ISSUE 648 • 17th - 23rd August 2018
EST 2005
Ruling upheld By Jose Arthur SPAIN’S Supreme Court has ruled that a defendant who appealed against a five-year jail term for sexually assaulting a woman with mental disabilities will still serve his prison sentence. The Madrid court upheld a previous decision from the Provincial Court of Almeria. It dismissed the defendant’s appeal which was made on the grounds the woman invited him to make sexual advances. The courts heard the defendant approached the 19-year-old while she was returning home from a centre that trains people
APPEAL: The Supreme Court ruled against the defendant. with mental disabilities and special needs for work. Prosecutors told the court the defendant said he would accompany the woman to her home so he could give her family some clothes.
She agreed and when they arrived there the defendant forced himself inside, threw her on a sofa and began taking off her clothes. He then sexually assaulted her and the 19year-old tried to resist.
The defendant used more force to try and assault the woman which left her with slight injuries. The court heard the woman’s mental disability meant she was not able to freely consent to having sex. Judges dismissed claims from the defendant’s lawyers who said the victim’s testimony was compromised by her condition. The court also heard there was DNA evidence taken from the victim’s body which matched her version of events. Psychologists told the court the woman’s condition was such that she would not be able to invent a fictitious version of events.
Boat rescue COASTGUARDS in Almeria have rescued 67 migrants from a boat in which one died and another went missing after spending three days adrift in the Alboran Sea. Salvamento Maritimo personnel were informed that the vessel was passing through the waters off the Cabo de Gata area last Friday afternoon. The rescue vessel Salva Spica was despatched where it intercepted the boat with its 67 passengers on board. The majority, if not all, were from sub Saharan Africa. Coastguards found the remains of the dead passenger when they stepped on board the vessel. They also found a person with injuries and in poor health and were also told another migrant had vanished and is believed to have drowned. The people aboard the boat told the personnel they had been adrift for several days without food or water. They were transferred to A l m e r i a C i t y ’s p o r t a n d a r r i v e d o n F r i d a y evening. Pictures taken at the port showed personnel wearing protective medical gear as they carried away what appeared to be the remains of the man who died. Volunteers from the Red Cross were also on hand to assist other passengers.
2 NEWS BITES Police seize boat GUARDIA CIVIL officers have seized a boat which they allege was stolen in the port of Almeria City after checking a vehicle bound for North Africa, with a 46-year-old Frenchman arrested in connection with the theft.
Light works
Migrant records broken By Jose Artur THE number of people rescued while trying to reach Spain and taken to Almeria Province is now higher this year than for all of 2017, according to government figures. Around 5,570 migrants were taken to Almeria after being picked up by coastguards from a total of 172
boats in the Mediterranean so far this year. The figures come from the Spanish government’s delegate in the province. Those figures differ from that of the FRONTEX European border security agency which places the numbers at around 5,528. People in 168 of those boats were processed by CREDIT: National Police
WORKERS have installed illuminated awnings over the Paseo de Almeria in the province’s capital ahead of the Virgen del Mar festival which began yesterday (Thursday) and traffic was previously cut on the road while the works took place.
Green class MORE then 29,500 pupils from 106 public schools across Almeria Province took part in the Aldea environmental education programme during the 2017 to 2018 academic year according to figures from the Andalucian Ecoschools Network.
News
17th - 23rd August 2018
THOUSANDS ARRIVED: Around 5,570 migrants have landed in Almeria Province this year.
police in Almeria City while four were processed in El Ejido. At least 4,800 of the migrants were from sub Saharan Africa, according to the figures. About 326 of the arrivals were Algerian and 157 people were from Morocco. More than 24,000 migrants are estimated to have crossed to Spain during this year, making it the leading destination for those travelling to Europe according to the United Nations (UN). Many of the migrants are refugees fleeing war, conflict and persecution in their home countries in sub Saharan Africa, the UN added.
Sex assault awareness AUTHORITIES in Cuevas del Almanzora held an awareness campaign at a music festival last weekend to warn concer t goers about sexual assault. The ‘Dreambeach without sexual assault’ campaign was conducted at the music festival of the same name. Shows ran from Thursday August 8 to Sunday August 12. Melchora Caparros, the council’s equality spokesperson, said authorities
were ver y satisfied with how the campaign was received by festival goers. “This campaign was devised with a clear message and with all the resources and information available to those who needed it,” Caparros said. The councillor added anyone wishing to report a sexual assault should contact the Emergency services on 112, the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Local Police on 667 455 089.
Air passenger dies AN aircraft flying from Paris to Morocco had to make an emergency landing at Almeria airport due to a passenger needing medical treatment but who could not be saved. The crew of the plane, of the Transavia airline, alerted emergency services to the situation at around 8.40am on Monday. They said the 84-year-old was in a critical condition. Paramedics attended the man when the plane touched down at Almeria airport. They tried to revive him for around an hour before he was declared dead.
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News
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Experts move in AN expert analysis is underway in Almeria taking a closer look at glazed ceramics found in a chamber of the Alcazaba fortress. The Alcabaza of Almeria is one of the most important sites of archaeological significance in Spain, its origins date back to the year 955. The castle’s defensive walls continue to demonstrate the for tresses’ strategic importance of the city during the Middle Ages. Within the castle walls there is a treasure trove of history and, in the area known as the second enclosure, glazed ceramics,
Ecology groups call for probe after body of dolphin found on Nijar beach
BODY FOUND: The dolphin was found on a Nijar beach.
DIGGING DEEP: The researchers are working at the Alcazaba. plates and pots and mosaics, were found. The discovery of these ceramics has intrigued members of the National Centre of Accelerators (CNA) to investigate fur-
IF you are planning on going to Almeria City’s feria and fancy taking your shirt off then you ought to know you will likely face a €750 fee. Almeria City’s council said anyone caught bare-chested at either the Feria del Mediodia or at the feria ground from today (Friday) to next Saturday August 25 will face a fine. Officials added people relieving
ther in order to learn more about the decorative techniques of the era used by the Islamic people during the 10th to 15th centuries. The work carried out by
Feria fines themselves in public would also be classed as a ‘minor infraction’ which carries the same €750 penalty. The fines are part of a raft of measures announced by the city council as the feria kicks off today. It includes noise restrictions of no sounds over 95 decibels for stalls
the experts should shine a new light on the way ancient ancestors of Almeria decorated their ceramics and reveal much more about the production technologies of the age.
which will also carry a €750 fine if breached. Booths for young people will not be allowed to exceed 100 decibels. Stallholders in the feria’s ‘traditional area’ will also be prohibited from displaying ‘strange elements’ on their stands such as unfitting music or displays not in keeping with feria themes.
