Baywatch Christmas 2010 by Baywatch Group

Letter from the Editor

Hello everyone! Welcome to BaywatchÂ´s Christmas and New Year issue!

You may notice a few changes to this special festive edition as Baywatch is re-launching as a lifestyle magazine, which means in the issues that follow you can expect to find our pages packed with features, recipes, reviews, culture, travel, fashion, beauty and more. A little something for all, male or female, young or old. But don't worry about losing the best of the old Baywatch - the magazine will continue to serve all of its faithful Costa De La Luz readers with local news, radio show programme listings, a local business directory, and updates from local organisations and community groups.

Please let us know your feedback on the changes and we hope you continue to support Baywatch magazine as it grows from strength to strength in 2011.

Meanwhile, all of us here at Baywatch wish you the Happiest of Christmases and may you have the joy and peace of having your loved ones near or knowing they are safe and well. All Good Wishes.

Sophie McAdam Editor

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For all advertising enquiries call Sales on 856 101 803 or 697 552 936

CONTENTS 4 News: Community, Cadiz Province & Andaluciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top stories

9 Culture: Our new culture section features book and website reviews plus a special exclusive on the Sevilla International Film Festival 2010 Baywatch is a free magazine published bi-monthly by The Baywatch Group

10 Hotel Getaways: Two top local hotel recommendations for relaxing winter breaks or dining in style this Christmas and New Year 13 Green & Holistic Living: A special feature on the benefits of Reiki

Advertising & Sales Please call 856 101 803/697 552 14 Christmas Gift Ideas: For him, her and the 936 little ones in your family Email:sales@baywatchonline.org

Travel: Exploring other parts of Spain, this

Editor issue we escape to Girona Sophie McAdam Email: editor@baywatchonline.org 19 Health Beauty & Fitness: Boosting your

Design & Layout Email: design@baywatchonline.org Registered address: The Post House Buzon 72 CC Novogallo, Local No.50 Chiclana de la Frontera 11130 Cadiz, Spain Deposito Legal CA-552/06

Copyright The Baywatch Group All Rights Reserved Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part without the prior permission of the publisher is stricly prohibited The publishers reserve the right to amend any submissions. The views expressed by the contributors & advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content and adverts within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability

energy levels during these dark, cold months

Out & About: Winter skiing fun in Salamanca

25 26

Property: For all your buying & selling queries

30 32

Culture: The Sevilla Film Festival 2010

The Rise of Social Movements: This issue's coffee break feature

Food & Drink: Whether you fancy luxury dining this Christmas, are looking for a fun seasonal venue for eating and partying, or simply want to know where to buy a quality turkey, our food & drink section will tell you where to go.

49 Business Directory: A comprehensive guide to all your local businesses.

News Round Up

Community & Cadiz Province

Annual Chiclana golf challenge raises thousands for children’s cancer charity

An annual golfing event in memory of a man who died from cancer has raised €2,500 for Spanish children also suffering from the disease. Organiser Stuart Shutes, who launched the challenge last year in memory of his brother David (known as ‘Shutsey’) said that a great day was had by all and would like to thank Sarah & Julian of Browns Bar, El Puerto & Montecastillo Golf courses, Arcos Gardens, and finally Chiclana Golf Society, without whom the ‘Shutsey Golf Challenge’ would never have started.

David Shutes was a keen golfer, and he had been enjoying annual golfing weekends in the UK with his brother Stuart and friends for 23 years before he was sadly diagnosed with kidney cancer five years ago, and subsequently lost his battle with the disease. ‘Shutsey got most pleasure from his work with children, and even when close to death his principal concern were his children,’ said Stuart. ‘So this is what he would have wanted.’ ‘Plans for next September’s event are already under way,’ Stuart continues, ‘and I hope that this can become the biggest charity golf day on the Costa De La Luz. Next year we plan to get the local lady golfers involved, possibly in a singles competition to run along side the match play event.’ Anyone that is interested in helping with the 2011 event or playing in the matches can contact Stuart on 647 802 892 or register their interest at Browns Bar in Chiclana.

Ryanair to cut flights to Jerez de la Frontera By Sandy Robb

AMONG the small expat community where I live, when a few of us gather around a table in the bar, there is one topic of conversation which seems to recur time and time again. Flights, prices, routes, schedules, difficulties, all of these topics float around with the cerveza and olives, and Mr O'Leary's ears ought to be burning as the name 'Ryanair' always crops up somewhere Jerez is a wonderful destination. The along the line. old town with its maze of narrow So, the word that it was planned to cut streets around the Alcazar and back the Stansted-Jerez service spread Cathedral is compact and walkable. like Chinese whispers. Many of us living in Cadiz province have occasion to use this route. Someone's daughter is coming out with the children. Someone else has a family wedding to attend, or the birth of a new grandchild, and almost everyone has friends keen to visit.

There are good restaurants and bars where authentic flamenco performances can be heard, colourful ferias and beautiful dancing horses at the Riding School.

Visitors can tour atmospheric bodegas and sip chilled fino, totally unlike the stuff granny keeps at the back of the cupboard for a Christmas tipple. Visitors to Jerez can tap into their inner Hemingway at the Plaza de Toros or relax and soak themselves in a genuine Arab hammam.

