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The News/views Magazine ABOUT and FOR Jávea - you can hold in your hand
Nº 21
Jan/Feb 2015
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First it was Civic Society Bulletin, then Jávea wrote To be or not to be ‘THAT’ is the question. Grapevine, followed by Welcome to Paradise and our latest addition Jávea Jeard.
With a 50 year background in photojournalism and advertising, Clive Read has always believed in ‘Single Source Funding’ - if it is full of adverts it should be free of charge. Advertisers in Jávea Jeard receive copies proportionate to the donation for their advertisement. A 20€ space provides them with 20 copies they can give away, or sell at 1€ each to recover the cost of their advertising - as our PARTNER. The idea grew out of KICKSTART, a project to teach adult and business skills to unemployed people, but when Clive and Ann found they would have to employ a Manager on Contract and pay Social
Security for each student, the project was dead in the water, though they still have the premises at Arquitecto Urteaga Nº 8. Copies of Jávea Jeard are available FREE from some shops (paid for by the advertiser) and from ICELAND at 1€, for people who go there to buy British-sourced goods under one roof. We currently publish 32 pages each month and keep our photos as small as practical. We have invited Mayor José Chulvi, his Deputy Oscar Anton and Doris Courcelles to contribute, but after agreeing, they have never found the time. Like our church - this magazine is UNIQUE. Our future is in YOUR HANDS. As William Shakespeare
We could have called this local magazine HAVVYER HEARD, but we thought Jávea Jeard would confirm our light-hearted attitude to the serious political and economic problems in Spain, and their effect on Jávea.
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Old habits die hard Costa Mums still prefer www.overseas.es
Avda. del Pla/Calle Pescara, 5 - JAVEA 03730, Tel: 96 646 1848
Jávea store opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 8:30am - 9:00pm
Wot is were?
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Nº 21
January/February 2015 Nº 21
. 4, 15 Advertising rates . 4, 6, 12, 16 Agenda 21 AMJASA ends 2014 with 2.2m€ 16 15 Artists invited to exhibit . 7 Bob Yareham’s English Capital Gains tax and the Elderly 19 Changing UK Driving Licence 31 Charity Shop January Sale 31 Duty Chemist Rota . 28 Humour . . 9, 14 Jávea Postcodes . 2 Pinosol and roundabout changes 3 Policitians look both ways 27, 28, 29 Refunds for off-plan failures 19 Satellite Fact File . 8, 10. 11 Scallops Voucher recycling 26 Spotlight on Mike Taylor 21,23,25 Sunday morning invitation 9 Swiss Cable job offer . 27 Town Hall Monthly Meeting 3, 15 UK Magazine Service . 17 We will remember them . 31 Will you need a new Will? 18 Woman to Woman . 17, 20, 26
JAVEA POSTCODES
Most towns have a single Postcode: Jávea has 4, but Correos discourage their use, claiming it is better to use 03730 (where 50% will be wrong) rather than the code for your area, which ‘some’ will get wrong. Adsubia 03739 Alborada 03739 Arenal 03738 Cala Blanca, Urb 03738 Cansalades 03738 Cap Martín 03738 Capsades 03739 Catarroja Partida 03737 Cerezos, Los 03739 Colomer 03737 Costa Nova, Urb 03738 Ermita, Urb 03737 Eurocondal, Urb. 03737 Fontanella 03737 Frechinall 03738
Granadella, La
03738 Las Laderas 03738 Lluca 03739 Mandarina, La 03739 Media Luna 03738 Montgó 03737 Montgó Carrasquetes 03737 Montgó Toscamar 03737 Panorama, Urb 03738 Pinosol 03739 Portichol 03738 Rebaldi 03739 Rimontgó 03737 Seniola 03737 Tarraulla 03739 Tosalet, Urb. 03739 Tosals 03737 Toscal 03738 Trencall 03738 Valls 03737 Valls Carrasquetes VA-CA 03737 Valls Planets VA-PN 03737 Valls Tosal VA-TS 03737 Everywhere else 03730
Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea by A2Z Publicaciones on behalf of Iglesia Grupo International de Divulgación del Evangelio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5, 03730
Articles published in these columns represent the views of the individual authors
It is impossible to provide ensure the accuracy or reliability of views expressed, and readers are advised to take independent unbiased advice, before commiting themselves to any action. Contributions bearing the reference CR are made by Clive Read in good faith, and based on his living in Jávea with his wife and son for 29 years.
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Jávea Jeard
January/February 2015 Nº 21
Jávea Councillors December Meeting
We are unable to bring you a report of what the Councillors decided at their December meeting as the Townhall did not advise us it was being held on Wednesday 17th instead of the last Thursday of the month. Afterwards Councillors and journalists joined in a celebratory drink. We weren’t invited to the meeting or informal gathering last year, either. The Press Officer did send me this picture the following day: Councillors were obviously unanimous about something.
copies of the plans Councillors had approved. Councillor Doris, though responsible for some of the less attractive aspects of the work of Jávea Townhall, certainly “puts herself about” to be seen as someone who is a link between the people and Townhall, no matter the subject. Estimated cost of the work is 360,000€ with the contract awarded to Licuas to be completed before the Summer. The contract for the new roundabout was awarded to Binaria and is expected to be complete in four months. Perhaps both projects will be completed before the Municipal elections in May? The money from Alicante was distributed proportionately to the number of people on the ‘padrón’ in each of Alicante’s municipal areas. It is a disturbing fact
Page 3
that at the end of 2014 there were fewer people admitting to living in Jávea than there were at the end of 2013. Fewer inhabitants equals lower grants from Madrid.
Let you to the Airport at Alicante
Jávea is the beneficiary of unspent money from the Diputación in Alicante at the end of 2013, which will finance two projects to benefit the municipality but without ongoing financial commitment. The first is creation of a new roundabout on the Carretera La Nao Pla, where it joins Av. de Arenal (formerly Av. Strand) and will replace a temporary construction created from hollow plastic bollards. The temporary construction is not
large enough to cause traffic to slow and has been the object of many complaints from pedestrians. Further afield is the community park at Pinosol, where the service area has been modernised, and will consist of a 200m2 Castle construction that will incorporate different levels, towers and slides and it’s said the initiative for the project came from the children of Jávea. The area is very popular with families who use it for picnics and BBQs, making it popular most weekends and especially for Fiesta celebrations for Andalucians and other groups. Councillor Doris Courcelles joined the Mayor to announce the two projects and provided us with
25€ per person, per journey, from JÁVEA
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Agenda 21 Jávea Updates
Nº 21
Page 4
January/February 2015 Nº 21
Skype App for simultaneous Spanish and English translation
The next update to Skype – still without an official release date – will allow you to speak in English to someone else speaking in Spanish, and vice versa. It does so by translating what you say into another language in “near real-time,” according to the company. You then hear a translation of what the person on the other end of the call says back, with an on-screen transcript of the conversation displayed on the screen as the conversation continues. (AGENDA 21 Eds note: Having looked at this technology at the Jávea computer Club, I can safely say that confusion will reign unless each party speaks very clearly and in simple, short sentences).
Proposal to build a new International Secondary school behind golf course The International Schools Partnership (ISP), which runs the Laude group of
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Jávea Jeard is grateful to Chris Jones for compiling the Agenda 21 reports, on which this report is based. Chris acknowledges javeamigos.com in sourcing local information. http://agenda21-xabia.wikidot.com
international private schools has approached JÁVEA Town Council with the aim of building an international secondary school for more than 500 students in the Las Laderas area (near the urbanisation of the same name, next to the Cansalades road). The project would involve the investment of some €15 million on a land area of 20,000 m2. It would include the development of sporting and residencial facilities which would be used by students and sports teams (e.g. cycling) who wish to carry out pre-season training in the Marina Alta. The location is ideal since it connects up with the Laude primary school in Benitatxell. If approval is met and all goes well, ISP plans to complete the facilities by mid 2016 and start classes in September of the same year.
Arnauda Riurau re-launched with cultural programme The 'Riurau dels Arnauda de Xàbia' relocated in the Parque Montaner above the Plaza de la Constitución was reopened on Sunday December 21st with a morning of cultural events from 11.30am including traditional music, dancing and poetry. Recent works have extended the roofing along the length of its 42 arches using traditional materials, including some 2000 canes and have provided electricity and lighting to enhance the building's use as a public space. This project was voted 2nd in the citizens' participatory budget voting exercise in November 2013.
Seven steps to invention success Last year, Spanish inventors applied for
IT’S TIME YOU TOOK
THE WRIGHT
Jávea Jeard
patents on 3,133 ideas, according to the Spanish Patenting and Brand Office (OEPM). Of these, 2,893 were granted. Only around 300 are actually inventions as such, and of these, only between two and five percent are developed, most of them with foreign capital: around 80 percent of Spanish inventions end up being made abroad. It’s not easy making a living from creativity in Spain. It is a country that has largely ignored its inventiveness: last year, for example, around 16,000 patents were registered in France. In the case of international patents, Spain’s 1,700 is a far cry from Germany’s almost 18,000; in the United States the figure is 57,000. But despite the obstacles they face, Spain’s inventors continue their work.
Taking on the mushroom mafias
The Civil Guard has carried out a series of operations throughout Spain as part of a crackdown on illegal harvesting of wild mushrooms that has seen organised gangs of up to 50 people camping out in woodland for weeks on end and stripping forests of valuable species. “There is huge demand,” explains a spokesman for the force’s Seprona environmental protection unit. “It’s like drugs: there is always somebody prepared to buy.” He adds that so far the Civil Guard has been unable to establish who is behind the practice. “But it’s clear that there are wholesale buyers. The whole thing is very well organised and structured. So far, we don’t know who is selling the mushrooms.”
Continued on page 6
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January/February 2015 Nº 21
Page 5
Jávea Homes . . . your home . . . our passion
Ref.: J1065
259.000€
Villa for sale in Covatelles Jávea Pretty south facing villa on one level in a quiet area of Covatelles overlooking the Rafalet. Comprising of: 1 large living room, 1 dining room, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room, separate kitchen, large 24 m2 terrace, wood burner, air conditioning, private pool, garden, garage, parking. IBI Rates: 370 euros per year. Rubbish: 120 euros per year . Construction: 170m2. Plot: 1200m2.
Ref.: J1045 435.000€ Fantastic Villa in Balcon al Mar
Beautiful villa in Balcon al Mar in Jávea. The property is located in one of the privileged areas of Jávea with spectacular panoramic and sea views. Consists of: lounge, dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 WC. Garage, swimming pool, pretty garden. Within walking distance of amenities, tennis club, bars, shops. IBI Rates: 950 euros per year. Construction: 220m2. Plot: 1.050m2.
J1064
249.000€
Luxury Villa with plot to be built Tosalet Luxury villa with plot ready to be built in the Tosalet III fase area in Jávea. Open views, south facing.Basement comprises: Large 3 car garage for, machinery room and storage. Ground floor: large kitchen, spacious lounge dining room, 1 double bedroom with built in cupboards and en suite bathroom, guest toilet, pergola, terrace with access to large swimming pool. Upstairs: 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms en suite. Swimming pool, central heating, A/C, garden, barbecue. Plot with water connection, architect and technical architect, building license all paid and ready to be built (just missing the decennial insurance). Construction: 330m2. Plot: 1160m2
J1010 480.000€ For sale renovated finca in Javea
Reduced! Original south facing finca with lots of character completely renovated in a popular area in Jávea. Comprising of: Ground Floor: Beautiful Naya, lounge / dining room, internal patio, kitchen with breakfast room and one annex with 2 rooms and 1 bathroom with possibility to convert into guest accommodation. Top floor: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom , 1 covered terrace and 1 master bedroom with bathroom en suite, dressing room and balcony. Construction: 300m2. Plot: 2000m2.
Avenida de la Fontana 2, Edificio Estrella del Sur, local 3 03730 Jávea (Playa del Arenal) Telephone: (+34) 96 579 5154 Mobile: (+34) 658 947 002 www.javeahomes.com eMail: info@javeahomes.com
J1067 395.000€ For sale Montgó villa, Jávea
Spacious south-facing villa with open views on the Montgó, Jávea. Ground floor comprises: hall, 1 living/dining room, 1 shower, 1 double bedroom. Upstairs: large south-facing terrace, glazed in naya, 1 living/dining room with fireplace, kitchen, laundry, the corridor gives access to 1 double bedroom, 1 shower, 1 large bedroom with en suite bathroom and another bedroom. Parking, basement, storage room. Private pool and beautiful garden. Gas heating, air conditioning. IBI Rates: 618 euros per year. Rubbish: 125 euros per year. Construction: 296m2. Plot: 1530m2.
