Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 18 - 24 December 2014 Issue 1537

ISSUE NO. 1537

EWN FRONT EXTRA

Santa’s visit FATHER CHRISTMAS and his helpers will be making a special appearance at the MACS shop in Mojacar on December 19 from 6 until 8pm and December 20 from 10am until 2pm.

New services JANUARY 11 at 11am heralds the start of regular Church of England Sunday services in the village church hall at Los Llanos del Peral.

No internet ACCORDING to a report

by Quantis, using data from Avanza and INE, more than 50,000 Andalucians are without internet access via conventional means.

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Brand new MACS shop opens in Huercal Overa MONDAY December 15 saw a new offering in Huercal Overa with the opening of the brand new MACS shop.

Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS) already had two stores in Mojacar and Albox, but there has been a need in the Huercal Overa area for some time.

MACS was established in 2007, the dream of Elaine Brown who had seen the need for a support group for cancer sufferers, their families and their care givers. Back in 2007, what began as a coffee morning, rapidly grew into a thriving group that has helped many people through the amazing work from its volunteers. MACS is an informal group who meet regularly to provide support and services free of charge to its users: such things as wigs, prosthetics, transport, walking frames, massages and emotional

support, all things that can make a real difference to the life of a cancer patient.

Opening a new shop takes a huge amount of work, and many people and businesses rallied around to ensure things ran smoothly.

Some businesses waived their fees to help.

Even the council of Huercal Overa stepped in, becoming the first municipality to waive the opening licence fee and administration for a MACS store.

Many people attended

the grand opening to show their support for the news store. In addition to the mayor of Huercal Overa, there was also Monica Navarro, councillor for Commerce in Huercal Overa and Alejandro Guerrero Salvador, the Honorary British Consul of Almeria, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Additional support was provided by FACE Arboleas, Mojacar Freemasons, Voss Estates, Dames in Turre and architect Juan Antonio Garcia. Lorraine Cundy and Sue Pearce from FACE (Fundraising in Arboleas Caring for

Everyone) were at the opening to present MACS with a cheque for €500.

Although only officially open for 90 minutes, the store still raised €347.73.

The new store is open from 10am until 2pm Monday to Friday and is located at 151A Carretera Estacion, Huercal Overa.

Those interested in volunteering should call 634 358 334. If you need cancer support please call 634 656 555.

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INDEX News 1 - 28 Finance 31 - 36 Letters 37 Leapy Lee 38 Daily TV 44 Time Out 54 - 55 Health & Beauty 57 - 59 Food 60 - 64 Homes & Gardens 65 Albox 66 - 72 Property 73 Classifieds 74 - 76 Motoring 77 - 78 Sport 79 - 80

HUERCAL OVERA: The streets were filled with candles and activities.

Noche de Luz magic HUERCAL OVERA shone brightly on Noche de Luz as the streets were filled with candles, magic and activities.

More than 80 shops and 24 eateries participated in the event which was organised by the town council.

More than 5,000 candles were lit and the streets filled with Disney characters and street entertainers in a night that brought family fun and shopping bargains galore.

Mayor of Huercal Overa, Domingo Fernandez, and councillor of Commerce,

Monica Navarro, lit the first candles in Plaza de la Constitucion, giving the starting signal for the night’s events.

From the plaza, Mickey Mouse and his friends set off in a sled, followed by hordes of excited children.

There were Christmas carols sung by the Martin Alonso choir while Zumba was demonstrated by the H2O sports centre.

Fernandez said: “This event is precisely to encourage local trade. We know that the Christmas season is paramount to our more than 200 shops.”

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MACS closed ALL of the MACS shops will close December 19 and reopen January 7. Please do not leave donations outside doorways as there will be nobody to put them somewhere safe.

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ALMERIA City has released the names of the three men who will act as the Three Kings on January 5.

Secretary of Rocio Almeria’s brotherhood, Juan Jose Salvador Moreno, photographer and president of the Mar and El Zapillo neighbourhood association, Felipe Ortiz Molina, and geriatric physician from

Torrecardenas hospital, Humberto Kessel Sardinas, will perform as Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar for the annual event in the provincial capital.

The three kings will leave the Alcazaba at 5.30pm, wading through crowds of excited children and visitors, travelling through the streets of Almanzor, La Reina, Arraez, Plaza de la Vieja

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The three kings for Almeria

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and finishing at Plaza de la Constitucion where they will be met by the Bishop of Almeria and the city’s mayor.

The three kings will have been inaugurated at noon the same day in the city hall by the city’s mayor, president of the Spanish association against cancer and the judges of the Supreme Court and Provincial Court.

Merry Christmas

NEXT week all our readers will be getting an early Christmas present - the Euro Weekly News is hitting the streets a day early. It will be out on Wednesday, December 24.

Lord Jim

Mojacar fire FIREFIGHTERS are investigating the reasons behind the fire of a car in an underground car park in Calle Rey Alaves in Mojacar. The fire affected the motor and entire front of the vehicle.

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Thieves arrested

Award received PROTECCION CIVIL has been honoured at an awards ceremony for, and presented with an award by, the Programa Provincial de Rutas y Senderos 2014 for their work during 2014.

TWO thieves have been arrested, responsible for 32 thefts from four garages. A Vicar resident was responsible for 32 thefts, while a Roquetas resident was responsible for 10.

Women’s collection THE charity stall for Albox’s Women’s Shelter has collected €640 from the sale of almost 240 poinsettias. The centre cares for victims of domestic violence as well as raising awareness.

FULFILLING AEMET’s predictions, parts of Almeria received a white blanket as snow covered some towns.

Los Velez was one of the areas in which residents awoke to the snowy scenes.

Guadalinfo Albox GUADALINFO in Albox has been awarded first place for Best Practices in the Guadalinfo provincial meeting 2014. It was in recognition of a project called ‘Citizens of Guadalinfo.’

Dead dolphin VOLUNTEERS from Equinac have removed a dead dolphin found washed up on Aguamarga beach in Nijar.

The young female dolphin has been taken for testing to assess the cause of death.

‘

Franco symbols STREET ART: Exhibition is one of the hottest art shows of the year.

Striking art - but whose work is it?

T

IME is running out to see one of the hottest art shows of the year in Spain; one that will have art lovers strongly divided in their opinions. Los Angelesbased artist Thierry Guetta - aka Mr Brainwash - is currently exhibiting a collection of his work at Barcelona’s Galeria 3 Puntos, and his street-art style has critics divided as to just how talented the Parisborn, self-proclaimed filmmaker and street artist is.

In fact, there are strong rumours that the work of Guetta is actually the work of the world-famous Banksy, and the Mr Brainwash persona is an elaborate hoax dreamt up by the elusive and mischievous British street artist. The protagonist of the Oscar-nominated 2010 documentary film ‘Exit

Quote of the Week I had two options. One was to remain silent and wait to be killed. And the second was to speak up and then be killed,’

said Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, the 17-year-old shot by the Taliban after speaking out on education.

matt northam

Teacher protest MORE than 100 teachers of religious education are protesting against the proposed cuts in teaching hours across Almeria. The cuts could potentially reduce hours by 50 per cent, risking jobs.

White Velez

Through the Gift Shop,’ Mr Brainwash shot to fame by copying the styles of other street artists he saw around him, including Banksy. The movie chronicled his rise through the ranks of the underground scene to the eventual staging of a massive art exhibition in LA. Dismissed by many as a copycat, but hailed by others as a genius, the work of Mr Brainwash undoubtedly gets the art world talking wherever his attention-grabbing exhibitions take him.

The Mr Brainwash exhibition will run until December 31 in Barcelona and is the perfect opportunity to see some of the world’s most famous street-art pieces, as immortalised on film. If it is all a hoax, then perhaps the works on show at Galeria 3 Puntos are a chance to see pieces by Banksy.

CREDITlev radin / Shutterstock.com

Number of the week

€31.5

million is the reputed yearly salary of Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso who will be racing with the McLaren-Honda F1 team for next year’s championship. The team will also be paying Jenson Button around €10 million after retaining his services for another year.

THE Junta’s vice president, Rafael Salazar, has asked for the removal of Francoist symbols from schools in Almeria City. Salazer pointed out two schools that have symbols on their facades.

Auto bollards AUTOMATED bollards have begun working in Almeria City to restrict vehicle access to certain areas. The only access is for resident parking and there will be remote controls.

Candlelight vigil MEMBERS of Amnesty International travelled to Playa del Zapillo in Cabo de Gata to place candles for each of the 29 people, including seven babies, that fell from a boat on December 5.

And finally...

SPANISH high-street fashion brand Desigual held their first ‘Semi-naked Party’ in Singapore over the weekend. In what is now a Desigual tradition, shoppers are urged to strip down to their underwear in order to get freebies and massive discounts.

Hundreds of shoppers showed up to the Singapore event.

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Lubrin health centre and town hall open SONIA FERRER and Alfredo Valdivia, delegates from the Junta

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Work begins THREE contracts worth a total of €500k have been awarded for areas of Almeria City in need of attention.

Work will now begin on Avda Cabo de Gata, Costacabana and Mediterraneo-Oliveros.

Adra market ADRA’s Christmas market is now open in Plaza Enrique Sierra Valenzuela. It runs until Sunday selling handcrafted goods.

de Andalucia regional government, joined the Lubrin mayor, Domingo Jose Ramos, to officially open the town’s new health centre and town hall.

The new health centre provides services for approximately 1,000 inhabitants. It replaces the former office which was more than 25 years old, smaller than the

new centre and in much need of modernisation.

The regional government provided €454,000 for the construction of the centre.

Sonia Ferrer said: “The Junta is making a major effort to provide the greatest level of accessibility of primary care services as well as to increase and improve the network of health

centres and clinics in Almeria.”

The new centre has a staff of two family doctors and two nurses in addition to a paediatrician and social worker who support the centre once a fortnight.

The new town hall has three floors and came at a cost of €270,00 which was funded between the Junta and town hall.

Our View

Food drive success is example for the year

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T’S wonderful to see that the recent national food drive in the run up to Christmas exceeded all expectations and collected more than 700,000 tonnes of food to help impoverished families throughout the country.

It was over 100,000 tonnes more than expected and it is an excellent indication of how generous people can be at this time of year.

At Christmas, nobody wants to think of families unable to buy presents for their children or feed themselves well, of those sitting alone at home because they have nobody to talk to, or of elderly people who can’t afford heating for the home.

People tend to open their purse strings more often over the festive holidays. After all, it is the season of goodwill.

While giving to charity is commendable over the Christmas period, it doesn’t take much to be as charitable for the rest of the year also.

Here at EWN we are involved with charitable causes the whole year round, not just when it comes to Christmas time. It’s so important to help others who are unable to help themselves, and causes and charities need help 365 days a year.

Those individuals and families who find it difficult to cope do so throughout the entire year and once Christmas is over they face the same difficult circumstances every day.

So please do give generously during the festive season, but don’t forget that once the holidays are over, plenty of people’s troubles are not.

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SCHOOLS VISIT: Santa Clause and his elves with the mayor of Huercal Overa.

Children asked for Christmas lists SANTA CLAUS and his elves teamed up with the mayor of Huercal Overa and visited schools in the municipality.

Mayor of the town Domingo Fernandez, delivered Christmas cards alongside Santa in a visit that enthralled the children while taking the opportunity to promote local merchants. “We are aware that the Christmas season

holds important benefits.

Just like last year, we are delivering cards to our children in the hope purchasers will remain local,” said the mayor.

The children were very excited to receive a visit from Santa and his helpers, They were able to give their Christmas lists to Santa and had some fun singing Christmas carols. The first to receive visits were CEIP

Virgen del Rio and CEIP Principe Felipe, before they moved to the other schools in the area.

The town has also distributed posters across the town with the slogan, “This Christmas I’ll buy in Huercal Overa.” The two activities form part of an initiative consisting of 40 activities based on and around the Christmas season.

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Arboleas health centre on hold again MAYOR of Arboleas, Cristobal Garcia, and the Junta’s health delegate, Alfredo Valdivia, recently held a meeting to discuss the future of Arboleas’ health centre.

The Junta has asked Arboleas to wait until at least early 2015, until funds exist to continue the work.

The mayor of Arboleas reminded the Junta that the town of Arboleas had already paid €724,000 towards the project. The news reiterates the Junta’s announcement in April 2014 when it advised that payment

HEALTH CENTRE: Waiting on funds to continue the work. of the contractor’s invoices would only be cleared when money was

available.

Currently, Arboleas residents are using a centre designed for 1,600 patients.

However the town now has 5,000 inhabitants making a new health centre an overdue necessity.

MJ Agroasesores leads organic exports MORE than seven million products have been exported to a dozen EU countries by organic distributor MJ Agroasesores in the last year.

The figures make the distributor the leading supplier of organic vegetables in Spain, supplying to well known companies such as Carrefour and El Corte Ingles and to countries including Germany, France, UK, Hungary, Poland, Denmark and Austria. The company began as a consultancy in organic farming, a service which it continues to provide to third parties in the province. The founders, Miguel Martinez and Jose Antonio are both technical agricultural engineers.

Its products include aubergines, beans, cucumbers, peppers, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

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2 accidents leave 2 injured TWO car accidents in the province have left two people seriously

injured. The first accident was on the AI-6109 between the towns

Berja squatters are convicted of theft THIRTEEN people who occupied a dozen empty homes in the Cerro de San Roque neighbourhood of Berja in January 2014 have been condemned by the criminal court of Almeria.

Seven of the squatters received fines of €130 for damage and liability amounts ranging between

€26,446 and €417.96 for damage to doors in order to gain access. The owner of the affected properties, a businessman from Roquetas de Mar, failed to sell the houses. They were held while he applied for a loan to finance the construction.

The 13 defendants accepted the judgements imposed.

of Los Gallardos and Bedar.

For unknown reasons a car drove into the opposite lane and collided with another vehicle. One of the drivers had to be cut from the vehicle by the Levante fire department.

The female driver had several fractures in her leg and was transferred to La Inmaculada hospital in Huercal Overa.

In the second accident, a car crossed the A-7, very close to Almeria’s Carretera de Ronda, causing two more vehicles to hit it.

One man had to be rushed to Torrecardenas hospital in the capital for emergency treatment.

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Former drug cop releases a book ALMERIA’S location places it in a against drug trafficking marked a strategic position for international before and after stage in this type of drug trafficking organisations making police operation.

The book has been written with the it an important place for those who cooperation of the current head of the wish to deal drugs.

However, it also makes Almeria the Provincial Commissariat of Almeria, Custodia Hidalgo. It takes a tour of province that stands as a benchmark the beaches of Almeria and for the police organisations contains firsthand accounts that dismantle the criminal of the long hours of groups and seize The book waiting on the lookout thousands of kilos of describes key for drug traffickers at a hashish. Behind this time when, “the only success is the work of achievements of tools we had were blind the agents that make the police intuition and the trust up the security forces. narcotics arm of our teammates,” said Now, for the first time, a book tells firsthand the Zamora. thousands of battles against He goes on to describe the drug trafficking carried out by a methods used at the time small group of policemen in the 1980s. including liasing with whistleblowers, Titled ‘Almeria: Costa Narcotics,’ the constant surveillance and crossing of book has been penned by retired inhospitable areas of the Almeria National Police officer Jose Villanueva landscape.

