Roquetas 535

ISSUE 535

ROQUETAS & ALMERIMAR

4 - 10 MAY

SOLTIMES

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May 2016

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BARCELONA CITY PROPOSES NEW TOURIST TAX ON ‘DAY TRIPPERS’

Tourists not planning to stay overnight in Barcelona could soon have to pay a tax to visit the city, a councillor announced this week.

The city council of left-wing mayor Ada Colau is trying to find ways to increase its return on the millions of tourists who visit Barcelona each year even those who don’t spend the night in the Catalan capital.

Barcelona councillor Gala Pin confirmed on Friday that the city was investigating a “tourist tax” that would apply to visitors who do not stay overnight in the city.

The idea was first mooted in January when the council proposed that a ‘daytripper tax’ would help “share the benefits” of the tourist sector throughout the city and “offset the costs”.

The tax would particularly apply to cruise passengers and those on organized tours, who tend to spend mere hours in the city before moving on.

In the case of coaches, a road toll or increased fees for parking in the city could be a way to impose the tax, reported Spanish daily El País.

Pin was speaking on Thursday morning during a presentation of a report on the economic impact of cruise ships on the city and its port.

The report found that cruise ships generate a spend of €800 million per

FURNITURE year, adding €413 million to Catalonia’s GDP - €152 million in taxes and the rest in providing employment for 7,000 fulltime workers.

But the taxes currently only apply to cruise ships that dock in Barcelona’s port for over 12 hours; boats that dock for less time pay nothing - something the city is keen to change.

While concrete details of the plan have yet to be announced, councillors seem determined to offset the sometimes harmful impact tourism has on the city.

Tourists are expensive for the city, Gala Pin said in January, “not only in terms of infrastructure, cleaning and security but also in terms of the floating population that is causing the indirect expulsion of local people...”

A city break hotspot, Barcelona has in recent years, become steadily fed up with tourists, who have been causing various problems, form antisocial behaviour to pushing up rent prices, forcing locals out of the centre of the city. http://www.thelocal.es

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4

May 2016

ROAMING CHARGES IN EU CUT BY 75%

MOBILE phone roaming charges have gone down again today (Saturday) as a prelude to being scrapped altogether throughout the European Union.

Calls may no longer cost any more than five cents a minute before IVA, text messages two cents each and internet use a maximum of five cents per megabyte.

This means the cost of mobile phone use in a different EU nation will be 75% cheaper than it is now.

Roaming charges in the EU will be axed altogether on June 15, 2017.

Whilst awaiting the end of roaming for Europe, the price reduction is a huge help for expats in Spain visiting the UK, or holiday home owners who

use a British mobile phone during their Spanish breaks.

This would change in the event of a Brexit, since with the UK no longer part of the EU, roaming charges at the full price would continue to apply to Spanish mobiles used in Britain or British ones in Spain.

But unless and until a Brexit happens, British nationals who holiday in Europe or live there are looking forward to cheaper cross-border calls, texts and surfing.

Mobile operators will be permitted to apply limits within the terms of a 'reasonable use policy' to prevent 'abuse of roaming', but this is likely to apply only to usage for 'other

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purposes aside from periodic trips', according to MEPs. The exact limits have not been defined, but for the average traveller, will probably still result in much lower prices.

“It's not just about EU residents saving money, it's about breaking down barriers in the digital market,” said a report from the deputy president of the European Commission's home market division.

Director-general for the European consumer board, Monique Goyens, said abolishing roaming charges was 'a logical step' in building a single digital market, since EU citizens 'do not understand why crossing a European border should imply higher telephone and internet costs'. The roaming

charges plan also includes a move to streamline internet 'censorship', by ensuring freedom of access to web content in all member States 'without interference or discrimination', and forcing internet providers to 'treat all EU citizens and member nations equally'. Blocking or limiting net content will only be allowed in certain extreme situations, such as high web traffic or to prevent hacking.

Quality control measures affecting all internet providers in the EU will ensure consumers get what they pay for, and will prevent companies from 'using commercial excuses' to justify 'what surfers can and cannot do', says European Commissioner for economy and digital society, Gunther Oettinger. thinkspain

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IBIZA BANS DRINKING IN STREET… AND THAT INCLUDES WATER

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This summer tourists in Ibiza risk dehydration or a fine under new measures that will see the drinking of all liquids banned from public areas.

The bylaw is being considered by San Antonio (Sant Antoni), a seaside town on the west coast of the island, in a bid to clampdown on the booze culture that the resort has become infamous for.

The measures, which have been presented to the council but have yet to receive the green light, will see fines of €750 imposed on tourists caught flouting the ban, even with a takeaway cup of coffee or bottle of water.

“Given how difficult it is for police to differentiate between whether it is alcohol or a soft drink being

consumed it is necessary to adopt an outright ban,” explained Aida Alcaraz, a town councillor in San Antonio.

“Obviously people will be allowed to consume drinks on the terraces of bars but they won’t be able to take the drinks off the premises,” she said.

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May 2016

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

I’m conscious that many folk find the Christian celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter day difficult to comprehend, but if that seems hard, then I’ll guess that his subsequent ascension, which we celebrate this year on Thursday, May 5th, may seem even more incredible.

But for those of us who consider ourselves to be Christians, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus are two of the most vital and reassuring aspects of our faith.

Indeed, without these there’s really little point in being Christian at all, for as St Paul wrote in his letter to the Church in Corinth “if Christ wasn’t raised from death, then your faith is for nothing, and those who’ve died are lost; so if our religion is only for this life, then we really are the most miserable folk on earth.”

And it’s the conviction that Jesus rose and ascended that makes our faith so special, allowing us to affirm that death is not the end, but that life continues beyond the grave. For the Bible tells us that just 40 days after rising from the grave, Jesus was taken into heaven, in full view of his followers, whose lives as a result were changed beyond all

recognition.

And if I as a Christian actually believe this, then it should have a pretty dramatic effect on me too.

For Ascension Day, reminds us that not only did Christ overcome death by returning to life that Easter Day, after having been crucified and buried; but that he also returned to his Father to prepare for us, in due time to join him. Through his ascension Jesus confirms that death is not the end; that there is eternal purpose to our lives here on Earth, and that when this period of our existence comes to an end, then we can look forward to an eternity far more fantastic than anything we could ever dream of. So let’s really celebrate this day as one of the most important dates in the Christian Calendar!

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any who wish to Worship, but further information about the Anglican Church and details of forthcoming events may be seen on the web site www. mojacarchurch.org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com - www.daviessolicitors.com MENTIONING A TRUST ON A SPANISH WILL IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE. SOMETIMES WHAT IS LEGALLY POSSIBLE AND WHAT IS PRACTICAL IS NOT THE SAME THING. THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE. Question: I had a Spanish will made for myself and my wife some time ago. We recently hired a solicitor to handle a conveyance and he has taken a look at the wills, which had been prepared two years ago, and told us they are no good and that we should make new ones. We are uncertain what to do. Our instructions to our original solicitor were to prepare the Spanish will in Spain exactly how we had prepared our English wills in UK. He said that since Directive 650/2012 this can be done.

Answer: As my granny would always say: a little knowledge can cause a lot of damage.

There is no doubt: the wills are dreadful and need to be changed. I doubt the person who prepared your will has ever dealt with probate in Spain.

(I say this because any solicitor I know would tell you that your will is asking for trouble). The will essentially translates the English will you handed her and sets up a trust to protect your children versus your second wife. Even though Directive 650/2012 allows English law to be applied (by choice of the testator)

to how an estate is distributed in Spain, using institutions like trusts will cause endless problems and expenses for your heirs because Trusts are not understood in Spain the same way as in UK. So Certifications of English law (which are very expensive) will be required to help wind up the estate (by explaining the content of English law). To this add a lot of problems with Spanish Inheritance tax (remember Directive 650/2012 has no effect on the taxation of the estate).

In Spain it is the beneficiary that pays inheritance tax not the estate.

Descendants and spouse in Andalucía are exempt if they each receive less than 175,000€. In this case the trustee is a non-family member. As he has faculty to dispose of assets, the Spanish tax office could interpret that, as he is in control of the estate, he is the person that owes the tax and as a non-family member he will receive a large tax bill. (This could all be battled out but would be messy.)

Conclusion: Keep things sensible and uncomplicated. In this case achieve what you want using methods that are common practice in Spain.

Leave the life possession of your property to your wife and the residual value to your children. With the values you have sent me the estate will be exempt, probate will be simple and both your children and your wife will be fully protected as you asked for.

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

www.soltimes.com

SPANISH TOWN CELEBRATES ‘THRONES’

Osuna, a backdrop to the hit HBO show, opens exhibit

OSUNA, Spain — “Game of Thrones” recently returned for its sixth season, but in this hillside village outside Seville, it’s as if the HBO blockbuster never left.

The Museum of Osuna recently rolled out a permanent exhibit devoted to the series, which shot some of last season’s most memorable scenes here. With the help of CGI magic and hundreds of residents happy to serve as extras, the town’s century-old bullring was transformed into the main fighting pit of Meereen.

“As soon as people saw the show, tourists started to come,” Spanish TV producer Jesus Cansino said through a translator.

You don’t need a translator to understand how much Cansino loves “Game of Thrones.” His face lit up like a Dorne sunrise as he showed me around the exhibit.

Cansino’s private collection of cast photos, autographs and memorabilia make up many of the displays spread across two rooms in the modest

museum at 37 Calle Sevilla in an 18th century building, downright modern by “Game of Thrones” standards.

(Closed Mondays; admission 2 euros.)

The concise, well-curated exhibit with information placards in Spanish and English includes everything from tiny Tyrion Lannister dolls to a life-size White Walker. Fan art of Daenerys Targaryen and sword replicas hang on the stone walls. Visitors can watch a video of behind-the-scenes footage of Season 5 filming. Photos show cast members out and about in Osuna, posing for pictures with fans and celebrating star Emilia Clarke’s birthday at Casa Curro, a restaurant with menu items inspired by “Game of Thrones” characters.

Also on display in the museum: one of the 600 T-shirts director David Nutter gave to the extras who braved unseasonably warm temperatures during long days of filming in Osuna’s bullring, which is open to visitors Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is 2 euros.

Osuna is an easy day trip by car or train from Seville, which is no stranger to “Game of Thrones” camera crews, either. The Andalusian capital in Southern Spain is home to the stunning Alcazar Palace that doubled as the Water Gardens of Dorne. http://www.columbian.com

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JUNE ELECTION WILL BENEFIT PP, POLL CONFIRMS It will be a victory by attrition. When Spaniards go to the polls again on June 26 after the December election failed to produce a new government, turnout will be lower, a new poll for EL PAÍS shows.

And the Metroscopia survey also suggests that the Popular Party (PP) will benefit from that 3.2-point drop in voter participation (to 70%), and earn the most seats in parliament again.

The poll also forecasts that the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the antiausterity Podemos will both lose votes this second time round, while Ciudadanos and United Left (IU) will perform better.

We will not deal with the PP, we are a radically different party. The PP is our adversary According to Metroscopia estimates, the PP will receive 29% of the vote, followed by the PSOE with 20.3%, Podemos with 18.1% and Ciudadanos with 16.9%. The smaller Communist Party-led United Left (IU) stands to double its presence with 6.6%, although it may run in tandem with Podemos.

Despite forecasts of a stronger PP emerging from the elections, Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez – the only candidate to have attempted a bid at the prime minister’s office, attracting the sole support of Ciudadanos – says he will continue to reject the notion of a grand coalition with the conservatives led by acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy.

The Socialist Party opened up a secret dialogue with Podemos in a bid to explore the chance of a deal without breaking with its official partner, Ciudadanos.

Testimony gathered by EL PAÍS among PSOE and Podemos leaders who are familiar with those contacts suggests that economic issues and the anti-austerity party’s demands for cabinet positions were the real cause for failure to agree, rather than the idea of a hypothetical referendum on Catalan independence, which Podemos theoretically supports and the Socialists reject.

“We will not deal with the PP, we are a radically different party,” he told members of the party federal committee behind closed doors at a Saturday meeting. “The PP is our adversary.”

Rajoy has called for a cross-party coalition that would include Spain’s two main forces and possibly also the center-right Ciudadanos.

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But in the four months since the December election, Rajoy has been unable to attract support of any kind from other parties in Congress, which are unwilling to associate themselves with a party tainted by corruption scandals.

Sources close to Sánchez say that even if Rajoy stepped aside in favor of a new candidate – something Rajoy does not appear to be contemplating – there would still be no chance of a grand coalition with the PP. But sources at the Saturday meeting also say that Sánchez’s request for agreement from delegates was met with silence. The federal committee is responsible for laying out party guidelines, and it will do so again after this fresh election.

