ISSUENN . 1555 //9 -23 29 2015 APRIL 2015 ISSUE O.O1566 15-July
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
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Cruel sea claims the lives of three bathers
Tortoises vs residents
WHEN Levante wind blows, swimming is not advised
Bargains everywhere
500 hectares to be expropriated CONTROVERSY has been sparked amongst land-owners in Cuevas del Almanzora after receiving compulsory
purchase orders aimed at turning the area into a nature reserve for tortoises. See Page 4
Sales season officially kicks off MOJACAR and Albox shop-owners are expecting an increase in sales See Page 6 of at least 5 per cent during the current sales season.
Albox access complete New motorway stretch costs €46 million RESIDENTS of Albox are finally able to access their town from the recently finished Almanzora motorway entrance, which has incurred a total cost of €46.3 million. See Page 78
By Linda Hall THREE people have lost their lives while swimming in Nijar and Pulpi. The Nijar deaths occurred on the same morning in heavy seas whipped up by a treacherous Levante wind. The lifeless body of a 40-
year-old Almeria City resident was spotted and recovered near the Los Toros cove. Minutes later a woman seen in difficulties and calling for help in Cala del Plomo was rescued by the emergency services. She was taken by helicopter to Torrecardenas Hospital but did not survive
the journey. Two other swimmers in trouble at Cala del Plomo that morning were helped safely ashore. Locals said they had warned visitors not to swim in the dangerous conditions. When Levante is blowing, Aguamarga, San Pedro, La Isleta, Escullos, Higuera, all
off Cabo de Gata and north of Genoveses are safest for swimmers, advised David Giner, an expert diver and sea rescue collaborator. A third life was lost on Monday when an 86-year-old man suffered a heart attack while swimming off San Juan de los Terreros.
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LOCAL NEWS
Preferred order ALMERIA Diputacion president Gabriel Amat admitted that when the Madrid government told him that there was not enough cash for both the A7 motorway and the AVE,
he opted for the road. However, now that the link with Malaga is due to be finished by the end of September, he can push for the high speed train, he said.
Looking good ASHAL, Almeria Province’s hoteliers’ association is optimistic about this year’s summer season. They expect a 10 per cent increase in occupancy compared with 2014, although
this could rise by 20 per cent in some places, a spokesman predicted. The presence of high profile film and television productions is another boost to the hotel industry, ASHAL said.
It’s all cut and dried PABLO MARTINEZ PEREZ from Jumilla (Murcia) won the 23rd edition of Seron’s annual ham-cutting contest in which competitors were given two hours to slice a local ham.
He was judged on the thickness, presentation and appearance of the slices and had to produce a portion weighing exactly 100 grammes to win the €300 first prize.
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NEWS
Normality returns to three closed beaches AS no new cases reported, Vera reopened more than a week ago By Linda Hall VILLARICOS beach, last of three temporarily closed beaches, has now received the definitive thumbs-up from the health authorities. El Playazo in Vera and the Quitapellejos and Villaricos beaches in Cuevas del Almanzora were pinpointed as the source of 90 allergy cases treated at local health centres. Patients had been affected by ostreopsis, microscopic but toxic algae, and the three beaches were immediately closed. Vera reopened more than a week ago after no new cases were reported, followed by Quitapellejos. Samples from the Vera and Cuevas wastewater treatment plants and the Deretil pharmaceutical plant were all normal.
VILLARICOS: Last to be given the all clear.
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Cashback
FEATURED NEWS
Tax cuts
The Vikings invade Cordon Press
BUT in true Spanish style, it is red wine that is spilled, not blood
CUTS in income tax affects 210,00 taxpayers in Almeria Province who will notice the difference in their July payslips. The reduction will leave €37 million more in the province’s pockets.
Easy access Beach facilities SAN MIGUEL, Balerma and Almerimar’s Levante and Poniente beaches all have access and parking spaces for the disabled. Other facilities at Almerimar and Balerma include adapted dressings rooms and 12 amphibious wheelchairs.
Breathe in Above normal levels A 2014 STUDY showed tropospheric ozone is the principal pollutant in Almeria City and the Levante industrial zone. Levels were above the normal safety limit on 98 days last year.
Fitting the bill
Better times Franco-era names out
MARAUDING: ‘Northern invaders’ prepare to take the Torres del Oeste.
By Dilip Kuner ON the first Sunday of August the Galician village of Catoira stages a unique spectacle, a re-enactment of the Viking invasions 1,000 years ago. Villagers dressed as Viking warriors, stage their own ‘pirate attack’. The party starts at about 10am, with performances by folk groups in the streets of Catoira and at the Torres del Oeste. It is a ninth century fortified complex, known as one of the most important archaeological and historical sites in Galicia, which for centuries resisted various attacks.
296,170 was the number of kilos of rubbish collected from the streets of Madrid after the Madrid Pride 2015 celebrations held on Saturday, July 4, in Spain’s capital city. More than one million people attended the event this year.
Visitors can visit a ‘medieval market’ before the highlight of the festivities: the disembarkation. On board a replica of a Viking ship, 11th century ‘northern invaders’ reach the coast in order to take the Torres del Oeste. The villagers try to resist and that’s when a simulated battle takes place. But the crimson liquid spilled is not blood, participants end up soaked in red wine. Then, after the fight the party begins, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, and the fun continues into the evening, with a host of activities. This year the event is being held on Sunday August 2.
MADRID’S new council has decided to remove conflictive names from Franco times from the city’s streets and is considering replacing them with names of famous women or well-known, local residents.
Casting call THE Game of Thrones production company held a two-day casting call in Almeria City, looking for 1,200 men and 1,200 women between 18 and 65 who were “Mediterranean-looking, very dark or black.”
Going it alone Quote of the Week The Greek people’s No to the troika is a Yes to Europe and an end to cutbacks,” declared Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias regarding the results of the referendum in Greece.
New town council DESPITE opposition from Berja, to which it fomerly belonged, newly-independent Balanegra formally constituted its new town council. The session ended with a cry of “Viva balanegra libre.”
Not peanuts
It’s just going to be too darn hot! OFFICIALLY it will be a long hot summer. The 40.8ºC measured at Almeria airport’s weather station at the end of June was the highest temperature registered since AEMET, Spain’s meteo-
rological office, began keeping records there in 1968. City dwellers fared little better that night, as the weather station, where temperatures are generally one degree lower than in the city centre, registered a
night-time 27.7ºC that was Spain’s highest. Meteorologically speaking, Almeria has a temperate climate, averaging a 14.7ºC minimum and a 23.4ºC maximum, but weather does not always
conform to averages. June’s temperatures were a hint of what the province can look forward to in July and August, said Jose Maria Sanchez, AEMET’s spokesman in Andalucia. July temperatures soared into
the 40s with an Amber Alert issued for Nacimiento, Campo de Tabernas, Valle del Almanzora and Los Velez earlier this week. Maximum temperatures are unlikely to drop below 30C until September at the earliest.
Best prices THE 2014-2015 fruit and vegetable season ended with the best prices for 10 years. Growers received an average 62 cents per kilo, compared with 52 cents received in 20132014.
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INDEX News 1 - 30 Featured News 3 News Desk 34 European Press 36 Russian Press 37 Finance 39 - 44 Stocks 40 Leapy Lee 45 Daily TV 54 Nora Johnson 55 Our View 56
GUAZAMARA: Likely to be affected by the Madrid plan.
Serious reservations voiced about tortoise reserve FAMILIES risk losing the homes they have occupied all their lives
Colin Bird 56 Mike Walsh 56 Cassandra Nash 57 Letters 58 Time Out 60 - 61 Ric Polansky 65 Health & Beauty 66 - 67 Food 68 - 72 Albox 73 - 78 Homes & Gardens 79 - 81 Pets 82 - 83 Property 84 - 85 Legally Speaking 87 Classifieds 88 - 90 Motoring 92 - 94 Sport 95 - 96
By Linda Hall ARE tortoises more important than people? Land and property-owners in Cuevas del Almanzora who face compulsory purchase orders so that tortoises can have a home do not think so. The Almeria-Murcia AVE high-speed railway line will affect their natural habitat so the central government plans to set aside 500 hectares of expropriated land as a nature
reserve for them. Although the exact details have yet to be announced, the reserve will affect more than 500 hectares of Cuevas del Almanzora land between Los Lobos, Muleria, El Largo, Guazamara and the motorway, according to sources quoted in the local Spanish press. The current plan affects 11 homes, eight agricultural buildings, five old country properties, two polytunnels and thousands of citrus trees.
Families risk losing the homes they have occupied all their lives as well as their way of life and sources of income, locals complained. There are other options and large expanses of virgin land inside the municipality which would be equally suitable for the displaced tortoises, they said. The town hall will take every step within its power to halt the compulsory purchase orders, pledged Cuevas del Almanzora Mayor Antonio
Fernandez Liria. The central government has neither assessed the environmental impact of the AVE on the tortoises, nor has it come to any agreement with the people whose way of life is likely to be shattered by the expropriations. “The town hall intends to present an alternative project that will not affect residents while safeguarding the tortoises’ habitat,” Fernandez Liria said.
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CORRIE: Shayne takes a break for charity ride.
Spaghetti trek for soap star Shayne RAISING money to help families touched by autism By Linda Hall POPULAR singer (and soon to be Coronation Street soap star), Shayne Ward, is visiting Almeria this week. Shayne, who won the X Factor in 2005, is an ambassador for Hearts and Minds, a Manchester-based charity which raises money and awareness for autism. Shayne’s nephew is autistic and he aims to raise £8,000 for the Hearts and Minds Challenge with a 150-mile (241.4 kilometres) charity ride in Almeria. Shayne calls it the Spaghetti Western trek because he will be travelling on horseback
through the same countryside where so many films have been made. The money is destined for a support service offering legal aid, information and technology to families touched by autism. He has been filming since June and his Coronation Street character Aidan Connor – cousin to Michelle – makes his debut in August. Shayne has spent three months learning to ride at a specialist training centre and his bosses have given him four days off for the trek. Shayne is doing the ride today, Thursday, and tomorrow but hopes to have a day off for exploring before flying back to the UK.
Measures shore up health service THE Junta de Andalucia has sent more doctors to primary care centres along the Almeria coast this summer. Fourteen extra doctors, 13 nurses, six nursing auxiliaries and a driver-porter will assist centres which are at risk of saturation owing to temporarily increased populations in the province’s principal resorts during the high season. They have been assigned to the health centres in San Jose, Aguamarga, Cabo de Gata (Almeria district); San Juan de los Terreros, Garrucha, Puerto Rey in Vera (northern district) and Mojacar Playa, Aguadulce Sur and Roquetas Norte (Poniente district). Forty-six per cent of the primary care centres that do not normally close in the afternoon will still remain open during the summer months. This measure will apply to the centres in Cabo
de Gata, La Cañada and San Juan (Almeria district) plus Cuevas del Almanzora, Huercal-Overa and Vera
(north) and Adra, Berja, El Ejido, Aguadulce Sur, Roquetas Norte and Puebla de Vicar (Poniente).
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NEWS
Summer bargains galore SUMMER sales are in full swing and shop owners expect takings to increase by at least five per cent. Dozens of shops in Almeria Province, particularly the big fashion chains, started their reductions days ago, although 70 per cent of businesses have
waited until July 1. “Force of habit means that you don’t get the crowds until then, as people don’t feel as though the sales have really started,” one sales assistant said. Sale time is also the moment when trading standards inspectors start doing the rounds.
LA ALCAZABA: Setting the mood for Series Six.
Game of Thrones sets its sights on La Alcazaba MOORISH citadel amongst locations for season six of the HBO drama By Linda Hall LA ALCAZABA will relocate – but only for the duration of the next Game of Thrones series – to Westeros. Almeria City’s Moorish citadel is to be one of the locations for the sixth season, much of which will be shot in Andalucia. According to the local Spanish media, the producers have also shown “enormous inter-
est” in the Mesa Roldan lighthouse in Carboneras and the Tabernas desert as well as El Chorrilla de Sierra Alhamilla in Pechina and beaches inside the Cabo de Gata-Nijar national park. Regional president Susana Diaz and Rosa Aguilar, who heads the Junta’s Culture department, recently met executives from Fresco Film, the production company responsible for Game of Thrones in Spain.
“The return of Game of Thrones is good news for Almeria and, by extension, for all of Andalucia,” Diaz said. Almeria has always been a reference point for international filmmakers, the president continued: “We must all work together to ensure that it continues to be one.” “Filmmaking creates economic profits and is an important source of international promotion,” she said.
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NEWS
PESCADERIA: Neighbourhood now won’t be isolated.
Threatened footbridge to stay CITY hall finally listened to the complaints of residents By Linda Hall THE footbridge that joins Almeria City’s Pescaderia district with Plaza Pavia will not be removed. City Hall finally listened to residents’ complaints and halted plans to
demolish the bridge. Business-owners in Plaza Pavia opposed the demolition because it would have adversely affected custom and residents complained that they would have been isolated from the shops they were used to.
The footbridge is structurally sound although a plot of land adjoining it has been turned into what residents call “a dungheap.” Instead this should become a children’s playground like the one at the more privileged Las Familias park, they said.
Almeria’s 10 years since gay marriage legalised IN the 10 years since Spain legalised same-sex marriages, 257 couples have wed in Almeria Province. After the law went through in June 30 2005, the province’s first gay marriage was celebrated the following September in Carboneras between Maria Soledad Garcia and Vicenta Abellan. The legislation was introduced by the socialist government headed by Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero but the Partido Popular, then in Op-
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position, challenged the law as unconstitutional and announced that it would be revoked once it was in power. This threat was not carried out but prompted a spate of gay marriages in 2005 per cent and 2006, both in Almeria and divorce throughout Spain, although this has rate since levelled out, the National Statistics Institute (INE) said. Same-sex unions have accounted for 1.3 per cent of Almeria Province marriages since 2005 and with a 6 per cent divorce rate are statistically more stable than heterosexual marriages.
Language lessons for integration and harmony MORE than 30 Brits turned up for the free Spanish lessons organised by Zurgena Town Hall. The classes of differing levels at the Los Llanos del Peral meeting room are another step towards creating
integration and social harmony for all Zurgena residents, explained councillors Jim Simpson and Maria Dolores Garcia. The classes are a two-way process because the town hall is also offering English
lessons for Spanish-speakers. “Our priority is improving quality of life for all our residents, regardless of their origin or the language they speak,” said Garcia, who is councillor for Social Integration.
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Landmark ruling for kickbacks employee AN office worker received a six-month prison term for asking suppliers to pay him commission on orders. As he does not have a criminal record this will be suspended but the sentence is regarded as pioneering because it is the first of its kind in Spain. The employee, who worked for a Poniente company between November 2005 and October 2012, was authorised to negotiate contracts and agree prices with the company’s suppliers. In 2011 he placed an order
with New Serco, stipulating that unless they paid him a personal 5 per cent commission he would take the business elsewhere. He also made a similar suggestion to the manager of Ejido Carton, asking for 2 cents on every cardboard box that he ordered. Neither company complied but instead the case went to court, resulting in a charge classed as “corruption between individuals.” The employee was ordered to pay costs and barred from holding any commercial or administrative post for a year.
NEWS
Smoothing out the speed-bumps INSTALLED to slow down traffic
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING: Domingo Fernandez with a Huercal-Overa councillor. By Linda Hall HUERCAL-OVERA has installed speed-bumps to slow down traffic in two streets where zebra crossings have been installed. These are areas where drivers tend to speed and the sleeping policemen will slow down cars as they approach the pedestrian crossings. The incline of five existing
speed-bumps in other parts of the town has been modified to conform to regulations, explained Huercal mayor Domingo Fernandez. This should give a smoother rise, said the town’s professional drivers, particularly ambulancemen who have repeatedly complained that they were coming down to earth with an unexpected but literal bump.
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A thoroughly Spanish lion SEPRONA dissatisfied with animal’s documentation By Linda Hall A CIRCUS-OWNER is anxiously chasing up paperwork to prove that one of his lions is Spanish born and bred. He was fined by the Guardia Civil’s wildlife protection unit, Seprona, and could lose the animal unless he provides documentation proving that it was not trafficked. Seprona officers from Cabo de Gata arrived to examine the living conditions and paperwork for the circus animals. The animals were adequately looked after,
QUESTION: When did you last see your father?
they decided, but they were dissatisfied with the documents relating to a lion aged 30 months. “It was born in Gijon, the offspring of two circus lions and has documentation,” the owner insisted to the local Spanish press. Circuses exchange animals and a lion costs around €500, he maintained. “Why would I bring one from Africa, with what that would cost me?” Meanwhile the lion remains in its circus cage while the paperwork is sorted out. “He is microchipped and very well lookedafter,” he claimed.
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English translation now most requested language available in 48 languages. ARABIC is no longer the In 2014 the service was most requested language for used on 1,150 occasions, simultaneous translation in principally in TorAlmeria hospitals and recardenas, Hospihealth centres. tal de Poniente, La It was relegated Inmaculada and to second place last the El Toyo high year by English, the languages resolution hospital. language chosen by translated Since the begin75 per cent of paning of the year the translatients, and was followed by tions have already been used German in third place. by 410 people although the The translation system, most requested languages which was launched in were French, Romanian and 2009, operates 24 hours a Russian. day, year round, and is
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EURO WOMEN PAGE
Courtesy of The Benidorm Palace
The starry, starry world of Christina Our Euro Women series is featuring women who have made a success of their lives in Spain. These outstanding ladies have been shattering glass ceilings whether in business, charity work or sports. Christina runs the most successful theatre cabaret venue in Europe and has the award to prove it.
HERE we have a Euro Woman to conjure with. Christina Climent could very easily blend into a crowd with her neat, petite appearance and chatty personality. She is not, however, just one of a crowd, although it is true that crowds are her speciality. Christina runs the most successful theatre cabaret venue in Europe and has the award to prove it. Christina was the only child of a farmer who was far sighted enough to raise his daughter to be comfortable in the world of business. At 18, when she wanted to leave home to marry Vicente, a Spanish musician, he didn’t stand in her way. Vicente and Christina bought a gift shop in the Los Pelicanos Hotel in Benidorm and made enough of a success of it for Vicente to retire at 40. Within a year he was bored and so they bought The Benidorm Palace, a tired nightclub with no catering and not much of a show. The couple put in kitchens, conference rooms, great performers, later adding a Big Top marquee… The Benidorm Palace today can accommodate 2,000 and every meal it serves, every performance it shows, is of the highest possible standard. Unsurprising, because Christina runs an unending system of forensic spot-checking to make sure the customer gets a true Benidorm Palace experience. “Nobody is allowed to be a prima donna at the Palace, from the cleaning ladies to the owners,” said Christina: “We all pull our weight to get it as perfect as it can be. And
Christina runs the Benidorm Palace
CHRISTINA CLIMENT: Is not just one of a crowd, although crowds are her speciality.