Zamora. In the book he describes “These were different times,” said some of the key achievements of the Zamora. “Drug traffickers used founding officers of the narcotics arm speedboats along the coast and so the of the National Police. Zamora was trust of residents was crucial to the one of only 12 agents whose activities success of our operations.”

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Padre visit PADRE ANGEL, president of the Mensajeros por la Paz, visited Almeria to meet the survivors of the boat wreck in which more than 20 people disappeared, presumed dead.

Pulpi protest CRISTOBAL HARO has permission to protest outside Pulpi Town Hall regarding a dangerous cess pool outside his house. He plans to protest 12 hours each day until December 20.

Free sports classes in Arboleas ARBOLEAS’ Department of Sports has announced a new range of free classes for residents.

There is paddle tennis, football, motor skills, fitness training, puzzles and models, cycling and active aging.

Further information is available from the Sports Department at the town hall.

Cristobal Garcia, Mayor of Arboleas, praised the initiative and said: “The most important thing is that interested residents can access these classes because they are free. The Sports Department has, as its main objectives, to provide residents with quality services and quality sports facilities.

“Managing the use of these facilities, the maintenance thereof, as well as the organisation of courses and activities are other tasks they have to perform.”

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Quesada exhibition THE Teatro Villa in Huercal Overa is hosting 30 works of art by Eva Quesada under the name Fantasticas Realidades (Fantastic Realities).

The exhibition will remain open until December 24 2014 and encompasses a number of portraits by Eva Quesada.

Eva is known for her montages and layers and a level of detail that characterises most of her works while always also including flora and fauna.

Quesada said: “Photomontage is a photography technique that involves making a composition and this exhibition aims to show the great possibilities and

AVANT-GARDE: Councillor for Culture, Antonio Lazaro and Eva Quesada at the exhibition opening. varieties that can be achieved when taking portraits. They are very avant-garde and creative which creates something very special that all ages and audiences can enjoy.”

The exhibition is open

Monday to Friday from 10.30am until 1.30pm and 4.30pm until 8pm. The exhibition has already been displayed in other municipalities in the province including Macael and Olula del Rio.

COITIAL helps needy families at Christmas THE headquarters of the College of Industrial Engineers (COITIAL) is raising money through a book sale while collecting food for the needy.

COITIAL are selling the book, Inocencias Destruidas (Innocence Destroyed) at a price of €12. The book, by Juan Jose Santos, is the story

about children who, from an early age, have to work hard to get by.

Children who survive in rubbish, who are prostituted and abused are all covered in the book. It is a hard story but with a happy ending. Food parcels will also be delivered between December 25 and January 6.

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Protests at school DESPITE the heavy rains, parents and students of El Toyo Retamar secondary school gathered outside

8 tremors in Almeria ACCORDING to reports from the National Geographic Institute, there were eight earthquakes in and around Almeria during a 24 hour period.

Six of the earthquakes were in the Alboran Sea and two in El Ejido. The highest magnitude was measured at 4.1 on the Richter scale in the Western Alboran, while the lowest two were both measured at 1.8 in El Ejido, although the population did not report feeling the tremors.

the site on which the new centre is to be built, to demand that construction is delayed no longer.

The construction works were granted permission at the end of October 2014.

However, there are still several steps to take until the work is put out to tender, leaving the children in temporary prefabricated classrooms.

Rosario Gomez, head of the parents’ association spoke of

their disappointment in the delays. She said: “We are very disappointed by how the children are being treated. We depend on an institute eight kilometres away leaving us completely isolated and we haven’t been given facilities for our children that other institutes have.”

Gomez also stressed the temporary classrooms are leaking and that until last month there was no staffroom for teacher’s meetings.

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The Rose singers sing their way into Christmas in Los Gallardos ON December 9 the Miraflores restaurant in Los Gallardos was full to

capacity for the Rose Singers Christmas Concert.

Approximately 120 people came to hear carols sung in Spanish

and English and joined in enthusiastically.

The choir were pleased to be able to donate €500 to Asadis at the end of the evening. This small charity, based in Los Gallardos, supports local disabled children who rely heavily upon the generosity of groups like the Rose Singers.

Ten gentlemen joined the ladies in the second half with a rendition of

Good King Wenceslas and a very lively 12 Days of Christmas. The guest accompanist was Barry Jobling from London, who played O’ Holy Night as well as a selection of lighter Christmas songs,

while Jeanne Henny played the flute obligato for the Spanish carol, Nino Querido. You can next hear the Rose Singers on January 25 at Vera convent for the Dia del Paz.

Everyone loves an almond pie HUERCAL OVERA celebrated Dia de la Empanada (Day of the pie), a 10-year-old activity organised by the Neighbourhood Association of the Historical Centre.

These are one of Huercal Overa’s most traditional almond desserts. All day, people rolled up their sleeves and made more than 2,000 almond pastries.

Huercalenses say that the pie is essential in every home to correctly celebrate Christmas.

Families gather to prepare the pies using recipes passed down through the generations.

Although the pies are

alike, each family has their own secret ingredient to give it a personal touch.

Mayor Domingo Fernandez added the council’s support and said: “This preserves the traditions of our town, and passes it from generation to generation.

In addition, funds are distributed annually to various associations and this time it goes to Las Hermanitas de los Ancianos.”

Five kilograms of butter, 12 kilograms of sugar, 60 eggs, five litres of brandy and seven kilograms of almonds were used.

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Three teenagers arrested for Almeria violent thefts THREE 13-year-old children have been arrested in Almeria City on suspicion of two robberies and two illegal detentions.

The investigation began in November when the National Police heard of an assault close to the Paseo de la Caridad.

Three minors allegedly assaulted two other children as they prepared to enter their schools.

The assailants took a mobile phone and two compasses from inside their backpacks, which they subsequently used to threaten them. The two youngsters were then taken to a nearby clearing where they were held for five hours, forced to undress and made to hit each other.

The other assault took place in Calle Real where the three minors robbed

and assaulted another minor.

Through the descriptions given, the police were able to identify, locate and then

arrest the three teenagers. The children and case details have been made available to the Children’s Office.

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Berja kiosk to be demolished after long legal wrangle takes its toll KIOSCO BAR CERVANTES in Berja is to be demolished.

The town council has granted a period of time for voluntary evacuation

but has warned that the owner will foot the bill for demolition if she does not leave in time. The owner, Maite de la Calle, has begun to remove her belongings.

Maite wants to draw a line under this story and begin again, although at 53 she is unsure if this is possible. In 2006 the previous administration gave Maite permission to construct the kiosk on

Paseo de Cervantes. After spending €120,000, she opened up in October 2007. “Things were going well,” said Maite and she was willing to renew the agreed four-year contract with the council.

However, in the meantime a new party moved in and refused to acknowledge that any agreement was in place.

In 2011, Maite received a council letter telling her

to leave the kiosk. Maite said: “I was not given enough time to recoup my investment. I decided to contact a lawyer and file a complaint.

“The judge stopped the eviction and opened a longer period for submitting evidence.”

Meanwhile the kiosk continued to serve its customers until in August 2013 it had to close its doors. “We had to close

due to health problems,” said Maite, “I just could not take it any more.”

Maite feels that she has become the victim of a political brawl. She said: “This has been an attack on me by the mayor, probably because I’m a friend of the former mayor and his wife...

“I’m not political. I am a working mother and this has caused me much harm.”

Tabernas honours Moto star Rabat CHAMPION of World Moto 2, Tito Rabat, has been celebrated by the town of Tabernas who have named a car park in his honour.

More than 500 people braved the heavy rain to join Rabat as his new street sign was unveiled at the

public car park by Los Pinos. Rabat commented: “To everyone who has come today, despite the rain and on motorbikes, I appreciate the effort made. I am very grateful for all the expressions of affection.”

Rabat speaks fondly of Almeria

as is it is here that he spent his childhood. He has lived in Tabernas for the past four years.

The ceremony began with a parade of motorbikes and classic cars and continued with free paella and a disco.

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Double Christmas for Turre Dames ENTERING Turre Square at 7.30am on December 6 laden with boxes, raffle prizes, mulled wine and lots more were the Dames for their Christmas Fayre.

The chilly morning did not deter anyone from making sure it was going to be a great event.

The place was soon buzzing with eager shoppers looking for bargains and buying raffle tickets.

Before long the flashing fairy lights and the sound of

Christmas carols gave it that Christmas spirit. The Dames would like to thank all those who donated prizes for the raffle, Connexions Turre, Home Sweet Home, Elegance by Katie, Alice’s Bar, Etticut, Alison’s Keep Fit, Peter Mcardle, Avalon Funeral Plan, and Pascal Chevalier Coiffeur.

The total raised by the Dames’ stalls was a staggering €3,721.58. The Dames would also like to thank the general

public for their valued support.

All money raised will be distributed among local charities in 2015.

On Tuesday December 9, 58 members and friends of Turre Dames enjoyed a wonderful lunch cooked by Maria and Jose at El Pago in Turre. There was also a free raffle including a Christmas hamper and the money raised bought Christmas sweets and chocolates for underprivileged Turre children.

El Toyo’s success CABO DE GATA’S Palacio de Congreso El Toyo has closed its third year by breaking records again.

During 2014, the centre’s 11 events have attracted more than 48,000 visitors.

This is a growth of 20,000 more than 2013, which is particularly significant when you consider there were fewer events in 2014.

Initial forecasts for 2015 predict the conferences planned are showing promise. Seven events are confirmed, estimated to bring approximately 50,000 visitors to the town. Sectors represented in next year’s conferences are agriculture and technology.

CEO of EMAT, Juanjo Alonso, said: “The palacio has become the congress centre of the province thanks to modern and versatile facilities capable of hosting small meetings to large events in a unique setting.”

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New portal aims to share tourism ideas THE Mancomunidad del Levante has begun working with tourism councillors from eastern Almeria municipalities on a new platform which is intended to promote the area’s tourism both indoors and out.

Through this new platform visitors will soon be able to learn more about destinations in eastern Almeria, plan their trips and reserve accommodation and restaurants. The site users will also be able to view and share beautiful

ONLINE PROMOTION: Mancomunidad del Levante. postcards featuring areas of particular interest and aesthetic appeal.

President of the Mancommunidad del

Levante, Domingo Fernandez, said at a recent meeting: “We continue to strengthen one of our main engines, tourism.

“Eastern Almeria has much to offer and we want to consolidate the domestic and international markets where we are already known, but the aim is that tourists who come to Levante for the beaches will also discover beautiful parts of the interior and vice versa. Our cuisine is another key area.”

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STAT OF WEEK EXACTLY 18.12 per cent of Spain’s total population is now over 65, compared with 17.6 per cent in 2013. There are now 112 pensioners for every 100 under16s, the national statistics office revealed.

The longest train line in the world THE Chinese freight train that arrived recently in Madrid was the first ever to reach Spain from that country.

Its 13,000-kilometre direct route from Yiwu on China’s east coast is the world’s longest and the train took three weeks to cross Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany and France.

FREIGHT: From China to Spain.

Pepe Jeans wants to sell out PEPE JEANS sounds Spanish, 90 per cent of its capital is in Spanish hands and it is Spanishrun.

Nevertheless it was British until 1998.

At this point executives running Pepe Jeans’ Spanish subsidiary bought the company from three Kenyan brothers Nitin, Arun and Milan Shah - who had started out by selling jeans in the Portobello Road in 1973.

The Spanish investment company 3i also entered in 1998, later selling its 43 per cent stake to Juan Abello’s investment group Torreal in 2005.

Apart from its US and Canada operation, which the Shahs still own, Pepe

Jeans is present in 60 countries. The company also acquired Hackett in 2005 and is Tommy Hilfiger’s distributor in Spain.

Valued at €116 million in 2005, Pepe Jeans was worth €300 million within five years and Abello now wants €800 million, multiplying his original €72 million investment several times over.

Arta Capital with a 16.4 per cent stake and L Capital (11.5 per cent) will also come out smiling.

Annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation allegedly stand at around €60 million.

Why is Torreal selling?

This is one question that remains unanswered.

B

usiness extra

Shipshape jobs SPAIN’S Navy commissioned two Maritime Action Ships (BAMs) from Navantia’s Ferrol and Cadiz shipyards.

Work should start on the €335 million project within a few weeks and will provide 1,350 new jobs.

Red-faced MOROCCO’S year-onyear tomato exports to the EU increased by 66 per cent last October, Spain complained.

France and Italy as well as Spain warned that Morocco was seriously ‘perturbing’ the market.

The big Bankia mistake CREATING Bankia and listing its shares in 2011 was an error, Luis de Guindos admitted.

Spain’s minister of the Economy was responding to revelations that Bankia presented erroneous accounts in 2010 as well as 2011 when its shares were quoted on Spain’s stock exchange.

Hundreds of thousands of small investors were affected after Bankia needed a €22 billion bailout less than

a year after being floated.

Between 2002 and 2004 De Guindos was second in charge when Rodrigo Rato - later Bankia president - was Economy minister.

The recently-released court documents prepared by Bank of Spain experts did not impinge on independent evaluators’ Bankia bailout calculations, De Guindos insisted.

A direct rail link will bring an enormous reduction in time and overheads for imports and exports between Spain and China, said Zhang Shuming, director of the Trade department in Xinjiang Province.

These were not the only advantages, Shuming pointed out. The 3,155-kilometre journey between Malacheviche (Poland)

and Madrid generated 44 tons of carbon dioxide, compared with 114 tons emitted by lorries transporting the same merchandise along the same route.

The train’s 40 containers arrived with 1,400 tons of consumer goods produced in Yiwu and for its return journey after Christmas it will carry Spanish ham, wine and olive oil.

32

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 16

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group PLC 428.45 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 415.35 Admiral Group PLC 1231.50 Aggreko PLC 1429.00 Anglo American PLC 1144.25 Antofagasta PLC 703.50 ARM Holdings PLC 936.25 Ashtead Group PLC 1146.00 Associated Brit Foods 3083.50 AstraZeneca PLC 4534.00 Aviva PLC 476.75 Babcock International 1056.50 BAE Systems PLC 442.45 Barclays PLC 232.50 BG Group PLC 843.60 BHP Billiton PLC 1335.25 BP PLC 389.28 British Amrcn Tobacco 3450.00

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 5.20 1.23 5.30 1.29 2.00 0.16 8.00 0.56 8.50 0.75 1.50 0.21 4.50 0.48 -4.00 -0.35 13.00 0.42 -39.50 -0.86 8.70 1.86 -1.00 -0.09 0.10 0.02 0.24 0.10 24.80 3.03 10.48 0.79 3.60 0.93 44.32 1.30

NET VOLUME 268.42 929.78 108.12 87.79 1,163.75 531.79 793.48 499.65 110.82 671.24 2,637.82 196.79 1,173.71 8,597.51 4,226.26 2,020.66 8,849.80 601.37

See our advert on page 35

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Units per €

US dollar ...................................................................1.24211 Japan yen ...............................................................147.377 Switzerland franc.................................................1.20113 Denmark kroner.................................................7.43770 Norway kroner.....................................................9.15763

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PRICE(P)

British Land Co PLC BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Carnival PLC Centrica PLC

744.00 403.50 1723.00 1608.50 1010.50 2757.00 268.60

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G.