The meeting barely mentioned the PSOE’s only partner, Ciudadanos, with whom it drafted a governing program that has failed to attract enough congressional support for a majority: the Socialists have 90 seats and Ciudadanos has 40, short of the 176 required.

One committee member, Javier Lambán, who is the regional premier of Aragon, said that the agreement that produced the 200-point joint program between the Socialists and Ciudadanos was a thing of the past and that it was time for each party to move on. elpais.com

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May 2016

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The space opera blockbuster Star Wars has borrowed many real-life scientific and technological concepts in its settings. In return, Star Wars has depicted and inspired/influenced several futuristic technologies in existence and under development.

Author James Kahn in his introduction of the Return of the Jedi novelizationwrote: “Star Wars is also very much concerned with the tension between humanity and technology, an issue which, for me, dates back even to my first films. In Jedi, the theme remained the same, as the simplest of natural forces brought down the seemingly invincible weapons of the evil Empire.”

While many of these technologies are in existence and in use today, they are not nearly as complex as seen in Star Wars. Some of these technologies are not even considered possible in modern times.

Many of the technologies depicted by Star Wars parallel modern real-life technologies, despite being with significant differences, but still using the same concepts.

A subspace transceiver, also known as a subspace comm, subspace radio, and hypertransceiver, was a standard device used for instantaneous, faster-than-light communications between nearby systems. Similar to its shorter-ranged cousin, the comlink, subspace transceivers relied on energy to broadcast signals. Starships carried these units to broadcast distress signals and other important messages. They used subspace as the communications medium. The subspace transceiver of an Imperial Star Destroyer had a range of 100 light-years.

Devices for more short range communications such as the comlink can be either hand-held as seen in A New Hope or strapped to the wrist as seen in The Empire Strikes Back during the early scenes on the planet Hoth. These devices can also be tuned with encryption algorithms for private communication.

Most humanoid droids such as C-3PO communicate long distances using these comlinks; whereas other droids such as R2-D2 or the Imperial Probe Droid use antennas to transmit/receive messages and signals for these longer range communications.

Devices for long range communications within a planet are also connected by satellites orbiting the planet.

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Valor chocolates chairman passes away aged 96

HONORARY chairman of the famous chocolate brand Valor, Pedro López Mayor has died aged 96.

Valor chocolates, synonymous with Spain anywhere in the world, are made in Villajoyosa (Alicante province) where a museum is open to the public.

López Mayor carried on with his management role until he was 82, and even after stepping down from the board of directors, continued with marketing and promotional work until almost the day of his death.

His chocolate label has won him numerous awards over the course of

his career, including the Merit at Work Medal and the Gold and Diamond Medal from the Alicante Chamber of Commerce.

Described as a 'tireless entrepreneur' who is credited with the 'industrialisation and modernisation' of the firm and for sending it global, López Mayor was said to be a person and a boss who was 'very approachable and friendly', 'very involved' with the work of the factory and wider company, and a 'passionate family man'. http://www.thinkspain.com

King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía travel together for first time in two years

THE abdicated King Juan Carlos I and his wife, Queen Sofía have just taken their first trip away together in two years and their first Royal engagement since November last year.

The ex-monarchs, who have lived in separate apartments for many years and only communicate through their secretaries, travelled to Sweden yesterday (Saturday) for the 70th birthday of King Gustav XVI. The celebrations started with a mass in the Royal Palace chapel in Stockholm with the orchestra playing the Mediaeval hymn Te Deum, and was attended by representatives of Royal households from all over Europe.

This was followed by the reception of the Royal Guard, classical music concerts and crowds of hundreds of children handing flowers to King Gustav.

The Swedish monarch took the throne in 1973, when he was 27 years old, after his grandfather King Gustav VI Adolf passed away.

Felipe VI’s parents last travelled together in 2014 when they attended the canonisation of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, five days after the funeral of Juan Carlos I’s cousin, the Infante (non-Crown prince) Carlos de BorbónDos Sicilias, who passed away in early October that year. http://www.thinkspain.com

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with a glass of cava, canapes and cupcakes.

Browse around and see the work of 3 local artists.

THURSDAY 5TH MAY CRAFT DEMONSTRATION 11AM-2PM Enjoy a glass of cava and watch Julie’s demonstration of stamping and stenciling.

Calle Malaga, ALBOX (two streets up from Mercadona) See up and coming events on Facebook Tel: 634 395 085 Open Monday - Friday 10am-3pm Saturday 10am-2pm

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May 2016

by a canyon and is only accessible by an adventurous ride through a dry valley, PUBLISH YOUR SPECIAL EVENTS HERE. CHARITY/ where you pass the border post, pay the entrance and park at the gates of the COMMUNITY GROUPS EVENTS ALSO PUBLISHED FREE OF Fort, which welcomes you to the movie CHARGE. IN ROQUETAS & ALMERIMAR: village.

You really have to rub your eyes a little to believe that you are here in Europe.

The cacti, the vastness of the terrain, the dazzling light that bathes the scene and the ghostly tense atmosphere of the film village makes the trip a memorable one.

The only real desert in Europe lies in the barren interior Fort Bravo is the oldest of the 14 Western villages that of the Costa de Almería and is a real surprise. The sun were built for filming here, and it's still used to this day. shines for over 3,000 hours a year and it hardly ever The two other Western towns are Oasys and Western rains (less than 240 mm annual rainfall). Temperatures Leone, just a few miles from Fort Bravo. They are pure tourist attractions. range from -5 to 48 °C! Nature lovers, hikers and people who are looking for a Many great directors have filmed here; westerns, big, exotic American-type scenery, fall in love with this war films and fantasy adventures have all been filmed wild barren landscape of eastern Andalusia. That's right, in the Southeastern corner of Spain. Production costs America! The dusty badlands between Tabernas and were often cheaper than in the US and the desert is Gador bring to mind dark tales from Arizona, California, close to all the amenities you need as a film crew. Easily accessible via highway A-7 and A-92, close to the airport and the Wild West. and the port city of Almeria.

The desert, of approximately 280 square kilometers, is In 1989, the Andalusian Regional Government issued a a protected natural park and has attracted film crews decree that the landscapes around Nijar and Tabernas since the 1950s. should be protected for the use of the film industry.

The unique landscape has brought wealth and fame The Tabernas Desert - film location for Once Upon a and made the area known worldwide.

Time in the West, Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia Tabernas, A Desirable Location and Exodus - film successes made in Andalusia The Andalusian province of Almería has staked its claim The famous spaghetti westerns of the 60s and 70s are in the international film history, as a cinematic location. almost invariably originated in Tabernas.

One of the most important venues is the desert of This land has seen some of the greatest legends of Tabernas, where many film sets are constructed. the silver screen, such as Charles Bronson, Claudia The film village of Fort Bravo is picturesquely situated Cardinale, Brigitte Bardot, Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Yul Brynner, Faye Dunaway, Sean Connery, Bud Spencer, Terence Hill, Gregory PLAYA SERENA, ROQUETAS DE MAR Peck and Harrison Ford, Opposite Playa Luna Hotel they have all reenacted their between Oasis & Mar y Sol. stories in the Andalusian dust.

All the greatest gunslingers in Tel: 679 156 715 film history have filmed here in Spain.

Under the direction of the Italian cult director Sergio Leone, spaghetti westerns emerged as the Dollars Trilogy starring Clint Eastwood: A SELECTION OF HOT & COLD TAPAS Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More (1965) or the classic; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from 1966.

SERVED DAILY Those who know the saloon scenes from Karl May movies will have so many eye-opening experiences in the saloon of Fort Bravo. You may even see his whiskey glass sliding along the counter as in the old movie.

What many do not know, that one of the main Indiana Jones movies, The Last Crusade, was filmed in Almería.

The dry Ramblas witnessed the actors Harrison Ford BINGO and Sean Connery in heavy armor battling against EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 3PM the Nazis, as were the scenes of Petras. The really big breakthrough for the Andalusian desert as a film set FREE OPEN FROM 11AM came with the filming of Lawrence of Arabia with Peter (CLOSED FRIDAY) O'Toole. This exotic desert landscape in the middle of Europe inspired many filmmakers who now have moved

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Tabernas Desert: a visit to Hollywood in Almería

their projects to the parched lands of Andalusia.

To date, the lonely villages, hilltops and dusty desert landscapes of Tabernas are used as venues. Even commercials for car industry were filmed here, like the new Peugeot Partner 2015 spot.

A list of all the films made at Fort Bravo, about 600 in total, can be found on the website, set amongst the colorful backdrop of the villages, (in Spanish and English).

The most important films from the Tabernas: •Lawrence of Arabia (1962) •A Fistful of Dollars (1965) •Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) •Trinity Is Still My Name (1971) •Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) •Winnetou Return (1998) •Dance of the Vampires (2001) •Lucky Luke and the Daltons (2004) •Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) The wild country that is located just 30 minutes from the fantastic natural beaches of Cabo de Gata in the Mediterranean, has created a new income for the locals, who have readily taken to the film industry.

Every year hundreds of Andalusians from the surrounding villages work as extras, earning a little pocket money.

In 2014 Ridley Scott filmed his epic, Exodus, where 2,000 dark-haired amateur actors were sought for scenes, such as the migration of Jews under the leadership of Moses. Between 80 and 100 euros could be earnt everyday. Some extras love their roles so much

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that they seem to grow into in real life.

Rafael, from the neighboring town of Tabernas, has worked on the sets of Fort Bravo for over 20 years as a full-time movie cowboy. He has worked as a coachman, whipping boy, bank robber and sheriff. He provides visitors with live saloon enactments. Rafael can ride, shoot, spin his gun and can look Indian, Mexican, or as a gun slinging cowboy.

He can be found amongst the scenery of the Pueblo Mexicano (Mexican village), where he tells anecdotes of movie scenes and his acquaintance with great Hollywood stars with whom he has worked.

He had his last major supporting role in Lucky Luke (2004). http://www.spain-holiday.com

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SNEAKY SPOTS WHERE ALLERGY TRIGGERS HIDE HELLO, SNEEZE SEASON Another year, another allergy season. If you suffer from springtime sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion—all symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever—you may be dreading the next few months as trees and flowers bloom and release pollen, one of the most common allergens.

You also probably know some tricks

for minimizing your exposure to airborne irritants, like keeping your home vacuumed and dusted, and staying indoors on high-pollen days. But those strategies may not be as effective as you think: Pollen and other allergy triggers may be hiding in places in and around your home you’d never realize. To truly clear the air, consider these other potential contributors to your allergy symptoms.

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When pollen is in the air, any outer layer of clothing you wear outdoors can collect these tiny particles. That’s why it’s a good idea to brush off jackets or sweatshirts before heading back indoors. If you’ve been walking through a park or field with tall grass or blooming plants, give your pants a good shake-off too.

SHOES Because heavy pollens fall to the ground and we don’t typically breathe them in, you may not have to worry so much about the yellow powder you’re tracking in on your shoes. But your kicks can bring in other potential allergens as well, including dust and dirt that can make its way into your carpets.

To keep these particles outdoors where they belong, leave shoes by the door. The same goes for anything else that’s visibly dirty, like gardening gloves, tools, or outdoor sports equipment.

Hair & Beauty Salon As Wavelengths Celebrate Their 5th ANNIVERSARY. Kelly & Debbie And All At Wavelengths, Would Like To Thank Their Clients For Their Loyal Support Over The Past 5 Years And Look Forward To Plenty More Tel for appointment: 950 120 309 Monday - Friday: 9 to 5 Saturdays: 9 to 2

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CURTAINS, SHADES, AND BLINDS

spend dusting. Your best defense against them is to use allergen-proof fabric or plastic covers You probably remember to wash your sheets and on your mattress and pillows, and to wash your vacuum your floors regularly, but how often do bedding weekly in hot water. you give your window dressings a good cleaning?

Curtains and other window coverings may initially STUFFED ANIMALS block allergens from blowing into your home, Just as dust mites can get into your pillows and says Bryan Martin, MD, president of the American blankets, they’re also living in your kids’ stuffed College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology—but animals and plush toys. That can be a real health that just means they’re collecting those particles hazard, since dust mites are a common cause of themselves. asthma in children.

“When your windows are open and your curtains “We tell people who are allergic to dust mites are blowing around, they’re acting like a filter to remove stuffed animals from the bedroom or and a collection surface,” says Dr. Martin. “But at least from the bed,” says Dr. Martin. You can the more pollen and allergens they collect, the also reduce your family’s exposure by buying more it’s going to be a potential irritant for you.” machine-washable toys and laundering them Wash curtains at least seasonally, and replace regularly. (Run them through the clothes dryer, horizontal blinds with easy-to-clean roll-up too, rather than air-drying them.) Items that shades. can’t be washed can be put in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites.

