Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 2 - 8 April 2015 Issue 1552 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

ISSUE NO. 1552 // 2 - 8 APRIL 2015

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Swordplay A NEW bronze statue of Rey Jairan was vandalised soon after being installed below Almeria’s Alcazaba. The Moorish king’s sword was found snapped in half less than 12 hours later.

Storm repairs REGENERATING Almeria’s coastline and beaches ravaged by storms in the first three months of the year has begun.

Family fight FIVE people needed medical attention for cuts and bruises after a clash between two Berja families. Children were present as adults battered each other with clubs and iron bars.

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Junta takes a tough line on El Algarrobico hotel

By Linda Hall UNLIKE many bulldozed, irregularly-built private homes in the province, the El Algarrobico still stands. That could finally change if the Andalucia Upper Court (TSJA) allows the Junta de Andalucia regional government to enter the site and carry out the demolition ordered by the national government in 2011. The 20-storey hotel was

illegally built in 2003 on an unspoilt beach in the Cabo de Gata national park,

north of Carboneras. Azata del Sol and Azata Patrimonio SL had hin-

dered the voluntary handover of the property which the regional administration acquired for €2.3 million, the Junta complained. It was therefore asking for ‘judicial assistance’ to exercise its right to rescind the original contract. The regional government also requested that TSJA ‘legally required’ the developer to designate a bank account where the payment could be deposit-

Trains, planes and buses cope with Easter rush EASTER is the “most conflictive time of the year” the DGT traffic department has said. It has prepared for 1,220,000 vehicle movements in Eastern Andalucia, of which 175,000 correspond to Almeria Province. Air traffic is equally busy with 218

flights over Easter and 26 operations last Tuesday alone. A total of 3,232 passengers landed that day and a similar number - 3,174 - will arrive or leave on one of the 28 flights scheduled for Easter Monday. Rail operator Renfe has also prepared for one of its busiest times

with intercity trains providing 16,600 seats on the AlmeriaGranada-Sevilla route. Talgo express trains between Almeria and Madrid will provide a further 10,500 seats and the Busbam coach company has also put on extra buses to Madrid.

ed. Failing this, the TSJA was asked to indicate where it could be made. Azata del Sol’s initial refusal to accept the Junta’s right to withdraw the contract had prompted the regional government to request the court’s help after ‘many fruitless attempts’ to arrange a meeting to formalise the payment and occupy the property. Without co-operation and the company’s permission, the only option was a court order, the Junta said.

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INDEX News 1 - 36 Finance 39 - 44 Leapy Lee 45 Daily TV 52 Time Out 56 - 57 Letters 58 Health & Beauty 67 - 69 Food 70 - 74 Albox 75 - 80 Homes & Gardens 82-83 Property 86 - 88 Classifieds 89 - 91 Motoring 92 - 93 Sport 95 - 96

EASTER OUTLOOK: Occupancy percentages are looking good.

Hopes high for hotel occupancy

HOTELIERS on the coast are cautiously looking forward to record occupancy over Easter. With a favourable weather forecast the tourism sector is crossing its fingers for 10,000 visitors. This does not include tourists brought to the province by tour operators or the IMSERSO subsidised holiday scheme for Spanish pensioners, stressed the Asem-

pal business association. Fine weather is a good ally and visitors who enjoy their Easter break will want to return in the summer, said Asempal’s president Javier Arnedo. Mojacar, Vera and Cabo de Gata expect the lion’s share of Easter tourists. The capital also expects an influx, attracted by the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions.

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NEWS Legal bill THE Upper Court of Justice in Galicia (northern Spain) ordered an illegal Senegalese immigrant to repay legal costs incurred when he fought expulsion. He entered Spain through Almeria in 2011 on a clandestine boat. Knife attack A VICAR man turned on his Peruvian carer, inflicting a seven-centimetre stab wound. The alleged attacker has mental health problems and has been admitted to the Psychiatric Unit at the Poniente Hospital in El Ejido.

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Legion steps in to help Oscar FOUR HUNDRED legionnaires from the Viator base have volunteered to become bone marrow donors. A mobile unit from the Almeria Transfusions Centre went out to the Alvarez de Sotomayor to take blood samples. These will be sent to the international register of potential donors which is consulted each time a bone-marrow transplant is needed.

The volunteers were responding to a call for help for Oscar, a 12year-old from Barcelona who is suffering from lymphoma and urgently needs a bone-marrow transplant. He is also the nephew of Luis Fernandez Dominguez, a soldier at the Viator base: “I won’t stop looking for a compatible donor,” he declared.

“Now there are more possibilities of a cure, not only for Oscar, but for anyone needing a transplant.” The number of potential donors exceeded expectations said Arif Laarej, the haematologist who heads Almeria’s Centro de Transfusion. They obtained as many donors in four-and-a-half hours at the base as Almeria does in a year, Laarej commented.

Early image HUERCAL-OVERA’S parish church did not have a stucco finish in the past, inspections revealed. Before embarking on restoration it was vital to establish its former appearance, the council said. Fair shares PROVINCIAL irrigation syndicate FERAL called for a link between Beninar and Almanzora reservoirs. The creation of a ‘water motorway’ would distribute water more fairly. Easy access THE Pechina-Rioja road which provides access to numerous agricultural zones and joins the Baños de Sierra Alhamilla road, has been repaired and widened.

‘

ews watch

IVF figures

AROUND 8,500 couples seek help for fertility problems each year in Andalucia, the public health system revealed. Approximately 700 live in Almeria, where 400 in vitro procedures were done in 2014.

Help needed THE Red Cross helped 62,941 people in Almeria Province last year. This was 5 per cent more than in 2013 and 300 per cent above the 2009 figure, the organisation revealed.

Shot in buttocks A DRUNK who fired a gun in La Mojonera shot a pedestrian in the buttocks when a bullet ricocheted off a car. He received a 12-month sentence for illegal possession of firearms. Step nearer TWELVE months after its provisional approval, Adra’s Urban Development Plan (PGOU) was passed thanks to the Opposition’s abstention. The PGOU will now be submitted to the Junta for definitive consent.

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Lookalike aid UP to €1,500 will be available to help Huercal-Overa bar and restaurant-owners adapt to new by-laws. These will require them to present a uniform image for exterior terraces.

Thankless job SEVILLA FERIA: One of the most internationally recognised Andalucian spring celebrations.

Sevilla in April, a citysized party not to miss PROBABLY one of the most internationally recognised Andalucian spring celebrations, the Feria de Abril in Sevilla is held every year during the third week after Easter. But if you want to go you had better hurry to book a hotel as accommodation will be almost impossible to get at the time. Running from April 21-26 this year, the fair officially starts at midnight on the Monday and runs until the following Sunday, although eager party-goers have in recent years begun to start celebrating as early as the Saturday beforehand. The name almost caused a problem in 1973 as the fair was actually held on May 1-6. To stop arguments, the authorities brought the inauguration forward to 9pm on the Monday, April 30. Traditionally known as the Noche del Pescaito

Quote of the Week I want to sweep away trouble-makers,” said Xavier Garcia Albiol, mayor of Badalona (Barcelona) following arrests of suspected jihadists, explaining that his so-called town cleaning was not a campaign against immigrants but one against conflictive people of any race or background.

(Night of the Fish) due to the fact that people traditionally ate fish for dinner on the night, Monday 20 will see thousands head for the Real de la Feria fairground between Los Remedios and Tablada districts to see the lights turned on at midnight. Dating back to the 1840s, the fair was originally organised as a livestock fair by the city council and held in Prado de San Sebastian on the outskirts of Sevilla. An air of festivity appeared after a year or two when three casetas (temporary marquees) were set up by the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier, the town hall and Sevilla’s Casino. These casetas were the first examples of the more than 1,000 mostly private tents which families, clubs and groups set up on the fairground streets each year within which to drink, dance and be merry.

Number of the week

2,600,000

is the number of women who recently admitted to being afraid of their partners during a survey on gender violence in Spain.

ALMERIA’S doctors and nurses suffer daily abuse and assaults, but lodged only one formal complaint last year. They are “resigned” to it, sources said, but also fear reprisals.

Good taste FESTIVAL DEGUSTHO ALMERIA will be held from April 1113 in Huercal-Overa. Participants include celebrity chefs David Muñoz, Mario Sandoval and Kiko Moya, plus the jury from ‘Master Chef.’

Brief escape THE Amigos del Sahara association needs at least 30 host families for its Holidays in Peace programme for children from Algeria’s Saharawi refugee camps. Five families have volunteered so far.

And finally... MADRID’S emergency services will be speeding to the rescue with a new Porsche Cayenne which has been donated to Samur ambulance team. The car, worth more than €77,000, will carry vital equipment to help keep patients who have suffered a heart attack alive until they reach hospital.

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A new look ‘Gluttons’ and a mobile app for the Old Town smooth the way IMPROVEMENTS: A spruced-up Calle Puntica.

IMPROVEMENTS to streets in Mojacar’s Old Town have now been completed. While improving the appearance of the Old Town, the €285,000 makeover has also enhanced valuable architectural features. Work on three streets - Glorieta, Embajadores and Puntica

- included resurfacing and renovating infrastructure for the water supply and drainage. In Calle Glorieta a new retaining wall now reinforces the existing structure. Parking in the area has been reorganised and architectural barriers removed to facilitate access for the disabled.

for processions

EASTER entails practical issues as well as processions and religious devotion in Almeria City. Its €360,000 Holy Week budget also covers the mundane matters of filling in potholes along the official pro-

Our View

Time to sit down and think...

ITH Spring springing and clocks jumping, the overwhelming urge to clear out the old and bring in the new may never have been so significant. The economic crisis of the last few years appears to have subsided and people are feeling a new era beginning. The UK Coalition Government has run its five-year course and died a graceful death, now allowing the UK to choose a new way forward. The Spanish regional elections are due to take place in May - apart from Andalucia where they were held early - followed by a general election later in the year.

New transparency laws and procedures seem to be the height of fashion throughout Europe at the moment, which, while holding large corporations and government officials openly accountable for their actions, should have the larger, longterm benefit of making them work for the public good instead of themselves. The EU reformation issue is high on all member states’ agendas, and it is up to the people to decide how to change it. Maybe now is the time! This year, this Spring. We should take a moment, sit down and think about the important voting matters and decisions that could affect the next five years of our lives.

Have your say and leave your comments at www.euroweeklynews.com

cession route and reinforcing the Paseo paving. More than 500 barriers seal off the route, where bollards, rubbish containers and traffic signs have been eliminated. Two suspended sets of traffic lights were also temporarily removed. Approximately 6,000 people are taking part in the processions and 1,090 seats have been set up along the official route. Add to this the 25,000 programmes that are handed out and there are ample opportunities for generating a vast amount of litter. Vacuum cleaning machines, aptly-named Gluttons, solve the problem by clearing up between processions and specific equipment is also being used to remove candle drippings from the route. Signs have been put up, warning the public where there could be a build-up of slippery and potentially dangerous - hardened wax. And for the first time ever, impatient spectators can monitor the progress and position of each procession with the ‘Guia Semana Santa Almeria 2015’ smartphone app.

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New facilities TORRECARDENAS hospital has new units for Endoscopy and Paediatric Dialysis, plus a classroom for chronic and acute young patients. The existing classroom will be used for oncological patients.

Sales down THE Consorcio Metropolitano de Transporte will review its budget once it is approved, as several councils have since left. Ticket sales, the principal source of income, are also expected to fall.

Long wait AFTER 10 years, Garruccha has a sports centre with 1,000 seats and facilities for all types of sports.

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Little hope for ‘Blood wedding’ house THE country house near Nijar that inspired Blood Wedding is beyond rescue. The Cortijo del Fraile is practically a ruin, revealed a survey by the owners Agricola Mar Menor.

“People need to wake up from their romantic dream about El Fraile,” the technical report warned. The only solutions are “maintenance and conservation, not restoration,”

Gas on tap for Huercal-Overa NATURAL gas from Algeria has arrived in HuercalOvera via the 135-kilometre Huercal-Baza-Guadix pipeline, the longest in Andalucia. The main valve was symbolically opened by Julio Cesar Campillo, director general of Redexis Gas’s South-Mediterranean Zone, assisted by Sonia Ferrer, the Andalucia government delegate, and Huerca-Overa mayor Domingo Fernandez. Redexis Gas has now completed six kilometres of infrastructure in the area adjoining the fairground, the bus station and Calle Dr Jimenez Diaz. It plans another 16 kilometres inside the town and will bring users savings of up to 50 per cent, the company said.

the report continued. This would entail making the building watertight, removing rubble and transferring fallen masonry to a temporary store. The old house and chapel, which allegedly moved Lorca to write the tragedy in 1932, was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) only after it was already in a bad state of repair. “The project submitted to the Junta , with a budget of €50,000 and a twomonth time schedule, can only halt its decline and is provisional. There is nothing more to say,” announced an Agricola Mar Menor spokesman. The regional government has yet to accept or decline the company’s offer, made almost a year ago, to cede the building to the Administration free of charge.

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Speak out, abuse victims urged HEALTH centres will play an important part in the ongoing campaign against domestic violence. ‘Don’t keep quiet about gender abuse, ask for help’ posters will urge victims in waiting areas and other strategic spots at Almeria’s health centres. This latest drive was announced re-

cently by Alfredo Valdivia, the regional government’s delegate for Health and Social Policies, and Francisca Serrano, provincial coordinator for the Junta’s Institute for Women (IAM). Victims will be encouraged to access the region’s network of anti-abuse resources at health centres or on the 900 200 999 helpline for women, Valdivia explained. The initiative is another facet of IAM’s collaboration with taxi-drivers, hairdressers, pharmacies THREE alleged arsonists believed to have started three and the catering trade. Abused women need to forest fires in the province last year now face prosecution. The Autonomous Police Force, attached to the region’s be reached in their own Justice and Interior Department, carried out 175 inspec- environment and neightions relating to fires last year, which led to legal proceed- bourhoods if the Junta’s resources are to be availings on 18 occasions. Of the 421 people investigated for environmental of- able to them, Serrano fences in 2014, fly-tippers were the most persistent with said. It was also vital to cre299 accusations. A further 92 were denounced for infringing animal protection and natural resources regulations, ate a popular network to combat gender violence leading to two prosecutions. Nine individuals were reported for planning irregularities and the machismo that feeds it. and three for illegal forestry activities.

Forest fire starters face prosecution

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Summer fruit ALMERIA Province growers whose vegetable harvests are over will turn to melons for the second phase of the season. Always popular, melons are the most cost-effective crop, they said.

Pirate veto LOCAL POLICE in El Ejido have stepped up controls to detect illegal taxis operating without licences or insurance.

Diary dates THE Municipal School of Music, Dance and Theatre in Cuevas del Almanzora will hold a summer course between July 20 and 30. It is open to pupils and students from all levels.

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On the right track ALMERIA’S PSOE party will not abandon hopes of a change-of-gauge station for the Granada line. This would vastly improve the province’s high speed rail connections with the rest of Spain, said Juan Carlos Perez Navas who is a senator and also the PSOE party’s Organisation secretary for Almeria. The party would redouble its efforts to ensure that the interchange is built even though the central government’s

Ministry of Public works has admitted that it is not planning to do so, the senator declared. This type of infrastructure was nothing out of the ordinary, he added, while pointing out that it already exists in Antequera and Cordoba. “With an investment of only €7 million, it would be possible to reduce the journeys to Madrid and Sevilla by an hour and open up a connection with Malaga,” Perez Navas said.

A taste of (stolen) honey as beehives are recovered A 33-YEAR-OLD Nijar resident was recently arrested for stealing 50 beehives from apiaries in Nijar and Benizalon. They had clearly been taken by an experienced beekeeper, concluded Guardia Civil investigators. They identified as their prime suspect a Nijar man who had had been arrest-

ed for stealing 347 beehives in 2013 and 323 last year. They found him in Las Greas, near Nijar, where they allegedly saw him painting beehives to remove their serial numbers but drove off rapidly as Guardia Civil officers approached. They found more than

50 beehives, some whose numbers were still readable under the paint and which were returned to their owners. Others belonged to the suspect who reported last month that his own beehives had been stolen. He has now been arrested for theft and falsely reporting a crime.