ANIMAL welfare groups have called on authorities to investigate after the decapitated remains of a dolphin were found with rope tied around it on a Nijar beach. Guardia Civil officers were called out to the Aguamarga coastline after the body of the animal was found. Police said they found the corpse with rope tied around its body. They claimed the way the rope was tied suggested it was done with the goal of trying to dispose of the bottlenose dolphin’s remains in the sea. The ecology groups Equinac, Anadel, Aspac
and Liberta have since called on police to investigate the death. A picture posted by Equinac on Facebook showed the body decapitated at about halfway down its torso. The rope was tied just behind its flippers. Bottlenose dolphins are a protected species under conservation laws meaning killing or capturing them is illegal. Police have urged members of the public who find the remains of animals on the beach to call 062 so that trained specialists can be despatched to move them.
News
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Fiesta begins RESIDENTS of Almeria City began celebrating the annual Virgen del Mar festival yesterday (Thursday) which is due to run until Sunday August 26. The fiesta is run by Brotherhood of the Virgen del Mar, the oldest of its kind in Almeria City. Events began yesterday with the proclamation in honour of the Virgen del Mar (Virgin of the sea in English) at the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Mar. Francisco Balcazar Linares, the President of the Almeria branch of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), delivered this
year’s proclamation. A series of religious events have been planned for the coming week to mark the city’s patron saint. Several events are set to be held in Almeria City Cathedral which are being organised with church authorities. There is set to be the traditional concert from the Coral Virgen del Mar de Almeria and next Friday August 24 is due to see the flower offering at around 12pm. The offering is set to be attended by Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco, the mayor of Almeria, as well as
Sports funds FESTIVITIES: The Virgen del Mar is honoured this coming week. the various religious brotherhoods of the city. The ceremony is due to be followed by the Virgen del Mar feast. The next day (Saturday August 25) is set to be the day of the Mass Rociera which starts at around 10am where the Brotherhood of Rocio de Almeria choir
Ship comes in A CRUISE ship with capacity for more than 1,230 passengers is due to stop over in Almeria City’s port for the first day of the city’s feria today (Friday). The Thomson Spirit, which is operated by TUI cruises, is due to arrive with its passengers and more than 500 crew members at about 11.45am. It has sailed from Ibiza and is due to travel onto the Spanish African enclave of Ceuta at about 8pm the same evening. The Thomson Spirit has a total of 10 decks as well as two floors of entertainment including four restaurants, six
CRUISE CONTROL: The vessel is due to arrive in Almeria City today. bars, a theatre and a cinema. It also features two swimming pools. The then Marella Spirit was built in Saint Nazaire in France and entered ser vice in July
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1983. It weighs in at around 33,390 gross tons, is about 215 metres long and has a maximum speed of almost 39 kilometres per hour
will perform. That will be followed by the Solemn Eucharist where the Bishop of Almeria, Adolfo Gonzalez Montes, will preside. The fiesta is due to close on Sunday August 26 with the traditional procession through Almeria City, with a departure time of 8pm.
ALMERIA’S Provincial authority has unveiled a €160,000 fund to promote sports and healthy living for towns with less than 5,000 people in the Almanzora Valley and across the province. A total of 51 towns are set to receive a share of the money which will allow them to put on various activities, according to Almeria’s Diputacion.
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News
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Birthday bash
ANIMAL LOVERS: Di (right) is President of APSA and Hilary is a long-time volunteer. APSA, the animal charity based in Albox, is celebrating its 15th birthday this year with a party at Kubatins in Arboleas on Saturday September 1 from 7.30pm. The group has invited locals to come along for food, drinks and fun with music from Impulse. Tickets, €10, from the APSA shop and Harrisons food store in Avenida Lepanto and from the APSA stall at Los Llanos market. The group said in a statement that 15 years ago a group of like-minded animal lovers in the Albox area met with representatives from PAWS to seek advice about the many stray dogs in the area and so APSA was officially registered as a charity in 2003. They had a market stall, then a shop and held coffee-mornings etc to raise funds. Dianne, the present President, used to come to the area for golfing holidays and was on the committee of the RSPCA in England, she moved to the area and has been involved with APSA since its inception. During its 15 years, APSA has homed over 1,000 dogs and reunited many more with their owners, the charity’s volunteers have helped pet owners with advice, kennelling, education in local schools, a neutering programme and transport of animals to new homes or back to Britain.
CLERICAL authorities in Almeria have launched a campaign to raise money for works to churches throughout the province, including Santa Maria in Albox and one in Cuevas del Almanzora. The church has chosen
“There is a never-ending supply of dogs needing help and often a dog taken in then has puppies which swell the numbers of those in care,” the group said. President Di said that the charity has moved shop twice and are now happy in their larger shop in Avenida Lepanto, there is a homing team, dog walkers and fosterers, fundraisers, shop and market stall volunteers. Over a hundred members receive a monthly newsletter and the charity has a high profile on Facebook and other social media thanks to Maria - one of the many whose work is vital to the charity - and to the hundreds of dogs in the care of APSA, she added. “Those looking to foster or adopt a dog are welcome at the kennels and can view dogs on Facebook, all dogs are checked by the vet and vaccinated and potential homes are checked,” the group said. The charity has links with rescue charities around Europe and has Belgian, German and Dutch supporters. Provision can be made in wills for the care of a pet after the owner dies, APSA added. “If you would like to become a member, for €5 a year, or find out more about the charity, speak to volunteers at the shop, Los Llanos stall or at the events,” they said.
Church fundraising the slogan: ‘A house for God and for the Christian community’ to front the efforts. The Prelate of Almeria said: “The contribution of the faithful and the agreement with the
Provincial Council allows us to meet diverse needs and in the parish churches, many of which have renewed their presbyteries, fought dampness and had repairs.”
NEWS
Car park plans OFFICIALS with the Junta de Andalucia have warned Nijar Council that their plans to build a 570-space car park for the Cabo de Gata’s Rodalquilar beach could overwhelm the coastline which has space for around 400 people.
Drugs bust GUARDIA CIVIL officers have seized almost 9,000 kilos of hashish which they claimed was hidden beneath waters near the Strait of Gibraltar and Algeciras and several arrests across Almeria Province have been made in connection with the find.
Blaze put out FIREFIGHTERS in Almeria, assisted by Infoca, managed to extinguish a wildfire that cut off a motorway route between Fuensanta and Villa Ines. Residents of the Huercal area reported the blaze at an agricultural area ‘very close’ to train tracks which run through the Almeria Province. There were no homes at serious risk from the wildfire should it have spread. Enormous resources
were required to bring the flames under control including a special cargo plane, helicopters and fire engines. Nine firefighters, specialists in forest wildfires, were called upon. They were accompanied by a technical coordinator and an environmental expert. Disruption was reported on train lines due to heavy smoke making visibility almost impossible for trains in the area.
Rescue stats LIFEGUARDS rescued a total of 1,334 bathers on beaches in the Almeria City area during June and July for jellyfish stings, sea urchin injuries and spider fish bites according to the city’s council.
EXTINGUISHED: The fire took place in the Huercal area.
