Roquetas 518

ISSUE 518

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Page 9

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

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

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

At the entrance to the port

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this new year

s a l e f e v er breaks out Page 6

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

TEL: 950 334 081

out of hours please call 950 334 544

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

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Special occasions catered for!

2

January 2016

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URCAL FAT BOYS N BIRDS 2015

Friday 11 December saw the culmination of this year’s annual charity drive by the Urcal Fat Boys n Birds. The event saw the members carry out a 7 weeks ‘slimathon’ in aid of The Residencia Virgin del Rio in Huercal-Overa (the public Old People’s Home). Funds were raised in the form of ‘fines’ for the members, donations from members and their supporters and by the sale of raffle tickets. Also a ‘food bank’ was created.

The event on Fri 11 Dec was held at Taberna Amazir, Urcal and consisted of a raffle, live music from ‘Naghar’ (a Spanish group from Aguilas) and a disco by Steve King.

The evening was a great success and thanks must be given to the people who very generously donated raffle prizes – which included members of the Club but especially the prizes from Cruzcampo, and Miguel and his family from the Taberna Amazir.

Congratulations go to all the Raffle

winners.

Once all the donations and food stuffs had been collated, a small group of members and supporters visited the Residencia on Tuesday 15 December and presented them with a total of €2008,00 and 10 large sacks of foodstuffs. Thanks go to Maria Delores from the office of tourism for her assistance but mainly thanks go to the neighbours of Urcal for all their generous support for this worthy cause.

Copyright of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf expires

For the first time in 70 years, Adolf Hitler's Nazi manifesto Mein Kampf is to be available to buy in Germany.

Reprinting the antiSemitic book was banned after WW2 by Bavaria's r e g i o n a l government, which held the copyright.

The copyright has now expired and Munich's Institute of Contemporary History is to publish a new edition.

New versions are expected in many countries. Historians say the book helps academics understand what happened in the Nazi era.

Its annotated version, with thousands of academic notes, will aim to show that Mein Kampf (My Struggle) is incoherent and badly written, rather than powerful or seductive.

Many Jewish groups have welcomed this particular publication, saying it is important to have access to a critical edition to help explain the Holocaust, reports the BBC’s Damien McGuinness in Berlin.

Mein Kampf was originally printed in 1925 - eight years before Hitler came to power.

After Nazi Germany was defeated

3

in 1945, the Allied forces handed the copyright to the book to the state of Bavaria.

The local authorities have refused to allow the book to be reprinted to prevent incitement of hatred, although the book was so widely printed during the war that it remained relatively easily available.

Under European copyright law, the rights of an author of a literary or artistic work runs for the life of the author and for 70 years after his death - in Hitler’s case on 30 April 1945, when he shot himself in his bunker in Berlin.

Those rights cease on the first day of January 70 years after the author’s death, and so publishers now have free access to the original text.

However, German officials have said they will limit public access to the text amid fears that this could stir neo-Nazi sentiment. http://www.bbc.com/

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4

January 2016

Strictly Grand Final 2015

Well there was certainly some controversy in the press after last weeks dance off result with Len and Anton being put into the firing line by the Beeb! In my opinion the wrong result came out, I agreed with Craig putting Anita into the final. Even though the judges voted on the final, no part of the result would be considered as it was purely down to public vote to crown the ‘strictly’ champion 2015.

The first dances were chosen by the judges and opening the show were Jay McGuinness and Aliona with a Quickstep and looking to improve on his performance from week 4, his lowest score in the competition.

Despite Jay always being in control, there was quite a bit of gapping evident and at times was guilty of sticking his bottom out! That said there was some very complex choreography well performed. I awarded him 9 and the judges 36. Next were Georgia May Foote and Giovanni and their Rumba from week 3 where they were accused of having insufficient Rumba choreography and lacking in hip action. Georgia corrected the hip action and Giovanni had inserted more basic and this was so nearly a perfect performance, unfortunately, in one part of the choreography Georgia had a fast spin and had she have settled into her hip on exit would have controlled the speed, she didn’t and overbalanced. Such a pity I gave her 9 and the judges 36. Kellie Bright and Kevin were given a Tango from week 1. The music still too fast a 60s theme, she was still too far up, needed to be lower into the floor which would have produced a cleaner staccatto action. I awarded her 8 and the judges for some reason must have been watching a different dance to mine awarded her a perfect score of 40? Closing the first dance were Katie Derham and Anton with a Quickstep from week 7. Still littered with errors or hiccups she somehow managed to keep it going, she was out of her depth against her fellow competitors. The further into the routine she went the worse it went! I gave her 7 and the judges 31.

The second dances performed were the show dances and the ones everyone was waiting to see with a no holds barred policy. Jay and Aliona went for a medley

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didn’t want to win the competition!! - Not the most sensible decision he could have made as this would have been a guaranteed 40) Again in the Paso Doble he still hadn’t grasped the high hip and trailing back leg so I gave him 9 and the judges 39. Georgina and Giovanni danced their Charleston from Chicago. Fantastic yet again, perfectly in sync, slick with great swivels and packed full of energy and character. A 10 and another perfect score of 40 from the judges. Closing this years show were Kellie and Kevin with their Starwars Charleston. A fun filled light sabre Charleston worthy of another 10 but not quite as good as Georgias and a 39 from the judges. of various dances and were extremely well matched throughout. I have to say that I wasn’t keen on their choice of music and there was no ‘wow’ factor. I would have loved to have seen him in a contemporary number. I gave them 9 and the judges 35. Next were Georgia and Giovanni with a number to ‘Fix You’. She was blindfolded for the first third of the routine and it was absolutely spellbinding. After that was removed they went into a mix of Tango and Viennese Waltz and displayed lifted shoulders and a peculiar head position, but otherwise a beautiful story. I awarded her 9 and the judges 36. Kellie and Kevin were next with Lindy Hop. An action packed full on dance filled with lifts and tricks which was perfectly matched throughout. I gave them a 10 and the judges another perfect score of 40. Closing this section were Katie and Anton with a powerful piece of music Oh Fortuna. I have to say that the music far outweighed the performance which I found lack lustre at best, and showing Anton struggling to keep Katie aloft in the lifts. I gave them 7 and the judges 31.

I have to say I was left a little underwhelmed by both the semi final and the final. The quality of dancers was the highest I have ever seen in any series but for some reason and after a couple of strong challengers were eliminated along the way, it failed to give me the ‘wow’ factor that we have seen in previous years. I have to say that the quality of Jays dancing has been the best ever seen from a celebrity but he just lacked the extrovert personality to really pack a punch. He was a deserved winner everything taken into consideration, but for me on the night Kellie was the stronger challenge and deserved to win, but there goes the public vote for you!

I will soon be reporting on the Christmas Special and I hope you all had a great Christmas, and I wiosh you all a happy and prosperous 2016. Come and get rid of those excess calories in 2016 at one of our classes, where you will have fun and meet a great group of friends, but in the meantime Keep Dancing!

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ Class Info 635 584 431

There was then a short break between the 2 shows and once they returned eliminated Katie. What a different final this could have been with Helen George or Anita Rani!

For the final dance, the couples were permitted to select their favourite dance of the series. Jay and Aliona picked their Paso Doble (they were understood to have picked this over the Jive as they thought the Jive couldn’t be improved on - this left me thinking he

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Guardia Civil officers save Torrevieja man from burning home

A PENSIONER is in a critical condition after a fire broke out at his home in Torrevieja (Alicante province) – although if it had not been for the prompt actions of three brave Guardia Civil officers, he would not be alive today.

They were alerted by a local resident who went to the police station in person at around 07.30hrs on New Year's Day, and rushed round to the property where they saw flames raging and smoke gushing out.

Not knowing whether the house was occupied, officers broke down the door

when they got no response and found a 75-year-old man unconscious on the sofa, with numerous severe burns.

Paramedics gave him first aid after the three Guardia Civil officers dragged him out of the burning building.

The pensioner was firstly taken to Torrevieja University Hospital, but given the serious nature of his injuries, he was rushed to the burns unit at Alicante General Hospital.

He is still said to be in a critical condition, 48 hours after he was rescued from the flames. thinkspain.com

Madrid star, Rodriguez, ‘was doing 200km an hour on motorway’

Real Madrid star James Rodriguez was pursued by an unmarked police car to the club’s training ground for allegedly speeding at 200 kilometres per hour, Madrid sports daily AS reported on Friday.

The newspaper published photos on their website of Rodriguez arriving at the Valdebebas training ground in the north of Madrid followed by a car carrying a blue siren.

AS also published a video of the passengers in the unmarked vehicle claiming they “followed him at 200 kilometres per hour on the M-40 motorway,” when stopped by security at the entrance to the training ground. thelocal.es

663 302 740

6

January 2016

Sales fever breaks out in Spain

SALES season has kicked off in Spain with bargains of up to 70% off to be found on the high street – and retailers hope their buoyant Christmas will continue as families stock up on presents to give out on Twelfth Night, or the 'Three Kings'.

From Saturday, January 2 through to late February – or possibly later if stocks last – all types of stores and especially clothing retailers will slice their prices.

Typical discounts at the start of the sales

period tend to be around 30% to 50%, but can reach 70% or 80% towards the end. Packed streets, ever-ringing tills and barely elbow-room were seen in shops across the country yesterday and some popular stores even opened to find queues trailing back down the street.

Consumer organisations have warned shoppers to be careful of impulse buys and to ensure retailers stick to the rules – although it is rare that they do not do

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so, isolated cases have led to disputes.

These rules include ensuring the original price tag still features prominently on the item alongside the reduced sale price, and that the quality of discounted goods be identical to when they were being sold for the full amount, unless otherwise clearly stated.

All sale items carry the same guarantee as non-sale items – for most products, particularly electrical goods, this is two years – and payment methods accepted cannot be limited during the sales; meaning, for example, a shop which accepts credit or debit card transactions may not insist on cash only just because its wares are now cheaper. In the event of any unresolved problems or wishing to be armed with full facts before raising a query with a retailer, shoppers can go to their local consumer protection office – OCU, FACUA or OMIC – for freeof-charge advice. Until just a few years ago, the high-street sales would start on

January 7, once Spain's main presentgiving day was over and children were returning to school – but since the start of the financial crisis in late 2007, heavilyslashed price campaigns have started between Christmas and the Three Kings to encourage shoppers to buy as much as possible for their Twelfth Night gifts.

Even more recently, shops have been given the freedom to hold sales whenever they wish rather than solely in summer and post-Christmas, meaning end-of-line stock is easier to shift and customers given an incentive to spend year-round.

However, most stores, from boutiques to shopping-centre staples and major department stores tend to keep their main discount season for the Christmas and New Year slots, and simply set aside a permanent shelf or railing for out-ofdate stock being sold off at lower prices. http://www.thinkspain.com/

www.soltimes.com

4 top tips for winter warmth

1. Dress in layers.

Bundle up. Wear long underwear, sweaters, and even hats indoors.

Remember the days of “sleeping caps”? They make sense when so much heat escapes from the head. To avoid getting overheated inside, wear layers. I recommend a “wicking” polyester (or silk) undershirt next to your skin versus cotton. I gave a polyester t-shirt to my father and he keeps talking about the amazing difference as if I had invented sliced

winter warmers

7

bread!

