roquetas & almerimar
ISSUE 454
Property management Sales & Rentals
see our main advert on back page
Tel: 663 426 921 info@enviapropertyservices.com www.enviapropertyservices.com
17 - 23 sep
SolTimes CK ME UP’est. SINCE 2005 YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY ‘PI
your free weekly newspaper
www.soltimes.com
Relaxed, friendly bar and restaurant serving great food, drinks and tapas
fish & chip shop open last friday of the month Calle Faro, Almerimar
At the entrance to the port
Tel: 950 563 560
tast y chocol ate recipes Pages 28 -29
unique authentic french restaurant
home & Garden
menu of the day (all day) 9.50€
Page 8
Open 12 noon - 17.00, 19.30 to close Tel: 651 481 190 • Email: mikaela_cretu@yahoo.com AvenidaplayaSerena24,Roquetasdemarurbanisation,nrtheplayasolhotel
Arkrites British Food Store
trip advisor winner 2014 certificate of excellence rack of Lamb available Menu del dia 9.90€ served friday - wednesday
Enjoy Pierre’s French Cuisine Kitchen open: 12.30 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.00. Closed Thursdays Plaza Los Jazmines 10, 04740 Roquetas de Mar Opposite Playa Capricho in the car park
Tel: 950 334 439 Email: lavita@roquetas-de-mar.es
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 - 2.30pm Sat 10am - 2pm
TEL: 950 334 081
out of hours please call 950 334 544
In the Urb of Roquetas de Mar, just off Avda de Mediterraneo in the square near La Gamba Toscana & Theos
JAKS
Wide Range of UK, Continental & Indian Foods & Spices selection of electrical Goods
NEW STOCK ARRIVING THIS WEEK OPENING HOURS: Mon - fri 10am - 6pm sat & sun 10am - 7pm
Tel: 950 609 419
calle JABEQUE, 42, ALMERIMAR
cafÉ-bar boulevard
Excellent Food including Sunday Roast
Open every day from 10am - late Free WiFi. Sky Sports
On Draught Guinness/john Smiths/strongbow/mahou
Situated directly on beach front 50 metres from Hotel Sabinal
Tel: 950 334 042
Meals & Snacks served 10am - 10pm Sangria, Cocktails & Ice Creams
Live Music EVERY NIGHT with Tom & Nonie from 9:30pm
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AUCTION
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
Next
Will be on the
27th September at 11am
At Buy Buy Auction Subasta In the Pink House
Viewing all day Friday 26th September & Saturday from 09:30 We speak English, Spanish, Dutch, German, Arabic & Italian Over 500 lots of household items from private and commercial vendors. To include: famous name ceramics, various garden furniture, mainly silver jewllery, collection of guitars, quality furniture, wardrobes, tables etc, variety of electrical applicances, fridges, freezers, washing machines etc.
You name It, We Sell It!
URGENTLY REQUIRED
Items for our next auctions on the 27th Septemebr and the 11th October. We pay immediate cash & remember free collection
D L
SO
SO
D L
D L
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D L
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Turn your unwanted items into immediate cash. We buy anything from cars, caravans & bicycles to household items. We are now accepting goods for the next Auctions on the 13th September
Tel: 681 095 096 & 679 207 545 Directions & Map Take exit 543 from A7 motorway head towards La Concepcion We are the large pink building on the right Approximately 3.5km
Direcciones y mapas Toma la salida 543 desde la autovia A7 camino hacia La Concepcion, Estamos en el gran edificio rosa a la derecha Approximadamente a 3.5km
Albox
E-15
Los Carasoles
HuercalOvera
A534
Arboleas
A534
A7
La Alfoquia
547
El Palaces
Zurgena
PINK HOUSE La Concepcion
A7 E-15
543
AntasVera
SOLTIMES september 2014
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News SAVAGE RISE IN COST OF ELECTRICTY ON WAY, WARNS FACUA
We can expect to see some savage rises in the cost of electricity before the end of the year warns consumer organisation FACUA.
You see, we all know about the fuss earlier this year with the electric companies keeping the price artificially high. The government was forced to act due to public outrage (and the threat of an EU investigation), and prices dropped, ever so slightly. Well, they’re going back up again, and the government has quietly loosened the rules that were supposed to prevent this happening. FACUA has tracked the average household bill. Assuming, they say, an average use of 366Kwh and a potencia of 4.4 Kw, August will set you back 75.87€, 1.4% more than this time last year. That same bill would have cost you 67.62€ in January this year (16% less than 2013), 66.33€ in Feb & March,
63.98€ in April, 71.46€ in May, 75.31€ in June, 73.88 in July and 75.87€ in August. Facua estimates the cost by December to over 85€. Since homeowners now pay a vast amount of basic tax and charges on their bills, the amount you use doesn’t really change the amount you pay. Instead, a vast amount of your bill is a fixed amount. So far, the price per KwH as set by the government has almost doubled in the last year. FACUA filed a complaint with the EU last year on behalf of Spanish consumers calling for an investigation into the Spanish energy market, controlled by just a small handful of large companies, all of whom have a lot of ex-politicians sitting on their boards. Source: www.davidjackson.info
Huge fireball flashes across Spanish sky
Meteorologists and stargazers last Sunday recorded the fiery disintegration of a mystery meteor in the skies above much of Spain. The Spanish Meteor Network (SPMN) confirmed that a fireball of unknown origin was visible on the morning of Sunday 7th September from eight Spanish regions spanning the length of the country. The meteor was registered with the identifying code SPMN070914 from a research station in Folgueroles. Catalonia’s state weather agency AEMET stated that a blazing meteor had been seen at 6.55am above Barcelona, leaving a glow and a trail of smoke as it disintegrated, according to the Spanish edition of the Huffington Post. Fireballs are caused by meteors burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, often at speeds up to 73 km per second. Especially bright fireballs such as Sunday’s are often called bolides. Source: www.thelocal. es/
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swimming pools pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details. Al & SIZES l s hapes eg.
8.500 €
8m.X 4m.
pool Repairs ~ Terraces ~ Pool Covers
968 461 404 - 630 810 299 poolsureste@gmail.com www.poolsureste.com
MARIO REDONDO Is a professional and energetic solicitor for all your legal and financial needs
• Obtaining licenses for first occupation • Property matters • Vehicle licensing & purchase • Official translations • Spanish wills • Inheritance issues • NIE’s & Residencia • • Personal Loans • Conveyancing • Insurances • Mortgages • Tax Issues
UNLIMITED CONSULTATION PACKAGE 10€ PER MONTH
email: mariosolicitor@gmail.com Tel. 950 430 222 / 626 389 322 Calle Andalucia, local 2, 04800 Albox (next to Taberna Saliente and the Guardia Civil)
Angela Morales Soler Juan Fco. Rodriguez-Girones
Solicitors/Barristers
The weather webcam of the tourist town of Blanes snapped the meteor as it burned up in the sky. Photo: Twitter/MeteoBlanes
Save to the Max! • • • • • • • •
Insurance Quotes Today
Home • Motors Life Cover • Commercial • Communities Pets • Golf Private Health Care • Funeral Cover
Do you want the best price?
Friendly advice when you need it? An agent that you can always contact? Fast & Efficient Service? Your Policy in English?
Call me - Maxine Morgan 669 074 996
Email me: maxine.morgan@exclusivos.libertyseguros.es New office within Forget Me Not, Las Buganvillas: Monday - Friday except Tuesdays Next Stop Almeria office, Los Gallardos every Tuesday
Registered DGSFP CO467X03401672H
• Independant Conveyancing • Real Estate law • Wills & Inheritance • Company & Business Services • Tax Advice & Assistance • Tenancy & Rental Services
We Speak English
• Insurance Broker • NIE Numbers & Residence • Legal Documents • Litigation • Car Registrations
SPANISH WILLS & INHERITANCES A will is one of the most common legals needs, but less than 25% of Europeans have one!
As you may know a will is not exclusively about making sure that the right people will inherit without disagreement or problems. It is a formal declaration of intention made by a person in their life-time of thier wishes concerning the disposal of their property after their death. We understand the need to preserve and protect your assests and those of your family. If you have purchased or already have property in Spain, we strongly recommend you to make a Spanish will in order to facilitate the distribution of your Spanish assests.
Est. 1995 - www.angelamoralessolicitors.com
Tel/Fax: 950 478 984 Mobile: 616 921 333 Paseo del Mediterraneo, 355, 1, Mojacar Playa ms1961@icaalmeria.com solicitor@angelamoralessolicitors.com
4
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
News
el Cucador
NCE D DA N A AWAY NG T O L H A G I COME THE N dan O’Dee Bren with
Fun bowling day with the Lodge of Unity at the ALBC
enue the v n i s live tune e t i r u
avo our f All y
9€ per person New and Unique Spectactular Spanish and English Hot & Cold Buffet More than 30 dishes includes seafood Food served from 7pm Music from 9pm
SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER Advanced Booking Essential Tel 950 634 562 Email lavidacucador@gmail.com
Sunday 21st September BBQ in the Garden Free Entry Music in the Garden
The annual Lodge of Unity No 98 Charity Bowls Day was held at Almeria Bowling Club on Saturday 6th September.
charities….thanks John as ever and a thank you too to Miraflores and Shirley Jackson for her help in making this event a success.
The members of Almeria Bowing Club were fantastic hosts and a really big thank you to them for their help and support. After the game a BBQ was held in the shade of the terraces where Benjamin Jackson and his team laid out a fantastic spread…a big thank you to them also. This was followed by the amazing John Lodge with a few games to raise funds for Masonic
A total of 421 euro was raised on the day. Thanks again to all concerned and we hope to see you again next year in early May.
Spanish schools beat heat in swimwear demo
Translations, Conveyancing, NIE, Wills & Inheritance Residencias, Cadastre, Notary / Court Appearances, etc.
We speak English, Spanish, French and Swedish Calle Dinamarca, Mojacar Playa Tel: 646 844 708 www.4wayconnections.webs.com Email: 4wayconnections@gmail.com
Pellet Stoves, Biomass Boilers & Solar Water Heating Solutions Murcia, Almeria & Alicante, Contact us for a no obligation chat to discuss your requirements
Three Valencia schools have allowed their pupils to come to school in swimwear and sandals as a protest against 31ºC temperatures inside its classrooms which parents say make studying difficult.
Neil Broadbridge T: +34 697 949 519 E: info@solpellet.com W: www.solpellet.com
The state-owned Santa Teresa de Valencia opened its doors last Monday to towel-toting pupils dressed for a day at the beach.
Wood Pellet Fires & Boilers
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Miraflores at Camping Los Gallardos regularly hosts local fundraisers for charities in the area. If you are looking for organise a fun day, pop along and see how we can help you.
Similar scenes took place at Almoines and Carcaixent last week, while other schools moved lessons outdoors and closed early. Jordi Boluda, a board member of Santa Teresa’s parents’ association, described the unusual uniform as “a fun protest” to draw attention to the 30 to 31ºC temperatures in the school’s classrooms. The school is new but, according to Spanish daily El Mundo, has design problems including large windows that turn the classes into “ovens”. “We can’t be like this, with 30º in the classrooms like it’s been all week,” said Boluda. The issue of overheating classrooms
led to disagreement between different departments of the regional government. Education councillor, Maria José Catalá, expressed his concern that some schools might not reach the minimum of 180 annual teaching days if forced to close regularly due to high temperatures. But his department insisted that airconditioning systems need not be fitted in public schools and that “natural” cooling methods, such as opening the windows, should be used. Air conditioning is fitted to some prefabricated classrooms where temperatures can be even higher, but the regional health department said that there was “no current health regulation preventing the installation of airconditioning in schools.” Unions pointed out that the maximum legally permitted temperature that teachers, as employees, could be expected to tolerate was 27ºC. Source: www.thelocal.es
SOLTIMES september 2014
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Named: the best city to live in Spain
With 96 percent of its residents telling a European Commission survey they were “satisfied” with their city, a southern Spanish city has beaten both Barcelona and Madrid to claim its throne as the best place to live in Spain. The Andalusian city of Malaga can now boast it keeps more of its population happy than any other place in Spain. In fact, Malaga ranks among the most valued places on the continent, behind Aalborg in Denmark (99 percent), Hamburg (98 percent), Zurich, Oslo, Copenhagen and Groningen in Holland (all four scoring 97 percent). However, the ‘Quality of Life in Cities 2013’ report does reflect a lower level of satisfaction among ‘Malageños’ and its expat population when it comes to public services, as only 50 percent of them said they considered they had quality public services. The results for job satisfaction in Malaga were equally as unimpressive: 55 percent; no surprise keeping in mind that the unemployment rate in Andalusia is the highest in the EU at
36.6 percent. All the way up in the northern Spanish region of Asturias is the city of Oviedo. The Urban Audit survey, a European Commission research group, concluded 94 percent of its residents were satisfied with life in the city. They highlighted Oviedo’s public transport system, its schools, its parks and its health centres. The northern Spanish city took an impressive second place on the European rankings for public spaces with 79 percent. Oviedo also scored higher than Malaga for safety (94 percent) and job satisfaction (63 percent). So although it seems Oviedo offers its population an even higher quality of life than its southern rival, people in Malaga may just have taken top spot because they’re more easily satisfied. Oh, spare a thought for Athenians, who with 52 percent were the least satisfied city dwellers in Europe. Source: www.thelocal.es
5
News
A degree is worth less in Spain than in rest of EU
More young people in Spain are NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) than anywhere else in the EU, with graduate unemployment also tripling the OECD average, a new report shows. The ‘Education at a Glance 2014’ report from The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed that over one in four young Spaniards (aged between 15 and 29) are socalled ‘ni-nis’, meaning neither in training nor working. Officially known across Europe as NEETS, they are victims of the crippling economic crisis that has affected Spain since 2008. In the report presented in Madrid on Tuesday by the Secretary of State for Education, Montserrat Gomendio, and OECD Innovation Director Kirk Van Damme, only Turkey was shown to have more NEETs, according to Spanish daily El Mundo. Spain, with 1,956,900 young people in its ‘jobless generation’, was shown to fare worse in this regard in percentage terms than countries including Mexico, Chile and Ireland. People with good qualifications were also shown to fare worse than their
counterparts elsewhere. Van Damme noted that advanced vocational training qualifications or university degrees in Spain “did not reduce the risk of unemployment as much as in other countries.” Possession of such a qualification reduced the chances of unemployment by 55 per cent in Spain compared with the OECD average of 63 per cent. 14 per cent of Spaniards with advanced qualifications were unemployed, almost three times the OECD average. Spanish students were shown to take longer to complete their degrees, qualifying on average at 26.9 years old compared with 24 in the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State said that the crisis was “obviously” behind the increased levels of unemployment but she urged families of students to become more involved in their education. “Something as simple as parents showing interest in the progress of their children at school”, could create an “impressive” improvement in their performance. she said. Source: www.thelocal.es
6
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
TRUFI BAR MOJACAR
Beach Terrazza Tapas Snacks
Menu Del Dia 3 courses Tel: 664 10 36 11 8.50€ trufibar.mojacar@gmail.com Trufibar Mojacar
Paseo del Mediterraneo 48b, Mojacar Playa
Richard and Belinda Welcome you to
Shea’s Restaurant
LA PARATA Fabulous dining in a perfect location For reservations tel: 950 478 186
MENU DEL DIA 10€ for 3 courses
La Parata
SUNDAYS .... the best roast off the coast 2 courses 10.95€ or 3 courses 13.50€ ..........and entertainment from 1pm-3pm
1.5km
at
o
Open 1pm - 3pm & 7.30pm - 10pm Closed Sunday evening & all day Monday
Cafe Bar el
Stables - 23.4km Mojacar Playa
Badgers www.badgersmojacar.com 950 478 525 - 686 038 259 Opening times: 10am till 10pm
Menu del Dia 3 courses €15 per person includes bottle of wine per couple Plus full menu available every day
FREE
Tel: 664 097 279 Los Gallardos
Ali & Mick Welcome you
Tel: 950 398 799 from
8.50€
SUNDAY CARVERY RESTARTS ON THE 21ST SEPTEMBER Two sittings, 1.30pm and 3.30pm Bookings highly recommended
Open 11am till late Closed all day Tuesdays
The menu del dia is the cheapest way to eat out in Spain.
