Issue -1
Volume -1
October - November 2008
Local business fights back September has certainly been an interesting time for British business in the area. The overall economic situation is really beginning to bite with the economic climate becoming more and more difficult. On Camposol, Quick Save re-opened, the manager commenting on how difficult the past two months had been and how it had taken a lot of negotiating to solve the problems, mainly over refuse disposal. Of the two bars Salud has remained closed but TJ’s has re-opened. Sou Pools closed abruptly, the third pool business to close its doors in the area over the past few months. Amber Pools have taken over the premises but not the business. They will, as Steve, part owner proprietor says, “give us much help as they can to clients of the defunct firm. Sou Pools has nothing to do with us.” The new company, although Steve himself has worked in the area for over six years, has certainly inherited a mess. Steve showed the Journal a back room where there were literally piles of documents. Many of them irreplaceable originals. If you were a client of the defunct Sou Pools and have missing paperwork, then it may well be in the back room at the office. Steve and Jason have been running Amber pools for some time and are one of the few pool companies who provide a comprehensive service. It has always seemed a bit strange that we had companies that built pools and completely
separate companies who repaired and maintained them. Amber does both. The new venture is backed by the redoubtable Mario of Mario Construction, and young Mario is very involved. Mario Construction is virtually the last vestige of MASA left on Camposol and are the sub contractors who have done the repair work on the fifty two houses which the CRA have got MASA to repair over the past few months. Unlike MASA they have built a reputation for careful work, at a reasonable price, coupled with a courteous service! September also saw three restaurants close their doors, the former Anchor in Bolnuevo, which only survived a change Amber pools & Mario Contruction
of owners and name a few months, and sadly, St. Clements, known for its music and Sunday carvery Many will have noticed that Anjels in Mazarron has been closed for some time; however it is unclear whether this is temporary or not.. It also saw the takeover of La Sirena by Scottie and Andy, well known on Camposol. Now named Scotties, they
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have kept the redoubtable Jason on as evening chef and are concentrating on their events, an evening menu of fish & steaks, a real surf and turf opportunity, Jason’s great Sunday noshes, which are amongst the best in the area, and their five Euro lunch time meal deal. Certainly a month into the new regime has turned what always seemed like a works canteen, into a warmer restaurant and bar environment! The Trevi too is under new management, and September saw the advent of Liz’s café. This has moved from El Pareton and has been packed out with customers for Liz’s sweet or savoury cakes and pies, or to sit and have morning coffee, a salad lunch or afternoon tea.
Red Rain on Camposol And on much of Spain adjacent to the Med! There does seem to be a higher frequency of this event, rain which spills red dust over everything, streaking white villa walls a nasty yellow, coating terraces and plants. It is being picked up over the Sahara and dropped on us. It would not appear, according to sources, to be well documented, but would appear to be on the increase. September seems to provide just the right climatic conditions to cause the phenomena. Leading pool cleaners and cleaners say, “Get it cleaned off as soon as possible. If you let it lie then it becomes engrained.” For example, leave pool pumps running, if the dust is allowed to settle on the bottom of the pool then it will be difficult to remove. Much the same applies to terraces.
Dr y river bed?
Experience you can trust
Continued on page 4
DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication no responsibilities can be accepted for inaccuracies, however caused. The information carried in these articles is for guidance only. You should never act or refrain from action, on the basis of any such information. You should take appropriate professional advice on your particular circumstances. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the views of the publishers. The Camposol District Journal does not accept liability for any goods &/ or services featured.All artwork ©Kevin Garner.
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
October Editorial Why the new magazine? Because it is important that an independent news magazine is produced on a regular and professional basis, essentially, but not exclusively for, Brits and other ex-pats living in the Mazarron area Other magazines in the area are produced for adverts and features, or in the case of the New Camposol Courier, as the voice of the Camposol Residents Association. As a free magazine, the Journal must retain the support of its advertisers in order to produce any degree of editorial. What is clear about this area is that there is a great deal of fiction and rumour promoted in the absence of a serious news medium. You will find on these pages a mixture of news, local and national, together with relevant features and jokes to keep a sense of perspective. We will publish news from every relevant source, local associations, state web sites, individuals and businesses. We need a forum which can support British businesses in the area. The Journal is completely independent of all Political and Religious organisations; nor is it affiliated to any social committees or groups We print real news, articles and we will ask questions. Establishing an accurate picture of this region is a tall order, a year and a half on and the Garrigues Report on Camposol for example, is still unpublished, except for a synopsis of its conclusions. There have been completely conflicting reports emanating from organisations entrusted with our commercial and social interests. In the Journal we will endeavour to make sure we that the differing points of view are presented, along with enough facts and evidence to enable you to make informed decisions on who and what to support. In the Journal you will find synopses of relevant minutes and notes of meetings. A web site will be produced as a matter of priority so those living or staying in the UK can read this magazine. By and large organisations have either ignored the Internet or used it to portray their own individual points of view. Internet sites are fuller of propaganda and rumour than many bars! The Journal will support initiatives by individuals such as clean up campaigns, and the work of organisations such as PALS and MABS. If you have a point you want to make, then please get in touch and make a contribution, but please keep letters for publication to less than 250 words! Let our advertisers know that you saw their advert in these pages!
British Consulate announces open days British Consulate Open Day Events The British Consulate will be holding a number of open day events across Spain from September to December 2008. There will be presentations covering a wide range of issues including consular services and pension, benefit and healthcare rights of UK citizens living in Spain. There will also be an opportunity for members of the audience to put questions to the panel and to sign-up for the one-on-one surgery that will take place immediately afterwards. You can book a place by completing a simple registration form. We will confirm whether you have been allocated a place in due course. Please select the event you would like to attend from the list below and you will be taken to the appropriate
registration form: Alicante/Murcia Area 08 October - Torrevieja - Virgen del Carmen Theatre - 11:00 15 October - Javea - Parador Hotel - 11:00 29 October - Orihuela Costa Orihuela Costa Town Hall - 11:00 05 November - Orihuela Costa - Orihuela Costa Town Hall - 11:00 19 November - L'Alfas del Pi - Casa de Cultura - 11:00 03 December Mazzarón - Hotel Sensol - 11:00
Caritas – A Charity for the Homeless in Puerto Mazarron Earlier this year, the Mayor of Mazarron, Francisco Blaya, inaugurated a service for the homeless, run by a Group called Caritas. Caritas assists the poor and needy of the Port and surrounding areas by making available to them clean, used clothes and other items donated to them. Should you wish to assist Caritas in their good works would you please help where you can? The Caritas office can be found at the back of the Church of San Jose in the port. If you are driving, because of restrictions, the easiest way to drive to it is, when you get to the roundabout by the Tourist Office go all the way round and head back until you get to the first set of traffic lights, turn right and go up the road for 500 yards and on your right, on the wall, you will see a sign called “Caritas Parroquial”. The hours of opening are Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 5pm and 7pm (17.00 to 19.00). We help the Puppies; we help the cats, let’s help the Poor as well. Thank you A reader
Camposol –clean up Sector D Action Group A group of Sector D residents have got together with the CRA to form a direct action group. The principal idea of the group is to improve the general appearance and living conditions for everyone living or holidaying on Sector D through co-ordinated group action. It will also act as a forum for the CRA to receive and pass back comments on other activities undertaken by the CRA in relation to Camposol. To get the activities off to a positive start an open meeting for all home owners of Sector D, whether CRA members or not, will be held at the Camposol Golf Club, starting at 5pm Wednesday 29th October. The organisers “would ask all those that intend to attend understand that this is a positive action group and is in no way intended as a public forum to moan and groan about individual problems.” What’s very apparent is that many are now taking the clean up very personally. On all Sectors individuals have taken to the roads uprooting weeds, cleaning up areas opposite their homes, and even tackling roundabouts. What it all clearly demonstrates is that there is a will on Camposol to clean up our surroundings. This does need coordinating. Not just by committees of residents whether formal or informal, but by support from MASA and the Authorities. Some residents have complained that by doing anything Camposolers, whether residents or businesses are playing into MASA’s hands, doing "their” work for them. This argument has some forcer, but the longer the surroundings of our houses are cleft to their own devices, then so they will become more dilapidated. Effectively, Camposolers need to do both, campaign to get Authorities to do their job; whether MASA or the Town Hall or Murcia for that matter and ensure that we don’t live in a rubbish tip.
The Sunday boot sale petition By September over 500 have signed the petition and it deserves to be on its way. It is now up to the CRA to deliver it to the relevant Councillor and hope that Camposol gets a second chance. It is a fact that Canadas is now holding its sale weekly and on a Wednesday morning there is a small market at country Club. Hopefully the Authorities will relent and allow a Sunday market on Camposol, which is held under the auspices of the CRA, but managed by AM/PM the private security firm which operates on Camposol. The petition requests that the town council allow a boot sale on Camposol. The sale would be once a month on the second Sunday morning. Second hand goods would be sold on the lower car park of Sector A; Charity stalls would be sited on the precinct of Sector B Commercial Centre. The Camposol Residents Association would take responsibility for organising the sale. The private security firm AM/PM, who protect over 250 residences and business on Camposol would administer it. PAL’s, who were responsible for the first boot sale, fully support the idea. No one would be allowed to park up overnight on the car parks, or to arrive on pitches before 8am. No food stalls or new goods stalls would be allowed, except for those who are legally registered as market traders. Two bars, Saladillo Vista on A and Kennelly’s on B would open at 8am to provide coffee and toilet facilities. Any net proceeds will go to charity.
Security on Camposol Incidentally Andy, who owns AM/PM has recently expressed concern, once again, regarding the lack of subscription. If we have an Entity then there will be a requirement for security. Do we really want a Councilor or Assessoria selecting a security firm for us? Come on, support the one we already have’ they have done an excellent job, are friendly and accessible. Above all their charges are reasonable, €15 a month are really manageable for most households
Big winner In September a lucky winner managed to pick up `4 million Euros! The winner bought the ticket in Puerto Mazarron. If you dont know, then any of the lottery offices can sell you weekly tickets to the Euro lottery which operates across Europe. There is one for example just off the little street which leads to the Mazarron market. The lucky one in the Port is situated on Calle Hernan Cortes.
Continued from page 1 Early October has seen more rain than the rest of the year put together. However so far, despite the many warning, an annual, event it seems, a gota fria has not transpired! One very real dose of rain, which certainly filled the dry waterbeds, as seen in the photo, for a time but nothing on the scale of eight years ago, when roads and bridges were swept away. For the full force of a gota fria the conditions in the Mediterranean have to be absolutely right. Warm air from North Africa colliding with cold air from the North, dense and very thick layers of rain cloud and you have a gota fria. This time we have again been lucky, but the odds keep shortening, but perhaps this is one arena where climate change maybe good for us.