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Rescued art on show TRANSMUTACION by Mexican sculptor Jorge Elizondo was recently unveiled at the entrance to Zurgena. Finished in 2001 but later abandoned, Arboleas sculptor Luis Ramos kept it safe for more than 10 years.

Gold medallist THE European Forum 2001 awarded Carboneras-born Dr Francisco Nuñez Navarro its Gold Medal for sustained excellence. Aged 69, Nuñez Navarro has specialised in respiratory allergies, apnea and other sleep disorders.

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Time wasted over wastewater plant MOJACAR contributed almost €1 million in re-

gional taxes to improve water treatment between

Work continues on promenade THE second phase of the extension to Mojacar’s promenade has opened. Mayor Rosa Maria Cano was joined by Deputy Minister Andres Garcia Lorca in opening the Cueva del Lobo area. The foundation stone was also laid for the next part of the project, which will see the promenade extended by 880 metres, providing new access to the beach, green areas and gardens. A children’s area will also be created. The work has a budget of €1.6 million and is expected to take around 14 months to complete. The work will also include landscaping, street furniture, public lighting and irrigation and drainage networks. The first part is the cliff side which ends in a plaza with benches and landscaping. The second subsection will include pedestrian and cycle lanes. The third part will be in Pueblo Indalo, and lead to a parking area where there will be seats and gardens.

2011 and 2014. This cash will cover the cost of a wastewater plant to serve Antas, Bedar, Garrucha, Los Gallardos, Turre as well as Mojacar. The project, which was due to commence in November 2007, confirms the Andalucia Water Agency’s commitment to compliance with European Union norms on wastewater treatment. After two years of repeated requests to the Junta de Andalucia, Mojacar Council unanimously approved a draft plan for sewage treatment. Mayor Rosa Maria Cano nevertheless stressed that there is still some way to go, as the site for the plant should have been compulsorily purchased by the Junta in 2007.

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Royal British Legion April dates MEMBERS of the Mojacar branch of the Royal British Legion recently enjoyed a coach trip to Cartagena. It was the first of the year and members and non-members all agreed that they would like more outings. Current plans for

trips and social events include an overnight stay in Cabo de Gata, a Hawaiianthemed lunch and a Black and White jazz night. Non-members are always welcome to join trips or attend branch meetings and do not have to be ex-

Football pitch makeover REPLACING turf at Nijar’s football ground has turned into extensive renovations. An inspection of the pitch revealed leaks in the irrigation network and it was decided to replace this as well as the turf. The project was put out to tender with a winning bid of €23,000 that was 20 per cent below the stipulated €31,3015. The area bordering the pitch will be cleared of weeds and improvements made to the dressing rooms and hot water supply. It is now hoped that following the revamp, Nijar’s Club Comarca will take over maintenance in exchange for its use, the town hall revealed.

services. Meetings are held at the Artisan Centre in Mojacar Pueblo on the first and third Thursday of each month at 11.15am. Owing to Easter, the meeting for today, Thursday April 2, was substituted by lunch at the Torre Bahia restaurant. April 10: a Fish and Chip supper and quiz night at the Beachcomber Restaurant in Mojacar. April 16: Branch meeting. Guest speaker, District Welfare Officer. April 23: St George’s Day lunch at Bella Vista restaurant. May 3: Bikathon fundraising event for Poppy Appeal at Vera Aqua Park.

For any information on the above, contact Eileen Huard on 634 321 507 or socialevents.rblmoj.3485@ gmail.com.

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Lack of help angers residents in Laujar THE province’s wine sector has called for the same assistance that fruit and vegetable growers receive. In Laujar, grape-growers and wine-makers still await

the official help promised last June. Most of last season’s crop and many vines were destroyed during a violent hailstorm, explained Bernardo Vique, President

Quiz evening in aid of Parkinson’s A HUERCAL-OVERA quiz night will bring Parkinson Awareness Week (April 20-26) closer to home. The quiz organised by Alan Boxall hopes to raise not only awareness, but also funds for research into the disease. “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago, four days before we left England for our new life here in Spain,” explained Alan’s wife Joyce. “Money is needed for research into this disease which takes your life. I am now 73, so I do not expect to gain, but my children and their children will,” she said. The quiz starts at 5pm at Asador Sierra Enmendio in Las Norias on April 18.

of the Viticultores y Bodegueros de LaujarAlpujarra association. Grapes and wine are the principal source of income for hundreds of people living in the area and dissatisfaction is growing with the passage of time. Losing their harvest and way of life was no less dramatic for growers and winemakers in Laujar than it was for grape-growers: “Only no-one helps us. We don’t want more help than anyone else, but we don’t want the public administrations to ignore us either.” Expectations are minimal, although the Viticultores y Bodegueros association still hopes that eventually the administrations will realise how unjustly they are treating an area that is committed to agriculture and sustainability.

FINANCE

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The UK Budget. How Does It Affect You? George Osborne’s sixth Budget as the Coalition Chancellor was on 18th March 2015. We have summarised the changes that may affect expatriates, depending on your circumstances. There may be changes depending on who forms the government after the General Election on 7th May. Income tax The UK personal allowance remains available to both residents and non-residents, and will be £10,600 in 2015/2016, £10,800 in 2016/2017 and £11,000 in 2017/2018. The higher rate threshold is £31,785 in 2015/2016, increasing to £31,900 the following year and £32,300 in 2017/2018. The remittance basis charge for individuals resident in the UK for 12 out of the last 14 years will increase from £50,000 to £60,000, and a new charge of £90,000 will apply to those resident in the UK for 17 out of the last 20 years. A new Personal Savings Allowance

are likely to be taxable in your country of residence.

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks of £1,000 will be introduced for basic rate taxpayers (£500 for higher rate taxpayers) from April 2016. From autumn 2015, it will be possible to extract funds from an ISA and replace them in the same year, instead of losing that portion of ISA allowance for the year. The investment limit for Premium Bonds will increase to £50,000 from 1st June 2015. If you are not resident in the UK, premium bond winnings and income from ISAs

Capital gains tax Non-residents are liable to UK capital gains tax on UK residential property from 6th April 2015 as previously announced. There is nothing new in the Budget, but although HM Revenue & Customs say that a property does not need to be valued as at that date, they do state that it is ‘sensible’ to do so. It will no longer be possible to elect that a property is your main home for UK tax purposes if you are not resident in that jurisdiction, unless you spend at least 90 days in it during that UK tax year. This could impact your residence position. Inheritance tax No change was announced to the nil rate band and it will remain £325,000 until 2017/2018. There will be a review regarding

using Deeds of Variation to avoid inheritance tax, and a future Finance Bill will introduce new rules to combat tax avoidance through the use of multiple trusts. The Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes will be extended to cover inheritance tax avoidance schemes. Pensions and annuities While it will be possible for individuals with certain pension schemes to take the full pension funds subject to their UK marginal tax rate, there will not be parity for QROPS schemes at the present time. This disparity is apparently ‘temporary.’ From 2016, individuals will be able to sell their annuities and pay only their marginal rate of income tax, instead of the current 55%. From 6th April 2016, the lifetime allowance for pension contributions will reduce from £1.25 million to £1 million and will thereafter be indexed to inflation.

This is just a summary, and more detail tends to emerge following the budget. It is important to seek specialist advice to clarify how you are affected, particularly when it comes to the interaction between UK and local Spanish taxation, and the tax planning opportunities available. Professional advice is even more important when it comes to UK pensions following the new pension freedom. 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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Bogus dentist is jailed and fined AN unqualified Moroccan has received a 30-month prison sentence for practising as a dentist in Nijar. He was arrested in 2009 when the Campohermoso health centre contacted the

Guardia Civil after doctors had to treat a woman with serious mouth wounds. The bogus dentist, who advertised his services as a dentist and dental technician via visiting cards,

New climbing wall opens in Mojacar MOJACAR Town Council has announced the installation of its new Rocodromo. To the uninitiated this might sound like the venue for a rock concert, but it is in fact the climbing wall which opened recently at the La Fuensanta municipal sports centre.The climbing wall is divided into two zones, one for beginners and another that is eight metres high. “The outlay of almost €12,000 demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to sports with its support for athletes and clubs as well as sports infrastructure like the climbing wall,” said Fernando Aparicio, Mojacar’s councillor for Sport.

agreed to remove her eight remaining front teeth and replace them for €150. Instead he caused so much damage she later needed orthopaedic treatment and took two weeks to recover. Officers located the 33year-old’s clandestine clinic in a Calle Estadio garage equipped with a barber’s chair. A table was littered with scalpels, pliers, dentures, syringes, drills, moulds and a sack of plaster for making impressions. Hygiene and safety were completely absent, investigators revealed later. Although the public prosecution recommended a five-year sentence, the provincial High Court reduced this to 30 months owing to the delay in bringing the case to court. He must also pay his client €3,660 compensation.

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130 years old ALMERIA’S official College of Nursing, created 130 years ago, now has 3,000 members The anniversary was recognised with a monument inscribed ‘Embrace, tend and protect’ in Jardines de la Enfermeria.

Less bumpy WORK has begun on resurfacing 2.6 kilometres of country roads in Adra and should be finished within three weeks.

Violent match A FIVE-A-SIDE match between junior teams Stella Maris and Bayra turned violent after a Bayra player was sent off. Stella Maris players and the referee hid until Guardia Civil arrived.

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Minors rescued from brothel A 44-YEAR-OLD Nigerian has been arrested in Vicar on charges of prostitution and corrupting minors. Six others were arrested and charged with breaking immigration laws. The investigation com-

menced last November after police discovered a 17year-old Nigerian girl forced into prostitution in Vicar. Information that she provided led police to a brothel located in a Vicar

Snap happy THE best photograph of Almeria City’s Pescaderia-La Chanca district will receive a €1,000 prize. The Asociacion Amigos de la Alcazaba is organising the competition to publicise the neighbourhood and protect a heritage that is under threat, explained the Amigos president Maria Teresa Perez. A maximum of three photographs can be uploaded to concursochanca@gmail.com using We Transfer between April 13 and 26. They should be in jpg format with a minimum resolution of 3,000 pixels on the longest side. The competition is open to professionals and amateurs aged over 18. There is a €250 prize and diploma for the runner-up and a diploma for third place.

country house where they found another 17-year-old who was obliged to work as a prostitute. Police raiding the property found the girl, recruited in Nigeria last year, hiding under the bar. They also found a notebook listing the €3,990 she was charged for the clandestine sea crossing into Southern Spain, which she had to pay back in monthly instalments of €500. The National Police recently launched the second phase of an offensive against human-trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation. This includes two videos giving details of the 900 10 50 90 helpline which operates around the clock, together with the trata@policia.es email address.

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Cleaning strike ends at Almeria rail station THE strike by cleaners at Almeria’s Intermodal Station has ended. As reported in last weeks Euro Weekly News , staff were in the middle of a two-week strike with ADIF calling on the Ministry of Health to act before the “sanitary hygiene risk” increases for rail users. Employees and bosses have now reached an agreement and workers

immediately turned to the cleaning of the station with maintenance staff working overtime to restore normality. Passengers had complained about the smell and piles of rubbish in the hallways, platforms and waiting rooms and the toilets were unusable. The strike, which also affected other busy stations, was due to “the constant cuts and lay-offs

that staff have suffered in recent years.” Unions said they had had enough of the staff cuts with the remaining workers having to cover that work, but have since seen a pay cut. The strike was called off after “gruelling” nego-

tiations with union sources saying a tentative agreement had been reached. A record number of passengers are expected at the main stations of the Andalucian railway network this week for Easter.

Drugs under car A MAN has been arrested in the province accused of trying to smuggle 71 bags of drugs. The 25-year-old was spotted by officers trying to hide a small package in the back of his trousers. When he noticed the police he fled the scene, throwing the package underneath a parked vehicle. The bags were found to contain a substance known as ‘speedball’; a combination of cocaine and heroin usually administered intravenously. He will now appear at Roquetas de Mar magistrates court.

Organiser is jailed A MAN has been arrested as the alleged organiser of a boat carrying illegal immigrants. The patera was spotted in Almeria waters, by the Isla de Alboran, with 26 people on board, including three children. Following interviews with those on

board, police were able to track down the organiser who was charging passengers around €1,000 for the journey from Nador in Morocco to Spain. The man has now been jailed on charges of crimes against the rights of foreign citizens.

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British couple found shot dead By Jan Gamm FORMER British Olympic diver and retired engineer Peter David Tarsey and his wife Jean, both 77, were found shot dead, lying in each other’s arms in their Costa Blanca villa on Sunday. The couple had not been seen for several days. A friend of the couple’s, a local estate agent who prefers not to be named, went to the house when she was unable to contact them and found their bodies. “The Tarseys were my closest friends,” she said, “I still can’t believe it.” A Guardia Civil spokesman said the Tarseys were shot with a small calibre weapon and were lying on the lounge sofa in their Jalon home. Shell casings were scattered on the floor. The deaths are be-

POLICE: On guard outside the couple’s Jalon villa. ing treated as homicide subject to post mortem examinations. It is possible the couple had been dead since Friday March 27. No gunshots had been heard. A television was missing from the house and the safe had been unsuccessfully tampered with. A computer was found in the swimming pool. The Tarsey’s pet dog, Domino, was found wandering

about the house. Mrs Tarsey did a lot of work for local charities. David Tarsey (he preferred to use his middle name) was a familiar face in Jalon’s popular Alleluya Bar. The couple’s villa, on the market for €260,000, had been a target for burglars in the past. The Tarseys were hoping to move to Mallorca shortly.

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PRESENTATION: Town hall launches Easter book.

Huercal-Overa’s book on Easter THE imagery and feelings of Holy Week are presented in a book ‘Semana de Pasion en Huercal-Overa.’ The book has been produced by the town hall reflecting the feelings of locals and why Easter is so important in the town. Mayor Domingo Fernandez said the book: “Teaches about our Easter, with spectacular images showing the gen-

uine excitement and feelings of all the citizens. Details have been kept in full so the reader will discover what our town offers at Easter.” Councillor for Culture, Antonio Lazaro, said the book was: “our legacy and part of our history.” The book is now on sale for €18 from the theatre or via www.huercalovera.es.

Voices of Spring THE Rose Singers present Voices of Spring on April 16 at Miraflores Restaurant at Los Gallardo Camping at 7pm and on April 18 at 3pm at the Living Water Church, Mojacar. The concerts are described as ‘a delightful pot pourri of music with a special 50’s tribute to V.E. Day.’ Tickets €8 from Gills Linens, Mojacar Playa, Treasure Trove, Turre, Forget-me-Not, Las Buganvillas and The Shop at Camping Los Gallardos, or call Sue on 950 617 737.

NEWS

NEWS EXTRA

Fatigue help THE PP and PSOE parties in Adra have come together to help fibromyalgia sufferers to fully recognise the disease, which causes chronic fatigue, and offer the correct physical, mental and social protection.

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WOW women continue to support local charities

Fishy call THERE are calls to ensure the correct labelling of Garrucha’s famous red shrimp which curcomes under the classification of the Balearics.

Female tales THE experiences of 59 female entrepreneurs have been put together in a book, launched by Huercal-Overa Town Hall.

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WOW: Ladies make regular donations to charity.

THE Women On Wednesday (WOW) club continues to support local charities in the area. A ladies’ afternoon is held every Wednesday at The Loft, Mojacar Playa, with the group meeting on a social level and to raise money for two charities through a weekly raffle. The money raised is donated to the local Red Cross and to Stepping Stones, an Alzheimer’s carers’ support

Dames garden party THE Dames in Spain Mojacar are hosting their Charity Garden Party on May 19. The event starts at midday in Turre at Casa Gregory. It is a festive day with good food, good company, great raffle prizes and games for prizes with all proceeds going to the charity.

Entrance is €12, which includes lunch and a drink. A selection of three individual rice and pasta dishes are being prepared including paella, fideua and curry. Places are limited so call today to secure your tickets on 950 529 399 or 950 956 130.

group. Any money donated is spent on either a day out or a meal for all the carers.

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NEWS EXTRA

Easy app A MOBILE app that allows residents to raise their problems with the City of Almeria has so far attended to 341 issues. The app has been downloaded to 1,697 mobile devices.

Abuse drive THE Andalucian Women’s Institute (AMI) is launching a timeless awareness campaign against gender violence in primary care centres across Almeria.