Free Wifi Private functions catered
1. Lunchtime Only
Menús del día tend to only be served at lunchtimes - and usually only on week days. Arrange your eating habits around this fact and you’ll get the best food in Spain at the best price.
2. Spanish Only
As a restaurant’s menu del dia tends to change every day, it is unlikely that there will be anyone on hand to translate it into English. Some restaurants then kindly assume that as you are not a Spanish speaker, you couldn’t possibly want then menu del dia, even though they probably have one. If you aren’t offered a menu del dia, ask “¿Hay menú?” (EYE men-OO?), but remember to bring your phrasebook!
3. Primeros &Segundos
Your meal will be split into three - a first course, second course and dessert or coffee. The ‘primer plato’ will usually consist of your carbohydrates or vegetables, and the ‘segundo plato’ will be your
Authentic Indian Food
Paella, Tapas, Fish & Meat Dishes are our speciality
Menu del Día - 10€ Daily Special Dishes Mojacar Playa 200m from Parque Commercial
Restaurante
vera playa
Tel 950 618 691 Open Every Day 1pm - late Hotel Street Vera Playa, Next to Frankies Bar
menu del dia
Lunchtime or Evenings Poppadoms and dips special Any Starter Offer Any Chicken dish menu Rice or Naan Bread
9.95€pp
7. Inside or Outside?
meat and fish. If you prefer, you can usually order two primer platos (but not two segundos). Frequently (and not just in touristy places) there will be a supplement for sitting on the ‘terraza’.
4. Coffee or Dessert?
You can usually choose from either coffee or dessert for your final course, but sometimes the coffee won’t be included. Ask, “¿Esta incluido?” (est-AR in-clue-EE-do?).
5. Save Some Room?
Don’t expect much of your dessert. Plus, very occasionally you might find there is no desert offered at all. You will see ‘postre’ on the menu if it is included.
8. Wine or Water?
In many restaurants, the standard serving for wine or water is a carafe - whether there are two of you or you are dining alone. Which means that if you both order wine, it will probably be a carafe to share, but if you’re very lucky, ordering one wine and one water could get you a full serving of each!
9. ..Or Something Else to Drink?
Most menus will say ‘con pan y vino/agua’ (with bread and wine/water), but it is usually possible to order another drink - but not always. If you don’t feel like wine, check something else is allowed Beware, in touristy places you might find the price (using the above “¿Esta incluido?”) - beer is usually of the menu doesn’t include tax. It will say “IVA OK, coca-cola or other soft drinks are often not. incluido” or “IVA NO incluido” on the menu. Source: http://gospain.about.com/
6. Tax Included?
SOLTIMES september 2014
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News
Spain to spend big on riot gear to quash demos Spain’s Interior Ministry has agreed to pay €1.1 million ($1.42 million) for policemen’s antiriot gear as a wave of protests led by the country’s disenfranchised population is likely to spread across large parts of its territory this autumn. Six contracts have been signed this summer by the ministry headed by Jorge Fernández Díaz, including the purchase of shields, smoke cans, riot vans with water cannons, bulletproof vests and helmets. The country’s National Police will use the gear when confronting protesters calling for a variety of political and social changes in Spain, ranging from the ruling Popular Party’s controversial abortion draft bill to oil drilling off the coast of the Canary Islands and last but by no means least the “illegal”
referendum on independence for Catalonia. Social activist group Coordinadora 25-S, which has its roots in the 15-M movement that saw tens of thousands of Spaniards take to the streets in 2011 to call for “Real Democracy NOW”, has labelled the upcoming event as “the autumn of unconstitutionality”. The group has announced it plans to carry out protests against Spain’s new monarch King Felipe VI, education cuts carried out by the current government and other social demos falling under the category of “Marches for Dignity”, online daily 20 minutos reported. Last year, Madrid beat Berlin as Europe’s ‘protest capital’ with a massive 1,628 street demos in the first four months of 2013. Source: www.thelocal.es
France releases unseen Picasso ‘doodle’ letter
A previously unseen letter written by Pablo Picasso, complete with sketches, has gone on display in western France. The letter, to his friend the French poet Max Jacob, comes from a private collection and is displayed at the fine arts museum in the western city of Quimper. Beginning “my dear Max” and signed “your brother Picasso”, the letter shows the close bond between the Spanish artist and Jacob, who was “his best friend at the time and the person who really discovered him”, according to museum director Ambroise Guillaume. It was written in 1903 when Picasso was in Barcelona and offers details of his life there and also his wish to come back to Paris. “If I can work here, I’ll stay here, but if I see I can’t do anything here, I’ll bugger off back to Paris,” wrote the artist in broken French. The letter is extremely rare given that only 10 or so letters from Picasso to Jacob have ever been found, the
museum noted. The sketches show a women appearing to comfort a seated man, an outstretched hand, what appears to be a child kneeling next to a man while animals look on, and a couple deep in conversation. They are typical of the
artist’s “blue period” which dominated his output around this time. The letter is displayed at the Quimper museum of fine art until September 21, to mark the 70th anniversary of Jacob’s death. Source: www.thelocal.es
The UK Funeral Experience Ian is offering a free service and is available on a regular basis in M iraf l ores R estaurant C am p in g Los Ga l l ardos
w w w. c a m p i n g l o s g a l l a r d o s . c o m
The next meetings will be held on:
Friday 19th Sept - 12 til 2pm Friday 3rd Oct - 12 til 2pm
During this free one to one session he will talk you through all your concerns and available options. This will be held in the strictest of confidence to discuss all aspects of this personal service and how the funeral service in Spain works for you. Ian works for Avalon Funeral Plans; A UK based company with a strong presence in Spain.
Call Ian - 673 692 950 for more information on local events
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Your local Spanish school!
The Best school for people like you!
Would you like to learn Spanish? Do your children need some help with Spanish & homework? New groups starting in October Tlf. 661 162 201 Email: mariadalia2003@hotmail.com (Preferable to be contacted via email) In Arboleas, opposite Town Hall
count centre & galle s i d g n i m a r f ry framing discounts now on
(You name it we frame it) We frame anything from prints, photos, tapestry, needlework, oil paintings, cigarette cards, medals, fans & much more... With 30 years experience you can be assured of the HIGHEST quality at the LOWEST price. With the FASTEST service in the town. On a permanent display there are 100’s of mouldings to choose from & over a million prints & original paintings
Tel: 681 095 096
Saturday September 2014 Come along enjoy the fun and support a very worthy cause! Starts 5pm from outside Arboleas Townhall Walk or Run Enter alone or as a group, bring your dog, dress up in fancy dress
Sponsor/Donation Forms are now available from CAT Service- La Alfoquia Amogos Bowling Centre- Arboleas Sophia Wellness Centre - Arboleas Total Entertainment - Albox Entertainment starts from 4pm Music & Entertainment INCLUDING JJ MUSIC AND TONY JUSTICE Fun Dog show (after walk) Food and Refreshments Local Bar Open and much, much more Monies raised go to cancer support in the local area
8
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
selecciones NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY
Home & Garden
sale now on all sportswear opening times: mon - fri from 10am - 3pm sat 10am- 2pm Out of hour viewings by appointment oNly
connexions www.connexionsonline.net
Mint green is one of those yummy shades that add a fresh, playful element to a room.
950 479 502
now a member of mr micro group go to
www.mrmicro.es
for all your technological needs
come & get your android box now
no satellite dish required
New wireless BROADBAND internet
service available 8&16mb from €25 p/m No landline required Call us for details if you are a part time resident to find out if your area is covered go to
www.wimaxonline.net mobile phones, sales, repairs & unlocking area distributor for
hits sim cards
computers ~ laptops full repair service Distributor for
call into our shop in Turre town just along down from the Cajamar bank
New opening times: Mon - Frid 9.30am - 2pm Saturday 10am - 2pm
Not to be confused with aqua, a great example of this pastel hue can be found in jadeite dishware - those green plates and bowls that you often see peppered throughout antique markets. Nowadays however, mint green accessories are popping up everywhere...a few mint green throw pillows add a pop of whimsy to a Scandinavianstyle room that’s all white and
light hardwood floors. Mint green also pairs well with bright bursts of pink; and the contrast against dark wood creates a spa-like ambiance. Bring a retro-style vibe to kitchens with ranges and refrigerators sporting this clean hit of colour too, but if you’re not quite into such a big statement, there are plenty of more subtle options that you can settle on...get minty-fresh!
COSY CASA
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Solar Electric Central Heating Reduce your electric bill by up to 100% from only 5495€. All european products. 25 year guarantee Fully legal and registered on and off grid systems
All products european backed by manufacturers guarantee
Complete gas system with 5 rads, combination boiler and all licences. 3395€ complete or New pellet boiler system 5 rads 50% cheaper to run than oil 5700€ complete
SOLAR HOT WATER 10 YEAR GUARANTEE
FREE HOT WATER Junkers/Ferroli/Roca systems available Supplied and installed 2295€
All products European backed by manufacturer’s guarantee.
Call 654 593 372 - 968 584 562
SOLTIMES september 2014
www.soltimes.com
9
Home & Garden
Most of us spend hours each week in kitchens we love, preparing delicious dinners, tasty snacks and on-the-fly breakfasts. But what do you do when a style craving strikes your fancy? One way to satisfy your design ambitions (as well as your budget!) is to use paint to update your kitchen. Slathering a rich coat of colour onto walls, ceilings and chairs is an affordable way to decorate with paint, but paint can be used to cook up all sorts of other kitchen design possibilities too! Painting kitchen cabinets Next to walls, kitchen cabinets are the most obvious element to tackle to refresh your space with paint. Begin by removing all hardware and hinges on your cabinets, or at the very least, carefully tape over them, to protect from any rogue splattering. While painting outside on a tarp is preferable, you can complete this project inside as well; just be sure to cover your appliances, floors and furniture. Wipe down your cupboards with a mild degreasing solution (dish soap and warm water will do!) and gently sand them so that the paint effortlessly grips the surface. Then prime and cover with colour, using an oil-based or latex paint. Renting a sprayer can speed up this kitchen makeover, but there is nothing wrong with painting by hand either, as long as you have the right brushes for pesky edges and a roller for larger surface areas.
Painting kitchen cabinet hardware
Painting your kitchen backsplash Make a splash with your kitchen backsplash! Installing a new backsplash can be pricey but if you’ve got a spare weekend, you can update your existing tile backsplash with a coat of paint. Simply tape off all cabinets, electrical outlets and counters, and wipe down to remove any lingering grime. Using light-grit sandpaper on the backsplash will also help the paint connect smoothly with the surface. If painting over tile, be sure to use a ceramic primer and paint for the best results, and apply in thin layers with a roller. You will be amazed by the difference a subtle hint of colour can make to your kitchen!
Great design is in the details, making a hardware pick-me-up a fast and simple way to uplift any kitchen’s look. You can easily paint your cabinet hardware for an inexpensive update. Remove all hardware from your kitchen cabinetry and scrub clean. Be sure to take note of the type of material you are working with; for example, metal handles should be treated with metallic primer. Spray painting is the most efficient way to achieve even coverage and two to three coats should usually do the trick. Allow a day for drying so the paint really hardens. Then reattach, stand back and admire.
Our Business is Growing Specialists in:
Landscaping - Irrigation - Garden Maintenance Lawn work - Tree Trimming
Call: 666 847 583 or 950 699 984 gardenworks.bates@gmail.com
A CHIMNEY OR FLUE NEEDS CLEANING ONCE A YEAR! WHY?
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ALMERIMAR & roquetas 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
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Friends fined 101 euros for ‘playing Ludo and drinking water in the street’
A GROUP of twentysomethings has been fined for playing Ludo in a Málaga street at night – because the rolling of the dice was ‘keeping the neighbors awake’. The 101-euro sanction they have each been ordered to pay is also for ‘drinking in the street’ – although they were consuming Coca-Cola and fizzy pop rather than alcohol. One of the group, Concha, 29, says they were all left incredulous when they were issued with three-figure fines just for playing a board game in the square. They had started at around 23.00hrs, and the police came along at 02.00hrs saying they had received complaints of ‘noise nuisance’ caused by the dice rolling. And Concha insists they were not even shouting or laughing, just talking quietly. The group has been meeting in the same place for over 25 years – ‘ever since we all started to walk’ – and that it had never been a problem in the past. When they read the fine notices, they found they had been sanctioned for ‘gathering and remaining in a group in a public place’ and ‘consuming drinks in unauthorized areas’. At the time, they had two bottles of water and a couple of empty Coca-Cola cans with them, but no
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La Mercè Festival, September 19th-24th
Barcelona,
Every year since 1902, the Catalan capital has held a massive street festival — the city’s biggest — in honour of the Virgin of La Mercè, patron saint of Barcelona. Over five days, you can enjoy hundreds of activities ranging from street dance shows and theatre performances to concert and folk dances. The festivities include traditional events like the impressive human castles (castellers) demonstrations and parades of ‘giants’ and ‘big-heads’.
DANCE AND MUSIC: Biennial Flamenco Festival, Sevilla, September 12th-October 5th
Email:
First held in 1980, this prestigious flamenco festival is celebrated every two years in the Andalusian city of Seville. The three-week long competition features the greatest dancers, vocalists and guitarists in the flamenco world, as well as as well as up-and-coming artists . Performances take place in different host venues throughout the city, mainly theatres but also
alcohol.
