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7 - 13 AUGUST 2014
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Multilingual tourist office now open SAN JUAN DE LOS TERREROS now has a multilingual tourist office open for visitors. The team speaks French, English and German in addition to Spanish.
Pulpi for Palestine RESIDENTS of Pulpi gathered on the promenade at San Juan de Los Terreros on Sunday, asking for peace in Palestine. The demonstration was organised by the Islamic community of Pulpi.
Forestry jobs FIFTEEN HUNDRED summer jobs have been created in Almeria to assist in the thinning of scrubland across Almeria, particularly concentrating on areas containing pine trees.
Court rules Algarrobico building licence legal THE court judgement is in for the Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras, after much deliberation. The panel of judges has ruled that the Algarrobico building licence from 2003 was legally issued, overturning a number of previous rulings.
The judgement goes on to state that the promoter Azata del Sol - and the town of Carboneras had their rights trampled upon by the earlier court decisions. Ecologist group allegations were summarily dismissed on a technicality.
According to local sources, they had failed to provide enough paperwork to support their case. This does not mean that the hotel itself is legal, solely the building licence. The court stated that within the information available in 2003, the
promoter did nothing wrong in asking for the building licence, the town hall did nothing wrong in granting it, and the licence was therefore valid. In the meantime, Carboneras as a town still has its zoning plans going through the legal system.
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INDEX News 1 - 34 Finance 37-38/43-46 Letters 47 Leapy Lee 48 Daily TV 52 Time Out 54 - 55 Health & Beauty 56 - 58 Homes & Gardens 59 Food 61 - 64 Albox 65 - 69 Property 70 - 71 Classifieds 73 - 75 Motoring 76 - 78 Sport 79 - 80
SHOCKED: Residents and visitors, when the police shut down the concert.
Mojacar falls foul of new by-laws, again AN open-air music event in Mojacar was cut short for contravening by-laws. More than 140 people had gathered for an evening of flamenco music and dance. However, the three-hour concert was shut down by police an hour before it was due to end. They said it breached the controversial noise law introduced this year. The by-law prevents venues from playing music outside unless they have applied for a licence. However, the flamenco show’s organisers reported that they were in possession of all the relevant paperwork.
The decision to end the show early shocked residents and visitors alike. Just a few weeks ago a similar incident occurred, when a family of five were fined â‚Ź500 for drinking water behind their car. The police quoted a law that prohibits drinking in groups. The five individuals pointed out that they were not drinking alcohol. However, the police said the law did not specify that the drinks had to be alcoholic to fall foul of the rules. The town hall initially refused to comment but later issued a statement backing the officers.
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NEWS Mojacar exhibition FROM August 1 to 15, the Centro de Arte Fuente in Mojacar is showcasing the work of Chilean artist and DJ Jordi Oyarzun. Burglar bungled OFFICERS from the Guardia Civil arrested a man outside a bakery in Aguadulce just moments after he attempted a robbery at knifepoint and fled in a car at high speed.
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Our villages need roads too ESPERANZA PEREZ, representing the Socialist party (PSOE) in Almeria has lashed out at the provincial authority. Perez has pointed out that 41 municipalities have missed out on funding for roads, and during his speech, asked the government team to ensure equal opportunities for all towns, regulating access to funding through a public
competition process. However, the government team has declined the proposal, choosing to automatically exclude all villages that benefited from European funds for improvements to drinking water supply. Perez called this “an issue that has nothing to do with rural roads, and is therefore unfair.” The Socialist spokesman continued “it is unacceptable that
these 41 small municipalities, which would have required an investment of €1,391,600 will receive nothing, while a single municipality of El Ejido gains investment of €1.4 million. It is one thing to defend Almeria agriculture, which we all defend beyond doubt, but another to defend one farmer first and another farmer second.”
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Comedy night
MICKEY LEWIS will be performing at Miraflores, Los Gallardos on Saturday August 9. Described as a “welcome return to a comedian that makes you laugh and doesn’t offend.”
Snail farm for Alsodux SNAILS are the order of the day with a new farm planned for Alsodux, creating three new jobs. The project is funded by Microbank and the province.
BOTTOM HEAVY: Lightest at the top.
Kings of their Spanish Castles
Balerma park open BALERMA’S outdoor gym is now open. Councillors attended the inauguration of the park which contains eight fitness machines suitable for use by people of all ages.
Kidney disease ALCER (Association for the Fight against Almeria Kidney Diseases) has received funding from the province to print and distribute posters and flyers in 102 villages of the province.
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NATIONAL POLICE have arrested two squatters as part of the discovery of a marihuana facility in a duplex in El Ejido. One hundred and fifty two plants have been seized.
First directory BALERMA has unveiled its first trade directory aimed at visitors to the town. Fifty local businesses have jumped on board in a move that the mayor described as “an excellent opportunity.”
Classic rock ADELANTE, a band with a big following in Almeria will be performing at Miraflores, Los Gallardos on Saturday August 2 with classic rock from the 1960s to 1990s.
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El Ejido drug haul
Crop fires SMOKE was visible for miles from a crop and plastic fire between Roquetas de Mar and Cabo de Gata at the weekend. Twelve firefighters brought the fire under control that evening.
Algarrobico continues... SALVEMOS MOJACAR has announced its intention to file a criminal complaint of prevarication against the three judges who ruled the Algarrobico building licence as legal.
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TS motto is ‘Strength, balance, courage and common sense’ and participants need to have all of these when taking part in one of the most popular events in Spanish culture. ‘Concurs de Castells,’ the Human Tower competition, attracts thousands of spectators who cheer on the teams of people climbing over each other in an effort to make the tallest tower in the competition. The event is taken very seriously in Tarragona, Southern Spain; the tradition is believed to have been around since the 18th century, started by dance groups, and has been named as part of the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage established by UNESCO.
Quote of the Week Alarming’ Was the word that Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, used to describe the number of victims of Israeli bombing attacks on the Gaza strip in recent attacks. Spain has now put a temporary stop on all arms sales to Israel.
Each team taking part, some of which have 500 participants, clamber onto each other, strongest at the bottom and the lightest at the most dangerous point at the top, to form Castells. A seven-strong judging panel gives out points depending on the height and difficulty of the individual towers. Each team is allowed five attempts to build the tallest tower; the final score for each team is decided by the best three attempts and the winner is decided by competition organisers, known as experts in human towers. The event takes place every two years, the next one, XXIV Concurs de Castells de Tarragona, is scheduled for October this year.
Number of the week
14
is the age of the Spanish girl who was recently arrested when she declared her intentions to join the Jihadist ISIL forces in Iraq; she had, apparently, been a normal 14-year-old until spending time in the Jihadist chat rooms on the internet. A Madrid judge sent her to a juvenile detention centre.
New court WORK has begun on the construction of a padel tennis court in Benahadux. The new court is located in the sports complex on Calle Malaga.
B Boppers LIVE rock n roll is the theme for the night on August 14 with trio, The B Boppers. Always popular, the band will be at Miraflores, Los Gallardos.
Fines services FINES now has a multipurpose building for municipal services, a Guadalinfo centre, a library and a museum. It was completed with a total investment of €577,600.
And finally... A restaurant in Ibiza erupted in cheers and applause when British actor Orlando Bloom, allegedly, tried to punch Canadian singer Justin Bieber as they were leaving the restaurant. A video posted by website TMZ shows Bieber, allegedly, shouting an obscenity at Bloom just before he tried to hit him.
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Night of stars attracts crowd ALMERIMAR’S Noche de Estrella (Night of Stars) attracted approximately 100 parents and their children for a night of fun and education. The night, which only cost €3 per person was described by visitors as “magical.”
Families were told to bring their flashlights, bedding or clothing to keep warm overnight, precooked or prepared food, and drinks. Barbecues were prohibited. The overnight activity, which ran from 8pm until 10am the following morning, was organised
by the Tourist Board and the Almerimar Council. It brought parents and their children together for a night of activities and stargazing. A telescope was made available for more in-depth viewing of the night sky. Children aged four to 14
enjoyed a magical evening with their parents, and although not everyone managed to keep their eyes open all night, the event was still declared a success. In the morning, the organisers laid on a breakfast of churros and chocolate for all attendees.
Breaking Bad actor misses Almeria AARON PAUL, best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the hit US series, Breaking Bad, has admitted on Twitter that he misses Almeria. He was in the province for the filming of ‘The Book of Exodus’ along with Christian Bale and Ben Kingsley. Unlike his fellow actors who tried to keep as hidden as possible during the filming, Aaron was regularly spotted in Almeria’s capital enjoying the fun the city has to offer. Filming lasted a
Aaron at his hotel during the filming of ‘Exodus’
Aaron misses Almeria
little more than two months, during which time a number of lucky fans got to spend time with Aaron, posting ‘selfies’ online. This weekend Aaron seemed to be missing Almeria, and Tweeted, “Dear Spain. I just want to say I miss Almeria more than you can imagine. Thanks for being such a beautiful place. Sincerely, Aaron. The movie, which goes on general release in December, tells the story of Moses, using the stunning landscapes of Almeria as backdrops. The film has scenes filmed in Macael quarries, Rodalquilar mines and the Tabernas desert. Although Aaron is not the first film and TV star to have extolled the many virtues of Almeria, it is obvious that two months in the province have left a big mark on his heart.
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Urracal fiestas here AUGUST 8 to 11 brings Urracal’s fiestas in honour of its patron saint, San Blas. There will be processions and events every day to please the whole family.
Parking open GARRUCHA now has underground parking. The 200 space parking runs from Calle Mayor to Paseo de Malecon, as well as Plaza Pedro Pea, Plaza de Ancla and the town hall.
Child care COMBATING child poverty has taken a front seat with Andalucia pledging to care for 11,000 children in Almeria, providing meals and helping eliminate social exclusion.
Bad words ROSALIE MARTIN, coordinator for IU Almeria condemned an Alicante councillor for comments about David Bisbal. He said he wanted to buy a gun and use it against Bisbal.
La Cochera wins THE WINNER of Seron’s recent tapas tour, ‘The Tapas of Seron,’ is La Cochera. The cafe won with their dish, La Alconaiza. The tapas tour was part of the town’s tourism push and to promote the traditional cuisine of the town. According to councillor for Tourism, Carmen Cuadrado, the tour was a success, “helping Seron occupy a privileged place in the tourist market while promoting its food.”
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A helping hand for Accra street children ALMERIA STRINGS normally focus on instruments of the stringed variety. However, some of their special events give people the opportunity to hear music of other types, and from all over the world. Pop August 16 in your diary for a special night. This fundraising event, African Drumming Workshop with Louis Wonder, will be held at Desert Stars in Tabernas from 8pm until 10pm. Tuition costs €15 with all proceeds going to support the Universal Wonderful Street Academy in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The academy was established by Louis Yeboah Womder Doe (artist name Louis Wonder) a Ghanaian
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Cologne Philharmonic AFTER successful tours around Europe, the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra arrives in Mojacar on August 14. Performances begin at 9.30pm in the Centro Servicios Multiples.
Bayyana ruins BAYYANA’S archaeological site in Pechina is being restored to give visitors a glimpse of life in the fifth and sixth centuries.
15 sea rescues RED CROSS (Cruz Roja) water rescue team, Aguilas, rescued 15 swimmers in one hour at Playa de las Palmeras due to freak tides. All of them were treated at the scene successfully.
DRUMMING UP SUPPORT: Louis Wonder. musician aware of the importance of education and committed to eradicate extreme poverty and improve the living conditions of the street children in Accra. The academy provides free education and meals to the children, while also paying the annual fee for national health insurance, providing each child with free health care. The event will start with a performance by Louis, who will demonstrate traditional African drumming and singing with different drums and
percussion instruments. After the performance Louis will teach drumming techniques and rhythms on a djembe (African drum). Following the workshop all the participants can join in a drumming circle where they can jam with Louis.
For further information or to reserve a place call Nadine and Andy Highfield on 634 347 930, on the website at www.almeriastrings.org, or email almeriastrings@gmail.com
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Hotel hustlers arrested OFFICERS from the Guardia Civil have arrested two people for leaving a Vera hotel without paying their bill of almost €7,000. The man and the woman had been staying at the hotel for approximately one month, and left the premises without paying their bill of €6,942.03. The couple had not only enjoyed the facilities of a hotel room without paying a single euro to the hotel, but had also invited another couple to join them for meals in the hotel’s restaurant. A hotel worker spotted one half of the couple having lunch at a restaurant in Aguadulce and was able to alert Guardia Civil officers who went on to arrest both parties.
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Four trips around historic Almeria CONTINUING the celebrations for its millennium, Almeria City is organising four additional tours this weekend. Tomorrow (Friday) has two guided tours scheduled, both to the Alcazaba. Each costs €2. The tour group meets in Plaza Vieja before exploring the original centre of the ancient
monument which overlooks the city, to learn about its varied history. Locations in Almeria have often been featured in films, and on Saturday the tour examines why filming took place in the province, and reveals some little-known secrets. The tour starts at noon from Plaza Vieja and also costs €2.
On Sunday, the tour leaves Plaza Vieja at 9.30am, and covers the Coloraos. Finally, also on Sunday, the city offers a tour of the architectural works of 20th century architect Guillermo Langle Rubio, and in particular the shelters in the city that date back to the Civil War. The tour starts at 11am and costs €4.
Boat rescue for North Africans MARINE RESCUE saved 13 men of North African origin from a boat 40 miles off the coast of Garrucha. The boat was reported late on Monday morning, approximately 40 miles east-southeast of the Garrucha coastline, so the ‘Helimer 204’ chopper was sent out to investigate.
Thirteen men were found onboard, all illegal immigrants trying to find a way into Spain. An emergency response team was sent to provide humanitarian assistance before transferring them to an immigration holding centre. The men were all in apparent good health.
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Illegal fishermen arrested offshore STAFF from the Group of Underwater Activities (GEAS) division of the Guardia Civil have charged two Almeria residents with illegal fishing after surprising them during their activities. The suspects, one from
Almerimar and one from Almeria City were caught in waters near Almerimar with spear guns and scuba tanks. Fishing is illegal in that area of the coast. The men were also accused of selling their hauls without going through the
Drug arrests in village of El Chive OFFICERS from the Gurdia Civil have arrested two men in connection with the discovery of a marihuana factory in El Chive, a small village not far from Lubrin. Guardia Civil had been observing the property in El Chive before gaining access and discovering a number of plants in the courtyard, as well as marihuana production equipment. Two people living on the premises were arrested (RMR and RMM) and charged with activities against public health related to drug cultivation.
established legal and health requirements. GEAS officers have monitoring devices aimed at detecting this particular type of illegal activity. They noticed the presence of a boat in the Almerimar waters and proceeded to inspect it. Realising they had been spotted, the boat’s occupant attempted to escape but was caught several minutes later. Upon inspecting the boat, scuba tanks were discovered as well as a diving balloon. However the officers also found some documentation that indicated a second suspect. This was denied, but eventually he admitted that the other suspect was currently submerged and took the officers to him.
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Ups and downs for Almeria jobs REGISTERED unemployed figures announced this week in Almeria for July stood at 82,265 people. That figure increased by 1,997 people from the previous month, an increase of 2.5 per cent, and a rise of 342 people, 0.42 per cent for the same period in 2013. Unemployment benefits paid out in June totalled â‚Ź33.29 million, benefiting 49,388 people. The month of July signifies the end of the main greenhouse crop seasons and horticultural activities, so is usually a month when unemployment figures increase in the province, in this case by 246. However, a small decrease in unemployment occurs in the construction sector at the same time, dropping by 21, a sector which continues to evolve positively month on month. Also increasing significantly this year is the number of permanent contracts, with a growth of 23.7 per cent over the previous year. Figures by gender now, with 1,721
more unemployed men and 276 more women, the totals represent 48.8 per cent male and 51.2 per cent female. Under 25s have increased in the unemployment figures by 405 compared to June, reaching a total of 8,657 unemployed youths; and among older people the unemployed number rose by 1,592 people, with a total of 73,608. In July, 23,591 new work contracts were recorded, 3.6 per cent more than in June. Indefinite contracts registered last month were 1,138, representing more than 38 permanent contracts formalised in June, 3.4 per cent in relative terms. The number of permanent contracts is 23 per cent more than the same period in 2013, with an increase of 218. Permanent contracts listed so far in 2014 account for 5.45 per cent of all contracts registered in the province. Unemployment benefits paid out in June and July totalled â‚Ź33.29 million, benefiting 4,938 people.