Perfection is what Christina strives for By Jan Gamm
Fact file I couldn’t walk away from the Palace completely, any more than I could walk away from one of my children.
the only person who is indispensable is the customer.” Perfection is what Christina and her family strive for with every show: “This is a holiday town. This show is likely to be the highlight of someone’s yearly holiday so it has to be that good. Memorable, spectacular and unforgettable.”
Name: Christina Climent (or Cristina as she is also known) Age: 62 Family: Married to Vicente with two children, Jo and David Home town : Widnes, UK Where now: Benidorm Pets: One cat aged 17 Languages: English and Spanish Book or TV: TV: I’ve no time for reading Favourite programme : Soaps - I’d fall asleep in a film! Strengths : Trustworthy. Fair. Family-minded. Hard-working Weaknesses : Animals and children Greatest success: Being a mum, and The Benidorm Palace Greatest failure: Nothing that stands out. I don’t deal in failure. If I do make a mistake it doesn’t happen twice… Irritants: Cruelty to animals and children. And people who pick and whinge without having any idea of the work that goes into things. And bad service - that really gets me going…! Best time of your life : Still in it! Big picture or detail: Oh detail - it has to be in my line of work. I can spot a hole in a chorus girl’s tights from half a mile!
The Euro Weekly News asked Christina about her proudest moments: “My kids and receiving the award for the best Theatre Cabaret Show in Europe in 2013. It was indescribable, how I felt, how I still feel whenever I look at it.” Where does Christina want to be in five years? “Hmm. Still involved. I couldn’t walk away from the Palace completely, any more than I could walk away from one of my children. Perhaps to be able to step back a bit now and then would be nice.” Favourite artist? “The late and great Danny la Rue! He was absolutely the most gorgeous, marvellous man, professional, kind, fascinating. No airs or graces, a real gent.” The glittering Benidorm Palace continues to carve its name as a legend in theatre cabaret not just in Spain but throughout Europe, a large scale masterpiece in stage entertainment that is the heart of Benidorm and the pride of its owners. Christina the farmer’s daughter… who’d have thought it!
Do you know a Euro Woman? If you do please drop us a line at eurowomen@euroweeklynews.com giving full contact details and why you feel they deserve to be honoured. As well as being featured in the EWN a book is being produced for Christmas with all profits going to charitable organisations.
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Hotel licence ‘is legal’ THE Supreme Court’s definitive ruling on the fate of the El Algarrobico hotel should arrive in September. The move was announced last month to the satisfaction of the central and regional governments but meanwhile an Almeria court has again told Carboneras Town
Hall that the municipal works licence granted to the Azata del Sol company in 2003 is legal. The Almeria judge confirmed two Andalucia Upper Court rulings which threw out claims by the Junta de Andalucia, Salvemos Mojacar and Ecologistas en Accion that the licence was void.
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NEWS
Hospital bed closures come into effect SUMMER plan applies throughout Andalucia Schumi4ever
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TORRECARDENAS HOSPITAL: Beds will close this summer. By Linda Hall APPROXIMATELY 110 beds are closing this summer at the Torrecardenas Hospital complex. A further 38 beds will close at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa, plus
half of those on the fourth floor at El Ejido’s Poniente Hospital and all in the east wing. Five operating theatres are closed at Torrecardenas this month, six in August and four in September. All of La Toya’s operating theatres will close and at least
two in La Inmaculada while in Poniente they will function at 60 per cent capacity. Bed and operating theatre closures under the regional government’s Plan Verano 2015 are repeated throughout Andalucia and other regions to compensate for staff absences and holidays.
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Day centre gets an extension ANOTHER 755 metres will be added to Cantoria’s day centre by joining the two existing buildings. The €455,000 cost of the project will be covered by the Almeria Diputacion.
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Dark shadows behind the El Puche shooting A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl was hit in crossfire By Linda Hall EVEN a peaceful city like Almeria has undercurrents that seldom impinge on the lives of normal citizens. But the ripples they cause occasionally spread outwards with incidents like the El Puche shooting in which a nine-year-old girl was injured. The child was caught in crossfire between two rival families and wounded in the abdomen as she stood near the window of her family’s firstfloor home. She has now recovered after an emergency operation but although three men have been remanded in connection with the shooting, the police enquiry continues. According to sources quoted by the Spanish newspaper IDEAL a forthcoming court case due to start in September is at the bottom of the shoot-
EL PUCHE: Marginalised neighbourhood. ing. Almost 10 years ago there was friction between both families as each sought to control drugs and arms trafficking in the area. The turf war intensified and a man was killed in circumstances that the courts are still trying to clarify. According to IDEAL’s
sources, the street shootout was an oblique warning that those called to testify in September should keep quiet in the witness box. Meanwhile, police are keeping a close watch on the El Puche district to defuse any more violence or encoded threats.
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El Fraile rescue to start soon WORK will at last begin on rescuing Cortijo del Fraile, a semi-ruined mansion near Nijar. The 1920s’ tragedy of eloping lovers and a shooting inspired Federico Garcia Lorca to write Blood Wedding but until now its fame has done little to preserve the rambling property. At one point the cortijo was on the verge of being declared a ruin although Nijar Town Hall revoked and finally shelved the resolution. Its current owners, Agricola Mar Menor, have now applied for a licence to start work on preventing further deterioration of what is now listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). The €140,000 project will begin by strengthening and underpinning the chapel’s bell tower.
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Iconic art gallery makes a return THE Delfos in Mojacar has undergone refurbishment By Linda Hall THE Delfos gallery, which opened 30 years ago, is one of the few iconic places remaining in Mojacar. This art and antiques gallery has recently been refurbished so that it can handle more future art events while keeping its atmosphere intact, with a relaxing bar and outside terrace
which have been completely renovated. The 2015 summer season starts on July 17 with an exhibition of 17 rare Polish movie posters, many of them dating from the 1970s and 1980s. Most of the posters are signed by famous artists including Rafal Olbinski, Franciszek Starowieyski and Adam Pekalski.
In Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, the posters are a tradition that continues with passion. The aesthetics of these often abstract and sinister posters originated in the subversive environment of the communist era. Today, the political climate is quite different but if the soviet system is dead, the art it inspired is still alive. www.delfosmojacar.com
Water supplies to get a top up THE hydrological year runs from September to September and 2014-2015 has so far proved positive for Almeria. Despite this, Almeria Province’s reservoirs hold less water than any of Andalucia’s other seven provinces although their maximum 222.98-cubic-hectometre capacity is also the lowest.
At present the Beninar dam contains 5.5 cubic hectometres of water with a depth of 327 metres while Cuevas del Almanzora reservoir has a reserve of 19.70 cubic hectometres and a depth of 13.26 metres. Between now and September 30 Almeria province will receive a 26.2-cubic hectometre water transfer, the Junta announced.
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Franco symbols lawyer not giving up ALMERIA mayor committed no offence says court By Linda Hall HUMAN RIGHTS lawyer Eduardo Ranz is challenging the Supreme Court’s decision not to sue Almeria City’s mayor. Some months back, Ranz lodged a formal complaint against Luis Rogelio RodriguezComendador for not eradicating symbols that go back to the 1939-1975 Franco dictatorship. These were still visible in Plaza San Roque, La Chanca, the Celieas Viñas school and the Fine Arts school, Ranz said. When the complaint reached the Supreme Court, the judges shelved the case as there was no evidence that Rodriguez-Comendador was presented with a specific order arising from the Historic Memory law that he ignored. Ranz has now asked for the case to be handled by a different tribunal as the judges who declined to follow up his denouncement had also ruled on similar cases in Cartagena and Zaragoza. Another of his official complaints, this time against the mayor of Tortosa in the Basque Region was also thrown out, although by different judges.
BANNED: Old Falange symbol. By appointing the same judges for the Almeria case, the Supreme Court was breaching the principles of impartiality, access to the Justice system and due process of law, Ranz argued.
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Spanish making a return to Vicar THE population of Vicar grew by 357 during the first six months of this year. The official count of 24,962 inhabitants is now only a few short of the 25,000 target that the town has set itself for 2015. According to the municipal padron, the town now has 24,962 registered inhabitants, of whom 13,310 are male and 11,652 female. Exactly 17,867 of the total population are Spanish and almost half of them - 8,970 are male. The number of Spanish nationals has gradually increased and now make up 71.57 per cent of Vicar’s population, compared with around 66 per cent three years ago.
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NEWS EXTRA
A roaring good time in store for Lions July concert
Top plant ZAMARRILLA is the Sierra de Maria-Los Velez National Park’s plant of the month. Formally known at teucrium, the plant belongs to the germander family and thrives in arid areas of Almeria and Murcia.
Pay cuts
EXHIBITION: Pilar Peciña (second right) at the Castillo de Villaricos.
ADRA Town Hall will be split into nine major departments and remuneration will be reduced for part-time councillors. A 33 per cent pay cut will bring annual savings of €154,000.
Summer memories captured in oils
Beach info
ARTIST Pilar Peciña exhibits her work in Cuevas del Amanzora
FOUR more information points have opened in Cabo de Gata-Nijar National Park at Playa de Los Muertos, the Amatista lookout, Isleta del Moro and Pozo de Los Frailes.
NEWS
By Linda Hall PAINTER Pilar Peciña is showing her work at the Castillo de Villaricos in Cuevas del Amanzora. “Painting is my passion, not only as a hobby but also professionally,” the artist said. “Recuerdos del verano” (Summer Memories)
is a collection of 20 pictures that convey the universe of emotions that my subjects awaken in me.” The paintings are on show until July 31 at the Sala de Exposiciones in Villaricos Castle from 10.30am-1.30pm and 5pm-8pm Tuesday to Saturday. Sundays 10.30am until 1.30pm.
VERA and Distric Lions Club is organising a summer concert at Camping Los Gallardos on July 11. Starting at 7.30pm at Miraflores restaurant, it features Isabel Bes and Lady Ellen with Nadine, Spencer and Bill White as supporting artists. The €12 price includes a barbecue meal, and tickets are available from the camp-site (telephone 659 418 954) or Jeff Green (telephone 950 617 360). Vera Lions Club works both locally and internationally. Currently it is supporting a little boy in Vera who needs specialist medical treatment, as well as the food banks in Turre and Vera, and several local people who need assistance.
Internationally they have sent several thousand pairs of used spectacles for recycling to Third World countries and have sent money to Lions International for use in Nepal. Lions International has donated $400,000 (approximately €361,058) to help the earthquake victims. Money raised on July 11 will be used to continue the work that the Lions do both here and abroad. For further information about the work that Vera and District Lions Club does or if you would like to become a Lion, please phone the president, Sandie Tinkham, on 950 439 324 or the secretary, Pam Mattioli, on 610 309 032.
9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
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Photo: Guillaume CApron
NEWS
ALMERIA: A city for walking around.
It’s quicker on foot BUS service is said to be slow and infrequent By Linda Hall ONLY 11 per cent of Almeria City residents use public transport. Forty-nine per cent of journeys in the city are made on foot and 38.6 per cent of residents use their own cars. Thirty-five per cent of bus passengers are students and 24 per cent use them to
get to and from work. The public transport network is inadequate and has not been reviewed in 14 years, found a study carried out for the recentlyapproved Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PMUS). Twenty-seven per cent told PMUS researchers they preferred their own cars but 63 per cent answered that they shunned public
transport as it did not answer their needs. Twenty-four per cent said the service was inadequate, 20 per said it was too slow and 19 per cent said there were too few buses. There were also complaints that buses were inaccessible for those with mobility problems. As a result, buses are on average only 30.4 per cent full.
EWN
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EWN shows commitment to community with 10th office SINCE the turn of the year Euro Weekly News (EWN) has been putting its money where YOUR mouth is. We asked readers and advertising clients what we could do to make the most popular free English newspaper group in Spain even better. Back came the answer - be even more local and get to the heart of the community. Here at EWN we have always been conscious of our responsibility to not just present the news to expatriates, but also to represent the concerns, worries and triumphs of foreign communities. They look to EWN to give them a voice. We thought hard about how we could improve and decided to embark on an ambitious programme of expansion and investment to best do what you have asked us to do. To this end we have just opened our 10th office in mainland Spain
NERJA OFFICE: Maiara, Nicki and Ben and Mallorca, this time in Nerja in the Axarquia, following on from the three new offices just opened in Costa Blanca North. Not only is EWN investing heavily in new premises, but in staff too. Old-style values still have their
place. People don’t want the impersonal internet, they want to see a friendly local face to answer their advertising questions or tell their news stories to. That is why we are putting something back into the community by giving jobs to more expats than ever before, investing in new offices and increasing the number of distribution points, already an impressive 4,000. Our Benidorm Indoor Market Office is not just a sales point, but also an information centre to help residents and visitors alike. We want it to be a meeting point, somewhere to stop by for a chat and get all the local information. And if it works we will be looking to roll out the concept to other areas of Spain.
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Not only are we at the Heart of the Community, but with the Euro Weekly News everyone Gets It!
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Swiss EU Deal To End Banking Secrecy Switzerland and the EU have signed a major accord to automatically exchange information on the financial accounts of each other’s residents. EU taxpayers will no longer be able to hide undeclared funds in Swiss banks. After coming under increased international pressure in recent years, Switzerland has signed up to a few exchange of information agreements, bringing an end to its long tradition of banking secrecy. The new tax transparency agreement with the EU was signed in Brussels on 27th May 2015. The European Council describes it as an important step in efforts to clamp down on tax fraud and evasion. It estimates that member states lose around €1 trillion of tax revenue each year to tax evasion. Automatic exchange of information will now provide governments with information that will reveal where tax evasion has taken place, even where tax authorities had no previous indications of non-compliance. The accord will replace the EU-
By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks Switzerland taxation of savings agreement that has been in force since 2005. Under that agreement, Swiss banks deduct a withholding tax from interest earnings of EU account holders, rather than share information automatically, thereby keeping banking secrecy intact. But those days are over. Swiss financial institutions will start to collect the necessary client and account data from January 2017, and transmit it to the Swiss tax authorities. From 2018 this
information will be forwarded to the tax authorities of the clients’ country of residence. This will take place on an annual basis, and for every client who lives in the EU. The data to be shared includes names, addresses, tax identification numbers and dates of birth, plus the financial information relating to the account. The accord includes provisions to limit the opportunities for people to move assets or invest in products outside the scope of the agreement in order to avoid being reported to the tax authorities. The information to be exchanged therefore includes not only income like interest and dividends, but also account balances and proceeds from the sale of financial assets. The European Commission is concluding negotiations for new tax transparency agreements with Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino. On signing the accord, EU Tax
Commissioner, Pierre Moscovici said: “Today’s agreement heralds a new era of tax transparency and cooperation between the EU and Switzerland. It is another blow against tax evaders, and another leap towards fairer taxation in Europe.” An EU Council press release explains that tax administrations in member states will now be able to: • correctly and unequivocally identify taxpayers who have not declared their assets and income; • administer and enforce tax laws in cross-border situations; • assess the likelihood of tax evasion being perpetrated, and • avoid unnecessary further investigations. The Swiss Federal Council immediately launched a consultation which is open for comment until 17th September this year. The agreement will then be submitted, together with a dispatch, to the Swiss Parliament for approval.
Switzerland has been working to improve its image on tax policy. It has signed up to the US’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the Common Reporting Standard established by the OECD. Almost a hundred countries have signed up for that so far, taking automatic exchange of information to a new global level. The cross-border tax landscape has changed considerably. It is important take professional advice to keep up to date and ensure your tax planning conforms to local tax law and does not result in unexpected consequences. With specialist advice from Blevins Franks, it is possible to take advantage of tax compliant opportunities to protect your assets from the various Spanish taxes. 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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NEWS
Important NATO exercise coming up 20,000 troops will be deployed on Spanish soil By Linda Hall THE Alvarez de Sotomayor army base in Viator is one of eight participating in NATO’s Trident Juncture exercise. More than 25,000 troops from 30 countries will join the major exercise in the waters of
the Strait of Gibraltar between October 3 and November 6. Spain and Portugal are hosting some of the manoeuvres that will also have air support from Italy. Approximately 20,000 troops will be deployed on Spanish soil, based at Viator and seven other military installations
Los Amigos Golf Society donates €500 to ‘Kids from Camposol’ LOS Amigos Golf Society (LAGS) was finally able to present ‘Kids from Camposol’ with a €500 donation put aside from their charitable activities in 2014. During the last eight months, Emma Serb has been organising, co-ordinating, guiding and mentoring the ‘Kids from Camposol’ in a number of interesting projects and activities. As part of the ‘kids’ development, the activities are conducted entirely in Spanish in order to integrate these children and young adults even deeper into the Spanish culture. Many of the activities undertaken are out-
doors and all require planning, organising and note taking. With this in mind plus the ever increasing financial burden on parents to provide schoolchildren with all the stationery necessary for school, the LAGS committee along with Emma, decided to provide books, paper, pencils pens, bags, etc, to assist with these social and school activities. LAGS is proud to be able to support the children and young people in and around Camposol and wishes Emma all the very best in attracting even more ‘Kids from Camposol’. For further information about the society, please go to www.losamigosgolfsociety.es.
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NEWS
Spain sees 5 consecutive months of recovery in employment UNEMPLOYMENT rates have decreased in practically all sectors By Maria José Fernandez THE positive trend in the number of people in work in Spain looks to be getting stronger. Data released on Thursday, July 2 by the Employment and Social Security Ministry showed that the number of jobless people in the country went down in June by 94,727, placing the total number of unemployed residents at 4,120,304, the lowest number since August 2011. Unemployment has now been falling for five consecutive months, having decreased in February, when there were 13,500 fewer unemployed residents, March (60,200), April (119,000) and May (118,000). If June’s figures are compared with the same
JOB TYPES: Appearing to be more stable. month of 2014, there has been a decrease of 7.4 per cent. Unemployment rates decreased in practically all sectors, the service industry being the one with the largest drop. Male unemployment sits currently at 1,877,698, after
decreasing by 53,462 people, while female unemployment reached 2,242,606 women, 41,265 fewer unemployed. Amongst young people, where the crisis has hit hardest leaving those under 25 facing a real struggle to find work, things are also looking
brighter, with 26,277 deregistering from the unemployment lists. Rates have decreased in all autonomous communities, except for the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Noteworthy are the decreases in Cataluña (20,952 fewer unemployed), Madrid (14,090) and Castilla y Leon (8,255). The types of jobs people are picking up also looks to be more stable, with permanent contracts increasing by 15 per cent if compared with the same period of 2014. “These figures will encourage us to continue working for all those citizens who are looking for an opportunity and have not yet found one,” said new Employment Minister, Juan Pablo Riesgo.
