Roquetas r419 highres

ISSUE 419

roquetas & almerimar

15 - 21 JAN

SolTimes

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Page 18

English Writer And Consultant English writer & consultant wants to stare at a blank page with the help of all the work avoidance distractions that Southern Spain provides.

Quiet, reliable, in my sixties, single, no pets and with days of sex, drugs & rock ‘n’ roll in the distant past.

NOT A BAG OF SPANNERS Page 16

Wanted 2/3 bedroom apartment 1 year rental with option to extend

Must have please: no stairs, parking, good views, terrace, air conditioning, partly/fully furnished and fast broadband.

Icing on the cake would be

in or close to a marina, pool and tapas in hobbling distance.

Possibly in Aguadulce (where I spent 18 months in a hotel before it was sold....perhaps as a hint to move on?)

Contact me please on john@donnelly.net (preferred) or 00 44 (0)7817 528 982

JAKS Wide Range of UK,

Continental & Indian Foods & Spices selection of electrical Goods OPENING HOURS:

Bar Lovento International Bar under new management.

Speciality cakes.

Tapas.

Bei uns gibt es täglich kaffee und kuchen.

Mon - fri 10am - 6pm sat & sun 10am - 7pm

Roquetas de Mar Urbanisation opposite the Protur Hotel

Tel: 950 609 419

calle JABEQUE, 42, ALMERIMAR

Arkrites British Food Store

SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT ON PAGE 13

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

Large Selection of Greeting Cards

double knitting wool now in stock Mon - Fri: 10.30am - 5pm

Sat: 10am - 2pm

TEL: 950 334 081

out of hours please call 950 334 544

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

portobello

rastro Arts and Antiques

car boot sale

flea market

Almerimar PORT opposite Leo’s bar Every 2nd Sunday of the month

12 th january

Open 10am - 3pm Information 660 32 12 30

rack of Lamb available

Menu del dia 9.00€ served friday - wednesday

Enjoy Pierre’s French Cuisine Kitchen open: 12.30 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.00.

Closed Thursdays Plaza Los Jazmines 10, 04740 Roquetas de Mar Opposite Playa Capricho in the car park

Tel: 950 334 439 Email: lavita@roquetas-de-mar.es

2

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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ANTIQUITY CERTIFICATES from 250€+IVA by MARTINEZ de la CASA.ARCHITECTS The Antiquity Certificate is the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds with any alterations introduced to the property, such as pools or extensions done with or without a license.

Ten people evacuated

3

Local News

Ten people had to be evacuated from a paint and bodywork garage in Roquetas.

The fire caught during the afternoon in a workshop on the Alicún road.

There were no casualties, though one person had to be treated for an anxiety attack.

The blaze was quickly extinguished, though the Bomberos were retained for some time to ventilate the building. teleprensa.es

The Architect certifies the date of construction which serves as proof of prescription of a possible planning infraction, subsequently, once done any fine is the Architect´s responsability. In the case of having done an extension or pool without a license, the Antiquity Certificate is very useful to guard against possible sanctions and highly recommendable to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of undeclared The TeatroAuditorio is costing each family more than 50 euros per buildings in Title Deeds, even if done with license. year.

Once confirmed, we will arrange an appointment to survey the The IzquierdaUnida de Roquetas de Mar claims that, through their pool/extension requiring only your NIE and current Title Deeds. The taxes, each Roquetas family funds almost 90 % of the costs of opening certificate, stamped by the Official College of Architects, is delivered and maintaining this municipal facility. within 7/10days, then the applicant can either go ahead and update the IUspokesman , Ricardo Fernández, claimed that ‘for the vast majority of Title Deeds or wait for change of Property Titleholder/s at the Notary. programs there are no free tickets; instead the tickets are, on average, The price of a Pool Antiquity Certificate is 250€+IVA and Extensions expensive. Also, the program does not respond to much of the local 353€+IVA. Only condition is that declared building is over 4 to 10 years, culture, and does not accommodate local groups and artists.’ depending on the area. teleprensa.es MARTINEZdelaCASAARCHITECTS has experience in over 200 Antiquity Certificates and is one of the most prominent and respectable practises in the area, providing all types of certificates and licenses, amongst other services. Number 1 company in EPC certificates (121 €IVAinc) in 50 people in Murcia have been issued warnings for disturbing the Murcia, Almeria and Alicante. See over 60 reviews on our services or peace call us (678 347 125) if you have any queries. All information at www. The warnings cover excessive noise and dumping of rubbish. martinezdelacasa.com.

The warnings also extend to owners who leave animals on the balconies of their houses, littering, flytipping, and destruction of public property. laverdad.es

Teatro Auditorio

warnings for disturbing the peace

See our main advert on page 27 KAREN OLIVER + TEAM WELCOMES YOU TO THE NEW

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SOLD Albox 3 bed 2 bath 8x4 pool 2750m2 plot Private location yet only 10 mins from Albox

Cucador 3 bed 2 bath 8x4 pool Enclosed terraces to both front and back too many extras to list must be seen

Partaloa 3 bed, 2 bath 8x4 pool Outstanding throughout Early viewing recommended

Partaloa 3 bed,3 bath 2900m2 10 x 5 pool Immaculate throughout Must be seen

Partaloa 3 bed,2 bath 875m2 plot 10 x 5 pool Roof solarium Kennels

OUR OFFICE ADDRESS: AVENIDA 28 DE FEBRERO, 44 BAJO, ALBOX (A334 ALBOX TO BAZA ROAD) opposite Albox Online

4

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

‘free meals’ scheme

Clean-up in huercal de almeria

The equipo de gobierno of Huércal de Almería is working on a ‘free meals’ scheme for those in need

Clean-up continues in Huercal–Overa after the storm The Alcalde, Domingo Fernández, said that the main damage was fallen trees. The wind also caused movement of traffic signals and destruction of fencing from different places, such as municipal sports fields, public childcare facilities and on the industrial estate.

The Alcalde said that action was taken promptly on the night of the storm, with officers of the Protección Civil and the Policía Local removing trees from roads and cordoning off areas that were unsafe for the public. teleprensa.es

The governing body, a coalition of the PP and GRINP, are working on formalising a scheme to be initiated this coming February and aimed at families in need due to the crisis.

This scheme will entitle them to balanced menus for the price of 2.5 euros, plus 100 free meals paid for by the Council.

ort

The Alcaldehuercalense, Juan José López de lasHeras, said that this initiative ‘helps to address a basic human need; a minimum and correct diet. Many families are pushed into malnutrition of children and adults, as they do not have the resources needed for a decent life after prolonged situations of unemployment.’ teleprensa.es

Man suffers a heart attack Man suffers a heart attack during a domestic dispute with his ex-wife

he cut out t and n a middle m e t from th buy direcacturer manuf

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between Amigos Bowling & Mora oil, polgono industrial, arboleas

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

The incident took place at 39 AvenidaRincón de Seca, La Raya. The ex-wife arrived on the scene with her present partner and a locksmith, intent on obtaining access to the house and removing her ex-husband, José López, and their two daughters, Ainhoa and Adriana.

The wife attempted last June to remove them from the house, which is in her name. She has cut off the electricity and water supply, for which she has been denounced, and the case will come to court in March.

When she arrived at the house as many as 50 neighbours formed a human barrier to prevent her accessing the building.

The PolicíaNacionalwere called, and 12 officers with 4 patrol cars and 4 motorbikes attended to keep order.

During the fracas the ex-husband suffered a heart attack, and was rushed to the hospital Virgen de La Arrixaca, where he was operated upon immediately. He remains in the Unidad de CuidadosIntensivos (UCI). laverdad.es

The Semana Santa processions

The Semana Santa processions may be disrupted because work has not been completed in Carmen The Cofradías claim that for over one year ‘not a stone has been moved’ to repair the Colegiata de San Patricioor the Iglesiadel Carmen, so that it will be impossible for the Tronos(Thrones) to be seen in their traditional setting.

With only just over 3 months until Easter the only alternative left open to the Cofradias is to relocate to other churches, but that would affect the route of the procession, a monumental undertaking, considering that the Procession is listed as ‘of international tourist interest’ with visitors attending from all over Spain and Europe. laverdad.es

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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5

NEWS

New 10-euro note design unveiled

the president of the ECB. A further 80 runners up will receive a commemorative 10 euro banknote from the first series.

The new 10-euro note, boasting a range of new security features, has been unveiled by the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt.

The European Commission has published a selection of interactive games and other activities to illustrate the workings of the eurozone.

The note, which will go into circulation on 23 September 2014, has security features including raised print, a portrait watermark and a hologram.

The new 10 euro banknote will be unveiled on 13 January, 2014 and start circulating later in the year. Players must be over the age of 18 and have to uncover four of the security features. Among these will be raised print, a watermark and a hologram.

The ECB’s Yves Mersch said the new notes would enable everyone who uses them to “do so with complete confidence”.

They also must guess the number of euro banknotes in circulation in the euro area on 31 December, 2013. Christine Graeff, from the ECB, said: “The euro is the most visible and internationally known symbol of a united Europe. 334 million people use euro banknotes every day.

“This game is a fun way to remind all of us to take a closer look at them.” bbc.co.uk

European Central Bank releases euro note computer game The European Central Bank (ECB) has released an online game to explain the features of a new 10 euro note. It is similar to the game Tetris, except every time you complete a level it tells you about a security feature. The top 20 highest scoring players will win a 5 euro VIP banknote from the Europa series, personally signed by

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Thai protests: Tens of thousands bring Bangkok to a standstill

Protesters are blocking roads in parts of the Thai capital, Bangkok, in a bid to oust the government before snap elections on 2 February.

The anti-government demonstrations have been going on for nearly three months, with the country seemingly increasingly polarised.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has now offered to meet her opponents and discuss possibly postponing the elections scheduled for the 2nd of February. read more on bbc.co.uk

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6

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Dancing on Ice 2014

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’

week 2

This series is looking to be the best ever!

With all the past champions taking part, they are all hungry to gain the coveted title of ultimate champion. This week saw the second group skating for their position and showcasing their skills.

Opening were gymnast and winner of Series 8, Beth Tweddle with her partner Lukasz. As a gymnast she has incredible flexibility shown within the performance in the lifts and choreography. However, for me she lacks in presentation skills and was a little cumbersome entering and exiting lifts in this performance.

I awarded her a 6.5 and the judges 28.5. Next was Ex Goalkeeper David Seaman who finished 4th in Series 1 with his fiance Frankie. David has continued his skating during the last 3 years but tonight looked tentative, slow and very unsure over the ice. He made an error in the choreography which seemed to throw him during the performance so for me not his best night.

I gave him 5.5 and the judges 22.5. Runner up in 2010 Gary Lucy and Katie then skated.

Although this was a good performance, for me

Gary lacked a little depth of knee to give him faster speed over the ice. This started well but faded as the dance went on. I gave him 6.5 and the judges 24.0. Next out were Zaraah Abrahams and Andy. Zaraah was 3rd in Series 3 and this did not disappoint. A very competent performance with good speed over the ice, great presentation and superb lifts. I gave her an 8.0 and the judges 30.5. Champion from 2011 Sam Attwater and Vicky then skated.

Another couple who have become engaged as a result of the series. Although there were a couple of errors during the performance, they were well covered up during a skate which was well acted out and displayed some really good lift work. He was awarded 30.0 from the judges and I awarded him 7.5. The public’s favourite Todd Carty and Alex then skated to Papa Loves Mambo.

Todd was renowned in Series 4 for skating completely off the ice as he couldn’t stop! This was a bit better (but not much!). Whilst he was stood still shaking his maracas the acting was great, it was an entertaining performance but the ice got in the way! there was very little skating evident and when there it was not much bet-

ter than bambi on ice! I awarded him 4.0 and the judges 16.5 and the bottom of the pile. Closing the show and saving the best until last was Series 3 winner Suzanne Shaw and Matt. A superb performance both skating and acting with such a smoothness over the ice, an emotional performance with fantastic lifts.

Suzanne is a real daredevil and is always looking for something new. I awarded her a 9.0 and the judges 35.5 and quite a long way in front of her rivals.

It was no surprise to discover that the public’s clown Todd Carty made it through to next week!

The celebrity eliminated was David Seaman, leaving Sam Attwater and Gary Lucy to skate off. This resulted in Gary being the second celebrity failing to make it through to next weeks show with Sam gaining a clean sweep from the judges.

With past winners ending up in the skate off every week, this series is really exciting me this year and I can’t wait to see who will pull out the stops to take them to the top of the pile next week! Come and join in the fun of one of our classes but until then - Keep Dancing!

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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local news

7

Clear up after weekend gusts High winds caused chaos across much of Almería last weekend.

Many towns, particularly in the south and far north of the province, reported damage to trees, buildings and electrical infrastructure.

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A villa in the Zurgena area High winds knocked over this tree in Vélez Rubio By Adele Land More than 90 incidents were reported with gusts of up to 100 kilometres during the early evening of last Saturday, although no-one was injured.

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In some towns, Christmas decorations were blown down in the main streets, with council workers working late into the evening to clear up the debris.

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8

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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Properly seasoned wood is darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood.

A properly installed, correctly used wood-burning appliance should be smoke free. If you see or smell smoke that means you may have a problem. Practice the following guidelines to Burn Wise in your appliance and reduce smoke inside and outside your home.

Practical Tips for Building a Fire Once your wood-burning appliance is properly installed, building an effective fire requires good firewood (using the right wood in the right amount) and good fire building practices. The following practical steps will help you obtain the best efficiency from your wood stove or fireplace.

Season wood outdoors through the summer for at least 6 months before burning it. Properly seasoned wood is darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood.

Wood burns best when the moisture content is less than 20 percent.

You can purchase a wood moisture meter to test the moisture content of your wood before you burn it.

Store wood outdoors, stacked neatly off the ground with the top covered.

Start fires with newspaper and dry kindling or consider having a professional install a natural gas or propane log lighter in your open fireplace.

Burn hot fires.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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Items You Should Never Burn in Your Appliance Never burn household garbage or cardboard. Plastics, foam and the colored ink on magazines, boxes, and wrappers produce harmful chemicals when burned. They may also damage your wood-burning appliance.

Do not burn wet or green (unseasoned) logs.

Do not use logs made from wax and sawdust in your wood stove or fireplace insert – they are made for open hearth fireplaces. If you use manufactured logs, choose those made from 100 percent compressed sawdust.

Build hot fires. For most appliances, a smoldering fire is not a safe or efficient fire.

Keep the doors of your wood-burning appliance closed unless loading or stoking the live fire. Harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide, can be released into your home.

Regularly remove ashes from your wood-burning appliance into a metal container with a cover. Store the container of ashes outdoors on a cement or brick slab (not on a wood deck or near wood).

Never burn coated, painted, or pressure- Keep a fire extinguisher handy. treated wood because it releases Remember to check your local air quality forecast before you burn. toxic chemicals when burned.

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Never burn ocean driftwood, plywood, particle board, or any wood with glue on or in it. They all release toxic chemicals when burned.

Never burn wet, rotted, diseased, or moldy wood.

