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Issue 67

Page 2. South East Times. Issue 67

Training

Holborn fire is still burning under the pavement A road in central London remains closed as an electrical fire continues to burn under the pavement.

Some 5,000 people were evacuated from nearby buildings after smoke was seen coming out of an inspection cover on Kingsway, in Holborn, on Wednesday.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the fire has been contained but has been “technically difficult” to tackle.

More than 20 firefighters and officers are still at the scene and local road closures are in place.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Peter Cowup said: “This has been a technically difficult incident to tackle.

“The reason that the fire is still burning is because the service tunnel is hard to reach.

“Although firefighters have been applying water through access points throughout the night, the complexity of the tunnel layout means that it will be some time until the fire is fully extinguished.”

He added LFB, the Met Police and utility companies were making steady progress to try and resolve the situation.

‘Not an overnight job’ Insp Neil Johnson, from the Met Police, said: “The fire is still live in the subway. The problem at the moment is there is a gas pipe underneath and we are all in agreement that it is ok and if we can keep it contained it will be fine.

“All we need to do is keep people out of the area and let the fire brigade and utilities do their job.”

“I imagine this road will be closed a long time after this is finished because of damage the heat does to the road,” Mr Johnson said.

“It will have to remain closed until a structural engineer examines it properly and

Education

either he or she says what work has to be done and that work is completed - this is not an overnight job.”

On Thursday onlookers reported struggling to breathe and “chaos” in and around Holborn.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

UK Power Networks said the number of customers currently affected by the power cuts stood at about 1,000 and they had restored power to 2,000.

Apologising to customers Matt Rudling, from UK Power Networks, said: “The gas is still burning under there and until we can gain access to that particular area we won’t understand what’s caused it and what we can do.”

“We want to try and restore [power to] all those remaining customers by the end of day today.”

He apologised for the disruption and added that emergency generators were being used to supply power to the area.

UK Power Networks’ engineers are also trying and connect some of the damaged cables to unaffected ones.

Kingsway is closed between Holborn and Aldwych, the Strand Underpass, Waterloo Bridge northbound and Southampton Row southbound between Vernon Place and High Holborn, which is causing delays.

Holborn station is open, however nine bus routes are being diverted.

Issue 67. South East Times. Page 3

Education

Page 4. South East Times. Issue 67

International Property Guide

Everyone is born in his country as an accident of birth or fate. When one is more mature and travels, one may visit a country and suddenly feel a kinship with that country, which may later turn into love. This does not mean that one loses the love for the country of his native birth, but this new love may be just as profound. Here are several reasons to love Spain: 1. Spanish Food On a scale of 1 to 10, Spain’s cuisine rates a 10. There seems to be an infinite variety of food, with variations in every region. You can eat at very inexpensive places and still have a great meal. The menu of the day option is fantastic because it offers a complete meal for a bargain.

Some of the most typical menu selections are great. Who has not enjoyed gazpacho, paella, the fried fish of Malaga, the cheeses of Manchego, the cochinillo of Madrid and Segovia, the eels of the north coast, and the pulpo a la Gallega?

And what about the pata negra (Iberian ham), that the natives consider the food of the gods? And what about the invention of tapas? These small and delicious plates can be eaten at any time and their variety staggers the imagination.

And what about the new Spanish cuisine that is driving foreign food critics mad?

There are really few places in the world that can compare with Spain on food. Spanish food is characterized by its freshness and healthfulness. The home made food found in many humble restaurants beats the most expensive food served in the most expensive restaurants of the world for taste and originality. A common laborer in Spain can eat like a king!

Worth special mention is the sweets that can be bought in monasteries and cloistered convents. They have preserved food recipes that date from the times of the Romans and the Moors. And the charm of ordering the sweets from the cloistered convents, where you ring a bell at the door, where there is a turntable. You tell the nun, who you cannot see, what sweets you want, and she puts it on the turntable for you and tells you how much it is. You then put your money on the turntable and the whole transaction is based on trust.

Spanish food is really one of the great things of Spain that millions love.

2. Superb Wine There is an infininte variety of Spanish its wines; the wines from the Rioja region, the wines from Ribera del Duero, the cava from Catalunya, and the sherries from Jerez de la Frontera, and the sweet moscatel from Malaga.

Spain’s geography is perfect for raising grape vines, with gently rolling hills, cool mornings and warm days. The wineries have updated their wine making techniques, sending their people to study the new science of wine making in the University of California at Davis and Napa Valley in California. They are planting new vines and are being more sophisticated, with many new wineries making boutique wines.

3. Impressive Monuments Spain’s tumultuous past and history has produced some of the most beautiful monuments in history. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is so beautiful that it has made men cry. How could man create so much beauty? It lifts the spirit and enriches the experience. One cannot just see it once in a lifetime. One is driven to return and re-experience the place. And what about the beauty of the Generalife Gardens? The fountains tinkling, the perfume of the roses, oranges, and jasmine are intoxicating!

The Mezquita of Cordoba is another beautiful monument from the Moorish times. It was good that it was turned into the Catholic Cathedral, because the constant use over the ages preserved it. Other monuments that have not been used have deteriorated and have been demolished. Go and marvel at all the horseshoe shaped arches over that sea of marble columns. This is truly a magnificent place and an artistic masterpiece.

What about the Alcazar Palace in Seville? It is just as beautiful as the Alhambra. The variety of small palaces that make it up is amazing. The stucco work and the Mudejar ceilings are simply beautiful. The tiles on the walls are some of the most beautiful tiles ever made in Spain or anywhere.

The huge gardens are marvelous and a joy to discover.

What about the Plaza de España in Seville with its Mudejar architecture? It is one of the most beautiful buildings and plazas in Spain. Every province has its benches, coat of arms, and art in tile that represents it. The design is highly original and the huge fountain is impressive.

4. Magnificent Churches Many Spanish churches, monasteries, and convents are some of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world. There are the Cathedrals of Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Burgos, Leon, Toledo, Barcelona, Zaragoza’s La Seo, Salamanca, and Granada. In Granada there is the Monastery of La Cartuja and the Church of San Juan de Dios. The Cathedral of the Almudaina in Madrid is a modern wonder.

The Monastery of Montserrat is atop a very strange mountain that emits a large amount of energy, where people of different religions congregate.

Beside the monastery is a large private museum that has some of the most beautiful art that has been donated to the monastery. The Monastery and Palace of El Escorial has a very large collection of art and the austere building impresses, especially with its location on the side of the mountain.

Madrid has the Convent of the Descalzas Reales and the Royal Convent of La Encarnacion that are full of artwork.

All of these religious buildings are part of Spain’s history and show that Spain was a Christian stronghold, and when Spain had its empire in the Americas, much of the treasures were poured into building these very beautiful buildings.

5. The Enormous Artistic Heritage Spain is one of the countries of the world with a huge artistic heritage. It started in prehistory. The native Iberians started producing art, such as in the caves of Altamira. Was it the land that inspired the natives to start painting the walls of those caves with figures of men, bison, and deer?

Some of the earliest settlers from other countries were the Phoenicians, who inhabited the southern coasts of Spain, such as Cadiz and Malaga.

Later the Romans came and colonized all of Spain. The art produced by the Roman descendants was tremendous in quantity and can be seen in the archaeological museums of Madrid, Merida, Seville, and Tarragona. Sagunto and Italica are two of the cities that have significant archaeological remains from the time of the Romans.

Later came the Visigoths, who stayed for about three centuries and also produced their own art forms, mostly after being Christianized. Much of their art that you find in the archaeological museum of Madrid and the Visigothic Museum of Merida is related to Christian churches that they built.

Then came eight centuries of Moorish occupation, which resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture and art forms that man has produced.

Among architectural marvels are the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens of Granada, the Mezquita and remains of the city of Medina Azahara in Cordoba, the Alcazar Palace in Seville, and the Moorish forts of the Alcazaba in Malaga and the Alcazaba in Almeria. The gardens they produced are still an inspiration for modern landscape architects because they touched all of the five senses. The tilework in their palaces are some of the most beautiful ceramics ever produced.

Finally the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand threw the Moors from Spain after many years of warfare. There is a famous story that the last Moorish king of Granada cried when he had to leave Granada and Spain.

Then came the Spanish empire, with gold flowing from the Americas to Spain. Much of this gold was used to build the cathedrals, churches, and palaces of Spain. The king’s representatives in Italy and the Low Countries would buy the best art produced in those countries to decorate the many

palaces of Spain. Spanish artists of the Spanish school soon started producing large amounts of art. El Greco, Velazquez, Ribera, and Zurbaran were just some of the famous artists who left their artwork. Then Goya came on the art scene and produced his masterworks.

Spanish artists continued painting and sculpting, producing their art for the king or for churches. In more modern times there is Joaquin Sorolla, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali for bringing their vision of new worlds. There are other modern masters, all producing large quantities of art.

And today you can go to the big three museums of Madrid (the Prado, the Thyssen Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museums), where you can enjoy much of this art. There are also huge collections in the Bellas Artes museums of Seville, Bilbao, and Valencia. There are also less well known museums such as the Art Deco and Art Nouveau Museum of Salamanca that has especialized in those art periods. The national museums in Madrid have preserved artwork from the Americas and from other time periods.