Hunting in Spain The Spanish are as passionate about hunting as they are about bullfighting. The country is littered with thousands of hunting grounds where the prey ranges from starlings and stags to wood pigeons and wild wolves. As with bullfighting, hunting is largely the preserve of Spanish males. Celt-Iberian cave dwellers hunted wild animals to survive and in medieval times the Spanish aristocracy transformed hunting into the sport of kings. In the 21 st century, hunting remains one of the country’s most popular past times with a much broader appeal among the masses than in countries such as the UK where the sport is still largely associated with affluence and the aristocracy. In rural towns and villages throughout
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Spain you’ll see the local huntsmen setting out either on foot or in cars towing trailers containing their hunting dogs (usually the greyhound-like Podencos). And it’s not uncommon to find them in the bars later with several rabbits strapped to their belts after a successful day’s hunting! Locally Camposol is surrounded by hunting grounds with their notices warning off walkers and dogs. Mazarron itself has several hunting clubs and most villages have their own club. Certainly this hunting season, just finished, has been typical. Every weekend the hunters have been out, They are not supposed to come as close as they do to urbanisations and houses, and walkers certainly have right of way on “old roads”; not that it is worth arguing, as some have tried, with heavily armed men intent on killing as many rabbits as possible. It is certainly true that the locality would be overrun with rabbits without the hunters. However few of the Brits settled here have any tradition of wild fowling or hunting of any kind. This is still agricultural land, with flocks of sheep and goats which still wander the pastures; rabbits put paid to these pastures and pay the price! It is great to get back to a peaceful weekend, able to sleep in at the weekends, and freely take the dogs over the countryside. What do people hunt for? Red-legged partridge (patiroja or perdiz brava) and quail (cordoniz) are among the most popular prey of small game hunters. The hard-flying perdiz brava (meaning brave or wild partridge) is naturally reared and provides a challenge for the most expert marksmen. Wherever there’s a major hunting reserve in Spain you’ll find local restaurants serving up seasonal
The Camposol District Journal
dishes of partridge, quail, deer and wild boar. Wild boar are still relatively common in mountainous areas throughout Spain and along with other exotic prey including wolves and the highly prized Spanish Ibex they attract big game hunters from all over Europe and the USA. It’s legal to shoot all these creatures within various national and regional regulations governing when and where they can be hunted. But certain highly endangered animals including the few remaining brown bears which still roam the mountains of northern Spain and the virtually extinct Spanish Lynx are fiercely protected and the hunting of them incurs severe penalties. What do you need to hunt in Spain? Hunting licences are issued by each of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities which publish their own hunting season calendars showing the specific times, species and areas where hunting is permitted. These controls, together with regulations imposed by the local hunting associations, are designed to protect the hunted species from becoming dangerously depleted. Weapon permits are issued by local police stations. Some of the country’s best hunting grounds are to be found in Andalucia (particularly Cazorla, Ronda and Sierra Nevada), the Sierra de Gredos to the south east of Madrid and in the Cantabrian mountains and Pyrenees in northern Spain. The wild goats which roam the spectacular Tamuntana Mountain Range in the north eastern corner of the Balearic island of Mallorca are an elusive but popular prey for huntsmen from across the globe.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Adios Finbar.1@hotmail.com
Irish Love Story
before they can milk six figure bonuses again but decided I couldn’t give to one & not them all so kept my couple of euros. I wondered why when I know that these people like to say yes to their customers & good service is their mantra that they didn’t seem too concerned now, surely it was just my imagination.
Hola Amigos! The following is the story of a loser in Spain. Normally written by Finbar, however due to his lack of interest this month, it has being ghost written. Well I haven’t had much sun due to the torrential rain. The author wishes to remind readers the following is a load of b**locks. And in no way reflects the authors views, in fact I would like to express my sympathy with my brothers on the boards of the big banks, who took our money & laughed at us as they squandered, sorry spent it like there was no tomorrow (tomorrow has come amigos) while treating us like the fools. Epilogue …. Or is it? I hope so. With the sun in hiding, I feel I have something in common with nature. It’s a lonely road I now travel & due to financial considerations, I’ve given up the whiskey. It’s decidedly cooler at the moment & I’m glad I kept my police uniform from my former job as a detective in Madrid. I tried out for the job as a lifeguard but was told the season was coming to an end & also I’d have to learn to swim! I don’t think I’d have liked to work with the other guards as they laughed at me. Was it the police uniform or maybe the green glittery wig? I still wore my disguise to avoid the detective who was after me for knowing too much about a murder which he’d committed. Last month I told readers about how I saw Paddio a police informant from my Madrid days, now in Cartagena as well. He was selling hats on the beach as an obvious cover. I’d been keeping an eye on him from a distance & noticed he was now selling rugs. I took a long drag on my cigarette bringing the tobacco down to the filter & discarded it in an office block provided tray. I sat on the steps of a multinational mortgage companies’ with a plastic plate on the ground beside me for any spare change these bankers might have to spare. This is only a temporary measure while I decide my next move. But strangely the only money dropped in the plate is from kindly looking passers by. Suddenly I’m knocked over as a load of bankers left the building moaning that they’d lost their jobs. Could this be my chance at some employment? But no apparently there would be no new hiring’s. As I listened to their heartrending stories I thought I felt a tear drop but realised no, in fact it was starting to rain. I considered handing my plate of change to them as I heard them say it could but years Page 5
The rain was now pouring down, the drops bouncing as they hit peoples flip flops & it seemed as if the season had changed in the minute just passed by. I sheltered under someone’s discarded sun umbrella while I planned what to do next. As I debated whether to go to university and study history of art so I could become eh... I saw Paddio approach almost upon me, I froze. But he reached out his hand to shake mine and in the following conversation mentioned nothing of Madrid or the fact I was wearing a glittery wig. At least I don’t think so as he was talking Spanish. What I could understand was that he wanted me to join him in a business venture opening a kind of chino shop with a bar at the back for bored partners not interesting in shopping who could get piss*d instead.We ended up having a heated discussion on who would work the bar but this was sounding promising. I felt a pang of guilt on my good fortune as I thought of the poor bankers, maybe their luck will change too I hoped as we would I presumed need there kind help. I realised as I walked the streets of Cartagena with Paddio by my side, that the author of my life could kill me at any time, as soon as you could say Bobby Ewing! He would want a cliff hanger as the jokes seem slim this month. I couldn’t think what to do until I passed a warehouse, a cheap whiskey factory, so cheap they had a shop front dummy for security, I stopped & took my rope ladder from my overcoat to my authors dismay. If I succeeded where my finances couldn’t I’d be off the wagon. Yes I know Finbar wants to be taken seriously as a writer, moving into politics, the history of the world & the connection with poverty in east Timor. But with me back on the whiskey, could he resist continuing with my life story….. All I’d have to do is scale one wall!
The Camposol District Journal
An elderly man lay dying in his bed. While suffering the agonies of impending death, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favourite scones wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning on the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort, gripping the railing with both hands, he crawled downstairs. With laboured breath, he leaned against the door-frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven, for there, spread out upon the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favourite scones. Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of love from his devoted Irish wife of sixty years, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man? Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself towards the table, landing on his knees in rumpled posture. His aged and withered hand trembled towards a scone at the edge of the table, when it was suddenly smacked by his wife with a wooden spoon ...... 'Hands off' she said, 'they're for the funeral.'
The Loyal Wife There was a man who had worked all of his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money. Just before he died, he made his wife promise him, 'When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me.' Well, he died . . . When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, 'Wait, just a minute!' She had a box with her, she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down, and they rolled it away. Her friend said, 'I know you weren't fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband.' The loyal wife replied 'Listen, I can't go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him.' 'You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him !!! ?' I sure did' said the wife. 'I got it all together, put it into my account and wrote him a cheque. If he can cash it, he can spend it.'
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Cancer Support Group MABS Mazarrón
volunteers took part in a charity hair removal exercise these were notably: Eunice and Shaun who very bravely had their heads shaved and Steve T and Alan who had their legs waxed, well done to all of you.
The MABS Mazarrón Cancer Support Group were delighted to receive a total of €2,600 recently from three local organisations.
Mazarrón Bowles Club held a charity match on 21st September at their home ground, Hacienda de Alamo. The tournament raised €300 which was donated to MABS to help towards the services they provide within the local area. The competition was won by Colin Sear who is seen here with some of the MABS volunteers. A group of local gentlemen who call themselves ‘The Pudding Club’ whose aim is to find the best steak and kidney pudding in the area kindly donated €300 from their annual draw.
Finally, The Hair and Beauty Academy donated a fantastic €2000. The Academy donated the proceeds from their launch days when all treatments were offered for a donation to MABS. In addition to the treatments a number of very brave
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MABS Mazarrón would like to say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to you all for your generous donations. All of the donated money will remain in the Mazarrón area to provide help and support to local cancer suffers and their families. We would like to send our sincere condolences to Tony Cook who sadly lost his beloved wife Eileen recently. Donations in memory of Eileen were given to MABS, thank you. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer and you would like some helpful, confidential advice contact our Help Line 620 422 410.
The council has opened the registration period of the Centre for Pensioners From September 16, the retired can
The Camposol District Journal
begin applying for membership cards and make join in the Municipal Center for Seniors On the morning of the 15th September the Mayor of Mazarrón, Francisco Blaya, and Councillor for Social Policy, Yolanda Vivancos, presented more than twenty activities to start the programme at the Municipal Senior Center. From September 16, the elderly of the locality can begin to enroll in the programmes designed to give them welfare and entertainment that incluyes gymnastics, memory training, relaxation, improved self-esteem, dancing, crafts and board games. It is posible to enjoy more than twenty activities that will begin in early October and will be taught by professional experts in each field. Also, the mayor publicized the membership card with which older people may get many benefits such as participating in all regular activities, trips and excursions. One of the most important facts is that pensioners may have access to the activities and membership card for free. Additional services such as hairdressing and cafeteria are provided by privately appointed companies. Citizens who are not registered may also make use of facilities bearing in mind that are designed for senior citizens who reside throughout the municipality, namely Mazarrón and its parishes. . More information: Those interested in registering in these activities or wanting further information can contact the Centre Day Mazarrón, located at street Reverend Luis de Anta, 2 or phone 968 592 631.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Cancer Support Group (MABS) Mazarrón Events Diary September 26th Table Top Sale Venue: Outside Trevi Bar At: 3.00pm October 15th Race Night Sponsored by: The Welcome Group Venue: Saladillo Vista Tickets €2 each call 620 105 179 At: 7.30pm October 19th Charity Shield Golf Tournament Sponsored by: Camposol Golf Association Contact: Geoff Cuthbert 637 293 119 or Ann Vinall 968 199 024 October 26th Race for Life Venue: Commercial Centre ‘B’ Camposol Race starts at: 9.30am For application / sponsorship forms contact Marion 626 880 697 Registrations now being taken at Trevi Bar, Camposol every Tues & Thurs until 10th October between 4.00pm to 5.00pm November 7th ‘Luxury Cruise Liner’ evening Sponsored by: Barrington Venue: Hacienda del Alamo Tickets €60 (to include dinner and drinks) Tickets and information contact 606 162 152 November 15th English & Spanish Entertainment Sponsored by: A.W.OL and Byron’s Karaoke & Disco Venue: Meson Mariano Line–up includes Flamenco dancing; Live music and Karaoke Tickets €5 For information on ticket sales contact MABS Enquiry Line 620 582 418 or Melissa at The Salon 691 916 717 November 29th Christmas Fayre Venue: Meson Mariano For more information on how to reserve a space please call our General Enquiries Line 620 582 418 December No meetings or events in December however, support will be available throughout the festive period
really what you would expect, determination to see Camposol finished and adopted, coupled with a programme of facilities for the area. It has spent a great deal of the last year working with MASA to ensure prompt attention and remedial work to over fifty properties. It also highlighted the turistico issue and has campaigned to get the designation rescinded. Their chair is Roy Pugh and there is a committee numbering some nine individuals. They can be contacted at the post room at Rumours on a Tuesday or Friday between 4PM and 5PM. Or on 616 143 075, during office hours in the week. They do not have an office. They have regular meetings with Daniel Bascunana who is the top manager for MASA, holding power of attorney for the family. They commissioned Garrigues eighteen months ago to write a report on Camposol. This has been produced in Spanish but an English translation is still awaited. They have had meetings with Mayor Blaya, but these broke down in acrimony over eighteen months ago. They now have regular meetings with Clr. Jackie Galvez, who is the councillor with special responsibility for ex patriates, initially between her and the Vice Chair Brian Tokeley, but participation in these meetings now extend to other committee members. They have their own web site which anyone can access on www.thenewcamposolcourier.com. Membership is free to all on Camposol sand is through a simple registration process. The Sector A Home Owners Association are based in a Town Hall office at the end of the row of bars and shops on Sector A commercial Centre. They trace their descent from the original Entity set up some years ago and from an acrimonious meeting held in the car park on Sector A in 2003. This was their last public meeting as a committee. They consider all owners on Sector A as members of the association. They have a very good relationship with Mayor Blaya, regular meetings and organised the new postal system for Sector A based in the building outside their office. They were also instrumental in getting the town hall to put the large garden refuse containers onto A. They communicate through their office window, where minutes of their meeting and notices are published and through a group web site, at MSN group under Camposol Mazarron, which has restricted membership. The two groups have no formal relationship. In fact there is a history of some animosity dating back to the formation of the CRA. The last minutes of the CRA indicated that they are writing to the Sector A committee to establish a forum for discussion.
