CLUB SIBERME CLUB SIERRA BERMEJA SOCIO-CULTURAL DE ESTEPONA
INTERNATIONAL CLUB OF ESTEPONA FOR ALL ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE of San Pedro - Estepona - Casares Manilva - Sotogrande & Beyond
JULY/AUGUST 2013 Edition www.siberme.com Now on
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ICE Magazine Contents Page 5 Presidents Letter Page 6 Bulletin Board – Lottery Page 8 Computer Tips - Scam of Month Page 9 Golf News - Nigel’s Classifieds Page 10/11 Annette’s Adventures
Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32
Page 12/13/14/15 Past Events
Page 16 July & August Events Page 16 & 20 July Calendar Page 25 August Calendars Page 26 Future Events
Page 34 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38
On The Edge - Members Article Bowlers News Coffee - Members Article Dan’s Cookbook Poetry Corner - Gnomes Member Article Puzzle Page General Information Committee and Advert Info Just for a Smile
President Doug Mitchell Editor Terry Smith Advertising Jackie Simmonds Disclaimer: - The committee wishes to declare that ICE does not accept responsibility for the contents of articles nor the claims made by advertisers. Printed by Digiprint, Avda Litoral, Edificio Visamar, Blq 2 Local 9, 29680 Estepona Visit Our New Improved Club Website: www.siberme.com Free Wi-Fi for members at the clubhouse. Now upgraded to 8Mb The magazine is published on the website on or before the first day of each month. Please mention ICE club & magazine when contacting advertisers. Editorial I am disappointed to find that two magazines left in the editors draw for safe keeping have been removed. These were expensive patchwork magazines brought from the UK by a member for passing onto Julie Wood. The drawer is next to the ladies toilet door for items to be left for the editor only. Julie is most upset as a pattern was needed. If you have these magazines please return them to the drawer or hand them to me or Julie. I now have a break before the next magazine in September, I will be working on the clues along with Bob for the walking treasure hunt in October, we have to make the clues even more devious as some of you out there are getting more clever. Have a great summer where ever you will be. See you soon. Terry Smith Editor Terry Smith Phone 951 276 690 Mobile 677 656 319 Email: terrysmith@siberme.com
Input from members for your magazine, interesting articles and experiences. Important information, funny stories, poetry, restaurant revues. These can be emailed to me or left at the clubhouse. 3
All kinds of sewing undertaken
Estepona Osteopathic Clinic
PAUL KNIGHT Bsc(Hons) Ost.
I will do all repairs and alterations
Specialist treatment for back, neck and limb injuries, children and expectant mothers.
I make curtains Dressmaking
Mobile: 625 957 673 1D, First Floor, 124, Avenida de Espa単a, Estepona
Upholstery of terrace furniture And even equine or pet accessories No job is too large or too small
Located immediately opposite the underground car park entrance, facing the sea.
Call Heidi on 606-237-757 heidi.manilva@gmail.com
TELAS & TELAS
A cut Above
The perfect place to shop for all your Household Goods Curtains & Materials etc.
The Friendly British Hair Salon Unisex Peluqueria For Every Day & Those Special Occasions 952 805 485 Ask For THERESA or SARA We are offering a promotion on Blow-dries, Shampoo and Sets for 12 Euros. Monday to Thursday OAP days are Monday and Tuesday Estepona Port Opposite Club Nautico
At the corner of C/ Sevilla & C/ Lopez de Mena behind the Bus Station in San Pedro Open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 2-00pm
Tel: 952 788 117 4
PRESIDENTS LETTER JULY 2013 Now the weather is warming up nicely and we can enjoy the long summer evenings, there is a lot to look forward to even though the Club will be closed for the whole of August. It is necessary to close the club for a month as we are completely redecorating both the interior and exterior. Thursday 4th of July will be the last lunch at the club until 5th September, but on Thursday 18th July we are arranging an ‘away day lunch’ at Restaurant El Hatillo in Estepona. To keep in contact with anyone who would like to join us in August, we have arranged lunch at Venta La Torre (close to Pedragales Park) on the 8th and 22nd. I am also arranging coffee mornings on 1st, 15th and 29th of August. To keep you all in touch whilst the club is closed, you can use the web site – www.siberme.com or the notices on the front door of the club. Don’t forget to reserve your table for The Late Midsummer Party at the clubhouse on Saturday 29th of June. We welcome back The Texas Pearls Country & Western Group on Saturday 27th July. This was so successful last time; make sure to get your tickets early. Doug Food For Thought Submitted by Rosemary Ferguson
“A dream is a letter you write to yourself”
LOSE WEIGHT AND HAVE FUN
Pam Lynn
Beautiful patio in the centre of Estepona
Mobile: (0034) 671 176 653 Landline: (0034) 952 885 813 Meetings every Tuesday 10.30am at La Brasserie, Casares Golf Club -----------Every Thursday 12noon The Upper Deck Restaurant, Villacana (opp Cancelada on the N340)
Belgian and Mediterranean Cuisine Plus Pinchos Summer opening hours Monday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm 7 pm -11 pm Closed on Sundays
Call Pam for more information Calle San Antonio 48 - off Calle Terazza, Estepona Telephone: 952-792979
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Bulletin
Board 1st 2nd 3rd
Lottery Winners May Anne Tandy 84€ Jean Galloway 42€ David Hackett 21€ 63€
BOOK LIBRARY: CAN MEMBERS PLEASE NOT SUBMIT HARDBACK BOOKS TO THE LIBRARY, PAPERBACKS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED. Returned books should be placed at the foot of the first half of the alphabet as designated - the librarian will then sort. DVD/VIDEO Library: Can members please ensure they sign for all borrowed films and add membership number, Please return films as soon as possible and sign as returned. Jigsaw Puzzles: There is a selection of jigsaw puzzles available stored under the video library. They are mostly 500 pieces, some 1,000. Glasses, cups etc: Please return to the bar before leaving the club. Please place used unbroken bottles carefully in bin provided, that is positioned under dartboard. Return plates & cutlery to the kitchen. Terrace Doors: Those people who open terrace doors are responsible for closing before leaving club. TRIP CANCELLATIONS MUST BE REFERRED IN FIRST INSTANCE TO THE ORGANISER. Taken from members comment on club This year the Club celebrates its 25th birthday and Saturday 15 June saw the start of the celebrations with a Summer Extravaganza held on the terrace of Camping Bella Vista. About 85 members attended and after enjoying a buffet supper danced to the excellent music of Moonshine Band. Joan Thompson: It was a great night, the venue was perfect for a summer evening, good buffet and the Band were great Members enjoyed a very special evening on Saturday 25th May when they celebrated the Golden Wedding Anniversary of members Vic and Margaret Loughran who were accompanied by their close family members. There were about 100 people present and were treated to a Hog Roast supper provided by Vic and Margaret and dancing followed to the excellent sound of varied music by Daniela. A presentation of 500€ was made to the local branch of Age Concern which had been collected from members ticket sales. A gift of a two night all inclusive break to Hotel Cortijo Salinas at Zahara de la Sierra was given to Vic and Margaret by Club members. It was indeed a brilliant night all round. Comments have come to the attention of the committee from both current and ex members that trips are mostly to the same places. Time limitations mean we have to keep within a certain area for day trips this makes the choices of new venues difficult. Should you have any suggestions for any event or activity at your clubhouse, or for a trip whether for a day or longer period, please contact a member of the committee.
