Roquetas News R361

roquetas & almerimar

SolTimes issue 361

31 OCT - 6 NOV

est. 7 yrs

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‘day of the dead’ pg 24

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

lights cancelled as hurricane ‘Sandy’ hits east coast of USA

The arrival of hurricane “Sandy” on the east coast of the USA has forced airlines to cancel nine flights between Madrid Barajas and airports in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Boston.

A statement from Spanish airport authority AENA this morning confirmed the cancellation of nine of the 16 scheduled between Madrid and the USA, including six to New York, one to New Jersey, another to Philadelphia and one more to Boston.

In addition, a flight between Newark (New Jersey)and Madrid Barajas has also been cancelled.

AENA recommended any passengers due to travel today

TONIGHT

or tomorrow to any of these destinations to contact the airline concerned.

Weather forecasts suggest that hurricane “Sandy” will reach the New York area this evening. The city has been practically paralysed by the storm threat, with buildings evacuated, public services and institutions shut down, the stock exchange suspended, etc.

The states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have initiated emergency procedures, including mobilizing military units, in order to minimise the consequences of the storm.

Gales and sub-zero temperatures give way to warmer climates

Parts of the Valencia province, including Requena and Ontinyent, saw night temperatures of 2ºC – lower than they have been since the beginning of February.

Daytime temperatures remained at around 18ºC across the Comunidad Valenciana, but early-

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Suicide numbers rocket due to financial crisis

Mental health experts have warned of the sharp rise in suicide attempts as a result of the financial crisis, leaving people facing job loss and repossession.

In 2010 alone, a total of 3,158 people successfully committed suicide, although this does not take into account the many thousands more who attempt it every day due to very real money worries.

Italy and Greece are seeing the same trends, with a case of a man in his 80s having committed suicide earlier this summer in Greece due to his home being on the repossession list.

Although mental health workers say there are usually other circumstances or existing depression which leads people to take the final, tragic decision, the financial crisis in southern Europe has led to an increase in deaths through suicide and incidences of depression in previously healthy people.

Isolation and loneliness are also major factors in suicidal thoughts, say psychiatrists.

As a result of the recent suicide in Granada, opposition

members of the central government have been pushing for laws covering repossession to be ‘urgently’ reformed.

One idea is that those who face having to hand back the keys to the bank can do so in exchange for wiping out

Around 517 homes are repossessed every day in Spain, and the overall total has risen by 13.4 per cent in the past year.

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In the provinces of Castellón and Valencia, galeforce winds ripped up trees and tore tiles from roofs, and the thermometers plunged below zero in northern inland parts of the region.

morning readings were as low as 10ºC even on the coast. Nobody has been reported as injured in the gales, although walls and billboards have come down.

Firefighters were called out on numerous occasions on Sunday night between 20.00hrs and 02.00hrs, mostly in Vinaròs, Benicàssim and Peñíscola (Castellón) to deal with incidents such as billboards falling and crushing parked cars, fallen trees cutting off roads and damaging property and parts of roofs crumbling away. From Monday, however, the mercury will rise once again everywhere in the country except for the Pyrénées, according to the State meteorological agency, AEMET.

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Winds of over 120 kilometres per hour and temperatures in minus figures hit the east coast of Spain this weekend, although the weather is expected to get warmer from Monday onwards.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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Unemployment Reaches New Record High

Unemployment figures reached a new record high of 5,778,100 people out of work in Spain; this figure has risen by 85,000 from last month.

The number of households where all the working-age adults are unemployed rose to 1,737,900 - its highest figure ever, and 200 more than in the previous quarter.

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The unemployment rate went up by 0.38 points to 25.02% for the third quarter of the year. This is the highest rate since comparable records began in 2001. Records dating back to 1976 suggest that Spain has never had such a high employment rate as the current one at any given time.

The drop in employment rates has affected women in particular. The last quarter saw 75,500 women join the dole queues, compared with 9,500 men.

Duke of Palma was given 5€ million mortgage on salary of 36,000€

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It has been revealed that La Caixa granted Infanta Cristina’s husband Iñaki Urdangarín a 5 million euro mortgage in 2004, despite the fact that King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía’s son-in-law was only declaring an annual salary of 36,000 euros (a monthly gross salary of 3,000 euros).

According to a report in El País today, the Duke and Duchess of Palma requested the mortgage to buy their 5.8 million euro palacete in Pedralbes, a 600 square metre mansion with over 2,000 square metres of land in one of Barcelona’s most exclusive areas.

The house in Pedralbes was also, until recently, the official address of Urdangarín’s company Aizoon SL, but the Duke changed its registered address during the fraud investigations to avoid having it searched by police. The Duke and Duchess lived in Pedralbes until they moved to Washington,

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and have taken up temporary residence there again whilst preparing to move to more modest rented accommodation.

According to the bank documents, Urdangarin (pictured) had liquid assets to the tune of 1.3 million euros. As well as the annual salary of 36,000 euros, he also declared more than 52,000 euros in return on capital and a further 24,000 euros in share profits.

The year he was granted the mortgage was the same year the Duke and his ex-business partner Diego Torre signed lucrative contracts with the Nóos Institute. The Nóos Institute, officiallly a non-profit making organisation handling sporting events image assessment, was allegedly used to illegally line the pockets of Urdangarín and his ex-partner, who are accused of misappropriating public funds.

14 African Migrants Drown Trying To Reach Spain

At least 14 people have drowned after a boat carrying African migrants sank off the coast of Morocco today. The Spanish coast guard confirmed that a further 17 people had been rescued off the coast of Alhucemas.

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The ‘patera’ - a barely seaworthy, makeshift boat - set out from Nador in Morocco last Wednesday and was spotted about 30km off the Morrocan coast by a coast guard plane on Thursday afternoon. The Spanish newspaper El País said relative of one of the passengers had raised the alarm.

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The aircraft dropped an inflatable raft and some survivors managed to scramble on to it, the paper reported.

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Hundreds of would-be immigrants, fleeing poverty in their home countries, attempt the dangerous crossing from Morroco to Spain every year, often in basic boats, but many don’t survive the journey.

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A 54-year-old man facing imminent eviction has been found hanged in the patio of his home in the Chana district of Granada last Thursday.

A spokesman for the Granada police confirmed that “around 9am this morning the body of Miguel Ángel Domingo, born in 1959, was found hanged at number 15, Calle Arzobispo Guerrero, in the Chana district of the city”. The body was found in the patio of his home, which is opposite his brother’s fruit and veg shop.

The body was discovered by police who arrived at the man’s home at 9am to carry out an eviction order.

Police sources say an investigation into his death has been opened, although the working hypothesis is that it was suicide.

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Granada man facing eviction hangs himself

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

5

Ford to move Belgian production to Valencia in 2014

U.S. automotive manufacturer Ford today announced its decision to close its plant in Genk in eastern Belgium, which employs 4,300 people, and transfer part of its production to Almussafes (Valencia).

A statement from the company confirmed that Ford is in “a process of consultation in Belgium in relation to its closure plan for the Genk plant and the cessation of production of vehicles by the end of 2014.”

The plan provides for production of Ford’s next generation Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy to be moved to its plant in Valencia, and leaves pending a decision on production of the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, which could well be transferred from the Spanish plant to the one in Saarlouis (Germany) in 2014.

Smuggled cigarettes now account for 9% of market

Contraband tobacco appears to be back in fashion.

The price increases, the economic crisis and the latest judicial reform, which relaxes criminal punishment, means that the black market is booming again.

According to the Guardia Civil’s Fiscal Service only 0.4% of cigarettes smoked in Spain in 2009 were illegal; this percentage has now risen to 9%.

The data, however, does not suggest an increase in circulation of illegal cigarettes, but rather the amount seized. In 2009, the Guardia Civil and Customs officers seized 26.2 million packs, but in 2010 the figure dropped to 22 million, and in 2011 was only 13.5 million. In the first half of 2012 there has been a strong rebound, with more than 9 million packs already seized - 30% more than the same period last year.

“There are many more people smuggling cigarettes, but on a much smaller scale” said a representative of the Guardia Civil. 70 people were arrested in 2009 and administrative charges were lodged against 752 more, whereas last year 114 people were arrested and files were opened on 2045 more. Meanwhile, Customs officials have already arrested 112 people this year (70% more than in 2011) and opened files on 6,278 small-time traffickers (35% more).

The crisis is not the only reason the number of offenders is on the rise. The last penal reform “has diminished the fear of criminal charges.” Since June 2011 smugglers have to be caught carrying goods worth more than 15,000 euros in order to face criminal charges. “This has caused many people to go back to

the black market,” they say.

Western Andalusia (on the border with Gibraltar), Catalonia (across the border with Andorra) and Galicia are the areas in Spain where more arrests occur. The phenomenon is especially significant in Catalonia, where about 40% of illegal cigarettes enter Spain. In Andalusia, meanwhile, police are beginning to uncover outlets in private homes and online distribution channels for illegal cigarettes.

Although the number of small-time smugglers is on the up, the huge shipments controlled by Chinese mafia continue to be the focus of arrests. Eight massive shipments were intercepted in Spanish ports last year. This false tobacco - “a health time bomb” according to the Guardia Civil - is still coming into Spain from China, Vietnam, The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ukraine and Turkey and is not to be confused with the genuine goods, being smuggled illegally over the border - 1.8 million packs from Gibraltar and Andorra in 2011.

Customs officers say that there has been “a radical change” in the destination of illegal tobacco entering Spain. Whilst two years ago over 80% of the cigarettes seized were destined for other EU countries, much of tobacco now entering Spain illegally is staying here for domestic consumption. This has led to increased smuggling of genuine cigarettes from Andorra or Gibraltar. This change in trend is supported by a decrease in sales of 9.73% in the first half of 2012.

The Belgian plant still assemble cars during 2013 and until the end of the manufacturing cycle, before production of the Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy moves to the Almussafes plant in Valencia, confirmed FGTB union representative, Rohnny Champagne .

The union said that “the closure of the factory could take place in late 2013 or early 2014, depending on the time necessary to complete the final assembly line planned.”

In his statement, Ford states that the cessation of production in Belgium is expected “by the end of 2014, subject to the outcome of the consultation process with employee representatives. If the plan is confirmed, the production of several vehicles will be reassigned to other plants across the EU to increase their use.”

According to Ford, this plan will help address the issue of overcapacity due to the more than 20% drop in demand witnessed by the entire automotive industry in Western Europe since 2007.

Sales of new vehicles in Europe have reached their lowest level in 20 years and are expected to remain the same or decline further next year.

“The proposed restructuring of our manufacturing operations in Europe is a key part of our plan to strengthen Ford’s business in Europe and return to the path of profitable growth,” said President and CEO of Ford Europe, Stephen Odell, in his statement.

He also said that the company “understands the potential impact this action may have on our staff in Genk, their families, our suppliers and the local community.”

“We fully recognize and accept our social responsibility in this difficult situation and, if the restructuring plan is confirmed, we will ensure that measures are taken to mitigate the impact for all affected workers,” he said.

Ford’s decision has not been well received by the Belgian unions, especially after Ford announced last month that would keep production of the Mondeo in Genk factory, which directly employs 4,300 people and, indirectly, about 5,000.

“The company has mentioned the economic crisis as a reason, but that’s nonsense. If these models are to be produced there (in Valencia), they can also can be made here,” said Champagne.

A representative of the CSC Metea union, saw the announcement of the address as “a bitter pill for the whole region and, particularly, for the affected workers and their families.”

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Valencia man throws himself Less Than Half Of Young off balcony to avoid bailiffs Spaniards Have Flown The Nest

A man is in hospital after throwing himself of the balcony of his second-floor apartment in Burjassot (Valencia) just before the bailiffs arrived to evict him from his property.

was also in the family home.

Local police officers in de Burjassot have confirmed that the incident occurred around 10.30am yesterday in the Nucli Antic district of the suburb.

Firefighters in the building adjacent to the block of flats in question were on the scene immediately to give first aid to the man, before transferring him to the city’s La Fe hospital, where he is believed to be in a stable condition.

When the bailiffs, accompanied by the local police, arrived to evict the family and repossess their property, the man, thought to be around 50 years old, threw himself off the second-floor balcony.

Sport

His wife, who is suffering from depression, was in bed, sedated, at the time, and one of the couple’s children

Police sources have confirmed that the man landed on his feet but then fell and bashed his head and was found semiconscious on the ground below.

In Granada yesterday, the body of a 53year-old man was found in the patio of his home. He had hanged himself just an hour before the bailiffs came to evict him from his home, which he had taken a 240,000 euro mortgage out on in 2007.

These latest figures come from a study on ‘Youth and Emancipation in Spain’, conducted by the Foundation for Help Against Drug Addiction (FAD), and Caja Madrid.

The study showed that of all Europeans, young Spanish people are the ones who take longest to become independent, leaving home at the average age of 29.

Women are slightly more likely to leave home than men, with 51.1% of the total percentage of emancipated young people being women.

However, half of young people between 18 and 34 have not yet taken the step to live on their own, most of them blaming youth unemployment, which has reached 52.1% in Spain, compared with less than 8%

Neater Heaters succeed where other heaters fail

By Tony Sim, from Neater Heater It is very obvious the more customers we deal with, that, in this economical climate, people are rightly concerned about getting value for their money when buying heaters.

The main question is: “Why Neater Heaters and not another type?

I can only think of reassuring people that Richard and I both started out as consumers ourselves. My first winter, I think, reflects the experiences of most people.

Having survived the initial shock of our first cold-snap in Spain, Cathy and I realised that winters here were serious and that we needed to defend ourselves better against them.

Like most people, we started with Gas Estuffas which I wasn´t too happy about as they stipulate that they should be used in a well ventilated area. We then looked into central heating, and soon realised that the installation cost was too much for us. That left electric heaters. We investigated the lot, and tried a few. It became obvious that the mediocre-to-good ones were seriously expensive and that the ones we could afford were seriously rubbish.

Anyway, we eventually installed an electric heater in our son´s bedroom. It was a flat paintable panel that was pitched to us as being a heater that was very economical to run. Neither of these statements was correct. I certainly wouldn´t call it a heater, and it was irrelevant whether it was economical or not!!! My son’s room was too cold for him to concentrate for long on his homework, so he had to do it in the living room disturbing us in the process.

Then we accidentally discovered these super Norwegian Heaters made by BEHA. We put one in my son’s room and it was life-changing for me, let alone him. He no longer felt as if he was being banished to an igloo, and I could now watch telly because he was doing his homework – in his room! As for the cost of running them? They were actually cheaper to run than the “Eco” heater-that-wasn´ta-heater, which was now on the tip.

Very soon we were asked to get some for our friends Richard and Nikki, then my mate Hugh wanted some, then Nikki’s brother..... soon we realised we had our hands on something that lots of people wanted, but didn´t even know existed. That was when Richard and I had our Victor Kiam moment. Remember him? “I was so impressed I bought the Company!” The rest, as they say........is History.

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Only 45.6% of Spaniards between the ages of 18 and 34 have left home, and although this is due, in part, to the difficult economic climate, there are also cultural reasons for putting the quality of life they have with their parents above independence.

in Germany.

House prices were also blamed by those surveyed, with property having risen way beyond its real value inthe past decade, meaning people would have to take on impossible mortgages in order to buy a home. Renting does not seem to be an easy alternative for young adults either.

According to the study, young people have to spend an average of 42% of their salary on rent and only 55% of them can meet their expenses. In addition, the 78.95% of young people living with their parents would prefer home ownership, compared to 16.7% who would opt for renting a home.

The country’s culture, with its traditional family model, also has a lot to do with why young Spanish stay at home for so long.

Parents are in no hurry to shoo their children out of the nest, and most young people see little point in leaving the parental home if this means taking a dip in their standard of living.

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Banco Santander has announced a net profit of 1.8 billion euros for the first three quarters of the year, 66% less than last year, after taking provisions for bad property loans.

The bank’s total exposure to property risk fell by 5.5 million over the past nine months and now stands at 26.5bn euros.

So far this year Santander has set aside 3.5bn euros for provisions for property losses - a problem facing all Spanish banks.

“The bank’s capacity to generate profit enables us to set aside hefty real estate provisions in Spain in 2012 and significantly increase non-performing loan coverage,” Santander chairman Emilio Botin said.

Loans grew in emerging markets such as Latin America and Poland and declined in economies that are “deleveraging” that is, cutting down on debt - such as Spain and Portugal, the bank added.

According to a recent independent audit, Spain’s banks will need an injection of 59.3bn euros to survive a serious downturn, but Santander - along with six other banks - was found to have no need for extra capital.

The Spanish government is still hoping to avoid requesting a bailout from the eurozone rescue funds, but many think this is inevitable.

Congress’ protest passes off peacefully

Thousands of people gathered in front of the Congress building in Madrid again last Tuesday night to protest against government spending cuts.