Cheaper drugs PRICE reductions are now in place across the region for drugs and treatments for Hepatitis C patients after a new strategic plan by the government came into force.

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Report crime without speaking Spanish A NEW app for your iPhone or android that allows you to report a crime instantly without having to

speak Spanish is now available. For some, and in some instances, the thought of having to speak to the

Guardia Civil when they have been the victim of a crime, is almost as bad as the crime itself. As of this week, that should be a thing of the past with the release of a mobile app called ‘AlertCops’. The Interior Ministry supported development of the new app which is already set up in Madrid, Alicante and Malaga, and has released a video guide to help explain its function. The new app will ask you to download and install from Google Play or Apple, then to register and confirm by return SMS. IN THE RED: Almeria Airport reported a loss of €7.7 million last year. Once this is done and you are accepted, you will be free to report any crime directly to the authorities ALMERIA Airport has reported a loss of €7.7 million last year, making it one of air- without speaking Spanish. port authority Aena’s poorest performing airports. The app speaks both! However, although the airport is still in the red, in the last financial year debt reIn addition, with the GPS duced by almost 30 per cent. Barcelona recorded the most profits (€339 million) fol- function linked your localowed by Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South and Gran Canaria. tion is known as well.

Airport reports losses

NEWS

Response to Easter incidents EASTER weekend may not quite be here yet but the 112 emergency service reports that is has received 236 calls in Almeria in the first days of Holy Week. The emergencies represent 6.1 per cent of the total demand of the autonomous community in which there were 3,862 reports. Almeria was the Andalucian province with the second lowest number of incidents reported. Malaga had the most with 673, followed by Granada (524) and Cadiz (478). Saturday and Sunday saw the most incidents reported in Almeria between the hours of 8pm and 9pm. Health assists, public safety notices and traffic incidents accounted for the bulk of incidents dealt with by the emergency numbers. There were also 10 reports of fires.

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New Nerja street cleaners NIJAR has introduced two new drag sweepers to improve street cleaning in the municipality Cespa, the concessionaire of street cleaning services has added two machines to the fleet, which were also manufactured in

Almeria expands collection AN assignment of art pieces is headed Almeria’s way. “Today is a great day for the city because we signed an agreement with which for many is considered the most important art collection of southeast Spain.” said Mayor Luis Rogelio Rodríguez-Comendador. The mayor signed the agreement with the Cosentino Ibanez Art Foundation for the Doña Pakyta museum exhibition, a new space that is added to the municipal network. In the Doña Pakyta Museum there will be exhibits of works of local creators from 1880-1970 in a total of seven rooms. A project is also being included to create a mobile app which will aid people with visual disabilities.

Switching off lights SPAIN was one of 172 countries to switch off lights around the planet as part of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour project. Earth Hour is a yearly event to highlight climate change and how we can positively contribute to reducing global emissions. Lights were switched off in homes and at major national monuments across the planet for an hour last Saturday. In Spain, Madrid’s royal palace and the iconic bridge in Ronda switched off the electricity.

Almeria, which contributes to enhancing the industry in the province. There are now seven street cleaning machines in action and the new ones include a new system for cleaning paths as previ-

ously there was no specific machines to do it. Instead, cleaners would just use pressurised water. An additional five staff have also been taken on over Easter to cover the holiday period.

CLEANER STREETS: Two new cleaning machines.

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One in eight women in Spain have suffered from domestic violence ONE in eight women in Spain have suffered gender-based violence at some point in their lives, a new study has revealed. The new Macro-survey on Vio-

lence Against Women 2015 revealed that 12.5 per cent of women aged 16 and over living in Spain have suffered some form of physical or sexual ag-

gression at the hands of their partners or ex-partners. The results of the study, presented by Health, Social Services and Equality Minister Alfonso

Alonso, also revealed that 77.6 per cent of victims manage to overcome the effects of abuse and create new lives for themselves.

Citizenship renewed after 500 years? THE Spanish government is considering issuing citizenship to descendents of Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. If the law passes through the upper chamber of the Spanish Parliament, the application process would start at the end of the year. Around 300,000 Jewish people lived in Spain at the time, but these people were ordered to either convert to the Catholic religion or leave the country by Catholic King and Queen Ferdinand and Isabella. If the law is passed, the Spanish government does not expect most eligible citizens to return to Spain, but instead expects around 90,000 people to apply for dual citizenship. Descendents of the expelled families are thought to live in the USA, Israel, France, Ar-

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: Both connections will need to be proven. gentina, Chile, Turkey and Mexico. Applicants for Spanish citizenship will need to

prove both their Jewish heritage and their connection to Spain.

Alonso stressed that the number of women who manage to overcome the effects of abuse has increased since the last study, carried out in 2011, and launched an appeal for society to continue supporting women to leave abuse behind. The investigation, in collaboration with the CIS Sociology Investigation Centre, was based on interviews with 10,171 women in Spain aged 16 or over. The survey revealed that 25.4 per cent of women have suffered psychological abuse, 21.9 per cent emotional abuse and 10.8 per cent financial abuse, all lower than the European averages of 35, 32 and 12 per cent respectively. Gender Violence delegate for the Spanish government Blanca Hernandez explained that 67.4 per cent of women end relationships due to violence, yet only 26.8 per cent of victims are believed to report cases to the authorities.

FLIGHT SCARE: The flight had to make an emergency landing.

Pilot smells smoke

A VUELING flight covering the Barcelona-Munich route returned to Barcelona on the morning of March 26 and made an emergency landing after the pilot smelled smoke. The airline explained that flight VLGH1812, which had taken off from El Prat airport at 6.55am, returned as a

routine precaution as the pilot reported he could smell smoke. The plane landed back in Barcelona and 137 passengers were boarded on another aircraft, which finally took off at 9.40am, Vueling declared, although 12 passengers decided not to board the second plane.

Mass for royal princesses PRINCESS Leonor of Asturias and her sister, Infanta Sofia, will be appearing in public this Easter after a long spell behind the scenes. The young princesses, who have not been seen in public since October 12

when they accompanied their parents to a traditional military parade, will be accompanying King Felipe and Queen Letizia and their grandmother DoĂąa Sofia to Mass at Palma de Mallorca cathedral on Sunday, April 5.

The Spanish Royal Family have traditionally attended Mass on Easter Sunday at Palma Cathedral ever since they started spending Easter holidays at the Marivent Palace, the traditional royal summer residence.

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NEWS

The dropout rate in Spain twice as high THE school dropout rate of Spain is twice as high as the European average, says a report. The education system of Spain presents serious deficiencies, according to the study carried out by Save the Children, titled ‘Illuminating their future: investing in education is fighting against childhood poverty.’ The report analysed the coherence of public policies in terms of education of cities and autonomous communities and what measures are taken to avoid social exclusion and poverty. The study shows that one out of three students has already retaken a whole year at least once by the time they turn 15. Around 30 per cent of students do not graduate from secondary school and

EDUCATION SYSTEM: Shows serious deficiencies. the rate of early school dropout sits at 23.5 per cent. The average rate in Europe is 12 per cent. The governments’ investment in education has dramatically fallen between 2007 and 2013 across the country. In total, the education budget has decreased by 10.94 per cent during said

period while the average household expenditure in terms of education has increased by 30.3 per cent between 2006 and 2013, even when average income of families decreased by 10 per cent since 2009. The report displays the link between childhood poverty and lack of equality of education policies.

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OFF TRACK: Profits for the AVE high-speed train lines.

AVE rail lines making a loss NONE of Spain’s highspeed AVE train lines are making a profit, according to a new report released by the Spanish Foundation for the Studies of Applied Economics (Fedea), The report claims that

the huge investments made by the government that run to billions of euros are “neither beneficial to businesses nor society” and don’t compensate for savings made in flights or driving time. Spain currently has more than 2,515 kilometres of AVE rail lines, with another 1,200 kilometres being built at the moment; this is one of the most extensive rail systems on the planet, but Spain currently has a relatively low demand for high-speed rail travel.

The report determines that in Spain there were only 11,800 passengers for every kilometre of AVE line in Spain, compared to 158,121 passengers per kilometre in Japan, reflecting the much higher train usage in the Asian economic superpower. The report adds that although numbers of train passengers are projected to increase rapidly in the next five years, only an increase in ticket prices to customers will recover the cost of investment.

Report warns on effect of poverty THERE is enough scientific evidence to affirm that the level of childhood poverty in Spain will leave permanent effects on the health of Spanish children, says a report. The Spanish Society for Public Health and Health Administration (SESPAS), consisting of 12 scientific and medical associations across Spain, warned that the younger a child is when first exposed to poverty, the more irreversible and permanent the negative effects are. “There is evidence of worse general health and worse mental health in minors belonging to families at risk of social exclusion, who need help to keep their home or who have been evicted,” said the report. “If social inequality growth continues increasing, future generations will see a higher risk for health problems.” This is why SESPAS has urged the governments and public administrations to pursue emergency measures to combat the effects of childhood poverty on children’s health. The number of children at risk of poverty has grown from 28.9 per cent to 36.3 per cent between 2008 and 2012, according to the last report released by UNICEF.

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Job market stops young adults flying the nest A STUDY from the Spanish Youth Observatory has found that eight out of 10 young adults in Spain canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to fly the nest. The study, on the third quarter of last year, found that just 21.8 per cent of under 30s in Spain had managed to set up home on their own, while the rest still lived with their parents and said they could not afford to move out. According to the study, the average salary for people in this age group would only allow them to buy property of less than 50 square metres and to buy anything bigger they would have to earn twice their current salaries. Unemployment is a big problem for young adults in the country, with 52.4 per cent of under 25s out of work, 41.7 per cent of those in work having worked for their current employers for less than a year and one quarter work only part-time. Young adults who did find work in the period studied were only

STILL LIVING AT HOME: Young Spaniards cannot afford to leave. given temporary contracts in 93.7 per cent of cases, and 55.6 per cent said they were vastly

overqualified for the jobs they had had to take as nothing else was available.

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E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería AXARQUIA

Fire evacuation A FIRE in a building in Calle Panaderos, Torre del Mar (Velez-Malaga) forced the fire brigade to evacuate seven residents. The fire began at 3.46am on March 28 and 11 vehicles were damaged.

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Going for gold AN UNKNOWN ‘artist’ has been painting several pieces of urban furniture in gold around Rincon de la Victoria. The town mayor, Francisco Salado, has announced that he is open to discussing a project if the painter comes forward.

Centre inauguration A NEW day-care centre for people with disabilities, run by the association AMIRAX, was inaugurated in Rincon de la Victoria by Mayor Francisco Salado. It will provide services to almost 30 residents.

Foundation laid THE first stone for Nerja’s new fire brigade headquarters was placed on Monday (March 30) by Maria Francisca Caracual, vice-president of the Malaga Provincial Council.

COSTA DEL SOL

Record temperature MALAGA Province registered the highest minimum temperatures in Spain on Sunday, March 29. A minimum of 20.1 degrees centigrade was recorded at Malaga airport, beating the previous highest minimum for March of 19.4 degrees, registered in 1987.

Empty pockets A NEW system is being put in place at the University of Malaga that will allow services to be paid for using mobile phones, eliminating the need to carry cash for coffee, photocopies, etc.

Sun and training MORE than 300 athletes from 16 teams from Belgium, Norway, Sweden, France, Ireland and the UK will be training at

Top temperature TORREVIEJA recorded temperature highs of 29.9 degrees at the weekend, the second highest in March since data began. Forecasters predict good weather throughout Easter.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Black beaches

Meet catsharks TWO out of the four catsharks born in the Almuñecar Aquarium back in November can now be seen by visitors. The rest are still in quarantine, as keepers need to control the lighting and water temperature to ensure their development.

NEWS DESK

HEAVY rain in Valencia has helped clean up after the Fallas but beaches near the city are streaked with black from Styrofoam ash washed up by the waves.

Pictorial Altea FAMILY OF FOUR: Found dead in a Gibraltar house.

British family die in Gibraltar POLICE have confirmed that a family of four have been found dead in Gibraltar. The Royal Gibraltar Police said a 31year-old British man, a 37-year-old woman, a four-year-old girl and a sixweek-old baby were found dead on Monday March 30. Detectives and forensic officers have been working in the flat and the area remains cordoned-off. Police found the tragic scene after responding to a neighbour’s screams in the Ciudad de Torremolinos sports facilities in April, making the most of the kind climate.

Underground service THE mobile phone provider Orange has followed in the footsteps of Movistar and Vodafone and signed agreements with Malaga Metro to provide reception for users on the city’s underground.

Park plans A NEW riverside park and leisure area is being planned by Estepona Council to complement the recently built fair and sports grounds and auditorium in the Arroyo Monterroso area.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

All go in Torry AFTER a three-year delay, work has restarted on the four-storey Easter

Boschetti’s Steps, just after 11am. Police said: “Presently, we are not looking for anyone involved in this very unfortunate event, but the investigation will be thorough and detailed drawing on the expertise of other professionals.” Reportedly the family had been in Spain for some time and had only been in Gibraltar for a few days. At the present moment, a full investigation is being conducted by officers of the Serious Crime Unit. Museum located on the Avd de las Habaneras in Torrevieja.

Don’t read the newspapers A POLL of 200 citizens by San Miguel Town Hall shows 13.7 per cent of those participating never read a newspaper.

More rain

AN exhibition of photographs and paintings of Altea collected over the last 60 years is on display at the Fundación Schlotter until April 26.

Forewarned THE Police Union held a conference in Benidorm to train officers in the province on detecting the warning signs of Jihadism and Islamic radicalisation.

Unacceptable delay MANAGEMENT at Villajoyosa Hospital are investigating claims that a cancer patient had to wait three hours for an ambulance to transport them home after treatment.

On a high A DUTCH national was arrested in Altea for growing hundreds of marihuana plants and defrauding the electricity company by bypassing the official meter supply.

MALLORCA

Permanent work THE number of temporary contracts that turn into permanent contracts in the Balearic Islands has increased by 10.5 per cent in 2014 - from 12,536 in 2013 to 13,800 this year.

Lorry falls

RAINFALL in the Segura basin is at nearly 185 litres per square metre, compared to 74.5 litres per square metres last year; more than double the 2014 figure.

A LORRY fell into the water at Palma’s Port on Monday (March 30) at around 12.30pm. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the vehicle was empty at the time of the accident.

Spiderman jailed

Sincere condolences

A THIEF, nicknamed ‘Spiderman,’ has been sentenced to two and a half years in jail for stealing from a house in Cartagena after climbing up to the first floor balcony to take advantage of an open patio door.

PRESIDENT of the Balearic Islands, Jose Ramon Bauza, and main representatives of the government and other authorities, held a minute’s silence on March 26 to express their condolences for the victims of Germanwings plane crash.

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Temporary passport extension ends THE British Home Office has ended the temporary passport extension stamp provision, introduced last year to ease a huge backlog of applications from expatriates. Britons living abroad will now need to apply to renew their passports online or at local offices as usual from April 10. Expats in Spain will have to use the online application process. Last year’s contingency measures were used to cope with exceptional demand, a 12-month passport extension stamp for British citizens overseas helping more than 20,000 UK nationals.

Human organ treaty FAMOUS pilgrimage city Santiago de Compostela played host to a two-day international conference on human organ trafficking. Spain was one of 14 countries, also including Britain, Italy and Turkey, which signed an international convention that banned the illegal trade in organs for transplants and prohibits making a profit from the business. The scale of the organ trafficking problem was highlighted at a press conference chaired by Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjoern Jagland. He said that organ trafficking was one of the world’s top 10 black market businesses, making €1.1 billion each year around the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that around 10,000 illegal transplants take place each year, with some wealthy people paying hundreds of thousands of euros for a single organ transplant. This is the first international treaty aimed at preventing this highly exploitive trade.

Demand for passports is now expected to return to normal levels and Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) will be contacting all citizens with a passport

extension at least two months before it expires. This is to encourage British passports to be renewed in good time. Immigration and Security

Minister James Brokenshire said: “Overseas turnaround times have improved significantly and are now well within service standards. But we still encourage all

overseas passport holders to apply in good time to avoid disruption to their travel plans.” HMPO has stated that it will provide a seven-day

service to customers in the UK with an extension stamp if they submit all the correct documentation within six weeks of their passports expiring.