2. Keep Your Feet Warm I highly recommend “house slippers” indoors. I know that it sounds a bit old-fashioned, but having the rubber sole really makes a difference.

“Keep changing your socks! Everybody forgets that your feet sweat, and THAT can make you cold even though you are layered up.”

For the outdoors, it really helps to insert foam liners in your boots or hiking shoes to give your toes an extra layer of insulation.

3. Heat Up Your Bed Don’t turn up the heat for the entire house. Use an electric blanket. An even cheaper and safer option may be a hot water bottle with a wool or fleece cover. Here’s what other readers say: “Fill your bottle with hot water from the faucet before going to bed and slip it into the foot of the bed between the sheets. By the time you’re ready for bed it’s all nice and toasty at your feet. Believe it or not the water bottle stays warm all night long.”

“Use rice! Put the rice in a fleece cover–then warm in the microwave. It will stay warm half the night and keep your toes comfortable.”

“I have a water bottle, but better and quicker is to use a large heating pad with an automatic shut-off. Mine shuts off after 30 minutes. I lay the heating pad in the bed and turn it on about 15 minutes before retiring.

I turn it off and then on again if I still need a little more heat but it is usually adequate just turning it on once.”

4. Harness the Sun During the day, open the blinds and curtains on the south-facing windows—and let the Sun warm you. At night, close the blinds and curtains to better insulate your home.

One reader adds, “We use roller blinds every night for all windows. Save a lot of energy in a cheap and easy way.” almanac.com

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Kyra Beauty Salon Now Open in Arboleas

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What's the best way to detox this New Year?

The liver, the body's largest solid organ, is chiefly responsible for cleansing the body of toxins that can pollute the system and erode our health and well-being.

This means that supporting the function of the liver is usually a very powerful way to give the body an internal spring clean.

The cornerstone of any liver-friendly programme is a diet that makes relatively light work for this organ. The diet should contain an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Not only do these foods tend not to tax and stress the liver, they also contain an abundance of nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene) which can support liver function. Organic produce is best as this is relatively free of potentially toxic herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.

Foods which contain a lot of either fat or protein should be down played in the diet, as they require quite a lot of chemical processing in the liver.

The main foods to avoid are fatty meats such as beef, lamb and duck, dairy products and unhealthy hydrogenated vegetable oils present in many margarines, processed and baked foods.

Foods that contain artificial additives such as sweeteners, colourings, flavourings and preservatives should be also be minimised in the diet. Alcohol and caffeine, both of which stress the liver, should be avoided or moderated too.

Many different natural agents may support liver function. However, the one that is perhaps most widely used as a general liver tonic is the herb Milk thistle. This herb has a traditional use that dates back more than 2000 years.

The herb contains a complex of bioflavonoid molecules known collectively as silymarin.

Silymarin appears to have the ability to

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protect the liver cells by reducing the take-up and enhancing the removal of harmful toxins. Silymarin also has powerful antioxidant activity and can help in the regeneration of injured liver cells.

The normal recommended dose is 200 - 400 mg of silymarin per day. You can buy silymarin in major health food stores.

Another usual approach to cleansing the body internally is to ensure proper bowel function. If this bowel function is on the sluggish side, there is the potential that toxins will be absorbed from the large bowel back into the body, which may then pollute the system.

Fibre is important for good regular bowel movements. The fibre in high bran breakfast cereals is quite hard and scratchy and may irritate the delicate lining of the gut. The fibre found in oats, fresh fruits and vegetables is generally kinder to the gut and I recommend that you increase your consumption of these foods.

Another effective and convenient way to increase your fibre intake is to add linseeds to your diet.

These small golden seeds can really help to improve bowel regularity. Take one dessertspoon to one tablespoon per day, either sprinkled on your cereal or taken with water. Apart from fibre, the other essential ingredient for bowel regularity is water.

Drink one-and-a-half to two litres of filtered or still mineral water each day.

As far as supplements go, I recommend ESI's Colon Cleanse tablets for constipation. Based on

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10

January 2016

Maximum equality in the first round of the International Chess Open Roquetas de Mar

publish your special events here. Charity/ community groups events also published FREE of charge. in Roquetas & Almerimar: contact: sales@soltimes.com victory 12 years, Jonas Bjerre on the Irish International Master and member of the Olympic team Eire, Sam Collins. ... Surprise, but not absolute. Bjerre is coming off his first IM norm (International Master) and aims to achieve the second in less than 15 days.

Category, quality and self-confidence you can spare the boy from Denmark.

Two of the favorites of the competition, Grigoryan and Svetushkin, resolved their games on a day with few surprises.

The International Chess Open Villa de Roquetas this year celebrates its seventeenth edition.

Yesterday, January 2, began to be

played at the Bahia Serena hotel.

It has the organization Chess Club Roquetas de Mar in collaboration with the Delegation of Sports and Leisure of roquetero session.

The tournament has 116 players registered for the Absolute mode, and more await otros100 chess players to compete from day 4 in the sub 2150 tournament.

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Maximum equality in the first round of the International Chess Open Roquetas de Mar Equality was the general tone of the first day of competition.

In the first round, and speaking of the top 20 ranked players included the young prodigy Danish

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It can also be classified as surprising victory of the young Valencian Marta Garcia on MI Polish Lukasz Butkiewicz.

These two victories are a reflection of the strength of the young chess comes to Roquetas. No teacher was comfortable and easily won the first game. 3 or 4 hours lasted many games.

Nobody wins easily: the clubs, private trainers, online chess and multiple tournaments that populate Spain are enabling them to grow exponentially the number and

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Tel: 950 609 546

quality of young chess players.

Another aspect in Roquetas on his first day was the Asian and Australian representation: S w a y a n g s u Satryaprgayan (India), Moulthun Ly (Australia) and Lei Xu Xiangyu and Tingjie (China) are a reflection of the powerful chess those lands. Chinese chess come with tremendous force, seriously threatening the power of Russia, Armenia, Ukraine ...

Hotly contested and was ranked match of roquetero amateur Alberto Martinez against the young Chinese Lei. Alberto at one point he was able to have the game, Lei could not go anywhere. Lack of time and some precipitation of roquetero gave the victory to the young Lei after 3 and a half hours of fighting.

The two favorites, Armenian and Moldovan Karen Grigoryan, winner in Roquetas last year, Dmitry Svetushkin, resolved their games without fanfare or error, technical and professional manner.

go to www. aytoroquetas. org for all more events

LIBRARIES READING CLUB

Collaboration: Andaluz Center for the Arts.

Reading CHILD WITH Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett and The Godfather, Mario Puzo.

Location: Municipal Library of Aguadulce.

Day: Thursday January 7.

Time: 11:00 h. to 12:30 h. and 18:00 h. to 19:30 h.

Day: Thursday January 21.

Time: 11:00 h. to 12:30 h.

MUSIC

Saturday, January 9 Concert: Vanessa Martin.

Place: Auditorium Theatre.

Time: 21:30 h.

Saturday, January 16 Family Musical: PLAZA MUSICAL, with Papanú and friends.

Place: Auditorium Theatre.

Time: 18:00 h.

Tuesday, January 19 Talk about musical computer programs, by Mr. Manuel Jimenez Navarro.

Location: Municipal School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Time: 17:00.

http://www. aytoroquetas.org/

in UK UK TV TV Leading the the way way in IPTV Spain UK TV Leading

Our systems are the best in the current market If your current system is more expensive put ours on your box for 159€ per year ● 230 + Tv channels, inc BBC, ITV, Sky inc Sky Sports & Sky Movies ● 7 day catchup ● 480+ films (updated monthly) ● 250+ series box sets ● You Tube + much more ● Easiest system on the market to use ● The most comprehensive UK TV in Spain at the lowest cost ● For more info contact us today R M BE ● Brand new 254 STB with 1 year Subsription only €269 NU www.iptv-spain-uktv.com R

YOU IN SPAIN 1 TV

Tel: 699 386 277

Email: info@satellitetvinspain.com

www.soltimes.com

11

12

January 2016

Gone, but not Forgotten A host of stars including household names from showbusiness, politics and sport died in 2015. Here we remember some of them.

There was also much sadness when Anne Kirkbride - Coronation Street's Deirdre Barlow - died from cancer in January.

The 60-year-old actress, who starred in the ITV soap for 44 years, was famous for her oversized-spectacle-wearing, gravel-voiced alter ego, whose on-screen imprisonment for a trumped-up fraud conviction led then prime minister Tony Blair to give his support to the "Free The Weatherfield One" campaign.

The nation was united in grief in August when "national treasure" Cilla Black died aged 72.

Hot Chocolate frontman Errol Brown died from liver cancer at his home in the Bahamas in May aged 71.

The Blind Date and Surprise Surprise TV presenter and singer suffered a stroke after falling and hitting her head at her Spanish villa.

Jackie Collins, who sold more than 500 million novels in some 40 countries in her four decades-long career as a writer of raunchy female fiction, died of breast cancer in September, aged 77.

George Cole, famed for playing wheeler-dealer Arthur Daley in Minder, who died in August, aged 90.

The world of film was rocked by the deaths of Omar Sharif and Sir Christopher Lee. Sharif, who starred in Hollywood epics including Lawrence Of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, died in his native Egypt in June at the age of 83.

Best-selling fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett died in March aged 66 after a very public struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Stand By Me singer Ben E King died at the end of April aged 76.

Ventr iloquis t K e i t h H a r r i s , famous for his '80s television act - and pop career - with his puppet duck Orville, died in April, aged 67.

Sir Christopher, who also died in June, aged 93, a ppeared in a string of horror films and played a Bond villain in The Man With The Golden Gun before enjoying a career renaissance playing Saruman in the Lord Of The Rings films.

www.soltimes.com

Sundance Spas

new year s a l e Pool Maintenance S.L.

13

new year sale

Open: Monday - friday 9.30am - 2.30pm & 4pm -6pm Closed Saturday & Sunday

Telephone 607 658 540 for out of these hours

All Sundance Spas in Stock (45 spas) 50% off normal price All stock must go to make way for new models

Sundance Altamar Normally 17,999€ now 8,999€

Caldera Marino Sale Price 6,995€

Sundance Capri normally 14,425€ now 7,212€

Sundance Denali normally 10,995€ now 5,497€

Sundance Dover normally 11,849€ now 5,924€

Sundance Hamilton normally 14,995€ now 7,497€

new year blow out sale

Huge discounts on our second hand stock

We Purchase Old Spa Cash Your Paid

Pool Maintenance • Now taking on building work, terrace, extensions etc

Mojacar Showroom, Paseo de Mediterraneo, 165

Tel: 950 472 845 or 607 658 540 www.sundancespas.com • sundancespas@telefonica.net

14

SOLTIMES

January 2016

PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT

THE BEST PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!!

Young Spaniards Need to Double their Earnings to Buy a Home According to the Emancipation Observatory report on the first quarter of 2015, around 80% of young people in Spain who are under 30 years of age are still living with their parents. The report indicates that these young people would have to devote almost 60% of their salary to gain access to their own home, but that they would need to earn 98.23% more than they presently earn. Moreover, the maximum size of the property they can expect to afford is 50.4 square metres.

