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The sad announcement that the Aquarium is to close its doors was made last week by operational director Enrique Hernandez. He said, “It will take place imminently and at the moment we have a provisional closure date set as 18th February.” He assured the public they would do everything possible to find new homes for the animals. Unfortunately this will not be an easy task as the cost of specialist transport is far greater than the value of the animals. The sad reality may well be the animals will have to be killed.

Returning them to the wild is not an option; the laws governing aquariums does not allow animals that have been in contact with humans to be released, because of the possibility of diseases being carried by the animals. Mr. Hernandez explained what attempts had been made to re-house the animals, he said, “Centres in Valencia and Lisbon have been contacted, but ultimately the cost of transporting the fish will be the deciding factor. It’s likely a great number of the fish will be destroyed.”

The news took a political turn at the end of the week when PSOE opposition spokesman Juan Ortega criticised the local government leader Gabriel Amat for his parties handling of the situation. He accused them of reacting too slowly to the problem, when a possible rescue plan was first discussed in June last year. The mayor visited the attraction during the week and said he was saddened by the

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Roquetas Aquarium To Close

announcement, but the council were not in a position to take on the running of the site, because of the ‘high running costs’ involved.

Other opposition groups were critical of the lack of initiative from City Hall.

Roquetas has few major tourist attractions The Aquarium has been in financial trouble for some time and now it would appear the and this will be a blow to the tourist board which is doing their best to promote the town banks have finally had to pull the plug. at a series of trade fairs in Europe this year. Report & photo by Martin Shortland

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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...local news update Almería

Officers of the Policía Nacional have arrested a man in Almería for trafficking firearms.

The officers arrested him while he was with two ‘customers’, who have also been arrested.

Two guns were seized, together with ammunition clips, a shotgun, which was identified as one stolen in a robbery on a farmhouse in Gérgal (Almería), two boxes of ammunition, a silencer, a container of ammunition, an axe, two swordsticks, two knives, a self-defense spray and three mobile phones.

They also recovered a stolen high-end vehicle.

The investigation began last November when officers identified a known criminal, nicknamed ‘Moha’, as a person engaged in the trade and illegal sale of firearms. After laborious investigations, the officers learned that the detainees were preparing a meeting, so they arranged a covert surveillance operation.

They observed the arrival of a high-end vehicle, occupied by two men. They contacted ‘Moha’, who was carrying two large sports bags. He got into the car, and they drove off.

The officers ascertained that the vehicle had been stolen in Puerto Lumbreras (Murcia).

They intercepted the car on the A7, at Paraje de las Vidas, and arrested its occupants.

In a subsequent search of ‘Moha’s’ house the officers found 1,500 grams of hashish, 134€ in cash, a precision scale, two large knives, two swordsticks, a box of ammunition, several shotgun cartridges and three mobile phones.

‘Moha’s’ partner was also arrested for drug trafficking.

Albox

The Diputación Provincial de Almería has awarded the contract for a Planta de Aspiración y Combustión de Biogás at the Albox landfill to the company CESPA (Compañía Española de Servicios Públicos Auxiliares). The contract is worth 169,402.86 euros.

The Diputado de Agricultura y Medio Ambiente, Óscar Liria, explained that ‘this is to degass discharge vessels that are in the Albox landfill. It will be undertaken by a controlled combustion, and will prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.’

He added ‘This is a very important initiative in order to improve the environmental quality of the area as it will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’

He pointed out that the 169,402 euros did not cover the provincial technical work on the project, so that the total investment of the Diputación is 250,000 Euros.

This work affects 45 municipalities of the province (Almanzora-Los VélezLevante) and about 155,000 inhabitants, who will not have to bear the cost of the works due to funding from the European Union, the Consortium Provincial Solid Waste Malaga, Malaga Provincial Council and the Provincial de Almería.

Pulpí

A new Company, the Sociedad Port Rail Almanzora Levante, S.L. (P.R.A.L.), has been formed for the promotion and development for the construction in Pulpí of a Logistics Centre.

The Company has been officially notarised, and is supported in partnership by ten companies from Cuevas de Almanzora, Huércal Overa, Águilas and Pulpí. It is to be financed by private investment, and businesses are said to be very receptive to the project, The first phase will be to conduct a feasibility

junta de gobierno gives green light to improvement works

The Junta de Gobierno has given the green light to 5 improvement works involving a total amount of 144,544.95€.

Specifically, the certifications approved are: Gádor: Municipal Dependencies - 56,875.32€ Chirivel: Rural electrification in La Tortosa and Los Alamitos - 380.64€ Albanchez: Multiple Services Building - 52,457.41€ Tabernas: Urbanisation - 32.863,38€ Pechina: Urbanisation - 1.968,20€ Furthermore, the Junta de Gobierno has given the green light for the presentation of plans for works to improve the network of water circulation in Fondón and Paterna del Río.

Also approved were the plans and final certification of ‘Rehabilitación de Teatro en Rioja’, which is part of the Plan de Espacios Culturales y Polivalentes de la Diputación.

Finally, the Junta de Gobierno approved a contract amendment with the company Clece to the Gestión del Servicio Público de Ayuda a Domicilio, (Public Service Management Home Help) to allow inclusion of the Municipalities of Íllar and Rágol. study into the production and marketing of horticultural products.

The arrival of the Alta Velocidad train service in Eastern Almería, the use of the road infrastructure for the transport of goods, and the possibility of building an Estación Intermodal de Mercancías, (Intermodal Freight Station), which would be an important stimulus to economic growth of the region, have been the reasons that have led to the formation of this Society.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Unemployment Reaches New Record High For 2012 Year End Unemployment figures in Spain reached a new record high of 5,965,400 at the close of 2012, equating to 26.02% of the labour force out of work.

going up by 14.69% across the year and by 4.34% in the last quarter.

According to the latest data published today by the Natonal Institute of Statistics (INE), the number of people unemployed rose by 291,700 (13.12%).

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The number of foreign workers out of work actually dropped by 4,000 across the year, although it increased by 39,400 in the last quarter to reach a total of 1,221,800 (36.53%).

In the last quarter of 2012 alone, employment dropped by 363,300 (2.1%).

The service sector has been the worst hit over the past 12 months, with 1,737,300 people losing their jobs.

The number of people in employment dropped by 176,000 between October and December, and was especially noticeable amongst those under 25, and by 158,700 compared with the same period in 2011.

In the construction sector 387,900 people lost their jobs, 64,800 fewer than in 2011.

The number of men out of work increased by 11.77% during the course of 2012 and 2.29% in the last quarter.

Women fared even worse, with the number out of work

Region by region, unemployment went up in 15 autonomous communities, headed up by Andalusia, where 194,100 more people joined the dole queue last year, and Catalunya (109,700), and only fell in the Balearic Islands (12,500) and in La Rioja (1,200).

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discounts of Nun charged in ‘stolen baby’ cases dies in Madrid between 30% and 70% on AVE tickets

The nun, María Gómez Valbuena, better known as Sor María, who has been accused of involvement in “stolen baby” cases, has died in Madrid.

The news was confirmed by a spokeswoman for the convent where she lived - Las Hijas de la Caridad de San Vicente Paúl.

Sor María, who, according to the same source, was “very ill”, did not appear before the judge on January 18th,

citing “health reasons” as grounds for not giving evidence in the case brought by Purificación Betegón for the alleged disappearance of twins born in the Santa Cristina Clinic in 1981.

Although the news has only broken today, Sor María actually passed away on Tuesday and has already been buried according to the charitable association SOS Bebés Robados (SOS Stolen Babies).

Sor María did give evidence on April 12th last year after María Luisa Torres accused her of having stolen her newborn daughter off her in 1982.

Speed limit to be reduced to 90kmph on secondary roads

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The Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, announced last week “imminent” changes to the national traffic regulations, that would almost certainly see the speed limit on secondary roads being reduced from 100kmph to 90kmph.

Fernández Díaz, who made the announcement at the Traffic School in Mérida, said this decision came in response to the fact that “77% of road accidents, including fatal accidents, occur on the country’s secondary roads”.

He confirmed that the “main objective and priority” of speed limits was to guarantee road safety, whilst allowing for maximum mobility. For this reason, Sol Times Almeria is independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Almeria is an independent publication. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement.

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the Minister has decided to reduce the speed limit on secondary roads to a maximum of 90kmph.

Furthermore, on stretches of roads that are 6.5 metres wide or less, the speed limit will be reduced to 60kmph. With regard to the motorway network, the minister confirmed that he was studying the possibility of increasing the maximum speed limit from 120kmph to 130kmph.

Any change to the maximum speed limit on motorways would, he said, have to take into account a number of variables, including the condition of the road surface, the amount of traffic, weather conditions, etc. with a variable speed limit linked to each of these the most likely solution.

With regard to cyclists, the Minister underlined the fact that bicycles were not to be used on pavements around town and said he was looking at making the use of safety helmets obligatory in town as well as on main roads

Discounts of between 30% and 70% are set to be introduced for tickets on Spain’s high-speed trains (AVE) over the next few days, according to ThinkSpain.com The Spanish national railway company, Renfe, will offer the discounts on the basis of how full the trains are and how far in advance customers buy their tickets - in a similar way to that in which the low-cost operate.

The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor announced in December that steps were going to be taken to to make the AVE “more competitive”, adding that tickets for the highspeed trains were currently “very expensive”.

In an interview with Antena 3, Pastor said that under the new system there would be a basic price for an AVE ticket, and other offer prices depending on train occupancy levels and purchase dates.

“We are going to try to make sure that the many people, particularly young people, who can’t currently afford to travel by AVE, will start having access to this service”, confirmed Pastor, stressing that her priority was to see the AVE operating in “the most profitable way possible”.

“The AVE is currently the model for efficiency and competitiveness [...] is punctual, of high quality and covers long distances”, the Minister highlighted. For this reason, she said, Spain’s AVE “could and would be both competitive and efficient”.

Pastor also confirmed that the AVE would reach Galicia by 2018, as announced recently by the prime minister Mariano Rajoy.

Ryanair Flight From Valencia Makes Emergency Landing In Genoa

A Ryanair flight from Valencia to Bergamo in northern Italy had to make an emergency landing in Genoa this morning when the pressurisation system failed.

Ryanair have issued a press release confirming the incident and apologising “sincerely to all our passengers for any inconvenience caused”.

The low-cost airline’s statement said that its pilot had reacted “as soon as a warning light came on to indicate a possible problem with cabine pressure.

In line with standard operating procedures, oxygen masks were deployed and the pilot began his controlled emergency descent to an altitude where air pressure was not an issue”.

Afterwards, the plane “landed

without incident at Genoa airport at approximately 09.50 hours”.

With the aim of minimising disruption, passengers were transferred to Bergamo by bus whilst Ryanair’s engineers inspected the Boeing 737800 aircraft, the statement confirmed.

Sources within Ryanair said that two of the 93 passengers on board flight FR4632 had been taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

The Italian media have confirmed them to be two women, who had complained of chest pain. There are unconfirmed reports of scenes of panic within the aircraft.

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5

Merkel says Europe must stick to austerity

European nations must stick to continuing austerity measures to reduce government debt levels, the German Chancellor has said.

In a report by the BBC, speaking at the World Economic Forum, Angela Merkel said that Europe “must implement the structural reforms today so we can live better tomorrow”.

She added that it was also vital for European countries to keep up work to improve their economic competitiveness.

Earlier, the Dutch prime minister had called for more work to boost growth.

Also speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mark Rutte said he found it “frustrating” that eurozone nations were “so much” focused on crisis management.

However, in her speech, Mrs Merkel said economic growth and structural reforms had to go hand-in-hand.

She said: “Budget consolidation and economic growth are two sides of the same coin.”

Mr Rutte said the European Union needed the UK and Denmark to “inspire” fresh debates over boosting growth.

He also said that he wanted the UK to remain an “active” EU member.

“I can be extremely frustrated that the debates in the eurozone group are so much focused on the troubles we have.

We should move to spend time on getting growth going,” Mr Rutte told a panel of speakers including Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, his Danish counterpart Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and the Republic of Ireland’s Enda Kenny.

“We need countries like Denmark, Sweden and the UK... to stay not just in the EU but to be active, because they are focused on bolstering [their economies] and that is a very different debate we are having in the eurozone,” he added.

“So I’m always trying to liaise with non-eurozone countries.

We need them to be with us because we need their inspiration.”

Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt also echoed his views,

saying that Europe had “to move on to practical issues right now” such as improving competitiveness, as the “prospect for getting jobs and growth in Europe is enormous.”

The comments came as the International Monetary Fund recently warned that the euro area, struggling from austerity programmes, continued to hinder an already weakening global economic recovery.

But Ireland, which has pushed through six austerity budgets since 2008 after its property bubble burst, has been facing recovery, albeit fragile, and won the confidence of international investors.

“When you have a strategy and you follow it, you have results,” said Irish Taoiseach Kenny, adding that he expected his country to exit the bailout programme this year.

“But our people have had to take really serious challenges...

The central issue is that people see that leaders follow through with the decisions they’ve made.”

“It’s important in terms of international reputation for them to understand that their money is not wasted.”

Man dies after throwing himself off ferry in Alicante

A passenger on a ferry operating the Alicante-Orán (Algeria) line died last Wednesday night after throwing himself off the boat and onto the dock after being cooped up on board for 24 hours without setting sail because of the adverse weather conditions.

The incident occurred around 22.30 hours amidst an atmosphere of tension and unrest, during which some of the 890 passengers being held on board the ferry had started throwing objects overboard and onto the mooring in protest at the fact that they had not set sail, despite having boarded the ferry over 24 hours earlier.

Sources confirmed that police had already been called to the scene to try to calm things down, but no-one was arrested and there were no further incidents.

The victim was a 36-year-old French citizen of Algerian decent who was returning to Algeria because his father

had died. He allegedy threw himself off the ferry’s lower deck in an attempt to get back onto land, miscalculated the jump and landed headfirst on the dock after falling over seven metres.

Port authorities have confirmed that the ferry arrived in Alicante from Orán (Algeria) on Tuesday and passengers boarded that same night ready for the ferry’s return journey to the Algerian port, but the boat was unable to set sail either on Tuesday night or for the whole of Wednesday because of the gale-force winds. Passengers were not allowed to disembark as they had already passed through customs controls.

Various fellow passengers have confirmed that the victim was “desperate” to get off the ferry and the crew had forbidden him to disembark, prompting his risky leap overboard. Alicante police are now investigating his death.

Raid breaks up Greek metro strike Greek police storm a sit-in by striking Athens underground train workers, enforcing a government order requiring them to return to work.

French court orders Twitter to hand over racist data

A French court orders Twitter to hand over details of users who spread anti-Semitic messages, months after offensive tweets were removed.

Ukraine and Shell sign gas deal

Ukraine signs a major shale gas deal with Royal Dutch Shell - a move seen as an attempt

by Kiev to reduce its dependency on Russian gas imports

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Isabel Pantoja Knew She Was Laundering Money For Muñoz Says Prosecutor

The State Prosecutor maintained, that singer Isabel Pantoja (pictured) did indeed help Julián Muñoz, the ex-mayor of Marbella, hide his ill-gotten funds in her maze of companies with the specific intention of laundering the money.

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In her summary, María del Mar López-Herrero, confirmed that the singer, who is facing a jail term of up to three and a half years for her part in the moneylaundering enterprise, offered the use of her own private companies to conceal the source of the money and actually received funds directly into others.

With regard to the apartament Pantoja allegedly bought in the Hotel Guadalpín in Marbella, the prosecutor maintains that it was paid for by Julián Muñoz, who made contact with the construction company Aifos even before the property was built.

The prosecutor also maintains that the purchase of the luxury chalet ‘La Pera’ was another money-laundering exercise by Pantoja and Muñoz. She also pointed out

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that Pantoja used to work in Marbella town hall and that there are photos of her together with Julián Muñoz at the Fitur Tourism Fair, which is where the chalet purchase was brokered.

Evidence was also presented that Pantoja had made numerous, substantial cash payments to agricultural workers in her employ, which “suggest further attempts to launder funds made available to her by Julián Muñoz”.

The state prosecutor in this anticorruption trial maintained today that Julián Muñoz was the “cornerstone, the source, the one who orchestrated and organised,... the one who utilised the people around him to hide this money”, but insisted that Pantoja was well aware of what she was doing when she helped him conceal the illicit funds.

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Two arrested in Galicia for killing brown bear

Animal protection officers with the Guardia Civil have arrested two people - 50-year-old J.M.A.A., and 30-year-old N.R.F. - for allegedly killing a brown bear in the town of Porley in Asturias.

According to a report by ThinkSpain. com, they have been charged with contravening nature conservation laws on two accounts: first of all for using a steel lassoo, an outlawed method of hunting, and secondly for killing a protected animal (brown bears are in danger of extinction).

The investigation began back in August last year, when it was revealed that a brown bear had been caught in an illegal steel lassoo in a rural area known as Las Frezalinas, in the town of Porley.

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the Guardia Civil’s Nature Protecion Service, collected samples from the area in order to hunt down the those responsible for the kill.

200 metres away from where the bear was found, agents found a sack containing the remains of a wild boar, whose hairs were also found on the steel lassoo later used to trap and kill the bear.

Samples from the lassoo where sent to police crime labs, where specialists were able to establish that the lassoo used to capture and kill the wild boar, was later re-used, this time to capture a bear.

A label on the sack containing the remains of the wild boar led the police to a distribution company in Gijón, and then to one of the men now charged with this crime. The

second defendant is the owner of land right next to where the sack and the lassoo were found.

The latter was the one who initially alerted the authorities to the presence of the dead bear, but concealed relevant data from the police right from the start of the investigation, like, for example, the time the bear was found, which could have led to the animal’s safe release.

It is believed that the stress suffered by the bear during the hours it was trapped, coupled with an illness it was suffering, contributed to its untimely death.

The last time someone was arrested for killing a bear in Spain was in 1991, in the town of Villaux (Pola de Somedo), where Seprona agents detained a man for being in possession of two brown bear skins.

Baqueira Beret in northern Spain photographed on 18th January: the resort recorded the most snowfall in four days for 10 years (2.5m at 1800m) Photo: Baqueira Beret

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

7

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eu Commission proposes new targets for electric cars

Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas says he is introducing targets for the number of charging points that EU countries must install, to boost the use of electric cars.

Presenting his Clean Power for Transport package on 24 January 2013, he pointed out that 94% of all European transport was reliant on oil, the majority of which is imported.

He said that electric car charging points will have to feature the same plug format, introducing a European standard.

In the UK there are currently around 703 charging points, although plans could see this increased to over 120,000 by 2020.

Commissioner Kallas has estimated the cost of building green infrastructure of transport at €10bn until 2020, compared with the the EU’s €1bn a day cost of importing oil.

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However he said that “member states will be able to implement these changes without necessarily involving public spending”, pointing to the potential use of EU funding.

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Other measures contained in the package include greater use of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the shipping sector and greater use of biofuels.

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Real Madrid Still World’s Richest Football Club, Says Deloitte Real Madrid has topped Deloitte’s football rich list for the eighth year in a row, with revenues breaking 500m euros (£420m) for the first time.

Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea make up the rest of the top five spots, based on data for the 2011/12 season.

Chelsea’s revenues were boosted significantly by winning both the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup. Manchester City was joint top riser, jumping from twelfth to seventh spot.

The club’s revenues rose to 286m euros from 170m euros the previous season, thanks to winning the Premier League and a controversial sponsorship deal.

