Roquetas 481

roquetas & almerimar

ISSUE 481

Property management Sales & Rentals

see our main advert on back page

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SolTimes CK ME UP’est. SINCE 2005 YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY ‘PI

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Relaxed, friendly bar and restaurant serving great food, drinks and tapas

fish & chip shop open last friday of the month closed thursdays Calle Faro, Almerimar

At the entrance to the port

Tel: 633 977 878

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Our systems are the best in the current market

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Arkrites

British Food Store

Groceries & frozen foods including legs of New Zealand lamb, gammon joints, lambs liver.

Large Selection of Greeting Cards double knitting wool

Mon - Fri: 10.30am - 2.30pm Sat 10am - 2pm

We Specialise in Meats of Avila, home made Tapas, & much more, we also cater for your Special occasions & celebrations.

out of hours please call 950 334 544

Edif. Los Flamencos, 32 - Urb. Roquetas de mar

TEL: 950 334 081

In the Urb of Roquetas de Mar, just off Avda de Mediterraneo in the square near La Gamba Toscana & Theos

SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT ON PAGE 12

Tel: 645 560 762

trip advisor winner 2014 certificate of excellence rack of Lamb available Menu del dia 9.90€ served friday - wednesday

Enjoy Pierre’s French Cuisine

Kitchen open: 12.30 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.00 - Closed Thursdays Plaza Los Jazmines 10, 04740 Roquetas de Mar Opposite Playa Capricho in the car park

Tel: 950 334 439 Email: lavitaroquetas@hotmail.com

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SOLTIMES april 2015

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

Buying a Funeral Plan with

IBERIAN FUNERAL PLANS

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com

2015 sees rise in number of deaths on Spanish roads

A total of 248 people died in Spanish road accidents during the first quarter of the year – the highest number of traffic victims within that period since 2002, according to Spain’s DGT national highway agency.

The death toll is also up 28 victims from the same quarter last year.

DGT general director María Seguí has attributed the high number of fatalities to “improvements in the economy” and falls in gasoline prices, which encourage more people to take journeys in their own vehicles.

When there was an economic boom in the mid-2000s we were able to reduce the number of accidents” Former Socialist Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba “That brings with it an increase in the risk of accidents,” she said.

But her arguments have met with harsh criticism from opposition politicians.

Former Socialist Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, who was responsible for the DGT between 2006 and 2011, said that during his tenure traffic fatalities were reduced to 1,484 from 2,989.

“The reasons given by the person in charge of the DGT for those bad figures are just as odd as they are false. It’s a lie because when there was an economic boom in the mid-2000s we were able to reduce the number of accidents. But now if there is an increase it is because someone – and this work that has to be undertaken by all of us – has let down their guard,” said

Rubalcaba.

Advocacy groups, such as the State Association for Traffic Victims (DIA), are concerned about the growing trends in road death figures and said there is “no reason to relax.” They have called for more incentives and preventive measures.

Last year, the decline in road deaths began to bottom out. During just a sixmonth period in 2014, there were more traffic fatalities reported than throughout the previous year.

The State Association for Traffic Victims (DIA) has called for more incentives and preventive measures In January, the death toll increased by 44 percent with 88 persons losing their lives on Spanish roads compared to 67 in the same month in 2014.

This trend continued in February with 78 deaths reported compared to the 69 from the same month last year. March showed a slight improvement in the inter-annual figures with 82 fatalities, below the 90 reported in 2014.

In February, the DGT announced a new strategy to curtail speeding: it will inform drivers where speed cameras and radars are located and install mobile radars on secondary roads.

Elpais.com

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Avalon is Europe’s leading supplier of pre-paid funeral plans.

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

Life sentence not death sentence

P. D. Is a progressive neurological condition which affects movement eg walking, writing, swallowing. It is caused by loss of dopamine, a chemical needed by the brain to transmit messages between the nerve endings and muscles.By the time someone is diagnosed with Parkinson, 80% of dopamine is lost and cannot be recovered . There is no cure for PD but it doesn’t kill.

14 years ago I retired. The pressure as a headteacher was immense.

High standards were expected and justifiably so but it was difficult to get rid of incompetent teachers and those who had a ‘I’ve always done it this way’ mentality. So I gave up a job I loved and my husband and I made plans to find a warm corner where we could have a happy retirement. But it was not to be!

We had visited Spain and found our dream home which needed renovation to my ideas. We had sold our house in the UK, packed our belongings and got the dog’s passport. Moving Day was Friday 1st March. Then 5 days before the move the blow fell. I was given the news that I was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. I was devastated!

The only thing that I knew about PD was that Mohammed Ali had it too, but he was a gibbering wreck when I had seen him on TV. Was that my fate?

The consultant in the UK was not prepared to treat me as he wouldn’t be able to monitor the effects. But he was prepared to help and sent me an email for the doctor in Spain I didn’t have. So that was it we were on our

own! No treatment in UK. Suffice it to say that we sorted out the health professionals. As I was 60 we were eligible for full health care. I can only say that Spain has treated me well. I have had various treatments and operations connected with the effect on my body of having PD - broken bones caused by falls, straightening of the spine.

My neurologist is understanding sympathetic and brilliant at giving the best medication for me. I rarely shake except when I am out of my “comfort zone” but others shake all the time. As a result of the many falls I have I am frightened when I don’t have something to hold onto.

PD affects sufferers in different ways so medication has to be carefully prescribed and monitored.

I started a support group for PD sufferers but because of the different symptoms it was not well supported.

For the future I have had my 3 score years and 10 so every day is a bonus.

We keep busy, we meet friends and I keep my brain active by reading a lot, constructing the odd quiz and doing word games. Parkinson will not kill me but it makes my life a lot harder and frustrating so I end up weeping but only where no one can see except my very caring husband. I don’t know what I would do without him!

by Joyce Boxall.

For more info on Parkinsons visit http://www.parkinson.org/

he cut out t and n middle ma rom the f t c buy dire cturer manufa

mobile: 638 900 949 office: 950 930 520 www.themetalworksspain.com info@ themetalworksspain.com

The Metal Works

shot blasting and powder coating service available for new & old metalwork

between Amigos Bowling & Mora oil, poligono industrial, arboleas

security grills - garden gates & railings spiral staircases - motorised sliding gates garage doors - ornate gazebos

Clothes Sale Huge Success

F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone) were absolutely delighted with their Easter Clothes and Bric-a-Brac Sale.

The event was held at the Los Llanos market on Saturday 4th April and over 320€ was raised.

Adele Wrigglesworth, the President of F.A.C.E., would like to pass on her heart felt thanks to all of the F.A.C.E. Supporters and also to the Management of the Los Llanos Market, for helping to make the event such a huge success.

The next event F.A.C.E. will be organising is to be a St Georges Quiz Night. This will be a Charity Fund Raising Quiz which will be held at the Bar Kubatin, which is underneath the Hostel Meson in Arboleas.

The date of the quiz, which will generally have a St Georges Theme, will be Tuesday 21st April at 7-30pm.

Entry fee is €2-50 per person, and upto 20 teams with a maximum of six persons can be accomodated.

If you would like to form a team to take part in this event, or want further details, please contact either Adele Wrigglesworth on telephone number 667 255 094 or Amanda Maunders on telephone number 634 310 727. Team places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For further

information about F.A.C.E. and the work it undertakes, or if you are interested in joining this dedicated group of fund raisers please contact Adele Wrigglesworth on the above telephone number or visit the F.A.C.E. Charity Facebook page or take a look at our website at www.face-charity.com

F. A. C. E.

ST GEORGE’S quiz night ST GEORGE’S THEMED CHARITY FUND RAISING QUIZ AT THE CAFÉ BAR KUBATIN (BELOW HOSTAL MESON) ARBOLEAS TUESDAY 21ST APRIL 7.30PM SNACKS AVAILABLEENTRY FEE IS €2.50 PER PERSON FOR A TEAM OF UP TO SIX PLAYERS (MAX)

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com

Royal British Legion, Mojacar Branch

Good cause. Their next organised events are: 10 April Quiz and Fish ´n Chips supper at Beachcomber restaurant, Mojacar. 7.30 food, 8.30 Quiz

Members and guests of the Royal British Legion, Mojacar Branch enjoyed a wonderful Easter lunch at Torre Bahia restaurant on Thursday 2 April.

Not only did they have an Easter Bonnet competition, there was also a raffle and Easter egg competition to raise money for Poppy Appeal.

Good food, Good company and

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The Independent Theatre Group

23 Apri St. George´s Day lunch, Bella Vista restaurant, Mojacar. 12 € Contact Eileen Huard for details, socialevents.rblmoj3485@gmail.com 634 368 349 And – don´t forget, Bikathon. May 3rd, Vera Aqua Park

Wednesday last, was April Fools Day Next meeting.

Artisan Centre. but not for The Independent Theatre Thursday 16 April. 11.15 Group or All welcome to everything.

Stacey’s Gymnastic Club at Sofia’s in Alboleas In January I.T.G. produced the Pantomime “The Wonderful Story of Mother Goose” and Stacey and her Gymnastic group of children were a part of the Pantomime, undertaking a special routine, by the “Magic Pool”.

As a newly formed group starting from 12 children a year ago, they now have over 30 children, both Spanish and English, taking part and they are always in need of new equipment.

Wednesday was there sponsorship day and I.T.G. presented them with a cheque for €260, being the proceeds of the raffle held in conjunction with the Pantomime. It is hoped that they will raise upwards of € 1600 in total,

when all is collected.

Tracey has always been involved in Gymnastics and is now passing on her expertise to children here in the Almanzora Valley, taking them through the various grades, and as she says “getting them off their backsides, away from TVs, Computers, WII, Xboxes etc and getting them running around and enjoying a more healthy pastime” The Independent Theatre Group is proud to be associated with the group, and wish Stacey and all the members every success for the future.

The photo shows the Group with Jakki Higginbottom of I.T.G. who Directed the Pantomime, Ian Jones, this years President of the Theatre Group passing over the Cheque to Stacey Smith

fuNERAL DIRECTORS, TANATORIOS & INSURANCE

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

New renewables broke through 100GW barrier in 2014

New renewable generating capacity broke the 100GW barrier in 2014, equivalent to the entire fleet of nuclear power plants in the US, a UN report shows.

Global investment in renewable energy during 2014 increased by 17% from 2013 levels to US$270bn (£183bn).

Investors have been attracted by the increasing cost effectiveness and low risk of the solar and wind sectors. The analysis has been published by the UN Environment Programme (Unep) and Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

“We have a continuation of what we have seen in previous years, which is a concentration of investment in two sectors - solar and wind,” explained Eric Usher, lead editor of the Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment.

Offshore wind projects in Europe was a driving force behind European investment in renewables. Mr Usher, head of the Unep Finance Initiative, said that both sectors had recorded a good year.

“Solar was up 29% to US$150bn, while wind was up 11% to almost US$100bn. The other sectors did less well, some are maturing but others have yet to mature.

“Technologically, solar is doing well at both smallscale (roof tops) and larger scale.

“The big story in wind, in developed economies - Europe particularly - is large-scale off-shore, which had a very good year receiving US$18.6bn in financing in Europe alone.”

The increase in investment was the first rise for three years after the global sector recorded a dip in investment levels during 2012 and 2013. The report said the commitments made in 2014 were just 3% below the record level of financing in 2011.

Globally, renewables accounted for an estimated 9.1% of the world’s electricity generation. The report calculated that this contributed to saving of

1.3 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions - about twice as much as emitted by the global airline industry - if the electricity had been generated from fossil fuels.

Achim Steiner, Unep executive director, observed: “Once again in 2014, renewables made up nearly half of the net power capacity added worldwide.

Man walking through a solar power array (Image: Reuters) Solar recorded strong levels of growth in both large-scale and small-scale projects “These climate-friendly energy technologies are now an indispensable component of the global energy mix and their importance will only increase as markets mature, technology prices continue to fall and the need to rein in carbon emissions becomes ever more important.”

China was by fair the biggest investor, pumping a record US$83.3bn into the sector - up by more than a third on its 2013 financing.

The US was second, investing US$38.3bn. Japan was a close third with US$35.7bn.

Mr Usher said that innovation in the sector was being recorded around the globe, in developing nations as well as in the industrialised world.

“On the technology front, China has really scaled up, giving most countries and manufacturers a run for their money particularly when it comes to manufacturing solar and wind turbines,” he said.

“At the same time in Europe, because we are getting the penetration levels of 25% or even higher in countries like Germany, Denmark and Spain, a lot of the innovations here relate to how you manage a grid with large-scale variable supply.

“So a lot of the technical innovations are coming from the grid operators.”

Mr Usher added: “In North America, we see the financial sector doing some very exciting innovations.

For example, they are bundling together tens of

Sol Times – 153mm x 225mm – 3rd April / 10th April

thousands of household-scale systems into financing structures that can get Wall Street bankers excited.”

He explained the financing packages were set up for the gas and renewables sector, but renewable projects were “pulling away” from gas projects.

“They are very low risk. Once you have set up a wind farm or solar system, the risks are actually much lower than running a gas plant because you do not have a pricing risk.

Therefore the cost of financing renewables has come down remarkably. Now projects can raise financing at very low cost and that leads to a lower end-use cost of electricity.”

Despite the return to growth in investment after a two-year dip, the report’s authors say that a number of challenges still factor the sector as a whole, despite the growing strength of the wind and solar industries.

One was the fall in the global price of oil. But Udo Steffens, president of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, was cautiously optimistic: “Oil and renewables do not directly compete for power investment dollars.

“Wind and solar sectors should be able to carry on flourishing, particularly if they continue to cut cost per MWh.” Another challenge that the report highlighted as an area of concern was the “erosion of investor confidence” caused by increasing uncertainty surrounding government support for renewables projects.

Michael Liebreich, chairman of the advisory board for Bloomberg New Energy Finance, explained: “Europe was the first mover in clean energy but is still in a process of restructuring those early support mechanisms.

“In the UK and Germany, we are seeing a move away from feed-in tariffs and green certificates towards auctions and subsidy, which are aimed at capping the cost of the transition to consumers.”

Bbc.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com

tapas del dia carne a la brasa (todos los dias por encargo)

o t e m o c We l a r e v O l H u é rc a

served every day please ask for daily specials

pescado fresco tel: 666 916 545 fin de semana san francisco, 04600 huercal overa

fresh fish served at the weekend

I-CAFÉ BAR

the bus situated opposite The I-Cafébar is family l Overa and is a station in Huerca from Bar. Open daily run Internet Café ks and in dr , a variety of food 9.30am offering ea d pl sant find a relaxed an snacks. You will re all our atmosphere whe lued. customers are va large selection of Also on offer is a ionery, news papers, stat s, rd ca gs tin ee gr are much more. We DVDs, books and and s ice sive shuttle serv Agents for Exclu C.A.T.S. Services. and r Spanish classes Come along to ou ions. inter cambio sess our new ion please check For more informat r Facebook afebar.com or ou web site www.i-c HUERCAL OVER A page I-CAFEBAR

Enmedio” “Asador Sierra of Las

village is situated in the Junction 563 vera, Norias, Huercal-O l Mediterraneo. off the Autovia De ily welcome all Isa, Lois and fam w to sample d ne customers old an freshly cooked of their vast array Del ts, Tapas, Menu dishes - Breakfas ty rie va e id w asa (A Dia, Carne al la Br oice, cooked on ch of meats of your ditional st yle) or tra e tru in ill gr the cooked in the Clay Specialit y Dishes is endless. Relax Oven, the choice e eal in the Bar, Th and enjoy your m ru Garden or in thei nt, or ra nique Cave Restau r a drink. just pop down fo ble rant is also availa The Cave Restau s, , Wedding for Private Part y’s st that ju or ns io Commun ca special oc sion, ion contact Isa for more informat

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serving coffee & great food.

Breakfast (all day) ▪ Spanish Tostados ▪ Toast ▪ Croissants (Egg on toast etc) ▪ Traditional English ▪ Fresh Fruit Salad Breakfast ▪ Yoghurt ▪ Preserves ▪ Pancakes

we serve daily.... breakfast - (9am - 12noon) full english

light snacks Main meals ▪ Lasagna (Meat and ▪ Jacket Potato’s Vegetarian) (with salad) ▪ Casserole Ham, Cheese, Tuna, ▪ Curry Beans

menu del dia @ 9€ (1pm - 3.30pm) starter, main, dessert coffee & 1 drink

Monday - Friday

1st course + 1 drink @ 4€ Thursdays 12 - 4pm

Ladies who Lunch

various sweets & beverages

Saturday 18th April 5pm onwards

Opening hours Monday - Friday 09:30 - 18:00 & Saturday - Sunday 09:30 - 14:00 Ctra Estacion 143, Urb Los Ruedos Bloque 2, Huércal-Overa , Almeria 04600

Asador Sierra enmedio

Phone: +34 950 135 039 E-Mail: info@i-cafebar.com

Quiz & Special menu

Join us on facebook

e Hotel Rural’s Re has taken over th e have aurant and terrac and Bar. The rest de an clu refurbished, to in been completely ea er seating ar . outside undercov d eakfast with us an Come and have br or t as to , ry ly-baked past enjoy some fresh other delights. hy not ne a little later w If you prefer to di choose e menu. You can tr y our lunch tim our new traditional meals, of ty rie va a m fro l Día. To vor our Menu de Tapas dishes or sa so offer me’s desire we al fulfill the gastrono specialit y dishes. e where laxing atmospher You will find a re ack. beer, coffee or sn you can enjoy a bl la e for dining-room avai There is a large gs. d larger gatherin social meetings an rward to yday and look fo We are open ever seeing you.

