Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 12 - 18 November 2015 Issue 1584

ISSUENN . 1555 //12 23 29 APRIL 2015 ISSUE O.O1584 - 18-November 2015

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

Politicians head out on the campaign trail PRIME MINISTER and party leaders arrive in Almeria

By Linda Hall The December 20 general elections are more than six weeks off but political leaders are already doing the rounds.

Mariano Rajoy, President of the Spanish Government as well as the Partido Popular (PP), recently visited Almanzora to attend the marble-producers’ annual Premios Macael awards.

“I am proud that the best marble in the world takes Spain to the five continents,” Rajoy said in his closing speech.

Earlier, he met local residents during a walkabout in HuercalOvera (Rajoy is pictured right with councillors in the town).

By accident or design, Pedro Sanchez, who heads the PSOE socialists was also in Almeria, at a party rally in Viator.

Regional President Susana Diaz (pictured top with Sanchez) was there too, and despite rumoured differences, the socialist politicians presented a united front. Almeria is close to his heart, said Sanchez, who confided that this was where

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Remembering victims Event included a group hike up Espiritu Santo hill VERA held a commemorative event on Sunday, November 8, in honour of the 150 victims of an earthquake which devastated the town in 1518.

See Page 16

Canoeing for autism Participants set out to land the biggest fish MORE than 180 canoeists from clubs throughout Spain met in Cuevas del Almanzora for the Lorca Kayak Fishing

event. The aim was to raise funds in aid of children with autism spectrum disorders.

See Page 27

Murder trial delayed again After seven years, defendant rejects his lawyer THE trial for the murder of Jose Angel Bru in Nijar that has taken more than seven years to reach High Court has been postponed until December. “I will not allow delaying tactics,” Almeria High Court judge Rafael Garcia Laraña warned.

See Page 30

Developer found guilty Fraudulent building licences issued A DEVELOPER who built and sold three illegal houses in Partaloa to British buyers, the former mayor of the town and his daughters had discovered the Mediterranean, the Andalucian sun and the Andalucian light.

And in the knowledge that water, or the lack of it, plus the tardy arrival of the AVE highspeed were sore points, Sanchez pledged that if elected,

he would guarantee both.

Back in Madrid on Tuesday (November 10), the two party leaders - Rajoy and Sanchez once again met at Moncloa Palace to discuss how to respond to declarations by the Catalan Parliament of its intention to start procedures to create

a Catalan republic.

On Monday the two men had discussed the matter over the telephone after the news broke, and they reportedly decided although they had seen each other in Almeria at the weekend they needed to meet up to discuss the matter in person.

three other people have been found guilty of corrupt practice by an Almeria court.

See Page 71

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LOCAL NEWS

Fire figures ANDALUCIA’s firefighting service, Plan Infoca, was called out 52 times by the end of October. Although 69.58 hectares were lost to forest fires during this time, this was

98 per cent better than last year when 5,035 hectares were burnt. The worst fire occurred in Huercal-Overa in May when 54.87 hectares were destroyed.

Sniffed out A 52-YEAR-OLD Spanish man from Almeria Province was arrested in Melilla as he prepared to board the ferry. A Guardia Civil sniffer dog detected 51 kilos of hashish pollen in the false bottom of the Mercedes 300’s fuel deposit. There were at least 85,000 doses of the concentrated drug, Guardia Civil sources said.

Ten-year fall ALMERIA Province has 46,240 foreign workers, 5 per cent fewer than in 2005.

This reverses the overall trend in Andalucia where the current total of 185,607 non-

Spanish workers has increased by 2 per cent over the last 10 years.

Sevilla showed the greatest increase with 39 per cent more than a decade ago.

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NEWS

Getting ready early for Children’s Day AGE should not be an impediment to enjoying life in the town

By Linda Hall HUERCAL-OVERA is making an early start for Universal Children’s Day on November 20.

The town’s youngest residents who attend the town’s municipal kindergartens are helping with the preparations by collaborating on a giant poster to be hung on the front of the church.

Huercal’s mayor Domingo Fernandez accompanied by Monica Sanchez and Belen Martinez, respective councillors for Social Services and Education, is visiting each school to lend a helping hand.

“Our children are the protagonists and for the first time we are including the very youngest too,” Fernandez explained.

“Apart from the Children’s Council Session that we hold each year we want Huercal’s children to enjoy their day so we are also organising a small fiesta

POSTER: The very youngest are included too. with entertainment and roast chestnuts in the Plaza Mayor.”

Fernandez stressed that the town hall

works for all Huercal-Overa residents: “Age should not be an impediment to enjoying life in the town,” he said.

NEWS

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EWN

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No excuse

FEATURED NEWS

Recycling points

IT has now become more popular on a worldwide basis

Local help Credit Museo Carmen Thyssen, Málaga

Flamenco music is not just in the heart of the Spanish

ADRA Town Hall installed 38 new glass recycling points throughout the town. Bars and restaurants were also supplied with 160 containers to facilitate and encourage recycling.

Clothing collection VERA’S Day Centre has already collected more than 100 kilos of food and 30 kilos of children’s shoes and clothing for local distribution. The twoday campaign was extended owing to the generous response.

Bah humbug!

Limited carols DALIAS residents want the Christmas carols broadcast from their clock tower limited to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year and Reyes. They like carols they said, but not all the time.

Ancient history Mines closed

Golden age Developed in music cafés SPANISH FLAMENCO: A Gypsy Dance in the Gardens of the Alcázar, by Alfred Dehodencq.

By John Smith THE art of flamenco whilst initially appealing mainly within Spain has spread on a worldwide basis with regular concerts not just within Spain but in all of the major cities of the world.

Every town in southern Spain in particular will have one or more serious concerts each year and this does not take into account the ‘flamenco shows’ offered in restaurants and bars which are perhaps not quite so proficient.

Malaga boasts the Museo de Arte Flamenco de la Peña Juan Breva, which contains over 5,000 exhibits, hosts an annual exhibition and has regular perfor-

€1.45 is the cost of a Spanish postage stamp commemorating the life of Paco de Lucia, the guitarist credited with introducing the melodic nouveau flamenco now followed by many younger Spanish musicians.

mances by local dancers and musicians.

It runs until mid-December.

The origins of flamenco are difficult to establish, although everything points to it having grown over a period of centuries within the Gitano and Roma population of Andalucia following the Inquisition. Flamenco is expressed threefold through the flamenco guitar, singing, and dancing and many of the performances recall the struggles and tribulations of the past.

It is believed that it originally consisted of unaccompanied singing, then later the songs were accompanied by flamenco guitar, rhythmic hand clapping and feet stomping and dance.

The golden age of flamenco dancing is considered to be between 1869 and 1910. The music developed rapidly in music cafés called cafés cantantes, a new type of venue with ticketed public performances.

Flamenco dancers also became the major public attraction in those cafés.

Quote of the Week Knighthoods and damehoods are not appropriate in our modern honours system.”

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on decision to scrap awarding of titles.

Going with the flow in Mojacar’s La Parata WATER supply infrastructure in Mojacar’s La Parata district is to be completely renewed.

The €72,000 project will be carried out by the Almeria Diputacion via Gestion de

Aguas del Levante Almeriense (Galasa). The Diputacion president Gabriel Amat has now signed the contract for making vital improvements.

Problems arose after La

Parata was omitted from the list of users the town hall submitted to Galasa when the company took over the Mojacar supply in 1993. The area was included in 1996 and, as it is located above

the Galasa deposit, three pumping stations were installed to get water to La Parata homes.

All these years later the pumps have been overhauled and upgraded to eliminate cuts

and guarantee a constant flow.

Once all phases of the project have been completed, 21 streets in La Marata will have 2,024 metres of new water pipes and 49 service pipes.

THE Almeria Province Archive’s ‘Document of the Month’ lists land compulsorily purchased in 1895 for the LucainenaAguamarga railway. The line and the mines it served were closed in 1942.

New face Junta representative GRACIA FERNANDEZ was appointed the Junta’s representative in Almeria.

She replaces Sonia Ferrer who heads the list of PSOE candidates for the province in next month’s general election.

Boat vote Public slipway BALERMA’S Club Nautico wants El Ejido Council’s next plenary meeting to debate its promised public slipway for small boats. “We hope to see it included in next year ’s budget,” the club said.

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INDEX News 1 - 30

Featured News 3

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In support of gender violence protests THOUSANDS marched in Madrid

European Press 32

Russian Press 33

Finance 35 - 40

Stocks 36

Leapy Lee 41

Our View 42

Colin Bird 42

NIJAR: Mayor Esperanza Perez with local councillors.

Mike Walsh 42

Letters 48

Daily TV 50

Time Out 56 - 57

Health & Beauty 58 - 59

Social Scene 60 - 64

Albox 65 - 73

Homes & Gardens 74 - 76

Pets 77

Property 78 - 80

Classifieds 81 - 83

Motoring 84 - 85

Sport 87 - 88

By Linda Hall NIJAR, Huercal de Almeria and Adra gave visible support to Madrid’s March against Gender Violence.

The protest was backed by 450 groups, including 70 state organisations, and the march was headed by victims who survived gender violence. They were followed by thousands of women from all over Spain

and representatives of the major political parties with the exception of the Partido Popular. Each will display banners again on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Family drive turned into a nightmare in Sierra Gador A COUPLE with two small daughters had to call for help while driving through the Sierra Gador.

Unfamiliar with the terrain, they lost their way in

the late afternoon after turning into a steep, unpaved road.

Unable to continue or reverse and not knowing how to reach the nearest town,

they called the emergency services.

Their car was spotted with the headlights on and the engine running to keep warm. Given the impossi-

bility of moving the vehicle, the Guardia Civil drove the couple and their daughters aged six and eight to Berja where their family was waiting for them.

NEWS

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Photo: Schumi4ever.

NEWS

Province bucks the jobs trend UNEMPLOYMENT in Almeria fell more in October than in any other province except Valencia.

Elsewhere in Spain jobs were lost as summer contracts ended but this trend was reversed in Almeria despite the loss of tourism-related jobs. This happens each year in the autumn as the mighty agrifoods sector takes on more workers at the start of the planting and growing season.

Parallel to this improvement, car sales increased during the first 10 months of the year with 8,050 new vehicles on the road. This was 21 per cent more than in 2014, which in turn had been a better year than 2013.

Company cars accounted for 49 per cent of the 893 new car purchases registered in October.

PLAZA VIEJA: Work is to be carried out in three phases.

Better late than never SECOND phase has begun on Almerica city hall WORK started on rehabilitating the original city hall in Plaza de la Constitucion, originally set for September.

Operatives are finally working on the second phase of restoring the plaza which is more often referred to as Plaza Vieja.

This phase has been allocated a â‚Ź3.038 million budget and work should be finished within 11 months.

Two further phases remain of the project w hic h s hould ha ve be e n c omple te d in 2005.

Second death follows September explosion A 35-YEAR-OLD workman who was badly burnt in an explosion last September, has died of his injuries.

He was the second person to lose his life in the explosion at the Hintes Oil Europa plant at the PITA industrial estate in Almeria City. One man died minutes after the explosion that occurred while soldering a fuel deposit and two were badly burnt.

Both were taken first to Torrecardenas hospital before they were airlifted to the Burns unit at the Virgen del Rocio hospital in Sevilla owing to the severity of their injuries. The dead man suffered burns to 80 per cent of his body and has been in a critical condition since his admission to the Virgen del Rocio. His colleague with 60 per cent burns is in a stable condition but remains in hospital.

Ten people linked either to

Hints Oil Europa or the subcontractors who employed the two dead men have been

summonsed by the examining judge to give evidence on November 17.

EWN

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NEWS

Surprise exit for mayor SEVEN months after he was elected, Almeria City’s mayor Luis Rogelio Rodriguez-Comendador, will have to leave city hall.

His departure is forced by the decision of regional Partido Popular leader Juan Manuel Moreno to allow the party’s politicians to occupy only one post. Rodriguez-Comendador is also a senator and as he is certain to be re-elected he will therefore make an exit from city hall after the December general election.

ADRA: Currently enlarging storm drains.

Governments pass the buck JUNTA and Madrid point responsibility at each other

By Linda Hall VERA in Levante and Adra in Poniente have problematic rivers. Vera must contend with the River Antas and Adra with the River Adra, which are both prone to flooding.

Each needs rechanneling and the respective town halls want to know if this up to regional or national government.

Paco Vazquez, of the Partido Andalucista (PA) and spokesman for Vera Town Hall, explained that the council will lodge a formal complaint against the Madrid administration this month.

“The government is doing nothing about the Antas although it has been declared of general interest which makes it the competent authority to carry out the work,” Vazquez said.

On the other side of the coast, Adra’s mayor Manuel Cortes said that the river is part of a system currently managed by the Junta de Andalucía.

“The Junta is carrying out the first step by clearing the riverbed,” he told local Spanish media. “For safety reasons that is as important to us as rechanneling. Regarding this, we have always said it should be done by the competent

administration.”

Cortes added that it was up to the regional and national government to decide between them who is responsible.

This could entail a wait. The regional government maintains it is obliged to ensure that riverbeds are clear and not blocked but rechanneling is Madrid’s obligation.

The last word went to the national government’s subdelegate Andres Garcia Lorca.

“Channelling and upkeep of rivers is the River Basins Authority’s responsibility - and the River Basins Authority is the Junta de Andalucía.”

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Guardia Civil imitators sentenced FOUR men received 27-month prison terms for posing as Guardia Civil officers.

They arrived at an outlying Huercal-Overa house after first pushing their way through a metal fence. After forcing a window they then entered the house with their faces covered with the balaclavas that officers often use when on

duty. They also wore high visibility jackets marked ‘Guardia Civil.’

Identifying themselves as Guardia Civil officers, two kept watch outside while two searched the victim’s house. The four men left with several marihuana plants, €470 in cash and their victim’s identification papers.

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NEWS

Road misery after storm damage closes El Cañete TWO months before alternative route may be available

By Linda Hall IT will be at least two months before the N-340a reopens to traffic.

The road, popularly known as El Cañarete, links Aguadulce and Almeria City and was blocked by boulders loosened by storms at the beginning of this month.

Removing these promised to be difficult but closer examination by climber-technicians discovered large cracks and fractures in the cliff-face that border the road. The slightest seismic tremor or heavy storms could bring more rock falls, they warned.

“It would be reckless to

The slightest tremor or bad storm could bring rock falls. open the road without a clear and defined idea of the stability of the terrain and the rocks,” said the national government’s sub-delegate to Almeria, Andres Garcia Lorca.

Stabilising El Cañete will take considerably longer than the week that was originally calculated, he admitted. This will be carried out by blasting away small sections until only stable rock remains.

With the road closed motorists have had to take the A-7 instead and the journey between Aguadulce and Almeria required outsize doses of patience as drivers queued to access the motorway which is having to cope with an extra 15,000 vehicles each day Garcia Lorca announced that the Roads department at the Ministry of Public Works was considering an alternative route for accessing the A-7 via Las Colinas and previous projects have been dusted off. This could take up to two months, admitted Garcia Lorca, who stressed that finance would not be a problem.

