TM
Costa Blanca
Welcome to the February edition of T.I.M.
... for you this month! 2
Distilled Alicantino drinks
Covering the Costa Blanca, inland and coastal
6
Cocktails in Cuba
135th Edition
8
Eyes right
10 The Gadget Page 22 Help Tasha come home
SPOT THE BULL COMPETITION!
Advertise with us Nickie Pickering: 606 891 644 editor@timspain.com Alicante Area, Aspe, La Romana, Onil, Sax , Salinas, Monova, Pinoso, Elda, Petrer, Elche and all other areas John McGregor: 600 088 341 La Marina area and surrounding districts. Graham: 609 187 808 Guardamar El Raso, Quesada and Torrevieja Chris Wood: 622 349 668 chris@timspain.com Hondon de los Frailes, Hondon de las Nieves Albatera, Catral, La Murada, Fortuna, Benferri and Orihuela Costa. Zoe: 634 362 474 zoe@timspain.com Castalla & El Campello
Last months bully was on page 29 on the T de Tapas advert. Congratulations to Mr J Whitney of Muchamiel Alicante who spotted bully ,and won the 50 euros for doing so. For a chance to win €50 this month, the entry form can be found on page 45. GOOD LUCK!
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Distilled
TIM Magazine™
Alicantino
Drinks
sometimes flavourings like lemon, are added to the distilled liquor. The finished mixture must contain at least 20% of the pure distillate. Once mixed, the liquid has to be left for ten days before being bottled. The resulting drink can have up to 50g per litre of sugar and usually contains between 40% and 50% alcohol. It is normally drunk with chilled or iced water which turns the liquor milky. Now we all know about the strange alcohol that we drink on holiday. Usually it comes in oddly shaped bottles and tastes fine. Back home, in our own living room, it tastes foul and is quickly dispatched to the back of the drinks cupboard. The Alicante varieties must be proof against this phenomena. After all our drinks cabinets are now in, or very close, to Alicante!
After eleven years in Pinoso I came across a bar that I had never been in before. I was on coffee but the locals were drinking something new to me; Cantueso. It turns out that Cantueso is a typical Alicante drink protected by Denominación de Origen or D.O. status which means that there are specific rules about what goes into it and how it is made. I now know there are four distilled alcoholic drinks prepared in Alicante that have this same status. Cantueso is traditionally linked with Elche and Monóvar where it has been produced since around 1800. It is obtained from distilling grain alcohol and thyme. After distillation the liquor is left to stand for at least two months before being transferred into wooden casks to age for no less than two years. The finished drink is from clear to golden brown in colour and contains between 25% and 35% alcohol with nearly 100 grammes of sugar per litre. Because it is so sweet it is usually drunk after meals but, as my experience in Pinoso proves, not always. Tradition has it that the wool weavers of Alcoy started to take hot coffee to work in the 19th Century. It can be cold in Alcoy so they often added a splash of cane sugar liquor, rum or brandy to “warm it up”. As the spiked coffee went cold it acquired a distinctive taste. The D.O. drink now known as Aperitivo Café de Alcoy is a direct descendant of that tradition. To produce it arabica coffee is roasted and left to soften in grain alcohol for at least ten years. The distilled liquid is anything between clear and buff brown in colour with the alcohol content usually a little below 20%. It can be drunk neat but it is often mixed with soft drinks like cola (plis play) and Fanta type lemonade (mentira) Nobody is quite sure about the origins of another Alicante drink called Herbero de la Sierra de Mariola. The most romantic idea is that it has its beginnings centuries ago with the Moorish alchemists. As you may guess from it’s name it’s a herby drink produced from the plants which grow in the Sierra de Mariola. The drink must include at least four of the following: sage, camomile, penny royal, lemon verbena, milk thistle, peppermint, bulrush, fennel, aniseed, melissa, agrimony, savory, felty germander, thyme, and French lavender. The plants are softened in grain alcohol and then distilled to a greeny tinged drink with an alcohol content of between 22% and 40%. Normally it is drunk chilled either as a shot or sometimes mixed with cantueso (mesclaet) or Fanta type lemonade. Aniseed flavoured drinks are produced all over Europe. Some of them, like Pernod, contain licorice. Anís Paloma de Monforte del Cid is the Alicante variety and has been made in Monforte since 1895. It is made from distilling the seeds of green and star aniseed in grain alcohol. Natural extracts from the same varieties of aniseed, water, sugar, and 2
by Chris Thompson
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Costa Blanca
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3
THE BISH BASH TIM Magazine™
Lent approaches. So, what are you going to give up? Reading this column? Ha, ha, very droll. And wise. There’s just one problem. It was your New Year’s resolution and look where that got you. Obviously you didn’t keep to the other resolution, either, did you? The one about giving up the brandy. Oh, you were only going to give it up till 10am? In China? Sorry, missed that bit. And the one about giving up supporting that Premier League that’s going down the tubes with its Dutch manager. You have to start somewhere.
The Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez, has set an example by vowing give up sacking his managers. For Lent. Easter can’t come soon enough for him. In the UK David Cameron has vowed to give up making ludicrous claims about how much help he’s going to give to flood victims (Ed: please confirm, this is the April 1st issue, isn’t it?) As for me, I’m giving up being abusive to cold callers. I can tell you’re impressed. Especially if you are one. I feel a warm glow of moral congratulation. Actually, it’s because I can’t be bothered to speak. And it works. Hold the phone for about three seconds while they babble and then the line goes dead. Far less draining than abuse. Not sure it will last. In the present day, giving up anything meaningful for Lent is increasingly difficult. Whoever invented Lent in the distant past knew what they were doing and made a virtue of necessity. You’ve just blown the winter food stocks on celebrating the turn of the year/Christmas/Saturnalia, looking forward to Easter/Spring and the newborn animals when, hey ho, it’s midFebruary and the larder’s empty. How to stop the natives revolting and setting out on an orgy of pillage and plunder? Easy. Make it a celebration of self-denial. And if you slip in a carnival the day before then, when half the punters wake up, they’ll feel extra guilt to aid their commitment. (And not feel like eating anyway) But for us, the tendency is to look for something to give up that we don’t really need. A survey for Spanish television found that 85% of wives were intending to give up sex for Lent. An equivalent survey of their husbands showed that 85% of
them were surprised it was only for Lent. A search is currently under way throughout the country to find the other 15%. There is, however, a suggestion that this is a statistical anomaly based on the fact that you can’t give up something you don’t practise. Together with the claim that that 15% can all be found in ****** province. Is there an answer to this conundrum? Or should Lent simply be left to those who feel there is spiritual benefit to be gained from a period of self-denial? Should its importance be downplayed? Or can it be re-invigorated for the Twenty-First Century? Given the limited success of such ventures as having two alcohol-free days a week or reducing the amount of sugar we eat a day, it may be a step too far to follow Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. Forty minutes? No, no, defeats the object. Although, if, for example that meant forty minutes without your taking a selfie in public, we could all get some relief. Maybe the selfie reference hints at a means to re-energise Lent: make it into a reality TV show! XLent. Or better still, XerLent. (OK, never mind) The template exists. Collect a bunch of misfits and lowlifes, force on them something to give up and stick them somewhere (Benidorm?) where the temptations will be pressing. Each week one fails and gets the boot. Clearly there’s a potential problem in that all of them are likely to fail at the first hurdle but slick editing can fix that. Could be a winner, stimulating discussion all over the country the next day. Like: ‘Did you see that silly d***head last night who’d vowed to give up drinking and hid a bottle behind the balcony plant pots?’ ‘Have you been spying on me?’ A Celebrity XLent (no er needed here) or PolitXLent could prove even more popular. With the right advertising campaign this could re-ignite enthusiasm for Lent. The slogan ‘What will you give up?’ would start viewers vying to outdo each other. Though there is an obvious answer: watching this ****.
Words by John Bishop.
https://johnbishopauthor.wordpress.com 4
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Costa Blanca
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The Inland Magazine™
Cocktails in Cuba Words and photos by Rob Innis
Part 1
Cuba land of sugar cane and rum, alcoholic cocktails and strong coffee, tobacco and fat cigars. Famous for its revolution, standoff with the USA and nearly starting the world’s first nuclear war when its relations with Russia pushed the cold war to the brink with Kennedy’s USA. As Fidel Castro lies comatose, unseen in public for a long time, his brother Raul is the current president of 11 million Cubans and is working overtime to restore relations with its neighbour 180 kms away across the Straits of Florida and move Cuba into the 21st century. Cuba has played unwilling host to the Spanish (thanks to Columbus) and briefly the British during an 18th century occupation, which lasted only a year when it was decided to swop Cuba for Florida with the Spanish. Slavery played its part in the Cuba’s profitable sugar cane industry and has added to its ethnic mix. Following complicated political allegiances and disputes, Cuba was finally independent from Spain in 1902. Cuba experienced the dictatorship of Batista, with American support, before Castro’s 6-year revolution campaign was finally victorious in 1959. Batista fled to Spain where he died in Marbella in 1973. Now some 57 years on Cuba stands on the brink of its next major change as the tourism boom gathers pace and Cuba adapts to its latest foreign visitor’s needs. The Americans and Chinese seem poised to play a large part in this next development. This is what is fuelling the tourism boom, as people are desperate to see Cuba in its ‘original’ state before the big yellow M and Starbucks open shop. Yes, it is true, they are not currently in Cuba! Even the Coca Cola is imported from Mexico. After a nine-hour 8,000 kms Air Europa flight from Madrid, I landed in a hot sticky Havana airport. ‘Have you been to Africa’ were the first words the female Cuban immigration officer asked me. 6
My journey lagged brain failing to register her objective of controlling the unwanted risk of Ebola entering Cuba. Thinking instead, she wanted to chat about my past holiday experiences. Fortunately, I replied ‘No’ and was admitted with my passport freshly stamped. My 16 night Cuban experience had begun. After showing admirable patience, a pre-requisite for a Cuba visit, my suitcase finally appeared and I took a taxi with some others in our tour group downtown to the Plaza Hotel, located in Havana old town. The impressive entrance lobby failed to carry through to a shabby but functional bedroom. Built in 1902 its rather faded elegance is undergoing an overdue restoration literally around its current guests. I expect Einstein (his photo is displayed in the bar) had a hot shower during his 1930 visit, I was not quite so lucky. The 15 strong group, eager to start the Cuban Experience, gathered in the lobby the following morning and compared bedroom plumbing defects. Patience and flexibility, we agreed, is the main necessity – Cuba has been desperately short of infrastructure maintence and investment for many years. We happily hit the Havana streets with Jose our local Cuban guide. All sensations went into overdrive – visually amazing grand architecture alongside derelict ‘war torn’ looking buildings. Neverending streams of classic American cars from 1950/60s belching smelly exhaust fumes. Tooting horns, crowded buses, and street vendors shouting their sales pitches. Havana makes an immediate impact. No large supermarket chains, phone shops, clothes retailers, electrical good retailers. We turned a corner and there stood a tank, fighter planes and an aged missile – the Revolution museum beckoned. Entrance charge recently risen from 5 to 8 CUCs (1 Cuban peso = 1€ making life easy)
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Costa Blanca
For more -holidays/ cia.com/walking lu da an kal w :// http ral-holidays/ -walking-cultu an ub /c ed id gu Inflation has arrived in Havana thanks to the affluent tourists. Rising from 300,000 in the mid 80s to over 3 million and forecast to increase in 2016. Everyone desperate for this unique experience, surely unrivalled anywhere else in the world. It is like being on a 1960s film set with only the occasional glimpse at the 21st century. Some banks have cash machines (VISA only) most people appear to have modern cell phones. Every Cuban builder and artisan seemingly employed as the great Havana building restoration project gathers pace. Thanks in part to UNESCO grants and other initiatives. The whole city seems like a giant building site, an enormous challenge to return these colonial, art nouveau and art deco building back to former glory.