Ref.: J1061 660.000€ Original finca for sale Jávea
Original 1800 finca, enlarged 1980 with total renovation in 2005. Consists of two floors. Ground floor: Accessed through original Naya with original tosca stone arches leading to double breasted old town house doors and access to first or winter lounge with a big open fire place (with access to second floor). Adjacent is a library and courtesy toilet with pebbled stone walls, and spectacular kitchen with separate island with all bosch appliances and fixtures. Access to two large dining rooms, one with fireplace, and a spacious living room of over 40 m2 with doors to further large Naya with tosca arches and outside terrace. Large laundry room. Second floor: passage to 4 double bedrooms, three with fitted wardrobes, 1 full bathroom and 1 Master bedroom around 35 m2 giving access to a private terrace of 40 m2 and open views, and a suite type full bathroom. Adjacent to the house there is an external 1 Bedroom with a shower room en suite, and on the grounds there is a separate building / guest apartment consisting of 1 bedroom, shower for the disabled or infirm with a small complimentary kitchen, swimming pool, A / C, south facing, open views. I.B.I. Rates 950€ per year. Construction: 460 m2. Plot: 3524m2 (Included in the price is 45,000€ for electricity connection).
Page
6 January/February 2015 Nº 21
Agenda 21
Continued from page 4
Tourism Consultative Committee rejects proposal to build a hotel in the Cabo de san Antonio Lighthouse
The proposal from the Alicante Ports authority to build a "boutique hotel" in the hotel of the Cabo de San Antonio was rejected unanimously by Jávea’s Tourism Consultative Committee. The proposal, which came from a Denia company, did not involve the Xàbia authorities at all, and seems to have gone via a roundabout route. It will create two jobs, and an annual €30,000 will be paid by the concessionaire. There is no mention in the proposal about services such as sewerage disposal etc. The Committee was also informed of two initiatives: A marketing project to promote out-of-season tourism through themed weekend breaks and a regional "Family Club" membership and badge for family friendly businesses. (Agenda 21 Eds note: The Marketing project was met with much scepticism from the committee members, who stated that it was important to establish a product before trying to market it! The proposals from Committee members would be discussed at a later meeting since some of them had to be weeded out since they were not under the remit of Tourism).
Montgo Calendar sales to go towards recovery of Natural Park
Jávea Tourism Department has issued 1000 copies of a calendar featuring the flora and fauna of the Montgo Natural Park which will go on sale for €2 each. Photographers and writers have contributed voluntarily to the project and proceeds from the sale will go towards the recuperation of the burned area of the Montgó Natural Park. iI the past, such calendars were given away free, but by charging for them the Town Hall not only raises money, but also hopes that people will value the calendar more. The calendar includes photographs of Montgo, Cap de Sant Antoni, the Cova Tallada its endemic flora and fauna, and heritage sites of the windmills and cave paintings. Also some of the images are accompanied by poems.
Jávea starts replanting indigenous trees in fire affected
Jávea Townall staff have started to plant indegenous species such as wild olive and kermes oak in areas affected by last September's wild fire. They have also put up signs asking people to keep away
from some areas so that natural regeneration can take place. Burned woodland near the picnic area has been removed and it is now possible to see right across to the Torre de Gerro and Valencia coast, a view which was previously obscured by the lush pine forest. The owners of private land upon which the ruins of the Ermita de San Antoni and a viewing area is located have put up their own sign asking for people to stick to the paths and thus help natural regeneration.
Move to make the Marine Reserve of the Cap de San Antoni a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Denia Townhall has started moves to have the Marine Reserve of the Cap de San Antoni declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. They will need support from Jávea, the Valencia Generalitat, the Denia Marina and the Central Government before the request can be subitted to UNESCO. The function of these reserves is to preserve and protect biodiversity, as well as the economic and human development of these areas, research, education and the exchange of information among the more than 620 reserves in 117 countries that make up the global network.
Spain – A great place to live, a terrible place to work?
Spaniards sleep fewer hours and work longer days than their European neighbours, but are less productive. At the same time Spain fails to attract overseas talent, while tens of thousands of well-educated Spanish youngsters are heading abroad in search of work. The country also has one of the EU’s highest school drop-out rates and a work culture hostile to the needs of families with young children. Meanwhile, its birth rate is fast approaching negative as its population ages….Jaime Malet, head of the US-Spanish Chamber of Commerce, accepts that among the problems Spain faces are widespread nepotism, absenteeism, and fewer incentives to improve productivity, along with a refusal to recognise and reward talent. Continued on page 12 Consciencious English lady (speaks Spanish) seeks work, caring for the elderly, frail or vulnerable. Qualified & Experienced.
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channels today; but Delphi was the shining Nike (Goddess of Victory) among the battered plimsoles of defeat in those days.
The Chinese were far more erudite when it came to making choices and would usually just pop down to the library to consult the I Ching, the book of changes, which was a symbol system designed to establish order in what seemed like random, chance events. The philosophy centres on the ideas of the dynamic balance of opposites, the evolution of events as a process, and acceptance of the inevitability of change..
How to be deep without Drowning
People are always asking me how I came to be so decisive. My usual answer is to say that I never waste time thinking about things, believing that the answer to most decisions can be found on the back of a chair. Consequently I spend very little time in front of the mirror and never say anything more complex than ‘yes’ to my barber and ‘stop’ to my greengrocer.
People haven’t always appreciated choice; there have been times in history when men have consulted smoke, flocks of birds and even the entrails of slaughtered animals (actually, I don’t know if those animals were really consulted), in order to try and work out what the Gods had in store, and whether this was the right moment to fill the plains with chariots of fire, buckets of blood and ranks of flashing swords or stock up for a prolonged siege.
The Ancient Greeks used to consult the ‘Oracle’ when decisions needed to be taken. The original Oracle was located at Delphi in Ancient Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. There were many rivals, as many as there are frighteningly garish women and even more flamboyant men (or so I am told) shuffling cards on disreputable TV
The three keys to understanding the I Ching (apart from the useful skill of being fluent in Mandarin) are simplicity, variability and persistence. The laws of the Universe are simple, however complex they may seem. Life is change, and a man must adapt and be flexible. It doesn’t mention what women should do, but I imagine the men knew how to avoid arguments in those days.
As you would expect, with all simple undeniable truths, Man has taken it upon himself to argue about interpretation, although it’s generally agreed that Fu Hsi was the creator of the I Ching, even though the adjective that is generally applied to him is ‘mythical’, which is not an especially helpful term for the serious researcher.
Fu lived out his mythical days about 2,800 years before the birth of Christ, discussing philosophy while our ancestors in Europe, the heart of civilisation as we know and love it, were picking nits from each other’s hair, often with clubs.
Fu was followed eight hundred years later by Yu, not much of an advance as far as nomenclature is concerned admittedly. He was however known and sometimes addressed by the adjective ‘legendary’, and he developed Fu’s original 8 trigrams into 64 hexagrams.
After that, dynasties came and went, along with their vases, and anybody who was anybody interpreted the I Ching as the fancy took them. And even today, angels continue to pack themselves into phone booths after a few pints of Guinness, and the more cynical among us still contend that the I Ching is really only a more sophisticated way of tossing a coin. Nevertheless, the I Ching remains an important influence, so much so that the flag of South Korea
January/February 2015 Nº 21 Page 7
pays homage to it, containing as it does the four trigrams representing Heaven, Water, Earth, and Fire, as well as the T'ai Chi symbol, (yin and yang in dynamic balance). Yin and Yang, which have entered the English language and found a nice cosy corner for themselves among the furniture-hungry middle classes, are of course generalized descriptions of the antitheses or mutual correlations in human perceptions of phenomena in the natural world, combining to create a unity of opposites representing the origin of all things in the universe. Unquote.
As the Koreans so often remind us; Life’s Good. As long as the chair doesn’t keel over. Read more by Bob Yareham at www.valencia-international.com
Alicante welcomes new Part-Time British Consul with the appointment of Sarah-Jane Morris
Mrs Morris takes over from Paul Rodwell who moves to a new role within the Foreign Office. She will be responsible for one of the busiest British Consulates in the world, with Alicante office supporting more than 2 million visitors to the region each year, as well as a large expat community of over 165,000. Every year, the team handles around 2,500 consular customers, from victims of crime to individuals in distress. Mrs Morris will manage Alicante in addition to the Consulate-General in Madrid, where she has served as consul for central and northern Spain for the last two years. “I am proud to have the opportunity to oversee the excellent work of the Alicante team, so ably led by ViceConsul Lloyd Milen,” said Mrs Morris. “And I am looking forward to seeing what more can be done to improve yet further the service offered to British nationals.” Mrs Morris’ job will be to focus on strategic issues, such as new ways of preventing and tackling the most common problems that face British people abroad. The local teams at the Consulate – led by experienced viceconsuls – will continue to lead the frontline delivery of consular assistance to Britons in distress.
Jávea Jeard
Page 8 January/February 2015 Nº 21
Satellite Fact File
28 Hours from Jávea
Australia is 28 hours from Jávea - not as the bird flies - but as the airline delivers! Having come over to Australia for Christmas, I was asked by Clive if I would compare the differences in system and entertainment living in Sydney compared with Jávea. I did warn him that such comparisons were difficult for a ‘Bradford Lad’ who lives in the 'MultiCultural Society', of Balcon al Mar. Clive, I did warn you - on your own head be it!
Oz TV
First, television reception is in English (however there is a News programme that makes several other languages available) and much of the programme material is a direct copy of that from the UK. material, carrying lots of our own favourites, dramas like 'Missing' and of
You shop at ICELAND for COLD food at COOL prices, but you’ll receive a WARM welcome at Jávea Evangelical Church C/. Toni Llido 5 GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.180900
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course U.K. Premier Football, etc. In my opinion Oz TV has much to offer and of course a fantastic range of Oz programmes covering every possible interest. The Oz television distribution companies make a first class job of production and distribution and quality of both sound and vision was excellent at all times, even some of the older films emanating from the USA did not seem to carry the grainy effect encountered sometimes on programmes from the UK received in Spain!
Licence Fees
All TV and Radio are supported by Advertising totally and so there is no escape from the ‘Unnatural Breaks’ ...... however I do miss the Annual Fee payable in the U.K.
Signal Reception
Of more interest I would imagine is the methods of transmission available in Oz and how they compare to the UK but more importantly what the future may offer to us who have decided to make our home in (Jávea or surrounding districts) Spain? I am sure it will disappoint Clive that I did not squeeze my signal strength measuring kit into my luggage, and leave items like cothing behind! I find in Oz, and in particular Sydney, the system clearly way in front is that of taking a feed signal from the existing telephone system, (they enjoy the WiFi system which is incorporated and supplies a speed signal that can only be achieved by using the very latest technology), fibre optics. This - now and in the future would seem the way to develop! With a population exceeding four million people it is a very cost effective system promising a huge catchment area and installers were guaranteed success as has proved the case. These findings are very similar to those experienced in the UK, as more areas are covered to meet a rising demand. The speeds now available in Oz and the UK are not available here in Jávea. Movistar can only supply me with speeds up to 3Mb at best, however in Jávea town for instance speeds up to 9Mb and more are possible. Major cities in Spain are coming on stream with much faster download times. As these
by Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE Consultant Electronic Engineer
Formerly Lecturer in RTVE at Bradford College
speeds become available there is sure to be a swing to the acceptance of this system, after all, you would no longer require that large satellite dish anymore, making for a much more pleasing aesthetic appearance of your property! Some of the local firms are now offering a small dish where there is direct ‘line-of-sight’ to a strategically positioned transmission site situated on a convenient mountain able to cover an area, with a ready supply of candidates interested in such a system? This method has proved to be quite successful and has achieved some quite respectful results, ranging from 4 to 20Mb - more than adequate for the majority of users. The future of 'fibre' when finally available - cannot be understated - in the Jávea area! Of course all these methods involve a monthly subscription and if Continued on page 10
The people who brought ‘care’, ‘comfort’ and ‘understanding’ to bereaved families in Spain
Sympathetic and prompt assistance starts with a phone call to BALBI on 610 204 864 Cremation, Repatriation or Interment
Thanksgiving and Memorial services arranged, religious or humanist Cami del Cementerio 2 JÁVEA - 96 579 0188 Fax: 96 579 4138
AND YOU THINK IT’S BEEN COLD
Jávea Jeard
Diary of a Snow Shoveller
December 8: 6:00 pm. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic, we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal-white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shovelled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snow plow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbour tells me not to worry; we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much by the end of winter that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbour.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! We had 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shovelling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shovelling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Explorer. Bought snow tyres for the wife's car and two extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all. December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like heck. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for five hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and
YOU DESERVE A LAUGH
January/February 2015 Nº 21
try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but I won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room. December 20: Electricity's back on, but we had another 14" of the stuff last night. More shovelling. Took all day. Snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbour’s kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white stuff fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed, and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob, who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think he's is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she ... nuts??? Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did, but I think she's lying.
December 24: 6" Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch that guy who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his hair. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shovelling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was busy watching for the snowplow.