NEWS

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In charge A TOTAL of 19,688 women head their own businesses in Almeria Province. They now account for 35 per cent of all local firms according to the Almur women’s association.

PROVINCE settles into film set mode

Largest seen

All settled THE Junta regularised ownership of the land where Mojacar ’s Gastronomy training centre is located. Built by the town hall, it adjoins the Rey Alabez high school and has 45 pupils.

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Movies and tv series opt for Almeria

NEWS EXTRA

THE Calar Alto Observatory vidoed three of the largest meteorites seen over Almeria in recent years on the night of November 6-7. Two were identified as fragments of the Encke comet.

EWN

CLOSED: Tickets to nowhere at Almeria City station.

Wary reception for city station plans RAIL operator ADIF’s intention of transferring Almeria City’s station to the municipal corporation were not well-received.

Social media are reflecting the view that this will mean the end of the station as a passenger terminal. There are already suggestions of asking the central government’s Ministry of Public Works to halt the scheme.

Almeria City Hall has insisted that any agreement with ADIF would be a temporary measure until the AVE high speed train reaches the capital.

Plans for moving the overground track and station below the surface included a link to the old station, city hall pointed out. Once the AVE arrives in the city, it would therefore be used once again by passengers, a spokesman said.

FILM and television companies continue to look to Almeria.

The province will provi de l ocat i ons f or t he m ovi e ver si on of t he video game ‘Assassin’s Creed’ which stars Michael Fassbender, Mari on Cot i l l ar d, Br endan Gleeson and Jeremy Irons.

Fi l m i ng began i n t he UK last August, before m ovi ng on t o Val l et a (Malta), although the production company did not confirm when shooting is due to begin here. Locations will be the ‘habitual’ Almeria settings, product i on com pany sour ces were quoted as saying.

Nearer to home, se-

quences were filmed for the second series of the Antena 3 prison drama, Vis a Vis, which focuses on t he l i f e of a young woman who is sent to prison.

The second season begi ns as a t ypi cal r oad movie suggesting with its shots of the protagonist Macarena on an Almeria beach that the first season’s escape plans were successful.

The first season won two prestigious awards and was Antena 3’s second most-watched series, with an average weekly audi ence of 3.5 m i l l i on and a 19.9 per cent audience share.

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NEWS

Tuberculosis case reported in Nijar HEALTH department says poses no risk THE regional Health department confirmed that a case of tuberculosis has been detected in Nijar.

The patient is now receiving treatment and the Health authorities are studying his home environment to determine whether there could be more cases, sources revealed. His direct contacts are also being checked and, if necessary, they will receive preventative treatment.

According to unconfirmed reports, the patient lives in San Pedro, but the authorities emphasised that this is an isolated case and not an outbreak.

The same Health sources explained to the local Spanish media that TB cases are relatively frequent: “Cases like these occur in the area each year but do not pose any type of health risk.”

Latest figures show less crime CRIME in Almeria Province continued to fall in the third quarter of the year.

Taken as a whole, the figures for the period between August and November were 1 per cent lower than during the same three months last year, revealed

the Ministry of the Interior.

Robbery with violence and intimidation have fallen 19.9 per cent since last January and the crime rate has dropped to 44.2 crimes for every 1,000 inhabitants, the lowest figure in the last 10 years.

Announcing the third quarter statistics, the national government’s subdelegate Andres Garcia Lorca thanked the National Police and Guardia Civil for their work in achieving a reduction in crime for four consecutive years.

FINANCE

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EWN

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Not All Portfolio Bonds Are The Same WITH the Common Reporting Standard – the new global regime for the automatic exchange of financial information – commencing in January, this is a good time to review your tax planning to ensure it is fully compliant in Spain and as effective as it can be.

Tax efficient investment wrappers, offered through a Spanish compliant bond, can be very effective in Spain.

They provide considerable tax advantages as well as succession planning benefits.

‘Portfolio bonds’ are a specialised form of life assurance arrangement which allow you to hold a versatile choice of assets (shares, bonds, etc) to suit your objectives and risk profile.

You can gather different investments into one arrangement, making management much easier and providing peace of mind once Common Reporting Standard starts.

There are different types of ‘portfolio bonds’, with different tax treatment. Both the type of product and jurisdiction it is based in can

By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks make a difference to the advantages they offer.

The tax treatment of life assurance contracts in Spain varies according to whether it is approved or not. An approved, or ‘compliant’, contract must meet specific requirements.

Under Spanish rules, for a nonSpanish life insurance company to accept business from an individual habitually resident in Spain, they must have passported by way of establishment into Spain. So the company must be in the EU, have

passported through their home regulator into Spain, and had the product approved by the Spanish regulator of insurance companies, the DGS. Note that the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are not in the EU. There are two distinct advantages in relation to the tax treatment of Spanish compliant portfolio bonds.

are made and the £10,000 gains are subject to tax. At today’s savings income rates, this makes a tax bill of €2,030.

Mr B invests €100,000 in a Spanish tax compliant bond on 1st January 2015, which grows to €110,000 in 12 months. He makes no withdrawals. He does not have any tax to pay – an immediate tax saving of €2,030.

1. When the tax becomes payable With a non-compliant bond, the insurance company is required to withhold tax every year on all investment gains, irrespective of whether withdrawals are made.

If you have a compliant bond, no tax is payable until you make a withdrawal. Investment gains roll up, which over the long-term can produce higher returns.

For example, Mr A invests €100,000 in a non-compliant portfolio bond on 1st January 2015, and it is worth €110,000 on 1 January 2016. No withdrawals

2. How much tax is paid on withdrawals of any investment gains?

Partial withdrawals are apportioned between redemption of capital and the profit made on the initial investment - only the gain element of the amount withdrawn is taxable.

If Mr B above makes a withdrawal of €10,000, the taxable gain will be calculated as: (10,000 / 110,000) x 10,000 = €909.09. This results in a tax liability of only €177.27, deducted at source. This is clearly more tax-efficient than having to pay a

tax bill of €2,030.

There are also differences between Spanish compliant bonds. There are regular bonds; mixed term policies with irrevocable beneficiaries; mixed term policies with revocable beneficiaries, etc. Each has different tax treatment.

You need to establish what the differences are, and which of these will be most suitable for you, depending on your personal circumstances. Seek specialist advice tailor-made for your family’s needs.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

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

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NEWS

Price-fixing ploy for Meson Gitano revamp IDENTICAL plans with different prices

By Linda Hall TWO construction companies were each fined €35,000 for presenting identical offers for the Meson Gitano contract.

Bids were invited by Almeria City’s ‘Almeria Urban’ municipally-owned company to submit plans and an estimate for rehabilitating Meson Gitano and the immediatelyadjoining area.

City hall intends to turn ancient caves and the site of the demolished Meson Gitano hotel located below the Alcazaba into a municipal social centre.

Two firms - Salcoa and Facto put in bids with identical plans drawn up by the same architect and which differed only in cost.

An investigation into the tenders by the Andalucian

ALCAZABA: Ancient caves to be turned into a municipal social centre. government’s Defence of Competition Committee was launched at the request of a suspicious city hall in 2013.

The committee has now decided that the firms agreed to compete with each other only regarding price and not

quality or specifications.

This was possible because both used the same architect who warned them at the time that their bids were likely to be scrutinised. He has now been fined €1,500.

In the event, the contract

went to Facto which put in a €5.364 million bid compared to Salcoa’s €6.542 million.

“The rival firms’ cooperation agreement was clearly developed with the object of reducing costs,” the Competion Committee decided.

Olula man threatened to axe two dog-owners AN Olula del Rio man who injured two brothers with an axe received a two-year suspended sentence.

He attacked the men aged 54 and 47 in the Huitas Mayor district because their dogs were annoying him, an Almeria criminal court heard.

After first arguing with the brothers he picked up an axe and hit them both, inflicting cuts and bruises. Each man

was left with two wounds that later needed stitches and which took several days to heal and left scars.

When sentencing the judge took into consideration the long delay before the case reached court that was, she said, “disproportionate to the complexity of the case.” She also borne in mind the fact that the amount required for civil liability had been paid

into the court’s bank account.

The judge imposed fines totalling €1,758 and issued a two-year restraining order, barring the Olula man from coming within 200 metres of either brother. His two-year custodial sentence was suspended for three years, although the judge warned that if he reoffended during that period he would be sent to jail immediately.

New headquarters for Red Cross in Almeria DEMOLITION has begun of a building bequeathed to the Red Cross in Almeria City.

It was originally hoped to renovate the Calle Obispo Orbera property but its age and condition would have made the cost prohibitive.

Instead a new headquarters will be built from

scratch on the same site. “The building will be austere and will not clash with its surroundings,” said Maria del Mar Pageo, president of the Red Cross in Almeria. Once finished, all services will be based in the same building, with savings made on current rentals.

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EURO WOMEN PAGE

Dedicated to making a difference Our Euro Women series is featuring women who have made a success of their lives in Spain. These outstanding ladies have been shattering glass ceilings whether in business, charity work or sports.

Lyn thrives on knowing she has made a difference to other people’s lives.

LYN ADAMS is a name synonymous with fundraising, having raised over tens of thousands of euros for various good causes and local charities over the years.

Lyn, from El Chaparral, Torrevieja, started a keep fit group over 20 years ago called ‘Lyn’s Lively Ladies.’

Upon discovering the news that a close friend had been diagnosed with cancer Lyn gathered together her ‘lively ladies’ and, all adorned in fancy dress and clowns outfits, they hit the local bars shaking buckets and collecting whatever money the generous public were able to donate.

When Lyn herself was diagnosed with breast cancer, the AECC cancer charity was there to offer help and support her.

“They helped me tremendously so I continued the fundraising efforts for the AECC particularly.”

With over €40,000 raised, Lyn took a step back and retired from her fundraising, but that decision didn’t last very long.

Upon hearing of a young mother called Laura who was battling cancer and had been given a terminal diagnosis, Lyn and her husband Ken took it upon themselves to become actively involved again and began organising events and fundraisers to pay for alternative treatment to prolong Laura’s life and give her more time with her husband and four young children.

“We did about eight events in six weeks and even got to

TEAM EFFORT: Our Euro Woman says she is not complete without her Euro Man.

Lyn has raised thousands for various good causes The AECC cancer charity helped me tremendously after my diagnosis so I continued the fundraising efforts for them particularly.”

Fact file NAME: LYN ADAMS AGE: 66 MARRIED TO: KEN PROFESSION: RETIRED CHILDREN: NONE NATURE OR NURTURE: BOTH ORIGINALLY FROM: BRISTOL, UK

send her and her family to Benidorm for a break.” Thanks to the generous support of locals and businesses, Laura lived for another 18 months but sadly died five years ago.

But knowing the family got longer together is all the drive and reward Lyn needs in keeping her efforts going, although she is very quick to say it is very much a team effort with husband Ken and it is a team effort that has proved very successful over the years. “Ken knows what he is do-

NOW LIVES: EL CHAPARRAL, TORREVIEJA PETS: NONE BOOKS OR TV: TV FAVOURITE SHOW: REALITY SHOWS

ing and he does his part and I do my part, so we work together but equally have our own roles so that we don’t

cross paths.”

She said there is no better motivation than knowing they have made a

difference to other people’s lives. The efforts are quite an achievement considering she had never done any fundraising previously before moving to Spain.

Lyn’s strength is clearly in her organisational skills and determination which has led her to pull off event after event. Sadly in this day and age they are fully transparent in everything they do and all monies that are collected and donated are logged and receipts given.

The couple do not take a single cent in expenses, with their efforts in fact having personally cost them ‘a small fortune’ over the years in petrol, printing costs and time.

Their latest efforts are now in the annual charity walk which this year is their fourth one in aid of Elche Children’s Home.

In five years’ time, Lyn does not know where she’ll be. Maybe she and Ken will finally be able to sit back and retire as they had originally planned, but many charities will be hoping this won’t be the case and as Lyn admits, “I just can’t say no.”

Do you know a Euro Woman? If you do please drop us a line at eurowomen@euroweeklynews.com giving full contact details and why you feel they deserve to be honoured.

As well as being featured in the EWN a book is being produced for Christmas with all profits going to charitable organisations.

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NEWS

The cruise attraction

COMMEMORATIVE EVENT: In honour of the victims of the 1518 earthquake.

Remembering the past EVENT included a group hike up Espiritu Santo hill

By Eleanor Hawkins VERA held a commemorative event on Sunday (November 8) in honour of the 150 victims of an earthquake which devastated the town in 1518.

The event included a group hike up Espiritu Santo hill organised by various people including Diego Alonso, Gabriel Flores and Ana Simon

Rodriguez, administrators of No Eres de Vera si...

(You’re not from Vera unless...) Facebook group.

Local history states that after obtaining permission to rebuild the town from King Carlos I, three of the earthquake survivors let fire an arrow and Vera was rebuilt where it landed. The new Vera, built in 1520, was a square village enclosed by defensive walls with eight towers.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

ALMERIA is the Andalucian port that has registered the greatest increase in cruise ships and passengers so far this year.

During a regional parliamentary control session, Junta de Andalucia regional government delegate for tourism and sport Francisco Javier Fernandez revealed the figures and stressed they were considerably higher than those for other areas.

“The Andalucian ports have experienced a great increase in cruises, 14.6 per cent between January and August this year. It’s a considerable growth, much higher than the nationwide average of 2.6 per cent,” Fernandez said.

Almeria registered a more than 40 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. “It’s the port that has grown the most. Between January and August 26.5 per cent more passengers have visited.”

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NEWS

Three ops in the same day FORTY IMMIGRANTS, all male and principally from North Africa, were rescued off the Almeria coast in three separate operations.

A Salvamento Maritimo sea rescue boat, the Guardamar Polimnia, found a clandestine boat with 11 North Africans aboard when it was six nautical miles (approximately 11 kilometres) off Alboran.

A further 18 North Africans were located nearby at roughly the same time by the Guardia Civil patrol boat, Rio Miño.

They were transferred to the Guardamar Polimnia which took them to Almeria port, Ministry of Public works sources announced.

A third boat sighted later the same day off San Jose (Nijar) carrying 11 Algerians was towed by another Salvamento Maritimo boat to Almeria port.

All the men were in a good state of health, the rescue service said, although on reaching the port they received the customary medical examination.

HUERCAL-OVERA: Mayor Domingo Fernandez (centre) inspects site.

Junction danger spot eliminated ROUNDABOUT should be completed within a month

By Linda Hall AN end is in sight to Huercal-Overa’s wait for a roundabout where the AL-8103 meets the N-340.

“We’ve listened to residents in the area who have been asking for this danger spot to be eliminated.

At the same time we shall be improving the entrance to the town,”

said Huercal’s mayor Domingo Fernandez.