The Palms Bar Restaurant

sat 11th

the grand national 17:15

e Miguel” “Los Sabores d staurant

in aid of Alzheimers

Las Norias, Huecal overa Autovia del mediterráneo Salida 563

Tel: 659 395 773 or 664 272 441

saturday 11th April party night come along & celebrate eileen’s birthday with DJ steve king 8pm onwards Tuesday 21st April Musical Jam Night, 8pm onwards all welcome Available for Private Functions / Partys etc...

Snacks, Dining & Holiday Accomodation Find us off Junction 563 on the Autovia N340-E15 Open 12pm til Late -Wed - Sun

To Book Tel: 950 958 167 / 678 832 036

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

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The rug specialists

opposite Mercadona

TEL: 950 633 149 OR 607 375 697

albox insurance Award winning agent

For all your Insurance Needs Please contact Glenn & jayne

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GRAND NATIONAL 2015

GIRASOL

Health Food Shop & Community Centre

Are you looking for Inspiration?

Did you get a new cookbook for Christmas?

You’ll be surprised at the range of natural & organic products available to inspire you.

In the Community Centre Kids Karate, Kids Gymnastics Art classes, Pilates, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Salsa-size Spanish lessons and health screening C/Malaga s/n, Albox, Almeria, Tel: 639 089 170 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-2pm email: alboxgirasol@hotmail.com

Ken & Jackie

funeral director funeral homes and insurances

beckie harris funeral services 24 hours - 657 921 383 office - 950 456 825 email: bex.robles@gmail.com Pork Pies are Freshly e th Baked on s Premise

Baked Potatoes and Hot Sandwiches

The best breakfast in Albox starting from 3€ A great selection of pasties all freshly baked on the premises They are the best quality and value in the area.

See you here soon.

Avda America, Albox. Next to Pricebusters

Tel: 666 618 933

We build it all swimming pools with gunite swimming pool leak detection from house extensions to full house build

Dog & Cat Sitter service

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676 389 592 Home & Garden Centre

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Call Karen on 635 979 829 or 950 064 584

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Ctra. Lorca-Baza 72.5 04800 Albox (Almeria)

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com It’s one of the sporting events even the casual fan circles on their calendar, but what makes the Grand National a British institution? Here some top facts about the great race.

1. The first Grand National was held in 1839 but it started in inauspicious circumstances – going off two hours late after confusion over weighing procedures.

The aptly named 5-1 favourite Lottery was the winner.

2. The 1929 National featured the most starters in the race’s rich history when 66 horses lined up. The smallest field was in 1883 when just ten set off.

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3. The fastest ever time is the eight minutes 47.8 seconds recorded when Mr Frisk sluiced home in 1990.

4. The greatest number of horses to complete the course was 23 in 1984 when Hallo Dandy, ridden by Neale Doughty, was the winner. The smallest number of finishers was in 1928 when Tipperary Tim, a 100-1 outsider, was the first of only two past the post.

5. Richard Johnson beat the record for the most rides in the Grand National without a win last year when he took part for the 16th time without success. His best effort was second on What’s Up Boys in 2002.

6. Charlotte Brew was the first female jockey to ride in the race when she was on board 200/1 chance Barony Fort in 1977. Their adventure ended with a refusal at the 26th fence. The best finish by a female jockey was last year when Katie Walsh steered 8/1 chance Seabass into third place.

7. The first five Grand Nationals included one jump that was a stone wall, situated where the water jump now stands. Becher’s Brook earned its name when a top jockey, Captain Martin Becher, took shelter after being unseated and said: ‘Water tastes disgusting without the benefits of whisky.’ The Chair is the tallest fence at 5ft 2in.

8. Red Rum is the most successful horse, winning three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977. The oldestwinning horse is Peter Simple, who was aged 15 when triumphant in 1853. The youngest winners – all aged five – were Alcibiade (1865), Regal (1876), Austerlitz (1877), Empress (1880), Lutteur III (1909).

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due to the horses not bring declared until thusrsday morning, the sweep stake kit will be available to download & print on friday morning at

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ALMERIMAR & roquetas publish your special events here.

Charity/community groups events also published FREE of charge. happening in Almerimar: www.facebook.com/localinformation

For all your local advertising needs call Mark on 693 774 932 Things to do in Roquetas Roquetas has a number of attractions that include the Aquarium, the Mario Water Park, the bullring, the Theatre Auditorium, cinemas, museum, and boat trips.

For those interested in activity holidays there are, golf courses, ten-pin bowling, sport centres and numerous

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We are a family run business and offer a full range of services to our clients, giving you a one stop shop for all your property requirements.

Property Management/Key holding Security checks - Rentals, including meet and greet, Cleaning/Laundry Repairs and maintenance Painting and decorating Electrical work (by UK qualified engineer) Refrigeration and air conditioning (by UK qualified engineers) If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Pete or Pat on 665611238 info@chilloutwithus.eu www.chilloutwithus.eu

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Walkers and bird-watchers can enjoy two natural areas in Roquetas, thePuntas Entinas-Sabinar Natural Park to the west of the town and the Parque Las Salinas. In particular the Puerta Verde de Roquetas de Mar is a recently opened short route in the Las Salinas area that enables beach users, walkers and cyclists to enjoy use of the Cañada Real de la Costa without encountering motorized traffic. It is part of a 15 kilometre pedestrian route between Aguadulce and the eastern end of the Puntas Entinas-Sabinar Natural Park. Include this natural park in the expedition and the more intrepid walker can make a near 30 kilometre trek along the coastal strip, which is part of the unspoilt coastline of the Costa Almería.

Roquetas is also suitable for the less able because, despite the close proximity of some of the highest mountains in Spain, the town itself is flat. During the summer months, Roquetas Town Council puts on numerous open-air concerts. These performances cater for all tastes including as they do flamenco, pop, jazz and classical music as well as shows for children. Entrance is free. There are occasional free concerts at the theatre that opened around five years ago. However, we do have to pay to see artists like Montserrat Caballe and Jose Carreras who have appeared there.With all it has to offer, Roquetas de Mar has become one of the major tourist attractions on the Mediterranean coast. http://www.unique-almeria.com

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Glad rags TUESDAY 14TH APRIL COME & JOIN ME TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE 2015 SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION ENJOY CAVA & COOKIES WHILST YOU BROWSE. View the beautiful classic designs of Casa Mia, The UK high street, The Curvy Collection From sizes 16-30, aswell as the quirky collections from Maloka & Eva Tralala (exclusive stockist in this area).

I will also be showcasing the new Spring/Summer Bags & Accessories An ideal time to refresh & update your wardrobe.

Doors open at 10am Gladrags fashion show 2015.

Sponsored by ibex insurance.

I still have a few tickets left for this years Spring Summer fashion show on sunday 12th april.

The event is being held at the Rosaleda Bar/Restaurant & starts at 3pm, tickets are 5â‚Ź which includes a glass of Cava on arrival & all proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to the Walk For Life Charity.

Be the first to view & purchase the new seasons collections.

Pleased be advised that entrance on the day will be with a ticket brought in advance only.

ours sat 1 h g & 0am-2pm nin m - 3pm

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Look Good

Feel Great

Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

Wrist fractures and hip fractures and fractures of the vertebrae (bones in the spine) are the most common type of breaks that affect people with osteoporosis. However, they can also occur in other bones, such as in the arm, ribs or pelvis.

There are usually no warnings you've developed osteoporosis and it's often only diagnosed when a bone is fractured after even minor falls.

What causes osteoporosis?

During childhood, bones grow and repair very quickly, but this process slows as you get older.

Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18, but continue to increase in density until you're in your late 20s.

You gradually start to lose bone density from about 35 years of age. Women lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause.

Losing bone is a normal part of the ageing process, but for some people it can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.

Other factors that increase your risk of developing osteoporosis include: • inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) • conditions that affect the hormone-producing

glands, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) • a family history of

osteoporosis, particularly history of a hip fracture in a parent • long-term use of certain medications that affect bone strength or hormone levels, such as oral prednisolone • malabsorption problems • heavy drinking and smoking Diagnosing osteoporosis If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, they can make an assessment using an online programme, such as FRAX or Q-Fracture. They may also refer you for a scan to measure your bone mineral density.

This type of scan is known as a DEXA (DXA) scan. It's a short, painless procedure and your bone mineral density can then be used to assess your fracture risk.

Treating osteoporosis Treatment for osteoporosis is based on treating and preventing fractures and using medication to strengthen bones.

OUR hair, BEAUTY & The decision about what MASSAGE THERAPISTS ARE treatment you have – if FULLY UK TRAINED any – will depend on your risk of fracture. This will Open 9 - 3pm Mon - Thurs. El Cucador be based on a number of factors, such as your age and the results of your DXA Hair Treatments scan.

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Pre v e n t i n g osteoporosis If you're at risk of developing osteoporosis, you should take steps to help keep your bones healthy. This may include: • taking regular exercise • healthy eating, including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D • making lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption Living with osteoporosis If you're diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of a fall, such as removing hazards from your home and having regular sight tests and hearing tests.

To help you recover from a fracture, you can try using: • hot and cold treatments such as warm baths and cold packs • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – where a small battery-operated device is used to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain • relaxation techniques At-risk groups Osteoporosis often affects women, particularly after the menopause (when monthly periods stop). However, it can also sometimes affect men, younger women and children.

Other groups who are at risk of developing osteoporosis include: • people who've been taking steroid medication for more than three months • women who've had their ovaries removed • people with a family history of osteoporosis • people with an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia • people who don't exercise regularly • people who smoke or drink heavily

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Holistic, Reflexology. Call Melissa: 626 144 680 We are a self-contained private suite of rooms on the right hand side of La Vida Bar, El Cucador Monica Algañaraz Over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONICA ALGANARAZ: 695 355 381 Email: monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net EAST VALLEY (A7 Exit 529 Golf Course - Business Centre) Very near Garrucha, Turre, Los Gallardos Mojacar-Vera, Albox

DMA Therapies kim clark DMA Hypnotherapy. HTR registered benefits consultancy

Hypnotherapy can help with many long standing issues; bereavement, anger, low self esteem, confidence, loss of sleep, relaxation, pain relief, smoking, eating habits and many more.

Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles?

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

Telephone: 622 577 379

You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain

now offering reflexology and Reiki NOW OFFERING REFLEXOLOGY AND REIKI

For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

Working from Almanzora - Call for free confidential advice Appointments also available for past life regression

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com eyeglasses or big sunglasses can help block pollen from your eyes. Driving? Keep the windows closed and run the air conditioner.

Limit your exposure to dust mites by encasing your pillows in allergen-impermeable covers. Wash bedding frequently in water that’s at least 130 F. If your mattress is more than a few years old, consider getting a new one. Old mattresses are often teeming with allergens.

Clean floors with a damp mop. Sweeping tends to stir up rather than get rid of allergens. Especially if a pet shares the house with you, consider replacing rugs and carpets, which trap and hold allergens, with hardwood, tile, or other flooring materials that are

JAX Hair&Beauty

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easier to clean. Go with blinds instead of curtains.

To stop mold from growing inside your home, keep the humidity under 50%. That might mean using a dehumidifier, especially in a damp basement. If so, clean the dehumidifier regularly. Clean your kitchen and bathrooms with a bleach solution.

If your pet is causing your allergies, try to keep it outside as much as possible. At the very least, keep it out of your bedroom. Don’t let it share your bed.

Don’t rub your eyes. That’s likely to make symptoms worse. Try cool compresses instead. http://www.webmd.com/

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People who have allergies are often quick to seek early spring through summer and into autumn. They’re help for symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, and nasal caused by exposure to allergens in the air, commonly congestion. But allergies can affect the eyes, too, pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds, as well as causing red, itchy, burning, and watery eyes and spores from molds. swollen eyelids. The good news is that the same Perennial allergies occur throughout the year. They’re treatments and self-help strategies that ease nasal caused mostly by exposure to dust mites, feathers allergy symptoms work for eye allergies, too. (as in bedding) and animal (pet) dander. Other Eye allergies, also called ocular allergies or allergic substances, including perfumes, smoke, chlorine, air conjunctivitis, affect one in five Americans. Though pollution, cosmetics, and certain medicines, can also the symptoms they cause can be annoying -- not play a role. to mention unbecoming -- they pose little threat to Sometimes, it’s easy to tell what’s causing an allergy eyesight other than temporary blurriness. But red, -- for example, if symptoms strike when you go outside itchy, burning, and puffy eyes can be caused also on a windy, high-pollen-count day, or when a furry by infections and other conditions that do threaten friend climbs onto your lap. If it’s not clear just what eyesight. So, it's smart to see your doctor if eye you’re allergic to, a doctor can give you a simple test symptoms don't get better with self-help strategies or to find out. over-the-counter allergy remedies.

Do-It-Yourself Allergy Relief Like all allergies, eye allergies are caused by a glitch The first approach to controlling eye allergies should in the body’s immune system. The trouble starts when the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the be to limit your exposure to allergy triggers: Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest, usually eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes) comes into contact with something that, while actually harmless, in mid-morning and early evening. Close the windows is seen as a threat. In a mistaken attempt to fight and run the air conditioner (window fans can draw off the threat, the immune system makes antibodies in pollen and mold spores). If you go out, wearing that cause your eyes to release histamine and other substances.

That, in turn, makes eyes red, itchy, and watery. The most characteristic symptom of eye allergy is itching. look good, feel good Eye allergy symptoms can happen with our full range of treatments alone or along with nasal allergy symptoms.

Allergies: Seasonal and Perennial There are two types of eye allergies: seasonal, which are more common, and perennial.

Seasonal allergies happen only at Opposite Bar Toni Tlf. 645 560 367 certain times of the year—usually In Old Town, Albox Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm

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Eye Allergies

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Tel: 950 135 081 salasopticos@Yahoo.es

Osteopath

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Tel. 629 289 385

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer and you don’t always Bytes. Chromebooks – Are they worth it? get much more from a I know that this is an odd way to start Windows laptop for the the article and it is also an odd question! extra cash paid! It’s Where did this question come from? value for money will Wednesday, I was asked to go to a client’s always depend on the home and install their printer onto their use that you intend to put it to! new laptop. When I arrived, I found that Now the less attractive part of Chrome the laptop was a Chromebook.

OS. As I mentioned earlier, it is a ‘cut down’ Before I get to the problems, I would like version the free OS Linux. How much has to walk you through the many qualities it been cut down? If your Chromebook has of this device. It is, first and foremost, a USB port it will have the drivers to ‘see’, an internet oriented machine. It was and connect to, a USB external storage conceived as a result of the need to access device (Memory Stick, External Disk Drive) the internet in the quickest, most efficient but will not be able to connect to your manner possible. It was designed to start printer. If it has vga or HDMI port, it will be quickly and as Chrome OS was taken from able to connect to your monitor or TV. With Linux source, which is free, it is MUCH more all obvious external connection port there virus resistant. It has frequent updates will be the drivers to run it. If it doesn’t and so maintains its stable security base. have something, then it probably won’t It was designed to start up quickly. be supported and THIS is the trick that Typically, it takes 45 seconds for a Windows gets the Chromebook, up and running, so based machine to become usable, and that quickly! is when it is new – as time goes on it takes It generally has little internal storage as longer! It takes 55 seconds for an identical it uses the internet for most of the normal Linux based machine, which doesn’t slow storage functions. For me, and this is a down over time! The Chromebook, due personal choice only! I use the internet to its Chrome OS will start up in about as a tool, a means to an end, and spend 10 seconds. I’m sure you have seen adverts where a Windows machine starts much more time OFF the internet as ON it.

Would I have a Chromebook? Hell YES, almost instantly, well it does ONLY if your computer is in sleep mode. The Chrome but only if some kind soul offered to buy OS is ready in 10 seconds from pushing it for me! I will always need a computer that has the capacity to be whatever I the power button!!!

What Google have done is to take the web need, when I need it and, although the browser (firefox, Internet explorer and in Chromebook is a superb, beautifully this case Google’s Chrome) and build the designed computer in it own right, it will computer around it! Nearly everything never be able to replace my Linux based that you will need is ‘out there’ on the workhorse!

Although I have a clinic at Jacks Bar in internet. Word processors, Speadsheet, Presentation applications, Email, in fact Albox on a Friday Afternoon, I’m always just about everything that you might need available in Partaloa for the surrounding to keep connected to family, friends and area (including Albox) if you feel that you aren’t getting the professional help your “enemies to be kept closer”.

The key issue is the price, or rather, WAS computer deserves. Contact me for free the price. When the Chromebook first advice concerning your computer or tablet came out it was the cheapest laptop on at the address or phone number below. the market when compared For further information or advice on to similar Windows computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or based laptops. The price canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk difference is much less now

Guernica

Gernika (Basque spelling) in northern Spain is strategically important as 2 main roads intersect there linking the Atlantic port town of Bermeo and the Basque capital Bilbao. The river In Gernika is also deep enough for trading boats to navigate the estuary to the Bay of Biscay.

Across medieval Europe; meetings were held and new laws passed under oak trees. In Gernika there’s been an oak on the same spot since the town was founded in 1366. The first lasted 450 years being replaced in 1742.

The third tree was planted in 1858 but this was replaced in 2005 after it died from a fungus. In 1810 William Wordsworth wrote a poem about Gernika’s oak. The town gardeners have always grown oaks from the acorns and there is a stock of descendants which are given as gifts to towns and organisations friendly with the Basque region.

