Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 12 - 18 February 2015 Issue 1545

WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2015 WE DO! 15 0 2 Dedicated to the memory of respected colleague Angus Russell Watson 60 -

ISSUE NO. 1545

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EWN FRONT EXTRA

Orange Day GADOR holds its Dia de la Naranja (Orange Day) on Sunday February 15 in the Plaza de la Constitucion. There will be various activities and, obviously, lots of orange-based products on offer.

YouTube push THE PSOE political party in Almeria has begun to reveal its candidates for the upcoming municipal elections by releasing videos on YouTube. They are being presented under the campaign, We Share Almeria Province.

Almeria: the province that takes best care of tourists

ALMERIA has emerged as the safest of the eight Andalucian provinces in a tourism survey carried out by the Institute of National Statistics.

In the section on safety and security, Almeria scored an impressive 8.8 point average during 2014, even reaching nine in the first quarter of the year. The

score puts it almost a point above the Andalucian average.

Another area in which Almeria excelled with regard to tourists was healthcare, with a score ranging

between 8.7 and 9.1 The lowest was in Quarter Three and the highest Quarter One. In the section for tourism quality, which was split into beaches, landscapes and natural parks, and urban areas, Almeria scored fairly low with urban areas, failing to The road has three links, reach eight at any point one to access Albox’s during 2014. industrial area, one to According to the report, enter the Endesa tourists stayed for an substation and the average of 8.7 days neighbourhood of La although Quarter One had Molata and finally one for an average of 10.8 days.

Arboleas.

Average daily spend was â‚Ź50.60.

Albox motorway reaches final stages WORK on the motorway at Albox is nearing completion, with an opening date now becoming a strong possibility.

A surface layer is being applied along 8.7

kilometres which will be followed by drainage, a final steamroll and installation of signs, both vertical and horizontal.

Then the barriers and beacons will be put in place ready for opening.

Completion of the work will see the new motorway stretch provide continuity of traffic along 22 kilometres to join other sections already in service between Albox and Fines and the link to Cucador.

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com Landahlauts Flickr

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INDEX News 1 - 34 Finance 35 - 40 Letters 41 Daily TV 48 Leapy Lee 50 Time Out 54 - 55 Health & Beauty 60 - 63 Food 69 - 72 Albox 74 - 78 Homes & Gardens 79 Property 80 Classifieds 81 - 83 Motoring 84 - 86 Sport 87 - 88

LIGHTING UP: Smoking in banned areas means a fine.

Smoking fines bring in more than €34k INSPECTORS from the three health districts in Almeria have opened 234 penalty cases during 2014 for breaches of the smoking ban.

The smoking fines vary from individual fines for people smoking in prohibited areas like schools and health centres, to business owners who have not imposed the ban on their premises. Inspections are carried out in response to direct complaints and at random by inspectors who not only check for smoking ban

breaches but also for any other issues related to public health. Of the 234 cases, 80 were resolved positively and the Department of Health has raised €34,373 via fines.

Experts and scientific societies estimate that it costs the public and private health systems €15 million a year in treating smoking-related diseases. The prevalence of smoking in Almeria remains high with 42.9 per cent of men and 30.5 per cent of women smoking despite the legislation.

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Four fined TWO brothers of matador Manuel Ruiz and two more individuals have been fined for brawling during a bullfight held on August 30, 2014. The men were fined €180 each.

Disability gains MINISTER for Equality, Health and Social Policy, Maria Jose Sanchez Rubio, said the future law, Rights and Care for People with Disabilities will ensure that 537 jobs in centres across Almeria are safe.

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Nine arrested in drugs bust AGENTS from the Central Unit of Drugs and Organised Crime division (UDYCO) of the National Police in Madrid have carried out one of the biggest drug busts in Spain resulting in nine arrests including three people from Almeria.

The agents seized more than 500 kilograms of cocaine, dealing a massive blow to an inter-

national organisation dedicated to drug trafficking.

Apparently the drugs were discovered in a Cartagena warehouse in the Cabezo Beaza district. Police have arrested the nine traffickers including one from Almeria City and two from Olula del Rio. The three men arrested in Almeria are allegedly linked to the

marble industry. Among them is Jose Antonio GG, also known as El Gari, a 56-year-old employer from Almeria who was acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2013 of a double murder committed in 2009 against two members of the Pertolos gang.

All nine detainees have been transferred to Cartagena where they await court. holbox/Shutterstock

Educabanda programme MORE than 5,000 primary and secondary students are participating in the new ‘Educabanda’ programme in Almeria City. The programme is to promote culture among younger residents through music.

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CARTOON CREATIONS: The impressive floats at Las Fallas.

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Soluciones Go On OLULA DEL RIO’S Soluciones Go On donated 10 per cent of a month’s takings from its design and print business to the local food bank. The company is made up of local youths.

Fancy dress HEAD to the indoor cycling class at Albox Fitness Centre in fancy dress on Friday February 20 and you could win a prize of a weekend pass to the indoor pool. The class starts at 7pm.

ALBOX Town Hall has begun clearing the rambla in the town centre to ensure a smooth surface for four padel tennis courts. The courts will be open in time for carnival festivities.

Kiddie library

Marble strike WORKERS at the Escuela de Marmol in Fines are planning an imminent strike because their cut off date for resolution (January 2015) passed with no resolution from the Junta de Andalucia.

Olula light OLULA DEL RIO may soon be enjoying a new set of street lamps. The town council has chosen to get interest free financing from the government to change the entire street lighting.

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Padel works

Macael jobs MACAEL Town Hall has released 49 employment opportunities for young people in the town. Roles include helping in the toy library, home help and maintenance of public spaces.

Fighting back MEMBERS of the Security Forces have been helping women in Albox with self defence tips and techniques.

The free two day course was paid for by the town hall and the province.

EWN

A noisy month ahead for Valencia’s famous fiesta

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ALENCIA’S famous Fallas fiesta is fast approaching and given the popularity of the event with both Spaniards and foreign visitors alike, those wishing to attend this year’s festivities would be advised to start organising their trip before it’s too late.

Characterised by gigantic cartoon-ish creations and spectacular pyrotechnic displays, ‘Las Fallas’ is undoubtedly one of Spain’s noisiest and craziest fiestas, which goes some way to explaining its popularity. Visitors expecting to pop along to check out a few of the impressive ‘ninots’ (cartoon-like characters made out of plaster, papier mache, Styrofoam, etc) floats before retiring to their hotel for a relaxing evening will have to perhaps rethink their plans. Each day of Las Fallas begins with the ‘La Desperta’ (the wake-up call) that sees brass

Quote of the Week ‘If I look back I feel old, if I look forward I feel young. The second half of my life starts now,’ said actor Antonio Banderas during his acceptance speech at the Goya Awards, where he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

bands marching down the streets at 8am every morning, followed by revellers throwing firecrackers.

Fireworks, firecrackers and explosions are the order of the day with huge crowds keeping the entire city buzzing throughout the festival. The stars of Las Fallas are definitely the ‘ninots.’ Each neighbourhood designs and constructs their own, usually set around a theme to lampoon well-known Spanish celebrities or political figures. The most impressive part of the display is on the final night when the huge ninots are burnt to the ground.

Be warned. It may be difficult to find a place to stay during Las Fallas given its massive popularity, and visitors should start checking hotels now. The festivities take place from March 15 to 19, but there are lots of activities in the weeks running up to the main event.

CREDITlev radin / Shutterstock.com

Number of the week

27.7%

is the amount of people who will vote for new political party Podemos in the general election, according to an El Pais poll. The ruling Partido Popular got 20.9 per cent in the poll and the Socialists (PSOE) got 18.3 per cent.

VERA library has a range of new activities for children, organised by the Department of Culture. Head along Monday to Friday 5pm until 8pm. On Fridays stories are read in Spanish and English.

Dog blankets THE extended cold snap has left many dogs in unfavourable conditions. If you have any spare bedding, blankets or old coats, please drop them into the APSA shop in Albox.

Street repairs PAVEMENT repairs on Los Canos in Vicar is now complete. The work comprised paving and kerb repairs and replacements as well as improvements to water flow and electricity.

And finally...

TWO regional leaders of New Generations, the youth wing of the ruling Partido Popular (PP), have resigned after being caught on camera holding a Francoist Spanish flag and giving Nazi salutes. The men claim the photo was a “joke” and taken before they took up their positions, but the photo was clearly taken in a PP office.

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Angus Russell Watson 6.6.1960 – 8.2.2015

RESPECTED colleague Angus Russell Watson has been tragically taken from us.

Angus, who worked in Euro Weekly News’s advertising department, died in a cycling accident on Sunday (February 8) aged 54.

In the time he spent with us he rapidly became one of the EWN family, not just respected for his integrity, but loved and appreciated for the fun and humanity he brought not only to the office, but also to the lives of those he worked with. Typical of his sense of fun was when he turned up at the Christmas party dressed as an Arab sheikh – the only person in fancy dress.

“Well, I thought there might be a girl looking for a rich man around,” he joked.

Angus was born in Worcester, England, on June 6, 1960. From there the family

moved to Cheshire, then Woodford and then back down to Breedon in the Midlands. On leaving home he went to Harlow College where he took a course in business studies, followed by a career in The City as a recruitment consultant.

He moved to Spain in 1999, first to the Andalucian village of Comares, where he ran an estate agency for several years. He carried on living in the Axarquia region up until his death.

He is survived by his former wife Erica and their two children, Isabella, 11, and Oliver, 13, as well as sister Linzi, brother James, mother Elizabeth and father Ian Findlater Russell Watson.

Our View

Expats: bystanders to national issues

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T’S interesting to watch the growth of Spanish political party Podemos and listen to the arguments from both sides as to how effective the party would be if elected to power in this election year.

A poll this week shows they are out in front in terms of popularity, and they are the only ones to have smashed the two-party system that Spain has had for decades. Podemos are riding on the back of a bad 2014 for the ruling Partido Popular (PP), who have been hit by financial scandal after financial scandal. People are sick of corrupt politicians and want change.

But are the Socialists (PSOE) the answer with their suave new leader Pedro Sanchez? Or are Podemos – the new kids on the block – going to take the reins? Detractors say that Podemos are spouting all the right rhetoric that the average Spaniard wants to hear,

but lack the experience to run a country, especially one with as many complicated issues as Spain has - high unemployment, economic uncertainty, the Catalan issue, animal rights, etc. So will the people stick with PP, the tried and tested stalwarts with plenty of political nous? Or will they go for change? It remains to be seen and it’s unfortunate that expats don’t get a chance to vote in Spanish national elections (unless, of course, they have given up their British citizenship in favour of Spanish).

Whichever party wins this year’s general election is going to have an impact on the hundreds of thousands of expats who live in Spain, but unfortunately, most of us are simply bystanders in this particular drama.

Let’s hope that whoever wins will have the best interests of Spain - our home - at heart.

Have your say and leave your comments at www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS NEWS EXTRA

Brussels fair ALMERIA is impressing at a tourism fair in Brussels as the provincial council is promoting the area to Belgian travellers. The Salon des Vacances fair is considered one of the best in Europe.

Vicar skating SKATING lessons are to be made available to adults and children aged four and above. The classes will be held at the sports track from Monday to Thursday at 4pm.

City parking WORK has started on the construction of free parking spaces for 50 vehicles between Ciudad de Jardin and 500 Viviendas in Almeria City. The work will cost €47,238.

Garrucha burglars arrested GUARDIA CIVIL officers have arrested two residents of Garrucha, SRL aged 24, and SGC aged 26, on suspicion of committing eight burglaries in the town.

Seven of the properties were all used as second homes by their owners and the thieves got away with items of jewellery and electrical appliances.

The officers conducted an inspection of the properties and were able to establish a common modus operandi.

Further inquiries led the officers to the two men, both known to have a number of previous arrests.

SRL has a history of crimes against traffic safety and robbery while SGC has a history of arrests for traffic safety.

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Snow storms HEAVY snow left areas of Almeria inaccessible.

People living in high altitude areas such as Los Alamos, Oria and Tijola have been stuck as access roads became impassable.

Tourism plug COSTA ALMERIA’S social networks have gone a little crazy since David Bisbal’s recent plug at the Fitur tourism fair. Both Facebook and Twitter have reported increases.

Future boost MARIA JOSE SANCHEZ RUBIO, speaking on behalf of the Junta in Benahadux promised the future Disabilities Act will boost special employment centres.

RECYCLING BINS: Now precise locations will be shown for all containers.

Almeria launches recycling app

ALMERIA Province’s consortium for waste management has launched a free app called Recicla 2 showing locations of the province’s 100,000 recycling bins.

The app, which is available on smart phones and tablets, covers the province’s 48 municipalities and shows receptacles for cooking oil, batteries or used clothing using the geolocation of the relevant device.

President of the consortium,

Eugenio Gonzalvez, said: “Sometimes residents will not know where to find the nearest receptacle and thanks to this app, that is what can now happen.”

One of the priorities of the application is to show precise locations for the more unusual containers, which are sometimes located inside shops or municipal facilities, as in the case of batteries or fluorescent lights.

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Improvement works ON Wednesday, January 28 work began on various improvements, repairs and renewals in many areas of Mojácar.

The works consist of the refurbishment of existing lampposts and installing street lighting in areas previously without any lighting such as the ‘Cuartillas’ area and in Calle Esquimo.

Existing lampposts in Plaza Rey Alabez, la Avenida Encamp, Calles Melodías, Bellavista and Atalayones have been refurbished to enhance the image of the town.

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MOJACAR CARNIVAL 13th FEBRUARY - FRIDAY CARNIVAL

PLAY AREAS: Being repainted and repaired.

The council workers are also tackling the upkeep and refurbishment of the

children’s play areas situated between Marina de la Torre and Cuevas del Lobo. The work includes repainting the installations where necessary, installing new swings and carrying out any repairs as needed.

The town hall estimates that the work will take about a month to complete but stated that more work will be carried out to prepare for Easter and the summer holidays.

• 10h. CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL PARADE by Bartolomé Public School Pupils.

Departure from School to Town Hall Square • 22.30h CARNIVAL DANCING Organised by the Orchestra ‘Prometida.’

• 23.30h Arrival of the Groups at the Multipurpose Centre.

LOCAL COMIC SONGS COMPETITION 14th FEBRUARY - SATURDAY CARNIVAL

• 22:30h CARNIVAL DANCING Organised by Orchestra ‘Prometida’ • 11:30 Arrival of the Groups at the Multipurpose Centre.

15th FEBRUARY - SUNDAY CARNIVAL GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE From Aguas River Roundabout up to ‘Parque Comercial’ Note: All participants groups must be ready at 16:30h Departure point: Aguas River Roundabout where the starting command will be provided.

Start time: 17:00h All children taking part must be disguised.

18th FEBRUARY - ASH WEDNESDAY

• 17:30h MASS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES AT SANTA MARÍA MOJÁCAR PARISH CHURCH • 20:00h ‘BURIAL OF THE SARDINE’ Joined by Mojácar Municipal Band Departure point Multipurpose Centre to ‘Plaza Nueva’ Following the sardine burning, chocolate and fried biscuits will be offered.

22nd FEBRUARY - SATURDAY CARNIVAL

20:00h COMIC SONGS DISPLAY Place: Multipurpose Centre Time: 20:00h FREE ENTRANCE

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Almeria Strings ALMERIA STRINGS has their monthly meeting on Thursday February 19 at Greg and Co’s, Turre, from 1.30pm.

New members are welcome. For more information visit Almeriastrings.org.

Boutique sale GRAB a bargain at APSA’S boutique sale with 50 per cent off clothes and accessories.

The Avenida Lepanto shop is open from 10am to 2pm and the sale ends Friday February 13.

Road works WORK has begun on the AL-6101 between the intersection of the A-334 and Purchena, with a diversion in place. The work, to widen and resurface, is expected to last two months.

Fire at dairy injures five THREE people had to be treated for acid burns and two for smoke inhalation after a fire at a dairy in the Puntal area of Sorbas.

Workers at the dairy alerted the emergency services after the fire broke out and spread rapidly, due to the highly flammable materials on site.

Firefighters acted quickly but three were hurt by acid when the fire reached cleaning materials in the dairy. The fire took almost 10 hours to extinguish.

Lubrin mayor, Domingo Ramos, said 14 jobs have been lost as a direct result of the blaze.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation although Levante Fire Department has suggested it may have been caused by an electrical fault.

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Burglar caught in act GUARDIA CIVIL arrested a man as he tried to steal from a bank in La Mojonera.

Named only as AKJ, the 24-year-old tripped the alarm while breaking into the bank, triggering an

Almeria still an important vegetable exporter ALMERIA exports more than 40 per cent of the country’s horticultural produce, specifically vegetables, according to data compiled by Extenda.

Sonia Ferrer, speaking on behalf of the Junta de Andalucia regional government, said: “In view of its attitude, responsiveness and efforts to find alternatives for horticulture performance, Almeria is reaffirmed as the main supplier of fresh vegetables from Europe.”

Ferrer’s words came during a visit to the Fruit Logistica in Berlin which she attended with the Junta’s representative for Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Jose Manual Ortiz and the Minister of Agriculture, Elena Viboras.

Ferrer concluded: “Despite Russia’s veto to importing food products from the EU and the fall in prices of certain products during the season, Almeria horticulture remains strong.”

Enix crash TWO people were injured and another trapped in a traffic accident on the N-340 close to Enix.

The road was closed for approximately 90 minutes while emergency services attended.

alert at the police station.

Police were on the scene very quickly and found that entry to the bank had been forced. A swift and silent sweep of the building revealed AKJ crouched

behind a desk, trying to force open a drawer.

The officers found him to be in possession of several tools including tongs, pliers, a chisel and a set of Allen keys.

The agents identified the man and arrested him on suspicion of theft. AKJ along with the case details, have been placed into the custody of a court in Almeria City.

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Garage hashish seized NATIONAL POLICE in Almeria have seized 123 kilograms of hashish from a garage in Agaudulce.

The operation has led to the arrests of two members of an organisation responsible for drug trafficking who were distributing throughout the province as well as exporting to Italy. The detainees of North African origin have been brought before the courts.

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From Death Valley to the Camino de Santiago for charity LOS GALLARDOS resident Rob ‘Primus’ Lambert began running when he first joined the Armed Forces.

He received an allowance for transport to and from the barracks, a good distance from his home. Rob realised that if he ran to the barracks he would save money.

He continued training during his time in the forces, discovering a talent for long distance running rather than sprinting, due to his tall stature.