Samaritan’s Freephone a success JUST over four weeks since launching their Freephone number for the English speaking community across Spain, the Samaritans in Spain are pleased to announce that their call rate has increased by more than 60 per cent on the same month last year.
This is excellent news for the Samaritans as the message spreads wider with calls from across the whole of Spain and both the Canary Islands and the Balearics, meaning the Samaritans are able to offer support to those who need them. The Samaritans have a range of callers
from young adults with problems such as bullying, drugs and exam pressures through to callers of all ages suffering from depression, loneliness, grief, abuse and many other problems. The Freephone number is 900 525 100 or email pat@samaritansinspain.com.
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NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS
COSTA DEL SOL
Council considers restrictions on day trips to Chillar River Flickr by Emilio J. Rodríguez-Posada
BEAUTY spot suffering from rubbish left behind
CHILLAR RIVER: Needs to be protected.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
MALLORCA
By Maria José Fernandez OVER the past few years, Nerja’s Chillar River has been turned into a kind of water park, especially during the summer season. Hundreds of residents and tourists visit the area daily, often leaving rubbish and even graffiti on the stone walls, an issue the council now wants to tackle. The new local government team has proposed as one of its priority goals the protection of this attraction. Amongst the proposals is limiting the number of daily visits, as is done in other areas such as the Rio Verde river in the Almijara Mountains, where people who want to access the area must obtain a permit from the Granada Provincial Council. “We want to place an informative stand near the river, to assist tourists with their questions and control the influx of day trippers,” said Jorge Bravo, Environment councillor. He continued: “We need to do our best to prevent the widespread increase of tourists in the area and the damage to such a valuable site.”
AXARQUÍA
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
War projectile
Suspicious bag
Flags fluttering
Living chess
NAVY divers were called in to deal with a Civil War projectile which was found in the sea near to Cala Cortina in Cartagena.
PORT authorities in Palma activated the suspicious luggage protocol on Saturday (July 4) upon finding an abandoned backpack. The protocol was deactivated at 5.50pm after authorities inspected the bag, only finding personal belongings.
THE blue flag, the Q for Quality and Ecoplaya flags were hoisted in La Caleta beach (Velez-Malaga) last Thursday (July 2). All these awards guarantee condition of water and facilities at the beach.
THE port of Javea is to host a Living Chess game on Saturday July 25 at 10.30pm, the 19th Living Chess event organised by the Fiestas Mare de Déu de Loreto in collaboration with the City Council.
Q for quality SAN PEDRO’S beaches have been awarded two Q for Quality flags and the Blue flag at Villananitos and La Puntica recognising their quality and cleanliness.
Car sales THE Murcia Region recorded an increase in the sale of new cars during June of 31.7 per cent, compared to the same month last year, selling 1,948 new vehicles.
Dog hunt POLICE in San Fulgencio are searching for a pit bull terrier which is reported to have attacked a flock of sheep causing injuries to 10 of the animals.
Floating art CARTAGENA was visited by the Costa Magica cruise liner for the first time last week. The ship, almost a floating museum as it has more than 5,000 pieces of art on board, brought 3,470 passengers to the port’s city streets.
Positive forecast THE Agri-food Associations of the Balearic Islands have estimated that the almond harvesting campaign of 2015 will register a 10 per cent increase, and a total of 1,516 tonnes of the product.
Best bar BAR Ginbo located at Passeig Mallorca (Palma) has been chosen amongst the 10 best bars in Spain and the best of the Balearic Islands by the Diageo Reserve Coaster Awards 2015.
Charity success THE Coros Rocieros Choirs meet-up raised €1,180 to be donated to charity association ‘Nerja Solidaria,’ in charge of Nerja’s food bank. In addition, 300 kilos of non-perishable food was collected.
Prices fall DURING the second three-month period of 2015, the price of property fell by 25 per cent in Granada Province, a total of €1,084 per square metre, according to property agency Club Noteges.
Art exhibition A POSTHUMOUS exhibition of paintings and watercolours by Raul Botella will be in the Alfaz del Pi Casa de Cultura until July 20. The artist died in 2012 aged 35.
Blue Benidorm THE implementation of Benidorm’s Blue Zone Parking has been delayed for 15 days while residents are informed of imminent changes.
Car accident
Water saving
A MAN who fell on Monday (July 3) from the boat Beethoven II, three miles off the coast of Portocolom, was rescued by Salvamento Maritimo five hours later and taken to the Manacor hospital.
FIVE people, amongst them a one-yearold child, were injured in a car accident which occurred at around 2.20am on Monday (July 6) at the A-7 road in Torrox. All victims were taken to the Axarquia hospital where they remain.
JAVEA Council and the municipal water company, Amjasa, has started an awareness campaign to reduce private water consumption. The local desalination plant is now working at 100 per cent capacity.
Bad results
Attacker jailed
Minute’s silence
THE Industrial Production General Index in the Balearic Islands fell by 2.8 per cent in May compared with the same data last year, according to the released by the National Statistics Institute (INE).
A 43-YEAR-OLD has been sentenced to six years after sexually assaulting his 17year-old colleague. The events took place in June 2013 in a beach bar in Almayate.
MEMBERS of Benidorm Council observed a minute’s silence at midday in the city’s main square on Monday July 6 for the victims of the latest wave of gender-based violence.
Man rescued
NEWS
For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com
Fire plan AROUND 80 per cent of the 800 urbanisations in Marbella have failed to create fire emergency plans, despite the area being declared at extreme risk following the wildfire in 2012.
Larger taxis MALAGA City will now have taxis that can seat between seven and nine people. Fifteen of these larger vehicles are already on the streets but the number will be increased to 60 in the future.
School work THE Junta de Andalucia will carry out work on 47 schools in Malaga Province throughout the summer in order to create 1,200 extra places for students for the coming term at a cost of €8 million.
Safer fair ESTEPONA’S police force has launched a special campaign for this week’s annual fair, running until Sunday July 12, which will see 105 officers patrolling the fairground to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Clean up TORREMOLINOS has created 10 new jobs for cleaners in an aim to clean up the town’s image to improve quality of life for residents and make a better impression on visitors, the council has announced.
Drugs off THE National Police force has broken up a 24-hour cocaine delivery service based in Fuengirola. The group took orders over the phone and delivered to Fuengirola, Mijas and other nearby areas.
EWN top for all the news from Spain.
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GERMAN
EUROPEAN PRESS SCANDINAVIAN PRESS
Text exit FINLAND: Matti Makkonen, the creator of SMS or texts, has died. His idea to send messages over mobile networks revolutionised the usage of mobile phones.
Homes alone FINLAND: There are more than 300,000 vacant properties in the country with 28,000 in Helsinki. Many of the homes are mortgage free and the owners do not wish to rent them out.
Shopping illegal NORWAY: A leading Bishop has declared Sunday shopping a violation of the constitution dating back to 1814. Helga Byfuglien said Sunday was a holy day and sacred.
Rights violation NORWAY: Anders Breivik, who killed 77 people in two terrorist attacks, has launched a legal action accusing Norway of violating his human rights. Breivik is being kept in total isolation for his own safety.
PRESS
Missing woman found SHE was last seen in Exeter visiting work colleagues ALISON JOYNER who went missing from Tamworth in May 2014 has been found in Cornwall. She was last seen in Exeter, Devon, visiting work colleagues.
Car cannibals A GANG of thieves are targeting cars in Bedfordshire and removing components in the night. One victim woke up to find the whole of the front of her car gone.
Take that FANS of Take That were dismayed when they went to Manchester to see the band but were a week late. A spokesman said they should have checked the date.
BRITISH PRESS Hanging around ANOTHER ride at Alton Towers broke down and left 80 people hanging face down for an hour. There were no injuries and refreshments were provided.
Hailstone chaos YORKSHIRE has been hit by a storm of hailstones the size of golf balls during a heat wave. Cars, roofs and satellite dishes were damaged by the ice balls.
Real doll A LADY from Leicester has spent two months making a replica doll of Prince George. Natalie Lawrence wants to ‘introduce’ the doll to the Royal family.
Soul funds A YORKSHIRE shoe shop worker was overwhelmed when his crowd funding proposal to assist Greece raised nearly €1 million in three days, with 50,000 people donating.
Tragic teen A TEENAGER who did not pass a stool for eight weeks suffered a heart attack after her enlarged bowel damaged her vital organs. The girl had a phobia about toilets.
More tourists are predicted LIBERAL attitude is one reason for the increase
Pepper attack A MOTHER in Saxony felt her child was under threat when playing in a playground so she pepper sprayed three children and a woman in a wheelchair.
Robot kills A ROBOT being programmed for Volkswagen in Baunatal, Hesse started up, picked up its assembler and threw him against a slab. The man died later in hospital.
Snow joke THE German Weather Service issued a weather warning for Westphalia predicting 10cm of snow and high winds. The warning was a test and was sent by mistake.
Run in company
Spanish slugs
DENMARK: A new cycling and walking bridge will reduce traffic on the over-used Langebro Bridge, Copenhagen. The new bridge will be low level and utilise a curved pavement.
A TRAIN passenger in Dusseldorf reported a dead bearded man in a blue coat beside the train tracks. Officials found it was a partially deflated Papa Smurf balloon.
A THRIFT shop in Ohio is selling what it claims to be a pair of Eva Braun’s panties.They are initialled EB and are priced at US$7,500.
SWEDEN: Research from Uppsala University shows that condom use amongst Swedish women is on the decline yet the number of sexual partners is on the increase.
Copenhagen cycle
Smurf alert
Eva Braun’s panties
Risky behaviour
SWEDEN: Helen Martens found more than 2,000 Spanish slugs on her lawn. Although the slug is not native it has spread rampantly in Sweden since 1975.
NEWS
DUTCH COAST: More tourists. 3.2 MILLION visitors are predicted to visit the Netherlands this year. The Dutch coast and liberal attitude is thought to be the reason for the increase in tourism.
Heat buckles tracks RAILWAY company NS had to reduce services as the heat has buckled some tracks. Routes from Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht were all affected.
DUTCH PRESS Tunisian repatriation DUTCH travel companies are bringing all Dutch nationals back from Tunisia. A specially charted plane will bring 275 people home with only essential travel to Tunisia advised.
Riots in The Hague THE death of an Aruban tourist in police custody resulted in rioting in Schilderswijk. Around 300 youths threw fireworks and bottles at police.
Body solves mystery THE remains of Tom van Boheemen have been found in Kalgoorlie, Australia. Boheemen has been missing since 2001 and died from natural causes.
FIRMENLAUFE, or company runs are proving popular as bonding sessions. JP Morgan had 70,000 sign up for its run in Frankfurt, the largest attendance ever in Germany.
Asylum fears THERE were 170 attacks on homes sheltering asylum seekers in the first six months of 2015. It is thought they were carried out by far right extremists.
NEWS
9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
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RUSSIAN P RESS
Yoga is banned SEEN as an example of a religious cult
YOGA: Stretches the imagination.
RUSSIAN officials in Nizhnevartovsk have banned yoga classes as an example of a religious cult. The ban extends to private and municipal classes. One teacher said it stretched the imagination.
Creature from the deep A GIANT sea creature with fur and a beak has been washed up in on Sakhalin Island. The creature was ripped open with its bones showing.
Space record COSMONAUT Gennady Padalka has spent over two years in orbit during his career. Gennady said he was proud to be a record breaker and intended to continue.
Oil flows from taps ROSNEFT, the state owned oil corporation is being investigated after oil flowed out of taps in Siberia. Oil also filled backyards and damaged wildlife.
Film protocol CULTURE Minister Vladimir Medinsky has announced a sales tax on films made in Russia and the funds from the tax will be used to promote Russia in a positive way.
Laws ousted RUSSIA is to review the legislation that was enacted during the 1990’s to comply with international trade agreements. The Dean of Moscow University said they needed to be removed from the statutes.
TAP OIL: Damaged local wildlife.
Shawarma love VKONTAKTE, the social network site, has found pic-
tures of Russian girls enjoying the Arabic meat wrap Shawarma. They have 7,000 subscribers and are growing daily.
iPhone Russia iPHONE cases are being designed which have relevance to Russian history and culture. The covers depict images including Stalin, Lenin and the hammer and sickle.
Patriotic seals BAIKAL Seal Aquarium has developed a show where the seals march wearing military insignia and holding guns while mine-sweeping. “People were inspired and joyful,” said director Evgeny Baranov.
US dean fired KENDRICK WHITE has been removed as deputy head of Nizhny Novgorod State University after his position was questioned on a proKremlin news programme. Russian/ USA tension is suspected to be the reason.
Vodka fight AFTER drinking bottles of vodka a Russian beat his friend to death. The man thought that his friend’s foreign travel meant he was a spy and needed to be neutralised.
EWN
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FINANCE
Costa de Almería
9 - 15 July 2015
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Spain pays more to borrow By Jason Bailey SPAIN will have to pay more to borrow funds on the international bond market due to turbulent times within the Eurozone. The rise of yields on Spain’s 10 year bonds rose to 2.720 from 2.150 in one day, and is expected to rise further if financial instability with Europe continues.
Quote of the Week
10 year bond yields rose to 2.720 from 2.150 in one day and are expected to rise further
Spain’s Economy Minister, Luis de Guindos, tried to allay fears of a further rise in costs for Spanish borrowing but his words might not be enough for markets which are increasingly cautious about the situation. Guindos stated that the Spanish and Greek economies were “very different” and therefore Spain would not suffer the same
SHOW me someone without an ego, and I’ll show you a loser.” Donald Trump
BUSINESS EXTRA
Social benefit ACCORDING to data released by the Ministry of Employment, there are 2.1 million people receiving some kind of benefit or subsidy.
Worst off PUBLIC DEMOS: Cannot be held near Congress.
Citizen safety or civil liberties THE Citizen Safety Law is now part of Spanish legislation although the opposition parties state it creates a police state. The law now allows police officers to hand out sanctions that previously could only be authorised by the courts. The Partido Popular, the ruling party that developed the legislation, said the new laws would make public demonstrations safer. Restrictions are on:
Any demonstrations near Congress and the Senate have been banned. It is an offence to take pictures of law enforcement officers without authorisation. Stopping a home eviction, or obstructing an official who is acting under powers from a court is now illegal. Protesting from the skies, buildings or monuments where there might be danger.
A REPORT by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that immigrants in Spain are those worst affected by the economic crises, with the exception of Greece.
Funds used SPAIN’S Social Security Department has spent 38 per cent of the reserve fund for pensions in just three and a half years.
Not the same THE President of the Multinational Brands Association Adolfo Aguilar says he does not believe that the economic situation in Greece has any parallel with that of Spain.
China looks to Spain MADRID is to have a third development by the Chinese property company Wanda. The project, which is said to include a retail complex and a water park, has been welcomed by the city’s construction and real estate sectors but not by the mayor, Manuela Carmena. Carmena, who swept to power on
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THE Office for National shows that Greek workers put in longer hours than anyone else in Europe - 42.2 per week, compared to 35.6 in Germany. That does not necessarily mean they are the most productive.
STAT OF WEEK
business & legal
EWN
an anti-austerity ticket, has stated that many of the planning applications passed by the previous conservative council would be reviewed. Wanda has already had preliminary talks with the mayor as they are worried that the change in ruling parties could impact on its investment.
difficulties. This is true as Spain has far more economic options than Greece with greater land mass, industry and infrastructure. These factors are important to sustain the growth Spain has delivered recently, but if the financial markets are wary it will mean that they will demand Spain pays more when borrowing and this could stunt proposed growth.
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TSB becomes Spanish BANCO de SABADELL has bought the British bank TSB for €2.38 billion. The takeover was approved by the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority. Although the offer period for shareholders is still open, Sabadell has received sufficient approvals to make the purchase possible. Sabadell has said it intends to develop the bank to challenge the big five banks’ monopoly on the high street.