The protest, which began at 5.30pm and ended at 10pm, was called to coincide with Tuesday’s evening’s debate of the general budgets for 2013, passed off without incident The “Occupy Congress” protest was the fourth organised by the 25-S protest group in the past month and drew over 5,000 participants according to the organisers (although the Madrid authorities put the figure closer to 2,000).

The barriers erected by the police to prevent the protestors from gaining access to the Congress building itself were quickly covered with posters and banners criticising the politicians for their mismanagement of the economy and lamenting the fact that the man in the street is paying for mistakes by the governement and the major financial institutions.

There were no reported clashes with the police and MPs were able to leave the Congress building without incident at the end of the debate.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Voodoo symbols spring up in Madrid

Remains of voodoo rituals in the form of animal remains and improvised altars with melted candles on them, are springing up all over public parks and gardens across the capital, including the Retiro, Madrid-Río and Casa de Campo.

According to a report by thinkspain. com. municipal cleaners and locals confirm that there has been a huge increase in these remains lately “most of all on Mondays, after the weekend”.

“I was walking my dog when I saw a cow’s tongue with voodoo needles stuck in it hanging from a tree in the park next to the Cathedral,” said Almudena Montero, a local resident who decided to photograph the macabre discovery when she spotted it a few weeks ago.

Luis Victorero, who lives in Chamberí, had a similar experience. He found a “dead hen with its legs tied together and its head missing” and complained that it was “the second time it had happened”.

“These are things that affect the locals and people’s ability to live together in harmony, so it’s important to demand means of exercising control and to increase vigilance in those areas where these practices are going on”, said

the Regional Federation of Residents Associations in a press release in an open letter to the authorities.

The police - who have also confirmed the increase in these practices - say they know who the culprits are: African and Latin-American immigrants who are trying to scare their victims. “It is very common amongst mafia, they use it for extortion; especially to put the frighteners on Senegalese, Nigerian or Brazilian prostitutes, who believe in voodoo and santería, and its potencial influence over their families”, say the police. It is also used as a threat against as anyone who has a debt with the pimps.

According to the experts in voodoo and Cuban santería, the choice of location is no coincidence. Many of these practices require “dead” ground as public parkland is known in these circles in order to bury or display their offal. At other times they choose cementeries or flowing water - there are regular complaints about similar findings along the Manzanares river. Other groups, like those who belong to ancient Celtic cults, meet on nights with a full moon at the Casa de Campo.

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European ash tree fungus seen in UK

A disease that has the potential to devastate the UK’s ash tree population has been recorded for the first time in the UK’s natural environment, according to a report by the BBC. Chalara dieback, caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea, was confirmed at two sites in East Anglia. Until now, the disease had only been recorded in a few nursery specimens.

Ash trees suffering with C. fraxinea have been found across mainland Europe, with Denmark reporting the disease has wiped out about 90% of its ash trees. Experts say that if the disease becomes established, then it could have a similar impact on the landscape as Dutch elm disease had in the 1970s. This outbreak resulted in the death of most mature English elm by the 1980s. Elms have recovered to some extent, but, in some cases, only through careful husbandry.

The East Anglia outbreak was confirmed by plant scientists from the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) at the Woodland Trust’s Pound Farm woodland in Suffolk, and Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Lower Wood reserve, in Ashwellthorpe.

In a statement, the Trust said that the fungal infection had been found in “mature ancient woodland and woodland creation areas on our estate”.

It added: “We are currently carrying out further investigations at other sites.”

Visible symptoms include leaf loss and crown dieback in affected trees, and it can lead to tree death. In Europe, affected trees are not just in woodlands but are also being found in urban trees in parks and gardens, and also nursery trees.

Chalara dieback of ash has been listed as a quarantine pathogen under national emergency measure and the Forestry Commission has produced guidance, including help on how people can identify possible signs of infection.

John Milton, Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s head of nature reserves said that “it is likely we will now see further cases. Tracking the disease is going to be difficult with the imminent autumnal leaf fall, so the true extent of the disease in the UK may be difficult to establish until the spring,” he said.

Experts are urging people to report suspected cases of dieback in order to prevent the spread of the disease to the wider environment becoming established.

A government consultation on whether to ban imports of ash trees in the UK is set to close on Friday, and it is widely expected that legislation will be passed in time for a ban to be in force by mid-November.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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Described as everything from mummy porn to holidays from husbands, steamy romantic novels are breaking records. Bored housewives are switching television sets off and switching on the bedroom light. Modern mums have their heads deep in fantasy romance; latest reports suggest they prefer reading about it to actually doing it.

EL James x-rated novel, Fifty Shades of Grey is now the fastest selling paperback since records began.

UK sales eclipsed sales records set by J.K Rowling and Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown.

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The pursuit of easy money, he adds, is not fuelling the urge to get it down in writing. Most new authors are motivated by the need to get their life odyssey in print; if it becomes a blockbuster it is the icing on the cake. “Erotic fiction ticks more boxes”, he adds: “It is easier to write and the sales and money making potential is greater.”

Author EL James, a 49- year old mother of two, whose real name is Erika Mitchell, describes her books as romantic fantasy. Her novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, the first of a trilogy is about a decadent self indulgent relationship between a young inexperienced female and her rich older lover. It has so far sold 32 million copies.

Article by Michael Walsh - Professional Editing and Ghost-Writing Awarded ‘Writer of the Year’ - www.michaelwalsh.es

WARNING TO MOTORISTS

We received an email from a reader that stated several motorists have experienced the following problem during the Autumn of 2012 on the M50 near Madrid airport.

Three men, Spanish looking, flag you down or approach you when you are parked.

They are in a small car. One gets out and flashes a wallet (as though Police, although not in uniform) and in English asks you to roll down your window and produce your passport. He says they are looking for counterfeit 50 Euro notes. They want to look in your hand baggage. It’s a ruse. They will take your passport and handbags and drive off.

If you are stopped by these men, pick up your phone and dial 119. Say you have been approached by men saying they are Police and give your position. If they really are Police they will wait for the confirmation. If they are not – when they see you dial – they will take off.

Keep your doors and windows closed. Don’t get out, even if they say you have a flat tyre. That’s another ruse they use.

These offences used to be confined to Barcelona area and the main roads down from France but can of course happen anywhere...

The cost of dying has got a lot more expensive – Or has it??

From 1st September the rate of IVA (vat) charged by Funeral Directors rose from 8% to 21% so an average funeral cost here in Spain will be in the region of 4840 €.

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With prices starting at just 2995 € and IVA FREE, less does equal more. Therefore it makes so much sense to protect your loved ones by investing in a guaranteed funeral plan from Iberian.

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Visitors

Well after several weeks our visitors have finally gone. I am sure most people would agree that they are usually ok for a few days, but weeks “No”. The first two arrived in the middle of May, then three more in June. We should be pulling our hair out and be nervous wrecks but no we are very sad.

It started in May when the visitors, two beautiful Red Rumped Swallows, started to pay attention to an outside ceiling light as we sat on our sheltered patio. They soon ignored us and started to build their new home of mud and spittle. It was a marvellous sight to watch the construction take place, bit by bit the nest of mud developed. They took three weeks to complete the nest with an entrance tunnel and soon started a family.

Three fledglings were born and our fascination grew as they continually fed the young birds until they encouraged the fledglings to leave the nest. We watched them learn to fly. That was that we thought, wrong, each night both parents and fledglings returned to the nest as dusk fell.

Another surprise came with each nightly roost. When the family were all in the nest there was a few seconds of chatter as they all said goodnight to each other.

What a delight it has been since the middle of May as we sat just two metres from the nest to see these happy creatures. They left us on 6th October. We never had to feed them, make the beds, and pay for meals. We just hope they return in the spring.

David & Joyce, Los Garcias

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Albox RBL Annual General Meeting 2012

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of The Royal British Legion Albox Branch BR3564 is called for Thursday 15th November 2012 commencing at 11 am At La Parrilla Hotel & Restaurant, Albox.

An AGM pack consisting of Nomination Form will be available from either of the following: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/albox or the Secretary, Filip Ostrowski (contact details;- Filip Ostrowski - Hon Secretary Email: ossiesinspain@ yahoo.co.uk tel: 950 066 037).

Our Branch has 4 Officers; Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Sec, Hon Treasurer and a Maximum of 12 Committee Members whose roles are agreed at the first Committee meeting following the AGM. All appointments are elected yearly at the AGM.

Nominations Received to date; (a full list will be available at www.britishlegion. org.uk/branches/albox): Chairman - Peter Phillips; Treasurer - Elsa Brannan; Secretary - Filip Ostrowski; Committee - Marianne Pearce; Committee - Bob Cowan; Committee - Sandra Tucker; Committee - Elizabeth Hartley; Committee - Julia Deneen; Committee - Roy Edkins; Committee - Sarah Edkins; Committee - Ella Dring; Committee - Carole Maneely.

An election by ballot will take place for the following reasons 1) If more than one nomination is received for any Officers Position 2) If more than 12 nominations are received for Committee Members 3) If more than 2 nominations are received for Branch Delegate.

Chairman Chris Pearce said “Members will be aware how important an effective committee is to the efficient running of the Branch. Whilst we have been very fortunate in getting volunteers to serve on the committee over the years, some important vacancies now exist and we really need people to come forward to help out.

The specific roles that need filling are:

Assistant Treasurer: We need someone who has some interest in managing accounts to assist our current Treasurer, Elsa Brannan, and stand in for her when necessary.

Press Officer: This is someone who can write up short and punchy press releases for the local press. These have an enormous impact on our recruitment.

Vice Chairman: This is as it suggests someone to help the Chairman in the day to day running of the Branch.

These are only brief descriptions of what is required. The roles need not be onerous, and can, in fact be quite rewarding.

Please contact me at hello@chrispearce.co.uk or telephone me on 630 56 26 18 if you are interested in any of these roles and I can give you more information.

Alternatively talk it over with an existing committee member.

5€ entry

9

F.A.C.E. Appoint New Vice President

F.A.C.E (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring For Everyone) are pleased to announce the appointment of Carrie Green as their new Vice President, with immediate effect.

Carrie was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, She was an ABTA trained travel agent and as part of her career she was fortunate in the fact she was able to travel all over the world.

She first moved to Spain in March 2000 with her partner Keith. She became involved in the first MacMillian Coffee Morning held at Los Garcias in September 2003, and has been involved in fund raising ever since. She has been a devoted committee member from the outset, and has greatly assisted with the development of F.A.C.E. Ever since that first charity event, which was held in gardens in the neighbourhood of Los Garcias.

A keen devotee to Line Dancing, Carrie not only organises a dance class at Jack’s Bar (Formerly Bar Rumores) in Albox, but she is also the leading light and choreographer for Line Dancing Group “Carrie’s Dusty Boots” which performs at various charity events throughout the region.

Carrie also works for the Almería Angels, and with what little spare time she has left she enjoys making jewellery and geo-caching.

For further information on F.A.C.E. And its members, please visit our website www.facecharity.com Report Tolman

by

Richard

B.

For further information on F.A.C.E. please contact Adele Wrigglesworth on 667 255 094 Photo - Carrie Green

10

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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Thursday

SEND YOUR EVENTS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

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

R U O H G N I H C T I W E BEWARE TH iT’S ‘ALL HALLOW’S EVE’ ON 31ST OCTOBER - THERE’LL BE PUMPKINS & WITCHES & TRICK & TREAT...BUT WHY?

Halloween is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, whose original spelling was Samuin. The name is derived from Old Irish and means roughly “summer’s end”. A similar festival was held by the ancient Britons and is known as Calan Gaeaf.

and represents a Scottish variant of the fuller All-HallowsEven (“evening”), that is, the night before All Hallows Day. Up through the early 20th century, the spelling “Hallowe’en” was frequently used, eliding the “v” and shortening the word.

The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half”, and is sometimes regarded as the “Celtic New Year”.

Development of symbols and folklore associated with Halloween formed over time encompassing customs of medieval holy days as well as contemporary cultures. The souling practice of commemorating the souls in purgatory with candle lanterns carved from turnips, became adapted into the making of jack-o’-lanterns. In traditional Celtic Halloween festivals, large turnips were hollowed out, carved with faces, and placed in windows to ward off evil spirits.

The carving of pumpkins is associated with Halloween in North America where pumpkins are both readily available and much larger – making them easier to carve than turnips.

Many families that celebrate Halloween carve a pumpkin into a frightening or comical face and place it on their doorstep after dark.

The imagery of Halloween is derived from many sources, including national customs, works of Gothic and horror literature (such as the novels Frankenstein and Dracula), and classic horror films (such as Frankenstein and The Mummy).

Elements of the autumn season, such as pumpkins, corn husks, and scarecrows, are also prevalent.

Halloween imagery includes theme of death, evil, the occult, magic, or mythical monsters. Traditional characters include ghosts, witches,skeletons, vampires, werewolves, demons, bats, spiders, and black cats. Black and orange are

The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through.

The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm. In Scotland the spirits were impersonated by young men dressed in white with masked, veiled or blackened faces. Samhain was also a time to take stock of food supplies and slaughterlivestock for winter stores. Bonfires played a large part in the festivities.

All other fires were doused and each home lit their hearth from the bonfire. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into its flames. Sometimes two bonfires would be built side-by-side, and people and their livestock would walk between them as a cleansing ritual.

Another common practice was divination, which often involved the use of food and drink.

The word Halloween is first attested in the 16th century

the traditional Halloween colors and represent the darkness of night and the colour of bonfires, autumn leaves, and jack-o’lanterns.

Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween in today’s society. The practice of dressing up in costumes and begging door to door for treats on holidays dates back to the Middle Ages and includes Christmas wassailing. Trick-or-treating resembles the late medieval practice of souling, when poor folk would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1), receiving food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2). It originated in Ireland and Britain, although similar practices for the souls of the dead were found as far south as Italy.

Shakespeare mentions the practice in his comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1593), when Speed accuses his master of “puling [whimpering or whining] like a beggar at Hallowmas.”

The custom of wearing costumes and masks at Halloween goes back to Celtic traditions of attempting to copy the evil spirits or placate them, in Scotland for instance where the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white.

Whatever you do for Halloween, take some photos and send them to us at editor@soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

11

From “that eccentric woman” to latter-day St. Francis! followed. They were a hard sell at first. There was considerable resistance in some quarters to bringing Spanish dogs into Holland, and network bosses initially didn’t want to know. But on the promise of a shoe string budget with little potential loss to the company, the first one was accepted - and the flood gate opened.

Belinda Meuldijk Duvall has been a household name in Holland for more than 40 years. A successful actress, song writer, novelist and biographer, she is first and foremost a passionate animal activist - with a particular interest in rescuing dogs from Spain.

Belinda’s interest in southern Spain stems from childhood days at her father’s Spanish farmhouse near Vera. Wim Meuldijk was himself an iconic figure in Dutch television, as the creator, writer and producer of the hugely popular children’s series Pipo the Clown, which ran for 22 years until 1980. Belinda made her screen debut aged 6 playing the character of Pipo’s daughter.

But her adult breakthrough came at 22 when she starred in Paul Verhoeven’s film Soldier of Orange.

That led to further television and film roles (including as one of Dracula’s daughters in a BBC production) but she was already branching out into the music world as a lyricist, marrying the Dutch pop star Rob de Nijs and writing several of his best-know songs. Not content with two successful careers, by the late 1980s Belinda was becoming more and more immersed in animal activism.

The gradual unravelling of the musical partnership and the marriage is one of the many painful stories she tells in a candid autobiography, ‘A Dog From Spain’, just published as an e-book on Amazon (see details at end of article).

It was the dogs themselves, and Belinda’s spontaneous reaction to them, who made the difference. Countless stories of dreadful cruelty and neglect, borne with a patience and absence of malice with which all dog shelter volunteers are familiar, won the hearts of many former sceptics. And the fact that Belinda was pouring so much of her own dwindling resources into the rescues seemed to transform her image from “that eccentric woman” into something akin to a latter-day St. Francis.

Her work for animals was at first largely on an individual basis, leading her father (also a dog lover) to remark prophetically “You can’t save them all, you know.” But that changed when she encountered what was then the small and rather hand-to-mouth PAWS animal shelter in Vera, Almeria.

PAWS was struggling to find homes locally for 40-50 dogs a year, but Belinda was one of the first to open the pathway to hundreds of dogs being transported each year to Holland and new homes there.

PAWS a month’s notice to quit its ramshackle premises on council land next to Vera cemetery.

Belinda Meuldijk had found not just a cause, but a campaign into which she could pour her formidable energy, and which could benefit from her star profile back home in Holland. The presence of retired BAFTA-winning producer Jim Franklin, married to one of PAWS main activists Janet, provided the final - and perhaps most important - piece of the framework to take the campaign on-screen in Holland.