When he saw an advertisement for running Death Valley in the US, Rob knew he wanted to have a go at this strenuous course. Entry

ROB LAMBERT: Raising money for two charities. was dependent upon first completing a run from Kirkby Stephen to York in less than 30 hours. Rob did it in 25 and headed

off to Death Valley where he ran 150 miles, covering two mountain ranges at 15,000 feet.

Rob returned for the double, there and back, and became the first British and European man to do so. Unfortunately, Rob sustained an injury 25 miles from the end which delayed completion for him and stopped him gaining the world record.

Since then, Rob has continued running, led groups and expeditions and travelled to some of the most exotic locations around the world to pursue his love of adventure racing.

Rob still runs, enjoying the tranquillity of the mountains surrounding his home at Los Gallardos. But it was while recently watching the movie, The Way, that he chose his next project, to walk the Camino de Santiago in May, taking five weeks. Rob is raising money for two charities, Cerebral Palsy and Great Ormond Street hospital.

If you would like to donate to either cause, search for ‘Robert Lambert’ on the Just Giving website or contact him direct on 603 260 167.

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All going on in Albox ALBOX COUNCIL has announced more than 20 activities during the coming weeks with something to please everyone.

March 6 brings the sixth edition of the Flor del Almendro, a walk around

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In bloom PLANTAS ANDALUCIA produces 24 million root cuttings of ornamental flowers, making it the largest producer in Andalucia and the fifth in Spain.

Oria abuse MAGISTRATES in Almeria are examining a video showing alleged abuse by staff at Oria’s centre for juvenile offenders.

Albox and its thousands of almond trees just coming into bloom.

There is an amateur theatre competition, various talks in the Federico Garcia Lorca auditorium, a chamber music contest on March 17 and the popular medieval market which runs from March 6 to 8 in Plaza San

Francisco. In addition, there is an art exhibition in the hall at Avenida Pio XII from March 9 to 22.

To promote culture among younger residents there is a musical planned as well as a Meet The Author presentation. There will be a gymkhana in the streets of the town and of course, Albox Carnival.

Councillor for Culture and Sports for Albox, Francisco Carillo, has welcomed the many activities planned for the town and stressed the high quality of the events.

The councillor pointed out the variety of activities that should please everyone regardless of age or spending power.

Repairing wind damage THE council has begun work to repair the damage caused by the recent high winds that tore across Albox.

Wind gusts measured in the municipality were among the strongest across the province and caused damage to roads and public facilities. Several landslides occurred and schools were damaged. There were fallen trees and fences in both CEIP Virgen del Saliente and IES Cardenal Cisneros.

Sports facilities were also affected with falling billboards, and the sports pavilion suffered damage to the roof and metal doors. Clean Point sustained damage to containers, a fallen wall and damaged fencing. A bus shelter collapsed and traffic signs were uprooted.

UNDER WAY: Repair work in Albox.

Planning Councillor Sonia Cerdan promised that Albox would give priority to schools, public roads and basic services for Albox residents. The council has also set up an advisory service for residents.

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An expression of black and white THE exhibition Almeria Blanco y Negro (Black and White) by the deceased expressionist artist Jesus de Perceval runs until February 28.

It contains a sample of the artist’s work which is being fully displayed at the Museo Casa Ibañez in Olula del Rio. This is the fourth time the town has worked closely with Museo Ibañez to promote local artists and their work.

Huercal Overa mayor Domingo Fernandez invited residents and visitors to view the work and added: “The town council is making a major commitment to culture, bringing it closer to our residents and in this vein we are staging major exhibitions.”

Jesus de Perceval was born in Almeria City and

From left to right: Mayor Domingo Fernandez, the director of Museo Casa Ibañez, Juan Manuel Martin, and Councillor for Culture, Antonio Lazaro. would have turned 100 on April 17. He showed an aptitude for art at a very early age and studied at art school in Almeria before heading to the Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes in Madrid. Art critic

and collector Antonio Manuel Campoy described Perceval as having “the most skilled hands that possibly exist in Spain.” He died in October 1985 in Almeria after completing hundreds of works of art.

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Mojacar at Fitur ONCE again, Mojacar took to the stage at the annual International Tourism Fair in Madrid.

The general feedback from the major companies representing the hotel and accommodation sector at the Fair was very positive indeed.

Moreover, it was the platform to represent Mojacar as a major tourist destination and the opportunity for the tourist representatives

to participate in a number of professional meetings and events to help promote the brand image of Mojacar.

One of the initiatives highlighted was the new information website for the whole Almeriense Levante (the eastern part of the province) which offers free promotional space to companies in Mojacar and the surrounding area. Additionally, at the stand of Turespaña,

Mojacar was presented as one of the group of most beautiful towns in Spain to all directors of Spanish Tourist Offices both here in Spain and abroad. In addition, a formal agreement was signed with the high commissioner of the brand España.

The 23rd annual presentation of the Golden Indalo awards also took place at the tourism fair, followed by plenty of positive media

attention. The first 2015 winner was Rafael Hernando, for his support of the upcoming construction of Phase 2 of the Mojacar Promenade (a project which has been on hold for more than 20 years).

The other award went to Christiane Gohl, the internationally known author who writes under the pen name of Sarah Lark.

Christiane has spread the name of Mojacar internationally through her many books and actively promoted it as the perfect place to live all year round.

MOJACAR: Promoting the town as a major tourist destination.

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6,000 saved by Maritime Rescue MARITIME RESCUE centres in Andalucia co-ordinated the rescue of 6,306 people in 1,077 maritime activities during 2014.

Carmen Crespo, representing the Junta de Andalucia regional government, praised the centres, describing the service as effective and humanitarian.

The five rescue centres cover the waters from Southern Spain to Ceuta and Melilla. The figures, according to Crespo, are an increase on 2013, which involved the rescue of 6,135 people in 1,086 activities.

The rescue co-ordination centre in Almeria monitored 32,517 vessels in the waters close to Cabo de Gata and processed 3,135 immigrants travelling from North Africa to the to the lack of evidence from Spanish coast by sea. At the parents. The defendant port entrances, 2,475 had vehemently denied ships were processed.

The outcome is not the accusations from the always positive, however. start.

The sister had accused In early December last her brother of touching her year, 23 people, including inappropriately behind seven babies, were lost at greenhouses while they sea after attempting a were out cycling. The sister crossing during storms. said she pushed him away. The 33-foot boat ran into The court then trouble shortly after although it overturned the conviction launch originally set by Almeria managed to get within 23 nautical miles of Almeria.

Provincial Court.

Court acquits ‘abusive’ brother

A MAN who was sentenced to 21 months in prison for abusing his 14-year-old sister has been acquitted by the Supreme Court.

The court, referring to the 14-year-old girl, said: “She missed the truth on more than one occasion and offered three different versions of events during the court procedure.” The court described the young girl’s story as ‘plainly inconsistent’ and referred

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Designer boost for Nijar products WORLD famous clothing and shoe designer Patricia Rosales dropped in to Nijar where she met with local artisan Isabel Montoya to discuss the purchase of Nijar fabrics and rugs,

thereby joining traditional crafts and special materials for her fashion collections which are sold around the globe.

Mayor of Nijar, Antonio Jesus Rodriguez, was on

Road safety for children APPROXIMATELY 100 young people from fourth grade in Carboneras schools have been learning about safety on the roads.

The course, Policarboneraseduca, was run by the Local Police under the umbrella programme, Carboneras en Valores (Carboneras Values). The programme, launched in 2011, has the backing of Civil Protection, Motos Nieto and PJ Bikes.

The children learned about signalling and movement as well as basic bicycle maintenance including wheel repair, chain and brake repair, cleaning and lubrication.

hand to share his pleasure that Nijar crafted fabrics and materials will find their place in haute couture.

He said: “This is a good opportunity for Nijar products. It creates jobs and further dissemination.

The products will be known worldwide thanks to the collections of Patricia Rosales.”

Rosales also suggested creating a brand with the Nijar products in order to market the area internationally. She discussed with the mayor the various benefits of using locally manufactured products from small to medium enterprises.

Rodriguez said the council at a provincial level would be responsible for managing the project, organising finance and publicity.

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NEWS EXTRA

Text threats AN Almeria court has sentenced a 39-yearold Almeria man to 10 months in prison for a continuous barrage of threats to his ex-wife via WhatsApp.

Five years PROSECUTION is seeking five years’ imprisonment for a Cantoria resident who allegedly forged her aunt’s identity in order to access her bank account.

Hidden pills A SPORTS instructor at El Azabuche prison has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison for smuggling 300 pills into the prison. The pills were hidden in his backpack.

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Vueling passengers stranded overnight POWER outage caused a Vueling flight from Almeria airport to Barcelona to be cancelled, leaving the passengers stranded overnight.

The delayed flight landed just after 11pm although it was due to depart on its next leg at 10.20pm. This left 107 passengers stuck when the airport subsequently closed during a delay to the Barcelona bound passengers.

The passengers endured a long wait, some of them exposed to bad weather, before they were informed that the flight would be postponed

STRANDED: Passengers flying to Barcelona had to wait until the next day. until the following lunchtime.

A number of the affected

New Almeria forum ALMERIA has a new community forum set up and moderated by residents across the province.

It has been set up as a nonprofit community site, covering Baza to the coast, with all revenue going to charity. At the end of each quarter, forum members can

nominate their chosen charity which will be followed by a poll for members to vote for the winning organisation. Full accounts will be published quarterly.

To find out more, visit the new forum at www.arboleas.eu and register.

passengers claimed that staff informed them the pilot had refused to fly outside of his working hours, a reason that has been denied by the pilot and Vueling’s communications department.

The company said the plane landed late due to an electrical fault and it was that fault which caused the cancellation. Many of the affected passengers were transferred to the Hotel Tryp for an overnight stay before flying out the following day.

Others have filed complaints and requested a ticket refund.

NEWS

Suspected thief captured NATIONAL POLICE officers in Almeria have arrested an Almeria man suspected of stealing from bars and kiosks in Almeria City and Aguadulce.

The man was caught after forcing the shutter of a kiosk in the port area of the capital.

The man is alleged to have stolen approximately €8,000.

MGQ, a 37-year-old man of Spanish nationality was arrested for seven counts of theft in commercial establishments in January 2015.

His case was brought to court, but he was arrested again several days later for crimes with the same modus operandi.

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NEWS NEWS EXTRA

Zurgena savings ACCORDING to Zurgena Council the town has saved €62,987 by refinancing its loans.

The council negotiated consolidation of two loans into one at the end of 2014, reducing debt by nine per cent.

HASHERS: Accepting their punishment of beer.

An eco friendly hash in Vera DESPITE the cold and the snow inland, hashers came from across Almeria to meet for the latest hash run at Vera.

Certain people were noticeable by their absence, Puff, Ma and Pa Bates and Big Nuts, all of whom struggled to leave the warmth of their quilts, or was it that they were snowed in?

After the laughter died down at the hashers

who were snowed in, the rest of the group gathered for instruction from Eco before heading off.

There were a number of visitors, first-timers and returnees to the hash, so there was lots of chatter and catching up with old friends.

The route took the hashers along the motorway, through agricultural areas where Slot Machine and Dim Sim were eating lettuce before realising that the front walkers had almost disappeared from view.

After the walk, punishments were handed out, including for poor Eco who was only a campo watering away from a full house.

Nobody remembered song lyrics without song sheets but Beer Barbie saved the day and serenaded us all with a few risque tunes that she had learned from her hasher dad.

Then it was off to a nearby bar for tapas and drinks before heading home.

It was another great hash with great conversation and surprisingly warm weather.

Five injured FIVE people of unknown identity were injured in Vicar as a result of a collision between two cars. The five injured were transported to Poniente hospital for treatment.

Noche de las Lumbres HUERVAL-OVERA has celebrated its 276th edition of the annual Noche de las Lumbres event.

The town celebrated the blessed transfer which commemorates the current parish church. Events began with Mass at the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, followed by the procession accompanied by townsfolk, religious representatives and members of the council. Huercal-Overa mayor, Domingo Fernandez, joined residents of HuercalOvera to carry candles.

Lights in the town were dimmed while fires were lit in the streets and candles were carried. After everyone had congregated, residents and visitors celebrated until late into the night with food and drink, ensuring that again a strong town tradition was honoured.

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New bus access in Huercal-Overa HUERCAL-OVERA Council has announced several new bus stops with immediate effect.

New stops include La Concepcion, Los Navarros, Overa (next to the tobacconist and the church), El Pilar, Saltador, San Francisco, Las Labores, Urcal, Rambla Grande, La Hoya, Santa Maria de Nieva and La Loma.

The extra stops aim to encourage the use of public transport and enable people to get into the town centre without having to drive their own vehicles. This also benefits people who don’t drive or currently have a vehicle.

Including the new stops there are now 24, covered from 8.30am to 2pm, which extend to the Atalaya neighbourhood.

Beautiful blossom trails THE almond trees are now blossoming across Almeria despite the recent heavy snow, making it the perfect time for picturesque walks through the countryside.

Until March 15 the 2015 Rutas Almendro en Flor continues, in conjunction with the Jornadas Gastronomicas de la Almendra.

This weekend Lubrin is featured. Saturday’s 11 kilometre ramble starts from El Pilar taking in old farmhouses and historic mining sites as it passes through El Fonte and La Mela. Sunday brings a slightly shorter 9.5 kilometre trail from Lubrin to La Alcararria and La Alameda, taking in local olive oil and honey farms,

ALMOND BLOSSOM: Despite the heavy snow. townhouses, churches and caves.

Both routes start at 9.30am and last approximately 3.5 hours, with lunch served at 2.30pm at the Albar restaurant in El Pilar.

Further walks are scheduled in Sorbas, Uleila del Campo, Benizalon and Senes.

Each walk costs €20 including a three-course meal, or €5 without food, with reductions for children.

To book either of the Lubrin walks this weekend telephone the Albar restaurant on 650 069 077 or visit www.almeriainformacion. com (in Spanish).

NEWS

Copper thieves caught red handed FOUR people were caught stealing copper from the half built Algarrobico at Carboneras.

Officers from the Guardia Civil arrested 59-year-old ACC, 22year-old VTM, 23-yearold GMC and 24-yearold CCM. All the detainees are residents of Nijar and suspected of theft, although they were caught in the act by the officers.

The officers saw a vehicle hidden in the undergrowth close to the abandoned hotel and chose to investigate further.

They heard loud banging from the hotel and discovered the four suspected thieves helping themselves to copper from the building, specifically from electric transformers.

The officers also found various tools intended to assist in the copper theft.

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Caravans coming HUERCAL-OVERA will play host to approximately 50 motor homes from February 26 to March 1.

The motor homes are members of the Swedish club Husbilsklubbe.se.

During their visit the annual petanque championship will be on, which is of special interest to the members. Some of the motor homes will be coming from Sweden, while others will arrive from elsewhere in Spain including Alicante, Malaga and Murcia where some of

NEWS NEWS EXTRA

RBL Mojacar MOJACAR’S Royal British Legion meets on Thursday February 19 at 11.15am at the Artisan centre in Mojacar Pueblo.

Everyone is welcome.

Gergal find HUERCAL-OVERA: Councillors and residents are already enjoying the new caravan park area.

the members have second homes.

Huercal-Overa mayor, Domingo Fernandez, said: “The club made a request

to the town to take part in the petanque championship and to use the RV parking area. Having the motor homes and about

Two Nijar thieves arrested GUARDIA CIVIL officers arrested two Nijar residents for stealing firefighting equipment from a property in San Isidro, Nijar.

Officers’ surveillance led them to LEK and HB, both 29-years-old and residents of Nijar, as the men acted suspiciously.

The officers approached the men who were found with a farm vehicle and a bag.

Officers discovered electronic devices in the bag including an external hard drive, decoder and two remotes.

The men couldn’t prove ownership of the items and were nervous, so the officers made the assumption that the goods had been stolen. The men were arrested on suspicion of theft.

100 tourists in our town is a boost to the economy of Huercal- Overa.

Since the RV area was opened, hundreds of tourists have come to meet our people and enjoy their stay. Motor home tourism is an important area within the sector and HuercalOvera will be a part of it.”

Husbilsklubbe.se club has 12,000 members and Huercal-Overa is already featured on the website.

REGIONAL police have discovered a dozen archaeological sites. Among the findings is one of Ibero-Roman origin in Gergal with remains of buildings, a mill, burial plots and pottery.

Albox’s son RECTOR Pedro Molina has been given the title of Son of Albox. In an emotional speech the rector described his feelings after receiving the news.

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

Spain takes lead

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Photo: US Army Europe Images/flickr

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RAPID REACTION FORCE: Spain will lead a NATO military unit.

SPAIN is to lead a NATO military unit set up to be deployed quickly in areas where major crises break out.

The decision to organise a 5,000-member rapid reaction force was made at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, with Spain supplying 4,000 of the land troops making up the advance team.

“The essence of this force is its deterrent capability,” said Spain’s Defence Minister Pedro Morenes.

“NATO needs to have a unit that will show the world that its reaction can be strong and immediate.”

The new team is to be backed by special forces and air and sea units.

NEWS

Illegal hunter finally caught GUARDIA CIVIL officers have arrested a hunter for illegally killing an Ibex goat in the natural park of Sierra Maria Los Velez.

The hunter had hidden the body of the animal before making his getaway. The Seprona environmental unit of the Guardia Civil heard that during a day of legalised hunting of wild boar, an Ibex goat was possibly killed and the body concealed.

With limited information, the Seprona agents were still able to locate the suspected hunter. In an initial interview the hunter denied killing the animal and gave several contradictory accounts of the day. However, he eventually admitted that he had fired a shot at the Ibex and subsequently hidden the corpse in the Cerros Gordos area of Sierra Maria Los Velez natural park.

The hunter gave the agents the location of the corpse and they were able to locate the body which was in an

GRISLY FIND: Corpse of the illegallykilled Ibex goat. advanced state of decomposition and had been partly devoured by vermin. The Ibex goat is being reintroduced to the Sierra Maria Los Velez, its former native habitat.

Hunting of the animal is illegal.

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Lubrin is perfect for suitcase couple BETSY and Warren Talbot made a life changing decision aged 40 and decided to live the rest of their lives out of suitcases while travelling the world.

They witnessed some severe health crises in people close to them, also in their 30s, causing the couple to re-evaluate their lives and where they were headed.

They asked themselves just one question: “What would we change about our lives right now if we knew we wouldn’t live until 40?”

The answer to the question prompted them to make major changes to their lives. They packed up their home and their lives and booked a one-way ticket to Ecuador. Now, in 2015, they are living in Lubrin and are quick to extol the virtues of the

BETSY & WARREN: Made a life-changing decision. town which they describe as perfect. “We love the weather, the people, the lifestyle,” they said.