Then there are the less happy occasions when it may be necessary to get back to the UK quickly because an elderly parent has been taken ill, for example. And there are others who do not live permanently in Spain but own holiday homes which they use regularly, lend to family and friends, or But to enjoy, they first need to rent out commercially. arrive, preferably without too much Very often, the availability of a direct, expense and hassle. The last thing reasonably priced flight to a local this Andalucian jewel and its hinterairport was part of the reason for land needs is its hands tied behind buying a property here in the first its back. place. Who would choose to trek up from Gibraltar or Malaga when they Please - airlines, councils and local could land in Jerez and be home in half government, do your best not to make it too difficult. an hour?

6 Chiclana illegal home residents launch political partyiclana illegal

Property owners in Chiclana whose homes were built illegally have launched their own political party. The Partido Vecinal Regionalista, a 200strong group of residents supported by 25 Chiclana associations, hopes to gain representation in the Town Hall at the elections in six months time. The Junta de Andalucía has estimated there could British newspaper could be be as many as 15,000 illegal homes in prosecuted for printing photos Cadíz province. of Andalucia’s youngest mum. Drugs fishing boat intercepted

A Dutch fishing boat with four crew on board has been intercepted by Spanish customs 120 miles off the Cádiz coast. More than 20,000 kilos of hashish was found on board.

Investigation begins into plans to build hotel in Vejer de la Frontera

The European Commission is investigating whether to oppose the scheme to build a twin hotel complex at El Palmar, near Vejer. The plan would see one of Andalucia’s most unspoilt beaches destroyed. Developers, backed by Vejer town hall, want to build a 500-room complex and golf course at the stunning natural location, but a petition against the plans has collected over 50,000 signatures and the investigation by the EU is seen as a crucial step forward by campaigners. Meanwhile, Juan Munoz, president of development firm Chival SL, and his brother, Fernando, were forced to resign after charges of bribery after the Public Prosecutor’s office accused them of illegally obtaining permission to build the complex.

The Daily Mail has come under fire from Spanish authorities for printing pictures of a 10-year old Romanian mother and the 13 year old father of her baby, born in Jerez on October 26. María José Segarra, the Chief Prosecutor in Sevilla, made a request to the media to stop printing images of the family’s home and she announced she was also taking legal action against a newspaper in Cádiz which had printed the first photos of the child. The Junta de Andalucía say that nothing has been ruled out at this stage, and the prosecutor is now waiting for a report from Social Services in Lebrija, the town where the family were living in shanty accommodation and reportedly surviving by the sale of scrap metal. Two men arrested after murder in Chiclana

Two men, both aged 20, have been arrested for the murder of a retired nurse in Chiclana. Mercedes Tello Cela, 55, died after being stabbed 30 times, although there were no signs of forced entry and neighbours heard no screams.

News Round Up

Andalucia

Supreme Court gives go-ahead to plans for hotel inside Cabo De Gata nature reserve

Controversial plans to build a 50-room hotel on 3000 square metres of protected salt flats in the Campillo de Gata, part of the national nature reserve, have been confirmed after an 11 year battle by green groups and the Junta.

Failed tourism initiative is to be extended across Spain Privilege Spain, a scheme launched in 2008 to promote Jerez, La Rioja and the Basque region, cost four million euros, but Marina Osborne, of Surways Exclusive Trip, from Jerez, explained: “For two years we have worked very hard in promoting the idea. However, the truth is that up to now there have been no bookings.” Despite this, the Ministry of Tourism announced it will expand the scheme across Catalonia, Castilla y Leon, Madrid, Valencia and Galicia.

British pensioner forced to squat in her own home Ann Bircumshaw, 75, is facing a long winter with no electricity or running water after she discovered her home in Pruna, near Olvera, was neither legal nor paid for. She had put up 120.000 euros for the property after selling a home in Fuengirola, and developer Ian Hollis had assured her that her dream home ‘would be finished in months.’ The original property was never finished, and the replacement where Mrs Bircumshaw now lives is to be repossessed due to unpaid debts. Hashish farm found on Costa Del Sol A Briton is among 15 arrested after 900 marijuana plants were discovered in his luxury seaside villa. The plantation in Benalmádena, harvested four times a year, was being run by a Dutch man. Animal refuge owners arrested in Malaga The director and at least two workers of an animal refuge in Torrmolinos have been arrested on charges of fraud and ill-treatment of animals in their care. The 'Parque Animal' organisation is being accused of irregularities in the ways in which they cremate animal remains amongst other things, but reporting restrictions have been put on the case by the environmental prosecutor.

Mayor of Estepona in corruption scandal

The Mayor of Estepona, Socialist David Valadez, has been charged with alleged corporate crime and forgery amid claims laid down against him by the ex treasurer of the Estepona Town Hall, Félix Domínguez Pimienta. Valadez, who was also accused of real estate corruption in December last year, will appear in court on November 26th. Illegal immigrants rescued off coast of Tarifa

13 women and three babies were among a group of 40 Sub Saharan refugees rescued in early November after their boat set adrift and they called for help from the Spanish coastguards in Tarifa. Guardia Civil agent Granada Province

killed

A Guardia Civil agent has been killed in a hit and run accident at a control point set up in Baza, Granada. The vehicle was later found to be containing hashish.

