Costa calida informer edition 606

No 606

Tel: 96 673 0057

Monday 22nd February 2016

Tel: 676 820 588

Issue 320

GREAT NEWS FOR HOME OWNERS AS HOUSE PRICES RISE 6.6% According to the results published by the Spanish Land Registry, house prices rose by 6.6% during the last quarter of 2015 and the amount of properties that changed hands also rose substantially by 11.2%.

The records at the Land Registry show that 354.538 properties were bought from October 1st 2015 to December 31st 2015, which represents an increase of 0.9% compared to the third trimester of 2015.

These positive results will undoubtedly bring welcome relief to those who bought properties in the boom years between 2004 and 2007 and have since found themselves in negative equity since the onset of the crisis and the plummet in house prices in 2009.

Thousands of property owners have been stuck in homes, unable to sell as the value of their property is nowhere near the amount still owing on a

mortgage. This being said it does look like there is hope on the horizon.

Following 18 months of steady increases in real estate sales and property prices, the average property price has now reached those of September 2004.

A major contributor to the recovery of the Spanish real estate market is the investment from foreign markets.

UK citizens are leading the way in this department and represent 23.9% of all properties purchased by non-Spanish nationals. The French are second representing 8.2% of foreign investment, closely followed by the Germans with 7.8% of purchasers.

Luckily there appears to be plenty of Brits interested in buying a home in the sun and this is adding a helpfull dynamic to the Spanish property market.

If this positive trend continues it won’t be long before the demand will once again exceed the supply, which will result in house prices increasing across the board. It is only to be hoped that the Spanish Local councils learnt from the property crash and will be more cautious before handing out copious planning permissions to developers that would once again lead to a flood of properties thus lowering the average prices.

2

www.informernews.org

Monday 22nd February, 2016

Main Office and Classified Adverts call Fay 676 820 588 (Mon-Fri 10am - 1.30pm) Los Alcázares to Pilar de la Horadada call David 658 058 883 Mazarrón to Los Urrutias inc. Cartagena call Fay 676 820 588 (10am-5pm) Empresas Españolas Fay 676 820 588 (10am-5pm) E-mail Contact ACCOUNTS: admin@informernews.org CLASSIFIEDS: classified@informernews.org LETTERS TO ED: editor@informernews.org ARTWORK: graphics@informernews.org GENERAL: info@informernews.org

For Costa Blanca or Costa Almeria editions contact Telephone 966 730 057 E-mail office@theleader.info Website www.theleader.info Head Office Edificio Centro Zenia 2 1a Planta Avda. de Villa Martin s/n Urb La Zenia 03189 Orihuela Costa, Alicante The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

Leader Media

21

The Next Issue of the

Costa Calida Informer will be published on Monday 7th March 2016

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

INFORMER

INFORMER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

Monday 22nd February, 2016

www.informernews.org

3

4

www.informernews.org

Monday 22nd February, 2016

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

INFORMER

INFORMER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

Monday 22nd February, 2016

www.informernews.org

5

6

Monday 22nd February, 2016

www.informernews.org

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

INFORMER

LA MANGA HOTELS IN TROUBLE The 4 star Hotel Abity Spa , located on the North side of La Manga has been in an unstable financial predicament since it first opened 6 years ago and has changed hands several times since the original owners had to hand it back to the bank together with an entire block of flats that were built by the same developer.

At the moment the hotel is closed and a new owner is being sought to take the reigns of this luxury hotel.

Due to its location and generally good state various companies are showing interest and it is hoped that before summer it will reopen. The hotel has 97 rooms, parking, Pool, children’s pool and Jacuzzi, a fully

functioning spa with Turkish steam rooms, gymnasium, beauty centre, banquet halls for up to 200 people, 2 restaurants and a large terrace offering spectacular views.

In addition to The Abity Spa, the latest Hotel to register as being in serious financial trouble is the Mangalan Hotel.

The owners of the Mangalan have defaulted on their mortgage repayments to the Marenostrum bank and the bank has filed a repossession order. The bank is claiming 1.019.843,23€ in principal and an additional 305.952,97€ in interest and costs.

The hotel will be put up for auction on April 4th and hopefully a buyer will be found. The Hotel Mangalan, valued at 2.287,500€ has 142 luxury rooms and a fully functioning Spa.

EARTHQUAKE IN CABO DE PALOS A small earthquake left the residents of Cabo de Palos wondering what was happening on Friday.

At 10.49 a.m slight tremors from the

earthquake that registered 2.3 on the Richter scale were felt by the locals.

The minor quake did not cause any damage to buildings and no one was hurt.

NEW LOCATION FOR PLAYA HONDA HEALTH CENTRE The small doctors office in Playa Honda which closed at the end of last year after it was deemed to be inadequate and in need of major repairs to make it appropriate for it’s use, will soon have a new location.

The health centre will move to the neighboring urbanization Playa Paraiso,

DRUGGED

UP

into a pre fabricated building next to the Sports centre.

This will save the approximately 600 residents of Playa Honda, Playa Paraiso and Villas Caravaning from making the trip to the Costa Calida Health centre on La Manga Strip.

BRIT CAUSES CRASH

A 42-year-old British man, living in Orihuela, caused havoc on the AP-7 motorway after driving for several KM down the wrong way of the motorway in his luxury Mercedes.

The Police received numerous phone calls from petrified drivers who met the Mercedes coming straight at them on the Motorway near the exit for Cartagena.

Traffic Officers from the Guardia Civil tried to locate the vehicle and eventually caught up with the driver after he was forced to stop following a serious crash that damaged the front end and wheels of his car. He caused substantial damage to another vehicle but luckily the drivers of both vehicles only sustained minor injuries.

Upon arriving at the scene it became apparent due to his behavior that the 42year-old Brit might be under the influence

of an illegal substance so he was submitted to a drug and alcohol detection test, which gave positive results for Cocaine and Cannabis The British National was placed under arrest and taken into custody. He is now facing charges of dangerous driving, driving under the influence of a toxic substance, speeding and failing to stop.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

Glasses donned by delegates to the learning events show the reduced visual perception of dementia sufferers.

British Consulate works to increase awareness of Dementia British Consulates in Alicante and Malaga are working with expat support organisations

including the Royal British Legion, Age Concern España, HELP and Age Care to improve

services for people affected by dementia.

The consulates this week hosted

learning events in Alicante, Murcia and Malaga, led by UK dementia experts Sue Brewin and Su Burns. The meetings sought to help support groups understand the different types of dementia and ways to overcome barriers to communication with people affected by the disorder.

According to research from the UK-based charity Alzheimer’s Society, the number of people diagnosed with dementia in Western Europe will double by 2050, with one in three people likely to be affected.

This means that organisations that help British Nationals will face more cases and need expertise. Southern and eastern Spain are home to large numbers of British residents, many of whom are elderly and some with substantial care needs, but who may have little or no resources or family to support them.

www.theleader.info To qualify for social services such as home help, British nationals must have previously registered with the Spanish authorities.

Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul for Southern Spain and the Canary Islands, says: “Organisations such as Cruz Roja Española and Age Concern can be a lifeline for people affected by dementia. However, they cannot meet all your needs.

I strongly urge expats to register on the padron and for healthcare now, before health issues arise.

You can then access support from the Spanish system via the local health centre and town hall social services when you need it.

“If you fail to register then you are unlikely to get social services help later.”

Dementia covers several types of brain disorder, including

7

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form. There is no cure and the disorders are usually progressive. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, speech difficulties and problems with understanding.

Information regarding healthcare for British Nationals living in Spain can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ healthcare-in-spain

Long Term Rental Property Los Montesinos Superior 1st floor apartment with lift 3 beds, 2 baths, kitchen, big lounge, balcony and galeria.

Quality furniture throughout 450 euro per month + bills

Call 640 534 964

8

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

www.theleader.info

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

More than 20 arrests at illegal cockfight Over 20 people were arrested in Los Montesinos last weekend when officers from the Guardia Civil raided a farm on the outskirts of the town where an illegal cockfight was taking place. The detainees, all men and of Spanish nationality, were charged with the alleged mistreatment of pets.