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PP leader’s Almeria getaway
CREDIT: Plan INFOCA, via Twitter
NEWS BITES
17nd - 23rd August 2018
THE leader of the conservative Partido Popular (PP) has packed his bags and left Madrid for the Nijar area of Almeria along with his wife and children. Pablo Casado, who was elected following his predecessor Mariano Rajoy’s resignation in June, has been at the seaside resort of Aguamarga for a few days this week. He has been staying along with wife Isabel Torres and children Paloma and Pablo in a private villa around one kilometre from the beach. It is just over half a kilometre from the town centre. The property is around 240 square metres in size and comes equipped with an outdoor pool and barbecue for more than €1,000 for six nights, according to Booking.com. Casado, who has been dogged by allegations he fraudulently obtained his masters degree in the past few weeks, has been spotted dining at a beachfront restaurant and walking around Aguamarga.
MOJACAR is set for an extension to one of its main thoroughfares after the town’s council reached an agreement with Almeria Province’s Diputacion to unlock a new line of funding. Works are due to begin to the Avenida Paris once the contract has been awarded. The Diputacion has provided the town with
Road works some €180,000 for the project. Diputacion officials said the work would be ‘fundamental’ to improving accessi-
bility to the town centre and that it would help the completion of the new town hall. Plans for the road include repairing masonry on one of its supporting wells and creating extra parking spaces off the avenue. It is part of wider efforts to make the town’s infrastructure better equipped to handle tourists and visitors.
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Remembrance trip MICHAEL COOTE, the President of Mojacar Royal British Legion, and his wife Christine represented the Branch as Standard Bearer and Wreath Bearer at a parade and service at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. The parade was to commemorate 100 years since the last offensive which brought about the end of the First World War and 90 years since the last similar pilgrimage, Mr and Mrs Coote said. “It was an honour to participate in such a very special event and to represent Mojacar,” they said in a statement. Around 1,100 Standard Bearers and 1,100 Wreath Bearers took part mostly from Britain and a few overseas, including the one from Mojacar in Almeria, parading from the outskirts of the town over the cobbled streets to the Arch
WREATH LAYING: The ceremony took place in Belgium. which forms the Menin Gate. A Remembrance Service was held with a two-minute silence during which poppies were released from the top of the Menin Gate. The Last Post was played by the buglers of the Last Post Association. The wreaths were laid at the Menin Gate, but were later mounted on posts in the area to be viewed. Attached to the Mojacar wreath were two poems
written by Inara and Caleb Sunshine, aged nine and eight who attend the Anglican Church of Mojacar and who read these poems at Remembrance Sunday in Church. Also attached was a message of Remembrance from Mojacar Royal British Legion and Mojacar expats. Prior to the Parade Day, the members all visited Battlefields and War Graves in France and Belgium over two days.
Train trouble
A TRADE UNION representative for railway workers in Granada City has claimed that Spain’s rail authority has started using old rolling stock for the Almeria City line, resulting in problems. Francisco Garcia Morenas, president of the Renfe committee of the CCOO union in Granada City, said trains were
now being used that were around 15 years old. Those trains were now overheating as they made their way to Almeria City, he added. The comments come as rail workers in Almeria and Granada met with Renfe representatives to ask them to resume direct links between Almeria City and Madrid.
Outdoor tourism
GROUPS representing businesses and tourism firms in Albox have offered to provide office space for a new holiday company in the town. The Andalucian Centre for Entrepreneurship’s (CADE) Albox branch has offered the space to the Monturguias firm which is aiming to sell trips for mountaineering and hik-
ing in the Almanzora Valley. The company also offers holidaymakers the chance to travel to other parts of Andalucia and further afield in Spain. Its offerings include hiking, mountaineering, climbing, canyoning, skiing and snow shoeing.
They are available to people of all ages and some activities are specially adapted for groups such as children, the elderly and those with special needs. It has been founded by Carlos Gomez Lozano, who has lived in Albox for 15 years and is a longtime climber and mountain guide.
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News
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Officers meet General Enquiries 950 633 217 Albox Office 950 633 217 Mobile 642 454 311
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140 people were in attendance. Antonio Fernandez, the mayor of Cuevas del Almanzora, presented the associations with miniatures of the town’s coat of arms. Representatives from the associations gave thanks to the town’s council for hosting them and said they appreciated their gratitude and hospitality.
The retired Guardia Civil officers also took in several sites while in the town as par t of a programme of cultural visits. They visited its historic town centre, the Church of Our Lady of the In-
carnation, Casa Torcuato Soler Bolea, and the C a s t l e o f t h e M a rq u i s de Los Velez. They also visited the Ethnographic Museum, Goya Hall and the Contemporar y Art Museum. Cuevas del Almanzora council
Ed. 647
RETIRED Guardia Civil officers from Almeria and Barcelona have met at Cuevas del Almanzora for a ceremony which also featured the town’s mayor. Members of the Association of Retired Guardia Civil Traffic officers and the Association of Almeria Guardia Civil veterans met at the town hall. More than
Call now for rates and distribution areas SOLTIMES Publishing and Media SL ARMS FULL: The officers were presented with the town’s coat of arms.
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17nd - 23rd August 2018
Weekender Health & Beauty Page 21
Foreign buyers
Rockery gardens
Page 14
Page 18
Duran Duran
Iconic car
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Page 31
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A soggy gem in Andalucia By Dilip Kuner HIDDEN away is the parched landscape of Andalucia you can find an oasis of verdant green - the natural park of Grazalema. Somewhat surprisingly the pretty white village of Grazalema is renowned for being the rainiest spot in Spain, a title that you might expect to be taken by a town in the cooler regions of Asturias or Galicia. The magnificent rocky outcrop of Peñon Grande that towers over both the village and the whole park is the reason for all the rain - it is the first high peak that warm wet winds from the Atlantic encounter when they hit Spain. The copious rain has made this a unique place
Feature
17nd - 23rd August 2018
How to feel silly
By Jos Biggs
PRETTY: Grazalema is one of Andalucia’s famous white villages. in Andalucia. An ecology has developed over thousands of years that combines Mediterranean and more northerly species, with microclimates providing a haven for all manner of wildlife. Grazalema village is an idyllic spot from which to explore the glories of the park. Its steep cobbled
streets and selection of small bars and restaurants are well worth a visit on their own, as are the magnificent views. The restaurants are extremely proud of the fish that comes from Europe’s most southerly trout river, which wends its way through this area of outstanding natural beauty.
THE small telly in the bedroom justifies its existence by providing me with a constant supply of solace to the soul and stimulation to the mind in the form of Classic FM. It leaves the high-octane stuff such as Countryfile or Would I Lie To You to the big telly in the living room. There is therefore no need for jealousy between the tellies; each has its own designated area of provision, each of equal value to the consumer - that’s me. However, suddenly the small telly announced that the satellite was not sending it any signals, therefore it was withdrawing its labours. It folded its arms, stuck out its lower lip, and muttered ‘So there!’ Either the satellite was guilty of discrimination against the telly because of its inferior size, or the telly had sudden-
ly succumbed to the sulks. With remarkable presence of mind and technological skill I checked that all its leads were not twisted, were plugged in and switched on. I dismantled the oofah-doofs, both of them, and checked their batteries. I scratched my head. That didn’t help, either. So I emailed Gary. Gary bounced into the house, exuding optimism and good humour. ‘Show me.’ I showed him. Without a word he picked the telly up from its resting place on the Sky box, and put it down again two inches further back. It sprang into instant life. ‘You’ve got its base covering the controls from the Sky box. That’s why it’s not getting a signal.’ Oh. I never thought of that!