News from Committees. This will be a new and regular item, updating you on the activities of local committees. Primarily but not exclusively the CRA and the Sector A home owners committee on Camposol. The Camposol Residents Association is registered as a Neighbours Association, which means that it has some legal standing, and as a registered voluntary charity, which again gives it legal standing but also means that it cannot be Party Political. At its AGM over 1800 members were declared from all over Camposol including Sector A and including people renting as well as owning holiday homes, which make it one of the largest organisations of its kind in Spain. Its aims are declared in its “statement of intent”, which is Page 7
Sector A publishes a newsletter in the Chronicle; hence there is little need to repeat it in these columns. Their last one did highlight the fact that they have become concerned that MASA has increasingly left Camposol to its own devices, leaving roads, infrastructure unkempt and unattended. They plan to ask Mayor Blaya about this at their next meeting with him. They regularly receive assurances from the Town hall’ representative that the Town Hall is in continuous dialogue with MASA and matters are being attended to. The CRA used the New Camposol Courier as its vehicle for dissemination of information. A synopsis of its various meetings was included in every issue. They have announced their intention to continue a newsletter. Meanwhile we will publish a synopsis of their public documents. The most interesting feature of recent meetings of the CRA, including the AGM held on the 18th August, has been the turistico issue. It has come to their attention that on Country Club, villas designated as turistico have had their
The Camposol District Journal
designations changed. Clr Galvez has informed the CRA that this is down to the developer re-designating un-built polygonos as turistico! The CRA intend to take this up with MASA and consult with turistico owners over possible legal action. The turistico issue is one on which a great deal of hot air has and rumour has been expended, but the fact remains, no owner was consulted or told about the designation, the 2005 Act insists that turistico residences be adapted for disabled. Some banks are very wary about lending on them, and the one light is that Hacienda has said they will not consider turistico properties as taxable unless they are declared. Over on Country Club the owners have had their AGM of their “Entity” and changed both their president and administrator after what appears to have been a long meeting. Country Club owners also demonstrated outside the Town Hall over the turistico issue and the Council followed through, as detailed above, with a re-definition.
Recent Marriage Mr.Andy Stoneman & Mrs Chris McDonald There are many on Camposol who have known Chris and Andy for some time. Chris was easily recognised for a long time as the Post Lady who put in a lot of effort with colleagues to ensure that we all received our post through the Post Room, now located at Rumours. She still gives a little time to this service but handed it over full time to others after experiencing the unfortunate episode when the service was closed down following the debacle of the issue of voting forms by the electoral authorities in Murcia. She had to face the consequences of this but by her application, with the helpers, she was able to bring the system back, and we now enjoy a regular delivery service which effectively enables us all to avoid regular trips to Mazarron for our mail. For some time Andy could be seen as a very reliable, competent, and cheerful attendant to our pools and I have him to thank for commissioning our pool correctly when my wife and I first arrived on Camposol in 2004 thereby allowing us to have a trouble-free pool since then. Perhaps it was affinity to water that attracted him to pools, but it was his background as a Sub-mariner in the Navy that caused him to be called into service in the North Sea, and other locations around the World in recent times. This has meant him being away from home for periods of time, but although a quiet man his presence soon becomes apparent when one experiences his sharp and often dry humour. Andy is currently facing a period of medical attention, although to meet him and to know the type of treatment he is receiving is not readily observable and he has the good wishes of many of us on Camposol that his recovery will be achieved shortly and will be effective. Chris and Andy have been together for over fifteen years, seven of which have been spent on Camposol, firstly renting on A sector, and then occupying their own house on D sector. On Wednesday, 24th September last they travelled to Gibraltar with a small group of friends to seal their partnership in marriage. They carried with them the good wishes of many people who have got to know them over the last few years, and we would all like them to know that they have our congratulations and affection that this new phase in their lives will be rewarding, free from anxiety, and enable them to make some long-lasting plans for the future. All your friends and neighbours send you love and best wishes for your future together. Lloyd and Gloria Jones Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 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. Mazarr贸n Ayuntamiento 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
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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 frpm the late November until nearly Christmas Day. Mazarron will be celebtrating 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! 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. The festival in honour of the Virgen del Carmen (our Holy Virgin of Carmen), patron saint of fishermen, is celebrated on 16th July. In the afternoon, the fishing boats start out from the harbour, full of locals and visitors, and parade the Virgin through the waters of
The Camposol District Journal
Mazarron. Puerto del Mazarron celebrates its patron saint, San Jose, in mid-March. During the fiesta a giant statue (falla), which usually has a satirical theme, is constructed on the beach. The statue is then set alight accompanied by a large fireworks display. There are a series of concerts, sporting events and open-air celebrations during the town's Summer Festival throughout July and August. Each district of Mazarron usually has its own feast day, including Canada de Gallego (13th June), Pastrana (25th July), and the La Majada district (8th September). These feast days are usually marked by colourful processions, musical performances and other cultural activities. The festival in honour of the Virgen del Carmen (our Holy Virgin of Carmen), patron saint of fishermen, is celebrated on 16th July. In the afternoon, the fishing boats start out from the harbour, full of locals and visitors, and parade the Virgin through the waters of Mazarron.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
TACKLE SPIRALLING PRICES With worldwide warnings of increases of between 30% and 40% in gas/electricity prices in coming months and fuel prices at an all time high, now is the time to limit the impact of rising household costs ahead of winter. In Spain we do not have the option of switching to cheaper suppliers, it is therefore necessary to look for other ways of reducing costs. Hard-water increases annual household costs and Murcia has the hardest water of any region in Spain. Hard-water contains calcium, iron, zinc and other minerals which are absolutely necessary for a healthy diet (so we don’t want to filter them out) but it does cause limescale build-up on radiators, boilers, washing machines, kettles, etc. and an appliance with a limescale build-up of only 1.6mm uses 25% more gas or electric to reach required temperatures. Limescale also reduces the life of heating equipment and as a result on Camposol boilers have had to be replaced after only 2 years in use. The answer is simple, condition the water so that it behaves like “Soft-Water” without removing all the valuable minerals. The powerful DEMAC “plumbed-in” magnetic conditioner provides an excellent nonchemical solution to these limescale generated costs. Back in 1831 Michael Faraday discovered that passing water through a magnetic field generates a weak electrical charge, this changes the molecular structure of the water keeping minerals in suspension and prevents them sticking to heating elements and pipes. Conditioners have been used in industry for many years, now they are affordable for home use and will provide real savings and benefits. Page 9
These savings and benefits become obvious very soon after installation. DEMAC will begin to remove all existing limescale improving boiler, radiator, etc efficiency. It will non-chemically protect all water installations and appliances against new scale accumulation. The water will feel softer and less shampoo/detergent is required, no calgon is needed in washing machines, maximum oxidation of tap water neutralises the taste of chlorine and eliminates the smell of sulphur, so buying bottled water is no longer necessary. There are many more savings to be made with DEMAC, at least €200 can be cut from the average household electric bill alone every year. You can also make massive savings on your annual fuel costs by fitting a DEMAC magnetic fuel saving device. These devices have been the subject of many articles in motoring magazines with varying results, but all of them agree that savings are in evidence. Most modern engines only burn off 80% of the fuel/air mixture entering the combustion chamber, however with DEMAC changing the molecular structure of this fuel/air mixture the efficiency is improved and more power is generated. In our own trials after the first 2000K we found that we were making savings of between 15% and 20%.
more luxurious swim. In addition irritation to the eyes and skin is eliminated due to the reduced amount of chemicals in the water. DEMAC Domestic, Fuel and Pool devices are all maintenance free and have a five year guarantee, they are designed to “fit and forget”. So join hundreds of satisfied customers in Murcia, order today, go to our advertisement in this issue for details.
2 million over 80 years of age There are 2 million people over 80 years old in Spain; 1.38 million of them are women and represent 4.6% of the total population. In the Region of Castilla y Leon the percentage is 7.2%, whilst the Canaries has only 2.7% octogenarians and Murcia 3.4.
