issue 385
ROQUETAS & ALMERIMAR
1-7 MAY
SolTimes ‘PICK ME UP’ YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY
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Variety Bar
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Tel: 645 066 538
Calle Faro, Almerimar At the entrance to the port
• First Aquarium Rescue Meeting Goes Well • Plans Announced For First European Dolphin Sanctuary • Beach Cleaning Course Attended By Council Staff
martin shortland Reports ON PAGEs 11 & 20
JAKS Wide Range of UK,
Continental & Indian Foods & Spices rack of Lamb available
Menu del dia 9.00€ served friday - wednesday
Enjoy Pierre’s French Cuisine Kitchen open: 12.30 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.00. Closed Thursdays Plaza Los Jazmines 10, 04740 Roquetas de Mar Opposite Playa Capricho in the car park
Tel: 950 334 439 Email: lavita@roquetas-de-mar.es
OPENING HOURS:
Arkrites British Food Store well stocked selection of: Groceries & frozen foods including legs of New Zealand lamb, gammon joints, lambs liver.
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out of hours please call 950 334 544
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(on the Square near Caja Murcia Bank)
Large Selection of Greeting Cards
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In the Urb of Roquetas de Mar, just off Avda de Mediterraneo in the square near La Gamba Toscana & Theos
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
POOL SHOP
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Sport
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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‘Congress siege’ leaves 15 arrested & 29 injured
than expected, given that the 25-A protest has been planned for some weeks and members of the public summoned via social networks. In the end, the person who had been in charge of organising the gathering called it off via his Twitter account, saying, “there’s no point in laying siege to the Congress building if there’s not enough social support.” For various reasons relating to ‘the format’ and ‘not being interested’, groups such as Democracia Real Ya, the Legal Puerta del Sol Camping Commission – who organised the open-air camping demonstrations in the centre of Madrid two years ago – and the PAH, one of Spain’s largest antirepossession campaign groups, did not join in.
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Riot police were out in force in Madrid last Thursday afternoon for the long-planned ‘Siege of the Congress’, otherwise known as 25A to reflect the date, in which thousands of demonstrators gathered around the government h e a d q u a r t e r s condemning everything from mass repossessions and unemployment through to funding cuts and corruption. What started out as a peaceful protest in the Plaza de Neptuno ended up with a few of the protesters throwing objects at the police, 15 being arrested and 29 injured – 16 members of the public and 13 officers. One of the arrested parties was said to be a teenager under 18. Nobody was seriously injured and most were attended to at the scene by a SAMU ambulance, although four police officers and four demonstrators were taken to hospital for a check-up. Starting at 17.00hrs, the protest did not become violent until around 20.30hrs when a minority began to knock down barriers surrounding the Congress building and hurl firecrackers at the police. At least 1,400 riot police were on site to 2,000 demonstrators – far fewer
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
Rajoy ordered to address ‘unacceptable’ jobless figures
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Spain’s president Mariano Rajoy has been ordered by Europe to take ‘urgent action’ in light of the recently-released unemployment figures, the worst in history. Jobless statistics show that a total of 6,202,700 people in Spain are out of work – and these are only official figures, not accounting for those who have never registered with the dole office due to not being entitled to any benefits. Having risen yet again this quarter, the unemployment figure is now 27.16%, the highest it has ever been since records began in 1976. Unemployment has increased by 10 per cent in the last year, despite Rajoy claiming the labour reform – designed to make it easier and cheaper for employers to get rid of staff – would be a cure for rocketing jobless figures. Nearly six in 10 of the under-25s – a total of 57.22 per cent - are unemployed, and the number has risen since the end of 2012.
General strike could be in the pipeline
Head of economic affairs and vice-president of the European Commission Olli Rehn has told Rajoy that Spain’s unemployment figures and the vast gulf between rich and poor in the country are ‘unacceptable’. Rehn said the ‘excessive imbalance’ in personal wealth in Spain needs to be tackled urgently with ‘new measures’, including ‘active labour market policies’ and ‘methods of supporting employment’, such as a line of guarantee for young people to get a job. Rajoy is due to meet with the Council of Ministers tomorrow (Friday) and Rehn says: “We hope that after tomorrow’s meeting, Rajoy will present this new programme in public.” ‘Excessive imbalances’ in national economies are subject to severe penalties from the EU, although so far the countries where this is proving to be a serious problem – Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain – have been given more time to redress the balance.
UNION leaders have threatened another nationwide strike if the government does not change its economic policies, saying the PP is ‘out of touch’ with what Spanish society needs.
Ignacio Toxo and Cándido Méndez, leaders of the Labourers’ Commission (CCOO) and General Workers’ Union (UGT) respectively say they will ‘do whatever it takes’ to make the government sit up and listen. Toxo said Rajoy’s cabinet ‘knows nothing’ about what people in Spain need, OFFICIAL HITS which includes urgent AGENTS IN ALBOX solutions and ‘a chance’. WE HAVE THE FULL RANGE OF “The government needs HITS PHONES & SIM CARDS IN STOCK to give them this chance, Contact us now on: Tel: 950 064 584 | Mob: 654 590 258 by leading a national Email: info@solymarspain.com | Web: www.solymarspain.com commitment to fight against We also offer all major mass unemployment and mobile top ups from our office the precarious situation people are currently in, and to offer protection – given that millions of people in Spain have absolutely no income whatsoever,” Toxo • We Upholster Chairs, Sofas told reporters during the and Wing Chairs military demonstration • 30 years of experience outside the Ministry of Defence building • Large fabric selection yesterday. • Free pick up & delivery “They need to use every • In home free estimates resource in the country to protect people and fight against unemployment. “Residents in Spain have had their own resources expropriated by way of preferential shares being reduced to nil, costing them their entire life’s savings, and through being thrown out of their own homes thanks to mortgage laws that would have been more appropriate to the 19th century than the 21st.”
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
appeal to European Commission over repossessions
The head of a nationwide anti-repossession protest movement, Ada Colau, travelled to the European Union headquarters to fight for protection of homeowners facing a life on the street due to being unable to pay their mortgages. According to a report by ThinkSpain, Colau told officials that in Spain, ‘the government helps the banks and not the people’. During her visit in person to the head office of the European Commission, Colau condemned the ‘criminalisation’ of those who demonstrate against the situation. Spokeswoman for the Plataforma de los Afectados de la Hipoteca, or PAH (‘Mortgage Victims’ Association’), former actress and model Colau said she had decided to speak to the European Parliament personally to ‘show the face of the 400,000 people in Spain’ who are about to lose their homes, and the hundreds of thousands more who have already lost theirs. Willy Meyer, leader of IU (Izquierda Unida, or United Left) at the European Parliament says investigations will continue into the situation and a possible site visit by MEPs to find out
more – as was the case with the ‘land grab’ in 2004 – may be on the cards. “In Spain, there is a lot of Euroscepticism – here you have a chance to show Spain that Europe does indeed have a purpose,” Colau told him. “People buy property to live in because the State recommends it and, when the housing market crashes, the responsibility does not fall on the banks and finance companies but on ordinary and very vulnerable families,” she continued. “The government helps the banks, not the people. And when the people demonstrate against this, we are criminalised, likened to Nazis and terrorists, and given huge fines.” This latter comment caused a spat between Colau and MEP Carlos Iturgaiz (PP) who said: “She comes here like a wolf in sheep’s clothing and doesn’t give the full facts,” he stormed. Referring to the flash-mob sieges, known as escraches, staged outside the homes of politicians, Iturgaiz demanded: “Tell me whether or not you condemn these practices,” to which Colau replied, “I don’t have to
condemn anything.” A representative of the European Commission said the European Central Bank (BCE) had begun to draw up an ‘opinion’ relating to ‘best practice’ concerning mortgages which, once Brussels had approved it, would be legally binding. MEP Antolín Sánchez Presedo (PSOE) pointed out that Spain was already ‘taking initiatives’ such as an agreement the previous week to adopt an EU Directive relating to mortgage loans which guaranteed the ‘most favourable’ conditions for homeowners in the event of foreclosure and which ‘contemplated the option of handing back the keys and wiping
out the debt’, known as a dación en pago. Colau stressed, however, that this Directive was unlikely to solve the problem of mortgages in Spain since the legislation was geared up for ‘a situation of normality’ and that ‘what is happening in Spain is a situation of exceptional circumstances and emergency’. MEP Raúl Romeva (ICV) agreed that the current circumstances in Spain relating to mortgages ‘reflects a failure in the democratic system’. “The great drama we’re suffering in Spain is that what most of the country’s people are asking for has not been considered by a Parliamentary majority,” Romeva commented.
Woman Dies After Being Refused Medical Assistance Five Times In Less Than A Week
A full-scale inquiry is under way after a woman died in the doorway of her house despite having been turned away from health centres and hospitals on five occasions in as many days. At least four major associations are pushing for answers on behalf of Soledad, a Bolivian national living in Valencia, and believe there was a certain level of ‘racism’ involved. She went to her local GP clinic in the Ruzafa district of the city, the Fuente de San Luis, on February 15, suffering from a persistent cough, but was refused treatment after being told her SIP card – entitling her to State healthcare – was ‘invalid’. The associations now fighting her case posthumously say this was not the case at all. Two days later, she found she was struggling to swallow when eating and went to A&E at Valencia’s Hospital Clínico (pictured), where she was given a perfunctory physical examination and told there was nothing urgently wrong with her and to speak to her GP. When her condition was no better by February 18, she
returned to A&E and was not given any examinations whatsoever, but just told to ‘go to her GP’ as she had been advised the day before. Staff also told her that the Hospital Clínico was ‘not in her catchment area’ and that she should have gone to the Doctor Pese Hospital instead. Workers at the Clínico allegedly said: “If you turn up here in A&E again, we’re going to charge you.” Feeling steadily worse, that same day Soledad went back to the Fuente de San Luis health centre in her neighbourhood, where she was told again that the Hospital Clínico was not in her catchment area. She was not examined, but was given an injection for nausea and sent home. In the early hours of the next day, February 19, Soledad began to cough up blood and her husband tried to get doctors to go to their home to attend to her, but was told: “We don’t do home visits just because someone’s got a cold.” The couple went to the health centre later that morning,
where they were just told to take the same cough medicine she had been given the previous day. By the early hours of February 20, Soledad’s condition had worsened considerably, and her husband rang the emergency number, 112, to get an ambulance. But he was once again told: “We’re not sending out an ambulance just because you’ve got a cold.” Seeing that he would get nowhere, the woman’s husband called a man who worked for him and asked him to bring his car so they could take Soledad to hospital. This man also called for an ambulance, but was refused assistance, so he called the Local Police in Valencia. Officers, once on site, called the emergency line and demanded an ambulance ‘immediately’. Paramedics arrived two hours after the first call to 112 was made, by which time the woman was already dead. The exact cause of her death is not known, and a post-mortem is due to be carried out among other investigations to ascertain whether medical negligence was involved.
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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Village Near Barcelona Has 228 Cars Per Inhabitant! A village in the Barcelona province has 60,000 cars registered in it – despite only having 300 inhabitants. Aguilar de Segarra has no shops and only a handful of houses, but has 228 cars per resident, according to the census. Given that car tax is between just 10 and 15 euros a year – at least 10 times lower than in nearby towns and in the city of Barcelona – around 12 car-hire companies have registered their head office as being in Aguilar de Segarra. This means they save a fortune on tax on their vehicles. Just a few kilometres away, the village of Rajadell – which has 500 inhabitants – has 40,000 cars registered, or 80 vehicles per
British paedophile fugitive caught in Benidorm
A British man wanted by Interpol for sexual abuse of minors has been arrested in Benidorm (Alicante) after going on the run. The unnamed 47-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in jail by court authorities in Edinburgh, but managed to escape the clutches of the law and go on the run to Spain. Spanish authorities found that he may have been hiding out in Benidorm and set up a manhunt all over the Costa Blanca. The paedophilia suspect had a European arrest warrant hanging over him. His identity and the full extent of his crimes have not yet been formally revealed.
resident. Further down the coast, next door to Finestrat (Alicante), near Benidorm, the village of Relleu has just a few hundred residents and yet the number of cars registered there runs into five figures. Given that each and every town council is free to set its own car-tax rates, within the margins established by the ministry of tax, huge differences are seen throughout the country and if a person moves to the next town or village, he or she can often find the car tax charged is either half or double the amount payable in that person’s previous place of residence
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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THE OUTWARD NINE... Hole 1 Hole 2 Hole 3 Hole 4 Hole 5 Hole6 Hole 7 Hole 8 Hole 9
Sol Supermarkets Bar International Wavelengths Hairdressers Sola Clinivet Bluesea Villas ( property Lets) Linnit Properties , Estate Agents Global Currency El Mar La Mar Restaurant
THE INWARD NINE... Hole 10 Victoria Insurance Hole 11 D. Match Air conditioning & T.V. Hole 12 Cortina Estio (Curtains) Hole 13 Location - Location Hole 14 The Asylum (MMA) Arboleas Hole 15 Bar El Passo Hole 16 P & R Direct Rugs Hole 17 Full Swing Hole18 Avalon Funeral Plans
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are San Basilio, Santa Marina and San Augustin whilst in Granada it’s the Albaicín and the ‘barrio’ of El Realejo where the best crosses and most merriment is to be found. While the Córdoba crosses are the most well known in Andalucia, there are also May Crosses traditions in most
provincial capitals and many villages as well. As legend has it, Saint Constantine’s mother, Saint Helen, is the founder of this festival that is supposed to show special respect and veneration for the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. In Cordoba the festival begins
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with the “Battle of the Flowers”, a long procession of flowercovered floats around Córdoba that serves as a welcome party for Spring. Next comes the Patio Contests and the May Crosses. The Catholic brotherhoods and neighbourhood associations that decorate the crosses conveniently set up bars
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Fiesta de las Cruces
The Festival of the May Crosses (Cruces de Mayo) is celebrated throughout Andalucia though it is in Cordoba and Granada where the most impressive displays are on show. If you have to choose one then go to Cordoba. The festival consists of the construction of large crosses made of beautiful flowers in many of the city’s main squares. In the true spirit of Spanish fiestas temporary bars are built in the same square as the crosses; this is where the locals congregate each evening for a good few drinks and tapas which inevitably leads to spontaneous flamenco style dancing into the early hours. The celebration takes place during the first few days of May with the first weekend tending to be the busiest when visitors from all over Spain arrive to join in the party. The actual crosses which are around three metres high are made by the people of the neighbourhood and the local town council runs a competition to find the best cross (Concurso de los Cruces de Mayo). In Cordoba alone there are some eighty crosses to choose from. In Cordoba some of the best neighbourhoods to head for
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
alongside to serve drinks and tapas to the partygoers – and let’s not forget the music. In addition to Sevillanas that are played during the day, there are live performances at night, which is also one of the best times to tour the city and view the crosses.
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
ALMERIMAR & surrounding area
Friday Golf Society 26 april:
There is a new page on Facebook called Memorias de Almerimar www.facebook.com/ MemoriasDeAlmerimar
where people can share their photos and other memories of Almerimar from years gone by. If you have some old photos of Almerimar please can you share them with us.