December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shovelling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's an idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to kill her.
Page 9
December 26: Still snowed in. Why did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27: Temperature dropped to 30 and the pipes froze.
December 28: Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. SHE is driving me crazy!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a million dollars for the bump on his head. The wife went home to her mother. Another 9" predicted.
December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. No more shovelling.
January 8: I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
Received from Thomas Ellsworth.
WHERE CAN I GO ON A SUNDAY? There’s lots of new friends waiting to meet you - and free tea, coffee, cake or biscuits afterwards, at
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Page 10
Jávea Jeard
JJanuary/February 2015 Nº 21
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
Azorin Restaurant C/. Toni Llido Tel: 96 579 4495
Bon Retir elderly care home C/. Cantallops 31 Tel: 96 579 0242 688 883 155 Building and Tiling by Victor victorjavea@hotmail.com Tel: 626 975 244
Butcher’s Block The English Butcher in Jávea Av del Pla (North of Yorkshire Linen) Tel: 96 579 2676 Cabo Casse Hire Tools and Machinery C/. Liverpool 11 (opposite the Moli) Tel: 96 579 2502 C B Installations Glazing, Reforms/Building works Rupert Cooper Tel: 606 662 991 622 872 991 vistaglaze@gmail.com
Satellite Fact File
Continued from page 8 one is on a tight budget then it does pay to do the maths when compared with purchasing your own system. Over a few years having your own satellite dish and a free-to-air satellite receiver wins easily as the years roll past! This helps in keeping all your options open as the technology rushes on at a terrifying pace!
Check out my Web Site (www.richardsatellitesolutions.com) for the latest suggested prices, then make a rational decision! I feel that over a couple of years or so, purchasing a system of your own, really puts you financially in front. Please check it as it forges ahead, it's your decision. (But as Mandy Rice Davis was shown recently saying “He would say that, wouldn’t he?”
Pricing Electrical Equipment
Clive asked me to include in my report how prices compared with those in Spain and my observation is that it's rather similar to Spain and the U.K. Large businesses are slowly loosing their grip as more and more people are testing out the claimed quality and of vital importance - the price! At this point it's
very interesting to checkout the on-lineprices. In most cases they are extremely competitive, to say the least. More often than not this results in an on-line-sale!!! You would be unwise buying online from somewhere unable to provide speedy after-sales-service. It it bad enough expecting a manufacturer in Zaragoza to rectify a problem, the cost of returning the item being borne by the shop that sold it to you, but buying electronic items from the UK does seem fraught with unnecessary risk.
Smart TV - Protect your Privacy
Quite a few people have recently invested in ‘Smart TV’ and there is a huge range of products regularly advertised. All that is required is a good ADSL signal (if you encounter problems with some signals, please write and give me details) and then off you go. It has been discovered that besides you being able to use the TV as normal now using the extra facilities, even down to making purchases etc, some of the information is collected and fed back to the manufacturers and it seems this is not made clear to the product owner! Indeed in some cases only after agreeing are you able to enjoy the full Continued on next page
If you live in a Community of Horizontal Owners, we will see if there are problems, and come up with the answers, IN SPANISH, for YOU to submit to the President or Administrator.
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CIF:B54530738 Reg Mercantil Government Public Body CMT Licensed Prices exclusive of IVA. Offers www.swisscable.es eMail: info@swisscable.es only valid till end of offer. Open: Mon-Fri 9am - 2pm, at Ctra. Cabo la Nao 67 (Km 10), Balcon al Mar, Jávea 03738 Terms and Conditions Apply.
Jávea Jeard
January/February 2015 Nº 21 Page 11
the very best Restaurants of the World, capable of supplying top quality cuisine Continued from previous page and at very sensible prices and a variety of facility. The manufactures claim this wines suitable for any palate (I am information is skimmed off to provide assured)! information on product use etc. However Equally, having tried more competitive we now live in a world where the priced restaurants I can vouch the value is various trends are eagerly followed by still very good at more economical prices. advertising companies and the like who All nations seemed very well catered for sell on this valuable information. and to suit all pockets! Wrapped up in there may be some information, very private to the owner of Places of Worship the Smart T.V. A good imagination will Clive did ask me (well, he would, cause you to think twice before using wouldn’t he?) to check out the situation Smart TV to buy items, using your bank, regarding Churches. My late wife Jean credit card or PIN codes. was very much a Church-goer and I did It is possible in some cases to request notice a wide variety of places available this facility remains disconnected. It for the many demands of the various pays to check with your supplying dealer religious convictions. Some were on this issue! magnificent buildings others much less opulent, but judging from the attendance First impressions of Sydney on their chosen days, clearly the community had much on offer whatever Now a little about Sydney itself. My relatives live in an area that comprises of their beliefs. large housing areas with, on average, a plot of between half an acre and four or And Astra five acres, with only one dwelling house 2G was successfully launched and is allowed per plot! Of course as you positioned temporarily until tests have wander around and head into the City been concluded and then moved. When proper, it's very much of a cosmopolitan that happens, we will let you know. nature, colour really does not seem to be Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE an issue. It is nice to see besides the mix of those from the Continent, Africa, <richardpollockjavea@gmail.com> Middle-East etc. Turning my attention to food, always a favourite, on offer are
Satellite Fact File
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
DELIVER Store & More A & M Henry will buy and bring things to you, or deliver. Nothing too much trouble, 633 294 509 Helping Hands (J and J)
Personal care, Overnight stays, Ironing, Washing, Light housework, Social occasions, Shopping Tel: 634 735 105 and 660 143 503
Independent Financial Advice Lee Hodges 699 966 914 lee@leehodges.es L P Catering Suplies Everything for restaurants at an affordable price Tel: 96 579 3893 Susana: 607 630 221 Sergio: 647 540 862
Milar Moragues The corner shop with trade prices Av. del Pla 43 Tel: 96 646 1677 www.milar.es
I want TV, Internet and Phone from a local provider who talks my Language - and answers my questions Jávea’s Main Internet Provider New Channel 5 test images already PHONE SERVICE More than 1,000 homes can´t be wrong. on our EXTENDED package.
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Page 12
Agenda 21 update
January/February 2015 Nº 21
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
MPM Property Repairs Maintanance, Management and Repairs Tel: 96 577 0205 681 005 731
Gail McCafferty NURSE RGN.NMB regd/homologlomised gailm969@gmail.com 667 316 954
Painting and Decorating Pinturas Jaime Ortola 609 677 094 www.pinturasortola.net P C Highway Calle Niza 13 Tel: 96 646 2509 info@pc-highway.com
Pick-up and Deliver Service Covering Alicante to Gandia - they’ll even pay for an item and fetch it. Andrea and Mark 633 294 509
Rent an Officiant For a Wedding, Funeral, Memorial or Thanksgiving occasion: Rev. Clive Read 669 386 702 www.divineservices.org clive@cliveread.com Second-hand furniture store Sheila’s Deals 609 827 753 sheilabond21@gmail.com
Septic (toilet) problems Limpiezas Jávea 608 861 153 www.limpiezasjavea.com Spanish Lessons www.languagecentremoraira.com 699 216 516
Swiss Cable - and much more Tlf: 96 577 1121 www.swisscable.es info@swisscable.es
Taxi www.eurotaxijavea.com reservas@eurotaxijavea.com Card payment OK - Airports - Tours 633 400 044 Tanatorio Jávea Undertaking in your language Tel: 610 204 864
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
Continued from page 6
Record year for foreign tourists
Between January and November last year, more than 61.7 million international tourists visited Spain. That figure is higher than the total for all of 2013, 60.65 million, which is to say that 2014 has already been a record year for tourist visits to the country. The country broke the 60-million barrier for the first time in 2013 – a figure that looked like it would be difficult to beat, given that it was partly due to the weakness of other tourist markets, such as Egypt, which was the victim of political instability during the year. The United Kingdom continues to be the main source of tourist visits to Spain, accounting for a quarter of the total.
Norwegian Benefactors
A Norwegian family, resident in Jávea, have donated €1000 to the Town's Social Services Department through the Association of Women Entrepreneurs (MEJ) to help support a single parent family. The benefactors have made a number of donations over the past few months totalling €4000, asking only that the money is used to support
Collection and delivery of Urgent items in Marina Alta by Sergio Laffitte Tlf. 673 546 193 http://tinyurl.com/ch2txx3 Prices start at 3,50€
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Jávea Jeard
women who have been suffering illtreatment or a difficult separation.
AMJASA ends the year with 1.5 million profit
Jávea’s municipal water company AMJASA closed the year with profits of €1.5 million which will be used to invest in improving the water distribution network. The continued investment in infrastructure has raised the value of the company from 13.5 million to 17.5 million over the last three years. The company is also proposing to set up a citizen's participatory committee to oversee its functions and policies. The committee will consist of representatives from AMJASA, Associations, consumers, water professionals as well as the agricultural and education sectors.
Flexi-time working increases productivity
In 2008 Iberdrola, introduced compressed working hours for its 9,000strong workforce. The day began at 7.15am and ended at 2.50pm, with a 45minute flexi-time option. Six years on from the initiative the facts speak for themselves: “We have improved productivity and increased our working hours by more than half-a-million per year. We have reduced absenteeism by 20 percent, while accidents in the
Continued on page 16
A year in the life of a Spanish town Xabia / Jávea
Words by the late Charlene Quince and photos by Billie Cook is still on sale at HUMPTY DUMPTY (Javea Park) LA RULLA and OASIS HELP CENTRE (both in the Port)
10€
Why not enjoy a nostalgic journey at www.memories-of-javea.com Artist / Photographer Tel: 636 161 941 You can ‘friend me’ on Facebook?
Billie Cook
Jávea Jeard
Townhall proposes new Law to put limits on activities which disrupt civic life
Jávea Councillors discussed a proposed new Law for civic coexistence and security, an administrative tool that regulates the uses of public space "as a place of coexistence and civility in which to develop free citizenship activities with full respect for the dignity and rights of others and the plurality of expressions and various life forms existing in Jávea". Mayor, José Chulvi, said the proposal will replace a Law passed in 1953 and answers many current problems, giving a legal framework with which to tackle problems in legal limbo, such as ‘bottle parties’ on open land, door-to-door selling, abandoning plots or disobeying red flags on the beaches. The Mayor insists the basic purpose of this ordinance is not to pursue the citizen, but to be an effective tool in circumstances that may affect or alter coexistence. It is the outcome of almost two years of work in departments such as Public Safety, Services and input from advisory councils as Planning or the Agrarian. It was discussed in the Information and Services Committee which unanimously approved the proposals. Once approved by Councillors it will be effective within a month. Police Inspector Jose Antonio Monfort, said the 189 articles (the Church of England has only 39) of the ordinance-limiting actions that undermine dignity, deal with visual degradation of the urban environment (painted, banners, posters and leaflets) and activities such as betting, intrusive begging and the demand for sexual services, conducting physiological needs, noise, consumption of alcohol, unauthorised street vendors, the vandal attitudes in the use of street furniture, obligations when organising public events and other behaviours that disturb peaceful coexistence. Another section is limited to the provisions relating to the cleaning of public areas and collecting municipal waste. And other sections regulate cleaning buildings, plots and agricultural plots, use and enjoyment of the beaches and coastal areas and ownership of pets and their limits in public areas. Among the new penalties introduced is that besides the powers given to police inspectors to open disciplinary proceedings, and to rescuers to prohibit bathing at beaches, is a power to the Mayor, who may issue orders to address urgent situations.
HOLY MEN and 3 BEARS
January/February 2015 Nº 21
A Catholic Priest, a Baptist Preacher and a Rabbi all served as Chaplains to the students of Northern Michigan University at Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They would get together two or three times a week for coffee and to talk shop. One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard, a real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another, and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it to their religion. Seven days later, they all came together to discuss their experiences. Father Flannery, who had his arm in a sling, was on crutches, and had various bandages on his body and limbs, went first. 'Well,' he said, 'I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when I found him, I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy Mary Mother of God, he became as gentle as a lamb. The Bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmation.' Reverend Billy Bob the Baptist, spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, had one arm and both legs in casts, and had an IV drip. In his best fire-and-brimstone oratory, he exclaimed, ‘WELL, brothers, you KNOW that we Baptists don't sprinkle! I went out and I FOUND me a bear. And then I began to read to my bear from God's HOLY WORD! But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I took HOLD of him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, UP another and DOWN another until we came to a creek. So I quickly DUNKED him and BAPTISED his hairy soul. And just like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. We spent the rest of the day praising Jesus. Hallelujah!’ The Priest and the Reverend both looked down at the Rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IVs and monitors running in and out of him. He was in really bad shape. The Rabbi looked up and said: ‘Looking back on it, circumcision may not have been the best way to start.’ from Lesley Myer
Page 13
Everything you need to survive the Spanish Health Service - for 6,50€
The Health Service in Spain is every bit as good - and many say MUCH better than in the UK, but no matter the level of professionalism and skill of the doctor or nursing staff - if you don’t speak Spanish, ‘Murphy’s Law’ says those who care for you will not understand English or Spanglish. What they DO understand on the Costa Blanca, and instantly recognise, is the Booklet “Tell the Doctor” which lists all the words and phrases you are likely to need during your visit to the Health Centre or Hospital. The book is NOT intended to replace a competent Interpreter for those visits when accuracy and understanding are essential. Originally compiled by Jenny Bussey, founder of Jalon Valley HELP, copies can be obtained from the OASIS HELP CENTRE, C/. Toni Llido 5 (at the rear of La Caixa bank in the Port) for 6,50€ a copy. Tell the Doctor is also published in French and German, but the OASIS generally only stocks the (blue covered) English edition.