A simple and effective DEMAC magnetic water conditioner is now also available for your swimming pool or spa which is designed to save you money whilst improving water quality. Laboratory tests prove that the magnetic effect reduces chemical usage by 30% to 50% while stabilizing pH. DEMAC eliminates algae, keeps water clean and improves clarity. It also eliminates the scum caused by body oils and gives you a much
The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
The Siege of Aledo One of the Almoravid’s greatest military blows in Al-Andalus was dealt in the small town of Liyyat (Aledo). In the year 1088 the Caliph Yusuf bin Tashfin landed in Al-Andalus for the second time to head the holy war. (The first time Tashfin came to Spain was in 1086 after King Alphonso of Castille captured the city of Toledo). First on his agenda was the possession of the fortress of Liyyat (Aledo). A Christian troop led by Spanish Nobleman Garcia Gimenez had established a base in Aledo and were razing the neighbouring muslim kingdoms to the ground with their raids. They had taken vast territories over a period of six years which extended as far as the villages and fields of Granada, Jaen and Alicante. The Moors had originally constructed the fort in order to have control of communications from the high plateau to the valley of the River Segura. The fortress was impregnable partly owing to the cleverly constructed waterways which were designed as an integral part of it. According to Abd Allah’s “Roundh el-Kartas” (History of the Rulers of Morocco) Yusuf ibn Tashfin ibn Ibrahim ibn Turghut (to give his full name) was the Berber Almoravid ruler of North Africa and Al-Andalus (Moorish Iberia) who reigned from 1061 to 1106. He had the title Amir al-Muslimin (Prince of the Muslims) bestowed upon him. He had a brownish complexion and was of medium height. He was thin, had a straggly beard, soft voice, black eyes, aquiline nose, frizzy hair which came down to the top of the ears, eyebrows which joined together. He was austere and even-handed, and disdained the pleasures of this world. He dressed exclusively in wool and nothing else. He ate barley, meat and camel milk, and kept strictly to this diet until the day he died. He lived to pass the 100 years old mark and, unlike his predecessors, did not die in battle. He dressed in black nomad clothes and never abandoned the clothes, food and way of life of the Saharans. Nonetheless he adapted himself to the life and mentality of a country which was basically foreign to him, at least in its material conditions, which allowed him to become its ruler and to implement his religious and political ideas in it. Yusuf was the man who conquered Valencia and exerted complete dominance over the east of Al-Andalus and was unquestionably the most powerful ruler in
Western Europe at the time. When all was said and done, Yusuf united all of the Muslim dominions of the Iberian Peninsula, with the exception of Zaragoza, to the Kingdom of Morocco, and situated his royal court at Marrakech. He receives a mention in the Spanish epic poema del Cid, the oldest epic poem of its kind. Yusuf’s son Muhammad ibn A’isha was appointed governor of Murcia and had many battles with El Cid. Yusuf bin Tashfin was given financial backing by a wealthy and influential woman named Zaynab an-Nafzawiyyat. She had predicted that he would dominate and historical records from the period (The Bayan) tell us that she gave him all her fortune for him to use to equip soldiers and organise troops. Yusuf also decided to provide himself with the financial means to achieve his ends and set up his own mint in Marrakech. He purchased 2,000 black slaves, and also brought from Al-Andalus 250 non-Arabs whom he equipped with horses and made his personal guard at his own expense, following the tradition of the Umayyad Caliphs of Cordoba. The Sanhaja confederation, which consisted of a hierarchy of Lamtuna, Musaffa and Djudalla Berbers, represented the military’s top brass. Amongst them were Andalusian Christians and heretic Africans, taking up duties as diwan algund, Yusuf’s own personal bodyguard: including 2,000 black horsemen, whose tasks also included registering soldiers and making sure they were compensated financially. The occupying forces of the al-Murabitun were made up largely horsemen, totalling no less than 20,000. Soldiers on foot used bows and arrows, sabres, pikes and Indian Javelins, each protected by a cuirass of Moroccan leather and bearing shields made of antelope hide. Yusaf also established naval bases in Cadiz, Almeria and neighbouring ports along the Mediterranean. There were also fleets established in the Balearic Islands. Ibn Tashfin was joined by the Sultans of AlAndalus. In the summer of the same year an impressive muslim army deployed at the foot of Aledo, They attacked Aledo with all the men and equipment they could muster. The fortress was full of subjects from the area, all of them Christians who, with the deliberation of men who could afford to take their time in preparation, had stocked it with everything they needed. They threatened Tashfin with the imminent arrival of King Alphonso and used the ruse of lighting up the place every night. The Christians came under ceaseless
attack every day, and outworks were put up at those spots which left them vulnerable to attack. Mangonels and siege engines were set up, and nothing that is usually put into operation for cracking strongholds was overlooked. An extraordinary siege “elephant” was brought in but was hit and burned by a firebrand which had been hurled from the fortress. However, quarrels among the muslim ranks were to change the course of events before the hunger pangs of the Christians. The princes of Al-Andalus were experiencing problems with their subjects refusing to meet their tax obligations at a time when their masters needed money to meet their expenses. The princes were under an obligation to provide an army every year as well as extending many necessary courtesies to the Almoravids and proffering continual presents. Should they fail to carry out any of these obligations the consequences would be culpable reproach and political extermination. Matters were made worse when it was discovered that Ibn Rashiq, who had been backstabbing and undermining the governor of Murcia in the vain hope of taking control of it, had been supplying the Christians of Aledo with provisions for fear of the predicament he would find himself in should they disappear from the scene. Rashiq’s actions had doomed the siege to failure. A fatwa was issued against Rashiq who was arrested and loaded down with chains. Then the inhabitants of Murcia refused to supply provisions to the besiegers and word came that Alphonso and El Cid were marching from Zaragoza toward Aledo with their armies leaving Yusuf Tashfin no choice but to end the siege after 4 months. Fiona, aka Sinbad
What to look for in a translator and why “Why have a translator? We are part of the E.U.C” is something that is constantly uttered by ex-pats here in the Mazarron area. Can you remember what it was like to live in Britain, the worlds “everything you want” shelter? Our taxes were huge, we paid for translations in schools and medical/legal offices, and the main complaint was having to pay for all the foreigners who came to Britain and couldn’t speak English. But we come to Spain and immediately become one of the foreigners who expect English to be spoken in hospitals/clinics/police stations etc. The E.U.C pay some of the monies, but very little gets back to this area, and local taxes are going up to cover extra wages for Town Hall Translators. This may sound harsh but….we live in Spain where Spanish is spoken. Claims are not paid here in Spain and the outcome of trying to make one is usually at the cost of the poor doctor/lawyer losing their licence just because he tried to speak our language. But finding a reliable professional translator can be a mine field, so with the guidance from several doctors and patients here is a general list of what to look for and why. Make sure your translator has lived and conversed for some length of time in Spain. Having a degree in Spanish from Britain is great, but actual translating in Spain can be a different kettle of fish.You are putting trust with regard to your health/money/home in these people, so you need to be sure they can “translate” what the doctor/solicitor is saying to you. No matter how many years the translator has done this work a “you whatie?” will still occur(even specialists can get tangled outside of their own speciality!) but the translator should be comfortable enough with themselves to ask for clarification. continued on page 11
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continued from page 10 You should not be part of a money making conveyor belt when you have a translator. Time needs to be spent with you after your visit, to go through exactly what has been said to you, you need to be clear on medications or you next step. This is a bug bear with the doctors, again they worry about what has been said and if it will bounce back to them as not doing their job. Seeing your translator galloping off to the next appointment or ushering the next patient in as they gently shove you out of the door is a NO NO! Your medication may have been changed and you won’t remember it, because two languages have been taking place whilst you have tried to concentrate. You are paying for a service, that service must cover time after your appointment. Specialist appointments: Vital that time before and after the visit is spent with you. If the translator is rushing off to cover another client an hour after your set appointment, then you are on the conveyor belt. Specialists rarely run on time, which is why most translators have to charge more for these visits. In theory this is because they have reserved a morning/afternoon to be with you, sometimes it may only be a short visit, other times it can be hours, a set fee should be charged. The translator’s job is to know that 3 appointments at different hospitals and specialists in the same morning is only possible if they leave you on your own immediately after your appointment! Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should anyone but yourself have the original
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papers from doctors or hospitals. Without these documents you will not been seen by a specialist. If those papers are lost, you have to start all over again from scratch. Allowing someone else to have those papers or copies of them means that your appointments can be changed to suit the translator and not your health.If they over book themselves and don’t get to your appointment on time you lose that appointment. There is no need for a copy to be kept by the translator unless they are changing your appointment, with your permission. Your health, like your bank account, is private and confidential, would you let your bank details/title deeds be public? Make sure your translator is legal, i.e. paying their social security stamp. They should be more than willing to give you a receipt for their work with their D.N.I or C.I.F and address on the receipt (these details are important, IF they are registered as translators those details will be in the tax offices). Fees for translations are fairly standard, with a variation of a few Euros from translator to translator. If they seem to be cheaper than others then they are either not paying their stamp or are booking 3 or more patients an hour, thus not covering you correctly. Two or three patients in one hour with the same G.P can be covered, but time is tight. You should be asking for at least 20 minutes after your appointment to discuss future appointments/diagnosis etc. Unlike Britain you can take as many problems as you want to your doctor, you are not restricted to two ailments per visit! All that the doctor asks is that you are concise and to the point when you are in
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with them. They have a set time to spend with you and are happy to go over that time, but their patience is pushed when patients can not remember when the ailment started or what medication they are taking. Write your symptoms and medication down. The doctor does have your medication on the computer, but this covers all medication you have had in the past. You could end up with suppositories when you went in with a cold! Pronunciation of the medication is different in Spanish, having it clearly written helps everyone. Some specialists do speak English in the hospitals, but there is no guarantee you will get the same specialist twice, or if they will continue to be wiling to speak English. We seem to be getting a reputation of “making claims”, so many are becoming very wary of continuing in English. Several specialists will speak English in front of your translator, but refuse to do so when you then return without a translator, a translator is a safe guard for them too. By a Translator & Interpreter
40.000 in Buñol “tomato war” 40,000 people gathered in the small town of Buñol (Valencia) where they bombarded each other and the surrounding houses with 115,000 kilos of over-ripe tomatoes. The battle started at 11 o’clock and lasted until midday and once more Buñol (11,000 inhabitants) has bolstered its international fame.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Short Story, an evening class Evening classes have always been the respectable face of Education. Go and learn a new skill, practise an existing one, acquire new knowledge. All very laudable, but there are moments in an organisers life which challenge this respectability! After all think about it, why so many women go to a class to “get away from home” and end up in a dress making class! I can always remember standing outside the local school at the start of term when one woman came up to me to say she had missed enrolment and could she join a class, “no problem,” said I, “Which are you thinking about?” “Well I was considering the cake decoration, “she said. “Oh dear, that’s full, in fact tonight there are only a couple of classes with vacancies, “the beginners and intermediate car maintenance”. This was met with a short silence and then, “I cant come any other time of the week, this is the only night my husband gets home in time for me to come out, and I don’t think I can do car maintenance, my husband always insists on looking after the cars, “she said. I talked to her for a few minutes, saying how good the classes were, with quite a few women in the beginners group. In the end she decided to join, there being no other seeming alternative. I did wonder if she would stay the course, many start out on all sorts, but quickly fall by the wayside. Some people seem to think that all they have to do is walk in the class room, put their head at an angle and the teacher will be able to pour the knowledge in! However I did see her at coffee a few weeks later and asked her how she was getting on, “Oh!” she said, “I’m really enjoying it. I hadn’t realised how practical it was. I did think it would be all theory which I wouldn’t understand, but Keith gets us right down to basics every week. I can change a wheel; in fact I am beginning to understand how a car works.” What about your husband, have you told him what you are doing?” “Oh no, he would only laugh.” She replied. The weeks went by. Keith’s car maintenance classes had always been a success. He was one of life’s “natural” teachers, very patient, outgoing, and with a knack of making things look easy. One group he spent years on were the local nunnery! Every year one of the nun’s attended his class to learn the basics. The Mother Superior had decided that they should all know the basics, since they all had to share the burden of driving around. I do remember one year, one of the nuns used to come in her habit, mostly they came in mufti, blended in, but one in particular, an Irish nun who had a great sense of humour always turned up in “uniform”. It used to tickle me seeing a nun in her habit under a car or under the hood. I can remember getting into the garage one tea time, and couldn’t see her anywhere. So I asked Keith if she was there, “Oh yes, somewhere” said Keith looking round. Just then a voice came out of the back of a mini, “sure I’m sitting in the back holding onto this …. Oh my gosh, what have I said?” It brought the house down. She was in fact sitting in the back of a mini holding onto a broken brake cable! Angela, for that was the ladies name, really enjoyed the car maintenance. The following two terms she booked in for advanced courses, and learnt how to do basic services in addition to more theory, basic electrics and other gems that Keith taught the cognoscenti! I asked what her husband thought about living with an expert mechanic. “I haven’t told him anything, “She said, “He thinks I am going to flower Page 12
arranging.” It was a couple of months later that I bumped into Angela in the local supermarket, “how’s it going/ “I asked, “been any use to you yet, the car maintenance, I mean?”. “Well,” she replied, “we were out in the countryside the other Sunday and had a puncture, and my husband couldn’t get the wheel off. Really lost his temper with the car! Even kicked it.” “Oh yes, what did you do?”I asked, “Well I remembered something keith had taught us about recalcitrant lock nuts, so I got out of the car, got the wheel off and put the spare on, whilst Jim fumed!” I stood thinking how I would have liked to have been the proverbial fly on the wall.
dear, you know very well that you didn't have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you're driving.' And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket the driver turns to his wife and barks, 'WHY DON'T YOU PLEASE SHUT UP??' The officer looks over at the woman and asks, 'Does your husband always talk to you this way, Ma'am?' I love this part.... 'Only when he's been drinking.'
Angela eventually became one of the first women on the women’s mechanics course we ran at the main college, and eventually started her own business, “specially for women”, and left the Neanderthal Jim and lived very happily with a couple of pet dogs and a great circle of friends. She also learnt bridge, which provided her with many nights out. Just shows, you never know where life is going to lead you! Rod Sawyer
Wife from hell A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, ' I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.' The driver says, 'Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60, perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating.' Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: 'Now don't be silly dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control.'
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!
As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, 'Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once?' The wife smiles demurely and says, 'You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did.' As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, 'Damnit, woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?' The officer frowns and says, 'And I notice that you're not wearing your seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 fine.' The driver says, 'Yeah , well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket.' The wife says, 'Now,
The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
there’s plenty around” “Don’t know what planet you’re on. When did you last see a free car?
