides help in many ways, some of which are listed here: • Drivers for hospital appointments • Equipment for nursing in the home – hospital beds, ripple mattresses, etc.

• Translators for doctor and hospital appointments • Therapy treatments • Telephone Support • One-to-one, professional counselling • Latest cancer information booklets • Share & Care Support Meetings MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call our HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit their website: www.mabsmurcia.com

CANCER DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE AND NEITHER DO WE MABS HELPS ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY CANCER, WHATEVER THEIR NATIONALITY Photo: JP’s Bar owner, Graham Lewis, presents the cheque to Care Co-ordinator, Barbara Burks. Photographer: Ron Burks

by a triangle. All starts, but one, were to windward, the fourth race was a wild card with a downwind start just to keep helms on their toes. One boat retired with a broken Forestay and 9 boats in total took part. First place went to a visitor Guillermo Martinez, Guillermo is a local builder of full size yachts and in his spare time enjoys racing radio controlled I.O.M. yachts I.O.M. stands for International One Metre.

The results for the first five places are as follows.

Place Sail Number Pts 1st 46 14 Guillermo Martinez 2nd 50 15 David Lees 3rd joint 114 25 Ernie Foster 3rd “ 45 25 Nigel Lane 4th 56 27 Stuart Lockwood Next monthly series race day will be Friday the 17th May meeting at 14.00 hours racing starting at the new time of 15.00 hours. We also hope to be joined by Carlos Martinez; Carlos is a J80 world champion. When Carlos is not racing 8 metre yachts and representing Spain in world heats he gets in some practise with his I.O.M. So if any readers have an R.C. racing yacht and would like to come along and join you will be made very welcome.

Thank you to all the other competitors for making it a very close run race. Also please remember that practise racing will also be held on all other Fridays starting in May at the same time as above.

For further information please contact David telf 968 170 870 or e-mail davidlees66@hotmail.com

Dry Cuts €8

Senior Gentlemen €6 Wash and Cut €12 Dry Cut and Sculpturing €8 Children under 5 years €5 Children under 16 years €7 Ladies Dry Cut €8 Hot Towel Shave €20 Highlights €29 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 2.00pm Walk in service, no appointments needed Camposol Sector B, opposite TJ Electricals

Tel: 664 051 612

14

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

British Bedding “English spoken”

Deborah Cubel fisher

“on parle francais”

7 years experience in this area legal & fiscal advice for residents & non-residents Tax Payments and refunds

• Wills and Inheritance process • Translations / Interpreter • Purchase / Sale private contracts • NIE’s, Residencia, Medical Cards....

• Land property and Catastro • Vehicle registration / driving registration licenses licenses • Conveyancing / Notorial documents • Mortgages • Taxes (local rates, rubbish collection, vehicle, tax returns for residents and non residents and refund of the capital gains tax)

Special offer !!!

Wills €125 / each Including Notary Fee

Yearly contract €149 Including VAT 21%

• Yearlytax returns (no increase if more than one owner, or more than one property) • Legal and fiscal advice FREE throughout the year • Free assistance / advice for any visitors staying at your property • Free visit from a technician / architect to offer independent expertise on matter such as: putting in insurance claims, confirmation of the legality of an extension / building work, free estimate for any work to be carried out

If you introduce another client to us you will not be charged your next annual fee

C/ del Mar, 33 - Galeria Alcana Local 11 Vera 04620 (Almeria) Tel: 950 39 06 21 Fax: 950 39 02 12 email: dcasesores@notin.net

In Spain NEW

SERVICE

We now deliver your order to The Sol Times office in Los Carasoles nr Cucador

for just 5€ Please call for more information

• 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 please contact Trevor on

619 584 405

Based in Albox, but will cover all areas

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FUNERAL PLAN ?

IS IT A FIXED PRICE ?....

Some companies may charge extra at the time of need

ARE THE SERVICES FULLY GUARANTEED ? .... will you get everything specified in your plan

IS THERE A 24 HOUR LOCAL BEREAVEMENT LINE ?.... or will you have to phone overseas

CAN YOU TRANSFER THE PLAN IF YOU RELOCATE ?.... does it cover all E.U. countries including U.K.

ARE YOUR FUNDS TOTALLY SAFE ?....

or are they subject to the fluctuations of the stock market like trust funds

ARE YOU COVERED IN SPAIN AND THE U.K. ?....

Insurances generally only cover you in the country of residence We advise people to check terms and conditions fully before choosing a plan provider

WITH A FUNERAL PLAN FROM IBERIAN YOU CAN SAY YES TO ALL OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS PLUS LOOK AT THESE EXTRA BENEFITS TOTALLY FREE OF IVA/VAT 5 YEARS INTEREST FREE INSTALMENT OPTION PRICES FROM 48.16€ PER MONTH ** THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY ** PRICES BASED ON A DEPOSIT OF 500€ FOLLOWED BY 60 MONTHLY PAYMENTS FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE 952 595 691 OR

Visit www.iberianfuneralplans.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

15

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

viewpoint

Ev e r Es c a l at i n g E x p e n d i t u r e Strictly speaking Lucy, the Dog That Is Not Ours, shouldn’t cost us anything, because she is not ours. However, it doesn’t work like that. Apart from her luxuriously padded indoors bed with its tasteful acanthus design on the cover she has an array of mats, which have to be placed in strategic places so that she can lie in the sun/out of the sun on the back/front terrace according to whim. All this needed buying, with money - but you can’t have the poor dog sleep on the hard floor, can you now?

Then there is her supper bowl, which needs daily replenishing with Mercadona’s finest bespoke dog food.

Of course, like all good children, when she has eaten up then she has to have a treat – more expense!

So far keeping someone else’s dog has seen a steady but acceptable trickle of cash disappearing from the Biggs back pocket, but she is quite happy about the situation.

Now an ugly black cloud has appeared on the horizon. I had a feeling that she wasn’t quite right, nothing specific, just not quite right. So we put the cage in the car, and the dog in the cage, took plenty

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

of towels to mop up the inevitable sick, and visited the vet. He confirmed my worst fears – Leishmanns. She has come up against the down side of her free spirited existence, roaming the campo at all hours of the day and night, and now is a sick little dog....or will be if not treated. We looked at each other and swallowed bravely. This was going to cost, and the trickle of cash being spent on José’s dog was going to become a torrent.

Or leave her to die a particularly nasty death? Not an option, not even for a second. We left the vet’s surgery weighed down with pills and injections, but much lighter in the purse.

I know that it is a waste of time suggesting to José that he might like to contribute towards the cost of keeping his dog free from suffering. He is not a cruel man, but he is a farmer from generations of farmers, and to him animals are for eating or for working. If they are no good for either, then they go. The idea of keeping an animal simply because you like it is incomprehensible to him, just as he sees no point whatsoever in filling the garden with useless but pretty flowers when you could be growing vegetables to feed you through the year.

So it’s down to us. Lucy will be treated, expense or not – because she’s worth it!

There but for the Grace of Dog

We were enjoying morning coffee and a rare pastry at our preferred cafe the other morning – basking in the sunshine and wondering what the workers were doing – when my English rose of a wife, suddenly mused aloud, ‘Why is it we love our animals so much?’

‘Do what?’ I spluttered.

‘Our pets - why do we love them? I mean, dogs do their business on the pavement and we faithfully scoop it up in plastic bags to dispose of it. And

they pee up lamp posts don’t they.’

I nodded in agreement, not knowing where this was heading.

‘And our pussies’, she went on.

‘They scrabble around in the litter tray and bury their do do’s, and dogs and cats sniff each other’s backsides and still we love them don’t we’.

The chocolate éclair I was eating had suddenly lost its appeal and I pushed the plate away.

‘Well for a start’, I said. ‘As far as I am aware, dogs do not sniff cats Khyber’s, or vice versa, but yes I see

what you mean. That’s just what they do; it’s the way of the world. Humans shake hands and do the kissy kissy thing and animals, um, well . . . kiss arse so to speak’.

Then I did my own bit of musing.

‘I mean; Eskimos rub noses. That’s not exactly hygienic is it? What if your missus has got a bunged up nose?

You could walk around with somebody else’s bogey on the end of your hooter and not know it. Like going around all day not being aware that there’s a bit of spinach stuck in your

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

teeth. It’s embarrassing.’

I paused for breath.

‘What made you suddenly think of all this anyway?’

‘I was just wondering who made the first decision to make wild animals into pets and I thought it might be something for you to write about’, my wife informed me.

I doubted that very much, but then after a bit more thought I reckoned that she might have a point and just to confirm it look . . . there’s over three hundred words already!

And she is right. At some point in time, man decided to domesticate the cat and dog, both of which are essentially wild animals. It’s a bit like the age old questions of who decided to eat the first egg, because back in the mists of time, some brave or perverted– I’m not sure which - cave man type; having observed a curious ovoid object appearing out of a chickens rear end had called to his wife to throw some bacon in the pan, because he had a great idea for that morning’s breakfast.

Likewise cow’s milk. Who in heavens name took the first plunge and started using the stuff on his cornflakes?

Cows udders are not the prettiest things in the world and as far as I can see, it can only have come about by accident or as a result of some elicit and kinky bovine/human liaison. But

ALQUERIA - The road to anarchy During Alqueria’s turbulent transition from small Spanish village to independent sovereign Republic one trapping of statehood was overlooked.

The legal system. When the laws of Spain applied, it wasn’t so much which laws to obey but which could be disobeyed with impunity. When people went too far the Guardia Civil would turn up. Driving around the village in a 4x4, elbows out of windows and mirrored sunshades, it was their attempt to intimidate. The occasional discarded piece of fruit or well aimed root vegetable bouncing off the car’s bodywork demonstrated that the people of Alqueria remained unmoved.

Now they had set up housekeeping on their own some semblance of law and order had to be maintained. Alqueria was however in an unusual and unique position. The Village had its Remitroot crop which meant self-sufficiency, dignity and autonomy. A reversion to the golden days of eighteenth century Andalucía. The dream of every atavistic Anarchist. Alqueria had emerged from an insignificant Spanish backwater to the closest thing to paradise in the northern hemisphere. Its a pity the population didn’t realise it. Relevant political ideologies usually imply that to get from Alqueria’s initial state to its present a total destruction of society is required. Alqueria managed the transformation without this intermediary step.

This is the crux of the problem the people of Alqueria felt cheated.

The occasional bout of wanton destruction always appeals to the good folk of the pueblo. Lawbreaking is almost second nature for the population. Do the law-makers create laws so they can be broken and therefore have to be enforced? Do they leave the Village Republic without statute and therefore retain a law abiding society?

There was to be a public meeting in the plaza in front of the Bar la Casa Devante. The question would be voted upon by the entire village.

This, the politicians will tell you is an exercise in pure democracy. The sceptics will say it is simply an attempt by those in power to abdicate responsibility and cover their hindquarters against failure.

The Bar la Casa Devante was a bad choice of venue.

Horacio Stranglardeganso, landlord of the Bar used the opportunity to introduce a ‘Happy Hour’, eight drinks for the price of seven.

Rodriquez, while putting the case for legislation received a direct hit from a flying Remitroot bottle and was rendered unconscious.

Manuela while putting her case for a lawless and therefore law abiding society was interrupted by five separate proposals, and they certainly weren’t marriage. Manuela’s passionate plea won the day by an overwhelming majority. The village-folk were duly put on their honour and asked to look to their consciences before they acted, spoke or even got out of bed.

That night the bank was robbed

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

16

let’s not go there.

I can understand how our canine companions evolved into the domesticated pooches we know today and traditionally, man’s best friend.

Dogs were used for hunting game and were therefore useful and even essential additions to the community.

The proximity to their human masters would naturally develop over time and eventually strengthen into the close bond that we see today.

Cats are another matter.

The oldest archaeological finds for domesticated cats, were found on the island of Cyprus believe it or not and date back some 9,000 years. There was even evidence that cats were buried in their own graves beside human ones. Perhaps Neolithic rats were a problem back then, or as Egyptian records indicate several thousand years later; cats were simply venerated as gods.

This last explanation is the more plausible one and I can relate to it entirely, because as an owner of a property that is lorded over by two sleek felines, I can confirm that they do indeed have the airs and graces of four legged deities.

But pigs are the biggest mystery to me. These guys are supposed to be the most intelligent of all the four legged creatures and moreover, they will eat just about anything put in front of them – including you if you happen to be taking a kip in the sty.

So potentially, they are great vermin exterminators and efficient trash collectors.

Why then, if they are so smart, did they not take the opportunity to make themselves indispensable to man all those millennia ago?

If they had, they could be fetching sticks and warming their trotters in front of a blazing fire on a winter’s night, instead of appearing alongside greens and apple sauce on the Sunday lunch plate.

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

www.soltimes.com

Members of the F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone) Committee, were ex static on discovering at the end of a recent “Nearly New” clothes sale held at the Bar internaciónal Diner, in Arboleas, 277 Euros had been raised.

F.A.C.E. President Adele Wrigglesworth, said “In these present harsh economic conditions, it is very heart warming to receive the support of the local community and it enables F.A.C.E. to continue its work offering support to local projects that will be of benefit to local citizens as well as National causes such as supporting cancer and renal organisations”.

The next F.A.C.E. Fundraising event will be a quiz night, which is to be held at the Bar Kubatin (Underneath the Hostel Meson in Arboleas) which will be held on Tuesday 14th May. For further information on either F.A.C.E. or the forthcoming quiz please telephone Adele Wrigglesworth on telephone number 667 255 094.

Report by Richard B. Tolman.

Photo - the F.A.C.E. Committee Celebrates – L-R Jackie Simpson, Pauline Marshal, Gilly Elliott-Binns, President Adele Wrigglesworth, Richard Tolman, Sue Pearce and Vice President Carrie Green

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

17

Clothes Fly Off The Rails for F.A.C.E.

flamenco festival a great success

On 14th April 2013 in glorious sunshine and overlooking the beautiful playa and marina, more than 200 people attended the long awaited Flamenco Festival at the Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel in Aguilas.

The event, in aid of the charity Helping Hands, was arranged by their Patron, Doña Beatriz Garcia Romera. Many local dignitaries and well known flamenco artistes were in attendance and the day proved to be a colourful event.

In addition to the Flamenco was an auction which included a magnificent Rooster (which now has a new home with many lovely lady chickens!), and a performance

by Oscar Fernandez, lead singer with The Berry Chuckett Trio.

Commendation Awards were also presented to those who have assisted the local community and the charity itself. Included were Furniture Plus - Mazarron, Clinica Veterinario Cervantes - Lorca, The Animal Hotel - Aguilas, Amelia Manzanara and

Rita Lenssons.

Finally the ladies of Helping Hands and their friends treated the audience to a Fashion Show displaying some of the beautiful garments donated to their shop in Calle Fuensanta, (situated off Avenida Juan Carlos in Aguilas).

For further information on the charity please contact Linda on 968 48 29 48.

Established since 1969

Accountancy, Tax & Legal Advice Taxes for Businesses & Individuals Payroll and Social Security Services for residents & non-residents Vehicle Transfer & Matriculation New office opening in Mojacar Manager Required Gestoria Salvador, a consulting company established in Almeria since 1969 is opening a new office in Mojacar and requires a Manager with excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Mojacar area.

- The individual must have experience in tax consultancy, legal work, book keeping and other administrative services - Spanish and English speaking is essential An additional language is advantageous

Send your CV with photo to our email

ags@gruposalvador.es

www.gestoriasalvador.info Tel: 950 237 155

18

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT

Can you CATCH depression?

Depression and the emotions associated with it can be contagious, according to a new study.

In a report by Mail Online, researchers have found that the gloomy mindset of students vulnerable to depression can be catching, making their friends more likely to suffer the condition six months later.

The research follows studies showing that people who respond negatively to stressful life events - interpreting them as the result of factors they can’t change and as a reflection of their own shortcomings - are more vulnerable to depression.

This ‘cognitive vulnerability’ is such a strong risk factor for depression that it can be used to predict who is likely to experience depression in the future.

Doctors Gerald Haeffel and Jennifer Hames, of Indiana’s University of Notre Dame, said that this vulnerability seemed to establish itself in early adolescence but remain stable throughout adulthood.

They decided to investigate whether it might be ‘contagious’ during major life transitions such as starting at university.

They followed 206 room mates who had been paired up randomly, all of whom had just started their first year of university.

The results revealed that students who were assigned to a room mate with high

levels of cognitive vulnerability were likely to ‘catch’ their room mate’s style of thinking and develop a vulnerability to depression themselves.

The reverse was also true. Those assigned to room mates who were not prone to depression experienced decreases in their own levels negative thinking.

The result showed that students who developed an increase in depressive thinking in the first three months of college, had nearly twice the level of depressive symptoms at six months than those who didn’t show such an increase.

Dr Haeffel said it provided ‘striking evidence’ for the contagion theory.

He added that the findings suggest that altering a person’s environment could be used a part of a treatment for depression because a person’s vulnerability fluctuates over time.

He said: ‘Our study demonstrates that cognitive vulnerability has the potential to wax and wane over time depending on the social context.

‘This means that cognitive vulnerability should be thought of as plastic rather than immutable.’

to give up smoking!

Spring SPECIAL

Cap 39.95€ Highlights

cut & Blowdry

GIFT VOUCHERS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

GOOD SIZE

Beauty ROOM TO RENT CALL FOR DETAILS

It’s never too late...