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S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

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Stories making headlines in Europe

Cost of war DENMARK: Since the country entered the war against IS in October last year, it has spent nearly a quarter of a billion Krone (€35 million), according to the Defence Ministry.

Disease fight NORWAY: So far, Norway has spent some €58 million on the fight against Ebola in Africa. Due to the risk now being greatly reduced, the government has started to ‘scale down operations’. Health workers were due home this week.

Midnight run NORWAY: The annual Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway is now taking entrants for the day-lit night run. Between May and July the sun never sets in Tromso, meaning this is the only night-time race that doesn’t require head lamps or equipment.

Passport pain DENMARK: 11,000 Danes have received passports with errors, meaning they could be refused entry at control points abroad. A software error caused a failure to imprint the legally required fingerprint on the chip.

from Northamptonshire Police,’ a statement said.

ARMY medic Corporal Anna Cross, aged 25, from Cambridge, who caught Ebola while working as a volunteer in Sierra Leone has been declared free of the disease. She was the first person in the world to be given the experimental Ebola drug MIL 77.

Biggest ever jail BRITAIN’S first titan-sized prison has been given the government go-ahead. The £212 million (€290 million) prison will hold 2,100 inmates. The contract to build Britain’s biggest ever prison was signed just days before Parliament was dissolved for the General Election.

Murder arrest OTIS GOLDSMITH, 49, of the Northamptonshire Police force has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife Jill in Wootton. The murder investigation team ‘will not include anyone

Crippen letters at auction LETTERS written by one of the 20th century’s most notorious murderers, Doctor Crippen, will go on sale in Devizes, Wiltshire, this week. Crippen was executed in November 1910 after poisoning his wife and hiding her dismembered remains under the cellar floor.

Gay prison wedding THE UK’s first gay prison wedding took place when convicted killers tied the knot behind bars. Mikhail Gallatinov, 40, and fellow inmate Marc Goodwin, 31, were married in the children’s play alcove at the prison’s visitor centre. Both are serving life sentences at Full Sutton Prison, East Yorkshire.

Amanda Knox free THE conviction of Amanda Knox for the murder of UK student Meredith Kercher has been quashed by Italy’s top appeals court. It is the final ruling in the case following three previous court decisions over the 2007 murder, when Meredith Kercher was stabbed to death in a Perugia apartment.

RUSSIAN PRESS Antarctic reserve UK athlete and swimmer Lewis Pugh has flown to Moscow to discuss the creation of a new marine reserve in the Antarctic’s Ross Sea. He has made long-distance swims in all of the world’s oceans.

A REPRESENTATIVE of the German Labour Ministry was called to a special UN committee to discuss the government’s plan to improve disabled people’s rights. This is hoped to put Germany in line with UN standards.

More needed A RECENT study has found that Germany will need nearly half a million new immigrants per year until 2050, according to a report issued by the Bertelsmann Institute.

Model bank FIDOR BANK has been declared Model Bank of the Year in awards sponsored by research agency Celent at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Morale high CONSUMER morale has hit its highest level for 13 years, according to a survey. This is expected to increase spending and reduce already low unemployment in the coming year.

NASA FLICKR PHOTO

SWEDEN: Poet Tomas Tranströmer, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2011, has died in Stockholm this week at the age of 83. After a stroke in 1990, he lost the power of speech but continued to write and play piano with one hand.

Ebola nurse cured

GERMAN PRESS Disability rights

BRITISH PRESS Death of Nobel poet

EUROPEAN PRESS

Witness dead

Guatemalan cosmonaut

A KEY witness who testified against a neoNazi terror cell (the NSU) thought to be behind 10 killings between 2000 and 2007, has been found dead in Kaischtal. Murder is not initially suspected.

RUSSIA is considering a request from Guatemala to train its first cosmonaut, according to a statement from Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Putin requests peace VLADIMIR PUTIN has asked for an ‘immediate cessation of military activities’ in Yemen in a conversation with Iran’s al Alam news network. Iran is suspected of giving supplies and training to Houthi rebels, but denies these claims.

REQUEST: Russia to train Guatemalan cosmonaut.

Jordan reactor

No discussion

RUSSIA has signed a $10 billion (€9.22 billion) deal to build Jordan’s first nuclear reactor. The power plant will be made up of two 1,000 megawatt reactors. Jordan currently imports 96 per cent of its power.

RUSSIA said it was not prepared to discuss restructuring its $3 billion (€2.76 billion) holding of Ukrainian debt. Russian Finance Minister Siluanov then went on to say he considered Russia to be an official, not a private, creditor.

Thai sorrow THAI Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-Ocha offered his condolences for the Germanwings crash that killed 150 people to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a telephone message.

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business & legal

Cheap and cheerful wine SPAIN is now the world’s principal wine-exporter. Aided by an abundant grape harvest and expanding markets for Spanish bodegas, it exported 2.256 billion litres of wine last year. This topped Italy and France’s figures by a respective 200 million and 800 million litres.

Spain’s bottled wine exports rose 3.4 per cent to 762 million litres, compared with 0.7 per cent for France and 0.2 per cent for Italy. Despite such good export results, turnover from Spain’s sales abroad fell by 4.6 per cent to €2.522 billion. The tendency to concentrate on cheaper wine,

Euro down, but hopes are up THE 2008 days when €1 was worth $1.60 are unlikely to return. Parity between both currencies is approaching but the outlook is not all bad, argued Miguel Angel Bernal, lecturer at the International School of Stock Exchange Studies (IEB). “Parity is a psychological barrier. But it also reflects a devaluated euro,” Bernal said. The downward tendency would continue, he predicted: “The European Central Bank (ECB) has purchased barely 3 per cent of the assets that it said it would acquire before September 2016.” Foreign tourists saved the day during the crisis even when the euro was

at its strongest and the more favourable exchange rates will boost business from outside the eurozone. This will have a specific effect on Britain, one of Spain’s most important tourist sources. Southern Europe’s eurozone countries have repeatedly stressed the need for devaluation, said Jose Luis Martinez, strategist at Citibank. The exterior sector will be the principal beneficiary as Spain’s exports gain in attraction outside the EU. Bernal agreed that this is particularly true of dollarised countries, Latin America countries and others like Chile whose economy benefits from a strong dollar.

much of it exported in bulk, was allied to a general fall in market prices, sector experts explained. Spanish wine now sells at an average €1.16 a litre, compared with €1.43 per litre in 2014, putting it at the bottom of a list that is headed by France with an average price per litre of €5.3.

usiness extra

Taking a toll THE Supreme court turned down cashstrapped toll road operator AMSA’s request to renegotiate its government contracts. Sparse traffic was not an “unforeseen risk,” judges told the Abertis, Sacyr and ACS alliance.

Dressing up CLOTHING chain H & M’s first quarter turnover in Spain grew by 12 per cent to 1.816 billion Swedish crowns (€195 million). The retailer now has 163 stores in this country.

O2 goes to Hong Kong TELEFONICA has sold its UK operation O2 to Hutchison Whampoa. The Spanish multinational and Hong Kong-based Hutchison agreed a purchase price of $10.25 billion (approximately €14 billion). Hutchison will merge 02 with its existing British mobile company, Three, to create Britain’s largest mobile network. Approval from the regulatory authorities must arrive

before the deal can go through, as this will reduce UK mobile networks to three and could herald higher prices and less competition. The sale was expected after Hutchison’s billionaire owner Li Kashing announced plans to acquire O2 last January. Li is the richest man in Asia, with a fortune that Forbes estimates at around €35 billion.

EWN

STAT OF WEEK THE Social Security Reserve Fund’s balance of €66.816 billion in 2011 has shrunk to €41.634 billion. Most of the cash went on pension rises and pensioners’ June and December bonuses.

SHEMSU.HOR

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

WINE EXPORTS: Aided by an abundant grape harvest.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 30

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group 487.05 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 470.50 Admiral Group 1,542.00 Aggreko 1,536.50 Anglo American 1,055.00 Antofagasta 728.75 ARM Holdings 1,096.50 Ashtead Group 1,091.50 Associated British Foods 2,865.00 AstraZeneca 4,727.75 Aviva 554.25 Babcock International 973.00 BAE Systems 532.75 Barclays 246.65 Barratt Developments 534.50 BG Group 861.10 BHP Billiton 1,515.50 BP 448.00

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 1.65 0.34 5.50 1.18 14.00 0.92 -6.50 -0.42 11.00 1.05 13.75 1.92 17.50 1.62 21.50 2.01 20.00 0.70 41.75 0.89 3.75 0.68 -0.50 -0.05 2.75 0.52 2.40 0.98 -1.50 -0.28 -12.20 -1.40 8.00 0.53 4.40 0.99

NET VOLUME 4,720.24 6,192.01 4,264.77 3,951.91 14,581.32 7,048.88 15,229.85 5,385.78 22,523.13 59,197.69 16,252.96 4,888.88 16,723.87 40,306.98 5,316.95 29,818.04 31,839.48 80,925.43

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Units per €

US dollar .................................................................1.08619 Japan yen .............................................................130.026 Switzerland franc...............................................1.04725 Denmark kroner ................................................7.46850 Norway kroner ...................................................8.67072

currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 C O M PA N Y

PRICE(P)

British Amrcn Tobacco British Land Co BT Group Bunzl Burberry Group Capita Group (The) Carnival

3,569.25 851.75 456.30 1,841.00 1,785.00 1,151.50 3,281.00

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 30

C O M PA N Y MMM 3M AXP American Express AAPL Apple BA Boeing CAT Caterpillar CVX Chevron CSCO Cisco KO Coca-Cola DIS Disney DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil GE General Electric GS Goldman Sachs HD Home Depot IBM IBM INTC Intel JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase MCD McDonald's MRK Merck MSFT Microsoft NKE Nike PFE Pfizer PG Procter & Gamble TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies UNH UnitedHealth VZ Verizon V Visa WMT Wal-Mart

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 163.50 77.97 123.25 148.85 79.67 104.28 27.13 40.08 105.48 71.65 83.58 24.86 188.06 113.86 160.40 32.00 100.34 59.55 96.96 57.75 40.97 99.88 34.53 82.31 107.13 116.90 118.01 48.56 65.54 81.35

+0.91 -0.51 -0.99 +0.68 -0.21 -0.97 +0.04 -0.27 +0.24 -0.11 -0.74 +0.06 +0.82 +1.49 -0.19 +1.92 +0.20 +0.01 -0.68 +0.15 -0.24 +0.55 +0.37 +0.16 +0.30 +0.86 +1.76 +0.14 -0.05 -0.54

+0.56% -0.65% -0.80% +0.46% -0.26% -0.92% +0.15% -0.67% +0.23% -0.15% -0.88% +0.24% +0.44% +1.33% -0.12% +6.38% +0.20% +0.02% -0.70% +0.26% -0.58% +0.55% +1.08% +0.19% +0.28% +0.74% +1.51% +0.29% -0.08% -0.66%

1.7M 9.0M 39.5M 2.6M 6.3M 5.8M 20.5M 14.4M 5.3M 4.1M 11.6M 28.3M 1.5M 3.9M 3.5M 73.9M 5.8M 11.8M 4.6M 8.5M 34.4M 2.2M 22.8M 6.4M 1.5M 2.8M 2.6M 11.7M 6.5M 5.7M

1.36666

0.73170

C O M PA N Y

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 17.25 2.25 2.30 15.00 18.00 10.50 40.00

0.49 0.26 0.51 0.82 1.02 0.92 1.23

NET VOLUME 66,213.48 8,663.64 37,996.31 6,112.47 7,858.05 7,552.94 7,004.34

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Altera Corporation $ 44.39 China Information Technology, Inc. $ 4.62 RBC Bearings Incorporated $ 75.58 ChinaCache International Holdings Ltd. $ 10.30 Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. $ 7.75 BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. $ 128.78 Lombard Medical, Inc. $4 Forward Pharma A/S $ 26.76 Sage Therapeutics, Inc. $ 50.70 Codexis, Inc. $ 4.50 Histogenics Corporation $ 9.69

9.815 ▲ 28.39% 0.835 ▲ 22.06% 13.20 ▲ 21.16% 1.58 ▲ 18.12% 0.99 ▲ 14.64% 13.23 ▲ 11.45% 0.41 ▲ 11.42% 2.73 ▲ 11.36% 5.09 ▲ 11.16% 0.45 ▲ 11.11% 0.91 ▲ 10.36%

Most Advanced

Most Declined Washington Federal, Inc. $ 4.45 MOL Global, Inc. $ 2.34 Energy XXI Ltd. $ 3.63 Roka Bioscience, Inc. $ 3.51 Ovascience Inc. $ 43.47 Gaming Partners International Corporation$ 10.61 Rex Energy Corporation $ 3.86 Knightsbridge Shipping Limited $ 4.58 Loxo Oncology, Inc. $ 12.365 Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 8.10 Cellectis S.A. $ 35

0.89 ▼ 16.67% 0.38 ▼ 13.97% 0.56 ▼ 13.37% 0.44 ▼ 11.14% 4.82 ▼ 9.98% 1.09 ▼ 9.32% 0.35 ▼ 8.31% 0.40 ▼ 8.03% 1.045 ▼ 7.79% 0.5887 ▼ 6.78% 2.35 ▼ 6.29%

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Centrica 258.30 -1.00 Coca-Cola HBC 1,202.00 6.00 Compass Group 1,185.00 11.00 CRH 1,759.00 -29.00 Diageo 1,920.75 25.75 Direct Line Insurance 321.75 1.55 Dixons Carphone 412.10 2.60 easyJet 1,855.00 -3.00 Experian 1,123.50 -1.50 Fresnillo 701.00 1.00 Friends Life Group 424.80 3.10 G4S 293.70 1.30 GKN 366.15 6.05 GlaxoSmithKline 1,588.50 19.00 Glencore 294.05 5.90 Hammerson 677.00 4.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,162.00 7.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,158.00 10.00 HSBC Holdings 581.20 2.70 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,098.00 -4.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,665.00 25.00 International Consolidtd 595.25 1.25 Intertek Group 2,487.00 31.00 Intu Properties 353.50 0.70 ITV 254.95 3.55 Johnson Matthey 3,422.00 62.00 Kingfisher 367.05 9.25 Land Securities Group 1,269.50 1.50 Legal & General Group 283.30 2.40 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 79.55 0.50 London Stock Exchange 2,452.50 39.50 Marks & Spencer Group 539.75 9.75 Meggitt 566.00 6.00 Mondi 1,305.50 2.50 Morrison (Wm) Sprmrkts 197.80 -0.70 National Grid 885.20 3.70 Next 7,107.50 57.50 Old Mutual 226.60 1.90 Pearson 1,487.50 22.50 Persimmon 1,688.50 21.50 Prudential 1,688.00 5.00 Randgold Resources 4,802.00 46.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,918.00 58.00 Reed Elsevier 1,178.50 16.50 Rio Tinto 2,846.75 37.25 Rolls-Royce Group 960.50 13.00 Royal Bank of Scotland 345.80 2.70 Royal Dutch Shell 2,055.00 20.50 Royal Dutch Shell 2,158.00 26.50 Royal Mail 442.80 0.80 RSA Insurance Group 429.70 6.50 SABMiller 3,623.50 10.50 Sage Group (The) 466.90 5.00 Sainsbury (J) 265.20 2.70 Schroders 3,230.50 26.50 Severn Trent 2,095.00 7.00 Shire 5,417.50 -7.50 Sky 1,002.50 -0.50 Smith & Nephew 1,137.50 -4.50 Smiths Group 1,151.00 -11.00 Sports Direct Internatnl 613.75 -7.75 SSE 1,537.00 -11.00 St James's Place 935.00 3.00 Standard Chartered 1,112.50 9.50 Standard Life 481.80 4.80 Taylor Wimpey 155.00 0.40 Tesco 240.20 1.95 Travis Perkins 1,940.50 13.50 TUI AG 1,212.50 12.50 Unilever 2,891.00 40.00 United Utilities Group 937.75 -4.75 Vodafone Group 225.08 0.38 Weir Group 1,719.50 5.50 Whitbread 5,267.50 27.50 Wolseley 4,043.00 38.00 WPP Group 1,560.00 20.00