Missing Cat “Hello mate how you doing?” ”Been better, you know” “Yeah I heard the bad news, bit of a bummer eh?” “Could say that. Why me God knows, there plenty of others in the same boat” “Unlucky eh? What happened, how did they get you?” “Just a random check. It’s obvious she’s English. They asked for the documents to make sure that she was here legally, didn’t like what they saw and that was it. We thought the police were OK before, but not now. They got quite stroppy, talked very fast and loud. Didn’t understand a word and we thought we could get by.” “Yeah, buggers, they’re all the same everywhere”
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“I know. You’d think with all the money we bring to the country they would be a bit more easy on us, especially the way things are going” “Bet the missus was pleased” “Don’t bloody ask! She went off on one. Been on for ages for me to do something about it, but as nobody else bothered, I didn’t either. Hit the roof, she hasn’t been so pissy since I suggested her mother could spend Christmas with her sister. Then the kids started. Talk about “I told you so” “What you going to do now?” “Well unless I pay the fine, that’s that. Been in the family about 5 years now. Very reliable, always passed the annual inspections, cheap to keep, lots of happy memories” “Going to get another?”
“Car? Car! When I read it in the paper, I thought it said your cat had been confiscated!” Submitted by Graham Shelton Re-Platemate See advert below
News from Camposol Business Centre The new dentist’s is scheduled for half way through October. All that is needed is the final paperwork and checks. Once done the dentists will be open for business. On Friday 31st October and Friday 14th November there will be an Open Day event for the new Herbal business at the centre. Complementary medicine is now all the rage not just in the UK but in Spain as well. This will give visitors the opportunity to look around, talk about the various non prescription herbs and remedies on sale, get advice, and purchase.
“Don’t have a lot of choice really, but the prices, it’ll kill me to pay it” “Hang on, surely you can get one for free,
The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
VISIT OUR OFFICE
Registration Number: 197569
Camposol Heating & Maintenance S.L. Installation, Maintenance & Servicing of Heating Systems, 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
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Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
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Any old Iron? No Stan, and before him his father, have produced more wrought ironwork on Camposol than anyone else. Rejas on doors and windows, gates large and small, railings around walls, all feature and are the bread and butter of Stan’s world. However this is not the only output from what is effectively a very small workshop. The point about ironwork in this climate is that it lasts, certainly lasts better than wood, and the upkeep is easy. But we show a lack of imagination, Stan has produced built in barbecues, wrought iron seating and tables, and the latest, a hanging basket stand. This has been strategically placed to get the best of the sunshine, and show off the flowers in an ornamental surround. Garden features can be highly decorative as well as functional, as this latest output from Stan shows.
Outdoor style in
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Plant holders on walls, decorative trellis work, are all possible items for home and garden. If you want ideas then ring Stan and pay a visit, since he has books full of possible ideas. Gardens and kitchens No one in their right minds works through July and August, unless they have to! Most of us manage the pool and the beach, along with those visitors who masquerade as sun worshipers. By the time September is part way through, a bit or a deluge of rain, usually the first for months, cooler nights, all help rejuvenate interest in the garden. September is when we realise with a start that we are all now “outside” people, that we can spend hours in the garden every day, and night time too.
What is intriguing is that we spend thousands on our settees and indoor kitchen, and peanuts on barbecues and a fortune on uncomfortable plastic furniture! If you visit Stan, then you can get a good idea about garden furniture and decorations, ones which will last and look good. A bolnuevo visit to Outdoor Style in Pareton will give you great ideas about cooking and living in your garden. A decent barbecue will not only last it will do the job; no burnt offerings! Lots don’t believe in gas barbecues, you only get the right conditions with charcoal. This is nonsense, a gas barbecue with a little stainless steel box in which you put a variety of wood chips from oak to whiskey
The Camposol District Journal
flavoured! And everything in between. A real Barbie with a top means you can even cope with joints! Gas means you can control the heat and avoid the burnt sides so prevalent with charcoal! Or buy a smoker, smoke your meat or fish. Believe it, smoked chicken in a Chinese curry sauce a la Japanese, is mouth watering. You can get seriously good advice from a staff dedicated to Outdoor Living! What is fascinating is not the range of outdoor cooking appliances, which are all basically barbecues, with the kind of sophistication we have come to expect from kitchen cookers, but the range of bars, surfaces and cupboards, all weatherproof and genuine outdoor kitchens. On wheels, they can even be used in different positions, but wired and piped for water and electrics. Don’t know about everything but the kitchen sink, no they have those to, more like everything but the built in music centre! And I am sure Pete could manage that if asked. They also have some magic real dishwasher proof plastic glasses, along with wall decorations, which range from art nouveaux to very ethnic! Given that the emporium in El Pareton also houses a great range of American spas by Eurospas, then it is well wroth a browse. Easy to find from Mazarron or Camposol, take the motorway and it is the first turn off past Camposol, and you go back under the motorway and follow your nose through Canadas to Pareton where it is on your left just before the lights in the middle of the village. PS see the ads for the phone numbers and opening times!
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Weekly Events 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 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! 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 OutKaraoke. 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. The Trevi-quiz with Bob Thursdays Scoobys-quiz, Scotties 1st Thursday of month A La Mode cool jazz, Golf Club Camposol-live music with wine at €5.50 & beer 2 for 1! Fridays Saladillo Vista-bingo snowball, Scotties at El Pareton-fish & chips & Quiz-meat raffle drawn, Sensol golf club-BBQ night at €12 from 7PM. Scoobys=karaoke with Byron Saturdays Scoobys & Golf club-live entertainment, KennellysVeronica Karaoke, Market Tavern €10 curry night Bingo Saladillo Vista-Wednesday afternoon & Friday evening, Kennellys-Tuesday night Quizes Saladillo Vista- Monday Night, The Steak Out-Tuesday night, Scotties Friday night, Scoobys-Monday night music quiz & Thursday night fun, Trevi- Bobs Karaoke Scotties-Wednesday night with Byron, Saladillo VistaWednesday night with Berni Mac, The Steak Out Monday & Friday night, Kennellys Saturday with Veronica, ScoobysTuesday, Friday, Sunday Page 20
The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 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. Thursday 16th October Sensol Golf Club-AWOL + Richie T Buy 1 get 1 free Beer - Wine 5.50€ a bottle Don Ricardos-Wellington Night. Friday 17th October Kennellys- Fiesta Committee dance with Salty Dog Saturday 18th Sensol Golf Club-Protocol Scoobys-AWOL Sunday 19th October Kennellys-Simon Kings Freddie Starr tribute, 10€ Scoobys- Veronica Thursday 23rd October Sensol Golf Club-AWOL + Richie T Buy 1 get 1 free Bee - Wine 5.50€ a bottle Friday 24th October Kennellys-live music free in front bar Saturday 25th October Sensol Golf Club-Little Rock Band Scoobys=El Tel Scotties-at El Pareton, Halloween Party, 6 to 8PM children’s party & 9PM til late, Byron, basket meals €3-4.Saladillo Vista-dinner dance with Christine. Thursday 30th October Sensol Golf Club-AWOL + Richie T Buy 1 get 1 free Bee - Wine 5.50e a bottle Sunday 26th October Scoobys- Veronica Friday 31st October Kennellys-live music in front bar free PALS Halloween Dance, Siena Restaurant Susie G, Billie €20 Saturday 1st November Sensol Golf Club- Jack Clayton Scotties-war of the spices part 3! Indian & Mexican at €8.50! Friday 7th November Kennellys-live music in front bar free Tuesday 11th November Sensol Golf Club-Peter Kay tribute + band 13€ Tel 699203136 for tickets Scotties at El Pareton-Remembrance Day with Byron, old time food by Jason! Wednesday 12th November PALS- Benidorm market all day shopping 13€ Sunday 16th November Kennellys- Marc Robinson as Buddy Holly, 10€
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
What’s On What’s interesting is that Camposol B is properly back in business. There is still one bar closed, but everywhere else is, as you can see in the middle pages, back with karaoke, quizzes and live entertainment. Scoobys in particular is back to regular live singers and karaoke in addition to their popular music quiz on a Monday and fun one on a Thursday. On the 18th they have AWOL, always worth listening to, and will be back to live entertainment every weekend.. Over in El Pareton La Sirena has been transformed into Scotties. Andy and Scottie have done a great job getting the show back on the road, aided of course by the redoubtable Jason. Partitions in the bar and restaurant, paint decorations have already made a difference. They are determined to build on the bars strengths, Jason’s cooking, especially his excellent Sunday lunch, their Wednesday karaoke with Byron which now attracts some of the best singers in the area, fish & chips followed by a quiz and meat raffle. In October and early November they are having what they describe as “a war of the spices”! At €8.50 this will be a sell out. Byron is running a children’s party and karaoke for Halloween on the 25th of October followed by a Remembrance Day celebration on the 11th November, where “old time food” is promised. I live in hope of spam fritters, my generations’ childhood luxury! Both Kennelly’s and Kim up at the golf club promise some great entertainment. In September Shaun had sell-outs for his
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“Elvis” nights, which if repeated should not be missed, and over the next month has a special Freddie Starr tribute night with the highly rated Simon King and on November the 16th a Buddy Holly tribute with Marc Robinson. Kim on the other hand, in addition to her buy one get one free popular Thursday nights, has gone for a Peter Kay tribute on November 11th. So sixties music nostalgia and some great comics, some cheap booze and ridiculously low entrance prices! Personally I would like to know whether there is anywhere in the UK the size of Camposol which can offer such a range of entertainment. In the port Richard at Don Ricardos is doing one of his very successful theme nights, a Wellington one this time on the 16th. Not to be confused with the Duke, nothing to do with Wellies, although our current weather has seen many of us knee deep in mud, with rushing torrents instead of roads and dry river beds, but all to do with beef and salmon Wellington. All devotees of this splendid dish need to give Richard’s offering a try. The mayor, Francisco Blaya has ensured that new events will offer "magnificent cultural evenings” in the unique setting of Los Velez Castle. The programmes highlight the importance of supporting local artists, who will be the first performers in this place so redolent of the history of the municipality. The municipality of Mazarrón, through the Department of Culture, invites all Mazarronistas and visitors to attend these spectacular concerts designed for the
The Camposol District Journal
enjoyment of locals. The concerts started in September with four Friday night concerts covering a range of music.
Notes from MASA MASA, or rather Blas acting for MASA, have just filled or rather repaired a man hole in the middle of the road on the dual carriageway above the Commercial Centre on A. This was spectacularly dangerous and was simply an open hole in the road for days. When asked Lesley could find no record of anyone phoning, and if they did apologises since she doesn’t always make a note on the computer but simply passes urgent jobs on. Blas has been known to take initiative himself. Lesley asks, “If you do find a dangerous hole or problem please ring me. I would rather get phone calls, than nothing, especially when it is something dangerous like this. I do not see Blas on a daily basis and rely on notes to him or Miguel. So there can be a delay anyway.” The Journal suspects that sometimes items are not reported but people rely on someone else to do it. One tip, Julio who used run the MASA store now works at Libeller. If you are having difficulty in matching old tiles, then it might be useful to visit him. Lesley does feel that he is one of the only people able to locate old tiles and fittings. You may have noticed more villas up for sale with notices. These in fact belong to MASA and are old stock being put on the market.