Earth-moving machinery is already at work, making space so that construction can start on the roundabout which should be completed within a month.

The entire €120,000 cost will be met by the Almeria Diputacion under its €3.7 million programme improving the province’s roads throughout 2015.

Community centre ownership is settled THE Church recognised that the Los Molinos community centre belongs to Almeria

City Hall.

“There is nothing to negotiate since both parties

are in agreement,” said both Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco and the diocese representative Migue Romero.

Taking advantage of legislation passed by Jose Maria Aznar’s government in the 1990s that allows the Church to put unregistered properties in its name, the diocese acquired Los Molinos in 2008. It was built as a school and paid for by the Madrid Press Association in 1891 after disastrous flooding but was taken over by Almeria City council two years later.

City Hall was apparently unaware of the change in ownership until Deborah Seron, a former PSOE councillor, revealed what had happened during a plenary meeting in 2014.

“This asset was inventoried because it was used for a while,” diocese sources now claim.

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Chance for an open air market stall in Nijar APPLICATIONS can be made at the local town halls

NEWS

Cooperating with Koopera will help CARITAS ALMERIA has opened a second-hand clothes shop in the capital.

The inauguration was attended by the Bishop of Almeria, Adolfo Gonzalez Montes and representatives from the national, regional and local governments, Caritas and the Koopera network.

The no-profit Koopera Store in Plaza de San Sebastian is the first to open in Andalucia and its principal aim is to provide employment and

social integration for those who would otherwise be at risk of exclusion.

The Caritas Koopera project in Almeria plans to install recycling points for clothes and textiles in the province’s largest municipalities, ensuring an ethical use for unwanted clothes and shoes.

The Plaza de San Sebastian shop is the 27th that Caritas has opened in Spain and will provide direct employment for 14 people.

There’s a booming trade in contraband mushrooms NIJAR MARKETS: Somewhere to shop and meet.

AS it d o e s e a c h y e a r, N ijar To w n Hall is allocating stalls at local openair markets.

“The mercadillos are popular for shopping and as a meeting place,”

said the town hall which allocates the stalls each year in accordance with the law. Applications can be made for the market stalls in Nijar town, Campohermoso, San Isido and San Jose

until November 19.

More information is available at the Registro General in Plaza de la Glorieta 1 in Nijar or on the www. nijar.es website.

THERE’s more contraband in Almeria than the cigarettes, loose tobacco and phony designer clothes which were recently confiscated at the Port.

The Guardia Civil are also hot on the heels of the clandestine traders who are currently stripping the sierras of saffron milkcap mushrooms.

As reported in the Euro Weekly News they recently impounded 632 kilos in Bayarcal, Fiñana and Gador. To that must now be added a further 619 kilos taken from the Sierra Nevada foothills and the area around Tabernas.

Patrols in Abrucena, Fiñana and Aulago stopped 32 people who were subsequently fined for collecting more than the daily five kilos per person that the law permits.

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Arsonist sentenced THE provincial High Court has ordered a VelezRubio man to be detained for 10 years in a psychiatric unit.

Now being treated for bipolar disorder and paranoia, he subjected neigh-

bours to threats and burned three cars between midDecember 2014 and early January this year.

He was also ordered to pay four neighbours €8,500 compensation for their cars and fire damage.

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NEWS

Nato shows it’s ready MOST important exercises in 10 years

By Linda Hall NATO’s Trident Juncture 2015 excises that began on October 19 have now come to an end.

Spain was a host nation with Italy and Portugal, and Almeria played a strategic role in many of the exercises.

As these came to a conclusion, a Spanish Navy ship, together with 16 other ships from nine nations, participated in minesweeping and bombardment operations in the bays of Vera and Mazarron.

Previously British and American marines from the 45 Commando and the Delta Company of the Fourth Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion had taken part in joint manoeuvres at the Spanish Legion base in Viator. These were of ‘unprecedented size’ owing to the numbers and weaponry involved, a NATO communiqué announced.

The war games were preced-

ON MANOEUVRES: Spain’s Defence Minister Pedro Morenes and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visit operations arena in Zaragoza. ed by reconnaissance flights by Merlin and H-90 Sea Lynx helicopters before waves of marines were landed in Ospreys and Chinooks. Operations were directed offshore by the helicopter carrier HMS

Ocean and the frigate HMS Bulwark, which docked two days earlier in Almeria Port.

“NATO is up to the test,” said its secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, at the end of the manoeuvres. He added: “While

our aim is to train and exercise, we are also sending a clear message to our nations and any potential adversary.

“NATO does not seek confrontation but we stand ready to defend all allies.”

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More Britons due next year FEWER British tourists visited Almeria this year.

According to official figures, there was a 23.6 per cent fall in passengers arriving at El Alquian airport from the UK and Britons account for only 3.4 per cent of all those heading for Andalucía.

The Diputacion’s Servicio Provincial de Turismo helped to remedy the situation at the World Travel Market trade fair in London - one of the world’s

most important along with Fitur in Madrid and ITB in Berlin.

The provincial tourism service began a round of meetings with international tour operators like TUI UK, analysing the flow of tourists responding to the Costa de Almeria brand.

TUI will increase its current operation by 60 per cent, the Diputacion revealed, and will operate its own flights for 189 passengers.

Pop singer films 2nd Almeria video ALMERIA-BORN pop idol David Bisbal, who officially promotes the province, is featured in a new Costa de Almeria campaign.

Bisbal recently finished filming a promotional video that highlights Almeria’s potential for visitors look-

ing for action holidays and outdoor nature pursuits.

The video follows on from and will complement another that Bisbal made earlier this year which featured the province’s classic offer of sun, sand, sea and scenery.

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NEWS

Association helping returned immigrants Pensioners ‘given wrong info’ claim

By Linda Hall CENTRAL government sub-delegate Andres Garcia Lorca recently met representatives from ASALER. The association has assisted returned emigrant workers since 1999, helping with practical issues and advising on rejoining the labour market and reintegrating into Spanish life.

There are now between 19,000 and 20,000 returnees now living in Almeria Province, ASALER’s president Angeles Martinez told Garcia Lorca who was accompanied by Juan Ramon Fernandez, the sub-delegation’s Labour and Immigration chief.

Earlier this year ASALER assisted

20,000 The approximate number of emigrant workers who returned to Almeria

returned workers who receive foreign pensions and were unaware that they should have declared these to the tax authority Hacienda.

Having failed to make tax returns between 2008 and 2012 they were warned they would have to pay and in some cases could face fines of up to €30,000.

The Treasury subsequently announced a ‘mini-amnesty.’ This enabled the pensioners to regularise

their situation without paying fines or interest although Angeles Martinez questioned use of the word ‘amnesty.’

The pensioners had originally received incorrect information from Hacienda, she claimed.

Problems are threatening to raise their heads again in Almeria where pensioners demonstrated last month in the city centre. Despite all the promises that they would receive official help in regularising their tax situation, they had not been given sufficient time or assistance, they complained.

Their biggest concern was the current difficulty in making appointments to discuss their problems with Hacienda officials, they said.

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NEWS

Two years to stem flooding EL EJIDO’S rural zones will have to adapt to anti-flooding measures specified in the General Development Plan (PGOU).

They have two years to meet requirements following urgent town hall meetings in the wake of recent storms and flooding.

The Agriculture Department is intensifying efforts to impose standards in country locations where vacant plots,

planted areas and greenhouses cannot cope with cloudbursts and huge amounts of rainwater.

The absence of efficient run-off systems in rural areas creates fast-running torrents and streams that cause flooding once they reach urban areas. These country properties will be obliged to ensure they have the capacity to absorb 35 litres per square metre of rain, said El Ejido’s mayor Francisco Gongora.

Safety first for the Kings ALMERIA is already looking ahead to Twelfth Night and the Three Kings.

This is when Spanish children traditionally receive presents and Almeria City Hall intends to make sure that nothing mars their special day. This unfortunately

happened in Nijar last January when the 20-year-old representing Balthasar died of head injuries after he was flung from the procession float by a low-hanging telephone cable.

A 2013 Malaga procession also ended in tragedy when a child was run over by a float

as he picked up a sweet.

With this in mind the council has issued strict guidelines requiring the Kings’ floats to be fireproofed and equipped with railings. The organisers will also have to take out a €250,000 civil liability insurance policy, said City hall.

Mojacar press release

Council is pro equal opportunities and anti gender violence MOTIVATIONAL workshops held as part of equality project MOJACAR Council’s Social Services Department organised a series of activities and workshops from November 9 to 12 as part of Almeria Provincial Council’s equality project.

There was a motivational coaching session aimed to help people know and manage their emotions, work with creative tools to know themselves better and increase their self-confidence, put personal values and strengths to better use, detect limitations and work to break through them and various other aspects.

The second workshop focused on work orientation, exposing useful strategies to help women enter the job market, use networking skills and come up with professional projects.

November is Theatre Month in Mojacar EVERY Friday in November, Mojacar will be raising the curtain and turning on the footlights at 8pm for some fun theatre sessions for local residents.

Under the slogan ‘Come to the Theatre’, the council’s Culture Department and Almeria Provincial Council have drawn up a programme of plays that will be put on during the month at the Centro de Usos Multiples.

Tomorrow, November 13, Malaje Solo company will be performing Mucho Shakespeare, a comedy in which two Andalucian comedians move to London and find work at Shakepeare’s theatre.

The current labour situation from a gender-based point of view and working on removing barriers were also under the spotlight and activities were planned to encourage job-

hunters to put their strengths and projects to good use. The main assessment, promotion and work orientation resources available were highlighted during events.

NEWS

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FUNDRAISER: Ready for the off at Pozo del Esparto beach.

Fishing from kayaks raises funds for charity CANOEISTS from all over Spain took part in the event

By Linda Hall MORE than 180 canoeists met in Cuevas del Almanzora for the Lorca Kayak Fishing event.

This is the third time that the Lorca-based fishing club has met to raise funds for the Early Attention Parents’ Association. The club donated €5 of each €25 entrance fee, using the remainder to cover overheads and prizes.

Canoeists from clubs from all over Spain set out from the Pozo del Esparto beach to see who would manage to land the biggest fish from their

kayak. This was less easy than it appeared as hefty conger eels, moray eels, cow fish and comber were all ruled out beforehand.

Mirian Quintana, councillor for Sports at Cuevas del Almanzora Town Hall, thanked all the participants and sponsors who had come to Cuevas in solidarity with the parents of children with autism spectrum adisorders.

“The meeting has been a resounding success, thanks to its great popularity with the public and the owners of the kayaks - more than 180 - who have come here today,” she said.

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NEWS

Whooping cough vaccine PREGNANT women will be vaccinated as of January 2016

NEW MEASURES: Issue highlighted after a baby died of the disease in Malaga.

By Declan Scanlan ANDALUCIAN health delegate Aquilino Alonso has announced that as of January 1, 2016, whooping cough vaccinations will be given to pregnant women in the region.

He was dealing with a question on the subject by Esperañza Oña, a member of the regional parliament who had condemned the Junta de Andalucia regional govern-

ment for having ‘decided’ not to vaccinate pregnant women.

She said that the recent death of a baby in Malaga could have been prevented if the vaccinations had been in place.

Alonso accused Oña of exploiting a health matter for political reasons, something, he said, the Junta would never do, and his department had ‘always respected’ the decisions adopted at the Inter-regional Health Council and

supported the central government on this matter.

He said that there was an agreement for each region to evaluate its own needs and some regions do not vaccinate all pregnant women as ‘there is a shortage of vaccines on the market and they have to be given to those who really need them.’

Alonso explained that 26 per cent of children who had been vaccinated caught whooping cough anyway and insisted that the criteria followed until now was up to standard. He said that following an evaluation, it has now been agreed to include the vaccination in those given to pregnant women from January 1, 2016.

The delegate made the announcement after Oña asked: “What more has to happen apart from the death of a baby girl to get vaccinations for women?” while maintaining that there have been many more cases since 2010, which especially affect young babies.

“Andalucia decided not to vaccinate pregnant women; if her mother had been vaccinated this baby wouldn’t have died,” Oña said, emphasising that seven Spanish regions have already decided to give the vaccinations.

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NEWS

Murder trial is delayed yet again ‘PLAYING for time’ claims

By Linda Hall A MURDER trial that took more than seven years to reach court has been postponed until December.

“I will not allow delaying tactics,” Almeria High Court Judge Rafael Garcia Laraña warned as Jose Antonio Sanchez Lazaro announced that he was rejecting his lawyer.

Sanchez Lazaro and seven other members of the Los Culebros clan allegedly believed that Jose Angel Bru had stolen a ton

of hashish and wanted to know where it was. His tortured body was found in a burnt-out car in Gergal and they are accused of abducting and murdering him.

“After seven years, haven’t you had time to reject your lawyer before this?” asked the visibly-irritated judge. “No, I haven’t,” replied Sanchez Lazaro, “I’ve personal problems.”

Unless he found another lawyer within three days he would be assigned a legal aid lawyer whom he could not reject ‘under any circumstances’ the judge told him.

Chance for far-flung studies ALMERIA UNIVERSITY (AL) has announced an exchange scheme with universities in South Korea and Jordan through the Erasmus programme.

Four places are available for

AL students in South Korea and two in Jordan during the second term of the present academic year. They are offered the opportunity to study Social Sciences (Economics, Business Administration, Finance or

Marketing); Engineering (Agriculture, Information Technology and Electronics) or Languages (English and Spanish).

The students will receive €650 a month for living expenses.

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GERMAN

EUROPEAN PRESS SCANDINAVIAN PRESS

Foreign holidays SWEDEN: More Swedes are planning holidays abroad with respondents to a survey saying they wanted to escape daily stresses, despite Sweden being voted as having the best work-life balance in the world.

Officer dies SWEDEN: A police officer died and another was seriously injured after the vehicle they were travelling in went into a lake during a car chase. The man they were chasing escaped without injury and was arrested.

Solar storm

PRESS

UK healthcare behind PAPERWORK is taking too much time THE UK’s healthcare is falling behind rest of the world because front-line staff are being bogged down with paperwork, taking them away from actually treating and caring for patients. The report says the UK has fewer doctors compared to other countries.

Slipper sales UK: There is a 72 per cent decline in slipper sales compared to last year, with researchers saying Britons are shunning slippers and going barefoot thanks to the rise of carpets and underfloor heating.

House prices UK: The typical UK home costs more than 10 times the annual income of fulltime workers. The Office for National Statistics says the average property in the UK now costs £284,000 (€351,000).

BRITISH PRESS

BULL TERRIER: Firework escape.

ENGLAND: A Staffordshire Bull terrier fled his home in Nottinghamshire and jumped on a train to escape fireworks and ended up on a 24-mile ride to Sheffield where he was taken to a shelter by police.

Police raids POLICE raids took place across Germany to clamp down on criminal networks smuggling refugees into the country with 570 officers taking part in the raids.