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PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 517.00 -5.50 Aberdeen Asset Management 395.35 -5.65 Admiral Group 1,396.00 -3.00 Anglo American 891.95 -10.45 Antofagasta 670.25 -11.75 ARM Holdings 1,027.00 -9.00 Ashtead Group 1,059.00 -15.00 Associated British Foods 2,864.00 -28.00 AstraZeneca 4,154.25 -12.75 Aviva 495.10 -2.80 Babcock International Group 1,074.50 -3.50 BAE Systems 450.80 -1.50 Barclays 259.15 -3.80 Barratt Developments 639.75 0.25 BG Group 1,062.00 -8.00 BHP Billiton 1,236.50 -12.00 BP 431.15 -3.25 British American Tobacco 3,451.00 -30.50 British Land Co 805.50 -1.50 BT Group 451.40 -2.40 Bunzl 1,735.00 -8.00 Burberry Group 1,542.00 -12.00 Capita Group (The) 1,260.50 -7.50 Carnival 3,305.50 -4.50 Centrica 265.90 0.10 Coca-Cola HBC 1,332.00 -11.00 Compass Group 1,060.50 4.50 CRH 1,796.50 -14.50 Diageo 1,877.25 -9.75 Direct Line Insurance Group 338.75 -0.55 Dixons Carphone 458.00 -3.70 easyJet 1,578.00 -2.00 Experian 1,161.00 -10.00 Fresnillo 685.75 2.75 G4S 265.70 -1.80 GKN 329.60 -3.20 GlaxoSmithKline 1,346.50 -1.00 Glencore 249.50 -3.15 Hammerson 629.50 -1.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,120.00 -15.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 1,947.00 -8.00 HSBC Holdings 563.85 -9.05 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,068.50 -16.50 Inmarsat 912.75 -2.25 InterContinental Hotels Gr 2,579.50 -4.50 International Consolidated Airs 483.30 -3.70 Intertek Group 2,368.00 -16.00 Intu Properties 313.60 -0.80 ITV 262.15 -0.55 Johnson Matthey 2,985.00 -8.00
% CHG. NET VOL -1.05 5,081.11 -1.41 5,339.78 -0.21 3,904.72 -1.16 12,650.14 -1.72 6,723.54 -0.87 14,630.14 -1.40 5,405.91 -0.97 22,895.22 -0.31 52,653.32 -0.56 20,142.43 -0.32 5,413.68 -0.33 14,311.34 -1.45 44,035.95 0.04 6,343.93 -0.75 36,540.19 -0.96 26,369.22 -0.75 79,326.34 -0.88 64,899.85 -0.19 8,235.71 -0.53 37,993.77 -0.46 5,835.96 -0.77 6,911.49 -0.59 8,420.73 -0.14 7,154.68 0.04 13,222.31 -0.82 4,893.80 0.43 17,534.20 -0.80 14,873.75 -0.52 47,448.46 -0.16 5,089.50 -0.80 5,316.30 -0.13 6,275.89 -0.85 11,574.48 0.40 5,032.98 -0.67 4,150.52 -0.96 5,484.73 -0.07 65,572.15 -1.25 33,041.43 -0.16 4,945.08 -1.32 5,383.52 -0.41 3,888.10 -1.58 111,791.21 -0.53 29,526.25 -0.25 4,113.61 -0.17 6,101.27 -0.76 9,931.56 -0.67 3,846.87 -0.25 4,159.89 -0.21 10,574.75 -0.27 6,133.19
COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Kingfisher 348.05 -2.35 Land Securities Group 1,247.50 -1.50 Legal & General Group 248.00 -2.00 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 84.31 -0.83 London Stock Exchange Grp 2,398.50 -27.50 Marks & Spencer Group 536.00 -2.50 Meggitt 457.45 -6.65 Merlin Entertainments 436.60 -0.20 Mondi 1,370.00 -15.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 175.70 -0.90 National Grid 827.45 -0.55 Next 7,490.00 -40.00 Old Mutual 203.20 -1.30 Pearson 1,215.50 -5.50 Persimmon 2,005.00 -15.00 Prudential 1,543.75 -18.75 Randgold Resources 4,288.00 28.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,516.00 -10.00 Reed Elsevier 1,038.50 -13.50 Rio Tinto 2,579.50 -26.50 Rolls-Royce Group 779.25 -77.25 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 353.15 -6.15 Royal Dutch Shell 1,796.50 -15.50 Royal Dutch Shell 1,808.25 -13.25 Royal Mail 509.00 4.00 RSA Insurance Group 404.20 -4.60 SABMiller 3,291.25 -19.75 Sage Group (The) 508.00 -2.50 Sainsbury (J) 262.10 -1.20 Schroders 3,110.00 -64.00 Severn Trent 2,103.00 11.00 Shire 5,190.00 -40.00 Sky 1,043.00 -5.00 Smith & Nephew 1,081.00 -3.00 Smiths Group 1,131.50 -2.50 Sports Direct International 717.00 -0.50 SSE 1,561.50 3.50 St James's Place 910.50 -11.00 Standard Chartered 1,020.50 -10.50 Standard Life 439.75 -4.05 Taylor Wimpey 189.20 -2.10 Tesco 206.15 -1.25 Travis Perkins 2,116.50 -15.50 TUI AG 1,018.50 -31.50 Unilever 2,712.50 -19.50 United Utilities Group 885.00 2.50 Vodafone Group 230.53 -0.57 Weir Group 1,699.50 -19.50 Whitbread 4,983.50 -16.50 Wolseley 4,001.00 -22.00 WPP Group 1,423.50 -9.50
% CHG. -0.67 -0.12 -0.80 -0.97 -1.13 -0.46 -1.43 -0.05 -1.08 -0.51 -0.07 -0.53 -0.64 -0.45 -0.74 -1.20 0.66 -0.18 -1.28 -1.02 -9.02 -1.71 -0.86 -0.73 0.79 -1.13 -0.60 -0.49 -0.46 -2.02 0.53 -0.76 -0.48 -0.28 -0.22 -0.07 0.22 -1.19 -1.02 -0.91 -1.10 -0.60 -0.73 -3.00 -0.71 0.28 -0.25 -1.13 -0.33 -0.55 -0.66
NET VOL 8,168.84 9,873.89 14,856.48 60,767.60 8,425.03 8,875.90 3,655.29 4,428.04 6,724.92 4,123.77 30,977.26 11,511.38 10,073.99 10,015.72 6,192.15 40,171.66 3,967.33 39,469.82 11,821.71 36,659.31 15,747.56 23,124.75 70,569.88 44,452.08 5,050.00 4,156.50 53,518.37 5,500.12 5,057.79 7,173.95 4,976.02 30,943.39 18,015.30 9,695.20 4,476.78 4,293.99 15,471.97 4,815.75 26,248.82 8,739.25 6,223.87 16,875.11 5,305.10 6,159.33 35,064.11 6,017.67 61,270.86 3,668.02 9,086.96 10,462.09 18,704.01
0.711302
1.40587 Units per €
US dollar ....................................................................1.10744 Japan yen..................................................................135.821 Switzerland franc ................................................1.04364 Denmark kroner ..................................................7.45990 Norway kroner.........................................................8.91711
currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914
DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES J ULY 6
COMPANY 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 2.0M -0.17% -0.27 155.38 4.6M -0.24% -0.19 78.21 -0.13% 27.2M -0.16 126.44 2.1M -0.37% -0.52 140.21 2.6M +0.51% 84.38 +0.43 6.4M -0.23% -0.22 95.87 -0.07% 15.6M -0.02 27.33 9.0M -0.03% -0.01 39.49 5.5M -0.14% -0.16 114.97 -2.34% 12.0M -1.44 59.99 9.2M +0.93% 83.14 +0.77 +0.45% 26.0M 26.78 +0.12 1.8M -0.35% -0.74 209.20 3.8M -0.52% -0.58 111.49 2.9M +0.36% 165.09 +0.60 30.56 +0.375 +1.24% 27.1M 6.1M -0.03% -0.03 98.44 -0.81% 12.8M -0.55 67.52 3.3M +0.43% 96.17 +0.41 8.5M +0.12% 57.67 +0.07 -0.10% 21.8M -0.045 44.40 3.0M +0.40% 109.87 +0.44 -0.95% 22.6M -0.32 33.37 6.6M +0.26% 79.93 +0.21 2.0M -0.07% -0.07 99.23 5.2M -1.14% -1.26 109.56 3.7M -1.27% -1.57 121.81 9.9M +0.43% 47.20 +0.20 5.1M +0.57% 68.24 +0.39 6.6M -0.03% -0.02 71.86
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES J ULY 6
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced ConforMIS, Inc. Xoom Corporation Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation Angie's List, Inc. Daily 2X VIX ST ETN Velocityshares The Medicines Company Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. Auris Medical Holding AG Chart Industries, Inc. O2Micro International Limited
$ 23.50 $ 25.05 $ 19.03 $ 6.41 $ 9.30 $ 31.28 $ 8.02 $ 17.04 $ 5.56 $ 36.79 $ 2.80
4.25 ▲ 22.08% 4.35 ▲ 21.01% 2.77 ▲ 17.04% 0.73 ▲ 12.85% 1.01 ▲ 12.18% 2.94 ▲ 10.37% 0.70 ▲ 9.56% 1.32 ▲ 8.40% 0.42 ▲ 8.17% 2.77 ▲ 8.14% 0.20 ▲ 7.69%
$ 48.10 $ 12.33 $ 49.61 $ 2.63 $ 16.77 $ 2.47 $ 12.80 $ 3.34 $ 10.65 $ 5.56 $ 4.98
21.79 ▼ 31.18% 2.60 ▼ 17.41% 10.39 ▼ 17.32% 0.42 ▼ 13.77% 1.91 ▼ 10.22% 0.24 ▼ 8.86% 1.16 ▼ 8.31% 0.30 ▼ 8.24% 0.95 ▼ 8.19% 0.47 ▼ 7.79% 0.42 ▼ 7.78%
Most Declined Liberty Global plc Vitae Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liberty Global plc Intersections, Inc. Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. PostRock Energy Corporation Zogenix, Inc. Fairway Group Holdings Corp. VisionChina Media, Inc. Gordmans Stores, Inc. Zions Bancorporation
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E W N 9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
Spanish mortgage relief
BUSINESS EXTRA
Election jobs IT IS estimated collective municipalities throughout Spain increased their workforce by approximately 3 per cent immediately prior to the local elections, representing around 17,000 workers.
Tax bill IT HAS been calculated that from January until July 1, Spaniards work only to pay tax on income, VAT and other government levies. From July 1 their salaries go into their pockets.
Flying colours RYANAIR has increased its passengers by 14 per cent in June to 9.5 million, 5 per cent more than in the same period in 2014. The increase is attributed partly to reduced billing rates.
More savings GROSS savings amounted to €2,076 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same quarter in 2014.
BRUSSELS: Has started a judicial review into the application of the 720 model.
Is tax legislation illegal? FAILURE to complete the form or to submit without all information attracts a fine By Jason Bailey SPAIN’S adoption of tax disclosure legislation, the 720 model which requires residents to declare assets abroad valued at over €50,000, has been ruled as illegal by the European Commission. Since the ratification of the 720 model in 2012, €108,615 million in undeclared tax has
5,000 euro fine for every piece of information that has not been submitted.
been discovered and further revenue has been generated from the fines imposed. Brussels has now started a judicial review into the application of the 720 model as it believes that it infringes community rights and the sanctions imposed are disproportionate. There have been 7,013 cases started since 2013
against individuals who did not submit their Assets Abroad declaration on time. Failure to complete the form, or to submit it without all the relevant information, attracts a fine of €5,000 for every piece of information that has not been submitted. There is also no statute of limitations regarding the investigations.
BLACKSTONE GROUP LP, who purchased a tranche of Spanish home loans in 2014, has said it intends to restructure them to assist borrowers to afford their repayments or allow them to walk away from their debts. The group has said it will only foreclose on those who have the funds to pay but do not. It states that where there is genuine hardship it will restructure the loans and allow the owners to remain in their property. The mortgage portfolio was bought from the nationalised Spanish bank Catalunya Banc and cost €3.165 billion. Blackstone said although it had to address the business efficacy of the loans it did not buy them with the intention of mass evictions. It thought restructuring could take around seven years but stressed that in some cases it would advise foreclosure for the sake of the owners.
Successful women want looks not bucks when it comes to choosing a life partner Loose change Jane Plunkett A look at finance for females jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
HOW many times have we seen or heard about a young beautiful girl hooking up with a fat, ugly, balding - but rich - older man? She is after his money, or so it is often presumed. Why else would she be with someone that is so much older and unattractive? Well this scenario that a woman cares more about a man’s potential income as opposed to his looks, is now a thing of the past, apparently. According to a new report, modern women are self sufficient highflyers that don’t need to rely on a successful man to make ends meet. The tables are turning. Today’s woman wants classic good looks
LIFE PARTNER: Today’s successful women want someone with brains, not just brawn. in her potential other half. A man that will give her nice, healthy and pretty babies, or so the report says. So if you’re a well built man with striking features, a chiselled jaw and sexy eyes, you could secure
yourself a comfortable future with a financially successful woman! I find this report very interesting. Indeed, who doesn’t want to snuggle up to an attractive hunky man? But this situation doesn’t
ring true for many successful women. Good looks are an appealing factor in any relationship, but their novelty is short lived. In my opinion, successful women are different to the stereo-
typical rich men with pretty young brides. Today’s successful women may play around with young attractive men, but when it comes to a life partner they want someone with brains, not just brawn. Good looks only entertain for a short amount of time, but intelligent conversation and interesting thought patterns can keep a smart girl engaged a lot longer. And again, all this depends on where in the world a women is. Women doing well in rich countries have the pick of the bunch. They can chose a hunk or a hunky intellectual. Whereas women that come from poorer countries often still do put a lot of importance on money within a relationship, because poorer circumstance urges them to seek out security. Therefore it is common to see such women with the rich, but fat and balding men!
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
43
BUSINESS EXTRA
Caixa Bank redundancies CAIXA BANK has agreed with the union a voluntary redundancy plan for 700 workers. The agreement was made possible by increasing the amount payable on redundancy.
Having a passion for business Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.
www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932
Rotten returns A MARKET study has shown that economising by running a washing machine at 5am saves only 70 cents per month.
Bad Bank sales MANAGEMENT company Sareb has sold 24,000 private homes in the past two years reducing its volatile assets by €6,500 million.
Single parent poverty ACCORDING to NGO Save the Children, 53.3 per cent of households at risk of poverty are single parent families compared with two parent households at 30.5 per cent.
THERE is a very true saying; ‘When you work for yourself you work for a slave driver.’ If you are not passionate about your business then neither your business nor your customers will be passionate about you. For 20 years I advised small to medium sized enterprises (SME) employers. Most conceded they put far more effort into their business than they would had they been an employee. I was constantly coming across unusual trades. It is with some amusement that I recall visiting a heavy goods vehicle hydraulic system repair specialist. The work premises seemed much like any other HGV repair centre. I needed to know as much about the business as possible before my assessment. Like Columbo, I asked questions. I discovered that the young engineer, seemingly in his early 20s, was a spe-
REPAIR CENTRE: For specialist works on hydraulic vehicle systems. cialist in hydraulic vehicle systems. Stupidly, I asked him what actually happens when I see a 30 tonne HGV up my exhaust pipe and I need to brake sharply, “Am I toast?” I asked him. My eyes glazed over as with boundless enthusiasm he took me through the exceedingly complex hydraulic system
on the aforementioned lorry that would ensure my survival. Unable to shut him up I lost the plot after five minutes . He knew what he was talking about; The Ministry of Defence (MoD) called him first when a tank, Army HGV or whatever needed attention. What I never lost was my recall of the young engi-
neer’s excitement as he explained. The other thing to remember is that your employees will never be as committed as you are; why should they be? A young builder set up on his own: “I reckon that 40 per cent of an employee’s effort was as good as you were going to get.
OPINION & COMMENT
9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
EWN
In defence of my views... MOST of the world banks and money markets are run by Jews and Arabs LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT ENOUGH already! I am now about to break the habit of a lifetime and attempt to explain my motives for an article I penned a couple of weeks ago. In it I stated that the Jews and Arabs were the biggest investors in the world money markets. At no time did I suggest that there was anything wrong with this situation, quite the contrary. As a capitalist, I actually consider it quite commendable that the Jewish bankers in particular, without the natural resources of the Arabs, have attained such success, particularly in the light of the horrors and misfortunes they have had to endure throughout their turbulent history. However, one doesn’t have to surf too deeply into the realms of the internet to discover my remarks were merely a statement of the facts as I perceived them. Most of the world banks and money markets are in fact run by the Jewish and Arab races. The Roth-
SHALOM: Will Arabs and Jews ever stand together as allies? I can understand how some of my remarks could have been unfortunately misconstrued
schilds alone own or control scores of banks, estimated to be worth some one hundred trillion dollars. It would be utterly naïve to underestimate the sheer power that wealth of this magnitude can bring to a relative minority of people. On
re-reading my piece I can see that when I remarked that the wealthy controlled the world, it could have been somewhat unfortunately misconstrued that I was specifically accusing the Jews and Arabs of some kind of international conspiracy. This was not my intention at all. If I have upset some readers I truly do apologise unreservedly. I am most certainly not anti-Semitic and I’m sure my Jewish grandmother would be horrified to even have it considered. I will however defend my statement that the Jews and Arabs are still arch-enemies or did I miss something here? Have Hamas stopped lobbing missiles over Israel’s borders? Does Iran no longer want to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth? Can Israeli passport-holders now travel freely into Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries? Sadly, this conflict is still as unresolved as ever. Will we live to see the Arabs and Jews standing together as friends and allies? Wouldn’t that be something? Shalom. Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
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E W N 9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
Does anyone need a friend? Twin Design / Shutterstock.com
ARE we living in another Internet bubble or is it the dawning of a new corporate age? Peter Fieldman London-born journalist and author, Peter spends his time between Paris and Madrid. His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com
www.pfieldman.blogspot.com
C
AN a n y b o d y tell me if there is a Facebook helpline for users who feel they suffer from Alzheimer's disease? I keep receiving messages with the portraits of lots of my ‘friends’ or their holiday snaps from all over the world. But the strange thing is I don’t seem to be able to recollect ever having met any of them. Sometimes, however, I do find friends from other countries whom I remember. Last summer I was travell i n g o v e r se a s a n d met a group of very nice Brazilians as well as a Polish family and we agreed to become friends. My Facebook page is now cluttered up with messages and photos they ex c h a n g e wi t h a ll th e ir friends. The only problem is that
t he y a re e ithe r in Polish or Portuguese. When I first linked onto the site I rather selfishly thought it was a fantastic means of advertising my recently published novel for free. All I had to do was mention my book and the message would go to millions who would be rushing to the bookstores or Amazon. It d o e s n o t e x ac tly w ork like that. Each person can only contact
his or her friends. And these friends first have to be invited to become friends and then agree to become friends. I did a quick calculatlon. lf I could only become friends with 20 or 30 people, and this could take years, it would neither make me successful nor rich. I could not count on my friends telling their friends to tell their frlends about my book until the w hole w orld
FACEBOOK: Is it not easier to communicate by email? knew about it and I was a celebrity and would have my picture in the Sun or the Mirror - with a friend. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg conjured up an amazing new service for members who could log in wherever they were and tell their friends where they were. It is believed to attract over 500 million users but he stated that priva-
cy would be preserved. So what is the point? In Spain I learnt the word iluslon means both hope and illusion. This applies particularly to how stock markets value internet companies. Facebook doesn’t m ake any products, it doesn’t sell any, nobody pays to use it. Yet this is now a global organization worth billions of dollars. Are we living in another lnternet bubble or is it the dawning of a new corporate age where the social networking sites are the big brother George Orwell warned about? What exact l y i s t he poi nt of Facebook and the other sites when it is as easy, if not easier, to communicate by email and attach photos too? I f anybody want s t o be m y friend, please give me a call or send an email. Does anyone still have a fax machine? A fixed telephone line? Morse code? Or how about posting a card or using carrier pigeons. Is there anyone out there?