Agents have had suspicions of illegal cockfighting for some months so with the launch of Operación ROCAREÑIDERO (Rockpit), an ongoing investigation has been focussed on the Vega Baja while evidence was being gathered.

The result of this research located the exact building, a farm in the town of Los Montesinos, which was located on a secluded site, hidden among orange groves and lemon trees, making it difficult to spot.

The raid took place on Sunday afternoon where 26 Gamecocks were found (several of them wounded) a cockpit (an illegal arena for cockfighting), together with blades, spurs and several knives as well as 5,500 euros in cash .

Many of the “cockers” had cut off their birds’ spurs, the natural bony protrusions on the legs, so that more deadly, artificial weapons could be strapped to their legs. A vet accompanied the officers to the site where he treated the injured birds.

A total of 25 people were eventually detained, although many initially escaped by jumping the fence of the farm

LEADER

San Fulgencio Transport grant San Fulgencio is to allocate more money for school transport in the coming year. The grant has been increased by a further 5,000 euro from 4,000 last year to 9,000 in 2016, representing an increase of 80%, the result of savings elsewhere in the municipal budget.

Unauthorised Police Car

and running off through the orchards. However all were ultimately intercepted and charged.

The value of the roosters was said to be more than 35,000 euros.

Cockfighting is a blood sport in which roosters are pla-

ced in a ring and forced to fight to the death for the “amusement” of onlookers. Illegal betting often takes place as was the case in Los Montesinos. The sport is illegal throughout Spain apart from in the Canary Islands and Andalucia.

Caring for the environment

Balaclava or the Alamo!

Dear Editor ‘Cannons to the left, cannons to the right’ oh dear, oh dear, what a lot of fuss! For the record, I did not misunderstand Sr Martin's comments, however, the only aspect of them with which I did agree was his assertion that there was too much politics involved. When I look around the urbanisation I do not see it as the run-down hovel it is being portrayed as in the media and I find it hard to believe that I am the only resident who has the temerity to offer an alternative opinion to that which is currently on display. The fact is, I don't like one-sided arguments and I will speak up for what I believe is fair. I say again, things can always be better and I have no problem with people standing up for their rights and speaking their minds but please let's keep matters in proportion; with all that's wrong in the world at present, I can think of many more things to get steamed up about than

the exaggerated 'parlous' state of affairs on Urb. La Marina. With reference to the comment about ”his beloved blue bollards”, yes, they are close to my heart since it was as a result of my formal request to the former deputy mayor, Jeff Wiszniewski , whom I always found to be a most amenable and reasonable man to deal with, that they were erected in the first place; however, more important are the 'sleeping policemen' and traffic sign some twenty-five metres or so before them as they slow the traffic significantly before the corner is reached.

This has greatly reduced the number and frequency of accidents experienced prior to their installation, which included a fatality at this notorious black-spot. It is true that there were originally eight blue bollards, which in my opinion was overkill, and since they were constantly being knocked down by wide vehicles or those turning left

Ciudadanos have criticized the Policia Local in Benejúzar for carrying out their routine patrols in an unmarked vehicle. They say that the car has not been approved and should only be used for private purposes. ‘There could be serious consequences if it were involved in an accident’ said one party member. ‘It does not have the appropriate documentation and it should not be driven in public service. This is just another example of the poor management by the Department of Public Safety.’

into Marina Sol, quite sensibly, they've not been replaced.

In my opinion the present set-up is quite sufficient and, interestingly, neither of those that remain have been damaged; more to the point, though, there have been no accidents. Somebody wrote that it would be a good idea to erect a barrier but this would be impracticable as without road widening there is insufficient space.

Finally I should like to assure my critics that I have no intention of running for council or any other politically associated position as I subscribe to the view that, to coin a phrase, 'cobblers should stick to their last'.

Ken Turner

Torrevieja schoolchildren between the ages of 6 and 9 years will all be given a sapling next week to take home and take care of for the next 12 months before they return it next year on del Día del Árbol when it will be replanted in a green area in the city. The initiative was announced last week by the mayor José Manuel Dolon together with the councilor for Parks and Gardens, Domingo Soler. The mayor said that the initiative has been introduced to create awareness amongst families about the importance of protecting the environment.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

THEY JUST DON’T LISTEN Dear Editor With reference to Mr Turner´s letter, and anyone else who keeps referring to calling into the friendly Council Offices in Calle Madrid, La Marina Urbanisation to lodge complaints in English, and stating they will listen.They don´t!

Way back in July last year when it was apparent there was a problem with the bins overflowing and not being emptied, my husband & I called into the offices and spoke to Snr Paulino Herrero about the problem. He made a telephone call. After the call we were told that a new contract was being drawn up and after the August holidays (at that time about 6 weeks), we were having new bins replacing the old damaged ones. As the PP had not long been in sole power we gave him the benefit of the doubt. We have lived here for 13 years and always had them emptied every night without fail until June/July last year. Yes, I know if I lived in the UK I would be lucky if they were emptied every fortnight etc. but I live in Spain, where they have community bins, not in the UK where each house has its own bin.

and left. Neither of our complaints had been dealt with. By now Residents on the urbanisations were also complaining about the bins, weeds, lights not being on, the state of the roads, bollards, etc. The whole thing was beginning to escalate.

In October we visited the office again about the bins. This time the excuse was the tip was closed due to an Industrial dispute. Again we were told that we were getting new bins and a new contract was being drawn up.

In November fed up of being fobbed off, we wrote to Valencia and Alicante in Spanish and complained about the lack of interest the council had and told them how our complaints were being ignored. Along with photographic evidence and our letter we sent contrasting photographs of San Fulgencio village. Valencia had obviously written to the Council as in late December we received a letter back along with a copy of a letter from our council stating: “The Mayor will to take the necessary steps within the possibilities that our municipal budget, allows us to solve the deficiencies described in the referral letter with in order to improve the functioning of the municipal utilities in the cited urbanization contributing so to the well-being of the residents who reside there”. (Translated from Spanish) Little did we know then they had not got a budget in place. It was weeks later the budget story broke.

After the way the Urbanisations were treated over the Christmas period, over the Christmas festivities and lights and the amount of complaints that were being aired, was the last straw.

No sooner had we got in the door than Herrero got very irate Holidaymakers were out in force, the bin situation began to escalate. In September we went to see him again about another matter. No sooner we had got in the door he became very irate and kept telling us the bins were being sorted again telling us there will be new bins and a new contract being drawn up. We spoke told him we had not come about the bins, and spoke about the other matter

This is why a meeting was held to see if it was viable to form a Residents Association. That is why and how MURA was formed. For the residents to have a voice to say what their problems are and to try and resolve them with whoever the Political Party is in power. Not for the problems to fall on deaf ears and to be told lie after lie, week after week. There are a lot of things on the Urbanisations that need attention these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Last week we went into the Calle Madrid office to make an appointment to see the Mayor, and whilst there again spoke to Snr Herrero about the bin situation not being emptied on a Saturday night as

ours was again over flowing onto the road. He again made the so called telephone call and told us after Friday´s collection the refuge men have to travel four hours to dispose of the waste and four hours back, so they cannot empty the bins on a Saturday… (What they do during the week is anyone´s guess?) AGAIN, we were promised new bins and was told a new contract was being drawn up…

A few days later the saga of the bins broke and guess what? There has not been a contract for 46 months and our money is being paid to Ginssa

www.theleader.info

9

cash in hand with two rises while there has been no contract. This has been a blatant lie by the Council through Snr Herrero who constantly keeps up the pretence of a new contract and new bins just to keep us quiet and be a good spokesman for the Mayor.

With all the alleged corruption claims and misuse of Public funds, you Mr Turner wonder why the residents have no faith in the current council. Your answer is staring you in the face or you obviously cannot read.

Ellen Scammell

10

www.theleader.info

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

GARAGE SERVICES All Mechanical Repairs Tel - Chris +34 634 04 83 39

637 227 385

LEADER

5-"I am very pleased with the service and the courtesy from Mr McCarthy. I can recommend him" 6-"Polite and very good at his job. I would recommend him" ...

7-"Very good - on time and less than budget" ...

These are just a few of the hundreds of positive recommendations Chris has received over the years - Why take chances! Garage Services. Ctra de beniofar-San Miguel de Salinas, Finca GarroferosNave13, Algorfa 03169 Contact Chris on (0034) 634 048 339 and have your car repaired by a reliable, expert and time served mechanic.