International Emergency Phone Number 112 6
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Call for your appointment. Michael Briales Total dedication to your hearing needs. Mobile 660 892 627
TEL: 952859925
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Vic Loughran
Peter Dowd
Monthly Computer Tips – July / August 2013 Keys to password strength: length and complexity An ideal password is long, 14 – 16 characters, and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers. More than 16 is unnecessary and may not be accepted by many websites. * Whenever possible, use at least 14 characters or more. * The greater the variety of characters in your password, the better. * Use the entire keyboard, not just the letters and characters you use or see most often. * An address you lived at many years ago would probably include capitals and numbers and would be easy to remember. Expert opinion is divided about the merits of mixing letters, upper and lower case, numerals and other characters. However they all seem to agree that a password of about 14 characters is comparatively safe. Your problem is trying to remember it. A good start would be to use the first letters of an anthem, song, poem or favourite music. e.g. God Save our Gracious Queen, Long Live our noble Queen, God save our Queen. Would give you GSOGQLLONQGSOQ - a 14 character password but if you know the National Anthem not too difficult to remember. (Don’t use this as we suspect many others will use it but hopefully you get the idea.) Other variations might be to change the O (letter O) to 0 (Zero), S to 5 and so on. We are also then given further advice that we should have different passwords for every site we visit. However this needs to be put into context. There are what we call Level 2 sites which require registration before you can place an order e.g. Amazon; sites which require registration before you can view information e.g. Interactive Investor. Then there are sites such as eBay requiring registration but none of these can “get at your money” Level One sites would include your on-line banking, PayPal, Moneybookers (Skril) where if someone had access they could raid your account. It is the Level 1 sites that you need to concentrate on in order to ensure that your passwords etc. are most secure. Also don’t forget that your answers to security questions such as where were you born don’t have to be true: if you were actually born in Birmingham (someone could find this from your birth certificate), why not use Tamworth or Aberdeen?? If you require more information or would like to check the strength of your password, visit the site www.grc.com/haystack. July Scam of the Month, Computer Virus Scam or “Holding you to ransom.” You receive a phone call which tells you there is a problem with your computer either it has a virus, is running slowly etc. They often say that they are from Microsoft or Microsoft Approved. Take no notice, put the phone down even if you do, by coincidence, happen to be having problems. They are after your money. They will try to persuade you to give them access to your computer and once you have done that they will be able to download viruses and charge you a small fortune to clear them. If you think for a minute, there is no way a third party can know about your computer problems unless you have actually told them. However if you were to cold call 100 people with the same story it is quite likely that a fair proportion might actually be having problems. Just put the phone down. 8
International Club of Estepona - Golf Society Established in 2003 by Les Jinks, at the request of then president, Anne Hardwick, golf has become a very popular activity within the club. We play twice a week, Tuesday and Friday, at Casares Costa Golf Club where our members benefit from discounted green fees. The twice weekly competition is organised on a ‘RollUp’ bases and we play individual stableford, using full handicaps. Tee off times vary between 08.15 and 08.30am, dependent upon the time of year, and on a good day we can have 12 or more players rolling up. It’s all very friendly, light hearted and is open to all. We traditionally have two major competitions a year. The Spring Cup, held in April, and The Autumn Cup in October. These have become great social events with a very popular celebratory luncheon after each. This year sees the introduction of The Ice Club Order Of Merit competition. The trophy will be awarded to the player recording the best 10 individual cards achieved at the Tuesday and Friday Roll- Ups during the 12 months between each Spring Cup. Keep your eye on the club magazine and web site for details of all activities. In addition we also arrange away days, every 4 to 6 weeks, to other golf courses within the area. It is always a treat to play at other clubs and we are usually given a preferential rate. If you would like to get involved, phone or enrol on our e-mailing list. Contact and Golf Organiser: Alan Davis Tel: 952 897 670 - Mob: 699 712 804 e-mail: alanandsue_hq@yahoo.co.uk NIGEL’S CLASSIFIED AD’S
FLAT TO LET (IN PRIVATE VILLA) Short Term Basis. Two bedrooms, living room/kitchen (open style), Shower room with two hand basins and toilet, also separate toilet room with wash basin. Private courtyard. Use of private pool. Close to Doncella Beach, near Port of Estepona in the Urbanisation of Seghers. 16E per day per person or 100€/200E a week to include all services Dependent on season. For more Information, Please Telephone Barbara Salisbury on 952 796 368 Email Address: salsbarb@yahoo.co.uk FREE TO A GOOD HOME: COMPUTER MONITOR Flat screen 17" (ish) Ron Pegram 952 891175 ANOTHER FREEBEE: TUMBLE DRIER Creda condenser tumble drier. Oldie but goodie. Still in working order, just fancied a newer model….a bit like the old man! Margaret Loughran 952 886 772 AND FREE AGAIN YOU LUCKY PEOPLE: IPAD COVER Debra Coleman Tel:- 952 113 590 or 637 221 997 FOR SALE: QUIET RUNNING TURBO FAN ON AN UP STAND, good quality 20€ Terry Smith 951 276 690 or 677 656 319; email terrysmith@siberme.com Money can not buy happiness, but it's more comfortable to cry in a Ferrari than on a bike. 9
Annette’s Adventures
Many a Mile, Her own words by Annette Louise Holmes A claim to be an independent women in my own right! Part 2 - ‘Preparing for Afghanistan’ I retained my independence by earning my own fares to follow my Husband Charles’s ships around the world wherever possible, and indeed taking our two children whenever the occasion permitted - to discover for instance, what joys the far east had to offer. Together we studied the peoples of Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, their cultures and way of life, as well as the flora and fauna of each country, since we are all keen naturalists. We visited rubber plantations, open cast tin mines, pineapple factories, as well as travelling up country into the Malaysian jungle to watch the giant turtles of the world swimming in to lay their eggs in the coral sand, way before the dawn. Once I persuaded the RAF to fly me to Singapore, stopping en route at Gan, one of the Maldives Islands in the Indian Ocean off Ceylon, where I was able to study the natives who lived in a ‘long house’ as it is called - my first experience of seeing at first hand what community living was like. I felt somewhat astonished whilst escorted from the plane to my sleeping quarters when a group of native women rushed towards me and began tugging at my hair. It appeared that they were unaccustomed to red hair, for those days it was naturally very red, and they were intent on seeing if it was real! In 1970, after an idyllic two and a half years of living in Singapore and Jahor Bahru Malaysia, where I had come to love and respect both the Chinese and Malay people and had become very involved with them, Charles appointment came to an end. We decided that we should like to return to England overland - a journey of 12,000 miles and Charles requested permission from the Admiralty to do this. It was met with great disapproval since Charles was one whose knowledge made him a target of those working for an alien government, our request was turned down. It was also pointed out that the dangers of such a drive would be many, and no one known to them had covered this ground, moreover we would be driving through normally difficult areas of the world in the worst possible weather conditions. After much thought and within a few days I informed the naval authorities higher command that I intended to do the overland journey alone since I had set my heart on it and did not come under the naval discipline act though to this day I come under the official secrets act. Seeing that I was in earnest, the navy relented on condition that we were to report in to selected embassies and consulates in the nine different countries we were to pass through so that the Admiralty in England and in Singapore could be kept informed of our progress and safety. We were allowed six weeks military leave in which to achieve our marathon drive. Now a Malay was permitted by law to have more than one wife, and when I went to the electricity offices in Jahore before we finally left Malaysia to collect the customary deposit of money that all residents had to pay on arrival, I was met with a firm refusal - they had to have proof that I was wife number one!! I hastened to tell them what they surely know that an Englishman was only allowed one wife, and indeed I was wife number one in every sense of the word. It took me two hours of arguing in a temperature well into the nineties before I heard the words: “I never met wife like you before” and in desperation the money was finally handed over to me by the officials and my signature witnessed before a justice of the peace! >>>11 10