Safe Wood-burning Practices Once your EPA certified or qualified wood-burning appliance is properly installed, follow these guidelines for safe operation: Keep all flammable household items—drapes, furniture, newspapers, and books—far away from the appliance.

Start fires only with newspaper, dry kindling and all natural or organic fire starters. Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter.

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To maintain proper airflow, regularly remove ashes from your woodburning appliance into a metal container with a cover and store outdoors.

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Indian Spicy Curry House Specialities

Calle Varadero, Almerimar.

Tel 950 033 244 Mob. 632 574 591

Cafe Bar

Est 2005

Ankara

Ray & Kay welcome you... to their friendly cafe bar for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tapas & drinks Open: Mon - Sat 12 noon - Close Open: Sun 2pm - 10pm (Kitchen closed on Sunday)

now showing sky sports, espn & bt sports

Tel 610 900 320 Darsena 3, Almerimar - next to pharmacy

MacGowan’s Bar & Restaurant

Guinness, Murphy’s Cider, Heineken, Large Selection of Spirits

Next open mic & jam session 23rd january

Calle Varadero Almerimar 04711 (Almeria)

Tlf. 950 609 546

expat vets Landline: 958 830 155 Mobile: 603 121 631 24hrs

Home visits & surgeries, spaying & castrations, blood tests, x-rays etc.

Portable surgery equipment including anesthetics, X-Ray machine and more...

Language skills: Spanish, English and French. www.ali-vet.com Ali Jaouad for all your pet needs

YACHT BROKERAGE BOAT CARE & MAINTENANCE INSURANCE/TAX ADMINistration Puerto Deportivo de Almerimar Dársena 1 - No. 42, 04711 Almerimar (Almería)

Tel.: (+34) 950 497 825 Fax: (+34) 950 607 713 info@yesyachting.com www.yesyachting.com

ALMERIMAR & surrounding area For all your local advertising needs call Mark on 693 774 932

nOTICE bOARD

image: www.spain-holiday.com

Chicken & Beef Curries Tapas served all day Chef from Punjab (India) working in Almerimar for over 10 years is now the new owner. everybody welcome Open every day: 12 noon - late

Thursday 23rd January MacGowans open mic & jam --------------------------------------------------------

Advertisers publish your special events here. Charity/community groups events also published FREE of charge.

--------------------------------------------almerimar local information keep up to date with what’s happening in Almerimar: www.facebook.com/ localinformation

Time waits for no one.

Call 693 774 932 to make this space work

for you!

There is a new page on Facebook called Memorias de Almerimar

www.facebook.com/ MemoriasDeAlmerimar

where people can share their photos and other memories of Almerimar from years gone by. If you have some old photos of Almerimar please can you share them with us.

The Charity Shop Calle Galera No6, Almerimar (Behind Bar Ankara)

Mon 10am-2pm, Tues 10am-2pm, Wed 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am- 2pm Association with Animales de Berja Facebook: Asociacion de Animales de Berja Reg No. 5272 Please use this for the most current information you may need. or Web: www.asociaciondeanimalesdeberja.com or E-mail: asociaciondeanimales@hotmail.com

Tel: +34 950 497 193

volunteers wanted

El Ejido Bowls Club Monday and Thursday 5pm to 7pm Ring Alison on 677 317 920 to book or for further information

El Ejido Rugby Club Based in Almerimar, we are always looking

for new players and have training sessions starting at 21.30h every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Players of all abilities welcome.

The team is very sociable and after have players from beginner to experienced. We are currently in Andalucia Regional Division 2 and just about to start the second phase of the league. Home matches are usually at 12.30 on Sundays at the grass rugby pitch in Almerimar.

For more information call Jonathan on 695 635 078

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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11

Madrid trip organised for senior citizens

The área de Asuntos Sociales del Ayuntamiento de La Mojonera has organised a trip to Madrid for senior citizens. The trip will be from 24 to 27 April, staying half board in a hotel.

The trip will include an en route stop off at Toledo, with a guided tour of the capital of Castillala Mancha, before reaching Madrid.

Day 2 will include a guided tour of Salamanca, and Day 3 will offer the chance to visit Segovia, while Day 4 will be taken up with the journey back to La Mojonera.

For registration and more information go to the Centro de Promoción Social de La Mojonera, or phone 950330505. teleprensa.es

The Charity Shop Asociacion de Animales Reg No. 5272

Calle Galera No6, Almerimar (Behind Bar Ankara)

Please help us find our forever family!

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

The ROQUETAS DE MAR BRANCH (3569) are delighted to announcethat the 2013 POPPY APPEAL raised the grand total of: €3,225.00 Grateful thanks go to all the businesses in Roquetas De Mar and Almerimar, their customers, RBL members and friends, who have taken part in this year’s appeal, for your prize donations and monetary contributions!

Thank You to: Roquetas De Mar: La Envia Golf & Country Club, Bar Aurora, Lady Lay Restaurant, Arkrites British Food Store, New York New York Restaurant, Bar Southern, The Boulevard Cafe Bar, Chaplin’s Pub, La Bodeguina, Burty’s Bar, Manhattan, Bar Estampa, Bar Cardies, Club De Golf Playa Serena, The Lodge, St George’s School & Y-Da-Wakes Bar. Almerimar: Jaks Shop, MacGowan’s Bar & Restaurant, Cafe Bar Ankara, Stumble Inn, La Plaza, Leo’s Variety Bar, Mario’s Bar, Alamar Shop, The Golf Shop, The Charity Shop and Hairdressers: Bonnie & Clyde, Pauline at Golf Hotel & Linsey mobile hairdresser.

The lovely Jessie is still looking for her forever home she has turned out to be such a clever loyal girl and is so good.

She loves to play with her toys and is so floppy and cuddly. She was house trained within two days.

If you can help us PLEASE Contact the Charity shop on 950 497 193 Monday - Tuesday 10am-2pm, Saturday 10am-2pm Wednesday - Friday 10am-6pm Facebook: Asociacion de Animales de Berja E-mail asociaciondeanimales@hotmail.com Web: www.asociaciondeanimalesdeberja.com DONATIONS VIA PAYPAL

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

12

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Look Good, Feel Great

Are you on a Diet?

Why not research the available diets before jumping in, over the next few weeks we will be looking at Diets.

Electronic Cigarettes Starter Packs from €20 Delivered to your door Easy to order

www.costacigs.eu Tel: 962 839 156 or 635 706 359 Use Discount Code: GIVEME20 to get 20% off your first order

elax evive

open 9-3pm Mon-Fri

Dukan Diet

The Dukan diet is a low-carbohydrate (carb), high-protein diet. There’s no limit to how much you can eat during the plan’s four phases, providing you stick to the rules of the plan. During phase one, you’re on a strict lean protein diet. This is based on a list of 72 reasonably lowfat protein-rich foods, such as chicken, turkey, eggs, fish and fat-free dairy. This is for an average of five days to achieve quick weight loss. Carbs are off limits except for a small amount of oat bran. Unlike the Atkins diet, benefits consultancy Dukan’s phase one bans vegetables and seriously restricts fat. The next three phases Do you suffer from mobility problems, of the plan see the gradual introduction of breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? some fruit, veg and carbs and eventually all Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? foods. The aim is gradual weight loss of up to You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK 2lb a week and to promote long-term weight sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain management. There’s no time limit to the final For advice or to book a consultation phase, which involves having a protein-only call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com day once a week and taking regular exercise.

kim clark

ejuvenate retreat elax El Cucador

ALL OUR BEAUTY & MASSAGE THERAPISTS ARE FULLY UK TRAINED 1Hr Full Body Massage with Full Consultation 20€

Beauty Treatments JANUARY OFFERS

TUESDAYS 9AM - 3PM

ABIGAILE TEL: 632 779 082

Full Body Hot Stone Massage 29€ Luxury Facial 25€ MELISSA

Friday’s 9.30am - 6pm

TEL: 626 144 680

A FULL TREATMENT LIST & PRICES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE Rretreat OR BY EMAILING: retreatcucador@gmail.com

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

sandra

Waxing Gel Nails Facials

Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm

TEL: 661 858 949

ladies hair salon Call Teri to book an appointment from 9am

Wednesdays & Thursdays Fully Qualified Uk Trained

Call 619 467 295

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

13

Monica Algañaraz Over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken

: s o r P quickly, which ry ve t can lose weigh rict

You g. It ’s a very st ople can be motivatin e pe e diet and som u don’t and prescriptiv Yo . w llo fo sy to es. like that. It ’s eafo ca or count lori-s alt w lo need to weigh inod , at -f to low g ep ke om fr no rt Apa foods, there’s and high-proteinw much you can eat ho restriction on ur first two weeks. yo ng ri du

PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONICA ALGANARAZ: 695 355 381 Email: monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net Wednesdays: Mojacar Playa Valle del Almanzora: Olula Del Rio

Osteopath

: s n o C you may et di e th of the start d

At ba ef fects such asss , experience side ne ed tir , th breath, a dry mmou ea us nia and na dizziness, insot ca rbs. The lack of ou from cutting , fruit and veg in the wholegrains the diet could cause early stages ofch as constipation. problems su

t:ing but ic d r e v A D B at iv ot m be n ca pid weight loss The

Naturopath Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O

Tel. 629 289 385

for info and appointments

Health Care For Adults and Children

Quality e-Cigarettes Kits ‘Classic’ 5€ from 13.9

Quality Rechargeable

• Emergency Home Visits • English • Spanish • French • German • 20 Year’s Serving the community

Replaces all previous offers

Large Range of e-Cigarette Styles

Refillable Black Ra 5€ Pink d unhealthy.

System .8 an e 5 bl 1 na ai st su un , is ed it Silver Kits tritionally balancth at Dukan diet isn’t nu ct All e-Liquids in stock fa e th by ed dg Shops, Bars, Market Stalls etc. supplied d which is acknowle in supplement anan m ta vi a ed ne . you All e-Liquids in Stock br t oa of e form We specialise in wholesaling to shops d ul a fibre top up in th co et di and supply posters, display battery suckers, of pe is ty Catalogues and testing lip protectors There’s a danger kthof long-term health increase your risdon’t stick to the rules. Pay on-Line, One Page Checkout www.tgfsales.com • 659 679 990 problems if yous variety in the initial The diet lack a risk you’ll get bored phases so there’ysand give up. quickl

UK Registered - Treating

Sciatica - Back Pain - Sports Injuries Digestive and Cardiovascular Disorders Headaches - Arthritis - Skin Conditions Centro Cueva Del Lobo Paseo Mediterraneo 10, Mojacar Beach Centro Medico Indalo C/ Manuel Azaña, Almeria

perm 4 cut 9.95€ janua ry offer

Sophia S.L EW THE N

Open 8am till Late Next to the Municipal Pool in Arboleas

One months membership 27.00 Euros and couples membership only 25.00 Euros each.

Full assessment and programmes included.

Free spinning and abdominal classes available.

Sophia Toning Sophia Spa Sauna/Steam Room/Jacuzzi ‘No Sweat Workout’ Sophia Hair Sophia Classes Sophia Gym Over 40 Classes Top Stylists Fully Equipped Gym Sophia Beauty Full Range of Beauty Treatments

Sophia Therapies 32 Different Therapies

Telephone 950 449 451 Email: info@sophias.es www.sophias.es

& Blowdry cap highlights

incl. Cut & Blowdry €39.95

Gift Vouchers Always Available

Pop in or Phone for more details

luxury pedicure 16.95€ 1 hour luxury facial 19.95€ luxury manicure 10.95€

open saturdays by appointment only Call for an appointment Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona) 950 633 086 Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6pm REE WiFi 722 294 384 F Prices are subject to change without notification. Please confirm on booking. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.

14

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Sophia S.L EW

THE N

NEW YEAR turre U O Y W E N PART 2 e r u at

fe

Open 8am till Late Next to the Municipal Pool in Arboleas

Everyone needs at least one hobby.

Picking and choosing is the fun part and there are so many to explore!

Hobbies are like food for our bodies with no concerns about calories, fat or cholesterol. Hobbies are healthy.

They are relaxing, fun and have 4.30pm - 5.30pm no negative side effects. They are stress relievers, great companions and ready when you are. They can become addictive but in a healthy way. They can be active or inactive, Telephone 950 449 451 Email: info@sophias.es www.sophias.es indoors or out. There is one to fill a variety of needs at any age or stage in your life and they can be a conduit for making friends with shared interests.

The hobby you select may be an extension of what you do on your day job or it may be the opposite. You might choose something requiring fine motor skills or seek to get in with touch with your creative side. If you

Gymnastics club with Stacey every friday at

Boys & girls aged 3+ €3.75 per session

LINE DANCING DUSTY BOOTS CARRIE JACKS BAR

work indoors and deal with people all day, you may prefer something outdoors or something solitary. If you are recovering from an illness or have a lot of home responsibilities, you may want something to give you an escape right where you are. Your avocation may be a good choice for a hobby and something you might someday want to turn into a business or a sideline. There are endless possibilities.

But above all, a hobby is like a good book – something that once you start, you hate to put it down and yet when you do, it patiently awaits your return.

In the column on the right, you will see many suggestions to get you started.

Click on several and try them on for size. When you do you will learn more about each hobby and also find howto books and products or materials

We dance to all types of music Wednesdays 7.00 - 8pm First steps into Line Dancing 8pm onwards All levels of Dances

espanglish

Tel: 627 279 584

along with reviews and information to get you started on the perfect hobby for you.

A hobby can provide an incredible vehicle for self expression and significantly enrich life. Identifying benefits that you find desirable will translate into the needs and rewards that you want from a pastime. Let us take a look at the benefits that can arise from pursuing a hobby.

Often our daily life provides little or no satisfaction and an absorbing hobby can compensate; satisfaction that arises from participation in a pastime activity is of definite benefit to ones life.

Relaxation does not necessarily mean doing something quiet and sedentary. A person doing mentally tough work can relax the mind by

working the body hard, perhaps by participating in a sporting activity.

Relationships are essential.

Family, friends and associates are an important element of our lives.

Involvement in a hobby could vastly broaden your circle of friends and develop lasting relationships. Share your enthusiasm with other hobby people.

Traditional gatherings take place in the guise of clubs and societies and the internet is an excellent medium for making contact with like-minded people far and wide.

Which benefits appeal to you? List them now. Make these your target hobby rewards. Reflect upon your current lifestyle; consider your work, family, home, health and current interests. What aspects of life do you like and dislike?

Maybe, you want a less sedentary lifestyle or just to take some time to relax and chill out. Whatever your preferences you will be the prime influence on your hobby and in control of how it develops.

Bring as many “likes” to your hobby as possible; a pastime is for relaxation and is purely for your pleasure!

Next, consider family and finance commitments. How much leisure time do you have available? How much of this time can be given to a pastime without adversely impacting upon family life? What compromises might you have to make? Your financial situation is an important consideration. How much money do you feel it is reasonable spend on pastime activities? Hobby costs range from ludicrously low to extremely extravagant.

By now, you should have discovered a lot about yourself.

Whatever choice you make – enjoy it!

Friendly Services • • • • •

•

Spanish lessons Typing, printing, scanning, copies, laminating, etc.

