January ~ 2012
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r a e y w e o n v e y u p n p a o 単 H a z i l Fe
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Well here it is! 2012- and the world hasn’t ended (yet anyway)! I think that we will all agree that 2011 was quite an eventful year. It was a year of global tumult, marked by widespread social and political uprisings, economic crises, and a great deal more. We saw the fall of multiple dictators and witnessed our planet’s population grow to 7 billion. We watched in horror as Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear disaster. We saw the demise of Bin Laden, Colonel Gadaffi and tragically, Amy Winehouse to name but a few. More earthquakes rocked the world from Washington DC to Christchurch New Zealand and much closer to home in Lorca. 2011 was an eventful year indeed, but sadly for all the wrong reasons. So here we at beginning of a new chapter in the book of life, wondering what the author has in store for us. What will 2012 bring? who really knows? So accept the fact that life is a gift and enjoy each day. Enjoy your family, and your loved ones. Laugh lots, argue little and love they neighbor! (However difficult it may be sometimes!) We hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine and from all of us here at the Journal we hope that 2012 brings Health, Happiness and Prosperity to you all. Robert Rutherford
The Spanish elections
On 23.11.11 the PP won an absolute majority in Parliament, with 44.62% of the votes. Partido Popular obtained 44.62% of the votes in the parliamentary elections last Sunday, against 28.73% for the socialist party. Opposition leader Mariano Rajoy gained an absolute majority with 186 of the 350 seats in the Parliament. The socialist party PSOE won 110 seats, losing 59 representatives from the last elections in 2008. The moderate Catalan nationalists CiU have the third biggest group in Parliament, with 16 representatives, elected by a million votes, while leftist federation IU went from 1 representative in the present Parliament, to 11 in the incoming. A gain which will please local IU leader Councilor David Fernandez. Almost all provinces are now blue Partido Popular won more votes than any other party in almost all provinces of Spain, the exceptions being in Guipuzcoa (Basque territory) where the new ETA-influenced party Aiamur received more than 34% of the vote; in another Basque province, Vizcaya, where the moderate nationalists in PNV won more than 32% of the votes; in the Catalan provinces of Tarragona, Lerida and Girona, where the moderate nationalists in CiU dominated; in Barcelona Province where the socialists were barely ahead of the nationalists; and finally in Seville, where the socialists managed to defend their southern stronghold. The Andalusia Region (comprising 7 provinces) will have regional elections in a few months time, and with the results from Sunday, there can be no doubt that PP will conquer also this region, where the socialists traditionally have had voting support and power. 33 of the Andalusia seats went this time to the PP, with only 25 to the socialists, whilst IU won 2 representatives. On the Balearic Islands PP won 5 deputies with 49.53% of the popular vote, against 3 for PSOE with only 28.86%. In the Canaries, PP won 9 seats, PSOE only 4, with the last 2 seats going to a coalition of nationalist parties. The Valencia Region gave Mariano Rajoy 20 seats in the Parliament, against only 10 for the socialists. Murcia elected 8 deputies from the PP with just 2 to the socialist PSOE. On the surface this leaves Mazarron with an administration drawn from the opposition in Murcia and Madrid, but it should be remembered that mayor Campillo was elected not so much on opposition to the PP as on opposition to the rule of Blaya Blaya. Many in his new Party were previously PP supporters.
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2012
NEWS
ESAMD raise over 3500€ for RBL 2011 Poppy Appeal
The Ex-Servicemen’s Association of Mazarrón District (ESAMD) raised the grand sum of 3857.00€ (smashing last year’s total by over 1000€) for the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) 2011 Poppy Appeal.The money was raised during the official collecting period and ‘all-
year-round’ boxes with restaurants and bars throughout the area selling poppies. Special mention must go to the Sara Lara’s Bar who raised 500.43€. The photos below show Sara with members of the committee and along with her many supporters.It is also worth mentioning that all the money raised here in Spain goes towards helping our Beneficiaries living here in Spain.Our grateful thanks and best wishes to all those who collected and donated so freely.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
MABS Mazarrón’s Christmas Fayre at the Hotel Sensol got everyone in the mood for the festive season, with a huge variety of stalls, selling anything from Glam Straps or Christmas decorations, to calendars or pottery. Father Christmas was there to make sure that the children had behaved themselves this year and to find out just what he needed to load into his sleigh on Christmas Eve.Some 445 people attended the event and, with 12 luxury raffle prizes, many of them walked away with an early Christmas present, raising an all-time record of 465 € on the raffle alone. MABS volunteer, Pauline, baked a cake for the cake weight competition, with fellow-volunteers, Margaret and Yvonne, selling the weight guesses, raising a further 60 € to add to the final total of 2190 €. MABS volunteers were out in force and worked hard to ensure that the
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whole event went off smoothly. Many of the stallholders commented on how well organised everything had been: “It was a great day and all the hard work put in by the volunteers is greatly appreciated. I must say the organisation was great and I think everybody had a good day.” remarked Mal from Potty People.“We’d like to say a huge thanks to all the stallholders and everyone who attended for their tremendous support” said MABS Mazarrón Co-ordinator, Zue Burgess. “I’d also like to thank all our lovely volunteers who worked so hard to make this event such a success.”
known. There are several who live on Camposol who were members of well known choirs who performed publicly. They have already had invitations to perform.There is the world of difference between a group who come together to sing, and a disciplined hard working choir. What is evident is that some want one, just the weekly opportunity to sing, and others want develop their voices. Hopefully the group will provide for both. This is all contingent on the acquisition of a director with the necessary skills. If interested get in touch with Shirley on 634 053 976
MABS is keen to recruit more volunteers, so if you have time on your hands and want to find out more about what MABS does, please contact the General Enquiries line: 620 582 418
Winter Fuel Allowance controversy.
MABS Mazarrón is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call our HELPLINE 620 422 410 or visit their website:
www.mabsmurcia.com
The New Camposol Choir
Readers will have seen the advert for a music director for a new choir. This is the brainchild of Shirley Fisher and a few supporters. A month ago they had an open meeting at the Cultural Centre which set the idea in motion. For the last few Saturdays they have run a “glee club”. Mike Bull has provided the music equipment and backing tracks and on the first two occasions over forty took part. It would be true to say that part of the group is content with a regular singing session, but there is a dedicated group of about 25 who would dearly love the discipline and hard work of a duly constituted choir. The group still has to decide whether it wants to be part of Louise Bremners new Arts Charity, which would of course enable the group to become legally constituted without having to do that work themselves. What is exciting is that instead of endless karaoke, singers are now getting together to sing together. The tradition of choral music in England and Wales is well
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THE number of expats claiming the winter fuel allowance has soared by 50 per cent in just five years, leading to calls to scrap it abroad.
The tax-free payment was claimed by 33,495 pensioners living in Spain last winter, making up a sizeable chunk of the 73,000 claimants in mainland Europe. The payments to those overseas – available to anyone born before 1951 – came at a cost of 18 million euros to the UK coffers. The 52 per cent increase represents a nine million euro hike from the 47,920 who claimed the payment in 2006-07. It has led to calls for the allowance to be scrapped for those living in the traditionally warmer climes of the Mediterranean.Emma Boon, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “This is a shocking increase and is yet more evidence that we need to reform the welfare system. “Money needs to go to those who really need it, not to well-off expats living on the Costa del Sol. The Government should scrap schemes like this because it doesn’t make sense to take people’s money in tax, then give it back in benefits that they might not want or need.” It is certainly the case that the majority of ex pat are on pensions and have seen these eroded by 30% over the past three years. It may also be true that it rains far less in Murcia, but Winter nights are cold. Many ex pats if they are on government pensions still pay UK income tax. It is also the case that the pensioners must have been receiving the benefit prior to arrival in Spain.
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Garrigues elected European Firm of the Year by Legal Week
The British Legal Awards recognize the achievements during the year and those who best responded to customer needs Garrigues has been chosen as the European Firm of 2011 at the British Legal Awards and grants the British publication Legal Week. These awards honour firms, teams and leaders in their market, professionals who are distinguished for their achievements during the year and those who best meet the needs of their customers. The jury (consisting of more than twenty representatives of multinational companies and British) valued at Garrigues, among other things, quality customer service, innovation and legal experience, strategic vision, commitment to corporate social responsibility, the progression in the economic and internal career
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professionals. Garrigues has an office in Murcia for more than 14 years, in which more than 70 professionals providing services to legal and tax advice to companies in the region of Murcia in the different branches of law. Locally they were responsible for the Garrigues Report on Camposol. They wrote a fifty page extant document which underlined both problems and solutions, and ascribed responsibility. The document is still the most useful legal description of Camposol. The CRA and Garrigues parted company when it became obvious that the CRA was unable to raise the cash locally to pursue MASA in the way envisaged by Garrigues. Garrigues are a leading Spanish and European legal firm. The award ceremony was held in the British capital and brought together a broad representation of major law firms international legal sector. Corbera Ignacio, managing partner of the London office of Garrigues, collected the award on behalf of all the professionals in the firm.
Happy new year
Car Accident involving a young motor cyclist “Tonight Wednesday 7th December between the hours of 10pm and 11pm a white or silver hatchback driven by a middle aged English woman Knocked down my son on Calle Ajedreas D sector seriously injuring him and drove off leaving him on the side of the road. Thankfully some residents heard the noise and brought him indoors. My thanks goes to them whoever they were. Any information I can get about such a car that will have damage to the front will be gratefully received.� Chris Jennings.
By the Friday Chris had discovered who the alleged perpetrator was and was contacting the police. Unfortunately there were no witnesses and of course no proof of the condition of the driver. It is a fact that someone is going to be killed on Camposol, there is still a great deal of drinking and driving.
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Looking back over the Year
Hopefully the coming year will see far more change than 2011 did. On the world stage the Euro and Europe dominated the headlines throughout the year. It was also a year which saw enormous change in Arab countries, with events in Libya leading the way. Both the UK and Spain saw their economies nose diving, although ex pats saw their pounds getting a little more on the foreign exchanges. From the depths of near parity, back to 1.15 by the end of November. Spain now has the highest unemployment in Europe. The ex pat community is a bit shielded from the worst by the fact that so many are retired living on pensions, although the demise of the pound, from 1.50 to 1.04 and back to 1.16 has seen the closure of businesses on Camposol. Brico, the Saladillo Vista have gone. But the rest seem to be hanging on by their teeth. Even villa sales seem to have perked up a bit. However there is a caveat, you can sell only at the right price. Rosa’s at under 100,000 are frightening. Given the adverse publicity over the year about Spanish villa sales, and more particularly adverse publicity particularly on the TV about Camposol, has meant that it is great that anything has been selling. The only bright light has been the exchange rate which has meant that Brits repatriating euros to the UK five years ago were getting 100,000 pounds sterling for 150,000 Euros, are now getting 100,000 pounds for 115,000 Euros. It is very difficult in the absence of hard data to know whether there are more or less houses on the market now than a year ago. Looking at individual neighbourhoods, there does not seem to have been much significant change in the numbers going back or coming out. If the glitter is off it looks like most of Camposol and Mazarron ex pat communities are staying put. The charities have seen change. Making a Difference, MAD, went from strength to strength, hardly surprising in times of extreme economic stress, Age Concern came on the scene. This follows developments many years old in the UK and ten years old in Torrevieja. Age Concern is best described as the Youth Service for the over fifties! The Youth Service provides for young people, cheap safe places to go and socialize, individual advice and help,
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and a campaign on behalf of young people. Age Concern mirrors this with the older end of the population. It provides socials, more in tune with older folk, and brings people together in a convivial but safe atmosphere. It also provides volunteers to help individual cases, advice and a sympathetic ear. It is one charity which as Camposol’s population ages will become very important. In a year it has established itself at the new Cultural Centre on Sector B and now at the start of the New Year has its own premises on Sector C, to act as offices, storage and counseling depot soon to be opened. All our other charities and organizations have seen the year out. The doggy charities still predominate, with Noahs ARC, Andreas animal rescue, Mamas, and the puppy charity all still trying to make a dent in the one booming activity, stray dogs and cats. However the area has reached saturation point. Just about every household that can has a dog, and many have as many as three. PALS has continued its work raising cash to help the Spanish Health Service. CAFÉ has dominated its work. This was started some three years ago by Ken Payne who at a meeting where mayor Blaya spoke got agreement that if we raised the capital cost of an ambulance then the Town hall would fund its day to day costs. This is to provide an extra service to the area.. The earth quake at Lorca saw every ambulance drained from the area to help there, a positive indication that the local growth in population is putting this emergency service under strain. The Murcian ambulance service works with the Red Cross service. The Red Cross has an ambulance sited on the port road out of Mazarron. This is a top of the range vehicle and is used for top emergencies. All the ambulances are staffed with the same doctors and medics, the drivers are volunteers, drawn from the health services. Keeping an ambulance on the road costs 100,000 Euros a year. For this reason alone it will be important that the new facility is housed together with the rest to at least create some economies of scale. The Red Cross is a major International charity and their ambulance is just one of their services. PALS have had their usual eventful year, successful money raising ventures such as the cruise, coupled with expenditure on items such as FAST. Their commitment to continuing to raise cash for the
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ambulance is undaunted, and they are still holding onto the 20,000 raised for items for the Camposol Health Centre. They raised nearly 10,000 for the Lorca appeal. Welcome continues to operate its mix of social events and charity. Its appeal is straight forward, it runs events at cost and carries no baggage. Its book club continues to act as Camposol’s library. The two community organizations have had eventful years. The CRA did report such at its AGM. It had started the year thinking it would be collaborating with an entity and finished the year looking forward to the adoption in the New Year of Sector A. water leaks, dealing with individual problems took up a good part of the year. The Sector A Home Owners started the year with its first AGM in seven years, and at it forced the Town hall to abandon its policy of resurrection of the Sector A entity. This received overwhelming support and the election of a committee dedicated to opposing an entity. The year did see the resignation of its chair Linda Biggs, as a consequence of an irretrievable breakdown in relations between Linda and the rest of the committee. Linda was the person most responsible for bringing about the ombudsman’s report. All the sectors now have established groups dedicated to the environment. They have had a successful year but can all do with more help from us all. Since it is unlikely that the Town Hall will have cash to spare to make Camposol beautiful these groups will stay important. The D group is now seeking Neighbours status to ensure legality. It should be remembered that Neighbours status is the Spanish route to legalise voluntary community bodies, giving them rights and duties eg a written constitution. This does not make them competitors with the CRA or Sector A committees. What made the difference for the committees were the events in the Town Hall. At the start of the year Mayor Blaya was in his eighth year as mayor. The previous year he and Clr Galvez had adopted a policy of support for an entity. The AGM of the Sector A committee clearly demonstrated the wholesale opposition to this policy, and at the meeting Clr Galvez capitulated. This was of course the run up to the election in May. Here Clr Blaya could have hoped for a signal victory. His Party, the PP was riding high in polls. This height was clearly demonstrated all over the country
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except for Mazarron. Everywhere else virtually, the PP won outright control of many councils. In Mazarron they lost seats, including that of Clr Galvez, to a new Party, headed up by bank manager Gines Campillo. This new party could perhaps be best described as independent right of centre, strongly opposed to the policies and government of Mayor Blaya Blaya. They won four seats and joined with PSOE, Izquierdo with David Fernandez and Pepe Garcia’s PaReMa to form a rainbow coalition. The scale of Blaya’s defeat was emphasized in November when the PP won an outright victory in national election brought forward from May of 2012. This was their greatest victory since 1975! It brought Spain into line with Germany, the UK and France with a right of centre government. There are many local items on Mayor Campillo’s agenda, but the adoption of Camposol figures high. The coalition has stated that it will see Camposol fully finished and legalized within its term of office. Fortunately although Mazarron appears to have financial woes, it is not as bankrupt as many local councils. MASA, a year ago, apparently dislodged as the developer by mayor Blaya, left
Camposol for good. The new Council made it very clear that they thought this idea barmy! It meant that the only way to get Camposol finished would be through the law courts, a very long, tedious process which could have resulted in failure. They immediately instigated talks with MASA and by November, MASA work men or sub contractors could be seen repairing electrics, clearing the scrubland and painting white lines, all preparatory to the Council recognising Sector A as finished in the New Year. Sector A and B of course are the two sectors with the least problems, but once the juggernaut rolls then completion beckons, even if a few year off for C and D. The new council also instituted a Thursday market; a village market long asked for by many on Camposol and denied by the previous incumbent. They also helped create a little diesel train which chugged round Camposol all summer only finishing for the winter at the end of October. The weather has been its usual mixture of warm and hot, ranging through to very hot in July and August. Rain about average, so there were no fears of cuts in water supply over the summer, although
Camposol suffered from a series of burst pipes. There was no gota fria in September/October. This is a long awaited event now, predicted on an annual basis by the media, since there has not been a big one for years. What is a gota fria you ask? Basically it is four days of torrential rain, floods and gales. The worst one, over a hundred years ago killed over 1000 people. Camposol lived up to its name, country sun. It’s the main reason why we came and why we stay. Many still watch UK TV through illegal hook ups and can see the rain stays mainly in the UK. 2011 has not been an exceptional year on Camposol, on the other hand, the prophets of doom have not been proved correct. 2012 may prove a very significant year, we must hope it’s for the right reasons, the completion and legalization of Camposol, and not because Camposol has been badly caught up in the madness’ of European finance. In terms of facilities, there really are two outstanding items, public transport and the farmacia. The farmacia, to be housed at the Business Centre on A keeps getting put back by the owner. Rod Sawyer
NEWS
Mass participation of citizens in their fiestas in Mazarrón
Sunday night, on the 4th December turned into a big party that ended with everyone joining in the dancing. The forecast of big numbers was fulfilled and the participation of citizens in the festivities of this year is massive, far exceeding the expectations that were originally calculated.. Examples of this are not only the more than 350 people who attended the ceremony of the opening to more than 2000 who attended the gala for the election of the queen, but also all those who have participated in other events such as horse show or party musical on Sunday night.
