The Camposol District Journal Nov08

Issue 2

November - December 2008

Volume -1

What now for Camposol?

By now those of you who want a copy of the Garrigues report should have been able to order one from the C.R.A. It is available to order Monday to Friday at the CRA stand in Rumours, price â‚Ź7.50. This basically covers their printing costs. It is in impeccable legal English, which given the original translation of the conclusions, is a relief. It is also a long read, some fifty close written and argued pages. It provides a complete history and dossier on Camposol, detailing all the crucial agreements involving MASA and the Authorities. Almost certainly no other urbanisation has such an important document and tribute should be paid to the CRA for approaching Garrigues, and particular thanks to Joaquin the lawyer, now a partner in Garrigues, who has overseen and been responsible for much of the research.

The CRA committee have announced an extraordinary meeting for the 25th of November at the Sensol Hotel, where they held their AGM. Winter time it is almost the only place on Camposol large enough to hold the numbers who will attend at 11 AM. This will enable the committee to consult its membership, and if you have not joined but want your say; then again membership can be obtained any day at

Rumours.

For most Camposolers this day has not come soon enough. Many despaired that it would never be published and some have been outright hostile, feeling that it will not help with the Authorities. The committee intends giving both MASA and the Town Hall a month to digest and comment on the report.

The Garrigues report contains the following important conclusions which of course do have a bearing on what seems to be an interminable debate.

Transfer of the control of the development works for sector A and sector BCDF should take place in phases, as and when the terms set in the plan for its conclusion are met. Once the said terms have all elapsed, the developer shall be granted an extension within which to remedy any technical defects that may be found in the works with regard to the approved projects Once this new term has elapsed, if the works should still not meet the qualities and technical characteristics that are sufficient to allow transfer of control to the council, the council has the power (compulsory), in order to defend the general interest and legality that it

protects) to execute the bank guarantees and security provided by the developer in order to ensure the proper execution of the works. It shall proceed to execute the works, chargeable to said guarantees, in proper manner and to take over control of the said works once they have been executed and the legality of the planning department has been re-established This power held by the Council becomes a duty as against citizens, who should address themselves to the council to demand these powers be exercised in order to defend their interests and the legality of the plan.

These time limits have been generously exceeded in the case of sector A. But even in the case of sector BCDF (where they have not been fully exceeded) it would be possible for the interested citizens to seek the protection they are owed from the Council (by statutory provision), making use of the powers that have been granted for this purpose. This is so because although formally the limits have not been exceeded in sector BCDF, the fact is that likewise the dwellings and establishments should not have been occupied.

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The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Continued from page 1 Therefore the situation of this sector is particularly special, given that, as has been stated before, even though the time limits have not been formally exceeded, the Council is under a duty to intervene in order to ensure the proper provision of the services to those citizens who occupy”.

It must be remembered that there are over fifty pages of well argued history and comment, and two pages of conclusions.

The publication also coincided with a plenary meeting of the town council when Pepe Gomez of PaReMa, a town councillor elected last year, set down a series of questions abou Camposol, the answers to which have provoked a storm on the internet, when Pepe published his account on his Party’s internet site and asked the Councillor with responsibility for urbanisations how discussions with MASA were going. Clr Munoz Paredes replied, “They have not had meetings with MASA” To which Pepe retorted that this was in contradiction to previously received information and then enquired about where the taxes paid by Camposolers had gone, to which Mayor Blaya retorted that “Pepe was always asking the same questions and we (the Council) are tired of these questions”. Pepe indicated that he would go on asking the questions until he got satisfactory answers and then enquired of the Mayor, “when would they (the Council) send people to repair and clean the roads of Camposol” To which he claimed he got the reply, “This urbanisation is in the hand of an entity, the people of Camposol clean their own streets.”

The whole issue was complicated by the questions Pepe asked about the alleged attempted kidnapping on Camposol.

Apparently Mariano’s son was in their horse compound when he noticed two hooded men approaching him. A third was by a car at the entrance. He escaped by jumping a fence and a witness, a neighbour alerted the Guardia. Pepe was pointing out that security was a hot issue on Camposol. It was the reply by Clr Munoz which provoked the intervention by The PSOE leader, Clr Garcia. He pointed out to the Journal that, “ The urbanisation needs to be finished before the governance can be sorted out.” He also said that, “It would be better if all the parties sat round a table together, the Council, MASA and the CRA.” The frustrated kidnapping is a puzzle, who the men were, their exact motive, kidnapping, bodily harm is in terms of the publicised evidence, uncertain. This attempt does coincide with the robbery on Sector A of a handbag snatched from a woman, and a burglary at 9.30PM in the evening.

Pepe stated.”At the elections the PP promised that Camposol would be solely adopted by the town hall, now you say totally the opposite.”

At this point Pepe states that the PSOE Councillor, Don Francisco García Méndez said.” That the words Pepe has said are correct” All of this was responded to by Clr Jaqueline Galvez who wrote in reply to an email by a resident: “I can't remember the exact words but the mayor said that the development had not been adopted by the council and that Pepe should know as he had Page 3

formed part of the building process to which Pepe said that he still worked for Masa and the Mayor said that therefore he must know what the situation is at the moment.

It is sad that some people are manipulating what people say in detriment to Camposol where I know many, many happy people. Properties there are devaluating due to nasty comments which make Camposol sound like a dump when in fact it isn't. People must be patient and all will be sorted.

The Medical centre is being built, a pharmacist has won the tender and is looking for premises, the post office will start work in their premises as soon as they have money allocated in their budget for it, the bus service should happen possibly in the first half of next year (remember it is not just a Camposol bus service but a bus service for all the Mazarrón community including all the other small villages, hamlets and developments in the Mazarrón Municipality).

The entity did not start a few years back because it was stopped by myself in conjunction with the sector A committee. Pepe has a short memory when it comes to recognising what I do for Camposol his sole aim in life is to try to destroy me - he should not allow people to write derogatory statements about myself or my business on his website and if it carries on I will take legal action. All of the political parties promised to do away with the entity, I still have not seen any suggestions on how to do it from anyone. You can guarantee that if and when the entity disappears as we know it, it will be because this government has worked hard on doing it; because we are the ones who are working for you not the opposition.

In reply to a further question Clr Galvez said: "Lost in translation" is an understatement.

That day at least 7 PAREMA members attended the meeting - a journalist from a Spanish Regional paper (La Opinion) surprised to see such a group of foreigners tried to interview them and Surprise, Surprise, not one could be interviewed as they did not understand Spanish.

Yes I did speak to Pepe AFTER the meeting because I felt sorry for him because he had made such a fool of himself once again. I did say he was under pressure from HIS VOTERS who now attend the meetings because before he never asked questions and now he asks the same questions every time, questions he has already had the answers for. The Mayor did not say he was tired of him asking the questions but said that he had responded to the same many times before. I told Pepe he was not doing things correctly and he answered that he did not know how to do things any other way as he was not a politician. To that I answered that from the moment he was elected by his voters onto the Council he was a politician and that he should know what he has to do.

The question they (PaReMa) say Pepe asked about meetings with MASA and the council was asked to the Councillor for Planning and put this way "How are your negotiations going with Masa?" To

The Camposol District Journal

this the Councillor replied "I do not have any negotiations with Masa, I have work meetings with the technicians and a representative from Masa."

Then Pepe went onto another subject and did not follow on the question because he has no idea of what he is doing.

The PSOE did not back him on anything as he has reported but answered the councillor for the local Police because they are always offended when they are told that the Civil Guards are the ones who should be policing the area. (Civil Guards come under national politics which is the PSOE government) Lots of people come to see me at the council, I meet with lots of different groups, I see people from many associations and individuals too, and I listen to everyone, sometimes I can help them and other times it is impossible. Anyone who has ever asked for an appointment to see me has had an appointment.

In fact there had been extensive publicity about the meeting on the internet and some nine or so British residents turned up for the meeting, at least three of them not PaReMa supporters or members, and two journalists, one Spanish and one British. It is also the case that at least one of the British observers spoke reasonable Spanish. It is also the case that the exchange between Pepe and the Town Council in the meeting was fraught and that he and Clr Galvez did exchange angry words after the meeting. It is a pity that, as in the UK, so few of the public attend meetings and follow what is said in them!

The document itself takes some reading.

Its conclusions have been reported. What is interesting is that the body of the document leads inexorcerably to the conclusions. Much does not make pretty reading and what is very clear is that both the Town Hall and MASA have neglected their obligations to all the owners on Camposol. This represents a sizeable portion of Mazarron’s population. Even the Sector A Home Owners Association, long time supporters of Mayor Blaya’s administration have begun to ask questions. Both their meetings in September show unease with a situation in which they see the very fabric of Sector A disintegrating under the not so benign neglect of MASA. They have written to the Town Hall themselves seeking answers.

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Continued from page 3 Last year they had every expectation that they would only exist for a few months before the assimilation of Camposol by Mazarron made them redundant. A year on and there still has been little progress.

What is clear is that technicians from the town hall have furnished MASA with detailed advice on completion on Sector A, but that this has never been followed through. The fundamental point that comes through the whole report is that establishing an entity on Camposol would be extremely difficult, and impossible to run. For starters, the recognition that Sector A has been finished and a fully fledged entity then run on it, with the provision that the rest, and the majority of Camposolers, would then have to wait whilst their recognition led to assimilation into the entity, is just mind boggling.

Equally, some on Sector A have waited ten years for adoption and for their bit of Camposol to be finished, the possibility that this state could go on for years, cannot be joyful news to them. In reality Camposol is no further on that it was five years ago when the public meeting on Sector A of A’s homeowners, surrounded by those from B who had been excluded, broke up in disarray, with the establishment of a group of seven to investigate the basis of the Entity.

Exciting sculptures on Camposol.

If you haven’t been to look, then you still have time. November the 5th saw the opening of Luis Gomez Mateos sculpture

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exhibition. One of Spain’s foremost sculptors; he is from Mazarron. The exhibition at the Business centre on Sector A, shows his work off at its best.

The exhibition has been joined by the specialist foundry, Amando.

What is genuinely innovatory about the exhibition is that normally sculptures are beyond many purses. What the combination of sculptor and foundry has done is to produce miniatures, signed limited editions of the work. Founded in 1810, Amando is one of the few specialist artisan works in Spain, and they can be visited in Murcia. As a separate aside, they can cast any works that you may have and want especially as a miniature.