Email: christmccarthy@yahoo.co.uk And, if you take your car to Chris in February 2016 you will get a free tracking with every full service.

All car and van servicing, All Diagnostics, Laser wheel alignment, exhausts, cambelts and welding Garage Services - Car and Vehicle repairs based in Benijofar is owned

by Chris McCarthy, an experienced and time served motor mechanic with over 32 years experience.

He has a fully equipped repair shop in Benijofar where, with state of the art equipment, he can carry out any car or vehicle repair, no matter how complicated it might be.

Chris is fully time served so you can be assured that for all your car repairs and motoring repairs needs your car is in very capable hands.

Garage Services can even come to you to carry out those smaller jobs at your home or place of work, saving you both time and money.

So don't take chances with your car - trust the experts! Garage Services car and auto repairs is a top quality English speaking car mechanic company which covers Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca area.

You will find our car repair and mechanic service second to none and our prices extremely competitive, also our customer service and attention to detail all that you would expect from a reputable English speaking mechanic business.

So if you are in the Torrevieja Costa Blanca area and you need the services of a top notch English speaking mechanic then just contact Chris McCarthy at Garage Services car and auto repairs, car mechanic Costa Blanca and leave us to solve your problems.

The company is allied to Checkatrade, a directory of trades and services that have been vetted to the highest standards in all areas of the business activity where insurance, technical qualifications and professional memberships are all fully scrutinize. Not only that, but they also monitor the work on an ongoing basis by collecting feedback directly from customers. Since 1998 Checkatrade have collected almost 300,000 customer reports which highlight the strengths and weaknesses of their listed companies.

You know what you are getting. Recommendation, reputation, and a

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

standard you can trust. To date Garage Services has had 315 reports submitted about his standard of work and gained a fantastic overall rating of 9.8 out of a maximum of 10.

Areas covered and average scores achieved include: Estimating 9.6 Tidiness 9.8 - Timekeeping 9.8 - Courtesy 9.9 - Workmanship 9.8 Value for Money 9.7 - Reliability 9.8 - Overall Service 9.8 1-"Very good service, with help and understanding - would recommend to grey and old, the elderly would not be overcharged. He's become a friend".......

2-"Fully satisfied with work carried out on my vehicle and will be using his service again. I would recommend"...

3-"I cannot fault his work in any way a pleasure to do business with in any capacity. He knows his trade"...

4-"Excellent quality of workmanship, courtesy and punctuality. I would recommend them"...

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

www.theleader.info

11

12

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

www.theleader.info

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

JUST FOR FUN

QUICK ACROSS: Salacious; 8 Ill; 9 Impecunious; 11 Current; 12 Sabre; 13 Manure; 15 Bridge; 17 Arras; 18 Augment; 20 Half-hearted; 22 Obi; 23 Erroneous.

DOWN: 2 Aim; 3 Cycle; 4 Ornate; 5 Sponsor; 6 Disobedient; 7 Placement; 10 Partnership; 11 Companion; 14 Resolve; 16 Lather; 19 Grain; 21 Emu. CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Disgusted; 8 Ole; 9 Sailing boat; 11 Bayonet; 12 Erect; 13 Abused; 15 Temple; 17 Holst; 18 Canvass; 20 Air Minister; 22 Ass; 23 Lip-reader.

DOWN: 2 Ida; 3 Union; 4 Tights; 5 Diocese; 6 Potted plant; 7 Temptress; 10 If you please; 11 Beachwear; 14 Enthral; 16 Scrimp; 19 Naive; 21 Eve.

ACROSS 7.

Drone (5)

8.

Purify (7)

9.

Bother (7)

10.

Smell (5)

12.

Fawning (10)

15.

Pirate (10)

18.

Shatter (5)

19.

Uncompromising (7)

21.

Conflict (7)

22.

Caper (5)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

11.

13.

14.

16.

17.

20.

Fighting (10) Permit (5) Snatch (4) Plan (6) Determined (8) Disclose (7) Elasticity (10) Infancy (8) As (7) Exaggerate (6) Trivial (5) Rip (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z DOWN 1. Animosity resulting from malaise, perhaps (3-7) 2. Injury closely wrapped (5) 3. Inventor one could ring? (4) 4. Trivial insult (6) 5. Ray of light with doctor on right track (8) 6. He is in charge right among the enemy (7) 11. Giles hired for Santa's journey (6-4) 13. Stray carton to put a horse in? (5-3) 14. Glib one becomes despicable (7) 16. Songster halves that hurry-scurry (6) 17. Clearly not a drink for slimmers (5) 20. Go back again to evil giant (4)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

02

17

35

41

57

59

BONUS BALL

42

13

14

30

32

39

LUCKY STARS

03

39

Tuesday Euromillions jackpot 30 million euro Wednesday UK Lottery jackpot 2.9 million euro

9. Armalcolite was the name given to a new metal found on the moon. Who is it named after?

10. Which flag contains a leaf, a hand, half a bird, an arm holding a sword, three crowns and a harp?

11. Which Cary Grant film takes place during the Olympic summer games in Tokyo?

12. The following are the last words to which novels? a. ....pieces of eight. Pieces of eight! b.

Because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and civilise me and I can't stand it. c. He was soon borne away by the waves and lost in the darkness and distance.

13. In the 1964 film First Men in the Moon, what do the astronauts at the beginning of the movie find on the moon?

14. Who was the first person to appear on the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine?

15. Who's face did Time Magazine publish on their cover and declare him as "Man of the Year" on

January 2nd 1939?

16. Which three US Presidents did Forrest Gump meet.?

17. In literature, what kind of woman is Queen Mab? 18. Events: a: What happened in the Atacama Desert in 1971 for the first time in over 400 years? b: In which year did the incident at Chernobyl take place? c: The film that shocked the world, 'The Exorcist', in which year was that released? d: Which English king was beheaded in 1649? e: In which year was the battle of Mons fought?

19. Brian Boru became king of which country in 1001?

20. Which common infection caused by Ringworm is correctly called Tinea Pedis?

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. The moon landing. (The Zeiss cameras were developed for NASA). 2. Vanessa. 3. All the numbers add up to 666, the so-called number of the devil 4. Mercury and Gemini. 5. The initials YKK are found on most zips. YKK (Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikigaisha) is the largest producer of zippers in the world. Have a look. 6. a. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. b. Dragonheart. c. Eragon. d. The NeverEnding Story. 7. Sonny Liston. 8. Israel. 9. Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins. 10. The Irish Rugby Football Union flag - features the flags of the provinces of Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht. 11. Walk, Don't Run. 12. a. Treasure Island. b. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. c. Frankenstein. 13. A Union Jack. (and a document claiming the moon was taken for Queen Victoria). 14. John Lennon. 15. Adolf Hitler. 16.

John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. 17.

A fairy. 18. a: It rained. b: 1986. c: 1973. d: Charles I. e: 1914.

19. Ireland. 20. Athletes Foot.

ACROSS 7. Solo rendered by egghead is lacking in control (5) 8. Watch prospect (4-3) 9. Admirable feature in the field? (4,3) 10. Requirements of necessity (5) 12. Temporary fashion to show every bit of violent anger (3,3,4) 15. Apparently having fun quite early (2,4,4) 18. A fitting comparison to hand? (5) 19. Not an egg-layer, but a crow producer (7) 21. Roars to make the fire roar? (7) 22. Ring for a sandwich (5)

1. Stanley Kubrick used special Zeiss cameras to film the interior candle light scenes in Barry Lyndon without the use of electric light. A film first. These cameras were originally developed to film what?

2. Which first name for a girl was created by Jonathan Swift in the early 18th century and is also a class of butterflies?

3. Why is roulette sometimes called The Devil’s Game?

4. Which two manned US space programs preceded Apollo?

5. Millions of people tug on a YKK every day.

Explain.

6. In which films would you find the following dragons? a. Norbert, b. Draco, c. Saphira, d. Falkor 7. Who did Cassius Clay defeat in February 1964 to become heavy weight champion of the world?