% C H G. -0.39 0.50 0.94 -1.62 1.36 0.48 0.63 -0.16 -0.13 0.14 0.74 0.44 1.68 1.21 2.05 0.59 0.61 0.47 0.47 -0.13 0.95 0.21 1.26 0.20 1.41 1.85 2.59 0.12 0.85 0.63 1.64 1.84 1.07 0.19 -0.35 0.42 0.82 0.85 1.54 1.29 0.30 0.97 0.99 1.42 1.33 1.37 0.79 1.01 1.24 0.18 1.54 0.29 1.08 1.03 0.83 0.34 -0.14 -0.05 -0.39 -0.95 -1.25 -0.71 0.32 0.86 1.01 0.26 0.82 0.70 1.04 1.40 -0.50 0.17 0.32 0.52 0.95 1.30

VOLUME 12,884.82 4,357.92 19,531.85 14,588.55 47,642.56 4,803.00 4,715.23 7,380.13 11,111.00 5,158.26 5,941.97 4,536.86 5,930.40 76,353.61 37,684.10 5,278.35 5,478.38 4,266.62 111,184.76 29,688.96 6,233.50 12,111.32 3,963.05 4,645.81 10,136.22 6,885.24 8,378.83 10,024.01 16,691.91 56,420.94 8,372.06 8,729.19 4,454.57 4,785.15 4,635.14 32,956.83 10,777.59 11,068.71 12,017.07 5,109.46 43,218.19 4,415.61 41,986.51 13,096.55 39,945.93 17,524.83 21,847.77 79,235.33 52,017.35 4,420.00 4,298.40 58,377.57 4,975.88 5,025.80 7,241.76 4,985.75 32,020.90 17,241.74 10,228.05 4,587.11 3,719.46 15,371.94 4,848.54 27,274.07 11,469.48 5,029.85 19,353.03 4,794.44 N/A 36,591.43 6,426.80 59,570.90 3,657.35 9,521.14 10,415.11 20,206.72

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Sterling-euro rollercoaster gains pace WE can be excused for thinking that the foreign exchange market is like a rollercoaster at the moment, because this is the way it feels when we look at the recent sharp moves in the Sterling/euro exchange rate. After the pound recently posted seven-year highs (over 1.4250) in early March, the euro seems to have clawed back some of the heavy losses it suffered in recent months and was trading around 1.3550 at the end of March. This 5 per cent move really feels like a loop-the-loop given how quickly Sterling rose and fell in such a short period of time. The quantitative easing (QE) programme launched by the European Central Bank (ECB) early in March is yielding its first results, and bodes well for a wider recovery in Europe. The Eurozone’s businesses are likely to enjoy further improvements over the coming months by encouraging business investment and hiring.

Ask the expert Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

This should finally put the Eurozone’s recovery on a more sustainable path. Despite the improvement in the Eurozone, the single currency’s outlook remains negative over the long term. The QE programme should keep the euro weak, because the ECB will keep interest rates low for an extended period as Mario Draghi floods the market with waves of liquidity until at least September 2016. Further downside risks might also be exacerbated if uncertainty in Greece and Russia flare up again in the

STERLING/EURO: Has seen recent sharp moves in exchange rate. coming months and undermine both the recovery and investors’ sentiment. The great British pound has underperformed of late as investors’ confidence is put to the test by the UK’s uncertain political and economic outlooks, which are clouded by the upcoming election in May. Data

released this month showed that Britain is on the cusp of a period of deflation. For the first time since records began in the UK, inflation measured by the consumer prices index has hit zero in the month of March. This has several implications, but not all of them are necessarily as worrying as the

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word ‘deflation’ might suggest. As a result of zero inflation, living standards in the UK will rise as people see their wages and salaries stretching further. The trend of inflation growth will also likely discourage the Bank of England from raising interest rates for longer than investors anticipated. In a speech to a business club in Rutland, the Bank of England’s chief economist, Andrew Haldane, expressed his view that the inflation risks are more skewed to the downside, and that interest rates may be slashed even further before being raised. The market cheered the news but Sterling suffered. The pound will find it very difficult to rally until data improves or the MCP (Monetary Policy Committee) takes a stronger stance on raising rates. To add to this uncertainty, the electoral race is in a very fine balance so far and we are in for an intriguing journey to the polls.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

Need to shift your home - now’s the time YOUR house in Andalucia is hot property at the moment. According to British press reports the Sterling’s recent rise to a seven-year high against the euro, means that purchasing a place in Spain is becoming more of a reality for many British people thinking of buying abroad. In fact, reports show that a fifth of foreign buyers in Spain this year are expected to come from Britain, many in search of a bit more sun, but more importantly enticed by the fact that trading £500 at today’s rates means nearly €100 extra to spend, compared with a year ago. So if you’re a property owner in Spain thinking to upgrade, downgrade

Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

or just outright sell - now may be your moment. And to get potential buyers interested, remember, it’s vital to do your research and don’t forget about the importance of seemingly trivial details, says a new survey. Selling a property is no easy feat, but a few impor-

tant little changes can make all the difference. Of course tidiness is important, but just flushing the loo won’t cut it. A person’s first impression is impactful, so you need to make sure it’s a good one. Clean the house thoroughly and remove junk and clutter. Make it look more like a show house than a very ‘lived-in’ house. This way potential buyers can identify it more with themselves than the family already living there. As buyers want to see a property that they can imagine themselves living in! Also, if you’re selling the property for a sad personal reason, keep that information to yourself. Nearly a quarter of

buyers questioned in the survey admitted that unburdening personal information, such as, the reasons for a marriage break-up was considered extremely off-putting behaviour. Potential buyers admit that they are not in the market of sympathy buying. Positivity is essential. You may be bored of your house, but that is no need to point out faults or blurt out little asides, like how the drains tend to smell in the heat. Remember this could be a potential future property for some buyers so don’t dampen their dream. Finally something so easy but so effective is to have fresh coffee on the brew. The smell will delight any buyer, as might some freshly baked bread!

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

2 - 8 April 2015/ Costa de Almería

EWN

OTHERS THINK IT

ELL, that was the week of pure arrogance that was. Four jumped-up pillocks. Three who should know better, and one who thought we all came over on the last banana boat. First on the big A List is that total berk, Jeremy Paxman. I, like many others, was truly looking forward to the party leaders’ TV ‘debate’. An opportunity to hear their ideas and visions of the future and also open themselves to unedited examination by an audience of a cross-section of the public. Instead we got a man, generally used to bullying young university students, so pumped up with his own ego, he thought it perfectly acceptable to sandbag

both party leaders. Snidely delivering a couple of aggressive questions, that he no doubt thought were very clever, merely resulted in both leaders spending most of their limited time defending what was basically the indefensible. I’m sure it all made this idiot feel really important, but frankly it robbed the public of a whole range of questions we’d have been far more interested in hearing the answers to. If we had wanted the ‘Paxo The Prat’ show we could have waited for University Challenge. Second A List contender of the week is another Jeremy. Personally I’ve never been able to stand Clarkson, another arrogant oaf. I don’t normally have good words for the BBC, but full marks for sacking this bully for chinning a (much smaller in stature) producer for nothing more than the fact that his [Clarkson’s] already oversized gut wasn’t being supplied with a

LANDMARKMEDIA

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

That was the week that was

DROPPED: Full marks to the BBC for getting rid of Jeremy Clarkson. hot meal the following day. Third is that awful pontificating Keith Vaz, who, for some inexplicable reason, seems to keep being picked to head up some leftie influenced committee or another. This latest act of

his continuing arrogance is connected with his handling of the accusations of number four on my A List, the father of one of the girls who absconded to join the IS in Syria. He was arrogant enough to think he could get

away with blaming the police and authorities for his daughter’s radicalisation, swearing in front of the inquiry, chaired by Vaz, that he knew nothing about IS and their dealings. It was subsequently revealed that he was in fact an active Islamic radical himself, having been pictured burning the American flag in front of the American Embassy in a mob which also included hate preacher Anjem Choudary and one of the killers of soldier Lee Rigby. Vaz made him and his whole family seem like victims of some appalling crime, and actually got the Met Police commissioner to offer a grovelling apology. Will any of my A Listers issue any type of apology for their actions? Don’t hold yer breath, they’re far too arrogant! Keep the faith Love Leapy Leapylee2002@gmail.com www leapylee.co.uk

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa

Thursday BBC ONE 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm MasterChef 10:00pm The Truth About Fat 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am This Week

BBC TWO 5:15pm 'Allo, 'Allo! 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Portillo's State Secrets 8:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 9:00pm Coast Australia 9:50pm Nature's Weirdest Events 10:00pm Banished 11:00pm Inside No 9 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Strangeways

ITV 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:20pm Party Political Broadcast by the UK Independence Party 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 9:00pm The ITV Leaders' Debate 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:45pm The Agenda 12:25am River Monsters

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm The Supervet 10:00pm Breaking Dawn: Part 2 12:20am Britain's Benefit Tenants

CH5 3:15pm NCIS 4:10pm The Long Shot 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm The Classic Car Show 9:00pm Caught on Camera 10:00pm Glasgow's Killing Streets 11:00pm The Mentalist 11:55pm James Bulger: Britain's Worst Crimes 12:55am Access

SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm The Simpsons 4:30pm The Simpsons 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Arrow 10:00pm Forever 11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am Hawaii Five-0

Friday BBC ONE 5:45pm Spring's Supermarket Secrets 6:45pm Pointless 7:30pm BBC News 7:45pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm MasterChef 10:00pm Eurovision's Greatest Hits 11:30pm BBC News 11:50pm BBC London News 12:00am Would I Lie to You?

BBC TWO 5:10pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:00pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Portillo's State Secrets 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer Revisits 9:00pm An Island Parish 9:30pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm Springwatch 11:00pm The Clare Balding Show 11:30pm Goodness Gracious Me: Reunion Special 12:00am Harry and Paul's Story of the Twos

ITV 5:30pm Tipping Point 6:30pm The Chase 7:30pm ITV News London 7:40pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:15pm A Fish Called Wanda 1:15am Jackpot247

CH4 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Unreported World 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man 12:05am Troy

CH5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm Party Election Broadcast by the Scottish National Party 7:35pm D-Day's Sunken Secrets 9:00pm Secrets of Great British Castles 10:00pm NCIS: New Orleans 11:00pm NCIS 11:55pm Valkyrie 2:10am Super Casino

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 Relatively Clever 10:00pm Stella 11:00pm Greatest Disney Songs 12:00am Hawaii Five-0

Saturday BBC ONE 3:00pm Homes Under the Hammer 4:00pm Escape to the Country 5:00pm Final Score 6:15pm The Rise of the Guardians 7:40pm BBC News 7:50pm Regional News 7:55pm Weather 8:00pm The Voice UK 10:10pm Casualty 11:00pm The National Lottery Live 11:10pm BBC News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day 12:55am Surrogates

BBC TWO 3:20pm Wuthering Heights 5:00pm Kew on a Plate 6:00pm Gardeners World 6:30pm Easter From Kings 7:45pm The Young Victoria 9:25pm Dad's Army 10:00pm Monteverdi in Mantua 11:00pm QI XL 11:45pm Rik Mayall Lord of Misrule 12:45am A Beautiful Mind

ITV 4:30pm Off Their Rockers 5:00pm Big Star's Little Star 6:00pm Thunderbirds Are GO 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:30pm You've Been Framed! 8:00pm Saturday Night Takeaway 9:30pm You're Back in the Room 10:35pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:30pm ITV News and Weather 11:50pm Forgetting Sarah Marshall 1:45am Jackpot 247

CH4 5:10pm Come Dine with Me 6:15pm The Simpsons 6:45pm The Simpsons 7:10pm The Simpsons 7:40pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm The Lakes: Walking Through History 9:00pm The World's Weirdest Weather 10:00pm End of the World Night 11:35pm Knowing 1:55am Alan Carr: Chatty Man

CH5 3:05pm The Devil's Brigade 5:30pm The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 6:30pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 7:20pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away - Final Demand 8:15pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm 5 News 9:05pm NCIS 10:00pm NCIS 11:00pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 11:55pm Educating Rita 2:05am Super Casino

SKY1 3:00pm Modern Family 5:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic 7:30pm Disney's Easter Egg Hunt 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Simpsons 9:30pm The Goonies 11:45pm Hawaii Five-0 12:45am NCIS: Los Angeles

TV LISTING

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Sunday BBC ONE 3:55pm Escape to the Country 4:55pm The Truth About Fat 5:55pm Songs of Praise 6:30pm BBC News 6:50pm Regional News 6:55pm Weather 7:00pm Countryfile 8:00pm Antiques Roadshow 9:00pm Michael Mcintyre's Easter Night at the Coliseum 10:00pm Poldark 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day 2 12:30am Son of Rambow 2:00am Weather for the Week Ahead Detailed weather report. 2:05am BBC News

BBC TWO 5:05pm Flog It! 5:50pm Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 7:35pm Pompidou 8:00pm Springwatch 9:00pm Caribbean with Simon Reeve 10:00pm Louis Theroux 11:00pm Bluestone 42 11:30pm Jack Dee: So What 12:30am Invincible 2:10am Hooper 3:45am Countryfile 4:40am Holby City 5:40am This is BBC Two

ITV 3:10pm Agent Cody Banks 5:05pm Reggie and Thunderbirds: No Strings Attached 6:05pm Catchphrase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:10pm ITV News and Weather 7:30pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 8:30pm Off Their Rockers 9:00pm Vera 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:20pm Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 12:20am Nation's Favourite 70s Song

CH4 3:25pm The Simpsons 3:55pm Honey, I Blew Up the Kid 5:40pm Hop 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Three in a Bed 9:00pm Great Canal Journeys 10:00pm Indian Summers 11:05pm Gogglebox 12:10am The Angels' Share

CH5 3:20pm Baby Boom 5:25pm Fairy Tale... A True Story 7:15pm 5 News 7:20pm Kelly's Heroes 10:00pm Hummingbird 12:10am Blitz

SKY1 3:00pm Modern Family 3:30pm Modern Family 4:00pm Modern Family 4:30pm Greatest Disney Songs 5:30pm Terry Pratchett's Colour of Magic 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm Wild Things 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Hawaii Five11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am Karl Pilkington: The Moaning of Life

Monday BBC ONE 7:30pm BBC News 7:50pm Regional News 7:55pm Weather 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Wallace and Gromit 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm MasterChef 10:30pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm A Question of Sport 12:00am Live at the Apollo

BBC TWO 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Antiques Roadshow 8:30pm Food and Drink 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Morecambe and Wise 10:30pm Kew on a Plate 11:30pm The Wedding Video 1:00am Louis Theroux

ITV 7:30pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Code of a Killer 11:30pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:45pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:50am Goodwood Members Meeting

CH4 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:25pm Party Election Broadcast 8:30pm The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds 9:30pm Travel Man: 48 Hours in Istanbul 10:00pm My Big Fat Gypsy Grand National 11:00pm Raised by Wolves 11:30pm How to be a Young Billionaire 12:35am First Dates

CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm Party Election Broadcast 7:35pm Car Crash TV 8:00pm The Gadget Show 9:00pm Police Interceptors 10:00pm Gotham 11:00pm Person of Interest 12:00am Blade: Trinity

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 Driving School of Mum and Dad 10:00pm Moone Boy 10:45pm Little Crackers 11:00pm Disney's Easter Egg Hunt 11:30pm Arrow 12:30am Critical

Tuesday BBC ONE 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 Ordinary Lies 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Hole in the Road Inspectors 12:35am A Bunch of Amateurs

BBC TWO 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast by the Conservative Party 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm Collectaholics 9:00pm Back in Time for Dinner 10:00pm Dara and Ed's Great Big Adventure 11:00pm Bluestone 42 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Regional News and Weather 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast. 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Midsomer Murders 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Benidorm 12:10am Carry on at Your Convenience 1:50am Jackpot247 4:00am Tonight 4:25am ITV Nightscreen

CH4 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Burger Bar to Gourmet Star 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm The Billion Pound Hotel 12:00am Teens

CH5 3:20pm NCIS 4:15pm Fatal Trust 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm Britain's Horror Homes 10:00pm Benefits and Bypasses: Billion Pound Patients 11:00pm My Sister Had My Boyfriend's Baby...And Other Betrayals 12:00am OAPs Behaving Badly