Their brochures, and a small exhibition of the process are all the Business Centre.

open space lend themselves to art exhibitions. Luis Canovas, Director of the Centre, is keen to promote art, the invitation to a glass of wine and the chance to meet the artist and the proprietor of the Foundry, were there on November the 5th. Few Brits actually attended, and Luis and the sculptor, Luis Gomez Mateos have agreed to another show. This will be on the 21st November at 7PM. Come along and meet the artist, have a glass of wine.

If you can’t come then, do pop in and view the exhibition which is on for a month.

Luis Canovas and Don Luis Gomez Mateos invite all to a show of sculptures and miniatures at Camposol Business Centre on Thursday 21st November at 7PM for a show, chance to meet the artist and a glass of wine.

Spanish modern art is as influential as it has ever been. Certainly the most famed art work of the twentieth century was Spanish, Guernica by Picaasso. Sadly in one respect this is in the tradition of great war art in Spain. A visit to the Prado and viewing of Goya sketches of the Napoleonic wars is the greatest anti war work you will ever see. These sculptures are in that tradition. As his exhibition brochure says, “Something is happening under the soil and hardly anyone realises.

But some of us know; We know that the Master has lit the forge again. Were you to lie down with your ear against a rock, you would hear a succession of blows, a metallic music, a chorus of warriors that we believed to be extinct”.

I will seek and find you . .

I shall take you to bed and have my way with you I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan.

I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop.

I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm finished with you.

And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days.

You can see the exhibition as you drive past. The huge plate glass windows and

Now, get your mind out of the gutter and go get your flu shot!

The Camposol District Journal

Winter Stalker

All my love, The Flu

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

on the ground.

Recently I was in Cartagena bus station where the cafeteria has been beautifully refurbished, everything spotless. I noticed noone smoking so feared they’d made it ‘no smoking’ but upon asking the barwoman she said it was ok to smoke. But I noticed there were no ashtrays, after waiting another five minutes to get her attention, I asked her for a ‘cenicero’ but she told me to use the floor.

This was a challenge for me as the floor was spotless, however it was a challenge I rose to, I mean it’s not what I’m used to, but it makes some sense from a labouring point of view, you have to sweep the floor anyway. This way you don’t have to wash ashtrays as well!

It’s perfectly normal to drink coffee from a glass and have a drop of brandy for good measure.Mullet haircuts aren’t a throw back to the eighties but deemed very acceptable.You can watch Spanish T.V. without cable should you so wish.

Mosquitoes become a part of your life and seem to especially welcome newcomers.

You get used to long life milk and putting ‘aceite de oliva’ on everything.

So to finish I say ‘viva la diferencia’!

It would be a very boring world if every country was the same. If the above phrase is incorrect I apologise but I’m on a deadline and I can’t be bothered to check it.

Hola Amigos!

Hello again. For the last few months I’ve being writing about a fictional character who, as I never named him in previous issues I’ll now name Mr.X. He got a job as a detective in a Madrid police station but had to leave suddenly. He felt he was been pursued by a murdering recruiting sergeant at the station and so made his way to Cartagena and bought a green glittery wig as a disguise. While looking for work as a lifeguard, he spotted Paddio a police informant from his days in Madrid and feared for his safety.

However it transpired that Paddio wasn’t after him but was just in Cartagena looking for a business opportunity. And wanted Mr.X to join him in setting up a Chino shop with bar. However Mr.X was worried that due to a lack of jokes and the fact he was off the whiskey, that his creator (Finbar) wanted to finish the story. he decided to go back on the drink by scaling the wall of a drink warehouse and robbing it for booze. Unfortunately for MrX, he got caught and is now locked up awaiting trial.

Adios amigos Finbar.1@hotmail.com

Beanz meanz ?

Authors note: As I’m convinced of Mr.Xs guilt I’ve decided for morality’s sake that it would be wrong at this stage to continue his story. I may continue with his adventures at a later stage for example if he finds religion or shows remorse for his crime.

So this month I’d like to write about my observations on living as a foreigner in Spain. I’ve been in Spain for three years now and before I write of the differences between my home country and here, I’d like to say I love Spain & the Spanish people and their way of life. That’s why I live here. So my observations are meant in an affectionate way.

Having been told he must lose yet another five stone in weight, trying to find interesting food for my better half is interesting to say the least. However, doing without butter has been an eye opener for me as I have never in my life been without it!

My mother used to have to hide the stuff, ‘cos I was not averse to digging great chunks out at a time. The tell-tale sign of a greasy chin signalled my clandestine grease feast and I always got caught!!! My dad always had milk running down his chin whenever he ate Kellogg cornflakes.

Must be a family trait. Those were the

days when beans only came out of a tin covered in tomato sauce. Nobody I knew spoke about haricot or kidney; if they had, no doubt we would’ve considered them exotic, posh, vegetarian (which equalled eccentric if not mad when I was a kid), and acted accordingly.

Similarly, my introduction to curry was courtesy of Vesta, and consisted of some strange looking bits in a couple of crumbled stock cubes. My parents used to go into raptures, impressed with their amazing ability to eat some “foreign food” and actually like it. Years later, when I could make a decent curry and enthusiastically tripped round to my parents to show them how much better I could do than Vesta, my dad took one look and threw up. A bridge too far.

I have now combined my curry making skills with the delights of all those beans, and have discovered a whole new culinary world , though I still like the childhood variety on my toast as well (sans the half a pound of butter on the toast of course).

Cassandra

Car Boot Sales Canadas is now going great guns on a weekly market and a new one at La Molata Social Centre, Los Munoces has been announced. This will take place on the second and fourth Fridays in the month 7.30AM to 13.00PM with the bar open for snacks. Directions are easy, RM23 exit 4 or RM2 exit 11. If you want more information phone Dave on 660 550 022. So far there is no news on Camposol.

You are driving in a car at a constant speed.

On your left side is a 'drop off', (The ground is 18-20 inches below the level you are travelling on), and on your right side is a fire engine travelling at the same speed as you.

In front of you is a galloping horse, which is the same size as your car and you cannot overtake it. Behind you is a galloping zebra.

Both the horse and zebra are also travelling at the same speed as you.

What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?

Get off the merry go round, you’re drunk!

Sods law states that when arriving in Spain the shops will be closed and you soon learn that here the afternoons are for sleeping not shopping.

Bank holidays arrive at an alarming rate. and always on a day, when you really need a bank or shop to be open.

You learn that ‘ahora’ doesn’t mean now and ‘manana’ doesn’t mean tomorrow.

You’re not surprised a delivery/decorator etc. doesn’t arrive on time; you’re surprised they turned up at all.

It’s acceptable to have a beer before lunch if you so choose and acceptable to mix fanta with red wine!

Mopeds become the soundtrack to your life.

In some Spanish bars it’s acceptable to dump your cigarette ends/serviettes etc.

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The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

The Camposol District Journal Website

Spanish Charities

After a lengthy discussion about what The Camposol District Journal would like to achieve from a website and which direction the magazine would be going, the guys at 2Let2Sell2Buy.Com suggested some great features, thought of ideas that we hadn’t and have come up trumps! Our BRAND NEW website www.thecamposoldistrictjournal.com is packed full of information about the magazines history & the people who run it, not to mention a list of our advertising rates & many distribution points where you can pick up your copy.

Our website will also make readily available each month’s publication, this can be either read online using our online issue viewer or downloaded in PDF format to your computer for later reading. Don’t worry if you missed an issue as we will be keeping a full 12 months backup of each publication online.

Something quite special is our online news section. This will be kept up to date daily, so, if there is any breaking news that happens after our magazine has gone to press you won’t have to wait until next month to hear about it, also we may be publishing special articles online that won’t be found in the magazine so make sure you visit & have a look.

So, all that is left for us to say is visit the website and let us know what you think! www.thecamposoldistrictjournal.com Your monthly independent news website.

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My name is Francisca, I live in Pareton and work in the Farmacia, I think I am a privileged person because I have a home, a job, food and everything I need. I know that the people living in this area have had to work hard for their possessions the same as myself, but we all know there are people in Africa and South America who have nothing or very little.

Most Sundays you can find me in the market in Canadas de Romero working on the stall for my charities, which of course is voluntary. I am next to the Social Centre and Restaurant.

I have a Spanish friend from Cartagena who has worked in Peru for about the last 16 years. Her organisation (O.N.G.) Organisation-Non-Governmental founded primary and secondary schools for children in Peru. These are called “alternative” because the children spend 15 days at the school and 15 days at home practising the lessons to become farmers.

In addition to my stall, there is in Totana a “Solidarity Association for Peruvian children” who would be so grateful for any donations. My other charity is also part of the O.N.G. from the church in Totana. As we all know children in Africa die mostly from hunger. The O.N.G. have organised a “Dining Room” where for as little as 50cents per day a person can have a meal.

other children in Africa and her friend Ana Maria makes bracelets which I sell on my stall, every penny helps !

I would like to say a very big thank you to all those people who have given their support now and in the future, and be assured all monies go directly to the charities without government intervention.

Once again, “thank you “.

Business Association on Camposol On Tuesday December 2nd a meeting will be held at the Camposol Business Centre at 5PM. The meeting supported by Luis Canovas will discuss the possibility of starting an association on Camposol of business, and for those who are self employed. A few are affiliated to the Chamber of Trade in Cartagena, which does sterling work helping businesses with advice on almost any subject, from marketing to licences. At present there is no local organisation and a number of businesses have contacted the Journal to say that it is time that one was considered. A pooling of expertise, a link with the Chamber, putting forward business views to the Authorities, could all be part of its remit.

Why not come along and have your say. All are welcome. If you are interested but unable to come on the day, then drop a note into the Business Centre, or ring Rod Sawyer on 618 553 786.

There is also in Totana a group organised by a lady who works to raise money for

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2Nov/Dec 08

NEWS FROM CAMPOSOL BUSINESS CENTER December’s Health advices from Natalia Garcia, Chiropodist at Camposol Business Center.

Things that you mustn’t do if you’re diabetic.

•Don’t use high heeled, tip narrow shoes or flip flops.

•Don’t wear tight socks.

•To avoid problems, don’t walk barefoot if you can. If you need to do it for religion or culture reasons, you must be careful and avoid risk of burn In hot surfaces and hot climate.

•When you wash your feet, ensure that the water isn’t very hot.

Natural & Tradicional Medicine at Camposol Business Center Jorge Cana, an expert in natural medicine and traditional Chinese medicine opens in Camposol Business Center.