Pickup point for FREE PRESS in English & Spanish Translation & interpretation for day-to-day, commercial, legal and professional Coffee lounge & terrace, snacks free Wi Fi, internet DVD rental, library & NEW books for sale

ksastrias@espanglish.net

www.espanglish.net Visit us opposite the Vera Bullring Open 08:30 - 22:00 hrs

Pian0 Lessons

Forget about your New Years keep fit resolutions. Why not try Lawn Bowling. An enjoyable game that gives you gentle exercise.

Mojacar 667 408 941

Contact:

All Levels Alison Jackson email jacksonalison2@gmail.com

This is a sport for both Men and Women...

Come along and try it for yourself...We will give you Three Free Lessons to start you off by qualified coaches.

Club Captain Brian Saunders 634 322 210 or Clubhouse 950 930 471

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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15

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

BUYING A HOME IN SPAIN

If you have decided to buy a home in Spain, follow some information regarding the legal aspects of the purchase.

Here is a very general outline of the work that goes on behind the scene, so that you have a rough idea of what to expect. In any case you can take part in the fun by being present at the signing, or your solicitor can deal with the transaction using a power of attorney.

1. Request of the copy of the seller’s title deed. The registration details entered on the deed will enable the lawyer to do a complete search in the local property register, and therefore make sure that the seller has proper title and ensure there are no hidden charges or encumbrances affecting the property.

2. Make sure there are no outstanding bills (electricity, water, rubbish, rates, gas, community of owners and entidad de conservacion).

3. It is normal for a deposit to be handed over to reserve the property until the signing of the Escritura de Propiedad (title deed) can take place. When the deposit is handed over your lawyer will draw up a solid contract to secure both parties until the day of the signing. Normally the deposit will consist of 10% of the purchase price and is non refundable if you pull out of the transaction after the contract is signed. Likewise if the seller pulls out they would have to pay back double the deposit. Most agents will ask for a 3000€ good will reservation until the full deposit contract can be signed.

4. If you are a non-resident the Spanish Ministry of interior requires you to obtain a certificate of non residency (which in turn determines your fiscal number) so that you can sign the title deed. It will also be required later on by the Tax Authorities. This is known as the NIE number and your solicitor will request if for you.

5. If you buy from a non resident you must hold back 3% of the price stipulated on the escritura which your Abogado will then pay to the Tax Authority on behalf of the sellers capital gains tax. (The abogado will not be able to register your property until he has obtained the receipt from the tax office for this money). If he is accustomed to dealing with non resident transactions, he will point this out, if he does not, watch out. If you purchase from a non resident and the funds are not paid into the tax office you will be responsible.

6. When deciding where, when and how you are going to pay for your house in Spain it is very important that you seek advice on your particular case, because the Spanish Law concerning foreign investment does not permit the payment to be made in any old way. If your lawyer is used to foreign conveyance, he will automatically point out the correct way of handling this.

7. Your lawyer will prepare a draft (MINUTA) for the notary to prepare the final title deed (by contrast to

England, in Spain each time a transaction takes place a new title deed is drawn up). Your solicitor will receive a last minute at the notary just before signing which in turn triggers a system by which no other deed can be entered into the property register in advance of the one being signed in your favor. It is an absolutely fool-proof system.

8. The moment the deed is signed and the payment is made, the keys are handed over and you become the official owner. After the deed is signed there are taxes and fees to be paid, which your lawyer will do for you, on receiving appropriate funding.

9. Finally when the solicitor has cleared the deed with the tax office he will request the property register to register the new ownership. He will usually at the end request a search certificate to make sure the deed has been registered correctly.

10. Approx. one month after the signing of the title deed you will receive your registered deed (in Spain this is called ESCRITURA) with the registrars stamp on it, and receipts for all the payments made on your behalf. (I recommend you staple them to your title deed forever, because when you go to sell they are considered deductible expenses in relation to your future capital gains tax).

11. Your solicitor usually, for an extra fee, can organize for all the services to be changed into your name and set up direct debits to the account of your choice. Not all solicitors offer this service so it is important you ask in advance.

Congratulations, you now have your final title deed.

Now that you have your deed we recommend that you make sure that: Electricity, water, community of owners if applicable, rubbish collection and rates are set up by direct debit so no further action is required.

That you have made Spanish wills.

That you have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of being a resident (if applicable) or non resident of Spain. If a non resident, make sure that you pay non resident income tax every year using a fiscal representative. (this is a very small tax but it has to be organized) I want to take the opportunity to say that even though all this sounds complicated, the Spanish legal system in what concerns the buying of property when used properly, gives both the seller and the buyer total safety.

Michael Davies.

Abogado.

Investment Opportunity 2 DETACHED VILLAS AND land for sale Two detached villa shells built upto and including roofs125m2 built on flat 3000m2 plot. Secluded position, unspoilt countryside views across orange and lemon groves front and rear

Private Sale

• Each villa spec: 3 beds / 2 baths. Size 125m2

• Space for pools (12mx6m) • Exceptional uninterrupted views of orange and lemon groves to front & rear • Situated between Almanzora & Arboleas overlooking Almanzora valley • 10 minutes to nearest town with all amenities • Inland country setting, but only 30 minutes to coast.

Fully Legal & with Full Title Deeds

Must be viewed to appreciate this golden opportunity

Tel: 609 199 394 / 647 379 878 / 950 064 801

• Ideal for builder to complete internals.

• Price includes both builds and land of 3000m2.

150,000€

16

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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

Australian Sculptor Works Wonders With Wrenches The ReUse People Specials

edit By Ted Reiff

Many of us have great stories about the different and unique ways we or others have reused things. The following case involves the ingenious reuse of countless numbers of a single type of common item—wrenches.

One of our TRP advisors forwarded to me a series of photos of sculptures made from nothing but wrenches. I suspect it was one of those “Can you believe this?” items making rounds on the web. The artist is John Piccoli of Victoria, Australia. Locally, he is known as “The Spanner Man.” Spanner is the British and Australian word for what Americans call a monkey wrench.

Thirty years ago Piccoli began making small garden sculptures from wrenches he had collected. Today he is creating large statues and garden art pieces that qualify for museums.

Piccoli’s art appears in many galleries around Australia, including

Melbourne, S y d n e y and St. Kilda. The popularity of his works and the quantity of wrenches needed eventually compelled Piccoli to purchase as well as collect them.

These works become even more impressive when you learn that Piccoli, now in his 70s, contracted polio when he was eight years old and is in a wheelchair. His large workshop is equipped with a cross-over gantry crane and several block and tackles that allow him to work at chair level, yet in three dimensions.

So, the next time you feel like throwing a (proverbial) monkey wrench into a plan or project you don’t particularly like, instead send it to John Piccoli. He needs all he can get. http://www.thereusepeople.org

with thanks to Susan Reader

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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animal corner.

how to teach your dogs tricks

Your dog is probably brighter than you think. Assistance-dog charities teach their dogs over 100 commands and used advanced methods that allow dogs to solve, sometimes complex, problems.

For example, if a disabled owner blacks out in the bath, their trained dog will jump in, pull out the plug and keep their owners head out of the water until the danger passes – truly amazing!

Even if your dog likes to laze around, they will still love an opportunity to exercise their brain. You can easily trach your dog to do things that help you but are not demeaning. Historically, we used dogs to help hunt for food, so why not use their natural instincts in ways more appropriate for their modern life they share with us?

These days, dog trainers use reward-based method rather then the ‘Barbara Woodhouse’ philosophy of shouting and pulling violently on choke chains. If food is their strongest trigger - remember that a dogs sense of smell is a million times better than ours – a little of something tasty can go a long way!

Amongst the top three treats that dog trainers swear by are crispy bacon, chicken skin and cheese, but use only small pieces because if the dog has to chew they may forget why they were

being rewarded!

Be generous at first – this will get your dog’s attention – giving treats freely if your dog ‘nearly’ does what you want; then as they start getting better, reward them accordingly, only giving rewards for excellence. When your dog is reliably doing what you want them to, start varying the frequency and type of reward so that they keep trying their best. You’ll probably find that random rewards work much better.

If you’re dog is not of the usual ‘food-obsessed’ type, then think about other things that make your dog happy like playing fetch, curling up next to you on the sofa or even just a little praise and a stroke may suffice!

The trick to teaching tricks is to look at some of the things your dog does naturally, then build on it.

Remember that the tricks are mainly meant to give your dog some meaningful activity so don’t bore your dog with tricks, only do them as long as you both are having fun, and when they have mastered one thing, think of something new instead of just repeating the old routines.

Tricks to Teach - If your dog already knows how to heel on your left, teach them to heel on your right or to walk right behind you. These may be useful in crowds, narrow corridors, etc., - Teach your dog to lift up each of their feet on command (‘right-front’ etc. - this is useful when you clip his nails, or need to wash or wipe them, etc.

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

Let us transport your loving friends to and from the UK & Europe in comfort with loving care in our air-conditioned van

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

- Are you tired of collecting all of your dog’s toys; tennis balls, squeaky toys, etc. then teach your dog to do it themselves! They can learn to pick up all of their toys and put them into a box on command.

- If you live alone and sometimes fall asleep again after turning off the alarm clock in your sleep, you can teach your dog to start licking and poking you at the sound of your alarm clock.

- Everybody’s heard of the classic trick where a dog fetches slippers or a newspaper, but what about letting your dog ‘answer the phone’ (lift up the receiver for you), put an empty beer bottle back in the box, or carry some other things on command?

– it’s possible to teach a dog to identify a very large number of objects by names.

- “Give a kiss” or “hug” - your dog gives you (or somebody else!) a wet kiss or puts his paws on your shoulder - “Sit up” or “dance” are quite common tricks – when a dog gets up on their hind legs - but you can also teach them to respond to a more unusual command, for example, ask your dog “What does a CIRCUS-DOG do??” to make him dance for you!

Some of them may require lots of time to learn - don’t worry, that’s exactly why they are so useful! In order to master the trick your dog needs to concentrate very much and use their brain! Progress in small steps if needed, and don’t forget to reward your dog when he makes progress!

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery arboleas

Small friendly kennels 24hr vets service pet transporting arranged welcome to view ministry approved

Tracy 650 211 952

Tel 950 092 096 or 661 402 493 Email jt.transport@yahoo.co.uk

676 389 592

Construction and Reformation Warehouse

t p e sia a e C h lmer in A

Horizontal grain

4-8-4 double glazed glass

Quality

Pellet national Renewable energy

Permanent stock

100% natural

Permanent stock

1000

1000

m2

Quality EnPLUS A-1

Brico explosion Price

units

When buying pallet of 77 sacks

Only

25

UNITS

per sack

Interior Paving Big Cuir Rustic interior floor 33.2 x 33.2cm M2/case 1.87.

Sold by the case.

Aluminium window with sliding louvre

For single unit bag is 3.59€

Pallet 15 kg sack (10384934)

100 x 115cm. White laquer.

(10375855)

(10373811)

BRICOMART

PARQUE VIAPARK Autovía A-7 / E-15 · Salida 429 · 04.738 VÍCAR (ALMERÍA) TEL.: 950 187 260 / FAX: 950 060 232

17

store hours

Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 21:00 h.

Saturdays from 7:30 to 22:00 h.

Beech Kitchen 240cm

Length 2.40 m. White melamine furniture.

Laminate Doors light oak. Supplied in kit.

Hardware included. * Appliances, taps, sink and countertop sold separately.

(10358880)

18

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE And they’re ruff... Now the COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

Ref. PC/SK beautifully refurbished, very large 1st flr apt, 300m to beach, pool & a/c.

Ref:INT/MJ - 3 bed/2bath house private gardens , garage, com pool 300m to beach

MOJACAR - NEW - €149,950

MOJACAR - new €189,950

Ref: PM/TW beautiful 2 bed/ 2 bath apt in Puerto Marina, pool, large terrace, garage, a/c, furnished.

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Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo)

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hospital

salas opticos

driving dogs have been let loose on the racetrack

Tel: 950 135 081 salasopticos@Yahoo.es

For the four-legged competitors, two months of hard work – and a fair few treats – ensured they were raring to get on the racetrack.

So when the big day rolled around, the only ones likely to get hot under the collar were any bystanders who spotted a Mini hurtling towards them with a dog at the wheel.

Two mutts made history yesterday by driving a car down a racetrack. Tenmonth-old beardie cross Porter put his paws to the pedals first, steering the Mini down the straight and then turning a corner.

He was followed by Monty, an 18-month-old giant schnauzer cross, who completed the same feat.

As the Mail reported last week, the pair – along with one-year-old beardie whippet cross Ginny – had been taking driving lessons, which began with them learning to steer a wooden cart pulled along on a string by their trainers.

In just eight weeks, they progressed to driving a real car – a modified Mini in which they sat on their haunches in the driver’s seat.

And they’re ruff... Now the driving dogs have been let loose on the racetrack (and show they really CAN drive a car) Their front paws were on the steering wheel, while their back paws were on levers attached to the accelerator and the brake.

After successfully manoeuvring the car around a lab, the leading two were challenged to a racetrack test-drive which was broadcast live online.

They were strapped in with seatbelts and then followed commands from their trainers, who walked in front of the car.

The dogs were all rescued by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Auckland, New Zealand. The charity came up with the idea to train them to drive to prove how intelligent they were.

Animal trainer Mark Vette, who schooled the dogs, said: ‘They are great dogs, each with their own distinct personality.

‘You wouldn’t believe any dog could learn to drive a car on its own but we’ve proven through our understanding of animal psychology and our specialised training methods that intelligent creatures can adapt to the situation they’re in.

‘It really is remarkable and we are so proud of the achievements of our dedicated training team and the incredible SPCA driving dogs.’

Before the racetrack challenge, he explained that they treated the training like a ‘film shoot’, in reference to his work in the movies.

He added: ‘We train the dogs to do different actions, touch is the first thing and then we teach them to touch the different objects with the right paw and left paw.

‘They’ve all come through at this point and they’re all going really well.’

The charity behind the stunt now hopes that the public will be so impressed that they will be keen to adopt rescue dogs.

SPCA Auckland chief executive Christine Kalin said: ‘I think sometimes people think because they’re getting an animal that’s been abandoned that somehow it’s a second-class animal.

‘The dogs have achieved amazing things in eight short weeks of training, which really shows with the right environment just how much potential all dogs from the SPCA have as family pets.’

The project was a collaboration between SPCA Auckland, Mr Vette, MINI New Zealand and advertising company DraftFCB. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2245771/NewZealand-dogs-pass-driving-test-really-CAN-drive-car.html#ixzz2qHMdiJrj Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

19

20

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

! e m o H r u o Y e s i r e t n i W

r a W p e e Sl

It’s likely that our houses will soon feel the full force of the Spanish winter with bitter cold wind, heavy rain and possibly even snow. Here are a few jobs that you’ll want to get out of the way as soon as possible!

Service your boiler…

Now is the time to check your boiler is working fine and doesn’t let you down when you most need it. Gas Safe Register recommends you get your boiler checked annually by a registered engineer. This is mainly to protect you and your family from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, which every year claims lives and in less extreme cases ill health too.