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
Feature
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Weekender 13
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Weekender
THE Statistical Information Centre of Notaries in Spain has recently released its latest report on the activity of foreign buyers in the country’s property market for 2017. Which nationalities are the most proactive? Are they resident in Spain? Where are the most popular areas to buy? All will be revealed... The year 2017 was the best for property purchases since the economic crisis began to grip Spain in 2008, and both Spanish nationals and foreign buyers are now very active in the market. During last year, there were 513,814 property transactions recorded, representing a 17 per cent growth against 2016. Foreign buyers accounted for 100,095 of those and showed a year-on-year acceleration of 14.2 per cent.
Property
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Foreign buyers aid property figures
ACTIVE: Increasing number of foreigners buying property across Spain. For countries within the European Union (EU), during the second half of
2017, the most active nationalities were British (14 per cent of buyers),
French (8.6), Germans (8.2), Romanians (6.9), Italians (6.8), Belgians (6)
and the Swedish (5.3). The proportion of purchases from people out-
side of the EU was also high, with the Moroccans (5.5 per cent), Chinese (4.9) and the Russians (3). Looking at the increases between 2016 and 2017, there are some surprising inclusions in the top 10 which sees Moroccans recording a 36 per cent growth in purchases during that period. They are followed by Ecuadorians (33), Romanians (31), Portuguese (30), and Americans (27). The only countr y that showed a decrease in their property purchasing was the United Kingdom, but that was only for the first half of 2017 before seeing an improvement in the second half. The Valencian Community leads the way with the amount of foreign transactions (28 per cent), with Andalucia in second (18) and CataluĂąa - despite the political instability - (15).
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Weekender
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HOTSPOT: Albox is home to a large number of British expatriates.
HISTORICAL: Albox is home to the Virgin del Saliente monastery.
ALBO
a town of ALBOX lies to the north of Almeria Province in the Almanzora valley in the province of Almeria in southern Spain’s Andalucia region. The town and the surrounding area is one of the more densely populated in Almeria with some 11,481 inhabitants recorded by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE). It covers an area of around 168 square kilometres, meaning there are 68 inhabitants per square kilometre. It has also become something of an expat hotspot, with a high proportion of its population having set-
tled in the town from Britain. Albox has a rich and varied history. The town and the areas surrounding it boast archaeological remains from several time periods but it was the Islamic Moors who settled the spot where the town now stands and gave it its name. ‘Albox’ comes from the Arabic word for tower and it was Moors who first populated the town which was ruled by the Muslim Emirate of Granada. Catholic armies under Alonso Yañez Fajardo, the military governor of the then Kingdom of Murcia, cap-
tured the town in the 15th century during the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula. A series of Moorish uprisings against Spanish rule led to the Muslim population being expelled by Kind Felipe II. It was later resettled by Christians from Valencia and La Mancha. The town was struck by an earthquake in 1500 which laid waste to many of its buildings including an ancient castle which had to be demolished. It was later rebuilt before becoming a fully-fledged town with its own
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Albox came under Spanish rule in the 15th century’s Reconquista.
The pretty town centre of Albox.
OX:
treasures
mayor and local council in 1563. Albox developed and grew in the 17th and 18th centuries. Two skirmishes were fought there against Napoleon’s invading forces in 1810 and 1811. Its crafts and pottery industry boomed in the 19th century and its growth and prosperity has continued largely uninterrupted. Much of Albox’s history remains in the monuments around the town and in its traditional festivals. Several churches are situated in the area including the Virgin del Saliente monastery, popular with tourists to-
day and still a site for religious pilgrimages such as the annual one on September 8. Festivals consist of the religious All Saints’ fair and the Holy Week celebrations. There is also the more modern Rock-Albox concert series, the longest running such festival in Spain with crowds as big as 4,000 having attended since it was founded in 1985. One of Albox’s leading traditional pastimes is the board game of chess. The town’s Club de Ajedrez Reverte were declared the national Spanish chess champions in 2005.
Albox has also been dubbed ‘the cradle of Spanish chess’ due to it producing players who have gone on to compete internationally. Many nationally-renowned players have also visited the town. This month (August) also saw one of Albox’s other famous sporting events take place, the 24-hour indoor football tournament. The competition takes place continuously over a time period of 24 hours (hence the name). Thousands of spectators typically turn out to witness the tournament and several local teams compete.
Weekender 17
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Weekender
Lifestyle
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Rocking a rockery
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A FANTASTIC feature in all gardens, but especially those in dr y climates, rockeries are easy to build and are great opportunities to get the creative juices flowing. You can choose from a huge array of rock and plants to include, depending on your taste and what would work well in the garden.
It is a good idea to start building a rockery when the weather is a bit cooler as it is heavy work and causes unnecessar y strain under the hot sun. A sunny, well-drained patch of the garden is the best place to star t building and if you have a slope of a mount this is even better as it will give your garden an ‘au-nat-
FOR a colourful garden all year round, gardeners are turning to ‘foliage plants’ which keep things looking fresh and vibrant. One of the most eyecatching varieties out there is the canna plant, which adds a touch of tropical flair to any garden and
ural’ appearance. The best types of rocks to use tend to be volcanic rock, sandstone and granite. While some people prefer natural shaped rocks, cut blocks can also create interesting dimensions in the garden. Always make sure you handle the rocks carefully and enlist the help of friends or a wheelbar-
ROCK OUT: Rockeries also work well around water features. row if the rocks are particularly heavy. Plants that grow well in rockeries are those that are happy in dry conditions, such as cacti, bulbs, succulents and flowering plants. Mosses and lichens that grow on rocks also provide an extra layer of colour and dimension.
Enliven your dull garden comes in a variety of colours. They have large banana-like leaves that are sometimes striped and
many produce eye-catching bursts of flowers. Angel wings, or caladiums, have a unique look with grand, spade-shaped leaves that can be bought in eye-catching combinations of green, pink, red and white. They are tropical plants, so flourish in warmer climates. The leaves of Persian Shield, or Strobilanthes, have green and purple leaves that seem to glow.