Gernika is the traditional seat of the Biscay Province Parliament; Basque laws were passed under these oaks up until 1876 with a meeting house built

REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN SPAIN. SPANISH LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION DOCUMENT Registering a non-Spanish vehicle in Spain is a complex and potentially costly procedure.

However, you may be exempt from Spanish registration tax by getting Spanish number plates within one month of entering the country. But to do this, you need to become a resident.

Linea Directa has been insuring expat drivers in Spain for over a decade and understands all the steps involved. Below we outline this process.

STEP 1: OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY This is a statement by the car’s manufacturer that it conforms to EU regulations. You will need the car’s chassis number to complete this straightforward process online at www.eurococ. eu/en/certificate_of_conformity.

The charges for this service will vary according to type of vehicle, make and country of 1st registration.

STEP 2: CURRENT LOG BOOK The vehicle’s original log book showing your name as the owner, the vehicles age and a valid UK address. You will also need the bill of sale for the car.

STEP 3: RESIDENCY IN SPAIN The Spanish residency certificate (Certificado de Empadronamiento) is your official proof of residency in Spain. Your local town hall can provide you with this document. You will need to take your passport and proof of Spanish address (rental contract, contract to purchase or

property deeds).

STEP 4: OBTAINING A SPANISH MOT CERTIFICATE All vehicles over 4 years old must be roadworthy and clearly display a valid ITV sticker. The ITV (Vehicle Technical Inspection) must be tested at an authorised centre, just as for an MOT test.

You can find out the location of your nearest ITV centre on DGT website (equivalent to the DVLA). You can also call your local centre to make a booking.

If the centre is busy, especially pre-summer, this can save a lot of time. The cost can vary but generally is around 40€ for petrol-engine cars and 56€ for diesel-engine cars.

Step 5: OBTAINING A SPANISH EQUIVALENT OF A TAX DISC The Spanish Tax Agency can provide your vehicle with a valid “tax disc” for Spain, which must be carried in the car when in use.

You will need to complete the relevant form online and pay the amount according to your car’s tax band.

You can carry out all these procedures yourself or you can seek the assistance of an accountant to do this for you.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 161. More information on Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.eu Telephone: 636 266 641

nearby for this purpose.

When the Basque region became part of Castille it became customary for new kings to come to Guernica to swear an oath under the tree to uphold the laws of Biscay. The symbol of the oak leaf features on many Basque logos and coats of arms.

So Gernika has always held special significance for the Basque people and it’s regarded as their spiritual heart. During the Civil War most Basque regions voted to side with the ruling republicans which pitted them against the nationalists led by Franco.

Northern Spain was hugely important for both sides as it has coal, iron and the subsequent heavy industry in abundance.

The nationalists were aiming to take Bilbao and on March 31st leaflets were dropped from planes across the region bearing a message from General Mola telling people their lives and possessions would be spared if they surrendered. The same day the town of Durango became the first

ever defenceless civilian European town to be bombed from the air.

Hundreds died and fighter planes straffed people in the streets as they ran. Franco’s General Queipo Del Llano claimed over the radio that only military targets has been hit and that the priests and nuns that died; had been locked in by communists in the churches and burnt alive.

Monday is market day in Gernika and was a huge affair taking on a holiday feel. On April 2nd 1936 the town held 10,000 people; locals, market goers and also refugees fleeing the first bombings from a few weeks earlier.

At 1630 hours all hell broke loose; for 2 and ¾ hours the German Luftwaffe (Condor Legion) and the Italian air force carpet bombed the defenceless town. Wave upon wave of explosives and incendiaries rained down, with fighter planes shooting people as they fearfully scattered. The town was all but destroyed.

The supposed military objective was

to destroy the river ; however this remained untouched as did the two munitions factories.

Journalists arrived quickly to the scene and reported the bombing but the Francoists denied any bombing had taken place instead blaming the republicans for setting fire to the town as they retreated. It’s estimated around 1500 people lost their lives.

A few days later the town was taken unopposed. The oak tree and meeting house were luckily untouched by the bombs and locals held an armed guard around the tree to stop the victors felling it as a symbolic act against the Basques. At the Nuremberg trials Goering confessed that Guernica was used by Germany as a testing ground for the ‘total war’ carpet bombing techniques for the war to come!

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

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JAGUARS – THE BIG ONE Largest collection of Classic Jaguars ever in Spain Written by Eric Arnold

After months of planning The Big One as it became to be called actually happened. A joint meeting between The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, Spain and The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, France, plus a few guys from the Madrid Jaguar Club. The result was 73 fabulous

Jaguars cleaned and polished to “within an inch of their lives” and 151 very enthusiastic Jaguar owners. The main event took place on Saturday 28th March and Sunday 29th March 2015 but many of the participants took two or three days to travel to and from their home to the event in Northern Spain.

Cars and owners came from all over Spain and France and congregated at the fabulous Parador Siguenza hotel in Siguenza. A 13th Century castle that has been

converted into a glorious luxury hotel. An outstanding collection of Big Cats graced the cobbled grounds of this iconic building. It made “an old man” very happy, what an amazing sight. I am not going to try and mention all the cars, there were so many that deserved a special mention but, to do them justice would take up too much room in this article. If you want to see just some of them, visit our web site www.jec-spain. com and visit the Events pages and the Gallery pages where you can see examples of “just the best motors in the world”!

On the Saturday evening we all gathered for the “Black, White & Bling” Gala Dinner, held in the medieval hall.

A selection of exquisite “tapas” starters then either beef wellington or a fish dish, accompanied with some stunning wines. Dessert and coffee was preceded by

the Grand Draw, prizes included bottles of 40 and 20 year old Cognac, an Iberico Cured Ham, a gold plated Jaguar fob watch, a 7” Android Tablet, HD DVD Car video recorder, display and camera, various bottles of superb wines, a cheese and many other items. At the end of the evening we held a Grand Auction. All the items in the auction were donated by some of the members. Many, many thanks to those who donated items to this fantastic auction. We made just slightly over 1,800.00 Euros, of which 600.00 Euros will be kept for club funds and the remaining 1,200.00 Euros will be donated to Cancer Research UK. Sunday started early, breakfast then “start your engines” was called at 09:30 and 73 glorious Jaguars snaked through the little town of Siguenza and then squeezed in to the town square.

I am not quite sure how we got them all in but we did. I have never seen a site quite like it, a phenomenal photo opportunity.

A meeting with the Mayor then at roughly 11:30, start your engines was called and the Big Cats cruised out of the town and into the Spanish country side on their way to another Parador hotel in Soria, where a very special “posh tapas” lunch had been organised. That brought the organised parts of the event to a close. People made their own way back to Siguenza in their own time May I take this opportunity to offer a very special thank you to all those that attended, I know many of

through the day.

I am already getting requests to “do it again”, just Bigger & Better, April 2017 is the target date. For our next meeting will be on 10th May 2015 when we will be visiting Restaurant, La Cova in Campello again, a firm favourite with our members and a beautiful location.

Ian our Events Director is planning something special for September and we will be “cruising” down to Malaga for our “Trip Down South” in November. Why not come and join us. Our Costa Del Sol region has just been launched and is holding their first meeting on 19th April just outside Nerja, details can be found on our web site under Regions, check it out.

The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the

you travelled many hundreds of kilometres to attend this event. A very special thank you to Graham Searle, General Manager, JEC UK who came all the way from England to give us his support. Special thanks to Chris Park and Tim Sankey from JEC France, without their help and support The Big One would not have been such a tremendous success. As always a big thank you to Ian McMenemy, our dedicated Events Director for all his help and his hard work organising our normal events which allowed me the time to conceive and organise this event, and a special thank you to David Shea for his sterling work on our Facebook pages. Last but not least Alfonso Cuervo-Arrango, the events Press Officer who helped in so many ways not only with the press but with the organisation and arrangements

worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, full members also benefit from a glossy 140 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC Spain website www.jec-spain.com Our Events Director, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JECevents.com. Our Costa Del Sol Region is organised by Phillip Wray who can be contacted on jec.costadelsol@ gmail.com Come along and join us, you will not be disappointed.

www.soltimes.com

PROPERTY supplement

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

17

SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT

THE ONLY PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM HOME INSIDE!

After a great exhibition in Belgium, we are still looking for properties in all areas.

Office: 950 102 191 Carlos: 648 505 938 Gavin: 671 293 942 www.immo-carlos.com email: info@immo-carlos.com

Almeria Property

Agency

Sales & Lettings - Inmobiliaria OFFICE NEXT TO CAJAMAR BANK, ARBOLEAS Office: 850 993 099 Mobile: 628 872 334 Email: info@almeriapropertyagency.com

www.almeriapropertyagency.com

LOOKING FOR REASONABLE PRICED PROPERTY IN MOJACAR AND SURROUNDING AREAS? INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS ENQUIRING.

www.mojacarestates.com TEL: 0034 950478935

Your Belgian Estate Agent at the Coast

property sales and relocation specialists

Avda de Almeria 78, Turre

We are looking for new property listings both coastal & inland Please contact us on 950 469 592 or 697 640 681

info@colespain.com • www.colespain.com

After a very successfull first year we still are looking to extend our portfolio with coastal properties from Mojacar to San Juan

ANN 666 260 792 ISMAEL 670 596 085 www.almeriapropertyinvestments.com ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com RONDA DE LAS BUGANVILLAS nº 42 (next to Luces & Bar Cactus)

HOLIDAY RENTALS PROPERTY CARE MOJACAR PLAYA

LONG TERM PROPERTIES REQUIRED

www.blueseavillas.co.uk

Tel: 950 478 643 / 634 325 057

For Long or Short Term Rental Call Wendy or Linda now

Owners we want your property!

“Our Experience is your Guarantee”

Property Management & Maintenance also available

18

PROPERTY supplement

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

The team at Calida Homes, Richard, Andrea, Louise and Summer have just opened their brand new office on Avenida Andalusia, Arboleas, the old Sofia's gym on the Main Street of Arboleas.

Established in the Arboleas area since 2000 and with a vast knowledge of the property market their pro active approach to property sales makes them one of the areas leading and most trusted estate agents. For a competitive commission rate they do far more than any of their competitors, inland or on

the coast. Advertising extensively and on all of the most effective property portals such as Rightmove, A Place in the Sun, Kyero etc, offering a free property video to showcase properties, use of Radio and n e w s p a p e r advertising and also attending 3 European property exhibitions each year promoting both the area and properties to the Belgian, Dutch and French markets.

www.soltimes.com

Ivan de Backer. The only agent combining property sales and legal services all under one roof. Thinking of selling a property ?

Then bring your legal paperwork along to the free property clinic and check that all is up to date and in order to ensure a speedy and hassle free sale.

Call into their new office to have a chat about how they can help you get your property sold. Alternatively if you are looking to purchase a property in the area then look no further as their vast experience, professional approach and large property portfolio will be difficult to beat.

Their property portfolio comprises of bargain inland villas, prestige properties, reformed traditional farmhouses and village houses plus coastal apartments, duplexes and villas and specializing in bank repossession properties. Full current property listings can be found at www. calidahomespropconsultancy.com Their latest service is a free property clinic in association with Gestor (legal consultant)

www.calidahomespropconsult.com Avenida Andalusia, Arboleas Office 0034 950430763 Richard 0034 634302801 Andrea 0034 697875717 Telephone: 950 460 999

MUNDI

Ronda de Las Buganvillas, Local 22, (nr Garrucha) www.mundiabogados.com info@mundiabogados.com

ABOGADOS

Maria Maroto Perez: Solicitor/Barrister - Esther Serrano Saez: Solicitor/Barrister

• NIE Cards • Residency Cards • Social Security Cards • • Company Setup • Insurance • • Conveyancing • Translations • Litigation • Wills & Inheritance Tax • Tax Returns • NEW OFFICE!! Please note that we will be moving premises on 30th April 2015. We will be relocating to number 15, Ronda de Las Buganvillas. Situated between Victor’s Bar and Cajamar Bank. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

We are pleased to introduce ourselves

MUNDI ABOGADOS SOLICITORS

We are a multidisciplinary law firm based in Vera (Almería) and as such we deal with many different aspects of law, specialising in litigation, conveyancing, taxation, civil, commercial and fiscal law. Our aim is to provide a personal, quality service, in plain English and to do so promptly, efficiently and in a friendly manner.

We will keep you up to date and fully informed throughout and all at a very competitive price.

We can also arrange the following if needed: • Open a Spanish bank account • Connection of utility services • If you are considering renting your house or land we will negotiate your letting agreement, ensuring that the terms of your contract meet your requirements • Write your Spanish will • As your Fiscal Representatives, we will assist you in any dealings with Spanish Tax Office and explain to you all the taxes that you are liable to pay.

For those that become residents of Spain, we can also assist in other legal matters, such as matrimonial issues or business contracts.

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 www.daviessolicitors.com On the 17th of August of 2015 European Union Directive 650/2012 comes into force: Make sure you have stated on your will that you wish U.K. law to rule your inheritance or your children will inherit instead of your spouse.

Question. A solicitor spoke the other day on television about the new directive 650/2012 saying that it was essential that people retired in a country different of their country of nationality within the European Union revise their wills. What is all this about?

A : This is correct and most have already had the changes made to their wills, but there are still plenty that have not. This regulation of the EU 650/2012 deals with different things, but the reason English citizens need to look at their will is that this new Regulation of the EU establishes that: 1. When a person dies resident in one country of the European Union but national of another, the law applicable to his/her inheritance will be the one that he/she has established expressly in his will and not the one established by the International Norms of each country (which may be in conflict). This is good news because an English national living in Spain can establish that he/she wishes English Law to rule his/her inheritance and this will avoid any possible risk of claims from children against the spouse on the basis of the system of obligatory heirs established in Spanish law, which has always caused worry and concern in the case of children from previous marriages etc.

2. If a person passes away after the 17th of August of 2015, unless he has said differently in his will (as explained above), the legislation applicable to his inheritance will be that of his country of last residence. This is very important for English people living in Spain, because

under Spanish law you cannot leave everything to your wife as 2/3 of the estate have to be left to children. In other words if you are resident of Spain, have children and do not establish on your will that you wish English Law (your national law) to rule your inheritance your Spouse will not be allowed to receive his/her full inheritance, as this would contradict the Spanish rules of obligatory heirs which would be applicable automatically because of the new regulation.

Consequences: 1. If you have children but have made a will leaving all assets to your spouse, make sure that you have clearly stated on your will that you wish your national law (English law) to rule your inheritance.

If you have not, you need to speak to a solicitor about this new European directive and add this statement to your will.

2. If you are married and you have been concerned with possible claims by your spouse’s children against your estate, this risk can be completely removed by your spouse stating on her/his will that it should be English law that rules the inheritance.

Conclusion:The new regulation has given much more strength to the testators /testatrix, letting them choose between English or Spanish Law, which is good, but precaution is a must because under the new regulation if nothing is said and you are a resident in Spain, automatically the law applicable will be Spanish law which does not permit that spouses leave everything to each other if there are children.

Solution: Contact us and we will see if your will needs changing. If not we will not charge you.

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.

PROPERTY supplement

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

19

A Fresh Look at Marbella’s Old Town

Now, a lot of people will prefer modern shopping malls and we have our share of those along the coast, but for me it is hard to beat the atmosphere of an old town centre like that of Marbella.

The problem is that while shopping centres feature some great shops and international brands they are pretty much the same wherever you go. From my perspective you must have a pretty narrow outlook not to get bored by the same chain store names on every high street and mall from ‘Lake Geneva to the Finland station,’ but maybe I’m just being cynical.

Give me the sights, scents and impressions that are unique to a certain location and that are deeply rooted in its history and cultural heritage. Marbella’s old town is a fine example.

Situated just off the main shopping boulevard, Avenida Ricardo Soriano, and less than a kilometre from the beach, its maze of cobbled pedestrian streets are a welcome change

Spain Housing Transactions Moved 46,996 Million Euros in 2014

Transactions for private housing in Spain reached a total of 46,996.2 million euros in 2014, representing an increase of 23.4% compared to the same period the year before (38,075.6 million euros) and breaking three years of declines, according to data published by the Ministry of Development and prepared

by Servimedia.

The 46,996.2 million euros corresponds to 347,202 private housing transactions carried out in the year (21.7% more than in 2013). Specifically, transactions on second-hand dwellings accounted for 39,727.6 million euros (+30.8%), while the amount corresponding to new builds was somewhat lower, with 7,268.6 million euros (-5.6%).

The region to register the greatest value in housing transactions in 2014 was Madrid, with 9,292.9 million euros, followed by Catalonia (8,576 million

euros), Andalucía (8,225.4 million) and Valencia (5,521.7 million), while at the lower end stood the Basque Country (2,394 million euros), the Balearic Islands (2,228.9 million), the Canary Islands (1,951.8 million), Castilla y León (1,567.5 million), Galicia (1,470.8 million), CastillaLa Mancha (1,145.2 million), Aragón (1,066.3 million) and Murcia (1,038.7 million).

In contrast, El Economista reported that the regions where private housing sector transactions moved least money last year were Asturias (608.9 million euros), Navarra (560.6 million), Cantabria (513.9 million), Extremadura (438 million), La Rioja (265.8 million) and Ceuta and Melilla (129.3 million euros between the two). keyero.com

from tall buildings, loud signage and noisy traffic.

What’s more, this is the old heart of Marbella, so its whitewashed houses arranged around narrow alleyways and lovely squares are a historical delight that still buzzes with the everyday life of a vibrant community. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that washing hangs over your head in the classic Mediterranean tradition – Marbella’s a bit too refined for that – but the old town’s charm lies in the way it is quaint, clean and very well preserved.Marbella Old Town While people still live here it is also the setting for some of the nicest antique shops, boutiques, shoe shops, cafés, tapas bars, restaurants and specialist outlets in Marbella.