You know the facts already. Half of all long-term smokers will die from smokingrelated conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. So if you’ve smoked for 20 years or more, you may well think you’ve already signed your death warrant.

Not so! Quit before the age of 44 and you’ll live almost as long as someone who’s never smoked, according to recent US research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Over 44? Kick the habit before you’re 54 and you’ll regain six of those years lost to smoking. Do so between the ages of 55 and 64 and you’ll claw back an average of four years.

Want help and advice? Go to smokefree.nhs.uk.

Fab Gelish nails 15€ a set or 25€ fingers & toes New Colours Soak Off 5€

QUALIFIED BEAUTICIAN

Tuesdays Mens Cut

REQUIRED

TO WORK WITHIN OUR BUSY SALON Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona)

€8.00

Call for an appointment

950 633 086 722 294 384 Prices are subject to change without notification. Please confirm on booking. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.

Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5pm iFi FREE W Late appointments available on request

centro óptico

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

A Months Supply of One-Day Lenses

Graduated Lenses

Only €18.90

1 pair

€56

2 pairs:

€93

Hard of Hearing?

Come and have a free test!!

All accessories & various models available

Get Your Eyes Tested 28€ Single Vision For 96 € Varifocal FREE!

30% discount 30% discount off all for OAPs

Designer Sunglasses

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

19

Kick START your Meditation with a healthy eating plan

Recently I have been working with Eden Retreats in Spain who offer more than a Healthy eating plan. They demonstrate a professional approach with years of experience. Offering detox programmes, weight loss, boot camp and much more. They have a deep knowledge in general healthy living. People come from all over to spend time in this environment and kick start their own healthy living plan in a safe and relaxing space.

After working with one of their clients after a week I noticed each day how this client improved, from her skin to her overall thoughts about herself. This got me thinking that food also plays a major role in our lives today and if we do not spend some time looking at eating raw foods our energy systems are becoming so toxic that it is hard for the body to keep going some days!

Bringing Meditation and healing into the client’s life seem to speed up the process of selfdiscovery and assist her in moving forward quickly on ALL levels, because we are not just our body!

Sometimes getting in touch with that pure essence inside us can be difficult in this fast paced world so I would like to offer you a couple of techniques before I leave to attend the Amarvarti Buddhist Monastery in the UK, where I hope to improve and deepen my knowledge of Meditation.

Meditation Sit quietly in a chair with a straight back and begin with taking 3 deep breaths, then to quieten the mind say the following to yourself internally “I am breathing in I am breathing out¨ for 2-3 minutes, you will feel your body listening and it will naturally start to relax.

As you relax take your attention to your feet and see your feet growing roots and being rooted into the earth, at this point send as much love to the earth, she will respond back to you. This may come as a warm feeling in your body somewhere. Next send as much love to the sky, into the night or through the sun, do this through your inner vision with your eyes closed.

Once love has been sent to both the earth and the sky turn into your own heart and send as much love as you can to your own heart and stay in this loving space within as long as you wish to. By completing this simple meditation every day you will find that your energy levels will improve along with your connection to self.

If you would like to know why this Meditation is so important please write to me. I would also like to know how you get on and if you find by doing this 5 minute meditation twice a day assists you.

I look forward to writing about my visit to Amarvarti Buddhist Monastery at the end of May...

Written by Tracy Hughes at Meditation In Life, For Meditation Groups and One to One sessions please contact me at info@meditationinlife.com or see my website www.meditationinlife.com

Feel happier about getting older Stop feeling miserable about getting older - and embrace life to the full, whatever your age!

Change your vocabulary

Be honest: how often do you find yourself shaking your head resignedly and using phrases such as ‘In my day’, ‘It’s my age’ or ‘I’m too old for that’? Stop it! Banish these words from your vocabulary immediately. Don’t even think them. They can have an insidious effect and make you feel older than you actually are. Remember, it’s still “your day”. You haven’t suddenly ceased to exist because you passed a certain age. Live life to the full!

Stop comparing yourself to your PARENTS Why measure your own life against previous generations? OK, your mum may have seemed middle-aged when she was 40 while your granny seemed positively ancient at 65 - but times are changing. We now enjoy more career and leisure opportunities, better healthcare and longer life expectancy than ever before. It’s entirely possible your granny never even owned a passport - but nowadays, nearly half the UK’s over-55s are planning to travel the world after they retire, according to Aviva’s recent Real Retirement Report.

Stop wishing you were younger Wishing you were 21 again is utterly pointless. You’re never going to turn back the years, no matter how much you worry - so why worry at all?

What’s more, all that anxiety can actually make you look and feel older. Your body tends to respond to your mindset. The best antiageing attitude you can adopt is to be kind to yourself and accept who you truly are.

Need more convincing? People with positive attitudes to ageing tend to live longer than those who are more pessimistic, according to a Dutch study of 999 people.

Don’t try to act younger

Yes, we’d all like to have more years ahead of us - but you can’t make yourself younger simply by behaving in the same way you did when you had fewer cares and youth on your side. You’re not 21 any more - and frankly, why would you want to be?

You’ve lived and loved. You’re mature and wise; instead of trying to recreate your youth, focus on all the positives of that wisdom and experience. Acknowledge all the things you can do, not all the things you can’t. Don’t try and go back in time: concentrate on moving forwards.

Don’t dress ‘young’ Now, we’re not saying you shouldn’t follow fashion or shop in Topshop. And if you can still squeeze into that favourite little black dress you’ve had for the past 10 years, good for you! But instead of focusing on looking young, focus on looking good. Learnwhat colours and styles suit you; and you probably have a little more money to spare so you can invest in good quality clothes that flatter your shape. Besides, knowing what suits you now is far more useful than making pointless comparisons with the way you used to look.

Stay clued-up and connected While some of us try too hard to reclaim our youth, others go to the other extreme. For instance, we reject certain kinds of music, fashion, films and TV shows because we assume they’re not meant for us or we’re too old to enjoy them. Nonsense! If something appeals to you - whatever you’re age - there’s no reason not to embrace it. If you genuinely enjoy listening to the latest club sounds or want to watch ‘The Only Way Is Essex’, why the hell shouldn’t you?

Dra Monica Algañaraz Over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken For more information or appointments call 695 355 381 monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net Ctra. Baja no. 29A 1o c. Olula Del Rio

kim clark benefits consultancy

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

• 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

Osteopath Naturopath 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 APRIL 2013

...take care of your pets... woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery arboleas

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

Tracy 650 211 952 Comercial Carmona

e h I j o s

whatever pet you own you’ll be sure to find the right care here in the almanzora valley

For all your pet needs

SUMINISTROS INDUSTRIALES, S.L.

emergencies 663 524 003

€350

€200

Dalmation Pups

Chihuahua

Ctra. Nac. 340, 208 Huércal Overa (Almeria) Tel: 950 61 67 81 www.cvhuercalovera.es Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am 1.30pm, 5pm - 8pm Saturday 10am - 1.30pm

€360

Bichon Maltese

Clinivet

NOW IN - Hens & Chickens 8 Different Breeds Cheapest in the Area APRIL OFFERS

Animal feeds special prices

turre

Huge selection of fish & Equipment Top quality pet foods always in store Full range of all pet accessories All breeds of birds from only 3€

quality

Warehouse & Pet Shop - Olula Tel: 950 613 130

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

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

tanatorio 54

English Speaking Tel: ben 687 497 892

olula del rio

km

whole corn................................25kg.....€8.30 barley ..........................................25kg.....€8.30 broken corn ..............................25kg .... €8.45 wheat............................................25kg....€ 9.00 hen food....................................25kg...€12.65 dog food rabbit food.............................25kg....€11.35 20kg..€14.95

Olula Fines del rio

albox

a334

mercadona

baza 4

a33

We are here comercial carmona warehouse & petshop

Dra. Ellen Sobry

Clinivet now has a new digital x-ray which will provide a faster and higer quality of care to 0034 950 069 780 their furry 0034 626 171 999 Avenida de Almeria 1 www.clinivetturre.es Bis local 2, Edf la para, 04639 patients Turre, Almeria clinic@clinivet.eu

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

Dog & Cat Sitter service

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

676 389 592

www.soltimes.com

REVIEW it...

The Gathering by Anne Enright

The Gathering is an extremely dark reflection of the protagonist’s insecurities, especially guilt after the suicide of Liam, her closest brother in age and affections. The experience unsettles Veronica who plunges into the depths of despair and misery. It is a difficult book to read because it shows the disintegration of the human psyche through bereavement and what we are left with is the guilt and remorse. It contains many emotional truths which your average reader will find uncomfortable and distressing.

Enright won the Booker Man prize for this novel and yet many reviewers have been extremely critical of the book. I suspect that it is the worrying veil of darkness that hovers from start to finish. What I find interesting is the diversity of reactions but isn’t that the whole point of reading and reviewing? Wouldn’t it be tedious if we always agreed?

As siblings Veronica and Liam were close during their childhood shared with ten other siblings living in close proximity to each other.

“I am the one who loved him most” she confesses although she grew to dislike him as an adult and because of her affluent lifestyle at the age of 39, she is the one who automatically pays for the funeral, identifies him and brings him home to rest in peace.

Liam’s life was empty, meaningless and full of squalor and what a contrast with Veronica’s grandeur.

He was a “messer” and unreliable although his sister tells us he could be astute but simultaneously “blunderingly stupid.” The demon that finally tempted fate was drink and he turned vicious when he’d been drinking. When sober, he would lose things or simply steal. And then it killed him.

He was constantly restless and unfit for the adult world metaphorically having been left behind as if he had been frozen in time, living permanently in the seventies. In all honesty, Veronica always knew that Liam wouldn’t make it, that fate, for what it was worth, wasn’t written in the stars, it was written in the body or the bones. It simply means that he was always going to die young.

Liam was prone to boredom and decline, vague which seemed to be a Hegarty characteristic. Veronica chronicles the fated family going back to her maternal grandmother, Ada who she romanticises as pure and the things that poets wrote about but then distorts the poetical image, vulgarising her as if she was a whore. She blames Ada and how “each and everyone of her grandchildren went vaguely wrong,” and questions why she brought so much death into the world then she retracts this blame.

She also blames her mother for this chaos and producing a dysfunctional family: 12 children, 7 miscarriages, condemning them as her helpless parents who “bred as naturally as they might shit!” and ultimately for Liam’s suicide. And yet the complexity and ambivalence of her feelings come across: “We pity our mothers, what they had to put up with in bed or in the kitchen, and we hate them or we worship them, but we always cry for them.”

His suicide has such a devastating effect on Veronica in that it brought home many painful truths about her own life, marriage and family, her own illusion of the middle class dream. Life was about choices. She could go home and pick up the pieces of her fractured, miserable life and pretend to be happy knowing that her daughters didn’t need her or want her or even Tom, her husband. They would survive without her.

She visits old haunts during the night, drinking and driving trying to understand her own life and Liam’s death.

Within the novel sexuality is warped and seen as un-natural. When Veronica comments on Ada she also refers to her beau, Nugent who carried a torch for her all of his sad life and she describes a sexual encounter that seems more pornographic than innocent that may or may not have taken place. It is this man who was responsible for damaging Liam thirty years ago, destroying his innocence and filling him with terror. Veronica as an 8 year old, witnessed a scene which she could not comprehend as a child but which horrified her as an adult when she could!

After the funeral, she wants the family to know the truth that Liam was interfered with and this was the catalyst that sent him on a downward spiral on a course of self-destruction. As for the protagonist, she is unable to return to middle class suburbia and hovers around Gatwick airport in a state of limbo: “I have been falling into my own life for months. And I am about to hit it now.”

Her future seems as bleak as Liam’s decision to end his life perhaps for similar reasons? But then, knowing how indecisive Veronica is, she could simply go back home. With Veronica you never quite know the outcome!

Publisher: Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0-099-50163-3

Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

21

International Dawn Chorus Day International Dawn Chorus Day (Sunday 5th May) boasts a position as one of the most enduring and popular annual environmental events on the calendar.

The simple concept is of early morning gatherings to hear the dawn chorus at nature reserves, parks or other open spaces, often followed by a healthy, hearty breakfast!

An annual celebration of the world’s oldest wake-up call – the dawn chorus – and the beauty of bird song, this day i s now truly an international event, celebrated as far away as France, Italy, Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.

International Dawn Chorus Day encourages people around the world to celebrate and enjoying local wildlife; thousands of individuals make the effort to rise early and appreciate nature’s daily miracle; millions more get to here about the event and learn more about the need to conserve wild birds.

THE BIRDS OF ANDALUCÍA The Sierra Morena region north of Sevilla is where you find the Black Vulture,

lowland woods and forests. one of the country’s rarest birds - there are thought to be just a few hundred pairs here. Yet this may well be the largest colony in Europe, with most to be found in the Paraje Natural Sierra Pelada y Rivera del Aserrador, south of Aroche in Huelva province.

Equally rare is the magnificent Spanish Imperial Eagle; again, most are located in one place, in this case within the Parque Naciónal de Doñana. Other large birds of prey which can be found in mountainous regions include the Golden Eagle (and several other eagles) and the Egyptian and Griffon Vultures. Smaller birds of prey, such as the Kestrel, Buzzard, various Harriers and Red Kite, can be spotted in

A far more common sight is the large White Stork, which can be seen in the western region of Andalucía where they nest from spring to summer on electricity pylons, trees and towers. Water birds are far more plentiful, with many species, particularly in the wetlands area along the Atlantic coast; these include wild ducks and flamingos.

Look out for the colourful Golden Oriole, which can be seen in orchards and woodlands, particularly during the summer months.

The Hoopoe is a similarly striking bird, common in open woodlands and golf courses.

Last but not least, various Woodpeckers and Owls which generally inhabit mountainous woodlands.

22

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

braben’s blog...

Have you ever arrived at your holiday destination and wondered how the travel brochure managed to make such a mangled tin hut look like the ultimate in glamour, comfort and luxury? It may have happened to you, but I’ve come across something that beats even those far-fetched descriptions.

Just listen to this.

You know the way you use maps and other things produced by reputable people to help find your way around or to inspire you to plan exciting exotic trips? Well, don’t, or at least be careful what you believe and maybe check things carefully. There is an island in the South Pacific called Sandy Island which you can plainly see on Google Earth, in fact you can even hover over it and see a couple of photographs, allegedly of the island , though on closer inspection they do leave a lot of questions unanswered-snow on a Pacific island? A group of Scientists from a University in Australia were so intrigued by what they were lead to believe were some interesting features the island possessed that they undertook a 25 day voyage to get there. Guess whatyes, we’re spot on and we’re not even Scientists. It doesn’t exist. Not only is Google Earth left red faced, or should that be sandy faced, but also The Times Atlas of the World joins it in the “Oops we lost an island” club. Both spectacularly and undeniably seriously, geographically challenged.

I’m sure Google and The Times Atlas will want to sweep the episode of the misplaced island under the table-if they can find the table-but how did it happen? How did two well respected organisations lose an island, or at least show one that doesn’t exist? I have a suggestion. A pigeon’s skeleton has been found in a chimney in Surrey, but attached to its leg bone was a canister with a secret code in it. Speculation is that it stems from the Second World Graham is married War when pigeons were used to carry coded messages to Helen and has however, the codes were so good that contemporary a daughter, Alice. spies can’t break them. Could it be that the war effort He lives part of the year near Albox, included creating fictitious islands in far flung places but works in Qatar, to confuse the other side? This gives me an idea. Why teaching. If you wish don’t they hold the next “I’m A Celebrity” on Sandy to contact Graham regarding this Island? Just think of the huge numbers of annoying and article email: quite useless celebrities, politicians, Ants and Decs we helenandg@yahoo. co.uk could misplace!

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

Memories on wheels II

I started a new job in 2003 with a bashed up Peugeot 205 thanks to a crook crashing into me; luckily it was live-in position so I had no need to commute.

The insurance company wrote it off as being uneconomical to repair and sent me a cheque for 450 quid. Lady Luck appeared via a work colleague who moonlighted as a car dealer. He sold me a red Rover 216 GTI for £600. It was a joy to drive, fast and very reliable. I loved the car so much I drove it here to Spain in 2006.

In 2007 a Trojan horse or rather a Lada Riva 4x4 was given to me. It seemed a more practical car for driving the hills in so I made the fateful decision to sell the Rover ploughing the proceeds into renovating the Lada.1000€ and six months later the Lada was ready. I was impatient to go up hill and down dale in it and went off exploring, an hour later the big end went in the evil money pit car. The Lada was dead!

To add insult to injury the chap who’d bought my lovely Rover, returned to the UK and had sold it on to the local teenage boy racer. I enviously saw my old car zoom past me on a regular basis and then one day whilst walking the dogs I discovered the beautiful red car crashed and deaded against a huge boulder in the rambla. The stupid boy had drunkenly tried to go off roading in it!

Before moving from the UK I had bought a 4 year old lhd Fiat Punto JTD to use as a posh client car for Spain. Perfect for driving round town, it was absolutely useless for driving along Spanish tracks. Now the Lada

project was dead in the water the only option was the Fiat. It was so low on the road that the smallest bump would tickle the oil sump, in three years 2000€ was spent keeping mechanics in overalls or whatever it is they spend their wages on. Then just 2 weeks after fitting yet another new sump and 2 new tyres, the steering failed in Arboleas leaving me dangling upside down from the upended car. Regular readers still mention this to me as we were quite the tourist attraction in Los Carrascos.