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
NEST (Nature ESpuña Trails) do very easy friendly walks in Sierra Espuña which you can probably see from your home in Camposol! Just go via Alhama de Murcia to El Berro, which is about half way between Mula and Alhama de Murcia on the C3315. It´s signposted all the way! Occasionally there are other walks and outings too. In fact there have been outings in the past to Elche Parque by train! But mostly things are around Sierra Espuña. Really, NEST walks are an excuse to get out and be sociable and discover places you wouldn´t normally find on your own! NEST has undoubtedly played a large part in helping people feel more at home in the area, as friendships are made on NEST walks and we all understand what it´s like when you´re nervous about driving into the mountains alone for the first time or whatever. The walks are always easy walks, just as long as you wear sensible walking footwear for the rubbly caminos with a few slopes.. We like to round the walks off with wonderful inexpensive meals, often at an authentic Spanish restaurant that you´d possibly never find on your own that is tucked away in the most beautiful setting in the mountains. The different thing about NEST walks is that they´re not for sporty people, but for people who just like to be out with other people in beautiful surroundings, walking easily without feeling they´re under pressure, able to take photos without
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rushing, looking through binoculars at anything interesting and so on. Wildlife is always a bonus, and we´ve seen a lot of wildlife, including golden eagles and other amazing birds, wild boar, foxes, lizards, squirrels etc but of course it can´t be guaranteed.. So those amongst you who might cringe at the sound of 'walks' will be very happy to hear that NEST walks are very easy walks and not athletic marathons for sports people or people who like scrambling up and down narrow slippery paths surrounded by steep drops! We´re a friendly and ever-changing group of people, because people come and go to UK all the time. (You do need to be in reasonably good health to come out on a NEST walks though!) The next walk will be to see the very interesting Snow Houses at high altitudes in Sierra Espuña. We'll meet up in El Berro car park, which is opposite Camping Sierra Espuna, at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday 22nd October. The Snow Houses were early forms of refrigeration and are very attractive domeshaped structures set high up in the mountains. For this reason, this is your last chance to see the Snow Houses for quite some time, as it will be getting nippy up there and NEST walks are enjoyable walks, never endurance tests! The Snow Houses are far higher than El Berro, and it´s an interesting adventure going up there and we´ll car share. So do come along! The walk is 5 euros and
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then there´s the chance to eat at our favourite restaurant hidden scenically amongst pine trees in the mountains that you´d never find on your own.. the menu del dia is 9 euros, which is usually a salad followed by a choice of starter, then a choice of main courses, followed by a a choice of desserts and then coffee.. or if you don´t want the coffee it´s 8 euros...it has always been delicious cuisine there. This is the restaurant at which it´s sometimes possible to see totally wild boar..The next NEST walk after this one will be on Thursday 20th November, so put that in your diary too or look at www.nestwalks.info where you´ll find lots of interesting things anyway about El Berro and other interesting things. Don´t forget to book your place, you DO need to book in advance and be sure you´ve received confirmation that you´re booked in, as restaurants need booking and they have limited seats, not to mention the fact that you´re then contactable in the unlikely event of any changes. You can book by phone or email. Tel 968607927 or 679002147 (you can text the latter number but make sure you receive confirmation - Movistar is currently playing up with this number!) Usually one OR the other number is working however. Email natureespunatrails@gmail.com and you can always find details of the next walks and also driving instructions to El Berro at the NEST website which now has a very easy-to-remember new (additional) web address - www.nestwalks.info - you´ll find lots of useful and fun information there generally. Looking forward to meeting you all!
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Out and About Our first edition of the Journal and I had hoped that we would really get out and about. Well firstly we had visitors early in September. Our visitors these days are well trained! Or rather it is unusual for us to have someone who has not been here before, often a few times. In fact our eldest was here with girl friend. Now he knows Camposol, has several friends here and decided views about what he wants to do. Being young, Friday night is that young persons haunt on Camposol, Alley Palais, with modern dance music, followed by a visit to one of the late night venues in the port. He loves the Chinese in Bolnuevo, which is always one trip out, but most of all appreciates the chill out possibilities of home and it is his home as well, the swimming pool and walking the dogs, who he adores. I must admit I like the Chinese, opposite the campsite. All round they do a nice Peking duck, great barbecued ribs, a pleasant service, the bill is always astoundingly low, especially when compared to a Chinese in the UK. Next door you can get a decent coffee and the smokers can relax in Annies Bar, always a pleasure to visit, especially her dogs! And Annies is hospitable and friendly. That’s one good night out for us. Sounds pedestrian, but I find our visitors now know the area and have their own favourites. His real love in terms of food is La Caverna. We paid one visit on a Wednesday night at about 8.30 PM. We were the only customers! Not sure why since last time we went it was fairly packed out. The restaurant on the old Murcia road past the big Alhama roundabout, first village and on the right. Large sign and barn gates. Inside both the courtyard and the restaurant has a Flintstone theme, walls and
ceilings, all stalactites remember “tites” come down and “mites” grow up! Catalan hosts who give you a big welcome, and a brassiere where you can watch your food grilled. Neil likes it because it is very traditional, tomato, garlic and olive oil served with large slices of toast, a limited menu, steaks and fish, Catalan style potatoes, barbecued vegetables to die for, and a nice range of desserts. We spent a very pleasant evening there as well. We also had the alternative 10 Euro Sunday lunch at Don Ricardo’s. This is really good value, with again a limited menu, but everything carefully thought out and beautifully presented. Fish or meat starters and mains. Nice choice of desserts from the traditional fruit crumble to the Italian banoffee pie. The place was packed and we knew some of the people there from Camposol. In contrast we took Neil the following Sunday to what is now Scotties; was La Sirena. Jason is still the chef there but there has been a rapid makeover in terms of décor but the Sunday lunch was well up to Jason’s usual standard. Our table certainly rated the quality of it all. Nice pinkie very tender lamb, great Yorkshires, very good roasties, and a large pitcher of gravy served separately to pour on yourself. Don’t know why more don’t put the gravy or sauce on the side. One of us like a little and one a lot. This way everyone’s happy. However these are now the dim distant past! All of a month ago. What about the past couple of weeks? Well, as you know there is a law called Sod’s law! We have had August and early September two lots of visitors. And however welcome, we live here and work here, we re not on holiday. Visitors are. Don’t know anyone who doesn’t subscribe to lovely to see them, but glad to get your house back as well! I suppose altogether we get about a month of visitors a year, something we never had in the UK of course. Anyway, to cut to the chase, the last couple of weeks have been spent in Rosell Hospital! Not funny getting the new magazine out and propping up a pillow on a ward. What happened? An old ailment has come up and bit me. Do not offer sympathy! Really self inflicted, you can’t do forty years of wine and song, or cigarettes and whiskey and wild wild women; although the latter has never figured, since I totally agree with Paul Newman, why go out for burgers when you can have the best steak at home? Still this is Out and About, with a difference; not the usual round of cafes and restaurants, but surviving hospital! I have to say, with the exception of the food, everything in Rosell was great. Wise to remember that the place will be coming down soon, hence it is getting just a tad
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The Camposol District Journal
dilapidated, but the staff are excellent, If you haven’t been in or visited, then advice would be don’t worry, you will be looked after. Rosell is of course next to Carrefour in the middle of Cartagena and hence easy to find. Parking can be easier, use Carrefour but remember it locks up at nine PM. The hospital car park unlike many in the UK is free, but always full except between say 3.30 and 5.30PM. You can also usually park round the back by the young people’s municipal football pitch and stadium, and use the rear entrance, which brings you onto the basement floor. What was sobering was that a visit to the Spanish doctor on B at ICA, resulted in immediate admittance to the observation ward. This is not pleasant. It’s a bit like living on Clapham Junction, ten beds all wired up, constant change and flow of patients and staff, intermittent visitors and only one at a time. Two days saw me admitted to internal medicine on the fourth floor. Real peace! Only two to a room, visitors any time, and rather uncomfortable adjustable easy chairs for overnight stays of a visitor. Many patients do have over night minders, often younger members of the family. What did strike me was that it is easy in the Mazarron area to think that there are a lot of Brits here. In fact I was the only Brit out of the 80 beds on the ward! First part I had a lovely guy who ran an electrical business on the mar menor and then a very much older retired caballero with a large extended family. It has certainly done my Spanish some good. Some really important points to remember, the kiosk downstairs sells sweets and biscuits n papers, but no English papers. The kiosk outside sells English papers, except on Sundays. If making an appointment get a ticket and then go for coffee next door, it will take ages for your number to come up. There is always someone who speaks some English, but you will be lucky if as I did you get one whose English is good enough to discuss the nuances of pain! A good interpreter who understands medical language is worth their weight in gold, unless your Spanish is really good. I found everyone; patients, visitors and staff very friendly, just like the UK, just the odd officious one. Watch out for the different coloured ribbons on the top pocket of staff overalls. Nothing denotes an assistant or student, blue a qualified nurse and yellow an auxiliary. The nurses spend three years training at University, doctors six, with a green patch on their top pockets!I also noticed grey, which I suspect is for qualified technicians Now this is Out and About, what about the food. Well since I am over weight they put me on a diet. So I had no choice. Take a dictionary in so you can work out the choices if you have them. Breakfast is at ten, lunch about two and the evening meal, with a coffee and biscuits at about four; is at about eight PM. Breakfast is just buns and marmalade, the coffee always luke warm. Lunch, a soup, usually vegetable or chicken, salad with olive oil and vinegar side dressing, main dish of some kind of meat and potato usually. Had a pork and a beef stew, boiled chicken, and baked rabbit, all ok. Dessert a piece of fruit or yoghurt. The evening meal a repeat, but with fish as the main. Lunch was passable, the evening fish pretty diabolical, so you are warned! Everything just about always luke warm. Your visitors can eat downstairs in the café or go out. There is an adjacent burger bar at the back, Carrefour, a Chinese opposite. The onsite café is ok. Reasonable with reasonable prices.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Micro lights and Harleys Over the summer micro flights and Harley trips were both advertised in different ways. Up on Camposol B in the corner of the car park Road King Tours parked up to beautiful Harleys and Merv waited for business. Lots of interest in the Harleys but no one apparently wanted fun rides or trips out. They had planned to spend the summer Parked by the beach at Isla Plana, but the usual story, couldn’t get the right licences. They were advertising a kids fun run for five Euros, sight seeing the Sierra de Espuna, sight seeing trips. The whole area is reckoned to be ideal biking territory, but few took up the option and have left the organiser Merv with no option but to abandon the idea until next year when he hopes to operate from the beach. Micro Flights advertised heavily with a striking advert, claiming that sex is not a patch on a micro flight, again with one taker from all the ads. The trips were priced at forty Euros for twenty minutes. They are based off the road to Totana past Pareton, well sign posted to the airport, which is only licensed for micro flights. Once there you can take a trip, learn to fly and get a licence; a look round reveals some very sophisticated craft which to the untutored look like small air craft. One taker was a family celebrating a twenty first! The lucky birthday lass being blindfolded all the way to the aircraft. Needless to say she was absolutely delighted and the present of a flight was rated a great success. So why so little interest? Is it the cost? Do we have such a geriatric population that no one is interested? The cost at forty Euros is pretty basic for a trip lasting twenty minutes soaring into the air,
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above the plains and mountains. Rather different from the totally monotonous three hours back to the UK! As a PS you can get hold of Nick of Ultralight on 606 273 370, if interested!
Medical Centres The good news is that the new centre on Camposol continues apace, with walls up and looking good. In the port, the new centre also is taking shape. The bad news is that in Mazarron town patients arrived to find it closed for eighteen months for refurbishment and temporary housing in some pre fabs! This is coupled to the fact that last interpreters contract has ran out and they have not yet appointed a successor. Mazarron medical centre is now behind the Kia garage opposite the now closed centre. It is in a set of prefabs off a back road; not easy to park and perhaps best approached off the top road rather than the main road. Inside the reception is on your right; with prescriptions the last window. Emergencies are right at the end the last door on the right, with doctor’s names on each of the doors. No annoy system, each doctor just comes out and yells out the next name! It is all a bit cramped, but the basic facilities are all there, including taking blood, only x-rays seem to be absent.