This may be a good time to replace an

old boiler for a newer model. If your boiler is over 10 years old you could be wasting up to half the gas you buy!

Seal draughts to windows and doors…

It’s no good having a boiler in tip top order if the heat it’s pumping out is leaking through cracks and gaps in your windows and doors. Around a

fifth of heat lost from the home is due to draughts; this can be fixed simply by locating draughts and sealing them and is often a much cheaper solution than replacing old windows or doors.

There’s a wide range of draught proofing available from local hardware stores (Ferreteria) in the form of brushes, foams and sealants in strips or shaped rubber or plastic.

Inspect your roof and chimney…

More puppies at the Dog Shelter A successful campaign on Facebook resulted in nine lucky puppies being sent to Germany to their forever homes.

However, just as the overcrowding was eased on Erica’s terrace, where the little ones are housed, more and more were brought to the shelter by the Social Police, the dogs being found abandoned on the streets.

Little Gentle TATU is a case in point. The difference in her case was that she seemed to be protecting NANA, an elderly dog. TATU is a very pretty mix and is estimated to be about five years old.

She has glossy black fur with white patches. The white mark on her back

looks like a tattoo, hence her name.

She weighs about 78 Kilos and is 35 cm high. She is a little shy and calm but as she gains confidence she proves herself to be quite affectionate and sociable. TATU gets along well with dogs, cats and also people.

She is a real sweetheart and much in need of her forever home.

If you want to help in some small way or just visit the shelter to see the marvellous work being done at LA MOJONERA P R O T E C T O R A DE ANIMALES DE ROQUETAS DE MAR, please email Geoff at geoffalmeria@hotmail. com for information

If you have any bric-a-brac or other saleable items you no longer need, the Roquetas shelter would be delighted to sell them on their market stall, to raise much needed funds.

Email Geoff at geoffalmeria@hotmail.com for their collection

Your roof is the first point of contact between your house and rainfall or snow, so now is the time to check that your roof is weatherproof.

Steep roofs or roofs covered with slate or tiles shouldn’t be walked on – that’s most roofs here in Spain!

In this case it’s advisable to check from a ladder around the perimeter from the eaves.

Always make sure you are using an appropriate roof ladder that is securely fastened at the top and bottom and have someone with you for safety. Here are some checks you should make and replacements where necessary: Look for missing, cracked, curled, broken or rotted slates or tiles. These will need to be replaced and old nails removed.

Check for any broken or missing points where the roof meets chimneys, walls, vents, dormers, or skylights – roofing cement can fix problem areas.

Check your chimney is free of any unwanted guests!

Sleeping warm When you go out, but ther

First, use flannel on your bed. They bed instantly warm cotton or satin wh freeze you! But flan be warmer to the instantly and hold body heat all night.

Next, use a comforter! They a so warm that yo think you have an blanket. Down f insulate and therefo stay extra cozy u down comforter o bed.

Reconcile temp preferences by givi colder partner a blanket. Use a tw fleece blanket on side of the bed s the colder partne not suffer from a covers or make you with comforter o This way, you tw sleep happily side b

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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21

n o i t a x a l e R e d i s e r i F t c e f r e P

y z o C & m r

m and cozy is sometimes hard to do in the cold of winter! to bed, the sheets are so cold you just about jump back re are ways to remedy this and stay warm all night!

sheets make a mer than hich will nnel will e touch d your

down are so, ou will electric feathers ore you under a on your

perature ing the fleece win size n one so that er does lack of u sweat overkill. wo can by side

even if your temperature preferences are very different.

Replace your mattress if it is more than 10 years old. The average mattress lasts for around 10 years.

After that it starts to break down and no amount of attention can make it comfortable again.

Pick the right size mattress to make you cozy. A mattress that is too small leads to feeling crowded; if it is too large you can feel lost inside the bed with too much space. Lay down on the bed and extend both arms out to your side. Where your fingertips extend to is the ideal size for you. If you have a partner in bed, you should both be able to extend your arms.

Additionally, put a comfortable mattress pad on top of the mattress. For

extra comfort, consider putting a foam pad on the mattress underneath the fitted mattress pad. Be sure to put a mattress pad with deep enough sides to hook firmly over the mattress so it doesn’t pop off and create uncomfortable bunches under your sheets.

Replace hot water bottles with herbal neck and foot wraps. You can put them in the microwave and warm them right at bed time.

Then take them to bed with you and put them at your feet and neck. Now when you talk about comfort, this is it. And since they are herbal wraps, they will have a wonderful smell when you heat them. Aroma therapy and warmth lead to restful sleep. How much better does it get?

The weather outside may be frightful, but your fire can be ohso delightful with a few key tips…

Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

You should get your fireplace cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney specialist every year.

Be Cautious and Conservative with Burning Fuels

Don’t use lighter fluid to start a fire, keep a wire grate in front of the fireplace, and remove any decorative and flammable materials far away from the hearth. Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish the fire before you go to bed or leave the home.

Protect the Outside of Your House Keep your firewood at least 30 feet away from the outside of your home,

and cover the top of the chimney with a mesh spark protector

Protect the Inside of your Home Install smoke alarms and check them monthly. Make sure there is proper ventilation around the fireplace and throughout the home.

EDUCATE FAMILY:

YOUR

Make sure everyone in the home knows where the fire extinguisher is and knows an evacuation plan in case things go wrong.

As long as you practice fire safety, there is no reason to fear this beautiful home heat source!

22

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

The future of computers: what can we expect? been suggested that a time will come when computer chips will be embedded under our skin, making it more than likely that we can just ‘think’ of a command and have it done – it sounds like something out of a sci-fi film, but we have plenty of

reason to see it coming.

Cloud sharing: The idea of a cloud network replacing hard disks as we know them is fast becoming a reality. Both Apple and Microsoft have made cloud networks key to their respective operating system – the former with iCloud and the latter, if slightly late to the game, with SkyDrive.

For the moment the cloud networks in existence are used for the sake of backing up computer data, or to share the same data across

multiple devices – the more they develop, the more likely it is that something as ‘bulky’ as a hard disk will soon become obsolete.

Smaller devices: This is already very much a factor.

Tablets have already advanced far enough to be ‘replacements’ for desktop computers, even making laptops seem bulky in comparison. Even more than that is the new generation of smartphones, which are becoming more and more similar in scope to computers. With a variety of apps available resembling – sometimes bettering – the software we are used to, it won’t be too long before we can rely on them completely. Battery life is still an issue – but again, we can only expect mobile manufacturers to find new ways to develop and improve this with time.

This is a generation still very much used to having computers around, and it is unlikely we’ll see them disappear anytime soon. However, it is fast becoming time to reckon with what the future holds for our computers – and technology in general.

SOURCE: http://www.uniblue.com/news/future-computers-what-can-we-expect/

Years ago you would have forgiven people for believing that the typewriter was the end of the line as far as that invention goes. Considering how far we’ve come since the typewriter was created, it’s incredible to even imagine a computer beyond the ones we are used to now. Yet new technology keeps appearing, including features we would have once only expected to see or read about in science fiction. Whilst it’s hard to predict what’s next, the question still remains: what do we have in store?

Smarter systems: How long will it be before we can stop using keyboards all together and simply voice our commands? Apps like Siri for iPhone have proven this is possible, though even this seems to be at the basest level of what we can expect. It has

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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23

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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

€70,000 Mojacar Playa

2 bed / 1 bath Penthouse Apartment with underground private parking. Terrace & solarium with views. Lift & pool . Ref. 1020

nr antas

€109,950

€95,000

2 bed / 1 bath south facing Apartment with terrace with sea views. Complex with pool & gardens near beach and amenities. Ref. 1513

huerta nueva

€99,000

Immaculate south facing 2 bed / 2 bath ground floor Apartment with private plot of 321 m². Fully fitted kitchen. Ref. 1540

mojacar playa

€179,950

villaricos

€105,000

2 bed / 2 bath pretty bungalow near beach & amenities. Plot: 135 m². Terraces & solarium.

Communal pool. Ref. 1006

Mojácar playa

€109,950

THE BEST INVESTMENT PROPERTY:

3 bed / 1 bath charming detached renovated Cortijo with 2 plots (121 m² & 437 m²) in Jauro. Garage & Store room. Ref. 1082

3 bed / 1 bath Apartment with terraces with sea views. Gated complex with tennis court and pools near promenade. Ref.1527

mojacar playa

Turre

€110,000

3 bed / 2 linked Villa on one level with plot of 100 m² within walking distance to beach and amenities.

Carport. Community pool. Ref 1044

2 bed / 2 bath south facing Apartment with panoramic sea views and garage within minutes walk to beach. Communal pool. Ref. 1507

mojacar playa

€129,500 san juan

Nice south facing 2 bed / 2 bath Townhouse with terraces and roof solarium near beach & amenities. Ref.1535

€130,000

Amazing 2 bed / 2,5 bath sea facing Apartment with garage. Fully furnished. Large terrace.

Lift, tennis & pool. Ref.1546

Mojácar Playa €197,000

carboneras

€220,000

Lovely 3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse set on well kept development near promenade and amenities. Terraces & solarium. Ref.1523

Incredible 2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with panoramic sea views from everywhere. South facing terrace of 33 m². Pool & lift. Ref.1552

antas

€135,000

Well appointed 4 bed / 2 bath Village House with garage on plot of 300 m². Front terrace with nice views. Ref.1545

vera

€115,000

Nice 3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse with front terrace and court yard set on a quiet residential street. Open fire place. Ref.1063

aqua nueva

€159,950

2 bed / 2 bath Villa with pool on plot of 500 m² near all amenities of Turre. Conservatory, patio & solarium. Ref.1550

€250,000

Nice 4 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage and pool on plot of 5.000 m² a few minutes to town.

Terrace & solarium. Ref 1017

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

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

by Veritas Homes is available at our office.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES OPEN FOR BUSINESS

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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SPORT SHORTS

by Tony Matthews

* The first Grand Slam of the year - The Australian - started on Monday and already Great Britain’s number one woman Laura Robson and third-ranked Heather Watson, are out, both eliminated. * This weekend’s Premiership matches include Arsenal-Fulham, ChelseaManchester United, Liverpool-Aston Villa, Manchester City-Cardiff and Swansea-Tottenham. * In Scotland its as you were with Celtic and Rangers still unbeaten and both racing away at the top of their respective Divisions. * The bottom-the-table six-pointers in the Premiership last weekend saw 10man West Ham win 2-0 at Cardiff while struggling Fulham were hammered 4-1 at home by improving Sunderland. * Arsenal played Aston Villa on Monday and Hull lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea whose goalkeeper Petr Cech claimed a club record 250th clean-sheet (taking over from Peter Bonetti). * Manchester City won 2-0 at Newcastle who had a ‘good’ goal disallowed at 1-0. * Stoke and Liverpool were involved in an eight-goal thriller in the Potteries where Stephen Gerrard celebrated his 650th appearance for the Merseysiders by scoring a penalty while Luis Suarez took his goal-tally for the season to 22. * Manchester United gained sweet revenge by beating Swansea 2-0, Everton emulated that scoreline against Norwich and Spurs defeated Crystal Palace, also 2-0. * Southampton edged out WBA 1-0 for the second week running. Albion, meanwhile, have appointed Spaniard Pepe Mel (ex-Real Betis boss) as their new manager. * In the Championship, leaders Leicester whipped Derby 4-1 (last Friday), QPR won 3-1 at Ipswich, Reading took the points at Watford (1-0), and Burnley collected three points at lowly Yeovil (2-1). * Sheffield Wednesday hammered Leeds 6-0in the Yorkshire derby. * Here in Spain, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona drew 0-0, Athletic Bilbao thrashed Almeria 6-1 and Real Madrid closed the gap at the top by beating Espanyol 1-0. * Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been named African Footballer of the Year for the third successive time. * Clermont Auvergne, Connacht, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leinster, Munster, Northampton, Toulon and Toulouse all recorded victories in recent Rugby Union’s Heineken Cup pool games. * There is no place for Toby Flood in England’s squad ahead of this year’s Six Nations tournament which starts on 1st February when Wales play Italy ad France meet England. * In cricket, England women, and holders, beat Australia by 61 runs in the Perth Test Match. But England’s men (269-7) lost their first ODI against the Aussies (271-4) by six wickets. * And Steve Bunting is the new WBD World Darts Champion. He beat Alan Norris 7-4 in the final at Lakeside to collect a cheque for £100,000 (120,000 euros).

DID YOU KNOW? In 2002-03, Plymouth Argyle listed Labour MP Michael Foot as squad member in the club’s programme... he was aged 90.

JAGUARS - Country Cruise to La Torreta Fabulous blue sky and brilliant sunshine greeted the members of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in Spain for their latest event on the 12th January 2014. A Country Lunch at a little known, but excellent restaurant called La Torreta located half way between Sax and Elda about 30 Km. inland from Alicante. Most of the cars congregated at the Repsol Gas Station in Sax before going on to the restaurant just a couple of kilometres away. May I take this opportunity to thank all the members that attended especially the new members and to thank Ian our Events Manager for putting together such a brilliant day.

We finished up with 23 beautiful Jaguars, all polished to within a inch of their life, especially David Sleap’s newly acquired S Type which I have to say looks as though it has just come out of the showroom even though it is 11 years old. This superb selection of Jaguars almost filled the car park of the little country eating house. As for Members and Friends, we had a Record Turnout with 65 people. This filled the restaurant to almost overflowing. I have to compliment Simona and her girls from La Torreta for providing not only fabulous food but brilliant service

25

pause for thought

At the start a new year many of us, particularly as we get older, enjoy a period of reflection, as we consider the past and look forward to the opportunities and challenges of the coming year. For my wife and myself this always has a particular poignancy as we got married in early January, and this year marked our fiftieth anniversary of that occasion, so was a bit special.

But lest we became too maudlin in our reflections, a niece sent us the following, quite amusing and very apt poem:

The Holy Bible, you will see, In Genesis and chapter three, Says clearly in the sixteenth verse That women always have it worse.

But men do not get off scot free, Ephesians states emphatically, A husband has to love his wife As much as Christ, who gave his life.

So on this most auspicious date They both have cause to celebrate; They’ve stayed the course for fifty years With blood and toil, with sweat and tears.

So now we raise our glass to him Who stuck it out through thick and thin; But we must raise our hats to her For putting up with Duncan Burr!

A timely reminder that marriages don’t just happen, with everyone living happily ever after as fairy stories would have us believe, but need considerable work, a great deal of understanding, plenty of give and take, a permanent readiness to forgive and a lot of love. And that of course is implicit in that second verse, which reminds us of our need to love as Christ loves us. A challenging requirement indeed.

And as we think back over our lives and ponder the future I cannot but recall words from a hymn I learnt in my youth “We’ll praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that’s to come.” And that must be one of the great benefits of the Christian faith, that we really have no need to worry, but can just trust ourselves to God’s care.

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any wishing to Worship, whilst additionally, further information about the Anglican Church in this area 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.

“ A Record Turnout “

to 65 hungry and rather noisy automotive enthusiasts.