Barcelona and Malaga have their own respective Picasso Museums.

For the art lover, Spain is a place of non-stop art. All of the churches have magnificent artwork that one discovers as one travels. The palaces that one finds in Spain are also full of artwork. Few people will ever see the Palacio de Liria, owned by the Duchess of Alba in Madrid, but the artwork contained in that palace would make it one of the most important museums of Spain.

The Duchess has several other famous palaces, such as the one in Seville and the one in Salamanca, also filled with notable artwork.

There are many contemporary artists who are producing great pieces of art and are starting to be known in international circles. Spain continues to be a hotbed of art.

6. Beautiful Beaches Many of the visitors to Spain head for the beaches during summer. The beaches of Spain are well known to beach lovers and are some of the best in Europe. There are beaches in each of the Canary Islands, as well as beaches in each of the Balearic Islands. If you follow the southern coastline, there are the wide golden beaches of the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic Ocean Ayamonte, Chipiona, Cadiz, La Barrosa, Conil, Tarifa; the Bajondillo and La Carihuela beaches of Torremolinos, Malaga, Torre del Mar, Roquetas de Mar in Almeria, Alicante, Benidorm, Valencia, Salou, Tarragona, Barcelona, and Lloret de Mar are all on the warm Mediterranean Sea. The northern Atlantic coasts have the beaches of El Sardinero in Santander and La Concha in San Sebastian, as well as the rocky coves of Galicia. Each one has its own particular type of enchantment. One can soak the sun, eat at the chiringuitos, and enjoy the summer nightlife.

7. Sun Modern medical research is coming up with new discoveries about the healthful benefits of taking some sun everyday. The Vitamin D that the sun gives is very beneficial and helps strengthen the bones, prevents some types of cancer, and prevents heart attacks. Research also shows that it may prevent autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Type 1 diabetes. Definitely taking moderate amounts of sunshine prolongs life. It also makes people feel happier and prevents depression.

These are good reasons to visit Spain, which is one of the countries that is blessed with a lot of sunshine.

The Costa del Sol has the best climate in Europe and the winters there are very mild. Many people from Northern Europe spend the winter months there. If you are planning to explore Andalusia, it is best to avoid the summer months (mid June to mid September) because it is often too hot to go out in the daytime! April and May are perfect, the fields are still green and the wild flowers abound.

8. Beautiful Palaces The Royal palaces of Spain are some of the most beautiful in Europe. There are the Palacio del Oriente in Madrid, the palace in Aranjuez, the palace in La Granja (Segovia), and the palace and monastery at El Escorial. Each of these is very different from each other. In Andalusia, there are the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Alcazar in Seville. There are private palaces like the Palacio de Liria in Madrid and the Casa de Pilatos in Seville, all filled with beautiful art and history. Their architecture is magnificent and many of these palaces could not be reproduced today, even with modern technology.

They are to be savored slowly and appreciated.

9. The White Towns of Andalusia Most of Andalusia has white towns or “pueblos blancos”, where most of the houses and buildings are whitewashed. They preserve the heritage of the Moors and look very much like the towns of northern Africa. The most beautiful white towns are the white towns of Malaga, which are Ronda, Mijas, Nerja, and Frigiliana. Hemingway called Ronda the most romantic town of Spain. Its location above the surrounding countryside above steep cliffs is dramatic. All of these towns are frequented by visitors, yet they remain very Spanish in character. They are prepared for tourism and have beautiful restaurants and stores, and yet they maintain their Andalusian charm. Thousands of people have fallen in love with them. Robert Redford is known to have lived in Mijas for a year with his family. Artists of many countries live permanently in these white towns.

The province of Cádiz has a number of white towns too - Medina Sidonia, Vejer de la Frontera, Alcalá de los Gazules, Arcos de la Frontera, and the Sierra towns of Bornos, Villamartin, Olvera, Algar, Grazalema ... They are just as beautiful as the Malaga towns but there are fewer tourists because they are further from the Costa del Sol where most visitors to Andalusia go.

10. Medieval Towns Spain had hundreds of medieval towns which have changed little in modern times. These are a joy to visit, although many do not have good access to transportation. One of the most popular is Santillana del Mar, which is not too far from Santander, and which can be reached by bus from Santander.

It has very good restaurants and a beautiful parador. The other wonderful town is Besalu, on the Costa Brava. All of the buildings there look medieval and you cannot see any modern influence at all. It looks like the stage set for a medieval movie. All of these medieval towns are made of stone and are dripping with charm.

11. Family Unity Spain is one of the countries where family unity is very important. Grown children want to live close to their parents and if they cannot see them everyday, they phone their parents every single day. When one goes to restaurants, one can see the whole family together, starting with the grandparents, the grown children, and the grandchildren. They get together, especially on Sundays to eat together. This is a joy to see. Many children take care of their elderly parents and will sacrifice themselves to see that their elderly parents are taken cared of properly. In other advanced countries one cannot see this family unity. Spain is a role model in this respect.

12. The Friendliness of the Spanish People The majority of the Spanish people are friendly towards visitors and do not resent tourists. They go out of their way to help visitors. Perhaps this is the secret of the tremendous growth of tourism in Spain. Visitors will not go to countries which resent them. They choose countries where they will be treated with respect and friendliness.

Spain has had a very long tradition of hospitality and foreigners are greeted and offered food and drink. An example is the small white town of Frigiliana, near Nerja, which has won the prize of the most beautiful town in Spain several times. On May 3 they celebrate the Cruz de Mayo festival and everyone who visits the town is offered food and the town’s wonderful sweet wine for free. Tables are put on every street, where residents offer the food and wine to every single visitor.

It is no wonder that several hundred thousand northern European immigrants have transplanted themselves to the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, such as Alicante and the Costa del Sol, to live their lives in beautiful surroundings amid friendly people.

13. Festivals Every city and town in Spain celebrates its own festival every year. Most of them are very colorful and a joy to visit. This tradition may not be found in other countries. The calendar of festivals in Spain is completely full and one can find a festival for every single month. One of the most beautiful is the festival of the patios during the first two weeks of May in Cordoba. There is a contest as to who has the most beautiful patio, so entrants in the contest fix their patios with flowers, statues, and beautiful tile. The flowers are extremely colorful and unforgettable.

Then there are the religious processions in Holy Week in Seville and Malaga, which get filled with millions of visitors. The processions take place in late afternoon and night and the people taking part in the processions are dressed in costumes that date back from medieval times and times of the Renaissance. The thrones that carry the statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary are marvels done in gold and silver by the best goldsmiths in Spain. The thrones are beautifully decorated with fresh flowers by the thousands.

In Andalusia in May they celebrate the Romeria del Rocio. Thousands of participants set off from their cities on horseback or carriage or on foot

and go to a small town in Huelva called Almonte, where there is a church dedicated to the Virgin del Rocio. The participants are dressed in their traditional dresses and during the trip they eat, sing, and dance. New people are baptized in the river as initiates. By the time they arrive in Almonte, there are a million people, and they parade the statue of the Virgin during the night.

All of these festivals are unique and a visitor to Spain can never be bored.

14. Beautiful Women Spain has some of the most beautiful women in the world. The mixture of races and cultures during Spain’s long history has produced a very strong race of survivors, and that is exemplified by the beauty of the women. The women from Andalusia probably have the largest mixture of races and are known for their beauty. All of them have flawless skin, big eyes, and long and large amounts of hair. Besides this, they have a charm and spice that enrapture visitors. Many of the winners of national beauty contests hail from Andalusia, and one can see them on TV as hosts of programs. They have an innate ability to speak and charm people, and together with their beauty are perfect for TV. Many are in show business as singers and dancers.

15. Music There are all sorts of Spanish music. The traditional Spanish music is often played with the guitar and consists of flamenco music, the copla, bolero, and the bulerias. There are many forms of singing, depending on the region.

There are modern masters of the guitar such as Paco de Lucia, who have produced some of the best music. The Spanish love music and one will hear music everywhere, including in stores, banks, insurance offices, restaurants, cafeterias, and bars.

Every region has its traditional music. In Galicia there is a form of folk music very similar to other Celtic regions in Europe - Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Ireland - and a major Celtic music festival is held at Ortiguera each July.

In 2006 one of the greatest singers of Spain died. She was Rocio Jurado, who was said to have had the greatest female voice of the 20th century.

She was much loved in Spain, especially for her warmth and humanity. In the same year there was another great singer who died: Rocio Durcal, who became one of Mexico’s greatest singers. Today’s queen of the copla is Isabel Pantoja, who gives performances that are memorable.

Spain is now producing a large quantity of talented young pop singers who are conquering the world. Examples are David Bustamante, David Bisbal, Alejandro Sanz, and Monica Naranjo. Many of today’s singers come from Andalusia, where music is part of everyday life, where people enjoy singing for their pleasure.