Crime spree ONE of Germany’s most notorious criminals felt his first taste of freedom last week after 27 years in jail.

Hans-Jürgen Rösner had a three-day crime spree in 1988.

DENMARK: A Danish coin dating back to 1658 was auctioned for 1.15 million kroner (€155,000) making it the most expensive coin ever sold in Denmark. It was originally created for King Frederik III’s Copenhagen art chamber.

Beer spillage A LORRY crashed on the motorway in Hannover causing its load of thousands of cans of beer to be spilled across the road which was then closed down as the spillage was cleared.

Job losses

DENMARK: Russia, statesponsored cyber attacks and terror groups pose the greatest threats to Denmark’s security, according to the Danish Defence Intelligence Service’s new long-term risk assessment.

FORBES Magazine has listed German Chancellor Angela Merkel as more powerful than US President Barack Obama in its annual list of the most powerful global figures.

A BERLIN school shocked authorities when it applied for a subsidy of over €38,000 to take 15 pupils on a week-long class trip to New York to improve their English under the ‘BuT education and participation’ programme.

Doggy train

Rare coin

Danish risk

Chancellor’s power

School trip

SWEDEN: Planes were grounded at some of Sweden's busiest airports because of a ‘solar storm’ interfering with air traffic radar systems. Aircraft were grounded at airports in southern and central Sweden.

DENMARK: Maersk Line, the world’s number one container shipping firm, is to cut 4,000 jobs by the end of 2017 to keep its place in the market.

NEWS

Transit zone

THE NETHERLANDS: Dutch people are happy to volunteer.

Volunteering figure announced THIRTY per cent of Dutch people volunteer on a monthly basis ALMOST half the population of the Netherlands does some form of voluntary work at least once a year and 30 per cent do it regularly on a monthly basis.

Border cross

No drink

NORWAY: A record 196 asylum seekers crossed the northern border with Russia in one day. Storskog border crossing has seen more than 3,000 refugees arrive so far this year.

THE Dutch health council is recommending people do not drink alcohol at all or at least no more than one glass a day. It’s part of the health council’s new recommendations on ensuring a healthy diet.

DUTCH PRESS Speed increase DUTCH authorities are to increase the speed limit to 130kph on 19 more stretches of road in February next year, meaning that 61 per cent of the coun-

try’s motorways will have a maximum speed of 130kph.

Getting richer THE richest 500 Dutch people saw their collective assets rise more than 10 per cent last year, according to Quote magazine’s rich list. Top of the list is Frits Goldschmeding, founder of the Randstad staffing agency whose worth has gone up from €3.2bn to €4.7bn.

THE planned transit zones for refugees arriving in Europe have been described as ‘concentration camps’ by a German bishop.

VW probe GERMANY has ordered a probe into new allegations that the country’s largest automaker, Volkswagen had not only manipulated the emissions test results of over 11 million diesel cars sold around the world, but also cheated on the carbon dioxide emissions in 98,000 petrol cars in Europe.

NEWS

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RUSSIAN P RESS

National Unity Day celebration PRESIDENT Putin gave a speech in the capital

IMPORTANT DATE: Marks popular uprising in 1612.

THOUSANDS took to the streets of the Russian capital on Wednesday November 4, to celebrate the National Unity Day while President Putin gave a speech about its importance.

The date marks a popular uprising in 1612 that ended the Polish-Lithuanian occupation of Moscow.

Renault benefit RENAULT-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says the alliance’s brands including Lada, Datsun and Infiniti are well positioned to benefit once Russia’s multi-year sales slumps ends. “There will be light at the end of the tunnel and we are preparing for when the light comes,” Ghosn said.

Reds in Russia LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp has travelled to Russia with a full-strength squad for the Europa League tie against Rubin Kazan.

Striker Christian Benteke, a goalscoring substitute in the 3-1 win at Chelsea on Saturday, is in the party along with all the others who were involved in the victory at Stamford Bridge.

Giving back RUSSIA has returned an area of land to China after more than a century. The control of 4.7 square kilometres of land that is part of the territory ceded to Russia by the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) has had five new boundary markers unveiled along the new border.

Outer spaces A CONSORTIUM of Russian companies is working to develop a cutting-age satellite radar system for the country’s Defence Ministry. The new system will enable the creating of a 3D model of Earth and accurately track ground objects.

Crash caution THE Kremlin stressed that ‘assumption’ should be avoided as theories about the cause of a Russian airliner crash in Sinai killing 224 passengers are still ‘speculation’ at this point. “Any sort of version of what happened can only be put forward by the investigation team,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The legislation’s authors say it will increase the protection of Russian property interests abroad. Russian courts will be able to impose limitations on the immunity of property in Russia belonging to foreign states.

Earthquake Guarding assets VLADIMIR PUTIN has signed a new law weakening the jurisdictional immunity of foreign governments in Russia.

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula last week, the Russian Academy of Sciences’ said. “The earthquake was registered at 4:59 Moscow time and its epicentre was a depth of 34 kilometres.”

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More problems for VW

Spain to assist Cuba

PETROL vehicles now caught up in the emissions scandal

TWO Spanish ministers attended the Spanish Pavilion at the recent Cuban International Fair which saw 25 per cent of the exhibitors coming from Spain.

A number of agreements were signed by the Spanish ministers during the visit regarding cooperation between the two countries. The main deal was the refinancing of Cuba’s €201.5 million short term debt.

By John Smith THE German Transport Minister has announced that about 98,000 Volkswagen petrol vehicles are now found to be caught up in the emissions scandal, following an admission by VW that it had found further irregularities

is the number of diesel vehicles worldwide that were fitted with the software that circumvented tests for emissions of nitrogen oxide

SHOPPING TRIP: Lower prices for consumers.

UK sees decrease in retail prices

By Dana Ingabire PRICES in British shops have dropped by 1.8 per cent in October compared to last year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) announced on November 4.

The BRC said retail prices are expected to keep declining in the run-up to the Christmas trading period as retailers attempt to attract more shoppers. Clothing,

in carbon dioxide emissions that could affect another 800,000 vehicles.

The company’s shares are now down by about one third since the scandal broke in September and to make matters worse, it is

“In the second quarter we took a decision to focus on full price sales and discount less which affected sales performance,” Marc Bolland CEO Marks and Spencer on why sales are down.

wavebreakmedia shutterstock

Quote of the Week

11,000,000

books and DIY items experienced more deflation levels compared to food and nonfood prices in the last month, the BRC said.

Mike Watkins, Head of Retail and Business Insight at data company Nielsen, which gathers the data, said: “With the all-important Christmas trading season arriving soon, non-food retailers will need to maintain these lower prices to drive footfall.”

BUSINESS EXTRA

Nissan profits JAPANESE car-maker Nissan, now part of the Renault group has released its results for the second quarter of the financial year 2015/2016 and after restatements will make a positive contribution to the group’s second-half 2015 net income with an estimated €524 million.

Galleries combine BRITISH art gallery Colnaghi, which has been in business in London for 255 years, has announced that it is to merge with the fine art dealers Coll & Cortés of London and Madrid.

The measure has the objective of combining the strengths and expertise of both firms, and widening their product range to include quality Spanish artwork.

GDP growth slowing down PROVISIONAL data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE) showed that Spanish gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter has risen by just 0.8 per cent, which is slightly less than in the second quarter.

It is the first time quarterly growth has slowed

since it returned to a positive position in the third quarter of 2013. The figure was however in accordance with Bank of Spain forecasts and exceeded some commercial bank expectations.

The total annual GDP increase up to the end of September is 3.4 per cent.

recalling 92,000 cars in the US over a mechanical problem that could affect vehicles’ brakes.

The most recent news also indicates that the Indian government has questioned VW about the possibility of problems with Indian imports.

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C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 9

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 497.40 1.40 Aberdeen Asset M. 356.15 8.50 Admiral Group 1639.00 -6.58 Anglo American 531.95 6.10 Antofagasta 517.00 2.50 ARM Holdings 1062.00 -2.00 Ashtead Group 1029.50 14.28 Associated British Foods 3424.00 -5.00 AstraZeneca 4157.25 -67.50 Aviva 488.90 1.90 Babcock International Group 968.75 2.00 BAE Systems 444.15 -0.80 Barclays 236.03 3.65 Barratt Developments 565.25 -12.32 Berkeley Group Holdings 3065.50 -44.00 BG Group 1028.75 2.00 BHP Billiton 966.45 -8.60 BP 389.07 2.55 British American Tobacco 3765.50 -44.50 British Land Co 826.75 -12.00 BT Group 461.35 -4.20 Bunzl 1883.00 -12.00 Burberry Group 1377.50 2.00 Capita 1268.50 -6.00 Carnival 3569.50 -13.00 Centrica 219.35 -5.40 Coca-Cola HBC AG 1531.00 0.00 Compass Group 1066.50 -6.00 CRH 1862.50 2.00 Diageo 1869.75 -13.13 Direct Line Insurance Group 395.30 -1.70 Dixons Carphone 464.40 -2.60 easyJet 1792.00 -5.00 Experian 1111.00 -4.00 Fresnillo 706.50 -0.50 G4S 247.50 -0.30 GKN 296.20 -1.00 GlaxoSmithKline 1375.75 -8.20 Glencore 115.38 -0.50 Hammerson 605.25 -10.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1452.00 -5.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 1996.00 -13.00 HSBC Holdings 533.70 5.92 Imperial Tobacco Group 3463.00 -42.00 Inmarsat 1018.00 12.50 InterContinental Hotels G 2676.50 -97.00 International Consolidated 600.25 -1.50 Intertek Group 2596.00 -9.00 Intu Properties 329.35 -7.70 ITV 256.90 1.00

% CHG. 0.28 2.45 -0.40 1.16 0.49 -0.19 1.40 -0.15 -1.60 0.39 0.21 -0.18 1.57 -2.13 -1.42 0.19 -0.88 0.66 -1.17 -1.43 -0.90 -0.63 0.15 -0.47 -0.36 -2.40 0.00 -0.56 0.11 -0.70 -0.43 -0.56 -0.28 -0.36 -0.07 -0.12 -0.34 -0.59 -0.43 -1.71 -0.34 -0.65 1.12 -1.20 1.24 -3.50 -0.25 -0.35 -2.28 0.39

NET VOL 206.68 2,050.25 140.31 5,792.67 1,012.16 322.19 688.68 171.72 453.26 1,145.09 147.22 1,741.32 18,440.47 2,096.24 265.43 2,036.79 5,936.90 5,978.00 609.82 1,298.37 2,727.93 182.27 471.57 487.71 134.48 8,106.75 131.60 504.03 597.75 676.21 900.26 271.05 394.09 377.51 542.46 455.10 896.78 1,941.63 23,190.16 791.50 291.47 138.74 11,986.76 743.54 558.30 620.78 3,872.58 43.68 670.01 2,468.43

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Johnson Matthey 2600.00 -17.70 Kingfisher 357.45 3.80 Land Securities Group 1290.50 -18.00 Legal & General Group 268.00 -0.20 Lloyds Banking Group 73.77 0.01 London Stock Exchange G. 2586.00 -11.00 Marks & Spencer Group 542.25 -0.50 Meggitt 383.75 -0.70 Merlin Entertainments 411.90 -0.30 Mondi 1484.50 -21.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 166.55 -2.10 National Grid 893.95 -0.20 Next 7900.00 -40.00 Old Mutual 202.90 -1.20 Pearson 834.25 7.00 Persimmon 1833.00 -48.00 Prudential 1556.00 11.50 Randgold Resources Ltd 3973.50 3.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6181.00 -87.00 RELX 1159.50 -1.00 Rio Tinto 2320.25 38.00 Rolls-Royce Holdings 701.50 2.50 Royal Bank of Scotland G. 321.85 2.60 Royal Dutch Shell 1739.00 17.00 Royal Mail 445.80 3.74 RSA Insurance Group 438.70 4.60 SABMiller 3989.50 5.50 Sage Group (The) 543.25 0.00 Sainsbury (J) 274.45 -0.16 Schroders 3044.00 30.00 Severn Trent 2131.00 -54.00 Shire 4695.00 -37.00 Sky 1081.50 -4.36 Smith & Nephew 1093.00 -18.72 Smiths Group 1009.50 10.50 Sports Direct International 699.50 -2.50 SSE 1473.50 -19.00 Standard Chartered 623.45 8.70 Standard Life 416.30 -1.02 St James's Place 963.75 2.00 Taylor Wimpey 176.80 -4.70 Tesco 181.10 -1.75 Travis Perkins 1999.50 23.00 TUI AG 1167.00 2.00 Unilever 2820.50 -37.12 United Utilities Group 937.75 -19.50 Vodafone Group 217.05 0.90 Whitbread 4708.50 -59.00 Wolseley 3878.00 21.00 WPP 1489.50 -3.00

% CHG. -0.68 1.07 -1.38 -0.07 0.01 -0.42 -0.09 -0.18 -0.07 -1.39 -1.25 -0.02 -0.50 -0.59 0.85 -2.55 0.74 0.08 -1.39 -0.09 1.67 0.36 0.81 0.99 0.85 1.06 0.14 0.00 -0.06 1.00 -2.47 -0.78 -0.40 -1.68 1.05 -0.36 -1.27 1.42 -0.24 0.21 -2.59 -0.96 1.16 0.17 -1.30 -2.04 0.42 -1.24 0.54 -0.20

NET VOL 96.23 1,868.53 1,015.86 2,786.12 33,092.64 185.50 1,724.91 677.22 185.85 281.67 2,907.83 2,813.16 54.18 1,937.38 1,078.59 864.98 870.60 137.85 429.23 757.74 2,473.79 1,982.00 3,879.89 2,044.19 628.95 925.89 399.14 333.64 1,497.36 94.20 236.18 442.96 835.36 549.98 335.21 229.56 722.84 5,656.48 707.64 315.34 11,608.08 3,437.88 221.37 130.77 1,282.97 473.59 10,697.76 158.11 172.19 861.34

Kleinwort Benson Elite PCC Ltd

0.71403

1.40051 Units per €

US dollar ...................................................................1.07748 Japan yen ................................................................133.075 Switzerland franc..................................................1.08126 Denmark kroner...................................................7.45995 Norway kroner ......................................................9.29168

currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 9

COMPANY MMM 3M AXP American Express AAPL Apple BA Boeing CAT Caterpillar CVX Chevron CSCO Cisco KO Coca-Cola DIS Disney DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil GE General Electric GS Goldman Sachs HD Home Depot IBM IBM INTC Intel JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase MCD McDonald's MRK Merck MSFT Microsoft NKE Nike PFE Pfizer PG Procter & Gamble TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies UNH UnitedHealth VZ Verizon V Visa WMT Wal-Mart

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 159.26 +0.27 +0.17% 1.9M 74.30 +0.37 +0.50% 7.4M 121.06 +0.14 +0.12% 33.0M 147.94 -0.03 -0.02% 2.3M 73.84 -0.38 -0.51% 5.5M 94.03 -0.52 -0.55% 9.6M 28.45 +0.02 +0.07% 26.1M 41.96 -0.37 -0.87% 11.9M 115.67 +2.67 +2.36% 16.8M 66.11 +1.30 +2.01% 6.6M 83.74 -0.34 -0.40% 12.5M 29.92 +0.28 +0.94% 126.1M 199.17 +7.15 +3.72% 4.3M 125.98 +0.26 +0.21% 3.8M 138.25 -1.64 -1.17% 4.7M 33.84 -0.16 -0.47% 23.7M 101.92 -0.41 -0.40% 6.2M 68.46 +2.02 +3.04% 23.3M 113.31 +0.46 +0.41% 4.6M 54.61 -0.44 -0.80% 10.7M 54.92 +0.54 +0.99% 32.9M 131.78 -0.08 -0.06% 2.4M 33.93 -0.22 -0.64% 31.2M 75.57 -0.82 -1.07% 9.5M 113.10 -0.87 -0.76% 2.6M 100.80 0.00 0.00% 2.7M 114.81 -1.42 -1.22% 4.1M 45.78 -0.42 -0.91% 14.1M 78.75 -0.51 -0.64% 8.2M 58.78 +0.17 +0.29% 10.0M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 9

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced ZS Pharma, Inc. Stamps.com Inc. TrueCar, Inc. Zions Bancorporation Builders FirstSource, Inc. Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Qorvo, Inc. Horizon Pharma plc The Advisory Board Company Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp.