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ONCE creating jobs as well as winners ONCE, a foundation started in 1938, created 134 jobs and distributed €17.7 million during 2013 in Almeria, according to figures announced this week by the ONCE representative for Andalucia, Ceuta and Melilla, Patricio Carceles, and Almeria director, Rosario Sedano. “If during these times finding work is a little miracle, then our organisation has managed to perform 134 little miracles in Almeria,” said
Carceles, who went on to explain that although 2013 finished with losses, this had not prevented more jobs being created during 2013 than in the previous year in Almeria and Andalucia. In Almeria, employment opportunities grew by 158 per cent. Sedano wanted to emphasise that, considering the proceeds from the company had fallen in Almeria by 0.98 per cent, the province was still the best performer in the Andalucian
Funding for Chirivel TWO projects are to benefit from a total investment of €240,000 from the province of Almeria. The news was announced this week by Andalucia representative, Gabriel Amat, while visiting Chirivel. In Nacimiento, renovation of an existing building will provide a
large exhibition hall, a warehouse, two offices and three bathrooms (one of these for disabled people) and an access corridor. The other project is a paddle tennis area equipped with a glass enclosure and artificial turf on a porous concrete base, as well as accompanying lighting.
Community. “On balance,” stated Sedano, “we have satisfaction in a job well done.” According to Carceles, ONCE is the main generator of employment and inclusion for people with disabilities in Almeria. What has made Carceles particularly proud is that work did not slow in 2013 despite times being difficult. Data shows that ONCE spent €14.58 million in Almeria on social work split between education, training and job creation. “This is breaking down barriers and removing stigmas associated with the disabled,” said Carceles, who bemoaned Spain’s economic crisis and said some used it as an excuse to ‘destroy’. “We see it instead as an opportunity to create. This is no less true with the emergence of new online gambling operators, the increase of illegal gambling and, in the last year, the government’s decision to tax at 20 per cent has meant a setback in figures for the organisation,” he concluded.
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Woman murdered in Berja by her ex BERJA was stunned at the weekend with the announcement that a 41year-old woman had been killed by her former husband. Maria del Carmen Marin, mother of a 20-year-old, was allegedly murdered by her Moroccan ex-husband HB (aged 31). According to Local Police, the woman had divorced her husband and had raised a restraining order on June 25, preventing him from coming within 200 metres of her or her home at number 11 Calle Ramon y Cajal Berja. He had also been under house arrest since July 30 and was expected to remain so until October 21. Maria’s former partner entered her home in the early hours of Saturday morning and sliced open her throat, almost beheading her, and stabbed her 20 times before fleeing. Maria died from cardiac arrest caused by massive blood loss. The perpetrator was arrested in Dalias the following day after being spotted by a town resident. He remains under arrest in the Guardia Civil barracks in Almeria City. Berja Town Council issued
BERJA: Flags flew at half mast to show respect. a statement expressing their “utmost abhorrence and condemnation” of the murder, and passing their “sympathies for the pain of her family and all those close to her.” Mayor of Berja, Antonio Torres, ordered the town’s flags to be flown at half mast for a day to show respect and to mourn the woman. The Andalucian Women’s Institute (AMI) spoke of
their revulsion at the death, and urged women to “maintain a maximum level of alertness, to never give in to pressure, and to be aware.” Francisca Serrano, coordinator for the AMI in Almeria described their “strongest condemnation of the violence” and stressed “the importance of maintaining a permanent and in-depth awareness of this social evil”.
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New store for Aldi opens ALDI has opened its 50th Andalucia supermarket with a new unit in Almeria. The new supermarket is on Carretera Nijar - Los Molinos, and covers an area of 1,000 sqm2 of shop with an additional 200sqm2 of warehouse, as well as more than 80 parking bays for cars. It stocks 1,200 products, making it one of the more versatile supermarkets in the area. Mayor of Almeria, Luis Rogelio RodriguezComendador, was at the opening ceremony along with Aldi sales manager, Miguel Coloma. Miguel Coloma said, “The largest commitment of our company is to provide high quality products at the best prices and despite being a large company, with more
OPENING CEREMONY: The mayor cuts the tape. than 5,000 stores in nine countries, Aldi has the spirit of a neighbourhood store”. The mayor welcomed the
opening, “because in times of economic difficulty, new stores and jobs is a very positive development.”
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CO2 emissions reduced by investment SUSANA DIAZ, PSOE president of the Junta de Andalucia (regional government) has announced that Endesa is planning to invest 200 million Euros in the construction of a facility to reduce CO2 emissions from its power plant in Carboneras. Endesa has indicated the work on the new facility will create 500 new employment opportunities. Susana Diaz commended the work and pointed out that the facility will reduce current emissions of CO2 from the power plant by 50 per cent, and will comply with EU requirements
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Investment for nine rural projects RURAL development group, Alpujarras-Sierra Nevada Almeria (GDR) has approved almost €900,000 for investment in nine projects that together represent a total investment of more than 1.4 million Euros. The projects submitted are the products of entrepreneurs and will create 14 jobs. The most prominent of the projects is the Rainbow Experience, a rural retreat aimed at the gay tourism market, in Canjayar. The budget for this project is a total of one million Euros and it has
received a grant of €200,000 from this recent funding. Two more of the projects are for driving schools, one in Dalias and one in Fiñana. Other projects include a brewery and a hardware store in Laujar de Andarax, a pharmacy in Huecija and an environmental education project for the Asociacion de Arbol de las Piruletas. Since the GDR programme launched, it has managed more than 240 applications for investment, of which 75 were granted a total of
1.8 million Euros, contributing to more than 100 jobs. Representative for Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Jose Manuel Ortiz, spoke of his “appreciation for the work done by the GDR and the willingness of businessmen and entrepreneurs to undertake projects that generate wealth and jobs for many people, especially young people, who prefer to stay in their villages, thus slowing the depopulation of rural zones.”
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Vera residents anger at slow repairs after damaging storms THIS evening (Thursday August 7) sees Vera residents descend upon the mouth of Rio Antas
to complain that after storms that claimed several lives two years ago, repairs have still
Sea hero in hospital ONE Guardia Civil officer had to be taken to hospital after rescuing a father and daughter from rough seas at San Juan de los Terreros in Pulpi. Another officer had to be treated at the scene. Both officers rushed to rescue a man and his daughter who were stuck in the sea during a freak wave hitting the beach; a wave which, according to frightened onlookers, was as high as the palm trees. One of the officers, a man aged 34, swallowed too much water during the rescue and had to be taken to the Hospital de Inmaculada in Huercal Overa, while another agent, a man aged 39, was treated at the beach. Nearby at Playa de las Palmeras, 15 people had to be rescued from the freak wave by Cruz Roja in just one hour.
not been completed on the river bed. The slogan reads, “Por un rio limpio, no mas riadas” (For a clean river; no more floods). The death toll in September 2012 rose as the freak storm tore its way across the region. The storm flooded homes, overturned cars, ripped away bridges, destroyed roads and severely damaged river beds including Rio Antas. Two years later, and residents of Vera are angry that Rio Antas has still not been repaired. The dried river bed needs dredging, cleaning and channelling to avoid the same happening this autumn. Posters have been distributed around the area, urging all residents to join the protest.
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Music and dancing for charity NEW residents of Huercal Overa, Pete and Sylvia Martin, are organising a marathon violin playing event to raise funds for animal rescue charity ‘Galgos del Sol.’ The event will involve many musicians, singers and dancers joining in with Pete during the day to provide a wide variety of different musical styles. The programme of musical contributions has yet to be finalised but will comprise classical music, folk music,
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LUCKY ONE: A rehomed Galgo . singing and dancing and it is hoped to involve local school children to sing traditional Spanish folk songs and perform traditional Spanish folk dances as well as adult Spanish musicians and dancers. The event is seen as a means of bringing British and Spanish culture together in a spirit of
cooperation to generate funds for a good cause. The event is expected to last somewhere between 12 and 15 hours and it is hoped to stage it in late October or early November. If you would like to get involved, please contact Pete on docmartin1943@gmail.com.
FROM the kitchen of the Association of People with Disabilities, El Saliente creates and distributes 15,000 dishes each month for households in Bajo Andarax and Almanzora. Before the sun rises each morning, the 10 workers of El Saliente’s kitchen are hard at work, preparing healthy nutritious meals for poor families who are at social risk. To raise extra funds, the kitchen also produces meals for the general population, with a number of organisations and families using it as a way to save time and costs while enjoying a tasty and healthy diet at a reduced price. The quality dishes are rated by the diners every day in order to monitor quality and user satisfaction. The results are collated in a contest organised
by the Unit of Health Promotion for North Almeria, which is seeking to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in vegetables, beans and fruits. The latest winner was El Saliente in a category for Tasty and Healthy Salads. El Saliente’s salad beat 38 other recipes for the winning slot, judged by a nutritionist and chef from Hospital Inmaculada in Huercal Overa. El Saliente launched the initiative in 2008, thanks to cooperation from the town of Albox, the Ministry of Health, and the support of private entities who collaborated with a social initiative of great use to groups affected by the economic crisis. After six years, El Saliente has seen the need for such a service increase.
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Cordoba camp for Nijar youngsters FOR 10 days, 72 young Nijar residents enjoyed a range of activities in the Cortijo Frias near Cabra in Cordoba at a summer camp. The trip was organised by the town of Nijar and Las Atalayas del Levante. Activites included abseiling, climbing, flying, cycling, cultural trips, visits to the natural park of Sierra Subetica and evening entertainment. Jose Cerrada, councillor for Sports in Nijar, said “the success of this camp was very apparent. At first we had spaces for 50 young people, but it sold out within a
week. So we decided to extend the number of participants, given the high demand. It was one of the most sought after activities for our children.” Paco Morales, from Las Atalayas del Levante, said “Just look at the faces of the young people to see how well it went. In just a few days they enjoyed living with other children with similar hobbies and interests. We will repeat the summer camp next year and are considering the possibility of an Easter camp.”
Cleaning up the beaches THE Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has employed three people to support the cleaning of non-urban beaches of Cabo de Gata and Nijar in a project which runs until the middle of October.
The crew is concentrating on Cala Higuera, Escullos, Rodalquilar and Playazo beaches, as well as El Cuervo, El Plomo and Enmedio. Their tasks include the removal of litter on the beaches as
well as emptying bins; the gang will also look after the verges of roads leading to the beaches. The project forms part of a larger maintenance and ecosystem conservation project, worth a total of 600,000 Euros.
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Sunscreen and crayons for everyone ALMERIA has launched a campaign for raising awareness of the damaging effects of the sun by distributing 5,000 leaflets to children on the capital’s beaches, each containing a single dose of sunscreen.
The campaign, ‘Almeria beaches are unique, use them responsibly’, forms part of a larger activity earning it the tourism certification of Q for quality. “It rewards the effort and commitment of the city of
Almeria to its quality facilities and our beaches,” remarked the councillor in charge, Carlos Sanchez. Sanchez continued: “This information highlights the magnificent beaches that can be visited in Almeria year
round, as well as 3,500 hours of sunshine each year and the warm temperatures. All these things combine to make Almeria a city with the most enviable climate in Europe.” In addition to the leaflets, 3,000 notebook and crayon
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Lawyers paid PAYMENTS will now be made to law firms in Almeria worth €416,750 for monies owed since 2013 in a new schedule announced by the Ministry of Justice
Rockin night SHOWADDYWADDY LEGEND, a tribute act, will be appearing in the region for one night only this Saturday (August 9) to raise money for local causes at Bar la Union
New signage PARQUE COMERCIAL MOJACAR has unveiled new signage to help shoppers find their way around the complex.
sets are being distributed from the towers set up along the beaches in the capital. This latest campaign follows on the back of 12,000 ashtrays, 1,000 bags and 10,000 chill bags which have been distributed recently.
Major facelift for church ALBANCHEZ Church is to receive a cash injection of €64,300 from the Provincial Municipal Investment Plan. The church, which dates from 1640, will have its stone facade completely renovated to restore it to its original glory. Materials will be replaced, eliminating a damp problem and the power lines will be incorporated into the walls. Currently, the cabling has been hung on the walls. The work is to be solely funded by the provincial government. Gabriel Amat, representing the Junta de Andalucia, spoke about the plans. “We must concentrate on the preservation of historical heritage for tourism to
ORIGINAL GLORY: Albanchez Church, which dates drom 1640, is to be restored. continue growing in inland municipalities and attract new demographics to the Almanzora Valley,” he stressed.
Almeria-Sevilla flights renewed THE Ministry of Development has awarded Air Nostrum the renewed contract for the provision of flights between Almeria and Sevilla, and declared the contract a Public Service Obligation (PSO) for the next four years. The contract is worth an estimated €9 million. The contract covers flights until August 2018 and flights have already begun (August 1). The contract was originally
awarded to Air Nostrum in January 2010 and ran until January this year. The renewal has been made dependent upon compliance to Orden FOM 2457/2013 to ensure better service for passengers. In addition, since the first contract ended in January, the route has been operated by Air Europa, in compliance with the conditions of the PSO, so connectivity is ensured for passengers at all times.
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NEWS
Business hub for Huercal Overa HUERCAL OVERA Council has given the green light for a business hub to be built in the town’s industrial park, confirming the initial conversations in February between the mayor of Huercal Overa, Domingo Fernandez, the director general of the foundation INCYDE, Javier Collado, and the representative of the Chamber of Commerce in Almeria, Victor Cruz. The business hub plans were approved unanimously by all political groups present who recognised the project as an attractive addition to the town. Mayor Domingo Fernandez extolled the virtues of the project, adding that it continues Huercal Overa’s policy of
“narrowing the list of unemployed in the town.” The business hub will be situated in the industrial park and will encompass an area of approximately 1300 square metres. The facility is aimed at small business owners and entrepreneurs with ICT classrooms and training rooms. The project involves a total investment of 600,000 Euros and the council has already offered the project for tender. The money is coming from FEDER, and the council will be responsible for managing and administering the entire project. Fernandez explained, “We hope to contribute to improving employ-
ment in our town while influencing the youth employment the government team has been so concerned about. “It opens new doors for entrepreneurs and continues the various programmes which the town has already pioneered.” The plot is located on an area owned by the municipality that local driving schools currently use for driving manoeuvre practice. The mayor wanted to reassure the driving instructors, explaining that both initiatives can exist together and that “if there are any problems, we can look for the most effective solution as we have done previously.”
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NEWS
No ‘fast track’ into Gibraltar THE Gibraltar government has rejected and criticised Spain’s proposal to introduce a ‘fast track’ at the border for Spanish workers wanting to enter Gibraltar for the purpose of work and have responded to Spain by suggesting their proposal is nothing more than ‘discriminatory,’ claiming freedom of movement should be a privilege enjoyed by all. The Spanish government has proposed spending €5.3 million building a ‘fast track’ for workers resident in Spain with jobs in Gibraltar to cross the border faster. A fast track for vehicular access as well as a secondary fast track for workers crossing the border on foot has also been suggested as it goes through the motions of complying with the EU’s recommendations to ease traffic flow at the frontier where an estimated 6,000 workers cross the border daily. A spokesperson in the Gibraltar government said “The government
considers that any proposed solution towards a free flowing frontier must also encompass EU nationals and others who are not workers, like tourists and residents on both sides, whose right to freedom of movement continues to be undermined by Spain.” “The reality is that the Spanish authorities make life difficult for people and vehicles crossing the border for political reasons and because they want to. All that Madrid has to do is improve the flow rate of cars and persons and operate proper red and green channels. This alone will reduce waiting times to cross the frontier.” The ongoing row has not settled in an amicable agreement with either side, following last year’s intense crippling checks, which kept people in traffic queues for up to eight hours in the immense summer heat with Spain claiming those checks were essential in preventing tobacco smuggling.
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NEWS
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Albox PSOE election confident MAYOR of Albox, Rogelio Mena, has declared that the PSOE (Socialist party) are in the best starting position for the upcoming municipal elections in 2015. Mena spoke to a number of PSOE members recently to discuss the
appointment of PSOE’s Pedro Sanchez to the position of general secretary for PSOE at their weekend congress in Madrid. Mena described the PSOE position as strong with this latest news and said that “the enthusiasm and
strength of Pedro Sanchez, the leadership of Susana Diaz and the management being undertaken by me puts us in the best municipal position, allowing the PSOE of Albox to face the near future with the strength that
demonstrates our ability to run with momentum and renewed hope. I believe that, along with other Albojenses, we can build a better future for everyone.” Rogelio Mena continued by describing Sanchez’s appointment as “exciting” and described the party as becoming “cohesive and strengthened, with a new impulse and the will to recover a Socialist majority”. Tito Carrillo, secretary of the PSOE in Albox then cemented Rogelia Mena’s position as mayor to the listening members and expressed confidence in the electorate saying, “Rogelio Mena has solved the historical problems of the municipality, such as the new water supply, the improvements to public safety, the opening of the new Francisco Torrecillas pavillion, the new health centre at Llano del Espino, the new indoor pool and the construction of the outdoor pool, among other milestones.”
Man faces more than 70 years in jail AN arsonist could spend as many as 78 years behind bars if convicted by a jury of his peers. He stands accused of setting 24 forest fires in Mallorca and Menorca during the summer of 2012, putting human lives in jeopardy in at least three different occasions. The Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses the man of starting 20 fires in Mallorca between June 12 and August 24 2012 and four more in Menorca in September, according to the indictment. One of the worst fires scorched 69 hectares in
Calvia (Mallorca) and affected areas protected by law known on the Balearic Islands as Natural Areas of Special Interest. The arsonist, whose identity has not been disclosed, is being charged with 21 counts of arson and three counts of reckless endangerment. If convicted, he could also be sentenced to pay a €110,880 fine and €1,321,721 in compensation. A trial date has been set for September 1 and the jury is expected to reach a verdict as early as September 3.
