Edition 591

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SPECIAL XMAS EDITION 591

FRIDAY 22nd DECEMBER TO THURSDAY 11th JANUARY 2018 MOVIES AT ...

EATING OUT & ABOUT

PAGES PA 25 - 27

Your dining experience aroundd our o restaurants

PAGES 41 -48

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HISTORIC DAY FOR LORO PARQUE GROUP AS

POEMA DEL MAR IS INAUGURATED

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UNDAY, December 17th was another historic day for the Loro Parque group when the new attraction, the Poema del Mar aquarium was inaugurated at the Sanapú Pier in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The event was attended by more than 500 public and private guests and in the presence of numerous authorities of the highest level.

The ceremony was led by the President of the Loro Parque Group, Wolfgang Kiessling; Luis Ibarra, President of the Port Authority; Augusto Hidalgo, Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; Antonio Morales, President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Carolina Darias, President of the Parliament of the Canary Islands and Fernando Clavijo, President of the Government of the Canar y Islands. All agreed on the magnitude of the Poema del Mar project and the positive impact it will have for the city, the island and the Canary Islands.

During the celebration, different performances took place, such as those of the Los Gofiones group with the rhythm of Canarian popular music and that of a group of

actors who gave life to the nature of Poema del Mar with spectacular body makeup, made by the artist Nauzet Afonso and inspired by the work of Néstor de la Torre. In addition, the inauguration was blessed by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Canariensis, Hipólito Cabrera, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Nivariense, Bernardo Álvarez.

The large Poema del Mar aquarium is located next to the cruise ship pier and just 200 metres from Las Canteras beach, in the central isthmus of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The building created is one of the most emblematic buildings of the island and the archipelago in general.

Poema del Mar is a modern and ambitious project, based on the commitment to innovation, the conservation of biodiversity and excellence in tourism sustainability. Already named “of strategic interest for

the region” by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and the Government of the Canary Islands, the aquarium reinforces the promotion of the archipelago as a destination for international travel.

The hallmark of the company Loro Parque is, in addition to its diversity of species, the quality of its facilities and its respect for the environment. This has made the company worthy of various national and international distinctions, as well as stamps of quality and environmental commitment. Both Loro Parque, the best zoo in the world, and Siam Park, the best water park, according to the users of TripAdvisor, have proven their excellence, so this new Park will not disappoint.

Poema del Mar offers a great theme park of the Blue Planet biodiversity, which will have three differentiated areas: marine surface ecosystems, deep marine ecosystems and water species. The facilities will recreate, as accurately as possible, the ecosystems of dozens of species that inhabit both inside and outside the water.

The visitor will begin the tour submerging in the first of the areas, the Jungle, which reproduces landscapes of the entire planet in a tribute to the

five continents. The second section of Poema del Mar, Arrecife, will invite you to a walk around a huge cylinder with a volume of 400,000 litres

of water that exhibits a great variety of colours of coral and fish. Finally, the route will end in the Deep Sea, in the deepest Ocean.

TRAFFIC HOTLINE WANTS YOUR COMPLAINTS

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MPLOYERS in the construction industry in Tenerife have launched a new “complaints hotline” about the island’s traffic jams after declaring: “Our investments are being stopped on the asphalt!”

The organisation FEPECO says complaints are received on a daily basis about gridlocked conditions, both in the north and the south, and wants urgent action.

On its website, it has set up a special reporting site where

members of the public can tell them of their complaints and specific problem areas. These comments will then be forwarded to the authorities.

“These daily queues are having an impact on the productivity of our compa-

nies,” said president Oscar Izquierdo.

FEPECO says it wants to give a voice to members of the public about the traffic “chaos” and feels this will be one of the keys to finding a solution.

The hotline is on www.fepeco.org or you can email carreterasdetenerife@fepeco.org

ISSUE 591

CONTENTS

LOCAL

NEWS

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591 WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

02

LOCAL NEWS

09

COMMUNITY NEWS

12

CANARY ISLANDS NEWS

15

SPANISH NEWS

Race for Life forms pink tide for cancer campaign

21

OUR COLUMNISTS

RECORD ENTRY

23

MOTORWORLD

24

PET’S WORLD

25

EATING OUT & ABOUT

28

THE LOOKOUT

32

HEALTH MATTERS

35

CLASSIFIEDS

43

A-Z SERVICES

37

CONTACTS

38

SPORTS NEWS

40

ENGLISH LIBRARY

41

PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT

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pink tide formed by more than 4,500 people travelled through the municipalities of Arona and Adeje on Sunday to make visible, for yet another year, the fight against breast cancer.

The Race for Life has become the main initiative of this kind in the whole of the island and for 2017, attracted a record entry.

Organised by both local councils and the Carrera por la Vida Foundation, with the collaboration of the Cabildo de Tenerife and different private sponsors, the objective of this event is to raise funds for research projects and the main organisations that fight against breast cancer. This year the amount obtained was 20,000 euros, according to the data certified by the organisation before a notary.

The XIII edition of the race was backed by the Paralympic athlete Gema Hassen-Bey. Those present included the president of the Foundation,

Brigitte Gypen, the Mayors of Arona, José Julián Mena, and Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, who joined in with the participants.

The charity event began around 11am, departing from Siam Mall in Costa Adeje where thousands of people dressed in the official pink T-shirt. A bus allowed people with reduced mobility to participate in the race.

The president of the Carrera por la Vida Foundation highlighted, after the celebration of a new edition, that “we have 20,000 more reasons to repeat this event next year with more strength and adding more people.”

The mayor of Arona, José Julián Mena, stressed the importance of this race to

“make visible the fight against breast cancer, since there are many families of Arona and the entire south that fight against this disease. He stressed the need to “prevent and take the necessary tests for an early diagnosis, which is essential for a positive evolution of the disease. “ Sr. Mena said it also served to stress the urgency for patients with cancer in the entire region to be treated once in the Hospital del Sur, which still has no oncological services.

“This is essential so that

they can receive treatment near their homes, “ he said, stressing that “ the battle for life is not limited to one day a year.”

The Mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, said Race for Life is “a very special day for us, becoming a solidary meeting in which we ask for improvements for prevention and the treatment of breast cancer. “ He underlined the “international dimension of this event, which makes this problem visible in a special time like Christmas.”

Rowers will eat Christmas dinner in middle of ocean W HEN you are eating your Christmas Day dinner this year, spare a thought for teams and individuals who are currently rowing the Atlantic in the most challenging of conditions!

The famous Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge left La Gomera on December 14th, two days later than planned because of the bad weather conditions which storm Ana had brought to most parts of Europe.

The aim of the rowers is to reach Antigua in the fastest time possible which is likely to be around 40 days. Therefore Christmas Day will be spend out in the middle of the ocean!

The rowers, both teams and individuals, are all raising money and awareness for various causes and come from all over the world, including the UK. The race is described as the world’s toughest row, having been founded in 1997 by Sir Chay Blyth. Since 2015, the race has been held annually starting each December.

The boats are seven metres long and just under two metres wide with only a small cabin for protection against the harsh conditions.

You can follow the teams’ progress on /www.facebook.com/ atlanticcampaigns

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TALISKER CHALLENGE

Man dies on popular beach

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73-year-old man has died after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest whilst swimming off a beach in Gran Canaria.

The tragedy happened in Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana in the mid-afternoon.

The 112 emergency control centre was told that the Red Cross had pulled the man out of the water and had started resuscitation.

Medics joined in on their arrival on the scene but could not revive the man who was declared dead.

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GRANADILLA GESTURE

KING’S VISIT

Family Royal praise for the Canaries provides new T parking area HE King of Spain has praised the municipalities of Adeje, Arona and San Bartolomé de Tirajana in Gran Canaria for their efforts to take tourism to new dimensions.

All three Canarian tourist municipalities are among the first eight locations in Spain in number of overnight stays and King Felipe VI said this had involved much determination and effort.

He also highlighted the archipelago’s “innovation, excellence and sustainability” as keys to the future tourism model for the Canary Islands but also stressed the need for diversification.

The King was guest of honour at the V International Forum of Tourism Maspalomas

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RANADILLA has a new parking area, thanks to the generosity of a local family.

The plot of 1,829.46 square metres, next to the courts of Granadilla, has been ceded by the Rodríguez Frías family.

The Mayor, José Domingo Regalado, and councillor of works, Marcía Concepción Cabrera Venero, recently visited the site that is already in use.

This has been possible thanks to the agreement between the municipal area of works and Margarita María Rodríguez Frías, owner of the land, which has been provided free of charge for temporary use as a public parking area.

Sr. Regalado says that this measure seeks to respond to an important need in the town of Granadilla.

Costa Canaria and is known to have much affection for the Canaries as did his father before him.

He also encouraged the islands to reinforce their role as “an essential link between Europe, America and Africa”.

“We must not forget either that the Canary Islands are a very important part of our southern border, not only of Spain but of the European Union itself which is immersed in a process of consolidation and redefinition of its position and leadership

Teenager dies in car-park fall

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police investigation is underway after a 19year-old man fell to his death from the top of a car-park in Tenerife.

The tragedy happened at around 6.30pm at an outdoor parking located on the TF-47, at kilometre 9 in the municipality Guía de Isora.

Police and medics were called to the scene following reports that someone had fallen 15 metres from the roof of an access room to a private underground installation.

However, on their arrival, they coud only confirm the young man’s death.

in the world , and especially with Africa, with which we maintain such a close neighbourhood, “ he said.

The Royal visitor also popped in to the Gando Air Base where he chatted to pilots and divers.

Couple found dead in Puerto

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HERE was tragedy and shock in Puerto de la Cruz after the bodies of a German couple, both in their mid-70s, were found in their house.

Neighbours had raised the alarm because they had not seen the man and his wife for a few days.

Police say they believe the couple might have been dead for several days. There was no sign of violence but an autopsy will reveal how they died.

They were found in their house in the Botánico area of Puerto.

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SECURITY MEASURES

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Adeje backs growing calls for action on “inadequate roads” in Tenerife south

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DEJE has joined the manifesto on roads and infrastructures of the southern region promoted by the Circle of Entrepreneurs and Professionals of the South of Tenerife .

Police receive new dog-catching equipment

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COD de los Vinos council has provided the Local Police with a catch hanger for dangerous dogs and a chip reader.

The new systems complement a service that, from now on, considerably increases security.

The capture loop allows personnel to hold and separate a dog with the potential to cause damage at a safe distance. It has a very strong aluminum tubular handle and a braided steel cable covered with plastic so that it does not damage the dog’s neck.

The microchip reader collects the data of the animal, enabling the Local Police to access, through a database, the information on the person responsible for the dog.

If not collected within 48 hours, the dogs go to a refuge in Fasnia which has a zero sacrifice policy.

Five other town councils and more than 24 business associations and organisations related to the tourism, business and commerce sector in the south of Tenerife have now backed the group’s demands.

The “Joint Manifesto on roads of the southern region of Tenerife” is now supported by Adeje, Arona, Fasnia, Santiago del Teide, Vilaflor and Guía de Isora.

The document, which will be sent to the Government of the Canar y Islands and Tenerife Cabildo, includes six “historical demands” and “urges that the very serious traffic problems and the poor state of some of the southern roads be resolved without further delay. “ In it, reference is also made to other works that have to do

with infrastructures and projects that “require urgent execution”, according to the president of CEST, Roberto Ucelay.

The Mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, was in charge of the signing in a ceremony also attended by councillors of tourism and economic development, Ermita Moreira and Manuel Luis Méndez. “ We have signed a document that is urgent and timely,” said the Mayor who added that “we must draw attention to a dramatic problem we have in the south of the island and that citizens, businessmen and all the people who suffer every day from the very serious problems we have.”

The manifesto refers to the

tender of the ChafirasOrotienda road, the third lane of the TF1, the insular ring, the TF46 in the centre of Alcalá and the allocation of items in the Canary-State Road Agreement, which comes into force on January 1st.

“In this document we claim very concrete, immediate and necessary issues urgently, but that are framed in the need for much deeper planning and foresight that has not been carried out until now, because the problem of mobility continues to grow every day and will remain there if you

do not act, “said Rodríguez Fraga.

Sr. Ucelay and the signers of the manifesto consider that “the image of our tourist destination worsens progressively due to the problems and shortcomings that we are claiming”, to which the Mayor added that the tourist destination that forms Costa Adeje and all the south of the Island “is making a great effort of renovation and modernisation that is weighed down by the problems of roads and the image we offer the visitor.”

LANGUAGE PRACTICE

“Hello, are you English?” ask Guia de Isora students

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TUDENTS from Guia de Isora are going out and about interviewing tourists and practising their English at the same time.

The youngsters from IES Alcalá are putting their classroom lessons to good use and have even designed the questionnaire, T-shirts and caps. Their intention is to interview as many visitors as possible to obtain a true image of the type of tourism in Alcalá.

Later, they will look at the

data collected so they also get lessons in statistics.

For the students, it is a golden opportunity. “In addition to listening to the language we learn in the classroom, we also learn different accents and expressions that do not appear in the books,” says one of the

students. “It is not the same to hear an Englishman as a Welshman or an Irishman. As part of the interview also includes an assessment by the respondent of our level when speaking, we have a fairly clear idea of our actual ability to communicate.”

Education councillor Ángeles González said: “These initiatives are essential.

If having languages is an

obligation in today’s world, for young people it is even more so. Many of the professional opportunities they will have in their future will require English and probably another language. “ So far, says the council, the students have found the typical English resident is retired, living in Tenerife for five years and still without a grasp on the Spanish language.

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591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

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City gives the go-ahead to graffiti artists

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ANTA Cruz has given the go-ahead for graffiti artists to paint a number of walls in the city.

The city council has a strict approach to any vandal caught defacing public buildings or property and even uses handwriting experts to identify culprits which is paying dividends.

But it also recognises that graffiti can be seen as an art form and is allowing artists to create their designs on a number of degenerated walls in the Salud-La Salle district. The project goes under the name of “Salud-La Salle colours”.

District councillor, Yolanda Moliné explained that the initiative aims to promote this typically urban cultural expression and, at the same time, promote respect for the public spaces of the neighbourhoods.

The project is coordinated and directed by the well-known artist Iker Muro and includes work on three walls. One of them is at the sports facility in the El Perú district; another is the tunnel that connects Rio Júcar street with Puerto de la Cruz, in La Salud; and the third, the one found on the stairs that connect Fernando Barajas Prat street with Gumersindo Robayna Galván, in La Salle.

The project is already being executed in the El Perú neighbuorhood, while the painting of the other two walls will be carried out in the coming weeks.

CITY’S ADVICE

Festive campaign urges: “Take a taxi or bus!”

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ANTA Cruz has launched an advertising campaign that aims to encourage the use of public transport during the Christmas holidays.

This initiative, which will be developed in the five districts of the municipality until next January, stresses the advantages of moving by taxi and bus during these dates in which there are major traffic delays and it is more difficult to find parking.

The fourth deputy mayor and councillor of public services, Dámaso Arteaga, reiterates that, during the next few weeks, “it is even more advisable than usual to use public transport when making our Christmas purchases. For this reason, we invite all citizens to use the taxi and bus to enjoy Santa Cruz in the near future, in addition to the tram. “ The campaign, which has the theme ‘Park your problems’, consists of 25 double-sided advertising elements that have been distributed to different locations in the Anaga, Centro-Ifara, Salud-La Salle, Ofra-South and Southwest districts.

On the one hand, on a blue background appears the figure of a taxi and the phrase “take the taxi and enjoy your city”. And, on the other, a bus appears on a green background and the heading “take the bus and enjoy your city”.

New paving at famous dragon tree park

NO BARRIERS

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CCESS to the famous dragon tree and park in Icod de los Vinos has been substantially improved.

The local council is aiming to turn this unique site into a location without architectural barriers and this first project has now been concluded.

A new surface has been put down and holes filled in to ensure safe and easy access for visitors. This also allows accessibility for those with limited mobility, pushchairs and the elderly and allows great views of the “Drago Milenario”.

A council spokesman said the work had been carried out with the minimum disruption to the environment and the landscaping.

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FUTURE LEADERS

Puerto offers students unique opportunity in pioneering scheme

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WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

LA HIGUERITA

Puerto and Los Realejos agree Camino project

Police shocked over speeding cars in Arona

UERTO de la Cruz has launched a pioneering new programme to create leaders for the future.

Jorge Amador Monteverde, responsible for the Programme in the European Space Agency (ESA), will teach leadership, innovation and creativity to 15 young people of the municipality.

The LINC-S Project will provide training to young people aged between 16 and 18 years old with the intention of acquiring such knowledge and skills before entering university education and the world of work.

Between October and November, the project was presented to first and second year high school students of the three Secondary Education Institutes of the municipality. Youth councillor Ruymán García said they had been surprised at the excellent response.

More than 100 students have wanted to pre-register to take on the challenge. Candidates will have to “demonstrate their motivation to complete the course and its potential to achieve its objectives”. The tests consist of giving “response to a challenge in a two minute video format, a letter of motivation written by them, as well as a personal interview, whose term ends on December 22nd.

Fifteen people will be selected and the course will last three months, from January to March 2018, and will be held every Saturday at the Youth House.

Paraglider hurt in tandem crash

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35-year-old man of Polish origin suffered cuts and bruises of a “moderate” nature in a paragliding accident in Adeje.

It happened in the late morning in the zone of Taucho and brought firefighters, medics and the emergency helicopter to the scene.

The 112 control centre had received a report saying two paragliders in tandem had collided with a wall. One was unharmed but the other needed medical treatment.

He was airlifted to the heliport in Adeje before being taken on to hospital.

LIMITS IGNORED

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OS Realejos and Puerto de la Cruz are joining forces to solve the historical problem of the poor state of the Camino El Burgado in La Higuerita.

The northern councils are co-financing the repaving project for 35,489 euros for the improvement of this road that affects both locations.

The Mayors of Los Realejos and Puerto de la Cruz, Manuel Dominguez and Lope Afonso, respectively, agreed to the resurfacing of Camino El Burgado, saying: “The evident state of advanced deterioration presented by the asphalt led to prioritise this action.”

Sr. Dominguez said previous administrations had been unable to come to an

agreement over the work which would now involve attention to cracks and degradation of the surface.

Sr. Afonso said he was delighted the project could proceed as it would allow residents of the area of Burgado to reach their homes under the optimum of conditions.

Los Realejos will provide 78.51% of the costs of execution, around 27,863.60 euros, while Puerto will meet the other 21.49%, about 7,626.77 euros.

Man killed in head-on collision

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49-year-old man was killed in a head-on collision on the TF-632 in San Miguel de Tajao, Arico.

Firemen had to release him from the wreckage and tried to save his life with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation but could only confirm his death.

A woman also suffered mild chest trauma and a 57-year-old man mild neck pain. Both were taken to hospital.

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OLICE in Arona say they are shocked at the results of a speed checking campaign which showed many motorists travelling at double the limit.

The radar checks were carried out on a score of streets and avenues from November 23rd to December 2nd.

“In this period, municipal agents detected vehicles that doubled the maximum speed allowed in some urban roads, as in the case of Chayofita Avenue (which runs next to schools and sport fields), and filed 135 complaints just in the first six days of the campaign, which represent 6.4 per cent of the total number of vehicles that circulated on those dates and routes,” said a police spokesman.

The checks were specifically carried out in area of

accident concern, because of the presence of schools or a high number of pedestrians.

The police said they were particularly shocked because they had publicised the radars in advance through the social networks and did not hide their cars to make the checks more visible. Even so, cars continued to speed.

Failure to comply with the rules is classified as a serious or very serious infringement, with fines of 100 to 600 euros.

And the Penal Code establishes a prison sentence for driving at a speed greater than 60 kilometres per hour on urban roads or at 80 kilometres per hour on interurban roads.

Kitesurfing tragedy in El Medano

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HERE was tragedy off the beach of Playa Peña María in El Médano when a kitesurfer was pulled dead out of the water.

Another kitesurfer alerted the emergency services after seeing the man in the water and reporting that he appeared to be unconscious.

He pulled him out of the sea himself and advanced efforts were made to save his life but without success.

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SECOND SITE?

“Vital” car park in Las Galletas secured for two years

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RONA council has stepped in to save a vital car-parking area in Las Galletas.

The authority has leased the rough land adjacent to the sports hall so that the hundreds of motorists who use it ever y day can continue to do so. It is also planned to make improvements.

The land is privately owned and there were fears that its use as a car-park could cease.