8. Where was the first UN peace keeping mission in 1948?

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

13

14

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

Advance moves reports on UK housing mini boom

Moves international removals have reported on a 2016 first quarter mini boom in the UK housing market that has resulted in a significant increase in their UK to Spain Removals services.

The surge in demand for their removals services has been put down to a number of factors that have all resulted in a very busy period for Advance Moves in what is traditionally a quieter time of year for the removals industry during January to March.

The prime influence appears to be the British chancellors increase in stamp duty on buy to let homes that comes into effect in April and has therefore resulted in a rush to buy before the new higher levels of stamp duty come into effect. With more properties suddenly being sold in the UK and combined with the terrible weather conditions that the UK has experienced this winter , many UK residents are selling up and contacting Advance moves to undertake their relocation to Spain at the earliest convenience. Many of Advance moves clients are making the most of the free of charge storage period they offer so that they know that their effects are safe and secure whilst they complete on their new home.

Advance Moves has also been investing heavily in their new mobile friendly website that offers a quick quote facility so a client can enter minimal information to obtain a quotation for their removal.

The new site at www.advancemoves.com has been well received by the public as it offers a lot of information on the removals process and why it is so important to choose the right remover for an international removal.

The UK housing market mini boom has also had a positive effect on properties being sold in Spain, With more UK buyers entering Spain with money in their pockets , and keen for a quick purchase.

Once again Advance moves has seen an increase in clients moving from Spain to the UK. This is also partially due to the associations that Advance moves has with many of Spain's best performing estate agents, so that a client can sell their property and organise their removal with minimal delay.

Advance moves are looking forward to a busy year as the increased activity in the housing market now, will have a snowball effect for the rest of the year for Spain's number one UK/Spain mover.

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Algorfa immigrant scam detected

LEADER

Growth For Local Airports The latest figures published by AENA show continued growth in passenger numbers with over a third of all low cost flights travelling between the Costa and UK. Alicante-Elche airport showed a January increase of 19% over the same month last year reaching almost 600,000 passengers. Of these, 216,000, or 36% came from the UK, followed by 46,000 from Germany.

Meanwhile at San Javier Airport, 82% of all passengers were on UK flights, showing an increase of just 2.8% over last year with a total of 19,500.

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 45 year old man in Algorfa on suspicion of offering jobs to immigrants in exchange for payment.

The man is suspected of offering to legalise the individuals through an employment contract for 525 euro, of which 5 individuals have so far been identified as having been of Colombian and Dominican nationalities.

The investigation began following the information received from the Consulate General of Spain in

Paraguay, who reported a page on a social network site offering “Jobs for immigrants in Spain� in luxury hotels and farms in the Alicante province.

The page showed photographs of the idyllic life that the victims would be promised in exchange for the 525 processing fee.

Although the arrest was made some weeks ago, the information has only just come to light after details of the case were released to the press.

Corvera estimates down Murcia Regional Minister Francisco BernabĂŠ has said that by the year 2025 Corvera Airport passenger numbers will be between 2.5 and 3.5 million per year. The figures produced for the 2016 Airport Business Plan are far more realistic, he suggests, than the 1.5 million forecast for 2015 which were entered into the previous plan. It was anticipated that the figure would then spiral upward with the airport quickly welcoming 10 million passengers a year.

When asked about Corvera opening the minister said he refused to speculate on any date.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

15

16

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

www.theleader.info

Personal Services

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

Delmonte Catotel Cartagena. The cattery that cares! Tel 968 168 711 or 616 276 379 (69083)

Property for Rent

Boats and Nautical

Boat servicing, engine oil/ filter change. General maintenance, fault finding, anti fouling, hull cleaning, accessory installation.

Torrevieja to Mazarron. Licensed and registered in Spain, 20 years experience. All makes of outboard engines catered for.

Competitive prices, all work guaranteed English/Spanish speaking. Call Tony on 628 166 738 (65470) FOR RENT - up to 10 metre berth - Marina Salinas - CALL 648 627 272 (69101)

Business Opportunity Busy Profitable Bar /Restaurant in La Manga. Free Hold Premises, Front Line Med. Turn Key Operation, 100 covers. All licences in place. 240,000â‚Ź O.N.O. Selling due to retirement.

Call : 868 08 34 55. Or Email: a n n a - g a rg a n @ h o t m a i l . c o m

Car and Vehicle Sales Cars wanted for cash. No more unwanted SUMA bills, speeding tickets etc. We will legally transfer vehicles out of your name.

Established on the Costa Blanca for 12 years with hundreds of satisfied customers. Call Tim or Yvonne on 662 211 993 or 610 050 099. (69147) The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2015 Ford C-Max priced at just 17,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. (69148)

Clubs and Societies COSTA COBRAS RFC based at Daya Vieja sports ground.

Training juniors Monday 18.30 and Tuesday 18.00, seniors Monday 20.30 and Wednesday 21.00 For more details contact Gary 692 767 242 or Robert on 697 286 416 (69186) Volunteers are urgently needed in all areas by the Age Concern LIFELINE Team visiting people in their own homes to assess their needs, reporting back to the Lifeline Team Leader. There are many people who live alone, are lonely and need some form of social contact. Please call Age Concern on 96 678 6887.

(69185)

Pets

WANTED URGENTLY We are receiving requests for La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, San Miguel schools catchment area, detached houses. If you think your property may be suitable please CALL NOW on 966 772 553 FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA Good sized 2 bed 1 bath apartment ideal for long term living.

Door to hallway has 2nd bedroom leading off. Good sized separate kitchen which is fully equipped and has galleria leading off. Lounge diner has patio doors with a good sized balcony.

Archway from lounge leads to full bathroom with external window and spacious master bedroom with large window providing plenty of natural light.

English TV, communal pool. 375 euros per calendar month, including allowance for bills.

Long term contracts provided 966 772 553 MAR MENOR/PLAYA HONDA 2 Bed 1 bath, spacious 1st floor apartment. Separate kitchen, spacious lounge with patio doors leading to a large balcony with storage cupboard, UKTV, communal pool, walking distance to beach 400 pcm plus bills. Long term contracts provided 966 772 553 PILAR DE LA HORADADA 2 bed 1 bath house on one level.

Currently furnished but could be unfurnished. Driveway to fore, courtyard at rear and private solarium 500 euros per month, inclusive of allowance for bills.

Legal let with contracts 966 772 553 CABO ROIG/AGUAMARINA. 2 Bed 2 bath ground floor apartment with underground parking.

Recently refurbished. South west facing balcony, UKTV, large communal pool with views out to sea. 525 euros pcm, including generous allowance for bills.

Call us on 966 772 553 URGENT! - Properties required for waiting clients. We are receiving requests for La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, San Miguel schools catchment area, 2 or 3 bed houses, and detached villas.

Let your property earn you money - CALL NOW on 966 772 553 JACARILLA. 3 Bed, 2 bath apartment. Good sized separate kitchen with external patio off, balcony with lovely views over orange groves. UK TV, air-con, communal pool 400 euros.

Contracts provided 966 772 553

Property for Sale 2 bed, 2 bath townhouse, furnished with air con. In the much sought after Zenia Golf II, which is within walking distance to all of La Zenia amenities and a short walk to the beach.149,950 euros For further information on this property please call 968 971 860.

(91768) For Sale Town House In SAX/Alicante. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, with separate granny flat.

Single Garage space & 50 metre Patio. Quiet area with no community fees. Close to all local amenities. 160,000â‚Ź O.N.O. Call: 868 08 34 55 Or email: anna-gargan@hotmail.com 3 bed, 2 bath semi-detached townhouse in the heart of La Zenia.

Only 1000 metres to the beach.

Fully furnished with air-conditioning. Within immediate walking distance to the many ameni-

ties offered in La Zenia. These properties are much sought after and offer excellent rental potential 179,950 Euro. Call +34 968 971 860. (91773) Two Bedroom, one bathroom duplex apartment with patio and off road parking. Fully furnished, SAT TV and air con throughout.

The property is within walking distance to all amenities and the beach. 114,950 euros Call 968 971 860 for information (91820) Brand new 3 bed, 2 bath penthouse apartment in the bustling town of Los Montesinos. With magnificent panoramic views over the salt lakes. Private roof top solarium and optional underground parking. 89,950 Euro. Call 96 897 1860. (91779) LA MANGA - Immaculate 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. Fully-furnished. Close to beaches and Veneziola Golf. 2nd floor.