They all say the fine of 101 euros is ‘excessive’ and intend to appeal. Concha says all bar two of them are out of work and simply unable to pay it – and that one of her friends earns less than that in a week as a delivery woman. Another one of the group, Ana, said she is ‘furious’ because she had only passed by to say hello to her mates after coming out of a burger bar at 01.00hrs, and has effectively been fined for ‘drinking water in the street’. A third friend, Aida, says they were ‘sitting quietly enjoying the fresh air’ and cannot believe they have been fined for ‘being in possession of two plastic bottles of water, which were not even full’. “Whatever next?” she wonders. And Francisco says it’s ‘shameful’. All eight of them are said to be in their 20s and 30s, and the square where they have met since they were small children is the nearest and most convenient place for such a large group to sit and chat. Source www.thinkspain.com
in hotels or on the street. There are also courses, conferences and seminars. www.labienal.com/en
Mallorca Rocks Festival
The Kaiser Chiefs and DJ Mark Ronson are set to take over the popular resort of Magaluf in September. The Kooks will also return to the Rocks stage, after headlining the 2010 Edition. Ibiza also play hosts to a few last gigs before summer in Spain’s Balearic Islands wraps up. http://www.mallorcarocks.com/
FILM AND THEATRE: International Film Festival, Donostia-San Sebastián, 19th - 27th September This festival in the capital of the Basque Country is internationally recognized. In the past it has hosted the International premieres of Vertigo (A.Hitchcock) and welcomed stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor or more recently Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt. This year, Denzel Washington will open the 62nd Edition of the Festival and receive the prestigious Donostia Lifetime achievement Award. www.sansebastianfestival.com/in/
El Ejido Rugby Club El Ejido Bowls 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
Monday and Thursday 5pm to 7pm Ring Alison on 677 317 920 to book or for further information
SOLTIMES SEPTEMBER 2014
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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.
Four Arrested As Police Crack Down On Street Vendors By Martin Shortland
The council made their intentions clear back in May, when they announced what would become a summer purge on illegal street vendors. The selling of CD’s, videos, tee shirts and sunglasses – all of which are illegal copies – has become a regular sight on the promenades and beaches of the town, and around the bars and restaurants. The Mayor said the council could no longer tolerate what he described as a scourge on the streets of this peaceful town, adding, “The time has come to put an end to these pedlars, who think they can roam freely amongst residents and tourists, trying to sell their cheap, imitation goods.” He said the police would spend the summer concentrating on stamping out this ‘foul trade,’ and a special unit would be set up to focus solely on what he called, ‘these indiscriminate criminals.’ A nine man police team was indeed established at the time of the council’s announcement and their brief was to focus on the Urbanisation, especially along the promenade linking the Urbanisation to the Port and from there, further towards Aguadulce. Whilst the police have reported a number of arrests over the summer period, the results of the operation have been small, compared to the number of man hours involved in the action. A police source told me at the weekend, they were often hampered by the use of mobile phones by the traders, to inform one another of the movements of the police patrols, saying, “It’s been very difficult to get close enough to make arrests, because of the warning system used by the vendors – one passes on to another the whereabouts of the police.” He said the campaign had been frustrating in that respect, but they had had some successes. One such success happened last Friday afternoon, when officers raided a property in the town after a tip off it was being used as a distribution centre for illegal goods. Four men were detained at the scene and have subsequently been charged with a number of offences pertaining to the sale and distribution of illegal goods. Hundreds of pairs of sunglasses along with tee shirts, CD’s and handbags were removed from the property along with machinery used for the copying of CD’s and videos. The four men, all of African descent, are due to appear in court this Friday. I spoke to Estela Montoya, President of the Urbanisation Merchants Association, who told me her members were much happier this year with the police response to what she described as being, ‘a nuisance of huge proportions.’ She said that in past years, shop owners and traders were constantly complaining about the presence of the street vendors, many of whom blatantly set up in front of
their shops, she said, “It had got to a ridiculous level and clearly something had to be done. Not only were peoples businesses suffering, but the image of the Urbanisation was as well.” The police, whilst being pleased with the number of arrests they’ve carried out this summer, feel they need to change their approach in the future to really make a bigger difference. The police source told me they would be putting plain clothes officers into the key areas, thus avoiding the chance of being spotted before they had a chance to deploy their resources. He said this summer had been a useful learning curve and although they had removed a lot of the traders, a lot still remained, he added, “I would say we’ve managed to remove about 50% of the illegal traders from the streets, which is good news, but with some improvements to our methods, we feel confident we can increase that figure substantially in the future.” Having spent a day and a night on the beaches, promenades and streets of Roquetas last week, I still found there were a large number of vendors, openly pedalling there goods. During a two hour spell on the Romanilla beach, I saw a regular procession of Africans, walking through the crowds trying to sell a range of goods including, clothing, CD’s, videos and bracelets. On a visit that same night to the main promenade near many of the large tourist hotels in the Urbanisation, I again saw a large number of traders with their goods displayed openly on the walls next to the beach: everything from sunglasses and clothing, to hair plaiting and jewellery was on offer. A number of the traders I spoke to said they had been warned by the police, that if they were seen again they would be arrested. Most said they didn’t take the threat seriously and even if they were arrested, the chances of being prosecuted were small. I certainly got the impression it was an accepted part of the business they are in and that they accepted the fact they might be fined. After all, they are illegal traders and it goes with the territory. As to whether the police and council can make a big dent in this form of trade, remains to be seen. Whether the police and council have the resources to make a substantial difference is probably nearer the truth. It’s an annoying form of crime, but not one that has any real and obvious impact on the community, unlike say, violent crime, robbery or destruction of property. How far the authorities are prepared to go next year, with increased manpower and funding, will be a good indication of how far they can realistically put an end to the illegal street traders of Roquetas.
Coffee Morning 30 September 2014 10.30am to 12.30pm Playa Serena Golf Club Roquetas de Mar call Caroline or Paul on 618483791 or email lalinejohnson@gmail.com
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2nd Annual Integration Day of Huercal-Overa 11.00 hours: participating including:
Schedule of Activities :
Stalls of different associations open
12.00 hours: Welcome from the Mayor and councilor for Culture & Tourism also the British Honorary Consul in Almeria, D. Alejandro Salvador Guerrero. Interpretation of the Spanish and British National Anthems by the Scottish Piper (Mr. David Weir). 12.30 hours: Mr. David Weir (bagpipe) and Mrs. Angela Lindsay (dance), perform a Scottish march, a waltz and a typical dance of rural Scotland. 13.00 hours: Shopias Wellness Centre, exhibitions Zumba, Salsa, Kick Boxing and Nuline Dance. 13.45 hours: The Untouchables, Huercalense group who play wonderful songs from yesterday. 14.30 hours: Dusty Boots Line Dancers. Performing dances from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. 16.00 hours: Mr. Peter Martin (violin) and dancers 16.45 hours: Everybody Dance with H2O.
Balta and monitors from the Municipal Pool with a dance spectacular. 17.30 hours: Voices of Almanzora, British choir performance. 18.00 hours: Compañía de Baile de Lita Paredes, presents a beautiful display of flamenco dancing, the interpretation of 3 pieces: Lament for Cheers, Sevillanas and a fantastic staging of Pirates of the Caribbean.
HUERCAL-OVERA
19.00 hours: Close. Stalls with Tapas and traditional British foods open: 13.30 to 16.00. Price tapas: Small €0.50, €1 Large. Kids face painting (Free): 11.00-13.30, 14.00-16.00, 17.00-19.00. Stalls remain open all day for your entertainment. If you didn’t get along to the event last year you missed a treat with over 3000 British and Spanish coming together to celebrate or cultures. The Soltimes will be there to enjoy the fun and festivities and we hope to see you all there too. OLE!
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braben’s blog... Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Blogging! Another of this ridiculous made-up word that are so prevalent within the computer worlds. What is it and where did it come from? A ‘blog’ is a contraction of the word ‘web log’. Web logging (Blogging) is a discussion or informational site published on the web and consisting of discrete (read short and/or complete) entries (“posts”) typically displayed with the most recent post appearing first. The best description that I have come across so far is that a blog is and online journal where you record your daily activities. The major difference is that others make read and or add to your post with their own comments. Even though it was the late 1990’s when an embryonic blogging emerged, it wasn’t until 2009 blogs were usually the work of a single individual, occasionally small groups, and often covered a single subject. More recently “MultiAuthor Blogs” (MABs) have developed, with posts written by large numbers of authors and even professionally edited. MABs from newspapers, other media outlets, universities, think tanks, advocacy groups and similar institutions account for an increasing quantity of blog traffic. The rise of Twitter and other “microblogging” systems helps integrate MABs and single-author blogs into societies newstreams. Blog can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. We have mentioned ‘Twitter’ as a type of blogging. This type has a very limited character length, so everything you write has to be short. Facebook, on the other hand, has the ability to blog your life’s story to death! So what type of blogs are there? Microblogging is the practice of posting small pieces of digital content—which could be text, pictures, links, short videos, or other media—on the Internet. Microblogging offers a portable
communication mode that feels organic and spontaneous to many. Friends use it to keep in touch, business associates use it to coordinate meetings or share useful resources, and celebrities and politicians (or their publicists) microblog about concert dates, lectures, book releases, or tour schedules. A wide and growing range of add-on tools enables sophisticated updates and interaction with other applications, and the resulting profusion of functionality is helping to define new possibilities for this type of communication. Examples of these include Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and by far the largest WeiBo. Corporate and organizational blogs are similar in form and format to the microblogs but with the intention of advertising or Public relation work! Similar blogs for clubs and societies are called club blogs, group blogs, or by similar names; typical use is to inform members and other interested parties of club and member activities. By genre: Some blogs focus on a particular subject, such as political blogs, health blogs, travel blogs (also known as travelogs), gardening blogs, house blogs, fashion blogs, project blogs, education blogs, niche blogs, classical music blogs, quizzing blogs and legal blogs (often referred to as a blawgs) or dreamlogs. How To/Tutorial blogs are becoming increasing popular. Two common types of genre blogs are art blogs and music blogs. A blog featuring discussions about home and family is not uncommonly called a mom blog and one made popular is by Erica Diamond who created Womenonthefence.com. Now after all that I feel blogged up or ever water blogged – Sorry couldn’t resist it :-) I’m now off to Jack’s Bar in Albox for my Friday afternoon computer clinic! Maybe make a suggestion using the email address under this article for further article that will be useful to you.
For further information or advice on computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk
A Trophic Cascade Man’s misguided actions hadn’t helped Yellowstone National Park since its inception in 1872; Yellowstone was the first national park in the US (indeed the world) and wolves were present in the park right from the beginning. Sadly over the next 50 years, the wolves disappeared due to loop holes in the National Parks rulebook that allowed some species to be killed if they were deemed ‘detrimental’ to the wellbeing of the park. People believed then that wolves were indiscriminate killers with no realisation that they were/are an important part of the ecology. By the mid-1920s grey wolves were rarely seen which kept the cattle farmers happy, yet still any wolf that strayed into the park was shot. The results on the landscape became obvious and scientists in the early 1930s reported that land degradation was destroying the park. Without wolves the numbers of elk and other deer had massively increased; worse still was that without the fear of a wolf attack the elk no longer roamed long distances in the mountains
Tuesday!
I’ve always thought Tuesday was a funny day. It’s not Monday, so your head is completely clear so on Tuesday morning you realise that you’re really back at work. And it’s a little too far from Friday for most people’s liking so your generally not gearing up for the weekend again. Then there’s Cheese Pie. I’ve never liked it and in one of my early jobs, every Tuesday all you could have in the canteen was Cheese Pie! It’s not just cheese pie that make Tuesdays strange days. If you were, by any chance, mulling over whether to run for the office of President of the United States of America, then you should know that the Presidential Election is always held on a Tuesday. Well, it’s worth bearing in mind, just in case your regular Haggis Making Society meets on a Tuesday, which would mean making a major and potentially life changing decision! Now I don’t mention Haggis by chance. It was on a recent Tuesday that I came across the World’s Biggest Haggis. Not face to face I should add, but in a newspaper report, which, given the size of the thing, is probably the best way to come across such a Haggis. For reasons that may or may not be a mystery, a team of chefs produced a Haggis that weighed over a ton. That means it was a similar sort of weight to a small family car. Now I suspect that if we did a bit of digging, we’d find those haggis makers were not producing that wondrous thing out of the goodness of their hearts; my suspicion is that, somewhere in the background, we’d find the chaps from the Guinness Book of Records skulking, scales in hand. Haggis making and Presidential Elections apart, there’s definitely something not right with Tuesdays. And it’s not just me. In America more people report to their Doctor with vacuum cleaner related injuries on Tuesday than on any other day. I won’t even begin to make a comment, except to say, funny things happen on a Tuesday. But Tuesdays aren’t all bad. I remember as a child that Tuesday was the day I got to read “The Beano”! It was delivered on Monday, but by the time my dad had read it, it was Tuesday when I finally got hold of it! Despite “The Beano”, I’m still not convinced by Tuesdays! Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo.co.uk
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
but stayed in the lowlands freely eating whatever greenery they could find. Any new growth including tree shoots were eaten by the deer, riverbanks eroded without the tree roots to bind soil together. With less tree cover, bird populations plummeted. The lack of ground cover also in turn meant populations of rabbits and other small mammals dropped, flying predators were now hunting them instead of their normal prey of songbirds. Beavers disappeared as their food sources vanished which in turn meant rivers were left further unprotected as the beavers’ habit of damming rivers had helped keep riverbanks firm. Park Rangers tried to keep deer numbers down but local hunters moaned there were less elk for them to shoot. All the while Yellowstone was slowly dying. By the 1990s science gained the upper hand as it became obvious that wolves were vital for the wellbeing of the Park. In 1995, 16 wolves were captured in Canada and transported to the park. Once they had acclimatised they were
released back into the wild. More were released the next year. All were radio tagged and over the next 10 years wolf numbers multiplied into as many as a dozen different packs totalling nearly 200 wolves. Almost as soon as the wolves were introduced a court appeal was lodged and a judge ruled that they would have to be removed (rather than be destroyed.) Luckily the US Justice Dept. appealed the decision and the wolves won. The effect of the Yellowstone landscape has been amazing; initially scientists thought that each wolf would kill an average of 12 elk a year whereas the actual number has been about 22 deer killed per wolf annually. The flora has bounced back; the trees not only returned to the riverbanks but across the park their average height is five times what it was. More trees mean more birds and the beavers are back. From just one beaver colony in 1991 there are now eleven. The beavers’
ponds create shelter for fish and a habitat for other species. The water in these ponds soaks slowly into the ground to replenish the water table. Storm waters are also slowed, reducing erosion. The remains of wolf kills are eaten by other predators such as bears, bald eagles and magpies; so in turn less smaller prey are killed especially in winter when food is scarce. The positives of the wolves reintroduction is felt everywhere. Wolves hate coyotes and their numbers are down 40% since the reintroduction. The remaining coyotes have moved back to the mountains for safety which coupled with the increased ground cover has helped the numbers of rabbit, small rodents and foxes to increase. All the returning wildlife benefits nature. This is called a Trophic Cascade as the reintroduction of just one species has trickled down to positively affect the ecology of the whole park.