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 16

C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 16

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 KO The Coca-Cola Co DIS Walt Disney Co 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 IBM International Business Machine...

INTC Intel Corp 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 TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 157.12 91.00 32.16 120.77 90.50 102.38 26.86 40.91 91.49 69.35 86.60 24.89 188.82 99.78 155.38 36.23 104.43 60.04 90.62 57.72 46.95 96.17 30.95 89.55 103.16 112.15 98.76 45.58 256.78 83.81

-2.03 -2.13 -0.55 -2.60 -2.19 -2.53 -0.135 -0.62 -0.26 -2.28 -2.60 -0.52 -4.72 -0.49 -5.69 -0.475 -2.29 -1.10 -0.35 -1.62 -0.22 -0.76 -0.70 -0.86 -1.41 -1.89 -0.97 -0.78 -6.34 -0.02

-1.28% -2.29% -1.68% -2.11% -2.36% -2.41% -0.50% -1.49% -0.28% -3.18% -2.91% -2.05% -2.44% -0.49% -3.53% -1.29% -2.15% -1.80% -0.38% -2.73% -0.47% -0.78% -2.21% -0.95% -1.35% -1.66% -0.97% -1.68% -2.41% -0.02%

2.8M 4.5M 30.1M 6.7M 10.3M 12.0M 27.0M 18.4M 7.9M 4.2M 24.6M 51.0M 3.8M 6.0M 8.6M 29.3M 8.3M 17.4M 8.7M 12.1M 34.2M 4.1M 27.5M 6.6M 2.2M 5.9M 3.1M 23.8M 3.8M 7.3M

1.00 6.20 10.00 26.00 1.00 39.00 3.20

C O M PA N Y

0.13 1.56 0.58 1.64 0.10 1.43 1.21

NET VOLUME 480.51 3,532.57 82.13 306.48 273.82 79.93 2,655.60

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Calithera Biosciences, Inc. $ 29.85 ChemoCentryx, Inc. $ 5.60 Oncothyreon Inc. $ 2.02 Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. $ 16.53 Cerulean Pharma Inc. $6 Quotient Limited $ 15.36 CNinsure Inc. $ 7.11 Tuniu Corporation $ 13.30 VelocityShares Daily 2X VIX Short Term ETN $ 3.32 Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 12.88 SeaChange International, Inc. $ 6.01

6.65 ▲ 28.66% 1.11 ▲ 24.72% 0.31 ▲ 18.13% 2.46 ▲ 17.48% 0.83 ▲ 16.05% 2.05 ▲ 15.40% 0.85 ▲ 13.58% 1.50 ▲ 12.71% 0.31 ▲ 10.30% 1.19 ▲ 10.18% 0.51 ▲ 9.27%

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Most Declined Caesars Entertainment Corporation Louisiana Bancorp, Inc. Liberty Broadband Corporation Momo Inc. I.D. Systems, Inc. Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Eagle Rock Energy Partners, L.P. Zions Bancorporation Linn Energy, LLC Windstream Holdings, Inc. Vanguard Natural Resources LLC

$ 12.83 $ 20 $ 8.91 $ 15.15 $ 6.03 $ 9.73 $ 2.21 $ 2.79 $ 12.01 $ 8.47 $ 15.22

2.03 ▼ 13.66% 2.95 ▼ 12.85% 1.29 ▼ 12.65% 1.87 ▼ 10.99% 0.74 ▼ 10.93% 1.17 ▼ 10.73% 0.25 ▼ 10.16% 0.31 ▼ 10% 1.32 ▼ 9.90% 0.91 ▼ 9.70% 1.63 ▼ 9.67%

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Coca-Cola HBC AG 1263.50 Compass Group PLC 1054.50 CRH PLC 1464.50 Diageo PLC 1843.50 Direct Line Insurance 282.80 Dixons Carphone PLC 430.55 easyJet PLC 1629.50 Experian PLC 1017.50 Fresnillo PLC 736.75 Friends Life Group Ltd 358.50 G4S PLC 272.00 GKN PLC 329.10 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1367.25 Glencore PLC 290.12 Hammerson PLC 597.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 921.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 605.10 IMI PLC 1195.00 Imperial Tobacco Group 2740.50 InterContinental Hotels 2463.00 International Consldtd ... 461.40 Intertek Group PLC 2173.50 Intu Properties PLC 327.20 ITV PLC 204.70 Johnson Matthey PLC 3224.50 Kingfisher PLC 318.45 Land Securities Group 1134.50 Legal & General Group 238.65 Lloyds Banking Group 76.50 London Stock Exchange 2099.50 Marks & Spencer Group 466.30 Meggitt PLC 481.45 Mondi PLC 1040.50 Morrison (Wm) Suprmrkts 171.10 National Grid PLC 883.75 Next PLC 6405.00 Old Mutual PLC 182.70 Pearson PLC 1150.50 Persimmon PLC 1521.50 Petrofac Ltd 699.00 Prudential PLC 1465.75 Randgold Resources 4141.00 Reckitt Benckiser 5057.50 Reed Elsevier PLC 1053.50 Rio Tinto PLC 2699.50 Rolls-Royce Holdings 819.75 Royal Bank of Scotland 375.00 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2078.00 Royal Mail PLC 397.00 RSA Insurance Group 430.95 SABMiller PLC 3282.50 Sage Group (The) PLC 434.40 Sainsbury (J) PLC 229.45 Schroders PLC 2567.00 Severn Trent PLC 1930.00 Shire PLC 4530.00 Sky PLC 884.25 Smith & Nephew PLC 1039.00 Smiths Group PLC 1041.50 Sports Direct Internatnl 660.50 SSE PLC 1611.50 Standard Chartered PLC 915.00 Standard Life PLC 397.05 St James's Place PLC 776.75 Tesco PLC 168.05 Travis Perkins PLC 1781.50 TUI Travel PLC 445.45 Tullow Oil PLC 386.45 Unilever PLC 2590.50 United Utilities Group 901.75 Vodafone Group PLC 216.80 Weir Group PLC 1756.00 Whitbread PLC 4485.50 Wolseley PLC 3590.00 WPP PLC 1297.50

CHANGE 7.00 6.00 16.00 19.55 -2.00 9.20 -11.00 9.00 4.50 3.40 1.00 4.30 3.00 2.10 0.00 -0.50 1.60 4.00 30.00 9.00 4.90 19.00 -1.10 0.70 24.00 3.60 0.12 -0.99 0.37 -6.00 -1.20 0.10 7.00 0.10 1.41 20.00 2.10 12.00 2.00 21.00 6.41 -13.00 25.00 1.00 17.14 11.08 -0.50 45.50 3.30 2.20 8.26 0.90 1.90 14.00 -7.90 -2.00 -18.00 -1.00 18.00 5.50 1.00 6.60 5.57 2.00 2.29 20.00 0.00 19.30 3.81 -1.32 1.50 57.00 30.00 55.00 10.00

% C H G. 0.56 0.57 1.10 1.07 -0.70 2.18 -0.67 0.89 0.61 0.96 0.37 1.32 0.22 0.73 0.00 -0.05 0.27 0.34 1.11 0.37 1.07 0.88 -0.34 0.34 0.75 1.14 0.01 -0.41 0.49 -0.29 -0.26 0.02 0.68 0.06 0.16 0.31 1.16 1.05 0.13 3.10 0.44 -0.31 0.50 0.10 0.64 1.37 -0.13 2.24 0.84 0.51 0.25 0.21 0.84 0.55 -0.41 -0.04 -1.99 -0.10 1.76 0.84 0.06 0.73 1.42 0.26 1.38 1.14 0.00 5.25 0.15 -0.15 0.70 3.35 0.67 1.56 0.78

VOLUME 190.33 478.93 848.88 925.86 683.95 596.36 318.43 342.09 196.80 1,245.35 875.71 553.98 2,671.81 8,946.88 322.58 183.06 5,147.18 230.72 368.03 94.22 1,734.01 88.81 384.34 1,473.63 83.88 995.58 309.22 3,537.96 40,250.95 96.00 4,771.91 405.90 202.61 1,838.64 2,244.53 115.55 2,632.00 426.95 164.53 868.56 856.51 556.77 544.70 781.90 785.87 1,533.56 1,578.64 1,480.49 451.17 527.29 338.33 544.04 2,024.68 86.90 170.07 454.91 1,281.69 482.93 306.82 334.20 1,098.01 907.34 1,500.54 290.01 8,321.70 131.68 .00 1,838.51 648.34 703.50 14,341.39 281.55 76.85 236.45 724.26

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

EWN

33

Therein lies the power of branding CORPORATE identities are part of today’s advertising landscape. When we are out and about, long before we can make out the detail, a company brand is identifiable. Many logos come to mind such as those of Shell, Cadbury, Virgin, car makers and television giants BBC and ITV. Corporate bodies pay telephone numbers when acquiring or changing their logos. No upstart rival, even if their product was superior, could hope to compete against established brand names.

BT is a telecommunications company; it does not manufacture telephones.

Yet, we often see the British Telecom

BUSINESS EXTRA

Tickets to ride CAF, which manufactures railway rolling stock, received a €500 million order for 118 trains from Holland’s Nederlandse Spoorwegen rail operator.

This is their largest European order to date.

On the move WHEN the crisis began, removal firms carried out 1 million relocations a year compared with the current 700,000 average. The sector, which has an annual turnover of approximately €70 million, is gradually beginning to recover, increasing 5 to 10 per cent on last year.

Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.

www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932

logo on equipment we purchase. I realised why when I spotted a two-inch news story in a copy of Financial Times whilst waiting for an appointment.

Any telephone manufacturing company wishing to use the BT identity

on their product first acquires a licence to do so. This does not come cheap. I seem to recall that this figure is 10 percent of the product’s price.

However, the BT symbol on a product is much more likely to be taken to the check-out than is an unknown brand.

Rentokil, which most regard simply as a pest control company, is in fact one of the great corporate giants of the world.

With its tentacles in a myriad of global industries, Rentokil does not actually employ operators. These will be subcontracted out to the conglomerate.

When vetting a pair of damp proofing specialists for the Guild of Master Craftsmen (another logo protected

species), the Rentokil uniformed two explained that they were carrying out contracts on behalf for Rentokil. Their hourly rate was about 20 per cent of what Rentokil charges the client.

My son is a factory manager of a company that makes specialist bags.

These are purchased by the likes of the NHS, Virgin Airlines, hotel chains, the Ministry of Defence. Such enterprises do not buy direct from my son’s company, but from an agent his company supplies.

The actual manufacturing cost of each bag is a fraction of what these illustrious bodies pay for the end product. There lies the power of branding.

Google news quits Spain GOOGLE NEWS has quit Spain in response to a new intellectual property law.

After the Spanish Government passed a new piece of legislation which seeks to protect local publishers by requiring online content aggregators - including Google - to pay for using their content, online search giant Google decided to shut down Google News in the country and to remove Spanish media outlets from the service.

The law will also affect Yahoo News and grants authorities the power to slap fines of up to €600,000 on websites that link pirated content.

According to Google, the company makes no profit from its search-based service. “This new legislation requires every Spanish publication to charge services like Google News for showing even the smallest snippet from their publications, whether they want to or not. As Google News itself makes no money (we do not

GOOGLE NEWS: Will no longer operate in Spain. show any advertising on the site) this new approach is simply not sustainable. So it’s with real sadness that on December 16 (before the new law comes into effect in January) we’ll remove Spanish publishers from Google News, and close Google News in Spain,” said Head of Google News Richard Gingras in a blog post.

Spain is not the first European country to charge online content aggregators. In fact, Germany, France and Belgium have similar legislation. The difference is the Spanish publishers do not have a say on whether they actually want to charge a fee or not, because the law makes it mandatory.

Cyber crimes on the rise MORE than 13,000 cyber incidents have been registered in Spain during 2014.

The National Cryptology Centre (CCN) has managed 80 per cent more incidents in 2014 than the previous year.

Out of those, 11.6 per cent were considered to be of high or critical risk, which means those cyber attacks which affect the private information of organisations.

The impact and sophistication of the attacks has also increased, with hackers being able to access public administration systems and other key institutions such as energy and pharmaceutical companies or military facilities.

This was revealed at a conference for Technological Patrimony Protection.

The discussions revolved around cyber crimes and the large economic losses they cause each year.

Olive oil waste could be converted into clean electricity LONG an important part of the Spanish agricultural economy, a new plant promises to give olive growers another boost.

The pilot plant is designed to convert toxic byproducts of olive oil production into heat and electricity.

Funded through the EU at a cost of €1.1 million, the project was completed last month (November) and it is hoped it will be the precursor to a series of plants capable of turning the vast amounts of waste

from oil production into something not just useful, but also carbon neutral.

The waste has long been a problem to dispose of as it can contain pesticides and poisonous organic compounds, as well as being acidic and having high levels of salinity.

With the search always on to produce ‘clean’ electricity, it was decided to see if there was a way to kill two birds with one stone.

To that end the plant was built in Andalucia to develop and test innovative technology to see if the waste could be turned into electricity.

The system first sees biogas produced by using microorganisms to ‘digest’ the waste.

Next step is to take this gas and convert it into a hydrogen rich gas which can then be used in fuel cells to produce clean electricity to power the olive mill.

OLIVES: Waste can be a problem.

34

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Put your spending on a diet this New Year and make a big impact Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

NEW YEAR’S resolutions can be pretty pointless. Most of the time little thought is put into them - and then, any resolutions made last minute are shortlived knee-jerk reactions to too much eating and boozing over Christmas.

Yes, the muffin top waistline suddenly dictates an extreme diet plan that probably lasts about a week, while the same goes for that vow to never touch alcohol again having woken up to a thumping headache on January 1.

According to studies, only one in 10 people stick to New Year’s Resolutions for a year, while most people don’t last much more than a month. And it’s a

SAVING MORE: Can have a substantial impact on your emotional well-being. shame really, because we all need incentives to really dedicate ourselves to something and the New Year is a great time to start afresh and get

things in order.

So as 2015 fast approaches, you might seriously want to consider a financial New Year’s resolution regardless.

Apparently those who make commitments to start off the year on the right financial foot tend to find themselves in a better financial situation as the year progresses, than those who don’t. Research shows that simple commitments such as saving more and paying off debt can have a substantial impact on the financial and emotional well-being of a household.

And like everything in life, the key to achieving long-term financial goals is to create a plan and stick to it.