prohibitive to most of the locals. After a dinner served with mojito cocktails with local rum (virtually cheaper than beer) we adjourned to the Hemingway Hotel where two walls were adorned with Hem’s photos. We sat and relaxed with (you guessed it) more mojitos soaking up the atmosphere. Pity no Hem to enliven proceedings. Next month – We leave the big city and head into the Cuban mountains.
We stopped to take coffee and were given (OK sold) a Cuban experience of rich local coffee and rum and shown how to light (teak spills) and smoke a Cuban cigar. We were assured the ‘rolled on a maiden’s thigh’ was all hype (shame) as we sampled the delights of a Cuban cigar. Having not smoked since I was 17 (a while ago), I decided not to miss this experience. Enjoyed it but decided against becoming hooked. Cuba’s gastronomy has improved in recent years and ‘Paladares’ are popular restaurants promoting Cuban cuisine and cocktails. After lunch we boarded some classic American cars and toured around the city feeling like celebrities as other tourists took our photos. The tour included the world famous International Hotel, photos of legendary celebrities and politicians were displayed in the impressive bar. Our driver told me his grandfather had owned the car and hoped his young son would carry on the family tradition. I hope so too – but maybe in the future these classics will all be snapped up by rich collectors. Where else in the world can such a motoring heritage be in daily use? I told you Havana was amazing. Surprising Top Gear have never paid a visit – long overdue (listen up CE) Food is readily available to the moneyed tourists in the many restaurants, which have opened to serve the boom but price E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
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TIM Magazine™
When I began bumping into the furniture I thought I was just being careless. But when the mountains outside the kitchen window started to disappear I realised I was in trouble. Two days later, the specialist was asking crossly why I hadn´t been to see him sooner. I didn´t like to tell him I was terrified at the thought of an operation. I turned to the computer for reassurance. That only made things worse with talk of ultrasound, grabbers, crackers and vacuum cleaners, all with only a few eye drops to dull the pain.
the following morning. The light was so bright I daren´t look out of the car window and anyway the pain made it almost impossible open the eye. Surely it shouldn´t hurt as much as this? Either surgical methods had changed dramatically since the days I was a nurse or there was something very wrong. I kept telling myself it would be better tomorrow. But by morning the bottle of painkillers was almost empty and the pain no better.
Perhaps the surgeon would be more sympathetic and at least dispense a stiff brandy. No such luck. A brisk young woman peered into my eyes and said: “ We´ll do the first one on Monday. Goodbye!
Back at the hospital with both eyes watering and one completely shut, I stumbled into the examination room. My good eye could hardly believe what it was seeing.
Crack of dawn is definitely not my favourite time. Being bundled into the car before I was fully awake was almost worse than the thought of the ordeal to come.
No white coat and cap this morning. My brisk, lady surgeon was dressed in skin-tight gold pants, a black T-shirt and black shoes with heels higher than my front doorstep. Wobbling uncertainly on each toe was a golden globe the size of a table-tennis ball.
At the hospital I was handed a blue bundle and shown into a cubicle. I came out wearing an outfit that owed more to Coco the Clown than Coco Chanel and feeling like an escapee from the local penitentiary. Too soon it was my turn and I was ushered into a room with a high, narrow table where masked figures held what looked like instruments of torture. I struggled onto the table hampered by the gown which was doing its darndest to cling to my legs and by the cap that slid over my eyes. There was no laughter or help, though someone did replace the overshoe that slid off in the battle. Yards of sticky tape covered both my eyebrows and one eye while the other was attacked with drops and needles. High frequency sound waves started the job, followed by a faint snap, crackle and pop that certainly wasn´t Rice Crispies. Finally a small scrabbling noise that was the mini- hoover tidying up before the new lens was fitted.
If her intention was to make me open my eyes wide she certainly succeeded and after a sharp stab into the sore eye the pain was gone. Three months later, the second cataract was removed followed by the same post-operative scenario. This time I was looking forward to seeing my surgeon’s latest fashion almost as much I was to getting rid of the pain. Today it was a folk -weave dirndl and black tights. The sandals were so high she must have needed a stepladder to get into them. Much as I admired the look, it did nothing to blunt the sharpness of the needle but again the relief was instant. I left with instructions to return in six months time and I can hardly wait! In the meantime my eyebrows are growing back and my vision is so good I´ve bought an anorak and developed a new hobby. Aeroplane spotting!
Fifteen minutes later I was on my way home with instructions to return 8
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By Mary Dinnis.
Costa Blanca
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TIM Magazine™
The Gadget Show of the Year So, what’s new, what’s coming up, and what’s big? Every year, the CES show brings us the newest shiniest gadgets on the planet. In the past, it introduced us to technology like DVD, CD, VHS, NES and XBOX (and a lot of other tech that’s named by its acronym).
where you stand and what you see. Although I am not a fan of the idea for films, imagine being able to walk around a house using this technology – looking at all the rooms and being able to walk around and view without having to go there. I am sure you can think of other ways this new technology could be used in the real world as well.
So, what is the story this year? It falls into a small group of new tech.
Drones
Cars – Yes, it’s a big year for Car Tech.
Yep, those irritating things that fly up in the air and take pictures, which recently caused a forest fire to grow hugely because so many people were using them to video the fire, rescue and fire helicopters were unable to fly in the area to actually put the fire out. Yep, I am not a fan, but there is now one that is large enough to fly a human passenger. Now that would cut down on traffic if I could just fly over it all!!
IoT – Internet of Things Most of the major car manufacturers introduced their new dashboard concepts. It appears that a single touch screen display is on its way to replace the traditional dials, cleaning up the vast array of buttons, and not just in the centre console. Although currently concept, these will soon be the standard for any new car. From controlling the speedo (want it in MPH or KPH? Single touch the dial. Want it to turn red if you exceed the speed limit, it will do) to controlling every element of the car (light up areas in replacement of the rear view mirrors, or streaming your music from your home music centre for example).
VR – Virtual Reality With new items such as the Oculus Rift bringing VR to our modern world, gaming will be joining in a new level of realism.
Imagine you are playing a shooting game, you hear sound to your left, so you turn your head – and see the opponent – really cool stuff (although I am not sure I want to play a horror game, or watch a horror film on it!). Yep, I mentioned film – it’s in the pipeline to actually make films with VR – so you can look around on the scenery, and you get to choose 10
A lot of this is new – very new, but basically it involves all your home gadgets being internet enabled. The main showpiece was a Samsung Fridge that had cameras in it, and you can actually look at what is in the fridge when you are in the shops. No more thinking “do I need milk?”, now you can simply look in your fridge and see, from aisle 3!
Wearable tech Yep, of course this is a thing! From smart watches to fitness trackers, they are all here as well. The watch pictured here is FitBits version of the Apple Watch – it’s all moving on.
Bendy Televisions Yep, I DID say that right. We saw our first commercial bendy TV’s! We started with curved TV’s, and now we are all the way there with curlable TVs. Why? I have no idea personally, but I guess it would be cool to curl up the TV to transport it, or to get it to fit awkward spaces. Oh, they also brought out TVs that can be linked together to make HUGE displays simply by placing them next to each other. If you want to learn more about the new tech, remember to read this column each month where we try to showcase the best of the gadget and technology world.
by David Fraser
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Costa Blanca
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Charity
TIM Magazine™
Bonanza
By Ma
rty Fu
nkhau
ser
What a month, what choice. I could have gone with the wretched BMA or David Bowie and Alan Rickman (no, that´s not a rumour). Then there was the despicable attack on German women by misogynistic immigrants which I daren´t write about as I get enough hate mail as it is. I could have vented my spleen on Junior Doctors insisting their strike was not about money but purely about the safety of patients then they refused to go back to work when called on by three hospitals who were reaching emergency levels. However, I´m choosing charities and particularly those that are corrupt to the core. In 2014, Britons donated £13.6 Billion expecting, not beyond all reason, that their money would be spent on those most in need: perhaps feeding the hungry or curing the sick or refuge to the homeless. Well, some of their money may have helped those worthy causes but a whole cartload of dosh has gone to Charity Executives which raises serious questions about how donors ‘and taxpayers´ money is being used by what used to be known as the voluntary service. Some of the salaries are startling, no shocking, especially amongst the smaller charities. Let me explain, Save The Children is a complex organisation drawing £650m annually and distributing funds to over 100 countries. It´s CEO earns £240k (£100k more than the Prime Minister); “how much”? I hear you say. Calm down dears you ain´t heard nothin´yet. There is an argument that says the salary is not disproportionate to the role, remember we´re talking about a total of £650m and that needs a good skipper at the helm although I would prefer the boat to be piloted by a volunteer. Now consider Cauldwell Children which receives £6.2m in donations and it´s CEO earns £240,000, what an amazing coincidence. I was once fortunate enough to be a partner in a company with a similar turnover and a nett profit of 15% yet I figured I was onto a good thing at £52,000. A further 1,000 (yes, one thousand) charities are paying their chiefs at least £100k and some considerably more. Numerous charities are spending at least 5% of their income on executive pay which is incredibly excessive for public service and, if the same mechanism was used, the PM would be taking home about £60 gazillion every year. Where the problem lies is that charities, by their very nature, do not serve their funders in the way that private companies have to serve their shareholders, they can do whatever they like once they have your money. Charities should be held to the same standards of efficiency and value for money that are expected of the public sector. Trustees need to be a whole lot tougher and the Charity Commission needs to impose a more robust regulatory regime. The disgrace that was the Kids Company illustrated that public figures such as Camila Batmanghelidjh are so domineering and charismatic that they completely obscure the financial mismanagement of the organisation. Chief executives of charities should not be there to enrich themselves. Charities should be seeking to attract those who wish to strive for public good and remunerate them proportionately not irresponsibly. It could easily be suggested that certain charities are involved in a type of fraud when one considers the government grants they receive and the tax breaks such as gift aid and corporation tax exemption. I would go as far as to say they are little better than Amazon and Starbucks etc whom are loathed by the public. And I´ve not even started on those small, little known about Brit run “charities” that blight the shopping centres of Spanish coastal towns.