Domestic violence man arrested in Sevilla

Police have arrested a 37 year old Moroccan man for the murder of Carmen RJ, 39, who died after her throat was cut at her home in Sevilla. Neighbours say the domestic violence had been going on for a long time and she had previously been stabbed in the stomach by her boyfriend, choosing not to press charges.

WORLD NEWS

Aung San Suu Kyi released after almost two decades under house arrest Burmese democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi , winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is now free after being detained in her home by the Burmese military for 15 of the past 21 years. The decision to free the 65-year-old comes six days after the political party supported by the military government won the country's first election in 20 years, but it is not yet clear whether there are conditions attached to her freedom. Angry students take to the streets in London Tory plans to cut university funding and treble tuition fees cause riots in UK. About 50,000 people took part in a march through Westminster to protest against Cameron’s plans to reform higher education. Demonstrators smashed windows, climbed roofs, threw missiles and burned placards and banners. 32 people were arrested and 14 people were injured, including two police officers. Spanish priest in child porn scandal A Catholic priest has been arrested over the alleged possession of thousands of images of child sex abuse. Police found 21,000 images on computers inside the 52-yearold's church in Vilafames, eastern Spain. The priest has not been named but will appear before a judge in a fortnight. The Segorbe-Castellon diocese has suspended the priest but said it would also offer the priest "the necessary means for a fair defence".

Culture

Recommended Read

Duende: A journey into the heart of flamenco, Jason Webster (****) If you love all things Spanish - as presumably you do having settled in what Hemingway described as ‘perhaps the only country’- then you will love Jason Webster’s wonderfully written travelogue about flamenco, life on the edge, love, loss, and self-discovery.

Duende, that elusive, magical feeling that occurs when a great performance stirs your soul and makes your hair stand on end with an electricity and a connection beyond description, is what Webster was searching for when he decided to learn guitar and abandon his dull life in Oxford for the dusty, orange-scented landscape of Andalucía.

The book details his integration into flamenco culture, firstly in Almería, where he meets a fiery and passionate woman with whom he has an intense and destructive affair, to the barrios of Madrid, where he falls in with the gypsy subculture and hits rock bottom after a cocaine addiction and a period of lawlessness which results in a tragic loss. Next, it’s Granada, where Webster continues to play guitar until his fingers bleed but is no closer to discovering the elusive Duende.

The book is more a soul journey than anything else, an inspirational and thought-provoking read whose pages are peppered with exotic descriptions, great characters, and a fascinating insight into the hidden world of flamenco. A must-read for any aficionados of flamenco, Spanish culture or even more generally, great books.

All things Web This issue, we are mostly liking the following sites:

http://www.poodwaddle.com/clocks/ worldclock/ Amazing insight into the lives of human beings, rather terrifying but always interesting, updated by the milisecond.

http://blog.sarcasmsociety.com/ Hilarious quotes, dry opinions on popular news stories, and much more to tickle your ribcage.

http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com 'painfully polite and hilariously hostile' images of real scrawlings.

Hotel Getaways

Focus on La Vista de Medina Medina Sidonia

Hotel La Vista de Medina, situated opposite La Iglesia Mayor in the heart of historic, pueblo blanco Medina Sidonia, enjoys a privileged location with magnificent views over a patchwork of undulating tiled roofs & church spires to the rural splendour of rolling hills fringed by the Atlantic.

Owners Kirsty and Gary Biston, with over 50 years combined experience in the hospitality trade have spent the past year loving bringing this magical old building to life.

The stylish self-catering suites offer contemporary accommodation & enjoy enticing views over the flower filled gardens, as you wander through the hotel and grounds the Moroccan influences are everywhere, a with North African wall coverings and soft furnishings creating a relaxed ambience throughout.

After much restoration work, love and considerable investment it has been reborn as a family run hotel, boasting 2 swimming pools, pretty gardens, 5 tasteful suites, a restaurant with 2 dining rooms, 2 terraces, tables on The restaurant will be open on New the plaza and a celebration room which Years Eve for a celebratory dinner, can seat up to 120 people. followed by a party into the small hours of the morning. Dinner will The south-west facing terraces offer cost 50€ per person and includes a comfortable seating & a ‘chill-out’ zone glass of Cava with Canapés, followed with sun, shade & protection from the by a 4 course meal with a bottle of infamous Levante… and with the patio wine per person or draught San Miguel during dinner, a glass of Cava at midheaters can be enjoyed year round.. night and complimentary entrance to The cosy bar is perfect for a coffee & the 'Cotillion' which starts just one of Medina’s famous cakes, or a midnight; the music and dancing is perhaps a glass of Fino & a snack from expected to finish around 6am. There the Tapas menu, while the elegant are a limited number of rooms availadining rooms offer an informal friendly ble for those who wish to stay the night atmosphere, catering for both locals & either in La Vista de Medina or adjacent sister hotel Casa de Medina at visitors alike. a cost of 70€ per double room. The menu offers classic local and Breakfast will not be served, guests Mediterranean influenced dishes with a are welcome to bring their own favoumodern twist using only the freshest rite breakfast items and make good use of the kitchens in each suite. local produce. To reserve your place call Gary on 646489069 or email info@lavistademedina.com

Green & Holistic Living

Travel

Health and Beauty

By Negin Ghayouri

Skiing in Salamanca

Out & About

by Glynis and Andrew Brown

he Sierra Nevada is Spain’s premier ski resort, but it is expensive and often very crowded, especially at weekends. So last year, when someone told us about a small resort in central Spain, we decided to explore. Our destination was La Covatilla in the Sierra de Béjar, between Caceres and Salamanca. La Cotavilla’s ski area is small, with reasonably priced ski passes and easy, uncrowded pistes. There are fantastic views and lots of all-year-round mountain walks. We stayed just outside Béjar, the valley at the foot of the mountains, where there is a huge choice of hotels and apartments.