I also have to mention that we were honoured with a special guest, John Brewster, the JEC XK120, 140, 150 Forum Co-ordinator who was visiting Spain and was brought along by our good friends Mike & Brenda Pike.

Restaurant La Torreta went to exceptional efforts to make this event a success. The food was fabulous and for a price that was phenomenal value for money. We started with a plate of sliced fried cheese on a bed of thinly sliced tomato drizzled in olive oil, and a basket of fabulous fresh baguette slices, followed by deep fried Boquerón’s (small fishes), then Sepia a la plancha, the tenderest griddled squid you have ever tasted. A choice of main course was offered, slow cooked shoulder of lamb, entrecote steak, sea bass with cava sauce, grilled hake, or for a small supplement either a fillet (solomillo) steak (the best you will get anywhere) or a Chuleton Steak (T Bone) a huge piece of prime beef. A selection of deserts were then offered as well as good strong coffee. Wines consisted of El Cotto 2008 for the red, Olite for the rose and a very pleasing little Riesling for the white or for those who wanted it endless beer.. All this for 23 Euros which offered our members exceptional value for money. This is the second time that JEC Spain has visited La Torreta, I am sure it will not be the last. Some members have already said we must repeat this event again in the

not too distant future.

Satisfied a satiated, all the members congregated outside just as the sun was going down for the obligatory group photographs. A last chat and a final coffee or last slurp of wine and then people started to depart just after 5:00pm however some of us were still there at 6:00pm - what a great day. Our next meeting is provisionally planned for Sunday the 2nd March, venue

yet to be decided.

The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, members also benefit from a glossy 132 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out www. jec-spain.es or the JEC main web site www.jec.org.uk.

Our Events Manager, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com. Not forget David Shea who looks after our Facebook identity and John Parkin who manages our dedicated web site www.jec-spain.es.

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD

26

Across

1 Water closet (8) 5 Set up (6) 9 Pull out (8) 10 A metamorphic rock (6) 12 Enumerating (9) 13 Fence openings (5) 14 Sinewy (4) 16 Support or vote for (7) 19 Caustic (7) 21 A vaulted recess on a building (4) 24 A language of India (5) 25 Indescribably (9) 27 A style of sleeve (6) 28 Turnip cabbage (8) 29 Acquired deservedly (6) 30 Head restraint (8)

Down

1 Lament (6) 2 Rag (6) 3 Diameters (5) 4 Not transparency (7) 6 Rebels (9) 7 Dampness (8) 8 Calamity (8) 11 Look amorously (4) 15 Overlap (9) 17 A stand to hold wood that is being sawn (8) 18 Adolescent (8) 20 Potato crisp (4) 21 Windflower (7) 22 Afire (6) 23 One who uses a computer keyboard (6) 26 Placed in folders (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

Across 1 Animal seen in sort of music show (8) 5 Element of vehicle and element of skeleton, nearly (6) 9 Almost defer southeastern uncertainty (8) 10 Russian physiologist with a forty-five in Post Office vault, at first (6) 12 Catapult outside of quiet vessel that’s glittering (9) 13 Armed operation? It’s only imaginary (5) 14 Turn to swallow stopper (4) 16 Dawn chorus finally inures change (7) 19 A cold figure standing less chance of survival after 16? (7) 21 One of two (or more) contesting groups is subsidiary (4) 24 Puts up with swellings (5) 25 Religious code of ceremonies follows spin, mostly (9) 27 Make a mistake inside hill, causing extreme fear (6) 28 Awfully hot demos freed from obstructions (8) 29 Lower sword back into empty drawer (6) 30 Half of gifts certain to show

constraining force (8)

Down 1 Maintain persistently in relative quiet, at the end (6) 2 Most of dish might appal (6) 3 Charlie to smell stream (5) 4 Trying out the heartless weapon of some plants and animals (7) 6 Gave up China’s last group with one head of department (9) 7 Slug in news report (8) 8 Somehow move with Bernie that is, disappearing for a month (8) 11 Matures for a long time (4) 15 One following fruit with saint’s rock (9) 17 Detached after time in parties - I turned up (8) 18 Come without Mercedes to interchange of merchandise on a large scale (8) 20 Where eggs may be found at a place of residence (4) 21 Mrs Wei drunkenly caught Malaysia’s first athlete (7) 22 Silence shown by hospitals around America (4) 23 Shanghai’s leader has shelf for vehicle (6) 26 In armchair on social clubs (5)

STANDARD

Very Hard!

To get the solutions go to

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

27

property SERVICES BUY - SELL - RENT - MAINTAIN CALL 902 750 190

EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Home Sweet Home

How To Buy a Property in Spain There are a few things to remember if you’re planning to buy a property in Spain. Firstly, you should get to grips with the full buying process. For example, signing a reservation agreement means you have a set amount of time to pay the full amount (on top of your reservation fee) before you lose the house.

There are several different contract types which may or may not suit you, so be sure to decide exactly what you want from your contract in advance. There are additional fees for the administration process of buying in Spain, and many buyers run into difficulties if they attempt to alter the property without permission or if there is a dispute with the builders, so get everything agreed and signed before you allow any work to happen on your new property.

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962

Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet fully legal company with public liability insurance Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

David

665 517 643 Steve

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

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

energy performance certificates from 121€ (VAT included) fully registered

BUILDING & STRUCTURAL SURVEYS cERTIFIED & LEGAL REPORTS

For litigation purposes, concerning building negligence & house damage Free consultation www.proinspectionreport.co.uk architect Daniel González Aranda Telephone 686 846 624

propertyinspectionreport@hotmail.com

Mojacar - Bedar - Vera

Triton Pool cleaning prices from 60€ per month

Triton Property Services Triton Security Services When you want something done, professionally, reliably and on time then you need people who pride themselves on providing the service you need with total trust and commitment.

Pool Cleaning Landscaping Property Management Key Holding Property Maintenance Vacant Property Checks Gardening & Strimming Home SecurityImprovements Painting & Decorating Plus Home Care Services

Providing the right people for the job!

Call us on: 634 326 322 www.tritonspain.com

O Olive

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant)

Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

This beautiful property commands one of bedar NOW349,950€ the best locations outside Bedar village.

It is within easy walking distance and has amazing village views. The property has 2 large reception rooms, 3/4 bedrooms and a private pool within a lovely courtyard setting. There are water rights and 5000m2 of land. This is a totally unique property with original features throughout and the owners have decorated the property with OLV482 flair and an eye to detail.

Urgently wanted properties for sale in the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, Taberno & San Juan de Los Terreros areas.

Call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal Overa.100m from LIDL

www.vosshomesspain.com

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

28 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

K N I R D & FOOD Medse ón

Hoisi n Pork S tir -fry with Eg g Noodles

winter crazy offer

#

#

Irene Free Bottle of wine per couple to take away after having our night menus

Valid only with this voucher dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st january

Method

buy 1 meal, get 1 half price throughout January eat in only

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.

Drain and set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Hoisin sauce, ginger, chilli sauce and garlic until well combined. Set aside.

Ingredients: Bring the vegetable oil 1 ½ cups egg noodles, uncooked to medium high heat in 2 tbsp vegetable oil a wok or high-sided fry pan. Sauté the pork, while 1– 1½ lb. pork, thinly sliced stirring constantly, in the 1 cup green peppers, cubed oil for 4–6 minutes or until 1 cup celery, sliced on angle just undercooked. Add the celery and green peppers 2 tsp soy sauce, to the wok, and cook for an 2 tsp rice wine vinegar additional 2–4 minutes.

3 tbsp. Hoisin sauce Reduce the temperature to 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated medium heat and add the Hoisin mixture to the wok. ¼ tsp chilli sauce Bring to a boil and cook for 2 tsp garlic, minced 1 minute. Serve on top of the egg noodles.

Bar la Union Friday 17th January

TWILIGHt SHADOWS

Free

Now a Family Run Bar Tuesdays & Sundays open from 11:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 until close Closed Mondays Tapas - Lite Bites - Daily Specials

1st February New to this Area

Kay Frances

sings a Musical Journey through the Decades - 60’s / 70’s to 2000’s from Ella Fitzgerald to Amy Winehouse.

Booking is essential. Tables will be reserved for Diners only.

“Don’t forget your Dancing Shoes” Special Menu available for the night.

A night NOT to be missed...

15th February Alternative Valentines’ Vicars & Tarts Night with renowned DJ

Johnny Slade

Bottle of “Fizz” for best dressed Tart & Vicar.

6€ per person to include a Hot & Cold Buffet.

Tickets available from the Bar.

Sadie & Jon wish all Customers Old & New “ A Happy and Prosperous New Year”.

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Bar

Live Music every Sunday at 3pm and entry is totally free.

We also offer Authentic Thai food cooked with original Thai ingredients.

Set menu is 14.95€ per person to include 3 courses plus a bottle of wine per couple

Send your recipes to Unique Entertainment at Bar Unique Saturday 18th January 22.30 pm El Lilo - Spanish Rock Band editor @ Sunday January 19th 3pm Trade Winds Saturday 25th 9pm DJ Ray Peters playing all the hits from Motown Sunday January 26th 3pm Brendan O’Dee soltimes.

Sunday February 2nd 3pm Atlantis February we have 4 more amazing acts already booked in including The Best band in Almeria...... com watch this space........

air-conditioned

La

VidaRestaurant&Venue el Cucador

Saturday Burns Saturday Burns 25th 25th January Party January Night Night

All Diners guaranteed seating bookings 634 393 235 or email us barunique@hotmail.com

E.E. S.S. TERDIGUERA Servicio de Neumaticos • Petrol • Shop Cafe • Restaurant • Car/Lorry Wash

+J with J+ Music Music

fr from om

88.9 .955

Restaurant

Menu del Diario 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

traditional sunday lunch served 12.30PM-5PM

includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate

Kilts Optional 6.00pm - 9.30pm evening menu 3 Course 5€ 9 .

1 2 Themed

OUR MAIN MENU INCLUDES 16oz STEAKs ~ MIXED GRILL ~ FRESH FISH Menu changes weekly please ask for our daily specials fri – SAT EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM

7:30 pm pm 77 -- 7:30 HOMEMADE STARTE Bookings Essential Essential Bookings & SCRUMPTIOUS HOMERS MADE DESSERTS all 3.00 each!

NOW SHOWING el Cucador Saturdays La &Sundays

Chilli Night

4 COURSES WITH WINE & COFFEE DINNER 7PM - 10PM 20oz T-BONE STEAK, 16oz BEEF ENTRECOTE 12oz PORK TENDERLOIN, ROASTED LAMB SHANK & SHOULDER, ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE & MORE

Mesón

de

Irene

#

winter crazy offer

sunday roast menu del dia

4 courses with bottle of Free Bottle of wine ESTE wine per couple & coffee included: per couple to take away after having our night menus Roast Lamb Shoulder & Pork Knuckle, 16oz Valid only with this voucher Entrecote, 20oz T-Bone, dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st january 12oz Pork Tenderloin, Roast Potatoes & Fresh Vegetables 4 Courses with Wine & Coffee Monday to Saturday Freshly Baked Bread

MENU DEL DIA inclusive Lunch 1pm - 4pm

SERVED 1pm - 4pm

vegetarian menu available

FREE WI-FI

childrens menu available

LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Monday special wednesday supper NEW

MENU DE LA NOCHE

#

Wonderful Night for all Address a Toast to the a n d to the Haggis Lassies

booking recommended

VidaBar

OPEN 7 days a week

29

Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 ~ English Speaking 647 730 103 Poligono Industrial Albox, Near the ITV Garage

w w w.mesondeirene.com

5€

TUESDAY special Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

5€

homemade burger, Chips & Salad Home cooked Ham, Chips & Salad

5.50€

Thursday Pie Night

Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas

5.50€

SERVED 6-9PM

Beer battered cod

homemade chips & peas

from

5.95€ in the Bar

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

lite bite snacks

open every day open for lunch 12pm - 4PM specials, burgers, wraps 12pm - late

menu del dia 2 COURSE LUNCH 12:30-3:30PM 6€

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas 1km

Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547

Huercal Overa

30

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

relocated to new premises

be a  part 19 Ta JANUARYof it

Monday - saturday 12 noon - 3pm & 7pm - close

d n d a n a heese C heese C Goat n nii H rosti erbed Goat C Herbed rosti C TTomato omato BBalsamic alsamic

Sunday : carvery 12noon - 5pm



Main Meals 6.95€



tapas served Lunch & Evening

th

ble sal to p e 



Thursdays - closed

Every Friday fish chips & peas €3.95 Large Cod, Chips & Peas €5.50 Sunday Carvery €6.95 S

tarting T 14th Ja uesday nua spani sh les ry son 10:30 am - 5 s €

Served 12 noon til 5pm

mini roast €1.50 wacky wednesday

Wine, Small Beer & Soft Drinks - 1€ Mini-Meals 1€* *when purchased with a drink

Tel: 659 683 447

www.newyorknewyork.es

OPPOSITE THE Protur hotel, next to y da wakes

We now offer a special french menu for

15€ every day

Typical French Cuisine Special Menus Fresh Fish of the Day Taste our French Wines

Menu Of the day 7.50€ Find us on Facebook Open 12 noon - 17.00, 19.30 to close Telephone 651 481 190 Email: mikaela_cretu@yahoo.com Avenida playa Serena 24, Roquetas de mar urbanisation, near the playa sol hotel

Ingredients:

Olive oil spray 1 long French bread loaf 1½ cups tomatoes, diced 2 tbsp shallots, finely

Method Preheat the oven to 400F/200C/Gas 6.

Using a bread knife cut the French bread on a bias about ½ inch thick.

Lay each slice in a single layer on a sheet pan and spray each side with olive oil. Place the sheet pan on the top rack of the oven and toast for 3 minutes on each side for a total of 6 minutes. Allow bread to cool before assembling.

In a separate bowl, lightly toss the tomatoes, shallots and balsamic vinegar until completely coated. Spread a small

minced 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced 4 oz herb goat cheese

amount of goat cheese on one side of each toasted bread slice.

Then, scoop a small spoonful of the tomato mixture on top of the goat cheese. Garnish with the basil and season to taste.

nies Brownies Cheesecake Brow presso Cheesecake Expresso Ex Method

Preheat the oven to 350.

To prepare the brownie batter, in a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

In a microwave safe bowl, add butter and chocolate - heat at 50% power just until the butter has melted and the chocolate has softened. Stir the mixture and if any lumps of chocolate remain, reheat briefly, stopping every 30 seconds or so to stir.

Whisk sugar into the chocolate mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined after each.

Whisk in vanilla. Add dry ingredients and stir just until combined - set aside.

To prepare the cheesecake batter, in a small bowl, stir together espresso powder and boiling water - set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Add sugar and beat until well combined, about 3 minutes.

Beat in vanilla and espresso mixture.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined after each. Mix in the Ingredients: For the brownie batter ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 5 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces 4 oz coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate 1/3 cup granulated

sour cream. Add flour and stir until combined.

Stir brownie batter and pour three quarters of it into a 9” baking pan coated with non-stick spray. Pour cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter. Drop dollops of the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl the dark batter into the cheesecake batter, making sure not to push the knife down into the bottom brownie layer.