The Observatory, managed by the Youth Council of Spain, concludes that only 21.5% of under 30-yearolds have managed to emancipate themselves, which in their view “highlights the fragile situation of young people in the labour market and the harsh conditions of the housing market in Spain, which are inaccessible to the purchasing level of the majority”.

With regard to employment, the

“Our Experience is your Guarantee”

report notes that for those aged under 25 years the unemployment rate reaches 51.4%, well above the 30.2% rate for those aged between 25 and 29 years, and the 24.1% rate for the population aged 30 to 34.

El Mundo reported that statistics from the study also shows that over half of the young working population, specifically 51.7%, have temporary contracts, 44.3% of which are of less than a year’s duration.

“Exclusion from the labour market and the precariousness of the jobs accessible to young people are the main causes of the failure to emancipate”, says the Chairman of the Youth Council of Spain, Héctor Saz, who calls for “a labour legislation guaranteeing rights, quality and decent employment conditions for young people and a housing policy that favours the implementation of an independent living project”. kyero.com

offering new LONG TERM RENTALS

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients Properties of the week

Apt Aloe 350€

Casa Martin 595€

Casa Gordon 350€

Ref: CM/RB Secluded 3 bed, 2 bath, det. villa, nr centre of playa, gardens, terraces & parking, 126 m2 build, 540 m2 plot.

Ref: ES/TS - Det. Villa, 100m to beach, sea views, 3 bed, 2 bath + 2 bed s/c apt. below hse.private pool,garage, gardens, solarium.

MOJACAR PLAYA REDUCED - €199,950

MOJACAR REDUCED €299,950

Ref: PD/ND - ground floor apt in the popular PUEBLO DIANA complex, 3 double bed, 2 bath, adj to large pool & grass gardens, a/c, full UK TV, wifi, 100 meters to beach.

MOJACAR NEW €144,995

Ref. AE/AB – Spacious semi-detached 3 bedroom house, terrace with sea & mountain views, garage, peaceful location near Mojacar Playa.

Casa Tony 550€

Owners of villas (with or without pool) Mojacar, Turre, Arboleas We have tenants waiting!

Property Management & Maintenance also available

Call Wendy or Linda now 634 325 057 / 950 478 643

MOJACAR CAMPO reduced €137,000

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

15

www.soltimes.com

HOUSE PRICES: Forecasts for 2016 and beyond House prices are rising according to five of the seven indices tracked by Spanish Property Insight (see graph above). The data seems to suggest that years of depression have come to an end. So what do some of the housing market experts regularly quoted in the Spanish press have to say about the outlook for house prices in 2016 and beyond?

GONZALO BERNARDOS Economics professor, and director of the master’s degree in real estate at the University of Barcelona, Bernardos told El Mundo that prices are rising most “in prime zones of the cities, where there is a shortage of good product.” Pointing to rising mortgage lending, rising middle-class household income, increased optimism about the economy, and the resurgent preference for buying over renting, he forecasts that prices will continue rising in 2016, and at a faster rate. He talks of future increases of 12% on average, and up to 20% in the best locations.

Bernardos forecasts the biggest increase in prices will come next year. “After that, 2017 will be worse than 2016, and 2018 worse than 2017. They won’t be bad years, but room for price growth will be lower.

2015 has been the year of total recovery, and 2016 will be the peak, the year of expansion,” he says.

Prime property on Barcelona's Paseo de Gracia Prime property on Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia JOSÉ LUIS RUIZ BARTOLOMÉ Property market consultant Ruiz Bartolomé is optimistic about house prices next year, pointing to rising land prices as a big reason to expect rising values in the housing market. Land prices rose 9.7% on average in Q3, but as much as 59% in the big cities, and sooner or later these increases will filter through into house prices, he argues. The new homes being built are also bigger and of better quality than in the past, which will also influence prices.

“An increase of 5% to 6% on average, and 10% to 12% in the best locations is nothing,” he told El Mundo. “It’s just a consequence of the fact that prices have fallen too far. The market has a capacity to rise and adjust upwards, adapting back to an economy where mortgage financing is normal.”

“If there are no fiscal changes and the banks don’t go mad, housing could rise up to 20% and then

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

stabilise. In Dublin, prices have risen 15% and the same will happen in Madrid. That’s normal.”

JULIO GIL IGLESIAS President of the Foundation for Real Estate Studies, Gil strikes a more cautious note in a recent article in El Mundo. 2015 has been “moderately positive, especially in comparison to previous years,” he writes, but it is a two-speed market, with the recovery confined to the best areas of the city and coast. He also worries the recovery story is being exaggerated in the press. “We have gone from total depression to exaggerated optimism, euphoria,” he says.

“We are heading in the right direction, but just because the sharp adjustments have stopped it doesn’t mean to say we are going to entre into an upward spiral, or anything like that. 2015 has been a step forward, but we still have a long road before us and it’s not without risks. We should play it “game by game.” That’s the philosophy.” http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/

READY FOR A BUSY 2016

If you want to sell a property in the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia or Taberno areas we want to sell it for you.

Please contact us for more details.

For more information and to arrange a viewing contact us asap.

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, Huercal-Overa. 1km off the A7 motorway at exit 553. 100metres from Lidl.

16

SOL Y MAR

Avenida 28 de Febrero Nº 44, Albox

January 2016

Tel: 950 064 584 609 199 394

Email: info@solymarspain.com www.solymarspain.com

country cortijo partaloa sol091 - 62,000€

BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED NEAR ALMANZORA sol726 - 89,995€

unique location cantoria sol137 - 108,000€

This lovely 3 bed 1 bath attached countryhouse is situated close the beautiful town of Arboleas, and a short drive from the market town of Albox.

Beautiful restored mid terrace cortijo. Features 1000m2 of land, private courtyard, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Delightful 2 bed, semi-detached villa with pool, set in a fenced plot of approx 611m2. In a unique location, not part of an urbanisation, only 4km from Cantoria where all amenities can be found.

stunning 360º views Cantoria sM005 - 109,000€

STUNNING SETTING Close to ALMANZORA sol150 - 119,000€

Traditional Spanish House near albox sm024 - 119,950€

Detached 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom villa with 360 degree view of the surrounding valley.

Features peller heating system, roof terrace and Jacuzzi.

This is a beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath villa located in a tranquil setting only 3 minutes outside of the lively village of Almanzora.

Traditional attached Spanish house with lots of character. Features internal courtyard, idyllic setting and 3 bedrooms plus 2 cave rooms, 2 bath & short drive to Albox

Albox SM025 - 120,000€

Walking distance Almanzora sM022 - 125,000€

IDYLLIC SETTING TABERNO sm002 - 139,950€

Traditional townhouse in prime location walking distance to all amenities to Albox. Features 3 bed, 2 bath, fully enclosed patio & available furnished.

A lovely, detached bright villa in a great location. Well maintained gardens and room for a swimming pool. Walking distance to the local amenities, must be seen to be appreciated.

Traditional restored cortijo in an idyllic setting with fantastic views. Features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and part A/C

country home nr baza SM014 - 140,000€

close to all amenities cantoria sM004 - 160,000€

Immaculate Home near albox sM021 - 169,000€

Part cave country home, stunning setting, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large plot, partially fenced, stunning views

Immaculate detached 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms villa. Within walking distance to town. Features above ground pool and tranquil setting.

Detached 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom country villa with 2400m2 of land. Close to Albox and appointed to a high standard.

17

www.soltimes.com

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

ZURGENA SOL314 5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS. FIRST TO OFFER FIXED PRICE SECURES FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY. IDEAL FAMILY HOME OR B&B

65,000€ WE URGENTLY REQUIRE LEGAL PROPERTIES FROM COAST TO COUNTRY WE ARE LOOKING FOR ALL TYPES OF PROPERTIES FOR RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES. CLIENTS WAITING CALL US 950 064 584 Beautiful Detached villa near albox sol161 - 169,950€

SOL Y MAR

RENTAL SECTION

RENTAL OF THE WEEK

RSM010- Nr ALbox

2 BED MANY ORIGINAL FEATURES FURNISHED WALKING DISTANCE TO LOCAL BAR CLOSE TO ALBOX

Quality villa (127m2) located just 10 minutes drive from the town of Albox & features 3 bed, 2 bath, private pool & jacuzzi. The walled corner plot is 710m2 & has a carport & garden shed (10m2)

DETACHED TOWNHOUSE CANTORIA TOWN CENTRE sm009 - 186,500€

350€ PCM

IMMACULATE ATTIC CONVERSION CLOSE TO aLBOX RSM002 - 200€ pcm

COUNTRY CORTIJO CLOSE TO aLBOX RSM004 - 325€ pcm

Separate one bed fully self contained attic of Spanish cortijo. Fully furnished with many traditional features.

3 bed semi attached cortijo with small courtyard and roof terrace Comes fully furnished, in a secluded tranquil setting and only 20 mins from Albox

Detached 6 bed , 2 bath , 3 storey house on the edge of town. Easy walk to Cantoria , fully insulated roof , enclosed patio and roof terrace

two living quarters Almanzora village sM020 - 200,000€

STUNNING SETTING MAR620 - 350€ pcm

IMMACULATE VILLA Near aLBOX MAR907 - 450€ pcm

IDYLLIC SETTING BAJO SALIENTE NEAR ALBOX RSM011 - 450€ pcm w ed Nont Re

Charming villa in the heart of the village with swimming pool. Features 2 separate living quarters with 2 bedrooms in each.

Traditional cortijo , beautifully restored .Features 3 bed , 2 bath , logburner, stunning views and only a short drive to Oria

Modern detached villa features 3 beds , 2 baths , swimming pool and tranquil setting with stunning views

Detached home on 1200m2 plot , features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms , large garage, terrace area and stunning views .

18

January 2016

“English spoken”

Deborah Cubel fisher 7 years experience in this area

“on parle francais”

legal & fiscal advice for residents & non-residents, Tax Payments and refunds • Wills and Inheritance process • Purchase / Sale private contracts • Land property and Catastro registration licenses • Conveyancing / Notorial documents

• Translations / Interpreter • NIE’s, Residencia, Medical Cards....

• Vehicle registration / driving licenses • Mortgages

IF YOU HAVE WORKED ABROAD AND IN SPAIN YOU MAY HAVE RIGHT TO A STATE PENSION IN SPAIN FOR THE PERIOD WORKED IN THIS COUNTRY.

• Taxes (local rates, rubbish collection, vehicle, tax returns for residents and non residents and refund of the capital gains tax)

If you've worked in several European countries, you may have accumulated pension rights in each of them.

Wills €125 / each Including Notary Fee

The requirements for the pension right depends upon the rules of the country. The most important requirements are the retirement age and the period of insurance although there may be others.

Special offer !!!