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Calle Varadero Almerimar 04711 (Almeria)
Tlf. 950 609 546
It was a good day on the golf course for some and a fantastic day for one person. It started off cloudy but we finished in sunshine. The weather was kind to us but it was the time of year where for a week or two it is like putting on the beach. All of the greens had been tined and top dressed so perhaps Chris Rea would have found it easier to putt on the course than I did. Even if he didn’t he could at least sing about it rather than listening to my cussing about leaving putts short time after time. I know the work has to be done for the good of the course so we can at least look forward to the greens are good for the summer. Hopefully the greens will start getting back to normal soon. We had 28 players including 2 guests playing in a Reverse Waltz competition with two hidden holes. The winning team was Idris Browning, Joan Edgington, Kevin Wood and a new member Stephen Webster with a very good score of 97 points. This was only one point more than the second place team. The rest of the scores were more normal ranging from 90 down to the low 80s. Last place and chocolates went to Hans Ooft (second time in two weeks even though he scored well on both occasions individually), Mimmo Pettinicchio, Sylvia Green and Harry Whelan (a winner last week) with a score of 81 points. Nearest the pin was won by Marie-Anne Pettersson for the second time in 3 weeks. She knocked it to 1.63m on the 17th and then sank the putt for a birdie. Thanks to Lennart Olsson for arranging the prize giving and Curt Haglund for his nice speech about the society. We wish the best to all of our friends who are going home for the summer. Now we come to the handicap cuts. Curt Haglund, Marie-Anne Pettersson and Jim Shaw all scored 37 points. Ivan van Driessche had a very good 39 points. Roisin Andrew had a great 41 points and her sloped handicap has been cut by 3 shots on the Master course. However the man of the day was Kevin Wood. He scored an amazing 47 points. Thanks to the brutal Spanish EGA handicapping system his exact handicap has dropped from 21.1 to 14.6 and his sloped handicap for the Master course has dropped 7 shots to 15. Well done Kevin You can see the full results at:
www.fridaygolfsociety.es If you would like to take part in the friendly Friday competitions at Almerimar you can put your name up on the entry list by the pro-shop or contact info@ fridaygolfsociety.es
what’s on Wednesday
Sol Times Distributed
Thursday
8:30pm - OPEN MIC NIGHT & JAM SESSION - MACGOWANS
Friday
stumble inn - live entertainment 9pm Friday Golf
Saturday
4 MAY - SPICE & BLUES NIGHT MACGOWANS
Sunday
10am – 1pm: Almerimar Walking Club - Meet at Mercadona SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH ‘RASTRO-MARKET’ IN CAR PARK OPPOSITE LEO’S
Monday
11am – 1pm: Ladies Coffee Morning - Yachting Golf Restaurant 5pm – 7pm: Jeu de Boules - East Beach
Tuesday
Tuesday Golf
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almerimar local information keep up to date with what’s happening in Almerimar: www.facebook.com/localinformation
El Ejido Bowls Club
Monday and Thursday - 5pm to 7pm Ring Alison on 677 317 920 to book or for further information
El Ejido Rugby Club
Based in Almerimar, we are always looking for new players and have training sessions starting at 21.30h every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Players of all abilities welcome. The team is very sociable and after have players from beginner to experienced. We are currently in Andalucia Regional Division 2 and just about to start the second phase of the league. Home matches are usually at 12.30 on Sundays at the grass rugby pitch in Almerimar. For more information call Jonathan on 695 635 078
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
news update Reports & PHOTOS by Martin Shortland
11
First Aquarium Rescue Meeting Goes Well
The first meeting of the all party aquarium study committee was held last week. The committee was created a few weeks ago to study the possibilities of the local council buying a 75% share in the company which owns the Roquetas attraction. The deputy mayor Eloisa Cabrera chaired the meeting, which also included aquarium director Enrique Fernandez along with members of the municipal technical department. The owners agreed to sell at a sympathetic price in order to encourage the council to become involved in the running of the site. It was proposed an external management team be set up to run the operations side of the facility. The council team will be visiting the site this week in order to speak to the staff and how they view the future of the aquarium.
The wild life protection organisation Promar held a press conference in Almerimar last week to outline its plans for a permanent dolphin sanctuary. Held at the Stumble Inn, the presentation included video footage of their five month struggle to save Marcos the dolphin, along with examples of other work they do in marine conservation.
A five year business plan will be prepared by the committee and they ordered an external audit of the company accounts to confirm the present companies operating costs. The company has a debt of almost 3 million euros which the council will partially inherit if they go ahead with the planned buy in. The aquarium came close to closure earlier in the year and at present have enough funds to stay open until August. The next committee meeting will be held in two weeks time, when it’s hoped further progress can be made to secure the future of this important local attraction
The idea of a sanctuary came from Ric O’Barry, founder of the Dolphin Project who visited Almerimar in November to share his specialist knowledge in dolphin care with the Promar team. He spent two weeks working alongside the dedicated volunteers who were caring for Marcos and also visited local schools and colleges to help raise awareness of the work being done by Promar.
The Charity Shop
Plans Announced For First European Dolphin Sanctuary
The sanctuary will be located a little further down the coast from Almerimar and consist of two large pens; one close to the shore, similar to the one in which Marcos was kept at the entrance to the marina, and a second in deeper water. The first pen will be used to closely monitor the animals when they are first received, allowing vets to take samples and administer drugs. The second pen will let the recovered dolphins swim and dive in conditions as close to those they experience in the wild. Promar is a completely voluntary organisation and will require a lot of people to help with the considerable amount of work involved in constructing the pens for the new sanctuary. For those interested in helping, e-mail: promar.almeria@nodo50.org
Beach Cleaning Course Attended By Council Staff
EVA
Calle Galera No6, Almerimar (Behind Bar Ankara)
Please help me find my forever family!
Eva has started her vaccinations and has a foster home with the association until she can find her FOREVER family home...
Staff from the Department of Tourism and Beaches attended a course to teach them more about the environment. Run by the area department of tourism in conjunction with Promar, it was designed to raise awareness of marine flora and wildlife which grows and lives, on and around the beaches of Roquetas. The beaches are considered to be the main reason tourists visit the town and are given the highest level of importance by the council. Earlier in the year, a sum of 55,000 euros was granted to the department for the purchase of new specialist beach cleaning machinery.
If you can help me PLEASE Contact the Charity shop on 950 497 193
Angelo Mollinedo, the councillor for the department said, “Courses like this are vital to our staff as we are constantly aiming to improve the level of cleanliness to what is the most important natural resource in the community. In recent years we have become much more concerned about the effects on the environment and that’s what this course was all about.”
Monday - Fri 10am-2pm Saturday 11am-2pm
The beaches of Roquetas are some of the few in Andalucia to hold the coveted blue flag; awarded for the highest standard of cleanliness, not only on the beaches, but also in the surrounding areas. Allied to this are the number of hotels and restaurants in the area which now hold another coveted award, the ‘Q’ for quality.
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Mr. Mollinedo said he was very pleased with the interest his staff had taken in the course, concluding that, “This has given us all the ideal preparation for this years tourist season. It’s shown our staff how important their jobs are in being on the front line of our campaign to continue to raise the already high standards we have achieved here in Roquetas.” Martin Shortland is a freelance journalist, living in Spain since retiring from a career as a broadcaster, writer and radio journalist. He has worked for the BBC and in commercial radio, most recently as Programme Director and Head of News for large radio group in the South East of England
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT
End of the diabetes jab? Millions of diabetics could be freed from having to inject themselves several times a day by a once-ayear drug. Scientists have discovered a hormone which can boost the number of insulin-making cells by up to 30-fold. This would ‘dramatically’ improve treatment for type 2 diabetes. This form of the condition, often triggered by weight gain, is becoming more common in the obesity crisis.
In a report by the Mail Online, researchers from Harvard University believe the betatrophin hormone may even have the power to halt type 2 diabetes in its tracks. ‘It could eventually mean that, instead of taking insulin injections three times a day, you might be able to take this hormone once a week or once a month, or in the best case,
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maybe once a year,’ they said. In patients with type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, cells in the pancreas do not make enough insulin, a hormone vital to the conversion of sugar into energy. Insulin they do make does not work properly. Initially, the condition is often controlled with a stringent diet and exercise regime. But many patients will suffer worsening health over time, eventually needing tablets or insulin injections. Seeking an alternative to simply giving insulin, the US researchers looked for a way of boosting its production in the body. This led them to a hormone which they christened betatrophin. Given to mice, it raised the number of insulin-producing beta cells by up to 30-fold, reported the journal Cell. In addition, the ‘enormous’ number of new cells only made insulin when needed, which should lead to more natural blood sugar levels and better health. Researcher Professor Doug Melton said the
discovery had left him so excited that he could hardly sleep. He added: ‘Our idea is relatively simple. ‘We would provide this hormone, the type 2 diabetic will make more of their insulinproducing cells and this will slow down, if not stop, the progression of their diabetes.’ Drug firms have already seized on the breakthrough and the hormone could be tested on people in just three years. However, the need to show it would be safe and effective in large numbers of people means it is a decade away from the market. Yesterday’s Daily Mail reported how just one 12oz can of sugary drink a day can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes by a fifth. Complications of high blood sugar include heart disease, blindness, and nerve and circulatory damage. It is thought that one in 20 Britons has diabetes, with type 2 making up 90 per cent of the cases. The US work may also be useful in treating type 1 diabetes, which typically develops in childhood or adolescence.
It’s never too late...
to cut down on processed meat Remember those recent headlines linking processed meat to premature deaths? Yes, we nearly choked on our bacon sandwiches when we read them, too! Researchers at the University of Zurich found that people who ate more than 160g processed meat daily - that’s roughly two sausages and a rasher of bacon - were 44% more likely to die from heart disease or cancer over the 13-year study period. The good news? You don’t need to give up completely - but do try to cut down, whatever your age. If everyone in the study had consumed no more than 20g processed meat each day, three per cent of the premature deaths could have been prevented, researchers insist
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
13
email editor@soltimes.com with your beauty & health tips
Anti aging skincare tips through the ages 50+ - what happens?
30s - what happens?
Skin changes that took place in your 30s and 40s progress and cell turnover slows to 60-90 days depending on level of skin damage. The skin also becomes more sensitive and prone to conditions such as Rosacea. Post-menopausal skin ages more quickly and there is a further decrease in strength due to the loss of hormones.
The amount of time it takes for your cells to renew increases with age, and during your 30s this rises to 30-35 days. We also lose 10% of the skin’s collagen with every 10 years that passes, so you may now start to notice skin dulling, small wrinkles and lines. Those with sun damage begin to see the effects, as pigmentation starts to affect the skin...
50+ - skincare regime?
30s - skincare regime? It’s important you protect the collagen structure of your skin as much as possible by using correcting and protecting skin care. Switching to a richer moisturiser with high levels of vitamins will keep your skin hydrated and regulate pigmentation production. You should also increase exfoliation frequncy to ensure you are removing dead skin cells and so stimulating the production of new cells...
30s - recommended products
40s what happens?
1. Firm and smooth the appearance of fine line and wrinkles around the eyes: try B. Vitalised Eye Cream, £10.99 (www.superdrug) 2. Reverse the signs of premature ageing and defend against environmental issues, using this power product which is packed with concentrated vitamins: try Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Concentrate, £41.70 (www.dermalogica.com)
Boost and replenish the skin by using more intensifying skin care products. Oil rich moisturisers, barrier creams and repair serums will replenish the skin while vitamin masques and firming moisturisers will strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Cell turnover slows to 40-45 days, and more pigmentation spots will begin to appear. There are also changes in the strength and flexibility of the skin, and you may start to notice age spots. The skin is more vulnerable now 40s - skincare regime? so it’s important to keep Up the vitamin dosage in the products you are using, as this it protected. stabilises the skin and boosts the production of collagen. Peptides are a great support, alongside vitamins, by mimicking the skin’s natural processes and in turn helping to produce more 40s and elastin which equals less lines and wrinkles. Try recommended collagen using serums as they have higher levels of concentrated active products (more vitamins) which will help give the skin a boost. 1. This product combines Korean ginseng stem-cells, Adenosine and Neuropeptides to enhance skin-cell energ.. It also activates collagen and ...but with th e rig ht prod ucts a nd elastin production to minimise any wrinkles: try Ultimate know-h ow yo u ca n have a yo uthfu lYouth Power Serum, £38 (www.racinne.co.uk) 2. Working on the skin’s dermal stem cell technology, loo ki ng glowi ng co m plexio n whatever this cream promises to restore youthful contours and yo ur age... reshape, refirm and re-smooth your complexion: try Shiseido Bio-performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream, £94 (www.House of Fraser.co.uk)
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
pause for thought
In my innocence I’d always presumed that the 1807 Slave Trade Act marked the end of slavery worldwide. It therefore came as quite a shock on my recent visit to Zanzibar, to discover that 80 years later African slaves were commonly being traded there for sevice across the Arab World, and astonishingly this trade wasn’t finally eradicated from East Africa until 1918 – just 95 years ago. One of the great influences in changing the attitude towards slavery in this area was apparently an Englishman I’d never previously heard of, called Edward Steere, who in 1873, as Anglican Bishop of Zanzibar, himself purchased the Slavemarket complex, together with all the slaves contained, and proceeded to build a large Church, now a cathedral, on the site. As work progressed, Steere set out to buy and set free all slaves brought to Zanzibar, many of whom then worked with him on this Church, which was eventually consecrated in 1903, some years after his death. Unsurprisingly perhaps, Edward Steere is still revered in Zanzibar, where many trace their ancestory back to slaves he freed, and the Cathedral and associated museum have become a shrine, even in this strongly Islaamic State, to the sacrificial love and dedication of this great Christian man. But as I read the stories and listened to the tributes, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a similar yet even greater love. The slaves in the Zanzibar market could do nothing to help themselves. Chained hand, foot and neck and held in utter squallor, they were the property of their masters, with no personal rights at all, and no hope of ever earning their freedom. They may not have deseved it, but Edward Steere paid the price himself and bought their release. So we, as Christians can see that we by nature are similarly enslaved, bound inextricably to service of self and all that’s opposed to God, unable to earn our freedom. We may not deserve it but we can rejoice that Jesus himself has paid the price for our release.
Further information about the Anglican Church and details of forthcoming events may be seen on the web site www. mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com
Bang-Bang!
I have painful memories of suffering dictation at school; Mrs Chowney the geography teacher was particularly fond of this cruel sport, every week she had our class listening to her monotonous drone, making us write for what seemed hours until my hand ached from the strain. It was deliberate torture and dictation must have put many an aspiring journalist or writer off for life. I think she had it in for me to be honest after the unfortunate banger incident; her classroom was on the first floor with large windows overlooking a path used by teachers to move between the buildings. One boring stiflingly hot summer afternoon I decided to wake up the school and throw a lit banger (petard to Francophiles) out of an open window. Of course there was no reason to check the path below first as it was lesson time and nobody would be using
the path…. The banger exploded at an exact height of 5 foot 5 inches, also precisely a foot to the right of Mr Finchams right ear. Ooops I thought and seconds later he burst into our class absolutely red faced and shouting! Very sexistly I thought at the time all 15 of us boys were frog marched off leaving the girls behind. Of course schools honour dictates no grassing and so we were all lined up in a row outside the head masters office to wait for water boarding and a slow painful death. The head master was proper old school and a really scary type and we trembled awaiting his return as so luckily he was elsewhere. Lady Luck has often dealt me good hands and helped me even more as the teacher naively left us alone for a few seconds giving me the opportunity to hide the rest of the bangers and the matches
behind the sink in the staff toilet. We stood in the hall for 2 long hours and that was punishment enough as the head master never appeared but the fear of God was instilled in us all. I had previous form; the year before on a previous French exchange trip I had brought back some huge 4 inch bangers, they looked like sticks of dynamite and were sods for smuggling through customs as they came in packs of 4 but needs must. Back in England our school had plenty of open spaces and the teachers used to park under the Giant Redwoods which were easily accessible from the playing fields. At lunchtime, my accomplice Peter Carey and I went into commando mode, crawling from the playground, out underneath the staff room windows, creeping between the parked cars till the target was reached. Our head of year
was a dour and wrinkled Scotsman called Mr Laurie Muir who now in hindsight was clearly going through a midlife crisis as he had just bought himself a brand new blue TR7. On an earlier reconnaissance trip I had checked that the exhaust pipe was the right size for my explosive device. Banger safely stowed and lit we sprinted for safety just as the proud car owner walked over his car. Flip me! What an explosion, the ground shook and people came hurtling out to see what had happened. The only reason I wasn’t expelled was because as Mr Laurie -Muir was suspending me up by one ear I immediately owned up saying I was the lone gunman. This article was planned to be an explanation of the strange routes taken each week for my inspiration; then my ADHD squirrels took over as soon as I mentioned dictation!
Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641
Police called to chess tournament
Police were called to a top chess tournament in Ireland after one of the players accused his opponent of cheating by using a computer in the toilet. Romanian-born Gabriel Mirza, 47, says he was on his way to winning the Cork Congress Chess Open when he noticed strange goings-on by his 16 year old opponent. But he ended up being expelled from the tournament and interviewed by police after forcefully pulling the schoolboy out of a toilet cubicle. “After each move he went to the toilet, at least 20 times... I found him in the toilet with an android checking the moves with a chess engine,” he told the Limerick Leader. “I tried to get over the cubicle wall to grab the tablet from his hands... but I wanted a witness, so I ran straight to the controller. The organisers... followed me inside where I forced the cubicle door and I pulled this guy out from the toilet.” Officials expelled Gabriel from the tournament, held in the Metropole Hotel, Cork, for his over-reaction. He was questioned by police but released without charge.