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E W N 9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Channel 4 Racing A Place in the Sun Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Grand Designs Married at First Sight America's Serial Killer Big Fat Gypsy Weddings
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Lone Rider 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Cricket on 5 Benefits: Too Fat to Work Big Brother Person of Interest Big Brother's Bigger Bit on the Side
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Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Cricket on 5 Conspiracy: The Hollywood Files Big Brother: Live Eviction Big Brother's Bigger Bit on the Side
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Rude(Ish) Tube Channel 4 Racing Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News Walking Through History The Secret World of Lego Ted Hot Tub Time Machine
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Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Channel 4 News Grand Designs Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year Humans 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Rude Tube
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The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Dispatches The Real Story How to Get a Council House Inside the Ku Klux Klan Tattoo Fixers
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Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! Cricket on 5 The Transporter The Series. Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole Big Brother My Daughter Stole My Husband Criminals: Caught on 5 News Cricket on 5 May 2014 on Channel 5. Police Interceptors Big Brother Harry Brown Burglars and Break-Ins: Caught on Camera
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OPINION & COMMENT
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EWN
55
Slaughter on the sand in Tunisia: Thatcher would have gone ballistic! Nora Johnson
Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson
WITNESSES in Tunisia said the lone ISIS killer, Seifeddine Rezgui, laughed as he mowed down holidaymakers fleeing across the sand, leaving blood-soaked bodies next to upturned loungers. “He was choosing who to shoot. Some people, he was saying to them ‘you go away.’ He was choosing tourists, British...” According to Jonathan Hill, professor of defence studies at London University, the recent attacks resulting in the deaths of 30 British tourists have damaged Tunisia’s image as a stable, democratic nation, their aim being to undermine fatally tourism and the structures which have made the country probably the only one of the Arab Spring with a fledgling democracy following its Jasmine Revolution in 2011: “The terrorists are attacking Tunisia’s reputation. Not just as a safe and welcoming destination for western holidaymakers, but as the one real suc-
MARGARET THATCHER: Would have approved proactive action. cess story to emerge out of the Arab Spring.” Europe’s security services are fighting a defensive war against Islamic terrorism, trying to thwart terrorist plots and arrest potential terrorists in cells within mosques, schools and so on. A solution, as in the case of the IRA, normally requires a negotiated agreement but that, clearly,
will be out of the question with ISIS. Furthermore, the increasing number of migrants fleeing across the Mediterranean and uncertainty as to whether any of them constitute a potential threat to European citizens. Time is slipping by, and events, including the ongoing turbulence in the Middle East, indicate that the
danger for Europe is intensifying, given the increase in radicalised lone killers like Rezgui. Ultimately, this defensive policy must surely change before opposition to western values both within and surrounding Europe becomes so entrenched that recovery may be impossible. Not so long ago, such ideas would have been scarcely credible, but much has gone wrong. Given the way digital technology has transformed dissemination of information and culture, it isn’t surprising terrorists acquire training and ideology in a very short time and, like Rezgui, without the need to leave the country. The consensus the attacks in Tunisia - together with the ones in Kuwait and France - were coordinated suggests Europe is facing a far more complex threat. One that requires considerably more proactive, SAS-style, longer-term counterterrorism remedies and tactics - that Thatcher would have approved of - than those employed hitherto. 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.
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E W N 9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
A carnival of fond memories
OUR VIEW
Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.
EACH year as Mother Nature turns up the heat and we perspire into July, I am reminded of past English summer days and in particular the annual flower show and carnival in our Suffolk village. We shake our heads and make jokes about the unreliable British weather, but for the most part my memories of this much anticipated local event are of sultry Saturdays, or at the very least pleasantly warm days, with only the occasional hint of rain. Rarely, it seems, was the day ruined by a downpour or the need to wrap up warm against unseasonal elements. Or perhaps it is just the brain selecting good memories from the not so good, and shunting less successful occasions to the back alleys of the mind, because my boyhood memories of summer school holidays spent in glorious Devon, or exploring the countryside on our bikes and fishing the local River Kennet, are also of long hot days and balmy nights. In any event whatever the weather, the Carnival Day beer marquee always
ABUSE: All too common.
A violent epidemic CARNIVAL DAY: Huge amounts of freshly baked fancies were washed down with gallons of tea. pulled in more than its fair share of custom, as did the Women’s Institute hall where huge amounts of freshly baked cakes and fancies, and mouth watering savoury delights were washed down with gallons of tea. The ladies of our WI were nothing like those who are often caricatured in print - all sun hats and varicose veins, and knitting willy warmers to the strains of Jerusalem played on an
out of tune piano - but covered a wide age range and were a giggling, well drilled team ablaze in their summer frocks and flowery blouses; a gaggle of brightly coloured females with impressive buns . . . and pies. In maligning the unreliable summer weather of the Mother Country, we tend to forget that the beautiful English countryside would not be what it is if the UK experienced
Spanish type summers and dry, warm winters. The oft quoted comment that England would be the perfect country if we were able to access the Mediterranean climate is therefore paradoxical nonsense. With the choice of a sweltering arid landscape, or the lush green countryside that so epitomises our country - I know which I prefer.
It’s certainly a dog’s life SOME dog owners hold conversations with their dogs as though they were humans Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
WE sophisticated Westerners, depending on how well or badly we were dragged up, scoff or curl the lip at Hindu reverence towards cattle. Our Indian friends are hardly alone; animal worship throughout the world is quite common. Some of us are made of sterner stuff. Yours truly is just one generation removed from a farming family. With the help and sturdy companionship of dogs, we lived as farmers for 1,000 years. Farm dogs were extremely intelligent, disciplined, loyal and useful. Most of us will have watched the BBC series,
One Man and His Dog. I relate to it well. I spent happy years as a schoolboy in Corwen and Bala in N o r t h Wales. I don’t recall dogs as pets; partners in farm management c e r t a i n l y, but not pets. Here in Spain, however, the canine species has morphed into a foot-dragging, illdisciplined couchsurfing grubby bag of fur. If you will excuse the
I don’t recall dogs as pets, more like partners in farm management.
expression, we tend to ape Ancient Egyptians who venerated the cat species. They decorated their walls with images and statuettes of cats. We prefer portraits of Rex and Fido, which I think is acting the goat. Now, animal worship is all well and good if that is your thing. Live and let live is my motto. What I cannot understand is some dog owners hold conversations with their dogs as ANCIENT EGYPT: Decorated their walls with cats.
DOMESTIC violence, has sadly become a commonplace occurrence with a total of seven people murdered in violent incidents in just one weekend recently. Those deaths came on the heels of another incident the same week in which a whole family, a six-year-old boy, his 14-year-old sister, the father, 37 and his mother, 64 were found dead. We have become accustomed to reading such news across Spain, and although there are educational campaigns to prevent abuse as well as prevention units with staff on hand ready to respond to incidents, the violence continues. In fact, an epidemic of violence seems to be occurring which we cannot ignore. The truth is, members of ordinary families are being wiped out because of domestic abuse and it raises questions as to why this is such a disturbing feature in our society. While many would like to dismiss such incidents as simply crimes of passion, serious research into the causes of such trends is woefully inadequate. Whether they are committed by jealous, possessive partners who cannot control their rage, or individuals with mental issues, society needs to investigate what on earth is happening and why.
though they were human companions. Ever thought of adopting or fostering a human rather than a canine child, ma’am? The Royal Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was founded in in 1824; the National Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSCPP) was founded in 1894. Notice kids don’t get the Royal stamp of approval. In Denmark you can’t buy a pit bull terrier but you can visit the dog brothel. In Germany bestiality brothels are legal. Keep your eyes on your dogs, folk. They are on the lookout for good looking canines. Now we One of my mother ’s oft want to used expressions was, hear your news. ‘there’s nowt so queer as folk.’ YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE Well said, mother. - YOUR OPINION RIP mum and a sense of www.euroweeklynews.com proportion.
OPINION & COMMENT
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9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
Some positive thinking Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
RAJOY is so confident - or possibly unperceptive - that he told an interviewer he has no enemies inside the Partido Popular. This could be touching faith in himself or those he trusts but for someone in Rajoy’s position it betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
A blind spot ONLY professional fixers disdain the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” school of thought. Spain’s president Mariano Rajoy, who conspicuously avoids as much fixing as possible, has a blind spot regarding repairs. If indiscreet insiders are to be believed, his first reaction after the May 24 election results was mild satisfaction that the Partido Popular was still the most-voted party.
Whiter than white president JUAN MANUEL VEGA, director general of Spain’s antimoney laundering agency Sepblac was named vice-president of the Financial Action Task Force at a Brisbane meeting. He takes over the presidency of the global laundering-prevention forum in July 2015.
After it was pointed out to him voters appeared to want change, the president said there’d be adjustments. Giving more prominence to Health minister Alfonso Alonso and substituting unloved Education minister Jose Ignacio Wert with Iñigo Mendez de Vigo were Rajoy-style tweakings. At best these could be described as minimalist: minimal change, minimal upheaval and for Rajoy himself, minimal loss of power.
Get a life POLITICIANS didn’t like it and the legal profession didn’t like it
Who better? Vega has had plenty of practice on his home ground, where corruption and money-laundering were until recently treated as an art form.
when ‘life means life’ sentences were added to Spain’s new penal code. All political groups currently in Opposition announced they would revoke the law should they ever be in power. This attitude is unlikely to lose them any votes but neither is it likely to gain them. The general public are largely unbothered about that particular piece of legislation and significantly less upset than the huge fines that could be slapped on unauthorised demonstrations. Free speech matters more than occasional isolated life-long incarceration for sadists or terrorists.
MARIANO RAJOY: Avoids as much fixing as possible.
EWN
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LETTERS
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OPINION & COMMENT
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION
Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
Fishing dilemma solution not too difficult to reel in... OH, Steve P, what can you do? You wanted to buy a fishing licence (Letters, Issue 1565) and they sent you back to Crewe. No doubt the environment agency offered you the correct forms to fill out in 75 different languages and informed you that if you could not understand them they would offer you a free translator. I hope Steve P is not basing his assumption that Spain will go down the tubes on the fact that he cannot buy a €15 (not sure of the current cost) fishing licence. As I understand it Spain is recovering quite well from the recession and is not helped by the sort of negative comments made by him. Where else can you live amongst very friendly Spanish neighbours, enjoy superb weather, buy a menu del dia for €8.50 and generally live the good life. However, back to his complaint. There are three very simple ways to solve the problem: 1. Learn the language and try again; 2. Take a translator with you or 3. Employ a gestoria to do it for you. Ways 2 and 3 do not cost a fortune and you will be helping the economy that you are quick to put down. Easy, job done! Yours, a very happy, fully licensed and insured fisherman living La Buena Vida here in beautiful Andalucia. Robert Coatman, La Palomo (Manilva)
True ladies HAVING been introduced to ladies’ football as a result of watching the Women’s World Cup, it occurs to me that there are three standout questions that require closer investigation: Why do women not spit before and after free kicks, whilst they are waiting to come on or, come to think of it, why don’t they spit at all? Why don’t they constantly dispute the referee’s decisions, ganging up on her en masse in an attempt to get her to change
Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com
Not quite… I ALMOST always agree with everything Leapy says; however, doesn’t he see that poor old Cliff Richard (all editions, Issue 1565) obviously does not intend for the UK taxman to get any more of his money after the way the police treated him. And for death duties, they can swing for that too. As for the tennis, who cares? Cliff is obviously just so disgusted with the whole lot of them. And he can watch it on TV, if he gives a damn. Not all innocent people go round screaming blue murder; it’s usually the guilty who take that approach. Otherwise, I’m happy to keep the faith, right along with you. Patsy (By email)
Good views I took a trip to the lovely city of Sevilla, but boy was it hot! We had to wait for the sun to start going down before we could cool off. John Marshall (Valencia) her mind? Why don’t we get close-ups of them screaming invective and telling each other to ’eff-off'? Ah well, I suppose given time they’ll learn how proper footballers behave! Ken Turner, San Fulgencio (Alicante)
Russian hype HARDLY a week passes without Mike Walsh using his column in your publication to promote Russian propaganda and decry the West. Your response will probably be that this is in the best traditions of press freedom; fair enough! But do you not owe it to your readers to employ a columnist with opposing views to those of Mr Walsh to maintain a fair balance? Would you support the BBC if it chose to only give air time to one
political party, which is exactly what you are doing? Is any member of your staff charged with checking the facts and figures he quotes; if not, should you not issue a quote that they are unconfirmed? Finally, if Mike believes so vehemently in Russia’s action on the world stage and its threat to world stability should he not live there and financially support it instead of being domiciled in a Europe he obviously despises as being weak and easily influenced? George Morland, Cartagena (Murcia) Editor’s note We do believe in free speech at the EWN. Mike Walsh’s views are controversial, but he has every right to express them. His views, and those of all our columnists, are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of the EWN.
Quite right I READ Leapy’s article on corruption in the world (all editions, Issue 1564) and think he is completely correct. I have been saying it for years but people think I should be committed, or they are probably ashamed that they have been controlled and didn’t realise or want to hear it. Wars are not started by the people but by the arms and military equipment producers. They kid the members of the forces that they are protecting their country. The probable truth is the members of the armed forces are risking their lives to line the pockets of the already filthy rich. I could go on but I think Leapy gets where I’m coming from. Congratulations to him on a great article. I am looking forward to more. W Parker (By email)
I DON’T get to read Leapy’s column every week, but when I do, I mostly agree with his sentiments. This latest one regarding the electronic tag removal is just ludicrous! I agree with Leapy when he made the point that indeed the man in question should be fitted with an explosive device. If this person was so afflicted then he should be sectioned and sent to a mental hospital, although I am not sure whether there are any hospitals left now. Apparently the Met police have been told to stop chasing motor cyclists when the riders remove their helmets. How utterly absurd, especially if they have committed a serious crime. Keep up the good tirades Neil (By email)
WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
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The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.
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WEST WENT WEND WAND BAND BANK
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VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR
ALMERIA
HUERCAL OVERA
RETAMAR GARRUCHA
‘SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, DARLING - YOU’RE LETTING THE HEAT IN!’
ADRA
ROQUETAS
MOJACAR
RETAMAR
ALMERIA
ROQUETAS
ADRA
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) It could be that you are feeling a little below par at the moment. You may
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Get some rest and peace because, if you let yourself get too tired, your temper could suffer. When it comes to business get it over with so that you can spend extra time on your social life. Something important is round the corner.
Nonagram
TARGET: Average: 13 Good: 17 Very good: 24 Excellent: 30
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 R) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION deny doer doge dogy done dory dour dreg drey drug dune dung dyer dyne edgy herd hoed hued nerd node nude redo rend rode rude rued undo dough doyen drone dungy gored gourd guyed honed horde hound hydro nerdy nudge round under urged dehorn doughy drogue gerund gourde ground gurned horned hoyden nudger rouged undoer yonder guerdon roughed undergo hydrogen GREYHOUND
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) You may well feel that your business life is not going as well as you would have hoped this week. They do say that you can’t have everything right at once. This is a good time to enjoy the company of others and make your love life buzz.
Fri Sat Sun -
Madrid
SUNNY MAX 28C, MIN 22C Mon - 30 23 S Tues - 31 23 S Wed - 31 23 S MAX 31C, MIN 23C Mon - 31 24 S Tues - 31 25 S Wed - 32 26 S MAX 29C, MIN 23C MAX MIN
30 23 S 31 23 S 31 24 S
Mon - 31 24 S Tues - 31 24 S Wed - 32 24 S
Benidorm TODAY:
MAX 29C, MIN 23C
31 24 S 31 24 S 32 25 S
Mon - 32 26 S Tues - 33 26 S Wed - 33 26 S
S Sun,
Cl Clear,
Sh Showers,
10-Star Quiz
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. UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
LA PRIMITIVA
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
Saturday July 4
Saturday July 4
Friday July 3
Saturday July 4
Sunday July 5
Saturday July 4
13
14
35
39
46
49
3
1 37
31 39
2
12
14
18
36
43
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
3
3
22
11
12 18
15 44
LUCKY STARS
3
9
181
198
28
45
46
49
REINTEGRO
4
35
SUNNY MAX 29C, MIN 21C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
32 24 S 33 24 S 32 24 S SUNNY
TODAY:
Mon - 32 23 S Tues - 32 23 S Wed - 33 23 S MAX 32C, MIN 18C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
32 19 S 34 20 S 34 20 S
Mon - 34 21 S Tues - 36 21 S Wed - 36 21 S
2
13 17
15 43
REINTEGRO
1
SUNNY MAX 33C, MIN 22C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Sudoku
UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
Mon - 40 23 S Tues - 40 24 S Wed - 39 24 S
Murcia
SUNNY MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
39 23 S 38 23 S 38 24 S
Mallorca
SUNNY MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
29 24 S 31 24 S 31 24 S
Barcelona TODAY:
MAX 39C, MIN 23C
MAX MIN
Malaga
SUNNY MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Because you are about to enter an active phase, it would be best to keep things as straightforward and organised as possible. Those around you may be less than exciting at the moment, so keep the interest going with joint activities and accepting interesting invitations.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) For some time, things on the romantic front have been confusing, to say the least. There are decisions that someone has to make that affect you seriously. Romantically and
29 22 S 29 23 S 30 23 S
SUNNY
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Almeria TODAY:
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) There is something of the rebel in you this week. Even you don’t fully understand the changes taking place. You will resist any attempt to stop from expressing yourself freely. Although you prefer a peaceful time, it may be necessary to remind someone of your rights.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Energy is low but your spirit seems to be getting power from somewhere. At times, it feels that it is almost outside of your own sphere. When tackling what is seen as a tedious task, you may not be aware that you are building something for the future, but there is much going on that will affect your future to a large extent.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Despite pulling out all the stops when it comes to a certain person or project, your charm may not be working as well as usual this week. It is still a fine time to beaver on quietly in the background. A few emotional fireworks make you sit up and take notice, but try to be open-minded.
Alicante TODAY:
MAX MIN
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Sometimes you shuffle things around to survive difficult times. The energy that this uses means that realising a dream this week could mean difficult choices to be made. Your need to be settled makes you impatient.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Although you feel like going it alone at the moment, you would do well to involve someone close in your project or exercise. There is room for improvement in both your life and your health but it can be more enjoyable if shared. Expect surprises in your love life and you will not be surprised.
assume it is because of a recent emotional upset, but it is unlikely to be quite that simple. Spend a bit of time and money on yourself for a change. Develop your talents in the realms of writing, painting and music. This need not take a large amount of time. Start with one simple project.