Through their website at www.marriedwithluggage.c om Warren and Betsy have been sharing their relationship in the public eye since 2008, when they first made the decision to quit their jobs, sell

everything they owned, and travel the world full time.

The plucky couple have written a number of books about their journey as well as keeping the world informed of their progress on the website via podcasts. They plan to spend the next year in Spain, learning Spanish.

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Scale of illegal immigration revealed MORE than 20,000 people tried to enter Spain without permission through the borders of Ceuta and Melilla in 2014.

Of those attempts, 2,300 people successfully made it into the African enclave cities, most of them entering Melilla.

Figures obtained by press agency EFE confirm that the illegal entry of immigrants through Ceuta’s border has decreased, although it has rocketed at Melilla’s frontier, where numbers have doubled compared to those in 2013.

Co-operation with Morocco, whose authorities have become more involved in the control of irregular

Life must mean life say most A SURVEY has revealed that more than half of people in Spain think whole life jail sentences are necessary.

The latest Metroscopia poll, which included the results of 1,000 telephone interviews carried out last week, was published as changes to the penal code regarding sentences for terrorist crimes were due to be debated in the Spanish Parliament.

Of the 67 per cent that supported whole life jail sentences, 47 per cent said that these should be revisable.

Although figures have dropped since 2010, when 82 per cent supported the measure, only 18 per cent of those questioned now declared themselves firmly against it.

Women were reported to approve of whole life sentences more than men, and those between the ages of 18 and 34 (71 per cent) more than those over 55 (60 per cent).

immigration, the reinforcement of police presence in the area and ‘anti-climbing’ fences, has resulted in large numbers of immigrants being

prevented from jumping over the fences.

The number of migrants arriving in Melilla by sea dropped in 2014, at 200 people, as

opposed to 250 in 2013.

Instead, the fence was the main objective for the many who survive in makeshift camps in the land around Melilla, with

2,200 finally managing to scale it and enter the country.

In total, 18,800 migrants tried to reach their goal of entering

Europe through Melilla’s border fence, including 170 attempts carried out by large groups of people attempting to scale the fence at the same time.

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The fight against cyberattacks SPAIN suffers the third most cyberattacks of any country in the world, behind the US and the UK. Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, Jose Manuel GarciaMargallo, announced that last year more than 70,000 cyber incidents were reported by citizens, businesses and institutions.

The minister said Spain was working to fight such attacks, which have been included in the National Security Strategy as one of the 12 most important threats to the country.

A National Cybersecurity Strategy and a National Cybersecurity Council have been in place since December 2013 to co-ordinate with ministerial departments.

On an international level, Garcia-Margallo mentioned that Spain is working with the United Nations Security Council.

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King Felipe features on new euro coins NEW coins bearing the profile of King Felipe VI have gone into circulation.

The €1 and €2 coins are being introduced and will gradually replace the currency bearing the image of the former king, Juan Carlos. Around four million of the new 2015 coins were minted in January after being approved by the ministry’s treasury and financial policy division late last year, according to Spanish national newspaper El Pais.

The new coins feature the image of the 47-year-old king, who ascended to the throne in June 2014, replacing his father. The former monarch’s image has been on the Spanish version of the €1 and

Four million of the new 2015 coins were minted in January.

New €1 and €2 coins bear the profile of King Felipe VI. €2 coins since the euro was first introduced in Spain in 1999.

The Economy Ministry said

that the old coins will continue to be valid throughout the eurozone and will gradually be replaced by

the new ones. A special €30 collector’s edition coin bearing Felipe VI’s profile was issued at the end of last year.

Spain gets safer as crime rate falls THE crime rate in Spain dropped 3.6 per cent last year, according to the latest report published by the Home Office.

The report gave a total of 2,093,621 crimes registered during the year by the various security forces, whereas the total for 2013 was 2,172,133.

The resulting crime rate was given as 44.8 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, a positive result, which the ministry said puts Spain in the spotlight as an international reference point for fighting crime.

Drops were registered for almost all types of criminal offence, especially robbery, which fell by 17.3 per

Drops were registered for almost all types of criminal offence, especially robbery cent, and violent delinquency, which fell by 14.1 per cent, although 20 more homicides were registered than in 2013.

Vehicle thefts also decreased, with a total of 43,374 reported in 2014, 5,481 less than the year before.

Home break-ins dropped slightly following a scheme the National Police put in place last year, with

121,873 reported, compared to the 127,444 in 2013.

The only type of crime reported to have increased was homicide, with a total of 322.

The only region where crime was shown to have increased was Navarra, although the Home Office declared that this was due to the fact that Local Police force data were included for the first time last year.

The most notable improvement in crime rates was for the Balearic Islands, with a 6.9 per cent drop, followed by La Rioja (6.7 per cent), Andalucia (5.7 per cent), Asturias (5.3 per cent) and Aragon (5.2 per cent).

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DUNESCG/S

UPWARD TREND: EC has raised Spain’s growth forecast.

THE European Commission (EC) has raised Spain’s growth forecast significantly for this year.

After reducing the country’s 2015

economic growth prospects from 2.1 per cent to 1.7 per cent late last year, Brussels is now predicting a growth of 2.3 per cent.

A report issued by the EC revealed that the Spanish economy began to grow in 2014 due to better financial conditions, increased confidence, a Spanish MEP and the EU reduction in unemployParliament’s negotiator, Ines ment and falling oil Ayala Sender, said the new prices. legislation could cut road deaths The report said that the by 50 per cent, adding: “Citizens economy would continue are never thrilled to receive a to grow in 2016, letter telling them they have been predicting a 2.5 per cent caught committing a traffic rate. The Commission also offence, but they do welcome the said that job creation fact that everyone in the EU will would rise during 2015. be treated equally, no matter The EC report is more where their vehicle is registered.” optimistic than the The bill will also apply to International Monetary European drivers caught speeding Fund (IMF) report, which in the UK. If approved, the bill will recently forecast a 2 per apply from May, but the UK cent growth for Spain for will have two years to enforce the 2015. new law.

Fines for speeding to go EU-wide BRITISH holidaymakers caught speeding on Spanish roads could soon be tracked down and fined under new EU rules expected to come into force this year.

The new measures could result in motorists caught by speed cameras while in their own car abroad receiving fines sent to their UK address or being pursued through UK courts if they don’t pay up.

According to MailOnline, such drivers currently cannot be traced as there is no system for foreign police to track them down.

Foreign motorists can be traced if they are driving a hire car while

NEWS

Economy set to grow by 2.3%

HUTTERST OCK

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Motorists can now be traced. abroad, but not if they are using their own car.

But the proposed changes could be made EU law by a bill that will apply to all member states. It would see motorists pursued for

speeding, running a red light, using a mobile phone or drink or drug driving. Drivers will receive a letter in their own language from the authorities in the country the offence was committed.

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Perfect day A BRAWL involving 50 people broke out in Aspe after police told three inebriated wedding guests not to drive. Two officers were later fined for ‘excessive use’ of truncheons to end the fight.

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Black mark

NEWS DESK AXARQUIA

Improved access ALMUÑECAR’S Council has eliminated all architectural barriers in Calle Garcia Lorca, where two public schools are located. Two ramps have been installed to help access for disabled people.

Antique building

THE underground economy creates one in every 10 new jobs in Alicante Province.

Cross-referencing official figures revealed that of 27,000 new employees last year, only 24,000 were registered with Social Security.

THE façade of the Maquinilla de Nerja building will be renovated with a budget of €45,788. The Project seeks to stop the damage produced by rain on the historic building.

No takers

Theatre success

NO bids were submitted for the contract to run Villena’s bus service which includes free journeys for pensioners. The contract will be revised and advertised again, the town hall said.

ALMOST 18,000 spectators attended a theatre play at Motril’s Teatro Calderon in 2014. Culture councillor Elena Vallejo stressed the theatre’s great success, which held 106 events last year, out of which 25 were for charity.

Nick nicked IBERDROLA is pursuing the council at Tavernes, near Gandia, for irregularities in the new police station’s electricity supply.

There is neither a meter nor a contract, the energy company said.

No profit ALICANTE City’s town plan (PGOU) is to be redrawn. Landowners affected by the original, which was never officially approved, will not be compensated as they had not acquired indemnifiable rights.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Stolen drains MORE than 800 drain covers were stolen from Alicante City streets in the last year, costing the city thousands to replace and endangering motorists and pedestrians.

Foiled robbery TWO people have been arrested for trying to steal 45 rolls of irrigation hoses from Pilar de la Horadada. Police foiled the theft of agricultural equipment valued at €3,375.

Broke businesses FOUR bankruptcies were processed in January in the Murcia Region, down from 14 in January 2014. The month saw 237 new companies created.

Exchange visit TWENTY students from Devon in the UK were on an exchange visit to Cartagena’s Los Molinos school to practise their Spanish.

MADRID FUSION: Denia mayor Ana Kringe, second left, reads shortlist.

Prawn challenge A LOCAL chef is amongst the finalists in the Denia Red Gamba international cookery contest.

Federico Guajardo from Denia’s Hotel Los Angeles will compete with seven others selected from 72 contenders to create a dish using Denia’s red prawns as the main ingredient. Denia mayor Ana Kringe announced the shortlist while visiting the Madrid Fusion gastronomy ‘summit.’ Alvaro Abad, chef at El Plantio Golf resort in Alicante City will be another local representative present at Denia’s municipal market on February 24.

Hunters fined EIGHT men have been prosecuted in Elche for crimes against wildlife after being caught by police in El Hondo natural park hunting threatened birds. They have been fined €1,440 and banned from hunting for two years.

COSTA DEL SOL

Raising awareness ESTEPONA driving schools are collaborating with the council to raise awareness amongst future drivers of the dangers of alcohol behind the wheel and to nail home the fact that it is the main cause of traffic accidents.

Concert announced PABLO ALBORAN will be giving a concert in Torremolinos at El Pozuelo football stadium on August 1 as part of his Terral Tour 2015.

Tickets priced at €30 are available from the town hall’s Cultural department or online.

Guajardo also competed in last year’s Red Gamba challenge, coming second with salted Denia prawns accompanied by citrus creamed almonds, toasted garlic meringue and olive oil.

As before, the local fishing guild will provide locally-caught prawns for the event which is backed by the municipal market, Denia Tourism Centre, the Aehtma hoteliers and restaurateurs’ association and local businesses.

There is a €2,500 first prize this year, with €1,500 for the runner-up and €1,000 for the third-placed chef.

Encouraging tourism MALAGA City was present at Salon des Vacances in Brussels, the main tourism fair in Belgium, where Andalucia held a stand to promote the area. A total of 19,986 Belgian tourists stayed in Malaga hotels in 2014.

Fatal accident A SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist died in Malaga City’s Calle Pacifico after crashing into a lorry. Witnesses said that the lorry belonged to Limasa municipal cleaning company.

Fifth in ranking MALAGA came fifth out of 183 cities in Spain for businesses awarded stamps for tourism quality. A total of 128 businesses received stamps within the State Tourism Department’s Integral Tourism Quality at Destinations System (SICTED) programme.

Wall collapse A WALL collapsed near the Rambla de las Brujas in Motril due to strong winds on February 5. Traffic was interrupted while maintenance workers removed the wall’s broken pieces. There were no casualties.

Hiking route ALMUÑECAR’S Council has organised a hiking route of medium difficulty to Guajar Fondon (Costa Tropical) on February 22. Registration can be made at the municipal sports offices (958 883 142).

MALLORCA

Body found THE body of a 55-year-old man has been found inside a pipe in Calle Josep Roig (Palma). National Police believe the man may have committed suicide.

Cultural Interest THE Popular Culture Advisor of Mallorca’s Provincial Council has given the green light to the project seeking to name the Ball Dels Cossiers festivities in Manacor a ‘Festivity of Cultural Interest.’

Broken jaw A 20-YEAR-OLD Colombian man was hospitalised in Cala Millor after another young man broke his jaw outside a night club. The attacker has a criminal record for similar incidents.

For more local news from our regions see www.euroweeklynews.com … EWN top for all the news from Spain.

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S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

EUROPEAN PRESS

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Stories making headlines in Europe

GERMAN PRESS Economic growth

BRITISH PRESS Combating piracy DENMARK: The Danish Foreign Ministry has announced a new threeyear strategy for fighting piracy, moving to the coast of Nigeria for the first time.

EU jobs DENMARK: The number of EU citizens taking jobs in Denmark increased by 15 per cent between 2013 and 2014.

Rubbish plans DENMARK: The government has introduced a 72-initiative strategy to combat the amount of rubbish produced by companies and citizens in Denmark.

Popular again NORWAY: Nora and Lucas were the most popular baby names in Norway in 2014. They were also the favourites in 2012.

Sunbed ban NORWAY: A health institute has called for a ban on sunbeds, arguing that their popularity in the often overcast country has led to a large increase in skin cancer incidents.

Snow record SWEDEN: A 50-yearold snowfall record has been broken in Lulea. The city airport measured 113 centimetres of snow, two centimetres more than the 1966 record.

Bad area SWEDEN: The Tensta district of Stockholm has been deemed the most unsafe residential area in Sweden.

Churchill movie A NEW movie based on Winston Churchill is set to be filmed. ‘Darkest Hour’ will be undertaken by the team behind the Stephen Hawking biopic ‘The Theory of Everything.’ It will be focused on the Dunkirk evacuation.

Escape fund ONE in 10 Britons have an ‘escape fund’ in case they decide to leave a partner. The average amount stashed is £7,500 (€10,000) and men (11 per cent) are more likely to have a fund than women (8 per cent).

but has only recently been classified as a new species.

Bovril birthday ICONIC British drink Bovril has released special limited edition vintage-style jars to celebrate its 125th anniversary this year. The ‘fluid beef’ drink jars will feature retro Bovril adverts from the 1920’s to the 1960’s.

Eric Kilby/flickr

Car sales up

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING: German wins 38th run up skyscraper.

RUSSIAN PRESS POLICE in Moscow claim there are only around eight mob bosses currently residing in the city, with most of the 44 registered bosses having left the city or been imprisoned. Nine bosses were brought to justice last year.

Formula E THE new Formula E electric car racing championship will hold a Moscow race in June on city streets near the Kremlin. The race will be the ninth and penultimate round of this year’s championship.

Man bites cop A 19-YEAR-OLD man in southern Russia is facing up to five years in prison

Photo: Michael Norgate/flickr

GERMAN historians have claimed in a new book that more than 400,000 children were fathered by soldiers of the four Allied powers that occupied Germany after World War II.

THE 38th annual run up the Empire State Building has been won by a German.

Christian Reidl ran up the Manhattan skyscraper in a time of 10 minutes and 16 seconds.

Attenborough’s hawkweed

Mob crackdown

War babies

Building run

NEW vehicle registrations recorded the highest January sales figures this year since 2007. A total of 164,856 new cars were sold throughout the UK during January. The Ford Fiesta was the most popular, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus.

A WILDFLOWER discovered in Wales has been named after TV presenter Sir David Attenborough.

Attenborough’s hawkweed was found a decade ago

THE European Commission has predicted that the German economy is set to grow by 1.5 per cent in 2015.

for drunkenly trying to set a German Shepherd dog on police officers and then biting police himself. Officers had to seek medical treatment for their injuries.

Tiger attack A HUNTER in the Khabarovsk region has survived a tiger attack, escaping with only a broken collar bone and bruising. He had been checking hunting traps when the tiger attacked, but made it to the safety of a winter hut.

Aspiring poet RUSSIA’S Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has released a series of poems exploring the themes of emigrating and the impossibility of ever truly leaving Russia behind. He previously published a series of poems in 2012.

FORMULA E: Moscow-bound for June road race

Measles outbreak AN outbreak of measles mainly in Berlin - has scuppered the health authorities’ hopes of eradicating the disease by 2015.

Jobs cut SIEMENS are to cut 7,800 jobs worldwide, including 3,300 in Germany, the engineering giant announced this week.

Drone problem REPRESENTATIVES from every German state are to meet in May to discuss the problem of drones being used to ferry contraband such as mobile phones and drugs into prisons.

Protection kits SHEPHERDS in North Rhine-Westphalia can now avail of ‘herd protection kits’ that include electric fencing and cameras to help protect flocks of sheep from the encroaching wolf population.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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Renfe AVE S-100 at Sevilla Santa Justa

effectiveness of its investment and discourages other companies from installing their own systems.

By the end of 2014, more than nine million Telefonica users had switched to fibre optic broadband and the company was intending to extend this to another 5.5 million homes during 2015.

Instead it will now cut down expansion to 3.6 million households.

The slowdown will affect Telefonica clients in Madrid and Barcelona, plus their dormitory towns, as well as provincial capitals Sevilla, Malaga and Zaragoza.

Installation companies are also unhappy as Telefonica’s reaction to the CNMC’s plans could affect up to 17,000 jobs.

B

usiness extra

Wings clipped IBERIA is reducing its points programme for clients flying economy class with cuts of up to 75 per cent on national flights. Business class clients paying the highest tariffs will benefit most.

Be prepared COMPENSATING small investors who acquired Bankia shares in its flawed 2011 flotation will cost approximately €500m. State-owned parent company BFA and Bankia will split the payments to avoid a capital increase.

Spanish on the move again SPANISH tourism began to recover during the last quarter of 2014.

Overnight hotel stays by Spanish tourists increased by 6.2 per cent last December, compared with a 0.6 per cent rise in international tourists. Madrid did best with 17 per cent, followed by Andalucia (6.6 per cent), Cataluña (6.7 per cent) and the Valencian Community (3.3 per cent).

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STAT OF WEEK PESCANOVA, which exited bankruptcy last May and is controlled by creditor banks, posted net profits of €1.649 billion between January and November. It still has negative equity of €616.6 million.

Saudi AVE behind schedule

Telefonica pulls fibre optic plug AS threatened, Telefonica is putting the brakes on its fibre optic plans.

The CNMC, Spain’s Markets and Competition regulator, wants Telefonica to share the ultra-rapid network it is currently extending throughout Spain by renting out infrastructure to its rivals.

This would be charged at a set price throughout the country, apart from towns and cities where competitors have already installed their own fibre optic networks in open competition with Telefonica. The exceptions include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Sevilla and Valencia.

Telefonica opposes the CNMC’s plans, claiming that this affects the cost-

business & legal SAVH –WIKIPEDIA

THE €6.7 billion contract for the high speed line to Mecca went to a 12company Spanish consortium.

Work is behind schedule and last December the Saudi Transport minister, himself an engineer, criticised lack of progress on several sections of the 450kilometre project.