Food & Drink
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Weekender 19
Let’s chill out! THE heat over the past few weeks does not seem to want to let up. On one hand it is exhausting and on the other it is a great excuse to come up with cooling drinks, delicious desserts and freezing cold ice cream! So, on that note here are a few of our favourites here at Olive Tree Farm … Strawberry yoghurt ice lolly Take around 300g of fresh strawberries, the redder the better for added sweetness. Remove the hull, roughly chop and add to a food processor along with a small 120g pot of plain
Greek yoghurt and a teaspoon or two of honey. Blend until almost smooth, taste and add a little more honey if you think it needs it. Put your mixture into a jug and then fill ice cream moulds to about 1cm below the top of the mould as they expand when you freeze them. Put them in the freezer for a couple of hours until just setting and then carefully add the stick and return to completely freeze (about 5 hours) … Now for the fancy part! If you have guests over, dress them up a bit. Once you have added the stick, carefully press crushed digestive biscuit onto the end around the stick before you put them back into the freezer. When serving, lie the ice lolly on a nice plate, sprinkle more digestive biscuit and a few crushed pistachio nuts over the ice and onto the plate and then drizzle melted chocolate over it … I even added a little string bow to the stick to give it a shabby chic look! Easy Ice Cream Chill a
Strawberry yoghurt ice lolly.
carton of double cream until almost freezing (you need about 450 ml). Once chilled whip to form soft peaks. Then add a 400ml tin of chilled, sweetened, condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk, that will not work) … Whip them together until properly mixed and they form stiff peaks and then carefully stir though a teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional). Add to a container with a lid and freeze for a minimum of six hours. You can now freeze as it is, or add nuts, crushed cookies or fruit
puree to it stirring through before freezing. Have a play and see what tastes you like! Pan Fried Figs Perfect to serve with your home-made ice cream. Simply cut two figs per person in half. Warm a large knob of unsalted butter and a dessert spoon of honey in a shallow frying pan. Once the butter has melted, place the figs, cut side down in the pan and let them heat through, spoon the butter and honey over the figs as they cook. After about 10 minutes they should be lovely and soft. Serve whilst still warm with a lovely dollop of your ice cream! If anyone would like to join my cooking group on Facebook, search us out! ‘Cooks In Spain,’ fun and food all rolled into one … Hope to see you there!
Pan fried figs served with ice cream.
20
Weekender
Health & beauty
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Are you getting your five-a-day ? By Laura Maksvytyte HEALTHY eating starts with a balanced, varied diet, and making sure you’re getting enough fruit and vegetables is key. Fruit and vegetables don’t have to be fresh to count towards the ‘one of your five-a-day.’ They also count if they’re a part of a
meal. The following also count as five-a-day: • Frozen fruit and vegetables. • Canned or tinned fruit and vegetables, choose the ones in natural juice or water, with no added salt or sugar. • Fruit and vegetables cooked in dishes such as soups, stews or pasta.
• A 30g portion of dried fruit, such as currants, dates, raisins and figs, counts as one of your fivea-day, but recommended to be eaten at mealtimes. Here are some foods that count towards the five-aday: parsnips, sweet potatoes, swedes and turnips. Normal potatoes do not count as one of your five-aday. However they are a very good source of fibre, especially if eaten with skin.
5-A-DAY: Fruit and vegetables.
FRAGRANCE BUYING GUIDE: Test before you buy.
Guides on how choose a fragr PERFUMES and colognes are scents that women and men wear to enhance their beauty, feel more confident or even attract. Perfumes lift a mood, evoke fond memories, or just simply help you smell really good. There are thousands of dif ferent per fumes and colognes available on the market today. Wearable scents have become a multi-billion-dollar per year business. There are various new brands, designer and celebrity lines. More people than ever before are choosing and wearing different types of per fume and cologne. Choosing the right smell for you can be difficult,
however there are several dif ferent ways you can decide how to choose the per fect scent that will match your own unique style and personality. All per fumes and colognes contain different ‘notes’ which determine the overall scent. The notes are made of three dif ferent layers called base, top and middle notes, and they all work in synergy to create a specific smell. Some perfumes, for example would be considered floral and contain spicy notes like star anise or even cinnamon, some are a bit fruitier, with undertones of citrus or apple. Men’s scents have
various notes including musk scents, which tend to be heavier, while others have smells like pine or even leather-based notes. It is always a good idea to determine which notes of per fume or cologne you prefer, before making a purchase. Fragrances come in four different levels of concentration. The higher the concentration, the higher the price. Typically higher concentration colognes or perfumes have more powerful scent and last longer. The highest concentration scent is simply called perfume or parfum. This level is made to last all day with just one application to the wrists or pulse
Health & beauty
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Natural ways to lighten hair
w to rance points. The next second lower level in concentration is eau de parfum, which normally lasts about six hours after application. The lower level is called eau de toilette and is usually fairly affordable and easily found in retail stores. It typically requires more than one spray throughout the day to last. The fourth and lowest fragrance concentration is eau de cologne, which only lasts about two hours. Before buying any fragrance, do a few tests to make sure it is something you will enjoy wearing. Most fragrance stores have tester bottles of fragrance available that can be tried, alternatively it may be worth asking for a sample.
THINKING about lighter hair but not the damage typical hair dyes create? Here are some tips on how to lighten hair naturally at home. Lemons are used to lighten your hair or for highlights. Lemon juice with the same amount of water will turn the hair lighter and leave no red tones unless the hair already has them. Raw apple cider vinegar - mix it with same amount of distilled water (half and half). Spray on all over to lighten all hair or use cotton or brush for highlights. Leave on for 30 minutes. Chamomile, used to lighten darker hair. Brew very strong chamomile tea, once its cooled apply to individual strands for highlights or pour over for all over lightening. Summer time is ideal to do this - let it dry in the sun! Wash it out once it’s dried and style as normal. Henna is usually a way to darken the hair, however on very dark brown or black hair henna can lighten and leave reddish highlights. Use three tablespoons of henna powder to half a
cup of boiling water. Let it settle for 12 hours or overnight. Apply to hair and leave in for two to three hours. Wash it out and style as normal. Cinnamon and honey mixed with hair conditioner until thick paste formed. Leave it for around half an hour so the cinnamon can activate the small amount of hydrogen peroxide found in honey. Apply it to damp hair and leave in for three hours or overnight. The longer it is left in the richer the colour. Wash it out well and style as normal. This will also soften the hair leaving it nice and silky. Cinnamon has antioxidants and natural sunscreen that will protect hair from the sun. Baking soda mixed with warm water also lightens the hair. Around half a cup of soda mixed with warm water to make a paste. Apply it and leave on for 20 minutes. Check the hair and if lighter hair wanted leave it in for longer. Vitamin C crushed and mixed into shampoo will make the hair go lighter.