The Spanish seem to have mastered guitar music. The classical guitar was developed in Spain over many years. Observing singers and instrumentalists on TV, one can see that they play the guitar like it was part of themselves, with such delicacy and mastery. If there is any music that brings to one the image of Spain, it is Spanish guitar music.

One can find the soul of a nation in its music and it is certainly true in Spain.

Music is one of the great unifiers of the country.

16. Flamenco Flamenco is an art form that reaches its maximum height only in Spain. The stomping of the feet, the movement of the body and the arms, and the music are captivating. Other people may study flamenco, but they cannot duplicate the performances that can be found in Spain, especially by performers with Gypsy blood. They are the best because they start dancing when they can barely walk, and they dance everyday. Their parents encourage them and they see the people around them dancing flamenco too.

Tourists can have an introductory course by going to popular flamenco nightclubs. However the best flamenco is seen only in theaters and one has to be a resident of Spain to see these, because tickets have to be bought one or two months in advance, since they sell out immediately. Performances by people like Cristina Hoyos are unforgettable. She danced in the movie Carmen, directed by Carlos Saura. Today she directs a flamenco ballet group. Those who enjoy flamenco can buy the movie on DVD and see some of the best flamenco ever seen in a movie.

There are new flamenco stars like Sara Barras and Joaquin Cortez, who only appear in theaters, and who give electric performances.

17. The Castles of Spain During the Reconquest, when the Christians were fighting the Moors town

Pinoso villas

Our Team Gary Morrison Gary is a British citizen, born in Singapore and for 17 years owned and ran a successful business in Scotland.

In 2008 Gary sold up and relocated his wife and 2 young children to Spain for the sun and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and has never looked back.

He quickly established himself in the local property market and developed close relationships with overseas clients and local agents to develop his reach and understanding of the Spanish market.

During the economic down turn Gary proved time and time again that the Spanish market offers great value for money and opportunities for overseas buyers to live the dream in Spain.

Our Services Property Finding We provide an honest, friendly and reliable service which focuses on helping our clients to find the property that is right for them and their needs. Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a retirement home or an investment home or an investment, we can help.

Land Finding We have an extensive range of plots on our books. What differentiates us from other agents is that we specialise in design and build and thus know the processes and requirements inside out and have a wealth of experience to bring to bear, helping you to: 1: Ensure that there are no problems with the plot (debts/ownership rights etc.)

2: Guarantee that you can build on the plot and obtain the appropriate paperwork to confirm this.

3: Arrange for the connection of water and electric to the site.

4: Have a hassle free experience.

Planning & Permissions We offer a service to help you obtain all the planning and permissions required from the

by town, many fortified castles were built by both sides to protect their territory. The border would change very frequently and new castles had to be built. When one travels around Spain, one sees a castle very frequently on the highest point of a town. It is estimated that about 10,000 castles were built during the Middle Ages in Spain. However there are about 2,500 left at this time because many have deteriorated with time. Also politics between the kings and the nobles caused the kings to order the demolition of castles of nobles who were not in favor. Many of the castles were built in Castilla, which means castle.

The best known castle in Spain is the Alcazar in Segovia, which was used

by Walt Disney as the model for the Cinderella castles built in Disneylands around the world. Other famous castles in Spain are those of Manzanares el Real, Belmonte, Coca, Medina del Campo, San Esteban de Gormaz, Loarre, and Cardona. All of these castles add an air of enchantment and romance to Spain. No other country has as many castles as Spain.

Many castles have been converted to hotels and paradors. Near Malaga there is a beautiful boutique hotel in the small town of Monda. In Carmona, the castle has been converted into a big and beautiful parador.

18. The Infinite Variety Last of all, one is amazed at the infinite variety in everything in Spain. There is the infinite variety of food, wine, landscapes, towns, and customs. Every single town is unique. Spain seems to be a country with a thousand different countries in it. Every town has its own unique food, pastries, wine and very interesting history and places to visit.

It is a place where one cannot be bored. On the contrary, Spain is a place where one can enjoy the infinite variety in everything!

19. The Spanish Zest for Life If you come from another country and see any festival or procession in Spain, you will notice right away that the Spanish put their heart and soul into that activity, with a passion that few other people can copy. And when they talk, they talk with passion. The Spanish are very passionate people in everything they do.

When they go out for some night life, they may start late but they always finish late, with a perseverance and enthusiasm that seems never to finish.

They want to have a good time in everything they do, which can be admireable.

20. The Spanish Language Some thoughts on the Spanish language; English may now be the universal language, but Spanish is also a universal language. English is more direct, but Spanish has more nuances and is more suave. Spanish is a Romance language and is very pleasant on the ear, especially when a good speaker does it right. Spanish is known as the language of love.

When one goes to Latin America and speaks Spanish, one feels right at home in that country and one is accepted immediately as part of the Spanish family. Also there is a great amount of literature in Spanish, written by great writers.

If you learn and love the language of a country, you can understand how the natives feel and how they think. Language after all is a medium of understanding, a way to transmit thoughts and ideas.

21. The Sense of Humor of the Spanish The majority of Spanish are good natured and have a heightened sense of humor. Whenever friends gather, they will joke each other in a friendly way.

They like to tease each other and will give each other nicknames, which sometimes carries through to their old age. They know how to laugh at themselves. At parties they will sit in a circle and every person takes turns in telling jokes. What the Spanish dislike are pompous people, many who are politicians, futbol club owners and managers, or famous actors and actresses.

The Spanish will then skewer them with a play of words or rhymes that are very pointed and will try to deflate these self important personalities. They will caricature these people in the newspapers and on TV. Nobody is sacred to the public. When a Spaniard leaves his country, he misses this sense of humor immediately and all foreigners appear to be too serious. The sense of humor of the Spanish is one of their great virtues.

Conclusion In conclusion, if you read this you will understand now the reasons to love Spain.

various authorities for: • Renovation Projects • Change of Use Applications • Extensions • New Builds Building Dream Homes If our “Off the Shelf” designs do not suit your needs we can work with our trusted architects to design the home of your dreams. Once the design is signed off by you we will then take care of all the planning and permissions required from the various authorise. We will also quote and build your dream home using our own reliable builders.

You may think of us as a one stop shop for all your property needs.

We are the largest builder in the area and because we are local we will provide you with access to our previous work and our long standing reputation.

You can then verify our credentials for yourself and put your mind at ease that your investment is in safe hands.

Miscellaneous To make the buying process as easy as possible for our clients we provide a range of complimentary services including: • Access to legal advice • Opening Bank Accounts • Help Arranging Mortgages • Advice on purchases • Relocation Support Services • Advice on Relocation • Obtaining NIE’s • Translation Services • Access to local Service’s (Schools, Doctors) We also offer Vehicle, Business and Home Contents Insurance Services as a registered broker for Caser Insurance Services. Please contact us directly at gary@pinosvillas.com to discuss your insurance requirements.

Plaza Del Molino 5, 03650 El Pinos, Espana.

Telephone 0034 645 746 176 www.pinosovillas.com gary@pinosvillas.com

Issue 67. South East Times. Page 5

International Property Guide

Page 6. South East Times. Issue 67

International Property Guide

FINCAS EVA has more than 28 years of experience in the real estate sector in Barcelona and Catalonia.

We offer professional support in all the steps of the purchase process.

We work to reach our clients goals in the most effective way ensuring the highest level of trust in all the aspects of the purchase operation.

We deal with many different types of properties, including luxury estates, singular properties (like farmhouses), whole building and hotels.

We work with a network of specialised partners to answer all our clients needs, before and after the purchase. We provide you with a wide range of service including legal support, refurbishment, redecoration, support in starting your new business in Barcelona, assistance in investment operations, and full property management. Please check also www.barcelonaowners.com for more information.

Issue 67. South East Times. Page 7

International Property Guide

Camerons are members of the Association of International Property Professionals.

We specialize in new build property sales in the Murcia, Mar Menor and Costa Blanca areas of Spain.

Iain C Lochrie, Senior Partner at Camerons understands the enormity of purchasing any property, whether it be for one’s own residence, holidays, retirement or investment. He stressed, that’s why we at Camerons are available at all times in order to ensure our clients buying experience results in a Premium Lifestyle Experience.

As Professional Property Finders, we have handpicked the best brand new premium ‘Key-Ready’ options, Under-Construction’ developments as well as different ‘Design-and-Build’ opportunities. All built by reputable developers with the legal paperwork and bank guarantees in place.

Served with excellent access all year

Don’t forget to account for 15% additional costs - relating to Taxes and Legal costs.

We are only too pleased to arrange viewings over a day or two. We can supply hotel links for accommodation – we will also collect and return you to

by San Javier and Alicante airports, our and from the Airport if required. carefully selected luxury developments Camerons’s personal service is totally are located up and down the coast from confidential and our staff in both front-line to further inland locations.

In addition all of these properties are close to or located on many of the regions famous golf resorts.

We have collaboration agreements with most if not all the reputable developers - in addition, we have excellent relationships with local Banks for banking facilities and Solicitors who offer a complete legal service at a fixed fee.

Iain has two major pieces of advice he immediately imparts to all Camerons’s clients: – Be sure of the area you wish to purchase a property in. We will always assist with relevant regional information.