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TIM Magazine™
Written by Pellicer & Heredia Abogados Who is obliged to submit the Model 720?
Three distinct groups define this declaration:
If you have overseas assets that fit into any of the three groups (see below) and amount to or exceed 50,000 euros, and only for the group in which this amount is exceeded
1) Bank Accounts; Which are already open, or for which you are already an account holder during the year, which corresponds to the declaration.
Do I need to submit it every year? Once you have made the 720 declaration, regarding your assets overseas, you then only need to declare your overseas assets in subsequent years, when: 1) any of the above 3 distinct sectors experiences an increase in value greater than 20,000 euros 2) you are no longer the owner of the aforementioned assets (sale, transfer, etc… even if you made a loss) 3) in any of the 3 sectors, you did not previously have to declare that you had assets to the value of 50,000€, if you NOW (2015 YEAR) do have assets to the value of, or exceeding 50,000€.
Valuation: whichever is the highest, the balance as of December 31st or the average balance for the last quarter of 2015. 2) All types of financial assets; Information on securities, assets, shares or amounts representing the capital stock of all types of entities, or the transfer of capital to third parties, held abroad, as well as life insurances for which they are the beneficiary and annuities or temporary income of which they are the beneficiary . Valuation: Value on 31st December 2015. 3) Real estate; Valuation: Acquisition cost Failure to meet this tax liability might be penalised by the Spanish tax.
For those who are fiscal resident, and need to submit a new Modelo 720, or your circumstances have changed from last year’s declaration, please remember that the period for presenting the Modelo 720, declaration of assets and rights located abroad (for the year 2015) is from 1 January to 31 March 2016.
If you require further legal advice on any legal or administrative matters please contact Pellicer&Heredia Lawyers & Tax Advisors who will be pleased to help you. For more information call us on 965 480737 or e-mail info@pellicerheredia.com.
What information is needed? 14
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TIM Magazine™
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a celebration observed on February 14 each year. And it is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is not a public holiday in most of them. St. Valentine’s Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. Several martyrdom stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to February 14, and added to later metrologies. A popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day, albeit on July 6 and July 30, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni). The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”, as well as to children, in order to ward off epilepsy(called Saint Valentine’s Malady). Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
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The Royal British Legion in Spain, Pinoso The Pinoso branch of the Royal British Legion in Spain has a full programme of social events throughout the year. The next monthly quiz takes place on Wednesday 3rd February at T de Tapas. and our monthly popular Menu Del Dia, gives you the opportunity to meet old friends and make new friends together with trying many local restaurants. On Saturday 5th March there is a Grand Spring Ball at El Timon in Pinoso. None members welcome. Tickets are â‚Ź20 which includes welcome glass of Cava, 4 course dinner; (with menu choice); Wine, beer or soft drinks during the meal. There is also a Disco and entertainment by Zodiac. We will be holding a grand raffle on the evening of the Ball with extremely good prizes including :2 nights bed breakfast and evening meal for 2 people at Hotel and Spa Costa Narejos ,Los Alcazares,
free Kindle, Fitbit wireless activity tracker, case of wine, Halogen Oven etc. For individual bookings and group bookings of tables of 8,10 & 12 please contact :Janice Rawlings tel. 617 792 421 or email janiceinspain@gmail.com or Roger Singleton tel. 965 063 321 or email rogersingleton48@ hotmail.co.uk or Sandra Robisnon tel. 693 790 843 or email robinson. sandra60@gmail.com Please remember, you do not have to be an ex Member of the Armed Forces to join. Meet people, make new friends and raise money to help the armed forces of yesterday, today and tomorrow. N.B. Monthly Meetings held the last Tuesday of the Month 19:30 at Meson Tonet restaurant in Pinoso. For more details, please contact: Email: robinson.sandra60@gmail.com l: (0034) 693 79 0843
A Spa day for 2 people donated by La Romana hotel and Spa, a glare
Visit our updated website at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/pinoso E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
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TIM Magazine™
CYCLOGICAL. Cycle Route 27: Quesada to Los Banos De Fortuna.
This was a great cycle trip, we left Quesada at 2pm ( 4 couples, Hybrid bikes loaded with overnight kit ) on a lovely sunny Saturday afternoon and headed for Benijofar, Rojales, Daya Nueva, Dolores and Catral where we picked up the CV90 Crevillente road by passing El Realengo and over the bridge crossing the AP7, turn left at the first roundabout and follow this camino road all the way into Albatera where we stopped for a coffee and Magdelana. (at the first set of traffic lights ). After our break we continued through Albatera until we came to more traffic lights where we turned right and headed up towards Hondon De Las Frailes for 5kms until we came to the canal. We turned left onto the canal and followed it for about another 5kms crossing over the first road and turning right on the second road just past La Murada .This is the CV870 which you follow all the way into Abanilla. At Abanilla you stay on the bypass and follow the signs for Banos de Fortuna and head for the campsite La Fuente. The total distance to the banos was 65kms and we arrived at 5-30pm which was a great effort. We stayed at La Fuente campsite ( www.campingfuente.com ) where there are many chalets a hotel and a beautiful spa swimming pool complex . Los Banos de Fortuna is famous for it’s thermal waters. The thermal and healing baths date back to the Roman and Arab times. It’s waters arise from the earth at a temperature of 53 degrees celcius and are ideal for people with rheumatic illnesses and chronic respiratory problems and also ideal for a leisurely swim after a long ride. After a lovely long soak in the spas we had an excellent meal in the restaurant followed by a few vinos. In the morning we rose and had breakfast, checked out of our accommodation (which was great ) and headed for the town of Fortuna. We passed through Fortuna then headed for Murcia cycling past the beautiful Embalsa de Santomera where there are many good mountain bike routes and headed for Monteagudo ( where the angel on the rock statue is ) we stopped here for a coffee and then proceeded to bypass Murcia on the RM303 passing through Alquerias, then we picked up the RM301 Sucina road and followed it to Canadas de San Pedro where we turned left and followed the signs for Torremendo and Embalsa de la Pedrera. We went left round the reservoir and stopped at La Fortaleza restaurant in Vistabella where we enjoyed one of the best Paellas that we have ever had. After lunch we followed the canal all the way back to Quesada and arrived home at 6pm this was a great ride and everyone enjoyed it. The total distance was 137kms. Cycling time approx 8 hrs. This was a fantastic route with gorgeous scenery a bit hilly in places but no serious climbing. If you do not wish to stay over night then at Abanilla head for Fortuna instead of the Banos and at Fortuna stay on the by-pass and keep heading for Murcia, on a road bike usually a 4 - 5 hour ride. 18
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TIM Magazine™
ALLCOCK & BROWN (Part Two) By John McGregor Now that I had heard from ‘Brown’, aka Derek Heard that the stories of his ordinary airman mate Colin Scott (Allcock) owning and flying his own aircraft in the late sixties were all true, I have now had further fantastic information from a different source, but which enriches this amazing tale about this very unusual young RAF serviceman. I had been aware of this second account for a while, but didn’t really believe the tale, it seemed so far-fetched. However, it was all proved true recently because I’ve now seen the pictures and read the personal reports. This is via what is known in historical accounts as a ‘Primary Source’, i.e. one related or written about by someone who was actually there at the time. This was from another airman Joe Perry who now lives in France and sent me the following information. I understand this episode happened after Colin’s mate Derek (Brown) had been posted to Cyprus. His initial story of events as engineer and co-pilot of the Aeronca aircraft was in the previous TIM magazine in January. Joe’s story is as follows... The well-connected Scottie somehow obtained a contract to cover the Paris Air Show for an Australian Flight magazine. The event was a bit too much for the Aeronca, so a ‘real’ small aircraft was hired, and three young ground crew airmen including Joe flew to France in the plane for the weekend, to provide articles and photos for the magazine of the event. I have written elsewhere about working at the time alongside the longest-haired airman I ever met in the RAF: with his curly black hair, long sideboards and Frank Zappa moustache Julian Maxwell Richman-Broadbridge was a dead ringer for George Harrison in his Sergeant Pepper days. As he was the only one who possessed a decent camera Julian was taken along as the official photographer, and Joe went along for the ride to help cover the event. Colin’s flight plan meant he was supposed to land well outside Paris but typically boldly he flew on until an airfield was spotted nearer the exhibition. Pretending their radio was not working – ironic when you consider all the three were wireless technicians - they were allowed to land, park and leave the aircraft there. The three went on to get the job done at the Air Show, Colin and Joe interviewing people and making
reports, and Julian taking photos as planned. During the exhibition Colin found a new aircraft built specifically for crop-spraying, a new novel idea at the time and he was duly fascinated. But Scottie’s expenses funds were running low, and after a pathetic whip-round and pooling their meagre resources the three intrepid servicemen ended up getting paralytic in a local bar near where their plane was left, drinking bottles of the cheapest roughest wine with only bread to eat. The lads slept rough that night, but on arriving back at the airfield at dawn intending to fly back found the place all locked up. The dishevelled trio were trying to break in when the local police arrived. To the others’ surprise Colin began to get really angry with the police causing an international scene, speaking in rapid perfect French that none of his mates understood, even accusing the authorities of theft. Joe was certain they would all finish up in French cells and as active servicemen abroad would be in big trouble back home. But Colin knew exactly what he was doing, and when the police realised getting rid of this crazy bunch of Englishmen was the best policy for everyone the opening of the airfield was quickly organised, and the scruffybut-successful party returned home. I’ve now seen the pictures and Scottie’s report in the magazine, so I can reveal the story was true. Back to the Aeronca: sadly, soon after the Paris affair the little aircraft’s days were numbered. Scottie was well-known for his crazy flying, often dive-bombing cattle etc, and trying to frighten anyone who had the nerve to go up with him. In yet another daredevil flight it all finally came to grief when trying vainly to pull out of yet another fanatical dive the Aeronca clipped a fence, turned over and the plane was written off - which was unsurprisingly uninsured. The two survivors crawled out relatively unscathed, laughing fanatically, as you would expect from such fearless young barmpots. Soon after the Aeronca’s demise Scottie bought himself out of the Air Force, an expensive operation which was normally financially unviable to most of us in those days, but perhaps Allcock was aided. The last anyone heard was that Colin Scott had emigrated to Australia and was, not unsurprisingly perhaps said to be crop spaying for a living with the intention of breaking into commercial aviation later. But the legend of Allcock and Brown lingers on, and I for one believe all those stories now. I’ve always loved the unlikelihood of them, and now to find out they’re true has been a revelation. Wherever you are today Scottie, good luck, mate. Oh, and I might be meeting up with Brown, aka Derek and Joe soon at our next reunion. Perhaps there are more unlikely stories, I’ll let you know if there are…
Paris Air Show 1967: from left Joe, Derek (Allcock) and Julian 20
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TIM Magazine™
Help Tasha Come Home!
