The Andalucian - April 2011 by The Andalucían

Editor’s Slice

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Hello, April is always a busy month in our household, what with both girls’ birthdays and of course, the Easter holidays. It always seems to me to be a month for reflection as my kids get older. It’s around this time of year when the weather starts warming up and I often sit at home in awe of our industrious neighbouring farmers, and wonder how they find the time to tend to their crops. I’m determined this year to get some vegetables in and growing before I miss out – but after the recent rain, all we seem to be doing is weeding just to keep on top of things. Last year was a disaster; the only thing that managed to grow was an abundance of tomatoes near the kitchen door, and that was after someone had spat the seeds on the floor! I’m definitely going to get more inspired this year. The magazine is full of inspirational people this month, from the incredible Concordia who works tirelessly at the charity CYD, to Bob Carr who is about to undertake the walk of his life to raise money for cancer charities. And with our reminder about the wonderful Help for Heroes on page 14, it does make you think what more you could do to help someone less fortunate than yourself. Well, until the month of May arrives I hope you enjoy April’s issue of The Andalucían. Remember, if you are a budding writer, do send your short stories or articles in for consideration – we love to hear from you.

Mike

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Special thanks to our writers and contributors: Alice Marriott De Cotta McKenna y Santafé Dr Suzanne Wildman-Chard El Molino Systems Ella Durham Fay Evans Gail Nolan Heather Jones

Jo Shovelton-Fullick Reg Crocini Sandra Birch Scott Creasey Shelia Beecham Stuart Langley Tricia Johnson Wendy Steeden

Editor’s Slice

Contents Contents

Charity News - CYD wins milestone battle Trade Talk - Hot dog days and nights Roaming Andalucía - Alfarnate stands and delivers Sports and Leisure - What’s in a picture? Charity News - Holding out for a Hero Law and Order - A fraction of time to share Law and Order - Nerja office open day Interesting Facts - Waxing your Ps and Qs Future Focus - Tweeting and poking Trade Talk - Introducing PerrosNoleva Prize Competition Food Focus - A decade of asparagus Alice’s Wonderland - Sucking Easter eggs Short Story - Crumbs!

The Andalucían

C/Agricultores 6 Industrial Estate Sotoluz, Campillos 29320 Malaga

info@andalucianauctions.com www.andalucianauctions.com

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Women Watch - Silence is deadly Events Just for Fun Charity News - This mission IS possible Celeb Chat - Dispelling the myth - Shelia Beecham

38 Spotlight - Sticks and stones... Focus - So you ‘thinkuknow’ 40 Future about the internet? 42 44 46 48 50

Trade Talk - El Molino Systems - Hylas-1 KA service Spotlight - Tune in - you are psychic Health - Massaging the family bond Classified Adverts Trade Talk - Today’s music ain’t got the same soul

51 Advertising rates Next deadline: 23 April

Charity News

CYD wins milestone battle

for him to deny all knowledge and take the view that if the horse died, it died. However, Concordia was finally successful and the mare arrived at the centre, where I saw her.

by Tricia Johnson

Equine charity CYD Santa Maria has finally won a long-standing battle to have cruelty to horses regarded as a criminal activity. Concordia Marquez, a former show jumper who runs the equine rescue centre at her home near Alhaurín el Grande, has been an active campaigner on behalf of animals – and particularly horses – for many years. She regularly works alongside the police when cases of abuse or neglect are reported and frequently, with the aid of her lawyer husband, Daniel, brings successful prosecutions against abusers. “We now win about 90 per cent of the cases we bring,” she says. This particular fight has lasted three years, but ended recently when a judge authorised SEPRONA – the ‘nature’ arm of the Guardia Civil – to remove 21 horses from their owner and banned him from ever keeping animals again. This was the first time in Spain that such an action has been taken, and was the result of a prolonged and determined campaign by CYD. Central government had asked Concordia for help in drafting a new law for the protection of equines and its first stage was approved by Congress at the end of last year. Concordia views it as a huge step forward in the fight against the all-too prevalent cruelty. “Equines are finally domestic animals, and cruelty can now be reported as a criminal action,” she said. “We hope owners will now think twice before abandoning or mistreating their animals.”

The 21 horses are now under the protection of CYD, but urgently need foster homes and new guardians to give them their second chance. As with all such cases from the charity, these horses will be subject to a contract and given free of charge. There are mares, stallions and geldings, aged between four and 14, and all will be thoroughly checked by the vet before re-homing. “I would like to thank the British volunteers who have been helping us care for them,” Concordia added. CYD Santa María receives no government funding, and urgently needs help in any form, from donating money to spending a few hours per week to help care for the horses at the centre. “The British people have been fantastic, and without their help, we could not continue,” said Virginia Garcia, the charity’s secretary. “Even just five euros a month would really help us to rescue horses like these.”

“I was so afraid she would die before I could get her here,” she said, as the mare tenderly nuzzled her arm. “I called her ‘Promise’, because I promised her that I would get her away from there and she would end her days in comfort. Sadly, there are probably millions of cases like hers, all over Spain.” I, too, have been a horsewoman all my life and what struck me most was that this horse, which had been so cruelly treated, was so pathetically grateful for any sign of affection, as well as the obvious food and veterinary care which, thankfully, she then received. I had never, ever seen a horse in such poor condition still alive, and although she seemed to make progress for a while – and indeed formed a great attachment to a gelding at the centre — sadly, she died several months later; the internal damage caused by such a long period of neglect had taken its toll. At least Concordia had achieved her aim, though – this lovely, patient, trusting mare ended her days in comfort.

As the recession continues to bite, so the situation has deteriorated further and Concordia currently has many other horses and ponies at her centre, with a waiting list of many more also needing adoption. They range from riding horses and ponies to companions, mares and foals and even stallions.

Concordia’s immediate needs – apart from the obvious donations of money, food, veterinary supplies, rugs or other equipment – are for more volunteers. Continued on page 6

We apologise for our error in omitting the full contact details for Finca Mariposa in our March edition.

The general attitude towards animal welfare in Spain is gradually changing, but according to Concordia, the very fact that tough laws have been introduced in an effort to ease animals’ suffering has brought problems of its own and this, coupled with the continuing effects of the recession, has meant an astronomical rise in the number of welfare issues. “The problem is that with all the paperwork and threat of possible fines, it has become very difficult for an ordinary person to keep a horse at their property, and many people just aren’t bothering to comply with the law and are turning their horses loose,” she explained. “The other major factor is the recession, because so many people just can’t afford to feed their animals.” In the case of horses, particularly, the credit ‘crunch’ is seen as the credit ‘munch’ and one example of extreme neglect was a one-eyed mare called Promise, whom Concordia fought for five months to adopt after she had been found apparently abandoned near Mijas, literally starving and with a catastrophic injury to her right eye. Because her owner’s paperwork was not in order, it was easier

Trade Talk

Charity News

“I have a very loyal group of people who help out, but we always need more who are prepared to give up a few hours each week to come and help; not just with mucking out stables or clearing paddocks, but with giving the horses and ponies some affection and so on. Whatever time they could spare – however little — would be fantastic. “Obviously, I am also looking for adoption homes for the horses, and if someone has suitable premises, but hasn’t got all the necessary paperwork, I will gladly help in getting everything in order. For every single horse or pony which goes from my centre for adoption, it means that another poor little thing can come in to be cared for.” So if you are looking to buy a horse or pony, contact Concordia first, in case she has just the one you want. “If I haven’t got exactly what you are looking for at the centre, then there is a good chance there will be one on the waiting list which will suit you,” she says.

By adopting a ‘rescue’ case, you would not only be assisting a worthy cause, but you could also save yourself a great deal of money. Either way, just do it in memory of a mare called ‘Promise.’ Concordia can be contacted on 658 900 600 or visit the website: www.cydanimals.com

Hot dog days and nights

by Sandra Birch

Summer is coming, so what can you do to keep your dog fit and well during the hot months ahead? Exercise should be restricted to early morning and late evening and certainly not between the hours of 12 - 6pm. Try to imagine dogs in the wild – they would not be hunting in the heat of the day. Remember as the exercise has been cut down, the food should also be cut down a little. Overweight dogs suffer the most in the heat and it puts a strain on the heart. A guide to a healthy dog is that you should be able to easily feel the ribs. Provide large, deep heavy china water bowls so the dog can slosh the water around in his mouth to help keep cool and clear out any debris, old food etc. Ensure that the water is changed at least twice a day. Keep a damp towel in a plastic bag in the fridge so if the dog does get too hot, you can give him the towel to lie on, or place it over his back. Keep your dog well brushed and tangle free. Ideally, do this thoroughly twice a week as it will help the air circulate and stimulate the skin; it is also a good time to check for ticks, fleas and burrs. Make certain that you check in between the toes daily for grass seeds. The heavier-coated breeds such as retrievers, collies, German shepherds etc will not need their hair shaved off if kept well brushed and combed. All dogs, whatever the breed, need to have a cool, shaded area in which to lie down. If you have any difficulty with grooming your dog, do take him to an experienced dog groomer and please don't wait until the coat is so matted that the only choice is to shave everything off.

May to September is the time the dreaded sandfly makes its appearance. This is not a good name for these flying insects, as they are not found on the beach but live in gardens, parks and wooded areas. During the heat of the day, they will bury themselves in cool, damp soil, only emerging at dusk. By dawn, they are all well hidden once more. Sandfly carry Leishmaniasis – they become infected from biting an infected dog, and then pass the parasite on when biting other dogs. You can purchase special collars from your vet to help protect your dog, but do check within 24hrs to make sure that your dog is not allergic to the collar; if so, remove at once. Please note these collars are not 100 percent protective, and between dusk and dawn, your dog should be indoors, as the insects will not go inside. A lot of the native ‘campo’ dogs seem to have some immunity. Dogs can make the most wonderful companions, but they do require time and money for their care. If you had time to take on a dog in the first place, you must make time to look after it properly now - it is your responsibility. See Sandra’s advert on page 11 for contact details.

Roaming Andalucía

Alfarnate stands and delivers

has previously been stolen by the Moors. A group of Christians reads historic text: The Relations, the wording of which has not altered since the 17th century. The group finally retrieves the image after various battles are re-enacted, and the prized effigy is then taken to the town square where the defeated Moors apologise to it.

by Heather Jones

The small village of Alfarnate sits in the middle of a small dip, safely protected by the mighty Sierra Alhama and Sierra El Jobo mountains at the far northwest of Axarquía. The area offers visitors a distinctive, typically Spanish vista with its olive and almond groves, and wheat and chick pea plains; all with the added dimension of a stunning mountainous backdrop. Trees are scattered throughout the rocks, and small forests of old oaks, which used to cover these lands, can still be seen. The locally-grown cherries are of great importance to the villagers, who celebrate these little red gems each year with a festival. This is held at the end of June in the park, and a variety of farmers attend to offer their wares. It is all accompanied by music and folklore to entertain the thousands of annual visitors. The main income of the village is still generally agricultural. Alfarnate is not an economically rich pueblo, but what it lacks in finances, it certainly makes up for in history and beauty. As well as being singularly outstanding, the long mountain tracks of both Puerto de los Alhazores (safflower) and Puerto del Sol are the area’s natural communication routes with the outside world. The Puerto de los Alhazores has been influential throughout the ages, not only for the Alfarnateños’ relations with the provinces of Málaga and neighbouring Granada, but it does appear that this natural route is the sole reason that the colonisation of Alfarnate began at all.