UK and Spain is at your service as your trusted partner to guide you through the buying process and advise thereafter.

Why not get to know and view Camerons comprehensive website: www.camerons.org.uk Contact the UK Office: 01270 215471 Email: info@camerons.org.uk

Page 8. South East Times. Issue 67

International Property Guide

Sonneil - Best Value Homes

Alfredo Milláimage CEO “Buying a house by the shore is a dream: enjoy the experience!”

Founder and CEO of Sonneil. Before setting up Sonneil, he has led the marketing and selling of properties to foreign clients at Banco Sabadell and Caja Mediterráneo real estate agencies for 7 years. Moreover, prior to that, he has worked as a strategic consultant and even as a volunteer in Central America.

He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management and MBA from ESADE Business School and Advanced Management Program (AMP) at IESE (Munich and Barcelona). On top of that, he is also member of the Board of Directors of RICS in Spain and Chairman of the Residential Property Professional Group.

Degree in Political Sciences and of the Administration from Miguel Hernández University; Extraordinary End of Studies prize.

Besides her job at Sonneil, her other great passion is the needle and thread.

TerraOne Estates S.L. in Denia on the Costa Blanca in Spain

Founded as Project Developer Our holding-company was founded in 2004 as a Developer, our goal is the construction and development of the property of your dreams. We plan each project individually and we work together with highly qualified professional architects, who work under the Paul Hamiltonimage conditions and laws established in Spain, Sales Manager we also offer our customers the complete “20 years leaving service, from all licences and paperwork in Spain and I have necessary to the delivery of keys.. enjoyed each one...

Our management is from Britain as well as I joined the best of from Germany and really make an emphasis both worlds...” on high quality buildings that are stable in Paul came to Spain value, which is not necessarily the same for when he was 21 all constructions in Spain.

TerraOne Estates S.L., is the perfect partner years old without to build your dream home on the Costa knowing how to Blanca. speak Spanish.

Likewise, TerraOne Estates S.L., is also the He began selling perfect Company to bring together sellers properties to British people to turn the business into one of the largest and potential buyers in Spain.

Real Estate Agency international property companies with A few years ago, we we moved towards many offices, several hundred employees becoming a Real Estate Agency, based in and selling Dénia, where we provide our clients the best around 4000 homes each year in several properties from many regions around the territories including Cyprus, Portugal and fantastic Costa Blanca North.

Turkey.

In April 2015 our new second agency will From the initial times to become a start in Jávea.

accounts, signing of the Notary Deed, registration office, property, NIE number, opening bank accounts, tax payments .... etc, and of course, we also provide after sales support.

Our team - Offers properties specifically to your needs - Accompanies you with all needed expertise for the property search and viewings.

- Prepares and helps with options and notarized contracts, getting insights into the land charge register as well as with the fiscal prerequisites - Advises on funding and mortgages necessary and provides the necessary advice.

- Advises and assists with any issues that arise after the purchase of the property Reconstruction and Renovation Service When needed, we carry out the reconstruction of your newly purchased home, including potentially needed renovations. This we do with carefully chosen crafts enterprises.

On demand we can also renovate secondhand properties together with experienced and reliable constructors.

Our mission We are here to help and give a complete service, to people that are looking for a new Nadine Thêry residence in Spain, either a permanent or a Operations Director General Manager, he knew all the steps holiday residence, be it new-construction “The important thing leading to grow a big company: setting We offer our clients, our extensive property or a resale property, we are always here to port folio with various types of properties, solve any matters. These services are of is to have peace up sales teams, of mind knowing administration teams, offices, after-sales such as: course also available to property owners that wish to sell a property. that you are buying and administration personnel and ensure - Villas your home with a the smooth running of the ever-expanding - Bungalows How to get in touch with us - Townhouses Write us an email: sales@terraone-estates. trustworthy team of business Penthouses com close advisors… this Paul’s idea was to spend a short while - Apartments and Give us a call: +34-966 238 992 matter is my responsibility” having some fun, start the journey of - Plots You can’t reach us in our office? Call our Nadine has gone through all the stages of learning a new language and exploring Complete Service Sales Manager, Mrs. Belinda Smith at: +34the sales and marketing of Spain a bit before returning Buying and selling a property requires lot 608 83 43 83 property to foreigners: from working as back to work in the UK. Well, some 20 of confidence, especially when it comes a telephone operator at the Call Centre at years later Paul is still here enjoying the abroad, with different languages and laws. Or if you are already in Spain and want to meet our team, please feel free to come by Mediterranean, Caja Mediterráneo estate decision to make the move and life here We are a multilingual sales team and our agency: Calle La Via 59, 03700 Denia agency, to being responsible for Banco in Spain. professional advise, that is alwwhere we (Alicante). During the week we are open Sabadell’s Financed Developments at can provide our clients a full processed from 9.30am until 4:30pm, and on Saturdays Please visit http://www.sonneil.com/ Solvia, Banco Sabadell estate agency. from the selection of properties, property from 10.00am – 3.00pm. In case these times about-us to view the rest of the teams visit, signing of the purchase agreement What a client needs is not unknown to do not suit you, just give us a call and we profiles and more information about Information, NIE number, opening bank me. will be there for you.

Sonneil.

Issue 67. South East Times. Page 9

International Property Guide

Page 10. South East Times. Issue 67

International Property Guide When to travel If possible, try to avoid French school holidays and Easter, because hotels are very likely to be overbooked and traffic on the roads is simply awful.

Holidays: search internet for [French school holidays], as they vary from region to region.

Mostly, the winter holidays are 10 Feb-10 Mar. The spring holidays are often 10 Apr-10 May. Winter gets very cold, sometimes freezing. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing to keep you France is the country that more people enjoy warm while visiting. visiting than any other.

Hotels are very likely to be overbooked and road France is geographically one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities contain some of the traffic will be awful during the 1 May, 8 May, 11 Nov, Easter Weekend, Ascension weekend too. greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is Regions prosperous and well tended and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French France is divided into 22 administrative regions, which themselves can be grouped into seven Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport cultural regions: resorts of the French Alps, the castles of the Île-de-France Loire Valley, Brittany and Normandy. France is The region surrounding the French capital, Paris. renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines Northern France (Nord-Pas de Calais, Picardy, and cheeses), history, culture and fashion.

France has been the world’s most popular tourist Normandy) destination for over twenty years (83.0 million in A region where the world wars have left many scars.

2012).

Metropolitan France is in Western Europe sharing Northeastern France (Alsace, Lorraine, frontiers with Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany Champagne-Ardenne, Franche-Comté) A region where wider European culture (and to the northeast, Switzerland to the east, Italy to especially Germanic culture) has merged with the the south-east. Spain and the small country of Andorra are to the south-west, across the Pyrenees French, giving rise to interesting results.

Great West (Brittany, Pays de la Loire) mountain range. The Mediterranean Sea laps the south of France, with the Principality of Monaco An agriculture-based oceanic region with a culture forming a small enclave. To the west, France has greatly influenced by the ancient Celtic peoples. a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north Central France (Centre-Val de Loire, PoitouCharentes, Burgundy, Limousin, Auvergne) lies the English Channel, across which lies the A largely agricultural and vinicultural region, last of France’s neighbours, England (part of the featuring river valleys, chateaux and historic United Kingdom).

In the Caribbean, France borders the Netherlands towns.

Southwestern France (Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrenees) via the French territory of Saint-Martin which A region of sea and wine, with nice beaches over borders the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten. the Atlantic Ocean and young high mountains Five oversea regions also form part of France: close to Spain.

Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, Southeastern France (Rhône-Alpes, LanguedocFrench Guiana in South America, and Reunion Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica) and Mayotte, both off the coast of Madagascar.

The primary tourist region of the country outside Numerous French oversea territories also exist of Paris, with a warm climate and azure sea, around the Earth with varying status. contrasting with the mountainous French Alps.

Bonjour!

I am an independent agent based on the borders of the Vienne, Haute Vienne & Charente in south west France. Having lived and worked in France for the past 10 years I can offer a wealth of local knowledge to any prospective property hunters.

Let me help you explore this hidden gem in deepest France, with its rolling hills and excellent transport links. The Haute Vienne situated in the Limousin region is known as the land of the thousand lakes, where you can enjoy swimming, sailing, wind surfing or just relax with a good book. The outdoor lifestyle reigns supreme here. With an excellent climate you can enjoy this part of France all year round, from crisp bright winter walks to long lazy days in the sun. And being close to both Limoges & Poitiers airports you can be enjoying a quick weekend away in a matter of hours.I have a wide range of individual properties to suit all budgets, from Châteaux to farms to lock up & leave holiday homes, also including business premises, established

B&B’s & restaurants. If you are a DIY addict or simply want to put down your suitcase and relax, there is something for everyone. Once you find your ideal home, be it a permanent move or a holiday bolt hole, I will guide you every step of the way through the purchase, from negotiating a purchase price, arranging all the necessary documents and accompanied visits to the Notaire, translations, arranging reconnection of utility services, Insurance and opening bank accounts. My pricing structure initially shows the cost including the agency fees, however, I also include the cost of the Notaire, so you get to see the true cost of your purchase, no hidden extras, no surprises. My website shows a selection of what I can offer, but if there is something that you don’t see, then please ask.