Jorge is renowned throughout the area for his therapeutic treatments. His patients benefit from his wide-ranging knowledge in fields as diverse as: therapeutic Page 7

massage, reflexology, homeopathic remedies such as Bach Flower treatments, as well as other mind, body, spirit treatments such as aura and chakra cleansing and kinesiology.

Sanchez, the owner, will be attending you in the new premises at Camposol Business Center.

Jorge’s client list is a testament to his treatments and has steadily grown since he set up practice in Mazarrón.

Yoga teacher Ana Solano, will be teaching two morning yoga sessions per week at the Camposol Business Center. The classes include a maximum of twelve students, at a cost of 35€ per month (two sessions per week), with no enrolment fee. The classes will be held on Tuesdays between 10:00 and 11:30. Ana is a very experienced teacher who currently teaches in Ramonete and in the Universidad Popular in Mazarrón. For further information and enrolment, please call Camposol Business Center: 968 103 008-968 199 674 (English) – 669 821 220 (Spanish).

For further information at the Business Center , Tel.: 968 103 008 and 968 199 674 (English). 650 763 050 (Spanish).

The Camposol Business Center now offers a Tailoring Service.

Encarnación Guillermo now offers her tailoring and clothes alteration services at the Camposol Business Centre.

Encarnación is well-known locally for the quality of her work. Achieving an excellent look and finish. Encarnación’s services are now available to Camposol residents and those in the surrounding area. She will at the Business Center on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11h00 a 12h00.

Appointments can be taken by calling at 968 103 008 or 968 199 674.

A new dry cleaning service opens in the Business Center.

TORNADO DRY CLEANERS is expanding the services to Camposol residents, by opening new premises in the Camposol Business Center, with a view to offering a better service to its clients and friends, without the need of going to Puerto de Mazarrón for dry cleaning.

Cleaning services include: dry cleaning, carpets, duvets, blankets, day to day washing, ironing services etc. Home delivery is also available. Barbara

The Camposol District Journal

Yoga classes.

UPS Services at Camposol Business Center.

Camposol Business Center in collaboration with Mail Boxes & UPS has reached to an agreement to provide UPS Courier Services to Camposol Residents.

With this new service provided from the Business Center, Camposol Residents will be able to use courier delivery services to anywhere in the world at ordinary UPS Rates (no extra charges are being applied) avoiding any phone calls and delays. Just call in at Camposol Business Center and deliver your courier.

As opening promotion Camposol Business Centre offers a 10% Discount on Ordinary UPS rates until 31st of December 2008 to enable all Camposol Residents the delivery of their christmas presents.

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legal and secure way at very competitive prices.

Don’t forget!

Drop in at the Business centre and see the sculpture exhibition, or accept our invitation to meet the artist on the 21st November at 7PM, and enjoy a glass of wine and on the 28th at 11AM, a second chance to explore the value of Herbalife, a key to good diet and a healthy life, see all the products first hand. On the 2nd December at 5PM a chance to put your point of view on a Business Association for Camposol and District!

As per the television network, agreements are being reached with mediacommunication networks, which will also allow Camposol Residents in the very near future to obtain television services totally legal and in good order.

For further information about these new services please contact Camposol Business Centre at 968 103 008 / 968 199 674 or just call in.

Best Wishes Telephone, Internet & Television Services all in one, for Camposol Residents.

Camposol Business Centre, continuing with its aim of providing services for Camposol Residents, has reached to an agreement with Comvenza Consulting and Awa Communications for an integrated system of telephone, internet and television network.

Negotiations with this major telecommunications companies based respectively in Madrid and Valencia were initiated last February and field research begun in June.

As a result of this negotiation and research process, Camposol will be in a position to have a sound and effective telephone & internet network by the end of the year 2008, which will enable Camposol residents to communicate themselves with the rest of the world at local & international level with a reliable,

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You can now order from the Argos catalogue At Best Wishes in Camposol and at the Port store.

Place your order on Monday or Tuesday and receive your goods the following Friday.

You can also send items to any U.K. address as well.

Minimum transport charge is only 10 euros.

This is for smaller items.

Exclusive to All Best Wishes Stores.

Just released in the U.K. in July this year.

It’s the all new Mi shake pod.

Like an I pod, only much better, load thousands Of photos and music files, even up to 4 full length feature films in high quality, very light weight and 4.1.screen size. Shake it and it moves on the next track,photo, of movie clip.

The Camposol District Journal

Books We have a massive selection of books just arrived, Paperbacks from only 5.50 euros all brand new.Hardbacks from only 15.00 euros. Boxed quality xmas greeting cards 3.00 or 2 for 5.50.Luxury Christmas crackers also now in store, excellent gifts inside.

Games We have the brand new Comprendo board game in Store now, this is a brilliant way to learn Spanish while having fun playing the game, available at all Best Wishes Stores.

As a PS, the store has moved in the port, not far, but is now almost next to the Mercadona entrance.

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

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The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1 Issue -2 Nov/Dec 08

The Inner Game – Part 1

By John Brown You know that voice that pops up when you’ve carved a big slice into the lake?

The voice that tells you, in no uncertain terms, that you are a ‘stupid idiot’ or worse. Where does it come from?

We all appear to have one of these inner voices. This inner voice can helpfully come to your assistance just before you play, for example, over a wide ravine by telling you to remember the last time you played this shot and that you dumped it over the edge last time. It is the same voice that will offer you kindly advice as you stand over a four-foot downhill sliding left to right putt, by telling you to make sure you hit it softly or it will roll at least 6 foot past the hole into definite three putt range!

As part of the Ryder Cup previews, several members of the European Team described their first tee nerves. They knew that they would be parading through a cheering gauntlet of about 10,000 vociferous fans. The starter will announce their name, the crowd will scream, a serious hush will then descend as the shot is lined up. The players can barely hold their club in their hands. Their brains have turned to mush and they make a hopeful swipe at the ball. If the ball moves forward and finds the fairway – it is an enormous bonus. Then they are off and away.

One of the previewers (I think it was David Howell) said that he relied on Timothy Gallwey’s method for concentrating on the shot. He used Gallweys ‘Back-Hit’ swing Page 10

thought. I was intrigued. Here was a serious professional golfer picking up tips from an unorthodox amateur, and recommending them on national TV. I rummaged through my golfing library and re-read the text.

Timothy Gallwey wrote his golf-psychology type text in 1979. His intention was to try out his tennis-based psychology-coaching method on himself as he set about learning how to play the great game of golf at the ripe old age of 40. He had already been a tennis pro, a tennis coach and written a text on the inner game of tennis and skiing.

The ‘back-hit’ method emerged as a result of his documenting his efforts at learning to play golf using his previously tested tennis methods. Gallwey asked his tennis pupils to forget about ‘swing-thoughts’ on the tennis court. He asked them instead to focus only on the ball bouncing in their half of the court as it crossed the net, and to say to themselves the word ‘bounce’ as it hit the ground, followed by the word ‘hit’ as they hit the tennis ball. They were told to stop ‘trying’ to place the ball and to simply let it happen ‘automatically’ as a result of their ‘bounce-hit’ methods.

Gallwey discovered that his pupils made far greater progress when they stopped concentrating on technique and just let it happen naturally using the ‘bounce-hit’ method among other techniques.

This ‘emptying your mind’ of self-doubt method was then developed within the golf swing. Gallwey tried various attempts to replicate the bounce-hit method within the golf-swing. He eventually settled upon ‘back-hit.’ All the golfer needed to do was

The Camposol District Journal

say to themselves ‘back’ at the end of the backswing, followed by the word ‘hit’ at impact.

The reason for this success was based on the absence of worry, self-doubt or any over-focus on technique. Gallwey was convinced that players couldn’t ‘think’ a good shot as it was a physical movement, and that they had to feel it. When there was no anxiety about where the ball would go it went where you wanted it to go. In other words when it didn’t matter, the shot was hit properly.

We’ve all done this, haven’t we? When we re-take a crucial putt that was missed, it invariably goes in at the second attempt.

When the pressure has gone and it doesn’t count, we can hole it easily.

Timothy Gallwey tried to recreate this ‘natural’ learning and inner confidence in his students. He then documented the application of his own techniques as applied to himself in his book - The Inner Game of Golf. Within a year of playing only once a week in bounce games and an interim practice session, he got his handicap down from 18 to 7. There were two key aspects to understanding Timothy Gallwey’s methods: 1. How golfers learn, and 2. How golfers manage their Inner Game.

The key to learning golf technique was to ‘feel’ the golf-swing, develop better swing self-awareness and to have fun when learning. Gallwey was convinced that the over-emphasis on practicing swingpositions was fundamentally incorrect.

Golf instruction over-emphasised positional technique and repetitive practice, in his view.

Continued on page 11 Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Continued from page 10 The other aspect of orthodox golfinstruction that Gallwey was critical of was the golf teaching-pro’s over-emphasis on ‘fault-correction.’ A typical golf-pro would say: “You are slicing the ball wildly because your stance is wrong, you are aiming too far left, you are swaying on the backswing too much and you are dragging your left side left wards too early.” This is a focus on ‘not doing’ something, or trying to put your body into the ‘right’ position.

Gallwey wanted to re-create the same ‘natural’ learning that occurred when children learned to walk, run or to ride a bike. We don’t write instruction books about how to walk, he stated. If we had to concentrate on lifting one foot, and the getting the right weight transfer, before putting the other foot down, we would never manage it. With a pupil who was slicing the ball, Gallwey would ask them to forget where the ball was going and to focus instead on what the golfer could feel. He asked pupils to rate their slices on a scale of 1 to 10. Score a10 for a wild slice, and 3 for a mild fade. He asked tem which aspects of the swing contributed to the wild slice, and which aspects contributed to the moderate fade. In doing this pupils learned how to straighten their shots by feeling the swing and rating the shot, not by ‘thinking’ and concentrating on what they are doing wrong.

All forms of swing-thoughts and positions were eliminated from Gallwey’s coaching sessions. Gallwey’s lessons included swinging with your eyes closed; humming during your swing; imagining swinging like

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As part of the proposed CRA sponsored Autumn Clean up Campaign a detailed look at the current problems of waste & rubbish on Camposol has been undertaken. This short report is intended to give an overview of the situation and proposes the way in which the CRA will try to manage the problems and ensure that Camposol becomes a more enjoyable atmosphere to live in.

around than others the general feeling is that Camposol is quite litter free and certainly cleaner than most other urban/rural areas around Mazarron. This is certainly true in many areas where those local to the specific areas take it upon themselves to pick up litter and sweep their streets.