The Puerto was crossed by trade caravans travelling inland from coastal areas, heading to further-flung markets to sell their wares; this is especially true of the early Nazarite era in Granada. The village is typical of the area and has numerous archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic period. Later Moorish occupation can be seen in the rich examples of the architecture still visible today. Throughout the streets, there are many examples of Muslim-inspired designs to be enjoyed as well. Unlike many other Spanish pueblos in Axarquía, Alfarnate is level, and has broad streets. Breaking this flat expanse is the Palancar river, which meanders through the village, dividing it in two. Three picturesque bridges cross the water. The town is overlooked by the small Cerro del Santo Cristo mountain. There is a sanctuary perched at the summit bearing the same name, and an outdoor mass is still held there sometimes. The village dwellings are typically white-washed, and all are adorned with the locally-forged window bars on which the locals pride themselves. The most historic street, Calle Secretaría, houses numerous 16th century buildings and leads into the relaxed Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where bullfighting used to take place during the feria in September. The Ayuntamiento itself dates back to the same period, but the most significant building is the parish church of Santa Ana. Another piece of 16th century construction, this church boosts a Mudéjar tower symbolising the traditions and building practices of Muslim and Christian cultures living side by side. This period also saw a smaller chapel dedicated to the patron saint Virgen de Monsalud built on the highest part of the village. The Virgen de Monsalud festival is of special importance because it is at this time, September 12, when the Embajadas (embassies/task forces) are celebrated. A reconstruction takes place as the villagers divide themselves into two bands and fight to recover the Christian image of the Virgin, which

Do not be fooled be the location of the chapel, though, as despite being 925m above sea level, there is very little uneven terrain. Unlike in the majority of Axarquía’s towns and villages, you do not have to avoid precarious slopes and steps when walking through Alfarnate. However, if it is a more rugged and challenging landscape you seek, you cannot go far wrong with the interesting and beautiful places on offer to visitors. The Puentes del Rio is one spot to visit and enjoy its natural charm; other mountainous scenery to be relished includes the port of Alhazores and the highland of the Camarolos. If you have an interest in archaeology, you could visit the cave of Marronquera, or maybe even the medieval cemetery of Cortijo de Uceda.

The name Alfarnate derives from the Arabic word Al-farnat, meaning flour/water mill, and given the area’s tradition of producing strong flour with the use of such mills, this is apt. Although the name is of Muslim origin, it seems that the town’s consolidation came about as a consequence of the re-settlement carried out by the Christians, who recognised the area as a royal burgh or villa and used the village as a stop-over as they went on to conquer VélezMálaga.

The short distance of 3.5 kilometres which separates the once-fractious villages has caused them to have joint dealings throughout the years — they were commonly used as a refuge for bandits fleeing from the migueletes (mobile army guards) during the 19th century. Just outside Alfarnate is the Venta de Alfarnate, an inn which was built in 1690 on the site where these fleeing criminals often took sanctuary from their pursuers. The building is on a passageway between the coast and inland, and has a long history of illustrious visitors. These include King Alfonso XIII and legendary bandits such as Luis Candelas and D. José María 'El Tempranillo', who once travelled the wild mountainous lands of Andalucía and the province of Málaga.

Today, the inn is called the Antigua Venta de Alfarnate, and it bears the hallmarks of centuries of history. Now a museum and restaurant, where delicious regional dishes are prepared and served, the name-sake inn is definitely worth a visit. Why not try the local drink, resoli, which consists of rum or clear brandy and hot coffee. It is a strong tipple – fit for seeing off any bandit!

Later re-named to Puebla de los Alfarnate, it then incorporated the neighbouring settlement of Alfarnatejo, and this combination of two very different municipalities gave a certain amount of independence under a single name. Yet it did little to please either village, and residents showed signs of enmity until more recent times when the separate names were given once again. Despite having been officially changed, the locals can often be heard referring to their home by its previous title – albeit shortened to puebla – a now seemingly affectionate term. This of course, was not always the case. 9

Sports & Leisure

What’s in a picture?

improve his process, and five years later, he had produced the first intermediate negatives which allowed people to print a positive image. In 1844, he used it to publish a photo book which had the effect of changing photography forever. Advancements in this new media continued until in 1861, the first color image was produced.

by Heather Jones

Most people today have experience of taking pictures and for some, this can develop into more of an interest than most. It's easy to see why someone would fall in love with photography, with the ability to frame and capture a myriad of life's emotions, personalities and moments. A few snappers have even managed to take this hobby and turn it into a business, making money full or part time. There is a substantial income to be had as a professional photographer, but as with all things, in order to see a return on your investment, you need to invest in the tools of the trade and the proper resources to enhance your abilities to their full potential. Photography can be split into two distinct processes: optical and chemical. Originally, the dark room was the cornerstone of photography. It was originally termed Camera Obscurra and dates back to photography's origins. There are examples of a darkroom in Leonardo da Vinci's work, even in 1519. In the beginning, photography was slow to gain popularity, causing fierce rivalry with the more traditional artists of the era who feared that captured images would soon be their demise. Of course, that did not happen and photography has become a valuable resource for all manner of artists today. Modern photography is admittedly high-tech, but traditional photography was definitely not so. It wasn't very long ago that the endless variety of gadgets and accessories now available for the modern budding photographer didn't even exist. There are so many speciality lenses, remote flash systems, filters and onboard editing software varieties available that you could shoot any possible situation.

The term ‘photography’ dates back to 1839. Sir John Herschel coined it, using the Greek words ‘photos’ (light) and ‘graphien’ (to draw) to describe the new image capturing process. When spoken together, ‘to draw in light’, the term was the perfect description for the newly-developed process. Today, the term is rooted in our modern-day vocabulary. While it may not have advanced rapidly until fairly recently, photography has been in existence since 1827, when the first photo, taken by French inventor Joseph Niepce, took a painstaking eight hours to capture on film. Not long afterwards, Herschel then teamed up with Frenchman Louis Daguerr, who was dabbling in the new process of capturing images, experimenting with different types of photographic processes. Upon Herschel's death in 1833, all his research was left to Daguerre who continued on without his partner, and further developed the work that Herschel had begun. He even improved on the technology that his partner had originally created. While experimenting, Daguerre managed to reduce the exposure time for photographs to less than 30 minutes – an impressive improvement. He continued to improve on his process and was later joined in research by Niepce's son, who documented the process in the first self-help manual for photographers. They named the process ‘daguerreotype,’ and eventually sold it to the French government. The first daguerreotype prints were produced on a copper plate, and it was common for royal portraits to be done using this method. Daguerre's process became so popular that it landed in New York City, and the rest is history. Even as wildly popular as it was, daguerreotypes were still very limited. There were expensive to produce, and the images were impossible to duplicate. Eventually, Calotype photography was created to overcome these drawbacks. This was invented by William Fox Talbot, who also invented the first negative in 1835. He worked continually to

Photography became popular with general public in 1888 because one man, George Eastman, successfully marketed his camera, claiming that it was easily used with only one push of a button. Eastman developed roll film and the famous brand Kodak. Eastman believed that K was a strong letter, so he created a word that started and ended with it, and the now-world famous brand was born. Digital photography entered history in 1973 when a chargecouple device (CCD) was invented. It contained an image of 100 rows and columns, which became the basis of digital photography. Still leaders in the field, Kodak developed the mega pixel sensor in 1986, and the technology subsequently developed rapidly in what we now accept as one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Even today, photography is still developing continuously, with cameras becoming smaller, and the use of phones, applications on game consoles and similar electronic devices all playing their part.

Another issue to face is how serious you are about getting into photography as an interest. If you are serious, you may like to attend a workshop or enrol in photography school for more formal lessons. There are also many online resources such as courses, forums and books to help you out. Practice makes perfect too, so don’t get disillusioned if your initial pictures are not so great. Instead, use these photos as lessons and yardsticks to monitor your for progress.

Have the necessary tools to help you in your venture. Whether it’s investing in a digital SLR camera or choosing a high-end point and shoot, you have to put your heart into it. This means exploring the features and settings of the camera and generally experimenting with it. Once you are familiar with it, you can decide which tools you wish to start adding to your collection. This may be a tripod, a camera bag or an additional lens. Another advantage of photography is that you can practise it almost anywhere. It can be as simple as using a fruit basket as a subject, or use your camera to capture moments with your friends. If you want to challenge yourself, you can do more difficult subjects such as things in motion, or shooting at night. As long as you have your camera with you, you can start shooting photos to master the craft. continued on page 12

Where to start Taking good photos doesn’t entirely depend on having an expensive camera. You need talent as well to be able to come up with unique and creative concepts while you’re ‘point and clicking’. As a hobby, photography can be a very enjoyable and rewarding activity. It can be fun to express yourself through photos, and with the many software packages available today you can enhance your shots, change colours and even play around with the morphing of images – the list is endless. Everyone can take a picture, but not everyone can make it stand out. Even with the photo editing software programs available, you still need a nicely-shot picture to begin with. 11

Sports & Leisure Establish your own style. Much like a business, you need to have a style which will soon become your trademark. This will make your work special and will add value to the hobby. The most interesting aspect about taking up photography is that it can be great fun, giving fantastic and often quick results with a little bit of effort in the beginner stages. Remember you can start off with second-hand equipment and still get great results. The online auction sites or dedicated second-hand sites are great for finding a bargain. Many amateurs soon hone their skills of focusing, understanding the play of shadow and light and finding the perfect subjects to test their skills and come up with near-brilliant and professional results, so much so that their snapshots have even won awards and been worthy entries in competitions. These contests are organised both online and in print for the hobbyist – browse the internet for photography contests and see if any interest you. Only basic skills and techniques are needed in order to operate the newer digital cameras, which also offer you fantastic savings over the old developing

costs for any films which didn’t hold good enough shots. ‘Rejects’ are easily discarded, and you have the option to print only your best images. Throughout history, researchers have always faced great difficulties in uncovering many past events; rough drawings on the walls of caves were a very limited way of recording them.

Today, we all have access to photography as a tool to record history for future generations. It is a wonderful invention which allows us all – professional or amateur – to capture the moment and then share it with friends, family and generations to come.

Charity News

Holding out for a hero

by Jo Shovelton-Fullick

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. What is a hero? It’s such an easy question to ask, but much harder to answer. We all have a picture in our mind of an action hero in a film saving the day, but the reality is very different. No one joins the Armed Forces thinking they will be killed or wounded, yet in today’s age it is all too common to turn on the news and see another report of service personnel killed or wounded in action. The number of British military deaths in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 stands at 359. People frequently watch the emotional media coverage of another son, father, husband or partner lost to conflict, and think what a sad and pointless waste of life it is. However, spare a thought for the personnel who return from the war zone severely injured, and the life-changing effect on them, their partners and children.

Bryn and Emma Parry founded Help for Heroes in 2007 after a moving visit to Selly Oak Hospital, where they had met some extraordinarily brave young men who had been badly wounded during active service; they felt a need to do something to help. They set out to raise money to provide direct, practical support to those wounded or injured in the service of their country and from its early beginnings, ‘Help for Heroes’ has grown into a fully-fledged organisation. Bryn and Emma were awarded the OBE in 2010 in recognition of their voluntary service.

In the last three years alone, the charity has raised a staggering £87 million, and donations of more than £85 million have been given towards the rehabilitation of service personnel. The charity has contributed towards the building of a new complex at Hedley Court, the main rehabilitation centre for the armed forces. This was opened on June 4 2010 by HRH Prince William of Wales, who spoke of his pride in his fellow servicemen and the members of the British public who have supported Help for Heroes. Prince William was obviously impressed when walking down the ‘Pathway of Support’, which consists of 150 engraved paving stones, each representing the incredible fundraising efforts of members of the public.