Needing a car quick I found a Kia Rio estate and boy did that owner see me coming, for the next 8 weeks everything that could go wrong did. I ended up hiring a car as the bloomin thing was constantly off the road. Over the next 2 years nearly 4000€ was spent repairing a car that had cost 1500€. I should have bought a yacht!

So in 2012 we bought a very boring but reliable Ford Focus estate and what a bargain that has been. The Kia grumpily sat in the drive gathering dust until a visit to Rome when the wife and I fell in love with the new Fiat 500! We daydreamed about buying one until late last year a billboard proclaimed no deposit, interest free credit and 1000€ for trading in any old banger. Bye-bye Kia! Now for the first time in my life I have a brand new car under warranty! We treat it like royalty, parking it only where we deem it safe from harm. Yet twice already it’s been bashed into, the last time by a teenager on his moped breaking the Fiats rear bumper much like I did 30 years ago. What goes around….

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

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

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

Q. Please explain the situations in which a resident qualifies for non-payment of capital gains tax?

A. The first thing is to be able to prove to the notary the day of the sale

that you are in fact a Spanish tax resident. It is very important to realize that having what everyone calls the “residencia” issued by the police does not in fact prove you are a tax resident of Spain, and that if this is the only document you take to the notary to prove tax residency, the notary will consider you a non resident and you will be subject to a 3% retention.

To prove you are a tax resident your solicitor needs to request a certificate from the tax authorities, which can then be taken to the notary. If you suffer the nasty surprise of them saying that in fact you are a non resident, you will need to get this amended by proving to them that you are in fact a resident before they will issue you with the correct certificate for the notary. The best way to secure tax residency status is making a resident income tax declaration in Spain in June of every year. If you are going to sell shortly, request this certificate in advance to avoid last minute surprises.

1. The possible total or partial exemption from capital gains tax due to reinvestment (roll-over): If you are a resident and sell one property to purchase another of the same or higher price you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax. To benefit you have to have been a resident for at least 3 year before the sale takes place, and you must purchase the next property within 2 years of the sale. If you are moving to a smaller property, you can claim exemption of a percentage of the capital gains tax.

2. Claim of total exemption if you are over 65 years old: If you are over 65 and sell your main home (where you must have lived for at least 3 years as a resident), you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax even if you do not reinvest. If the property is owned by a couple and one member is over 65 and the other is not, you are allowed to claim the exemption in respect to half the price.

I f you do not qualify for any of the above exemptions the rate of tax applied to your profit is 21% for profit up to 6000 euros, 24% for profit between 6001 euros and 24000 euros and 27% of profit above 24001 euros.

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

property of the week ref.597 MOJACAR beach 189.000€

BANK REPOSSESSIONS

Macena beach, 3 terraced houses, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, on 2 floors, beautiful views, Private garage & store room, communal swimming pool, fully fitted Air-con, fully furnished, luxurious finishing, price before 575,000€

189.000€

REF.583

mojacar

99.000€

REF.590

bedar

329.000€

REF.594

garrucha

149.000€

new

bargain

First line apartment with 3 beds, 1 bath, terrace with fabulous sea views, newly equipped kitchen, living/dining room, beautiful swimming pool, semi furnished, A/C hot and cold, easy access.

Superb detached cortijo in very good condition, set on a beautiful plot with fantastic swimming pool and wonderful views.310m2 built,3250m2 plot,3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms,60m2 garage. Peaceful and private edge- of-village location.

First line beach Duplex with 2 beds, 2 bath, terrace with garden views, fitted kitchen, living/dining room with chimney, beautiful swimming pool and garden, A/C hot and cold, easy access, private underground parking.

REF.589

REF.596

REF.575

arboleas

129.950€

villaricos

129.000€

gafares

149.000€

Excellent new villa set in a superb location with larger than average plot 130m2 built, 1080m2 plot,3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, terrace, large covered porch, space for pool(10,000 euros + IVA), private, peaceful setting but not isolated.

Charming apartment in excellent condition with roof terraces giving wonderful sea views, only 50metres to the beach. 2 double beds,2 baths, air-con - hot and cold. Underground private parking and swimming pool, fully furnished.

Charming Cortijo in good condition with separate self-contained annexe, set in a tranquil location, yet within 15 mins drive to the beaches at Carboneras & Agua Amarga. In total - 3/4 beds,2 baths, terrace, large garden, garage.

REF.573

REF.587

REF.576

tabernas

110.000€

palomares

89.000€

carboneras

110.000€

Fantastic price - excellent detached cortijo in very good condition, full of character with separate self-contained annexe. Beautiful plot of 6,600m2 with lovely views.4 beds,3 baths,2 kitchens, air-con, phone, internet & sat TV connected.

Charming new 1st floor apartment, with 50m terraces giving wonderful sea views, close to the beach and amenities. 2 double beds,2 baths. Fitted kitchen, underground parking & store room, Green garden & communal swimming pool.

Excellent attic duplex in very good condition with 2 large terraces giving wonderful sea views - only 50metres to the beach. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air-con - hot and cold - throughout. Excellent location.

REF.595

REF.538

REF.096 mojacar village 69.950€

arboleas

138.000€

villaricos

239.000€

bargain

Excellent reformed Typical Spanish Country house, in very good condition, full of character with 21m garage and 64m store room. Beautiful plot of 2,000m2 with lovely views. 4 beds, 1 baths, kitchens, lounge with fire place, all mains connected, A/C, Internet connected ..

HARBOUR LIGHT, Charming first line town house, in excellent condition with wonderful sea & port views. 2 double beds,2 baths, Fully fitted air-con, Underground parking and swimming pool, sold furnished, very centrally located.

Penthouse apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, in the centre of the village, close to bars & restaurants, kitchen, large private roof terrace with fabulous sea views, excellent value for money, easy access to all amenities

23

24

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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

GOmaD Fashion Show Monday 8th April 2013 was the date of the Humanitarian Aid Charity GOmaD’s third Fashion Show. This Bi-annual event took place in Mariano’s Restaurant in Camposol Urbanization, Mazarron. As always it was well attended and therefore well supported.

Thank you to the eight volunteer models, Carol, Chris, Denise, Marge, Maureen, Pam, Sandra and Juana-Marie our lovely Spanish volunteer, for whom it was her first time as a model as it was for Maureen, and although nervous at first they all enjoyed having a bit of fun for such a worthwhile cause.

As always all the clothes worn by the models as well as the clothes for sale off the racks, together with jewellery, handbags and shoes were all generously donated throughout the year, many with good designer labels and of excellent quality. So we would like to thank all those generous people who have donated and are still continuing to do so for enabling us to stage this bi-annual event to help those who are less fortunate who live in this area.

Eddy B, our local Costa Cálida Radio DJ star supplied his time and music to make this go with a swing, and Tom was on hand to take the photo’s as always, a heartfelt thanks to them both, seeing as they were the only men in attendance amongst more the 150 women.

We would also like to thank Rosemary of the welcome group for letting us have the use of the screens for the models to make their quick change acts behind, and to Mariano and his staff for once again giving us the use of his large venue free of charge to make this occasion an easy and more pleasant event for

everyone.

Last but not least we thank all the GOmaD volunteer ladies and men who helped on the day in various capacities to make the afternoon go smoothly, and to Brenda, the compère, and Anne who organise these events with the help of course of many other volunteers.

The grand total amount of 1080 Euros was raised on the afternoon which just beats the amount raised at the Autumn/ Winter fashion show last year, thanks to the generous ladies who attend these events, they get good quality garments at a good price and know that their money is helping the local community.

We will be preparing for our next fashion show for Autumn/ Winter which will be sometime in October so please think of us when you are sorting out and packing away your winter clothing ready for the hot summer ahead, any unwanted good quality garments you think that are surplus to requirement would be gratefully received.

MABS HELPS CELEBRATE 125TH ANNIVER MABS Cancer Support Group was amongst the 35 local charities, associations and pedanias invited to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Santiago de la Ribera on 7 April.

MABS volunteers Alfonso Fernandez, Graham Lord and Sue Thomason were delighted to welcome a new, Spanish volunteer, Rafael Gomez, into their fold. Rafael proved invaluable in getting across information about the work that MABS does in the region and his input was invaluable in raising the MABS profile in the local Spanish community.

“We have been members of the Hotel de Asociaciones and Banco del Tiempo for some time” said Sue, MABS Centre Manager in San Javier. “Since opening the MABS Centre and shops, we have been embraced by the local community, which is something that we very much wanted to achieve.” The Hotel de Asociaciones brings together local associations and charities, and the Banco del Tiempo enables volunteers to dedicate a set amount of time to a charity. The Feria de Asociaciones was a huge success with

MABS raising over 100 Euros on the day hand information leaflets in Spanish. “We help a and we have several Spanish patients, but w ensure that everyone in the local Spanish c aware of what we do.” commented Sue. MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. help and support to local people of all nat have been diagnosed with or are being treat If you or someone you know would like som help or support call our HELPLINE 693 275 77 website: www.mabsmurcia.com CANCER DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE AND NEITH MABS HELPS ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY CANC THEIR NATIONALITY Photo: L to R = Volunteers Rafael Gomez Lord, Director de la Academia General del Juan Antonio Ortega Vazquez. Photograp Fernandez.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Schoolboy Football Tournament in Mazarron

25

HELP MURCIA MAR MENOR FORTHCOMING EVENTS......

HELP Murcia Mar Menor We help people of all ages with all sorts of problems!

Forthcoming Events

The Estadio Municipal, Mazarron, will host a youth football tournament on Wednesday 1st May. President of Mazarron Football Base, Don Miguel Campos, hopes that football fans in the area will support this competition which is for children aged 10-11 years. There will be four teams taking part – ACR Aguilas, Mediterranean Sports, Cartagena, Mazarron Football Base and a Murcian Football Federation select team. The Murcian Federation team which will be chosen from the best players in the region will be from the 8-9 years age group.

The eight-a-side games will commence at 11 am and will consist of two halves of 25 minutes each. There will be two semi- finals with the losers then competing for third and fourth place and the winners taking part in the grand final.

Trophies will be presented to the participating teams at the conclusion of the Final which should be at approximately 2.15 pm.

Admission is free and refreshments will be on sale at the Estadio Municipal canteen.

Wednesday 1st May MAY-DAY CARNIVAL at La Zona Bar, Los Alcazares from 5 p.m. till late.

Games for the children plus appearances by the Spangles Chorus and the Morris Dancers Tuesday 14th May Quiz with a difference at El Carmoli restaurant, El Carmoli near Punta Brava at 7 for a 7.30 p.m. start. Tickets are 11 Euros which includes a chicken and chips supper Thursday 13th June Afternoon at the Races at Viva Bar and Restaurante overlooking the sea, Los Nietos at 1 for 1.30 for lunch at 7.50 euros per person. Racing to follow. .

Saturday 22nd June Treasure Hunt starting off from Don Lorenzo’s, Los Urrutias. We meet at 1 o’clock for lunch of goulash or schnitzel followed by the Treasure Hunt, all for 12 Euros.

Every second Tuesday in the month there is a charity market at La Zona, Los Alcazares from 11-1 pm.

Every third Tuesday in the month HELP MMM’s general meeting takes place at Las Claras, Los Narejos at 11.30 for 12 noon Every Saturday morning there is a clothes sale at The Arches restaurant, Los Narejos from 10.30 to 1 p.m.

HELP has a stall at the Autocine, Los Narejos every Sunday a.m. 8.30 a.m. to 12.30.

Tickets or information about events available from Joan Mitchell 868 185685 or 678135467, Janice Clark on 968 134355, or the office 968570059

The Friendship Group of HELP Murcia Mar Menor will be holding the following events. Please feel free to come and join us - you don’t have to be a member of HELP MMM. Friday 3rd May we will meet at the Golf Deluxe on the road to Torre Pacheco at 11 a.m. for mini-golf and then lunch Friday 31st May stand up bingo at La Zona bar, Los Alcazares at 11.30 for 12 midday. Games are 50 cents a go. There will be vouchers given as prizes.

Friday 28th June Beetle Drive at 12.30 for 1 p.m. at Lui’s Lounge, Camping La Encina, San Javier.

Entry tickets are 7 Euros which includes fish and chips Ring Doreen Sykes on 637920882 or Janice Clark on 968134355 if you are interested in attending

ERSARY OF SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA

nding out many all nationalities we wanted to communities is

7261) offering tionalities who ted for cancer. me confidential 79 or visit their

HER DO WE CER, WHATEVER

z and Graham l Aire, Coronel pher: Alfonso

Slippery Floors?

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

www.free-sol.com

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

Solar electric systems Solar hot water systems Buy direct - no middle men no sales people - no subcontractors Quality European products Guarantees backed by 10 years of training in Spain Complete solar systems from only 1500€ including installation

10% price beater promise we will beat any other like for like price

26

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Est 25yrs

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR

SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENAMIENTO

310,000€ Mojácar Playa DV1262 79,950€ Al Andalus, Vera A1159 A very attractive 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, detached villa of 138 m2 on 747 m2 with a 2 room/1 bathroom annexe. In superb order throughout. Garage, terraces, gardens & pool. Good sea views.

80,000€ Mojacar Playa LV657 Pretty modernised townhouse of 60m2 + 20 m2 private terrace with lovely views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Off street parking.

Beautiful community gardens. Less than 5 mins walk to the beach.

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

125,000€ Mojácar Playa LV654

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

Quality furnished townhouse of 86m2 on 117m2 less than 400m from the beach.

3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, terraces, garden & off street parking. Community gardens & pool on a secure complex

85,000€ Mojacar Playa LV652 125,000 € Mojácar Playa SDV653 Lovely modernised townhouse of 60m2 + 20 m2 private terrace with sea views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Furnished. Pretty communal gardens & off street parking.

Less than 5 mins walk to the beach.

130,000€ Mojácar Playa A1156 250,000 € Spacious apartment of 67m2 with fabulous sea views very close to the beach. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge main terrace of 41m2. Furnished. Mains gas.

Community pool. Good rental potential.

149,500€ Mojácar Playa A1158

Turre

DV1264

Traditional style, very spacious, detached villa of 235m2 on 5,000m2 near to Cortijo Grande golf. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large terraced pool area. Only 5 mins drive from local beaches.

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.

349,950 €

Turre

DV1263

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

159,950€ Huerta Nueva DV1260 325,000€ Cortijo Grande DV1261 Charming detached bungalow of 86m2 on 578m2 in immaculate order. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Private parking, carport & garden with space for pool. Gas central heating. Pretty views.

Beautiful detached bungalow of 149m2 on 1,617m2, very privately situated, near to the golf course. Ample terraces, pool, garage & carport. Furnished. In 15 mins drive of local beaches.

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

rentals@pricebrown.com

Mondays 10.00 - 13.30 & 16.00 - 19.00 Tuesdays - Fridays 9.30 - 13.30 & 16.00 - 19.00 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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

property guide....

RENTALS REMAIN STABLE

Following on were Madrid (-1.1%), La Rioja (0.7%), Valencia (-0.5%), Aragon (-0.3%), Andalucía (-0.2%), the Canary Islands (-0.1%), Castilla-La According to the latest data from the National Mancha (0.1%) and Extremadura (0.0%).

Statistics Institute, the average price of renting a home in Spain remained steady in March, Meanwhile, El Mundo reported that rental compared with the same month in the previous VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT year.

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL 2 BEDROOM, The Institute’s figures show that, month-on2 BATHROOM, month the cost of renting a property remained pENTHOUSE APARTMENT unchanged, although so far this year prices have IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, fallen by 0.1% on average.

BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING Year-on-year, 10 regions lowered their average FANTASTIC VIEWS rentals rates in March, with prices decreasing cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com most in Navarra (-2.1%) and Murcia (-1.8%).

Vera Playa Apartment  Returning to UK? £69,000 ono

Apartment For Sale on golf course

MODERN PARKHOME (NW Leicestershire)

Private sale of this lovely home on a secure, well established, residential park and at an extremely attractive price.







> 2 Fitted Bedrooms

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

> Large lounge/diner > Inclusive fitted kitchen

now only

> Luxury shower room/WC

UK: 01455 293603 

Email: ronlen@btinternet.com

€39,950

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

27

prices rose in Galicia (+1.3%), Catalonia (+0.9%), Cantabria (+0.8%), the Basque Country (+0.8%), Castilla y León (+0.8%), Asturias (+0.5%), and the Balearic Islands (0.4%).

FOR THE LATEST PROPERTY NEWS GO TO WWW.KYERO.COM

O Olive

Bedar

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

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

Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

55,000€

This 2 bedroom apartment is in the village of Bedar, 20 minutes from the coast of Mojacar. It is a new build, third floor apartment with a lift access and great views.

OLV148

Property Sales • Property Management • Long & short term rentals • Insurance

We Urgently Need Quality Properties Both For Sale & Rent We Have Clients Waiting...

309 Paseo del Mediterraneo, Mojacar Playa (50m from Ferreteria Lopez)

Tel: 950 478 834

info@mojacarhomes.net

www.mojacarhomes.net

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

Apartment in Mojácar only €49,950!