Place into the oven and bake until the cheesecake layer is beige in the centre and lightly browned around the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Remove and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Place cooled pan into the refrigerator and chill at least 2 hours.

To prepare the topping, in a small saucepan, add sour cream and confectioners’ sugar - warm over very low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and pour evenly over the cold cheesecake layer.

Place the pan back into the refrigerator and chill until the topping is thoroughly cold, at least 1 hour before serving.

sugar 2 large eggs ½ tsp vanilla essence For the cheesecake batter 1 ½ tsp instant espresso powder 1 tbsp boiling water 8 oz cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup granulated

sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla essence 2 large eggs ¼ cup sour cream 1 tbsp all-purpose flour For the topping 1 ¼ cups sour cream ½ cup icing sugar

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

31

ROQUETAS DE MAR

nOTICE bOARD

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH ‘RASTRO-MARKET’ IN CAR PARK OPPOSITE LEO’S ---------------------------------------

Sunday 19th January

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE FORTHCOMING ‘POPPY APPEAL’ FUND RAISING EVENTS ROQUETAS DE MAR BRANCH 3569

Tuesday 4th February - 3pm Social meeting & Pudding competition.

Tuesday 4th March -3pm Social meeting. Quiz & Raffle.

Tuesday 1st April - 3pm Social meeting.

All monies raised at these afternoons will be for the 2014 Poppy Appeal

Table top sale

New members are most welcome to join the branch, so please contact the Chairman on 950328469 or any member of the Committee for further membership details. Branch meetings are held at ‘The Lodge’ on Calle Americo Vespucio, Roquetas De Mar, on the first Tuesday of each month, at 3.00pm.

new york newyork ---------------------------------------

Sunday 26th January Table top sale burtys bar

y da wakes re-opens ---------------------------------------

Roquetas Bridge Club meets on Monday’s at 3pm.

For more info please contact Alison Ferguson 950349749 or

FREE of charge

Services include Key Holding, Maintenance, Furniture Packs, Cleaning & Laundry, Apartment & Post-box Checks

Mobile: (0034) 663 426 921

info@enviapropertyservices.com

www.enviapropertyservices.com

FTG Notice

The ‘Friday Tapas Group’ meet up at 1.00pm each week (Friday) and the venues over the next few weeks are as follows:

17th January - El Adel, next to Margar.

24th January - Bar Cuellar, (White Chairs).

31st January - Bar Tango, near Hotel Sabinal.

7th February - Bar Ana, C/Sierra Nevada.

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!

Happy 40th Birthday

Have a wonderful day Love Mick xx

Happy 50th

Steve

from Angie, Colin Rachael, Daniel & Lee xxxx

Sue Barlow 950 333 344

Advertisers publish your special events here.

Charity/community groups events also published

Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce Almerimar, Vicar, La Envia Golf

jane

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

Saturday 1st March

Property management Sales & Rentals

reg

Happy Birthday from Anne, Dave and Georgie xxxx

Dalby

Have a fan dabby dozy day from all the Quinn / Dean clan in Spain

Happy 35th Birthday

Ann-Marie Cumpleanos Feliz Paul & Stef

jo

Happy Wedding anniversay

See you on the 29th Debs and Andy xxx

Have a fab day, from all your friends in Garrucha xxxx

21 again!!!!

24 hour Helpline 902 88 35 35 or email pat@samaritansinspain.com Samaritans in Spain (SiS) operate under license from the Samaritans UK and the team of volunteers is trained to their high and exacting standards. These volunteers have a diverse range of ages and experiences and offer support to English speaking people with emotional and personal issues, any time day or night, regardless of their nationality. The team are available on the Helpline 24 hours a day to listen to your concerns, worries or your grief. No problem is too small or too large and if you need practical support then SiS will endeavour to help you reach a solution and aim to find support from other agencies in your locale.

Your call will be treated with total confidentiality and honesty and most importantly, you will not be judged or told what to do. SiS do not advise but help you to reach your own conclusion by talking. So don’t suffer alone - pick up the phone - or email SiS - any time day or night.

You talk – We listen.

sue & pete

estampa Tapas Bar nny outdoor u s s u io c a p S ating 24 terrace se TV SKY

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

sky sports shown here

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

SEND your birthdays and events TO:

EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM and WE’LL PRINT THEM

FREE OF CHARGE!

32

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com

see us online

business for sale

alternative energy

construction

business for sale

Solar Wind Power Solutions.

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

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

sms for all your building needs Call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690

in turre

everyday FOR SALE

advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section any single item up to 300€ free of charge

busy modern hair beauty salon, existing clientel, low rent, all fixtures & fittings included Legitimate reason for sale phone for more details

644 496 198

Business For Sale

email: sales@soltimes.com Small, well-established English Food Shop excellent PCP grip, 177 (pre condition €55 Genuine Reason for Sale charged pnuematic) Tel: 634 392199 Price includes existing air arms stock, fixtures & fittings classic, (Vera) excellent 750 € Call Kenny 634 337 483 condition. HI - T E C ono case & W a t e r p r o o f extras inc

have scope worth 400 & 3 tons of ammo, registered with Arboleas police Tel: 608 050 036 i n k Tel: 642 786 205 cartridges refills or buy a compatable at great prices.

We love to save you money.

ICS shop inside liberty seguros insurance, Calle malaga (next to puppy rescue) or call 609 199 394 Clarke Ark Welder 300€, EWT German radiator type 0c1143 240v 35€, electr i c chainsaw. For sale new unused florabest 2200 watt automatic, 40 cm oregon chrome blade, low vibration, still in original box , 65€ Tel 689 165 123 Rocal Log Burner Fully enclosed insert, 2 speed auto fan, full glass door, excellent, 25€

SKY DS430N Box (Pace) with remote control.

Full working order € 35.

Black metal round barbecue with grill, 23” diameter € 15 Tel: 617 138 880 (Vera) TITLEIST GOLF BAG, excellent condition with head cover & carry strap, black/white €55 Tel: 634 392199 (Vera) PING G5 DRIVER, 10.5 degree, right hand, gents, regular shaft with new grip fitted & matching head cover €55 Tel: 634 392199 (Vera) T A Y L O R MADE GHOST with PUTTER matching head cover, 34” length, original

Hiking

Boots,

No time-wasters

worn once, size 4

wanted

(eur 37), navy €15

2 hairdresser salon chairs Tel: 634 392198 & other related salon equipment required, Must be in good condition (Vera) Tel: 647 379 878 SKY DS430N Box (Pace) with remote

control.

DJ WANTED Call Brian 634 305 132

carlos saliente plumbing & heating for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com

available venues Venue @ La Vida El Cucador Private parties Birthday etc, all events catered for call for more information

950 634 562

round barbecue grill,

diameter

Air-con

23”

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

15€

Tel: 617 138 880 (Vera) INDUS T R IA L S E WIN G

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 brother, up to telephone

M A C HIN E , date model, 250€ tel: 950 528 334 or 626 319 907 JCB 2 stoke bush cutter 150€ tel: 950 528 334 SIN G E R industrial sewing machine,old but working, original instructions, creeping

foot,

sews leather etc, has piping foot 80€ tel: 950 528 334

950 432 110 / 607 364 917

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

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

Airport services www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Need

Transport??

Airport services Alicante Almeria Murcia shopping New trips Servicing / Repairs hospital A i rport appointments tr a n s f er s etc pick up all areas, c o m p e t i t i v e 663 429 521 rates. For a quote please visit professional www. spanish reliable estateagent. com or call 661 service 143 871

Airport Parking

in Albox Private parties Birthday etc, all events catered for

call Bar for more

information:

950 120 718

baby equipment hire

BABY HIRE

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

950 436 581 or 666 375 688 expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

Installations and supplies of: Plasterboard • ceilings screens • wallpaper Tel: 675 986 622 calvet@calvetinstalaciones.es www.calvetinstalaciones.es

drainage

Drainage Solutions

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

Established 9 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966

ballroom dancing

Tea room ballroom dancing LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying

sequence with jean & derek at

Full working order Records, old postcards, La watches, jewellery, Can collect, Call 35€. Black metal 950325235 or 636134272 with

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

el Cucador

• I nstallation of new septic tanks with certificates

mondays 3-5pm

• Repairs to existing pozos

VidaRestaurant&Venue

all levels welcome • CCTV Camera single or couples enjoyable afternoon to meet Inspection new friends Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 for more info call Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net 950 449 617

carpentry for all your carpentry needs Call B& B designs on 646 101 712

WILDWOOD Bespoke Joinery For all your carpentry requirements

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

Fast, efficient, competitive service.

Tel: 634 328 574 james@wildwood.es

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

chimney sweep

electrician

The Chimney sweep, for a friendly professional service Call Paul on : 617 150 300 or 850 993 057.

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900

Contact: 675 838 808

CD electrical SERVICES Rewires & Upgrades - Fault Finding - Boletins

Emergency Call Outs for all your electrical needs!!! air conditioning & ALARMS

Call: 617 410 534or 662 414 043 info@cdelectricalservices.com www.cdelectricalservices.com

Check out our genuine reviews on

www.viva-almeria.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com equipment hire

insurance

albox

gardening

potty finca services

iron/metal works

The Metal insurance works Grills, est 7 years railings, gates Award winning agent of all types, For all your security/sliding/ roller, rejas, Insurance Needs concertina doors Please contact etc. Tel: Keith Glenn & jayne Wood on 638 950 121 943 infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com 900 949 T & T Metals For all quality metal works, including gates, railings, rejas, staircases, gazebos & chainlink fencing Tel: 950 431 738

legal

including all types of palm trees

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

landscape gardening • Block work • Balustrades • Paving Driveways & Paths

Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate 620 112 193 or 667 853 062 heating

Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services.

If it involves water, we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel: 968 969 962

health & beauty

ELAINE’S WOOLS

Call 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail.com

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery - arboleas

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

dog & grooming parlor

pet taxi

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE on pg 15, please email DELIVERED TO DOOR info@daviessolicitors.com locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

logs load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed Olive some roots €140 load of eucalyptus, no roots €160 all loads 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding areas Call Lee on 636 092 632, eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

Phil Delivers

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

Quality UK Wool & Accessories.

Come & view my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT Services & Total Entertainment

pets section

616 857 429 mimopeluqueriacanina@gmail.com Camino San Roque, Albox

avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es pamper yourself at R Retreat OPTICIANS El Cucador, beauty treatments, hair salon, holistic massage, Optica Albox All your optical waxing, pedicure etc. Therapists needs, eye tests, hearing tests, all established & UK qualified.

Email retreatcucador.gmail.com contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991 or call 647 379 878 for a full listing PAINTER / DECORATOR of treatments or look at our main advert on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct

hobby/craft

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

Bath • Hygiene • grooming

professional tree felling & pruning,

painter & decorator

friendly - professional -reliable neat & tidy - experienced no job too small

new year offers Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

33

PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

No need for kennels or cattery

plumbing cont...

C A R L O S SA L I E N T E Plumbing and Heating offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters for just €65 – aguafuerte is not the answer!

Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos. saliente@gmail. com

KNOWLES plumbing No 1 for Plumbing

All types of Plumbing

Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems

TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797

PROPERTY section

Specialising in rural property with character Whether you are buying or selling we will be delighted to hear from you

PLASTERER

pilates

British

with Sharon O’Lanlon every Wednesday 11am - 12 all welcome all levels at La Vida El Cucdor Call for more details 638 487 314 fully UK reg: 25 years experience

plasterer, All work guaranteed, Tel Paul 634 327 201

plumbing

reduced

20mins from mojacar, Call Stephen 636 266 641 4 beds, 2 baths, email info@findmeahome.es Find us online at Open plan living www.findmeahome.es areas, kitchen & facebook.com/findmeahome diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & urcal back & room for a pool. Mountain 1 bed casita, fully furnished views. with large fly-free patio, internet ono connection, log burner, private €135,000 649 186 107

los pedro gales parking, electric by metre 250€ pcm inc water

Pet sitting in your own home, Tel: 666 281 323 Arboleas & local area.

APARTMENT FOR RENT Call Vanessa 637 061 482 VERA SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL Pilates

detatched cortijo

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

property to rent BARGAIN For sale.

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For all your property will plumbing needs appear as Fully Qualified shown above heating engineer and be seen contact barry 667 853 062 or graham 620 112 193

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Tel: Paulette on 950 121 936

34

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 removals

DAVE’S TRANSPORT 7.5 Ton, Lorry Part loads, Self load/Unload Minimal rates, Owner Driver Spain/uk/Local Storage available, based “Los Gallardos” &”hertfordshire”

Call now 0034 620 049 524 (Es) 00 44 794 3135 214 (UK) woodnco@hotmail.com

De Lima’s

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

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Jo on 600 344 565 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

SPAIN UK SPAIN safe & secure transport to & from uk Removals thermal lined & controlled ventilation ideal for pets Friendly Reliable Service 200€ dog Fully Legal 100€ cats & birds Special deals from UK - Spain

Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@ hotmail.com

heavy loads welcome

4700kg with speed limiter fixed price quotes fully legal operation shop & offices to visit px goods to offset costs

call: 634 368 430

yoga

UK - SPAIN - UK

From a parcel to a small house move Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service

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

+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 satellite/ television

swimming pools

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

Coming soon UKTV without a dish Call for more info.

Tel Dave: 628 607 778

Pro Care Pools Tel: 642 370 681 email: procare property service@ gmail.com

M&D transport

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

advertise in the

soltimes classified call paulette on 950 121 936

motoring section car & van hire

Van hire

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mobile mechanics

car for sale

wanted

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1996 fIAT pUNTO elx cABRIOLET

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covering all areas, fully qualified & legal, over 30 years experience, Call Paul on 617 150 300 car for sale

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Excellent Condition Metallic Blue. 100,000kms ITV till Feb 2015 Tax & Transfers Paid Tel: 07531 078 803

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140,000 miles, 2 owners. Full luxury spec. Electric sun roof, tow bar, excellent condition. UK reg. Current tax & M.O.T 2,995 € o.v.n.o. 697 581 734

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Telephone 667 235 205 Honda fantic koala 50cc

liquid cool sand bike offers welcome picture for illustration only

Yoga with Liz Hill every Wednesday 2pm - 4pm at La Vida El Cucador over 20 years experiences UK trained All levels welcome call Liz for more info on 667 979 445

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ARE YOU F A RAY O E? SUNSHIN

SOLTIMES are looking for A Sales assistant

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viewpoint

Not the Whole Picture Recently Pete and I had an excellent trip to Malaga with the Almanzora Group of Friends.

Among the delights offered and arranged for our enjoyment was a visit to the birthplace of Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso, otherwise known as Picasso.

Here I discovered that he could, in fact, paint very nicely – Of course I would never admit in public that I find his famous works a little bewildering, and leave me secretly thinking that on the whole, people look better with one eye each side of their nose; I don’t want to appear an uneducated Philistine!

Of course, the exit is through the shop, and as we passed through I noticed an exceptionally pretty scarf, draped in artistic folds and heavily under lock and key in a display cabinet.