Good bargains can be had and one of the main attractions is the lively yet traffic-free ambience and feeling that you’re in the real Spain. As a result, this is also one of the very best places to head for lunch or to go out at night, with excellent tapas bars, restaurants (avoid the more touristy ones) and some really great nightspots.

Where Puerto Banús is about flashing your Rolex and/or Roller, old town Marbella is about having fun in a more relaxed and understated way. The locals love it here, as do those foreigners in the know – and keep an eye out for the special events and activities organised on a regular basis.

So for something a little more authentic give the shopping mall a miss and make the most of a sunny day. keyero.com

Your Belgian estate agent for inland, specializing in the area of Arboleas, Albox and surrounding towns and villages.

Cantoria, Villa with 4 bed, 2 bath on a plot of 5.160m² and in walking distance to the village.

122.500€ Partaloa, Very big house with 4 bed, 4 bath and room for a pool.

165.000€

we’ve been very busy scouting new customers in Belgium so contact us if you wish to sell

Now you can easily find us in the centre of Albox at La Plaza Nueva, No. 10 (Opposite the donkey statue). Come and meet the team for free and friendly advice. After yet another successful exhibition, we are still looking for lots of new properties to offer our Belgian clients!

We are also looking to expand into the area of Huercal-Overa for the new up and coming Belgian market!

Office: Carlos: Gavin:

950 102 191 www.immo-carlos.com 648 505 938 671 293 942 email: info@immo-carlos.com

20

PROPERTY supplement

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk You can find us on Mojácar Playa

€79,950

3 bed / 2 bath Apartment with nice sea views in Marina de la Torre. Front covered terrace. Fully furnished. Ref. 1559

Mojácar Playa

€115,000

Beautiful sea facing 2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with private parking. Terraces of 25 m² & 6 m².

Fully furnished. Ref.1595

Mojácar playa

€120,000

Nice southeast facing 2 bed / 1,5 bath Townhouse with sea views near promenade & amenities. Large sunny terrace. Ref. 1572

mojacar Playa

€199,950

Palomares

€85,000

Marina de la Torre €90,000

Mojácar playa

Fantastic 3 bed / 2 bath furnished Townhouse with underground garage, terraces and roof solarium near amenities. Ref. 1629

1 bed / 1 bath fully furnished Apartment with underground parking place and store room. Lift Heated pool. Ref. 1626

2 bed / 2 bath ground floor Apartment set near Las Ventanicas beach & promenade. Terrace of 15 m² & patio of 27 m². Ref.1625

DUE TO INCREASE IN DEMAND WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. CALL US NOW ON 950 472 430 Or 610 053 563

FREE VALUATION Mojacar Playa

€199,950

Mojácar playa

€249.950

3 bed / 3 bath semi detached Villa with sea views on small community with pool near amenities. Terraces & solarium. Ref.1137

3 bed / 2 bath detached Villa near beach, amenities & promenade. Air con & fire place.

Car port . Partial sea views. Ref.1560

3 bed / 2 bath newly renovated Villa with pool . Plot of 246 m² within 1 min to beach. Air con. Roof terrace with sea views. Ref.1610

Puerto Rey

turre

Vera

€279,000

Amazing 3 bed / 2 bath Penthouse apartment on 2 levels with more than 100 m² of terraces, private pool and parking. Ref.1627

€299,999

Fantastic opportunity! 4 bed / 4 bath Villa with pool & basement on plot of 10.648 m² near village. Mature garden. Ref.1551

Mojácar playa

€90,000

€119,950

2 bed / 1 bath fully furnished Apartment with a large terrace set in nice community in front of the promenade. Ref.1083

Mojácar playa

€170,000

3 bed / 2 bath nice semi detached House with private plot of 230 m² on gated community with pool near beach. Sea views. Ref. 1618

Mojácar playa

€250,000

Amazing sea views. 3 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage, utility room, roof solarium & terraces on plot of 417 m² near beach. Ref.1062

€350,000

Nice 3 bed / 4 bath Villa with pool and garage on fully fenced plot of 3.000 m². Mature landscaped garden. Ref.1565

Please visit our office or refer to our website for more “bargains”. Vendors: If you are seriously considering selling your property please visit our office to discuss effective ways of achieving your goal.

As per decree 218/2005 the “Documento de Información Abreviada” (D.I.A) for any property sold

by Veritas Homes is available at our office.

PROPERTY supplement

www.soltimes.com

Spaniards 'happy with their homes', especially location, light, size and comfort

MORE than eight in 10 Spaniards are ‘very happy’ with the homes they live in, particularly their location, natural light, and size, according to research carried out by DIY and decoration chain Leroy Merlín.

The majority - 82.3% - gave their homes a rating of 7.69 out of 10, with over a third saying they most liked the area their property was situated in, just under a quarter saying its amount of natural light was what made them happiest about their houses or apartments, and one in five putting its size top of the list of its assets.

Comfort was most valued by 17.3%.

Main concerns when choosing a home to live in included, in two-thirds of cases for each, the fixtures and fittings working properly and being in a good state of repair, and its insulation against noise and smells, whilst 59.2% were most conscious about how safe the property is.

What the property is like for actual daily living, including being pleasing to the eye, has become one of the top concerns when choosing a new home with 28.5% saying the decoration scheme was important to them, 26% basing their choice on how comfortable the house or flat is, and 12.6% looking at practical aspects.

For six in 10 Spaniards, the relationship between their home and the environment has come into focus more in the last five years - nearly a third have taken steps to save energy and natural resources such as water.

Environmental aspects are more important to the 25 to 34 age-group with children and living in large towns or

cities of between 50,000 and half a million inhabitants than to any other segment interviewed.

With the economic crisis, Spanish homeowners are becoming more practical and willing to get their hands dirty - 41.2% are more inclined to carry out DIY than call in a trader, with women in general concerned with home decorating and men seeking to improve practical aspects of the property.

In terms of type of property, for nearly half of those surveyed - 48% - the different life-stages of their children influenced the home they would choose or renovations or repairs carried out in it.

The birth of a first child had the greatest impact on home choices, with 22.7% admitting this would condition the type of property they sought to buy or the work they carried out in it, and children leaving home in second place, at 17.8%.

21

CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS

MOBILE HOMES for sale or rent

fully equipped mobile home on secure site with bowling green, bar/restauarant, supermarket, swimming pool.

Top entertainment on a Saturday evening.

Additionally, selling a home and buying a new one, is likely to be caused by having to take care of a dependent relative in 38.7% of cases.

Sunday carvery 1.00 - 4.00 pm fish and chips all day friday.

The financial crisis has led to a greater consciousness about saving electricity and water, and 54.8% say they carry out as much of their own repairs, renovations and redecorations as they can rather than paying an outside contractor to do so.

ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON! VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY phone Shirley 679970399

http://www.thinkspain.com/

mortgage lenders Price war seeking customers

MORTGAGE lenders in some parts of Spain have gone from practically refusing to loan money to cold-calling estate agencies and launching price wars in a bid to capture clients.

Head of the College of Economists in the province of Castellón, on the east coast just south of Catalunya says banks are offering fixed rates with nominal interest of as little as 2.5%. Jaime Querol reveals that an 'excess of cashflow' in Spanish high-street banks, as a result of bailouts, buy-outs and strict conditions imposed by the Central European Bank (BCE) means entities are seeking to 'go back to what they have been doing business in all their lives', or 'lending money'.

“They have a much more open outlook than a year ago, and have started a price war,” reveals Querol.

He says the College of Economists has seen a 'change in trend' in the past 12 months, but as yet this 'new attitude' has not translated into a 'notable increase' in housing purchase transactions in the province of Castellón – although buyers and sellers were moving more property in 2014 than the year before.

Last year, Castellón – the Valencia region's least-touristy of its three provinces – sold 5,737 homes, showing an 8.3% rise on the year before.

“For the first time since before the start of the financial crisis, sales staff at high-street banks are coldcalling estate agencies and visiting them at their offices to sell all types

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

of mortgage offers, so that these agencies will recommend them to their customers who are seeking to buy and need finance,” reveals Francisco Nomdedéu of the College of Estate Agents in Castellón.

“They are also making more active use of advertising to reverse the reputation they have had lately of not being willing to offer mortgages and to end the resigned attitude of the home-buying public, who often did not bother to think about purchasing as they knew there was 'no point' in asking any bank for a loan,” Nomdedéu adds.

Spain's Consumers' Union, UCE, warns homebuyers to proceed with caution amid the graduallyexpanding sea of mortgage offers.

Its manager, Juan Carlos Insa, says: “Read the small print of any attractive offers carefully and, if you do not understand any of it, get independent advice before you sign.”

Consumer associations such as the OMIC and OCU, of which there is normally one in most small or middle-sized towns, will advise potential mortgage customers for free.

Insa says he hopes banks will still be prudent whilst launching offers and price wars, and that 'certain conditions will continue to apply' such as 'not lending 100% of the value of the property'.

But banks are showing more willingness to offer 100% mortgages, especially as home prices are at rockbottom meaning they are more likely

to rise significantly in value in the medium to long term, and for firsttime buyers it is often impossible to save up a sufficient deposit to take advantage of any other deal.

Castellón, however, continues to offer attractive prices, given that tourism and an influx of expatriates over the years seems to have largely missed the province.

Whilst Alicante and, to a lesser extent, Valencia are very multinational with a high percentage of northern Europeans among their population both year-round and parttime, Castellón is far less so, despite enjoying all the same features as its two southern neighbours: sundrenched beaches, 325 days a year of sunshine including four months of guaranteed beach weather, fiestas, excellent-quality restaurants which have cut their prices since the start of the recession to bring in more customers, spa resorts and golf courses, and a direct train from Castellón city to Valencia which is only a short ride from the metro station outside the terminus directly into the airport.

Now is probably an ideal time to seek out a holiday home in the Castellón province, particularly on its beautiful Costa del Azahar, since it is unlikely to ever become an overcrowded package resort destination with little beach-space, but once the economy picks up it is only a matter of time before discerning holidaymakers and expatriates begin to discover it. thinkspain

Warning to holiday home owners

If you let your property to tourists, you are probably in breach of the law. Second-home owners are warned to be on their guard as tourism and tax authorities in Spain are clamping down on unregistered lets. Those who advertise their properties on the web for holiday lets face fines of up to 30,000 euros if caught.

Legally, these apartments and villas should be registered with the tourism authorities, but conditions are extremely stringent. In practice, hardly any privately-owned properties are licensed for holiday rentals. In addition to fines for illegal holiday letting, owners of these properties could face the wrath of both the Spanish tax authorities and, if they are expatriates, those in their home country, if rental earnings are not declared.

More than 300,000 expatriate property investors in Spain are British. With recent interest rate rises and the slowing down of the housing market, more and more are turning to the tourism market to offset their losses.

Given the fact that buy-to-let mortgages are more readily available nowadays, many expatriates have been seduced into investing in property in Spain with rental income from holidaymakers paying their mortgage and providing them with an additional income. An average two-bedroom apartment with a sea view can net as much as 1,400 euros per week in the height of the summer season.

A number of Brits with property in the Balearic Islands and on the Andalucía coast have revealed that they were reported to the authorities by their Spanish neighbours for letting out their premises. Most say they bought their second homes for investment purposes and that, after advertising them on the Internet for holiday rental, were booked solid for most of the year.

However, they now face five-figure fines, in some cases considerably more than they have earned from letting the property – which was, in most instances, merely a way of paying the mortgage. Most have no idea the premises require licensing from the tourist authorities to be used as holiday rentals until they are

22

PROPERTY supplement

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com

Spaniards Spend an Average of 535 Euros this Easter

Cortijo La Tejera IA 1205 Taberno Cortijo El Chaquetas IA 1091 Albox

Country house. This is a large 2 storey. Partially renovated. Land 15.000 m² Floor area 300 m². Easy To connect water. Good access road and great views of natural landscape.

35,000€

Country house . This is large 2 story.

Partially renovated. 3 beds, 1 bath.

In the area of land there are caves.

Land 1,500m2.

55,000€

Casa Los Blancos IA 1031 Chirivel Casa Graciela IA 1534 Rambla de Oria

Detached country house. The property was built in 2005. 2 bed, 1 bath, Land 1 ha. Just 2 km from the town and very near to the Granada-Murcia motorway.

Water & electric. Amazing views

65,000€

Price Negotiable Lovely property. Detached 2 beds, 2 baths, Garage. Great views.

Land 1,000 m² Floor area - 100 m²

110.000€

Plaza Nueva, 9 Albox (Almería) Telf. 950 120 406 info@inmobiliaria-almanzora.com www.inmobiliaria-almanzora.com

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

O Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

OLV878

BEDAR

A unique opportunity to purchase one of the largest town houses in the stunning and picturesque village of Bedar. Casa del Medico is a fine looking double fronted property boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garden/ terrace area and garage.

...it’s all in the detail

These stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom properties are located in the beautiful and renowned coastal resort of Agua Amarga in the now protected

average of three nights per booking.

In addition, the portal noted that in the last three months reservations made via phones or tablets have also increased by 10%. Europa Press reported that sales of flights are expected to increase by 6% over the previous year. with the average price per reservation standing at 210 euros per passenger.

For those choosing to book a cruise, a holiday option increasingly in demand, the average price paid stood at 2,556 euros, exceeding the overall average.

Among the favourite international destinations of choice, according to reservations made, are Rome, London and Paris, followed by Berlin, Lisbon, Brussels, Marrakech and Budapest, while for those choosing to stay in Spain, some of the top holiday hot spots are the Catalan coast – Costa Dorada, Costa Brava – Madrid, Seville, Granada, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Ibiza and the Canary Islands. The online portal also pointed out that with Easter falling in early April this year, this has also boosted the reservations in the coastal destinations and islands, since forecasts for good weather have attracted more holidaymakers. keyero.com

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients

Ref: SP/LS - Beautiful, furnished 2 bed apart with aircon, private parking, pool & gardens. Terrace, mountain views, spacious lounge/diner with UK satellite channels.

Ref. OA/RJ – Stunning 3 bed, 2,5 bath, 130 m2, duplex in renowned complex Oasis del Mar 1, terraces & solarium with sea views, fantastic pools/gardens, private parking, a/c.

Ref. CB/SK - Beautiful, modern, 3 bed, 2 bath villa with garage & large terrace with Jacuzzi with outstanding panoramic views of Mojácar Playa beach and mountains.

Ref. ALB/MB/14 - Beautiful & modern, 2 bed, 2 bath apart. Private com pool, terr with sea views, air con, private parking space.

MOJACAR - €99,950

National Park of the Cabo de Gata.

MOJACAR – REDUCED - €249,950

399,950€

169.950€

Lubrin

OLV059

Agua Amarga

OLV776

According to bookings made by users of the online reservations portal, Atrápalo, Spaniards are allocating an average of 534.67 euros on travel this Easter holiday week, between domestic and international destinations, with the most popular European destinations being Rome, London and Paris. Travellers are divided between those who choose international destinations – the majority of which mostly book package holidays which include flights, hotel and transfers – and those who choose to stay in Spain, who usually opt to purchase either just a flight or a hotel. The portal’s reservations centre has noted an increase in both the bookings and the average expenditure, with the average price for a flight package holiday for the Easter week standing at around 1,044 euros, representing an increase of 3% over 2014.

The volume of reservations have also increased by 29% compared with the same period of the previous year, and users of the portal have also been making their bookings well in advance, even reserving for the Easter period before Christmas.

With regard to hotels, travellers have so far spent 10% more on hotels than last year – 350 euros on average compared with 317.62 euros in 2014 – staying an

Antas

OLV221

This newly built detached villa overlooks the market town of Lubrin. It has fantastic views and a very large sized plot of 30,000m2. There is plenty of room surrounding the property for a private pool and terraces.

A fabulous 2 bedroom Cortijo with lovely views. This

239,950€

99,950€

spacious immaculate Cortijo is situated in a small hamlet just outside Antas town. A lovely setting with a peaceful ambience.

MOJACAR PLAYA - €149,950 Mojácar REDUCED- €275,000 Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo) Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

www.almeriaholidays.com

www.soltimes.com

PROPERTY supplement

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

23

Focusing on smaller area to give our clients a better service.

WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN THE

H u e r c a l - O ve r a La Alfoquia Zurgena & Ta b e r n o A r e a s .

PLEASE CONTACT US NOW

Please call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 / 0034 667 891 741 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com

www.vosshomesspain.com

Office: 155a Carrerera Estacion, Huecal-Overa. 1km off the A7 motorway at exit 553. 100metres from Lidl.

24

PROPERTY supplement

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

Home Sweet Home

simple checks, for which you will probably have to hire a contractor. For example, you will want to have your house checked for pests such as termites and the beginnings of nests for stinging pests. You might also want to get your power tools, especially your lawnmower, inspected to make sure that they are in working order.

Property Services

If you have a pool, you will want to “open” it for the swimming season. This involves much more than simply lifting off a few covers however.

CALL 950 121 936 EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Take your net and clear off any large debris that has settled in or on top of the water in the winter

BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN

A CHIMNEY OR FLUE NEEDS CLEANING ONCE A YEAR! WHY?