Great opportunity to purchase a south facing fully furnished 1 bed / 1 bath Apartment situated on a small complex right on the frontline of Mojacar Playa.

The apartment has a built area of 47,56mts². It has been

Just reduced!

completely refurbished and has new floor tiles throughout, living room with an electric wood effect heater and also air conditioning, brand new fully fitted kitchen, brand new bathroom, and a double bedroom.

This is a must see property and the low asking price makes it very attractive.

For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1348

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

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

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

soltimes

www.soltimes.com daily

28

Local News

What’s happening in your area?

What’s on?

Where to go? What to do?

Local Business Directory

All your local businesses at your fingertips

Sky News

Live local & international News feeds

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.

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

Sol Insure A New Ray Of Light For Insurance

Looking Around for Insurance or Renewal Due?

Sol Insure

Let find the best policy for you!

Providing the best cover at competitive rates

info@bwispain.com

950 472 098

www.soltimes.com

FOOD & ENTERTAINING

Meet Britain’s youngest head chef

Move aside Gordon Ramsay, there’s a new head chef in town. But Justin Bieber lookalike Luke Thomas isn’t any old head chef. At just 19 years old, he is the UK’s youngest and already has a cookery CV to rival that of Jamie Oliver.

The floppy-haired youngster from North Wales has trained alongside the likes of Heston Blumenthal and Gary Rhodes and worked at fine-dining celebrity hotspots such as The Fat Duck and the 7* Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

The Mail Online reports that Luke, who is likely to become quite a hit with the ladies, began cooking at the tender age of 12 and now cooks up a storm every single day in his own restaurant between 7am and midnight.

And there’s no stopping the ambitious chef, who is about to open the doors to a new pop-up restaurant.

Opening next month, Luke’s new haunt will be set above Embassy in plush Mayfair, where Prince Harry regularly parties.

The pop-up restaurant, which will open its doors for just six months, is in conjunction with famed hotelier Mark Fuller.

Dishes likely to feature on the menu include his delicious signature dish: a curry with scallops, crispy mussels and mango.

Fuller is so confident about Luke’s skills that he has dubbed him the new Marco Pierre White.

But Luke’s true hero is popular TV chef Jamie Oliver.

Speaking to Hello! magazine he said: ‘I’m a big fan of his.

‘He gives people what they want, he cooks food that people can go away and cook at home, his restaurants are accessible.

‘I need to follow this model because what he’s done is create this empire which is so successful.’

And for those hoping to get a glimpse into Luke’s culinary world, a new fly-on-the-wall documentary will follow his first year of his restaurant opening: Luke’s Fine Dining at Sanctum on the Green, near Marlow in Berkshire.

Speaking about his foodie brainchild, he said: ‘Although Luke’s Dining Room is a little bit more refined in the sense of the food, I call it the mix between a gastro pub and a restaurant.

‘It’s not as casual as a gastro pub and not as formal as a restaurant, it’s just got great food, great wine and great service.’

Watch out Jamie Oliver!

McDonald’s announces plan to source all pork on its UK menu from British farms that meet strict animal welfare standards

Fast food giant McDonald’s will source pork for its UK restaurants from British farms to meet strict animal welfare criteria from the end of the month, it has announced.

All sausage and bacon on its menu will be 100 per cent Freedom Food pork from farms meeting standards set out by the RSPCA on how pigs are reared.

The move will make it the UK’s second biggest buyer of pork from the Freedom Food scheme, which goes beyond industry standards and legislation to demand better treatment for animals.

From the end of April, all pig farmers that supply McDonald’s will be required to provide bright, airy environments, bedded pens and plenty of space for pigs to move around in, the company said.

Almost a third of British pig farmers meet the RSPCA Freedom Food standards.

McDonald’s said it hoped its support for the scheme would encourage more producers to

29

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

adopt the criteria on their farms.

A poll of 2,000 people carried out on behalf of McDonald’s found almost three-quarters prefer to buy food produced from farms with high welfare standards in place.

People rank price, animal welfare and traceability of products as the top factors influencing buying decisions, the survey revealed.

David Squair, chief executive of the RSPCA’s Freedom Food scheme, added: ‘The Freedom Food market has been growing for a number of years, but having one of the UK’s biggest restaurant chains serving only Freedom Food logo-ed pork on its menu marks a major milestone for animal welfare.

‘McDonald’s has shown it is possible to bring higher welfare food to consumers on the high street, and we hope that other restaurants will follow McDonald’s lead and more farmers will be inspired to adopt world-class animal welfare standards.’

Farming Minister David Heath welcomed McDonald’s announcement.

FRANKIE’S bar Hotel Street, Vera Playa

Sky Sports and ESPN HD Sports

Showing all Premiership Games

Thursday - Cash Quiz Fridays - all day from 1pm fish & chips 8€ booking essential book now for sunday lunch only 6€

full english breakfast 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, hash brown, mushrooms, tomotoes, beans & 2 slices of toast bar meals available

only 6€

Tel: 662 47 48 61 FREE La

VidaBar El

Cucador

TUESDAY bar specials

5€ wednesday supper 5€ Thursday Pie Night 5€ Spicy Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

Half Roast Chicken Chips & Salad Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas SERVED 6-9PM ladies friendly darts wed 8pm

all welcome

all Premier league Luncheon football live 2 courses

tapas 6 €uro

Selection

1€ Each

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 • lavidacucador@gmail.com book the Venue: For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover

Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Fantastic New menu of the Day only 10€ per person

Friday 26th April

7th Anniversary 3€ Entry.

Entertainment with Opium Buddha’s

Coming in June The Return of Rich Lucas with his Rat Pack Tribute

Chicken, Chips, Salad & a Only Bottle of Wine per 2 People 15€

ABBA

Madness

Friday 10th May

Friday 31st May

telephone: 950 473 135 mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach

Open 10am till late 7 days a week

s Fish & Chip with tter d Brea & Bu

5.95€

30

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

food news. . .

INCREDIBLE SHRINKING PIES!

High Street bakery Greggs has been slimming down its food - while still pushing up the prices. Several of the store’s bestselling savouries, including steak bakes, bacon rolls and pizzas have shrunk in size.

But the bakery giant has defended the shrinking size of its food, saying it is better on the waistline The worst hit is the breakfast bacon roll, which has shrunk by 18 per cent, from 152g to 124g since last May. According to a report by Mail Online,

pasties and pizzas have gone down by five per cent, while chicken subs sandwiches have become six per cent smaller and cheese and bacon wraps have shrunk by seven per cent.

Even Greggs’ famous steak bake, relaunched in March with ‘even more delicious prime steak’, has shrunk its protein content by 15 per cent.

In addition, Yum-Yum doughnuts and triple chocolate muffins have slimmed down by seven per cent and lemon drizzle doughnuts

The BUTCHERS Carnicera

Opposite Super-Turre supermarket

Quality English Cuts Especialistas en carnes Ingles

Specialising in English cuts of meat homemade sausages & burgers English Cheese, Bread,Pies, Pasties Freezer Section, and much more......

ARRIVING SOON

Oak Cask Wines & fruit & vegetables

Tel: 634 31 26 12

Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm & Saturday 9.30am - 4pm

are eight per cent smaller.

have to pass on.’

An investigation by trade magazine The Grocer found Greggs, which has 1,671 stores around the UK, has shrunk the treats at the same time as pushing up its prices.

The move comes after the bakery giant forced Chancellor George Osbourne to back down in the controversial ‘Pasty Tax’ storm last year.

The bakery giant had admitted to ‘reluctantly’ putting up the prices but said that where there have been changes, it is the result of improvements, such as the reduction in fat, salt and or sugar.

And it follows criticism from consumer watchdog Which? that the size reductions can be an underhand way of hiking prices.

Which? Magazine executive director Richard Lloyd told The Grocer that reducing the size of products was not fair on consumers.

A spokeswoman for Greggs refused to confirm exactly which products had gone up in price but on its website Greggs admitted that it had ‘reluctantly changed the price of some of our food with very minor increases.’

She said: ‘A small number of product recipes have changed driven by customer feedback and nutritional guidelines, which has reduced these product weights.

‘These changes have been made over a long period of time, and our prices always remain at the great value our customers expect from us.’

She added: ‘Greggs leads the bakery industry by being transparent about our food and providing detailed nutritional information about our products.

‘We are constantly reviewing our products and making changes and improvements to them, and we update the product information and nutritional content for our customers on our website and our in-shop information leaflet.

‘Where changes in weight do occur, this is normally the result of improvements to specification such as reducing fat, salt and/ or sugar.’

He said: ‘Shrinking products can be a way of raising prices, because pack sizes shrink but prices don’t.’

The hidden price hike strategy started with popular chocolate bars and sweets but quickly spread to a wide range of foods and everyday household products.

Only last month Which? reported that big name brands are shrinking products by up to a quarter, but the prices aren’t dropping.

And in some cases, they’ve even increased.

The consumer magazine says it had uncovered a selection of everyday products that now offer poorer value for money than before The magazine said: ‘We found a pack of Birds Eye beef burgers had four fewer burgers in it - now 12 instead of 16.

‘We also discovered Pledge furniture polish had shrunk by 17 per cent. But the prices had stayed the same or risen. In fact, anything from bags of crisps to packs of dishwasher tablets are getting smaller. We asked the makers of these products why they had shrunk them, and were generally told that, in the face of rising costs they chose to shrink products rather than increase prices.’

‘Food inflation will have an impact, along with other cost rises like energy’, he said.

A survey of Which? members found that 58 per cent say they would rather prices rose than packs got smaller. A further 37 per cent would rather the pack shrank, but only if you were told. Only three per cent said it was fine for the pack size to shrink and not be told about it.

‘We will try and protect our customers but sadly there will be rises in commodities we

‘We think that this can be an underhand way of raising prices,’ said Which?

Former Greggs chief executive Ken McMeikan warned in January that ‘significant’ price hikes on commodities including flour, pork, poultry and beef could mean price increases in 2013.

Bay bistro Next to Mediterraneo, Mojacar Playa

The Fresh Food Restaurant

Menu del Dia Deli Sandwich ONLY 9.95€ Menu Menu de la Noche from 6.95€ ONLY 12.95€ Full a la Carte all new e Menu sping tim Available menu open e daytim gs in n e & ev

Sunday Lunch Special

3 Courses

Including Roast of the Week

closed tuesday’s

Only 9.95€

628 Tel:Tel: 950 450 199761 • 628391 761 391

To avoid disappointment please call and reserve your table

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

send your recipes to editor@soltimes.com

horse meat scandal: Food Standards Agency to be investigated over its response

d Goo

31

Grea tF rie nds YELLOW

s e m Ti

STONE BAR

Food Around The World Dining Group On the last Sunday of every month starting 28th April from 12 noon

On the last Sunday of each month The Yellow Stone Bar will be holding a “Food Around The World” dining experience. You will need to pre-book your table and pay a 5€ deposit. We will visit a new country each month and sample traditionally cooked food of that country. The menu will consist of a salad followed by a choice of starters, choice of main courses and a choice of desserts. A glass of Red, White or Rose wine will be served with the main course and the total cost will be 11.95€ per person.

On Sunday 28th April

we are going to visit

THAILAND

so book early to avoid disappointment!

An independent review is set to be carried out into the Food Standards Agency’s response to the horse meat scandal.

The review board, headed by Professor Pat Troop will have unrestricted access to all relevant documents held by the body.

A report by Mail Online states that the move follows criticism of the FSA’s handling of the horse meat scandal with Labour’s shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh branding the FSA ‘unfit for purpose’.

The findings of the review will be submitted to the Food Standards Agency in June for publication.

The project will feed into a larger Government review of the scandal which forced supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Waitrose to clear their shelves.

The news comes just days after Dutch authorities announced they would recall 50,000 tons of meat sold as beef across Europe that may contain horse meat.

The FSA later confirmed that the meat did come to factories supplying supermarkets in the UK. It is believed that the much of the suspected horse meat originated in countries such as Romania before being packaged elsewhere in Europe and sold on as ready meals in the UK. Professor Troop said: ‘The Government’s fragmentation of the FSA in 2010 has left our food regulatory system unfit for purpose.

‘The FSA knew that the Irish were testing for horse meat last November,

yet did nothing until positive results came back. The FSA also needs to explain why 14 horses that tested positive for bute entered the human food chain before the FSA issued a recall notice.’

The fiasco caused shockwaves across the UK supermarket industry with giant Tesco announced their first fall in profits for 20 years following the scandal.

Meanwhile Co-op, Asda, Sainsburys and Waitrose also also suffered thanks to the fallout from the scandal which was first unearthed by Irish food safety chiefs.

It will then be down to the Diners to decide the next destination for the following month and this will be announced the following day on the notice board.

We can also keep you up-to-date by email or you can follow us on Facebook!

Bookings are mandatory and on a “first come first served” basis.... we look forward to seeing you!

ITV Find us in Piedra Amarilla CENTRE For more information and phone orders ← Albox Fines → call Paul: 634 332 178

yellowstonebar@gmail.com

Yellow Stone 1km Piedra Amarilla →

Los Mellizos Restaurant

La Alfoquia, Zurgena

Professor Troop previously served as chief executive of the Health Protection Agency for five years and deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health between 1999 and 2003.

Europe’s horsemeat scandal erupted in January, when testing in Ireland revealed that some beef products also contained equine DNA, and the problems then spread across the continent.

The scandal ensnared numerous wellknown brands, prompting product withdrawals, consumer concerns and government investigations into the region’s complex food-processing chains.

In the Commons last month, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson described the adulteration of food products with horsemeat as a ‘criminal conspiracy which covers 23 countries’.

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

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

Tlf: 667 919 025

32

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

view us online www.soltimes.com ALBOX

Bar Menu & Snacks Home-made puds

Burgers, Lasagne, pies, Omelettes, chilli plus

All Day Breakfast from 9am

MENU DEL DIA

onl y €

2 Courses

5

served 12 - 3 except Fri & Sun

Includes FREE Tea or Coffee

friday & SATURDAY

Cod ‘n’ ChipS

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

Friday & Saturday

Our Restaurant is Open 6pm-9pm

EVENING from MENU 5.95€

Traditional SUNDAY LUNCH

ly Delicious & Home-cooked n 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

Starters, Puddings - 2€ each

SUNDAY SERVED 10AM-12PM

BREAKFAST

Activities at Friday 3rd May

‘Rod Stewart Sings’ plus all your favorites

Come along and enjoy the voice of

Steve Fisher from 9pm

FREE Admission Booking a table is advisable

Monday Line Dancing with Gillie 2:30

ROCK’N’ ROLL 7:30PM

Tuesday Quirky Quiz - 7:30pm Wednesday Line Dancing with Carrie

2:30-4:30 & 7:30pm

Thursday Ceroc Dancing & Fun Social

Night 7:30pm

PLUS...

Art Classes (held most days)...Computer Club ...Keep fit & slimming classes

check the board for times

ALBOX

BP Garage

•••

← ARBOLEAS BAZA → Av•••AL . L BO ep an X → to jacksalbox@gmail.com

OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN @

f o r e w o p e th carrots!

950 120 718 / 610 641 567

Carrots are the new weapon in the war against prostate cancer, scientists have claimed.

A study led by Professor Norman Maitland at the University of York says a diet rich in Vitamin A could be the key to beating the disease because it makes it more treatable.

The researchers have discovered that retenoic acid, a chemical made from Vitamin A, can reduce the ability of the cancer to invade surrounding tissue.

Vitamin A can be found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy green vegetables such as kale.

Prof Maitland said: ‘If the cancer is confined to the prostate it’s much more treatable with conventional medicine. This is about

prevention rather than cure but it can stop the spread of cancer.

‘We have found that specific twin genes are turned off in malignant prostate cancer stem cells. When we turn them back on using retenoic acid, the cancer becomes less aggressive.

‘It has been known for many years that low vitamin A in samples of men’s blood is associated with prostate cancer, but nobody knew the mechanisms involved.

‘This is an exciting new development which links an element from our diet to prostate cancer stem cells.’

Each year 41,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 10,000 die of the disease.

British woman launches sugar-free champagne

A former BBC presenter is taking on the French at their own game by launching a sugar-free champagne.

Amanda Thomson was inspired to create a lowcalorie version of the luxury drink after her job as a showbiz reporter made her worry about gaining weight from attending VIP parties. So she left her job as a journalist at BBC London and moved her family to Paris, where she studied under one of the world’s pre-eminent wine experts.

Ms Thomson, 40, has just signed an agreement to get her products into a topclass restaurant in the New Forest, and is hoping to bring it to leading mine merchants across the UK. ‘I developed a love of champagne when I was

working as a showbiz reporter in London and basically lived off fizz and canapés as I was at parties and events all the time,’ she told the Evening Standard.

‘I started to think about the taste and what I liked rather than just glugging it, and decided I wanted to make wine my career - which is why my husband and I decided to move to Paris.’

Last year, Ms Thomson graduated from a wine course at the elite Cordon Bleu cookery school. She was then hired by the Penet family to create a ‘zero dosage’ champagne at their vineyard in the Champagne region of north-east France.

Zero dosage fizz does not have sugar added during manufacturing, unlike traditional champagne.

Ms Thomson’s wine has just 60 calories in each glass - significantly less than the 100 calories found in most sparkling wines.