<<<10 It’s perhaps interesting to note here that in Singapore and indeed Malaysia too, family life and the role of the woman is held in high regard. It is unthinkable that a woman would ever be molested even if she was to walk the streets alone at night. How few indeed are there countries of the world where one could do this safely. In the Indian cities of Madras, Bombay and New Delhi, I was to witness for the first time in my life, the degradation and misery of women through poverty, ignorance and constant child bearing. Sometimes living in tiny cone-shaped mud houses on the pavements of the cities, often riddled with neglected disease, they were obliged to beg constantly for a few rupees to try to feed their many children in an endeavour to keep them alive. They were arrayed in tattered rags, slept on the open pavements alongside their children, and had none of the advantages of education known to the western world. These were the outcasts of society . I was deeply affected by what I saw. Yet side by side with this picture was one of colossal wealth of women beautifully gowned and well dined, living in sumptuous houses. How cruel life seemed to be for so many. Little girls were often sold off - a son could at least perhaps earn his keep, but a daughter to a poor family was considered a scourge. NB: I have been back to India since those days, in fairness to all I have to say there has been a remarkable clean up and improvement in these cities and in life in general for all. In New Delhi where we had to get a permit from Pakistan consulate/embassy to travel overland across Pakistan we were dismayed to find that Charles was refused entry into the country. The officials took the view that perhaps Charles was there in a military role, since his passport described him as a government official. No assurance from the British naval attaché could alter their decision. So after a conference I selected to drive the car through Pakistan into Afghanistan alone, going over the Khyber Pass and the very dangerous mountains beyond, through without doubt, some of the most difficult terrain in the world and where bandits roamed freely. To be truthful, I felt exhilarated at the very thought of the challenge, though Charles was extremely apprehensive for me. After dining with the attaché Hans Hamilton, a former global rally driver of some renown, I was put through my paces on routes and place names etc. I was given three days at least to achieve the 800 plus miles from New Delhi to Kabul Afghanistan, a rugged land of which we in the west knew little. Charles was to fly and wait for me at an agreed hotel in Kabul. On the 11th February, my birthday which I had completely forgotten all about in the excitement, the attaché's car with chauffer led me out of New Delhi, Charles gave me a fond farewell and I was off - completely alone in a world utterly alien to all I had ever known before. I confess I’d always been rather neglectful of map reading as long as I had Charles with me, but now I had to begin in earnest - particularly when I discovered that none of the place names were in English as I’d been informed they would be! Once when driving for hours across a vast bleak desert area, I began to wonder if I was in the right direction for Lahore where I was heading. I saw a group of uniformed army men and felt it safe to stop and ask. I always travel alone on long distances with all car doors locked except for my own, so that its easy to just lock my own if I am approached. I put the window on the passenger side down a fraction and pointed in the direction ahead of me asking "Lahore?” where upon all the men nodded, showed great surprise at seeing a women alone in the middle of nowhere, and one man gestured that he would get in with me. I hastily put my foot on the accelerator pretending I was not aware of his intention, and sped off. At no time do I give lifts to anyone. It is something a woman alone cannot afford to do. To be continued next edition 11
PAST EVENTS
Wednesday 15th May - Ramblers BBQ As usual the Rambler's BBQ was held in Pinar de La Rey but unusually the weather forecast was not good, strong winds and cold! Rob worried that he would not be able to keep the BBQ alight, so we telephoned a few people and shopped in Supersol for tortillas and cooked chicken so we'd have something to eat. After the ramblers left, Rob Ian and Roger set up the BBQ, with windshields and cars positioned to protect the flames, not sure what the insurance companies would have said if we'd had to make a claim! Jenny, Audrey and I set up the tables. Audrey produced her iPod shuffler so that we could have music, Roger and I made the most of it and had a lovely smoochy dance together. Jenny had a blanket wrapped round her and Audrey & I wore fleeces, usually we're sitting in the shade to keep cool. I think Les made the walkers hide behind a bush as dead on 1.30 they arrived back and it seemed in no time at all food was being cooked and eaten. Not so many people attended this year, a lot I know were away but I think the weather put a lot of people off. Last year we were covered in pollen this year it was raining pine seeds, I wonder how many of us ate them as they fell in the food!! This season has been a strange one for Rob & I as we have hardly walked at all, hopefully we'll be fit enough in November. A big thank you to Sue and Colin Gearon for keeping the walkers informed via the new web page and organising leaders. A big thank you to Liz and Ken for taking over when we couldn't walk and again to Liz for when Ken had to stop walking (who says walking keeps you fit!!!!) Submitted by Sue Potter Sat 25th May - Vic and Margaret’s Golden Wedding Anniversary Oh, what a night. Oh, what a night, it really was such a wonderful night. Our Golden Wedding party was one that we'll never forget, in fact we didn't want it to finish as the time flew by so quickly. The food and music seemed to go down well and Daniela made sure that the dance floor was never empty. As we opened our cards at breakfast the next morning, your smiley faces came to mind. THANK YOU one and all for making our day complete with the gifts of flowers, bubbly, and a holiday away. That was such a lovely surprise and as our daughter Lou and her husband Graham went back to OZ in mid June I’ve plenty of time to change the old man's batteries before "le weekend" which we hope to take in September. As you can imagine saying goodbye to grandson Sam was difficult on Monday morning but all he was looking forward to was seeing his 3 girl friends again, and I thought I started young! We will treasure the evening, thank you once again for everything. There were too many people who helped prepare for the party to thank individually but you know who you are. Many thanks; we couldn’t have done it without you. Our next party is a Zimmer party in ten years time!!! Much love, Margaret and Vic x Tuesday 28th May - Ladies and Gents Lunches Out Yet another new venue for the Juliet’s, Masala Indian Restaurant El Pilar, probably the most commented on restaurant being talked about for days after. From: never go there again, not enough samples on the set menu, expensive, strange food colouring, and yet others being happy, so cannot ‘please everyone’. However all said the service was very good. The Romeo's returned to ‘The Golden Wok’ Chinese buffet. If you have not yet visited this restaurant it is to be recommended if you like Chinese food, a very varied selection of fresh looking food, well presented. 12
Wednesday May 29th - Coach Trip to Cadiz with a Guided Tour. On a beautiful sunny, but chilly start to the day, 55 members and guests set off on an adventure to Cadiz organised by Joan who is always so informative about items of interest on the way. On entering Cadiz we picked up our guide Juan Antonio (call me John) who in the comfort of the coach proceeded to tell us all the history about various points of interest with a few stops where we could get out of the coach to take photographs. One of the stops was on the sea front where we nearly got blown away and we saw one of the places where they filmed one of the James Bond movies. Another stop was to visit the new Parador Hotel situated overlooking a truly fabulous beach, and then a short walk next door into the botanical gardens with the magnificent topiary trees all cut into various shapes, and we even saw Jacaranda’s in full bloom. Still with our guide we left the coach and then started walking towards the Cathedral Square, stopping at the Town Hall, where we were given more information about the architecture and age of the buildings in the square. From there, we then walked to the flower square and onto the market, which had every type of fish imaginable, and a huge selection of vegetables at very reasonable prices. We retuned back to Cathedral Square where Juan Antonio left us. We then had free time to have lunch at a restaurant of our choice, and then more free time to roam around before returning to the coach, and our journey home via Tarifa, where we stopped at the Mirador to see across the straits to Ceuta and the 2nd pillar of Hercules. Then home after a wonderful day, all tired but happy and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to Joan for a very good day. Submitted by Dave & Diane Hackett Saturday 1st June - Mouth-watering Moroccan Meal The beginning of a new Month and a new summer. What a Night we had to celebrate! 43 members and guests turned up to an M.M.M. – a Memorable Moroccan Meal. Most of us who attended took the trouble to wear appropriate attire, and the atmosphere it created – together with the background belly dancing music – proved it well worth the effort. Everyone looked fantastic, even our Chinese-looking president. However, two who really deserved to be the recipients of a bottle of champagne each for the best Arabian dressed male and female present, were Sheila Astle and Bob Taylor. They truly looked Moroccan. So too did the food that we were served. The lamb tagine looked and tasted authentic, and the cus cus had obviously been stirred with two forks. Congratulations to Wilma and Dan for organising and cooking an excellent evening and meal. Thanks must also go to everyone who helped to make this event such a success – those in the kitchen, those who served and cleared up after, and those members who prepared the club beforehand and later, returned it back to normal. We cannot but mention the bar staff without whom no event would be successful. Thanks to everyone involved. Brian Buckley Creaser P.S. What was missing was a cup of Moroccan tea to finish off the meal. However, Dan told me that the club did not have any gunpowder tea and so it was not possible. To get over this problem, I have offered Dan, and ICE members, a tip in my article included in this magazine. Morocco Themed Supper Taken from members comment on club An good evening was enjoyed by about 40 members on Saturday 1st June, organised and presented by Dan and Wilma. The menu commenced with delicious home made hummus served with crudités and fresh bread, followed by Lamb Tagine and home made Almond Cake with ice cream. Tables were dressed in red and green to represent the colours of the flag of Morocco. Many people dressed in kaftans etc and judging took place for best dressed entrant being won by Sheila Astle for the ladies and Bob Taylor for the gents. Thank you very much Dan and Wilma, Rob and Sue behind the bar and Joan and Terry for help with the setting up of the tables and printing of the menus and place names. 13