Disaster struck PAWS in 2001, when Vera council gave

No less than four successful television documentaries

The book is a compelling read, and it takes advantage of the electronic form to include several excerpts from the documentaries. At times disorganised and skipping from one episode to another with few signposts, it is never dull. It is probably an accurate reflection of Belinda herself, a woman so driven by her passionate love of animals that this former showbiz star ended up homeless when she had to quit the marital home after her divorce from De Nijs.

The personal disasters she incurred are handled with such an engaging and self-deprecating humour that the reader is compelled to forgive her for other shortcomings which a publisher’s editor might have sorted out. Although writing in her second language English, the author of six books on animals, four novels and two biographies has most certainly not forgotten how to write.

You can order A Dog From Spain (cost less than 3 Euros) through www.adogfromspain.com

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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hope you Enjoyed the extra sleep when the clocks changed this weekend ... because it won’t last!

Scientists say the effect of the clock change wears off very quickly.

So while we might sleep extra well on Saturday night, thanks to the clocks going back an hour, we’ll be tossing and turning again within just a few days. In other words, our last good sleep of the year is just around the corner.

The warning follows a survey of more than 3,000 British adults which revealed that quality of sleep leaps as the clocks change in October.

Many people also feel happier and more energetic.

However, the benefits of the Sunday morning lie-in are shortlived, with quality of sleep quickly dropping off, leaving many people sleeping worse than before.

Asked how well they slept, the men and women gave themselves an average score of 5.4 out of ten ahead of the clock change.

This rose to 5.8 immediately afterwards, before dropping to just 4.5. And as people struggled to sleep, tiredness and moodiness increased, the Great British Sleep Survey found.

Professor Colin Espie, founder of the sleep centre at Glasgow University, said: ‘Whilst the clock change may give some respite to poor sleep sufferers and a respite to those who already sleep well, these results suggest the effects are temporary. Once our bodies acclimatise to the new sleep schedule, sleep quality actually drops significantly. Our sleep is then likely to deteriorate further as the winter progresses.’

This is because as the nights get longer, we are tempted to go to bed earlier and get up later - and end up tossing and turning as a result.

The sleep survey was commissioned by Sleepio, an online programme designed to help people solve their sleep problems without resorting to pills. The £49.99 package, which has been shown to give results within just six weeks, helps people find ways of mentally processing the day’s worries before they turn in, in an attempt to stop their mind from racing when they are bed. It also helps people work out just how many hours of sleep they need to feel their best.

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What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the principle that there are reflex points in the feet and hands that correspond to all of the organs, glands and parts of the body. It is widely accepted in the UK and recognised by the NHS, many GPs and hospices.

Reflexology is not a beauty therapy or a foot massage. Reflexology is a unique method of applying pressure with the thumb and fingers to the reflex points on the feet and hands. There are approximately 7,000 nerve endings in the feet which feed information to the spinal cord and brain.

Stimulating these nerve endings brings about the relaxation response via the parasympathetic nervous system. This provides the right environment for change to take place. It enables a positive change in the body, helping to reduce stress and tension, improving blood supply and unblocking nerve impulses. It helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body, balances the body and calms the mind.

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COMPLETE DENTAL CARE English Spoken

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By Dr. Juan Cremades Direc ting Surgeon at Centro Dental Vivadent in VER A

Following illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of “imbalance”, and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. The application and the benefit of the therapy is specific to each individual. The reflexologist will detect imbalances in the feet and by working these areas can help relieve stress and tension, release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body.

The Benefits of Reflexology?

Reflexology may be beneficial for specific conditions and to promote general health and wellbeing. You don’t have to be ill to have Reflexology. With stress levels generally increasing as a part of every day life many people find Reflexology a way of helping to look after themselves.

Reflexology helps to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. It encourages the body to work naturally and restore its own healthy balance. It is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, for pregnant women and for helping to bring relief to many conditions. Reflexology: • Reduces stress and tension which are by-products of our modern lifestyle. (Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension) • Improves blood supply and circulation and promotes the unblocking of nerve impulses; helps eliminates harmful toxins from the body • Helps to achieve the natural balance within the body so you just generally feel more in harmony Most people will benefit from Reflexology. It is suitable for people of all ages and has proven beneficial for: • Stress and anxiety, as it provides deep relaxation • Fertility issues and during pregnancy • Addressing hormonal imbalances, particularly for women approaching and during their menopause • S leep disorders • Relieving headaches and migraines • Thyroid disorders • Clients living with cancer • Stress related digestive disorders • Acting as a general preventative therapy to help you look after your body and mind

Special November offer:

20€ per session or a course of 6 for 115€* *courses to be used within 3 month when booked at this price

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Holistic Massage Melissa 626 144 680

Beauty Therapy

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

A course of Reflexology is also available.

Almeria Angels Sandra 902 026 468

A Well-being Clinic is held once a month with Sandra a fully-qualified nurse. Book yourself in for a health “MOT”, this includes Blood Pressure, Mole Check, Breast Check, Urine Analysis as well as general health & medical advice, at only 12.50€ pp.

Reflexolgy with therapist Melissa

UK

qualified

1 hour session or discounts for a course of 6 sessions. 626 144 680

Ice White Teeth Mel with Sam

am & Mel use the latest revolutionary LED S technology, with no bleach or peroxide.

Relaxation Class – Liz 667 979 445

Join Liz Hill, our Yoga therapist, on Tuesday afternoons for her new relaxation class.

Laser Lipo

Help to shift those inches in a pain-free way with the Laser Lipo.

Melissa 626 144 680 Sandra 661 858 949 Our UK fully-qualified therapists are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9am to 1.30pm to pamper you… We offer a full range of Facials plus Waxing, Tinting, Manicure, Pedicure or a set of Gelish Nails from 15€! sandra

exclusive luxury treatments Elemis luxury Facials only

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1. What are implants?

Artificial biocompatible “roots” which are introduced into the jawbone to replace lost teeth.

Many dental professionals refer to them as the “third set”, following milk teeth and adult teeth.

2. When are implants considered?

The technique can apply to all patients who’ve lost one or more teeth and are looking for a permanently fitted solution. Implants can be used in both the upper and lower jaw, and even for people who’ve lost all their teeth.

3. Is it the only way to have permanently fitted teeth?

In many cases, yes. There are other situations where the specialist must evaluate the condition of the remaining original teeth, their distribution, their periodontal status, the patient’s bite and parafunctional status, as well as the patient’s eating habits and the intermaxial spaces.

4. Who can advise me?

In theory, any dental professional is prepared to give different alternatives to the patient’s problems, but the best advice is from a specialist.

The specialist works as part of a team to rehabilitate mouths. It’s not just a question of implant surgery. There’s also the decision as to what kind of prosthetics is most apt for the patient, the status of one’s dental hygiene, the provisional prosthetics to be used between visits (fixed versus removable), the esthetics dilemma during the process, how one’s speech is affected, the possible need for preliminary periodontal work (no mouth should undergo surgery without a preliminary periodontal evaluation), and the functional and esthetic expectations of the patient.

5. What does the treatment entail?

FIRST and foremost, we must listen to the patient and assess whether their idea is technically plausible. The diagnosis assessment involves little material and offers initial solutions inexpensively.

After the first diagnosis, if the patient is considering implants as a viable option, the next step for the specialist is a planned, individualised study and estimate.

Upon presentation of the study and approval of the patient, there may be a series of additional procedures required (blood tests, specific x-rays, etc) in order to consolidate the initial proposed treatment and reduce risks.

6. Is the treatment painful? Is it expensive?

In 90% of the cases, although tiring, there is no pain involved. The implant patients require many visits to the professional and the time span can be anywhere from 4 to 12 months, depending on the difficulty. For the 10% of the patients who have

pain, there are easy remedies if the professional is notified in time. It is very important to follow ALL of the professional’s recommendations; the patient will hence avoid complications.

As far as price is concerned, what is considered dear in Quality of Life? Nowadays, anyone can apply for a personal loan to acquire a plasma TV, a car, a trip to an exotic destination, etc. There are inevitably those who’re on a more restrictive budget. However, it’s not always the case of what’s more or less expensive, it’s more HOW one chooses to spend their money. There are people who prioritise a cruise over the status of their smile. It’s a personal decision.

7. How long do implants last?

This is usually the first question asked. The answer is simple: as long as you take care of them.

8)Can implant treatment cause other problems?

Implant treatment causes no more complications than any other dental treatment. In fact, dentistry offers one of the highest success rates in modern medicine. Problems are relatively few, and most can be resolved without complications. It is true, however, that 2 – 4% of the cases end with no solution.

9. My life with implants; what will it be like?

Once the treatment is over, and the adaptation period runs its course, the patient remarks no difference between the implants and his/her own teeth.

10. Do the implants require special care?

No. Only the basic care needed to maintain a healthy mouth with original teeth – brush three times per day, floss daily, dental revisions/hygiene twice a year, avoid hard, brittle foods, and beware of sweets when caring for biological teeth (sugar affects only one’s original teeth – the implants are not affected by sweets).

11. Are there any medical conditions which are non-conducive to implant treatment?

No. There are “higher risk” conditions (diabetes, blood thinners, osteoporosis, etc.), but those patients simply need to take special care, as in other aspects of their daily life. Surgically speaking, the specialist need only to take a series of precautions while operating, nothing more.

12. Is there an age limit to implants?

No one is “too old” for implants. One may be considered “too young”, however, if they haven’t developed their jawbone to adult size.

Elemis Body Treatments also available

A set of Gelish nails 15€

Hands and Feet only 25€ Lots of fabulous colours Shiatsu Therapy – Wendy

o you suffer with: Back/Neck problems, Stress/ D Insomnia, Headache/Migraine?

Shiatsu will help. Shiatsu therapy is very much hands-on, which promotes normal healing for general wellbeing. The recipient is treated fullyclothed. Wendy, fully-qualified in the UK, is available from 3pm.

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

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

Specialising in:

• Implants • Cosmetic Dentistry • Prosthetics • Orthodontics C/Alfarero S. Hernández 10, Vera. Opposite Health Centre

Tel: 950 390 655

Monday to Friday: 10am - 2pm & 5pm - 8.30pm

14

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

the danger of exposure to second-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke, such as that found in smoke-filled rooms or cars, can impair breathing within 20 minutes, new research suggests.

Even after just a few minutes of exposure, people exposed to the smoke showed near immediate physiological changes that caused their airways to narrow, making it more difficult for the body to take in the oxygen it needs.

Lead reseacher Panagiotis Behrakis, of the University of Athens, said: ‘Bars and cars are places where high concentrations of fine particles usually occur because of smoking.

‘Non-smokers are then forced to inhale extreme amounts directly into their lungs.

‘These results tell us that even a short exposure is indeed harmful for normal airways.’

Although exposure to second-hand smoke appears to be slightly less harmful than direct smoking, Dr. Behrakis believes second-hand smoking should be recognised as a global health issue.

He said: ‘Second-hand smoking is the most widespread form of violence exerted on children and workers on a global level. The whole issue needs to be recognised as a

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global problem of human rights violation.’

The British Lung Foundation says around 300,000 GP visits a year result from the exposure of children to second-hand smoke.

In order to test the effects of short-term second-hand smoke exposure, Dr Behrakis and his colleagues from the Harvard School of Public Health, exposed 15 healthy participants to air heavily concentrated with smoke particles within an exposure chamber - simulating a bar or moving car - for 20 minutes.

Results showed that short-term exposure to concentrated second-hand smoke significantly and immediately impacted participants’ airways, making them narrow and reducing the body’s oxygen intake.

The Greek study was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Commenting on the research, Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation said: ‘This research suggests that just a short exposure to concentrated second-hand smoke, of the kind you might experience when travelling in a car in which someone has smoked, can be enough to cause your airways to narrow, making it more difficult for your body to take in the oxygen it needs.

‘Findings such as these are of particular significance to children travelling in cars in which an adult has smoked, as their breathing is faster, their lungs and immune systems less developed, and the effects of narrowing likely to be greater on their smaller airways.’

This research is the latest in a series of studies into the short and long- term effects of passive smoke in confined spaces, which have united the medical community and charities such as the British Lung Foundation in calling for legislation to ban smoking in cars with children on board.

Dr Woods added: ‘Legislation is scheduled to be discussed in the House of Commons next week, and we hope MPs take this opportunity to protect the health of our children - just as they helped protect the health of adults in the workplace with the smoking ban in 2007.’

Last month scientists at Northumbria University reported that non-smokers regularly exposed to second-hand smoke were at risk of damaging their memory. The study was the first of its kind first to explore the relationship between second-hand smoke and memory problems.

They compared a group of current smokers with two groups of non-smokers - those regularly exposed to second-hand smoke and those who were not.

Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke forgot almost 20 per cent more than the non-smokers who were not exposed.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

15

The whale who learned to talk:

Noc’ could imitate a human’s voice and used an underwater microphone to make contact with scientists

A white whale which learnt to imitate the voices of humans may have been trying to make contact, scientists believe.

The male named Noc had a distinctly human-like voice, much to the surprise of scientists who previously thought whales typically produce sounds in a manner that is wholly different from humans.

Noc died five years ago after 30 years of living amongst dolphins and other white whales and being in contact with humans at the National Marine Mammal Foundation based in San Diego in California However, the incredible recordings of the whale were revealed for the first time as the team published their findings.

Sam Ridgway, who led the study, said: ‘Our observations suggest that the whale had to modify its vocal mechanics in order to make the speech-like sounds.

‘Such obvious effort suggests motivation for contact.’

Mr Ridgway and his colleagues first began to notice some unusual sounds in the vicinity of the whale and dolphin enclosure which was described a sounding as though two people were conversing in the distance in 1984.

The sounds were traced back to Noc after a diver surfaced from the whale enclosure to ask his colleagues an odd question ‘Who told me to get out?’

Although there has been other anecdotal reports of whales sounding like humans before, in this case Ridgway’s team wanted to capture some real evidence by recording Noc over the years.

The team built a special underwater listening platform to try and hear more ‘voices’.

It revealed a rhythm similar to human speech and fundamental frequencies several octaves lower than typical whale sounds, much closer to that of the human voice.

Mr Ridgway said: ‘Whale voice prints were similar to human voice and unlike the whale’s usual sounds.

‘The sounds we heard were clearly an example of vocal learning by the white whale.’

He said it was all the more remarkable because whales

make sounds via their nasal tract, not in the larynx as humans do.

To make those human-like sounds, Noc had to vary the pressure in his nasal tract while making other muscular adjustments and inflating the vestibular sac in his blowhole.

In other words, they say, it wasn’t easy.

The study ‘Spontaneous human speech mimicry by a cetacean’ are published in the latest issue of Current Biology.

‘Our observations of human voice mimicry began in May 1984 when a male white whale about 9 years of age at our facility in San Diego Bay spontaneously began to make such speechlike sounds,’ the researchers say.

The whale called ‘NOC’ was the youngest of three that

had been collected at Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in August of 1977.

At times, the speech-like sounds were heard from a distance when no humans were nearby, however most episodes were observed when humans were nearby on the surface or underwater.

Speech-like sounds were never observed in the two older whales that lived with him and they were not heard from NOC when he was interacting with other whales.

Observations of white whales in our care indicate that they are very vocal animals consistent with the many observations of these ‘sea canaries’ in the wild.

Sadly, after 30 years at the National Marine Mammal Foundation, NOC passed away five years ago.

But the sound of his voice lives on...

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

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

Q: I cannot pay my mortgage. My property is in negative equity (realistic market value 80000 euros with a mortgage of 130000 euros). What can I do?

A. In Spain when you sign a mortgage you respond not only with the property, but also will all your present and future assets (if the property does not cover the debt).

In other words, if you simply stop paying, the bank will put the property up for auction and if nobody buys it the property will be assigned to the bank for 60% of the valuation of the property. This means that the bank would take the property and you would still owe them a substantial amount of money.

What you need to do is offer the them a DACION EN PAGO. This consists in signing a deed in which you hand them back the property and the keys and they in exchange declare that the debt is cleared completely.

This is good for you because you do not need to worry about the bank knocking on your door in the u.k one day in the future demanding payment of the debt left after they took over the property, which in your case will be substantial.

It is good for the bank because it saves the cost and time of a court case. It also guarantees that the client will hand over the property in reasonable condition and not vandalised by an angry client loosing his house to a nasty bank. It is also seen as politically correct to accept DACION EN PAGO and in fact the government of Spain is recommending the banks accept them as a way of resolving unpaid mortgages.

Having said this, banks do not always accept signing a DACION EN PAGO but if you are in serious negative equity it is well worth a try as it could save you a serious amount of money.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFICIT: THE TAX AUTHORITIES ARE CHASING NON-RESIDENTS WHO ARE NOT PRESENTING NON-RESIDENT TAX RETURNS

Do not forget that if you are a non-resident of Spain (and you are making no income).

You must present a non-resident income tax return every year. It is obligatory, and if you are not doing so you must start. If you wish to receive a full explanation about this tax, please email me and I will send you the article.