Yearly contract €149 Including VAT 21% • Yearly tax returns (no increase if more than one owner, or more than one property) • Legal and fiscal advice FREE throughout the year • Free assistance / advice for any visitors staying at your property • Free visit from a technician / architect to offer independent expertise on matter such as: putting in insurance claims, confirmation of the legality of an extension / building work, free estimate for any work to be carried out

If you introduce another client to us you will not be charged your next annual fee C/ del Mar, 33 - Galeria Alcana Local 11 Vera 04620 (Almeria) Tel: 950 39 06 21 Fax: 950 39 02 12 email: dcasesores@notin.net

Telephone: 950 460 999

MUNDI

You can only receive your pension from the country where you now live (or last worked) once you have reached the legal retirement age in that country. If you have accumulated pension rights in other countries, you will only receive those parts of your pension once you have reached the legal retirement age in those countries.

If you have been covered for less than a year in one country, a special rule may apply, as some European countries do not provide a pension for short periods: your months of insurance or residence in the country where you worked for a short time will not be lost but taken into account in the calculation of your pension by the countries where you worked longer.

Ronda de Las Buganvillas, Local 15, (nr Garrucha) www.mundiabogados.com info@mundiabogados.com

ABOGADOS

Your friendly English speaking registered and regulated accountancy & gestoria in Garrucha.

Services offered:

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 • Visit us now at our new office: Local 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.

Vehicle replating - import your vehicle onto Spanish plates from just 250€ + import tax + inspection ! If you are eligible for any tax exemption we'll let you know, saving you money and time.

● Accountancy & Taxes for Business ● Taxes for Residents & Non-Residents ● Inheritance, Estate Planning & Wills ● Residency Permits, NIE, Medical Cards ● CGT Refunds and General Tax Rebates ● Company Accounts & Payroll ● Conveyancing & Mortgage Advice ● Vehicle Import & Driving Licences

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR NEW YEAR OFFERS Take advantage of our estate planning service, proper financial advice on how to dispose of your Spanish assets in a tax efficient manner.

WILLS DRAWN UP FROM 100€ P.P.

Call today + (34) 647 86 37 87 or 950 106 490 Email maria@cervantesalarcon.com www.cervantesalarcon.com C/ Malecón 90, Bajo B, Garrucha Almería (Just in front of the port entrance) Registered with the Guild of Economists number 483

www.soltimes.com

LEGAL CORNER

Welcome to FW Properties

Specialists in the estate agency business

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 Question: Why are solicitors still going on about the Directive 650/2012 that came into force on the 17th August this year ? Is it not too late in any case?

Answer: What is important is making sure you comply with the Directive before you die. In other words if you are reading this you still have time to deal with it! Not everyone needs to change their will. If you are resident, have children and wish to leave your assets in Spain to your spouse then you must make sure you have stated in your will that English law is to rule how you can distribute your estate. Many wills already contain a clause that is sufficient to comply so do not need changing.

What happens if you non resident?

Theoretically it does not affect you but we would recommend making sure your will states you wish English law to rule your estate to avoid unnecessary disputes over your estate (or problems with the notary or property register) on the basis of doubts over where you are resident.

Other considerations about wills: 1. Do not underestimate the importance of signing one (if you have not done so do not leave it any longer).

2. If you already have one, make sure it complies with new European Directive 650/2012 which comes into force 17th of August. We will tell

you for free it if complies or not. Not everyone needs to change their will.

3. Make sure it protects the people you care about correctly.

4. Makes sure the will makes maximum use of the exemptions available in each region of Spain (exemptions are different in each region of Spain).

5. Take into account that since the sentence of the European court of justice of 3rd September 2014 the extra exemption rates established by each region of Spain can also be claimed by non residents .

6. Make sensible use of Life Possessions as an instrument to both mitigate inheritance tax and protect beneficiaries.

7. Be aware that in some regions of Spain exemption rates have been reduced or abolished during the credit crunch, (for example in Murcia Group II heirs), making it important to reassess your inheritance tax planning.

8. The way you distribute your estate can make a big difference to inheritance tax. Sometimes it is necessary to decide how you wish to distribute your estate, then work on other options that may be more favourable from a tax point of view, so you can then decide if you go with your preferred option, the most tax efficient one or a mix of both.

Michael Davies. Abogado.

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.

ALMERIA PROPERTY FINDER

For over 10 years, we aim to show our clients a carefully chosen selection of properties, all of which have been scrutinised to ensure that they fully meet Spanish regulations and laws. Working alongside you, we help you to achieve your dreams and expectations in your relocation to Spain.

We are situated near Albox, a popular market town with a growing British community.

Our portfolio includes both coastal and inland properties spanning the province of Almeria in this wonderful part of Andalucia which on average enjoys well over 320 days of sunshine every year.FW Properties prides itself on offering an honest, professional and Friendly service channelling experience to meet client’s requirements and to provide a complete relocation service.

At FW Properties we understand that purchasing your dream property is a lifechanging experience and one that should be both enjoyable and carefree.

With this in mind, your needs are paramount and whether it’s planning your viewing trip, or guiding you through all of the legalities, we undertake to do everything possible to ensure that you find the right property, at the right price and with the absolute minimum of inconvenience. After all, it is your “dream home in Spain” and we endeavour to make your dreams a reality.

We are the only agency in this area who specialise in aerial videos and photography using state of the art remote controlled drones with 3 axis fully stabilised gimbal mounted HD video cameras to provide an amazing and unique selling point for your property. Contact one of our consultants for further information on 634 325 152 0r 634 352 285 or email i n f o @ f w p r o p e r t i e s .e u . www.fwproperties.eu

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

We urgently require well priced legal properties in all areas

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

info@almeriapropertyfinder.com

 950

431 624

658 811 628

almeriapropertyfinder.com

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE Fully Registered - From 101€ VAT inc.

♦ 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.

19

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

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

AC AC IA V IL L AS PROPERTY SALES info@acaciavillas.net 610 323 541 - www.acaciavillas.net

Price 150,000€

Lovely villa, great position for the village la alfoquia

Architect Daniel Gozález 686 846 624 www.proinspectionreport.co.uk proinspectionreport@gmail.com

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

www.olivehouse-es.com

Located in the popular, former mining village of El Pinar de Bedar, this sizable and rare property was originally built for the one of the mine managers. This spacious property boasts some wonderful features and includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and the possibility for more bedrooms if wanted.

BEDAR (El Pinar)- NOW 240,000€

OLV965

Great bargain, now reduced from 210,000 to 150,000€ 3 bed & 2 bath with 10x5 mtr pool, Plot size 13000 mtrs, 1500 mtrs fenced & walled around the villa.

The villa has fantastic views, very private but only 5 mins away from Alfoquia, being sold furnished, if you are looking for a perfect position this villa s for you.

20

Orange and Bouygues in merger talks

FOR BUSINESS

French telecoms operators Orange and Bouygues have confirmed that they are in talks over a possible merger.

In separate statements, Orange said that the talks were “preliminary” while Bouygues said that “no decisions have been taken”.

If the deal did go ahead it would reduce the number of French telecoms operators to three from four.

The combined group would have a near-50% share

David

665 517 643 Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

Steven Smith - Arboleas Builder

Building Maintenance & Property Repair No job TOO Big or TOO Small

Blockwork - Plastering - Damp Proof Concreting - Tiling - Roofing Painting - Decorating - Rejas

Cladding Specialists

950 930 536 / 634 306 690 ArboleasBuilder@gmail.com

UK - SPAIN - UK

From A Parcel To A Small House Move • Professional • Friendly & Caring • Fully Insured • Scheduled Monthly Door To Door Service • Removal Van allsortedcs@hotmail.com http://fmtransport.myfreesites.net +34 617 319 651 +44 (0)7481 272217 Skype +44 115 888 2106

January 2016

of the French mobile and fixed telecoms market.

As a result, any deal is likely to be scrutinised by both domestic and European competition authorities.

French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron opposed a previous bid by European telecoms group Altice to buy Bouygues, saying in June it risked creating a French operator that was “too big to fail”.

But he has since said that he is not opposed in principle to further deals in the sector.

French newspaper reports have suggested that the deal could be worth €10bn (£7.3bn) in a combination of cash and shares.

In its statement, Bouygues said there was “no guarantee that there will be an outcome to these preliminary discussions”.

Bouygues said it had signed a confidentiality agreement with Orange as “it is interested in opportunities that would enable it to bolster its longterm presence in the telecoms sector”.

Orange said that the talks were not “limited by any particular calendar” and said there was “no commitment to any particular outcome”.

Bbc.com

Log-on-Tommy painter & decorator Cheapest Logs In Town

olive & Eucalyptus

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Book review

21

“Of Course I Believe in Father Christmas” by Janette Davies and Friends

Dedicated to Maria Wilson and The Pink Ladies in recognition of their work to raise funds and awareness to beat cancer.

I bet you thought that another Christmas was over for another year, didn’t you? Well, not quite! This anthology of short stories covers a number of genres by local writers. I will donate my copy to any reader who emails me with name and address details.

Drummond Marvin uses humour and a touch of the autobiographical with reference to park benches and sleeping rough. Enough said….

I get better protection from The Telegraph. I catch the flu with The Mirror. Imagine this conversation with a policeman after a gust of wind blew his bedding away and wrapped itself around a policeman! Our man was resting between jobs, having secured an audition for a speaking part for that same evening. We are taken back to December 1959, to a struggling actor with the princely sum of £3.10s and 6pence in his pocket, relishing the prospect of collecting his dole money the next day.

No chauffeur driven limousine for our down-and-out.

Just wishful thinking. Sheltering from the cold and remember it is December, was a necessity. Fortunately London provided free entertainment and shelter from the cold: Bach organ music or The National Gallery?

Both if you’re lucky. And what about lunch? The Lyons Corner House in the West End was where he dined on steak and kidney pie, fit for a King? Perhaps not.

If someone said to me that, as an actor, you’d have to face hardship in many forms, I wouldn’t have believed them.

His agent, Vincent Shaw had told him about the audition. He didn’t want to mix up has lines like his friend who was offered his first speaking part in an Elizabethan play. No surprise to learn that the acting role was for a Santa Claus in a department store. There were three other desperate out-of-work actors but our man was on the ball. He was honest and dishonest at the same time. The good news was that he landed on his feet for a couple of weeks at least with a few well-needed perks thrown in to ensure he had a cot to sleep in and use of the canteen for free food. Who said

you can’t live like a King sometimes?

Hugh Pike’s protagonist is another male, desperate for money but perhaps not so desperate as the actor. He wants a temporary job working for the Post Office in the run up to Xmas, hopeful that he might be able to extend it into something more permanent. Not very ambitious or very bright. He is a gawky adolescent unaware what he is letting himself in for. Imagine a ten mile delivery round by bicycle when the weather is at its worst: snow, ice, bitter frosts and torrential rain and howling winds. Heavy parcels, the cumbersome weight of the bike alone and a rural setting. He was forced to walk in a doubled up posture similar to that of an orangutan! How was he supposed to mount the bike? A pathetic attempt, loss of control and this youth didn’t quite make it. He fell into an open skip lined with builders’ rubble describing it as a shambolic display of incompetence. This was the beginning. A good comedy sketch surely?