However, the new agreement guarantees its continuation for the next two years with the possibility of a further extension.

The council has also pledged to carry out resurfacing work to get rid of the potholes although total asphalting is not possible because it is classified as rural land.

The area leased is 8,500 square metres and will have some 520 parking spaces once the improvement works are completed.

The Mayor of Arona, José Julián Mena, said they understood that guaranteeing the public use of that surface was vital for Las Galletas. It was very important for the neighbours and it was strategic to preserve and promote the

commercial zone and guarantee the jobs “for which we started to work on a solution that has now been made possible. “ Sr. Mena recalled that this was one of the main demands of the inhabitants and small and medium merchants, who needed the support of their council to ensure a space that could continue to use as parking.

The council has already held the first talks about another surface that is used in

Las Galletas as a parking lot in Punta del Viento, which could

bear fruit in a second public parking lot for the town.

BETTER BUS SERVICE FOR GUAZA/PALM MAR AREA?

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Spring Hoteles praised for backing Arona’s future

US services in Parque de la Reina, Guaza, Palm-Mar, Las Rosas and Guargacho may be improved under a new agreement.

Arona council has signed a deal with Tenerife Cabildo to “ improve coverage, frequencies and transfers of the line that serves the lower area of the municipality and, specifically , Parque de la Reina , Guaza, Palm-Mar, Las Rosas and Guargacho.”

“This involves an investment by the corporation of 160,793 euros in the next two years with the possibility of an extension for one more year, which would expand this amount to 243,117 euros,” said a council spokesman.

“In this way, the line that gives service to the area, the 468, will continue to provide a service of vital importance to this area, with the possibility of improving the frequencies.”

In the agreement approved today, 73 per cent of the contribution (the aforementioned 160,793 euros) corresponds to the council and the remaining 27 per cent to the Cabildo .

Transport councillor Leopoldo Díaz Oda said: “Arona is, with all certainty, one of the municipalities of the Southern region that has collaborated most with Titsa in terms of public transport.”

S

PRING Hoteles has reinforced its confidence in Arona with an investment of more than 30 million in its three establishments.

The Mayor, José Julián Mena visited the facilities of the Vulcano hotel accompanied by the general director of this company, Miguel Villaroya.

The hotel group has renewed the three accommodation establishments that it has in Arona, in addition to the Vulcano, which are the Bitácora and the Arona Gran Hotel.

“It is important that the renovation of the housing plant of the municipality and its updating continue, a process that supposes, on the part of the companies, a firm confidence in the present and in the

future of Arona, with the attraction of important investments to the municipality, the creation of jobs and an increase in the competitiveness of our tourist destination,” said Sr. Mena.

Tourism councillor David Perez said that “it is a renewal that goes beyond the merely physical, which results in the experience of tourists who visit the municipality.”

He highlighted the group’s sensitivity to accessibility for all, with the pool area having a bathing platform adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Pile-up on north motorway

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EMBERS of the Tenerife Fire Brigade Consortium, based in La Laguna, intervened in a traffic accident involving four vehicles on the TF-5 highway, at the height of the municipality of La Laguna.

They were called in, together with the Civil Guard and Canary Emergency Service, following reports of a multiple collision on the highway.

The firefighters once in the place confirmed that it was a traffic accident with several vehicles and a trapped person who had to be released. He was taken to hospital.

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IMAGE IMPROVEMENT

Guia de Isora plans to pedestrianise several streets

RECORD YEAR?

New tourism figures show Puerto is flourishing again

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UERTO de la Cruz has improved its tourism indicators in the four months of the year from July to October 2017.

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ITH the aim of revitalising the historic centre of the municipality, the local council of Guía de Isora has managed to include within the Municipal Cooperation Plan of the Cabildo a project to pedestrianise some of its streets.

Specifically, these are the streets of Arriba, de Abajo, El Mentidero and partially of calle Sorlarai.

“This will improve the image of the centre and facilitate the transit of pedestrians,” said a spokesman.

By opening these new spaces and expanding the sidewalks, the council hopes to boost an area with a high historical value, attract new residents to the area and create a more attractive space for commercial opportunities.

The council says it is aware of the need to increase the number of parking spaces after the approval of this project. For Mayor Pedro Martín, “a few years ago we conditioned one of the few areas available in the town centre, the upper part of Los Chorros Street, to make free parking. For this new work, we have bought land next to the main road, very close to El Pilón street.”

First vice-president and councillor of municipal cooperation, Aurelio Abreu, said the pedestrianisation plan was “one more step” to improve the quality of life of residents, commenting: “This project is the answer to the need to begin to act in improving the urban environment of the historic centre of Guía de Isora and to value the architectural heritage as an attraction for resi-

dents and visitors of the area. “ At the same time, the council is trying to improve internal mobility between the areas of Chajajo and Las Britas.

A project is being drafted to build a new street that connects with the Los Chorros car park and that leads to the El Pinillo area.

The main sector of the local economy has consolidated the recovery and obtains encouraging data for the final stretch of the year, says the local council.

This is the result of the latest Barometer of Profitability and Employment of Spanish Tourism Destinations, prepared by Exceltur. In it, the improvement is confirmed and strengthened with an increase of 5.8% in the average income per available room with respect to the same period of the previous year (RevPar), standing at 51.8 euros, almost twice as much as in 2010, and an increase of 5.1% in tourist employment, with a total of 6,276 new members of Social Security for the period from June to October of this year.

The data is complemented by an accumulated annual average of 84.10% occupancy, until October, which eliminates the seasonality in the destination, with the occupancy percentages constant during the ten months of the year. This figure is well above the Spanish average of occupation which

TWO CAUGHT FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

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HE Local Police of Arona have detained two people for selling drugs and seized hundreds of euros in foreign currency.

The two separate operations took place at dawn in urban streets of Playa de Las Americas and ended with the detection of numerous doses of marijuana, hashish and cocaine prepared for sale.

Officers were accompanied by the canine dog unit.

Both people arrested were of foreign nationality, one of them without documents. They had in their possession 125 grams of cocaine, marijuana and hashish distributed in individual doses for sale. Numerous foreign currency notes were also seized, which included dollars, pounds sterling and Lebanese pounds valued in hundreds of euros.

They were caught in the pedestrian promenade of Las Vistas beach and on Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina.

stands at 69% and above the national holiday average of 81.70%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) stands at 61.70 euros, four per cent higher than the same period in 2016.

The Mayor Lope Afonso said Puerto’s new position was down to the renovation of numerous tourist facilities and the investment of a dozen new private initiatives that will be incorporated into the next “Modernisation and Improvement Plan”.

Tourism councillor, Dimple Melwani said the year was expected to end with record figures.

The figures are reflected in positive tourism spending.

The joint work of the public administration with the private sector, the confidence in the new positioning and the tourism promotion strategy towards the model of experiences related to active tourism and nature, local gastronomy, culture, festivals and traditions, has played “a decisive role in the recovery and improvement of Puerto de la Cruz as a tourist des-

tination on the rise, “said the Mayor, who highlighted the new investment initiatives that are coming and some already announced such as the” new Hotel Chiripa, which will become a five-star hotel, or the conversion of the Bellavista apartments that will reopen in November as a four-star hotel, the Atlantic Mirage Hotel and quite likely the awarding of the former Hotel Taoro”.

The municipal tourism department has good forecasts for the winter season, hoping to exceed the figure of “920,000 tourists staying” at the end of the year.

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LOCAL

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591

NEWS

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CABILDO ACCOLADE

ICOD MEETING

“Real hopes” for bringing new look to San Marcos beach

Another top award for Loro Parque as sustainability recognised

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ORO Parque has received the “Best Sustainable Tourism Practice” award from Tenerife Cabildo.

The award recognises its environmental actions and is a public acknowledgement of its continued commitment to sustainability.

This is carried out on a daily basis through different actions, such as the creation of its own photovoltaic plant, which stops the emission of more than 2,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere ; the reuse of the prunings of the palm trees within the complex; the conversion into compost of all organic waste from restaurants and the supply of gardens, animals and restaurants with their own crops, among other initiatives.

This year, 2017, was declared the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism” at the initiative of the United Nations with the aim of raising awareness among decision-makers and the general public of the

contribution of sustainable tourism to development, in turn mobilising all groups of interest to work together and make tourism an engine of positive change.

In Tenerife, the Cabildo, through Turismo de Tenerife and other areas, programmed the implementation of numerous sustainable actions in collaboration with other public administrations and private companies.

Since 2015, the island has been involved in a series of actions related to the respect and conservation of nature that were born with the vocation to endure over time.

In the next six months, Loro Parque and the rest of the awarded companies will appear in a prominent section on the Tenerife Tourism website, as well as in other communication channels of the dependent entity of the Cabildo.

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HE plan to bring a new lease of life to the San Marcos beach in Icod de los Vinos could be drawn up within six months.

Puerto launches new online website for jobseekers

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UERTO de la Cruz has launched the new employment portal puertodelacruz.portalemp.com aimed at all those seeking employment and companies who want to advertise their vacancies.

With the implementation of this new service, the AEDL meets one of the requirements to operate as a Placement Agency, by having a computer tool compatible with the Public Employment Services Information System.

This new website, which will be managed by the Local Employment and Development Agency of the City Council (AEDL), will allow the job seekers of the municipality to present online their CV and their work and training preferences to be eligible for job offers received through the portal, as well as the training courses organised by the AEDL or the collaborating entities of the centre.

Those interested will only need to have an internet connection and an email account to formalise their registration.

From home, they will be able to “register, modify and renew their demand and print their curriculum vitae, procedures that

previously had to be done in person at the municipal offices,” explained local councillor, Antonia María Domínguez.

In addition, those who do not have access to the internet may register at the offices of the AEDL, located in the Centre for Business Initiatives (CIE).

In cases where job seekers do not have the minimum knowledge necessary to register through the portal, they will be attended directly by the staff of the centre. It is also planned to have weekly practical workshops to help them in their quest.

To obtain more information about the employment portal, those interested can ring 922.37.84.05 and 922.38.62.45; or email cie@puertodelacruz.es. If you wish to be attended in person, you can go to the offices of the CIE, located on the top floor of the Municipal Market (Avda. Blas Pérez González, number four), from 9am. to 1pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

The Mayor and the councillor for institutional relations travelled to Madrid to meet with representatives from Spain’s coastal depart-ment.

An agreement was signed between the central Government and the autonomous community through the transfer of two million euros incorporated into the State budgets of 2017.

The meeting involved the Mayor, José Ramón León and the councillor for institutional relations, Isabel García, who discussed this issue, together with others, with the general director of Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea, Raquel Orts.

The Tourism Department of the Government of the Canary Islands is now obliged to draft the project of the works within a period of six months, the deadline set by this agreement, to be subsequently approved by Costas; in the case of non-compliance, it expires.

In addition, the local councillor has requested a new meeting with the Tourism Minister of the Canarian Executive to request the immediate start of procedures and actions to avoid any delay and risk in the use of these funds, given the narrow time limit established for the drafting of the project.

So far, assurances are being given that the procedures will be carried out and the deadlines will be met.

Sr. Leon said: “The meeting addressed the real possibilities in the short term of putting the beach in conditions of use and, long term, to search for a definitive solution for San Marcos beach.”

COMMUNITY

NEWS

Friends of Tenerife future charity events On Tuesday 16th of January the New Years Lunch will be held at Restaurante Ruen Thai at 1.00 for 1.30. Price: €20 On Tuesday 6th of February there will be a Buffet Lunch at Hotel Masaru at 1.00 for 1.30. €15.50 On Tuesday 20th February, FOT will be holding the Annual General Meeting at Apartamentos Teide Mar, La Paz at 6.00 for 6.30, followed by Buffet Supper €6 On Tuesday 27th Februrary there will be a Coach Trip to Iceland for Easter Goodies. everyone welcome, only €10.

Two hours free time in Playa de las Americas. Join the scamper to Scampi. Coach 11.15 for 11.30 outside the Botanical Gardens.

Follow us of Facebook. For more information or to reserve places phone Jean on 922 384809 or Maureen on 922 341979.

COMMUNITY 11

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

NEWS

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Santa Paws is coming to k9!

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HRISTMAS is a time for gifts and happiness and it shouldn’t be any different for the doggies and kitties at K9 animal refuge. They deserve all the best and therefore no doggy or kitty will go without a gift this Christmas! K9 staff and volunteers have designed K9’s very own christmas stocking. Everyone is welcome to place their gifts inside the Christmas box, and if they wish to dedicate the gift to a specific dog or cat, they can simply put their name tag on it. So if you have some free time and would like to give our doggies a lovely Christmas surprise just pop up to the refuge any day between 11am and 2pm and take part in the Christmas joy!

MEET OUR DOGS We have many dogs - in all shapes and sizes – waiting patiently for their loving, safe and secure forever homes. You can see them all – their stories and pictures – on our website at www.k9tenerife.com Go to “K9 dogs/Dogs waiting for homes”.

Celebrating the Centennial anniversary of the International Lions Clubs

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HIS year is the Centennial anniversary of the International Lions Clubs and each club throughout the world was asked to hold a special celebration to honour this great occasion.

Our Club Tenerife Isla Sur decided to hold a “Street Party” for many of the children of different ages and abilities that we have supported in recent years.

Our party was held in front of the Cultural Centre in Los Cristianos and it was a fabulous success. More than 100

children and carers enjoyed the dancing, singing, eating and entertainment.

As President of the club I would like to express my thanks and admiration to Prakash and the team for all the hard work that went into the organisation which made the event such a success.

Why not visit us at K9 Refuge on Calle Chimbesque between Las Chafiras and Las Zocas any day of the week between 10:00 and 14:00. Alternatively, you can get in touch by telephoning us on 667 638 468 or emailing info@k9tenerife.com You will also find stories of our dogs, their antics and heartwarming re-homings on facebook by following Diary of a K9 Tenerife Dogwalker and also K9 Tenerife.

The smooth running of the day was due to the very reliable supporters who included some students from Wingate School along with members of the Indian Community all of whom played a valuable part in the happy event.

I want to thank the Mayor of Arona and members of his council for the permission and co-operation that enabled us to hold this ambitious event.

Not only did all the guests enjoy the party, so did the helpers, the DJ, the photographer, the balloon artist. Many members of the public asked our members more about the amazing thing our club does and what it stands for.

It was a tremendous way of celebrating 100 years of service to our community.

Thank you once again to everybody concerned.

NS

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COMMUNITY

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591

NEWS

All Saints Church news

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LL Saints Church would like to wish everybody a Blessed, Joyous and Peaceful Christmas and all the very best for the coming year 2018.

WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

Wingate students raise money to help a school in the Gambia

OUR CHRISTMAS SERVICES ARE BEING HELD AS FOLLOWS: DECEMBER Sunday 24th at 11am Something different A “Make Room for the Manger” All Age Crib Service “The Nativity” a Service depicting the Birth of Jesus Christ in story form with Lessons and Carols and at 11.30pm Midnight Mass.

Monday 25th 9.30 Service of Holy Communion ( 1662)and at 11am come and celebrate the Birth of Christ with us a Sung Eucharist.

Wednesday 27th at 10am, Service Of Holy Communion, John, Apostle, Evangelist.

Sunday 31st at 9.30 Holy Communion 10am( 1662) and at 11am Christmas One Sung Eucharist.

JANUARY Wednesday 3rd Holy Communion at 10am Sunday 7th at 9.30 Holy Communion (1662) and at 11am “ Epiphany Sunday” Sung Eucharist.

All Saints Church will be celebrating Epiphany in fellowship together at Restaurante Monasterio at 1.30pm. Tickets and details from Jean Fountain Wilson 922321164 or after the Services listed above .

Canon Michael Rees who is our locum Priest over the Christmas Season is holding a series of Bible Studies on Wednesdays at 11.15 Wednesday December 27th: Season 0f Wonder : Jesus Birth.

Wednesday January 3rd : In Search of the King: Rayco , our church organist continues to hold choir lessons on a Tuesday evening from 8pm-10pm. Details from Rayco on 699649454 Our next Car Boot of the New Year will be on Saturday February 3rd, gates open 11am. These are always extremely popular and I am sure 2018 will be no different As All Saints Church is in an Interregnum our locum Priest until January 5th 2018 will be Canon Michael Rees and then from January 5th to March 1st will be The Very Reverend Michael Higgins with his wife Margaret. We are very grateful to all our locum Priests as we are in our 3rd year of Interregnum for their support and encouragement to us all . Many of whom have returned for second or even third visits. Thank you all .

Our locum Priests can be reached by phoning the parsonage on 922384038.

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INGATE School staff and Year 9 students have raised the amazing sum of 500€ for the Brufut Upper Basic School in the Gambia this term through various events , including a cultural food fair.

The school (which is only a few hours flight away from us in Western Africa) is doing its best to improve the lives of its students and lift them out of poverty through education, but the school is terribly underfunded. They have over 2000 students, too many to fit in the school at one time, so they have to be taught in two shifts.

There are up to 75 children per class, taught by only one teacher, with not enough space, chairs or tables to go around.

The school doesn’t even have the basic school equipment that we take for granted, such as chrome-books, use of the Internet or projectors, which would be an absolute luxury in the Gambia. Not only do they have insufficient supplies of paper, pens or books, they have no access to

running water or a reliable supply of electricity.

The money Wingate School has raised will have a big impact on the learning opportunities of the students.

So far, the Brufut School have bought mathematical set boxes and books with our previous donation. A little money from us goes a long way in the Gambia and changes lives. So, many thanks to all the parents, staff and students who have supported this worthwhile project.

A particular thank you goes to Ania, Bhipasha, Daniela, Devisha, Janvi, Oceane, Meghan and Phoebe, as well as other members of Year 9, who helped to organise the charity events.

Seasons greetings from Accion del Sol

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E would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has helped us over the last year and we would like to wish you season’s greetings and look forward to seeing you all in 2018.

Lovely Lilli

We had a very special visitor to the refuge at our Christmas event,the lovely Gaby who is a very young 93 year old lady who adopted a small mixed breed dog six years ago whom she named Lilli.

I was very fortunate to talk to Gaby and it was amazing to hear and see the love between them.

Lilli was so happy sat on Gaby’s lap. Their lives together are obviously one of great love and we wish them many more happy years together.

Future welfare

Lots of children have been visiting the refuge to take part in our educational programme which we feel is extremely important to the future welfare of animals on our island that is Tenerife.

Santa’s visit

Our very own Father Christmas along with some of our dogs and puppies paid a special visit to the elderly residents in Los Cristianos “ Residencia De Los Mayores “ to bring some festive cheer and to deliver some early presents which certainly made some very happy residents.

Your help

Please do call the refuge on 922778630 if you can help in any way.

We are always in need of tinned dog food for our older dogs, blankets, towels, sheets, dog toys and collars and leads. If you have any of the above to spare they would be very much appreciated at the refuge, or visit Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 14.00-17.00pm and Saturdays 13.0016.00.

We are situated directly next to the Eolica Parque exit 51b on the TF1 north bound which is after the El Medano junction and junction 52 south bound . Head for the giant windmills on the coast and we are the buildings on the right hand side or email the refuge at teneriffa@aktiontier.org or visit our Facebook page “action tier Accion del Sol”

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Wingate helps Santa give out his gifts

CANARY ISLANDS 13

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

NEWS

NIGERIAN WOMEN

Prostitution victims freed after Gran Canaria identified as gang’s HQ

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ATIONAL Police have dismantled an organisation dedicated to the sexual exploitation of Nigerian women, with arrests in the Canaries as well as on the mainland.

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NCE again this year, the students of Wingate School Year 12 have assisted the Tenerife South Lions, in gathering various toys and gifts for the children of the local orphanages. And what a successful year it has been! All the Year 12 students wish to thank the parents and students of the school, for the marvellous support and help they gave in donating and in some cases wrapping the toys.

The children received their presents from Father Christmas and his elves (the Lions and volunteer Wingate students) whilst enjoying a fun day at Aqualand. And a very Merry Christmas was had by all.

Year 12 designed the posters, wrote to parents, did presentations to year groups and collected donated gifts every morning. Finally came

the sorting and wrapping and yet more funds will be raised by the Toy Sale where all the money will also be given to the Tenerife South Lions so that it can be used to support those in need. Christmas is a time of enchantment for youngsters and we are so glad to have been able to help bring some of that to so many little ones.

The organisation was said to have a strong infrastructure starting from Nigeria to reach Spain, passing through Turkey, Greece and France.