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SOLTIMES september 2014
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LEGAL CORNER
WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com
MOVING BACK TO THE U.K. DUE TO ILL HEALTH LEAVING A PROPERTY IN SPAIN ON THE MARKET
Q. My mother and father need to move back to the u.k due to very bad health, with my mother moving into a home immediately on her return. They own a house and a bank account in Vera. Have you got any recommendations of things I should be thinking about from a legal point of while I am in Spain to help them organise their return. A. Absolutely. I would at least address the following matters: 1. Make sure there Spanish wills are in good order. Even if they are, it may be time to reconsider the clauses. If for example one of your parents is very ill it may not be convenient for the other partner to name him /her beneficiary. 2. Locate the title deeds to the property and their NIE numbers. 3. Make sure Internet banking is set up on their Spanish bank account. 4. Your parents may wish to consider signing a power of attorney for you to deal with their Spanish assets. 5. Look in to the advantages/ disadvantages of selling quickly now versus holding on waiting for a better price From a tax point of view if they
are resident and over 65 it is in their advantage to sell before they lose their resident status in Spain as they are entitled to a 100% exemption from capital gains tax. 6. When you get back to England start working on an enduring power of attorney to be used in the u.k. Very important: The above are the essential things that need to be looked into but I recommend that you and your parents visit their solicitor in Spain to run through their situation together before going back to the u.k. If you are not comfortable with their solicitor, simply make an appointment with a different solicitor but take all your paperwork with you (you must at least take copy of title deeds, NIE numbers, rates bills and copy of wills) . Depending on the circumstances, paperwork etc. it may be advantageous to take further actions or none at all. In any case it will be convenient for you to put a face to the solicitor and go through things together with him/ her and your parent to avoid nasty surprises regarding documentation in the future. Michael Davies. Abogado.
Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.
News COMPLETE COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE
House Prices Rise First Time Since 2008
Private housing prices rose by 0.8% in the second quarter of 2014, compared to the same period last year, marking their first positive annual increase since the first quarter of 2008 and putting an end to six years of annual declines, according to the latest House Price Index published on Monday by the National Statistics Institute.
However, significant differences were noted between the regions. Madrid was the region with the greatest increase in prices year-onyear (+2.7%), followed by Valencia (+2.3%), Cantabria (+1.8%), Catalonia (+1.6%) and Murcia (+1.2%). With increases below the national average stood Andalucía (+0.7%), the Balearic Islands (+0.4%) and Galicia (+0.1%). Housing prices fell in the remaining regions in the second quarter of the year. Navarra registered the greatest decline in prices (-6.1%), ahead of Extremadura (-3.5%), Aragón (-2.3%), Asturias (-2%), Castilla y León (-1.9%), La Rioja (-1.7%), Castilla-La Mancha (-1.6%), the Basque Country (-1.4%), and the Canary Islands (-0.2%). In the autonomous city of Melilla, prices rose by 0.8% while in Ceuta they fell
by 0.3%.
El Economista reported that, by housing type, year-on-year the price of resale housing rose by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2014, its highest rate since the fourth quarter of 2007, after increasing two points over the previous quarter, while the prices of new homes rose by 1.9% year-onyear, which is three points higher than the previous quarter, and the first positive rate since the fourth quarter of 2008. Quarter-on-quarter (second quarter of 2014 over the first quarter), the price of private housing registered an increase of 1.7%, following two consecutive quarters of declines, of 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013 and 0.3% in the first quarter of 2014. The National Statistics Institute’s House Price Index complies with Eurostat requirements and supplements the data published quarterly by the Ministry of Development. Among its goals is to serve as a point of comparison between EU Member States in relation to housing prices. www.kyero.com
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News
Madrid Issues 35% More Licences to Build Homes
In the first eight months of 2014, Madrid City Council granted a total of 2,741 licences for the construction of new housing, a figure which is 35% more than in the same period in 2013, announced the deputy mayor of the capital, Enrique Nuñez, at a press conference after the municipal government board meeting. This balance, submitted to the Board by the delegate for Planning and Housing, Paz González, shows that of these 2,741 new homes, 1,485 (54%) correspond to social housing, and the remaining
1,256 (46%) are private housing. Nuñez stated that if this rate stays positive until the end of the year, 2014 could end with almost 4,300 licences issued for new construction, “which in economic terms means for the city of Madrid an investment of 258 million euros and the creation of 10,750 jobs”. “These data, positive and optimistic, confirm a trend that began in 2011, when the number of licences doubled over the previous year, reaching a total of 5,278. In 2012 it maintained, despite the
constraint posed by the Supreme Court on 28th September 2012, which annulled the classification of areas of urban development, and which paralysed the municipal initiative for months, until the deadlock was broken by the City of Madrid in 2013,” he added. The Deputy Mayor explained that this circumstance resulted in a small decline in 2013, which he said that, in view of the data provided for the first eight months of 2014, “is now behind us”. “This increase in real estate activity is a positive, and confirms a change of course and also that the Spanish economy and Madrid is taking the right path”, he concluded. In recent studies of the Spanish real estate sector, experts have put Madrid at the top of the list of provinces which will recover before the normal pace for housing construction. They have also indicated that Madrid is not among the cities with the highest rate of effort (percentage of household income spent on mortgage payments) to buy a home. El Mundo reported that, according to the City Council, all these indicators highlight the sharp rebound in real estate activity inMadrid, which is gradually moving away from the worst figures, obtained during the crisis. Source: http://news.kyero.com/
living / dining room, kitchen, a shower bathroom, a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, fitted wardrobe, and sea views, and a second double bedroom with also benefits from fitted wardrobe and sea views. Additionally, the front terrace that is accessed from the living room has a size of 25.00 mts², the terrace off the master bedroom has a size of 6.25 mts2 and
the private parking has an area of 12.50 mts². The property is being sold furnished as per inventory. The designer kitchen is fully fitted and well equipped. This is a must see property and the low asking price makes it very attractive. For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1595
SEA FACING APARTMENT FOR 115.000€ Beautiful sea facing apartment on the 1st floor of a residential complex with designer kitchen and bathrooms, panoramic sea views, communal swimming pool and private parking in Puerto Marina, Mojácar Playa, within minutes walk to the sea and to the promenade. The apartment itself has a built area of approx. 62.15 mts² which is distributed between a beautiful
Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria
Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563
property group
www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk
SOLTIMES september 2014
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new one stop tel: 950 473 040 Fax: 950 472 412
www.newonestop.com
est since 2002
info@newonestop.com
Paseo del Mediterraneo 275, Mojacar 275, mojacar Playa 04638, Almeria
REF.732
palomares
47,500€
REF.082
cuevas
42,950€
REF.493
mojacar
89,950€
Bank repossessions opportunity, brand new 1&2 bedrooms, 1&2 bath (1 en-suite) apartment, with un fitted kitchen, terrace or Solarium with sea views, underground secure parking and a store room, swimming pool, walking distance to all amenities & Beach. Prices start from €47,500.
Extra-large apartment, 101m built approximately plus terraces, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, good size lounge/diner with open country views, fully fitted large kitchen & larder, with private underground parking, walking distance to all amenities.
Ground floor 2 beds, 1 bath, 2nd line Apartment, 35m terrace with golf views, complete equipped American kitchen + white goods, living/diner room, beautiful pool & private secure Parking, A/C, fully furnished, quick sale.
REF.584
REF.653
REF.531
turre
65,000€
palomares
88,000€
mojacar
82,500€
BARGAIN
Investment opportunity, 2 for the price of 1, new 2 apartments, Penthouse & first floor, each property with 3 beds, 1 bath, fabulous mountain views, kitchen, living/dining room, 80m private solarium, in the central of Turre, walking distance to all amenities, no community charge,
ntastic town house in excellent condition, full of character and charm, 2 beds,2 baths. Very spacious and versatile accommodation, 3 terraces & roof solarium, private underground parking, communal beautiful pool,sold furnished
A superb detached cortijo in very good condition, set on a wonderful private plot with beautiful views and a fantastic swimming pool. Very peaceful, edge of village location. 3 beds, 3 baths, huge garage. 310m2 - built, plot - 3250m2.
REF.659
REF.466
REF.728
ANTAS
169,950€
A wonderful large family home, with 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, divided into main house of 4 beds, 3 bath, & independent apartment with own access of 3 beds, 2 bath, 2 lounges, 2 kitchens, private pool and sun bathing area, perfect as a B&B, or rural tourism, reduced for quick sale.
MOJACAR
64,950€
ful large furnished Penthouse, 1 bedroom + wardrobes & 1 full bathroom, large Terrace 38m, open sea views, fully fited kitchen, sold fully furnished, A/C (hot & cold), private locked garage, 2 communal pools, excellent value.
PALOMARES
69,950€
Opportunity, ground floor with easy access beautiful 2 bedrooms apartment, & 2 bath (1 en-suite), with fitted kitchen, sunny terrace, underground secure parking, large communal swimming pool, walking distance to amenities, low fee community.
our office working hours are 10am till 8pm no siesta we speak:
19
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SOLTIMES september 2014
Properties urgently Required in
Huércal-Overa,Albox,Arboleas, Zurgena, La Alfoquia,Los Carasoles, Cucador, and San Juan de Los Terreros Vera Playa Mojacar and all the surrounding areas.
**URGENT** WANTED PROPERTIES FOR SALE INLAND & COASTAL We have cash buyers, looking to buy realistically priced 2,3 & 4 bed properties for holidays and rentals. Required ready to view from 90,000€ to 200,000€ Please contact us if you want to sell your house Increase your chance of selling your property Reasons to advertise with us
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Mojácar Playa
Mojácar Playa
Mojacar Playa
Spacious 1st floor apartment with huge terraces & fabulous sea views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom & furnished. Beautiful community gardens & pools. In walking distance of the beach. A1096
149,000€
Palomares
Lovely 1st floor (top floor) apartment of 46m2 with 35m2 terrace & solarium of 46m2. Furnished & with A/C the property enjoys good sea views & overlooks the community pool & gardens. A1101 99,000€
Mojácar Playa
Quality townhouse of 90m2 with terraces & very private roof terrace. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, A/C. Underground parking, community pool & gardens. Just a short walk to the beach & the village. LV671 85,000€
PRICE BROWN Country Homes
Goñar
Large country house of 172m2 on 1,750m2 + 80m2 of outbuildings. Gated courtyard & orchards. 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, furnished as per inventory. 10 minute drive from local towns & 30 from nearest beach. 120,000€ DV1325
Charming penthouse golf apartment of 72m2 + 12m2 terrace & 53m2 roof terrace. Superb sea views. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom & nicely furnished. A/C. Community pool & gardens. Short walk to the beach. A1113 135,000€
Goñar
Renovated mill of 118m2 on 4,900m2, 2 courtyards & outbuildings. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms + C/H. Just a short drive from local towns & 30 minutes from nearest beaches. DV1327 165,000€
3rd floor apartment of 78m2 situated near to the historic moorish fuente in the village. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom + small enclosed balcony. In walking distance of all services & amenities & only a short drive to the beach. A1217 65,000€
Mojácar Playa
Pretty villa of 139m2 on 500m2 + outstanding sea views. Excellent location for beaches & amenities. 2 living rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, A/C, private pool & parking. Fully modernised. Beautiful upper terrrace. SDV1326
269,000€
Very attractive detached villa of 173m2 on 433m2 in one of the best locations for sea views. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,A/C , central heating, modern kitchen & integral garage/storeroom. Private pool with superb terraces. DV1311 299,000€
We have now expanded our portfolio to include Country Homes and require properties in Albox, Arboleas and surrounding areas. If you are interested in selling and would like a free, no obligation valuation, please call or email Robert Taylor and let Price Brown go the extra mile. robert@pricebrown.com 99,500€
150,000€
275,000€
Mojacar Pueblo
Mojacar Playa
Superb townhouse of 179m2, 83m2 of terraces + roof terrace & garage. 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, A/C & FGCH. In walking distance of the Parque Comercial. Lovely community pool & gardens. LV677 295,000€
21
Bédar
Beautiful detached villa of 249.69m2 on a plot of 17,282m2. Extremely private & with many uniques features. 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms. Garage. FGCH. Panoramic views & short drive to all amenities, beaches & golf 499,950€ DV1322.
75,000€
Los Menas
Immaculate villa of 136m2 on a plot of 1,690m2 in a rural setting but just a short drive from local towns & villages. Only 20 minutes drive from the sea. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Pool, garage & much more DV1309 162,500€
22
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SOLTIMES september 2014
Room With A View Looking to sell? We can sell your property for you
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Tel + 34 637 309 092 - www.indalocasas.es
El Mirador
Cabo de Gata Levante - Mojácar
Reference: Vera Playa I-30242 - 100 m2 3 Bdrms - 2 Bathrooms
325,000€
Luxury 100m2 , 3 bed villa situated on front line of the beach. It has 3 large bedrooms, main bedrooms with en-suite and fitted wardrobes in all. 2 full bathrooms. A fully fitted kitchen with all appliances. A large lounge-dining room leading out to the terrace, a solarium, a garden 177m 2, a terrace and a porch. It has double glazing, mosquito blinds and aluminium shutters, Hot and cold air-conditioning. Built in: 2002, renovated in 2012. Community/month: €118
Reference: : Mojácar I-30123 - 180 m2 4 Bdrms - 3 Bathrooms
399,000€
Playa Azul
Balcon de Enix
Reference: : Palomares I-30619 - 76 m2 2 Bdrms - 1 Bathroom
Reference: : Enix SA-27182 - 60 m2 2 Bdrms - 1 Bathroom
35,000€
Attractive 2 bed apartments with sea views situated in the Alpujara mountains next to the beautiful village of Enix, 10 minutes from the coast. They have 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a lounge-dinning room, a kitchen, a terrace, private underground parking and a storeroom. The complex has a swimming pool and gardens and is just 2 minutes from the village, 5 minutes from a golf complex and just 10 minutes from the coast.
68,000€
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OFFICE NOW OPEN ON TURRE HIGH STREET Avda de Almeria 78
We are looking for new property listings both coastal & inland Please Contact us on 950 469 592 or 697 640 681
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ACACIA VILLAS PROPERTY SALES
info@acaciavillas.net 610 323 541 - www.acaciavillas.net
Stunning Villa, 3 bed & 2 bath with pool, this villa has everything you could want, 5 mins walk into the village of Alfoquia. Plot size 450 mtrs. Build size 100 mtrs. Bargain price for what you are getting with this villa. Please look at our website for full description.
Ref: R&L-10 Alfoquia €110,000
A large villa with magnificent sea views, this lovely property has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, garage, lounge and kitchen. Outside is a terrace connected to the kitchen, a pool and barbecue area and a garden area. The area has restaurants, swimming pools and tennis courts and is only 5 minutes from Mojácar Village, the beaches and the new marina and the fishing port of Garrucha.
Gordon Condrey API Bancario Bank Property Agent
Tel + 34 637 309 092
Lovely 76m2, 2 bed, ground floor and penthouse apartments. These superior quality apartments have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fitted kitchen, a large lounge-dining room, a terrace with views of the swimming pool and the sea. The ground floor apartments have a rear courtyard and an enclosed double garage connected to the property (this could be turned into extra bedrooms) and some of the apartments also have extra parking. The penthouse apartments have a large solarium with sea views. There is a communal swimming pool and gardens and is located just a few minutes from the beach.