The club has signed a 10-year deal with Etihad Airways worth a reported 480m euros.

Etihad is the flag-carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is based in Abu Dhabi. Manchester City is owned by Sheikh Mansour, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, which is one of the emirates that makes up the UAE. Critics have argued the deal is designed to circumvent Uefa’s financial fair play rules, designed to stop clubs spending more than they earn. The club has refuted the claims.

Arsenal dropped one place to sixth due to Chelsea’s success on the pitch, but recorded a 40m-euro jump in revenues.

Liverpool held on to ninth spot, with revenues growing by 30m euros despite a disappointing season in the Premier League and a lack of European football for the first time since 1999/2000. This was due in part

to two domestic cup final appearances and the new owners focusing on increasing commercial revenues.

Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus, which won Serie A, took the other places in the top 10 list.

With total revenues of 513m euros, Real Madrid equalled Manchester United’s record of topping the list for eight consecutive seasons.

“Real have led the way in the phenomenal level of revenue growth enjoyed by the sport’s top clubs over the past two decades,” Deloitte said.

“The Spanish club’s revenue growth has been remarkable. In 1996/97, the first season for which we published our Money League analysis, Real generated revenues of 85m euros, one sixth of the revenues they generated in 2011/12.”

Deloitte also highlighted the fact that the club enjoys a balanced revenue stream, with 25% coming from match days, 39% from broadcasting and 36% from commercial sales.

1. Real Madrid: 513m euros 2. Barcelona: 483m euros 3. Man Utd: 396m euros 4. Bayern Munich: 368m euros 5. Chelsea: 323m euros 6. Arsenal: 290m euros 7. Manchester City: 286m euros 8. AC Milan: 257m euros 9. Liverpool: 233m euros 10. Juventus: 195m euros Source: Deloitte: 2011-12

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Irish move to let the lonely drink-drive

Cesped artificial Tigerturf spain

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Councillors in south-west Ireland have backed a plan to relax the drink-drive limits for isolated constituents so they can get out more.

The motion backed by Kerry county councillors would allow police to issue permits overriding the legal limit, reports the BBC. Councillor Danny Healy-Rae, who proposed the motion, said it would apply to “older people” who “are being isolated now at home, and a lot of them falling into depression”.

A number of the councillors who approved the measure are reportedly themselves pub owners - but Mr Healy-Rae denied that this had influenced the vote.

He said it would benefit people “living in isolated rural areas where there’s no public transport of any kind, and they end up at home looking at the four walls, night in and night out”.

“On the roads I’m talking about, you couldn’t do any more than 20 or 30 miles per hour and it’s not a big deal. I don’t see any big issue with it,” he said.

However, Kerry Mayor Terry O’Brien said the motion - which was passed by five votes to three with seven abstentions - did not “make any sense”.

“It is incredibly dangerous. I don’t know how anybody can be allowed to say: ‘You’ve had two pints, so you’re justified to drive’,” he said.

Catherine Of Aragon Reunited With King Henry Viii But Only As An Oil Painting!

For years it was assumed by staff at Lambeth Palace that the oil painting hanging in a private sitting room was of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife.

But when experts from the National Portrait Gallery went to the Palace - the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury - to research a portrait of an earlier archbishop, they were able to shed new light on the matter.

First, the portrait was in a frame that predated the rotund monarch’s sixth wife, second; her clothes were from an earlier period, and third, well, the woman also bore a startling resemblance to Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Tests soon showed that they were right, and now the gallery has hung the portrait of the devoutly Catholic queen rather mischievously, side by side with a portrait of Henry, whose desperation to divorce her was the catalyst for England’s schism with the Catholic church.

The ‘exciting discovery’ about the picture was made when researchers from the National Portrait Gallery went to Lambeth Palace to find out more about William Warham, the Archbishop of Canterbury who married Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, in 1509.

The researchers, who were working on a project called Making Art In Tudor Britain, noticed the painting on the wall of a private sitting room, where it has hung since at least the 19th century but probably longer, under the assumption it depicted Catherine Parr.

National Portrait Gallery curator Charlotte Bolland said: ‘It was immediately apparent that it was in a very early frame, something which was a relatively rare survival from the early 16th century.

‘It was a way of frame-making that went out of fashion. That was a kind of sign that it was something quite interesting.’

They realised that the woman’s earlier costume and her facial features strongly suggested it was of Catherine of Aragon, rather than Catherine Parr, who was born in 1512, three years after the first Catherine had married Henry.

The Archbishop of Canterbury allowed the gallery to borrow the portrait, which is oil on panel, for further research and experts subjected it to x-rays and infra-red light which

indicated that under the paint was a green background similar to that on a portrait of Henry painted in 1520.

The research also suggested that the features of the woman’s face had been altered, and that she was wearing a veil, which the first Catherine would have done.

The evidence proved conclusively that the portrait was of Catherine of Aragon, who became Henry’s first wife after his older brother Arthur, whom she married in 1501, died.

The National Portrait Gallery has now hung the picture next to a similar one of the king.

She said: ‘It is wonderful to have the opportunity to display this important early portrait of Catherine of Aragon at the Gallery.

‘Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon were married for nearly twenty four years and during that time their portraits would have been displayed together in this fashion, as king and queen of England.’

Ms Bolland said that discovering the original Tudor finish on a painting like this was ‘an extremely rare find’.

She said the portrait had been compared with the gallery’s portrait of the king from the same period and both were very similar.

She said: ‘Whilst not suggesting the works originally formed a pair, the costume dates them to the same period and the works are of the same scale.

‘It is likely that both are examples of the type of portraits of the king and queen that would have been produced in multiple versions, some of which would have been paired in this way.’

Catherine failed to produce a son who lived beyond 52 days and so was rejected in favour of Anne Boleyn, her husband’s pregnant mistress.

Catherine Parr was Henry’s sixth and last wife, marrying him in July 1543 and outliving him after he died in 1547.

The portrait was first spotted by National Portrait Gallery staff in 2009 but nothing was announced about who its subject really was until today, following years of research to confirm it.

The portrait is now hung next to a similar oil on panel of Henry VIII in the National Portrait Gallery.

www.soltimes.com Teenage girls celebrate in the snow in their wellington boots after their school was closed in the South West due to the blizzards pHOTO: RICHARD AUSTIN

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Snow CAUSES CHAOS IN UK

Snow continued to grip parts of the UK last week with roads in parts of south Wales and south-west England seriously affected.

In Pembrokeshire, a school bus taking 40 pupils home slid off the road but no-one was hurt. The head teacher said conditions were “probably the worst” he had seen in 25 years.

Hundreds of schools remained closed across the UK, although numbers shut were down on the start of the week.

In Somerset, gritter crews have had their work cut out after almost 15cm of snow fell in 24 hours. Somerset County Council said that, to combat icy conditions for motorists, twice the usual amount of salt would be used to treat roads on Wednesday night.

The freezing temperatures across the UK are expected to continue until Saturday.

Forecasters predicted milder and wet conditions by last weekend.

The Met Office had issued yellow warnings advising people to “be aware” of more snow in parts of Wales, south-west England, north-west England, and eastern and north-eastern Scotland; icy surfaces continued to be a threat across much of the UK, especially where snow had fallen over recent days.

The Environment Agency says rain and melting snow are expected to lead to rising water levels in rivers in south-west England and has three flood warnings in place.

Article courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk/news

David Cameron wants European Union reformer legacy Prime Minister David Cameron has said he wants to be remembered as the person who secured Britain’s place in a reformed European Union.

Mr Cameron told CNN that the EU often went too far in social, employment and environmental legislation.

It follows his promise of a referendum on UK membership if the Conservatives win the next general election.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats warned the move could create uncertainty for business.

The prime minister said he was not putting a list of demands on the table and planning to storm off if they were not met.

He said: “I hope I’ll be remembered as someone who did everything they could to get the British economy back on track, to strengthen Britain’s society and Britain’s place in the world, and to secure Britain’s place in a reformed European Union.

“I think that is what I want to achieve - this is the right way forward for Britain. It’s in our national interest; it’s also in Europe’s interest too.

He added: “There is obviously a huge amount of work in the years ahead, but I feel very confident and positive that having set out a plan - explain to the world, to our European partners, to the British people, British business - everyone can see there is a plan to change Europe for the better, and to secure Britain’s place in it.”

Turning to the US economy, Mr Cameron said America’s

9

deficit would have to be brought down over time, with difficult decisions taken.

The interview came as Mr Cameron was in Davos for the World Economic Forum.

He told world leaders there that countries must work together to clamp down on tax avoidance.

“Individuals and businesses must pay their fair share,” he said in his speech.

He also defended his choice to offer UK voters a referendum on EU membership after 2015 if the Conservatives win the next election, and said the 27-member bloc needed to change.

“Europe is being out-competed, out-invested and outinnovated,” he said.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said the UK risks “tying itself in knots” and neglecting more important issues by trying to renegotiate its EU membership.

The coalition deputy prime minister said it was “wholly implausible” to think the rules could be rewritten to “benefit us and disadvantage everybody else”.

Labour has also said it does not support Mr Cameron’s plans for a referendum.

Party leader Ed Miliband said the prime minister had promised the poll because he was “frightened” of his backbenchers and had “given in” to his party.

Glasgow wins ‘smart city’ government cash

Glasgow has won a £24m UK government grant intended to make it one of the UK’s first smart cities.

According to a report by the BBC, Glasgow will use the money on projects to demonstrate how a city of the future might work. They will include better services for Glaswegians, with real-time information about traffic and apps to check that buses and trains are on time.

The council will also create an app for reporting issues such as potholes and missing bin collections. Other services promised by the council include linking up the CCTV cameras across the city with its traffic management unit in order to identify traffic incidents faster.

It will use analytical software and security cameras to help identify and prevent crime in the city and monitor energy levels to find new ways of providing gas and electricity to poorer areas where fuel poverty is a big issue.

Glasgow will not be the UK’s only smart city. Others including Birmingham, Sunderland and

London are beginning to roll out technologies to make services work more smartly.

The grant was offered by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), a body set up by the government in 2007 to stimulate technology-enabled innovation.

Its Future Cities Demonstrator, as the prize is known, is intended to act as a blueprint for other cities.

“Glasgow has some quite extreme challenges - it has the lowest life expectancy of any city in the UK for instance - and the hope is that if we bring together energy, transport, public safety and health it will make it more efficient and a better place to live,” said Scott Cain, the TSB’s project leader for Future Cities.

All data collected in the project will be available so that other cities can see it.

“The thinking behind it is to have somewhere in the UK where firms can look at the efficiencies, the investments and how you can address the challenges of a city,” he added.

10

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Almeria resident attempts to sell Perth

Il Duce part I 70 years ago a huge swathe of Europe was under the control of three dictators; Hitler, Franco and Il Duce - Benito Mussolini! Mussolini came to power in Italy in1922 a full decade before Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. He is relevant today as Silvio Berlusconi committed yet another gaffe recently by saying his idol did many good things despite making a mistake with his racial laws.

Mussolini started life as a socialist then changed his views to fascism when socialists across Europe did not support World War One. Mussolini believed the war would bring a sense of national unity to Italy.

Having fled Italy in 1904 to escape National Service he returned to serve in the war and his exemplary service saw him rise to the rank of Corporal. He was invalided home in 1917 when a grenade exploded in his trench leaving 40 metal shards in his body.

MI5 kindly paid him the huge sum of £100 a week presumably for intelligence work, this money helped Mussolini set himself up in politics and he declared in 1918 that ‘A man ruthless and energetic to revive the Italian nation’ was needed. I guess he modestly meant himself.

Mussolini believed in ‘Spazio vitale’ reasoning that Italy needed to regain huge parts of Europe to have enough space for economic growth. In 1920 he declared that the Slavic people were barbaric and inferior and that to kill half a million Slavs was an acceptable sacrifice. In 1922 the King of Italy fearing a communist revolution invited Mussolini to form a new government.

Mussolini promptly invaded Corfu.

In 1924 the deputy leader of socialist party was assassinated after trying to get the election results annulled due to voting irregularities which included violence and intimidation by the fascists. The assassin was a man called Dumini who reported to Mussolini.

Dumini’s car had been seen being used to get rid

of the body and he got two years in prison.

Mussolini paid Dumini an income for fifteen years after the murder.

Mussolini started shifting all power to himself declaring himself as Head of the Government in 1925, Parliament had no say in his decisions and then he abolished parliamentary elections all together. A police state was being set up and even local mayors were appointed by Rome. In 1926 all rival political parties were banned after an assassination attempt on Mussolini by a 15 year old boy. There were at least three other attempts on his life, one of which was by an Irish woman who shot off part of his nose.

Newspaper editors were personally chosen

by Mussolini and teachers had to swear an oath to protect the fascist regime.

As part of Mussolini’s plan for a New Roman Empire Italy invaded Ethiopia in1935; war crimes were committed by the 400,000 strong army, mustard gas and phosgene were both used and victory was quick. In 1936 Mussolini sent warplanes to Spain, to help Franco in the Civil War and in 1938 Albania was invaded, Hitler was impressed and Germany and Italy signed the ‘Pact of Steel!’ Mussolini was assured that Hitler would not start any war until 1942, thus allowing the Italian army and navy to prepare. Hitler lied!

Due to Hitler in 1938, racial laws called the ‘Manifesto of Race’ were passed. Jews were banned from the Civil service and armed forces and intermarrying was outlawed, the laws were objected to by most Italians and the Pope, yet still thousands of Jews were sent to Auschwitz.

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there...and they’re a bit longer too!

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Jardin Rural Established 9 years in Spain

s.l.

Almeria resident Brad Harris is attempting to sell the advertising rights to the entire cosmopolitan of the city of Perth, Western Australia. He’s doing this in a bid to help “crowd fund” a new website called squaaak. com. He’s hoping to raise a target of $10,000 and as much as $30,000 to help get the website and mobile application up and running within 10-12 weeks.

The “mayor” of Perth is going for a saintly sum of $10,000 with lesser contributions ranging from $10 - $1,000. Depending on the size of the contribution will determine the type of gift you receive in return.

Details about squaaak.com (pronounced skwark) are still quite protected, however it is going to be a social network website different to what we’ve seen previously. It will allow you to get a real-time feed of all the things that are happening in your communities.

Crowd funding is the innovative new way of raising funds to start a project, with readers encouraged to contribute money often for smaller less financial gifts or perks.

Contributors also take pride in having been one of the “spotters” of an up and coming new venture.

If everything goes well, squaaak founder Brad Harris is quietly confident “I hope that squaaak. com will be used my many millions of people around the world and will be one of those things that people will look at everyday, if not several times a day”

How do you plan to sell Perth?

“Obviously I’m not trying to sell Perth as a parcel of land like Alaska or Hong Kong, nor is it to scam anyone out of their money. I’m simply selling the entire advertising rights for the City of Perth which will include approximately 800-1,000 locations on squaaak.com that’s in the works.

That’s a lot of places to place your ad or to let others put theirs.” Brad Harris, founder.

Out of all the places, why are you selling Perth?

“We’re trying to raise awareness for raising funds to get squaaak.com up and running within 10-12 weeks. Perth is one of those fantastic places that people always seem to know of from all around the world. Whenever I’ve been asked where I’m from and said Australia, people will generally ask about Perth. I hope that people’s genuine interest in Perth will bring them to find out what we’re all about.” Brad Harris, founder.

Do you think the people from Perth will be offended by you selling their city?

“No, I don’t. Perth is one of the great cities of the world and it’s the people that make it. It’s a city that is really booming, they’ve got a great can-do attitude and I’d be surprised if anyone got offended – it’s certainly not intended. Although, we may have to create two Subiacco stadium squaaak.com locations for all the feral West Coast and Fremantle supporters.” Brad Harris, founder.

Crowd funding page: www.indiegogo.com/squaaak Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/409101419158832/#!/Squaaak Weblog: www.bradsquaaak.wordpress.com Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/ViralFun101?feature=mhee

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

ALMERIMAR & surrounding area El Ejido

The Concejal Portavoz of the Izquierda Unida in the Ayuntamiento of El Ejido, Serafín Pedrosa, has requested that the Government team provide more waste and recycling containers in town.

She asked that the containers provided should be in good condition, and increased in number so that residents do not have to travel long distances to dispose of rubbish or to recycle items.

According to a study by the IU, El Ejido has less than the recommended ratio of waste and recycling containers.

She said ‘In some neighbourhoods the residents have to travel half a mile to access a container.’

El Ejido

The Ayuntamiento is already working on the ‘Plan of Treatment and Control of Flies and Mosquitoes’ in and around Almerimar.

An eradication plan is put into operation every year in order to prevent the spread of these pests during the summer months, and the Junta de Gobierno Local has approved the contract for this service for a total cost of 49,100 euros.

The Alcalde, Francisco Góngora, explained that ‘this year, the tender has been brought forward two months with the intention to ensure maximum efficiency, and to start as soon as possible to prevent the development of this pest, especially mosquitoes. This plan last year proved very effective, and avoided the presence of these insects, which cause so much trouble, especially during the summer months.’

The treatment and control program will start in February and is scheduled to end in September. The plan will begin with a diagnostic phase of the current situation and the degree of incidence populations, which will determine the frequency of treatments both in the aquatic larvae and adults.

The treatment will cover hedges, trees and shrubs on public roads, around the lake, drainage ditches, sidewalks, roundabouts, parks, gardens and temporary ponds in Almermar I and II, Ejido Beach, the old camping area of Almerimar and the land surrounding the Campo de Golf.

The Charity Shop Calle Galera No6, Almerimar (Behind Bar Ankara)

now open

Monday-Saturday 10am-2pm In Association with Animales de Berja & Ursamarina

Ankara

Est 2005 Cafe Bar Ray & Kay welcome you...

to their small and friendly cafe bar for breakfast, lunch & drinks

what’s on Wednesday

Sol Times Distributed

Thursday

8:30pm - OPEN MIC NIGHT & JAM SESSION - MACGOWANS 7 february from 8pm - singles darts at ankara

Friday

Friday Golf

Saturday

stumble inn - 3pm-5pm free 100€ cash draw followed by live entertainment free buffet at 4pm

Sunday

10am – 1pm: Almerimar Walking Club - Meet at Mercadona

Monday

11am – 1pm: Ladies Coffee Morning - Yachting Golf Restaurant 5pm – 7pm: Jeu de Boules - East Beach

Tuesday

Tuesday Golf

------------------------------------------------------------

Friday Golf Society 25 january:

This week we had a break from the regular Friday competitions.

We played the fourth edition of the England vs. Rest of World match play event. It used to be England vs. Rest of Europe but we now have a Canadian playing with us.

Rest Europe won in 2009, England in 2010 & 2011 and Rest of World won in 2012. So the honours were even and Lennart Olsson held the trophy on behalf of the Rest of the World.

After a hard fought match England came out victors this year with a very close 5 ½ to 4 ½ win. The trophy will rest in the Perkins household for the next 12 months and Christine Perkins and Sharon Sly had the biggest win of the day.

The photo is of the winning England team picking up the trophy.

It is back to regular Friday golf next week.