Rehab & medical equipment for Tasha “You” Can Make A Difference! Natasha is a vibrant friendly and caring 22 year old, originally from Liverpool England , that has been living in Costa Blanca Spain specifically Urbanisation La Marina for the past 4 years She has spent her adult life caring for both young and old, in various rolls from being a child care holiday rep, to working in the local bars and clubs in Spain. Unfortunately due to a terrible turn of fate she has been struck down by not 1, not 2 but 3 debilitating illnesses that have transformed her life. She suffers from 3 incurable illnesses, Hemplegic Migraines.
In addition to this machine, she is also in need of a high backed mobility scooter, to give her some important independence. On top of these 2 major items, there are other changes needed to be made at home. And to top it all, the medication required just to keep her stable. Natasha needs help, and the only way is for her to have the items listed,
Myasthenia Gravis. Transverse Myalitis. Of which the the latter 2 have caused major disabilities. In October 2015, she was rushed in to Hospital with breathing difficulties. and admitted to ICU, where she spent the next 5 weeks fighting for her life, and she was suffering from Myasthenia Crisis, a critical stage that was tryiing to stop her lungs from working. Natasha has now been in hospital for 12 weeks and thanks to the amazing work of the hospital doctors and nursing staff, is now out of danger and is currently undergoing treatment normally used to fight cancer, to try and bring the illnesses under control. The effect of these illnesses has resulted in her currently having no movement from the waist down and unable to see through her left eye. Despite all this, Natasha has still kept her positive attitude and sense of humour. Natasha is slowly making progress, and we are hoping to have her back home within the next 2 months, but for this to happen, she will need a considerable amount of help. Natasha needs to use a machine called a BPAP MACHINE. overnight, this machine basically helps her to breath while asleep, therefore 22
allowing her lungs to rest enough for her to breath normally during the day time.
We are also hoping to raise enough money in addition to what is required to provided a fund to Torrieveja Hospital, for them to buy equipment for their ICU department, for there life saving work, As a thank you for what they have done for Natasha.
pport and su y n a r fo u o Y k Than help you can give. The Communit y of La Marina are holding many fundraising ev en ts to try and raise enou gh monies in or der to bring Natasha home. If you w ould like to help- donat e or attend on e of these fund raising ev ents please se e one of the below pag es.
https://www.g ofundme.com
/wexb7wzw.
Or. https://www.f acebook.com
/HelpTasha
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TIM Magazine™
NEW SUPERFOODS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
Want to sculpt yourself a new body in 2016? Add these nutritional wonders to your diet plan Is a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the latest health heroes to place in your supplement cupboard. You might not have seen or even heard of them before, but this new assemble of super-grub will tick off your fitness goals, whether it’s weight loss, or even increasing your libido. Seriously!!!
6 1 0 2 IN
this Peruvian plant into your sex life. No, don’t suddenly take it out of the pot after foreplay – add this super food into your smoothies or porridge to significantly improve your action between the sheets. Why? Dubbed as “nature’s Viagra”, Maca was recently found by scientists from Pusan National University to improve your sex drive and prevent erectile dysfunction. But don’t worry; getting hold of it won’t be hard – it’s available in most health food shops.
Best for: weight loss Best for: improving your heart health Matcha: Turns out you really can drink yourself thinner. How? Just trade in your normal brew for a cup of Matcha green tea. A study from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that not only will this swap lower your BMI, body fat mass and waist circumference, but it’ll also shrink your LDL (your “bad” cholesterol levels). Looks like burning your spare tyre is as easy as putting the kettle on. Spirulina: Not heard of it? You should have. Spirulina is a blue-green micro algae that we’re finally making proper use of after a few billion years of it being on the planet. Why? Recent research from the Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences found that after eight weeks of use, Spirulina increases your isometric muscle strength by 22%. Need another reason to brand this your new favourite supp? It’s full of branched-chain amino acids that lessen muscle damage during exercise and prevent DOMs, while its antioxidants protect your muscle tissues from fatigue. Best for: beating hunger Baobab: Despite sounding like a Swedish kid’s cartoon character; this fruit will do wonders for your health. Researchers from Oxford Brookes University have applauded Baobab’s high nutritional values, the most impressive of which being its high fibre contents – it contains 10 ten times more than your average apple. That means this superfood will slow your digestive system, making you feeling fuller for longer without added unneeded calories to your diet.
Lucuma Fruit: It’s not hard to see why this Peruvian super food was so popular with warrior Incas: its benefits to cardiovascular health are endless. And you’re going to hear a lot more about Lucuma Fruit in the next year thanks to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food that found that it fends off diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels alongside reducing your blood pressure. Here’s the best bit: it’s normally found in a powdered form, meaning it’s easily added to your everyday smoothie. Best for: increasing your hormone levels Seaweed: Sure, seaweed is packed with calcium, alongside vitamins A and C, but that’s not the reason why it’s made this list. It’s soon to be the world’s most popular super food after research from The National Academy of Sciences of the USAfound it’s high in something missing from almost every other food on the planet: iodine. Why does that matter? Iodine is vital to keeping your thyroid - the gland in your neck that regulates hormones - in check, which will stop you from feeling tired.
Best for: workout recovery Quinoa: is so last year – 2016 is the year of Teff. It packs more protein than any other grain, and is a key source of lysine, one of the main amino acids that speeds up muscle repairs. And you don’t need to go out of your way to fit it in your diet. “Simply use two or three tablespoons a day, in a shake after a tough workout,” says Jim White from the Academy of Nutrition
Maca: Want to give her something to tell her friends about? Introduce
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TIM Magazine™
w o l l a m h s r a M y r r e b w a r t S s t i u c s i B Heart Place butter, flour, cocoa and icing sugar in a food processor. Process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add egg. Process until mixture comes together. Divide mixture in half. Shape into 2 discs. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 170C/150C fan-forced. Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper. Roll 1 dough portion between 2 sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Using a 6cm x 6.4cm heart-shaped cutter, cut hearts from dough, re-rolling and cutting dough scraps. Place on prepared baking trays, 2cm apart. Bake, 1 tray at a time, for 6 to 8 minutes or until firm to touch. Working quickly, transfer half the biscuits to a wire rack to cool. Turn remaining biscuits over on tray. Top each remaining biscuit with 5 marshmallows. Bake for a further 1 minute. Turn cooled biscuits over. Spread the base of each cooled biscuit with a little bit of jam. Working quickly, sandwich the marshmallow and jam biscuits together and lightly press to secure. Place on wire rack. Set aside to cool completely. Place chocolate in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on MEDIUM (50%) for 1 minute,
stirring halfway with a metal spoon, or until melted and smooth. Spoon into a snap-lock bag. Snip off 1 corner.
opped
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Drizzle biscuits with chocolate. Set aside to set. Serve.
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cut out and keep
mini 2/3 cup
Costa Blanca
Going Out E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
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TIM BIKERS
TIM Magazine™
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Well no more celebrations to endure, let’s get back to biking shall we? I’ve actually had some very cold starts in January but the sun has always done its best to get through the cloud. It let me down when I went to the Cosmopolitans La Manga rally though. I chose the Sunday, big mistake it was ffffffreezing (by Spanish standards). Sorry I couldn’t give you the heads up on that I only found out with a few days to go. I did put it on the facebook page so remember that’s good for short notice stuff. There were some good stands and I parted stocked up with some goodies. They always make an effort, well done them. Again I’m not finding anything for the forthcoming month except this in Benicassim so if you hear of any let me know please. It’s a bit of a trek but comes well recommended. After the great write up it got I went to see the new KTM I mentioned in January’s edition. I was so disappointed in the physical size of it. I’ve never noticed Austrians being particularly small but I couldn’t have sat on that. Small people only I think. Time to get the hotels booked you travellers. World Superbikes kicks off as ever with the Australian round from Philip Island starting on 26th February.Closer to home Round 3 is at Motorland Aragon 1st-3rd April and Round 13 in Jerez in the penultimate race from 14th October. The full calendar is at http://www.worldsbk.com/en/calendar Over in MotoGP Yamaha were the first team to show their hand as they revealed the new YZR-M1 in mid January and here’s the world champion looking suitably menacing on his. How will he and team mate Rossi deal with Marquez and a resurgent Dani Pedrosa? Only time will tell and we’ll have to wait until 20thMarch for the curtain raiser in Qatar. They’re over in Jerez on 24th April, Aragon on 25th September and finishes locally as usual in Valencia on 13th November. Will it go to the last race again? Full calendar at http:// www.motogp.com/en/calendar I’m pretty sure Jorge will be in the mix at the end, whatever happens and as he proved last season you can never write of Valentino Rossi. I haven’t forgotten British Superbikes by the way but they’re way off. Something to do with that weather we’re all escaping from! Well have a great February guys and remember if you have any comments or want to advertise your club, group or an event I can be contacted via email at timbikers@gmail.com or on Facebook at Tim Bikers where you will also find details of events where I have got less notice. Spanish word of the month – Tranquilo, calm down. Remember cyclists own the road here. One day they’ll grow up and buy proper bikes but until then just take deep breaths.