Your Belgian estate agent at the coast ! Almeria Property Investments
ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com 950 460 874 666 260 792 ronda de las Buganvillas nº 42,Vera playa
23
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VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL
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
BEDAR
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
•Draughts •Condenstaion
Now Only 45,000€
This 2 bedroom apartment is in the village of Bedar, 20 minutes from the coast of Mojacar. It is a new build, third floor apartment with a lift access and great views. OLV148
BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN Isabel Morales Civil Engineer
Member of the College of Civil Engineers, no 27335
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
If you are advertising your property in Spain for sale or rent, you are obliged to have an EPC (Recent Decree 235/2013)
almeria & Murcia
areas covered
100€ + IVA
To obtain an energy Performance Certificate fast & easily Tel: 617 749 105 (English Spoken). Also surveys, technical reports, valuations & antiquity certificates.
isabelmoralesingeniero@gmail.com
Paseo del Mediterraneo, 355 Mojacar 04638
CASITA FOR RENT URCAL 2 BED FULLY FURNISHED WITH large FLY free area WITHIN LARGE FENCED AREA 300€ LONG TERM 350€ SHORT TERM PHONE LYNN ON 666 281 323 David
Properties for Sale & Rent
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SOLTIMES september 2014
Spain named 3rd biggest Eurozone job creator
Only Estonia and Portugal’s employment growth was greater than Spain’s between April and June this year, a new study shows.
The number of people in work in Spain in the second quarter of 2014 compared with the first quarter grew 0.7 per cent, almost half a per cent more than the Eurozone average, according to data from the Eurostat office of statistics.
for business
The Eurozone average was just 0.2 per cent and that of EU member states 0.2 per cent. The growth figure puts Spain behind only Estonia (1.2 per cent) and Portugal (0.9 per cent) in terms of employment
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growth between April and June. Spanish daily Expansión reported that the countries with the poorest employment performances were Lithuania and Cyprus where employment fell by 0.1 per cent. In year-on-year terms, the Eurozone saw a 0.4 per cent rise in employment, compared with 0.1 per cent in the same first quarter comparison. Spanish year-on-year growth was 1 per cent, ranking it 10th of the 18 Eurozone countries and 6th in the EU as a whole. At the end of the quarter, 224.9 million people were employed in the EU, of whom 146.5 million were in the Eurozone. Source: www.thelocal.es
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No Breaks Book review Book review Life With by Nick Spalding “There’s got to be a point to a book hasn’t there? Even one written totally off the cuff like this is.” “Life With No Breaks” was Spalding’s first self-published ebook in April 2012stories so fabricated and embellished that they made politicians’ expenses’ claims look trivial. He worked as a media officer until he signed a contract with Hodder and Stoughton. He is considered the best-selling selfpublished author in the UK, having recently signed a six-figure deal. Two of his other comedies “Love.. from Both Sides” and “Love..And Sleepless Nights” were the first and third best-selling self-published ebooks in 2012. “Life With No Breaks” was meant as a 24 hour non-stop project but in fact took no more than 30 hours before he had accomplished 54,873 words, dare I say gems? Presented as a monologue, he refers to his muse, the reader as his ideal friend, patient and understanding, reading over his shoulder as he writes, nibbling on cookies and sipping tepid or sometimes cold coffee whilst the writer chain smokes and creates amusing anecdotes: “Inspiration is a funny thing. Inspiration hits you between the eyes, sending you into a
whirlwind of creativity.” Reflections or ramblings, memoirs or just fantastical anecdotes will entertain you. Humiliating episodes, sexual encounters, a debauched stag do in “the home of sinners and dodgy morality” Las Vegas with large vibrating rubber implements as plastic as the cowgirls outside the Rhinestone club. A bit naughty, huh? What about Spalding’s inexplicable phobia of sponges? Yes I did say sponges. They made him so anxious that he would have handed over his life-savings and his first-born to any mugger who waved a loofah at him! Ha! His bathroom was full of these “malevolent goblins” as he calls them and the room itself resembled a “chamber of horrors.” Then there’s the paintballing for adolescent men. It was meant to be a teambuilding exercise. Donning the armour and wielding a paintball gun swinging from side to side transformed the author from innocent to Jack Bauer or even Tom Hanks
News
56% of Young Spanish Workers Confident of Keeping Their Jobs
According to the international study, Randstad Work monitor, almost six out of ten Spanish workers between the ages of 18 and 24, namely, 56%, are confident of remaining in their job during the next six months, which is one point higher than last year.
In fact, El Economista reported that the study shows Spain stands ahead of countries like Italy, where 48% of young people between 18 and 24 years of age hope to keep their jobs, Greece (50%) and the United Kingdom (55%). Of the 32 countries in which the survey was conducted, Switzerland was shown to be the country with the most optimistic young workers, with 73%, followed by Belgium, with 70%, and Germany with 67%. Men are more optimistic than women with regard to labour stability, according to the study, with 60% of men expecting to keep their position of employment, compared with 51%
of women.
Tourism and construction Construction was highlighted as one of the sectors to generate the greatest uncertainty among its younger workers, with only 3% of those surveyed saying they were confident of keeping their job over the next six months. Another sector to register a high degree of uncertainty for workers between 18 and 24 years old is the tourism sector, where only 20% of the young workers expected to remain in their employment. With regard to the most optimistic sectors, the report highlights employees in the areas of information technology and communication. In this sector of activity, eight out of ten young workers expect to keep their jobs. In addition, 67% of young professionals involved in activities in the logistics and transportation sector, are optimistic over maintaining their employment. Source: www.kyero.com
in “Saving Private Ryan.” He turned manic, the killer instinct set in once he had been given “carte
blanche to shoot other people in the head.” Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea to shoot the client proffering a six figure sum to write and design some promotional material, especially in the neck and considerable paunch? Team destruction? Annihilation? My favourite had to be great uncle Gerald’s funeral service. Worse than Scrooge and regarded as “ze second most evil man of ze 20C” after Hitler. A prime case of the blackest of humours. Uncle Sid, practical joker that he was arranged the event. His eulogy had them crying through so much laughter. As a parting good riddance everyone sang “The Wizard of Oz’s” infamous tune of “Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead” followed by plenty of free booze and tasty treats. “Never was a more fitting tribute given to a more deserving individual.” Spot the irony there. Light-hearted, cleverly written and an immensely enjoyable read. Publisher: Racket ISBN: 978-146-1164098
Publishing.
Ereader available from Amazon.
REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.
www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es
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SolPUZZLES wordsearch
• It is illegal to dance naked in the Acropolis (Greece) • Cars are banned on this island, Horse- Drawn Carriages, Bicycles, Tractors are legal transport (Sark) Fun Brain Teasers with Answers to Challenge your Mind
Baby Shower
Find and circle all of the Baby Shower words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining 32 letters spell a secret message
1. Which ancestor of Noah is also the name of an oversized Champagne bottle that holds six liters? .................................... 2. Which Apollo 11 astronaut did not set foot on the moon?........................................ 3. F C Liverpool’s signature song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ stems from which musical? ............................................... 4. Which cocktail, named after a city, was invented by the Raffles Hotel barkeeper Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915? ....................... 5. Spats Columbo is the bad guy in which popular black and white film? ................. 6. Which James Bond theme song that starts with the words “Meeting you” was the only 007 theme song to reach number one in the US charts? ............................. 7. Which national team introduced ‘Total Football’ at the 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany? ..............................................
Brain Teasers Answers
CRYPTIC crossword
6. A View To A Kill (Duran Duran) 7. Holland 8. King Arthur 9. Pyro 10. Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn and The Bronx
CROSSWORD
1. Methuselah 2. Michael Collins 3. Rogers and Hammerstein’s ‘Carousel’ 4. Singapore Sling 5. Some Like It Hot
SOLUTIONS
CONFETTI DECORATIONS EVENT FAMILY FESTIVE FINGER FOOD FLOWERS FORKS FRIENDS GAMES GIFT OPENING GIFTS
wordsearch answer
GLASSES GREETING CARDS GUESTBOOK GUESTS HOSTESS INVITATIONS KNIVES MOTHER MUSIC NAPKINS PARTY FAVORS PLATES
standard SUDOKU
10. What are the five boroughs in New York City?.....................................................
ACTIVITIES APPETIZERS BABY BAKING BALLOONS BANNER BIRTH CAKE CAMERA CELEBRATION CHAIRS COFFEE
easy SUDOKU
9. What is the Greek word for fire? ...............
PRIZES PUNCH SANDWICHES SPOONS
Answers
STREAMERS TABLES THEME TRADITION WRAPPING PAPER
LOVE AND JOY ARE WHAT BABIES ARE MADE OF
8. According to legend, which man rode horses named Llamrei, Hengroen and Passelande? .........................................
sports quiz
1. Which piece of sporting equipment is 3 inches in diameter and weighs 6 ounces? ......................................... 2. In 1988 who became the first boxer to have won world championships in five different weight categories? ......................................... 3. Who has played international football and cricket for Scotland? ......................................... 4. At what sport did Scotland become world champions in 2005? ......................................... 5. Which boxer was found Not Guilty of the attempted murder of Frank Warren? ......................................... 6. How many consecutive shots does it take to score a 147 break in snooker? ......................................... 7. Who is the only man to have played in an F.A. Cup final in the 1970s, 80s and 90s? ......................................... 8. Who is the only man to captain England whilst playing 3rd. Division football? .........................................
squiggle SUDOKU
• It is illegal to practice the profession of charlatanry (Italy)
4. Elephant Polo 5. Terry Marsh 6. 36 7. David O’Leary 8. Ian Botham
strange laws
• It is illegal to name a pig ‘Napoleon’ (France)
1. An ice hockey puck 2. Sugar Ray Leonard 3. Andy Goram
SOLTIMES september 2014
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27
SPANISH PROPERTY CHOICE www.spanishpropertychoice.com
21. B urrowing rodent (7) 23. F our-sided parallelogram (7) 24. Stories (5) 25. Abated (5) 26. Despised (7) Down 1. Bird of prey (6) 2. Meaning (5) 3. Country (6)
4. Desert plants (5) 5. Perplexed (7) 6. Connect (6) 8. Respond (5) 13. Forbidding (7) 15. Let in (5) 16. Veer (6) 17. Dissertation (6) 18. Rubbed out (6) 20. Flowed back (5) 22. Claw (5)
STANDARD CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Mode (7) 4. P ole tossed in the Highlands (5) 7. R elating to the moon (5) 9. Diplomatic (7) 10. Aromatic herb (7) 11. Cove (5) 12. Main artery (5) 14. Sturdy (5) 19. Relinquish (5)
SUDOKU PUZZLE s
Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.
standard
easy
squiggle
ACROSS 8 Girl returning former partner’s building (6) 9 Stress caused by same ship (8) 10 Turned and wrote a poem again? (8) 11 Give away that woman, preferably (6) 12 Half of students: “I love an apartment” (6) 13 Finding no start to tabletopping (8) 14 Disease has head of department transfixed (7) 16 Clergymen - annoying things, without right ideology at first (7) 20 In French, five run away to gasbag (8) 23 Wild wolves’ sounds of speech (6) 25 The Somerset village way (6) 26 Grovelling stick, natural on the inside (8) 27 Kicking-out of novice, it might be (8)
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES
Call on +34 950 615 388
Due to high demand we need properties for our Sales & Rentals division. Clients waiting!
28 Team from the Spanish level (6) Down 1 Bell to forge gold (8) 2 Member to object to fable (6) 3 Reportedly watch playwright at the place near the ocean (8) 4 Ganges initially follows country without delta changing direction (7) 5 (Supernatural) life (6) 6 Party leader’s newspaper item - it’s very small (8) 7 Bird has no gripe changing right away (6) 15 Act of a number, in before church (8) 17 Exposed meat in the grass (8) 18 Let Dante become gifted (8) 19 Decline of French smell (7) 21 Born as a citizen - innocent, without a hint of tainting (6) 22 Get a bit on order (6) 24 Pedestrian conflict, like I lost internally (6
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
28 SOLTIMES september 2014
Rich Chocolate Torte
making sure the water is not touching the base of the bowl. Leave to melt, then remove from the heat and stir the mixture until smooth. Ingredients Meanwhile, put the eggs and sugar in 170 g (6 oz) good dark chocolate (at a large bowl and beat with an electric least 70% cocoa solids) mixer until the mixture has increased 75 g (2½ oz) unsalted butter considerably in volume and leaves a 4 eggs trail on the surface when the beaters 100 g (3½ oz) light muscovado sugar are lifted out. (If using a hand whisk or 30 g (1 oz) plain flour rotary beater, set the bowl over a pan To decorate of almost boiling water, making sure icing sugar the water is not touching the base of cocoa powder the bowl.) Add the chocolate mixture to the Method whisked mixture and fold it in with Preheat the oven to 180ºC (gas mark a large metal spoon. Gradually sift 4). Grease a 23cm (9 in) springform the flour over the top of the egg and cake tin and line it with greased chocolate mixture, folding in until it is greaseproof paper. Break up the chocolate and put it in a just combined. heatproof bowl with the butter. Set the Turn the mixture into the prepared bowl over a pan of almost boiling water, cake tin, gently spreading it to the edges to level the surface. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the top of the cake feels just firm to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin. Remove the cake from the tin and peel away the lining paper. Cut into thin wedges for serving, and Free Bottle of wine dusting the plates with per couple to take away sifted icing sugar and after having our night menus cocoa powder. The cake can be kept in the fridge Valid only with this voucher for 2–3 days. dinner 19.00-22.00 until 30TH SEPT Source: allrecipes.co.uk
Mesón de
Irene
summer crazy offer
Courgette Chocolate Brownies image: www.lipglossiping.com
A generous amount of good-quality dark chocolate makes this Continental-style cake beautifully moist and rich – just a small slice will satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, or try it warm for dessert, with a spoonful of soured cream or Greek-style yogurt and some fresh berries.
Moist chocolate brownies with icing... and a secret ingredient! Courgette provides incomparable moistness to these rich brownies.
Ingredients
125ml vegetable oil 300g caster sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 250g plain flour 40g best quality cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon salt 250g grated courgette 60g chopped walnuts Icing 6 tablespoons best quality cocoa powder 4 tablespoons butter or margarine 250g icing sugar 4 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Preheat oven to 180 C / Gas 4. Grease and flour a 22x33cm baking tin. In a large bowl, mix together the oil,
S H O WB
Restaurant
OX
ALB
COD N’ CHIPS or from HOMEMADE PIE 5.95€ Fridays & Saturdays From 12 - TILL LATE
Desserts from 2€
SUNDAY LUNCH
Salad Alternative to Chips
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950 120 718
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AR & REST A URA N T
The Irish Rover
Mojacar’s original & only Irish bar.
Your No 1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family
Our famous Sunday car ver y ser ved 1pm - 5pm. 3 meats, 7 veg & all the trimmings
Live Entertainment & Karaoke Every Night
12noon - 5pm
2 Courses from 8.95€ 3 Courses from 10.95€
sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, 40g cocoa, bicarb and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the courgette and walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared tin. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. To make the icing, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and butter; set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, blend together the icing sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in the cocoa mixture. Spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares. Dairy free brownies These brownies are dairy free, and the icing can be made dairy free by using margarine and soya milk. Source: allrecipes.co.uk
MAP ON PAGE 31
Friday 10th October MICHAEL BUBLE & GARY BARLOW 5€ TRIBUTE ACT
Best Authentic Indian fo on the Plaod ya Served All Day!
Now showing
GAA Games
tel: 950 473 135 mojacar playa (between Lua & Moma Beach)
SOLTIMES september 2014
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Basic Dark Chocolate Truffles
el Cucador
Our new manager Maria & Pedro our Spanish Chef now offer
This is a basic truffle recipe to which you can add your own flavourings or extracts. Dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar, or roll in coconut or ground nuts.