It was an easy but spectacular twenty-five minute drive up the mountain to the ski resort which has restaurants, ski hire, a good ski school and free parking. The beginners’ area is excellent and the lifts whisk you up to 2400 metres where the views are breath-taking. We enjoyed fantastic snow and the weather was perfect – sunny days and cold nights.

Food and drink in the area is very cheap and there are a number of great places to explore close by, such as the beautiful town of Barco de Avila with its castle and old Roman bridge, the spa town of BaĂąos de Montemayor, and the old walled town of Ciudad Rodrigo

Salamanca itself is a beautiful city just 30 minutes away, and the natural parks of Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia and the Sierra de Gredos are also close by. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to go again this winter; especially to buy some more wine on the way back -from the Payva Bodega in Extremadura, and fantastic Iberian ham from Monasterio.

. Link: www.sierradebejar-lacovatilla.com

Property

Our regular focus on common issues surrounding buying or owning a property here in Spain with Cadiz Casa

Q. Is it normal for Plusvalia to be paid by the seller?

A. Plusvalia is a local (municipal) tax charged by the town hall on properties when they are sold. It is calculated on the rateable value of the property and the number of years that have passed since the property was last sold.

The idea is to tax the increase in the value of the land on which the property stands.

The base for this tax is the valor catastral (an administrative value that is usually lower than the market value, sometimes considerably so) of the property. The amount due in tax will depend on how long the seller has owned the property - the longer the period, the higher the amount of tax.

Normally Plusvalia is paid by the seller but make sure it is made clear in the sales agreement who is paying this as you do not want any problems when you come to sign at the Notary. Q. Do we have to pay tax in Spain on the money we get from our rental property even though we do not live in Spain and are not residents.

A. Short answer is yes. A new law dated 2 March 2010 has introduced a change in the Income Tax Law for Non Residents which changes the way they pay Income Tax on properties let in Spain.

Up to now, non resident tax payers paid 24% of the gross income on properties let in Spain, they were not allowed to deduct any expenses at all, there were examples when the tax paid could exceed 60% of the actual profit.

However, The European Union has pressed Spain to change this situation, and with the new Law, you can now deduct all expenses directly connected with the letting of the property i.e. electricity, water, community fees, local rates, interest on mortgage etc in exactly the same way as residents do.

Focus on

The Rise of Social Movements

It’s 1am and there is a stranger asleep on my sofa, rucksack at his side, snoring gently. Six hours earlier I’d been standing in the bus station in Ronda, scanning the crowd for a face I’d only seen in a few blurred photographs. Until now, Ashley and I hadn’t even spoken on the phone. All I knew from our brief and infrequent emails is that he’s 28 and from Melbourne, he likes animals and snooker, and the location of my sofa is rather appealing.

Ashley is a couchsurfer, one of over a million members worldwide. The idea is simple: rather than jostling for expensive hotel rooms with other tourists, the couchsurfing movement gives backpackers the opportunity to crash on sofas for free, with the added bonus of tasting real cultures and experiencing places other sightseers probably wouldn’t. As for the hosts, they receive the simple pleasure of helping somebody out. Couchsurfing is just one example of the emerging social trends to sweep the globe in recent years.

With just a click of the mouse, we can train as ‘clown activists’, join a local food movement, swap houses with a family in Peru, or partake in some ‘flash mobbing’- whether it be a mass pillow fight in Trafalgar Square or heading down to a central London station to dance in synchronicity, an activity elevated from its subculture status by the popular UK mobile phone commercial.

Some, like ‘the slow movement’, are disgruntled reactions to perceived problems in society- in this case, what the founders call ‘time poverty’, a backlash against the rat race and living by the clock, against a society driven by instant gratification.

Others, like ‘bookcrossing’ (leave your favourite book somewhere public with a note inside and trace how much happiness it has given to the lucky recipient through the Internet) are simply a way of sharing with others those things that make you happy.

27 Professor Nick Crossley, head of sociology at the University of Manchester, believes the Internet is crucial to their existence. “I’m sure these activities are attractive because they fill gaps in mainstream culture,” Crossley concedes. “But technologies facilitate networks, and I’d be reluctant to interpret these new cultural forms as social and political reactions.”.

Then there are those simple but genius ideas that spread like wildfire, such as the ‘free hugs campaign’. This movement began when founder Juan Mann felt lonely upon his arrival at a Sydney airport and decided to hold up a sign offering free hugs to passers-by. After 15 minutes of being ignored, a lady tapped him on the shoulder and told Mann her dog had died that day- the first anniversary of her only daughter’s death in a car accident. “What she needed now, when she felt most alone in the world, was a hug,” Mann remembers. “I got down on one knee, we put our arms around each other and when we parted, she was smiling.” The free hugs campaign is now a global activity, with thousands of participants in hundreds of cities around the world. No doubt cyberspace can be credited with the speedy growth of these movements, but is technology solely responsible for their conception, or is it merely the vehicle for ideas that are almost inevitable in the 21st century?