ARSONIST: Accused of starting 24 forest fires in 2012.
DISMANTLING GANGS: Police have a 97 per cent success rate.
Spanish police crack down on organised crime gangs
A WHOPPING 83 per cent of criminal gangs in Spain operate for as long as three years before being caught. Police broke up 497 criminal gangs in 2013 and detained 6,292 people for drug and human trafficking, Security Secretary Francisco Martinez has reported. Police operations to crack down on organised crime in Spain had a 97 per cent success rate, he added.
As much as 83 per cent of all groups dismantled had been operating for less than three years, while seven out of every 10 were made up of nationals from more than two different countries. Most gangs were based in Barcelona and Madrid, followed by Cadiz, Malaga, Alicante, Valencia, Sevilla and Murcia. The vast majority of them - 31 per cent - traffic in cocaine, and
21 per cent in hashish, said Martinez. Following nationwide operations launched last year to tackle organised crime, Spanish police seized almost 20 tons of cocaine, 146,708 kilograms of hashish, 103 kilograms of heroin, more than 10,000 ecstasy pills, 2,102 cars, 119 boats, six aircraft, 558 guns, 630 knives, 909 computers, 4,498 mobile phones and €30 million.
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NEWS
Spaniards not weight happy DIETING: Hunger and weakness reported while trying to shake off a few pounds.
MORE than half of Spaniards are unhappy with their weight.
According to the latest survey conducted by the Consumers and Users Union (OCU), 94 per cent of women and 88 per cent of men in Spain have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives. The study looked at 2,000 people aged between 18 and 64 to determine their level of satisfaction with their own health and weight. As much as 73 per cent of women and 54 per cent of men said they are unhappy with their weight and official figures show that 54 per cent of adults and 28 per cent of children in Spain are overweight or obese. OCU representatives said the situation is “extremely worrisome” because excessive weight increase is commonly associated with heart
disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer and degenerative bone diseases. It can also result in worse psychological and emotional health. Nevertheless, not all respondents mentioned health concerns as the main reason behind dieting. In fact, while 90 per cent said they have tried to lose weight to “feel good about themselves,” only 30 per cent have gone on diets for health reasons. It seems, however, that unhappiness was not enough to prompt Spaniards to do something about their weight. Data show that only 31 per cent increased their physical activity and as little as 14 per cent worked out and went on a diet. For more see page 56.
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NEWS
King Juan Carlos in paternity claim KING Juan Carlos faces a paternity suit from a man claiming to be his illegitimate son. A Catalan waiter lodged a paternity suit against King Juan Carlos, 76, with the Supreme Court in Madrid. Alberto Sola claims to have found evidence suggesting that his mother may have had an affair with the King before May 1962, when he married Queen Sofia in Athens. Pursuant to Spain’s Constitution, the King cannot be held accountable while he still sits on the throne. This is the reason why all previous attempts to lodge paternity suits against him were simply thrown out by Spanish courts. However, because he stepped down on June 19, the King is no longer protected by the legal
KING JUAN CARLOS: A waiter claims to be his son. shield that made him immune to such claims during nearly four decades. A couple of months ago, the Spanish Parliament passed special legislation which protects King Juan Carlos from any lawsuit filed against him before
criminal and civil courts and he can only answer to Spain’s Supreme Court. Should the judge rule that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear the case, King Juan Carlos could be asked to provide a sample of his royal DNA.
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Drowning death toll in July reached 32 THIRTY TWO people drowned in Spanish beaches, rivers and swimming pools in July. Most were between 60 and 78 years of age, while four of them were minors. Catalonia and Andalucia are the autonomous communities with the highest death toll (six drownings each) followed by Murcia (five), Valencia, Madrid, Cantabria and Castile and Leon (two) and Canary Islands, Basque Country, Navarra, Asturias, Aragon, Castilla La Mancha and Balearic Islands (one). To avoid drowning, the Spanish Red Cross advises against swimming right after a large meal and against diving into areas of unknown depth. Furthermore, they recommend swimmers to get out of the water if they get chilly, dizzy or fatigued or have a headache. The Red Cross also advises parents to never lose sight of their children even if they are swimming in shallow waters.
A note from the
Local Spanish priest is banged up abroad A SPANISH priest from the city of Daimiel, Ciudad Real, was arrested by police in El Salvador on July 30, suspected of smuggling mobile phones to gang members in prison. Father Antonio Rodriguez was arrested whilst driving to his home in the Salvadoran capital of San Salvador and according to the authorities, has been under investigation since March 2013.
The priest, who has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to helping Salvadoran gang members reintegrate into society, is celebrated for his role in bringing a fragile truce to the ganglands of El Salvador in March 2012. In the Spanish city of
Daimiel, hundreds of people took to the streets to demand the immediate liberation of the catholic priest. Among them was Isamar Orellana, an exgang member who now lives in Spain, who said: “I’m a living example of all the work that [Father
Rodriguez] has done to help us leave that difficult world,” he said. “He was a marvellous person with me. The father I never had.” Father Rodriguez himself denies the allegations, and claims he is a victim of anti-church persecution on the part of government.
Children who fail school Editor need their holidays too
Money talks…. A
COURT has come out in favour of a building licence granted for the infamous Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras, in the province of Almeria. The unfinished building has become a cause célèbre with Greenpeace and other environmental groups, who have been campaigning for its demolition over the course of many years. Construction started in 2003 on the hotel, dubbed illegal by many, on so-called ‘protected lands’. Campaigners say that not only did it contravene the coastal law restricting beachside development, but the massive building also encroached on to the Cabo de Gata natural park. Now a judge has decided, in a bizarre ruling, that although the hotel may be illegal, its building licence was correctly granted. How that can be so is a mystery known only to the courts. Meanwhile, Carboneras Town
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Hall’s urban development plans are also going through the judicial system in what appears to be an effort to legalise the hotel and permit construction to finish. Carboneras wants the income a completed hotel would bring and the developers want some sort of return on their investment. The hotel is a symbol of the excesses of Spain’s building boom in the early 2000s. Laws were ignored, unsuitable developments built, taking no account of the natural surroundings, and natural parks built on. While elsewhere in Almeria homeowners have had their houses demolished despite all their paperwork being in order, the bigboy developers look like they may be about to get away with a far worse offence. Everyone involved in trying to force through this monstrosity should be ashamed. But they won’t be. Money talks.
CHILDREN who fail school need holidays, say some Spanish teachers. Parents must realise that they cannot take all the blame for a child’s failing grades, said Communications Secretary of the Independent Teachers’ Union (ANPE) Sonia Garcia Gomez. If a child must sit remedial exams at the end of the summer, punishing the whole family by cancelling the long-awaited holidays may not be the ideal thing to do though. Children must be taught to be responsible and the key lies in studying without being unmotivated, said Gomez. However, summer is long and it is important to adequately manage study hours while having fun with the rest of the family, she added. Studies show that children need to stick to a reasonable schedule, with 15 minutes of daily uninterrupted study for children aged six-eight, between 30 and 40 minutes for students aged eight-10 and between an hour and an hour and a half if older. “It is crucial to take five or 10-minute breaks for every hour of study,” said Gomez, lest the child gets bored, sleepy and fatigued. According to ANPE, it is not advisable to start with the most difficult subjects. It is better to start with something easy that interests them and then move on to more challenging content when their attention peaks approximately half an hour later. Constantly telling a child off for having
MOTIVATION IS KEY: Excessive scolding may result in frustration. failed school is a big no-no, warned Gomez. Studying should not be associated with stern reprimands, it is true the child failed to fulfil his or her school responsibilities but constant scolding has never been shown to be an effective motivational technique. In fact it may backfire and result in frustration. On the other hand, ANPE suggests taking away the child’s mobile phone or tablet to keep him or her from getting distracted but says daily rewards are important for motivation. “Let them have a little bit of fun, watch their favourite movie or play with their friends,” advised Gomez. “Failing grades should not be used to punish the child but to teach responsibility. If the child studies, then he or she deserves to enjoy the holidays with the family,” she remarked.
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7 - 13 August 2014 / Costa de Almería
business & legal
EWN
37
STAT OF WEEK VODAFONE’S turnover fell to €866 million in the first quarter of the 2014-2015 fiscal year, 15.3 per cent less than in 2013. The company blamed the economic situation and intense competition.
Swiftair’s many facets THE name Swiftair meant little until an MD-83s bound for Algiers disappeared over Mali. The aircraft had taken off in Burkina Faso and when it crashed, probably in a sandstorm, all 110 passengers and the six Spanish crew members were killed. The company, which was created in 1986 and made a €1.2 million profit last year, runs 44 low and mid-capacity aircraft and is principally a freight service. It also works with tour operators in Europe, Africa and the Near East, ‘wet leasing’ its aircraft complete with crews,
Begging letters make a fortune ‘NIGERIAN letters’ generate millions and Spanish police recently netted 84 scammers. They were detained throughout the country, including Malaga, Sevilla, Almeria, Alicante, Valencia and Madrid and are accused of defrauding and laundering €11.547 million. Few people have never received an email which plays on the age-old hope of obtaining a great deal of money for very little outlay. Vast sums will be released, the victims are promised, if they advance cash to set things in motion. Enough were taken in by the sting to send
money to ‘locutorios’ where immigrants, generally from outside the EU, use pay phones and arrange money transfers. Here the money was collected by the detainees, 80 per cent of whom were from Nigeria. In the latest operation the UDEF fiscal fraud squad seized 98 vehicles worth €1.127 million and 73 properties valued at €9.846 million. They also blocked more than 50 bank accounts. The victims are usually from the US, Canada and Germany, UDEF sources revealed. The true number is probably higher, they added, as many are later reluctant to admit that they were so easily fooled.
maintenance and insurance. Swiftair is also involved in baggagehandling services in Morocco and Africa and transports NATO soldiers bound for Africa. In a joint venture (UTE) with Air Europa, Swiftair won another government contract LIMELIGHT: Airline in the news for the wrong reasons. in March 2013 to fly undocumented illegal immigrants to internment centres on the Spanish mainland. The UTE’s lowest bid of €11 million origin, operations whose alleged deficiencies have been also included returning immigrants to their countries of criticised by humanitarian and civil rights groups.
B
usiness extra
Supermarket sell-off YEAR-ON-YEAR the DIA supermarket group earned 331.5 per cent more between January and June. The boost came from the sale of its French outlets, valued at €600 million, to Carrefour.
Fair shares GOVERNMENT rescue plans for Spanish motorways on the brink of insolvency will get the backing of the principal banks. In return they expect a say in how they are run, sources said.
New audit law - it all adds up THE government will speed through a draft audit law introducing tough new EU conditions. The directives, which the Cabinet expects to approve in September, should reach Parliament in October. These will require company auditors to be changed at regular intervals with strict controls regarding activities outside their usual remit. The Gowex case, where auditors M & A allegedly
colluded with the chairman’s false accounting, recently put auditing under the media microscope. Nor are M & A alone. BDO, a firm with the fifth-highest turnover in Spain, was accused of “serious errors” over Pescanova’s accounts. Although the company was refloated, shareholders lost most of their investments while Pescanova’s creditor banks also endured heavy losses.
CREDIT: Emilio Pastor de Miguel / Shutterstock.com.
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C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -2.10 -0.56 9.90 2.39 -2.00 -0.14 -20.00 -1.16 4.00 0.25 6.00 0.74 -7.00 -0.83 -14.00 -1.56 -4.00 -0.14 50.00 1.15 3.30 0.67 -10.00 -0.93 1.60 0.38 0.95 0.42 -6.00 -1.71 30.00 2.48 2.00 0.10 0.50 0.10
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PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 140.11 86.47 35.33 120.38 100.52 127.90 25.00 64.21 98.80 25.35 170.25 79.75 33.74 189.15 99.90 56.48 94.30 56.80 42.86 76.78 28.86 79.65 39.29 89.61 104.75 81.49 49.83 211.81 73.54 85.38
-0.78 -1.53 -0.26 -0.10 -0.23 -1.34 -0.23 -0.10 -0.14 +0.20 -2.62 -1.10 -0.145 -2.52 -0.19 -1.19 -0.26 +0.06 -0.30 -0.35 +0.16 +2.33 0.00 +0.05 -0.40 +0.44 -0.59 +0.80 -0.04 -0.50
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PRICE(P) 2125.00 306.65 1362.50 953.50 1388.00 1771.75 1287.00 1005.00 937.25 326.00 249.00 342.30 1426.75 360.50 594.75 1010.50 630.65 1430.00 2534.50 2369.50 338.60 2549.50 323.45 204.15 2882.50 299.80 1033.00 231.75 73.80 1903.00 424.30 503.75 1026.00 168.60 842.75 6717.50 194.40 1128.50 1245.00 1091.50 1353.75 5090.00 5237.50 939.25 505.75 3381.75 1041.50 351.00 2529.00 421.35 452.80 3210.25 364.00 309.40 2308.50 1877.00 4927.00 1063.00 1286.50 657.00 1442.50 1226.25 362.00 716.25 253.05 1686.00 358.85 726.75 2567.50 856.00 197.45 2528.50 4232.00 3075.50 1183.50
CHANGE -22.00 -0.20 -7.00 -3.10 2.00 -6.50 -10.00 -4.00 2.00 -0.70 -2.10 -1.60 10.45 4.35 1.50 -7.00 1.36 -15.00 -3.00 -5.00 0.60 15.00 -0.15 -1.30 -2.00 -0.80 -3.00 -0.30 0.48 -1.00 -2.90 -1.00 -6.00 -0.80 3.00 5.00 0.10 -8.00 -14.00 -19.00 11.00 25.00 25.00 -7.50 5.00 27.00 2.66 1.00 0.50 -6.80 1.00 6.00 -2.00 -1.50 -22.00 -1.00 54.00 -2.00 2.00 -6.50 5.00 4.50 -3.50 -1.50 -0.54 -3.00 -1.80 -1.32 1.00 0.45 1.05 -32.00 -40.00 -11.36 4.00
% C H G. -1.03 -0.07 -0.51 -0.32 0.14 -0.37 -0.77 -0.40 0.21 -0.21 -0.84 -0.47 0.74 1.22 0.25 -0.69 0.22 -1.04 -0.12 -0.21 0.18 0.59 -0.05 -0.63 -0.07 -0.27 -0.29 -0.13 0.65 -0.05 -0.68 -0.20 -0.58 -0.47 0.36 0.07 0.05 -0.70 -1.11 -1.71 0.82 0.49 0.48 -0.79 1.00 0.80 0.26 0.29 0.02 -1.59 0.22 0.19 -0.55 -0.48 -0.94 -0.05 1.11 -0.19 0.16 -0.98 0.35 0.37 -0.96 -0.21 -0.21 -0.18 -0.50 -0.18 0.04 0.05 0.53 -1.25 -0.94 -0.37 0.34
VOLUME 43.09 735.66 11.59 279.48 84.04 319.60 62.67 91.03 80.99 261.69 175.40 409.12 1,160.84 1,996.20 57.72 42.99 1,697.77 65.99 80.87 76.15 903.77 58.91 64.34 877.07 23.58 418.38 35.60 641.57 11,771.81 28.17 144.25 62.44 46.15 380.34 401.14 15.23 419.25 118.66 69.46 102.69 301.45 21.02 39.05 113.75 124.11 308.70 260.95 1,042.55 284.59 144.65 85.19 138.18 103.75 472.32 18.33 28.00 167.00 164.92 38.83 58.36 61.55 294.54 374.37 71.48 1,493.84 48.67 83.17 104.23 259.44 137.83 5,198.24 47.73 35.60 23.99 468.11
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Sterling reaches 22-month high against the euro and a 6-year high vs the dollar Ask the expert Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com
after cutting its deposit rate (the rate at which commercial banks earn interest on funds parked at the central bank) to -0.1 per cent. Alongside the cut in rates, the ECB announced a raft of other policy measures aimed at getting credit flowing to businesses. The package of measures announced in June represents the ECB throwing the kitchen sink at fighting the threat of deflation. It will take several months minimum to see if measures aimed at getting credit flowing around the Eurozone are successful. At their last meeting in July the
ECB did not announce any further policy measures but made it very clear that they are prepared to act further and they have lined up Quantitative Easing (QE) as the next policy measure. It seems that the ECB are keeping QE in the locker to be used if required to combat deflation and they are hoping that US growth will pick up
and force EUR/USD to weaken. The strength of the euro is a concern to the ECB as it weighs on growth prospects, therefore if a natural correction does not take place from US growth we could see QE in the coming months to help weaken the euro and tackle deflation concerns. Falling inflation is a big concern
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Look on the private side of banking BBVA’s purchase of bailed-out Catalunya Banc for a knockdown €1.2 billion makes it a major Cataluña force. Until now CaixaBank administered the region’s principal fortunes practically without competition. Now it has BBVA to contend with. Twenty-two per cent of the clients who receive the services of Spain’s private banking sector live in Cataluña, which has the country’s fourthhighest per capita GDP after the Basque Region, Madrid and Navarra. Of these, Madrid boasts the largest segment with 25 per cent of the wealthiest clients, revealed consultants DBK. At the end of 2013, rich Catalans owned €74.8 billion of the €365 billion that moves the wealth management sector in
UK ECONOMY: The pound is nicely positioned for further gains.