‘The French don’t really care about calories, but it’s proving to be very popular in Britain and in the emerging Asian markets,’ the budding winemaker said. ‘It has an amazing taste but without the calories, which women in particular love.’

The Alexandre Penet Zero Dosage Extra Brut champagne retails for £49.95 online.

Ms Thomson recently agreed a deal to stock the wine at Hartnett Holder & Co, a new restaurant in the New Forest helmed by Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

Spinach & Pecan STARTER Filo Mini-Tarts

...FOOD & ENTERTAINING Marinated Grilled Lemon Chicken

MAIN

INGREDIENTS METHOD

INGREDIENTS Filo pastry (about 5 to 6 sheets) 2 tbsp red currants 200 fresh spinach 80g blue cheese 2 eggs + 2 egg yolks 4 tbsp cream Olive oil 4 tbsp pecans

METHOD Preheat your oven at 350 F (180 C).

Grease a muffin pan (for 6). In each mould, place 2 to 3 layers of filo pastry cut to match the size of the mould and each time, brush the filo pastry with olive oil.

Wash the spinach and cut it coarsely.

Crumble the cheese.

Mix together the spinach, cheese, pecans and red currants. Divide between each mould.

Beat together the eggs, egg yolks and the cream.

Season with pepper and salt. Pour over the vegetables.

Place in the oven for about 25 mins.

Check regularly as the filo pastry cooks quickly and you do not want it to burn!

dessert

Balsamic Str awberry Shortcake

6 bone-in chicken breasts, skin on 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced 1tbsp lemon zest ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning 1 tsp garlic, minced ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Place in large zip-lock bag and set aside.

Whisk together the rosemary, lemon zest, lemon pepper, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.

Pour over the chicken, seal the bag and massage the chicken until the marinade is evenly distributed.

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour.

Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil.

Grill the chicken over a medium flame until the juices run clear when poked.

Remove from the flame and allow to rest for 10 minutes under a sheet of tin foil.

Serve with green salad

INGREDIENTS

Slice the fresh strawberries lengthwise and place in a small mixing bowl.

Toss with 1 tablespoon of sugar and balsamic vinegar with the strawberries until evenly coated.

Set aside and allow to rest for at least 2 minutes.

Add the heavy whipping cream to a chilled mixing bowl. Whip the cream on high for 1 minute with a mixer that is fitted with a whisk attachment.

Slowly add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue to whip until soft peaks form.

Slice the biscuits in half lengthwise and place the bottoms on a plate.

Evenly spoon the strawberry mixture on top of each biscuit.

Spoon a dollop of whipped cream onto of the strawberries and then place the biscuit top on the side.

Finish with a final dollop of whipped cream.

Serves 4 – 6 people depending on the size of the portion.

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp sugar 4–6 buttermilk biscuits 1 cup heavy whipping cream

our y d n e s o t t e don’t forg to: s e p i c e r e t i favour om .c s e m i t l o s editor@ HERE! m e h t t n i r p & we’ll

33

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

Start (8) Pharynx (6) Showman (10) Biblical garden (4)

Down 1 A fragrant oil used in perfumes and insect repellent (10) 2 Indecent (8) 3 Disembowel (10) 4 Add (4) 5 A Freudian stage (4) 6 An unwholesome

atmosphere (6) 7 Ship steering mechanism (4) 14 Proof of innocence (5) 15 Responsibility (10) 16 Counted (10) 19 Imposes (8) 21 Flora and fauna (6) 24 Fictional captain (4) 25 As well (4) 26 Acquire deservedly (4)

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1 Mess up or change leaders (8) 2 Cherishing garnitures, perhaps (10) 3 Ask for one new life (in France) without Tory leader (6) 4 In good party, within a kilometre’s realm (7) 5 Items adapted in fish over home (8)

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.

8 Company (4) 9 A day for lovers (10) 10 Creeks (6) 11 Being the exact same one (8) 12 At one time (4) 13 Expounds (10) 17 Scheme (4) 18 Lengthwise (5) 19 Prefix indicating “Equal” (4) 20 Strolling (10) 22 Small insect (4)

23 27 28 29

HARD SUDOKU

Across

8 Went faster than a new tour (new at first) (6) 9 Apart from one so dead, bad end will follow (8) 10 See 22 Down 11 Being English, books it years later (6) 12 I’m me - without a foreign resistant (6) 13 Unholiest hospital missing new boundaries (8) 15 Aims a spike south (7) 17 One church lad with energy is cooler (3,4) 20 Bugged immoral half-German journalist (8) 22 Hear animals without Republican country (6) 23 Less fearful rock is heard (6) 25 Coated “Dido’s an egghead” in a frenzy (8) 26 A creature takes Reagan back - that’s not typical! (8) 27 Draw without scoring new one left (twice) (3-3)

6 Final hold out? (4) 7 Reportedly pound the French insect (6) 14 Rib decline might be astounding!

(10) 16 A murder’s shattered tympana (8) 18 Microorganisms pretend to be in a Brie spread (8) 19 I’d have English friend, in a perfect world (7) 21 Almost flow (after a short time) with a protozoon (6) 22/10 Innovative drug - no clue perhaps (6-8) 24 Fall or rise in key power (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

ejuvenate retreat elax El Cucador

elax evive

ALL OUR BEAUTY & MASSAGE THERAPISTS ARE FULLY UK TRAINED

ABIGAILE TEL: 632 779 082

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY’S 9AM-3PM THURSDAY - 9:30AM-3PM FULL BODY FULL RANGE OF MASSAGE 20€ FACIALS, WAXING, TINTING, MANICURE, HOPI EAR ile PEDICURE. CANDLING 13€ igaGELISH b A & FROM 15€, saNAILS FULL RANGE OF sandra Melis PARAFFIN WAX a, 949 0TREATMENTS TREATMENTS dr858 - 2pm 15€ TEL:a661 n 1 S BEAUTY THERAPIST ists 1HR FACIAL ms 25th & GEL POLISH 35€

rap

oo

rs

R e Thu t a w LIZ ty Th Relaxation Class e o u r r r t a WITH HILL on Tuesday afternoons o e e r rB om BROW TINT/WAX & LASH TINT 14€

T more details: 667 a979 u - Call for y 445 ALL WELCOME eet O ed il

V

M da the Tranqu oked on th i Come t La ANGELS t a s bo tALMERIA n ook a e l m a at WELLNESS CLINIC have n tre o s And held Monthly on a Monday t un Disco call for next date: 647 407 288 SATURDAY’S 9:30AM-5PM HOLISTIC MASSAGE REFLEXOLOGY

DR HELENA BENSON

DIRECT FROM UK: frown lines & fillers - next clinic in June - call to book your appointment 647 379 878

TEL: 632 779 082 MELISSA

HOLISTIC TOTAL BODY CARE 30€

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!

We are a self-contained private suite of rooms on the right hand side of La Vida Bar, El Cucador, with its own entrance, plus disabled access and good parking

Tomorrow 25 april - 10 - 3 am

pm

la vida fayre Bacon a or Sandwich & Te 0 .5 €3 coffee e& Toasted Teacak 0 .5 €1 Coffee from 9.30am

bargain price plants & Shrubs lADIES Summer Dresses & Tops etc crystals & semi precious stones JAMS & PICKLES - HOMEMADE DOLLS TAROT & NUMEROLOGY 10mins for 10€ dart equipment rosa psychic medium Uk Make-up & Home Accessories KEVIN FROM LIBERTY SEGUROS SILVER & gold antique JEWELLERY HAND-MADE CRAFTS silver bespoke items beauty therapists & massage available from 10am

Lots of stands in the car park and also in the venue

Tel: 950 634 562

lavidacucador@gmail.com

VidaRestaurant&Venue el Cucador

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

Enjoy Wonderful Views over the Olive Groves

THIS SAT 27TH APRIL

DANCE TO ALL YOUR FAVOURITES FROM 9PM

country &western night

main menu includes 16oz steaks ~ mixed grills ~ Fresh Fish always available menu changes weekly

I S K E L LY WITH KR

Dine in our Candelit Restaurant wed - sat evenings

FREE ENTRANCE

SATURDAY EARLY BIRD MENU 5-7PM FROM 6€ - TO INCLUDE SALAD, BREAD & ALI- OLI

FROM 9PM TIL LATE

FOOD PLATE 6€

Spanish Bass Pasta 7.45€ Linguine pasta in a gazpachostyle sauce topped with sea bass Pork Fillet Skewers 7.45€ Pork magra with onions & peppers served with crushed potatoes & a tomato salsa Chicken & Broccoli Pie 7.45€ Chicken & broccoli with a creamy alfredo sauce in pastry

from

8.95€

A FULL TREATMENT LIST & PRICES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE Rretreat OR BY EMAILING: retreatcucador@gmail.com

th

Bargains & Unique gift ideas

La

35

THE ABOVE MAINS ARE SERVED WITH A CHOICE OF POTATOES & SEASONAL VEGETABLES

traditional

sunday lunch

Homemade Starters, 2.50€ each

includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate booking recommended

A selection of Cheeses served with biscuits & homemade chutney 3.50€

Scrumptious Homemade Puddings

served 12.30PM - 5PM

all 2.50€ each!

Cheese & Biscuits Selection

from

5.95€

12.30pm - 9pm Beer-battered cod

fridays

in the Bar

homemade chips & peas

tapas - choice of 10 all 1€ 12:30-9pm lite menu salads, burgers, wraps, plus...

12:30-3:30PM TWO COURSE LUNCH served 6€ - 5€ MONDAYS HOME-MADE MARGHARITA PIZZA Tuesdays cod, chips & peas only 6 - 9pm

or chicken curry & rice

wednesdays 1/2 roast chicken, or gammon chips & peas OR SALAD

6 - 9pm

thursdays ...is pie night!

6 - 9pm

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

delicious homemade pie, chips & peas We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

5€ only 5€

only 5€

book the Venue

For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

36

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

TV NEWSLETTER

MAY 2013

May ! Month 5 – where does it go ? All is well in the Rainbow camp – Matt and Alan went to the UK for a week in April to see mum Jones – did a little decorating for her and got the garden ready for summer. Mum Monk continues to be independent in her little house in the garden – 91 and going strong.

Regular readers will know we have a large garden and “to much” land – we had some students from Cartagena cultivating some of it a few years ago but they stopped – well now our local “goat man” ANTONIO has asked if he can use it and with his friends has started to grow lots of vegetables – using our well water ! – But we should get a good supply of fresh seasonal vegetables. We have noticed lots of the villagers cultivating their land much more this year – a sign of the “crisis” times?

The “crisis” has bought with it security issues – normally good law abiding people with no money can turn to crime ......... our two security products mentioned in last month’s newsletter were received with interest – the personal distress alarm and the solar floodlights are both in stock...ask for more details.

TV NEWS...There is lots of talk in the bars and on the internet about all Brits losing their UK TV later in the year – remember the same talk this time last year for a November close down? There certainly are some changes coming with the launch of the “E” satellite and the moving of the remainder of the FREESAT channels to this satellite...What those moves / changes will bring to us down here is UNKNOWN – 100%.

I suspect that the changes will be similar to those already made (all the channel 5’s and some of the 4’s) and will have little effect on us (except for those with the smallest dishes ?) but there is no concrete information for reception one way or the other. We can only wait and see....the 5’s and 4’s already moved will not change again along with any pay SKY channels – these are on the pan European beam and have mostly already moved.

Supposing the worst and signals do become weaker in our region - that may mean you will need a bigger dish or change to internet TV (IPTV).

The irony is that “those that be in charge” try to stop us watching our national TV in any other country in the EEC but there is, and 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

always will be, ways around that...So why even bother trying to stop us – why not just open up the airwaves to all ? We can live , work , pay tax and play in any EEC country but we can’t – or at least officially can’t - watch our national TV - crazy or not ?

What I do find disturbing is that further down the coast where expats have lost the 5’s and some 4’s installers are pushing, and installing, bigger dishes to get these channels back with clients spending up to a 1000.00 euro for a dish that the installer can not guarantee will work for the “E” satellite – and I bet they disappear if they don’t work !

Hold tight, don’t fret and let’s see what happens. We at Rainbow are getting as prepared as we can for whatever eventuality and we are advising clients that are making investments of the possible changes with open minds ! Just don’t listen to unsubstantiated “bar and internet talk” !

Manhattan have been having a few issues with recordings – there is a software fix and Humax (told to us by Don of Spain and Bournemouth) have been having issues with the FREETIME boxes closing right down and not waking up to record items ........

Again a fix available BUT both these fixes are “dangerous” to apply unless you are confident in what you are doing ........ Best to contact us for more detailed information if you are having either problem.

We often get calls from clients having “odd” problems with all makes and types of digiboxes. All these boxes are powerful computers which are software controlled and like ANY computer the software can get corrupted- especially in Spain where mains electricity is “dirty” – depending on what/ where/which bit of software gets corrupted will depend on the problem you get and its severity. There is nearly always an easy remedy ........ firstly unplug the box from the mains , count to 20 , and replug in and get the box going – will solve 80% of these problems but if that doesn’t work go into the MENU and do what is usually called a “FACTORY RESET” ....... this puts the box back to a state it came out of the factory in with software all in order and non of the “fiddling” you have been doing installed ! Instructions are always “on screen” but you could get the manual out if stuck ! Or call us!

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

send your emails to editor@soltimes.com

fast - Future AGE CONCERN Wednesday 24th Events 2013

WELCOME DANCE

Saturday - 25th May – F.A.S.T Spring Ball & Second Anniversary – Amapola Restaurant

WELCOME TRIPS

F.A.S.T Bookstall is back – 2nd & 4th Friday every month Camposol ‘B’ Commercial Centre

Bolnuevo - €25

April: Menu-del-dia at La Barraca, Puerto de Mazarron 10€ Tickets: Wednesday / Thursday: 10am to 1pm Camposol Social Centre Friday: 11am to 1pm outside Bar Salud, Camposol B Telephone: 634 310 215 or 634 336 484

send your news & views & birthday celebrations to EDITOR@ SOLTIMES. COM

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 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 is holding a

Mayday Carnival At

LA ZONA BAR, Calle Penelope, LOS ALCAZARES On Wednesday 1st May from 5 pm - late

Many games for the children The Spangles chorus

Gold Medal winners of the 2013 Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers will be appearing Join in the fun and win a prize on all the ‘fun at the fair’ stalls

community news

Wednesday May 22nd Bringing back by popular demand the gorgeous Maria O´Hara, the talented Sunset and the best Abba tribute on the costa, ABBA ELITE 4 very talented people. 10€ Food available 5€

Join us for a couple of days away.

SEVILLE: 5 days, 4 nights staying at the 4 star Hotel Becquer right in the heart of the city of Seville. With time to visit Granada and Cordoba on the journeys.

A day trip to Heulva with visit to a Jamon factory included. 350€.

BENIDORM: October 14th, 4 days, 3 nights staying at the Helios Hotel which is in the centre of the Levante area. Half board, including a trip out on the Tuesday and market day on the Wednesday. 140€.

Why not go away for Christmas.No cooking. A few rooms left on the second coach.

December 23rd, 5 days, 4 nights staying at the Helios Hotel, right in the centre for all the activities. Full board including the Christmas Gala lunch with drinks. 230€ The new winter program will be presented at the May meeting on Saturday May 4th at Marianos at 2.00p. m.

For more information Telephone Rosemary on 620 105 179.

Meetings held every Wednesday from 7pm - approx 8.30pm The Old School House Canadas del Romero

Mediums for the following dates: Wed 24th April Barbara Almond Wed 8th May Anna-Marie Wed 15th May Jimmy McArthur Wed 22nd May Joy & John Sloman Tues 28th May Janet Harris & Shaun Gray Condado de Alhama Wed 29th May Janet Harris & Shaun Gray Healing is available from 5.30 pm before service by request Funding for the meetings will be raised by donations collected during the evening For more information: http://beaconoflightmurcia.webs´.com/ beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com Tel: 620 877 326. Also on facebook

Every Wednesday - ART WORKSHOP - Café Golf, San Javier 10.00 am - 12.00 pm Bring out the art in you! Informal workshop to get you started on water colours. Donation of 2€ per head for MABS. For further information call Geoff on 968 192 768.

Friday 26th April - SHARE & CARE GROUP - MABS Cancer Centre, San Javier - 11.00 am An informal get together for anyone affected by cancer. Come along for a coffee and a chat. For more information call Anne on 693 795 247 Saturday 27th April – OPEN DAY - Acacia Centre for Spiritual Awareness - 10.00 am -4.00 pm MABS goods on sale and a selection of high quality, nearly new clothes. Also available: readings, healing, various stalls, tea and coffee. For more information call Rob or Barbara on 679 824 008. Directions: 1st villa on left past the windmill (Tres Molinos) on Carretera 3319 to Murcia.

Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th May – VELOCITY RACE DAY - The Oval, Cartagena – 10:00 am – 5.00 pm Velocity Racing supports MABS Murcia and we will be there for this Racing Day, which promises to be lots of fun, so please come along and support us. Further information can be found on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/velocityracing.cartagenaoval?ref=ts&fref=ts Monday 6th May - CUT `a´ THON! - Hairy Clayre’s Salon, Los Belones – 10.00 am – 4.00 pm “To see how many free haircuts we can do in 1 Day” To help support MABS Cancer Support Group Men and Women are welcome to come down to the salon to help raise money for a great cause, get a free haircut and simply make a donation to MABS! We will have Coffee and cake on arrival, a representative from the MABS Charity and, of course, FREE HAIRCUTS, as well as a sponsor form (for those who won’t be able to make the day). Feel free to come along just to support us and find out what MABS is all about.