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
15
THE SPAINIAC | The Beach of Silence | Candice Parsons
The greenery of Asturias is the most distinctive trait to initially stand out within the province, especially in comparison to the desolate plains of southern Spain. But when looking deeper into its surroundings, as Guardian writer Paul Richardson puts it; “... the region is a microcosm of Spain as a whole, cramming into its borders everything from snowy mountains to sandy beaches, humble tapas bars to avant-garde restaurants, and from raucous local fiestas to silent valleys where bears and wolves still roam.” In simple, Asturias summarizes Spain’s natural beauty, along with its unique culture, all in one region; and surprisingly, its cities don’t receive near as much promotion as cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville, to name a few. A prime statement of this region’s beauty and rarity, and also a paradigm of its natural preservation, is The Beach of Silence located in the town of Cudillero. Astoundingly formed with cliffs and large rocks protruding out into the ocean like little sea islands,
the beach stretches out 500 metres long in the shape of a shell. The Beach of Silence must be explored by foot, and is entered through its steep staircase that follows down to the sand. It is a completely untouched space of nature, with no restaurants, shops, hotels or tourist propaganda of any sort invading its tranquillity. Amongst the locals of Cudillero, the beach is known as a former whale hunting ground where sailors would once gather and set themselves up. Nowadays, having water levels quite deep, activities such as scuba diving, diving and swimming amongst the small islands are enjoyed at this beach. Although above all, it is the peacefulness suggested in its name, and the escape this beach provides from the modernized world, that is enjoyed and respected most by its visitors. Simple, preserved, natural, and serene... and arguably an underrated hidden treasure of Spain.
Candice Parsons is a writer and avid Spain and Spanish culture lover from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Like’ my Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pandemicrhapsody and follow me on Twitter @MiLlamoCandi
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
Disclosure of assets (720 forms ) A GOOD REASON TO PAY YOUR NON-RESIDENT TAX Due to the new asset disclosure obligation (the infamous 720 form to be presented before the end of April 2013) a lot of property owners are asking the question: Are we tax residents in Spain or not? The way of finding this out is to ask the tax office to certify if they consider you a resident or non-resident. Remember though that if you are indeed a non resident you have the obligation of presenting a a non resident hypothetical income tax return . If you are not paying this tax it is necessary that you take control of the situation by contacting your solicitor or tax advisor. More than ever it is important that if you own a property in Spain and are a nonresident you present the non resident tax return correctly to avoid the Spanish tax authorities claiming that you are in fact a resident and therefore asking you why you have not presented a 720 form. (disclosure of assets forms) If you have doubts regarding if you are already paying this tax it is probably because you are not, as it requires the presentation of a tax form etc. The good news is that by law they cannot demand payment of more than four years back taxes. Our Advice: Start paying the tax because if you do not they will be contacting you with the risk of you not actually being hear to receive their letter etc. Not paying it may also instigate them to start considering you a tax resident. 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.
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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AFFORD TO RETURN HOME?
So it’s time to return to the old country. But is it that simple? No, of course it’s not.... or is it? Well, you may well still have to sell your ‘casa’ Then if you do you may have to sell well below what you hoped for. Then there is the simple equation of how can we afford a place back home? Prices of houses throughout the UK have also experienced a downfall but maybe not as much as in Spain. The days of a descent return on your investment whether in the UK or Spain have at the most, gone. There are of course always the exceptions. So what is affordable back in ‘Blighty?’ There are many sites across the country and prices of park homes do vary depending on where you wish to live. As usual the south is more expensive than generally the North but of course there is the exception. The location and standard of the park site will reflect the price as will the size, number of bedrooms, and the condition. There are no shortages of new units at a price. However, it’s probably the best time to buy a re-sale home as many are extremely affordable. Take a middle of the road value based on a two bedroom re-sale home in the East Midlands. This may be between £55,000 to £90,000 depending on where it is, age of home and overall condition. In many cases there are no legal costs necessary as there is no land registration as the land your home sits on is rented by you. A simple letter of Sale & Particulars between the seller and buyer is normally acceptable. Park owners usually like a general site agreement and if and when you decide to sell-on there is the standard recognised 10% commission payable. Always take the time out to view your home and site before purchasing. Most parks belong to an association and therefore adhere to standards What is available for your money and for that matter, what is affordable? One solution could be in Park Homes. Not caravans or
holiday parks but ‘Residential Parks’ with established allyear around dwellings. Naturally prices differ depending on size and place but are usually considerably cheaper than bricks and mortar, yet with all the features of a lovely home. Most sites are for retired or semi-retired folk with certain limitations usually geared for the over 50’s. These parks are normally secure, with full infrastructure and a real sense of community. Many have lovely well kept surroundings and offer a quieter and considerably less expensive means of living being operated by a site owner with the support of local authority certification. One of our readers who came to Spain in 2003 moved back to the UK into a park home in North West Leicestershire: “This was a fantastic move for us and allowed us to move back and forth throughout the year,” said Ronnie. “And it became our home when we finally returned.” Overheads are much less than the a typical house as park homes are sited with a low payable ground rent. And because totally residential, you do pay council tax but at the lowest rate band for your area. Most homes are one or two bedrooms and usually fully fitted with everything you need. If you become in a position to purchase, take a look at a park home. You’ll be surprised what your limited funds could bring you and make moving back an affordable and attractive possibility. For further informal information contact: ronlen@ btinternet.com
COMPLETE HOLIDAY CARE MOJACAR PLAYA
RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE “We have 15 years experience of the local coastal property market, with an unrivalled reputation for reliable, honest advice and value for money and we urgently need more properties to sell and rent. We believe our commission charges are unbeatable - check us out.”
Ref:LA/GK - 3 bed 1st fl. apt, 3 pools & gardens. 300m to beach, tennis, lift
Ref. BG/GAV – Price to sell 1 bed apt, modernised ,beach 100m, A/C, terrace.
Ref: pr/Mg 2 bed 1.5 bath, 1st floor apt, terraces, solaruim, a/c, nr beach, pool
Ref: OA/HM Stunning 2 bed, 2 bath apart. on Oasis de Mar, solaruim, pool
MOJACAR - reduced €124,950
MOJACAR - REDUCED €49,950
Please call for more information
• Pillows, Protectors, Quilts & Toppers • Quilt Covers, Bedspreads & Blankets • Sheets, Valances & Pillowcases • Towels, Bath Mats & Shower Curtains
• Curtains, Voiles & Blinds • Poles, Track & Accessories • Throws, Runners, Rugs, Cushions • Tablecloths, Placemats, Coasters & Trays
Closer than you think the
yorkshire linen co.
home furnishing specialists
Free parking above Mercadona, opposite Lidl Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00, Saturday 10.00 - 14.00 Centro Comercial la Pirámide, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia Call: 968 595 946 / 650 857 619 www.yorkshirelinen.com - ylcmazarron@hotmail.com
MOJACAR - reduced €84,950
MOJACAR - NEW €169,950
Prices stated are fixed for 7 days mininum from the time of going to press, include sales commission and exclude taxes and notary or other legal charges and fees
Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo)
Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631
info@almeriaholidays.com
www.almeriaholidays.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Introducing T. J Carpentry
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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...head to huercal-overa without having to ask! Cam Concepts is located on the opposite side of the road to the Post Office in Huercal-Overa, take the side road opposite the metal statue with the bakery on the corner. Mandy & Chris look forward to seeing you at their office, where they will be happy to help you, no matter how small your enquiry may be or call 950 471 357. Voss Homes is a family company made of husband and wife team Andy & Anna Voss and their daughter Jessica. Andy has been selling properties here for 8 years and because of their joint indepth knowlegde of the area they can offer a more comprehensive, professional and friendly service to both home owners and buyers. Voss Homes provides extensive newspaper and internet advertising AND also work with a number of other reputable estate agents thereby attracting more clients for your property especially British, Spanish, Belgian and Dutch etc etc etc . They are also now looking for long term rental properties in the area. Call 0034 950 616 827 or 678 002 006 or visit www.vosshomesspain.com. TRANSLATION SERVICES IN HUERCALOVERA: Your friendly and professional translator in the Huercal-Overa area, we have been helping British ex-pats for many years on delicate health matters either at your local doctors or support on hospital visits, we can also assist should you be required to appear in court or any of the law
Cam Concepts SL is a family business with more than 18 years assisting expats in Alicante and Almería with all aspects of living in Spain. They pride themselves on their reputation and for having many satisfied customers. They can, as native British speakers who speak fluent Spanish, offer you assurance that your questions and concerns will not be misinterpreted, and a that you can be assured that you will be offered the best advice,
enforcement agencies. For more in formation on this or other services provided, please contact us direct - 677 102 006 or email jose.carlos.ducati@ gmail.com. You can count on our discretion 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Huercal-Overa Veterinary Centre is run by Husband and wife team Angel and Elena who both speak an excellent level of English. Since May 2011, they have offered an invaluable service to the pets in the area. They can help and advice you on any concerns you may have about your pets welfare and they also have a dog and cat grooming service too. They have a great range of pet food and other accessories in the centre. For more information or to book and appointment call 950 61 67 81.
Translation Services fluent in english & spanish based in Huercal Overa
Tel: 677 102 006 “Available 24/7 365 days a year”
Office Now Open In Huercal-Overa, 155a Carretera Estacion, 100m From Lidl
emergencies 663 524 003
Ctra. Nac. 340, 208 Huércal Overa (Almeria) Tel: 950 61 67 81 www.cvhuercalovera.es Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am 1.30pm, 5pm - 8pm Saturday 10am - 1.30pm
Our Legal services include
offering a wide range of legal Please note our new email is now services in info@camconceptssl.com English to the expat community CAM. Concepts, S.L. C/. Montilla 1A, 04600 Huercal Overa (Almeria) since 1994 Conveyancing - Purchase Or Sale Spanish Wills & Inheritance NIE’s & Residents Certificates Forming Of Companies Setting Up Businesses Registering With Social Security Office Translation Work Car Registration & Importation
TEL/FAX: 950 471 357
• VH352
- €160,000 bargain
• VH239
- €139,500 reduced
• VH408
- €89,500 reduced
• 2/3 bed, 3 bath villa • San Juan de Los Terreros • 326m2 garden & swimming pool • Walk to beach & amenities
• 3 bed, 2 bath quality villa • 600m2 walled garden • 8m x 4m swimming pool • Walk to shop, restaurants etc
• 3/4 bed, 2 bath village house • Quality renovation • Splash pool • 5 mins drive to Zurgena
Voss Homes offers a friendly, professional service, extensive internet and newspaper coverage, low commissions, no upfront charges, full paperwork checks and realistic valuations to ensure maximum interest in your property. Please call 950 616 827 or 678 002 006 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com
www.vosshomesspain.com
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
Pool Safety Expert Publishes Free Pool and Water Safety Ebook
Winter is over, it’s officially Springtime and the weather is warming. Soon people will be enjoying lazy days around the pool again. There really is no better place to relax, have fun and get some exercise than in a pool but the huge annual number of pool deaths and other accidents means that particular attention must be paid to Pool Safety to protect family, friends and pets. Many parents don’t consider drowning to be a realistic threat to the lives of their children. The following few words might change their minds: - “A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under”. (Orange County Fire Authority, California) Drowning occurs at an average rate of 10 per day in the USA and up to 100 kids aged 1 - 4 drown in Spain every year, most of them in private pools and spas or other water hazards in the home such as play-pools,
ponds, bathtubs and even buckets. For every person who dies from drowning 5 others are hospitalised for ‘immersion accidents’. Some of these children suffer permanent brain damage, ranging from partial immobility to Total Vegetative State requiring lifelong 24/7 care. Thousands of other people suffer infections, accidents, falls, cuts and scrapes, chemical burns and electrocution from incorrectly maintained pools or unsafe handling of chemicals. All of these subjects, and what you can do to protect yourself and family, are covered in The Pool Safety Bible, a newlypublished, FREE Ebook written by Swimming Pool Safety expert Ken Walker. It is available for all platforms including PCs, tablets, mobiles and Kindle. Walker says, “Most accidents around water are predictable and therefore preventable to some degree - all it takes is some education and some forward planning. Any child could
drown in a bathtub but could every parent administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation? Now anyone can learn CPR for free, online, from links within the Ebook. Planning ahead is an essential part of Pool Safety. Many people are pool-owners nowadays and many of those that don’t have their own pools probably swim in a public or private pool from time to time, or they may live near open water such as a canal, the ocean, a river, garden pond or lake. The Pool Safety Bible helps everyone to protect their family and to save lives in an Emergency. The Ebook is stuffed with tips, information and ideas on how to make a pool the safest place it can possibly be without actually filling it in. It contains vital info, links to videos, ideas on how to raise the money for a Pool Fence or other Safety Equipment when you’re flat broke, what to check around the resort or villa pool when you go on holiday, advice for
Tel: 950 930 900 / 968 969 962 Basic Pellet Boiler Power Wood Boiler 18kw
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For more info or free no-obligation quote, call, email or pop in & see us! Open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm. Cortijo Pipa, Avenida de Limaria, 1, Limaria, Arboleas (next to the Welcome Stranger)
Fontaneria y Calefaccion Plumbing & Heating Services w w w. c a r l o s s a l i e n t e . c o m c a r l o s . s a l i e n t e @ g m a i l . c o m
babysitters, what to do in an Emergency and lots more. Three-quarters of drowning victims are missing for under 5 minutes and were not seen near the water before the accident. 62% of parents whose child has drowned in a private pool end their marriages in acrimonious divorce due partly to ‘blame and guilt’ issues and over 80% of families feel the need to move house after a death in their backyard pool.” Shallow Water Blackout - the hidden killer The Number One rootcause of accidental child fatalities of all kinds (except congenital birth defects) is Shallow Water Blackout (SWB), yet most people have never even heard of it. In simple terms SWB is when a swimmer suddenly faints underwater. No exact figures are available
but some official sources in the USA attribute over 50% of all drowning accidents to SWB, which makes it the single most common cause of accidental death amongst children. Swimming ability is no protection against Shallow Water Blackout; it can and does happen to the most experienced of swimmers, even professional swimmers, regardless of their health or age, both in pools and in open water. SWB can be caused by taking several deep breaths (Hyperventilating) before swimming a length underwater or ‘trying to beat-your-ownrecord for holding your breath underwater’. SWB occurs when low levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO²) in the body, combined with low levels of Oxygen, cause a swimmer to faint. If the casualty
selecciones displaying a great selection of new & used furniture
new in!!! moroccon pots in all sizes we also stock Sportswear supplied direct from the UK
Find us in Turre near the Fundraiser. Open Mon - Sat from 10am
Tel: 634 347 295
is not rescued immediately they will drown within a couple of minutes. Hyperventilation artificially lowers the body’s CO² levels. It is high levels of CO² in the body that triggers the need to breathe; and not low levels of Oxygen as most people assume. With artificially low levels of CO² the ‘BREATHE NOW!’ reflex is suppressed and unconsciousness occurs instantly when the swimmer’s Oxygen level falls below a certain threshold. SWB can occur without warning, to any swimmer, regardless of their age, ability or level of experience. Many victims are strong, fit swimmers who have not previously experienced this problem. Therefore; everyone who uses a pool, especially kids, should be informed about the dangers of hyperventilation. Hyperventilation, holding of breath, or seeing who can swim furthest underwater must be strongly discouraged. The Pool Safety Bible can be downloaded free from www. smashwords.com or for a few cents for a Kindle version from Amazon.com. (search for the title). For more information you can also contact the author, Ken Walker on ken@mypoolguru. com
G & C Bullion
Gold Buying Centre
Looking for ladies & gents watches for us to buy rolex brietling cartier patek philipp
jaeger le coutre omega hublot franck muller
Tel: 637 226 973
http://www.unique-almeria.com
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
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SPOTLIGHT: Mojacar This week Bay Bistro has intro duced it’s new menu for the Spring and so far it has been very well received by their regular and new customers alike. They have also cele brated their first year anniversary last week and are looking forward to a positive future. It has taken a load of hard work to establish the restaurant but Bay Bistro has gained a fine reputation for great food at very good value for money prices. As well as their fantastic set menu deals they also have an extensive A La Carte menu and thei r new Del Sandwich selection is now available to take away. On Sundays Bay Bistro offers a roas t diner option at the bargain price of only 9.95 and at that price it’s no wonder it is a very busy day. So when you are next in Mojacar, why not pop in and give Bay Bistro a try, you won’t regret it.