Obituary "Derek "Del-Boy" Jones unexpectedly passed away on 26th August, aged 69 years. He was a well-liked character on Camposol and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The Camposol District Journal
There is a collection at Scooby's Bar on Sector B, and the Thursday night Quiz has already raised €130 which is to be donated to the British Heart Foundation at the request of his widow, Mary. All our sympathy goes out to her and their family."
Less foreign residents The number of foreigners with a residence permit fell by 23,749 during the second quarter of the year, to 4,169,086. This may be a change in the trend that has lasted since 2003, which saw almost continuous increases. With 686,733 the Romanians are now the largest resident group in Spain, followed by 672,864 Moroccans. Then come Ecuadorians, Colombians and the British.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Understanding the Garrigues Conclusions Last month saw the conclusions of the Garrigues Report published in English and Spanish. It has to be said that there has been a deafening silence ever since! The English was difficult to read and understand but the plain facts about Camposol very disturbing for those owning property here. The conclusions emphasise the legal position of Camposol as an Entity. This one word scares the life out of many Camposolers. They remember back five years when an open ended bill was presented on the car Park by the then Committee, a presentation which those from B; C & D not existing at the time, could only listen to from the path along the top. The net result of that meeting was the resignation of the committee and the appointment of a small committee which was supposed to investigate the position and report back. The Home Owners Committee is still in existence but has yet to report back to an EGM or AGM. But what was the entire furore about? An entity does exist in law for Camposol. It has NOT gone away. It has Articles of Association, a copy of which is in the possession of the Journal. These Articles outline very clearly how the Association MUST be run. The Association must have a properly qualified lawyer and administrator. In fact there are companies which specialise in running Entities. The problem with Camposol is its size. This leads to the first significant point. Camposol is one urbanisation with one Entity. It could well be phased in with Sector A as the first area to be recognised as Page 32
“finished” by the Local Authority but all on Camposol have a right to take part in the debate and decisions about Sector A! This clearly makes the exclusion five years ago of those from B, illegal. However the rules governing the Entity are incredibly cumbersome; the lawyer and administrator are charged with going to great lengths to notify owners of for example meetings, let alone identifying them for the purpose of entry. It is one vote per dwelling, so those owning more than one villa get more votes, and those owning one have to vote together; votes cannot be split! Those renting, even though they may well work on Camposol as well, have no rights These are genuine problems, the complexity and cost of running an entity on Camposol will be prohibitive. It will cost many thousands just to organise an AGM. Where it becomes interesting is the quorum for an AGM or EGM. A legal requirement at fifty percent of the owners, clearly where there are up to a third holiday homes or perhaps more then a quorum is really a practical impossibility. What happens next is that the meeting is adjourned for a set time and reconvened. At this time there is no set quorum, and all votes are by simple majority. This means a comparatively small group could in effect make decisions for the majority. This is what happened in 2003; the meeting had to be adjourned and then reconvened. In theory, and legally, these decisions are binding on all owners. The problem that many entities have is that absentee owners simply do not pay up their share of expenses. These can be legally imposed through the courts, but still leave bills unpaid, which then fall onto those who pay. At the same time IBI bills to the Local authority have to be paid. These taxes are supplemented by subventions form Madrid
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and Murcia, based on the Padron count for the area. It means that the Urbanisation pays for communal resources, the town hall for the rest. However it is more complicated than that. There has to be agreement over for example, which street lights; is it all that are paid for by the town hall or just the main ones? What about garden areas, swimming pools, which on Camposol are written into the Escrituras of a number of polygonos, and any other community facilities? What about the costs of upkeep of roads? Normally this would be the Town Hall and region, but the extent of Camposol’s responsibilities has to be agreed and negotiated. The other key issues are that Sector A should have been finished and recognised in 2004. Last year it was claimed that a technical report had been done on Sector A and sent onto to MASA so they could finish the Sector. It is claimed by some sources that there never was a report and by others that the report has only recently been given to MASA. Whatever else, nobody is very clear at all as to what constitutes a “finished” sector A. It is of course at this point that an Entity will take charge of Camposol, unless the Local Authority rescinds the by law. Garrigues evidently do not think this likely. In terms of the rest of Camposol, then MASA’s final completion date is some years off in 2013. However Garrigues point out that MASA have allowed us to occupy our own houses, squat in them if you like! The Town Hall Authorities have also allowed us to register on the Padron. The significance of this is that this gives them additional resources from Murcia and Madrid. As a side issue, it was the justification for building the Health Centre and providing a Farmacia continued on page 33 Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Continued from page 32 However according to Garrigues it also gives them a “duty of care” for us. We have to be treated as paid up citizens of Mazarron, even though we live in houses still “under construction”. The Padron and its recognition is why we, unlike many on uncompleted urbanisations, have been able to obtain contracts with Aqualia and Iberdrola. There are urbanisations where the local councils have refused to issue Padrons, which are only supposed to be issued to those living in houses with Certificates of Habitacion or First Occupancy. Where builders have gone bankrupt then the water and electricity supply, has ceased. It does sound like Alice in Wonderland, but the problems always go back to that initial decision to allow the building of the houses first and infrastructure afterwards. These conclusions emphasise the need for Camposolers to unite. The CRA at this stage has announced its plans to write to the Sector A Home Owners committee to look to a common understanding and front. It still waits the full report in English before tackling the Authorities. Meanwhile. MASA have to all intents and purposes left Camposol. Mario is undertaking remedial work as a subcontractor and some road repairs are being done. Meanwhile, the green areas, palm trees, are all gradually dying through neglect. Some people are taking the issue into their own hands; there is a group on Sector D about to take “clean up” iniatitives; this kind of un coordinated community activity is great, but cannot maintain the roundabouts, the roads and other infrastructure and should
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not be seen as a substitute for properly organised services.
adequate bus service. People on sector D must walk over 4 kms to catch a bus.
As an aside Entities do exist in the UK. Many private estates have management companies who manage communal property with the owners bound in their deeds to support their work. There was such an estate close to where the writer lived and a number of owners were known. There never seemed to be a problem; the gardens were kept up as were the fences and roofs. In Spain they are much more prevalent and enshrined in law.
Also, he states that there are no play areas for children, and compares the poor administration of Camposol by Mazarron Town Council to Balsicas (also a Masa development), which is completely finished. The latter having been administered by Murcia. He states that “we request rapid action, with no more empty words”
Rod Sawyer
No more talk, we want action. The President, Cllr Jose Gomez Garcia, of PaReMa, the local independent party on Camposol, announced his intention on the party website to address the council meeting on 30th September with the following requests for: the completion and adoption of Camposol in it’s entirety, and a completion date: pressurisation of the developer, Masa to complete the urbanisation as soon as possible, In making these requests, Pepe gave the reasons and justification for such requests in terms of: The inadequate living conditions being experienced by Camposolers, including the unfinished roads and pavements, the hazards posed by inadequate street lighting, failure of the town hall to conduct inspections,the fact that there is no
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On the day, the council’s response was not what Cllr Gomez had clearly hoped for. The response was as follows: The council are still in negotiations with MASA; there is no timescale for completion. Ditto lighting, roads and bins: Camposolers must pay taxes, but have no return until the urbanisation is adopted, and there is no timescale for it’s adoption: The council are still making a study of public transport needs; they cannot give a date for the completion of the study: When invited to visit Balsicas with Cllr Gomez, to see for himself, the difference in the developments, Cllr Jose Antonio Roman Fuentes, Town Planning, Mazarron, showed little interest, and when asked directly when Camposol would be adopted, he replied that he did not know: Cllr Garcia was clearly dissatisfied with the response he received from his peers, and has vowed to keep asking the questions until he gets an acceptable response.
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Ryder Cup Predictions, by John Brown. It is one of the vagaries of producing copy for publication that sometimes the gap between meeting the deadline and the event in question means that a preview can come out after the event is finished. So it is with the Ryder Cup. By the time you read this the drama will be over and Nick Faldo will hopefully be travelling home with the Ryder Cup on his lap. At the time of penning this, the team are on the plane and Hurricane Ike has blown over trees and camera towers. This situation lends itself to making some advance-predictions that can be checked out as you read this! The first question is did you get to watch it? I suspect that a lot of you didn’t see it? The whole Telmicro debacle and their quasi-legal reprogramming of Sky Sports will mean long queues for satellite dish installations. To se the Ryder Cup would mean jumping the satellite dish queue and signing up for a Sky box. This is probably not going to happen for a lot of people in time for the ‘lost weekend’ that is the Ryder Cup on Sky. At this time Faldo is coming in for some stick as a potential captain. His two captain’s pick wild cards are the first part of the controversy that surrounds Faldo. He’s chosen Ian Poulter over Darren Clarke. Poulter’s decision to skip the event at Gleneagles to chase more greenbacks in the USA (unlike Justin Rose and several others) was enough evidence for the conspiracy theorists. Poulter must have ‘got the nod’ from Faldo in advance it is being said.
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Faldo hasn’t taken a large contingent of assistants with him – a mistake said Bernhard Langer. Faldo’s view is that the captain’s job is over-rated. The captain just needs to select the team pairings and set them away. The players just need to be left to get on with it. He is therefore unlikely to be out on the putting greens helping the lads to read their putts like Seve did. The other interesting aspect was Paul Azinger cutting back the rough and widening the fairways at Valhalla. The Americans have long hitters such as JB Holmes and Phil Mickelson, but they are a bit short on accuracy. Azinger’s decision to widen the fairways may backfire and actually make it easier for the Europeans. Apart from Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson, the US team is a bit light on experience. There is something in the American psyche that finds the Ryder Cup difficult. It isn’t clear whether it is the match-play format or whether it is the team game? The epitome of this is Woods and Mickelson versus Garcia and Montgomerie. Woods and Mickelson are individual winners when playing for themselves, but can’t get themselves very excited about the team game. Garcia and Montgomerie have disappointed in the Majors but have been brilliant when playing for their team. In recent times, the Europeans have always raised their game and the Americans have always lowered theirs. Oliver Wilson stoked the fires ahead of the clash by claiming the Americans are seemingly unable to accept superior European sides in recent matches have beaten them. "It's strange.
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They expect to win because they're the 'greatest country in the world', obviously. But when they don't it's 'our guys suck'," Wilson is quoted as saying in the Belfast Telegraph. Some Americans have even suggested the event isn’t interesting enough for them (because they can’t win it) and that they may pick up their ball and go home! How long will it be before the Europeans follow Jack Nicklaus’s lead and suggest that it should become “Europe against the Rest of the World,” in order to spice up the event a bit1? Then there is the crowd factor. The Valhalla crowd is predicted to be passionate, inebriated and ill-informed. They don’t follow much golf locally in Kentucky. The finer subtleties of NASCAR stock-car racing is what really gets them going! There will no doubt be constant chants of “Yoo-Ess-Ayy, Yoo-Ess-Ayy!” They will cheer all the good shots from the Americans, and groan as their shots go into the bunkers. They’ll also cheer when the Europeans miss putts, which will get the purists annoyed. I’m old enough to remember the ongoing disappointment of the contest when it was only Great Britain and Ireland versus the US. Players such as Eric Brown, Brian Huggett and Brian Barnes all tried their best and failed. I also recall that famous incident when Jack Nicklaus conceded a four-foot putt on the last green to halve the contest. Nicklaus was the purist who realised that the game golf is bigger than the Ryder Cup. He knew that no-one wanted to see Jacklin miss and he knew that it could have a devastating effect on him. Continued on page 35
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Nicklaus designed the Valhalla course, and Big Jack has also been critical of Azinger’s deputies such as Dave Stockton. Stockton was behind the instigation of the unseemly and raucous crowd behaviour at Brookline. We can expect more of the same at Valhalla. The other aspect underpinning the event is the animosity between Azinger and Faldo. Faldo has got the edge over Azinger, who gets easily riled by Faldo’s demeanour, humour, sarcasm etc. Expect Faldo to wind up Azinger with some well-timed remarks designed to get under his skin. Faldo’s ex-wife is involved in the WAG outfitting, and I would expect the European WAGs to win the battle of the blondes at the Opening Ceremony. So some advance predictions for you to check out with the advantage of hindsight: Paul Casey will not repeat his post match comments about “how much we love beating the Americans because we proper hate them all!” Hunter Mahan will not repeat his comments about the Ryder Cup making the players into slaves by exploiting them financially. Some local Wally’s will shout, “get in the hole” during the tee shots on the longest par 5’s. Faldo will make some flippant jokes during the opening ceremony speeches that will not go down well. JB Holmes’s tedious mind-numbing pre-shot shenanigans will backfire on him as the pressure of the final stages begins to get to him. He will disappoint. The American fans will have drunk too much and will cross the line between being partisan and cheating. They will be an embarrassment to the organisers. Ian Poulter will raise his game and be a star for the weekend, silencing his critics. Most of the games will go down the 18th but the Europeans will putt better under pressure. The Europeans will win narrowly because they managed the pressure and the heat of the moment much better than the Americans.