Reduced for quick sale. 125.500 Euro. Tel 626 253 569. (90187) Beautiful Semi detached villa located in Torreta Florida, 3 bed, 2 bath,garage, large plot, lovely garden area, fully furnished and walking distance to Torrevieja city. Must view tel. 966-73-0057.

Euro 217000 (109105)

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

A modern and spacious townhouse in the beautiful and historic village of Jacarilla. The townhouse has 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and a modern lounge. The villa has a bright yet spacious kitchen with plenty of storage space. To be sold unfurnished. 109,950 Euros CALL 968 971 860 (101552) A large Emerald Isle semi detached property which also has the benefit of 2 beautiful conservatories. The property boasts 2 beds and 2 baths, lounge, kitchen and an integral garage which also acts as a great storage area. There is also a large solarium area which has sea views and benefits from the morning sun.

Well worth viewing. 109500 Euros. CALL 968 971 860.

(101554) These front line 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments start from 106.000 Euro, finished to a very high standard with all modern appliances. Incredible views across the beautiful Mar Menor and only 30 metres from the beach. These properties are only a short walk into the heart of Los Alcazares an old style Spanish seaside town.Within minutes of several top quality golf courses.

Call +34 96 897 1860 for more information of this fantastic opportunity to purchase front line! (100861) Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath semidetached villa in Blue Lagoon.

Lovely furniture and well maintained. Large plot, satellite TV, internet, security grills, central

637 227 385

heating. This property has a communal pool and is just a short walk to local schools, bars, and restaurants. EURO 149950. To view, please call +34 96 897 1860. (102363) This detached villa is situated in Blue Lagoon. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and comes fully furnished. It has a glazed in conservatory, private solarium, and off-road parking, as well as ample storage areas. It is on a 250m2 plot. EUR 149.500. For further details, please call +34 96 897 1860. (102360) Amazing 4 bed, 3 bath top floor apartment, sea views of the beautiful La Zenia Beach, 280 mt2 property, 30 mt2 Terrace, private solarium upstairs (as big as the property), lovely commu. pool with artificial grass, great opportunity for investment or permanent living. A few meters from the beach and all amenities.

Price: 298.700 Euros. Call 96673-00-57. (139984) Beautiful ground floor apartment in Playa Flamenca, 2 bed 2 bath in a gated community. Tropical gardens and lovely swimming pool area, tennis court, basket court & children play area. Air cond. in all rooms, 127 m2 terrace, interrior m2: 87m2. Fully furnished. Price: 125.000 Euros.

To view please call: 96-673-0057. (139970) This 2 bed 2 bath ground floor duplex in lovely condition.

Furnished . A/Con. Sat TV. Very large corner plot with beautiful established gardens. Includes a hot tub. One of the nicest apartments in the area. Call 96 897 1860. Euro 120000 (101132) BARGAIN reduced to 57950 EURO. Two bed, one bath South-facing duplex in Playa Flamenca. The property comes fully furnished and has off-road parking. It is located within easy reach of all local amenities. Tel 966 73 0057 (101156) This traditional bungalow is on a quiet lane in the Montezenia area of La Zenia and has 4 double

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016 bedrooms, a bathroom, a small, rustic kitchen, living room, a south facing terrace (with storage) and a solarium with sea views. There would be room for a pool in the large area at the front of the property. Low community fees.Reduced price!. Call 968 971 860. Euro 177000 (101510) Top floor duplex apartment in the heart of Playa Flamenca. Close to all amenities and the new Commercial Centre. 2 bed, 1 bath, A/C, sat TV and open kitchen. Sold furnished. Large solarium with sea views, shaded terrace and front garden. Access to a communal pool. 79950 Euro.

Call 96 897 1860. (101524) Now reduced by 10.000 euro for a quick sale. Stunning 2 bed, 1 bath apartment in the heart of Cabo Roig beachside. Furnished.

A/C and sat TV. Underground parking. Incredible pool and sea views from the balcony. Short walk to the beach and all amenities. Euro 135,950. Call 968 971 860. (100887) 2 bed, 1 bath ground floor apartment. Furnished and includes A/C and satellite TV. Walking distance to all amenities and 15 mins to the beach. Off road parking and use of a communal pool.

95,000.00 EUR. Call 637 227 385 for further information.

(100884) 2 bed, 1 bath South-facing apartment. Overlooks the pool and has sea views from the balcony.

Fully furnished with A/Con and sat TV. Underground parking. In the heart of Cabo Roig. Walking distance to the beach. 99,750 Euro. Call 968 971 860.

(101123) Beautiful ground floor apartment.

Front Line beach in La Zenia. In a gated and secure complex with incredible views across La Zenia bay you literally walk off your terrace and on to the beach.Fully furnished to a high standard this is a unique property because of its proximity to the beach.This is a property that has to be seen.EUR219,950 call 968 971 860. (100855) Dolores. Large Finca in plot of 10,000 m2. All services connected. Build Size 215m2. Must be viewed. 195,000 euros. Tel 649 189 930 (65297) Beautifully presented 2 bed ground floor bungalow. Property consists of Lounge/Diner, good sized kitchen with storage area, Master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, twin bedroom with fitted wardrobes and family bathroom. Good sized garden and communal pool. This property is located just a short stroll to Villamartin Plaza and is ideal for full time living and holidays 80,000 euros Tel 966 772 553 (92320) A stunning quad villa in playa golf property with 2 bedrooms 1.5 bathroom and large garden just a short walk from bars and the bus and only a 5 mins drive to the beach 115,000 euros contact Ian on 644 115 988 (96290) 2 Bedroom quad villa in Lomas de

Cabo Roig just 5 mins walk to the shop and about 5 mins drive to the beach this has been a lovely home but need to sell now it only 89,999 euros call Carl on 672 875 251 (96292) Ground floor bungalow over looking community garden and just a short walk from the supermarket carrefour in Torrevieja this is a lovely property with a nice size garden Ideal for you if you are looking to be close to all amenties was 99,000 euros now 75,000 euros call me James on 644 138 502 (96293) Refurbished top floor bungalow with private garden and private solarium in the Verdemars with sea view and golf views also we have refurbished to a high standard there is a lovely stream just a few mins walk away and the communtiy is a nice and clean with 2 communal pool now 124,999 euros call today paul on 634 043 697 (96294) Brand new, 2 Bed, 2 bath walking distance to the new La Zenia Boulevard. Beautiful green areas within the urbanization, children play area, infinity comm.pool, jacuzzy (heated water in the winter months). Ideal investment home. Contact: 96-673-00-57.

Euro 128000 (109130) Large apartment in Punta Prima, sea views, 3 bed, 2 bath, large terrace, air cond. quiet area, low comm. fees, well mantained, fully furnished, good investment, please contact: 96673-00-57.

Euro 148000 (109514) Lovely 2 bed, 1 bath apartment in Rocio del Mar at Punta Prima, sea views, south facing, fantastic comm. pool in a green area, walking distance to restaurants and all amenities. Contact: 96673-00-57.

Euro 148000 (109515) Beautiful property; 2 bed plus conservatory, 2 bath, in a gated urbanization with lovely green areas and 2 comm. pools, air cond. Large solarium, 80 mt2 corner plot. Very well mantained, 3 min. from Habaneras shopping centre. For viewing please contact: 96-673-00-57. Euro 115950 (109523) Semi-Detacthed property in La Torreta Florida, 2 Bed, 1 Bath, 400 m2 plot , large terrace, lake views from the large solarium, sunny all year round, garage (possible 3rd bedroom), central heating, fully furnished. For

www.theleader.info

viewing please contact: 96-67300-57. Euro 147000 (109518) Detached property close to Torrevieja and Habaneras shopping centre, 3 bed, 2 bath, beautiful garden, 1.000 mt2 plot, quite area, garage, lovely swimming-pool. Contact for viewing: 96-673-00-57. Euro 270000 (109519) For sale Resale Apartment in Costa Blanca, Alicante, Torrevieja, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. This 2 bedroom, one bath, first floor apartment in Torrevieja is well situated close to the town centre and only a short walk from the promenade and many award winning beaches. It has the use of a lift and is fully furnished throughout with all white goods and fitted wardrobes, with a glassed in veranda. Close to all amenities including medical, school, restaurant and leisure facilities it would be suitable for a retired couple, a small family or as a holiday home with excellent letting potential. For further information, please call 0034 637 227 385. Euro 64,950 (142131)

17

Detached villa in Costa Blanca, Los Balcones, Torrevieja, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms.