The more I tried to free myself, the more entangled my limbs became in the pouch and its strap. Some improvement and a bit of day-dreaming when he reached the castle imagining bloody fields and battle bringing news of a glorious victory or impending defeat during Napoleon’s time. At the moment when he started feeling confident about the job in hand, the weather changed producing squalls of drenching rain and some serious mishaps particularly with the pigs like a herd of curious bullocks and being surrounded by a snorting mob that began to look threatening. Poor gawky adolescent. He didn’t stand a chance. Discover for yourself what fell into the quagmire and the fate of the new postie. It doesn’t look good…..

K.J,Rollinson focuses on the story of a child, Ethan Saunders, seven years of age, glum and upset after the Headteacher, Mr Morgan had informed the children that Santa Claus didn’t exist. It was meant to be his first day at the big school. Even when his mother tried to reassure him that Father Christmas did exist, he didn’t believe her. Mrs Saunders wanted to restore his faith in Father Christmas and discussed this with her husband so they came up with a simple plan with the help of one of their neighbours, Bill Bright. It didn’t quite work

OBAMA toughens up on US gun laws

US President Barack Obama is to widen background checks on buyers of firearms, in a series of measures to address gun violence.

The plans will be announced on Tuesday by the president, despite opposition from Congress to new gun laws.

All sellers who operate online or at gun shows will be forced to conduct background checks on potential buyers.

Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul said he would fight the executive actions “tooth and nail”.

And several of his Republican rivals said they would erase the measures “on day one” if they win the White House.

But Mr Obama says his new measures will be within his legal authority and consistent with the Second Amendment, which grants Americans the right to bear arms.

And while they will not solve every violent crime in the US, he said, they will potentially “save lives and spare families the pain” of loss.

Under the plan announced on Monday evening by the White House: All sellers must be licensed and conduct background checks, overturning current exemptions to some online and gun show sellers States must provide information on people disqualified due to mental illness or domestic violence FBI will increase workforce processing background checks by 50%, hiring more than 230 new examiners Congress will be asked to invest $500m (£339m) to improve access to mental healthcare The departments of defence, justice and homeland security will explore “smart gun

technology” to improve gun safety Earlier on Monday, the president heard recommendations from Attorney General Loretta Lynch, FBI Director James Comey and other top law enforcement officials.

He told the BBC last year his failure to pass effective gun laws was his biggest regret.

Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.

Media captionUS’s ex-top lawyer supports Obama’s law but not his methods The Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, accused President Obama of “dismissiveness” towards Americans who value the right to bear arms.

“This is a dangerous level of executive overreach, and the country will not stand for it,” he said in a statement.

At a gun show - North America BBC editor Jon Sopel One charming man I spoke to had a stall of fine old pieces, including a Remington rifle from the 1970s. Because he wasn’t registered, all I had to do was show him a driver’s licence - and answer this question: am I a felon or mad?

Say no to that, and all I had to do was hand over the cash and the gun was mine with as much ammunition as I could carry.

And as he pointed out to me, if I lied, how would he know?

There were also individuals walking around the show carrying rifles and revolvers, with flags coming out of the muzzle saying “for sale” - again no restrictions at all for people who just wanted to flog their old firearm.

These are some of the issues that the president wants to address with his executive action.

Bbc.com

Full Alarm System Full CCTV Fully Insured You are welcome to visit our premises to view before parking

out the way they had wanted it to go. Ethan was taken on a long journey, wearing his pyjamas, d r e s s i n g gown and slippers to the North Pole to meet M o t h e r Christmas on a gleaming silver sleigh and the nine reindeer. The description of the scene is delightful, Rollinson at her best: Pinpricked lights glowed from long, narrow, arched win d ow s, pristine snow, coloured pale blue, pink, yellow and white glittered in the moonlight. Magical and beautiful.

Was it a real experience or just a wonderful dream?

Ethan certainly had a very happy Christmas and with a touch of magic one can believe in Father Christmas too. What a wonderful choice of stories to read at any time of the year. Over to you………….

Publisher: Quirky Girl Publishing. ISBN: 978-1517080723.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor. www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com / www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es

SolPUZZLES

22

January 2016

pub quiz

1. Yoi, Yame, Seremade and Hantai terms in what sport?

2. Africa’s four great rivers Nile,

Congo Zambezi and what?

1. 1. Which sport is played on the largest pitch?

3. Catriona was a sequel to which

2. In 1950, India withdrew from the World Cup because FIFA refused to let them do what?

famous novel?

4. Who sang the original version of Blue Suede Shoes?

3. What is the connection between Volleyball, Squash and Badminton? Clue: This connection is not shared with tennis or table tennis.

5. What kind of material is guipure?

6. In the Bible who climbed Mount Nebo?

4. In darts, what is the lowest score that CANNOT be scored with a single dart?

7. Unusual role Bogart play in The Return of Doctor X 1939?

8. In Norway what is a brisling?

5. Which sports playing area is 2.7 metres by 1.5 metres?

name for what Italian city?

Answers

1.Karate 2. Niger 3. Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson 4. Carl Perkins 5. Lace

6. Moses to see promised land 7. A Vampire 8. A Sprat 9. Hector Berlioz 10. Milan

soltimes trivia

STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES

Fantastique?

ACROSS 1 Church building (9) 6 Islamic jurist (5) 9 Quip (7) 10 Baseboard (7) 11 City in Tennessee (7) 12 A military unit (7) 13 Imposed loss due to one’s beliefs (9) 15 Dance bar (5) 16 Wordless performers (5) 19 Breeziness (9) 22 Colliding (7) 23 Ails (7) 25 Kerchief (7) 26 Relating to marriage (7) 27 Long period of time (5) 28 Provide details (9)

DOWN 1 Whipping, clotted or ice (5) 2 Leaner (7) 3 Not heavenly (7) 4 Inclines (5) 5 Timber workers (9) 6 Covered with a layer of leaves or wet straw (7) 7 Idiosyncrasies (7) 8 Clever (9) 13 Notable (9) 14 Drop down in level or rank (9) 17 Souvenir (7) 18 What Popeye eats (7) 20 Conflagration (7) 21 A daughter of Agamemnon (Greek mythology) (7) 23 A group of south Pacific islands (5) 24 Figure out (5)

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.

squiggle

squiggle SUDOKU

standard SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

1. Hail Caesar! The First Ever New Year’s Celebration was over 4,000 Years Ago 2. The famous Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop first started in 1907 3. The first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar- January has been named after God Janus 4. The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal.

standard

6. Which sport do the Oklahoma City Thunder play?

7. In Athletics, what is the last event of the Decathlon?

8. What is the only sport to have been played on the surface of the moon?

9. Who was the first cricketer to achieve 10,000 runs in test cricket?

10. What is the highest possible break in snooker - 147, 150, 155?

Answers

8. Golf - In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepherd hit 2 golf balls to see how far they might travel.

9. Sunil Gavasker 10. 155

9. Who composed the Symphonies

10. Mediolanum was the Roman

sports quiz

1. Polo 2. Play barefoot 3. Only the server can score 4. 23 5. Table Tennis 6. Basketball 7. 1500m

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nOTICE bOARD

Roquetas Bridge club 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 Susan nielson 950 333 344

Roquetas de Mar branch of the RBL visit Madrid

Sunday 15th November finally saw the departure of twenty five members and friends of the ‘branch’ setting off for Madrid, on a threenight jolly. The trip, long in the planning, was led by Jenny and Mike Hickman and the group left on the early morning 0730 train from Almeria. This was a first for many people, who had not previously visited Madrid, nor travelled on a Spanish ‘Talgo’ train.

The members arrived in the capital after the six and a half hours journey, on time, and without much incident. They were soon settled in their hotel rooms, right in the middle of theatre-land on Gran Via, which was ideally suited to the shoppers and many, many eateries!

The Senator Gran Via 70 Hotel is owned by the Senator Group who also own all the Playa Hotels here in Roquetas de Mar and Aguadulce!

Most of the group travelled around the city on the red, and the yellow, hop-on, hop-off, bus tours to see the huge amount of attractions, royal

PUBs CHAPLINS oqueta R a, Sierra Nevad 27 Calle

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23

palaces, churches and not forgetting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid! The mornings were, however, a little chilly to say the least, as there was a biting wind most mornings.

Riding on an open top sightseeing buses wasn’t too much fun, unless you were well wrapped up!

It was an interesting trip for many and to travel round Madrid on the Metro (Underground) was also good for getting about and keeping warm.

Most people packed in a lot in the three days, but it was nice to get home, and away from the hustle and bustle of Spain’s capital. The majority seemed to enjoy the occasion and said that they were likely to go back again at some point.

The photographs show the group enjoying the train ride and one where they are raising a glass to a recently dear departed

tell the world about your clubs / events or associations! the soltimes can tell your local community what is going on and where. send details to editor@soltimes.com

Spanish seaside town rakes in €600m from El Gordo lottery

Residents of a Spanish beach town were popping the cork on bottles of cava after many of its inhabitants struck it lucky in the world’s biggest lottery – which hands out more than€2bn (£1.47bn) in prize money each year.

By midday in the southern coastal town of Roquetas de Mar, the party – complete with guitars and hastily made celebratory T-shirts – was in full swing in front of the local lottery outlet after the winning number was sold in the El Gordo lottery, appearing on 1,600 tickets, with each holder of the lucky €20 tickets winning €400,000.

Those celebrating their win in front of Martín’s lottery outlet on Tuesday included a man from Senegal, who said he had arrived in Spain in 2007 on a small boat crammed with 75 people.

The 200-year-old lottery has taken on new significance as Spaniards struggle with the lingering effects of the economic crisis. This year was no exception, as much of the top prize money ended up in the southern province of Almería, where the unemployment rate stands at 31%, some 10 points above the Spanish average.

El Gordo, meaning “the fat one”, is one of Spain’s most popular Christmas customs, with millions across the country chipping in with friends and family to buy tickets.

This year Spaniards spent nearly €2.6bn on El Gordo, up 4.5% from last year. http://www.theguardian.com/

FTG Notice

The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet each Friday somewhere in the Urbanisation at 13.00hrs and, the venues for the next few weeks are:

friend!

Grateful thanks must go to Jenny Hickman for all her hard work in coordinating the gang and ensuring we all returned home safely.

THANKS JENNY!

estampa Tapas Bar outdoor y n n u s s u io Spac seating 24 terrace TV SKY

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

8 Jan – Chaplin’s Pub, C/Sierra Nevada, in the Urb. 15 Jan – El Adel, in the Urb and next to Margar Supermarket.

22 Jan – Don Jamon, in Square nr Panda Restaurant, in Urb. 29 Jan – Bar Cullar, opposite Margar Supermarket.

5 Feb – Bar Estampa, in the Urb. 520. 12 Feb – To be advised.

521. 19 Feb – Paseo Del Golf (19th Hole), Playa Serena (on the roundabout).

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!

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS IN 2015 ROQUETAS DE MAR SUB-BRANCH 3569 The Branch would like to express a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to all the businesses in Almerimar and Roquetas de Mar for so generously donating PRIZES for the Big Poppy Raffle and the Annual Poppy Tombola in 2015.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE LEGION 2ND FEB - SOCIAL MEETING AND QUIZ. 1ST MAR – SOCIAL MEETING AND HORSE RACING

FREE WI-FI

all sports now shown

Open 9.30am - late (Closed Tuesday)

Next door to Zurimar 678 202 160

AFTERNOON. 8TH MAR – LUNCHEON, VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED.