Nevertheless, the challenge will not end even though the consortium completes on time, sources said, as it must run the line for 12 years, transporting an annual 60 million passengers.

Last year Spain’s own thousands of kilometres of AVE links had a record year

12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

“The Spanish are travelling more, inside and outside the country,” said Industry and Tourism minister Jose Manuel Soria.

In 2008 when the crisis first reared its head, the Spanish made 168.8 million national and international journeys, a record that fell by 9 per cent over the next five years.

with 29.4 million passengers, half that number.

“A train every four minutes! Like Japan!

And with separate carriages for men and women!” the sources exclaimed.

Profits are more or less assured for the private companies involved in construction, but running a line like this for 12 years could be an enormous risk for public companies like Renfe and Adif, the same insiders said.

36

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

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LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 9

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group 473.10 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 435.95 Admiral Group 1,460.00 Aggreko 1,620.00 Anglo American 1,149.00 Antofagasta 705.25 ARM Holdings 1,052.00 Ashtead Group 1,085.50 Associated British Foods 3,009.00 AstraZeneca 4,442.00 Aviva 534.25 Babcock International 1,017.00 BAE Systems 511.75 Barclays 251.08 Barratt Developments 453.25 BG Group 935.65 BHP Billiton 1,502.50 BP 450.75

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -3.40 -0.71 -4.95 -1.12 -8.00 -0.54 -8.00 -0.49 3.50 0.31 3.25 0.46 -27.00 -2.50 -8.50 -0.78 -33.00 -1.08 -25.00 -0.56 -2.75 -0.51 -14.00 -1.36 -5.75 -1.11 -4.37 -1.71 -6.45 -1.40 0.75 0.08 -2.50 -0.17 0.15 0.03

NET VOLUME 4,626.38 5,735.93 4,066.08 4,195.22 16,359.21 7,006.98 15,187.59 5,393.33 23,837.31 57,236.81 15,592.40 5,165.09 16,240.08 41,002.94 4,667.59 32,630.06 32,473.10 82,039.61

See our advert on page 39

Units per €

US dollar..................................................................1.13454 Japan yen..............................................................134.666 Switzerland franc ...............................................1.04881 Denmark kroner................................................7.44409 Norway kroner ..................................................8.64035

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

PRICE(P)

British Amrcn Tobacco British Land Co BT Group Bunzl Burberry Group Capita Group (The) Carnival

3,599.25 830.50 438.20 1,861.00 1,769.50 1,140.50 2,873.50

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 9

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 9

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 166.07 85.01 34.87 148.00 83.21 109.61 27.24 41.45 102.02 76.10 91.50 24.52 183.43 109.04 156.72 33.30 101.10 57.89 93.99 58.79 42.41 91.79 33.17 85.61 107.20 119.81 107.60 49.33 267.42 87.33

-0.48 +0.28 +0.33 -0.60 -0.36 +0.30 -0.02 -0.34 -0.62 +0.10 -0.86 +0.02 +2.66 +0.05 -1.19 -0.64 -1.36 +1.12 -0.35 -0.38 -0.04 -1.55 +0.18 -1.09 -0.21 -0.30 -1.22 +1.47 -4.38 +0.05

-0.29% +0.33% +0.96% -0.40% -0.43% +0.27% -0.07% -0.81% -0.60% +0.13% -0.93% +0.08% +1.47% +0.05% -0.75% -1.90% -1.33% +1.97% -0.37% -0.64% -0.09% -1.66% +0.55% -1.26% -0.20% -0.25% -1.12% +3.07% -1.61% +0.06%

1.8M 5.1M 27.7M 4.4M 5.6M 7.7M 25.5M 12.4M 8.5M 4.8M 12.3M 27.5M 3.3M 4.2M 3.3M 29.3M 9.2M 25.2M 4.7M 9.9M 34.6M 3.7M 35.0M 8.4M 2.5M 2.8M 3.7M 47.4M 2.8M 5.6M

1.34375

0.74418

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

C O M PA N Y

-28.75 -9.50 -4.80 -25.00 -27.50 -17.50 -31.50

-0.79 -1.13 -1.08 -1.33 -1.53 -1.51 -1.08

NET VOLUME 68,770.30 8,672.64 35,946.32 6,382.86 7,926.59 7,554.58 6,268.80

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

$ 6.38 $ 28.66 $ 82.43 $ 3.02 $ 29.99 $ 6.53 $ 5.78 $ 3.8884 $ 30.83 $ 13.71 $ 7.60

1.13 ▲ 21.52% 4.27 ▲ 17.51% 10.98 ▲ 15.37% 0.38 ▲ 14.39% 3.76 ▲ 14.33% 0.79 ▲ 13.76% 0.69 ▲ 13.56% 0.4483 ▲ 13.03% 3.33 ▲ 12.11% 1.48 ▲ 12.10% 0.79 ▲ 11.60%

$ 56.62 $ 12.98 $ 7.04 $ 47.12 $ 32.88 $ 15.73 $ 30.67 $ 77.87 $ 3.65 $ 22 $ 17.03

23.90 ▼ 29.68% 2.81 ▼ 17.80% 1.21 ▼ 14.67% 7.25 ▼ 13.33% 4.51 ▼ 12.06% 2.07 ▼ 11.63% 4.02 ▼ 11.59% 10.13 ▼ 11.51% 0.42 ▼ 10.32% 2.49 ▼ 10.17% 1.87 ▼ 9.89%

Most Advanced Auris Medical Holding AG Coherus BioSciences, Inc. ePlus inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. MFRI, Inc. Pixelworks, Inc. SAExploration Holdings, Inc. Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Vascular Biogenics Ltd. STAAR Surgical Company

Most Declined Rentrak Corporation Control4 Corporation Maxwell Technologies, Inc. GoPro, Inc. Sierra Wireless, Inc. NIC Inc. NETGEAR, Inc. Expedia, Inc. Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. VelocityShares 3x Long Silver ETN eLong, Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Centrica 294.80 -1.60 Coca-Cola HBC 1,090.00 -12.00 Compass Group 1,116.50 -13.50 CRH 1,706.50 -17.50 Diageo 1,893.75 -15.25 Direct Line Insurance Group312.00 -3.50 Dixons Carphone 414.90 -4.80 easyJet 1,670.00 -30.00 Experian 1,175.00 -15.00 Fresnillo 868.75 8.75 Friends Life Group Limtd 403.60 -2.00 G4S 279.65 -3.05 GKN 373.60 -6.10 GlaxoSmithKline 1,511.25 -6.25 Glencore Xstrata 267.48 2.08 Hammerson 689.50 -11.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 984.50 -5.50 HSBC Holdings 612.25 -8.55 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,015.00 -29.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,591.00 -23.00 International Airlines 538.50 -2.50 Intertek Group 2,451.00 -5.00 Intu Properties 365.60 -6.80 ITV 224.80 -2.90 Johnson Matthey 3,246.00 -44.00 Kingfisher 335.40 -2.60 Land Securities Group 1,281.50 -20.50 Legal & General Group 265.50 -3.40 Lloyds Banking Group 74.81 -1.00 London Stock Exchange 2,344.50 -11.50 Marks & Spencer Group 478.05 -3.25 Meggitt 542.00 -3.50 Mondi 1,199.00 -18.00 Morrison (Wm) Suprmrkts 177.40 -1.60 National Grid 890.85 -18.45 Next 7,067.50 -97.50 Old Mutual 212.70 -1.60 Pearson 1,355.00 -20.00 Persimmon 1,592.50 -21.50 Prudential 1,608.25 -11.75 Randgold Resources 5,357.50 47.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,532.50 -42.50 Reed Elsevier 1,150.50 -17.50 Rio Tinto 3,035.00 6.50 Rolls-Royce Group 902.50 -9.50 Royal Bank of Scotland 381.45 -2.55 Royal Dutch Shell 2,161.50 -3.50 Royal Dutch Shell 2,245.75 -4.25 Royal Mail 451.30 -4.50 RSA Insurance Group 442.40 -11.90 SABMiller 3,466.00 -33.50 Sage Group (The) 478.65 -6.25 Sainsbury (J) 266.95 -2.85 Schroders 2,921.50 -45.50 Severn Trent 2,042.00 -54.00 Shire 4,813.50 -98.50 Sky 952.50 -13.00 Smith & Nephew 1,187.50 -9.50 Smiths Group 1,161.50 -25.50 Sports Direct Internatnl 706.50 -8.50 SSE 1,603.50 -24.50 St James's Place 856.75 -10.75 Standard Chartered 920.40 -17.80 Standard Life 399.35 -6.05 Taylor Wimpey 134.80 -2.30 Tesco 227.53 -1.17 Travis Perkins 1,941.00 -23.00 Tui Ag New Ord Reg Shs 1,111.50 -13.50 Tui Ag Ord Reg Shs Npv 1,137.00 -16.00 Tullow Oil 406.70 -3.40 Unilever 2,777.50 -24.50 United Utilities Group 962.50 -31.00 Vodafone Group 229.98 -1.42 Weir Group 1,836.00 -7.00 Whitbread 4,834.50 -70.50 Wolseley 3,790.00 -34.00 WPP Group 1,434.00 -15.00

% C H G. -0.54 -1.09 -1.19 -1.02 -0.80 -1.11 -1.14 -1.76 -1.26 1.02 -0.49 -1.08 -1.61 -0.41 0.78 -1.57 -0.56 -1.38 -0.95 -0.88 -0.46 -0.20 -1.83 -1.27 -1.34 -0.77 -1.57 -1.26 -1.32 -0.49 -0.68 -0.64 -1.48 -0.89 -2.03 -1.36 -0.75 -1.45 -1.33 -0.73 0.89 -0.76 -1.50 0.21 -1.04 -0.66 -0.16 -0.19 -0.99 -2.62 -0.96 -1.29 -1.06 -1.53 -2.58 -2.01 -1.35 -0.79 -2.15 -1.19 -1.50 -1.24 -1.90 -1.49 -1.68 -0.51 -1.17 -1.20 -1.39 -0.83 -0.87 -3.12 -0.61 -0.38 -1.44 -0.89 -1.04

VOLUME 14,699.99 3,988.08 19,111.49 12,918.96 48,145.70 4,744.50 4,887.07 6,851.84 11,797.51 6,597.04 5,620.71 4,381.70 6,354.02 73,019.95 35,175.54 5,525.36 4,736.07 117,815.18 28,861.08 6,160.30 11,055.92 3,951.75 4,908.51 9,100.02 6,640.36 7,849.25 10,304.58 15,918.81 53,937.13 8,182.97 7,858.21 4,379.69 4,460.14 4,224.16 34,413.74 10,911.35 10,500.06 11,109.41 4,949.34 41,451.67 5,140.41 40,009.24 13,217.38 43,510.46 17,150.98 24,008.98 84,614.74 55,368.04 4,511.00 4,557.51 56,858.61 5,217.57 5,150.19 6,581.77 5,083.81 29,162.61 16,481.08 10,696.28 4,640.34 4,276.03 16,108.14 4,547.76 23,125.85 9,625.38 4,444.23 18,884.33 4,854.68 13,758.02 N/A 3,800.65 36,341.15 6,793.31 61,011.66 3,947.55 8,971.28 9,941.68 19,141.13

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

37

Visible signs of the times MEDITERRANEAN Spain has much to learn from the sophisticated business signs market in the UK. There is much more to customer enticement than a shop front and a vehicle covered with self adhesive information.

Avoid garish ‘quick an’ slick’ signage. If it looks like something you would see on Blackpool’s prom’ you may turn customers away.

The visible exterior of your business is a direct reflection of your professionalism or lack of it.

Remember, your signage is your company’s business suit.

Vinyl self adhesive signs were

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

never intended to be permanent.

Reasonably priced, easily applied and removed, they are perfect for special offers. They are also ideal for public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day good wishes or

offers. If you want to remove vinyl signs on vehicles, borrow the hairdryer from the bathroom. A few minutes of hot air and they can be more easily peeled off.

‘A’ boards placed outside business premises are a good idea. When I bought one for my specialist business, situated on a busy main road, the turnover increased by onethird. Although I had been trading for over two years, I was constantly asked by road users how long had I been there. I later figured out why.

Motorists do not look left and right; they look ahead.

Ideal for tradesmen, the ‘A’ board

is light, mobile, and can be left outside wherever work is being carried out. Likewise, signage fastened to clients’ walls or gates.

Family car magnetic signs are worth their weight in gold. Unlike self adhesive signs these can be placed on car doors and peeled off as required. The downside is they can be stolen. The magnet attracts the light fingered too.

Enterprising business types can sign their family car up and leave the vehicle parked near the entrance to a supermarket or mall all day. Imagine how many people will see it and there are no fees to pay.

38

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

You’re so vain and paying for it too Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

OF late there has been much talk about the rise of ‘manscaping’ and beauty products for men.

Where once upon a time shelves were mostly laden with female cosmetics, nowadays men too have their fair share of space in the bathroom cupboard for their beauty creams and serums.

However, it appears that women still use a lot more products than men. One recent study reveals that 35 per cent of women use one or two products daily, while 17 per cent use three or four products a day.

Meanwhile, 33 per cent of men admit to using one to two

MANSCAPING: Men too are using beauty creams and serums. products each day, but the majority of men (54 per cent) don’t use a single product when getting ready in the morning so it turns out guys really aren’t so high-maintenance.

OK. We’ll put our hands up in the air and admit that women

are big spenders when it comes to beauty products, but does that mean that we should face sexual prejudice in the market, with companies charging an unjustified markup for products marketed towards females?

A study by an American

Women pay more for their beauty products than men

Who must fix their subsiding terrace?

Q. I have an apartment on the Costa Del Sol in a complex run by a Community. My balcony/terrace is sinking and so is the one next door. The Committee of our Community advised us that it was our problem. They said we, the owners, were responsible for repairs, even though the terrace is outside the exterior wall of the structure. You have said in your EWN column that anything outside the exterior wall belongs to the

You and the Law in Spain

By David Searl

A. Yes, your first call should be to your home insurance company. That is why you pay them. And, yes, I noted that anything outside the exterior walls of a building, such as terraces and gardens, is the property of the Community.

I also said that “exclusive use” of these elements is assigned to the individual owners. The Spanish courts have consistently ruled that ‘exclusive use’ means that each owner is responsible for his own terrace or balcony or garden, so repairs are on you, even if the basic ownership is the Community.

Community. The flats were built in 2000 and I think this subsidence should not happen to such a new build.

We are ground floor but below the structure is a communal garage area so our back terrace is actually eight metres above street level. We don’t know what infill was used below it.

I have home insurance and perhaps we should put in a claim.

A.C. (Costa del Sol) There is a clause in building contracts requiring the builder to have insurance to repair defects, but this insurance runs out after 10 years. So the only option left against the builder is a normal lawsuit for the defect. I agree subsidence after 15 years seems like an actionable defect, but this is tricky, possibly involving the architect or the geological study of the land, and the judge will have to decide.

Of course your first choice should be your insurance company. Put in a claim.

If you are lucky and your policy covers the problem, they will pay up and then try to recover the amount from the original builder.

Be aware that insurance companies are always alert to find some-thing in their small print to escape paying.

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

fashion magazine shows that annually women pay millions to cosmetic companies in extra fees and markups - fees that men just don’t have to pay.

The magazine research looked at a variety of products.

For example, deodorants on average are 10 per cent more expensive if aimed at women rather than men. Pretty pinkcoloured razors are much more pricey than the male versions of the blades.

Perhaps they are crafted by tiny elves, whereas boring old machines make the male razors!

Anti-aging creams are where women really get stung. For instance, a very well known brand charges €60 for a 50ml moisturiser, whereas the same brand charges only €40 for a 100ml male version of the same moisturiser. That’s €20 cheaper and double the size!

So the obvious money saving tip is check whether there’s a cheaper version of what you’re buying in the ‘Men’s’ aisle.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Good figures SANTANDER reported pre-tax profits of €9.72 billion last year, a 32 per cent increase. The bank, the eurozone’s largest, confirmed its intention of continuing to focus on retail banking during 2015 and announced that its 10 principal markets presented increased gross profits for the first time since the economic crisis commenced.

Different face NEW €1 and €2 pieces depicting Felipe VI are now in circulation, eight months after he was proclaimed king. Spain’s Treasury authorised the changeover last October and the coins were struck in January, the first of four million in each denomination that will be produced in the next few years.

Persuasion IAG, the group composed of BA, Iberia and Vueling which hopes to acquire Aer Lingus, pledged that neither the company nor its routes will disappear.

IAG’s offer includes a promise that the Irish airline’s 23 pairs of Heathrow slots will not be used by the group’s other airlines or sold.

OPINION & COMMENT

Thanks from Samaritans for generosity ON Saturday January 31, Nigel Hopkins and all of his singers and musicians put on a truly wonderful evening’s performance of ‘Music of the night.’

Afterwards Samaritans in Spain undertook a bucket-shake to raise funds.

The audience was extremely generous on the night, raising an amazing €565, then Nigel himself donated enough to take the amount to an incredible €650.

I would like to offer my thanks and the thanks of all our volunteers and, indeed, our callers for this generosity.

I would also like to offer my sincere gratitude to all of Nigel’s singers, musicians and other helpers for a wonderful evening’s entertainment. And I mustn’t forget the staff and management of the Orihuela Costa Resort for their time, making us comfortable and refreshed.

Thank you to you all.

Chris Sumpter, president, Samaritans in Spain

Pick it up!

SEVEN dogs have died due to poisoning on the beach of Puerto Alcudia, Mallorca.

The mayor has now made it obligatory for the animals to wear muzzles for fear that other fatal casualties will occur.

It is really horrible that someone deliberately spread poison for this purpose, but I suppose many people are angry at the mess and smell left literally everywhere by many dogowners.

I am a dog-owner. He’s a big fellow of 38 kilos and I walk him every day and am delighted that in winter we can walk, play and run our dogs on the beach here in Santa Ponsa.

I am 80 plus - no big deal - but I always collect his ‘necessities’ and, many times, those of other dogs. We also pick up all sorts of other refuse that could be taken by the wind or tide into the sea and cause trouble for other creatures.

You irresponsible dog owners:

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Letters YOURSAY@EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

12 - 18 February 2015/ Costa de Almería

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our aRUST dvert isers

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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41

old EHIC card and also asked if you are in receipt of a UK pension. I was informed that my new EHIC card should arrive within 15 days.

One last point, it is best to renew your card without waiting for the old one to run out.

June Baker-Howard (by email)

Not needed

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

Letters may also be edited.

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

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use your brains! Again, it’s no big deal to bend down (great exercise) and collect your dog’s mess. All you achieve with your negligence, apart from the disgusting mess, is to create enemies for our beloved best friends.