In order not to get too overwhelmed by a resolution, it’s important to set realistic goals. Much of the time we set ourselves massive goals, as most things worth saving for are expensive.

Then suddenly, when our New Year’s Resolution buzz dies down, we don’t see enough progress to keep our motivation levels high. So we quit. Therefore set smaller goals - a goal for the end of each month for example. This way, goals will appear more attainable which helps keep up motivation. Happy 2015!

Must Administrator be qualified?

Q. In our Community, the President has appointed an Administrator who does not hold You and the a Certificate from the College of Law in Spain Administrators.

By David Searl She was not appointed by vote at the AGM meeting, and no one knew that she did not have the qualification to be a Community Administrator. She lives in another town and she is not even Spanish.

Do we have any assurance that she can safely manage our Community funds?

SJ (Costa Blanca) A. First, the Administrator who handles the paperwork and accounts for a Community of Property Owners needs no professional qualifications. Anyone who can read and write and do simple sums may be contracted to do the job.

There is no requirement to be Spanish.

Your only assurance will be the members themselves who keep an eye on the accounts. There is an official ‘Colegio de Administradores de Fincas’ and it is a good idea to contract a member.

However, there is no requirement for this.

Second, a Community Administrator is usually contracted for one year by vote of the AGM. The AGM also authorises

BUSINESS EXTRA

No answer SPANISH energy multinational Repsol renewed talks with Calgary-based oil and gas producer Talisman Energy with options that ranged from purchasing a selection of Talisman shares to the entire company.

The Canadian firm claimed it has been approached by other companies and there is no assurance of an agreement with Repsol.

Fast growth

payments to the Administrator. The AGM will decide whether or not to renew this contract when it expires each year.

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

SPAIN’S economy should grow by more than 2 per cent in 2015 following 0.5 per cent growth during the third quarter. “If factors affecting the exchange rate and the price of raw materials continue, Spain will be the fastest-growing country in the European Union, the Spanish president Mariano Rajoy said.

OPINION & COMMENT

Grateful thanks to all the volunteers ONCE again the HELP Vega Baja Christmas Fayre at the Asturias Restaurant was a very successful event, raising over €3,500.

Our grateful thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this event such a success, as well as all the members of the public who supported us. We hope everyone left with bargains.

All money raised by this event will be used to support projects that provide support and services to the local community.

Very best wishes to all our volunteers, members and friends of HELP Vega Baja for a very Happy Christmas.

Pauline Yates (acting president HELP Vega Baja), San Miguel de Salinas (Alicante)

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Letters YOURSAY@EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Spain’s rival THE quote by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni relating to Uganda as an alternative tourist destination is not far off the mark.

I had the good fortune to visit Uganda many times when I lived in East Africa, based in Nairobi.

TRUS

dvert T isers

our a

WE D

O!

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

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Fighting spirit YOU’VE got to hand it to the Spanish. They seem to have elevated the level of football hooliganism to its ultimate form of expression.

In the UK hooligans conformed to smashing up shops and bars in the opposing team’s city or fighting with rival fans wherever they could be found.

In this country, using WhatsApp, they now pre-arrange not only the time and venue of the battle but also its duration and which weapons may or may not be employed.

With this new state of the art ‘a la carte’ hooliganism in mind, I would like to suggest clubs stage these gladiatorial combats inside the stadiums, say two hours before kickoff, and charge an entry fee for the public to watch.

Business, after all, is business and local inhabitants would be free to walk about without fear.

Jonathan Allso, Valencia.

18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

THE Spirit of Christmas hovers over the shopping centre of Plaza Mayor in Malaga City.

Ernie Barnes, Arroyo de la Miel (Malaga)

It really is a very beautiful country with a hospitable and friendly population. Among its many attractions are the fabulous Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks.

Coincidentally I was on a short visit to Kampala when Idi Amin overthrew the then former president, Milton Obote.

Ron Godfrey, Nerja (Malaga)

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

Spied-on REGARDING surveillance cameras and the Spanish privacy laws, I wrote to Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) about cameras our community had installed.

It was agreed that cameras be placed at the entrances to the community and that the scheme would be approved by the AEPD. Three cameras were placed so they covered the public walkway.

I drew this to the attention of the president but it was claimed they were legal as we allegedly owned the walkway.

After my letter to the AEPD they inspected the system and the report concluded that 11 of the cameras contravened the privacy

laws. The community could face a fine of between €40,000 and €300,000.

Moral: don’t install cameras without taking proper advice.

Robert Peake (by email).

Not-so-sweet charity I WAS executor of my aunt’s will.

In her innocence she left the residue of her estate, after bequests, to six charities.

Five were very high-profile, one was a small local organisation.

The legacies were large and took two years of lengthy

correspondence and admin to complete.

The large charities wanted constant breakdowns of every penny I spent, right down to the cost of skips needed to clear my aunt’s house. One even queried the cost and told me to find a cheaper firm. Another said they wanted an account of all expenses and I was only allowed 30p a mile while visiting the house to clear it.

I was absolutely disgusted with their uncharitable attitude and especially their greed as they all have head offices around the UK which must cost a fortune. The only charity which caused no trouble was a small local one that was overwhelmed and so grateful for the cheque I finally sent them.

If you plan to leave money to any charity try to leave a specific sum. After this unpleasant exercise dealing with high-profile charities, I would sooner give to a small local charity where you can see the good it brings.

I gave up donating to big charities and now, knowing the obscene salaries they pay staff, I am glad I did.

Julie Perkin, Downend (Gloucestershire, UK)

EWN

37

Think twice “THERE are a number of reasons for the UK to leave the EU,” says Roger Page, of Mojacar Playa, and I agree with some of the points he makes about the EU’s shortcomings.

But what would happen to UK residents like him and me in Spain if the UK were to leave the EU? Would we have the right to continue living here and still have the right to free healthcare, provided we were part of the social security system, either as contributors or pensioners?

Not unless Spain were prepared to negotiate a new treaty with the UK, and would Spain do that if the UK had slammed the door shut on Spanish immigrants desperate to work?

These Spaniards are young immigrants whom the UK with its aging population needs.

They are prepared to work in the low-paid jobs that the British don’t want and many studies have shown that immigrants to the UK aren’t a drain on the economy, in fact the reverse.

We are the immigrants in Spain, and we should never forget that.

I can live modestly, but comfortably, in Spain on my UK pensions, but if I were forced to return to England I could barely exist.

I might very easily become a burden on the government, along with possibly many thousands of returning expats deported from Spain and as many as two million from all of the EU. People like Roger Page should be careful what they wish for, because if they get it, they might not like the effect it would have on their easy lives here.

David Frost, Malaga

In black and white I READ recently in the local Spanish press that magpies (urracas) and collared doves are ousting sparrows from Alicante city.

Come on! Collared doves, more than likely. But magpies?

I have yet to see a magpie in this part of Spain, yet alone in a city anywhere.

Puzzled, Campello (Alicante)

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.

38

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

Give our children a break LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

I

F you’re all sitting comfortably, I’ll begin. Today we are going to talk about the children. The little kiddiewinks. The only species that can drive you from aggravation, to adoration and back in the blink of an eye!

Some weeks ago I wrote that giving the vote to 16-year-olds was ridiculous.

The backlash I received for that statement was, somewhat predictably, hysterical to say the least. ‘How can you say that?’ a number of readers ranted.

‘Don’t you realise how informed the young people of today actually are? And so on.

Well actually loves, as a father of six, I know exactly how informed they are.

Despite the whole issue being raised again this week. (I don’t need to say by whom, but he has trouble with bacon sandwiches!) I can quite categorically say the ratio of the ‘informed,’ ‘uninformed’ and ‘don’t give a monkeys,’ teenagers is probably around 500 to one. By this

TEENAGE VOTERS: Let them be kids, most of their lives will be spent as adults. reckoning, the outcome of this experiment would mean that for every ‘informed’ teen voting responsibly for a political party, 499 would vote for Harry Styles. For heaven’s sake give the kids a break. Most of their lives will be spent as adults - with the worry and responsibility that comes with it. Let ‘em just be. Let them revel in their new discoveries; excitement of first kisses and dates.

Let ‘em enjoy their music, young energy and gift of life. To me, endeavouring to heap adult responsibilities on our youngsters is akin to child abuse. I can actually remember being young. Despite the fact that, in the aftermath of WWII we were somewhat deprived, it was a magical, innocent and wonderful experience. Robbing the children of their childhood is unforgivable.

Also, while I’m about it, I think all these ‘Tiny Tot’ beauty pageants should also be banned and indeed some of the mothers actually committed. The agony heaped on most of these tiny participants is a pure parental disgrace.

Now we come to another pair of ‘saucepans’ in the news this week. The two young tykes who attempted to rob the bank. All dolled up in crash helmets, with a cleverly faked gun, they strolled into the bank like a couple of John Derringers.

Apparently after their capture they were locked in a cell for the night. Quite right. Give them a taste of what to expect if they embark on this type of career. ‘Oh no,’ scream the predictable, completely misled do-good brigade. ‘They should have been treated much differently than that’. Like what I ask? Taken out for a McDonald’s? Given a trip to Disneyland?

Of course they needed a sharp, short lesson. After a night on bread and water, they should have been given a guided tour of the grimmest prison around. I dunno, sometimes I do despair of it all.

Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Advertising Feature

Take action now to ensure your overseas property passes to who you want it to TAKE action now to ensure your overseas property goes to your loved-ones, says Stone King’s Dan Harris.

For decades Brits abroad have been immune to Spanish forced heirship rules that determine who gets someone’s property when they pass away.

That’s because Spain has allowed the law of a person’s nationality to govern the devolution of their property. But this is all set to change in 2015 when attempts to simplify succession law across Europe come into effect.

From August 17 next year a person’s ‘habitual residence’ and not their nationality will determine who gets what when they die. The impact on affected families who don’t take the appropriate action could be devastating.

The changes will mean that the devolution of the property of foreigners (including Brits) living in Spain will be subject to that country’s domestic law, not British law.

In most civil law jurisdictions like Spain an individual’s property is subject to

HEIRSHIP RIGHTS: The new rules could protect British owners of Spanish property. forced-heirship provisions. This means that the legal system of the state where the property is situated decides who receives your property when you die.

Put simply, your will is likely to be (at least partly) ineffective if it conflicts with forced-heirship rules. Instead your children, including estranged children and children from previous relationships, could inherit your property on your death ahead

of your spouse, regardless of your wishes.

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After August 17, any British national who has property in Spain - and who has taken appropriate action before their death - can avoid the default position of the law of their habitual residence

governing the devolution of their estate by instead making a formal election for the law of their nationality to apply.

The ‘appropriate action’ is to make a nomination in a will which is valid in the state where the property is situated, stating which law will apply to your property.

As Spain has adopted the provisions of the 1961 Hague Convention on testamentary dispositions your English will is as valid in Spain as a Spanish will, and arguably, as English law is being applied, an English will may be more appropriate.

The nomination can and should be done now to avoid problems should you lose the mental capacity to make a new will before August 17 or forget to do so.

That way you can ensure that your overseas property passes to your loved ones.

For more advice on this complex area of international law please contact Dan Harris or Simon Lofthouse on +44 (0)1225 326761 or email international@stoneking.co.uk

OPINION & COMMENT

TRUST our advertisers

WE DO!

18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

EWN

43

An hour long special visit to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on Christmas Day Richard Shanley

DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL

PAUL O’GRADY will visit Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in an hour-long special of For The Love of Dogs to air on ITV1 on Christmas Day. As well as visiting the London branch of the animal centre, O’Grady will look in at homes in Old Windsor and Brands Hatch. He gets particularly attached to certain animals as he tries to pair them with owners. One of those is Peppermint Patty, a Parson Terrier, who was handed in with a massive lump on her neck.

O’Grady said: “I’ve been worried about Patty. She’s one of these who gets underneath your skin because she’s so vulnerable.” Paul O’Grady previously said that he was “inspired” by the Battersea Dogs Home. Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs will air

PAUL O’GRADY: For The Love of Dogs is to return for a Christmas special. on ITV on Thursday, December 25 at 5:20pm (CET).

Clare Balding has signed a new twoyear deal with Channel 4. The presenter will host the Rio 2016

Paralympic Games, Crufts 2015 and 2016 and coverage of the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot in 2015 among other broadcasts. Her new contract will also see Balding scale

back her anchoring of racing following Royal Ascot 2015. Balding said: “I have been lucky and honoured to work as a racing broadcaster for the past 20 years and will continue to promote the sport on and off screen.

“I look forward to working with the enormously talented Channel 4 Racing team at Cheltenham and Royal Ascot next year and, of course, to the Paralympics in Rio in 2016.”

Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head of Live Events, added: “Clare is a broadcaster at the very top of her game and I’m delighted that we will be continuing to work with her on our racing coverage and the Rio Paralympics in 2016.”

Balding previously hosted Channel 4’s coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games alongside Ade Adepitan.

If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europadigital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions.

44

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

Thursday BBC ONE 4:10pm Escape to the Country 4:40pm Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm DIY SOS The Big Build 10:00pm Panorama 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Apprentice: Why I Fired Them 12:35am This Week

BBC TWO 5:25pm Andrew Marr's History of Modern Britain 6:25pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Nigellissima 9:00pm MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00pm The Fall 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Posh People: Inside Tatler

ITV 4:00pm Secret Dealers 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 A Night of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm A Night in with Olly Murs 12:40am River Monsters

CH4 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm George Clarke's Amazing Spaces 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Babylon 12:05am Skint

CH5 4:45pm Will You Merry Me 6:30pm 5 News at 5 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Gadget Show 9:00pm The Railway: First Great Western 10:00pm Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty 11:00pm Pothole Britain: Drivers Beware!

12:00am Big Foot: The Missing Evidence

SKY1 4:00pm Road Wars 5:00pm Sun, Sea and A&E 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Road Wars 7:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Arrow 10:00pm Arrow 11:00pm Alien: Resurrection

Friday BBC ONE 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm The Two Ronnies Sketchbook 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Citizen Khan 10:00pm Have I Got 2014 News for You 10:30pm Not Going Out 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show 12:25am Cuckoo

BBC TWO 4:55pm Restoring England's Heritage 5:25pm Andrew Marr's History of Modern Britain 6:25pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:30pm Tom Kerridge Cooks Christmas 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm Mary Berry's Absolute Christmas Favourites 10:00pm Canterbury Cathedral 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:05am Never Mind the Buzzcocks

ITV 4:00pm Secret Dealers 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 Text Santa 12:20am ITV News and Weather

CH4 5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man 12:10am The British Comedy Awards 2014

CH5 4:35pm A Christmas Kiss 6:30pm 5 News at 5 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Gadget Show 9:00pm Ice Road Truckers 10:00pm Trespass 11:50pm Shoot 'Em Up 1:30am Super Casino

SKY1 3:30pm Futurama 4:00pm The Simpsons 4:30pm Road Wars 5:30pm Sun, Sea and A&E 6:30pm Road Wars 7:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Best Christmas Movies Ever 11:00pm An Idiot Abroad 12:00am Britcam: Emergency on Our Streets

Saturday BBC ONE 3:00pm Escape to the Country 4:00pm Kung Fu Panda 5:25pm Final Score 6:20pm BBC News 6:30pm BBC London News 6:40pm Pointless 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing 8:55pm Atlantis 9:40pm The National Lottery Live 9:50pm Strictly Come Dancing 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Match of the Day 12:45am The Football League Show

BBC TWO 3:45pm Flog It! 4:45pm Secrets of the Castle with Ruth, Peter and Tom 5:45pm Nativity!