With Help for Heroes’ funding, injured service personnel will be able to learn new skills and move on to the next fulfilling phase of their lives. ‘It’s all about the blokes; our men and women of the Armed Forces. It’s about Derek, a rugby player who has lost both his legs; it’s about Carl, whose jaw is wired up so he has been drinking through a straw. It’s about Richard who was handed a mobile phone as he lay on a stretcher so he could say goodbye to his wife. It’s about Ben, it’s about Steve and Andy and Mark, and it’s about them all. They are just blokes but they are our blokes; they are our heroes. We want to help our heroes.’ For more information on the Help for Heroes campaign please visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk or www.bmycharity.com

Help for Heroes supporters and fundraisers come from all walks of life and include celebrities such as footballer David Beckham, Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. The Sun newspaper and The X Factor are also supporters, as are hundreds of unnamed members of the public who donate whatever they can spare, and help to raise funds by attending or organising charity events. Help for Heroes is now focussed on its ‘Road to Recovery’ appeal to raise £50m to provide Personnel Recovery Centres in Edinburgh, Catterick, Colchester, Tidworth and Plymouth. Across the country, people are being asked to continue to do their bit to raise the funds to make all this happen. Help for Heroes can’t do this without your support, and using the Bmycharity site for any fund-raising events ensures that every penny raised goes to the cause. 14

Law & Order

A fraction of time to share

Nerja office open day

by Sandra Wrightson, De Cotta McKenna y Santafé

Spain and the Canary Islands are home to the majority of Europe’s timeshare resorts. The industry was developed in the 1980s and the majority of resorts had a legal structure based on a Club trust system, where the real estate was owned by trust companies. Many of these companies were based outside Spain. The timeshare purchaser bought a week in a private contract which gave them the right to stay at a resort for a particular week. The obligation on the timeshare owner was to pay annual maintenance fees, which go towards the upkeep and management of the resort. The legal concept is similar to that of a Community owner’s charge for the communal areas, gardens, pools and cleaning. Industry studies always show that the majority of timeshare owners are happy with their resort and purchase, and yet many people believe it is a legal minefield. The timeshare world has changed

by De Cotta McKenna y Santafé

considerably over the years, and the vast majority of resorts in Spain and the Canary Islands now have an established legal framework, and local and regional regulations cover the sale, use and licensing of resorts. From a legal perspective, the resort developers and owners are now very aware of their legal duties. In particular, there is a need to disclose to a purchaser all the elements of their purchase, and all of the resorts we deal with offer a cooling-off period which is required by law. For the lawyers involved in the industry, no two cases ever seem to be the same and drafting of documents for resort documentation can be very challenging. Since 1998, when Spain published its own timeshare law – Ley sobre derecho de aprovachamiento por turno de bienes immuebles de uso turístico – there has been a right to request a public deed of purchase in the Spanish deed-based resorts. Club trustee schemes still thrive, however, as many of these resorts were adapted in the two-year period after 1998 when the Spanish registries recognised the anglosajón structures created in the 1980s.

The long-established law firm De Cotta, McKenna & Santafé, with more than 25 years’ experience on the coast, is opening its doors on Wednesday April 27 for a charity open day with free refreshments, tapas and wine, free consultations, a raffle and the opportunity to meet the team, ask your legal questions and more. •

FREE legal consultations – ask any legal question you like!

•

FREE Wills Pack – all you need to know about estate planning in Spain

•

FREE refreshments & wine – meet the Nerja team

Charity raffle in aid of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan for the Nerja Residential Care Home for the Elderly. Drop in whenever you want to enjoy refreshments from 11am to 2pm

For a free consultation, please reserve your place by calling or emailing us now. Tel: 952 527 014 Email: nerjaenquiries@decottalaw.net De Cotta McKenna & Santafé Calle Diputación, 6-2º-A 29780 Nerja Málaga www.decottalaw.com

Qualified English Solicitors & Spanish Abogados Our internationally experienced team of local English solicitors and Spanish abogados are now offering legal consultations across Granada Province, for private and commercial clients.

Property, Land & Conveyancing Criminal, Commercial & Employment Law Wills, Probate, Tax & Estate Planning Family & Divorce Law Timeshare & Seasonal Ownership Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Please call:

952 52 7014

for an appointment or simply email:

granada@decottalaw.net Coín - Mijas Costa - Nerja - Tenerife - Granada

Fractional ownership is now becoming common as well in Spain. And yet again, lawyers are having to advise people on the many different forms of ownership that can be described as fractional. Property rights must always be carefully studied to avoid future problems, and Spanish, European and American lawyers are now studying the ramifications of the new European directives for their existing clients, whether they are developers or consumers. Please see the advert opposite for full contact details. 17

Interesting Facts

Waxing your Ps and Qs

In George Washington's day, there was no such thing as a camera; one's image was either sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back, while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on the number of people, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are ‘limbs’, therefore painting them would cost the buyer more: hence the expression, ‘Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg.’ (Artists know hands and arms are more difficult to paint). As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October). Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash them, though, so to clean them, they would carve the centre out of a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term ‘bigwig’, which is commonly used today to signify someone important or wealthy. In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. This was commonly a long wide board folded down from the wall, and it was also used for dining. The 'head of the household' always sat in the chair, while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge, and he was called the ‘chair man’.

Personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread beeswax over their faces to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told to ‘mind her own beeswax’. Should the woman smile, the wax would crack; hence the term: 'crack a smile'. In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt… therefore, the expression ‘losing face’. Ladies wore corsets which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman, as in 'straight laced', had her laces tightly-tied.

Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what they considered important. Since there were no telephones, TVs or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars. They were told to 'go sip some ale' and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. 'You go sip here' and ‘you go sip there’. The two words 'go sip' were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion, and thus we have the term 'gossip’.

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon, but how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem... how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a 'monkey' with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make 'brass monkeys’. Few landlubbers realise that brass contracts much more and at a faster than iron when chilled.

At local taverns, pubs and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers. A barmaid's job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in 'pints' and who was drinking in ‘quarts’, hence the term 'minding your Ps and Qs’.

Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’.

Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but it was only applicable to the ace of spades. To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be stupid or dumb because they weren't: ‘playing with a full deck’.

Future Focus

Tweeting and poking

In stark contrast, the Facebook page ‘UK missing children’ features heartrending pleas for information leading to the safe return of children missing from or in the UK. It is reported that more than 10,000 children go missing from home or care every year; most, thankfully, return safely, but research by the Children’s Society indicates that around 10,000 have been hurt or harmed whilst missing.

by Jo Shovelton-Fullick

Do you tweet or are you a poker? Have you witnessed the tickling of the slow Loris? 6,174,631 people have – via the world of YouTube! I am not referring to tweeting like our feathered friends, or poking in the literal sense; I am of course talking about the equivalent of doorbell ringing in the virtual world of social networking. If you haven’t yet succumbed to one of the numerous social networking sites, it won’t be long before curiosity gets the better of you.

Social networking websites are continuing to grow on a massive scale. In 2010, Facebook was reported to have more than 400 million users worldwide, with a company value in 2011 of $50 billion. Through the world of Twitter, we are able to ‘tweet’ our onceinaccessible idols and follow their day-to-day activity like a shadowy stalker, and many of our favourite television chat shows have become interactive to viewers, with questions and comments posted on Facebook pages of shows and given to presenters. Love it or loathe it, you cannot ignore the power of social networking. The newest phenomenon sweeping this cyber world is linked to product placement – a fact I am sure you will have noticed during the commercial breaks on TV. Pharmaceutical giants Proctor and Gamble previously favoured soap operas to get their name on the market, but are now investing in online social networks such Twitter, YouTube and Facebook in an effort to reach a new age of connectivity.

The Bud light ‘Drinkability’ campaign by beer manufacturer Anhueser-Busch exposes social networkers to its advertising via a Facebook application allowing the sending of virtual gifts, and with 1,023, 875 fans currently on its Facebook page, it certainly seems to be reaching an extensive audience. “Using virtual gifts to deliver brand messaging is proving to be an effective tactic in social network advertising,” said one Facebook poster about the Bud Light programme. “The best thing about branded virtual gifts is they’re a rare form of advertising that people actually like to receive.” During recent Egyptian conflicts witnessed by the world’s media, troops were rallied via the medium of social networking, with internet and Facebook activism providing an alternative space for civil society groups and political forces to plan their move against Mubarak and his party. Such is the social networking phenomenon that the 2010 film ‘The Social Network,’ chronicling the founding of Facebook, won an amazing two Oscars and three BAFTAs.

Unfortunately for Sister María Jesús Galán, though, spending too much time on Facebook led to her being expelled from the 14th century convent, Santo Domingo el Real in Toledo. After the convent added a computer ten years ago, Sister Galán enthusiastically took to it and became known as ‘Sister Internet’.

out’. She was asked to leave and now lives with her mother. Incidentally, her virtual friendship circle has grown from 600 to more than 7,000, many of whom offered support after this story broke. Ironically, I recently read a post on a friend’s Facebook page which said: ‘They had social networking when I was young, they called it outside!’ This may be true, but progress isn’t always a bad thing. If treated as a pathway for communication, a portal for photos, the reuniting of lost ones or just access to free interactive games, these social network sites are here to stay. You must excuse me now: I must get back to my Facebook farm as the crops are ready to harvest!

With the aid of modern technology, she digitalised the archives of the convent, making them accessible to the world. This won her a government prize in 2008, but she was expelled after fellow nuns reportedly claimed that her Facebook activity ‘made life impossible’. Her position was not helped when she posted on her status ‘They have kicked me

Of course as with everything technological, there are positive and negative aspects. We often hear more about the negative aspects of social networking than we do the positive, but one example of the latter is when missing persons’ details are spread via the sites with lightning speed, requesting assistance from virtual friends and unknown network users to find loved ones. The contradiction between a virtual world and old fashioned community spirit is brought together with one aim. Sometimes these requests have a happy ending, and others, tragically, do not. One recent story with a happy ending was that of missing teenager Serena Beakhurst. The 14-yearold was missing for three weeks before being found in South London. Her case was spotlighted by campaigns using Twitter and Facebook with thousands of people, including celebrities such as Stephen Fry and Rio Ferdinand, participating in an online Twitter campaign asking for information to try to trace her.

Trade Talk

Introducing

PerrosNoleva by Gail Nolan

Any new business in a small town in Andalucía is a newsworthy event, and the arrival of ‘PerrosNoleva’ in Archidona is proving no exception. Spanish people love to know what is going on in their own town and word of mouth spreads quickly – especially when the locals heard that it was a partnership between a quiet, thoughtful Englishwoman and the feisty senorita who runs the appropriately-named ‘Amazonas,’ the local pet shop. “I hadn’t even opened the doors to the salon before I had people calling me to book in a pampering session for their pooch,” said Gail, the ‘quiet lady.’ “Carmen, of ‘Amazonas’ fame, had already been spreading the word and has proved a great ambassador for my new business, illustrating that Anglo-Spanish partnerships really can work.”