Appointments are available just call the salon: 968 13 71 30 Keep watching the press or visit our website www.mabsmurcia.com for more events For further details, please call 634 362 826

Our food is full of flavour & freshly prepared Breakfast ~ Menu Del Dia ~ A la Carte Friday Fish and Chips from €6.00

ENTERTAINMENT IS FREE

Drop your details into them and we will print them in the next edition of the paper

Centre for Spiritual Awareness

GROUP

Tel 968 595 864

Private or trade letters to editor for birthdays or announcements

The Beacon of Light

MABS CANCER SUPPORT (MURCIA) APRIL/MAY 2013

the New Royal Bar & Restaurant

market tavern & cm construction

are drop off points for soltimes

37

e

april events

27th – Elvis

with Nigel Burchill

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)

38

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday

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 appliaNCE repairs

Furniture

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Repairs to Washers, Dryers, Electric Cookers, Dishwashers, Fridges and Freezers

All makes, Torrevieja and surrounding areas 20 years experience fast reliable service Call Stewart on office

966 785 451 / 654 939 202 hours 10 - 4

Furniture first

for sale est 2006

sl

open to offers. Tel 965725573 Cuidad Quesada.

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

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

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

FANCY Double Headboard with mirror 50 euros ONO Quesada area Tel: 654 666 686 Evenings Only

D O U B L E MATTRESS & cover very clean 30 euros Quesada hearing aids beds for sale area Tel: 654 666 A L U M I N I U M 686 Evenings Only GATES Double & Single Electric Sliding. one Guaranteed no Mattress with rust. Call Tracy on cover never been 966 726 891 used. 25 euros area Thule Karrite Quesada Car Roof Top Box, Tel: 654 666 686 White, in good Evenings Only order.

60 Euro single O.N.O. . Location TWO Cuidad Quesada, beds mattresses Tel 965725573 / and covers Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, 659013882 plus matching La Planta, Playa Flamenca Pool tables, h e a d b o a r d s snooker tables, 50 euros each table tennis tables, Quesada area darts. Tel: 666 Tel: 654 666 686 glass boats 933 726 www. curtains Evenings Only B O A T I N G spainpool.com LICENSES ARE Omron MX3 Plus DVD’s and CD’s house clearances glass NOW A LEGAL Blood Pressure low price. Quesada R E Q U I R E M E N T curtains Monitor 25 Euros area Tel: 654 666 Create more IN SPAIN Serenity o.n.o. . Location 686 Evenings Only living space, Cuidad Quesada, Sailing RYA Training no unsightly Tel 965725573 / FISHING TACKLE Centre, Competent FOR SALE - Carp frames, 659013882 Crew to Yachtmaster, reasonable Rods, Match rods, C omputer VHF & ICC. Ownprices.

Poles.

Monitor 15” flat Carbon boat tuition on For a free estimate cars & motorcycles screen with built Boat and Beach sail and power. If Tel: 646 111 825 in speakers model Rods, Fly Rods, also wanted you have a yacht L5EX-TA complete Quivers.

(Top transport in 1 hour heating or powerboat get with power cord, quality used and qualifiedandcertified.

VGA cable and nearly new).

NEATER audio cable only Contact Richard BEACH 25 Euros. Location BOAT HEATER +34 638 056 224 garden services Cuidad Quesada, AND FLY REELS Email: enquiries@ See our main Tel 965725573 / - Loads of terminal serenitysailing.

659013882 advert on the tackle and weights. com or visit: www.

C arl Tel: 965 725 947 Complete Garden Maintenance news pages serenitysailing.com F oggarty (Quesada Area). & Property Services Shark replica crash electricians We cover Mazarron & helmet, size small, BOOK SALE – 4 surrounding areas Electrician , available for all 1998 approx, as boxes = 100 + best works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 new, collectors or sellers 25 euros 562. davendonc@aol.com enthusiast’s item Large Garden Table (130 x 100) jewellery Seats 6 20 euros, Wall Mirror (80 x English jeweller wishes to buy broken 65) Cane Surround or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and 10 euros, Cane Basket Chair 5 coins specialists in all electrical & plumbing works euros Quesada new icp’s fitted - swimming pool heaters & IMMEDIATE CASH Tel: 966 716 599

FREE CALL OUT

Small call out on Fridges

Sweet Dreams See our Advertisement on page 19 for more information Tel: 965 321 701

quick cash house clearance

tel: 669 723 709

A1 Group

Telephone 628 505 733

ELECTRICS & PLUMBING IN THE COSTA BLANCA

GOLD WANTED

no job too small & free estimates! 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

PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

18 CARRY ON FILMS ON DVD 25 euros – Quesada Tel: 654 666 686 Evenings Only

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

39

www.soltimes.com property for sale / rent

leak detection

for SALE Reduced Reduced detatched cortijo Reduced

pool & water leak detection & repair specialists

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

CALL SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

966 719 647

insurance

asssa medical insurances 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 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

locksmith

only€39,950 Apartment For Sale

cortij0 grande golf course

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

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa Playa Flamenca

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601 tony@casasolrealestate.com

20mins from mojacar This is a unique spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool.

Mountain views.

Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200m²

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

ring now on 648 111 779 for immediate viewing

FOR SALE Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi,Costa Blanca

€150,000

Tel: 649 186 107

thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom for rent, 3 bed, 3 bath spacious semi-detatched house with garage situated in the popular area of La Zenia, walking distance to shops, beaches and the new La Zenia Boulevard, Furnished, Long term, 550€ monthly plus electric & water, perfect family home Tel: 966 733 079 or 619 098 543

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

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

Tel: (0034) 676 534 978 pets

24 HR EMERGENCY LOCKSMITH security grills & gates / electric roller shutters & all cars opened / Window / Shutter Door locks Opened, Changed & Fitted

Telephone: 653 145 300 Email:locksrus@hotmail.co.uk Special Deals for Urbanisations

CALL

SOLTIMES CLASSIFIED

902 750 190 ext 330

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

SEXY

ITALIAN

LADY availanble home/house visits.

Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre Pacheco & Mazarron. Escort available home & house visits Tel: 693 357 526

plastering ENGLISH 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

If it’s under 300€ you can advertise your items

free of charge

SOLTIMES SELL IT FAST in the

personals

ELEGANT

From a pocket watch to a piano....

SELL IT FREE

EMAIL YOUR ITEMS FOR SALE TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY • NO PETS

Pets In Spain www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.info

Boycee is now around 11 weeks old and was found in a bin, he is a lovely, happy pup and will be medium/large when fully grown

Call: 645 469 253

Maisie Maisie is a black Lab cross about 2 years old.

She is very affectionate and is fine with other dogs and is not interested in cats. please contact K9 for more info www.k9club.es The K9 Club Tel: 600 84 54 20

FINCA LA CASTELLANA ANIMAL WELFARE CENTRE

Freddie was found sat in the road in the rain, luckily he was rescued but it would be great to find him his forever home.

He is a fox terrier cross, approximately a year and a half old, castrated with all his vaccinations up to date.

Eleanor 610188349

Precious is approx 3 years old and is extremely loving and friendly.

She was found abandoned in a wooden box with her pups in the campo and now the pups have left her she needs a home

Call: 645 469 253

Simba is a handsome part Siamese neutered male with lovely blue eyes. To meet Simba please contact Joe on 966719272 or speak with Rose in the shop

40

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 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

removals

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

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

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

VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service inc furniture collection & assembly tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com

LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van. man@hotmail.co.uk

simply removals Spain ‹ UK › Spain • Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)

Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com

UK-SPAIN-UK fortnightly service fortnightly ESP: 914 143 164 UK: 01773 service 513 013

recruitment

SOLTIMES

are looking for A

Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team in Mazarron/ Camposol area and leap into spring with us.

Full or part time position available. spring w e n a o Experience not int future essential as full training with will be given as long as es sol tim you’re organised and can work to deadlines

Send your CV to rosemary@soltimes

We are a well established company operating both in the UK and in Spain for over 20 years.

Due to company expansion we are recruiting individuals to join our existing direct sales team.

We are looking for experienced, motivated individuals with use of their own car. In return we offer and attractive package including paid holidays, expenses and commissions.

www.britonsremovals.com britonsremovals@ic24.net

please contact Chelsie on 608 817 689 or email chelsie@avalonsl.es

Just Removals Friendly Low Cost

Full or part loads spain-uk-spain

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

Linen Mills

Express UK Spain Uk 620 582 063 weekly service

wigs

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

satellite tv

Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es

Sky Digibox Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5 60€ can deliver.

Tel: 667 235 205

swimming pool safety NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

car parts

Vehicles wanted

Car parts

WANTED

Need quality new parts for any car

ALL VEHICLES

Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats,

for sensible prices on all parts Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

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

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326

want to know whats in the news?

FOR CASH Telephone:

699 805 995 C AR S 4 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

CASH CASH www.soltimes.com SameCASH day collection Vehicles registration

“RE-PLATE” MATE

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

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

GB

Ed’s mobile

E

Don’t take a chance!

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

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

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

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

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

610 078 940

Van hire

ONE WAY



UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

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

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

wanted cars for cash Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered telephone Tim on 662 211 993

All vehicle repairs, servicing, small bodywork repairs, ITV and paperwork needs.

Ken Sherwood, British Mechanic - Tel: 679 646 859 (Costa Calida area only).

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

cars for sale

wanted

JT METAL RECYCLING NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF Almeria & MURCIA Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility.

We also take fridges, washing machines, microwav es, all electrical appli ances

Certificates Issued

WANTED CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY

House & g arden cle ar ances , sk ips supplied

Spanish or English

Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763

want to know

whats in the news?

www.soltimes.com

WANTED JCB’s, Mini-Diggers (All Makes), Tractors, Trailers & all other types of plant machinery.

Any age, any condition.

Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles buyer of all caravans, any condition, value from 200€ to 20,000€

Urgently Required

ALL Mitsubishi Shogun Monteo Pajero Landrover & all other makes

collect from anywhere

Tel: 645 094 339 or 950 064 763

Mercedes E500 Auto/Tip 2003 - 4 door saloon 5.0 Auto/Tiptronic AvantGarde model Full service history 82,000 kms, 2 owners A/C (Climate), Alloys PAS, ABS, Cruise Heated/Electric seats Keyless entry/start Twin sunroofs, Xenon Vented charcoal leather Metallic silver

Nissan Terrano Aug ‘03 - Luxury 4x4 3.0 Turbo Diesel 79,000 kms, 1 owner Full Nissan Service History, A/C, Alloys, PAS, ABS, Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Rear luggage cover CD player, Side steps Remote locking Rear head restraints Metallic silver over black Showroom Condition

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

Renault Clio 2003 - 5 door hatch 1.5 DCi Diesel “Billabong” model 112,000 kms, 3 owners Full service history A/C, Electric windows PAS, ABS Roof rails 6 CD Changer Alloys Drivers airbag Pearl silver

Telephone

€9,750 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Ford Focus Dec ‘04 - 5 door hatch 1.6 TDCi 61,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C (Climate) PAS, ABS, Cruise Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors CD, Rear sun blinds Remote locking High spec model!

Light metallic blue

€7,750

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

600 726 221 965 687 976

www.fwreurocars.com

BMW 318 Cabriolet 2003 – Cabriolet 1.8i 106,000 kms, 3 owners Full service history A/C (Full climate), ABS E. windows/mirrors Multi Airbags Multispoke alloys Xenon lights with wash Black power hood Heated/Memory seats Metallic blue/grey Full grey leather

Ford Mondeo Estate 2005 - Estate 2.0 Ghia 105,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C (Climate), Sony CD 5 spoke alloys Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Rear luggage cover Roof rails, PAS, ABS High spec model Metallic silver

€3,500 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

41

SOLTIMES

Now offer our Classified advertisers 4 LOCAL EDITIONS

costa blanca costa calida Almeria Roquetas De mar

...Let the Soltimes team help you...

Also available online at

www.soltimes.com for more info

€6,750

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

€7,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

€5,750

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

€7,450 www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Telephone

966 719 647

42

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962 Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet

fully legal company with public liability insurance carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

Bugs

Mosquito Screens & Blinds

• Pull down / Sliding Blinds replacement windows & doors & Screens, Windows & Patios Aluminuim & UPVC fitted • Vertical Blinds & made to measure • Security Grills Supplying & fitting windows • Awnings & doors for 25 years

All areas covered ~ speedy Response Call now for your no-obligation quote

Tel: 600 049 515 Get The Best For Less

TNT

OPEN for business

The European Commission has recommended opening EU membership talks with Serbia, following last Friday’s landmark deal to normalise Serbia-Kosovo ties.

In a report by the BBC, Serbia’s government has approved the EU-brokered deal with its former province of Kosovo.

Both Serbia and Kosovo want to join the EU. There has been sporadic violence in Kosovo since the 1999 conflict.

Many countries recognise Kosovo as independent, but Serbia is among those, including Russia and China, who do not. Five of the 27 EU countries do not recognise Kosovo: Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus.

Serbia insists that Friday’s deal, granting a high degree of autonomy to Serb-majority areas in northern Kosovo, does not mean that it has recognised Kosovo’s independence.

The Commission, which steers EU membership negotiations, said it “recommends that negotiations for accession to the European Union should be opened with Serbia”. EU foreign ministers will consider the issue on Monday.

Kosovo’s parliament in the capital Pristina, whose MPs are ethnically Albanian, accepted the 15-point deal with Serbia in a vote on Sunday.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but many of the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo have refused to recognise the authority of its mainly ethnic Albanian government.

In medieval times Kosovo was the centre of the Serbian

POOL SHOP

Mix & Match

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

The text, reported on the European Voice website, says the police in Serb-majority municipalities will be ethnic Serbs, but the force will remain part of the “one police force in Kosovo called the Kosovo Police”. Both sides also agreed not to block each other’s efforts to seek EU membership.

The European Commission, this Monday, proposed allowing Kosovo to participate in 22 EU programmes. The proposal requires approval from EU governments to go ahead.

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic had said that “if the government accepts the agreement, I expect Serbia to get a date to start membership talks with the European Union”.

The deal says there will be legal recognition of a Serbmajority Association/Community in the north. It will have autonomy in key policy areas: economic development, education, health, urban and rural planning.

The deal was signed in Brussels on Friday by Mr Dacic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, after long negotiations chaired by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

Mr Thaci told the Kosovan parliament on Sunday that “Serbia has recognised the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo”.

Two ethnic Albanian opposition parties - the Democratic League of Kosovo, and Self-Determination - opposed the deal, calling it “treason” and “the foundation for a new Serbian republic” in the Balkans.

FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

There was also a protest against the deal by Serbian nationalists in Belgrade on Sunday.

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

Damproofing and SIKA TANKING Specialist Guaranteed British quality internal plaster finish

Empire, and Serbs regard it as the birthplace of their nation. Under the new deal, Serbs in northern Kosovo will have their own Serb police commander and appeal court. That court will sit permanently in northern Mitrovica.

The town is ethnically divided, with a Serb majority in northern Mitrovica and ethnic Albanians in the south.

any 2 Tubs Of either Multi, Shock or Chlorine tablets for just 36€ tighten up on security with an alarmed paddlock at ony 15€

pucker plastering & tiling

EU Commission: ‘Start Serbia membership talks’

New Walls New Roofs Structual Alterations professional bricklayer Building for you Phone Gerard - 626 730

AWNINGS - FLY SCREENS - INTERNAL BLINDS SHADING SPAIN, WITH...

764

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

domestic & commercial supplied & fitted many colours & styles all areas covered free quotations signwriting service FOR COMMERCIAL

Tel: 627 907 207

www.solshaders.net

Email: solshaders@live.co.uk

S.M.S. BUILDING MAINTENANCE

All Building Work Undertaken 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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Business lobby group backs government push on EU deal

Hundreds of business leaders have formed a new lobby group Business for Britain to press the government to renegotiate the UK’s deal with the EU.

OFFICIAL HITS AGENTS IN ALBOX

WE HAVE THE FULL RANGE OF HITS PHONES & SIM CARDS IN STOCK

They suggested it could create uncertainty and lead to a period of “investment chill”.

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

But in its letter in Monday’s newspapers Business for Britain states: “As business leaders and entrepreneurs responsible for millions of British jobs, we believe that the government is right to seek a new deal for the EU and for the UK’s role in Europe.

John Mills, the founder of online retail business JML and the other co-chairman, said the group was politically neutral: “This campaign is not about taking political sides or backing the right horse - it’s about doing what’s best for British business.”

He said he had been a member of the Labour Party for 40 years.

The lobby group’s letter comes a week after a major survey by the British Chambers of Commerce suggested most UK companies wanted to stay in Europe, but with some powers

• walls • paving • extensions • cladding

call lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

As the prime minister unveiled his plan to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with the EU and then hold an in/out referendum on whether to stay in the EU on those new terms or leave, the British manufacturers’ association, the EEF, and the UK head of the accountancy firm Deloitte were among those to express doubts.