Ryder Cup Reflections By John Brown On the final hole of the final match in the 1969 Ryder Cup, Jack Nicklaus holed a putt that assured the United States of a 14-14 tie, enough to retain the trophy. But if Tony Jacklin were to miss his putt of less than three feet, the Americans would win outright, 14 1/2 points to 13 1/2. With a smile, Nicklaus picked up Jacklin's marker. "I don't think you would have missed that," the Golden Bear said, shaking hands, "but I would never give you the opportunity." The Ryder Cup was like that then. Gracious and gentlemanly. Nicklaus could afford to be gracious and gentlemanly because the Americans were assured of keeping the glistening gold trophy that they always won easily in that era. But the Ryder Cup is no longer that gracious and gentlemanly. One of the reasons the Ryder Cup ‘conceded putt’ incident between Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin was so apocryphal, was that it indicated that the game of golf and how it is played is bigger than ‘winning at any cost’. Jack and Tony understood this. Not everyone was happy. Jack’s captain at the time was Sam Snead and he allegedly refused to speak to him on the plane home. Snead said: "When it happened, all the boys thought it was ridiculous. I wouldn't have given anyone a putt like that - except maybe to my brother." So how was it for you? Did you get to see it? As a long-standing Ryder Cup addict, I can’t Page 35
imagine what it would be like to spend the ‘lost weekend’ that is the Ryder Cup wandering around local hostelry trying to find live Sky coverage? Worse still would be enduring substantial time in one of the smokefilled, grey concrete Nissen huts that pass as night spots on Commercial Sector B. From 1.00 pm on Friday, to midnight on Sunday I sat through bum-numbingly fantastic golf, interrupted only by Mrs B. supplying me with copious amounts of tea and biscuits. At the end of it all was disappointment. There was a lingering sense that the Europeans could have performed better, and that some of the so-called stars simply didn’t turn up. Faldo’s selection of Ian Poulter was vindicated as he showed the sort of grit and determination that was missing from Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez. All four stars of the European Tour performed as if their families had been kidnapped and they were being held to ransom by some mafia betting group – ‘’Win and the kids’ll get it, Paddy!” And Sergio’s putting made mine look good! Paul Azinger allegedly had a secret plan, that he wouldn’t speak about. If his secret plan was to get every American player to go out and hit every fairway, drop every approach shot to within 6 feet of the pin, and to hole out from anywhere on the greens, then his secret plan was a success. The Americans played stunningly good golf, and displayed wonderful putting skills. Azinger’s secret plan was to put the players into three teams of 4 players and to always pick pairings from one of the three groups. They were playing for a team of four rather than a team of twelve. The other part of Azinger’s thinly disguised secret plan was to wind up the Europeans by enticing the hostile, inebriated crowd into unsporting behaviour. So we had Lee Westwood being woken in the night by anonymous callers, being abused by the fans, and a ‘Boo’ supporter dressed in a white sheet pretending to be a ghost jumping out at him. Poulter was physically jostled by Anthony Kim on the 14th tee, and the antics of Kim and Weekley must have had Big Jack squirming. In the end it was unnecessary as the American team played far better golf than the Europeans. That they played such brilliant golf when all the while looking like members of an all male weight-loss group is all the more galling. How could our tall, strong, handsome, blondehaired European hunks get stuffed by their porky, inarticulate, red-necked, beer-bellied misfits!? Most of them had three chins, no waist and needed a mirror to check if their golf shoes were tied up properly! The consummate American athlete that is Tiger Woods wasn’t even required. If he had played he would have found himself being out muscled in the distance stakes by the ‘did-it-himself’ baseball-originated golf technique that is JB Holmes. I’m now bracing myself for the impact on the vulnerable youths at all the driving ranges around the country. Happy Gilmore has been upstaged by a real life, swaggering, antitechnique American hero. I can already hear all the kids on the range yelling at each other: “You do a Happy Gilmore and I’ll do a JB Holmes!” You can also hear the golf teaching pros around the land groaning at his successful non-technique. And you can hear Dads around the country telling their kids, “Never mind proper technique – just whack it like JB.” Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Padraig Harrington have each studiously refashioned their improved swings and their fitness levels in order to stand up to the pressures of winning Majors. JB Holmes on the other hand stands up and whacks the ball with
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unrestrained violence and reaches distances of between 360 and 400 yards off the tee! Reaching the 510 yard 16th green with driver and wedge, and the uphill 480 yard 17th with driver and lob wedge was stunning. Anthony Kim was so pumped up that he was waving to the crowd and striding on to the next tee after sinking another incredible putt. He had to be told by his caddy that the game was over! He had already beaten Sergio Garcia and he didn’t even know! Kenny Perry, at the age of 48 and planning his retirement from the PGA Tour, didn’t travel to Liverpool for The Open and stayed behind to ensure that he was on the Ryder Cup squad. ‘This was the swan song of my golfing career’ he said tearfully to reporters after a stunning 7 under par demolition of in-form Henrik Stenson. Kenny played brilliantly and holed putts from anywhere. Our Henrik had no chance. Oliver Wilson had been playing well in his first Ryder Cup but got stuffed by an exuberant and at times obnoxious Boo Weekley. Boo’s Southern drawled comments about “Yaw’ll know that ah dowan’t knowa much ‘bout the Ryder Cup, ‘n awll that history ‘n stuff ” was accompanied by some of the finest golf produced by an American. He was hitting every fairway and green and holing putts from everywhere, to beat Oliver Wilson 4 and 2. On Sky they pointed out that Wilson would have been 4 up on Chad Campbell, who was the worst player on the American side, but Chad was still beating our double major winner Padraig Harrington. The European rookies had all raised their games and acquitted themselves admirably. The superstars didn’t turn up. Faldo’s flippant irreverence in his speeches will be quickly forgotten over time. His gamble on endloading the singles with the stronger players was a high risk strategy that didn’t come off. It probably wouldn’t have altered the end result. Tony Jacklin clearly stated after Day 2 that Faldo should front-load the team selection in order to get some momentum from some early wins. Colin Montgomerie has gone through all the Ryder Cup singles games since time began (or 1927 in this case) and pointed out that rarely do all the games at the end of the list get called into the final score. Monty did his homework and Faldo didn’t. Faldo put Garcia out first against an immature but rampant Anthony Kim and it all went downhill after that. Winning at all costs and putting winning above how you behave in order to get there appears to be ingrained into the American psyche. It probably illustrates an underlying lack of confidence? The Europeans don’t understand it and are repelled by it. Golf is revered across here because it has managed to avoid the inherent cheating and diving that is part of football and the dope-cheating that is part of the Olympics. The irony is that the Americans had the better players on the day and that they would have won without all their gamesmanship. So now we move on to Wales in 2010, and like Newcastle United’s prospective managers, no-one wants to be approached to become the Captain for that event. Monty has nominated Sandy Lyle, and Ian Woosnam has said that a Welsh comeback would be OK with him. The Europeans have been rightly knocked off their perch, and the Americans have returned to the table believing in themselves again. No doubt the planners at Celtic Manor in Wales would prefer bringing back Woosnam as Captain again for an emotionally Welsh theme to the weekend. It should be great. Bring it on Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 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
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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. 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
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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 A Traditional Christmas Dinner with Entertainment on Thursday 25th December between 12.00a.m. & 8.00p.m The meal served at 3.00p.m. will be prepared by Karen from the Tea Pot & Tickets (49€) are available from the Tea Pot & Ron & Jackie. Limited Numbers so get your tickets early. 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
Volume - 1
Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
Pilars Corner ¡Hola! Buenos días. Nice to be back with you, let’s see where did I leave you last month? Ah! Yes, I was explaining the Abc, one anecdote that I forgot to tell you is that the letter ‘w’ is of course not Spanish. First of all, we call it double v, in Spanish, ‘uve doble’, because it looks to us as a double v and not a double u, and most probably we adopted it because we liked whisky and we could not name it in Spanish.. We don’t have any Spanish word with ‘w’… After this quick note, as I promised last month I am going to explain to you the greetings in Spanish, or ‘saludos y despedidas’. In your language it is quite easy to know that you have to say ‘good morning’ up to 12.00 a.m. after that, you change to ‘good afternoon, exactly up to 18.00 pm., then you say ‘good evening’ until you finally go to bed and say ‘good night’. From when we wake up till we have our lunch around 2.00 or 3.00 pm we say ‘buenos días’, although we know perfectly well that the clock changes at 12 from am to pm; from the moment we have had our lunch till we have our dinner, around 9.00 or 10.00 pm we say ‘buenas tardes’ and when we go to bed or finish the day we say ‘buenas noches’. So we do not have good evening as you do. The light during the day is longer in Spain and because of that we split the day differently. I will explain myself; we have three meals in Spain, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our main meal is lunch; we believe that is healthier to have at least one hot meal a day. And because we work normally, from 9.00 to 2.00 and from 4 to 7 or 5 to 8 we get that chance to get the necessary energy to carry on with the day. If Page37
we work far away from home, we are not able to afford to go to a restaurant every day, and that is the reason for the ‘menú del día’ which so many of you enjoy in many Spanish bars and restaurants. Something like home food in an affordable way. We do not have a ‘siesta’ everyday, only on weekends and especially on holidays when it is very hot, and varies depending on the person. We just have a break to rest
after lunch. You will have realized that ‘buenos días’ is masculine and ‘buenas tardes and buenas noches’ are feminine. In Spain, everything, and I mean it, has gender: masculine or feminine. And as a way to remember it I could tell you that the day is like the masculine part of the day: El día, el sol (the sun) and the afternoon and night are the feminine and romantic part of it. (la tarde, la noche, la luna (the moon), las estrellas (the stars). And everything has to match in gender and in number like the examplesAbove.
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SALUDOS/GREETINGS And now just a little challenge with some questions for you: How would you greet in Spanish at the following hours: 1- 8.00 am; 2- 3.00 pm; 3- 5.00 pm; 4- 7.00 pm 5- 9.00 pm; 6- 10.00 pm; 7- 6.00 am; 8- 1.00 pm The answers will be given next month, I hope you have enjoyed once more as I have done myself. ¡Buenas noches!
Volume - 1
Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 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 another 1000 to 1500 visitors a week visit the web site, at www.thenewcamposolcourier.com (this site will contain a link to our new Journal website.) 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
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the magazine and gives it a longer shelf 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
WE OFFER DICOUNTS FOR LONG 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
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. All prices are listed below and are calculated including IVA.
The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1
Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1
Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08
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The Camposol District Journal
Volume - 1 Issue - 1 Oct/Nov 08