All monies raised at these events will go to the 2016 Poppy Appeal.

New members are most welcome to join the branch. Contact Jenny/Mike on 950328469 for further information.

Social Meetings are held at The Lodge, Calle Americo Vespucio, Roquetas de Mar, on the first Tuesday of each month at 3.00pm.

24

January 2016

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Cucumber & Prawn Stir-fRY

pack fish pie prawns (we used 320g wns) pra raw oz g/3 90 mix and INGREDIENTS 2 tbs light soy sauce r 1 cucumbe dry sherry 2 tbs Chinese wine or 2 tsp salt ce (we like sunflower) 1 tbs sweet chilli sau 4 tsp oil (groundnut or n) d and finely Blue Drago 1-2 cloves garlic, peele e oil am ses tbs 1 chopped r ge ve: gin ser t To 1 tsp freshly grated roo , rehydrated d and me 250g (8oz) rice noodles s trim s, ion on ing 2 spr ion ect dir ck pa according to chopped tional op h, nis gar d ed fish an Coriander, to About 400g (14oz) mix

METHOD

V ENTA EL GUARDUCHA

Now serving English Breakfast

Restaurant ● Daily Menu Celebrations & Special Events, Open Everyday 9am - Late

METHOD

Menu del dia and Menu del noche with a wide variety of dishes

INGREDIENTS

Free WiFi zone for clients

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ventaguarducha@gmail.com www.ventaelguarducha.wix.com/venta-el-guarducha

Closed Monday Email: ysb1@albox-online.net

sat nav to bar N37.38742, W002.20080 Tel: 634 332 228

find us on facebook

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winter crazy offer

Free Bottle of wine

per couple to take away after having our night menus Valid only with this voucher dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st JANUARY

Menu del Dia 10€ Selection of Tapas English Speaking Everyone Welcome Friendly Atmosphere

Fridays Fish & Chips Sunday Home Cooked Roast

1 Hour Trek, 2 Course Lunch With A Drink 25€ ,Minimum 2 People, Book At Bar. Tel: 642 947 182 Plaza de Constitucion S/N Par taloa

Bar-Restaurante

LA PALMERA

op the kiwi.

Peel and roughly ch d processor Place in a blender or foo yogurt and with the blueberries, and blitz until low-calorie sweetener smooth. sweetener Taste, adding more decorated accordingly and serve erries. with the reserved blueb

La Cena

Restaurante

Irene

Open ever y evening from 7pm. All day Saturday & Sunday

Horse Riding Special

2 kiwi fruit , 10 150g (5oz) blueberries reserved as decoration urt 2tbsp low fat natural yog er en eet 1tbsp low-calorie sw

Mesón de

The Yellow Stone Bar

Sunday roast 3 courses only 8.50€ Big Breakfast only 5€ LUNCHTIME MENU AVAILABLE WITH LARGE SELECTION OF HOMEMADE DISHES TO CHOOSE FROM call maggie or sue to book or more info

it warm. with the Add the rest of the oil g onions, garlic, ginger and sprin n add the stir-fry for 30 secs, the stir-fry for fish and prawns and e, wine, a min. Add the soy sauc oil and chilli sauce and sesame refully ca cook for a min, stirring the fish. to avoid breaking up mber.

Add to the cooked cucu les and Serve with the nood if you garnish with coriander, like.

Blueberry and kiwi smoothie

Specialises in: Meats cooked over natural firewood, Roasts and Tapas

Tel: 622

halve it Peel the cucumber, out the lengthways and take n. Cut the seeds, using a teaspoo m (½in) cucumber halves into 1c with the slices, sprinkle them colander salt. Put them into a 20 mins and leave to drain for ure). (to remove excess moist slices in Rinse the cucumber and blot running water quickly el or with them dry in a tea tow kitchen paper. ing pan Heat a wok or large fry 2 tsp of until very hot. Add add the the oil and, when hot,

for a few cucumber and stir-fry to brown. mins until beginning and keep Tip into a serving dish

Avda Lepanto, 43 Opposite the BP Garage 04800 Albox-Almeria Tel: 950 430 993 Mobile: 659 056 082

Albox

menu del noche €10.95

Includes a caraffe of wine per couple 11 starters, 10 mains & 9 Desserts Full A La Carte also available Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday

Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm

Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

Catch Of The Day UK English Fishmonger

FRESH ~ FRESH ~ FRESH

“Tomorrow’s

fish are still swimming” Direct from Devon: Smoked Haddock Devon Crabmeat Skate Wings Haddock Plaice Jellied Eels Scallops Halibut Rock Salmon Lemon Sole Cockles Kippers

Order Now for Christmas

First English Fishmongers in Almeria... and possibly Southern Spain!

Find us opposite Iceland car park, Vera - Trade enquiries welcome Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10.00am – 2.30pm / Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm Tel. 692 144 301 / 634 304 288

25

www.soltimes.com

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

Hairy Bikers’ Spanish-st yle chicken bake

INGREDIENTS

8 wedges 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges into 1 medium red onion, cut lengthways red 500g new potatoes, quarte ed eel 8 whole garlic cloves, unp red rte qua es, ato tom m 8 mediu rizo 75g cho

METHOD

d n a r e g n i g , Orange ast f k a e r b o g man

n thighs 8 boneless, skinless chicke rika pap ½tsp sweet smoked ½tsp dried oregano and cut into 1 green pepper, deseeded strips Flaked sea salt per Freshly ground black pep

200°C/400°F/Gas Preheat the oven to potatoes, garlic , ons Mark 6. Put the oni e roasting tin and and tomatoes in a larg lots of freshly and t sal season with sea s everything Tos . ground black pepper 20 minutes. for st roa and tly together ligh g, skin the stin roa are s While the vegetable into thin slices – at me the cut and chorizo the chicken thighs 5mm is about right. Put slash each one 2 lly on a board and carefu son all over with Sea fe. kni a h wit or 3 times and oregano rika pap the black pepper. Mix together and set aside. out of the oven, Take the roasting tin the veg and turn r scatter the chorizo ove

METHOD

of times. Place the everything a couple vegetables and the of chicken on top the paprika and h wit chorizo and sprinkle little salt and a h wit son Sea o. oregan utes. min 20 for n ove return to the Holding one n. ove the of Take the tin out n cloth, lift ove an corner carefully with es run to the juic the all so e littl a the tin on and drizzle the opposite end, then spo cken. Tuck the chi the juices back over around the chicken y sel loo ps stri per pep and vegetables. °C/425°F/Gas Mark Turn the oven up to 220 oven for another the 7. Put the tin back in pers are just pep the il unt or s ute 20 min golden and is n cke chi the softened and crisp.

Use a zester to make a fe INGREDIENTS w shreds of zest for garnish. Gra te more zest to gi 1 large orange ve ¼ tsp grated or an ge zest. Squeeze ted and juice from 2.5cm root ginger, gra the orange. Th er e e sh juic sp ould be 1tb e juiced to giv about 4tbsps (6 0ml). urt for Wrap the grated 100g yogurt (or soya yog ginger in a smal l square of mus lin and twist ha vegan option) rd to extract the juice (or use mango a juicer).

150g drained, tinned up) syr Put grated oran (reserve the juice or ge zest, orange ju ice and all ot ) nal tio (op her ingredient rm ge 2tsp wheat s into a liquidize r and blend un til smooth. taste.

1tbsp porridge oats Sweeten with a lit tle of the rese ) nal tio (op on rved juice from nam 1tbsp cin the tinned man go if needed an extract bl d end again.

2-3 drops vanilla Se rv e in glasses and (optional) garnish with the shreds of ze st

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26 Customers can now pay for advertising in our New Drop in Sol Times office located within Sol y Mar

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L.G 26” flat s cr e e n television, Android t.v box, Sky box, all leads & controls included. Can be seen working Mojacar area, complete package 270€ Tel: 620 931 149.

Wii console, balance board, and Wii sport plus, very good condition hardly used, 60€ Exercise bike, 25€, Exercise trampoline, round, 15€. Tel: 634 311 157.

Arai helmet size XS Blue, used only 6 times. 15 € Double bed with mattress with 2 full size drawers and

2 half size drawers 20€ 2 bed side cabinets pine like 10 €, Book case 5 shelves 20€ Bed and bookcase to be collected by buyer Tel: 634 340 412.

El Saltador George Forman Electric Griddle.

Approx.15” x 20”on a metal trolley and easy to move. Good Con. 30€ Tel: 950 497 612 / 647 921 286.

Almerimar Antique rustic platero (cupboard with top for plates etc.) oak and pinewood, about 150 to 200 years old, coming from northern Spain, authentic, 200 cm high, width 125 cm, price 250€. Collect from Roquetas de Mar. Can mail photos.

Tel: 0049 157 783 54 615 (German mobile) Computer Desk 135 x 60 x 75 cm includes desktop

available venues cont..

computers

Venue @ olivers pub

Steve Hayes Informatica

Albox Private parties Birthday etc.. all events catered for call for more information 950 930 988

business opportunity

“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience” If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this.

You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping.

This is the reality for people that are making money online.

For Free Information Visit

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Printer stand CD rack, Tower compartment, drawer & 2 x sliding shelves.

75€ ono

2 x Adjustable single beds, remote

Controlled hardly used, 190 x 90cm.

140€ each or 250€ the pair buyer collects, Tel: 620 144 777 Huercal Overa.

Garage Sale We have a whole house to empty in mojacar in january and will be selling many things (beds, a dining room table and chairs, armchairs, settees, shelves, bikes, tools etc please call (From jan 5th only) Mob: 679 329 314

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables

Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900 drainage

health & beauty avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es

hobby/craft

ELAINE ’ S WOOLS Quality UK Wool & LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying A c c e s s o r i e s .

• Installation of new septic Come & view my tanks with certificates DISPLAY. Also • Repairs to existing pozos Available at CAT Services & Total • CCTV Camera Ente r t a i n m e nt Inspection Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 Call 667 273 889 Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net elaineswools@ gmail.com

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

iron/metal The Metal works Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/sliding/ roller, rejas, concertina doors etc. Tel: Keith Wood on 638 900 949

January 2016

drainage cont...

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 insurance

albox insurance

Award winning agent

For all your Insurance Needs Please contact Glenn & jayne 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

Liberty Insurance Roquetas de Mar We can provide you with any insurance you might need at very competitive prices.

We speak English, German, Spanish and Norwegian.

Any questions or for your free quote please contact us.