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Stay safe moteros and all the Biking Best
Jack
Costa Blanca
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TIM Magazine™
Two Embarrassing Moments in Alicante One of the embarrassments associated with getting older is that we tend to lose some of our faculties. On one occasion I was wandering round the Corte Ingles in Alicante when from the rear I caught sight of my old friend and previous work
colleague, Maria. I hadn’t seen her for a couple of years but she had always been tremendous fun and was nearly always laughing. We had even had a brief affair. I wasted no time in rushing up behind her howling with joy and embraced her passionately in a bear hug. I then kissed her face enthusiastically. She gave a shriek of what I took to be ecstatic pleasure but quickly realised was one of alarm and disgust for it was not the Maria I had once known but a complete stranger. To my horror, before I had had time to explain and apologise, other shoppers hearing and seeing the commotion ran towards me and violently dragged me away, before pinning me to the ground and calling a security officer. I hobbled home and appeared at the front door, battered and bruised. When my wife asked me to explain what had happened I received a look of cold disdain and was totally ignored for the next few days. In an unrelated incident a few months later I drove a friend into Alicante for a dentist appointment. Instead of waiting and reading quietly in the underground car park which was hot and stifling I went up to street level and on the broad pavement found a narrow concrete ledge with a backing of iron rails that served as a makeshift bench. I decided to sit down. After spending a few moments glancing idly at the passersby, I opened a newspaper and skimmed the headlines. I soon became aware of a disabled man in a self propelled wheel chair waving postcards at me with the intention of persuading me to buy some. I assumed that if I ignored him he would propel himself further up the street and find a more willing customer. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. The longer I pretended not to notice him the more agitated he became. He was obviously pleased to find an adult at wheelchair height whom he didn’t have to look up to.
By Hugh Pike
His wild gesticulations and sharp incomprehensible utterances attracted a small crowd of onlookers who thought I had been guilty of some form of fraudulent payment or grossly incorrect behaviour. It wasn’t long before the occupant of the wheelchair’s threshing arms came into contact with my newspaper and I was forced to stand up and walk swiftly away and enter the car park by another entrance. As I fled the scene I could not help but hear some of the more recent bystanders comment on how shocking and scandalous they assumed me to be. When my friend came back from his dentist appointment he found me slumped in the driving seat in a dazed state. However I was sufficiently alert to notice a few spaces away an athletic and able bodied man packing a wheelchair and a large bag of postcards into the boot of his car.
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This drink is great for overweight people. It is made from natural ingredients that boost metabolism and melt fat. Buy some organic tomato, ginger, lemon, celery and chili peppers, and watch your fat melting. Drink it regularly and introduce some changes into your diet. You should see the first results in less than a month. Ingredients: 1 cup tomato juice 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tbsp ginger, grated 1 chili pepper (or 1/2 tsp black pepper) 2 medium-sized celery stalks Preparation: Combine all the ingredients together and serve your drink into highball glasses. Decorate with some celery stalks. Eat the celery while you are drinking your delicious juice. Drink 3 cups of the juice a day, between your meals. Keep the drink in your fridge. You can add a few ice cubes in hot summer days.
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TIM Magazine™
Fun Pages
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Sudoku Solutions
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Sudoku Solutions
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IBERIAN FUNERAL PLANS PROUD TO SPONSOR T.I.M. FUN PAGE PROUD TO PROMOTE COMPASSION, HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY
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Clues Across 1 Very docile (4) 3 Meritorious (8) 9 Carriage for hire (7) 10 Worth (5) 11 Nettled (5) 12 Jaunt (6) 14 Funny business (7-6) 17 Performing well (informal) (2,4) 19 Wine sediment (5) 22 Watchful (5) 23 Charm (7) 24 Title used to address a royal (8) 25 Optical device (4)
Clues
Down
Across
Down
1 Great Indian prince (8) 2 Be outstandingly proficient (5) 4 Very difficult to determine (8,5) 5 Crane-like device for suspending or lowering ship’s boats (5) 6 Poise (7) 7 Tory Prime Minister, 1955-57 (4) 8 Irritable (2,4) 13 Very ugly sights (8) 15 Plant tuber credited with tonic properties (7) 16 Distressing experience (6) 18 In many cases (5) 20 Awaken memories in the mind (5) 21 Sprint (4)
1 Most sweet (9) 8 An official language of India (5) 9 On the wrong track (3,4) 10 Headlong plunge (4,4) 11 Put away (4) 13 Cathedral city of southwest England (6) 14 Servile (6) 16 Milky-white gemstone (4) 17 Tantrum (5,3) 19 Relating to a single occasion (3-4) 20 Pink — lobster roe (5) 21 Basics of any subject (9)
1 Superficial (4-4) 2 With it (6) 3 Win a trick by using a trump (4) 4 Heating device (8,4) 5 Results are only to be clarified in the future (4,4,4) 6 Blush? (6,6) 7 Slightly better prepared than others (3,4,5) 12 Night attire (8) 15 Capitulate (4,2) 18 Former name of Thailand (4)
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TIM Magazine™
Horoscopes
January 21st - February 19th
Aries Working with a partner is critical to your success. That means you will have to make some compromises. This is difficult for you. You have specific wants and needs. Not all them will be fulfilled to your satisfaction. Be prepared for several disappointments. After letting go of certain expectations, it will be much easier to work with a romantic or business partner. Some things are more important than getting your way. Give this relationship the respect it is due.
Leo Don’t be so quick to discount other people’s suggestions. A youngster has great instincts about how to fix a problem. By taking their input seriously, you could solve this dilemma in record time. You’re worried how it will look if you are seen taking orders from someone who is significantly younger. Put such fears out of your mind. It doesn’t matter where you get good ideas. The important thing is to recognise them and execute them as quickly as possible.
Sagittarius Don’t insist on doing work when everyone else is relaxing. You’ve all earned some time off. Stay away from the computer and turn your focus to the family instead. Your nearest and dearest want your company. Enjoy a special outing together. Continuing to put off play time will make your loved ones resentful and angry. They’re tired of sharing you. Many times, you act like your job is more important than they are. Correct this mistake before it’s too late.
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Taurus Selfish behaviour will backfire. You have to take everyone’s feelings into consideration before making a decision. A relative who needs special help has to be accommodated. If you’re planning to move, choose a place where they’ll get the necessary support. Overlooking these requirements will put a great strain on your family life. Have faith the Universe will deliver the perfect opportunity. When one door closes, another will open. Keep your eyes open for a deal that will work well for the whole group.
Virgo
Gemini
Cancer
Strong emotions get in the way of making good decisions. This is unusual for a logical person like you. Unfortunately, a nasty colleague has been causing problems for the rest of the group. No matter how many reports you file or complaints you make, this pest is never reprimanded. It makes you wonder whether you want to continue working for your employer. Don’t make any hasty decisions when your judgment is clouded. A path will become clear in another few days. Be patient.
People aren’t comfortable with your emotional intensity. When it comes to working with a group, it’s best to keep your feelings out of the equation. Resist the temptation to talk about your personal life. If you’re attracted to one of your peers, don’t make your desires known until the project is over. Mixing business with pleasure will undermine your reputation. It will also have a negative impact on your performance. Spend time with friends after hours, when you can let your hair down.
Libra
Scorpio
A cavalier attitude towards authority will get you in trouble. A prideful person demands respect. You’re not especially impressed by their abilities. Keep these reservations secret. By showing just a little deference, you’ll avoid a terrible power struggle. Eventually, you will need a reference from this oppressive leader. Be polite and never contradict them in a public place. Once you’ve passed a test or paid your dues, you’ll be able to move on to a more rewarding assignment.
You’re tempted to issue threats to someone who keeps dragging their feet. Instead of resorting to such drastic behaviour, keep a detailed record of their behaviour. If you are forced to go to court, it will be helpful to have this information on file. Some people are more interested in creating drama than fulfilling their obligations. The less you feed their desire to argue, the more deflated they’ll become. Eventually, they’ll just dispatch their duties so they can create trouble somewhere else.
Capricorn
Aquarius
Instead of insisting others wait on you, be kind to them. Find ways to make your loved ones’ lives easier. When you’re dealing with service people, greet them with a smile and be pleasant. Radiating positive energy will cause others to let down their defences with you. They’ll become more accommodating and helpful. You’ll even notice a few individuals going out of their way to be helpful. If small things go wrong, don’t blow them out of proportion. Everyone is trying to do their best.
Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. If someone makes an insensitive remark, laugh it off. Demanding an apology will be like pouring fuel on a fire. It’s better to move past this slight as quickly as possible. Many people are socially awkward. They try making jokes to hide their embarrassment. When these comments backfire, it’s best to steer the conversation to more pleasant waters. Acting offended will only make it harder to work together. There is still much to be done. Keep the tone between you light.
E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
It’s important to be direct with someone who is out of their depth. If you’re not happy with their efforts, say so. Give detailed and specific criticisms about their performance. There’s a good possibility they’ll quit as a result of your remarks. That can’t be helped. You simply can’t put up with substandard work for the sake of politeness. Look for someone who can meet your standards. You’ll probably have to increase the pay involved. Talent isn’t cheap; pay accordingly.