RUSTIC LAND FOR SALE (Price negotiable) OR RENT Many uses. Could be builder’s yard, or site for Static Caravan (subject to any permissions from Townhall). 2 minutes from Benitachell. GOOD ACCESS Tel: 696 76 73 49
Fishing
Page 14 January/February 2015 Nº 21 The rain was pouring and there was a big puddle in front of the pub. A ragged old man was standing there with a rod and hanging a string into the puddle. A curious gentleman came over to him and asked what he was doing. 'Fishing,' the old man said simply. 'Poor old fool,' the gentleman thought and he invited the ragged old man to a drink in the pub. As he felt he should start some conversation while they were sipping their whisky, the gentleman asked, ‘And how many have you caught?' 'You're the eighth,' the old man answered. ------ ----- ------ --
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
A couple were celebrating 50 years together. Their three children, all very successful, agreed to a Sunday dinner in their honour. "Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad," gushed son number one. 'Sorry I'm running late. I had an emergency at the hospital with a patient, you know how it is, and I didn't have time to get you a gift." "Not to worry," said the father. "The important thing is that we're all together today." Son number two arrived and announced, "You and Mum look great, Dad. I just flew in from Los Angeles between depositions and didn't have time to shop for you." "It's nothing," said the father. "We're glad you were able to come." Just then the daughter arrived. "Hello and happy anniversary! I'm sorry, but my boss is sending me out of town and I was really busy packing so I didn't have time to get you anything." After they had finished dessert, the father said, "There's something your mother and I have wanted to tell you for a long time. You see, we were very poor. Despite this, we were able to send each of you to college. Throughout the years your mother and I knew that we loved each other very much, but we just never found the time to get married." The three children gasped and all said, "You mean we're bastards?" "Yep," said the father, "And cheap ones too."
Are you ready for
More HUMOUR? Christmas Morning Golf
Four passionate senior golfers were playing their weekly game of golf, - one remarked how nice it would be to wake up on Christmas morning, roll out of bed and without an argument go directly to the golf course, meet his buddies and play a round of golf. His buddies all chimed in and said, "Let's do it! We'll make it a priority; - let us figure out a way and meet here early, Christmas morning." Months later, that special morning arrives, and there they are on the golf course. The first man says, "Boy this game cost me a fortune! I bought my wife a diamond ring that she can't take her eyes off of." The second says, "I spent a ton too. My wife is at home planning the cruise I gave her. She was up to her eyeballs in brochures." The third says "Well my wife is at home admiring her new car, reading the manual." They all turned to the last guy in the group who is staring at them like they have lost their minds. "I can't believe you all went to such expense for this golf game. I slapped my wife on the butt and said, 'Well my darling; - Merry Christmas! It's a great morning intercourse or golfcourse -" She said: "Don't forget your hat." ------ ----- ------ --
Paddy took 2 stuffed dogs to the Antiques Road Show
“Ooh”, said the presenter. “This is a very rare set produced by the celebrated Johns Brothers - taxidermists who operated in London at the turn of the last century. Do you have any idea what they would fetch if they were in good condition?” “Sticks”.. said Paddy from Rchard Pollock ------ ----- ------ --
Sunday school children were asked to draw their interpretation of the Christmas story
Most of the children drew manger scenes to include the shepherds, angels, the star, the baby Jesus in the manger as would be expected. Little Jimmy proudly showed his picture of a jetliner. There were 4 distinct faces looking out the windows. When the Sunday school teacher asked Jimmy to explain the drawing, he said it was the "flight out of Egypt." He pointed to the one face and said "that is
Jávea Jeard
Joseph," another face was Mary, the little face of course was Jesus. The teacher asked him who is the face in the front of the plane. Jimmy replied, "It's Pontius, the pilot, of course." ----- ----------------
MOSTLY WISDOM
1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. 2. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. 3. He who laughs last, thinks slowest. 4. A day without sunshine is like, well, night. 5. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. 6. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't. 7. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. 8. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong. 9. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone from California would be stupid enough to try to pass them. 10. If the shoe fits, get another one just like it. 11. The things that come to those who wait may be the things left by those who got there first. 12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer. 13. Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries. 14. God gave you toes as a device for finding furniture in the dark. 15. When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty. ------ ----- ------ --
NOW I BELIEVE IN THE PROPHET MOHAMMAD
I decided to go to the Mosque for a first time to see what it was all about. I sat down and the Iman came up to me, laid his hands on my hand and said by the will of Allah the All Mighty and the Prophet Mohamad you will walk today. I told him I was not paralysed. He came back and laid his hands on me and repeated the same thing. Again I told him there is nothing wrong with me. After the prayers I stepped outside and lo and behold my car had been stolen.
Jávea Jeard
January/February 2015 Nº 21
hear whether or not they have been succesful, together with dates will be notified during the first fortnight of March. Those interested can check out the rules in the http://artxabia.com/site/convocatoriautilizacion-salas-de-exposiciones-dexabia-2015-2016
Local artists invited to exhibit by Jávea Townhall
The City invites applications from artists interested in exhibiting in public areas of Jávea. The application period is open until February 6
The City of Jávea has opened the way to submit applications for use during the 2015-2016 season: Lambert Arts Center, in the historic center, and the Casa de Cable in the Port. The period for artists to make their proposals, both individual and collective in character, expires on Friday, February 6th and can physically be delivered to the Casa de Cultura, or by eMail to art@ajxabia.org The complete rules of applications are available on the news section of the www.artxabia.com page. Every exhibitor will be exected to agree with the City on which of the
exhibited items should be donated to the Towbhall, to become part of the Municipal Artistic Fund at Jávea Townhall. The production of works and transport, assembly and disassembly must be borne by the artists who are selected. The duration of each of the presentations will be three weeks and exhibition dates will be subject to availability of rooms, but artists can specify theur preference. Applicants will
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Jávea Port Oasis Help Centre
Agenda 21 Report Page 16
You can never tell if it is true or a send-up
January/February 2015 Nº 21
Continued from page 12
workplace have fallen by 15%.” But despite the evidence, Iberdrola is alone among Spanish private-sector employers in moving toward more rational working hours, although Barcelona-based brewery Damm is about to follow suit.
Xàbia fights hotel plan for lighthouse
Jávea’s Mayor Chulvi is expected to travel to the Ministry of Development to argue the case that the San Antonio Lighthouse should be an environmental and tourism centre, in keeping with its location on the edge of the Marine Reserve and Montgó Natural Park, rather than a luxury hotel, as proposed by Denia empresario, David Morera. The hotel proposal has already been agreed by the Alicante Ports Authority, without consulting Jávea or any of the other bodies concerned, such as the Montgó Park Governing body. The law governing the management of the Park (PORN) 2002, stated that it expected the lighthouse to be dedicated to raise awareness about the management of the park's coastline.
Marina Alta ‘loses’ 23,000 people
The clearing out of the Padrón records required by the Institute of National statistics, has left the Marina Alta with a population back to what it was before the housing bubble, i.e. a reduction of 23,000 inhabitants down to a total of less than 180,000: Jávea slips from 33,149 to 29,067. The biggest fall was seen in Calpe. This fall represents a big financial hit to municipal coffers, which rely on a grant from the state for each person on the Padrón.
"Bad Bank" properties on sale from this month
A total of 14.031 properties of the "Sociedad de Gestión de Activos Procedentes de la Reestructuración Bancaria" (Company managing assets proceeding from bank Restructuring (SAREB)) in the Comunidad will be marketed from this week by three real estate companies. These are properties awarded by the 'bad bank' to Altamira, Servihabitat and Solvia under the Ibero project. This represents the largest package of assets whose management the entity has divested to date.
A government survey has shown 91% of immigrants come to Britain so that they could see their own doctor.
A dwarf goes to a very good but very busy doctor and asks "I know you are busy but do you treat dwarfs?" The doctor replies "Yes, but you will have to be a little patient".
63 Pakistanis died in Bradford this morning. The Police said it was not a terrorist attack, a bunk bed collapsed. The police are blaming AL IKEA .
Jonathan Ross has been accused of shoplifting a kitchen utensil from Tesco. Ross says it was a whisk he was prepared to take.
Police stop a Pakistani in his transit van on the motorway. Policeman says "Do you know the limit is 70?" The driver leans into the back and says: "Hear that........3 of you will have to get out!" Paddy and Mick stagger out of the zoo with blood pouring from them. Paddy said "That's the last time I go lion dancing."
Paddy says to Mick, "Christmas Day is on Friday this year." Mick said, "Let's hope it's not the 13th then."
My mate just hired an Eastern European cleaner, took her 15 hours to hoover the house. Turns out she was a slovak.
Since the snow came, all the wife has done is look through the window. If it gets any worse, I'll have to let her in.
I've been charged with murder for killing a man with sandpaper. To be honest I only intended to rough him up a bit.
Two women called at my door and asked what bread I ate. When I said white, they gave me a lecture on the benefits of brown bread for 30 minutes. I think they were those Hovis Witnesses. Seven wheelchair athletes have been banned from the Paralympics after they tested positive for WD40. Just a reminder to those who stole electrical Goods in last year's riots.... your one year manufacturer's warranty runs out soon.
Jávea Jeard
Two Indian junkies accidentally snorted curry powder instead of cocaine. Both in hospital...... One's in a korma....... The other's got a dodgy tikka!
In the first few days of the Olympics, eastern europeans took gold, silver, bronze, copper and lead.
Sailing results are in: USA took gold, GB took silver and Somalia took a Middle aged couple from Weymouth.
A boy asks his granny, “Have you seen my pills, they were labelled LSD?” Granny replies, “forget about the pills, have you seen the dragons in the kitchen?”
A woman standing nude in front of a mirror says to her husband: “I look horrible, I feel fat and ugly, pay me a compliment.” He replies, “Your eyesight is perfect.”
An elderly couple are in church. About halfway through the service, the wife leans over and says to her husband, “I just silently ‘broke-wind’ what do you think I should do?” He replied, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid.” all received from Ian Thoma
MUCH MORE THAN CARDS
Oasis Help Centre was established after 3 local suicides in 2013. Assuming there might be a ‘stigma’ to using a ‘Help Centre’ - we decided to offer greeting cards at 1€, TV magazines and the freebie newspapers from our premises at the rear of La Caixa bank in the Port. We also supply the widest range of print services in Jávea. Come and see us?
Woman to Woman Jávea Jeard
(but men are welcome)
Christmas is over for another year, for me it was last minute preparation and shopping. In mid-October when we put our Christmas cards on display at the Oasis Centre it seemed to be weeks away, but where have those weeks gone? December was a busy time for us at the Oasis selling cards and calendars, as well as helping or advising people when they have problems or need advice. As I wrote in the last issue, we had a Christmas tree and encouraged readers and customers to bring small gifts either wrapped, or for me to wrap, for children from families
January/February 2015 Nº 21 Page 17
by Ann Read after her 5-year ‘sabbatical’
hit by the crisis, which were placed under the tree. In the week before Christmas Pastor Marcos from the Spanish Evangelical Church who holds his services in the town, came and collected most of the food we had from our Harvest Festival table. Marcos was organising a lunch on Christmas Day for homeless people or families hit by the crisis and he wanted to give each family extra food to take home with them as a gift.
On Christmas Day after our own Church service at the Oasis, which was well attended, Clive and I collected all the gifts from under the tree and delivered them
to Marcos, to distribute to the children after their Christmas lunch or for the 6th January celebrations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who brought food for the Harvest Festival and gifts for the children, they were very appreciated.
As I write this article, news is just coming in that more than 40 bodies have been retrieved from the Java Sea after the discovery of debris from missing AirAsia flight QZ8501. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those people who have had their lives so suddenly taken from them. It makes us realise how fragile life is and how important it is to heal broken relationships and to forgive those that have hurt us. It must have been terrifying for those people on board that flight when the plane got into difficulties. I have been on flights, one in particular
Continued on page 20
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WILL your WILL let you leave what you WILL to whom you WILL?