So what is PerrosNoleva? “Well, on the face of it, it’s simply a new dog grooming salon,” says Gail modestly. “But I do offer a much more personalised service to that which you would normally get from your vet’s ‘peluquería canina’. I assess each dog individually and advise on grooming requirements based on the breed, condition of the coat, lifestyle and home situation – carefully taking into account the preferences of the owner. My automatic response is not simply to clip everything off, unless that is exactly what is needed. I will happily just bathe, dry and brush out if that is all the owner wants, and you can add on a quick trim to the face, body outline and feet for neatness without loss of length.”

On the other hand, if you do need the full Monty, Gail, who has trained to City and Guilds Diploma level, can expertly style your schnauzer or clip your cocker to the appropriate breed standard; all done with the utmost care of your precious best friend… “With everything I do, the dog’s comfort, health and wellbeing comes first. For example, if a client brings me a long-haired, badly matted dog, I advise that we first clip it all off, following up with thorough home brushing as the coat grows, until it’s long enough for a styling session. If the client is really determined to keep the coat long, I will suggest we tackle it over several sessions, on the basis that this is less stressful for the dog. I also routinely take care of all those little hygiene jobs, such as cleaning out ears, safely removing ticks and trimming dewclaws. Gail has been gratified by the response to her new salon – the locals have been especially quick to take up the ‘bath, dry ‘n brush service’ during a wet and muddy spring. Gail recounted one incident: “I had a very fierce-sounding, grizzly campo chap ring me to book a bath for his ‘yosi’ (?) and I had no idea what to expect. He turned up looking exactly as he sounded, but cradling a dainty, immaculately turnedout ‘Yorkshire’ terrier called Linda. He clearly adored her and she was the best-behaved dog ever!” Word is now beginning to spread amongst the Englishspeaking community too, and people are travelling a fair distance to avail themselves of the services at PerrosNoleva. Asked why she is proving so popular, Gail was quick to praise her partnership with Carmen whilst also citing her great location opposite the entrance to Mercadona. (The salon is situated within Amazonas but has its own dedicated space and side entrance.) However, her sympathetic demeanour, combined with fixed, all-inclusive prices must surely be the biggest draw! For full contact details see advert opposite.

Alice’s Wonderland

Food Focus

A decade of

Sucking

asparagus

Easter eggs

by Jo Shovelton-Fullick

Hello, it’s me: Alice

‘Asparagus inspires gentle thoughts’ Charles Lamb A recent study by South Korean researchers found that the exposure of human liver cells to asparagus extract had a surprising effect on the liver’s ability to metabolise alcohol. It turns out that reaching for the asparagus spears instead of ‘the hair of the dog’ could be much more beneficial as a hangover cure. For centuries, our ancestors have been aware of the benefits of this fantastic vegetable. Reference can be found in Marcus Gavius Apicius’s ‘De re coquinaria’ Book III, the oldest surviving book of recipes which contains instructions for cooking asparagus. When describing the cooking procedure, the book states ‘in order to have it most agreeable to the palate it must be peeled, washed and dried and immersed in boiling water backwards. A Roman Jamie Oliver perhaps? The second century physician Galen described asparagus as ‘cleansing and healing’ and such are the known health benefits of this wonder food today that now it can be bought as both a tea and in extract form. So, whether suffering with a self-induced sore head or not, the Feria del Espárrago is a unique annual event certainly not to be missed. This Asparagus Fair takes place in the town of Sierra de Yeguas in the province of Malaga around the end of April/start of May.

Every year has seen an increase in the number of stalls selling organic and handcrafted produce; this has previously included locally-produced cheeses, olive oils and meats of the region, as well as a magical variety of artisan handicrafts. With the fiesta’s expansion, various recreational and cultural activities have been added, and now include asparagus recipe contests, musical performances and craft workshops for children. Mother Nature unkindly disrupted this eagerlyawaited event in previous years, with rain halting the festivities; we hope she will be kinder this year and visitors from far and wide will not be disappointed.

Asparagus Facts

Finally, I am going to have my birthday and turn into a teenager and I can’t wait. Plus this month it’s Easter and Santa Semana, so I get time off school which is a good thing as high school is much harder than juniors. Grandma and her friend Betty are going to take me on the fast AVE train to Cordoba during the holidays which is going to be fun. I have been waiting to go for ages. I was having a chat with Grandma and she was telling me a weird saying of not teaching my Grandma to suck eggs – this has got to be one of the daftest sayings I have heard so far; I have no idea what she’s on about as I don’t know how to suck eggs myself... so why would I teach her?

Diane’s cat had her kittens – she had five, and they’re really cute. One of Mum’s friend’s cats had its kittens too – on their bed at night. I wonder where ours will be born; I hope it’s in my room. Dad got bitten by a really strange bug. It was in his jumper; it looked a bit like a beetle but we’re not sure. It’s dead now though as he stomped on it. We had a frog in the kitchen this morning; Mum’s not keen on them so after the cats and dogs had had a look she threw a plastic box over it and Dad had to let it go near the pool. I hope it will be OK. Have a great Easter - I hope you get lots of eggs! Love Alice xx

I’ve also got a trip to Málaga planned to buy some new horse riding things. I think I’ll get a new hat but I’ll see what they have when we get there; we’ve got

• The word asparagus originates from the Greek language meaning ‘sprout’ or ‘shoot’ • Asparagus is a member of the lily family. The lily vegetable spread to all parts of the Mediterranean, from Egypt to Spain • France and England developed a taste for asparagus as a delicacy, tracing back to 16th century gastronomic literature

A riot of colour, music and fun, the Asparagus fair began in 2001 and is considered to be one of the most important agri-food events in Andalucía. Everincreasing numbers of people – now in the thousands – attend this gastronomic delight.

• Cultivation of asparagus began more than 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean region

The main event for many visitors involves a taste bud sensation, when onlookers are able to sample and savour delicious asparagus-based cuisine prepared before their hungry eyes. Sometimes it is cooked within an omelette, scrambled or added as an alternative ingredient to the traditional paella. This is a welcome tasty interlude from the hundreds of tempting market stalls offering a variety of tantalising merchandise.

• Asparagus is a nutritionally dense food which in high in folic Acid and is a good source of potassium, fibre, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin

by Alice Marriott, aged 13 - at last!

to find the place first! It’s going to be a busy month as not only is it my birthday, but it’s our Becky’s too and my first dressage competition of the year. Also, the cats are going to have their kittens so I’ll definitely need the time off school, I think.

• Romans and Greeks alike ate asparagus for the rich flavour and medicinal qualities

• Asparagus is also high in glutathione, an important anticarcinogenic • Asparagus has no fat, contains no cholesterol and is low in sodium

Short Story

Crumbs!

by Ella Durham

“Well, what do you think: the blue or the cream?” I pulled the two blouses from the wardrobe and held them up to my chest as I turned round. Christine, my almost-14-year-old, sat on the bed, her knees tucked under her chin. She shrugged. “Oh, come on, Christine,” I said. “You could show a bit of interest.” “Why? It’s dark in a cinema. He probably won’t notice either way. He may not even turn up at all. Besides, I don’t know why you need to do this. And it’s ‘Chrissie’ now Mum, remember?” she replied, chewing her fingernail. “It’s a Saturday afternoon matinee and a light tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms. I’ll be back by six. Oh, please don’t bite your nails, honey! Your dad hated to see you biting your nails.” “Yeah, well Dad’s not here is he, Mum? Dad’s gone. He’s dead and I don’t know how you could forget him so easily!” She jumped off the bed and raced from the room. I heard her bedroom door slam. Putting the clothes aside, I walked across the landing. I could hear her sobs. She had taken the sudden death of her father, just thirteen months ago, very badly. We all had, but Christine worst of all. I knocked. “Christine…Chrissie! Can I come in?” “Not locked,” she sniffed. She lay on her bed in the foetal position, clutching the framed photo of her dad. I sat beside her. “I haven’t forgotten him, love. I’ll never, ever do that. He’s with me every second of every day, in here.” I touched my chest. “It’s just that now, I’d like some male company; you know, a friend.”

“What about your friend Brenda’s husband? He’s your friend,” she suggested. ”I mean, he comes over to cut the hedge and fix the Mondeo while you and Brenda gossip.” “Not quite what I meant,” I said, stroking her hair. “But Mum. Using on-line dating agencies! He could be a weirdo; a perv or a murderer.” “I doubt it,” I chuckled. “Well, if you must do this, why can’t you date someone like Pete’s dad? He’s hot!” said my daughter. “Who’s Pete? “ “A boy at school. Plays drums in the school band. Really cool.” “And his dad?” “He’s not bad looking – for an old man. I mean, he must be almost thirty five! Plays rugby, just like Dad used to. He runs “Flash Cars” in the town centre. You know, wedding cars and hen night stuff. And he likes Amy Winehouse, Black Eyed Peas and Take That! He’s amazing. Picks Pete up from school in a limo! He waved at me once while I stood talking to Pete. I’d love to be picked up from school in a limo.” “How do you know all this? Have you ever spoken to this man?” I asked, suddenly wary and protective. “No, Pete told me. But if I did, I bet he’d be really nice.”

“Blue suits you,” he said. “Thanks.” “I’ve… I’ve never done this before,” he confessed. “Me neither!” Nervous giggles. “My mates think I’m crazy using an agency,” he said, looking at me from underneath his long, long eyelashes. ”But I’m too old for the nightclub scene and I ‘m not the pottery night-class sort!” “I hope you’re not. Crazy, I mean. But I got roughly the same response. My daughter thinks you could be an axe murderer or something!”

Street. Not easy in this recession, but I was lucky. I got an enterprise grant. Started my own business.” He bit into a cream bun. “Oh? What sort of business?” I enquired. “I own Flash Cars, here in town. It’s not easy being a single dad and running my own show, but at least I’m trying. My son, Pete, thinks it’s cool that I pick him up from school in a stretch limo,” he laughed. I smiled inwardly as I brought the cup of Earl Grey to my lips.

It broke the ice. We chatted, relaxed, laughed. Then I said, “Now, Mike, what about you? Your profile only said ‘ex-army and a widower of three years; can tackle anything’.” “I left the army a year ago after ten years in the Royal Engineers; the REME. I’ve spent the past twelve months trying to adjust to being a mechanic in Civvy

Suddenly, Chrissie sat up and looked at her father’s photo. For a moment, she said nothing, then she kissed his picture and hugged me. I hugged her back. She smiled. “I guess it’s OK. I keep Dad in here, too.” She tapped her heart. “Wear the blue blouse, Mum. Blue suits you.” she said. The film was awful, so we left the cinema early. As we sat awaiting our tea and cakes at Betty’s, I took in the view. Smart navy jacket, crisp, white opennecked shirt, beige chinos and black shoes – highly polished. I felt his eyes on me. To my horror, I felt myself blush.

The waitress brought our order. I spied a chocolate éclair on the plate and hoped he didn’t like chocolate. 26

Women Watch

Silence is deadly

by Wendy Steeden

Mum used to come and collect us from the school gates, albeit with too much blusher on and sometimes even her big winter coat when it was May, but this had stopped a few months back. Mum had said that one day, one of my teachers had approached her and said that I was old enough to walk home on my own now, so since then that’s what I had done. As I walked round the corner from school, our house came into sight – everything I loved and hated about my life was contained within those four walls. I would pray to myself every day as the school bell rang that my father would not have made it home before me and my brother, and that mum would be happy to see us – rather than lying down in their bedroom with the curtains closed, suffering from another migraine. And this Tuesday was no different. I had collected Tom from the playground; he’d had a good day and was chatting to me all the way down the lane. Then as we turned the last corner, everything changed. I saw the blue flashing lights of an ambulance. Worried about Mum, I grabbed Tom’s hand and ran the rest of the way. A policeman was at our gate; he looked at us with big sad eyes and told us to wait for my father to come out of the house. So we stood there, and as we did, the ambulance sped off. I was only 11 at the time, but I remember the fear of not knowing what was happening creeping all the way up my spine. I was cuddling a very scared Tom, who understood even less than me at seven years old. Our father, in tears, walked down the path towards the gate towards us. As he bent down to comfort Tom, he gave me the look: the one which seals your lips as tight as glue and pulls your eyelids downwards to your shoes.