Method
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chocolate and cream. Cook, stirring, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in flavouring. Pour into a small dish and refrigerate until set,
In o
Enjoy freshly cooked, homemade traditional Spanish style cuisine Menu del Dia Choice of 5 starters 5 mains & 5 desserts 10€ including a glass of
but not hard, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Form balls and roll in coatings. Tip: To flavour truffles with liqueurs or other flavourings, omit vanilla. Divide truffle mixture into thirds. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur (almond, coffee, orange) to each mixture; mix well. Source: allrecipes.co.uk
Sinfully rich and velvety smooth, this elegant recipe becomes a favourite as soon as it is tasted. It is best if made a day before serving.
100g (3¾ oz) chocolate biscuits, crushed 50g (2 oz) butter, softened 2 tablespoons caster sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 (200g) tubs cream cheese, softened 200g (7 oz) caster sugar 3 eggs 250g (8 oz) dark chocolate 2 tablespoons double cream 250ml (8 fl oz) soured cream 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 4 tablespoons hot water 4 tablespoons coffee flavoured liqueur 2 teaspoons vanilla essence Flavoured cream 250ml (8 fl oz) whipping cream 2 tablespoons icing sugar 2 tablespoons coffee-flavoured liqueur Chocolate leaves 25g (1 oz) dark chocolate
Method
Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. Butter one 23cm loose-bottomed or springform cake tin. Combine the chocolate biscuit crumbs, softened butter, 2 tablespoons caster sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and
press mixture into the buttered tin; set aside. In a medium sized bowl beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add caster sugar, mixing until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat at low speed until very smooth. Melt the 250g dark chocolate with 2 tablespoons double cream in a pan set over boiling water. Stir until smooth. Add chocolate mixture to cream cheese mixture and blend well. Stir in soured cream, salt, coffee, 4 tablespoons coffee liqueur and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Pour mixture into prepared tin. Bake in the centre of the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Do not overbake. Centre will be soft but will firm up when chilled. Leave cake in oven with the heat turned off and the door ajar for 45 minutes before removing. Remove cake from oven and chill for 12 hours. Just before serving, top cake with mounds of flavoured double cream and garnish with chocolate leaves. To make flavoured cream: Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form, then beat in icing sugar and 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur. To make chocolate leaves: Melt 25g dark chocolate in a pan or bowl set over boiling water and stir until smooth. Brush real edible plant leaves (such as orange leaves) on one side with melted chocolate. Freeze until firm and then peel off leaves. Freeze chocolate leaves until needed. Source: allrecipes.co.uk
Late
& Bar from 12pm Daily
house wine, tubo or soft drink. Restaurant menu available from 12.30-Late 4 Course Menu Plus different specials every day.
Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake
Ingredients
FREE TAPAS WITH EVERY DRINK
nal Spanish Cusine o i t i d a Tr ur Restaurant Tues-Sat til
Ingredients
350g dark chocolate, chopped 5 tablespoons double cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
29
FREE A wide varie ty of Fresh Home made Tapas served eve ryday
TRADITIONAL BRITISH SUNDAY LUNCH
Send the men off to La Vida’s Men Creche! Live Premier League Football Sky Sports, BT Sports, Setanta Sports
Live Ryder Cup Golf
Special Menu Deals 5 € Incudes glass of house wine, tubo or soft drink
Evening Bar Menu from 5 € fr froom m
5.95€
WEDNESDAYS FROM 6PM
HOMEMADE PIE NIGHT
booking recommended
Sunday British Breakfasts served from 10am - 12pm
co d n chips prime
atlantic Cod home-made chips mushy peas & homemade tartar sauce
FRIDAYS from 12.30pm til late
We are here
Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia E15
1km
La Vida
El Cucador Junc 547
Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com open every day 12pm - late
30
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES SEPTEMBER 2014
News
Y DA WAKES
Large NATO Exercise Next Month In Sea Of Alboran
Dave, Yvonne & Clive Welcome you to Y Da Wakes FULLY AIR CONDITIONED BREAKFAST MENU Served 11am - 12:30pm
LUNCH-TIME MENU Served 12:30pm - 3:30pm
EVENING MENU Served 7pm - 10:30pm
SNACK MENU
Served lunchtime - 10pm (late night snacks also available)
Clive’s famous Sunday Lunch
New Pancake Menu from 2€ introducing our new boozy pancakes 3€ homemade pizzas with chips and salad from 5€
Monday Bingo 9pm Booking advisable Tuesday Sunday Roast Mini Meals 1.50€ Authentic Curry Night All curries cooked to order Italian themed quiz night 16 variations Thursday 18thseptember 8pm Friday Lasagne or Tomato & Cheese Chip Shop menu all day Chicken Breast Saturday Tiramisu or Vienetta 10€ to include entrance to quiz Music & Karaoke Roquetas De Mar Urbanisation opposite Protur Hotel, next to Suzi’s Tel: 950 33 51 80 or 634322644 opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat from11am-Late Sun 12noon - 7pm, (Wed closed)
Monday - Saturday : 11am - 4pm and 7pm - close. Sunday : 12noon - 5pm & from 7pm Thursdays : closed
A La Carte Menu Main Meals from €7.95 tapas served
Sunday lunch from €2.50 Served 12 noon til 5pm & from 7pm
the deployment of all the participating units and the definition of the role played by Spain in hosting the operation. The aim of the manoeuvres is to serve as preparation for future interventions to the various threats seen by multinational military leaders as being of the highest importance. The Spanish Navy statement goes on to add that, “It allows the Spanish Maritime Component Command – SMCC, to practise its role within the NATO rapid reaction force.” It’s seen as being vital preparation for its command and control structure within a multinational force. A similar NATO operation took place in these waters three years ago. A fictitious Middle Eastern country called Titan was used as the basis of the exercise, in which the country had suffered a humanitarian catastrophe, with displaced civilian personnel, shortage of food and hostile factions of different insurgency groups. The latest exercise – Operation Mariner – will begin in the middle of October.
Turkey and Tinsel
Celebrate with friends and family before Christmas
€12.95
Every Friday fish chips & peas Lunch & Evening
bea part of it
FREE
By Martin Shortland
Next month, the Sea of Alboran will be the location for a series of military exercises involving 12 allied countries. Code named Operation Mariner, it will bring together air, sea and land forces from countries including Spain, The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany. It’s being described as one of the largest NATO exercises to take place in the last twenty years and will last for up to two weeks. It’s perhaps a reflection of the current unease in a number of Middle Eastern countries, that this location has been chosen. A statement from the Spanish navy said the deployment of such a large combined force was to enable the allied countries to prepare a ‘high availability’ response to the instability in countries such as Ukraine, Libya, Syria and Iraq. The statement also said the menace in a number of these countries was at a level now whereby intervention from a NATO alliance force was a medium to high possibility. Preliminary talks for the exercise took place in Cadiz last May, after Spain had offered its territorial waters for use by NATO as part of the ‘annual rotation’ of resources shared by member nations. The Spanish naval bases in Cadiz and Cartagena, as well as the port of Almeria will be the centres of the sea born part of the exercise, with airbases in Seville and Valencia also brought into use. The meeting lasted two days and focused on
December 6th at 1.30pm
AND
December 16th from 7.30pm
wednesday wobbler 3 courses 7.95€ Served 7pm til 10pm CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH Saturday Sizzler €24.95 €27.50 3 Course meal for two and bottle of House wine
Tel: 659 683 447
Limited spaces available
www.newyorknewyork.es
OPPOSITE THE Protur hotel, next to y da wakes
SOLTIMES SEPTEMBER 2014
www.soltimes.com
31
roquetas - COMMUNITY NEWS Happy
50th
Birthday
Ann marie Lots of Love from Jo, Claire and Yvonne x x x
Happy
65th
Birthday
Alan
from all your family and friends in Spain xxxxxxxx
Want to improve your Spanish?
Do you want to improve your Spanish and speak English with new friends. Every Thursdays from 9.00 pm in L’arrivée Tapas & Lounge Café in Aguadulce. You can taste our fantastic tapas and enjoy improving your Spanish and speaking English with people from Spain and other countries. Your first pint of beer and
estampa Tapas Bar
tapa is for free. Just come and enjoy
outdoor y n n u s s u Spacio seating 24 terrace TV SKY
Tapas/Snacks English Breakfast Fish & Chips Coffees & Cakes Cocktails/ Sangria
FREE WI-FI
al l sp or ts no w sh ow n
Open 9.30am - late (Closed Tuesday)
Next door to Zurimar 678 202 160
Room to let
Room to let with en suite bathroom. Roquetas de Mar, great location overlooking the harbour, beach and sea. Modern, spacious apartment with balcony and two terraces. 627 742 054
Wish your Friends or Loved Ones Happy birthday, anniversary or just send them a special message. Send details to: production@soltimes.com or call Mark on 693 774 932
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: 19th Sept – Bar Estampa (Lily’s), in the Urb. 26th Sept – Burty’s Bar, opposite Hotel Playa Sol. 3rd Oct – Y DA WAKES, opposite Protur Hotel & Spa in the Urb. 10th Oct – New York New York, opposite Protur Hotel & Spa. 17th Oct – Suzi’s Tapas Bar, in the Urb, opposite Protur Hotel & Spa. 24th Oct – venue to be decided. 31st Oct – venue to be decided.
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!
nOTICE bOARD
Roquetas Bridge club meets on Monday’s at 3pm. For more info please contact Alison Ferguson 950349749 or Sue Barlow 950 333 344
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NOTICE FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS IN 2014 ROQUETAS DE MAR SUB-BRANCH 3569 Thursday 25th September – 1.30pm for 2pm - Poppy Appeal Luncheon at NEW YORK, NEW YORK in the Roquetas Urb. Contact Barry 605313590 or Jenny to register your interest and Menu del Dia choices. Tuesday 7th October - 3pm - Social meeting at The Lodge and will include Bingo. Tuesday 4th November – 3pm - Social meeting at The Lodge and THE BIG POPPY APPEAL RAFFLE.. Tuesday 11th November - ‘Poppy Remembrance Luncheon’ at Restaurante Maracay in Plaza de Veracruz. A joint meeting with RBL Mojacar Branch. 1pm for 1.30pm – Lunch served at 2pm. Please note: CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THIS EVENT. Entertainment will be provided by the Pacar Dance School, and music and singing by Peter & Helen. Tuesday 2nd December – Christmas Lunch and short meeting at Bodegon Restaurante, Urb.
All monies raised at these events will go to the 2014 Poppy Appeal.
New members are most welcome to join the branch, so come along to any the social meetings, contact Jenny/Mike on 950 328 469 for further info. Meetings are held at ‘The Lodge’ on Calle Americo Vespucio, Roquetas De Mar, on the first Tuesday of each month (3pm), unless otherwise notified.
PUB CHAPLINS Roquetas a, ad Sierra Nev 27 Calle RTS BAR NO1 SPO
SAT 3PM KO’S
SPORT FREE WIFI.....LIVES WEDS €5.95 IB FOOD DAILY...R .95 + QUIZ 9.30 FRI FISH & CHIPS €4AST €1.50 MINI SUNDAY RO late snacks
n from 1pm m 5pm, Sat&Su Open Tues-Fri fro 8 824 368 61 L TE
32
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
SOL CLASSIFIEDS Air-con
MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L. City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified
MD S.L
25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
not a jack of all trades
For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917
607 364 917 or 950 432 110 email: info@md-aircon.com
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
md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es
expectingababy.2006@gmail.com
Digital Vision
blinds & screens
Air Conditioning Services Replace ment windows & based in Mojacar & all areas with 10 years experience covered
We offer competitive affordable rates visit
www.digitalvisiones.com email: info@digitalvisiones.com
Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081
Airport services www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067
Cheap
Airport Parking
Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs
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
available venues
in Albox
Private parties Private parties Birthday etc, Birthday etc, all events all events catered for catered for call for more call Bar for more information: information
950 120 718
ballroom dancing
Tea room ballroom dancing
sequence with jean & derek at
La
V
“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience”
If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping. This is the reality for people that are making money online.
el Cucador
idaRestaurant&Venue mondays 3-5pm
all levels welcome single or couples enjoyable afternoon to meet new friends for more info call 950 449 617
Bill’s Carpentry & Shop Fitting
Hanging Doors Flat Pack Furniture Fitting Kitchens Tiling No Job Too Small Free Quotations Tel: 633 507 165
BE SEEN
24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR With an entry in the
SOLTIMES business directory
for sale
construction cont...
Reform-it Right
Renovation specialist, general property maintenance, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics, tiling, painting, landscaping, gardening, extensions, swimming pool etc Berja, Almerimar, Roquetas, Aguadulce No job too small English and spanish spoken Free quotes , advice available and any licence applications tel. Robert 662 20 38 91 email anguanchu@yahoo.es
for all your building needs
To advertise any item up to €300 email: sales@soltimes.com
Self Propelled Wheelchair Custom built, light weight, 24st user weight. sports wheels, ex con, as new 295€ ono possible delivery. Tel: 950 329 416 / 603 195 451 Set Of Callaway Mens Right Hand Cavity Back Graphite Shaft Golf Clubs, 3 Iron To Sand Wedge, Putter And Lob Wedge, 3 Graphite Shaft Metal Head Woods, 2, 4 And 7 . Almost New Trolley Bag. 100€ Tel: 637 296 824. Los Gallardos
•Tiling Kingsize •Plumbing 80€ ono •balustrade •block work •Re-forms •central heating
Tel: 620 112 193 or 667 853 062
Arboleas builder, Fully legal, Call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690
computers
For Free Information Visit Don Robinson
Solar Wind Power Solutions.
950 634 562
business opportunity
A i rport tr a n s f er s pick up all areas, competitive rates. For a quote please visit www. spanish e s t a t e a g e n t . www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk com or call 661 carpentry 143 871
alternative energy
Venue @ La Vida El Cucador
doors tel: 600 049 515
Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332 sales@soltimes.com
pc consultant Advice, Help, Training, Diagnosis & Repair 15€ per hour min charge 1 hour + parts +IVA
I come to you established 2008 comp TIA A+ certified
Tel: 646 587 746 donald_gunn_robinson@msn.com
bed
all-in-one bed frame & glass head board, slatted bed base & bedside cabinets, dark wood with silver detail, to fit kingsize mattress. Bed surround measures total area of 200cm x 174cm, head board measures 173cm in length. needs assembling. Buyer to arrange collection (nr Los Gallardos). Tel 663 977 230
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
Steve Hayes Cleaning of Septic Tanks Informatica ▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage
Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc. Sales & Repairs on-site From just €15 a quarter Callout/Tuition. Consumables www.soltimes.com Albox, Almeria Tel: Paulette on 950 121 936 Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks Or email: sales@soltimes.com Tel: 950 120 900 for details Contact: 675 838 808 construction
QUALITY EXPRESS All types of construction works undertaken
Quality & fair Prices Guaranteed
Free Quotations
Call Carl on 677 091 240
digital vision
based in Mojacar & all areas with 10 years experience covered
We offer competitive affordable rates visit
www.digitalvisiones.com email: info@digitalvisiones.com
Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081
Astron
Right
Hand
Cavity
Back Steel Shaft Golf Clubs 3 To 9 Iron, Lob Wedge, Metal Shaft
Graphite 3
Wood
And
Putter.