But some involved with these modern trends wouldn’t necessarily agree. Mark Aguera is founder of Swap Republic.com, an online swap shop for everything from skills (I teach you guitar, you do my gardening in return) to houses, cars and personal possessions.

Rather than seeing the Internet merely as a means of connecting with like-minded individuals, Mark says that SwapRepublic’s philosophy is “to eliminate cash from transactions, because cash means the state has power to tax.” His aim, he says, is to remove power from the state and give it to the individual. For Reid Mihalko, former relationship coach and massage therapist, technology may well have caused the emergence of movements like these – but not for the right reasons. “The Internet has both helped and hindered society,” Mihalko says. “We feel more connected by social networking sites and we can easily track down others who share our interests, but these connections never occur face to face.

“We are social animals, and physical connection feeds us in a way the Internet can’t. You might have 500 facebook friends, but you’re still going home to an empty apartment every night.”

Along with partner Marcia Baczynski , Mihalko launched the ‘cuddle party’ in 2003. At the events, strangers don their pyjamas and give and receive non-sexual affection through a variety of hugs with punchy titles such as the ‘canoodle casserole’ and ‘puppy pile-up’. In the five years since the first New York event, the appeal of embracing a stranger has proved to be a desirable pastime, with cuddle parties springing up all over the western world.

Mihalko puts the movement’s popularity down to modern living: moving away from loved ones to pursue careers in cities where we feel alone, losing community ties, and coping with social boundaries that mean hugging a co-worker could get you sacked for sexual harassment.

He even claims one infant school in Pennsylvania recently slapped a ban on pupils cuddling each other, citing this behaviour as ‘inappropriate’. “We’re living in interesting times. Things are getting weird, and people are starting to notice,” Mihalko concludes. Some might argue that collectively, these movements seem to signal a change in attitude, a step in the right direction towards a more humanitarian and philanthropic society.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is founder of the global ‘pay it forward’ movement.

The philosophy, made famous by the 2000 Kevin Spacey/Helen Hunt film based on Ryan Hyde’s book, advocates the belief we can only make the world a better place by doing good deeds and asking for nothing in return – except that the person we help comes to the aid of another needy cause, thus ‘paying it forward.’

While Ryan Hyde agrees the Internet “has the power to tie people together; ideas can spread without the money and power needed to control the media,” she is confident these movements are far bigger than that.

“My opinion is that society tends to swing to the far boundaries of any social change before finding the middle ground,” Ryan Hyde says. “When I was a child, people rode buses together.

Neighbours sat on their porches and talked to people walking by. If I had needed help while on my own, an adult would have helped me.

“I think the information age initially isolated us,” she goes on. “We have swung to the end of the pendulum of war, violence, dysfunction, suspicion, hate. We look at what we’ve accidentally created and know we don’t want it. Our altruism was never dead, it was only sleeping – and when more people wake up to the kindness that is inherent in our nature, it will be contagious.”

29 Her colleague Charley Johnson is just as optimistic, referring to pay it forward as “the foundation this world is missing.” “Making the people around you better starts with yourself,” Johnson argues. “It’s the only thing that will move the six billion people on this earth back in the right direction.”

The spokesperson for the UK Freegans society, known only as JD, says that for him, freeganism is not about rooting through supermarket bins in a bid to save money, but rather a direct protest against an unjust market.

“We are becoming increasingly aware of the devastating impact mankind is having on the environment,” JD argues. “This has largely been caused by unsustainable policies designed to maximize the profits of the few at the expense of the many. Freeganism attempts to address the imbalance caused by this.” As author and social commentator Mal Fletcher states, “A number of these emerging social movements are about rediscovering a sense of our core humanity, both as individuals and within communities.

“In a consumerist society where personal value is associated with what one owns, and consumption is divorced from any sense of responsibility, many people are awakening to the notion that things which supposedly lead to a more comfortable life do not necessarily contribute to a more meaningful life.” Links: www.couchsurfing.com www.slowmovement.com www.freehugscampaign.org www.flashmob.co.uk www.cuddleparty.com www.swaprepublic.com www.payitforwardfoundation.org www.freegan.org.uk

Seville Hosts Europe’s Latest and Greatest Cinematic Talents By Gretelle Daffón

Now in its seventh year, the Sevilla Festival de Cine Europeo is fast becomming a classic to rival the likes of Cannes. This year, between 5-13th of November, Seville unrolled its red carpet to some of the most promising new talent of European cinema, as well as some of the most respected veterans of the industry. Amongst them, British director Stephen Frears, who received the International Award of Honor for his mastery, originality and social commitment to always successfully meet the different film genres. Inaugurating the festival was his new film Tamara Drewe. In true Frears fashion, it takes on a comedic portrayal of the ironic consequences of the immoral actions taken by the characters. Commemorating Frears’ relationship with Andalucía, a re-screening of his 1984 film The Hit was shown, its musical director having been the legend that is Paco de Lucía, together with Brit Eric Clapton. Sticking to the their roots, Flamenco Flamenco was undoubtedly the most awaited and a favourite among Andalucían movie goers. Sold out within hours of the box office opening, flamenco fans eagerly waited in line to see the latest from director Carlos Saura. The film is indeed an audio and visual feast. Beautiful artworks depicting flamenco share the stage with flamenco masters like Paco de Lucía and Manolo Sanlúcar as well as fresh talents, among them Estrella Morente, Farruquito and the young show-stealer ‘’El Carpeta’’.