Seven people have been arrested in Arrecife (Las Palmas), Madrid and Vitoria (Álava), including the head of the organisation, and five victims have been released.

The operation was carried out within the Plan of the National Police against the Trafficking of Human Beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

“The victims were captured in Nigeria, where after being subjected to voodoo rituals they were taken to Europe where they had to practise prostitution to pay off their debts,” said a police spokes-

man.

The investigations began in 2015 when the agents detected the existence of a criminal organisation of Nigerian origin, based in Gran Canaria.

“The women were recruited in Nigeria and the organisation was responsible for their transfer through different routes across the African continent to Europe, providing them with the necessar y documentation at the origin and teaching them how to act at the border posts so as not to be detected at the controls,” say the police.

“Once in Spain, the victims were transferred to different cities of the national territory such as Madrid, Vitoria or Barcelona to force them to

HEALTHY EATING

Free fruit and veg for Luxury award for leading Canary school-children EALTH chiefs with the Canary Government Lanzarote hotel have pledged to continue educating the BARCELO ACCOLADE

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HREE establishments of the Barcelo Hotel Group have been deemed amongst the most luxurious in the world.

The Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri in Cadiz, the Barceló Teguise Beach (Lanzarote) and the Barceló Brno Palace in the Czech Republic have been awarded in different categories of the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The Barceló Teguise Beach (Lanzarote) has been recognised as “Best luxury resort on the Costa de España and southern Europe” and “Best luxury resort with Spa and Thalassotherapy in Spain”. The “Luxury Travel Guide” has also chosen it as the “Best Affordable Luxury Hotel of the Year”.

The prizes of this eleventh edition were presented during a gala in Switzerland and attended by numerous representatives of the international tourism sector.

practise street and club prostitution, under the strict control of the members of the network.”

“Once the victims were selected, they were subjected to voodoo rituals to strengthen, through fear, their loyalty to the exploiters. Through these rituals, the victims committed themselves not to denounce their exploiters, not to escape and to deliver all the money that they obtained to the members of the organisation.”

The curses included taking strands of their hair, cutting

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young about decent diets and an active lifestyle in a bid to avoid obesity and diabetes.

Health Minister José Manuel Baltar said they were delighted with the success of a new programme which has introduced tastings of fruit and vegetables to more than 300 education centres.

This is in a bid to encourage children aged between three and 12 to eat them rather than unhealthy snacks.

Sr. Baltar said the Ministry of Health had been working since 2004 on actions and programmes for the prevention and attention to obesity, focusing mainly on childhood obesity, since the most effective actions for the prevention of different risk factors such as diabetes 1, obesity and dyslipidemia are those that are incorporated into the lifestyle from childhood.

He also stressed that the Canary Islands has been a pioneer in the development of a Health Strategy following the recommendations made by the United Nations in 2011.

pieces of fingernails or toes and even being forced to eat the heart of raw chickens.

The victims contracted a debt that was around 55,000 euros to which they had to add the expenses of maintenance, residence and even pay transport tickets for their operators.

They were forced to work between 8pm and 3am the following morning.

Of the five victims freed, two were found in Arrecife (Las Palmas) and one in Barcelona, one in Valencia and one in Vitoria.

CANARY 112 SERVICE RECOGNISED FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

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HE 112 emergency service of the Canary Islands has received the 2017 ACITICS award for the use of telecommunications in its work.

The accolade is granted each year by the Canar y Association of Engineers and Graduates in Information and Communication Technologies and the Official College of Telecommunications Technical Engineers of the Canary Islands.

The presentation took place during the celebration of the ICT Day, organised by this association, which this year looked at the role of women in the technology sector, in the meeting called “The digitalisation with another look”, held in Tenerife.

The award was received by the manager of the public company Services Management for Health and Safety and the Canary Islands (GSC), Luis Rodríguez Neyra, and the head of the Information and Communication Technology Unit of the company, which manages the 1 -1-2, Carlos Rosa Remedios.

The 112 service has been involved in continuous technological improvements of its service since 2010 to improve the management of calls and speed up response times.

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DROUGHT CONDITIONS

RENEWING INFRASTRUCTURE

Canaries to spend eight million euros on 13 tourism projects

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Bee-keeping in danger, warns El Hierro, in plea for united front

HE Canary Government is to invest eight million euros to carry out 13 tourism projects across the seven islands.

The funds will be materialised through two agreements, which will have an execution time of four years.

La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro will receive three million euros and the rest will be distributed between Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands, Isaac Castellano, and the Secretar y of State for Tourism, Matilde Asián, signed the two agreements.

For Isaac Castellano, these agreements “constitute a very important impetus for the Comprehensive Plan for the Renewal of Tourist Infrastructures” while “allowing us to respond to the islands’ needs.”

Isaac Castellano, who was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Cristóbal

de la Rosa, and the Director General of Tourism Infrastructure, Héctor Suárez, explained that one of the agreements has a budget of three million euros to undertake five actions in La Palma , La Gomera and El Hierro. On the other hand, the remaining five million will go to eight works in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife.

The Minister of Tourism specified that the objective pursued by the investment “is to ensure the maintenance and sustainability of the tourist competitiveness of the islands in an international market that requires a constant process of renovation and modernisation of the infrastructures of the main destinations “ Similarly, he said that “the creation of efficient public spaces, accessible, aesthetic and in line with the environmental

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environment will be pursued.”

Specifically, the planned works are the Archaeological Museum of Valverde (El Hierro); the improvement of road safety in the access road to the Abrante and El Chorro viewpoint and the urban improvement of pedestrian access roads to the Avenida Marítima in Playa Santiago (La Gomera), and the second phase of the Seta Research Centre (La Palms). On this island, the acquisition of the property for the Hotel Escuela de El Paso is also contemplated.

In Lanzarote, the insular cyclist route will be executed, while in Fuerteventura the

second phase of the Los Canarios Viewpoint and the extension of the Rambla Juan Évora Suárez in Antigua will be carried out.

In the Tenerife municipality of Guía de Isora, the existing road will be prepared in Punta Blanca and in San Miguel de Abona, the Amarilla Golf promenade will be developed.

In Gran Canaria, the first phase of the scenic corridor of Telde will be executed. In turn, in Mogán the stairs will be rehabilitated in the tourist urbanisation of Puerto Rico.

Finally, also in Gran Canaria, the project of the House of Los Alvarado, in Teror, will be carried out.

Man breaks leg in 12m fall

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N investigation was launched after a 60-yearold man was badly injured in a fall from a community complex in Gran Canaria.

The man suffered a fractured leg of a serious nature in the incident which happened at 1am in La Goleta in the municipality of Arucas.

The Civil Guard, police and medics were called to the scene following reports that a man had fallen from a height of about 12 metres from a residents’ association building.

He was treated on site and stabilised before being transferred to hospital.

The circumstances of the fall have not been released.

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plea has been made to all of the Canary Islands to keep honey production alive following the revelation that El Hierro’s industry has been hit by 60 per cent due to drought conditions.

The appeal was made by Cabildo president Casimiro Curbelo Curbelo who said a firm commitment must be made to the rural environment.

Beekeeping in La Gomera may not occupy a decisive place in the primary sector but it has become one of the most profitable products and better accepted by consumers.

However, because of drought conditions across the island, production this year has been hit by at least 50 per cent and this could well rise to 60 per cent.

“If the situation continues as it is at present, the industry will have to resort to extraordinary measures such as feeding bees with water and sugar and that is simply to keep them alive, because at present many of the hives are literally starving,” said a Cabildo spokesman.

Sr. Curbelo said everything possible should be done to keep the long tradition of bee keeping alive.

At this time in La Gomera there are 96 beekeepers who according to the last census made last year kept 2,214

beehives. However, this situation may now have changed dramatically.

The island has a group that brings together a large part of these producers called the Apicultural Association of La Gomera. Each year, the Cabildo provides grants to help pay for health expenses, participate and organise courses and hire a veterinarian.

The Cabildo says that at the moment, all of the honey produced in El Hierro is sold but the market is undersupplied.

Hermigua beekeeper Quico Herrera, who has about 130 hives, says the situation is “scary”.

“If it does not rain, there is no pollen, which is what the bees collect and it serves to put the eggs with which they make the nectar. When there is a good flowering a lot is produced and we end up selling all the production, “ he said.

He is having to resort to desperate measures such as reserving a can of honey to feed the hives he has in Benchijigua.

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NEWS

Motorway work to improve Gran Canaria’s image

“DEPLORABLE STATE”

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RAN Canaria’s Cabildo has announced extensive action to improve and tidy up the GC-1 after describing the main artery through the island as “in a deplorable state”.

A programme containing nearly 400 actions has been approved, costing 14 million euros.

The area to be tackled runs 18 kilometres from Las Palmas to the airport and more than 370 hectares of land on both sides of the road. Work will start in March and will not affect the traffic flow.

The Cabildo is also to tackle the section from the airport to the south of the island.

Island leaders say sections of the land on either side of the motorway is in a state of abandonment and new landscaping is needed.

Publicity posters will also be eliminated, parking areas reorganised, slopes reconditioned, urban and industrial facades reformed and any

installations in a bad state either eliminated or repaired.

The projects also include an oasis of palm trees in the Tivoli area, the Tritón viewpoint restored and the lighting of the cliff of La Laja as a prominent symbol at the entrance of the capital will be improved.

Graffiti will also be removed, the plot located next to the commercial space of La Mareta regenerated and screens put up to hide deteriorated areas. Walls will also be repaired and repainted.

A special taskforce of eight has already been employed to carry out the work in phases and in order of priority to improve Gran Canaria’s image.

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Spaniard strapped cocaine to legs

AIRPORT ARREST

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HIS drug smuggler went to extreme lengths to get a haul of cocaine through customs at a Spanish airport.

Police became suspicious of the 56-year-old man after he arrived at El Prat airport in Barcelona on board a flight from Sao Paulo in Brazil.

The passenger tried to deflect suspicion by appearing to be part of a holiday-making couple as he was accompanied by a 46year-old woman from Azerbaijan.

But officers suspected they might be carrying drugs and initially searched their luggage. The eventually found the 56year-old Spaniard had strapped bandages and sticky tape to his legs and thighs to hide eight packets of cocaine, weighing 2,703 grams in total.

The Civil Guard and Tax Agency arrested both the man and woman for a crime against public health.

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Boy, 12, crammed into dashboard of luxury car

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12-year-old boy was rescued from near-suffocation after police found him stuffed inside the dashboard of a luxury car trying to get into Spain.

The youngster was unable to breath properly or move because of the tight space which took even customs officers by surprise.

“The people smuggling mafia will do anything for economic gain to tr y and smuggle people across the border from Morocco to Spain,” said a spokesman for the Spanish Civil Guard.

“In this case, the car was in very good order and new so

they are now using even luxury cars to deflect attention.”

The boy, from the subSaharan region, was rescued from the car which was driven by a 65-year-old Morrocan man who tried to get through the Beni-Enzar border, one of the most important ones between Spain and Morocco.

Border control police only checked the car because of a small item and heard the boy when inspecting the dash-

board.

“He was suffeing from numbness and disorientation, in addition to having trouble breathing and sweating,” said the spokesman.

The driver has been arrested Moroccan man for a crime against the rights of foreign citizens.

The boy was taken to a detention centre.

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Four more Narco gang planned to arrests for smuggle cocaine using DAESH links hydroplanes TENERIFE LINK

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HE Spanish National Police and the Directorate-General for National Security of the Kingdom of Morocco have arrested four people, three of them in Spain, for belonging to the terrorist organisation DAESH

The operation was carried out with the collaboration of the Provincial Intelligence Brigades of Guipúzcoa and Barcelona, Europol and the Directorate-General for National Security of the Kingdom of Spain (DGST), once more neutralising a dangerous threat.

Raids were carried out simultaneously in Tangier (Morocco), Figureres (Girona) and Parla (Madrid), where a number of homes were searched.

“Those arrested were key targets in the fight against terrorism,” said a spokesman for the Spanish government.

“They were publishing radical jihadi materials on the internet and directly inciting the commission of attacks in Spain.

They all used their profiles in the social media to work for the propaganda apparatus of the terrorist organisation in Spain.”

The operation remains ongoing.

The Ministr y of Home Affairs sends out a reminder that, through the initiative STOP RADICALISMOS, citizens can collaborate through a series of channels open to them so that, in a confidential and secure manner, they can notify the State law enforcement agencies of possible cases of radicalisation in their vicinity through the web page www.stop-radicalismos.es, the mobile phone app for citizens security alerts Alertcops and the free hotline 900 822 066.

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NE of the biggest drug smuggling groups operating in the south of Spain has been smashed by police just as its ringleaders prepared to launch a “narco aeroclub” to start introducing cocaine through hydroplanes.

Fourteen people have been arrested as part of the joint operation by the National Police, Civil Guard and Tax Agency and six boats, two jet skis, a helicopter, plane and ultralight seized.

The criminal organisation was led by an Huelva-born businessman, qualified as a naval mechanic and considered one of the main drug traffickers of the peninsula.

He is now in custody, together with 13 others, following raids on the Spanish mainland and Tenerife in the Canaries.

Police have also found 5,100 kilos of hashish, various

firearms with ammunition and telephone, electronic and computer material.

“Those arrested were in the process of acquiring land for the construction of a narco airport that would allow them

to start introducing cocaine through hydroplanes,” said a police spokesman.

The investigation began after a tip-off about drug shipments being landed on beaches in Huelva and then transported to a secret warehouse. From here, the hashish was distributed to customers both national and international.

“The organisation had two

distinct branches, one dealing with the finanicial side, including whitewashing money, the other with the transport, storage and distribution of the hashish, Income from the drug sales was laundered hrough different hotel establishments, which allowed the members of the plot to justify the possession of real estate, vehicles and aircraft.

MEAT INDUSTRY

Animal bodies carried in cruelty protest

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NTI-cruelty activists took to the streets of Madrid, many carrying the dead bodies of animals, to protest about “inhumane practices and exploitation” in the meat industry.

All those taking part were asked to wear black and to display photos of the faces of animals taken by the campaign group “Igualdad Animal”.

They say these represent just a small number of the millions of animals killed each year around the world in unacceptable conditions.

Those on the front row of the silent protest held dead animals in their arms, including piglets, chickens and rabbits.

The demonstration in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol was organised to coincide with the

International Day of Animal Rights.

“We are here to give voices to the millions of animals mistreated by industrial livestock, which is responsible for terrible animal abuse and the destruction of the planet,” said Javier Moreno, director of “Animal Equality,” in a statement.

The protestors say the rights of animals have to be respected and want major changes in the law.

The organisation, which has three million members around the world, has been investigating cases of animal abuse for more than a decade.

A Happy New Year and many more happy returns on your investments As we say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in a New Year, how did your investments stack up in the last twelve months?

Sebastian & St James’ clients have enjoyed returns this year of 6.54% after all charges on their investments, this includes a guarantee on the initial capital invested.

In fact, the returns for our clients in the last four years have been as follows: 2009 17.76%

2010 11.70%

2011 10.62%

2012 7.90%

2013 7.50%

2014 7.58%

2015 10.20%

2016 6.54%

Again, this is after all charges and can include a capital guarantee on the invested funds. This investment can be used for capital growth, providing regular tax efficient income payments on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. It also allows access to your capital at any time so should you need to access your money it can be transferred directly to your nominated bank account.

Setting up a Spanish tax compliant investment is no more difficult than setting up a bank account.

Once you have invested you have easy access to your money: regular and one-off withdrawals, to suit your needs.

The investment is backed by an AA rated financial institution which is subject to a strict legal and regulatory environment, to European Law, and having to comply with all applicable European directives and regulations and to meet European solvency margins.

Sebastian & St James provide financial advice on an international basis including investments, pensions, regular savings and international life insurance so wherever you are in the world, give us a call.

If you have any questions, would like more information or to discuss options on your investments or pensions please email or call Sebastian & St James to see if we can help.

Sebastian & St James International Financial Advisers Limited: advice based on integrity, trust and experience.

NEWS FROM

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CANARY INCREASES

FOUR ARRESTS

Social Security figures provide “encouraging news” for jobs

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HE number of contributors to the Spanish social security system rises by 637,232 on last year, the second highest figure on record.

The average number of National Insurance contributors stood at 18,417,756 in November, after rising by the largest year-on-year increase on record in this month, with the exception of 2005 (the year in which there was an extraordinary regularisation of immigrants), with 637,232 more contributors than in 2016.

The month of November posted 12,773 fewer contributors (down 0.07%).

The number of female contributors to the social security system now amounts to 8,521,826 workers, representing 46.27% of all workers.

The seasonally-adjusted figure, which allows the underlying trends to be tracked in the number of contributors, grew in the month by 43,437 workers.

The General Regime posted a decline of 4,855 contributors (down 0.03%), to stand at 15,139,984. In absolute terms, the number of contributors rose in education (up 28,400), trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorbikes (up 18,874) and in construction (up 15,846).

The Special System for Agricultural Workers posted a rise of 10,065 contributors (up 1.33%). The sector now has

an average total of 765,898 contributors. In turn, the Special System for Domestic Workers rose by 932 (up 0.22%) to stand at a total of 420,999 workers.

A total of 3,210,880 contributors were registered under the Regime for SelfEmployed Workers, following a decline of 7,022 people (down 0.22%) in the last month.

A decline of 841 contributors was posted in the Special Regime for Seamen (down 1.29%), to a total of 64,468 workers. Finally, the Regime for Coal Workers posted a decline of 55 contributors (down 2.21%) to a total of 2,424 workers.

In terms of autonomous regions, the number of National Insurance contributors rose in

November in Madrid (up 28,387), the Region of Valencia (21,324), Andalusia (11,786), the Canary Islands (5,157), the Region of Murcia (4,968), the Basque Country (3,846), Castile-La Mancha (2,217), Melilla (1,004), Navarre (247), La Rioja (78) and Ceuta (38).

In contrast, November posted declines in the Balearic Islands (down 78,975), Castile and Leon (5,833), Catalonia (4,038), Cantabria (876), Galicia (747) Aragon (87), Extremadura (511), and Asturias (259).

Compared with last year, the number of workers has increased in all autonomous regions, with particularly noteworthy figures in Madrid (up 121,729), Catalonia (up 115,288) and Andalusia (up 110,779).

OPERATION “NATIVITY”

Six tons of cocaine worth 210 million euros hidden inside shipment of bananas

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OLICE have found a recordbreaking six tons of cocaine, worth 210 million euros, hidden in a shipment of bananas.

An international gang had hidden more than 5,200 pills under the fruit as part of a drug smuggling operation from Colombia to Spain.

Spain’s Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said it was the largest cache of this type of drug seized in Spain so far this century and one of the largest in Europe.

Three people have so far been arrested, the leader, of Spanish nationality, and his two collaborators, with Honduran and Portuguese nationality. In addition, two other people are being investigated.

The operation, codenamed “Nativity”, was carried out in the Spanish port of Algeciras when officers raided a ship loaded with bananas. It had left Colombia for its final destination of El Prat.

The port of Algeciras usually deals with around five million containers a year so the gang had hoped the huge

Police make biggest-ever seizure of pure heroin at Barcelona port

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RUG squad officers have made one of the largest heroin seizures ever recorded in Spain in a single raid.

National Police found the 331 kilos of high purity heroin, the majority of which was hidden among 18 tons of cement in nine containers at the port of Barcelona. It has been described as the “pure brown sugar type.”

So far, four people have been arrested, three small arms, ammunition of different calibre and four vehicles seized, one of them worth more than 100,000 euros. It had been listed as stolen in Germany.

Most of the drug was hidden in 989 bags with more than 250 grams of heroin each.

Spain’s Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido gave details of the successful operation during a press conference in Barcelona, describing it as “one of the largest police seizures of heroin that has ever been registered in Spain in a single intervention,.”

The four people arrested are aged between 30 and 45 years.

All of them are charged with committing the crimes of drug

trafficking, illegal possession of weapons and belonging to a criminal organisation.

The investigation began after police received a tip-off of an imminent cocaine transaction between two individuals of Dominican nationality and two others of Spanish and Ecuadorian nationality.

They were later arrested in Badalonia, having to abort the transfer of 25 kilos of cocaine.

Another 43 kilos were found in a house.

Further investigations into their links unearthed more cocaine at Barcelona port where nine containers waiting to be filled with drugs were found.

Nearly 1,000 bags of cocaine, each containing 250 grams, were found sandwiched between 18 tons of cement.