You can see the full results at:

www.fridaygolfsociety.es

Thursday 7 th February FROM 8pm Darts Singles Night - Everyone Welcome

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR WEEKLY EVENTS TO BE PUBLISHED HERE - FREE OF CHARGE SEND THE DETAILS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

Tapas served daily 12 noon - 5.30pm (except Sunday)

almerimar local information

you can put your name up on the entry

keep up to date with what’s happening in Almerimar: www.facebook.com/localinformation

list by the pro-shop or contact info@

Open: Mon - Sat 10.30am - Close

Open: Sunday 2pm - 10pm

Sky Sports / ESPN for all sports Tel 610 900 320 Darsena 3, Almerimar - next to pharmacy

------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to take part in the friendly Friday competitions at Almerimar

fridaygolfsociety.es

www.soltimes.com

news update ‘Grease’ Is The Word

. . . And It’s Coming To town!

“This car is automatic ... it’s systematic ... it’s hydromatic ... it’s greased lightening!”

Fans of the world famous musical Grease will be in for a treat when a touring version of the hit musical visits Roquetas later in the year. It’s forty years since the show first appeared on Broadway, before storming the West End and going on to tour around the world. Most people associate John Travolta and Olivia Newton John as the two lead characters Danny and Sandie from the 1979 film, but it is the stage version which has played to more audiences in more languages and more countries than any other musical.

This current version was premiered in Barcelona in 2011and has been on the road ever since, playing to packed theatres throughout Spain. It’s a more up to date version than the original, containing all the old favourite songs and some new ones as well; the singing and choreography is quite spectacular. The musical gets its name from the subculture of youth groups of the 1950’s, whose members were known as greasers. Set in Rydell High School, it follows the adventures of a group of teenagers where love, cars and racing dominate their lives.

With a cast of forty, a full band and stunning stage sets, this fabulous two and a half hour extravaganza will have everyone dancing in the aisles! The show is at the Auditorium Theatre from 16th to 19th May; more details about the show and information about bookings can be obtained from the box office.

“Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion, Grease is the word, is the word . . . .”

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Reports & PHOTOS by Martin Shortland

13

‘Open Government’ Reward For Mayor Amats’ Council

“Open government Humphrey, open government.” One of the many memorable lines from the BBC comedy series, Yes Minister! Well last week, far from being a joke the City Hall of Roquetas was voted one of the most open local governments in the country. In a survey of 110 major municipalities across the Spain, they came out very near the top.

The survey marks local authorities’ out of a possible 100 points on such issues as availability to finance documents, local planning and service procurement, to name but a few. They scored 92.5 points which is 20 points above the national average and more than 35 above all other municipalities in Andalucia. In many of the categories, they scored the maximum 100 points.

In a press conference held to announce the news, Mayor Amat was full of praise for his team at City Hall, saying, “This is further evidence of the superb work being done by this council on behalf of the citizens of the municipality.

It is recognition of the open, transparent and democratic nature of all those people working at the City Hall.” He went on to add, “It’s a demonstration of the commitment, effort and responsibility of this administration in everything we do for the community.”

It has to be said, Mayor Amat and his council have had more than their share of controversy over the years, but have always managed to stay ahead of the game. Certainly on this showing, the people of the municipality of Roquetas are in very capable hands.

Repair Work Begins On Crumbling Harbour Wall

Work started last week to strengthen the old and worn harbour wall in the port of Roquetas. The first sea wall was built in the late 1950’s, prior to that there was no harbour and no protection from the sea; the fishermen would pull their boats onto a sand bar which ran along the fringe of the small village. An extension to the sea wall was added in the 1960’s to make the harbour bigger and to give more protection from the elements.

Over the years the action of the sea has caused many of the original foundations – mainly large stones - to move and it is because of this erosion the restoration has to be done. The cost is over 700,000 Euros and the marine engineering company SATO is carrying out the work, expecting to have it completed by the summer.

Large rocks, each weighing 5 tons will be lowered into the sea by crane along the outer side of the wall. The rocks

come from a quarry in Huercal de Almeria and are transported by road to the docks in Almeria and from there by boat across the bay to Roquetas. The rocks are then transferred onto a huge pontoon which carries the 32 metre crane and then positioned accordingly alongside the sea wall. The whole process is quite time consuming and is dependent on wind and sea conditions being favourable.

The port of Roquetas is home to almost 40 fishing boats which work in the productive waters of the Sea of Alboran, catching everything from sardines to sword fish. It is also home to privately owned vessels, from small dinghy’s to large yachts and motor cruisers.

A major improvement plan was completed in 2010, doubling the number of births for private craft to over 400.

14

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

The DNA gun that can invisibly tag criminals It may look more like a high tech water pistol or something out of a sci-fi film than the latest weapon in the fight against crime.

But an innovative new tagging system using a gun and DNA pellets could make it easier for police to mark the cards of even the most volatile criminal.

Unlike a taser or gun that fires real bullets, the weapon won’t hurt a suspect or render them incapacitated so that officers can pounce.

Instead, it will enable police to stay at a safe distance during trouble and identify criminals

and arrest criminals days or even weeks after an incident.

The High Velocity DNA Tagging System, designed for use by police forces and the military by Kent-based firm Selectamark, fires small soft green pellets containing the transparent material at a target from as far away as 40 metres.

Each pellet, which weighs less than a gram and is effectively like a paintball, contains a unique DNA code which could remain on the target for weeks.

Andrew Knights from Selectamark said: ‘On contact with the target the uniquely-

coded SelectaDNA solution leaves a synthetic DNA trace mark that will enable the relevant authorities to confirm or eliminate that person from their involvement in a particular situation and could ultimately lead to arrest and prosecution.’

The material is small enough to penetrate through clothing and mark a suspect’s skin as well as their clothing, the firm said.

The gun comes in both pistol and shotgun form, with the power to fire 20 shots in one session.

It will prove useful for officers when policing riots or when

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facing crowd control problems, say the brains behind the futuristic invention.

It could also be used when an officer is giving chase to an offender and is unable to keep up.

The DNA tag can be identified later on using a UV light and is designed to ensure that officers are arresting the right person.

The company unveiled the new product in Nevada, in the U.S last week, and said the response had been incredible.

‘It’s been 12 months in development, even though it only launched a few days ago, there has been a huge amount of interest,’ said Jason Brown of Selectamark.

‘We are in talks with several UK police forces, and other around

the world. This is one of many tools in the police arsenal for a riot situation, and we believe its a deterrent, because it’s orange, people would know they can be tagged and would disperse.’

The gun also has a laser sight, and video and audio recording capabilities to collect evidence.

‘Each officer has a batch of DNA signed out to them, and when combined with the video and audio we think this provides a substantial amount of evidence.’

The firm has even trained a sniffer to recognise the material, allowing police to detain crowds and easily find those who have been tagged.

The gun is an extension of

an existing property marking system offered by the company which is used by businesses and homeowners across the world.

Last year, police in Nelson, Lancashire, saw a 100 per cent reduction in burglary when they offered SelectDNA marking to 600 local residents.

It was also revealed earlier this month that fast food giant McDonald’s teamed up with the firm to install a spray in more than 700 stores which covers thieves in DNA linking them to a specific crime for several months.

The chain took the drastic action following a spate of robberies in its Australian outlets over Christmas and New Year.

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Wh a t H a p p e n e d N e xt ?

Did you notice that last week’s story about my encounter with an automaton in human form, intent on denying me and my team of athletes our due share of breakfast baked beans had no conclusion?

If you did, I thank you for taking the trouble to read my account of our experiences, written for your delectation by the light of the midnight candle in my draughty garret, while the frost fingers formed across the inside of the broken window pane, through which the wind soughed a sorrowful dirge as hunger gnawed at my vitals. (Actually it was written on a sunny Sunday after lunch, in my kitchen, with a cup of coffee at my side).

What happened next? You might have asked. What did the fat man do?

For those of you who didn’t read last week’s story, and so have no idea at all what I’m talking about, here is a summary: All outbound flights had been cancelled, and the airport departure lounge was filled beyond capacity with athletes intent on getting home as soon as possible. We were all to be given breakfast; poached egg on toast, a sausage, two rashers of josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk bacon and a

By Jos Biggs

viewpoint spoonful of beans.

With my team behind me, we joined the breakfast queue, and I was served the perfectly round poached egg on toast, the sausage and the two rashers of bacon by a girl who had all the charm of a gumboil and a rooted determination to ignore the presence of beans.

However, I stuck out for our right to be served beans. ‘Beans?’ I asked pleasantly, indicating the full tray of steaming hot beans.

‘No beans.’ She replied in a monotone. ‘We don’t have any beans.’

‘Those are beans.’ I indicated the steaming tray of beans.

She said ‘No beans. Please move along, you are holding up the queue.’

I folded my arms. My team folded their arms.

‘We are not moving’ I said firmly, ‘Until we have our beans.’

A fat man with a dirty apron, his dark hair streaked with sweat emerged from the background, presumably the kitchen.

‘What’s the hold-up?’ He enquired.

‘They want beans.’ She intoned without emotion.

‘Well, give ‘em beans, then. We’ve got plenty.’ He pushed her aside and dolloped a generous scoop on beans on my plate.

It was at this point that I woke up.

There, now you know!

I have no idea what international athletic event we were attending, but, based on our bean-related experience, I am sure that my team came away covered in glory!

on my own on this?

I have always had a problem with cinema musicals.

I remember going to see my first one with a girl friend in the late sixties. It was West Side Story and I had been looking forward to the much acclaimed film that had been released some years earlier.

But not long into the movie as the Polish-American street gang led by Riff, are seen strutting their stuff and looking every inch the crowd of teenagers you would cross the road to avoid, they suddenly start prancing around like a load of jessies, popping their fingers and began chanting “We are the Jets!”

Well it all went downhill from then on for my taste, and so began my life- long dislike of musicals on the big screen.

It’s not that I haven’t made the effort, having tried to sit through such classics as The King and I; South Pacific; Fiddler on the Roof and – heaven help me – The Sound of Music, and done my very best to acquire a taste. But it’s no good; I just cannot get to grips with the genre.

Even the movies made by Elvis and Cliff left me cold. Okay, neither singer was ever on my top ten list – sorry Presley fans and look-alikes; I know I am in the minority here – but even the Beatles, who I regard as the greatest song writers and contributors to contemporary music of any generation, made several films which had the same effect on me. There was even a hint of embarrassment on my part.

On the other hand, where music

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

is essential to the telling of a story as in The Glenn Miller and Buddy Holly biographical movies, I find this perfectly natural. Indeed one of my favourite films of all time, is the little known,‘Still Crazy’, which tells of a fictional 1970s rock band named “Strange Fruit”, who, after being split up for two decades, are persuaded to get back together to perform at a reunion of the same concert venue where they played their last gig.

All of the music is original and is a necessary part of the plot.

In all of these cases,the acting and the music are individual entities

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and separate parts of the whole, and therein lies the fundamental difference and perhaps the reason for my coolness to this form of entertainment.

Unfortunately it’s not that simple, because paradoxically I love opera and stage musicals.

I cannot rationalise this and I am unable to offer a plausible explanation, other than that the atmosphere in live theatre is much more intense with a real sense of intimacy between the performers and audience. But that’s just me grasping at explanatory straws.

Anyway, this all brings me to the film that everyone seems to be raving about right now – Les Misérables.

I had hoped that this film would break my long sequence of disappointing encounters with silver screen musicals; indeed with all the hype, gushing reviews and talk of Oscars, Golden Globes and guest appearances on Loose Women, I had actually expected to enjoy this seemingly cinemagraphic masterpiece of Victor Hugo’s book.

But oh dear.

It looks again as if I am in the small minority, because I have got to say that not only do I see it as a miserably poor relation to the stage version, but the singing for the most part, ranges from the mediocre to the grievous. Even the opening scene and the ‘Work Song’, which is a stirring number and opens the stage show with dramatic effect, falls short of the mark. Indeed, the most dramatic part of this scene is the capsized galleon and the army of convicts hauling it painfully up the slipway because as soon as Russell Crowe opens his mouth, all credibility is lost.

The one exception in this poor exhibition of third rate vocals is Samantha Barks who plays Éponine in both the stage and this film version. But then frankly, it’s hard to imagine another

ALQUERIA - The diplomatic effort The Alquerian Parliament wrote to all the countries listed in Poyato’s Junior Book of World Flags. This was to ask their Foreign Ministers to present their credentials at a reception held in the village’s Ayuntamiento on the Calle Horno.

The worthies of Alqueria wanted to establish the Republic in the ranks of the world’s nations and this was to be the initial diplomatic offensive.

Very few countries replied and even fewer accepted. The Americans accepted because the Iranians did and the Iranians because the Americans did. The Spanish accepted as the ex-colonial power. The British accepted because the Americans told them to and because the US ambassador needed someone to carry his briefcase.

Rodriquez’s white Mercedes was pressed into service ferrying the delegates from their accommodation at the Bar La Casa Devante to the Ayuntamiento. To create the illusion of having a fleet of white Mercedes the car was driven in endless circles. A dignitary would be collected from the Bar and driven sedately to the town-hall. The car would then race back taking corners on two wheels to collect another foreign minister.

The red, white, and green horizontal tricolour of Alqueria with its Remitroot rampant charge hung everywhere. Trestle tables offered the finest local cuisine including vol-au-vents filled with Alquerian truffles and Knurled Río Verde Trout. A famous TV chef once said he would rather eat the toenails of an Ethiopian camel driver than these delicacies.

Manuela, resplendent in a body hugging flamenco dress which gave the impression of having been sprayed on dominated the reception. A high peineta protruded from her tightly tied raven black hair. Her soulful almond eyes flashed with a seductive warmth that could melt a heart at a hundred metres.

As Alqueria’s secret weapon, she charmed and captivated the collected dignitaries.

Most of the foreign visitors had never been exposed to Remitroot in any of its varied forms. If the food was vile then the Remitroot based beverages were a revelation and enjoyed in vast quantity. All the ambassadors soon became worse for wear.

The American ambassador drunkenly threatened to invade Iran while the Iranians in a red mist of intoxication threatened US interests in Asia. The Spanish delegate tried to seduce Manuela and was never seen again. The British ambassador sank slowly to the floor, eyes glazed and legs buckling. He muttered over and over again “It’s a good deal for Britain”. Why was not clear, however he was probably working on the theory, if you say something often enough people will start to believe it.

They arrived with dignity but left a drunken giggling rabble.

They all however signed large contracts to supply Remitroot Liquor to their respective embassies. It indeed was a good deal for Alqueria.

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

16

actress who could come close to matching Sam’s rendition of ‘On My Own’.

Having said that, how many singers – let alone actors - could attempt with confidence ‘Bring Him Home’? But Hugh Jackman gives it a bash and in the process manages to crucify this poignant, moving and universally celebrated song. It’s just not good enough to say that he has given it a brave

shot, because this masterpiece calls for brilliance not courage.

I am not a musical expert and certainly not a musical snob – I have no time for stuff like that I merely hear and enjoy, or not, as the case may be. Much of the time it’s simply a question of differing tastes.

But in this case, I am at a loss to understand the frenzied approval for this movie.

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t Month and we’re February is National Hear a bang! going to kick it all off with whether you’re at work, On Friday 1st February, mmunity, school or in your local co ht heart disease!

Rock Up In Red to help fig Healthy eating for your heart Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help protect your heart!

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables Eating a healthy, balanced diet which includes at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day will make sure that you get a combination of vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy.

Eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.

They can be fresh, frozen, chilled, canned, dried, cooked or raw. There is no evidence that taking vitamin tablets or supplements has the same benefits as eating fruit and vegetables.

Choosing healthier fats Foods containing fat contain a combination of saturated fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Choosing healthier fats can help to protect your heart. But remember that all fats are high in calories. So, if you are watching your weight, you should limit the amount of all the fats you eat.

• R educe the total amount of fat you eat by cutting down on foods such as pastries and fatty crisps, and replacing them with healthier fruit and vegetables.

Fill up on wholegrain versions of starchy foods instead, such as bread, rice, and pasta.

• C ut down on saturated fats such as butter, cheese, sausages and fatty meats, which raise cholesterol levels. Replace them with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. See page 38 for examples of foods containing all these fats.

• C ut down on foods containing trans fats as they can increase your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Trans fats are formed when vegetable oils are ‘hydrogenated’ and can be found in processed foods like some cakes, biscuits, crackers and hard margarines.

Foods that have ‘hydrogenated oil or fat’ or ‘partially hydrogenated oil or fat’ in the list of ingredients are likely to contain trans fats. Trans fats are also found naturally in very small amounts in dairy foods and meat.

Eat oily fish regularly Eating oily fish regularly can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, and help protect your heart. Oily fish provides a rich source of a particular type of omega-3 polyunsaturated fat.This type of fat is found mainly in fresh and canned

oily fish such as herring, mackerel, pilchards, sardines, trout and salmon, and in fresh tuna (but not canned tuna). Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week. One of the portions should be oily fish. (One portion of fish is 140 grams or 5 ounces of fish.)

Cutting down on salt People who have a lot of salt in their diet are more likely to have high blood pressure.

Most people eat far more salt than they need. It is recommended that adults have no more than 6 grams of salt a day – that’s about one teaspoonful. It is the sodium in salt that contributes to high blood pressure.

There is sodium in all types of salt, whether it’s salt in • Cut down on processed foods that contain a lot of salt. Three-quarters of the salt we eat is hidden in processed foods such as ready meals, packet and canned soups, instant noodles, ketchups and sauces, sausages and burgers, and salty savoury snacks.

• D on’t add salt to your food at the table.

• C ook without adding any salt. Use extra pepper, herbs, garlic, spices or lemon juice to add flavour to your food instead.

Within a few weeks, your taste buds will change and you will get used to less salt and appreciate other flavours more.

Other things you can do

Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, make sure you drink within the recommended limits and avoid binge-drinking. It is better to have just a small amount regularly rather than large amounts in one go.

• Men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day.

• W omen should not regularly drink more than 2 to 3 units of alcohol a day.

These guidelines apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week, or just occasionally.

1 unit of alcohol = a small glass (100ml) of wine (10% ABV [alcohol by volume]); or half a pint (about 300ml) of normal-strength lager, cider or beer (for example, 3.5% ABV); or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.

Moderate drinking – 1 or 2 units of alcohol a day – may offer some protection from coronary heart disease for some people.

However, if you don’t already drink alcohol, there is no need for you to start, as there are much healthier ways to look after your heart. Drinking more than the recommended limit does not protect the heart and can lead to damage to the heart muscle, high

blood pressure, stroke and some cancers.

Alcohol is high in calories too, so it can lead to weight gain.

Reducing stress: Challenges can help to keep us motivated, but when we feel unable to cope with the high demands that are placed on us, we experience stress.

Feeling isolated can make you feel even more stressed. The way you deal with stress can encourage unhealthy behaviour, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating unhealthily or being less physically active.These can all increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease or having a stroke. It’s important to learn how

to relax and deal with stress effectively.

• Try to identify situations that make you feel stressed, and avoid them if you can.

• Be realistic about what you can achieve and learn to say ‘no’ to unnecessary demands.

• Doing something active – such as going for a brisk walk or a run – can help you let off steam.

• Try relaxation techniques or join a yoga class.

• If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a friend or a partner, or ask your GP for advice.

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Smokers who quit before they hit middle age can live almost as long as people who never smoked, groundbreaking new research has found.

The habit is known to cut at least 10 years off a person’s lifespan.

However, a comprehensive analysis of health and death records in the U.S found that people who quit smoking before they turn 40 regain most of those lost years.

‘Quitting smoking before age 40, and preferably well before 40, gives back almost all of the decade of lost life from continued smoking,’ study leader Prabhat Jha, from the University of Toronto said.

‘That’s not to say, however, that it is safe to smoke until you are 40 and then stop,’ he added.