BEDDING AND PILLOWS Leaving your bedroom windows open on breezy http://www.health.com springtime days can bring pollen into your bed.

But even if you seal up your sleeping quarters Specialist Massage Therapists on high-pollen days, there are other ways it & Aesthetic Beauty Works can become contaminated: If you come in from the outside and immediately plop down on your sheets, for example, or if you toss your bag or Oceanic Therapies jacket onto your comforter.

But pollen isn’t your biggest worry when it comes to allergens in bed. Dust mites are much more common in mattresses, blankets, and pillows, says Dr. Young, and can cause info@oceanictherapies.com sneezing, coughing, and itching year-round.

687 619 239 These microscopic critters exist in all homes—no matter how clean you are or how much time you

NEUROMUSCULAR PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT NOW AT OCEANIC!

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Since qualifying Mike has worked for various sporting agencies, including the Galway City Judo Club and then progressed onto opening his own clinic in Cork, Southern Ireland, where he quickly established a large and varied client base, which included cyclists, triathletes, footballers and ironmen competitors!

As a former finalist in Irelands Mr Universe competition, Mike has a real passion for fitness and well being and a personal insight into how to enable the body to effectively work to its maximum healthy potential.

Mike is delighted with his decision to move to Mojacar at the end of 2015, to have a better quality of life in the sun, (it rains a lot in Ireland!) and to have joined the growing team at Debbie`s Oceanic Clinic.

HOSPITAL

FIRSTLY, WHAT IS NMPT? This treatment focuses on providing effective treatment of pain or injury using various soft tissue manipulation techniques and emphasis on myofascial trigger points. This assists the body with pain minimizing, reduced stress and greater mobility. It also enables the body to continue to heal itself after treatment and avoid knock on side effects.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy has long term benefits as it focuses on rectifying the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Effective results are achieved through a combination of examination, hands on treatment and instructive aftercare in order to detect, assess, correct and alleviate bodily malfunctioning and limited mobility.

Oceanic’s NMP practitioner, Mike Sheenan, comes to us with a wealth of experience having qualified in 2009 from the CCME, National Training Centre of Dublin, Ireland in both NMT and Orthopaedic Sports Massage. His treatment applications include soft tissue release (STR), muscle energy technique (MET), Pre, Inter and Post event sports massage, positional release strain, Mechanotherapy, Cryotherapy and

Gymnasts working to achieve their proficiency awards & appear regularly in local displays.

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950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer called ‘Logic for Beginners’.

Bytes, Your Only Stop for solutions to Your Do you remember the ‘For computer problems. My ‘drop-in’ clinic (like Beginners’ series? ‘Latin for the way doctors used to be!) is at Maloans beginners’, ‘Calculus for beginners’ Bar in Albox (opposite the BP). Call (689 and all of them so helpful getting over 892 745); Email (canducomputing@hotmail. certain of life’s hurdles. co.uk ); Being in my (very) early teens, I couldn’t Skype (Look for the name “saiminja”), understand why he would need such heavy Viber or Whatsapp (use the phone number) reading (even though at the time of picking for free advice concerning your computer. up the book, I hadn’t realised that it would Sales pitch over and on to the topic for be today. so difficult, especially as when you Today’s article will be a little different from are young, you can believe that you do the normal ‘run of the mill’ helpful and / or anything!), until I started to read it. Now, I informative articles that you are used to will happily admit that, I have had to return getting, but the solution to all computer to the book many times to fully understand problems is simply this: Knowledge and what Plato, Aristotle or Herodotus meant and Logic equals solutions. Without all the first to this day, after 40 years of logic honed by 2 you can not have the last. This is logic! Software Programming, Systems Analysis But first. and day-to-day computer problems, still Logic isn’t inherent in people. We are still have problems with some of their concepts. governed by basic instincts with the thinnest We use logic every single day: We can all veneer of civility. In evolutionary terms we do maths (Numbers and Operators equals are not even out of our caves and barely Answer)! We can all do any number of upright. So what makes us different complicated tasks (simple task followed to the rest of the animal kingdom? by another simple task followed... equals a Communication! To be more accurate we successfully completed complex task). This have be able to listen to, and comprehend is logical progression at it’s simplest and we with varying degrees of take this knowledge for granted. We take success, great thinkers, philosophers and for granted the idea that 2 and 2 makes 4, poets how have been touched by a single but barely half a century ago, there were spark of genius. peoples who’s counting system was as Certain groups are given the tools of simple as: 1, 2, many! logic that have been passed down over the So to end this unusual article, I would like millennia. to offer my favourite puzzle that I set for For example, How many of you are or were anyone coming to me to learn programming Teachers, Scientists (all branches of the (and therefore Logic). The puzzle is simply sciences) or in the computer industry? to get them to analyse and write down the All of us have been trained, whether we steps required for make a cup of tea. The remember task itself really is very simple. So, your it or not, to think logically. mission, if you choose to accept it (Queue My Father is an ex-forces chef who has ‘Mission Impossible’ cooked for the Queen, put Gordan Ramsey theme tune), is to make a cup of Tea and up a wall for foul-mouthing in my father’s itemise every step. You might be surprised kitchen and, in later life, re-trained as a how many you miss! So until next week Catering Lecturer. So now try imagine my have a great weekend and enjoy your tea! confusion when I For further information or advice on found, on my father’s computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or bookshelf, a book

canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

HOW TO NEGOTIATE ROUNDABOUTS If you are unsure about the correct way to negotiate roundabouts, here are some simple rules to help you enter and exit roundabouts safely and in the right lane.

APPROACHING ROUNDABOUTS It’s important to remember to give way to traffic already on the roundabout. If the roundabout is outside urban areas of towns or cities, keep right.

If the roundabout is in a built-up area inside a town or city and the lanes are clearly marked, you should use the lane that best corresponds to the exit you need to take.

LEAVING ROUNDABOUTS This causes the most confusion amongst drivers. Which lane to choose? Why do I get beeped at if I’m in the right lane? Drivers must exit roundabouts from the right hand lane, because the only way to leave the roundabout is by turning right. This doesn’t mean we always have to enter the roundabout from the right hand lane. It depends on the exit we need to take. However this simple rule, in practice, can be more complex. Let us see some examples.

1st EXIT RIGHT Enter roundabout

May 2016

keeping to right hand side lane. Stay in lane until exit is reached. Indicate and exit roundabout.

CONTINUING STRAIGHT ON (e.g. 2nd EXIT STRAIGHT AHEAD) Enter roundabout keeping to right hand side lane. Stay in lane until exit is reached. Indicate prior to exit and leave roundabout.

TURNING LEFT OR CHANGING DIRECTION (e.g. 3rd OR FINAL EXIT) Enter roundabout keeping to left hand side lane. Stay in lane until you have passed the exit before your turn off, then change lane by indicating right and giving other road users sufficient time to anticipate your manoeuvre. Don’t forget that drivers circulating in the outside lanes have priority, so use your mirrors to ensure you are not blocking them as you change lanes.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest.

If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 461 More information on Línea Directa online at

www.lineadirecta.com

SPAIN BREAKS ITS OWN RECORD FOR JOBLESSNESS OF OVER 20%

Spain has just broken one of its more dubious records. The latest statistics show that the country has endured a jobless rate of over 20% for 66 straight months, or five-and-a-half years.

The previous record – of five years and three months – was set not so long ago, in the mid 1990s.

The most recent quarterly figures, released on Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE), show persistent joblessness, despite the fact that the job market has actually been recovering for nearly two years.

Even as the economy continues to grow, the outgoing crisis is still leaving a few negative milestones behind. Between the time that employment began to flag in 2007 and the moment it hit rock bottom in early 2014, one out of every five jobs in Spain was axed, representing nearly four million positions.

In early 2013, the jobless rate had soared to around 27%. From January to March of that year, there were more than 6.2 million people without a job.

A better big picture The labor survey released by INE on Thursday is not bad in its overall figures. While jobless claims grew and employment fell, the first quarter of the year is always bad for jobs. And the larger trend points to a recovery.

The 18 million jobs or so registered in the first quarter of 2016 represent an annual increase of 3.3%, the fastest pace recorded in years. And the 4.8 million unemployed represent a drop of 12%.

Seasonally adjusted figures also show that the activity rate grew 0.87% in the first quarter.

Unproductive jobs But the economist José Ignacio Conde-Ruiz notes that “if job creation picks up, as it is doing, while the economy slows down, that proves that the

productivity of the jobs being created is very low. They are bad jobs. The model is headed to what it always has been.”

The evolution of temporary work in the last year appears to confirm this statement. In the last 13 months, there was a 10% increase in the number of temporary workers, from 3.4 million up to 3.7 million. The temporary employment rate is now 25%, nearly 1.5 percentage points higher than in the same period last year.

Seasonal work has always been the classic way out of labor crises in Spain, and this time is no exception. But the fact that it remains so strong two years later shows that entrepreneurs are still not confident enough about the future to hire permanent workers.

And there are other indicators that speak eloquently about the situation.

Between January and March, there were 719,100 households without any kind of income, and 1,610,900 households where no member of the family had a job.

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COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

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HOME MORTGAGE LOANS ROSE BY 24.3% IN 2015 Data for the end of 2015 confirm that the housing sector in Spain is continuing on the path of stabilisation and normalisation after the hard years of the economic crisis, reports idealista.com.

Mortgage loans for the purchase of a home increased by 24.3% year-on-year at the end of 2015, accumulating two consecutive years of increases, following a three-year period when access to bank funding had been severely restricted. All of Spain’s regions registered double digit increases, especially the Balearic Islands (+41.8%) and Cantabria (+33.0%), while below the national average stood Navarra (+13.5%) and Madrid (+20.1%). Moreover, the average mortgage value increased by 7.9%, yearon-year, to 126,950 euros.

Home sales in Spain achieved an average increase of 9.2% yearon-year in 2015, although this rate varied over the LUBRIN regions, according to a

report published by the General Council of Notaries. All regions registered increases, except for Castilla-La Mancha, which recorded a decline of 1%. The regions which registered the greatest increases in housing transactions were the Basque Country (+17%), the Balearic Islands (+16.5%), Valencia and Catalonia (both +10.4%), while Madrid did not exceed the national average and registered an increase of just 6.4%. https://news.kyero.com

O Olive

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This is a good sized villa (117m²) with lots of extras within walking distance of three villages (Arboleas, Zurgena and Alfoquia). The villa consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large lounge/dining room, a newly fitted kitchen with breakfast area and all of this is in a 600 square meter plot with a private pool (8 x 4) and driveway with plenty of space for several cars.

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May 2016

BRITAIN’S CITIES HAVE BECOME “UNAFFORDABLE BLACKSPOTS” FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

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spots for first-time buyers, where properties cost an average of £183,443.

The Priced Out report explores affordability Aof properties across the UK for first-time buyers, and how this has changed over the past 20 years in 14 of the UK’s largest cities.

John Willcock, head of mortgages at Post Office Money, said: “These figures highlight the challenges facing today’s first-time buyers. Cities such as Brighton are becoming unaffordable blackspots for those looking to get on the ladder, with average property prices far beyond the typical budget. The London property market has always been more challenging for new buyers to break into, which is why many instead turned to surrounding areas within a commutable distance – which in turn are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

“Many would-be buyers are having to compromise on their housing needs in order to take that allimportant first step onto the ladder. For some, this is a case of prioritising what is really essential in a home, but for others this means significant changes to their lifestyle, moving further away from work, family and friends. The earlier people start to plan and save for the future, the closer their housing reality is likely to be to their goal.” whatmortgage.co.uk

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.

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

O

Rising house prices are making it virtually impossible first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder, with some cities becoming “unaffordable blackspots”, a new study has revealed.

According to Post Office Money Mortgages, a third (36%) of homes in the UK – equivalent to 5.5 million properties – are now in areas where the average home is unaffordable for first-time buyers.

This is a trend that is getting worse, with hundreds of neighbourhoods falling out of reach over the

past 20 years.

Brighton was found to be the most unaffordable city in the study, with only 9% of properties in the city within reach of those looking to get a foot on the property ladder, compared to 100% in 1995.

Homes in the city have increased in value by 463% over the past 20 years and now stand at an average of £305,149.

Although London has a higher proportion of neighbourhoods where the average home is affordable to first-time buyers than some other cities, they still face the biggest leap to reach the first rung of the ladder, with the average property in the capital reaching almost half a million pounds (£498,174) – or the equivalent of 6.41 times their income.

It is little wonder that first-time buyers are struggling to find their feet in the housing market, with the average house price increasing by 306% over the past 20 years. And while the average firsttime buyer’s income has also increased over this period (by 159%), a typical property is now worth as much as 5.51 times as much as this.