You can visit the website at www. thefrenchpropertyagent.com or contact me directly on +33 677 01 21 73. I look forward to meeting & welcoming you to this beautiful part of France. Lisa McKenna

Green Vegetables Gas Up

reason why he is pleased with the plant layout is that his company advocates the determined protection of resources.

WELTEC BIOPOWER Builds 500-kW before the two 2,625-m³ stainless-steel In line with the goal to constantly Biogas Plant for Vegetable Producer digesters; a 6,000-m³ tank is planned for improve the ecological footprint, the In January 2015, WELTEC BIOPOWER gas-tight decision-makers decided to supply their started building an anaerobic digestion digestate storage. In addition to vegetable own energy: About 40 percent of the plant in Loughgall, waste, cattle manure, chicken litter as power generated by the 500-kW CHP Northern Ireland. The customer and well as whole crop, grass and maize plant can be utilised in the company‘s operator of the 500-kW plant is the silage will be used. own production process. In the near vegetable producer Gilfresh Especially in view of the different future, the efficiency will increase even Produce. The enterprise produces properties of the substances to be more due to the upcoming expansion of numerous field-grown products and used, the investors were impressed the cold storage. The excess power is fed processes them into food. by the WELTEC solution for into the public grid, „For WELTEC, this is the third plant in uninterrupted entry of the input and the process heat is made use of for Northern Ireland and thus the eleventh in material: The robust MULTIMix system heating the company buildings and for the UK“, says Kevin guarantees continuous utilisation and the production processes.

Monson, sales manager of WELTEC homogenisation of the substrates and BIOPOWER UK Ltd., in Stoneleigh, stable plant operation. In combination Warwickshire. with an 80-m³ solid matter dosing feeder, Thanks to Northern Ireland‘s mild Gulf the WELTEC system ensures optimum Stream climate, the products of Gilfresh shredding grow well on an agricultural and intensive mixing of the vegetable area of 1,000 ha. The product portfolio waste and long-fibre silage. The efficient of the growth-oriented family enterprise pre-processing of the substances ensures, includes root vegetables, not only biological decomposition and salad crops and numerous cabbage efficient gas yield, but also low energy varieties. The company – which was consumption of the plant. established more than 50 years ago and „The biogas plant will enable us to has almost 130 employees – also grows pursue our growth course on the one hand trend products like pak choi. and our ecological goals on the other Gilfresh used to deliver the vegetable hand“, explains Thomas Gilpin, founder waste that accumulates in the sorting, of Gilfresh. „WELTEC has designed washing and packaging processes to the plant precisely for our specific farmers as cattle feed. From July 2015, production conditions. What ultimately the waste and the vegetable washing conviced us was the fact that WELTEC water will be loaded into the bioreactor. was able to offer this flexible design with To maintain an optimum stock level, an high-quality technologies at excellent underground pre-storage tank is located conditions“, says Thomas. Another

Such projects are necessary to enable the UK to provide 15 percent of their energy demand from renewable energy sources by 2020. Furthermore, carbon emissions are to be reduced by about three quarters by then, compared to 1990. The UK have understood that besides wind and solar energy, another renewable source needs to be established in order to ensure reliable supply, and have subsidised bioenergy by means of measures such as attractive feedin tariffs for regional power. „If other entrepreneurs follow the example of Gilfresh Produce, the United Kingdom will be able to reach the defined climate goals“, says Kevin Monson.

FARMERS WARNED AS CRIMINALS TARGET GPS SYSTEMS Thieves are increasingly targeting GPS systems from farm vehicles as part of a crime wave which is costing the industry hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Police said criminals were breaking into vehicles to steal both the external GPS receiver and the control panel inside the vehicle cab.

A John Deere dealership in West Norfolk said 30 systems had recently been stolen from the area it covers, with each unit costing about £10,000 to replace.

It is believed the systems can fetch about £5,000 on the black market, with many of them destined for Eastern European countries where they cannot easily be traced.

Experts said some systems can be traced if the thief or new recipient fails to disable the device before switching it on.

Police have teamed up with the NFU to warn farmers ‘remove it or lose it’ as the problem shows no sign of letting up.

NFU Norfolk County Adviser John Newton said: “The key message for farmers is they should take these units out of tractors and other farm machinery each night. Don’t leave them in a locked cab, as these can easily be broken into. We would also ask farmers to consider using property marking kits.

“These GPS systems are becoming as essential for farmers as car satnavs are for motorists, guiding tractors in fields and saving diesel, labour and time. Losing them can have a considerable impact on farm businesses.”

Adrian Garrett from Wereham near Downham Market said thieves entered his farm yard in February and stole two complete GPS systems from John Deere tractors.

The systems were covered by insurance but took about a month to replace, leading to major disruption for the farm.

“We had to drill 150 acres of wheat without the satellite system and all the data we had stored was lost,” said Mr Garrett.

Agribank customers are now covered by depositor scheme Schemes in the EU had to build up and it is no secret that they were not deep enough to cover all the deposits of all the banks.

“The government was afraid to put any more stress on the local scheme, so it decided to put us and other banks ‘on hold’. Was it discriminatory? Did the MFSA have the right to keep us ‘on hold’? We knew before we got the licence that this would be the case – so to be fair, it was not a surprise. But it did not mean that we were happy!

Agribank customers are now covered “We were in an awkward position as by the MFSA’s Depositor Guarantee we were licensed to sell products but Scheme, two-and-a-half years after the our customers would not have been covered by the scheme if we were to bank got its licence. collapse,” he explained.

Agribank was one of a handful of banks which were licensed in Malta Agribank made the initial contribution around 2012 – when the scheme was to the fund – a flat fee of €20,000 – which meant it complied with the law still building up. The MFSA at the that says banks must be part of the time decided that none of the new banks would be immediately covered scheme. But it did not pay the regular contributions based on its eligible by the scheme. depositor base – and its depositors “When the crisis hit in 2008, governments introduced the schemes were not covered by the scheme.

It was an unprecedented and to cover the first €100,000 worth of deposits, in an effort to build up trust anomalous situation, and one which made it into the foreign media. The in the financial system.

Guardian columnist Patrick Collinson “But the Deposit Compensation wrote an article on the “bizarre

banking loophole that has opened up in Malta”. He also quoted from the MFSA’s response to his queries: “On May 16, 2012, the MFSA issued a policy under which it prohibited or limited any newly licensed credit institutions from creating undue liabilities on the local deposit compensation scheme”.

“I do not know of any other jurisdictions which acted this way,” CEO Roderick Psailasaid.

“We have a very risk-averse business model – we lend to British farmers, who are very asset-rich and who have extremely low defaults. And we use deposits to fund our advances. So at first we decided to go ahead with the launch of our first deposit products in March 2013, making it very clear to our UK customers that they were not covered by the scheme. We felt that, if the interest rate was a bit higher, it would be attractive enough for customers to accept the additional risk. They were an instant success but, even though customers were told that they were not covered and accepted it in writing, there was always the possibility that it could be challenged.

Just five weeks later, we decided to ‘stop’ their take-up by changing the terms and conditions which made them very unattractive to customers,” he said. “It was a kick in the teeth,” he admitted bitterly.

The bank, which works exclusively through price comparison websites, found itself in an awk­ward position with regards to its customers, but even more so with regards to its operation. It had already committed to premises in Skyparks and had taken on staff. With­out a product to offer, the bank’s deposits were more or less mothballed.

Without deposits, it had to sustain its loans through much more expensive wholesale funding from a London bank – and the losses mounted, reaching over £300,000 in 2012/2013.

However, last year, it reported a profit, albeit a small one.

In January, it managed to reassure the MFSA that it was robust enough, and was added to the scheme. It is now finally able to go to market again, offering various deposit products and is planning to add two more staff to its current complement of 12.

MULTI-BREED BEEF SALE AT NEWARK A British Blue cow and calf topped last Saturday’s multi-breed beef sale at Newark, at 10,000gns. And it was the same breed which also topped the day’s bull trade.

The English Premier Sale of AberdeenAngus, British Blues, Lincoln Reds, Salers and Simmentals saw the top call paid for Soulbury, Leighton Buzzard based Michele Wilde’s Cromwell Gemini, an ETbred black and white February 2011-born Tamhorn Sumo daughter. Buyers were Swindells Livestock, Brant Broughton, Lincoln.

Not bred at Ridge Dean, the cow originated in Adam Neachell’s Cromwell herd. She sold with a Cromwell Gunner calf at foot, and had run with Ridge Dean Hero.

East Dereham, Norfolk. The April 2013born heifer by Market Stainton King, sold to C. S. Page, Newport, East Yorkshire.

At 1,650gns and sold in-calf, was Walmer Heroine from Messrs Needler, Ranby, Lincoln, Buyer was M.E. Williams, Braybrook, Markey Harborough.