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A CHIMNEY FIRE

BY REMOVING SOOT AND TAR

FOR PEACE OF MIND BOOK YOUR SWEEP TODAY

FOR A FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL, CLEAN, SERVICE CALL PAUL ON 617150300 OR 850993057

No Gimmicks, just an excellent service references available on request

BOOK NOW

A CLEAN CHIMNEY IS A SAFE CHIMNEY! detatched cortijo reduced

bargain

€125,000

20 mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.

649 186 107

or email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

www.soltimes.com

Then start up your filtration system, and make sure that the pump, filters, and baskets are all in working order.

Never drain your pool While many people fall into the habit of doing this, you could actually be doing more harm than good.

If your pool is not heavy enough, it could actually lift out of the ground when drained, and require a complete replacement.

If the water level has gone down over the winter, be sure to top it

Maintaining Your Home Through The Seasons

Balance your chemicals and get your water tested at a swimming pool store (this is usually free).

When spring arrives, the weather starts to thaw, and hopes of the warm summer are on the horizon. However, with spring comes a change of pace, a change of weather, and a whole new list of home maintenance to take care of.

Another common spring time task is to clean out your gutters. You can do this using a garden trowel and ladder. A trick to check for leaks in your gutters is to blast them with a high pressure hose. The added bonus of this is that it will also clean them. www.discover.com

spring

Some of the most important things are

Legal adviser - insurance agent Juan Rubio Granados Conveyancing ● vehicle registration & all other Legal requirements ● NIE / Residencia ● Wills Fiscal / Labour & much more C/Balcones Portal 1, 1B 04600 Huercal overa (Almeria)

Email: info@asesoriajrubio.com Tel: 0034 950 471 596 0034 950 135 489 Fax: 0034 950 616 621

Other things that you will need to do for spring include fixing your screens and pressure washing the exterior of your home.

urgently wanted for our belgian & dutch clients 2/3 bed villas & country properties in huercal-overa, zurgena & La alfoquia

Please contact our office in Huercal-Overa on

0034 950 616 827 or visit our website www.vosshomesspain.com 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal-Overa, Almeria 04600

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE

3 bed park home for sale

♦ BUILDING SURVEYS - Totally independent report outlining any visible defects in accordance with photographic illustrations. ♦ CERTIFIED, LEGAL REPORTS available for litigious cases of building negligence or house damages. ♦ ANTIQUITY CERTIFICATES (pools, garages). ♦ HOME EXTENSIONS & REMODELATIONS considering full analysis of existing energy situation.

Situated a short walk from the village of Los Lobos, the property comprises of 3 bedrooms, 1 with en suite bathroom, a large lounge/diner, fully fitted kitchen, shower room, private garden and parking.

The rear terrace benefits from a spacious lifestyle enclosure with mountain views.

Fully Registered - From 101€ VAT inc.

Architect Daniel Gozález

www.proinspectionreport.co.uk

686 846 624

proinspectionreport@gmail.com

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

price €59,000

Tel: 634 351 907

O Olive

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant) Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

Lubrin

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

cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

59,950€

www.olivehouse-es.com

A great 1-2 Bedroom detached property situated in a small village a 5 minute drive from the pretty village of Lubrin. It has a lovely rear garden stocked with fruit trees accessed via a sun room with feature wooden beams and a pot belly stove.

OLV689

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

www.soltimes.com

25

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

viewpoint

Rodriquez Takes Over

After the ill fated game of ‘Stckitupemdoo’ at the Bar La Casa Devante, Rodriquez now controlled the Remitroot crop, processing plant and the manufactured products waiting to be shipped. In the two bars of Alqueria, drinkers unaware of the impending shortage consumed the remaining stocks at the usual alarming rate. Disaster was looming.

It was a fine, warm, early Spring morning when the first signs appeared, ‘No hay Remitroot’. The heat of the morning became chilled, metaphoric clouds filled the air.

Alqueria became a cold and desolate place.

Rodriquez was in high glee however and danced an Hispanic version of the ‘hornpipe’ in the overstocked Remitroot warehouse that was once Poyato’s.

Manuela began noticing a change in her men friends, they hadn’t been taking their morning Remitroot capsules. These tablets have a similar effect to Viagra, except it is accelerated, extended and certainly reaches the parts that other tablets fail to reach.

More and more Villagers failed to get their daily intake of Remitroot. More and more Villagers became morose, argumentative and started to shake in a strange circular manner as if driving a formula one car around endless chicanes. A contented Alquerian revelled in social unrest, bouts of rioting and the occasional fist-fight. A discontented one didn’t bear thinking about.

Crowds gathered outside the town-hall.

Windows were broken and graffiti daubed. Men cried openly. The womenfolk, only realising their men drank Remitroot after noticing the change caused by abstinence, especially in the bedroom, weren’t happy. Manuela and Loco Paco, the joint Prime Ministers of Alqueria instigated a meeting of the emergency thinktank VINDSCRNVIPER. These meetings are based on and are just as ineffective as the UK’s

Government’s COBRA get togethers. After discussing various alternatives which ranged from ‘doing nothing and perhaps it will sort itself out’, a common tactic of all governments to, assassinating Rodriquez.

They finally reached a decision, simply reaching a decision was progress indeed but there was more, the Government of Alqueria was to send a note to Rodriquez.

It read: ‘Unless you allow the free-flow of Remitroot and its associated products by eleven o’clock tonight then a state of nationalisation will exist between the Remitroot crop and the Republic of Alqueria’.

As the deadline approached so the atmosphere became more tense. Fights broke out regularly, old ladies were mugging teenagers in search of illegal stimulants.

Eleven O’clock came and went. Finally Manuela appeared on the steps of the town-hall, white faced and trembling she carried a crumpled note.

She read aloud, “I have to tell you now that no such undertaking had been received from Rodriquez, therefore a state of nationalisation exists”.

How will Rodriquez react to state intervention?

We shall see.

Honda Civic Review

Developing a brand and generating loyalty are two extremely difficult concepts. I know. My wife and I run our own business, www.creativecoverage.co.uk, which publicises professional artists. In a short space of time word of mouth has spread and renewal rates are high. We’re a very small business offering a service, which generally requires small investment compared to, say, manufacturing.

Looking at car manufacturing it must be one of the most expensive businesses to run when taking into account factories and staff and the expensive designers. In fact the DeLorean story shows how millions can be ploughed into a venture only to see it fail if pricing and demand are incompatible.

Honda has to be one of the success stories of the motor industry. When it launched the Civic in 1972 there must have been a little trepidation as to how the marketplace would take this new small hatchback car. I doubt it envisaged that 20m models would be sold across the world over the next 40 years or that the future would see the Civic being built in the UK, all those miles from Japan.

It’s certainly become a popular vehicle and this has subsequently boosted the Honda brand and promoted loyalty; a former colleague is now on her third Civic.

So countless facelifts later, the Civic, not my former colleague, is a futuristic, efficient and attractive family hatchback.

The 1.8-litre i-VTEC SR Manual I’m testing is finished in polished metal and as ever is pleasing to the eye as you can see in the video at testdrives. biz. As the weather becomes colder it’s good to see the heated front seats; complete with high and low

The Mystery of the Disappearing Key It was barely light and chucking it down with rain when we were boarding the coach for a day out.

Once seated and on our way I had a Joyce Grenfell moment – have I got the car key? No, I haven’t!

I must have dropped it. It is one of those plastic credit card type keys, and someone will find it and press it. Henry the car will flash his lights, and they will drive off with him, our address and house keys. Panic!

I rang our neighbour, Andy, and without vocally batting an eyelid he drove down to Albox in the early morning half-light and the pouring rain and scoured the Dia car park, all to no avail.

For other reasons the day out didn’t happen, and we were back where we started before 10 o’clock.

By now the whole coach knew of our loss, and searched diligently under seats and in all places likely and unlikely.

Mrs Coach Driver, 5 foot of ferocity and not in a good mood to start with, made me turn out my bag and my pockets yet again, but even the force of her character could not restore my key.

Poor Andy, who still hadn’t had breakfast, had to turn out once more to bring us our spare key so that we were mobile again. Unlike me, he seemed quite placid about the whole thing, but then it wasn’t he who had lost the key in the first place!

First priority was to get another key, so we headed Vera-wards, Pete keeping tactfully quiet and me looking likely to get a part as an extra in the terrified crowd scene of the slasher movie ‘Monster Mutant

settings. The panoramic glass roof allows greater amounts of light into the cabin, which is certainly helpful when the interior is black. It allows me to watch the trees above me blow in the autumn wind as I wait to collect my eldest daughter from preschool.

There are a couple of niggles though. Yes, the rear spoiler hampers vision but more importantly I have to watch my knees when I get into the cabin because the dashboard has been designed in such a way that the corner protrudes and my knee catches it, it hurts. Some might appreciate the warning beeps when reversing or when another vehicle is near but I find it offputting.

It’s an enjoyable drive and the six-speed manual box is a joy to use.

We visit the grandparents in Dorset and I drive onto their driveway. When we go to leave there is a thick layer of dew on the outside of all the windows while the inside of the windows are all misted up. I have to reverse out and the driveway is quite narrow with low stone walls on either side so it’s important that I have good visibility. Interestingly and a little frustratingly the front window demists far quicker then the rear window; you would have thought they would clear at the same time. So I have to wait patiently before I can see out of the rear window.

On the way home a lorry pulls out in front of me with little notice showing how effective the Honda’s ABS brakes are. There seems to be more traffic than usual on the roads and the dark night in the New Forest makes it difficult to see ahead to overtake

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk Killer Zombies.’

I knew that getting another key and reprogramming the remaining key would be expensive, and not straightforward, but it was a bullet we had to bite, so I sat quiet while the Renault man tapped computer keys and the printer reeled out page after page of – I’ve no idea what!

‘It will be ready in a week.’ He announced. That’s not bad, I thought as I stood up. He handed me the bill. I sat down again, quickly.

Dear reader, I entreat you, take good care of your plastic car key, for to get a replacement key is a pain in the pocket sufficient to make your eyes water and your knees weak.

Oh! for a good old-fashioned turn in the ignition key, which you can get copied cheaply and instantly in the Ferretería!

safely so we remain stuck behind this lorry for sometime.

It always pays to remain calm while driving because we all make mistakes at times and the well thought out well appointed interior of the Civic promotes an all round feeling of serenity.

“Now there’s the ninth generation Civic that’s not quite so radical,” writes Parkers, the used car experts. “At first glance not that much has changed. Yes, it’s still got a spoiler that serves to ruin the rear view, but Honda tells us that under the spoilered skin this is, in fact, a revolution that’ll take the Civic into the big league. One of the Civic’s strong points is practicality. The boot is far bigger than its competitors’ and there’s loads of room inside thanks to what Honda calls ‘Magic Seats’. These can fold in a clever range of combinations, freeing up plenty of space for transporting large items. The Civic has been awarded a five-star EuroNCAP rating thanks to its plethora of safety equipment including adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation – which applies the brakes if it thinks you’re about to crash. There’s a choice of four engines, two petrol and two diesel.

Petrol options are a 1.4-litre or a 1.8-litre engine, available with either a manual or automatic gearbox.”

Facts at a glance. New price: £24,635. Top speed: 134mph. 0-60mph: 9.1secs. Power: 140bhp.

Economy: 46mpg. Watch the video at www. testdrives.biz.

By Tim Saunders

Sol PUZZLE pages

26

The X Factor Live Tour 2015

find us on facebook

The Open 2015

Michael McIntyre Happy & Glorious Tour Following the successful “Showtime” tour 2013

Now is your chance to see The X Factor live

Experience The Open at the Home of Golf.

Practice day tickets from £10

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1

sol logo quiz ! can you name these famous brands?

2

3

4

5

wordsearch

Songs From the Year 2002

Find all of the songs from 2002 that are hidden in the grid.The remaining 21 letters spell an additional song title from 2002.

soltimes general knolwedge Quiz

ANSWERS

1. Amazon 2. Blockbuster 3. BMW 4. Nike 5. Pringles

on this day april 8

217 – Roman Emperor Caracalla is assassinated.

He is succeeded by his Praetorian Guard prefect, Marcus Opellius Macrinus.

876 – The Battle of Dayr al-’Aqul saves Baghdad from the Saffarids.

1730 – Shearith Israel, the first synagogue in New York City, is dedicated.

1886 – William Ewart Gladstone introduces the first Irish Home Rule Bill into the British House of Commons.

1916 – In Corona, California, race car driver Bob Burman crashes, killing three, and badly injuring five, spectators.

2005 – Over four million people attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

soltimes Rugby Quiz

1. What is the nickname of the

Australian Rugby League team?

2. New Zealand has 2 rugby teams, one nicknamed the Kiwis, one the all black,

1. What book, written in the 1920s was the

which game does each play respectively?............................

subject of an obscenity trial when finally

3. What was unusual about the

published in 1960?..............................................

1973 5 Nations championship?.

2. The largest liner was launched in 1960 what

4. Name the player who scored

was its name?......................................................

in every game for 2 consecutive seasons in Rugby league?........

3. How did spurs player john white die in 1963?...

5. How long is a Rugby Union match?.....................................

4. Which UK channel started broadcasting in

6. Which 2 teams contest the

1964?..............................................................

Bowring Bowl?.........................

5. Who first walked the streets in 1960?...............

7. In Rugby Union, what is the colour of Australia?s Jersey?.....

6. What city was Martin Luther King killed in?......

8. Which player holds the 7. How die Rocky Marciano die in 1969?...............

CRYPTIC crossword

1. Lady Chatterley’s Lover

6. Memphis 7. Plane Crash 8. Nelson’s Column 9. The Post Office Tower 10. Ronald Reagan

CROSSWORD

2. SS France (Norway) 3. Struck by lightning 4. BBC2 5. Traffic Wardens

SOLUTIONS

wordsearch answer

in Rugby Union?.......................

9. What is the name given to the dance performed by the All Blacks?....................................

10. Which position is found in Rugby Union but not in Rugby league?....................................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

Brain Teasers Answers

standard SUDOKU

10. Who became Governor of California in 1966?..

easy SUDOKU

October 1965?.....................................................

MY LIST MY SACRIFICE NOTHIN’ OH BOY RAINY DAYZ SPIN STILL FLY THE MIDDLE TOXICITY UH HUH WITHOUT ME WORK IT

CAN’T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD

9. What became Britain’s tallest building in

FULL MOON GIRL TALK GIRLFRIEND HALFCRAZY HANDS CLEAN HAPPY HEAVEN HELLA GOOD HERE I AM HERO HEY MA IN MY PLACE LOSE YOURSELF MOTIVATION

Cambridge 7. Gold 8. Gareth Thomas (93 caps) 9. Haka 10. Flank or Wing Forward

for the first time since 1864?................................

ADDICTIVE AERIALS ALL MY LIFE BABY BLURRY

BY THE WAY COMPLICATED DAYS GO BY DILEMMA DISEASE ESCAPE EVERYDAY FOOLISH FOR YOU

1. Kangeroos 2. Kiwis - League, All Blacks - Union 3. 5 way tie 4. David Watkins 5. 80 minutes 6. Oxford and

8. Which London landmark was cleaned in 1968

record for most caps for Wales

Sol PUZZLE pages

SOLTIMES.com

car of the week

Antas across 1. Rub out (5) 6. Ransack (5) 7. Biographical sketch (7) 9. Mariner (3) 11. Gratuity (3) 12. Insane (3) 15. Object of worship (4) 17. Chrysalis (4) 18. Implied (5) 19. Fragrant flower (5) 20. Matured (4) 22. Apiece (4) 23. Indicating maiden name (3) 24. Globe (3) 26. Beverage (3) 27. Disclose (7) 30. Small boat (5) 31. Choose (5)

Sales Vehicles always in Stock • 2006 • 99000 Servicing & Repairs all makes & models miles • Right Hand Drive Opening Hours: Spanish Plated Mon~Fri 9.30am - 7pm & • 6 Speed Gearbox Sat 10am - 2pm 4995€ Workshop: 950 459 209

Peugeot 307 CC 2.0 HDi

phone or check our website for more cars

Sales: 950 459 136 Email: costacoches@mail.com

www.costacoches.net

Down 1. Make a mistake (3) 2. Violent disorder (4) 3. Attach to (5) 4. Small sheet of paper (4) 5. Snakelike fish (3) 7. Go ahead (7) 8. Strive to equal or match (7) 9. Colossus (5) 10. Byword (5) 13. Quickly (5) 14. Russian country house (5) 16. Covering (3) 17. Pastry (3) 21. Dried plum (5) 24. Ellipse (4) 25. Countries in special alliance (4) 28. Frozen water (3) 29. Acquire (3)

STANDARD CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES

Parque Ind El Real, Antas 04628 Tel: 950 459 136

27

SUDOKU PUZZLE s

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.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

standard

ACROSS

easy

squiggle

8 Certain part of secret in, if editor comes back (8) 9 Some seven lying equally (6) 10 Mark used in writing operation with man after a silly strop (10) 11 Shapeless mass left university a politican (4) 12 Summing up with “dig and design” (6) 14 Chose first student to be voted in (8) 15 I’d enter a sporting competition, it’s apparent (7) 17 Most comfortable ties nearly seal awkwardly (7) 20 Throws rest out for sea creatures (8) 22 Bean smuggler? (6) 24 Carry an animal (4) 25 Consider key middlemen to set free (10) 27 In the film, eleven came after bodies of water (6) 28 Deciding on new test with Heather (8)

Down

1 Pay attention to, without record (assisted) (6) 2 Starts to break into twenty small pieces (4) 3 Gas - inert on good explosion (8) 4 Hate of French secret agents, we hear (7) 5 Uncover redhead girl with Alex (6) 6 Producing centre foil for contemplation (10) 7 Plants that you might find on mountains? (8) 13 Doctor left TARDIS with Uni involved in manufacturing, perhaps (10) 16 Producing nice love with intense force (8) 18 Athletic performers with boy in a musical (8) 19 It’s not beneficial to employ the French ship (7) 21 Held Estonians, including firstborn (6) 23 Scope of complex tenticles (6) 26 Govern first Romanian University a member short (4)

28 SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

Strawberry Pistachio Cream Tart A simple but elegant strawberry tart with honey pistachio cream.