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

property guide.... for sale

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Apartment For Sale on golf course

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

Fully legal with escritora must be viewed!

€39,950

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Apartment to Rent

Los Almendros –Valle Del Este-Vera

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Communal Pool 25 paces from front door Suit Professional couple, Tel: 44(0)1256 880048 Reference required Ask for Karen Winters Holding deposit required

TRADITIONAL ANDALUCIAN FARMHOUSE WITH

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18

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Albox RBL – Something Very Bazaar Is Happening Yet Again!

The Albox Branch of The Royal British Legion announces its Christmas Bazaar for 2012. It takes place at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday the 6th December 2012 at the usual venue of La Parrilla Hotel & Restaurant in the main square in Albox.

David & Jean Rham will be going round as usual for donations to the Tombola stall which is always a big hit with everyone attending.

Please be aware that David & Jean are the only persons who will be collecting and they will be happy to show identification if you are not sure. The Royal British Legion extends it’s thanks to all those generous with their donations now and in the past.

There are still eleven vacancies for stalls at this event, which always draws a large crowd of members, guests and members of the public.

Stalls may be booked for just 5 Euros by contacting the Social Secretary Bob Cowan on 608049490, but hurry as they are going fast. A list of stalls will be released nearer the time.

Prior to that, following the launch of the 2012 Poppy Appeal on the 18th October Albox RBL announce details of this year’s Armistice.

Chairman Chris Pearce said “Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. Every year at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month we remember the end of the First World War and all who gave their lives then and since (Armistice Day).

This year’s Remembrance service will be held on Sunday 11th November which this year is also Armistice Day. In Albox we hold our Remembrance Service at The Chapel in La Aljambra. We gather at 10.15 for a 10.30 prompt start. Following the service there will be a lunch at La Parrilla Hotel & Restaurant in the main square in Albox.

This will be ‘menu del dia’ and the price will be 10 Euros per person and tickets are required in advance. Everyone is welcome. We have a

small number of small wooden crosses that people can write names of loved ones on and place it at the base of the alter at the service.

They will be available at our coffee morning on 1st November from Jeff Hanson. Refreshments are available immediately following the service.

To get to La Aljambra from ´suicide corner´ in Albox turn right and follow the winding road through a couple of ramblas and take the left signposted turning to La Aljambra. You will find the chapel on the left hand side of the road.”

If you want more details or want to become a member and help with The Legion’s good work for British serving and ex-service personnel and their families (you don’t need to be ex-forces to join) go along to one of the meetings or contact the Chairman Chris Pearce on 630 56 26 18 email: hello@chrispearce.co.uk or visit the web site at www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/albox

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

property group Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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Bargain! 1 bed / 1 bath 1 st floor Apartment.

Build 50 m².New fitted kitchen. 5 minutes drive to all amenities. Ref. 1019

Bargain! 2 bed / 2 bath ground floor furnished Apartment. Build 62 m². Large back patio & underground private parking. Ref. 1496

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€110,000

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1 bed / 1 bath fully furnished Apartment with amazing sea views. Terrace & underground parking place. Lift & pool. Ref. 1017

€119,000

2 bed / 2 bath fully furnished Apartment close to the promenade. Private garage. Terrace: 40 m².

Communal pool. Ref. 1400

mojacar Playa

€125,000

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2 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage of 40 m².

Independent dining room. Large fully fitted kitchen. Plot 600 m². Ref. 1024

mojacar playa

€150,000

2 bed / 1 bath sea facing fully furnished Apartment with private underground parking.

Solarium & terraces: 74 m². Ref. 1130

3 bed / 2 bath fully furnished Townhouse in Al Andaluz Thalassa. Build: 89 m². Private gardens.

Near supermarket and Aquatic Park. Ref. 1026

2 bed / 2 bath sea facing Apartment within 2 minutes walk to the beach. 2 terraces.

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2 bed / 1 bath semi-detached Villa on plot of 246 m². Living dining room with fireplace. Roof solarium with sea views. Ref. 1052

3 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage. Plot 1081 m². Living / dining room with open fireplace.

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3 bed / 2 bath Villa with heated pool on 612 m² plot. Terraces, solarium and gardens. Central heating and A/C. Ref. 1420

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in & around spain

Frankie’s Garden

Los Picos de Europa Spain’s first National Park was classified as such in 1918 when don Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, helped establish the law to create Montaña de Covadonga National Park, which since 1935, has been called Picos de Europa National Park.

It is in the north of the Iberian peninsular, in the central section of the Cantabrian mountain chain and measures approximately 40km East to West and 20km North to South.

The scenery is spectacular; immense slopes and dramatic gorges, lush green valleys and beautiful forests, crystal clear streams and jagged peaks dominating the horizon. Added to this there is a wonderful variety of flora and fauna with vultures soaring in the skies and mountain pastures filled with a wealth of wild flowers and butterflies.

The region is also rich in culture, with a traditional style of farming and small stonebuilt settlements.

It is a Karst landscape, produced by the action of slightly acidic rain eroding the limestone and forming an underground drainage system. Above the 1,600-metre line there is virtually no surface water, just a dramatic lunar type landscape, with vast slabs of limestone and a sub alpine flora.

The “underground drainage system” means that there is a huge network of underground caves, some over 1,400 metres deep.

Below the 1,600m line the landscape is friendlier, with delightful mixtures of beech woods, limestone outcrops and idyllic mountain pastures.

Traditional farming methods move the cattle in spring from the lower valley settlements, (where they are over wintered), further and further upwards, following the melting snowline, to the high mountain pastures for summer grazing.

High summits alternate with deep gorges and canyons. There are 200 heights of over 2,000metres, and vertical drops of over 2,300m. Divided into three independent massifs known as The Western Massif (El Cornión), The Central Massif (Los Urrieles), and The Eastern Massif (Andara), these are separated from one another and the surrounding mountains by precipitous gorges carved out over thousands of years by the South-North courses of the salmon rivers Sella, Cares, Duje and Deva.

Due to its unique outstanding scenery, the Western massif was declared a national park first, then in 1995 the park was extended to include the greater part of all three massifs.

The famous Covadonga lakes are on this

massif, as is the Peña Santa de Castilla, with a summit of 2,596m. The largest and most varied of the three massifs, the summits intermingle with meadows, hillside forests, beech and oak groves and moors. The beautiful lakes of Enol and Ercina are close to the “Buferra”, the park information centre, a good starting point for explorers.

The Central Massif is the most abrupt of the three, and the greatest heights are here, with Torrecerredo (2,646 m), the highest summit in the Picos. The Central and Western massifs are separated by the mile-deep (1.5 km ) Cares Canyon (Garganta del Cares), with the village of Caín at its head. It is one of the most spectacular and popular walks in the Picos.

Bulnes, on the route to the famous Pico Urriello or Naranjo de Bulnes at 2,519m, was the last village with no external communication. In 2000, a funicular railway was constructed, until then access to the village was exclusively by a mule track.

Four rivers cross the area in deep gorges: la Hermida defile, with the river Deva; los Beyos defile, the river Sella; la ‘Garganta Divina’,(Divine Gorge) the river Cares, and La India defiles, the river Duje.

The easiest way in to the Parque is from Potes in Cantabria, a bustling tourist town.

Then drive to Fuente Dé and take the cable car up to 1,800m. However, the price for all this lush greenery is the humidity, frequent fog banks, constant rainfall, and snow during the winter months, which lingers perpetually on the highest peaks.

The remote and inaccessible nature of the landscape is perfect for the Cantabrian brown bears, Iberian lynxes and wolves; easier to spot are Cantabrian chamois, wild boar and roe deer. The forests of beech, oak, hazel, maple, chestnut and walnut trees offer habitat to choughs and buzzards as well as robins, coal tits and black woodpeckers - even the emblematic capercaillie can be seen.

So dig out your walking boots, head for the hills, and while you’re there check out the famous Queso de Cabrales, a piquant blue cheese, traditionally matured in the Picos’ caves.

QUESTION: I have been given a Gloriosa vine and know nothing about them. What can you tell me?

ANSWER: This plant is virtually unique in that it combines three unlikely characteristics - it is a tuber, it climbs and it is a lily.

Its flowers are brilliantly coloured with mostly scarlet petals, which have a golden base and gold margins.

Each flower has six petals and they turn back like a Turk’s Cap Lily with long stamens emerging at right angles to the flower. They flower from early summer to autumn chill and are truly spectacular.

Gloriosa grow to a height of around 6 foot and attach themselves by the leaves modified to tendrils!

Young plants take several years to flower but are well worth the wait.

They prefer early sun but do not like the baking mid day scorch and need to be sheltered from it.

Winter temperatures of no lower than a day time high of around 13 degrees are OK and they can tolerate summer heat providing you can provide the shade.

Watering is easy-peasy; water

sparingly when very young and first potted, freely in summer and reduce gradually to dry in autumn.

The one I grew in my garden in UK was fed a weak solution of tomato feed from late spring to early autumn when I used to bring it into the heated greenhouse.

If they receive too much moisture in winter cold the tuber will rot, similar to any other tuber.

So if you are in a place which gets extreme cold and wet you may need to dig it up and dry the tuber, store in a cool dry place until spring and then re-pot in a 6in pot, placing it upright with the top about 1inch below the surface of the compost.

When it is about 1 foot tall plant out in its summer home after the danger of frost and biting winds has passed.

I have never seen them on sale here in Spain and if you have one you are truly very lucky.

Sadly mine did not survive the long journey over when I first moved here!

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

21

WINTER WARMERS...

...top tips to help you keep the chill at bay! ...Eat and drink hot food and beverages regularly. They provide both warmth and energy at releatively little cost. ...Wear the most appropriate clothes this winter. Wear several thin layers rather than just one thick one - and make sure you always put on an extra layer when you venture outside. ...Wrap up warm in bed. Just because you’re in bed does not mean you don’t have to worry about what you are wearing.

Wear warm bed garments and if you can invest in a duvet with a higher tog rating. ...Make sure your home is the right

temperature. Somewhere between 21C and 24C (70-75F) is just right. Any lower and you’ll be too cold but any higher and you’ll be wasting money. ...Insulation in your home can really help to keep the heat in as well as keeping costs down. Hang thick curtains up over doors and windows and speak to consider getting your lofts and cavities insulated or if you can afford it get doubled glazing installed. ...Close your windows. It may sound obvious but a lot of people like to have a bit of fresh air in their home but it lets cold air in, hot air out and makes the heating

work even harder to try and warm your home - driving up costs. ...Shut the doors to any rooms that you don’t use. The closed door makes that room another barrier between you and the cold weather outside. It also stops air from circulating as much, which reduces heat loss. ...Keep moving as much as possible.

Moving and doing light exercise - even just the vacuuming - gets the blood pumping and warms the body up. ...Cuddle up to a loved one or a pet.

People and animals such as dogs and cats

are warm-blooded mammals so why not use each other’s heat to keep the cold at bay? ...Use a hot water bottle. It doesn’t have to be just for bed time. Hot water bottles are a quick, easy and cheap way of warming yourself up. ...After you’ve cooked your dinner, leave the oven door open to let heat escape and help warm up your home. ...Take a hot shower or bath and use oil or lotion on your skin when you get out, which can be like an extra layer of clothing.

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks

Ta x Pl anning In Spain Today And Beyond.....

We are all paying more tax in Spain this year, and it does not look like there is going to be any respite any time soon.

The scale rates of income tax increased across the board, taking the top rate of tax up to 54% here in Andalucia.

Your investment income has also been hit. Tax on savings income (bank interest, capital gains, dividends etc) was hiked to 21% for income up to €6,000, then 25% on the next €18,000 and 27% on the excess over €24,000.

When announced, the government said these higher taxes would only apply for 2012 and 2013 income.

However, they were implemented as part of the measures to reduce the budget deficit down to 3% in 2013, and as we already know this will take at least a year longer

than previously expected, it is possible that the higher taxes will be around for longer too. Wealth tax, meant to be temporary for 2011 and 2012, has already been extended by another year. With the possibility of a bailout for Spain looming, we cannot rule out further tax rises either.

Higher taxes mean more people are looking to protect their wealth from tax, but you do need to very careful with your tax planning and always ensure it is fully compliant with Spanish tax law. You need to fulfill all your Spanish tax obligations and only use legitimate arrangements to lower your tax liabilities.

The government is seriously cracking down on tax evasion and now has a number of effective tools to trace people who have not been paying tax correctly.

The landscape for tax planning in Spain has changed significantly over recent years, and more than ever you need professional guidance to first of all make sure you are paying tax correctly, and then to establish what legitimate opportunities are available to you to lower your tax liabilities in Spain. A firm like Blevins Franks has decades of experience advising British expatriates in Spain on their tax planning and wealth management.

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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UK retail sales jump boosts chances of recovery

British retail sales picked up much more than forecast in October, a survey showed on Tuesday, further increasing the chances that Britain’s economic recovery will continue.

At the same time, the unexpectedly upbeat survey among retailers added to views that the Bank of England will not increase its monetary stimulus further next week.

The Confederation of British Industry’s distributive trades survey showed that the sales balance jumped to +30 from +6 in September. Analysts had forecast a reading of +7.

The expected sales November stood at +27.

balance

for

Sterling hit a session high against the dollar and gilt futures extended losses

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slightly after the data, as markets further pared back the chances of another round of quantitative easing purchases of government bonds.

The central bank is pinning big hopes on a new scheme which provides cheap funding to banks if they keep up or increase lending to households and companies.

BoE data showed on Tuesday that the number of lenders participating had increased to 30 by the end of October, and those banks represented some 80 percent of all lending at the end of June, which is the basis for the scheme.

Britain’s retailers have already seen an unexpectedly strong September and the survey added to upbeat GDP figures last week, showing that Britain exited

Coastal Mosquitos

“It is great news that last month’s sales growth has continued into October at a much faster pace than expected and that this momentum is expected to continue next month, too,” said Anna Leach, CBI head of economic analysis.

The CBI said the rise in sales volumes was driven by an increase in sales in clothing and furniture. Sales of durable household goods, meanwhile, were weak.

The government and the central bank are hoping that falling inflation and rising employment will allow Britons to increase spending and support the fragile economic recovery.

(ARTICLE COURTESY OF REUTERS: Reporting by Sven Egenter and Olesya Dmitracova. Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)

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23

Osborne says British economy is healing FOR GREAT autumn

Chancellor George Osborne said on Thursday the latest GDP data showed the economy was on the mend but there were still challenges ahead due to weak data coming from the euro zone.

Figures released on Thursday showed Britain pulled out of recession in the third quarter, posting its strongest quarterly gross domestic product growth in five years.

“There is still a long way to go, but these figures show we are on the right track,” Osborne said in a statement. “This (is) another sign that the economy is healing ...”

He added however: “Yesterday’s weak data from the euro zone

were a reminder that we still face many economic challenges at home and abroad.”

The Office for National Statistics said Britain’s gross domestic product rose by 1.0 percent between July and September, beating forecasts for a 0.6 percent gain, after shrinking by 0.4 percent between April and June.

On the year, the economy was flat, better than expected.

ARTICLE COURTESY OF REUTERS.COM

Olympics spending fuelled Britain’s strongest quarterly growth in five years, springboarding the country out of recession in the third quarter, data showed on Thursday. It provided some rare relief for a government accused of favouring austerity over growth, and may make another stimulus injection of cash from the central bank less likely.

The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product rose by 1.0 percent between July and September, beating forecasts for a 0.6 percent gain, after shrinking by 0.4 percent between April and June.

The country is not out of the woods, however. It has still not recovered the output lost in the 2008-2009 slump and faces a rough road to recovery as the euro zone - its main trading partner - is heading for recession and global growth drivers such as China slow.

The data was also inflated by temporary factors - ticket sales for the London Olympics and a rebound from an extra public holiday in the previous quarter. But it was nonetheless better than expected and could prevent the economy from have an overall contraction in 2012.

Sterling hit a one-week high versus the dollar and British government bonds extended losses after the data was released as markets reassessed the chances of more central bank asset-buying stimulus. A number of economists changed their view in the wake of the growth figures and more upbeat comments from central bankers, which seem to hold high hopes that a new funding scheme for banks will unblock lending and get the recovery going.

“In the absence of a renewed stalling in the recovery, we expect this month’s asset purchases to be the last,” economists at Barclays said in a note. Any more sustainable recovery could also ease the pressure

on the government to ease its austerity plan of tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at erasing a huge budget deficit.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who is trailing in the polls, said the return to growth was a vindication of his policies, though he also struck a note of caution: “There is still much more to be done, there is a long road to travel,” Cameron said. “But we have got the right approach and we must stick to that approach.