Lincoln Red bulls met a solid demand too, peaking at 4,500gns for the pre-sale junior and overall champion Highbarn Storm from Nick Barton, Macclesfield. This June 2013-born bull is by Walmer Hermes and sold to R. I. Clough and Son, Spilsby, Lincolnshire.

Simmental females topped at 2,100gns for Midhope Emma from Messrs Hollingsworth, Sheffield. By Dirnanean Snowie, and having run with the 10,000gns Delfur Chas, she sold to H. Curtis and Son, Pensford, Bristol.

The same buyers made the second top From the same home was the female Blue female bid of 3,500gns for the 12 champion, Midhope Desire. This Snowie month old Ridge Dean Jessie 2 which goes daughter made 2,000gns to K. Hall and back to the great herd foundation cow, Son, Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Ridge Dean Jessie.

The Simmental bull Theberton Electric Leading the British Blue bulls at 5,000gns from Messrs Dowley, Leiston, Suffolk was Bear Dale Ivanhoe from Messrs made 4,000gns. Home-bred on both sides Pilkington, Buxton. By Henlli Wishmaster, he was bought by P. D. Player, Whatton in he sold to K. Hall, Spalding. Also from the Vale, Nottinghamshire.

Bear Dale and making 4,200gns was The 3,000gns mark came twice, the Inuus, a full ET-bred brother to Ivanhoe first for Norwich breeder Julie Turvey’s and he went to A. C. and K. Twell, Rathlee Ben, an Anatrim Jacob son out of Donnington, Shropshire. a Hillcrest Champion daughter. He sold to In the Lincoln Red females, top price J. L. Mee, Brindley, Nottinghamshire. was 2,200gns for the female champion At the same money was the reserve male Westacre Bianca from W. A. R. Mallon, champion Storesmith Einstein from R.

and L. Storer-Smith, Uttoxeter which sold to W. R. Eales and Son, Peatling Magna, Leicestershire.

The trade for Aberdeen-Angus females reached 1,400gns for the female champion, St Fort Etrilla from Andrew Mylius, Fife which sold to J. G. Green and Sons, Messingham, Scunthorpe.

The bull trade topped at 3,000gns on two occasions. The first was Tree Bridge Jentry from David and Penny Evans, Nunthorpe, Middlesborough. This one is an Abberton Dazzle son and went to S. D. J. Blagg,

Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire.

The next was Judy Gardner, Eckington, Worcestershire with Eckington Evan, a Nightingale Kash son and went to C. W. Foster, Bishop Wilton, Yorkshire.

Averages: Bulls - 4 Aberdeen-Angus, £2,677.50; 5 Simmental, £3,192; 11 Lincoln Red £2825.45, five British Blue £3,507; 1 Salers £3,045. Females - 8 Aberdeen-Angus £1,240.31; 13 Simmental £1,671.92: 48 Lincoln Red £1,301.56; 3 British Blue £5,355; 1 Salers £1,700.

WALES SET FOR TRANSITION TO SINGLE REGION BPS PAYMENT SYSTEM The Welsh Government has finally published its consultation on proposed BPS payment systems Farmers in Wales are facing the prospect of moving to a flat rate Basic Payment system, as options for payment rates were finally unveiled by the Welsh Government.

The long awaited consultation on new proposals for the CAP Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in Wales, published on Tuesday, sets out four options: Option A: Three regional payment rates Option B: A flat rate payment of €176/ hectare (€71/acre) immediately from 2015,

Option C: A gradual move to a flat rate of €176/ha in equal steps by 2019 Option D: Tunnelling – which spreads the change out over longer than five years. The consultation suggests seven years.

Current exchange rate: €1 = £0.73 However, the consultation document all-but rules out options A and B. The Welsh Government has made it clear Options C and D are preferred, with Option C considered ‘better’ as it would allow the transition to area payments to happen within this CAP reform.

It had initially planned to introduce a three-region payment system but was forced to abandon the planned moorland line last year.

This followed a judicial review brought by farmers above the 400m line who complained the system would have set their

payments at only a tenth of those received by farmers below the line, in some cases on virtually identical land.

The consultation outlined the numerous difficulties with establishing a regional approach, including the lack of detailed mapping information to make sure a sufficient proportion of land could be classified as being in the correct.

finalised, the DD (Direct Drill) is based on the firm’s DTS (Direct Tine Seeder) drill, launched at the same event two years ago.

Using a very similar chassis and 3,600-litre hopper, the seeding element is mounted at the rear and folds horizontally, down either side of the machine, for transport.

Hopper is split 50:50 to allow dual

products, such as seed and fertiliser, to be placed together. Products are metered via the manufacturer’s Orga metering system, which as the name implies uses an auger designed to be simpler to calibrate and maintain, says Sumo.

Seeding units are mounted on a parallelogram linkage, allowing them to follow contours. Via a constant pressure system, up to 200kg of pressure can be

DRASTIC CHANGE It said moving to a flat rate this year would be a ‘drastic change’ that would be ‘difficult for claimants’, particularly those facing big cuts in the lowlands.

Options C and D, while far removed from its original intention of implementing a regional system, at least slow the transition, although they do make the process more complex.

Under the flat rate system, 7,606 claimants, 47 per cent, are forecast to have lower payments, including, for example, many lowland dairy farms.

The 8,744, 53 per cent of farmers who would have higher payments include some with moorland who would see huge increases in their payments.

The consultation includes various ‘add on’ options intended to ease the pain of

transition to a flat rate system.

These include adding a Redistributive Payment element to Option C. This would involve a top up payment on the first 54ha (133ac) of all payments.

The top up, which could be worth up to 30 per cent of the direct payment pot, would benefit smaller farmers and minimise the redistribution effect for many farms.

Under the system suggested in the consultation, when transition to area payments is completed in 2019, the payment rate would be an estimated €124/ha on all land with an additional payment rate of €119 per hectare for the first 54ha. All farms under 125ha would benefit compared with a straight flat rate.

The consultation document acknowledged that none of the options meet all of the policy goals of the reform. But Option C, Option C with Redistributive Payment and Option D ‘fit the policy goals better than the rest’.

But due to the complexity of the other two, it notes Option C is likely to result in BPS 2015 payments being made earlier than under the other two.

RELENTLESS RATE OF DEVELOPMENT FROM SUMO Sumo could never be accused of resting on its laurels, with a healthy showing of prototypes ranging from a new direct disc drill to a front mounted hopper. James Rickard reports from its factory open day near York.

It was the showing of a new prototype direct disc drill which drew a lot of people’s attention at Sumo’s open day.

With coulter arrangement still to be

applied on the coulter – key to consistent accuracy, says the manufacturer.

OWN COULTERS For the DD, Sumo has gone away from the System Moore disc in favour of its own-developed in-house design. A single 450mm diameter disc, set at five degrees, is used to open up the seed trench with seed or fertiliser placed towards the rear of the disc. A tungsten scraper, incorporated into the coulter, keeps the inside of the disc clean.

Along the side of each disc is a camadjustable, gel-filled press wheel acting as depth control and to prevent soil being thrown outwards, keeping the trench wall intact. Following this is a spiked wheel, breaking the trench wall and covering the seed with soil. Row spacing is 200mm.

While the drill’s main purpose is to be used in a zero-tillage system, the firm also say it can be used in min-till and plough-based situations. It can handle everything from rape to beans with the ability to drill down to 100mm.

At the moment it features two rows of coulters, but the stagger is still yet to be finalised. In any case, the manufacturer is hoping to go big with this machine, looking at widths of about 12m to match controlled traffic farming systems.

Standard equipment includes markers, lighting, tram line kit and cameras.

Its official launch is pencilled in for LAMMA, with prototypes working throughout next year.

TOP TIPS TO IMPROVE FUNGICIDE EFFICACY With sprayers poised to begin fungicide applications Agrovista technical manager Mark Hemmant gives his tops tips to improve fungicide efficacy this spring.

He says: “Paying attention to a few key application areas such as boom height, adjuvant use, nozzle type and water volume can make all the difference when it comes to how well disease is controlled.”

NOZZLE TYPE Mr Hemmant advises using a a standard 110 degree flat fan nozzle.

“Standard 110-degree flat fan nozzles remain the best option when applying fungicides to wheat, delivering a good droplet spectrum that ensures effective coverage and good penetration at the usual 100-200 litres/ha rates.

“Flat fans were consistently more effective when used with triazole/SDHI treatments in normal spraying conditions, producing an average yield increase of 0.29t/ha over air induction (AI) nozzles in five years of trials.

“However, the larger air-filled droplets

ACP (Concrete) Ltd, Leading UK manufacturers of prestressed and precast concrete wall systems, will be exhibiting at the UK AD & Biogas event in July this year. The company has been in business for nearly 30 years and the staff have a wealth of experience in the construction of silage clamps to share with visitors to the stand/ If you can’t get to the show call us on 01889 598660 or email sales@acp-concrete.co.uk for free advice and a quote

produced by air induction nozzles are less prone to drift, which is useful in marginal conditions. This gives operators a much better chance of maintaining correct fungicide timings.”

Alternating forward-facing (30-degree) and vertical nozzles improved flat fan and AI performance, aiding coverage and penetration. It also reduces drift, probably because it allows air to pass through the spray curtain, reducing the tendency to create eddies behind it, he adds.