Taking home the Giraldillo de Oro is Son of Babylon, Mohamed Al Daradji’s realistic drama about a young boy travelling across Iraq with his grandmother after the fall of Saddam Hussein, in search of his father who was forced to join the Iraqi army and has been missing for 12 years. The film communicates with the viewer well, conveying the deep melancholy of the Iraqis, the chaos around them and the small hope that they carry within.

The festival takes us from the dusty landscape of Iraq to that of Almeria, with El Regreso (The Return). Sevillian director Nonio Parejo takes back controversial writer and intellectual Juan Goytisolo, through arid Almeria which he journeyed through in his youth, and later became the protagonist in his book Campos de Níjar. Shortly after its publication, this work was banned by the Franco regime, later resulting in Goytisolo’s self-exile to Marrakesh. This film documents the first time Goytisolo revisits the land since his exile, accompanied throughout by local politicians, journalists, and even school children reading excerpts from his work.

Parejo uses photographs from the book, taken by legendary director Vicente Aranda, and the play of black & white cinematography incorporated with color to depict the stark changes this region has undergone, which was once one of the poorest and most desolate of the country. Truly Seville has found its niche in the world of film making. Already well-known as the backdrop of many films, it is now also a centre which promotes the culture of European film making, which unlike its American counterpart ‘’is real and talks about life,’’ according to Stephen Frears.

Above: Estrella Morente of Flamenco Flamenco

Left: Carlos Saura and the Cast of Flamenco Flamenco

Food & Drink

Hidden Treasures Venta Campano and La Choza de Juan

ow about this for a night out? A good meal, a few drinks and a game of golf!

Did you know that the Venta Campano on the N340 just outside of El Colorado has a golf simulator hidden away in a room at the back of the restuarant? Well they have and it’s open to clients from 7pm each evening and if you eat there it is totally free to play! If you just want to go and practice or enjoy a round with friends then it is 5€ per head for 1 hour. The restaurant is typically Spanish and serves good quality meat, stews, fish and a superb paella. Menu of the Day is 8€ whether you dine at lunchtime or in the evening. And for Baywatch readers, if you take the coupon below, you will receive a free bottle of wine per two persons dining. The comfy, rather than palatial room at the back can be used for private parties with areas for music and dancing and having a good time. In December you can also use the coupon for a free glass of fresh orange juice with your breakfast.

real treat is install for you at the La Coza de Juan BBQ restaurant hidden away in

the San Fiacre Garden Centre en route to El Colorado on the N340. You can either sit in the courtyard area, in the bar, which has plenty of seating, or if you have a private a comfortable celebration room near party there is even the bar. BBQ food is the speciality of the house and is available every evening, except Mondays. A BBQ meal for two is 10€ and during December and January you get a free bottle of wine! Menu del Dia is only 7€ and includes, starter, main, dessert, coffee and a drink PLUS that free bottle of wine. WOW! Give it a try it’s great value for money.

El Llano de las Maravillas Celebration Rooms You can dine al fresco in the lovely grounds or terraced areas at El Llano de las Maravillas Celebration Rooms but as winter draws on we decided to join the other diners and had a table in their spacious indoor dining room. Decked out with pretty blue and white checked table cloths we enjoyed their fabulous Sunday BBQ lunch.

At your table the waitress will explain that the price includes grilled Iberico pork, veal, chicken brochettes, spicey sausages, salad, rustic bread, potatoes (cubed and fried) and homemade sauces. The price does not include drinks, but you can re-order the meat as often as you wish. Within a few minutes we were presented with a large bowl of mixed salad, a basket of different varieties of bread and a selection of delicious sauces.

We were a party of four and we ordered a bottle of the house red at 8â&#x201A;Ź. It was smooth, full bodied and very fruity - absolutely delicious. This wine is made especially for the owners by the Bodega El Sanatorio adjoining the premises.

Our grilled food soon arrived in abundance and we stopped talking and tucked in with relish. Our meat was cooked medium to well done but you can ask for your preference, the chef will be only too pleased to oblige. The chicken brochettes were particularly good as were the spicy sausages but the quantity beat most of us and a couple of extra sausages was all we could manage. The meal was excellent value for money and we will be going again very soon! Open Sundays and Fiesta Days. Reservations advisable. Written by Jacqueline Dolby

35 Our gammon is cured in-house by a traditional dry-cure method using salt, spices and sugars tha produces cured pork with lots of flavour. This method, unlike the injection curing of mass produced gammon, means the meat retains its moisture throughout the cooking procedure and so you’re not paying for added water you don’t need. Dry cured gammon is delicious roasted and is great sliced “I have been asked for goose more and cold for Boxing Day.” than once, but it is very difficult to source here in Spain. Our turkeys are from my supplier in Moron near Seville, who are well known for their quality poultry, and are delivered fresh to the shop a few days before Christmas. As well as crowns and whole turkeys, I also bone, roll and stuff turkeys to order, these make a great moist joint that’s easy to carve and leaves no waste” says Steve. A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE, not likely .... At Christmas the traditional turkey is still the main choice of Steve Lichfield’s British customers. Second on the list might be a nice piece of top sirloin, but Steve advocates that if you want that something different this year then gammon makes a good alternative to turkey, or for that special Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve meal.