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 The Flash 10:00pm Critical 11:00pm Forever 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Wednesday BBC ONE 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm MasterChef 10:00pm Secret Britain 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Match of the Day 12:30am 50 Dead Men Walking

BBC TWO 5:15pm 'Allo, 'Allo! 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast by the Conservative Party 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm Collectaholics 9:00pm The Ladykillers: Pest Detectives 10:00pm This World 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Regional News and Weather 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Big Star's Little Star 10:00pm DCI Banks 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Pop Gold 12:40am Corfu: A Tale of Two Islands

CH4 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Supercars 10:00pm The Island with Bear Grylls 11:00pm First Dates 12:00am One Born Every Minute

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 9:00pm The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 10:00pm OAPs Behaving Badly 11:00pm Dangerous Dog Owners and Proud 12:00am Benefits and Bypasses: Billion Pound Patients

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Wild Things 10:00pm The Goonies 12:15am Stella

OPINION & COMMENT

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2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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These days nothing is certain except death, taxes and... various scams E

VER received one of those emails promising you millions of dollars in commission if you help the widow of Nigeria’s former Finance Minister? Like me, you’ve doubtless laughed at the offer, amazed the author admits to coming from Nigeria (famous for this scam) and didn’t make his message more convincing and original. What probably hasn’t struck you is that this incompetence is deliberate. After all, it doesn’t cost much to send an email to thousands of people trying to entice us into cooperating. What does cost time and money is getting the cash out of those of us who reply. The fraudsters don’t want to waste their efforts on people

Nora Johnson

Breaking Views

A Costa del Sol resident for a number of years, Nora is the author of psychological suspense and crime thrillers. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/nora-johnson

who’ll cotton on part way through they’re falling into a trap. It’s better they realise this at the start and never reply. So the ‘incompetent’ email acts as a filter to weed out the most gullible. Those the criminals lavish their attention upon are therefore those most likely to fall for the scam and end up relieved of their life savings. And the moral? Maybe the best advice nowadays is, sadly: ‘Trust nobody.’ For instance, a burglar posing as someone need-

THRILLER: Lies undercut all aspects of human life.

ing help or asking to use your phone to trick their way into your home and walk out with your wallet. If you really believe a caller’s genuine, crossexamine him to check his story stands up. So, how do you sleuth out deception? Look for telling signals that point to dishonesty: repetition, changing the subject, telling a story in chronological order. Someone who’s lying may freeze their upper body, look you in the eyes a bit too much, fake a smile. One or two of these ‘tells’ doesn’t amount to lying unlike when you start to see a pattern emerge. Now, telling a white lie in order not to offend and flattering someone with ‘compliments’ are both natural deceits adopted at

an early age. In public and private life, white lies are part of our survival mechanism. But when deception becomes a previously trusted person’s modus operandi, when deception becomes their default position, we should all be on our guard. As the latest thriller in my Alice Myers crime series, Landscape of Lies, shows, lying - from everyday half-truths to outright deceit - undercuts all aspects of human life. And death ...

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/ eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

NEWS

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Happy days are here again… FIGURES from the National Statistics Institute show there is an increase in tourism with a 1.4 per cent rise in hotel overnight stays in comparison to last year. Do you agree that we are at last in an economic recovery? Are you optimistic that 2015 will see the good times return? EVERYONE we asked looked on the coming holiday season with a great deal of optimism as they have seen the signs of a positive future. Heike of The House Specialist Real Estate in Torre del Mar commented: “I can see some movement this year within business in the area. People have come to visit early this year and many are staying over the Easter period; in other years I have noticed that they have come later in the year. Many of the Spanish

STREET TALK people have a second holiday home here though. At our office we are seeing a demand for houses, which is good, although people are still looking for a bargain. I believe things are on the upturn this year.” Gemma Broad at Telitec Communications SL (Alicante) said: “We are definitely in recovery. Telitec has a wide lens on the Costa Blanca community as a whole, with access to premises across a number of

ROSY: Telitec’s Gemma Broad’s outlook for 2015.

industries. Business is brisk and property is selling again, always a good indicator of economic trends. It has been a long time coming but, yes, 2015 is looking rosy.” Joaquin Garcia Infantes manager of Le Papillon in Marbella (Malaga) was also upbeat. “Having many years behind me in the restaurant business I can definitely feel by the environment that people are very positive this year. I hear and pick up on what the general feeling is of the clients around me, and I believe it is very good. I am now well into my third year at Le Papillon and things are now evolving into how it was when the economy was good. Sterling will go further, which will enable people to enjoy more here. So,

UPBEAT: Joaquin Garcia Infantes from Le Papillon.

yes, I am optimistic about this year,” he commented. In Almeria, Orinta and Richard, owners of Bar Trabalon, said: “We can always tell by our Easter trade if there is an upturn in business as it can be quite difficult to judge before that time in our area. I do think that people may visit Spain more this year, though, as the exchange rate Sterling to Euro is better, so let’s hope that it helps. As a family business we will be ready for the good times.”

HOUSING DEMAND GOOD: Heike of The House Specialist Real Estate has seen movement in the business sector and believes things are on the upturn this year.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

A very late night in Bar Los Arcos 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.

ACO, a Garrucha fisherman, walked in smelling of old bait and a foul sea. His story was tragic so we bought his drink. He had been ordered to purvey a lobster to a nearby restaurant. Upon arrival, the owner refused to accept delivery because Paco was a day late. We all drank to that. I glimpsed just below his feet the largest crustacean in living memory. A monster. Paco had to do some fast and clever marketing so bought the next three rounds. His woeful tale was: out of gas, penniless, and cash to take home or

LOOKIN G BACK I N MOJAC AR LARRY’S TAIL: ‘A sequestered surprise!’ be mauled to death by his loving wife. We could all sympathise with that. Another round was ordered, I think. We were all presented with a catastrophic deci-

sion of Solomon proportions. Who was going to buy the thing? As I remember, I suddenly fell back onto Graham so he pushed me forward and I was awarded the lobster.

What a distinguished gift to take home and present to my adoring wife. I just knew she would appreciate something special at 4am. I drove home with a Cheshire cat grin. He ac-

quired the moniker of Larry, a brick red bogavante with large protruding eyes, and a pair of antennae that any male would be proud to wag. We became instant friends. What a great pet he’d make. People from Iowa think that way. During the drive, I pondered where my revered acquaintance could sleep. I owned neither aquarium nor pool, so I simply deduced through my euphoric haze that keeping Larry cool would be the best for both of us. I jammed him into the refrigerator and beamed with my own cleverness. Then I snuggled down on the sofa for a few winks. My respite was but a nano second before waking to agonising screams from an astonished wife. I couldn’t understand why. I had no recollection of Larry either. My head was spinning. My vision blurred. A freight train was charging

around my head. Reaching for a beer didn’t endear myself to my imperilled wife. It must be Larry. Apparently my sequestering Larry to the refrigerator was nothing less than a cheap thrill to Lobster Heaven. He had consumed all the butter and half an open dish of jam. During his feeding frenzy, he exuded foul smelling emissions on the fridge walls. Larry managed to knock over and break everything he hadn’t already soiled or eaten. Through the migraine-impeded vision, I miraculously deduced Larry wasn’t a pet I could keep. Meanwhile my vitriolic wife kept asking “What in the hell? What possessed you? What were you thinking? What kind of present did I think it was?” All while screaming as close to the ear as physically possible. I was too weary to respond. Apologies were offered.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

CROSSWORDS

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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

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NEW ON DVD MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

for next 7 days

Exodus Gods and Kings An interesting Easter movie, Ridley Scott’s epic take on the exodus of the Jews from Eygpt attracted some very desperate reviews and opinions. What you think of the movie could well be affected by you religious beliefs, but Moses and many of the central characters are interestingly portrayed and Christian Bale gives a dynamic performance in the lead role. Directed by: Ridley Scott and starring Christian Bale, John Turturro, Ben Mendelsohn and Joel Edgerton. Run time 2 hr 45 minutes. Rated PG-13.

TODAY

VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA

ADRA

ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

ROQUETAS

ADRA

Visit the stars, for details on our expanded range of services

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Astrologically, it’s not unreasonable to assume that when sparky Mars and the zesty Sun conflict with restless Pluto, life could become a tad frustrating. You might find it hard to tolerate hypocrisy and setbacks, it’s all just a passing cloud.

7-Star Quiz KNOW ‘CAN DO’

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 16 12 C Tues - 18 12 C Wed - 18 12 C

18 13 C 18 13 C 17 12 C

SUNNY

tars

stuck with a particular issue, jumble your words, or just can’t seem to do anything right, it might be worth finding out if the grass is greener on the other side.

Sudoku

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Storms in tea-cups need loads of sweet-talking. Of course, if you can’t be bothered with it all, fair enough; keeping quiet could be the best way to deal with problems, glitches or sudden backfires.

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.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) You are about to tackle some tough tests. Work and personal hurdles could preoccupy you, but after the weekend you’ll be able to sort out the ice from the cream. PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Feisty Mars and the fiery Sun are warring with changeable Pluto, so avoid any tearaway temptations on Thursday or Friday. You could be emotionally vulnerable, or even lulled into a false sense of security.

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

Saturday March 28

Friday March 27

29 37

30 38

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

30 39

LUCKY STARS 6

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

REINTEGRO 22

20 9 Cl 19 9 C 17 8 C

14 39

SUNNY

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 19 12 Cl Tues - 19 14 C Wed - 18 13 C

23 11 C 22 8 C 21 8 Cl

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX 22C, MIN 10C MAX MIN

Mon - 20 8 Cl Tues - 19 8 Sh Wed - 21 8 C

Mon - 17 8 C Tues - 19 9 Cl Wed - 19 10 C Cl Clear,

SUNNY MAX 21C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

24 13 Cl 24 14 C 21 12 C

Mon - 20 12 C Tues - 19 12 C Wed - 22 12 C

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 D) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

Average: 18

Very good: 33

Good: 23

Excellent: 40

aced, cava, cave, coat, coda, code, cote, cove, dace, deco, taco, acted, cadet, caved, coded, coved, covet, octad, avocet, caveat, coated, octave, vacate, vacated, advocate, ADVOCATED

Word Ladder SWIM

Move from the start word (SWIM) to the end word (MEET) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

17 46

REINTEGRO 3

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 12 C Tues - 19 12 C Wed - 20 13 C

Murcia

CLOUDY MAX 18C, MIN 8C

S Sun,

21 13 C 21 13 C 19 12 C

Madrid

21 13 C 23 15 Cl 18 13 C

Sunday March 29

Saturday March 28

32 42

LA PRIMITIVA

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX 20, MIN 12C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 13 S Tues - 19 14 S Wed - 19 14 C

SUNNY MAX 19C, MIN 12C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 16 12 C Tues - 17 12 Cl Wed - 18 13 Cl

Mallorca TODAY:

MAX 21C, MIN 13C

Benidorm

19 13 C 17 13 Sh 17 12 C

SUNNY

21 15 C 21 14 S 20 13 S

TODAY:

MAX 17C, MIN 12C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) If you suspect that some things are not what they seem, you could be right. Repel doubts, ban anxieties and stick to facts and tact. If certain individuals or situations continue to conspire against you, change course and do something entirely different.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Even the best-made plans can

Fri Sat Sun -

Malaga TODAY:

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You will need bucketloads of humour and understanding as impatient Mars and the sprightly Sun engage with touchy Pluto. Stay well clear if you want to escape potential power struggles.

without warning. A variety of talks, news and lastminute changes surround your family members, friends or colleagues. Stay focused and decide what your goals are.

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

suddenly sink without a trace. Your dreams for a fresh start in one particular direction still need tender, cautious care, and you may equally need to be wary of overstepping the mark where money’s concerned.

Y S our

TODAY:

MAX MIN

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Quirky planetary niggles will surface

LEO (July 24 - August 23) This is an intense week, and if you get

Almeria

CLEAR MAX 17C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

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GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Punchy Mars and the heady Sun are set for a scramble with touchy Pluto. You’ve been there before, so despite any administrative bumps, gossipy whirls or curious rejections, don’t be too sensitive. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Upfront Mars and the upbeat Sun will be at loggerheads with powerful Pluto. You might not appreciate some of Friday or Saturday’s antics, so be ready to use your charm.

Alicante TODAY:

MEET

SEAT MEAT MEET

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Hassles and battles are on the cards. If things don’t happen as fast as you’d expected, or domestic and workaday blips assail your patience, transform them into an opportunity to show your special qualities.

All the answers begin with either CAN or DO 1. In surgery, what name is given to a thin tube inserted into a vein or body cavity to administer medication, drain off fluid, or insert a surgical instrument? 2. What is the name given to the practice of seeking water or other substances (usually liquid) with the aid of a forked stick or similar pointing device, as believed by some practitioners to derive from supernatural power? 3. What name is given to a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall? 4. What name is often given to a widow holding property received from her deceased husband? 5. What was the name of the king of Denmark and Norway, who forced Edmund II to divide England with him and, on the death of Edmund II, became king of all England? 6. Which city is the state capital of Delaware? 7. Which resort on the Mediterranean coast of France holds a famous annual international film festival?

isers

SWIM SWAM SWAT (SEAM)

1. CANNULA, 2. DOWSING, 3. CANYON, 4. DOWAGER, 5. CANUTE the Great, 6. DOVER, 7. CANNES

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Crosswords

2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com

Cryptic

Quick

Across 3 Beat a runner (7) 7 A fraction that is separate (5) 8 Beats up some supporters (5) 9 Example of epic men’s make-up (8) 10 Europeans wandering the Andes (5) 13 Almost grasped the snake (3) 15 Seaman after an Arts degree gets igneous rock instead (6) 16 Alters odd warnings (6) 17 Agenda contains the result (3) 19 Savage beast thumps it’s way to victory (5) 23 Drank demon ale in confusion and found out it was non alcoholic (8) 24 Boxed disc about a period (5) 25 Leg that is broken, Sire (5) 26 Write about air on a planet (7) Down 1 Agree about Earnest (5) 2 Many keen to see a Biblical hero (5) 3 Point to the lock showing strain (6) 4 Dapper monarch is changed and

Across 3 Replies to (7) 7 Turns around (5) 8 Tender and brittle (5) 9 Elegant and easy (8) 10 Christian holy book (5) 13 Writing implement (3) 15 Yellow fruit (6) 16 Harmonised (6) 17 Tie-on label (3) 19 Cooked in an oven (5) 23 Arrange (8) 24 Prepared to fire (5) 25 Paces (5) 26 Causes (7)

ready (8) 5 Plea for North-East to back an agreement (8) 6 Job makes request after first sign of trouble (4) 11 Buckingham Palace ratepayer takes in hack (8) 12 Try out wine with most flavour (8)

13 Had tea out (3) 14 Fill out a notebook (3) 18 Provoke with sharp point (6) 20 Fawn or cattle next to Her Majesty (5) 21 Skip gym in car (5) 22 Put up with large animal (4)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 6 represents X and 10 represents B, so fill in X every time the figure 6 appears and B every time the figure 10 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 Shaman, 4 Batter, 9 Trade, 10 Abreast, 11 Slap, 12 Repartee, 13 Dated, 15 Geese, 18 Respects, 21 Mail, 24 Agitate, 25 Alike, 26 Seller, 27 Tennis. Down: 1 Sites, 2 Alabama, 3 Abel, 5 Air base, 6 Toast, 7 Rotten, 8 Kale, 12 Red, 14 Elevate, 15 Gas, 16 Station, 17 Dreads, 19 Still, 20 Tees, 22 Leeds, 23 Rage. QUICK Across: 1 Sharp, 5 Head, 8 Rests, 9 Soldier, 10 Portion, 11 Beds, 12 Tap, 14 Ball, 15 Rage, 18 Yes, 21 Adds, 23 Cottage, 25 Examine, 26 Cruel, 27 Care, 28 Solid. Down: 1 Scrape, 2 Austria, 3 Possibly, 4 Absent, 5 Half, 6 Arise, 7 Brass, 13 Protects, 16 Gradual, 17 Camel, 19 Scream, 20 Healed, 22 Drama, 24 Life.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

21 In front of or before all ot-

8 To the opposite side (6)

hers (5)

20 Meetings arranged in ad-

22 Animal group (4)

vance (5)

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English. Across 1 Handball (9) 8 Warning (advance notice) (5) 9 Más nuevo (5) 11 Route (4) 12 Weight (4) 14 Broken (4) 16 Mentiras (4) 19 Carreteras (5) 21 Onza (5) 22 Forward (in position) (9) Down 2 Goodbye (5) 3 Smell (odour) (4) 4 Menta (4) 5 Ahora (en este momento) (3) 6 Lamp (7) 7 Ranuras (7) 10 Oreja (3) 13 Viejo (de mucha edad) (3) 15 Dueño (de casa, coche, perro) (5) 17 Island (4) 18 Blando (madera, droga, agua) (4) 20 Edad (de persona, animal, árbol) (3)

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 (BELLOW) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Casas, 4 Plata, 7 Oca, 8 Cliente, 9 Seed, 10 Faster, 14 Tatuaje, 16 And, 17 Peace, 18 Above.