Spain. CaixaBank’s private banking division attends to the financial affairs of clients with minimum assets of €500,000. From Barcelona it controls around €19.8 billion - almost half of the group’s wealth management business of approximately €44 billion. Nationwide BBVA can count on more than €76 billion that belongs to clients with assets of more than €300,000. By the end of last year 18 per cent of its clients were based in Cataluña, with a volume of assets approaching €13.7 billion. Cataluña’s private banking sector moves more than €80.3 billion, and once the Catalunya Banc deal is completed in 2015, almost half of this will be split between CaixaBank (€19.8 billion) and BBVA (€16.7 billion).
for ECB policy officials and inflation projections still look soft for the Eurozone. The euro has managed to maintain good levels despite the aggressive policy action announced by the ECB so far. After weakening in June post the announcement, EUR/USD managed to retrace back up to the same levels as we commenced the July meeting. But as we stand the outlook certainly looks soft for the euro and the pound is getting the plaudits. History tells us however that the pound can have a tendency to disappoint just when it looks likely to make further gains. If UK economic data starts to disappoint, the rally in the pound could lose steam and therefore caution is still noted. Assuming we do not see the UK economy derail, the pound is nicely positioned for further gains against the euro with an eye on 1.30 for GBP/EUR.
Gallows humour in bankruptcy Credit davepatten/Flickr
THE bull-run in the pound has continued unabated and recently it has managed to push to a fresh 22-month high against the euro and a six-year high versus the US dollar. These are exceptional levels for the Great British Pound and it is mainly due to the fact that currently the UK is on the path to raising interest rates ahead of its peers in the US and Europe. The economic backdrop for the UK for now is upbeat and the consensus is that the UK economy will continue to perform strongly for the remainder of 2014. There is a large contrast in Europe with economic data inconsistent and the outlook soft. The strength of the euro currently and the risk of deflation is a real concern. These concerns have provoked unprecedented monetary policy action by the European Central Bank (ECB) in June. The ECB became the first of the major central banks to apply negative interest rates,
Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.
www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932
WE often find humour even under the most dreadful circumstances; it is known as gallows humour. The never ending recession has produced its own brand of wit. ‘With the market turmoil being what it is what’s the best way to make a small fortune? Start off with a large one.’ Iceland’s President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson issued arrest warrants on the bankers responsible for bringing the economy to its knees. This was the basis of the joke, ‘Record levels of unemployment have been announced. Those worst affected are the construction trades and Iceland’s bankers.’ The roll call of bankers who have taken their own lives since the beginning of their Ponzi scams has reached unprecedented levels.
BIG ISSUE: A former banker? ‘What’s the definition of optimism? An investment banker who irons five shirts on a Sunday evening.’ In Britain there’s The Big Issue magazine; it is sold by unemployed street sellers. This gave rise to the joke: ‘I talked to my bank manager yesterday. He said he was going to focus on the big issue. He sold me one outside McDonald’s yesterday.’ I can identify with that. I received a letter from my bank manager stamped, ‘Insufficient Funds.’ I wrote back, ‘you or me?’
Investment banking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Most of us relate to ‘what is the difference between an investment banker and a London pigeon?’ The pigeons can still make deposits on BMW cars. One businessman wryly remarked bankruptcy was worse than divorce: ‘I have lost half my net worth and I still have my wife.’ You know the credit supply is crunching when your cash-point asks if you have any spare change and the Inland Revenue offer a discount for cash payers.
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BUSINESS EXTRA
Pay-back pledge BAILED-OUT Bankia’s client base increased by 15,000 and profits rose by 48 per cent during the first six months of this year. The board is committed to repaying the taxpayer-funded rescue, said CEO Jose Sevilla.
Taurus takeover TAURUS, the Catalan electrical appliance manufacturer which markets 11 brands in 80 countries, acquired longestablished but insolvent Solac, best known for its steam irons.
I
’M just back from a trip abroad and the entire process of booking the low-cost flight couldn’t have been easier. While I normally need a stiff drink in hand to handle the frustration of reserving a plane ticket on the Ryanair website, their new updated and user-friendly browser is a pleasure to navigate. Apparently Michael O’Leary, renowned for his “my way or the highway” attitude - yes, the one who used to make people pay extortionate amounts for forgetting to print out the boarding ticket -
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It pays to be nice… NEW ATTITUDE: Michael O'Leary’s new policy paying off.
Loose change A look at finance for females
Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
has turned over a new leaf. The airline adopted
Spain continues with aid DESPITE the crisis, Spain will continue sending aid to developing countries. Only four of 52 countries classed in the past as living below the poverty threshold are no longer underdeveloped, said Spain’s Foreign minister Jose Manuel
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
Garcia-Margallo during a UN-organised conference. Spain offered cooperation so these countries could leave underdevelopment behind. But they had to make efforts related to “good government, rule of law and political stability.”
Why can’t they collect debt? Q. I read with interest your answer to KS on the Costa del Sol regarding the You and the ‘Proceso Monitorio’ to collect Community Law in Spain debts. In our Community we have two By David Searl owners who have not paid at all for six years. They are not Spanish and one of them is not from an EU country. In my own country (Denmark) this situation would not have lasted long. The property would have been embargoed. I have asked our administrator what can be done and had different answers, which I do not quite understand. And where can I buy your book in Torrevieja? T.S. (Costa Blanca) A. I am glad you asked. The ‘Proceso Monitorio’ is relatively new, so you need an up-to-date edition of You and the Law in Spain. If you wait until September 1, you can obtain the new 2015 edition, with a full treatment of ‘Proceso Monitorio.’ Perhaps your best option is to order the book from the Santanabooks.com website. You will receive it at home. I agree with you that Spanish law for debt collection leaves a lot to be desired. It is far too slow in the backlogged courts. Nevertheless, Communities of Property Owners all over Spain have successfully taken debtors to court, either by the ‘Proceso Monitorio’ or a regular lawsuit. Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
a strategy of being nicer to customers last autumn with O'Leary deciding that the firm should try to ‘eliminate things that unnecessarily p*** people off’. And so far being nice has been a success, with Ryanair admitting that its earnings have soared in the last three months. A new study backs up
this ‘it pays to be nice philosophy.’ While bosses who scream and micromanage their way to the top, are still common in today’s workplaces, according to the report the best bosses are humble bosses, those who empower and appreciate their employees, are open to feedback and care about the
Credit: Northfoto / Shutterstock.com
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greater good. There tends to be a stereotype that humble people are weak people that get walked all over. Humble people may be quieter, more in the background, but they lead in a different way, by empowering their employees, and this trickles down making humble bosses strong bosses, says the report. The qualities of a humble boss include: self-awareness, openness to feedback, appreciation of others and low self-focus. All of which are traits that help humble bosses acknowledge their weaknesses as well as their strengths, and therefore learn, grow and succeed. Controlling and tough bosses may be surprised by the study results, but maybe it’s time we understood that humility isn’t a sign of weakness or lacking confidence, but rather, a good thing that can benefit us all.
Messi still facing court in tax mess ACE footballer Lionel Messi is a step nearer the courtroom. If nothing changes, the Barcelona striker will be questioned regarding €4.1 million owed in unpaid income tax on image rights between 2007 and 2009. Messi, one of the world’s highestpaid sportsmen, earns just under €30 million a season in salary and bonuses, according to Forbes magazine, plus more than €17 million from sponsors. His father now faces charges of transferring income from sponsors to shell corporations in Belize and Uruguay amongst other tax havens. When this came to light in June last year, Messi immediately added €10 million to his 2010 and 2011 tax returns which were then under investigation. A further €5 million was paid in back taxes corresponding to 2007, 2008 and 2009. Barcelona judge Manuel Alcover rejected the public prosecutor’s
recommendation of excluding Messi from the three charges of fiscal fraud. The prosecution office maintained that the player did not realise the “range, dimension, aims and effects” of the strategies masterminded by his father, Jorge. Leo Messi also told the examining judge last September that he left financial matters to his father but Alcover was not convinced that Messi was entirely unaware of his machinations. The latter has accepted full responsibility for the tax evasion, maintaining that his son had no part in attempts to hide his earnings. There were sufficient indications to assume that Messi “must have known about and consented to” moves to construct a “fictitious corporate structure” specifically designed to evade taxes, the judge argued. The player’s involvement, if any, in the illicit financial dealings should be a trial matter, he added.
OPINION & COMMENT
Noise versus peace is a real dilemma I’VE been living and working in Spain more than 30 years. I call Spain my real home but what happened to that fun place I fell in love with? I am a professional DJ and worked for 40 years in England, Spain, Germany and now the Costa de Sol. Jake Smith is right when he says mayors have lost the plot on what tourists need. They are happy to give you dog beaches and toilets (we all need them don’t we?) but they don’t permit bars or pubs to employ DJs any more. They use noise as an excuse to close or fine them. In other words, an early night for everyone. I came across this problem a few years ago in Galicia when I worked in one of the best discopubs in Pontevedra. Because of one person (yes: one) calling the local police, they closed us down. I understand that everyone has the right to sleep, but anyone with a minimum of common sense knows you don’t buy a flat over a bar without checking first! We now have to rethink where we go or live. Work-wise for me it’s looking like the end but noone is prepared to take on the local mayors even though they may or may not have voted for them. Spain isn’t the fun place which many of us were lucky enough to know in years gone by. Sorry to say, the end is near unless you are a dog person. D A Thompson (by email)
A sobering look THANKS for the Looky, Looky, Looky article. But you sure walk on tiptoe around the subject instead of calling a horse a horse and looking it in the mouth! Blissful are we tourists, looking at these people and having compassion for them instead of realising the sordid truth. These immigrants often have to pay back their passage into the paradise called Europe and are ruthlessly exploited by their own people and all others: 21 in a room, 63 to a house, payment per three-minute showers,
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Then any personal allowance remaining is set against your private pension, often resulting in most of it being taxed at the full rate of 20 per cent. As to whether tax on retired people is unfair, well that’s a different matter. If you are resident in Spain and can reduce or avoid it altogether by doing the right thing, why not check it out? Stephen Clarke, Turre (Almeria)
Do as Romans
THE coast has many attractions, but there is so much to see inland. One of my favourite towns in the province of Valencia is Jativa, worth visiting for the basilica alone. Alphonse Ridgeway (by email)
etcetera. They have no alternative but to survive as a group in these grey zones of legitimacy. There are too many Chinese stores and restaurants to really make a living unless they are a facade for money-laundering, drugs- and people-trafficking or servitude. I wrote to the Spanish and European governments and proposed not letting any immigrant enter the labourmarket without a certificate of an OESCD-level III education. The rest should be kept in camps and educated but sent back to their region, to help build that up. No response as yet. Roland de Rooy, Alhaurin El Grande (Malaga)
Easy target DO my name, telephone number and email address appear on an alternative mailing list? It could be paranoia, I’m ready to admit, but I am convinced that my details are obtained by, or sold
WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
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to, hordes of spammers, hackers, phishers and old-school conmen. I have often written to Your Say in the past about this, partly for the pleasure of relating my phone and email adventures following unsuccessful attempts to deprive me of my hard-earned money. But I have also done this so that other readers will not be taken in. The latest episode began with a warning from my anti-virus programme. “Virus detected in an incoming email,” it droned. I panicked a bit and deleted the whole thing and to be on the safe side emptied the deleted items folder.
I did notice something about ‘virus order’ at the top and the name Vicente Pratt (which is exactly what he must be). Anyway, readers, don’t say I didn’t warn you! T Freeman (by email)
Tax truths THERE was a short letter from Stephen Tucker last week, whom we have to assume lives in Spain and believes it is unfair that he must pay tax on his private Merchant Navy pension at age 65. First of all, the reason why he has started to pay tax at age 65 is presumably because at that age he has started to collect the UK state pension which is taxable. A lot of people seem to believe that it is not, usually because if it is your only source of income your personal allowances will cover it. HMRC will always recover any tax due from a private pension by allocating most of your allowances to the State Pension so that you are not taxed on that (it is still taxable, remember).
I AGREE with Leapy Lee week after week. His comments are spot on; it’s a shame our leaders don’t have as much commonsense. With regards to the Middle East, the Romans used to pay one tribe to fight another, keeping them occupied and off the backs of Rome. Why have we not learned from history? Then I see announcements by well-known actors, asking for my money to help support camps in Turkey or wherever people have fled because their country is having yet another civil war. Why would I want to give money to them? So they can have a better life and come and kill my fellow citizens and our troops? R J (by email)
Sick of cicadas LAST spring a reader complained about the noise and droppings from pigeons. Not long after there was another complaint, this time about intrusive sparrows. What a couple of killjoys, I thought, but now I’m beginning to sympathise. I’ve moved to the ‘campo’ after years in a city that I happily shared with pigeons and sparrows. No-one told me that there would be cicadas. They started tuning up as soon as the really hot weather began and now make a deafening din somewhere between a buzz and whirr. Occasionally they all stop at once and after a couple of minutes of silence they start up again in perfect disharmony, all at exactly the same time. Is it just me? Or are cicadas a pain where it’s preferable not to have one? M P Norris, Quatretonda (Valencia)
The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.
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OPINION & COMMENT
Worms are out of the can… LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
W
ELL, we certainly opened a can of worms last week. My statement regarding Arabic inventions, or rather lack of them, did attract some interesting response from quite a number of readers. As usual most were extremely positive, but a couple did creep in that I felt deserved at least some defence of my observations. On the advice of one particularly abusive missive, I did review my facts on the subject and, lo and behold, actually found quite a number of inventions allegedly discovered by members of Arabic communities. Coffee was one. Rocket propulsion was another. (Funny, I always thought that was the Chinese!) A number of others did come to light; even the camera crept in at one point. However, apart from one Mid-East gentleman who apparently worked for NASA during the moon landing, I couldn’t find any other positive input to the human
ARABIC DISCOVERIES? Coffee was one of them. race for the last thousand years. Not the most convincing record of humanityserving intentions; I rest my case. As far as the knockers of Israel’s Gaza onslaught are concerned, tragic as it all is, I don’t recall the British dropping leaflets on Dresden or Berlin, etc, warning their citizens to seek shelter before they wiped out hundreds of thousands of civilian women and children; or America, before it annihilated Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Sorry, but the pure hypocrisy of the West regarding this conflict simply defies the imagination. The only difference in the wars of the 21st century is the media coverage. In the past, what the eye didn’t see the heart didn’t grieve. Unfortunately, the allseeing eyes of the media and modern technology’s instant communication capabilities now bring the true horrors of conflict directly into our living rooms. Will
this finally lead our hearts to one day truly grieve and learn from our humanitarian mistakes? Don’t hold yer breath! Heard a particularly funny remark by one of the ‘you know where I’m comin’ from’ brigade last week. Many of these young people punctuate remarks by the word ‘ennit’. That’s literally all it is, a verbal punctuation mark that generally has no connection with the preceding sentence whatsoever. No doubt wishing to sound rather ‘better read’ than her peers this young lady informed her interviewer that she hoped Labour would win the next election - ‘isn’t it’! You really couldn’t make it up. Loved the story of the woman who got totally drunk on an aircraft last week. After shouting for cigarettes and a parachute, she then proceeded to unscrew her prosthetic leg and throw it at a member of the cabin crew. After the pilot decided to make an emergency landing, the police came on board and arrested the woman, who left the plane to the whole of the passengers giving her a rousing chorus of the Hokey Cokey. God bless the Brits! Keep the faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Is there life without a smartphone? It seems like only yesterday that we had to queue up with a pocketful of change if we wanted to make a phone call when away from home. Times have changed; everywhere you go there is someone with their heads down looking at their phone. We asked: Could you live without your smartphone, or are they a waste of time?
F
OR Maria Isabel Signes, phones are a lifeline. The optician from Calpe works with the Visio Sense Fronteres foundation, offering optical advice and eye surgery in remote and poor countries where phones can be crucial: “Sometimes in the villages I may go ahead of the team so I have to contact them on Whatsapp and we have a Whatsapp group for the charity so we can contact each other quickly and easily, so it is essential.” Maria Isabel added: “I’ve been in Africa for a few weeks without my phone and you can survive without it, of course, but it does make life easier.” Team leader at Fastighetsbyran Real Estate in Torrevieja, Nina Gisslen, agreed, saying: “I could live without it but would I really want to? That is the question!” “When I am out working or showing a client a property, my phone is so important. It gives me all the tools I need to hand, although I do switch it off at night!”
STREET TALK
tphones make MARIA ISABEL: Smar much easier. her charity work so
NINA: Smartphones mean you can be on call 24-7.