‘Former smokers still have a greater risk of dying sooner than people who never smoked. But the risk is small compared to the huge risk for those who continue to smoke.’

His findings were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Jha’s team found that people who quit smoking between

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ages 35 and 44 gained about nine years and those who quit between ages 45-54 and 55-64 gained six and four years of life, respectively.

The study is unique as it examines the risks of smoking and the benefits of stopping among a representative sample of Americans.

Earlier studies had examined specific groups such as nurses or volunteers who are healthier than average Americans overall. Importantly, the study is among the first to document the generation of women who started smoking when they were young and kept smoking through their adult lives.

‘Women who smoke like men, die like men,’Jha said.

For women, the risks of dying from smoking-related causes are 50 per cent greater than found in the studies conducted in the 1980s.

Women and men who smoke

both lost a decade of life.

Current male or female smokers ages 25-79 had a mortality rate three times higher than people who had never smoked. Never smokers were about twice more likely to live to age 80 than were smokers.

This study adds to recent evidence from Britain, Japan and the United States that smoking risks involve about a decade of life lost worldwide.

While about 40 million Americans and 12million Britons who smoke, most of the world’s estimated 1.3 billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.

On current trends, smoking will kill about 1 billion people in the 21st century as opposed to ‘only’ 100 million in the 20th century.

Jha’s research used data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey in which a representative cross-section

of the population is surveyed every year about a broad range of health topics.

More than 200,000 survey participants were linked to the National Death Index, which includes death certificate information for all Americans since 1986. The researchers related about deaths of about 16,000 people to their past reported smoking.

Jha advises various governments around the world on disease control strategies.

He is the principal investigator of the Million Death Study in India, one of the largest studies of premature deaths in the world.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Disease Control Priorities-3 project of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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What will keep you warmer?

Fleece or wool? Soup or curry? Bath or drink?

A hot drink or a bath?

Definitely a hot bath, says Mike Tipton, Professor of Human Physiology at the University of Portsmouth. ‘The only way to truly warm up is to keep core body temperature (that of your vital organs) at about 37°C. Immersing yourself in a hot bath (around 41°C) is one of the most effective ways of doing this.

A massive 75 per cent of our body’s heat is lost through our skin’s surface into air, but in water there’s nowhere for that heat to go – it circulates back to the core again. You can raise your temperature by 1°C in just 15 minutes in the tub.’ Having a hot drink, however, is just a drop in the ocean of body warmth.

‘Your body is made up of 66 per cent water at a temperature of 37°C – diluting it with one cup of tea really isn’t going to make a difference,’ says Mike.

Feathers or synthetics? ‘ Natural products are always warmer,’ says Lucy Warwick, bedding buyer at John Lewis. ‘Our quilts contain feathers from ducks and geese living in some of the coldest places on earth – and the chillier their habitat, the warmer their feathers. They’ve naturally evolved to cope in harsh temperatures, mostly owing to the thick, fluffy down next to their skin. Feather quilts are warmer than synthetic ones, but down quilts are warmer still.’

A standard duckdown double duvet at John Lewis costs £75.

A synthetic quilt will do the job if you opt for a microfibre polyester version, which contains tiny fibres to trap body heat.

A double duvet will cost you from £60.

Gloves or mittens?

Just look at the mittened hands of any Arctic explorer for the answer. Mike explains why: ‘In order to protect our vital organs, the body sacrifices the extremities by switching off blood flow (and therefore heat) to them. That’s why we feel the cold most in our fingers and toes. To make matters worse, our fingers and thumbs are like ten cylinders with a large surface area from which heat can escape. By wearing mittens instead of gloves, you’re decreasing that area (two cylinders instead of ten), so losing less warmth.’

Soup or curry?

Eating any kind of food warms you up slightly because you’re giving your digestive system a metabolic workout – and exercise generates heat. But curry offers a double-whammy

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internal heating effect thanks to the capsaicin contained in chillies. Scientists at the University of California recently discovered that a person’s food-induced heat production was significantly increased for several hours after eating a spicy meal.

Vindaloo, anyone?

Fleece or wool?

Fleece may be high-tech, but old-fashioned wool wins out. ‘Merino wool is particularly good at regulating temperature. It has an impressive warmthto-weight ratio compared to synthetics and to other wools, because the fibres are smaller and hairier, so have more spaces in which body heat can be trapped,’ says Tim Jasper, brand director for outdoor specialist Rohan.

‘If you’re opting for fleece, go for hollow fibre over microfibre, as this has been shown to retain body heat for longer. Add an outer layer of windproof clothing to reduce the chill factor.’

The pub or the gym?

Despite the rosy glow a tipple can bring, exercise is better.

‘Alcohol increases blood flow to the skin, and while you may feel hotter as it hits your heat sensors there, your body is actually losing its warmth,’ says Mike. ‘Exercise is a good way of cranking up your internal thermometer because the process generates heat. In fact, on a brisk walk, our bodies produce the same amount of warmth as a one-bar fire.’ But wear layered clothing and a hat to stop that heat escaping.

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Lightning can trigger thunderous headaches Lightning can trigger thunderous headaches, particularly in migraine sufferers, research has suggested. It is the first time the link has been revealed and could lead to chronic headache sufferers using weather forecasts to predict attacks.

Professor Vincent Martin, who lead the research, said: ‘Electromagnetic waves emitted from lightning could trigger headaches. In addition, it produces increases in air pollutants like ozone and can cause release of fungal spores that might lead to migraine.’

The US research looked at volunteers who regularly suffered migraines. They recorded daily headache activity for between three and six months.

The location where lightning occurred in relation to their homes and the magnitude of the current was also recorded.

Headaches and migraines increased by about 30 per cent on days lightning struck, the research, published in online medical journal Cephalalgia found.

Professor Martin, of the University of Cincinnati, said: ‘We used mathematical models to determine if the lightning itself was the cause of the increased frequency or whether it could be attributed to other weather factors encountered with thunderstorms.’

‘Our results found a 19 per cent increased risk on lightning days, even after accounting for these weather factors.

‘This suggests lightning has its own unique effect.’

His son Geoffrey, a fourth year medical student who also worked on the research, said: ‘Many studies show conflicting findings on how weather, including elements like barometric pressure and humidity, affect

the onset of headaches.

However, this study very clearly shows a correlation between lightning, associated meteorological factors and headaches.’

Professor Martin said that negatively charged lightning currents were also particularly associated with a higher chance of headache.

Mr Martin said: ‘This study gives some insight into the tie between headaches or migraines, lightning and other meteorologic factors.

‘However, the exact mechanisms through which lightning and/or its associated meteorologic factors trigger headache are unknown, although we do have speculations.

‘Ultimately, the effect of weather on headache is complex, and future studies will be needed to define more precisely the role of lightning and thunderstorms on headache.’

He added: ‘The weather instability indices that predict thunderstorms may be able to forecast days with an increased risk for lightning-associated headaches.’

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

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Tel: 950 135 081

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

21

REVIEW it...

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

by Deborah Moggach “A Spielbergian radiance” emanates from start to finish.

There is one certainty in life and that is we will all die at some point in time. Sorry to be so morbid but somethings we have to accept as inevitable. Hopefully you’ll see my point soon.

Moggach’s novel was published in 2004 as These Foolish Things. It is a cathartic experience for the readers as well as the retirees who seek a different life in their twilight years and their families who come to visit. The Marigold, Bangalore and India prove to be a turning point in their lives rather like Robert Frost’s crossroads in The Road Not Taken where the retirees can reflect on their lives, past, present and future. The Marigold may not be the best or most exotic of final destinations, it is a home for old people where the residents will contemplate their mortality and die peacefully.

“A little corner of Britain. An oasis of olde-worlde charm in the hustle and bustle of modern Bangalore.” This is how it is marketed and even though ironically, the hotel is shabby and not at its best, certainly not the quality they were expecting, it becomes a home where friendships and love blossom.

Moggach’s central idea was sociological considering the ever-growing ageing population in the U.K. The prospect of growing old and suffering poverty was not a thought to relish. What is going to happen to them and who is going to care for them?

Sonny and his cousin Dr Ravi masterminded the idea of opening up the Indian hotel: “Why should they be mouldering away in rainy, dirty old Britain, when they could be sitting under a palm tree, tanning their wrinkles and getting their false teeth stuck into a nice juicy mango?”

It doesn’t take much to persuade a mismatch of extremely interesting and diverse retirees to travel to India. The NHS is severely criticised, hospitals and services are being cut and black doctors are overworked. Randy Norman is infatuated with the idea that Indian women don’t have hangups over sex and as long as he can get viagra out there and plenty of sex he won’t feel “incarcerated” into what he described as a “penal institution” aka a home for old people back in the UK. Muriel is bigoted and totally reliant on Keith, her son who disappears after a dodgy business deal. Surprisingly, she warms to India and turns to spiritualism finding solace there. Evelyn sees it as an adventure and she becomes confident and more independent, ultimately finding love for the second time in her life. Madge too finds love and security. She quips: “Life begins at seventy. seventy’s the new forty, didn’t you know?” I am sure some of you will be relieved to hear that like me.

“People think we’re waiting to die. Well I’m starting to live.” Moggach moves away from the maudling thoughts of mortality to show happiness in friendship and love. The central characters have “refused to resign themselves to ending their lives in quiet despair.” Sadly, two of the characters die peacefully and this inevitability has an adverse effect on the others. Douglas Ainslie was gripped with panic and asked:”Is this what it’s like?”His epiphany was to end his marriage to Jean and marry a second time for love. A new beginning, a new start. Unrealistic but optimistic.

Christmas was a time for reunions with families who were more than happy to send their parents to India to end their days cut off from their nearest and dearests. Sounds heartless, doesn’t it? Evelyn’s son Christopher is grossly unhappy with his wife and their spoilt children.

India gives him an opportunity to find love but he is bullied to return to America to play the family man and to keep up the pretence.

We are told of the charms of India: “The miracle of this reunion had affected them all…prodigal sons, daughters…drawn to India by its transforming magic.”

I found it very philosophical and refreshing. Yes there are many moments of sadness but there is warmth, humour and more importantly, HOPE. PUBLISHERS: Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0-099-57202-2

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

As with all the articles I write, the aim is to make them as clear as possible to as many readers as possible. So why the pre-amble? I was reading an article in another free english newspaper from last year which was entitled Why are geeks so thick? Apart from being condescending, self opinionated and extremely shortsighted, he was wrong! There are so many good, clear and intelligent computer professionals who’s mastery of the english language is such that even difficult and complicated subjects don’t drown in “geek speak”. So for a little more “geek speak” :-) and today’s article!

Have you ever wondered what is in that magical box that you call your computer?

No, this isn’t a geek thing. It’s more of a little knowledge and a warning type of thing. Within your box is a labyrinth of boards, circuits, and embedded transistors.

Head swimming yet? No, Good! Let’s start at the beginning.

Your computer case contains everything that is needed to complete whatever task you want. The list following is generalised but, in most cases, accurate. You will have a power supply, a motherboard (also called main-board), daughter-boards, hard drives and CD / DVD drives. The power supply does exactly what it says on the tin – almost. Most power supplies have a limited ability to stabilise the current and virtually no cleaning ability. This means that here, in Spain, you should have your computer / laptop / tablet powered through a surge protector to ensure the well known nasty power spikes don’t irrevocably damage your hardware. Now that you have a clean and safe power supply you need to start thinking about what is attached to this power supply.

The largest single attachment to this power supply is the motherboard AKA main-board. This is simply a platform for the many individual but integrated processes. All motherboards have on them, a processor chip and memory. To this, the motherboard must also have chips and circuitry for, sound production, video generation, network and USB connectivity as well as connections for the internal hard drive(s), CD / DVD drives.

Over the next few weeks I will be describing the components and their actions.

But today I would like to start with the “brains” of the computer and this is the CPU (Central Processing Unit), Processor or Chip!

We are told that our processors double in power every 18 months but without this single piece of technology, a result of technology, we wouldn’t be able to do anything! This is simply because the processor chip is the brains of the computer.

Did you know that your digital watch or pocket calculator has much in common with the fastest and most up-to-the-minute processing technology!

It might surprise you that even the best all-singing, all-dancing processor can’t even do basic subtraction! Doesn’t that give you a lovely smug sense of achievement?

The truth of the matter is that the smartest part of the most expensive computer is still a simpleton albeit a VERY FAST simpleton!

Having given you a taster of what is to come in the next weeks I will leave you with the promise that before we are done, you will have a clearer understanding of the powers and limitations of the “magic box”.

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

22

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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

A well-designed bedroom can not only provide a calm, tranquil environment in which you can escape the pressure of modern living, but also add value to your property through its appeal to potential buyers.

The emphasis in any bedroom is on relaxing and sleeping, but depending on what else you what you want to do in your own space – working, watching TV, etc. – there may be other elements that you wish to incorporate into your bedroom design.

You have the choice, of course, of fitted or freestanding bedroom furniture. Fitted furniture allows you to create your own, coordinated look, and can be useful if your bedroom is an odd shape, or there are awkward areas to be filled. Fitted wardrobes also usually extend from floor to ceiling, creating extra storage space for bedding, etc. that needs to be stored separately from your clothes, shoes and accessories.

You do need to exercise a little caution when planning fitted furniture, however, as filling more than one of your bedroom walls with fitted wardrobes may make the room feel a little claustrophobic. If you prefer the flexibility – in terms of being able to rearrange various items, at will – of freestanding furniture, you can mix and match pieces that suit your needs, both externally and internally. If you wish to store long winter coats, or party dresses, for example, you’ll need the full height of a wardrobe to hang them in, and don’t forget drawers and shelves, for sweaters, shoes, etc..

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, of course, and dressing the bed is as important as your choice of furniture. The trend in bed linen this year is likely to be towards brighter and warmer styles, which are reflected in colour and texture in curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings to create a sense of style in the bedroom.

The easiest and most straightforward way of opening up any room is to whitewash the walls. White helps to redefine the space available in a room by distorting the mind’s perception of where the boundaries actually lie – in effect, white walls can make a small room look spacious and airy.

Bedroom Basics In contrast, dark walls have the effect of closing the boundaries in considerably, therefore giving the impression of less space than there is in reality.

Nevertheless, refreshingly white walls ought to be complemented by bold bedroom furniture colours. The bed in particular must be a focal point in the room, therefore it is advisable to opt for rich, deep colour schemes with vivid and imaginative patterns that will instantly draw the eye’s attention. Furthermore, it is essential that the bedroom is clutter-free and, unless it is absolutely necessary, electrical equipment in the room should be limited to a radio alarm clock and television – peace is essential.

And, when it comes to bedroom furniture, a cabinet with multiple drawers or a chest or ottoman placed discretely at the end of your bed can provide crucial extra storage. You need not be restricted solely to bedroom furniture either; bookshelves and/or a small desk area in a guest bedroom, for example, can be an excellent method of using the available space to maximum effect.

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. P lease 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 nonresident 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. C laim 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.

If 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 24,001 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

Est 25yrs

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR

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Luxurious south facing 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, house of 94m2 on 98m2 in a community of 3. Outside workshop, off street parking & community pool. Many extras.

139,950 € Mojácar Playa LV602 Lovely linked townhouse just 400 metres from the beach. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms.

Community pool & off street parking.

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77,950€ Los Lobos LV593 Very attractive townhouse of 73m2 with a private garage. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms.

Furnished. Just a short drive to the lovely beaches of San Juan de Los Terreros

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

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

23

24

Too Many Hotels, Too Many Beds, SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

The days of wine and roses are definitely over, that’s according to a member of the Association of Tourism for Almeria province.

Hotel occupancy throughout the region is in severe decline as visitor numbers are predicted to drop even further this year.

Monday to Friday

teeing off

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or email:reservas@laenviagolf.com www.laenviagolf.com

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

The predicted figures make for uncomfortable reading and there’s no pun intended when I talk about bed occupancy in most of the region’s top hotels.

It’s estimated in the last five years, turnover has fallen by as much as 30%, a huge drop in itself, but if looked at from another angle, things become very worrying.

If the decline were to continue at this rate for the next five years, then the region would have lost more than 50% of its hotel trade. Another five years . . . well, it hardly bears thinking about.

The days of wine and roses referred to by Santiago Martin, senior board member of the Association of Tourism for Almeria province, were back in 2005/6. The province had successfully hosted the Mediterranean Games and the profile of the region had risen accordingly and it became a must visit holiday destination. During that time the number of 3 and 4 star hotels had doubled to 130 and plans were underway to increase the numbers even further.

The large increase in luxury hotels was brought about with substantial investment by international hotel groups, such as Marina de la Torre, the Cano Manos Group and AC Hoteles. The majority of the hotels opened by these and other chains are now only open during the summer season; many others have closed all together.

The Urbanisation in Roquetas has become known as the winter wasteland for hotels and that description becomes all too clear when you visit the area. I drove around the hotel district for a n hour last week trying to find an hotel open for business, but as far as I could tell, there were no more than three or four. Some had scruffy hand written signs stuck to the entrance doors stating the all too obvious fact they were closed; others had nothing. Added to this were the number of boarded up properties; some obviously failed attempts at past business, others just never utilised since the buildings were constructed over twenty years ago. The overriding feeling I had was one of hopelessness.

Ultimately the two – hotels and shops – go hand in hand and to a degree they are dependent on one another; likewise bars and restaurants. And if the major supplier of ‘bums on seats’, namely the hotels are closed, everyone else in the chain suffers. But it’s when you multiply this effect; let’s call it the ‘Winter Wasteland Effect’, that the true nature of what is happening becomes a stark reality. From Mojacar, through Almeria and the Capo de Gata, to Aguadulce, Roquetas and Almerimar, the story is the same.

There are almost 26,000 beds available throughout this region and at the moment most of them are empty. The Gran Hotel in Almeria, one of the finest in the area is struggling to keep its doors open. Hotel director Antonio Fernandez admits the times are very hard, even for an establishment of their standing, he said, “We are just about managing to keep going, but are constantly having to adjust our costs and we operate with very narrow margins.” One of the newest hotels in Almeria has recently closed its doors. Owned by the Canos Manas group, the splendid and exotic Vincci Mediterraneo has been forced out of business by the simple lack of customers.

It is all too easy to put everything down to the financial crisis; it is also too easy to apportion blame where perhaps it is not due. At the time many hotel groups were building strings of new hotels across the region, who could blame them for thinking the good times would continue? Along with the huge profits associated with that particular industry? But as we have seen from the latest set of figures,

report and photos by Martin Shortland

25

Too Few Customers - What Next? www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

the good times were short lived and the repercussions of the bad times could last for very many years.

A large hotel chain with let’s say 500 hotels worldwide, is able to write off the closure of 2 or 3 in somewhere like Roquetas with minimal fuss.

They still have the investment in a property which at some time in the future can either be sold or re-opened. The main loss is to the people who perhaps would like to stay there and also the thousands of employees dependent on their jobs.

This year, the local tourist authority is spending a lot of time and considerable amounts of money visiting trade fairs throughout Europe in order to promote the region of Almeria province. You may remember an article I wrote in November on the progress they were making at that time? Since then they have announced slow but sure progress in persuading two flight operators to open new schedules into Almeria from the UK, Belgium and Germany. If anything is to change we firstly need to get people here, that’s the crux of the matter; only then will our hotels, bars and restaurants begin to open again and with that comes the jobs and the money to boost not only the economy, but the pride of the people of the region.