To improve the situation it is intended to take the following action: a. Encourage more small groups and individuals to take responsibility for their local areas. b. In a few weeks time print a timetable of ongoing litter clearing mornings where groups meet in an organised fashion to clear litter and small waste from particularly bad areas. We already have over 30 volunteers for this project and if you want to take part then please give your name in at the CRA desk every day between 4pm & 5pm in the Rumours post room.

The most obvious area with a problem of litter is the commercial centre on sector B. Although the local traders have made efforts to previously clean the area unfortunately it still remains an eyesore.

The CRA comitee take the view that it is the responsibility of the traders to get together as a whole to try and resolve this problem and it would be impractical for the CRA to manage an ongoing project in this area.

Bin Areas: Generally the problem with bin areas revolves around the number of bins to be found in any one location. Where there are up to 4 bins, the area tends to remain quite clean

Litter: Although there are areas that seem to have more litter blowing and laying

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a superstar such as Jack Nicklaus, etc.

Instead of telling a pupil that their grip was ‘wrong,’ and to change it to ‘gripping it this way,’ the Gallway method teaching pro would ask the pupil to focus on what their grip felt like when they swung it ‘light’ and when they swung it ‘tight.’ He would ask the pupil to feel the way that other parts of the body shifted as the grip position shifted, and to try those positions out. This was part of the fun learning – the results of the shots were less important than the fun of playing about with aspects of the swing. There was no ‘one best way’ to learn how to swing the club. There were lots of different ways to learn and learning could be fun.

Next month – The Inner Game.

The Inner Game of Golf, by Timothy Gallwey, Random House books, 1981.

There are some free chapters from the Inner Game of Work at Gallwey’s website: http://www.theinnergame.com

C.R.A . Pre Autumn Clean Up Report

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Continued from page 11 When you get any number over this such as at the top of sector D (40) or the roundabout half way up B sector (8) then, because they are seen as a drive up facility, they become overfull and any excess is either piled high on the bins or dumped in the general area. They also invite those with a lack of thought for others or the environment to dump old furniture, green waste etc.

To improve the situation it is intended to take the following action: a. Following a proposed idea from the soon to be established sector D action group, look at splitting the bins into smaller strategically placed numbers around Camposol. Of course there is no one who wants the bins outside of their front door, but with a little planning it is thought that this could be avoided. b. Start an awareness campaign of community responsibility in disposing of larger waste in the correct manner rather than dumping it wherever you want. c. Continue to push for more green bins (as on sector A) for all of Camposol. d. Advertise and support the Mobile Ecoparque service which will soon be a regular feature of life on Camposol.

Currently we believe it will be available every Thursday at the commercial sector on sector A. We will try to get the council to implement a programme of the mobile being available at different places on Camposol on a regular basis. e. Continue to encourage, support and increase the number of local residents who sensibly use and clean the bins in their area.

Green Areas (including roundabouts): The maintaining of green areas is an ongoing process which needs a continuous proactive solution.

To improve the situation it is intended to take the following action: a. Continue to push MASA to carry on with its gardening team. b. Support the Mercer project to fund a full time in-dependant gardening team. c. Continue to encourage more residents to set up and maintain their own local green areas. d. Following on from an idea of Rod Sawyer to have local businesses adopt a roundabout and ensure it remains attractive and tidy. We are currently talking with the council about having signs from the business responsible located on their particular roundabout.

Building Materials: Currently on Camposol there are several areas with discarded building materials such as pipes and precast concrete stairs and manhole covers. During its regular meetings with MASA the CRA is asking that MASA remove materials back to its compound on the hill by the new aerial farm.

Rubble: Although this does not seem such a big problem there are still lots of small piles of building rubble around Camposol.

The CRA has spoken to a local trader who is willing to remove and discard of this rubble in his free time. Because of the high cost of fuel he would like to have the cost of the diesel fuel used in his digger and lorry to be recompensed. We feel that this is a very generous offer and because the CRA does not have specific funds to cover this cost we are going to start a Clean Up Campaign Fund. Although it is thought that this particular cost will only run to a few hundred euros any excess will be used for skips etc. should they be required.

Dumping Sites: It has been negotiated Page 12

with MASA that a number of dumping sites will be allocated for the disposal of green waste and rubble. At the end of each month MASA will provide a lorry and digger to clear up these areas and dispose of the rubbish. We think B, C & D sectors should have their own dumping sites and are asking for the people on Camposol help to decide where each should be placed. Once this consultation has taken place then this project will commence. It is important that each site is accessible to lorries. You can leave your suggestions at the post room at Rumours every day between 4pm and 5pm, leave a message on any of the local MSN groups or email info@thenewcamposolcourier.com.

Donations to the Clean Up Campaign Fund can be made to any committee member or placed in the box to be found on the CRA desk every afternoon between 4pm and 5pm in the Rumours post room.

This ambitious report has been backed by a meeting at the Sensol Golf Club. Over two hundred packed the meeting, which gives some idea of the interest. The intention was to concentrate on the “clean up”. Understandably others at the meeting wanted to widen the debate. Greg from the CRA chaired what was a lively meeting! There will be another in January with more publicity in the December edition. All over Camposol individual owners and groups have been doing there best to improve their local areas. Take a look on C and on D35 and you will see what collective action can do. What is great about all of this is that it is the result of people power rather than committee action! It clearly shows that Camposolers really care about their local environment.

This is also clear on the internet where again there is a lot of encouragement.

permanent notices covering tipping, and instructions for rubbish disposal. Another is a dedicated time to clear rubbish; this will need removal lorries or skips. These again will cost money. It is clear that neither MASA nor the Town Hall will be willing to help in this respect. The Chairman of the Sector A has indicated that he is against such a fund.

First Camposol Clean Up Day This will be held on Thursday the 20th November, starting at 10.30am.

Activities will include relocation of bins on D Sector & Walk Though clean up of litter and small items of rubbish from open areas.

Volunteers are asked to assemble at the large bin site on the dual-carriageway at the top of D sector to be allocated their areas.

Please bring along bin bags etc.. for the collection of waste. Anyone that has access to a trailer and are willing to transport rubbish small distances would be welcome.

Everyone, wherever they live on Camposol will be welcome and we look forward to a real community event.

There are those who are doubtful, and a few who are themselves contributing to the deterioration. Why should we clear up?

Isn’t that MASA’s job? Short answer is, yes it is but MASA have clearly indicated that they intend to do the minimum. We can do little about the roads or the huge green spaces, we can clean up and ensure that the areas adjacent to our homes are looked after. This makes sense, doesn’t it?

However some of the ideas do require cash. One very good one is

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2Nov/Dec 08

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2Nov/Dec 08

VISIT OUR OFFICE

Registration Number: 197569

Camposol Heating & Maintenance S.L. Installation, Maintenance & Servicing of Heating Systems, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Water Tanks & Pumps Visit our Office within Nicky G Translation Services, Camposol Sector B or See us at Kennellys on the last Friday of each month

Kevin Hicks 968 199 184 or 646 965 082 www.camposolheating.com or email us at info@camposolheating.com Page 15

The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Beckham Kennelly Three months ago Beckham Kennelly set out on a long trail to acceptance by Real Murcia Football team. Real Murcia, whose stadium you pass on the motorway, is Murcia’s premier team. Until this year they were in the premier division, sadly demoted last season to the first division, they are still a huge professional football team.

Two months ago Beckham, aged nine, set out with 250 Spanish youngsters to gain entry into the Murcian team’s junior squad. His first trial was a disappointment; Beckham did not feel he had acquitted himself at all well. Shaun his Dad had more faith and it was an excited friend

who rang Shaun a fortnight later to say he had spotted Beckham’s name on the list.

Another seven trials, and three months of three days a week training at El Pareton, our nearest accessible football pitch, right across the heat of the summer, and Beckham is now a fully fledged member of the 9/10 year old team. At 10 he has to compete again, and again at 12 for the 12/14 age group. He must show progress at every level.

What is magnificent about Beckhams achievement? Well, he is one of three players and one goal keeper to be accepted from the original 250, and of course, he is not Spanish, but British. As a postscript, Beckham has now played games not just for the 9/10 age group, but two for the older age group, both of which were won convincingly with Beckham scoring in each match.

What is a shame is that he has to travel all the way to Pareton to practise.

It’s not far, but a definite chore when it is three or four times a week. “Some of our neighbours have been distinctly

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unsympathetic, and tried to stop Beckham kicking a ball about on the waste ground even,” says Shaun. In fact there are no

facilities for youngsters on Camposol whatsoever. Playground equipment does exist, but as yet no where to put it and no money to erect it. Camposol must be the only urbanisation in the whole of Spain without a playground. Neighbours stopped the use of the football pitch on C, where it was said there was inadequate fencing.

The only facility on Camposol that exists is the golf course, which of course was not built for children anyway. What is ironic is that we do seem to care more for the canine population than we do for our children and visiting grand children. What is even stranger is that neither of our committees have it on their agendas.

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META HALLOWEEN CAMP

1º- Hannah with Lulu (gold medal) 2º- Kayleigh with Lily (silver medal) 3º sophie with Ecolo (bronze medal) 4º- Becky with Tango (rosette)

The day of the META Pre-Hallowe’en Camp was spooktacular and was filled with happy campers. Jasmine, Natasha, Olivia, Naomi, Silvia, Me (Hannah), Becky and Sophie all enjoyed the camp. We enjoyed spooky stories, toasted marshmallows, papier mâche masks and lots more freaky fun……………………….

After a fab riding lesson we got changed into our pyjamas. Then we all went to eat tasty hot dogs and we sat around the magnificent, flickering campfire. We toasted marshmallows around the warm light and told VERY scary stories! We were all screaming! The marshmallows were brilliant!

One last drink, and we made it back to our tents, Becky, Sophie and me in one and Silvia, Veronica, Olivia, Natasha and Naomi in the other. We had a nice sleep and when we woke up we had ‘Churros and Chocolate’, we helped out on a hack and cleaned the stables.

(UNDER 9 YEARS) 1º- Inmaculada, 2ºEllie, 3º- Daisy (medals: gold, silver, bronze) (OVER 9 YEARS) 1º- Hannah, 2ºJasmine, 3º-Naomi (medals: gold, silver, bronze) CHASE ME CHARLIE: (seniors) 1º- Hannah with Lulu(horse) 2º- Kayleigh with Lily(horse) 3º- Sophie with Ecolo(horse) 4º- Becky with Tango(horse) They all got rosettes.