In regard to the horse show, it was held in the portable bullring roundabout installed near Las Moreras and was attended by tens of people among whom were a large number of foreign nationals, mostly British. The show was provided by the Equestrian Association “The Mazarron” presented the exhibition “Horse Dance”, where horse and rider dancers danced to the music.
Special mention must be made of Mazarron rider Munuera Jose Angel Ruiz, who is the axis around which revolves the association and demonstration riding riding on his beautiful horses, great for dressage. Munuera is not only a great rider but also a great artist who displays his art wherever he goes. In this sense, Munuera received recognition for best presenter in Spain in 2011 SICAB contest held in Seville. The show that took place in the tent city on Sunday night was also a success with audiences and involved the Camposol dance group of Louise Bremner “Dance Murcia and local groups” The Slummin Angel’s “and” Louis. “ The first, consisted of a Mazarron, a Frenchman and an Englishman, first debued on stage and
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demonstrated high quality rock songs playing both AC / DC and Saratoga. This show had an unexpected surprise when Fernando “El Moro” came to sing by imitating the Escocíos Mojinos leader, dressed as a schoolgirl. Dance Murcia is a very high standard children’s dance group, who first entertained at the Camposol Fiesta. They stole the show with their dancing The arrival of “The Louis”, three brothers and Mazarrón known by the name of his mother, unleashed those present who took to dancing all kinds of flamenco, rumbas late into the night. The tent city became a great fiesta where joy and dancing ruled, with hundreds of people who, once again, gathered in the Plaza del Convento
María de los Angeles becomes Queen of the Fiestas Alarcón 2011
Sudomirska Alina, Teresa Zabala Muñoz, Isabel Alonso Urbieta, Loredana Ancuta Craiun, Lidia Sánchez Pérez, Hernández Moraga and Adisa Ghislaine Bahtagiz Nezic . Last year’s homecoming queen, Cristina Oliver Sola, in her farewell address said that “although I’m sad to leave the kingdom, I also feel happy to give way to someone who will represent the people as well as I’ve tried to do. “ Cristina Oliver recalled the night she was elected queen and explained that this election “should not be taken as a contest of rivalry but as a beautiful experience of life.” The show was enlivened by the singer “Michel Havana” who performed as Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra and Dyango and astounded audiences with his powerful voice. Together with a group of children, he opened the gala singing together “We Are the World, we are the children” and encouraged those present to follow his steps salsa dancing. The event was attended by the Mayor of
The election took place during a gala in which “Michel Havana” dazzled everyuone with his voice.
María de los Angeles Alarcon, who represented the group “Aires de Mazarron”, was elected Queen of the fiesta of Mazarrón 2011 during the course of a gala held in the Tent City Square Convent before hundreds of people. The jury found it very difficult to opt for one of the 11 young people who entered the event and on stage she dazzled everyone. All the entries showed great poise and brought out the best of themselves, to convince the jurors to select them! The title of Maid of Honor was for Aneliya Georghieva Toshkina, a young
Mazarron, Gines Campillo, Councilman Celebration, Coy Isidro, the first deputy mayor, Francisco Garcia, and almost all of the councilors of the municipal corporation. The gala, retransmitted live on radio Telesatélite Mazarron and La Voz de Mazarron and Costa Calida Radio. The finishing touch was a waltz on the stage by all the participants led by the new Queen.
Musical Director wanted For new choir Male or female if you are interested and have the necessary skills to direct us we want to hear from you.
Bulgarian who works in the Bistro Restaurant Camposol Bulgaria who she represented during the election. The other candidates who were presented, were Damas, Ana Muñoz were Coy, Rosario Fernández Gómez, Paulina
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We plan to start as soon as possible, with a workshop at the cultural centre on Camposol B, Mazarron. Please contact: Shirley Fisher Tel: 634053976 Email: shirleyfisherlegalservices@gmail.com
2012
“Facebook´s most talked about restaurant 2011”
Come and try Camposols most talked about restaurant! Full A la carte menu available Monday to Saturday Great veiws but even better food
NEWS
LORCA EARTHQUAKE PRESENTATION OF EQUIPMENT
Following the Earthquake that so tragically affected Lorca on May 11th a concert to raise funds was organised by the expatriate community in neighbouring Mazarron on May 21st. Some 14 different acts gave freely of their time and the concert raised some 4400 Euros other fund raising and donations added a further1984Euros thus providing a fund of 6384 Euros discussions were held with the Ayuntamiento in Lorca and various needs were considered. The idea was that the monies be used in a permanent fashion by all those living in and around Lorca and it was decided that the funds be utilised for the purchase of medical equipment to be held in a centrally located emergency centre for any future problem. It was then discussed that there was a need locally for a mobile emergency hospital of 30 beds, there obviously were insufficient funds in this particular account and therefore specialist equipment for this tent were identified and purchased. The equipment is
For the Centre. page 10
Emergency stretcher Portable oxygen bottle and mask Semi Automatic Defibrillator A Pulsiometre A Blood Pressure System An Infusion Bomb.
Espana which is raising money for an additional ambulance in Mazarron 40,000 raised towards target of 60,000Euros . The Honorary British Consul Antonio Berdonces is making the presentation to his Excellency Francisco Jodar Alonso the Alcalde of Lorca on behalf of the British expats and his presence and attendance is much appreciated.
For the Mobile hospital
A manual resuscitator for adults A manual resuscitator for children A Oxigennote parapia 4 Throat masks A Botiquin Rescue Bag Total price 6384 Euros. PALS (Protection and Life Saving) were a lead player in the raising of the money and in the negotiations with Lorca, and have been instrumental in the past 11 years of donating equipment to the value of 171552 Euros to the emergency and health services in and around Mazarron. A mobile trauma tent that was purchased last year and presented to the 112 service in Mazarron was utilised at the earthquake when the Hospital Raphael Mendez was evacuated. PALS are also at the head of CAFÉ (Community Ambulance Fund
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2012
Another MASA story
Hazel Wright and husband Howard were introduced to MASA in 2002 when they were looking for a retirement property in Spain. They bought a property in Camposol Sector D off plan and were told that the house would be ready in 2004. It wasn’t of course but they came anyway and rented. When finally complete they refused to pay the remainder until the snagging list was done. Snagging lists were at the time a joke. They pursued MASA through the courts to get their cash back, at considerable cost to them selves. Finally in 2009 MASA were told to pay them the deposits back. Two years on and MASA still have not complied. This is of course not an uncommon story throughout Spain. It does appear that companies like MASA can behave with impunity. No wonder that Spain has gone from 23rd in the list of least corrupt countries, to 33rd. Meanwhile the couple are owed 50,000 Euros.
Murcia Region has the highest rate of ‘deaths’ of companies
The Murcia region has the highest rate of ‘deaths’ of companies with 11.5 percent, with Valencia (10.8 percent), as published by the National Statistics Institute (INE) in relation to
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data collected in 2009. Nationally, companies that were born in Spain in 2004 were reduced by half in five years. In 2009 ‘born’ 267,546 new businesses, reaching a rate of 7.4 percent, however, the rate of ‘death’ was 9.5 percent, with 343,421 fewer companies, so that the net rate remained at -2.1 percent. The INE has stressed that the negative balance between ‘birth’ and ‘death’ was “particularly important” in the sectors of industry and construction, which experienced net rates of -3.8 percent and -6.2 per percent, respectively. By region, Andalucía (8.3 percent) and the Canary Islands (8.1 percent) had the highest “birth rates” in 2009, while the Basque Country and Navarre were the lowest with 5.3 percent each. For its part, the highest rates of ‘deaths’ of companies were in Murcia (11.5 percent) and Valencia (10.8 percent), and the lowest were recorded in the Basque Country (6.3 percent) and Navarra (7.6 percent). British owned businesses have been as badly affected, there are many literally just hanging on, barely solvent.
Canary Islands own volcano
An undersea volcano erupting just south of Spain’s Canary Islands may be the beginnings of a new island, or an extension to an existing one. For some, it’s a colourful spectacle - for others a major
Happy new year
blow to their livelihood. “It’s angry today. Look at it go!” said fisherman Elio Morales Rodriguez in the village of La Restinga, on the south coast of El Hierro island. “That green patch on the water is a dead zone,” he says, looking out to sea. “It kills everything. No fishing, no dive schools, no tourists, just dead fish on the surface.” For more than a month, the underwater volcano has been erupting three miles to the south of El Hierro, the smallest of the seven Canary Islands, about 50km (30 miles) south-west of its nearest neighbour, La Gomera, and 100km (60 miles) from the most populous of the islands - Tenerife. From about 60m below the sea, the socalled “submarine” volcano is spewing gases and burning lava, some of which is breaking the surface of the water. That has drawn lots of camera crews and journalists racing to the island to see what’s going on, but far fewer tourists than usual. Local journalist Barbara Belt says the islanders don’t know when all the fuss will die down and they will be able to get on with their lives again. In the coastal village of La Restinga, many bars, restaurants, and hotels are shut, and many of the village’s residents have already left. Scientists say the eruption is part of the long-term volcanic evolution of the Canary Islands, which may result in a new island, or add new territory to the southern coast of El Hierro. There is seismic activity to the north of the island too.
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Glitzy Bitz tries something new
Glitzy Bitz, the shop, has closed. Nye is continuing to trade and will be concentrating her efforts on markets and other outlets. She will still be running her fashion shows, with the twist that you will able to buy her products at them; her work will also still be available for fashion parties and other occasions. Nye says,“ We have been trading now for over two years and the rent and overheads on the shop have
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remained very high. In these strained times I have had to look at other ways of selling our goods, both the jewellery, the clothes, fashion items and accessories” Glitzy Bitz has a reputation for fashionable jewellery and clothes at a reasonable price. The shop itself was very small and this did limit the range that could be shown. You can ring Nye on 634 318 679 if you want to know where she is at next or follow up a booking. Her contact number will be advertised every month in the Journal’s classified section.