He said that the economy would do better with a more flexible, looser relationship with the EU.

construction & drainage

• general builders • jcb 3cx hire • patios • roofing

references available

Some 500 business chiefs - including Lord Wolfson of Next and Sir Stuart Rose of Ocado - have signed a letter in Monday’s newspapers backing the plan. But other business leaders have said it is not possible to pick and chose.

The group’s co-chairman is Alan Halsall, who heads the upmarket pram making company, Silver Cross. He said he thought the new group was needed because there was a misconception about the attitude of businesses to European Union membership: “Business for Britain has been formed because many would have you believe that business doesn’t want politicians to try and renegotiate a better deal from Europe.”

elite plant hire Digger Hire available

In a report by the BBC, the group backs David Cameron’s plan to remake the UK’s agreements with the EU if the Tories win the next election.

“Far from being a threat to our economic interests, a flexible, competitive Europe - with more powers devolved from Brussels - is essential for growth, jobs and access to markets.”

43

brought back home.

Its survey of 4,000 businesses found 64% of those who responded said they favoured making adjustments to the UK’s agreements with the EU. Employment law was the number one area they wanted opt outs from.

Upholstery

www.serendipitycrafts.es

An Aladdin cave for all your crafty needs

• Spectrum Noir Pens • Ali Masks • Gilding Flakes • Embossing Folders

Tel: 950 930 527 & 646 341 575

• Peel Offs • Latest Hunkydory • New Mens Kandan 3D • Dies for cutting machines

OPENING HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS,FRI & FIRST SAT of every month 10-2PM

CALL MARGARET ON 634 338 832 Avda. 28 de Febrero, Albox (Between Sol y Mar / The Post Shop & jacks)

• We Upholster Chairs, Sofas and Wing Chairs • 30 years of experience • Large fabric selection • Free pick up & delivery • In home free estimates

Tel: 692 17 60 69

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

• 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

Stunning Prints & GIANT posters A3 x 9 100’s to choose from or email your own photos...

Tel: 634 388 243

newallprints@hotmail.com

44

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

MOTORING

There are few vehicles that will transport three generations of the same family. But MPVs (multi-purpose vehicle) solve this difficulty.

Traditionally, though there’s one drawback and that is that they’re environmentally unfriendly gas guzzlers, which is why Toyota scrapped its popular Previa.

But its revisited the MPV with the introduction of the compact yet versatile Verso.

With its three rows of

seats the Toyota Verso Icon was the perfect solution for the Saunders family when my wife Caroline wanted to treat her parents to a day out but didn’t want them to drive. We drove to her parents with Harriett (2) and Heidi (three weeks) both in their car seats in the rear. Nothing unusual there. When we collected Caroline’s parents, Harriett and Heidi were swiftly shoved in the boot. Not quite how it sounds because the third row of seats fitted snugly

TEST DRIVE:TOYOTA VERSO

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

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

into the boot floor. They were simply pulled up for use. Initially it seemed that space was tight in the rear but then I discovered that the second row slid forward in the same way as the front. Access to the third row was simple because each seat in the second row folded forward with the pull of an easy-to-use lever.

There were only six of us and the Verso, could fit seven, which meant that the middle seat in the second row was redundant. Great then that it could be folded down flush to give a little extra room. We were all pleasantly surprised

specification

wanted damaged / sunburnt vehicles

£15,145 – over £19,000 Top speed: 115mph 0-60mph: 11.7secs Economy: up to 50mpg Road tax: £170 a year Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

with how user-friendly and versatile the seating arrangements were in the Verso. The designers have clearly thought long and hard over the best use of space and they have done a good job.

Passengers in the second row benefited from folding tables, which came in very handy when we all decided to eat our picnic in the car because it was far too cold to brave the bitter cold outside.

We parked up by the sea and enjoyed the view. Harriett sat on daddy’s lap and tried her hand at steering, operating the sat nav and the stereo. No matter what car she travels in she always swiftly finds the switch for the hazard lights, which inevitably start flashing. It wasn’t long

before her little fingers found their way to the button for the retractable wing mirrors, too. This proved to be huge fun for the little rascal who earned herself a good tickle.

The driver of such a vehicle is always keen to know what his passengers are doing and so a helpful folding panoramic mirror can be found above the rear view mirror; a very useful tool indeed – I could even see my daughters in the third row – Harriett drawing on the window, bless her – an artist in the making.

Cubbyholes abound for all the family clobber.

When the third row of seats is in operation boot space is drastically reduced and so it is helpful to find a sizeable hidden space

in the boot floor, large enough for a reasonable size bag, as you can see from the videos at testdrives.biz.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine can be a little lethargic and I had trouble selecting second gear – the six-speed box not as smooth as I would prefer. However, the brakes were sharp and precise stopping us immediately when a bumbling Sunday afternoon motorist chose to go all the way round a roundabout without indicating. The cruise control could be trusted to keep the set speed no matter how steep the incline.

Despite its capabilities inside, the Verso felt a relatively small car to drive, proving fairly easy to park,

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

45

sport

FC TORREVIEJA - TORRY WIN AGAIN TO MOVE 6 POINTS CLEAR OF THE DROP ZONE.........................

Last Sunday Torry entertained promotion play-off the keeper when well placed. The whistle blew for the

EUROGOLF SOCIETY......................

At the weekend 43 members played at Vista Bella. Some of us found this course a bit of a challenge due to the lightning quick greens and large bunkers dotted around. Some even got confused and started to play one hole the wrong way round.

Thanks to Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Golf for organising our game and along with Mick the Grip for sponsorship.

The results were as follows: 1st Colin Hobden - 30 2nd Beverley Fairhurst - 28 3rd Bob Buckeridge - 27 4th Rudi Muller - 27 Best Guest: David Gray Today’s competition 18 April is the Monthly Stableford/Birthday Cup played at our home course

of La Marquesa. 69 members took part in this competition on what started out a little misty but ended up a glorious day.

Lovely conditions for playing golf which were mirrored by the scores attained.

The results were as follows: Gold Division 1st David Gregson - 40 points; 2nd Roger Richings 38 points; 3rd Keith Wright - 37 points Silver Division: 1st John Holland - 37 points; 2nd Brian Fenwick - 36 points; 3rd Debbie Weedon - 36 points Bronze Division: 1st Beverley Fairhurst - 41 points; 2nd Chris Stanley - 36 points; 3rd Phyllis

St. JAMES’S GATE GOLF SOCIETY

Venables - 33 points Nearest the Pins 5th Graham Cheetham - Le Tournesol 11th Tony Stanley - Monolo 12th Chris Stanley – Manolo 15th Roger Richings - Sierra Golf 17th Dave King - Lo Maribu Thanks to our sponsors.

Best Front Nine: David Blanchette 21 Best Back Nine: Connie Parker 20 OVERALL WINNER OF APRIL MONTHLY STABLEFORD/ BIRTHDAY CUP – BEVELEY FAIRHURST

Alenda Golf – 16th April 2013: We were making a return to the splendid Alenda Golf course at Monforte del Cid and “Rocket” decided to have the golfers the dreaded competition Medal, but being the strong crew, it was taken on the chin as the scores show. As well as this competition there was a knockout game being played and doubles.

It was “Mr Steady” Alan Moody again who took first place again in the Gold Category with a very creditable nett 77 and other followed with a 77 from Larry Lambe and 78’s, but these could not get near Silver Category winner and new golf bag owner Geoff Wild (we think Alenda is becoming his favourite course) scoring a lowly 70 which will get him a Madame Guillotine action.

The doubles Knockout was played between Alan Moody/Tom Baldwin vs. Peter Root/Malcolm Woods where Alan Moody and Tom Baldwin came out victors.

Gold Category Nett Silver Category Nett 1st: Alan Moody 77 C/B 1st: Geoff Wild 70 2nd: Larry Lambe 77 2nd: Ron “Rocket” Nicholoson 73 3rd: Ivie Davies 78 3rd: Ron Chambers

78 4th A Williams 78 4th Ken Hopkins

81 5th Merv Williams 78 5th John Trailor

86 Nearest The Pins: John Hardman – Anne Trailor – Peter Root – Ron Chambers Longest Drive: Peter Root - Best Guest: Ray O’Sullivan It was back to Izzy’s Bar where “Rocket” Ron presented the prizes and for our favourite munchies, a joy not to be missed if youre playi9ng with St. James’s. Next game is at Vistabella Golf 14th May First Tee 09:00, please be at the course by 08:30. For more information or if you wish to play with the arguably the friendliest Golf Society contact Ron Nicholson on 678849142 or email sanmigron@gmail.com Photos: Category Silver Winners: John Trailor, Ken Hopkins, Geoff Wild, “Rocket” Ron, Ron Chambers

chasers La Nucia. La Nucia were going into the game 5th in the table. On the road this season they had won 6, drawn 8 and lost only. In their starting line-up was ex-Torry marksman Petu, a player I personally rated highly.

Torry were without the suspended Villanueva and injured Abel. The Torry manager again selected Javi Tur in goal in preference to Manolo and brought back Jorge into the midfield anchor role after his one match suspension.

Torrys starting line-up: Tur, Vicente, Juanfran (Burguillos, m. 27), Rafa, Dani Meseguer, Jorge, Cuco Ros, Gasch, Luis Carlos, Manu Amores (Sergio m. 80), Koeman (Guillem, m. 85).

The match was again played at the Nelson Mandela stadium in front of a crowd of around the 400 mark. There was again a south easterly wind blowing from one end of the pitch to the other which favoured Torry in the first half. In the first 10 minutes both sides battled to gain control of the vital central midfield area. Torry started to gradually seize the initiative and presented the greatest attacking threat with Manu Amores having a decent effort go just wide of the upright. After 15 minutes Koeman disputed a ball played forward out on the wide right and out-muscled the defender And surged forward and played Gasch in with a slide-rule pass and Gasch struck the ball first time into the roof of the net for a great finish and a GOALLLLL to Torry 1-0. Torry continued to play some decent stuff and it was pleasing to see them keep better possession of the ball and string some good passing moves together. After 27 minutes Torry were forced to make an early change with JuanFran limping off to be replaced by Burguillos who took up a position in central defence alongside Rafa. On 30 minutes Jorge struck a fierce half-volley across goal after a long throw into the La Nucia box wasn’t cleared and the La Nucia keeper make a very good diving save to tip the ball round the post. The opposition started to get more into the game and had an effort cleared off the line by Rafa for the expense of a corner. After 38 minutes after a flowing break by Torry, Vicente put in a good delivery from the right and one of the opposition defenders headed the ball against his own post With the ball rebounding back into play and then being cleared. A minute later Manu Amores put Koeman through but he struck his effort straight at

break to end a half in which Torry had played well.

The opposition started the second half with the wind behind them in determined mood. After 48 minutes Petu for La Nucia latched onto a low cross into the box and his shot on the turn was only just wide. A minute later La Nucia were awarded a penalty when Cuco Ros was adjudged to have bundled over his man in the box when contesting a loose high ball.

Petu took the spot kick and sent Tur the wrong way and struck the ball into the bottom corner of the net for a GOALLLLL to La Nucia 1-1. La Nucia started to have greater territorial advantage but Torry looked dangerous on the break. After 60 minutes Luis Carlos played Koeman in and he went wide of the keeper and stroked the ball towards the net but the ball was cleared off the line by a retreating La Nucia defender. He should have scored. After 65 minutes a Burguillos header from a Torry corner flashed just wide of the right upright. After 70 minutes Koeman had a half chance when he got on the end of a ball from Manu Amores but his flick went straight at the keeper who gathered the ball comfortably. On 72 minutes a brilliantly struck free-kick by a La Nucia mid-fielder from 30 yards struck the underside of the crossbar with Tur beaten and came back into play and was cleared. On 80 minutes Cuco Ros went on a surging run forward and played the ball to Luis Carlos who in turn threaded the ball through to Koeman who from close in rolled the ball into the net for a GOALLLLL to Torry 2-1 and send the Torry faithful into raptures. In injury time Torry had a three on two situation which Gasch didn’t exploit to give Torry a greater margin of victory. The ref blew up for fulltime to send the fans home happy after watching an exciting game of football which could have produced more goals which Torry deservedly won. It was a real team effort by Torry.

Torry are now in 13th place in the table 6 points clear of the relegation zone. This weekend Torry travel to 9th placed Borriol and will be looking to build on their victories in the last 2 games to put the threat of relegation to bed and finish the season in the top half of the table A highly delighted Darrylldinho following his adopted team in Spain win again to ease the threat of relegation. To read about FC Torrevieja access the Torry Army website www.fctorrevieja.net

Stunning comeback earns Saints derby victory C.D Dolores 2-3 C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio Despite seeing a man sent off early on, San Fulgencio fully deserved the 3 points against their local rivals for a first win in 6 games. Three second half goals sealed the win for the Saints in an enthralling game of football. The opening minutes were even, but the game turned in Dolores’ favour when Joaquin Rodriguez shared some verbal pleasantries with one of the onlookers! In spite of having an extra man, the hosts didn’t really look dangerous as the Saints dominated the game.

That was until the 15 minute mark. Manuel Llopis was beaten and Alex Hall seemed to have cleared it, only to see his effort ricochet off the legs of Dolores’ number 20 into the back of the net.

San Ful continued to control proceedings, Carlos Sampere had a couple of headed opportunities and Braulio Garcia saw some decent strikes well kept out by the Dolores defence.

Against the run of play, the home side doubled their lead. The Saints’ defence was caught napping and the opposing striker rounded Llopis and knocked the ball home.

Gary Williams and Claudio Arturi knew they had to do something to get their side back into the game.

Two halftime substitutions did the trick! On came Marco Aurelio and Gary himself to replace Carl Kirby and Carlos Sampere respectively.

With the first attack of the second period, the

Saints got back into the contest. Victor Garcia, who was solid throughout, sent Marco off down the wing and the Brazilian’s cross found Gary at the far post to nod in.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, San Ful superior than their opponents in every area of the pitch. After Victor and Jose Bonmati had decent heading chances, the Saints were denied a clear penalty when Enrique Serrano was felled in the box.

Sergio then saw a brilliant strike tipped wide by the keeper, before the referee did point to the spot for handball! Up stepped sub Marco to level the game.

In the last 10 minutes Dolores were also reduced to ten men, when one of their substitutes received his marching orders for two bookable offences.

From the resulting free-kick, the Saints took the lead for the first time. Fernando Mora’s floated setpiece evaded everyone, but Marco was there at the back post to knock into an open goal! Cue ecstatic celebrations from the visitors.

Dolores rallied towards the end and brought the best out of Manuel Llopis, who did brilliantly to react to keep out a goalbound header. The Saints held on for a vital win which will no doubt relieve everyone connected to the club.

Our next game is away against Redovan. Time and date yet to be confirmed. Thanks to Telecom 900 and the rest of our sponsors.

Match report by Jordan Lucas

46

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

sport

CD ORIHUELA COSTA FC...................

CD Orihuela Costa FC v CD Montesinos - 21st April 2013.

forgot to say how much less.

Having delayed the start to allow for an increase in wind speed the first hurdle for the dinghies in the fleet was to negotiate their way through some 75 Optimist dinghies parked across the slipway awaiting the start of their own race. Good to see so many youngsters enjoying the sport (photo) The SAMM race eventually got underway with a fleet of 9 boats with 21 competitors taking to the water to sail round Isla Perdiguera Deltania Uno was soon in trouble struggling to make the start line – some attention to trimming required. The Shoestring Gamba experienced problems with the centre board and began drifting. The crew of Vernon O’Byrne, Ingo Wilson and Carl Vogt eventually beached on the island to effect repairs and have a lunch. They did resume the race but failed to complete the course.

Meanwhile the race was being keenly contested and although different tactics were being employed four crossed the line within an 80 second period.

After just over 2 hours the Weta helmed by Brian Murray and crewed by Linda Coats crossed the line first followed by Peter Cadwell sailing the Laser 2000 single handed.

Once the handicaps were applied, Balaton Connie took first place with Rob Cheshire on the helm and crew members Marianne Elias and Carol Sibson (another first for Carol) (Photo)

Team. Christian, Yohni, Iker, Becker, Sergio, Rubio, Wallace, Andres, M&A, Edu and Vaz. Another early start saw Monte kick-off in front of a crowd of nearly 200 on a windy and over watered pitch.

Despite the conditions both teams played some good football and it was Orihuela who opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a shot that Christian could only palm to the feet of an oncoming forward. Monte then came out and had two near misses from Wallace and one from Edu. After 30 minutes Orihuela had a second player booked for fouling Vaz, who as usual was coming in for some punishment. Once again Monte went in at half time 1 nil down, but what’s new.

Monte set the pace in the second half and nearly paid the price when the opposition were given two chances on the break , which thankfully they wasted. We now had Orihuela pinned back in their half and missed a couple of chances as well as having one kicked off the line. Dimitri came on for Yonhi in a bid to put pressure on the opposition defence as well as offering some protection to Vaz. Colourful language emanated from the stand when Vaz was once again cut down while trying to weave through the midfield and a third player went into the book. On 75 minutes Diego came on for Rubio who was having a good game and showed his displeasure at being substituted. Pressing ever forward Monte were caught out with only a couple minutes to go and only a great save by Christian kept the score at 1-0.