Pisces Someone will pressure you into making a decision. Don’t return a phone call or email for another few days. You don’t have all the necessary information to make a good decision. There will be plenty of opportunities to take a course or make travel arrangements later. Right now, you have to ensure responsibilities will be attended while you’re away. If that means finding a full time babysitter or training a colleague, so be it. Everything will happen when it should; you can’t hurry fate.
Costa Blanca
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TIM Magazine™
JAGUARS
Big Cats in Altea Golf Club – Don Cayo Restaurant Written by Eric Arnold
The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in Spain got together again on Sunday 17th January 2016, what a fabulous day in all respects. It’s mid winter, yet we had blue skies, beautiful sunshine and warm enough to sit outside on the terrace to admire the views and chat to friends old and new. Perfect weather for taking that cherished Big Cat out on the road. A return visit this time, up the motorway to the “dizzy heights” of Altea, the Don Cayo Restaurant in Altea Golf Club. Parking was a bit limited but we did manage to get all the cars in a row, 25 beautiful examples of Jaguars automotive engineering and 62 people for lunch. May I take this opportunity to thank all those that attended especially the people that have never been before. As always a big thank you to Ian McMenemy for all his hard work organising this event..
The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, full members also benefit from a glossy 140 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook. com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC Spain website www.jec-spain.com Our Events Director, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com. Come along and join us.
The superb selection of Jaguars at this meeting as always, enough to make the pulse of any “petrol head” race. We were graced with a stunning range of Jaguars as always, Ian McMenemys newly acquired XJ, looking like it just left the showroom. A fabulous XJS Convertible in white, and a seriously impressive new 5.0 ltr XK, X Types,XK8’s, XKR’s XJ’s, XF’s, fabulous examples of both new and old, and of course the guvnors XK8 DHC to complete the line up. We could not have wished for a better day or location, out in the sun, a cava reception and pre dining drinks on the terrace looking over the golf course in the valley, sitting there in shirt sleeves in January. We are so so fortunate. A group photograph then into the restaurant just before 2 o’clock, stunning tables, starched white tablecloths, I knew from previous experience that this was going to be good. A white wine, and a smooth fruity Rioja were brought to the table. As tasters the table was already set with mini cold kebabs and prawn cocktail vol-eu-vents. The first courses were pieces of art, either brie in a puff pastry case or a shredded duck salad, I tried both, absolutely delicious. Second course, a beef steak on a bed of pureed potato. A beautiful pepper sauce dressing and seasonal vegetables. Another choice was a pork roulade, and another dish which I forgot to take note of, sorry. Dessert was apple strudel with vanilla ice cream. We finished the day with a few announcements and a presentation of a “Valued Member Cup” to our long time member Baard Lund, a well deserved recognition. We also presented a JEC cup to the Maitre D” and Chef’s for Don Cayo in recognition of an excellent lunch. Then a coffee or a last drink, then head for home, a fabulous afternoon. Our next meeting is on Sunday the 28th February 2016, location to be confirmed. Watch the website www.jec-spain.com for more details. Something special planned for early April, a two night Spa Break at the famous Archena Spa Resort. One other bit of news, The Big One 2017 is proving to be very popular, we already have 320 people registered and 167 cars, I only have space for 410 people so make sure you register for this one if you have not already done so. Last but not least we are in the final stages of planning the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls BBQ event for September this year, again make sure you register for this event. See www.jec-spain.com//specialevents 36
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Costa Blanca
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TIM Magazine™
Sterling v Euro update Adios 2015GPB/EUR Rollercoaster ride, 1.28 – 1.44 ! By Janet Lees Operations Director - Spain 965 070 584 / 635 015 818 E. janet.spain@currencies4you.com
Well the roller coaster ride continues into this year with the most volatility seen for a long time! GBP/EUR rates dropped like a stone through January hitting 1.29, a rate not seen since January 2015 giving those sending Euro back to the UK a bit of a late Christmas present! This weak note could be due to a combination of negative risk markets, waning BoE rate hike expectations and some Brexit (EU referendum) risk probably being priced in at this stage! GBP looks likely to remain under pressure at the moment but after such a big fall we would expect at least some sort of pullback. At time of writing there has been some sign of this with the rate back to 1.3250, could it be a realignment and heading back towards the area of its long term channel? In addition the Euro has come under pressure on prospects of more easing in March, whilst Sterling was given a leg-up when the UK public sector net borrowing figure surprised on the positive side. With the rate trying to decide it’s direction and being very hard to predict at the moment the next few weeks will be very telling and hopefully give us some more clues. Whatever you are considering moving money for, large or small, call us or come and have a chat for advice. There’s no charges or fees at all and we will always get you the best rates. We can save you around 5% compared to transferring through the banks. Safety of your funds is paramount, we only use protected escrow accounts authorised and regulated by the FCA. We can also help you set up a Spanish bank account so you can benefit from the banking agreements offered to all Currencies4Youclients, saving you 100s of Euros if you are buying or selling property, If you are interested in any of the other services in we offer in ‘The Foreign Exchange office’ in Pinoso call us of pop in for more details:Vehicle Change of ownership & Vehicle re-registration, NIEs, Residencias, SIP Cards, UK Passport renewals, Car, House, Pet & Health Insurance and mailbox rental.
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Costa Blanca
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TIM Magazine™
This month our regular MoneySaver Spain contribution will help you avoid being ripped off in Spain. Whether or not you speak Spanish, you could find yourself targeted by scammers - not all scams these days are online. Take a look at our round up and remember: forewarned is forearmed.
THE UK PENSION SCAM The Pensions Regulator estimates that over £500 million has been lost by expats due to pension scammers. Scams include pension loans, offshore investments, switching a pension into a company you own and pension liberation. Although some of these are legal (limitations may apply), fees of up to 30% can be charged, leaving you with a diminished pension pot. What to do? Read the Financial Conduct Authority’s “Guide to Scams” and how to report one if you’ve been a victim. Of particular interest is the section:“Find out how early pension release works and why accessing your pension before you are 55 will cost you most of the money in it”
THE FRIENDLY UTILITIES REP Who hasn’t received a knock on the door from your local utilities rep offering better prices and discounts? As these reps have an ID card from whichever company they are supposed to be representing, everything seems genuine. The scam is that they are actually intermediaries working on a commission-only basis and the discounts exist, however they’re applied on a higher tariff.
By Maxine Raynor
What should you do? Never sign anything there and then and let them know that you’ll call the company to check.
THE GAS MAINTENANCE SCAM Foreign and elderly residents in Spain have been targeted by false gas inspectors who charge high prices for maintenance checks (that aren’t carried out) and in some cases all they want is to access your For more and to sign up (free) to start saving visit http://moneysaverspain.com/
home to see if there’s anything worth stealing. Gas inspections are always notified in writing, if in doubt tell the person to return later whilst you phone the gas company. These scams are getting more sophisticated as false maintenance notifications are placed in letter
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E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
Costa Blanca boxes or at the entrance to housing communities, again
The chosen victim will be approached
all it takes is a phone call to ensure if a check-up is due.
by someone in the street who shows them a “winning” lottery ticket
WHATSAPP / SMS MESSAGES
and tells a story about being unable to get the winnings.
These are around in a variety of forms, for example the
This person will sell his victim
onewhere you’re promised an Ikea / Mercadona voucher
the winning ticket and will
worth 150€ just by filling in an online survey - this is just a
even accompany him to the
scam to get your personal details.
cash machine in order to finalise the transaction there and then.
Another one is when you receive an SMS to let you know
Needless to say, the winning ticket
that a package has arrived with a phone number to call
isn’t worth anything.
to arrange for delivery. The phone number is a cleverly disguised premium rate number, if you call you’ll be on
FIND THE HIDDEN BALL “LOS TRILEROS”
hold for several minutes before you realise you’ve been Trileros often target foreigners with a game that consists
duped.
of three upturned cups with a ball placed below one of What to do? Block premium rate calls (via your mobile
them, the cups are moved around and to win you have
provider) and remember if something seems too good to
to guess where the ball is. Sounds easy, right? In order
be true, it usually is.
to catch your attention, there are a couple of people who work with the trilero – when they play they win
BOGUS LOCKSMITH
their bets, thereby enticing passers-by. Occasionally the trilero will let an outsider win a bet if the amount played
If you’ve ever lost your house keys, or had them stolen,
is low, hoping in this way they’ll bet a higher amount and,
you’ll be aware of just how expensive it can be to call out
of course, lose it.
a locksmith. However, did you know that many home insurance policies in Spain already include this service?
Another way of playing this game is with three cards, but
Your insurance company will either send a trusted
in both versions the trilero’s expertise and sleight of hand
locksmith, or if you’ve already called one yourself they
will ensure you always lose at the end.
will reimburse you fully or partially upon presentation of an invoice.Take a look at your policy and see just what it covers.
THE FALSE BANKNOTES “EL TIMO DE LA ESTAMPITA”
Make sure you have the number of a local locksmith on
For anyone who’s seen The Sting, they’ll recognise this
your smartphone for emergencies (find a company either
scam. A person (called “the Fool”) who appears to be
online or in a local directory available at your town hall),
mentally impaired is carrying around an envelope full
but don’t use the numbers you can find on stickers placed
of banknotes but supposedly believes the notes to be
on letter boxes or similar – many of these are bogus
something else. Another person (called “the Wise One”)
tradesmen who won’t provide an invoice and could even
will invite the victim to get the Fool to hand over the
be scammers who keep a copy of your new keys
envelope in exchange for a small amount of cash. Once you’ve handed over the cash and been given the
AND JUST FOR INFO, HERE ARE SOME OF SPAIN’S
envelope, you’ll find it to be full of newspaper
MORE TRADITIONAL SCAMS THAT ARE STILL DOING
cuttings. Of course, the Fool and the Wise One
THE ROUNDS!
will be far away by then.