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26

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

IKEA profits surge as hard-up home decorators Household Wealth the world over opt for flat-pack frugality Rises 5.5%

IKEA reported rising profits, as hard-up home decorators the world over opted for flatpack frugality over designer homeware.

more value conscious’.

IKEA did not break out detailed results by country, but said last November that UK sales rose by 6.3 per centc to hit £1.23bn, about 5 per cent of its latest worldwide sales figure.

Total group sales at the Swedish furniture giant rose by 9.5 per cent to nearly £23bn, including the impact of 11 new stores, boosting net profit by 8 per cent to £2.7bn for 2012.

The fastest growing markets were China, Russia and Poland, closely followed by the US and Germany, IKEA’s top two countries by revenue.

IKEA said it had sacrificed profit margins by cutting the price of its products by 0.8 per cent despite the fact that it was also squeezed by a 7.9 per cent increase in its costs.

During the year, the group opened 11 stores and hired 8,000 people, taking its global workforce to 139,000.

It welcomed some 690m visitors to its stores, while a further one billion visited its website, a 22pc increase on the 870m who did so the previous year.

But although costs were up, they fell as a percentage of sales, thanks to a revenue boost from customers turning to IKEA for cut-price ways to beautify their homes amid economic stagnation.

The effect of customers seeking a bargain was particularly great because 70 per cent of IKEA’s sales are in Europe, which has been hit hard by the downturn.

IKEA also took the opportunity to display its green credentials, after committing to spend £1.3bn on renewable energy, with the aim of generating 100 per centc of its own electricity by 2020.

‘The IKEA business idea is more relevant than ever,’ boss Mikael Ohlsson, adding that ‘people around the world are

By the end of 2012 IKEA had installed 250,000 solar panels and invested in 126 wind turbines in six countries.

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Spanish Office: (+34) 950472524 / 950102006 Fax / Tel: (+34) 950 950 231

In a report by Kyero.com, according to data published yesterday by the Bank of Spain, the increase was 38,763 million euros in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter, although year-on-year household savings declined by 11,356 million euros, equivalent to 1.5%.

However, the financial assets of Spanish households – cash, shares, deposits and income revenue – totalled 1,643 billion euros at the end of the third quarter of 2012, compared with 1,682 billion euros the previous year.

Meanwhile, the household financial liabilities – shortand long-term loans and other outstanding accounts, such as commercial loans and advances – fell to 909,781 million euros between July and September compared to the June figure of 929,912 million euros.

Part of this decline is due to the drop in short-term loans, which went from 36,033 million euros in June to 30.641 million euros in September, reflecting lower consumption with deferred payment, as these loans are often used to purchase goods such as televisions or cars.

El Economista reported that long-term loans also fell, although they had already accumulated several quarters of declines, as the economic crisis resulted in fewer customers requesting loans and financial institutions tightening their conditions.

Specifically, at the end of September, families living in Spain accumulated 813,304 million euros in long-term loans, almost 9,600 million euros less than the previous quarter and 35,809 million euros less than a year earlier.

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

O Olive

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The net financial wealth of Spanish households – the difference between their savings and loans granted to them – rose by 5.5% in the third quarter of 2012, breaking the negative streak it experienced in the first two quarters of the year.

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www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Blinded By The Light

While blinds do an excellent job of blocking out unwanted light, they are also great at providing privacy. In the hot summer months blocking out sunlight also means blocking some of the heat.

Venetian blinds are by far the most popular types of blinds, although there are several other types on the market.

Varieties of Window Blinds With so many different types of blinds available, here’s a quick guide to find the best one for you; it’s easiest to distinguish them by their construction and the types of materials that they use.

Venetian Blinds These are what most people think of when they hear the word blind.These blinds are constructed with slats, most often made from metal or plastic.

When bamboo or wooden slats are used they are called either bamboo or wooden blinds instead of Venetian blinds.

The widths of the slats can vary, but they are most commonly about 50mm.

Wider slats look better on larger windows.

There are a couple of variants to the Venetian blind which have become very popular – mini blinds and vertical blinds.

Mini Blinds ~ The slats of these blinds are never more than 19mm. They get their name from their very narrow slats.

Vertical Blinds ~ The slats of these blinds hang vertically instead of horizontally, as their name implies. The slats of these blinds are often constructed from stiffened fabric.

Solid Blinds These blind open and close by pushing and pulling. These types of blinds have a solid piece of material instead of slats.

Holland Blinds These are blinds constructed using woven wood. They open and close by being rolled up using the attached strings. These are great at controlling sunlight and thus very popular in tropical locations. They provide a

27

tropical ambience wherever they are used.

Pleated Blinds These blinds are constructed using pleated fabrics. They can be pulled up to open and usually contain a recess at the top to hold the material.

Honeycomb Blinds Due to their unique construction, honeycomb blinds are known for their superior performance.

Honeycomb blinds are also referred to as cellular shades and are made with two panels of pleated fabric shades have become one the most popular window treatments.

The two panels of fabric form air pockets, or cells, which are honeycomb shaped, thus giving these blinds their name.

When raised the honeycombs collapse and expand when the blind it is released. Because the honeycombs or cells form a vacuum and trap air, they provide energy efficient insulation and sound absorption. Due to their unique construction, honeycomb blinds are known for their superior performance. With their soft textured fabrics, however, they bring a sense of luxury to any room.

Honeycomb blinds come in single, double, and triple honeycomb design as well as a variety of pleat sizes and colored fabrics to offer anyone a customized look. Depending on the thickness of the fabric will determine the degree of light control within the room.

So, when it comes to purchasing blinds for your home, you’re bound to find one to suit!

Do You Have A Property For Sale?

D L SO

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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Our new website has been running for a while now, and this column is to introduce the new additions, explain what’s already there and to answer any questions you have...

Did You Know...

That anyone holding an event can post the information directly online for all to see.

All you need to do is visit www.soltimes. com and choose the whats on link in the area of your choice and you will find instructions on how to do so.

We accept Birthday & Anniversary Greetings, Public Announcments, Charity Events and Voluntary Requests.

You can also advertise a Business event by phoning our sales team on

902 750 190

If you have any questions or ideas please email me at webmaster @soltimes.com

Spain Again Ranks Among The 20 Most Globalised Economies

Spain has once again been placed among the 20 most globalised economies in the world, after climbing a position after three years at No. 21 in the ranking prepared by Ernst & Young. However, this improvement has occurred even though their overall score (4.45 points) is “substantially similar” to that obtained last year.

According to the report, ‘Looking beyond the obvious: globalization and new opportunities for growth’, Spain has improved its score this year in three of the five categories analysed in the Index (commercial activity, labour mobility and cultural exchange) and has declined in two (capital flow and technology exchange).

Thus, in this classification the Spanish economy stands above countries like Australia, the United States and Italy, but is below some of its neighbours, such as Britain (which this year lost a couple of positions) or Germany and France (who climb several places).

According to Cinco Dias, this annual report notes that, with regard to the global situation, despite the weak global economic growth in 2012 and the uncertain outlook for 2013 in many markets, “Globalization continues to advance in the majority of the 60 largest economies in the world.”

The global ranking, presented on Sunday on the occasion of the World Economic Forum meeting being held in Davos (Switzerland) this week, is led by Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland, Belgium and Switzerland, while the rest of the top ten positions are held by the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary and the United Kingdom.

The Ernst & Young Index also suggests that, while most of the forecasts see global GDP in 2013 increasing between 3% and 3.5%, with modest growth in subsequent years, globalisation will continue to advance, driven by technology and the cross-border flow of ideas. The Index also highlights the advancement of mid-sized markets, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines; and of smaller European countries such as Belgium, Slovakia and Hungary.

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REPORT COURTESY OF WWW.KYERO.COM - FOR ALL THE LATEST PROPERTY NEWS

www.soltimes.com daily

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29

FANTASTIC

OPPORTUNITy

Amazing Villa in Mojácar playa for €299,950 Front line golf detached 3-bed / 2-bath Villa plus independent annex and garage within 200 metres to beach.

The Villa has a built area of 189.5m² distributed between a large basement area that houses an independent annex with its own kitchen and bathroom, plenty of living and storage area and a separate massive lock up garage and store room; ground floor with an entrance hallway, a large dining room, a sitting / living room with

wood burner; a large open plan kitchen, a double bedroom, a bathroom and stairwell leading to the upper and lower levels; and 1st floor with 2 double bedrooms, a hallway and a family bathroom.

The Villa also has massive terraces totalling 44.05 mts² on the lower and upper level facing the golf course - the upper terrace also has great sea views.

The Villa also benefits from an additional 225.10mts² of land which surrounds the property – this has

been completely terraced by the existing owners. The property benefits from air conditioning (hot and cold), double glazed windows throughout, all the terraces have retractable awnings and now there is a new jacuzzi. This Villa really is an ideal full time residence or a holiday home, especially for the golf enthusiast.

The resort where it is located has a private outdoor swimming pool and a year round gymnasium. An early viewing is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

It is a 2 minute drive to Garrucha and 5 minute drive to either the main shopping centre in Mojacar Playa or Mojacar Village up in the hill. There are also several other golf courses nearby - Cortijo Grande, Valle del Este and Playa Macenas are all within 10 minutes drive, and Desert Springs is within 20 minutes drive.

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

Ref: 1479

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria property group

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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

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

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.

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Arboleas: large 3 bed, 2 bath villa. 600m2. ONLY 110,000€

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30

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Easy Entertaining

Celebrate Soup!

Valley W ines Your local dedicated Off License

We stock We Stock Beer, Port, Sherry, an extensive A Minimum of 50 Red Wines, range of White Wine & Rose leading brands.

Brand-name Spirits & Liqueurs If you can’t see Open Mon-Fri 10-6:30pm & Sat 9:30-6pm your favourites Closed Sundays then tell us and Find us just along from Sophias Arboleas (same building) - go inside entrance to we will order appartments, we are in the left-hand corner it for you!

Tel: 662 153 834

Few things evoke home and hearth as soulfully as a bowl of soup. Soup is grandma’s hugs, gossip with a best friend, and therapy all rolled into one. So how can you make better, more flavourful soup?

Traditional Takeaway Fish & Chips

Soup Specifics

in the liquid in which it was cooked.

In ancient times, soup was referred to as either broth (meaning ‘brewed’) or pottage (‘cooked in a pot’).

Bouillon, from the French word for ‘boil’, simply means stock. Consommé, a French word meaning ‘consummated’, describes the process in which an ingredient is simmered for a long time to acquire a concentrated flavour; its modern meaning is ‘clear soup’.

Chowder, which comes from chaudrée, a Breton word for cauldron, is a thick soup that’s associated with New England and the American northeast. Depending on where it’s made, it can have clear stock or a tomato base, or a creamy milk base, into which seafood (usually clams) are added.

Possibly originating in the Bay of Biscay near Spain, bisques are rich, thick soups that were once made from

STOP ‘N’ SHOP IN YOUR...

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Choose from starters, mains & rices. For thos e who want the Including vegetarian options usua

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Saturday Night Meal Deals (can be mixed & matched)

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Eastern Europe boasts goulash (a beef and paprika stew that started life as soup) and borsch (beetroot and meat soup). Spanish gazpacho is always fashionable; Greeks love avgolemono (egg and lemon soup); and Italy has numerous bean and pasta soups, such as minestrone.

The word ‘soup’ comes from the Latin ‘suppare’, which means ‘soaking’, and once described a dish of meat or vegetables that was soaked

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First, allow yourself to be inspired by soups from around the globe, from the homespun Jewish chicken soup, to the gumbos, made from okra, chicken, seafood or meat, of the American South. India has countless dahls (lentil soups); Middle Eastern Muslims break their Ramadan fast with harira, made from lentils, chickpeas, and lamb; and Japan is famous for soups based on miso (fermented soybean paste).

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Music on Friday 1st February disco & music from all eras

poultry and game birds, but are now normally cooked with crustaceans. Velouté, literally ‘velvety’ in French, is soup that’s thickened with cream, egg yolks, flour and butter.

Making Stock To make a good soup, it’s essential to use good stock.

It’s fine to use stock cubes in a pinch but for the bestflavoured soups, it’s best to make your own. Use fresh vegetable trimmings or frozen peelings - you can accumulate these in freezer bags and use them as needed.

Dried or fresh mushrooms, carrots, celery, pumpkins, corn cobs, meat bones, inexpensive cuts of meats or unused ingredients (such as chicken carcasses or shells from shellfish) make excellent bases for stock.

For flavouring the stock, herbs such as parsley and thyme add depth. Bay leaves are practically a must, because they add a haunting background flavour. Asianstyle stocks can be made from miso paste, dried bonito fish flakes or seaweed and flavoured with fresh ginger and lemongrass.

Brassicas (the cabbage family, including broccoli and Brussels sprouts), spinach, artichokes, and asparagus can leave a bitter, metallic taste, so it’s best to avoid using these as the basis for your stock. Likewise, onion skins and strongly flavoured herbs and spices will overwhelm.

Vividly coloured ingredients such as beetroot, turmeric, saffron and soy sauce, while fine in a soup, are best left out of a stock.

For an extra depth of flavour, sauté or roast the vegetables

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

Grea s e tF m Ti rie d nds YELLOW Goo

or meat before use. Put the ingredients in cold water (half solids to half water is a good ratio), bring to boil, and simmer.

Vegetable stocks takes 30min-1 hour to cook, while chicken and meat stock take between one and five hours. Skim off the whitish foam that appears on the surface regularly, and strain as soon as possible after cooking.

STONE BAR

Valentine’s Dinner Fully Booked

Thickening Soups Once you’ve mastered the art of stock-making, you’ll be making soup regularly. But what if your soup is too thin? The best remedy is to thicken the soup with the purée of a central ingredient you’re using in the soup. Root vegetables, tomatoes, beans or lentils are particularly good for this.

Breakfast

served 9 ~ 12

Alternatively, you can use cornflour, arrowroot, rice, tapioca, semolina, cornmeal, bulgar wheat, breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. Egg yolks, milk, cream, yoghurt, crème fraîche or béchamel sauce are also suitable.

In addition to using croutons, chopped fresh herbs or a swirl of cream, you can decorate soup with finely diced or shredded vegetables, deep-fried wafer-thin vegetable slices, deepfried herbs, toasted nuts and seeds, cooked quail’s egg, or a spoonful of caviar.

catered for Ask at bar

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~ opening hours ~ Mon ~ Sat 9~9ish ~ Sun 12pm~7pm

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ash bar

turre

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opening times 9am - late • closed Monday

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Serve your soup creations with crusty breads or elegant grissini, float croûtes (largish bread slices) on top, or serve with fritters or savoury biscuits and muffins. Most Asian soups are served with rice and pickles. As ever, experimentation is the key, and with the wealth of local ingredients here, you can create your very own taste of Spain!

darts

12pm~ 2.30pm

Parties & Special Events

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Take-away available

Lunches

2€ or 5€

To avoid lumps or curdling, add your chosen ingredient first to a ladleful of soup in a bowl, amalgamate well, and then pour the mixture back into the soup pot.

K

31

ITV CENTRE

← Albox

332 178

Fines →

Yellow Stone 1km Piedra Amarilla →

showbar & restaurant

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

Forthcoming events......

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pool table

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Back by Popular Demand

Morgan - Irish Folk Singer Mark Nugent and Tommy McCarthy telephone: 950 473 135

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

32

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ALBOX

Cod ‘n’ Chip fridayS

MENU DEL DIA

2 Courses onl y served 12 - 3 except Fri & Sun €

Beer-battered Atlantic Cod, Homemade Chips, Mushy or Garden Peas…

Fridays & Saturdays 12 - 9pm

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Bar Menu Home-made puds Burgers, Lasagne, Omelettes, chilli

from

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5.95€

Includes FREE Tea or Coffee

traditional served 12.30 - 5pm SUNDAY LUNCH

Friday & Saturday Evenings Restaurant Open 6pm-9pm

Topside of beef & Yorkshire pudding roast Pork with crackling and apple sauce tender roast CHICKEN with stuffing local grown potatoes , seasonal vegetables glass of house wine, tubo of beer or a coffee

SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Delicious & Home-cooked

starters, puddings 2€

onl y 6.95€

Menu From 5.95€

each

to include a FREE Drink

Friday

15 FEB th

SERVED 10AM-12PM

Activities at

Monday

Rock ‘n’ Roll........7:30pm

Traveling Acoustics

Tuesday

Acoustic Musicians & Floor Singers

all levels welcome to come along, bring your instruments and join in

A Night of Music to Enjoy

All Welcome 8pm Start

Quirky Quiz.........7:30pm

Wednesday

Bingo with Ged......2:30pm Line Dancing with Carrie..7:30pm

Thursday

Ceroc Dancing & Fun Social Night.....7:30pm Plus

Robin & with Friends

...Art Classes held most days Pop into the bar for more info ...Computer Club ...Keep fit & slimming classes check the board for times

ALBOX

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

@

BP Garage

950 120 718 / 610 641 567

Raymond Blanc challenges ‘hypocritical’ attitude to food

following horse meat revelations

Beef burgers sold by several supermarkets – almost all of them part of the big chains – have been found to contain meat other than beef. A total of 27 beef burger lines were analysed by scientists in Ireland. Ten contained horse DNA while, more worrying for some religions, 23 contained pig DNA. Most revealed only small traces of horse but, in one sample, horse accounted for around 29 percent of the meat content. Pig content was low but, just as with horse, it shouldn’t have been there at all. As you would imagine, the supermarkets concerned have apologised and have withdrawn the contaminated burgers.

It is not illegal to buy or sell horse meat, or pig meat for that matter, in the UK. What is illegal is not declaring every ingredient on food labels.

But it appears as though the supermarket chains were caught by surprise. I mean, it is unimaginable that they would knowingly allow this.

So, how did it happen?

Tim Smith, technical director of the supermarket chain, Tesco, said, “We are working with the authorities and with the supplier concerned to urgently understand how it has come about and how to ensure that it does not happen again.”

Smith, who is a former

head of the Food Standards Agency, added, “The presence of illegal meat in our products is extremely serious. Our customers have the right to expect that the food they buy is produced to the highest standards.

We understand that many of our customers will be concerned by this news and we apologise sincerely for any distress.”

The plant at the centre of the scandal has suspended all production after new tests confirmed that contamination is rife. The Irish company, which makes burgers for many of the big supermarkets, said fresh tests have confirmed that the source of contamination is a European processing company.

The processing company, which supplies meat bulking protein powder used in burgers made for supermarkets in both Ireland and Britain, said its investigations have so far centred around two third party European suppliers.

Irish agriculture minister Simon Coveney said its own investigation will continue until the source of the contamination is established conclusively.

In Britain, watchdogs are under pressure to test all supermarket frozen beef burgers for the presence of

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horse meat.

The scandal has lifted the lid on some of the more distasteful ingredients used to produce cheap food for families on a budget.

Professor Chris Elliot, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University, Belfast, said, “What goes into a burger is all the low quality meat that cannot be sold in any other form. It is the bottom of the chain.”

Irish researchers, who identified the horse meat contamination in beef burgers, also found that a number of other beef products, such as ready meal cottage pies, contained pig meat that was not declared on the label. This has serious implications for Muslims and Jews for whom eating pork is forbidden.

Horse meat is, of course, eaten in many countries around the world. China, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Argentina, Italy, Brazil and Kyrgyzstan eat almost five million horses between them every year.

Britain, where eating horse meat is almost taboo, exports as many as 10,000 live horses a year to Italy, France and Belgium for human consumption.