The Casablanca Twist
No, this is not a dance nor a card game, but a humble cup of char. The authentic mint beverage that is served in Moroccan restaurants is made from gunpowder green tea, which was first introduced, by the English, to the Maghreb/Bedouins in the 18th century. This tea takes its name from the particular treatment of the leaves, which are rolled into tight pellets or pearls. In China, where the tea comes from, it is called “green pearl tea”, but the English traders thought the pellets looked more like gunpowder and so it got its name. It is not difficult to make Moroccan mint tea, but complicated, especially if all you have in the house are tea bags so I am going to tell you the story about a cup of tea called “Casablanca twist”. I am sure you all have heard the tales connected with the hotel Regina Cristina in Algeciras, where English officers from Gibraltar stayed to relax and get away from the war. The Germans were spying on the English, the Italians were spying on the Germans, and every bathroom of the hotel had been converted into photographic darkrooms (beats me why nobody has ever used this for a TV sitcom on the lines of Faulty Towers or ‘Allo ‘Allo ‘Allo). What were the English officers doing all the while? Well sipping green mint tea and gossiping about what went on over on the other side of the bay. They developed a taste for this refreshing beverage but green tea was not available in Gibb, so they kept the mint, but replaced the smoky notes of Gunpowder with the muscatel highlights of a Darjeeling black tea from India. The result was very a refreshing cup, with bold, cool minty notes, a smooth and relaxing texture and a pleasant flavour. Casablanca Twist was born. The secret of good Moroccan mint tea is not to use boiling water, but the sugar MUST be boiled (to caramelize it). My method is to use any quality tea bags that you have. Put freshly drawn water into a pan (a kettle if you want), for as many cups of tea that you are preparing and add sugar – one or two teaspoonful per cup as per your norm. Add mint to the water to suit your taste – fresh mint is best, but dried mint is OK. Boil for two to three minutes and then strain the hot liquid (not boiling) onto the tea bags in your teapot. Leave to mash for at least 5 minutes and your Casablanca Twist is ready to be drunk. If you have green tea bags, use these and you have a Moroccan drink. The Bedouins pour their tea from a great height to froth the liquid and get air, lost in the heating of the water, back into the beverage. Tuesday June 11th - Gardening Club Meeting at Keith and Helen Rumsey’s Villa. It was no surprise to have a big attendance of gardening members as Keith and Helen’s garden is really a delight to wander through. Everything is beautifully and lovingly laid out with so many interesting areas and as Keith and Helen are two of our more dedicated gardening enthusiasts, they were able to help us with any questions and offer suggestions plus gardening tips. There were plenty of gardening books and photo albums to browse through too. A discussion took place as to where we could hold future meetings. Two of our gardening members offered their gardens to show what they had been able to achieve, also a visit to Molino del Santo seemed to be met with enthusiasm, a floral demonstration plus gardening film for another meeting, maybe Guzmans Garden Centre in December – all these ideas to be finalised. Cuttings were offered........ Thanks so much Keith and Helen for such an enjoyable meeting. For our next meeting on Tuesday July 9th at 11am, a couple of our Garden Club members have very kindly invited other Gardening Club members to view their garden which we shall look forward to. Maps to the location are available. Tip of the month: Surround small plants with crushed up seashells or spiky gravel to keep slugs away. Submitted by Sandy Avis 14
PAST EVENTS Saturday 15th June - Summer Extravaganza What a wonderful evening! The weather was perfect for al fresco dining and when we arrived the tables looked great. Helium balloons in blue & white (club colours) graced all the tables which were well spaced out to accommodate over 90 members & guests. The buffet starter consisted of choices of prawn cocktail, gazpacho, melon & jamon, mozzarella tricolor and some other assorted tostadas. This was followed by a BBQ that was plated up with chicken breast, sausage, pork loin, beefburger, jacket potato and grilled prawns. A choice of desserts – baked cinnamon apple, flan, fruit salad, chocolate cake or strawberries. Something to suit everyone. The band – the five piece Moonshine Band - played all the right music to get everyone dancing. The dancing started with Doug leading Jo-Anna onto the dance floor while everyone clapped. Whilst they were playing the dance area was never empty. The sound was pitched just right – not so noisy that you couldn’t hold a conversation but loud enough to get everyone on their feet. The raffle was held in the bands break – five very good prizes, sponsored by Julia Mitchell of Fiduciary Wealth Management. The dancing resumed and continued until midnight when most of us were ‘out on our feet’ from all the dancing. A big Thank You to Jo-Anna for all the hard work that went into making this a night to remember. Submitted by Joanna Mitchell
Thursday 20th June - Ladies Ascot Day ROYAL ASCOT. A superb afternoon was had on Thursday 20 th June. The sun came out in Ascot as it did for us. Gratitude to Beatrice Sykes for organising the day. After our morning meeting those that stayed on for lunch were treated to either roast beef or salmon followed by desert served by the committee. Again thanks to the chef’s and bar staff for their time and efforts. We then had a little delay due to electricity supplies that could have had a follow up problem with the televised races but with a little load shedding from galley to entertainment a compromise was made. More people returned for the Ladies Day Hat Competition which then got under way with hats being made from home garden flowers, a few of us designed hats based on themes of Ascot others colourful artistic creations and the competition won by a decorated hat with a red grand piano on top with a matching red outfit by Jan Raiki. We then adjourned upstairs to the “bookies” with Richard Wood advising of the routine supported by three tic tac men taking the bets and coordinating the winnings. I must confess here that my wife picked all three winners of the day. The Queen won the last race of the day The Gold Cup with Estimate and offered all a relaxed beaming smile. All then returned downstairs for afternoon tea, finger sandwiches and tea with scones and cream. None of this could have been achieved without the tremendous efforts from Bea her supporting team from the kitchen, bar staff, race coordinators' and of course all that attended. Submitted by Keith Ranshaw 15
JULY & AUGUST EVENTS
PLEASE NOTE: TICKET SALES CLOSE 12.30pm ON THURSDAY MORNINGS. CORRECT MONEY PLEASE
Friday 5th July - Quiz Night - 8.00 for 8.30pm - Quizmaster Joan Thompson Thursday 18th July - Club Lunch Out - Restaurant El Hatillo C/Manuel Navarro Mollor , Estepona. Limited to 40 people only. Organiser Doug Mitchell Saturday 27th July - Country & Western Evening 7.30 for 8.00pm. By popular request, following a fantastic night during March: Return of Hensler and the Texas Pearls. Western style Chilli supper. 12€ Music Only, 15€ Music and Supper. Organiser Doug Mitchell Thursday 8th & Thursday 22nd August - Club Lunch out at Restaurant La Torre, Pedregales Poligono - Organiser Doug Mitchell PLEASE NOTE: THE CLUB HOUSE WILL BE CLOSED FOR REDECORATION FROM SUNDAY 28TH JULY UNTIL THURSDAY 29TH AUGUST BANK HOLIDAYS: Thursday August 15 - Assumption Day - Spain
Monday 26 August - Late Summer Bank Holiday - Gibraltar 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul
Fri Sat Sun
10.00am - 1.00pm Art Group
15 Jul 16 Jul 17 Jul
Mon Tue Wed
2.30 - 5.00pm Art Class
18 Jul
Thu
19 Jul
Fri
20 Jul
Sat
12.30pm-2.30pm Bar Open & Tapas
7.30 for 8.00pm Whist 10.30am-2.30pm Bar Open 11.30am Weekly Meeting Open Forum 7.00pm Duplicate Bridge 10.00am - 1.00pm Art Group
21 Jul
Sun
12.30pm-2.30pm Bar Open & Tapas
22 Jul 23 Jul 24 Jul
Mon Tue Wed
2.30 - 5.00pm Art Class
25 Jul
Thu
10.30am-2.30pm Bar Open 11.30am Weekly Meeting & Lottery 7.00pm Duplicate Bridge
26 Jul
Fri
10.00am - 1.00pm Art Group
27 Jul
Sat
28 Jul 29 Jul 30 Jul 31 Jul
Sun Mon Tue Wed
Club Lunch Out - Restaurant El
Hatillo C/Manuel Navarro Mollor , Estepona.