THE WINNING LOTTERY TICKET “EL TOCOMOCHO” E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
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TIM Magazine™
HONDON VALLEY GOLF SOCIETY FRESH START TO THE NEW YEAR AT ALICANTE Forty-one members and one guest gathered in the newly refurbished bar at Alicante Golf Club in preparation for the first outing of the year. Play commenced whenthe new captain, Ken Knight, successfully drove off from the first Tee. The course was in very good condition, but strong winds kept a tight cap on the scores. None of the competitors managed to achieve thirty Stableford points. Unusually, places in both the Gold and Silver divisions were decided on count back with only the Bronze division having an outright winner. Following the competition, Ken Knight thanked the staff and members for a successful event and proceeded to present the prizes. The committee has also added a number of new “Captain’s Pick” prizes to be drawn out of a hat at each event. The Treasurer reminded members that any outstanding subscriptions should now be paid promptly. The Social Secretaryrequested early bookings for the Away Days at Hotel Costa Narejos in June. This event was very popular last year and early feedback suggests that it will be oversubscribed this year. The golf competitions will be taking place at Las Colinas, Lo Romero and Roda Golf. Please act promptly to avoid any disappointment by contacting Graham Palmer, grahampalmer37@yahoo.co.uk, directly.
Forthcoming Fixtures & Social Events Tuesday 9th February – Alenda Meet in the clubhouse at 08:30 Tuesday 16th February – Las Colinas Ron Graham Shield. Meet in clubhouse at 10:45 Tuesday 8th March – Bonalba Meet in clubhouse at 08:45 Tuesday 22nd March. Away Day Details to be advised Tuesday 12th April – Font del Llop Meet in clubhouse at 10:15 Wednesday 20th April – Altorreal Bob Watson Memorial Trophy. Meet in clubhouse at 08:45 Wednesday 11th May – El Plantio Meet in clubhouse at 09:00 Tuesday 24th May – Albacete. Away Day Meet in clubhouse at 09:15 Tuesday 7th June – Altorreal Meet in clubhouse at 09:15 Monday 13th to Friday 17th June Costa Narejos Away Days
Alicante Golf Club – Results for 12/01/2016
Winners
Category
Pts
John Ainscough Alan Rixon John Forrester Bob Berriman Tony Brewer John Sercombe David Fellows Trevor Batchelor Marius Damen
Gold Winner Gold Runner Up Gold Third Place Silver Winner Silver Runner Up Silver Third Place Bronze Winner Bronze Runner Up Bronze Third Place
27 27 27 27 27 27 29 27 29
Denis Whitby
Nearest Captain’s DriveIn
John Forrester Steve Munn Malcolm Robins John Ainscough Terry Brown
Nearest the Pin Nearest the Pin Nearest the Pin Nearest the Pin Nearest the Pin
Steve Munn
Football scratch card
Marius Damen & Bob Berriman
Green fee refund
Hole 3 6 8 12 17
Tuesday 12th July – Alicante Meet in clubhouse at 08:30 Friday 22nd July HVGS Summer Barbecue Wednesday 27th July – Font del Llop Geoff Rabey Putter. Meet in clubhouse at 09:15 Tuesday 9th August – Alenda Meet in clubhouse at 08:45 Tuesday 23rd August - Away Day Details to be advised Friday 9th September - HVGS Hog Roast Manor House, Paredon for 18:15 Tuesday 13th September – Bonalba Meet in clubhouse at 08:45 Tuesday 11th October – Font del Llop Captain’s Day. Meet in clubhouse at 09:15 Tuesday 8th November – El Plantio Meet in clubhouse at 08:00 Friday 2nd December HVGS Presentation and Dinner Dance. Details to be advised Tuesday 6th December – Las Colinas. Society Christmas Reward Meet in clubhouse at 09:15 Tuesday 13th December – Altorreal Meet in clubhouse at 09:15
For information on how to join HVGS contact the Secretary, David Fellows, on 965 978 104 & 649 552 730 or email davidfellows13@gmail.com. To reserve your place on the list for the Society Golf Days contact the Captain, Ken Knight, on 638190 567 or email him at kjknight1954@gmail.com
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Costa Blanca
SAMM Honours Member Every year the Race Committee of SAMM, the Sailing Association Mar Menor, make a special award to a member; either to acknowledge their efforts to support the race program or to recognise their sailing and racing skill. This year the proud recipient was Bob Miles who was given the award, a glass yacht trophy, to acknowledge his tireless work over the last five years as the chief maintenance and training manager for the SAMM support boat. Bob is a retired GPO engineer and RYA qualified power and safety boat instructor. However he has not retired from helping SAMM as he will continue to be responsible for the maintenance of the new Whaly support boat, which was launched on January 13th, and train suitably qualified SAMM members in its safe use in a variety of tasks. As the support boat for the race program, a tender to get to boats on swinging moorings, to stand by during dinghy training and practice sessions, to collect wayward boats of the IOM radio control group and generally support any SAMM on-thewater activity. The photo shows Bob being presented with the award by outgoing Commodore Janice Penning. For more information about SAMM go to www.sailingmarmenor. com
increased call rate during the year. We now have a fundraising group “Friends of Samaritans” who organise events for us and are also most grateful to the many supporters who help us such as Sunshine Radio, Iceland Overseas and many others who are listed on our website - and we will always welcome more! “
Busy New Year for the Samaritans in ALL of Spain. The Samaritans organisation offers emotional support to those in distress with a 24 hour service every day of the year. During 2015 the Samaritans in Spain dealt with over 800 callers to the service an increase of 23% over the previous year and part of this was accounted for by an increase in the number of e mails they received. Calls and emails are received from English speakers of all nationalities from the whole of mainland Spain and the islands. Calls to the 900 525 100 helpline are FREE. They have also continued to operate a drop in centre at both Punta Prima (Torrevieja) and the British Embassy in Madrid. Additionally they operate a prison visiting service once a month in Alicante. For more info visit www.samaritansinspain.com CEO Lynda Brettle comments that it is “a great credit to all the dedicated and loyal volunteers who are both listeners and charity shop workers that we have been able to cope with the
Peter Higginson, Managing Director of the Global Car Centre Group S.L. one of the sponsors of Samaritans in Spain explains the reason he backs the Samaritans service” ...... I have found by employing many people over the last 39 years that a pair of ears is a great gift if you use them properly by listening to people letting them get things of their chest, most people feel better for having spoken, advice sometimes can be good but plain old listening is better, be it on the end of a phone or in person”.
Recruitment Samaritans in Spain´s General Manager Stephen Baker says “we are starting the year with a bumper increase in people looking to volunteer and who will undergo training shortly at the Punta Prima Centre. Our next project is to establish a call centre in the Gran Alacant/Alicante area and later in 2016 we hope to build listening teams on Costa Blanca North (Javea) and the Costa Cálida (Mazarrón). Readers in any of those areas who are interested to learn more are asked please in the first instance to contact me for an informal, no-obligation, chat” : Email General Manager stephenrbaker@outlook.com,
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TIM Magazine™
BOXED TRADE ADVERTS
THE METAL MAN Quality Workmanship
All aspects of work in steel.
Gazebos, Car ports. Workshops, Sheds Pool pump rooms. Naya enclosures.
Log burners.
Repairs, Refurbishments & Installations
Fully Legal. Free Friendly Advice.
Tel: 651-963-359. Office. 966-180-894. Email: metalmanspain@hotmail.com
FIREWOOD 658 626 315 Free kindling and free chimney sweep to all customers who purchase firewood from us. Also Mulch available Fruit tree, Olive and Almond wood cut to size of wood burner
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Costa Blanca
Care of the Elderly, permanent, respite and dementia clients, affordable rates
HAPPY Valentines love from the TIM TEAM
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Facebook: TIM Spain www.timspain.com
TEL 659401945 or 677 804 691
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TIM Magazine™
Classifieds
EMAIL your small ads to bargainads@yahoo.es or TEXT your FREE small ads up to €1.000 to 680 976 823
ADVERTISE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS FOC UP TO THE VALUE OF 1,000 EUROS Sell it Fast Sell it For FREE! You can now place your unwanted items in our Classifieds section FREE of charge up to the value of 1.000 euros. Simply text your unwanted items too 680 976 823 or email them to bargainads@ yahoo.es remember, no more than 25 words per item and no more than 3 items per household, and please always include what area you live in, we do not take FREE classifieds over the phone. Last day for Free ads is the 18th of the month. When sending through your items by email, please only send in normal size text.
GENERAL HP. Allinone printer c/w manual power supply and leads disc for Win 7 15 Euros. NGS desktop wireless set keyboard & mouse complete little used for Win8,7,Vista or XP 10Euros Tel 966 795 285 Urb. La Marina Pair of Mission 740SE speakers complete with stands 25-75 W/ channel 8 ohms. 30€ Call 965 951 849 (Rio Park, Mutxamel) Magnetic necklace. 38 magnets. Can help relieve arthritis symptoms. Gold colour. New. Unwanted gift 25€ Call 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio) Pace 2600 Digibox. Complete leads and remote. Ideal fringe reception seen working, 25 € Euros Ring 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio) Panasonic Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Powerful 900 watts, seen working, spare bags and belt 35€, (San Fulgencio) 690 772 178 Corner Jacuzzi Bath, as new, hardly used, bargain at 200€ Hondon de las Nieves Phone: 965 480 605. 2 x 2GB DDR3 RAM for PC. Fully working. 20€. Aspe Tlf 617 424 214
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If you have an item for sale over 1.000 euros or if you have a commercial advert and would like them listed in the Classifieds section of the magazine, then call 606 891 644. Closing date for Classifieds in the magazine is the 19th of the month. Advertise Your Classifieds For FREE No Value Restrictions. Sell anything fast at www.timspain.com classifieds, its totally FREE. Sell you House/car/boat or what you have at www.timspain.com
Epson ink, 3 cartridges 1 light magenta TO486 1 magenta TO483 1 black TO481 Epson stylus photo €5 each ink. phone 671 493 090 (Pinoso area)
For sale. Chrome finish walking frame, never used, immaculate condition. €25.00 or near offer. Orihuela Costa area. Tel :- Ann or Alan on 965 073 193
Garmin Vivofit and Heart Rate Monitor. Vivofit still in box. Euros 60. Contact 965 617 316 or 693 706 119
Travel Cot,Folds up. Hardly used. 25 € Euros Ring 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio)
2 electric oil filled radiators. Hardly used. 1 of 2kw and 1 of 2.5kw. 40€. Aspe. Tlf 617 424 214 External DVD drive for a PC. Brand new - still in box. 30€. Aspe Tlf 617 424 214 Silver Crest food mixer never used complete still in original wrappings unwanted present. 20Euros Round dark wood extending table good condition 60 euros 2 x small pine bedside cabinets 15 euros each Pinoso area tel 664 367 558 Samsung VP-DC161 DVD Camcorder, excellent condition, case, 2 Batteries, charger,3 unused tapes, English Instructions. €30.00.Skil 1600 watt 240v Circular Saw, 66mm cut, Carry Case, Cutting guide.2 TCT Blades, as new €40.00. You collect Pinoso area. tel. 689 296 694.