Overall it was a good game and although Monte should have come away with a point they had several players booked, all but one was for dissent. This persistent dissent costs us players as the points add up and just maybe, had Fernando been on the pitch instead of suspended their goal may have not occurred.

Next Sunday 28th April, we are at home to our rivals from up the road Racing San Miguel, kick-off 5.00 p.m.

Howard Yeats

match. On a cold Saturday morning the small group of supporters from Daya had little to warm them up as their team’s performance was uninspiring. Still a win is a win and they continue to chase down the leaders, Cox, who hold a one point advantage going in to this weekend’s games.

Daya Dave (Team Sponsor: Segurlab)

DON’T FORGET TO GET YOUR SPORT REPORTS TO ME BY 3PM ON MONDAY - EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

sailing association mar menor.................

April 21st and the second race day of the season – we wanted a little less wind but

ALMORADI 0 v. DAYA NUEVA 2......

INFANTILS G10s

DISMAL DAYA MARCH ON From the opening whistle Daya tore into the home side but after 10 minutes of constant pressure the game was somehow still goalless.

The longer the half went on the more Almoradi grew in confidence but they lacked any real threat up front. On 30 minutes Daya came closest to scoring when three good chances saw the ball pinging about in the home side’s penalty area but it just wouldn’t go in the net ! On the stroke of half time Francisco spared the visitors’ blushes scoring with a good free kick from distance. So 1 - 0 at the break but it should have been many many more. The second half started with constant pressure from the visitors but there was more control now about their play. On 43 minutes Youseff replaced Marcos in the Daya forward line and on 45 minutes scored Daya’s second. This goal allowed the visitors a more relaxed approach to the remainder of the game and surely more goals would follow ? On 60 minutes Almoradi had their best chance of the game but they failed to score. Daya hit back with two good chances of their own but just couldn’t score. For all their efforts the visitors had to settle for a 2 - 0 win. Although they scored just the two goals Daya never looked to be in any danger of losing this Hello

amigo Ca rs

PRICES FROM 75On0ly€Stealing is Cheaper

La Marina

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

LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY..............

Altorreal Golf Course - 17.04.13: As well as our regular Stableford competition, this week we played for The Albie Lush Trophy. This trophy originated in Montebello where Albie Lush was the first President and liked to play golf, he was one of the first residents there and one of the first customers in Monty’s Bar. The cup was first played for in 2005 in his memory but as it had not been played in recent years it was decided that Lo Crispin would like to take over the mantle and continue using the cup. The competition was hotly contested by Lo Crispin members and even more so by Montebello members. Hotly describes not only the good scores but also the weather which changed from mist to brilliant sunshine.

Altorreal was a pleasure to play with greens that had been newly cut and ran true and if your touch was there the ball ran straight in the hole, so some people said. The only down side was that the last group were harangued by a single golfer and his wife who thought they owned the world, but this mattered little in the end.

The winner of THE ALBIE LUSH TROPHY was Mick Budd, who had the best overall score of the day, well done Mick, handicap reduction on the way. Gold Division: 1st Mick Budd, 38pts, 2nd Ray Brown 36pts and 3rd Peter Morris 34pts; Silver Division: 1st Gordon Cobb 32pts, 2nd Gail Coultate 31pts (c/b) and 3rd Dicky Claeys 31pts; Bronze Division: 1st David Dodd 36pts, 2nd Danny McErlean 32pts and 3rd Dave Keating 30pts; NTPs: Hole 2 nearest in 2 Mick Budd, hole 9 nearest in 3 Padraig O’Brien, hole 14 nearest in 2 Brian Smith and

24 hours a day 7 days a week

Recovery Assistance

607 848 332

From 30€

Asistencia de Grua

692 190 880

No distance too far

hole 17 nearest in 1 hole 17 J. Henderson. The 2s club was shared by Barny Barningham and Scott Blair with 17€ each Andrew Cox won the free game draw.

Many thanks to The Tavern who put on a buffet for us enjoyed by members and guests alike. Our next 18 hole game is at Alicante Golf Club where we are playing a Texas Scramble and Mick the Grip is sponsoring 6 holes. The sign up sheets are on the website for El Plantio on the 15th May and also the Spring Cup at Bonalba on the 29 May. Our website address is http://sites.google.com/site/locrispingolf/ for those interested.

Gail Coultate reporter.

Lo Crispin Golf Society http://sites.google.com/site/locrispingolf/

Ten Pin Bowling League..............

Cornish Pride Los Dolses: Matches played April 16th

In the penultimate week of the league, we still had 2 teams in with a chance of winning the league title; Hall y Day and Team Finland.

Hall y Day started the night 12 points behind the Finns, so they needed to win their game against Cornish Pride, and hope the Finns dropped some points in their match against Bar Mosquito.

But the night did not go the way H y D were hoping, Cornish Pride took all 8 points off them, helped by one of their ‘new’ bowlers Mary Whitelock, who bowled her 4 highest scores of the season, including a 191 hcp game.

Team Finland lost their first game to Bar Mosquito, but were determined to clinch the championship on the night. They fought back to win the last 2 games, and win the match 6-2, despite Brian Tomlin bowling for the mossies, having his 4 best scores of the season, including a 225 hcp game.

So with one week still to go, this years league champions are Team Finland.

Carp-r-us made it 3 wins in a row as they beat Los Lobos 6-2. Mixers had a convincing 8-0 win over Bandoleros. Los Bandidos, who are one of 3 teams still in with a chance of the 3rd place medal, beat Crazy Pinz 6-2.

Terry Capon bowling for Split Happens, bowled a 632 hcp series and helped his team to a 4-4 draw with Lucky Strike.

Caballo Negro are still in 3rd place, and maintained their 4 point lead, when they beat last weeks cup winners Splash 6-2.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

sport

MAZARRON F.C. 1 C.F. LORCA DEPORTIVA 2 There was little to choose between these mid-table teams but despite applying pressure in the latter stages of the game, Mazarron were unable to snatch an equaliser and suffered a 1-2 home defeat to close rivals Lorca.

There was a nasty collision of heads involving Diego and a Lorca forward in the first few minutes which resulted in the visiting player being substituted and Diego nursing a large lump on his forehead. Lorca took the lead in the 10th minute when a through ball found Minarro who, although looking to be in an offside position, ran on to hit a rising shot past Jose Iker.

Mazarron replied with a free kick from Santi which was headed onto the bar by Poyato.

In the 16th minute, Mazarron keeper Iker had to dive full length to turn a fierce shot around the post. Mazarron equalised after 27 minutes when Ruben found Santi on the right and his low cross was turned in at the near post by Perico.

Mazarron almost took the lead before half time but a clever backheel by Jose Ruben lacked power and a Lorca defender was able to clear the ball off the line.

The first period of the second half was uneventful until Lorca regained the lead in the 59th minute with a superb goal. A cross from the right was met by Ruiz who hit an unstoppable volley past Iker into the roof of the net.

Mazarron struggled to trouble the Lorca defence until the closing stages of the game.

Good work by substitute Toni and Cecilio saw Toni’s cross shot go wide of the far post. Lorca were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute when one of their midfield players was dismissed for a second yellow card and Mazarron managed to apply some real pressure in the eight minutes of added stoppage time.

Following a goalmouth scramble the ball fell to Barrachina whose fierce shot was saved at point blank range by the Lorca keeper. Then a free kick from Toni was heading for the top corner until the visiting keeper managed to get his fingers to the ball and tip it over the bar.

Team: Jose Iker, Clemente, Diego, Chicho, Barrachina, Santi, Poyato (Toni), Baeza, Perico (Matt Clarke), Jose Ruben, Cecilio.

Man of the Match: Diego

47

SUCINA GOLF SOCIETY.........................

Before the game, Los Amigos member Trevor Taylor presented a cheque for 2500€ to Mazarron FC President, Jose Rodriguez.

The money was raised at the recent Los Amigos de Mazarron FC Gala Evening and Dinner held at the Hotel la Cumbre, Puerto de Mazarron

Tuesday, 16th April 2013 at Mar Menor (IRM) An Individual Stableford format for our game today, counting towards the 2013 ´Player of the Year´ trophy. 29 players turned out for a fantastic day´s golf! Weather was warm and sunny, with a gentle breeze presenting itself later in the morning which cooled things down nicely. We were also delighted to welcome additional guests who joined us today.

A variety of scores were presented, and many a player found the bunkers! The author of this article being one, and found them to be very deep and full of sand! Maybe I have also found some new swear words! As another female member also agreed, trying to get out when sand also wet - was undoubtable a ¨swearable´ event!

Presentation of the prizes were held afterwards on the terrace at Mar Menor. Our Division winners were:Division One: 1st John Storey - 35, 2nd Roger Major - 34, 3rd Colin Comber - 31 Division Two: 1st Brian Kay - 35 (on c/back), 2nd Colin Griffiths - 35 (on c/back)& 3rd Christine Comber - 30 Division Three: 1st Bill Nagle - 29, 2nd Doreen Crowhurst - 27 and 3rd Frank Louwet - 26 Guest Division: 1st Place Dean Le Ray 32 points Nearest the pins went to: Hole 2 - Phil Watson ( and with a bad back!), Hole 8 - Dean Le Ray, Hole 14 - Colin Griffiths and Hole 17 - Dean Le Ray . Thanks go to the Great Golf Co who supplied our NTP prizes.

Our next meeting is at La Torre, on Tuesday 21st May at 10.00am.

Start list is on the Noticeboard in Franc & Louise Bar, Sucina or contact any Committee Member. All details can be found on our website:- www.sucinagolfsociety.com

CLAPTON’S GOLF SOCIETY................... SMGS play MAR MENOR.....................

ALTORREAL GOLF - 19th APRIL 2013 This month’s competition was played back at Altorreal after a long period with no visits. By the time all the members arrived the sun had disappeared and it looked as if we were in for a good downpour. In the event, after a couple of holes, the sun reappeared and we had a nice sunny days golf. The fairways and the greens are now improving back to their old standard but the tee boxes looked as if they had been really over-played. As it was we still managed some good scores with Willie Buchanan the eventual winner being nine inches from a hole in one, as you can see from the scores below.

Everybody having finished we made our way back to the Clubhouse for the presentation and a meal laid on by Chris and his staff. Many thanks for their hospitality.

Overall Winner - Willie Buchanan 39 points Gold Winner - Terry Sharley 33 points on c/b Gold Runner Up Tony Stead 33 points on c/b Silver Winner - John (new clubs) Stones 35 Silver Runner Up - Terry Smith 32 points Best Front Nine - Chris Gridley 19 points Best Back Nine - Dave Mace 19 points Nearest the Pin: 5th Neil Metcalf; 8th Willie Buchanan; 10th ----; 17th Terry Sharley Best Guest: Lee Pennial 32 points Most Potential: Mark Brooks Twos Competition Willie Buchanan (2): Terry Sharley (l): Craig Lambert (1) Next meeting at Alenda 17th May

A past captain and long-serving president of the San Miguel Golf Society was forefront in the minds of those members who have fond memories of Colin Arkley as the honour to hold his memorial trophy for the next 12 months was fiercely contested in a Stableford competition at Mar Menor.

One of the shortest courses in the group of six that make up the “Murcia Golf Experience”, Mar Menor’s maximum length is only just over 6,000 metres but it does belie its straightforward appearance.

Designers, Dave Thomas (front 9) and Jack Nicklaus (back 9) are both past masters at strategically placing bunkers and water hazards…..and on this course they’ve really excelled.

To get through unscathed around its very own “Amen Corner” circle – Norman Padmore! at 13, 14 & 15, which encircle the lake, is quite a challenge.

It was a great day in great company with great weather…..

I’ve looked skyward before this annual competition for many all playing in memory of a great guy. a year and promised my old pal, Colin, that “this is going to Please visit www.smgs.org to keep abreast of society be my year!” and I’ve still not managed it. A good sign that I matters and the forthcoming Wednesday meetings, or give might be getting nearer was this year I did mark the winning Barry a ring on 966 731 033. Visitors are always welcome card. but at this time of the year everyone is urged to book early or The visitor’s prize was awarded to John Moderate who risk being disappointed. carded 35 points and the NTP’s were picked up by Norman Padmore, Ben Price, Ivan Hanik and Bill Preston.

Silver category’s top four were Jacqui Rust (32 C/B), Ray Ewins (32 C/B), Ellen Drakesmith (34 C/B) and first was Bill Preston (34 C/B).

Graham Cockayne (35 C/B) was 4th in the Gold section with Glen ‘haircut’ Rapley (35 C/B) in 3rd and big Steve Fleet came 2nd with 36. But 3 points clear with a very commendable 39 was Ivan Hanik who took the handsome trophy to fill a vacant slot on his sideboard.

The course did quite a bit of biting back as was Costa blanca office demonstrated when the QUESADA BUSINESS CENTRE, “Abacus award” was picked 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 up by a name far more CALLE LOS ARCOS 7, 03170, 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 associated with regular be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions.

CIUDAD QUESADA Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or appearances in the winning non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

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 email: calidasales@soltimes.com

48 SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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

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

www.specialistvehicles.com MITSUBISHI L200

AUTOMATIC, 2.0S DRIVE, DIESEL, 2011, 15,000KMS

2.5TD, DIESEL, 2003, 127,000KMS

€7,950

€26,950

MERCEDES C220 2.2CDi ELEGANCE, 2009, 70,000KMS

€21,950

HYUNDAI SANTA FE

2.0L CRDi 2003, 123,000KMS

€6,950

• MERCEDES ML 320, AUTO, DIESEL, 2006.....................€24,950 • BMW X1, 1.8 DIESEL, AUTO, 2011, 28,000KMS ...................… POA • VW

BEETLE 2L, 2005, 38,692KMS …............................... €9,950 • MINI

COOPER, 1.6 AUTOMATIC, 2004, 92,000KMS........€9,950 • HYUNDAI I30, 1.4 PETROL, 2009, 68,000KMS................. €8,950

NISSAN MICRA 1.2, 5 DOOR 2008

€6,450

• RENAULT SCENIC 2L PETROL, 2006, auto, 105,000 KMS........

MERCEDES

CLK 200K, CAB, AUTO, 2008, 71,000KMS

€21,950

MERCEDES

B180 1.8CDi DIESEL, 2010, 39,400KMS

€17,950

FIAT 500 CABRIOLET, 875 cc, 2012, 1,584 KMS

............................................................................................................€7,750 • TOYOTA AVENSIS 2L D4D, DIESEL, 2005, 177,000KMS€6,950 • RENAULT KANGOO 1.5 TDCi DIESEL, 2008,70,000KMS€6,950 • JEEP

CHEROKEE 2.5TD SPORT, 144,000 KMS................€5,950 • RENAULT SCENIC 1.5 DCI diesel, 2004,129,000K..........€5,950 • RANGE ROVER 2.2 TURBO DIESEL, 1999 ….................. €5,750 • HYUNDAI GETZ 1.1 PETROL, 2006, 96, 000KMS …...... €4,950

RENAULT KANGOO

1.6 PETROL, AUTO, 2007, 112,000KMS

€6,950

OPEL COMBO

• FORD MONDEO ESTATE GHIA, 2.5V6, 2001, 110,000KMS........

1.4 PETROL, 2005, 87,000KMS

...................................................................................................€2,950

€6,450

• Mitsubishi Carisma 2000, a/c 1430,000kms............ €2,950

• CHRYSLER NEON, 2L PETROL, AUTO, 2002, 117.000KMS.... .......................................................................................€2,950 • FORD FOCUS 1.6 PETROL, 2000, 1.6 PETROL, 153,000KMS...

PEUGEOT 307 2.0L HDi DIESEL,

...................................................................................................€2,750

2003, 144,000KMS

€14,950

• FIAT BRAVA dIESEL,1.9JTD, 2000.98,000kms...............€2,250

€4,950

ford transit

•C ITROEN XSARA, 1.8 PETROL, AUTO, ‘98, 121,000KM...€1,450

2.6 diesel 2008 28,000kms

• RENAULT CLIO, 1.9 DIESEL, 1999, 127,000KMS............€2,250

€10,950 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DEUCE, 2003

€10,950 BMW X3

3L, DIESEL AUTO, 2004, 169,000KMS

€10,950

Right hand drive vehicles

• rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles....€13,950 • bmw x5, 3l dIESEL sPORT AUTOMATIC 2003 82,000K........

MILES..................................................................................€10,950 •R ENAULT GRAND ESPACE, 2.2 DCi, DIESEL, 2005........€6,950 • KIA SORRENTO 1.9CRDi, DIESEL, 2003, 85,000 MILES...€5,950 • KIA CARENS CRDi, DIESEL, 2006, 45,000 MILES............€5,950 •V AUXHALL VECTRA 2.2 PETROL, AUTOMATIC, 2005, 68,000KMS .........................................................................€4,950 • FORD

MONDEO 2L PETROL, HATCH, 2004, 120,000 MILES …..........................................................................................€2,950 • BMW 316 1.6 PETROL, AUTO, 1994, 138,000KMS.....€1,750

Right hand drive - spanish reg

• mitsubishi

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

YAMAHA 350 BRUIN QUAD BIKE 2005

€2,750

mitsubishi pajero

3L, V6, PETROL, 1996

€2,450

SEAT INCA

1.4 PETROL, A/C 2001, 94,000 KMS

€2,450

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

BMW X1

www.soltimes.com

new fords available