Another devotee is Alan from Frankies Bar in Vera Playa, Almeria. He said: “I couldn’t live without my smartphone. It is glued to my side more or less. I use it for emails, Facebook, messaging and surfing the internet.” Emma-Maria Robertson, CEO of Mayfair Academy on the Costa del Sol, said: “My smartphone is essential when I am out of the office for emails and appointments. It keeps me updated when I need it to. But nothing can beat face-to-face contact.” And making a clean sweep of smartphone devotees was James Patterson, Managing Director and founder of Rib Club Global in Mallorca. “I could never live without my smartphone. It is like my comfort blanket! “Whether it’s for business or pleasure I always have two, one English and one Spanish, with a spare battery for each,” he said.
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Secret learning aids that made the journey! ACCENTS: Toe-mate-oh or toe-mart-oh?
Ric Polansky Ric Polansky moved to Mojacar in 1969 as a pioneer developer. He reads extensively and has travelled in South America panning gold and looking for El Dorado.
I MUST admit, I didn’t travel alone when coming to Europe and specifically Spain for the first time. I had with me a toddler, a sagacious wife and five unique books that I considered essential for living WHERE EVER I was going to settle. The other four books were important, but the one I used the most was a simple tome called 10,000 of the Most Misspelled Words. Of course, heading into Hemingway country I wanted to write something too. And, I didn’t want to appear as a complete dolt to my contemporaries when they reviewed my works. Spelling has
LOOKING AR BACK IN MOJAC
never been a high point of my studies. I would have written then NAHIF instead of knife. I continued my correspondence with university types, professors and poets back home. I wrote copiously. They could understand me I believe. Largely
because of that special valued book. I wore it out in my first two years here. So, I wrote and wrote, poems, short stories, bleatings, whinings and lots of rhetorical crap that sounded forceful but communicated nothing but high sounding words. There was but five foreign
souls living all along the beach so trips to Mojacar village were required to lurk about the Hotel Indalo waiting to meet one of the village poets, diplomats or savants. I read and recited all my over flowering sentiments to living statues that responded with clamours of muffled murmurs and snorts. The dead panned granite reception wasn’t lively enough to make me want to continue reading to them or writing for me. The journal was abandoned and mid morning cerveza exquisitely filled the gap. From there my 10,000 word journey slipped into learning the peculiar Mojaquerian dialect. It was difficult primarily because of years of familiarity of exchanging verbal pleasantries with the same tiny crew that wandered aimlessly around the village looking for something to do - no effort was ever made to account anything out of the extraordinary even if something special did occur. The village had a tendency to drop the latter part of each
word to give a rapid importance to small undertakings. The traditional morning greeting “Buenos dias” became “Buen Di” and evening adios were a trite “Buen Noch.” Their brevity of expression confused me as it seemed they had nothing else to do with their time. The local Spanish way of speaking should have been called “the swallowed word riddle conjunction of words to convey familiar sentiments that could have been done with the nod of a head or quick shrug of the shoulders.” Village people knew their own lingo as well as East Enders know Cockney rhyme. As the years rolled on and a friend asked me to write a few lines for his paper I soon discovered the British have an altogether different way of spelling. My valued Biblical treasure became instantaneously worthless. I was heartbroken, until I realise they still mispronounce ‘toe-mate-ohs’ as ‘toe-mart-ohs.’ Doesn’t make sense does it?
Leo leads defiantly into August: a time for positive influences WITH the new moon in Leo leading us defiantly into August, it is time to be confident about your talents and let your inner light shine. If you knew you would succeed in any endeavour, what would you do? Listen to the first answer that comes to mind and act on it! Influenced by the fiery sign of Leo until August 23, this creative, expansive influence is helping you to empower yourself in all areas of your life. Speak your truth, assert your needs and be guided by your highest vision. August is the eighth month of the year and the number eight gives you the opportunity for inner
Sally Trotman Based in Mallorca, Sally Trotman is a qualified Counsellor who works with Astrology, Numerology and the Tarot. Each month she will deliver the forecast as an intuitive tool to aid increased self awareness.
www.sallytrotman.com
and outer transformation. In the tarot deck, the cards of Strength and the Star are ruled by the number eight. These are extremely positive influences, meaning that you have the courage, strength and ability to fulfil your desires this month. With the full moon in the visionary sign of Aquarius on August 10, you won’t be short of ideas this month. The new moon in practical Virgo on August
CREATIVE: Leo’s expansive influence will help you to empower yourself. 25 helps you to ground your vision. As the sun moves into Virgo at the end of the month, you may feel a
little less exuberant, as the Leo energy fades. This is the perfect moment to commit to your ideas.
The sign of Aquarius also reminds you that you can achieve far more by working with a group than alone. Ask for help,
discuss ideas and find others who share your vision. Draw on the strength of the lion this month to create a stronger sense of self-belief and take the next step towards creating whatever is most important to you. Face your fears and push out of your comfort zone this month. You will be surprised at the result! Leo is a generous sign, so give thanks for all that you have in your life. Help others where you can and know that you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest in September.
www.sallytrotman.com 0034 674 405 464
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UK Pensions – “Freedom And Choice” The biggest reforms to UK pensions in almost a century are underway. As more options become available, you need to understand how they affect you and consider what would work best for you in the short and long term. The pension reform was first announced in the March budget. Some initial changes came into effect that month, but the main reform will start next April. The government launched a consultation on its proposed changes, and on 21st July released its response to the consultation, “Freedom and Choice in Pensions.” Here is a summary of key decisions reached under the process. The Government believes that individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions with their pension savings. From April 2015 pension scheme members aged over 55 with defined contribution schemes will be able to access them as they wish - there will be no restrictions on how much you can withdraw, you can even take
By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks
the whole amount. For UK taxpayers, the first 25% will be tax free and the remainder at the individual’s marginal UK tax rate. Expatriates need to consider the tax implications in Spain. Besides Spanish income tax, funds withdrawn from pension schemes will form part of your estate for Spanish succession and UK inheritance tax purposes, so you need to plan for that.
Transfers out of private sector defined benefits pension schemes will still be allowed, up to the member’s normal scheme retirement date as opposed to within 12 months of that date. It will be a statutory requirement for such transfers to have been advised by a professional financial adviser who is independent of the scheme and authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Further consultation will be carried out to determine the viability of partial transfers. Transfers out of unfunded public sector defined benefit schemes will not be allowed. Transfers from funded public sector defined benefit schemes will be allowed, subject to the same safeguards as outlined for private sector scheme transfers. Currently, a 55% death benefit tax charge is levied on pensions that remain invested when the holder dies. The government
announced it will cut this charge, with a new rate to be announced in the Autumn Statement. Legislation will be introduced to enable product providers to introduce more flexible annuities. The minimum pension age will increase from 55 to 57 in 2018. Thereafter it will be 10 years below state pension age. This will not apply to certain public sector schemes such as the armed forces, police and firefighters. For those aged over 55 after April 2015 and still in employment, annual pension tax relief will be limited to £10,000 for further contributions where benefits in a defined contribution scheme have been drawn. The government recognises that the changes to the pension tax rules will have implications for the rules relating to Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS). It will consider these implications further to ensure the QROPS rules are
appropriate when the new system comes into force. There was no news on the suggested removal of, or change to, the lifetime allowance. These pension reforms are welcome, but it is essential that you understand how all the options work for you and weigh up what would be most beneficial for your circumstances and aims. The tax element, both in the UK and here in Spain, plays an important part. Specialist advice is important to make sure you get it right. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.
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E W N 7 - 13 August 2014 / Costa de AlmerĂa
Thursday BBC ONE 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Fake Britain 8:30pm EastEnders 9:30pm Scrappers 10:00pm Who Do You Think You Are? 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Motorway Cops 12:35am Trust the Man
BBC TWO 5:15pm Italy Unpacked 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 8:00pm The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure 9:00pm Natural World 10:00pm The Honourable Woman 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire
ITV 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The 21st Question 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Harbour Lives 10:00pm Kids with Cameras: Diary of a Children's Ward 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Benidorm 12:40am The Chase
CH4 5:30pm Win it Cook it 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year 10:00pm Embarrassing Bodies 11:00pm First Time Farmers 12:05am Child Genius
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cricket on 5 9:00pm The Killer Next Door: Countdown to Murder 10:00pm Autopsy 11:00pm Big Brother 12:00am Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Modern Family 10:00pm Glee 11:00pm Stella 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles 1:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
Friday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The Sheriffs are Coming 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Scrappers 10:00pm Walter 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm John Bishop Live: Elvis Has Left the Building 12:45am EastEnders Omnibus
BBC TWO 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 8:00pm The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm Sweets Made Simple 10:00pm The Great British Bake Off. 10:30pm Gardeners' World 11:00pm Edinburgh Nights with Sue Perkins 11:30pm Newsnight 12:05am The Lady
ITV 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The 21st Question 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm The Dales 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Doc Martin 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Duplicity 1:55am Jackpot247
CH4 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News Includes sport and weather. 9:00pm The Million Pound Drop 10:00pm The Singer Takes it All 11:00pm The Last Leg 11:50pm Virtually Famous 12:40am The Dilemma
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cricket on 5 9:00pm On the Yorkshire Buses 10:00pm Big Brother: Live Eviction 11:35pm Big Brother's Bit on the Side 12:35am Stand by Your Man
SKY1 3:00pm The Simpsons 4:00pm Glee 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Modern Family 10:00pm An Idiot Abroad 11:00pm A League of Their Own 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
Saturday BBC ONE 5:30pm Final Score 6:20pm BBC News 6:30pm Regional News 6:35pm Weather 6:40pm Pointless 7:30pm Tumble 9:00pm The National Lottery 9:50pm Casualty 10:40pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:10pm BBC News 11:28pm Weather 11:30pm Michael Mcintyre's Showtime 12:30am The Football League Show
BBC TWO 4:40pm Flog It! 5:00pm A Bear with a Bounty - A Natural World 6:00pm Cycling 7:00pm Great War Diaries 8:00pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Dad's Army 9:30pm Proms Extra 10:15pm Melvyn Bragg's Radical Lives 11:15pm QI XL 12:00am Seraphim Falls
ITV 4:25pm All Star Mr and Mrs 5:25pm Housesitter 7:20pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 7:45pm The Guide to You've Been Framed! 8:45pm Tipping Point 9:45pm All Star Family Fortunes 10:45pm Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope 11:40pm ITV News and Weather 11:55pm Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope 1:35am The Cube 2:20am Jackpot 247
CH4 5:10pm Come Dine with Me 5:40pm Come Dine with Me 6:10pm Come Dine with Me 6:40pm Come Dine with Me 7:15pm Come Dine with Me 7:40pm Channel 4 News 8:05pm Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year 9:00pm Grand Designs 10:00pm Immortals 12:05am Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
CH5 5:40pm The Sea Wolves 8:00pm Cricket on 5 9:00pm World's Worst Storms 9:55pm 5 News Weekend 10:00pm Big Brother 11:00pm Dangerous Dog Owners and Proud 12:05am Big Brother's Bit on the Psych
SKY1 4:00pm Bite Size Brainiac 4:05pm Face 2 Face 4:20pm The Simpsons 5:50pm The Simpsons 6:20pm Night at the Museum 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Got to Dance 10:00pm A Touch of Cloth 11:00pm Psycho Bitches 11:30pm A League of Their Own 12:30am Hawaii Five-0
TV LISTING
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Sunday BBC ONE 3:00pm Cycling 7:35pm BBC News 7:50pm Regional News 7:55pm Weather 8:00pm Antiques Roadshow 9:00pm Countryfile 10:00pm The Village 11:00pm BBC News 11:15pm Regional News 11:20pm Weather 11:25pm Match of the Day 12:10am Live at the Apollo 12:40am Annapolis
BBC TWO 3:30pm Rugby League Challenge Cup Semi Final 6:00pm Songs of Praise 6:35pm Flog It! 7:00pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:00pm Tropic of Capricorn with Simon Reeve 9:00pm Dragons' Den 10:00pm James May: The People's Car 11:00pm Legacy 12:30am The Trench
ITV 4:30pm Midsomer Murders 6:35pm Tipping Point 7:30pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Come on Down! The Game Show Story 9:00pm The Zoo 10:00pm The Great War 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:15pm Kids with Cameras: Diary of a Children's Ward 12:15am Premiership Rugby 7s Highlights
CH4 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 3:25pm The Simpsons 3:55pm The Simpsons 4:25pm Step Up 3 6:30pm Deal or No Deal 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Tom's Fantastic Floating Home 9:00pm The Mill 10:00pm Child Genius 11:00pm The Eagle 1:10am Red Cliff
CH5 3:55pm Baby Boom 6:05pm The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep 8:00pm Cricket on 5 8:55pm 5 News Weekend 9:00pm Caught with Their Fingers in the Till 10:00pm Big Brother 11:00pm Killers 1:00am Shoplifters and Proud
SKY1 3:30pm Planes: Fire and Rescue Special 4:00pm The Simpsons 4:30pm The Simpsons 5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Got to Dance 10:00pm A Touch of Cloth 11:00pm Psycho Bitches 11:30pm A League of Their Own 12:30am Hawaii Five-0
Monday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Fake Britain 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Miranda 10:00pm Death in Paradise 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News & Weather 11:35pm Have I Got a Bit More News for You 12:20am Who Do They Think They Are? 10 Years, 100 Shows
BBC TWO 4:15pm Natural World 5:15pm Great Continental Railway Journeys 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Hairy Bikers Asian Adventure 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Food and Drink 10:00pm Kate Adie's Women of World War One 11:00pm The Sarah Millican Television Programme 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Dragons' Den
ITV 6:00pm The 21st Question 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Countrywise 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Long Lost Family 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Zoo 12:40am All Star Family Fortunes
CH4 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Dispatches 9:30pm Food Unwrapped 10:00pm Royal Marines Commando School 11:00pm Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:00am Embarrassing Bodies
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cricket on 5 9:00pm Police Interceptors 10:00pm Big Brother 11:00pm 70 Stone: The Man They Couldn't Save 12:00am Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Modern Family 10:00pm Night at the Museum 12:10am Trollied
Tuesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm In the Club 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm Scrappers 12:05am Scrappers
BBC TWO 3:15pm Cash in the Attic 3:45pm Natural World 4:45pm Great Continental Railway Journeys 5:45pm Athletics 6:00pm Athletics 9:30pm Coast 10:30pm Scotland Votes: What's at Stake for the UK? 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am The Stuarts
ITV 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Secret Dealers 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The 21st Question 7:00pm Local News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Ade at Sea 9:00pm Love Your Garden 10:00pm Executed 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Chase 12:40am Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green
CH4 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Kirstie's Fill Your House for Free 10:00pm Undercover Boss 11:00pm Utopia 12:05am Royal Marines Commando School
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Henry and Anne 9:00pm The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 10:00pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 11:00pm Big Brother 12:00am Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 4:00pm Glee 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Modern Family 10:00pm An Idiot Abroad 11:00pm Glee 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
Wednesday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Fake Britain 9:00pm The Great British Bake Off 10:00pm Operation Wild 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm A Question of Sport 12:05am The League Cup Show
BBC TWO 5:45pm Athletics 6:00pm Athletics 10:00pm The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire 11:00pm Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Kate Adie's Women of World War One
ITV 6:00pm The 21st Question 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm 100 Year Old Drivers 10:00pm Secrets From the Clink 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Dangerous Dogs 12:40am Off the Beaten Track
CH4 5:30pm Win it Cook it 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Sarah Beeny's Double Your House for Half the Money 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm The Mimic 11:30pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Best Bits 12:35am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA
CH5 3:15pm NCIS 4:15pm The Hollywood Mom's Mystery 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Ultimate Police Interceptors 9:00pm Emergency Bikers 10:00pm Grand Theft Auto: UK 11:00pm Big Brother 12:00am Big Brother's Bit on the Side
SKY1 3:00pm The Simpsons 4:00pm Glee 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Modern Family 10:00pm Modern Family 10:30pm Modern Family 11:00pm Modern Family 11:30pm Modern Family 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
E W N 7 - 13 August 2014 / Costa de Almería
CROSSWORDS
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Time Out
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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
Almería weather
NEW ON DVD MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
for next 7 days
The Love Punch The Love Punch tells the story of Richard Jones who just cannot wait to finally go into a well-deserved retirement. Life, however, seems to have other plans. On his final day at the office he finds out that his pension fund has been stolen by Vincent Kruger, the man who bought over the company he had so far been working for. Jones enlists the help of his ex Kate to get his money back. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie and Louise Bourgoin, directed by Joel Hopkins. It has a run time of 95 minutes and is rated 12A.
TODAY
VELEZ RUBIO
TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA
ALBOX
VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR
ALMERIA
HUERCAL OVERA
RETAMAR GARRUCHA
ADRA
ROQUETAS
MOJACAR
RETAMAR
ALMERIA
ROQUETAS
ADRA
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Energy is high and there is a lot of fun to be had. An invitation sent out brings an old friend to your table. This is not as straightforward as you think it will be. Odd stirrings make you confused. Could it be that going back is the right way to go forward? SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You feel like a fish out of water in a confused and noisy situation.