Virtually
Brand
New Self Stand Bag.
50€.
Tel
637 296 824. Los Gallardos Dunlop
420
Right Hand 10.5 Loft
Graphite
Shaft Metal Head Driver,
Almost
Brand New 25€. Tel 637 296 824. Los Gallardos sofas: Cream Leather 2 Seater Sofas X 2 350€, Large
Double
White
Ikea
Wardrobe
Floor
To Ceiling 140€ Ono, Dark Solid Wood Furniture, Side Board 50€ Coffee Table 50€ Tel: 600 051 395 Fr i d g e Freezer Daewoo Upright Fridge
Freezer
40€ Tel: 687 189 244 W a s h i n g Machine Bosch Classixx5
Auto,
White, Excellent Condition In Full Working
Digital Vision Satellite Services
Set Of Mizuno
Order.
150€. Tel: 677
LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying • I nstallation of new septic tanks with certificates
• Repairs to existing pozos •C CTV Camera Inspection
011 077. Roof Bars Genuine Citroen Lateral
Roof
Bars To Fit C3 Picasso.
Used
Only Twice, 70€.
Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 Tel: 677 011 077
Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net / 664 854 212
SOLTIMES septmeber 2014
www.soltimes.com
www.soltimes.com for sale cont... solid pine table and drawer 42” x 27” good condition 35€ Tel: 950 478 883 / 0044 7968 733 917
hobby/craft
4 black dining chairs 10€ Tel: 950 478 883 / 0044 7968 733 917
ELAINE’S WOOLS Quality UK Wool & Accessories. Come & view my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT Services & Total Entertainment Call 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail. plastic wine com rack, interlocking insurance Pine effect 5€ Tel: 950 478 883 / 0044 7968 bedside tables x 2 15€ Tel: 950 733 917 478 883 / 0044 His And Her Bikes, Pristine 7968 733 917 Condition, 75€ Pine effect Award winning agent Each double wardrobe For all your plus 2 drawers Gas Fire, Not A Insurance Needs Mark On It, 35€ underneath 10€ Please contact Tel: 950 478 883 Office Stool, Glenn & jayne / 0044 7968 733 Black, Rotating, 950 121 943 est 7 years infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com Wonderful 917 Woo d Condition, 30€
albox insurance
cor n er s hel v e s 35cms x 35cms, set of 3 pus set of 4 all for 5€ Tel: 950 478 883 / 0044 7968 733 917
Tel 647921286 / 950497612 Almerimar
St i hl Str i mmer Fs50c, 2 Years Old, Hardly Used, 90€ Ono
wanted
Lightweight Folding Wheelchair
Wanted
Tel: 662 597 596
Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 PAINTER cont...
John The Painter All aspects of P&D Interior & Exterior Gates, Rejas & Boundary Walls Free Quotations john.colbert@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 662 597 596
4wayconnections Legal and Translation Services.
Tel 646 844 708
www.4wayconnections.com
pet taxi
gardening
pilates with Sharon O’Lanlon every Wednesday 11am - 12 all welcome all levels at El Cucdor Call for more details 638 487 314 fully UK reg: 25 years experience
professional tree felling & pruning, including all types of palm trees
strimming of overgrown gardens & hedge cutting spanish registered. ring john or Ruth on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930
health & beauty avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es
If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 17, please email 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
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
Cortijo 3 bed 2 bath set in very tradional settings with stunning views from 2 large terraces
must be seen 300€ pcm
tel: 622 643 145
email: stetchley@hotmail.com
plasterer
Call Stephen 636 266 641 email info@findmeahome.es Find us online at www.findmeahome.es facebook.com/findmeahome
VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT
SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL
British plasterer All work guaranteed
55,000
Sol Times readers! For more info Contact Paulette on
950 121 936
front line mojacar playa
€68,995
1 bed, 1 bath Apartment with private, gated parking & gardens. Communal pool. Possible sitting tenant. Walking distance to amenities, shops and restaurants Opposite beach Good investment.
Tel Paul 634 327 201
reduced further 20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views.
€125,000
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
From just 10€ per week! painter & decorator Your property will appear as friendly - professional -reliable shown above and be seen by almost 55,000 ring for a free quote Sol Times readers! Tel: 649 186 107 or Call Paulette TODAY PAINTER
pamper yourself at R Retreat El Cucador, beauty treatments, hair salon, holistic massage, waxing, pedicure etc. Therapists all established & UK qualified. Email retreatcucador.gmail.com or call 647 all types of exterior & 379 878 or look at our main advert interior work on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct NEW COMBINATION of Hits high intensity Interval training toning & conditioning of entire body Tel Viki on: 650 764 623 for more info
Do you have a property for sale or to rent. Advertise in this space weekly to reach over
PROPERTY
(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862 Pilates
potty finca services
KNOWLES plumbing
advertise your property
TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE Specialising in rural property with character T: 646 844 708 DELIVERED TO DOOR Whether you are buying or selling PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. we will be delighted to hear from you ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE
kindle wanted original model tel: 660 072 171
plumbing
pets
Kittens 11 weeks old,fully weaned and house trained 4 Ginger and 1 Tortoise Shell, good with dogs, FREE TO A GOOD HOME. Cantoria 634376265 No need for kennels or iron/metal works cattery Pet sitting in you own The Metal works Grills, railings, home, Arboleas & local area. gates of all types, security/sliding/ Call Vanessa 637 061 482 roller, rejas, concertina doors etc. Tel: Keith Wood on 638 900 949
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email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332
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34
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 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
situations vacant
sat/tv services
removals
safe & secure transport 1.9 satellite dishes Due to continued expansion of Avalon throughout SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals to & from uk Spain we require Marketing Assistants to lined & controlled Friendly Reliable Service thermal ventilation ideal for pets now in stock promote the services we provide. 200€ dog - 179€ cats Fully Legal The ideal candidate will be confident, outgoing and able to talk to birds Special deals from UK heavy100€ mainly UK citizens. excellent prices loads welcome 4700kg with speed limiter - Spain The position will involve attending venues and events fixed price quotes fully Office: 968 564 298 Tel: 620 112 193 legal operation shop & throughout the Almeria region to promote the brand. offices to visit Mobile: 696 621 884 px goods to offset costs This is a contracted position with a monthly bonus marmenorremovals@hotmail.com
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
call: 634 368 430
REMOVALS spain uk spain friendly reliable All jobs considered
Call John on
UK: 0044 +44 (0) 1582 499 836 7939 88 0110 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 Spain: 0034
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-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz
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To be considered for this role you must have access to a car and have a full driving licence. All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
CUSHIONS
If you feel you are the ideal candidate to join the growing Avalon team please send your CV to marketing@avalonsl.es
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Do you have a caravan, vehicle, boat or motor bike for sale To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers call paulette on 950 121 936
SOLTIMES september 2014
www.soltimes.com
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viewpoint
The Final Curtain
The rehearsals had been relentless. Monday and Wednesday evenings for more than three months and woe betide anyone who arrived after the 7pm start time. As the director I was a stickler for punctuality and pointed out repeatedly, that with only a maximum of three hours of rehearsal time at each session, it was essential that cast members made the most of the time available. With few exceptions, we had full time occupations as well as other social commitments in our busy lives. Anyone not able to turn up for genuine reasons, was required on pain of death to ring and inform me before the start of rehearsal. The absence of a principal actor without notification could play havoc with the carefully planned rehearsal schedule. There were extra rehearsals jigsawed in where possible for music and dancing. The junior chorus rehearsed separately on Friday evenings with the assistant director and with no school the following day, it meant that parents were happy for their offspring to have a moderately late night. As rehearsals progressed and the show began to take shape, the junior group was integrated into the body of the main rehearsals; songs were inserted and later still, when the theatre venue itself became available and we were able to vacate the small church rooms, additional all day Sunday rehearsals were booked so that complete
run-throughs could take place on stage. Opening night was always a charity event, with an audience of special needs kids and their carers. A coach company donated two of their vehicles free of charge and drivers who also donated their time, collected children from Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. A pre-show meal was arranged for them usually at a local McDonalds – always a favourite with kids – goody bags were put together by members of the drama group and sponsored by Woolworths and other businesses, and handed out as the kids arrived. Finally as a personal touch, programmes were signed by the cast in the names of their panto characters and given to each of the excited youngsters. The complete run consisted of ten performances with 2000 fans attending - something almost unheard of for a village panto. The feeling after the very last curtain was always one of genuine regret that it had come to an end and the fervent wish that we could carry on and do it all again, despite the extreme fatigue that we all knew would kick in as soon as the adrenalin levels dropped. The sense of satisfaction was intense and the pleasure derived from those many weeks of hard work immeasurable. And so it is with this my 250th column and regrettably my last performance at the Sol Times. The past five and a half years have given me tremendous enjoyment, as have the kind messages I have received over that time and the new friends I have made in the process. It has been a great experience and a real pleasure. badbirdnow@gmail.com Thank you to everyone.
By Colin Bird :
Alqueria
The Principal Residents
It may be useful to list the main residents of the village republic of Alqueria along with their barrio allegiance. The original inhabitants populate the Hill People’s Barrio to the west of the Village. Those that came after the Great Alqueria Reconstruction occupy the easterly Newcomer’s Barrio. Several of the denizens owe no allegiance and are therefore non-partisan. Manuela: Barrio of the Hill People. Our heroine but with a dark soul. Once decapitating her and her Sister’s dolls, keeping their heads in a plastic bag under her mattress. Her prowess with the opposite sex has been described as legendary. Leads the Hill People during the ‘Alquerian Pastime’ of civil unrest. Fernándo Rodriquez: Newcomer’s Barrio. Deadly enemy to Manuela and the Hill People. He owns the Olive Mill and is systematically running it into the ground due to incompetence and nepotism. His physical attributes are those of an obese foul-mouthed bully. His only redeeming feature is wealth which is being fast depleted. Antonio Poyato: Hill People’s Barrio. Owns the smallholding where Remitroot grows. He is addicted to the plant and especially relishes its effects as an aphrodisiac. He has to wear specially made trousers with a low hanging crotch and carbon steel reinforcing. Loco Paco: Hill People’s Barrio. His career advisor summed up his abilities with the remark, “Can ride a bike, not well but adequately” Raised Benjy, a Saharan Dung Beetle from a pup and has an imaginary five foot tall rodent friend called Bert. Opinions differ regarding his sanity. Blyth Gruntmore: Nonpartisan. The Village’s very own Englishman. He speaks bad Spanish with a Geordie accent. No-one understands him. He is treated with pity and considered simple. He once ordered dinner in
35
his unique style of Spanish and ended up with a scale model of the Alhambra covered in tartar sauce. Roberto Robles: Newcomer’s Barrio. Second in command to Rodriquez at the Olive Mill. Arch sycophant. Once slim and fit, he purposely became obese to imitate Rodriquez. He is totally incompetent in all respects. He always speaks in a very loud voice which he believes makes him wise and astute. He has no redeeming features. Sacerdote del Semblante Lánguido: Non-partisan. Village priest. Was once young, pious and enthusiastic. After listening to one of Manuela’s confessions he became an existentialist. He now wanders the Pueblo hollow-eyed and muttering. He is plagued with the mental images of Manuela’s revelations. This is by no means an exhaustive list of Alquerians. The population is virtually a static one. Noone visits in the Pueblo on purpose with it being such an obnoxious place. Noone leaves, as Alquerians in general lack the necessary abilities and people skills to survive in the real world. These are however the more normal folk of Alqueria, the others are really quite strange. John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu
Lazarus
I felt a deep and perhaps worrying satisfaction as we committed physical violence on the whirligig washing line. I held it immobile in a stranglehold while Pete drilled through its neck in two places and inserted two bolts through the holes. We stood it up, and I couldn’t help thinking that those bolts gave it a passing similarity to a lightweight whirligig version of Frankenstein’s Monster. ‘Right, that’ll learn it!’ I said as I pegged a load of washing on its line, being careful to load each arm more or less equally. I stood back and admired our handiwork – one upright pole, from which radiated four arms, pointing north, south, east and west, and from which my washing fluttered in a joyful dance in the light September breeze. Hardly had I turned my back on it when the four arms, moving with dreadful slow implacability, paired up together so that north, south, east and west became northeast and southwest, alternately squishing or stretching its precious load. I couldn’t believe the ingenuity of the beast! I had prevented it from falling up and falling down
By Jos Biggs
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
by the application of strategically placed bolts, so now it was folding in on itself sideways! I returned to the scene and womanhandled the arms apart from each other and back to all four points of the compass. I rehung the washing, then stood back and watched in disbelief as the monster’s arms slowly and deliberately slid from four to two compass readings. My fury knew no bounds – it was not only besting me, it was besting me before my very eyes! A washing line was defying a human, and winning! I averted my gaze from the ghastly thing, and spotted the old whirligig washing line, lying abandoned on the ground, where it had been left waiting for me to take it to be recycled. Blessing the patron saint of procrastinators I picked it up, and between us Pete and I straightened it up and re-strung it. With great satisfaction and quite a bit of unnecessary violence I pulled the new line up, (having first gently removed my washing – after all, it wasn’t the washing’s fault) threw it roughly on the ground, and replaced it with the old, rejuvenated, washing line. He is showing signs of age, and I doubt he’ll last for ever, but the old soldier is standing to attention and bearing his load, just as a washing line should! I have christened him Lazarus. Long live Lazarus, King of washing lines!
36
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
News
Barcelona is Spain’s priciest tourist spot: poll
A study by travel website TripAdvisor has concluded that Barcelona is the most expensive place to visit in Spain, with average costs for accommodation, taxis and entertainment almost double those of the cheapest city, Lugo. TripAdvisor looked at 52 locations to compare the
The team at Sol Times wish
Claire & Danny
lots of luck with their new business venture in Arboleas a new branch of Total Entertainment in what was previously Essentials. We’re sure Danny will make it a great success.