Mrs Robins from next door almost flew at us, with her arms out wide. She was lovely: a real cuddly lady. Mum said that she looked as lovely as a robin and was always as chirpy too, so her name fitted just right. Mrs Robins didn’t have a husband any more. He’d died in the war, so she often popped round for tea with Mum during the day. My father said she was an interfering old bat who should learn which side of the fence she lived on; Mum didn’t answer back – she never did. I’d never seen him hit her – but I’d heard enough to know that he did. I hated him for it and as soon as I was old enough, I was going to find a way to stop him. I’d gone through it in my head nearly every night in bed whilst trying to block out the screaming and the crashing of items being thrown; I was going to kill him if I had to. Tom never mentioned anything to me the mornings after the many nights before, so I don’t know if he’d slept through it all. He’d been wetting the bed a lot recently, and I made sure it was always cleaned up with Mum before our father returned from work. Mum said father wouldn’t understand if we told him – he didn’t seem to understand much that we told him. I recall him not understanding the time Mum told him that the milkman only had silver top one morning, and we’d had to clean that up off the kitchen lino before he got back, too. Mrs Robins was still chattering away in between sobs when the policeman asked to talk to her, so she got the look off my father too. She didn’t seem to care, though, and went off to speak to him. I looked at the policeman, who smiled nicely at me and gave me a wink. My father explained that Mum had fallen down the stairs very badly, just as he’d got home early from work. She was lucky he was there to call for the ambulance, otherwise, who knew what would have happened. I didn’t speak; I’d heard the row last night. Tom asked if Mum was going to be all right and when she would be back home. Father said she’d be fine; she’d banged her head and possibly broken her arm but apparently she was a tough old bird. I didn’t think she was; she was always shaking and nervous, but I wasn’t about to argue with my father – I never did.

After what seemed like forever, the winking policeman came back out from Mrs Robins' house and whispered to another policeman, who was standing at our front door. I could see Mrs Robins standing behind her window. She pulled the net curtain to one side and smiled at me – a huge smile – and for one second, I raised my head and smiled back. I wished I hadn’t, because my father’s grip on my arm tightened as he softly told me to look away and ignore her – she was trouble after all. Suddenly, the winking policeman and his colleague came towards Tom and I. The winking one knelt down and asked if we were OK; we nodded but didn’t speak. Then they took our father by the arm and said something official-sounding to him, and put him in the police car. Tom screamed. I squeezed his hand and told him it would be OK, but I’ve never known why I said this. It just felt right; maybe it was intuition, but I just knew it would be. Mrs Robins and an officer came over to us as the police car began to drive away. She explained that everything was out in the open now and that Aunt Janet was on her way over to take us to the hospital to see our mum. Some more officers came out of our house – I had no idea that what seemed like the whole force had been inside.

It seemed like ages before Aunt Janet turned up. She had been crying I could tell – her face was all blotchy and puffed up. She hugged Tom really hard and then looked at me and burst into tears; I had no idea what I’d done. A few years later, I went to see Mrs Robins in the old people’s home as I had done every week. We had never discussed my father; we spoke about my mum a lot, and Tom and his brood of children. I didn’t have any – I didn’t want a husband, you see. My childhood – well more precisely my father – had ruined that for me. I found it hard to trust as an adult and even harder to love. As I sat there with Flo Robins, she told me through many tears that as she’d not had children herself, she was so pleased when we’d moved in; she used to have tea with my Mum quite a bit. She told me how my Mum had often worn lots of make-up to cover the bruising, how she’d said she’d bumped into this and that, tripped and fallen, dropped and spilt things. In fact, the list of excuses had gone on for all the years we’d been neighbours. Flo explained that there was hardly an accident in her first aid book that my mum hadn’t had. Mum had stopped collecting us from school because people had started looking at her, pointing fingers and commenting on her; she’d all but stopped going out towards the end, unless it was with my father.

We started to walk towards Mrs Robins' house just as another police car, with flashing lights, screeched up next to the pavement. A policewoman came over to us and asked to speak to Mrs Robins on her own for a moment. Then the most horrific noise came from Mrs Robins; the policewoman was almost holding her up against her fence. I felt Tom squeeze my hand and ask what was wrong with our lovely neighbour. I told him the truth – I had no idea. Mrs Robins came to get Tom and I and took us into her front sitting room – we’d never been allowed in there before. The policewoman came in for a cup of tea too. I peeked out of the window and saw a man putting tape across our gate, like they do in the detective programmes Mum loves. 29

Events

Women Watch

It was good old Flo who had rung the police that day. She explained that she had heard the screaming and crashing, the pleas and the threats that followed. She’d been worried for a while, and had even tried to talk my mum into leaving with us kids. But mum was too scared; she didn’t have the money or a place to go and was so proud that she didn’t want people to think badly of her breaking the family up, or being a single mum of two.

such kindness to us, for showing us that you do have a voice and it is OK to speak out. I will never forget how worried I had felt when Aunt Janet first walked into Mrs Robins’ house and I’d wondered what I’d done. In fact, it wasn’t until many years later that I realised what I had done – or rather what I hadn’t done. I hadn’t told anyone; I hadn’t helped, I hadn’t screamed out, I hadn’t even whispered a hint to anyone and ultimately, I hadn’t saved our Mum.

Then on that awful Tuesday, my mum had died. Flo had seen my father come home a few hours earlier, plus she’d been listening out – snooping if you will. Then she’d heard a scream, and a loud thump against the party wall of our homes. She’d never heard anything like it before, so she’d finally picked up the phone.

To anyone suffering or witnessing domestic violence, please don’t let this happen to you or your children. I lost my mum because she was too scared – possibly even too proud –to ask for help. Please remember that the help is out there, but you have to speak up. Please, I beg you, do not stay silent.

I never saw my father again. I didn’t want to – I couldn’t, I would never forgive him. Oh, he never went to prison for killing my Mum – accidental death they said; not much of an accident in my mind. After mum died, Tom and I went to live with Aunt Janet and her family, and I am so grateful to them for showing

The helpline for women suffering domestic abuse in Spain is 016; which is available 24/7 and is completely anonymous. The operators speak Spanish, English, French, Catalan, Gallego and Basque.

Royal British Legion

Group Meetings

Alcaucín Meet Thursdays, noon, Bar Atila, Puente Don Manuel. Enjoy social activities, meet new friends always a warm welcome. Regular quiz, bingo, surprise events, presentations and trips. Contacts: Branch 680 491109 Harvey, Welfare 690 310951 Dorothy, Social 636 203135 Barbara

The Informal English Speaking Group of Loja meets at the Hotel Almazara, Rio Frio on the first Tuesday of each month between 12:00 and 2:00 pm. Email: englishinloja@gmail.com Web: www.englishinloja.com

Coin April outing: Aguamania Carvery. Social meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at the International, El Rodeo. For further information contact Denise on 637474753 Loja Royal British Legion Loja. Next meeting at the Bar Riconcillo Loja, next to the Tourist Information Centre, at noon. Many social activities and Speakers. Guests and new members most welcome. Mollina We now meet at the Saydo Hotel, from 11am on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month. We have many interesting events planed this coming year. Contacts: Secretary 952034038, Welfare 951060965, Membership 654472922, Social 6530139932. Trapiche Meetings every Wednesday, El Trapiche restaurant from noon. Branch Gordon Reith 951239366 628785686, Social & bookings Sue Reith 951239366 618585061, Membership Gloria Hollocks 618456056, Welfare from 8am – 10pm 680764130. www.trapicherbl.org.uk

English speaking group meeting for fellowship and friendship on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of month from 11am at La Rosa Negra (Black Rose), Calle la Union 18, Mollina (up hill from post office square). All welcome. For info: 625777070 Anglican Church Services and Musical Events – Held in Roman Catholic Chapel, Salinas on the left, just past the right hand turn to Archidona. English services, Holy Communion Saturdays at 10:45, Family Service held every 3rd Saturday of the month. For more information email: tapia@stgeorgemalaga.org Amigas de Casa is a friendly, informal group for English speaking women. They meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 11am – 1pm at Talillas bar/restaurant in Villanueva del Trabuco For info on meetings, speakers, demos and outings contact either Jean Preston 952 751424 or Vicky Clark 951 904719. Next meeting 10 March, Anni Ryan is giving a talk entitled Introduction to Reflexology. 14 April The Women of the Sahara with Mari Carmen Suquilbide Colmenar District Social Club meet every Wednesday in the Hotel Arco del Sol at 12.30. All are welcome come & enjoy quizzes, bingo, organised trips and guest speakers. Contact Marjorie 951 163 071

Charity News

This mission IS possible Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference ~ Winston Churchill Bob Carr is a self-professed ‘miserable old git’. To some he may be even be thought of as a little crazy, but one thing is for certain, this tenacious character is one man on a mission. Whilst the thoughts of many turn to relaxation under crystal clear skies and basking in the heat of the Spanish sun, Bob will be embarking on the biggest challenge of his life in aid of cancer research in both the UK and Spain. Over a 12 week period, Bob’s personal challenge will take him across the varying yet beautiful terrains of Spain, from Santander in the North to Algeciras in the South; a staggering distance of 1,300km (800 miles). “I hope to raise £10,000, splitting the funds between Cancer Research UK and its Spanish – albeit much smaller – equivalent, CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas),” he says. “It’s something that I’ve been planning for about nine months and now, with eight weeks to go before I set off from ‘Cabo Mayor’, a few miles north of Santander, there’s some trepidation on my part, but that’s more than counter-balanced by a feeling of tremendous excitement allied to the fact that I’m totally committed to raising funds in order to fight a disease that we know impacts on so many lives.” Although Bob describes himself as being somewhat of a shy and solitary individual, he hopes that people will support him on his journey, not only through donation but also by joining him on one of the 67 legs of his challenge. The link http://www. walkwithmethroughspain.co.uk allows interested parties to register their interest. Donations can be

made by the site ‘JustGiving’ where Bob has set up an account for those wishing to support him http:// www.justgiving.com/bob-carr donations are simple to make, safe and totally secure. Unfortunately, as CNIO is not a registered British charity, it is impossible to set up a JustGiving page for it in the UK, but Bob will be setting up a website and/or blog shortly, giving details of how you can donate to CNIO. Cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years thanks to continued research, yet still, every two minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer. An unfortunate fact of life is that at some point during their lives, most people will be touched indirectly or directly by cancer. Some will say goodbye to those they have loved and cherished, and thankfully some will see battles won. Across the globe, thousands of ordinary people continually embark upon their personal quests to raise cancer awareness and valuable funds for cancer charities. To hear of one such individual prepared to venture selflessly across this beautiful country amidst the intensity of its summer climate is quite humbling. I hope that our fantastic readers find it in their hearts to support in whatever way they can; remember that for the small price of a tapa and cerveza you can make a huge difference! The man behind the mission Jo: What motivated you to undertake this mammoth task? Bob: Walking is a great passion of mine. In my advancing years – I’m 58 – I wanted to do a walk that would prove really challenging as well as providing me with some unforgettable memories. It’s a bit of a cliché, but I also wanted to ‘make a difference’ so that was why I decided to walk for charity. The choice of Cancer Research was not an easy one – there are many other worthy charities but it seemed like the right one in the end. At my age, we all know someone – whether it be a relative, close friend, a neighbour or just an acquaintance at work – who has been affected by cancer.