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls meanwhile kept up his call for a change of tack. “The complacent thing to do now is simply to wait and hope things will get better,” he said. (REUTERS.COM)

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Dia De Los Muertos By Shwamantha On Deviantart

Here in Spain, The Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos or Día de los Muertos) is celebrated on November 1 (All Saints’ Day) and November 2 (All Souls’ Day), and, in recent years, begins with the Halloween celebrations, particularly for children.

Though the subject matter may be considered morbid by many, the general approach to the Day of the Dead is joyful with emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased; reinforcing the belief that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life. In many countries with a Roman Catholic heritage, All Saints Day and All Souls Day have long been holidays where people take the day off work, go to cemeteries with candles and flowers, and give presents to children, usually sweets and toys.

In Albox, the Day of the Dead coincides with their annual fiesta; at the moment the town is busying itself with preparations.

In Portugal and Spain, ofrendas (offerings) are made on this day with people taking flowers to the graves of dead relatives. Offerings should include items of remembrance for the person/people/ loved one you are honouring; many traditional elements that are used for the ‘ofrenda’ but the only one that is a requirement is “happy skeletons” - happy because they are being remembered.

In Spain, the play Don Juan Tenorio is traditionally performed in the town/village squares. Don Juan

dia de los muertos

Tenorio is the longest-running play in Spain. It has become a tradition of Spanish theatre to represent el Tenorio on All Saints Day, so the play has been performed at least once every year for over a century. It is also one of the most lucrative plays in Spanish history; unfortunately, the author did not benefit from his play’s success. Not long after he finished writing it, Zorrilla sold the rights to the play, since he did not expect it to be all that much more successful than any of his other works. Aside from the price paid for the rights, Zorrilla never made any money from any of the

productions.

Later, Zorilla published criticisms of the play, in an attempt to get it discontinued long enough for him to revise it and market a second version for payment this time. However the ploy never succeeded, as the criticism was ignored; the initial version of the play is still being staged today.

The plot of Don Juan Tenorio is very complicated; for a synopsis of the plot please go to www. wikipedia.org if you would like to know more. Be warned though - you may need a spare hour or so to go through it!

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coffee break STANDARD CROSSWORD

down

1 Customary (8) 2 Idle (8) 3 Consumed (5) 5 Country in South America (7) 6 Goal (9) 7 Reward (6) 8 Hate (6) 9 Obliterate (6) 15 Secretariat was one (9) 17 Slandered (8) 18 Government administrative units (8) 20 Sedated (7) 21 Current (6) 22 Expands abnormally (6) 23 Dishes (6) 25 Actor Clark _____ (5)

5 Dealt with commercial in the red? Not he! (6) 6 Rages about part of the engine (5) 9 Finest bighead set off (4) 14 Psychiatrist in middle-age is getting smaller!

(9) 16 Some had read “Full Throttle” - it’s terrible (8) 18 Giving our genes new order (8) 19 Regular 12 attendant? (7) 21 No Princess on the outskirts of former PM’s country (6) 23 Mulder’s first eye-opening alien encounter (4) 24 Car, or it’s test to start off with (5)

Down 1 Powerful vehicle for animal that sleeps? (9) 2 Tries to put politician in a sort of t-test (8) 3 Slob (my son) returns signs (7) 4 Fight a battle (8)

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

7 No time to tease southern relatives (5) 8 Resist change, enshrouding middlemen after my secrets (9) 10 Boy wears most of vest, breaking what it doesn’t have (6) 11 Drunk doubles without first reaching for large stones (8) 12 Health facility tips up in headless group of fish (8) 13 Follow up small idols (4) 15 Coastal disease is disastrous (7) 17 Protracted your old following - the French at first no good (7) 20 First lady provided oriental existence (4) 22 Idealistic man in round opening of the ear (8) 25 Prison food? (8) 26 Reportedly, you smell a brilliant discovery (6) 27 Desire completely, if all goes well (9) 28 Poet puts vessel in empty vehicle (5)

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 Young cow (6) 4 Soaked up (8) 10 Gorgeous (9) 11 Excursion (5) 12 A moon of Saturn (5) 13 Proponents (9) 14 Harmful (7) 16 Genus of the dogfish (4) 19 Frozen (4) 21 Rendezvous (7) 24 Large breed of dog (9) 25 Color of grass (5) 26 Not sooner (5) 27 A loose high-necked blouse (9) 28 Bars temporarily (8) 29 Elevated open grasslands (6)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

HARD SUDOKU

Across

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. Booker T. Washington

STANDARD SUDOKU

26

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Babycham is back! ...& Just in time for the Christmas party season!

The champagne-wannabe is not quite back to its heyday, when this sparkling perry was so popular it had to be rationed in case supplies dried up. But it seems that some of us at least would still love a Babycham.

Last year, the major supermarket chains announced that sales of the drink, with its so-naff-it’s-cool Bambi icon, had soared by 50 per cent. Now Maggie’s, London’s popular Eighties-themed nightclub (named after you-know-who) has launched a Babycham Bar, offering a variety of cocktails made with the sparkling perry. The range of drinks includes Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am (Babycham, Goldschlager, tequila, lemon juice, sugar and lychee), Boom And Bust (Babycham, peach schnapps and Disaronno), and Lady In Red (Babycham, Chambord, apple juice and soda).

And shoulder-padded revellers are flocking to the bar to sip their way back to a pre-recession ‘loadsamoney’ era. ‘People want a break from the bad news,’ explains the club’s owner Charlie Gilkes.

‘And lots of us have nostalgic childhood memories of Babycham — for many people, it’s the first alcoholic drink they ever tasted.

‘The thing is, Babycham tastes a lot better in a cocktail than it does on its own!’

La

Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue

Delicious menu and a great selection wine, a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, plenty of comfort and leg room.

Waitress service with a smile.

Enjoy stunning views of olive groves and mountains.

th Sat 10 Nov Come and Support

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

WED-SAT

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

6:30-9:30pm

Menu

plus de la Noche

ur

At o

ppy Dance o P

2 COURSES 10.95€

GREAT value MENU CHANGES WEEKLY

christmas puds are flying off the shelves! ...and its not even November!

Shoppers are racing ahead in their preparations for Christmas. Sales of festive puddings are rocketing 62 per cent ahead of last year, mince pies are up 32 per cent and Christmas chocolate boxes are up 42 per cent. Advent calendars are also flying off the shelves, with sales running at three times the level of this time last year and sales of Christmas cakes 13 per cent ahead.

The figures come from Waitrose but are likely to be replicated across other stores, which are also stocking Christmas foods and giving away festive carrier bags.

In reality, many of the Christmas-themed foods have a shelf life which means they must be eaten weeks before the big day. The increase in sales seems to have been driven by retailers starting their Christmas sales push earlier than ever.

Apart from festive food, stores have been running

toy sales and filling their shelves with ‘three for two’ deals on Christmas gifts.

The festive season is make or break for many retailers as this is when they make more than 40 per cent of annual sales and profits. So, they are under enormous pressure, particularly during the current economic climate, to extend the shopping season.

Tesco began selling Christmas-themed confectionary as early as August 29, sparking something of a backlash. Separately, advertising watchdogs have received complaints from parents unhappy that early marketing is encouraging children to pester them far in advance of December 25.

Waitrose began selling Christmas lines on September 24, which was not long after many families had returned from their summer holidays.

Thursday 15th november

a y F r n e m u Aut ty

u a e b & h t l a e h craft, Tibetan Silver Jewellery UK Fashion Toys Stone Sculpture Home Accesories Per Una & M&S Clothing Nail Extentions Designer Handbags Unique Gift Ideas Candu Computing Crystals & Precious Stones UK Branded Sweets Homemade Pies & Cakes Candles homemade Jams & Pickles

telephone: 950 634 562

Mojacar

E15

1km

fridays

Beer-battered cod, homemade chips & peas

♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ Dancing from 9pm Restaurant Open 6.30 - 9pm

from

5.95€ in the Bar

Two Course Menu de la Noche from 10.95€

Prize Raffle

Prizes include:

Meal for Two, Facials, Stress Massage, Wine & Cuddly Toy

booking advisable

traditional

sunday lunch

12.30PM - 5PM

home cooked

christmas day meal With

live music

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

fISH OF THE DAY OPTION ALSO AVAILABLE

from the brilliant

Kris Kelly

booking advisable

Email or call for the menu

We are here

Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

JC

60s, 70s, 80s

6 course

950 634 562 or email lavidacucador@gmail.com

VidaVenue

with the Wonderful

Bookings now being taken for our traditional

to book a stall contact us now!

Albox

booking advisable

Royal British Legion

Come early to book your session!

La

from 7pm - with music

Proceeds to the

Clairvoyant ~ Tarot Card Readings

Cucador

Book Your Table NOW!

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

book the Venue

For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

27

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

. . .

T U O B A & T U O free wifi

Cliff & Julie have owned and run THE WELCOME STRANGER RESTAURANT & BAR in Limaria, Arboleas for 7 years and pride themselves in top quality food and service at this hidden gem in the valley of Limaria. From 1st to 16th December they are taking bookings lunchtime or evening pre-Christmas menus. A choice of 4 starters, Mains include Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Turkey breast, stuffing and sausage wrapped in bacon, Veggie Nut Roast served with a mushroom and sherry sauce or Salmon Steak with a cream, white wine and tarragion sauce all served with a selection of fresh veg as well as a fabulous choice of desserts; you can finish your meal with a coffee, mince pie and mint liqueur! For more info and to reserve a table call 950 432 719 or call into the bar for your Christmas order form.

Downstairs on the sea front next to the Irish Rover Look out for our live entertainment evenings

sunday Roast menu of the day

3 courses €10 3 course - €10.50 the night main course - €7.50 menu of

Bar open 10am - LATE Food served all day from 10.30am Last orders 10pm

tranger come S WelRestaurante, Limaria

LA CENA, in Albox is a fine dining experience without the expense. A beautifully decorated restaurant run by husband and wife team Simon and Carol. At the moment they are serving a superb Menu Del Noche where you can choose from a choice of 3 starters, 5 mains and 3 deserts.

They also offer an alternative to the Sunday lunch, a Sunday Sizzler at just €8.95 per person, with a carafe of wine per couple included! If any of this has wetted your appetite, call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm today!

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover

Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Pre - Christmas Menu 4 courses for just

Whitney Houston Tribute €5 Ticket only or €8 Includes Basket Menu

La Cena

Winter hours - Last orders Lunch 3pm, Dinner 9pm

Established 7 years

George Michael

Albox

All food freshly cooked to order You will not be disappointed!

menu del noche 3 starters, 5 mains & 3 deserts

Breaking news

New winter dishes plus all your old favourites

Last food orders at 6.30pm

Full A La Carte also available

Sunday Sizzler €8.95

Adelle telephone: 950 473 135

Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm - late. Sunday 2pm - 6pm Closed Monday. Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

NEW TEAM • NEW LOOK • NEW MENU from 9am til late Mon - sat

12-3 Except Fridays

Including Burgers, Lasagne, Omelettes, chilli Home-Made Hand Cut Chips..

Cod ‘n’ Chips - fridayS Beer-battered Atlantic Cod, Homemade

from Chips, Mushy or Garden Peas…

5.95€ Friday 12 - 9pm, Saturday 12 - 4pm Wh at s o n at j a c ks ?

WednesdayS B i n g o Eyes Down 2.30PM Spot Prizes. Cash Prizes

This Weeks Rollover JACKPOT 250E, Play Your Cards Right 30E

live Football

FREE

Saturday and weekday Premier League, Cup and European Matches (Details on notice board & Smooth FM) ∙ KEEP FIT ∙ SLIMMING CLUB ∙ CRIB CLUB

Coming soon ALBOX

@

grilled 14oz Entrecote Beef Steak 16oz T-Bone Steak Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb

have your christmas party with us

sunday roast menu del dia

(booking essential)

Our usual night time menu including roast lamb and roast pork

Early booking essential ITV

∙ COMPUTER CLUB ∙ GENEALOGY ∙ ART CLASSES BP Garage

•••

← ARBOLEAS BAZA → A •••A 950 120 718 / 610 641 567 v. LepLBOX an to → jacksalbox@gmail.com

Cherry’s Famous Weekly Quiz With Cash Prizes

ONLY 35€ pp

MESON DE IRENE

Bridge

∙ Ceroc Dancing ∙ ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ∙ LINE DANCING

Lunch 1pm - 4pm Dinner 7pm - 10pm

Baza/Fines ► ◄ Albox

→

→

Petrol Station

→

2 Courses Every Day

Bar Menu, Snacks & Home-made puddings

DEL DIA Traditional 4MENU Courses with Wine & Coffee christmas Included - Mon to Sat inclusive lunch 5 Courses all nights...

→

→

5€

All Day Breakfast from 9am Includes FREE Tea or Coffee

→

onl y

WE ARE OPPOSITE PLAYA BLANCA, MOJACAR PLAYA SEE YOU THERE XX Tel: 697 465 620 Email: crazycowcafe@yahoo.com thecrazycowcafe

ALBOX

fORMERLY rUMORES

MENU DEL DIA

Winter Opening Times Tues - Sat 12noon - 7pm Sun 12noon - 4.30pm Closed Monday

including a carafe of wine per couple

mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach Open 10am till late

950 432 719 / 677 378 952

The Food Crazy cow Cafe cooked with love

Restaurante

Forthcoming Tribute Tribute Acts Acts Forthcoming for November November for

€12.50

Bookings now being taken for lunchtime or evening from 1st - 16th December

THE CRAZY COW BAR & CAFÉ on Mojacar Playa, just opposite Playa Blanca have a new menu available! They are still cooking famous tapas (mini meals) including cottage pie, curry, fishcakes and many other favourites all freshly cooked to order! Just go along and graze on a selection, you

Thursday 8th November

Bee Gees

The IRISH ROVER on Mojacar Playa serves the Full English Breakfast from 10am – 1pm. 8 items €4.95 or 14 items €6.95! includes tea, coffee or orange juice on a large sunny terrace with fantastic views over the sea. Sundays is the Famous Irish Rover carvery, 3 meats, 7 fresh veg served 1 – 5pm plus a fun quiz. Friday Special Get that Friday Feeling and come along to The Irish Rover and enjoy Fresh Cod & Chips for a fantastic price of just 4.95€. Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Day Lunch, 3 course carvery lunch at the fantastic price of €20 per person and just €12.50 for children up to 10 years old. Call in for our Christmas lunch menu and for reservations call 950 473 135.

→

3 courses €11.50

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

will not be disappointed! For more information call 666 891 340 (closed Mondays).

→

28

4 courses with bottle of ESTE Roast Lamb Shoulder & Pork Knuckle, Roast Potatoes & Vegetables

Lunch 1pm - 4pm

vegetarian menu available Childrens menu available FREE WIFI

New Covered Smoking Terrace Open Monday to Saturday 7am ‘til late Sunday 9am - 4pm Booking Recommended Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 English Speaking 647 730 103

P o l I G O N O I n d u s t r i a l A l b o x , N e a r t h e I T V G a r a g e

w w w.me s onde i re ne.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

advertise your christmas event here!

ONLY 7 ISSUES LEFT UNTIL OUR FABULOUS

CHRISTMAS ISSUE contact our sales team for great advertising rates!!

CALL 6 3 9 1 2 1 0 5 9 0 9 1 0 5 7 2 0 OR 9

EMAIL: .COM S E M I T L O S SALES@

STOP ‘N’ SHOP IN YOUR...

Super Corner

ENGLISH SUPERMARKET

ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS AND MORE IN ONE SUPERSTORE!!

TURRE, NEXT TO MESON DEL POBRE OPEN MON-SAT 9:30-6PM & SUN 9:30 - 1:30

& Tavern

Pub

Great Food at Great Prices Tel: 633 684 855

Breakfasts • Lunches • Dinners Selection of Tapas

La Alfoquia, Plaza Santa Ana (Opposite the Old Station) Open Everyday 9.30am - 11pm (except Monday) Kitchen open 9.30am - 4pm, 7 - 11pm

now showing all champions league & la liga games

Sunday Lunch

Served 2 - 6pm

Choose from Beef, Pork or Chicken with all the trimmings!