Ingredients

1 (1/2 package) frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed 8 ounces cream cheese, softened ⅓ cup ground pistachios ¼ cup honey cup heavy whipped cream ¼ cup powdered sugar 1 pint strawberries, stems removed and cut in half vertically cup chopped pistachios

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Unfold and roll the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square. Place the pastry sheet onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Allow the pastry to cool on the baking sheet.

While the puff pastry is baking, prepare the two different creams.

Using an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese, pistachios, and honey

until well combined. Set aside.

In a different bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar with an electric beater until firm peaks form.

Evenly spread the pistachio cream layer over the pastry followed by a layer of the whipped cream.

Arrange the cut strawberries with the tips pointing up in layers of circles, starting with the outer one, making your way in.

Sprinkle the tart with the shopped pistachios. Serve immediately. http://savorysweetlife.com

800

ottocento ristorante ♦ pizzeria Menu del dia 3 Courses

12€

pizza or pasta

Strawberries parmesan-stuffed chicken & melted strawberries

Strawberry jam & Parmesan cheese give chicken main dish recipe a blend of sweet & savory goodness.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh strawberries (halve or quarter if large berries) 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar 1/4 cup strawberry jam Sea salt or salt and black pepper 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 3 lb.)

3 ounces Parmesan or white cheddar cheese 6 large fresh basil leaves 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced Snipped fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a 3-quart baking dish combine strawberries, vinegar, and jam.

Sprinkle salt and pepper; set aside.

Cut a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast half by cutting from one side almost, but not through, to the other side. Cut Parmesan cheese in six 3x1/2-inch pieces. Wrap a basil leaf around each piece of cheese; stuff into chicken breast pocket.

Secure pockets closed with wooden toothpicks or skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

In 12-inch oven-safe skillet cook

garlic in oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Transfer to oven.

Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes. Add baking dish with the strawberryjam mixture to oven. Bake 10 to 13 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F) and the berries are softened and jam mixture has thickened. Serve chicken with melted strawberries. Sprinkle with basil. Makes 6 servings. http://www.recipe.com/

An introduction to strawberries

The strawberry, Fragaria, is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world. There are more than 10 species of Fragaria that differ in flavour, size and texture yet they all have the same characteristic heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat together with small, regal, leafy green caps and stems that adorn their crowns.

Did you know... ...strawberries are not actually fruits as their seeds are on the outside.

Strawberry plants are runners, and are not produced by seeds. They have an average of 200 seeds per fruit and are actually a member of the rose (rosaceae) family.

Fit for a king Like many other fruits, strawberries make their claim in history as a luxury item enjoyed only by royalty. It has been alleged that newly weds were entitled to strawberries with soured cream as a wedding breakfast, believing them to be an aphrodisiac.

Healthy benefits strawberriesNutritional highlights Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium. They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. They have been used throughout history in a medicinal context to help with digestive ailments, teeth whitening and skin irritations. Their fibre and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels per couple to take away by slowing digestion and the fibre is thought to have after having our night menus a satiating effect. Leaves can be eaten raw, cooked Valid only with this voucher or used to make tea.

Mesón de

Irene

Open monday - saturday (closed Wednesday) 1pm - 4pm & 7pm - 12pm

paseo del mediterráneo, 185 Tel: 950 615 100 - mojÁcar

winter crazy offer

Free Bottle of wine

dinner 19.00-22.00 until 30th april

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

Key lime pie with strawberries

Ingredients

Instructions

Process biscuits in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter and coconut and process until combined. Press the mixture over the base and side of a 4cm-deep, 24cm (base measurement) fluted tart tin, with removable base. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to chill.

Preheat oven to 180C. Whisk the condensed milk, lime rind, lime juice and egg yolks in a bowl until well combined.

Use an electric beater to whisk egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Fold half the egg white mixture into the lime mixture until just combined. Repeat with the remaining egg white mixture. Pour mixture into the prepared tin. Bake for 1520 minutes or until just set.

Set aside for 30 minutes to cool. Place in the fridge for 3 hours to chill.

Place the pie on a serving plate. Combine strawberry and half the lime syrup (see right) in a bowl. Top the pie with the strawberry. Cut into wedges and drizzle with the remaining lime syrup.

Serve with cream. Make lime syrup: Remove rind

fresh lime juice 4 eggs, separated 2 punnets strawberries, quartered Lime syrup, to serve cream,whipped, to serve Lime Syrup 2 limes 250ml (1 cup) water 220g caster sugar

250g pkt Arnott’s Granita biscuits 125g butter, melted 20g (1/4 cup) desiccated coconut 395g can Nestle Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 tablespoon finely grated lime rind 125ml (1/2 cup)

Delight your tastebuds with this creamy sweet pie - every bite is an explosion of sweet, zingy and coconutty flavours. and pith from limes. Discard pith. Cut rind into thin strips. Juice the lime. Stir lime rind, water and caster sugar in a pan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly. Stir in lime juice.

Transfer to a heatproof container. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to chill. http://www.taste.com.au/

29

alices sports bar

Mesón de Irene

serving the coldest beer in the area

all your major sports

on tap here

MENU DEL DIA open 7 days a week

4 Courses with Wine & Coffee

vegetarian menu available

Monday-Saturday inclusive. Lunch 1pm - 4pm

menu del noche

4 Courses with Wine & Coffee Everyday 7pm - 11pm

sunday roast menu del dia

4 courses with bottle of ESTE wine per couple & coffee inc Lunch 1pm - 4pm, Freshly Baked Bread

3 large screens inside & out

Roast Lamb Shoulder & Pork Knuckle, 12oz Entrecote, 20oz T-Bone, 10oz Pork Tenderloin, Roast Potatoes & Fresh Veg.

Daily roast cooking

new smok

ing conservatory Mon: Roast Lamb Shank - Tues: Rabbit in garlic & beer Wed: Roast Pork Knuckle - Thurs: Roast Pork Loin now open Fri: Roast Lamb Shank Sat & Sun: Roast Lamb Shank & Pork Knuckle children

every night Pizza & Pasta

me nu availa

’s

ble All your favorite pasta dishes including Ravioli, Lasagne, Macaroni, Carbonara, Tortellini & a wide range of pizzas from Margaritas to a Meat Feast

Open Mon - Sat 8am - 24pm,Sun 10am - 17pm Spanish Tel: 950 430 145 English Tel: 647 730 103 www.mesondeirene.com

Poligono Industrial Albox, Near the ITV Garage

english breakfasts served everyday

live music every friday from 1pm

join our golf society call in for info

find us on turre high street open every day from 10am sunday from 12 noon

find

us on

620 876 485

Events at La Vida:

from

8.95€

Thursday 23rd April from 4pm

St George’s Day Party in the Garden

Highlights from our Menu

BBQ & Live Music from Chris Pottle Join us for fun & celebrations!

Dishes from

Future events La Vida5.95€ Homemade Pie ofat the Day Chef’s choice of filling, including: Steak & Ale, Chicken & Mushroom, Minced Beef & Onion, Chicken Leek & Ham

traditional Sunday lunch

Juicy Chicken breast served in a creamy mushroom sauce

Selection of Delicious Homemade starters and puddings to include a glass of wine or tubo.

Easter Fayre Thursday 2nd April Homemade Beer-Battered Hake Served with creamy homemade sauce, chips & peas Pop along &tartare have ahand-cut browse, Stallholders – book your space now!

Pan-fried Chicken Breast Vegetable Stir-Fry

Saturday 25th April from 8.30pm

Rod Stewart Tribute Act! The ever-popular Steve Fisher is here

Saturday 25th April – from Assorted fresh Vegetables in soya sauce, ginger &8.30pm garlic served with noodles Rod Stewart Tribute Act! Rib-EyeSteve Steak Fisher is here The ever popular Succulent 8oz Rib-Eye Steak served with your favourite accompaniments Free entry, food available Sea Bass Fillet

Pan-fried fillet of Sea Bass served on a bed of sautéed leeks & cabbage

from 12.30pm

Our main menu includeds a selection of fine fresh vegetables and homemade gravy, and included a FREE glass of wine, tubo or soft drink booking recommended

from

5€

Free entry, food available

Tel: 950 634 562

lavidacucador@gmail.com Open every day 12pm - late

from

5.95€ Cod & chips

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

bar specials from 6pm

Tuesdays: Chilli Night 5€ Wednesday Supper: Liver & Onions with mashed Potatoes 5€ Thursday Pie Night: Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas 5.50€

LIVE PREMIER FOOTBALL

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Huercal Overa

Junc 547

30

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

Tel: 950 121 936

community news

darts tournament open to all albox league darts players

buffet for players & partners open from 10am onwards

congratulations on your

1st wedding anniverasry

all our love to you both mum & dad xxx LEARN SPANISH WITH“PACO” “The Weather”

CLIMATE- Clima SPRING - Primavera SUMMER - Verano AUTUMN - Otoño WINTER - Invierno RAIN - Lluvia

SUN- Sol CLOUD- Nube WIND - Viento STORM- Tormenta DEGREES- Grados TEMPERATURE- Temperatura

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE? ¿QUE TIEMPO HACE? IT’S RAINING / IT IS STILL RAINING ESTÁ LLOVIENDO / SIGUE LLOVIENDO IT’S (VERY) COLD IT’S (VERY) HOT HACE (MUCHO) FRÍO / HACE (MUCHO) CALOR IT´S (VERY) WINDY / IT´S SUNNY HACE (MUCHO) VIENTO / HACE SOL DO YOU THINK IT’S GOING TO RAIN? CREES / PIENSAS QUE VA A LLOVER? I THINK SO / I DON’T THINK SO / I DON’T KNOW PIENSO / CREO QUE SÍ / PIENSO / CREO QUE NO / NO LO SE IT’S GOING TO BE HOT / BE COLD / IT´S GOING TO RAIN VA A HACER CALOR / HACER FRÍO / VA A LLOVER WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE? ¿QUE TEMPERATURA HACE? Learn more Spanish with Paco-661 142 606 at Campsite Los Gallardos, Lessons based in conversation, All levels catered for plus Private lessons!

Gladrags Annual Spring/ Summer Fashion Show

Sunday 12th April – 3pm at The Rosaleda Bar/ Restaurant (A334) Arboleas to Albox Road.

Tickets are €5 including a Glass of Cava on arrival. All proceds donated to the Walk For Life Charity!

Get your ticket from: GLADRAGS, TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT ALBOX & ARBOLEAS, SOPHIA´S & IBEX INSURANCE MOJACAR.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN MOJACAR?’

to receive regular newsletters with Mojácar events please send your email address to info@mojacar.es

camping los gallardos

Car Boot Sale Last Sunday of Every Month

INDALO PLAYERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Hotel Puntazo, Mojacar beach Saturday 11 April 2015 - 11:00 am. We are looking for new members…so whether it be treading the boards, mending them or lighting them…we welcome you! There are lots of issues to discuss and new Committee Members to vote in. Come and join the troupe, make new friends and have lots of fun for only 10 euros Membership per year! Contact: Chrissie – 634 349 638

whats on in vera

Programme of the Municipal Auditorium 11/04- 21’00h. The Ballet Company “Antonio Canales”, Ballet show “Memories”. (Entrance fee 15E) 18/04- 21’00h. “Minha Lua” Company, Presentation of the programme “Fado”. (Entrance fee 5E) 26/04- 21’00h. Representation of the play “Cena de amigos” .by Donald Margulies who is in charge of the theatre company “Gloria Lopez productions”.

Director : Daniel Veronese Cast: May pascual, Gloria lopez, José olmo y Orencio Ortega .(Entrance fee 8E) 01/05-21’00h. Representation of the play “La Barca del Zurdo”, Organized by the company “Lavie Bel”.

(Entrance fee 8E) 08/05-20’00h.

Musical “ Supercalifragilístico” Accompanied by Peppa Pig. (Entance fee on the door 10E and anticipated tickets 8E) Advance ticket sales : Convento de la Victoria and the Casa de Cultura (from Monday to Friday 11’00h 13’00h , 17’30h – 20’00h.

villaricos wacky races

ROCK N ROLL PARTNER WANTED

Some Dancing Experience Preferred.

Call PAUL: 642 807 456

Living water Church

Mojacar. An Evangelical informal service at 4.00pm every Sunday, opposite Red Cross Centre on Mojacar Playa. Contact Pastor David Hamilton 697 522 521 John 950 529 321 Margaret 950 477 063 For more info visit www.livingwate rchurchmojacar.com

sunday

champion of champions

sales@soltimes.com

Coming soon to the Mini Cinema FILMS IN 3D! Free demonstrations on Thursday 16th April, booking essential as spaces are limited, call 950 121 318 or call into Total Entertainment, Albox for more information or to book your seat.

THE ROSE SINGERS

Present “VOICES OF SPRING” A delightful Pot Pourri of Music with a special 40’s Tribute to V.E.DAY 1945 THURSDAY 16th April 7.30pm Miraflores Restaurant, Los Gallardos Restaurant.

SATURDAY 18TH April, 3.00pm (matinee) Living Water Church, (nr. Red Cross Roundabout), Mojacar Tickets 8 euros: available from Gill’s Linens, Mojacar Playa, Treasure Trove, Turre, Forget-me-Not, Las Buganvillas, The Shop at Camping Los Gallardos, All Choir Members. Or tel. Sue 950 617 737

On Saturday 16th May Wacky Races Villaricos will be run in the Plaza Mayor. We are looking for teams to enter at 25 Euros together with advertisers also at 25 Euros plus team sponsors. Contact us by Facebook: wackyracesvillaricos. e-mail: wackyracesvillaricos@ gmail.com Tel. Bar La Plaza 950 467 590.

Cabrera Social/Fiesta Committee

Friday April 10th Quiz Night Los Pastores Quizmaster is Pam Kaye 7.30 pm.

Wednesday April 22nd Film Night Los Pastores “Mama Mia”.

Saturday May 2nd Cabrera Car Rally and Lunch at El Rancho Cabrera.

Friday May 15th “Potato Heads” Jazz band Hostal Rural This event is organised by Richard Cooper.

Tickets are available from the Hostal, Richard Cooper, or Social Committee members.

Wednesday June 24th Coach trip to Fuente Victoria Bodega This event is organised by John Bailey.

Tickets are available from Los Pastores.

Saturday June 27th La Fiesta de Cabrera.

Saturday September 5th Cabrera Classical Concert The Arch Pedro Valero, pianist, with a tenor and soprano.

Friday September 11th Cabrera Dinner Dance Los Pastores.

SOLTIMES april 2015

www.soltimes.com

roquetas - COMMUNITY NEWS

Lauren writes about her experiences while living in Roquetas del Mar

I awake to the sound of clanking metal and chatter outside my window. I know it must be Thursday, el dia del Mercadillo en Roquetas. The vendors set up their wares and produce stands on the street outside my bedroom window. Every Thursday I return home from work-grab my shopping bag and wallet and go down a flight of stairs and out the door into the market, to buy my produce for the coming week. I’ve always loved outdoor markets and over the last several years have tried my best to buy most of my produce from Farmers’ Markets, a place to connect with the person who grows your food and be in touch with the seasons. Tomatoes and Watermelon in summer, Kale and beets in Winter, cherries in Spring as the list goes on. But the market in Roquetas isn’t exactly a Farmer’s Market, every vendor seems to be selling the same fruits and vegetables with varying quality and prices. Seasons don’t seem to matter. I’ve been able to buy tomatoes, eggplants and peppers every week, regardless of the month or cold weather since I live in the land of invernaderos (green houses). Most produce is grown year round in these massive plastic “houses” providing Spain and the rest of Europe, vegetables and fruits all year, occasionally, I’ll notice a season make its way to market such as strawberries and now cherries but over all when veggies and fruits naturally grow doesn’t exist at the market. I still love buying my fruits and veggies the market because it reminds me of home but I do miss eating seasonally and knowing what’s growing in the fields. I’ve tried to ask some vendors and they always name a place and mention it doesn’t grow in a green house but I found it hard to believe. Sometimes, I think the produce sold at the market is excess produce they can’t sell on the export market because they have exceeded their quota but I’m not sure. I know in other areas of Andalucia, they’re in touch with their seasons as Lauren from Spanish Sabores writes.

However, interestingly enough with all the food

nOTICE bOARD

Roquetas Bridge club production in the Costa del Sol, including Almeria, most of the produce is exported and Almerians don’t even get to enjoy some of the veggies and fruits grown here, such as cherry tomatoes! But the RAF tomatoes, an Almeria cultivation are everywhere! Crazy world we live in! Here is just a sampling of what you’ll find.

I’d guess there are over 200 vendors selling clothes, shoes, household appliances, print art, fabric, makeup, under-wear and bras, swimsuits, scarves, cheap jewelry, sunglasses and even Spanish music…I often wonder how they compete because many vendors will have the same or similar items but they must sell or they wouldn’t keep returning, right?