LOTTERY
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Arm yourself with plenty of information about what is going on in your life at the moment. Those close might expect you to lead the way on an important matter. You need to trust your instincts more and have confidence. Think in the long term. Those who are not considered important now could be so in the future. As you prefer being in charge, this should not seem unnatural to you.
(June 22 - July 23)
Fri Sat Sun -
F Fog, Sn Snow,
MAX MIN
36 23 S 36 23 S 36 23 S
Mon - 37 23 S Tues - 37 23 S Wed - 37 24 S
C Cloudy, Th Thunder
MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY 1. In which fictional village does Agatha Christie’s renowned detective spinster Miss Jane Marple live? 2. Left a good job in the city, workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day are the opening lines of which John Fogarty song, originally a 1969 UK Top 10 hit for Creedence Clearwater Revival? 3. Mary Ann Evans was the real name of which famous 19th century novelist? 4. Mary Ann Nichols and Mary Jane Kelly are, respectively, reputed to have been the first and final what? 5. The Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is the best known work by which English writer? 6. The songs A Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cher-ee and Let’s Go Fly a Kite all featured in which 1964 film musical? 7. What is the name of the Welsh-born singer who represented the UK in the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Knock Knock, Who's There? 8. What was the name of the early motion-picture actress, nicknamed America’s Sweetheart, who co-founded the film studio United Artists, along with Charlie Chaplin, D W Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks in 1919? 9. Which famous social activist founded the National Viewers’ and Listeners’ Association (now known as Mediawatch-uk) in 1965? 10. Which iconic fashion designer, who was an instrumental figure in the 1960s London-based Mod and youth fashion movements, was one of the designers who took credit for the miniskirt and hot pants? 1. ST MARY MEAD, 2. PROUD MARY, 3. GEORGE ELIOT, 4. VICTIMS OF JACK THE RIPPER, 5. MARY Wollstonecraft SHELLEY, 6. MARY POPPINS, 7. MARY HOPKIN, 8. MARY PICKFORD, 9. MARY WHITEHOUSE, 10. MARY QUANT
YOUR STARS
emotionally, things come to a head but don’t let the wind of change blow away all that you have achieved. Don’t begin to doubt yourself or others will, too.
Have you been a bit of a couch potato recently? Spend some of this week working towards a healthy mind in a healthy body. Running yourself ragged should certainly be avoided. Seek expert advice now about a problem that just won’t go away. It will, but only with a lot of effort. Although you prefer to share your activities, this is one area that you need to concentrate on fully, so go for it alone to begin with.
CANCER
OUT
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AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
Crossword
EWN
Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition
Quick
Code Breaker
Across 7 Panther cat (6) 8 Public building for gambling (6) 10 Surprise or frighten suddenly (7) 11 Increase the level or amount of something (5) 12 Do what one is told (4) 13 Information tag (5) 17 Bet (5) 18 Counterfeit (4) 22 Distinctive odour that is pleasant (5) 23 Talk idly or rapidly (7) 24 In high spirits (6) 25 If not, except when (6)
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 15 represents F and 17 represents G, so fill in F every time the figure 15 appears and G every time the figure 17 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 Lately, 3 Desert, 8 Linctus, 10 Avian, 11 Orate, 12 Anemone, 13 Hotel, 15 Frost, 20 Amiable, 22 Spade, 24 Iliad, 25 Sustain, 26 Gannet, 27 Athens.
Down: 1 Lollop, 2 Tonga, 4 Erase, 5 Editors, 6 Tinker, 7 Oscar, 9 There, 14 Opinion, 16 Roses, 17 Daring, 18 Leash, 19 Tennis, 21 Budge, 23 Awake
QUICK Across:
Down 1 Seasonal wind in southern Asia (7) 2 Without strain or anxiety (7) 3 Footwear (5) 4 Person who shoes horses (7) 5 Shin bone (5) 6 Hide (5) 9 State of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities (9)
14 Nightclub entertainment (7) 15 Associate (7) 16 Invigorate (7)
English - Spanish
19 Enthusiastic (5) 20 Grinding tooth (5) 21 Increases (5)
Down: 1 Races, 2 Scarlet, 3 Loses, 4 Escape, 6 Twice, 7 Pleased, 8 Scarce, 13 Learned, 14 Stress, 16 Trainee, 17 Rabbit, 19 Sheds, 20 Donor, 21 Amass
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
Across 1 Barato (económico) (5) 3 To kiss (5) 7 Towel (6) 9 Obedecer (4) 10 Courgette (9) 13 Leer (4) 14 Customs (6) 16 Paz (tranquilidad, no guerra) (5) 17 Dressing gowns (5) Down 1 Gatos (4) 2 Todo (en su totalidad) (3) 4 Niece (7) 5 Stripe (line) (4) 6 To change (7) 8 Stewardess (7) 11 Trampa (para cazar) (4) 12 Sierras (herramientas) (4) 15 Grape (3)
Hexagram
1 Resolved, 5 Stop, 9 Classic, 10 Crime, 11 Sells, 12 Parcels, 13 Latest, 15 Rested, 18 Austria, 20 Drama, 22 Needs, 23 Bonanza, 24 Dash, 25 Starters.
ENGLISH-SPANISH Across:
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
1 Camisa, 4 Boca, 8 Forks, 9 Hielo, 10 Briefcase, 13 Suave, 15 Plata, 16 Ruta, 17 Battle.
Down: 1 Cuff, 2 Mirar, 3 Sostener, 5 One, 6 Año, 7 Chickpea, 11 Start, 12 Hake, 13 Sur, 14 Ant.
Cryptic The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 sixletter 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 (BARELY) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
ABOARD
HANDED
ANGERS
HEADER
BARELY (10)
PAPERS
BAREST
PRAYER
BARREL
RABBLE
BATTER
ROARED
BURDEN
STARRY
DEALER
TRAMPS
ELDERS
WIZARD
FLOATS
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Senses 2 Tinder 3 Cheers 4 Burden 5 Larder 6 Metres 7 Fender 8 Nobler 9 Indent 10 Fables 11 Resent 12 Tested 13 Felloe 14 Riders 15 Pastel 16 Briefs 17 Estate 18 Peered 19 Advent
Across 1 Parts of a fish used for balance (6) 4 Bright visitors arrive by backstreet (6) 9 Convert into cash may be earliest without team leader (7) 10 Court service admitted trickery (5) 11 Musical passage contains main trombone (5) 12 Sandier sort of fish (7) 13 Train's speed confuses walkers (11) 18 Most are moved by this super conductor (7) 20 Daughter is company for the nightclub (5) 22 Stretch your neck to see the bird (5) 23 A monk accommodating graduate in a state (7) 24 Seat put near Peg (6) 25 Female writer getting wet (6) Down 1 Injury initially received in European country (6) 2 Work for an actor on his own? (5) 3 Wept heartily, is poem one of a series? (7) 5 Happen when carbon and copper are set in gold (5)
6 I save on making excuse (7) 7 Crossword compiler’s dog (6) 8 A nation less corrupt is commanding attention (11) 14 The gate Len made is very posh (7) 15 Moon goddess following in a state
(7) 16 Enthusiastic kisses or corporal punishment (6) 17 Territory governed by the same chief (6) 19 Film music of Keith Emerson? (5) 21 Neither flat nor blunt (5)
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FEATURE
Advertising feature
Collyfer for funeral services and insurance WHEN you lose a loved one, we are here to answer all the questions you may have COLLYFER are experts at dealing with losing your loved ones while living in Spain, and to help with questions regarding the unexpected Karen and John have
answered some of the most asked below. Who are Collyfer? We are a family business with 70 years experience, dedicated in the Funeral and Insurance
Sector. What does Collyfer do? Collyfer offers the residents of Spain the opportunity to avoid a lot of the stress of organising a funeral. With a simple call we can organise everything including the service, flowers and legal assistance. We have a native English team for guidance in these difficult moments. Right now we have Karen Cecere and John Harris who have several years of experience. Collyfer previously also had Beckie who no longer works with the company. We also have agreements with all the companies for funeral plans and repatriations. What Insurance does Collyfer
We are a family business with 70 years experience. Offer? Collyfer also offers House Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Vehicle Insurance and much more. What should a client of Collyfer do in the event of a death? Once the death occurs you only have to make a phone call to the numbers that answer in English 24 hours: 617 456 335 Karen or 617 456 259 John, and we will take over from there. Someone will come to see you to organise special requests
for the funeral. IMPORTANT. When there is a death and clients are insured through Collyfer, always alert Collyfer, do not contract another company without authorisation from Collyfer. What area does Collyfer cover? Collyfer provides services in all provinces of Almeria, Murcia and parts of Granada. We have five funeral homes located in Huercal Overa, Arboleas, Cantoria, Garrucha and Pulpi, which are our property. In addition to these, we have permission to use the funeral homes in Bedar, Lubrin, Uleila del Campo, Albanchez, Seron and Sorbas. Do you have any future Projects? We have just employed a Professional Embalmer, native English and will be offering this as a service. We are at present looking to open an additional Funeral Home in the area. We are also looking into a limousine service for the families of the deceased
E W N 9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
Gettysburg remembered To mark 150 years since the end of the American Civil War we take a look at one of its most costly battles
MAISNA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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HISTORIC: The three-day, bloody struggle regularly re-enacted.
Peter Fieldman London-born journalist and author, Peter spends his time between Paris and Madrid. His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ is available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com
www.pfieldman.blogspot.com
O
ne hundred and fifty years ago, (July 1-4) after five years of bitter fighting, the American Civil War ended. At the height of the war, in November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln attended a memorial ceremony to commemorate the battle of Gettysburg. Four months earlier, the Pennsylvanian countryside on the outskirts of the town had been the scene of the most costly battle in American history.
600,000 number of Americans who died in the civil war. It was a battle which was neither foreseen nor planned. At the end of June 1863 the Confederate general, Robert E Lee, buoyed by victory at Chancellorsville, had led his army north across the Potomac river into Pennsylvania. The Union army, aware of the potential threat to Washington, was also on the move. Neither side knew precisely the exact position of its adversary. It was by pure chance that a Confederate incursion into Gettysburg confronted Union soldiers who hap-
pened to be in the town. Gettysburg had no military significance but once each army’s commander received news of the enemy’s presence it set off a disastrous chain of events. An astute commander, Lee knew that moving north would cut his supply lines and began to move his troops towards Gettysburg. Meanwhile Union divisions had already positioned themselves north and west of the town and on July 1 the first shots were fired. The fighting lasted most of the day until the Confederate troops pushed back the outnumbered Union divisions. At dawn on July 2, the Union army had established defensive positions in the form of a fishhook on high ground known as Cemetery Ridge. Led by General George Meade, the Union side was growing stronger as reinforcements arrived. Less than one mile separated the two armies. Lee’s strategy was to outflank the Union defensive position and take Cemetery Ridge from the rear. General James Longstreet led the first attack. However the Union generals had spotted the threat and a counter attack by General Sickles’ division resulted in substantial casualties on both sides in the sectors known as the Wheatfield, Peach Orchard and Devil’s Den. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was a university professor, who had volunteered to join the Union army. He had been ordered to move his 20th Maine Regiment south of Cemetery Ridge to a wooded hill called Little Round Top to protect the left flank and to hold it at all cost. The 20th Maine held the high ground and repeated attacks by Con-
Lincoln’s speech remains an inspiration
federate infantry failed to breach the Union defensive positions. Chamberlain’s force of around 350 men was rapidly running out of ammunition. With no help or supplies arriving Chamberlain ordered his remaining forces to fix bayonets and charge downhill in a sweeping movement. The tired Confederate soldiers, taken by surprise, turned and retreated downhill in disarray. It was the turning point of the battle. Seeing the attacks on the flanks repelled, Lee decided to change his strategy. At dawn on July 3 despite the reticence of Longstreet and other officers, he ordered a frontal attack to break the Union centre, weakened, in his opinion, by the transfer of troops to defend the flanks. After a two-hour artillery bombardment of Cemetery Ridge, the infamous ‘Pickett’s Charge’ began. More than 12,000 men led by General George Pickett advanced across open fields clambering over fences and stonewalls over a distance of more than half a mile. It was inevitable that heavy losses would be sustained, but Lee believed his strategy would lead to the collapse of the Union lines. The first casualties were felled by cannon fire. As they came within range, canister fire and grenades brought down more soldiers and as they neared the Union
LOSSES: The battle resulted in 50,000 casualties. lines, volleys of musket fire opened up at close range. More than 5,000 Confederate infantry were left dead or wounded strewn across the field. Lee and his generals could only watch in horror as the remnants of Pickett’s division hobbled back to the Confederate lines. By the morning of July 4 Lee’s army was wending its way slowly back to Virginia. The Union army, having also suffered considerable losses, made no attempt to pursue the Confederates. The three-day battle resulted in more than 50,000 casualties. On the same day news arrived that the siege of Vicksburg on the Mississippi had ended and General Grant had entered the city. Despite these major Union victories the South did not capitulate and
the war, which cost the lives of over 600,000 Americans, was to drag on for another two years before Lee finally surrendered at the Appomattox Courthouse. Joshua Chamberlain and James Longstreet survived the battle and the war despite being wounded on several occasions. Chamberlain returned to Maine and became a four-term governor of the state. Longstreet also entered politics. Both men died in their eighties in 1914 and 1904 respectively. As for Abraham Lincoln’s twominute speech, it was virtually ignored until many years after his death people began to appreciate the brilliance of the language and its meaning. The Gettysburg Address remains an inspiration to all those who believe in freedom.
OPINION & COMMENT
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Those early years made good 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.
AFTER I had bumped about here for a few years I noticed a definite sociological stigma attached to our environment. The Spaniards skirted all the foreigners as if we were a crazed and condemned lot. Dark veiled women peered at us from the shadows as if having crept into a circus without paying for the tickets, a circus that never slowed down or stopped. If you stepped back and counted you could calculate more homosexuals, gigolos, theatrical types, artists, witches (both good and bad) reformed prostitutes, women trying to become prostitutes, drunks, druggies, thieves, and criminals hiding out and gaggles of what were everyday normal folk trying their best to fit into the above hierarchy with poor feigned attempts. I was but a sort of ‘sputnik,’ spinning about this array of captured and condemned humanity seemingly all trapped in this place at one singular moment in time, and space.
DIFFERENT WORLD: The beach and the village separated by a ‘sea of difference.’ I was treated worse than a naked alien as I was the mercenary in the mixture; trying to earn a living and survive. The rest, all had money, or pretended running up massive credit-loans. Something the Spaniards were never reluctant to give as they
simply couldn’t tell who were the real players and who wasn’t. They all dressed the same, knew no apparent social graces and were exuberantly proud of being drunk while emphasising to one and all how boisterous they could be.
To this self ingratiated society I strolled directly up to and plumped myself down at their tables and listened. Knowing as dysfunctional as they were between themselves they would hardly question me. And they didn’t. Yet, I was viewed with
disdain and discomfort. Also, remember, I didn’t live amongst the village folk but was a sporadic visitor that was greeted instantaneously as suspicious. Sometime during that day I would return home and recount to my wife my encounters in the village. She would shake her head in wonderment and disbelief. We lived in two different worlds, the beach and the village, vastly separated by a sea of difference with but the common denominator: that flowery British language of arrogance, superiority and smugness. It was as if they were all talking FOR each other, creating walled personal barriers to achieve maximum evasiveness from any listeners. That didn’t bother me. For no description I could give would paint the wonderful chameleon colours they each tried to portray. We hadn’t anybody like that back home in Iowa so it well took me ‘donkey years’ before I exposed them for being each what they were; the same exact personage I had met in the beginning. Has one learned anything if he’s gone full circle? And of course the severity and strangeness of those antiquated times I have grown to love and cherish.
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM
England is not a nation of walkers
REGULAR WALKS: Urban dwellers do so, only if they have to.
IT has been revealed that one in seven adults go a whole month without walking for at least 10 minutes continually. This figure rises to around one in four in some areas of the UK according to figures from the Department of Transport in association with Sport England, which studied the habits of people in England. For the over 65 age group, a quarter of men and nearly one in three women fail to stretch their legs every four weeks. The study found urban dwellers are more likely to walk because they have to, while people in rural parts are more likely to walk for pleasure. Whilst there may not be too many walkers, some 54 per cent said they had carried out some form of moderate physical activity over the last month, compared to 46 per cent who did not. But among regular walkers, that rises to nearly six out of 10.
TO READ MORE
HEALTH BEAUTY
&
Give yourself a pat on the back when you deserve it
2nd July
REMEMBER that we are human, not bionic Erica Russell Watson:
months. My next oncology appointment is in November so now is all about resting and repairing my heart, soul, body and mind.
My journey – and I’m driving BOTH 2014 and 2015 have been seismic years for me and my family. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of last year and have undergone operations, chemo and radiotherapy and my children’s father died in February 2015. I hope it is now time for the sadness to come to an end. We have battled on together supported by many wonderful friends and family. The children were recently reunited with their long lost brother and sister which was such a joyous moment. They need all the love and support they can get. I am now going to take a break from my blog as I will have very little to report over the coming
I have to make short term goals and try not to become overwhelmed as this could be a slippery path to depression.
The last year ’s events have left me somewhat depleted in so many ways. I have found despite my positive attitude that the accumulation of various factors has affected my ability to cope with difficult situa-
Health Food Shop & Community Centre Are you looking for inspiration? You’ll be surprised at the range of natural & organic products available to inspire you.