We made very artistic masks and brilliant bats. We had pizza for lunch and we made some very tasty pizzas! All in all a marvellous Hallowe’en Camp.

By Hannah Daibell FANCY DRESS: TEAM: -Lily (horse) with: Becky, Georgia, Olivia, Natasha…… medal for the horse and rosettes for the girls INDIVIDUAL:

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ALL CLEAR ROUNDS: (seniors)

The Camposol District Journal

GYMKHANA: Beginners: 1º- Carmen (gold m.)

2º- Zach (silver m.)

3º- Jose Juan (bronze m.)

Runners up: Ellie, Isabel, Maria-Loreto and Daisy (rosettes) Intermediate: 1º- Olivia (gold m.)

2º- Jasmine (silver m.)

3º- Maria (bronze m.)

Runners up: Natasha, Georgia, Naomi and Inmaculada (rosettes)

Local Gymkhana The gymkhana was great fun. Both our guests loved watching the youngest children, some very small indeed, parading up and down, the start to the gymkhana being prizes for the best dressed Halloween horse and riders. The littlest children took part in exercises which involved riding the horse, picking up objects, tramping through old car tyres whilst leading the horse, all designed to help the tots with confidence and dexterity. The older riders had tries at two different events.

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Weekly Events New darts and pool league at Kennellys, see ad. Both Saladillo Vista & The Steak out are doing pre Christmas lunches. Please ring for details and booking! La Pena pre Christmas fayre evening menu 15€.Scotties Tuesday night steak night Sundays Scotties at El Pareton, full English breakfast til 1PM. Steve & Michelle’s kitchen at Kennelly’s, all day Sunday brunch, choose your own! The Trevi on B, open every night for meals.

Scoobys & The Steak Out, karaoke. Alley Palais karaoke with Byron. Alley Palais always open for food! New Quiz at Cats on sector A Sunday Lunches The Steak Out, Scotties at El Pareton, Don Ricardos alternative menu, Saladillo Vista, Magnolia, Market Tavern. Sunday carvery at La Pena in the port, NB Friday and Saturday night as well! Market Tavern has a 12.50€ pre xmas Sunday lunch deal!!

Mondays Saladillo Vista-quiz, Scoobys-music quiz, Kennellys-line dancing, Ciao Italia at Canadas Community Centre menu diario changes daily €9 inc. drink & coffee, The Steak Out-Karaoke.

Alley Palais Bowling league. Kennellys kitchen, special 3.95€ menu Tuesdays Saladillo Vista-fish & chips, Kennellys-bingo, The Steak Out-quiz.

Scoobys-karaoke with Byron.

Wednesdays Scotties at Pareton-karaoke, Saladillo Vista-bingo in afternoon & Berni Mac evening karaoke & happy Hour 10 til 11PM. The Treviquiz with Bob. Cats karaoke with Cee Jay Thursdays Scoobys-quiz, Golf Club Camposol-live music with wine at €5.50 & beer 2 for 1!

Kennelys kitchen & Scottie special Fish and Chip days! Ladies Darts at Cats.

Sensol Golf Club, AWOL & The Mad hatters, !buy 1 get1 free! Plus wine 5.50€ a bottle Fridays Saladillo Vista-bingo snowball, Scotties at El Pareton-fish & chips & Quiz-meat raffle drawn, Sensol golf club-BBQ night at €12 from 7PM. Bingo at Cats in the evening.

Scoobys-karaoke with Byron Alley Palais House and R&B with Kev.G Saturdays Scoobys & Golf club-live entertainment, Kennellys-Veronica Karaoke, Market Tavern €10 curry night. Alley Palais karaoke & disco with Bernie Mac Bingo Saladillo Vista-Wednesday afternoon & Friday evening, KennellysTuesday night Quizes Saladillo Vista- Monday Night, The Steak Out-Tuesday night, Scotties Friday night, Scoobys-Monday night music quiz & Thursday night fun, Trevi- Bobs fun Wednesday quiz Karaoke Scotties-Wednesday night with Byron, Saladillo Vista-Wednesday night with Berni Mac, The Steak Out Monday & Friday night, Kennellys Saturday with Veronica, Scoobys-Tuesday, Friday, Sunday. Alley Palais Sundays with Byron, Saturdays with Bernie Mac.

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Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Takeaways The Trevi does pizzas & burgers, the Pasty Shack in the port is a bakery & tea room, sandwiches, pasties sweet as well as savoury, pizzas & specials! Chocolate & Churros British sweets now available.

Sunday 16th November & Monday 17th Kennellys- Marc Robinson as Buddy Holly, €10 Please note, Sunday now sold out!

Tuesday 18th - Scoobys karaoke with Byron Wednesday 19th - Fiesta committee Race Night at Kennellys Thursday 20th - Sensol Golf Club, AWOL & The Mad Hatters, reminder every Thursday Buy1 get1 free Friday 21st - Scoobys karaoke with Byron House and R&B with DJKEVG at Alley Palais Saturday 22nd - Sensol Golf Club One Time Scotties of El Pareton, Rat Pack night plus 3 course meal Friday 21st - Kennellys, Salty Dog House and R&B with DJKEVG at Alley Palais Wednesday 26th - Don Ricardos Game Night, 25€, venison, pheasant, rabbit & wild boar choices!!!

Thursday 27th - Scotties of El Pareton, Curry night, “war of the spices” Saturday 29th - Sensol Golf Club, Little Rock Band Scoobys live artistes night free Sunday 30th - Kennellys, Barrington Bares his Soul!

The one and only Barrington does a gig in aid of Andrea’s Canine Rescue at 9PM Monday 1st December - Scotties of El Pareton, A La Mode jazz evening Friday 5th - Kennellys, Brendan O’Dee special. House and R&B with DJKEVG at Alley Palaisl Saturday 6th - Sensol Golf Club No Trace Scoobys, free live artistes night Sunday 7th - Cats on sector A, Bikers meet in evening Tuesday 9th - Kennelly’s mixed singles bowling competition, entries by the 7th, 3€ non members.

Friday 12th - Coffin Dodgers rock n roll club!

House and R&B with DJKEVG at Alley Palais Saturday 13th - Sensol Golf Club Protocol Scoobys, live and free!

Tuesday 16th - Sensol Golf Club Xmas Party with Paul Melba Comedy Impressionist + Salty Dog Tickets 12e or 25e with 2 course dinner Tel:699203136 Thursday 18th - Scotties at El Pareton, ultimate curry night of 2008.

Friday 19th - Last chance for a bargain at the Kennelly Market. House and R&B with DJKevG at Alley Palias Saturday 20th - Sensol Golf Club, Little Rock Band Kennelly’s Children’s Xmas Party 3€ 5 til 8PM Scoobys special artistes night free Monday 22nd Alley Palais, karaoke & disco with Bernie Mac Wednesday 24th Christmas Eve The Steak out party, disco and karaoke, Scoobys Party, Alley Palais with DJKevG, Trevi, Cats, Saladillo vista Thursday 25th Christmas Day - Christmas Lunch still available at Saladillo Vista, The Steak Out, Don Ricardos Friday 26th Boxing day- Still a trad day for footie in many barsBut horse racing at Cats, and evening disco at Alley Palais with DJKevG

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Continued from page 19

Cat’s on Camposol!

Both involved jumping, and although we are not talking two meters high, all managed jumps over a meter. It was exciting to watch. There were clear rounds, some refusals and even a fall, fortunately with no damage to rider or horse. It is interesting to watch different riders on the same horse and to realise just how different horses are from each other. One in particular was just a bit skittish and managed to dump its rider!

More ignominy than hurt! It is great fun to watch children thoroughly enjoying themselves at a sport which they are learning.

No not the musical, and not that beleaguered group of owners and animals on dog ridden Camposol either, but the new bar which has replaced what was the Cubana followed by the Sports bar.

Upstairs is still the Campa Vista lounge bar and restaurant, Dougie and Jenny’s domain, though currently up for sale as well.

Why the name Cat’s? The new owners are well known on Camposol, Mike and Marilyn Munday, who run M&M Cleaning & Property services. However it is their daughter Catherine Hart who will be running the outfit. She has worked there since she came to Camposol two and half years ago. No jokes, she is blond and is from Rochford Essex. She came here when Peugeot Motors closed their Ryton factory and her job which was running the companys workforce motor scheme came to an abrupt end. Like her parents she has found a real home on Camposol and is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of a new bar.

Cat’s was originally eight years ago, the first British retail shop on Camposol, although in those days, there was not a great deal of merchandise. It became the Cubana, well known for its early opening and late finish and of course its Cuban proprietor. Dougie and Jenny took over both upstairs and downstairs and for the first time the stairs were opened up. They have run the two successfully for two years but are now selling up. The Sports Bar is the first part of the sale.

Many of you will know Richard and his wife who run Don Ricardos in the port.

They have four daughters, all of whom, including the baby, ride. They have their own horse, Lulu which is kept at ME&TA and this is of course a big advantage.

Richard says, “It is expensive, but there is so much to gain from riding, learning patience for a start, caring for an animal and looking after it. Even if the children and the majority don’t, own a horse, then they still are involved in preparing the horse they ride and sponging it down afterwards.” All the young riders were stunning, Becky Birkenshaw, Sophie Clarke, Kayleigh Gray and of course Hannah Daibell with her horse Lulu. Two have been riding only just over year and three of them attend Siglo School in the port. They all love Spain and feel they have adjusted to school and the social life her. A real pleasure to meet all of them.

Cat intends to maintain a lot of the old

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ethos. A quiz will be held on a Sunday initially, bingo being kept on a Friday night with karaoke on a Wednesday evening.

Wide screen TV with a daily dose of horse racing will be available to all who follow the sport of kings, flat, hurdles and the fences. It is great to have a bar which caters for something other than football or golf! Should be remembered that weight watchers are there, and perhaps intriguingly, the bikers run a meet there.

They were there on the 2nd of November and are coming back on the evening of the 7th December, and welcome new supporters.

Another group who meet there is “Friends and Buddies” organised by Ann Lambert.

The bar will be open on Christmas Day, and although the details have yet to be finalised there will be a New Years Eve Party. So a new logo joins the What’s On section in the middle of the Journal. Cat is being joined by Becky, who of course worked in the Vista previously, and the two will provide what will always be a welcoming and friendly bar atmosphere.