Thankfully the food is all in one section. I think I’d get tired of walking through the crowds just to stock up my fridge. Source www.roamingtheworld.wordpress.com

Open from 11am 7 days a week

Mini SUNDAY roast from 1.50€

Tapas served Daily

gluten free

options available

bingo wed 3pm • quiz thurs 2.15pm Opposite Playa Luna Hotel between Oasis & Mar y Sol. free Tel: 679 156 715

estampa Tapas Bar tdoor u o y n n u s s Spaciou seating 24 terrace TV SKY

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

al l sp orts no w sh ow n

Wish your Friends or Loved Ones Happy birthday, anniversary or just send them a special message.

Send details to: production@soltimes.com or call Mark on 693 774 932

Dr med. dent Hubert Hillenbrand 20 years experience

950 32 64 52 Edificio Porto Mar Avda Mariano Hemandes 48 Roquetas de Mar, near Hotel Zoraida Garden

German & English Spoken

www.almeria-dentista-zahnarzt.com

La bodeguina free

open

from 11am Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wednesday)

Breakfast

served 11am - 2pm 10 different tapas available every day served from 12noon to 6pm Calle Sierra Nevada, Roquetas De Mar Tel: 633 376 541

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS IN 2015 ROQUETAS DE MAR SUB-BRANCH 3569 APRIL – POSSIBLE MINI BUS TRIP TO ALMERIMAR watch this space for more info!

Tuesday 5th May – Social meeting & Quiz afternoon.

Tuesday 2nd June – Social meeting & MR & MRS AFTERNOON. All monies raised at these events will go to the 2015 Poppy Appeal.

FREE WI-FI

Meets on Monday’s at 3pm at The Bahia Serena Hotel For more info please contact Alison Ferguson 950 349 749 or Sue Barlow 950 333 344

Dental Clinic On-site Dental Laboratory

Burty’s BAR Playa Serena, roquetas de mar

31

New members are most welcome to join the branch, so come along to any the social meetings, contact Jenny/Mike on 950328469 for further info. Social Meetings are held at ‘The Lodge’ on Calle Americo

Open 9.30am - late (Closed Tuesday)

Vespucio, Roquetas De Mar, on the first Tuesday of

Next door to Zurimar 678 202 160

each month (3pm), unless otherwise notified.

FTG Notice

The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet each Friday in the Urbanisation at 1.00pm and the venues for the next few weeks are:-

10-4-15 New York NY, in the Urb. 17-4-15 Lady Lay, C/Sierra Nevada.

24-4-15 Bar Estampa, opp.Hotel Roquetas Protur & Spa. Anyone is welcome to join the happy bunch and have a laugh, exchange views and ideas. The more, the merrier and the bar owners enjoy it too!

PU Bs CHAPLINS a, Roqueta Sierra Nevad 27 Calle

RTS NO1 SPO

BAR

SAT 3PM KO’S

SPORT FREE WIFI.....LIVES WEDS €7.95 IB R FOOD DAILY... .95 + QUIZ 9.30 FRI FISH & CHIPS €5AST €1.50 MINI SUNDAY RO 0 light bites €1.5 es - Sun Open from 1pm Tu 8 TEL 618 824 36

bingoay 3pm

every tuesd

thursdays l ea m k a e t s n i o l r si 7.95€

32

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2015

SOL CLASSIFIEDS Air-con

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

MD S.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

l areas

with 10 years experience covered

We offer competitive affordable rates visit

www.digitalvisiones.com email: info@digitalvisiones.com

Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081

Airport services

alternative energy

www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Solar Wind P o w e r Solutions.

Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain.

Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email: info@sunergy almeria.c om www.sunergy almeria.com

Cheap

Airport Parking

Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

SOLTIMES

To advertise your business here Tel: Kate 950 121 936

available venues

Venue @ La Vida El Cucador

in Albox

Private parties Private parties Birthday etc, Birthday etc, all events all events catered for catered for call for more call Bar for more information: information

950 634 562 950 120 718 baby equipment hire

BABY HIRE

Everything for the visiting baby Car seats, high chairs, stair gates, cots etc

950 436 581/666 375 688

expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

locksmith

business opportunity

for sale

“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience”

advertise your unwanted items up to 300€ for free email: sales@soltimes.com

If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the 950 432 110 / 607 364 917 internet is definitely the place 607 364 917 or 950 432 110 email: info@md-aircon.com to do this. You can earn money md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es whilst relaxing by the pool or earn whilst you’re sleeping.

Digital Vision even This is the reality for people that are Air Conditioning Services making money online. based in Mojacar & al For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332 sales@soltimes.com

For Free Information Visit

www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk computers

Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900

drainage

Drainage Solutions

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

Established 10 years in spain Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966

Cleaning of Septic Tanks ▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808

LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying

soundlab combi mixer/ amplifier 10 channel with effects little used 450€ 645 066 538 Radio mics (2) with base station new condition little used 80€ 645 066 538

GAS HEATER with Orange Gas Bottle 40€, Tel: 661 085 551 GAS FIRE ON CASTERS 3 heat settings. G.W.O. 30€ o.n.o., Albox Tel: 699 727 138 Black and D e c k e r Workmate, hardly used 15€ o.n.o., Albox Tel: 699 727 138 Mosquito Repellant Infra-Lamp 5€, Tel: 607 675 394 (or text) – Albox Area GAS HEATER MOBILE + Two Gas Cylinders 20€, LADIES I P A N E M A SANDELS SIZE

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & 39 (6) Brand working order. surrounding area. Special weekend New Different M O U L I N E X Colours 5 Pairs bread maker, rates. Tel: 697 243 181 15€ Each, Tel: as new. c/w 950 475455/661 instructions and 016 366 2 recipe books.

20€, MORPHY 1 LITRE electric kettle R I C H A R D S white, in good Vorticity vacuum condition in box. cleaner. Bought 10€ o.n.o. Albox new as spare, for 2 Tel: 699 727 138 used months, no longer WAS H ING needed. Amazing BASKET suction, excellent 1 4 ” x 2 3 ” x 1 4 ” condition with (Light wood, 2 sets of spare white, inc inner filters. 50€. TEL: cotton line + lid) 689 581 752 exc condition 8€, (Cantoria) Tel: 607 675 394 (or text) – Albox C o m p l e t e Desktop PC Area system, with LCD Spanish TV Monitor, Wireless aerial + 40mts Keyboard and cable, brand new Mouse 100€ Tel 45€, Tel: 607 675 : 697 765 637.

394 (or text) – Almerimar Albox Area K i l n e r Universal bottling jars indoor TV antenna suitable or similar: screw for Digital top and clip top.

TV + Radio 1€ each discount Programmes 10€, for 12 or more.

Tel: 607 675 394 Tel: 607 705 092 (or text) – Albox Mojacar.

Area

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

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

health & beauty

insurance

albox insurance

friendly - professional -reliable all types of exterior & interior work

ring for a free quote

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com Pets No need for kennels or cattery Pet sitting in you own home, Arboleas & local area. Call Vanessa 637 061 482

plasterer British plasterer All work Guaranteed Tel:Paul: 634 327 201

PROPERTY

HOUSE (CORTIJO) FOR SALE CLOSE TO ORIA in a beautiful quiet hamlet of El Margen, 10 mins from Oria and 30 mins from Albox.

3 double beds, 2 baths, large kitchen/diner, lounge, patio, roof terrace, own piece of land 400m sq.

60,000€

Award winning agent offers considered For all your Tel 642 785 780 or 676 847 309 Insurance Needs email semcoteakcare@yahoo.co.uk Please contact

Glenn & jayne 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

iron/metal

The Metal works Grills, • I nstallation of new septic railings, gates tanks with certificates of all types, security/sliding/ •R epairs to existing pozos roller, rejas, • CCTV Camera concertina doors Inspection etc. Tel: Keith Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 Wood on 638 Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es 900 949 pamper yourself at R Retreat El Cucador, beauty treatments, hair salon, holistic massage, waxing, pedicure etc.

Therapists all established & UK qualified.

Email retreatcucador.gmail.com or call 647 379 878 or look at our main advert on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct

painter & decorator

hobby/

13FT 'PLUM' craft T R A M POLINE .

Brand new, still ELAINE ’ S in box. 100€ Tel: WOOLS Quality 659 103 909 UK Wool & Arboleas Accessories.

TOMTOM XL, Come & view my Also Western Europe, DISPLAY. incl UK. Maps Available at CAT and Speed Services & Total Cameras updated E n t e r t a i n m e n t 6 weeks ago. Call 667 273 889 30€, Perfect e l a i n e s w o o l s @ gmail.com

gardening

painter & decorator

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

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

SOLTIMES april 2015

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com PROPERTY cont...

removals cont...

detatched cortijo reduced

1.9 satellite dishes

bargain

20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.

€125,000 649 186 107 oremail thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

Specialising in rural property with character

now in stock

we are the cheapest in the area

Tel: 642 310 103

620 112 193 UK - SPAIN - UK From a parcel to a small

Whether you are buying or selling house move we will be delighted to Professional,Friendly & Caring hear from you Fully insured, scheduled

monthly door to door service

Call Stephen 636 266 641 email info@findmeahome.es Find us online at www.findmeahome.es facebook.com/findmeahome

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk

+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389

removals

C & A REMOVALS & STORAGE

REMOVALS safe & secure transport to & from uk friendly

LOCAL REMOVALS

spain uk spain

UK-SPAIN - SPAIN - UK from a box to a full load Cars, Pets & passenger if req

lined & controlled reliable All jobs thermal ALSO ventilation ideal for pets considered 200€ dog - 179€ cats SECURE STORAGE 100€ birds Call John on LUBRIN ALMERIA SPAIN & ESSEX UK

UK: 00447 939 heavy loads welcome Unwanted items bought for CASH 4700kg with speed limiter 88 0110 fixed price quotes fully Call: 634 310 512/634 349 347 legal operation shop & Spain: 0034 or 07434434820 offices to visit 634 368 071 px goods to offset costs chalmersJ8@ www.movemypetsandstuff.com removals hotmail.co.uk call: 634 368 430

De Lima’s

Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

spain - uk - spain & europe

Large Vans Leaving Fortnightly House Clearance & Local Removals Etc....

email: a-acargo@hotmail.com

634 337 185

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals

Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deal from UK - Spain Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884

marmenorremovals@hotmail.com

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

sat/tv services

Digital Vision Satellite Services

based in Mojacar & all areas with 10 years experience covered

We offer competitive affordable rates visit

www.digitalvisiones.com email: info@digitalvisiones.com

Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081

33

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 upholstery

CUSHIONS CUSTOm MADE

•Foam replacement •Interior/Exterior Fabrics •Free estimates

Tel: 692 176 069

situations vacant

urgently required

expereinced cook

immediate start flexible hours el naranjo los gallardos tel: 950 398 799 or 678 989 979

part time chef required

for leos bar & grill in Almerimar approx 20 hours per week, must be able to speak English for more info please contact Cally on

609 084 998

SOLTIMES

Do you enjoy a La Vida, el cucador fast paced working zurgena environment? has a vacancy for newspaper group If you have an outgoing We have a sales bar staff personality with bags position to for our bar & restaurant work from our of enthusiasm & enjoy English/Spanish local office in the pressure of weekly Zurgena speaking an advantage deadlines then we would are looking for part time flexible hours Bright, enthusiastic sales people love to hear from you. call rob on Experience is not Send your CV to 609 199 394 essential as rob@soltimes.com or full trainning will or email CV to call Paulette on 950 121 936 be given rob@soltimes.com

job vacancy

for building company A.C.P aged 20 - 35 with driving licence a bit of spanish would be useful to apply phone 628 408 197

wanted

PIANIST WANTED Local Choir based in the Mojacar Area

Are seeking a Deputy Accompanist to Help at rehearsals, & if necessary, at Performances.

The Rose Singers present 3 main concerts per year for Charity Rehearsals each Friday morning.

All genres of music are covered The position is non-remunerative as we all Perform for the love of music.

Enquiries please to Musical Director, tel. 667 408 941

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 sales@soltimes.com POSTAL ADDRESS: Matthews Media SL, Los Carasoles, 27 - 04650, Zurgena, Almeria

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.

EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: Views & opinion in editorial copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. the publisher accepts no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

Almeria Edition AL-344-2005/Roquetas Edition AL 956-2010

34

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

SOLTIMES april 2015

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Thursday Contact Kate on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 motoring section

number plates

“RE-PLATE” MATE

van hire

for sale

ecu remapping

Van hire

Renault Megan Scenic 1.9 DCI Diesel.

Manual, Right hand drive Spanish registered.

ONE WAY



UK to Spain or Spain to UK

GB

*Local * Collection & delivery *National *Storage *European *Long & short term available

TEL: 667 235 205

€1100

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

self drive removal service

mobile mechanics

Mobile motor mechanic covering all areas, fully qualified & legal, over 30 years experience

Call Paul on 617 150 300

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SOLTIMES april 2015

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Book Review

35

Street Cat Bob by James Bowen

“I was a recovering drug addict and failed musician living a hand-to mouth life in sheltered housing. Taking care of myself was enough.”

Bowen had a restless, unhappy and disturbed childhood travelling between the UK and Australia after his parents divorced. This unfortunately had an adverse effect. No friends. Bullying. He reflects on a particular sad incident whilst at Quinns Rock in Western Australia involving being stoned by the bullies which resulted in concussion. His step-father, Nick the Prick, disliked James so all in all, it is not surprising that an unhappy James soon became addicted to drugs and alcohol.

“I became a tear-away, a wild kid who was always late, always defying my mother and generally thumbing my nose at authority, no matter what form it took.”

His destructive cycle of behaviour probably began with glue sniffing and smoking dope. This fog of drugs involved drink and petty crime, developing feelings of hopelessness culminating in even more of a serious addiction, heroin. Living on the streets of London “strips away your dignity, your identity-your everything. It also strips away people’s opinions of you.” By 1998, James had become totally dependent on heroin claiming he “probably came close to death a few times.” Fortunately, a homeless charity picked him up and he was put on the vulnerable housing list so that he was entitled to priority sheltered housing.

This sounded like a lucky break for Bowen but sadly, the hostels and B & Bs were vile and he was in close contact with heroin and crack addicts. As his drug dependency worsened, in his late 20s, he ended up in rehab before being put on a drug rehabilitation programme. Heroin had been his friend when he

He felt blessed for once that his life had become enriched and people treated him differently. “It humanised me. In some ways it There was light at the end of the tunnel. His lucky was giving me back my identity. break, his second chance happened in 2007: “We I had been a non-person. I was are all given second chances every day of our lives. becoming a person again.”

They are there for the taking. It’s just that we don’t Within the year and many usually take them.” Bowen was living in a new flat treats later some kind soul knitted him a scarf in Tottenham. He had been busking around Covent Garden and was returning home with Belle, his ex. and Belle bought him two small animal t-shirts with It did help that Bowen, like me had a weakness for Santa Paws. Toys for Christmas and Bob behaved cats and so the sight of a ginger cat staring at him like a excitable child watched by a proud parent. in a “steady, curious intelligent” way and rubbing A tight bond developed and Bowen’s furry friend against him as if he needed TLC, near his room was stuck to him like a limpet. His love for Bob gave him the incentive to come off methadone and come perhaps too much of a coincidence.

“The rejects of the city, like flotsam and jetsam clean and the busking changed to selling The Big on the beach. Maybe he’d spotted a kindred spirit Issue with our furry friend who became known as Bob The Big Issue cat. He was on You Tube and in me.”

It became clear that the ginger cat was homeless featured in a local newspaper. A celebrity. At this and some mashed up biscuits with tuna and milk point in time Bowen was then approached by an of course, followed by a number of visits to the American agent and encouraged to write a book vets and antibiotics and Bowen was able to nurse with author Garry Jenkins. Since its publication the the cat back to health. Once he had adopted him book has sold more than 1 million copies and has he chose the name Bob from “Twin Peaks,” none been translated into 30 languages. And there are other than Killer Bob! After a couple of weeks of TLC more Bob books to enjoy. This one’s a Quick Read, Bob improved. He was “a young male with way too for everyone to enjoy. many hormones flying around his body” so that he “Everybody needs a break. Everybody deserves “carried on acting like a whirling dervish.” As Bowen that second chance. Bob and I have taken ours.” was leaving home Bob followed him.

Publisher: Hodder. ISBN: 978-1-473-60647-0 He became so persistent that Bowen ended up was pure and simply lonely. On the other hand, busking gave him the opportunity to sort himself out but it was Bob that gave him the incentive to come clean. It saved him. In fact, it transformed his life.

by lifting Bob onto his shoulder and carrying him like Long John Silver. People stared and Bob drew in the punters to Bowen’s surprise and delight. Bob became his extra special cat, his secret weapon who seemed to have an unusual way with people.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es

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SOLTIMES april 2015

Ukraine agrees gas deal with Russia

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Ukraine has signed a new short-term agreement to buy gas from Russia at a lower price, despite the ongoing conflict in the east of the country.

Ukraine will pay $248 per thousand cubic metres over the next three months down from the $329 it had been paying in the first quarter of this year.

Talks will continue to find a permanent solution to the long-running pricing dispute.

Ukraine said it would still be required to

pre-pay Russia for its gas supplies.

Kiev accuses Moscow of supporting separatists rebels in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that began in November 2013 and has left the country in a precarious economic situation.

However Ukraine’s energy minister, Volodymyr Demchyshyn said Ukraine’s state gas company, Naftogaz, had been able to reach a short term agreement with Russian gas giant, Gazprom.

Previously Russia has threatened to cut off Ukraine’s energy supplies over unmet bills.