Voila de Lima’s are a family run bus iness with the resources and experience to cover all of your furniture removals, storage and even buying and selling. At Voil a de Lima’s we are able to move furniture both locally and inte rnationally using our fleet of sizeable vehicles. Removals are not as simple as it may appear, it does not just mean liftin g and shifting of furniture, these goods are your prized possess ions, accumulated over many years of hard work. We at Voil a de Lima’s, never forget this and treat all your items with care and attention. You can contact us on the telephone num bers in our advert or by email enquiries@delimas.biz. We look forward to hearing from you!
s ’ a m i De L
Local, National & international removals REMOVALS Quality Second hand & STORAGE furniture showroom
the Azeefa Indian Restaurant on ng Ridi the to road the of side opposite a th wor Stables roundabout, is well dly frien on es visit. They pride themselv ine. service and excellent Indian cuis time first the for them g tryin Anyone sized will be in for a treat, with good es to dish e rang portions and a good et buff ning eve ir The choose from. like, you as h muc as eat can where you rs. is the perfect choice for hungry dine ide outs and e With seating both insid to eat on the terrace, it is a nice place them Call . ning eve ng Spri m on a war 758. to reserve your table on 950 109
263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel
Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Jo on 600 344 565 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz
www.delimas.biz
HUGE 265m2 Showroom
fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS
VIEW FROM BAY BISTRO TERRACE →
Bay bistro Next to Mediterraneo, Mojacar Playa
The Fresh Food Restaurant
Menu del Dia Deli Sandwich ONLY 9.95€ Menu Menu de la Noche from 6.95€ ONLY 12.95€ Full a la Carte all new e Menu spRing tim Available menu open e a d ytim gs in n & eve
Sunday Lunch Special
3 Courses
Including Roast of the Week
closed tuesday’s
Only 9.95€
628 Tel:Tel: 950 450 199761 • 628391 761 391
To avoid disappointment please call and reserve your table
Azeefa
Indian Restaurant & Takeaway
Super Indian Buffet
Choice of 10 starters & 10 main dishes (normal menu available) Served from 6pm
11€ per person
Special menu for 2 people 20€ Menu del Dia
Evening Menu €10.95
Served 1pm - 4pm
Served 6pm - 11pm
€8.50
Open every day 1pm - 4pm & 6pm - late
mojacar playa - tel: 950 109 758
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Austerity Measures To Be Introduced At Almeria Airport
report & photos by martin shortland
The latest accounting figures were released this week by Aena, the operator of Almeria airport. The accounts to the end of 2011 show a huge operational loss of 7.9 million euros; predictions being made for last year are said to be about the same. This comes on the back of a report in March by the Council of Andalucia, requesting government confirmation of the long term viability of the airport. As I reported at the time, the council was worried about a government proposal for small airports – Almeria included – cutting back on operational hours with the inevitable loss of some connecting routes. The knock on effect would mean job losses, fewer flights and more worryingly, fewer tourists for the already struggling economy of the region. In a statement to coincide with the release of the trading figures, Aena put the losses down to the extension and improvement work over the last three years, the bill for this being in the region of 40 million euros. The statement said, “An investment of this size requires a series of annual depreciations and these are reflected in the latest set of figures.” They said the improvements to the airport would ensure its long term future, as it was now capable of handling almost 3 million passengers a year, more than three times the current number. This is all very well in theory, but the four regional airports mentioned in the government report handle less than 2.5 million passengers between them. With all the work completed, Aena now plan to quote, ‘tighten their belts,’ in order to cut back on expenditure and are proposing a number of austerity measures to make this possible, but stress this will not mean job losses. They intend to make more efficient use of their services and also obtain more operations, both in freight and passenger traffic. New freight traffic will come through the development of the already large commercial area and increased passenger numbers through more aggressive marketing. As most regular users of the airport already know, what it desperately needs is more flights; quite why that hasn’t happened is anyone’s guess. The facilities are in place to handle many more flights than at present, but for most of the time, it has all the feel of ‘something waiting to happen’. Let’s hope Aena are true to their word and the planned austerity measures have a positive effect on the future of the local airport.
New UK Ta x Residence Test British expatriates in Spain need to understand the UK residence rules as well as the local ones, to establish where they are resident for tax purposes – it may not be the country you expect. The UK finally has a Statutory Residence Test, which came into effect on 6th April. It provides much more certainty, but is not simple. HM Revenue & Customs’ guidance notes run to 55 pages and are more complex than originally appears. Automatic overseas test If you meet any of the following conditions, you will automatically be treated as not resident in the UK: • You were not resident in the UK in any of the previous three years, and are present for fewer than 46 days in the current year. • You were resident in one or more of the previous three years, and present for fewer than 16 days. • You work overseas full time, subject to certain conditions.
Automatic residence test You will be automatically treated as resident in the UK if you meet any of the following conditions: • You spend at least 183 days in the UK in the current year. • Your only or main home is in the UK. • You work full time in the UK for at least 365 days without a significant break, subject to conditions. Sufficient ties test If your residence position is not determined by the above two tests, the number of days you can spend in the UK without being UK resident depends on if you are an “arrive” or “leaver”, and the number of connecting ties you have. In summary, these are: • Family - spouse/minor children in UK • Accessible accommodation • Work – 40 days or more • 90 days or more in either of two previous tax years
By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks • M ore days in UK than any other single country (‘leavers’ only). This test operates on a sliding scale. The more ties you have, the less time you can spend in the UK without becoming UK resident. All references to “years” are a UK tax year, and a day in the UK is counted if you are there at midnight. For certainty on your tax residency status, speak to an experienced advisory firm like Blevins Franks. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www. blevinsfranks.com
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
Pegaso is looking for a new home
This is Pegaso, a German Shepherd mix, born on 24th July 2010. He is a medium size dog, weighing 20 kilos with a height of approximately 45 cm. Pegaso was rescued when
he was found wandering around in an industrial area. He was brought to the dog shelter in a state, close to starvation. With a lot of loving attention, regular meals and grooming he has
turned into a very handsome youngster. His good looks are well matched by his peaceful, affectionate and playful character. He is rather submissive and perfectly suited as a family dog. It is
TAPAS PARTY NIGHT AT LADY LAY
Gordon and I had a great party at the Lady Lay Bar in Calle Sierra Nevada, Urbanisation, Roquetas De Mar. Gordon was celebrating his 60th and me 60+. We both wanted a retirement party, as we intended to finish our teaching experience here in Spain, shortly. Of course we’ll come back often, if only to eat Clive’s great tapas (and his beautifully cooked meals) and to experience the great service offered by Lesley, Sophie, Malcolm, Bob and Val. Clive had closed the restaurant for the evening. We agreed in advance what tapas were on offer, 6 to suit vegetarians, fish eaters and meat eaters. But back to the party! Lady Lay was a really welcoming venue, even though it was cold outside. After a little furniture re-arrangement there was plenty of room for our 50 – 60 guests. The six tapas we chose ranged from a chilli wrap to fried mushrooms in garlic on toast. Clive cooked everything to order, piping hot and fresh and delicious! The atmosphere was gentle, cheerful and busy, helped by Clive’s excellent music choices. It was a great evening. Our advice is: if you are looking for a great night but have had enough of the traditional cocktail sausage and cold ham buffet, remember our tapas party and give Clive, at the Lady Lay, a ring. Sue and Gordon Mckinnon
Property management Sales & Rentals
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
www.enviapropertyservices.com
obvious he appreciates the care and attention he has received so far and is looking forward to sharing his love with you. If you really can’t give Pegaso a home or don’t know anyone who can, perhaps you would like to become a member of the shelter or even sponsor a dog. Also, of course, the shelter is always in need of blankets, towels and food etc. which can be taken to the Sanctuary. If you want to make a monetary contribution, you can pay it directly into the Sanctuary’s Bank account. Saturday mornings is set aside for adoptions at the Shelter and there are a lot of dogs to choose from, large and small. The best time for material donations, including food, is during the week. If you want details of any of these options or have a question about the shelter, please send an email to Geoff at geoffalmeria@ hotmail.com and he will reply to you straight away. A warm welcome at the Sanctuary is assured for all those wanting to support the Sanctuary.
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
Sundance Spas
Pool Maintenance S.L. Open: Monday - Thursday 9am - 2.30pm & 4pm - 7pm, friday 9am - 2.30pm & 4pm - 6pm Closed Saturday & Sunday
Spring into a New Sundance Spa this summer
ooms r show r ou o t Come along Sundance Spas Lots of Special Offers on Genuine Also Good Selection of Second Hand Spas
We Purchase Your Old Spa Cash Paid
Up To 50% Off Selected Spas
Mojacar Showroom, Paseo de Mediterraneo, 171
Tel: 950 472 845
www.sundancespas.com • sundancespas@telefonica.net
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
property group
Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria
Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563
www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk You can find us on mojacar playa reduced
€49,950
South facing refurbished 1 bed / 1 bath apart with balcony within 100 meters to beach & amenities. No community fees. Ref. 1348
Mojacar playa
€99,950
cortijo grande reduced
€80,000
Lubrín reduced
2 bed / 1 bath charming end of terrace Townhouse with golf and mountains views. Terrace & solarium. Ref. 1448
€90,000
Spacious 4 bed / 2 Townhouse in Rambla Aljibe with 36 m² of terraces close to the village who offers all amenities. Ref. 1191
€169,000
mojacar playa THE BEST INVESTMENT PROPERTY:
€139,950
€169,000
3 bed / 2 bath spacious Townhouse with private garage within 200 m to beach. Small gated community with pool. Ref 1483
Velez Rubio reduced
€169,950
Los Gallardos reduced
€199,950
2 bed, 2 bath townhouse with underground parking place in a complex overlooking the harbour. Sea views. Communal pool. Ref.1048
4 bed / 1 bath lovely countryside House with garage and store room on plot of 36.500 m² with fruit trees. Ref.1252
3 bed / 2 bath spacious House renovated to good standard with garage & pool within 15 min to beach. Plot 2,500 m². Ref 1440
Mojacar reduced
Mojacar Playa
Agua Nueva reduced
€249,950
3 bed / 2 bath charming detached Cortijo set on the Huerta de Abajo on plot of 7.000 m². Bargain! Ref 1196
3 bed / 2 bath south facing Apartment with sea views near beach. Terrace: 19 m². Underground private parking place. Ref. 1291
Agua Nueva reduced
€115,000
Mojacar Playa €149,000
3 bed / 2 bath detached Villa with pool on large plot of 628 m² within a short drive to amenities. Nice views. Ref. 1199
Villaricos
€99,500
2 bed,2 bath new built villa with underground garage on plot of 400 m² 2 terraces & solarium. Build 71 m² Garage 50 m² Ref.1169
3 bed / 2 bath Apartment with sea and mountains views. Terrace: aprox. 50 m². Store room. Parking & Communal pool. Ref. 1167
Arboleas
mojacar playa
€310,000
5 bed / 2 bath Villa with pool and garage on plot of 748 m² close to amenities. Many extras, central heating & air con. Ref 1009
End of terrace sea facing 2 bed 2 bath townhouse within walking distance to beach. Communal pool & parking. Ref.1234
cabrera
€199,950
2 bed / 2 bath charming Villa with amazing coastal views. Plot 180 m². Air con & fire place. Communal pool. Ref 1035
€320,000
Amazing 3 bed / 3 bath Villa with pool, several terraces and solarium on plot of 960 m² within 5 min walk to amenities. Ref 1106
Please visit our office or refer to our website for more “bargains”. Vendors: If you are seriously considering selling your property please visit our office to discuss effective ways of achieving your goal. As per decree 218/2005 the “Documento de Información Abreviada” (D.I.A) for any property sold by Veritas Homes is available at our office.
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
...take care of your pets...
THE HILTONS CATTERY
woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery arboleas
Our cattery is like no other, the purpose built roomy heated building is double insulated for warmth in the winter, cool in the summer, mosquito proofed, hygienically tiled and each very large private room is decorated in a homely manner with all the comforts of home. Our care for your pet is constant and personal with companionship for your cat assured. We have over 15 year’s professional background in animal care. We are small and care for your cat the way we would like our own to be. For the pet lovers with dogs and other pets these can be accommodated for in our own spacious home with walled garden and treated as one of the family. Our service is special, bookings are limited and pre-booking is recommended. Discounts are available for multi-cat owners. Inspection is welcome and regular customer references are Pam & John available. The Best Care There Is For Your Cat... 950 163 489
Small friendly kennels 24hr vets service pet transporting arranged welcome to view ministry approved
Tracy 650 211 952
Clinivet turre
Dra. Ellen Sobry
Warm or hot weather can be very uncomfortable for pets and cause distress, suffering or even lead to their death. It’s important that you are aware of your pets’ needs in warm and hot weather and know how to deal with these. Many animals can’t sweat through their skin in the same way as humans. They only cool down by sweating through sweat glands in their feet and panting. So it’s important that you help your pets to stay cool. Never leave your pet in a car on a warm or hot day; this can cause distress and suffering, and lead to death. Never leave your pet in direct sunlight; if your pet is unable to escape to a cooler, more shady environment when it’s feeling hot, it may become unwell and suffer. Animals should always be housed out of direct sunlight. Make sure your pet can get to a cool, shady place to escape from the sun at all times of day. This includes outdoor enclosures where small animals and birds are kept. Fish should also be
johnnyandpammy@yahoo.co.uk
kept out of direct sunlight, and their water kept clean, well oxygenated and algae free. Make sure your pet has a constant supply of clean, fresh drinking water. To keep cool, it’s important that your pet can replace any water that is lost through sweating and panting, otherwise it could become dehydrated. So check and fill water bowls or bottles regularly. Exercise your pet at times when it is cooler; animals still need exercise when it’s hot, but don’t allow pets to exercise too much in hot weather. It is best to walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, when it’s cooler. If possible, keep cats indoors in the heat of the day if the forecast is hot. Protect your pet from sunburn; animals can get sunburnt too, especially those with light coloured noses, or light coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens. Be aware of the signs of heatstroke. Heat-stroke in pets can be fatal and you should do everything you can to prevent it. Signs of heat stroke are excessive panting, heavy salivation, rapid pulse, very red gums/tongue, lethargy (tiredness), lack of coordination, being unable to get up after collapsing, vomiting, diarrhoea. In extreme cases, loss of consciousness is likely. If you suspect that your pet has heat-stroke, move it to a shaded, cool area and contact your vet immediately for advice.
Palomino Kennels
Exclusive Boarding Kennels/Cattery
Clinivet now has a new digital x-ray which will provide a faster and higer quality of care to 0034 950 069 780 their furry 0034 626 171 999 Avenida de Almeria 1 www.clinivetturre.es Bis local 2, Edf la para, 04639 patients Turre, Almeria clinic@clinivet.eu
Glad t me to hey sent Pa Kenne ls whi lomino back t e they wen o t wet En cold & gland !
Offer a Warm, Friendly Environment in a secure Countryside Setting. All Diet Requirements Catered for. Daily Exercise in 10 Acre Estate, Vet on 24/7 standby. (25 years Experience).
Call 662 668 423 or 950 067 051 www.palominokennels.com
Ken & Jackie Let us transport your loving friends to and from the UK & Europe in comfort with loving care in our air-conditioned van Tel 950 092 096 or 661 402 493 - Email jt.transport@yahoo.co.uk
Dog & Cat Sitter service
• Your home or ours • Honest & trust worthy • 5 years experience of all types of animals • References available on request
676 389 592
www.soltimes.com
property guide.... Neater Heater:
Norway’s Answer To Having A Warm Home In Winter!
Neater Heater was started in a “Victor Kiam” moment. Remember him? “I was so impressed with the product that I bought the company”. Having struggled unsuccessfully with several different styles of electric heaters, Richard and Tony accidentally discovered Neater Heaters in the home of a Norwegian friend of theirs. Neater Heaters are slimline wall-mounted electric convector heaters that combine state of the art technology, Scandinavian design and build quality, with Norwegian understanding of how to stay warm in winter. They differ from most of their rivals by using an Extruded Aluminium element, designed with a large surface area, to heat the air in your room directly without having to go through an intermediary medium such as oil. The cold air at the bottom of the room is drawn into the heater where it is directly heated by the element, rises, and exits through the vents at the top of the heater. This causes a convection current leading to a continuous circulation of heated air. This means that all the energy generated by your valuable euro is used to heat your room, and not the carcass of the heater, or the oil inside it. Because of the design and the technologically advanced materials, this can all be achieved at a lower element temperature, thus generating more heat per kilowatt. What this basically means for you is: Neater Heaters can make you warmer than most of the competition can for less money. Neater Heaters can warm a much larger area than most of the competition can for the same money. Neater Heaters Can be viewed and purchased from one of our numerous distributors throughout the region.
Property Sales • Property Management • Long & short term rentals • Insurance
We Urgently Need Quality Properties Both For Sale & Rent We Have Clients Waiting... 309 Paseo del Mediterraneo, Mojacar Playa (50m from Ferreteria Lopez)
NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
BENIJOFAR: Vincent Real Estate Tel. 966 712 440 TORREVIEJA: S J & A. Digital Tel. 966 319 253 For home inspections in North Torrevieja, call Colin Tel: 636 537 338 For home inspections in South Torrevieja call Edmund Tel: 966 765 552 Playa flamenca: Buster’s Bar Tel: 672 128 945 BLUE LAGOON: The Electrical Shop (Euronics) Tel: 966 188 169 NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:
COSTA calida
LOS ALCAZARES: For home inspections call Edmund. Tel. 966 765 552 BALSICAS/ SAN JAVIER Sierra Golf Tel 968 018 257 san Javier DFS Spain Tel: 968 334 194 MAZARRON Camposol B. La Red Solutions (Mapfre) Tel. 968 199 025
Tel: 950 478 834
info@mojacarhomes.net
O Olive
Bedar
www.mojacarhomes.net
Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466
C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant)
Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm
www.olivehouse-es.com
55,000€
This 2 bedroom apartment is in the village of Bedar, 20 minutes from the coast of Mojacar. It is a new build, third floor apartment with a lift access and great views.