Police heist!

Local Police were on Camposol, booking drivers who had the temerity to park on the road on Sector B commercial centre.

Fortunately there were not many there.

The police themselves were also parked on the roadside right on the car park entrance. Did they book themselves? You are warned, the locals are taking an interest in Camposol, so watch your speed and watch where you park!

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What’s On & Out and About.

Rod Sawyer The next month is chock a block. From the 16th November to the New Year there is something to do! The main point is that it is fiesta time in Bolnuevo, the port and Mazarron. The month from mid November to mid December has fairs, music, events, some daytime some classically Spanish and late night. There are a couple of things to remember! Firstly, don’t have great expectation of Christmas Eve. For the Spanish this is a family day and night with even restaurants closed. Christmas Day is similar, but there are venues like the Costa Costa in Mazarron who will provide three lunch services for over 150 all told. New Years Eve is expensive, expect to pay way over what you would normally, but remember staff, acts etc all cost three times the price! It is being passed on to you! Some will close at Christmas, Magnolia has already announced that it will close over Christmas, from the 23rd and open again on the 28th of December for the New Year. They are visiting the UK and sick relatives. That being said, there will be plenty of places offering free entertainment over the holiday period.

The key area for starters is Bolnuevo.

Here the Sardine Festival kicks off the weekend of the 16th November. There is a week of parades, services, and of course the celebration on the beach. Not to be missed! In Mazarron itself there will after that be fiestas associated with La Purisima. It is always very difficult to get

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hold of programmes, events and times.

Best bet is to visit the tourist office in the port.

I have been writing restaurant reviews now for three years! I am not fed up, forgive the terrible pun, with them, but for health reasons am having to lose weight and follow a very restricted diet. If it weren’t for me dogs and me wife, then life would really not be worth living. However we did manage to get to two restaurants this month. We sampled, along with our visitors, Jason’s curries at Scotties, their “war of the spices.” Now this is a curry home, from Bradford, curries used to be our business. Served buffet style, with pupodoms and a pickle tray to start, it was more than passable. We have always liked Jason’s Sunday lunches, and his curries have now joined our A list!. One Thursday we had been late at meetings and got back too late for anything.

However the Trevi was open and we were not the last ones in either. It is some time since I ate there and we wanted something simple, and something not too far from my diet! In the end Rathnait had a bowl of pasta, which she pronounced very enjoyable. She would have like more pine nuts! I had a a very tasty pizza. It had a very thin base, good for me! In fact I lost a couple of slices to Rathnait, who really liked it. I had asked for extra chillies on what was already a hot concoction. We downed the lot with a carafe of red wine at €5. The whole lot came to less than €20. the internet has recently been full of complaints about costs. Well, it is a fact that many of us are now 25% worse off due to the exchange rate and do not go out as much as perhaps we did. But the

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problem all the businesses have on Camposol is the crippling costs of the rents to MASA. Any way, this is a plea. I need you to write into me with your reviews. Please, I do not print negative reviews. If I don’t like somewhere I don’t go back. But as I have said before, restaurants and chefs can have an off night. A key problem is consistency.

Maintaining a consistent quality is not easy. Many don’t and it is the mark of a good one that it does. The other point always to remember is that people do have different tastes. That being said, I would welcome some reviews from you, new places, or golden oldies.

As well as all the fiesta activities, there is plenty to do over the next month. Cats, the replacement for Saladillo Vista Sport Bar will be running a range of activities.

Interestingly it will be running horse racing on Boxing Day as an alternative to football. Upstairs Dougie will be open on Christmas day for lunch at 39.50€ Dougie is also running pre Christmas lunches, you need to ring and book. Last year Anjels ran a very successful series of pre Christmas lunches.This year Dougie, the Steak Out, The Market Tavern and La Pena are all offering this innovation. The La Pena Christmas fayre is available from December 1st at 15€, evenings only! The Market Tavern on Sundays from 30th November at 12.50 for a full xmas dinner, and drinkies for parties of four or more.

Given the number who go back to the UK over Xmas or the number who have pre Xmas visitors surprising more don’t do it.

Continued on page 30

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Continued from page 29 Two restaurants are doing re-launches.

Kennelly’s kitchen, now under Gemma and Mandy is doing a Friday Fish & Chips at €7, between 2PM and 6PM, and a short menu from the 17th November, with chicken and chips, spag bol, bangers and mash, ham, egg & chips, from 4PM til 7PM at 3.95€! The new Scotties at El Pareton is doing a steak night, three courses including an 8 oz rump steak with all the trimmings! It’s also running two of its successful curry nights; end of November and again on the 19th December. There really are some good deals going at the moment. The Steak Out is doing pre Christmas traditional dinners, alongside its Christmas Day deal, and its Christmas Eve and new Years Eve parties.

Kennelly’s have announced that their Buddy Holly Tribute on Sunday 16th November is full and they are holding a second night on the Monday. Great news for Buddy Holly fans. Their children’s Christmas Party is on the 20th. Always very successful, particularly if you have visiting grand children! The Steak Out still has a few places for its Xmas Day six courser! The Sensol Golf club has a Christmas programme, organised by Kim, and it is great to see Scooby’s and TJ’s back in action, Scooby’s with its events and TJ’s as the bar determined to stay a bar! What you can count on at TJ’s is that day or evening, it is a place where you can get a quiet convivial drink!

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Alley Palais has its normal programme, its Monday Night Bowling League, Friday Night disco with DJ Kev, who plays up to date music rather than that of the sixties or seventies, and has proved very popular.

Byron is there every Thursday and over Christmas they are closed Christmas Day but open every other night. Christmas Eve is a party night as is Boxing Day, with DJ Kev, who is also doing New Years Eve. One event not to miss at Kennellys is on the 30th November, when Barrington will be appearing for the night. Ever popular, he does few gigs round here these days and this is a special one sponsored by Private Hire Service and the new photo shop on sector A. It is to raise funds for Andreas canine protection charity.

Don Ricardos has announced a Thai night, a “game” night, with the chance to sample wild boar and pheasant, in addition to its Christmas Day programme.

Love and Marriage After 20 years of marriage, a couple was lying in bed one evening, when the wife felt her husband begin to fondle her in ways he hadn't in quite some time.

It almost tickled as his fingers started at her neck, and then began moving down past the small of her back. He then caressed her shoulders and neck, slowly worked his hand down over her breasts, stopping just over her lower stomach. He then proceeded to place his hand on her left inner arm, caressed past the side of

The Camposol District Journal

her breast again, working down her side, passed gently over her buttock and down her leg to her calf. Then, he proceeded up her inner thigh, stopping just at the uppermost portion of her leg. He continued in the same manner on her right side, then suddenly stopped, rolled over and started to watch the television.

As she had become quite aroused by this caressing, she asked in a loving voice, 'That was wonderful. Why did you stop?'

He said, 'I found the remote'.

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

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The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Out & About October means visitors to us, our closest friends and relatives all seem to prefer autumn and spring to High Summer for some unknown reason! Taking the dogs for an early morning walk is a pleasant affair, not a chore any more. “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” comes to mind. The land has a green sheen of grass over it, wild rosemary is beginning to bloom and the seemingly dead thyme has come back to life. At the top of Sector A in the early morning you look down on the mists in the valleys. With the far mountains sticking up through clouds.

Reminds me of my beloved Dales or Lakes. Except for the fact that it is always welly time and umbrellas and raincoats, here just trousers and a shirt!

One regular visitor is our long term best friend, or rather Rathnait’s long term best friend! Since we used to holiday together for six weeks at a time camping with kids, our relationship is pretty solid! She fits in, they have been horse riding at META, a big success this year with all our visitors, riders and non riders. On the old Murcia Road past the big motorway roundabout at the turn off to Alhama, META provides a great and cheap day out. €20 for a lesson, plus horse cuddles, is excellent value, especially as the non combatants can sit on the terrace watch your antics and the mountain scenery, whilst sipping drinks! They have even removed the chore of getting on the horse in the first place, via a mounting area! Walks round the paddock, led by one of the grooms, expeditions outside for the experienced riders, what more can you want? The Page 32

adjacent village even has that great restaurant la Caverna. That night we ventured into the port, with the idea of shopping for shoes, a must for some visitors, and I am amazed at bargains that can be picked for 10€, Spanish NOT Chinese! Have to be careful and remember the saying “knows the price of everything and the value of nothing”. Now who said that? I spent a very pleasant hour waiting for the ladies drinking excellent coffee at the corner bar and restaurant on the Paseo. It is a pleasanter time of the year, very few Spanish at 8PM, but quite a few English tourists, not many locals. I got myself a Daily Mail from the little kiosk just off the street leading to the Chins by the entrance to the underground car park. And sat down, advising one couple who spoke no Spanish at all, on the menu, which has no English translations! But I do think that paella mixed at €8 is fairly self explanatory!

Another guy whose mobile had run out of battery about the public phone shop just down by the Tabac, and how cheap it is to phone from there! My two arrived back complete with successful shoe shopping.

Where to eat? Spanish or English? Get in the car and wander up to Magnolia? That would make an excellent night of it. Or again take the car to the Chinese in Bolnuevo, with coffee afterwards in the ever hospitable Annie’s Bar? In the end, after a couple of coffees, and well past 8PM, we opted for a short walk along the Paseo and a meal at Avenida. You really are spoilt for choice at this end of the Paseo, The redoubtable lads running La Pena, Chris and Steve, especially their Thursday to Sunday carvery, or the small Azafran, now under new management,

The Camposol District Journal

just along from Harbour Lights, where you can get most things English or Spanish.

The Avenida beckoned, and was busy, as were most of the restaurants I am pleased to say. Thankfully gone are the days when the Paseo closed down completely in the autumn and winter, coming alive only during the Christmas fiesta season from late November onwards.

Avenida does take time. It is not a place to be hurried! The three of us shared a plate of succulent seafood salad, complete with bread and a dish of ali oli, which just slid down a treat. For drinks, a very good house wine, a rose. Then came a long wait for my grilled or rather baked fillet of sea bass with chips, which were hot! The women both opted for the chicken and chips. A small compote of dark coloured very luke warm obviously canned mixed vegetables accompanied all the dishes to the table, and away afterwards! Why is it these decent restaurants insist on giving you tinned veggies? The fish, the chicken and the chips were all pronounced good value, and sitting outside watching the ocean, passers by on the Paseo is very pleasant, and we had a very companionable meal, casual conversation, attentive but not overly so service, as did the surrounding several tables of Brits, along with two Spanish families. We finished the meal with the usual café con leche, and at about 11PM wandered back down the Paseo to the car and home, well the shoes were €10, and the meal 12€ a head!