Jo: Why did you choose Spain for your walk and why this particular route? Bob: I know the country fairly well. I have a small house in Olvera, Andalucía, which my wife and I visit regularly throughout the year. We’ve also travelled extensively around the country including the far north. It’s a country that I feel ‘comfortable’ in – not only in the towns and cities, but also in the smaller villages and the quiet, remote countryside. My wife and I are always saying that we never tire of travelling in Spain – there’s always something that will remain long in the memory. I guess reading Laurie Lee’s ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’ was influential in my decision. His route from Vigo to Algeciras was one that I considered replicating. I also thought about doing one of the Santiago Camino walks, possibly starting at Seville, but ultimately I decided on a very direct north-south route because of the diversity that it would offer. It’s also a route that I believe has not been done before, although that was something I was not aware of at the time. That it is a relatively new and unspoilt route does, I suppose, add to its attraction and the sense of expectation. Jo: Are you undertaking the trip alone or are you travelling with a support crew? Bob: I’ll be largely on my own, although I am hoping to be joined on some – and ideally all – of the stages by other keen walkers and friends/acquaintances. I have a site that explains more about my walk but in particular, there’s a page, http://www. walkwithmethroughspain.co.uk/walkwithme.htm where site visitors can choose a stage to accompany me. For me, having the support of fellow walkers will provide me with the extra energy and motivation to complete this daunting task. Jo: Have you undertaken any walks of this magnitude before? Bob: No; although for the last year or so I have been walking regularly – sometimes long distances (up to 25 miles a day) in an effort to build up my levels of fitness… and, of course, during the week this has to fit in around a regular 9-5 job. As an indication of how prepared I am, in the last nine days I have walked over 100 miles carrying a rucksack heavily weighted to simulate what I will be carrying in my proper rucksack. In the next five weeks, I shall continue to increase the ‘tempo.’ Jo: How are you preparing for the task ahead, given that the terrain and climate can be quite extreme at times? Bob: Whilst I have been training hard for this walk, I’m fully aware that nothing can prepare me for

the extremes of heat and terrain that will confront me in Spain and particularly the temperatures in Extremadura and Andalucía during July. So, walking distances over and above those which I will be walking in Spain might go some way to acclimatizing my body, and give me the mental strength to overcome these hurdles. Jo: Will you be linked to a blog en route? Bob: This is an issue that remains unresolved. I was hoping to be supplied/ sponsored with a suitable device that will enable me to run a blog but this hasn’t materialised. There’s also the issue of very expensive ‘roaming charges’ whilst abroad, plus the additional factor that in some of the more remote locations, access to the internet and/or phone coverage may not be available. As a possible solution, I have set up a page on my site, http://www. walkwithmethroughspain.co.uk/news.htm where I hope to post news items – I would simply phone through the ‘day’s news’ to someone in the UK or Spain who could then re-publish the site. I think posting photos may prove impossible, although I would very much like to. Jo: How can people support your quest? Bob: People can donate via my JustGiving site http://www.justgiving.com/bob-carr. Unfortunately, all of the money collected through this site will go to Cancer Research UK because its Spanish equivalent, CNIO, is not a UK-based charity and cannot therefore have a JustGiving site. For that reason I have set up two bank accounts, the details of which are on www. walkwithmethroughspain.co.uk/index.htm and www. walkwithmethroughspain.co.uk/index_es.htm where I hope that ALL monies collected will go to CNIO but I’m not 100% sure about the restrictions imposed by JustGiving and the tax laws as they relate to foreign charities. They are very complicated, so I wouldn’t want my words to be taken as gospel, but I promise that as much as we can will be given to the charity. I am very conscious that the walk is in Spain and that I have already received an enormous amount of help from CNIO, so I am committed to raising funds for it. If not by donating money, people can also support me by walking with me – I would love their company! The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it ~ C.C. Scott 35

Celeb Chat

Dispelling the myth Sheila Beecham Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK has a mental health problem at some point which can affect their daily life, relationships or physical health. Following a long and confusing struggle with her own mental health, author Sheila Beecham was diagnosed with schizophrenia, one of the most common serious mental health conditions. After 15 years of distress, she was able to access the support and treatment that would change her life forever. Sheila has written her account of this mental health issue in her book ‘Avoiding the inevitable - a guide to modern schizophrenia’ and seeks to challenge our perception of an issue affecting the lives of many, based both on personal experience and extensive research. Jo: What inspired you to write the book? Sheila: I wrote the book because I saw a misrepresentation of the condition on a news programme on TV and it made me angry. The programme portrayed schizophrenia as a hopeless condition, whereby all patients are violent and likely to hurt people – which is not so. 98 percent of patients are not violent and the very few that are, are not receiving any treatment for some reason. They ‘should not’ be avoided; rather the reverse. As being treated in a friendly way helps the condition. To have people ignore you is very hurtful, particularly if they’ve been friendly previously. I know, as it has happened to me. The media has a great influence on the general public and if newspapers and TV reporting told the truth, people would be better informed and less likely to be afraid of schizophrenics. Jo: Would you consider your book 'Avoiding the inevitable - a guide to modern schizophrenia’ to be a guide purely for those within the medical profession, or would others find it of interest? Sheila: The book is a short simple layman’s explanation of the condition for the general public. It is not meant for those in the medical profession. The book was written with the general public in mind; those with any interest in the subject.

to read which you can carry around with you. Jo: Which part of researching the book was the most interesting to you personally? Sheila: The book was written from personal experience as I had the condition for 30 years, but I enjoyed researching the history. Jo: What are you reading right now? Sheila: I am currently reading ‘The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy’ by Douglas Adams. Jo: What was the book that most influenced your life — and why? Sheila: The Life Recovery Bible was the book that has had the most influence on my life as at the time of reading, I was feeling particularly at odds with everything around me. The Life Recovery Bible was written to help people come to terms with their addiction to alcohol and to kick the habit. It can be used in other ways as I do, to help with non-alcohol related issues. I recommend it to all people who try to live by Christian principles. Jo: What are your 5 favorite books? Sheila: I would have to class The Bible as my most favourite, then The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Solar by Ian McEwan and Cesar’s Way by Cesar Millan would be on my list too. Finally, Scouting by Baden Powell is another book I’d class as a favourite. Jo: Having already had other books published you obviously have a flair for writing but what other pastimes do you have and what is your secret to unwinding after putting pen to paper? Sheila: I am very fond of music, my taste is Catholic. I use Reiki to unwind and I love sitting on the beach watching the sea.

Jo: Do you have any plans to release the book in e book format? Sheila: I have no intention to, no.

Jo: Thank you for your time Sheila, we wish you every success with the new book and good health for the future.

Jo: How do you personally feel about e books? Sheila. I have little experience of them, but I feel it is far better to have an old-fashioned book in your hand

For more information see advert on page 38.

Spotlight

Sticks and stones...

by Fay Evans

“Sticks and stones may my break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” was practically a mantra in the playgrounds of my youth. Even then, I didn’t believe it was true… and even more so these days. As a child, I knew that words could hurt – and on a regular basis. I can recall seeing my younger brother holding back his tears and lowering his head when older children called him a sissy. Something inside me ached for him because although I couldn’t navigate the nuance of language in junior school, I knew the term ‘sissy’ was nasty. My brother felt humiliated, and I instinctively knew that to be a sissy meant to be girl-like. Well, I was a girl, so did that make me shameful too? Times have changed… or have they? At school, in families, in social groups and in the workplace, we are more conscious of being politically, culturally, and gender correct. We work to keep demeaning words from creeping into in our language but we could all do more. We can avoid using words that even hint at violence when working with groups of people – especially those including children. War, crime, conflict, killing and hatred are referenced throughout music, the media and everyday interactions on the street and in classrooms. Tune in to a TV or radio programme for 30 minutes and you are sure to hear one violent or hurtful phrase after another; scan a few magazines and newspapers and you’ll see violent words are prevalent in their headlines. Sports teams are praised for ‘annihilating’ or ‘slaughtering’ their opponents and some video games make killing a contest. Violence is encouraged and often celebrated; our culture seems to demand it.

Living in a world of increasing violence begs the question: “Do you reflect violence in any way to your children, your grandchildren or peers?” If you are not sure, listen to yourself. Without judgment, note when and where you tend to unconsciously use words or metaphors with violent or hurtful connotations. Listen with an objective ear; be alert for language that may affect the atmosphere you wish to set for your audience through unintended messages. Ask yourself what you can do to replace violent words with non-violent expressions which promote your basic objectives to the person you are speaking to, so they feel compassion and respect. Words are powerful tools – use them wisely and considerately. Using non-violent language is not about being for or against war, organised sports, gangs, graphic movies or interactive games. It is about being wideawake to what your language conveys, and it’s positive or negative impact on your listeners. It is about making choices.

There is an underlying instinct in most of us to be the best we can; to try and succeed in life, get promotion above colleagues or even just win the odd hand of cards. Surely, these feelings stem from our natural survival genes. So, to encourage this in a more accepting way, we strive to teach our children and grandchildren to play fair and not to be a sore loser. How many times have you reminded your little ones that it’s the taking part which counts, or that all you ask is that they try their best? But as we are now regulated as to what they can compete in, is this vital skill of sharing and caring not going to be lost? Perhaps this suppression of natural competitiveness at a young age is a reason why minors grow up to crave the PC games and other interactive entertainment which the government and media often blame for much of the violence we read and hear about in today’s maddening world. Maybe if this pent-up competitiveness was controlled in a positive “team building and playing” way once more during the formative years, we wouldn’t have this escalation of disrespect for other human beings.

The late Ty Cobb, one of America’s greatest and most exciting players in baseball history, once said: "When I played ball, I didn't play for fun… it's no pink tea, and mollycoddles had better stay out. It's a contest and everything that implies a struggle for supremacy; a survival of the fittest." So have times really changed? Yes and no. Professional sport still requires the steely toughness that made Ty Cobb a winner in his time. Many schools and public athletic programmes continue to serve and reward the physically gifted in survivalof-the-fittest contests. However, there is much controversy over whether the current generation of school-aged children can – or even should – participate in competitive sports or activities with their peers or other youth groups. Many educational and social clubs in the UK have banned such family and friendly competitions as the annual sports day. Whether you loved it or hated it, one has to question if things have gone a little too far. I can’t recall seeing an article on the news informing me of any crime – especially that of murder – by any minor in which they had pulled a trigger or knife on a victim because they came third in the egg and spoon race or lost the high school football trophy.