7.30 for 8.00pm Whist
7.30 for 8pm Live Music Country & Western Evening, Chilli Supper
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July 2013 DATE DAY 1 Jul 2 Jul 3 Jul
Mon Tue Wed
4 Jul
Thu
5 Jul 6 Jul 7 Jul 8 Jul
Fri Sat Sun Mon
9 Jul
Tue
10 Jul Wed 11 Jul Thu
REGULAR EVENTS
EXTRA EVENTS
2.30 - 5.00pm Art Class 7.30 for 8.00pm Whist 10.30am-2.30pm Bar Open 11.30am Weekly Meeting 1.00pm Lunch 7.00pm Duplicate Bridge 10.00am - 1.00pm Art Group
8.30pm Quiz Night
12.30pm-2.30pm Bar Open & Tapas 2.30 - 5.00pm Art Class 10.30am Committee Meeting 11.00am Gardening Club 7.30 for 8.00pm Whist 10.30am-2.30pm Bar Open 11.30am Weekly Meeting & Open Forum 7.00pm Duplicate Bridge
CALENDAR CONTINUES ON PAGE 16 Member of
Web: versa-tile-spain.com
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El Rincon Toscano Restaurant Pizzeria Wine Bar Calle Real 22-26, Estepona Telephone 952-795914 Roberto 648 263 369 or Yuri 610 336 547 A little taste of Italy Come and enjoy the excellent cuisine and service provided by Roberto and Yuri Opening hours Lunch every day 1.30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Dinner 7pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; midnight Closed on Wednesdays 23
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DATE
DAY
1 Aug
Thu
2 Aug 3 Aug 4 Aug 5 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
8 Aug
Thu
9 Aug 10 Aug 11 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
15 Aug
Thu
16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
22 Aug
Thu
23 Aug 24 Aug 25 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
29 Aug
Thu
30 Aug 31 Aug
Fri Sat
August 2013 REGULAR EVENTS
EXTRA EVENTS 11.30am Club coffee morning at Bar Jazz, Estepona Port
Club lunch out Restaurant La Torre
11.30am Club coffee morning
Club lunch out Restaurant La Torre
10.30am-2.30pm Bar Open 11.30am Weekly Meeting 7.00pm Duplicate Bridge
CLUB HOUSE RE-OPENS
EVENT TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE DURING CLUB LUNCHES & COFFEE MORNINGS OUT EVENT MAY CHANGE AFTER PUBLICATION, ALWAYS CHECK AT THE CLUB HOUSE NOTICE BOARD, ORGANISER OR STOP PRESS ON WEB SITE.
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Friday 6th September - Quiz Night - Quizmaster Julie Wood SEPTEMBER Saturday 5th September - Last Night at the Proms at Clubhouse EVENTS Saturday 14th September - Trip to Guaro Candle Festival First pickup Sabinillas 6.30pm, return from Guaro 1.00am. 13€, 15€ guests. Org. Bea Sykes Saturday 21st September - Welcome Back Party Live Music, cold buffet supper. Wednesday 25th September - Annual Trip to the Lakes for Swimming Take a picnic or optional lunch at Restaurant Kioski. Organiser Joan Thompson Saturday 28th September - Noughties Celebration EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
October 1/2/3/4th - Trip to Madrid and Toledo 3 night, 4 day trip deposits now being taken, 50€ per person. Final cost 195€, 220€ guests per person for double room, 267€, 295€ guests for single occupancy. Visit to Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen) a Catholic basilica and monumental memorial in erected at Cuelgamuros Valley in the Sierra de Guadarrama, conceived by Spanish dictator Franco to honour and bury those who fell during the Spanish Civil War. Saturday October 5th - Terry & Bob’s Walking Treasure Hunt Back to Estepona, devious competition set in the old town. First prize meal for two. Tuesday 15th October - ICE Autumn Golf Cup - see bottom of page Saturday October 19th - Club Annual Autumn Fayre Fun, games, competitions, food and drink. Very popular event. Details to follow. Saturday 2nd November - Special Club 25th Birthday Celebrations 8th, 9th & 10th November - ICE Players Production ‘Old Time Music Hall’ A pie and pint at the Old Bull ‘n’ Bush. Saturday 23rd November - Themed Supper Evening - ‘Elo Elo’ Dress for Occasion New Year Away - Would you like a few days away with friends. Jo-Anna Huisman is taking names of those interested in a trip to Chiclana Iberostar Hotel. See Jo-Anna if interested. Golf Lovers and Lovers of Golfers. This includes spouses so Sue tells me! The date for the 2013 Autumn Ice Club Golf Competition has been fixed for the 15 th October. As these Events, and the Presentation Lunches, have now become great Social Events please put the date firmly in your diaries. The Autumn Cup will be held, for the first time, at the spectacular Valle Ramano (Estepona) Golf Club and Resort. I have negotiated, what I believe to be, a fantastic price of 50€ each including a shared buggy, use of all the facilities including the practice range and putting area, for those that can get up early enough. If you don’t know the Club take a look sometime. As it is a long course I have arranged to play off of forward tee positions which will make for an even more enjoyable experience. The entry sheet for the event is posted on the notice board at the club. I will need your name, telephone number, handicap and a tick in the box if it is your first Ice Club Competition. (No! Not you Les.) Now, I realise that details and circumstances may change, particularly my handicap, but a declaration of your intent is what I want. The only bad news, as far as I can see, is that the entry fee will be increased from 2€ to 3€ each. (Start saving) The cost and the number of prizes will be increasing as well though! Looking forward to it already. Alan Davis Any queries contact me on: 952 897 670. Mobile: 699 712 804. e-mail: alanandsue_hq@yahoo.co.uk 26
For all Property Maintenance Services and key holding, let me care for your property whilst you are away!