Olivia Amengual, Nova Sta Ponsa (Mallorca)

EWN

LOOKS as though someone got too near the edge and it gives ‘See you on the beach’ another meaning.

John Davies, Mojacar.

Free-for-all

Greedy sea

WE visited the Motor show in Malaga and it was a very enjoyable afternoon with plenty to see.

I would just like to warn anyone visiting an exhibition at the Palacio de Congresos about the parking. When we arrived a high viz-jacketed man directed us to a space, then demanded €5 for parking.

We questioned this, asking for a ticket first and refused to pay so he eventually gave up with us and moved on to his next victims. I took a photo of him on my phone as I was now worried about the safety of the car.

When purchasing our entry tickets I told the staff who were horrified and assured me they would notify security and that parking is free.

If the man had asked for €1 we probably wouldn’t have questioned it.

Luckily the car was OK and on leaving we then saw the signs stating ‘free parking,’ so check before you pay!

Diana Clark (by email)

OUR urbanisation, Costa Natura, is really close to the beach and as far as our frontage is concerned, big rocks protect the beach.

However at the ‘wild beach’ which still belongs to the naturist zone, erosion is considerable or even horrible.

The sea takes whatever it can get in the winter and there is nobody who cares.

I tried to bring the subject to the attention of the Estepona Tourist Office and they correctly answered that they are unable to intervene because it is the responsibility of the Coastal Authority.

Obviously this Authority has its own targets, which are different from those of the town hall, and doesn’t care what happens to the beach although naturist tourism contributes considerably to coastal tourism.

It is the wrong approach to celebrate the high occupation rates in some luxury hotels and, at the same time, to neglect another branch of tourism.

Moreover, sooner or later the eroded beach will collapse what happens then? About two years ago there was a promise to replenish the sand on our beach which never happened.

Instead more and more sand is washed away.

Christian Horig, Estepona (Malaga)

No hiccups I HAVE just renewed my EHIC card and the entire process is far easier than the procedure described by Mr Woodhall.

There is no form to fill in when you renew by telephone but do not ring the number that Mr Woodhall gives! The correct number is (0044) 1912 790575 and is a direct line to the department that deals with EHIC cards. I rang late in the afternoon and got straight through.

All you need in front of you is your old EHIC Card and your national insurance number. You will be asked for your name, NI number and the UK reference number that appears on your

I RANG Newcastle on January 30 and spoke to a lady called Jennifer to renew our EHIC Cards. She advised that they had received many calls regarding renewals that were no longer necessary.

She told me that as British nationals living in Spain we no longer need the cards. If medical treatment is required at a hospital or doctor’s surgery all you need is to prove that you receive a UK pension.

British nationals only need to renew EHIC Cards if they are visiting an EU country other than Britain.

Isobel Brown (by email)

Spitting image CONGRATULATIONS to Antonio Martinez for his letter in El Pais on professional footballers, entitled ‘Why do they spit so much?’

Professional handball and basketball players don’t spit.

Nor do cyclists, swimmers, hockey players or boxers. Why are professional footballers so obsessed with this disgusting, repulsive and unnecessary bad habit, he asked?

“In more gruelling sports that require much more physical exertion and endurance athletes don’t find it necessary to spit. The appropriate sports directors and authorities should finally put a stop to this obnoxious behaviour,” he wrote.

I tip my hat to Antonio Martinez! Although I don’t watch football much (I’d rather watch the grass grow) it seems like every five or 10 minutes one player or another is ‘watering’ the field. Where do they get so much saliva?

Richard M.McBride, Benidorm (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.

48

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

Thursday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Eat Well for Less?

10:00pm Death in Paradise 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am This Week

BBC TWO 5:15pm To the Manor Born 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm The Great Antiques Map of Britain 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm The Great British Sewing Bee 10:00pm Modern Times 11:00pm Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am A Cook Abroad

ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm The Kyle Files 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Birds of a Feather 10:00pm Car Crash Britain 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Late Debate 12:10am The Lying Game: Crimes That Fooled Britain

CH4 5:00pm Shipping Wars 5:45pm Couples Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Location, Location, Location 10:00pm Cucumber 11:00pm My Tattoo Addiction 12:00am 24 Hours in Police Custody

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Classic Car Show 9:00pm Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole 10:00pm Britain's Biggest Primary School 11:00pm The Mentalist 11:55pm Castle 12:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Arrow 10:00pm Ross Kemp: Extreme World 11:00pm Quiz Nights 12:00am A League of Their Own

Friday BBC ONE 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Room 101 10:00pm The Musketeers 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show 12:25am Bluestone 42

BBC TWO 5:15pm To the Manor Born 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm The Great Antiques Map of Britain 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm Food and Drink 10:00pm Italy Unpacked 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:05am Tron Legacy

ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Benidorm 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Gosford Park 2:10am Jackpot247

CH4 5:00pm Shipping Wars 5:45pm Couples Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 11:00pm The Last Leg 12:05am Catastrophe

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Billion Dollar Wreck Hunt 9:00pm Ice Road Truckers 10:00pm NCIS: New Orleans 11:40pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:35am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Flintoff: Lord of the Fries 10:00pm Stella 11:00pm Quiz Nights 12:00am Underworld: Evolution

Saturday BBC ONE 5:30pm Six Nations Rugby Union 7:55pm BBC News 8:05pm Regional News 8:10pm Weather 8:15pm The Voice UK 9:35pm The National Lottery 10:25pm Casualty 11:15pm BBC News 11:28pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day: FA Cup Highlights 12:35am The Football League Show

BBC TWO 5:30pm Final Score 6:20pm The Wonder of Animals 6:50pm The Great British Sewing Bee 7:50pm Flog It! 8:35pm How We Got to Now with Steve Johnson 9:35pm Dad's Army 10:05pm Simon Rattle: The Making of a Maestro 11:05pm Glad All Over: The Dave Clark Five and Beyond 1:00am TOTP2

ITV 4:05pm Doc Martin 5:05pm Big Star's Little Star 6:00pm Local News and Weather 6:10pm ITV News and Weather 6:25pm You've Been Framed!

7:30pm Harry Hill's Stars in Their Eyes 8:30pm Planet's Got Talent 9:05pm Take Me Out 10:20pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:20pm ITV News and Weather 11:35pm ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights 12:30am Balls of Fury

CH4 5:15pm Come Dine with Me 6:15pm The Big Bang Theory 6:45pm The Simpsons 7:10pm The Simpsons 7:40pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Our Guy in India 9:00pm The World's Weirdest Weather 10:00pm The Bourne Legacy 12:40am Sanctum

CH5 4:00pm Columbo: Double Shock 5:30pm Columbo 7:20pm 5 News 7:25pm NCIS 8:10pm NCIS 9:05pm NCIS 10:00pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 11:00pm Law and Order 11:55pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:45am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 4:00pm Last Man Standing 4:30pm Last Man Standing 5:00pm The Simpsons 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm Modern Family 6:30pm Modern Family 7:00pm Modern Family 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 9:00pm Hawaii Five-0 10:00pm Underworld: Evolution 12:05am Inherent Vice: Sky Movies Special

TV LISTING

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Sunday BBC ONE 3:30pm Six Nations Rugby Union 6:00pm Songs of Praise 6:35pm BBC News 6:50pm Regional News 6:55pm Weather 7:00pm Super Cute Animals 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm The Casual Vacancy 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day: FA Cup Highlights 12:20am The Apprentice USA

BBC TWO 3:25pm Escape to the Country 4:10pm Open All Hours 4:40pm To the Manor Born 5:10pm Hi-De-Hi! 5:45pm Flog It! 6:15pm Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom 7:15pm Ski Sunday 8:00pm The Motorway: Life in the Fast Lane 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Dragons' Den 11:00pm Modern Times 12:00am The Quiet American

ITV 3:10pm Mel and Sue's Best Bits 4:10pm Tipping Point 5:15pm For Your Eyes Only 7:35pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Get Your Act Together 9:15pm All Star Family Fortunes 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:20pm Perspectives 12:15am Aviva Highlights 1:10am The Store

CH4 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 3:25pm The Simpsons 3:55pm City of Ember 5:40pm Channel 4 News 6:05pm Location, Location, Location 7:05pm A Place in the Sun 8:00pm The Hotel 9:00pm The Auction House 10:00pm Indian Summers 11:40pm Gogglebox 1:15am No Country for Old Men

CH5 4:35pm Loch Ness 6:30pm The Lady and The Tramp 8:05pm 5 News 8:10pm Memphis Belle 10:00pm War of the Worlds 12:20am Drag Me to Hell 2:15am Super Casino 4:10am 10,000 BC

SKY1 3:00pm Emergency Animal Rescue 3:30pm Emergency Animal Rescue 4:00pm Modern Family 4:30pm Modern Family 5:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Holidaymakers 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Hawaii Five-0 11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Monday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Match of the Day Live 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm The Graham Norton Show EastEnders Special 12:45am Waterloo Road

BBC TWO 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Only Connect 10:00pm A Cook Abroad 11:00pm House of Fools 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Broadchurch 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:45am The Kyle Files

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm Dispatches 9:30pm Food Unwrapped 10:00pm UKIP: The First 100 Days 11:05pm Catastrophe 11:40pm Bodyshockers 12:45am 24 Hours in A and E

CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Criminals: Caught on Camera 8:30pm Car Crash TV 9:00pm My Daughter Stole My Husband 10:00pm Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole 11:00pm 10,000 BC 12:00am Act of Valour

SKY1 4:00pm The Simpsons 4:30pm The Simpsons 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Holidaymakers 10:00pm Arrow 11:00pm 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy 12:00am Air Ambulance ER

Tuesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm The Gift 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Count Arthur Strong 12:15am Have I Got Old News for You

BBC TWO 5:15pm To the Manor Born 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 10:00pm Inside the Commons 11:00pm Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm UEFA Champions League 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm UEFA Champions League Highlights 12:40am Carry on Girls

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm Can Property Pay Your Wages?

10:00pm The Romanians are Coming 11:00pm Kid Criminals 12:00am Kicked Out Kids

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm Costa Del Casualty 10:00pm Killer Psychopaths 11:00pm 10,000 BC 12:00am The Ten Faces of Michael Jackson

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Modern Family 10:30pm Modern Family 11:00pm Ross Kemp: Extreme World 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Wednesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 10:30pm Room 101 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm A Question of Sport 12:15am Film 2015

BBC TWO 5:15pm To the Manor Born 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 6:55pm Party Political Broadcast

by Conservative 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom 10:00pm Wolf Hall 11:00pm Up the Women 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Midsomer Murders 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Exposure 12:40am I Never Knew That About Britain

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm The Restoration Man 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Junk Food Kids: Who's to Blame?

12:00am Kid Criminals

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cowboy Builders 9:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 10:00pm World's Biggest Hips 11:00pm Erin Brockovich 1:45am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm Modern Family 8:30pm Modern Family 9:00pm The Fanatics 10:00pm Stella 11:00pm Flintoff: Lord of the Fries 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

50

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Sick of discussing pros and cons LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

I

AM utterly sick and tired of discussing the pros and cons of Islam. To me the problem is very simple.

Thirty years ago the UK didn’t have Asian gangs grooming, raping and degrading the children of the ‘infidels’.

Thirty years ago they didn’t have ‘Trojan horses’ infiltrating schools, separating the sexes, teaching bigotry or refusing to conduct lessons in English. Thirty years ago (with the exception of the IRA, who actually had a point) they didn’t have citizens murdered and terrorised in the streets.

Thirty years ago they didn’t have nogo areas where integration was out of the question and law officers were afraid to tread in case they ‘offended’ someone, or caused a riot.

Thirty years ago there were no youngsters leaving home to join distant armies who decapitate, pillage and

burn their enemies alive.

Thirty years ago they didn’t have the Christian religion undermined and discriminated against. Thirty years ago they didn’t have people on the streets insulting the troops and threatening their future annihilation.

Thirty years ago, unless they were pulling a bank job, you could observe the facial expressions of every female in the land. Thirty years ago they had no cause to discuss bigotry, ethnic inequality or the genital mutilation of young women.

Thirty years ago the British were a happy, albeit a touch naive, proud bunch, whose only real problems were the price of beer, the next to reside in Number 10 or the winners of the FA Cup. Need I go on?

The thing that actually annoys me the most, having lived in a Muslim country for eight years, is the fact that in Islamic controlled countries, anyone who doesn’t follow the teachings of Islam has a very hard time indeed. In Saudi Arabia, no one can build a church, owning a bible is illegal, and any Christian worship banned altogether.

An example of this was in 1979, when

a small number of people, some of whom were personal colleagues of mine, decided to hold a short Sunday morning prayer meeting in a classroom of the American school in Jeddah. Someone got wind of it, informed the authorities and the result was a spell in prison and deportation for all of them!

Compare that with the freedom the followers of Islam enjoy in the UK. Free to speak publically about any aspect of their religion they choose. Mosques springing up everywhere, plus the British people bending over backwards to accept and try to understand their points of view.

Simply bearing even these two facts in mind, I think you get some idea of how one- sided this whole, almost unbelievable intelligence-insulting charade actually is. Will it all change?

Too late, I’m afraid - but then I told you that over 15 years ago.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com What do you think? Have your say at www.euroweeklynews.com

‘For life’ would be punishment indeed Cassandra Nash

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

T

HE PSOE, the principal opposition party in the national parliament, opposed a ‘life means life’ clause in the government’s new Penal Code. It is an unSpanish concept, they and many legal experts maintain.

On the other hand the party wanted to pact anti-terrorist measures with Mariano Rajoy’s government which include indefinite life sentence for some offences.

PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez signed the cross-party pact which avoided mentioning this sentence but repeated the party’s ‘life means life’ misgivings.

If the socialists return to power they would remove this from the Penal Code, they say, but the PSOE should ask around.

They might discover that few voters want these sentences as a matter of course, but few oppose them for exceptional cases. These include terrorists who seek martyrdom: incarcerating them for life would be punishment indeed.

Blame game SPAIN’S tax authority Hacienda accused Switzerland of enabling the crooked Gurtel network to launder its money.

The Swiss banks helped the PP party’s ex-treasurer Luis Barcenas amongst others to avoid identification under EU laws by registering them as companies based in tax havens, Hacienda says.

That’s as maybe, but Barcenas and the rest of them piled up their dirty money for years while no-one lifted a finger to stop them. Whose fault was that? Not Switzerland’s, that’s for sure.

Selection process THE PSOE says it’s the only alternative to the Partido Popular which claims it is the only alternative to Podemos. Meanwhile, former communists IU flounder while the overshadowed UPyD liberals blend into the background.

They should save their breath: Spanish disillusionment with politicians extends to ignoring messages with little resemblance to what they would deliver in power. Next month Andalucia voters could provide clues as to who’s the current alternative but Syriza in Greece is the one to watch.

It will either blaze a trail for Podemos or demonstrate anti-austerity, anti-establishment promises lead to a blind alley blocked

by Brussels.

Old days DOLORES GONZALEZ RUIZ died recently aged 68. She was a lawyer who survived the 1977 attack by neofascists on a Madrid law firm that specialised in labour cases.

They gunned down nine people killing five of them, including Lola Gonzalez Ruiz’s husband.

She was seriously injured. Eight years earlier her then boyfriend died in an ‘accident’ when he ‘fell’ down a stairway while in police custody.

Things might be pretty bad, but compared with the past, they’ve never had it so good.

PEDRO SANCHEZ: Signed a crossparty pact which avoided mentioning life sentences.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

51

Glitz and glamour but not real life 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

T’S the red carpet season. The cameras zoom in to view the plunging necklines and rising hemlines. The sky rains glitter and gold amidst a plethora of flashing strobes.

It is time to celebrate the good and glamorous (those who crave to be constantly loved and cherished) for pretending.

Playing someone else, being another person, yet, modified for the leading role, shined up and polished taking away authentic sympathetic wrinkles or chipped teeth. All of this to listen to the ring of the cash register chiming musical profits.

Faithfully bestowing upon the audiences the absolute solace and consolation they crave.

The bus in which much of the drama took place in Alaska.

Hollywood knows what we want. Storyline hinting veracity just enough so that ‘true story’ can be stamped somewhere in the credits. Yet, there are stories of gargantuan human efforts rarely portrayed.

For example the movie Into the Wild is about a young man seeking meaning to his life. He gave up everything and rambled around searching. This led him to Alaska. The bus wherein he lived has become a cult symbol of pilgrimage for young people more concerned with the

ideology of reinventing themselves first before following the usual well-trodden path of social acceptance. Movie viewers can live decades before any such individualism is portrayed on the silver screen. But, those that did ‘adventure far from the paved roads’ back then are now today’s heralded and admired.

But, a terrible logical reductum has moved into modern thinking causing many things to be shunned so as to keep the precarious balance of social equilibrium. It’s called Political

Cortes Grave.

The great Hernan Cortez is buried in this church whereupon he met the Aztec ruler Montezuma.

Correctness and belongs exclusively to the unread, weak and uninformed. It is the trendy popular realm of living comfortably in your zone and not making waves or ripples.

I cannot for the life of me calculate why the wonders brought to light by the Spanish conquistadores have never been portrayed in a feature length

film. Of course they committed wrongs. Yet the founding of something new and uncharted still remains stunning.

I want a movie that shows a man landing in an unknown kingdom, being defeated, fleeing for his life but not departing. A capitan having the ‘cojones’ to burn his own rescue ships that assured him a final escape, yet he returns back into the jungle.

He’s gone to confront his enemies one more time.

Hernan Cortez was his name and he is almost forgotten by history, other than tiny footnotes in obtuse historical reference.

I want a cinema with real stories about authentic people and with much less attention given to those that mimic the ‘strut and fret their hour upon stage’.

Actors yes, pretenders no. I require real-life dramas and not the blatant sparkling and explosive imitation.

52

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Surviving St Valentine’s Day with flowers, chocolates and diamonds?

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/norajohnson

F

LOWERS, chocolates, red hearts and romance. That’s what Valentine’s Day’s all about, right? Far from it! St Valentine’s Day didn’t start off linked with romance.

It began as a celebration of one or more (the exact number’s uncertain) early Christian saints called Valentinus.

According to one of the most popular accounts, Saint Valentine was imprisoned and tortured for performing marriage

ceremonies for Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. (An edict prohibited the marriage of young people, based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better than married ones, because the latter would be more concerned about getting killed and the consequences for their families.)

During his imprisonment, Saint Valentine’s said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius and, legend has it, before his execution wrote “from your Valentine” as a farewell to her.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the day first became linked with romance. And by the 15th century, it’d developed into a full-on event with

flowers, confectionery and the exchange of greetings cards (known as ‘Valentines’).