Continued on page 33 Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Continued from page 32 Sunday was distribute the new magazine at the Canadas sale day. Absolutely chock a block! It is fun to go to, relax and talk to acquaintances you don’t see very often, get comments! And pick up useful information. The restaurant has got it better in terms of service, always totally overwhelmed on a Sunday morning, but didn’t have ages to wait for coffee or for one of Jeannette’s bacon butties.

Extremely good value and certainly filling a hole after you have been there a couple of hours. Always come away, even when working, with a couple of books and some doggy treats. I am still surprised by the number of folk who haven’t patronised the boot sale. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare, but it is very compact, and Giorgio’s restaurant is worth a sit down inside or out. Or to stay on for a Sunday nosh, here or as we did down the road at the new Scotties, where a lot did from the boot sale. It makes for a very pleasant Sunday morning and lunch, just as down in the port, the much bigger Sunday Market, allows breakfast or a Sunday lunch at least four hostelries, la Pena, Market Tavern, Don Ricardo’s, Magnolia and of course Harbour Grill. This time of the year even possible to park. I was never in the UK a convert to boot sales, or markets or even Sunday lunch out, I am in Spain.

Second Nutritional event at the business Centre One event which is being repeated on Camposol is the introduction to Herbalife at the Camposol Business Centre. If you

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have not heard of Herbalife, then come along and learn more! It is an American concern with great expertise in natural products, geared to diet and nutrition. As they say, “obesity is world blight, with 1600 million people over weight and 400 million obese.” Not pretty figures.

Especially when you consider that a million a year will die as a result of this problem.

Many common problems do relate to weight and diet, diabetes for example. Are you male with a waist over 103 cms? female and over 88 cms? How much sugar, fats and salt do you really take in?

Do you have the right balance of minerals, vitamins and water?

What Herbalife do, backed by a research programme involving the ULCA, with participating doctors from 25 countries, is produce natural products, often linked to natural herbs and plants, for example the Aloe Vera plant. This plant grows around her, easily noticed since it has the peculiar long trunk which seems to grow defying gravity out of huge prickly fronds. Cut theses open and you have the pure aloe vera, very useful for stings!

The whole point of these products, which range from a very superior nutritional milkshake which replaces breakfast and another meal if required, known as formula one, formula two being mixture of fibre and selected herbs, crucial for a weight reducing but proper diet, is that they are based on scientific research, and backed by an assessment of your condition, in this case by Mr. Canovas, who is based in Alhama, but will be using

The Camposol District Journal

the Business Centre as a base for assessment and distribution. Herbalife do stress the importance of water in your diet, and equally the importance of adequate exercise. It is no good simply taking tablets and expecting those alone to effect change, you do need a whole life approach.

There is no doubt that the last few years have seen a marked interest grow in natural remedies and processes. This is coupled to a growing realisation that many of our highly processed food stuffs are just plain dangerous. Many of us are diabetic, are over weight and what is great about these products and advice is that it helps you regain control of your life, without throwing out all the joy of good food! You only have to go in many farmacias and British supermarkets to realise just how many vitamin tablets we take, but the point about Herbalife is that it is backing its products with adequate research, but more importantly advice directly to individuals.

Hopefully this article will have, forgive the pun, whetted your appetite, and you will come and meet Mr Canovas at the Business centre on sector A at 11 AM, on the 28th November. The entire range of products will be there, so if you are worried about weight, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, do want to balance and control your diet, then this is meeting is a must. At least two Camposolers have been following this path and have lost considerable weight and say that they feel much healthier and lively as a result and that is just for starters.

Volume - 1 Issue - 2Nov/Dec 08

CAÑADAS del ROMERO Under the auspices of the Asociación de Vecinos 2008 Autumn Programme – All classes require an initial payment of 4 weeks on enrolment. Enrolments still available.

SPANISH - one hour per week. - New Teacher Beginners: Tuesday 10 – 11 or 11.15 – 12.15 NEW BEGINNERS CASS STARTS Tuesday 11th November 12.30 – 13.30 Lower Intermediate: Thursday 11.15 – 12.15 Intermediate: Thursday 10 – 11 Conversation: Friday 10 – 11 Revision: Friday 11.15 – 12.15 Tel: Antonio 680 753 819 GENEALOGY – Tel: 660 384 778 A block of four 1.5 hours classes on a Thursday morning.

SPANISH COOKING – Tel: 660 384 778 Two courses cooked by a local Spanish Housewife & eaten afterwards with bread & wine.

Husbands & wives welcome!!!!!.

Wednesday 12.00 - 13.30 BALLROOM DANCING – Tel: 660 384 778 Taking Names & Numbers for January Classes Especially for left footed people.

Wednesday 16.15 – 17.15 ART CLASSES - Tel: George 664 150 222 Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00 Taking Names & Numbers for a New Class starting January Tuesday 13.30 – 15.30 YOGA & PILATES - Tel: Wendy 630 288 978 Monday 18.15 - 19.45 Friday 10.00 – 11.25 & 11.30 – 12.55 PILATES & CIRCUITS - Tel: Wendy 630 288 978 Wednesday 18.30 – 19.30 CROSS STITCH & BEYOND - Tel: Penny 968 130 866 Monday 11.15 - 13.15 Stitch something different.

GUITAR CLASS - Tel: John 628 232 936 Thursday 13.00 – 14.30 DOG TRAINING CLASSES @ the Social Center As seen on BBC1´s Living in the Sun 6 weeks basic training (over 6 months old) & Puppy socialization (up to 6 months old) Fully Qualified behaviorist.

Adele: 619 807 388 or Lisa 650 221 846 CEROC DANCE CLASS – A fusion of jive & salsa Tuesday 19.30- 20.30 Tel: James 968 956 262 DRAWING CLASS - Saturday 10.00 – 13.00 Explore a variety of techniques & approaches to drawing through a variety of mediums & subjects.

Qualified Instructor. Tel: George 664 150 222 Taking Names & Numbers for January start.

SEVILLANAS Friday 20.30 – 21,30 8 classes Tel: 660 384 778 Garden Class Spanish History Geography of Spain.

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Tel: Antonio 680 753 819 to book your place.

NEW - CHILDRENS Dance Class Starting January 13th Tuesdays 17.00 – 18.00 & 18.00 – 19.00 Girls & Boys welcome - Qualified Instructor Now taking small deposit to secure place.

TEL: 660 384 778 Introduction to Feng Shui A 4 week course starting in January.

Wednesdays 14.00 – 15.00 Tel: Julie 606162152 Introduction to Basic Counseling Skills A 6 week Course starting January Wednesdays 15.15 – 16.15 Tel: Julie 606162152 SOCIAL CENTRE & RESTAURANTE Meals, tapas,drinks & Al la Carte.

Monday to Sunday Menu del Dia 9€ To book Tel: Georgio 968 429 145 SPANISH MERCADILLO (CAR BOOT) NOW RUNNING EVERY WEEK Proceeds go back into the Community.

Organized parking 7.30a.m. start No unloading before 7.00a.m.

No trading before 7.30 a.m.

No overnight parking.

Tel: Dave 660 550 022 PETANCA/BOULES CLUB Tuesday Morning 10.30 St Nicolas Church. Contact: 636 658 965 For up to date information http://CanadasdelRomero.blogspot.com

Great Night Out As someone commented the following morning, “haven’t laughed so much in years; had tears streaming down my face”. A full house at Kennelly’s were entertained on October 19th until nearly half ten by the songs of Rod Stewart. He looks totally the part, the ruffled hair, the jeans, the dissolute, course voice grinding out all the audiences favourites, ending up with of course, “Sailing”. Is excellent value. Easy to forget the actual singer is now over sixty, and dates from the early sixties when he burst on the London music scene as a young singer. He was a great introduction to Simon King as Freddie Starr who has the eyes, the teeth, the manic ways, absolutely spot on.

He worked the audience from the very start, ticking off the one, and there is always one, stray lad who arrived in his seat after the comedian came on the stage! Wandered round the audience, “your hair reminds me of that TV programme, what was it called, roots?”

Five minutes in, a trip round the audience and he had everyone in the palm of his hand. His jokes, short, old and gold, long and punchy, contemporary, lasted a full hour and a half. The humour ranged from the clean and up front to the desperately dirty, but really funny. Not somebody to take your aged aunt to! Or the children…

I did interview him before he went on, and what a treat to talk to a performer who is relaxed, very funny off stage, and not in the least pretentious. Started out some

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eleven years ago in that show biz kindergarten, Butlins, where he worked as a red coat for years. He has always loved Freddie and it was no problem to start taking him off, “I was of course one of the class clowns at school, “could do better” a constant theme of my school reports. I love an audience; there is northing like the buzz you get from appearing in front of a large receptive audience.” He now lives in Devon near Honiton with a partner. He stresses his roots in the Wirral, only those of us from North of the Thames can really understand the antipathy felt by those from the Wirral for those with the UK's allegedly greatest sense of humour, Liverpool. He has no problem keeping the act fresh, and is always ad libbing and introducing new material, but keeping the essential style going. Five years ago he had one major surprise at a show, he spotted, guess who in the audience, yes, the man himself! “He came up on the stage with me, and we had a great time with him taking me off” says Simon. “The audience loved it!”

Sadly Freddie took a bit of a dive some years ago, and really little has been heard of him for several years. Originally a singer and contemporary of the Beatles, his heyday was in the eighties and nineties. Simon has re-created his humour with a freshness which gives real style to what was one of the most manically outrageous acts ever. Be a treat to have a return performance!

Rod sawyer

Ex-Servicemen's Association of Mazarrón District [ESAMD] The association is holding its Christmas Dinner at 7.0pm on Friday 12th December 2008, at the Trevi Restaurant, Commercial Centre, Camposol B. Cost will be €23 to members and €25 for non members.

There will also be entertainment and a raffle. Please note the restaurant is non smoking but has a bar downstairs!