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Car Accident in Totana A terrible accident in Totana saw a young man of 19 dead and another badly injured. The accident occurred on the A340 in the middle of Totana, on Saturday 3rd December at 9.40PM. Accident and emergency attended and they also sent a psychologist who attended the young man’s family at the scene. The accident involved two cars and the young man was declared dead at the scene.
2012
Happy and Healthy New Year
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Who will unlock the gate? What will you do with your protective pet?? They need to be shut away to enable
from FAST Camposol and a huge “Thank You!” to all of our supporters!
Spain’s soon-to-be inaugurated prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, has held a meeting Friday 2nd December at the PP headquarters in Madrid with British deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, his first meeting with a member of a foreign government since winning the general elections last month.
Since starting in June 7 months ago we have now attended 72 call outs from residents and November ended as a quietest month to date. Christmas and New Year can be a time of over indulgence and this may lead to health issues, so please be careful and hopefully we won´t see you! However, if you do need urgent medical assistance FAST will be there for you 24/7, just call 112 and then call FAST straight afterwards, please waste no time! We have had a number of calls that have been made too long after calling 112 which has meant that we cannot assist the ambulance to find you and this often causes wasted time by our Ambulance locator Darren as it is already en route or lost already. It also means we cannot get to you in time to help as time is of the essence given our responders may be located on a completely different sector from where you are and it takes time to get to you and locate your property. Although the nights are now getting lighter, we have some dark ones still to come, so please double check that you have a house number that is visible to help the emergency services and FAST find you as quickly as possible. Please check your emergency plan thinking about things such as on the following check list: FAST EMERGENCY HOME CHECK LIST Always have Spanish medical card / EHIC ready to hand over to the ambulance crew, its the first thing they ask for. Have a typed or written list in block capitals, of current health conditions and drugs being taken. Have the drugs handy if possible.
us to get to you as it is difficult giving First Aid with Fifi the doting Heinz 57 Rottweiller stuck to our bottoms Check if you use a mobile that you can get a good signal without climbing the TV Aerial to make that important call. Think about any specific things that may be important for your location or circumstances and plan for it.
The meeting with Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, which is currently governing in coalition with the Conservatives lead by David Cameron, is one of a series of meetings Rajoy has planned ahead of his inauguration, focusing on the measures needed to overcome the economic and financial crisis.
All the above may be simple and done quickly but in a difficult situation things can be tricky so practice makes perfect! So with all the plans in place, if something then happens....... CALL 112 ask for English Speaking operator, give address and landmarks if you are in a difficult to find area, say with no street name. Call FAST ON 968 970 626 Give same information as soon as you have finished the 112 call. In both cases don´t hang up until the address is repeated by the person on the other end of the phone. Write your address down clearly so it can be easily spelt out especially if it is a difficult one as there are some real tongue twisters out there, then keep it by the phone, right next to our number!
If there is a neighbour near, talk to them and agree a plan if there is ever a serious problem, don´t be shy it can work both ways. How will you alert each other?
Finally, we have had a number of people who did not call for help when they clearly needed it because they didn´t want to bother people. The professionals and ourselves are here to help you at whatever time you need us but we can only do that if you let us by calling 112 and then FAST ON 968 970 626.
Have a Hi Visibility Jacket or flashing light you can hang on your gate to help recognition, try it out, where would you put it and is it visible easily?
Happy New Year from all at FAST (The first and only successful service of its kind in Spain thanks to PALS and all of our supporters !)
2012
Rajoy meets with Nick Clegg in Madrid
Happy new year
Rajoy and Clegg have met twice before. The last time was in July, when the Briton, who’s wife is Spanish, was in Spain on a private visit and asked to meet with the leader of the PP. In June 2010, on an official visit to Madrid, Clegg also met with Rajoy, who gave him three Spain football shirts with the names of Clegg’s three sons on the back. Since the elections on November 20th, Rajoy has held numerous meetings at the PP headquarters in Madrid, with the country’s principal bankers, the Vice President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani, the leaders of the CEOE, UGT and CCOO trade unions, and regional party barons, amongst others. But does this augur well for UK and Spanish relations? Both arguably need friends!
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www.thecamposoljournal.com
2012
FOCUS ON MAZARRON This is the first year that UK TAX REFUND SL is offering its services in Mazarrón. In a trial carried out on Camposol. With the help of UK TAX REFUND SL, A British resident completed all the forms needed to make him fiscally correct in Spain and obtain a refund of his overpaid UK Tax. This has now been repaid to him and his UK tax code is NT, zero. Many of us have seen our disposable income reduce as the pound lost value against the Euro. Going through this process can be a way of restoring some of that income. Depending where your pension comes from and how much it is, some of them will not pay tax at all. Over the years we have carried out this service for 91 clients in this category, and they now live totally tax free. Not everyone fits the criteria for this but a simple phone call or e-mail will tell you if you do. It always pays to maintain your tax affairs in order. As a British citizen living in Spain, you should follow the rules which stipulate the way to deal with income tax. And if you do the right thing then you will reach the same rights as Spanish people in other matters as Capital Gains, Inheritance Tax, etc. But first of all, to reap these benefits, your income tax has to be re-organized. We offer a unique service to British residents in Spain, where we ensure that a client’s tax affairs in both Spain and the UK are dealt with correctly and any overpaid tax is refunded under the double tax agreement between Spain and the UK. Yes, some people will have to pay tax in Spain, usually less than you pay in the UK and a refund of UK tax can help you lead a better life here in Spain. You might think there must be lots of forms to be filled in; yes there are a few, but we fill them in for you, and when we visit you we answer any questions you may have, check the forms and then it is just a matter of signing the papers and we do everything else including couriering the papers to UK so they do not get lost. As UK TAX REFUND SL works very close to the HMRC, your process will be followed very close by us from the beginning to the end, until you receive the phone call to let you know your refund has arrived.
Remember, just a phone call. We look forward to hearing from you!
NEWS
At the time of writing there are only a
handful of tickets left for the 3rd Annual Gala Evening and Dinner organised by Los Amigos de Mazarron FC, in support of Mazarron Football Club.It will be held at the Hotel La Cumbre, Puerto de Mazarron on Wednesday 08 February 2012 The guest speaker is the former Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Everton, Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers striker, Duncan McKenzie and former Sheffield United, Leeds, Queens Park Rangers and England international, Tony Currie will also be in attendance. Tickets are €40 and include a four course meal with coffee and local beer, house wine and soft drinks during the serving of dinner, and can be reserved by telephoning Andy on 634 040990. On the field, Mazarron have really struggled so far this season. The loss of captain and central defender Juan Andres through work commitments has been a big blow so it is hoped that new signings, Guillermo and Pepe, will help to improve both results and performances. Mazarron games are normally played on Sundays with varying kick off times. Full details of all games, both home and away, are announced on the Tuesday before the weekend on which the game is to be played and displayed on our website www.losamigosdemazarron.es and on posters at various points throughout Camposol and Mazarron.
Admission to home games is just €5. Los Amigos de Mazarron FC organise coaches to all away games and the cost of a coach ticket is €7. Coach tickets can be purchased at our weekly meetings which are held at the Trevi Bar, Camposol every Thursday at 4 pm. At the home game on Sunday 4th December, the last home game before Christmas, Los Amigos members will again be distributing their traditional Christmas gift of sausage rolls, mince pies and cider to our fellow Spanish supporters.
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We are delighted that our football liaison officer, Steve Spencer, is now back with us in Spain. Steve suffered a heart attack whilst on a visit to his family in San Francisco at the end of September and needed a triple heart bypass operation. Amazingly, Steve and his wife Jan, were back in Mazarron in mid November and Steve is making excellent progress and once again keeping Jan on her toes. If you are interested in football and would like to take part in Los Amigos de Mazarron FC activities, please join us for our weekly meetings, every Thursday at the Trevi Bar, Sector B Camposol at 4 pm. Membership of Los Amigos is just €10 and all funds raised are in support of Mazarron Football Club. We would like to take this opportunityof wishing all our members, sponsors and fellow Mazarron FC supporters a Happy and Prosperous New Year
NEWS LETTER Firstly a very happy and healthy new year to you all. It hardly seems possible that 2011 is in the past and the fiesta is only just over five months away. The committee has been working very hard preparing the fiesta and I can assure you that once again we will have new acts to entertain you along with some of the more popular ones from last year, We have now gained permission from the council to have a small table at the thursday market on camposol . We will be there every market day weather permitting to give out information on future events, sell tickets, and to collect any loose change that you may have decided to part with. At this time funding remains our top priority and to support this we have some great events for you to consider. On January the 27th we have one of our ever popular RACE NIGHT with Colin and his play your cards right game ,at only five euros this should be a must on a cold winters night. Due to popular demand we also have another MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT with a completely new plot and a new production this will take place on february the24th and at only ten euros including a meal offers fantastic value for money, Both events take place at TREVI bar on camposol B
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Now for something new for us. FED UP WITH DIETS? we have the answer. On monday the 26th of march we are taking a coach trip to the Valor CHOCOLATE factory where ,yes you can sample the goods. On for a FISH AND CHIP LUNCH with wine and then to the SHOW CAVES at BUSOT. To round the day off we will call in at the TURRON FACTORY just in case you are still peckish you can also sample the products here.The cost for this fantastic full day out will be 26. euros including all entrances 2 course lunch with wine and return coach travel. BOOK EARLY places are limited. We look forward to seeing you at one or all of our events and you will get a warm (even though we might be freezing)at our stall on the camposol market. Best regards Dickie Davies Chairman Fiestas Camposol 2012
Spain’s Bowls Team Father and son Brian Robertson snr & Brian jnr have been included in the Spanish International bowls team who recently played a test match away in Portugal with Spain winning by 41pts
to 23pts. Both players from Camposol played used to play for Mazarron bowls club but now have moved on to one of the top teams on the Costa Blanca San Miguel, young Brian says that the world is his oyster having played earlier in the year for Spain in China & Hong Kong, also another incentive for the lads is Spain will host the European championships in 2013 this will be held on the Costa Blanca countries involved would be Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales also teams from Holland Turkey Jersey etc this is a must for all bowlers to attend and support their countries of choice.
2012
NEWS
Camposol Residents Association
As a result of the Citizen Participation Council meeting that was scheduled for November 16th being cancelled and no proposal coming from the council for any further meetings, ether of this type or of the promised exclusive CRA/council category, most of the committee have to some degree been able to have a break from Camposol matters. However this opportunity for a “time out” has not fell to CRA Chairman Bob Owen who has been occupied in dealing with some of the many Camposol problems of a less significant or less universal nature.
One of the sensitive issues that comes to the forefront at times revolves around the location of the ugly, obtrusive green monsters residents are obligated to deposit there household waist in. Nobody wants these receptacles outside their property but equally nobody wants to travel too far to use them and this has at resulted in some instances where a small number of Camposol’s populace have moved the offending items to suit themselves. This has lead to a number of complaints being made to the council and a subsequent request from the Mayor to Bob Owen for assistance. With this in mind Bob has met with the leaders of each Sector Community group and carried
2012
out a tour of the urbanization logging location, numbers of bins and those that needed replacing due to damage. Also identified were areas where extra bins were needed and these will be delivered in the New Year. The agreed locations have been recorded on a map and submitted to the council where It has now become an offence for anyone to move them without the permission of the Town Hall. Any reporting of infringements should be made to Tatiana at the councils Camposol office not to the CRA or sector chairmen.
Bob has met with the solicitor representing clients on D23 to investigate reports of demolition orders on these properties. When the Mayor was questioned at our meeting October 31st October he denied any knowledge of any such in Mazarron Town Hall. It now transpires that the threat was part of the tactics of the previous administration in an attempt to force Masa to submit amended plans to revise the Plan Parcial. Masa were told to submit these plans and either pay a fine of 1.2 million € or face demolition. The solicitor concerned has stated that the town hall can squash this action at any time and we will be seeking that action. The Mayor has stated that he wants to legalise all the properties in dispute, not demolish them. Once written confirmation of the demolition threat has been received it will be forwarded to the Mayor for his action.
Happy new year
After approaches from CRA members with properties on Sector A, poligono RE3, Bob wrote to the mayor for assurances that the legality of these dwellings would be resolved prior to the handover of Sector A to the council. Kelly Ensor has since reported that he has verbally stated his intention to do that.