8-Star Quiz ROCKS AND MINERALS
1. Amethyst is a transparent purple variety of which hard, glossy mineral? 2. In geology, what name is given to the layer of the Earth between the crust and the core? 3. Limestone is sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium carbonate that was deposited by the remains of what? 4. Named after a 19th century German mineralogist, the Moh’s scale is used to measure the what of minerals? 5. Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of which mineral? 6. The bright red mineral cinnabar is the chief source of which metallic element? 7. There are three main rock types: metamorphic and sedimentary are two, which is the third? 8. What is the aboriginal/official name of the red rock mass in Northern Territory, Australia, south-west of Alice Springs that was formerly known as Ayers Rock?
Your Stars
Perhaps you are not making the right kind of friends, so take control of the quality of people who you associate with.
August 7: Antonio Resines. Film actor. This Spanish actor, producer and director started out by studying to become a lawyer but soon got bored with that idea. He has appeared in Spanish cinema classics like Hay Carmela! and Celda 211. He won a Goya award for his role in La Buena Estrella in 1997.
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FLICKR BY Casa de America.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) There is a great impatience this week when someone flatly refuses to see something through to the end. You do not admire sloppiness and your reaction shows this.
IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: With high energy and sex appeal right through to the end of the year, you are likely to stir things up a bit on the domestic front. Doing something completely out of character should be avoided if possible. If this is not possible, then you may use your charm.
humour into the most tense situations is invaluable midweek. AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) You like to do your own things in your own way and in your own time. That certainly shows this week. It can cause a bit of a stir with family. Even so, it will inspire someone close to step forward and make their own stand. Put someone straight when they step out of line.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) People look to you to guide them through the maze of right and wrong this week. Your talent for bringing
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) The kind nature that is so much a part of you is only too evident this week. A situation makes you feel
frustrated and you need to find a way forward. A bit of expert advice goes a long way even if it does mean that you still have to go it alone. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) As you prefer living in the here and now, you find it difficult to understand and tolerate people who plot and plan in advance. It is tedious in the extreme to consider every little detail of something which may never happen. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) This time of year reminds you just how much you enjoy home comforts. Plan ahead now for those chilly winter nights when the air is crisp and the wine is mulled. The urge is to work with others this week and that in itself throws up plans for evenings ahead. Having planned a romantic weekend there may need to be some adjustments.
Sudoku Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your mind, as ever, is changeable. This is a fun time to dabble at this and that to bring a bit of variety to your life and work. Meeting new people and starting new projects means that it is a busy time at work but the rewards are high.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) This is an emotional week, when it is difficult to keep things to yourself. Get together with others and do a bit of social networking. Talk, and if you cannot bring yourself to confess to a problem, say that it is a friend of yours who has it. Certainly, you need to share this concern to get a balanced picture. Things that are held inside can get blown out of all proportion.
LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
Saturday August 2
Saturday August 2
Saturday August 2
Friday August 1
23
28
37
42
45
2
5 20
11 32
11
24
26
36
38
45
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
25
12
37
Almeria
SUNNY MAX 30C, MIN 23C MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
24
44 48
LUCKY STARS 5
10
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
2
32
37
44
45
49
REINTEGRO 14
6
1
32 46
Fri Sat Sun -
SUNNY
Fri Sat Sun -
Fri Sat Sun -
Madrid
29 23 S 31 23 Cl 31 23 S
SUNNY
Fri Sat Sun -
32 22 S 32 22 Cl 31 22 Cl S Sun,
MAX 35C, MIN 21C MAX MIN
33 20 Cl 32 19 Cl 33 18 S
Mon - 33 18 S Tues - 33 18 S Wed - 34 19 S
Murcia MAX 31C, MIN 21C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
SUNNY MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Mon - 32 23 S Tues - 28 22 S Wed - 28 22 C
Mallorca TODAY:
MAX MIN
Mon - 30 24 S Tues - 28 24 S Wed - 28 24 S
30 24 S 29 24 Cl 29 24 C
TODAY:
MAX 27C, MIN 21C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
SUNNY MAX 29C, MIN 24C MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Mon - 28 22 C Tues - 28 22 S Wed - 27 21 C
Malaga CLEAR
MAX MIN
Mon - 29 23 S Tues - 29 23 S Wed - 29 21 S
29 23 S 29 23 Cl 29 23 S
TODAY:
MAX 28C, MIN 23C
28 23 S 28 22 C 28 22 Cl
TODAY:
MAX 29C, MIN 22C
Benidorm
Barcelona TODAY:
SUNNY MAX MIN
Mon - 33 24 S Tues - 30 24 S Wed - 29 23 C
32 23 S 31 24 C 31 24 S
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Mon - 31 22 C Tues - 30 21 S Wed - 30 21 S Cl Clear,
SUNNY MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun Fog,
Sn Snow,
MAX 34C, MIN 22C MAX MIN
36 23 S 34 23 Cl 34 23 S
Mon - 36 23 S Tues - 34 23 C Wed - 33 22 Cl
C Cloud,
Sh Showers,
Th Thunder
Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case P) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
TARGET:
Average: 19
Very good: 36
Good: 25
Excellent: 44
aver, cave, evil, lave, leva, live, rave, rive, uvea, vail, vale, veal, veil, vela, vert, vial, vice, vile, alive, avert, calve, carve, caver, cavil, civet, clave, crave, curve, evict, laver, liver, livre, ravel, rival, rivet, trave, uveal, valet, value, vatic, vault, velar, vicar, viler, viral, virtu, vitae, vital, active, claver, curvet, travel, valuer, varlet, virtue, caviler, clavier, culvert, rivulet, vaulter, victual, virtual, cultivar, curative, vertical, LUCRATIVE, VICTUALER
Word Ladder ROAD
Sunday August 3
Saturday August 2
46 50
LA PRIMITIVA
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) This is a great social week. Your puppy-like enthusiasm attracts others and a barrage of good vibes comes your way. Indeed, your relaxed attitude allows someone close to get their own life a bit more into perspective.
13
Alicante TODAY:
Move from the start word (ROAD) to the end word (GANG) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
35 49
REINTEGRO 1
GANG
RAND RANG GANG
LEO (July 24 - August 23) There is a highly social week ahead with social gatherings here and there. A trip means that finances start to look brighter. You may find it necessary, if you are to progress, to consider a move to another job or area. Get involved with people who have been in the same situation.
ROAD READ REND
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1. QUARTZ, 2. MANTLE, 3. MARINE ANIMALS, CRUSHED SHELLS OR CORAL, 4. HARDNESS, 5. CORUNDUM, 6. MERCURY, 7. IGNEOUS, 8. ULURU
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CROSSWORDS
Crosswords
7 - 13 August 2014 / Costa de Almería
EWN
55
SPONSORED BY
For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com
Cryptic
Quick
Across 1 The first victim is in Rabelais’ book (4) 3 The French get over oriental game (8) 9 Regular pay, spend it foolishly (7) 10 Five in wrong race are cut up (5) 11 Topic from ‘The Mentalist’ (5) 12 Being more foolhardy, I might get grilled (6) 14 Spies making name in stage work (6) 16 Dictator in vehicle waves back (6) 19 State limits of New Hampshire, Virginia and Dakota (6) 21 The Spanish fleet loses its leader, gets wrecked. What a tragedy! (5) 24 Once more a drink has the answer (5) 25 Lattice work is visible (7) 26 Pioneers such as pay their bills (8) 27 For warmth, sunbathe at noon, inside (4) Down 1 Dog, alas ain’t trained (8) 2 Top people of the Spanish, Italian and English (5) 4 Re Dad’s unusual snakes (6) 5 Shakes up The Stones (5)
Across 1 Appear to be (4) 4 Summit (4) 9 Ordinary (5) 10 Staying power (7) 11/21 Give insider information (3,3) 12 Exactly alike (9) 13 Consistent (6) 14 Afraid (6) 18 Partner (9) 21 See 11 23 Soldiers on horseback (7) 24 Blockhead (5) 25 60 minutes (4) 26 Not difficult (4)
6 Rob sets off for desserts (7) 7 Old prime minister is buried in Sweden (4) 8 ‘God without end’ admitting church is fake (6) 13 Affected manner to dress up (8) 15 Graceful neat leg crossed (7)
17 Did cat upset fanatic? (6) 18 Beat the one at the crease? (6) 20 Cancel year-book, it has a letter missing (5) 22 A pay increase for Dawn (5) 23 Blades appearing when people have a row (4)
Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 17 represents B and 12 represents V, so fill in B every time the figure 17 appears and V every time the figure 12 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Sprites, 5 Coats, 8 Lantern, 9 Ethos, 10 Stole, 11 Extreme, 12 Sparse, 14 Ascent, 17 Airdrie, 19 Barks, 22 Tense, 23 Airfare, 24 Evens, 25 Scatter. Down: 1 Seles, 2 Rondo, 3 Theseus, 4 Singer, 5 Cheat, 6 Athlete, 7 Suspect, 12 Startle, 13 Arrange, 15 Siberia, 16 Pedals, 18 Rheas, 20 React, 21 Smear. QUICK Across: 7 Decade, 8 Leader, 9 Cage, 10 Prettier, 11 Crushed, 13 Reply, 15 Alone, 17 Consist, 20 Enormous, 21 Soak, 22 Severe, 23 Shared. Down: 1 Repair, 2 Hate, 3 Temples, 4 Flies, 5 Partners, 6 Reveal, 12 Sentries, 14 Possess, 16 Linked, 18 Scares, 19 Cover, 21 Snap.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Arbol, 3 Mesas, 5 Uña, 7 Ketchup, 9 Cats, 10 Blue, 13 Terraza, 14 Rib, 15 Swiss, 16 Temer. Down: 1 Aguacates, 2 Lake, 3 Mats, 4 September, 6 After, 8 Helar, 11 Pais, 12 Wait.
English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English. Across 1 Cristal (5) 3 Huésped (5) 6 Fregonas (4) 7 Blood (6) 9 Aubergine (9) 12 Barbero (peluquero) (6) 13 Grille (window) (4) 14 Bee (5) 15 Museum (5) Down 1 Encías (4) 2 Manzano (5,4) 3 Farm (6) 4 Ingenieros (9) 5 Three (4) 8 Fishbowl (6) 10 Work (4) 11 Expensive (4)
Hexagram The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (NURSED) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues. ABASES
MORSEL
CHAINS
MOTION
CINDER
NOBLER
ELDERS
NURSED (10)
ENABLE
RENDER
HOLDER
SENDER
ISSUED
THENCE
LADDER
TINDER
LEVELS
WATERS
LONGER
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Funagram Unscramble the title of a 2014 film starring Tom Cruise (three words): FORGET MORE WOOD FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: MICHAEL VAUGHAN, EDGE OF TOMORROW
Unscramble the name of a famous former England cricketer: HIGH CAVE MANUAL
Down 2 Representative specimen (7) 3 Human race (7) 4 Annoy persistently (6) 5 To one side (5) 6 Quick quarrel (4) 7 Bluish-white lustrous metallic element (4) 8 Lacking colour (6) 13 Grasp suddenly (6) 15 Narrow rock opening (7) 16 New recruits (7) 17 Native of Hungary (6) 19 Rescue from danger (4) 20 Large stringed instrument (5) 22 Destiny (4)
1 Leaned, 2 Strain, 3 Reared, 4 Treats, 5 Arenas, 6 Regard, 7 Retain, 8 Seared, 9 Nearer, 10 Insert, 11 Passed, 12 Enters, 13 Suited, 14 Course, 15 Desert, 16 Disuse, 17 Rivers, 18 Discus, 19 Afresh
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
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UK dementia cases increase
THE number of people diagnosed with dementia in the UK has soared by 62 per cent in the last seven years. Experts say an ageing population, improved diagnosis and better awareness could all be reasons behind the rise. Symptoms of the condition include memory loss, changes in mood or behaviour, changes in personality and misplacing things.
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SYMPTOMS: Memory loss, personality changes and misplacing things.
90% of women have tried to lose weight MORE than half of all Spaniards wanting to lose weight spend an average of €150 per month trying to do so. This was the finding of a survey carried out by the Union of Consumers and Users (OCU) of more than 2,000 people aged between 18 and 64, to discuss how they value their health and weight, weight loss and the cost and satisfaction with different methods. Around 90 per cent of respondents have tried to lose weight “to feel good about themselves.” Regarding the cost, depending on the method used, 45 per cent of those surveyed said they did not spend any amount, and the remaining an average of €150 a month on weight-loss methods. More than 90 per cent of women and 88 per cent of men said they had tried to lose weight at some point in their lives.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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Advertising feature
More than just a pharmacy FARMA CENTRO RUIZ COLLADO in Cuevas del Almanzora is a business that should be on everyone’s list to visit. This long-established business is fully stocked with products to make your life easier. With everything from glasses to orthopaedic goods, an optician and a hearing centre, this popular shop makes day-to-day activities that much simpler, and all aspects of your life more accessible. The business has been established since 1982 when it was launched by Juana Maria Ruiz Collado. It has gone from strength to strength and is now professionally managed by Juana’s daughter, Cristina. It proudly claims to be the largest provider of multiple services in the area, and from the throngs of happy customers that return time and again, it is no surprise that it is successful. When you are living in a foreign country, any form of visit or shopping regarding health can be a concern, especially if your
LIFE MADE EASIER: Visit Farma Centro Ruiz Collado in Cuevas del Almanzora. command of the local language isn’t great. Don’t worry, though, as a number of bilingual staff in the shop can speak to you in English or Spanish, whichever you would prefer. Concerned that your partner is not listening to what you say? Well, call their bluff by making an
appointment at the hearing centre. Currently, the pharmacy is offering a €300 discount for hearing aids bought at the Ruiz Collado Hearing Centre – see the advertisement below. It is also Grandfather’s Month at Ruiz Collado, offering a free hearing test to all grandads. Ask
in store for terms and conditions. As we get a little older, movement may not be as fluid as it once was. Farma Centro Ruiz Collado has a wide range of orthopaedic products designed specifically to make your life much easier. There is a selection available to view on their website,
or you can pop into the shop and chat to a staff member about your requirements. This family business offers a very wide range of products and covers many disciplines. With 13 professional staff and a host of high quality goods, visit Farma Centro Ruiz Collado today. Farma Centro Ruiz Collado Plaza Poeta Sotomayor, 3 04610 Cuevas del Almanzora 950 456 083/647 777 216 info@farmacentro.es www.farmacentro.es
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Beat foot odour
Talking yourself slim A NEW and easy way to lose weight could have been found if one diet expert’s method is to be believed. John Richardson said that forget calorie counting, simply talk yourself thin. Dubbed the ‘self-chatter diet,’ the hypnotherapist and diet expert said his eating plan helps users beat the bulge by eradicating fattening behaviour. He said: “Self-chatter is your inner-voice and often, this self-talk happens so automatically you are barely aware of it. However, what
HEALTH & BEAUTY
LOSE WEIGHT: Try the ‘self-chatter’ diet and beat the bulge. you say to yourself can have a profound effect on the way that you feel and what you can achieve.” For weight-loss that means being aware of behaviours that can lead to weight gain and stopping yourself before you do it. He believes that by listening to your body’s hunger signals and talking to yourself to stop snacking and overindulging,
over time consuming less food and smaller portions will become normal practice.
He has written a book on the practice called ‘Talk Yourself Slim’.
NOTHING ruins a good pair of shoes like being smelly. And the dog avoiding chewing on them should be a red flag that something is amiss. There are a number of factors that cause sweating and smell, including wearing shoes with inadequate air ventilation and polyester and nylon socks, since they do not let the feet breathe. Some natural remedies: Apple cider vinegar both kills bacteria and dries excess sweat. Add half a cup of it to a quart of lukewarm water and soak the feet for 20 minutes. Green and black tea can also help get rid of foot odour thanks to their tannic acids, which will keep the feet dry and prevent perspiration. Make tea and pour it into a tub big enough to fit both feet. Once cool, soak them for about 10 minutes. Another remedy is cornstarch. It absorbs excess moisture and neutralises odour.
Natural remedies to combat mosquito bites WITH glorious summer weather comes one of Mother Nature’s more annoying creations: the mosquito. Not only can they carry life-threatening diseases, including La Crosse encephalitis, malaria and dengue, but they can also turn any holiday into a nightmare with their never-ending buzzing sound and their itchy bites. Fortunately, there are a number of simple, natural ways to ease the aggravating itch caused by the saliva
released by the female mosquito into the wound. For instance, ice can help numb the nerves that conduct the itching and the pain, and will also keep the bite from swelling even more. It may come as a surprise to some but vinegar can stop itching due to its acidity. Try putting a few drops on a piece of cotton and wiping every individual bite. Honey can also relieve itching thanks to its antiinflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is better
to opt for raw honey and to dab a little bit right on the pesky bite. Not only a delicious beverage, tea can ease swelling on the bites thanks to the tannins it contains, which act as an astringent and draws the extra fluid out of the bite. And last but not least, try crushing up some basil and applying it to the bite. This aromatic leaf contains thymol and camphor, which can relieve itching.