AGREES

LETTER

ANGERS

MILLET

BEARDS

PATROL

BELLOW (10)

PLEDGE

BREAST

SPIRES

CHARMS

STATUE

Down: 1 Cross, 2 Slave, 3 Saco, 4 Primavera, 5 Aun, 6 Ave, 11 Trapo, 12 Ridge, 13 Race, 14 Tip, 15 Tea.

CHOSEN

TWEEDS

EVENTS

WELLED

GAITER

WRITER

GREASE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the title of a popular American sitcom (four words): EATEN BY BRIGHT HOG FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: JEREMY GUSCOTT, THE BIG BANG THEORY

Unscramble the name of a famous former England rugby union international: REJECTS TOY MUG

Down 1 Occurring in ordinary use (5) 2 Seizes with the teeth (5) 3 Suppose to be the case (6) 4 Experienced soldiers (8) 5 Determined (8) 6 Canines (4) 11 Periodical publication (8) 12 Headless, unconcerned (8) 13 Touch or squeeze fondly (3) 14 Bother persistently with trivial complaints (3)

1 Fourth, 2 Silver, 3 Borrow, 4 Welled, 5 Unsure, 6 Mother, 7 Linger, 8 Muster, 9 Insert, 10 Gutter, 11 Secure, 12 Enters, 13 Cleats, 14 Finely, 15 Seared, 16 Billed, 17 Steeds, 18 Barely, 19 Seated

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

One man’s weed... IN reply to a reader’s question about the yellow clover-like flower, it is from the oxalis family. Although some class it as a weed over here in Spain, in the UK it is very rare. Ann White, Pueblo Mijitas (Malaga)

First thoughts DELUSIONAL! That’s the nicest word I can come up with to describe Teejay, the self confessed Cliff Richard fan. Anything else is unprintable in a family newspaper. He appears to think that because Cliff appeared to be honourable and decent when he met him, then he must be honourable and decent at all times. I’m not making any remarks or accusations for or against Cliff Richard. I will say, though, that I once met Jimmy Savile. Well ‘met’ might be a bit much: he was on one of his charity runs and he passed me and my five daughters and waved generously in our direction. He appeared most honourable and decent at the time. Keith Hallam, Lake Viñuela (Malaga)

Finger-pointing I TOTALLY agree with Nora Johnson’s spot-on article about Cliff Richard. Whatever the final outcome of this case, his name should not be disclosed unless he is found guilty. And if found innocent then the accusers should be named. The way it’s being conducted is all wrong. Susan Green (via the Euro Weekly News website)

The bank job ON Thursday March 19 I went to an ATM to withdraw cash. The message said there had been a technical error and I did not get the money. I needed to have said money so

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EHIC hiccup

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went to another ATM and to my horror I was told to contact my branch. I duly returned home and was informed that the money had been taken from my account. When I explained that I had not received the money, my branch (which is in the UK) told me that it should be returned to me overnight. By the next morning no money had been paid back so I went to the bank. Now if you would like to be treated like a complete idiot, spoken down to as though you were a child, insulted and generally sneered-at, this is the place to visit. I have never in all my life been treated as badly. Then in the rudest way possible I was told that it would take 10 working days for the money to be refunded. After a few phone calls, which of course cost a fortune, I have got nowhere. I am sure that the ATM is faulty. This was not the first time that the bank behaved in this way as two weeks previously the ATM ate my card and it cost me the same kind of treatment from the staff to retrieve it. William Bull, Vera Playa (Almeria)

Land grab HOW come, I used to think, that an intelligent and clever

IT’S time for a break from chocolate-box photographs and there’s nothing pretty about this nasturtium’s struggle to survive! Tom Lepage (by email) man like Mike Walsh can be so blind to the obviously neoimperialist machinations of Vladimir Putin? After his article last week we know it is not his fault: it seems he had been brought up by his family to admire Russia and the Soviet Union. There is no doubt these days that in the Thirties, Stalin deliberately starved many millions of Ukrainians. Had he not done so perhaps there would not be so many Russian-speakers in Eastern Ukraine (once home of the Ukrainian Cossacks of Don), who now want to secede and join Russia and which appears reasonable to Mr Walsh. In 1938 Germany invaded and annexed Czechoslovakian Sudetenland because Germanspeakers there wanted to join the Third Reich. So was Hitler justified, Mr Walsh? One wonders who will be next. The Baltic states? After all, Latvia’s population now has 40 per cent of Russian speakers (peeved at having to learn Latvian) due to 40 years of Russian occupation and settlement. Estonia is not too different,

while Lithuania wilfully resists granting Russia’s demands for a corridor across its territory to link up with the annexed Kaliningrad region on the Baltic. All ‘valid reasons’ for future annexations. Not very likely? Ask the Crimean Tartars. R.Dworakowski, Torremolinos (Malaga)

Answers to property queries I’M a property owner from the UK and fly to Benalmadena quite regularly for holidays in my apartment. The first thing I do on arrival is seek a copy of the Euro Weekly News , where I can pick up some hints, tips and news about the Costa del Sol. I would like to see more sections in your newspaper dedicated to UK owners who have property here, as the different rules and laws can be quite complicated in Spain. I compliment you on a great

I HAVE just taken the advice of June Baker-Howard printed in an earlier edition on how to renew my EHIC card. I called the number she gave and was passed around to three different departments and was finally connected with the correct office. They told me I would have to fill in a form which would be sent to me to fill in and return to them before I could receive my new card. Ms Baker-Howard said you would not have to fill in a form but this is not correct. You can call the number she gave but be sure you press option three if they give you options. I did not get these when I called, so I advise you try another number which I think is on correspondence from Newcastle. Len Atkinson, Benichembla (Valencia)

Don’t be fooled THE Microsoft impostors are up to their tricks again. I have written to Your Say in the past about them and a recent spate of calls from then prompts me to warn readers once more. It’s easy to be taken in when a succession of engaging young men speaking heavilyaccented English address you by your name and proclaim that they hope you are well. Each time I tell them in a stern voice that they aren’ t from Microsoft, that they are after my money and I’m not going to give them any. They hang up straight away. Times are hard, so I suppose that accounts for these ingenious ways of parting us from our money. T Freeman (by email)

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.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

EAL characters are an endangered species. A close neighbour in the Suffolk village where we once lived, was Bob. He was eighty-ish (no one seemed to know his exact vintage), and was just one of a number of great characters, many of whom carried strange nicknames like Squibby Murkin, Waters Allcock and Shacker Wright. But in this case, Bob had remained just Bob. We lived at the top of a hill, and every Thursday he would get into his Ford Fiesta - a car which through necessity, was replaced with a new model every year - and drive off to the nearby village of Clare to do his weekly shopping. The banshee wail of the car’s gearbox could be heard around the village as he screamed down the hill in

Photo posed by model.

Real people an endangered species Colin Bird Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

first gear, only slipping into a relieved second once he reached the bottom, often forgetting the clutch. On two occasions, having heard an almighty crash, we rushed out to find that Bob had either misjudged the distance or engaged reverse by mistake and driven the car through the back of his garage. Luckily, this was a timber framed structure. Bob, by all accounts, had been a bit of a lad in his day. One old lady in the village once confided in me with distaste, that when Bob was the village postman, it was not only letters that he would put through her letter box. She did not elaborate on this thankfully.

JUST BOB: Keeping character alive and well in a Suffolk village. He put in a few hours gardening every week at a large house that was owned by a young couple, and the attractive wife would often make soup for lunch and invite Bob to join her. One day it seems, he put

down his spoon, leant across the table and fixing the lady with a leer announced, “It still works, y’know.” Luckily she thought it was hilarious and the story circulated like wild fire. We were owned by two

Siamese cats at that time and during the summer, Bob would eat his Sunday lunch from a little fold-up table outside his back door. Doc, one of our felines (his full name was Livingston, but with three syllables it was too much for him to cope with and he only answered to plain Doc) turned up in our garden purring loudly through teeth that were clamped determinedly around half a cooked chicken. Bob had apparently gone inside to get condiments, and Doc had seized the moment, along with the chicken. When I approached Bob to grass up our moggy, he simply shrugged and said, “I alwuz give him haalf me dinner, soo now he’s had two wiks all in one, hain’t ‘e.” We had wondered why Doc had been steadily gaining weight.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

Just whistle a happy tune A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

BEFORE the PP’s Andalucia election defeat, the president of the Spanish government Mariano Rajoy said the results could not be extrapolated to other Spanish regions. In other words, Andalucia is different and always has been because it votes PSOE. The only time the PP came within a whisker of winning was in 2012 when it was the most-voted party but couldn’t form a government. Podemos, which won 15 seats in the regional government, could do still better outside Andalucia where it is overshadowed by the PSOE. So could Ciudadanos which came out of nowhere to snaffle nine seats and IU which took a beating and now has five seats instead of 12. Most of Spain’s political parties, even the now totally submerged

Some gentle persuasion DID the presence of Pedro Sanchez on the PSOE campaign trail add or subtract votes for Susana Diez? All the world loves a pregnant politician, anyway, but it didn’t hurt that Sanchez is young and easy on the eye. The PP rolled out its big guns for Andalucia and as May approaches will resort to former president Jose Maria Aznar to herd the faithful into the conservative fold. Neither young nor easy on the eye, a hectoring Aznar will either preach to the converted or cause waiverers to head quickly to the Left or Centre instead. UPyD, could do better outside Andalucia. Does that include the PP? May’s municipal elections will reveal whether Rajoy was

PEDRO_SANCHEZ_ PSOE EXTREMADURA FLICKR

Cassandra Nash

court he is about to leave, believe it does. He did not swallow Hacienda’s argument that the PP was a non-profit making organisation whose black cash was used for ‘social ends’ and no different from the Red Cross or Caritas. Non-profit making? Tell that to the beneficiaries of the PP’s slush fund and those who enjoyed kickbacks from the Gurtel and Punica shysters.

A creditable force

PEDRO SANCHEZ: Young and easy on the eye. whistling in the dark or not.

All in a good cause SPAIN’S tax department Hacien-

da does not believe that the PP’s failure to pay tax on irregular party donations is an offence. Judge Pablo Ruz, tying up loose ends to the cases at the

PODEMOS, the party that evolved from protests before the May 2011 elections, has shown itself as a force to be reckoned with. But in Andalucia its 15 seats, when compared to the PSOE’s 47 and the PP’s 33, show Podemos as an option and not an alternative. In fact Podemos resembles the bad boy that all the girls used to want to go out with until he asked them.

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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.

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OPINION & COMMENT

April brings signs for change

www.sallytrotman.com

PPROACH April with a fresh vision, light heart and open mind. Spring is here and it is time to embrace the new. This month begins with the full, eclipsed moon ruled by the sign of peace loving Libra. This sign is reminding you to create balance, to notice where you are perhaps sacrificing your own needs or demanding too much from yourself and others. On this full moon day write a list of what you really need in all areas of your life, from health to wealth, in your work and relationships. This will help you to prioritise so that you spend time and energy focused only on what you really need. This is different to what you want. For example you need to eat a healthy diet, but you want

NEW MONTH: Sends a message to think about what needs are the most important to you. to eat chocolate. Once you start looking at the difference between your wants and needs you will become instantly clear about what is important to you. Until April 20, the sun is ruled by the fiery sign of Aries. Under the influence of this sign you will feel more coura-

geous, confident and energised. Make bold steps forward and your willingness to try new avenues will be rewarded. The new moon in Aries on April 18 will help you to forge a new pathway. As Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, your leadership skills may be needed so trust in your ability

to guide others. April is the fourth month of the year, and in numerology the message of this number is to consider the foundations of your life. In order for new beginnings to take root, your foundations need to be firm. So release from your daily routine now anything which may be taking up unneces-

sary energy. This is a great time to begin a new exercise regime to become more flexible, perhaps taking up swimming or yoga. The more flexible your body the more easily you will be able to navigate your way through the twists and turns of life. The fourth card in the Major Arcana Tarot deck is the Emperor. Depicted as an authoritative figure, with the head of the ram either side of the throne, this card is encouraging you to be your own authority. Once you are clear about your own needs, and communicate this respectfully to others, you will feel more at peace. As the sun moves into Taurus on April 20, your plans will find the ground they need to grow, flourish and bloom.

For more information or to book a Skype session, visit www.sallytrotman.com or email sally.trotman@btinternet.com to book your place.

Swapping boots for bids: Dion joins Homes Under the Hammer Richard Shanley

DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL

DION DUBLIN has been announced as the surprise new co-host of Homes Under the Hammer. The former Manchester United, Coventry City, Norwich City and Aston Villa striker will join Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander on the BBC One daytime show. The ex-England international and TV pundit will meet with budding developers from around the UK, with each episode focusing on three properties bought at auction. Dublin said: “I am thrilled to be joining Martin and Lucy on Homes Under The Hammer. “I have a passion for property and look forward to meeting people on the show who share that passion.” Jo Street, acting controller of BBC Day-

DION DUBLIN: Joins as new co-host.

CHARLIE BROOKER: An election special.

time, added: “I am thrilled that Dion Dublin is joining the Homes Under The Hammer line-up. “He shares Martin and Lucy’s passion for properties and people and his warm personality make him the perfect addition to the family.” Following his football career, Dublin worked as a pundit for Sky Sports and has been a member of the panel on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Fighting Talk. He has also co-hosted 6-0-6 and is a reg-

ular on Match of the Day 2. He also invented a percussion instrument called The Dube, a form of cajón. In 2011, he joined Ocean Colour Scene during a gig at the University of East Anglia. Charlie Brooker is to host a General Election special of his Weekly Wipe series. Election Wipe will see Brooker give his unique take on the election campaign process, where he will be joined by regulars Morgana Robinson,

Philomena Cunk and Barry S**tpeas. The 60-minute special will air on BBC Two in the run-up to the General Election, which takes place on May 7. Brooker said: “At a time of great political uncertainty it’ll be an honour to bring some much-needed confusion to the national debate. Since our show transmits in the run up to the election, it will have to adhere to strict impartiality rules - which means it will, by law, be equally disparaging to all parts of the political spectrum.” If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europadigital.com I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 & 106.8FM, now covering almost 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costa almeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

AS the phenomena of male emasculation produced generations of young people unlikely to cope in an environment that the older generation thrived in? I wonder, do I reflect the views of those who, like me, were born in the 1940s and 1950s. Whilst men and women are equal we are wired differently. Men are programmed to teach younger men to survive by example, accept challenge even when it hurts, to defend by aggression if need be, to survive through self-sufficiency. The woman’s role is complementary. The harmony created by the piano’s black and white keys works well, but chaos reigns when the difference becomes blurred. Women, to some extent, replaced men when change in society led to easy divorce and the impotence of the father figure. As a consequence woman’s natural protec-

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OPINION & COMMENT

The betrayed generations Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

tiveness and the absence of alpha male guidance has left generations vulnerable. The young may find it difficult to cope if a collapsed economy or civil unrest leads to a situation in which the old skills and disciplines are essential to survival. It does happen; we could all go the way of Greece or Ukraine. Millions did live reasonably contentedly in the USSR. When change brought about economic collapse unimaginable hardship became their lot almost overnight. Many, according to recent polls, prefer the old certainties of Soviet life.