Bob has photographed the instances of damaged roads and footpaths on B Sector that have not been reinstated by Aqualia after pipe work repairs. This has been submitted to Tatiana but at the time of writing no action has been taken by the water company. After two visits to the town hall and numerous phone calls the CRA’s translator managed to get to finally speak to the town hall architect regarding what was Masa’s old materials yard on Sector B perimeter road. He denies any knowledge of previous attempts to enforce the demolishing of what is an unsightly and illegal structure and he has requested the sight of denuncias lodged by residents. A previous CRA Secretary, Mary Cooper, was involved in this action and it is hoped she will be able to provide the documents. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all those who live and work on Camposol a Happy New Year. Website: www.cracamposol.com e-mail: info@cracamposol.com
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NEWS
Dual murder in Mazarron
This part of Spain is not noted for violence, it’s a rural area with its fair share of crime but recently there has been a horrific crime perpetrated in Mazarron. A 30 year old South American and a completely unrelated 16 year old lad have been gunned down in the street. The crimes were apparently motiveless. On Sunday 13th November in the middle of the evening a Bolivian pulled up in his car outside his house, got out and was shot in the chest at short range. An hour later a lad was walking his dog and was shot in the head. The first died instantly, the lad lingered in intensive care for three days. As a mark of respect Mayor Campillo called for two days of mourning. This in itself marked out the crimes as very unusual. The perpetrator was apprehended within an hour. He proved to be not a native of Mazarron but a Spanish person from central Spain. He also had a criminal record and had been found guilty previously of extreme violence. There has been some confusion, but it looks likely that he was out of prison on licence, although it has been reported that he was on the run after a break out. It was also claimed in one newspaper that a gun had been found in the South Americans villa, but this was denied by the police. A fortnight on and the police seem no wiser as to a motive, which partially explains some of the conjecture. It does appear as though it was random acts by someone with a very disturbed personality. There has been no hint that the perpetrator is mentally ill. He is being held in custody and the examining magistrate and the police are pursuing their enquiries. The events shocked everyone in Mazarron, particularly given the age of one of the victims. It should be remembered that the South American left a wife and children, who virtually observed his murder. Police have seized several firearms and ammunition, a bulletproof vest, cash, drugs, a computer and supplies; and has recovered a stolen van The Guardia Civil operation, called CAST involved both the local police
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in Mazarron and Barcelona in this operation and the seizure of firearms and ammunition, a bulletproof vest, cash, drugs and supplies have followed; they have also led to the recovery of a van that had been stolen. As reported last month the Civil Guard initiated an investigation on the night of Nov. 13, with the commission of two murders, one initially signified as attempted, in the town of Mazarron. It quickly triggered a large police presence consisting of a large number of agents, with the assistance of the local police in Mazarron, with the objective of the collection of all possible information about these serious crimes. Initially the police determined that the crimes had been done with no link whatsoever between the perpetrator and the victims, a South American and a 16 year old, one returning home and the other walking his dog; there being an hour between the events On the run, the alleged gunman shed forged documents, clothing and a large amount of cash. After finding the documentation the following morning Local Police officers located and arrested a person who seemingly just wandered through the town. Two pistols and a sub machine gun were also located, It was found that the detainee had come to Mazarrón the day before the murder accompanied by another person, a woman, with a van which was then found to have been stolen. After the murder, the woman fled back to her hometown, Barcelona, staying with friends, being detained on the afternoon of Sunday 20th of November. As a result of the investigations it was found that this woman was with the alleged perpetrator for over 4 months and divided her time between Barcelona and Murcia and
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both had false documents and which showed them residing in the town of Aguilas for about two months preceding. These premises were raided and examined, the police confiscating a computer and other effects. They had a significant amount of information relating to bank branches in Cartagena, and it is likely that the large quantity of cash recovered came from bank raids. The alleged perpetrator, was obsessed with the idea that the police were about to arrest him for being involved in other cases in the area of Barcelona and he was also was wanted for failing to be readmitted to prison following a weekend leave. The alleged perpetrator has numerous sentences for crimes against property. The two have been identified as residents of Barcelona, the man aged 41 the woman, 31, both Spanish. The man has a long criminal record but the woman not. It looks on the surface like a Bonny and Clyde duo, but there is still no real explanation of the two murders, or of the link to Mazarron. Was their stay locally the prelude to a bank raid? And why the murder of two innocent people?
2012
THE 2011 REPORT OF CAMPOSOL ‘D’ COMMUNITY AND GARDENING GROUP’S YEARLY MEETING
Chair Mick drummond announced that the Group is now registered with the Mazarron Town Hall as a Neighbours Association. This means the association are able to provide insurance against accidents to volunteers, employ workers legally to carry our gardening or other work for us and pay them and be a registered organisation recognised by the council. The Articles of our Neighbour Association will be published on our website asap. Mick emphasised that the two main areas that have always been considered as association “responsibilities” are Gardening and Social and that the registration of the group does not change this in any way. He went on to say that the website progresses positively. It provides members both here and abroad with information of the activities that are occurring on D and of course Camposol as a whole. Links to numerous other useful sites have proved invaluable and of course our forums have also been very popular. It is the sites second birthday next week. It has had 730,000 visits and 6134 postings proving how popular and useful it has been and will continue to be. The etiquette rules of the site have generally been adhered to and we will continue to provide the members with the site they desire that is free from argumentative debate, personal comments or unwanted discussions The Burning Pits for garden waste have continued to be the huge success of last year and once again have been improved due to the team’s hard work and foresight. We now have 5 pits that during the summer were filled to capacity with the need for an area set aside for extra waste. Concrete Blocks recovered from the waste ground adjacent to the dual carriageway by D20 were moved by a contractor to the pits to make the borders more definitive, this makes it a very pleasant looking project. The Potholing team continued and successfully repaired a great many holes and drain covers through the main roads of D. A number of projects were completed such as the concrete drainage ditches on the dual carriageway, the
2012
NEWS
walkway to the D location Map. The concreting of off road bin area was completed. Our team of diminishing gardening volunteers commenced working through till June carrying out weeding, gravelling and project completion tasks such as our wonderful garden areas. Work re-commenced in October and since then they have weeded and gravelled on D11, helped with Tara’s Garden on D25 and many other areas. We now have a number of very nice gardens in areas such as D9, D25, D11, and D26 and importantly we have a peaceful Memorial Garden at D25 with seating. The Olive Tree garden opposite the triangular roundabout is also a great achievement. The area of the approach to D with our Lady D statue has been improved considerably since its inception. Our “Bucket collectors” and money counters have continued throughout the whole year. The main achievement throughout the year has been the Community Spirit maintained through all the activities. No better example of this is the fantastic response from our guests at the May Disco with the proceeds of the raffle donated to PALS for onward transmission to the Lorca Earthquake Fund. A total exceeding 400 Euros was presented to them at their Fundraising Festival in the Port on the next Saturday. The Sept BBQ proceeds were presented to Camposol’s FAST team. Once again our guests of the evening gave their 100% raucous support and an amazing total of over 1000 Euros was donated to Kaz Moore the FAST Co-ordinator.
a shame that only two patrols were operative now, and said that if he could help in any way to improve the situation he was more than happy to do so. The Chairman then stated that he, the committee and poligono reps have expressed a wish to continue in the posts that they currently hold, and asked the members to confirm that they were happy for them to do so. A few vacancies on quite a few poligonos exist and he asked the members to check and help where possible. Combined Projects with B and C Gardening Groups have been successfully completed. The B Commercial walkway was cleaned and painted by a number of B C and D members, the approach roads to B Commercial centre was gravelled and plants planted by a combined group. Financial assistance had been given to C to plant along the dual carriageway A Christmas Carol Service is planned for Monday 19th Dec – details to follow. Our Christmas Dance in the Golf Club on 16th Dec is fully booked and organised. The Chairman finished with a plea for our prodigal workers to return and for new workers to pitch up on a Friday and help. With a greater number of volunteers each week we could plan and achieve more completed projects sooner. “CAMPOSOL ‘D’, THE COMMUNITY DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”.
Bob Owen the Treasurer gave his report. No queries were raised. Les Crook the Fundraiser gave his report. He confirmed that yet again we had a resounding success with all the events we had organised. He advised that several events are booked for 2012 which are as follows: Valentines Dance – 10thFebruary, Queen’s 60th Jubilee – 1st June, Summer BBQ – 24th August, Christmas Dance – 15th December, New Year’s Eve – 31st December 2012. Bob gave a report on Neighbourhood Watch and stated that he was disappointed that many poligonos were not now doing patrols. He felt it was
Happy new year
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Weekly Events Sundays The Trevi on B, open every night for meals! The Trevi Bernie Mac and stand up bingo from 7PM
Wednesday 4th January Age concern Talking Shop New Years social at the Cultural Centre 1PM until 3.30
Sunday Lunches Elliot’s in Bolnuevo 7E. Sensol Golf club, 12 Euros! Canadas Social Centre 6E booking advised, the Trevi.
Saturday7thJanuary Camposol Golf Club live music with Lewis Laking Saturday 14th January Camposol Sensol golf club Woody
Mondays. Trevi’s music quiz, Alley Palais Bowling League. Sensol Golf Club Fun Quiz with Brian, Tel’s entertainment quiz at 9PM. Mondays and all week! Elliots Menu Del Dia 8.50, great tapas at Trevi. Tropikana has a 3.50 breakfast Tuesdays At the Trevi Sue’s fitness class 10AM. Mens fitness at 11.30AM. Karaoke with Byron Canadas Social Centre 9pm. Food always available. Wednesdays The Trevi-quiz.9pm, Tel’s Bingo at 1.30PM, DJ on the decks at Alley Palais from 9pm Thursdays Camposol Golf Club Camposol-live music with wine at €5.50 & beer 2 for 1! Tel’s quiz & football card at 9PM. At the Trevi Sues fitness class 10AM.. Free line dancing at Canadas, 7.30pm followed by actual dancing, evening menu Fridays Alley Palais, karaoke from 9pm til late 2nd and last Friday of the month indoor market at Alley Palais At the Trevi, bridge daytime starting at 9.45am Saturdays Golf club, live entertainment, Trevi karaoke Bernie Mac, Bingo Tel’s Sunday 7.30PM & Wednesday 1.30PM, Quizes Trevi Monday night music quiz with John, Trevi-Wednesday quiz, 8.30PM Sensol Golf, fun quiz with Brian on Monday night; Tel’s Monday 9PM entertainment & Thursday fun 9PM, Open Mike Nights Thursdays as usual : the Houseband host the open mike night with the Sax Addicts from 9.pm, buy 1 get 1 free draught beer, wine 5.50e a bottle at the Sensol Golf Club Camposol also Jimmy’s BBQ 12 Euros! Karaoke Alley Palais at 9pm Friday, Saturday’s and Sundays, Trevi Bernie Mac Sunday’s, The Trevi Bernie Mac at 7PM, Friday evening Tels. Tuesdays Canadas from 9pm Local Markets! Alley Palais 2nd and last Friday of the month! Canadas Sunday mornings, Mazarron Saturday morning Camposol Thursday morning on Sector A
Saturday 21st January Camposol Sensol Golf Club Full Circle Wednesday, 25 January – Age Concern menu del dia at Da Fu Hau Entertainment by Christine 1.30 to 5.30PM Mabs FUN NIGHT – Alley Palais, Camposol Sector B – 7.30 pm A night of fun and games, including Terri’s sponsored head shave (brave lady!). Food available. Tickets are just 3 € and are available at Alley Palais or call: 620 582 418 Friday, 27 January – Mabs MEETING FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES – Cat’s Bar, Camposol Sector A – 2.00 pm A monthly informal chat for families who have lost someone to cancer. For further information, please call Ruth on 634338189 Fiesta committee race night at the Trevi Saturday 28th January Sensol Camposol Golf Club Live music with Connor. Tuesday 31 January – MabsVOLUNTEERS MEETING – Trevi Bar, Camposol Sector B – 11.30 am MABS Mazarrón monthly meeting. Volunteers always welcome. Call 620 582 418 for more details on how to become a volunteer. Friday 3rd February Age Concern GRAND AUCTION at Marianos, viewing 10 whole noon Gavel down, 1PM. Enter 3 items for 10 Euros DON’T forget, every Thursday at Camposol Sensol Golf Club is live music night!
QUICK GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS Accomodation & estate agents
Electricians
Mercers www.spanishproperty.co.uk 00 34 968 199 188 from UK 08450 177 805 2let2buy2sell www.2let2sell2buy.com 968 979 876 from UK 00 44 1223 968 199 Sensol Golf Villa Rentals info@sensolgolfvillarentals.com 968 970 614 or 608 631 700 Costa Calida Property Services 968 199 251 costacalidaos@telefonica.net Villa Quest 968 974 918 www.villaquest.co.uk Spanish Resort Rentals, 0034 669 19 01 13 www.spanishresortrentals.com
ASSA 968 153 396 Tony Smith, the funeral director 650 631 719
Bar, restaurants & cafes
Golf & Accessories
Alley Palais (CamposolB) 968 97 88 69 alleypalais@hotmail.com Bar Trevi (Camposol B) 669026544 Elliots (Bolnuevo) 968 158 499 Sensol Golf Restaurante (Camposol) 603 135 387 Seventh Heaven - The Port 968 332 088
Andy 617 644 339
Fish & Chips Elliots Bolnuevo 968 158 499
Funerals and funeral plants
Condado Golf Company, 652 436 925
Gymnasiums
Camposol Fitness, ladies only 696 000 341
Hairdressers
Carols, Camposol B, 968 974 989
Insurance & Asesoria
Bathrooms
Beautiful Bathrooms 968 974 038 / 663 617 563 mybeautifulbathroom@gmail.com
Beauty Care & Health Heather mobile 636 657 481 Freedom Mobility 968 153 620
Bowling Alley
Alley Palais (Camposol B) 968 978 869 Email: alleypalais@hotmail.com
Metalwork of all kinds/decorative&utility
Car Hire
Eriks, Camposol 636 050 008
Mobility, aids & equipment
F&C Rental 968 199 156
Freedom & mobility Camposol 968 153 620
Car mechanics & car sales
Painting & decorating
Ken Sherwood mechanics 679 646 859
Trevor Smith 968 163 298
Camposol Business Centre
Mediterrania, District Journal, Security, Dentist, Chiropodists, Another World Properties 968 103 008
Central Heathing & Plumbing
Mark, The Boilerman 630 036 569 Calida Gas & Oil 659 761 771
Tony, the pool diver, complete services 646 438 694 Complete Pool Services 681 076 048 Pool King 628 055 973 Kohn pool Services 968 138 638 Or 626 684 979 email: koehn-poolservice@hotmail.com Watermaid pools systems, 636 698 501 info@watermaid-europe.com Insignia Graphics, 618 615 903 Mister print 638 893 357
Shows & private events Kim, 699 293 136
Spanish interpreters and courses
Nathalia Camposol Business Centre 968 103 008
Dentist
Pool cleaning, maintenance & repair
Printing & Design
Charities
PALS 968 422 228 / 626460 465 Andreas animal rescue 690 906 565 JJPuppies 618 934 921 Making a Difference 634 357 137 Mabs 639 665 370 www.mabsmazarron.com Lions 682 104 635
Computer design services
Alley Palais 968 97 88 69 Shirley Ann Fisher 968 103 008
CM Constructions 659 159 948
Daniel White www.danielwhitedesign.com
Internet Cafes Law services
Builders
Chiropodists
Nash Warren, Bolnuevo 968 156 583 R&L Seguros 968 138 516 / 620 277 690 ASSA 968 453 386 www.assa.es El Pilar 968 425 210 info@asesoriaelpilar.com Ibex Insurance 968 595 945 Mazarron@ibexinsure.com www.ibexinsure.com Kennedy Financial Services, 951 219 576 - 678 935 992
Debbies translations & interpreting, 677 353 136 www.debstranslation@hotmail.co.uk Pilar Garcia 630 21 99 82
Television Services
Rainbow, 686 358 475 www.rainbowsats.org email rainbowsats@gmail.com
Window cleaning services
Camposol Business Centre 968 103 008
Aquapura 688 697 629
Ear Canding
The H20zone 619877303 TheH2ozone@live.com
Heather mobile 636 657 481
Water, purification services
St Patrick’s day Party at Bali Hi, 5 Euros 17th March also proposed trips, watch this space to! 19th January coach trip to the new Roman museum in Cartagena 16th February coach trip to the medaeval towns of Verlaz Rubio & Blanco! 25th March coach trip to Benidorm market
FEATURES
Tarta de almendras y chocolate (Chocolate and Almond Cake) No Christmas is complete without Sherry. Lots and lots of Sherry. In fact, Sherry is such a versatile wine that it would be possible to match a different Sherry for every course of our traditional Christmas Dinner. Pedro Ximinez, the sweetest of the Sherry grapes, is not only the perfect match to drink with Christmas Pudding, it also is one of the few wines that perfectly matches with dark chocolate. Here is a wonderful Chocolate & Almond cake you can make well in advance of New Years Day Day. Not only is it really easy to make – just using the Magimix, it freezes brilliantly. Garnish it with a couple of spoonfuls of PX soaked raisins and spoon some PX over the top of the cake too!
transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan and freeze for 12 hours; just before serving, dip the pan into hot water and unmold; slice and serve. Variations and presentation add candied fruit soaked in eau-de-vie; serve with a fruit coulis; serve with a light honey sauce: 80 ml (1/3 cup) honey dissolved in 185 ml (3/4 cup) boiling water; cool to room temperature; flavor with orange flower water... delicious! top with crème anglaise flavored with nutmeg; garnish the plate with fresh fruit: strawberries, sliced kiwi and starfruit, even a mango purée.
Chocolate and Almond Cake
100g dark cocoa powder, 200g dark chocolate softened, 300g peeled almonds 250g butter, 250g sugar, 5 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla essence, Icing sugar (optional) Fill a jar with seedless raisins and top up with PX Sherry. Leave for a few days until raisins swell and soak up the PX. Warm oven to 160c or 325F. In food processor, blend the chocolate and cocoa with the almonds into a fine paste. Pour into a bowl. In the same blender, cream the butter and the sugar for 5 mins until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time and mix in the chocolate almond mixture until well combined. Coat a 9inch pie dish with bakewell paper. Fill with the chocolate mixture. Bake for 45 mins. Turn onto a serving dish, cool and sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.
Congelado turrón con miel (Frozen Nougat with Honey)
Total time: 30 to 60 minutes Preparation time: Under 30 minutes Cooking time: Under 10 minutes Freezing time: 12 hours INGREDIENTS Ingredients for 6 servings 25g honey, 30ml sugar, 65g chopped almonds, 375ml whipping cream 4 egg whites Syrup, 60g sugar, 60g water PROGRESSION place the almonds on a baking sheet and toast them until they are lightly browned; prepare the syrup in a saucepan: cook the sugar in the water at a full boil for 4 minutes; the syrup is ready when a drop of it placed into very cold water forms a ball; add the honey, wait until it begins to boil again and remove from the heat; beat the egg whites to stiff peaks with 1 tbsp. sugar; when stiff, gradually whisk in the hot syrup; continue beating for 10 minutes until cooled; whip the cream; when it forms peaks, gently fold it into the egg whites with the almonds;
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www.thecamposoljournal.com
2012
80% of the wines of Murcia are exported abroad
In the Region there are three wines with the denomination of origin: Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas 80 percent of wine production in the Region of Murcia is exported abroad, according to Asuncion today; highlighted Ramos, coordinator of the third edition of the Wine autonomic held until 4 December in the square Santo Domingo, capital of Murcia. Speaking to the media, Ramos lamented that although Murcia wines “are reaching levels of prestige and recognition”, these are “much higher” out of Spain, which he has appealed to Murcia to feel “proud of the products of the earth.” The same opinion has shared by the regional director of Agriculture and Water, Antonio Cerdá, who recalled that the wines with the three designations of origin for the Region (Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas) are “the most popular and most awarded in blind tastings and are highly valued by international winemakers.” Cerdá pointed out that of the 42,000 hectares of vineyards are in Murcia, about 22,000 have already registered designation of origin by the farmers and winemakers “performed processes increasingly sophisticated and in accordance with market demand” . Therefore, Murcia has been encouraged to participate in this edition of the Wine, which involves twelve wines with denomination of origin: Luzón, Castaño, La Purísima, Bodegas del Rosario, Carchelo, Juan Gil, San Isidro, Hacienda de Carche, Alceño, Silvano García, Gorgocil and Pío del Ramo.. Do you just buy the cheapest? Look around for good wines, cheap in our region, you will find it worth well. Better still spend a day visiting the bodegas in the wine areas, making sure you take a sober driver!
Borsht
One of my favourites and very very healthy!!!! Enjoy Rod Sawyer Is a traditional beetroot soup of Ukrainian origin although variants can be found throughout Eastern Europe.
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In Russia richer peasants would add beef to the soup to make it a hearty soup but adding chopped beef of a cheaper cut (or chorizo!), no fat, can be done in the early stages. All Eastern variants add some form of soured cream, crème fraiche or yoghourt and this can be a matter of choice. The key ingredient is fresh beetroot although vacuum packed cooked beetroot is OK; the raw version is sweeter. Ingredients for our version! 1 ½ lbs (3/4kilo) fresh grated beetroot.; same amount of vacuum packed again grated or finely chopped 1 large onion 3 clove garlic (again can be omitted for those with garlic phobia!!!) 1 grated large carrot small stick (about four inches) celery, chopped 200 grams cabbage (white or red) chopped 2 medium sized potatoes, chopped up butter two bay leafs, salt and pepper 1.25 litre , 2 pints of chicken or beef stock 2 tablespoons of crème fraiche per portion!!! More or less to your taste. You can put chopped beef or chorizo sausage in at start just before adding the stock Gently roast the beetroot onion garlic celery cabbage carrot potatoes bay leaf in butter for ten minutes, careful not to burn! Add the stock (we prefer beef) and season to your taste (add the chopped meat) Simmer for an hour and ten minutes, remove bay leaves, liquidize and serve Adding the crème fraiche to the pot OR to individual portions ( 2 tablespoon per serving) The crème fraiche is to taste so you can add more!!! You can cook in oil rather then butter! This can be served with bread, or you can make dumplings! • 250g self-raising flour • 125g really cold butter • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper grate the butter into the flour, mix until like bread crumbs, form into 12 balls and put in soup for last half hour VERY IMPORTANT add another ½ pint stock since these will soak up the liquid. Do not liquidize them! Reserve to one side. If you prefer you can finely chop everything and NOT liquidize! Some recipes add 3 tomatoes, your choice!
Happy new year
Camposol Poligono Representatives Required
Our Sector Community Groups need representatives for the poligonos listed below. As you may be aware, the Council through its bi monthly open meetings with residents welcome new ideas and suggestions for improvements on Camposol. While any resident is welcome to put forward ideas and suggestions it is only the organised groups that have a vote on proposals made. Make sure your voice and those of your neighbours is heard and your right to have an input to influence the vote through your local group is exercised. Your local Community Group is working on your behalf but needs input from all poligonos to influence the direction the group takes. This is your chance to be involved and help to develop the tremendous community spirit these groups achieve. We have at last a council that wants to interact with the residents, let’s work with them to achieve the best we can for ourselves. If you are interested in representing your poligono please speak to the relevant Chairman for more details. VACANCIES: SECTOR B. B4—B7—B20—B22 CONTACT . Glyn White 968 199 506 SECTOR C. NORTH. C1—C3—C6— C10 CONTACT. Bernard Holland 626 513 842 SECTOR C SOUTH. C12—C14— C15—C16 CONTACT. Bob Owen 968 970 577 SECTOR D. D9—D10—D15—D27— D28—D29—D32 CONTACT. Mick Drummond 968 131 971 Bob Owen
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Watch out for higher IBI
When you own a property in Spain, you must pay local property taxes, called IBI. This tax has been likened to the UK rates/ community charge. IBI is a municipal tax, collected by the Local Authority you live in. It’s charged on all urban or agricultural property, buildings and land and it is paid by the owner. The amount of the yearly payment is determined by the value assigned to your property by the Administration - known as Valor Catastral (rateable value). The rateable value of your property is calculated on the value of both the land on which your property is built and the building itself. The tax rate which has been approved by each Town Council - and which is the same for all properties within the municipality - will be applied to this rateable value. For example: Rateable value Local tax rate Yearly payment 30,000 euros x 0.8% = 240 euros How to read your IBI bill Organismo = Part of administration Ident. Valor = Identification of value Ref. lista = Reference on listing Concepto tributario = Concept of taxation Zona = Area Num. Recibo = Receipt number D.N.I. o C.I.F. = Identification number of taxpayer Objeto Tributario = Tax object Periodo = Interval of taxation Año = Tax year F. Alta = Year of fiscal registration Referencia catastral = Catastral reference number Nat. Bien = Class of property V. Catastral = Catastral value B. Imponible = Rateable value Tipo = Tax rate Cuota = Gross taxes Bonificación = Deductions Deuda = Net taxes Rev. Valores = Year of last revision of value Sujeto Pasivo = Taxpayer Domiciliación Bancaria = Direct debit Sello y Fecha = Stamp and date Total a Pagar = Total amount to be paid Periodo de Cobro = Payment period Referencia = Reference How does your property become liable for tax? Since 1st January 1995, whenever you purchase a home, you are obliged to apply for the property to be registered. The official application form is known as
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Modelo 902 and can obtained from your local tax office. The buyer of a property is the person obliged to declare the property for registration. However, in the majority of cases it will be the promotor of a block of apartments or a group of houses who submits this application. In the case of Camposol, MASA. When you pay the IBI on your property for the first time, you will be billed by mail . It should then be possible to pay by direct debit through your bank. Registering your property When a property changes hands in Spain, there is an obligation to register it for tax purposes. (Please do not confuse this with the registration for legal purposes in the Property Register). This obligation became effective 1 January 1995. The registration can be done in the town hall or in the tax collecting offices. The application for registration will be sent to the Catastro Office (to be found in each of the provincial capitals) since they are the ones responsible for making the registration and the assessment on the value of the property, which will later appear in your bill for local rates (IBI). You need to find out if the promoter you bought from has already made the registration. If MASA has, you need not do anything; just wait for a letter from the ‘Catastro’ giving the tax value, if this value has not already been given by the promoter. Be aware, it can take years before the “Catastro” makes the assessment. This is almost certainly mainly why only 900 properties on Camposol pay IBI If the property you have bought has not been registered for tax purposes, the documents that should be submitted when applying for a property to be registered are the following: * A 20 x 15 cm photograph of the front of the building. * A plan showing the situation of the property (you can get such a plan in the town hall). * Plan of the building plot. * Plans of each floor of the house. * ‘Certificado de fin de obra (Certificate of termination of the work) from the architect and the “Cedula de Habitabilidad” (Habitation Certificate). On the application form will be some space for technical information on the dwelling. As you can see from the above, the process itself is not simple and accounts again for why properties have not been registered by MASA. Do note that obtaining a mortgage is impossible without deeds, so getting a small mortgage has been one way which has hastened the process of obtaining escritura.
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If property is already registered If you buy a re-sale property and the previous owner can give you receipts for the local rates (IBI), you know that the property has already been registered. Your obligation then is to declare yourself as the new owner. This is done in the town hall which will then send the application on to the “Catastro” for registration. Do note this again is a process which can take years! You will be asked to produce: * Photocopies of your title deed (escrituras). * The last receipt for local rates (IBI) for the property. You will be given a copy of the application that you fill in and sign. The change in name will not appear on the tax bill before the next tax period. Do remember that the law establishes certain time limits for this registration. For changes of ownership of a property, the time limit is two (2) months after signing the escritura. For registration of new buildings or renovations, it is also two (2) months from signing the “escritura de obra nueva” (deed for the building). There are now fines for not complying with the obligations mentioned above, ranging from 6 to 900 euros. Also note that it can take years for the registration to filter through the system and that you are liable for up to four years back payment. Voluntary payment period The voluntary period for payment of IBI and other local taxes can vary in each municipality. You find out the dates in your local tax collection office, but in the case of Mazarron it’s the beginning of October. If you have arranged for your bank to direct debit these payments, you just wait for the receipt from the bank. If you have not made such an arrangement, you will get a bill for the taxes to be paid and must then go to one of the banks mentioned on the reverse side of the bill to pay. Or you can pay by way of one of the Cajeros Automaticos if you have such a card, just entering the reference number in the upper part of the bill with 13 digits. Or you can pay directly in your local tax collection office with certain credit cards. Payments made after the voluntary period will be surcharged at the rate of 20%, plus interest on the delay Do note, the Town Hall can back charge for four years. On Camposol a typical charge for a standard Rosa, on 440 square meters is 240 euros this year. What you also need to know is that the catastral value was upped some two years ago.