Detached villa in quiet residential area. 2 bed, 1 bath with 3 patio/terraces, lots of outside area. South facing, all day sun.

Large solarium with views over salt lakes to mountains. Sold fully furnished with all white goods. Superior furniture. Short drive to all amenities including medical, commercial and social.

Five minutes to Torrevieja town centre and to wonderful local beaches. Euro 124,950. Please call 0034 637 227 385. (142132)

18

www.theleader.info

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th February, 2016

Fines for Estate Agents advertising property without EPC in Catalonia The “Generalitat de Catalunya” Catalonian Government (Catalonia is located north of Valencia), through the Catalan Consumer Agency (ACC ) has officially published (12th of January of 2016) that disciplinary proceedings have started against 42 Real Estate Agencies for advertising properties without having the obligatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). We are waiting to receive confirmation if these fining processes are also to be extended to the property owners.

The Public Department informs that inspections found these Agencies advertised properties without the obligatory Energy label, in violation of the Law and the rights of consumers.

In some cases, Estate Agents have been advertising that the certificate is "pending", as a mechanism to avoid the obligation. But authorities informed that the 42 fining processes started subsequently after the agencies failed to demonstrate that the certificate was being processed, according to sources of the ACC. Please visit the official information at the Government website following this link:http://bit.ly/1Q94D1m Please be aware that ultimately the responsibility of having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is down to the owner of the property (fines depend on the kind of infraction: marketing without an EPC, falsifying an EPC or not using a competent technician to issue the document). So if your Estate Agent is advertising / marketing your property without an EPC (to sell or rent) please be advised they are risking themselves to be fined and also potentially risking their clients and owners to receive a fine.

Also be aware you have the right to choose a technician to have your EPC done, so please contact Martinez de la Casa Architects and we will provide you with your property's EPC guaranteed within a strict 48 hours deadline after our survey, a prompt and trouble free service for only 121 € all inclusive of IVA, official registration with the authorities and the registration tax. The same fixed price applies to any size build and is valid for 10 years.

We also offer substantial discounts for Estate Agents or group visits, so please ask your Estate Agent to contact us to get the most competitive rate possible for your EPC. Only Martinez de la Casa Architects can guarantee all services within a stated deadlines and fixed prices. With over 4,000 clients in South East Spain including the most reputable law firms and Estate Agents, Martinez de la Casa are considered one of the most prominent and respectable architecture practises. We also offer unbeatable discounts services combining your EPC with Habitation Licences (from 118 € IVA Inc included, Town Hall fees not included) or Certificates of Antiquity/Retrospective Licences for pools (190 €+IVA) and extensions (270 € +IVA).

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive ever growing list with of over 150 testimonials by different clients

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

INFORMER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

Monday 22nd February, 2016

With a huge increase in the amount of repairs and cleaning, last week was one of the busiest ever at Fowof since they opened.

Anna said the surprising part is the distance people are travelling to get their item repaired, the main reason for this appears to be the fast turnaround of normally 24 hours, due to having there in house engineers working on site. Where many shops send them away, leaving the customer without their item for up to 14 days, in many cases items that arrive at Fowof first thing in the morning are returned to the owner on the same day.

The situation in the shop, located in the Mercadona Arcade in Los Alcazares being busy was not helped with Tasia having to take some time of to go to Madrid to meet up with friends for a few days, it was agreed that after working everyday through the Christmas period and into the New Year, she deserved some time with her boyfriend, who was, she said starting to forget her name after seeing very little of her since the New Year.

One strange thing happened when I called in the day just before she left. Now before leaving to go away Tasia made me promise not to mention the strange happening of that fateful day. But as Angelos knows I am not very good at keeping secrets and so decide to impart my findings to everyone as whilst making my promise I had my fingers firmly crossed.

It would seem after a busy morning a customer who lived a long way from the shop returned to collect their item, Tasia decided to try and do two things at once, returning a Tablet clearly marked Mr A she gave it to Mr B who on arrival at home found he was unable to open with his password plus he seemed to have inherited a dog as a screensaver, as an avid Cat lover, he realised a mistake had been made so he phoned the shop, by this time the mistake had already been noticed and they were trying to work out the best method of repairing the mistake. It was decided Tasia had to drive the round trip of some 62 km to retrieve the Tablet, plus to show the customer the similarity between the two Tablets, but while she was gone the other owner arrived to collect their tablet only to find it was of course on this strange 62 km drive with Tasia at the wheel. On her return to the shop Tasia only had time to collect the persons address in Mazzaron and then embark on a 164 km round trip, I arrived as she returned from this delivery expecting this to be an end to the worst day of her life, only to find she had left her purse at the garage in Mazzaron where she had filled her car!

Luckily one of the staff at the garage, phoned Fowof to let them know after finding her card and details

inside, after her epic collection and delivery service, the purse contained her house keys so she was forced to return to collect the purse that evening. Now after me being told that females are multi functional and can do at least two things at once where us mere males are normally unable to even do one thing at a time, I reminded Tasia of this, but at this point Angelos arrived at the shop, he was very understanding however he first pointed out that as Tasia had spent much if not all of her day out of the shop he would be deducting her wages accordingly, to this I could see that the father and daughter bond was not apparent in this case, I decided it was time to leave but retuned later to show my amusement at her demise . At first we were only talking in short statements, Tasia had her teeth clenched throughout our conversation. This may be a turning point in our somewhat unsteady relationship, but I think it is only fair that men out there are made aware that though they will never admit it, women do get it wrong (sometimes).

I can assure all customers that the collection of the incorrect item can no longer happen as now Tasia double checks every item, against its work sheet, because the driving can become boring and expensive but worse the thought that she was found

www.informernews.org

19

out making a mistake, plus the chance of further loss of face and earnings.

My phone I am now told is inferior to most phones due to its lack of memory, Manuel explained that early phones, though you can use an SD card, you can not transfer the internal memory onto your SD card, so when my phone was made it was loaded with many apps but solely on the internal memory, without the facility to put it on to the SD card so like today I can not use whatsapp because I do not have the memory to download it, when I asked what I could do, I was told to throw it away and get a new one because it is out of date and short of memory. We can only be thankful that Manuel is not a doctor; otherwise we would get to 50 and be discarded because our memory was bad and we were unable to update.

Again I must mention the Hot Spot that gives you pre-paid credit with internet and Wi-Fi, use it at home, on the beach, or anywhere you go, the prepaid for 3gb with Labara is around 15€ so no need to have internet all year round, just pay when you want it, this is the size of a box of matches can be recharged easily and you can recharge you phone or Tablet from the Hot Spot making this great value at around 68€.

My wife decided this week to break her screen on her phone, the normal price for a new glass is 60-80€ making it impractical to replace, as a new phone costs only a few euros more.

The reason it was broken, it fell on to a corner, yet a cover that could have protected it cost only 5-6€! I must admit the covers for Tablets and phones are worth the money as it can save the replacement of the glass or a new Tablet or phone. Our story of the week was a laptop that arrived to be cleaned and updated plus the owner said he was having problems with the keyboard? Manuel after many problems trying to start the machine because the Keyboard only worked on about 6 keys, he removed the keyboard but found it was clogged with coffee and food items including rice and we believe flour. The keyboard was cleaned and replaced and the updates were made, on the customers return, he explained he watched cookery shows on the TV and tried to do some of the recipes they found on line from BBC programs but it tends to get caught up in the Keyboard as they are watching the class and trying to keep up with them.

Manuel suggested they Print of the Recipe and then put the Laptop well clear of the ingredients. They agreed and said they would follow his advice!

See their main advert on page 2.

20

Monday 22nd February, 2016

www.informernews.org

BRITISH CONSULATES

WORK TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF DEMENTIA

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

INFORMER

CHATTERS INVITE ANTONIO ZAPATA, LOCAL HISTORIAN

This means that organisations that help British Nationals will face more cases and need expertise.