Doesn’t say much for the EU does it? Immigrants come for handouts, not hand-ups. Those born after the war were expected to team work with families. We lit fires, helped to cook, grew and caught food, fixed our own bikes, made our own fun, got into scrapes. We delivered groceries and

newspapers. I was 10years old when my brother and I helped Welsh foresters drop trees. It was a rite of passage. Selfsufficiency was the mainstay of independence. We lived meagrely and experienced real hardship. The food we ate had its feet or roots on. Boys were inspired by truly great

men; warriors, philanthropists, great civil engineers, adventurers, writers. We too had sports icons but they were rare because they truly were exceptional. We started work, which was often tough, within days of leaving school at the age of 15. Many of my classmates went on the

DIFFERENT TIMES: We started work at age 15.

building sites or into the armed forces. At 16, young sailors like me, when the situation demanded it, hauled baulks of heavy timber from 4am to midnight in frozen seas. Conditions set the clocks, sleep and rest came secondary. Within days of slipping the bowline, we had no idea where our destination was to be; Japan, Australia, East Africa. If you are young don’t shudder. Our lives were rich by comparison to young people’s lives today. I am glad for the comforts taken for granted by those filling dead men’s boots. I do hope that the lives of the following generations continue without there ever being the necessity for their acquiring lost skills or paying the price for their not doing so.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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A thank you to my parents for the way they have brought me up Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving

26th March EACH week seems to come around quicker which is a good thing. I have had a mixed week again but I won’t tire you with my parental struggles. I am putting it down to having a teenager and another child

who is extremely mature in some ways, but yet just a girl and far more complex. I was brought up to get on with things and not to complain about the hand life has dealt you. If you can’t change it, get your head down and get on with things and if you don’t like it and can change it... well do something about it but don’t expect the rest of the world to sort your life out. I thank my parents for the way they brought me up. They were and are loving, kind, constant and always interested in me and my progress. They tirelessly put all their

effort into bringing me and my sister up to be the best that we could be and to treat others as we would wish to be treated. Well I consider myself a good mother but I don’t think I come close to my

“As far as I am concerned, I do not have cancer” parents. I owe them so much. The values and the strength that they instilled in me have enabled me to face

life and my cancer without fear. People are constantly trying to reassure me that it is more than likely that I won’t die as a result of cancer and if I do, I have a good few years yet. I know their intention is to give me ‘hope’ but honestly I am positive I will not die as a result of cancer. I have two more chemotherapy sessions to go and the overriding emotion that wells within me is one of happiness. As far as I am concerned, I do not have cancer. The treatments are merely to ensure there are no rogue cells bouncing around my body. Soon I will

move onto radiotherapy, which will be a localised zapping of the area from where the tumours were removed. Once the summer is out I will then be able to start rehabilitation on my right arm and then move on to periodic checks. I can look forward to having hair, eyebrows and eyelashes again. Hopefully they will have grown back by then. I will feel stronger and will be able to start to set realistic goals for myself in terms of my career and personal life. I would like to do something charitable in the name of cancer. What that might be I don’t know yet. I have time to contemplate it.

Will wearing ankle weights make you stronger? THE idea about wearing ankle weights is that they constantly strengthen your legs and muscles and can perhaps help you burn a few additional calories every day, without having to walk any further. The extra weight can also have a benefit for your cardiovascular fitness. The idea of placing weights around your body is ancient, with ANKLE WEIGHTS: Not recommended for everyone.

the Persians being first to use these techniques. Body weights like this can even increase bone density, so overall ankle weights can make you stronger and fitter. Running or walking with ankle weights is not the only option, with side leg lifts and glute-toning ‘donkey kicks’ being other popular and practical exercises. Ankle weights do have draw-

backs, however, with joint strains being a significant problem if you have existing knee problems or osteoporosis. People suffering from these conditions are not recommended to wear ankle weights. Another potential problem is that they may negatively affect the way you walk over time, so using the weights throughout the day is not recommended.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Smokers’ children are more likely to develop heart disease CHILDREN of smokers may be up to four times more likely to develop heart disease later in life. According to Finnish experts, dangers still exist even if smokers try and limit their child’s exposure to secondhand smoke. The findings confirm previous research that linked tobacco smoke and toxins with a lasting effect on children’s cardiovascular health. Finnish children were measured for their exposure to passive smoking and whether their blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the head, brain and face, had become narrowed or blocked due to plaque build-up of fatty deposits in adulthood. The studies started in 1980 and 1983, with blood samples taken from children. In 2001 and 2007, ultrasound readings of their arteries were taken. Finally last year, the researchers measured

DANGER: Link confirmed between smoking and its effects on the cardiovascular health of children. the participants’ childhood blood cotinine levels from samples collected and frozen in 1980. Cotinine is a bio-marker of passive smoke exposure and the researchers found that 84 per cent of children from households where neither parent

smoked had nondetectable cotinine levels in their samples. However, only 62 per cent of children from households where one parent smoked and 43 per cent of children from households where both parents smoked,

had blood samples with non-detectable cotinine levels. Meanwhile, leading professor in family medicine, Adam Goldstein, said smoke exposure is as abusive as leaving children unattended in a hot car, or drink driving.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

Fertility company brings hope to older women AN American fertility company is claiming it can turn back the clock for women who want children. The firm in Massachusetts uses a technique that involves rejuvenating an egg’s mitochondria, which are the tiny structures that create energy to run a cell. By rejuvenating these energy cells, it can help turn back the biological clock for women and aid in fertilisation. Studies suggest that 23-33 is the ideal time to conceive, as a healthy woman is still at her most fertile and may be more psychologically prepared to have a baby. Fertility begins to diminish slowly from the age of 25 as a woman’s eggs decrease. The treatment is not available in the USA as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the method. However, available in some invitro fertilisation clinics in Canada, the UK, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. So far, more than 150 patients have received the treatment.

EWN

Obesity on rise in Spain

HOME WORKOUT: Millions of women prefer to exercise out of sight.

Exercising in private MISSED the gym today? Avoided jogging in the street? What is your excuse? A report says that millions of women are simply avoiding exercise for fear of being judged and laughed at. The report by British MPs on the Commons’ Health Select Committee also highlights how girls as young as

10 avoid PE classes at school because they worry about their body image. The committee, which is also investigating obesity, spoke to experts and women who also said that some have taken to running on treadmills in the shed or garden to avoid being seen. Figures show that just over two thirds of women, 68 per cent, do not

take the recommended level of exercise of two-and-a-half hours over the course of a week, higher than the 56 per cent of men who do not do the recommended weekly amount. Experts have warned that a lack of exercise is as harmful as tobacco and contributes to up to one in six deaths in the UK.

OBESITY rates in Spain are some of the highest in Europe and the world, according to a study by the International Association for the Study of Obesity and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Spain has a lower rate of increasing obesity, but numbers released in 2014 show that nearly one in six adults are technically overweight. This trend does not look like slowing down with 26 per cent of young boys and 24 per cent of girls overweight in Spain.

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Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local restaurants

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Feel like a change? Try The Roof Garden FEEL like a change? Fed up of dining out on the same old, same old? Then why not try The Roof Garden? A spectacular new restaurant on the second floor of Parque Commercial with views to die for, friendly staff and food that will sensationally tickle your taste buds! Made from the freshest local ingredients and expertly cooked, it’s a must! Brunch boasts home-made bread, waffles, preserves and French toast, along with traditional full English, and vegetarian option. For mains, it has to be the speciality ‘pulled meats,’ which have been slow cooked for a minimum of eight hours in special home-made sauces. The menu boasts pulled pork and pulled spiced chicken with weekly specials such as pulled oxtail and pulled lamb amongst others. Not sure you are a pulled meat person? Again, no worries, as you can build

THE ROOF GARDEN: With spectacular views, let your cares drift away and enjoy the ambience and food. your own burgers and sliders, mini burgers to you and me! They not only come in beef, lamb and chicken, but tuna and vegetarian versions too! And the homemade pastrami is a must! Vegetarian? Not a problem, co-owner Tracy is too, so she wanted to make sure that vegetarians didn’t miss out! The veggie ‘mock meat’ will blow your mind! Created after months of recipe

sourcing from around the world along with fabulous weekly veggie specials so be prepared to try something stunningly new and tasty. Wondering about the name ‘The Roof Garden?’ Well apparently it is a little bit of New York roof top garden, meets relaxing terrace. Just think beautiful plants, waterfall and magnificent views of the beautiful Mojacar coastline.

So what are you waiting for? Climb the stairs to level two if you are feeling energetic or jump in the lift if you feel like a more leisurely pace. Take your place for the experience of a lifetime, letting your cares just drift away as you enjoy the ambience and food of The Roof Garden. Tel: 674 113 218, bookings recommended.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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FOOD & DRINK

VERA BEACH: The ideal meeting place before or after the beach and children are welcomed with open arms.

The Millionaire Bar is a beachfront oasis MILLIONAIRE BAR is located in front of Vera Beach, offering generous-sized delicious home-made dishes. Lasagnes, curries, jacket potatoes and tasty chilli are just a few of the old favourites on the menu. Colin and his bilingual team will take good care of you, your family and friends at their beachfront oasis. They’ve been living and working in the local area for years and can bring you up-to-date on all the local attractions. The daily menu includes all the regular favourites, but made with their own delicious recipes that bring many back for more. The hearty English breakfast is a hit, and throughout the day there is more on the menu to tempt you. If it is just a snack to keep you going

you can choose from the ‘Millionaire’s Sandwiches,’ Wraps, Chicken Madras, Moussaka, Beef Chilli, Burgers and Home-made Desserts, Apple Crumble and more. Every Friday is the famous Millionaire’s Fish and Chip Night, all Fish and Chips are freshly prepared. Home-made Curries have also attracted a following to this fantastic venue. You definitely won’t go away hungry, but you’ll very likely soon be back for more. The Millionaire Sports Bar and Café is the place to watch football, tennis and other SKY Sports programmes. On Saturdays at 4.00pm there is also other many games to enjoy, in fact the entertainment never seems to stop. Whatever your taste it is sure to be found here.

There are very few other places nearby to enjoy Guinness, Strongbow and other British favourites. The local beer is cold and good, but sometimes only the best of British or Irish will do. The Millionaire’s large terrace with shady and sunny spots is the ideal meeting place before or after the beach, and children are welcomed with open arms. There’s a full freezer of ice-creams and some yummy desserts too. Be warned though, the lumpy-bumpy, and apple crumble have got many locals addicted. You can easily walk to the Millionaire from Las Buganvillas or Garrucha, and even Puerto Rey. The restaurant is open 10am until 4pm every day of the week. Tel: 603 770 551 / 950 617 467.

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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FOOD & DRINK

Are you a bar or restaurant that advertises with EWN? AT EWN we have our clients’ best interests at heart. Getting your news out to the public can sometimes be a struggle, but we here at EWN want to help.

Have you changed your menu, recently renovated or won an award? Do you have an upcoming charity event you’d like to publicise? Do you have a

new member of staff? Maybe you’d like to take part in our ‘Restaurant’ experience? Your establishment provides a meal for two which we will review and publish - with pictures - in your local edition. If you have any news of interest that you would like to get out to local readers, then please let us know. We cannot promise to publish everything, but we will do our best. Please send your news and photos to whatson@ euroweeklynews.com

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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Call for eviction for unpaid council rent THE PP party is calling for the resignation of Albox’s councillor for Culture, Francisco Carrillo, for “lying to parents, students and all residents about the real situation of the Conservatory and School of Music.” PP spokesman for Albox, Juan Pedro Perez Quilez, said the councillor had been “denying” the debt on the building and that an eviction order existed. The property is rented at a cost of €7,900 per month but the owners say no rent has been paid and there there are outstanding instalments dating back to 2013 amounting to around €214,000. With interest and costs, the amount owed could total €500,000 which the PP said is down to the “irresponsibility of the socialist government of Albox who

have subjected neighbours to an economic trap.” According to a court

judgement, there is a pending eviction order, dated November 2014.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Recycling centre

REPAIRS are being done to Alboxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s municipal recycling centre following damage by strong winds last January. The work consists of the replacement of the main door entrance, cleaning and implementation of a new wall and replacing damaged areas within the fenced enclosure as well as containers. The work will also coincide with a project to improve the area and carry out landscaping of the grounds with the placement of trees and greenery inside and out.

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A new president A NEW committee is now in charge of the AECC Spanish Association Against Cancer in Albox. The new board was officially constituted in a ceremony attended by residents and representatives of the Executive Council of Almeria. Maria Saez has been sworn in as the new AECC president for Albox. Call 699 090 180 for more information.

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E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

FEATURE

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Encryption – 70 years on New ways based on heat and noise!

By Barrie Nathan With the current surge in interest in code-breaking, fuelled by the Hollywood story of Alan Turing’s heroic breaking of Hitler’s Enigma code, together with security services worldwide attempting to chase down terrorists and thwart attacks, perhaps it is time to review the progress of those empowered to protect our future. In computer language PGP stands for Pretty Good Privacy, which is the leading technology in encryption software since its creation in 1991 by Phil Zimmerman. Ever since its birth, PGP has been the one the hackers want to beat and the biggest and best brains in IT have been working for the most important government security agencies in order to find a way to decypher PGP protected communications in the interests of law enforcement and public safety. Recent developments have come up with surprising techniques to decrypt encoded communications over internet... based on heat and noise! Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have discovered a new method to breach air-gapped computer systems called ‘BitWhisper’, which enables two-way communications between adjacent, unconnected PC computers using heat. The research, conducted by Mordechai Guri, PhD, is part of an ongoing focus on air-gap security at the BGU Cyber Security Research Center. Computers and networks are air-gapped when they need to be kept highly secure and isolated from unsecured networks, such as the public internet or an unsecured local area network. Typically, air-gapped computers are used in financial transactions, mission critical tasks or military applications and the BGU’s BitWhisper can “listen in” by stealing parcels of data and collect passwords. Guri, a student researcher in BGU’s Department of Informa-

Decrypted evidence from Blackberries will be used to thwart crime.

tion Systems Engineering, working under Professor Yuval Elovici, Director of the Cyber Security Research Center, recently received the prestigious 2015-2016 IBM PhD Fellowship Award. From another angle researchers have successfully broken one of the most secure encryption algorithms, 4096-bit RSA, by listening - yes, with a microphone - to a computer while it decrypts ciphered data. This is achieved with rudimentary hardware and although the basic computer user needn’t worry about this, if you’re a secret agent, government official or some other kind of encryption-using miscreant, this acoustic decrypting technique could cause serious worry. Without going into too much detail, the researchers focused

on a very specific encryption implementation: the GnuPG (a version of PGP) implementation of the RSA cryptosystem. The researchers successfully extracted decryption keys with a highquality parabolic microphone. Perhaps more intriguingly, though, they also managed to pull off this attack using a smartphone.

Developments give hope in the fight against crime Recent reports from the French police have given cause for increased hope in the fight against crime. The widely favoured encryption tool known as PGP has been unravelled and there are several cases pending where decrypted evidence from Blackberry communications will be used to the dismay of drug traffickers, paedophile rings, and terrorist groups. Although many law enforcement agencies have

repeatedly denied having access to this level of decryption software, the importance of its use in open court to achieve convictions outweighs by far the advantages of denial. In any case, PGP has been in use and with little or no changes since the early 90s and after having been subjected to study and investigation by some of the most brilliant computing minds in the industry, headhunted by the forces of Law and Order, it comes as no surprise that it has reached its demise. The decrypting system is now available to such a degree that even lesser crimes that depend on circulation of confidential information, such as art theft and resetting, will also feel the force of this decrypted evidence breaking down their barriers of secrecy. Not too long ago Interpol statistics claimed that approximately 10 per cent of drugs were being seized in transit but the French authorities are already boasting that the percentage of illegal drugs seized in more recent months has increased tremendously. This has

seriously damaged the usual transportation channels of drugs from the Continent to the UK. The number of transports seized before boarding ferries and chunnel trains has soared. One French official has been overheard stating that these successful drug seizures have grown exponentially with the increased availability of PGP decrypting tools and equipment. Blackberry readily admits that it collaborates with law enforcement agencies and surrenders whatever keys are necessary in the mission to thwart crime: under no circumstances do they wish to be labelled as ‘crimeenhancers’ and they insist that there are lawful reasons to justify encrypting communications. The West Yorkshire Police are equipped with Blackberries practically on a par with truncheons but in several countries where top officials are in the habit of communicating via Blackberry, memos have been issued exhorting them to take care as the security of the PGP encryption has been compromised. Whatever will MI6, CIA and the Mossad have to change to?

E W N 2 - 8 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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