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January/February 2015 Nº 21
QUESTION: A Solicitor spoke the other day on television about the new directive 650/2012 that it was essential that people retired in a country different of their country of nationality within the European Union revise their wills. What is all this about?
ANSWER: This regulation of the EU 650/2012 deals with different things, but the reason English citizens need to look at their will is that this new Regulation of the EU establishes that: 1. When a person dies resident in one country of the European Union but national of another, the law applicable to his/her inheritance will be the one that he/she has established expressly in his will and not the one established by the International Norms of each country (which may be in conflict). This is good news because an English national living in Spain can establish that he/she wishes English Law to rule his/her inheritance and this will avoid any possible risk of claims from children against the spouse on the basis of the system of obligatory heirs established in Spanish law, which has always caused worry and concern in the case of children from previous marriages etc. 2. If a person passes away after the 17th of August of 2015, unless he has said differently in his will (as explained above), the legislation applicable to his inheritance will be that of his country of last residence. This is very important for English people living in Spain, because under Spanish law you cannot leave everything to your wife as 2/3 of the estate has to be left to children. In
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other words if you are resident in Spain, have children and do not establish on your will that you wish English Law (your national law ) to rule your inheritance, your spouse will not be allowed to receive his/her full inheritance as it would contradict the Spanish rules of obligatory heirs which would be applicable automatically because of the new regulation. Consequences: 1. If you have children but have made a will leaving all assets to your spouse, make sure that you have clearly stated on your will that you wish your national law (English law) to rule your inheritance. If you have not, you need to speak to a solicitor about this new European directive and add this statement to your will. 2. If you are married and you have been concerned with possible claims by your spouses children against your estate this risk can be completely removed by your spouse’s stating on her/his will that it should be English law that rules the inheritance.
Conclusion: The new regulation has given much more strength to the testators /testatrix, letting them choose between English or Spanish Law, which is good, but precaution is a must because under the new regulation, if nothing is said and you are a resident in Spain, automatically the law applicable will be Spanish law which does not permit that spouses leave everything to each other if there are children. To avoid nasty surprises visit your solicitor and arrange for the Notary to change the wording of your will due to the new Regulation of the EU. 650/2012. Readers can contact us on 950 47 27 75. info@daviessolicitors.com
Jávea Jeard
Ombudsman orders transfer from suspected liberation scheme
The Pensions Ombudsman has ordered a member be allowed to transfer out of a suspected pensions liberation scheme in a landmark ruling. However, while the Ombudsman has ordered for the scheme to repay a transfer value of at least the original amount plus interest to the member it has said it possible the member’s entire pension savings have ‘disappeared’. Pension liberation, also known as pension release or pension unlocking, is the practice of transferring legitimate pension savings into a new scheme that allows the saver to access their pension cash before they reach 55. This case is one of many suspected pension liberation cases the Ombudsman is currently deciding. In early January 2015 the Ombudsman will publish a series of decisions relating to cases where members have requested a transfer, but have been blocked by the ceding scheme due to fears that the new scheme is a scam. These cases are different to the one the Ombudsman has ruled on. In the case of ‘Mr X’, he transferred almost £370,000 in June 2012 out of defined benefit NHS Scotland scheme to the Capita Oak Pension Scheme after being told he would get investment returns of 8 to 12%. Once the transfer went through, he became concerned about his decision and asked to transfer out of the Capita Oak Scheme. The trustee, Imperial Trustees Services, never responded to his many requests. The Ombudsman ruled the member should be entitled to transfer out of the scheme. The ruling stated: ‘We directed the trustee to pay a transfer value of at least the original amount, plus interest. Mr X can enforce the direction in the courts, though the Ombudsman noted that even if the trustee engaged with enforcement, Mr X might find that some or all of the money had disappeared.’ The Pensions Ombudsman said that as of October it had received 140 complaints in relation to pension liberation and nearly 90% of these are from people whose pension provider has not allowed a transfer because the provider believes that its purpose is pension liberation.
Jávea Jeard
Capital Gains Tax in Spain for 65 years old or over
Question I am a 65 year old Irish Citizen, and I intend to sell my property in Spain. I have heard that my age gives tax advantages in the amount of Capital Gains Tax payable on the sale. Is this true?
Dear reader, thank you for your enquiry. In article 33 4. B) of Law 35/2006 of Income Tax for Individuals, it stipulates: ‘the gains as a consequence of transfer of the habitual residence (home) by any person 65 years old or over, or people experiencing severe or high dependency’ shall be exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Therefore, you would pay no capital gains tax if you meet the following two requirements: i) That you are 65 years old or over at the time of transfer, or in this case, at the time of the sale, and ii) If the property sold is your main and habitual residence. You must be tax resident in Spain, the law says that "the property would be deemed as habitual residence….that in which the taxpayer resides for a continuous period of three years", although some exceptions are allowed. As always, if you are going to sell your property, it is very important that you prepare all documentation and verify that you have everything in order to sell without problems. Also, for tax purposes it is essential to check that your property is registered as your main and habitual residence. However, it is worth noting that recent tax reforms approved by Law 26/2014, of 27 November, introduce some changes that affect people’s capital gains when they are 65 or over. The new Article 38.3, says: ‘any gain as a consequence of the transfer of assets by a taxpayer 65 years old or over, may be exempted from capital gains tax, provided that the total amount obtained by the transmission, is within six months invested into or to establish a life annuity (renta vitalicia) secured in his favour ... The maximum total amount that could be used to set up these annuities will be 240,000 euros.” Therefore, in the future, if you are 65 or over, and you sell a property, even if it is not your principal residence, you could end up paying zero capital gains tax if the proceeds of the sale are invested in an annuity. If you are a pensioner who wants to sell your property, our firm can assist you in selling in the most appropriate fiscal and legal way . Contact our office and we will help.
January/February 2015 Nº 21
You can recover deposits paid off-plan, even when the promoter has disappeared or is bankrupt, by taking legal action against the banks
Following a review on recent court precedents, we are happy to report an increase in court orders granted against banks forcing them to repay buyers the money they lost in the purchase of properties off-plan, even when the purchasers did not have individual guarantees set up in their favour, for the money paid on account. These guarantees are compulsory by law 57/68. Such liability of the bank is usually a consequence of: 1. The bank undertaking to guarantee in a general way the amounts paid in advance by the purchasers in a development (i.e: general bank guarantees line), even though the bank did not hand over an individual guarantee for the purchaser. 2.-That the payments on account were not guaranteed by the developer or guaranteed at all, and the bank received the money in their opened account without ensuring that the guarantees of the law 57/68 (bank guarantee or insurance policy) to cover the money were set up by the developer, as the law requires. We are pleased to inform readers the Provincial Courts are increasingly taking the view that banks are not mere observers and the Law 57/68 obliges them to ensure that the buyers-consumers have their money protected, and banks must ensure that the guarantees are taken by the developer, when they open an account to receive money from buyers off plan. Recently, in the province of Alicante and Murcia, there have been several judgments from the two Provincial Courts of Alicante and Murcia, condemning numerous banks and promoters, among others: In several occasions the developer “Herrada del Tollo, S.L.”, and the BBVA S.A., Sociedad de garantia reciproca de la Comunitat Valencia and BANCO PASTOR S.A. - The developer Desarrollo de Activos Inmobiliarios (Detinsa) and CAJA MADRID ( BANKIA) - The developer "Resort Tres
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Molinos" S.L. and BANCO SANTANDER S.A. - The developer Cleyton Ges S.L., and CAJA DE AHORROS DEL MEDITERRANEO Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo - The developer Huma Mediterraneo and BANCO POPULAR etc.
If you paid money for a property purchase off-plan and lost it, you should know that there now could be a possibility for you to get that money back. It is important that you prove which bank account you paid your money into, and check if other buyers paid into the same account. It is important to also check if the promoter confirmed that they would give bank guarantees for the money paid, and with which bank. Finally it is important to check if any guarantees were provided to other purchasers on the same development, etc. So, if you have lost your money with one of the promoters indicated or in any other complex, we may be able to help you. Contact Us The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Carlos Baos (Lawyer) Spanish Law firm solicitor attorney barrister (DENIA) info@white-baos.com www. white-boas.com
White & Baos 2014 – All rights reserved Written permission given to Jávea Jeard to reproduce this information.
New Year Quotes (for those who celebrate the new year on 1st January)
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Old age is when you're forced to. - Bill Vaughn
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let each New Year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin I'm a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser. Robert Paul
One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. John Burroughs
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. Albert Einstein
Woman to Woman
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January/February 2015 Nยบ 21
Continued from page 17
from Paris to Johannesburg, when we have hit bad turbulence. It lasted for 20 minutes and at the time it hit, Clive was in the toilet. He explained afterwards that after initially feeling alarmed he had no alternative but sit on the seat and grab hold of the handles. He says that locked into a 1.5metre room by 4 walls, next to the tail, God reminded him that planes rarely reverse into anything at 30,000ft.
I know the holdups at airports for security checks are annoying at times but I feel much safer flying knowing so much care is taken to prevent anything dangerous being taken taken (or placed) in the plane. I remember many years ago we were going on a flight from Manchester to Palma, was it with Dan Dare Airlines? and as we were climbing the steps to the plane, a young man pushed past in the opposite direction, rushing to get off the plane and muttering loudly "Let me get off. I just can't do this. Let me get off." He wasn't stopped or challenged by any of the aircraft staff and when we were seated and the plane had taken off, I noticed a small case pushed under the seat on the other side of the plane. I pointed it out to Clive as there was nobody sitting there. We called the stewardess and pointed out the unaccompanied case and was surprised at how uninterested she was in it. "It probably belongs to the young man that got off the plane before we took off, I will take it up to the captain." And with that she was gone - with the case - and us wondering what was in it and why was the young man so intent on leaving the plane, without his hand luggage. It was not a pleasant flight for us!!!
I have heard during this past month, of a lady who fell over in her villa and wasn't able to let anyone know she needed help. The other problem was that
nobody held a spare key to her villa. When Clive and I come into contact with people living on their own, we suggest they find a friend who lives nearby to become their telephone safe line and hold a spare key to their villa or apartment. It is very easy to operate. Each morning at an agreed time, friend "A" rings friend "B", lets the phone ring twice and then replaces the handset. Within seconds friend "B" returns the call, lets it ring twice and then terminates the call. The telephone hasn't been answered so there is no charge but each friend knows the other is alright. If one or the other doesn't respond, the spare key is used to enter the house.
Have you made any New Year's Resolutions this year? New Year's day is a time when many people make resolutions which usually have been broken by the end of January. A few of the most popular are lose weight, help others, stop smoking, get fit, eat healthy food, manage stress and debt better and drink less alcohol.
For people who live in Jรกvea, a word of warning. There are robbers who are slashing tyres in the car parks of large supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi. One man in particular had two tyres slashed in Lidl but managed to get home safely, being followed by a mauve car. While he was reporting the incident to the Guardia, a lady came in to say she had been robbed in the Aldi car park. What the robbers are hoping will happen, is that while you are busy changing tyres, with the car unlocked and very often the boot up, that there is an opportunity for them to rob you.
About 12 years ago, Clive and I were travelling back from Gibraltar and had quite a lot of goods on the back seat that friends had asked us to bring back for them, as well as our own
Jรกvea Jeard
shopping. We stopped at a busy service area in the Alicante province to fill up with diesel. After we had filled up, we left the car and went to use the toilet and when we returned and belted up ready to continue our journey, a Moroccan came and knocked on the window and indicated that we had a flat tyre. I got out and looked and it was well and truly flat. There was definitely nothing wrong with the tyre when we drove in for diesel. At the time I was editing the Grapevine magazine and always updating readers on the latest scams or antics that robbers got up to. Clive and I looked at each other and he said "We have been setup, but at least we have been warned!" Clive got out of the car and went to open the boot, take out the spare tyre, jack and tools while I stayed in the car. He shut the boot and I got out of the car and we locked the car up. If Clive needed anything from the boot, I opened the boot, got the item out and locked the boot again. There were several people watching us change the tyre, including one teenager about 17 years old on a speed bike that was so close to the car he was almost touching it and he was watching everything so intently. Because we were on a stretch of motorway that was free of tolls, the service area could be used by motorway traffic and also other traffic in the area. If the boy did manage to snatch anything, he would have been away on his bike in no time. When we took the tyre to get it repaired the next
Concluded on page 26
Peter Ayling
Still here when others have left Tel.: 96 646 0933 Mob.: 616 375 608
Jávea Jeard
Spotlight on Jávea People
This column is about the people in our community and their everyday lives and connections to the area of Jávea. Last month we turned on the Spotlight to feature a local artist named Sally Mar and her personal history and connections to Jávea.
Our Jávea Jeard spotlight this month focuses on Michael Taylor a skilled Archetier - a bow maker for stringed instruments - who learned the craft when he was an apprentice to Luthier, a stringed instrument maker.