Meanwhile, Southampton, less than 70 miles further along the coast, is one of the most affordable

URGENTLY WANTED FOR OUR BELGIAN & DUTCH CLIENTS 2/3 BED VILLAS & COUNTRY PROPERTIES IN HUERCAL-OVERA, ZURGENA & LA ALFOQUIA

Please contact our office in Huercal-Overa on

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

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

OLV262

LUBRIN

Fabulous townhouse in the middle of the village of Lubrin. Two bedrooms, living room and kitchen, plus a small outside space for sitting in the sun.

Great location and excellent price. This would make an ideal holiday home lock up and leave.

44,950€

OLV667

BEDAR (SERENA)

This beautiful property is situated in the much sought after village of Serena, close to Bedar. The property boasts many interesting features and outside areas plus a lovely cave room. There are 3 beds and spacious living accommodation in this immaculate property. A MUST SEE.

145,000€

...it’s all in the detail

OLV11116

ALFAIX

This is a unique opportunity to purchase two detached properties, a large cortijo with land, views and a private pool as well a detached two bed property next door, ideal as a letting property. The two properties are located only 15 minutes from the coast yet in a fabulous country setting with amazing views, total quiet and privacy.

425,000€

OLV1082

CABO DE GATA

This charming, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom property is located the sleepy hamlet of Gafares just 20 minutes from the renowned coastal resort of Agua Amarga in the Cabo de Gata and 15 minutes from popular coastal town of Carboneras. A characterful property in a great location.

ONLY 179,950€

19

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REF ARB3VLP20 PRICE €184,950

3 bed 2 bath detached villa a short walk from Arboleas village centre. Stunning home with private pool, long shady terrace, established fish pond, air-con and a mature landscaped garden.

REF HUE3VES04 PRICE €149,950

REF GAL2AN16 PRICE €89,950

2/3 bed 2 bath penthouse apartment with superb views, roof terrace, reading room, air-con, central heating, communal pool and an underground parking space.

Furniture is negotiable.

REF ARB4VG01 PRICE €249,950

REF ARB3VC28 PRICE €169,950

Well-appointed 3 bed 2 bath detached villa in Enddetached of cul-de-sac aspect is superb 3Arboleas. bed 2 bath villa on the outskirts of Huercal Overa town.

A bargain home with aand large flyplot, free eating area, private with unspoilt views, fully walled gated pool, workshop, wardrobes, air-con and great 8 x 4mcasita pool, extended gazebofitted covered terraces, views.

Air Con.

REF TUR3A11 PRICE €84,950

3 bed 2 bath penthouse apartment in Turre. Includes communal pool & gardens, large terrace with amazing mountain views, underground parking, furniture and fitted wardrobes. A bargain!

A luxury 4 bed 2 bath detached villa in Arboleas. 170m2 build size with a plot of 1000m2. Great views, large 10m x 5m pool, detached casita, outside kitchen, covered terraces and car port. A striking home of epic proportions.

REF ZUR3T05 PRICE €79,950

Superb value 3 bedroom townhouse with communal pool in Zurgena. 3 bed 2 bath property ideal for full time living or as a holiday home. Close to amenities, Air-Con, Communal Pool, 102m2 build size and generous room sizes throughout.

20

SOL Y MAR SM050

DELIGHTFUL COUNTRY VILLA

ALBANCHEZ ONLY 20 MINS TO ALBOX

87,500€

Delightful country villa set on a plot of 217m2 in a beautiful country setting.

The property is located just 2 minutes drive from the town of Albanchez which has bars, shops, bank, medical centre etc. The property is in a quiet location and enjoys excellent views of the surrounding countryside. The property comprises of:- 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen (fully fitted including white goods), and lounge/diner. Outside there is a good sized patio area for outdoor eating and sunbathing and also included in the price is a Jacuzzi.

Viewing is recommended.

SM042

SM044

ARBOLEAS

May 2016

TEL: 950 064 584 609 199 394 BEAUTIFUL SETTING

NEW LISTING 139,000€

Beautiful Country Home set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

This property is in a semi rural location set against a beautiful mountain back drop yet only 10 minutes from the town of Arboleas. It features a stunning garden setting with fantastic views , decking area with Jacuzzi, bbq area, plot size of 600m2 and also land to the front of the property, an additional 400m2 with a garage.

The house is in immaculate order, ready to move into.

SM034

COUNTRY HOME

COUNTRY CORTIJO - FANTASTIC PRICE

ALMANZORA

100,000€

Spacious 3 bed 4 bathroom detached traditional cortijo with much charm and character and many original features. Most attractive and desirable location as short drive to the nearest village and just off main access road.

This large property offers scope for minor renovation hence the fantastic price.

This home comes with many extras including 4 outbuildings, garage and a new fitted kitchen. Set in a small hamlet of country houses in a setting yet so close to amenities.

A short drive to the traditional village of Almanzora with all amenities you would require including bars, cafes, medical centre and banks.

Only 10 mins drive to the nearest main market town of Albox.

CLOSE TO ALBOX

149,950€

Main property is a detached villa with 2 large bedrooms. Large master bedroom with ensuite with bath and separate shower. The second bedroom is large and has sufficient space for two double beds if desired. Partial air con. Large fitted kitchen / diner, lounge has inset log burner with a traditional brick fireplace surround.

Adjacent to the main entrance is a large patio area with plenty of room for alfresco living and dining from here there are views over the extensive garden and the above ground pool. Next to the pool is a separate annexe that could have various uses including store, studio or guest accommodation. Further down the garden there is a 4 berth caravan in good order, perfect for overspill of summer guests.

21

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AVENIDA 28 DE FEBRERO Nº 44, ALBOX EMAIL: INFO@SOLYMARSPAIN.COM │ WWW.SOLYMARSPAIN.COM SM041

PARTALOA

NEW LISTING

169,950€

Large detached 4 bed villa with extensive grounds and log cabin, in a quiet location.

Ample parking. Large walled patio with fixed BBQ, great views of distant mountain range. Large enclosed porch forms summer living room and dining. Large lounge with pellet burner, doors to the covered porch. Fully furnished kitchen. 4 double bedrooms two with fitted wardrobes. A/C & CH radiators in most rooms. Good quality log cabin with lounge/kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom and loft space could provide sleeping for another two. Outside is a porch overlooking the pool and country views. The pool is set in its own private walled patio with country views. Fully walled garden has many aspects affording a variety of views and peaceful spots where you can enjoy life in Spain.

SM043

CELA

TWO HOUSES IN ONE

260,000€

Very large and attractive 256m2 house on the edge of Cela.

Presently set out as two separate properties on individual floors with shared garden and large pool. Each floor have 4 bedrooms, large lounge with wood burner, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, individual patio etc. Large well managed garden has separate alfresco bbq and dining area with fantastic views, store room, raised planting areas and a large unusual and very attractive pool. Completely enclosed and walled property.

Ample parking space. Ideal for extended family, B&B or rental possibilities.

Short easy walk to the natural spring water pool of Cela and bars / restaurants.

RENTAL SECTION RSM003

ALFOQUIA

WALKING DISTANCE TO ALL AMENITIES

450€ PCM RENTAL

Attached, end of terrace, corner townhouse in immaculate order available partially furnished and long term.

Features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, upstairs balcony, terrace to the front, off street parking and walking distance to Alfoquia with it’s many cafes, bars, doctor’s surgery and many other amenities.

RSM011

BAJO SALIENTE

SEMI RURAL LOCATION

450€ PCM RENTAL

Large detached family home with stunning views, semi rural location yet only a short drive to local amenities.

Features 4 bed, 2 bath, furnished, with garage.

Is available long term and from June. Must be seen to be appreciated

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

22

May 2016

FOREIGN HOME BUYERS ACCOUNTED FOR 13.2% OF TRANSACTIONS IN 2015 Homes purchased in Spain by families accounted for 87.3% of all transactions in 2015, increasing from 84.7% in 2014, and 78.1% in 2013. In contrast, housing market transactions made by companies continue to decline, to 12.7% of all transactions in 2015, compared to 15.3% in 2014 and 21.9% in 2013, although they still far exceed the volume of transactions of 2007 (5.1%).

This data comes from the Association of Registrars’ Real Estate Statistics Yearbook for 2015, which also shows that the distribution of the housing transactions carried out by individuals and legal entities is not uniform throughout the country.

According to the Registrars’ press release, the Canary Islands, Murcia and Catalonia are the regions where companies have a greater weight in the housing transactions, while individuals accounted for more transactions in the Basque Country, Extremadura, La Rioja and Asturias.

The importance of foreign buyers in the housing market is highlighted in the report, with their housing acquisitions accounting for 13.2% of all transactions in 2015, representing the seventh consecutive year of growth since the 4.2% of transactions registered in 2009, which marked their lowest point.

By region, the most popular touristic areas are attracting the majority of foreign home buyers: 35.6% of the total sales carried out in the Balearic Islands were by foreign buyers, followed by the Canary Islands (28.1%) and Valencia (26.4%). In contrast, the regions with least foreign presence with regard to housing transactions, are Galicia (0.6%), Extremadura (0.8%) and Castilla y León(1.4%).

After the recent legislative reforms enabling the granting of residence permits to foreigners carrying out one or more real estate transactions up to a value equal to or exceeding 500,000 euros, the Registrars point out that these high-value housing transactions made up 5.2% of all the purchases made by foreign buyers last year, similar to 2014 and an increase from the 4.7% of transactions made in 2013. Of these transactions, 62% were made by EU citizens and the remaining 38% were made by non-EU citizens (down from 44.9% in 2014). With regard to regions, the report again highlighted the Balearic Islands, which accounted for 16% of the transactions above 500,000 euros. kyero.com

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

NE

W

Voss Homes would like to thank our property sellers, buyers & friends for their loyalty and support.

British Family Run Estate Agents

VH933 Villa Diego - €154,950

Extremely well maintained, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 storey villa plus 3rd storey sun roof with lovely country views in El Saltador, Huercal-Overa with 8m x 4.5m covered swimming pool on a low maintenance 311m2 plot. 4 mins drive to Huercal-Overa town. 20 mins drive to San Juan de Los Terreros.

Please call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 / 0034 667 891 741 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com For more information and to arrange a viewing contact us asap.

www.vosshomesspain.com

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

23

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PROPERTY GROUP Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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

GARRUCHA

€87,000

Great 2 bed / 1,5 bath 4th floor Apartment located in the high street near the promenade, beach, 2 supermarkets and amenities. Lift.

Ref.1678

MOJÁCAR PLAYA

MOJÁCAR PLAYA

DUE TO INCREASE IN SALES WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. FREE VALUATION. NO FEES FOR ADVERTISING.

€120,000 GARRUCHA

Immaculate 2 bed / 1 bath apartment with 2 terraces and sea views near amenities and beach. Nice community.

Ref. 1667

€125,000 MOJÁCAR PLAYA

4 bed / 2 bath apartment with terrace within walking distance to shops, beach and promenade. Parking and store room.

Ref. 1693

€199,000 VERA

Charming 2 bed / 1,5 bath Townhouse with patio, terrace with bbq and roof terrace of 78 mts2. Air conditioning. Communal pool.

Ref.1690

Opening hours.

Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 6.00pm Saturday 10.00 am to 1.30pm

3 bed / 2 bath house & equestrian facilities. 1 hectare. Main water. Modern solar installation which avoids electrticity bills.

Ref.1694

€157,500

Well-appointed 3 bed / 2 bath Villa with pool on plot of 400 m2. Air con, log burner and under floor heating on upper level. Close to amenities. Ref. 1679

€520,000 MOJACAR PLAYA

Gorgeous 3 bed / 3 bath villa with pool, garage and 1 bed apartment on plot of 969 m2.

Very short distance to beach and amenities.

Ref.1670

€80,000

2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with large terrace and underground parking place. Communal pool. Sold fully furnished.

Ref.1672

€153,000 ORIA

Panoramic sea views. 2 bed / 1 bath apartment with 2 terraces near amenities, new promenade and beach.

Ref. 1669

PLAYA €299,000 MOJACAR

MOJÁCAR PLAYA

€795,000

Unique 4 bed / 3 bed villa with pool and sea views. 1 bed independent apartment. Large living room. Many extras. Built 491 mst2.

Ref.1692

24

May 2016

BOB THE PAINTER

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

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

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VIEWPOINT

THE CUNNING PLAN discretion to evacuate the Village during

To say that the Alquerian Parliament was a hotbed of intellectual excellence would be somewhat of an overstatement.

Indeed the collective wisdom of the whole village is rather like a forty watt bulb, when glowing at its best the room gets darker.

They had however surpassed themselves this time. Alqueria was going to war.

The cunning plan involves declaring war on Spain, losing and letting Spain rebuild Alqueria, investing millions in its reconstruction. A latter day ‘Marshall Plan’. To the casual observer this strategy may seem rather risky but the state of the Alquerian economy demanded desperate action.