Kentucky

Fried Chicken eat in or take away

From €4,95

Pizzas

Eat in or Take Away Tuesday - Sunday from 7pm

now serving GuiNness & strongbow Caña with a tapas only €1 FREE

Home delivery service available

673 410 597 Open 7 days a week Breakfast served from 6.15am Pub serves from 6.00pm (no siesta) La Alfoquia - Zurgena

Azeefa Indian Restaurant & Takeaway is closing &

re-opens 15th november with

big indian buffet adults 11€

29

children 8€

buffet includes 10 starters & 10 main courses also Rice, naans, poppadoms & chutney, tandori dishes inc lamb/chicken t ikka, mixed grill & shish kebab all cooked in our tandori oven choice of 40 sauces to pick from all cooked in our open kitchen for you to see other options available on request All our ingredients are fresh

great offers for December

Telephone Ali for more information on 608 802 227

30

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

SOLTIMES OCTOBER 2012

Burty’s BAR

Thursday 1st november 6pm - 8pm

fisherman’s pie, braised pork chops or chicken stew and dumplings - 4.95€

Booking essential

quiz 2.15pm prompt followed by bingo

tuesday bingo 2.30pm

Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance (part of monthly Anglican Church Service) Thursday 8th November 11.30am

Snacks

available all day Tapas served from 1pm - close

Next table top sale

Sunday 25th november Please book to reserve table

spanish lessons - all levels - now tuesday at 12noon 5€ sunday lunch special €5.95 booking essential

Marley’s

Situated behind the Tabacos

Breakfasts Best in town

Served 10am - 2pm (Tues - Sat) 10am - 12pm (Sunday)

Tapas

Served 12 noon - 5pm Snacks available all day

Weekends Friday - Fish Night 7pm - 10pm Sunday - Roast Served from 1pm - 6pm (voted best in town) (Booking Advisable)

Choice of beef, pork or chicken.

Lamb served 2nd and last Sunday of each month!!!

 a e b   part  f it  o 

Monday - saturday 12 noon - 4pm & 7pm - close Sunday : carvery 2pm - 7pm Thursdays - closed

New menu Main Meals 6.95€ 3 course meal 10.95€

Tapas served day and night



e c a r r e t y n n u s e g hu and spacious bar Traditional treats every thursday

winter hours winter hours



Playa Serena, roquetas de mar

Call 679 156 715 mon - thurs from 11am fri and sun 11am - 6pm. Closed saturday



new years eve gala buffet

Carved meat & fish etc 15.95€

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

Tel: 659 683 447

www.newyorknewyork.es

OPPOSITE THE PLAYA LUNA BETWEEN BURTYS BAR & BAR OLE

Playa Serena

Opening Times: Monday Closed Tues - Fri: 10am - Close Sat & Sun: 10am - Close

Homemade Pies and Desserts (Take away - 24hrs notice) Sausage Rolls - €1.20 All Individual - €1.80 All Large - €8.00 All Medium - €5.50

Choose from:

• Steak • Steak & Ale •S teak & Kidney •C hicken & Mushroom • Mince & Onion

• Meat & Potato • Apple Pies •B akewell Tarts •L emon Meringue

Also Available - Quiches & Celebration Cakes

ALL SPORTS SHOWN LIVE ESPN and SKY SPORTS

Please call Shell on 722 781 631 or Steve on 679 703 513 For any orders or bookings

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

31

ROQUETAS DE MAR happy anniversary

happy birthday darling Charlotte here’s 20 more

all our love from mum, Dave, rachel and olli the cat xx

years together, all my love minnie xxx

Wanted

Events for our readers

If you own a bar or restaurant then soltimes let know what events you have coming up... email: editor@soltimes.com

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.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION IN SPAIN DISTRICT NORTH ROQUETAS BRANCH 3569 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen Registered Charity No.219279 Spanish NIF N8261536

POPPY APPEAL EVENT TO BE HELD AT PLAYA SERENA GOLF CLUB ON

TUESDAY 13th NOVEMBER 2012 at 2.00 for 2.30 pm MEAL FOLLOWED BY MUSIC & DANCING ORGANISED BY PAUL & CAROLINE JOHNSON (including a exhibition dance by Paul & Caroline And a short demonstration by their students)

THERE WILL ALSO BE A TOMBOLA FOR THE POPPY APPEAL €15 per person (including meal and drinks) With €3 from this going into the POPPY FUND

For tickets and details of menu please contact: Stuart and Joan on 950 333 243 or 603 602 980 or: Paul and Caroline on 950 536 060 or 618 483 791

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 - 12 noon Spanish Lessons & 2:30pm Bingo Thursdays - Quiz 2:15pm followed by BINGO Table Top Sale - Sunday 25th November Bar Spinnaker...................................

Tuesday - Bingo 3pm Wednesday - Steak 7.50€, Quiz 9.30pm Friday - Fish and Chips all day 5€ Saturday - Curry Meal with small wine 7.50€ Sunday - Sunday Roast 1pm - 6pm 31st October - Halloween Party Chaplins pub.....................................

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 5pm - late Friday - Sunday 1pm - late Wednesday: Rib Night Friday: Chip Shop Day - Fish’n’Chips etc served from 1pm, Quiz Night Sunday - Sunday Lunch served until 8pm TEL: 950 335 022 La Bodeguina..................................... is now a drop in centre for any donations for the Mojonera Dog Sanctuary Thursday Night - BBQ lady lay..............................................

Tuesday Night - Curry Night Quiz Night - 31st October Revita Natural Health and Relaxation centre..........................

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

Monday 8:30pm Bingo Thursday 2:30pm Bingo Saturday - Music and Karaoke with Brian 2nd November - Table Top Sale

DANCE CLASSES GOING STRONG!

The Latin And Ballroom classes held at Playa Serena Golf Course are going strong. There are two classes a week, on a Tuesday morning 10.30am to 11.30am and from 4th October the Thursday evening class will move to the slightly earlier time of 6pm to 7pm. If you are interested in Strictly Come Dancing or you have always wanted to learn, come along and have a go. You can be sure of a very warm welcome and have great fun in the process, all for just 4 euros per person per class.

On Tuesday 13th November at 2pm there will be a Lunch Dance with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal. So if you would like to learn for this event or just brush up on what you already know come along to class. Paul and Caroline will be there to guide through the whole process. Look forward to seeing you soon...

Email: pacarjohnson@gmail.com 618483791

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

Cristina - Erika Diez Mentzel ABOGADA - LAWYER Conveyance - Litigation Inheritance - Divorce Wills - Mortagage Matters Non Resident Taxes

C/ Pombal, 11 - Las Marinas 04740 ROQUETAS DE MAR, (ALMERIA)

Tel: 950 33 68 61 Fax: 950 33 68 62 email: cristina@diez-mentzelabogados.com www.diez-mentzelabogados.com

estampa apas T

Ta

y outdoor n n u s s u io c Spa e seating 24 terrac Y TV SK

Bar

Tapas/Snacks English Breakfast Fish & Chips Coffees & Cakes Cocktails/Sangria

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

La Grappa

Authentic Italian Restaurant

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

BBQ

EVERY DAY

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

950 334 188 609 337 316

to reserve your table

YOUR NEWS & YOUR VIEWS...

SEND TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

32

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Sport

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

locksmith

painter / decorator cont...

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours.

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

painting & decorating

logs load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed Olive some roots €140 load of eucalyptus, no roots €150 all loads 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding areas

Call Lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

Phil Delivers

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Arboleas & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

NUMBER PLATES

• 35 years experience • Guaranteed to beat any quote • Quality work guaranteed

Tel Alan: 950 450 174 or 600 268 176 personal

E

Don’t take a chance!

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

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

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

painter / decorator

painter & decorator

over 25 years experience

give your property or business a fresh look this october

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com now covering mainland spain

commercial & major retail painter’s expert quality workmanship

visit our website for more inf tntpainters@live.co.uk

Apartment For Sale property for rent

Reduced €39,950ono

1 bed, 1 bath apartment (sleeps 4), fully fitted kitchen with white goods, parking area, lovely views. Ideal golfing holiday apartment.

Close to Mojacar / Turre.

Easy access to motorway.

Approx 10 mins to Mojacar beach

T: 664 291 793

jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may Arboleas. First find some of the advertisments in this floor flat overlooking section offensive” the rambla. Four

VERA PLAYA

bedrooms, lift access nice views, central location, YOUNG PRETTY GIRLS part furnished. with barbie bodies 90-60-90 300€ pcm long term french, brunettes & columbians preferred. Available immediately 609 199 394

plasterer

24 HOURS • STRIPTEASE tEL: 687 891 515

“RE-PLATE” Spanish • blonde MATE GB

property for rent & SALE

slim • curvy

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

plumbing A&E Taylor – Gas boiler & plumbing repairs.

Tel: 618 062 080

24 hours english spoken

Knowles & Abbott no.1 for plumbing & electric. CH, solar hot water and pets section water deposits.

Telephone pALOMINO kENNELS Exclusive boarding kennels/cattery Tel: 950 067 950 137 197 or 606 807 797 051

634 612 828 No need for kennels or cattery, Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & surrounding areas. Call Vanessa on 637 061 482 Not just cats & dogs,All other types of pets considered

MY PLACE OR YOURS Dog & Horse Sitting Service

Ex RSPCA Inspector. Dog day sitting Going away? Let us take care of your pets, either at your home or ours.

Dogs kept in house or kennels.

Pet passporting service.

Just outside Albox.

Tel: 607 554 984

my-place-or-yours@hotmail.com woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery

arboleas Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view ministry approved Tracy Mobile 650 211 952

Hi my name is Osa. I’m of mixed breed & I’m spayed. I can be a bit of a live wire & I am very entertaining. D.O.B 01/01/2008. You can meet me at The Dog House, I am waiting for you.

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

Your home or ours. Honest & trust worthy. 3 years experience of all types of animals.

References available on request.

Tel: 950 067 943 or 676 389 592

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

pets section

Portugese Gelding

12 yrs, looking for a good home, ideal companion horse lovely natured

telephone 678 838 547

Call Paul on 626 Hi my name is Sada I am of mixed breed, I have been wormed & vaccinated.

766 073 or email I’m a little timid but I gain trust very quickly thedoghse@ & love to be cuddled.Before I came to The hotmail.com Dog House I was at puppy rescue after being españolas abandoned at bins at only 8 weeks old. I would enlace: Veronica really love a forever family & home. D.O.B 13/08/2010 608858318

villa in arboleas

4 beds, 2 baths & garage

33

removals cont...

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

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

250€ p/month plus bills

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

Telephone

630 471 422

ENGLISH MOVE Apartment to rent SINGLE ITEMS TO COMPLETE HOUSE MOVE

in Los Menchones near Zurgena

ground floor, 1 bed, lounge, Satelitte TV, diningroom, suit couple or single

175€+ bills per month Tel: 950 449 074 or 634 368 071

for sale plot of land of 800m & villa 125m 2

2

brick built up to & inc roof Wonderful location & exceptional views yet 5 mins to town with all amenities. Fully legal with escritora must be viewed

Bargain price 65,000€ To view or for more details

609 199 394

for SALE massive detatched cortijo with 50m2 workshop 20mins from mojacar This is a unique spanish country cortijo with 4 beds, 2 bath, Open plan living areas, kitchen & dining room as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views. possible B& B

Call Tony on Spanish mobile 699 819 213 English mobile 07976928053 English office: 0044 121 355 0005 Email: tonystehenson311@hotmail.com STORAGE FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN SPAIN & UK

sTABLES

satellite/ television A1 Sky Television Systems Satellite TV installations, alignment of dishes etc.

Also Spanish“freeview”systems supplied & installed

Tel Dave: 628 607 778

Rancho Luz Del Sol, Retamar, Partaloa.

One to one or group lessons, latest EN standard hats provided. Escorted hacking and treks.

Qualified BHS Instructor.

Call Erika Drew on 678 838 547

soalr power system

www.ecocorp.eu

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

Swimming Pool Heating

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

Solar Power Systems

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

Tel: 671 716 597 situations vacant

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removals

DAVE’S TRANSPORT 7.5 Ton, Lorry Part loads, Self load/Unload Minimal rates, Owner Driver Spain/uk/Local Storage available, based “Los Gallardos” &”hertfordshire” Call now 0034 620 049 524 (Es) 00 44 794 3135 214 (UK) woodnco@hotmail.com

M&D transport

Large Van Removals / Deliveries Spain - UK Full or Half Loads Collections e.g from IKEA Tel Mick: 950 122 447 Mob: 620 475 218

storage

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From 5€ a week.

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SPANISH LESSONS

WITH VICTORIA For info

please call on 950 472 590 or e-mail:

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…among friends, in a fun and easy manner with Paco at Camping Los Gallardos, MiraFlores Restaurant.

New, beginners class starts friday 2nd nov 2012 4.30pm

Private lessons and different levels also available.

CALL PACO 661 142 606

34

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

SALES representative required for Mojacar/Albox & other surrounding areas

To continue the success of

SOLTIMES in this area

We are looking for someone special to work with local businesses to help them create more business from the large weekly distribution and readership of Sol Times

� Are you local to the Mojacar/Albox or surrounding areas and enjoy meeting new people? �C ould you sell advertising to new business owners whilst looking after our loyal base of regular clients?

� S ol Times needs an outgoing friendly professional….could this be you? �A re you able to work to deadlines? � Are you well organised, able to manage your own territory and enjoy being part of a team?

If you can say yes to the above, then we want to meet you!

We provide on going training from our head office in Almeria We offer a high level of comission, contract, petrol allowance and mobile phone plus the opportunity to work for the best weekly “Good News Paper” in the area.

Please send your CV to rosemary@soltimes.com or call Rosemary on Tel: 647 379 795 motoring section car parts

Car parts

for sale cont...

Ford Focus Estate 1.6 Diesel Spanish 2008 Need quality new parts for any car New Shape, ITV April 2014, FSH, Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits 115,000 kms, Starter Motors, headlights New Tyres, Excellent Free quote go online or phone Condition www.carpartsinspain.com 6,500€ or telephone 692 930 326 Call 689 500 346

for sensible prices on all parts

car & van hire

mechanics

Van, car and driver

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Tel: 634 345 257

Mikes Mobile Mechanics All types of service, repair & ITV testing Fully qualified & legal with over 35 years experience Ring Mike or Chris: 628 350 178 or 636 824 974 d.b auto paramedics Mobile Mechanic call Kyle on 678 487 689

motorhomes

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125cc Lifan Heritage cruiser

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FOR SALE PUEGOT 107 AUTO / MANUAL “2 TRONIC” FIRST REGISTERED 26 – 03 - 2008 COLOUR - BLACK 998 c.c. PETROL (GASOLINA) 7,200kms I.T.V. till 20-03-2014

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

TEL: 636 411 540 OR 664 619 819

to advertise in the classified section call paulette on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

recruitment

GRAND CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR & FETE VERA HOTEL, SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER, 10AM - 3PM The Vera Hotel (on the A1200 in Vera - just up from Iceland) will be hosting a Grand Christmas Craft Fair & Fete in the car park on

Sunday 2nd December from 10am – 3pm

Stalls and Fun for all the Family With over 50 stalls selling a multitude of craft items, the organisers, the Vera & District Lions Club, are also planning their own stall selling hot mulled wine, homemade mince pies and hot roasted chestnuts Carol Concert ~ Santa’s Grotto ~ Face Painting Bouncy Castle Best Dressed Santa’s Helper (for the under 10’s) Best Christmas Hat Competition (Traditional & Fun) AND MUCH, MUCH MORE....

A spokesperson for Vera & District Lions club said “Our intention is to make this a fun day out for all the family, with proceeds going to local good causes.

On the day we hope to be making an announcement of a substantial donation to one of our local charities” The Vera Hotel are helping out by putting on a special 3 Course Sunday Lunch Menu del Dia + Drink for just 12 Euros per person (Full Menu to be announced soon). Bookings for the lunch should be made direct to the hotel by calling 699 856 128 or email celebraciones@verahotel.es

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stall Holders

Anyone wishing to have a pitch should contact Adele in the first instance on: adelewatts2002@yahoo.co.uk The Vera & District Lions Club International Reg. No. 117889 Spanish Reg No. Malaga 116B)

Sol Times are pleased to Support The Vera & District Lions Club in Raising Money For Local Good Causes

www.soltimes.com

Just because a thing is useful it does not necessarily follow that it is also loved. Take my mobile phone, for instance. It was purchased for the sole purpose of being ‘there in an emergency’, a purpose which I hope it will never need to fulfil.

It is a cantankerous little thing, and extremely fussy about signal. It firmly believes that Limaria is its home, and that it shouldn’t be required to work from home. Should I ever need to use it, I have to take it for a pleasant country drive over the mountain, after which treat it may, or may not, decide to function.

Initially it was ‘The Phone’, but its peculiarities and peccadilloes forced us to buy another phone with a better work ethic. However, it could have remained ‘The Phone’ had it had less of the Prima Donna about it. It has brought its demotion upon itself, and has no cause to grumble.

I treat it well, better than it deserves, and I feel it has no valid cause for complaint. Whenever I am out on my own, I take it ‘just in case’, so it gets its fair share of outings. So why, regardless of josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk how long it has

By Jos Biggs

viewpoint

been in my company during the day, it is only ever at night that it runs out of juice? And why does it run out of juice in the first place, if it is never used? I think it does it solely to annoy me.

It has a particularly penetrating ‘Peepeep’, which is mobile-speak for ‘I want charging’. The peepeeps continue inexorably until its needs are met, or the entire neighbourhood has been awakened – I firmly believe that triplets with colic would be easier to ignore than that peepeep.

True to form, it gave tongue recently at 5 am. Pete beat me to its night time resting place, and found no phone.