During a recent conversation with Clive in the Oasis Centre about our favourite types of music we somehow managed to get onto the subject of how instruments are made, Clive then asked me if I had ever seen a bow maker in action.
My reply to his question was, “No Clive, have you?” He said “Yes and I think you should contact Michael Taylor and arrange an interview with him as he will show you how he makes his bows out of a block of wood.”
I thought to myself that this assignment would be an easy one as using a lathe to turn a block of wood into a bow and then adding an elastic band must be straight forward, but how wrong and ignorant of me to think like this.
Our report begins when I contacted Michael and arranged to meet with him Written by Ian Amer
who acknowledges and thanks Linda Jennings as Interpreter and Translator
January/February 2015 Nº 21
at his workshop near to Jávea Golf Club. After introducing ourselves, Michael escorted Linda and I into his workshop.
The workshop had a store room, lathe (where I thought ‘here we go’), work bench and all the intricate tools required to make and restore fine bows. Michael was born in my home town of Wimbledon, London, on December 30th 1949 but grew up in Merstham near Redhill and attended Albury Manor School where he excelled in most of his studies, especially art and music. His favourite lesson was metalwork and was selected by his teacher to take up technical drawing as well. During his metalwork classes he built a three and a half inch gauge (0-4-0) model of Robert Stevenson’s Rocket, which later helped him secure his first job. Before leaving school Michael fancied himself as a musician because he was a good accordion player, although he once focused on becoming an architect. The teachers put Michael’s musician’s dreams down but his head teacher, Mr Jones, had more of a sympathetic ear and suggested to him that he should take up an apprenticeship as a maker of musical instruments which would provide a skill to fall back on should his
The replica of Stevenson’s Rocket that Michael built that gained him his first job.
music career not work out.
Mr Jones arranged for Michael to have an interview with Mrs Fazakerley, the company secretary who was responsible for the hire and fire of staff at Arnold Dolmetsch Limited. For the interview Michael took with him the model he had built of Stevenson’s Rocket. The model so impressed Mrs Fazakerley that her comments to him were, “if you can make a model like this then I am sure you can make anything”. Needless to say in 1968, Michael left school and took his first job as a luthier at Arnold Dolmetsch Limited in Haslemere, Surrey. Ironically all his metal work skills he had gained during school now had to be retuned in favour of wood work. The company was well established as the founder was Eugène
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Arnold Dolmetsch (24/2/1858 to 28/2/1940), a French born musician and instrument maker who became known for reproducing almost every kind of old time musical instrument from the 15th to 18th Century. During his time he had built viols, lutes, violins, cellos, recorders and a range of keyboard instruments.
He was also famed for the revival of the recorder and for the International Dolmetsch Early Music Festivals. The Dolmetsch family still operate their business today hand crafting and selling instrument masterpieces from days gone by.
In the first year of Michael’s apprenticeship he made seven rebec instruments, (a narrow boat shaped instrument with between one and five strings. It is held under the chin or arm and played using a bow). During Michael’s second and third year he made two early forms of harp (the logo of Guinness) and started to make a treble and tenor viol (Violin sounding instrument played between the legs and the strings are also played using a bow). In the strings department of Arnold Dolmetsch they were great believers that one person should hand-build the whole instrument which Michael also adopted and continues to do so through to this day.
At the start of his third year the bow maker for Arnold Dolmetsch announced that he would no longer be making bows and Michael was asked to learn “Baroque Bow” making, which was the type of bow used during the Baroque period of music. This period started after the Renaissance and before the Classical periods. He was promised by the company that he would be trained by Arthur Richard Bultitude, MBE (14/02/1908 – 1990) as he was a craftsman bow maker who had worked for W.E Hill & Sons, the most prestigious violin firm for most of the 20th century. However this never materialised, although Michael taught himself how to hand-make Baroque bows which was the start of his bow making career. Michael became increasingly fed up with his apprenticeship as he felt his training had been lacking the quality which was not helped by the supervisor, who often turned up for work late and did not dedicate the necessary apprenticeship time for Michael. After a chat with the company owner, Michael decided to resign and leave
Continued on next page
Focus on Jávea people Page 22
January/February 2015
Continued from previous page Arnold Dolmetsch, and so in 1972, Michael walked out on his apprenticeship completing all but three months of the four years. He was then offered a job with Ealing Strings, Ealing. This is where Michael learnt the art of making fine bows and eventually he became the head of the bow workshop. Ealing Strings was founded by the late Malcolm Saddler (D 1994), Brian Parkinson and Alan Mann. A well respected bow maker William Charles Retford (1875 – 1970), also lived just around the corner from the company and William planted a deep interest in bows for Malcolm. William had previously worked for the W. E Hill and Sons (Established 1887 - 1992) workshops in Hanwell, and was influential on what became known as The Hill Bow. Many famous stringed instruments like the Alard Stradivarius, Messiah Stradivarius and Lipinski Stradivarius passed through these workshops.
By the time Michael had joined Ealing Strings, William C. Retford had been passed away for a few years but Malcolm Saddler continued his great love for bows and under his guidance Michael developed further knowledge of the modern bow and soon found admiration for the classic French bow makers including Peccatte and Tourte (the founders of the modern bow in 1780).
While attempting to reproduce the classic French bows, Michael found that the early bow makers were more than fine craftsmen - they were true artists. Early bow makers like Peccatte and Tourte seemed to comprehend the science of how and why a bow worked enabling them to produce not only fine pieces of crafted work but also an instrumental tool in itself. As Michael began to restore bows from the early periods he began to understand the fundamental importance of why a certain bow was made and therefore he was then able to emulate and recreate the works of the great craftsmen. During his time at Ealing Strings he had worked
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Nº 21
on as many as fifteen thousand bows which included many fine specimens from the great makers of the past. In 1975, Ealing Strings decided to publish a book and hold an exhibition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of William Charles Retford. Michael produced the photographs for the book which he proudly showed me. In 1982, Michael was involved in organising the bicentenary birth of Nicolo Paganini where he made twenty four violin bows. Each bow had pieces of gold and ivory mounted onto them. Each piece of ivory had scrimshaw images of Nicolo Paganini engraved on them and were completed with bars of music from each of the twenty four caprices (musical pieces written by Paganini between 1802 and 1817. The works were published in 1819) which were engraved in gold by Derek Tipson whose work Michael has always been proud to see on his bows. In 1987 another three exhibitions were arranged in the shop at Ealing Strings, the first praised the work of Portuguese violin maker Antonio Capela (B 1932), the second praised William Luff, MBE, (7/9/1904 – 30/10/1993) English violin maker and the final exhibition commemorated the 350th anniversary of Antonio Stradivari (1644 - 18/12/1737) who is regarded as the greatest stringed instrument craftsman ever and today the prices of his original instruments can fetch millions of pounds making them almost priceless.
Both Antonio Capela and William Luff had made a number of Stradivari copies so the idea for the exhibition was to bring together these copies with the exhibition theme being called the “Eternal Influence of Antonio Stradivari”, who as we know had a massive influence on the community of the stringed instrument makers. Michael contributed by making a copy of the famous “Hellier Stradivarius Violin”, where the original was made circa 1679, and he photographed all the violins, violas and cellos used in the exhibition for the catalogues. During the 1990s Ealing Strings became a Limited company and Michael was offered a Directorship within the business.
In 1994, eleven months after Malcolm Sadler passed away Michael decided to leave Ealing Strings and branch out on his own calling his new company Taylor Bows. Both he and his partner Pamela decided to make the company Limited and for several years they worked from their village home in Hedgerley in the leafy suburbs of South Bucks. The
Jávea Jeard
business was very successful in the making and restoration of fine bows and a list of clients soon built up. Both Pamela and Michael finally decided in 2001 that the British climate was not serving their best interests and decided to move to the Costa Blanca where they had been coming for their holidays over the past twenty seven years. Although a few issues arose with the sale of their house it was not until April 2002 that the move was finally realised. After moving to Jávea, Pamela retired but Michael decided to set up a workshop as he wanted to continue with his work. Sadly, Pamela passed away a few years ago but I understand that she enjoyed the local beaches, the climate and always found the time to ask after others. Many of the great bow makers used materials that are now found on the endangered species list and therefore it is technically illegal to sell or accept these fine bows because they contain Ivory, Tortoise Shell, Whale Bone and the wood from trees like Pernambuco and Ebony. Michael said we have to be careful about the CITES list: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, as some materials are on the appendix B list which means they can be used providing they are derived from a sustainable method and are not taken illegally from the wild. He confirms it is true that future bow makers will have to adapt and find new materials to use and adds that there are some materials like carbon fibre and split cane that are being appraised.
An article I read on the web prior to my interview with Michael indicated that fossilised mammoth ivory, bone and synthetic shell are becoming widely available to the bow makers but when I put this to Michael he said that he was not sure if this was the case. He said “I have recently written a letter to President Barrack Obama outlining my concerns about the comments made by the U.S. customs who have suggested they will confiscate and destroy any items now containing any illegal parts. My question to President Obama is this, “would you take a valuable and historic painting such as the Mona Lisa, which in theory could contain illegal ingredients within the paint, and destroy it?” …. of course not, so why ban the movements across the world of certified antiques from private collectors after all the materials used at the time were totally legal?”
Continued on page 23
Jávea Jeard
Focus on Jávea people
Continued from page 22 There are bow collectors in the U.S. who hold original works from the great makers like Tourte and Peccatte and now have no access to the best craftsmen who can properly refurbish and restore these works of art. The fear is that customs could confiscate and destroy a priceless piece. It is the case now that many bows are being damaged or destroyed by unskilled craftsmen and others will be allowed to simply fall into natural decay. Michael said that bows cannot be shipped from the U.S. to Europe although movements within Europe are allowed but for how long is the prime question. At the time of writing Michael had not received a reply from the White House but he does expect to have one in the near future.
So how is a bow made? Michael says “Before we start there are two things you need to know, first a luthier needs to be a cabinet maker, a wood carver and must understand how stringed instruments work, and an archetier must be a wood carver, jeweller, engineer and toolmaker.”
January/February 2015 Nº 21
Michael makes all his special tools and gauges to create the types of bow he is making. A question both Linda and I had is why is a bow not called a stick? Michael said “The bow is the entire assembly which includes the stick, hair (ribbon), frog and button although there are other parts.” The bow assembly is a precision piece of equipment and is influential in creating the sound when the ribbon or hair of the bow is moved across the strings of an instrument such as a Violin, Viola and Cello. Michael showed Linda and I, a small trunk of Pernambuco wood, an exotic hard wood with a burnt reddish orange colour. He explains the trunk must be checked for the position of natural cracks and then you can start to mark out the trunk into quarters like a cake avoiding the cracks. From one piece of half a trunk measuring 1 metre (3 ft) with a diameter of 30 centimetres (12 inches), Michael might expect to make seven Concluded on page 25
Page 23
Casa Segura Locksmiths Casa Segura Locksmiths was established in 2004. Company Owner, Carl Barclay, fluent in Spanish (having grown up in Javea in the 1970's) and a well-established member of the local community, is a trusted source used by the Local Police and Guardia Civil.
Having an already established key-holding business, a security retail outlet and a mobile installation and emergency service, Carl offers a rapid response and quality service.
We take emergency lock-out situations seriously and will respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need an emergency service please avoid calling numbers from stickers on your gate, these numbers connect you to call centres charging extortionate rates. Always confirm a call-out fee first. Carl Barclay 659 853 645 www.locksmithspain.net
Pool Problems?
Page 24 January/February 2015 Nº 21
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MERRY CHRISTMAS - YOUR FIRST 2015 CHRISTMAS CARD
Twas two months before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken and Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas was nowhere to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
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Jávea Jeard
Are words that are used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So when you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree' Sipping your coffee, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, and not Happy Holiday!
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Jávea Jeard
Focus on Jávea people
Continued from page 23 to eighteen bow sticks but it depends on how many natural cracks are in the trunk. After marking out the quarters Michael cuts the log into billets using a band saw. The billets are then marked out creating the shape of a bow with the head at one end and a taper towards the other. Once the shape is marked onto the billet, the next stage is to hand-plane the wood and smooth out both sides of the wood. He then uses a homemade measuring scale with various increments to provide a better and more accurate measurement for the bow tapering from the head to the butt.
After planing down the wood the feature has a bow like shape but there is more work to be done so the next stage is to use a standard block plane tool that when used, again by hand, gives the wood an octagonal shape as this is where the frog is fixed. After fitting the frog to the stick it is hand-planed again but Michael then uses a round bladed plane running up and down the length of the stick to create a cylindrical finish. The process of planing continues many times until Michael is happy with the end result. Once Michael is happy with the shape of the stick he then begins the most nerve wracking and delicate part, a 3Kw fan heater is switched on and then Michael puts pressure onto the stick forcing it up to almost breaking point. When the stick pushes back he then stops and takes the stick immediately away from the heat creating a gentle curve or camber. He repeats the process many times before the curve or camber is correct. At this point he says to me “Can you imagine how jittery it can be when you have a priceless bow in your hand to restore?” I tried with a damaged stick and can assure the reader that when you are putting pressure upon the stick it feels as if it could snap at any moment and the anxiety levels rise but having a priceless stick in your hands does not bear thinking about.