REFERENCES SUPPLIED IF REQUIRED
Gas Service/Installation All plumbing requirements Tiling Home Refurbishments Painting, inside & out General repairs and maintenance to your home & garden or pools Anything from a complete bathroom to a curtain pole or a light fitting. No job too small and all at realistic rates. 35 Years experience. UK Corgi & ACOPS Reg. Telephone for a free, prompt and efficient service on: 650 884 147 or 952 891 619. e-mail: gplocke6@hotmail.com
Anglican Church of Costa del Sol (West) Each Sunday we hold Services as follows: San Pedro at 10.15am In the hall adjoining Parroquial Virgen del Rocio (Near McDonalds)
Sotogrande at 11.45am In La Iglesia Sra. de la Merced, the "Big Church"
Coffee Morning each Tuesday in Sabinillas from 11am In La Vicente Square, behind the taxi rank
Home Groups take place every week Everyone is welcome For further details contact: Roger Richards 952 891 765 27
ON THE EDGE One weekend of square bashing was spent on Wenlock Edge where we were to bivouac using only local materials and our wretched capes (bastard spawn of WW1 gas capes). It was a well -used location and broken tree limbs, naked branches, brush and twigs bore evidence of previous teams of intrepid adventurers. It was the bleak mid-winter of Yuletide verse and bitterly cold, though free of snow in our little gulch. Later in the day, chilling rain set in and stayed with us for the entire period of occupation. Clearly, given the scanty materials to hand, each small team would have to cohabit in the most intimate way; body heat was a communal commodity, valued above pearls. Because the site was in constant use, it did not need rocket science to work out the optimum disposition of branches, sticks, capes and so on to provide cover for the nights. Volunteers were then called for to perform various duties. One task was to be at the disposal the farmer on whose land we were camping. My hand shot up - having spent the sixteen months prior to enlistment working for Emerson Kirkup on his 240 acres of Teesside alluvial, my knowledge of agrarian life was pretty extensive. The prospect of a day's harrowing or caring for farrowing sows, rolling oats or perhaps a bit of thrashing out was infinitely preferable to anything else on offer. And so a half dozen of us marched off up the exposed flanks of the Edge to a grim grey farmhouse which betrayed little evidence of livestock and machinery. Our task that day, so the miserable old sod of a farmer informed us, was to clear about five acres of windswept pasture of flints - by hand into skips which we then hauled uphill to the site of a new dry stone wall. Stung again! Never volunteer "for a Goddamn thing, simple boy. Gathered around the camp fire that night, roundly cursing our rotten luck as we endured the agony of circulation returning to our cut and grazed hands, we discovered that ours had been the least â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cushy billet' that day, others having been in garages, workshops and similar oases of warmth, char and wads. Following a rudimentary and thoroughly unsatisfactory supper - we were our own cooks and even tinned sausages extended beyond our meagre culinary skills - each team was required in turn to entertain the others. An hour or so of inanity followed; then it was sentry duty from an overnight rota that found us once more frozen stiff for two hour stretches, fingers quite incapable of squeezing the triggers of our unloaded .303s. What we were guarding against remained a mystery throughout the weekend. No enemy with an ounce of brains would wish to scale those arctic slopes, given that their inevitable victory over the defending rabble would yield no more than a bunch of dirty, unshaven youths, packed together in rain-soaked grottoes, fumigating the night air with malodorous farts. The last day was devoted to search and find exercises, country hikes by means of compasses, and other manoeuvres guaranteed to scatter our brave band over half of Shropshire. By evening, when all were finally gathered in, we were obliged to obliterate every trace of our occupation, so that the next expedition would, like us, have to start from scratch. Two enterprising Glaswegians thereupon gathered all the timber they could lay hands upon and set fire to it. A horrified NCO at once set the rest of us to salvage what charred remnants we could, a task at which, surprise, surprise, we proved singularly inadequate. Meanwhile the enterprising Scots went off and started to fill in all the nooks and crannies in which we had sheltered overnight. By now foaming at the mouth, the NCO could do no more to prevent total site destruction than by snatching the trenching tools out of knotty Caledonian hands. "But ye said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;All traces', Sarge," protested one lad. "It's FLIGHT SERGEANT!" screamed the poor wretch, a broken man. >>29 28
<<28 These and other Scots were to provide some of the highlights of my Royal Air Force career, from the funny to the frightening. A short while later, the gharrys ground their way up the hillside (guided, perhaps, by the smudge of smoke being blown across the Edge) and we piled our kit on board and sang our way back to the stern reality of square bashing, kitchen duties, fizzers and bullshit. The creation of a fully rounded, disciplined and self reliant serviceman had taken another questionable, faltering step. Submitted by Peter Thomas Bowling Our Way! We meet Monday mornings no later than 9.45am for a 10.00am start. Late arrivals can not be guaranteed a game. Players are organised by ‘ranking’ in order to have teams of more or less equal standing. Most matches are played over 16 ends but this can be 18 by mutual agreement of all players. Dress code is predominantly white but the critical factor is footwear. Shoes must be smoothsoled with no ‘pimples or crinkles’. This is to prevent undue damage to playing surface which is the duty of all to maintain in good condition. Beginners will be coached by prior arrangement until they achieve the required level to compete. Bowling at best! Fun at rest! Wine at test! We commenced our summer bowling season on 3rd June which will run until the winter season beginning early September. Bowling Song to Lyrics of ‘Sailing’ by Rod Stewart Written and by request not to be sung by Alan Whiteman Monday morning, sun is shining But we don’t know what to do! We are bowlers, we are bowling, But we haven't got a clue. No comment, Editor Have a good time! El abuelo, Alan Whiteman Paying Traffic Fines Are you aware that as from March 4th there was new legislation governing the payment of fines for traffic offences. The new law was passed by the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic, the payment of traffic fines in cash will no longer be accepted, and only payment by debit or credit card will be allowed. The authorities have cited security and economic efficiency as the reasons behind the decision and expense on transporting money. This measure will only apply to the payment of fines. All other processes such as renewing a driving license can still be paid in cash. To make payment drivers must access the DGT webpage, www.dgt.es or call the number 060. Drivers can still pay by cash at a post office or a branch of Banco Santander, you will be required to provide and attach the fine reference number. It is reported that 95% of Spanish tax residents with offshore assets didn’t declare them, no surprise there then!!! The Spanish Government believed that harsh penalties and consequences for non-compliance alone would be enough to shed light on hidden assets from tax havens. The government is to focus more on foreign residents residing in Spain. 29
Coffee My first introduction to good coffee was in Cyprus, playing backgammon with some Turkish friends. This delicious nectar was made from coffee grounds placed in a small metal container, covered with water and brought to a boil over defused heat through a tray of sand. The coffee rose to the surface with a delicate hiss and then allowed to settle - the smell, the aroma, the taste – one easily becomes an addict. My education on coffee came some years later through a friendship with the son of the Columbian Consulate in Malaga, a certain Cabeza de Vaca, whose family went to The Americas with Columbus. This old Andalusian family still brewed their coffee in a coffee pot on an open fire. Laboriously old fashioned, but exquisite. The people of Andalucía, and Malaga in particular, know and understand coffee. When you enter a coffee bar, you hear the customers ordering coffees to suit their individual palate – “Un cortado – largo – nube – y un solo para mi, amigo "The following diagram shows the different ratio milk/coffee combinations there are, with "Nube”(Cloudy) having more milk than coffee and “Solo”(only coffee) having no milk at all. nube sombra corto semi-corto mitad semi-largo largo solo cloudy shady short semi-short half/half semi-long long only coffee.