Southern and eastern Spain are home to large numbers of British residents, many of whom are elderly and some with substantial care needs, but who may have little or no resources or family to support them.

British Consulates in Alicante and Malaga are working with expat support organisations including the Royal British Legion, Age Concern España, HELP and Age Care to improve services for people affected by dementia.

The consulates this week hosted learning events in Alicante, Murcia and Malaga, led by UK dementia experts Sue Brewin and Su Burns. The meetings sought to help support groups understand the different types of dementia and ways to overcome barriers to communication with people affected by the disorder.

According to research from the UK-based charity Alzheimer’s Society, the number of people diagnosed with dementia in Western Europe will double by 2050, with one in three people likely to be affected.

To qualify for social services such as home help, British nationals must have previously registered with the Spanish authorities.

Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul for Southern Spain and the Canary Islands, says: “Organisations such as Cruz Roja Española and Age Concern can be a lifeline for people affected by dementia. However, they cannot meet all your needs. I strongly urge expats to register on the padron and for healthcare now, before health issues arise. You can then access support from the Spanish system via the local health centre and town hall social services when you need it.

“If you fail to register then you are unlikely to get social services help later.”

Dementia covers several types of brain disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form. There is no cure and the disorders are usually progressive. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, speech difficulties and problems with understanding.

Information regarding healthcare for British Nationals living in Spain can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-spain

Wednesday 17th February at the Pasty Shack, Los Alcazares, local historian Snr . Antonio Zapata, a high school history teacher and president of Los Alcazares Eco Cultural, LAEC .was invited to come along to the monthly HAH CHATTERS meeting to talk about the local history of this vibrant town & surrounding area.

By 10.30, every seat was taken and the assembled group enjoyed coffee and cake before the talk. Lots of slides were shown, and quite a few people were reminded of past times in and around the surrounding area.

Although Snr Zapata is Spanish, he spoke very good English, and the audience were delighted by his knowledge.

After the applause, Bill Hulse who organises the CHATTERS meetings, said " an amazing speech, and the slides were so interesting, seeing Los Alcazares how it used to be.. thanks so much for bringing this to us, and invited Snr Zapata to talk again in the future. We are all so proud of the success of CHATTERS, thanks to the interesting speakers, the quiz and the locals who support us every month"

Glasses donned by delegates to the learning events show the reduced visual perception of dementia sufferers

The next meeting will be on March 15th, and will be about "Communications" If you have a problem with lap tops, mobiles, computers etc. then come along. More information nearer the time.

To find out more about HAH www.helpathome.es or if you would like to volunteer a little time, please contact helpathomespain@gmail.com

INFORMER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

Monday 22nd February, 2016

www.informernews.org

21

SIX

ARRESTED IN SPAIN WITH LINKS TO VIOLENCE IN SALFORD Six people have been arrested in Spain after series of violent incidents between organised crime groups in Salford.

The Spanish National Police with support from Greater Manchester Police and the National Crime Agency launched dawn raids and arrested four men and a woman in Marbella, in the Costa Del Sol, Spain.

On Tuesday 16 February 2016 three men from Salford, aged, 28, 25 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a firearm and membership of an organised crime group.

The 20 year old man was also wanted on a European Arrest Warrant by Greater Manchester Police for possession of class A drugs and counterfeit currency.

A 41 year-old man from Trafford and a 31year-old woman from Dublin, Ireland were also arrested on suspicion of membership of an organised crime group on Tuesday 16 February 2016.

Two properties were raided as part of the operation, officers also recovered a loaded hand gun and ammunition and four knives from the properties during the warrants.

On Wednesday 3 February 2016 a 23-yearold man from Salford was also arrested in Marbella on a European Arrest Warrant on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe from Greater Manchester Police said: “These

arrests are a significant result for Greater Manchester Police in our fight against organised crime in Salford. This sends out a clear message to all those involved in organised crime, that we will never give up and we will find you, even if you have left the country.

“We would like to thank the Spanish National Police and the National Crime Agency, once again they have shown their determination to relentlessly pursue criminals and fugitives who seek to use Spain as a base for their criminal activities.

“Our commitment to tackling serious organised crime in Salford will continue and we will use all of the powers and information available to us and our partners to target this criminality round-the-clock and put a stop to it for good.

Dave Allen, Head of the International Crime Bureau at the National Crime Agency said: “Law enforcement does its best work and has the most impact when it pools resources and works collaboratively. This is an excellent result, which shows the determination and professionalism of the Spanish National Police, the National Crime Agency and UK police forces, in targeting organised crime groups and fugitives who seek to use Spain as a base for their criminal activities.”

Anyone with any information about the issues linked to organised crime in Salford should contact police on 0161 856 9775 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

SPEED

TRAP LOCATIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Cartagena Local Police have published the locations of the radars which will be checking vehicles speed over the next week, Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th February 2016 The radars will be in place on: Avenida Víctor Beltrí.

Avenida Juan Carlos I (Urb. Mediterráneo) Calle Belgrado (Polígono Cabezo Beaza) Avda. Bruselas (Polígono Cabezo Beaza) RM-332 (Bda. San José Obrero) Calle Peroniño (Barrio de la Concepción) Ronda Transversal RM-36 Calle Sebastián Feringán.

Avda San Juan Bosco (Los Dolores) N-332 (Carretera de La Unión).

Calle Loma Farias (La Loma de Canteras) Calle Viña del Mar y c/ Cuzco (La Vaguada) Dr. Serrano (Barrio Peral)

22

www.informernews.org

Monday 22nd February, 2016

EVENTS LIST HAH HELP AT HOME MAR MENOR MURCIA 2016 February 25th Thursday at La Zona Bar, Los Narejos. Last chance to buy/collect your tickets for the Mother's Day lunch next Tuesday 3rd March.

Tuesday Mar 1st Volunteers meeting at Las Claras, Los Alcazares. 10.30 for 11am prompt.

Tickets for Ruf Mari will be available for collection after the meeting at approx. 12.30pm.

Thursday Mar 3rd ANNUAL Very popular Mothers Day event..'Raise a Glass to Mums' past, present and future at the RUF Mari restaurant,Los Urrutias at 1 for 1.30pm. To include Salad, Egg, Chips and Crusty bread, Ice Cream or Crème Caramel , glass of wine just 7.50pp.

Entertainment by the Fabulous J,J, SOUL MAN. All welcome, bring your dancing shoes.

Wednesday 16th March Chatters. meeting at the Pasty Shack, Rio Nalon, Los Alczares 10.30am for 11 am prompt. Coffee and cake, quiz with prizes and an interesting talk, TBA. All welcome. Why not stay for a fabulous home cooked lunch?

Tues 5th April Volunteers meeting at Las Claras, Los Alcazares. 10.30 for 11am prompt.

Wednesday April 20th Chatters meeting at the Pasty Shack, Rio Nalon, Los Alczares 10.30am for 11 am prompt. Coffee and cake, quiz with prizes and an interesting talk, TBA. All welcome.

Why not stay for a fabulous home cooked lunch?

April/May date to be arranged, there will be our fabulous auction, watch local press for details or updated events list.

Tuesday May 3rd Volunteers meeting at Las Claras, Los Alcazares. 10.30 for 11am prompt Wednesday May 18th Chatters meeting at the Pasty Shack, Rio Nalon, Los Alczares 10.30am for 11 am prompt. Coffee and cake, quiz with prizes and an interesting talk, TBA. All welcome. Why not stay for a fabulous home cooked lunch?

SUNDAY JUNE 5th Back for the 5th year ROCKING IN RODA diary date, details to follow

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

INFORMER

INFORMER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

Monday 22nd February, 2016

www.informernews.org

23

INFORMER GOLF I read this the other day and I could relate, what about you?

I am a Seenager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 60 years later.

I don't have to go to school or work.

I get an allowance every month.

I have my own pad.

I don't have a curfew.

I have a driver's license and my own car.

The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant, they aren’t scared of anything, they have been blessed to live this long, why be scared And I don't have acne.

Life is Good! Also, you will feel much more intelligent after reading this, if you are a Seenager.