7:30pm The Good Life 7:55pm John Le Mesurier: It's All Been Rather Lovely 8:55pm Dad's Army 9:35pm University Challenge 10:05pm QI 10:35pm Blackadder II 11:05pm Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule 12:05am The Young Ones

ITV 3:25pm The Nation's Favourite Christmas Song 4:50pm Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium 6:35pm ITV News London 6:45pm ITV News and Weather 7:00pm Celebrity Squares 8:00pm Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince 11:00pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:30am ITV News and Weather 12:45am Bette Midler: One Night Only

CH4 5:00pm Channel 4 News 5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:25pm The Simpsons 7:00pm Mission: Impossible 9:00pm Rewind the Christmas Hits 10:30pm Four Christmases 12:15am Wanderlust 2:10am Devil

CH5 3:35pm Mr Miracle 5:25pm Kris Kringle 7:05pm The Wish List 8:50pm 5 News Weekend 8:55pm Scrooge 11:10pm Rob Brydon Live 12:05am The Best of the Joan Rivers Position 1:05am Jason Manford Live

SKY1 3:00pm Last Man Standing 3:30pm Last Man Standing 4:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 5:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 6:00pm Portrait Artist of the Year 2014 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 9:00pm Hawaii Five-0 10:00pm A League of Their Own 11:00pm Predator 1:05am Dumb and Dumber Special 1:35am Chickens 2:05am Chickens 2:30am Hawaii Five-0

TV LISTING

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Sunday BBC ONE 4:15pm The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 6:25pm Songs of Praise 7:05pm BBC News 7:20pm BBC London News 7:30pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow 10:00pm The Apprentice 11:20pm BBC London News 11:30pm The Apprentice 12:00am BBC News 12:15am Regional News and Weather 12:25am Have I Got a Bit More 2014 News for You 1:10am Weather for the Week Ahead 1:15am BBC New

BBC TWO 5:30pm Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em 6:15pm Flog It! 6:55pm The Terminal 9:00pm Salmon Fishing in the Yemen 10:40pm QI XL 11:25pm Match of the Day 2 12:25am The Sarah Millican Slightly Longer Television Programme 1:05am Serendipity 2:30am Countryfile

ITV 3:50pm Tipping Point 4:50pm The Chase 5:45pm Casper 7:35pm ITV News London 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm You've Got to Love Christmas 9:00pm Surprise Surprise 10:00pm Midsomer Murders 12:00am ITV News and Weather 12:15am Vicious 12:45am Rugby Highlights

CH4 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 3:30pm The Simpsons 4:30pm The Simpsons 5:00pm Channel 4 News 5:10pm Bugsy Malone 7:00pm Jamie's Cracking Christmas 8:00pm Men in Black 3 10:00pm Homeland 11:00pm Rewind the Christmas Hits 12:35am The IT Crowd 1:30am Peep Show 2:00am NFL 5:45am NFL

CH5 3:25pm The Christmas Shepherd 5:10pm The Family Man 7:30pm 5 News Weekend 7:35pm Space Cowboys 10:00pm Gran Torino 12:15am Unforgiven 2:45am Super Casino 5:00am House Doctor 5:25am Make it Big

SKY1 4:00pm Penguins of Madagascar Special 4:30pm March of the Penguins 6:00pm We Love Penguins 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Futurama 8:00pm The Flash 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Trollied 10:00pm Best Christmas Movies Ever 12:00am Karl Pilkington: The Moaning of Life 1:00am The Flash

Monday BBC ONE 5:00pm Cinderella 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Would I Lie to You? 10:00pm John Bishop's Christmas Show 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 12:05am Citizen Khan

BBC TWO 5:10pm Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em Classic sitcom about one-man disaster area Frank Spencer.

6:00pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm The Great British Bake Off 8:30pm Top of the Pops 2 10:00pm The Wrong Mans 11:00pm Never Mind the Buzzcocks Anarchic pop quiz.

11:30pm Brian Pern: A Life in Rock 12:00am Andy Parsons - Slacktivist

ITV 6:00pm The Cube 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Countrywise 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Tsunami: Survivors' Stories 11:05pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:45pm Notting Hill 2:00am Jackpot247

CH4 3:10pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Gadget Man's Guide to Christmas 10:00pm Food Unwrapped's Christmas Dinner 11:00pm Derek 12:05am Gogglebox

CH5 4:35pm Garfield 2: A Tail of Two Kitties 6:05pm Christmas with the Kranks 7:55pm World's Strongest Man 2014 9:00pm The Railway: First Great Western 10:00pm Michael Buble's Christmas 2014 11:00pm Dirty Dancing 12:55am Abba: The Image

SKY1 4:00pm Futurama 5:00pm The Flash 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Little Crackers 7:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Trollied 10:00pm Stella 11:30pm Trollied 12:30am Arrow

Tuesday BBC ONE 6:10pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm The Royle Family 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:40pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 12:10am Cuckoo

BBC TWO 5:20pm Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em 6:05pm Flog It! 7:00pm The Great British Bake Off Masterclass: Christmas Masterclass 8:00pm Dad's Army 8:30pm University Challenge 9:00pm MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00pm The Wrong Mans 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Russell Howard's Good News 12:00am Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad

ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears 9:00pm Roman Britain From the Air 10:00pm Lottery Stories: Be Careful What You Wish for 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Kylie: Kiss Me Once 12:50am The Jonathan Ross Show

CH4 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Deal or No Deal 6:00pm Celebrity Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm The Snowman 9:00pm Celebrity Fifteen to One 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats 11:00pm Man Down 11:30pm Da Best of Ali G 12:30am Ali G in Da USAiii

CH5 7:00pm World's Strongest Man 2014 7:55pm My Crazy Christmas Obsession 8:50pm Michael Buble's Christmas Songbook 10:00pm Kids' Hospital at Christmas 11:00pm Saving Private Ryan 2:15am Super Casino

SKY1 3:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 4:00pm Futurama 4:30pm Futurama 5:00pm The Flash 6:00pm Treasure Island 8:00pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Arrow 11:00pm Britcam: Emergency on Our Streets 12:00am 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy

Wednesday BBC ONE 4:05pm Merry Madagascar 4:25pm Shrek the Halls 4:50pm The Gruffalo's Child 5:15pm On Angel Wings 5:45pm 101 Dalmatians 7:05pm BBC News at Six 7:15pm BBC London News 7:25pm Toy Story 3 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm 10:30pm Not Going Out 11:15pm The Vicar of Dibley 11:55pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 12:30am BBC News at Ten

BBC TWO 3:35pm Little Women 5:25pm To the Manor Born 6:25pm Carols from King's 7:40pm The Good Life 8:10pm Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm The Choir: New Military Wives 10:30pm Julie Walters: A Life on Screen 11:30pm Calendar Girls 1:15am Buster

ITV 4:35pm Off Their Rockers 5:05pm Santa Claus 7:15pm You've Been Framed!

7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Skyfall 11:45pm ITV News and Weather 12:00am Christmas Carols on ITV

CH4 3:35pm Channel 4 News 3:45pm How the Grinch Stole Christmas 5:50pm The Muppet Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:25pm Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 8:55pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 9:30pm My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas 10:30pm Gogglebox 12:05am Rude Tube Christmas Cracker 2014

CH5 4:50pm Scrooge 6:35pm Michael Buble's Christmas 2014 7:30pm My Big Xmas Benefits BlowOut 8:20pm Britain's Craziest Christmas Lights 9:25pm The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 10:30pm Greatest Ever Christmas Movies 1:30am Scrooge

SKY1 4:00pm Futurama 4:30pm Futurama 5:00pm The Flash 6:00pm Treasure Island 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Simpsons 9:30pm The Simpsons 10:00pm A League of Their Own 11:00pm Stella 12:30am Trollied

46

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

A ruthless war begins on the slopes of Sierra Nevada, eggs at the ready 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.

I

F you will remember back in the early 70s we finally came up with a carload of investors, a commodity more rare than viewing a naked Pope in Playboy.

Unfortunately they weren’t for Mojacar but the diamond shimmering mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

On their trip we organised for them to be treated like Gods: wining, dining, visiting the gypsy caves, dancing, singing and helping them buy segments of the Alhambra.

Our game plan was to show

LOOKIN G BACK IN MOJAC AR them unabashedly that Spain was year round ‘après skiing,’ and, just a few hours away from the beaches.

But, all plans changed within

SPLAT: Ric vows revenge. six minutes of leaving Mojacar.

On the drive up as our car rounded a bend in the old, curvaceous road we were ruthlessly assaulted and pelted with raw eggs; a fate that caused more consternation and embarrassment to our pride than damage.

The insult! We, the landed

gentry of Spain, being egged by a murder of Yankee crows, none of which spoke Spanish.

WAR WAS DECLARED AND “revenge will be mine,” we lordly declared. Cash or the future be damned.

As one had quipped to me when I enquired about their leader Steve, “Steve? Hell, he’s got more money than God.” Apparently he had foreseen the world explosion of the ski business and got the marketing rights in Switzerland and Germany to three or four of the top brands of skis, boots, poles, and clothing and had become a household name on the ski slopes of the world.

He was just 37 and on his third wife with an entire harem waiting in the wings. Those beauties were located on seven continents and he made a point of phoning most of

them daily but without exception he phoned his wife at least six times a day; a logistical nightmare for Spain of the 70s not mentioning the blatant extravagance.

On we drove to the Parador and got checked in. I was across the hall from my arch enemy Steve. He soon knocked on my door and pleaded with me to help him make his daily calls around the world but especially to his wife.

At the same time a maid came in with the extra towels we had requested to clean off the yokes and embarrassment we had suffered.

Steve announced he also needed plenty more towels and asked me to come to his room to replace the petition for the call to the states.

Whoops, trap set!

To be continued next week.

48

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

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50

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

A

FEW weeks back I wrote about Christmas TV ads which, together with the Christmas decorations everywhere you look, reminded me that it’s that time of year for the traditional nativity play in British schools - one of the biggest events in the school calendar together with the Christmas fair.

I recall one occasion when a little girl was chosen to play Mary at her nursery and, by all accounts, was word perfect at rehearsals. On the day, though, she was struck dumb by the sight of a hall full of parents and, judging by her reaction when Joseph tried to take her hand, you could have been forgiven for thinking he had Ebola. The event ended up a complete omnishambles!

And why is it that, in all nativity plays, there’s always one kid with an ego so big it practically qualifies for mansion tax, who steals the limelight by losing himself in the music and jiving like a maniac and another in the back row tunelessly yelling each word?

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

No whitewash can hide the stain of political correctness 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

Which makes you wonder why they don’t give these plays a run in the provinces first…

Reports that mothers have offered teachers free beauty treatments and other inducements if their little girl could be Mary remind me one thing hasn’t changed much over the years.

Blackmail is an ugly word but my father’s supplying much of the scenery for my own primary school’s efforts meant I could

NATIVITY PLAY: One of the biggest events in the school calendar. always be guaranteed at least a ‘no room at the inn’ part!

But what has changed - for

the worse - is the current widespread ban on cameras and iPhones: parents forbidden from

recording their Mary or Joseph’s moment of glory. Which reminds me of the case of the retired police officer prevented from photographing his grandson playing soccer as there would be ‘other boys in the shot.’

Or the grandfather who went on his own to a Somerset theme park to watch a falcon display and was shocked when told, because of child protection rules, unaccompanied adults were ‘banned.’

Political correctness! You wonder where it will all end. As an adult on your own, should you be allowed in a park because there might be children there? Or a swimming pool? Or the bus because there might be children going to school?

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

52

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Ready to pump up the volume Colin Bird Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

I

WAS loading the car with our weekly shopping, when a grim faced chap came rushing toward me, brandishing a clip board. “UGH!” he grunted as he stabbed the clip board with his shiny Bazaar Chino ball point.

The form declared it was an official document issued by the Society for the Deaf and Dumb.

There were no other details except for two little flags stuck on the bottom - one Spanish, one British - supposedly to denote its authenticity, and three signatures each with a €10 donation signified, but all suspiciously bearing similar hand writing.

“UGH!” he repeated, this time more

forcefully as he bayoneted the clip board with his pen. The life of this poor Oriental pen was going to be short lived.

Equally forcefully and in words I am not allowed to repeat here, I told him to scarper, at which he turned on his heel muttering something to do with my parentage. It’s a miracle I thought. The gifts of

hearing and speech had been restored simultaneously.

But this little incident reminded me of another some years ago.

We had decided to stop for a coffee break and a respite from our round of sightseeing in the town of Falmouth in

Cornwall. It was a pleasant little cafe not far from the harbour and the prices although elevated, were not stratospheric and a short term loan was not necessary.

The ambience was pleasant with soothing background muzak and waitresses who were smiley, attentive and cor!

Furnishings were comfortable and I was greatly relieved to see that the tables had not been manufactured in Greece, and had legs of equal length.

Then as we tucked into our sticky treats, there was a commotion as a crowd of elderly people screaming like Banshees, blew into the cafe like a geriatric hurricane. There were empty tables available for only half of them, the HARD OF HEARING: There is no need to shout, I can hear you loud and clear.

others remaining at the counter where they harangued the serving staff deafeningly with their orders. Suddenly the gentle atmosphere of the cafe had been transformed into a hell hole of noise and three figure decibels. The racket was horrendous.

Looking through the window, our attention was directed to a mini bus parked across the road - Van Gogh Centre for the Hard of Hearing it proclaimed.

Someone has a sense of humour I thought. Didn’t Van Gogh cut off one of his ears?

Then as we were about to leave, one of the worst offenders and definitely in the running for The Bedlam Cup, approached us.

“THIS TABLE FREE THEN IS IT?” he bawled.

“Half past four!” I hollered back, which seemed to satisfy our loud friend, and we hurried out to the welcome sound of traffic and a police siren.

E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

Guardians of the Galaxy Adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of a bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by a powerful villain with plans to threaten the entire universe. Quill joins up with a team of misfits including a gun-toting raccoon and a tree-like humanoid. The ragtag bunch must face up to one desperate last stand once they discover the true power of the orb. With the fate of the galaxy in the balance, the team must try their best to save the universe. Directed by James Gunn. Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Vin Diesel. Runs 121 mins. PG-13.