Actually, here in Spain, the nearest you can get to the Turkish coffee I mentioned at the beginning, is to ask for an “Espresso” or “Crema” which is not included in the diagram above, This in fact is a “mitad” half coffee/milk, but without the milk part, so really black and strong. Another coffee request that is not included in the diagram, is for an “Americano”. This, as the name implies, is a request mainly by the foreigners and is a weak black coffee (named as a “swimming pool” by the locals). Try ordering one of these combinations at the ICE bar one Thursday for a change. There are three main categories of coffee e.g.: milds, Brazils and robustas. Broadly speaking, the milds are the coffees of Central and South America and East Africa. Whilst Brazil produces some milds, the bulk of its coffees are termed (would you believe) Brazils even though both types are from the same variety of coffee tree, the Arabica. The variation between the two comes about due to climatic, cultivation and preparation differences. The third category is from a different and stronger tree, as the name Robusta indicates, and grows in tropical rather than sub-tropical conditions favoured by the two former. Robustas can be found in the former Portuguese and French colonies in Africa. The best coffees, and the most expensive are the milds and the supreme productions come from Columbia and Kenya. Even though Brazils are less expensive, it is their huge production that dictates the price of all coffees and they are used mainly for blending with milds. Robustas are the cheapest being courser and more bitter. For this reason they are never used for blending and their principal use is for soluble and instant coffee and, would you believe, gravy powder. Probably of more interest to you readers is the way to prepare a really good cup of coffee so here are a few tips. Always buy freshly roasted coffee, (check the date on the bag, and if they are kept in air tight containers, they should be o.k. for up to ten days). Old coffee beans will appear oily and will either have an unpleasant or no aroma at all. Never grind more beans than is necessary as ground coffee begins to loose its flavour almost immediately it is exposed to air. Coffee beans should be stored in a cool dry place, away from the kitchen as they absorb aromas, very easily. It cannot be stated more emphatic than to say that you should grind the beans just before percolating the coffee. A good tip is that if you enter a bar, which only has a few customers inside, and yet the hopper is full of ground coffee, leave immediately as the coffee will not be up to standard. >>> Continued page 27 30
<<<26 How many times have you been at a dinner party and after the meal, as the coffee is being served, you hear “Not for me please, I won´t be able to sleep”. Can this be possible? There is a story about the High Priest, Ulema of Aden called Abahanani who loved to travel all over the known world. Once he went to Persia preaching the Islamic religion to the Iranians who were known in those days as “The Fire Worshipers”. On returning to Aden he fell ill, completely exhausted from too much travel but on taking coffee he found to his delight that his weariness disappeared and he rapidly recovered, so much so that he instructed his faithful followers to drink cups of coffee before their evening prayers so as not to fall asleep. Coffee, and tea for that matter, contains caffeine which is an alkaloid used in therapeutics. It is a psycho-stimulant, which reduces sleepiness and the sensation of tiredness whilst giving the feeling of euphoria and well being, facilitating both mental and physical work. It also eliminates some types of headaches, improves the flow of blood to the heart etc. so why wasn´t Ludwig Roselius shot, or at least put in jail, when he had the audacity to extract caffeine and produce a drink that practically didn´t modify neither the colour, smell nor taste of genuine coffee – except remove the health benefits ................ Submitted by Brian Buckley Creaser. To be continued next edition Very important .......especially for those who love to cook and eat ONIONS In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people, there was a doctor who visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted flu and many had died . The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise everyone was very healthy .When the doctor saked what the farmer was doing that was different and wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home The doctor couldn’t believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore keeping the family healthy. A hairdresser in New Zealand, several years ago, many of her employee were going down with the flu and so were many of her customers .The next year she place several bowls of onions round her shop. To her surprise none of her staff went down with the flu, so it must work. (No she was not in the onion business). The morel of the story is .buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home .If you work at a desk place one or two in your office or under your disk or even on the top somewhere .Try it and see what happens. If this helps, you all the better. If you get the flu, it might be just a mild case. Whatever, what have you to lose just a few Euros on onions . Dan Cook
Our lives are not in the lap of the gods but in the lap of our cooks From 1st of January 2013 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is: ■built, ■sold, ■rented. If you’re selling Spanish property or you are holiday home owners, you must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property. The owner of the flat needs to apply for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if they wish to sell or rent it. An EPC contains: ■information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs ■recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money ■recommendations on actions that should improve the performance of thermal installations, lighting systems, or on the integration of renewable energies in the building 31
POETRY CORNER The Golden Years! SPECIAL POEM FOR OLDER FOLKS A row of bottles on my shelf Caused me to analyze myself.
The capsules tell me not to wheeze Or cough or choke or even sneeze..
One yellow pill I have to pop Goes to my heart so it won't stop.
The red ones, smallest of them all Go to my blood so I won't fall.
A little white one that I take Goes to my hands so they won't shake.
The orange ones, very big and bright Prevent my leg cramps in the night.
The blue ones that I use a lot Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.
Such an array of brilliant pills Helping to cure all kinds of ills.
The purple pill goes to my brain And tells me that I have no pain.
But what I'd really like to know........... Is what tells each one where to go!
By Joan Warburton
Submitted by Robert Culley
Gnomes (said to come from the Latin word /genomos’ meaning “earth dweller”) For the first time in 100 years, this year’s Chelsea Flower Show allowed gnomes to be on display. As gnomes have always been thought of as rather ‘tacky’ for such a prestigious show it was felt best not to have them. However this year plain gnomes were brought into the show with the idea of getting celebrities to paint them to sell off for charity. I believe the ‘Elton John gnome’ complete with the big glasses went for £2,000. So how did gnomes arrive in the UK?............ The baronet Charles Isham who lived in Northampshire, owner of Lamport Hall very much enjoyed his gardens and especially loved his rockery. On a visit to Germany, he noticed miners took little stone men down the mines with them, as the miners believed they brought them good luck and basically warded off evil. Isham really liked the look of these little gnomes with their pointed hats, beards and doing various activities ie. fishing, napping, climbing ladders, pushing wheelbarrows etc. and decided to bring about 20 home with him. He placed the gnomes all over his huge rockery and got great joy sitting on the rockery just looking at them. He even believed that they came to life at night and some of his staff felt sure they saw gnomes sometimes in the gardens. Unfortunately when Isham died, his three daughters thought it fun to shoot them thereby smashing them to bits. However, one of the gnomes survived and can be seen displayed at Lamport Hall. This little gnome Isham called “Lampy” was brought to the Chelsea Flower Show very carefully as, would you believe, he is now worth a million pounds! So are gnomes lucky? Well I used one in my Chelsea Flower Show entry at another club yesterday and guess what, I won first prize! Submitted by Sandy Avis
The wife's back on the warpath again. She was up for making a sex movie last night, and all I did was suggest we should hold auditions for her part. 32
OPTICA MACHIN English Optometrist now available for consultation on the Costa del Sol.
Jane Staunton Machin BScMB Optom CNOO Av. Litoral – Ed. Vistamar Blq. 2 – Local 1 29680 ESTEPONA MALAGA Tel: 952 806 813 Full Eye Examinations: Glaucoma Screening: Designer & Non-Designer frames & lenses: Sunglasses: (prescription & non-prescription) Domiciliary Visits: (by appointment) Contact Lens Fitting. www.opticamachin.com
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PUZZLE PAGE
So who is this hunk, better known for his ‘clubs and balls?’ See the editor to claim your drink at the bar!
For the Thinker or Draughtsman Submitted by Audrey Jinks The centre beam disappears, look from left to right.
QUIZ………………………Answers on page 38 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is the Latin name for the Northern lights? What was the Russian composer Stravinsky’s first name? Which talent show contestant and West End star married actress Natasha Henstridge? What type of English dessert is made from mixing whipped cream, sugar and pureéd fruit, often gooseberry? For which team does basketball star Kobe Bryant play?
7 2
1 9 4 7 9 2
3
7 5 3 8 6
Word
8 3
5 9 5 4
2
9 3
D I D L A X I N E
Grid
Find the 9 lettered word & see how many words of 4 letters & over you can make using the centre letter in all words and each letter only once.