For a taste of dear old Blighty this Christmas, visit Molly Malone’s in Puerto Santa Maria. It’s got lots to offer over the festive season and all at reasonable seasonal prices too. Christmas lunches or dinners are available throughout December on request (booking essential), consisting of traditional English Christmas fayre or choose from their extensive wholesome and tasty menu. There’s always good music and it’s suitable for families, banquets, business lunches, office parties or happy gatherings. Call Juani or Manager Steve, they’re only too happy to help make that lunch or dining out experience just what you want, whatever the occasion.

New Year’s Eve will be another great occasion at Molly’s. It’s Party time and for €40.00 pp, it’s great value for money. It will be a lively Hogmanay New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance (don’t forget, owner Ian is a Scot .. och ‘aye!). With 2 midnight’s to celebrate, UK and Spanish times and Cava & lucky grapes all included in the price, Friday 31st December 2010 is sure to be a New Year’s Eve to remember at Molly Malone’s.

Molly Malone’s El Puerto de Santa Maria Christmas and New Year 2010

If it is just a night out for a meal with friends over the festive, then you can’t go wrong with that convivial ‘Irish Craic’ at Molly Malone’s Great British Irish Pub and Sports Bar.

It’s the place to go for a great night out and super food, home cooked style, healthy and hearty and freshly cooked, with lots of fresh vegetables. Their hamburgers are renowned; they have to be with the American US Naval base nearby in Rota. Wednesdays are great for Fish n Chips and then there’s their special theme nights – not to be missed. Molly’s has an extensive range of drinks, German beers, wines and spirits. Cider’s on tap and of course Murphys and Guinness, which is like drinking velvet and after a pint of their finest Newcastle Brown, you’ll wish you weren’t the duty driver and/or organised a taxi home so that you can enjoy a couple more plus their Irish coffee! Reservations only New Year´s Eve. To check out what´s on or to book, call 956 48 08 34.

Estancia Golf

PGT Golf Technolgy

brand new partnership has recently been formed and if you are a golfer then you are well advised to read on.

Still widely known by its old name of Melia Sancti Petri, the course changed hands in July 2009 and was renamed La Estancia Golf. The course lies 2.7 kms from the beaches of La Barrosa.

La Estancia Golf. Colada de Fuenteamarga. Campano, Chiclana Costa.

There are protected areas incorporated into its design and the streams & lakes are home to 25 different species of birds. The par 72 course plays differently depending on the direction of the wind and presents a challenge to all levels of player. The greens are large and undulating allowing for many different and often tricky pin positions. The course is easy and enjoyable to walk but has a large fleet of buggies for those who prefer their golf to be played in comfort.

The Staff are multi-lingual and very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is comfortable and serves a large variety of dishes along with a good choice of wines & beers. The terrace overlooks the 18th fairway and green and is one of the focal points of the clubhouse and is great for al fresco dining or a relaxing drink after your round. The Clubs facilities are available for special functions.

The annual membership costs are: â&#x201A;Ź1200 per individual or â&#x201A;Ź1800 for family, for 7 days a week unlimited golf, there are no restrictions or hidden extras and discounts to members include 15% off of everything purchased in the Pro shop, reduced buggy rental and discounted range balls. Monthly payments

help to spread the cost of membership. Green fee players are also very welcome.

It has undergone renovation since its changeover to make the course more challenging; further changes and renovations are planned. The course extends over 82 hectares of rolling, wholly natural environment.

builds clubs that fit and in association with La Estancia Golf we aim to spread the word, a great golf course and great clubs all in one place. Steve Short explains what his company does and why and how his partnership with La Estancia Golf will benefit golfers of all abilities.

Well first and foremost Protech Golf makes custom golf clubs, why do we need them? Ok well imagine walking into a shoe shop and only being sold one size of shoe, doesn’t matter what size feet you have, the shop only sells one size, the same with clothes only one size. Yet that’s exactly what happens with golf clubs, people walk into a sports shop or a department store pick up a set of clubs from the shelf and hand over their cash. All these clubs are standard size, same length shafts same size grips, the only choice most people get is what brand name they buy or shaft flex they choose. So how do we change it? How do we show people that they really can play great golf and not pay the earth? Well firstly all they need to do is just come along and see for

themselves, talk to us and show us their golf swing. In most case the clubs they have can be adjusted at very little cost to get them off on the right foot, after that we can try to explain how the physics of a golf swing works and how they can improve. Protech Golf Technology builds clubs that fit and in association with La Estancia Golf we aim to spread the word, a great golf course and great clubs all in one place. Oh did I mention great tuition and a world class repair service too? Come along and meet us bring your clubs, our free club/swing ‘health check’ will get you started. Golf should be fun shouldn’t it? And nothing in the golfing world brings a huge smile to your face more than hitting a shot straight down the middle. Remember, there aren’t good clubs or bad clubs only the right club!

LHD AUTOS

Here are a few reasons to take fresh a look at L.H.D

EX-PAT SERVICE CENTRE * CAR SALES * INSURANCE * TRANSLATIONS Firstly may we wish all our clients a very merry Christmas and happy New Year and thank you for your continued custom and support as always it is appreciated. “ I SAVED 285.12€ & INCREASED COVER !!” The renewal premium on my car was 693.04€, I called into the LHD office to get a quote, 407.92€!! this saved me 285.12€ and also increased the cover on my policy. I now have a local agent and my renewal premiums will be monitored year on year by Jilly.