Nowadays it’s the second most celebrated event around the world after New Year’s Eve - and

the most popular time to propose/get married.

Which reminds me of an old family yarn about a naval friend of the family and his marriage plans.

During World War Two, he’d planned a romantic Valentine’s

Day wedding. Suddenly, he received orders to prepare to ship out, and all leave was cancelled. But as a young man in love, he went AWOL. He and his fiancée were married three days earlier than originally planned and he returned to base to an angry petty officer. After hearing the explanation, the latter grudgingly replied, “OK. OK!” Then, as an afterthought: “But don’t let it ever happen again!”

Another friend met her future fiancé online. After dating for over a year, she introduced Chris to her technophobe uncle.

Intrigued by the fact they’d met over the internet, he VALENTINE’S DAY: Not originally linked to romance.

asked Chris what kind of line he’d used to pick her up. Ever the geek, Chris replied, “Just used a regular broadband connection.”

Which reminds me of that old De Beers campaign slogan for diamond eternity rings aimed at husbands: “She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it’s going…” Romantic, eh?

Have a nice day!

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.

Whatever happened to romance?

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.

DON’T recall ever having received a Valentine’s card in my life and I never send them - at least I haven’t for the last 40 odd years. And there’s a good reason for that, apart from the expense.

The gorgeous Sabrina Wicks - a girl I had had my eye on for a while - was waiting for me as I entered the lounge bar of Ye Olde Boar’s Head Inn, looking as angry as a wasp at a bee convention, and waving a card in the air. She didn’t waste any time and proceeded to tear into me.

“What the hell is this?” she stormed and she read aloud the poem inside the card.

“Roses Are Red - Violets Are Blue - When I Undressed Your Mum - I Was Thinking Of You.” It wasn’t Byron, but it was

I

ROMANTIC TIMES: Not all they are cracked up to be. funny, or so I had thought.

And so did the other occupants of the bar it appeared, as they spluttered and choked over their pints of Courage’s finest, trying hard not to laugh out loud.

“But how do you know it’s from me?” I countered.

“Because there are beer

stains on the envelope,” she cooed mockingly... “AND YOU SIGNED IT!” She bellowed out the last bit so hard, that my head recoiled back in the blast and my eyeballs did a full 360.

Hard to argue with that I thought. It was the darned beer stains that gave it away then.

“Look, I don’t even know your mum; it was just a joke.”

I started to say, but I didn’t get any further.

Sabrina gave me a look that could have melted granite before she downed the remainder of her Guinness in one swallow; tossed back her whisky chaser, and stubbed

out her Senior Service on a beer mat before depositing the dog-end in my newly arrived pint.

“So will you come out with me on Saturday night then?” I hazarded. I thought it was still worth asking; after all she had not resorted to actual violence, which, I reasoned, left the door slightly ajar.

She gave me another withering look. Then with a final screech of exasperation, she turned on her heel, elbowed her way past me and with her red stilettos clattering on the tiled floor exited the bar, viciously slamming the door behind her.

There was stunned silence for a second or two, before it was broken by my friend Ray who had hitherto kept his head well down.

“I don’t know about you, but I thought that went quite well,” he sniggered.

“Well I’m telling you now, that is definitely the last time I get romantic,” I told him.

E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

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PISCES (February 20 - March 20) What will really be appreciated this week is if you will give your time to others. I realise that your life is busy but the emotional rewards from helping someone will be more than worth it.

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17 8 Cl 18 10 Cl 17 9 S

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Family members bring a sparkle to your eyes and a spring to your step.

When there is so much going on it is easy to forget how much we are part of a whole.

7-Star Quiz

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GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) A trip to the cinema or theatre makes you take notice and may even shock. There are many things in life that normally do not touch us but, once we are aware, there seems to be a need for action.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) This is a week of deep thinking and meaningful conversations.

Someone's opinion of you reaches your ears and pleases you greatly.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Expecting others to automatically know what you want is unrealistic.

Even dropping heavy hints can go well astray of the mark. Although it is unpalatable to your sensitivity, plain talking is needed.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Take extra care where finances concern your home. A legal matter should be considered carefully.

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SAGITTARIUS (November 23 December 21) Be determined to make a budget and stick to it. Even if you are arranging a holiday, resist the urge to splash out.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

CAPRICORN (December 22 January 20) With a big event coming up, you need someone to give plenty of love and support.

Starting a new interest could lead you into their path.

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Mon - 13 5 C Tues - 13 2 Sh Wed - 14 3 Cl

Murcia

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 7C 16 8 Cl 14 7 Sh 14 7 Sh

SHOWERS MAX 12C, MIN 2C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 11 C Tues - 16 8 Sh Wed - 17 8 C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 9 Cl Tues - 16 9 C Wed - 16 9 Sh

Madrid

Mallorca TODAY:

18 9 Cl 18 10 Cl 18 10 Cl

TODAY:

MAX 17C, MIN 8C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

14 8 C 14 9 Sh 14 8 Sh

CLEAR

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 10 Cl Tues - 16 10 Sh Wed - 16 9 C

Benidorm

Malaga TODAY:

17 10 S 18 11 C 19 11 C

TODAY:

SHOWERS MAX 14C, MIN 8C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 15 7 Sh Tues - 15 7 C Wed - 14 7 C Cl Clear,

CLEAR MAX 18C, MIN 6C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

19 8 Cl 19 9 C 19 8 Cl

Mon - 19 8 S Tues - 18 8 Sh Wed - 18 8 Sh

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 P) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

Average: 15

Very good: 27

Good: 19

Excellent: 34

acne, aeon, anal, anew, anoa, cane, clan, cone, elan, enol, lane, lawn, lean, loan, lone, noll, once, wane, wean, alone, anole, canal, canoe, clean, clone, clown, lance, llano, ocean, canola, clonal, ALLOWANCE

12

21

28

30

38

42

REINTEGRO 47

3

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

SOFT

Sunday February 8

Saturday February 7

30

LUCKY STARS 7

Fri Sat Sun -

Word Ladder

LOTTERY 3

Fri Sat Sun -

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Oh, gosh, this is a really sensitive time for Leos. Although it is easy to upset you, it is equally easy to fire your enthusiasm.

Y S our

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Surprising and happy news about the 28th really puts some bounce into you. Having been so busy recently, you may not have noticed that someone has a special interest in you.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

Alicante TODAY:

14

15 49

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

22 52

REINTEGRO 8

FLAG

SLAG (FLAT) FLAG

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) An area in which you have experience means that you are able to help someone close this week. Keep the advice free from personal opinions wherever possible.

1. How many James Bond films have the word ‘love’ in their title?

2. In which 1930 film did Marlene Dietrich first sing her famous ‘anthem’ Falling In Love Again (Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß auf Liebe eingestellt)?

3. The original line-up of which American group, formed in California in 1961, consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine?

4. Wet Wet Wet’s hugely successful cover of The Troggs’s Love Is All Around, was used for the soundtrack to which 1994 romantic comedy film?

5. What is the name of the Greek goddess of love and beauty?

6. What was the title of first UK number one hit single by the Beatles to contain the word ‘love’?

7. What was the title of the 1983 novel by British feminist author Fay Weldon about a highly unattractive woman (Ruth) who goes to great lengths to take revenge on her husband (Bobbo) and his attractive lover (Mary Fisher)?

T

isers

SOFT SOOT SLOT SLAT

54

1. TWO - From Russia with Love (1963) and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), 2. THE BLUE ANGEL (DER BLAUE ENGEL), 3. BEACH BOYS, 4. FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, 5. APHRODITE, 6. SHE LOVES YOU, 7. THE LIFE AND LOVES OF A SHE-DEVIL

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CROSSWORDS

Crosswords

12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

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

Cryptic

Quick

Across 1 American engulfed by smears keeps going (8) 4 Weapons discovered in farmstead (4) 7 Scruffy togas for Capricorns (5) 9 Cares about farmland (5) 11 The spot to find fish, one hears (5) 12 Loses one’s temper when shown photographs (5) 13 Back for only a very short period of time (6) 15 Claim supporter is in drink (6) 19 Academic divisions’ contract details (5) 21 Stop a container loading sulphur (5) 23 Paces around room (5) 24 Went for a dip in front of Indian teacher (5) 25 Weaken, having no pudding (4) 26 Steed Pam trained to take flight (8) Down 1 Small seals or baby birds, by the sound of it (7) 2 Out of tune harps are incisive (5) 3 Want to take a run, and got close

Across 1/23 Exhaust through overuse (4,4) 3 Unpredictable changes (8) 9 Defeat decisively (7) 10 Nimble (5) 11 Male duck (5) 12 Playground device (6) 14 Be of service to (6) 16 Go back (6) 19 Make attractive or lovable (6) 21 Quarrel (5) 24 Open to view (5) 25 Daunt (7) 26 Great in number (8) 27 Legal document (4)

(6) 5 Belts made from hose (5) 6 The girl in the Fair Isle sweater (4) 8 Rural lover was in trouble (5) 10 Built gates for theatre (5) 14 Moans about fishes (5) 16 Movements one might expect

from bounders (5) 17 Learned about rude tie (7) 18 Complain heartless left has last word (6) 19 Checks damaged stick (5) 20 Petty quarrel in health spa today (4) 22 Time to comfort badger (5)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 3 represents Z and 23 represents B, so fill in Z every time the figure 3 appears and B every time the figure 23 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 Beds, 4 Enters, 8 Servant, 9 Alter, 10 Aunt, 11 Gruesome, 13 Sarcastic, 17 Exciting, 19 Mane, 21 Amass, 22 Edifice, 23 Bedsit, 24 Seem.

Down: 2 Errands, 3 Swag, 4 Entertainment, 5 Travesty, 6 Ratio, 7 Greed, 8 Stay, 12 Protests, 14 Cyanide, 15 Began, 16 Peke, 18 Chase, 20 Bias.

QUICK Across: 1 Rip-offs, 5 Crass, 8 Drama, 9 Crimson, 10 War, 11 Toil, 12 Loss, 14 Extra, 16 Oasis, 18 Nudge, 19 Salsa, 21 Char, 22 Last, 25 Cry, 27 Antenna, 28 Soggy, 29 Serve, 30 Ensnare.

Down: 1 Rude, 2 Piano, 3 Flawless, 4 Secret, 5 Coin, 6 Abscond, 7 Sinister, 13 Conceals, 15 Analysis, 17 Scatter, 20 Locate, 23 Sigma, 24 Once, 26 Type.

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Ashes, 4 Siglo, 7 Traveller, 10 Col, 15 Aguanieve, 17 Yolks, 18 Argue.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Down: 1 Abad, 2/8 Hot air, 3 Soap, 4 Seed, 5 Golfo, 6 Obra, 9 Igual, 11 Baby, 12 Ants, 13 Ceja, 14 Glue, 16 Egg.

20 Go into (5)

17 Exultantly proud and

22 Angry stare (5)

joyful (6)

23 See 1 Across

18 Gold-like brass (6)

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

Across 1 Beicon (5) 3 Heather (5) 7 Prescription (6) 9 Dinner (4) 10 Embalse (9) 13 Years (4) 14 Mother-in-law (6) 16 Spider (5) 17 Dressing gowns (5) Down 1 Pájaro (4) 2 Deber (3) 4 Tarde (últimas horas) (7) 5 To pray (say prayers) (4) 6 Tasty (7) 8 Creamy (f) (7) 11 Berry (4) 12 Coches (automóviles) (4) 15 That (f) (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 (BASICS) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

BASICS (10)

RESUME

BEARER

SLAYER

BLEARY

STARRY

CHARMS

STRAIN

FEARED

SUCKLE

NAILED

THEIRS

PLATES

TRAMPS

PRINCE

TREATS

RAGING

TREATY

RAKING

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the name of a current English Premier League manager: MY RASCAL DEAL FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: THE ITALIAN JOB, SAM ALLARDYCE

Unscramble the name of a famous 1969 British caper film (three words): IN THE BOAT JAIL

Down 1 Take back or away (8) 2 Distinctive fragrance (5) 4 Reluctant (6) 5 Not in a state of sleep (5) 6 Mimic (7) 7 Beef and vegetable dish (4) 8 If not (6) 13 Clerical title (8) 15 Bright ray (7)

1 Lashes, 2 Shells, 3 Affect, 4 Patrol, 5 Estate, 6 Bucket, 7 Simple, 8 Tracks, 9 Hamper, 10 Struck, 11 Rescue, 12 Spikes, 13 Astute, 14 Sickle, 15 Insect, 16 Larder, 17 Hissed, 18 Island, 19 Endure

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ets P

PETS

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Introducing a dog into a household with cats

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 and kittens that are raised together often will grow up as friends, not knowing that they’re not supposed to get along.

Many times, however, you may want or need to add a dog to a household

with cats, or vice-versa.

A general rule for the easiest integration is that the new animal should be younger and of the opposite sex, even between dogs and cats.

It may be easier to bring in a puppy to a cat household, as the puppy

won’t be as big or as threatening as a dog, and may not think of a cat as something to chase.

On the other hand, an active, playful puppy may be more annoying or frightening to an adult cat than would be an adult dog that behaved calmly around cats.

Also know that certain breeds of dogs are less likely to be safe around cats.

This includes

terriers and sight hounds (due to a stronger prey drive), and herding breeds (who may nip at the cats’ heels, trying to herd them).

Supervise all interactions, keeping the dog on a leash, until you are certain that he is cat-safe.

If the dog starts to chase the cat or is at all aggressive, give a quick jerk on the leash, and use the ‘sit’ or ‘leave it’ commands.

Praise the dog (or give a treat) the instant he complies and stops trying to get to the cat.

PUPPIES & KITTENS: May grow up as friends.

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OPINION & COMMENT

Will you use your vote?

VICTORIA WESTHEAD of the British Lawyers Spain commented: “Expats should still have the right to vote even though they are living outside the UK, as there may be repercussions in the future.

“What happens if you want to return to the UK? There are also many expats that still have interests in the UK such as property, family and other kinds of ties. Maybe it would be an idea to introduce a condition within this restriction, so that people are clear on what their options are.”

Darren of Darrmar Rubbish Clearance in Mallorca simply replied: “I am only interested in what happens to the pound and also the interest rates, as I have property in the UK. I have been living in Spain for the last seven years and have no plans to vote in the UK now. I had no respect for any particular party when I lived in the UK, and I still don’t think much of any of them now.”

Vicky Cartledge, a budding actress from Los Montesinos, working with

With both the UK and Spanish General Elections coming up, we decided to ask if you intend to vote in the UK elections and whether expats should be able to. We also wanted to know if you think expatriates should be able to vote in the Spanish General Election?

STREET TALK STEPHEN: Would like to be able to vote in Spain.

VICKY: Should be able to choose where to vote.

Siesta Productions said: “I don’t generally vote as there are never any parties where I agree with all of

their policies so I can never choose, but I think if people pay into the system here and they want to vote here, they should be able to have the right to vote in Spain and give up their UK vote.”

Psychotherapist Stephen Ashley, who has clinics across the Costa Blanca in Alicante, L’Alfaz del Pi and Benijofar agrees that you should be able to choose where you vote: “I have lost my right to vote in the UK as I have been in Spain for more than 15 years, but there were always problems with voting in the UK as the postal voting forms always arrived too late.

“I think you should be able to choose where you vote, your country of origin, or country of residence, like with paying your taxes. I would like to be able to vote in Spain as it impacts on me directly.”

VICTORIA: People need to be clear on what their options are.

I don’t want it...

I’ll dump it here!

By Tony Matthews With people clearly having received some new furniture, or having received some vouchers/ money to go out and buy household and/or garden goods, some inconsiderate folk are still dumping their unwanted mattresses, beds, cupboards, sunloungers and other ‘big’ items near to rubbish bins, hoping the council will take them away.

I know who decided to unload a few ‘over-sized’ items in the vicinity of Cabrera which I removed myself...

No one in their right mind (if they have one) would choose to drive six/seven kilometres up a mountain from Turre (or anywhere else in

Contact your local town hall if you have any big unwanted items

fact) to get rid of their unwanted goods?

Along with many coresidents, we are fed up with these so-called litter louts who no consideration whatsoever when it comes to tossing out their unwanted trash.

By the way, do you know of anyone from the Turre / Cabrera / Los Gallardos area who has recently purchased a new hot tub cover as a

rather old tatty one has been ditched on the side of a road near me.

Also I have recently picked up and despatched in the appropriate place, a microwave, TV, a cot and a buggy, plus a box full of odds and ends, including used nappies, and sadly some dead pet creatures in boxes. Who are these nasty people?

What’s wrong with these people, the litter dumpers of our community? If you have something ‘big’; to get rid of, simply contact your local town hall... they have all the necessary details as to where you can dispose of large, unwanted household items.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ealth & beauty H

TRUS

our a

dvert

WE D

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O!

TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM

The upside of being at home is I get to see my children more Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving

4th February I SEEM to have escaped the ravages of the chemo aftermath and yet again feel fine. Well, I say fine, my veins are extremely painful. Chemo is hard on veins so I will just have to grin and bear it.

There are only four more sessions to go.

Apart from that my appetite is excellent, a bit too good!

My taste buds are still in full action which is such a relief, but I know that this could change at any minute.

I do notice a strange sensation in my mouth, a little like trying to say a tongue twister and have noticed that on occasions I have to make a real effort to pronounce certain words well. I am also a little forgetful and find my mind wandering, which is unusual for me but nothing that concerns me. Keep eating well and exercising and all should be fine.

Today was World Cancer Day and there have been

some fabulous programmes on Spanish TV. There seem to be lots of shops springing up offering wigs, scarves, mastectomy bras, swimwear, cosmetics and basically anything that will help people recovering from cancer to feel and look as good as they can.

One shop even had stylish plastic cutlery because some people cannot stand the metallic taste of metal cutlery.

There is also an interesting online group called Change.

Org and I have been following a Spanish lawyer who has petitioned the government for a change in the law with regards to benefit.

She has worked all her life and paid into the system, but the benefit system has let her down and she has received little or no financial support.

Another woman recovering from breast cancer gets up at 6am and goes out to fish to earn a living when she is in no condition to work. Pulling in the nets has aggravated her arm and made it swell.

Now I am no bleeding heart and I definitely believe in selfhelp and just getting on with things, but I was touched by their stories. Having received so many votes via social media they were on national television talking about their stories today. The world is upside down.

TO TREASURE: An embroidered towel featuring my favourite things.