Tel: 950 333 411 Email: info@almeria-spanish-properties.com

gardening

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

Valley Garden Services

Garden Maintenance weekly, fortnightly or monthly, Quality Work guaranteed

Tel: 634 351 275

Albox & Surrounding Areas

locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

Logs

LOGS FOR SALE Eucalyptus / Olive / Oak The cheapest in the area Tel Phil: 634 328 779 phoyle@hotmail.es

27

www.soltimes.com

CONTACT SALES ON Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

Customers can now pay for advertising in our New Drop in Sol Times office located within Sol y Mar

Logs Continued.. load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €165 load of mixed Olive some roots €145 load of eucalyptus, no roots €165 all loads 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding areas

Pools

situations vacant

photographer

JORDiI BARNES

All General Building Works Undertaken

Pool Maintenance All Pool Repairs

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

painter/decorator

bob The Painter

All aspects of P&D, Interior & Exterior, Gates, Rejas & Boundary Walls

FULLY LEGAL

Free Quotations Tel: 662 597 596 - 660 072 171 bobthepainter75@hotmail.com

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

ring for a free quote

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

Call for a free quote Paul 617 150 300 Philip 647 121 164 Email: Checkers@outlook.es

PROPERTY for sale detached cortijo reduced

bargain

Sales Staff Required Urgently

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Call 622 169 278 removals

Must be

REMOVALS

hardworking

spain uk spain

friendly, reliable All jobs considered

and friendly.

Call John on UK: 00447 939 88 0110 Spain: 0034 634 368 071 chalmersJ8@hotmail.co.uk

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals

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.

Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special offers from Spain - UK

649 186 107 oremail thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

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Specialising in rural property with character

Whether you are buying or selling we will be delighted to hear from you

Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884

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

Pets

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

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

676 389 592 No need for kennels or cattery.

Pet sitting in you own home, Arboleas & local area. Call Vanessa 637 061 482.

Time.

To learn more about our next event in Spain and to see how you could be part of the team contact our Spanish Recruitment consulant Susan Edwards on (0034)965323667 - 685406881 or email susan.edwards@helpinghands.co.uk

Digital Vision Satellite Services

LOCAL REMOVALS

We offer competitive affordable rates

SECURE STORAGE

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Unwanted items bought for CASH Call: 634 310 512/634 349 347 or 07482 319 786

email: info@digitalvisiones.com

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Your business will appear as shown & be seen by 55,000 Sol Times readers!

Tel: Jane on 950 121 936

Tel 681 095 096 or 622 288 750

sat/tv services

based in Mojacar & all areas with 10 years experience covered

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

Full or Part

Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081

ENGLISH, SPANISH, BELGIUM, FRENCH, DuTCH & GERMAN TV systems installed and maintained, including Sky TV, BT Sport, Canal Digital.

Call 620 198 162

motoring section number plates

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ecu remapping services

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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:

garages

Pit Stop • TYRES Tel: 950 124 828 pitstop-oria@live.• SERVICING co.uk • REPAIRS

Find us on the Partaloa to Oria road (A399) 1km outside of Oria on the right. www.replatematecostablanca.com Carretera Autonomica A-399 - c / Paraje el email:info@replatematecostablanca.com Puente sin 04810. Oria, Almeria

Alan 662 249 159

28

January 2016

home & garden

Contact 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com to Advertise in this section

Ten Gardening Resolutions for the New Year

If you are like most people, as the New Year approaches you might be thinking about ways to become healthier and more fit. So, why not consider doing the same for your garden?

To be healthy, your garden needs basic care just like you do. This includes getting nutrients and a healthy diet in the form of nicely amended soil and a well-balanced fertilizer, a good dose of sunshine, fresh air, and it needs to be kept hydrated.

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The simplest way to provide all of this is to start with a simple plan of action and then stick with it throughout the year. With that in mind, here are ten gardening resolutions that will help you build a healthier, happier garden.

Resolve to create a garden plan so that you will know ahead of time what needs to be done and when. Take advantage of the colder winter months to decide which changes you want to make to your garden once spring arrives. Use the time to look over all the gardening and nursery catalogs that arrive in the mail during winter.

Resolve to take the time to draw or write up this plan so that when you go to buy plants, you will know exactly what you need to buy, no more or no less. If you aren’t sure of the growing requirements for different plants consult a good gardening book like the Sunset National Garden Book.

One way to create a garden plan is via

Specialists in:

Landscaping - Irrigation - Garden Maintenance Lawn work - Tree Trimming

Call: 666 847 583 or 950 132 518 gardenworks.bates@gmail.com

Resolve to always bring the healthiest plants into your garden by purchasing and planting only the healthiest seedlings or plants or start your own plants from seed. Whenever possible, plant disease- and pestresistant varieties.

Resolve to mulch regularly since it conserves water, inhibits weeds and provides an attractive ground cover in your flowerbeds or vegetable garden.

Resolve to use integrated pest management, meaning try to take preventive measures and think beyond your garden since whatever chemical you use in your garden might end up in the groundwater.

Consider alternatives.

Finally, resolve to never forget why you chose to garden in the first place: to have fun and enjoy your landscape.

Remember nature is beautiful, relaxing and it replenishes us. So, walk around, smell your roses, and just enjoy the things you are growing.

Read more: http://www. care2.com

swimming pools pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details.

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Our Business is Growing

a gardening journal.

However, it doesn’t have to be in book or journal form, it can be a calendar, a spiral notebook, a notebook with pockets, an accordion file, a scrapbook, a photo album, an organizer, it all depends on what you want to use your journal for.

Resolve to always plant the right plant in the right location! If you select the wrong plant for a particular location you could end up with a constant maintenance problem.

Always remember: different plants have different requirements.

Some prefer more sun, some more shade, some can tolerate wind and some cannot.

Resolve to never, ever forget about the soil since soil is the number one key to a healthy garden.

Learn what needs to be done to amend your soil so your plants get a healthy start.

Resolve to focus on conserving water by grouping plants with similar moisture needs together, watering

in the early morning when it’s cooler to avoid evaporation and mildew and rot on plants, and incorporating water-wise and native plants.

Valley Garden Services Garden Maintenance weekly, fortnightly or monthly Quality Work guaranteed

Tel: 634 351 275

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ANOTHER GREAT INSTALL BY: mobile:

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29

www.soltimes.com

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes, Your Only Stop for solutions to Your computer problems. To start the New Year I would like to ask the question. ‘What is Encryption, and Why Are People Afraid of It?’ I would love to plead ignorance and say “honestly don’t know!”, but the truth is that we are being guided to a place where privacy will be an obsolete word in a very dusty, old dictionary, stored in the back of an archivist private collection. Today, I am not here to warn you of the impending totalitarianism, but to let you know that you still have the right privacy by using encryption!

What is it? Simply put, it is a method of protecting information from outside observers. The simplest is alphabet substitution, changing ‘A’ for ‘B’ or any other letter you like. These can be beaten

easily with a large enough sample! For example, ‘E’ is the most common letter used, followed by ‘T’ and then ‘A’. Knowing this makes bringing back the original easy.

Modern methods of using polynomial mathematics of prime numbers. All you need to understand is that using this methods encryption is quick and VERY SECURE. There have been whispers, more than vague rumours but not quite open admission, that the security industries (CIA, NSA, MI5/6 etc) want a ‘Back Door’.

Something that they can use to read you encrypted information. Like many technologies, encryption has the potential to be misused, but that does not make it dangerous. And it doesn’t mean that people who use it are dangerous or bad.

Where as this is great if you are a known terrorist trying to topple the ‘New World Order’ it isn’t so good for you and I who just want to ensure our messages to our loved ones remain secure. But since it’s so

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

viewpoint

The Wilderness

A fog had descended on Alqueria, not the usual green, malodorous and worryingly sticky thing that manifests itself from time to time but a depressing grey smog, melancholy and suffocating as if in despair. Alqueria has always been an influence on its inhabitants, affecting their moods and rhythms, now it appears the reverse is true, the very fabric of the Pueblo was weeping.

Rodriquez was completely in control.

Poyato was hiding behind false genitals at a low-budget freak show in Mojácar attempting to avoid the attentions of Manuela. Manuela was searching the length and breadth of Almería for Poyato intent on ambushing him with a giant turkey baster filled with Tabasco sauce.

Loco Paco had barricaded himself in the basement of the town hall with his pet Scarabaeoidea, Benjy and his insubstantial friend Bert. With these three individuals suitably preoccupied the way was open for the evil Rodriquez to mould the Village into his vision of the ideal society.

For many years the Village Republic had enjoyed full employment apart from Alfonso Hagapoco, Alqueria’s very own unemployment figure. Just why Alfonso remained unemployed was not clear but it was from choice and it was necessary as the exception that proved the rule. The remaining inhabitants were employed in retail businesses or healthcare with the vast majority involved in the Remitroot industry which is unique to Alqueria. The amount of

work any individual did varied according to how they felt on any particular day. The work got done however and Alqueria’s much sought after Remitroot products reached the domestic and international markets with reasonable reliability. The revenue was shared out according to need and everyone was contented and happy with the arrangement.

Rodriquez was now in control and the idyllic anarchistic society that was Alqueria changed. He bought the Remitroot business for a one Alquerian Raro, a nominal amount which he paid to himself.

He reduced staff, paid miserable wages and introduced the twelve hour day. He made it a legal obligation for each adult to partake of Remitroot liquor daily after hyping the price of the beverage. He had chimneys built on all public buildings just so he could send twelve year-old boys up to clean them. He built a work-house for those who couldn’t afford to feed themselves. The inmates slaved fourteen hours a day weaving Remitroot stalks into none slip matting for Abyssinian Goat Shirling stadiums.

Rodriquez was universally hated, apart from a group of Tory MPs who sent a note of congratulation and support.

Who will lead Alqueria out of the darkness?

What to do?

commonly misunderstood and currently a media bogeyman, a few minutes taken to read this may help to educate and allay any misguided fears.

The next question should be, ‘Why Is the Conversation About Terror Suddenly About Encryption?’. It’s no secret that plenty of governments get scared when they think about strong encryption.

Without putting on our tinfoil hats and getting super political, historically, governments have a tendency of being afraid of their people, and do whatever they think they can get away with to maintain control. So, unsurprisingly, the idea of these little informational black boxes created by strong encryption makes them nervous.

Modern computers can encrypt text messaging, images, data files, even whole partitions on hard drives and the operating systems that run them, effectively locking out anyone with the keys needed to decrypt the information on them. These could contain anything, and when it could theoretically be anything, imaginations tend to run wild. They contain stolen

nuclear codes, child pornography, all kinds of stolen government secrets… or, more likely, your tax documents, bank transactions, kid’s pictures, and other personal information you don’t want others to have access to.

A lot of attention was recently drawn to the Islamic-associated terrorism suspects using encrypted methods of communication with the popular messaging service ‘WhatsApp’. The bogeyman here is strong encryption allows bad people to communicate about who-knows-what! The sad thing, and we really should expect it, is many prominent government and intelligence officials are taking advantage of the situation, saying unashamedly that “encryption is for bad people, terrorists, and hackers.” Never waste a good crisis, as the saying goes.

Remember ‘Red’s under the bed’!

Meet me at Olivers Bar in Albox on Friday´s 1200-1600 for free advice concerning your computer. To arrange an appointment for another time or place use the Email address or phone number below

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

The Advantages of Right-Ear Deafness

Back along Pete went deaf in his right ear – this was discovered through his bitter complaints about the way we were all mumbling!

Trips to the doctor for various ear drops and anti-biotics proved ineffective, so off to the ENT at Huercal-Overa we went. There his hearing was checked in a tiny room with umpteen protrusions on its inside walls so that it resembled the inside of an enormous carton for enormous dinosaur eggs.