‘I like that’ I commented, before I saw the price tag. ‘No I don’t’ I hastily countered, ‘not at that price!’

However, Pete was for buying it as a Christmas present, because he considers I am worth it, so I gave in

quickly but graciously.

A gift-wrapped version of the scarf was fetched out from under the counter, and the well-polished lady assistant assured me that it was a genuine copy of one of the Master’s masterpieces, reproduced in silk and complete with signature. The picture, which is depicted on the scarf’s outer wrapper, is titled Faunes et Chèvre, and shows three figures frolicking by a lake in a green and mountainous spot under a blue sky dotted with, presumably, clouds.

On Christmas Day, with due gravitas, I unwrapped the key to my credibility as a connoisseur of Fine Art; my Picasso scarf. The image depicted is indeed Faunes et Chèvre, but with most of the sky missing, and the unfortunate Faunes with their lower extremities cut off, while the poor Chèvre only has his horns to signal his existence – the scarf show only the middle third of the picture!

I was aghast! The wrapper showed the whole picture, not just the middle third! Would an art gallery buy Sunflower, by Van Goth? Can you imagine the Mona Lisa in a Burkha? Would Da Vinci’s Last Supper have had the same impact if only 3 of the Apostles had turned up? I doubt it!

It is a lovely scarf, and nobody will be aware of its shortcomings when discretely draped around my neck, but I consider that we are the victims of sharp practice – we have not got the whole picture! josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

By Jos Biggs

Pine Needles, Crooners and Resolutions tin – artificial.

Then our consciences started giving us gyp over cutting down a tree each year and putting it on display for a few weeks, before chucking it away or burning it on the bonfire in the garden. It was possible to purchase them with a root of course, but just how many fir trees can you plant in the average garden before a herd of elk or a branch of the Mohican tribe takes residence.

This coincided with the time that Christmas tree makers finally got their act together and started to manufacture examples that to all intents and purposes were hardly discernible from the real McCoy. We reluctantly decided therefore to forego the tradition of using a real specimen in favour of an all singing all dancing, made in China, look-alike. There was even a choice of species, so having looked at the options, we decided on a Norway Spruce with a tasteful dusting of artificial snow on its artificial branches.

It was sad to say goodbye to something that had been a regular Christmas feature in our lives since we were children, but we consoled ourselves with the mistaken belief that at least we would be doing our bit for the environment and there would not be the usual layer of shed needles to clear up after the festivities were over. How wrong we were. And this is where the myth comes in because the plastic ‘needles’ that drop in the course of erecting and badbirdnow@gmail.com dismantling the damn

Now that Dia de Los Reyes is over and the Three Kings have turned their camels round and headed back east, the festive season can be said to be well and truly over for another year.

The tree has been dismantled; the decorations and Christmas arrangements are all packed in their boxes and stowed away once more in the garage.

But for those who have not converted from a natural to an artificial Christmas tree (not many here in Spain I would imagine) and are contemplating doing so, let me dispel a myth.

Up until some twenty years ago, we would not have dreamt about using anything other than a freshly felled natural tree at Christmas. Apart from the evocative aromatic whiff of the pine in your front room, how tacky to use some plastic and metal monstrosity in its place we thought.

But this was in the days when artificial trees looked exactly how they were described on the

By Colin Bird :

thing are as abundant as the real ones, and far more difficult to prise out of the carpet.

They get everywhere and each year we sweep up dustpans full of the things; the vacuum bag is clogged with them and still they appear.

And you can bet that come August, we will still be finding them in the furnishings and some of the darker corners of the room along with those annoying bits of sparkly stuff.

And it seemed that everyone seemed to have caught the dreaded bug over Christmas.

Almost certainly imported from the mother country, I reckon those Brit germs come over by Ryanair or Easy Jet wrapped up in their heavy coats and woollies and when they feel a bit of warm sunshine on their backs, strip down to their Speedos and start breeding like mad.The television over the holiday period was predictably boring. Not only with the now to be expected number of repeats, but repeats of those repeats just days apart.

Robbie Williams did a show from the London Palladium at the beginning of December; resplendent in a white tie and tails, it was his offering of all those swing classics from the past. But puleeese, I know that he is a great entertainer and has had some songs of his own that are classics in their own right, but

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

alqueria

35

El Palacio de La Paz

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

www.soltimes.com

The burning down of the Newcomer’s bar, La Golondrina Verde was immediately blamed on the more radical elements of the Hill People.

The situation looked ugly for a time.

A contingent of Newcomer youths threatened to take over the only remaining bar in Alqueria, the Hill People’s Bar la Casa Devante. A standoff in the Plaza was only defused when José Cabrasilbido, the local policeman promised an inquiry.

After an exhaustive examination of the devastated Bar la Golondrina Verde Cabrasilbido made his findings public. Some discarded ‘cheese and onion crisps’ accidentally mixed with Remitroot Whisky formed a sort of ‘guncotton’. The rays of the setting sun focused through the base of a broken bottle of Brainbuster Absinthe caused an incendiary beam which ignited the makeshift ‘guncotton’.

The resultant explosion, enhanced by the detonation of the remaining full bottles of Absinthe completely destroyed the building. The Hill People were vindicated. Which was fortunate as this happened a mere ten minutes before the explosive that was actually planted by the Hill People was due to go off.

There were a few dissenting voices among the Newcomers.

Some suggested that this was the political cause rather than the actual cause of the explosion. However it was sufficient to restore some semblance of law and order. Something had to be done though and quickly. The increasing violence between the two barrios and their increasing ingenuity

in producing viable weapons made this apparent. One particular group among the Hill People had actually been awarded an arms contract from a central African country. As this prompted possible UN sanctions they refused to supply their particularly effective Bacalao Catapult.

The answer came in the form of a monument to tolerance. On the waste ground to the east of the Río Verde, where the now defunct holiday park stood

a

completely

non-partisan

edifice would be built. Here villagers could spend their time in a non threatening environment. All the entertainment would be international, there would be nothing home-grown.

The theory being that if the opposing groups are exposed to international ideas, thoughts, cuisine and the like it would make them more tolerant of each other.

The building itself was to be financed equally by both barrios but the construction and fitting-out to be put out for foreign tender. This reduced the scope for internal corruption and strife. The well known firm of British architects Fleecem, Skinem and Leggit from East Loonyton won the turnpike project. They in turn commissioned Bodgeit and Son as the project’s builders.

What could go wrong?

Michael Bublé he is not.

Still, it didn’t detract from the ooh’s and aah’s from the predominantly female audience and let’s face it, he could sing the Albanian national anthem accompanied by a tambourine and the audience would still be full of swooning ladies and damp underwear.Then with the New Year of course the inevitable resolutions, but what a load of old cods that is. I mean, if you are really determined to make some sort of change in your life then why wait for January 1st? It’s just an excuse to delay the fateful day and how many of us having resolved that we would give up chocolate at the end of the year for example, then go on a chocolaty binge over Christmas in an orgy of Quality Street, Ferrero Rocher and Terry’s Chocolate Oranges before the deadline.

Still one thing hasn’t changed. I’m still the same miserable old git that I was last year.

36

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

braben’s blog...

Pillow Fights!

You’d have thought that by now we’d have got the hang of pillows wouldn’t you? They’ve been around since the Mesopotamians came up with the idea in about 7000BC-I wonder if they invented IKEA too? But, even though they’re over 9000 years old, it seems that there are still some people who just can’t get their heads around using them properly. I have to say, with a certain smugness, that I’ve managed to negotiate my whole life, using a pillow every single night, without ever needing so much as a plaster on my little finger. There are an awful lot of people however who clearly lack my pillow expertise! Tens of thousands of careless sleepers each year end up in hospital with pillow related injuries. Just what those injuries are or what they doing with the pillow, or perhaps even pillows, that left them so damaged that they needed hospital treatment, we will never knowunless we look to Canada!

Canada is generally a pretty unobtrusive country-very chilly yes, but not normally the cause of too much in the way of trouble. One thing they have got though, something which is a possible clue to the mystery of many pillow related injuries, is a Pillow Fight League! Yes, grown men and women, well actually, just women, try to knock seven bells out of each other with their pillows. Injuries in this most ridiculous of pastimes have included lost teeth, concussion and even kidney damage!

From a pillow! When you go to bed tonight, you should see your pillow in a different light, in fact, maybe we should all leave our respective lights on all night in case someone close to us decides to take up this pillow fight sport thing.

Graham is married But what this discovery did was it whetted my appetite for all to Helen and has a things Canadian and I couldn’t resist a little more research. After daughter, Alice. He all, a country that gives us semi professional pillow fighters must lives part of the year near Albox, but works surely have other wonders hiding somewhere in its vastness, Niagara Falls and great winter sports facilities notwithstanding. in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact I was right, it does! Guard donkeys, bath tub races and the Graham regarding World’s first UFO landing pad! Now look, any country that has this article email: things like this, as well as a Pillow Fight League, has to be worth helenandg@yahoo. a visit, wouldn’t you agree, but be sure to pack your own, house co.uk trained, pillow! Well, you can’t be too careful can you?

Downhill from here?

It is inconceivable for any Briton to contemplate a scenario where Princess Anne our Queens daughter is charged with tax fraud and money laundering. Well in Spain that’s precisely what’s happening with their royal family, King Juan Carlos’s daughter ‘La Infanta’ Cristina has been charged in relation to 6 million Euros that her husband Inaki Urdangarin allegedly embezzled from Noos his ‘charitable’ foundation. At the same time Cristina and her husband were partners in a business called Aizoon which investigators suspect was set up to launder the loot. The Judge says it’s inconceivable that Cristina didn’t know what was happening so up before the judge she goes in March.

Crossing back into Spain from Gibraltar border recently, a chap was returning home from a shift in a bar with an unopened packet of cigarettes in his pocket. The Guardia Civil searched him, found the cigs and confiscated them. They would not let him open the packet and smoke one so he was humiliated and granted a receipt for his attempted smuggling and obvious criminality.

Over the New Year in Torrevieja; a holidaying French couple were assaulted by security guards at Carrefour because an

alarm went off as they were leaving. They were taken to a side room, searched and nothing was found. When they asked to leave the guards tried to handcuff the woman and punched her repeatedly. The husband was gripped round the throat as he tried to help her, all this in front of their two terrified and screaming children.

Luckily the teenage son managed to film the attack and the security firm now says it ‘regrets’ the incident.

In future the guards can do this down some dark alley as the Spanish Government are introducing a law allowing private guards to arrest people outside of the places they are paid to look after.

Coincidentally the poor lady happened to be black.

The Spanish authorities are planning to purchase water cannon trucks to help the police against violent demonstrations. Although widely used in the fascist Franco years, Spains’ 5 water cannon are quietly rusting away as they were last used in 1987 against demonstrators in Madrid, a 14 year old girl was shot that day by police.

Interestingly with 1300 demos last year in Madrid alone just 2 were deemed as violent. Coincidentally in London Boris Johnson and the Metropolitan Police have also asked if they too can have the same toys.

In a beach resort that will go unnamed; a chap told me about how over Christmas he and some others had left a pub lock-in at 3am all very drunk, instead of finding cabs they all stupidly decided to drive home. The local police stopped them yet instead of arresting them and locking them up, they made them leave the cars and the police called a taxi.

Now, is this sensible policing or letting someone get away with a crime? A discussion point for sure.

At Christmas Eve the roads are busy as people go to stay with friends and family or maybe do a bit of last minute shopping. In Spain especially so as Christmas Eve is celebrated more than Christmas Day itself, bars and restaurants are filled with revellers. So what did the Guardia Civil decide to do dead on lunchtime at 2pm? They formed a road block across both lanes of the E15 complete with jack booted men, with their machine guns and tyre stingers at the ready. Then they spread their peculiar version of Christmas cheer endearing themselves to all, whilst we endured the 45 minute queues. Happy 2014!

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

Cloud Storage and Should we use it?

While reading up about cloud storage it soon became clear that every article was written by proponents (goody two shoes followers) of the companies that provide these services.

In each case they talk about the “Myths” surrounding their service. Today, with your help, I am going to look at the first of these “Myths”, that of the security aspect, from our (an ordinary user’s) perspective.

Myth: With all the legal requirements associated with this service, and it is a service (another way to part you from your money), it is as secure as any other method of storage.

They use the examples of a bank that ENCRYPTS your information and uses various layer of AUTHENTICATION to ensure that you are who you say you are.

Response: Although they use the example of a bank your information is usually not encrypted or encoded in anyway on their server (computer – a rose by any other name).

Even where authentication is used (login into Facebook – one form of authentication) it isn’t always that secure. Someone with appropriate skills or just blind luck can get passed authentication given enough time and research.

Myth: Our general misconception of “The Cloud” is that it is one gigantic suitcase where everyone puts their information. The truth is that your information is not stored on one server! It is stored on several servers and usually in a RAID format. Very quickly, RAID is several methods of sharing data to ensure it is safe. One way splits the information into chucks and puts chunk 1 on server A, chuck 2 on server B and chuck 3 back on server A – and so on. Method 2 will copy any changes, as they happen to a second server to make an exact duplicate of the information.

Response: This is what I call a technical smoke screen. A way to misdirect you away from your concerns by bamboozling you with BS. Whereas what they say is true and has merit, the question is ‘Why must they use this method to confuse you into feeling safe?’.

Myth: Your data isn’t any more secure at home than on their, paid for, service.

Response: You can use any one of hundreds of free and inexpensive programs to encrypt your data and data storage drives that would make even the most determined thief (civil or military) give up before getting any where near your information. Buy a safe or create a hidden place in your house / casa / villa / cortijo to store your external data drive. In the time that it has taken you to read this article you know EXACTLY where your information is, You know that it is as safe as it can be and finally have saved yourself a tidy sum.

I think the final words should be from someone who, after reading one of the same articles I did, just had to comment. ‘Cloud storage is all well and good if you are happy to have the Americans crawling all over your data and you have plenty of time and money

to pay for and wait for the data uploads and downloads. A gimmick to attract the hard of thinking’. A sentiment that I can agree with!

As always, you know where I am, what skills I have, how long that I’ve been doing I.T. and the telephone number to get hold of me. So see you at my regular clinic at Jack’s Bar, Albox on Friday afternoon 12-4 (1200 – 1600h).

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

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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motoring

Costacoches Vera S.L. has been in operation since 2006/2007, supplying Budget rental cars from Almeria airport and their Mojacar depot.

For 2014 there are a number of important changes brought about by market forces and customer comments.

37

2014 Cars

(this can be easily checked on the internet!) times the prevailing pump price. i.e. Kia Picanto – fuel capacity 35 litres x 1.40€ per litre = 49€ All our vehicle fuel prices will be given in advance, therefore, no sudden surprises when you return the car back to us empty.

To find us is really easy. Turn of the motorway at exit 460 straight into the service station and we are alongside the cash office with reserved parking spaces and sign above the cars.

All our airport staff will be wearing our new uniform of yellow polo shirts with Costacoches budget car logo and black trousers.

1. Over 30 new cars have been purchased and are currently being prepped for use in the New Year.

2. We now have a depot 2km from Almeria airport which is where we are storing and maintaining our cars. This is at the Science Park service station on the A7E15 motorway at junction 460.