HOMES & GARDENS
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Creative ideas for unusual sand-dune gardens Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
SOME people love the sea, storms, sand and sun and believe there is nothing more idyllic than living permanently or taking a few months holiday every year in a house or bungalow in coastal sand dunes or the inland dunes of Almeria. Their garden carved out from raw sand dunes created, weathered and shaped by high seas, wind and rain for thousands of years. The ambiance only disturbed by seagulls and passersby on the beach, and luckily not yet the cranes of coastal strip construction. We visited such a situation recently and brainstormed some possible garden designs. We share five with readers. Some might even be tempted to purchase a few loads of sand to create artificial dunes if the current drought continues. But before reviewing them reflect on the lifestyle you would expect within the sand dunes and the numbers of visitors that might be tempted to join you. Also the style of garden that you think would suit you, bearing in mind the inherent difficulties of constructing and maintaining a garden in such a situation. Bear in mind the following potential problems: • Watering – Will the water be saline? • The possibility of shifting sands and erosion • How to establish pockets of good soil for planting trees and shrubs • The need for windbreaks and shade • The need to provide for privacy and security. The five styles of garden we describe are entitled: - Retained wild dunes - Enhanced sand dunes - An oasis garden - A Japanese style raked sand garden - An old creek garden 1. RETAINED WILD DUNES Why not? Especially if your house is isolated and surrounded by wonderful
FEATURE: A Japanese style garden. natural views. Gulls and plovers your regular visitors and existing naturalised sea hollies, sand tulips and clumps of coastal grasses holding the dunes together. The main problem will be sandstorms when gale-force winds build up. But glass screens could be easily built around a terrace for relaxing and entertaining. 2. ENHANCED SAND DUNES Plant a few trees like palms, pines, tamarix and holm oaks or a standard pittosporum that withstand salty winds. In time their natural windblown lean-away would add atmosphere. Along the boundary, plant bamboos or a hedge of wildly growing lantana, oleanders, pittosporum, or purple bougainvillaeas to provide a windbreak. Tough grasses, thrifts, stonecrops, lavateras, euphorbias, pampas grass and capers can all thrive in a sandy situation. Or how about a dune covered in morning glory? Plants can be planted in good soil in buried containers. Develop interesting features from seashells, driftwood, pieces of old fishing nets, fishing pots and floats, etc. If you like the sun, dig out sunbathing hollows. Dry sand can get very hot and difficult to walk on. So construct wooden duck-board pathways. They will look more natural than concrete slab pathways or stepping stones. 3. AN OASIS If more adventurous consider developing an oasis with a round swimming pool or large pond as the central feature. Surround it with tall palm trees and beds of herbs,
lantanas, hibiscus, pittosporum, irises, lilies and ground-cover succulents. 4. A JAPANESE STYLE GARDEN A garden based on interesting rocks, driftwood, wind-sculpted trees, bamboo and raked designs in the sand. If the sand is first bulldozed into an amphitheatre landscape, an impressive and secluded haven could be developed. Construct a tasteful, raised wooden terrace from which to get the best view. 5. AN OLD CREEK GARDEN Many coastlines used to have numerous small creeks where birds would nest and an isolated fisherman left his small fishing boat. Why not reconstruct such a situation? Dig out an area for a sizeable natural pool. Line it with pond plastic and fill with water. Hold the excess plastic down with weathered rocks or stones. Plant up with flag irises, bullrushes and sedge reeds. Find an old wooden boat. One with holes will look more authentic. Place it partially in the water with the shore end in the reeds, tied to a post. Create a wooden slat terraced area adjacent to the pool on which to build up a collection of oars, old fish pots and baskets. Add a rustic trellis frame draped in old nets and coils of rope and you will a very special garden feature. I look forward to seeing some more adventurous gardens when wandering along built-up seashores in the coming years.
© Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com August 2014
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Can cats really always land on their feet? WELL, it is true they do have a ‘righting reflex’ that operates when they fall. First, the brain commands the head and neck muscles to put the head ‘square’ with the ground. Then the rest of the body aligns itself with the head and, hey presto, the cat ends up in a perfect position for a soft landing. One might assume that
the greater the height of the fall, the worse the injuries. This is, however, only true up to a level of seven storeys; after that the fracture rate actually decreases. This is because after dropping for a distance of five storeys, the cat reaches maximum speed, the so-called terminal velocity of a falling body. At this point, the speed is constant and thus the inner ear is no longer aware and stimulated by accelera-tion. So the cat relaxes and
David THE Dogman
Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm
SOFT LANDING: The cat relaxes when falling. spreads its legs out just as a freefall parachutist does when he is stabilising his descent. On landing, relaxed bodies are much less likely to fracture, which
is also true of infants, and adults who are drunk. For your local radio frequency log onto www.talkradioeurope. com.
The three Persians By Lamia Walker of HousesitMatch SHARON is originally from Berkshire, UK and lives in Malaga. She works as a Reiki therapist and petsitter. Since moving to Spain she looks forward to her mum’s visits. This year, Sharon’s mum became ill and stayed home. Sharon needed an affordable way to visit with her kids so they could spend time together. Sharon’s freelance work gives an irregular income and she needed to make this trip affordable. She also didn’t want to crowd her mum as she was recovering from an operation, so staying in the same
house was not possible. She went online and found a solution near her mum - a housesit in Maidenhead. Tracy the owner needed a sitter for her three Persian cats while she travels, specifying someone who understands cats. Two of hers are fussy eaters. She liked that Sharon is a petsitter and thought the boys would be company for the cats. Sharon could look after the cats, her boys, and they could visit her mum. Sharon’s mum is recovering and planning Christmas in the sun with her family in Spain. Download your Free Easy Guide from here www.bit.ly/eurown001.
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A good ice cream shop or not EVERYBODY loves ice cream but can they tell a good one from a bad one? Here are a few tips on how to distinguish quality from quantity of merchandising. Overly colourful ice cream has usually been made in a factory and with artificial colours the more colours you can see behind the glass counter the more artificial the ice cream is likely to be. Choose a shop that only does ice cream - they tend to be more concerned with quality. If a shop also does anything from pizza to breakfast then they probably don’t care too much about the quality of their ice cream so long as they have quantity.
SUMMER TREAT: But ice cream should not be served too cold.
A good ice cream shop will not put the product on display behind glass - ice cream should be kept in vats with the lids on except when being served. This helps maintain an even temperature which, in turn, helps the ice cream stay fresh. A quality shop will not only have good ice cream but should also have good quality ‘accessories’ like freshly-made cones and wafers. The ice cream should not be too cold. People can’t taste foods properly when they are served too cold and this goes for ice cream as well. It should be served at minus 12 degrees Celsius.
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FOOD & DRINK
POMEGRANATE: Lowers blood pressure, anxiety and stress.
Happy foods to make you feel better about yourself EAT yourself towards happiness with these foods that are proven to make you feel better about almost everything. Clams: they are packed with vitamin B12 which the brain needs to make dopamine and serotonin. Depressed people have low levels of B12 and have been proven to feel better after a three month course of eating clams, or a B12 supplement, three times a week. Walnuts: these are full of alphalinolenic acid (ALA) which boost the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin.
Coffee: people who drink two to three cups of coffee a day were found to be around 15 per cent less depressed than those who didn’t caffeine gives the body a ‘happy boost’ which increases the production of dopamine and serotonin within about 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee. Radishes: the spicy crunch of these vegetables stimulates the production of norepinephrine and dopamine. Oysters: these bivalves are a rich source of zinc which has long been recognised as essential to maintain a smile on people’s faces and
relieve their stresses. Pomegranates: the juice of this unusually seedy fruit has been shown to lower blood pressure and anxiety as well as alleviating depression. Yoghurt or kefir: a UCLA study showed that people who ate probiotic yoghurt twice a week reacted less stressfully when shown pictures of angry faces. The ‘good bacteria’ in these products spread relaxation to the vagus nerve which controls the interaction between the stomach and the brain.
FOOD & DRINK
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Just a few little known facts about Champagne THE Nigerians consume more Champagne than the French! Although 63 per cent of Nigerians live on less than a dollar a day they buy more Champagne than the French - this is probably due to the oil barons. There are three grape varieties commonly used in the production of Champagne: Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay. The trick is how to blend them together to produce the right taste. Champagne happened by accident. A winemaker’s mistake in leaving the bottles unattended on a dockside in the sun led to the discovery of Champagne when the wine fermented so much that it became fizzy.
CHAMPAGNE: Must be present at all important occasions. Champagne bottles used to be lethal. The bubbles would often make the bottles explode sending fine shards of glass across the room. Modern Champagne owes much of its success to the ability of early makers getting the hang of fermenting without
exploding the bottles. The world can’t have an important event without a bottle of Champagne. Although not a requisite, an occasion just doesn’t feel right without a bottle of fizz. There are as many stars in the Milky Way as
there are in five bottles of Champagne; according to scientific calculations there are around 49 billion bubbles in a bottle of Champagne. A Champagne cork flies out of the bottle at 25 miles per hour if the bottle has been well shaken.
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FOOD & DRINK
GM or not GM? ACCORDING to American astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, we should all calm down about GM foods as they are nothing new. “We’ve been modifying crops for thousands of years,” claims the scientist. DeGrasse believes that almost everything we eat has been modified in some way and that there is very little tasty wild food. The European Commission has stated that GM food is not unsafe and some
MENDEL’S PEAS: Genetically modified? scientists even think it could be the solution to feed the world’s ever expanding populous.
Opponents of the food say that it could contaminate natural crops and that we don’t know enough about it. Fans of the new GM food say that it already exists on the supermarket shelves and we just haven’t noticed - as an example they cite the seedless watermelon which, obviously, has been modified in some way or it wouldn’t be able to exist. While this
is true to some extent, it also brings up the question of what, exactly, constitutes a GM food. GM stands for genetically modified and they are foods which have had specific changes made to their DNA using methods of genetic engineering. Fans of the food would ask if this is not the same as Gregor Mendel did with his peas in the late 1800s?
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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Time to try a Linux system HELLO and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Today, for no good reason what-so-ever, I decided to Byte The Bullet and move my aging laptop over to a version of Linux. So, What in the name of all that is holy, made me do such a thing? The question then has to be asked - why? More precisely why now? Following on from my previous article in this, your favourite periodical, I started to wonder why anyone would allow the multi-national corporations to have unreason-
Trevor Spencer
Computers
able access to your life and personal information. This led me to my Facebook account and the realisation that more people put more information on there than is safe! Without too much effort it is unreasonably easy to track someone down from their information and posted photos. There are many
safeguards to prevent exactly this from happening, so don’t cancel your Facebook accounts just yet! I’ve danced around the move for the same reasons that just about everyone else does Windows has everything I am used to, and there-in lies the rub. Complacency, lassitude and just plain laziness and, as an operating system, it isn’t as geeky as has been suggested! But what are the advantages? The actual benefits of
this operating system are many and varied but it is a system that I have shied away from because of this perception. So for the next article maybe we should do a ‘side-by-side’ comparison with the other OSs and suggest a use for this without cost software. I’m now off to Jack’s Bar in Albox for my Friday afternoon computer clinic and I’m looking into starting a clinic in Huercal Overa and Vera - so watch this space! Call me on 689 892 745 for more information.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Fines order to demolish part of park FINES Town Hall has been ordered by the Supreme Court to demolish part of a municipal park. The order comes after a discovery that Fines Town Council had built the municipal park on part of a Fines resident’s legally owned private land. The 1,000sqm of land was purchased in 1998. However, the ruling has decided the boundary was exceeded by almost 300sqm. The council has been ordered to return the land to its original state.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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Students graduation DIPLOMAS were presented this week to 22 students, who have successfully completed a course in ‘Basic car for older people’ in Arboleas this week. Director of the department for culture, youth and sport in Arboleas, Juan Jose Salvador, and councillor for youth in Arboleas, Pepa Rodriguez, presented the diplomas to the students who had studied the course, part of the programme ‘Youth Training’ which offers 16 activities offered by councils to meet the needs of young people of municipalities with less than 20,000 residents. The council run courses are aimed at reducing the number of unemployed young people by teaching skills that can easily be transferred to the workplace. The courses are intended to motivate and to rouse the interest of young people to keep learning.
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PROPERTY
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Mojácar Playa Ref: LV691 Price: 119,000 €
Pr o f t op Br ou he ert gh tt oy y W ou by ee Pr ic k e ng isi rt ve Ad
HIS property has been completely and very tastefully renovated and comprises: entrance terrace with porch, fully fitted open plan kitchen, living room with access to rear courtyard and roof terrace with nice mountain and sea views, two bedrooms and modern bathroom. Very nicely furnished. Within a couple of minutes walk of a popular restaurant with pool and a further five minutes walk to the beach and other services. Contact us to make an appointment to view this property, or to look at our extensive portfolio call in to our office on the Paseo del Mediterraneo 171. If you are looking to sell your property call us now for a free, no obligation, valuation. We look forward to hearing from you.
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BUNGALOW: Has been tastefully renovated.
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One of the nicest bungalows on a pretty and sought after complex in Mojacar Playa T
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INTERIOR: Very nicely furnished.
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PROPERTY
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Advertising feature
Immo Carlos needs your property! FOR many of us, owning a property in Spain has been a dream, living la vida in the glorious sunshine, enjoying the fresh local cuisine, gaining a more relaxed pace of life and of course sipping the occasional glass of local wine as you overlook vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards. Sadly, for some historically, this has come at a cost - with paperwork and legislation being a nightmare. However, Immo Carlos takes all those worries away for you. Carlos (Karel) can help through the maze of paperwork and check legalities of any property before you sign on the dotted line... leaving you with more pressing concerns like which Karel Willemsens (Carlos) - ready to room you get to place sell your property. your three piece Chesterfield in. Established almost six years
Immo Carlos - seeking quality properties now. ago, Immo Carlos rapidly gained a fierce reputation in the marketplace and has helped many people realise their dreams of living in Spain. A regular feature at Home Exhibitions in Belgium, Carlos has a bank of eager buyers ready to purchase property in the area. However, he needs
your help! Carlos is always seeking additional high quality, legal properties to add to the portfolio. You want to sell, and he has the buyers - it’s winwin all round. Do you own a high quality property and wish to sell as soon as possible? Is your property legal and with all the correct licensing? If so
Immo Carlos would love to hear from you. Immo Carlos covers a large portion of the Costa Almeria and features quality country homes, luxury villas and coastal homes to suit the discerning buyer. If you are looking to buy a property, Immo Carlos will sit with you and help you find your perfect home or investment. If you are a seller, he can chat to you about realistic pricing as well as checking the legal status of your home before presenting it to eager buyers. If you value great client service, a straight talking honest approach and, often a rarity here in Spain, punctuality and respect, then speak to Immo Carlos today and let them sell your property for you.
Immo Carlos Email: info@immo-carlos.com Web: www.immo-carlos.com Tlf: 950 090 875 /648 505 938
Foreign homebuyers bolster Spain’s real-estate market THE property market in Spain is well on its way to recovery and some real-estate agents are reporting record sales. The ever-increasing interest from foreign buyers is bolstering transactions and the time seems ripe to invest in a property. The real-estate agency Mercers managed to secure a record 16 sales last month and could even add another before the end of the month, according to oppconnect.com. And Sotheby’s International Realty in paradisiacal Mallorca has reported a dramatically sharp increase in demand from
foreign buyers. In fact, overseas investors bought as many as 2,400 properties on the island last year, which represents almost 30.7 per cent of all sales registered in Mallorca 7,726 - compared to the 11 per cent national average, says oppconnect.com Britons seem to be the most active foreign buyers. They have accounted for as much as 65 per cent of sales, closely followed by Belgian, French and Dutch nationals, and their interest is higher than last year, said Chris Mercer talking to oppconnect.com, and thinks the trend could increase
throughout the remainder of 2014. “We are selling both holiday homes and those for permanent living, but in every case it is price-driven. Our cheapest two-bedroom terraced homes currently start from as little as €46,000 and a three-bedroom detached with pools for as little as €115,000. Little wonder they are selling fast. “The outlook for the rest of the year is very positive indeed,” commented Chris. According to figures from the Land Registry, sales in Mallorca of highend homes with an average price over half a million Euros triple (15
MALLORCA: Foreign property buyers account for 65 per cent of sales. per cent) the national average (5 per cent). Managing Director of Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty said “Everything is on an upward trend for our Port Andratx and Palma offices. Enquiries are up, sales are up and prices are on the increase too.” Most of their overseas buyers also come from the UK. “Nationalitywise we already had
most leads coming from the UK, and, if anything,
they are getting greater in number,” he added.