Weekender 21
Meghan Markle’s glow MEGHAN MARKLE’S beauty therapist Sarah Chapman, said to Hello! Magazine how she treats Meghan’s skin. She said: “First wash your hands. Then begin by using a facial steamer to open the pores and prepare the skin - or have a bath or shower. Apply a balm like cleanser to the whole face, using massage techniques to work it deeper into the skin, and then circle the blemish with the pads of your fingers to soften the blockage further. “Apply a warm flannel to the affected area and start to apply gentle pressure with a wiggle to either side of the blemish, stopping immediately if you see any blood. It is important to always use your fingers and to avoid using your nails, as this can cause trauma to
the skin.” Sara said that this treatment is good for getting rid of blackheads. Beating large pores and giving skin glow. Sherrille Riley, who looks after Meghan’s eyebrows said to Mail Online: “It’s completely normal to have one arch higher than the other. They’re not supposed to be the same, they’re sisters, not twins.” Sherrille recommends following a natural shape and just adding a bit more colour and depth. She also believes that a high arch can make women look angry. “Sometimes with over-plucking, the follicle gets disturbed or the hair doesn’t grow back as well. When I was 13 years old, I shaved my brows because I wanted them
shaped but I didn’t know what I was doing. Eventually, I ended up with two half brows and they didn’t grow back properly also the hairs created shadow. “That’s really where my obsession with brows came from because my own ones were a mess. Now, my mission is to educate women on what can be achieved and how,” Sherrille added.
GLOW: Meghan Markle’s glow and eyebrows.
22
Weekender
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Leisure
A Baywatch reboot series is in the works, so get your beach bods in top shape Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
IT’S time to whip out that red swimsuit and practise your best slow-mo running, because a reboot of iconic TV series Baywatch is apparently on its way. (Yes, that’s another reboot. No, it won’t involve The Rock.) There is a twist in this classic reboot tale, though, as a new series of Baywatch is dependent on the success of a remastered re-release of the original version. Speaking to Deadline about Baywatch’s future - and past, we suppose Fremantle Media big-boss Bob McCourt admitted that last year’s movie had led them to change their plans. “I think we thought the film might have given us reason to reboot the TV series, but given the mixed reviews that didn’t happen straight away,” he explained. McCourt went on to add that the remastered series will be a litmus test for audiences: “It will give us a real indication as to whether a new series could be successful. “We would definitely think seriously about making a new series and maybe we’ll get approached by some broadcasters about making one.”
NEW VERSION: Baywatch was rebooted as a film last year. ORIGINAL BAYWATCH: Starred Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff.
If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
PETS
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Weekender 23
Sponsored by
Pet sitting is personal PETS make great holiday companions For some people pets are the habit of a lifetime. I must confess I’m of that tribe. While I founded HousesitMatch.com to help pet owners and sitters meet safely online, I also love to pet sit for ‘authentic travel.’ I believe if you see a new location from a pet’s point of view, you see it with a fresh perspective. I love to petsit People often ask if I use Hous eSitMatch myself? I can honestly say that I do. While we no longer have pets at home we still use house-sitters to care for our garden while on holiday - some call it tomato-sitting! Recently, I helped clients close to my own home in Buckinghamshire UK to care for their dog ‘Nuka.’ They had a wedding overseas and a last-minute arrangement between neighbours had fallen through. They registered with HouseSitMatch and I offered to help. I discovered new and exquisite dog walks in woodlands not five miles from my home. Authentic travel The home owners introduced
sure we know who you are, and in addition sitters are police checked by us. We charge for membership to ensure that there is a commitment from both parties and that we can af ford to manage our network online professionally.
PET-SITTING: Giving peace of mind to pet owners. me to their favourite local places to visit and shops of nearby food artisans, bakers, cheese makers, honey producers all working locally with organic materials producing delicious food. I had my own personal tour guide in Nuka the dog, walking me to stunning vista points in the Chilter n Hills, I followed her down the footpaths her owners favoured and she was my local expert guide. It was a wonderful experience, an authentic holiday literally walking in the footsteps of the home owners showing me new vistas. How we work All new members register to join our online HouseSitMatch network. On registration we ID check every new member to en-
How you benefit as a home and petowner Our membership offers you a secure network to help you find suitable sitters. We don’t reveal your contact details, or your address. You post an advert ahead of your travel dates, we publish the advert then house-sitters apply. You can view their profiles and chat with them before you accept your choice of applicant. If you join as a Premium member we can also help you at each stage of the process to get you started and to manage your account. How you do join? Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com • Choose a membership plan • Standard (DIY option) = £49 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £79 pa
Do you need a house or pet-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 – an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742 or email admin@housesitmatch.com
How many times a day? ALL puppies and young dogs up to the age of 12 months should be feed three meals a day. Adult dogs from 12 months to eight years should be fed two meals a day. Dogs from the age of eight years should be fed three small meals a day. Care should be taken not to overfeed any animal, either puppies, adults or older dogs. Overweight animals almost always have more health problems than proper weight dogs. If you have any problem as to what your dog’s ideal weight should be, ask your vet to help you. Modern day methods recommend that you do not feed from a bowl. Carry the food in a little bag and during the period up to the next feed time use the food as rewards when teaching the young dog basic training, he will follow you everywhere. I promise it works.
24
Weekender
Puzzles
17th - 23rd August 2018
Wordsearch Fruits
Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TARGET:
RASPBERRY
ORANGE
STRAWBERRY
LIME
BANANA
GRAPE
BLACKBERRY
PAPAYA
APPLE
BLUEBERRY
LEMON
WATERMELON
KIWI
• Very good: 44
• Good: 31
• Excellent: 57
aide aides aids adios adds eldest eddo ends inst into ions jade jades join joins joint jointed joints joist joes jots jest jets idea idle ides dais deist dens dense dies diet diets dieted detest deed deeds eons sett setts does doest dose dosed dost dots dote
SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points
Cryptic
Quick
Across 1 Frightened (6) 4 Leave (6) 9 Amaze (7) 10 Female fox (5) 11 Buttoned sweater (8) 13 Gloomy (4) 14 Earnings (5) 17 Quick and energetic (5) 20 Highest quality (4) 21 Greek lamb dish (8) 25 Frighten (5) 26 Rust (7) 27 Call off (6) 28 Upper class (6)
• Average: 22
Down 1 Look for (6) 2 Following (5) 3 Difficult to describe (7) 5 Covetousness (4) 6 Apprehensive (7) 7 Adult male singing voice (5) 8 Thought (4) 12 Writing point of a pen (3) 15 Voluntarily refrain (7) 16 Total (3) 18 Set aside (7) 19 Recently (6) 20 Fundamental (5) 22 On one occasion (4) 23 Regarding (5) 24 Give over (4)
Across 1 Decides on ground-breaking tools (5) 4 Repeat odd tea rite (7) 8 Raced one out of the rain (3) 9 Organise date with Rambo, he's a hunk (9) 10 Article about a concert (7) 11 The whole small drink is given to a beginner (5) 12 Could be a worry for this garden plant (6) 14 Offer to be gentle (6) 17 Satisfies asset management (5) 18 Taking a chance, hide in oil platform (7) 20 Infantryman re-reading novel (9) 22 Some insipid yellow colour? (3) 23 Comes back for the profits (7) 24 Breaks useful for snooker players (5)
Down 1 Depict a harbour man (7) 2 ‘Incompetency’ nicely encapsulates doubter (5) 3 Disloyal revolutionary is outside (9) 4 Goals for working ladies (6) 5 Tree turns up in Hamlet (3) 6 Fuss before a small department gets reorganised and taken over (7) 7 Celebrate former road charge? Not entirely (5) 11 Money manager more confident after rate review (9) 13 Go back and pay for the drinks again (7) 15 Sorrow for river herons (7) 16 Paths of planets or particles (6) 17 Some tiramisu, garibaldi biscuits etc are sweet (5) 19 A flower in Asia some find useful (5) 21 The appearance of a melody (3)
Puzzles
17th - 23rd August 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH 1. According to a track on Paul McCartney and Wings’ 1973 album Band On The Run, which famous painter’s last words were “Drink to me, drink to my health. You know I can't drink any more”? 2. Enacted by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, what nickname was often given to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)? 3. Formed in 1967 by John F Banzhaf III and a distinguished body of physicians and other prominent citizens, what does the name of the anti-tobacco pressure group/charity ASH stand for? 4. In which Swiss city are the headquarters of the World Health Organisation located? 5. ‘It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver’ is a quote by which preeminent Indian political and spiritual leader? 6. The BBC television sitcom In Sickness and in Health, which ran between 1985 and 1992, was the sequel to which highly successful comedy programme that ran between 1966 and 1975?
7. The name of which concentrated fruit soft drink brand, made by Atlantic Industries (a subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Company) comes from a Maori language greeting that means literally ‘be well/healthy’? 8. What was the name of the son of Zeus and Leto, the twin brother of Artemis, who was the Greek god of light, prophecy, poetry and music and healing? 9. Which British Labour politician’s most notable contribution was the creation of the National Health Service in 1948 during his time as Minister of Health? 10. Who, since September 2012 has been the UK Secretary of State for Health? Not a lot of people know that… according to the UN's 2016 health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) figures, the healthiest countries in the world are Iceland, Singapore and Sweden. Britain ranks fifth and the US 28th. At the other end of the spectrum, Central African Republic, Somalia and South Sudan are the least healthy.
Kakuro
Answers 1. PABLO PICASSO, 2. OBAMACARE, 3. ACTION ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, 4. GENEVA, 5. MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND (MAHATMA) GANDHI, 6. TILL DEATH US DO PART, 7. KIA-ORA, 8. APOLLO, 9. ANEURIN (NYE) BEVAN, 10. JEREMY HUNT
SUDOKU
Weekender 25
Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
CrosswordSolutions from last week Quick
Cryptic
Sudoku
Irregular Sudoku
26
Weekender
Feature
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Life as a castaway by Sandy Shore EITHER times changed or I have, for in this fast moving world I feel isolated if I don’t keep up with world events. I take a siesta and return immediately to my laptop to avoid missing anything. It wasn’t always like that. Long before the onset of the internet, we British seamen sailed from our home ports and headed straight into a news wilderness. The first port of call might be a week distant. But, often 14 days would pass before we would again catch sight of land. On-board, there was neither television nor radio worthy of the name. Sure, you could twiddle the knobs but it was so futile few bothered to do so. If you did pick up anything it was a talking point and on one occasion it was for me a memorable moment. As the MV Flamenco sailed along Chile’s placid coastline I thought yearningly of my Liverpool home. Fatefully, I lay on my bunk and twiddled the knobs of my transistor
ADRIFT: Sandy once sailed the seven seas. radio bought a year earlier in New York for five bucks. My eyes lit up; I could hardly believe my ears when through the static I made out the ballad, Maggie May. I have no idea from where that radio broadcast came but imagine my pleasure to faintly hear the words of a sea shanty that mentioned Liverpool’s Lime Street, a street with
which I had great familiarity. Had our ship returned to England for any reason it would have taken at least four weeks to complete its voyage. We would see land only as a faint outline until we reached Panama and then maybe bunker as usual at Curacao. Happy days and nights, we Jack Tars neither knew nor cared what was hap-
pening in your world. We blithely stood the watch, manned the wheel, kept lookout, and amused ourselves by watching phosphorous trails left by schools of porpoise. There was much to keep us occupied and it really didn’t matter to us what if anything happened outside our own ship. Unlike today, distance and time were impressive. When the MV Columbia Star sailed out of San Francisco and set course for Adelaide in Australia, we knew we would plod relentlessly across the high seas for several weeks. Our longest voyage incognito followed our departure from a South African port. It was late February 1962 and the crew were under no illusions. We wouldn’t see England for six weeks during which time we would pause only briefly to bunker in the Azores. For some reason, we were far happier than we are now. Maybe we should switch off our laptops and televisions and enjoy life as we once did.
Behind THE MUSIC Only For Girls? V L James vljamesinfo@gmail.com Facebook: @vljamesinfo I WENT to an all-boys school in the late 70’s and early 80’s. To keep your image up you had to like ‘Boy’s’ music, Rock, Punk, Mod or Ska. At the school disco every Friday night we had a chance to mix with the girls from the school down the road. From 1981 there was no doubt which band was the ‘Girl’s’ favourite. Formed in Birmingham in 1978 Duran Duran would go on to be the leaders of the New Romantic movement before spearheading the so-called ‘Second British Invasion’ of America. Obviously us ‘boys’ thought they were just frilly shirts and make-up but the girls loved them. Founding members Nick Rhodes and John Taylor are, in fact, incredibly creative musicians and gave the band much more musical sub-
WILD BOYS: Duran Duran took the 1980’s by storm. stance than us ‘boys’ cared to admit. Taylor’s bass line on Rio is still a thing of beauty. There were line up changes in the mid 80’s but the band would still go on to create some classy hits. The early 90’s saw grown up hits such as Ordinary World and Come Undone. Duran Duran have never broken up and still perform to big audiences today.
28
BUILDERS ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders. com (253556)
CAR FOR SALE
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BUILDERS
Classifieds
17th - 23rd August 2018
CHARITIES/CHURCHES
DRAINAGE
GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170 COSTA Almeria and Costa Calida. Mojacar Eucharist Sunday 11am, at San Pascual. Aljambra Chapel, Albox, Eucharist, second and last Thursday of each month, 11am. Evensong, second Sunday of each month 6pm. Llanos Del Peral, Cucador, Eucharist or morning worship, Sunday 11am. Church Wardens: Pam Carter 667 947 573. Janet Smith 671 451 838. For more information go to their website at www.mojacar church.org
HEALTH & BEAUTY GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP, Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food powders, organic eggs and veggie box scheme. Est 2006. Tel 639 089 170
HOME MAINTENANCE MARKS Home Maintenance services. Painting General Maintenance. Kitchen Unit Renovation. References available. 634 908 475 (259695)
INSURANCE
CHURCH SERVICES
HOUSE FOR SALE
ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399 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 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweekly news.com for more details.