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What happened was that the Madrid Government responded to a request for more cash from the Local Authorities, by telling them to revise these values. In many cases, and Mazarron was one of these, the values had not been reviewed for 10 years. Apply the same percentage, and this resulted in a whopping rise. Immediate and vocal protests got this reduced. However both this tax and plus valia, which is also based on the catastral value, are now significantly more than they were two years ago. In the November, so last month, the Town Hall fixes its tax rate, through the percentage, for the following year. Do note that Town halls also receive incomes which relate to the padron as well as receipts for licences, and fines. Your car tax goes to Mazarron instead of a national authority. On purchasing a new property, what should you do when you have applied for the property to be registered at the “catastro” and have not received any notification. Call on your tax office. They will invite you to identify your property on the plan. If your property is not shown, they will help you to fill in a “Comparencia” (Act of Appearance) that you sign and they send on to the “Catastro”. If the plans for your municipality are not available, they will inform you where to go to check the location of your property. Your personal data is incorrect on the bill Whenever you observe any errors in the details shown on the receipt (name, surname, fiscal identification number, etc.), you should visit your local office and show them your Fiscal Identification Card. The correct details will be noted and put into the data base. You purchased a property some years ago and the bills are still coming in the name of the previous owner Take the title deeds and the last bill along to the tax office and register the change of ownership. If you applied for registration when you purchased the property and the receipt is still being issued in the wrong name, it may be that in the documents you presented previously some essential information to identify your dwelling and make the change was missing. You purchased a property and there are several unpaid bills in the name of the previous owner. Can you demand payment from him? When you purchase a property, you should bear in mind that the property should not be encumbered by any outstanding debts of the previous owner, still valid. As from 1st of January 1990, when the new
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Law on Local Taxes came into force, all properties and dwellings are responsible for any outstanding taxes which have not lapsed. In order to avoid any problems when buying a property, you should ask the vendor for the receipts for previous years. Remember that the bills should be issued in the name of the person who was the owner of the property on 1st of January that year. You have sold your property and the bills continue to come in your name. What should you do? By law, the buyer is obliged to notify the administration of any change in the ownership. However, if the buyer has not made such a notification, the vendor has the right to make it. You should then visit your local tax office with the documents proving the sale and they will arrange for your name to be removed from the bills and the name of the new owner registered. The same applies to licences. How to apply for reimbursement from the tax office when the applicant is not the person mentioned on the bill? If the person on the bill is not the person applying for the reimbursement, he/she should show proof that he has the right to apply: * If he/she is the representative of a foreign citizens: A letter of authorisation from the person in whose name the bill was issued. * If the owner has died: A letter of authorisation from the heirs. * Manager of a company: Legalised photocopy of powers of attorney. * If the owner is disabled: A medical certificate and proof of the relationship between the owner and the representative. * If you have paid a bill issued in the name of the previous owner: Agreement on transfer of ownership. * In general: Authorisation from the owner, together with a legalised photocopy of his/her identification document to verify the signature. You have paid a bill twice. How to obtain prompt reimbursement? When a bill has been paid twice or more, the tax office will send you a letter asking for full personal details, as well as the number of your bank account and the number of the branch where you wish to have the money credited. Once these details have been completed, you only need to deliver a copy of the letter in your local office or send it to them by post. In approximately two months you will have the money returned.
Happy new year
How to pay by banker’s order When you are paying your annual bill during the voluntary payment period normally in August or September - you can make out a banker’s order for next years bill. If your bank is one of the banks collaborating with the tax collecting agency or town hall, you just fill in the banker’s order and leave it in the bank. If your bank is not one of the collaborators, you still fill in the banker’s order, leave one copy in the bank, but must also bring one copy to the tax office. If you want to make a banker’s order outside the voluntary period, you must complete the corresponding form at the nearest tax office. You have made a banker’s order and still receive the bill by post? Any bill which is not paid by banker’s order will be mailed to the taxpayers address. When a banker’s order exists, bills are not sent by mail to avoid double payments. If you have received a bill by post for this year, it means that the banker’s order has not taken effect. In this case, you should follow normal payment procedure. If you wish to make the payment by banker’s order in future years, you should make a new banker’s order. Increasing values, rising taxes. The local property tax in Spain used to be very modest, due to low values on properties and the habit of declaring an even lower value in the title deeds. With the strong increase in property prices up to 2008, the catastral values were also rising. In 2005 many municipalities made a general correction of property values for tax purposes, done by the “Catastro”, the provincial office in the Hacienda. The property values were increased by hundreds of percent. From 2008 the values of properties have been falling, especially in the tourist regions. But since the cadastral values are not adjusted every year (except for the inflation), but normally for periods of 10 years, you may have a valuation that is way above the market value of the property today. How to protest against a ‘catastrazo’? The recommendation of the college of administrators is the following: Look at the catastral value of your property (present or proposed) to see if it is higher than the market value. If the catastral value is higher than the market value, present what is called a ‘recurso de reposicion’ (an administrator or real estate agent may assist you).
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LEGAL FEATURES ISSUES
P.A.L.S.No it’s not a dog charity.
If there’s one question that at PALS (Protection and Life Saving) are continually being asked is, are you an animal charity and we politely reply no, but we are the Mazarron areas oldest and largest registered humanities charity. Our aim is to raise funds to supplement the equipment requirements of the emergency services life saving organisations, to include the Protection Civil, ambulances and health centres and now the recently formed FAST in and around Mazarron. In these hard times it is likely that financial budgets will not fulfil the desires of the operatives and we consider carefully any requests from all these essential services not all of which we feel able to consider. Formed in 2000 following the tragic death of a toddler who drowned in a pool in Camposol PALS decided to shew their appreciation of the emergency services at that time by collecting money to give to the dedicated personnel who showed such compassion and dedication to their duty. The idea of a cash donation was quickly changed into a more tangible equipment
provision and since that date PALS have purchased and donated some 171000 Euros worth of hardware including some defibrillators electrocardiographs an autoclave, pulsemetres and ophthalmoscope a ‘Cardio Test’ monitoring device and two Jet skis for inshore rescue purposes, and a purchase last year of a mobile emergency hospital tent which was utilised at the May Lorca earthquake disaster, in addition PALS maintain contact with the authorities and attempt to act as a conduit to maintain pressure for increased medical care in the area. We currently have on order further medical equipment for the 112 Services in Mazarron to the value of 5700 Euros The funds are raised through dances, day and longer trips and excursions, bbqs donations, entertainment and through support from local business and private individuals. The members of PALS derive no personal benefit and pay the same at these events as those who attend. The accounts are readily available for inspection on a daily basis and general meetings are held each first Monday in the month at The Cultural Centre on Camposol B at 11pm, all welcome and all help readily accepted, its sometimes
tiring but good fun really and it gives a great purpose for your spare time. Tel 626 460465 for information. Ticket sales are held for future events every Wednesday afternoon at the Saralaras in the Puerto de Mazarron from 1.30pm till 3.00pm and each Thursday morning 11am till 1pm at Tels Bar on Camposol and at The Trevi each Saturday morning 11am till 1.30pm again at Camposol. Please let us make it clear the PALS is not a Camposol charity, the benefits are for all regardless of age, colour, creed or race it’s just easier to meet in the middle of the area. Indeed as recognition of the high level of contributions made by people on that urbanisation PALS are currently holding some 10000 Euros specifically to augment any equipment deficit identified by the doctors at the new Health Centre this is after an expenditure of 10536 Euros to FAST who at this time operate exclusively on Camposol providing emergency aid to the residents, pending the arrival of ambulances. So here we are, our logo states PALS do it 4U why not help out or attend one of the functions
A reflection on Cloud Nine Drama’s “Revue” performed at La Molata in November.
Just a short drive along the motorway and I was at La Molata Social Club looking forward to an evening of Revue entertainment performed by Cloud Nine Drama. I enjoyed a quick drink at the bar before taking my seat to enjoy the show.
Variety is the spice of life and we had plenty of that in the first half of the Show. In fact it seems as though it was a show within a show and we were the audience within an audience - an interesting start. I enjoyed the Headmaster’s speech; is there a St. Lucifer’s school in Bradford? Maybe there is, maybe there isn’t, Then an amusing sketch about vegetarians and carnivores searching for the cat, oh yes it was to eat it! Some stunning poems followed, read with feeling, about relationships, and a spirited version of ‘Anything You Can Do’ sung with relish, could anyone do it better? But beware if your Doris puts on your slippers after your hard day’s work, you never know what she has been up to! The interval arrived with me still wondering if one of our versatile entertainers really did become a teacher. With the applause still ringing out those of us who had ordered supper were soon served some absolutely delicious fish & chips and the vegetarians who did not fancy the cat were presented with a sumptuous looking vegetable pie. Back to the Show suitably refreshed and the mixture, as before, yoyoed our feelings from hilarious laughter to nostalgic thoughts. The audience certainly empathised with the joys of travelling with Bryan-
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Air, and were more than concerned that one of the Players would have their throat cut at the local Barber. They were more than relieved that no blood was spilt, but some of the cast were very suggestive when they agreed to ‘Let’s Do It’. We were treated to some nostalgic poems of holidays past, and with the majority of the audience in their more senior years, poems on ageing probably struck a chord, but the scene of Heaven & Hell so brilliantly performed left us wondering whether to laugh or cry. Beware of leaving your home empty, our two West Country schemers may find many more lucrative ways of putting your property to use. Is that why the TV cameras go to Camposol?
No Nativity Scene in Camposol this year.
The Magistrates Court ruled the reason there was not a nativity scene in Camposol this Christmas season was not for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men on Camposol. The search for a Virgin continues.
Well done ‘Cloud Nine’ a great mixed revue catering for all tastes, come and tempt us again. A satisfied spectator.
“ The Ex-Servicemen’s Association of Mazarrón District (ESAMD) are meeting on Wednesday 11th January 2012 for a post Christmas Indian Meal. This will be held at the Gateway to India Restaurant, Camposol, Sector A, 7.30 for 8pm. The function is open to all Members of ESAMD [11 euros] and their invited guests [13 euros]. For more information contact by email [esamd_espana@yahoo.co.uk] or tel: Ian: 629818611 or Bill: 626209419. Any Ex-Service personnel wishing to join us should contact the Membership Secretary on 629818611.”
OUR NEXT PRODUCTION “Wyrd Sisters” ® A play adapted from the Terry Pratchett novel March 16th at Bullas Casa de la Cultura March 22nd and 24th at La Molata Social Centre The winner of the two free tickets to this show was Bill Davis. For more information contact: Pat Hunt 968 153 887/644400123/patsy.hunt@gmail.com Or
Rod Ellwood on 634146722/ rodandhazel@mazarronmail.com Or www.cloudninedramagroupmurcia.com
Thank you to all those who came to see The Revue in November. We raised 100 € which we donated to the Social Centre at La Molata as a contribution towards their new doors and windows.
Happy new year
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This is a translation of an article from La Verdad de Murcia One paper reviewed the recent history of Mazarrón which led to the testimony of the last miners. Last month the Journal published a visit to the mines, walking tours which take place weekly. The tour guide himself worked down the mines as a child of 13. The history echoes that of the UK, but the UK of the nineteenth century not the twentieth. The researcher Juan Francisco Belmar demystifies the assertion that people lived in a golden age The publication includes almost all the photos that remain from the mines, collected door to door by Antonio Rico and now part of the fiesta in Mazarron, in the University. The history of the mines of Mazarrón has not the brilliance of gold, quite
Sinks ocher factory in 1956 the contrary, is gray, like the lead that was extracted from the bowels of the hill of San Cristobal and Los Perula, at the entrance of the town on the road to Murcia . The bustle, the delicate lace of a small bourgeois class and the velvet curtains canopy of the town hall (the main monument of the time) were only a mirage hiding the true position of the town. The famed Mazarrón mining century, with the discovery of the reef ‘Prodigy’, 1860, until they began the dismantling of facilities in 1963, barely affected the local economy or well being of its inhabitants. This is highlighted in the book ‘Mazarron mining town’, that on Monday evening of the 5th December, exhibited at the headquarters of the People’s University of Mazarron (Constitution Avenue, 65). It includes old photographs and documents collected from house to house by Antonio Rico, and a study of contemporary mining by Juan Francisco Belmar. The researcher reviewed today that page in the history of Mazarron and concluded that “there
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was no such period of mining splendour” and the powerful industry left “no hint of progress.” Moreover, the main investments made were dismantled when the activity was no longer profitable. It happened with the railway line linking Mazarron and Puerto, opened in 1886 and closed in 1935, and also with electric lighting. When the wells and galleries were silenced, all that had something of value (doors, pipes, hoppers, boilers, railway tracks and even the foundries Santa Elisa) were removed and sold. The plundering and abandonment that came with the years continues today, has caused the mining area, despite being protected as of cultural interest, to now present as a picture of desolation. For a while Mazarrón stocked foreign markets with lead, silver, iron and copper, the people muttering their distress and misery at the bottom of the mine, as appears from the evidence gathered from past miners still alive, and with which the book is enriched in a heartfelt tribute to them. Their stories, first person, the conditions under which they worked, thrills. Endless days, naked and barefoot children working without security measures and social protection or in a breathable atmosphere, and put fear in the body every time they crouched down in those dark galleries which appeared to lead to hell .
to shoulder, such was the amount of dust lifted by the hammer that they failed to see the faces of each other,” is told in the book. A description of costs by Bartholomew Gomez “tremendous scenes of amputations” in the accident he witnessed and how some comrades were buried in the mine forever. Ginés Navarro Sanchez started aged only
But the people had no other way to earn a living. At 83 years, Bartholomew Gomez Morales still remembers the anguish of their first time down the mine. He started as a labourer, earning 5 pesetas a week. “Although they worked shoulder
10 years to haul ore in baskets of 30 kilos. Having no minimum age, it was a start which contained an identity that was not his. Their day began very early, “because I had to walk four miles every day from his home in the hamlet of Algarrobo, to the mine. And the night shift came in at 10 and left at 6 am. Just a few breeches covered my body, and I worked barefoot, my feet cracked”. The only cure: a bit of powder to put out the matches, lit carbide
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to cauterize the wounds. Martin Gomez Morales also began to bring mineral as a child. With 11 years working in the pit of San Simon and Santa Elena. His salary: three pesetas a day for ten hours of work, often at night. His only clothing was a pair of breeches or helmet or other protection. And the lunch bundle “a GANIL [the area of the head where the gills are] of frigate fish, a couple of tomatoes and some dried figs.” The same penalties Octavio Hernandez Vera lived. He could not go to school because his father died of silicosis and he had to start working from 11 years to support his mother and five siblings. Among their everyday concerns that the rats did not eat their lunch. In Santa Ana mine, his job was 190 meters deep. Remember that working conditions were “an infernal heat that was terrible and the air, unbreathable.” “If you turned off the carbide, and you could not turn it back on, you had to stand where you were dark and wait for the foreman or a colleague to miss you and come to fetch you.” He cried at the memory “They died standing” Conditions were also tough in the laundry where the ore is refined. Gaspar Perez Miras still keeps in mind how cold fingers were cracked by those kids who worked in the battery, and how he treated injuries
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by pouring his own urine in his hands. A Vivancos Pedro Lorente, who was already 14 years on the job of Santa Anta, it has been recorded the scene of miners dying of silicosis “up and working until the last day.”
of the book highlights the contribution of the old studio file of Paco Garcia. This photographer has portrayed three decades of the life of Mazarron. “I am surprised at the terrible conditions under which the miners were working, risking their lives every day, without any protection and starving. But they had the will to live, as demonstrated when they left the mine and went to play soccer in the field of Salitre square, “says Antonio Rico. The book is complete with pictures of the current state of the three mines. The abandonment and the wear and tear do not honour their history.