The stick is then hung for up to two weeks with daily curve or camber checks and further adjustments are made if required. Once the stick passes the curvature test the hand polishing process starts with different grades of paper. Starting with grade 320 silicon carbide paper (smoother than standard emery paper), the stick is hand sanded using grades 600, 1000 and 2000 to complete the process, which takes about five
hours from start to finish.
January/February 2015 Nº 21
There are two options of finish, Michael uses boiled linseed which he brushes onto the sticks and leaves out in the sun to dry. The sun also darkens the wood to give a splendid natural finish or another technique he uses is French polishing using shellac.
To make the ribbon for the bow you need a hank of horse hair and the strand quantity depends on the type of bow you are making, take 140 strands of natural white horse hair for a violin, 160 strands for viola or 200 strands for a cello. For a double bass you will need 340 strands of grey hair. The mix of grey and white hair is also known in the trade as salt and pepper.
Once the hairs have been soaked in water and combed they are then threaded under a wedge while wet and inserted into the head. At the other end the hair attaches into the frog forming a ribbon running the length of what is now called the bow stick or bow. A tension screw is added
Page 25
and I are exhausted with the lesson we’d just had with Michael. We found the lesson in bow making most enjoyable and interesting as this was a rare insight into how a master craftsman works. We learned the intricate art of what goes into making a bow, so I take back what I thought earlier, and no, it isn’t just turning a piece of wood on the lathe it is much more than that. Later in the year we just may get to do a follow up on his restoration work but if you would like to know more about Michael, you can visit his website at www.arcosfinos.com. Michael sells his hand made bows and provides repair and restoration services from his Jávea base. He can also appraise, authenticate and provide certification for your bow especially for the purpose of insurance. Readers can eMail Michael with any bow enquiry at arcosfinos@gmail.com
You don’t have to buy a Greeting Card - and spend a € when you visit the Oasis Help Centre, at the rear of La Caixa bank in C/. Toni Llido Nº 5, you can just some in and ask for confidential advice.
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can now be sent to your own Jome!
Don’t miss out on our News and Views if you live overseas or would prefer to jave a copy delivered to your Jávea Jome.
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at the same end as the frog and this will eventually be used to ........................................... tighten the bow. Did you know that if you touch ........................................... the dry horse hair with your fingers then the oil Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in your fingertips will transfer into the hair and The Annual Subscription for 2015 is 12€ in Spain, decrease the quality of and £20 (UK cheque: A2Z Publications) to UK. the finished ribbon. To Send to: Apartado de Correos 227, VERGEL 03770 (Alicante) hand create one bow can take six weeks or more Further details available from: to complete. clive@cliveread.com or phone 669 386 702 The interview came to an end and both Linda
Woman to Woman
Page 26 January/February 2015 Nº 21 Continued from page 20
day, the man confirmed that it had been slashed and couldn't be repaired but we would need a new tyre and as it wouldn't be the same as the other front tyre, we would have to have two new ones! So be careful when using the car parks of the big supermarkets, and if you are unfortunate enough to have a flat tyre, keep your car locked at all times while changing the tyre. It won't happen to us again, because when we stop at motorway services, I stay on the outside of the car patrolling it while Clive uses the toilet and when he comes back we change places. Sounds daft, but it works!!
May I take this opportunity to thank all of our readers for the lovely comments you have made during the year about Jávea Jeard and wish everyone a very happy, peaceful and healthy 2015.
LEXOPHILE
"Lexophile" is a word used to describe those who have a love For words, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." A competition to see who Can come up with the best lexophillies is held every year in an undisclosed location. This year's winning submission is posted at the Very end. .... When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.L.A. The batteries were given out free of charge.
A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail. A will is a dead giveaway. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.
A boiled egg is hard to beat. When you've seen one shopping Center you've seen a mall. Police were called to a day care Center where a three-year-old was resisting a rest. Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered. He had a photographic memory which was never developed. When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye. Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it. And the cream of the wretched crop: Those who get too big for their pants will be exposed in the end.
When it’s URGENT Jávea Jeard
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BIG CARDS - buy an A4 card from us, address the envelope with UK address and for a total outlay of 3,30€ it will be in UK next day. You can’t even buy a big card for that elsewhere in Jávea.
ELSEWHERE in SPAIN Overnight service - Monday to Friday using MRW. PASSPORT SERVICE, too.
Oasis Help Centre (open 10-2) C/. Toni Llido 5 (in Port) behind La Caixa bank.
Jávea Jeard January/February 2015 Nº 21 Page 27 Jávea Political leaders look forward and back and NO, I am NOT suggesting that any are two-faced!
JOSÉ CHULVI (PSPV) Alcalde
The Best. I think the best achievement for 2014 was the solidarity and cooperation shown by the Councillors, staff and public in their determination that Jávea will remain as good - and become even better. Improvements. Having achieved so much, we no longer ask ‘Can we?’ but ‘How can we?’ The ‘crisis’ is not over and we still face major financal constraints in the Townhall, our situation is no different to that in hundreds of local homes where housewives, and partners have to justify every centimo of expenditure. As your Mayor I have insisted on transparency, and the ‘doors’ to all of the Councillors are ‘open’ to requests and suggestions. We have invested in small things that make life easier and prove more economical - like street lighting and water distribution and would like to place on record the appreciation of everyone in Jávea for the AMJASA team. It has been a good year for tourism that continues to be a substantial pillar of our community. We have overcome a large part of the inherited debt (and reduced the interest).
If you have Scallops vouchers you are unable to use, you can leave them in the box outside the OASIS CENTRE (in C/. Toni Llido, at the rear of La Caixa bank) and we will see that their value is not wasted. It costs you nothing to give away what you cannot use.
We have taken every opportunity provided by the Law to train people who were lacking in work skills and many are in jobs with contracts. Worst: Without thinking, the answer has to be the fire which consumed so much of our natural heritage. The fire on La Plana was my worst day as Mayor. We live in difficult times, with a lot of frustration among local people who must have thought “I could do better” and it was difficult to rely on the professionals, whether pilots, firemen or volunteers with Civil Protection or Balcon Al Mar firefighters. One wish: I wish 2015 to be a year full of health and fruitful to those of you going through difficult times and not having employment that is as rewarding as it is fullfiling - to find a decent job. We have a foothold in many projects that have taken a long time to bring to fruition, like the Central Cinema and Pinosol parque and play area for our families and children.
JOSE LUIS GENOVES (PP)
The Best: I am proud of the cooperation of PP and other Councillors to act as responsible members of the Government and support long-awaited projects.
Continued on page 28
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We are recruiting a full time technician telecom installer to help in our growth. Based in North Costa Blanca (Spain). Start date Jan to Feb 2015. Please email to jobs@swisscable.es and quote REF:TEC523 – Knowledge of instruments to measure Role and Responsibilities QPSK & QAM signals both TV SAT ]This is a hands-on technician job with 8 CABLE & Internet DOCSIS + Ethernet hours on the street / customer house work. The primary responsibility of this position connectors is the installation of Internet or telecom – Capability to effectively communicate services for our customers in the Jávea / in English required. German or Marina Alta area including: Spanish is a plus. – Installing wireless and cable TV and – Understanding of telecom electronics Internet services and schemes for cable networks – Following the quality parameters of – Driving license valid in Spain the company: technically and when in contact with customers Personal Competencies – Fault finding of problems at customers Team player - Able to communicate sites and our own network effectively in English - Good attention to – Reporting work results back to the detail - Well presented - Professional - Well company in written form organized - Good client facing skills – Communicating and liaise effectively with the rest of the technicians and Professional Competencies customer care department Effective and efficient - Proactive for work – Understanding of the service provided - Tidy - Daily planning required and the technology Relevant experience and training Essential – Experience in towers and masts working at 20 or 30 metre heights – Experience in cable QAM networks: connectors all sizes (NK22, etc) and street boosters repairs – Experience in telecom installations: satellite QPSK signals, cable QAM signals, wifi, telephone copper pair, fibre knowledge is a plus
Anne Swain (Sales and Customer Care) Balcón al Mar, Ctra. Cabo de la Nao, 67 03738 Jávea (Alicante) Tel: 96 577 1121 (Mon – Fri, 9 - 14 hrs.) English, Deutsch Tel. 96 647 1201 (Lu – Vi, 9-14h) Español e-mail: jobs@swisscable.es www.swisscable.es www.bogatel.es http://twitter.com/SWISSCABLENET
Javea Councillors look both ways
Page 28 January/February 2015 Nº 21
by the end of May 2015 we will have reduced it to 25 million €uros,resulting in a reduction of 700,000 €uros in interest paid to the bank. We can now Improvements: We want to see a focus on other things. reduction in overhead expenses and Paying suppliers; we will end this year taxes, which make life so difficult for so paying invoices in 31 days, which gives many of our people. There are other confidence when contracting with the formulas that should be considered, City. including a tender to find a provider of a Employment projects have had reliable bus service, that is of value to extraordinary results. With the our centrally located and urban areas. Department of Employment Promotion We look forward to supporting we have organised countless courses the projects we have already approved and programmes for the unemployed. I and to continue to do so after the would highlight these projects because elections in a corporation that of the extraordinary welcome and demonstrates is will continue to work collaboración by local businesses where and care for Jávea. they have opened their doors to our students and teachers. Highlight the enormous collaboration OSCAR and partnerships and non-profit groups ANTON who have focused on helping those who (XD) need it most, This year we have seen many initiatives undertaken by the Red The best: Cross, Caritas and Charities who have This year been involved in organising events of all has been kinds to help people in difficulties. I positive in believe, regardless of the place of their most birth, they have demonstrated they are aspects. It human xabieros. has meant In conclusion, this year has been the Jávea has an established economy and confirmation that Jávea is a perfect has progressed from the situation of place for investment that brought wealth great financial difficulty we inherited. and prosperity for the town, such as the We inherited a debt of 42 million €uros installation of a British school with at the beginning of the legislature and sports centre project Canal Fontana, assisted living residence and other human rights confirming Jávea is a safe investment. Worst: The worst aspect of the year is the agonising ! " disappearance of Khrystyna # ! Savenchuk since last May. I wish ! $ % your readers (and her family) & $' encouragement and ' $ hope. Continued from previous page José Luis from the PP
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JUAN ORTOLA (CpJ)
2014 has been a year of solidarity of our citizens with private entities, that helps make it possible for us to improve the quality of life of those with little financial income or security.
Continued in page 29
Personal and reliable service
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The scourge of unemployment and precariousness of many families is unbelievable. During these four years we have worked intensly to stimulate the economy. We have used local and flexible employment options, we put everything possible in place to try to alleviate the social disgrace of being unable to provide for yourself and your family. Christmas, New Year and ‘The Kings’ are undoubtedly especially hard for them and I would like to convey my appreciation of their confidence and optimism. Finally, who could disregard the unfortunate fire that occurred on La Plana during September. A wish: I wish to convey a message of optimism, confidence and encouragement. Jávea is a municipality with great possibilities and we have much to offer. I would like these words to be an encouragement to those of you going through difficulties, and ask you to join us - where it is necessary - in recycling your profession or adapting to other sectors. May Jávea continue to grow as a joint project with large doses of illusion, large doses of expectation, large doses of management, values, dignity and above all, project that unites us all.
MUDANZAS Xàbia
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Jávea Jeard
Javea Councillors look both ways Continued from previous page Juan Ortola from the CpJ
In economic news, we are a year older and have continued to encourage new businesses, so as to boost trade and the local economy. I want to highlight the honorary distinction of Police Merit, awarded by the Valencian Government to the Local Jávea Police, for the professionalism, rigour and working example to society, and all this at a time when the crime rate continues to fall in our town. We all conntinue to see our town neighbours jobless and a considerable reduction in loss of social rights, especially in affected families, and groups most at risk are our children, the elderly, pensioners and unemployed. An event that will remain etched in the retina this year to all who live here is the fire on La Plana Natural Park Montgó. I also want to highlight the frustration suffered when the Ministry denied us permission to discharge fireworks at the conclusion of the Mare de Deu del Loreto fiestas, after more than 50 safe launches and huge public appreciation. One wish: that economic recovery finally becomes a reality. That recuperation reaches all citizens and not only macro or micro sections, which is fine, but we want these improvements to reach everyone. If so, we will recover the illusion of truth in the immediate future that awaits us.