It seems to me that lazy people are given everything and working people who hit hard times through illness are sidelined. I will get off my soapbox for now, but finance is an important aspect and without the support of friends and family, having cancer and being unable to work could be more stressful than the actual side-effects of cancer treatment.

Aiming to keep stress to a minimum, I have been taking long walks by the beach and really getting into cooking.

The upside of being at home for me is that I get to see my children much more.

It is so good to greet them from school, make them a meal, take them to their extra curricula activities, revise with them and just be with them.

I like knowing that they are having a hot, healthy meal… they are being super-charged

with veggies and fruit which is great all round. I still make their favourite pear and chocolate cake or cheesecake, always room for goodies too!

Time to plan some fun things for the weekend. The children really deserve it.

Lately they have astounded me with their shift in attitude.

They have always been very level-headed about their Mum having cancer but they have matured so much in such a short time. Total collaboration in the house now!

At last there isn’t a punchup over who is going to wash up! Dirty clothes are put in the wash basket, beds are made and homework is done without a reminder from me.

I am really proud of them.

They have finally understood that I can do most things, but the one thing I can’t handle at the moment is conflict or stress. I will seek out some

meditation CDs, I think, and as a very funny yoga teacher up in the hills of Comares used to say “water my inner garden!”

I end on a high note and want to thank a very special lady called Melissa Jagger.

We were at school together 30 years ago and she has a fabulous company called Fabrickids making bespoke towels and all sorts. I haven’t seen her since we left school, but via social media she heard that I had cancer and did a wonderfully kind thing.

Can you imagine my surprise at receiving a towel embroidered with my name made by her just for me? It gave me such a lift and a wave of emotion engulfed me.

It turns out that my sister was in cahoots with her for ideas of my favourite things. Thank you, Melissa, I will treasure it.

Good people do exist!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Calm down, relax and do some yoga DEPRESSION is the most common psychological disorder in the Western world, with around 10 times more people being diagnosed with depression now than 70 years ago.

It can require years of therapy and often medication to control it, but yoga is now being prescribed for people with mild depression and low level anxiety as a way to help control the pressures of juggling busy lives.

One recent study compared levels of the amino acid GABA, vital for a well-functioning brain and promoting feelings of calmness, in those who practise yoga regularly compared to those who do an equivalent amount of walking, and found they were significantly higher in those who did yoga.

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, also found that the deep physiological state of rest induced through yoga resulted in a positive change in immune function, energy metabolism and insulin secretion, which is also known for triggering the production of serotonin

which makes us feel good.

Trials have also shown that yoga is helpful for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a study on the impact of yoga and breathing on soldiers who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan and who had been diagnosed with PTSD.

12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

YOGA: Helpful for patients with posttraumatic stress.

Their symptoms were assessed one week before the beginning of the yoga programme and then a week, a month and a year after its completion.

They found that those who did yoga exercises and breathing showed fewer or less intense PTSD symptoms.

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Go easy on the jogging for a longer life LIGHT jogging is safer and healthier than heavy, strenuous running.

Scientists have found that jogging three times a week for around 20-48 minutes each time is best for us, with heavy jogging being almost as bad as doing nothing.

A study found that people who jogged three times a week at a slow or moderate pace had the lowest rates of death with heavy joggers as likely to die as those leading a sedentary life.

Previous studies have

suggested that activities such as marathons, triathlons and very long distance bicycle races may cause structural changes to the heart and large arteries, leading to lasting injury.

In the latest study, researchers in Denmark tracked 1,098 healthy joggers and 413 healthy but sedentary nonjoggers for 12 years.

They found that light jogging from one to 2.4 hours per week was associated with the lowest mortality rates.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Craze for selfies not helpful THE craze for skinny selfies is fuelling eating disorders.

That’s the warning from a consultant psychiatrist at the Priory hospital group who said more and more young women suffering from eating disorders are taking pictures of themselves and sharing them on social media.

The fear is that this is encouraging others to copy and the trend is creating damaging psychological pressures that can exacerbate anorexia.

‘Thinspiration’ websites, which display images of concave stomachs and protruding ribs are being blamed for encouraging others with eating disorders to lose more weight.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

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Advertising Feature

The perfect choice for today’s fashionconscious man WE all like to look our best and men are now more aware of fashion and style than ever.

Vidal Cano has everything for the fashion-conscious male with outfits available for any occasion from a stylish ensemble for a night out on the town to sportswear for active males.

Looking for something a little more formal? No problem, Vidal Cano stocks a good range of suits, shirts and ties as well as accessories to look your best at special events such as weddings and formal gatherings.

TOP OF THE RANGE: Everything from a stylish ensemble for a night out to sportswear for active males.

Regular promotions and discounts are available throughout the year at Vidal Cano in Garrucha and Mojacar.

Quality and style are the focus of the stores and they stock a wide range of labels including Pertegaz, Star Wear, R. Bassi, Peyton, Privata, Pierre Cardin and Vhoe.

Cut out the Vidal Cano advert below

QUALITY LABELS: Quality and style are the focus of the stores. and receive a free gift with any purchase.

The stores have regular promotions and discounts throughout the year, so

ensure that you pop in whenever you are in the area whether you are buying for yourself or the special man in your life.

The stores are located at Paseo Malecon, 96 in Garrucha and Parque Comercial, Local 35 in Mojacar. Tel: 850 998 217.

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E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

The great shopping divide Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

D

ragging my feet I reluctantly followed my lady wife into the shopping mall.

In my imagination a portal overhead with a curved sign: ‘All Men who Enter Here Ye are Doomed.’ Outside a La Zenia department store, like rows of birds on garden parapets, were perched dispirited men.

Eventually, their nearest and dearest, blinking in the sunlight, would emerge from the darkest bowels of the clothes shed. I know how these men felt as I sat there for the same reason.

An hour or so later I dejectedly traced the footsteps of my empty-handed, but otherwise never-say-die wife, to the C & A

SHOPPING MALLS: Are for women, what football or at least sports bars, are to men. store, aka ‘coats and ‘ats.’ Once inside I chanced upon a single forlorn gentleman. He might well have wished he was single. To his credit he had at least bagged the store’s only seat. “Keep your husband moving, ma’am. We are stocktaking.”

It is not for me to rain on young men’s parades. However, it did occur to me that the newly

betrothed might be under the illusion that their wife’s indecisiveness when shopping suggests they pulled the short straw. Those of us on wife two or three, regret to inform you that they are all the same; live with it.

If you find one that says she doesn’t like shopping you can wipe the stupid grin off your face. You haven’t landed on your

feet, you have married a liar.

Most of us men consider shopping as depressing as a burning orphanage. Yet, our loved ones persist in trying to change us.

The hapless bunch of planners and architects, who spend millions in their search for the Holy Grail of customer appeal, come up with seductive lures.

Stores and shopping malls are for women what football, or at least sports bars are, to men.

When will these planners have the wit to come up with something to bait the menfolk?

Is it a challenge too far?

To attract and keep the men interested, even enthusiastic, might I suggest shopping malls with a scattering of sleazy bars, each with pool tables, staffed with well-proportioned barmaids, and patronised by dodgy blokes doing deals. This would have the effect of transforming wives into husbands.

Rapier-like, skirts would sweep through the clothing stores.

Making a beeline to the apparel closest to their needs, the ladies would grab the first thing that comes to hand. Jumping the checkout queue, purses at the ready, they would be out of the store doors as quick as a pit-stop team changes a Ferrari wheel. It is the way we men do it.

Advertising feature

Edward William for appropriate insurance

E

DWARD WILLIAM INSURANCES is a name well known in the world of marine insurance.

Their company motto ‘Any boat, Any waters, Any use, Anywhere’ has stood them in good stead for many years. Recently and partly due to clients’ requests, they have expanded into the field of general insurance and now offer: home, travel, business, health, pet, public liability and, of course, boat insurance.

Edward William Insurance Services are insurance brokers. Their principal interest is always the welfare of their clients; happy clients make for good business.

Providing appropriate insurance cover is a key point that is often overlooked by both clients and some brokers until it is too late.

“Sorry, Mrs Smith, but I’m afraid that’s not covered,” is not a phone call that ever generated repeat business. Neither is: “Yes, I know you’ve paid the premiums for over 10 years, but you really should have read your (Spanish) policy more carefully.”

Edward William Insurance policies come in both English and Spanish, the company is well established and based on traditional business values. The office staff are native English speakers, helpful and well versed in both Spanish and international insurances.

No insurance companies ever like to pay out, that’s true, a good insurance broker’s help with a claim is just as essential as choosing the right policy.

Good brokers will explain what insurance is on offer so the client can choose

BOAT COVER: Home, travel, business, health, pet and public liability insurance also now available. what’s best. Cheap is not good if inappropriate insurance lets you down when you need it.

For good and ‘appropriate’ insurance cover in English for your home, business, health,

travel or pets, with a level of service you’ll come to appreciate, all at a fair price, talk it over with Edward William Insurance Services.

Either call 952 476 090 or visit their website www.

edwardwilliaminsurance. com and receive your quote online. The quote is usually immediate and if not they will return your enquiry within 24 hours.

Insurance tip: Signwriting a van is a non-

manufacturer-approved vehicle modification which should be reported to any prospective insurer.

It may not affect your insurance premium, but it could affect your claim.

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COMMUNITY

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EW

Co m N m Ne C u ig o h b rn ni ou e ty

Birthday celebrations ELEANOR TOLMAN has celebrated her 65th birthday surrounded by loved ones while receiving good wishes from friends on the telephone, Skype and Facebook Eleanor is one half of Eleanor and Gilly’s Monday Afternoon Line Dance Class, a group that makes exercise fun while also raising money for charities including F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone).

Eleanor has been enjoying a few days meeting up with friends, was presented with a birthday cake from the line dancing group and enjoyed afternoon tea with the ladies from Carrie’s Dusty Boots before enjoying a big bash in Albox on Saturday February 7.

Happy birthday Eleanor!

rh

oo

d

r

Ne

w

s

Birthday girl with husband Richard.

Gracie’s pups need a home HELPING ANIMALS ALMANZORA rescued a golden Labrador, Gracie. The following day she gave birth to 11 puppies!

Sadly one didn’t survive, but the other 10 are seeking homes, nine girls and one boy.

The pups’ father is

medium to large dogs.

Mum Grace will be seeking a home too.

Nine girls and one boy. unknown, but the pups are expected to be

Royal British Legion ROYAL BRITISH LEGION’S aim is to give welfare assistance to serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces and their families. To do this, funds are predominantly raised through Poppy Appeal and functions.

Future events include Andalucian Day, Easter Thursday and St George’s Day lunches and trips to Cartagena, Alicante and Cabo de Gata.

The RBL in Mojacar is always looking for new members and would be pleased to hear of any new ideas for fundraising events and are happy to take up offers of help. For more information contact Mick Coote (president) on 678 101 471.

If you can offer a home to Gracie or any of her pups, contact helping-animalsalmanzora@hotmail.com or pop into the Arboleas shop.

In loving memory FOR a small donation MACS have a memorial page where they are happy to add your lost loved one with any information and photos you might like to send.

Please send in a word document, while photos should be in jpg format, to macscancersupport@ live.co.uk

Church of England info on services COMMUNION is held at Aljambra, Albox, at 11am on the last Thursday of each month and is usually followed by lunch. There are also services every Sunday at 7pm and communion is celebrated every Sunday at 11am at Llanos del Peral and at Mojacar.

editorial@euroweeklynews.com

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OPINION & COMMENT

The Musketeers are to return for a third series on BBC One to the stage to perform 2013’s winning song ‘Only Teardrops’.

The third act to be added to the line-up is 1982 German winner Nicole.

Richard Shanley

DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL

THE MUSKETEERS will return to BBC One for a third series, it has been confirmed.

The show’s recommissioning was made possible by financial backing from BBC Worldwide and BBC America, who also contributed to the first two series.

A BBC Worldwide spokesman said: “The Musketeers has delighted audiences at home and around the world and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to financially support bringing a third series to the BBC, with improved value for the licence fee payer.” News of the period adventure’s renewal first

Eurovision celebrates 60th anniversary

THE MUSKETEERS: New series to start shooting in Czech Republic. surfaced when director Andy Hay announced on Twitter that new episodes would start shooting in the Czech Republic from April.

The Musketeers stars Luke Pasqualino, Tom Burke, Howard Charles and Santiago Cabrera as the eponymous heroes, with Alexandra Dowling, Ryan Gage, Maimie McCoy and Tamla Kari

also among the cast.

MORE winners have been added to the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest concert in London next month. Finnish rockers Lordi, the only hard rock act ever to win the competition, will perform 2006’s winning song ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’.

Denmark’s third winner Emmelie de Forest will also take

She will perform her song ‘Ein Bißchen Frieden’ (A Little Peace), which she sang in the competition aged 17. After her victory, the English language version of the song became a UK number one-selling single.

These winners join the already announced line-up of 2014 winner Conchita Wurst, Swedish 1984 champions Herreys and Natasha St-Pier, who represented France in 2001 with ‘Je n’ai que mon âme’.

Graham Norton and Petra Mede will host the BBC’s 60th Eurovision anniversary show at the Eventim Hammersmith Apollo on March 31. Tickets go on sale from 9am on February 6, and the event will be broadcast on BBC One and throughout Europe.

If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 & 106.8FM, now covering over 2,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.

Advertising feature

Dedicated to the highest quality legal services MARTÍNEZ-ECHEVARRÍA, PÉREZ and FERRERO LAWYERS has been, since it was founded in 1983, a firm completely dedicated to providing the highest quality in legal services.

At this firm, the efforts are driven by a vocation to be innovative and a strong commitment to achieving the goals set out by their clients. Excellence is the paramount value in this company when pursuing the goals identified for each one of the cases entrusted to them.

Client satisfaction and the contribution to adding value to their interests are the main priorities.

A clear differentiator of this firm is its international nature. This becomes apparent through the presence in several European countries where they own offices: Spain, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Portugal. The command of foreign languages is an essential requirement for all their lawyers: they offer advice in Spanish, English, French, Dutch, German, Swedish and Russian.

The main asset is their team of around 80 lawyers who bring on board a high degree of specialisation providing this firm with a competitive advantage which is unbeatable in all the areas of practice and jurisdictions where it is present.

LEGAL SOLUTIONS: Specialists Eva van Hogen and Rafael Fígares can help.

Each lawyer in this firm delivers on their commitments with the maximum ability for the task entrusted. This is achieved

through continuous training and the internal specialised support system within the practice.

Their professional services include legal advice ranging from private client to corporate and commercial, including all litigation issues in all areas of practice. At their offices in Almeria and Mojacar, solicitor Rafael Fígares, who previously worked at a British law firm in Madrid, and his assistant Eva van Hogen offer all types of legal solutions with specialisation in real estate. These include regularisation of properties with urban planning, ‘catastral’, land registry or administrative problems; refund for non-residents of the 3 per cent tax retention of the purchase price; recovery of the amounts paid to the developer as per bank guarantee or ‘aval’; mortgage negotiation with banks and organisation of the proper documentation for conveyancing; opposition to mortgage foreclosure judicial proceedings, elimination of ‘cláusulas suelo’ in mortgage contracts, estate planning through testamentary succession after entry into force of the EU Succession Regulation, and probate.

For more information visit their website www.martinezechevarria.com or their office on the 1st floor of the commercial centre in Mojacar Playa.

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WE DO!

Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local restaurants

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& DRINK

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Well worth a visit EL GUARDUCHA on the outskirts of Albox is worth a visit any day of the week, but the extensive Sunday lunch menu is definitely good value and very tasty.

To start we had a magnificent salad to share between us, which for me was a pleasure to be able to enjoy a fresh salad without it just being covered with canned items and instead we had nice crisp lettuce with additions such as avocado and hard boiled eggs as well as various other ingredients. To follow the salad I had the baked aubergine which was half an aubergine stuffed with mince and covered in a bechamel sauce and cheese.

My companions had the lasagne, the cannelloni and the moussaka and from their comments they agreed with me the quality was very good.

My companion who had the cannelloni was especially impressed as he, just like the chef, was born and raised in Barcelona

and the cannelloni was typical of how it is cooked in Barcelona leading him to sing its praises the whole way through.

For the main course I ordered the sirloin steak which was cooked over natural firewood and along with the good quality of the meat gave it a very special flavour; although there is a small extra charge for the steak it is, in my opinion, more than worth every penny. My companions ordered the roast lamb shank,

GOOD VALUE: And very tasty too. the hake and the sole, recommended by the chef. All the way through our meal we were attentively served by Pedro, who as well as his friendliness and excellent skills as a waiter, impressed us all by being able to speak five different languages!

For dessert, the only course where two

of our diners chose the same dish, we had profiteroles, tiramisu and crème catalan.

For me it was a pleasure to have a homemade dessert and my companions who had the tiramisu said, although it wasn’t a traditional tiramisu, with the influence of Barcelona being seen, it was fantastic.

We all agreed we would love to return but you need to be very hungry!

Tel: 698 369 075

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FOOD & DRINK

Advertising feature

Visit Los Conteros in Villaricos for high standards of food and service CHRIS and Lenka have been at Los Conteros for just over a year now. Changes have been made within the restaurant area and of course the menus are reviewed on a regular basis, but one important factor remains settled and that is THE TEAM. Lenka is supported during service by Elle and Sebita whilst Chris is backed up by Caroline in the kitchen.

The versatile Ina, the Dutch member of the team assists where required. This team has been together for a year now and are dedicated to bring high standards of food and service to the customers of Los Conteros.

As mentioned, the menus are constantly reviewed, recently added are the Midweek Roast, served Wednesday Lunch and the Winter Warmer, a set threecourse menu served Thursday Lunch and priced at 8.90€pp.

LOS CONTEROS: Caters for all requirements, both lunch or evening.

Sunday Lunch is a busy time at Los Conteros and a two sitting system is used, booking is becoming essential and is strongly advised.

Luncheon Groups, Birthday Parties or other celebrations for parties of eight to 50 with a

menu tailored to suit or just a group of friends for Menu del Dia at 11.50€pp. Los Conteros caters for all requirements both lunch or evening, just give them a call or call in and have a chat.

Los Conteros do not put themselves into a ‘Restaurant

type,’ yes there are Fish and Chips on a Friday and Sunday Roast but equally you can find dishes of Spanish, Italian and Mexican styles, Steaks, Duck, Goat and fresh Fish as well as Vegetarian options, neither do they say they are ‘the best at this’ and ‘the best at that,’ preferring to let customers decide.

The sunny terrace is perfect for a morning coffee or for lunch, even at this time of the year so why not pop in, say hello and have a look at what they have to offer, the team will always make you welcome.