The experiences and sufferings of the last miners of Mazarrón will not be lost over time, their stories also have faces. The publication includes photos of all the miners who worked for the company Minofer in the final phase of operations. Overall, the book is illustrated with nearly 500 images, almost all existing mines of Mazarrón, from 1913 to 1970. The painstaking work of collecting GRAND CHARITY AUCTION and documenting ON BEHALF OF has taken almost a decade of work by COSTA CALIDA Antonio Rico. This neighbour (author of other publications such as ‘Mazarron, Yesterday and MARIANOS CAMPOSOL A Today’ and FRIDAY 3RD.FEBRUARY 2012. ITEMS REGISTERED: 9.OO-10.00A.M. ‘Mazarron, always’) VIEWING:10.00-12.30P.M has gone from house HAMMER DOWN.........1.00P.M. 10.00€ to enter 3 items with to house looking a reserve price if required. for photographs of Full auction price returned to seller. the mines, asking his neighbours to tie up all the details FOR DETAILS Contact : GRAHAM:634310215 to complete the PAM: 66744904 inside story of his ROD: 634146721 COME ALONG AND HAVE SOME FUN people . In the body
Happy new year
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FEATURES
Age Concern Costa Calida 2012
In 2012 Age Concern Costa Calida will be running a full range of social activities for its members, alongside its work with individuals and families. Age Concern has social objectives as well as individual ones. It’s a service for the over fifties and aims to provide support through its programme of activities, some of which cost and some do not. You will be able to buy tickets for events on Fridays outside the Salud. It is hoped that other outlets will also sell tickets,
On February 3rd, a Friday, an auction will be held at Marianos. The gavel will come down at 1PM, but you can see the goods on offer from 10.30AM to noon. This is a first and it is hoped that if successful, then a further three will be held during the year. Anyone can sell up to three items , which must be
Maureen leads the St Nicholas choir
age concern xmas fair santa
including the port.
Age Concern volunteers are assigned to help individual cases. This can involve a range of assistance depending on individual or family need. For example, there are cases of family members who cannot be left on their own, which makes shopping or even going out for a coffee all but impossible. There are cases where volunteers do sit with folk and enable the partner to get the shopping in or visit the doctor. Each case is assessed on its own merits by our volunteer coordinator, who establishes needs. If you need help, then apply! Age Concern also has access to helpful leaflets covering a range of needs, Age Concern does have volunteers and friends. Friends are simply those who have signed on for the year for a 10Euro contribution. Applications to become a volunteer can be made at the Cultural Centre Wednesday mornings and the organization is always on the look out for sympathetic flexible people, able to help others often in distress. Money raising to sustain activities is an on going job. Donations do come in from individual and groups, in the form of cash as well as goods. A recent funeral resulted in a large donation for example. This year will see the annual Black and White Ball in September, an event which raised over 1000 Euros last year.
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registered before the sale with Maggie on 634336484 or Rod on 634 146 721 and delivered to Marianos on the day. You can also register at the Cultural Centre on a Wednesday morning. The only charge is a 10 Euro administrative charge and you keep all the proceeds. Items must be brought to Marianos on Sector A between 9 and 10AM on the 3rd. It is hoped that good quality items are attracted. It is up to you to put a reserve on any item. There is an Age Concern stall outside the Salud on the last Friday in the month. Items for this are always welcome. Our second Xmas Fair was really a money raising affair. It was a great success, with the choir of St Nicholas Church being a main attraction at noon. They sang carols and Christmas songs. The fair raised over a grand! 36 stalls, tombola, Santa Claus all featured. The main social activities are represented by a monthly social called talking Shop. This meets normally on the first Wednesday of the month at the Cultural centre between 1/30 and 3.30. Organised by the volunteers it is a mixture of coffee and conversation, items such as a quiz, some sort of information session, normally no item taking up more than ten minutes. Before Xmas
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there was a panto on the 14th December and in November a short discussion and presentation on the Spanish election. Age Concern is on the look out for informative, funny, speakers who are able to do a presentation or demonstration to members. Anything interesting considered! Get in touch with Maggie on 634336484 if you would like to make a contribution. The other regular event is a monthly Menu Del Dia. This is on the last Wednesday of the month, the next being at the Da Fu Hau. These cost 10 Euros and include entertainment. On January 25th Christine will be singing. Normally these are from 1.30PM until 5.30PM and you can get tickets from Maggie or the usual places. Age Concern has come a long way in a short time. Last year roughly a 1000 people took part in various social activities and not far short of that number sought advice or help. This coming year the organization hopes to bust these numbers. THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS
WE SERVE
The Lions Club of Mazarrón Bahía
We're looking for your help by making us and donating some…
KNITTED HATS
'CARRIER OF H APPINESS' PROJECT 2011 FOR OUR
The hats are in 3 sizes as follows… Using 4mm or 4.5mm needles and double knitting wool, cast on 113, 121 or 129 stitches (113 for ages 3 – 5 and 6 - 7, 121 for ages 8 – 11 and 129 for ages 12 – 14). Depending on selected size, work 6, 7 or 8cm in rib, ending with a first row. Work in stocking stitch until work measures 15, 17 or 19cms, ending with a purl row Shape Crown 1.
1st row: K1 *K2 tog, K6; repeat from * to end. 99, 106 or 113 stitches remain
2.
2nd and alternate rows: Purl
3.
3rd row: K1 *K2 tog, K5; repeat from * to end. 85, 91 or 97 stitches remain.
4.
5th row: K1 *K2 tog, K4; repeat from * to end. 71, 76 or 81 stitches remain.
5.
Continue to decrease 14, 15 or 16 stitches in this way on every alternate row until 29, 31 or 33 stitches remain, ending with a Purl row.
6.
Next row: K1 *K2 tog, K6; repeat from * to end.
7.
Thread a length of yarn through the remaining 15, 16 or 17 stitches, draw up firmly and fasten off.
8.
Join back seam, reversing lower half of seam on ribbing for brim.
T HHAANNKKSS F O OR R YO OU UR R H EELLPP!
2012
New Year Golf
By John Brown
It’s the time for looking forward. It’s the time for new resolutions and for hope in the coming year. KPMG surveyed how golf courses were coping with the unexpected economic crisis (in 2010 – 2011). They found that: Nearly half the courses surveyed had seen their revenues fall Resort courses linked to property developments were hit harder than stand alone courses with annual memberships Courses responded by cutting staff and making staff redundant Only 18% responded to the crisis by reducing their charges In other words golf course will respond by reducing their outlay costs and hoping that their revenue streams hold up Europe also has the lowest growth rate of all the golfing continents. The implications for us golfers are also fairly obvious. If you have less money spare, then the luxuries of holidays, second homes in the sun, new golf clubs, etc. will all fall off the priority lists. Add to that the higher costs of air travel and car hire, and the picture looks fairly bleak. The last thing that is needed is a new golf course development or urbanisation. Some people will clearly decide to play less often. At 45€ per round, golf in Spain is quite expensive in relation to the UK. A different marketing strategy is required. Estepona Golf, for example has reduced their green fee to 39€. It has introduced a weekend member rate of 49€ per month (I like that one). One week of unlimited golf is only 149€, and full membership is 99€ per month. Our local courses could do well to emulate these charges. Throwing in a free buggy will also attract people (2 players and a buggy are only 79€ at Estepona). Some people will elect to simply watch golf on TV. Those of us that do so are in for a treat in the coming year. At the time of going to press the ‘Race to Dubai’ will decide whether Rory McIlroy can oust Luke Donald’s attempt to become the first European to top both the European and the American Orders of Merit. It’s never been done before and my money is on Luke Donald to triumph. We’ve recently seen victories from Lee
2012
Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. Not to mention the apparent resurgence of Tiger Woods. The next 4 Majors look like they will be well contested by Europeans. It’s a bit early to be convinced that he has turned a corner, but Tiger’s win will give him a big confidence boost. He’s also persevering with trying to fade all this shots. That someone of his ability struggles to hit a deliberate fade is a bit puzzling? It was the great Jack Nicklaus who first committed to fading all his shots. Famously he said: “ I never want to hit a straight shot ever again!” His logic was clear. If you aim for the left side of the green of fairway and hit a fade you increase the possible landing area by 50%. If you hit a straight shot, you will still be safe up the left (as long as you don’t hit a big pull after closing the clubface on yourself). This error is exactly what Tiger has been doing currently. However, he has won his first tournament in 2 years, recovered from knee surgery, changed his caddy and altered his swing – all in the quest for more Major wins. With such determination, you get the impression that he is bound to be successful.
members, we finished the eveningwith music and dancing at Salud bar.Our society has over 50 members, mainly living on Camposol or Country Clubplaying every Saturday morning. We mainly play at our home course, but tryto have away days through the year at one of the many great courses aroundhere. We also hold a twice yearly match play competition, this year won by John Hannah.This year’s Captain Baz Elmore and V/Capt Shaun Pawson have designed a new web page
www.barsaludgolf
so members or anyone interested can see up to date results and forth coming events. We will be posting a report on competitions played throughout the month with winner’s scores and names and any away days in the future .If anyone would like more information please contact us on our web site or call in at Salud.
When he does connect with his new fade, Tiger looks like he has discovered new length. He was hitting his long irons off the tee further than his nearest challenger Zach Johnson was hitting his driver. The lingering concern for his fans is his continued inconsistency on the greens. The former world number one may have been able to beat an 18-man invited field (when all the leading Europeans were in South Africa) but would his comparatively shaky putting have prevailed in a full-field tournament? Time will tell. It won’t be too long until April and the first Major. Remember Rory last time? Leading the Masters field with 9 holes to go, then blowing it all away. I somehow don’t think he will make that same mistake twice. I would put some serious money on Rory to win another Major next year (or Sergio, or Luke or Lee). I can’t wait.
SALUD golf society Salud golf society held its first Xmas dinner for members, wives, and guests on1st December at the Bulgarian restaurant on Carnposol. After a great meal plusa monologue and a few jokes from some
Happy new year
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Driving in Spain
Even if you have lived in Spain for years it still maybe a good idea to brush up on the rules and regulations. Make sure you Drive Alive! Drive on the right! Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road. Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road ahead. Spain has strict drink driving laws, only allowing 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood - stricter than the UK where the limit is 0.8. New drivers are effectively forbidden to drink and drive, with a very low 0.1 mg/l limit. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic already on the roundabout, on your left, unless signed otherwise. Speed limits are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-thespot fines. In all countries a full UK driving licence is required. As in the UK, seat belts should be worn front and rear. Below are motoring regulations relating to Spain. Beware in Spain.The law operating in Spain regarding the use of indicators on motorways is being strictly enforced. You risk being fined for not indicating before overtaking and again before pulling back to the nearside lane after overtaking. Also, ensure you do not cross the solid white line as you enter the motorway from a slip road, but wait until the line is broken. Bail Bond: a guarantee to be lodged
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with the police in the event of an accident or major traffic violation - no longer a legal requirement for Spain and most insurance companies have stopped issuing them. Children in cars: Children under 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitably adapted restraint system. In the rear, passengers under 135cm tall must use specially adapted safety devices and restraints. Documentation: always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive. Drinking and driving: Don’t do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could face anything from a severe fine, withdrawal of your licence, up to imprisonment. Fines: On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine. First-aid kit is advised, but not compulsory. Fuel: All grades of unleaded petrol (benzin), diesel (gasoleo ‘A’) and LPG are available as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded no longer exists. It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won’t work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours and at lunch-time (from noon to 3pm) away from the Autoroutes. It’s a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This ensures they don’t suspend your card if they spot it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud measure. GB sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries. Glasses (Spectacles): wearers must carry a spare pair in the car at all times.
Lights: dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times. Minimum age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for a car and for a motorcycle over 75cc. If you’ve got an old-style all-green licence you might find the police will not understand them, so either get them up-dated or take an International Driving Permit as well. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets. Motor insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip. Motorways are known as Autopista, and a toll motorway is autopista de peajes. Non motorway dual carriageways are Autovia. Replacement bulb set is recommended. Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted. Snow chains are recommended to be carried in the Spanish Pyrenees and all mountainous regions of Spain during winter, and if you do not carry and fit them when conditions demand the police can prevent you continuing your journey. Click for general information on winter tyres and snow chains. Visibility Vests are now compulsory in Spain. They are also compulsory in Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Norway and Portugal and (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU). The rules vary from country to country concerning number of vests required and whether they should be carried in the car or boot. Common sense suggests that there should be a vest for every occupant, and that the vests should be carried in the car, and put on before getting out. Do this and you will not have a problem. Warning triangle is compulsory. One only is required for non-Spanish registered vehicles. Two required for Spanish vehicles, but to avoid difficulties with the police we recommend two triangles should be carried.