They are mainly ponies that have reached the end of their working lives. This whole saga has led top French chef Raymond Blanc to suggest that the British have a hypocritical attitude to food.

He asks the question, “Who exports their old horses to be eaten on the Continent?” His answer, “Yes, it’s the British.

So it seems hypocritical.”

Blanc, who owns a restaurant in Oxfordshire, said he detects an unappetising taste of hypocrisy, adding, “Many British people like to pretend food doesn’t come from animals. Horse is a good source of protein. I love horses but I also love horse meat. I feel the same way about pigs and pork, cows and beef, hens and chicken.”

The chef may have a point. But if you go to the supermarket and buy beef burgers, you would not want or expect to find horse meat, pig meat or any other meat except beef in them.

Article: www.newsday.co.tt

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

Root Vegetable Râpés

dessert

...FOOD & ENTERTAINING

starter

main

BEEF WITH CARROTS

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 10 râpés) 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated 1 parsnip, peeled and finely grated 1 sweet potato, peeled and finely grated 2 small eggs, lightly beaten with a fork 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Sea salt and pepper, to taste Vegetable oil, to fry Smoked salmon, to serve Crème fraiche or mascarpone, to serve Slices of pear, to serve

33

METHOD

In a bowl, combine the vegetables with the eggs, parsley, nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil on medium to high heat and when warm, add a heaped tablespoon of vegetables. Use the back of a flat spatula to flatten the râpé.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes and

then flip on the other side.

Cook for 3 more minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep them in the oven preheated at 250 F while you keep working.

Serve topped with crème fraiche spread on top, a slice of smoked salmon and one of pear. Add salmon roe too, if you like. And enjoy!

Flourless Walnut Cakes

INGREDIENTS

Method

In a large flameproof 2tbsp olive oil casserole or Dutch oven 2tbsp butter over medium heat, heat 1 2.5lbs boneless stewing tablespoon of the oil. When beef, cut into 1.5” pieces it is hot, add the butter.

When it melts, add half the 1 red onion, thinly sliced meat to the pan. Cook, 3 sprigs fresh thyme without moving the meat, for 3 to 4 minutes or until 1lb carrots, cut into 1” it is brown. Turn the meat pieces and brown the other sides 1 stalk celery, cut into for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove 0.5” pieces the meat from the pan and brown the remaining meat ½ cup dry white wine in the same way; remove it 4 cups (or more as from the pan with any juices necessary) cold water from cooking.

1 bay leaf Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the Salt & pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS

10 oz walnuts halves 4 egg whites, whipped 2 raw egg whites

Method

Using a food processor, chop the walnuts coarsely (medium rather than fine) with the icing sugar.

In a bowl, place the soft butter, add the nuts and the raw egg whites, and mix with a whip.

Beat 4 egg whites and before they are too firm, add the cane sugar and mix. Fold the whites delicately into the previous preparation.

Place pieces of parchment paper at the

pan. Add the onion and 1 spring of thyme. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

Add the carrots and celery and cook 2 minutes more.

Add the white wine and return the meat and its juices to the pan. Add the water - it should just cover the meat - with the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover the pan.

Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours or until the meat is very tender when pierced with a skewer. Serve with brown rice. Garnish with remaining thyme

2 2/3oz icing sugar 3.5 oz butter, very soft 1.5 oz fine cane sugar 1 pinch of salt bottom of ramekins and grease them.

Sprinkle with sugar and fill the ramekins with the batter (the cakes will rise slightly).

Level the top of the batter with the blade of a knife and place the moulds in the preheated oven at 350 F for 20 mins (the recipe indicates 10 mins, but I thought it was not long enough.) Wait for 5 mins before unmoulding the cakes. Sprinkle with icing sugar and eat lukewarm, it is even better.

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

some punk? No way! (4) 9 Rise anew in my wretchedness! (6) 14 Escapades coming with sure failure (10) 17 Someone running or standing? (9) 19 A 100-company in Ronald’s creature (7) 20 If your letters are in this, they’re probably leaning to the right! (7) 21 Union somehow independent of NUS! (6) 22 Stretches pain in insides of dress (7) 24 Sweet stuff you reportedly put in flipping newspapers! (5) 26 Demonstrate how to follow a point (4)

Down

(7) 25 A parasitic disease spread by mosquitos (7) 26 A southern state (7) 27 Connecting points (5) 28 Prolonged unfulfilled desires (9)

Down

1 Bogs (5) 2 Repossess (7) 3 A cry of praise to God (7) 4 Aligned oneself with (5) 5 Converse (9)

6 Searchers (7) 7 Drag along (7) 8 Abilities (9) 13 Preacher (9) 14 Camel (9) 17 Spoke with an accent (7) 18 Accounts (7) 20 Spoof (7) 21 Breed of horse (7) 23 British Association of Film and Television Arts (5) 24 Beloveds (5)

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

1 Bought (9) 6 Ledge (5) 9 Incriminated (7) 10 Doubter (7) 11 Glanced at (7) 12 Including everything (7) 13 An officer (9) 15 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5) 16 Breed of duck (5) 19 Overburdens (9) 22 Wrestle (7) 23 Repeatedly drop bombs

HARD SUDOKU

Across

1 Vehicle which accepts far travelling? (10) 2 A large letter starts to cause a problem in the American law (7) 4 Naked university dean surprisingly lacks acceleration without woman’s garment! (9) 5 Starts to believe in Brian, like endlessly famous book? (5) 6 See that lies are bad (7) 7 Modified dead Pat, perhaps (7) 8 Be acquainted with

CRYPTIC

1 Draw in Student’s Union with heartless crook (4) 3 I’m OK, said Monty’s song (10) 10 Put to use a branch of mathematics?

(7) 11 Display of bravery in not ending rave in graduate party (7) 12 Outermost, almost additional key setter (7) 13 Is set out without 6 coming back (6) 15 Drink up in hearltess, rocky sort of race (5) 16 Came after University College entered second church with new deed (9) 18 Not permitted, because offered (9) 21 Power for church (5) 23 Fights second game (6) 25 Part of Gavin’s tan thrilled for a very short time (7) 27 Nothing in house ruler playing number 2? (7) 28 One more heron at wreck (7) 29 Wrongly screwed in new part of car (10) 30 Requests a king on board ship (4)

CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

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La

35

Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue our main menu includes 16oz steaks mixed grill fresh fish

WED-SAT

ST VALENTINE’S DAY

One in three people in Spain ‘are clinical shopaholics’

A third of Spain’s adult population is addicted to shopping, and their ‘condition’ gets worse during the sales or at Christmas.

This was revealed recently by Dr Manuel Armayones, professor of psychology at Catalunya Open University (UOC).

He said mass purchases and impulse buys are more ‘socially-acceptable’ during sales and at Christmas, which means closet addicts tend to ‘let themselves off’, their guilt subsiding and their problem going unnoticed.

Shopping addiction is usually a hidden ‘disorder’ and is only discovered when the addict can no longer pay their credit card bills, or has no money left over after constant shopping for general living.

In even worse cases, the addiction can cause serious problems in personal, social, family and working life, says Dr Armayones.

He says he and other experts in his field are seeing a growing number of clients suffering from shopping addictions, which are said to be largely due to depression, loneliness or isolation, and a general lack of satisfaction in life.

Conversely, the economic crisis and recession is a help for these people, since they do not have the money to spend and cannot get credit – and also because there is greater awareness with campaigns aimed at encouraging responsible consumerism.

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fridays

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traditional

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

RIBBON FOR LIFE DAY on mojacar playa paseo

the spanish association in the fight against cancer

sunday 3rd february Schedule

11.30am: DJ Ian gets us under way with some music 12noon: Tai Chi demonstration with Rosie.

12.30pm: Kris Kelly singing mainly Country & Western 1pm: Hombre Orquesta Spanish Singer/Guitarist 1.30pm: Zumba with the ‘Julie Bruce Academy’ 2pm: Lita Paredes Spanish Dancers 2.30pm: ‘The Shadows Tribute’ Duo Singers/Guitarists 3pm: Line Dancing and the ‘Blues Brothers Show’ 3.30pm: ‘Rock On Tommy’ Rock Band 4pm: Hula Hoop Tricks and Display with ‘Get Fit Alison’ 4.30pm: ‘Phil and the Invisibles’ Singer/Guitarist 5pm: Kay Francis 60’s and Amy Winehouse to Duffy

Please help us beat the Guinness Book Of Records longest ever tied ribbon (5000 Metres)

From 12.30pm onwards there will be a classic car exhibition held on the car park...

There are 60 stands (and counting...) selling various things and there is still space for more so get in touch Please note no stands can be erected on the paseo until 10.30am For more information, call Briony on 616 424 555 or 950 472 200

Burty’s BAR sun - fri from 11am - 6pm Closed saturday

ace r r e t y nn u s e hug bar s u o i c a p s nd a Come and Catch the Winter Sun Table Top Sale 24th February

Call to book a table

Special Steak Night 5pm – 8.30pm

6oz Sirloin Steak, Real Chips, Fried Onion, Mushrooms & Mixed Salad Only 8.95€ Larger Steaks & Baby Fillet Available with a Supplement. or Lamb Curry, Pilau Rice, Naan Bread, Poppadums & Dips or Creamy Pork in Cider, New Potatoes & Fresh Veg. Booking Essential By 6pm Wednesday

Monday - saturday 12 noon - 4pm & 7pm - close Sunday : carvery 2pm - 7pm Thursdays - closed Main Meals 6.95€ 3 course meal 10.95€

every thursday quiz 2.15pm prompt

Tapas

served from 1 pm

tuesday

bingo 2.30pm

anglican church service 3rd thursday of the month 11:30am

next service 21st february

spanish lessons - all levels - now tuesday at 12noon 5€ sunday lunch special €5.95 booking essential Opposite Playa Luna Hotel between Oasis & New York New York. Tel: 679 156 715”

Tapas served day and night

 





Starting Thursday 17th January. Every Thursday

be a  part  of it 

winter hours winter hours



Playa Serena, roquetas de mar

wacky wednesdays 12pm - 4pm, 7pm -10pm Tubo, Wine, Soft Drink 1€ Mini meals 1€ including starters mini pie & chips, fish cakes & chips, desserts

Tel: 659 683 447

Special Valentine’s Night

Menu for 2

Including a bottle of wine

3300..0000€€

www.newyorknewyork.es

OPPOSITE THE PLAYA LUNA BETWEEN BURTYS BAR & BAR OLE

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

37

ROQUETAS DE MAR

Love You Loads Love Your Danny XXX

All Our love – always…

Mum & Dad & Sandra-Ann!) xxx

Claire

With love to you on your 40th Birthday From all of your friends XXXX

Maureen Frith is 66 (ON 5TH FEB!)

Happy Birthday Mo from all your friends in Spain xxx

The English Speaking Club of Roquetas

We are pleased to announce that further to our Donation to the Red Cross the members of the Roquetas branch were so delighted that they have offered to visit us at The Bar Dori, Thursday January 31st @ 8pm. there will be 2 English speaking members to tell us of the work they do here in Roquetas.

Please join us for Wine & Tapas and an enjoyable evening.

Cabo del Gato

The Cabo de Gata covers 61km and is protected

by Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve, due to its high ecological value. There are many hiking trails, as well as several villages of interest around the coastline.

There are also many beaches with cliffs, capes, and volcanic hills as a backdrop. Wildlife in the Park include eagles, pink flamingo, wall lizards, grass snakes, to name a few.

There are many beaches in the Park. Most are situated at the east and south end, and although popular during the summer, the Cabo de Gata beaches are have a rural feel to them, and do not get full to the brim with holiday makers.

Mini Hollywood

Tabernas, Carretera National 340km, Desierto de Tabernas, Almeria Open 12:00 - 18:00 TEL: 950 365 236 / 950 362 884

A simulated Wild West town

There are daily shows of Wild West scenes, some outside depicting shoot-outs and a hanging (not a real one!) some inside with dancing and bar scenes.

There is a museum, a photo gallery with costumes available for customers to wear for their souvenir photos shoot, restaurants, a train for transport around the quite extensive zoo, there is a big swimming pool and a playground for the children.

Burtys Bar........................................

Tuesday - 12 noon Spanish Lessons & 2:30pm Bingo Thursdays - Quiz 2:15pm Bar Spinnaker...................................

Tuesday - Bingo 3pm Wednesday - Steak 7.50€, Quiz 9.30pm Friday - Fish and Chips all day 5€ Saturday - Curry Meal with small wine 7.50€ Sunday - Sunday Roast 1pm - 6pm Chaplins pub.....................................

Opening Hours: Open 1pm til’ close Tuesday to Sunday Wednesday: Rib Night Friday: Chip Shop Day - Fish’n’Chips etc served from 1pm, Quiz Night Sunday - Sunday Lunch served until 8pm TEL: 950 335 022 lady lay..............................................

Tuesday Night - Curry Night Revita Natural Health and Relaxation centre..........................

Calle Tortola 4, Roquetas De Mar Tel 950 333 048 Tai Chi - Tuesday & Thursday 10am Yoga - Sunday 9pm Belly Dancing - Wednesday Y Da wakes.........................................

CLOSED UNTIL 2nd MARCH FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY

estampa apas T

Ta

Bar

y outdoor n n u s s u io c Spa ating 24 e s e c a r r te SKY TV

Tapas/Snacks English Breakfast Fish & Chips Coffees & Cakes sky sports now being shown Cocktails/Sangria

Open 10am - late (Closed Tuesday) FREE WI-FI Next door to Zurimar 678 202 160

La Grappa

Authentic Italian Restaurant

• Pizzas • Fresh Pastas • Fresh Fish • Argentinian BBQ’d Food On The Terrace

BBQ

EVERY DAY

Open 12 - 4pm 7 - 12.30am Av. Playa Serena, 37 Roquetas de Mar

950 334 188 609 337 316

to reserve your table

Property management Sales & Rentals

SEND your birthday & ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM & WE’LL PRINT THEM FREE OF CHARGE!

YOUR NEWS & YOUR VIEWS... SEND TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

n o Av e r i a l C

Bar Southern....................................

Every Thursday Bingo 3pm Last Saturday of the month - Jackpot Money Quiz 8pm 1st Friday of Month: Ladies Do Lunch! from 2pm (Menu del Dia 7€)

Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce Almerimar, Vicar, La Envia Golf

Services include Key Holding, Maintenance, Furniture Packs, Cleaning & Laundry, Apartment & Post-box Checks

Mobile: (0034) 663 426 921

info@enviapropertyservices.com

www.enviapropertyservices.com

UK Reg Qualified Nurses and Experienced Carers Required Due to expansion into the Roquetas & Almerimar Areas Flexible working hours, good daily rate of pay

Please Contact Nicki at nicki@almeriaangels.com or Call: 902 026 468

38

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

SOL CLASSIFIEDS Airport services

construction cont...

electrical cont...

www.AAparking.es tr a n s f er s Tel: 639 081 067 pick up all areas,

construction

ELECTRICIAN

A i rport

Cheap

Airport Parking

Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

BY TELEPHONE Monday to Friday

950 121 936 902 121 936

competitive rates.

For a quote please visit www. spanish estateagent.com or call 661 143 871

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

sales@soltimes.com IN PERSON

los carasoles, 27 Zurgena, 04650, Almeria Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm

above New Horizon Villas

PAYMENT

VISA ,Paypal, bank transfer & Cheques made payable to MATHEWS mEDIA s.l

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

MD S.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone

607 364 917 or 950 432 110 email: info@md-aircon.com

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

alternative energy Solar Wind Power Solutions.

Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email:info@ s un e r g ya l m e r i a . com www.sunergy almeria.com

c a rlo s s a l i e n te & plumbing heating for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com

baby hire

beauty

Everything for the visiting baby Car seats,high chairs, stair gates, cots etc Tel: 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 expectingababy@ hotmail.co.uk

avon

cosmetics

claire

Tel: 691 987 454 avonfromclaire@ yahoo.es

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria

Tel: 950 120 900

construction

DEADLINES All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

Fully

insured & legal Mat Murray 647 841 750 matmurrayes@gmail.com established in spain for 14 years

950 432 110 / 607 364 917

BY E-MAIL

Full City & Guilds

Air-con

Between 10am & 5pm

Reliable English Builder

For all your building needs • Block work • Balustrades • Plumbing • Paving Driveways & Paths

Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate 620 112 193 or 667 853 062

Neil Godwin

25 years experience

fully legal

Constructions

Boletins supplied

Tel : 687 245 569 equipment hire

Martinez moreno cb (Rambla de Oria) All types of building work undertaken inc plumbing & electrics

tel: 609 421 734 (Spanish) tel: 696 052 044 (English) drainage

LICENSED POZO/CESSPIT EMPTYING

FOR SALE

DIS H WAS H E R Fagor Advanced septic tanks Intelligent System • Blocked Toilets, Sinks, Time Delay function Baths & Drains and Salt and rinse • CCTV Surveys aid indicator lights.

• Drain Tracing Silver colour in • Turbine Root Cutting good condition • Blocked Cesspits 150€ ono. Buyer collects.Tel: 671 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 947 035 on T.V. unit wheels with shelf and glass doors excellent condition 40€. Tel: 950 396 • Emptying of Septic Tanks & 820 or Mob: 646 Cesspits, with high pressure 009 453 cleaning Only 2 tall kitchen • Small stools, black tubular unblockages of steel with foot rests • Installation of fibreglass



Cleaning of Septic Tanks

100€

and wooden seats excellent condition 20€ each Tel: 950 396 820 or Mob: 646 009 453 Yamaha ERB070 4 string bass plus Yamaha practice amp, strap and gig bag. Immaculate condition with very little use from new. Never gigged this is a quality instrument Current list price in excess of 300€.

Accept 170€. 693 753 327 Saliente

pipes & drainage Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

gardening

Contact: 675 838 808

potty finca services

Drainage Solutions

• Emergency Drain Cleaning • High Pressure Water Jetting • CCTV Surveys • Drainage Repairs • Location of Cesspits • Qualified Engineer • Expert Reports

Established 7 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966

professional tree felling & pruning, including all types of palm trees

strimming of overgrown gardens & hedge cutting spanish registered. logs available ring john on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

heating

neater heater See our main ad on the news pages electrical Knowles & Abbott no.1 for Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & electrics and plumbing. Re-wires, free heating services. If it involves water, to air UK satellite systems 950 137 208 we can help! www.carlossaliente.com or 638 010 691 Tel: 968 969 962

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

39

www.soltimes.com house clearance cont...

locksmith

THE HOUSE CLEARING SPECIALIST

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours.

Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded house safes. Arboleas logs & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

Immediate Cash. Quick decision. * We cover all areas * We turn up, give cash & carry * We buy almost anything – The Highest Cash Prices Paid **ONLY serious & immediate sellers should call please**

Tel: 679 207 545 or 636 411 540

hobby/craft Elaine’s Wools quality UK wool & accessories. Come & view my display Also available at Camposol, Mazarron Call 667 273 889 elaines wools@gmail. com

insurance

“we have grea offers on lifet insurance”

glenn & jayne Formerly of Knights Insurance, C / Malaga, Albox ... are now exclusive agents for Liberty Seguros

logs load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed Olive some roots €140 load of eucalyptus, no roots €150 all loads 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding areas Call Lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

Phil Delivers

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

same people - same great service - differeent name

NUMBER PLATES

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

“RE-PLATE” MATE

Tel: 950 121 943

iron/metal works

metal works Gates, rejas, fabriction welding reliable service

950 168 916 638 449 944

adwelds@yahoo.com T & T Metals For all quality metal works, including gates, railings, rejas, staircases, gazebos & chainlink fencing - Tel: 950 431 738

The Metal works Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/sliding/ roller, rejas, concertina doors etc.