The investigation remains open as police try to locate other members of the distribution gang.

haul of cocaine, of great purity, would slip through the net.

The shipment had been organised under the cover of a legimate fruit and veg company registered in Barcelona which sent out six containers. The first two were cleared but the cocaine was found in false sections under bunches of bananas.

“In total, 5,299 high-purity

cocaine pills, weighing a little more than one kilogram each, were counted, pressed in a rectangular brick-like shape with several different identification marks, wrapped in adhesive tape. Its market value would have exceeded 210 million euros,” said a police spokesman.

The seizure carried out in Algeciras is the largest of cocaine made by Spanish police forces in the last 18 years, the largest amount intervened in a container in Spain and the second largest in the history of drug trafficking in Spain in all means of transport. In 1999, 7.6 tons of cocaine was seized from a boat intercepted in the high seas.

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HAND-WRITTEN SCROLL

Historians stunned after finding “time capsule” inside religious statue

UNION CRITICISED

Posters slammed as “sexist, macho and inappropriate”

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ISTORIANS restoring an ancient statue of Christ have found a mystery “time capsule” dating back nearly 250 years hidden inside.

The stunned experts uncovered a hand-written scroll giving details of what life was like in the late 1700s.

It was found inside the effigy when they removed the loin cloth from around Christ’s body and noticed the secret compartment.

The two pages are said to have been written in 1777 and is signed by the clergyman of the time.

Historians say although it is not unusual to have hollow statues, it is rare to find anything hidden inside.

They believe the person who hid it, probably the sculptor himself, deliberately wanted it to be found years later, just like a time capsule, to tell the finders about the past.

The amazing discovery was made in Spain during the restoration of the figure of Christ in the Church of Santa Águeda in the municipality of

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police union has been threatened with disciplinary action after posters displaying halfnaked women were used to advertise its Christmas dinner.

Sotillo de la Ribera in Burgos within Castilla y León.

The meticulously written document is signed by the then chaplain of the Cathedral of the Burgo de Osma, Joaquín Mínguez. He identifies the author of the carving but also talks about life at the time, including

economic, religious, political and cultural information.

He talks about the harvest, wine, common diseases such as malaria and typhoid and people’s favourite entertainment such as cards and ball games.

He also mentions events of the day and famous people.

The carving is being

restored in Madrid by Da Vinci Restauro. The company says it was thrilled to make the discovery which gives so much information about the town.

The original scroll has been sent to the church archives but a copy is to be kept inside the statue where it was originally discovered.

FALSE VISITS

Warning as bogus officials rob businesses

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OLICE are warning businesses about a new spate of crimes which involve the future burglars visiting premises under false pretences.

They say the gangs pose as representatives from various bogus firms but mainly security businesses pretending to make checks.

They are particularly homing in on jeweller y shops,

tobacconists, lotter y administrations and banking entities.

“The thieves send a false technician with the excuse of routine checks to analyse the security measures of the

commercial premises and adjoining properties,” said a police spokesman. “They usually cut communications with the central alarm and commit the robbery a couple of weeks later.”

Warning leaflets are being distributed to traders which include preventative advice.

The bogus officials wear authentic-looking uniforms and use accreditations which are false.

The police say all visitors should be checked before they are allowed in and inform them immediately if any suspicions.

Wiring for alarms should also be kept out of sight.

One of them shows a police woman in a provocative pose, the other two semi-naked women.

Both advertised a dinner on behalf of the Professional Union of Local Police and Fire (SPPLB) in Valencia but the city council was far from impressed.

It asked the union to withdraw the posters, saying they were “very unfortunate and macho” and unfitting for the security forces which should be setting an example “in the struggle for equality.”

Councillor for citizen protection Anaïs Menguzzato said the images on the posters were “very lamentable”. She has called on the union to apologise and not to portray women as any sort of entertainment.

She says Valencia city

council will continue to do all it can to combat gender violence and macho images.

The Equality Commission of the city will now consider what action to take against the union.

In a statement, the SPPLB says it did not organise the dinner but had liaised with another company to provide its members with the opportunity to attend the event if it so wished.

The union itself had used a poster showing a singer to publicise the night but the company had issued the two other posters afterwards.

They agreed the content was unsuitable and inappropriate and in no way reflected the union’s values.

The SPPLB said it worked day in, day out to promote equality within the services and eradicate prejudices.

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EU says clamping down on black market tobacco is a priority

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OLICE have dismantld an illegal factory which was churning out two million cigarettes every day to flood the black market.

Eight people were arrested in the Malaga disrict and ten in Granada during a series of early-morning police raids. They include the ringleader who masterminded the whole operation.

Police said a massive factory based in Granada was producing as many cigarettes as a legal one. It cost around 2.5 million pounds to set up in the first place and when raided, ten

tons of tobacco leaf was seized, together with four tons of fine-cut tobacco for roll-ups and 4.5 million cigarettes.

“Everything was carried out on the premises, from the manufacture to the production, creation of the complete packs, packing onto pallets and then their distribution,” said a police

spokesman.

Further investigations revealed the gang was developing its own brand which it intended to distribute outside the legal channels.

The factory workers, mostly of Ukrainian and Bulgarian nationality, lived in different safe houses in Malaga. Their shifts were more than 12 hours

long in “unhealthy facilities without minimum safety measures.”

All the raw materials were shipped in from outside Spain and stored in another secret warehouse in Granada to safeguard the location of the factory.

The European Union says tobacco smuggling is one of

their priorities and more international investigations are continuing.

This operation, condenamed Dolium, involved the State Border Guad Service of Ukraine, European Agency EUBAM, Police of the Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria, Border Police of Romania, Police of Greece and EUROPOL.

Ken Fisher

OUR COLUMNISTS

Dr Luque’s Remedy I

remember that, many years ago, the late Annette Reid told me about a famous English author ess, who lived in Tenerife for a few years in the early 1950’s. Her name was Marguerite Steen. No, I hadn’t heard of her either. Well, the name must have stuck in the depths of my memory as one Wednesday morning last month when I was changing my books in the library I spotted a volume in the biography section, entitled Pier Glass: More autobiography by Marguerite Steen. The date stamp showed it had last been taken out in 2003. A quick flick through the pages showed that it covered her years in Puerto de la Cruz.

Marguerite Steen transported us to the days when Tenerife was

a winter resort which for fifty years had welcomed the sick

in body and mind and Puerto de la Cruz with its impressive Hotel Taoro, was the jewel in the crown. Agatha Christie came in 1927 to escape the ignominy of her divorce and Marguerite came in 1950 to mourn the death of her lover, the celebrated artist Sir William Nicholson who had died in 1949.

Here she became a member of a group of creative people, writers and artists who were on the verge of fame.

Marguerite already had the fame. In fact, in the 1930s and 40s, her historical novels had sold as many as 65,000 copies on the first day of publication.

She had brought to Tenerife two problems: - writer’s block and a nervous illness which made her face swell and turn red at the slightest shock, such as a car back-firing. Previous visits to Harley Street searching for a remedy had come to nothing.

During an attack which lasted a few days, she wore a veil hiding the problem she called “The Face”. In the book she wrote - “This went on until, by heaven’s grace, nearly three years later, the cure was found in Orotava” - her first mention of Tenerife. The man who performed this miracle was Dr.Emilio Luque Moreno but the nature of his treatment was never disclosed although it involved regular appointments.

After she’d thrown away the veil, Marguerite was inducted further into the local community by a lady who she referred to as her second cousin Anthea, a daughter of Sir William and Lady Goodenough. Lady Goodenough had settled on the island with two of her four children at the end of the First World War. Anthea was a stalwart of the English Library, one of the very few who kept the library open during the dark Marguerite Steen (1894 – 1975) years of the Spanish Civil War and World War 2.

In spite of her immersion into the local culture, Marguerite said that at no time during her four years on Tenerife did she feel like working. Thankfully, her later biography, published in 1968, was full of delightful titbits such as begging being limited to Saturdays and carried out by the women whilst the men sat around smoking.

Anthea took Marguerite to all the local fiestas and celebrations. Dr Luque invited them to his balcony in La Orotava to watch the procession of the Romeria de San Isidro. She had begun to work a little by scribbling some fine poetry capturing the essence, a single snapshot, of something that had intrigued her.

Marguerite left the island in the mid-fifties. Like many of us who fall in love with Tenerife she had to return and made what was to be her last visit to the island in 1957. Things were changing rapidly and her stay was not as long as first planned.

I knew instinctively that I would not see the island again, but it did not grieve me: I had memories and experiences to last a lifetime, thanks to Emilio Luque I had recovered my health, and thanks to many kind people , I had begun to remake the pattern of my life.

The will to work was stirring in me like rising sap and I was even eager to get home and settle to a new book.

Perhaps she was disappointed that her doctor was at this time working in Liberia.

Emilio Luque Moreno (1913 – 1967) was a well loved doctor who died tragically young of a brain tumour at the age of 54.

He had married in 1941 and was the father of seven children.

Emilio was 19 years younger than Marguerite who was 56 when they first met in 1950. His photos show a handsome man equal to any cinema heart-throb of the day. His patients adored him and a main thoroughfare in the town of La Orotava carries his name.

I’m sure that Marguerite’s heart skipped a beat each time they met.

Brian Eldridge

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

OUR COLUMNISTS

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21

A PUERTO POINT OF VIEW

A busy New Year for Puerto but will projects come to fruition?

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S another year draws to its conclusion, it is time once again to reflect on what’s happened in Puerto de la Cruz during the last 12 months, what improvements have been made, what projects completed, what promises delivered on, a measure, if you like, of how our Ayuntamiento has performed.

Only this year my article is a bit different, this year for fear of having too little to cheer about, I am going to visit the projects much talked about and publicised, which for whatever reason have still to come to fruition.

So many to choose from, I am spoiled for choice, but I suppose I should start with what I call the ‘big three’, the projects, to be polite, for which there is the most consternation amongst residents and visitors alike. Of course, I am referring to the new bus station, the Muelle, and the municipal swimming pool.

I would hope our councillors are suitably embarrassed, but suspect they are too thick skinned, over the continual delays to the bus station. It was an election pledge, our newly elected mayor, in 2015, made an early visit to Madrid to sort out the problems once and for all, or so he said.

Since then, there have been numerous announcements and promises, tweaks to the design which have seen the budget escalate, and ownership of the plot of land has been disputed and then resolved too many times to mention.

So is there any likelihood of a breakthrough? I think so, in fact I thought it had already happened, in June consent was given for the plot of land to be used. Since then I am told that the project has gone to tender, which probably means a construction company has been waiting in the wings for all the red tape to be unravelled. Our mayor did say the construction would begin in December, whilst the president of Cabildo, the man holding the purse strings, plumped instead for January.

I am going to throw caution to the wind, stick my neck out and say I am confident that work will begin in 2018.

However, I am less confident of when it will be finished. Will our local politicians, when they next go to the polls in May 2019, be able to tick their manifesto box and say job well done?

More importantly, when the

dust has finally settled on the site, is there not a danger that everyone will be disappointed with the end result. After all it is only going to have a ticket office, a cafe/ bar and somewhere to wait for the bus, all of which they have now, the only difference is there won’t be traffic driving through it, or at least that is the theory. It could all be an anticlimax.

New port?

Will there ever be a new Muelle in Puerto de la Cruz?

That is the question on everyone’s lips, or is it? I am sure most people think it will never happen. This project has been floating around for years; Puerto was in the running when the decision was made to build a port at Garachico.

In recent years the project has received a resurgence, there have been ever changing new plans and designs, and the addition of an ‘on land’ side of the project, no doubt to make it more attractive to investors.

The project suffered a setback when it was downgraded to a sports marina and fishing port, they tried their best to put a positive spin on it, but did anyone really expect to see cruise ships pulling into Puerto, in their dreams, perhaps. I admit I was taken in by all the hype and good news surrounding the project in the back end of 2016 and early 2017 and was beginning to believe that this project might actually get off the ground. Not in the short term, I hasten to add, I am not that delusional.

Now however, with no recent good news, this project seems to have returned to the doldrums.

So having had time to reflect on my moment of madness the Muelle project returns, in my eyes, to the category which includes the completion of the Island Ring Road and the EL Tren project, both of which though they look good on paper, are unlikely to happen any time soon.

Municipal pool

As I sit here writing it is two years to the day since the

municipal pool closed for good. It is not without some irony that water damage in the pump room signalled the final death knell , but let’s be honest a total lack of regular maintenance and mismanagement must surely be the cause. Never mind that we have been two year without a pool, they are going to replace it with, not one, but two pools and there is a project already in the offing. A grandiose scheme as so many of them are , it will no longer be a municipal pool, instead it will be an Aquatic Centre , open air, the budget won’t stretch to a roof, but it does come with the obligatory bar/restaurant complete with its own terrace.

As it is so close to the sea the site theoretically belongs to the Coastal department in Madrid who have given their approval in principle to the new development, as long as they receive the appropriate recompense. Why build the new pool there, it doesn’t need to be on the sea front, it is hardly the best location, but hang on, read the small print of the plans, the ‘Aquatic Centre’ becomes part of the overall Muelle redevelopment, which has effectively given the pool project the kiss of death.

Oh well, you can always swim at Mayorazgo.

I have waffled on too long again, so now I am running out of space, this column isn’t worthy of a double page spread, so I’ll just mention 2 more projects out of the many, two which I think are quite important for the town.

Playa Martianez

Playa Martiánez has been in the project pipeline since 2008, it has been crying out for redevelopment for much longer. The last major beach redevelopment was at Playa Jardin in the 1990’s. It is time this end of Puerto had a decent beach with the facilities most current day tourists expect. At last this year this project has received approval from the Coastal department, the stumbling block for years has

been the treatment of the outflow from the barranco.

Now it seems some kind of sluice is to be built, it probably won’t be pretty; we can only hope it is practical. The latest news on the project was that it would be ready to go to tender in November of this year. If this has happened, there is every likelihood the project will commence in 2018, just ten years after it was first mooted, not bad for Puerto.

Concert venue

Puerto has been crying out for a concert sized venue since Parque San Francisco, with its leaking roof, finally closed its doors. There have been rumours and murmurs for a few years now that the building would be demolished and replaced, drawings and concept pictures have been in circulation, but it is only really this year that the project has climbed to the top of the pile.

Culture, it seems, is one of the new buzz words in the town hall. News that phase 1 of the project would start this year sort of caught me on the hop, but start it has and all being good it should be completed

by April of next year. Phase 1, incidentally, involves the making good of a building two doors away. Now I may be accused of splitting hairs, but to me the project doesn’t really start until they begin knocking down the San Francisco building, which I believe is to be phase 2. So let’s hope that phase 1 finishes on time and that phase 2 starts shortly after, so the project can really get underway.

A lot of old ground covered today, but unfortunately that is typical of Puerto de la Cruz, the town where it pays to have

a little patience, nothing happens overnight, but for me the length of time it takes to get things done is not really the problem, it is the misinformation coming from the town hall along that journey. If I were asked to offer them a few words of wisdom it would be something along the lines of: Don’t tell them what you think they want to hear, tell them how it really is. You can’t put a positive spin on everything. Not every situation is a photo opportunity.

We all survived before social media.

Rest assured with reelection looming in 2019, 2018 is going to be a busy year for the town hall in Puerto de la Cruz, I look forward to it.

To finish and to put the above projects in their rightful place you only have to look at how long the extension to Jardin Botanico has taken, 30 years under planning and construction and it is still not completed, every other project pales into insignificance by comparison.

22

Ken Bennett

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591

OUR COLUMNISTS

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Flies are “a blight on tourism”

FESTIVE SWITCH-ON

Touching moments as Los Gigantes lights up for Christmas

P Jesús Ferrer Súarez

LAGUES of flies are causing puzzlement and concerns in Los Gigantes.

A

dedicated community.based charity has brought a touching, poignant emphasis to the meaning of Christmas.

Steve Gilbert, Vice President of The Lions Club of Santiago del Teide, joined the Mayor, Emilio Navarro, and members of their respective organisations in Bougainvillea square, Los Gigantes which hosted a switch-on of special festive lighting.

The Mayor and Mr Gilbert headed the vanguard which signalled the start of Christmas festivities across the municipality with 5,800 LED low energy consumption bulbs placed in all the towns.

Mr Gilbert told the audience that a number of years ago, the Lions Club of Santiago, with the help of the Ayuntamiento, started the tradition of erecting the tree of light in the Plaza In Los Gigantes.

He said: “For the first couple of years we raised money to cover the cost of Third World cataract operations. “ “This was part of an inter-

national Lions Club effort, that in a few years, raised enough money to perform over seven million eye operations. The support we received was fantastic.”

“At Christmas time, most people like to do a little something to help others less fortunate than ourselves,” he declared.

“The concept was and still remains simple: One light purchased on the tree remains lit throughout the festive season and is dedicated to the memory of a loved one no longer with us at this time of year.

“Each donation is then used to support the cause nominated for the current year.”

And he revealed: “In 2018, we have decided to put all money raised into our fund for helping many families here in Santiago del Teide to supplement the purchase of basic food and household

commodities.

“For seven years, the Lions have been issuing coupons to about 120 local families who can use them in nominated supermarkets. “ “To date, we have given out in excess of €50,000. This has been raised through various functions the Club mounted, including regular weekly quizzes, Gala Dinners and Markets.”

“Thanks to the Ayuntamiento’s support, we have our own Lions Store (Almacén) below the Centro Medico in Puerto de Santiago.

“We put on sale here a huge range of quality used clothing and household items at incredibly affordable prices.

That bring in a revenue we can put straight back into buying more food vouchers.”

He added: “This, incidentally, is only a part of the Lions Club’s efforts to help local people. Many times, people who are struggling have been referred to us by the Social Services department, in cases where local government is not empowered to help. “ “We could never give out the details of our help, because we need always to be mindful that privacy has to be protected. “ “However, the sort of help we are often asked to give extends from paying for a child’s school meals to

covering the cost of specialist medications not subsidised by the State.

“One of our mottos is “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

Christmas, the group of voices a cappella “Sometimes” put the musical touch to the night and delighted all present with their voices.

In addition, members of the Lions sold helium balloons at a price of 5€, in which the participants in the balloon itself or on an attached card wrote a wish.

Everything collected by the municipal NGO will be in-vested, entirely, in the purchase of food to distribute among the most needy families of the municipality during specific dates.

T

The flies normally pervade the area for a short period in early Autumn and are linked to fertilisation of banana plantations at surrounding fincas.

But when the issue was raised by Tenerife News on social media, posts underpinned the flies were still a nuisance in the prelude to the festive .

Said one long term local: “Despite the weather getting cooler the flies are still here.

“Flies were awful in the village Square although the weather is now cooler. Had rain last weekend, and cooler since then.

“Fact is, with the Council´s fantastic cleaning regime of bins every day, it is a mystery where these flies breed?

“However, the square is dirty, which attracts them, but the smell of food can attract them more.

“This is a blight on local

tourism. We need to encourage the locals to find/spill the beans on the cause and location of the breeding ground. “ We need to cure this problem now at source,” he added.

Other posts hinted that unsuitable manure may have increased the number of flies but, as a counterpoint, one reasoned flies would stay in the vicinity of the manure and mot venture into Los Gigantes.

One exasperated lady resident said: “I’ve lived here 27 years and this summer we have had one calima after another.

“Normally with the calimas we get strange things like praying mantis , locusts and loads of flies... Could it be this?”

Others point to the mess left by dogs on pavements and local alleyways.

But whatever the reason, the flies have certainly caused a stink ...

More defibs for Santiago del Teide

HE municipality has five new defibrillators placed in several municipal offices.

They were presented by the Mayor, Emilio Navarro and councillor for health, Sergio Mendoza.

These defibs are very easy to use equipment (always under the supervision of the medical staff of the 112 room) and their early use in certain heart attacks is key to the survival of the patient.

They are being placed in Santiago del Teide council offices, the municipal football field of Puerto de Santiago, the Tamaimo social centre, the cultural centre of Arguayo and in the premises of the Local Police.

Next year it is planned to increase the number of defibrillators to reach a greater number of citizens and place them in more municipal offices.

Police and council staff will also receive training in their use.

MOTORING 23

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

WORLD

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Allan McIntyre New Ibiza top of Santa wish

Changes in ITV procedure for 2018

S

EAT’S Ibiza has established itself as one of the top players in the supermini market.

And the fifth generation is set to build on a success that has brought more than 5.4 million sales since the car ’s launch in 1984.