Headlamp converters are compulsory.
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2012
Electric cars in Paris Pay-as-you-drive electric car rentals are expected to help cut pollution and reduce traffic in Paris, as the new fleet of fully electric Autiolib' vehicles hits the French capital. As of Monday, Parisians could take the bubble cars for a ride from more than 1,200 parking spots where they rest for recharge. A subscription cost €10 a day or €15 a week, while an annual subscription of €144 subscription allows users to take the car for only half an hour each time for €5, just over the price of two underground tickets. The Autolib' system builds on the success of the Velib' bicycle-sharing service and could provide a shop window for entrepreneur Vincent Bolloré and his nascent car battery business. "We want to persuade people to shift from the concept of owning a car to that of using a car," Autolib' General Manager Morald Chibout told Reuters.
Soaring insurance and parking costs have already persuaded 25% of French citizens to cut back or give up on using their cars, according to a study published last year by Chronos TNS Sofres. The little four-seater Bluecar, designed and manufactured exclusively for Bolloré by Italian designer Pininfarina, famous for sculpting Ferraris and Maseratis, will have a range of up to 250 km between before a recharge which will take about four hours. Bolloré said his batteries are safer than the lithium-ion variety used by most of the car industry because they are less prone to overheating. They are also more stable when being charged and discharged.
the car-hire service debuted with 66 cars and 33 rental stations across Paris before expanding to 3,000 vehicles and more than 1,000 stations by the end of 2012. Similar projects exist in the US and in other European countries, such as Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. The Belgian 'Zen Car', one of the first EV-forhire services, was launched at the beginning of this year with around thirty "100% electric" cars. The vehicles can be booked by internet or via phone and can be found in around 15 different parking spots around Brussels, next to transit stops. The standard annual subscription for 'Zen Car' costs €40 with an hourly rate of €7 in the day time and €5 at night.
The car rental scheme follows the carsharing project launched on 30 September 2011, which also aimed to clear the traffic-clogged Parisian boulevards and deliver what its backers hoped would be a major boost for electric vehicles. Under the €235 million project, the brainchild of Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë,
Electric Autiolib’ vehicles hit the French capital.
Happy new year to all our customers...Happy new year to all our customers...Happy new year to all our customers...Happy new year to all our customers
LEGAL ISSUES
IS YOUR MONEY WORKING FOR YOU
HAPPY NEW YEAR – LET’S START OFF 2012 IN A POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND!
Here at Fisher Fox Expat, we strive very hard to give you the very best of service in all your legal and financial affairs, to which you are all entitled. As we are now living in a Financial Minefield now is the time to review all of your Investments and Savings. Don’t trust to luck that your Investments and Savings are working for you! The Financial world has changed dramatically in the past 12 months – We would ask you a number of questions or points to consider: have you looked at the current value of your Investments? Are they giving you the performance you require? Are they now subject to the new 35% withholding tax introduced from July 2011? Have your personal circumstances & attitude to risk changed? Be aware that under The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) for the first time investment advice must be regulated in all EEA States which means that if your investment was completed in the UK the adviser can no longer offer advice to you - as you live outside the UK - unless you go back to the UK. If you seek advice from your local Spanish Bank Manager, generally the advice is restricted to the bank’s own products and they will have limited knowledge on other Investments & Savings products available to Ex Pats in Spain. Your other option is to consult an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) here in Spain. It is important to be sure that the adviser is fully licensed and regulated to give advice in Spain. This information should be clearly displayed on their business card, presented to you before any advice is given. Any (good) IFA will not have a problem with this and will be willing to carry out a full review of your financial situation at no cost. To make an appointment to discuss your finances, tax matters, UK Pension transfers under the QROPS Regulations or any legal issue, please contact either myself: Shirley Ann Fisher, UK Lawyer & Commissioner of Oaths, Camposol Business Centre, Calle Madrid 19, Sector A, Camposol, Mazarron, Murcia 30875, Tel 968 103 008 Mobile 0034 634 053 976 – Email shirleyfisherlegalservices@gmail.com or my colleagues: Carol Fox or Peter Danniells at Danniells Fox Financial Services, Local 89, Parque Comercial, Mojacar Playa 04638, Almeria, Spain, Tel: 0034 950 478 617, Mobile (Carol) 0034 670 816 012 Email: carol@danniellsfox. com Mobile (Peter) 0034 617 917 591 peter@danniellsfox.com Web: www.danniellsfox.com Spanish Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm (UK + 1 hour) Angela South, Expat Pension Providers Ltd, Suite 2, Croft Court, Croft Lane, Temple Grafton, Warwickshire B49 6PW, Telephone: 0044 1789 490363 Spanish Mobile 0034 660618916 Email: angela@expatpensions.info, Web: www.expatpensions. info (Specialist in QROPS UK Pension Transfers)
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2012
MABS EVENTS IN MAZARRÓN January 2012 Wednesday, 25 January – FUN NIGHT – Alley Palais, Camposol Sector B – 7.30 pm A night of fun and games, including Terri’s sponsored head shave (brave lady!). Food available. Tickets are just 3 € and are available at Alley Palais or call: 620 582 418 Friday, 27 January - MEETING FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES – Cat’s Bar, Camposol Sector A – 2.00 pm A monthly informal chat for families who have lost someone to cancer. For further information, please call Ruth on 634338189 Tuesday 31 January – VOLUNTEERS MEETING – Trevi Bar, Camposol Sector B – 11.30 am MABS Mazarrón monthly meeting. Volunteers always welcome. Call 620 582 418 for more details on how to become a volunteer. MABS INFORMATION CENTRESensol Golf Villa Rentals OfficeCamposol Sector BOpen Monday to Friday – 10.00 am to 2.00 pm MAKE TIME TO HELP OTHERS Do you want to make a difference? Got some time to spare?Become a MABS volunteerCall 620 582 418 now Email: info@mabsmurcia.com or visit our website www.mabsmurcia.com
COSTA CALIDA Future Events Wednesday January 4th New Years Talking Shop Social at the Cultural centre On Camposol B, 1.30 to 3.30PM Wednesday 25th January Menu del Dia at Da Fu Hau in the port with entertainment by Christine, 1.30PM to 3.30PM, 10 Euros Friday February 3rd at Marianos on Camposol A, Grand Auction 10 to noon, viewing, sale at 1PM 3 articles per person, 10 Euros fee, you keep the proceeds! Articles must be booked in, phone Graham on 634 310 215, Maggie on 634 336 484 Advice session for individuals Wednesday AM at the Cultural Centre Sector B Camposol, Menu Del Dia day the last Wednesday in the month and Talking Shop socials the first Wednesday in the month at the centre
Tickets from where applicable Wednesday AM, at the advice session at the Cultural Centre Camposol B, or outside the Salud Camposol B Friday mornings ring Graham 634310215 or Maggie 634336484
0!,3 %6%.43
Tickets are available outside The Trevi Restaurant-Bar, Camposol B, Fridays and Saturdays 11am till 1.30pm. Also Diane at Sara Lara`s (down and opposite Don Ricardo`s) in the Port from 1pm till 3.30pm on Wednesdays. Maureen 968 986 019 / 628 147 019 Ken 968 422 228 / 626 460 465 Diane 968 594 503 / 672 571 373
2012
Happy new year
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Five dumb things to do to your pets!
As this is the January 2012 issue I hope you have all had a great Christmas and New Years started well Since the last issue we have taken in our latest equine, a small disabled pony. She was bred by a Spanish farmer near to Mazarron but when she was born was missing her two knees. This means that she squats all the time. It looks a lot worse than it is but she is not good enough for breeding or riding. Therefore the Spaniard wanted someone to look after her. On her arrival she met the others in the yard and settled well. She is now in this short time part of our family. This makes three donkeys, a foal and pig and sheep within the top paddock, all living quite happy together. At the lower end we have several dogs that are looking for new forever homes, our latest one being Emily a Galgo that is very thin and that we were trying to rescue for a few weeks. She too has settled down to ‘family’ life and has been seen by a rescue organisation that deals in Galgos and they have advertised her worldwide. If you want a nice quiet peaceful dog she ticks all the boxes. Pumpkin from last month is growing, not in size but in personality and confidence and again will make someone an exceptional companion. I have produced pictures of some of our dogs and one of Mini the foal. Don’t forget if you need to speak to me for any reason I’m at the end of the phone 690906565 on e mail and on the car park of B sector every Monday between 11.30 and 1.30 Andrea
Our new pony page 36
Karla
Joel
“The holidays” are here. Every year dogs go to clinics for the same set of problems related to the holidays. Although their owners are well-intentioned, the dogs can suffer, protect your pets. Much of this applies to cats as well!! 1. Giving your dog table food - You want to make your dog happy and do things for him that he likes. That crispy turkey skin, a nibble of baked ham-sounds like a nice treat for a great dog, right? But table food is not the answer. Table food often leads to gastrointestinal (GI) upset. This is really common. Do you know what to do if this happens? Ask your vet! 2. Not paying attention to tree dangers - Low hanging glass bulbs, exposed electrical cords, and unstable trees are just a few of the problems that dogs get into. They chew on the glass bulbs and cut their mouths, chew electrical cords and become electrocuted, or trees fall on them after rambustious play. 3. Unattended candles - This is the time of year when cute twinkle lights and burning candles come out. However, these can be very dangerous for pets. Unexposed candles can lead to burned pets or house fires. NEVER ever leave a pet with a candle exposed. 4. Tempting gifts - The contents of some gifts can be dangerous if ingested. Elaborate packaging in particular can be a recipe for disaster. Ingestion of ribbons and strings can cause gastrointestinal foreign bodies that require surgery. Be very careful. 5. Exposing pets to noisy and excited guests - Not every pet is good with new people and new situations. Some get very stressed. How do you deal with guests and your pet? Think about it!
A friend asks his friend for a cigerette. His friend says “I thought you made a new years resolution to quit smoking.” The man says, “I am in the process of quitting.” “Right now I am in the middle of phase 1. What's phase 1?” “I've quit buying” The Irish Funeral A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he noticed a most unusual funeral An invisible man and an invisible woman got procession approaching the nearby cemetery. A black hearse was married. You won't be surprised to followed by a second black hearse hear that the kids were nothing to look at about 50 Feet behind the first one. either. Behind the second hearse was a A man went into a pet shop and solitary man walking a dog on a said, ‘I want to buy a wasp.’ leash. Behind him, a short distance ‘Sorry sir, we don’t sell wasps’, back, were about 200 men walking insisted the shopkeeper. single file. The man couldn’t stand the curiosity. ‘But You’ve got one in the window’, He respectfully approached the man said the man. walking the dog and said: “I am so sorry for your loss, and this may be The Christmas Search I’m tramped all around Camposol a bad time to disturb you, but I’ve In search of three wise men never seen a funeral like this. Whose But if we ever had three funeral is it?” They upped and went again! “My wife’s.”
erm !!!
They’re always in such high demand At this time of year And so I guess some other place has paid them more than here. I gave up on the Virgin search, We made do with a plane, And while we had loads of asses No shepherds did remain. When doing our Nativity We had to improvise But we simply could not manage Without three men who were wise. We all wondered where they’d gone And who has taken them? But now we know that they were off Once more to Bethlehem!
‘’What happened to her?” “She yelled at me and my dog attacked and killed her.” He inquired further, “But who is in the second hearse?” The man answered, “My mother-inlaw. She was trying to help my wife when the dog turned on her.” A very poignant and touching moment of brotherhood and silence passed between the two men. “Can I borrow the dog?” The man replied, “Get in line
Two television aerials met on a rooftop. They fell in love and were married. Although the ceremony was dreadful, the reception was excellent.
Tommy Cooper Cooperisms Last night I dreamed I ate a tenpound marshmallow, and when I woke up the pillow was gone. Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other one off. A woman told her doctor, ‘I’ve got a bad back.’ The doctor said, ‘It’s old age.’ The woman said, ‘I want a second opinion. ‘The doctor says, ‘OK. you’re ugly as well.’ A man walked into the doctor’s, The doctor said ‘I haven’t seen you in a long time’ The man replied, ‘I know I’ve been ill’ A man walked into the doctor’s, he said ‘ I’ve hurt my arm in several places’ The doctor said ‘well don’t go there any more’
A New Year Prayer For the Elderly
Lynne Joyce 04.12.2011
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones that I do, And the eyesight to tell the difference.
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www.thecamposoljournal.com
2012
Po
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WE ARE OPEN FOR BUISNESS!
eting p ce in the la
Ladies and Gentlemen, We are delighted to inform you that from the 11th of January we are re-open! After a well deserved break following a hectic 2011 we are back in business, eager and ready to deliver the same quality food and service that won us the coveted “Dos Tenedores” or “2 Forks” Culinary award in 2011. Whatever time of day it is we have something to suit your mood. Whether it’s a coffee and one of our delicious homemade cakes or pastries’, breakfast, a light lunch or an a la carte evening meal, we are at your service. We serve our full menu all day. If you are one of our regulars then we look forward to welcoming you back, and if you have never been before then you are in for an absolute treat. Come down and join us at 7th Heaven “Your Meeting Place in the Port”
Cristaleria Toldos Mamparas Cubiertas de piscina Mosquiteras Enmarcacion Cerramientos y Techos Cortinas de cristal Puertas correderas y plegables
689 589 356 968 659 046
Windows Awnings Fly Screens Pool covers Mosquito nets Walls and ceilings Glass curtains Sliding/folding doors
C/.Totana, 6 Librilla-Murcia cristaleriapagan@cristaleriapagan.com www.cristaleriapagan.com
Only 20 euros!!!