BOOM HEIGHT

Boom height can significantly reduce fungicide efficacy, and Mr Hemmant recommends an optimum boom height of 0.5m.

He says: “Apart from bad timing, this is probably the biggest cause of poor fungicide performance. The optimum boom height is 0.5m above the crop.

Doubling it typically increases drift by a factor of 10 with flat fan nozzles.”

WATER VOLUME Agrovista trials have shown water volumes of 100 litres/ha has delivered better disease control than a water volume of 200 litres/ha when targeting yellow rust.

Mr Hemmant adds: “Even under high disease pressure we saw yields rise by up to 0.5t/ha. This is partly due to the finer spray improving coverage and the fact that each droplet contains more active ingredient.”

“Halving the water volume also means less downtime travelling and filling the sprayer, which can increase work rates by a third. That means more of the crop can be treated at the optimum timing.”

Polaris goes racing

Series, an eight-round National series on some of the toughest cross country enduro tracks in the country.

The Polaris WOR Series is sure to be a great proving ground for the Scrambler in 2015 and the first race at Baden Hall in Staffordshire certainly lived up to expectations with podium finishes for the team.

The Scrambler 1000 also made its Polaris is known as the industry leader mark in the challenging DQR (Dragon in off-road vehicles for farming, Quad Racing) event at Stourport-onamenity, sports and leisure. Now Severn taking more podium places. the maker of the Sportsman ATVs With tracks comprising steep hills, off and Ranger UTVs is also taking the cambers, tight woods, fast rough, deep lead in the growing popularity of mud and ruts; the Scramblers had quad racing with the Polaris Factory every opportunity to show what they Racing Team and the company’s are made of and how they are built to powerful Scrambler machines. For race the toughest challenges.

2015, Polaris has established new Team Principal and Polaris Britain relationships with some key affinity employee, Richard Coleby is partners including Evans Cooling, particularly excited about this season.

ITP Wheels and Tyres, Fox Racing “I’m new to quad racing but I’m Shocks, DP Brakes, Fasst flex bars already passionate about it and the and Teixeira. potential in the UK,” he says, “and There is a team of six experienced I really want to see Utility racing quad riders all keen to put the grow with manufacturer involvement. machines to the test. Assisting There are a number of races series for the team is Shane Watson, from 2015 and Polaris will be competing Dirt Warz, who brings a wealth of in a wide selection including WOR, experience and professionalism to the DQR and the QRA Beach Cross Team’s race logistics and activities.

Championships. It will be great to see The company has also teamed up with progress with the machines leading one of the best enduro promoters in up to the grand finale with Weston the United Kingdom, WOR Events.

Beach Race at Weston-super-Mare in The partnership has created the October.” Polaris Britain Ltd. 0800 Polaris National Hare Scrambler 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

Will the sun shine on the solar industry in 2015?

Will solar remain a dominant force on farms in 2015 or are dwindling Government incentives and a loack of electrical grid availability putting farmers off? Olivia Midgley asks the experts.

With uncertainty over the larger scale sector still clouding the solar industry it is no surprise farmers and potential investors have remained cautious.

According to the latest Government figures, there are currently 907 solar farms either in operation or in the planning pipeline in the UK. This amounts to a capacity of about 8,171MWp (megawatts-peak) - enough electricity to power 2.7 million homes.

However, from April 1 this year, new solar farms with an installed capacity larger than 5MWp, which translates to about 10 hectares (25 acres) of land, will no longer be eligible to receive money under the Government’s Renewable Obligation Certificates scheme.

While there are predictions the change will cause a shift towards smaller developments, some experts are confident there remains plenty of opportunity for those with land - no matter the size.

Conor McGuigan, business development director at Lightsource Renewable

Energy, says: “There is a real chance for farmers and landowners to unlock their green energy potential - whatever sized sites they have. They can be assured solar farms are still an attractive proposition but choices need to be made wisely.

“Our advice is, in order to make the most of the current political landscape and avoid being left disappointed by missing the deadlines, you need to move quickly and choose a partner which has the capability, sound financial backing and track record of delivering on time.”

smaller scale ground-mount solar projects - between one and two acres and up to 250kW - providing a real investment opportunity and a good solution when there is not the ability to meet electricity usage requirements from rooftop solar alone. It is, therefore, not hard to see why many farmers have overlooked solar power. The agricultural sector faces uncertainty from a number of factors so, understandably, stability is critical if investment is to be made. For this to happen, Government policy must be consistent.”

industry on its toes of late, but there are still many opportunities available for farmers and landowners.

“The biggest news in the solar industry last year was the 5MW cap which the Department of Energy and Climate Change will impose on solar farms from April 1, 2015,” Mr Taylor says.

Focused “Until now, developers have been focused almost exclusively on significantly larger sites of up to 50MW - the bigger the better - and as such they have prospected for large areas with corresponding grid availability.

When searching for these prize finds, they invariably overlooked the ‘diamonds in the dust’ which are the viable 2-5MW grid/land opportunities.

“The buoyant market for these smaller sites has led to healthy competition between the integrated developer/owner/ Future Success operators - the result being offers of Mr McGuigan says there is still a ‘huge Recent signals from Government have future’ for solar farms beyond April 1 been encouraging and in December last solid ground rents and lease terms for although installations are likely to be on year, Westminster underlined its support landowners.”

Mr Taylor says saturation of areas of a smaller scale. He says: for solar, labelling it ‘a huge success the grid by solar generation schemes “Solar farms are not dead. Opportunities story for the renewable industry which will still be available for installations has an important role to play in the UK’s has brought about programmes of grid upgrade works by the Distribution below 5MWp and they are still an diverse energy mix’.

Network Operators - such as Northern attractive option for many farmers or “This gives a strong indication there Power Grid and Western Power landowners looking to diversify their is Government backing for solar, Distribution - which will increase grid income. The UK has made a legal regardless of the outcome of the next capacity over the coming years. commitment to reduce its carbon general election,” Mr Hanglin says.

“This provides opportunities for footprint and solar remains an important Hugh Taylor, director of part of the mix.”

EnergyMyWay’s large-scale renewables landowners in areas affected by these grid improvements, and can bring land into Giles Hanglin, director of Savills arm, agrees the shifting sands of play which has previously been rejected Energy, says: Government incentives and electrical “For many businesses, we are seeing grid availability has kept the renewables by developers,” he adds.

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Issue 66. South East Times. Page 11

Wine & Dine

Page 12. South East Times. Issue 67

Fetcham murder: Viktoras Bruzas jailed for life

A builder who murdered a property developer and his wife in a frenzied knife attack has been jailed for life.

Patrick and Gillian Kettyle were found with stab wounds at their house in Fetcham, Surrey, on 27 November.

The Old Bailey was told Viktoras Bruzas, 39, believed his ex-wife was having an affair with Mr Kettyle and carried out a revenge attack.

The Lithuanian national, who admitted two counts of murder, was ordered to serve a minimum of 33 years in prison..

He changed his plea on Wednesday after denying the charges at a previous hearing.

The Kettyles, who were both in their

50s and known as Pat and Gilly, were described as the “most fantastic parents” and a couple who “dearly loved” each other.

Bruzas, from Walton-on-Thames, attacked Mr Kettyle with a kitchen knife in a “particularly brutal” manner because he blamed him for “ruining his life” and the failure of his marriage, according to prosecutor Alan Kent QC. The Old Bailey was told it was likely that Mrs Kettyle was stabbed as she tried to protect her husband.

The pair’s teenage son, who cannot be named for legal reasons, hid after being woken by screaming and shouting and

held the handle of his door when the killer approached his bedroom.

But the court heard Bruzas told the boy through the closed door: “I have no issue with you, boy, or your mother.

It’s Patrick, he’s ruined my life. I’m not scared of prison.”

Mr Kent told the court: “On that evening he left his flat armed with a knife, intending to take the ultimate revenge, and that’s what he did.

“The victims were a perfectly normal middle-aged couple who were, in their own home, murdered by this defendant.

‘Violent and controlling’ “Patrick Kettyle was clearly a very charming man. It seems the defendant’s wife began to talk to Patrick Kettyle about the state of her marriage.

“She would complain that the defendant was a violent and controlling man and had been that way throughout their marriage,” added Mr Kent.

Bruzas learnt of “flirtations” after he logged into his wife’s email account.

He made threats against the property developer several months before the murders and was issued with a police notice.

On one occasion he drove to Mr Kettyle’s house in the early hours and shouted: “Why are you trying to take my wife away from me?”

He also emailed him saying, “My family

going to sort out.”

Surrey Police launched a manhunt for Bruzas, who was thought to have fled to West Sussex, following the discovery of the couple’s bodies.

The court was told he asked officers, “How long do you get for murder in this country?”, when he was caught driving his car through the nearby village of Oxshott 18 hours later.

Det Ch Insp Mark Preston said: “This deeply saddening incident has been devastating for the family and friends of Patrick and Gillian and left the close-knit community of Fetcham in shock.