OLV148
Apartment For Sale on golf course
NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:
ALMERIA
ANTAS. Iron Art Factory Outlet. Tel: 637 259 033 MOJACAR PLAYA. D Match Digital Services. Tel: 950 472 947
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen with white goods, Nice views of golf course parking, Mojacar approx 7 mins
info@neaterheater.es www.neaterheater.es Tel: 634 312 171
now only
€39,950
T: 664 291 793 jescott29@hotmail.co.uk
Returning to UK?
£69,000 ono
MODERN PARKHOME (NW Leicestershire)
Private sale of this lovely home on a secure, well established, residential park and at an extremely attractive price.
> 2 Fitted Bedrooms
The Andalusian government have approved a decree under which, in the most extreme cases, the homes of the most needy families subject to eviction proceedings initiated by banks, will be embargoed by the region for a maximum of three years. The Andalusian commissioner responsible for public works and housing, Elena Cortés, said the government also plans to impose fines of up to 9,000 euros on banks and real estate companies that leave homes which are fit to live in empty. Cortés said the measures aimed at “meeting social needs” are backed by existing legislation. Fines imposed for leaving homes empty will be used to help house people. The decree also reinforces a system of subsidies to allow families to rent homes. The commissioner praised the efforts of pressure groups such as the MortgageVictims Platform (PAH) and labour unions, to stem a flood of evictions by banks. There have been an estimated 86,000 evictions in Andalusia since 2007. Individuals with empty property will not be subject to the decree, nor will this apply to second homes, tourist accommodation and property rented out on a temporary basis. Individuals will also be encouraged to put empty homes they own on the rental market by providing them with tax breaks and insurance cover for unpaid rent and damage to their property. The decree, which came into effect on Thursday, will subsequently be debated in the regional assembly with a view to its being passed into law. The initiative is aimed at getting an estimated 700,000+ empty homes in the region onto the rental market. Of this figure, an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 properties are owned by corporate bodies, mainly banks and real estate companies. The government is also aiming to increase its pool of available housing at affordable rents. The decree specifies that a home will be deemed to be empty if it lacks contracts for the supply of water and electricity or the consumption of these is very low. Other factors that will be used to determine if a property is empty include whether mail addressed to the home is redirected elsewhere.The government will have to demonstrate that a home has been unoccupied for six months in order to declare it empty. The administration plans to set up a register of empty homes and a system of inspection to verify if a property is unoccupied. The embargo of a home will only apply to situations which affect the permanent home of a family and where eviction could lead that family to find itself in a situation of “social exclusion”. Such cases will also only apply when a significant deterioration in the economic circumstances of the family since the mortgage on the home was granted, can be demonstrated. Embargoes will only be enforced in cases where a family’s income is no more than three times the monthly benchmark amount for entitlement to social assistance and grants, which for this year has been set at 532 euros per month. Report by www.kyero.com
25
Andalusia to Take Action Over Empty Homes
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
> Large lounge/diner > Inclusive fitted kitchen > Luxury shower room/WC
UK: 01455 293603
Email: ronlen@btinternet.com
VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT
SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL
2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS
cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com
Vera Playa Apartment
...CALL 902 750 190
EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM
property....property... property....property... property....property...
26
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES APRIL 2013
Pinar de la Perdiz, 94A, 03191 Pilar de la Horadada
Tel: 950 478 935 1
Phone 966 180 004 Mobiles Eva 669 621 173 Robert 600 745 003
Property Sales • 31 years experience • Multi Lingual Team • Resales • Offices in Mojacar • Maintenance • Property Vigilance apartment 112m2 4 beds, 1 bath, furnished stunning sea views reformed
Reformed cave house 150m² 4 beds, 2 bath nr castle in centre terrace & roof terrace
Mojacar Village
Cuevas de Almanzora
REF MEAP 4109
REF METH 4112
Price 95.000€
Price 99.950€
GF Apartment 83 m2 3 beds, 2 bath com pool parking brand new, 30 m² terrace
Pretty apartment 78 m² 2 beds, 1 bath, AC/H com. pool parking large south fac. terrac
Mojacar Playa
Mojacar Playa
REF MEAP 2413
REF MEAP 2313
Price 99.000€
Price 104.500€
www.mojacarestates.com info@mojacarestates.com
YOU DESERVE PRIVACY, PEACE, HARMONY AND YOU CAN AFFORD IT !!! FORTUNA (MURCIA)
€105.000
Ref: E-2162
TORREMENDO (ALICANTE)
€ 33.000
Ref: E-1439
New villa on 3.200 m2 plot, living area 120 m2. Large lounge/ diner, 2 beds, one single bedroom, 2 baths, kitchen, utility room. Southfaced terrace, beautiful views. Large, bright, lounge Built in wardrobes, central aircon pre-installed. Near ameneties, Murcia 15 mins, Fortuna Spa 10 mins, beaches & airports Alicante & San Javier 45 mins . Mains water, needs solar panels (€10.000 approx.). A beautiful home for an incredible price
Townhouse, very Spanish! 85 m2 built, garden of 80 m2. Within a beautiful hamlet with Spanish neighbours, near to La Pedrera lake. 2 bedrooms, bathroom with shower (in the courtyard), diner, garage. With a bit of TLC could be a cozy home. Beache of Pilar de la Horadada and Torrevieja 20 mins, drive, Orihuela town 12 mins drive, Airports Alicante and San Javier 35 mins drive
ABANILLA/LA ZARZA
FORTUNA
€75.000Ref
E-1944
Cozy mountain retreat 10 mins drive to Pinoso. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dressing room, open plan kitchen/diner, lovely lounge with rustic open fireplace, workshed, large terrace off mains bedroom, wide views to mountains, garden with high trees, off-road parking, space for pool. Neighbours around. Beautifully fitted and furnished. A lovely low maintenance country retreat with character.
€85.000
Ref: E-1892
Country home fully re-furbished 75 m2 on 6.800 m2 plot, 10 mins drive to Fortuna, neighbours around.Asphalted access, 2 bedrooms, lounge with open fire place, large country style kitchen, utility room, bathroom, large porch with stunning views to mountains, roof terrace, dogs garden. A beautiful character home to relax and to enjoy nature . Mains water and electricity, internet
Web: www.spain-fincas.info info@spain-fincas.info
PRICE BROWN Guaranteed justifiable low commissions ~ No locked in sole agency contract ~ No upfront charges We are confident in our service and only request payment when we have done the job for you! REF BED2A01 REF RORIA3V01
1 bed from 36,000€ & 2 bed from 47,000€
Now just 114,950€
Bank & builder special offer. 1 bed 1 bath & 2 bed 1 bath apartments located in Bedar with amazing views. Large terraces, pre-installation for air-con and a central position in Bedar village with all amenities a short stroll away. 80% mortgages available.
Just reduced a stunning 3 bed 2 bath detached villa in the Albox area with amazing views, large covered porch, Jacuzzi, detached garage and a large 1722m2 plot. Build size is 137m2 and the home is presented extremely well.
REF ARB3VHU05
REF MOJ2T06
PARTNERSHIP
ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR 179,995€
Now just 159,000€
Legal inland villas urgently required for listing
please contact us for more information Mobile: 697 640 681
Mojácar Playa
LV652
430,000€
Mojácar Playa
DV1267
Beautifully situated detached villa of 293 m2 on 1,000m2 with superb sea views. 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Covered & open terraces with pool. Garage, storeroom & much more.
125,000€
Mojácar Playa
SDV653
PRICE 79,995€
2 bed, 1 bath townhouse in Mojacar. This is a heavily reduced home just a few minutes from the beach front and commercial centre centre. Well presented property offers a generous 80m2 build, log burning fire, terrace, communal gardens & a great location!
For more information or viewings please contact us on the details below Tel: 950 469 592
A1165
South-facing ground floor apartment of 70m2+ 12m2 terrace on possibly one of the smartest urbanisations. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Lovely community gardens & pool. In walking distance of shops & beaches.
85,000€
An amazing home in Arboleas with many extras. The 3 bed 2 bath villa includes a solarium, pool, car port, covered porch, mature gardens, shady gazebo and the option of taking the property fully furnished subject to a close offer being agreed.
Mojácar Playa
www.colespain.com
info@colespain.com
Lovely modernised townhouse of 60m2 + 20 m2 private terrace with sea views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Furnished. Pretty communal gardens & off street parking. Less than 5 mins walk to the beach.
Pretty end of terrace bungalow of 67m2 on 193m2 with roof terrace. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Community garden. Furnished. Short distance to shops, beach & restaurants.
www.pricebrown.com Tel: +34 950 478 915 Fax: +34 950 478 963 sales@pricebrown.com rentals@pricebrown.com
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
...FOOD news ...FOOD news
YELLOW STONE BAR Piedra Amarilla, Partaloa Tel: 634 332 178
Stilton’s boost in cheese war
A great British cheese is under threat -because young people are afraid to eat the mould, according to a new report balanced taste. Now the Co-operative, which actively supports British producers, is calling upon leading TV chefs to join their campaign to save the traditional cheese, As well as producing new customer recipes which using Stilton, it believes that the likes of Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Nigel Slater have can play a vital role in making Stilton great again. Said Mr Cloudy: ‘Cookery programmes are watched by millions of people every week. Seeing British chefs using Blue Stilton would help a new generation of consumers to discover what a wonderful ingredient Blue Stilton is. ‘We also want to make the cheese popular again to help British cheese producers. Local companies employing local people depend upon Stilton sales to make a living. We hope that our campaign will help Blue Stilton cheese makers of all sizes continue to thrive for decades to come.’ Industry expert say that the number of people under the age of 45 buying Blue Stilton has dropped by 18 per cent in the last two years alone. Consumption by those under 30 years of age has
dropped by 23 per cent. And few people under the age of 25 would consider buying it regularly. Blue Stilton was first produced in Britain in 1730 and is named after the village of Stilton where the cheese was first made. Blue mould is encouraged to grow on the cheese deliberately to create a distinctive acidic tang which blends perfectly with the cheese’s rich, creamy texture - and it is perfectly safe to eat. So highly regarded is the cheese that it is the only British variety to have been granted protected trademark status. Only Stilton made from pasteurized cows milk in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire can legally use the name. Just five dairies currently make the cheese. Traditionally Blue Stilton is eaten with port at Christmas, but is often used in classic recipes such as Stilton and Pear salad, and cream of celery or broccoli soup. To enjoy the full flavours of Blue Stilton, it should be removed from the refrigerator approximately one hour before serving, to let the cheese reach room temperature.
STOP ‘N’ SHOP IN YOUR...
Super Corner
ENGLISH SUPERMARKET ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS AND MORE IN ONE SUPERSTORE!!
TURRE, NEXT TO MESON DEL POBRE
Breakfast
served 9 - 12: 2€ or 5€
Free Bottle
Valid only with this voucher Mon - Sat: 19.00 - 22.00
from 4€
Sunday Lunch ON The Last Sunday of eVERY month themed on a different country each time 4 or 5 courses Parties & Events Catered for
ay Take awble availa
Mobile Top Ups
Tues - Sat: 9am - 9pm, Sun - Mon: 12 - 7pm
el ~poli, partaloa GREAT FOOD, GREAT ATMOSPHERE ~ PAELLA MEAL DEAL
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL BOOKING s only
Bread & Ali-oli, Salad PAELLA (Fish Or Meat) 20€ FOR 2 PEOPLE
Bread & Ali-oli, Salad Half a Spit-Roast Chicken, served with Chips
MINIMUM TWO PEOPLE ORDER 1 DAY IN ADVANCE
14.95€ FOR 2 PEOPLE
AVAILABLE FROM 3PM
1 LITRE JUG OF BEER OR BOTTLE OF WINE
Open Tuesday - Sunday
10am til Late WHAT’S ON
Irene
of La Mancha Red or white wine per couple to take away with any of our night menus
12 - 2.30pm
Daily Specials
de
Unmissable offer!
Lunches
FRIDAY FISH’N’CHIPS Summer Opening Hours
OPEN MON-SAT 9:30-6PM & SUN 9:30-1:30PM
Mesón
(fOOD AVAILABLE TUESDAY - SATURDAY)
BOOKING s only
FISH’N’CHIPS - 5.50€
EXTRA’S: MUSHY OR GARDEN PEAS - 50c
#
Sales of Blue Stilton have plummeted among younger age groups, and most people who buy the traditional delicacy are approaching middle age, the latest research shows. Industry experts say that the number of people under 45 buying Blue Stilton has dropped by 18 per cent in the last two years alone. Consumption by those under 30 has slumped by 23 per cent and few people under 25 would consider buying it regularly. But cheese experts are warning that if the trend continues it could mean that Blue Stilton, which has been in production in the UK for almost 300 years, would only be available overseas. Now The Co-op has decided to step in to lend British Stilton producers a helping hand. It has issued an emergency SOS - Save Our Stilton - to shoppers to protect Blue Stilton’s unique flavours and taste. Said Co-operative cheese buyer Mark Cloudy: “ This cheese is part of Britain’s heritage. We can’t stand by and let it fade away - yet the people who like it are getting old. ‘Millions of young people have been taught not to eat food with mould on it, and that view is having a catastrophic effect upon Blue Stilton. They take one look at the blue veins running through the cheese and then turn away. ‘We want to tell everyone just how good Blue Stilton is. It is one of the best cheeses in the world, and it’s produced here in Britain - but yet few people realise what a gem they have on their own doorstep.’ Ironically, while Blue Stilton is declining in popularity in Britain, overseas buyers can’t get enough of it. The cheese is regarded as a supreme delicacy in Europe and across America, with buyers prepared to pay up to £30 a kilo - over three times the UK price. Some experts even prefer it to the world renowned Roquefort blue cheese from France, because it has less salt and a much smoother,
27
ALSO AVAILABLE... SCAMPI - 6.45€ BATTERED SAUSAGE - 3.95€ CHICKEN KORMA - 5.50€ CHICKEN ROGAN JOSH - 5.50€ BEEF MADRAS - 5.50€ ALL SERVED WITH RICE OR CHIPS
Tuesday: Art Class 2-4pm Wednesday: Speak Spanish With Antonio 1:30pm-3pm Soft Ball Cricket 6pm Thursday: Quiz Night 8pm TAPAS & OD OTHER FO AVAILABLE
WI-FI & PRINTING AVAILABLE
CALL 637 061 489 (ENG) OR 678 834 747 (ESP)
28
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
...FOOD NEWS...FOOD NEWS... ALBOX
Bar Menu & Snacks Home-made puds
MENU DEL DIA
Burgers, Lasagne, pies, Omelettes, chilli plus
5
served 12 - 3 except Fri & Sun
All Day Breakfast from 9am
onl y €
2 Courses
Includes FREE Tea or Coffee
friday & SATURDAY
Cod ‘n’ ChipS
Beerfrom battered 5.95€ Atlantic Cod, Homemade Chips, Mushy or Garden PeaS SERVED 12-9pm
Friday & Saturday
Our Restaurant is Open 6pm-9pm
EVENING from MENU 5.95€
Traditional SUNDAY LUNCH
Delicious & Home-cooked nl y o served A Choice of Topside Of Beef & 12.30 - 5pm Yorkshire Pudding; Roast Pork With Crackling And Apple Sauce Tender or Roast Chicken With Stuffing - all served with Locallygrown Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables & a Glass Of House Wine, Tubo of Beer or a Coffee
6.95€ to include a FREE Drink
Viewers complain about ‘stomach-turning’ hygiene on Masterchef
Masterchef bosses have been criticised by viewers for allowing contestants to get away with ‘stomach-turning’ hygiene standards on the show. According to a report by the Mail Online, viewers of the hit BBC1 programme, hosted by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, say they have been turned off the cookery contest by the contestants’ kitchen habits. In one episode, viewers watched as a contestant’s sweat dripped into a sauce, while in another a female chef’s long hair was seen dangling over her lamb tagine. Other turn-offs included contestants wearing jewellery and nail varnish in the kitchen and crosscontamination of food. Viewers have posted on a BBC message board complaning about the standards of hygiene. One poster on the BBC Points of View online messageboard wrote: ‘When you are cooking food for other people I think that hygiene standards need to be some what higher! ‘Rings and nail varnish on fingers and greasy hair falling into food is not really nice and I often wonder how Gregg and John can so happily tuck into it when they must surely have seen how the food is prepared. It puts me off yuuk!’ Another viewer wrote: ‘Does the production team know anything about food hygiene? John Torode certainly does that’s for sure but the contestants certainly don’t! ‘I just watched the episode aired on the 17th (April) and I am concerned about the mass catering challenge. ‘One of the contestant’s hair was almost being stirred into her lamb dish whilst the other contestants were using the first chopping boards
they came to........ Red for vegetables.....Yellow boards for fruit? ‘Picky picky but I teach this for a living and I teach about cross contamination which includes colour coded chopping boards. ‘Does the BBC care what it’s teaching the public or are they only concerned with recipes.’ Another viewer responded: ‘I’m with you! One episode saw someone drip sweat into a sauce, barf! ‘Also the wearing of rings and/or nail varnish also turns my stomach. When I was a gel strictly hair tied back, no jewellery and if we had nail varnish on, off to the science lab to get it taken off with acetone.’ Viewers said they were disgusted by an episode in which the cooks were sent to Heathrow Airport to prepare lunch for 200 employees. During the challenge 27-year-old contestant Shivi Ramatour’s long hair was seen spilling out of her chef’s hat as she stirred her lamb tagine. Dozens of viewers took to Twitter to point out the incident. One viewer tweeted: ‘Why are none of these chefs in #masterchef wearing hairnets in the professional kitchen? I hope the customers like beef a la hair.’ A MasterChef spokeswoman said: ‘When filming in professional kitchens we always follow the guidelines required by the restaurant in question. ‘Any contestant with long hair will be asked to tie it back or wear a hat because they are cooking for the general public. ‘We do not insist on using hats and hair nets in the studio kitchens but hygiene remains an issue of great importance.’