Congratulations guys!
average cost of a visit that included a night in a fourstar hotel, cocktails for two people, a two-course dinner with bottle of house wine and a return taxi ride. Barcelona topped the charts with an average of €229.11 ($296.35), closely followed by Ibiza (€221.43) and Palma, Majorca (€217.97). According to Catalan daily El Periodico, the most budget-friendly locations were Lugo (€115.73) and Murcia (€116.52). The cost of a night in a Barcelona hotel (€145) is almost that of the entire package in the nearby city of Tarragona (€143.73). A 3km return taxi ride cost €14.82 in the Catalan capital, some 34 per cent more than in the second most expensive city, Soria. Cocktails in Madrid cost €26.10, the most expensive in Spain and €5.60 more than the Barcelona equivalent. The most expensive average dinner was in Ibiza and cost €59.63. Although the TripAdvisor survey ranks Barcelona as most expensive it does not seem to deter tourists from flocking there in ever-greater numbers. Some residents are unhappy with the number of visitors and claim that the
influx is destroying the city’s character. The presence of drunk and naked tourists in some residential areas had led to protests. Despite this, Barcelona remains the most popular tourist destination in Spain. According to a study by Esade Business School, it is also the European tourist shopping capital: almost 34 per cent of the average tourist’s budget is spent in shops compared with just 28 per cent in London and 24 per cent in Paris. Source: www.thelocal.es
animal corner To advertise here call : 950 121 936
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Small mixed breed bitch needs loving home, owner had to return to UK for health reasons. Loves other dogs and children. Doesn’t need a lot of exercise. All inoculated, rabies, chip, passport and spayed. She is a lovely loving pet. Please give her a home. Phone Pat 607 554 984
Need to rehome Gili, a beautiful, friendly ‘German Shepherd’ rescued 7 years ago. Spayed and chipped female, very mellow nature, enjoys company of other dogs and loves people and kids. Mostly lives and sleeps outside with plenty of space around. Please call Lyn 677 868 037. We are near Antas / Lubrin
Full German shepherd. 4/5 years old. Found abandoned. Very loving. Good with children. Innoculated, rabies, chip, passport and neutered. He is a large boy. Phone Pat 607 554 984
Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service
• Your home or ours • Honest & trust worthy • 5 years experience of all types of animals • References available on request
676 389 592
www.soltimes.com
Forum Golf Society
SOLTIMES september 2014
sport sport SHORTS but no one could touch Peter Moreton, who´s score of 42 points included an amazing 22 points on the last 11 holes ! Mike Duckham was second with 41 points, a score which as he happily told everyone in earshot would have comfortably won on any other day, with Keith Ryder (39 points) third, Myra Dickson cementing her place at the top of Forum´s Ford League standings with 36 points in fourth place, edging Reno Palagano into fifth on countback There were also three nearest the pin prizes on offer, with these going to Mike Duckham, Byron Sherlock & Andy Birch Forum´s upcoming fixtures are
Purple Day for Peter Moreton On September 12th, another perfect day for golf Desert Springs was the venue for Forum Golf Society´s latest outing, an individual stableford competition Scoring was again very good, with 16 players achieving 30 points or better,
26th September Society Championship First Round (and Ford League Qualifier) at Lorca 6th October UK v Spain Ryder Cup Qualifying Round at Aguilon 10th October Society Championship Final Round (and Ford League Qualifier) at Valle del Este For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@yahoo. co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety. webs.com
19th Hole Golf Society. Cucador. Thursday 11th September with Aguilon our venue for this Individual Stableford competition. Again no respite from the high temperatures and searing sun, but still Aguilon is in excellent condition. Gary Grey was the star of the day scoring an enormous 27 points on the back nine to compliment the 13 on the front nine ending with 40 points and a big cut to his handicap. Dave Denyer scored a tidy 37 to take 2nd place just keeping Mark Danson in 3rd place. The ladies did well in the other awards, Liz Brotherton and Ellen Lea secured Nearest the Pins and Ellen converted her Nearest the Pin into a Two. Results Men’s Singles Stableford. 1st Gary Grey 40 points (28) 2nd Dave Denyer 37 points (28) 3rd Mark Danson 36 Points (03)
Nearest the Pin:Hole 3 Liz Brotherton Hole 12 Ellen Lea Hole 17 Terry Caddick Twos:Dave Sharp MBE 8th Ellen Lea 12th Peter Easthope 14th Terry Caddick 17th Thanks to all the members who support the 19th Hole Golf Society. The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we will play fortnightly, is Aguilon. If you are interested in joining or playing with the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653. Or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk
Badgers Golf Society at Macenas Golf Wednesday 10th September ,Badgers visited Macenas Golf for their weekly competition. The top three scores had to be separated on countback. Taking 1st place was Mick Weston with 35pts, from John Conely in 2nd place also with 35pts and 3rd place going to Richard Jones also with 35pts. Nearest the pins went to Mark Williams, Peter Crawley, John Conely and John Goodgame. There were 2 two’s on the day, these going to Roger Whitehead and John Conely. Saturday’s competition was won by Lynn Sefton with 40pts , from Roger Whitehead with 36pts Forthcoming fixtures are Thursday 25th Away day to Camposol and Thursday 2nd October Aguillon, Wednesday 8th October Captains Day
at Macenas. Badgers would like to announce that the total raised in the MACS tin in memory of Margret Weston, from donations and the sale of painted stones was 121.69€. A special thank you to Barbara Goff, for the donation of the painted stones. Badgers Golf Society also plays every Wednesday or Thursday at various courses in the area and every Saturday at Macenas for their weekly roll-up. Please book in at Badgers. Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wed and Sat comps and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950478525 / 6860388259. Fixtures can be found on www.badgersmojacar. com
• Last night and tonight, Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and others return to Champions League action while tomorrow Everton, Spurs and Celtic play in the Europa League. • The top Premiership games this weekend are Aston VillaArsenal, Swansea-Southampton (Saturday), Leicester-Manchester United, Manchester City-Chelsea and Tottenham-WBA (Sunday). Championship, leaders Nottingham Forest are at Millwall while in Leagues 1 and 2, it’s Fleetwood-Bristol City and Bury-Burton respectively and in the SPL, table-toppers Hamilton meet Kilmarnock. • Last weekend there were PL wins for Aston Villa 1-0 at Liverpool, Southampton 4-0 v Newcastle, Manchester United at last, also 4-0 v QPR, Chelsea (with a Diego Costa hat-trick) 4-2 v. Swansea, Everton 20 at WBA and Leicester 1-0 at Stoke. The ‘big game’ Arsenal-Manchester City ended in a 2-2 draw as did the Sunderland-Spurs clash. • The East Midlands clash finished Nottingham Forest 1 Derb y 1; Norwich (2-0 down) won 4-2 at Cardiff and bottom club Fulham lost 3-0 at Reading. • FL1 leaders Bristol City beat Doncaster 3-0 and unbeaten Burton Albion clipped York 2-0 to stay top of FL2. Hamilton drew 2-2 at Dundee United to go top of the SPL, but here in Spain, Real Madrid were booed off the pitch after losing at home 2-1 to rivals Atletico Madrid. • Congratulations to Yorkshire who have won the County Championship for the first time since 2001. Worcestershire are close to becoming League 2 champions. • Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg continue their battle for the F1 driver’s crown in Singapore on Sunday and Valentino Rossi who won last Sunday’s MotoGP in Misano, San Marino takes on Marc Marquez again, at Aragon this weekend.
37
by Tony Matthews
• I n Rugby’s Aviva Premiership it’s Saracens, Bath and Leicester 1-2-3. • Billy Horschell (USA) won the FedEx Cup competition - collecting a cheque for £880,000 plus a bonus of £6.2m (€13m). Jim Furyk and Rory McIlroy tied for second spot. • George Groves fights Chris Rebrasse in the final eliminator for the WBC World super-middleweight title at Wembley on Saturday. Meanwhile, five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather beat Marcos Maidana to retain his WBA and WBA welterweight titles. • Derby runner-up Kingston Hill won last Saturday’s St Leger at Doncaster. The 9-4 favourite will now run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. • South Korean Hyo Kim Joo (19) carded a world record 61in the first round of the women’s Evian Championship in France. • Dutchman Dylan Van Baarle won the Tour of Britain Cycle Race. Sir Bradley Wiggins, victorious in Sunday’s time trial, finished third. • Stuart Bingham beat Mark Allen 103 in the Shanghai Masters snooker final. • Ex-Southampton footballer Francis Benali ran, on average 45.6 miles a day for three weeks (almost two marathons every 24 hours) while taking 1,178,937 strides to complete the 1,000 mile journey around all 20 Premiership clubs in three-weeks, all in aid of Cancer Research UK • Former New Zealand Test cricketer Chris Cairns faces charges of matchfixing. • Last Friday, 1,008 rugby players locked together at Twickenham to form the biggest scrum and so get into the Guinness Book of Records. What’s next I wonder?
www.offmetrolley.com ‘offmetrolley’ TM Electric Golf Caddy’s From €199.00 Lithium Battery Model €499.00 The best value for money lithium available anywhere!
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The best quaility bicycle shop with the best prices in the area
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38
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
SOLTIMES september 2014
sport & motoring
Valle del este society The last Friday of the month is medal day at Valle del este and there were some excellent results with Earl Harris playing off 12 winning the medal with a net 68, 2nd Dave Ross net 74 and 3rd Sean Halligan net 77. Dave Ross had an excellent day of golf not only coming second but getting the longest drive on the 5th hole and a converted hole in one on the challenging 12th hole. Nearest the pins were Sean Halligan on the 6th and Ken Hidle on the 11th. On Tuesday we played a team game
with teams of 4 scoring was best 3 from 4 and the winning team was Ken Preedy, John Morris, Sean Halligan and Sue Hull with 122 points. The Costa Coches Order of Merit leader, with 3 months to go, is being lead by Paul Sedge with 419 points closely chased by Ian Jones with 417 points and Dick Hull with 404 points. Our charity day is Saturday 27th September and anyone wanting to play or sponsor a hole for Asprodalba should contact our president Alan Townsend by email vdegolfsociety@ gmail.com or mobile 634379887
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Marina Phoenix Golf Society Steve Dimmock our “French import” won the individual stableford at Marina Phoenix on Monday with 39 points. Steve is a resident of France but spends several months of the year in Mojacar. In second was John Lally (36) and Les Armfield got the better of a countback with Jim Budd, both on 34, for third. The ladies division was won by Rosalie Fardon (32) from Isobel Jones followed by Margaret Budd, in third.
Thursday’s team game was a threeball Texas Scramble with a par score of 72. The phrase “Beware the injured golfer” came into force as Brian Couper played with an injured wrist, including five stitches and no great expectations, but lead his team to victory, along with Jim Budd and Alex Elder recording a nett 60.6. Second place went to Isobel Jones, Terry Oliver and Tony King (65.2) followed by Les Armfield, Derick Dale and Dave Easton (66.1) in third. Nearest the pin prizes were won by Dave Easton 5th and Les Armfield
(17th). Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.
AGUILONGOLF MEMBERS REPORT Our members have played a number different courses over the last few weeks and the concensus of opinion is the condition of our course is second to none at the moment, so a big thank you to all the green staff. RESULTS Wednesday September 3 – Monthly Medal Our winner blew the opposition away with a fine sub par round that no one else could come near to matching 1st Louis Long 81-13= 68 2nd Derek Manning 87-12=75 on a card play off 3rd Norman Whibley 85-9=75 Twos: Roy Stubbins and Norman Whibley both on 12th Wednesday September 10 Individual Stableford Two fine scoring performances on yet another day when the heat made it hard work for all the players, however the first two
both walked the course!! 1st Chris Baker 37pts 2nd Derek Manning 36pts 3rd Dave Simpson 32pts Twos: Dave Simpson 14th and Derek Manning 17th Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Mon, Wed and Friday For information contact 636240726 or 634641199
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Postal Workers Union Threaten Action Over Staff Shortages By Martin Shortland
Trouble at the central post office in Roquetas has been brewing for some time now. I reported earlier this year on the unrest amongst workers at the office, when delivery workers refused to cover extra rounds because colleagues were either on holiday, or off sick. At that time, the employees were complaining about the low levels of cover provided by their employers for holiday and sickness. Over 12,000 items of post were piled up and officially recorded as delayed, because six members of staff were off duty. The backlog was eventually cleared after almost two weeks.
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standoff. The postal workers union is claiming the Postal Service has been slowly cutting back on employees: not replacing members of staff who either retire, or leave for other reasons. They claim the workforce at the office has been halved in the last five years, which has had a seriously detrimental effect on the service they should provide.
Well, more than six months later, those accusations continue to rumble on, and more worryingly, with little progress seemingly to have been made in the dispute. The Confederation of General Labour – CGL – the post office workers union, has again been threatening to take action against the management if, in their words, ‘Substantial and immediate steps are not taken to rectify this unacceptable situation.’
Postal workers union representative, Pepe Rivas, says the situation has reached breaking point, with his members unable to carry out the jobs they were employed to do. Deliveries in certain areas – North El Parador, The Roquetas Urbanisation, North Aguadulce and Campillo del Moro – have now fallen below the legal limit required in the contract between the holders of the licence to deliver mail and the government. He said, “In many of these areas, we are only managing to make one or two deliveries per week, it’s a clear break of the contractual agreement and, more importantly, a breach of the trust we have with our customers.”
So let’s look at the background of what is a classic, ‘employee/employer’
He pointed out the section of The Universal Postal Act, which covers all
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postal concessions in Spain, which says, ‘There should be a daily delivery service of at least five times a week, to all private mailboxes.’ Well, in the areas mentioned earlier, this is clearly not happening – why? According to Pepe Rivas, it’s all to do with prioritising the different types of mail. Normal letters and cards, which make up the bulk of a days distribution and are easy to deliver, now take second place in the order of importance; parcels and packets have become the priority and in turn the cause of the problem. Every parcel or packet has to be signed for by the recipient, which is time consuming and every time the recipient is not available to take the delivery, the postman has to fill in a non delivery form – again, time consuming. It’s the backlog of these non delivered items of mail, over a long period of time, coupled with the shortage of staff, which is causing the huge delays in the postal delivery system. The central distribution office in Roquetas is responsible for the whole of the municipality, which includes outlying towns such as Enix, Felix and Vicar. According to Pepe Rivas, the office is now under staffed by at least a quarter; currently 30 personnel doing the work 40 had done in the past. Factor in the need for people to take annual leave and the occasional absence through illness, and the staffing levels can sometimes drop to as much as half the required number. As for the views of the Postal Company, they were a little more difficult to come by; in fact all I got in response to my visit to the central office in Roquetas on Monday, was a firm, ‘no comment.’ When I was last there in March, the manager gave me a brief interview, in which he said the problems were all down to the changes in the law introduced two years ago, governing the national delivery system, he said, ““The staring priority system we now have to follow means ordinary items of mail – letters and cards - are put to one side and this can often cause a backlog. We
cannot physically clear the mail every day” He added that special delivery packets and parcels also have priority and because of this, the amount of ordinary post delivered has to be limited on a daily basis, because the parcel and registered deliveries take longer to do. I emphasise, these are quotes from March and I can only assume, if the office manager didn’t want to talk to me this week, his views on the matter have not changed. What has clearly not changed in the interim period is the tetchy dispute between the two sides, which seems no nearer a conclusion. Equally unchanged is the poor level of mail delivery service being offered to large areas of the municipality. When I spoke to the manager last March, he denied there was a policy of cutbacks to staff being implemented by his company, saying they always replaced personnel, ‘as and when the need arose.’ So who’s telling the truth? As is so often the case in these types of disputes, it’s hard to know who to believe; each party - in this case the CGL and Postal Company – put forward seemingly sensible arguments pertaining to their own particular viewpoint. However, when a service is so seriously under functioning as the postal delivery service in Roquetas, then one has to wonder why something isn’t being done about it? And sadly, as is always the case, the customer, caught in the middle of the dispute, is the one who ultimately suffers. With unemployment levels in Andalucia still the highest in Spain at close to 26%, would it not make sense to take ten or twenty of those unemployed people off the register, and give them jobs as postal workers at the central office in Roquetas. Are the Postal Companies hands so tightly tied, they can’t contemplate resolving this situation in what to most people would be the most obvious, easiest and simplest way – take on more staff. Problem solved - contented customers, contented workforce, surely, it’s not rocket science.
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