TODAY

VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA

ADRA

ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

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ROQUETAS

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CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) The need to plan ahead is frustrating when you know exactly what ought to be going on. Patience is something that you need to cultivate, or you risk upsetting someone close. Spending time with a colleague makes you realise how good things could be, but a lot of effort is involved.

corner? Maybe it is being done so subtly that you have not even noticed. Who wants a decision from you? Appear to take pressure lightly and not give in to an irritation.

6-Star Quiz

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particularly true of a financial situation, so there's no sense in fussing until you understand what needs to be done.

Someone who has in the past been uncooperative is more flexible. You wonder at this and try to see an ulterior motive, but it is most likely that they have seen the error of their past actions.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Your attention is needed on more than one front, and some decisions are at odds with your personal thoughts and attitudes. Being reminded that 'business is business' does nothing to relieve your conscience.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) After the 22nd it is much easier to see the path ahead. This is

VIRGO (August 24 September 23) Are you willing to take a risk on someone who has let you down before? Looking into their recent past is likely to tip the balance. What you find shows clearly if there has been a change of heart on their part or if they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

Sudoku 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.

LIBRA (September 24 October 23) A disagreement with a friend upsets you but is short-lived.

To avoid such a situation in the future, look at how you should have dealt with it. There is always something to know that guides us to a better position.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

SCORPIO (October 24 November 22) A great feeling of joy comes over you more than once in the week ahead. Your inner child has been set free, and this is likely to be because of recent restrictions, which are now lifted.

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

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Saturday December 13

Saturday December 13

Friday December 12

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LA PRIMITIVA Saturday December 13

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LUCKY STARS 4

Alicante

Almeria

SUNNY MAX 19C, MIN 9C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

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EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

Mon - 16 9 C Tues - 17 9 C Wed - 18 9 C

19 11 S 19 9 C 18 11 S

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Fri Sat Sun -

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Fri Sat Sun -

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CLEAR 18 8 S 17 10 Cl 17 9 C S Sun,

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Mon - 17 11 Cl Tues - 17 11 C Wed - 18 10 C

Madrid CLOUDY MAX 13C, MIN 4C MAX MIN

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Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 16 11 C Tues - 17 11 C Wed - 17 9 C

11 3 S 14 4 S 11 3 S

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Mon - 12 3 S Tues - 13 3 S Wed - 12 3 Cl

Murcia MAX 17C, MIN 9C

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Fri Sat Sun -

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TODAY:

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Mallorca TODAY:

MAX MIN

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19 13 S 19 12 C 18 12 S

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Mon - 16 9 Cl Tues - 16 9 Cl Wed - 16 11 Cl Cl Clear,

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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: 18

Very good: 33

Good: 23

Excellent: 40

gilt, glom, goon, hong, ling, logo, long, nigh, ting, tong, glint, gloom, igloo, ingot, light, lingo, might, night, thing, thong, tigon, holing, homing, mooing, oohing, tiglon, hooting, looming, looting, molting, mooting, tooling, MOONLIGHT

Word Ladder SETS

Sunday December 14

5

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Barcelona TODAY:

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TODAY:

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GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) When discussing a holiday with others, be aware that agreement is not always easily met. Although you are not inclined to compromise, it is necessary to go with the majority decision.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Everything on the home front is emphasised and there will be a

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Who is trying to push you into a

December 23, Vicente del Bosque, football manager. Former Spanish football player and current manager of the Spanish national team. Del Bosque led Spain to two European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012, and one World Cup title in 2010. He coached Real Madrid between 1999 and 2003.

flurry of activity. Get others involved in any changes. Work in the garden or painting is much more enjoyable and half the work if you enlist the help of someone you get on well with.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A rather slow start to the week leads you to feel bored but be assured that the weekend will be far from dull. A recent conversation or correspondence with an old friend leads to unexpected contact.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) It is difficult to avoid repeating mistakes made in the past. Your approach to certain situations has not changed and therein lies the problem.

Someone who blames you for a mistake shows ignorance but that does not make it less upsetting.

GUYS AND DOLLS

Your Stars

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Social life is important because friendships will be made that last a long time. Your popularity should not be taken for granted, but built on. As you need other people, they also need you.

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

31 48

REINTEGRO 0

FREE

FEET FRET FREE

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Travel arrangements may have to be changed at the last minute. Do not fret, however, because success is more likely later in the month. During a dream, or when reading a book, an idea comes to you. Can this really make a difference to your future?

1. Which two former England cricket captains were nicknamed Guy (the Gorilla) and Dolly?

2. Athol Guy, was the double bass player with which Australian folkinfluenced pop quartet, whose UK hit singles include: I'll Never Find Another You, A World of Our Own, Morningtown Ride, Georgy Girl and The Carnival is Over?

3. In which decade did Dolly the sheep become the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell, using the process of nuclear transfer?

4. What was the name of the British radio producer, intelligence officer and Foreign Office official who, along with Kim Philby, Donald Maclean and Anthony Blunt was a member of the Cambridge Four spy ring that passed Western secrets to the Soviets before and during the Cold War? 5. In which novel Charles Dickens’ novel, largely set during the Gordon Riots of 1780, first published in 1841, did the character Dolly Varden appear?

6. Which American adult animated sitcom centres on the Griffins, a family consisting of parents Peter and Lois, their children Meg, Chris and Stewie plus their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian?

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1. IAN BOTHAM and BASIL D'OLIVEIRA, 2. THE SEEKERS, 3.

1990s (1996), 4. GUY BURGESS, 5.

BARNABY RUDGE, 6. FAMILY GUY

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Crosswords

18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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Cryptic

Quick

Across 1 Highly ornate style, or designed by Chanel? (6) 4 Waterways made of tin, aluminium and sulphur (6) 9 Madagascar goatherd carries a load (5) 10 The platoon revealed its own philosopher (5) 11 Near a demolished stadium (5) 12 Unimaginative, as theatre usually is (7) 13 Changed course continually - sound diplomacy (6) 15 Credit is double big trouble (6) 19 Memory loss is initially a mind numbing experience, so is academia (7) 21 Fixed crude switch (5) 23 Wait, it’s the wrong verse (5) 24 Run away to find work in the Spanish quarter (5) 25 Cleans up when diet is changed (6) 26 Needles from French city (6) Down 1 Bright team leader Adrian is badly beaten up (7) 2 Ride a bike for the full course (5) 3 Proceedings for careless driving?

Animal killed (7)

Across 1 Young rooster (8) 4/6 Athletic event (4,4) 7 Parody (5) 9 Spherical (5) 11 Besmirch (5) 12 Flat (5) 13 Go by (6) 15 Evaluate (6) 19 Denim pants (5) 21 Domesticated South American ruminant (5) 23 All keyed up (5) 24 Big (5) 25 Moist (4) 26 Unafraid (8)

5 Tree begins autumn pruning, putting leaves everywhere (5) 6 Slow movements from a dog is a treat (7) 7 Total is twenty (5) 8 Bridge players under low deer (5) 14 Concentrated on made up red cent (7) 16 Furred animal turning on orca, cold

inside (7) 17 Doctor Les adds burdens (7) 18 Furtively checks out court events (5) 19 Savings account returning capital (5) 20 A display of bad temper in the theatre? (5) 22 It concerns Adam’s wife and the bailiff! (5)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 10 represents Z and 15 represents G, so fill in Z every time the figure 10 appears and G every time the figure 15 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 Waddle, 5 Dearth, 8 Loss, 9 Treasure, 10 Senior, 11 Create, 12 Fade, 14 Aha, 15 Aden, 16 Canton, 18 Thread, 19 Likeness, 21 Sale, 22 Pestle, 23 Disuse.

Down: 2 Adore, 3 Dislike, 4 Entertain, 5 Doe, 6 Aisle, 7 Turn the tables, 11 Chastised, 13 Avarice, 15 Arrests, 17 Treat, 20 Ewe. QUICK Across: 1 Chooses, 4 Super, 7 Anger, 9 Screams, 10 Trouble, 11 Needs, 12 Spare, 14 Feast,19 Harms, 21 Replace, 23 Insults, 24 Cheap, 25 Lists, 26 Suspend.

Down: 1 Charts, 2 Scrub, 3 System, 4 Strange, 5 Peace, 6 Resist, 8 Group, 13 Results, 15 Share, 16 Thrill, 17 Crisis, 18 Leaped, 20 Rests, 22 Picks.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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

Across 1 Sixteen (9) 8 Pavement (for walking on) (5) 9 Grano (5) 11 Wool (4) 12 Beso (4) 14 Alto (edificio, persona) (4) 16 Weapon (4) 19 Help (assistance) (5) 21 Boy (5) 22 Waiters (9) Down 2 Artículos (5) 3 Which (in questions and reported speech) (4) 4 Señal (de aviso) (4) 5 Departure (3) 6 Sierra para metales (7) 7 Rings (on finger) (7) 10 Rata (3) 13 Triste (persona) (3) 15 Warning (advance notice) (5) 17 Branch (of tree) (4) 18 Dolor (4) 20 Grape (3)

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

CORONA

RIGOUR

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Cesto, 4 Sello, 7 Ese, 8 Aviador, 9 Soap, 10 Octavo, 14 Collars, 16 Cod, 17 Lagos, 18 Seats.

DESIRE

SCREAM

FIELDS

SCURRY

FIRING (10)

SEDUCE

HAULED

SHREDS

LEERED

TRAILS

Down: 1 Chess, 2 Sueca, 3 Orar, 4 Suitcases, 5 Lid, 6 Our, 11 Ancla, 12 Ondas, 13 Saws, 14 Col, 15 Leg.

MASSED

TRAITS

PIERCE

UPROSE

RAISED

WHEELS

RETAIN

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the name of a type of musical instrument (one word): OR I’M HUMAN FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: MARILYN MONROE, HARMONIUM

Unscramble the name of a famous Hollywood superstar: MORAL IRONY: MEN

Down 1 Manner of dressing (7) 2 Annoyed (5) 3 Delivery job (6) 5 Complain (5) 6 See 4 Across 8 Apartments (5) 10 Male duck (5) 14 Separated (5) 16 Shoulder cover (5) 17 Triumph (7) 18 Wool of sheep (6) 19 Fatigued (5) 20 Sound of mind (4) 22 Concur with (5)

1 Divide, 2 Priest, 3 Decree, 4 Treaty, 5 Rested, 6 Others, 7 Starry, 8 Chaste, 9 Centre, 10 Astern, 11 Caters, 12 Nearer, 13 Ceases, 14 Scream, 15 Meters, 16 Abases, 17 Neatly, 18 Massed, 19 Whiled

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E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

ets P

PETS

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Looking for a new dog?

EVERYONE loves puppies.

They’re adorable.

But how adorable will you think your puppy is when you find him in the middle of a mess that used to be your favourite pair of shoes.

Puppies, like babies, require an enormous amount of attention and effort from housebreaking and socialising to teaching acceptable manners.

If you don’t have the time to keep a steady training schedule, perhaps you should look into getting an adult dog.

However, adult dogs come with their own ‘baggage.’ Some adult dogs have been abused or neglected. As a result, these dogs have acquired some less-than-ideal

David THE Dogman

Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10 thru 11.

Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm

PUPPIES: Adorable, but hard work. behaviours of their own.

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, there are generally two options you can take to

get your new puppy or adult dog. You can buy a dog from a reputable breeder, or you can adopt or rescue a dog from an animal shelter.

Unless you’re looking for a purebred dog that you possibly plan to breed in the future, adoption from a shelter is one of the best ways to go.

Adopting a pet from a shelter is not as expensive as buying a pet from a breeder.

Animals from a shelter are usually screened for health and temperament, so you can be sure that while you’re giving an

animal in need a home, it’s the right animal for your home. However, if you’re looking for a specific breed, a breeder (or a specific breed rescue) is the way to go.

Contact the Kennel Club in your country, they normally have a list of registered breeders. Ask for references from your breeder, and ask about how many times of year they breed. A good breeder generally only produces one to three litters a year and will guarantee their dogs against most major health defects.

When chosen for all the right reasons, the ownership of a dog can be wholly rewarding and a very satisfying experience.

There’s a doggy heaven REPORTS that Pope Francis told a distraught little boy that dogs can go to heaven turn out to be wide of the mark.

The World’s Press picked up on a report in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, that suggested he said there was a place in heaven for people’s pets.

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But it turns out his comments and the context into which they were put were misinterpreted. According to Vatican Radio, what the Pope actually said was: “The Holy Scripture teaches us that the fulfilment of this wonderful design also affects everything around us.”

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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

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I am really living life because having regrets is such a shame Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving

10th December LIFE seemed to slow down.

The last few months had been a whirlwind of appointments, tests, scans and chemo. It had been two weeks since my first chemo session and apart from a sore throat, I was feeling pretty good. I noticed that my hair was starting to fall out, nothing dramatic, but quite a lot on the pillow in the morning. I gave my hair a good wash and then towel dried it. The majority of hair seemed to cling on to its roots so I decided that I still wasn’t quite at the stage where I needed to shave my head. My blonde Bond wig was at the ready though!

I was told at my last appointment that I would have to remove my coil because the hormones were ‘in contra’ to my treatment so my doctor made an appointment for me at family planning and they called me in pretty quickly.

I hoped it wouldn’t affect my iron levels because the original reason for having the IUD

inserted was because I was extremely anaemic owing to very heavy periods. Only time would tell.

In the meantime I looked after myself, went for walks along the beach with Jorge.

I did homework with my children, cooked meals, laughed a lot… life as normal.

I still had an army of people offering to help, but I thought that I needed to get on with things as much as I could on my own.

What a lucky girl I am, and yes, I do feel like a girl I decided to get fitted for an arm compression stocking to wear when I was doing anything a little more strenuous, sport for example.

The goal was to avoid lymphedema at all costs. Once your arm puffs up it’s a condition you will have to live with.

A lovely friend, Kelly, rang me and asked if I would like a foot massage! Well you can imagine I was over to see her in a flash. Aside from the importance of looking after ones feet and nails, I can honestly say Kelly has magic fingers and a wonderful heart.

She talked away and I could have stayed there forever. A massive thank you to her. She is in Avenida Tore Tore near the seafront in Torre del Mar. Go and visit her she is a wizard!

It was the run up to Christmas and I was planning for the arrival of my family. My parents would be arriving from Mexico, shortly followed by my sister from Manila and her boyfriend. It is always a major operation uniting us!

I was so looking forward to Christmas and my children were desperate to see their grandparents and aunt. Last week of school and I could tell they were tired. Time to decorate the tree and get in some Christmas goodies, mince pies and the like!

Yummy.

Food really makes me happy and I was feeling so thankful that so far my appetite had remained healthy. You can have all the treatments you want but I think that without love, a fighting spirit and a full tummy it wouldn’t be enough.

Just like everything in life you have to believe in yourself and in your ability to overcome. I have been able to find so many positives in my situation.

I see my children much more, I have changed the pace at which I live, which is just as well because my work life balance was askew before.

When I come out the other side… I will be a far healthier

person in so many respects. I take time to truly appreciate the little big things as I call them.