LOCKSMITH PHILL THE PICK, LOCKSMITH-24hr. Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded, house safes. Arboleas and surrounding. Special Weekend Rate. Tel 697 243 181 (257799)
SITUATIONS VACANT
MOTORING 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) REMOVALS AND STORAGE
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Services
17th - 23rd August 2018
BUILDERS
REMOVALS/STORAGE
REMOVALS & STORAGE
DRAINAGE
CAR VALETING
PAINTERS
SITUATIONS VACANT
29
Sport
17nd - 23rd August 2018
Aguilon Golf Report THIS kind of weather does not make for enjoyable golf, with the heat so oppressive, partly caused by the need for so much watering on the course, it feels like playing golf in a sauna. Wednesday August 1 - Monthly Medal With a lot of members on holiday or escaping the heat, we had our lowest field of the year to contest the medal, so well done to the players who returned good scores. 1st Bernie O’Brien 85-15 = 70 2nd Ian Jenner 89-18= 71 on a card play off 3rd Roy Bishop 83-12 = 71 Two’s: Mike Esposito 3rd, Roy Lewis, Louis Long 8th, Dave Gray, Norman Ridgway 14th Wednesday August 8 - Individual Stableford It would appear that three handicap cuts in the last month have done nothing to halt the progress of our winner, who has collected the spoils for the last two weeks, although it took a countback to prevail this time. 1st Bernie O’Brien 37 pts on a card play off 2nd Derek Manning 37 pts 3rd Dave Sharp 36 pts on a card play off Two’s: Rich Hull, Louis Long 3rd, Dave Wilson 12th, Kevin Manser 14th For further information log on to our website at aguilonmembersclub.com.
Adra celebrates its first bike race ADRA celebrates its first ever bike race in Almeria where the event will have categories divided into Cadet, Junior, Sub23, Elite and Masters who will do battle to finish high in the rankings. The circuit will be centred around the seafront on Sunday for the next Circuito Provincional de Carretera 2018. The event has been put together by the Sport Club Domínguez, who are responsible for organising the race in collaboration with the City Council of Adra, which has set the start time for 9.00am. The route, which cyclists have to take consists of a certain number of laps depending on their category, will be 1,200 metres. The registration fee for those registered is €10 and the deadline to register was yesterday (Thursday) but
Andalucia Cycling Federation, via Facebook
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ON YOUR BIKE: The race is this Sunday. people can also register on the day of the competition from 7.30 to 8.30am as long as there are still places. The Adra mayor, Manuel Cortés and the sports councillor, Jesús Rivera along with people in charge of the event, Sports Club Domínguez, reported this morning the competition has been given the honour of being included in the Andalu-
Spain’s best head stateside THE top draw of Spain’s football clubs are set to journey to the United States for a top-flight game in order to promote the sport in the country. The game comes as part of a 15-year deal between La Liga and Relevant, a media company which organises the International Champions Cup. It will be the first time in Spanish football history that a La Liga match has been played overseas. Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, said the agreement between his organisation and the media firm was ‘ground breaking.’ Tebas previously said the El Clasico would ‘nev-
ACROSS THE POND: Spain’s best are set to go to the United States.
er’ take place outside of Spain. El Clasico pits league leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona against each other in one of the biggest matches in the Spanish football calendar. A spokesperson for La Liga told British media that it could not confirm teams,
matches, dates or seasons when asked about the game’s timing or if it would be a regular fixture. Stephen Ross, the head of Relevant, said the venture was the next leap in growing football’s, or soccer’s if you are American, popularity in the United States.
“This unique relationship will create new opportunities for millions of North American soccer fans to experience the most passionate, exciting and highest level of soccer in the world,” he said. A friendly match previously took place between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Miama in July 2017 as part of the International Champions Cup. It was the first time a match had been played off Spanish soil since 1991. The Spanish Super Cup was played in Morocco last Sunday, the first time ever that the fixture has been played outside the country.
cian Rankings, so the sporting event will feature several elite cyclists from Almeria and throughout Andalucia. It is established that the three categories Cadet, Junior and Masters 40/50/60 and female participants will make a total of 18 laps, whilst the Sub23, Elite and Master categories will make a total of 25. Once finished the event,
the organisation in charge will award a trophy to the first three classified of each category in the contest. This race titled Provincial Circuit of Almería ends on October 7 with the next race in Roquetas de Mar. With a maximum of 200 entries for this race, they can get their entry through the website: www.andaluciaci clismo.com.
Mojacar Runners
LEGGING IT: The group meets every Saturday and Sunday.
A FRIENDLY running group has announced on Facebook they are looking for sponsors so they can volunteer to participate in the ‘parkrun’ franchise events that consist of people volunteering to run two to five kilometres every Saturday or Sunday. They invite anyone who’s fit and fancies a challenge to join them and meet some like-minded fun people. Anyone interested can find them on Facebook on the Mojacar Runners page.
Motoring
17nd - 23rd August 2018
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Classic comedy car under the hammer THE iconic car driven in the classic comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is up for sale at around £200,000. In the 1986 film protagonist Ferris takes his friend’s father’s restored Ferrari out for a ride in his last-ditch attempt to enjoy himself before graduation. However, the star car which met with an unfortunate end in the movie is not a Ferrari at all, but actually a replica made by a local car company. Modena-Ferrari made just 50 long-wheel base (LWB) models and 55 short (SWB), the drop-top 250 GT California. Making the rare car too expensive to be used for the
WITH the heatwave showing no signs of relenting in Spain or the UK, many motorists will be taking full advantage of their car’s air-conditioning system in the days ahead. Spanish car-maker Seat has issued tips on how to make sure an air conditioning system is operating at its most effective, as there is apparently quite a knack to it. It is an important message, as not cooling a car efficiently after it’s been parked in the sun can lead to a driver suffering from impaired reaction times. Seat’s own research shows that an in-car temperature of 35 degrees can reduce reaction times by 20 per cent compared a temperature 10 degrees lower. The company says that one common mistake made by drivers is to switch the air con on to full blast the moment they get in the car. Instead, it advises people to first open the doors and windows for a couple of minutes to allow the hot air to escape and cooler air to enter the car.
movie, especially considering the stunts that were required. Modena Design and Development is a car firm, that was approached by the filmmakers in regards to their 250 GT California Spyder replica. While three Modena replicas were driven - and pushed into a ditch - during the film, a real Ferrari was used for the close-up shots. Original builder and Modena president, Neil Glassmoyer said: “Turned out it was between the Modena Spyder and a Porsche Turbo, and Hughes the movies director
chose the Modena.” The final GT0003 to be sold out of the three copycat cars built in just four weeks for the movie by Modena, is now up for auction for a reported $265,000 (£200,000). Glassmoye spent nine months refreshing and updating the 1985 convertible getting it ready for auction. Previously one of the replicas was sold at a Mecum Auction back in 2013 for $235,000 (£180,000) having undergone a 10-year restoration with another being sold in 2010 by Bonhams for just under £80,000.
Playing it cool Another tip is to point the air vents upwards, not towards you, as this will distribute the air better
around the vehicle. If the car has climate control, using the Auto setting will optimise the
AIRING IDEAS: Seat’s advice is helpful for a common problem.
fan speed and minimise fogging. Replacing the filters of the air con system and cleaning it every year or two will keep it operating ef ficiently and avoid damage or strange odours.
ICONIC MOVIE CAR: Ferrari replica being auctioned