Spain had long since closed its borders with Alqueria, fearing the dysfunctionality of its inhabitants may be contagious. They only way an Alquerian could get a visas was to pass straight through Spain and not touch anything on the way. The border closure issue was just the excuse needed. A telephone call was made to the Palace of Monaco in Madrid expressing Alquerian outrage at the closure of its borders. Unfortunately ‘expressing outrage’ wasn’t one of the numbered options of the automatic answering system, the nearest was “Press two if you are the Catalan President requiring independence”. A letter was sent instead.

Intelligence isn’t the only Alquerian attribute in short supply, courage is also conspicuous by its absence in the collective breast. It was decided in the interest of

hostilities. The entire population took to the road disguised as a touring Abyssinian Goat Shirling extravaganza. Loco Paco was left behind however and told to ‘hold the fort’, he spent the next two weeks looking for a suitable fort to hold.

The plan appeared to work well with the Spanish Army invading after the Air Force dropped a couple of bombs which resulted in two thousand Euros worth of improvements. All seemed to be going remarkably well, a plan for the rebuilding of Alqueria was discussed, agreed and duly signed. But it was all going too well. When it came to actually transferring the cash needed for the restoration it was discovered that some enterprising Spanish politician had purloined the funds and diverted them to a certain central American country with a canal running through it.

They say that ‘The Devil looks after his own’ and this held true. The bombing had destroyed the drainage system of Alqueria which leaked its foul smelling contents into the Alquerian earth producing the conditions ideal for the maturing of the Remitroot crop. The result was a bumper harvest, full Alquerian coffers and the drunks of the Pueblo could once more drink themselves into insensibility.

SECOND HAND ROSE

Since my unpremeditated encounter with the ground Pete has to do all the cooking, even the cooking that does not require cooking, like buttering bread. He has to cut my food into bite-sized pieces, so that I can manage to eat it with just a fork, like an American.

He also has to attend to most of the housework – though I can manage a little ladylike dusting.

And as for washing and dressing!

I disappear into the bathroom and re-emerge half a lifetime later with the plaintive words ‘Pete, can you help me put my bra on, please?’ He maintains that he has never had a problem taking it off, but finds putting it on an altogether different matter!

However, although we manage to overcome all these daily tribulations with a bit of ingenuity, the one that exercises my mind the most is the daily problem of ‘what to wear.’ I have a more than sufficient supply of clothing suitable for every occasion – except the occasion of having one functioning arm and one plaster monstrosity with an oversize and completely inflexible wrist.

Starting at the bottom: Socks have to be baggy enough to allow me to heave them up my leg one-handed; socks that fit need 2 hands. Solution – wear Pete’s baggy socks.

I have to wear pull-up trousers, like a small child who has recently achieved toilet independence – So I wear Pete’s track bottoms. Why? Have you ever tried doing up a trouser zip one-handed?

What to wear on top? All my tops fit, therefore my gigantic arm will

25

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk not go down the sleeve.

Once again, it is Pete’s fleeces, or Pete’s jumpers, with their wide arms and comfort fit’ that come to my rescue. Should it be cold enough for a coat, it will be Pete’s dog-walking coat that is my only option.

Thus I walk the streets of Albox like an unfortunate Second Hand Rose, looking as if I am wearing clothes that have been handed down to me by my older brother.

The first time we jointly attempted to put on my wig, Creamy Toffee, we ended up with a lop-sided haystack that would have lost a fashion contest to Wurzel Gummidge! But we’re getting good at it now, we can get it on and straightened in a trice.

But at least it is new, not second hand!

PS To whom it may concern: +44 191 2790575 is the number to phone for an EHIC if you live abroad.

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26

May 2016

JIMMY CARR

WWE LIVE

NEW ORDER

Formed in 1980 the Manchester band have regrouped & are touring the UK

Funny Business Tour, TVs Funnyman is on the road in another side splitting tour.

Watch your favorite stars in action in the UK. John Cena, Big Show & Sheamus

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THESE PLUS MANY OTHER EVENTS AT WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

ANSWERS

WORDSEARCH

2. What vegetable is traditionally used in a Moussaka?......................................

SOLTIMES SPORT QUIZ

HUMAN SKELETON AND ORGANS

FIND AND CIRCLE ALL OF THE SKELETAL PARTS AND BODY ORGANS THAT ARE HIDDEN IN THE GRID. THE REMAINING LETTERS SPELL A SECRET MESSAGE.

3. What continent do tomatoes originate from?.....................................................

4. What is the Indian dish Dhal made from?.....................................................

5. What vegetable is sold mainly before 30th October?........................................

6. What name is given to sun dried peppers used to spice up Tabasco sauce?....................................................

7. What can be Kos or iceberg?...............

8. What type of bean is used to make baked beans?.........................................

10. Peas

5. Pumpkin

9. Soya

4. Lentils

8. Haricot

3. S. America

7. Lettuce

2. Aubergine

6. Chillies

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD

1. A

SOLUTIONS

GENITALS

RIBS

COCCYX

HEART

SACRUM

CRANIUM

SCAPULA

FEMUR

STERNUM

FIBULA

TARSALS

INTESTINES KIDNEYS LIVER

HUMERUS

TIBIA

LUNGS

INNOMINATE

ULNA

MANDIBLE

VERTEBRA

PANCREAS

METACARPALS

APPENDIX

METATARSALS

BLADDER

PATELLA

BRAIN

STOMACH

PHALANGES

GALLBLADDER

VOICE BOX

WORDSEARCH ANSWER

SKIN SPLEEN

STANDARD SUDOKU

ANSWERS

RADIUS

EASY SUDOKU

10. What kind of vegetable are Kelvedon Wonder, Little Marvel and Hurst Green Shaft?....................................................

CARPALS CLAVICLE

THE AVERAGE HUMAN ADULT SKELETON HAS TWO HUNDRED AND SIX BONES

9. Which bean is the richest natural vegetable food?.....................................

1. At which Lane did Wimbledon play when they entered the League?............

2. At which Meadow do Shrewsbury play?................

3. If you are at Turf Moor who is playing at home?......

4. Man Utd were the first team to score 9 in a Premier game. against whom?..........

5. Mike Walker and Martin O’Neill walked out on which chairman?...........................

6. Nanninga was the first sub to score in a World Cup Final for whom?...................

7. Newcastle play at St James’ Park but who plays at St James Park?.................

8. Stokoe (Sunderland) and Revie (Leeds) were rival managers in the 1973 FA Cup Final. For which teams were they rivals as Cup Final players?..............................

9. What name is shared by Scunthorpe, Southend and Rotherham?........................

10. What was strange about the tackle that ended the career of keeper Chic Brodie of Brentford in 1970?...........

ANSWERS

SQUIGGLE SUDOKU

SOLTIMES VEGETABLE QUIZ

1. Carrots are especially rich in which vitamin?................................................

NAME THE ARTIST/BAND AND THE ALBUM

5. South Korea, UAE 6. Wimbledon 7. Brazil 8. Real Madrid 9. Brazil 10. Blackpool

SOL PICTURE QUIZ!

1. Kenny Dalglish 2. Ron Saunders 3. Alf Ramsey 4. Keith Gillespie

ON THIS DAY 5TH MAY

5 Kraftwerk / Electric Cafe 6 Madonna / True Blue 7 Gorillaz / Gorillaz 8 Michael Jackson / Dangerous

1640 – King Charles I of England dissolves the Short Parliament.

1821 – Emperor Napoleon dies in exile on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

1866 – Memorial Day first celebrated in United States at Waterloo, New York.

1949 – The Treaty of London establishes the Council of Europe in Strasbourg as the first European institution working for European integration.

1977 – The first of The Nixon Interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon are broadcast.

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27

UK Motorhomes Wanted

Contact Karl on 0044 7976 662395

email: carlskitt@live.com

ACROSS

STANDARD CROSSWORD

1 Reverend (8) 5 Delegate (6) 9 Width of a circle (8) 10 Makes angry (6) 12 Accumulation (9) 13 Verbalize (5) 14 Fee (4) 16 Vigilant (7) 19 Floating mass of frozen water (7) 21 The founder of a family (4) 24 Hindu loincloth (5) 25 Apparently (9) 27 Blanks at the start of a new paragraph (6) 28 Inherent aptitude (8) 29 Contraptions (6) 30 Simile (8)

DOWN

1 Lunatic (6) 2 Subtlety (6) 3 Vista (5) 4 Old Testament prophet (7) 6 Woodpecker (9) 7 Recognize or name (8) 8 Holes in the nose (8) 11 Chew (4) 15 Submissive behaviour (9) 17 What Nero was doing (8) 18 Recharged a weapon (8) 20 Mirth (4) 21 The systematic study of things (7) 22 Odour (6) 23 A marine mollusc (6) 26 Additional (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLES

EASY

SQUIGGLE

FAMOUS BITHDAYS ON THIS DAY

STANDARD

1957 – Richard E. Grant, Swazi-English actor, director, and screenwriter 1981 – Craig David, English singersongwriter 1987 – Jessie Cave, English actress 1988 – Adele, English singer-songwriter

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 9 Set up in stand (7) 10/6/16D Proverbial kitchen advice - “Robin should initially use both heliports” - is more than enough at first (3,4,5,5,3,5) 11 Lack of activity in hesitation, I send thanks round (7) 12 Non-famous peacekeepers are aware of nitrogen (7) 13 Telling? Not if one’s in good New York return (9) 15 Good man (single American) returns diamonds, say (5) 16 Vehicle (cart) flipped on hill (7) 19 Course of action destroying corpses (7) 20 Delete, as in before (5) 21 Well-bred bloke, name ‘Lieutenant North’ for example, returns (9) 25 Make more abrasive, right enough, perhaps (7) 26 Coping and dishing out (7) 28 Loftier, new clover (7) 29 Consume right points inside, being sincere (7) DOWN 1 No-one named, I’m returning leech (6) 2 State categorically as sure thing, we hear (6) 3 Quick! Stop eating! (4) 4 Base in Dundalk, a limit (6) 5 Hung good man with part of ladder before being awake (6,2) 6 See 10 Across 7 Petrol good as nothing left in England (8) 8 Sleepy state from joint? No sister reportedly (8) 14 Plump? That woman? Cover paternity (10) 16 See 10 Across 17 Primitive calculators as cubes arranged after beginning of April (8) 18 John’s actual first name - Gerald - in confusion (8) 22 “No double-D, Edward” indicated assent (6) 23 First without runs (6) 24 Times of darkness and odd things (6) 27 Area measure in new race (4)

28

950 121 936 - sales@soltimes.com

May 2016

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

NEW POTATO AND CHORIZO TORTILLA Serves 4-6

Preparation time 10 min, cooking time 35 min Raymond Blanc’s tortilla recipe uses jersey royal potatoes, which are available during the spring months, but these can be substituted for another non-floury potato at any other time of the year

Sally Sally

950 132 048

Delicatessen & Bakery

DAILY SPECIALS & TAKEAWAY • Pork Pies • Scotch Eggs • Potato Salad • Paninis & toasted Sandwiches • Coronation Chicken Salad

• Cottage Pie • Lasagne • Quiche • Chocolate & Cream Cakes • Apple Pie

All homemade on our premises Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 3pm Local 29, Las Buganvillas (Next to Paws)

Full Menu Available ALL DAY, EVERY DAY from 10am - 9pm, Sunday 5pm-9pm SATURDAY 7TH MAY AT 2.30 Martin the Singing Dutchman live in the garden

La

INGREDIENTS 400g Jersey Royal potatoes, quartered 1 onion, diced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 3 tbsp olive oil 2 bay leaves 1 thyme sprig 1 rosemary sprig Pinch Espelette pepper or smoked paprika Pinch sea salt 120g chorizo, cut into small dice 15g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 80g spinach, chopped 8 eggs, whisked

METHOD 01. Preheat the oven to 170ºC/Gas Mark 3½. In a medium sauté pan with a lid, over a medium heat, sweat the potatoes, onion and garlic in the oil with the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, Espelette pepper or smoked paprika and salt for 13–15 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid any colouring.

02. Add the chorizo and continue to sweat for 5 minutes with the lid on so the flavours mingle. Finally, add the parsley and spinach and stir them into the vegetables for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat, add the eggs and stir everything together until evenly mixed.

03. Pour the egg mixture into a 20cm non-stick ovenproof frying pan and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 5 minutes before turning out on to a board or a large serving dish. Using a serrated knife, cut the omelette into 4–6 wedge-shaped slices and serve warm. deliciousmagazine.co.uk

V

Restaurant - Bar ida

Sharron & Danny welcome customers new and old

Traditionally Cooked Sunday Lunch

Roast Beef, Pork, Chicken, Honey Roast Gammon (and now Braised Lamb available at a supplement)

Available 12:30pm - 4pm

SATURDAY 14TH MAY AT 2.30 Adelante live in the garden

EVERY WEDNESDAY 6pm - 9pm

Buy one fillet meal at 10€ get the 2nd half price.