“I welcome today’s guilty plea and lengthy custodial sentence and I hope that it will bring some form of closure to the family.

“I would like to recognise all the officers and staff who worked tirelessly on the operation to find and capture Bruzas as quickly as possible and on the murder investigation itself to ensure he was brought to justice.”

Health & Beauty

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Issue 67. South East Times. Page 13

Health & Beauty

Page 14. South East Times. Issue 67

England U21s: Harry Kane wants to play in Euros says Roy Hodgson

Harry Kane wants to “finish the job” at the European Under-21 Championship this summer, says England boss Roy Hodgson.

The Tottenham striker scored 79 seconds into his senior England debut against Lithuania on Friday, and made his first start in the 1-1 draw in Italy.

But the 21-year-old played a key part in helping England’s Under-21s qualify

unbeaten for the tournament in June.

Hodgson said: “Harry wants to go with the Under-21s. He wants to finish the job that he has done.”

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that that Kane might benefit from resting this summer. The tournament is being held in the Czech Republic and begins for England against Portugal on 18

June.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has also said that Ross Barkley, 21, needs a “proper break” after representing the senior team at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

But former England captain Gary Lineker said it would be a “national disgrace” if clubs blocked young players from taking part.

And England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate does not expect Premier League clubs to block players from attending, while ex-England international Phil Neville said Kane’s development would be “enhanced” by playing for the U21s.

The issue is further complicated for Kane as Spurs have a post-season friendly match in Australia three weeks before the Under-21 tournament begins.

Hodgson added: “He’s had to work his way into the team and in my conversations with him it has been pretty obvious to me he would like to play in this tournament.

“Harry can play an important part and maybe help them go far. That certainly won’t hurt his chances in the first team and I am happy to back him.”

The England manager also played down suggestions that taking part in the tournament would leave the player exhausted: “I’ve got to say I’m not a great lover of the burnout argument,” Hodgson said.

“If you want to be an international player then you’ve got to accept football tournaments take place in the summer at the end of the season.

“In my lifetime, as soon as the season has finished, footballers have gone to tournaments. Anyone who wants to be a top-class international footballer and really believes he can help his country get to these tournaments, can’t then come and talk about burnout.”

2015 European Under-21 Championship draw Group A Group B Czech Republic England Germany Italy Denmark Portugal Serbia Sweden Meanwhile, Hodgson called on England fans not to chant anti-IRA songs when his England side play their next game, against the Republic of Ireland in a friendly in Dublin on 7 June.

“There’s no way I can justify or be glad about any political chants of that nature,” he added.

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Issue 67. South East Times. Page 15

Benefits of Fostering

Page 16. South East Times. Issue 67

England: Have Roy Hodgson’s side improved since World Cup? changer”, while the manager gave a first full England start to Tottenham’s prolific striker Harry Kane, who is the same age as the Everton prodigy.

Barkley may still have questions over his decision-making but his bold, strong running offered England an extra England players dimension.

England’s progress - when measured by Kane was up against some tough opponents results alone - has been smooth since they in the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, who made an embarrassing retreat from Brazil unceremoniously flattened the striker in last summer after going out of the World the game’s opening passage of play, but he Cup at the group stage. showed maturity and strength of character Before Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Italy in a that will have impressed Hodgson. friendly in Turin, Roy Hodgson’s side had Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling may be the undergone a comfortable rehabilitation brightest star of all at just 20 if he can put with seven straight wins, including five his contract wrangles behind him and settle from five in the Euro 2016 qualifying his future. campaign.

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw will also It all points to a period of improvement come into consideration, while Everton after that debacle in South America. youngster John Stones already has four So, have England really improved since caps and possesses the composure to usurp they concluded the World Cup campaign Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and with a goalless dead rubber against Costa Phil Jones (both still relatively young) in Rica in Belo Horizonte on 24 June last central defence. year?

Hodgson may also look to harness Young at heart members of England’s promising under-21 Harry Kane and Ross Barkley Hodgson has been gifted a talented generation of young players to mould for the future, with Euro 2016 in France the first serious test.

In Turin, 21-year-old Ross Barkley was described by Hodgson as “a game

Home Improvements

squad who had such a fine victory over Germany in Middlesbrough on Monday, players such as Burnley striker Danny Ings and Southampton midfielder James WardProwse.

The manager, sometimes criticised as overcautious and too much of a member of the old guard to relate to youngsters, must show he can work successfully with them.

Case for the defence Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling When England went out of the World Cup, they were accompanied by confirmation that defensively they were simply not good enough against high-class opponents.

It was a flaw ruthlessly exposed by Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in what proved to be a defining defeat in Sao Paulo.

Have things improved since? Despite those perfect results in qualifying, the suspicion lingers that it is still England’s Achilles heel.

Chelsea’s Gary Cahill is a mainstay, but the jockeying for position alongside him continues between the likes of Everton captain Phil Jagielka, Jones and Smalling.

Everton’s elegant Stones looks the best long-term answer but there is still no convincing first-choice partnership.

At left-back, Leighton Baines was found wanting in Brazil, while injuries have held Shaw back. Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs, Danny Rose of Tottenham and Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand are in contention but have yet to make any firm case for selection.

An outside bet, might be Baines’ understudy at Everton, Luke Garbutt. The 21-year-old is confident, accomplished and key to England’s under-21 plans. He is out of contract in the summer and although manager Roberto Martinez insists he will sign a new deal, there will be a scramble if he does not.

Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne and Tottenham’s Kyle Walker are the main contenders at right-back - we can forget Liverpool’s Glen Johnson - but they are way short of proving themselves at the highest level.

Joe Hart is a given in goal, but it remains to be seen how it shakes out in front of him.

Tactical flexibility England players Hodgson has the players to allow him to adopt various systems. Sterling can play wide, centrally and at the tip of a midfield diamond, while captain Wayne Rooney and Kane can drop deep as well as playing as the main striker.

Rooney, as ever, is the centrepiece of England’s plans and evidence this season has shown he must play as a striker. He is his country’s most reliable goalscorer and no other nation would move a player of such stature and statistics around to

accommodate others.

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, such a success with six goals in Euro 2016 qualifying, can play up front or wide, while the lingering hope that Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge can offer another attacking weapon continues to be frustrated by his fragile fitness record.

One thing can now surely be consigned to the tactical dustbin - using Jones in a defensive midfield role as, to use Hodgson’s word, a “destroyer.” It did not work against Italy and will never be successful against quality opposition.

Improving England?

Michael Carrick showed his enduring composure and ability to dictate tempo in his substitute appearance, so maybe he will now get a run of games. When the Manchester United midfielder was on the pitch, England looked far more controlled and in total they completed 530 passes, 191 more than Italy.

Hodgson used Sterling at the point of the midfield diamond in the opening Euro 2016 qualification win in Switzerland with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere at the base - so there are plenty of formats for him to work with.

He must now assemble the pieces correctly, which was not the case in Turin. Jones should never been seen again in that holding role, while Arsenal’s Theo Walcott was utterly miscast as a forward attempting to dovetail with Kane. That is Rooney’s job.

Euro qualifiers can be deceptive England’s stroll towards Euro 2016 in the most favourable of qualifying groups may offer a false impression of well-being.

They have recorded victories against Switzerland, San Marino, Estonia, Slovenia and Lithuania. But so they should.

The group serves as the perfect device to allow Hodgson’s side to regroup, recover and rebuild confidence but it is not a serious gauge of whether they have recovered from that traumatic World Cup. Italy did not provide a true test because their side was makeshift, but other proposed friendlies against Spain, Germany and the Netherlands could be just the job - or the sort of cold shower that reminds England of their real place in the world order.

Hodgson’s future The notion of Hodgson receiving a new deal to take him through to the World Cup in 2018 has been floated but, as both the manager and the Football Association have said, there is no rush.

Remember how Fabio Capello signed a new, amended contract committing him to the job until Euro 2012 while almost on the steps of the plane to South Africa for the World Cup in 2010?

Cue a thoroughly miserable farce of a campaign based at the austere “Camp Capello” in Rustenburg and a loveless marriage with the FA until he resigned over the decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy in February 2012.

So, no rush. Why commit to Hodgson (or indeed why should he commit to the FA?) until judgement can be made on the Euro 2016 campaign.

Issue 67. South East Times. Page 17

Learn To

Page 18 South East Times. Issue 67

Brighton and Hove Albion giving young players sexual consent training Young footballers at the English Championship club Brighton and Hove Albion are being trained in the law and ethics surrounding sexual consent.

The club is the first to provide the training and counselling to all its young male and female players.

In 2013 four current and former Brighton players were cleared of sexual assault charges at the Old Bailey.

The Protect, Inform and Prevent (PIP) programme aims to explain

Weddings

Pets & Vets

when, in law, consent can be said to have been given.

It involves players taking part in confidential question and answer sessions about their previous encounters and is led by a former police detective and a psychotherapist.

The Brighton players were all found not guilty in May 2013 of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman at a hotel in Brighton.

They were also cleared of voyeurism.

Events

Issue 67. South East Times. Page 19

Events

Page 20 South East Times. Issue 67

Retirement Living