‘Peepeep’ it screamed. It is hard to get an idea of exact location in the millisecond of nerve-jarring noise that is a peepeep.

We sought it here, we sought it there, we sought that blankety phone everywhere. We turned out every drawer, box, bag and pocket to the accompaniment of the periodic and pestilential peepeep. The Scarlet Pimpernel couldn’t have been more elusive. Eventually, just before we called in the sniffer dogs, we found it. I’ll swear it was deliberately hiding. I’ll also swear that as I took it from its case and plugged it in, I heard it sniggering.

I will concede that it is useful, but I will not love it.

Particularly not at 5 in the morning!

Toast and Jam on the Patio...............

I had always assumed that Health and Safety rules that are prevalent in the UK are an EU directive and therefore effective in all member states.

My assumption was based on the fact that the nanny European Union rules our lives in so many ways that H&S must just be another facet of its authority over us. But having witnessed so many obvious infringements of the rules here, that all Brits take for granted back home, I began to wonder.

I remembered a friend relating a story to me a couple of years ago, about a neighbour who damaged his leg badly after taking a fall on the pavement, where a drain cover had been removed and left unguarded.

He received treatment at the hospital for serious lacerations which required stitches and was lucky not to have received any broken bones.

He was subsequently told that the offending drain had

been in this condition for some time and had been reported to the authorities. Moreover, it remained in this state after his accident and so, determined to get something done, he presented himself at his local Ayuntamiento and asked to see the mayor, who he knew to be in the building. He was told that the mayor was busy and could not see him, but determined to get his point across he waited throughout the day for the official to show himself.

After several hours he managed to get an audience only to be told that if the drain cover had been in that state for so long, then he must have known about it and in any case should have been looking where he was going. He was then dismissed – case closed as far as the mayor was concerned.

Amazing or what?

No you’re right – not really.

Not when you see such blatant breaches of health and safety rules on an almost daily basis – rules which I have subsequently discovered are in fact set in place for all EU members.

I have never been an advocate of the nanny state, not only for the obvious reason that it’s just another example of bureaucrats and politicians having control over our

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com lives, but

because it takes away our natural instincts of common sense and responsibility. It is Big Brother personified. Although of course, there are basic safety standards that should always be adhered to.

As a kid, our playgrounds were never wrapped in cotton wool so that we little darlings would not come to any harm.

In fact it was almost expected that we would return home with a grazed knee or elbow after a day out on our bikes; roller skating in the street or climbing trees on the common.

Rarely did we receive broken bones, and I cannot remember a case of serious injury.

As with many of these ordinances that are slowly strangling our ability to think for ourselves; health and safety guidelines first came about to protect the unwary and were made with good intentions.

But the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the situation soon swung from the sublime to the totally bonkers.

My first project after arriving in Bermuda way back in the colourful seventies, was a roof on a new conference centre.

The centre was being built on top of a five storey wing of a major hotel and was a pitched roof structure on all four sides, topped with a flat roof instead of a ridged apex.

There was no scaffolding, and the only thing preventing me from becoming strawberry jam on the patio sixty feet below, was a three by three inch triangular timber water glide as a foot hold, designed to direct rainwater into the various outlets on the building. The only thing that is, apart from a safety harness connected to a rope which in turn was connected to the hands of my Rastafarian colleague Albert perched on the flat roof above me. There was nothing for him to hold on to and I had grave doubts that in the event of yours truly taking a swallow dive, Albert would be able to make a difference.

Then two weeks and half way through the job, an unknown assailant decided to assassinate the Governor and his ADC in the grounds of Government House. The resulting knee jerk heavy handed actions by the police in a notorious and predominantly black area of town, caused near riots.

Albert was now muttering things about acquiring guns and shooting the whites . . . I could be toast!

I remember wishing like hell that we had the luxury of a code of safety, but in view of some of the crazy rules we now have to live by, it’s an endorsement for the oft quoted axiom – Be careful what you wish for.

A lqueria E l D í a d e la C o n stit u c i ó n Defining the fundamental rights of the Alquerian people became the next challenge for the fledgling Republic. After their expulsion from Spain the people of Alqueria began setting up business for themselves. With the two barrios of the village constantly engaged in a state of undeclared warfare the task looked formidable.

The Constitution of the Republic of Alqueria was however drafted with little or no dissent. It is a two page document. One page compiled by the Hill People and the other by the Newcomers. The clauses on page one contradicted those on page two but that didn’t seem to matter in fact it was the strength of the document. If something was deemed as unconstitutional on one page, simply referring to the relevant clause on the other made it permissible. Nothing was unconstitutional, it meant all things to all villagers, everything and anything was legal and therefore possible.

A new impetus was given to the Government. Manuela, the Minister of Culture began taking her duties seriously. To assess the cultural needs of her people she personally interviewed a section of the population. This section however turned out to be the younger and fitter men of the village.

The consultations took place on her settee, giving the phrase ‘reproduction furniture’ a whole new meaning.

The people of Alqueria were so pleased with their handiwork they declared a public holiday, ‘El Día de la Constitución’. At least one half of the village did. The other half were to have their Día de la Constitución six months hence. They still celebrated the day though, calling it ‘No El Día de la Constitución’.

A fiesta was organised with tables laden with food and drink erected in the village plaza. El Enveneno, the town’s gourmet chef prepared a pig roast. He could do some surprising things with a pig, at least they surprised the pig. The fiesta soon degenerated into the usual sectarian brawl. The Hill People, defending the Bar La Casa Devante launched fusillades of bread rolls, olives and rocks at the Newcomers who lay siege to the Plaza. The overturned tables acted as barricades as the alcohol soaked belligerents exchanged volleys.

José Cabrasilbido, who was both the local and national policeman was powerless to act. According to the constitution the fracas was both legal and illegal, depending on which page one referred to. The state of constitutional anarchy offered a degree of freedom unknown in the more traditional democracies.

Is this level of emancipation envied by more conservative peoples? Would they follow the Alquerian example? Are they even remotely interested?

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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36

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

pause for thought

When in the mid 70’s I spent some months away from my family, working in Beirut, my apartment there was fairly littered with photos of my wife and daughters – not that I was in danger of forgetting what they looked like, but simply that in those days, before email or text, when phone calls had to be booked in advance, this was simply the best way of keeping them close, with continuous reminders of them. And I’m sure I wasn’t alone, for I guess we all have photos we particularly cherish, or music that immediately reminds us of someone and/or a special occasion. For those little mementos that remind us of people are really important, I suspect, to all of us.

And so it was that before he died, Jesus gave his followers a memento they could use to remember him. The bread and wine, which formed an essential part of every meal, could, he told them, be used to remind them of his broken body and blood spilt in his death on their behalf. A memento still regularly used of course by his followers today as we celebrate his self-giving for others in the Communion or Eucharist.

And at this time of year we have in the poppy another memento, which similarly serves to remind us of the self-giving of others. Not of course the one Lord of all, but the many ordinary folk who perished as a part of the struggle that ensured our freedom.

So we remember them. And this year when the 11th November falls on a Sunday, then Armistice Day is also Remembrance Sunday; a rare and poignant opportunity for us to give a few minutes of our lives to remember those who gave the whole of theirs. So on this rather special year, I do hope that you will feel the need to join with me and numerous others at one or other of the special services in this area as we in silence remember them at 11:00 O’clock on the 11th of November.

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any who wish to Worship, but 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

Gibraltar astern!

lighthouse at cabo de trafalgar Getting married in Spain if British is all but impossible especially as both of us had previously been married; after fighting the pigheadiness which passes for Spanish bureaucracy at the town hall we gave up after the secretary would not even confirm the Mayor would turn up on the day to do the ceremony as he may prefer to go fishing...hunting...etc...etc.

Running three businesses we made sure everyone knew we would be away and hired someone to answer emails and booked a couple of dogsitters to mind the dogs and keep the house occupied for security; all our tenants were asked to only txt us in absolute emergencies so we felt we had the bases covered.

Gibraltar is an esoteric place, a mix of people who seem closer to 18th Century Britain fighting the Napoleonic wars and 21st Century high tech business people. Beautiful new harbours teeming with million pound yachts jostle for position with tumbledown old tenement buildings. Some Gibraltarians have a gait more suited to being under decks of a canvas rigged warship and the whole place has a charm which has to be experienced especially if the sun is shining.

Crossing the border from Spain can take 5 minutes or 5 hours depending on the whim of politicians in faraway Madrid.

Luckily the tub thumping mayor of La Linea was ousted months ago and the new lady Mayor sees the benefit of 7000 of her constituents crossing the border each day to work in Gibraltar as most of their wages are spent back in Spain. Madrid grumbles about it not being fair even though they ceded Gibraltar all legally and by treaty centuries ago.

Not so the four parts of mainland Morocco that Spain invaded and still holds to this day but that of course is different.

Gibraltar is strategically important being one of only two ways shipping can enter/leave the Mediterranean Sea and the rock is riddled with tunnels that have been used for military purposes for centuries. 32 kilometres in fact; 3km more than all the roads measured together in Gibraltar.

Luckily we turned our phones off for the wedding service as, even though the hotel receptionist booked us the cab to get to the registry office, she then decided to call us 7 times as she had made a mistake when checking us out. For the next 10 days the phone would ring with people having various emergencies so we never did quite get that honeymoon feeling but hey-ho that self-employment for you!

The best phone call was at 6pm on the Sunday evening from a lady telling me she had spent the last 2 hours unsuccessfully trying to find a house she had been admiring for months on our ‘Findmeahome’ website. She thought it absolutely fine to try and find the house herself and would have no doubt knocked on the door asking to come in for a look if she had found it and tried to cut us out of any deal. She asked me to ring the owners immediately to arrange a viewing there and then for her. Strangely I used no expletives and was very courteous in my refusal as I gently explained that ringing an owner so late on a Sunday was not really the done thing, that I was on my honeymoon and I queried why she had not booked an appointment if she had been admiring it for so long via the internet??? Tyre Kickers!!

Stephen Amore has lived in Almeria since July 2006 and owns Findmeahome estate agency. Writing on a variety of topics close to his heart such as environmental issues, animal welfare, food and drink, music and travel, as well as commenting on the absurdities of living in Spain! email: stephen@findmeahome.es - www.facebook.com/stephen.amore

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www.soltimes.com

TEST DRIVE:

Trunki Suitcase

“Is that you, Tim?” asks a former work colleague as my wife, baby daughter and I trek through the New Forest on a sunny autumn day.

It’s a surreal situation because we’re in the middle of nowhere and not expecting to see anyone when we bump into Debbie and her husband, subeditor and photographer respectively. The last time we saw each other was over two years ago during my time as Business and Motoring Editor at the Bournemouth Echo.

That’s what I love about holidays, the unexpected.

We’re staying at Sandy Balls, the holiday resort at Fordingbridge, and are taking one of their recommended trails. I’m riding one of their bicycles and towing Harriett in a trailer. She loves it. Caroline, in the final months of pregnancy and quite fragile, opts to walk. We make slow progress over the 10-mile round trip from Fordingbridge to Fritham but the weather is good and we stop for a picnic at picturesque Hampton Ridge. Harriett has plenty of opportunity to try out her new wellies

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

in a variety of puddles. We enjoy watching the wildlife; a surprising number of dragon flies, birds, donkeys and New Forest ponies - in fact we count 17 ponies at one point. Watch the video at: www.travelwriter.biz.

After our day out in the wilds of the forest we arrive back at Sandy Balls for a welldeserved meal in Pizza on the Piazza. After a delicious bruschetta starter Caroline tucks into minted lamb shanks while Harriett enjoys a child’s portion of beef lasagne and I have duck breast and roasted new potatoes.

While Harriett is generally well behaved it proves hard for her to sit still and soon she is out of her highchair entertaining fellow diners.

Our friendly waitress distracts her with a pack of colouring pencils, which are soon put to use colouring in a Mickey Mouse cartoon. It’s not long before boredom sets in again though, and the pencils land on the floor. But it’s fun to post them back in the box.

When the tiramisu arrives Harriett is only too happy to sit on daddy’s lap. And then she has to try some of the lemon tart and melon sorbet, too. No, not daddy’s Peroni, Harriett.

our cosy and blissfully quiet beech lodge in time for Harriett’s bath after which she insists on pulling Bernard the Bee, her yellow trunki suitcase. Her feet, not quite touching the floor means she can’t actually ride it, yet.

Still too young to sleep in a grown up bed her travel cot is ideal and there is room for it in the second bedroom. We’re in the comfortable master bedroom complete with flat screen television.

The accommodation includes a well-appointed bathroom and a kitchen equipped with all the appliances you could require including a dishwasher, making for easy self-catering.

Sandy Balls has its own leisure centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. We all enjoy a daily swim and Harriett likes the indoor soft play area, too – especially going down the slides but daddy gets tired.

It’s a very family friendly resort, offering plenty of relaxation for parents and fun and games for children all year round.

For more information and bookings visit: www.sandyballs.co.uk For area information visit: www.thenewforest.co.uk/ For trunki children’s luggage visit: www.trunki.com Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk

Fit for bed we head back to

WE ARE HERE

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Antas

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37

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Mon ~ Fri 9am - 7pm Sat 10am - 2pm Workshop: 950 459 209 Sales: 950 459 136

www.costacoches.com email: costacoches@mail.com Recent Credit Card Fraud: We would like to re-assure our customers that Costa Coches are in no way connected to these incidents and we understand arrests have now been made

38

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

PASSWORDS

I was watching a video of how the internet and the “Free Software Foundation” started and the presenter said that “Passwords didn’t exist (within the computer world) because they weren’t wanted or needed until the bosses forced them upon us to protect their secrets”. This got me wondering what passwords really are and, more importantly, are they absolutely necessary. Presented today are my rambling thoughts on the subject.

The use of, and need for, passwords goes back before the birth of Christ and can be found in the Egyptian “book of the dead” as they were used to navigate the afterlife to allow passage away from the malevolent Egyptian gods. From here passwords were designed and used within the military! History records the ancient Roman armies having used passwords as have the ancient Greek armies and just about every army from then on.

A password is a single word consisting of a number of characters. These can be CAPITALS and lower case), numbers and certain printable characters. Beyond the password is something called a “passphrase”. This is simply either, a string of passwords, a favourite passage from a book, a line from a movie or an inspired piece of non-sense.

How good (Strong) is your password? Allow me to offer a silly example that will help understanding the mind of the Cracker who is intent on getting onto your machine.

“Hello, My name is Fred Flintstone. I have a wife Wilma and daughter Pebbles who has a dog D’Fer.“(Yes I know it was Dino but why not D’Fer Dog!). Most people will use a familiar word or name as their password. Knowing this simple error of judgement gives my attacker 5 chances to get into my computer (Fred, Flintstone, Wilma, Pebble, D’Fer)! This will not take very long. The worst and most used password is “password” followed by “123456” Now they only need 7 attempts to access my system.

What are the fatal flaws with passwords? 1. Too Short; 2. Too Personal – family names, pets names, etc. 3. Single case and 4.

Easily Remembered – this one is a 2 edged sword!

As you may have already guessed there are “Trev’s Rules” on how do we get around these problems?

1. Use a password with a minimum of 8 characters these should include - UPPER CASE, lower case and numbers.

Remember that the longer the password, the greater the combination and the more time it will take to crack!

2. Don’t use personal identifying information – the address that you lived 36 years ago can still be found out and tried!

3. Have some way of keeping the password available in a not-obvious place “just in case” BUT don’t write on it “PASSWORD”.

4. There are many websites that off to test your password and as the web is not totally secure yet, Maybe you might use one of the many wonderful, free password generator and checkers that are out there. Try “password_generator_checker_2.exe” in google – it is small but gives a good indication as to the quality of your password.

One last trick that is recommended at the ACC (Albox Computer Club). Go to “http://www.passwordcard.org/en” where you will find a “credit card” that you should print out with it you get simple instructions on how this card works.

Then as the page says “Enjoy your new feeling of safety and peace of mind... :-) “ Anyone interested about any of these articles, or would like to suggest topics for future articles, can find me a the “la Vida Fayre” on Thursday, November 15th . I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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

sport

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

excellent conditions on a day out fishing.

They initially fished in 80 to 100ft. of water near the Repsol petrol station and tackle shop as there was a lot of activity on the fish finder and a dozen or so Spanish boats had crowded round the immediate area indicating there was fish around.