It’s always been a little favourite of mine and my wife’s three-door 2006 model still looks smart and sporty – and is well up to the mark when it comes to handling and performance.

Having said that, it is no match for the latest Spanish sizzler that arrived in UK showrooms in July.

Great advances have been made in safety, design, comfort and technology.

The SEAT branch of the Volkswagen Group was chosen to build one of the first models on its new MQB AO platform.

The new Ibiza is only available in five-door body style with more and more manufactures going down this road, due to motorists’ preference for this in the supermini segment.

Designers have sculpted a sharper and sportier model.

Exterior dimensions are only marginally increased but an extra 60mm added to the wheelbase brings a much more roomy cabin, front and rear.

Boot space is also expanded by 66mm to 355 litres, rising to 823 litres with rear seats folded.

There are five trim levels – S, SE, SE Design, FR and, new to Ibiza, XCELLENCE.

All are packed with standard equipment and on entr y-level model this includes air con, auto headlights, hill hold control, multi-collision braking, front assist, electrically adjustable door mirrors and media system touch with Bluetooth, USB port and aux-in.

Step up to the SE version I sampled and you also get 15inch alloys, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, front fog lights with cornering function, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake trim, six-speaker audio and media system colour.

SE Design models add a panoramic sunroof, darktinted rear windows, ‘design’ alloys and a 300W Beats audio system.

Sporting highlights on the FR include 17-inch wheels, twin exhausts, redesigned rear bumper, SEAT drive profile, sports front seats, flat-bottom FR steering wheel, sports suspension and dark-tinted rear windows.

And top-of-the-range XCELLENCE goodies include Alcantara upholstery, dualzone climate control, keyless entry and go, and front and rear parking sensors.

There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines and these include three 1.0-litre threecylinder turbo petrol versions with power ranging from 75ps, to 95ps and 115ps.

My car had the middle

power 1.0-litre engine and it was a perky performer.

It is the ideal car for town driving with good all-round vision and light steering allowing easy parking manoeuvres.

The Ibiza’s new platform brings even better handling agility than its predecessor and it wasn’t short of fun appeal.

Road grip was superb as I tackled winding bends at speed and suspension was never too hard.

This model can reach 62mph in 10.9 seconds and is capable of 113mph.

There was plenty of power for good mid-range acceleration as I moved up and down a super slick five-speed ma-nual gearbox.

It was also quiet and smooth at maximum motorway speeds with little wind, road or engine noise.

The car tested is also pretty economical with a claimed average fuel consumption of 60.1mpg.

Interior quality has been upped and I was more than happy with the driving position, allowing easy use of all controls and touchscreen.

The latest-generation multimedia technology allows all sorts of connectivity options with various options available.

On-the-road prices start at £13,410 with the test car priced at £15,595.

If a supermini is top of your Santa wish list you’ll struggle to find a better value for money one than this super new SEAT Ibiza.

F

ROM 2018 the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) will adapt to European law. The Spanish government approved the changes in October which will help to enhance safety on the roads and reduce fraudulent activity, it will also help look after the environment and adapt to the technological advances in cars.

Amongst the changes are, that the testing station will need to be able to code read the vehicle via an OBD connector. This will allow better control over emissions and electronic safety measures. The idea is to stop the annulments of certain elements of the vehicles safety such as airbag lights, abs lights, etc. There are unscrupulous people, including sadly some garages, who instead of fixing an airbag fault teach the car (via the brain/ECU) to ignore the fault and not turn the light on, but the fault still exists. The change in legislation will help stop this.

This will also allow the ITV station to check electronic handbrakes which up until now hasn’t been possible. A step forward.

The ITV station will also now be able to check a diesel car is correctly empting its DPF (Diesel Particle filter) and whether or not the EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recycle) is working or if again as above, has been annulled. This is important as both contribute to the vehicles emissions and annulling them leads to high pollution. The government is also hoping to introduce a limit for NOx but this has yet to be publicised.

Another change which will come into force next year is a step in the right direction as if the car fails the ITV, it will no longer have to be retested in the same station. Up until now it was obligatory to return it to the same station for the retest.

This was sometimes not convenient.

Changes will also effect the

dates on an ITV. Up until now if a car was taken early the remaining time was forfeited, but from 2018 this will change. If a car is taken for an ITV up to one month early it will be able to keep its existing expiry date (not year obviously) so that the remaining time will not be lost, any early than a month and the expiry date will be modified.

The changes will not only effect the testing procedure they will also effect the staff themselves. The inspectors will now have to have at least one high certificate/ qualification in mechanics.

This change will comply with EU rulings and also allow the ITV certificate to be used in other European countries, which up until now was not permitted as they did not meet EU standards.

The number of ITV stations in the Canary Islands has doubled over the last four years, it’s gone from 15 to 30 which has allowed more choice and shorter waiting times.

24

Pets World

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591 WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

Make sure your dog has a happy Christmas too!

C

HRISTMAS is the time to indulge, celebrate and have fun – and as part of the family, our dogs will normally be enjoying some of the action too.

Ivy The ivy that tends to be used in wreaths and decorations is Hedera helix (not Toxicodendron radicans, the American poison ivy). But the Hedera species can still cause a tummy upset when ingested.

Where there is significant or prolonged skin contact, Hedera species can also cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

But the festive season also presents a world of hidden dangers to our four-legged friends, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants. Here are some tips on what NOT to do!

Chocolate

The chemical theobromine, which is a bit like caffeine, is found in chocolate and is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause agitation, hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions and problems with the heart. The darker the chocolate, the more potent levels of theobromine become – with baker’s chocolate the most dangerous. Chocolate should be avoided at all costs.

But what do you do if your dog does eat chocolate? Even small amounts have the potential to make them feel sick, but veterinary treatment should be sought for any dog ingesting more than 20 mg/kg of theobromine – that’s equivalent to 3.5 g/kg of plain or dark chocolate and 14 g/kg milk chocolate. White chocolate does not contain enough theobromine to cause toxicity, but it can be fatty and pose a potential risk of pancreatitis. Avoid putting any chocolate on or under the Christmas tree, as the temptation might be too great for our four legged friends.

Grapes and dried vine fruits (currants, sultanas, raisins)

Grapes and their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of even a small quantity can cause severe kidney failure. Don’t forget this will include food items that contain dried fruits such as Christmas pudding and mince pies. Be aware that chocolate-coated raisins run the additional risk of chocolate toxicity.

Onions (and garlic, leeks, shallots and chives)

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives all belong to the Allium species of plants and can cause toxicity, whether uncooked or cooked. Initially there can be vomiting and diarrhoea but the main effect is damage to red blood cells, resulting in anaemia.

This may not be apparent for several days after ingestion.

Alcohol

Alcohol can have a similar effect in dogs as it does in their owners when drunk in excess. They can become wobbly and drowsy and in severe cases, there is a risk of low body temperature, low blood sugar and coma. Dogs may help themselves to any unattended alcohol left lying around over Christmas, so ensure it’s always out of their reach.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, increased body temperature, tremor, lameness and stiffness in dogs.

Leftovers

If there is any food left over at Christmas, be careful to dispose of it well and keep it out of the reach of your four-legged friend.

Not only may the food include ingredients toxic to dogs, mould in leftovers (including yoghurt, bread and cheese) can produce toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions in dogs.

Artificial sweeteners

A sugar-free sweetener called xylitol is often found in the sweets

OTHER HAZARDS: Silica gel

Silica gel comes in small sachets and is often found in the packaging of new shoes,

we consume over Christmas, as well as chewing gums, mouthwashes, toothpastes and supplements. It is poisonous to dogs and, although the amounts in different products vary, event one to two pieces of chewing gum can cause toxic effects in a small dog. It can induce the release of insulin in the body, resulting in low blood sugar and sometimes liver damage. Signs of poisoning can be rapid or delayed, and include vomiting, lethargy, convulsions and comas. The prognosis is good if the low blood sugar is treated quickly.

A RANGE OF PLANTS CAN PRESENT A DANGER TO DOGS Poinsettia Although toxicity of the poinsettia has often been exaggerated, it can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach with overproduction of saliva and sometimes vomiting.

Holly

The plant is considered to be of low toxicity, but ingestion of holly berries may result in a stomach upset.

Mistletoe

Ingestion of European mistletoe berries may result in an upset stomach. The American species of the plant is far more dangerous.

Christmas trees

A mild stomach upset can be caused if dogs eat pine needles, but the sharp tips can cause more damage internally.

handbags, cameras or electrical equipment which we unwrap over Christmas. Although it is labelled “Do not Eat” it is considered to be of low toxicity.

Christmas decorations

Decorations made of plastic, paper or foil are of low toxicity although may obstruct the stomach. Glass decorations could pose a risk if chewed or swallowed.

Wrapping or crepe paper

Ingestion may cause staining in the mouth which may look alarming, but the toxicity is considered to be low. But if your dog eats a large amount, it may cause an obstruction to the stomach.

Candles

Although candles, even scented ones, are considered to be of low toxicity, ingestion could potentially block the intestine or cause choking.

Potpourri

When eaten, potpourri can cause significant gastrointestinal effects in dogs. These may last several days even after the material has passed through the gut.

Cigarettes

Nicotine is toxic to dogs, and cigarette butts are especially dangerous - so it’s important not to leave any ashtrays in reach of dogs over Christmas, or dropped on the floor where they may eat them. Nicotine replacement patches and e-cigarette refills can also pose a risk. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, excess saliva and hypertension.

Information courtesy of Blue Cross animal charity in the UK.

Christmas trees and decorations hazardous to cats

M

ANY young cats and kittens (and even some older felines) love to climb trees and are naturally intrigued by anything new, bright and sparkly – so they’re probably going to be attracted to a Christmas tree covered in sparkly decorations in the corner of your living room. But aside from the obvious issue of your tree and decorations ending up on the floor, it can pose health hazards for your pet which are important to be aware of and consider.

Christmas trees themselves, whether real or artificial, can be a hazard if your cat has a tendency to climb things they shouldn’t.

The oils produced by some real Christmas trees are also mildly toxic if consumed, causing minor irritation to a pet’s mouth and stomach. Also be wary of using any fertilisers or plant food on your tree if it’s potted, as many are toxic to cats and can seep into watering trays. Don’t forget that containers with soil might also get used as litter trays! Additionally, there is a very small risk that sharp pine needles can cause internal damage if swallowed, or can get into eyes or ears – but cases are extremely rare. If you are concerned about this, and want to have a real Christmas tree, you could consider purchasing one of the non-drop variety.

Tinsel and other hanging decorations can look just like cat toys. But there is a risk they might swallow them or even break glass ornaments, causing injury. Tinsel and angel hair in particular can cause serious illness if ingested due to the blockages they can cause, and in some cases this can even be fatal.

Christmas lights can pose a real danger to cats if they decide to chew on any electrical wiring. Ensure you cover any exposed wires leading to the tree with plastic or cardboard tubes, and switch lights off at the mains when you’re not around to supervise your cat. Battery powered LED lights are also a good option instead.

Eating Out & About

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

25

Your dining experience around our restaurants

Brunelli’s Steakhouse Puerto de la Cruz

Tressardi Puerto de la Cruz If you want to seek out a really good Italian restaurant at an affordable price with a lovely terrace, look no further than Tressardi.

It offers a very varied menu including traditional Italian dishes, pizza and pasta with gorgeous fillings and sauces, meat dishes, fresh fish and crunchy salads. The desserts like tiramisu and panna cota are to die for!

So if you want a good Italian restaurant for a family meal, a romantic dinner, a quick lunch when working or take away, Tressardi is your restaurant. A friendly and homely restaurant that has quality products combining fast food and well elaborated dishes for kids and grown ups.

Depending on your choices the price can go higher but an average 15-16 Euros per person is what you can expect.

Winter times: Sunday to Thursday: 15:00 -23:00 pm / Wednesday closed Friday & Saturday : 15:00 - 24:00 pm For reservations call 922 382 056 Calle Aceviños, La Paz, Puerto de la Cruz

The Oriental Celebrating together the Joy of Christmas & New Year’s Eve Just 50 metres from Loro Parque and with beautiful views of the ocean, a special gourmet experience awaits you at Brunelli’s Steakhouse to celebrate this Christmas’ Eve and New Year’s Eve. In this special occasion, Brunelli’s is inviting all its guests to explore the delights of the palate with special menus designed for these special days. Inspired in the original American steakhouses, Brunelli’s is located at the former fisher village of Punta Brava and, since its opening, offers you the best quality meat – tender, juicy and with an incomparable texture. Matched with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean thanks to a unique, one-piece window glass that completely disappears transforming the restaurant in an open terrace and creating unforgettable environment for a special event in the most cherished company of family and friends.

On December 24th, you can enjoy an absolutely fascinating menu prepared with all our care and attention to the client and passion for our product and its preparation in the best conditions for only 85€ per person (IGIC included):

Puerto de la Cruz Inaugurated in 1996 by Queen Sirikit of Thailand, our Oriental restaurant offers Asian style ‘haute cuisine’, which includes a wide range of delicious dishes with the unique flavor of an essential continent within the international gastronomic scene.

The menu changes regularly and offers the best of the delicate and tempting, yet sophisticated cuisine from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Japan. The unforgettable experience in El Oriental is also felt though the traditional decor of the restaurant, which reflects both the magic and fineness of Thailand, making this restaurant the ideal place for a perfect dinner.

For reservations call 922 381 400 Avda. Richard J. Yeoward, 1 Puerto de la Cruz ( Hotel Botánico) www.hotelbotanico.com/service/el-oriental

Special Christmas Punch Fôie gras toast with grated truffle, caramelized onion, vegetable chip and poached egg Lobster with lemon and butter Red fruits sorbet with Gin Tomahawk with seasonal vegetables, Shitake mushroom sauce and potatoes (Approx 1 kg for 2 persons.)

American Cheesecake Included: ½ Palestra Blanco Rueda Verdejo 2016 y ½ Castillo de Tornos Tinto Gran Reserva Cariñena On December 31st, the menu includes the following for a fixedprice of 130€ per person (IGIC included):

A Welcome Bellini cocktail

La Parrilla Puerto de la Cruz The inmistakable Andalusian style of La Parrilla restaurant carefully decorates an architecture that blends rustic wood elements with southern Spain typical houses – an environment where diners live a gastronomic experience with the hallmark of excellence in restoration. The succulent cuisine with grilled meats, fresh fish and tapas challenge the most discerning palates in an evening paired with the best wines of the Canary Islands and Spanish Peninsula. In addition, our chef offers the freshest market daily. Enjoy the rustic setting and relaxed atmosphere of La Parrilla, which make this restaurant the perfect place for a romantic dinner or an entertaining encounter among friends.

For reservations call 922 381 400 Avda. Richard J. Yeoward, 1 Puerto de la Cruz ( Hotel Botánico) www.hotelbotanico.com/service/la-parrilla

Fôie gras toast with grated truffle, caramelized onion, vegetable chip and poached egg Bouillabaisse Soup Lemon sorbet with limoncello Porter House with pineapple chutney, Dauphinoise potatoes and Bernaise sauce (Approx 1.2 kg for 2 persons.)

Brunelli’s Tiramisú Grapes & Cotillón As well as Bottle Palestra Blanco Rueda Verdejo Whitewine 2016 and ½ Bottle Castillo de Tornos Tinto Gran Reserva Red Wine Cariñena One Glass Champagne Pol Roger

.

Come and celebrate Christmas’ Eve and New Year’s Eve with us and discover flavours like you have never tasted before thanks to a specially controlled maturation and their ‘Southbend’ oven, unique in the Canaries and which cooks the meat at more of 800ºC. A great way to enjoy the exquisite cuisine in the company of your loved ones and with breath-taking views of Atlantic Ocean on these special dates!

For reservations call 922 062 600 In front of Loro Parque Puerto de la Cruz www.brunellis.com

II Pappagallo Puerto de la Cruz Il Pappagallo restaurant perfectly combines the old art of making pasta dishes and innovative side dishes that will both delight diners. The menu has been entirely renovated to offer diners a modern culinary repertoire that matches our attention and love for details, as well as our passion for excellence. A varied buffet and a great selection of Italian specialties await you in its terrace overlooking the Atlantic, ideal to enjoy unforgettable sunsets and the tranquillity of the night during summer. In addition, our wine cellar houses the best Italian wines, chosen amongst the most traditional wines of the country.

For reservations call 922 381 400 Avda. Richard J. Yeoward, 1 Puerto de la Cruz ( Hotel Botánico) www.hotelbotanico.com/service/il-pappagallo

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Eating Out & About

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591

Your dining experience around our restaurants

Harriet’s

WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

English Tea Room

Restaurante Gom

Restaurante Magnolia

Los Cristianos (new) & Fañabé

Santa Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz

Very much a Tenerife business success story, Harriet's English Tea Room and Restaurant in Los Cristianos has a very welcome addition to its extensive menu - Sunday lunches for 9.95 euros which are served between 12 noon and 5pm.

With a big sunny terrace and beautifully designed interior, this lovely restaurant is just a stone’s throw from the bus station at the San Marino building (ie turn left at the bottom of the bus station and it is 100 yards or so on your left, in premises formerly occupied by the Heritage bar).

In addition to the fantastic Sunday roasts, with "proper" roast potatoes, you will find the most gorgeous food, all home-made and great British cooking, including all day breakfasts, mouthwatering cakes, salads, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and rolls, home-made burgers, pancakes, ice-creams, evening meals and numerous varieties of teas and coffees served in china pots and cups. There are also many gluten-free and diabetic options.

For reservations call 922 712 791 Los Cristianos, San Marino building.

Open daily from 9am to 11pm.

Playa Fañabé,56 Central Commercial.

Open 9am to 10pm, closes 5pm Saturday and Sunday

This iconic restaurant in the heart of Santa Cruz is definitely a place to head for if you enjoy stunning decor and high-end cuisine but at prices you can still afford.

The food here is best described as a slice of home-made cooking with the taste and touch of nouvelle cuisine. The emphasis is on quality, freshness and naturalness where the raw product is the star, depending on what is available that day in the market.

They offers a special menu for celiac and can help create food for anyone with a specific allergy. Weddings, etc are also catered for and there is always a dish of the day.

You will find GOM within the Hotel Taburiente, located in front of Parque García Sanabria. Their opening times are Tuesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 16:00 and 20:00 to 23:00.

Restaurante Magnolia has come a long way, starting life as a small intimate restaurant with an outdoor terrace to the finished article we see today, with the terrace now covered and well spaced tables inside.

The kitchen is open plan and creates the most wonderful national and international dishes with an extensive menu of fish, shellfish, lamb, steaks, pastas.

This venue is always busy and customers are full of praise for the Restaurante Magnolia as one of the finest places to eat on the island. The quality and service certainly stands out and the cost is very reasonable indeed.

They are open every day from 13:00 - 16:00 and 19:00 to 23.30.

For reservations call 922 276 058 Calle Dr. Guigou,29 Santa Cruz www.hoteltaburiente.com

For reservations call 922 385 614 Avda. Marqués de Villanueva del Prado s/n Puerto de la Cruz www.restaurantemaganolia.com

Bar El Pincho

Sook

Mamma Rosa

Las Vistas, Los Cristianos

Santa Cruz

Playa de las Américas

At Bar El Pincho you can enjoy good prices, good food, good service and a fantastic view of the ocean.

They are winning fans because of the friendly staff you encounter and the delicious Spanish tapas.

They have a great offer, a combination of tapas for two for only 9.50 euros. There is also a wide selection of main plates, such as steak, chicken and fish, all cooked with love and the best ingredients they can find.

Do try their fantastic cocktails which they always try to improve. Try also the special dishes from the north of the island and the drinks.

Reservations can be done between 10:30 to 20:00pm

Summer has arrived and the wonderful SOOK restaurant has devised a refreshing and appetising menu for the hot months.

New mouth-watering dishes are home-made salmorejo with extra virgin olive oil, diced Iberian ham and bread croutons, avocado from our islands in tempura, served with sweet chilli sauce and soy, tuna tataki with seaweed salad and caramelised soy sauce and duck breast soft grilled, with papaya chutney.

In addition, the air-conditioned restaurant continues to offer its refreshing desserts such as seasonal fruit salad with guava mayonnaise.

SOOK is now also opening with its a la carte during the weekend, both for lunch and dinner. The opening times are 13:00 to 15:30 and 20:30 to 23:30 and for your convenience, there is a parking area.