In the Community Centre Kids Karate, kids Gymnastics Art classes, Pilates, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Salsa-size Spanish lessons and health screening
C/Malaga s/n, Albox, Almeria, Tel: 639 089 170 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-2pm email: alboxgirasol@hotmail.com
tions. I have to make short term goals and try not to be become overwhelmed as this could be a slippery path to depression which long term is not going to help me or my children. I think you have to allow yourself space for reflection and even tears but never dwell too much. We are not bionic just human. The human is capable of far more than we know but we have our frailties too. Give yourself a pat on the back when you deserve it and don’t be hard on yourself if you aren’t up to much. Rather like the tides your mood will wash in and out. Whatever your issues in life, you will have to confront each one. Admit or find out what is wrong, seek help or a way to make it better and just keep the momentum up. Never give in. You owe it to yourself to fight for your health and happiness. I wish all at Euro Weekly News and their readers a happy summer.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almeria
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Helping to keep you motivated in your diet IN this new column EWN personal trainer FitFoxy is going to give tips on how to stay in top condition… surance Plan. I find training small seMy Philosophy mi private groups works ex• Exercise - for one tremely well. My clients Looking Good, Staying Trim hour, three-four times tend to work harder in a per week, keep it group, and dare I say even challenging and varenjoy the sessions. Hi I’m FitFoxy, ied. The mixed hourly classes I’m a Personal Fitness I give them are designed to Trainer now living on the • Monday to Friday be both effective and chalCosta Del Sol. Sensible eating, include fresh meats, lenging. I trained private clients fish and plenty of Clients can sometimes and group classes in vegetables. have job related physical Brighton UK for nine imbalances or old injuries years, and previous to that, • Keep alcohol for that have contributed to I worked in a London your weekend treat. their lack of activity for fear Health Club for six years. of more damage. I’ve pretty much been there, What they do learn, howtackling what is fondly redone that and got the workever, is the body is incrediferred to as ‘middle-age out vest. bly clever at repairing itself spread’ with a balanced exI’m no spring chicken, I in many cases. Watching ercise routine and a sensible have entered that dreaded and correcting imbalances diet plan, the healthy latter side of the over 40’s or bad exercise form along lifestyle that you were inclub where everything with helping them to keep tending along with your around the mid section their motivation with their dream life in the sun is in weakens and rapidly exdiet on track is what I do danger of becoming more pands. I’m not one to sugar best. of an expensive Health Inthe pill, so if you are not
FitFoxy
Eat well for sun protection FOR sun burn, hydrate the skin with cold water By Gemma Quinn FOOD is a good way to prepare the skin for the sun, and to prevent premature aging, but which foods are best? Tomato, watermelon and carrots are all reported to boost our skin’s natural protective ingredients. Nuts also help increase the benefits of sunscreen by up to 25 per cent while fresh fruit, such as cherries, apricots, peaches or melons stimulate melanin, which increases and prolongs a
25%
healthy tan. Green tea as well as green leafy vegetables and fish are rich in Omega three which will help heal and protect from sun burn and help maintain the lipid layer nuts help increase of the skin. the benefits In the case of sun burn, of sunscreen by hydrate the skin with this amount cold water and chamomile tea and use aloe vera. For serious cases of sun burn, medical advice should be sought.
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FOOD
D R I N K
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Mineral waters of Spain POPULAR regions include Alpujarras in Granada, Galicia and Valencia By Wendy Ann Cowham
IT is probably hard to believe that within Spain’s sun drenched lands and scorching hillsides that there would actually be a home for the natural flowing spring waters... but there is!
It is calculated that there are approximately 170 brands to choose from.
BOTTLED WATER: Choose either mineral, purified or spring.
Spain prides itself on many important water regions and mineral water. Popular regions include Alpujarras in Granada where there is an abundance of mountain ranges and natural springs, Galicia which provides one of the best selling mineral waters, and also Valencia which also provides mineral water. There are three main types of water that you can find in a bottle, the first type is water that has been altered in some way for human consumption, that is by taking out any chlorine or
any other elements that may be harmful or taste bad. This is classed as purified water. Mineral waters are so called because they contain minerals that they have accumulated via their travels through the r o c k y mountains. The mineral waters also vary in taste depending on the region of origin and the elements that exist there. The water travels down into underwater reservoirs where it gathers more of the surrounding minerals and there it remains sealed in the underground reservoir which protects it from outer pollution. Although it is said that this water is ready for consumption, in order to be classed as ‘mineral water’ the water
has to be actually bottled at source Another favourite water that adds a little zest into a refreshing drink is spring water which comes from underground, either naturally or it can be in effect ‘mined’ and drawn up by machines. This also has to be bottled at source to earn the title of spring water, but it is usually fit to drink immediately unless there are particles present such as iron or sulphur.
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FOOD & DRINK
Gazpacho variations add elegance to summer menus PERFECT dish for those hot days, its healthy, refreshing, filling and thirst-quenching By Staff Reporter SPEND a few summer days in Spain and one will undoubtedly sample various versions of its classic summer soup, gazpacho. It’s the perfect dish for sweltering summer days: healthy, refreshing, filling and thirst-quenching. Along the Costa del Sol, the traditional recipe is a tried and true favourite; however, this delicious fresh cold soup can be adapted to impress
even the most discerning of palates. The term gazpacho, which simply refers to cold soup, traces back to thrifty peasants making the most of left-over vegetables and day-old bread. The most typical recipe today calls for fresh veggies tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and garlic - a chunk of bread and a generous splash of olive oil and sherry vinegar, all thrown together in the blender and liquefied.
For a fresh approach, why not spice it up with a bit of experimentation? Instead of tomatoes, perhaps use watermelon or strawberries, thus maintaining the rosy hue but surprising guests with a touch of sweetness. For a tangier version, try green tomatillos or unripe red tomatoes, while for spicier dishes, consider jalapeno peppers or grated ginger. Not as well-known in Spain but sure to make mouths water, green gazpacho is a delightful addition to the menu. Sweet and smooth, this variation calls for greenskinned Spanish melons, plus other green-hued vegetables, fruits and herbs, such as cucumbers, grapes and mint. Yoghurt or sour cream also adds an especially smooth
GREEN GAZPACHO: Sure to make mouths water. touch to this version. When serving these summer soups, remember to serve them chilled and think about presentation. A dollop of sour cream and sprinkling of herbs make for an especially pretty garnish, and best of all, it tastes even better than it looks!
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FOOD & DRINK
Brewers go for strength ACROSS Europe beer drinkers aged 18 to 24 likely to prefer strong ABV beers By Dilip Kuner WITH a trend to low strength and alcohol free beers increasing sales it may seem strange that 23 per cent of new beers launched have been high strength. But that is a fact revealed in new research by market analysts Mintel. Of the new beers launched globally in 2014 nearly a quarter had an ABV of 6.5 per cent or higher compared to 15 per cent of beers launched in 2012. What’s more, largely due to the growth of craft beers which are getting ever more
popular in Spain - the research finds that between 2011 and 2014, the number of beers launched globally with an ABV of 6.5 per cent or over rose by 280 per cent worldwide and 307 per cent in Europe. Mintel’s consumer research evidences how much drinkers like the taste of strong beer in both the US and Europe. Over one in three (37 per cent) US beer drinkers have tried beer with higher alcohol content and would try it again, while a further 29 per cent have not tried it, but would be interested in doing
so. In Europe too, over two in five (43 per cent) Polish consumers who purchase beer say they prefer beer with an ABV of 5 per cent or more, as do 41 per cent in Italy, 39 per cent in France, 33 per cent in Spain and 31 per cent in Germany. What’s more, across Europe beer-drinkers aged 18-24 are especially likely to prefer strong ABV beers. Almost half (48 per cent) of Italian consumers aged 18-24 who purchase beer say they prefer beer with an ABV of 5 per cent of more, as well as 46
per cent of this age group in Poland, 45 per cent in France, 38 per cent in Spain and 36 per cent in Germany. In the UK, Mintel’s research shows consumers associate a higher ABV with a higher quality beer, hence the term ‘premium.’ – hence the industry labelling of stronger beer brands as “premium”. Over two in five (44 per cent) UK consumers who drink beer say they associate a higher percentage alcohol content with premium beer, with 10 per cent listing this as the most important factor.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
Family matters in Albox town hall ROGELIO MENA left to form his own political party By Maria José Fernandez THE PSOE has risen like a phoenix after the current mayor of Albox, Rogelio Mena left the socialists to form his own independent party in order to seek control of the town hall. Mr Mena was asked by the general secretary of the provincial PSOE group to abstain from being invested as mayor once again, as he was accused of obstruction after preventing several councillors from accessing public documents. However, the mayor appealed the sentence and is still ruling the town, even though the sentence disqualified him from public positions. Another eight councillors
followed Mr Mena on his journey to create the new ‘Grupo Independiente Socialists de Albox’ party and deserted the PSOE. The PSOE has finally been able to build the party from the ground up, having Mr Mena’s ex-wife, Maria Antonia Monblant, as its ‘numbertwo.’ Also mentioned was Jose Amador Sanchez, who is the husband of Mr Mena’s party spokesperson. Pedro Garcia, the numberfive on the list is the brotherin-law of Francisco Perez Conchillo, also part of the new independent group. ROGELIO MENA: The current mayor of Albox.
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Families should go to the pool for free THE difficult financial situation many families in Albox are currently experiencing, has caused the PP conservative party to react. The opposition party has put forward a proposal requesting the local government led by the PSOE to allow residents at risk of social exclusion and poverty to access pool facilities for free, or at a lower price. “This proposal is a re-
sult of our concern for the situation of these families who, due to their personal, financial or work situation, cannot afford the daily fee to access pool facilities,” said spokesperson for PP, Juan Pedro Perez Quiles, who continued: “For many, going to the pool is the only fun and holiday activity they will experience during the summer and we cannot let it become a luxury activity only enjoyed by some.”
Focusing on tourism SIXTY-ONE entrepreneurs and businesspeople have attended an event organised by Albox’s CADE Business Development Support Centre in Oria. The event focused on agriculture and tourism and experts gave talks on a variety of subjects including the benefits obtainable from pistachio production in the area, which were explained by Octavio Arquero from Cordoba.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Worshippers mourn the removal of altar ALMOST 1,500 signatures gathered in Albox to avoid replacement of the Santa Maria church’s High Altar failed to stop the swap going ahead. Almeria Bishopric had given orders for the altar to be changed after recent restorations works were completed in the 18th century church, and regardless of repeated efforts on the part of a Pro-Restoration Association the swap went ahead last week. The association explained that it had been asking for a solid reason why the altar had to be replaced and as no answer was given, a letter - accompanied by 1,428 signatures from parishioners - was sent to the bishop, who also failed to reply. The letter stressed that worshipers wished the High Altar, which had been in place since 1952 and matched the altarpiece, to stay in place and did
not want it swapped for a stone or marble one. Although the church defends that altars should be made of stone, the association complained that the Synod approved use of any solid and dignified materials and argued that many churches in the area have kept their mahogany altars. As a solution, it was proposed that a slab of stone was placed over the top, but this was also ignored. “All we want is for our altar to stay because it is a unique work of art,” association members said before it was removed, and asked for the priest and the bishopric to provide an explanation. Although it has been removed, the altar piece does at least remain in the church as it has been placed underneath the sacrarium.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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With award winning s year, Kevin Lewis ach
WITH Kevin’s philosophy he has earned himself the respect of his By Wendy Ann Cowham AFTER only one year as an agent for Liberty Seguros Kevin Lewis who trades under the name Neptune Insurance has achieved all the targets required by Liberty Seguros in 2014. That gave him the opportunity to attend a prestigious award ceremony with all the top agents in Spain. After working for Liberty Seguros for a number of years Kevin was offered the opportunity to be a sole agent for the company. In 2014 he began trading under the name of Neptune Insurance, which has enabled him to continue his excellent services and also create a
website for the use of his clientele. Neptuneinsurance.com has become increasingly popular with Kevin’s customers, as many of them like to use the internet to obtain quotes. After a very busy first year as Neptune Insurance, Kevin was fortunate enough to be the only agent in Almeria to achieve the goals set by Liberty Seguros and he was awarded the prestigous award by Enrique Huerta, the chairman of Liberty Seguros. Kevin was asked how he had been able to achieve this fantastic award in the short time of only one year to which he replied “My philosophy is that I work for my clients, I run a
PRESTIGIOUS: Kevin Lewis rec
business, but at the end of the day we are a supplier of insur-
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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service after only one hieves all his targets
s clients and a flawless reputation
eived the award from Enrique Huerta of Liberty Seguros.
ance to our clients. If we don’t give a good service, they will
leave and use another insurance agent or company.
“That is why customer service is at the very top of our list.” With Kevin’s philosophy he has earned himself the respect of his clients and a flawless reputation. He also said, “I have been fortunate that I work for some very good clients who I would like to thank for their support and business and I am sure I can do the same for many others.” Kevin can be contacted by email on davidkevin.lewis@exclusivos. libertyseguros.es or telephone 669 075 117 You can also visit the website at neptuneinsurance.com or at the office at Calle Malaga s/n, Albox 04800
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Albox motorway stretch is finally inaugurated NEW road is expected to boost economy and production in the region By Maria José Fernandez ALBOX residents are finally able to access the town from the recently finished Almanzora motorway entrance. The Junta de Andalucia Regional Government inaugurated the structure on Friday (July 3), in an event conducted by Felipe Lopez, Regional Development councillor. This specific stretch has incurred a total cost of €46.3 million. “With this inauguration, safety and dri-
ving comfort will be considerably improved, facilitating mobility for more than 70,000 inhabitants, affecting 28 municipalities across the Almanzora Region. Mr Lopez said: “It is also expected to boost economy and production in the region as well as exportation, as Almeria has great development potential in these fields.” The Albox entrance suffered several postponements since the project was started back in 2010, which has been delayed several times. This project was designated as a
‘Gran Proyecto,’ which gave it the status as an important regional infrastructure, and relaunched works that had been stopped for more than two years due to a lack of funds. Now, the project counts on European Funds. Now that the entrance to Albox has become operational, the stretch has added 22 kilometres to the whole of the motorway, together with the two other already-operational stretches of Albox-El Cucador and Albox-Fines.
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Burbujas Indalo offers great value OPEN 365 days a year, the service is ideal for residents or for families on holiday The low prices make it an extremely affordable solution for any household and also perfect for families on holiday. You can have your wash and dry done within the hour, just enough time to nip to Mercadona, which is only a few doors along, and grab a few bits for dinner. Or enough time to pop into the health centre which is also close by. There are four cafes very close to the launderette so you can have a drink or bite to eat while you wait. The launderette is open 365 days a year from 7am until 11pm, so can easily fit around your busy schedule. Duvets, sofa covers, curtains, blankets, cushions, sheets, tablecloths, all your clothing... the list is endless. For residents, the service is ideal.
By Wendy Ann Cowham BURBUJAS INDALO, is the only self-service launderette in Vera, and offers great value for money. That explains why it has attracted many customers who are availing themselves of the opportunity to use its services. Its town centre location makes it accessible to residents and holidaymakers alike. Gone are the days of dark and dingy places, this launderette brightens your day as soon as you enter as it is bright and modern throughout. The washing machines come in different sizes, so if you want a small eight-kilo wash, no problem. It will only cost you €4 and that price includes detergent and softener. If you want to wash larger items like quilts and blankets that are too heavy for a home wash, Burbujas Indalo has machines for 10-kilo and 14-kilo loads with prices of €5 and €7 respectively for 30- to 55-minute cycles, including detergent and conditioner. Need to dry your washing too? No problem, a 30-minute drying cycle will cost just €3.
Finding Burbujas Indalo is easy. It is located near Mercadona on Calle San Cleofas, Vera 04620 Tel 638 376 858 SELF-SERVICE LAUNDERETTE: An affordable solution for any household.
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Neater Heater makes winter bearable EXTREMELY stylish, but efficient and economical too FOR most expats, staying warm in winter presents a challenging problem. After all, it is only for a few months, so a complete central heating system seems a bit excessive. Gas estufas are effective, but unhealthy, ugly, and cumbersome. Log burners and pellet burners are great for the general living area, but you wouldn't want one in every room, even if you could afford it, or had the space. Generally, what’s left is electric heaters, and there is a bewildering choice of those around, ranging from cheap ugly ones that cost a fortune to run, all the way to space-age designs that profess to be economical, but cost the price of a second-hand car. Tony and Richard of Neater Heater understand this. Facing this problem several years ago, they discovered that those clever Norwegians held the key by keeping the basic design of their convector heaters simple, but effective, while using modern technology and materials to make them efficient and economical to run. The difference between a Neater Heater compared to most electric heaters is that most electric heaters use their energy in getting the heater hot, whereas the Neater Heater focuses on getting the air in your room warm. As Tony explains, “A lot of electric heaters have relatively small surface ar-
your consumption. “All this information, and more, is on our website,” Richard informs us, “You can find out the size of heater you need, decide from the numerous models which one would suit your budget and decor best, and decide whether to buy directly from our online shop, or whether to visit one of our agents.” Neater Heaters are not only efficient, effective, and economical, but as you would expect from a Scandinavian product, they are extremely stylish and practical. There is also a model that will suit anyone, whether it is the standard Adax Heater, the stylish Beha Heater, or the trendy Neo with digital controls, Neater Heaters are a great solution to making Spanish winters bearable.
NEATER HEATERS: There is a model to suit everyone. eas. The element has to get incredibly hot to heat the casing of the heater, which then warms the air it contacts - which isn’t much as it has a small surface contact area. “The Neater Heater, on the other hand, has an aluminium element (a very efficient conductor of heat) designed to have a huge surface area. When you turn the Neater Heater
on, the air inside the hollow heater is warmed up very quickly as the element gets hot. This air then rises out of the top of the heater and cold air is drawn in to replace it. This air is then heated and a convection cycle is started. “Within 15-20 minutes your room should be warm, and the thermostat will start controlling the operation of the heater, reducing
NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS: ALMERIA SAN JAVIER: DFS Spain. Tel. 968 334 194 ANTAS: Lifestyle Enclosures. Tel. 950 459 060 Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES OR Tel. 634 312 171
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Summer garden, al fresco dining, together with a game or two USEFUL to have a collection of games that can be played by all age groups Games are useful when family or friends are visiting and can be both fun and educational.
Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
A. USEFUL SUMMER GAMES With long hot days ahead it is useful to have a collection of games that can be played in the garden by people of all ages, especially if one has areas of shade under trees, on the north side of the house or under covered terraces. They are especially useful when family or friends are visiting and can be fun and in some cases educational. In fact with friends coming for lunch on Sunday before going later to a flamenco evening, I need to dig out a selection of games from the garage to play as a friendly competition in the two spare hours between lunch and leaving for the flamenco. ACTIVE GAMES The following are all possible without one requiring major spaces and the investment in special spaces; darts, hoop-la, giant draughts or chess, skittles, bar-skittles, mini billiards, charades, the
in English or Spanish, dominoes, board games such as snakes and ladders, Monopoly or the intriguing Chinese game of Mahjong, backgammon, poker, cribbage, whist and drawing competitions. That is a quick brain dump and many readers will be able to add others.