Many thanks, Bryan Entertainment Sec. Telephone 637 140 179 Warning from a reader

Readers Warning Hello...can you please warn other drivers who own the type of vehicles...like...PEUGEOT PARTNER...CITROEN BERLINGO...RENAULT KANGOO...AND ALL SIMILAR.I have had my car from new ,bought 30th NOV.2004,and the garage salesman told us the ...ITV...is only due in 4 years time NOV.2008.I have been stopped 3times this year by the Traffic Police and everything always ok,3 weeks ago i was stopped again and was fined 150 euros on the spot for not having my ITV, which should have been done after ...2 years...from new, paying the fine promptly the fine was reduced to 107 Euros, but i still had to go to Cartagena to get a new green card which the policeman had taken at the time. This type of car is classed as a van ,and has to have an ...itv...after 2 years ,unlike a car which is 4years.

Regards

Mrs.M.Walker

Volume - 1 Issue - 2Nov/Dec 08

Local Fiestas Camposol and Mazarron Everywhere in Spain has its fiesta, thankfully even Camposol now has one back on track. They are the brainchild of local neighbours Committees, or Fiesta groups. On Camposol the Fiesta group have just announced that the dates for the Camposol Fiesta in 2009 have been changed but are now confirmed as a permanent feature to be held every year.

The dates for 2009 are Saturday and Sunday 27th and 28th June and the Fiesta will be held on the corresponding weekend of each year. Mazarrón Ajuntamiento have confirmed that they will be supporting this event as the official Fiesta for Camposol.

Fiesta del Milagro The Fiesta del Milagro (Festival of the Miracle) is celebrated on 17th November; the locals carry the Virgen de la Purisima (Virgin of the Purest) in a procession from Mazarron to Bolnuevo. It tells the story of la Purisima who appeared to the Berbers intent on invading the town, thus saving its inhabitants. Starting on this day, 17th November, many festivities take place which culminate on 18th December, the most important day of the patron saint festivities. No doubt, the most unusual of the festivities is 5th January, when the Reyes Magos (Three Wise men) "park" their camels in order to enter the Port of Mazarron by boat.

In fact from late November until nearly Christmas Day. Mazarron will be celebrating big time! The events are all free and they last until the early hours of the morning. No excuses! Get out and enjoy the shows!

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The most striking fiesta is celebrated on 28 December: the braying, which takes place in the neighbourhood of Las Balsicas. The locals are all experts in imitating the braying of donkeys, the sounds are made on request of others present - What a noise!. In the Puerto de Mazarron, the celebrations take place during the summer season, and it is in March when the festivities of San Jose take place. During the rest of the year, the villages celebrate the festivities in honour of their patron saints, Santo Patron, in which merriment, folklore and tradition are intertwined.

Benefit Fraud.

Seems the Spanish and U.K. governments have put their heads together to put a stop to ex-pats making/maintaining claims which they are not entitled to. There is no doubt that benefit fraud is an anti-social activity, and that there are those who make a career out of cheating the system.

Some, no doubt are cheats all round; thoroughly unsavoury characters; some probably so poor, or in such a mess, they will do anything to get money This is nothing new however, and I’m not sure I believe that the cost of investigating fraud doesn’t exceed the cost of fraud itself, whatever the powers that be claim.

What is true, and always has been, is that the take up of legitimate benefits is far lower than it should be, due to lack of information. Did you know for example, that staff in the Dept of Social Security MUST sign the Official Secrets Act? They are not allowed to tell us what benefits we are entitled to, even if they are aware of our circumstances, and know we are eligible for a particular benefit/s which we

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are not receiving?

The U.K. government has only just started paying ex-pats the disability and some associated benefits, which, they ILLEGALLY withdrew in 1992!!! The government are well aware that they will be forced to allow new claims from Spain and other European Countries, as they have now been named and shamed as the only member state of the E.U. not paying it’s citizens what they are entitled to abroad. Consequently have been INSTRUCTED to revise the rules.

I’m not condoning benefit fraud, but come on; the rich man’s state benefit is called the tax system. Suspect rather more of the old public spondulas are siphoned away via off shore and swiss bank accounts than ever is from the state benefits system!!! Honestly, can you put hand on heart and say you don’t know someone who has money they shouldn’t have? How many of us paid “black money” in part for our homes here? Dishonesty in the poor is seen as bad and punishable at any cost; amongst the rich it is a positive attribute, and is rewarded.

Cassandra

Number Two Idiot of 2007 Early this year, some Boeing employees on the airfield decided to steal a life raft from one of the 747s. They were successful in getting it out of the plane and home. Shortly after they took it for a float on the river, they noticed a Coast Guard helicopter coming toward them. It turned out that the chopper was homing in on the emergency locater beacon that activated when the raft was inflated. They are no longer employed at Boeing.

Here's your sign,guys. Don't get it wet; the paint might run.

Volume - 1 Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

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The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1

Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

PILARS CORNER ¿QUÉ HORA ES? What time is it?

Did you know? In Spanish, the hour is feminine ’la hora’, minutes are masculine ‘los minutos’ and seconds are also masculine ‘los segundos’. Please find the numbers of the hours in Spanish from 1 to 12 as follows, 1-Una 2-dos 3-tres 4-cuatro 5-cinco 6-seis 7-siete 8-ocho 9-nueve 10-diez 11-once y 12-doce.

In the classic clock we divide the watch in two halves, the right one is positive and the left one is negative. We put the hour first and then we add the minutes or we take them away. There is no word for ‘past’ in Spanish; we just say ‘y=and’. To say ‘a quarter to we say ‘menos=minus’

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In Spanish one is singular and more than one is plural, ¿Qué hora es? Es la una en punto, Son las dos y cuarto…

To say in the morning, we say ‘DE LA MAÑANA’, in the afternoon ‘DE LA TARDE’ and in the night ‘DE LA NOCHE’ (remember we do not have evening as such).

If we were to use a 24 hours time, the whole clock is positive, we would just have to add with ‘y’ the minutes to the hour, ie., 14.45 ‘son las 2 y cuarenta y cinco de la tarde’, or ‘son las catorce y cuarenta y cinco'.

We normally say the time the classic fashion: 13.05 es la una y cinco-14.10 son las dos y diez-15.15 son las 3 y cuarto-16.20 son las cuatro y veinte-17.25 son las cinco y veinticinco-18. 30 son las 6 y media-9.35 son las ocho menos veinticinco-20.40 son

The Camposol District Journal

las nueve menos veinte-21.45 son las diez menos cuarto-22.50 son las once menos diez-23.55 son las doce menos cinco.

To say it is just gone ten past twenty, we say son las diez y veinte pasadas, we take the minutes before meaning it has not reach the minutes after (veinticinco).

To say midday we say, ‘es el mediodía’ or ‘son las doce del mediodía’, and to say midnight we say, ‘es la medianoche’ or ‘son las doce de la medianoche’.

The homework for this week will to complete the hours in the first graphic, and write down again the numbers from 1 to 60 in Spanish to get use to it, to practice the time here you can also find some exercises, you must answer them with a full answer and the classic time.

1-3.05 2-10.10 3-8.50 4-16.45 5-9.20 6-23.55 7-24.00 I suggest you could try at least for a week to say the time in Spanish, and why not to eat at Spanish real time? It is not much to ask just for a week, is it?

You could also send me your answers and comments to magamar04@msn.com. ¡Gracias!

The answers for last month exercises are; 1-Buenos días.

2-Buenas días o buenas tardes depending if you have had your lunch or not. 3Buenas tardes. 4-Buenas tardes. 5and6-Buenas tardes o noches depending if you have had your dinner or not.

7-Buenos días. 8-Buenos días. *Be careful with cu-a-tro (4) y cu-ar-to (1/4) also with se-is (6) and si-e-te (7), ve-in-te (20) and ve-in-ti-u-no.

Volume - 1

Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

COST AND DETAILS Distribution We distribute hard copy through a variety of methods. They are distributed at the Canadas boot fair where the Journal has a stall. Also at Camposol B post collection over three evenings, 4pm until 5 pm, outside Rumours.

In addition copies are distributed on Camposol from Best Wishes, Saladillo Vista, Consum, Alen’s supermarket on A sector and a variety of shops, restaurants and bars throughout Camposol, Mazarron, Pareton, Canadas, Bolnuevo and the Port.

Over 2500 hard copies are distributed these ways, and with our new website now online (www.thecamposoldistrictjournal.com) we aim to provide a service which is read by a majority of residents, holiday home owners and visitors.

Editorial The magazine itself consists of editorial which is split between news and features.

There are regular features written by a range of contributors, including an article on the port and Bolnuevo, tales from Finbar, Spanish lessons by Pilar, alongside golfing and occasional articles on walking, local flora and fauna, bird life, the inevitable jokes, short stories, Out and About and entertainment reviews

by Rod Sawyer. The magazine has built a reputation as a must read publication, which people read from beginning to end.

What’s On Our What’s On section in the middle of the magazine is an informative list of any events happening throughout the month at the establishments who advertise on these pages. This is a very popular feature of the magazine and gives it a longer shelf

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life.

We will put your logo with information on the page and list your telephone number in the directory. You will receive a phone call every month just before we go to print so we can gather any relevant information for that issue.

The whats on pags are for a six month minmum and is at a cost of 116 euros.

The Advert We can produce an advert for you to your satisfaction in colour or black and white or use one you have already had designed or designed yourself (providing the resolution is a minimum of 300 dpi).

Kevin Garner, who is in charge of ads and composition, is highly skilled technically and creatively. This service is free to customers although the advert may only be used in the Journal unless negotiated otherwise. We can also produce flyers, business cards and a variety of support material for your business, at highly competitive prices.

Payment All adverts must now be paid in advance.

Printing and allied costs mean that credit cannot be carried. Our charges are highly competitive, they include not just the advert but access to all our readers on the internet. The Journal is now an independent magazine and unlike the Courier, subject to IVA. This will be assimilated within our charges for existing customers, but added for new ones.

TERM ADVERTS 3months 5% 6months 10% and 12 months 15%.

This is not applicable to whats on.

Contact Details GeneraL Manager Sales, finances, artwork, composition.

Kevin Garner Tel:662 270 623 email: camposoldesign@hotmail.com

Editor Rod Sawyer Tel:618 553 786 email: rodsawyer41@hotmail.com Correspondance to: Box 378, Best Wishes, Avnda Dr Meca, Puerto de Mazarron.30860 (This box is located in Best Wishes shop on Camposol.)

All prices are listed below and are calculated including IVA.

WE OFFER DICOUNTS FOR LONG

The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1

Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Page 39

The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1

Issue - 2 Nov/Dec 08

Page 40

The Camposol District Journal

Volume - 1 Issue - 2Nov/Dec 08