Paylocity Holding Corporation

$89.04 $104.93 $8.43 $3.148 $15.25 $13.04 $55.55 $21.00 $53.33 $6.93 $43.37

25.73 ▲ 40.64% 28.95 ▲ 38.10% 2.30 ▲ 37.52% 0.838 ▲ 36.28% 2.94 ▲ 23.88% 2.50 ▲ 23.72% 10.47 ▲ 23.23% 3.74 ▲ 21.67% 9.12 ▲ 20.63% 1.08 ▲ 18.46% 6.40 ▲ 17.31%

$6.90 $2.50 $5.65 $6.66 $33.92 $4.81 $19.20 $7.62 $14.54 $8.41 $7.04

9.24 ▼ 57.25% 0.99 ▼ 28.37% 2.08 ▼ 26.91% 2.32 ▼ 25.84% 10.99 ▼ 24.47% 1.53 ▼ 24.13% 5.88 ▼ 23.44% 2.00 ▼ 20.79% 3.71 ▼ 20.33% 1.84 ▼ 17.95% 1.54 ▼ 17.95%

Most Declined Iconix Brand Group, Inc. Pixelworks, Inc. Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Avid Technology, Inc. NewLink Genetics Corporation Skullcandy, Inc. Sierra Wireless, Inc. Inventure Foods, Inc. Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. MISONIX, Inc. Tangoe, Inc.

38

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

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

HACIENDA, the Spanish Tr e a s u r y, h a s i d e n t i f i e d €40 billion of assets deposited overseas of which 45 per cent is said to be lodged in tax havens, according to recent reports.

The largest amount estimated at €19.87 billion is unsurprisingly lodged in Switzerland, with €9.98 billion in Luxembourg and €4.07 billion in Andorra, which itself is jointly administered by Spain.

The Treasury has found €15.04 billion in areas said t o b e d i ff i c u l t f o r a c c e s s and it was noted that Spanish taxpayers have more money in Swiss banks than G e r m a n y, F r a n c e a n d t h e United Kingdom put together.

Michelin to close Antrim factory THE Michelin tyre factory in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is due to close in 2018 with the loss of 860 jobs, although the company also announced that it will increase production at its Dundee plant and upgrade its production facility in Stoke-on-Trent.

According to the BBC, Unite union’s Davy Thompson said in addition to workers employed directly by Michelin, “there are approximately 500 contractors and many more in the wider economy who now face the threat of redundancy as a result of this announcement.”

Michelin said in a statement: “There is a strong need to reduce overcapacity and concentrate Michelin truck tyre production in larger, more competitive sites. Despite great efforts and progress being made in previous years, other European plants are still more competitive than Ballymena.”

Photo Credit Sashkin Shutterstock

Spanish Treasury discovers hidden assets overseas

OVERSEAS DEPOSITS: Hacienda has tracked down €40 billion of assets.

Spanish taxpayers have more money in Swiss banks than Germany, France and UK put together Interestingly, Gibraltar is not reported as being a significant depository for Spanish euros despite ongoing Spanish government complaints. In fact, Gibraltar has actually received a glowing report from the OECD on its record on exchange of information and transparency, with Gibraltar ’s overall rating being the same as the UK, Germany and the USA.

Federal Reserve hints at possible rise in US interest rates in December APPEARING before a Congressional Committee in the United States, on other matters, Janet Yellen, Chair of the Federal Reserve, indicated that a rise in US interest rates in December is ‘a live possibility’.

“What the committee has been expecting is that the economy will continue to grow at a pace that is sufficient to generate further improvements in the labour market and to return inflation to our 2 per cent target over the medium term,” Yellen told the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives.

A meeting of the Federal Reserve’s policy committee in December is the next and final opportunity for any increase to take place this year after US interest rates have been near zero since December 2008.

Higher interest rates would make the dollar appear more attractive to investors so the heavily

What the committee has been expecting is that the economy will continue to grow at a pace... to return inflation to our 2 per cent target over the medium term” hinted possibility of a rise increases demand for the US currency and indeed the dollar strengthened on the news.

There is no absolute commitment at this stage and there is still a month in which to gather information about the state of the economy, but it does seem unlikely that she would have made this comment unless she was fairly certain that the increase was on the cards.

JANET YELLEN

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

12 - 18 November 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

39

Staff incentives 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

THERE are considerable downsides to running a business, especially in Spain. Notorious for its impractical employment laws and anti-business ethos; anyone whose business survives 12 months should be awarded the commercial equivalent of the Victoria Cross. One of the biggest handicaps in business is the difficulty encountered when one is tempted to fire useless staff.

Customer and staff incentives are an essential component of successful businesses.

Some of you, likely retired by now, will recall the Co-op shopping chain’s dividends. Later on there were Green Shield stamps. These were ‘cash or kind’ incentives for showing shop or brand loyalty. Although the returns were ludicrously small, such inducements worked like a dream.

Because the retailer could rely on customer loyalty there was little need for offering in-store discounts. Best of all, the costs and the management of the scheme were added to the customer’s shop-

Staff incentives are an essential component of successful businesses

INDUCEMENT: Green Shield stamps worked like a dream. ping bill. The smarter-run companies apply the same principles to staff management.

Reward for achievement is widespread in commission-only sales industries. Every salesperson knows that, in addition to their hard-earned sales commission, they will be rewarded by incentives.

These can be considerable. I know direct sales companies that regularly send sales staff on exotic

holidays. The costs are built into the product’s price.

This is not difficult when a bathroom a local tradesman could refurbish for £2,000 is direct-sold for five times that sum. The direct marketing company would also trouser a considerable financial bonus if the buyer could be swung on to a credit scheme.

Let’s say your company’s turnover is €100k per year. After you deduct the overheads there is little left for you to reward your staff; a Christmas dinner perhaps.

Try this: offer a 5 per cent end-of-year staff bonus based on additional year-on-year turnover additional to the pre-scheme turnover. This incentive will keep staff hot as mustard, staff retention will improve, your turnover will substantially increase. Unless your profit margins are 5 per cent or less, you can only benefit.

Best of all, you will spend less on advertising and can reduce special offers.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 November 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

‘Just a bunch of prattling females!’

INSTEAD of adoring each other, its obvious they only truly adore their own egos LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT THIS WEEK, flicking through the daily mish mash of rubbish that now passes for daytime TV, I happened upon an edition of ‘Loose Women.’ The title, a rather pathetic attempt at a double entendre, rather sums up the quality of this whole pontificating presentation. Basically it is a bunch of prattling females, pretending to adore each other, when it is painfully obvious that the only things they truly adore are their own egos.

On this occasion, the panel was discussing a recent fire. Finger hovering above the remote, I hesitated before moving on.

‘And so,’ shrilled the one in the middle.

‘We have invited a proper fireman to come on the show and discuss the problem.’

We were then treated to the sight of the fireman. Stripped to the waist, clad in helmet, shorts and boots and looking for the entire world like a ‘Village People’ reject,

LOOSE WOMEN: Ms Janet Street Porter doesn’t like touchy, feely men. the ‘guest,’ to a chorus of whoops and wolf whistles from the almost exclusively female audience, duly appeared on the set.

Ok Leapy, what’s your point? Women’s equality girls, that’s my point. Gooses and Ganders loves. If this had been a roomful of

men, and the guest a scantily clad nurse or police woman, arriving on prime time television to a roomful of baying men, the reaction from the Pankhurst brigade would probably have made tomorrows headlines.

I know, from reading her column, that one of this panel, Ms Janet Street Porter is an almost maniacal women’s libber, who actually made the papers last week for recoiling in horror when another male guest, Olly Murs, attempted to kiss her on the cheek; stating she didn’t like ‘touchy and feely men.’ No I’m sorry girls; you simply can’t have it all ways.

I’m afraid I’m one of the old school, who still thinks that the event of ‘the pill’ created a whole gender, totally confused and struggling to come to terms with a completely unnatural existence, that to my mind, nature certainly didn’t intend!

Isn’t it odd, that nine out of 10 medical malpractices are committed by people with almost unpronounceable names? Funny that.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

41

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

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Jewellery factory misfortune

OUR VIEW MyImages-Micha Shutterstock

42

MALLORCAN pearls? I wash my hands of them...

Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-thewall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

SOME days are great and everything is perfect. Others... well, my fervent wish is that I had stayed in bed.

We recently returned from a week on the lovely island of Mallorca, which, amongst other things, is synonymous with a certain brand of high quality pearl jewellery.

My wife is a fan and naturally a trip to the factory shop in Manacor was high on the princess’s priority list.

We wandered around the premises for some time admiring their comprehensive collection.

The flexible friend in my wallet was exhausted, our companions had expressed interest in taking a coffee break, and I had a desire to attend the little boy’s room.

For convenience I had attached my camera to the belt on my shorts

CAFÉ BREAK: An amusing experience. before leaving home, but I had not taken this into account as I loosened my clothing, because as soon as I unbuttoned, the extra weight conveyed my shorts to the floor.

As I was pulling up my Primark’s best, the door opened revealing a man frozen in his tracks at the sight before him.

The situation was made worse

by the fact that I was sporting my Flintstone underpants and the newc ome r was gr eet ed by but t ocks portraying a grinning Barney Rubble.

In the haste to hike up my errant Bermudas, I banged my forehead forcibly on the urinal and in staggering backwards, inadvertently dis lodg ed m y Ray- Ban shades w hic h f el l wi t h a pl op i nt o t he aforementioned piece of porcelain be c a use, yup, t he dr ai n was blocked.

Gingerly holding my dripping sunglasses and forcing a nonchalant whistle, I rinsed them under the hot tap, which predictably produced only cold water. My erstwhile companion in the meantime had scarpered without even bothering to wash his hands.

I joined my good lady and our friends in the café, where I recounted my bathroom experience much to everyone’s amusement and as they laughed at my misfortune, a familiar but nervous looking ge nt l em an appr oached our ta ble and asked what we woul d like to order.

“Just coffee, no food!” I whispered to the others.

It’s not a tall ‘storey’...

FROM the bank’s perspective it’s heads I win, tails you lose Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

HAVING twice carried the burden of a home mortgage and on several occasions rented, I am in no doubt as to which represents the best value for money. We fool ourselves that we own our homes. You miss a couple of mortgage payments and it will be made clear that you are a tenant and the bank is your landlord.

I ditched the nonsense of placing a deposit, most likely borrowed, on my own home. The penny dropped, the bank was buying the property and I was renting it from the bank. The rent was flexible, in their favour, and there were charges attached.

You don’t need a degree in commonsense to figure out where the inspiration for a mortgage came from. From any bank’s perspective, lending you money, which incidentally they don’t have either, is a licence to print real money lu-

HOME MORTGAGES: When we mess up, we pay and when the banks mess up, we pay.

RIP: Domestic violence.

Weekend of contrasts IT has been a real weekend of contrasts with regards to gender violence in Spain, with a mixture of both encouraging and depressing news over just two days.

An estimated 20,000 people marched through the streets of Madrid on Saturday November 7, against gender violence and to highlight the fact that almost 1,400 victims have been killed by their current or former partners since 1995.

In actual fact, despite the figures showing that on average one woman is killed every four days in Spain by a member of the opposite sex and despite the so-called ‘macho’ image of many Spanish men, the country comes low on the list of gender violence across Europe. Perhaps surprisingly, the worst offenders are Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Having seen the massive support for the protection of women on Saturday, there was a complete reversal on Sunday with four women being murdered by partners or relatives across Spain.

A mother and daughter were shot by the daughter’s estranged partner; a 28-yearold woman was shot by her partner who then turned the gun on himself, and another woman was reported to have been stabbed to death by her son.

Violence is endemic but we have to hope that if enough people protest and youngsters are properly educated that it will eventually become a thing of the past.

bricated by the sweat of your brow.

Banks are not given to being charitable. In truth, the banks prefer us to be charitable. When we mess up, we pay and when they mess up, we pay.

When you apply for a mortgage you jump through rings to acquire it. Such is their impudence the banks had the gall to draw up an application procedure that places all the risk of your investment on you.

Like lemmings, so many rush into the bank. Thereupon, they bend over the bank manager’s desk and invite their backsides to be kicked. The bank manager’s shoes are polished as he takes such liberties.

It is said that the dream of the older generation was to pay off a mortgage; the dream of the younger generation is to get one. Is this a dream or is it a nightmare? From the bank’s perspective again, it is a case of heads I win, tails you lose.

Now we Things could be worse, consider the want to new homeowners whose estate agent’s hear your views. bouquet carried the card, ‘rest in peace’. Upon their complaining YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE he suggested they cheer up. On - YOUR OPINION someone’s coffin the bouquet card www.euroweeklynews.com read: ‘welcome to your new home.’

NEWS

www.euroweeklynews.com

12 - 18 November 2015 / Costa de Almería

Library project contract awarded THE ball is rolling to recover and renovate Almeria City’s old Local Police barracks and turn them into a library and project management and health and safety offices.

EBS, a group formed by architects Helena de Sebastian, Ignacio Espigares and Rosa Ballester, has won a competition for ideas for the project and will be paid €90,000 to draw up the project

and direct work on the premises, due to start next year with €650,000 in funding from the central government.

Town Planning department head and City Hall spokesman Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco announced that there is another competition planned shortly to gather ideas for construction of another library on Calle General Luque in the city’s historical centre.

Helping those in need GADOR Council did its bit for charity at the weekend by distributing more than 27,000 kilos of food to local families in need.