Booking essential

SATURDAY 21ST MAY AT 2.30 Cops ("The Police"tribute band) live in the garden BBQ Available for all these dates. To avoid disappointment, contact to reserve your food and table.

BBQ MENU Ribeye Steak, Jack Daniel BBQ Ribs BBQ Chicken, Plated Burger Meal Vegetarian Option Available Scan Code for our Facebook Page

(Fillet is available on the menu everyday of the week for 10€)

ZUMBA every Friday 10am-11am

Monday - Saturday 10am - Late ● Sunday 12 - Close Avenida Europa, Cucador (Above The Attic) ● 950 634 562

Fridays

Atlantic Cod Fillet with Handcut Chips & Peas We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

CUCADOR Huercal Overa

Junc 547

29

www.soltimes.com

FOOD & ENTERTAINING...

METHOD Combine first 6 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Place 2 tablespoons soy sauce mixture in a small bowl; set aside. Add chicken slices to remaining soy sauce mixture in bag; seal. Refrigerate 2 hours. Cook rice according to package directions.

Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chicken; cook 2 minutes on each side or until done. Sprinkle sesame seeds over chicken. Place 3 tablespoons rice in each lettuce leaf; top each lettuce leaf with 1/3 cup chicken mixture, 2 cucumber slices, and about 1 1/2 teaspoons green onions. Serve with reserved 2 tablespoons soy sauce mixture.

MORE RECIPES ON: http://www.myrecipes.com/ INGREDIENTS

Mesón de

Irene

#

2 1/2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons dark sesame oil 1 tablespoon gochujang sauce (such as Annie Chun's) 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced 1 cup uncooked long-grain brown rice 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds 12 Bibb lettuce leaves 24 English cucumber slices 4 green onions, diagonally sliced

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 MAY

www.barcielos.es

The Yellow Stone Bar

Traditional Sunday roast 3 courses Just 8.50€ all home cooked, Booking Essential

WEDNESDAY 4PM - 7PM, FISH AND CHIPS BOOKING RECOMMENDED call maggie or sue to book or more info Closed Monday Email: ysb1@albox-online.net

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

find us on facebook

Open Daily 9:30am til Late. Tuesday-Thursday evenings only.

Breakfasts and Snacks served daily Menu Tapas Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

Full English Breakfast Large 4.50€, Small 3€ Friday Fish And Chips 6€ Saturday Homemade Pie Chips & Gravy

from 3.95€ different exciting fillings each week, take away available.

Sunday Roast 7.95€ for 2 courses Horse Riding Special

2 hour trek including 2 course Sunday roast with glass of wine/beer just 25€ pp. Call to reserve.

Free mini bus service available call for details. Free wifi BT and Sky Sports Call Linda for more information Tel: 642 947 182 Plaza de Constitucion S/N Partaloa plazabarpartaloa for up and coming events

THAI TASTER EVENING

SATURDAY 7TH MAY, ONLY 16.95€ PP

book now to avoid disappointment, 50% booked already

STARTERS A mixed platter of the following Succulent fresh Prawns coated in Filo Pastry deep fried and served with a Plum Dip. Crunchy Vegetable Spring Roll served with Chilli Dip. Thai Fish Cakes served with a Home Made Sauce on a bed of Spinach.

Skewer of Fillet Pork marinated and served with home-made Peanut Sauce.

CHOICE OF MAINS served with Jasmine or Egg Fried Rice.

SEAFOOD CURRY - A mix of Prawns / Squid cooked with Kaffir Lime Leaves GAI PHAT MET MAMUANG. - Sliced Chicken Fillet cooked with Cashew Nuts RED VEGETARIAN THAI CURRY - Contains mixed Vegetable VEGETARIAN STIR FRY - Fried Mushrooms cooked in Oyster Sauce PHAD THAI GOONG- The most famous Thai dish of Noodles cooked with Prawns.

PAD PRIK KING - Spicy Pork Fillet Marinated in red paste cooked with Ginger. (Very spicy) KUA GLING - Minced Pork with hot yellow curry paste. (Spicy) DESSERT Fresh Fruit Platter All dishes are authentic and we can also cater for seafood lovers, vegetarians and gluten free dishes Bar Cielos also caters for private parties, weddings, and any other personal event. Call us now for a quote or email us your requirements at barcielos@hotmail.com

All enquiries to Glenn at barcielos@hotmail.com or call 634 393 235 / 850 991 315

OPENING HOURS: Monday: 6pm til late. Tuesday-Sunday: 12noon til late. Friday: 11am til late

30

& G N I N I ENTERTAD ABOUT OUT AN

is tise on th r e v d a o ...t 6 0 121 93 5 9 ll a c pa g e

May 2016

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

is situated in the pretty village of Cerro Gordo and just 10 minutes outside Albox. They do delicious homemade food including beef wellington,

Bar-Restaurante

LA PALMERA

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

orchard pie and speciality food. All freshly prepared so booking is essential. Try their homemade 3 course Sunday lunch at 8.50€. Free venue for your Party or Get Together just

E.E. S.S. TERDIGUERA Servicio de Neumaticos • Petrol • Shop Cafe • Restaurant • Car/Lorry Wash RESTAURANT MENU DEL DIA MONDAY TO FRIDAY CHOICE OF 8 STARTERS

Inc. Paella, Beef Stew, Roast lamb CHOICE OF 8 MAIN COURSES INC: Oxtail, grilled beef, baked cockles, Calamari, Salmon, Grilled Chicken, Panga in Green Sauce CHOICE OF 8 DESSERTS Inc. Ice Cream, Profitteroles, Cakes SALAD, CAFÉ & A DRINK €9

DIFFERENT MENU EVERY DAY Polig. Ind. De Albox. Opp. I.T.V. Tel: 950 120 303

La Cena

Restaurante

“ The Good Food Place”

continuing in its 35th season

950 615 030 www.elbeachbar.com

“el beachbar” Mojácar South Beach

Albox

MENU DEL NOCHE €10.95

Spanish food is one of the best cuisines around the world.

Discover 10 of the most amazing and curious facts about the Spanish cuisine and gastronomy. Top 10 food facts of Spain: Spain with a 44 % of market share is by far the most important producer of olive oil in the world. This is more than twice the Italian production and four times Greek production!

Spain is the number one in terms of area covered by vineyards. Around 15.5 % of the world vineyards are in Spain!

Around 75 % of the world saffron production is in Spain! Saffron is one of the essential ingredients of the paella dish!

The wine Sherry comes from a city of southern Spain called Jerez, a corruption of the Persian name for the city (Sheriz).

Tortillas in Spain are omelettes! Spanish omelette is commonly known as Spanish tortilla.

Spain is the 5th exporter of wine to the U.S.A. (after Italy, Australia, France and Chile).

Most famous wines in Spain are red ones, but the majority of the vineyards are of white grapes!

Tomatoes, potatoes, cacao, tobacco were imported to Europe by Spaniards. See Spanish food influences and history.

Tapas are not a typical dishes or food, tapas are more a way to eat them. The word ‘tapa’ means cover and Tapas originally were slices of cheese or something else used to cover a drink in order to keep flies and mosquitos away!

Spain is the second country in numbers of bars per inhabitant, just after Cyprus.

739. www.bistobonita. alittlebitofengland.es

La Cena would like to invite you to sample the exciting new additions to the already successful menú of the night. With 4 new additions per the 3 course taking it to 11 starters 10 mains, and 9 sweets.

With additions to include more choice for the high volume of gluten free people.

Still priced at the value courses, including a carafe

Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday

Full al-carte still available.

FULL A LA CARTE ALSO AVAILABLE Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm

about Spanish food & cuisine

950 930 169 or 650 599

Includes a carafe of wine per couple 11 Starters, 10 Mains & 9 Desserts

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

10 AMAZING FACTS

phone Chris for details -

beating 10.95€ for 3 of wine for 2 people.

Please call for reservation. carol4simon@hotmail.com

ROQUETAS DE MAR COMMUNITY NEWS

FTG NOTICE

The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet each Friday somewhere in the Urbanisation at 13.00hrs and, venues for the next few weeks are: 6 May – Lilly’s Bar, Playa Serena.

13 May – Tapas Bar Almar, (next to Cafe Bar Scotia), in the Urb. 20 May – Tapas Ana, C/Sierra Nevada, in the Urb. 27 May – to be advised.

3 June – Bar Lady Lay, C/Sierra Nevada, in the Urb. 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!

FOR ALL YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISING NEEDS

31

CALL SALES on 950 121 936

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 SUE BARLOW 950 333 344 SUSAN NIELSON 950 333 266

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

Ta p a s / Sn a c k s En g l i s h Me nu Fish & Chips C o f f e e & C a ke s Sa n g r i a

Open 9:30am - Late (Closed Tuesdays) Opposite Protur Hotel

678 202 160

B C H ASiPerraL NIevNadSa, RPoqueUtas 27 Calle

RTS NO1 SPO

BAR

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE

SAT 3PM KO’S

Free Wi-fi Daily All Live Sport pm Tues Bingo 3 0ish .3 9 iz Friday Qu t Karaoke Saturday nigh es - Sun Open from 1pm Tu 8 TEL 618 824 36

0€ Light Bites 1.5 day 7.95€ Ribs Wednes ursday 7.95€ h T k a te S in 8oz Sirlo Chips 5.95€ Friday Fish & Roast 2€ Mini Sunday le Everyday! b a il a v A u n e Full M ars d for 10 ye e h s li b ta s E

ALL LIVE SPORTS SHOWN

Tuesday

BINGO 3pm TUESDAYS MAHOU LARGE 2€ SMALL 1€ & LARGE GLASS HOUSE WINE 2€ SMALL WINE 1€

Opening Hours

- Sunday 9:30am - till late.

Closed Mondays

Find us in the Paseo Maritimo front line beach Near FREE Zoraida Park and Gardens hotels WIFI Tel: 950 099 400

FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS IN 2016 ROQUETAS DE MAR SUB-BRANCH 3569

26th APRIL – Lunch in Almerimar at Club de Pensionistas. Meet at 12.00 noon for pre-lunch drinks at Leo’s Bar in the Port.

3rd MAY – Social meeting and Quiz afternoon.

2nd JUNE – Visit to Vintage Car Museum in El Ejido. Details and times from Jenny or Gerry Storey.

7th JUNE – Social meeting.

14th JUNE – Lunch on the beach. Chiringuito Paco at 1.30 for 2.00pm. Contact Jenny or Barry to reserve your place..

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.

32 CUSTOMERS CAN NOW PAY FOR ADVERTISING IN OUR NEW DROP IN SOL TIMES OFFICE LOCATED WITHIN SOL Y MAR

AIR CON

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

MD S.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

25 Years Sole Experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

NOT A JACK OF ALL TRADES

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com Telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917

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

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

SOLOSAT A/C SERVICES

SOL CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS UP TO 300€ FOR FREE EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM BY TUESDAY 5PM

HONDA PRAMAC s8000 Petrol Generator Remote start/stop Only 16 months old Used as back up for solar power system Buyer collects 900€ Tel: 618 390 512

fire and 2 gas bottles part full, 40 euros will split. 2.5 kw oil filled radiator 15€, floor standing electric fan 8€, all in excellent condition.

Tel 634 332 630 (Mojacar area) FREE – GRE STEEL-WALLED CIRCULAR SWIMMING POOL, dimension 3.5m x 1.2m (requires new liner, integral pump/filter/skimmer, ladder and full instruction/maintenance manual, Tel 670 381 839

SUMMER POOL COVER 8 X 5m.

Brand new still packaged 150€, Glass TV stand with 3 shelves, can be corner or wall standing 25€, Small chest freezer. Good condition. 25€ Tel 950 930 287

OLYMPUS E-300 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA with a 1445 Lens + a 40-150 Lens, email: solosat@gmail.com Charger 2 Batteries USB cable Instruction CD and Manuals complete with Carrying Case €250 ONO Tel: 950 591 FOLDAWAY CYCLE, as 786 or Mob: 610 601 676 Air Conditioning Services new, cost £160- bargain at 80€ Tel: 679 012 025. GARAGE DOOR UP AND based in Mojacar & all areas OVER Grey Vertically Corrugated with 10 years experience covered EXERCISE BIKE checks Steel, ex working order. Width heart rate, distance, speed [Actual Opening 2865].