Tel: Keith Wood on

638 900 949

legal

GB

E

Don’t take a chance!

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

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

OPTICIANS Optica Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

PAINTER / DECORATOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 16, please email info@daviessolicitors.com

PAINTING INSIDE & OUT

All quality products Make over your home this year

Tel Graham & Barry on 620 112 193 or 667 853 062

PAINTER / DECORATOR cont...

PROPERTY FOR SALE/rent

painter & decorator SOLTIMES r 25 years experience

ove

give your property or business a fresh look this NEW YEAR

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com now covering mainland spain

commercial & major retail painter’s expert quality workmanship

visit our website for more info tntpainters@live.co.uk www.tntpaintersltd.co.uk PETS SECTION

Now offer our Classified advertisers

5 LOCAL EDITIONS

3 bed villa for sale phone now for details

mar menor costa blanca costa calida Almeria Roquetas De mar

Reduced €39,950, Apartment For Sale cortijo 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 jescott29@hotmail.co.uk Arboleas. First floor flat overlooking the rambla. 4 beds, lift access nice views, central location, part furnished.

300€ pcm long term preferred. Available immediately 609 199 394

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

Also available

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

PETS SECTION

950 121 936 902 121 936 EXT 332

Padenco Male dog rescued at 8 weeks now 10 months, all paperwork. Good palomino kennels exclusive nature Free to a boarding kennels/cattery tel: 950 067 good home. Tel: 051 687 189 244 Amer i c a n Staff Puppies for sale. One month old, for more information.

Call James: 651 325 677

Java finches for sale male & female €7.50 Tel: 647 379 795

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery

arboleas Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view

ministry approved Tracy Mobile 650 211 952

No need for kennels or cattery, Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & surrounding areas.

Call Vanessa on 637 061 482 Not just cats & dogs, All other types of pets considered

pa de

• 35 ye • Guara • Quali

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT Tel A SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL 950 4 www.soltimes.com 600 2 online at

for more information Telephone

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

Advertise in this space for just 10€ per week!

friendly

mare

9 years old 14.3hh/ 1.50m 500€ telephone 678 838 547

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

ARBOLEAS

self contained 1 bedroom apartment with B & B facilities offered starting from 25€ per night, walking distance of Arboleas & Zurgena

Tel: 950 449 074 or 634 368 071

Long term rentals also considered 175€ + bills chalmersj8@hotmail.co.uk

for sale

plot of land of 800m2 & villa 125m2 brick built up to & inc roof Wonderful location & exceptional views yet 5 mins to town with all amenities.

Fully legal with escritora must be viewed

Bargain price 65,000€

To view or for more details 609 199 394

for SALE detatched cortijo 20mins from mojacar

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

Mountain views.

Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200 m²

Telephone 649 186 107

email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com only €150,000 offers welcome

40

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

PLASTERER

PLUMBING

satellite/television

B r i t i s h All plasterer work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201

gas fast

Sky Digibox

PLUMBING C A R L O S SA L I E N T E Plumbing and Heating offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters for just €65 – aguafuerte is not the answer! Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email c ar los.saliente@ gmail.com

Gas boiler & plumbing repairs.

Tel: 618 062 080 or 637 829 787

Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5

60€

Knowles & can deliver.Tel: 667 235 205 Abbott no.1 for A1 Sky Television Systems plumbing & electric. Satellite TV installations, alignment of dishes etc.

CH, solar hot water Also Spanish “freeview” systems and water deposits. supplied & installed Telephone 950 Tel Dave: 628 607 778 137 197 or 606 807 797 solar power system

REMOVALS

DAVE’S TRANSPORT 7.5 Ton, Lorry Part loads, Self load/Unload Minimal rates, Owner Driver Spain/uk/Local Storage available, based “Los Gallardos” &”hertfordshire”

Call now 0034 620 049 524 (Es) 00 44 794 3135 214 (UK) woodnco@hotmail.com

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals

www.ecocorp.eu at ecocorp we do not just sell you a system we deliver, intall & guarantee everything for up to 10 years

Solar Power Systems

off grid systems for homes with no electricity 3kw systems from 6495€ 5kw systems from 7495€ 7kw systems from 8995€

Tel: 671 716 597 stables

Rancho Luz Del Sol, Retamar, Partaloa. One to one or group lessons, latest EN standard hats provided.

Escorted hacking and treks. Qualified BHS Instructor. Call Erika Drew on 678 838 547

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

UK - SPAIN - UK

LEARN SPANISH…

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

translation Translation Services in Huercal Overa Tel: 677 102 006

tuition

…in a fun and enjoyable class with Paco

at Camping Los Gallardos, MiraFlores Restaurant.

New, beginners class starts friday 1st feb 2013 17.30pm

Private lessons and different levels also available.

CALL PACO 661 142 606 wanted

wanted

634 337 185

car parts

for sale

Car parts

ONE MUST GO

3.5 meter zodiac, honda inflatable boat, must be in good condition

tel: 697 275 751

Accept 14950€

Need quality new parts for any car

for sensible prices on all parts Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326

2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid 1.8 Advance. As New, still under manufacturers warranty. Only36,000 kms. FSH. Spanish Spec.

Cost over 21,000€ new.

car & van hire

7950€

Van, car & driver

for hire

Swimming Pool Heating

titanuim swimming pool heat pump For pools approx 8m by 4m 2495€ INC Installation This unit uses only 1.7kw input power!

Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deals from UK - Spain Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@hotmail.com From a parcel to a small house move

motoring section

house & garden clearances, collections & deliveries, weekly collections from IKEA, Airport transfers Almeria 60€ one way, 110€ return Alicante 80€ one way, 150€ return

Tel: 634 345 257

Van hire

UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

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

mobile mechanics

Mikes

Mobile Mechanics

All types of service, repair & ITV testing Fully qualified & legal with over 35 years experience

Ring Mike or Chris: 628 350 178 or 636 824 974 motorbike mechanic

For all your motorbike repairs tel:634 326 905

wanted

URGENTLY REQUIRED

ENGLISH & SPANISH CARAVANS, CARS, MOTORHOMES & VANS ANY CONDITION WE COLLECT! THROUGHOUT SPAIN

4 LOCAL EDITIONS costa blanca costa calida Almeria Roquetas De mar

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

Tel: 653 245 971

Also available online at

wanted

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

Any age, any condition.



Now offer our Classified advertisers

2004 Nissan XTRAIL T Spec. Auto with O/D. FSH. LHD. 1 owner Exceptional Condition.

WANTED

ONE WAY

SOLTIMES

Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles

Urgently Required

ALL Mitsubishi Shogun, Monteo, Pajero, Landrover & all other makes

collect from anywhere

Tel: 645 094 339 or 950 064 763

www.soltimes.com

for more information Telephone 950 121 936 902 121 936 EXT 332

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, microwaves, all elec trical appliances

Certificates Issued

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

Hou s e & g a rden cle a r a nc es, sk ips supplied

Spanish or English

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

TEL: 636 411 540 OR 664 619 819

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

K.F.S Kennedy Financial Services

Hard Times

41

Kennedy Financial Services (KFS) has over 25 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry and are dedicated to providing professional guidance to all its clients.

For too many years now people have neglected their retirement planning, possibly in the main, because we as ex-pats cannot contribute to our retirement plans when we live abroad.

Times are changing there are now pension transfers (QROPS) that allow us to contribute to our funds and help to secure a better retirement.

Are your current pension benefits in one of the following areas?

• • • •

Frozen benefits in the UK that are under performing?

In a QROPS that is not giving you what you wanted?

Trapped in New Zealand for many years to come?

In a S.I.P.P. (are you aware that if you return to the UK your S.I.P.P. may be liable to a tax charge of up to 55%)?

If your answer is YES to the above it may be possible to transfer your benefits to a new receiving pension scheme and release some tax free cash. This may help your current financial position whilst still securing your retirement income.

Did you work in Public Services, NHS, Councils, Armed Forces, MOD, Civil Servants, Teachers, Aviation Authority, Nurses, Police, and Fire Brigade? The pension pots of loyal public servants are shrinking. You should submit your application to transfer your benefits now or you could lose out on thousands. The same applies to personal pensions, SIPPS etc.

There is a huge crisis in the UK as far as pensions are concerned. At the start of the Nineties, a £100,000 pension fund would have guaranteed an income of £15,640 a year for life, twenty three years on, a 65-year-old man will secure just £5,140 a year. This is mainly due to poor performance and market conditions over the same period of time. In May 2012 the pension deficit reached an all-time high of £312bn.

There were also an estimated 5,418 schemes in deficit, with only 1,014 in surplus. Which side of the fence is your pension sitting?

KFS is here to help all expats, regardless of Nationality, through this pension crisis which will affect all those with Pension benefits still in the UK, or possibly those with underperforming QROPS or S.I.P.P’s.

For too many years now people have neglected their retirement planning, possibly in the main, because we as ex-pats cannot contribute to our retirement plans when we live abroad. Times are changing, there are now pension transfers (QROPS) that allow us to contribute to our funds and help to secure a better retirement.

Should you wish to find out how this may affect your benefits please contact at admin@kennedyfinancialservices.com or fill in the assessment form at

www.kennedyfinancialservices.com

42

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

OPEN for business

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962 Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet

Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

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

Coastal Mosquitos

Mosquito Screens for Windows & Doors For a free estimate call us on 610 000 700 Awnings shower screens replacement window and doors

TNT

Enclosures / Conservatories Convert your patio area into a sunroom or a mosquito free area with glass or mesh

Plisse retracting screens ideal for all types of door openings

Ryanair has increased its profit forecast for the full year after a better-than-expected performance in the last three months of 2012.

The low-frills airline reported an 18.1m-euro ($24.3m; £15.4m) profit after tax in the three months to December, the third quarter of its financial year, up 21% on a year ago.

It was boosted by strong pre-Christmas bookings and lower operating costs. It now expects annual profits of close to 540m euros.

Its previous guidance was for profits of 490-520m euros.

Last week, rival Easyjet said its losses for the first half of the year would be much lower than in 2011, as it reported a 9% rise in revenues.

In the third quarter, Ryanair benefited from an 8% rise in average fares, lifting overall revenues 15% to 969m euros.

The company said fares would continue to rise next year, though capacity would only rise by 2-3%, down from the 4% rise forecast in the current year, due to the lack of new plane deliveries planned.

The airline also gave an update on its bid for rival airline Aer Lingus. Ryanair is making its third attempt to buy Aer Lingus but was given a list of objections by the European Commission in October last year.

“Ryanair has submitted a radical and unprecedented remedies package to the EU in support of its offer for Aer Lingus. We believe these remedies address every current Ryanair/Aer Lingus crossover route and all other competition issues raised by the Commission in its Statement of Objections,” Ryanair said.

“The remedies involve two upfront buyers each basing

professional bricklayer Building for you Phone Gerard - 626 730

764

Tel: 692 17 60 69 All Building Work Undertaken

Mix & Match

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aircraft in Ireland to take over and operate a substantial part of Aer Lingus’ existing route network and short-haul business.

“This will be the first EU airline merger which will deliver structural divestitures and multiple upfront buyers. We look forward to completing our offer for Aer Lingus subject to receiving approval from the EU competition authorities in early March.” (Article courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk)

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43

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

ECB loans: European banks to repay early

Some of the banks in Europe that received billions in cheap loans to keep them afloat during the eurozone debt crisis are to repay them early.

The European Central Bank (ECB) said that 278 eurozone banks will repay 137.16bn euros ($185bn; £117bn) of threeyear loans they borrowed.

The money, lent in December 2011 and February 2012, will be paid on 30 January, it added.

The loans were made when many feared that the eurozone would break apart.

It lent the money amidst fears that Greece, which needed two international bailouts, could default on its huge debts.

At the same time, many investors thought the huge economies of Spain and Italy may be next to require international assistance.

On Friday, the head of the European Central Bank said that the 17-nation currency, which dates back to 1999, had effectively been relaunched during the

past year.

“If one has to find a common denominator... for defining why 2012 is going to be remembered, I think one would say it’s the year of the relaunching of the euro,” Mario Draghi said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

“All the indices point to a substantial improvement of financial conditions.”

The ECB has forecast that eurozone economic growth in 2013 will be between minus 0.9% and plus 0.4%.

Mr Draghi said: “Are we satisfied? I think to say the least, the jury is still out.

Because all in all, we haven’t seen an equal momentum on the real side of the economy and that’s where we will have to do much more.”

In total, the ECB lent more than 1 trillion euros of low-interest loans to banks.

The ECB provided 530bn euros of lowinterest loans in February 2012 to 800 banks across the whole of the European Union - including 37.4bn euros to UK

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Some 489bn euros had been lent out in December 2011, and it is from this first batch that loans will be repaid early.

Both rounds of the loans - dubbed longterm refinancing operations (LTRO) - included provisions to allow paying them off early, beginning at the end of this month. After that, repayments can continue on a weekly basis, depending on demand.

The early repayment could be seen as a sign that the eurozone is recovering. But the ECB did not reveal the nationalities of the banks paying back the debt early.

Many of the banks may still be from financially stronger countries like Germany and the Netherlands, suggesting that the split between the more solvent north of Europe and its weaker south remains.

Ireland and Portugal have also required bailouts, though both have since been able to return to borrowing money in the financial markets.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

motoring

TEST DRIVE: Chevrolet Orlando

Did you know that the people carrier concept was introduced over half a century ago?

In 1950 Volkswagen introduced its multiseat Kombi vehicle and then a decade later Fiat introduced its own version. And there I was thinking that it was all down to Renault with its Espace in 1984.

The Espace is no longer but that hasn’t deterred other manufacturers from introducing their own take on this popular vehicle. But while many do the job admirably many lack style and character. It is this area in particular where

Chevrolet, that famed and historic US car manufacturer, owned

by General Motors, has sought to shake things up.

I don’t usually bat an eyelid at a people mover but as I take delivery of the Orlando it demands a second glance, so clearly Chevy has been successful. The curved brick shape is without doubt very appealing as you can see from the video at testdrives.biz.

It’s like a modern day A-Team van.

Step inside and the black cabin is well appointed and comfortable; the dashboard, which slants

at an angle towards the windscreen, has something of the future about it. An initial criticism is that the interior is very black although it feels hardwearing and well put together. The driver’s seat is like an armchair and comes complete with a folding armrest. There is a foot rest for the driver’s left foot, which is welcome while all controls are close to hand and easy to operate.

Turn the ignition and the two-litre diesel unit is slightly audible from inside but when driving this is not noticeable.

The six-speed gearbox

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is decisive. It becomes apparent that this vehicle, much like its driver, prefers clear roads as opposed to clogged up ones. At a crawl it prefers first gear to second where there is a feeling that it might stall. The diesel unit is gutsy and can be worked hard but then it

does become vocal.

Unfortunately the test takes place when there are numerous flood warnings and the ensuing downfalls require frequent wiper and blower action.

When turning the blowers to the medium setting they make an irritating whistling noise but turn them to a higher or lower setting and this disappears; this could be a glitch with the test car.

The high up driving position is always welcome as it gives a commanding view of the road ahead allowing for forward planning when considering overtaking. Stuck at the lights and it is possible to see how waterlogged the fields are.

It will transport seven people in comfort and there is a cavernous boot when the third row of seats are down.

Another surprise is that it has a tight turning circle.

Parkers, the car experts, say: “The Orlando is Chevrolet’s first ever MPV and it’s a

competent offering. It’s a reasonably priced, spacious and practical people carrier that puts function over form. The design might not be to everyone’s tastes but one might consider that a trifling price to pay for a decent schoolrunner that won’t break the bank. The Orlando – the new kid of the MPV block, complete with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty and attractive ownership benefits.”

I agree with Parkers, a very good family proposition and more economical than cars half its size such as the Mazda 2 hatchback!

specification 2.0 LT VCDI 5Dr 6Spd Manual New price range: £17,600 - £25,165 Used price range: £7,393 - £15,876 Economy: 47mpg Fuel tank: 64 litres 0-60mph: 10 secs Top speed: 111mph Power: 128bhp Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

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

BMW and Toyota team up for new sports car

BMW and Toyota have signed a long-term agreement to jointly develop a new fuel-cell system, a sports car architecture and new lightweight material technology. The agreement is a binding extension of a memorandum of understanding signed by the heads of BMW and Toyota in June 2012.

The two firms have also signed a new agreement to collaborate on the research and development of new lithium-air batteries, seen as the successor to the current lithium-ion cells. This extends an initial agreement between BMW and Toyota that dates back to March 2012.

Both BMW and Toyota state: “They are convinced that fuel cell technology is one of the solutions necessary to achieve zero emissions.” To that end, the firms have agreed to jointly develop a new fuelcell stack, a hydrogen tank, motor and battery, with an aim to have cars on the market by 2020.

The agreement is also significant given the size of BMW and Toyota, as the decisions made in terms of standardising the fuel-cell infrastructure could dictate what the rest of the car industry has to use in the future.

Of interest to performance car fans will be a new feasibility study into developing a new mid-size

sports car platform. The study will be completed by the end of 2013, with the Toyota model likely to be a car that slots into the range above the GT 86, possibly reviving the Celica name, with a Lexus model also possible.

The sports car architecture is described as “a mid-size sports vehicle.” If the sign-off of the new architecture goes ahead, a car could be developed in time for the arrival of the new third generation BMW Z4 in 2015.

The new sports car may also feature advances made by both firms in the development of lightweight technology. BMW already has made progress with Carbon Fibre Reinforced Composites (CFRP) for its Project i vehicles, and the firms have already agreed that this could be used in the new sports car platform.

The second agreement covers the development of post-lithium batteries. The companies will research a lithium-air battery, which the firms claim will have an “energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.”

Estimates state that an electric car powered by a lithium-air battery of the same size as a current lithium-ion one could boast a five-times greater range.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

CABRERA BOWLS CLUB MENS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

sport Pit Stop

Monday 28th January saw the Cabrera Men’s Club Championship Finals, and this was to be a very entertaining final for all the spectators. David Ives made the first score on the card, taking the first two ends.

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AGUILON GOLF MEMBERS REPORT

With the golf course in excellent condition and works being carried to reduce the number of bunkers on the course,the main topic of conversation is when will we get to play a game of golf without gale force winds pounding us in to submission.

With the above winds again causing havoc with players attempts at a decent scorecard only our winner conquered the elements

RESULTS

Twos: Glyn Ombler x2 4th and 12th,Les Raufer 8th,John Bridgen 12th

1st Les Raufer 37pts 2nd Phil Miles 30pts on a card play off 3rd Dave Sharp 30pts

ALL MAKES AND MODELS

Friday January 25-Individual Stableford With this comp being carried over from Wednesday when we had to cancel because of the never ending gale force winds,we had more luck with the weather on Friday in a brief interlude between high winds it turned out to be ladies day with the fair sex filling the first two positions

ALBOX DARTS LEAGUE

Simon from Corner Bar - 180 Dave Porter from Tercera Edad 145 check out Results for Week 17 Division 1 Tue 22 Jan Bar Flora 2 v Tue 22 Jan Carrillos Bar 0 v Tue 22 Jan La Cinta 1 5 v Tue 22 Jan Corner Bar 7 v Results for Week 17 Tue 22 Jan Tue 22 Jan Tue 22 Jan

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Cabrera now has a new Men’s Club Champion-David Schofield.