Altogether 342 families from the town were given food parcels which councillors and municipal staff handed out on Sunday (November 8) at the municipal warehouse.

Depending on each family’s particular needs and number of members, parcels distributed con-

342 families from the town were given food parcels

tained up to 15 different items including olive oil, beans, rice, chickpeas, pasta, tomato sauce, tins of tuna, vegetable soup, tinned fruit, biscuits, cereals, milk and baby for-

mula and food.

Deputy Mayor Lourdes Ramos, who took an active part in the day, explained that helping local families in need was a top priority for the council.

EWN

47

Flood risk reduction study out to tender

By Eleanor Hawkins DRAWING up a study on solutions and work to complete channelling of the Andarax river as it passes through Almeria City has been put out to tender by the government.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment announc e d tha t the s tudy w ill have a budget of €420,940.

The plan is to find solutions to guarantee safety of work already done and also to complete remaining work in order to channel the river between La Boquera de la Higuera and the coast in accordance with Royal Decree 803/2010 of July 9.

Once the contract is awarded, the winning company will have one year to announce to the public the results of its study, which is intended to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

ANDARAX RIVER: Working to reduce the risk of flooding.

48

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

LETTERS

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION

Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com

Our leaders are responsible for taking the Great out of Britain Re: Why is Great Britain no longer great?

LOVED what you had to say, Nora Johnson. My wife had to wait for six months for the treatment of her breast cancer here in Cornwall; it was a really horrendous time. Currently she is well and we are keeping our fingers crossed it stays that way.

As for our so-called leaders/MPs who in the last 30 years or so have allowed what was once a truly great country to become what it is today, every one of them should in my mind be lined up against a wall and shot for treason.

I would not trust one of them to put my dustbin out for collection let alone run our country. Only last week they were near on begging China to build us a power station. China? Are we unable to do anything on our own any more?

Having in the past served in the Forces as a person who loved his country like no other, no way would I do such a thing now.

I look forward to your next article.

Go for it!

Cannot wait to return to Mallorca; my wife and l love the local people, many of whom have become true friends.

All the best Mallorca, Cliff and Desiree (via website)

Funds needed Re: Details of spending are now revealed WHAT about funds to make safer slip roads on and off the A7? This road is a disgrace considering the amount of money that the Mijas coast has generated for Spain.

Mike (via email)

Blame Blair Re: Why is Great Britain no longer great?

THE country is an absolute shambles, and I blame Blair and his evil cronies for it all. What that man did to this once great nation defies description.

Not only did he drag us into the war with Iraq with his lies, which incidentally started the whole terrorist cam-

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

Any god who is capable of supporting the horrors that almost all religions uphold must be a pretty feeble deity, yet millions believe the most outrageous theories.

Religion has itself probably caused more horrors than any of the Seven Sins. How many reading this will reply ‘not my religion, mine is the only true one’?

Ron (via website)

Bad service

Breach of Constitution Re: Parliament in Catalonia opens with fresh calls for independence as political scandal continues WHEN the PP in 2010 went to the Constitutional Court and had elements overturned or watered down, they voided the social contract to which the Catalonian people had agreed. In short, it was a breach of contract voiding the Constitution as it applied to the people of Catalonia.

James (via website)

paign, but he opened the doors to this country for every Tom, Dick or Harry who wanted to come here and live off benefits.

Blair is a traitor of the highest order and should be arrested and sent to a dungeon in the depths of the Tower of London and left to rot.

Roy (via email)

stags UK) and feel pain and fear.

Why would anyone want to cause such suffering unnecessarily? If the police officer wanted to improve his shooting skills there are other ways to do this without harming animals.

I am sorry for his family at his loss.

Denise (via website)

Ban hunting Missile lie Re: Hunter dies after being gored by wild boar in Spain TO hunt for pleasure (not for food where there are more humane methods) is a sad reflection on man’s need to dominate other species.

Sometimes animals are left injured as in this case. Studies reveal that animals excrete stress hormones when being hunted (deer/

Great, thanks for that, Mike IN fact, that ‘Russian-made missile’ you read about in every mainstream media source may not even be Russian-made; it could very well be Soviet-made.

And the Dutch report they’re supposedly quoting doesn’t call it ‘Russian-made’. It’s a complete fiction, a lie.

Mao (via website)

Ungodly ways Re: Gruesome discovery in Peru EVERYONE will quite rightly deplore this religion and its murder of children but adhere to their more modern brand.

All religions have been invented over the millennia from worship of the wind and sun onwards. They produce priesthood and attract followers who accept that particular brand as the sole truth.

I cannot see any difference between the Incas and any of the modern religions. The basic laws of Christianity for example are openly flouted by the hierarchy - Thou shalt not kill has become ‘except for religious wars’ - and religions still kill adherents of other religions. Why are churches full of ‘graven images’?

Re: Tribunal decides postman’s case ANOTHER reason we don’t get a good service in Spain from public services and Correos; no one that is a worker actually pays for their mistakes, it is always the company and the customer that pays for a poor service performed by employees.

That’s what you get when you give workers too many rights.

Mike (via website)

Naming names Re: Legally Speaking, David Searl Edition 1580 WITH regard to the advice given to LK in Almeria, I am of the opinion that the president and other owners do have an option to see the names of all of the other owners as each one is responsible for what happens in their apartment even if it is rented to a third party.

If noise is of a level that causes disturbance, then each affected owner has the right to sue the owner of the property who has let it to noisy tenants, and therefore these tenants would need to be identified.

A Spanish lawyer Benalmadena, Malaga

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

Letters may also be edited.

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

www.euroweeklynews.com

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.

50

E W N 12 - 18 November / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

www.euroweeklynews.com

TV LISTING

THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER

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8:30pm 9:00pm

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Rick Stein From Venice to Istanbul MasterChef: The Professionals The Last Kingdom Russell Howard's Good News Newsnight Dominic Sandbrook: Let Us EntertainYou Panorama

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Catchphrase The Chase: Celebrity Special The X Factor The Jonathan Ross Show ITV News and Weather Euro 2016 Play-off Highlights

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ITV News London ITV News and Weather Jekyll and Hyde The X Factor Results Show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News and Weather Off Their Rockers

6:40pm 7:00pm

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Countrywise Coronation Street I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News at Ten and Weather The Job Lot Travel Guides

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm

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International Football ITV News International Football Highlights Jackpot247 ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street All Star Mr and Mrs I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News The Jonathan Ross Show Jackpot247 Ejector Seat

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The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Rory Peck Awards George Clarke's Amazing Spaces Kitchen Impossible with Michel Roux Jr First Dates Gogglebox

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Channel 4 News Includes sport and weather.

Doctor in Your House 24 Hours in A and E Catastrophe Tattoo Fixers Minted in Manchester Pokerstars.Com Shark Cage

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Homes by the Sea Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Restoring Britain's Landmarks Grand Designs Peep Show Toast of London 24 Hours in A and E

9:30pm 10:00pm 11:45pm 1:50am

12:00am

10:00pm

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7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Secrets of Great British Castles When Sharks Attack Ben Fogle: New Lives in the UK Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Super Casino

1:45pm 2:00pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm

When Calls the Heart 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Secrets of St Paul's Cathedral Ice Road Truckers NCIS: New Orleans NCIS NCIS: Los Angeles

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Dear Santa 5 News Weekend Kelly's Heroes Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away!

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Football Gold Grand Slam of Darts Darts Gold Darts Gold Barclays Premier League World Gary Newbon Interviews Phil Taylor Grand Slam of Darts NFL Pre-Game Show York Grand Slam of Darts Game Changers Barclays Premier League World The Fantasy Football Club Football The F1 Show Barclays Premier League World Football Gold Sky Scholars:I Am Siobhan O'connor Sky Scholars: I Am Holly Bradshaw Football Viral Videos of the Month Barclays Premier League World Boxing Gold Boxing Gold Grand Slam of Darts Football League Goals Goals on Sunday Grand Slam of Darts Darts Gold Darts Gold Darts Gold Darts Gold Darts Gold Darts Gold Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits FL72 Goals Football Klitschko/Fury: The Gloves are Off Boxing Gold Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Football Gold NFL Hard Knocks Sporting Rivalries Sporting Rivalries Cricket Cricket Football Klitschko/Fury: The Gloves are Off Boxing Gold Boxing Gold The Premier League Years Sporting Rivalries Gary Newbon Interviewing Martina Hingis Tennis: World Tour Finals Tennis Gold Tennis Gold Tennis Gold The Premier League Years

52

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

Almeria present at eco fair NINE agricultural companies from Andalucia attended the Nordic Organic Food Fair at the Malmö Mässan exhibition centre in Malmeo, Sweden on November 1 and 2.

Four of the companies, supported by Extenda, the Andalucian Agency for Promotion Overseas, were from Almeria, and one each from Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Cordoba.

Data from Extenda has revealed Scandinavia is one of the main markets for ecological products, meaning companies looking to export their produce are eager to promote themselves there.

So far this year, Almeria is the Andalucian province that has reported the greatest increase in food and drink exports, 12.2 per cent more than the same period in 2014.

Alleged scammers arrested A MAN from Almeria and three from Lorca, Murcia, have been arrested suspected of cheating businesses in Spain out of more than €47,000.

Investigations began when an Almeria businesswoman reported to National Police that her company had received demands for payment of goods she had not purchased from distributors all over Spain.

The police discovered all orders were delivered to the same warehouse in Lorca.

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Advertising feature

Rain, wind, hail, snow and fire Extreme atmospheric phenomena are getting more common General weather conditions in Spain are changing As the climate has warmed globally, some types of extreme weather have become more frequent and severe in recent decades.

Extreme heat, intense precipitation, and drought, are on the increase. Heatwaves are becoming longer and hotter.

Heavier rainfall and flooding are more frequent.

In a wide swing between extremes, drought is also more intense and more widespread.

Small changes in the averages of many key climate variables can correspond to large changes in the weather.

These changes are extremely difficult to predict and this weather variability can be extremely costly.

Other atmospheric phenomena, such as hail, snow and fire, previously uncommon in regional climates such as the Mediterranean, are now becoming more common occurrences.

That’s why it’s important to take out a quality home insurance policy.

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We can’t predict when extreme atmospheric conditions will occur, but we aim to be there to ensure that if any damage should result, you won’t have to worry.

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We hope the information provided in this article is of interest.

If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 309.

More information on Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.es

54

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

Some customs in the USA drive me nuts Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man I’M currently on a trip to the USA and as much as I like visiting the country some of their customs drive me nuts!

Like all this, ‘You have a nice day’, business which is usually said to everybody and is so insincere.

Tipping! I don’t mind tipping but in the US it’s a crazy 20 per cent. And God help you if you go into a restaurant and try and leave less for whatever reason, like maybe the service was no good. You will get abused by the same angel that informed you on arrival her ‘name is Mary and she will be your server today’ and who then proceeds to not be very good at her job at all and the food wasn’t all that. Be prepared to be chased out of the place.

I stay at one particular hotel. On arrival a man opens the cab door and I tip him. Someone else then helps me with

my case and I tip him. I go to reception, check in and go to my room. My luggage arrives and I tip the porter. Every day when I go to breakfast the waitress says to me, “Good morning, how are you today?” “Fine thanks,” I reply. She then asks, “and where are you from?”

“Spain,” I reply. Day two it’s the same questions and same replies.

Days three, four and five go pretty mu ch th e s a me . O n da y s ix I’ve ha d enough so I decide to expand on my answers and before she finishes her sentences she gets senkered! “Good morning and how.....” “Well, to tell you the truth I’m not all that today.

“My legs ache as I have a very rare neurological condition, my kidney failure is still at stage three, the scars on my chest and legs also ache a bit because in th e n ig h t I took a drink a nd s ta rte d coughing and think I might have done s o meth in g... O h a nd by the w a y I haven’t moved - I still live in Spain!”

The lady is now staring at me like I’m a raving lunatic and I wander off looking for my sugar free yoghurt.

You all have nice day now!

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Blue lights for all priority vehicles AS part of a new series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers.

NEW LAW: Flashing blue lights.

FROM February 2016, all priority vehicles on Spain’s roads will display flashing blue lights. Currently, fire vehicles, ambulances and tow trucks indicate that they are priority vehicles by use of flashing orange lights, only the police and Guardia Civil use blue.

Spain was the only European country which had not adopted the standard but a change to the law has been published this week, which will come into force early next year.

Are you allowed to exceed the speed limit while overtaking?

This can be a confusing question as the answer is both yes, and no. But, mostly no.

According to Article 51 of the Reglamento General de Circulación, “the maximum fixed speeds for conventional roads which do not pass through urban areas may only be exceeded by up to 20 kilometres per hour by saloon cars and motorcycles whilst overtak-

ing other vehicles travelling at lesser speeds.”

This clause first came about to allow cars to pass a slower moving vehicle in the shortest time possible, allowing an increase in speed in order to execute the move quickly.

The word ‘execute’ being a reminder that overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres. In the event of a head-on collision, speed is added to that of the oncoming vehicle, so a crash where two vehicles are travelling at 90 kph is the equivalent of crashing at 180 kph, when the two speeds are combined.

The rule does exist, but only in certain circumstances and it can only ever apply to cars and motorcycles. The clause is not permitted on motorways, dual carriageways or in towns, or cities. This means it can only be used on so-called conventional roads, single carriageway, with no central reservation and outside of towns.

For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook.

Can he complain anonymously?

I have received a letter from the administrator of my Community, telling me that there had been a complaint about my hedge being too large. The complainer was anonymous In this case the complaint is not really anonymous. The administrator is aware of the identity of the complainer and has accepted that the person has involvement with the Community.

Clearly, the complainer wishes to avoid personal issues. So he informs the community through the ad-

and the administrator will not tell me his name. Is this legal? Can a complaint be made anonymously?

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

ministrator. Properly, he should have brought his complaint to the president or the committee. The administrator or resident is

B.B. (Costa del Sol) under no legal obligation to reveal the name of the complainer.

In fact, there is no formal action requested here, simply a report. If someone really feels your hedge should be cut back, he can bring this up at the AGM for discussion and a vote.

At that point his identity would be known.

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

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

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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA

Word Ladder

YOUR STARS

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) The pleasure you will get from helping in the home this week should not be underestimated. What you have been thinking of as a chore turns out to be a great ball of fun.

Average: 8 Good: 10 Very good: 14 Excellent: 18

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

GARRUCHA

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION arco carl cork corm cram lark marc mark marl moor okra oral orca rack roam rock rook room carol carom color coral croak crook macro molar moral clamor oarlock CLOAKROOM

ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

‘ HEY - YOU TARZAN - ME TOM JONES. YEAH!

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

ROQUETAS

ADRA

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Keep energy levels high by being at the hub of any social activities. Accept all invitations, however dull you feel they may turn out and allow yourself to be surprised. Continue with any check-ups on your health, eating sensibly if you overindulged at the weekend.