Los Mellizos Restaurant
La Alfoquia, Zurgena
Starters, Puddings - 2€ each
SUNDAY SERVED 10AM-12PM
BREAKFAST
Activities at Friday 3rd May
‘Rod Stewart Sings’ plus all your favorites
Come along and enjoy the voice of
Steve Fisher from 9pm
FREE Admission Booking a table is advisable
Monday Line Dancing 2.30 - 4.30 with Eleanor & Gilly
ROCK’N’ ROLL CLASS 7:30PM
Tuesday Quirky Quiz - 7:30pm
Wednesday Line Dancing with Carrie
Beginners 7.15 -8 pm 8 til late Mixture of Levels
Thursday Ceroc Dancing & Fun Social
Night 7:30pm
PLUS... Art Classes (held most days)...Computer Club...Keep fit & slimming classes
(see
check the board for times
ALBOX
BP Garage
•••
← ARBOLEAS BAZA → Av•••AL . L BO ep an X → to jacksalbox@gmail.com
OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN @
ecials Daily sp 4€ r details) frobm o oards f
950 120 718 / 610 641 567
Open Mon - Fri 8am - late. Sat & Sun 9am - late
Tlf: 667 919 025
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
...FOOD news ...FOOD news Britain’s disastrous wheat harvest halts production of Weetabix minis
Weetabix has had to halt production of some of its breakfast cereals as a result of a poor quality wheat harvest, it has been revealed. Supplies of Minis and Oatibix Bites have fallen victim to last year’s disastrous wheat harvest which led to a combination of low yield and poor quality crops, according to trade magazine The Grocer. According to a report by Mail Online, leading High Street supermarket chains have been running out of Minis and have put up notices alerting shoppers to the production problem causing the supply shortage. The 2012 wheat crop was one of the worst for decades and the cereal company has been forced to stop producing all but one line in the two mini ranges while it changes its production methods to counteract the poor quality of the wheat. The company which is committed to using only British wheat says the problem has been building since last year but says it did not run into significant capacity problems until late last month when it notified retailers. Production of all Minis varieties excluding chocolate chip - the most popular - had
been halted and production of Oatibix, which do not contain wheat, has been halted as a knock-on effect of the changes. A spokesman for Weetabix Food Company told The Grocer: ‘The lower density of the wheat from last year’s harvest has led to operational issues.’ He added that the changes made to the production process had resulted in ‘significant’ engineering work and forced it to reduce output at the Burton Latimer site in Northamptonshire that produces Minis. Weetabix would not say what volume of production had been affected by the stoppage but claimed the issue was ‘nearly’ resolved and that the products would be back in full production shortly. The magazine says that the early signs for this year are not good because the cold weather meant this year’s planting for the coming season has been poor. The Weetabix problems comes three months after Hovis was forced to abandon its pledge to use 100 per cent British wheat because of the poor harvest.
La
29
el Cucador
VidaRestaurant&Venue
Enjoy Wonderful Views over the Olive Groves
from
8.95€
our main menu includes
traditional
16oz steaks ~ mixed grills ~ Fresh Fish
sunday lunch
menu changes weekly
Dine in our Candelit Restaurant wed - sat evenings SATURDAY EARLY BIRD MENU
served 12.30PM - 5PM includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate booking recommended
5-7PM FROM 6€
TO INCLUDE SALAD, BREAD & ALI- OLI Chicken Escalope 7.45€
from
fridays
5.95€ in the Bar
Pan-fried Chicken Breast stuffed with fresh tomatoes & feta cheese coated in fresh breadcrumbs Pork Stroganoff 7.45€ Tender pieces of locally sourced Pork cooked in white wine with mushrooms, mustard, onions & cream Smokey Trout Salad 7.95€
Beer-battered cod
homemade chips & peas FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm
Fresh Smoked Trout served on a bed of fresh salad with a horseradish vinaigrette & warm crusty bread
booking advisable
THE ABOVE MAINS ARE SERVED WITH A CHOICE OF POTATOES & SEASONAL VEGETABLES
tapas choice of 10 all 1€ 12:30-9pm
lite menu
Homemade Starters
salads, burgers, wraps
2.50€ each
TWO COURSE LUNCH
Scrumptious Homemade Puddings
12:30-3:30PM 6€
all 2.50€ each!
FROM 5€
MONdays HOME-MADE MARGHARITA PIZZA 6 - 9pm
+ TOPPINGS
Tuesdays 6 - 9pm
cod, chips & peas only or chicken curry & rice 5€
wednesdays 1/2 roast chicken, or gammon chips & peas OR SALAD
6 - 9pm
thursdays ...is pie night! 6 - 9pm
Open Every Day 12pm - Late
Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com
delicious homemade pie, chips & peas
Mojacar
E15
only 5€
We are here
Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia
only 5€
1km
La Vida
Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa
book the Venue
For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.
30
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
be a part of it
Monday - saturday 12 noon - 4pm & 7pm - close Sunday : carvery 1pm - 5pm Thursdays - closed
Main Meals 6.95€
Mini meals
every lunchtime 1.50€
3 course meal 10.95€
Every Friday fish chips & peas €3.95 served all day 12 noon - 10pm
Wednesday Midweek Carvery €4.95 served 5pm - 10pm
Sunday Carvery €6.95 served 1pm til 5pm
Tel: 659 683 447
www.newyorknewyork.es
OPPOSITE THE PLAYA LUNA hotel, roquetas urb
Burty’s BAR Playa Serena, roquetas de mar
sun - fri from 11am - 6pm Closed saturday
huge sunny terrace us bar and spacio Come and Catch the Winter Sun Tuesday pie night 5.30pm - 8.30pm
Steak & Ale, chicken, Bacon & Mushroom or Mince, Onion & Potato with chips & mushy peas or potatoes & vegetables. €6.95 Booking essential by 6pm Monday
Every Thursday
Special Steak Night 5pm – 8.30pm
6oz Sirloin Steak, Real Chips, Fried Onion, Mushrooms & Mixed Salad Only 8.95€ Larger Steaks & Baby Fillet Available
Booking Essential By 6pm Wednesday
Tapas served from 1 pm Next Table top Sale
26th may call to reserve a table
every thursday quiz 2.15pm prompt
tuesday
bingo 2.30pm
anglican church service 3rd thursday of the month 11:30am
next service 16th May
Opposite Playa Luna Hotel between Oasis & New York New York. Tel: 679 156 715
HELP FOR HEROES CHARITY APPEAL 2013 Dave and Yvonne, Y Da Wakes, kick started the 2013 Help for Heroes appeal with a table top and colossal cake sale on Wednesday, 24th April. The event was supported by many people and Brian Kenney provided entertainment which was enjoyed by all. Here is Orphan Ted who was found abandoned in Roquetas. A competition will be held throughout the summer to name him. During the summer the local bars that support the appeal will be fostering him (see the Sol Times to find out what he is doing every week!). Befriend him on Facebook at Bearabouttown – have your photo taken with him for a 1 Euro donation and see yourself on his Facebook page.At the end of the summer whoever successfully names him will be asked to adopt him and care for him during the winter. The amount raised so far including proceeds from the first event (268 Euro) and from collection boxes around the resort is 487 Euro. Further events are planned throughout the year, details of which will be published in the Sol Times...
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
31
ROQUETAS DE MAR THE SECOND COMEDY AFTERNOON WITH MRS BROWN AT CHAPLIN’S PUB Thursday May 9th 2013 at 3.00pm ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE
‘2013 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL’
NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED, BUT WILL BE VERY, VERY FUNNY, SO BOOK EARLY WITH JON OR DEBRA TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT First come, first reserved! A SMALL DONATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED TO: THE RBL POPPY APPEAL Further details can be obtained from Barry, Poppy Appeal Organiser on mobile 605 313 590
FTG Notice
The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet up at 1pm each week (Friday) and the venues for the next three weeks are as follows:
3rd May: Lady Lay & La Bodeguina, C/Sierra Nevada 10th May: Bar Macarena, near Hotel Sabinal 17th May: Bar Jaen, on Av.Meditteraneo 24th May: Marley’s, in the Urb 31st May: Bar California, Las Marinas
Anyone is welcome to join in and have a laugh, exchange views and ideas. The more, the merrier and the bar owners enjoy it too!
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.
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.
what’s on
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€) Burtys Bar........................................ Tuesday - 2:30pm Bingo Tuesday - Pie Night Thursdays - Quiz 2:15pm Thursday - Steak Night Table Top Sale - 26th May Bar cARDIES................................... NOW OPEN!! See our advert on the BACK PAGE! bar Chaplins..................................... Opening Hours: Open 1pm til’ close Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm til’ close Monday Wednesday: Rib Night Friday: Chip Shop Day - Fish’n’Chips etc served from 1pm, Quiz Night Saturday Night - Buy One Get One Free on ALL MEALS plus 1€ Drinks! TEL: 950 335 022 lady lay.............................................. Tuesday Night - Curry Night Wednesday - Quiz - twice monthly Saturday - Super Saturday Special Sunday - Sunday Lunch from only 3.50€ NEW YORK, NEW YORK........................... Wednesday - Carvery 5pm-10pm Friday - Fish’n’Chips Sunday - Carvery 1pm-5pm Revita Natural Health and Relaxation centre.......................... Calle Tortola 4, Roquetas De Mar Tel 950 333 048 Tai Chi - Tuesday & Thursday 10am
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 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
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
pb’s - the return coming soon! Y Da wakes......................................... SKY SPORTS Monday 8:30pm Bingo Roquetas Bridge Club........................ meets on Monday’s at 15.00. For more information please contact Alison Ferguson 950349749 or Sue Barlow 950 333 344 the Royal british legion................... forthcoming events Fundraising for 2013 poppy appeal 9th May – 3pm - Comedy afternoon with Mrs Brown at Bar Chaplins – book with Jon or Deb on 950 335 022 13th June – Open Pool Competition – 6pm registration for 6:30pm draw – The Lodge – call Barry on 605 313 590 for further details
Naturopathy Phytotherapy Organic Food Reflexology Osteopathy Diet and nutrition
Pasaje Zoraida, 11 Urb. Roquetas de Mar C.P 04740 (Almeria) Tel. 950 328 152 670 356 370 www.farma-natura.com email: ria@farma-natura.com
32
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
SOL CLASSIFIEDS SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday
alternative energy
Solar Wind c a rlo s Power Solutions. s a l i e n te Over 15 years plumbing & installation heating for solar experience. heating, e s t a b l i s h e d pool FOR SALE 12 years in solar hot water advertise all your unwanted items Spain. Call Phil installations and for competitive repairs. call 950 prices 636 261 930 900 or 968 any single item up to 300€ free of charge 240 email:info@ 969 962, email s un e r g ya l m e r i a . com www.sunergy carlos.saliente@ gmail.com Sturdy Bed Shelves, Light Oak, 166 270 or 659 089 almeria.com Settee, green, 36x36, 20€. Tel. 658 baby equipment hire vgc. Only 50€. 0044 7968 733917 memory topper Urbanisation Roquetas De Mar Tel Set of 3 Corner for your mattress, Shelves, Light Oak, never used cost 150€ 950 334 544. Professional Baby 36x36, 15€. Tel. accept 75€ single Black Ash Drop- 0044 7968 733917 Equipment Hire size tel: 950 475 455 Leaf Table 70x120 Free delivery & collection H a loge n mob: 661 016 366 open, 38x120 closed, All our equipment has been Plus 4 Dining Chairs Rotating Heater wireless video purchased from new 400 watt with remote 50€. Tel. 0044 7968 10€ Tel: 666 684 door phone, needs Tel: 615 806 126 733917 electric at the gate thebabyhirecentre@hotmail.com 593 3 x Black to operate was 160€ filled Ash Bookcases, Oil new still in box. never business opportunity radiator 3 63x24x91h, 45€. Tel. heat setting plus used. now only 100€ 0044 7968 733917 thermostat 50€ Tel: ono. tel: 699 727 138 W a lk i n g 666 684 593 Brand new chest Frame(walker) with of drawers 120cm Citreon Picasso wheels,brakes and shopping basket 40€ Roof Rack new never high, 5 drawers, light used 60€ Tel: wood. 35€ Tel: 676 Tel: 666 684 593 827 525 or 950 930 standard lamp 666 684 593 25% share of well established wellness white fitted with 2 Wheelchair very 721 bulbs, good condition good condition 50€ Cement mixer like centre that is due for expansion. 35€ tel: 950 475 455 Tel: 666 684 593 new 120€ Vera Playa for further information telephione mob: 661 016 366 EDESA built- in area Tel: 617 166 270 Black Ash Nest Electric oven & or 659 089 658 of 3 Tables, 39x38, separate EDESA Teak outdoor 20€. Tel. 0044 7968 gas hob. Brushed patio dinning table 733917 aluminium. Perfect and four chairs in carpentry order. 75€ Tel: 950 Black Ash very good condition Cocktail Unit, Glass 410 615 / 638 497 only used twice 180€ Fronted Display, 253 ono Tel: 634 316 072 Illuminated with Oblong glass / For all your carpentry requirements Drawers beneath, wroght iron table and Fridge freezer 38x120x188h, 125€. 4 matching chairs like new 150€ Vera Fast, efficient,competitive service. Tel. 0044 7968 with cream cushions Playa area Tel: 617 Tel: 634 328 574 james@wildwood.es 733917 like new 250€ Vera 166 270 or 659 089 computers 6 x Econo-Heat Playa area Tel: 617 658 Wall-Mounted Airport services Electric Panel Steve Hayes Heaters, 60x60. 2 Informatica A i rport New 100€ & 4 Used Pc’s, Laptops, www. parking.es tr a n s f er s 150€. Tel. 0044 7968 Printers etc. Tel: 639 081 067 733917 pick up all areas, Sales & Repairs Cheap LEATHER relaxing competitive rates. on-site callout / armchair with Airport Parking For a quote please tuition. matching footstool colour green, brand Alicante Almeria Murcia visit www. spanish Consumables new 50€ tel: 950 475 Albox, Almeria New estateagent.c om 455 mob: 661 016 Servicing / Repairs or call 661 143 871 Tel: 950 120 900 366
for sale in this section
email: sales@soltimes.com
looking for a new venture
genuine reasn for sale
634 353 862
genuine enquiries only
WILDWOOD Bespoke Joinery
AA
5 x Bronze External Lanterns, Unused & Boxed, 30€. Tel. 0044 7968 733917 Set of 4 Corner
wanted
Air-con
MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.