We offer competitive affordable rates mph, 50€ Tel: 695 062 161 2990 Height 2400mm, 3 Keys, Buyer Collect Arboleas.275€ ONO, VISIT TRAMPOLINE, Fox Hunter www.digitalvisiones.com 16ft diameter, safety net, ladder REJA - Black GRILLE - H1138 etc, in excellent condition, can W1146mm in 8 Vertical Segments Email: info@digitalvisiones.com be seen erected or send photo each 130mm Wide, 85€ ONO, Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081 email, 200€ ono. Terreros area, Evenings only Tel: 950 064 032.

Tel: 634 312 365 / 950 466 282 3 TIER ELECTRIC STEAMER ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CAMPINGAZ A20 bottled gas BRAND NEW still in box 30€ Tel: 600 701 608 Almerimar Call 699 909 737, 950 528 334 or

Digital Vision

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS.

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

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

www.ecocorpshop.com Are you getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills Do you want a clean, reliable energy alternative If so call Ecocorp on 671 716 597 or 950 930 187 for a no obligation quotation

AIRPORT SERVICES

www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

“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

www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk COMPUTERS

STEVE HAYES INFORMATICA

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables

Albox, Almeria

Tel: 950 120 900

POOL TABLE 3X6ft, BCE Sports, Blue Baize.

Removable Legs, & Adjustable feet levels, as new, Cues, Set of balls.

Triangle, chalk & cover Buyer Collects 250€ Tel: 662 456 715 Arboleas Area.

on wheels with extendable middle shelf & separate mouse holder, light wood 60 cm w/50CM d with adjustable swivel computer chair blue/black & hp desk printer. Ex. Con. 75€ Tel: 950 369 015/ 674 551 463 Sorbas/Mojacar area.

LARGE MIRROR gold wooden frame 85cmx112cm good con 35€, Oval wooden coffee table good con 70cm x 118cm 20€, Spanish standard lamp light blue good working 8€ Tel 634 329 546 Palomares Area Beautiful teak glass topped coffee table as new 59€ Tel: 672 889 615 THOMANN DP-85 R ARRANGER DIGITAL PIANO - 88 hammer action weighted keys, 559 sounds, 203 styles, 100 songs, 64note polyphony, metronome, lesson function, 3x pedals, speakers: 2 x 25 watts, headphone jack, MIDI I/O, USB port, dimensions in mm: 1410 x 530 x 850, rosewood-mahogany-design complete with adjustable piano stool. Cost €529 hardly used bargain €300 no offers. Tel: 950 091 953

BOXED NEARLY NEW PAIR OF WIRELESS SPEAKERS COMPUTER TABLE in beech can be freestanding/ wall mounted/ electric or battery DRAINAGE powered. Ideal for home/garden use. Can be used ▪ Emptying of Septic Tanks & with TV to create surround sound, Cesspits, with high pressure MP3 player, your home HI FI to have cleaning sound in another ▪ Small unblockages of pipes room or radio full instructions & drainage included. English Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks plug/ but can put on a spanish one.

Contact: 675 838 808 90€ El saltador, Huercal Overa.

Tel: 687 052 859

Cleaning of Septic Tanks

APPROX 480 CLASSIC CAR & MOTORCYCLE • Installation of new septic MAGAZINES tanks with certificates from the 50/60s all decent condition • Repairs to existing pozos & boxed 250€ ono • CCTV Camera well worth it to a genuine collector.

Inspection English Mags Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 able to deliver.

Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net Mob. 600 349 436.

LICENSED POZO/SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING

May 2016

To Advertise your business in the

SOLTIMES

contact JANE 950 121 936 or email sales@soltimes.com WWW.SOLTIMES.COM SEE US ONLINE EVERYDAY 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

HEALTH & BEAUTY AVON COSMETICS Tel Claire 691 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es

HOBBY/CRAFT ELAINE’S WOOLS Quality UK Wool & Accessories.

Come & view my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT Services & Total Entertainment Call 667 273 889 elaineswools@ gmail.com

INSURANCE

ALBOX INSURANCE Award Winning Agent FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS PLEASE CONTACT Glenn & Jayne 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@ gmail.com IRON/METAL

THE METAL WORKS Grills, railings, gates of all types, security / sliding / roller, rejas, concertina doors etc.

Tel: Keith Wood 638 900 949 LOCKSMITH PHIL THE PICK LOCKSMITH 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded house safes.

Arboleas & surrounding area.

Special weekend rates.

Tel: 697 243 181

33

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

PAINTER/DECORATOR

PAINTER & DECORATOR FRIENDLY - PROFESSIONAL -RELIABLE

PROPERTIES

SAT / TV SERVICES

ABSOLUTE FRONT LINE APARTMENT FOR HOLIDAY RENTAL, MOJACAR PLAYA

Digital Vision

ALL TYPES OF EXTERIOR & INTERIOR WORK

We offer competitive affordable rates

RING FOR A FREE QUOTE

VISIT

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

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 PERSONAL Sex Aid Herbal Pills Increase sexual endurance

Works within 20mins and can last up to 24 hours Women’s pink pills or men’s blue pills blister pack of 10 for 35€ CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED

CALL 620 166 719

www.digitalvisiones.com Email: info@digitalvisiones.com

3 bedroom top floor apartment located in sea frontline position opposite the best beaches in the southern end of Mojacar Playa.

The apartment is bright and spacious with a build area of over 100m² + a terrace overlooking the sea. Communal pool.

Air conditioning in all rooms and lounge.

Located within very easy walking distance to all shops and amenities.

Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081

36,000€

VACANCIES

ENGLISH, SPANISH, BELGIUM, FRENCH, DUTCH & GERMAN TV systems installed and maintained, TEL: 600 759 207 including Sky TV, BT FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY Sport, Canal Digital.

Call 620 198 162

Spanish cortijo ruin with 2 fields total 4226 m2 Land is urbano, you can build on it, or work it. Water & Electric easily connected. 15 mins Huercal Overa.

Paperwork Fully Legal.

Tel: 958 710 627 0044 7796 475870 REMOVALS

SPAIN UK SPAIN REMOVALS Friendly Reliable Service, Fully Legal Special offers from Spain - UK Specialising in Rural Property with Character Office: 968 564 298 Whether you are buying or selling Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@hotmail.com We will be delighted to

PROPERTY

hear from you

Call Stephen 636 266 641 email info@findmeahome.eu Find us online at www.findmeahome.eu facebook.com/findmeahome e us ho ale? s for

C & A REMOVALS & STORAGE UK-SPAIN - SPAIN - UK FROM A BOX TO A FULL LOAD CARS, PETS & PASSENGER IF REQ

LOCAL REMOVALS ALSO

SECURE STORAGE

LUBRIN ALMERIA SPAIN & ESSEX UK UNWANTED ITEMS BOUGHT FOR CASH CALL: 634 310 512/634 349 347 OR 07482 319 786

REMOVALS

Spain UK Spain For the very best in advertising your property and getting the results you need call 950 121 936

Satellite Services

based in Mojacar & all areas with 10 years experience covered

Friendly, Reliable, All jobs considered. Call John on UK: 00447 939 88 0110 Spain: 0034 634 368 071 chalmersJ8@hotmail.co.uk www.uk-spain-removals.com

PART TIME HAIR STYLEST FOR BUSY ARBOLEAS SALON SPANISH SPEAKING AN ADVANTAGE CALL 642 319 247 FOR MORE DETAILS

Advertise all your unwanted items for sale Any single item up to 300€ is

FREE OF CHARGE Deadline Tuesday 5pm

Monday to Friday Between 10am & 5pm

or EMAIL US Send your advert or

lineage to

sales@soltimes.com

SOLTIMES

have a vacancy at the office of Los Carasoles We are looking for a talented artworker to join our expanding team in our production department.

You must be able to use

INDESIGN & PHOTOSHOP

have a creative eye, love the pressure of working to a deadline and have a good sense of humour!

If this sounds like you

Please send your CV to editor@soltimes.com

34

May 2016

ARE YOU A TRADE BUSINESS? ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION & REACH OVER 30,000 POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

Classified box from 9€. Lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Thursday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 MOTORING SECTION GARAGES

FOR SALE

Hyosung 250 G.V. Motorcycle

Quality new parts for all cars including: Clutches, Brakes, Alternators, Service Kits, Starter Motors & Headlights FOR A SENSIBLE PRICE AND A FREE QUOTE GO ONLINE OR TELEPHONE

Excellent condition, 1 owner from new, 14,000KMS, 2 helmets, and lots of extras

ER TATION MATT “WHERE REPU

2,000€

ono. (inc transfer)

www.carpartsineurope.com

0044 1223 969 544 carpartsineurope@gmail.com

FOR SALE

Seat Ibiza 1.4 petrol blue 1998 left hand drive Spanish plates.

450€ for more info call 642 950 860 or pop into The Garage

THE GARAGE S”

Call 620 112 193

To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers

Call Jane 950 121 936

ALL MAKES & MODELS CATERED FOR

ADDRESS : NAVE 2, POLIGONO INDUSTRIAL, LLANOS DE ARBOLEAS, ARBOLEAS TEL: 950 930 922 OR 616 453 813

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.

Carretera Autonomica A-399 - c / Paraje el Puente sin 04810. Oria, Almeria

NUMBER PLATES

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

E Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates

WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

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BIG CATS ‘SPOTTED ON LOOSE’ IN SMALL AREA OF UK COUNTRYSIDE AT LEAST 50 TIMES

One report, made in March 2011 in Ruthin, North Wales, even claimed a lamb carcass had been stripped to the bone in connection with big cats.

Big cat sightings have been reported in a small area of UK countryside at least 50 times since 2001.

Large feline-like creatures resembling panthers, pumas or lynx, could be staling the hills of North Wales, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act. There have been 10 official reports made to North Wales Police in the past five years.

Exotic creatures have been allegedly spotted in fields, hedges and even along the roadside in places including Wrexham, Denbigh, Mold, Caernarfon and Llandudno.

One report, made in March 2011 in Ruthin, even claimed a lamb carcass had been stripped to the bone in connection with big cats.

But are they actually prowling the countryside,

or is it a myth fuelled by misperception?

Big cats in North Wales were thrust into the limelight again this year when Sgt Rob Taylor of North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team, tweeted: “Hmm, we have a report of a ‘big cat’ spotted near Llanberis.

“We’ve disproved previous reports however!#nofurtherleads” He later tweeted again saying: “I’m not a fan of Dra. Ellen Sobry big cat sightings. Still yet to see any photo or Veterinaria Appointments Only video evidence of one. +34 950 069 780 “This day and age everyone carries a camera www.clinivet.eu phone.” clinic@clinivet.eu However Darren Millar, who was serving as Emergency Clwyd West AM, was convinced there may be Avenida de Almeria 1 +34 626 171 999 something in it and in 2014 called for the Welsh Bis local 2, Edf. La Pará, Pet Groomer Now at Clinivet Government to investigate.

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Book Review

ROOM BY EMMA DONOGHUE

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

“I was a student. It was early in the morning, I was crossing a parking lot to get to the college library, listening to…this man ran up asking for help, his dog was having a fit and he thought it might be dying…”

It sounds innocent enough doesn’t it? What followed was a shocking account of a young woman’s abduction, an innocent victim who lost seven good years of her life locked up like an animal by a monster who wanted to control women and gratify his sexual desires. A pervert. Too many disturbed guys preying on women.

Ma and 5 year old Jack were incarcerated in a 11 by 11 Room which was in a soundproofed garden shed in the backyard of Old Nick who “stole” her. She was kidnapped when she was a 19 year old student and imprisoned for seven years. It could have been longer. The story begins with Jack celebrating his fifth birthday. He was born on the Rug on the floor. A stain is clearly visible after all this time. Very symbolic. His present is a picture of himself drawn by his Ma whilst he was sleeping.

He believes that the Room and everything it contains are real and that the rest of the world exists on television. Outside Room he believes it is outer space. He also thinks that he came down from heaven.

Jack narrates the story and we are soon made aware of his confusion over the truth of Outside as opposed to being trapped inside Room. Donoghue based her story on the Fritzi case which came to light in April 2008 in Amstetten in Austria. It is inconceivable to think that a father would abduct his daughter, sexually abuse her and imprison her in the basement of the family home for 24 years. She had eight children, one of them died. Three of them Kerstin, Stefan and Felix, who was only five like Jack, remained in the basement with Elisabeth their mother. They were eventually discovered when Kerstin had to be taken to hospital.

Like Old Nick, Josef punished his family by shutting off their lights or refusing to deliver food for days at a time. He threatened them that if they tried to escape he would gas them. He admitted to giving them an electric shock if they meddled with the cellar door. Shocking. “Room” is a difficult read for anyone but it’s a story that needs telling in spite of its bleakness. The film starring Brie Larson, who won an Oscar for her role, has encouraged sales of the book most recently. Time Out referred to the film as being “too grim and heartbreaking for some viewers.” Room “ is nevertheless an extraordinary film so powerful and unforgettable that it must be seen.” And the book needs to be read.