You might also like to try the full breakfast buffet open to the public from 7am to 11am from Monday to Sunday. Ideal to start a day of shopping or tourist visit to Santa Cruz. The price is 16 euros per person.

Mamma Rosa is one of the longest established restaurants in the south of Tenerife and has an extensive menu and a modern ambiance which appeals to all ages.

For more than 22 years, it has offered elegance, top-class cuisine, an excellent varied wine list and, of course, the service you would expect.

The cuisine is described as classical Italian and Scandinavian with Spanish and French influences, blended together and cooked in a modern style. Part of the new approach is to offer a very extensive fish menu. As with the meat, the restaurant tries where possible to buy local produce and support the islands’ agriculture.

For reservations call 649 431 110 Paseo Las Vistas, Los Cristianos www.barelpincho.com

Avda. 3 de Mayo, 3 Santa Cruz Tel.: 922 294 500 www.hoteles-silken.com

For reservations call 922 794 819 Avda. Santiago Puig, Apartamentos Colón 2 Playa de la Américas www.mammarosa.com / mammarosa@mammarosa.com

Eating Out & About

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

27

Your dining experience around our restaurants

This month we will have our “MEAT PIES” menu in El Calderito de la Abuela.

Donde Mario

La Bodeguita de Enfrente

Cuesta de la Villa

Cuesta de la Villa

Cuesta de la Villa

A great part of the fun of wining and dining in Tenerife is finding somewhere different and it’s well worth a trip out to Santa Ursula to the warm and inviting Donde Mario.

Though from the outside you might easily pass by it, the inside is elegant and captivating.

Restaurateur Mario Torres surprises us every day with his extensive use of produce in season, and his unbeatable experience with wines and cookery.

Just try his Cherne warm salad, a super-healthy Canarian fish soup, or his Lomo de Vaca Morucha. You will be captivated.

Set in a series of old Canary houses, this restaurant is made up of a labyrinth of inter-connecting rooms leading off from the bar area in the centre. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an English country pub with its low ceilings with wooden beams and warm décor.

The food is fundamentally Canarian. They grow most of their own produce at their allotment and only use olive oil to cook with.

Their ethos is a simple one, only use the best, fresh produce and cook it with thought and care.

The menu is described as Picoteo, slightly more than tapas without reaching the full-blown three-course meal status. It is delicious and affordable.

“La Bodeguita de Enfrente” won the “II Gastronomic Awards Cruzcampo Gran Reserva El Día-Mesa Abierta”, which took place last week.

Why not try a touch of “picoteo”, the Spanish-style of eating where, as the name suggests, you pick a selection of dishes and share with your companions.

You will find “El Calderito de la Abuela” in Santa Úrsula and it offers a unique and homely atmosphere combining Canary cuisine with modern creativity.

Last year, “El Calderito de la Abuela” won the “Best Canarian Kitchen Restaurant Award” in the first edition of the “El Dia-Mesa Abierta” Awards on July 28th.

The exterior of this property belies what you will find inside as it is full of charm and character and there is a stunning view of La Orotava valley. “A gem” is how it is described.

For reservations call 922 302 760 Exit 31 TF-5, Carretera Provincial, 205 Cuesta de la Villa, Santa Úrsula www.labodeguitadeenfrente.net

For reservations call 922 301 918 Exit 31 TF-5, Carretera Provincial, 130 Cuesta de la Villa, Santa Úrsula www.elcalderitodelaabuela.net

For reservations call 922 304 585 Exit 31 TF-5, Carretera Provincial, 119 Cuesta de la Villa, Santa Úrsula www.dondemario.net

Sabor Canario

“SUNDAY BRUNCH” from 11:30 to 14:00pm 0n the 25th of december we offer a special Christmas brunch and on the 31st there will be a big New Years Eve buffet.

Restaurante La Esencia

La Orotava

Puerto de la Cruz

If you haven’t yet discovered La Orotava, you must do so as it is the most wonderful town full of charm, character and Canary architecture.

This restaurant is located in one of the oldest buildings in the centre of La Orotava in a two-floor house of 800 square metres and two patios. Here you can taste the best of traditional Canary food with flair and innovation and wines from La Orotava.

Its style is home-made Canary food, with both conventional and creative dishes, always inspired by the best produce from the town. Prices suit all pockets.

Ivan and Chris , well known from their first restaurant Mil Sabores started a new project , La Esencia , a small confortable restaurant in a cosy athmosphere next to lago martianez .

Every sunday is brunchday and you can enjoy all the buffet , cavas , coffee , teas and juices for 18,50 euros.

The restaurant opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 18.30 and is closed on mondays.

You can enjoy the mediterranean specialities, like lamb shoulder, fresh fish, prawns, the famous “Tapas”, homemade bread and desserts..

“La Esencia” is located between Café de Paris and Café Berlín in Puerto de la Cruz, in the small street Calle Uruguay . .

For reservations call 922 322 793 Calle Carrera 17 La Orotava info@saborcanario.es

Calle Uruguay 5 Puerto de la Cruz Reservations 922 076 678

El Calderito de la Abuela

FREE DELIVERY FREE WIFI

Maya’s Tandori & Curry house Puerto Santiago Maya's Tandoor Curry House prides itself on offering more than just good taste.

Of course, the food served here is delicious but the team has thought about all aspects of your visit to make it a memorable occasion and to welcome you back time after time.

The restaurant offers fine Indian cuise with excellent service from a friendly staff and has been receiving many fantastic reviews since its opening.

Plentiful portions, first-class attention, curries hailed as the best many have ever tasted, fantastic value for money, an extensive menu to suit all tastes, including for vegetarians, those with allergies and children.....the praise is endless.

Just one of the delighted diners says: "This truly is the most amazing Indian you will ever have." And in the words of another: "A little gem!"

For reservations call +34 922 861 496 / +34 602 657 690 Calle Honduras, C.C. Santiago I, Local 106 Puerto Santiago (Infront of Hotel Barcelo Santiago) www.mayascurryhouse.com

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CONCERTS AND MORE

Celebrate Christmas with the fifth edition of Puerto’s Bach Festival T

HE Reyes Bartlet cultural association is celebrating the fifth edition of the Puerto de la Cruz Bach Festival which started on December 9th and continues until January 5th.

As well as marking a milestone birthday of its own, the event is paying homage to the music of Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi, born 450 years ago.

The association has been carrying out intense work in Puerto de la Cruz for 40 years and this is reflected in the Bach Festival which has become increasingly popular for locals and tourists alike.

The festival, as in previous editions, lends a special interest in the formation and contextualization of the time and is enriched with didactic concerts, musical interpretation courses, exhibitions and guided tours.

The programme was presented at Puerto town hall in the presence of the Mayor, Lope Afonso; the CEO of Tourism of Tenerife, Vicente Dorta; councillor for tourism, Dimple Melwani; manager of the Reyes Bartlet Cultural Association, Marina Velázquez; and the vice president of the CIT, Santiago Rodríguez.

Sr. Afonso said this fifth edition of the Bach Festival showed the cultural potential of Puerto and was proving more successful every year.

Vicente Dorta said the event formed part of the marketing plan to “position Puerto de la Cruz as a reference within the cultural environment of the island.”

Marina Velázquez said she was delighted at the response to this fifth edition and welcomed the Academia de los Afectos as resident group once again.

From the tourist point of view, area councillor Dimple Melwani stressed the fact that Puerto was hosting the festival at a favourable time, since in the month of December the municipality registered an “occupation of 90% and with forecasts of reaching the absolute “, allowing music to approach” a ver y broad target of people “.

The festival began on December 9th with a guided tour entitled “Puerto de la Cruz in Bach’s time” held in English and Spanish. It will be held again on Friday, January 5th to bring the event to a close. The guided walk will leave the Plaza Doctor Víctor Pérez, in front of the Church of San Francisco, at 11am.

Until Januar y 5th, the Institute of Hispanic Studies

will host the exhibition “Tenerife in times of Bach” .

Various concerts have been taking place and one still to look forward to is on Thursday, January 4th, when Carlos Oramas will be at the Church of La Peña de Francia from 8.30pm. Tickets are 15 euros and the points of sale are the CIT of Puerto de la Cruz, the Librería Masilva and Cloe Complementos; in addition to the Church of La Peña de Francia itself.

The second course of musical interpretation to be taught in this fifth edition of the Bach Festival will be held from Tuesday 26th to Friday December 29th by the Academia de los Afectos at the headquarters of the Reyes

Bartlet Cultural Association, located on the central street of calle La Verdad del Puerto.

Each day after classes during this week, there will be a concert in the Church of the Peña de Francia, from 8.30pm with various repertoires, including Telemann and Rossini. On the 28th, El Afecto Ilustrado, of which the teachers are part, will take to the stage whilst on the 29th, they will perform a programme of 18th century French music.

The course has a cost of 150 euros with a reduced price of 120 euros for students of the Conservatory of Music of the Canar y Islands, Professional Conservatory of

Music of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas and the School of Music Schools.

Registration can be done through the email of the Reyes Bartlet Cultural Association on mail@reyesbartlet.com This festival is organised by the Reyes Bartlet Cultural Association and Puerto de la Cruz council. It also has the collaboration of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Teatro Timanfaya, Lhorsa, art and events, CIT Puerto de la Cruz, Church of Peña de Francia, Restaurant Regulus, Cloe Complentos, Librería Masilva and Ymanera SDG. The benefits of the concerts are dedicated to the pedagogical and artistic projects of the Reyes Bartlet

Cultural Association.

Other concerts include December 23rd at 9pm when the Reyes Bartlet will offer its traditional and legendar y Concierto de las Nueve Lecturas with the choirs of the Cultural Association Reyes Bartlet, Ismael Perera and Saúl González, piano and Nayra Marco , whowill play the historic organ of the church of La Peña de Francia.

On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th, there will be a special Christmas concert by the Ucanca Wind Quintet. It will be a “Matienee concert” at the Timanfaya Theatre at noon.

And, on Monday, January 1st, also at noon at the Timanfaya Theatre, there will a Special New Year concert.

“Spend Christmas with us” says El Rosario

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REVITALISED PROGRAMME

L Rosario is diversifying its Christmas activities in a bid to encourage local people to shop in the municipality and attract more visitors.

The festive lights are already on and the fun so far has included performances by a gospel choir and cheerleading group, the municipality’s first solidarity marathon, toy collection, workshops, children’s animation and more.

The El Chorrillo open-air nativity scene has also been unveiled, an endearing tribute to its creator, the recently deceased Domingo López López.

Highlights to come include the Christmas Festival on Friday, December 29th in the Von Humboldt Square in Tabaiba Baja, starting at 8pm, with performances by the Jeita group and the soloist Aarón Morales.

Councillor for fiestas, Yeray Gutiérrez stressed that “as we did last year we wanted to diversify the agenda of Christmas events in different areas of El Rosario with simple but emotional events and that, in addition, have the intention of encouraging purchases in the local commerce and to energise the different nuclei of the acts designed so that its residents do not have to move to other municipalities to enjoy Christmas. “ In this way, the revitalisation of the municipality at Christmas will be completed in the month of January 2018 with the act of collecting letters to the Magi in the Radazul shopping centre, on January 4th, and with the Great Cavalcade of La Esperanza on January 5th.

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LOCAL SHOPPING

EXTENSIVE ACTIVITIES

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Puerto’s flourishing times reflected in Christmas programme

Icod de los Vinos presents over 70 festive events

HRISTMAS is presented in Icod de los Vinos with more than 70 cultural and recreational activities to boost the different economic sectors of the town and districts of the municipality, which will have a major role in this edition.

The Plaza Luis de León Huerta hosted the presentation of the festive poster, designed

by David Socas, and the extensive programme of events.

Concerts, children’s performances, live showcases and the Cabalgata de Reyes are some of the main events in the Ciudad del Drago until January 5th.

La Mancha, Llanito Perera, the Hoya de Ana Díaz, Las Lajas or La Centinela are some of the places chosen for the celebration of workshops, concerts and festivals of

folklore. With the firm commitment to promote purchases in the municipality, the council has launched various actions aimed at favouring the small business of the town, including draws of more than 2,500 euros in gift vouchers or the Christmas library for all purposes for the little ones to have fun with a battery of activities suitable for them while their families do their shopping in Icod de los Vinos shops.

Fiesta councillor, Javier Sierra, stressed “the impor-

tance of a very comprehensive programme, which has had a high participation to develop more than 70 activities that will have special interest in the neighbourhoods, which will be the protagonists.”

Councillor for trade, Jannet Pérez, stressed the “significant number of actions aimed at boosting local trade, a key piece for the development of the economy in Icod de los Vinos.”

Books become art in new exhibition

RECYCLED PAGES

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OOKS are much more than pages full of words, they are full of wonders, dreams and mysteries; they are art and they are still art when a second life is given to recycled books.

This is explained by the author of the exhibition ‘Art with Books’, Javier González Méndez, which is open to the public at the Ethnographic Museum of Granadilla de Abona until January 8th.

The Mayor, José Domingo Regalado, accompanied by councillor for culture, Eudita Mendoza and other members of the municipal corporation attended the inauguration of this exhibition, which includes original elements made with thousands of pages of books.

This unusual exhibition is open to the public from Monday to 8am to 3pm.

M

ORE than 100 activities make up the programme of activities being staged by Puerto de la Cruz for the Christmas and Three Kings campaign.

The festive celebrations began when the lights were turned on and will continue with a wide range of fun and activities for all.

The Mayor, Lope Afonso says the extent of the programme reflects “the great moment the city is living”, thanks to the “good perspectives of tourist occupation, economic growth and, therefore, job creation.” He therefore hoped Christmas and the NewYear would be more prosperous for all.

A press conference to unveil the details was also attended by the councillor responsible for fiestas, Ruymán García, the president of the San Francisco de Asis Nativity Scene Cultural Association, Martín Álvarez Calzadilla, and Sandy Reina, president of the Ya Vienen Los Reyes Association (“Here come the Kings association”).

The festive poster was also unveiled, the work of the painter Luis Dávila, donated, for the second year in a row, by the San Francisco de Asís Association of Belenistas. Their stunning nativity scenes are on show in the Casa Ventoso, former Colegio de Los Agustinos, its seventh exhi-

bition of cribs, one of the “most important and widest of the Canary Islands”. The seven nativity scenes cover an area of 600 square metres.

Ruymán García thanked “each and every one of those who make it possible to carry out the events within this programming” and invited everyone to enjoy the festivities.

The programme is available in two formats: digital and physical. The first is hosted on the council’s website on www.puertodelacruz.com and on the Facebook page” Fiestas Puerto de la Cruz “, the second in shops and other locations.

One of the most anticipated events was presented by the president of the Ya Vienen Los Reyes Association, Sandy Reina, responsible for carrying out the Three Kings Parade on January 5th. The Magi of the East will be wearing new costumes, thanks to the company Diseños who have given the new outfits for the Three Kings free of charge.

During the festivities, different musical groups will liven up the streets of Puerto de la Cruz.

Employment, tax and accounting advice

Company accountancy (at our office or yours).

Settlement of taxes (IRPF, societies, non-residents).

Company constitution: (mercantile register).

Representation of any kind of employment.

Tax and accounting inspection.

Settlement of estates (inheritance tax).

Procedures for the transfer of vehicles.

Contracts for renting houses, business premises, etc…

Insurances: car, home, etc….

Ctra. Provincial nº183 Edf. Itahisa, Portal H, 1 Cuesta de la Villa Santa Ursula Tel: 922 30 48 58

urbano@asesoriaurbanotorres.com www.asesoriaurbanotorres.com

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BIGGEST PROGRAMME

SOLIDARTIY EFFORTS

Music and dance combine for concerts

M

USIC and dance has been combining in Gran Canaria to present two solidarity Christmas concerts.

The first was held on December 17th but the second will be held on December 23rd in the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in Las Palmas under the title of “Villancicos del mundo”.

Both events are helping the charitable causes of Casa de Galicia and Cáritas Diocesana de Canarias.

The December 23rd concert is organised for the second year in a row by the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Auditorium and Theatre Foundation and the Canary Foundation Philharmonic Orchestra of Gran Canaria. On the same day in the auditorium, there will be a toy collection and donations would be very welcome.

RECYLED MATERIALS

White and gold lights up San Juan de la Rambla

S

AN Juan de la Rambla is lit up for Christmas to herald 50 different festivities.

A tree of more than eight metres stands outside the town hall with recycled materials presenting an air of elegance through white fabrics and golden lights.

The main roads, on the other hand, all have LED Christmas lighting of low consumption, while each district has Christmas pines created using pallets reused for the occasion.

The act of lighting was preceded by a new edition of the “Christmas Market: Regala y Gana” at the Sports Pavilion of San José with the parti-

cipation of artisans and local businesses and followed by the third edition of the fashion show “Rambla: Comercio con Illusion“, organised together with the cultural association Salsedanza.

Local traders are backing the Christmas shopping campaign with rewards.

The entire programme can be obtained by consulting the municipal website www.sanjuandelarambla.es or in the programmes distributed throughout the municipality and in the municipal buildings.

Los Realejos promises not one Christmas day without a smile

L

OS Realejos is celebrating Christmas with its biggest offer of cultural, commercial and leisure activities with 75 events.

“The Magic Night”, “The Magic Afternoon-Children’s End of Year ”, Christmas workshops and playrooms, 25 visits of ambassadors and living nativity scenes are all highlights of the programme.

The festive lights are already on and at the presentation of the programme, the poster was presented by the illustrator from Tenerife, Nareme Melián, as well as the new mascots of the Department of Commerce of Los Realejos, Tyto and Alba.

The Mayor, Manuel Domínguez said the programme was aimed at all ages but in particular children with five Christmas toy libraries and the 25 visits by the story-telling ambassadors of the Three Kings. He extended a welcome to all, from both inside and outside the municipality, to come and share in the festivities, promising not one day without a smile.

The Living Bethlehem of Tigaiga will remain on the day

of December 25th, as has been usual in recent years, starting at 7pm, while that of Icod el Alto in this parish will be at 7.30om on the same day. The Children’s End of Year planned for December 30th will this time be in the Plaza de San Agustín from 5pm, integrated into the set of activities for revitalisation of the entire commercial area under the title ‘The Magic Afternoon ‘.

The ambassador of the Magi

will visit up to 25 points of the town between December 26th and January 2nd, stopping, as usual in Realejo Bajo, Tigaiga, Camino Nuevo, Tanque Arriba, Icod el Alto, La Carrera, El Jardín, La Higuerita, Toscal Longuera, San Vicente, El Horno, Las Toscas, Cruz del Peral, El Mocán, La Cruz Santa, Las Llanadas, La Ferruja, Palo Blanco, Placeres, Realejo Alto, La Cartaya, La Montaña, La Zamora, San Benito and San

More than 30 attractions in Granadilla this festive season

G

RANADILLA de Abona is offering more than 30 acts to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosts the inauguration of the lighting display which sets the festive scene for local people and visitors alike. The events continue until January 5th.

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One “must” place to visit is the exhibition of nativity scenes made by different groups of the municipality in the Franciscan Convent.

Councillor for culture Eudita Mendoza highlighted other attractions, including the End of the Year Strolls in El Médano square, where there will be a festival by the Tropin, Deliciosa, Aparrandados and Pasión Gomera orchestras; and as a novelty, the children’s New Year’s Eve party at the Plaza de la Cultura in San Isidro on Saturday, December 30th.

The Great Cavalcade of the Three Kings of the East on

January 5th will start at 5pm, concluding as is traditional in the municipal pavilion.

Another star attraction is a performance of the Municipal School of Music of Granadilla de Abona on December 22nd at the San Isidro Espacio

From the commercial point of view, the AEDL, together with the commercial associations, have launched a campaign in order to encourage Christmas shopping in the commercial establishments of the municipality. This is under the slogan of

Agustín.

The Cabalgata de Reyes on January 5th, the eve of the delivery of their gifts to the youngest of Los Realejos, will depart at 6pm from La Cruz Santa to conclude in Tigaiga, while passing through Realejo Alto and San Agustín. The departure of the Icod el Alto parade is also at 6pm.

Free parking areas and piped music in the shopping centre will all add to the atmosphere.

“SHOP LOCAL” “Granadilla, your store in Tenerife” and there will be loyalty rewards for customers.

Sport will also be the protagonist this Christmas, including the VII Edition of the San Silvestre Medanera on Saturday, December 30th at 4pm.