PEPA CHORRO (Compromis)
The good: As much as we have thought, we have not found anything positive to note. Worst: The worst is that many families are still lacking the basic necessities of life. The fire on La Plaña, has left us a picture of devastation and without knowing how it started we cannot do anything to prevent a repetition. It was sad that Jávea was unable to display the Castle of Fireworks that concludes the Lady of Loreto fiesta. Agenda 21 principles seem to be ignored in Jávea, even though we signed that we would observe them. As for municipal management, sadly the few committees to which we have been assigned, hold
Difficult-to-Keep New Year's Resolutions
January/February 2015 Nº 21
their meetings during the day, which often makes it impossible for us to attend. There is a lack of consideration to the Councillors of the opposition, who have great difficulty to carry forward our work from a constructive perspective. One wish: For real and palpable change in municipal, regional and state governments.
Page 29
When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, "LOL, LMAO, or ROTFLMAO!" I resolve to work with neglected children... my own.
I will stop using, "So, what's your URL?" as a pickup line.
I will spend less than five hours a day on the Internet.
I will read the manual... just as soon as I can find it.
Lose weight by inventing an anti-gravity machine.
BELEN QUIROGA (NJ)
Stop repeating myself again, and again, and again.
I will think of a password other than “password”. from www.gcfl.net
The best: I would like to especially emphasise that after 20 years of delay Alejandro Piñuela Perea the completion of the Av. Vía Augusta is PODÓLOGO coming to completion. It was necessary CHIROPODIST to conclude at public expense the Colegiado nº 2390 infrastructure that was the responsibility of the developer, and we have finally For English, contact Pilar 625 518 615 given owners and neighbours what they Av. Amanecer de España. 29 Jávea (Alicante) thought their investment would provide. Tel: 96 579 62 82 Linked to this work was the podologojavea@hotmail.com expropriation of Villa Sarita that opened a new access to the 1st Montañar. Worst: If one thing you can criticise this government for, and not only this year but the entire legislature, was not affording necessary restructure of staffing. Furthermore, some of the procedures that are obligatory in employing new workers have not been transparent in some councils. A desire: The desire is for a reduction in taxes and fees and a redistribution of ! " load, that can retain # $ % the various options & to promote ' employability of the ( % )* + (*,, # unemployed. Our people are our greatest resource and we must do ' everything we can . to restore their sense // ,/ *+/ of self worth and value. 0
AMJASA ends year with 2.2 million €uros surplus to improve network
Jávea Jeard
Page 30 January/February 2015 Nº 21
The AMJASA water company in Jávea, the only 100% public water provider in the Valencian Community, increased its assets to four million €uros in the last three years
Following its recent Annual General Meeting, AMJASA again revealed a positive position, estimating it will close the year with revenues of 1.5 billion €uros, an amount that, together with the 700,000 €uros amortization, reserved for investments in the 2015 budget of 2.2 million €uros. The Mayor, José Chulvi, Amjasa referred to the surplus accruing from the loyalty of customers, prompt reporting and repair or leaks, and hard work of its staff, often in wet conditions. One example of the effect they have had on ongoing investments in the last three years, is that the value of AMJASA assets has increased from 13.5 to 17.5 million, meaning that AMJASA has increased by four million value. This is a positive development given that AMJASA is the only water supplier in the Valencia region that is owned 100% by the local Council. These increases are all the more remarkable when items such as the purchase of energy (despite the increased price of electricity) has dropped in three years by
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almost half. The cost of having its own local Board of Directors, is less than the salary of the previous Director resulting in lower total cost than previously spent only on the salary of the manager. Chulvi stressed the good economic data is being achieved without neglecting the social aspect of AMJASA, which is coordinated with Social Services for cases of neighbours in distress, ensuring vital supplies to families at risk of social exclusion and energy poverty.
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Merry Christmas!
I had a personal experience that’s hard to describe, after talking with my friends about drinking and driving. As you know, some of us have been known to have brushes with the authorities from time to time, often on the way home after a "social session" with family or friends. Well, two days before Christmas, I was out for an evening with friends and had more than several beers followed by a couple of bottles of rather nice red wine and vodka shots. Although relaxed, I still had the common sense to know I was slightly over the limit. That's when I did something I've never done before - I took a taxi home. Sure enough on the way there was a police roadblock, but since it was a taxi they waved it past and I arrived home safely without incident. This was a real surprise to me, because I had never driven a taxi before. I don't know where I got it, and now that it's in my garage I don't know what to do with it. So, anyway, if you want to borrow it give me a call. sent to us by Richard Pollock
Monitoring water Chief Executive Officer, Josep Lluis Henarejos has proposed 2015 be a time of creating a new Water Observatory, a new municipal body of citizen participation in consultative status that allows collaboration and citizen control over municipal water policy . This body would have representatives of the Corporation, neighborhood associations, consumer and industry professionals as well as the agricultural and educational sectors. Among other issues, that are being debated according to Henarejos is whether to keep rates frozen at the 2008 level, that might reduce the risk of having to give up improvements to the aging network of pipework.
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At the AGM the Statutes were amendment to allow AMJASA to become a Sole Corporation and to change the representative the PSOE, from councilor Paco Torres to Maria Rosa Miñana, and Simon Montilla of Nueva Javea will replaces the Belen Quiroga, who is now a Councillor.
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Jávea Jeard
EXCHAGING DRIVING LICENCE NEW SPANISH LAW
by lextax The new Spanish law of traffic requires the exchange of the driving licenses for those foreign people residing in Spain. Application Form: the holder has not been disqualified from driving by law, that the person does not hold any other driving licence issued within the EU or EEA of the same category as the one requested or that has been restricted, suspended or revoked and that the applicant is responsible for the authenticity and validity of the driving licence to be exchanged. Proof of identity and residence ID Card or Passport: valid and original Authorisation for Residence of the country of origin OR Passport together with Certificate of Inncription in Foreigner’s register Authorisation for Residence Electronic psychophysical aptitude reportentered in the Register of drivers by Drivers Check. Driving Licence valid original and photocopy. Photograph 32 x 26mm, taken against a plain background, facing forward without anything covering the head, without tinted or sun glasses or any other item which may prevent or make impossible identification of the person. Veils are acceptable provided the full face must be visible from hairline to chin.
and Atención Social Domestica ASocial At encion en on So Soc ocial Domestic yy Do D meesstic me stica ca
January/February 2015 Nº 21
Talón Photo: completed and signed within the appropriate Do NOT exchange driving licences obtained on a later date that the signing of the agreement being legally resident in Spain, driving licences obtaibed from a licence exchanged from another country that does not have an exchange agreement with Spain. REPRESENTATION: If the holder of the driving licence does not present the documents, his/her representative must present his/her original ID card and the authorization of the interested person to be able to complete the procedure, specifying that it is free of charge. We hope this information is useful and should you have any additional question, please do not hesitate to contact us by email: info@lextax.es
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When you need domestic support - you need ShareCare
DOMESTIC Companionship and Conversation Cleaning, Housework & Gardening Laundry/Ironing/ Linen Change Shopping and Meal Planning Help with paperwork Phone calls in Spanish TRANSPORT Appointments and Airport Trips Local Shopping, Excursions Accompanied Visits
HOSPITAL We keep Appointments with You Basic Care when you are in Hospital Translation and Interpretation Post-Hospital care in your home FAMILY Maintaining contact with family Respite care or sitting service
HEALTH Support to quit Smoking, eat Healthy or Weight Management Stress Management Emotional Wellbeing SPECIALIST Health Insurance / Funeral Planning Household Insurances
Monday 19th to Saurday 24th Many items HALF PRICE
We will remember them i i
Short Term - Long Term One-off Call - Emergencies WHATEVER THE CAUSE Motherhood - Bereavement - Divorce - Accident - Injury Surgery - Serious Health Diagnosis - Debilitating Illness Loneliness Isolation Depression - Caring Full-time Working - Relocating
Nothing could be worse thanand being asked Care Social Domestic la seguidad y comodidad de su propia casa about theEnhealth of your by of your own Home In thespouse, safety and comfort Reliable and Practical support on a Telephone Christina on1 someone who isChunware they have Te l e fo n o Ch r is ti n a e n : 6 9 25 0 4 28 Te l e fo n o r is ti n a e n : 6 9 25 0 4 28 1 flexible, cost-effective basis In the safety and comfort of your own home recently died. We have reintroduced Telefóno Christina Telephone Christina on to : 692504281 : O en : 692504281 Jávea O service we adopted Jeard a notification o or Telephone Christina when we founded Jávea Grapevine.
Care
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692 504 281
Email aa:: diamondserviceses@gmail.com amondser ceses@gmail.com Email
or Email:
diamondserviceses@gmail.com Atención Social i c y Domestica
EEn n lla a se guidad y ycomo didad dedesusuppropia ropia cacasa sa seguridad comodidad
Te lefono Ch ristina enen : 6 2504281 Telefóno Christina : 9692504281
EmailBarlow aEmail : diamo erviceses@gmail.com Robert atnd: sdiamondserviceses@gmail.com Cheryl Brown on 693 551 107 Frances Bates (formerly Entrepinos) Peter Cook (Husband of Billie) info@sharecareonline.co.uk David Mark (formerly Entrepinos) www.sharecareonline.co.uk Miguel (from The White Horse, Rte.) Noa (the 12-year-old Bottle-top girl) i i
Social and Domestic Care In the safety and comfort of your own Home
En la seguidad y comodidad de su propia casa
Telefono Christina en : 692504281
Jávea Duty Chemist 24h Each 24h period of duty starts at 9am
Antonio Marín 96 646 1954 Jan Feb March Avda. Augusta 30 (Rear of Mercadona Pla) 24 6,19 4,17,30 Concepción Rodrigo Gasque Avenida Colomer 3 11 7,20 5,18,31 Consuelo Espinós 96 579 1801 Plaza de la Iglesa 11 (Town) 12,25 21 6,19 96 579 1099 Belchi-Cholbi Ronda Colón 4 (Town) 13,26 8 7,20 Amparo Marsal 96 579 1955 Avda. Juan Carlos I, 33 1,14,27 9,22 21 Isabel Garcés 96 579 1520 C/. Sevilla 1, (Port) 2,15,28 10,23 8, Paz Uriol 96 579 3839 Avenida de la Libertad (Arenal-Playa) 3,16,29 11,24 9,22 Juanna Ripoll 97 577 0900 4,17,30 12,25 10,23 Ctra La Nao (Cala Blanca) Salome Martinez 96 646 2545 Avenida Lepanto 12 (Port) 5,18,31 13,26 11,24 Rosa Maria Pérez 96 646 3531 Ctra. Cabo La Nao Pla, 126 (Arenal) 6,19 1,14,27 12,25 Antonio Almodóvar 96 646 3994 Plaza Joanot Martorell 5, Av. Amanecer 7,20 2,15,28 13,26 Lydia Gil 96 646 3142 Avda, Fontana 21 (Club de Tenis) 8,21 3,16 1,14,27 Ana Lillo 96 646 3947 Avda. de Palmela 16 (Southern By-Pass) 9,22 4,17 2,15,28 Vicente Salort 96 647 1133 Ctra la Nao Pla 165 (Barclays Roundabout) 10,23 5,18 3,16,29 We are grateful to Antonio Marín (whose premises are 80m South of the rear entrance to Mercadona) for making this information available to our readers.
Julie and Diego welcome you to
BAR PICOTEO
SUNDAY CAN BE SUCH A BORING DAY
But not if you start it at the 11am Morning Service at the Oasis Help Centre, which is as much ‘an entertainment’ as a ‘spiritual experience’, whether it is Clive or Ann who has responsibility as the MC and preacher. Every Sunday morning is different with refreshments afterwards and many go on to various nearby or Pedreguer ‘eateries” and find that new friendships and eternal destinies have been carved. If you need a ‘helping hand’ because we are ALL shy of new demands on our emotions - phone Ann on 669 386 701 or Clive on 669 386 702 and they will arrange for someone (or one of them) to meet you and act as your ‘buddy’. Jávea Evangelical Church was established in 1992, now meets at the OASIS Help Centre it has created in the street behind LA CAIXA bank in the Port, where it offers 30,000 greeting cards for all occasions at 1€ each, as well as a huge range of print facilities, including one-off 4-colour T and polo
Av. Jaime 1, Jávea Port
MENU DEL DÍA - 9,50€ 7 starters and 8 main courses inc. drink, dessert, bread, ali oli
More than a dozen ‘one-plate’ meals More than 50 ‘Tapas’ (prepared in-house)
SPECIALITIES PAELLA to order - Tel.: 696 767 349
Fried and grilled mixed fish and shell fish (min order 2 people). Mixed Grilled Vegetables English Breakfast HAMBURGERS
Take-Away Service
Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea by A2Z Publicaciones on behalf of Iglesia Grupo International de Divulgación del Evangélio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5, Jávea 03730
Telephone Tracy on 677 253 488