Old Nick is almost double Ma’s age and visits Room after 9.0.p.m. for sexual gratification. “He’s not human like us. He only happens in the night, like bats.” Jack has to be hidden, wrapped in Rug and stowed away in Wardrobe, like an item of clothing rather than a little boy. Old Nick plays with Ma’s head driving her crazy. When he gets angry with her he strikes her and leaves them without any electricity. One time they have to survive without any power for three days. “He thinks we’re things that belong to him, because room does.” On such days they have to eat raw vegetables or a cold mushy bagel.

They have their rituals to create a sense of normality. Mondays is laundry day when they get into the bath wearing their socks, underwear, sheets and dishtowels then squish all the dirt out. Tuesday is a cleaning day, Thursday another laundry day and on Fridays the mattress is flipped over. The rest of the time they watch tv or play inventive games or read. Anything to retain some level of sanity and normality.

As the story develops, Ma tries to explain to Jack that life exists outside of Room. She tells him she was adopted and she has a brother called Paul and parents. Jack thought she lived in a house on television. How else could he understand life in such a limited world as

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his inside Room? He thinks Ma is trying to trick him.

“We’re like people in a book, and he won’t let anybody read it.

Attempts to escape during the first eighteen months of captivity were futile. Ma would throw things at the skylight, objects such as big saucepans, chairs, even the trash container but the glass was so reinforced, completely unbreakable that the glass didn’t even crack.

Digging a hole also proved unsuccessful when she discovered a chain link fence beneath the floor.

Out of desperation she took the lid off the toilet seat and smashed it down over Old Nick’s head but it wasn’t a hard enough thrust. She pressed a knife against his throat demanding to know the code on the door but he easily overpowered her and broke her wrist. He then threatened her that if she ever pulled a stunt like that again he’d go away forever and let her starve to death.

When it proves too much for Ma who has days when according to Jack, she is Gone, incapable of getting out of bed, semi-conscious she plans the Great Escape, hoping to trick the ogre into releasing Jack under the pretence of serious illness and being in need of urgent emergency care. Jack’s alleged fever doesn’t fully convince him so Plan A is abandoned for Plan B, something more daring and dangerous.

“Remember how they crawled through the dark tunnel away from the Nazis? One at a time. That’s how we’ll do it, when you’re ready.”

Ma reminds Jack of the Count of Monte Cristo who was disguised as dead. Jack would be wrapped up in his rug: “When Old Nick comes back I’m going to tell him you died.

I’m going to show him the rug all rolled up with you inside it.” Ma goes through the plan over and over with Jack: Dead, Truck, Run, Police, Save Ma. It will prove to be the most frightening experience in Jack’s life so far. “Stay stiff, stiff, stiff like a robot.”

“I’m so scared I can’t be brave, stop stop stop but I can’t make a sound or he’ll guess the trick and he’ll eat me head first, he’ll rip off my legs.”

The escape is full of tension and builds to a climax when everything goes wrong, when Old Nick realises he has been duped. Ma is left in Room awaiting her fate whilst Jack, pretending to be dead is risking his life in an attempt to save her. Read on, it gets better and better but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Then watch the film!

Publisher: Picador. ISBN: 9-781-509-803-156.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

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May 2016

SMALL PATIO IDEAS: SMART WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SPACE

HOME & GARDEN

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Some outdoor space is better than no outdoor space, right? Don't despair if you don't have acres of land to work with.

These small space ideas will transform any space into a cosy oasis.

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USE INDOOR DECORATING IDEAS

Don't just put out some folding chairs and call it a day. Really think about it as a room in your house. What can you do to maximize light? What decorating tricks will make the space seem larger? Should you add a rug to tie the room together? The goal is to make the space cozy so you utilize the space often.

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GO WITH MOOD LIGHTING

Putting lights in the right place is key in a small space. Here, the string lights that stretch all the way across the ceiling make the space feel completely separate from the house.

PLAY WITH PATTERNS

Small spaces beg for creativity. Have fun by mixing and matching colours, shapes, and patterns.

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19TH HOLE GOLF SOCIETY, MATCH REPORT

The Tony Slinn Memorial Team Waltz.

Thursday 28th April 40 players took part in this Team Waltz in memory of Tony Slinn, Tony, as well as being a stalwart supporter of the society, was also our very able and dedicated Treasurer for several years.

With beautiful weather condition and a Lorca circuit that is an absolute pleasure to play, this really was a good day for some good scores.

The winning team scoring a very impressive 95 points of Ralph Hunter, Doug Birrell Karyn Esposito and Pete Dow certainly had a day to remember, with Doug taking 1st spot in the Men’s Individual Competition with 44 points.

Pete Dow in 2nd place with 41 points and Karyn taking the Ladies prize with 36 points.

A brilliant day’s golf on a course that is a credit to Jose and his team. I’m sure Tony would have been overwhelmed by the turnout and atmosphere in which the competition was played.

Results -The Tony Slinn Memorial Waltz.

1st Doug Birrell, Ralph Hunter, Karyn Esposito and Pete Dow. 95 points 2nd Stephen Puddephut, Ray Wicking, Nick Pogson and Ron Curtis. 89 points 3rd Bernie Obrien, Syd walker, Pat O Dwyer, and Norman Taylor 87 points Nearest the Pin - 4th Gina Doyle, 6th Nick Pogson, 8th Dave Denyer, 10th Ray Wicking, 12th Tony Mackay, 18th (in two) Nick Pogson.

Twos - 6th Paco Ocaña Grajal, 10th Norman Taylor, 12th Nick Pogson & Pat O Dwyer The 19th Hole Golf Society arranges weekly games around the area playing Aguilon every other week. For more information ring 610 340 653 or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

SPORT SHORTS by Tony Matthews • With Spurs visiting Chelsea on Monday, Leicester City’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Sunday virtually won them the PL title • Also last weekend there were wins for Arsenal 1-0 v. Norwich; Newcastle 1-0 v. Crystal Palace; Southampton 4-2 win v Manchester City; West Ham 3-0 at WBA; Everton 2-1 over Bournemouth 2-1; Watford 3-2 against Aston Villa 3-2 and Swansea 3-1 v.

Liverpool. Sunderland drew 1-1 at Stoke.

• This weekend relegation fighters Newcastle visit Aston Villa, Norwich play Manchester United and Sunderland meet Chelsea.

• The final Championship games this weekend include MiddlesbroughBrighton and Burnley-Charlton. In FL1, Burton Albion (at Doncaster) and Walsall (at Port Vale) are seeking automatic promotion while Oxford (v Wycombe), Accrington Stanley (v Stevenage) or Bristol Rovers (v Dagenham & Redbridge) will rise from FL2.

• Celtic have been crowned Scottish League champions 47th time.

• With two games remaining, Barcelona (85 points), Atletico Madrid (85) and Real Madrid (84), lie 1-2-3 in La Liga.

• Last night Bayern Munich (0) and Atletico Madrid (1) met in the second leg of the Champions League semi-

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final, while tonight Real Madrid (0) and Manchester City (0) in the other semi-final.

• Tomorrow we have the return legs of the Europa League semi-finals between Liverpool (0) Villarreal (1) and Sevilla (2) Shahktar Donetsk (2).

• Last Sunday’s Grand Prix in Russia was won by Nico Rosberg.

Lewis Hamilton (who started 10th on the grid) came second with Kimi Raikkonen third. Rosberg lead’s the driver’s championship by 43 points from Hamilton.

• At the time of going to press, Mark Selby was leading Ding Junhui in the World Snooker final in Sheffield.

• Warrington Wolves lead the Super League, ahead of Catalan Dragons and Hull FC. • Leicester, Exeter, Saracens and Wasps have qualified for this season’s Premiership semi-finals, with the make-up still to be decided.

• Frankie Dettori rode 14-1 shot Galileo Gold to victory in the first Classic of 2016, The 2000 Guineas.

• Events taking place this weekend include the French MotoGP at Le Mans; the Madrid Open tennis Championship; the Badminton horse trails; Premiership darts in Manchester and the North Carolina/Wells Fargo, Rabat Trophy and Alabama/Yokohama golf tournaments.

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THE ALMANZARA DRAWN HONG KONG PAIRS

37

Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club hosted the first competition of the new season, The Almanzara Drawn Hong Kong Pairs, which was played between the 21st and 24th April 2016.

As you would expect there were some very good rounds but none more so than the two semi-finals between Trevor Young with Peter Sands against John Beaumont with Pat Marsh and Rod Band with Brian Firth against Tony Turk and Linda Band. Both these semi-finals went down to the very last end with John and Pat winning by one shot 17-16 and Tony and Linda winning by one shot 14-13. The members and spectators were expecting a thrilling final after two fantastic semi-finals but sadly John and Pat could not reproduce the form they had in the competition even though they started off the better winning three of the first four ends. Tony and Linda pulled away and never looked back thanks SALES/SERVICE/RENTAL to some lovely bowling

by Tony who was ably ELECTRICAL BIKES assisted by Linda. Tony ORGANISED GROUP TOURS. ASK IN SHOP and Linda won 21-9 with an end to spare. Many MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10:00 to 14:00/17:30 to 20:30 congratulations to Tony and SATURDAYS 10:00 to 14:00 VERA LOS GALLARDOS Linda and commiserations SUNDAYS CLOSED to John and Pat who put up HotelVILLARICOS Lidl HA Tika 654 596 247 a gallant fight.

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May 2016

AGUILON GOLF MEMBERS REPORT

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Lots of work going on around the golf course in readiness for the summer season, with the course already in fine condition.

RESULTS Wednesday April 20 – Individual Stableford With the greens getting faster the members are finding it tricky to keep up the good scoring of recent weeks but given time they will come to terms with the examination of their putting stroke.

1st John Bridgen 35pts, 2nd Derrick Manning 33pts, 3rd Tony Phillips 32pts on a card play off Twos: Ian Jenner 8th and Norman Whibley 12th Wednesday April 27 – Individual

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Stableford It was ladies day at aguilon with our lady winner showing a clean pair of heels to our low handicappers and the chasing pack on another good day for scoring by most of the players.

1st Ann Miles 38pts 2nd Dave Sharp 36pts on a card play off 3rd John Bridgen 36pts Twos: John Bridgen x2 12th & 14th, Dave Sharp 12th, Derek Manning, Ann Miles, and Terry Moore 14th, David Greaves 17th Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Mon and Friday with prior notice For information contact Derrick on 636 240 726 or Les 634 641 199 or log on to our website at aguilonmembersclub.com

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40

SOLTIMES MAY 2016

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LEWIS HAMILTON FEARS MORE MERCEDES ENGINE TROUBLE

Lewis Hamilton fears more reliability problems could thwart his attempt to catch Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in the drivers’ championship.

Hamilton is 43 points behind Rosberg after finishing second to him in Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

The Briton said: “My concern is not about beating Nico. My concern is more the guys giving me a car to be able to fight equally.

“Do I think it is not going to happen again? No. There’ll be problems ahead.”

Listen: ‘The disappointment is getting to Hamilton’ Hamilton’s remarks are a reference to the series of reliability problems that have hit him in the last two races.

In Russia, an engine failure in qualifying left him 10th on the grid.

He fought back to second after Mercedes flew in fresh parts and his mechanics worked through the night to fit them.

Two weeks previously in China, exactly the same engine failure left him at the back of the grid, and he finished seventh in a car damaged in a collision at the first corner.

Two bad starts in the first two races in Australia and Bahrain resulted in him finishing second and third. Rosberg has won all four races so far this season.

Hamilton had another engine problem during the race in Russia. He had closed to seven seconds behind Rosberg and was entertaining

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thoughts of winning the race when the team told him to back off because his engine was losing water pressure.

The Briton said: “I’m not sure I’ve ever been big believer in luck.

There is a reason for everything. What those are, I don’t know.

“I am not hoping for it to get better, I am just going to keep doing what I’m doing. I am doing the job as well as I can do.”

Hamilton would need a victory and a second place - without Rosberg scoring a point - to draw level with the German.

Hamilton said: “He has a buffer knowing even if he has two bad weekends he is still in the fight, which is a huge confidence boost.

“Generally he has been starting at the front with no-one to really both him so it has been a nice Sunday drive for him.

“But there are still 17 races to go, and still 17 races I can give him hell.”

Rosberg said: “For sure it is a lot of points but there is a long way to go. Lewis is as strong as ever and it will be the usual tough battle with him. It is just about going race by race at the moment.”

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has described the failure that hit Hamilton on Saturday in Sochi as “freak” and has pledged that the team will work out what is going wrong. bbc.com

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