They got plenty of WITH BEACHCOMBER JOHN bites and constant Boat Fishing: Me and ‘Chef bait stripping by small fry, Jeremy’ went out with ‘Orca probably cleaver wrasse and Steve’ and had a difficult day pickerels and it was the latter fishing-wise and didn’t catch they caught lots of on small size much at all, a few pandoras 16 hooks but nothing on the and mackerel and that was it. usual bigger 2.0 hooks. Steve The floods have definitely left tried jigging with a silver foil their mark. type trace and small a jigging Oh and by the way, as asked, lure but got no takes. The Steve did get me a couple of fishing was slow and tedious Devon Minnows from the UK so after a couple of hours but before he gave them to Steve moved the boat and me I found in my tackle box dropped anchor in a 400ft hole what I would call an American behind the Garrucha harbour minnow, it was bigger than wall. Sid, David and Steve had a Devon one as one would conger rigs on and Dennis and expect, it resulted in me Jack fished the normal trace catching a frigate tuna. baited with prawn. It was Jeremy, ‘Kayak Steve’ and I Sid who eventually got the went out with O. Steve later take and landed a 5’ conger. in the week and trolled all the The eel tangled all five lines way to Macenas without a together before it was brought take. We didn’t see one fish on to the surface and before they the fish finder until we got to could lift them out. It also the holes in front of the Indalo tangled all of them around Hotel arm! the anchor rope; it was a right Fishing the shallows around old mess and took an hour to Macenas produced only a few sort out once the conger had bait robbers so we headed been landed safely aboard. No back to the arm and drifted other fish were caught or bites over shelves in about 400 feet. had in that area, they returned The deepest hole we found on to port with Sid grinning like a the day was 1700 feet about a Cheshire cat. mile offshore. Not a lot there so Shore Fishing: Not a lot to we trolled back in the direction report, very slow from the of Garrucha. Just past the shore.

Beachcomber, Steve spotted Coarse Fishing: Nothing to a sunfish lazily sunning itself report from any of Andalucia’s and as I was blanking it was waters this week. Two Murcia too good an opportunity to club matches were won with miss. A quick cast of my trace 23lbs and 19lbs. of 2.0 hooks and butterfly jig The Albox fishing club meets put them perfectly behind the sun fish and a gentle retrieve every two weeks or so at Bar was almost guaranteed to Wassy. For details of the next hook the puppy! (I call them meeting tel Sid 634 313 650.

For further information on puppies because of the way their eyes follow you) Anyway any of the above or to find he was soon lifted gently by out about beach, boat or Steve with two hands onto coarse fishing licenses, see the boat for my photo. He was me at the Beachcomber Bar not happy and wouldn’t stop Restaurant on Mojacar Playa flapping his fins, usually they or tel 950 473 099. Also, there like a photo taken with me! is a 12 year old lad that lives in Two minutes later I gently slid Mojacar Pueblo that would like him back in and off he went to make friends with someone towards the bottom to calm (Or more than one) roughly down. See photo of me and his own age that can join him fishing from the shore and also my sunfish.

Steve was out with the Albox out on a boat with one of our Club, ‘Squiddly Sid’, ‘Dennis skippers. If interested please the Menace’, ‘Diddy David’ and telephone mum Anna on 696 a new member called Jack 614 184 Tight lines, John. from Limaria, they enjoyed

ANGLING NEWS

Taekwondo mojacar The Taekwondo Mojacar Club held their Autumn grading last weekend at Indigo Gym, where 24 students from the age of 4 to 42 were examined on their fighting skills, self defence techniques, board destruction and patterns.

Congratulations to everyone who passed.

Special congratulations to Bobbi Booth-Roberts & Sophia Friend who were awarded Star medals for special achievements, since their last grading. Joshua Lee who was awarded the ‘Best Student’ trophy in the Rainbow category for his continuous effort since his last grading, and in the Junior and Adult categories, Havana

Thompson and Harry BoothRoberts were awarded ‘Best Student’ Trophies for their skills and dedication to the art of Taekwondo. The Hart Trophy which is given each year to one student for their dedication, great progress and achievements was awarded to Laura Linschoten.

For more information on the club, please visit www.tkdspain.webs.com, or call 646 844 708

BOXERS GOLF SOCIETY................

On October 22nd Boxers on 31 points.

Golf Society travelled to Lorca to compete in the fortnightly Stapleford competition. It was a great day for golf with the sun shining and a light breeze to keep the temperature down, but not strong enough to use as an excuse.

Roy Bishop was the winner of division one and overall winner on the day with 38 points. Mark Newall was runner up with 36 points.

The second division was won by Peter Stooks with 33 points whilst Maxine Mayhew showed she was maintaining her form with second place

The third division was won by Pam Partridge on 26 points from Carole Donaghue (G) on 25 points.

Nearest the pins were Peter Stooks 4th,Colin Waters 10th and Roy Bishop 14th.

The only 2 on the day was Brian Mayhew.

Dates for the diary: Playa Serena November 6th.

Boxers Golf Society meets every Saturday morning between 10 am and 11 am at the Why Not bar in Albox for information and bookings.

For membership email peterstooks@avired.com.

Valle del Este golf society...

Tuesday 23rd we had a merit is getting tight at the waltz comp which was won

by John Clements Ray Mc Hale and Ken Hadle. Friday And our main comp of the week 1st John clements 42pts (hcp21) not any more 2nd Alan Byran 35pts (hcp13) 3rd Sean Halligan 34pts (hcp6) nearest the pins Ray Mc Hale & Paul Thomas Costa Coches order of

top but with two months left there is plenty of golf yet to be played in 1st place Mark Newall (hcp6) 432 pts in 2nd place Bob Mearing (hcp10) 426 pts 3rd place Sean Halligan (hcp6) 424 pts 26pts is the gap between 1st and 6th Places all to play for.

Enjoy your golf at Valle del Este.

www.soltimes.com

Urcal GS

Injuries and illness depleted the field playing at the Lorca Golf Resort on Saturday 27th October. However it turned out to be a very competitive competition with some good scores being recorded.

With the yellow tees pushed right back, the course played very long, which may

SOLTIMES OCTOBER 2012

have resulted in some of the players having a difficult day, but the course was in superb condition even after the recent rain, although some areas of the fairways on the approaches to the green were a little wet making it a difficult choice for the final shot into the greens.

Playing a Stableford format, the Urcal Challenge Cup was won by Tony Morgan with a score of 34 points, scoring 21 points on a very good outward nine holes. In second place with 31 points was John Smith and Tony Cook came third with 29 points.

Maggie Nicol out-drove all of her male competitors to win the longest drive on the sixteenth hole, with Dave Edmonds winning the nearest the pin in two on the second hole and Tony

Morgan finishing nearest the pin on the short par three tenth hole. There was only one 2 on the day which went to Tony Cook.

At Aguilon earlier in the week the final of the Club Championship Singles knockout was played between Stan Whitty and John Smith. Stan run out the winner by 4 & 3.

Congratulation to Stan who won the trophy for the first time and who will be presented with the trophy at the A.G.M. The next match will be a pairs competition at Macenas on the 10th November, anyone wishing to join Urcal Golf Society or play as a guest please contact the Captain on 664 356 287 or e mail him on skyblueforever2000@ yahoo.co.uk

CORTIJO GRANDE.......................................................

Wednesday 24th October 2012 and our winner with 37 points John Geaves second with 35 Pam Webster and third with 34 John Rice . Ball sweep winners John Park Gelly Hughes John Wardley neville Pye Sunday 28th October and this competition sponsored by John Maclean makes Cortijo Grande a stand out golf club for here we have a sponsor for many years who pays for everything from prizes to food. Our thanks once again to John and his family for their generous support The winner of the trophy was

Harry Lentern with 35 points second with 34 Frederique Baird and third with another 34 Chris Astheimer. Division 1 winner with 33 john Geaves second with another 33 John Wardley and third also 33 Tony Webster, Division 2 winner with 31 points Janet kay second with 30 Lily Pepper and third with another 30 Tony Stubbs,. Nearest pin on 11th gents Tony Webster. Ladies Frederique Baird, Nearest pin on par 5 7th after 3 shots Chris Astheimer.Ladies longest Drive Julie Oliver gents Christian Astheimer.

After the presentation we all

ANTHONY CURWEN A U T O M O T I VE TECHNICIAN is the latest mobile mechanic in the area, having served time and becoming qualified at 16 when leaving school, he worked as a mechanic for 12 years and now the last 12 months here in spain, now setting up alone his aim is simple: to provide the area with a first class service, without anyone being overcharged.

He has a solid understanding of the itv requirements and procedure, he has the latest

enjoyed a wonderful meal and drinks. What a great day for our members. Once again thanks John.

Dates for your diary, 13th14th November our Green Jacket 2 day competition.Entries are comming in thick and fast for this competition. We shall be confirming bookings with Hotel and course soon. You need to ring 950 469088 if you wish to join us You WILL enjoy your golf with this wonderfull golf club run like an English club but with Spanish weather MP

electronic diagnostics by “SNAP ON TOOLS” and have attained an excellent discount with the local motor factors to pass on to you the customer. he will offer a fully mobile service, so whether you have an electrical fault, require a service, I.T.V brake realign, clutch or timing belt or even just a checkover. First class winter lube service only 60€ or full service only 110€.

You can call without obligation on 950 064 482 or 645 648 596

ANTHONY CURWEN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TECHNICIAN AUTOMOTIVE

» Engine Systems » ABS Systems » Transmission Systems winter lube service only 60€ - full service only 110€ SERVICING - ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS - ITV & ALL GENERAL REPAIRS

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39

sport CABRERA BOWLS CLUB.................

TURRE OPEN COMPETITION.......

The start of the competition took place under threatening skies, but within one hour the sun came out from behind the clouds and shone for the remainder of a very exciting competition. Fourteen teams took part in this annual competition at Cabrera.

Captain of Cabrera and organiser of the competition Brian Saunders welcomed the teams and wished them all a good days bowling.

After lunch, which was provided by local restaurant and bar Gregg & Co, it was evident that the competition was going down to the wire to find the finalists. After numerous count backs the scorekeepers, Di Saunders and Barry Woods finally had the finals and semi finals plus the play off for third place worked out.

The final results were:-

Winners of the Turre OpenRod and Lyn Band, and Tony and Mary Mullen, Runners Up- David Schofield, Dennis Stoyles, Trevor Robinson and Keith Sephton. Third placePeter and Sandra Marriott, Peter Anderson and David Jenkins. The Clubs President John Sephton presented all the prizes and gave a vote of thanks to all the helpers and bowlers who helped make the day a success.

BRINDLE BOWL COMPETITION....

The Annual Brindle Bowl competition took place at Cabrera, the semi-finals were played on Monday with the Final taking place on Thursday afternoon. Finalists were Kevin and Frances Riley, and Roy Savage and Clive Taylor.

Spectators were entertained with a ‘down to the wire’ final where Roy and Clive emerged the winners when

Turre Open Competition Winners: Rod & Lyn Band. President J.Sephton.

Mary & Tony Mullen

Brindle Bowl Winners

Clive bowled a brilliant last bowl that picked up 2 and avoided a 19th end. To Kevin and Frances it must have felt like ‘deja vu’ as in their semi final it was 17 all on the last end but they picked up 2 to get to the finals.

Well bowled to all the competitors and congratulations to Clive and Roy.

19th Hole Golf Society.........................................

Cucador.

Tuesday 23rd that his address was correct, scoring 34 points to secure October and 20 members and guests of the 19th hole Golf Society took on the demanding Aguilon Course near Pulpi. The weather was perfect as was the course, we really can’t thank J.J, and his brilliant team of green keepers, enough for the excellent condition of this course. It is by far the best kept course we play, the Tees are beautifully manicured, the fairways( although subject to a bit of light hollow tinning) were excellent as were the greens, a real pleasure to play the course.

After the third four ball teed off on the 1st tee, the next group consisting of John Haydon, Pete Duffy Rocket Ron Curtis and Nick Pogson stepped up to the tee. With pin point accuracy Rocket Ron dispatched the ball in a perfect straight line disappearing ino the distance, one by one the other players did the same, all excellent drives. Then it was Nick Pogsons turn to take to the tee, he carefully teed his ball up, took good care

had a good practice swing then addressed the ball.

With staring eyes like that of a gecko watching a fly on a white painted wall he started his back swing, the huge driver whistled through the air as it accelerated toward the ball, contact made between driver head and the little white ball at something approaching 100 miles per hour-the ball moved all of 20 metres onto the ladies tee. Back to the drawing board Nick, definitely a case of standing too close to the ball- after you have hit it!!!!!

Some good scores were recorded on this very pleasant day, most notable was the 34 points scored by Mark Danson, a real achievement as Mark plays off a 3 handicap.

Peter Dow recorded his best score since joining the Society scoring 30 points whilst playing off 28, well done Pete let us all hope the form stays with you.

Big Al (The Artist) Greenfield had a nice return to form

SOL TIMES COSTA ALMERIA

SALES HQ: 902 750 190/950 121 936 OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm Fri 10am-4pm ALBOX, ARBOLEAS, ALFOQUIA ROQUETAS, ALMERIMAR coastal & mojacar areaS EDITOR: editor@soltimes.com ~ DESIGN:production@soltimes.com

3rd place on count back.

But the day belonged to Mr. Consistency, Terry Caddick scoring 35 points playing off his new handicap of 15(now reduced to 14). Well done Terry, it really is good to see a man of your age improving so well.

Results.

1st Terry Caddick 35 points (15) 2nd Mark Danson 34 points ( on count back) (03) 3rd Alan Greenfield 34 points (23).

Twos Alan Chippendale 17 hole.

Nearest the Pin. Harry Eels, Lee Coxon, Alan Chippendale The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653.

Or email gs19thhole@hotmail. co.uk

Sol Times Almeria is independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Almeria is an independent publication. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement.

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40 SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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

Property rentals available and property management services also arranged.

One way car hire services to and from all Spanish and UK locations.

Almeria Living, Avenida Playa Serena 63 04740 Roquetas De Mar, Almeria

Tel: (0034) 950 33 66 26 Mob:(0034) 670 810 948/670 784 470 Fax: (0034) 950 336 660

E-mail: info@almerialiving.com Web-site: www.almerialiving.com

b ar

pool table

darts board

“Little Debs”

Open from 10am, 7 days a week

Breakfast from €2.95

served from 10am Traditional English breakfast Mondays 6pm

Eat as much as you want

Meat & Fish Platters. Help Yourself Salad Bar Jacket Potato, Bread €3.95 bookings only Bacon or jug of beer / 1 ltr wine sausage or tinto de verano €7 baguette €1 includes 6 free tapas

Freshly prepared tapas served daily

Calle Sierra Nevada 21, Roquetas De Mar Tel: 666 717 742

Bar Spinnaker

BEACH-FRONT BAR Near to Zoraida Garden Hotel 950 325 867 Tues/Fri selected meals from 4.50€

Yvonne, Dave & John Welcome you to

Y.Da.Wakes

HELP FOR HEROES

Bingo Monday 8.30pm

3,420€

music & karaoke

a table top sale

saturday nights

grand total raised so far ALL LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE Final Event for 2012 will be

on friday 2 November 11.30am Donations for the sale (including books) gratefully received. Telephone to reserve a table.

Event to be followed by Bingo (2.30) & final count up & closure by Brian (approx 5pm) nd

with Brian

2 for 1

Tubo and Tapa €2

www.barspinnaker.co.uk

Halloween Night 31st October 8pm

Free buffet fun & games Fancy dress optional

all day every day on Local Spirits & Mixers, Wine and San Miguel Bottles

meals from 3€ all day breakfast FROM 3.60€

Full menu now being served til late

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

From Monday 8th October opening times: Mon-Wed 10.30am till late, Thurs closed Fri-Sat 10.30am till late, Sun 10.30am till 7.30pm

ALL SPORTS AND SOAPS SHOWN

CHAPLINS pub

27 CALLE SIERRA NEVADA, 200M FROM HOTEL PLAYA ZUL ROQUETAS

welcomed by Bernard & Ralf

carnival paramty 11 november 11.11 come and enjoy... th

Open 12noon till late wed - Mon (closed Tuesday) Avenida Playa Serena 224, 04740 Roquetas de Mar, Almeria 617 051 947

ALL LIVE FOOTBALL SHOWN ON 5 TVS

Friday is Chip shop Day serving from 1pm Fish and Chips, Battered sausages, Battered Burgers, Saveloys, Pies and much more

Eat in or take away

HOMEMADE FOOD DAILY from 3€ WEDNESDAY RIBS 5.95€ FRIDAY FISH’N’CHIPS 3.95€ BEST IN TOWN SUNDAY sunday roasts 5.95€ regular, 2.95€ meduim, served 5pm - 8pm

Booking Advisable

9.30ish general knowledge quiz Wed, Fri & sun

Tel: 950 335 022

Mob: 618 824 368

Open:Tues - Thurs 5pm - late. Fri, Sat & Sun 1pm - late “The Original Late Bar”

902 750 190

BANK REPOSSESSIONS AVAILABLE

Great apartments 1 bedroom available at apartments La Envia Golf in the from €52,000 urbanisation in the urbanisation of of Roquetas Roquetas de Mar from €48,000 De Mar and in from Almerimar from €48.000 €69,000

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LA BODEGUINA