Tel 950 618 629/699 010 705

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FOOD & DRINK

Are you a bar or restaurant that advertises with EWN? AT EWN we have our clients’ best interests at heart. Getting your news out to the public can sometimes be a struggle, but we here at EWN want to help.

Have you changed your menu, recently renovated or won an award?

Do you have an upcoming charity event you’d like to publicise? Do you have a new member of staff? Maybe you’d like to take part in our ‘Restaurant’ experience?

Your establishment provides a meal for two which we will review and publish - with pictures in your local edition.

If you have any news of interest that you would like to get out to local readers, then please let us know. We cannot promise to publish everything, but we will do our best.

Please send your news and photos to whatson@euroweeklynews.com

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

COSY VENUE: With a sunny terrace and giving the best customer service possible.

Advertising feature

Pimienta Rosa: a very PIMIENTA ROSA opened a little more than three months ago as a completely new and cosy venue.

Their philosophy is to provide a quality product using the best produce from the land, intended for all visitors

and tastes and always striving to give the best customer service possible.

Their innovative speciality tapas are mixed with more traditional local fayre as well as with grilled meats, fried fish and

home-made desserts. They also include in the menu burgers and bagels for everyone.

This is a family business with more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality trade and is located in Huercal Overa on Avenida Doctor Jiminez Diaz, 3 on a

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

TRUST our advertisers

y special venue very sunny and pretty plaza with easy access to a children’s playground.

Pimienta Rosa is open all day from 8am so you can enjoy a good breakfast with their spectacular coffee which is 100 per cent natural.

There is also an a la carte menu available, a menu del

dia from Monday to Friday and a large selection of gin, wines and beers.

Pimienta Rosa is easily found on Facebook and can be contacted on 850 998 310.

The venue is closed on Sundays.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Advertising feature

Ferreteria Lepanto you won’t want to leave LEPANTO has been a firm fixture in the centre of Albox since 2002 and is the first shop on the list for many customers who need anything for their home maintenance. This is not the type of hardware store that you can just pop into, you will want to stay and buy more!

There is everything from cleaning products for your swimming pool to fittings for the amateur plumber, also wood and paint, to barbecue accessories including an excellent range of garden furniture.

If you require any electrical components there is a vast selection of plugs, cables, and much more than you could buy from any standard ferreteria.

The team is friendly and helpful, including Englishspeaking assistant Isabel, and other staff who will bend over backwards to help you.

Finding Ferreteria Lepanto is

HARDWARE STORE: Everything you could need for home maintenance. easy. Entering Avenida Lepanto from the traffic lights by the petrol station, it is located on the right hand side.

There is parking on the road outside the store, or in the side street just around the corner.

Visit the website at www.ferreterialepanto.com Ferreteria Lepanto Avda. Lepanto 33 04800 Albox or call on 950 121 983 685 116 201

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

TRUST our advertisers

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Advertising feature

Dorothy Baños - everything for a quality bathroom IF the kitchen is the heart of your home then the bathroom is the haven. A long soak in a beautiful bath with candles and a glass of wine, or an invigorating shower to wake you up and give you the energy to face your day, can make all the difference to your quality of life.

Dorothy Baños in Albox has a wide range of bathroom fixtures and fittings to breathe life into what is probably the most important room of the house. There are a wide range of bathroom suites available to ensure that your bathroom is gleaming, and provides you with a room to be proud of.

Of course once your bathroom suite is installed and looking amazing, you will want to decorate it with stylish accessories. Dorothy Baños has a superb range of bathroom accessories

A HAVEN: Finish your room to perfection. to add those final touches.

Contemporary pots and containers and a whole lot more will finish off the room to perfection.

Dorothy Baños is located at Calle Barcelona, 3 in Albox and can be contacted by telephone on 661 463 842. Don’t compromise. Give your bathroom the love and respect it deserves, today.

HOMES & GARDENS

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12 - 18 February 2015/ Costa de Almería

omes&gardens

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SPONSORED BY

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

Ideas for small garden relaxation and leisure

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.

MANY expats do not have a thousand or more square metres of space in which to develop a garden, and some only have a hundred or two at the back of the house or a similar space at the front. But such small spaces can be converted into delightful gardens for relaxing and entertaining.

We look at some of the possibilities for achieving the following objectives.

1. Easy to develop.

2. Easy to maintain and keep clean.

3. A space in which to relax and entertain.

4. Has privacy.

5. Can be enjoyed all the year round.

6. Something different.

First let’s look at privacy from the road or overlooking houses. These days there is a wide variety of fencing materials for fixing to one to two-metre-high wire mesh fencing if you do not have high dividing or front walls.

Against this one can grow a wide variety of climbing plants such as bougainvillaeas, pandorea jasminoides, jasmin polyanthis, dipledenias, passion flowers, climbing roses, lonicera, pyrostegia venustas, solanum or even a mix of variegated ivies.

Each of these can be trimmed and tied in tight so as not to take up too much valuable floor space.

These plants can also be grown over a wooden or

PICTURE PERFECT: Easy to maintain and keep clean. metal gazebo frame to provide shelter from the hottest suns and winds and additional privacy.

For preparing food alfresco the most convenient are a gas barbecue and a paella cooker or parabolic solar cooker.

Additional shade could be provided by one or two trees with tall bare trunks or an awning. To keep soil from spreading, front the

climbing plants and trees with low retaining walls. A few perennial aromatic herb plants, like lavender and rosemary, could be planted between the trunks of the climbers.

I suggest that any other plants are grown in attractive containers.

Now what to have underfoot? Practical clean possibilities are tiles, crazy paving, impressed coloured

concrete which is available in a wide range of designs and colours, artificial grass laid over concrete, and an area of slatted wooden decking.

Additional magic can be added by water fountains self-standing or as part of a small fish or terrapin pond, a Jacuzzi, a bird aviary, lights for the evening and early hours and piped music from a couple of loudspeakers to play music.

To enjoy the sun or shade have one or two attractive sunbeds. Place the dining table under the awning, gazebo or tree, perhaps moving it according to the weather and time of year.

I hope that these ideas will enable readers to use their limited space and relaxation time to the full. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com February 2015

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PROPERTY

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Detached rural villa THIS is a stunning detached rural villa with an array of very attractive features. The plot size is an incredible 104,249m2 with superb views all around and the build size is 362.35m2. The property does need a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory, but this is just cosmetic.

From the tarmac road is a very easy and level track to the main sliding double gates. The property sits elevated with commanding 360 degree views. There is also a long run of fenced kennels with water supplied. To the front of the villa is a huge terrace with a central 10m x 5m private pool incorporating a diving board and slide. Here you will also find a seven seat Jacuzzi with a shady cover. There is also a shower room with separate W/C.

LOUNGE: Features a log burning fire.

KITCHEN: With modern fittings and appliances.

The villa is just 15 minutes from Velez Rubio, and around 45 minutes from Aguilas and San Juan beaches.

The layout includes: entrance hallway, with a W/C and a huge modern fitted kitchen with appliances. Doors lead from the dining room to the covered terrace and gardens.

There is a utility room and boiler room.

The dining room leads into a huge lounge with a log burning fire and super views.

The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and a large

en suite bathroom. Double doors lead out to a huge roof solarium with stunning 360 degree views.

Another three double bedrooms have their own fitted wardrobes, a family bathroom with full bath and separate shower cubicle. At the end of the hallway is a door to the double garage with up and over doors to the driveway.

Other features include mains water and electric, oil fired central heating, reliable internet, sat TV and an enclosed dog run.

Spanish Landline: (0034) 950 469 592 - Spanish Mobile: (0034) 697 640 681 or (0034) 659 265 907 UK Cheap Rate: (0044) 121 288 1010 / E-mail: info@colespain.com / Skype: Colespain.com / Web: www.colespain.com

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FOR RESULTS EVERY WEEK

BOATS / CARS / JOBS / SERVICES / PETS / BIKES / FURNITURE / PROPERTY / MOTORING / FOR SALE

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E W N 12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería 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@eu roweeklynews.com for more details.

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LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN. www.solarmegastore.es (232103) 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 in fo@sunergyalmeria.com (228399)

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 car los.saliente@gmail.com (226233)

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

New GT racer takes to the track BMW’s new figurehead for the GT racing scene has been given its first run.

The test track at the premises of the BMW factory in Dingolfing (DE) provided the stage for the roll-out of the BMW M6 GT3, with which BMW teams will compete in national and international series, as well as at iconic endurance races, from 2016 onwards.

The car left the garage for the first time with Jörg Müller at the wheel.

This gave the BMW works driver the honour of creating the next milestone in the development of the BMW M6 GT3.

“This is a big moment for everyone who has worked so intensely and passionately on the development of the BMW M6 GT3 in recent months,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “This car incorporates all the experience we have gained in

recent years on the endurance and GT racing circuits. We are well on schedule with the development, and are confident we will be able to take to the track in 2016 with a package that is competitive from the outset.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved with this fantastic project.”

Müller was thrilled with his outing in Dingolfing. “It is a fantastic moment when you walk into the garage and see this stunningly beautiful car. I am very proud to have taken it out for its first few kilometres. A roll-out is obviously just an initial performance test but, on the whole, everything was very good and we had no problems,” he said.

FIRST RUN: BMW’s new figurehead for the GT racing scene.

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MOTORING

Mini overall winner for holding its value IT could be that the best investment on four wheels is a Mini.

This was the result arrived at by German car magazine Auto Bild, which has published the new Value Master ranking in its latest issue. With the new Mini Cooper fivedoor, it was not only the Value Master 2015 in the small car category, but also the overall winner of all categories.

This means that the fivedoor and five-seater body version of the new original in the premium small car segment is the model that offers the longest-lasting value on the German automobile market.

The Value Master title is based on a forecast

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

Alan 662 249 159

VALUE MASTER 2015: The new Mini Cooper fivedoor.

compiled by experts at the market research institute Schwacke, which looks at the price that can be obtained in four years’ time for a car that was newly registered in 2015.

An assessment is drawn up for each model which includes not just purchase price and vehicle properties but also numerous other factors such as running costs, time of market launch, brand image and the competitor situation within the segment as well as current trends in the automobile market and general economic developments.

This analysis is used to determine which models offer the most lasting value in 13 vehicle categories.

The new Mini Cooper five-door takes over from the Mini Cooper S Countryman as the Value Master 2015 in the small car segment, the latter having achieved the top ranking in 2014.

In so doing it carries forward the success of the brand, which has dominated the small car category ever since 2005 with models such as the predecessor to the new Mini Cooper three-door and the Mini Convertible, as well as regularly coming first in the overall ranking.

The current forecast gives the new Mini Cooper five-door an estimated resale value of 65.6 per cent of the original price.

This is the highest

percentage residual value of all models analysed this year.

The Value Master ranking is an important decisionmaking aid to potential new car buyers. It indicates which models exhibit less difference between their original price and resale value and can therefore be regarded as a sound investment.

The stability forecasts for Mini models are always especially favourable, showing that the original in the premium small car segment is highly popular in the used car market, too.

The success of the new Mini Cooper five-door shows that this tendency applies likewise to the latest model generation.

www.replatematecostablanca.com

Mazda model offensive MAZDA’S model offensive will go into overdrive at the 85th Geneva Motor Show in early March.

The Japanese car-maker will showcase the allnew Mazda CX-3 - its fifth model launch in six months - alongside two new model generations, the all-new Mazda MX-5 and the recently introduced Mazda2, and the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Mazda6.

Front and centre is the Mazda CX-3, as Mazda’s very first small SUV makes its European premiere.

All five models will be available with MZD Connect and the company’s i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology.

Offered in AWD or FWD format, the sleek KODO design and the unconventional combination of performance and fuel efficiency from its SKYACTIV Technology are set to take this rapidly growing segment by storm when it goes on sale in Europe in early summer.

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12 - 18 February 2015 / Costa de Almería

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England off to a terrific start as Spurs ‘Kane’ Arsenal in the derby 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

WE’LL start with Rugby Union... and the Six Nations tournament got off to a terrific start with wins for England over Wales, Ireland in Italy and France versus Scotland.

Injury-struck England came back from 10-0 down to win 21-16 in Cardiff with ‘Man of the Match’ George Ford kicking 11 points. The Irish won comfortably by 26-3 in Rome and the Scots were unlucky to lose 15-8 in Paris.

On Saturday, England play Italy at Twickenham and Ireland meet France in Dublin, while on Sunday it’s Scotland v Wales at Murrayfield. All three games are live on BBC1.

St Helens began their defence of Rugby’s Super League crown by beating Catalan Dragons 18-7.

Widnes (16-0 down and reduced to 12 men) hit back to draw 22-22 with Wigan while Warrington crushed Salford 22-8.

In football, the two Premiership derbies last Saturday finished Everton 0 Liverpool 0 (in Steven Gerrard’s last allMerseyside League clash) and Tottenham (with two Harry Kane goals) beat Arsenal 2-1.

Leaders Chelsea edged Aston Villa 2-1... reigning

champions Manchester City were held 1-1 at home by lowly Hull... Manchester United drew 1-1 at West Ham... QPR lost 1-0 at home to Southampton and the relegation six-pointers ended Burnley 2 WBA 2 and Leicester 0 Crystal Palace 1. During this game, Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was involved in a touchline incident with Palace star James McArthur.

Championship leaders Bournemouth defeated Wigan 3-1... the top two in League One, Bristol City and MK Dons, drew 0-0, allowing Swindon (2-0 winners v Barnsley) to go second... and Burton Albion head League Two after Shrewsbury were held 1-1

by Southend.

Celtic beat Dundee 2-0 to reach the 6th round of the Scottish Cup, but Rangers are out, ousted at Ibrox Park 2-1 by Raith. And here in Spain, Real Madrid suffered their heaviest defeat for four years, losing 4-0 to rivals Atletico in the Madrid derby, while Barcelona walloped Athletic Bilbao 5-2 (Messi, Suarez and Neymar all on target).

After 22 games, it’s Real (54 points), Barcá (53) and Atletico Madrid (50) at the top of La Liga.

The Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Ghana and Equitorial Guinea was suspended for 33 minutes because of crowd trouble.

Players ducked flying bottles thrown by spectators and as players sought safety behind a goal, riot police used tear gas as a helicopter hovered

DID YOU KNOW? Between 1958-60, West Bromwich Albion scored 18 goals in three League visits to Birmingham City, winning 5-3, 7-1 and 6-0, and Nottingham Forest have had 23 managerial changes since Brian Clough left 20 years ago.

Kimi Raikkonen: (left) Fastest in winter testing.

Tiger Woods: (bottom) Withdraws from tournament.

over the stadium. Ghana won 3-0 but the Ivory Coast went on to beat Ghana 9-8 on penalties in the final. The DR of Congo finished third.

There are seven 5th round FA Cup-ties over the weekend: Blackburn-Stoke, Crystal Palace-Liverpool, Derby-Reading and WBAWest Ham play on Saturday; ArsenalMiddlesbrough, Aston VillaLeicester and Bradford CitySunderland play Sunday; Preston meet Manchester United on Monday.

SPORT IN BRIEF * Top deals on football’s

transfer deadline day were: Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina to Chelsea for £23.3m (€31.3); Andre Schurrle, Chelsea to Wolfsburg for £22m (€30m); Dele Alli, MK Dons to Spurs for £5m (€7.1m); Wilfried Zaha, Manchester United to Crystal Palace for £4m (€5.3m) and Dame N’Doye, Lokomotiv Moscow to Hull for £3m (€4m). * Morocco have been banned from the next two Africa Cup of Nations after failing to host this year’s tournament. The country’s football federation was also fined £650,000 (€875,000)

Tiger_Woods_drives_by_Allison

Tony Matthews

and ordered to pay £5.9m (€8m) in damages. * A back injury forced Tiger Woods to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open Golf tournament at Torrey Pines after 11 holes. Aussie Jason Day went on to win the title.

Meanwhile, Anirban Lahiri of India won the

Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur. * In F1, Kimi Raikkonen was the most successful driver in the first preseason test in Jerez, Spain.

His Ferrari was fastest in three of the four days; Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson was second best, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, whose Mercedes team racked up the most mileage. * In tennis, Britain’s women lost to Turkey in a Federation Cup qualifying match in Hungary. * GB’s Lizzy Yarnold has won World Cup and European Championship Skeleton gold medals at the same Alpine track in Austria. * Ireland’s 19-time NH champion jockey ‘AP’ McCoy will retire at the end of this season. He’s had 200 winners so far this term and 4,174 during his career. * And cricket’s World Cup starts tomorrow with England playing hosts Australia in front of 90,000 fans inside the MCG in their opening game.

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Lizzy Yarnold Gold medal winner at World Cup in Austria.

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Palermo men Some very close scoring claim victory

TWO teams of revvedup and enthusiastic golfers met at Marina Golf at the weekend to dispute the right to claim the ‘Ryder Cup.’ A freezing cold start to the day meant that most of the players needed a little time to warm up before displaying their talent, skill and desire to bring home the trophy!

The format was eight x Fourball matches playing a holes-up competition, so every shot on every hole was of the utmost importance. The CG

Marina team was a mix of men and women against the all-male team of El Palermo.

Both captains were optimistic of their chances but there could be only one winner. As the teams came home the scoring was very tight and although CG Marina made a late charge, it was not enough to prevent the men of El Palermo from claiming overall victory by two holes. This closely-fought context was played in the true spirit of the game.

CLOSE scoring was a feature of both competitions this week at Marina Phoenix. In the individual Stableford on Monday, the men’s division saw the first three score 36 points each and could only be separated on countback.

Mike Schorfield came out best, followed by Hylton Smith in second and Antonio Ubeda in third. The ladies division saw Kathy Morris continue her return to form as she won with 34 points from Jackie Dale (32) in second and Margaret Budd (30) in third. Eddie Vaughan won the only two’s prize.

The team game on Thursday was a Texas Scramble, played in fourballs in very windy conditions. Just standing on the elevated tee on the fourth was a feat and balls were frequently blown off the greens.

Despite the conditions, the scoring was impressive, with only a

TEAM EFFORT: Marina Phoenix team winners. point between the first three teams.

A net 60.2 was enough to win the competition for Fred McEvoy, Ali Mahmud, Derick Dale and Jose Nistal. Second on 61 were Les Armfield, Margaret Budd, Steve Entwhistle and Alf Taylor, followed

by Hylton Smith, Alan Morris, Brian Watts and Jim Budd on 61.2.

Nearest the pin prizes went to Don Atkins, Fred McEvoy and Brian Watts.

Marina Phoenix golf plays on Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team).

To join contact Jim on 950 162 727/600 353 670 or Rosalie on 950 397 117/697 512 882.