(October 24 - November 22)

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) This week is mainly concerned with financial matters, and it is easy to both save and make extra money. Keep your energy levels high by making the most of chances to exercise and get out in the fresh air.

Alicante TODAY: Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

22 14 S 21 13 S 22 12 S

Mon - 22 13 S Tues - 22 13 S Wed - 21 15 S MAX 23C, MIN 14C Mon - 22 14 C Tues - 22 14 S Wed - 22 14 S MAX 18C, MIN 14C

19 13 S 19 12 C 19 12 C

22 15 S 21 15 S 21 15 S

Mon - 21 15 C Tues - 21 15 S Wed - 22 15 S

S Sun,

Cl Clear,

Sh Showers,

10-Star Quiz

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

Saturday November 7

Saturday November 7

Saturday November 7

Friday October 6

Saturday November 7

Sunday November 8

43

49

50

11

6 25

13 36

5

8

9

10

15

29

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

38

2

17

3

17 38

26 40

LUCKY STARS

4

10

3

4

20

24

29

49

REINTEGRO

5

7

Fri Sat Sun -

CLOUDY MAX 21C, MIN 12C MAX MIN

21 12 S 20 11 S 21 10 S

Mon - 22 11 C Tues - 20 11 S Wed - 21 12 C

6

9 47

43 51

REINTEGRO

2

SUNNY MAX 24C, MIN 11C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

34

MAX MIN

Mon - 21 13 C Tues - 22 14 C Wed - 21 14 S

Murcia

CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 16C

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

3

CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 14C 23 14 S 22 14 C 21 14 C

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 12 S Tues - 19 12 C Wed - 19 12 C

Sudoku

2

Fri Sat Sun TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 18 6 S Tues - 17 7 S Wed - 16 7 S

Mallorca

SUNNY

Benidorm

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Concentrating on hearth and home gives you great satisfaction. As a born homemaker, you relish the idea of making something beautiful.

This week it may be possible to show more of your skills when someone seeks your advice.

This time it is on more of a personal note and you could end up helping with appearances.

MAX MIN

21 8 s 19 5 S 19 5 S

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

22 14 S 23 13 C 22 13 C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Fri Sat Sun TODAY:

Barcelona TODAY:

MAX 21C, MIN 7C

MAX MIN

Malaga

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY

TODAY:

Almeria TODAY:

TODAY:

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) A social gathering turns up an old friend who makes an offer.

Although you may feel unworthy, please be reminded of the times in the past when you have given them support. It will be through others that real progress will be made.

Madrid

CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 13C MAX MIN

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) As you have decided to rearrange both your business and home life, it is a busy time, indeed. You enjoy a challenge so it will not worry you that other people have different ideas.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The repayment of a favour should see you with extra money in your pocket. Holding on to it is your best bet.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Your mind is as sharp as a razor this week, so woe betide anyone who tries to trick you. It’s a great time to use your talents fully, particularly in regard to a business venture.

It is possible that your strengths are a little unrecognised so don’t be afraid to try something entirely new.

How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle?

Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case G) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR

ADRA

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Your relationships to others linked to the home environment are going well. Aim to build on that this week because the chance to make a real change to your surroundings opens up. Comfort is top of your agenda and the continuing sales give scope.

Restlessness can be channelled into an energetic response when others seek help. Taking on a small charitable task makes you smile and brings satisfaction.

Nonagram

HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Someone close has ideas about how things should be at home this Christmas. Although you wish to show an interest, and should, they may be more ‘hands on’ than you.

Do whatever your talents allow to help because this will not be forgotten.

TOMORROW VELEZ RUBIO

Making a new start is not always the exciting thing that people imagine. When there are still old matters to be resolved, it takes the edge off the pleasure. It may be worth cooling off a new relationship until your social life is more settled.

SCORPIO

for next 7 days

weather

TODAY

LOTTERY

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Get both business and personal plans sorted out in the coming week.

Thereafter, changes to your routine may be necessary, which is disruptive. The best-laid plans can need adjustment, so don’t beat yourself up over that.

TARGET:

Almería

Move from the start word (WOOD) to the end word (SAGE) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder.

You must only change one letter at a time.

WOOD WOLD SOLD SOLE SALE SAGE

SAGE BACK

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

WOOD WORD WORE WARE WAGE SAGE or

WOOD

TIME

www.euroweeklynews.com

Fri Sat Sun -

F Fog, Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

24 13 S 23 11 C 23 10 C

Mon - 23 11 C Tues - 24 11 S Wed - 23 12 C

C Cloudy, Th Thunder

T FOR TWO All the answers begin with the letters T T 1. Founded in 1976 by Velupillai Prabhakaran, what was the byname of the guerrilla organisation that sought to establish an independent state, Eelam, in northern and eastern Sri Lanka?

2. By what stage name was the American singer and ukulele player, born Herbert Khaury, better known? He was most famous for his rendition of Tiptoe Through the Tulips sung in a distinctive high falsetto/vibrato voice?

3. Popular in the 1980s, which tight-fitting sleeveless shirt with wide shoulder straps and low neck and no front opening was often worn over a shirt or blouse?

4. Voiced by Canadian actor Don Mason, what was the name of the pilot of the highly sophisticated combat submarine Stingray, created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson?

5. What name is usually given to a sequence of words or sounds, typically of an alliterative kind, that are difficult to pronounce quickly and correctly, as for example ‘Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper’?

6. Which 16th century English composer was the organist of the Chapel Royal jointly with William Byrd? He served under Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth I and his works include the 40-part motet Spem in Alium?

7. Which American media mogul and philanthropist was married to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001?

8. Which English comedian and character actor starred as Major Hitchcock in both Private’s Progress (1956) and I’m All Right Jack (1959), Captain Romney Carlton-Ricketts in Blue Murder at St Trinian’s (1957) and Cadogan De Vere Carlton-Browne in Carlton-Browne of the F O (1959)?

9. Which Scottish civil engineer built hundreds of miles of roads, more than a thousand bridges (including the Menai suspension bridge) and a number of canals, including the Caledonian Canal across Scotland?

10. With which sport would you principally associate Chester Barnes, Desmond Douglas, Johnny Leach and Jill Parker-Hammersley-Shirley?

Not a lot of people know that… the first Isle of Man TT race was held on Tuesday May 28, 1907, and was called the International Auto-Cycle Tourist Trophy

1. TAMIL TIGERS, 2. TINY TIM, 3. TANK TOP, 4. TROY TEMPEST, 5. TONGUE TWISTER, 6.

THOMAS TALLIS, 7. TED TURNER, 8. TERRY THOMAS, 9. THOMAS TELFORD, 10.

TABLE TENNIS

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AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition

Quick

Code Breaker

Across 1 Vagrants (6) 4 Remember (6) 9 Of or relating to birds (5) 10 Mounting (7) 11 Location (4) 12 Cellar (8) 13 Incorrect (5) 15 Make fun of (5) 18 Musical band (3,5) 21 Small vessel for travel on water (4) 24 Mistake one thing for another (7) 25 Permit (5) 26 Scandinavian country (6) 27 Light shoe (6) Down 1 Snares (5) 2 Someone who operates an aircraft (7) 3 Small horse (4) 5 Outermost (7) 6 Similar (5) 7 Illuminates (6) 8 Largest continent (4) 12/15 Large circular tent used for circus performances (3,3) 14 Help develop, help grow (7)

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Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 1 represents B and 3 represents C, so fill in B every time the figure 1 appears and C every time the figure 3 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 Shatter, 5 Chaps, 8 Actress, 9 Rooks, 10 Egret, 11 Sceptre, 12 Outlet, 14 Hovels, 17 Arrests, 19 Tasks, 22 Glade, 23 Epitome, 24 Suede, 25 Descent.

Down: 1 Scale, 2 Actor, 3 Theatre, 4 Resist, 5 Curse, 6 Apostle, 7 Systems, 12 Oranges, 13 Tartare, 15 Obtains, 16 Ascend, 18 Scene, 20 Stole, 21 Spent.

QUICK Across:

15 See 12 16 Not in an edible or usable condition (7) 17 Blank areas (6) 19 Pasta in short tubes with diagonally

English - Spanish

cut ends (5) 20 Employed in accomplishing something (4) 22 Bathroom item (5) 23 Information (4)

Down: 2 Moose, 3 Special, 4 Decisions, 5 Pan, 6 Turns, 7 Turkeys, 11 Estimated, 13 Origins, 15 Punches, 17 Extra, 19 Tales, 21 Ice.

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

Across 1 Rake (tool) (9) 6 With (3) 7 Support (7) 9 Swedish (f) (5) 10 Gust of wind (5) 12 Champion (7) 14 As (naipes) (3) 15 Butterflies (insects) (9)

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across:

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

1 Swan, 3 Plugs, 8 Amigdalas, 9 Rinse, 10 Otoño, 12 Cacahuete, 14 Clase, 15 Osos.

Down: 1 Subtract, 2 Again, 4 Ladrones, 5 Gol, 6 Like this, 7 Esponjas, 11 Ovens, 13 Col.

Down 1 Mochilas (9) 2 Desde entonces (5) 3 Rescue (7) 4 Remo (3) 5 Adolescentes (9) 8 Chirivía (7) 11 Garras (de animal) (5) 13 Mamá (3)

Hexagram

1 Amused, 5 Potato, 8 Bore, 9 Contrary, 10 Genius, 11 Easier, 12 Doll, 14 Out, 15 Pass, 16 Tigers, 18 Minute, 20 District, 22 Half, 23 Escape, 24 Desks.

Cryptic 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 (BOBBLE) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ARCADE

KAISER

AUNTIE

LETTER

BELIES

LIBIDO

BOBBLE (10)

LOITER

CANDLE

MEMBER

DESERT

PIGEON

EMBLEM

SLUICE

ESTEEM

STREAM

FILTER

SUBMIT

HURTLE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Exeunt 2 Martin 3 Inhere 4 Emerge 5 Murder 6 Mulish 7 Vulgar 8 Eldest 9 Feline 10 Vellum 11 Import 12 Osmium 13 Teller 14 Marten 15 Should 16 Intone 17 Cashew 18 Denies 19 Obsess

Across 1 Bird’s home is in Vine Street (4) 3 Greek hero mixed used soys (8) 9 A monster making some angry phone calls (7) 10 Conscious of a town in Herts (5) 11 Twist of the head (5) 12 Get at one in brown cover (6) 14 Pinch the Spanish metal (6) 16 Worship always in religious classes (6) 19 Was confused in her cable (6) 21 Awfully eager to concur (5) 24 An advance, we hear, on its own (5) 25 Rome can appear in a new light as an Italian city (7) 26 Runner organised printers (8) 27 Where one may eat food providing calcium and iron (4) Down 1 Wiping out ten aging ruins (8) 2 Pigpen the French way (5) 4 Dismissal of agreement about Northern Ireland (6) 5 A biased view from the friar’s lantern (5)

6 Misleading visa Eve replaced (7) 7 Thrown off a garden building (4) 8 Pure but pursued, by the sound of it (6) 13 Demote soldiers in front of emissary (8) 15 Demand a rum and cola, mixed (7)

17 Times the Queen required an item from the stationer’s (6) 18 For a prophet, find a Major, a clever person (6) 20 Austere at the rear of a ship?

(5) 22 Woman distributing hoard (5) 23 Plenty of luggage (4)

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HEALTH BEAUTY

&

FitFoxy

Looking Good, Staying Trim

I DO not believe that there is anything more tedious than having to work out the calorie content of every single food item that you consume.

However, I can relate to it, as I was guilty of doing just that through my teens. I knew absolutely nothing about how the body functioned. I can remember having a calorie counter book that was like a dictionary A-Z of every popular supermarket branded food in the country. What a bonus! Let’s say I am allowed 1,500 calories a day and I just have a hankering for Mars bars… there are around 260 calories in a Mars bar, I can eat four of them and still be under my calorie allowance, right? WRONG!

I didn’t really replace my meals with four Mars bars but you get the idea.

However, I did adopt this way of thinking. Of course, I never lost weight, and with this method of eating I was never going to look good, and to top it all off I became obsessed with food.

Now, I know better. I have studied both the physical and mental side of dieting and exercise, read many books and tried many different eating and exercise plans. One thing I will share with you is that once I stopped obsessing about how many calories I was allowed to have and how many I was eating, and focused on building a fit, lean body with my exercise sessions… BINGO!!! I started to get the results.

There is also the obsession of calorie burn relating to how many calories you are burning depending on what exercise you are doing. The truth is any exercise is going to help you to lose weight as

long as you are eating healthily and cutting down on treats.

However, the defining factor of your body type, current weight and gender will determine how many calories you are likely to use up in any one training session.

Any exercise class that promises that you will burn 800 calories per 45-minute session is, I will boldly say, lying to you!

OK, maybe if you happen to look like film star The Rock, then you could burn that amount of calories in an intense training session, but I know I could do the same class and only expect to burn around 360, maybe more if I’m lucky.

But why fret over that? If you eat healthy food, aim for a minimum of three meals a day, cut out the junk and alcohol, you won’t need to worry about how many calories you are burning in class, you will see the physical changes and you will lose weight.

Olearys, flickr

Don’t waste your time counting the calories GOOD DIET: Calls for better monitoring of nutrition.

Malnutrition in cancer patients is a concern SPAIN’S Foundation for Excellence and Quality Oncology (ECO) has warned that between 25 and 85 per cent of cancer patients develop some degree of malnutrition which results in decreased survival rates and poorer quality of life.

The ECO foundation said malnutrition is higher in patients with tumours in the head, neck, pancreas and digestive system.

In Spain, for every million inhabitants there are 4.5 cancer patients with malnutrition, 14 patients per million population in the UK suffering and 24 in Italy.

As a result, the ECO is calling for action to improve the detection of these cases and to better monitor the nutritional status of patients who are suffering from cancer and going through treatment.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask The Doctor

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New look for autumn Brought to you by Helicopteros Sanitarios.

Top trends to embrace for the cooler season

Photo, Alexey Lysenko, shutterstock

Blood pressure worries

SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte.

Dear Doctor, I am a 60-year-old, fit and active woman of average weight. I have had high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat for 10 years, which was perfectly controlled by medication until recently. A month ago I started feeling strange and found my blood pressure had jumped from 120/73 to 163/97. After a week it was still up so I went to the doctor and he upped my medication twice.

Blood tests showed I had high cholesterol and my doctor decided it could be due to one of the medications I take and also suggested I might have hyperthyroidism.

He has asked me to go on a no milk or dairy diet for three months to see if diet is my problem. I find this bewildering as for the last 20 years I have only eaten a healthy, low-fat diet with hardly any red meat and everything skimmed.

He wants to see me again in two weeks to check my blood pressure.

Although I trust him I would love a second opinion as I am worried that all these problems combined could be dangerous and I

might need extra medication now.

I have been researching on the internet but end up going round in circles as all these things seem to be interconnected and complex.