MD S.L
City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified
Now offer our Classified advertisers
5 LOCAL EDITIONS
...Let the Soltimes team help your business grow... 950 121 936 or 902 121 936 EXT 332
drainage
Cleaning of Septic Tanks ▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage
Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks
Contact: 675 838 808
LICENSED POZO/CESSPIT EMPTYING • Installation of fibreglass
septic tanks
Everything for
Linea
the visiting baby Car seats,high chairs, stair gates, cots etc or 666 375 688 expectingababy@
Nueve sofas kitchens bedroom furniture Arboleas
Tel: 950 120 630
gardening
landscape gardening
950 091 109 or 648 768 587
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
Neil Godwin
25 years experience
Full City & Guilds
Fully
insured & legal
fully legal
furniture
hotmail.co.uk
• Blocked Toilets, Sinks, Baths & Drains • CCTV Surveys • Drain Tracing • Turbine Root Cutting • All types of domestic plumbing carried out
ELECTRICIAN
established in spain for 14 years
BABY HIRE
Tel: 950 436 581
construction
Mat Murray 647 841 750 matmurrayes@gmail.com
equipment hire
www.soltimes.com for more information
electrical
not a jack of all trades
A & B electrical for all your electrical needs, Tel: Aran 678 942 314 or Blas 662 470 647 Knowles & Abbott no.1 for electrics and plumbing. Re-wires, free to air UK satellite systems 950 137 208 or 638 010 691
online at
construction
25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
w a n te d mosaic tiles For all your installation or service small swimming MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers including our latest pool tiles small odd requirementsinfo@md-aircon.com telephone bits & pieces, can 950 432 110 / 607 364 917 607 364 917 or 950 432 110 collect,for a mosaic email: info@md-aircon.com wall any colour, md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es 647 379 878
SOLTIMES
electrical cont...
Boletins supplied
Tel : 687 245 569
• Block work • Balustrades • Paving Driveways & Paths
Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate 620 112 193 or 667 853 062 potty finca services 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 Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services. If it involves water, we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel: 968 969 962
www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
33
www.soltimes.com health & beauty
NUMBER PLATES
avon cosmetics
“RE-PLATE” MATE
claire Tel: 691 987 454
avonfromclaire@yahoo.es house clearance
THE HOUSE CLEARING SPECIALIST
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
insurance
hobby/craft
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
Elaine’s Wools
www.replatematecostablanca.com
quality UK wool &
OPTICIANS
accessories. Come & view my display Also at
available Camposol,
Mazarron Call 667 273 889 elaines wools@gmail.com
glenn & jayne
have great offers on Life Insurance same people same great service new name
Tel: 950 121 943
infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com
iron/metal works T & T Metals For all quality metal works, including gates, railings, rejas, staircases, gazebos & chain-link 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
If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 21, please email info@daviessolicitors.com locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181
Optica Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991
PAINTER / DECORATOR
painter & decorator
over 25 years experience
give your property or business a fresh look this spring
Tel: 649 186 107 or
email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com For all your painting needs inside & out contact Graham on 620 112 193
now covering mainland spain
commercial & major retail painter’s
VERA BEACH
calle tortuga boba, 69,
4 sexy girls erotic and relaxing massages. Discreet
Tel: 687 891 515
PETS SECTION
pet taxi TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE
(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862
young budgies for sale lilacs,blues, greens & yellows - aviary bred males & females only 10€ Ready Now! 647 379 795
No need for kennels or cattery, Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & local area. Call Vanessa on 637 061 482
expert quality workmanship visit our website for more info tntpainters@live.co.uk woodhouse boarding kennels www.tntpaintersltd.co.uk personal “Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”
MOJACAR BEACH
(Spanish Flag in Window)
Julie, Jenny, Karen Sexy bodies, erotic and relaxing massage, Discreet outings, hotels and home visits for Men & Women
Tel: 631 402 850
PROPERTY FOR SALE/rent
personal cont...
& cattery arboleas Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view ministry approved
Tracy Mobile 650 211 952
friendly mare 9 years old 14.3hh 1.50m 500€ telephone 678 838 547
Property for rent in Cucador Self contained 1 large bed casita, bathroom, lounge & kitchen area, partly furnished, A/C, Private, Fabulous views, use of pool & jacuzzi
60€ a week plus utilities (suit lady, small dog welcome)
Call 647 379 878
Reduced €39,950
Apartment For Sale
VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL
2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment
for SALE detatched cortijo
20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.
cortij0 grande golf course
1 bed, 1 bath apartment fully fitted kitchen, white goods, parking, lovely views. Ideal golfing holiday apartment. Close to Mojacar / Turre.
T: 664 291 793
jescott29@hotmail.co.uk
PLASTERER B ritish plasterer All work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201
Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200m²
€150,000
Tel: 649 186 107
thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom
PROPERTY FOR SALE
plumbing CARLOS SALIENTE 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 carlos. saliente@gmail.com
Plumber KNOWLES AND ABBOTT No 1 for Plumbing & Electrics All types of Plumbing
Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems
TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797
For all your plumbing needs Fully Qualified heating engineer contact barry 667 853 062 or graham 620 112 193
Price 200.000€
San José (Cabo de Gata, Almería) Duplex, 5 bed 2 bath. Fitted kitchen. Sea view within walking distance to beach. Terraces & balcony Private garage on plot of 280 m2
Call: 610 700 805
PROPERTY TO RENT – Los pedregales 2 Bedroom Casita.Furnished or Unfurnished. Fully Fitted Kitchen, Log Burner, Internet Connection, Large Fly Free Patio within a large Fenced area. Peaceful location within minutes of the motorway & Huercal Overa.
300€ pcm inc. water Tel: 666 281 323 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
34
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES MAY 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 REMOVALS
motoring section
Local, National DAVE’S TRANSPORT & international 7.5 Ton, Lorry Part loads, removals REMOVALS Self load/Unload & STORAGE Quality Second hand Minimal rates, Owner Driver furniture showroom
’s a m i L De
263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel
Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Jo on 600 344 565 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz
www.delimas.biz
Spain/uk/Local
Storage available, based “Los Gallardos” &”hertfordshire”
HUGE 265m2 Showroom
Call now 0034 620 049 524 (Es) 00 44 794 3135 214 (UK) woodnco@hotmail.com
fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS
recruitment
Do you love to Cook...
watch tv for free
Chef/Cook is required at our Bar / Restaurant in Albox
www.soltimes.com for all the latest programmes
Then we want to meet you We are looking for an experienced person used to working in a fast paced kitchen You will be able to produce delicious home cooked food to a high standard Shift work is required & weekends
go to
Fully Qualified Stylist
Required for busy salon in Albox Please call Cutting Edge for details
Tel: 950 633 086 Mob: 722 294 384
salary will include a contract
satellite/ television
for more information
A1 Sky Television Systems
Rob on 609 199 394 Gestoria Salvador, a consulting company established in Almeria since 1969 is opening a new office in Mojacar and requires a Manager with excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Mojacar area. The individual must have experience in tax consultancy, legal work, book keeping and other administrative services, Spanish and English speaking is essential. An additional language is advantageous. Send your CV with photo to our email ags@gruposalvador.es Tel 950 237 155
translation
Traducciones Levante Robert Ward - Harris Translator/Interpreter Personalised Quotes within 24hours All types of documents & face to face interpretation
606 953 775
traduccioneslevante@hotmail.com
Satellite TV installations, alignment of dishes etc. Also Spanish “freeview” systems supplied & installed
Tel Dave: 628 607 778 Sky Digibox Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5 60€ can deliver. Telephone 667 235 205
swimming pool safety
634 337 185
SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals
Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deals from UK - Spain Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@hotmail.com
for sale
car & van hire
3.5 ton nissan cabster tipper
Van, car & driver
7500€
Alicante 80€ one way, 150€ return
for hire
house & garden clearances, year 2004, full spanish collections & deliveries, legal, 12 months itv, 12 weekly collections from IKEA, month tax, 79.000km, Airport transfers ideal for building material & Almeria 60€ one way, 110€ return logs up to 2.5 ton
Tel: 634 345 257
Tel: 687 147 991 Ford Focus 1.8Cdti ghia 100bhp Silver Estate: 144,000km 2003/04, LHD, tow bar, Electric Mirrors & front windows, CD, AC, good condition, ITV till Aug 2014 Recently serviced 3.300€ o.n.o Call 633 234 635 or 677 849 153 or emailnessgav@hotmail.com Citroen Berlingo Multispace Forte, 1.9 Diesel (2002) 148000miles. On UK plates, ITV until end Oct 2013, ideal if returning to the UK. Area: Almeria. Contact: 634 087 653 1000€ ono
mobile mechanics
solar power system
www.ecocorp.eu at ecocorp we do not just sell you a system we deliver, install &
guarantee everything for up to 10 years
Solar Power System kits Telephone 671 716 597 or 950 030 187
for UK phones 01332 896510
stables
Rancho Luz Del Sol, Retamar, Partaloa. One to one or group lessons, NEATER HEATER latest EN standard hats provided. See our main Escorted hacking and treks. Qualified advert on the news BHS Instructor. Call Erika Drew on 678 pages 838 547
UK to Spain or Spain to UK
*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN
* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE
TEL: 667 235 205
Mikes Mobile Mechanics All types of service, repair & ITV testing Fully car parts qualified & legal with over 35 years experience Ring Mike or Chris: 628 cheap motorbike tyres & parts Tel: 350 178 or 636 824 974 697 524 238
wanted
Car parts
URGENTLY REQUIRED
ENGLISH & SPANISH CARAVANS, CARS, MOTORHOMES & VANS ANY CONDITION WE COLLECT! THROUGHOUT SPAIN
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
From a parcel to a small house move
uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk +44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389
ONE WAY
Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain
UK - SPAIN - UK Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service
Van hire
www.carpartsinspain.com
TEL: 636 411 540 OR 664 619 819
WANTED JCB’s, Mini-Diggers (All Makes), Tractors, Trailers & all other types of plant machinery. Any age, any condition.
Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles buyer of all caravans, any condition, value from 200€ to 20,000€
Urgently Required
ALL Mitsubishi Shogun Monteo Pajero Landrover & all other makes
collect from anywhere
Tel: 645 094 339 or 950 064 763
or telephone 692 930 326
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 electrical appliances
Certificates Issued
WANTED CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY
House & g arden clearances , sk ips supplied
Spanish or English
Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL
TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763
www.soltimes.com
I’ve always been rather narked that we didn’t get Winter Fuel Allowance. I probably would have accepted it as ‘just one of those things’ if it hadn’t been for the extreme smugness and lack of indoor winter clothing exhibited by those who did get their allowance. So just after Christmas, when I discovered that the rules had been changed, I downloaded the relevant forms and set to, being careful to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. Having checked and double checked that all was correct, legible, in the right boxes and written in the right coloured ink I sent it off and forgot about it. In the middle of April I remembered it, and realised that we had had no communication at all from the Department of Work and Pensions; I could have said ‘Oh dear, never mind’ in a mild tone of voice, but instead I readied myself for electronic battle via the Department’s website. Contact us if you require further information, the website cooed. Too right I will! I composed an e-mail of honeyed sweetness on their Reply form asking whether it was normal for the Department to take 4 months to acknowledge josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk a claim, and
By Jos Biggs
viewpoint alqueria - THE BANK ROBBERY
clicked Send. Within seconds the Department responded: We can’t answer requests for information unless accompanied by your N.I. number, it said. Ha! You’re not choking me off that easily! I re-sent the message, including the magic number. Within seconds the reply came back. We can not respond to e-mails which include N.I. numbers. Right! That’s the end of Mrs Nice! Now you are going to get Mrs Angry! Not just Mrs Angry, but Mrs Angry on the phone –I’m going to go into Albox to the Locoturio and have it out with a human! The moment, however, was not right, and I resolved to make the call the next time I was in Albox and not in a hurry – I wanted time to rally my forces, assemble my arsenal, and make sure that I had the high ground. That moment was going to be yesterday – sunny and warm, and just right for an argument about Winter Fuel Allowances. I sat on the porch listening to the bees busying themselves among the wild sage and bottlebrush and leafing through the post before setting out to deal a sound verbal thrashing to some innocent employee of Her Majesty’s Government. Among the day’s post was a letter – containing notification of the payment of our Winter Fuel Allowance! Oh. Well, that’s all right, then. Have a nice day, Department of Work and Pensions!
A Fishy Tale of High Technology
I had a moment of deep reflection yesterday as I stood in the kitchen, furiously surveying the tomato sauce Morse-coded across my recently washed and ironed Zara polo shirt. When my temperature had subsided back to something resembling normality and I had exhausted my considerable vocabulary of filthy words accumulated over a lifetime of debauchery and licentiousness, I thought back to 2009 which saw the 40th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, when Neil Armstrong declared “One small step for Man One almighty leap for Mankind. . . . .” or whatever it was he actually said. And in the same vein I pondered about the much talked about future Mars mission, which apparently is in an advanced stage of planning at NASA. Although personally I think it’s all a front because if the Yanks had the means or the money to undertake such a mission, it would have been done long before now. I mean, they landed on the Moon forty four years ago and Mars is just a bit further away that’s all. Mind you, I believe that the way things are going with the emerging super economies in the east and the shift in the world’s
financial power bases; it may well be a Chinese or Indian that first sets foot on the red planet. Oh God - more bazaars, corner shops and restaurants. It will give a whole new meaning to the term ‘takeaway’. Judging by recent history though, there is a very good chance that it may be Richard Branson who beats them all to it – in a balloon. I wouldn’t put it past him. But anyway . . . I thought about my supa dupa, state of the art 160-gigabyte iPod, which holds all of my 500 plus CD’s, and then some; all in a pocket sized stainless steel case no bigger than a pixie’s handbag. I pondered the latest pieces of 21st century gadgetry designed to record any television programme in sparkling HD and which would be utterly lost on me because I still haven’t mastered the old video recorder and never will. And I cogitated on the latest iPhones and lap tops; so called smart TV’s with 3D and solar powered garden gnomes. I therefore wondered why, with all this advanced science, somebody has not been able to come up with a ring pull can, that even with the greatest care, doesn’t go “boing” as it comes away from the tin and splatters – in this case sardine flavoured tomato sauce – across me, the ceiling and next doors Toyota. Someone get onto it, PLEASE! By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com
35
As the date crept ominously closer, you may remember the inevitable increase in chatter across the internet and newspapers, about December 2012 and the impending end of the world as forecast by the
Mayan astrologers of South America. You know . . . those people who were so smart at predicting the future, that they were unable to spot the end of their own civilisation and disappeared off the face of the Earth leaving their cities and dirty underwear behind them. But come the day, nothing happened. Zilch, nada . . . not even a tremble on the Richter needle. I tell you, watching that sort of disaster stuff on the box – particularly on the History Channel - sometimes gives me an overwhelming urge to run naked through the terminal at Alicante airport, and yell at the Ryanair staff . . . ‘How’s that for excess baggage!’ Everything these days seems to be all about the impending end of the world, the appearance of the Anti Christ or exploding
breast implants. And as if by way of confirmation of approaching doom, the weather has gone stark staring bonkers – even more stark staring bonkers than last year when it was supposedly the most stark staring bonkers in recorded history. Earthquakes, hur ricanes, the breakup of JLS and other disasters dominate the headlines on a daily basis. My dear old Mum always blamed the planet’s ills on the scientists. A bad bout of weather – “That’s the atom bomb”, she’d say straight faced. A plague of greenfly – “It’s sending all them rockets up into space”, she would solemnly declare tapping the side of her nose knowingly. Everything from boils to late coal deliveries would be blamed on the blokes with frizzy hair, thick glasses and scuffed shoes.
John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu
Have a Nice Day
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
The bank robbery took place, as far as can be established some six hours after the people of Alqueria were put on their honour. Put on trust to uphold the unwritten laws of the Village. Those of a more cynical nature may wonder what caused this delay. A note left at the scene written in an illegible childish scrawl, which could therefore have been penned by anyone in Alqueria read, “The Hooded Terror Strikes Again”. José Cabrasilbido, the local policeman immediately checked all the shops in the Pueblo to see if any hoods had been sold. He’s not the sharpest tool in the box. It wasn’t so much the ‘blind leading the blind’ but the ‘daft leading the intellectually challenged’. The Raro is the currency of Alqueria and is backed by the Remitroot crop, however foreign debts are settled with Remitroot products and not hard currency. The Raro being exclusively domestic. If this robbery was carried out by outsiders then the authorities must be on the lookout for a group of highly trained idiots. If it was an ‘inside job’, any individual becoming immediately super rich would naturally attract attention. The idiot scenario again. As Alqueria has more idiots per square metre than anywhere else in western Europe, north America of course is another matter it is a good guess that the culprit is someone local. The Banco de Bolsillo-Profundo isn’t an institution of renown. Investment bankers aren’t exactly queuing for the benefit of its manager’s advice. Briefcase Frederico, the manager is to banking what Rasputin was to sobriety and clean living. Among his investment advice are such gems as the ‘Iberian Banana Straightening Company’, the ‘Little Ball, Big Ball, Bigger Ball Bearing Factory of Baghdad’ and ‘The Deep-Water Dredging Company of Addis Ababa’. His advice is universally ignored, he is merely the custodian of Alqueria’s printed currency. Now the bank was devoid of cash, Frederico seemed strangely relaxed. This didn’t last for long as Frederico was the prime suspect and rightly so. He had been using the bank as an extension to his own wallet for years in much the same way as politicians regard public coffers. He appears to have had the sense not to be too extravagant, either that or he lacked the necessary imagination to really enjoy the cash. He staged the robbery to cover his tracks and sold the money to a well known board-game manufacturer. The embarrassment of having the national currency used to buy little plastic hotels and houses prompted the Alquerian authorities to cover up the incident. In an example to all European bankers they simply printed more money and restocked the vault. Everyone seemed happy with the solution apart from Briefcase Frederico. He left Alqueria and settled in Brussels, where he thought he would be appreciated.