A walk, a beautiful sunrise, my children’s laughter, it doesn’t matter what it is really but each cuddle, kiss, smile, kind gesture seems magnified at a time like this. I just feel so grateful for the endless kindness and love from family, new friends and old.

What a lucky girl I am. Yes, I do feel like a girl. To me it seems just like yesterday that I was wielding my hockey stick on the muddy pitches in the pouring rain at school. I remember my mother saying the same thing to me.

“I may be older on the outside but I feel so young on

How often do we talk about doing things, but never get around to it the inside.” Recently I have been replaying my life to date through my head. From that tiny little girl who sailed the oceans with her father, mother and sister, from the shy girl who grew and blossomed at school to the young lady who studied in Malaga for a year as part of her degree. A very special time for me.

To the executive in London who had more jobs than you could shake a stick at! Then the move to Spain. Starting a business, having my children and living life to the full.

I have done so much in my life, but I feel that I have so much more to achieve. We all need a reason to get up in the morning.

The drive to survive is a powerful motivator. When you are diagnosed with cancer it forces you to look at life in a different way.

How often do we talk about doing things, but never get around to them? Well life is not a dress rehearsal and we aren’t on the planet for very long, so we might as well live life to the full. Take up yoga, go on that course or climb that mountain you’ve always talked about climbing.

Go on that holiday, visit those friends and family you keep meaning to see.

There is nothing sadder than going through life procrastinating because it so easy to come up with reasons not to do things. Start doing!

Really live because having regrets is such a shame.

Next week I would have my next chemo session and hopefully find out the results of my bone scans. Step by step, week by week, but I had embarked upon my journey to recovery and I was really living life.

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E W N 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Advertising Feature

Wavelengths: Making you the belle of the ball THIS time of year is when we can dust off our sparkly outfits and get ready for Christmas parties and gatherings. But what good is a great outfit unless you feel a million dollars yourself? This is where Wavelengths can help.

Wavelengths can take care of your beauty needs from top to toe with a new hair style and any number of Wavelengths’ fabulous treatments. The salon now has the fantastic new Nexgen nails in and the CND Shellac range of winter colours to make your talons look amazing. Hopi ear holistic treatments, eyelash tinting, waxing, pedicures, a relaxing facial – all of these can help you enter the Christmas season looking and feeling ready for anything.

After all that Christmas shopping, your feet must be tired. So book yourself in for a relaxing pedicure and ensure that your tootsies look and feel

amazing in those diamante heels.

Wavelengths love to care for their customers, whether it is in the form of their many treatments, or in their superb customer service. But in December there is an extra treat for every single customer as they will all be entered into a free draw.

Stuck for gift ideas for that special someone? Why not grab one of Wavelengths’ gift vouchers, a welcome gift for anyone who cares about looking great.

Everyone at Wavelengths would like to give their customers, existing and new, a

CUSTOMER CARE: From hairstyles to fabulous treatments. huge thank you for their custom throughout 2014 and would like to wish everybody a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. They would also like to wish their stylist James a very speedy recovery.

The salon is filling up fast as people rush to make appointments for the Christmas

season, so book quickly to avoid disappointment. The salon closes at 2.30pm on Christmas Eve and remains closed for the Christmas break until Monday December 29.

Finding Wavelengths is easy. It is located opposite the Peugeot garage on Camino Los Segovias in Albox. Get into the Christmas

spirit with a great hairstyle or a number of relaxing and regenerating treatments.

Wavelengths Camino los Segovias Albox 04800 Tlf: 950 120 309 www.wavelengthsalbox.webs.com www.facebook.com/wavelengths. albox

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

Men need to bond SCIENTISTS claim that a night out with the lads is good for men.

Researchers say it helps them relax and is more likely to lower a man’s stress levels than a night with his partner, or time spent with his family.

Scientists from Germany’s University of Gottingen studied groups of Barbary macaques, a type of ape which exhibits

NO WORRIES: Macaques experience less stress in all-male groups. human-like behaviour in its social groups. They discovered that stress-related illnesses among macaques only seem to occur among females or both sexes within a pair. Monitoring the

levels of stress hormones among the male apes, they discovered it was higher when they were with their partner or family members compared to when in groups of other males.

The ‘gift’ you don’t want at Christmas FLU is often the other ‘gift’ that Christmas brings, affecting between 10-15 per cent of the population each year, peaking over the Christmas and New Year period.

Dr Jose Luis Cañada, coordinator of the working group of infectious diseases of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians said it can be difficult to avoid, “without flying on a plane on December 1 to Buenos Aires for three months!”

Joking aside, he adds: “Influenza is a disease of children and adolescents, but the elderly are those that pay the price.”

Around 1,500-3,000 people die each year in Spain from flu and most are the elderly or those considered in high risk groups.

Dr Cañada is an advocate of the flu jab to help protect people from the virus and its spread

amongst the population.

In Spain, rates of vaccination against influenza are around 60 per cent, below the recommended target of 70 per cent of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

FLUB JAB: Helps protect people from the virus.

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Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local restaurants

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Ottocento - a little taste o MOST of us enjoy Italian food. The blend of fresh pasta, fresh vegetables prepared from the heart and a love of good food make the cuisine one of the most popular in the world.

That heart is very apparent in Ottocento on Paseo del Mediterraneo in Mojacar. This popular Italian eatery opened in May 2010 under the guiding hands of Marco who hails from Dolomites in Italy. Marco, a fully trained chef, takes his craft very seriously and his drive and enthusiasm is never more apparent than when he speaks

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ITALIAN EATERY: With regularly changing specials. about the food at Ottocento. Marco is a familiar face in Mojacar

and has a firm, loyal following.

It is his welcoming and

friendly attitude towards his customers, as well as the attention to detail on his dishes

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of Italy in Mojacar

INTERIOR: The decor is bright and modern. that has people clamouring for more.

Of particular note is the pasta which is prepared freshly every day. There are also regular changes to the specials menu every couple of days, which always features three pasta dishes, one vegetarian, one fish and one meat. On the day that Euro Weekly News visited, the specials board featured tuna carpaccio, pasta with pesto and artichokes, and spaghetti with cod and

broccoli.

Ottocento’s menu includes lamb, steak and pork among its very popular Mediterranean dishes.

The fresh pastas are available with a variety of sauces, ensuring that there is something for every palate, guaranteed to be full of flavour and beautifully cooked.

Of course, every Italian restaurant will have a great range of freshly

prepared pizzas and Ottocento is no exception.

Everything from a traditional four cheese to a sweet Hawaiian, a hearty calzone to a stunning capriccio, part of a range of flavours that please the entire family. What is a good Italian meal without that final sweet course?

Tiramisu and panna cotta are available as well as a gorgeous chocolate cake.

This is an authentic Italian restaurant, located on the seafront which gives diners phenomenal views of the sea from the spacious terrace. The decor is bright, modern and high quality, much like Marco and his menu.

Ottocento Paseo del Mediterraneo, 185. Mojacar Tlf: 950 615 100 Opening hours: 1pm to 4pm / 7pm to midnight Closed Christmas Eve but open Christmas Day with the normal menu.

18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

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FOOD & DRINK

Are you a restaurant WE at EWN have our clients’ best interests at heart.

We know that getting your news out there can be a struggle; well, we want to help.

Perhaps you have an event coming up for charity?

Do you have a new member of staff you’d like to introduce?

Have you won an award, or changed your menu?

Perhaps you would like to take part in our ‘Restaurant’ experience?

You provide a meal for two which we will review and publish, with pictures, in your local edition.

Whatever is of interest to local readers, please let us know.

We cannot promise to publish everything, but will do our best.

Please send your news and pictures to whatson@euro weeklynews.com

21 - 27 August 2014 / Costa www.euroweeklynews.com del Sol HOMES & GARDENS

www.euroweeklynews.com 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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A green Christmas

By Dick Handscombe JUST a week to Christmas now, so here are some urgent jobs.

If there could be a frost in the next few days, it is wise to harvest any new potatoes that you have nursed along since September as soon as possible.

I have quite a nice crop, and should be able to harvest the first small but tasty broccoli heads.

Likewise salad leaves have grown large. In fact, it’s difficult to keep eating salads, so a preChristmas soup is on the menu. Lettuces, broccoli leaves, young garlic, onion, rocket, radish and carrot leaves with a little added Jamon Serrano should make for an interesting lunch.

Salvias and euryops continue to give bright colour to the garden and during the past week African daisies have started to flower. Roses are giving a good show, and may well grace many a Christmas table.

Fruit trees are very confused. In our garden a plum tree has unseasonal new fruit and, similarly in a neighbouring garden, a pear tree has fruit. The branches can be cut to mix in with other greenery for Christmas decorations.

Thinking about the veg garden beyond Christmas, there is still time to sow some final peas and broad beans and plant plantlets of onions, leeks, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflowers and lettuces. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

HAVING set up Neater Heater six years ago, Richard and Tony have frequently encountered the same questions from customers trying to decide which heater option is better for them.

Some of these questions have been answered by ‘internet experts’ on forums where the answers are as baffling as some of the questions.

Why choose electric heating over traditional gas, or oil-powered central heating systems?

Mainly installation costs.

Although the perception is that running costs of gas and oil systems are probably cheaper (although that is disputable) a full Neater Heater central heating system can be installed in most small villas for about €1,000 – the price of a boiler. Not only that, but Neater Heaters are movable. Water-filled radiators aren’t.

Are Neater Heaters economical to run?

Compared to most of the competition, yes they are.

But more importantly they are efficient which makes them cost-effective, and

Advertising Feature

Efficient, effective electric heaters that look good too BAFFLED? Neater Heater’s Richard and Tony unpick the internet ‘advice.’ that is more important.

Seven years ago I tried to heat my son’s bedroom with a 900 watt ‘Eco Heater’ which barely made a difference at all. I replaced that with a 1000 watt Neater Heater, which cost a bit more, and the difference was astounding.

Even with the ‘Eco Heater’ my son was unable to concentrate on his homework, even with his outdoor clothes on, and ended up doing it in the living room. The Neater Heater, however, warmed his room effectively, allowing him to study in a tee-shirt.

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: ALMERÍA • SAN JAVIER: DFS Spain. Tel. 968 334 194 • MAZARRON Camposol B. La Red Solutions. (Mapfre). Tel. 968 199 025 • ANTAS: Lifestyle Enclosures. Tel. 950 459 060 • ROQUETAS DE MAR: Almeria Relocations. Tel 950 335 340 Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery.

WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES OR Tel. 634 312 171

Not only that, but the Neater Heater was only running at 3/4 capacity of about 750 watts.In other words, the Neater Heater cost me less to keep him warm than the ‘Eco Heater’ cost to keep him cold.

There is a guy on an

internet forum who says that if you put a kilowatt of electricity into any heater then you can only get a kilowatt out, and that all electric heaters are the same.

We have heard this nonsense on all the internet

forums we have bothered to look into.

In my spare bedroom I have two pieces of electrical apparatus. They both use metal electric elements to convert electricity to heat energy.

One of them uses 2,300 kwh and if you left it on for five hours would probably not raise the room temperature by more than a degree, but it can be used to put lovely creases in shirts. The other one is a Neater Heater which uses about 750kwh, and if you left it on for 20 minutes would raise the room temperature by 10 degrees. Unfortunately, it is rubbish at ironing shirts.

Neater Heaters are convector heaters designed

by Norwegian engineers to gently heat up the air in your room as fast and effectively as possible. Not only that, but they look good too.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Everyone’s a winner at Christmas time SOPHIA WELLNESS CENTRE in Arboleas has released their ‘Gymnast of the Month’ award for December 2015.

It was a very difficult decision to make, because all the gymnasts had worked so hard.

So the management made the decision to reward all the members this time. Stacey Smith, who coaches the gymnastic classes at Sophia’s said: “They have ALL worked so hard and the improvements they have made have put a smile on my face. Their confidence is growing and growing and the fact they love the sport gymnastics makes me an extremely proud coach.

“I am overwhelmed at the size of the club and we are still receiving new

YOUNG GYMNASTS: All of them worked so hard. members regularly. We have to add new classes to accommodate the increased numbers and in January we start our €4 adult trampoline classes, which are all the rage in America, and which we are very excited about. We have even been invited to perform in the pantomime, Mother Goose, in January.

“I am also looking forward to our Christmas party at Amigos Bowling centre, although organised chaos is the phrase that springs to mind. Sophia Wellness Centre would like to wish all the gymnasts, their friends and their families a merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year.”

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Tahal fire destroys carpentry business FIREFIGHTERS from Albox spent five hours extinguishing a fire in Tahal, but the building was left in a pile of ashes.

The fire blazed in the Juaizaque neighbourhood of Tahal in a carpenter’s workshop. The building, constructed mainly of wood stood no chance against the flames, despite the firefighters’ best efforts.

Nobody was hurt in the fire, the cause of which is still under investigation.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

DEMOLITION: One of the properties destroyed in 2014.

Shock notice ONCE more the issue of illegal housing rears its ugly head in Almeria Province. After the recent demolitions in Cantoria, 17 more homes have come under the spotlight, this time in the Media Legua area of the municipality.

Maura Hillen, president of AUAN (Abusos Urbanisticos Almanzora NO), said: “The British of the valley of Almanzora are in a state of shock and anguish faced with the continued revelations of possible future demolitions.”

However, the homeowners were not notified of the proceedings against their properties.

Hillen added “I do not understand how, given the suspicion and the apparent evidence that these houses are inhabited, nothing was apparently done to notify the inhabitants and owners of the existence of proceedings, so they could defend themselves against demolition.”

AUAN is currently in the process of approaching the European Parliament to discuss the apparent discrimination of foreign buyers whose homes are being demolished.

21 - 27 August 2014 / Costa del Sol www.euroweeklynews.com PROPERTY

www.euroweeklynews.com 18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería

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THIS lovely apartment is situated only a two minute walk to the beach front and amenities. The complex has a lovely pool in amongst gardens and is clean and well kept. The apartment is on the first floor and on the end of the complex which is as private as can be on a complex.

As you enter the apartment there is a large open lounge and diner with a ceiling fan and a set of patio doors leading out onto a good size terrace with views of the sea to the left and the campo in front. The terrace has two wind out shades full size.

From the lounge on the

Br

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3 bedroom apartment close to the beach and amenities

REF:B772 MOJACAR PLAYA 120,000€

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http://www.spanishpropertychoice.com/property/B772/apartment-for-sale-in-mojacar.

MOJACAR APARTMENT: The complex has a lovely pool, gardens and views of the sea.

left is a twin bedroom with a window looking over the gardens. On the right is a hall with access to the kitchen which has a serving hatch into the lounge,

open units on top and fitted units below with a washing machine, fridge/ freezer, twin electric glass top Hob, an electric water boiler and a microwave.

There is a double bedroom with built in wardrobes. A master bedroom with built in wardrobes a ceiling fan and patio doors leading out

onto the same large patio as the lounge.

The family bathroom has a full size bath with shower fitting and a glass panel.

There is also a wall unit and a bidet.