The verdict was given and the decision was made that he should have a grommet put in his ear. However, deafness in one ear is not a life-threatening condition, so he will have to wait until Spring, and in the meantime he has got used to saying ‘What?’ and I have got used to shouting at him.

But there is always an upside, if you can but find it, and just before Christmas we found it! Sophia’s Wellness Centre was the venue for a Carol Singing evening, courtesy of the staff, and under the direction of the incomparable Nick Duncan.

The evening had a lot josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk going for it –

By Jos Biggs

mince pies, mulled wine and a multitude of people. The Carols were all the wellknown favourites, were everybody knows the tune and at least some of the words.

Now I cannot sing – I cannot sing so much that I even sound bad to myself!

But Carols are accommodating things, and allow for the less than lark-like, especially when sung en masse! Pete and I parked ourselves where our far from dulcet tones would hopefully go unnoticed, and where volume would compensate for melody.

We sang our heads off – We harked to the herald angels, we rocked around the Christmas tree, we numbered the 14 Days of Christmas – it must have been the 14 days, because when we arrived at Five Gold Rings at least half the room was only just finished with the Eight Maids a-milking!

We threw caution to the winds, and belted those carols out with complete disregard to harmonics – we were having a wonderful time, as uninhibited as five year olds in School Assembly, if they still have School Assembly.

As we left Pete asked if he had made too much noise. ‘I don’t know’ I replied, ‘I was making too much noise myself!’

‘I didn’t hear you. But you were sitting on my right hand side.’

Ah! The advantages of right-ear deafness!

30

January 2016

19th Hole Golf Society, Match Report.

Thursday 31st December

Auto Shine Body Repairs approved repairers

○Panel Beating ○Paint Spraying ○Bumper Repair ○Windscreens ○Plastic & Fibreglass Repairs

CARS ~ MOTORBIKES ~ MOTORHOMES Call Mark on: 607 324 623 or 607 324 624 ►►

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timber yard

WE ARE HERE

CASA CONCHILLA

►

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Lorca was the venue for this Best Two from 4 and the final game of 2015.

Eight teams competed for the win in excellent golfing conditions; the course is now in the best condition seen and is a credit to all at Lorca.

The team of Alan Chippingdale, John Kennedy, Bob Tagg and Billy the Ghost, narrowly took the win on a card countback from Mike Esposito, Gary Grey, John Ball and Dave Denyer both teams on 93 points. Gary’s individual score of 27 points on the front 9 was the driving force in the team.

Gary also had a Nearest the Pin on the 8th and a pair of Twos on the 4th and 8th Results 1st Alan Chippingdale, John

Kennedy, Bob Tagg and Billy the Ghost Nett 93 2nd Mike Esposito, Gary Grey, John Ball and Dave Denyer Nearest the Pins 4th

Bob Tagg

6th

Nigel Greenwood

8th

Gary Grey

10th

Nigel Greenwood

18th (in Two) Twos Gary Grey

4th & 8th

Mike Esposito

8th

Nigel Greenwood 12th

R&S G lF At Los Llanos Market. Arboleas Is offering a wide range of golfing services including: - Supply and fit most types of grips - Excellent selection of good quality balls - Extensive range of gloves - Large range of second hand irons, drivers, putters and sets of clubs.

- We can sell your used clubs for you. www.randsgolf.com daveandzeta@gmail.com 610 340 653

oxing Kick B

Mike Esposito

The 19th Hole Golf Society arranges weekly games around the area playing Aguilon every other week.

For more information ring 610340653 or email gs19thhole@hotmail. co.uk

at

Our Kids Kick Boxer of the year trophy was awarded to Harry Fawcett.

Our Adults Kick Boxer trophy was awarded to Michele Tudor Shaw.

Ovie would like to congratulate both winners and also all the Kick Boxing team.

Ovie holds kick boxing classes every Thursday from 5pm.

Telephone for more information 950 449 451

in UK UK TV TV Leading the the way way in IPTV Spain UK TV Leading

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31

www.soltimes.com

SPORTS SHORTS with Tony Matthews

• Arsenal (two wins out of three) are two points clear in the PL from Leicester who failed to score in their three holiday games!

• Arsenal’s ‘keeper Petr Cech has broken David James’ record of cleansheets in the Premiership – 171 against James’ 169.

• Manchester United ended their winless run with a 2-1 victory over Swansea.

• Two late goals gave Manchester City a 2-1 victory at Watford.

• Sunderland beat bottom club Aston Villa (only 8 points out of 57) in a relegation battle.

• WBA completed their first double over Stoke since 1977.

• Middlesbrough, Burton Albion and Plymouth are top of the Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, while Celtic, Rangers, Dunfermline and Elgin City head the four Divisions in Scotland.

• Over Christmas, Lionel Messi scored his 425th goal on his 500th appearance for Barcelona in a 4-0 win over Real Betis.

• Real Madrid’s appeal for being ‘kicked out’ of the Copa del Rey has been rejected by the Spanish FA. • Twelve players were yellow-carded in the December Levante-Malaga game – a record for La Liga.

• Four footballers sadly died over the holiday period - Don Howe, ex-WBA, Arsenal and England who also managed both his clubs and coached his country; former Newcastle and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek; El Salvador’s most-capped player Alfredo Pacheo (shot dead by bandits) and former Wigan star Steve Gohouri (drowned in River Rhine).

• Last night, Stoke met Liverpool in the first leg of the LC semi-final; Everton play Manchester City in the other ‘semi’ this evening.

• This weekend there are 32 third round FA Cup-ties including holders Arsenal-Sunderland, Birmingham-Bournemouth, Chelsea-Scunthorpe, Eastleigh-Bolton, Everton-Dagenham & Redbridge, Exeter-Liverpool (live on BBC TV on Friday), Spurs-Leicester (re-run of 1961 final) and WycombeAston Villa. There’ll be some upsets for sure.

• In cricket England, backed by a ‘barmy army’ of 12,000 fans, smashed 629-6 declared in their first innings of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Ben Stokes (258) and Jonny Bairstow (150 n.o.) put on 377 for the 6th wicket and Stokes’ double hundred was the fastest-ever by an Englishman (163 balls) and the second-fastest in Test history.

• Martin Guptill smashed an amazing 93 runs off 30 balls (50 in just 17) for New Zealand in their 10-wicket ODI victory over Sri Lanka in Christchurch.

• Sadly, Sussex cricketer Matt Hobden has died, aged just 22.

• Jockey Michelle Payne (30) on Prince of Penznace, has become the first female to ride the winner in the 155 year-old Melbourne Cup. • Saracens (after an impressive 26-6 win over Leicester) are on top of Rugby’s Aviva Premiership.

• Former Harlem Globetrotter basketball star Meadowlark Lemon has died, aged 83.

• Gary Anderson beat Adrian Lewis 7-5 to retain the 2016 World Darts Championship. Anderson is the only man ever to claim a nine-dart finish, score a maximum 147 break in snooker and get a hole in one in golf!

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

CONGRATULATIONS

• Among the sporting personalities who received awards in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour’s list we have AP McCoy (now a Sir); ex-footballers Denis Law and Francis Lee and former racing driver John Surtess all CBE’s; England women’s footballer Steff Houghton, boxer Carl Frampton, rugby player Mark Queto and England netball captain Tracey Neville are MBE’s while cyclist Chris Froome and current TV Question of Sport presenter Sue Barker are OBE’s.

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32

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2016

www.soltimes.com

Tel 902 750 190

Zinedine Zidane replaces Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has been sacked as manager of Real Madrid after just seven months in charge, with club legend Zinedine Zidane replacing him.

Spaniard Benitez, 55, was relieved of his duties following a meeting of the club’s board on Monday.

B team coach Zidane, 43, has been made firstteam boss, but the length of his contract has not been made public.

The World Cup winner said: “I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well.”

Benitez’s final game was Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Valencia, which left them third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Zidane, whose first game in charge will be Saturday’s game with Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu, is the 11th coach to be appointed in Florentino Perez’s 12 years as club president.

‘Real approached Guardiola before sacking Benitez’ ‘It’s an emotional day’ Zidane thanked Perez for giving the opportunity to train the “best club in the world with the best fanbase in the world”.

The Frenchman added: “I want to do my very best to ensure that this club at the end of the season will have a trophy.

“It is an important day for me, it’s an emotional day, even more emotional than the day I signed as a player for the club.

“I will be working hard with all the players and I think it will go well. I will put all the heart I have into this job for the club. Thank you very much.”

Why sack Benitez?

Perez is yet to explain why the board of directors took the “difficult” decision to dismiss Benitez, who once coached the club’s youth teams.

But he acknowledged his “dedication” and called the Spaniard a “great professional and a great person”.

Benitez lost only three of his 25 games and also took Real into the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare.

A thumping 8-0 home win over Malmo and a 10-2 victory against nine-man Rayo Vallecano were amongst his most notable successes.

But it would seem a combination of factors led to his downfall, among them a 4-0 home defeat by

Barcelona in November and reports of a rift with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez Benitez managed Real Madrid’s second team for two years from 1993 The right replacement?

Zidane may have no experience of managing at the top level, but he has long been seen as a future Real boss.

He has been coach of the club’s B team, who are second in the Spanish third tier, since 2014 and was a key member of the backroom staff under Carlo Ancelotti, who led Real to a 10th European Cup title.

During his playing career, Zidane was one of Real’s key ‘Galacticos’, a label given to the expensive players signed by Perez during his first spell as president in the early to mid-2000s.

In 2001, Real paid Juventus a then world record fee of £45.8m for the midfielder, who had won the World Cup and European Championship.

Zidane helped Real win the league in 2003 and was named Fifa world player of the year for a third time.

But perhaps his defining moment for the club came during the 2002 Champions League final, when he scored a stunning volley to give his side a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park.

He retired football after the 2006 World Cup final, when he was sent off in extra-time for butting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the chest.

‘The best person for the job’ David Beckham, who played alongside Zidane at Real, thinks his former team-mate will be a big hit.

“Does it get any better than this??” he wrote on his Instagram account.

“A man that has been the best at a game we all love taking over a club that myself and many more people love.”

Beckham praised Zidane’s “drive” and “passion”, adding that he “does not accept failure on any level” and is the

“best person for the job”.

Xabi Alonso and Ronaldo, two former Madrid players, wished Zidane “luck”, as did Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea striker.

‘His managerial experience is zero’ Former Real president Ramon Calderon has criticised Perez, claiming his background as a civic engineer doesn’t make him well equipped to run a high-profile football club.

“He decided to sack Carlo Ancelotti when everyone loved him,” Calderon told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I wish Zidane all the best but it will be difficult. If he is not successful, Jose Mourinho will be on the bench in June, I am sure.”

Former Real Madrid manager John Toshack felt the appointment of Zidane was a risky move.

“Zidane was a terrific player, but his managerial experience is zero,” Toshack told BBC Radio Wales.

“It is a last throw of the dice for Perez. He idolises Zidane and always has done. If this one doesn’t come off, there will be changes at the top.”

Bbc.com

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