Twin lnb, universal type, brand new and unused, 20 euros Hondon de La Nievies 663 664 051 Halogen Oven.... Brand new and unused ... Unwanted prize. €30.00 or near offer. Orihuela Costa area. Tel :- Ann or Alan on 965 073 193 SERVICES
Peak Transport, Vince Webster Large Van UkSpain-Uk, Monthly runs, competitive quotes, reliable, friendly service. Telephone 690 818 090 and Uk mobile 0750 492 7034 email: spain2ukpeaktrans @yahoo.co.uk PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS : Piano / Voice training with qualified teacher. For more information contact Anna : 968 696 003 / 676 014 877
www.timspain.com
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YOGA + YOGAPILATES + MEDITATION CLASSES IN THE MORNING, AFTERNOON, AND EVENING. OUR YOGA STUDIO IS SITUATED IN THE CAMPO NEAR CASTALLA ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING ONE OF THE BEGINNERS CLASSES? FOR MORE INFORMATION AND OUR COUNTRY ADDRESS CONTACT YA’NINA ON 607 754 009 yaninahwsn@gmail.com Qualified carer available for personal one to one care Tel Barbara 675 874 665 SPANISH CLASSES AND TRANSLATION SERVICE - Hospital, Notary, Court, etc. In the Castalla Area, Spanish Classes for all levels from Basic communication to advanced conversation. Feel confident in your Day to Day life in Spain !Also, TRANSLATION SERVICE - Hospital, Notary, Court, etc. PHONE PETER 625-834-920 flow-talk@hotmail.com
Costa Blanca PERSONAL Looking for a lady 35--60 years young to spend a little time sharing some of life’s simple pleasures, any nationality live in Alicante province speak English some Spanish and a little German, I’m also a biker, contact me. wilboyracer@gmail.com or call 651 943 037. WANTED
Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Requires knowledge of the print process and creating suitable print ready PDF’s.You must be 100% reliable and be able to work to a strict deadline and be able to use your own initiative and be flexible. In total you will be required to work 4-5 days per month and possibly 20/40 minutes or so every other 3/4 days just to check emails etc. The pay is 480-500 Euros per month which is to include IVA. If you have the aforementioned skills, and feel you could meet the criteria, please email us in the first instance with your contact number, name, address and age to: max6valentine@yahoo.co.uk VEHICLES
CASH CASH
Wanted –any gender– any age : A voulantary , competent pianist, primarily to accompany our small singing group at their performances, but if you are able to assist at rehearsals this would be a bonus.We are a FUN group of singers who sing for pleasure AND TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY – in two years we have raised over €3000. Our repertoire is varied – from light classical, to gospel, rock, jazz, blues, show songs and of course at Christmas, carols both traditional and new. Anna : 968 696 003 / Janet: 676 014 877 or email info@ alegriasingersfortuna.com Wanted -Ladies who like to sing. Experience not necessary, just a desire to enjoy yourself through singing and to help raise money for charity so don´t waste your vocals just trilling in the bath or whilst doing the housework … Anna : 968 696 003 / Janet: 676 014 877 or email info@ alegriasingersfortuna.com Wanted: self employed graphic designer. We are a long established business in Spain and are looking for a graphic designer who can work with and has experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly
CASH
INSTANT CASH WAITING Cars Vans M/Bikes Quads etc. MOTOR VEHICLES SCRAPPED ALL LEGAL PAPERWORK ISSUED
COLLECTION SERVICE Tel Phil (Fortuna) 607 848 332
Vehicle Specialists Cars 4x4s Vans, trailers for sale or hire. We buy vehicles “Top prices paid” Call us seriously Phil 693 059 444 Or Connor 0044 7766 150 666 or mail fubbytucker@yahoo.com 2nd hand cars bought and sold Tel 691 260 502
Belgium, Switzerland & Spain. Our members collect, sell and swap stamps from every country in the world, our meetings are informal and friendly, we hold stamp auctions, quizzes and have talks on stamp collecting. We hold meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and they start at 3pm, Meetings are held at he “La Torre” Hotel on the outskirts of Los Montesinos. Did you collect stamps when you were young? are you interested in taking-up the hobby again? or perhaps you have an old Stamp Album that you would like to share with other collectors. Everyone is welcome to attend any of our meetings. For further information please contact Alan on 868 171 936. or e-mail alan. aylward@rocketmail.com
PETS For Sale Budgies 5.00 euros each . House and breeding cages for sale. phone Pinoso 966 966 072 or 6333386752 . PROPERTY RENTALS
A group of us meet every Thursday at 9.30 at Waldamars Restaurant in Orihuela Costa All makes of bike and nationality welcome. For more info contact Rob via mollyandbaileybassett@ hotmail.com or call Rob on 671826-201 The Castalla community church, meets every Sunday at 10.30 am. Held at 137 Avenida Fernando Fenoll Bergua Castalla International all welcome. For further information call Ruth 686 818 113
House to rent, center of Salinas, 3 beds, furnished, small outside space, short term or long term, 200 euros per month ex bills. Tel 0044 1924 865 668 or 0044 7583 100 143 email petermcshane@ ymail.com For long term rent, new 1 bed apartment in Guardamar, near the High Street and 10 minutes walk to the beach. Beautiful modern furnishings, spacious double bedroom and well equipped kitchen area. Call 636165880 for more info.
EVENTS PROPERTY SALES PARTY YOURSELF INTO SHAPE FOR THE NEW YEAR!! Ditch the Workout, Join the Party!! Zumba Fitness Classes with Licensed Zumba Instructor in Pinoso, Fortuna, the Hondons. For details contact Donna 966 195 876 / 699 408 773 www.zumbaiberia.com CHARITIES
CLUBS/MEETINGS TORREVIEJA PHILATELIC SOCIETY. We are Stamp Club with members fro many European Countries who share a like minded interest in collecting stamps. We were established in 2003 and currently have 26 members mostly British, but others from Germany,
EMPLOYMENT
The Samaritans cover the whole of Spain and operate 24/7. We also have a drop off centre and charity shop at Punta Prima off N332 24 hour Helpline 900 525 100 or email pat@ samaritansinspain.com
E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
NEW PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED IN THE SAX/SALINAS/PINOSO/ VILLENA AREAS. FABFINCAS IS A FULLY LEGAL & INDEPENDENT AGENCY. NO SALE - NO FEE. Contact Steve or Claire on 965 474 314 / 675 218 436 fabfincas@gmail.com Website: www.fabfincas.com 47
TIM Magazine™
Diabetes Mellitus, Do you know the signs? Do you have an increased thirst? Are you using the toilet more orften? Do you feel more tired than usual? When did you have your blood sugar checked? With an increasing aging population Diabetes mellitus is becoming more prevalent, it is estimated that in the UK alone there are an estimated 2.6 million people diagnosed with diabetes and over 500,000 people who have the condition but don’t know it. Many expats living in Spain might not be aware that they even have the condition; however, a simple test can be made by your friendly nurse or GP to determine whether you have Diabetes Mellitus or not. Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This is because your pancreas does not produce any insulin, or not enough to help glucose enter your body’s cells – or the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapattis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver, which also produces glucose. Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the glucose to enter the cells, where it is used as fuel by the body. The main symptoms of untreated diabetes are increased thirst, going to the loo all the time – especially at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, and blurred vision. Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is controlled by insulin injections and diet. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40, though it often appears before the age of 25 in South Asian and Black African Caribbean people. It is treated by diet and exercise alone or by diet and tablets, or sometimes by diet and insulin injections. The main aim of treatment for both types of diabetes is to achieve near normal blood glucose and blood pressure levels. This together with a healthy lifestyle will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries. Correct management of your particular diabetes is essential to keep blood sugar levels stable. Normal simple illnesses such as colds and flu can cause serious problems when you have diabetes, for example if you can’t eat or are vomiting due to these illnesses it may be difficult to keep your blood sugar levels correct. Many people diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus find that belonging to a forum or group where they are able to discuss strategies to control it or just to talk about their experiences of living with the condition is By Trish Powell invaluable.
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E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
Costa Blanca
FAB FINCAS FAB Pr oper ti es • FA B P rice s • FA B S e rv ic e
Tel: 965 474 314 • Mob: 675 218 436 www.fabfincas.com • fabfincas@gmail.com Apartado de Correos 3, 03630. Sax. Alicante
Sax - Ref: ff0642. Large villa with pool. Will consider sensible offers around 149,995 euros.
This property has 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, about 2000m2 fenced land and is a 10 minute walk from the gorgeous town of Sax. There are various outbuildings that could be utilized as further accommodation. Fantastic opportunity for a large family or for some of the accommodation to be converted into a B&B or to generate a rental income.
FAB PROPERTIES, FAB PRICES, FAB SERVICE
International clients looking to buy
NOW
FULLY LEGAL ESTATE AGENCY ESTABLISHED 10 YEARS. GENUINE CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS UNRIVALED CUSTOMER SERVICE. Tel: 0034 965 474 314 / 0034 675 218 436 www.fabfincas.com Email: fabfincas@gmail.com
We need more properties to sell.
NO SALE - NO FEE
Pinoso - Ref: ff0721
Sax - Ref: ff0805
Villena - Ref: ff0775
Onil - Ref: ff0544
Immaculate villa 4 beds, 3 baths Gorgeous outside area with pool. Fantastic value. Offers considered around 220,000 euros
Country house in gorgeous location. 2/3 beds, 1 bath Plunge pool. Manageable plot of approx 1350m2 1/2 original price now only 88,995 euros
Huge cortijo converted into 3 separate apartments 6 beds, 5 baths Massive barns to convert.
Large town house for renovation. 5 beds, 1 bath 155m2 in size Lovely views over the town.
Fantastic price only 399,995 euros
E-mail: editor@timspain.com • Web site: www.timspain.com
Price now 36,000 euros
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