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Exclusive Airport Shuttles - a service you cannot afford to miss
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RAND new, Exclusive Airport Shuttles, servicing Mojacar and surrounding areas, has been running successfully for a little less than two months, serving all flights to and from the UK and Ireland at Almeria airport. The service has been a roaring success, with more than 1,000 passengers being transported. It provides a hassle-free, efficient and fully legal shuttle transfer in conjunction with the established and respected local coach and minibus company, Autocares Rodriguez. All passengers who use these transfer shuttles can relax on the journey, knowing that they are in good hands and fully insured. Most of the customers have been coming from East Midlands and Dublin airports, although the reach is much wider with many UK airports being represented and a substantial number of domestic flights being covered too.
EXCLUSIVE AIRPORT SHUTTLES: From airport to holiday accommodation. The customers are as varied as they are numerous: expats visiting friends and family, families, large groups and solo business travellers. Passengers arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before their flight time, without any worries that they will be late or stressed out at the check-in desks. In the event that two incoming flights coincide, the
maximum waiting time at the airport will be no more than 30 minutes. Mike Chaplin, joint owner of Exclusive Airport Shuttles, says: “This is clearly a service that has been missing from the area for some time. Having successfully transported more than 1,000 passengers within the first two months, the future of the airport shuttle service looks very promising.
We are delighted to announce the launch of the daily Alicante service from October 27. “We have received a lot of positive feedback for our customer service, punctual and polite drivers, numerous recommendations and repeat clients. We look forward to the continued support of the public, and aim to bring more visitors to our beautiful area.” A dedicated UK number is available and charged at local UK rates. Early bookings are recommended as the service is so popular. For information and bookings see the website or contact Exclusive Airport Shuttles today using any of the methods below: Exclusive Airport Shuttles Avenida de Almeria, 78. Turre (opposite the main junction) www.exclusiveairportshuttles.co.uk info@exclusiveairportshuttles.co.uk Spain: 950 092 602 / 634 317 666 UK: 0161 81 88 666
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O you have unstable or intermittent TV? Have you lost your satellite signal after the recent arrival of Astra 2E? If you are still unsure about which system is best for you after the recent satellite changes so that you can still receive British TV, then contact UKTV Spain now for the best possible advice. They say: “Astra 2E is here to stay and has an expected lifespan of 15 years minimum. This satellite is your best option and will guarantee your future viewing for all your favourite Freesat and Sky channels. You would require a minimum of a 1.45 metre dish but may need a 1.9 metre or 2.4 metre depending on the area where you live.” UK TV Spain has experience and has built extensive coverage since Astra 2E’s arrival and can inform customers of the dish size required with just a phone call or email. The Freesat and Sky channels are only officially distributed through the fleet of satellites located at 28.2º East, which are Astra 2A, Astra 2E, Astra 2F and Eutelsat 28A. All Freesat channels are of course free to view. There are other satellites which hold a few of the main free UK TV channels but these
are not distributed for public use; these systems are offered without guarantee and with encryption codes which need updating on a regular basis. “We believe your best option would be official signals received direct from satellite, which are the same signals as those received in the UK. These are available through the Astra 28.2º East fleet and are guaranteed to stay free to view and will not alter in strength in the future.” UKTV Spain has more than 13 years’ experience in Spain, specialising in large dish installations from 1.45 metre to 3.1 metre and with five years’ experience offering various Internet TV packages so they are sure to find the right system to suit your requirements and budget. Call now for free advice. UKTV Spain Tel: 965 888 835 or 689 205 137 Email: info@uktvspain.net Visit: www.uktvspain.com
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Cadillac unveils its 2014 ELR coupe CADILLAC unveiled the 2014 ELR at the North American International Auto Show. The sleek, luxury coupe features the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. “ELR is an unprecedented combination of luxury, advanced engineering and progressive design in a coupe that is both sporty and environmentally friendly,” said Bob Ferguson, Cadillac’s global vice president. “This is a pivotal moment in Cadillac’s history, as we continue our product-driven expansion.” The ELR delivers on the promise of the Converj Concept on which it is based. The exterior establishes a new, progressive proportion for the brand while the interior introduces a new design theme that will define future Cadillac models, emphasising modern elegance, technology and precisely crafted details. Industry-leading Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology provides full
DESIGN: An unprecendented combination of luxury and advanced engineering. driving range exceeding 480km, combining pure electric driving and an efficient, rangeextending generator. “ELR marks a fresh, even surprising new dimension of Cadillac,” Ferguson said. “An additional aspect of ELR’s appeal will be exclusivity. It will be a specialised offering produced in limited numbers.”
ELR’s confident and responsive EREV driving technology is enhanced with exclusive Regen on Demand and selectable drive modes that enhance driving and make the most of efficiency. Regen on Demand allows the driver to temporarily regenerate energy from the ELR’s momentum into electricity that can be
stored in the battery pack for later use. It is engaged via steering-wheel paddles adapted from traditional performance cars. The industry-leading, proven EREV technology is uniquely tuned for Cadillac in the ELR. Most daily commutes will require zero gasoline with zero emissions. Longer trips are free from electric-vehicle range anxiety because EREV technology enables the same long-distance freedom as a conventional car. The Cadillac ELR has an aggressive, forward-leaning profile that introduces a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac’s design evolution. It carries over almost unchanged from the 2009 Converj concept that inspired it. The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line accented by 20-inch wheels pushed to the edges of the body. “The ELR represents a new dimension of Art & Science, the guiding philosophy of Cadillac,” said Mark Adams, Cadillac design director.
MOTORING COSTA COCHES in Antas was established seven years ago, with the current owner, John Want, buying it in 2012. This really is your ‘local garage’ with a small but very experienced and personable team on hand to help you purchase a new vehicle, or ensure that your existing one is running perfectly. All team members are longterm residents of Spain and are bilingual, so you can be assured that all communication will be understood and the best service given. Costa Coches buy all their vehicles privately, with valuable knowledge of the cars’ background and running history. They have a number of great motors for sale featured on their website, or you can pop by the showroom and have a look for yourself. Not sure what car you want? Don’t worry, the team can help you through the process to ensure that you are happy with your new purchase, especially as they pride themselves on carrying many high quality vehicles, with something for everyone. Costa Coches can also help you register your vehicle and
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Costa Coches: sales, repairs and more at your friendly local garage
Jeep Grand Cherokee - €11,995 claim to have the best prices in the area. The workshop is fully equipped with diagnostic equipment, and everything else needed to restore your car to its former running potential. They cover all aspects of car maintenance and repair, and can also provide tyre fittings, headlight alignment and wheel tracking. Air conditioning for
Peugeot 308 - €7,495 your car in these scorching summer months is a must, and Costa Coches have all the equipment needed for leak detection and re-gassing. The team of expert mechanics is passionate about the business and work tirelessly to ensure that this well coordinated group has your best interests at heart. There is
always someone on hand to discuss your car and recommend the best course of action for you. This friendly local company really can cover all the bases from buying a new car to repairing your existing one. Finding them is easy, as they are located just off exit 534 of the E15/A7 motorway, sign-
posted Antas. Head into the El Real industrial estate, and you’re there!
Costa Coches Calle Venta Vacio, 3 Poligono El Real, Antas 950 459 209 / 950 459 136 costacoches@mail.com www.costacoches.net
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Broken or chipped windscreen? GLASSDRIVE, based in Almeria, is the company to contact if your windscreen needs attention. Glassdrive have conveniently located workshops in Mojácar, Vera and Huércalovera, and cover the Almeria and Murcia areas using mobile units to visit customers’ homes or workplaces, for a complete glass replacement or to fix a chipped windscreen. The difference between Glassdrive and other workshops is that they have direct contact with one of the largest and most prestigious global sector companies in vehicle glass, ensuring the quality is far superior to those used in other workshops. Saint-Gobain Sekurit, one of the largest manufacturers of car glazing with over 80 years’ experience, produces high quality, high resistant glass for vehicles. They are the supplier for Glassdrive, guaranteeing only the best products are used. Glassdrive has partnerships with most insurance companies and it is not always
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necessary for the car to be inspected by an independent expert. In most cases your insurance company will cover the complete cost of the glass replacement. However, if for whatever reason you have to pay the bill Glassdrive will give you 15 per cent discount off the cost. Most modern vehicles have windscreens which use built-in sensors and it is recommended that these windscreens are checked regularly to ensure they are working properly. The experts at Glassdrive offer drivers a quality check to ensure that their windscreen is in perfect condition. With more than 18 years’ experience in the industry, Glassdrive will always be there when you need them. To contact Glassdrive just call any of these telephone numbers: - 950 475 942 - 950 134 793 - 950 391 419 www.glassdrive.es
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Record 58 golds for England and 19 for Scotland at Commonwealth Games Tony Matthews
International Sports A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains.
Costa de Almeria
AFTER 11 days of terrific sporting action in and around Glasgow, there was a superb closing ceremony to the 20th Commonwealth Games. A total of 4,947 athletes, from 71 countries, competed in 261 events covering 18 sports and 35 countries collected at least one prize. England topped the medals’ chart with 174: 58 gold, 59 silver and 57 bronze. Australia (2nd) won 137 (49 gold), Canada (3rd) gained 82 (32 gold), hosts Scotland (4th) claimed 53 (19 gold) while Wales won 36 medals (5 gold) and Northern Ireland 12 (2 gold). A total of 1,148 million spectators attended the 261 ‘live’ events. Well done, Glasgow, Scotland and BBC TV - top job. You were brilliant! A-Z of BRITISH GOLDS (Key: E - England, NI Northern Ireland, S Scotland, W - Wales) My selection of UK gold medal winners A ADAMS, Nicola (E)...
boxing; ADCOCKS, Chris and Gabby (E)... badminton doubles; ADLINGTON, Sarah (S)... judo; ARMITSTEAD, Lizzie (E)... cycling. B BARNES, Paddy (NI)... boxing; BLAGG, Alicia (E)... diving; BROWNLEE, Alistair (E)... triathlon (2); BROWNLEE, Jonathan (E)... triathlon relay; BURNETT, Darren (S)... bowls (2); BURTON, Euan (S - flag-bearer)... judo. C CARLIN, Jazz (W)... swimming; CLARK, Sarah (S)... judo; CONLON, Michael (NI)... boxing. D DALEY, Tom... diving; DAVIES, Georgia (W)... swimming; DAVIS, Nekoda (E)... judo; DOWNIE, Rebecca (E)... gymnastics; DOWSETT, Alex (E)... cycling; DRINKHALLS, Paul/Jo, husband/wife (E)... table tennis/doubles. E EVANS, Geraint (W)... cycling. F FACHIE, Neil (S)... cycling (2); FOSTER, Paul (S)... bowls (2); FLETCHER, Megan (E)... judo; FLYNN, Charlie (S)... boxing; FOWLER, Antony (E)... boxing; FRAGAPANE, Claudia (E)... gymnastics (4). G GALLANTREE, Becky (E)... diving; GREAVES, Dan (E)... para/discus. H HALSALL, Fran (E)... swimming (2); HOLLAND, Vicky (E)... triathlon; HYND, Ollie (E)... swimming. J JONES, Frankie (W)...
SYNCHRONISED: Bouchard and Riendeau of Canada. women’s gymnastics; JOYCE, Joe (E)... boxing. K KEATINGS, Dan (S)... gymnastics; KERWOOD, Charlotte (E)... shooting. L LAUGHER, Jack (E)... diving (2); LEWIS, Steve (E)... pole-vault; LIVESEY, Owen (E)... judo; LUCKMAN, David (E)... shooting (2). M McKENZIE, Anthony (E)... judo; MACLEAN, Craig (S)... cycling (2); MARSHALL, Alex (S)... bowls/pairs; MATTHEW, Nick (E)... squash; MURDOCH, Ross (S)... swimming; MILEY, Hannah (S)... swimming. O OATES, Colin (E)... judo; O’CONNOR, Siobhan (E)... swimming. P PATEL, Parag (E)... shooting; PEACOCK, Dave (S)... bowls (2); POWELL, Natalie (W)... judo; PROUD, Ben (E)... swimming (3); PURVIS, Dan (S)... gymnastics.
R RENICKS, Kimberley (S)... judo; RENICKS, Louise (S)... judo; RIVERS, Dan (E)... shooting; ROWSELL, Joanna (E)... cycling; RUTHERFORD, Greg (E)... long jump. S SCOTT, Helen (E)... cycling (2); SCOTT, Steve (E)...shooting; SHERRINGTON, Chris (E)... judo; SMITH, Zoe (E)... weightlifting; STIMPSON, Jodie (E)... triathlon (2). T TAYLOR, Josh (S)... boxing; TAYLOR, Sophie (E)... swimming; THORNHILL, Sophie... cycling (2); TROTT, Laura... cycling. W WALKER-HEBBORN, Chris (E)... swimming (2); WALLACE, Dan (S)... swimming; WEIR, David (E)... wheelchair/1500m; WHITLOCK, Max (E)... gymnastics (3); WILLIAMS, Dan (E)... judo; Nile WILSON (E), gymnastics... (2).
Badgers at Desert Springs BADGERS returned to Desert Springs for their weekly competition for the first time since March. Extremely hot conditions and a fair breeze were certainly going to make high scores nigh on impossible, and so it was. Winning the day’s competition was Mark Newall with 31 points, second place went to Steve Lawrie with 26 on countback from in third place Steve Dodd also with 26 points. Nearest the pins went to Tony Rowbottom, and two to Colin Walters
who also had the only two of the day. Saturday’s competition at Marina was won by Andy Culshaw with 36 points Forthcoming fixtures are Wednesday August 13 at Macenas, and Wednesday August 20 Desert Springs. Badgers would like to announce that the total raised in the MACS tin in memory of Margret Weston, from donations and the sale of painted stones was €121.69. A special thank
you to Barbara Goff for the donation of the painted stones. Badgers Golf Society also plays every Wednesday or Thursday at various courses in the area and every Saturday at Macenas for their weekly roll-up. Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wednesday and Saturday competitions and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950 478 525/686. www.badgersmojacar.com
Team Golds • Men’s gymnastics (E)... Sam Oldham/Louis Smith/ Kristian Thomas/Sam Whitlock/Nile Wilson. • Men’s 4x400m relay (E)... Matt HudsonSmith/Dan Awde/Conrad Phillips/Michael Bingham. • Mixed triathlon relay (E)... Alistair/Jonathan Brownlee & Stimpson/Vicky Holland. • Women’s gymnastics (E)... Ruby Harrold/Kelly Simm/Rebecca Downie/ Hannah Whelan/Claudia Fragapane. • Swimming, 4x100m men’s medley relay (E)... Chris Walker-Hebborn/ Adam Peaty/Adam Barrett/ Adam Brown). • Bowls/fours (S)... Dave Peacock/Neil Speirs/Paul Foster/Alex Marshall.
My other highlights: * Seeing Claudia FRAGAPANE become the first UK gymnast to win 4 golds at the same Commonwealth Games in 84 years in floor/ individual/vault/team. * Roaring and clapping Matt Hudson-Smith home in the last leg of England men’s 4x400m relay team victory. * Watching NI’s Paddy BARNES become first UK boxer ever to retain a Commonwealth title. * Cheering on silver medalists Eilidh CHILDS (S) in the women’s 400m; Adam GEMILI (E), men’s 100m; Jazmin SAWYERS (E), women’s long jump and Lynsey SHARP (S) women’s 800m. * Admiring Aussie Sally PEARSON’s victory in the 110m hurdles final.
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port S Well done Hylton
SPORT
Claudia Fragapane Won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Turn to Page 79
Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport
THE individual stableford at Marina Phoenix on Monday saw a long held ambition achieved by Hylton Smith. He reduced his handicap below 25 for the first time as he won the competition with 40 points. Second was Alf Taylor (38) followed by Les Armfield (37) in third. The ladies division was won by Margaret Budd on 35 points with Isobel Jones (32) second and Rosalie
Fardon (30) in third. There were two’s prizes for Isobel Jones, Les Armfield and John Park. Thursday’s team game was Traffic Lights, with the best two scores to count on each hole. First with 90 points were Jim Budd, Marcos Caparros and Hylton Smith, followed, in second by John Park, John Lally and Jean Wilkinson (88). Third were Isobel Jones, John Kavanagh and Chris Scott (85). Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 green fee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Thursday’s winners.
STABLEFORD: Monday’s winners.
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Back to Aguilon THE 19th Hole GS were back to Aguilon for an Individual Stableford event. With temperatures in the high 30s it really was a day for hanging on and trying to score as best one can. The well kept fairways and beautiful greens encouraged many to do well, but no one coped better than Chrissie Dow. Scoring a fantastic 39 points off a (now cut to 33) handicap of 35, Chrissie made light work of the weather and simply played her socks off. She also managed to take a Nearest the Pin on the tricky 12th. In second place Nigel Greenwood with 38 points just pipped Darren Banks into third place with 33 points. Darren rounded off his day by scoring a Nearest the Pin on the 17th and converting that into a two. The day was made complete with refreshments back at La Vida at Cucador. Nearest the Pins were Darren Banks, Chrissie Dow and Brian Kirkaldy. The 19th Hole G/S are now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, with the home course played fortnightly, being Aguilon. If you are interested in joining the 19th Hole give the secretary a ring on 610 340 653 or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk.