Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 6 - 12 March 2014 Issue 1496

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Sunday market THE second Eco Market takes place in Lucainena de Las Torres on Sunday morning with more than 50 stalls selling antiques, artisan products and food.

Vera funds THE Provincial Government of Almeria has awarded Vera Town Hall €150,000 for the restoration of the Ermita San Anton.

Turre parade TURRE has a carnival parade at 5pm on Saturday followed by a fiesta in the Plaza de la Constitucion with songs from the Carnival Groups.

Dutch visit THE tourist board visited the ‘Fiets En Wandelbeurs’ in Amsterdam, last weekend to promote the Costa de Almeria.

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Poison whisky claims life as seven more in intensive care A MAN, 32, has died in Almeria and seven more were hospitalised after drinking from a contaminated bottle of whisky.

According to reports, the bottle of whisky, perfectly

sealed, was found some days before in a carrier bag in a street in El Ejido and was saved for a ‘botellon’ party.

Six young men drank from the bottle, as did two Moroccan

illegal car park attendants, one of them the deceased.

The death and poisonings occurred in Calle Trajano, in the heart of Almeria City, an area known for its ‘botellon’parties.

Bennett’s Irish eyes are smiling THE Irish Cyclist, Sam Bennett 23, from German Cycling Team NetappEndura won the 29th Clasica de Almeria race at the weekend.

Bennett won the 178 kilometre road race which takes place between Almeria and Roquetas de Mar in a time of 4 hours, 21 minutes and 33 seconds in this fixture on the European Calendar of the Union Cycliste International (UCI).

Sam is considered to be one of Ireland’s biggest new cycling talents and is already a two-time national under-23 champion.

His biggest success to date was winning stage five of the Tour of Britain in 2013.

At around 2.20 am on Saturday morning the emergency services were called and six people were taken to hospital. An hour later, they were called to the scene where the man died. His friend, 37 was taken to hospital where he spent several days in intensive care and is now making a recovery.

The six youngsters aged between 22 and 23 years are now out of intensive care and three have been allowed home. The other three youngsters are due to leave hospital soon.

The National Police have sent the bottle of whisky with cans of soda which were also in the bag to the laboratories of the National Institution of Toxicology for examination. ©TNE/ROTH

ISSUE NO. 1496

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THIS WEEK IN

EWN News 1 - 24

Finance 25 - 30

Letters 31 PROCESSION: Passed through numerous streets in the town.

Sardine’s burial ROQUETAS DE MAR closed its carnival with the traditional Burial of the Sardine.

A group of Roqueteros disguised as Legionnaires took the Sardine from Casablanca Street to the roundabout at the door of the Plaza de Toros where the sardine was burned, while a group of ‘widows’ mourned its loss.

A long procession headed by the sardine set off at midday from Calle Casablanca.

The procession started with musical group, Los Chorreones, a group from the Women’s Association, Stella Maris and

the Parador and a float full of children.

Next in the procession came the Merche Dance Academy followed by musicians La Cuadrilla.

Dance group Kalesi were another highlight that delighted the public, another big favourite with the public was the children’s float which was accompanied by a group of jesters.

Also taking part were the group En Linea and a float for senior citizens.

The procession passed through numerous streets in the town before arriving at the Plaza de Toros.

Leapy Lee 32

Daily TV 46

Time out 52 - 53

Classifieds 73 - 75

Sport 79 - 80

NEWS Flower power TO mark Andalucia Day the city hall of Almeria used 1,000 flowers to make two Andalucian flags.

Cough up THE town hall of Macael has approved works to improve the interior of the town’s cemetery.

Children’s parade MACAEL will have a children’s parade and carnival party on Sunday at 5pm with a parade from the Virgen del Carmen to the Plaza de la Constitucion.

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Claudia relives former glories THE legendary Italian actress Claudia Cardinale has returned to the province to star in a new film.

Almost 10 years after receiving the ‘Almeria, Tierrade cine’ prize at the third edition of the Almeria short film festival, the actress has returned to the province to star in the movie ‘Once upon a time in the western’ under the production of Bulgarian film company Arthouse Blockbuster.

The filming is taking place in Tabernas where the actress starred in two films in the sixties, ‘Lost Command’ with Anthony Quinn and George Segal

in 1966 and the majestic 1968 Sergio Leone film ‘Once upon a time in the west’ where she starred alongside Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson.

The film tells how Claudia, recovering after an accident and diagnosed complete rest, decides to travel to Almeria against the doctor’s advice.

However, she finds a city and the towns of the west very different to those she knew years ago.

Claudia soon finds herself wrapped up in adventures after travelling to Almeria in search of tranquility.

Say cheese THE Plaza Vieja in Almeria City hosted the second edition of the Cheese Fair at the weekend. Fourteen companies from all over Spain took part in the event.

Gas supply ENERGY company Redexia Gas has signed a contract with the Andalucia Health Service to supply gas to the Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa.

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Load of rubbish

THE town hall of Benahadux has collected 120,000 kilos of rubbish from two Ramblas in the town.

MORE than 500 people attended the third ‘Fiesta de la Matanza’ held in Pulpi.

Walk success

Euro trip THE tourist office in Berja offered a guided tour of the historic centre of the town for just one euro at the weekend. The town centre is one of the best preserved in the whole of the province.

Park walk FIFTY residents of Huercal de Almeria enjoyed a walking route in the Cabo de Gato Natural Park in an activity organised by the town hall.

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Party time in Pulpi

CELEBRATE: A day for women’s rights and world peace.

On the move TRANSPORT company ALSA made available 3,000 extra places from Almeria to Madrid for the long holiday weekend.

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THE mayor of Alcolea has expressed his satisfaction at the success of the third walk ‘Ruta de los Olivos Centenarios’, more than 200 people took part in the walk.

It’s Women’s Day I NTERNATIONAL Women’s Day will be marked across Spain as in many parts of the rest of the world on Saturday.

Celebrations range from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to celebration of their economic, political, and social achievements.

International Women’s Day was first observed as a popular event after 1977 when the United Nations invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.

The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2014 is ‘Equality for Women is Progress for All.’ In Spain, only 29 per cent of women claim to pay daily attention to their eating habits, exercise and getting plenty of rest.

Quote of the Week THE labour market has now turned around,” Employment Minister, Fatima Bañez, regarding the 0.04 per cent fall in the number of unemployed in Spain last month. She added that “this is positive data which encourages us to continue working to offer more chances.”

According to a study by the Rey Juan Carlos I University and the DKV group carried out amongst women aged between 18 and 65, 7 per cent of women say that they take practically no care of themselves.

Those who have a most healthy lifestyle are reportedly women in Navarra (40 per cent) and Valencia (34.8 per cent), while those who take the least care are in Murcia (23.9 per cent).

What women care most about is hygiene (82 per cent) and sleep (32 per cent), while 64 per cent admit that they should eat more carefully.

Fifty-seven per cent eat fruit every day and only 46 per cent eat vegetables every day.

Despite this, 60 per cent of women who took part in the survey claim to feel well.

Number of the week

4,812,486

were unemployed in February in Spain, according to recent data from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security. This is 0.04 per cent fewer than the previous month and the first time that unemployment has fallen in February since 2007.

Country roads THE town of Alhama has improved 720 metres of rural walkways at a cost of €117,600.

Women’s race THE second Women’s solidarity race takes place in Almeria City on Sunday with up to 1,000 women expected to take part.

Prom extension THE extension to the promenade in Almeria City will be ready for Mid April.

And finally...

A WOMAN in Cataluña has sued her former employers after sustaining spine injuries which incapacitated her for a year during a ‘game’ in which staff were told that the first person to grab a €50 note which one of the managers dropped to the floor could keep it.

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NEWS EXTRA

Bookworms in Vicar THE six libraries in Vicar registered 43,276 users in 2013, an increase of 18.2 per cent from 2012.

Sierro carnival THE town of Sierro celebrates its carnival at the weekend with a giant paella and parade on Saturday.

The traditional burial of the sardine takes place on Sunday.

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Cultural centre in Mojacar is set to close its doors THE Valparaiso Foundation in Mojacar is to close its doors.

One of the main cultural centres of the Levante area of Almeria lacks the funds to keep going, according to the director of this philanthropic institution, Maria Laura Gonzalez. “The crisis has affected us. We have presented a project to the European Union, but for now we cannot continue, the only thing we can keep is the Annual Poetry Prize,” she said.

Valparaiso, which has its headquarters in a farmhouse in Seca Huerta, Mojacar, was created by Paul and Beatrice Beckett, artists of Danish origin in 1989 in order to promote art and culture. For 20 years

after the death of her husband, Beatrice has awarded annual scholarships to hundreds of artists who have passed through this haven of inspiration.

The Foundation has provided opportunities for artists from around the world. The international residence, built on an ancient mill, was created to provide a working environment and meeting place for artists of all disciplines and from all five continents.

The old farmhouse, has workshops for painters and sculptors, its own gardens, eight bedrooms for students and an extensive library. During all these years of activity, the foundation has organised

piano and guitar concerts as well as photography, drawings and paintings exhibitions in the Paul Beckett Gallery in Mojacar.

Paul and his wife Beatrice arrived in Spain in 1962 and after spending time in Carboneras and Vera, they finally settled in Mojacar. In 1994, Paul passed away and his ashes are buried in the gardens of of the farmhouse. It has long been a haven for artists with the presence of Irish artists, Australians, Filipinos, Americans and from all corners of the world who come to take advantage of the light of Mojacar. Now, this Scandinavian artist’s dream is under threat.

Almeria trade link with the UK THE sea route linking the ports of Almeria and Southampton, designed for the transportation of fruit and vegetables is to be reactivated.

At least that is what the bosses of both ports are claiming. The project has suffered a delay because of the change of ownership at the container terminal in the English port.

The Almeriport Bay Foundation and the Port Authority of Almeria have said it has not been “put to one side and forgotten.”

The heads of Southampton Fruit Handling describe the route as “viable and necessary” to establish a line with Almeria.

PORT OF ALMERIA: Looking for a trade link with Southampton.

Given the importance of the British market, whose distributors control much of the marketing of

fruit and vegetables, Almeria has shown great interest in this service.

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Fake psychologist caught A MAN was arrested in Jaen for claiming to be a psychologist and allegedly sexually abusing women.

The man was first reported in 2006 when he contacted a local lifeguard and told her that she was a candidate for a job for which he would need her to carry out several tests.

NEWS EXTRA

Open day THE firemen of Almeria City held open days on Saturday and Sunday.

The event was popular with children who were able to spray water and foam and try out the fire engine sirens.

Carnival time MACAEL has its carnival parade on Saturday starting at 9pm from the Virgen del Carmen up to the municipal tent where there will be a big carnival dance.

He asked her for personal details, got her to do some tests, and then told her to hold a classifier between her legs and think of something pleasant. It was then he allegedly touched her inappropriately.

Police had difficulty identifying the man, however, several more reports last month led to his identification and arrest.

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Carboneras gets substantial boost CARBONERAS, one of the towns hardest hit by unemployment in recent

years, will receive a substantial boost in the coming months.

Multicultural high tea in Benizalon THE pupils of the Guadalinfo learning centre in Benizalon enjoyed a high tea last week. In collaboration with the Hotel Los Olivos the centre hosted the multicultural event with more than 30 people of various nationalities. Spanish, English and Ecuadorians from the town and nearby towns as well as users of the centre took the opportunity to share traditional foods, in particular desserts. The British delights included bread pudding, muffins, sponge cakes and cookies.

The Spanish provided pestiños (doughnuts), apple pie, savouries and biscuits, while the Ecuadorians provided croquettes and pancakes with cheese and strawberry jam. This event took place in the framework of the activities of the bilingual Guadalinfo centre of Benizalon in which participants not only become familiar with the new technologies of information and communication, but at the same time help each other in the use of English and Spanish.

Enel, the Italian shareholder of Endesa is to spend around €200 million on the town’s power station. The installation of a denitrifying plant will help meet European demands to comply with CO2 emissions and extend the life of the plant by 20 years.

The project will provide work for 800 people at peak periods for the year and a half that the work is expected to take. Industry Ministry sources have revealed that it is one of the largest private investments to be made in Spanish industry. Other Spanish and European power plants will also have to carry out similar work.

The work has to be completed by 2016 when new European regulations controlling carbon dioxide emissions come into force.

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Almeria airport wins baptism of new route THE airport of Almeria has won a competition for the best baptism of a new route.

The website anna.aero , which specialises in aeronautic information,

has a weekly competition the ‘Arch of Triumph’ which recognises the best baptism of new routes all over the world.

The firemen of Almeria Airport came out on top with their welcoming arch of water under which the plane passed as they celebrated the arrival of the first Air Europa flight from Madrid.

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Free home to good people THE tiny town of Bayarcal set in the Alpujarra region of Almeria is looking for families to save their school.

In a bid to arrest the town’s population slump which at the moment is little more than 300, the town hall is to offer three houses free to families with three or more children as long as the children register at the local school in the town centre.

The mayor, Jacinto Navarro hopes the measure will boost the population, rejuvenate the town and ensure the continuity of the school which currently has 14 students.

The town hall will evaluate the requests and the mayor has said that “the only requisite is that they are good people.” While the children are of school age they will be able to stay in the property,” he confirmed.

But before the families move in, the town hall needs to do some work. “All the houses need painting and two need some carpentry work and a new floor is needed in the other,” said the mayor.

The mayor has requested a meeting with the president of the Government of Almería, Gabriel Amat, in the hope to get funding to carry out these reforms.

Harriers head out for a Partaloa adventure THE Indalo Hash House Harriers gathered at the El Poli bar in Partaloa for their latest adventure.

At the football pitch they met up with some five-aside Spanish football players and supporters, but the Harriers couldn’t field a team. However, back to the hashing and the ‘chalk talk,’ where the route marks were explained by the hares, and off they went, the runners in one direction and walkers in another.

The young ‘hares’ led the walkers to the viewpoint overlooking Partaloa and the spectacular scenery.

Partaloa derives its name from the rock formation, which over the years has been eroded leaving large slabs of harder rock that in

FUN EXCERCISE: On the move with the Harriers. turn splits and crumbles away and falls into the riverbeds and ramblas, these are called Partaloas.

However the youngsters informed the group that the village was originally known as Partalobos as there were

NEWS EXTRA

Spread around TWO thousand sobrasada (sausage spread) sandwiches were handed out at the ‘Fiesta de Sobrasada’ held in the amphitheatre of the Rambla in Almeria City.

London trip

THE town of Nijar presented its third ‘Triathlon Cabo de Gata,’ which takes place in October at the ‘Triathlon Show’ in Sandown Park, London at the weekend.

many wolves in the area.

It was at this stage some ‘humping’ took place. This involved the runners in two teams, running relay races over a BMX track.

Meanwhile the walkers continued on their scenic tour of the village and the countryside and arrived back at the ‘circle’.

The runners arrived a few minutes later, but were already refreshed by some devious secret beer stashes.

If you’d like to know more about hashing, visit the website www.indaloh3.com or email indaloh3@gmail.com.

The next hash will start at 11am on Sunday March 9 at La Yegua Alta, near Chirivel.

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NEWS EXTRA

New label A NEW record label has been born in Almeria. The creator of Paralysis records is Raul Parra formerly of the group Father Mckenzie.

More room WORK at the cemetery in Canjayar has been completed creating a further 220 resting places.

Carnival end THE carnival of Cuevas del Almanzora finishes on Saturday with a parade leaving from the Castle Square at 6pm followed by a dance in the Nave Polivante at 11pm with Orchestras Diamante and Mar Sala.

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Local town hall buildings are finally to be finished ALBANCHEZ and Purchena are to finally have their town hall buildings completed.

The Junta de Andalucia regional government, through the

Municipal Cooperation Plan, has awarded to these two locations a total of €310,000 enabling them to finish their projects.

On a recent visit to Albanchez,

the government delegate of the Junta, Sonia Ferrer, checked the works of the new town hall, located in an area of town where there are already other public

facilities. When completed, the building will consist of three floors and the town hall will move from its current location in the Plaza de España, to the new location in the upper area of the town close to the ‘Rafael Alberti’ theatre.

The money granted to Purchena will enable the filling guests’ glasses with completion of the area of a local wine or a cool beer. building, known as the In Cantoria, Andalucia Casa del Fiscal, where a Day was celebrated round meeting room and the a plate of Migas, in the necessary offices will be municipal sports pavilion. located.

The town hall also picked The Casa del Fiscal is a up the bill as families and 150 year-old mansion friends celebrated the day located in the Plaza Larga, together. in the old part of Purchena, In the village of which the council acquired Almanzora, families and in 1999. groups of friends reserve It is included in the their place and enjoy a inventory of Architectural glass of wine and prepare Heritage of Historic and their Migas over the open Artistic interest in the fires, but strong winds Ministry of Culture of the forced everyone inside.

Junta de Andalucia.

Plate of migas to celebrate Andalucia Day MANY of the towns in the Almanzora Valley celebrated Andalucia Day with a traditional plate of migas last Friday.

An established tradition, hundreds of people in towns such as Fines, Cantoria and Almanzora share a day together.

In Fines, the women of the town, along with a large group of volunteers and master cooks, were up early to start making the bread crumbs for more than 500 people. The town hall provided all the

ALMANZORA: Friends enjoy a plate of Migas. ingredients and into the mix go beans, peppers, sausage, black pudding, tomatoes and a long list of other ingredients essential to enjoy this special dish.

The mayor of Fines, Rodrigo Sanchez, accompanied by the rest of the government team, are responsible each year for serving the migas and

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Count down to London Marathon WITH just over five weeks to go to the London Marathon, Steve and Jing from Los Gallardos are right on schedule with their training.

In preparation for the big day the husband and wife team are running distances of up to 30 kilometres once a week and a regular 12 kilometres every other day.

Jing has recently returned from China where the temperature was minus 20c and snowing, confining her training to the gym and the treadmill.

Now back in Spain, Jing and her husband Steve, who are running under the name Team Miraflores, are aiming to raise ÂŁ3,400 for their chosen charity, the Calvert Trust.

The charity was founded in 1978 in order for disabled people to access the challenges of outdoor adventures with the help of enthusiastic professional help.

There are three centres in the UK, which are in Exmoor, Kielder, and the Lake District and they cover a vast range of activities from team building, wheelchair rock climbing, sailing, horse riding and many other disciplines. On Saturday March 29 at

GETTING READY: Steve and Jing are running in the London Marathon on April 13.

Camping Los Gallardos, there will be a fund raising afternoon to help raise cash.

Everybody is welcome to the event.

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More parking THE town hall of Vicar has created more parking spaces next to the Rambla where the market is held.

Road improvements WORK is being carried out to improve the road that connects Nijar to exit 481 of the Autovia.

Ticket deal SEASON Ticket holders with UD Almeria are able to buy further tickets at half price for the home game against Sevilla on Sunday which kicks off at 5pm.

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Criminal gang broken up by Olula del Rio Guardia Civil THE Guardia Civil in Olula del Rio have arrested a gang of four criminals from Alicante who preyed on the elderly in the Alto Almanzora area.

The investigation began late last year as a result of a theft committed in a house in the town of Armuña, where gold jewellery with an estimated value of €3,000 was stolen.

During the course of the investigation, the agents learnt of a second incident inside a house in a hamlet close to the town of Seron, where the thieves stole a gold necklace.

In both incidents, the thieves entered the houses around the same time of day, taking advantage of the front door

being open, to steal money and jewellery. The thieves were prepared to use force if necessary on the inhabitants before leaving the scene shortly after in a vehicle parked nearby.

With the information obtained the agents linked together the common features in their modus operandi and

Improvements for three Zurgena neighbourhoods THE Provincial Government of Almeria is to renew paving and sanitation in three neighbourhoods of Zurgena.

The president, Gabriel Amat, handed over the project to the town hall councillors Candido Trabalon and Noelia Garcia who expressed their satisfaction at the preparatory work carried out by the technicians of the government. The

three districts to benefit from this project are in El Llano del Peral, La Alfoquia and Cucador with a budget of €363,000 which will be funded from the Municipal Investment Plans 2013/2014.

“These works are very necessary because in some areas the pavements are not the best, and there is an absence of sanitation in isolated neighborhourhoods,” said the president.

the vehicle used in both cases.

It was shortly after the second incident, agents identified the vehicle used in the thefts and managed to locate it on the A334 near Tijola.

After identifying the four men the Guardia Civil confirmed they formed part of an organised gang which studied various properties in the area before commiting the crimes.

Three men in their 40s and a 28-year-old man all from Alicante and with previous convictions were arrested for crimes of robbery with violence and intimidation.

Within the ‘Major Security Plan’ developed by the Guardia Civil in the province, in the different talks and meetings they hold with the public they always advise people to keep doors and windows closed even if they are in their garden.

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NEWS

Camp site in Balerma set for June opening THE Construction of Camping site ‘Mar Azul de Balerma’ is running smoothly and details of the site are now available online.

The website for the tourist camp is now available in Spanish, English, German and French with extensive

information about its future facilities, the range of activities, location and even photos of the town of El Ejido, Almeria Province and Granada.

Holidaymakers who are looking for a tourist destination next

HUERCAL-OVERA TOWN HALL: First port of call.

summer can book online through the website or via telephone. The company has announced its opening for June 2014. Balerma camping site is backed up with extensive experience in the tourism sector, and the company has decided to invest in a wide range of up to 42 activities for their customers.

The proposals range from horse riding or a drive through the Alpujarra region, a visit to Cabo de Gata, through to sports activities with a lot of tradition at these beaches for sports such as windsurfing.

The cultural side has plenty to offer, with visits to the Balerma wells, the Alcazaba of Almeria and the Alhambra in Granada.

Ornithological tourism will also be promoted through visits to Lake Almerimar, Punta Entinas and Cabo de Gata.

The varied range of courses will include cookery classes in Mediterranean cuisine 18 kilometres of pipeline and in the winter period which have now been will even offer Spanish replaced. classes designed for She highlighted the people who come for a “coordination, cooperation longer winter stay. and collaboration” betPablo Parejo, one of the ween the government and directors of the new site the companies carrying highlights the back up out the work, having spent support of this new some €18 million in the project. “We come with execution of the work . the experience of In the afternoon the camping Almerimar, so president visited we know what works and Albanchez Town Hall and we plan to provide paid a visit to local almond information to our company Almendras customers with a tourist Utrera based in office to suit their stay Albanchez. according to their taste”.

The president of the Junta pays a visit THE President of the Junta de Andalucia, Susana Diaz visited two towns in the province on Monday. The first port of call was the town of Huercal-Overa.

In the town hall Diaz signed the book of honour and met with the local authorities.

While there, Mayor Domingo Fernandez gave Diaz a ‘decimo’ ticket of the National Lottery which this week bears the image of the town.

Diaz also visited the

completion of the works on the new water supply pipes of the Tajo-Segura and Negratin-Almanzora reservoirs in the El Saltador area of the town.

Diaz underlined the record time in which the water pipes had been replaced which guarantees the water supply for the population as well as irrigation for the crop farmers in the area.

Diaz praised the work done since the September 2012 floods that wiped out

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FOREIGNERS: Must have a knowledge of the languge, history and culture.

Immigrants must learn Catalan

THE party led by Artur Mas, which defends the independence of Cataluña, wants to make all immigrants learn the Catalan language.

Convergencia Democratica de Catalunya (CDC), through its Nous Catalans Foundation, which aims to train and improve relationships

Soldier injured by jealous exboyfriend A MAN, 28, was seriously injured in Ceuta after allegedly being shot six times by his partner’s former boyfriend.

The victim, a soldier, was walking in the street near his home, when the alleged attacker, a sergeant in the army, came up to him and reportedly shot him without a word. He sustained wounds to the arms, shoulders, abdomen and genitals.

The motive was allegedly jealousy and the shooter fled the scene, although he later went to the Guardia Civil and confessed to the crime.

with foreign immigrants, has drawn up a document regarding immigration policies which could come into effect if Cataluña becomes independent.

It points out that to obtain Catalan citizenship, immigrants must prove a certain level of knowledge of Catalan language, history and culture, and promise to respect gender equality, individual freedom, democracy, human rights and the fight against racism.

They propose such matters should be taught in associations and public areas, as well as encouraging places of worship such as churches, mosques and

synagogues to teach the language and culture.

The proposal will be debated in the National Council and aims to “manage migratory flow” which the foundation says is needed in Cataluña because the birth rate amongst the native residents is low and more people are required to ensure its industrial and financial growth.

It goes on to say that a study of the legal situation of immigrants, in which they would have to prove legal residence and work, as well as being integrated within the society, should be carried out before Cataluña becomes independent.

Get on your bike for RBL THE Mojacar branch of the Royal British Legion In Spain is having a new sports charity event to be held on Sunday, May 11 in the car park of Parque Aquatico Vera (next door to Consum Supermarket) on Vera Playa.

Teams of four cyclists will go around a marked out oval track of approximately 200 metres for 20 minutes each, raising funds by sponsorship of the number of laps completed. This will be an all-day event with stalls, entertainment, food and drinks.

Anyone wishing for any further information, to reserve a stall site or to cycle please ring Eileen Huard on 950 462 376 or 664 850 613 or text your number and we will reply to you. Email to eileenhuard@yahoo.co.uk.

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Stories making headlines in Europe

S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

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SWEDEN - The widow of a Swedish media tycoon donated two paintings by Picasso to Stockholm’s Museum of Modern Art, along with six other pieces by other European artists.

Taken back

World success

Euro lenience

THE Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by British novelist EL James has sold 100 million copies worldwide. A film adaptation will be released on Valentine’s Day 2015.

A LABOUR Europe spokesman, Lord Liddle, said the UK should not permanently rule out joining the euro and called for the party to adopt a less ‘defensive’ stance on the EU.

LEIPZIG zookeepers found out the sex of their two-month-old baby gorilla and gave him a name after weeks of waiting for an opportunity to examine the animal.

Pups released

Even busier

Street opening

EIGHT seal pups separated from their mothers

by December storms have been released back into the wild at Winterton-on-Sea in Norfolk.

BRITAIN’S busiest railway stations are becoming ever more crowded, according to figures. The 10 busiest stations reported an increase in passengers from April 2012 to March 2013.

THE central Berlin street home to the British Embassy could be opened to traffic again after 11 years, with politicians putting pressure on security officials to remove the bollards.

SWEDEN - Swedish police retracted a statement that an eightyear-old in Stockholm was selling narcotics, part of a network of underage couriers.

Wettest winter SEAL PUPS: Released back into the wild.

Dirty cop NORWAY - One of Oslo’s top undercover policemen was charged with gross corruption after a local drug kingpin said he made regular protection payments to him.

Too cold NORWAY - British soldiers are avoiding doing exercises at the Allied Training Centre in Porsangmoen, Norway’s most northerly military base because they can’t stand the cold.

Still growing DENMARK - Biologists in Denmark have discovered the world’s largest oyster, measuring in at nearly 14 inches long, and say that the giant mollusc is not done growing yet.

New setting

Protecting children

THE likely setting for the fifth instalment of the Assassin’s Creed videogame is Russia, according to reports about the game which is due to be released this year.

RUSSIA is moving towards banning children from taking part in beauty pageants, a step which has already been taken by France.

BANNED: No more beauty pageants for children.

Mostly smartphones

Solo hike

MOBILE operator Tele2 Russia said that smartphones accounted for 24 per cent of devices connected to its network at the end of 2013, and 58 per cent had the Android OS.

AN Italian man, 28, who lost his sight in a 2009 parachute accident, said he plans to backpack solo through Russia this month.

Ban still on

Military ready

THE head of Russia’s Federal Drug Control Service called marihuana a dangerous drug and said authorities did not plan to legalise it, or allow methadone treatment for heroin addicts.

PERSONNEL of the real estate department of RABO bank didn’t get bonuses over 2013 because of poor results. Bonuses of executives were cut by 40 to 70 per cent.

A HANDICAPPED man in a

IT has been the wettest winter in the UK since records began almost 250 years ago, new figures from the Met Office show.

RUSSIAN PRESS

Culture shock

Litter fine

GERMAN

PRESS Baby boy

BRITISH PRESS Museum donation

EUROPEAN PRESS

BRITISH households face possible power shortages and soaring energy bills as a result of Russia’s decision to place its military on alert for war over the situation in Ukraine.

DUTCH PRESS wheelchair in the city of Groningen was fined €140 for accidentally losing a receipt in front of a supermarket.

Nuclear summit THE Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), where 58 world leaders

gather in The Hague on March 24 and 25, costs €24 million, security costs not included.

migrants could have dramatic consequences on Rotterdam’s society.

Migrant fear

Cold case

ROTTERDAM Mayor Aboutaleb fears that a massive influx of Bulgarian and Romanian

A COLD CASE team of Dutch police arrested a 47-year-old, nicknamed Tattoo-Piet, who

Highest hotel DEVELOPERS revealed plans to build Germany’s highest hotel rising 175 metres above the city in Berlin. It will boast 814 rooms on 46 floors.

Weed criticism GERMAN researchers who claimed in a study that cannabis can be deadly have faced criticism for exaggerating the dangers of marihuana.

Shirts off GERMAN sports giant Adidas removed two World Cup t-shirts from sale following complaints from hosts Brazil that they were promoting prostitution.

Best ratings FIVE German universities made it into the top 20 world rankings by subject area, listings revealed.

Physics and languages emerged on top.

allegedly had slain a couple 16 years ago. More arrests are expected.

Technical women MORE women are choosing to study technical careers in The Netherlands attracted by a better image and better paid jobs. The figures have increased 44.9 per cent since 2008.

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E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

MALLORCA

Sad loss A CHILD, five, died in a house in Porreres, which caught fire for reasons as yet unknown. Two adults and four children had to be treated at the scene.

www.euroweeklynews.com

News from our editions With six editions and read by more than half a million people, EWN is Spain’s largest free local English-language newspaper

NEWS DESK AXARQUIA

Fire meeting THE Motril Security Committee met last week to analyse whether a fire that recently burnt part of a local park is linked with other fires registered in the town.

Students’ demo

Pedal day

SOME 300 students demonstrated in the streets of Palma asking for a public and free access to university.

SOME 2,200 people took part in the 26th Pedal Day held last Friday in Nerja. Joaquin Alonso, an 81-year-old local was given the prize for the oldest participant.

Biker dies

Job offer

A MOTORCYCLIST, aged 51, died as a consequence of the injuries he sustained after he accidentally went off the road connecting Llucmajor with Porreres.

Angry customer A JEWELLER from Manacor had to call police when a drunk client got angry after the woman refused to reduce the price of a pair of earrings.

No remedy A DRUG addict who was taken to the Palma police court for his involvement in a robbery was arrested after he allegedly stole a worker’s mobile phone when leaving the premises.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Kiosk contracts THE contract for operating the beach kiosks of Torrevieja this summer has been put out to tender. Interested parties have until March 18 to apply for the concession extendible for four years.

Online ease RESIDENTS in Almoradi can now renew their padron and download other official documents via a new website from the town hall; almoradi.sedeelectronica.es

Night cover EMERGENCY night time cover has resumed at Bigastro’s health centre, with residents in Jacarilla and Benejuzar also covered in off peak times.

Centre confusion RESIDENTS in Camposol are campaigning for hot water in their social centre.

Residents say they are confused as to if the building on the urbanisation is a social or culture centre but say it is inadequate for either job.

Mobility vehicle A NEW specially adapted vehicle costing €37,000 has been provided by Mazarron

NICOLAS CASTAN, a Torrox publicist whose video CV got more than 50,000 views on YouTube, has been offered a job in Malaga.

The 25-year-old had moved to Cataluña looking for better chances to get a job.

LIVING HELL: A local charity is on standby to rescue the horses.

20 horses are in a ‘living hell’ A LOCAL expatriate run animal charity is on standby for the mass rescue of 20 horses from a ‘living hell.’

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) centre in Rojales is currently working closely with other animal welfare agencies to remove the animals from a premises in Callosa

de Segura in what has been described as a “living hell.”

The case has even drawn attention from British MEP Arlene McCarthy who contacted the Animal Welfare Intergroup of the European Parliament. Speaking to the Euro Weekly News she said: “After hearing of the horrendous and

Town Hall. It will help transport those attending the children’s development centre and day centre for people with disabilities.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Crime wave ebbs EIGHTEEN crimes were reported in Teulada last January, a 63 per cent reduction compared to January 2013.

Reported misdemeanours fell by 37.5 per cent from 24 to 15.

Cut-price A SQUATTER who occupied an apartment for a fortnight was fined €150 by a Benidorm court. The owner complained that this was cheaper than paying rent and would encourage more squatters.

pitiful conditions, in conjunction with Spanish organisation ANDA and the European Parliament Intergroup, we wrote to the Council for Agriculture of Alicante and asked them to take action.

“I have always worked to ensure that animal welfare has remained a priority for the EU.”

Tall story A MOROCCAN who threw a bound and gagged 60-year-old man from a secondfloor window in Villajoyosa received a fiveyear sentence. The high court rejected his claims that the man jumped of his own accord.

Market go-ahead MUCHAMIEL’S planned open-air Sunday market will go ahead, the town hall confirmed. It is listening to local objections by banning fast food takeaways as this offer already exists, sources said.

Easy terms OLIVA residents can now pay local taxes in instalments. All households paying a total of more than €300 a year are eligible, with a 3 per cent reduction for payment by standing order.

Traffic jam WORK in the Rules Bridge connecting the Tropical coast with Granada City caused tailbacks of up to three kilometres on the way to Motril during the weekend.

Appeal dismissed A MALAGA court has dismissed an appeal

by Azucarera Larios to stop the work to build the access road to the future fire station of Nerja. The sugar company argued that part of the road was being built on land of their property.

COSTA DEL SOL

Wanted man A DUTCHMAN, aged 60, who was wanted by the authorities in Belgium, was arrested

by National Police in Mijas.

Sexual favours THE former Chief Inspector of Ronda National Police has been sentenced to pay a fine of €1,560 for turning a blind eye to illegal immigration in exchange for sex.

Sticky fingers THE President of a Residents’ Community in Fuengirola has been sentenced to a year in prison for keeping €8,351 which he had been given by the community to pay bills.

Beach death A WOMAN, 77, died on Malapesquera Beach in Benalmadena. Her body was found floating in the water, five metres from the shore.

Protest march THE family of a girl, aged 14, who died last year when she fell into a water channel in Alora organised a protest march to reopen the case and cover the area.

22

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Residents concern over influx of illegal immigrants ALMOST 215 illegal subSaharan immigrants entered the Spanish enclave of Melilla, in North Africa, in the largest group to get over the border fence since 2005.

The fence at the frontier between Melilla and Morocco and the BeniEnzar customs point have in recent weeks been the scenes of many confrontations between Guardia Civil and illegal immigrants attempting to enter Spanish territory.

The immigrants are reportedly extremely aggressive and have been throwing stones, sticks, bottles and other items at the Guardia Civil. On this occasion there were more than 400 present in the

two areas, although only 214 managed to get over the fence. The customs point had to be closed for half an hour following the events.

One officer was hit by a stick while helping an immigrant who was stuck on top of the fence, six metres high.

The immigrant was arrested for assaulting an officer of the law.

Most of the immigrants were later taken to the centre in Melilla, which is full to overflowing and now requires tents and bunk beds provided by the army.

The centre is supposed to hold 480 people, and now there are close to 1,400.

MELILLA: Residents are concerned about the recent influx of immigrants.

Those who had got in to Spanish territory rejoiced by shouting football

chants and words such as ‘libertad’ (freedom), ‘viva España’ and ‘Madrid,’

consequently waking residents in the area at around 6am. Residents of

Melilla are concerned by the recent influx of illegal immigrants.

New report points to a natural death A MAN has spent 16 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, but experts believe she may have died of natural causes.

In 1995, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend in Vizcaya.

She was found dead one morning, and an autopsy ruled that she had been suffocated.

He always maintained his innocence, and recent advances in legal medicine led him to ask for a new expert report two years ago. The results have encouraged his lawyers to bring a case against three Supreme Court judges who they believe know that he is innocent and are keeping him in prison anyway.

The results point to the young woman having died from myocarditis, a series of diseases characterised by inflammation of the heart and which can cause sudden death in SIX people were arrested in Huelva for offering young people. money to youths in a park in exchange for sex.

The man’s lawyers The detainees, aged between 33 and 74, most of have asked the Supreme them with prior arrests and criminal records, were Court to evaluate the caught by National Police approaching youths aged new evidence. In the between 15 and 17 while they were walking or time he has been in sitting in the park and offering them between €10 prison, he has staged and €15 for sex. two hunger strikes.

They did this at dusk at a park near the city Now, he says he centre, close to a large shopping centre. doesn’t want a pardon One of the men was also allegedly caught doing or any other benefits, the same thing to youngsters walking to school. and remains in prison They have all been charged with prostitution of until he is acquitted of minors. the crime.

Detained offering money to children for sex

24

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

SAFE: Medgaz pipeline that lands in Almeria means no gas shortage for Spain

Gas supplies safe in Spain despite crisis SPAIN’S foreign minister said the political crisis in the Ukraine would have no affect on the country’s gas supply and criticised the European Union for not looking at alternative supplies in northern Africa.

A confrontation with Russia over developments in the Ukraine would have “very serious consequences” for energy security in Europe, said Spain’s foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo in comments made after an emergency meeting of EU ministers in Brussels.

Margallo joined the EU in condemning ‘acts of aggression’ by Russia in their decision to deploy troops in Crimea and also joined the EU in calling for Russian

troops to return to barracks. Margallo went on to highlight the need for dialogue with Russia over the Ukraine crisis saying the two parties were “condemned to come to an understanding.”

He highlighted the fact the Ukraine relied on Russia for ‘all’ of its gas, while Europe received some 35 per cent of its supplies from Russia. Europe had been ‘miopic’ in not “guaranteeing the interconnection between Spain and the rest of Europe” with supplies from Algeria and northern Africa, said the minister.

Opinions are divided on whether and to what extent Europe’s gas supplies are threatened by the crisis in the Ukraine.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

inance F A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

business & legal

Profits should be seen in 2014

UNPROFITABLE Iberia could soon be out of the red.

Cabin crews have now joined pilots in agreeing to measures aimed at increasing productivity, said London-based IAG. The latest agreement keeps the 14 per cent pay cut for flight attendants and a wage freeze until 2015. A 4 per cent reduction introduced after earlier

productivity talks collapsed, has been discarded.

Although more than 3,000 jobs have been lost since BA and Iberia merged to form IAG, Europe’s third-largest airline has pursued long-term changes at Iberia parallel to redundancies and elimination of money-losing short-haul routes.

Iberia should be in profit in 2014, a key

Nuclear firm is hard to woo NUCLENOR, owner of the Garoña nuclear power station, faces a €30 million fine.

The plant ceased activities at the end of 2012 but by shutting down seven months early it incurred the wrath of the CNMV, Spain’s stock market regulator.

Nuclenor, the joint property of Endesa and Iberdrola, has been under scrutiny since the beginning of last year, admitted Iberdrola in its annual company accounts registered with the CNMV. Nuclenor is contesting the fine, arguing that nuclear power stations are not subject to ‘habitual commercial procedures’ but answers

to Spain’s nuclear safety council, the CSN. The plant would prove too costly to run, Nuclenor decided in 2012, following safety measures introduced after the 2011 Fukushima tsunami disaster. These would have required a €100 million investment in the 43-year-old plant, coupled with a €152 million increase in fuel costs.

Nuclenor shut down the reactor in December 2012 instead of continuing until its licence expired in July 2013.

The Spanish government recently offered to renew Nuclenor’s licence but the company responded by saying it would “think about it.”

B

usiness extra

Tough medicine BARCELONA-based Almirall made a €33.7 million loss last year after registering profits of €76.4 million in 2012.

The pharmaceuticals company had to allocate €80.3 million to restructuring in Spain and abroad.

Late payers REPSOL accepted $5 billion (€3.650 billion) in guaranteed Argentine government bonds for its 51 per cent holding in YPF seized. In return it will drop legal claims to the energy company seized in 2012.

The €100 million player BARCELONA FC paid Hacienda €13.5 million following accusations of irregularities over Neymar’s contract.

They have committed no offence, Barça insisted. The club made the payment merely ‘to cover eventual interpretations’ of all the contracts linked to the Brazilian forward’s signing.

Barça was convinced its fiscal obligations were fulfilled from the outset, said Josep Maria Bartomeu who substituted defenestrated Sandro Rosell as club president.

Barcelona acted lawfully when signing Neymar and owed nothing, Bartomeu stressed. When Rosell left, the club admitted that Neymar had cost a total of €86.2 million.

25

STAT OF WEEK ONLY one Spanish company is included amongst the world’s 20 best dividend-payers. This is Santander, ranked eighth in 2012 but now ninth after the incorporation of Apple.

SENOHRABEK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Iberia out of red soon

EWN

SHORT HAUL: Money-losing routes were eliminated.

turnaround to IAG plans for an operating profit of €1.8 billion by 2015.

The pilots’ union Sepla acceded to IAG’s

terms on February 13 and only agreement with ground staff is still pending, said Iberia chairman and CEO Luis Gallego.

26

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 3

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 373.60 Admiral Group PLC 1415.50 Aggreko PLC 1544.50 AMEC PLC 1107.50 Anglo American PLC 1478.75 Antofagasta PLC 882.75 ARM Holdings PLC 985.50 Ashtead Group PLC 846.50 Associated British Foods 2970.50 AstraZeneca PLC 3993.75 Aviva PLC 460.00 Babcock Interntnl Gr... 1429.50 BAE Systems PLC 409.65 Barclays PLC 247.85 BG Group PLC 1083.50 BHP Billiton PLC 1904.50 BP PLC 492.93 British Amercn Tobacco 3210.75

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -16.90 -4.33 -18.00 -1.25 -14.00 -0.90 -16.00 -1.42 -52.50 -3.43 -18.00 -2.00 -24.00 -2.38 -30.00 -3.42 -28.00 -0.93 -90.00 -2.20 -13.70 -2.89 -41.00 -2.79 -1.40 -0.34 -4.25 -1.69 -4.50 -0.41 -23.50 -1.22 -11.50 -2.28 -39.50 -1.22

NET VOLUME 7,250.10 532.98 1,541.42 1,189.96 6,800.57 4,806.79 3,209.16 2,260.93 959.29 2,941.74 5,811.75 886.65 8,653.34 53,499.78 6,501.07 6,625.05 38,155.53 4,035.93

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0.82422

Units per €

US dollar.................................................................1.37594 Japan yen ..............................................................139.547 Switzerland franc................................................1.21260 Denmark kroner..................................................7.46271 Norway kroner ....................................................8.31282

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

PRICE(P)

British Land Co PLC British Sky Broadcasting BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Carnival PLC

688.75 932.50 402.10 1543.50 1512.50 1114.00 2382.50

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 3

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 3

C O M PA N Y MMM 3M Co AXP American Express Co T AT&T Inc BA Boeing Co CAT Caterpillar Inc CVX Chevron Corp CSCO Cisco Systems Inc DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil Corp GE General Electric Co GS Goldman Sachs Group Inc HD Home Depot Inc INTC Intel Corp IBM International Business Machine...

JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase and Co MCD McDonald's Corp MRK Merck & Co Inc MSFT Microsoft Corp NKE Nike Inc PFE Pfizer Inc PG Procter & Gamble Co KO The Coca-Cola Co TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc DIS Walt Disney Co

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 132.20 89.64 31.82 127.49 95.89 114.73 21.47 65.83 95.22 25.05 164.01 81.54 24.46 183.31 91.01 55.95 94.17 56.23 37.67 77.16 31.93 77.49 38.07 83.03 116.53 76.85 47.29 221.64 74.00 79.16

-2.53 -1.64 -0.10 -1.43 -1.08 -0.60 -0.33 -0.79 -1.05 -0.41 -2.44 -0.49 -0.30 -1.86 -1.11 -0.87 -0.98 -0.76 -0.64 -1.14 -0.18 -1.17 -0.135 -0.81 -0.49 -0.42 -0.29 -4.30 -0.70 -1.65

-1.88% -1.80% -0.33% -1.11% -1.11% -0.52% -1.54% -1.19% -1.09% -1.63% -1.47% -0.60% -1.21% -1.00% -1.20% -1.53% -1.04% -1.33% -1.67% -1.46% -0.56% -1.49% -0.35% -0.97% -0.42% -0.54% -0.61% -1.90% -0.94% -2.04%

3.2M 4.7M 43.5M 4.4M 5.4M 6.9M 40.9M 4.7M 12.7M 29.5M 4.3M 7.2M 23.5M 4.7M 9.6M 10.8M 2.7M 4.8M 14.4M 1.8M 12.7M 4.1M 9.3M 896.9K 1.4M 2.1M 42.5M 2.2M 2.9M 4.7M

1.21326

C O M PA N Y

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -8.50 -8.50 -7.50 -30.00 -30.00 -26.00 -81.00

-1.22 -0.90 -1.83 -1.91 -1.95 -2.28 -3.29

NET VOLUME 2,242.34 2,690.34 20,206.97 459.76 1,157.77 2,613.31 1,502.42

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. $ 4.74 Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. $ 23.66 China BAK Battery, Inc. $ 3.71 Hong Kong Highpower Technology $ 5.18 Federated National Holding Company $ 15.88 Maxwell Technologies, Inc. $ 10.21 Sky-mobi Limited $ 7.20 RMG Networks Holding Corporation $ 6.03 Arotech Corporation $ 3.41 The9 Limited $ 2.80 Burcon Nutrascience Corp $ 3.09

2.03 ▲ 74.91% 4.46 ▲ 23.23% 0.69 ▲ 22.85% 0.96 ▲ 22.75% 2.15 ▲ 15.66% 1.35 ▲ 15.24% 0.92 ▲ 14.65% 0.7601 ▲ 14.42% 0.41 ▲ 13.67% 0.33 ▲ 13.36% 0.3524 ▲ 12.87%

Most Advanced

Most Declined Intermolecular, Inc. Endologix, Inc. American Public Education, Inc. Compugen Ltd. Medivation, Inc. Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Clean Energy Fuels Corp.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation Cempra, Inc. Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.

$ 2.65 $ 13.50 $ 35.42 $ 11.34 $ 71.91 $ 24.70 $ 14.80 $ 8.37 $ 74.35 $ 11.39 $ 14.09

1.20 ▼ 31.17% 4.37 ▼ 24.45% 10.83 ▼ 23.42% 2.86 ▼ 20.14% 12.61 ▼ 14.92% 4.15 ▼ 14.38% 2.41 ▼ 14.00% 1.33 ▼ 13.71% 10.32 ▼ 12.19% 1.58 ▼ 12.18% 1.93 ▼ 12.05%

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y Centrica PLC Coca-Cola HBC AG Compass Group PLC CRH PLC Diageo PLC easyJet PLC Experian PLC Fresnillo PLC G4S PLC GKN PLC GlaxoSmithKline PLC Glencore Xstrata PLC Hammerson PLC Hargreaves Lansdown HSBC Holdings PLC IMI PLC Imperial Tobacco Group InterContinental Hotels International Consoldtd Intertek Group PLC ITV PLC Johnson Matthey PLC Kingfisher PLC Land Securities Group Legal & General Group Lloyds Banking Group London Stock Exchange Marks & Spencer Group Meggitt PLC Melrose Industries PLC Mondi PLC National Grid PLC Next PLC Old Mutual PLC Pearson PLC Persimmon PLC Petrofac Ltd Prudential PLC Randgold Resources Reckitt Benckiser Reed Elsevier PLC Resolution Ltd REXAM PLC Rio Tinto PLC Rolls-Royce Holdings Royal Bank of Scotland Royal Dutch Shell PLC Royal Mail PLC RSA Insurance Group SABMiller PLC Sage Group (The) PLC Sainsbury (J) PLC Schroders PLC Severn Trent PLC Shire PLC Smith & Nephew PLC Smiths Group PLC Sports Direct Internatnl SSE PLC Standard Chartered Standard Life PLC Tate & Lyle PLC Tesco PLC Travis Perkins PLC TUI Travel PLC Tullow Oil PLC Unilever PLC United Utilities Group Vodafone Group PLC Weir Group PLC Whitbread PLC William Hill PLC Wm Morrison Wolseley PLC WPP PLC

PRICE(P) 313.45 1443.00 937.75 1710.50 1842.25 1675.50 1078.00 969.75 232.55 392.80 1663.75 326.12 570.75 1366.50 622.50 1492.50 2419.00 1901.00 422.40 2971.50 195.90 3185.00 390.25 1070.50 236.95 81.31 1994.50 499.90 495.70 319.25 1072.50 826.00 6647.50 194.85 1023.00 1432.50 1348.50 1341.00 4947.50 4869.50 897.25 369.50 487.15 3350.00 999.50 321.75 2302.75 596.00 93.60 2891.75 422.70 337.35 2587.50 1825.50 3293.00 935.75 1343.50 799.00 1394.50 1251.75 378.95 630.50 322.88 1903.00 438.35 788.50 2398.50 779.75 243.65 2508.00 4380.50 379.05 230.95 3448.00 1254.50

CHANGE -5.70 -43.00 -6.50 -51.00 -36.50 -46.00 -3.00 18.50 -5.10 -12.70 -7.50 -2.95 -4.00 -30.00 -7.10 -30.00 -16.00 -44.00 -14.20 29.00 -5.80 -75.00 -3.70 -16.00 -3.40 -1.26 -31.00 -3.60 -9.10 -9.70 -22.00 -8.00 -85.00 -2.40 10.00 -15.00 -20.00 -15.00 206.00 -39.00 -18.00 -8.20 -6.30 -82.00 1.00 -6.30 -21.00 -6.00 -3.70 -34.00 -8.90 -5.40 -124.00 -24.00 -23.00 -17.00 -25.00 -8.00 -7.00 -13.00 -11.00 -11.50 -6.55 -51.00 -9.50 -10.50 -46.00 0.50 -5.45 -62.00 -109.00 -19.10 -4.80 -33.00 -54.00

% C H G. VOLUME -1.79 15,670.07 -2.90 252.46 -0.69 4,021.67 -2.89 2,187.80 -1.94 3,210.25 -2.67 1,390.04 -0.28 2,246.44 1.94 1,552.04 -2.15 2,643.98 -3.13 7,524.00 -0.45 6,327.43 -0.90 27,223.67 -0.70 1,147.29 -2.15 901.40 -1.13 30,465.72 -1.97 637.74 -0.66 2,134.33 -2.27 940.41 -3.25 10,233.10 0.99 702.21 -2.87 10,143.36 -2.30 361.79 -0.94 4,544.58 -1.47 1,404.16 -1.41 19,246.16 -1.53 146,507.50 -1.53 342.70 -0.71 2,820.62 -1.81 1,888.20 -2.96 2,038.95 -2.01 3,025.63 -0.96 7,597.22 -1.26 284.15 -1.22 14,181.33 0.99 4,528.02 -1.04 1,440.28 -1.46 1,027.85 -1.11 5,346.64 4.34 1,149.10 -0.79 1,014.00 -1.97 3,640.21 -2.17 3,254.38 -1.28 2,951.98 -2.39 4,693.07 0.10 7,908.82 -1.92 13,719.08 -0.90 5,061.26 -1.00 2,550.43 -3.80 72,692.83 -1.16 2,304.72 -2.06 1,679.56 -1.58 10,374.48 -4.57 325.80 -1.30 711.01 -0.69 4,383.41 -1.79 2,340.69 -1.83 869.68 -0.99 564.34 -0.50 3,293.04 -1.03 6,477.62 -2.82 3,838.71 -1.79 2,162.74 -1.99 12,696.31 -2.61 617.54 -2.12 1,379.94 -1.31 3,214.25 -1.88 2,436.59 0.06 2,353.12 -2.19 77,580.46 -2.42 1,212.15 -2.43 554.33 -4.80 7,100.85 -2.04 9,498.47 -0.95 513.47 -4.13 10,282.40

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

EWN

27

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Great British Pound continues to strengthen THE pound is currently the darling of the currency markets and is outperforming its major currency peers. Recently the improvement in UK economic growth and falling unemployment have driven appetite for the pound as expectations of an interest rate increase have risen.

Mark Carney gave the pound a further leg up through the Bank of England’s quarterly inflation report in which the BoE upgraded their growth forecast for 2014 from 2.8 per cent to 3.4 per cent and hence back to levels witnessed in 2007. In addition the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have also recently upgraded the UK growth forecast giving the pound additional support.

The BoE governor Mark Carney has attempted to reassure us that interest rates are not set to increase in the near future,

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

however, the markets are not convinced and are pricing in a rate rise sooner than anticipated by the BoE. Importantly it is now becoming more likely that the UK could hike interest rates before major economies such as the US and Europe and this is really giving the pound momentum.

UK economic data will continue to come under the spotlight and continued outperformance will raise expectations of the first rate hike to come before the current expectation of spring 2015.

However, in the latter half of February we witnessed a few data releases that disappointed with unemployment ticking back

ECONOMIC DATA: Has been mixed, but leaning to the positive. up slightly to 7.1 per cent from 7.2 per cent and retail sales much weaker than expected. Inflation also fell to 1.9 per cent which takes some sting out of the hawks cry for an early rate rise so ongoing data releases will be key.

In the Eurozone economic data has been mixed but leaning to positive. Business growth in the Eurozone eased off slightly in

February, the latest Eurozone (PMI) fell to 52.7 from 52.9 in January. However, the economy has continued to grow at a healthy pace. In Germany, strong demand meant that companies saw activity and new orders grow at the fastest pace since June 2011, while job creation was at the fastest rate since January 2012. But in France, the rate of

decline in business activity picked up, with firms continuing to cut jobs.

Overall, when looking at the pounds performance against the euro the pound is nicely positioned. As the Bank of England starts to turn more hawkish it is evident that the European Central Bank will need to ease further in the coming months.

Inflation has fallen sharply in the Euro area and this is raising pressure for the European Central Bank to do more. We could see a further interest rate cut and the introduction of negative interest rates or confirmation of full blown Quantitative Easing.

This should keep the euro under pressure and with the ‘Carney Effect’ boosting the pound the outlook is promising for the rest of 2014 and we could see a move back over 1.25.

Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca.

Telephone: UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 Email: euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com • www.currenciesdirect.com

Spain ordered to return €13 billion from illegal fuel tax THE Spanish government has been ordered to return the €13 billion it raised between 2002 and 2011 from a tax on fuels to finance the health system.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) demanded it after ruling that the tax, known as ‘centimo sanitario’ (health cent), was illegal.

The tax was introduced in 2002 to help the Spanish regions finance the back then newly-transferred competences in the field of health.

In January 2013, the tax was integrated into the excise duty on mineral oils to comply with the European Union law.

The ECJ declared the tax illegal arguing it didn’t have a specific purpose, and therefore going against EU legislation.

According to the court, the fact that the revenue from the tax had to be allocated to covering health expenditure was a matter of budget organisation, and not sufficient for it to be considered as specific.

FUEL TAX: Was used illegally to finance the health system.

The court added that for it to be legal, the health cent tax would have had to be directed at protecting health and environment as a result of the damage caused by fossil fuels.

The case arose after a haulage company from Cataluña filed a complaint against the tax to its regional High Court.

The company argued it had paid €45,632.38 in respect of the tax

from 2005 to 2008. The Catalan High Court asked the ECJ whether the health cent was compatible with the EU legislation, to which it replied declaring it illegal.

The ECJ also rejected a petition by both the Spanish and Catalan governments to limit the effects of the ruling, considering they didn’t act in good faith for maintaining the tax into force for 10 years.

That’s the way the money goes!

ONE euro in every four does a disappearing act in Spain. That elusive €1 is either undeclared or concealed from Spain’s tax authority, Hacienda.

It will have been earned illegally or in morally unacceptable circumstances, owing to the inescapable reality that more than 24 per cent of Spain’s economy is submerged.

“The figure has increased over the years, particularly since the crisis,” explained Jordi Sardá, Economics lecturer at Tarragona’s Rovira i Virgili University.

“It makes complete sense because with the current unemployment rate there would be social conflict otherwise,” Sarda commented.

The 24 per cent estimate is easily arrived-at, he said.

“You take a variable like cash in circulation and

compare it with other variables like the tax burden.” Hacienda also takes this into account when tracking down tax fraud, Sarda added.

Tax inspectors use discrepancies between consumption and tax declarations to flag up fraud, agreed Jose Maria Mollinedo, secretary general of tax officials’ union Gestha.

Inconsistencies come to light because computer cross-referencing increasingly identifies potential swindlers.

Not only businesses and banks are obliged to inform Hacienda about their earnings. Information is now gleaned from notaries.

Electricity bills are scrutinised, as are building licences from town halls.

“We are gathering information all the time,” Mollinedo warned.

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Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

W

HAT do you do when you are on the lookout for a potential partner? Buy a sexy new little black dress?

Visit the hairdressers to get your locks looking stunning thanks to the hands of a professional?

Or maybe just slap on some new ruby red lipstick courtesy of one of your favourite make-up brands?

All these things will indeed make you feel more attractive, but they will also cost you a pretty penny to acquire. So guess what, here’s some good news for all you ladies that are looking for love, but don’t want to spend a fortune getting there!

Being budget-savvy - or even cheap - will make you more attractive to potential mates, according to a new study.

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Being cheap has never been so sexy

DINING OUT: In real life, having self-control over saving money is more appealing.

Romantic movies would have us believe that dinners out, spontaneous romantic weekend trips to Paris and other extravagant treats are what dating is all about, but in real life, however, it seems

sex appeal comes in the form of having the selfcontrol to save your money.

According to the researchers, big-spending tactics can backfire, as forking out on things like

flashy watches or purses can be perceived as wasteful and lacking in self-control.

Whereas, using coupons or waiting for the sale may be wildly attractive, as these qualities can show that

you’re resourceful and have a strategy. Hence, good characteristics for a potential mate.

In fact, the results of a recent survey showed that more than one-quarter of adult daters have used a coupon on a first date, and 73 per cent of those surveyed said they would continue dating someone who used a coupon to save money on their outing.

The fact we are slowly crawling out of a recession could have impacted the results of this particular study.

Regardless, it’s nice to know that being cheap can be attractive too. Why spend a fortune on a first date when you can show off your financial tact with a little bit of sexy frugality!

BUSINESS EXTRA

Down the drain HOUSEHOLDERS can pay up to 440 per cent more for water, depending on where they live. Three hundred cubic metres of water cost €1,393 in Barcelona, but €258 in Guadalajara.

Last-ditch PRODUCTION company Zinkia, which makes the Pocoyo children’s television series, miscalculated its pre-tax predictions by 90 per cent. The company president did not rule out bankruptcy proceedings but left it “in God’s hands.”

No agreement GIJON Council has decided to withdraw a sponsorship agreement worth between €50,000 and €70,000 with Coca-Cola as a way to protest against the company’s decision to close its bottling plant in the city.

Can a husband and wife both hold Community office?

Q. I am the president of a Community of 365 villas and apartments. The You and the urbanisation is mainly seasonal with Law in Spain fewer than 10 per cent of the properties

By David Searl having permanent residents. We struggle to get enough volunteers to form a committee. Last year it was four permanent residents and two part-timers who helped when they visited. Two of the permanent committee were myself and my wife who has been a member for the last six years. Last year I was told by our Administrator that two people from the same property may not be on the committee. It is against the law. Can you tell me if this is correct?

Your book, which has been very helpful in the past, has no mention of this subject. The answer is very important to me, as volunteers are thin on the ground and I need all the help I can get.

P.H. (Costa Blanca) A. Your Administrator is quite right. Each property in the Community is considered as one unit and so only one member can represent that unit.

This is not specified in the Horizontal Law but it is a

well-established principle.

However, in real life, principles are sometimes stretched. A Community of 365 units is a major responsibility. If the AGM continues to elect you as President and your wife as

a Committee member, the supreme authority of the Community is satisfied. If anyone objects, let them take the job.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

ELECTRICITY REFORMS: Have been a costly business.

Ibedrola makes its excuses IGNACIO SANCHEZ GALAN, Iberdrola president, did some fast talking not long ago.

Earlier he had apparently hit out at the Spanish government’s emergency policies while announcing a reduction in Iberdrola’s Spanish investments.

Speaking in London during the presentation of the company’s 2013 results, he announced a €9.6 billion investment, principally in the UK, the US, Mexico and Brazil, over the next three years.

The company’s Spanish investment would drop to €1.5 billion, 15 per cent of the total.

“Iberdrola feels more British, Mexican and American than Spanish,” Sanchez

Galan commented. The Iberdrola chief afterwards told an Onda Cero interviewer that he was misinterpreted.

“I feel proud to be Spanish and it hurts me when analysts speak badly of Spain’s energy sector regulation,” he said “We were talking about Iberdrola, not Spain; we were referring to our business.”

Over the last year he has continually taken part in international forums to defend the Spanish brand.

Rajoy’s government has embarked on reforms that were badly needed for years, he insisted. However, electricity sector reforms have already cost Iberdrola €800 million and could this year rise to €1.3 billion.

OPINION & COMMENT

Fight back don’t let the phone companies win HAVING read of other people’s bad experiences dealing with the ever-powerful phone companies I thought I would share some positive news for a change.

I signed a contract with Movistar on a Wednesday afternoon in Ondara. On my return home I was called and texted by my previous provider Orange, who suddenly decided I was their favourite client.

They offered me a better deal, keeping my mobile with them and transferring ADSL and fixed line from Movistar on a cheaper package. When I phoned Movistar office next day to advise them, the phone switched to fax.

I finally got through to be told I was too late to change my mind; I only had up till 2pm that same day and had to visit in person. Movistar would fine me €190 for breaking the contract. Twenty-four hours after signing it? Charming.

Thursday evening I sent Movistar a fax, confirming cancellation. Friday morning Movistar, against my specific wishes, ‘took’ my mobile over.

After various visits, phone calls and some six weeks of stress and aggravation I was able to sort out the transfer from Movistar.

Then Movistar took €190 from my bank account.

I went back, requested and completed the Reclamation Form they are legally obliged to supply to customers. Benissa FROB office (same premises as OMIC) prepared a resume of the saga and gave me a file number.

Everything was sent off to Alicante who promptly dealt with Movistar on my behalf and I have just been advised that Movistar have repaid the 190 euros. Result!

Do not let them get away with it. Fight your corner. OMIC (the Consumer Protection Office) and Servicio Territorial de Comerc i Consum in Alicante

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

Letters YOURSAY@EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com, posted to Euro Weekly News, C/Moscatel 10, P-62, Polígono Industrial, Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 Benalmadena, Málaga, Spain or faxed to 0034 952 440 887

Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com

IT’S carnival time and you are never too old to have fun.

A lady from one of the groups at Benalmadena Carnival had a great sense of humour and a performance to match.

Ernie Barnes, (By email)

EWN

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immediately went back to the town hall and presented the paperwork and asked them to check that it was on their records so that I would not receive a bill for the Road Tax. I had been informed I would have to pay a percentage, as it runs from January to December, which of course was acceptable.

Imagine my astonishment when I was informed I would still have to pay the full road tax. Apparently I had paid out good money for a completely useless piece of paper!

I would be extremely grateful if anyone can explain why this particular form, which does absolutely nothing but cost money, should exist.

Gill Nickson, Albox (Almeria).

A fair point are there to help you if you have a just complaint.

Sheila Skinner El Moreral, Parcent (Alicante)

Profit-makers A SPLENDID gesture from Cassie Alcaide who paid €162 to put a stray kitten out of its misery (Issue 1495).

Thankfully not all vets are so mercenary. I appreciate that she could not ‘shop around’ in the circumstances, but although they have businesses to run, there are others with kinder hearts who are content to make smaller profits. A year ago I was charged only €78 to have an elderly cat put to sleep, and this was done gently and with compassion.

Deirdre Baxter (By email)

Bring Beeb back AS a partial expat spending five months per year in Spain, I note that there has been a rather restrained response to the loss of UK television in southern Spain, your cartoon in this week’s edition notwithstanding.

I wonder whether the UK government realise the calibre of the shell that they used on their foot?

WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published.

Letters may also be edited.

Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:

www.euroweeklynews.com

Apart from the reported 150,000 expats affected, I am sure that many others in southern Europe will now tune to the Murd(och)ered version of UK news to replace the impartial BBC version.

Will Sky carry the party political broadcasts in the runup to next year’s election?

How many electors will be deprived of the party’s public explanation of their manifestos, the cost of broadcasting which will no doubt be justified by party HQ as vote-winning?

With the current forecast of another year’s gloomy weather, more and more pensioners can be expected to become partial expats, returning to the UK just in time to vote.

In view of the current policies of all parties to slam the pensioners, it won’t be the current bunch that attract the votes, especially after Sky and

the Sun/Mail have mauled their manifestos!

Michael Warren (By email)

Heartfelt thanks JOSE RIVERO, from Crime Watch Spain who recently suffered a heart attack in Catral, wishes to thank all Vega Baja nurses and doctors who looked after him and cared for him so well.

He also wants to thank his Spanish language students and Crime Watch members who visited him during his 21 days in the hospital.

Jose Rivero, Crime Watch Spain

Worthless paper I HAVE an unusable car that I don’t want to scrap, but to keep for spare parts for my current car.

I know that in this situation in the UK you apply to DVLA for a SORN and thus you no longer have to pay road tax. So I enquired at Albox Town Hall and was told to apply to Trafico in Almeria for a Baja Temporal.

I employed a Gestor to do this and subsequently received the necessary paperwork.

Knowing communications are not always good here, I

THANKS for publishing my response to Mike Walsh’s enquiry about Spanish singers.

Now, unfortunately, there is a much more serious point to take up with him: The question of ‘Charity Inc’ in this week’s issue.

What he says is, of course, quite correct, but I think it is grossly unfair that he doesn’t make the point that not all (only most, it seems) are run by people ‘on the make’ like the CEO of UNICEF. He, I believe, takes more than twice as much as Mike quotes.

I think it very wrong that he doesn’t even mention the very minimal salary taken by the head of the Salvation Army. It is almost criminal that he fails to point out that Rotary and Lions Clubs put every penny/cent that they take into charities.

As a professional writer he must realise the importance of putting every side to a story.

It’s sad that he uses your journal to put such a one-sided view.

John Westood Tormos (Alicante) Editor’s note: Mike last week questioned the cynicism of some charities and the high life of some of their CEOs.

The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

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OPINION & COMMENT

Both sides must move on I

BELIEVE that Britain has, in the past, behaved abominably toward the Irish. They have watched them starve, turned parts of the country into penal colonies and slaughtered thousands of its innocent citizens.

Past British leaders have treated the Irish with an arrogant contempt that should make us all bow our heads in shame.

The outcome of all this has resulted in what is still a bitterly divided country, with so many immigrants living in its northern climes insisting that they are all British, that they, and successive British governments, still consider the six counties are actually part of the United Kingdom.

I digress. Bearing all this in mind I think the decision by Tony Blair, who quite rightly, is by now one of the most reviled politicians of modern times, to give the ‘get out of jail free’ card to evil John Downey and compatriots is a disgrace, I don’t intend to get into that debate, but what I really

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT BEAUTIFUL IRELAND: Get on with life. do feel most strongly is that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

If the majority of Irish republicans truly do want to put as much of their tragic history behind them as possible, it is imperative that the soldiers who took part in the Bloody Sunday tragedy are also given a complete pardon for their involvement.

These were frightened young men surrounded by hatred and revilement. Young men, who were dying by the day from an enemy who wore no uniforms and could have been anyone from a padre to the girl who invited them home.

Confronted by a raging mob of seething hatred and knowing they could all shortly be torn to

pieces, is it any wonder they simply ‘lost it’ and opened up?

No, I’m all for moving on, but the past has to be forgotten and forgiven by both sides, however difficult some of these decisions can understandably be. And while we are on this subject, I think that many Irish people still too frightened or unwilling to speak out, know exactly who fired the first shot on that fateful day! Let the whole sad time of the ‘troubles’ now RIP. The Irish are a wonderful bunch of folk. I should know, I married two of ‘em; and

thoroughly deserve a future of peace, love and happiness for their children’s children. So for heaven’s sake stop the marching and antagonising rhetoric, shake hands, have a glass of Guinness and get on with life in that beautiful country of yours. To be sure, to be sure.

Just found out my little David could be representing Spain in the coming European Karate championships. Bursting with pride big man. Go for it.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy.

Leapylee2002@gmail.com

LEAPY LETTERS

Scots are Brits too IN Leapy Lee’s article on Scottish independence he summed up in one clause the reason there remains disquiet in Scottish/ English relationships.

He said: “I do know that large numbers of Scots truly hate the Brits,” demonstrating that Leapy believes Scots and Brits are two different things and that only the English should be given the Moniker “Brits.”

Wake up Leapy!

As long as you and others believe that Scots are not Brits there will always be tensions between Scots and English, independent or not.

Rick Telford, Torrevieja (Alicante) & England.

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www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Benefits Street v. Billionaire’s Row Nora Johnson

Breaking Views A Costa del Sol resident for a number of years, Nora is the author of psychological suspense and crime thrillers.

To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/ nora-johnson

N

EWS that the producers of Benefits Street - which I wrote about here recently - are searching for a new location for a second series, filled me with horror. Likewise the ‘debate’ which followed the end of the first series. Ignoring all the shrill, talking heads that made Fidel Castro seem like a paragon of concision, the programme did nothing to change my views. If anything, it strengthened them.

Benefits Street, you’ll recall, is based around a Birmingham street on which, reportedly, more than half the residents claim some form of benefit. While some say it demonises the poor and unemployed, labelling it ‘poverty porn,’ others say it highlights a social security system in urgent need of reform.

What irritates me is the way that those on benefits in general have been so roundly demonised by the media and politicians.

The way we are almost daily subjected to

BENEFIT ABUSE: Doesn’t just apply to those at the bottom fiddling the system. stories of so-called scroungers, skivers and drug addicts without any kind of counterbalance.

Why are those at the bottom demonised for benefit abuse more than those at the

top whose abuses cost the taxpayer far more? For example: MPs’ expenses fiddling; bankers’ greedy bonuses for failure; tax evasion; multinational corporations’ offshore tax avoidance schemes?

Why isn’t the same amount of time and effort put into highlighting those at the top who are fiddling the system and getting away with fortunes rather than drug addicts etc. on benefits at the bottom?

As for drug addicts, there are anyway, according to Labour MP Chris Bryant, as many drug addicts on Billionaire’s Row as there are on Benefits Street.

Why do we see little in the way of real solutions for tackling poverty and inequality in the UK? Even the Food Minister, George Eustice, admitted that the UK’s poorest families can’t afford to eat amid reports some 500,000 people have used food banks since Easter.

Hardly surprising, then, that a government-commissioned report by Warwick University found a combination of rising food prices, low incomes, increasing personal debt, benefit delays and low pay have all contributed to this increased use.

The UK is far from equal or ‘meritocratic’ as politicians like to claim, with some living on a pittance and others on millions. An elite profiting from the misery of the poorest members of society?

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Retribution’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.77) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.

FINANCE

EUROPEAN PRESS

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EWN

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New Global Standard For Automatic Exchange Of Information

We are entering a new era for international tax planning. Financial privacy is no more. 2013 saw unprecedented support for global automatic exchange of information and multilateral tax agreements. Now, in a concrete step forward, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has released the new global standard for the automatic exchange of financial information. It will apply from the end of next year.

The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) was developed with G20 countries and in close cooperation with the EU. Released in February, OECD secretarygeneral, Angel Gurría, described it as a “real game changer.”

It is expected to be adopted by all G20 countries and many other financial centres. So far 42 jurisdictions have committed to the new standard, from as far afield as Argentina and South Africa and including Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and all UK Overseas Territories.

A joint statement explained that “tax evasion is a global problem and requires a

By Neil Jenkins, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

global solution, removing the hiding places for those who would seek to evade their legal obligations.” They believe the single worldwide standard for automatic exchange of information between tax authorities will provide a step change in their ability to clamp down on tax evasion.

They committed to the early adoption of the Common Reporting Standard, and called on other countries and jurisdictions to commit

to join at the earliest. They warned that only financial centres which embrace the new tax transparency and work to tackle cross border tax evasion will prosper in future.

After G20 Finance Ministers met in Sydney later in February, a communique confirmed that they will begin to exchange information by the end of 2015. The final common standard is expected to be published when they meet in September.

The new standard sets out the type of financial information to be exchanged, the institutions that need to report, the various types of accounts and taxpayers covered. It also includes common due diligence procedures which financial institutions will need to follow.

Each country and jurisdiction will have to obtain information from financial institutions on their clients, and forward this to the clients’ local tax

authority on an annual basis. This will happen automatically, for all clients.

The standard has been designed with a very wide scope, to catch a range of income. It includes all types of investment income, including interest, dividends, insurance policy pay-outs and similar income. Notably it also covers account balances and the proceeds made on selling assets.

The financial institutions required to report do not only include banks and custodians, but also brokers, certain collective investment vehicles and certain insurance companies.

Reportable accounts include those held by individuals and entities such as trusts and foundations.

The OECD noted that the recent intergovernmental implementation of the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) “acted as a catalyst for the move towards automatic exchange of information in a multilateral

context.” Unlike FATCA, though, it is based on residence rather than citizenship.

It is important for everyone to consider how the loss of financial privacy could affect you, and ensure your tax planning is fully compliant with the tax legislation in Spain. You also need to consider any country where you have assets or an interest.

For example, if you leave an inheritance to children in the UK, your tax mitigation arrangements and estate planning need to pass scrutiny

by HMRC, as well as by your local tax authority.

Cross border tax planning can be a minefield at the best of times, it is now even more critical that you get it right.

It is a new world. Are you prepared?

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.

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NEWS

www.euroweeklynews.com

BBC licence fee should extend to iPlayer, says director general Richard Shanley

Jeremy Clarkson

landmarkmedia / Shutterstock.com

DISHING THE DIRT end in sight for the show.

Wilman told Broadcast that talks about future series will soon commence with hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, whose current deals expire in 2015.

“When we look stupid or when we think we are flogging a dead horse [we’ll stop], but that hasn’t happened this series,” the executive producer argued.

“It’s better than the last series, which was a bit ropey. There’s clearly an appetite, it’s still there.”

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

OF EUROPA DIGITAL

Lenny Henry

BBC director general Tony Hall has suggested that the licence fee should be modernised to include services such as BBC iPlayer.

Speaking at the Oxford Media Convention last week, Hall said an estimated 2 per cent of viewers access BBC programming via ondemand platforms only, meaning they are exempt from the £145.50-a-year colour licence fee.

“Our view is there is room for modernisation so that the fee applies to the consumption of BBC TV programmes, whether live on BBC One or on-demand via the iPlayer or other devices,” Hall explained.

Top Gear exec Andy Wilman has said there is no

LENNY HENRY BBC One has announced new drama commissions from Lenny Henry and

JEREMY CLARKSON Steve Pemberton.

Danny And The Human Zoo is a one-off 90minute drama written by Henry. The script is described as a fictionalised memoir of the comic’s life as a working-class teenager in 1970s Dudley.

“I’ve crammed the first two years of a very long career into 90 minutes - it’s gonna rock,” Henry said.

Mapp and Lucia is an adaptation of EF Benson’s novels, penned by Inside

No 9 cocreator and star Pemberton. The comic drama is three hour-long episodes and set in the summer of 1930, when Mrs Emmeline Lucas decides to take a holiday in the small English town of Tilling.

BBC One has also ordered five-part drama Doctor Foster from awardwinning playwright Mike Bartlett, who previously

scripted ITV drama The Town. The series will follow Doctor Jenny Foster - a popular and trusted GP who discovers that her husband is having an affair.

If you would like me to answer any questions you may have please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital. com.

Illegal immigrant found in suitcase A MAN, 39, was arrested for attempting to smuggle a 19-year-old illegal immigrant into Spanish territory in a suitcase.

The Moroccan man was asked by Guardia Civil to open the suitcase at the border control in Beni-Enzar, between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla, in North Africa.

He was dragging a large suitcase along with difficulty which

aroused the officers’ suspicions.

When he was asked for ID and told to open it, he ran away, leaving the case, but was quickly caught and arrested.

When the case was opened, the Malian man got out unharmed and will be called upon as a witness to testify against the other, who was charged with violating the rights of foreigners.

NEWS

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

Spanish cars a bargain THE cost of buying a used vehicle in Spain and Italy can reach differences of up to €4,000 when compared to the same make, model, age and mileage in France or Germany, an Autoscout24 report claims.

The reason for this difference is that most of the demand in the two Mediterranean countries is found among average earners, who take home in region of €1,000 a month in salary, meaning they can not afford a new car in cash or to meet monthly hire purchase payments for a brand-new vehicle.

Those earners solve their mobility problems by buying any car they can afford without paying much attention to its age or mileage, according to the European Price Observatory.

Some of the most important features for a Spanish buyer include satellite navigation and the fact that the service history is up to date.

They also prefer to buy from dealers who offer a

BUYING CARS: Not much attention is paid to age or mileage. guarantee, no matter what the age of the car.

Currently, the most expensive second-hand cars are found on Spain’s islands - the Balearics and the Canaries - possibly due to the extra cost of shipping from the mainland, whilst the central Spanish regions of Extremadura and CastillaLa Mancha have the cheapest used vehicles.

Prices went up the most

€2m fraud from online gaming sites GUARDIA CIVIL operation ‘Voluto’ has resulted in the arrest of five people in Torrevieja and Benidorm believed to have carried out more than 2,000 scams at petrol stations across Spain.

The operation began in October 2012 when police became aware of a gang approaching petrol stations, posing as maintenance personnel for card payment terminals saying there was a problem with the machines.

Through their intervention they were able to obtain PIN numbers of prepaid card numbers. They went on to access the accounts of online gambling sites and fraudulently divert around €2 million from online gaming, in particular, poker tournaments on sites located in Spain and Gibraltar.

Searches of properties in both cities resulted in the recovery and seizure of laptops, tablets, mobile phones and €6,000 in cash as well as different effects relating to internet gambling and the illegal laundering of money.

in the last year in the Balearics, followed by Valencia, Andalucía and Castilla y León, with

Extremadura, the Basque Country and Madrid in the middle.

The greatest price falls

were seen in the Canaries, Castilla-La Mancha, Navarra, Murcia and Asturias.

Ban on anything that resembles bullfighting BARCELONA City Hall plans to ban anything resembling a bullfight.

In June 2013, bullfights and any other celebration which included the death of bulls were banned.

However, now, having studied the matter with animal defence groups, the council wants to ban any of the steps involved in a bullfight to prevent BULLFIGHTING: Banned. animals from suffering.

This will be included in a new law for the Protection, Ownership and Sale of Animals which is due to come into effect in September.

It will also include a ban on ‘bullfighting shows’ for performances, films, adverts or any other matter.

To get approval to do so, an evaluation will be carried out to determine whether it would be stressful or abusive for the animals. Using wild animals in shows will also be banned.

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No ball games in some schools AN increasing number of schools in Spain are restricting ball games in school playgrounds to reduce problems amongst pupils.

One school in Cantabria, northern Spain, has reportedly been doing so for eight years and only allows ball games twice a week, reportedly because if teachers don’t organise games, the older children ‘take over,’ throw balls at the younger pupils and leave the girls sitting in a corner.

Instead, teachers attempt to propose games without balls which both boys and girls enjoy.

On the days when balls are not allowed, they say, there are fewer conflicts in the playground, and, teachers defend, the plan goes a long way towards preventing gender violence.

Meanwhile, those who are against the project claim that it is an “exaggerated” measure to control school life.

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E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

MOTORING

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Knee deep in spring cleaning A

LMOND blossoms have just about withered and fallen like snowflakes from the trees and it looks as if we have survived this year without the unusual cold and snow of the past couple of winters. So there is no way out of it: it is time for the ‘Limpieza de Primavera.’

While I love spring - the promise of the new and warmth yet to come - the cleaning part of it has never scored highly in my chart of all time favourites. But as I don’t seem to have the staff, there is little choice but to roll up the sleeves, put on some deflecting music and get stuck in, marigolds and ‘multiusos’ spray at the ready.

Since my enthusiasm waned rather quickly, I resorted to that great guru of inspiration the internet.

I discovered wise words from a chap known solely as John, who shares his

Ulrica Marshall

Expat Strife Swedish-born Ulrica is a freelance journalist living in Mallorca with her family. Her debut novel $Expat Wives is available on Amazon and iBooks.

To comment on any of the issues raised in Ulrica’s column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/ulrica-marshall

ulrica@euroweeklynews.com

pearls of wisdom on how to simplify your life by reducing our worldly possessions to 300 - one fork counting as one item…

Feng Shui to the extreme, but it rather appeals given my present conundrum of having a gazillion things to clean.

John argues that we keep too many possessions for reasons other than usefulness - such as items we keep for sentimental reasons, societal pressures or simply because we may need them on a rainy day. He may as well have written this directly for my

benefit, as I consider the many pairs of shoes that are too high to walk in, but would be perfect when the Sultan of Brunei invites me around for high tea.

Or the multitude of plates and cups that pile up because the dishwasher (me) doesn’t get around to them as frequently as I should.

Mainly, though, I identify items to dispose of from other members of the household: kids’ toys? Hardly ever played with, in the gifting bin they go. Husband’s collection of strange DIY tools and stamp collection?

No use whatsoever, off they go to a better home, where more than 300 items are welcome.

Meanwhile, the rest of the house is no cleaner.

NO CHOICE: It’s time to get stuck in.

Do cobwebs count as an item? What I really need is Kim Woodburn to descend on my house, while I recline with a chilled glass of rose as a just reward for my efforts. Even my fine work of disposing of unnecessary items is quickly undone when husband and kids return to protest my selection.

Perhaps I should just listen to the wise words of sociologist Ann Oakley ‘Housework is work directly opposed to the possibility of human self-actualisation.’

So there. Off come the marigolds and the ‘multiusos’ spray is back in its situ under the sink.

Perhaps I could just open all the doors and let the wind do the work for me?

This, too turns out to be inadvisable, as the spring breeze leaves a fine layer of yellowish pollen behind. Best wait for summer to do the spring clean - mañana seems a good day to do it.

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OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

EWN

43

Is home where the hearth or heart is?

A

MAGAZINE feature on Americans renouncing their citizenship gave me pause for thought.

Not for the first time I wondered at the fickleness of fate that decides the country we are born in.

Irishman George Bernard Shaw said, “Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.” Why do we surrender our lives and loyalties to a country just because we happen to be born in it? Perhaps because of my dual-nationality and travelling experiences I consider my nationality largely irrelevant.

My parents were passionate Irish republicans. Although I understood their sentiments, it is a cause that leaves me cold. I cannot identify with the country whose passport I value.

Wherever in England I settled I was perfectly at home. I did not dwell on regional cultures and loyalties. It intrigued me that whilst I got on fine with all Londoners there was rivalry between those born north or

Mike Walsh

Mike Walsh. Based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

RIGA: One of the most enchanting medieval cities enjoys a modern lifestyle. south of the Thames.

Spain brings to the surface different reflections. I like its lifestyle, climate, low cost of living and outstanding health service.

However, birds of a feather flock together and so I tend to identify more with northern Europeans than to Mediterranean Europeans.

Despite being something of a Europhile I had no idea what to expect when obliged to spend several months in Latvia. I imagined a dreary rain-soaked impoverished casualty of Soviet austerity. Setting my jaw, I did what a man has to do.

Alighting at Riga Airport I was accompanied to Riga’s city centre whereupon my prejudices fell

away. Riga, one of the most enchanting medieval cities imaginable, enjoys a vibrant modern lifestyle. By the time I reached Sigulda 60 kilometres inland I was won over. In fact I had declared myself Latvian.

As the summer weeks passed

by I travelled throughout that lovely Baltic state. Discovering its countryside and history I shared its culture and made many Latvian friends who opened their hearts and doors to me.

It was not difficult to realise why Latvia has been dubbed the Canada of Europe. The size of Belgium and Holland combined, Latvia boasts 3,000 lakes, 2,000 rivers and is 40 per cent forest with wildlife to match.

The Daily Mail published a survey that revealed the ancient Baltic nation to be the most beautiful land on earth. Said to have the oldest flag in Europe I felt I’d discovered my homeland.

There are 50 countries in Europe and yet it is the world’s smallest continent. My aim is to visit them all so there are 34 yet to experience and savour.

Latvia remains my preferred choice but for reasons of practicality I am unlikely to spend more than summers there.

Do our readers suffer from a homeland identity crisis? Is home where the hearth is or where the heart is?

44

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

E

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Safely does it

VERYONE wants to feel safe when they walk down the street or watch the telly at home.

By and large they do in this country although Interior minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz wants to us feel safer still with his Public Safety bill.

Forget that demonstrators would risk fines of up to €600,000. Forget that private security guards would have the right to frisk and detain anyone who looks bit dodgy.

Forget all that, says Sr Fernandez Diaz, he of daily Mass and rubber bullets for drowning illegal immigrants. It’s all for your own good.

Opposition to the minister and support for common sense recently arrived

SECURITY GUARDS: Would have right to frisk.

Cassandra Nash

A weekly look and not entirely impartial reaction - to the Spanish political scene

from an unexpected quarter: the General Judicial Council.

It objected to 16 of the draft bill’s articles, many of which it said were anti-constitutional. Apart from reducing demonstrators’ fines to €30,000 in some circumstances Fernandez Diaz has turned deaf ears to criticism. Perhaps he will suddenly recover his hearing now the Consejo del Poder Judicial pulled the new law apart.

Signed, sealed, but not delivered IT’S not immediately clear what ETA hoped to achieve with the decommissioning video it sent to the BBC. Two hooded members of the terrorist group showed four guns, explosives and detonators to the International Verification Committee, an organisation set up by

Dutch NGO, the Dialogue Advisory Group. The gesture of sealing a few weapons and putting them ‘beyond operational use’ was largely derided in Spain. Neither did it help when the verifiers revealed the Etarras then put the arms in a cardboard box and walked off with them.

During the ‘permanent’ ceasefire of 2006, ETA killed two people in the T4 terminal at Barajas Airport bombing. Talks with ETA were scratchy and flaky before then; afterwards they were impossible.

Little wonder that even when ETA shows willing to lay down its arms the initiative is greeted with coolness and scorn.

Out of proportion THE lower the taxes companies must pay, the more employment they create.

So claimed Iain Duncan Smith, the UK’s Secretary of State for Work & Pensions in an interview with ABC during his recent visit to Spain.

That’s one to thrash out with Fatima Bañez, Duncan Smith’s Spanish counterpart. But in Spain, too often the biggest companies already pay the lowest taxes.

OPINION & COMMENT

Short commons HARD to feel sorry for the honourable members of the national parliament in Madrid.

The price of drinks has gone up in their restaurant, so instead of the €3.50 they paid for a long drink with spirits, they now have to pay double. What they lose on the alcoholic swings they gain on the culinary roundabouts because their Menu del Dia has also gone up, but from €8.78 to €9. It’s to be hoped there won’t be too much hardship as they scrape up the extra €0.22.

46

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

Thursday

Friday

SATELLITE CHANNELS - SkyMoviesComedy/

BBC1/

BBC1/

4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin: Home Comforts 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holiday Hit Squad 10:00pm DIY SOS The Big Build 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Question Time

4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin: Home Comforts 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Room 101 10:00pm Jonathan Creek 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Proposal

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Permission Impossible 9:00pm The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure 10:00pm 37 Days 11:00pm Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Birds of a Feather 10:00pm Coronation Street: A Moving Story 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm Edge of Heaven

CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Coach Trip 6:30pm Superstar Dogs: Countdown to Crufts 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Paralympic Winter 9:00pm The Hoarder Next Door 10:00pm The Floods That Foiled New Year 11:00pm The Repo Man

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Big Reunion 11:00pm Fake Reaction 11:50pm Mom

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Athletics 9:30pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm 37 Days 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Student Nurses: Bedpans and Bandages 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Edge of Heaven 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Americans

CH4/ 4:30pm Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Crufts 2014 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm The Last Leg 11:45pm 8 Out of 10 Cats

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:30pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Coyote Ugly

TV LISTING

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9:00pm Sunday

• Meryl Streep • Anne Hathaway • Emily Blunt

Saturday BBC1/ 5:25pm BBC News 5:30pm Regional News 5:35pm Weather 5:40pm Six Nations Rugby Union 8:00pm The Voice UK 10:10pm The National Lottery Live 10:20pm Casualty 11:10pm BBC News 11:25pm Weather

BBC2/ 5:30pm Final Score 6:10pm Athletics 9:15pm Dad's Army 9:45pm The Perfect Morecambe and Wise 10:15pm 37 Days 11:15pm Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle 11:45pm QI XL

The Devil Wears Prada (Film, 2006)

BBC1/ 6:00pm Deadly on a Mission: Pole to Pole 6:30pm Songs of Praise 7:05pm BBC News 7:20pm Regional News 7:25pm Weather 7:30pm Blandings 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm The Musketeers 11:00pm BBC News 11:15pm Regional News 11:20pm Weather 11:25pm Bruce Almighty

BBC2/

ITV/ 6:05pm Off Their Rockers 6:35pm Local News and Weather 6:45pm ITV News and Weather 7:00pm You've Been Framed!

8:00pm Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 9:20pm The Cube 10:20pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:20pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The FA Cup Highlights.

CH4/ 5:10pm Come Dine with Me 7:10pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 8:00pm Crufts 2014 10:00pm Hostages 11:00pm X-Men: The Last Stand

ITV2/ 4:50pm Curly Sue 5:50pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 6:50pm FYI Daily 6:55pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 8:00pm The Incredible Hulk 9:00pm FYI Daily 9:05pm The Incredible Hulk 10:15pm The Sweetest Thing 11:15pm FYI Daily 11:20pm The Sweetest Thing

BBC1/

Wannabe writer Andy Sachs (Hathaway) is hired as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Streep), the notorious editor of Runway, a famous fashion magazine. After a less than promising start, Andy learns how to dress like a supermodel, organise a busy international office and anticipate her boss's evermore outrageous demands.

Sunday

7:00pm Flog It! 7:30pm Mystery of the Moor 8:00pm Wild Burma 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Fast and Fearless: Britain's Banger Racers 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:35pm Line of Duty

ITV/ 7:35pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Dancing on Ice 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:15pm Birds of a Feather 11:45pm The FA Cup

CH4/ 4:30pm How I Met Your Mother 5:00pm The Simpsons 6:00pm Deal or No Deal 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 8:00pm Crufts 2014 10:00pm One Day

ITV2/ 5:25pm Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 6:40pm Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 7:40pm FYI Daily 7:45pm Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 8:30pm Batman and Robin 9:30pm FYI Daily 9:35pm Batman and Robin 11:00pm The Only Way is Essex 11:50pm Party Wright Around the World

Tuesday

Monday BBC1/ 5:15pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Bang Goes the Theory 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm Silk 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather

BBC2/ 5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Mary Berry Cooks 11:00pm The Culture Show 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm I Never Knew That About Britain 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm DCI Banks 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather

CH4/ 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 9:00pm Food Unwrapped 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats

ITV2/ 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Mom 10:30pm Mom 11:00pm 40 Days and 40 Nights

4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin's Food Map of Britain 5:15pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Shetland 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm Insane Fight Club

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Permission Impossible 9:00pm The Great British Sewing Bee 10:00pm An Hour to Save Your Life 11:00pm The Sarah Millican Television Programme 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm UEFA Champions League 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm UEFA Champions League

Wednesday BBC1/ 4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm James Martin's Food Map of Britain 5:15pm Flog it! Trade Secrets 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm Waterloo Road 10:00pm Famous, Rich and Hungry 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:30pm Weather 11:35pm A Question of Sport

BBC2/ 4:25pm Bergerac 5:15pm Are You Being Served?

5:45pm 'Allo, 'Allo!

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 6:55pm Party Political Broadcast by the Conservative Party 7:00pm Revenge of the Egghead 7:30pm Sport Relief's Top Dog 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Collectaholics 10:00pm Line of Duty 11:00pm Inside No 9 11:30pm Newsnight

ITV/ 4:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm You Saw Them Here First 10:00pm Law and Order 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm The Miners Strike and Me

CH4/

CH4/

5:30pm Four in a Bed 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 9:00pm Kirstie's Best of Both Worlds 10:00pm The Taste 11:00pm Strippers

5:30pm Four in a Bed 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Paralympic Winter Games 9:00pm Secret Eaters 10:00pm Astronauts 11:00pm First Dates

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Vampire Diaries 11:00pm White Chicks

ITV2/ 4:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:10pm The Real Housewives of New Jersey 6:05pm The Millionaire Matchmaker 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed!

9:00pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Party Wright Around the World 11:00pm The Only Way is Essex 11:50pm The Big Reunion

48

E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

Ric Polansky Ric Polansky moved to Mojacar in 1969 as a pioneer developer. He reads extensively and has travelled in South America panning gold and looking for El Dorado.

T

HE best days ever building houses in Spain was when they were done! The workers would climb to the roof and install a large red and yellow flag in a notable position for the owner to notice.

The Indalo was whitewashed onto the glass of the picture window. I then had the difficult task of explaining, there was just one tiny ‘extra’ not mentioned in the contract. It all depended upon the owner’s generosity of spirit… buying paella for the workers and thanking them personally for his house. No one ever refused!

Construction completion created an instantaneous lifelong bond between worker and new arrival - a homecoming.

The owner was a visitor no more. Greetings in the street as equals and not just worker friends but good drinking

Wave high the flags and frequently too! friends. Foreigners no longer came from a distant planet wearing strange clothes and barely speaking an identifiable language. The instinctive fright having to speak Spanish disappeared in one short afternoon. Old lives were buried and forgotten forever.

The ‘flag party’ was a day of metamorphosis. A truly spiritual renaissance took place and would remain in vigour throughout their shared lives together in this unique place that they still fondly referred to as Mo-HAWK CAR. Yes, the next day’s red tinted

NEWS

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dawn brought such miracles.

But, before the sacred transformation could take place tasks, or better said, quests were needed to be performed and passed. The fundamental of which was the ritual dousing or pouring of red wine or sangria upon the initiate - wherein, if they didn’t respond with uproarious laughter - the odyssey was considered a failure and would have to be endured again.

Experience had taught me that upon this sacred day the new buyers were to be thrown into the deep without helping

PAELLA: Served in sumptuous quantities. hand or nearby translator. They had to see the initiation through on their own, using their own cunning and guile to prevail.

They were in Spain and had to therein deport themselves as each of us did to our continued and varied circumstances.

Workers were no longer peasants of another ilk or breed to be observed from afar but rather friends and refugees on this island of sun drenched life.

My wife and I orchestrated nothing other than allow the day to flow with the natural proclivities of the Spanish for true spontaneity and

LOOK IN BACK G MOJA IN CAR

voluminous chat bridling with unabashed laughter.

The menu never changed.

Mixed salad, that the workers oiled and salted to their gusto and eaten from the common plate. Paella in sumptuous quantities. And as much Sangria as possible. Sangria that flowed like an endless river; down the throats and over the clothes of everyone in attendance.

The night before, I purposefully visited each initiate and cautioned them: “Dress down. Levis and an old shirt.

Come in good humour. You’ll need it.”

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OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

EWN

49

Should celebrity trials be televised?

The judge in the murder trial of South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius announced that the trial will be televised. EWN wanted to know: Should the public be able to watch such trials live (like that of American OJ Simpson) as

T

HERE were split opinions on the Costa Blanca this week between brothers Kim and Stephen Bullimore who were on holiday in La Marina (Alicante) from London.

Kim, aged 60, an insurance underwriter, thinks it would be interesting to see the trial of Oscar Pistorius televised: “I don’t have any objections to it. He is in the public eye and there is public interest in it. I would watch it if it was on.”

His brother Stephen, aged 57, who works in central government, disagrees: “I’m not interested at all. I think the problem is

if it was a TV drama? Or is it right that these persons be held up to public scrutiny? Would you watch a live broadcast trial of a famous athlete or celebrity?

STREET TALK they will have a hard time to find a juror not influenced by the media. By televising it I think the bloke probably won’t get a fair trial.”

Michelle Brookwhite, 41, a nurse on holiday in Malaga from Birmingham, said she wouldn’t be watching. “I’m not a fan of celebrity TV, and not really into watching live trials on TV. If it really is a criminal case, the important people involved are the defendant, the judge, the jury and the lawyers and those directly affected by the

alleged crime. I don’t think anything beyond that is the business of the public.”

Chris Hookway, 64, lives in Vera and Worthing and works at Gatwick Airport. He said that he wouldn’t be watching it. Chris stated: “There is enough fly on the wall TV without watching this. I think the TV should show highlights each night and not the whole case. He added: “Until proven guilty, they shouldn’t be in the spotlight. Too many innocent people have had their careers trashed.”

Deidre Sundstrum, 64, is a retired midwife living in Arboleas (Almeria) who also said she wouldn’t watch it.

Deidre said: “He is innocent until proven guilty and sometimes you make incorrect judgements. It is unfortunate that he is a celebrity; if he was a normal person nobody would be that interested. She added: “I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing to see a trial televised,” said Mrs Blackwood, aged 60, in Guardamar (Alicante) for the winter from Wales. “I think people in general are just interested in the verdict.”

(From l-r) STEPHEN: Not interested; CHRIS: Will not be watching; and KIM: There is public interest.

Advertising Feature

Get moving with Almeria Property Investments in Vera Playa for the best possible service HUSBAND AND WIFE team, Ismael and Ann are proud to announce the opening of Almeria Property Investments and their brand new office in Vera Playa.

Ann works in the real estate side of the business and is certainly well known in the area having worked in the trade here for a number of years. Ann is currently looking for people who would like to sell their properties as they already have a large database of clients looking to buy a property in the area.

Ismael has spent 10 years working in the area and is a construction engineer and project manager, completing his studies in Belgium. For anyone who wants to build their dream home here in Spain then Ismael will help you every step of the way. As a project manager Ismael can help you find the land and an architect and also uses different builders in the best interest of the clients.

Whether it is a brand new build, an

At Almeria Property Investments the customer always comes first and is always given the best possible service.

In fact, Ismael has always gained many clients thanks to his excellent reputation and word of mouth recommendations.

So whatever your property needs, be sure to contact Almeria Property Investments.

The office is ideally located for the coastal area off Las Buganvillas roundabout in Vera Playa. You can find the office on the right hand side as you take the road to Villaricos with plenty of parking available.

WELCOME: Ann and Ismael of API in Vera Playa. existing property or an old farmhouse ruin, Ismael will follow the project all the way through, working hard on behalf of the clients. This is especially useful for people who live abroad as Ismael is in constant contact to keep you up to date

with all the progress being made.

Ismael is Spanish, but like Ann hails from Belgium and both speak five different languages, being fluent in Dutch, English, Spanish, French and German, so whatever your nationality there really shouldn’t be any communication problems.

Office hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm.

Saturday 10am to 2pm and also by appointment.

Telephone 950 460 874 or Ann 666 260 792 or Ismael 670 596 085.

You can also e-mail ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com or ismael@almeriapropertyinvestments.com and visit the website www.almeriapropertyinvestments.com.

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E W N 6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

The Inglorious end to Spanish colonial power Part 2: The massacre at Monte Arruit

O

N August 2 the contingent in the fort consisted of 3,000 men, one machine gun, little ammunition, 20 horses and mules together with supplies for two or three days. The water supply was 500 metres outside the gates. Expecting reinforcements from Melilla which was just 40 kilometres away, they believed they could hold out.

By August 5 and under constant fire there was still no sign of reinforcements.

Despite the dropping of aerial supplies,

by August 7 the garrison had run out of food and lacked medicine for the increasing number of wounded soldiers.

General Navarra took the decision to surrender and called for a Rif delegation to discuss terms, which allowed for the surviving Spanish soldiers to abandon the fort, leaving all their weapons. The Rif Berbers had retaken all the territory they had lost.

Spain responded to the defeat at Annual by sending more than 36,000 troops under General Jose Sanjurjo to Melilla. But it was not until October 24 when the Spanish army finally arrived at Monte Arruit that they saw the carnage.

They found it hard to breathe with rotting, putrid bodies scattered everywhere baking in the sun.

Soldiers had been buried in shallow graves within the fort, injured soldiers had been murdered in the field hospital, others lay outside the walls, in the fields and across the hillside, suggesting panic by the soldiers in their attempt to survive the massacre. In all, Spanish losses were estimated at over 2,500 men.

After Monte Arruit, Abd el Krim was in a strong position to take Melilla. But he refrained from attacking as there were a number of foreign dignitaries and civilians living in the city and he did not wish to invoke international disapproval.

This was a decision he later regretted believing it was a major mistake.

Nevertheless as well as more than 8,000 out of 20,000 troops killed at Annual and Monte Arruit, the Spanish lost a significant amount of cannons, guns, ammunition, horses and mules, which gave Abd el Krim sufficient weapons and equipment to continue hostilities.

Abd el Krim established the Republic of the Rif and in 1924 at Dar Aquba, his

Peter Fieldman London-born journalist and author, Peter spends his time between Paris and Madrid. His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com

www.pfieldman.blogspot.com

forces inflicted another defeat on the Spanish, killing over 10,000 men. The Spanish legion, created in 1920 by Jose Millan Astray, was a professional army based in Morocco. His second in command was a young general called Francisco Franco. They joined forces with the French army in the west under Marechal Petain and with a combined army of over 120,000 men, superior and modern equipment including air and naval support, the European military powers finally defeated the Rif armies.

The Legion inflicted a terrible revenge on the Rif Berbers, committing atrocities and using chemical weapons in the form of mustard gas used during the First World War. Abd el Krim surrendered to the French in 1926 and the Republic was dissolved. He was exiled to La Reunion but eventually found asylum in Egypt where he died in 1963 at the age of 80.

The road to civil war The huge number of casualties, unpopularity of the war and the humiliation caused political instability and civil unrest in Spain, which ultimately led to the Civil War. The King, Alfonso XIII, was harshly criticised for the military defeat. It led to a military coup d’etat in 1923 orchestrated by Miguel Primo de Rivera, appointed prime minister by the King. After the collapse of the monarchy

LANDING: European military powers defeated the RIF armies. and exile of the King in 1931, the Second Republic was established.

By this time Francisco Franco had become leader of the Spanish Legion and between 1931 and 1935 held senior military posts in Spain. The political situation was in turmoil. Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, son of the former prime minister had founded the Falange party and Franco, increasingly at odds with the Government, returned to Morocco to take charge of the Spanish army in North Africa.

With the aid of German and Italian transport planes his troops were airlifted to Spain to trigger the start of the Spanish Civil War. Many Moroccans without any resources or work, were given the opportunity to join the Spanish army to fight in Spain, but their treatment by the nationalist forces came under a great deal of criticism.

The Nationalists were accused of using the Moroccan fighters as cannon fodder to make suicidal attacks, allowing them to loot and keep booty, except arms, and leaving them to carry out atrocities against communist villages. After the war those who survived were sent back to Morocco without pensions or gratitude.

Morocco finally obtained independence in 1956 but despite repeated diplomatic efforts to recover Ceuta and Melilla, using the same arguments as Spain in its claim over Gibraltar, the two enclaves remain an integral part of Spain.

Paradoxically, after hundreds of years of protecting Spain’s imperial interests in Africa, the two cities, each with a population of around 80,000, have now become the front line to stem the tide of illegal immigrants trying to reach Europe from Africa. (c) peter fieldman 2014

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CROSSWORDS

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

Almería weather

NEW ON DVD MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

for next 7 days

The Emperor Tommy Lee Jones stars as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Army General Douglas MacArthur in director Peter Webber's postWorld War II drama. Set in 1945 in the days following Japan’s surrender, the film follows the decision whether or not to indict Japan’s emperor as a war criminal. Matthew Fox plays Brigadier General Bonner Fellers who is tasked with investigating Emperor Hirohito (played by Takataro Kataoka) and is given just 10 days to complete his findings.

TODAY

VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA

ADRA

ROQUETAS

Starring Matthew Fox and Tommy Lee Jones.

Directed by Peter Webber. Runtime 105 minutes. Rated 13.

MOJACAR ALMERIA RETAMAR ADRA

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Emotional and monetary wealth go hand in hand at the beginning of this energetic week.

Someone is likely to make demands that you find unacceptable and you will need all your tact to avoid unpleasantness, but any resistance by you will, in the longer term, only gain you respect.

is all very well if you are willing, but if not keep your distance. As thoughts turn to summer, it is not surprising that a holiday is on your mind.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) You may feel a bit like Sherlock Holmes when you solve a tricky dilemma.

With your intellect soaring, it is little surprise that others come to you with their problems.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone with a romantic interest in you starts buzzing around. This

1. ‘I am just going outside and may be some time’ were reported to be the last words of which famous Antarctic explorer in March 1912?

2. Released August 16, 1966, what was the title of the debut single by The Monkees?

3. Since he was the last to reenter the lunar module Challenger after the third and final extra-vehicular activity, which American astronaut was the ‘the last man on the Moon’?

4. The characters William Compo Simmonite, Norman Cleggy Clegg, Cyril Blamire and Walter C Foggy Dewhurst all featured in which BBC sitcom that ran from 1973 to 2010?

5. The Weir of Hermiston, was the last and unfinished novel by which Scottish novelist?

6. What was the name of the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII? 7. Which group, in 1997, were the last British act to win the Eurovision Song Contest?

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Small matters start to clog up the emotional works. You would rather be somewhere else, but grit your teeth and deal with necessary matters. Finances certainly must be watched most carefully.

Get your glad rags on at the weekend and really let your hair down. time.

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needs exactly. As a Leo, you will never willingly accept second best but how can others know your standards?

you may not have received the expected response to a question recently, it is no reason to brood. .

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Putting your thoughts and feelings on a par with someone else will help you to understand their point of view.

As painful as it seems, there will need to be some compromise if everyone is to be happy. Are you feeling the need for some activity and excitement?

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) The way to bring energy levels up this week is to spend time with energetic people. You may feel a little on the fringes initially but, at the end of the day, your spirit will be lifted.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Look ahead to see how exactly you can make this summer extra special.

Making your plans clear to others means a smooth journey as opposed to unnecessary delays. A particular place brings back memories of a love long past. .

Sudoku

CAPRICORN (December 22 January 20) There is an incredibly romantic week ahead if you only enter into the spirit of it. Let your feelings be seen and felt, showing appreciation for loved ones. You do not need the excuse of a birthday or anniversary to give a gift, just a heart full of love.

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

AQUARIUS (January 21 February 19) Being at the forefront of a learning experience is pleasurable this week. An unexpected offer seems small but could have a big effect. A friend in need may go over the top and annoy you. It may be necessary to distance yourself and give help through others.

Planning ahead to the weekend means that you have more time and energy to get things done.

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

Saturday March 1

Saturday March 1

Saturday March 1

Friday February 28

9

10

13

29

40

8

10 24

22 29

6

18

19

38

40

42

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

45

13

23

Almeria

CLEAR MAX 17C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

12

32 43

44

7

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 16 9 Cl Tues - 16 9 Cl Wed - 15 7 S

Madrid

18 10 C 14 9 C 16 8 Cl

CLEAR

Fri Sat Sun -

18 7 S 19 7 C 18 9 Cl S Sun,

MAX 18C, MIN 2CC MAX MIN

18 4 Cl 19 4 Cl 19 6 Cl

Mon - 18 6 Cl Tues - 19 5 Cl Wed - 17 5 Cl

Murcia MAX 16C, MIN 6C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLEAR MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 8 S Tues - 16 8 S Wed - 17 9 S

Mallorca TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 17 13 C Wed - 16 13 S

16 12 S 16 12 S 16 3 Cl

TODAY:

MAX 18C, MIN 11C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLEAR MAX 16C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

16 8 S 15 9 S 16 9 Sh

CLEAR

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 12 S Tues - 19 12 Cl Wed - 19 12 S

19 11 Cl 19 11 Cl 19 12 Cl

TODAY:

MAX 14C, MIN 8C

Malaga TODAY:

MAX 19C, MIN 11C

Benidorm

Barcelona TODAY:

CLEAR MAX MIN

Mon - 18 11 Cl Tues - 18 11 Cl Wed - 18 11 Cl

17 8 Cl 18 10 Cl 18 11 Cl

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 9 Cl Tues - 17 10 S Wed - 16 9 S Cl Clear,

CLEAR MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX 19C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

19 6 Cl 22 6 Cl 21 9 Cl

Mon - 21 9 Cl Tues - 22 11 Cl Wed - 20 9 S

C Cloud,

Sh Showers,

Th Thunder

Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case G) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

Average: 16

Very good: 30

Good: 21

Excellent: 37

adit, aide, arid, dale, dare, dart, date, deal ,dear, dial, diet, dire, dirt, dole, edit, idea, idle, idol, laid, lard, lead, lido, lied, load, lord, raid, read, redo, ride, road, rode, tide, tied, toad, toed, told, trod, adore, aider, ailed, aired, dealt, delta, ideal, idiot, idler, laird, oared, oiled, older, radio, rated, riled, tidal, tiled, tired, trade, tread, triad, tried, adroit, derail, detail, dilate, editor, loader, orated, ordeal, railed, redial, relaid, reload, retold, rioted, roadie, tailed, tidier, tirade, toiled, dilator, diorite, leotard, redtail, trailed, trialed, idolater, tailored, EDITORIAL

2

17

19

20

21

26

REINTEGRO 41

7

MILK

Sunday March 2

Saturday March 1

38

LUCKY STARS 2

TODAY:

Word Ladder

LOTTERY 4

Alicante TODAY:

MAX MIN

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Sometimes, you retreat into your shell and your normally gregarious personality takes a back seat. Although

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Mutual plans are exciting but make sure that others know your

7-Star Quiz LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Your Stars

Antonio Mercero, March 7. Spanish film director and screenwriter.

Born in Guipuzcoa. He is known to Spanish audiences for directing the TV series Verano Azul (Blue Summer) and Farmacia de Guardia.

He received an Emmy award for his 1972 film La Cabina. His most recent award was the Honorary Goya Award in 2010.

9

15 38

24 39

REINTEGRO 8

RUNS

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

SUNK SUNS RUNS

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Meeting a stimulating person is both surprising and delightful. A few busy months see you burning the candle at both ends.

A spring holiday can recharge batteries.

MILK SILK SULK

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Even as you prepare to go on a trip or start something new this week, the future beckons. In small things there are clues to the way forward. A chance encounter brings humour and opens your eyes to a friendship lately neglected.

ROQUETAS

1.

CAPTAIN LAWRENCE OATES, 2. LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE, 3. EUGENE CERNAN, 4. LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE, 5. ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, 6.

CATHERINE PARR, 7.

KATRINA AND THE WAVES (Love Shine a Light),

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CROSSWORDS

Crosswords

6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

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SPONSORED BY

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

Cryptic

Quick

Across 1 Country noble with an alteration (7) 5 Criminal’s staff (5) 8 What was a performance to be precise (5) 9 Party he arranged for treatment (7) 10 Here toes are twisted in these footwear devices (4,5) 12 At first go over old matter (3) 13 Ten died at sea from this salt (6) 14 Split from Charlie and go (6) 17 Nut returns for the barrel (3) 18 Come after break for stuffing (9) 20 Fellow starting New Deal as a statesman (7) 21 Letter from home galaxy (5) 23 Very little in the way of dessert (5) 24 Old-timer set on a pedestal (7) Down 1 Vegetables are running out of water, we hear (5) 2 Snake hiding in airing cupboard (3) 3 Wrote down “Don’t eat bananas” (7) 4 Gossip about a rat net (6) 5 Game played by revolutionary onboard a ship (5) 6 Agreed on a cocktail for drink (9) 7 Essential record for principal speaker (7)

11 Mandate one in artillery (9) 13 This turned out to sum up Panama, for example (7) 15 Told fib with particular relaxation (3,4) 16 Such spirits as are included in

prohibitionists’ publicity (6) 18 Quick to take shelter between foxtrot and tango (5) 19 Follow the path (5) 22 Biblical character in the lion’s den (3)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 13 represents P and 10 represents W, so fill in P every time the figure 13 appears and W every time the figure 10 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Perverse, 5 Lots, 9 Lantern, 10 Voile, 11 Trout, 12 Earnest, 13 Monaco, 15 Mousse, 18 Deplore, 20 Tails, 22 Craft, 23 Minaret, 24 Mate, 25 Intruded.

Down: 1 Pilot, 2 Rundown, 3 Elect, 4 Sunset, 6 Olive, 7 Sceptre, 8 Overdo, 13 Modicum, 14 Clouts, 16 Stirred, 17 Seaman, 19 Plant, 20 Tenor, 21 Sated.

QUICK Across: 7 Uranium, 9 Plain, 10 Ode, 11 Terminate, 12 Order, 14 Hostile, 16 Sustain, 18 Cheap, 19 Harmonica, 20 Gun, 21 Stern, 22 Elevate.

Down: 1 Humorous, 2 Sane, 3 Litter, 4 Spoils, 5 Paradise, 6 Once, 8 Merchandise, 13 Discreet, 15 Expanded, 17 Around, 18 Chapel, 19 Hush, 20 Grab.

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 7 Hablar, 8 Llorar, 9 Face, 10 Cobardes, 11 Hairdresser, 14 Ochocientos, 18 Apricots, 19 Team, 20 Beetle, 21 Diario.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Down: 1 Bacalao, 2 Glue, 3 Crecer, 4 Globos, 5 Fourteen, 6 Baker, 12 Receipts, 13 Horario, 15 Oponer, 16 Inside, 17 Speed, 19 Tray.

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

Across 1 Ira (de persona) (5) 3 Dar clases de (5) 5 Costilla (3) 7 Thirty (7) 9 Atreverse (4) 10 Campana (de iglesia, puerta) (4) 13 Delay (hold-up) (7) 14 Brazo (de persona) (3) 15 Barrios bajos (5) 16 Toads (5) Down 1 Bottle openers (9) 2 Route (4) 3 Three (4) 4 Faros (automóvil) (9) 6 Boina (5) 8 Granddaughter (5) 11 Country (nation) (4) 12 Perros (4)

Hexagram The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (BALLET) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ANGERS

HISSED

BALLET (10)

HUGGED

BANKER

RAKING

BARREL

REARED

BARREN

REELED

DESIRE

SHEETS

DREAMS

SPEARS

GATHER

STEALS

HERDED

WATERS

HINGES

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the name of a former president of the United States of American: FROG LADDER FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: IAN FLEMING, GERALD FORD

Unscramble the name of a famous English author: LEAF MINING

Across 1 From time to time (12) 7 In this place (4) 8 Distinct personality (8) 9 Military engagement (6) 10 Mistakes (6) 11 Long thin implement (3) 12 Get healthy again (5) 14 Grown up (5) 16 Hearing organ (3) 18 Not open (6) 20 Overseas (6) 22 Gifted (8) 23 Red meat (4) 24 Dimensions (12) Down 1 Function (7) 2 Trunk (5) 3 Shake, as from cold (6) 4 Complied with commands (6) 5 Changed (7) 6 At some time in the future (5) 13 Pays attention (7) 15 Heads (7) 16 Newsroom chief (6) 17 Haphazard (6) 19 Depart (5) 21 Small songbird (5)

1 Cleats, 2 Racket, 3 Settle, 4 5 Thinks, 6 Steeds, 7 Assent, 8 9 Ceases, 10 Tights, 11 Senses, 12 13 Things, 14 Swayed, 15 Letter, 16 17 Galley, 18 Resume, 19 Cherry

Awaits, Sighed, Weasel, Refuge,

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ealth & beauty H TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM

Smart phone toothbrush lets you know how well you brush A ‘SMART’ toothbrush has been developed by Oral-B. The brush links to your phone, sending it information as you brush. Using an app, your phone then displays messages telling you how well you are brushing your teeth, alerting you if you are brushing too hard, suggesting improvements and informing you when you have brushed for the recommended two minutes.

At the end of the session, the smart phone displays a summary of how well you did.

The app can even be personalised with the help of a dentist for a more

personalised programme and stores your data so you can view your brushing habits by day, week or month. When it’s time to visit the dentist, the app will display an alert and a list of surgeries in the user’s area.

The smart phone toothbrush was launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and is expected to go on sale in Europe priced at €219.

SMART TOOTHBRUSH: After cleaning your teeth, your phone will let you know how well you did.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Alcohol found to be the dieter’s biggest downfall ALCOHOL has been found to be the biggest temptation to those trying to lose weight.

Research suggests that drink, rather than chocolate, is the downfall with dieters giving in to temptation more than half of the time.

Eighty men and women who were trying to lose weight or keep it off were asked to keep a diary of any temptations that came their way, record how they felt at the time and whether they gave into their craving. The researchers in Britain found that over the course of a week, they faced the urge to break their diet 11 times on average and gave in on over half the occasions. They also discovered that both men and women were more likely to succumb to alcohol than to snacks.

The researchers hoped that by learning more

Men rule world of make-up SOUTH KOREA has become the male make-up capital of the world.

Twenty one per cent of the global skin care sales come from male cosmetics and the country’s biggest cosmetics company, Amorepacific, estimated that $885 (€646) million was spent on men’s cosmetics in 2012.

TEMPTING: Most men and women were more likely to succumb to alcohol than snacks. about dieting downfalls they will be able to help slimmers plan for problems and strengthen their willpower.

The National Health Service in the UK says that five pints of lager a week adds up to 44,200 calories over a year, the equivalent to eating 221 doughnuts.

6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ozone Therapy and Growth Factors can improve your quality of life

By Heather Baldiston OZONE THERAPY was first used over 100 years ago to treat First World War soldiers. It has amazing regenerating and revitalising properties.

Ozone Therapy and Growth Factors are widely used in Europe and the USA today. The fact is that more and more doctors and more informed patients are seeking alternative solutions to traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine is often criticised for prescribing too many drugs, sometimes with dangerous side effects.

Ozone is a naturally occurring chemical that consists of three oxygen atoms. Medical Ozone is completely safe and nontoxic. Ozone is a very powerful oxidising agent, and is of course completely natural and drug free. It can be introduced into the body in many ways.

In chemical terms Ozone is an oxidiser. In simpler terms it destroys bacteria, viruses, fungus and also breaks down (destroys) harmful

OZONE THERAPY: Can have outstanding results in the cure of joint and back pain. chemicals and impurities.

Ozone Therapy can have outstanding results in the cure of joint arthritis, severe back pain, diabetic ulcers, sight problems, heart disease, some forms of cancer, cerebral palsy.

The list goes on and on.

A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating Cellular Growth of specific tissues. Growth factors

can help to build new blood vessels after injury.

Dr. Jose Faus Vitoria is a University of Valencia graduate in medicine and

surgery and an expert in the use of Ozone Therapy and Growth

Factors who has been practising in this field since 1985.

Plasma beams could end scarring A BEAM that seals and heals cuts could prevent scarring.

The hand-held device emits a plasma beam that seals and heals cut skin, which could mean an end to stitches and staples, reducing scarring or making them less viable.

Plasma is a charged form of gas and is sometimes used to sterilise surgical instruments, but now, an Israeli company has developed the device which uses a colder form of plasma which can be applied to the skin after surgery.

This cold plasma has been found to trigger the process in the body which halts bleeding from a cut or wound and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels to help repair damaged tissues.

A study by German and

HAND HELD: The device seals and heals cut skin.

Vietnamese scientists showed that, a year after surgery, scar formation among five patients who had the

plasma beam treatment was significantly reduced compared with patients who had stitches.

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FOOD & DRINK

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& DRINK

ood F

Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local sport

Sprouting garlic To read more turn to Page 60

Almería’s best guide to local restaurants

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Red a lucky colour for wine sales in both China and Spain

CHINA has become the world’s number one consumer of red wine, overtaking both France and Italy, according to London-based wine and spirits trade association VINEXPO. With sales of 1,865 billion bottles of red sold last year, the Chinese increased consumption by a massive 136 per cent in the last five years.

Apart from growing affluence, the surge may be attributed to China’s cultural preference for the colour red over white, as in China red is the colour of good luck while white is the colour of death.

CHEERS: Chinese now the top consumers of red wine worldwide This bodes well for Spain as it tries to figure out how to

maximise its potential in this massive market of the future.

In fact, China is the focus of the 6th annual Diam Bouchage

conference in Logroño, La Rioja on April 9.

Supported by the Rioja Association of Oenologists (wine scientists), Diam conferences are attended by Spain’s wine sector professionals to discuss varying industry themes like technology in international markets; sustainable viticulture and oenology; and wine tourism.

This year’s conference will highlight making and selling the best wines in the high-stakes Chinese market. Demei Li, one of the top wine scientists in the world, is planning to attend.

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FOOD & DRINK

Garlic gets better with old age GARLIC that has sprouted has even more health properties than its fresher counterpart, a new study has revealed.

This brings new possibilities to a food that usually ends up in the rubbish bin when thought to be past its prime.

Based on the fact that seedlings make new compounds when they grow into green plants, a team of researchers decided to find out if the same thing would happen in old heads of garlic.

The results, published in the Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry published by the American Chemical Society, showed that garlic sprouted for five days had higher antioxidant activity than fresher, younger bulbs.

They also seemed to have different metabolites, suggesting that it also makes different substances.

Extracts from this garlic even protected cells in a laboratory dish from certain types of damage.

“Therefore, sprouting may be a useful way to improve the antioxidant potential of garlic,” the researchers conclude.

Tio Pepe named b A SPANISH winery has been named best visitor centre in this year’s edition of the Wine Tourism Awards.

FOOD & DRINK

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Researchers find best way to hold a burger

e winery best The Tio Pepe winery, part of the Gonzalez Byass group based in Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz), was chosen for its commitment to wine tourism.

Organised by the Drinks International magazine, the awards aim to recognise innovation and excellence among wine producers.

In this third edition, a panel of judges praised numerous and varied activities offered in eight different languages, including English.

Visitors to the sherry producer headquarters in Jerez de la

JAPANESE scientists have found a way to avoid hamburgers falling out all over the place when eating them.

The researchers - an expert in fluid mechanics, an engineer and a dentist - used 3D technology to discover the best way to eat a large burger.

Their four-month research revealed the way most people hold a hamburger, with their thumbs on the bottom and fingers on top, results in many ingredients being spilled.

Instead, they suggest the meat sandwich should be held using both thumbs and pinkies to hold its bottom.

This way the remaining fingers are on the top, visually dividing the food into equal parts.

BURGERS: They’re a science behind how to hold them.

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THE Almanzora Group of Friends, based in Avenida Lepanto in Albox, made an early start to pick up their coach for a day visit to El Parque Minero, a mining area near Cartagena.

On the drive through the local town, La Union, the driver negotiated the little streets, with a whisper to spare in some instances, whilst all the day trippers held their breath.

The mountains offered quite breathtaking views, as they showed the colours of the iron in their exposed strata. The mines were mainly iron ore, but silver was also worked in the area.

On arrival at El Parque Minero, the group was shown a video in English to explain the history of the area, then boarded a little train to be taken up to the refurbished mine itself, the name of which is Agrupa Vincenta. There is a total area of 50,000 sq mts to this park and the mine the group visited is one of 1,200 in the Sierra Minera.

Once at the mine, hard hats were donned and they

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Almanzora Grou visit El Parque M

AGRUPA VINCENTA: The mine is situated in the El Parque Minero. were taken in two groups into the mine, which is around 4,000 square metres in size. The mine was spectacular inside, with lights and handrails, plus good walkways. After descending on foot to around 80 metres,

the English speaking guide gave an explanation on each of the four different levels.

The final level had a ‘lake,’ orange in colour and was definitely not for swimming in, being full of sulphuric acid. Apparently there are

regular flamenco concerts held in this mine, the acoustics and atmosphere reportedly being excellent.

These miners certainly had a tough life of it, as everything was owned by the mining company,

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6 -12 March 2014 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

up of friends Minero Mines including the shop and the housing that they lived in. They were paid by tickets, which were exchangeable at the shop - no tickets, no food.

After a coffee break, the group travelled on a scenic route passing Portman Bay, a beautiful bay, but spoilt by the mining company which deposited huge slag piles onto its beaches in the long and distant past. On closer inspection, JCBs could be seen clearing these heaps away, a mammoth task which could go on for some time. The next stop

was Cabo de Palos, a small fishing port. There was time to enjoy the sunshine, admire the views and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants dotted around the port, lunch was not included in the price of the trip.

An excellent day was had by all those who attended.

Details of the day and away trips are on the Almanzora group of friends website: http://almanzora gof.org/ Non-members are welcome to

attend any of the trips, but pay a small supplement on the price.

The centre is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings 10am to 1.30pm and they have a comprehensive lending library for members to explore.

The next planned trip is to the historic city of Cartagena on Friday

March 28 with pick ups in Albox, Arboleas and La Alfoquia.

Almanzora Group of Friends is a non-profit making organisation, that is in its fourteenth year of existence and is run completely by volunteers.

For more information please phone 634 343 147.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Saturday morning car b LAST Saturday saw the end of an era for Albox, Arboleas and the surrounding area with the closure of the Car Boot Market.

The Saturday car boot was an institution in the area and every expatriate in the valley must have surely had a wander around the market at some time or another. The car boot situated between Albox and the town of Arboleas on the main Baza to Lorca road has often caused controversy. Now, Arboleas Council has stepped in and closed the illegal market down.

For many years there had been issues with the illegal Rastro which is situated next to the Bar International.

The market does not have a licence and the land owners have allegedly

never applied for a licence. There have also been regular concerns expressed by the traffic authorities - the market is directly off the very busy main highway - and with the crossing of vehicles and pedestrians it was surely only a matter of time before there was a serious accident.

Arboleas Town Hall has faced a difficult problem because if there had been a serious accident the town hall could have been held liable for not taking action against the market.

Arboleas has two further markets on a Saturday, Los Llanos, which is directly across the road from the car boot, and the traditional market held in Arboleas village. The enclosed market at Los Llanos does not have a traffic issue because the access is off a

council service road. The village market has been suffering for some time with a reduction in customers leading to a reduction in the number of stalls. The town hall feels there are a number of reasons for this, one being the presence of two other markets in the area, and a reduced amount of spending power in the community.

However, the town hall feels that the recent deterioration in the market is a result of the clampdown by the National Government on illegal trading and the black economy.

In July 2013 the town hall received a circular from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security. The circular reminded the town hall of their obligation to control the operation of the market and to ensure that all

Albox visit to commemorate Andal THE President of the Provincial Government of Almeria, Gabriel Amat visited the Martin Garcia Ramos school in Albox last week.

The president presided over events to commemorate February 28, Andalucia Day. Speaking to the pupils

he explained the importance of this event in the province and also spoke about the important role of county councils. Amat said: “If the government did not exist, we would have to invent it, as it supports the smaller towns and provides stability to its

citizens. The president also responded to questions from the students and Institute director Francisco Torrecillas.

Following the ceremony, the President signed the Institute’s Book of Honour where he congratulated the staff for the important work they do in

pro amo the at f loca rece Pro

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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boot closed down trading is carried out legally.

In order to avoid future legal problems the town hall approved regulations for the market.

This caused some traders to move to the Los Llanos market fearful of falling foul of the new regulations.

However the town hall would like to point out that there are ways for small traders to avoid problems caused by these regulations and those who wish to have a stall on Arboleas market should enquire at the town hall, where they will help traders cut through the red tape, although they stress

lucia Day

omoting education and coexistence ong the young albojenses. Making most of his visit Gabriel Amat saw first hand the new Sports Centre ated at the Institute which had eived 45 per cent funding from the ovincial Government.

that health regulations will apply for the sale of cooked food.

Organisations who want to have a stall to raise money for charities etc can register with the town hall

and avoid complex regulations and expense.

Traders are reminded that rules apply to all traders in all markets, and they should expect regular checks by officials.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Spanish worst dr ACCORDING to research by French motoring foundation Vinci Autoroutes and the Europe-wide market research firm IPSO, Spanish, Italian and French drivers are the worst in Europe.

The research carried out surveyed 7,000 people in seven European countries, and 50 per cent believe that the Italians are the most dangerous drivers.

A ticket CHILDREN under four years of age must be in possession of a ticket in order to travel on mid and long distance trains in Spain.

As long as the child does not occupy a seat, the ticket is free, and will be issued to the person accompanying the child, sharing the same ticket number and who has an allocated seat.

The move is one of the

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

h among rivers A total of 16 per cent felt Spaniards were the worst, and 14 per cent considered the French to be the most dangerous.

Swedish drivers were seen as the most responsible drivers, with 47 per cent naming them as the safest, followed by the Germans, who got 26 per cent of the votes, and the British, with 13 per cent.

to ride measures being made to improve rail safety being implemented by the Minister of Development, Ana Pastor, since the Santiago de Compostela train crash in July, 2013.

The child must present the ticket, along with the accompanying traveller, at control points, and will become mandatory from September.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Internet TV thoughts and some solutions...

HELLO and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Continuing with the question of the moment which is: Do we invest in internet TV so we can continue to watch our British soaps or do we invest in a larger dish to maximise the signal received or do we resign ourselves to Spanish TV, learn the language to the best of our abilities?

What we know!

2) Should we 1) Some people, all change using the standard Trevor Spencer over to dish can still get all Internet TV? the TV channels Computers that we have Meet Trevor Spencer who will be writing Thoughts: 1) Internet TV is a good a weekly computer column for the EWN... come to expect, and viable solution to lack of British TV! whereas the rest 2) If you choose the large dish route, of us have lost quite a few. have the installer bring along a dish large 2) Some people with a dish the size of a enough to replace your roof, set it up and small county have lost the same channels. prove that you’re not wasting your money.

3) The internet in Spain should, just 3) Go back to England if you’re so about, support everyone watching desperate to watch English TV and don't ‘Coronation Street’ (WHY?) at the same like the other options! time.

There is no clinic this or next Friday at Questions: 1) Should those of us with a Jack’s bar in Albox, but everything will be little one, replace it with a bigger one? back to normal after then.

FEATURE

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Alonso ready for action

By Tony Matthews

Fact File on Fernando Alonso Díaz

OVER the last three months or so, hundreds of enthusiasts have visited Madrid’s Canal Art • Born on 29 July 1981 in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.

Centre to check out and admire • Started in karting at the age of three. an exhibition of memorabilia • Won three consecutive karting championships in Spain in including silverware, cars and mid 1990s. kit won and collected over the • Became world karting champion in 1996. last 30 years by Formula One star Fernando Alonso.

• Made his F1 debut in 2001 with Minardi.

But the Spanish superstar • In September 2005, became F1 World Driver’s champion for insists that this is not the time the first time, aged 24 years and 58 days - the youngest to do for reminiscing as far as he is so at that time. concerned.

• Retained the title in 2006 to become the youngest double “I have so far won only two F1 World driver’s championchampion. ships. That’s more than I could • Joined McLaren in 2007; returned to Renault in 2008, have dreamed for” he said, “but moved to Scuderia Ferrari in 2010.

I am hungry for more success.

I will tell you that winning two championships is not enough for me.”

• Nicknamed El Nano, he is a Goodwill Ambassador for Since claiming his second UNICEF. World F1 title for Renault in • And last year scored a career best 1,571 F1 points in a 2006, Fernando has endured a season. frustrating time on the race track. Unfortunately, a threeyear deal with McLaren ended prematurely driving for Ferrari back in after just one season 2007, makes up one half of following a souring the most interesting F1 of relations with pairings in recent times, and team boss Ron one which will, for sure, will Dennis and his then test both men’s skills driving partner on the track and Lewis Hamilton. their powers of Surprisingly, a diplomacy off it. return to Renault “I think Kimi is a in 2008 saw him very talented slip down from driver. That is a third place to fifth huge help and a in the drivers’ huge motivation championship. for myself first That was the and also for the season best team, because remembered for the sothe team knows called ‘Crashgate’ affair it has to deliver and a year later a good car Fernando claimed because I just one podium know Kimi A third finish, ending out of “With the first pre-season will deliver a good up in ninth reach. testing weekend complete, all demanding and important days. result,” said Fernando. world title place in the The 32- of us at Ferrari have learned It gave us something to work Positive news for Ferrari, and remains just driver’s year-old much about their new-look F14 on and hopefully we can get it everyone involved in F1, would championship, has T.” right with Fernando doing the be any improvement in the out of reach which was his finished Fernando finished second business when it matters most.” condition of former German worst showing second to fastest on the final day of Fernando agreed with driver Michael Schumacher. since debuting for Red Bull's testing in Jerez, Spain. Indeed, Domenicali: “It’s too early to Sighed Fernando: “We are all Minardi in 2001.

Sebastian he completed the second most judge how the Italian team hoping every day to have some Thankfully, the Vettel in three of number of laps overall, with might fair this season. I know good news coming from the switch to Scuderia the past four seasons. reigning champion Sebastian I need to deliver my best. If hospital... all the F1 drivers Ferrari in 2010 has been Fernando said: “I believe Vettel in his Red Bull car, not I cannot be in front of my have huge respect for Michael, more productive. it’s anyone’s guess what might managing only 20 full laps in new colleague Kimi because he was the man that He has so far recorded 11 happen this year. All the teams four days Raikkonen, so that is only motivated us.”

Grand Prix victories and 31 and drivers are grappling with a Fernando’s team principal, good and positive news for Fernando’s quest for a third podiums in 77 starts in four new car, following a complete Stafano Domenicali stated on Ferrari.” drivers’ championship title years. But annoyingly, a third overhaul of F1’s technical Ferrari F1’s official website: Raikkonen, the flying Finn, begins in Melbourne on Sunday, World title has remained just regulations.

“These were four very who won his only World title 16 March.

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omes&gardens

HOMES & GARDENS

H Some thoughts on plant colours SPONSORED BY

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

lifestyle and brighten up the cloudy days and to create a cool restful feeling for semi shaded siesta areas by planting with more subdued colours such as greens, whites, blues and mauves. Good choices include:

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

By Dick Handscombe Spain’s best known expat gardening author about to start his 26th winter cut back.

C

OMPARED to 20 years ago there are many more garden centres from which to purchase plants and many more varieties to choose from.

However today many of the plants on display have not been grown in Spain and some newly imported varieties struggle to survive in even the most protected gardens. So if you are interested in planting up a garden that is likely to be colourful in all seasons, but won’t break the bank each year with the need for replacement plants and heavy

Hot thrivers

SPECTACULAR: Gardens can be colourful in all seasons. watering, we suggest you select plants that have a good chance of really thriving, rather than hopefully just surviving the hottest days of summer or the coldest days of winter.

Firstly that means plants that are reasonably drought resistant

once established with deep roots and reasonably frost resistant if you are high up or inland.

Secondly since we are in Spain it makes sense to plant up parts of the garden with hot rich vivid colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to match the Spanish

The back bone of many Spanish gardens are lantanas, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, cassias, gazanias, geraniums, and the exotic bird of paradise caesalpinia gilliesii flowering tree of medium height.

Lantanas come in a range of colours, the most spectacular being the red and orange ‘bandera’ variety.

Likewise bougainvilleas can be in all shades of purple, red, orange and yellow.

Other favourites are the long flowering crimson pineapple sage and the yellow flowered daisy like euryops and the late summer flowering lagerstromias.

For summer window boxes and tubs we restrict ourselves to the bright coloured annuals, petunias, busy lizzies and portulacas. We only plant geraniums in north facing window boxes.

Cool thrivers Popular blue summer choices include agapanthus bulbs which after a few years develop into large clumps, the daisy like felicias and columnar echiums.

Mauves include pelargoniums, ground cover lantana and tulbaghia (society garlic); and white possibilities include ground cover lantana, agapanthus, lilies, climbing jasmines and roses, margaritas, geraniums and bougainvilleas.

But sadly the latter is for hot coastal gardens only as it is very frost tender. In reality only the deep purple glabra bougainvillea is hardy enough for inland gardens that expect frosts.

Our book ‘Your Garden in Spain’ includes a chapter entitled ‘Painting with plants’ which provides you with other creative colour combining ideas.

In Part Four of the book some 350 plants and trees are described together with photographs and their Botanical, English and Spanish names and an indication of the most appropriate soil for each.

If you live on the Costa Blanca you will have the opportunity to discuss your gardening ambitions and problems face to face with Dick Handscombe at the Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, April 3 and 4, from 10am until 5pm. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com March 2014.

PROPERTY

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roperty P TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

More cash sales in Spain

NEARLY 40 per cent of the houses sold in Spain last year were paid for in cash, the Land Registrar Association has revealed.

According to property statistics from the association, 329,146 houses were sold in Spain in 2013, with 200,124 mortgages granted.

This means 39.2 per cent were cash sales.

Foreign buyers account for most of these mortgage-free purchases, a spokesperson of the association said in a press conference.

Foreign investors are gaining importance in the Spanish property market, with the British, French and Russian leading the way.

The number of transactions, including the buying and selling of houses, by these customers reached 12.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Property prices registered a lower decrease in 2013

PROPERTY prices in Spain continued to decrease in 2013, but to a lesser degree than in previous years.

The price of houses in Spain registered a year-onyear decrease of 4.2 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2013, according to the Ministry of Public Works. This percentage, though negative, confirms a soft landing of prices, which were of -4.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2013.

Such a low decrease in prices hasn’t been registered since 2010, figures by the ministry reveal. Back then, prices decreased by 3.5 per cent, and would plummet by -10 per cent in 2012.

From 2013, the situation has been gradually improving until reaching the current -4.2 per cent.

By region, the biggest year-on-year decreases in property prices were

PROPERTY PRICES: Kept falling in 2013, but to a lesser degree.

registered in La Rioja (-16.4 per cent), Castilla La Mancha and Cantabria (-12.3 both) and Aragon (-11.5 per cent). The Balearic Islands, Madrid, Galicia and Canaries were

the only regions where property prices increased.

The average price of the square metre has also decreased, accumulating a fall of 30.1 per cent since 2008, to the current

€1,466.9. Surprisingly, the municipalities of more than 25,000 inhabitants where the square metre is most expensive are all in the Basque Country.

Thus, the square metre in

San Sebastian is at €3,365.6, in Getxo at €2,950.4 and in Leioa €2,571.8.

The cheapest square metre is found in Jumilla, in Murcia, at €524.5.

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PETS / FEATURE

More tips on introducing a new baby to the family pet LAST week I gave advice on how to prepare your family pet on the arrival of a new baby in the house. Here I continue the advice.

Make sure you develop a routine and stick to it when baby arrives. It is important the dog receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Try not to make a big deal with the dog about the arrival of the baby. Teach the dog how to approach the baby properly and gently. Let the dog make initial investigations and approaches.

Associate the baby’s presence with positive things. Give the dog titbits and lavish praise for desired behaviour around the baby. Do not place the baby on the floor with the dog and never shout at or hit your dog for approaching the baby incorrectly.

Gently show the dog what you wish and offer a reward for responding.

Due to the fact the baby’s immune system is not strong, ensure that your dog is healthy and is up to date with worming and

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vaccinations before baby arrives. If your dog has any behavioural problems, make sure that you resolve these before baby arrives or if you are in doubt about your dog’s behaviour after your baby arrives, consult your vet who can refer you to a local animal behaviour counsellor.

NEVER leave any baby or child unattended with any dog.

Of course all the above rules must apply when grandchildren or visitors come for a few weeks, where dogs are not used to being around children.

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NEVER: Leave any baby with any dog.

Advertising Feature

Llanos de Rosa boarding kennels in Vera, for a happy holiday MANUEL of Llanos de Rosa boarding kennels in Vera is a man with a passion for animals. With 35 years of experience, his enthusiasm and love for animals still shines through.

Manuel started his career with the Charity for the Blind, ONCE when in 1988 he travelled to Exeter in England to take a three year course working with guide dogs and the blind to become a guide dog instructor.

After returning to Spain armed with qualifications, Manuel was responsible for opening the first ever Guide Dog Centre in Madrid. After finally settling in Almeria Province, Manuel has been running the Los Llanos kennels in Vera for the last 15 years.

It is clear to see that all the dogs are very happy in a chemical free, natural environment set in a peaceful location with plenty of space for your pet to run around in. Manuel likes to make sure the dogs get plenty of exercise.

However, he is happy to follow the recommendations of the customers for their pets and everyone is welcome to bring along their favourite

SPACIOUS: The cats are kept indoors in spacious accommodation. blankets, beds, toys and even the animal’s favourite biscuits and food to cater for any individual requirements.

All dogs have their own spacious living quarters with 27 kennels constructed from concrete blocks providing shelter in the winter and a cool environment in the summer.

Manuel makes sure your pet has a happy holiday and has many customers that return year after year.

Cats are also catered for and are kept indoors in a secure environment away from the dogs. The cats have a spacious area which is warm in the winter and cool in the summer and all have individual living quarters.

If you have a pet with behavioural problems, Manuel can offer home

COMFORTABLE: training in the The dogs have local area. Over comfortable a period of four living quarters. to five weeks Manuel will spend two hours a day, five days a week to identify the problem and likes to involve the owner too.

Manuel speaks perfect English, and has very competitive prices, offering special prices for long stays such as older dogs that may have problems at home and need extra attention.

To arrange an appointment call Manuel on 629 448 073.

You can find the kennels off the main N340 road.

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TILING FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (219415)

TRANSLATION INTERPRETER/TRANSLATOR. Hospital, Health Centres, Police, Guardia Civil, Town Hall, Notary, Huercal Overa, Vera & Surrounds. Good Rates. Call Monica on 652 123 607 (221016) EUROPEAN removals and transport with scheduled UK routes. UK Company, fully legal, taking loads from 5kg to 24,000kg. Lowest prices and the best service. 952 816 582 or www.focustransport.com (221351)

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SEWING ALTERATIONS SUE ‘STITCHES, sewing and alterations. 950 132 861 / 666 044 732 (219454)

STAFF wanted for busy warehouse. Must be hard working with good sense of humour. Computer skills an advantage. Call 622 288 750 or 681 095 096 (223417)

SOLAR ENERGY LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN. www.solarmegastore.es (201513)

SPAS OFFICIAL Caldera Spa main distributor for Southern Spain. Sales and service. Get a fantastic deal on new economical to run models and part exchange considered for your old, tired models. www.his pavan.com 687 845 730 (222034) SAUNA for sale in impeccable condition, 6 persons, all complete.

Phone 630 055 418 (223287)

SWIMMING POOLS GENECO Pool construction. Tel 950 478 086 for no obligation quote (93401)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería TUITION

VETS CENTRO Veterinario ABC La Alfoquia. Traditional veterinary medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, open Mon-Fri 10-2, plus emergency cover Tel 617 516 115 / 950 449 064 (219403)

WINDOW CLEANING WOODY THE WINDOW CLEANER. Fully legal and insured. Almanzora Valley Area. Tel 950 604 130 / 634 349 665 (223362)

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S

OME 700,000 car enthusiasts are expected to attend this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, which opens its doors today (Thursday).

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, will officially open this 84th edition that lasts until March 16.

Some 250 exhibitors from around 30 countries will be sharing the stage over the 110,000m2 of exhibition halls of Palexpo, in the Swiss city.

It will be divided into eight sections, including one focused on electric and alternative powered cars.

For the first time, the sports car manufacturers Zenvo Automotive and Ermini

MOTORING

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84th Geneva International Motor Show to open today

MOTOR SHOW: Car enthusiasts will meet at the Palexpo convention centre in Geneva.

Automobili, as well as the vehicles. preparation specialists They can test the Klassen-Automobile and acceleration, comfort and Nimrod Performances, will silence of these city cars be presenting at the which will be made show. available by BMW, In addition, new Citroen, Mitsubishi and exhibitors will Renault. include the Other Some 250 University of highlights of Helsinki this year’s exhibitors Metroplia and programme from 30 the group include some AKKA 900 vehicles countries Technologies in for today and association with for tomorrow and a MBtech, all of whom will retrospective of the 90 be unveiling their years of that most concepts for electric mythical of automobile vehicles. races, the Le Mans 24 A test track for small Hours race. electric vehicles will be In the 1,800 m2 of Hall laid out over an area of 3, people can savour the 870m2 in Hall 1 of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro Palexpo convention that the Swiss driver centre, in the middle of Marcel Fassler and his two the cars on display. team mates drove to Visitors will have the victory at the Le Mans 24 possibility to learn about Hours race in 2012, the the particularities and first victory for a hybrid operation of these car.

MOTORING

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Ford launches redesigned Focus FORD will unveil its redesigned Focus at the Geneva Motor Show, to be held from today (Thursday).

The new Focus, which debuted in Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress, is expected to go on sale from the second half of 2014.

The design of the new Focus is based on the language carried through the new Mondeo and Fiesta.

The car has a lower, wider stance, with a new bonnet, front fascia and grille.

Slimmer front headlamps and more rectangular, elongated foglamps add to the front end.

The rear of the car also is sleeker with a new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps.

The new Focus interior aims at responding to consumer feedback, the manufacturer claims.

It stands out with a more intuitive layout achieved thanks to a steering wheel and central

REDESIGNED: The new focus is inspired on the Mondeo and Fiesta models.

FUEL EFFICIENT: With up to 19 per cent fuel consumption reduction. stack with fewer controls and switches.

The new black satin trim and chrome detailing contribute to a more logical and intuitive

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function, Ford said.

Drivers will enjoy a quieter ride, achieved by thicker carpets, thicker side window glass, and improved engine bay insulation.

The new Focus offers significantly improved fuel efficiency on many versions compared to the current model

thanks to new engine options.

According to the manufacturer, the diesel model will offer a 19 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, while the petrol model will offer a 17 per cent improvement.

The new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to offer the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, and will be offered equipped with the new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.

The redesigned car will also be available with paddle-shift controls that enable drivers to control gear changes while keeping their hands on the steering wheel.

Paddle-shift controls will be available as an option with all automatic and PowerShift transmissions, both diesel and petrol.

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Venom GT sets a new world record

HENNESSEY’S Venom GT model has set a new world speed record for two-seat sports cars by reaching a top speed of 435.1 km/h.

The run was performed at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, on the 3.2-miles (5.1-kilometre) Space Shuttle landing runway.

The power of the Venom GT comes from its 7.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine, with a power output of 1,244hp.

Weighing 1,244 kilograms, the Venom delivers one horse-power per kilogram, reportedly making it the hardest-accelerating and fastest vehicle in the world.

To date, Hennessey has built and delivered 11 Venom GTs to owners around the world.

Each vehicle is built to order and takes six months to

AMERICAN PRIDE: The Venom GT set a new world speed record. complete.

A representative from GPS data-acquisition systems maker Racelogic verified and documented the Venom’s speed record.

The Venom GT thus broke the record set by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport,

which reached a speed of 431.07 km/h in Germany four years ago.

The sports car also owns the title for world’s fastest from 0-300 km/h in just 13.63 seconds, and 0-200 mph (321.86 km/h) in 14.51 seconds.

Each vehicle is built to order

MOTORING

PIMA Aire plan extension THE Spanish government has announced it will extend the PIMA Aire incentive programme to buy commercial cars.

The announcement was made by Vicepresident Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, and comes after the second phase of the plan came to an end in December.

The third phase of the PIMA Aire plan will have an estimated budget of €5.5 million to help business owners buy commercial cars.

It will also help people buy motorbikes, mopeds and electric bikes.

More than 20,000 commercial cars and 700 motorbikes were bought ever since the PIMA Aire plan came into force for the first time in 2013, according to sources.

SPORT

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6 - 12 March 2014 / Costa de Almería

Cup joy for city, Pardew butts a tiger, scrum down again SIX Nations Rugby continues this weekend with Ireland-Italy and Scotland-France on Saturday and EnglandWales on Sunday. England, who beat Ireland 17-10 in a crunching encounter a fortnight ago, will be keen to repeat that performance and gain revenge over Wales who beat them last season.

Also on Saturday, it’s Arsenal-Everton in the 6th round of the FA Cup, followed by HullSunderland, Manchester City-Wigan and Sheffield United-Charlton on Sunday.

And in the PL over the weekend, we have the London derby between Chelsea-Spurs and WBAManchester United.

CUP ROUND-UP Manchester City lifted their first trophy of the season by beating Sunderland 3-1 in the League Cup final - Yaya Toure scoring one of Wembley’s finest goals.

In mid-week, Fernando Torres’s vital away goal earned Chelsea a 1-1 draw in their last 16 CL first leg tie at Galatasaray who included former ‘Blue’ Didier Drogba.

Manchester United were poor, very poor, in losing to Olympiakos in Greece.

Elsewhere, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored twice as Real Madrid blitzed FC Schalke 6-1 in Germany.

In the Europa League, Tottenham, 1-0 down from the first leg, trailed 2-0 on aggregate before scoring three goals in 13 minutes to beat Dnipro 3-2.

Unfortunately, Swansea went out to Napoli.

LEAGUE ACTION Liverpool, 3-0 winners at Southampton with a first goal of the year for Luis Suarez, are second in the PL, four points behind Chelsea who won 3-1 at Fulham with Andre Schurrle’s 16-minute hat-

trick. Arsenal slipped up 1-0 yesterday. at Stoke, Everton pipped • WBA’s Nicolas Anelka West Ham 1-0, Newcastle has been banned for five won in style by 4-1 at Hull, matches and fined £80,000 Aston Villa beat Norwich by for his ‘quenelle’ gesture at the same score, Spurs West Ham last December. edged Cardiff 1-0 and The striker has also been Swansea and Crystal Palace ordered to attend a drew 1-1. compulsory education Leicester head the course.

Championship by eight points after beating Charlton 3-0; Tony Matthews second-placed International Sports Burnley A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more defeated Derby than 100 published), Tony is also the sports 2-0 while Wigan reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains.

Costa de Almeria won 4-1 at Nottingham Forest.

Wolves, 3-0 victors over Portsmouth, are top of FL1; Celtic, who belted Inverness CT 5-0, need two Yaya Toure. points to clinch their League title while SL1 leaders Rangers (24 points with a goal difference of 70) are still unbeaten after winning 1-0 at East Fife.

SOCCER SHORTS • Birmingham City owner Carson Yueng has been found guilty of five counts of money laundering. He will be sentenced tomorrow and could face 14 years in gaol.

• Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was fined £100,000 by his club for head-butting Hull’s David Meyler in last week’s PL game. He now awaits the FA’s decision!

• Yeovil had three players sent off in their recent 1-1 draw at Reading • 4,000 fans saw the 0-0 second XI draw between Doncaster and Rotherham; 3,000 of them girls... there to see One Direction star Louis Tomlinson make his debut for Rovers.

• England boss Roy Hodgson named a 30-man squad for last night’s friendly against Denmark at Wembley - giving a clear hint as to who will be going to Rio for the World Cup! Spain played Italy

GENERAL SPORT • Serena Williams admitted she was embarrassed after losing to World No 26 Alize Cornet of France in the semi-final of the Dubai Championship which as won by her sister,

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DID YOU KNOW? SINCE Valencia’s triumph in 2004, the Spanish La Liga title has featured only two teams - Barcelona (winners six times) and Real Madrid (three successes) with no other team coming close to disrupting the duopoly. But this season it’s different with a third party, Atletico Madrid, in with a shout. And I think it will go to the wire. Last weekend the Madrid derby ended 2-2 while Barcelona defeated Almeria 4-1.

Windy day 19TH HOLE Golf Society played their monthly medal round on a windy and demanding course at Aguilon on Thursday, February 27.

Mark Danson took first with a net score of 77 from Nick Pogson, fresh back from the UK, also with 77 points.

Tony Lees was third with 78.

Nearest the pin winners were Bob Tagg (4th) and David Rust on the very difficult 8th hole.

Christine Dow was untouchable in the ladies division, scoring a net 82 to take the medal from Zeta Denyer with 85.

The 19th Hole is now arranging weekly games at various area courses.

Our home course, played fortnightly, is Aguilon.

To join, ring the secretary on 610 340 653 or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk.

A Grande result CORTIJO Grande saw two divisions with plenty of players out on the course on Wednesday, February 26.

Frank Button won the first division with a solid 38 points.

Mike Picken was second (35) and Frank McGovern third (34).

Pat Hill won the second division with 32 points.

Frans Dierden was second (31), and third went to Carol Hardy (30).

Ball sweep winners

Venus. Roger Federer won the men’s singles.

• England were level 1-1 with the West Indies after two of three One Day Cricket Internationals in Antigua. The deciding game was played yesterday • In the World Track Cycling championships in Colombia, there were medals for Brits Joanna Rowsell (2 gold), Laura Trott (silver), Becky James (bronze) and Jess Varnish (bronze).

Tony Matthews' History of the FIFA World Cup will be back next week.

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were Alan Woodward and Pat Hill.

Sunday was Cortijo’s Asprodalba golf day.

Winner of the trophy and the first division was captain David Hardy, 37 points.

John Geaves was second (34) and Juan Pedro Fernandez third (another 34).

Mary Higgins was second division winner with 36 points.

Second went to Janet Kay (33) while third went to Patricia Holt (31).

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Sport

Yaya Toure Scored one of Manchester City’s finest goals at Wembley.

Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

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Three club challenge THERE was an individual three club challenge, at Marina. With the limited choice of clubs scores were surprisingly good.

The best score of the day went to Ali Mahmud with 35 points from José Ramon Alonso (33) in second followed by Alan Cook (32) in third. The ladies division was a countback, with Jackie Dale (28) in first ahead of Linda King (28)

TEXAS SCRAMBLE: The winners from the team game played on Thursday. and Glennys Oliver (26) in third. A Texas Scramble

played in three balls was the team game played on Thursday. Scoring was very close with only fractions between the first four teams. First was Liz Meagher, Tony King and Jim Budd (62.9) followed

by John Meagher, Isobel Jones and Hans Schütze (63.4). Third place went to Alan Cook, Linda King and

SPORT

Rhoda Elwick (64.3) and nearest the pin prizes were won by Brian Couper (14th) and Nadie Wass on the 5th. Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

Badgers at Macenas BADGERS Golf Society visited Macenas Golf for their weekly competition, a Texas scramble with drawn four balls.

The winning team on 51.25 after handicap allocations were deducted was Richard Jones, Ian Bethel, Dave Wright and Jan Page.

In second place with 52.25 were Brian Watts, Andy Mucha, Colin Commander and Dave Loader.

Saturday’s stableford competition at Macenas was won by Brian Watts with 37 points from Alan Thomas who was second with 32 points.

Third place went to Dave Crothers with 30 points.

Members are reminded that yearly membership is now due.

Forthcoming fixtures: Thursday, March 6 at Aguillon; Wednesday, March 12 at Macenas; Thursday, March 20 day trip away to Lorca.

Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wednesday and Saturday competitions.

Book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950 478 525 / 686 038 259. Fixtures can be found on www.badgersmojacar.com.