In future your hire car will be All these changes should ensure returned there and we will take your airport car hire experience you on by shuttle to the airport is as pleasant as it can be.

(5 min).

When collecting your hire car you are met at the airport and our shuttle will take you to the service EX RENTAL CARS FOR SALE station. By using 2004 Opel Corsa AUTOMATIC.....................................€3000 this system we are able to keep a much 2004 Kia Carens Large estate car diesel.....................€4000 closer quality control 2005 Skoda Fabia diesel...............................................€3000 over our cars, as 2005 Renault Kangoo diesel choice of two..................€3500 it is our own staff 2004 Opel Agila diesel choice of two...........................€3250 who are delivering and preparing the 2004 Renault Clio Petrol 1.2, 5 door............................€2500 cars, plus the added 2004 Renault Clio Diesel 5 door..................................€3000 bonus of having the 2002 Nissan Tino 5 door automatic, Superb quality car............€3000 use of the latest car Prices plus 160.00 euros transfer cleaning machines, All cars will have an ITV and 30 point check over full cafeteria facilities WANTED: All late model cars with low KMS for our and competitive own fleet, we are end user and will always pay top money for right cars. fuel prices at the We urgently want Automatics & 7 Seaters. pumps.

Call 667 702 887 3. We are now Book online at www.costacochesrentacar.biz Booking details email us at operating a FAIR costacoches@hotmail.com FUEL POLICY. or call us on 950 459 208 / 950 069 272 to reserve your rental vehicle When you collect THE ALMERIA AIRPORT SPECIALISTS your car it will be full of fuel and you will have been charged for this • No waiting in queue when your booking was made. • No credit card blocking Whatever car you choose, when • No hidden extras it comes to paying, the capacity • Cheapest possible fuel costs of the tank will be quoted in litres notified in advance

Kia Cee’d GT part 1

WHAT IS ECU REMAPPING?

When a manufacturer develops a new car they have to take into consideration all of the conditions it may be subjected to in all of the regions in which they intend to sell this model.

This means instead of just optimising the ECU’s program or ‘map’ to deliver the best performance or the most fuel efficiency they have to make compromises to the map to take into account these potential differing operating conditions. These could include sub-standard fuels, extremes in temperature and altitude, differing emission laws and even the possibility that vehicle may not be serviced on a regular basis and in accordance with the manufacturers recommended instructions.

ECU remapping is taking a read from the ECU’s processing chip of the vehicles standard compromised map and adjusting various parameters within the map such as fuel pressure,boost pressure (on turbocharged applications) ignition advance and throttle pedal control amongst others to release the true performance from the engine. It is a completely safe process as it is just giving the engine the performance it should have had in the first place before all the compromises were applied to the original programming. Every engine will have its own unique map and by adjusting this we can fine tune the characteristics of the engine; unleashing more power and in most cases reduce fuel consumption too. This is especially effective with diesel engines where power gains of 35% can be achieved, and fuel savings of up to 25% have been seen.

Visit www.autotune.pro Call Paul on 600827517 Authorised Dealer for Quantum Tuning With a one off investment in your vehicle, Covering all of the Almeria Province and beyond

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Q: What is it?

ECU remapping is a recalibration of your vehicles “Engine Control Unit” CARS - VANS - MOTORHOMES & TRUCKS

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38

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Toyota Auris

There’s a rainforest in the United Kingdom...

By Tim Saunders

It’s remarkable to learn when you consider how cold it is in the county especially in the winter. But it can be found at Staunton Country Park in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

This rainforest experience is provided in the Victorian glasshouses where mesmerised children and adults can actually see large millipedes and other frightening creepy crawlies (in their own glass boxes) as well as bamboo and other tropical plants and wildlife. It’s quite an achievement to maintain this warm environment when during our visit it is bitterly cold outside. It is also home to a butterfly house which comes to life from March onwards.

This Regency landscaped parkland encompasses 1,000 acres of landscaped parkland and forest and was established at the turn of the 19th century. In 1820 the park was purchased by Regency botanist Sir George Staunton as part of his country estate Leigh Park. He built a lake and a number of follies.

Thankfully it stops raining and the sun appears making it possible to sit on one of the benches outside the glasshouses to eat our picnic. Replenished, we roam around the gardens and get lost in the mazes. It’s a great way for little ones to exhaust themselves.

We see peacocks. We head for the farm and there is plenty of livestock ranging from hens to pigs and sheep. Our three year old daughter Harriett’s eyes light up when she approaches the indoor and outdoor play areas and she thoroughly enjoys the trampoline and going up and down the various slides.

Another splendid day out can be found at the Watercress Line at Alresford. The service, maintained by the Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society, provides a wonderful opportunity for travellers to acquaint themselves with the glorious bygone age of steam.

We board at Alresford and it is possible to stop at every station (Medstead, Four Marks and Ropley) along the 10 miles of track running to Alton. We travel on 31806 – SR U Class locomotive as you can see in the video at travelwriter.biz. Designed by R Maunsell it is one of just 50 and was built in 1928 at Brighton Works being withdrawn from service in January 1964. Currently one of seven operational steam engines at Mid-Hants Railway it carries five tons of coal, 4,000 gallons of water and weighs a total of 102 tons. We all thoroughly enjoy ourselves and Harriett mimics the sound of the train as it makes its way down the track: “Jickety can, jickety can,” she smiles. We alight at Alton to do some shopping. It’s a little walk into the market town from the railway station but there is enough time for us to amble about and then catch the 31806 back to Alresford.

The weather continues to disappoint and at such times a good meal lifts the sprits. We find this at Chimichanga, the Mexican restaurant at Whiteley near Fareham. It is nestled within the shopping complex, which has recently been the subject of a multi-million pound overhaul. The two storey restaurant is large and modern with plenty of windows that maximise on the light even on a dreary day. Robert Sipos from Hungary is the manager and with his staff, provides great customer service. He’s worked for the group that owns Chimichanga for four years. Chimichanga offers a really welcoming environment and there are even real cacti to enhance the Mexican appeal. We’re always concerned that little Heidi will start crying when we’re out but the pleasant background music entertains her and when required muffles her tones for fellow diners. I’m quite conservative when it comes to spicy food and it’s encouraging to know that this restaurant caters for awkward souls like me and Robert helpfully recommends the best dishes. The starters of cheese coated nachos with fresh salsa and guacamole could almost be a main meal in themselves and certainly provide welcome entertainment for fidgety Harriett who enjoys dipping the nachos into the various sauces. Mummy and daddy savour a few moments of relaxation as I sup on a pint of Brahma draught beer and Caroline enjoys a cocktail. “I’d like some of that mummy,” chips in Harriett. “When you’re bigger.” The Chimichanga floured tortilla with fajita steak is a great choice for me, unusual and very tasty while Caroline opts for a beef burger and Mexican rice. Here is a restaurant that serves good sized portions so you’ll be lucky if you have room for desserts. The liqueur coffee is a good way to finish the meal, too.

For more information visit the following websites: www3.hants.gov.uk/staunton www.watercressline.co.uk www.chimichanga.co.uk Watch the video at www.travelwriter.biz

Hybrids are all very well but they’re generally smaller than traditional cars and therefore less userfriendly.

Well, at least that used to be the case with the likes of the Honda CRZ. The largest was a hatchback, either a Toyota Prius or the more luxurious Lexus CT200h. No estates. Well, not until Toyota launched the new Auris Hybrid Tourer, which really does provide the environmentally conscious with a well sized, capable vehicle but also performance.

Things have really moved on since I drove a hybrid a year ago.

My first acquaintance with the striking island blue estate is at night. It’s always more of a challenge to drive a car you’re unfamiliar with when it’s dark, for obvious reasons. A click of the keyfob and I’m inside. The delivery driver was fairly short by all accounts as my knees are around my neck as I sit in the driver’s seat. It’s easy to adjust. In common with other hybrids I am instantly struck by a feeling of fear as I rummage around for the ignition and even though I push the button start on the right of the steering wheel, there is an unnerving silence. The automatic box really does not look very substantial but on engaging the reverse function it quietly moves backwards. There is an electric parking brake and a traditional one; the first car I have come across with two. The dashboard looks a bit boxy especially where the sat nav is located; it looks like an after thought. Over time the driver does become more used to it, though.

It’s a large car, not dissimilar to the Ford Focus estate in terms of styling. Head on it’s attractive and the front looks striking and well designed.

The large panoramic glass roof that stretches from the front to the back of the vehicle has an electric cover and this, in common with those found in Peugeots, is a winning formula. It really does make the cabin much lighter when the sun does

decide to show its face.

With my growing family we’re having to make use of every bit of space our Victorian terrace house has to offer and so I have cleared the loft to make way for a more imaginative use of this space; office come bedroom.

Needless to say I have a great deal of rubbish to take to the tip including old bits of wood and plasterboard and a vacuum cleaner. The cavernous boot swallows it all with ease. Although I have to push down two of the rear seats to make way for this large load, it is so easy to do; you simply pull a lever on the right of the boot.

Removing the security cover in the boot does prove a little more awkward. A roof box from roofcarriers.co.uk provides extra space.

Despite its loading carrying abilities this Auris Tourer still feels a very compact and sporty vehicle to drive. My wife complains that there is not enough legroom for her as a front passenger but space in the back seems more than adequate. If you want to be environmentally friendly then it will travel a mile or two on ev mode at under 30mph and I notice there’s also a battery mode on the auto box, which has the same effect of engaging ev mode but it is much easier I find than rummaging about for the other dashboard mounted switch when driving. While driving in a green way is slower it does have power when required and there is a more urgent tone to the engine, a bit like a high pitched hum when the accelerator is kicked to the floor.

Toyota claims that it will return over 70mpg but the best I have experienced is 49mpg according to the electronic reading.

Overall this is the best hybrid I have driven to date, not only is it striking in appearance, it’s fast when required and capable.

Facts at a glance

Toyota Auris Touring Sports Excel Hybrid 1.8 CVT T&G New price: £24,390 Top speed: 112mph 0-60mph: 10.9secs Economy: 49mpg CO2 emissions: 92 g/km Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk

For more information about roof boxes visit: www.roofcarriers.co.uk

Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

sport

sport shorts

Valle Del Este Society Golf Report Marina Phoenix Golf Society Monday’s stableford competition at Marina Phoenix was played in two divisions. The ladies winner with 33 points was Linda King from Val Cooke (30) in second and Jackie Dale (28) third. Terry Oliver secured the men’s division with 37 points, Mike Schorfield was second (36) and Eddie Vaughan third (34). Les Armfield won the only 2’s prize on the 5th hole.

The team game on Thursday was a three ball waltz with a par of 74 points.

Ball sweep winner John Comfortable winners with 82 points were Kathy MorPark. We had an eagle 2

by David Middleton on the par 4 3rd.

22 members took part in an individual stapleford competition on Friday 10th January with some excellent scores .

Patrick Vickery on the 6th Nearest the pins were Patrick Vickery on the 6th and Paul Sedge on the 13th On Tuesday 20 members played a waltz and the winners with 79 points were Dick Hull, John Clements, Ray and Doris Harrison.

Wishing all our members and visitors a great year of golf in 2014

In first place with 38 points, on countback, Dave Falkus, 2nd Jim Quigley 38 points and 3rs Ian Jones 33 points.

There were two 2s, Ray Harrison 0n the 12th and

Cortijo Grande First today let me congratulate Antonio Pinero for winning our matchplay competiton .

Wednesday 8th Jan and 0ver 30 golfers enjoy our competition and the winner of the first division with 37 points Mike Picken and second with 36 Brian Harwood in third with 31 Peter Jackson. Second div winner with 30 points Barbara Wardley and second with 29 Carol Hardy and third with 28 Russell Colyer.

39

ris, Tony King and Jim Budd.

Second were Wolfram Hahn, Steve Richardson and Nadie Wass (75) with Marcos Caparros, Greta Hahn and Brian Mayhew (71) in third. Brian Couper won the nearest the pin prize on the 5th.

Marina Phoenix play MonTo join us for a €25 greendays (individual) and fee. Ring Jim on 950 162 Thursdays (team game).

727 / 600 353 670 or Ro-

salie 950 397 117 697 512 882.

Sunday 12th Jan 2014 and our first div winner with 39 points Antonio Pinero second Harry Lentern.

Second div winner with 34 Tony Stubbs and second with 31 Daphne Deardon.

Ball sweep winners Brian Harwood Antonio Pinero.

Enjoy your golf with Cortijo Grande visitors and guests welcome MP

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Forum Golf Society Forum Golf Society´s first event of 2014 was an individual stableford competition at Valle del Este on January 10th, and on a good day for golf on a course on excellent condition the scoring was reasonable apart from 2 players who both achieved superb scores of 40 points. The unlucky person in second place on countback was Roy Barker, with Ann Lawrence the day´s winner.

Pat Garrigan (35 points) was third, George Gibson

(35 points) fourth, Phil Elam (34 points) fifth & Derek Manning (34 points) sixth, with the three nearest the pin prizes going to Terry Davies, Ann Miles & Ian Postles.

Congratulations also to the winners of the last event of 2013, our annual Team Prize Scramble at Aguilon on 27th December. The team of Dave Vickers, Brian Gyer, Kevin Bircher & Byron Sherlock won comfortably, with a net score so low that I´ve had to promise not to re-

veal it !

Forum´s upcoming fixtures are 24th January Double Par Medal at Desert Springs 7th February Pairs 2 Man Stableford Scramble at Lorca 21st February Stableford at Marina For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@yahoo.co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com

Tel 902 750 190

www.soltimes.com

40 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

sport

Australian Open 2014: Novak Djokovic & Serena Williams win 6-1

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame the stubborn resistance of Slovakian Lukas Lacko to reach the second round of the Australian Open.

The Serbian second seed battled through the first two sets but cruised through the third to win 63 7-6 (7-2) 6-1.

Women’s top seed Serena

Williams thrashed Ashleigh Barty 6-2 6-1. Sixth seed Petra Kvitova lost 6-2 1-6 64 to Thai world number 87 Luksika Kumkhum, while Germany’s Julia Goerges beat seventh seed Sara Errani 6-3 6-2.

Rod Laver Arena Djokovic (Ser) [2] beat Lacko (Svk) 6-3 7-6 (7-2)

Watched by his new coach Boris Becker, Djokovic required one hour, 50 minutes to beat the 96thranked Slovak. Djokovic, who is seeking his fifth Australia Open title, will next face Argentine Leonardo Mayer. “I know that I haven’t played my best, especially in the second set,” said Djokovic.

Williams took 57 minutes to overcome 17-year-old local hope Barty in the showpiece evening match.

The American world number one, who is seeking an 18th major

title, extended her winning

future,” said Williams.

streak to 23 matches.

“I would love to have a win here but there are so many tough opponents in the tournament so I have to come out and enjoy myself.”

“I was so ready today because she’s such a good player with such a good

“But credit to my opponent who was playing really nice tennis from the baseline.

“On the other hand I was a little bit too passive in some stages of the match and was trying to find the proper, I would say, setting and proper balance and footing in the court.”

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