And I am beginning to think she may have had something after all, because I blame those same weird members of the corduroy brigade for the oily red stains on my new shirt.
God knows how I am going to explain it to my wife; she hates washing and ironing at the best of times without having to repeat the process . . . ...And they were her sardines...
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
STANDARD CROSSWORD
coffee break
Across 1 Artist in front’s colourful arc (7) 5 Blokes return with English sister goddess (7) 9 In hippo, lion might find disease (5) 10 Brief moment up in Andorra explosion usually long and straight (5,4) 11 Carry upside-down creature and mother at Republican church (4-5) 12 Loft a two-timer one century (5) 13 Small, yet funny infection (4) 15 Might it amount to change? (8) 18 The East, without being torn asunder beneath the surface (8) 19 Must not initially point at journalist (4) 22 Surplus tax mixes with Queen (5) 24 Little creature would reportedly love you and me, and the French outside (9) 26 8 taps breaking food (9) 27 Cost of soft grain? (5) 28 Padre’s servant showing chest! (7) 29 Uneven surface at first newspaper in 7 (7)
16 Ascot I see strangely keeping your drinks warm? (3,6) 17 6 balls (American) in Gateshead employing too much (9) 20 Thoroughly acquainted with 5 English reds, sort of (6) 21 Slippery eel in 7 vegetable (6) 23 “Annoy”, as in “support” (5) 24 Conflict without drink - almost liquid (5) 25 Fickle person might hide outcast (5)
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
Down
8 A respirator (7) 9 Convertible car (6) 15 Assortment (9) 17 Longing for something past (9)
Down
18 Surgical procedure (9)
2 Not enlargement (9) 3 Evidence (5) 4 Burial chamber (9) 5 Your (archaic) (5) 6 Seeing (9) 7 Concepts (5)
19 Shot glasses (7) 21 Hate (6) 23 Alcove (5) 24 Proof of innocence (5) 26 Jewish teacher (5)
1 Overcharge Post Office in semi-riot (very loud) (3,3) 2 G.N. Elliott’s novel improperly obtained (3-6) 3 Flower toilet in British motorway (5) 4 Crew’s arm I adapted with offences in conflict (3,6) 5 City speed goddess? (5) 6 A new hotel taken by Matthew Short with a new cocktail (9) 7 KO’d after quiet call (5) 8 Entice journalist into Sun (nearly) and church (6) 14 I reportedly initially love trees’ facial hair (9)
Very Hard!
SUDOKU PUZZLE CRYPTIC crossword
CROSSWORD
SOLUTIONS SUDOKU PUZZLE
Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.
1 Suggesting (14) 10 Sound (5) 11 A woman priest (9) 12 Diplomatic (7) 13 The joined continents of Europe and Asia (7) 14 Preen (5) 16 Craft (9) 19 Critical times (9) 20 Lust for wealth (5) 22 Boat in Venice (7)
25 Side-by-side (7) 27 Accompanying (9) 28 Radar echoes (5) 29 Design criteria (14)
HARD SUDOKU
Across
STANDARD SUDOKU
36
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37
motoring TEST DRIVE: Subaru WRX STi
There is a fundamental difference between men and women, aside from the obvious, of course. It is that both view cars in completely contrasting ways. Where lads have memories like Top Trumps cards, easily reciting top speeds and power, girls remember the size and colour. This becomes even clearer when I drive the Subaru WRX STi to the office. “Nice red car and I like the black alloys,” says a young female colleague. “Bet it’s a 2.5-litre with 300bhp,” adds the warehouse manager. I rest my case. It’s interesting that women seem much more interested in aesthetics. And they say men are shallow. On that point of design, the macho bulges such as the bulbous air vent protruding from the bonnet and the flared wheel arches are reminiscent of a bodybuilder’s flexed muscles. This is a far
more obvious muscle car than the Volvo S60 T6, which boasts similar performance but in a more understated package. The WRX feels like a motorist’s protection. Nobody is going to mess with you. This vehicle doesn’t need to be driven fast to be appreciated, either. Once you’ve stopped gawping at the dazzling exterior, the hard Recaro leather sports seats beckon. It’s a comfortable cabin, quite low down and wife Caroline mentions how front occupants have to be slim to be comfortable; too much weight and the Recaro
seats would not hug so well. At work the warehouse manager confirms this point, recalling how his mother could not sit comfortably in the family’s old Impreza and that was the reason it had to be sold. The Impreza became famous when Colin McRae won the world rally championship in 1995. The WRX builds on the Impreza’s successes - it is most definitely a young man’s car, which becomes clear on pressing the ignition switch. There’s a roar from the twin double exhausts not dissimilar to those magnificent Maseratis.
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
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It is a dominant sound, which certainly adds to the sporty feel and is something that enthusiasts will enjoy listening to instead of the radio. Moving off it takes a little while to familiarise myself with the clutch which doesn’t need to rise much for a gear change. The six-speed box is slick as you would expect. It features SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) that has three modes. The Sport Sharp is the most responsive and this is the mode for demanding driving, quite literally pushing occupants back into their seats. Sport makes the car a little less sharp while intelligent mode is for more restrained driving. In this mode the Boxer engine is docile and lethargic; I certainly prefer the Sport Sharp, which sees this brute shoot from 0 to 60mph in just 5.2secs and onto 158mph. All wheel drive is a definite reassurance and provides excellent road holding. As is the way with all performance cars the fuel gauge plummets during demanding driving
Antas
but it returns a reasonable 30 to 35mpg during a more relaxed motorway run. The handbrake close to the driver’s left hand side takes a little getting used to but it is actually a helpful position giving added control for hill starts. The WRX STi, which surprisingly sells for under £30,000, is not just a performance car but a practical family saloon as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. There is room for five and daughters Harriett and Heidi sit quite comfortably in their car seats in the rear. Childlock is easy enough to engage and the boot is large enough for the weekly shop
SPECIFICATION New price: £26,995 Engine: 2.5 litre 16 valve Power: 295bhp 0-60mph: 5.2secs Top speed: 158mph Economy: 26.9mpg Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz
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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
Compiled by Tony Matthews
sport shorts
• If Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid last night and Borussia Dortmund do likewise against Barcelona this evening, Wembley will stage the firstever all-German European/Champions League Cup final on 25 May. • Tomorrow, Chelsea (2-1 ahead) meet Basel in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. In the other semi-final Benfica trail Fenerbahce 1-0. • Important bottom-of-the-table battles this weekend feature Wigan (18th) v. WBA, Norwich (14th) v. Aston Villa (17th), Sunderland (15th) v. Stoke and West Ham v. Newcastle (16th) in the PL, while on the last day of the Championship, it’s Brighton v. Wolves (23rd), Crystal Palace v. Peterborough (21st) and Huddersfield v. Barnsley (22nd). • There are also four play-off semi-final first legs: Sheffield United v. Yeovil (Friday) and Swindon v. Brentford in FL1, and Bradford v. Burton and Northampton v. Cheltenham in FL2. • Gareth Bale (Spurs) is the 2013 PFA Footballer of the Year and Young Player of the Year. Only twice before has a player won both awards together - Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Gray. • Newcastle’s 6-0 defeat by Liverpool last Saturday was their heaviest at home (goals conceded) for 60 years, since losing 7-3 to WBA in 1953. • Manchester United can’t beat Chelsea’s seasonal record of 95 PL points after drawing 1-1 at Arsenal on Sunday. • Frank Lampard is now one goal behind Bobby Tambling’s Chelsea record of 202 with a penalty in a 2-0 win over Swansea. • QPR and Reading are officially ‘relegated’ from the Premiership. • Doncaster won the FL1 title after beating Brentford 1-0 with a 96th minute goal. The Bees would have topped the Division but missed a late penalty. • Motherwell will play in Europe next season after beating Celtic 3-1. • There’s an all-Welsh Conference play-off final at Wembley on Saturday with Wrexham playing Newport; the winners and Mansfield will replace Barnet and Aldershot in FL2 for 2013-14. • Liverpool’s Luis Suarez has been banned for ten matches for biting Chelsea star Branislav Ivanovic. • PSG’s David Beckham was sent-off six minutes after coming on as a sub against St Etienne last Sunday. • Ex-Stoke City star Paul Ware has died, aged 42. • Who will win the world snooker championship final on Sunday? Judd Trump perhaps. • Trainer Mohammad Al Zarooni from the Godolphin stable run by the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid El Maktoum, has been banned from racing for eight years. Fifteen horses under his control will not be allowed to run for six months. • The 2013 Heineken Cup final will feature two French clubs - Clermont against Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon. • Lancashire’s Jordan Clark has become the first Englishman ever to hit six sixes in an over, smashing 36 runs off Yorkshire spinner Gurhan Randhawa. Only four other cricketers have struck six-sixes in an over - Sir Garfield Sobers, Herschelle Gibbs (West indies) and Ravi Shastri and Yuvraj Singh (India). • Chris Gayle, has recorded the quickest century in cricket history, in just 30 balls, playing for Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier 20/20 League. Gayle also hit the highest-ever 20/20 score (175 not out). • Boxer Amir Khan returned to winning ways with victory over Mexican Julio Diaz at Sheffield. • Cyclist Chris Froome triumphed in Italy’s Tour of Romandia. • Rafael Nadal won the Barcelona Open for the eighth time in nine years. • GB’s sailors collected ten medals (three gold) in the World Cup Regatta. • The top earners in football (annual salary) are players Messi £27.5m, Beckham £26.2m and Ronaldo £24.3m and managers Mourinho £12.3m, Ancelotti £11.2m and Guardiola £7.8m. Beckham also tops the Sunday Times’ sport ‘rich list’ with a bank balance of £165m.
angling news Shore Fishing: I tried chucking a 110g stainless steel Dexter wedge between the chiringuito and start of the rocks on Macenas beach. I didn’t see a fish I’m afraid but at least this time the dogs stayed reluctantly by my side. I can tie a mono leader to braid mainline but 100 casts takes its toll on the knot and in the end me and my wedge parted company. There is a very special knot for this purpose that is only possible to tie if you have three hands or a useful little tool I know the tackle shop in Villaricos has, so it’s off there soon for me. ‘London Bill’ caught another sea bass from Macenas rocks, again on a small silver spoon. He also fished at Garrucha and caught various small bream and wrasse species, all too small to eat. Boat Fishing: ‘Pugwash Pete’ went out with his son ‘Landing net Joe’ and they positioned themselves opposite the Repsol garage where they caught lots of pickerel, mackerel and red snappers. I went out with ‘Orca Steve’ and was joined by ‘Chef Jeremy’ and his mate ‘Mojacar Peter’. The wind was off the sea but not too strong and we managed to drift fish for most of our trip. Drifting from 90 to 40 feet it was at 70 feet each drift we hit into massive shoals of small fish, mainly pickerels, pandoras, tiny weavers and red snappers. Steve caught a nice saddled bream and I had two octopuses. One I think Jeremy hooked a few minutes earlier but it fell off as he brought it to the surface, he wasn’t impressed. Jeremy also wasn’t impressed when after mentioning he has never caught a trigger fish one came to the surface, no doubt following the baits to see where they
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Marina Phoenix Golf Society Marina Phoenix played an individual
stableford on Monday 22nd April with Jarlath Staunton making the adjustment from Irish conditions to win in Spain with 38 points, Frank Varey (35) was second on countback from Ali Mahmud (35). Thursdays team competition was best two to count, played in threeballs. The weather was less than perfect but all the teams managed to dodge the worst of the rain to finish. 1st John Lally, Steve Dimmock and Jim Budd 78 points 2nd Linda King, Maurice Walsh and Jarlath Staunton 73 points 3rd Margaret Budd, Brian Mayhew and Ali Mahmud 71 points Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882
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beachcomber john
were coming from. It was interested in the plastic bead on my line and so I reeled up quickly and presented it with a choice of hooks baited with raw prawn. After it stole the first piece of prawn its confidence got the better of it and it took the 2nd hook. Within two seconds it was in the boat for a quick photo and not only because it was a bit small it caused so much name calling from Jeremy and satisfaction on my part it had to go back like the two octopus before it. Jeremy was chuffed to catch a new species, a wide eyed flounder. See photo of me with one of my octopuses. It was nice to see a couple of dolphins between the harbour entrance and the Repsol garage. Coarse Fishing: Remember ‘Dangerous Brian’ who used to live in Mojacar? He’s kept on with his fishing hobby and is catching some nice carp in the UK. ‘Puentes Ray’ made visit to Puentes on Friday with his friend John and it was a lovely morning, very warm with the water still dropping. They fished Ray’s favourite spot and tactics was swim feeder with size 14 hair rig and sweetcorn as bait. John fished a Polaris float using a 12 foot match rod and they started getting good bites within 10 minutes.
By 11am they had 32 carp in the net and lost lots due to snags and John had one nice carp around 5lb. The weather continued to be warm but comfortable so there was no need for brolly. Things slowed down during the afternoon but by 7pm they ended up with 57 carp and 2 barbel. Fish were generally in the 1-2lb range which is smaller than usual from this spot but nevertheless a great days fishing. Two matches fished on Pedrera Lake in Murcia were won with weights of 71lbs and 39lbs, weights are improving. The Albox fishing club meets every two weeks or so at Bar Wassy. For details of the next meeting tel Sid 634 313 650. For up to date information on any of the above see men 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. You can also contact me on Facebook @ ‘John Beachcomber Mojacar’. Tight lines, Beachcomber John
39
ALBOX, ARBOLEAS, ALFOQUIA ROQUETAS, ALMERIMAR coastal & mojacar areaS EDITOR: editor@soltimes.com ~ DESIGN:production@soltimes.com
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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Restaurant Bar
Warm and Friendly Atmosphere
still the best Sunday roast in town from 3.50€
Homemade yorkies, roast potatoes, fresh vegetables. All meats carved to order.
Sunday roast now served with
6 vegetables
Also The original Sunday roast Tapas
Every tuesday evening authentic indian curry night
All curries individually cooked 2 courses from 7€ Super Saturday Evening summer Special €4.00
¼ Roast Chicken, Chips and Salad or Scampi, Chips and salad plus free glass of Cava or Bottle of Carlsberg Served 7pm – 10pm
C/Sierra Nevada, 23, Roquetas de Mar
Tel: 656 421 996 (Clive) or 661 165 540 (Lesley) reservations RecommendeD
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pool table
recommende d on
trip advisor
darts board
Yvonne, Dave & John Welcome you to
Y.Da.Wakes
help for heroes Bingo Monday 8.30pm
total from table top, book & collossal cake sale 268€ giving
grand total of 487€ to date thanks to all who helped with the baking, helped on the day or came along.
next event june to be advised shortly
ALL LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE
2 for 1
all day every day on Local Spirits & Mixers, Wine and mahou Bottles
new revised menu ask for details
opening hours: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Friday 11am - 3pm and 6.30pm - late Saturday 11am - late. Sunday 12 noon - 7pm. Closed Thursday. Avenida Playa Serena 142, Roquetas de Mar 04740 Tel: 634 322 644
La bodeguina open from 11am Thursday to Tuesday
free
(closed Wednesday)
Breakfast
served 11am - 2pm €2.95 10 different tapas available every day served from 12noon to 6pm Calle Sierra Nevada, Roquetas De Mar Tel: 633 376 541
welcomed by Bernard & Ralf
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 Cardies On the sea front next to Popeyes Bat
monday - games from 2pm kaluki, backgammon, draughts etc come along & join the fun tuesday - bingo wednesday - quiz night friday - fish & chips served til 5pm saturday curry night €7.50 sunday lunch
Tel: 950 179 272
CHAPLINS pub 27 CALLE SIERRA NEVADA, 200M FROM diver HOTEL ROQUETAS
live football / outside tv / air con / free WI-FI HOMEMADE FOOD DAILY
friday Fish & chip shop day WEDNESDAY RIBS 5.95€ Friday 9.30ish General Knowledge quiz FRIDAY FISH’N’CHIPS 3.95€ BEST IN TOWN saturday night saturday night 1€ drinks plus buy one buy one get one free meals get one free meals guinness & john smith on Booking advisable wednesday & friday draught Tel: 950 335 022
Mob: 618 824 368
Open:1pm until close tuesday to sunday from 5pm monday “open as advertised”
902 750 190
lunchtime & early evening menu €3.95
Including ribs & giant prawns (from 12.30pm - 3pm & 7pm - 8.30pm) Our usual a la carte menu also available
www.soltimes.com
Lady Lay