In the past disputes over the supply of Russian gas to Ukraine have led to knockon supply problems in other parts of Europe which rely on supplies of gas from Gazprom. bbc.com

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SOLTIMES april 2015

www.soltimes.com

Khan to fight former world champion Algieri

Amir Khan has announced he will fight former light-welterweight world champion Chris Algieri on 30 May. The 28-year-old had come under pressure to take on British rival Kell Brook but said he was already deep in negotiations to fight someone else.

Khan, who announced the fight on his wife’s YouTube channel, said the bout was likely to take place in New York in the 147lbs (welterweight) division.

The Bolton fighter said: “You can class him as an A-class opponent.”

Algieri, 31, has been defeated in only one of his 21 fights, a loss on points to Manny Pacquiao in November during which he was knocked down six times.

“This is another fight which is going to bring a different style,” added Khan, who is hoping for a meeting with the

winner of Pacquiao’s eagerlyawaited showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

“He knows how to box, he knows how to move well. He takes a decent amount of shots and he’s got a decent amount of power.

“Hopefully this can lead me onto the bigger fights in the future, which we’re all looking at.”

Khan has also vowed to fight unbeaten IBF champion Brook, 28, at Wembley “within the next 12 months”. bbc.com

Congratulations to Isabella Grace Holmes becoming GIRASOL GYMNASTIC CLUB GYMNAST OF THE YEAR. Isabella has had some great achievements in her first year in gymnastics with achieving more than five awards and is a great asset to th school.

Congratulations also to Aolani Howard Coles who received the GIRASOL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Aolani is the first gymnast in the school to achieve her full set of Proficiency Awards and has also achieved her Bronze Advanced Award and is working on her Silver A v a n c e d Award at pre sent.

The BEST

Marina Phoenix Golf Society

Monday 30th saw Margaret Budd eclipse the whole field by winning the ladies division with 37 points, Isobel Jones was second (30) and Rosalie Fardon (29) third.

The men’s division was a success for Hylton Smith on 34 points from Derick Dale (33), on countback, from Tony King, in third place.

There were twos prizes for Tony Cordingley and Brian Mayhew.

Thursday’s team game, played in fourballs, was the best two scores on each hole.

The winners were Dennis Cronin, Philippe, Derick Dale and Jim Budd IMPROVER AWARD went to Noelia with 91 points. Second Roberts supassed herself in such place went to Tony a short space of time within the school.

W e l l done to all the pupils w h o r e c e nt l y at t ained t h e i r Profiency Awards and their Advanced Profiency Awards.

The winners of the GIRASOL WINTER GYMNASTS AWARDS Full Alarm were DAISY WAKEMAN and AMY System DOUGIS, well done on all your Full CCTV Fully Insured hard work in classes.

You are welcome to For more information on visit our premises to Gymnastic Classes for both Boys view before parking and Girls Aged between 3 - 15 years please contact 639 089 170.

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37

Cordingley, Tony King, Alf Taylor and Rosalie Fardon (86) followed, in third,

by Alex Elder, Don Atkins, Isobel Jones and Nadie Wass (83). The nearest the pin prizes were won by Linda King (5th) and Derick Dale (17th).

Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

38

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

SOLTIMES april 2015

19th Hole Golf Society - Cucador

Due to our increased numbers not only did we change the day but also the venue for this Traffic Light/ Scramble.

Lorca Golf Resort was the venue and Wednesday 1st April was the day, with the course in excellent condition it was a change worth doing.

With the ladies having to play from the yellow tees every third hole some had doubts about their ability to cope with the longer drives, no problem at all, in fact Zeta and Nekana out drove most of the men on the 1st despite the large gallery and the accompanying comments.

Winners by one stroke were the team of Ellen Lea and Steve Newberry with a nett 62 Steve also claimed a Two on the 6th and Nearest the Pin on the 8th.

Pat O Dwyer, Don Harbron and Dave Denyer came a close 2nd with a nett 63 with Pat winning a Nearest the Pin on the 10th.

The International Team of Paco and Geoff Smith claimed 3rd spot with a nett 64. Sam Evans with a really brilliant shot took Nearest the Pin with 2nd Shot on the 18th. The Syd Walker/ Ray Wicking team had an interesting day, they reversed their buggy into a Barranco, it took the help of Nick Pogson Rocket Ron Curtis and a lot of bad language and grunts to free the little blighter to allow them to carry on

with their less than impressive round.

Our refreshments and nibbles back at La Vida were excellent, well done to Rob and his staff.

Results; Team Scramble - 1st Ellen Lea/Steve Newberry Nett 62, 2nd Pat O Dwyer/Don Harbron & Dave Denyer Nett 63, 3rd Paco Ocaña Grayal/ Geoff Smith Nett 64. Twos - 8th Hole Steve Newbery, 19th Hole Doug Birrell, 12th Hole Norman Taylor & Sam Evans.

Nearest the Pins - 4th Christine Edwards, 6th Steve Newberry, 10th Pat O Dwyer, 18th (with 2nd Shot) Sam Evans.

The 19th hole G/S arranges weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining or playing with the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610 340 653. Or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

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Urcal Golf Report

Saturday 4th April saw Urcal Golf Society play an Individual Stableford competition at Aguilon for the Urcal Golf Cup. With warm weather and a course in beautiful condition, everything was set for some good scoring.

Tony Morgan certainly found the conditions to his liking as he continued his better form of late with a superb round of golf and a score of 42 points.

Second was Richard Wallace with 31, nice to see Richard in the prizes again after a lengthy absence with third place going to Jean-Francois Crinquand with a score of 29 points.

Gary Funnell continued his winning ways with nearest the pin prizes for his excellent shots on the 8th & 14th holes and Barry Kilby took some consolation on what for him was a somewhat disappointing day with nearest the pin in two shots on the 11th hole. Guest Len Ward claimed the only ¨2¨on the day with his great

effort on the 12th hole.

This year is the tenth anniversary for Urcal Golf Society, it has steadily grown over the years to become a competitive but extremely friendly society playing every second Saturday, with the first game in each month played as an individual cup game and the second match of each month usually a team game with different formats. We play a variety of different courses in the area and are always ready to welcome new members or guests. If you would like to join a happy and friendly bunch

of players then contact our Captain Steve Dodd on 608238827. Our next game will be a team game at Valle del Este on the 18th April

VALLE DEL ESTE HOST BADGERS G.S.

After all the challenges of the wind, the cold and the rain over the last month, Valle Del Este was basking in warm sunshine and looking very inviting on Wednesday, 1st April.

Expectations amongst Badgers members were high for a day of high quality scoring.

What a treacherous game golf can be! It’s fair to say all players struggled - some even complained about the heat. Derick Dale struggled least, coming first with 30 points, followed

by Lynn Dundas on 27 and Mark Newall third with 26.There was not a single birdie 2 achieved! Nearest The

Pins went to Rod Goff, Tom Fitzgerald, Steve Dodd - and Greg Knight claimed the NTP in 2 on the par 4 18th. Lynn Dundas proudly told everyone how she only used the one ball for her entire round - so her new name is now One BallLynn ( Henry 8’s second wife - get it?)

Badgers Golf Society, Mojacar play every Wednesday and Saturday.

Any golfers wishing to play should ring or email Mike Daily mikdaily9@ gmail.com tel.

664876995 or Andy Mucha andymucha1@gmail. com tel. 634333481, or email badgersmojacar@gmail.com

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SOLTIMES april 2015

www.soltimes.com

ALmeria thrashed at home

The striker from Cádiz scored a hat-trick as Levante thrashed the Andalusians.

Levante UD move away from the relegation zone after easily beating UD Almería 4-1 away from home on matchday 29 in the Liga BBVA. David Barral scored three goals for the visitors, who received a shot in the arm in their fight for survival thanks to the three points.

Almería dominated the game early on but did little to worry Diego Mariño, while Levante played in a more direct style and looked more dangerous.

The granotas took the lead when Barral converted Andreas Ivanschitz’s cutback. Almería sought a quick reaction. Verza forced Mariño into a save and the goalkeeper then reacted quickly to prevent Thievy from scoring on the rebound. The Valencia side however did not want to cede the ground they had gained, and they

doubled the lead through Víctor Casadesús to make it to half-time 2-0 up.

Almería looked lost after the break, playing with less intensity than their opponents, and they paid dearly for it. Barral made it 3-0 by tapping into an empty net to pile more misery on Almería, who then had Sebastián Dubarbier sent off for picking up a second booking.

Yet they did not give up and Tomer Hemed pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Thievy was fouled.

However, Barral soon silenced the home crowd again by scoring his third goal of the night. The result was the fianl straw for coach Juan Ignacio Martinez. lfp.es

Sergi signs on at Almeria

Sergi Barjuan has been named as the new Almeria coach until the end of the season, with his first match in charge set to come against former club Barcelona on Wednesday. The 43-year-old former Spain international, who spent well over a decade at local club Barcelona before finishing his playing career at Atletico Madrid, takes over the reins at Almeria from Juan Ignacio Martinez.

Martinez was sacked on Sunday in the wake of Almeria’s 4-1 home defeat to Levante the previous day, a result which left the team a point

adrift of safety in the Spanish La Liga relegation zone. Almeria had placed reserve team coach Miguel Rivera in caretaker charge, but they have moved quickly to appoint Sergi for the remainder of the campaign.

Sergi, whose only previous senior coaching position was in charge of Recreativo Huelva, said at his presentation: “We’ve got the team to be much higher, we need to row in the same direction and work together, which is crucial to achieving safety.” fifa.com

Boxers Go To La Serena / Murcia

So I missed my Hot Cross Bun to Play golf at La Serena on Boxing Day and in the end I got over the loss of the Hot Cross Bun and enjoyed a good days golf in the Sun...

Boxers had never played La Serena as a society before and I had never played the course so I wasn’t sure what to expect and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised ...

La Serena is a nice course, the facilities are very good, excellent Range, Clubhouse and Bar and the course is not a smash it and hope course, you have to think your way around it especially the back 9 which if you don’t know where your going can be tricky... (a lot of our members don’t know where their going even if they hit their shot) The Greens were very good, fairways were ok and the weather was perfect...

I was playing with Lee Smith and Mick Thomas, now lets just say it was a amusing afternoon with the highlight being Lee’s net Albatross 3 for 5 points and on the same hole Mick had a 4 for 4 points ...Bandits I hear you cry, No definitely not bandits ... They wont be getting invites from Darren Clark to get there Ryder Cup Suits fitted any time soon.....

Mick is to Golf what Steven Gerrard is to the Premier League Trophy...

“It aint Gonna Happen”. Lee’s ability to describe the shot he wanted or should have to play was as a source or amusement to myself and Mick all

day Especially as it very rarely had any resemblance to what actually happened...

But we had an enjoyable day’s golf and few beers after and that’s what it’s all about...

The Winners for the Day - Overall Winner Brian (Swear Box) Mayhew 39 Points. Div 1 - 2nd Tony (cant see my feet) Hammond 36 points, 3Rd Paul (Zoro) Holley 34 Points.

Div 2 - 1st Arthur (not allowed a skybox) Davies 36 points, 2nd Martin (life in the fast lane) Allen 34 points, 3rd John (slow swing) Kinch 30 points.

Nearest the Pins - Hole 13 Paul (Great Shot) Holley, Hole 17 Roy (LFC) Lewis.

Next Outing is at Lorca on 21st April /Price €35 For Those wishing to Join us on a bi weekly Golf Jolly and enjoy the delights of Spain’s Sun Drenched Golf Links, enjoy the banter and partake in light refreshments after then please contact us on the details show below.

Tony Hammond info@ boxersgolfsociety.eu / http://www. boxersgolfsociety.eu/

39

SPORTS SHORTS by Tony Matthews • This weekend we have a full Premiership programme, including Chelsea v QPR and the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

• In the Championship, it’s Birmingham v Wolves, Bolton v Norwich, Brighton v Bournemouth, Ipswich v Blackpool, Middlesbrough v Rotherham and Millwall v Watford.

• Port Vale play MK Dons and Preston meet Bristol City in FL1 and Luton take on Burton Albion and Exeter visit Shrewsbury in FL2.

• Tomorrow, the world’s top golfers, including Ricky Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson, tee-off in the US Masters in Augusta.

• On Saturday 40 horses and jockeys, with AP McCoy riding the favourite Shutthedoor, go in the Grand National.

• The crews of Oxford and Cambridge compete in the varsity boat race.

• Valentino Rossi and Marq Marquez race in the USA MotoGP. • And Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg etc. all drive in China’s F1 Grand Prix.

Easter Soccer Round Up • Stoke’s Charlie Adam scored one of the great PL goals from 61 yards in his side’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

• Alexis Sanchez also netted a beauty in Arsenal’s 4-1 romp over Liverpool who play Blackburn in an FA Cup 6th round replay tonight.

• QPR won 4-1 at WBA; Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 Hull lost 3-1 at Swansea; Aston Villa also lost 3-1 at Manchester United for whom Wayne Rooney struck a cracker; Everton edged Southampton 1-0; the Wear-Tyne derby finished Sunderland 1 Newcastle 0, courtesy of Jermaine Defoe’s super-strike and Spurs drew 0-0 at Burnley. Crystal Palace and Manchester City played on Monday.

• There were vital wins for Brentford (4-1 at Fulham), Middlesbrough, Norwich,and Wolves, in the Championship.

• In FL1, runaway leaders Bristol City are virtually ‘up’ with Preston, MK Dons and Sheffield United chasing the second promotion place.

• Burton Albion, Shrewsbury and Wycombe lead the way in FL2.

• Rangers beat Hearts 2-1 in the Scottish championship.

• Juventus are top of Serie A, Bayern Munich lead the Bundesliga and in La Liga, Barcelona have a four-point advantage over Real Madrid, for whom Cristiano Ronaldo hit a five-timer (including the 31st hat-trick of his career) in a 9-1 win over Granada.

Sport in General • Andy Murray lost to Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final - his seventh straight defeat against the Serb. Serena Williams beat Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro in the women’s final.

• Northampton, Wasps and Bath were all knocked out of Rugby’s European Cup, leaving Saracens (who beat Racing Metro 12-11) as England’s only semi-finalists.

• Hull KR beat rivals Hull 20-6 in the Humberside Super League derby.

QUIZ - On Friday night (at 8.30) I have a charity quiz on behalf of the RBL at The Beachcomber on Mojacar Playa.

QUESTION - I have been contracted to write two more football books - on Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne. If anyone has any fond memories, experiences, recollections of these two fine players, please let me know: tony_matthews@live.co.uk

WALKING FOOTBALL REKINDLE THAT GLITTERING CAREER SHOW OFF THOSE SILKY SKILLS YOU ALWAYS KNEW YOU HAD COME AND JOIN US ON SUNDAY APRIL 12th at 11am until 12pm for a taste of WALKING FOOTBALL! A GAME FOR THE OLDER MAN WHO THOUGHT THEIR FOOTBALLING DAYS WERE FINISHED MEET AT 10.45 am (FOR A LIGHT WARM UP!!!) AT THE SPORTS CENTRE, SAN JUAN DE LOS TERREROS. FA RULES APPLY THE ONLY RULE YOU WILL HAVE TO REMEMBER IS YOU CAN’T RUN. BRING YOUR HIGH VIS WAISCOAT FROM THE CAR WITH YOU TO USE AS A TRAINING BIB 10 EUROS TO HIRE THE COURT CHARGE WILL BE 1 EURO PER PLAYER (Any over will go into the pot) If you want to see how it is played, rules etc. There is a good Web site called Walking Football United. Any more information contact Dave on 634 211 742

40 SOLTIMES april 2015

Tel 902 750 190

www.soltimes.com

Mercedes must work 'in all conditions

Mercedes must produce a car which performs "at all circuits and in all conditions", the team's technical director Paddy Lowe says. Sebastian Vettel's surprise win for Ferrari last time out in Malaysia ended a sequence of eight victories for Mercedes dating back to last season. Key to Ferrari's first win since May 2013 was the car's treatment of its tyres in the intense Malaysia heat. And Lowe concedes Mercedes have "work to be done on that front". "It is now clearer than ever that there is serious competition for this world championship, so we will continue to work flat out for performance gains," added Lowe ahead of this weekend's

Chinese Grand Prix. "We have a range of new aerodynamic developments for Shanghai and are targeting an improved performance from Malaysia." Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff described Ferrari's Sepang win as a "wake-up call", even though the gap to Vettel was a modest one. Lewis Hamilton finished second for Mercedes, just eight seconds back, with his teammate Nico Rosberg a further four seconds behind as he completed the podium. "This is something you cannot afford to happen often and, although we had two cars on the podium, we have been looking very carefully at every area where we could have performed better," said Wolff.

Vincci Selección Envía Almería Wellness & Golf 5*

Cool notes

Variety of well known songs 9th April 9pm

Open 12 noon until late every day (closed Tuesday) Avenida Playa Serena 224, 04740 Roquetas de Mar, Almeria 654 278 253 or 609238571

Property management Sales & Rentals

Green Fee Saver Tickets Tickets can be shared between friends & family

6 Green Fees x 9 holes = 128€ 128 10 Green Fees x 9 holes = 180€ 180 6 Green Fees x 18 holes = 190€ 10 Green Fees x 18 holes = 300€ Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of purchase Call: 950 559 646 / email: reservas@laenviagolf.com

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For all your property needs Services include Key Holding, Maintenance, Furniture Packs, Cleaning & Laundry, Weekly Apartment & Post-box Checks Energy Efficiency Certificates Golf Discounts and Golf Packages Available

Rental Properties required for long or short lets in Roquetas de Mar Call or e-mail us for further information.

Mobile: (0034) 663 426 921

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