Is there a natural instinct to be a competitor? Was sports day not a way of teaching and encouraging team spirit throughout the ages? Apparently not, but I feel it certainly was at my school. Many pupils who did not necessarily or naturally excel in the classroom tended to get their day of glory on this yearly teambased outing; they were more athletically blessed than most of the straight A students. And it was on that day – and for a good reminiscing period afterwards – that these gifted kids would receive the admiration they never obtained from peers and teachers throughout the academic year. I began this story by recounting a childhood memory about sticks and stones. Naturally, one memory leads to another and I can recall hearing the voice of my father admonishing me with the phrase: “Watch your mouth or hold your tongue, young lady!” His seemingly harsh directives were meant to teach me; to protect me and others from harm and more

importantly than any other lesson, to ensure that I was respectful. I feel that the same phrases are just as relevant now as they were all those years ago. Neither my father nor I knew that today, I’d be watching my mouth more than ever before. Neither of us knew the impact of his wise words. As parents, we strive to teach our offspring to be respectful to others whilst protecting them from harm but as I listen to the films and music my grandchildren today rave about, I wonder at which point it all went wrong. When did it become OK for kids to shout at their elders, teachers or even verbally abuse a stranger such as myself – a lady in her 70s – as I try and cross the zebra as quickly as I can before their cars rev the tarmac off the road? All with such encouragement of: “Come on, Grandma – run, you old… ” well you get the picture! As adults, being aware of – and sensitive to – the cultural influences of violent and non-violent language strengthens our teaching. It invites interactions on a compassionate level and increases the overall effectiveness of our purpose. When you do this, you help ensure that words are less likely to hurt others. Some people add ethnic slurs, cultural insults and other words or names with potentially violent or hurtful connotations to their everyday conversations without a second thought. Some may joke or make fun of the path toward compassionate language, but remember, most are looking for a reaction from you: shock and horror, or with a pack mentality, they try to encourage you to ‘join their gang.’ Right or wrong, try not to offer any judgment or assessment. Try compassion and break the circle of hatred and hurtfulness. I do wish more could be done in schools and at home to show that harming by words is a stepping stone to building relationships between the generations, and ultimately helps to make a safer and healthier environment for all of us to live in. We must pass down the use of compassionate language, discourage prejudice and show respect in our assessment of others… Ultimately, words can and do hurt – so choose them wisely. You must be the change you wish to see Mahatma Gandhi

Future Focus

So you ‘thinkuknow’ about the internet? From the moment you hold your new-born in your arms, the world seems to become a scarier place. As a parent or grandparent, our role is to keep our small ones safe from harm. It starts with crossing streets and riding bikes under your supervision and then, as our small ones grow older, it turns into surfing the internet, driving cars and staying home alone. Potential dangers are not as great a threat when we are pre-armed with the correct safety information. Making children aware of this is helpful, but parental involvement is imperative when ensuring the safety of our younger family members when they are online. Whether tweens, teens or younger, for our technological offspring the internet is an integral part of children's lives these days. It opens up so many educational and social opportunities, giving them access to – quite literally – a world of information and experiences. They are surrounded by social networking communication sites such as Twitter and Facebook, with the lure of virtual pets and farms and making ‘virtual’ friends, and sadly, they are also surrounded by a host of hidden dangers.

With most networking sites, minimum ages for account registration are required, but ensuring underage users are not active on the sites seems impossible. The sites rely totally on age restrictions being enforced by care-givers, but with many children having unsupervised access to the internet, how many have suddenly become 10 years older by changing their date of birth and are active social network users? Facebook states: “We strongly recommend that minors 13 years of age or older ask their parents for permission before sending any information about themselves to anyone over the internet, and we encourage parents to teach their children about safe internet use practices.” In some jurisdictions, the age limit for holding an account may be higher.

In 2010, we read with horror of 28-year-old Michael Williams, a predatory postman who used the Facebook and Bebo sites to groom up to 1,000 children for sex by creating fake profiles and posing as a minor. Only last month, the world was shocked by reports of the discovery of a global internet paedophile ring with no fewer than 70,000 abnormal followers. “The internet has proved to be a fertile territory for people with a sexual interest in children,” said Danny Shaw, BBC News Home affairs correspondent. Worryingly, this is true – so protection of our children at whatever age is vital.

In 2010, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEDP) reported that at the request of the Director of the AEDP, Facebook had raised the minimum age to join its social network in Spain to 14 years. As with other countries, until the change was implemented, the minimum age at which minors could join the networking service was 13. Director Rallo Artemi welcomed the measure, saying: “This marks a significant step in the adaptation of multi-national cooperation for the internet, to meet requirements of national laws such as that in Spain for the guarantee of privacy.”

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) has launched ‘Exposed,’ a new 10-minute drama aimed primarily at 14 to 18 year olds which aims to act as a discussion springboard for care-givers and their children about internet safety. Through the ‘Thinkuknow’ campaign, the CEOP website offers an abundance of fundamental information relating to internet safety for young people and adults alike. Age-appropriate guidance is provided in fun and imaginative ways, and covers a wide variety of internet dangers. If we are to provide our children with the wonders of the World Wide Web and the infinite world of information it provides, we have a responsibility to ensure that they are able to enjoy it safely. Please don’t allow your child to become another victim.

• Make your children aware that they need to think carefully about the information and pictures they post on their profiles. Inform them that once published online, anyone can change or share these images of them • It can be easy to forget that the internet is not a private space, and as a result, sometimes young people engage in risky behaviour online. Advise your children not to post any pictures, videos or information on their profiles or in chat rooms that they would not want a parent or carer to see • If your child receives spam or junk email and texts, remind them never to believe their contents, reply to them or use them • It's not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they don't know. They won't know what they contain. It could be a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or film

Internet Safety Tips

• Help your child to understand that some people lie online and that therefore it's better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust

• Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends they do not know offline

• Always keep communication open for a child to know that it's never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable

• Explain to your children what information about them is personal: ie. email address, mobile number, school name, sports club, arrangements for meeting up with friends and any pictures or videos of themselves, their family or friends. Small pieces of information can easily be pieced together to form a comprehensive insight into their lives and daily activities

For more information and safety tips visit: www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Trade Talk

El Molino Systems Hylas-1 KA service In the first week of April 2011, El Molino Systems S.L. (europe-satellite.com) is launching a new lowcost broadband service using the new Hylas-1 Ka satellite and Hughes hardware (HN9200 (s) modem, 74cm dish and odu). We have installed many systems all over Europe and as well as providing hardware and bandwidth, we will now be opening our own NOC (Network Operating Centre). This will provide service seven days a week to re-sellers, installers and end-users. The Hylas-1 Ka satellite, owned by Avanti Communications Group plc in London, was successfully launched into space in November 2010 and will be mainly used for broadband (internet) communications using the Ka band and broadcasting TV signals using the Ku band.

The hardware is provided by Hughes, a worldwide leading company in the manufacture of high quality satellite systems (military, business etc). A complete satellite broadband set consists of a Hughes HN9200 (s) Ka modem, a 74cm dish and an odu (receiver/transmitter). We can provide (optional) a mounting pole and a 25m co-ax (RG6) cable, complete with connectors fitted. We stock systems and spare parts in our warehouse in Spain (near Girona) and in the UK (London) and ship within 24 hours Monday to Friday. For more info about the new Hylas-1 service, please visit our website www.europe-satellite.com El Molino Systems S.L. (europe-satellite.com) UK +44 (0)20 7183 0128 / ES +34 972 622 417

PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 33....

wuzzles -

X marks the spot - Put two and two together I before E except after C - Right under the nose

Spotlight

Tune in you are psychic

by Scott Creasey

I have been working in the psychic arena for more than 20 years and whenever I present my Mind Magic show or carry out group or individual readings, I am regularly faced with the same question: ‘Are you psychic?’ My answer to this question is always the same: ‘We are all psychic’. In my opinion, many of the current celebrity psychics who appear on our TVs or in the press have helped to fuel the notion that psychic ability doesn’t exist. How? By portraying the psychic world as either one inhabited by strange and eccentric individuals who use new age vocabulary and are shunned as crazy by the rest of the population, or in the case of many so-called reality TV exposés, as one inhabited by unscrupulous con artists who prey on the vulnerable. So, with this in mind, let’s try an experiment. Substitute the word psychic with the word intuitive and you - and everybody else - will begin to understand my perception of this ability.

We all have intuition; it is a genetically imprinted skill we are born with and is a great survival tool provided by nature. Yet, intuition is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets. You could say that I have been consciously flexing my intuitive muscle for nearly 30 years. Just for a moment, consider how many occasions you have met someone for the first time and immediately thought ‘I don’t like this person, there is something not quite right?’ Then, because you are a rational adult, and pride yourself on being intelligent and logical, you override that gut feeling – that hunch, that intuitive spark – and you give the individual the benefit of the doubt, only to realise some time later, and often to your detriment, that your initial feeling – your intuition – was correct. Our ancestors understood this instinctive gift and trusted their intuition implicitly. The rest of the animal kingdom still does, but in most of the Western world, the majority of civilized humanity seems to have allowed this natural ability to slip in favour of what can be measured, weighed and ultimately controlled. Next time you have a flash of inspiration, don’t dismiss it. Listen to it, trust it and then act upon it; you may be surprised by the results. In other words, take every opportunity to flex that muscle.

I presented a series of lecture for a number of years under the title ‘Psychic Science’ covering subjects as diverse as memory techniques to Tarot interpretation. I have given these talks in a wide variety of arenas ranging from the living room of a person’s home to large lecture theatres filled with corporate clients. The amazing thing is they all seem to have a reoccurring theme. In such a way that I am regularly approached afterwards by people from all walks of life who wish to pass on their own stories of psychic phenomena, things either they or someone close to them have experienced personally.

It is plain to see that most professional research scientists engaged in the study of parapsychology, have no doubt as to the existence of psychic phenomena. They agree that there is definitely something strange going on and acknowledge that they need to find out what it is.

For many years there has been a considerable scientific interest in parapsychology in both the East and the West. In the 1980’s Soviet researchers changed the terminology they used, preferring ‘Bio-information Transfer’ to telepathy and clairvoyance, ‘Biophysical Effect’ to Psychokinesis and ‘Extrasensor’ to medium or psychic. And today with the study of Quantum Physics and Particle Science, the Universal Energy which Psychics have talked about for hundreds of years seems to have become accepted as a reality. For example experiments carried out in various research facilities in both Europe and the USA, have indicated that when properly focused the human mind has the ability to affect change in physical mass and as such our thoughts actually interact with the physical world right down to the subatomic levels — literally Mind over Matter.

I truly hope the day will come when psychic ability is fully understood and widely accepted, however, I equally fear the day it can be completely measured, weighed and ultimately controlled.

Of course, there in lies the problem, for we cannot expect something as complex as the human mind to behave as predictably under laboratory conditions as say a microchip or strand of DNA, simply put, this is not an exact science, it doesn’t always work.

Remember, you are psychic – so flex that intuitive muscle, tune in and enjoy! For more information contact Scott on 679 712 700 or email him in confidence at esp@scottcreasey.com Website: www.scottcreasey.com

If you were to study the vast amounts of study data that is readily available, both online and in various scientific publications, you would probably reach the same conclusion as me, that many serious Eastern and Western researchers reject any suggestion of a spiritualistic connection with that of psychic ability, but they do accept the facts and study them enthusiastically.