6
Answer at bottom of page 38
SUDOKU 34
Physiotherapist Certified, Experienced Help for chronic ailments, acute problems or just wellness Deep Tissue, Acupuncture Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure,Reflexology, Massage, Shiatsu
Blow Dry 12€ Experienced Cut, Style & Colour Artist
Urb. Arena Beach, Carretera Estepona - Cádiz 153 29680 - Estepona For Info and Appointments call: Tel: 952 802 635 Mobile: 650 271 416 Sabine 634328652 cristinasalgueiro@hotmail.es
We are family of funeral directors with over 40 years experience Consult us for all your funeral needs Worried about how much a funeral will cost? Fix the price now with no hidden charges Deposit only arrangements for the over 65’s Your concerns are our concerns We serve the deceased and their family with dignity One easy phone call will put your arrangements in place Security of funds held in bonded account with Unicaja Bank We are here to help & advise you 24 hours a day A hand to hold when a death occurs Contact Jo Winstanley 646 19 43 77 Office: Jo Winstanley 952 44 81 71 / 24 Hours 902 200 625 Email: jo@dignitycharter.com 35
General Information Coach trips: See trip information for times. Please ensure that you sit in the seat numbered on your ticket. We regret that we cannot stop at any other point unless agreed with organiser, to pick up or put down. The organiser reserves the right to refuse to include any member they feel is not sufficiently able-bodied to follow the itinerary. Members are responsible for their own travel insurance. Buying your ticket: Please produce your membership card together with the correct money. Have prepared your choice of menu if applicable. Final ticket booking: All tickets must be booked and paid for on or before the last Thursday coffee morning before the event. Late phone bookings cannot be accepted. Members are advised to attend the last Thursday before a trip in case there are any last minute alterations. Refunds: Cannot be given for either deposits or tickets, unless the organiser is notified in time, always providing the trip is full and a replacement can be found from the waiting list. Tickets are not transferable to other members without authorisation of the organiser. Tips: Included in the cost of coach travel and restaurants, but not for hotels. Smoking: The smoking of tobacco and any other substance should not be permitted anywhere in or on the premises of The International Club of Estepona, Bahia Dorada. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed inside the clubhouse. They are permitted on the lower terrace but only when they are under the owners control by being attached to a lead which is held by the owner or attached to one of the hooks on the wall which are provided for that purpose. Club magazine by post: If you leave Estepona for longer than a month, your magazine can be posted. Please hand stamped envelopes (correct stamps in Euros), to Terry Smith. On the reverse, please write the months you wish to receive, they will be posted to you as soon as they are issued.
Parking: When visiting the club please park considerately between white lines and never on yellow lines. ACTIVITY ORGANISERS Advertising Manager Art Group Books Bowls Bridge…”Duplicate” Computer Group, Posters Gardening Group
Jackie Simmonds Regina Stall Peter Galloway Reg Astle Tim Taminiau Vic Loughran Sandy Avis Pamela Shine Alan Davis Margaret Hall Krista Carter
Golf Organiser ICE Players (Drama Group) Ladies Book Club Ladies Lunches Margaret Whittley Lottery Organiser Mavis Tolfree Music Night Anthony Shine Quiz Night, Songs of Praise, Art Class Joan Thompson Film Night Sue Potter Rambling Sue Gearon Spanish Lessons Martin Holmes Stitch & Bitch Nina Taminiau Ticket Sales Joanna Mitchell Ticket Sales Jackie Simmonds Ticket Sales Patricia Smith Ticket Sales, Jo-Anna Huisman Videos Roger Richards Whist Ian & Lin Ingram
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652 798 107 663 557 738
952 797 921 952 794 270
697 941 869 699 712 804 634 273 194 696259644 627 143 345 697 941 869 653 488 030 637 148 660 627 640 025 607 963 254 652 798 107 677 656 319 637 142 284 669 661 660
951 277 113 952 886 772 952 897 309 951 272 360 952 897 670 951277240 951 972 577 952 792 454 951 272 360 952 804 799 952 892 386 952 897 508 952 892 163 951 277 113 952 897 977 952 797 921 951 276 690 956 796 675 952 891 765 952 796 150
PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER MAGAZINE EDITOR CATERING MANAGER BAR MANAGER PUBLICITY OFFICER MEMBER MEMBER
CLUB COMMITTEE Doug Mitchell 667 998 800 Jo-Anna Huisman 637 142 284 Joan Thompson 653 488 030 Ted Lunniss 608 601 230 Terry Smith 677 656 319 Brenda Taylor 654 579 492 Sue Potter 637 148 660 Margaret Whittley 627 143 345 Beatrice Sykes 677 654 479 Julie Wood 639 542 387 NON COMMITTEE POSTS Nigel Nevshehir 689457410
LOCAL KEY HOLDER (If available) MAINTENANCE MANAGER HOUSEKEEPER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Rob Potter Vacancy
671 725 243
952 897 977 956 796 675 952 804 799 952 923 892 951 276 690 952 805 739 952 892 386 951 972 577 951 972 724 952 913 174 952791449 952 892 386
697 941 869 951 272 360 & Pamela Shine ASST BAR MANAGER Mike Whittley 627 143 345 951 972 577 AUDITOR Ron Pegrum 680 718 990 952 891 175 ASST. TREASURER Vic Loughran 952 886 772 WELFARE: Members are requested to notify our welfare officer, Barbara Salisbury if they know of any member who is ill. 952 796 368, email salsbarb@yahoo.co.uk HOSTESS : Introduce new members : - Maureen Baldwin-Winckle 952 791 812 Anthony
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING RATES AS FROM 1ST JANUARY 2011 For adverts presented in desired layout, includes inclusion on our web site with links to your site if applicable. Classified Ads: Members Only, Free Quarter page - 6€ per month - colour 7€ per month Half page - 12€ per month- colour 14€ per month Full page - 24€ per month - colour 28€ per month (Discounts:- for 6 months 10%, and for the whole year 20%) PLEASE NOTE: Colour is only available to inside front and rear cover pages and rear cover, also adjacent to centre pages. THERE WILL BE AN EXTRA CHARGE FOR SETTING UP ADVERTS Advertising fees to be prepaid before the 20th of the month to:Jackie Simmonds, the Advertising Manager, Tel. 952 797 921 or 652 798 107 Copy to be in before the 15th of any month, for inclusion in the following month’s issue. Copy can be e-mailed to: - terrysmith@siberme.com ICE (Siberme) accepts no responsibility for contents of any advertisement appearing in this magazine. INTERNATIONAL CLUB OF ESTEPONA (Siberme) I.C.E. Clubhouse, Urbanisation Bahia Dorada, Entrada 5, at Km. 149, A 7, Estepona 29680 Malaga
Clubhouse: Telephone 952 802 549 ICE Web Site: www.siberme.com 37
JUST FOR A SMILE Please share the following information with your friends. I don't know WHY I didn't figure this out before!!!!!! I wash my hair in the shower and the shampoo runs down all over my whole body. Printed very clearly on the label is the following warning; FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY. No WONDER I have been gaining weight !!!! Well, I have got rid of that shampoo and I am going to start using Dish Washing Liquid instead. Its label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE." Problem solved ! Submitted by Maggie Whittley "The Ferrari Fl team fired their entire pit crew yesterday." This announcement followed Ferrari's decision to take advantage of the British government's 'Work for your Dole' scheme and employ some Liverpudlian youngsters. The decision to hire them was brought about by a recent documentary on how unemployed youths from Toxteth were able to remove a set of wheels in less than 6 seconds without proper equipment, whereas Ferrari's existing crew could only do it in 8 seconds with millions of pounds worth of high tech equipment. It was thought to be an excellent, bold move by the Ferrari management team as most races are won and lost in the pits, giving Ferrari an advantage over every other team. However, Ferrari got more than they bargained for! At the crew's first practice session, not only was the scouse pit crew able to change all four wheels in under 6 seconds but, within 12 seconds, they had re-sprayed, re-badged and sold the car to the McLaren team for 8 cases of Stella and a bag of weed. Reason Not To Mess With Children A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, 'When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah'. The teacher asked, 'What if Jonah went to hell?' The little girl replied, 'Then you ask him'.
Puzzle page answers: Quiz 1. Aurora Borealis 2. Igor 3. Darius 4. Campbell 5. LA Lakers Word grid; 9-letter word - DIXIELAND 38
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APPOINTMENTS: 952 80 72 04 / 685 51 39 03 URB. MARIA LUISA GARDENS, PASAJE CABO SACRATIF. 3. (off Avenida Literal - just behind Optica Machin), 29680, ESTEPONA Mail: inmahenche@hotmail.com
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