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HEALTH

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591

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UNPLEASANT CONDITION

Dandruff, a difficult health problem to get rid of

D

ANDRUFF is a common skin condition that causes dry white or grey flakes of dead skin to appear in the scalp or hair.

The flakes are often noticeable if they fall from your scalp on to your shoulders. Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.

It’s not contagious and doesn’t usually pose a threat to health but can be unpleasant and embarrassing.

The body continually sheds dead skin cells as new cells are formed. In most cases, this is a gradual process that goes unnoticed.

However, this process can speed up, producing excessive amounts of dead skin cells, which causes dandruff.

It’s not always clear why this happens, but possible causes include seborrhoeic dermatitis , a common skin condition that causes oily skin.

While not directly responsible, certain things can make your dandruff worse, such as overuse of hair products, emotional stress and/ or washing your hair too much or too little.

If your dandruff is associated with the skin condition seborrhoeic dermatitis, you may also experience additional symptoms.

These can include scaling and itching of the skin. Areas of the body most commonly affected include the scalp, the face, in and around the ears, the front of the chest and

between the shoulder blades or areas where the skin folds together, such as your armpits, groin and inner thighs.

The scaling can range from some mild pink patching to widespread thick crusts of skin.

In some cases the scales can become infected, which can lead to the patches becoming red, painful and discharging pus and fluid.

Severe cases of patching on your scalp can result in some degree of hair loss.

However, if there is no scarring, the hair should regrow.

Treating dandruff The main treatment is antidandruff shampoo. There are a number of different types available over the counter from most pharmacists and supermarkets.

These work in different ways, depending on the type, so if one type isn’t effective you may want to try another one.

BODY CLOCK PROBLEMS

J

Fighting off jet lag

ET lag refers to disturbed sleep patterns, weakness and disorientation caused by travelling. It happens when your normal body clock is disrupted by travelling through several time zones.

It’s worse when you move from west to east because the body finds it harder to adapt to a shorter day than a longer one.

Our body clock is primed to respond to a regular rhythm of daylight and darkness. It is thrown out of sync when it experiences daylight at what it considers the wrong time and it can take several days to readjust.

Travellers who take medication according to a strict timetable (such as insulin or oral contraceptives) should seek medical advice from a health professional before their journey.

Before you travel

Make sure you’re fully rested before you travel. If you’re flying overnight and you can get a bit of sleep on the flight, it will help you to stay up until night time once you arrive at your destination.

Change your sleep routine

If treatment fails to clear your flaky scalp after a few weeks, or your scalp is particularly itchy, see your GP. You may need stronger prescription shampoo or a short course of a steroid lotion.

Dandruff usually responds well to treatment, but it’s common for it to reoccur. Some people find they are free from symptoms for a while before having a “flare-up”, where symptoms are particularly bad.

In some cases, you may need to use anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular or semiregular basis to prevent dandruff returning.

See your GP if your symptoms show no signs of improvement after using antidandruff shampoo for two weeks. You may require stronger prescription treatment.

Your GP can examine your scalp to rule out skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis, which may also require prescription treatment.

If your GP thinks a fungal infection may be present in your scalp (for example, scalp ringworm), a skin sample may be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Dandruff is a common condition. It is estimated that half of all people will be affected by dandruff at some point in their lives.

Dandruff often occurs after puberty and is most common in people in their early 20s, continuing into middle age.

It has been reported that dandruff is more common in men than women. It is thought to affect all ethnic groups equally.

A few days before you travel, start getting up and going to bed earlier (if you’re travelling east) or later (if you’re travelling west). During the flight, try to eat and sleep according to your destination’s local time.

Have a stopover on the way

Including a stopover in your flight will make it easier to adjust to the time change and you’ll be less tired when you arrive. Take advantage of any short airport transits to have a refreshing shower.

DURING YOUR JOURNEY Keep hydrated Dehydration can intensify the effects of jet lag, especially after sitting in a dry aeroplane cabin for many hours. Avoid alcoholic and caffeine drinks (such as coffee, tea and cola) which can disturb sleep.

Preparing for sleep

During your flight, try to create the right conditions when preparing for sleep. Eyeshades and earplugs may help you sleep. Regular exercise during the day may also help you sleep but avoid strenuous exercise immediately before bedtime.

AT YOUR DESTINATION Anchor sleep Try to get as much sleep in every 24 hours as you normally would. A minimum block of four hours’ sleep during the local night – known as “anchor sleep” – is thought to be necessary to help you adapt to a new time zone. If possible, make up the total sleep time by taking naps during the day.

Natural light

The cycle of light and dark is one of the most important factors in setting the body’s internal clock. Exposure to daylight at the destination will usually help you adapt to the new time zone faster.

HEALTH

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

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33

Artedental leads the way in amazing precision work “ The challenge of dental implants and prosthetics to achieve the most natural result is now a reality”

W

HEN one or several teeth have been lost due to a traumatic process, poor hygiene or due to certain physical factors, the patient, who experiences a sensitive state in terms of aesthetics and health, seeks to “not notice at all” the replacement of these pieces.

This may be the most urgent goal for a patient, but they soon discover that there are others that are fundamental such as functionality, comfort or even the security of knowing that your teeth are not going to fall out in the middle of a meal between friends .

Dental implants are gradually liquidating the use of removable dentures (still necessary in certain cases) because of their incomparable advantages. The implant, similar in shape and appearance to a screw, is made of titanium and is anchored to the bone. This metal, in addition to not being rejected by our organism, has the ability to be osseointegrated, that is,

to make the bone manufacture new bone material that adheres to the implant. This sustains in a solid and sure way the prosthesis that will make the functions of our lost tooth or teeth.

But not only that, the prosthesis, crowns or bridges that the implant supports, that is to say, the artificial teeth or dentures, can become of a naturalness that the expert might not even notice, although it is not easy to achieve this result and not any technician has the ability to achieve it.

Some prosthetists have developed a management of the art of making sets at the same level as the best sculptor.

While it is true that these prostheses can be worked with computerised milling systems, there are clinics that still prefer the combination of machine precision and human sensitivity, the latter capable of translating the demands of a patient with unique needs in a denture made to measure.

Such is the case of Artedental clinic, in Puerto de la Cruz, whose laboratory has possibly two of the best prosthetic teachers in Spain: Volker Samrei and Fernando Cabeza Griffón. The first is coinventor, together with the medical director of the clinic, Dr. Víctor Cubillo, of the Arton4® prosthetic solution, which shortens the patient’s wait in having the definitive

prosthesis from six months to a single day; and maestro Griffón as he is known and admired nationally and internationally for the extreme realism and naturalness he achieves in his prostheses.

Both are invited to national and European congresses and fairs to talk about their work and even collaborate as reference professionals of international brands.

Just look at one of the pieces created in Artedental clinic in Puerto de la Cruz shows you the grooves that are generated naturally and almost imperceptibly in our teeth, as well as mimicking the colour of a gum or its “ orography”. If you look closely at one of these pieces, you will

you experience additional symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain and bloating, recurring episodes of diarrhoea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, bowel incontinence, blood in your stools (faeces) and/or signs of an infection, such as a high temperature, vomiting, chills, joint pain and muscle pain.

These symptoms could be an indicator of a more serious health problem and may require investigation, such as a blood or stool test to look for an infection.

Controlling the problem

WHEN FLATULENCE IS NO LAUGHING MATTER

P

EOPLE may laugh when you pass wind but excessive flatulence can be embarrassing and make you feel uncomfortable around others.

However, it can usually be controlled with changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Flatulence is a normal biological process and is something everyone experiences regularly. Some people pass wind only a few times a day, others a lot more, but the average is said to be about five to 15 times a day.

When you swallow food, water or saliva, you also swallow small amounts of air, which collects in the digestive system. Gases can also build up when you digest food. The body then needs to get rid of the buildup.

Sometimes you may not notice you have passed wind because most of the gases are odourless and often released in small quantities. Flatulence usually only has a bad smell if it

contains gases that smell, such as sulphur. However, it’s important to remember it’s normal for the gas you pass to sometimes smell a bit.

Excessive flatulence can be caused by swallowing more air than usual or eating food that’s difficult to digest. It can also be related to an underlying health problem affecting the digestive system, such as recurring indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

There are no medical guidelines defining the normal frequency or volume of flatulence. You’re probably the best person to assess your own symptoms.

See your GP if your flatulence is particularly troublesome or if

Excessive flatulence can usually be controlled by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as avoiding foods known to cause flatulence, eating smaller and more frequent meals, eating and drinking slowly and exercising regularly.

There are also some over-thecounter medications that can help if your flatulence is troublesome, such as charcoal tablets or simethicone.

notice the amazing precision work involved.

The constant evolution experienced by implants and prostheses in terms of materials, stability, strength or durability means that they continue to position themselves at the top of dental solutions, although it is also true that their success depends on the physical conditions of the patients and the correct choice of the centre and the professional who carries out the treatment.

“It is essential that professionals in the sector are informed and investigate the latest materials and solutions in the market to realise the amount of possibilities they offer,” explains Dr. Víctor Cubillo. For the medical director of Artedental, the evolution of the sector added to the skill of certain professionals have proved that “the challenge of dental implants and aesthetic and functional prostheses is already a reality. There is no solution

in the market for the loss of dental pieces that today exceeds the advantages of the combination between implants and prostheses “. ”One of the most common problems is the time that elapses between the fall of a patient’s tooth and the decision made by the patient to fix that fault,” Dr. Víctor Cubillo tells us. The loss of a piece causes all others to move and the bone to give way with the consequent fall of other pieces suddenly.

If you are missing a tooth, do not wait any longer and go to a specialised clinic that combines a good surgeon and a quality dental technician.

These operations are very expensive if you do not go to the right place. The history in Spain is long on cases that end in failure if you get into the hands of clinics with inexperienced dentists or dental chains that promise amazing results for little money.

22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591 WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

BRITISH CAR DEALER & INSURANCE SERVICES

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591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018 WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

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CBAS - Poligono Industrial Las Chafiras III, C/.Caracas Nave 4, 38639 San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife T: +34 922 736 738 F: +34 922 735 123 E: info@canariesbritish.com www.cbas.eu Visit our showroom at the top of Amarilla Golf on the junction with the Auction house.

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22ND DECEMBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2018 I TENERIFE NEWS 591 WWW.TENERIFENEWS.COM

The Prestige Group Est. 1999

Specialists in the Manufacture, Repair and Installation of all types of Industrial and Domestic Shutters, Security Grilles, Garage Doors, Electric or Manual.

Remote Control Systems.

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Showroom open 9-5 Mon-Fri

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info@theprestigegroup.es

The Prestige Group T

Est. 1999

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Tenerife’s leading Specialist in the Manufacture, Repair and Installation of all types of Awnings, Canopies, Interior and Exterior Blinds.

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Showroom open 9-5 Mon-Fri

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Applications and paperwork to the Authorities (Residencia, NIE number, inheritances etc) Resident and Non-Resident annual tax declarations Accounting, Payroll and Management Consulting Tax advice and consulting Property purchase and investigations Translations and Interpreter service... and more!

CONTACTS 37

591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

FEEL MORE PLEASURE, erotic, Tantric massage, also prostatic.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND/OR EDITORIAL. 1. CREDIT TERMS: a) All advertisers must pay within seven days of publication date or as agreed with the Publisher. b) All advertisements are subject to I.G.I.C. at the current rate. c) Any advertiser disputing an Invoice for whatever reason must raise the issue within seven days of the issue date or receipt of that invoice, whichever is the soonest.

Failure to register the query within the period will nullify any claim. 2. PUBLISHER: a) The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by the total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or of the distribution of any edition of the Tenerife News in which an advertisement is scheduled to appear. b) The Publisher reserves the right to refuse insertion of any advertisement even though accepted and paid for and to make any alteration deemed necessary. c) PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Unless specifically requested by the advertiser and with a payment of an additional 50% in cost, advertisements will be placed "Run of Paper" and no claim may be made against the publisher if the advertiser does not agree with the placement. However, advertisers requests will be taken into consideration wherever possible. 3. ERROR IN ADVERTISEMENTS: a) In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement outside the publisher's control, the publisher will re-insert the correct advertisement in a following issue at no extra cost to the client, except in the case of paragraph c) below. b) No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. c) No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the client has received, proofed, corrected and returned the advertisement to the Publisher. d) Although errors are usually rectified immediately, the Publisher is unable to accept responsibility for repetition of any error on subsequent insertions. 4. COPY: a) All copy is subject to the approval of the Publisher who reserves the right to refund, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements or editorial submitted to them at their discretion and without explanation. The Publishers do not hold themselves responsible for the content of articles supplied by its contributors or any loss or damage resulting from the insertion of wrong dates or times. b) The Publishers do not hold themselves responsible for loss or damage to artwork, photographs or editorial. c) The pages in Tenerife News may vary by approximately 5% in size to suit technical requirements of different printing presses. d) The use of full colour or spot colour within Tenerife News may vary in quality of reproduction. 5. CANCELATION: Advertisements, once accepted, and the contract has been signed by the client or his representative, cannot be cancelled. 6. BOX NUMBERS: Box number replies will be forwarded as soon as possible but we do not accept liability in respect of any loss or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding such replies however caused. OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY CONTRIBUTORS TO TENERIFE NEWS ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF OR THE PUBLISHERS, WHO CAN TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING FROM THEM OR FROM ADVERTISEMENTS AND THEIR CONTENT. TENERIFE NEWS is published and distributed fortnightly. The contents of this publication are the property of the Publisher and nothing may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the express permission of the Proprietor.

SPORTS

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La Laguna urged to give disabled people more sporting help

SPORTS GALA

Accolades for top athletes and teams of El Rosario

SPECIAL FUND

E

L Rosario has chosen its most notable athletes and teams in its first Sports Gala.

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A Laguna is being urged to carry out a study to make sure all sports facilities in the municipality can be accessed by the disabled.

The plea to “end all architectural barriers” is being made by the Popular Party which also wants a special fund set up to help those with limited mobility to take part in club activities.

“We must help people with disabilities to join sports clubs,” said spokesman Antonio Alarcó. “These should promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in their sporting activities as much as possible by eliminating physical and emotional barriers. The stigma must be overcome that people with disabilities cannot and do not want to participate in sports activities.”

The motion raised by the PP also calls for the creation of a line of subsidies or financial aid to cover the total or partial share of people with disabilities, according to their economic situation, in any of the sports schools or clubs registered in the municipality, whether for school, base or federated sports. They should

also be made exempt from the public price for access to sports facilities.

“We also request the creation of a municipal sports programme with sufficient human and material resources that incorporate people with disabilities to favour their normalisation and integration and the realisation of continuing education courses at an educational, training and assistance level related to adapted sport, inclusive for monitors or sports technicians “, said Sr. Alarcó.

On December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated, declared in 1992 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The purpose of this celebration is to promote the rights and welfare of all persons with disabilities in all areas of society, as well as to raise awareness of their situation in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The event was led by the Mayor, Escolástico Gil in the presence of Cabildo sports councillor, Cristo Pérez and a host of other guests.

Sr. Gil promised that the gala would become a biannual landmark for the municipality. He recalled his time as a footballer, in which he played for eight years in the chain of subsidiaries of CD Tenerife, making an affectionate reminder of the footballer of the sixties Santi González (who would be awarded the “Sports Legend”) and for the coaches José María Ramos and

Domingo Garabote, “authentic sports parents for many of us at that time.”

In the awards section of the night, Leticia Batista Negrín, champion of the Canaries Absolute Individual 2017 and runner-up of Spain 2016 of rhythmic gymnastics, was chosen as “Best athlete of the seasons 15/16 - 16/17”; while the accolade of “Best team of the seasons 15/16 -16/17” fell to the CV Elite Voleyball (volleyball), runner-up of Tenerife, champion of the Canary Islands, champion of the National Junior Superliga and seventh position in the Championship of Spain Juve-

nile Feminine 2017, among other individual recognitions.

In the categor y of “Best Promising Athlete”, Gustavo Vidal Herrera (racquetball) was awarded, a component of the Spanish team that finished third in the 2016 World Cup and champion of Spain Youth 2017.

The “Best Sports Team” “was for the Independent CB Las Rosas (Canarian bola), runnerup of the President’s Cup and the tournament Our Lady of Candelaria 2017.

During the course of the gala, different special mentions were also awarded: “Fair play and sports values” for the CDZ Esperanza alevín, (winner of the Golden Ball fair game 2015/ 2016); to the “Sports Revelation” for Daniel Trujillo

Suárez (First Division soccer referee); to the “Sports legend” for Santiago González Hernández, historic player of CD Tenerife, RCD Mallorca and Elche CF of the First Division; and to the “Work in favour of sports in the municipality of El Rosario” to the family “Los Verga”, for its diffusion of the game of palo, and to the Guagüeros Cycling Club, for its contribution to the promotion of cycling.

Finally, commemorative diplomas were awarded to Daniel Lutzardo Barroso (athletics), Nelly María González Rodríguez (sailing), Daniel González Ventura (tennis) and Honorio Torres “Paspín”, for their support of the Canarian struggle.

Granadilla unveils basketball teams NEW SEASON

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RANADILLA Basketball Club held the presentation of all its categories for the season 2017/2018 in the pavilion of the Institute of Los Cardones, in the core of San Isidro.

The event gathered together hundreds of athletes, family and fans of the sport and was attended by the Mayor, José Domingo Regalado; the first deputy mayor, Marcos González; and town planning councillor, Marcía Concepción Cabrera, among others.

The teams that make up the club are: premini masculine, infantile masculine, infantile feminine, cadet masculine, juniors and senior masculine.

During the day, sports material was handed out to all the players that make up the CB Granadilla family, as well as mentioning all the founders of the club in 1992.

The council also received a thank-you plate for their collaboration and assistance in the promotion of this sport.

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591 TENERIFE NEWS I 22ND DECEMBER TO 11 JANUARY 2018

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PLACES FILLING

MOST MEDALS

Canaries lead the way in Spanish Judo Club

Still time to T enter the San Silvestre Lagunera

HE Canary Islands became the community with the most medals, 15 golds and 17 silvers, in the Spanish Judo Cup.

The tally was notched up in the cadet and children categories during the event held in the municipal pavilion of Granadilla de Abona.

Aragon followed, with seven golds and four silver, and Catalonia with three golds and two silver.

This eighth edition was organised by Granadilla de Abona council, through the

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HE 36th edition of the San Silvestre Lagunera, the popular race organised by the Autonomous Sports Organisation (OAD) of Aguere which takes place on December 31st, is already close to 2,000 registered runners.

The event, which will be held in the late afternoon of the last day of the year in the historic centre, has a limit of 3,000 registrations and has the sponsorships of Sport Zone, Disa, Cajamar, Fred Olsen and Coca Tail.

Those interested in signing up can do so at the OAD headquarters, on Capitán Brotons street in La Laguna.

Those interested can also formalise their registration, until 8pm on December 21st online through the website www.deportelagunero.com.

To be part of the last event of the year, riders must pay eight euros. This includes technical shirt, chip, dorsal and

insurance.

This San Silvestre Lagunera will be held on Sunday, December 31st, starting at 6pm, on the traditional urban circuit through the historic centre of Aguere, on a route of 5,700 metres, with the start and finish at the Plaza de la Concepción.

For the third consecutive year, those interested will be able to follow the San Silvestre Lagunera through the small screen, courtesy of Televisión Canaria.

Agoney Díaz (17.23, Bikila) and Marta Arnay (19.49, CEAT) won the San Silvestre Lagunera 2016. which attracted 3,000 runners.

Department of Sports and the Granadilla Judo Club with the collaboration of the Tenerife and Canary Islands Judo Federation, as well as the Royal Spanish Judo Federation.

About 250 athletes took part and there were 100 delegates and coaches.

The sporting event had the participation of ten autonomies: Aragon, Asturias, Ba-

Historic anniversary for basketball club

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HE entire chain of teams that make up the historic Basketball Club SAN ISIDRO de La Orotava that this year is fulfilling nothing more and nothing less than 50 years of history was presented during a special evening.

The presentation took place, of course, at its headquarters, in the premises of the Salesian School “San Isidro” in La Orotava, where prominent people were present such as Don Santiago González, representative of the Insular Basketball Federation of Tenerife, Mr. Eduardo Rodríguez, local councillor for sports and Don Abel, director of the Salesian School “San Isidro”.

Sixto Trujillo, president of this historic club, highlighted in his words the great health enjoyed by this club that celebrates half a century, where many young people work daily.