GIANT DRAUGHTS: Just one of the many games that can be played outside. northern Spain game of frog, bar football, treasure hunts, horse shoe throwing, quoits, competitions for the funniest or best flower photos taken on mobile phones, shove half penny and the Dutch and Belgium game of sjoelbak. There are several websites with photos to enable you to soon knock up a board for an exciting game, horse racing, balls in a bucket or table ten-
nis. Pétanque/boule with metal or plastic balls can be played on any grass, sand or stone chipping surface although a more professional court can improve the play. If you have the space and in some cases finance the following are also possible; a professional game of pétanque, tennis, badminton, basketball, cricket, golf driving or putting, a mini golf
COOKING PAELLA: The pan can also be used for cooking other rice dishes.
course with interesting handicaps, water polo for a boisterous group, mini football and touch rugby. QUIETER GAMES The following allow pairs or small groups to pass the time away competitively; rummikub, draughts, chess, various card games including the Spanish game of truc, rollick, dice, scrabble
B. ALFRESCO COOKING Luckily these days, as described below, there are several ways beyond barbecues to cook interesting breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the garden. • Many expats have or are mastering the ancient art of cooking good paellas and using the pan for cooking other rice dishes and fideuas, and also as a griddle for meats and fish.
Interestingly some Spaniards have never been totally successful in making a paella and often more copies of my book ‘Authentic Valencian Paellas’ in Spanish are sold than the English version. • Although the Spanish government is planning to tax anyone producing electricity from solar panels this will obviously not apply to the use of parabolic solar cookers, unless they tax sunbathing as well. The easiest source of a solar cooker is to buy a kit from www.alsol.es. I have one which took me around five hours to construct. • Many expats have started to cook with tagines brought back from holidays in Morocco. They are very versatile and are an easy way to steam a selection of vegetables without overdoing them. • Electric steamers and griddles can also be used rigged up on an extension lead. With that space is running out so have fun and eat well this summer. © Dick Handscombe www.garden spain.com July 2015
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PETS PAGE www.euroweeklynews.com
Barking dogs are definitely a problem! IF an owner will not listen to your appeals, you can contact the Guardia Civil
David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm
I AM often surprised at the number of owners who have barking and destructive dogs. How do they manage to put up with all that noise for so long? Do you live next door to a barking dog? Or are you that neighbour from hell with the dog that barks all day and night? Most neighbours will tolerate a great deal before actually confronting you about the problem, so you can usually be sure that if your neighbour says the dog is barking a lot
NUISANCE: Owners who let their dogs bark incessantly face fines. then the dog really is barking excessively. Many barking and destructive dogs are given the label Separation Anxiety. Once a vet hears of this type of behaviour he might prescribe the latest drug Clomicalm, manufactured by Norvartis. However, this drug should only be used in combination with
behavioural therapy techniques. If you have a neighbour who will not listen to your appeals, then contact the Guardia Civil and ask for SEPRONA. You can telephone 900 101 062 or email them seprona@guardiacivil.org. They will definitely take action, .
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Clinica Veterinaria Mojacar: Highest standards of care and expertise THE practice has been established since 1987 and offers all the latest techniques for effective diagnosis and treatment and accessories. To avoid waiting, the clinic recommends you arrange an appointment, although of course emergencies are different. Home visits are possible in some cases, just give the clinic a call. Both Astrid and Silke are fluent in English, so you can rest assured that nothing will be lost in translation. The clinic is open on weekdays from 10am until 2pm and Saturdays from 11am until 2pm. At weekends the emergency number is shared between clinics so you can be assured that someone is always available to care for your pet. Visit the website and enjoy a tour of the facilities on offer.
By Staff Reporter SINCE 1987, Clinicia Veterinaria Mojacar has been providing care and medical help for animals in the Mojacar area. The clinic has an excellent reputation with customers travelling from across Almeria, knowing that their fluffy pals will receive excellent care. The services offered are vast, and the clinic has all the latest equipment to ensure thorough testing of your pet and the highest levels of treatment. In 2013, the clinic added a new service, digitised x-rays, which enables a faster diagnosis as now the x-rays can be emailed anywhere in the world. The images can also be blown up to enable a more accurate view and therefore diagnosis. The clinic also has a new endoscopy machine, making it easier and safer if your animal suffers a blockage such as a fishing hook in their throat. The clinic is also geared up for surgery, orthopaedics, dental hygiene and of course vaccinations.
Top 5 beaches SPAIN has around 50 dogfriendly beaches, although the Andalucian Government has imposed a summer ban on those on the Costa del Sol. It started on June 1 and runs to September 30. However, there are some wonderful sandy spots to exercise your dog elsewhere in Spain: 1. Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, Andalucia. 2. Play de Riumar, Tarragona, Catalonia. 3. Play de L’Ahuir, Gandia, Valencia. 4. Cala Prudent, Palma, Mallorca. 5. Cala de Punta del Riu Sec, El Campello, Alicante.
The clinic in Mojacar and, inset, experienced veterinarians Astrid and Silke. The staff members undergo regular training, ensuring that they are always kept abreast of the latest technologies. Astrid Schroeder has worked as a vet in Spain since 1987 and Silke Montanus has more than a decade’s experience working in this clinic.
The two ladies make a fabulous team and have the animals’ welfare as a priority at all times, so you know that your four-legged friends are always in great hands. In addition to the medical care that the clinic provides, they also have a range of pet food
Clinica Veterinaria Mojacar Paseo del Mediterraneo, 313 Mojacar 04638 Tel office: 950 472 252 24-hour emergency: 629 099 920 Email: clivetmo@gmail.com Web: www.clinicaveterinariamojacar.com/en/
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V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W . E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M
TO READ MORE
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Ref:B679 Beautiful duplex / townhouse located in Vera Playa
PROPERTY www.euroweeklynews.com
Property of the week Brought to you by SPC
BENEFITS from many extras such as marble floor, ceiling fans and security grills THIS beautiful four storey townhouse is situated on a secure urbanisation only 200 metres from the golden beaches of Vera. The community has a large swimming pool as well as a children’s pool and very well maintained gardens. To the front of the duplex there is a private gated entrance into a garden area and partially covered terrace, offering an ideal property for low maintenance. Internally the property consists of a spacious lounge / dining area with a log burning fire and patio doors leading out into the garden. The kitchen has an open bar area from the lounge. It is fully fitted with white goods, ample storage units and an additional work surface unit. From the kitchen there is access to a rear courtyard with utility area and storage. On the ground floor there is a shower room. An internal staircase takes you down into a large private garage with storage. Also on this level there is a double bedroom with a
ONLY €135,000
Coastal property
VILLA TONY: Has a generous low maintenance garden.
walk-in wardrobe. Up on the first floor of the property there are two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, both having private balconies. The master bedroom has a door into the family bathroom. On the second floor there is further storage and a full private roof solarium which boasts beautiful views of the sea, mountains and surrounding countryside.
Throughout, this large home benefits from many extras such as marble floor, ceiling fans and security grills. Community fees are €67.31 per month. This property really is a must see! The local villages of Vera, Vera Playa and Garrucha also have a lot to offer including beach bars, restaurants, historical building, weekly markets and
breathtaking scenery. EPC D 91 - E 23 Spanish Property Choice, Avenida Del Mediterraneo 363, Mojacar Playa, Almeria, Spain. Telephone: 0034 950 615 388 UK cheap rate call line: 0843 313 3639 www.spanishpropertychoice.com country@spanishpropertychoice.com
• 4 floors • Communal fees: €67.31 per month • Furniture Negotiable • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Plot Size 75 m² • Build Size 146 m² • Mains Water • Mains Electric • Telephone Possible • Internet • Communal Pool • Roof Solarium • Private Terrace • Garage • Close to a Golf Course • 3 minutes to the beach • 2 minutes to the shops
OPINION & COMMENT
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LEGALLY SPEAKING
Get insurance for your electric bike AS part of our series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers.
ELECTRIC BIKES: Insurance will offer you peace of mind. MANY people ask about insurance for electrical bikes. The team at N332.es say insurance is not compulsory and is optional, but it is recommended for a number of reasons: Many people assume that their bike is covered on their home contents insurance policy. Some home insurers do cover it as standard but the bike will often only be insured if it’s inside the property or secured in an outbuilding; if it is stolen from your garden the insurer will not pay out. You would also be unable to claim on your standards contents policy if the theft took place outside a shop for example. As a result, a number of firms are now offering specialist bicycle insurance to cater for the growing number of cycle enthusiasts
and most will cover against theft whether from your home or elsewhere. Bicycle insurance does not only cover theft, but should also pay out for accidental damage or vandalism and look for a policy to cover third party liability cover in case you injure another person or damage their car or bike. With more cyclists on Spain’s roads these days, accidents are more common so insurance offers you peace of mind. Cycle breakdown cover is also available which works in much the same way as car breakdown cover and is a popular add on. So whether you are a cycle enthusiast or looking at buying an electric bike for ease of getting around, look at finding the right insurance policy to cover you and your bike.
For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook
Do Brits lose their rights in Spain? When I was about to retire, my NHS Doctor told me that, if I wanted to live long enough to collect my pension, I should leave the UK for a warmer climate. I wrote to the Spanish Embassy in London to ask if my family would lose any rights. If you need to live in a better climate, you are ahead right there. Secondly, Spain does not ‘target’ Brits. The horrible situation of property demolitions is the worst effect of the property boom-andbust combined with a blind bureaucracy, but it hit unwary Spanish buyers as well as foreigners, and is at last being cor-
They replied that we would not. However, seeing that the Spanish Government ‘target’ Brits for illegal demands for new taxes and property demolitions, this seems untrue.
David Searl You and the Law in Spain
The law is directed at Spaniards themselves with hidden assets abroad.
T.D. (Costa del Sol) rected with new laws. By ‘tax demands,’ you probably refer to Form 720, on which Spanish tax residents declare assets abroad worth over €50,000. This law is directed at Spaniards themselves with hidden assets abroad. So you are taxed at Spanish rates, similar to UK rates, and you get your healthcare from the Spanish system.
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
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MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email serena @euroweeklynews.com for more details.
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WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
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www.sell4lessspain.com require commission based salespeople to sell our property marketing services. With prices from just €199 we save homeowners €1000’s in agents’ commissions making this an easy sale! Clients pay on signup – we pay you as soon as payment received. If you think you can sell this service email us for more information. You could make €1000’s every week! con tact@sell4lessspain.com (229901)
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Motoring shorts
Speed trap sites revealed THE location of 1,200 mobile speed gun locations on Spain’s roads were revealed by DGT last Thursday, July 2. Maria Segui, head of DGT operations, points out these sites will be on problem spots where speed limits are not being adhered to. Spanish authorities published 350 locations in early May before the weekend holiday and this new information comes out just before summer traffic hits, when 81.4 million journeys are predicted.
Clarkson Quote of theWeek
MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com
“No, no, no. There’s no such thing as cheap and cheerful. It’s cheap and nasty and expensive and cheerful.” Some might say...
Daimler AG continue to roll out the eco alternative with plug-in hybrids ADDING to the prestige of the world’s most varied fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles By Carol Irving ELECTRIC and hybrid vehicles are now a staple in motoring and Daimler AG continue to roll out the smart eco alternatives in the shape of Mercedes-
Benz plug-in hybrids. Having already gained the prestige of developing the world’s most varied fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles, Daimler are set to achieve a total of 10 Mercedes-Benz plug-
in hybrids by 2017 alongside a launch of all-electric vehicles. The GLE 500 e 4MATIC is due out in August 2015 and is the latest Mercedes-Benz plugin hybrid and the third model since the arrival of last year’s S
500 and this March’s C 350. To this end, the company is focusing on its development of battery technology. The company is investing heavily in this engineering with the aim of leading the way to emissionfree driving through a range of vehicles that are foremost in efficiency. Such eco-friendly motoring will arrive through the use of more powerful internal combustion engines, electric cars with batteries for the city and urban environment, while launching plug-in hybrids for long journeys or through mixed environments, as well as a range for larger vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz e-vehicles were tested in the Silvretta EAuto Rally from July 2 to 5 over steep terrain and high altitudes.
366 kilometres of challenging roads of steep terrain and high altitudes in the Silvretta E-Auto Rally
The rally took place in Austria’s Alps and some 150 vintage cars took part alongside 30 emission-free electric cars over 366 kilometres of challenging roads.
RE-PLATE MATE Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the law! Take the hassle out of re-registering your vehicle onto Spanish plates We endeavour to better any genuine quotation 490 Euro + Road Tax + CO2 emission tax if applicable
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New Opel Adam Rocks S is both rugged and racy
DESPITE appearing to rise again in 2014, the number of road deaths in Spain are once again showing a decrease. The first quarter of 2015 saw the number of deaths due to road accidents drop to 496 – 11
CREDIT: COPYRIGHT GM MOTORS
ADAM ROCKS S: More rugged than dainty.
IT may be pocket size but the new Opel Adam Rocks S is more rugged than dainty. Despite measuring a slim 3.75 metres long, its racing power is not to be sniffed at, with a powerful 1.4-litre turbo engine with 110kW/150
hp. Adventurous and smart with its IntelliLink infotainment technology with personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar, it also features an extensive choice of trim typical of the ADAM series. On release at an attractive €19,990, it will appeal to
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Number of road deaths fall in first quarter of 2015
AT €19,990 this vehicle will appeal to adventurous types
By Steve Walsh
EWN
sporty, adventurous types as it combines the ADAM’s rugged features, optional Swing top roof as well as the under-ride protection and offroad features, with the Adam Rock S roof spoiler, performance steering and impressive horsepower in one package.
less in the same period last year. This figure represents a decrease of two per cent overall between January and June and indicates a return to the previous steady drop in traffic deaths.
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MOTORING
Hundreds of job seekers flock to coaching day OPEL connects youth with employers By Carol Irving OPEL’S first Coaching Day in Zaragoza was a success, attracting 420 job seekers to the Opel plant in Figueruelas. The event was designed to help unemployed youth connect with companies looking for new talent. The Europewide initiative was supported by INAEM (Aragon Employment Institute) and featured
22 national and international companies as well as being attended by over 400 young people. Conferences and workshops were held on occupational counselling, employment assessment, job interviews and CV preparation. The event also enabled employers and job seekers to meet personally to discuss employment opportunities.
SPORTS
9 - 15 July 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Why is Golf Society thriving in Spain? LONG gone are the days when you had to be interviewed
to be a member of a golf club and then wait for elderly members to move on
Getting in the swing with Campbell Lamont By Tony Myles MANY years ago I was first introduced to this great sport by a colleague who really only wanted to offload his old blade style clubs “They are ideal for a beginner!” he lied. At that time the only way that you could actually participate in the sport, if you were a newcomer to the game, was to add your name to a long waiting list at a local golf club and hope that a few elderly members ‘moved on.’ Alternatively you could join a golf society, whereby you could probably count on one game per month depending on how active your Society Secretary was. These days most golf clubs are desperate for members, so the prospect of being interviewed and then ‘played-in’ has disappeared.
GOLF SOCIETY: Golf is the most sociable of all sports. But the opposite is true for the Golf Society as I can confirm it is alive and kicking vibrantly in Spain. Why? Is it cost? The world is emerging from a deep recession and
Summer cup at Cabrera Bowls THE Redington Gent’s Summer Cup was held at Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club in beautiful weather and the standard of the matches did not disappoint. There were some fiercely contested rounds, in particular the matches between Robert Valentine v Colin Jones and Brian Firth v Ian Jackson. In the semi-final against John Sephton, Paul Cartwright probably played one of his best matches to beat John and go into the final where he met Brian Firth. The final was eagerly anticipated as both Paul and Brian are excellent bowlers. Paul started off the better but
Brian picked up a three on the next end and gradually started to pull away. It ended with Brian winning the final and competition 21-8.
during this period Campbell Lamont argued with countless golf clubs about their pricing policy and, despite initial resistance, his arguments won them round, until today there are no
golf courses in North or South Costa Blanca that do not offer him significant discounts on their green fees. So for many societies who use CL Golf, it is now a more reasonable and af-
fordable proposition to play a variety of courses. Convenience? Playing with a Society is always optional and the Society member can pick and choose each event with no financial impediment. By contrast once the Club’s annual subscription is paid then most club members will endeavour to play as frequently as possible. Socialising? Golf is the most sociable of all sports as you are always endeavouring to beat the course. For many society members the social aspects of their sport are as important as the sport itself. Variety? This is probably the major difference between the club golfer and the society member. The option of playing various courses offers a real benefit to those who enjoy some variety in their game . Or, are there other more diverse reasons? What is your opinion? I am always delighted to hear your views. However there are hundreds of Golf Societies across Spain and I would like to hear from you on any subject whatsoever. Please email me at info@clgolf.es. Many thanks.
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9 - 15 July 2015 Alexis Sanchez - See Tony Matthews below.
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TO READ MORE
Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport
Home joy for Lewis, can Andy follow suit? Tony Matthews International Sports A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains. Costa de Almeria
FORMULA 1 - Last Sunday, a record Silverstone crowd of 140,000 saw Lewis Hamilton win the 65th British Grand Prix, 10 seconds ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg with Sebastian Vettel third. This was Hamilton’s third F1 victory on home soil, following in the footsteps of Jim Clark and Alain Prost (5 wins each), Nigel Mansell (4), Jack Brabham (3), Niki Lauda (3) and Michael Schumacher (3).
It was all down to a superb driving performance in wet and dry conditions and his own decision to change tyres with laps fast running out. Hamilton now leads the championship by 17 points. The next race is in Budapest, Hungary on July 26. TENNIS - Wimbledon fortnight concludes this weekend... and at the time of writing, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were heading for the men’s semi-finals, while Serena Williams (who almost succumbed to Britain’s Heather Watson) and Maria Sharapova were in sight of the women’s last four. However, Rafael Nadal was eliminated for the fourth year running by a player ranked 100+ in the world - beaten this
time by Rastafarian Dustin Brown, while GB’s James Ward reached the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the very first time. And following on from Wimbledon, Britain play France in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup at Queen’s Club, London (July 17 - 19). FOOTBALL - Penalties decided last Saturday’s two major football matches. Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez’s last spot-kick in the shoot-out won the Copa America for hosts Chile v Argentina. Fara Williams scored from 12 yards in extra-time to give England’s women a 1-0 victory over Germany in the 3rd/4th play-off World Cup game in Canada. The USA, with four
goals in the first 16 minutes, whipped Japan 5-2 in the final 24 hours later. Reece Oxford (aged 16) became West Ham’s youngestever player when he appeared in last week’s 3-0 Europa League qualifying round win over Lusitans. He broke Billy Williams’ 93 year-old record.
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RAFAEL NADAL: Out again for the fourth year running.
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