Friday January 18-Individual Stableford

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After that the game see-sawed between David Schofield leading then David Ives. On the tenth end it was all square, then David Schofield slowly established a lead. After twenty two ends David Schofield needed one to win the match and scored two on the final end.

Division 2 Catalan 7 El Molino 4 The Travellers 6

6 8 3 1

v 1 v 4 v 2

Pablos El Cordobes Cafe-Bar Oasis Bar El Frax Trinidad Tercera Edad El Local

Regards, Andy Martin Secretary to Albox & District Darts League Mobile 652580695 For On-line results go to http://www.alboxinfo.com/albox-darts.php

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1st Sandra Hooker 34pts 2nd Sally Keene 31pts on a card play off 3rd Dave Sharp 31pts on a card play off Twos: Glyn Ombler 8th and Dave Sharp 10th Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Mon,Wed and Friday For information contact 634 641 188

45

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 950 124 828

46

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

sport sport shorts

Compiled by AFM

* I n the Australian Tennis Open, Andrew Murray, having beaten Roger Federer, was defeated by world number one, Novak Djokovic in the men’s final.

Belarusian Viktora Azarenka retained the women’s title at the expense of China’s Li Na.

*W iggle Honda is the new women’s professional cycle team which includes Olympian Laura Trott.

*B radford City and Swansea will contest the 2013 League Cup final on 28 February. For the Swans, it will be their first-ever major final. But sadly the second leg of their semi-final was marred by the sending-off of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard for kicking 17 year-old ball boy Charlie Morgan, the son of a Swansea director. Hazard will serve at least a three-match ban.

*C hris Thompson (GB) was fourth in ‘The Round the World Golden Globe’ yachting race.

*D on’t talk to Aston Villa fans, players or staff about Cup football! The struggling PL club was knocked out of TWO competitions in the space of four nights last week - by Bradford in the League Cup and by Millwall in the FA Cup. Villa’s millionaire owner Andy Lerner said “No worries”. He must be joking! *O ther shocks saw four Premiership dismissed from the FA Cup - Luton won 1-0 at Norwich to become the first non-League team to knock a top-flight team out of the competition since Sutton beat Coventry in 1989 (the Hatters are 85 places below the Canaries in the League pyramid)…

Oldham, from Division One, ko’d Liverpool 3-2… MK Dons beat gutless QPR 4-2… and Leeds ousted Spurs 21. Elsewhere Brentford held Chelsea at 2-2… Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and Wigan won away… and the assistant referees at the Macclesfield tie were Mr East and Mr West. And ho, Celtic lost in the SLC semi-final. *A nd in Scotland, St Mirren, second bottom of the SPL, beat Celtic to reach the Scottish Cup final where they will play Hearts. * I n the Championship, Blackpool won at fading Wolves for the first time since 1964.

*U K’s Geraint Thomas came third in the gruelling ‘Tour of Down Under’ cycle race.

*E ngland’s cricketers, with an Ian Bell century, beat India in the last ODI but lost the series 3-2. *E ngland’s Chris Wood eagled the last hole to win his first European tour title: the Qatar Masters. *E ngland women’s basketball team completed their first-ever whitewash and series victory over the reigning world champions Australia with a 5851 victory in Birmingham. *A nd the 2013 Six Nations Rugby internationals start on Saturday with Wales playing Ireland and England taking on Scotland, while on Sunday it’s Italy v France. *R owers everywhere are mourning the death of Team GB’s silver medal winning cox, Acer Nethercott, at the age of 35. *A nd the football transfer window closes tomorrow night – so there’ll be plenty of late deals.

FA CUP 5th ROUND The eight ties to be played on 15/16 February are: Arsenal v Blackburn, Huddersfield/Leicester v Wigan, Luton v Millwall, Manchester City v Leeds, Manchester United v Reading, MK Dons v Barnsley, Middlesbrough v Brentford/.

Chelsea and Oldham v Everton.

Could the Latics complete a Merseyside double?

ANGLING NEWS WITH BEACHCOMBER JOHN Shore Fishing: ‘Tubby Jimmy’ fished Mojacar Beach and managed a dorada just big enough for the pot and ‘London Bill’ had similar poor luck with only a couple of striped bream. It’s a wonder anyone got out with the high winds we’ve been having.

‘Luxemburg Roland’ caught a couple of small sea bass from Garrucha’s shore and told me the Spanish lads have been doing well with squid as it becomes dark they head for Garrucha Town’s lights.

‘Spanish Alex’ and his mate caught a couple of nice palometons. See photo.

Boat Fishing: None of our boats have been out as far as I know, again no surprise there.

Coarse Fishing: ‘Baza Barry’ has been fishing rivers north of Negratin and only had small trout and barbel.

The Albox fishing club

meets every two weeks or so at Bar Wassy. For details of the next meeting tel Sid 634 313 650.

New license information: There is now a loophole for those wanting coarse fishing licenses for Andalucia who don’t have NIE documents, see me for more details.

The similar loophole we had for beach and boat fishing seems to have

closed at the moment, am now looking for another.

For up to date information on any of the above see me at the Beachcomber Bar Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or tel 950 473 099. In case of difficulty reaching me (Probably out fishing) ask staff for my mobile number.

Tight lines, Beachcomber John.

Blustery Day for Badgers Golf Society On Wednesday 23rd Badgers visited Macenas Golf for their weekly competition and Richard from Badgers birthday bash. A shotgun start was the order of the day with 41 members playing a stableford competition.

With very strong winds high scores were never going to be possible, although it did make some of the greens drivable. Although the birthday boy Richard couldn’t master the course

and the wind, Ken Lee did, and recorded a very respectable 35pts , with in 2nd on count back Steve Cook with 34 pts and Paul Adams in 3rd also with 34pts Saturdays roll up at Macenas saw totally different conditions with very little wind and great conditions for golf. Top dog on the day was Chris Ottero topping the scores with 35pts.

Forthcoming fixtures are

Wed 30th Jan Macenas (Badgers Birthday), Wed 6th Feb Valle de Est, Wed 13th Feb Desert Springs, Wed 20th Feb Macenas.

Badgers Golf Society also play every Saturday at Macenas.

Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wed and Sat comps and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950478525

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

47

sport

Taekwondo Mojacar Club

Huercal Overa 1 FC Jumilla 4 On a sunny afternoon at El Hornillo Alonso Parra’s team fell short of what was expected by the crowd of 350 in a game that was dictated by the visitors.

As I mingled around the Expat fans inside the stadium there was a sense of anticipation to see what or if Huercal Overa CF could provide an attacking threat after the departure leading scorer Tomas Campanas.

Watching the teams warm up you could see straight away that the Jumilla side were bigger than the home team which would prove valuable at set pieces during the match.

The away team broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Jumilla were awarded a free kick roughly 30 yards out; the ball was neatly delivered into the

area where shabby marking was to be the downfall for Huercal Overa as the ball nestled in the back of the net from a flick on by Murcia.

Halftime 0-1.

The second half continued much the same as the first with Jumilla having a great deal of the ball and effectively closed the game out in the 51st minute when Carles smashed past Michel in the Huercal Overa goal to make it 0-2. The third goal came shortly after in the 61st minute by the lack of ability to keep hold of possession

by Huercal Overa, giving the ball away in the middle of the park then ball watching as the Jumilla side strolled the ball into the net. At 3-0 down you would be excused for thinking that Huercal Overa would wither but not

Valle Del Este Gplf Society Not Quite As Exciting As Last Week But Still Some Good Scores. Tue With 26 Players Taking Part We Played 3 Scores From 4 To Count, With Some Groups Playing With A Ghost.

The Winning Team Linda Bawden,Sue Hull, And Christine Banks Were

cortijo grande Wednesday 23rd Jan 2013 and we have 36 golfers with 2 divisions and good scores with a close finish in both divisions The winner of the first division with 34 points John Hill second with 33 on countback Frank McGovern and third with 33 RusseLl Colyer The winner of our second division with 32 on countback Ann Jackson

the case as some direct play down the left by Sele allowed a chance to fall to Forroga who sliced past the post. Then 4 minutes later the bal fell to Forroga again only to hit the woodwork.

A concelation goal was scored by Alex Minarro on the 86th minute only for the celebrations to be short lived as Nacho on his debut slotted home the 4th for Jumilla.

A bad day at the office for Huercal Overa CF but with work going on behind the scenes to secure a few more faces before the window closes on the 31st! Next up is Olipmico Totana Away.

Lee Ricakrd Graham www.huercaloveracf.com leerickardgraham@outlook. com

Thankful To The Ghost On There Team, Well Done Girls.

Friday And Our Stableford Comp, Again A Large Number Of Golfers Taking Part. The Winner On The Day Bill Churchill 36 Pts 2nd On Countback John Patterson 35 Pts Also On

35 Pts Lloyd Dean. Nearest The Pins Patrick Vickery And Bob Connell Quote For The Week, If You Think Its Hard To Meet New People, Try Picking Up The Wrong Ball. Enjoy Your Golf At Valle Del Este.

from Barbara Wardley with another 32 and in third with 30 Jan Henrik Vic We had three ball sweep winners Frank McGovern John Hill Derek Mullrooney Sunday and our team event with the best three scores to count. The scores were very good and our winners with 113 were Carol Hardy Frederique Baird Russel Colyer John Park In second with 110 were Gunner

Astheimer Tony Stubbs Pat Hill Doug Rearden In third with 109 were Mike Picken Barbara Wardley Julie Oliver Alan Walton Come and join us on this lovely golf course and play with the oldest established golf club in the area. To play with us ring 950 475509 You will enjoy your golf at Cortijo Grande visitors and guests welcome MP

Taekwondo Mojacar Club organised its January Grading exam last weekend, which involved self defense training, board breaking (destruction), combat sparring (against one or various opponents) and an extensive technical knowledge. The 19 students who participated in the exam gave it their best, and were awarded their next well deserved belt.

Mr DewrĂŠe, the club instructor, together with the black-belt assistant instructors, Miss Ruby Miles-Kirby and Mr Ossian Guerrero Green, awarded the Best Student Trophy to Jensen Lee in the Rainbow category (4 - 8 year olds), and to Laima Diaz Vepstas in the Juniors-Adults category.

A Special Rainbow Medal was given to Sophia Friend for her continuous efforts The Mojacar Taekwondo Club is a member of the Global Taekwondo Federation.

19th Hole Golf Society On Tuesday 22nd January a depleted number of members of the 19th Hole Golf Society made the long journey down to Alboran to play this singles stableford competition.

The low turnout was due, in the main, to the fact that high winds were forecast, but the 5 groups all teed off in very pleasant weather conditions including a warming sun.

However by the turn at the 10th hole the wind really achieved all expectations of the forecasters, making every hole a challenge, not just to get the ball going in roughly the right direction, but also to keep standing.

The temperature also plummeted making it even more uncomfortable for our intrepid players.

Lee Coxon recently arrived from his home on the Isle of Man coped best with the conditions, easily winning with 30 points, he also won nearest the pin on the 17th

hole, it was suggested that the conditions were almost tropical for him!. Terry Caddick had an interesting day, leaving two discarded broken -down Buggies on the fairways, but his third attempt got him back to the club house safely.

John Ball had a bad day, not only did he tear up his card but also resorted to a spot of club throwing, evidently with equal inaccuracy.

Pete Dow, having an equally bad day, simply resorted to tearing up his card. It was suggested that he was reluctant to throw a club because going by the amount of balls he had lost he would probably have lost the club as well!

Best bit of fortune on the day goes to Alan Chippendale, Alan realized when he arrived at Alboran that he had left his car keys/house keys in the lock of his open boot after he had transferred his clubs

We train at Indigo Gym on Mojacar Playa. For more information and lesson times, call Serge on 646 844 708 or send an email to tkdspain@gmail.com.

Visit us at www.tkdspain.webs.com

etc from his boot to the Mini Bus. Thankfully when he arrived back in the evening everything was in place including his Ipod.

Results: 1st Lee Coxon 30 points (10) 2nd Graham Clough 27 points (15) 3rd Mike Donarski 23 points (13) Nearest the pin: 17th hole Lee Coxon Thanks to all the members who support the 19th Hole Golf Society.

The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653. or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

48 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

City value the Italian, 22, at around 24m euros (£21m) including add-ons.

Balotelli is not actively up for sale and City will not subsidise any of his salary should he leave the club.

Contrary to reports, Balotelli is with the squad that travelled to London for Tuesday’s meeting with QPR. Milan initiated talks with City over the Italy striker, and Juve subsequently made contact with the Premier League club to discuss buying Balotelli, who arrived in Manchester from Inter Milan in August 2010 for a fee in the region of £24m.

Earlier on Monday, City assistant manager David

Mario Balotelli: AC Milan &

Juventus In Manchester City Talks Platt had said Balotelli would not be moving to AC Milan this month.

“I don’t think anything is going to happen,” said Platt of a proposed January move.

“It’s a shame the manager’s not here. He might know more than me but as far as we are concerned I think he is still a Manchester City player.

And City manager Roberto Mancini had also insisted on Friday that the Italian, regularly linked with a return to Italy since he arrived in England in 2010, would not leave the club.

“It is not true. Mario stays. We didn’t have any requests about Mario or other players,” said Mancini.

The Italian also said it would be “difficult” to buy new players with so little time left in the transfer

window.

“I don’t know [if City will buy anyone] but we don’t have enough players,” he added. “We are 18 players now. We can’t sell any players.”

Balotelli - who has scored one league goal in 14 appearances this term - has courted controversy throughout his time in England, with the latest incident involving a training ground row with Mancini at the start of January.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani had stated that if City were to lower their valuation then a move could be on, but Mancini insisted the Italy international remained part of his long-term plans.

“Mario has another three years on his contract,” he said.

www.ecocorp.eu

902 750 190

Manchester City have held talks with AC Milan and Juventus about the sale of striker Mario Balotelli, but will only let him go if the Serie A clubs meet their valuation.

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

Solar Power System kits:

These kits are just a sample and we advise you allow us to come along to you and provide our free survey and consulatation service. This will help establish your individual requirements with regards to a system.

“Off Grid” Solar Power Kits – for homes with no electricity.

3Kw/48V system - from 6995€ - (small home)

This system can run radio/CD/DVD/MP3, lighting, large TV and Satbox, internet router and phone, small fridge/freezer, washing machine, fan, microwave, small tools, hair dryer, and many other small appliances. Free installation!

Goodbye to power cuts! The speed of connection between the grid, solar panels or batteries is so fast that you are unaware of the changing over, you will always have a supply of fluid power without interruption.

Ecoverter 3000 kit from 8,495 Euros including Installation Ecoverter 4000 kit from 9,995 Euros including Installation Ecoverter 5000 kit from 12,995 Euros including Installation

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SOLTIMES WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

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5Kw/48V system - from 7995€ - (cortijo / medium home) This system can run radio/CD/DVD/MP3, lighting, large TV and Satbox, internet router and phone, large fridge/freezer, washing machine,microwave, dish washer, hair dryer, an air conditioning unit, swimming pool pump, normal tools and other small appliances. Free Installation!

7Kw/48V system - from 9995€ - (villa / large home)

This system can run radio/CD/DVD/MP3, lighting, large TV and Satbox, internet router and phone, large class A fridge/freezer, washing machine,microwave, dish washer, swimming pool pump, air conditioning, normal tools and other small appliances.Free installation!

Ecoverter™ Systems for homes that have mains electricty

Intelligent Energy: The Ecocorp Intelligent Inverter (Ecoverter™) is much more than an inverter; it is 4-machines-in-one. An intelligent system which can do everything at the same time; It is an inverter, it can charge your batteries, manage automatically the energy you need. Feed-in of your surplus of your own produced solar energy in the grid, plug in other generators like petrol or diesel, while managing constantly an optimal balance for maximum savings between generation, consumption and charging.

We can also service and update existing solar systems Tel: 671 716 597

All our prices include IVA and installation. All products come with full warrenties, maintenance contracts available. *Extended warrenties are available subject to maintenance contracts

48 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013

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Restaurant Bar

Warm and Friendly Atmosphere

The original Sunday roast Tapas and still the best roast in town from 3.50€

Homemade yorkies, roast potatoes, fresh vegetables. All meats carved to order.

6

Including ribs & giant prawns (from 12.30pm - 3pm & 7pm - 8.30pm) Our usual a la carte menu also available

“ friday FISH NIGHT ”

including salmon, Cod, Bream & market availability.

Prices from €4.50 Bookings Only (Still serving our normal fish and chips lunchtime & evening at €3.95)

Bookings now being taken for St David’s Day

C/Sierra Nevada, 23, Roquetas de Mar tel: 950 333 771 or 634 526 508 reservations RecommendeD

recommende d on

trip advisor

Peaceful Surroundings, Good Music Open 12noon till late wed - Mon (closed Tuesday) Avenida Playa Serena 224, 04740 Roquetas de Mar, Almeria 617 051 947

Bar Spinnaker

Property management Sales & Rentals

BEACH-FRONT BAR

Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce Almerimar, Vicar, La Envia Golf

For all your property needs

Services include Key Holding, Maintenance, Furniture Packs, Cleaning & Laundry, Weekly Apartment & Post-box Checks Golf Discounts and Golf Packages Available

Rental Properties required for long or short lets in Roquetas de Mar Call or e-mail us for further information.

Mobile: (0034) 663 426 921

info@enviapropertyservices.com

welcomed by Bernard & Ralf

www.enviapropertyservices.com

La bodeguina open from 11am Thursday to Tuesday

(closed Wednesday)

Full English Breakfast

served 11am - 1pm €2.95 10 different tapas available every day served from 12noon to 6pm Calle Sierra Nevada, Roquetas De Mar Tel: 633 376 541

Near to Zoraida Garden Hotel 950 325 867

Tubo and Tapa €2 Sunday Lunch

www.barspinnaker.co.uk

1pm - 6pm from €4.50

Wednesday Special

Tuesday

Bingo 3pm Fillet Steak, chips or jacket pot & salad 7.50€ (with starter or dessert 10€) Quiz 9pm

Friday

Saturday Curry

Fish, chips & peas with bread & butter 5€

Onion Bhajee, Chicken Curry, Naan bread €7.50

Open Monday: 10:30 - 5.00 , Tuesday: 10.30 - Late , Wednesday: 10.30 - Late , Thursday: Closed , Friday: 10.30 - 5.00 , Saturday: 10.30 - Late , Sunday: 10.30 - 7.00

ALL SPORTS AND SOAPS SHOWN

CHAPLINS pub

27 CALLE SIERRA NEVADA, 200M FROM HOTEL PLAYA ZUL ROQUETAS

live football / outside tv / air con / free WI-FI

daytime menu only 1€

open from 1pm daily Friday is chip shop day! plus Fish & chips tapas Friday 9.30ish General Knowledge quiz Guinness & John Smith On Draught Tel: 950 335 022

HOMEMADE FOOD DAILY WEDNESDAY RIBS 5.95€ FRIDAY FISH’N’CHIPS 3.95€ BEST IN TOWN SUNDAY sunday roasts 5.95€ regular, 2.95€ meduim, served 5pm - 8pm Booking Advisable Wed, Fri & sun

Mob: 618 824 368

Open:1pm until close tuesday till sunday “open as advertised”

902 750 190

Sunday roast now served with vegetables lunchtime & early evening menu €3.95

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Lady Lay