The presentation showcased the eleven male teams, four female and three mixed schools totalling more than 200 children who fill the fields of “The Salesians” every afternoon.

learic Islands, Catalonia, Castilla La Mancha, Madrid, Valencia, Basque Country, Galicia and the Canar y Islands, with the participation of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Tenerife with regard to the archipelago. The Mayor, José Domingo Regalado, attended the award ceremony together with the first deputy mayor, Marcos González, and councillor for tourism, María Candelaria Rodríguez, among others.

The athletes from Granadilla won two golds, two silvers and two thirds.

The Club de Judo Granadilla has a career of more than 35 years and with many triumphs, in addition to the great success in each edition in the organisation of this championship. It should be noted, also, that this test is scoring for the Spanish Championship and to participate in international championships through the national team.

FEBRUARY TOURNAMENT

Santa Cruz to become capital of water polo

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ANTA Cruz will host the XXXII Copa del Rey of water polo in February 2018.

The Acidalio Lorenzo Pool will host the eight best teams on the national scene, including the CN Echeyde as host.

The agreement reached between the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN), Santa Cruz city council, Tenerife Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands will make it possible for the municipality to become the capital of Spanish water polo during the first weekend of February (2nd to 4th).

The tournament will be broadcasted through the Teledeporte channel of Televisión Española and whose potential audience is estimated at 100,000 spectators.

40

AT YOUR

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LIBRARY

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful New Year from everyone at the English Library. We will be closed on Monday December 25 and Monday January 1 - otherwise business as usual.

DIARY DATES FOR 2018 Ladies Lunch - Thursday January 11 - 1.00 for 1.30pm Ladies Who Lunch: Petit Los Angeles a three course meal including wine 16 euros. Please book at the Treasurer’s Desk.

Talk - Thursday January 18 - 12 noon A Talk followed by our buffet with refreshments. Anecdotes from a Diplomat’s Wife. Guest Speaker Margaret Ward. 8 euros. Please book at Treasurer’s Desk.

Film Club - DUNKIRK - Thursday January 25 - 1.30 for 2.00pm One not to be missed. Christopher Nolan directs a host of stars depicting the evacuation of British troops in World War II from the perspective of land, sea and air. The film has been acclaimed by critics as the greatest-ever war film. Please leave your name at the Treasurer’s Desk. Refreshments and ice creams available during the intermission.

We welcome visitors to join us during our opening hours Monday and Friday 3pm to 5.30 pm and Wednesday and Saturday 10pm to 1pm. Refreshments are served in the garden on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Discover more about us on Facebook, TripAdvisor and our Website ‘theenglishlibrary.es<http:// theenglishlibrary.es>’. Did you know you can access Facebook through our Website. You will find us at Calle Irlanda 5, Parque Taoro, Puerto de la Cruz. Telephone 922 383 098

Dead woman walking by Sharon Bolton

The sister by Louise Jensen

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to. You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward star ting your own small business on the side.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Financial difficulties may be worrying you. Don't be alarmed. Get involved in competitive sports.

Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature. Opportunities may come up at prestigious affairs.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You are best to move quickly and to get in good with the boss. You will get along well with your colleagues this week. You can get others to do things for you but be sure not to overpay them or lend them money. Be careful what you say.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Entertainment should include your whole family.

Minor accidents could occur if you don't take precautions. Travel will turn out to be far more exciting than you imagined. You could come into extra cash.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Grace hasn’t been the same since the death of her best friend Charlie. She is haunted by Charlie’s last words, and in a bid for answers, opens an old memory box of his. It soon becomes clear there was a lot she didn’t know about her best friend. When Grace starts a campaign to find Charlie’s father, Anna, a girl claiming to be Charlie’s sister steps forward. Soon Anna has made herself very comfortable in Grace and boyfriend Dan’s new home. But something isn’t right. Things disappear, Dan’s acting strangely and Grace is sure that someone is following her.

As she gets closer to discovering the truth about Charlie and Anna, is Grace in terrible danger?

You're ready to take action and take over. If you've been under stress and worrying about older members of the family, it's time to come to terms with the situation. You can get ahead if you play your cards right. You might have a problem juggling your time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just don't have the time. Matters pertaining to your home environment will be favorable if you are direct.

Hide your cards and learn to say no.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

The whistler by John Grisham

Just before dawn in the hills near the Scottish border, thirteen passengers on a hot-air balloon flight witness a brutal murder. Within the next hour all but one of them will be dead. Alone, scared and trusting no-one, she flees for her life, running to the one place she feels safe. But she’s seen the killer’s face and he’s seen hers - and he won’t rest until he ‘s eliminated the last witness to his crime...

Lacy Stoltz is an investigator into judicial corruption. She never expected to be in the firing line. Until she met Grey Myers. Myers knows a whistleblower who has the dirt on a female judge in league with organised crime. She has hustled through legislation for the building of a casino on an Indian reservation. Anyone who opposed the scheme is dead. The judge and her friends have made several fortunes from skimmed profits. Now Myers wants Lacy to start an investigation. In doing so, she will put herself firmly in the sights of the killers.

DVD Fargo - D5392

You may become rundown if you take on too much. Don't let coworkers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work. You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the arts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your ability to organize and get everyone together will enhance your popularity and bring interest from potential mates. Be prudent and don't be led down the garden path. Don't let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Take a look at investment oppor tunities.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations. You may think gifts will win their heart, but it could add stress from lack of funds. Plan a trip to the country or take a drive to the beach.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be fair, not colorful. You may find your mate somewhat perturbed. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been feeling up to par. You will take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics.

When the music’s over by Peter Robinson

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

When the body of a 15-year-old is found in a remote countryside lane, beaten and broken, DI Anne Cabot is brought in to investigation. Newly promoted Detective Superintendent Alan Banks is faced with a case that is as cold as they come.

Now in her 60s, Linda Palmer was attacked aged 14 by celebrity entertainer Danny Caxton, yet the crime has never been investigated - until now. As each step gets closer to uncovering the truth, they’ll unearth secrets much darker then they ever could have guessed....

Described as the best new drama since Breaking Bad. Fargo features a new “true crime” story and new characters...all chilled in the trademark dry wit, murderous mayhem and “Minnesota nice” of the original classic film. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Lorne Malvo, a manipulative master criminal who changes the life of insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman). The small town officers join forces to uncover Lester’s secrets and stop the relentlessly destructive Malvo.

You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. If they don't want to get involved, work by yourself. Do not hesitate to help elders with legal documents that are too confusing for them. Things may not be as they sound.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You'll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions. Your depressed mood has been hard to shake. Try not to be too emotional with those around you. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself.

Short-term rental business, realities and challenges Not long ago hotels were the only option for travellers. Nowadays, many people prefer to swap the convenience of a hotel for the more homely feel you get with a private property. Holiday lets are an unstoppable trend that’s continually in the news.

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WNERS who rent to tourists are accused of not paying taxes, property speculation, of appealing to mass tourism but not investing in their communities, and blamed for the high prices of long-term rentals. In an attempt to shed some light on the sector, the Spanish dailies El Mundo and Expansión recently held a roundtable with the main players in the market who looked at what’s new in this developing sector and its challenges.

“The first thing we need to correct is its name: holiday letting,” explained María Jesús Serrano, a partner at the legal firm Serrano Alberca & Conde.

“The correct term would be short-term lets with a wide range of users, not just tourists.” Victor Fernández, CEO of Room Mate Group agreed and said that 68% of clients of Be Mate Apartments – the sister company for holiday lets belonging to the hotel chain – are executives who for professional reasons have to spend a few days in another city.

Holiday lets are not new.

However, it used to be more of a seasonal trend. The new type of holiday lets belong more to the shared economy mindset and has become an unstoppable trend. According to the latest holiday let survey carried out in Spain by HomeAway – one of the main operators in the sector – 8 million Spanish residents between 18 and 65 have stayed in a holiday let over the last two years. That’s 3 million more than the previous survey in 2014.

“Holiday lets are definitely booming at the moment, mainly because the large letting platforms have

facilitated a space where landlords and tenants can contact each other,” said Arnaldo Muñoz, managing director in Spain and Portugal for AirBnb. “It’s another form of the shared economy that has developed into a business, a business transaction that, like all of them, comes about because there’s demand,” said Fernández.

The new forms of shared economy already operate in sectors such as transport, accommodation, project funding, personal services, food, education and logistics.

They have all experienced exponential growth over the last few years and have huge potential. According to the specialist portal Web Strategist, between January 2000 and September 2015, almost €22 billion euros was invested worldwide in initiatives to do with the shared economy. Of this amount, 80% was for transport and accommodation. This type of investment is forecast to top €282 billion by 2025.

THE CHALLENGES One of the most common

objections to holiday lets is that the tenants are tourists who contribute to over-crowding but don’t enrich the community.

Juan Carlos Fernández, managing director of HomeAway for southern Europe, rejected this. “Our clients spend an average of €460 during their stay. This is a much higher figure than hotel guests who spend around €300. We need to bear in mind that people who use holiday lets want to have more contact with the city and they have to go out to lunch or to buy food, for example.”

According to HomeAway estimates, in the two years to April 2016, user spending totalled over €9.6 million in the areas around holiday lets in restaurants, bars and shops etc.

If you add the holiday let rent to this amount, it’s estimated that the sector generated business worth €12.318 million over this period.

The participants agreed that holiday lets can be more profitable than long-term lets for the landlord. “It’s comparable to investing on the stock exchange or in

government bonds. The first option gives higher returns but is riskier than the second. But both have their market,” said the Room Mate CEO. The lack of regulations in the sector is, according to the participants, one of the causes of the fuss made about the sector. “A single set of regulations for the whole of Spain rather than a different one for each region would be ver y positive,” said Pablo Zubicaray, president of the Spanish holiday let association, Fevitur. “It would scale the market and we wouldn’t be hearing false accusations such as holiday lets don’t pay taxes. It’s the same ever ywhere – some people will try not to pay them, but it’s the tax authorities responsibility to go after fraud just as they do in any other market.”

Zubicaray insisted that the biggest challenge facing the holiday let sector is regulatory and that it could help the reality of holiday lets to surface and so make a huge contribution towards Spain’s continued position as a world leader in tourism.

Written by Mark Stücklin Mark Stücklin is a Barcelona-based property market analyst and consultant, and author of the 'Spanish Property Doctor' column in the Sunday Times (2005 - 2008).

He can be reached by email on ms@spanishpropertyinsight.com.

PROPERTY

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Water bills are cheap in Spain despite lack of rain, but other utilities are expensive by EU standards

MARKET GROWTH TO CONTINUE IN 2018

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HE Spanish property market will continue to grow next year, driven by new players in the development business, and foreign investment funds. This was the conclusion reached at “The New Home Industry” conference held in late November and organised by the property supplement in the Spanish daily El Mundo and financial broadsheet Expansión.

The main roundtable brought together the directors of the companies currently leading the recovery of the residential sector: Via Célere, Neinor Homes, Aedas Homes and Aelca.

Among other topics, they discussed the current state of the market, its opportunities, the issues it faces, and the main challenges in the short and medium term.

Changing industry and consumer trends

D

ESPITE most water resource indicators being on red alert because of a drought; despite most reservoirs in Spain losing water; and despite a mostly dry climate in Spain, water bills are among the lowest in Europe. They’re actually the second lowest in the EU.

According to the Spanish Economic Papers report, published by Funcas, the price of a cubic metre of water in Spain is 35.3% cheaper than the European average. This is somewhat surprising given that Spain’s dry climate hardly favours a cheap water supply.

The cheap price of water in Spain is much lower than other utilities, particularly energy supplies, where prices are high. In Spain, consumers pay €2.18 per cubic metre for water, a much lower figure than in some European countries. For example, in Denmark a cubic metre costs €7.32 and in Finland, €4.40.

The Funcas report also looks at the affordability of water bills and finds that the Spanish along with the Italians have the most affordable.

However, once the focus moves to other bills, such as gas or electricity, the trend in Spain changes dramatically. Spaniards pay the third highest costs in Europe for these bills, behind Denmark and Portugal.

Experts explain that the consumer price of water has nothing to do with water management, but is based on criteria such as access and availability of water resources. Prices vary according to altitude or rainfall. Variations in the price also depend on location, the number of homes in an area, and the number of official residents.

The president of Via Célere, Juan Antonio Gómez-Pintado, said that the main change in the current property cycle compared to the previous one has been the long-awaited alternative to bank financing, namely “capital from investment funds that allows us to buy land with our own resources”. He also highlighted that the new home industry has a “higher business profile” and recognised that “there’s a lot more pressure because of the level of competition”, which he believes is “very positive”.

Juan Velayos, head of Neinor Homes, agreed with this and said that he views the market with “optimism” because the economic conditions for growing demand are in place. He also said he was pleased to see that new companies have joined the sector managed by “people with high expertise and know-how, which means we all have to up our game”. Velayos believes the foundations are in place for “a strong property sector in the long run”.

Another change in the business is the emergence of better informed and demanding clients. For Sergio Gálvez, Strategy and Investment manager at Aedas Homes, this is “the main change in the new property cycle”. He explained that “the buyer has become the central point of the whole value chain, forcing companies to use new technology such as big data and consumer opinion systems”.

Because well-informed buyers now that “the property they want must fit their budget”, price has become the main deciding factor, “more important even than location,” argues Beatriz Toribio, manager of Research at Fotocasa, a property portal.

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Aparment in San Fernando area, 75 sqm, 135 sqm terrace, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom 185.000€

Beautiful apartment in San Vicente area with sea views, 44 sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and balcony.

55.000€

Beautiful apartment, first sea line with mountain views, 88 sqm, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, balcony and garage.

95.000€

First line apartment with sea and mountain views, 83 sqm, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.

95.000€

MESA DEL MAR

PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

TACORONTE

First sea line studio with one bathroom, 54 sqm and totally renovated.

58.000€

Chalet with views, 404 sqm, 2 + 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, storeroom, guest room and garden.

300.000€

Beautiful 50 sqm apartment with mountain and sea views, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.

80.000€

Chalet with sea views, 168 sqm, 1.200 sqm plot 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garden and swimming pool.

390.000€

El Sauzal Ctra. Gral. del Norte 42

Tel.: 629 041 054

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Tel.: 629 041 054

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We speak English, German, Spanish, Italian & French

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CENTRAL LOCATED APARTMENT IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ - MARTIANEZ Charming apartment with 1 bedroom, bathroom with shower, new kitchen, pool, very short distances to the beach Martianez, shopping and restaurants, optional 2 parking lots for 30.000,- € available, 45 sqm, 5th floor, elevator

80.000€

WONDERFUL HOUSE IN PUERTO The main living area offers a fantastic living room with dinner area and an open modern high quality kitchen, a terrace and a nice garden with pool, in the lower level are 2 studios with balconies and bathrooms, kitchens, all bathrooms and living areas in high quality and modern, garage for 2 cars,the view over the Loro Parque to the atlantic is unique, 230 sqm living space, plot 505 m2. 580.000€

CHARMING APARTMENT IN LOS REALEJOS – ROMANTICA II Very charming apartment in silent location of Romantica II near tennis club Miramar, completely furnished living room with modern open kitchen, very nice bedroom, terrace and large roof terrace, view to the atlantic, 52 sqm living space.

106.000€

BRIGHT APARTMENT IN THE CENTER OF PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

PUERTO DE LA CRUZ MARTIANEZ BEACH

Completely renovated in 2017, living room very bright through 2 windows, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, wintergarden on balcony, little storage room, 57 sqm, elevator is in place, short distance to Martianez beach.

Fantastic apartment in 9th floor, completely renovated, directly at the beach, central location, 100 sqm, 2 bedrooms, modern bathroom, pool, barrier free, elevator.

295.000€

157.500€

Your real estate partner for more than 25 years For 25 years, our family has been successfully brokering residential and commercial properties in the medium and upper price ranges. With several branches in Germany and Spain, Jürgen Weiss Inmobiliaria is progressively growing and is now being managed by both the first and second generation. We offer a large selection of properties in the North and the South of Tenerife and are happy to help you make your dream, of having your own property on this beautiful island, come true.

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On our new website you will find interesting properties: www.jw-i.es

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BANK REPOSSESSIONS 60221527. C/ Marruecos, Tijoco Bajo: One bedroom apartment on 56m2 on a 1st floor. 64.700 EUROS

San Miguel Village, Golf del Sur

San Andrés, Golf del Sur

Chayofa 2 bedroom apartment, kitchen opens to a bright living room with direct access to a wonderful terrace of 70 m2 with panoramic views of the sea.

Lovely 3 bedroom bungalow. It has 2 en-suite bathrooms & 2 separate cloakrooms, it has a wonderful extension where there is a large dining area and fantastic views.

There is a good size kitchen, lounge room, and terrace.

Ref: C1785

Ref: D1684

250.000 Euros

262.500 Euros

3 bed & 3 bathroom bungalow that has incredible potential. First line sea-front terrace and garden.

349.000 Euros

Ref: D1686

73904169. C/ San Borondon, El Fraile, 2 bedroom apartment on 64m2 with one bathroom, kitchen, lounge-dining area, and covered terrace. 66.700 EUROS 73052444. C/Canguirafo, Guimar: 3 bedroom apartment on 78m2 with one bathroom, lounge-dining room, kitchen, terrace.

99.600 EUROS 73225195. C/ Canarias, Granadilla de Abona. 3 bedroom town house on three levels on 120m2 , three bathrooms, garage & terrace. 109.400 EUROS

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

60062845. House in Arico (remote location): built over 2 floors. It consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, terrace, garage and private swimming pool. 144.200 EUROS Mirador del Sur, San Eugenio Alto Large villa with great views over the sea and La Gomera.

Consisting of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (1 en-suite), fully fitted kitchen, large lounge, terrace with private swimming pool, 2 car garage, utility room and pool room.

Ref: D1677

680.000 Euros

Callao Salvaje Beautiful 3 bedrooms villa. 400m2 construction built on a 740 m2 plot in a very quiet street.

Ref: D1677

995.000 Euros

Cabo Blanco Unfurnished 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms apartment with independent kitchen, garage and storage room.

Lift in the building

Ref: D1685

135.000 Euros

73202564. C. Transversal Malpais, Arafo,: Old Canarian house with 410m2, one bedroom, private parking, garden. 173.900 EUROS 60157819. C/ La Fuente, Ravelo. Tacoronte: Village house with 3 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms on 316m2. Terraces & garage. 228.000 EUROS 7390270. LA PINEDA, TORVISCAS ALTO: Investment object(s): 4 apartments & 4 parking spaces all sold as one entity. Currently opened up as one property. 570.514 EUROS

Crusade sale. Liberty customer 10% discounts. Liberty Client with Home Policy: discounts between 5% & 15%.

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Beautiful 2 bedroom penthouse with living room, well fitted kitchen, 2 bathrooms 1 en-suite, utility room, well furnished and large terrace with stunning views. Includes garage space and storage room. Community pool and lift.

Spacious 2 bedroom penthouse with living room, well fitted kitchen, utility room, 2 bathrooms 1-ensuite, well furnished and large terrace with spectacular views. Includes garage space and store room. Pool and lift.

Beautiful frontline 2 bedroom apartment with lounge/dining room, fully fitted kitchen,2 bathrooms and large terrace with wonderful seaviews. Includes furniture.

Heated community pool.

147.000 Euros

235.500 Euros

320.000 Euros

Casa Blanca - Los Gigantes

Balcón de Los Gigantes Puerto Santiago

Buenavista Los Gigantes

Don Antonio Puerto Santiago

Spacious one bedroom apartment with lounge / dining room, fitted kitchen, bathroom, fully furnished and large terrace. Air conditioning. Community pool sand lifts.

Attractive one bedroom apartment with lounge / dining room, fitted kitchen, bathroom, fully furnished and balcony with fantastic views.

Community pool. Garage space available.

Attractive 3 bedroom apartment with lounge / dining room, fitted kitchen, shower room, partly furnished and balcony. Community lift. Centrally located.

Refurbished top floor 2 bedroom duplex apartment with lounge / dining room, fitted kitchen, 2 bathrooms1-en suite, part-furnished and large terrace with panoramic views.

Heated community pool.

260.000 Euros

140.000 Euros

148.000 Euros

Jose González Fortes Los Gigantes Attractive 2 double bedroom apartment with lounge, dining room, fitted kitchen, bathroom and terrace with wonderful views. Unfurnished.

115.000 Euros

179.800 €

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