Linda Waker Another happy customer The above details are just one of our many money saving achievements during our last 12 months of client dealings so why not drop-in for a free no obligation quote, (free gift to all customers & potential customers whilst stocks last). Here at LHD we are working harder than ever to build our business whilst maintaining our personal service to each and every one of our clients. Our ex-patriate help/service centre has been used for many things to assist our clients including ordering Nota Simples for properties, helping people with building services, sorting out vehicle imports and paperwork problems, getting official certified translations for marriage certificates, or simply booking flights online etc. Whatever your problem or query we are pleased to help wherever we can.

Our aim is simple, to grow and improve our business and retain our existing clients, not only by monitoring renewal premiums to keep them competitive, but by making sure we are here whenever we are needed and that we offer the best service possible. Easy words to write but it is up to us to ensure the best service possible is offered for all our clients. LHD clients who have insurance policies with us take advantage of many additional services free of charge such as, free key holding, booking ITV’s, making appointments etcH

We don’t just sell insurance, we offer a customer service package to go with it at no extra cost and this is our way of thanking you for your custom. We welcome any suggestions on how we can serve you better and improve our services to the benefit of everyone.

We would also remind everyone of our easily located office and free parking facilities which can be utilised as a drop-off centre for donations to local charities such as Kimba - Happy Ending , Age Concern.

HOME * MOTOR * LIFE * FUNERAL PLANS * TRAVEL SEE OPPOSITE PAGE ADVERT FOR CONTACT DETAILSG

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Monday Breakfast Show with Colin Wood Money in the Juke Box with Paul Money Lee Dean´s Comedy Show Sports Round Up with Dave Davis Tuesday Breakfast Show with Colin Wood Jugger´s Jazz Ed´s Cherrey Picks Bob´s Choice with Bob Hamilton

Wednesday Breakfast Show with Colin Wood Elaine Grant´s Mixed Bag The Christopher Cooke Show Poppy´s Playtime

Thursday Breakfast Show with Colin Wood Ed´s Cherrey Picks Gossip Girls with Lesley McEwen Kris Cody Rock and Blues

Friday Breakfast Show with Colin Wood Money in the Juke Box with Paul Money Dave Davis and his Winter Mixture Brian Lambert´s Good Sport Show

Saturday The Christopher Cooke Show Brian Lambert´s Good Sport Show Gossip Girls UK Top 40 Brian Moran´s Luz Latino Easy Listeningl Smooth Jazz Sunday Lee Dean´s Comedy Show Elaine Grant´s Mixed Bag Poppy´s Playtime Classics and Comedy Bob´s Choice with Bob Hamilton

To listen again to your favourite weekday shows, the follwing are repeated:

Monday Colin Wood: Paul Money: Lee Dean:

6pm 8pm 10pm

Tuesday Colin Wood: Juggers Jazz: Ed Cherrey:

6pm 8pm 10pm

Thursday Colin Wood: Ed Cherrey: Gossip Girls:

6pm 8pm 10pm

Wednesday Colin Wood: 6pm Elaine Grant: 8pm Christopher Cooke: 10pm

Friday Colin Wood: Paul Money Dave Davis:

6pm 8pm 10pm

All shows subject to change For New shows and the latest broadcast scedule, please see our website www.baywatchonline.org

Want to swop your frozen UK pension fund for cashG Here’s how simple it is: By Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI Managing Director Premier Pension Solutions SL

Stephen Ward was a member of the UK Government’s Pension’s Industry Working Group advising HMRC on the pensions’ legislation changes which introduced Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes in the 2006 Finance Act.

To date we have now completed transfers for more than 800 expatriates, mostly based in the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and the Costa 4.We prepare a report confirming Blanca. Clients now wish to access the current details of your fund/s their funds in cash for a number of and the returns that may be provireasons: ded if the cash stays in a UK fund, and the penalties that can apply Some see little benefit in holding a when you die. We confirm how fund which promises to provide little in much can be obtained via transfers the way of additional income in to a New Zealand QROPS. retirement, but could yield a tidy sum (All of this will cost you nothing, now when it is most needed. including 2 face to face meetings, and no fees are payable until the Others have lost enthusiasm for their funds have been transferred to New funds as investment returns have been Zealand.) poor, charges high, and government attacks are diminishing their benefits The whole process can take up to 3 every year. months, but you will be kept informed of progress throughout this So if you want to access your entire period. fund now, what does it involve? Whilst some advisors will not arrange transfers of less than 1.You cannot receive all of your funds £100,000 we can arrange transfers in cash unless you have been non for as little as £20,000. resident for 5 complete and For those who have been non resiconsecutive tax years i.e. since 5 April dent for less than 5 years we can 2005. arrange a capital payment of up to 50% of your fund using an HMRC 2.You complete a couple of simple approved pension arrangement, forms giving us authority to obtain full called a Pensions Reciprocation details of your existing fund/s Plan. The balance of the fund may then 3.We obtain the information and the be accessed once the 5 year period appropriate “discharge” forms to has elapsed. enable you to make the transfer.