Brains of older people are slow because they know so much. People do not decline mentally with age, it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains, scientists believe this also makes you hard of hearing as it puts pressure on your inner ear. Much like a computer struggles, as the hard drive gets full, so too do humans take longer to access information when their brains are full.

Researchers say this slowing down process is not the same as cognitive decline. The human brain works slower in old age, said Dr. Michael Ramscar, but only because we have stored more information over time. The brains of older people do not get weak. On the contrary, they simply know more.

Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there, they stand there wondering what they came for. It is NOT a memory problem; it is nature's way of making older people do more exercise.

SO THERE!!

The above seems to represent us all in this day and age, we all seem to be getting older and bits that used to work, tend to not work as well, or drop off when you least expect it.

We read every day about mounting costs due to us living longer because there are more of us now collecting Pensions than ever before.

But when I grew up and like many of my friends we were told we were born in the Birth Bulge. All of us going through life with massive problems, the schools were full because of Birth Bulge, not many jobs about because of Birth Bulge. Now here we are at 65 and plus and they are now saying we use the health service too much as there are so many of us.

Yet what will happen when we are all gone, empty golf courses? Houses with no buyers? All because we were born at a similar time; just after the Second World War ended.

So although I understand the lack of resources at this moment in time I do wonder what happens when we are all gone? It would seem this enormous void will appear with no one to pay the Fees and charges we are all paying now, if you look at your bills it seems as though they are trying to make as much money from this generation to give them a cushion for the future.

We are the generation who came to Spain in our 60’s buying houses, setting up home, only to find, like many we hear from weekly, we are finding the fees and charges too much to pay and still be able to also enjoy life.

The worst effected it seems, are those who live on an urbanisation attached to a golf course. Though in many cases they support the Golf course all year round by paying fees etc., when it comes to the busy periods they have no more sway than anyone else, yet carry the clubs through the quiet months. It seemed a great idea when many of us moved here to live on a golf course and enjoy life on our pension, until they found out the fees they pay all year, only adds to the effective cost when playing o n

your own course. With Entity fees, Community Charges on these courses taking a further 15€-50€, (whether you play golf or not). We have had many emails and calls pointing out the fact that they pay these fees, yet the discount they receive is minimal, if in fact you receive anything for living on the course. Most people we meet are looking to try and get out of the financial commitment they made at the outset. At the time of purchase they were thinking of the fantastic profits they would make by either living there full time, or renting it for 9 months then using it for yourself or family and friends.

It was not long before most found the income promised by way of rental was a sales pitch by the selling agent, something that did not materialize.

The increase in value we were promised became for all of us, a nightmare, whether on or off a golf course, it is a huge disappointment. The housing crash from 2007 onwards will take another ten years to recover from and then at best, for those who bought in the peak of the boom they are looking at just breaking even. But when looking at properties if you are an every day, or nearly every day golfer, then try for a good deal on one of the courses, there are 1000’s about, there are still many people trying to sell quickly mainly because they can not afford the monthly fees, especially those who do not even play golf. One couple that has returned to the UK dropped their keys back to the Bank (who supplied the mortgage) saying that all they were promised on the purchase by the agent had never materialised.

Now the rights and wrongs and the financial loss has to be weighed up very carefully before throwing your deposit and last 8 years of mortgage payments away, but with properties valued at up to a half of their purchase price plus the future payments you must make, one wonders whether it might be the best way out.

We do not live on a golf course and though on a very nice urbanisation, luckily we do not pay any charges the house prices have also plummeted. In Sucina a similar situation would have occurred but the golf course was never built and the country club also went the same way, even though on their sales documents the Golf Course and Country Club were mentioned several times, however the local community adopted the urbanisation and it has worked out well for the residents and the villagers of Sucina, plus the thought of another golf course in that area was foolhardy to say the least. Long-term rentals on the golf properties are not returning the promised earnings as supply simply exceeds demand ten fold at least! You can now rent a 2/3 bedroom place on a golf urbanization for as little as 250€ per month! So you must decide what is best for you, there are still court cases involving many of the golf courses, with facilities that were never built, services that were never supplied, Speak to your local agent or a local solicitor who will advise the present situation with regard to ongoing cases that are suing the builder or the sales agent who told you these stories when you purchased the property.

We were sent a comment this week from an owner on Roda Golf who was sent details of the AGM which is to include voting on whether to retain a bus service which was a success, for the two weeks from August 3rd to 16th yet when he purchased his property, a free transport service to the beach was one of the sales incentives put forward when he and many others signed on the dotted line and put what has in many cases turned out to be a financial noose around their necks. Now owners will be asked to vote to retain this again for 2 weeks in August.

What a shame if you take your holidays in June, July, the other two weeks in August or September.

One final point you must be up to date with your entity Fees, Community Fees, otherwise you must continue to walk! Plus for those who are up to date with their fees, but are not here for those two weeks in August, they must still walk, or perhaps a

reduction in the fees for those who are unable to use the service.

Golf in Murcia remains one of its best attributes with its varied courses and easy access, unless it seems if you live north of Watford in the UK. The summer months brings high air fares for flights in to Murcia, but a few weeks out of the main season and northerners were asked to either take a 250 mile coach trip to Stanstead or Gatwick, or fly into Alicante adding either huge Taxi fares, or your kind relatives must come and collect you. Though we can understand that in the winter the flights are cut down but to leave anyone who lives up north, or Scotland or Ireland with the extra expense of flying to Alicante is to say the least a bit unfair, not one but three Airlines all stopped their flights for the winter from northern airports? To make the matter worse we are told by airlines that their flights are arranged up to a year in advance Arranging flights with the yearly confusion of San Javier or Corvera Airport does not help their forward planning, but worse still should some person in the Local Government decide to open Corvera, then anyone living north of San Javier will then see Alicante as a realistic alternative to driving to Corvera, which will stand alone in the winter without the Air force subsidies.

I see Corvera as a massive step back in encouraging visitors to Murcia. Though we have the golf and beaches there is little more to encourage visitors to come here. No flights unless you live in London or otherwise you must fly in to Alicante.

This week the strange weather and high winds discouraged all but the hardiest golfers amongst us, it is times like this, that GOLF DELUXE in Los ALCAZARES, seems like the perfect option. Golf Deluxe is Spain’s largest American style putting experience, with mountains and waterfall obstacles to try to stop you getting your ball into the hole, it makes for a great day out for all the family, people of all ages can enjoy the day out plus afterwards how about a meal in the restaurant. Amazing prices,

13€ for 18 holes and a great meal! Plenty to choose from on the Menu plus a fully stocked bar to drown your sorrows at if you lose, or celebrate if you win!

Easy parking or a cheap taxi ride from Los Alcazares and it makes a pleasant change from the TV or worse still all those jobs you said you would do when you were not going to golf.

A great day out for all the family and a way at least to talk to the faces that seem to be staring at phone screens nowadays instead of communicating. Get some friends together and make it a competition, you could even try to arrange to be scorer then you could always cheat?

This winter could end up being the shortest that I have known since we moved here even allowing for the cold and sometimes very strong winds of late, we wonder why we can not get more people here, well if our post is anything to go by perhaps it should all be redirected to the Airlines. My wife arrived back on Wednesday on the Gatwick flight

by Easy jet, it was full and two days this week there are no flights back to the UK because they sold out weeks ago. Why is someone in the UK who is sending flights to other destinations half full, not realize this and send more flights to and from Murcia?

We met a golfer who was playing at La Serena on Thursday; he lives in Scotland and has a house out here. He told us the costs involved of getting here for him, he paid £144.00 train fare to London, a further £45.00 to get across London arriving at Gatwick at 5pm, he and his friends paid £46.00 each to stay at a Hotel, only to get up at 4am to catch the only flight in to Murcia which cost £235.00. Totaling £471.00 per person, that is expensive when they are only here for a week, plus they have the return to look forward to. He then explained he was a teacher, so he is limited to when he can travel and is forced into paying ridiculously high prices if he wants a golf break.

It is little wonder why the courses are empty!

To advertise in our golfing section please contact your local rep for our latest offers, call David on 658 058 883

24

www.informernews.org

Monday 22nd February, 2016

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 676 820 588

INFORMER