So what about all the other stuff? ESP, astral travel, psychokenisis, psychic healing etc? Can it be measured; can it be weighed? I have always believed the human mind possesses the power to tap into what I can only describe as a universal energy. The problem seems to be that for most people, tuning in isn’t an exact science and often occurs when they least expect it – and very rarely on demand. However, once tuned in to this energy, it can be manipulated by the mind to influence the world around it and many people have experienced this random tuning in at some stage of their lives. 44

Health

Massaging the family bond

by Dr Suzanne Wildman-Chard

After the excitement of a new baby entering the world, when the flowers, cards and razzmatazz of 'congratulations' arrive, reality kicks in. For the new parents, life is turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same again. Baby now takes centre stage demanding 24/7 care, while little or no time is left for the former intimacy and 'me time' the parents once had. Inevitably, this early period is fraught with tension, fears, anxieties and even guilt. For the new mum, a combination of rapidly adjusting hormone levels, the need to overcome the physical and sometimes mental traumas of childbirth, coupled with the acceptance of a changed body are difficult enough to battle with. Add to that the fear of not being able to cope and being inadequate as a parent, and self esteem plummets, negating much of the anticipated joy. For the new dad, this time may be desperately upsetting too as they can find themselves ejected from their former role within the relationship when they felt more central to their partner’s needs. Often feeling left out, unloved, ignored and superfluous to requirements, they recognise the closer bond that mum and the baby, whom they helped create, now share. As breast-feeding often enhances the inexplicable adoration and tenderness the mother comes to share with the new arrival, the father can feel even more isolated. Inevitably, these first vital months may place great strains on a once seemingly close relationship.

However, never underestimate the father’s importance or value to his child's development, right from that first cuddle as they meet. It is vital for the mental, physical and emotional health of all parties to become a three-way system and ultimately a family. The father's participation in the routine care and stimulation of his child from day one can enhance confidence, co-ordination, brain and nervous system development, positive feelings, security and overall contentment of the new born. A unique way to encourage this participation and a dad’s confidence in relating to his child is to enroll in baby/parent yoga bonding classes. This ancient technique works with simple tools and exercises that can be learned in a few easy sessions. The benefits are numerous, and can result in better sleeping patterns and easier digestion, more rapid 'milestone' progression and a calmer, more lovable, contented and all-round easier infant. The methods taught are also very useful during teething, early illnesses and especially helpful for babies who appear to cry for no reason from day one. The focus of the yoga bonding sessions is to lavish neural, mental, motor and sensory stimulation on the developing child by various techniques, which are both fun for all participants and adequately challenging for the key growth stages of any baby. In this way, various 'age related' level activities are introduced as progress is made. A variety of familiar set of tools and props are always present to keep the little one’s attention, without over tiring them. Typically, a large, slightly deflated

exercise ball, a roller pillow, one or two large mirrors, some soft favourite toys, a variety of bells, soft yoga mats and towels and cushions are deployed close by. For a gentle introduction, the baby is carefully placed on its back on the large ball with a parent securing them each end. One parent keeps the baby secure whilst the second starts to pat very, very gently – first onto the baby and then onto the ball. You will be amazed at how much relaxation and contentment this induces in all of you! Another favourite is to place the baby on the lap of one of the parents as they lie down with their legs out towards the mirror. The other parent gives instructions such as feet up, arms up, etc, as both parents encourage the baby to look towards the mirror. Many more exercises are available; all tailormade to suit the age and requirement of the new family unit.

Baby and parent yoga bonding classes are available at The Wildman-Chard Centre in Campillos. Prices start from only 10€ an hour - a minimum of five hours is recommended. For more information and contact details please see Dr Suzanne’s advert below.

A special finger massage, using very gentle movements around the navel and over the abdomen, can assist with digestion and ease painful colic. Taking turns, parents are amazed to feel the automatic muscular response from their baby. This helps to tone the abdomen and speed up the progression of abandoning nappies. However, it is vital that parents are taught the correct method by a professional when massaging this sensitive area on a baby. Gradually, more and more varied exercises are built into an increasing routine that enhances and stimulates all the key stages of a child’s growth and development. This routine can be split throughout the day and proves especially useful when short sessions are employed after bath time and before bedtime. Techniques are only ever used as long as the baby is alert and enjoying the session. Giving lots of kisses and cuddles is a lovely, calming and bonding opportunity for all on the completion of the yoga and massage sessions. For the instructor, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this work is to see the instant joy and growing bond which automatically establishes itself between parents and child. But most of all, for the father, this is a completely unique and fun way to feel needed, wanted and loved by his new offspring at a time when no-one else may seem to notice that they even exist.

Classified Adverts

Property Wanted Properties wanted, we have buyers waiting and we are looking for sensibly priced country properties in the Antequera, Estepa and Marchena areas. Village properties with good outside space also considered. Helping buyers and sellers since 2005, Antequera Inland, a fully registered company. 952-84-46-46 or 606-192-873 info@antequera-inland.com Property for Sale 3 bed, luxury town house in Campillos. Large patio & pool €186,000. Call for more details or to view 637 146 561 – private sale.

Property for Sale For Rent three bed village house, orchard, ADSL, furnished, Alameda 320 month 952711377

Business for Sale Equipped Cafe Bar, Benalmadena. Rent just 350 month and small deposit. Owner 952711377

Services Offered Pet sitting and minding, all types of pets by reputable and qualified professionals. All areas 952711377 Key minding, house sitting, property management, all services, all areas, Antequera based 952711377 Electrician all areas covered. Call Tom for a quote on 606 694 536 Gardening – all aspects undertaken. Free quotes. No job to small. Call 952 737643 General handyman and pool cleaner. Reliable and experienced call 680 323649 House Clearance - good prices paid - immediate cash call now 670 919 026

Classified Adverts

Items for Sale LARGE ELEGANT MAHOGANY-LIKE WARDROBE, 3 DOUBLE DOORS, DRAWERS, SHELVES size 240cm long x 55cm wide x 220cm high EXCELLENT CONDITION - WHAT OFFERS ?? (buyer dismantles and collects) Elizabeth 625 947 759 or 677 720 133 For sale due to move: Orbegozo portable air conditioning unit, 9000 BTU, 1200W, VERY little used, (small scratch on front) c/w window vents etc, cost new over 300e, accept 95e. Pine cupboard/ bookcase set; two-door base cupboard and upper two shelf bookcase; can be used separately or together as a dresser. Each piece 87 cm x 37 cm x 72 cm high 30e. 2 drawer metal filing cabinet (fireproof) grey, 37cm wide, 63cm deep 78cm high 10e. Sharp microwave 15e. 1 x Sky box, perfect working order, 20e. Toshiba VCR, V231 model, c/w remote and instructions, little used, perfect working order, 20e. Aurex widescreen TV (silver) 97cm c/w matching stand and remote, perfect working order, 50e. Matsui portable TV 37cm screen; good working order, (no remote) 20e. Alba TV 52cm screen, plus remote, perfect working order, 30e. Telefunken TV 50cm, perfect working order, no remote 30e. Rest Assured single bed c/w luxurious (clean) mattress and padded headboard 20e. 2 x thermostatically controlled oil filled radiators; 1 x36cm long, 6 ‘fin’; 1 x 50cm long, 8 ‘fin’ good working order 10e each or 15e the two. Two seater sofa, (Spanish) rose pink cord; pulls out to make recliner/bed 40e. Exercise bicycle 10e. Orange gas bottles 10e each. Canon FC200 portable photocopier, perfect working order, c/w instruction manual 20e. Epson Perfection 1250 flatbed scanner, perfect working order, c/w instructions/driver disc etc 15e. Unusual Arabian hand-woven rug (framed as wall hanging) depicts a lover fleeing on horseback with his lady, measures 178cm x 122cm, email for photo, 15e. Antique brass oil lamp, converted to take electric bulb (no bowl) 5e. Table top electric fan, Clarke, 3-speed 3e. Double wardrobe, mirrored doors, light tan rattan effect 40e. Articles located at Alhaurin el Grande; photos available. Email tjtops@hotmail. com or tel 661 223 387 Horsey stuff: 1 pr English hand-made long riding boots, size 38, slim calf, straight tops c/w garter straps exc condition 20e. Charles Owen young riders’ hat, black, size 6 ¾, c/w harness, PAS 015:1998, AS NEW, very little used and never been dropped! 10e. Cotton summer sheet, red with white trim 5’ 9” good cond 7e. Nylon lungeing cavesson, (Spanish?) padded central nose band, 3 rings; set of webbing long reins 7e. Pr stirrup leathers/irons (5”); top quality traditional English, c/w new white treads, good cond 10e. Articles located at Alhaurin el Grande; photos available. Email tjtops@hotmail. com or tel 661 223 387

Items Wanted Donations of blankets, towels and unwanted items are always gratefully received at the CHAIN charity shop. If you would like to know more about their work or volunteer in the shop please visit us on the ground floor of La Trocha, Coín.

Vehicles for Sale Nissan Micro 1000cc 2002 Spanish ITV until 2012 only one lady owner 45,000km petrol OIRO 900€ Elizabeth 625 947 759 or 677 720 133

March’s Prize Competition Solution Winner: Bernie Townsend, Cartama Answer: Friday is the name of Sunset Sam’s horse. For your chance to win 100€ try our competion on page 23.

Classes WOOD TURNING LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS. PLEASE TELEPHONE 600 655234 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Trade Talk

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Today’s music ain’t got the same soul

by Reg Crocini (El Canadiense)

‘Today’s music ain’t got the same soul; I like that old time rock and roll’. This is a line from Bob Seger’s 1979 hit, ‘Old Time Rock and Roll’ and it still holds true today. He’s referring to the ever-popular music of the 50s, 60s and early 70s. Many styles of music were popular then: rock, blues, soul, funk, country, jazz, ballads, ‘slow,’ and lots of blends in between. In many cases, if a song from one category was a hit, it became reclassified as ‘pop’ music. In the 50s, rock music became the rage with Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry and of course, the king himself, Elvis Presley. Most of this music was based on a standard 12 bar blues pattern. When the Beatles arrived in the 60s, all that changed as they transformed rock and ballads with their imaginative chord patterns and key changes. The first Beatles song I heard was ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’ and I was blown away! I also loved groups such as Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR), the Rolling Stones, and the Hollies. Around then, new dance fads appeared almost every week. For me, it began with Chubby Checker and the ‘twist,’ followed by ‘the swim,’ the ‘mashed potato’ and one by the Trashmen, ‘the bird’. Wilson Pickett did ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ which included the names of 16 of these dances.

Soul music was also popular, with artistes such as Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles and James Brown. Funk, a branch of soul, also emerged at this time with a really catchy rhythm using slap bass. For a while, funk tried to challenge the supremacy of rock, and although it failed to overtake it, funk is still popular among aficionados of soul. Some groups that I remember were Grand Funk Railroad, Wild Cherry and Tower of Power. Into the 70s we were smoking grass and many were experimenting with various drugs. The music started to reflect altered states of mind with groups such as Deep Purple, Procol Harum and Jimi Hendrix. Even the Beatles and Rolling Stones were describing weird visions in their music. I think some of these songs were great but ‘acid rock’ was just too much for me. I didn’t really appreciate country music until I visited the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ in Nashville, Tennessee. There I discovered that country musicians really knew what they were doing and how to ‘touch’ the average person with everyday experiences. Some country artists were the Everly Brothers, Charlie Rich, the Bellamy Brothers and Billy Rae Cyrus who started a line dance craze with ‘Achy Breaky Heart’. From the mid 70s onwards, other styles dominated such as disco, heavy metal, rap, hip hop, electropop etc, but for me, this music ‘ain’t got the same soul’. It’s interesting that the song ‘Old Time Rock and Roll’ was named one of the most important songs of the century by the Recording Industry Association in 2001.

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About the Author: Reg (James) Crocini was born in Canada in 1944 and studied classical piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He has played trumpet, piano, bass, tenor sax and organ with various groups in Canada, Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore and England. He has finally settled in Puente de Genil, Spain. He now performs solo on his keyboards, singing music from the 50, 60s and 70s, with backing he arranges and prepares himself. 50

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