• Featured • Coastal property • Furniture negotiable • 3 bedrooms • 1 bathroom

Second consecutive increase GIVING further credence to the belief that the Spanish property market is finding its feet again, the third quarter of this year saw house prices rise for the second consecutive quarter.

Compared with figures for 2013, house prices for the third quarter of 2014 increased by 0.3 per cent. This follows on from an increase of 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of this year.

Prices in Andalucia remained stable, according to latest data from the National Statistics Institute, and the Balearic Islands showed an increase in prices of 2.1 per cent. The biggest increases were noted in Madrid and Cantabria.

El Economista has reported that between July and September the price of new housing rose by 0.8 per cent and the price of second hand housing rose by 0.1 per cent. A total of 12 Spanish

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA: Andalucian house prices remain stable. regions saw declines in their annual rate during the third

quarter, particularly Galicia and La Rioja.

• Plot size 93m2 • Build size 67m² • Mains water • Mains electric • Telephone possible • Internet possible

• Communal pool • Private terrace • Communal parking • Close to a golf course • 2 minutes to the beach • 2 minutes to the shops

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TRAINED A/C Engineer F/Gas. We now do Gas recharge for cars. We specialise in Plumbing & Heating with Gas Safe Certs. For all your Plumbing repairs, Heating repairs, A/C repairs & New installs on all. No call out charge in Mojacar. Call John on 634 342 520. (225351)

HEATING CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES. If it involves water we can help ! www.carlossaliente.com Tel.950 930 900 or 968 969 962 (226233)

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ANDALUCIAN BUILDING COMPANY, see our advert on page 23. (228392) ANTAS BUILDING COMPANY, 40 yrs experience, building & painting, no job too small. Ric 661 075 802 (231884)

AUCTIONS

INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop.

Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email serena@euroweeklynews.com for more details.

BUSINESS OPP. DEALERSHIPS available for safety pool fencing. Only one dealership will be offered for every 100km radius. Including the only ‘No-Holes’ pool fencing system in the world suitable for rentals. Tel 952 810 443, info@lifeguardfence.com (226434) BUYING or Selling a Business?

Contact Spain’s leading Business Broker, ‘Business Broker Spain.’ Free consultation and Assessment. Tel: 617 062 421 (229626)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now!

(200726)

ELECTRICAL

COMPUTER SERVICES Inford@Tox Computer Services, call Raquel on 950 633 223

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COMPUTERS

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GEN MAINTENANCE BUGS Home Services for all your replacement Windows & Doors. Tel: 600 049 515 (225300)

Price per word: 0,42€ + IVA minimum 15 words - Discount: Book 10 weeks, get 2 weeks free - Deadline: 4pm Mondays Contact: Phone (0034) 950 472 109 • Fax (0034) 950 478 789 • email mojacar@euroweeklynews.com • www.euroweeklynews.es

www.euroweeklynews.com

CLASSIFIEDS MOBILE HOMES WE BUY, Sell, Store, remove all types of mobile homes. We pay CASH and cover all of Spain.

More details call Suzi Caley 616 250 727 / 951 063 059 or email suzicaley@gmail.com (228718)

HONDA Rebel 250cc, 10,000km, very good condition, 500 euros.

950 472 551 (234342)

PARKING

KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197or 606 807 797 (228289)

18 - 24 December 2014 / Costa de Almería PROPERTY

CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters ROM just 65€ Aguafuerte is not the answer! Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962.

Email carlos.saliente@gmail .com (226233)

MOTORING

POOLS

PETS PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required for further information call or email us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227.

Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (206497)

CERTIFIED Pool Cleaner/Handyman/Gardener/House Sitter, cheap rates. Phone Neil 642 764 741, email totalpools@out look.com (228569)

PROPERTY TO LET

REMOVALS/STORAGE

PLUMBING SERVICES WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309.

(200726)

REMOVALS/STORAGE SPAIN - UK/UK - SPAIN. Deliveries. Best prices. Best service.

Indalo Transport. 634 336 468 / www.indalotransport.com. Find us on Facebook & Twitter.

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CAR TRANSPORTER. Call for excellent rates, fully insured, professional service. 951 319 320, email move@freinternational .com / www.car-transportspain.com (215605) UK - SPAIN - Anywhere Europe! Masses of experience.

New clean vehicles. Insured with Royal Sun Alliance.

Genuinely CARING service.

FULL and part moves. ONLINE QUOTES!! www.bm ceuropean.com UK 08456 443 784 / ES 634 344 787 FIND US ON FACEBOOK!(220152)

2ND HAND FURNITURE

SOLAR ENERGY LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN. www.solarmegastore.es (226345) SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 15 years installation experience. Established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@suner gyalmeria.com (228399)

STORAGE

TILING

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FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (226204)

XXX RELAXATION ¨Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisements in this section offensive.¨

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SWIMMING POOLS GENECO Pool construction. Tel 950 478 086 for no obligation quote (93401)

SITUATIONS VACANT

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PART-TIME cook required for busy restaurant and bar on Mojacar Playa. 950 478 525 / 686 038 259 (231912)

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SPONSORED BY For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80

Latest BMWs launched BMW hopes that the new M6 Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible will allow the German company to restate its leadership in the high-performance luxury segment.

The new cars, BMW says, are poised to write a fresh chapter in its success story, fuelled by finely honed, wellresolved overall concept.

The new models announce their highperformance

credentials before they even turn a wheel thanks to their athletic and dynamic appearance. A front end with new, standard-fitted LED headlights makes their intentions immediately clear - the M specific double-bar kidney grille and eye-catching front apron with large air intakes see to that.

The powerfully sculpted front wings with hallmark M gills (including integrated side indicators), the side skirts and the exclusive forged 19-inch M light-alloy wheels (BMW M6 Gran Coupe exclusive forged 20-inch M light-alloy wheels) only add to this impression.

The sporting looks of the new M6 series are rounded off by a rear apron with integrated diffuser insert, two sets of M-specific twin tailpipes and the M6 logo on the boot lid. Another exclusive M feature is the ultra-lightweight contoured carbon roof of the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6

Gran Coupe, which also helps to lower the cars’ centre of gravity visually.

Powering all three models is a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine. This high-tech power unit impresses with its innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology consisting of a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Double-VANOS and VALVETRONIC - and customary M attributes, such as a powerful and sustained wave of torque from low rpm, instantaneous responses, an enormous appetite for revs, linear power delivery and a familiar M sound.

At the same time, the M turbocharged engine is highly efficient, making for

NEW BMW: Has an athletic and dynamic appearance. excellent fuel economy.

The 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine develops 412 kW/560 hp between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm in the new BMW M6 Coupe, new BMW M6 Convertible and new BMW M6 Gran Coupe, and its peak torque of 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) is available across a broad rev band (1,500 - 5,750 rpm). Yet the new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Gran Coupe also post combined fuel consumption in the ECE test cycle of just 9.9 litres/100 km (28.5 mpg imp), equating to CO2 emissions combined of 231 g/km.

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RE-PLATE MATE Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the law!

Take the hassle out of re-registering your vehicle onto Spanish plates We endeavour to better any genuine quotation 490 Euro + Road Tax + CO2 emission tax if applicable

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MOTORING

Royal visit for SEAT on 30th anniversary KING FELIPE VI of Spain visited SEAT’s Martorell facilities to help mark the 30th anniversary of the SEAT Ibiza.

But he wasn’t just there to see the bestselling model, he also got a preview of the models to be launched over the next five years, as well as the latest investments.

King Felipe was accompanied by Artur Mas, Catalan Government President; José Manuel Soria, Spanish Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism; Dr. Francisco Javier García Sanz, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SEAT; and Jürgen Stackmann,

Chairman of the SEAT Executive Committee.

King Felipe visited the SEAT Design Centre, unique facilities in Spain where technology and creativity merge to create the brand’s future models. He then moved on to Assembly Workshop 10, where the Leon and Ibiza are built.

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Cristiano Ronaldo scores again - twice!

From back page In Rugby Union, there are full programmes over the weekend in the AVIVA Premiership (with Sale-Exeter) and the Guinness Pro12 League. And for horse racing fans, there is a two-day NH meeting at Ascot (19-20 December).

FOOTBALL - Last weekend there were Premiership wins for Arsenal (4-1 v Newcastle), Burnley (1-0 v Southampton), Chelsea (2-0 v Hull - the Blues’ eighth on the bounce at home this term), Manchester City (1-0 at Leicester), Manchester United (3-0 v Liverpool), Spurs (2-1 at Swansea) and WBA (1-0 v Aston Villa). Everton played QPR on Monday.

Bournemouth went top of the Championship by beating Cardiff 5-3; Middlesbrough, who defeated Derby 2-0, stand second; Wolves won at Sheffield Wednesday for the first time in 50 years (10), Birmingham smashed Reading 6-1 and Sir Elton John saw his beloved Watford beat Wigan 2-1.

FL1 leaders Bristol City pipped Crawley 10 and Swindon (2nd) won 3-0 at Notts County; in FL2, Wycombe (1st) and Burton (2nd) both won, while Celtic extended their lead at the top of the SPL with a 4-1 victory over St. Mirren.

Last Friday, only 13,950 fans saw Real Madrid extend their unbeaten run (in all

competitions) to a record 20 games with a 4-1 away win over Almeria. And yes, Cristiano Ronaldo scored again, twice!

Barcelona could only draw 0-0 with Getafe, leaving Real four points clear at the top of La Liga.

Sixteen countries (four groups of four) will compete in the 2015 African Cup of Nations. All the ‘top teams’ will be there, plus underdogs Gabon and Cape Verde... and ‘C’ is the group of death featuring Ghana, Senegal, Algeria and South Africa.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has resigned 48 hours after his team lost 2-0 at the Queen of the South.

Advertising feature

Weekend Sport new for Almeria THE first six months of business for Weekend Sport in Vera Playa have been phenomenal, with sales surpassing all expectations at this friendly store for bicycle sales, repairs and service.

The in-house repair team at the store has recently completed a specialised three day mechanical course that ensures they are up to date on techniques and up to the highest standards.

To be able to sell specialised products, which Matt describes as: “One hell of a brand,” this course is essential so it’s a massive string to Weekend Sport’s bow.

The owner, Matt Shatford, is still racing and has risen to the top 15 in the National Master 30 category although he expects to be in the top 10 in the next year.

Passionate about cycling, Matt’s enthusiasm and love for the sport sees him perfectly placed to share his expertise with his customers. Matt has lived in Mojacar on and off for around 30 years, and knows not only his market, but also the local area and its people extremely well.

Weekend Sport sells a wide range of mountain

bikes and road bikes, as well as hybrid and electric bikes, plus an excellent range of quality accessories, with everything the keen cyclist will need to support this popular activity. They also stock a great range of triathlon sportswear and sunglasses, and the winter range is now in stock. The electric bikes, in particular, are doing extremely well and sales are booming.

They are official distributors for Specialized, which is used by biking champions such as Mark Cavendish and Tony Martin and serious bike enthusiasts will know that the brand is the best out there, seeing it as the winning kit in serious championships such as the Tour de France.

Fancy getting together with some like-minded individuals? Then have a chat to Weekend Sport

BIKES: Weekend Sport sells a wide range, including mountain, road and electric. who also organise group tours, taking you and your bike around the local area, enjoying that fresh air and taking in a feast of stunning views. Tours are for a minimum of five people and bikes can be provided of course.

Weekend Sport Ctra. Garrucha Villaricos

Ronda de Las Buganvillas, 46-47 04621 Vera Playa Tel +34 654 596 247 Email: mattshatford@gmail.com Facebook:

And I understand that Manchester United have offered £50m (€63m) for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

CRICKET - England lost their ODI series in Sri Lanka. Having fought back to 3-2 after winning the fifth encounter, courtesy of Chris Woakes’ six wickets and Joe Root’s century, Alastair Cook’s team lost the sixth game by 90 runs, making the final match (played on Tuesday) a non-event.

And after leading his team to a 48-run first Test win over India, Australian captain Michael Clarke hinted his career may be over due to an irritating hamstring injury.

BOXING - Bolton’s Amir Khan retained his WBC Silver welterweight title with a unanimous points victory against American Devon Alexander in Las Vegas.

RUGBY UNION Leinster (14-13 v Harlequins), Northampton (67-0 v Treviso), Saracens (28-15 v Sale) and Toulon (23-8 v Leicester) recorded wins in the European Champions Cup FOOTBALL BOOKS (for Christmas) I have for sale four of my latest football books: (a) José Mourinho Story: 50 Defining Matches (signed €15), (b) Miscellany of Huddersfield Town (€12), www.facebook.com/ (c) Miscellany of matthew.shatford.37 Middlesbrough (€12) and Opening hours: Monday (d) The Ronnie Allen Story to Friday 10am - 2pm / (reprinted: €3.00). Only a 5pm - 8:30pm. Saturdays few available… Call 634 10am - 2pm (closed 391 414 - you to collect.

Christmas Day)

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OCK.COM

/ SHUTTERST H

FEATUREFLAS

Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

STEFAN BRENDING

WIKIMEDIA COM

MONS

Sport

SPORT

www.euroweeklynews.com

Lewis & Sir Chris Hoy TOP MAN. Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Gymnast Claudia Fragapane won the Young Sports Star of the Year award, while Sir Chris Hoy (on home soil) was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award. Other awards went to England women’s Rugby Union World Cup winning team, Paul McGinley (coach of the year), Jill Stidever (unsung hero).

TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

International Sports A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains.

Costa de Almeria

DIARY OF EVENTS This weekend’s PL games include Aston Villa-Manchester United, Liverpool-Arsenal, Manchester City-Crystal Palace, the Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland, a relegation battle involving QPR and WBA, plus Stoke against leaders Chelsea.

The top Championship matches are DerbyNorwich, IpswichMiddlesbrough and Nottingham ForestLeeds. In FL1 it’s CreweBristol City and Swindon-

Doncaster while in FL2 Accrington play Wycombe and Luton meet Newport. North of the border, Celtic visit Dundee United.

The four quarter-final League Cup-ties earlier this week featured Derby-Chelsea and Sheffield UnitedSouthampton on Tuesday, followed by Bournemouth-Liverpool and Spurs-Newcastle last night.

And for those who missed it, the stand-out ties in the third round of the FA Cup (to be played

in early January) are Manchester CitySheffield Wednesday, Blyth SpartansBirmingham, ArsenalHull (a repeat of last season’s final), ChelseaWatford, Dover-Crystal Palace, SunderlandLeeds, WimbledonLiverpool, Yeovil/ Accrington StanleyCristiano Ronaldo (Overseas Sportsman of the Year).

MARCOS MESA SAM WORDLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Tony Matthews

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Home alone Chelsea, champion Amir, superstar Lewis Manchester United and WBAGateshead.

Also, the draws were made on Monday for the first knockout round of the Champions League and Europa Cup competitions. In the former, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, along with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid, were all in the hat, while in the latter Celtic, Everton and Spurs were representing GB. Turn to page 79