Dear patient, We have many things to take into account here.

High blood pressure is a chronic problem which can sometimes, for various reasons, get out of control. It takes patience and gradual increases in medication to get it back under control.

Diet is also important and salt should be avoided at all costs.

You should be monitored by a doctor, preferably a specialist in Internal Medicine, and if in a few weeks your levels are not back under control further studies will be needed to rule out problems associated with high blood pressure.

To determine whether you have thyroid problems we would need to do further tests and an ultrasound to decide whether you need medication now.

Finally I would recommend that you do not trust anything you read on the internet as often information given is misleading.

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THE change of season is usually accompanied by an overwhelming desire to change or renew our look. So what are the hot hair trends for autumn and winter? In terms of colour, top stylists say platinum, almost ice white, and grey are on-trend.

Ice white can be hard to achieve and maintain so take advice from your colourist; and grey, long since only seen in older women, is now attracting a younger following with celebrities like Nicole Richie and Pink! already embracing the trend. Not sure between blonde or brunette? ‘Bronde’ is the key word in salons right now, with warm golden tints and touches of honey and copper complementing autumn shades.

Looking to go younger? Try a fringe which will instantly overhaul your look. Whether it’s a sharp blunt one, or longer, softer style, or a side-sweeping fringe, there is a style to suit most people.

Health Food Shop & Community Centre Are you looking for inspiration?

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In the Community Centre Kids Karate, kids Gymnastics Art classes, Pilates, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Salsa-size Spanish lessons and health screening

C/Malaga s/n, Albox, Almeria, Tel: 639 089 170 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-2pm email: alboxgirasol@hotmail.com

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Take to the Velez tapas trail this weekend 34 establishments are taking part in this fifth edition of the route THE DesTapa Los Velez tapas route is under way once more.

A different Los Velez town is featured each weekend and began last week in Chirivel.

This weekend between November 13 and 15 it will be the turn of Velez Blan c o f o l l o we d b y Ve le z R u b io (November 20-22) and Maria (November 27-29).

Thirty-four establishments are taking part in this fifth edition of the route and all are offering two tapas for the price of €2.50.

There is a ‘rutometro’ for those taking part which is stamped each time they pay for their tapas.

Once they accumulate four stamps from two different bars they are eligible to enter a draw for a €100 or €50 prize.

S

OCIAL CENE

Dames announce Christmas Market DAMES in Turre will be holding their biggest fundraising event of the year, the Christmas Market, on Turre Square from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, December 5.

All members of the public are invited to go along and do their Christmas shopping at the market, which will this year include a tombola, mulled wine, handicrafts, jewellery and bric-a-brac stalls, a Christmas raffle and much, much more.

All monies raised will be donated to local charities, Dames announced.

Those interested in holding a stall or wishing to donate items towards the raffle or tombola are asked to email Soo Wallace on sillyboo59@yahoo.co.uk.

Eat tapas, win prizes

TAPAS: Something for everyone.

HUERCAL-OVERA’S fifth tapas route is under way and will be running in town until November 15.

Altogether there are 30 bars and restaurants taking part this time round, offering 56 different tapas for people to try out.

This year, for the first time, some of the bars have added

gluten-free tapas to their menu to allow more members of the public to enjoy the event.

Everyone who manages to get 10 stamps on their route map will be eligible to take part in a draw to win a holiday valued at €500 and other prizes.

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Surprise visitors LOCAL residents were shocked one night last week to see more than a dozen wild boar racing through the Rambla in Albox.

The group, consisting of 14 animals of all sizes, raced along the busy, central street, surprising those who spotted them as they are not exactly a common visitor to town.

Herons have also been reported on the street over the last few days, apparently attracted by the recent rains.

SOCIAL SCENE

Charity Catwalk THE APSA Charity Catwalk Fashion Show will take place at Maloans bar and restaurant in Albox on Wednesday, November 25.

Doors open at 4pm and tickets at â‚Ź7 each, are available from Maloans and the APSA charity shop in Avenida Lepanto.

The fundraising event is always a sell-out with a fashion show, auction, raffle, APSA stall, tombola etc and lots of lovely clothes and accessories to buy in all sizes. Organiser Sue is busy preparing the clothes for sale and has asked that if you have any special outfits or accessories (including shoes) that are new or nearly new she would be delighted to receive them so they have plenty to sell on the evening.

Please take donations to the APSA shop, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 2pm or see her in the shop on Wednesdays.

Christmas fair in aid of local charities TERREROS Ladies international group in San Juan de los Terreros is holding a Christmas fair at Escala Pizza Restaurante on Sunday November 29, from 1 to 5pm.

Stalls will be offering home-made products, Christmas items, jewellery and books and there will be a tombola and raffle for a food basket. All proceeds will be donated to local charities.

SOCIAL SCENE

12 - 18 November 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Visit La Vida for delicious food ENJOY a welcome from Sharron and Danny LA VIDA Cucador is set just off the E15 (turning for Albox) making it easily accessible but at the same time in a rural setting with incredibly beautiful views.

Sharron and Danny are extremely welcoming, having just taken over the bar and restaurant. Both have previously been in the catering industry successfully for over five years. There is a wide choice of delicious dishes on the a la carte menu, along with a lite bites and snack menu with Chef’s specials that change regularly.

Every Friday there are freshly prepared Fish & Chips, on Sundays the traditional home cooked Sunday lunch with plenty of options, scrumptious puddings and an extensive wine list. A childrens menu is also available.

My dining companion doesn’t like potatoes and although she chose something on the menu that is usually accompanied with chips they were very accommodating and gave her other options. She chose the pan fried chicken breast served with a creamy mushroom sauce which uniquely came with plenty of mushrooms and having swapped it for chips, came

LA VIDA: In a rural setting with incredibly beautiful views. with a generous, interesting salad with a delicious honey and mustard dressing.

We shared a starter of breaded deep fried camembert with a salad garnish and cranberry sauce. I had cajun chicken which was gently pan fried served with hand cut chips and salad, it was nice and spicy (not too hot) the chips were the best I’ve had for ages (and I love chips!).

We both spoiled ourselves with a decadent home-made Chocolate Brownie served with vanilla ice-cream for dessert the perfect end to the meal.

As well as delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere there are weekly events planned with musical entertainment. Sharron and Danny plan to hold a quiz night and live sports are also shown.

APSA monthly raffle winners BILL AND MALINDA LENNON won a meal for two donated by the Amigos Bowling Centre in Arboleas.

A €15 voucher from Eurowise went to Norman and Keith Prime and a €15 Pricebusters voucher to Tom and Christine Cawdron. Fay Alexander won Colin the Card’s €10 voucher.

The winners were drawn

by Trevor Harrison.

The raffle tickets were sold by Dolores (20), Jean and Mac (44), Keith (100) and the APSA Shop (2) and brought in a total of €166.

APSA thanked the Amigos Bowling Centre, Eurowise, Pricebusters and Colin the Card for donating the prizes and all those who purchased raffle tickets.

The proceeds will go towards helping the many animals in the care of APSA.

MOJACAR FUN: About 30 people attended.

Afternoon tea is now served MACS afternoon tea was at the Roof Garden, Mojacar on Friday November 6 from 3pm onwards.

A scrumptious afternoon tea was enjoyed by all whilst listening to music from the musicals with Jim Mackie (all profits went to MACS). About 30 people attended.

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SOCIAL SCENE

Saturday night is theatre time THIS year’s festival will include works from local amateur drama groups THIS year’s Levante and Los Velez Theatre Festival includes amateur groups between November 21 and December 13.

A to ta l o f 1 7 6 ac tre s s e s a nd

a c tors a ge d be tw e e n 13 a nd 76 from 10 loc a l dra ma groups w ill s how c a s e the ir ow n w orks which will include classics, comedy, musicals and - naturally - dra-

ma in Le v ant e and Los Vel ez towns.

The first per f or m ances ar e scheduled for Cuevas del Almanzora (C ine -Teat r o Echegar ay) ,

Chi r i vel ( Cent r o Cul t ur al ‘ El Lavadero’) and Garrucha (Centro Cultural) on November 21 with cur t ai n up at 8pm i n al l t hr ee venues.

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Mayor reports a successful fair TWO free concerts proved particularly popular

By Eleanor Hawkins THIS year’s All Saints Fair in Albox was a great success, the council has announced, and although thousands of people attended there were no serious problems to report.

Local Mayor Rogelio Mena reported: “The result of the 2015 Albox Fair couldn’t be better.

Lots of people took part in all the activities and there were no serious incidents.”

Two free concerts by La Union on October 30 and Los Rebujitos on November 1 proved particularly popular with more than 3,000 people in the audience on both nights.

A performance by competitors from Canal Sur TV station’s Se Llama Copla competition also proved popular, as did the fairground, other entertainment

ALL SAINTS FAIR: There were no serious problems. and cultural and sports events planned by the festivities department led by Francisco Perez Conchillo, the mayor said.

In spite of the crowds and heavy rainfall on one of the five days the fair ran for, there were no serious problems to report.

“This year we’ve done more with less and put a lot of effort

into making the fair special for locals and visitors. That’s why we can proudly say this fair has been a great success,” Mena said.

However, he reported, suggestions given have been taken into account and the council will work to make next year’s fair even better.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

ALMERIA produces one fifth of Andalucia’s ham.

Seron stands for ham PRODUCTION is important for generating jobs in the area

By Eleanor Hawkins SERON joined Jabugo, Trevelez and Los Pedroches in front of Canal Sur TV cameras on Thursday (November 5) to stress the nutritional value of ham and the importance of the jobs its production generates in the areas.

The event came in response to a recent announcement re-

garding meat by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which Luis Segura, president of the association of local hamrelated businesses, complained: “leaves a lot to be desired and isn’t well explained.”

Local Mayor Juan Antonio Lorenzo reported that people from all the area’s ham-related businesses took part in the event on the Plaza del Ayun-

tamiento and once the locals realised what was happening they were quick to join in to support ham.

Seron’s meat industry has been given certificates for its exceptional quality and is within the Almanzora area where most of Almeria’s pork and ham producers (which supply one fifth of the total amount in Andalucia) are based.

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Bridge over Almanzora demanded

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Further tension over illegal no parking sign PEOPLE are not allowed to break the rules

By Eleanor Hawkins

RECENT rains have sparked complaints about the lack of a proper bridge over the Almanzora river to Purchena’s La Casa children’s home and properties in La Pinabla area.

Four years ago, Partido Popular spokeswoman Isabel Maria Sanchez reported, a temporary bridge was built in the middle of the river but nothing has been done since and when

it rains and the river rises it is damaged, leaving people on the other side stranded.

Sanchez has urged the mayor of Purchena to seek funds and have a better, permanent bridge built as quickly as possible, stressing that workers at the home and La Pinabla residents fear they will be left stranded again next time it rains.

ALBOX Council has reported Levante-Almanzora-Los Velez Rubbish Consortium for putting up an illegal permanent no parking sign.

The sign, an Albox Local Police report details, has recently been put up on the façade of the consortium’s offices on Avenida 28 de Febrero and although no permission has been issued it states that only company vehicles can park there.

This, the council has claimed, goes against the General Traffic, Transport and Occupation of Public Spaces bylaw which has been in place in Albox since 2008 which states that unauthorised no parking signs are strictly forbidden. Local Mayor Rogelio Meno complained: “It’s disgusting that the Consortium is throwing rubbish from 45 villages away in Albox but won’t even pay the money local residents are entitled to in compensation for this and now also tries to avoid paying for a noparking sign. We’re not going to let anyone get away with breaking the rules of thinking they can do what they want.”

NO PARKING: No permission has been given for this illegal sign.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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Developer and politicians sentenced over homes FOUND guilty of issuing fraudulent building licences

By Eleanor Hawkins A DEVELOPER who built and sold three illegal houses in Partaloa to Britons, the former mayor and three other people have been found guilty of corrupt practice by an Almeria court.

Former mayor Federico Molina, councillor Enrique Montalva, former councillor Meliton Moreno

and the former municipal architect have been found guilty of corrupt practice for having issued building licences for the properties on land where no construction was permitted.

The four were each given â‚Ź4 per day fines for 12 months and banned from public office for seven years, while the developer received a six month suspended jail sentence and was banned for two years.

Road works may affect traffic THE AL-6102 road between the AL-6103 in Purchena and the AL-6103 in Somontin will be undergoing work from November 9, to Decem-

ber 18, which may lead to workers having to halt or divert traffic at times between 8am and 6pm, the Provincial Traffic Authority has announced.

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Possible cases of arson under investigation ENVIRONMENTAL police specialists are investigating the cause of a number of fires which may have been lit intentionally in Fines.

Over the All Saints weekend and the following days locals reported blazes and the Albox fire brigade had to be sent out a number of times.

In fact in the early hours on November 1, while the fire brigade was putting out one blaze, a tree just 400 metres away suddenly started to burn.

Recent rain which left everything damp, a lack of lightening and the flurry of fires have led police investigators to believe the blazes were lit on purpose and experts have been in the area to take samples and examine the land affected.

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Animal refuge in the planning VOLUNTEERS are working to take in strays

By Eleanor Hawkins MACAEL residents have taken up the challenge to start a new animal charity, La Huella Blanca, and build an animal shelter, something they claim the Almanzora Valley is lacking.

Antonio Saez, Mari Carmen Torres, Marisol Aceituno and Isidora Peralvarez, along with a handful of volunteers, are working to take in strays from the streets and find them homes in an aim to avoiding the otherwise inevitable.

The area, they explained, has no large shelters and although British expatriates do their best for the cause they

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Powerful feet pound along the Via Verde SPANISH PM Mariano Rajoy, who regularly states he gets as much exercise as he can, tried out the Via Verde near Olula del Rio during his visit to the area last week.

Rajoy, accompanied by the mayors of Alcontar and Olula del Rio and the Agriculture delegate Oscar Liria went for an early morning jog along the route, created along the old Almanzora railway line using more than €1.8 million in government funds.

After the run, his companions reported that they discussed mining, the problems the area faces and the Museo Casa Ibañez museum as they jogged.

Emotional reunion STRAY ANIMALS: An ever-increasing number. are getting overwhelmed by the ever-increasing numbers of animals in need of homes.

Macael Council has shown support by promising to pro-

vide land for the shelter, and is studying plans presented

by La Huella Blanca members while they work to raise funds for the project.

THE class of 1979-1983 from Cardenal Cisneros Secondary School held an emotional reunion at Restaurante Asador El Longo in Albox on October 31.

About 50 people, all students from that class, spent the day reminiscing about their years at the school and catching up on news as many hadn’t seen each other for more than 30 years.

In the end they said they didn’t have time for everything and would be meeting up again in a few months time.

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HOMES

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Many families throughout the Costa Blanca are already enjoying the soft warmth given off by these cleverly designed and unobtrusive Norwegian heaters. A good discreet central heating system has never been so affordable.

As Richard and Tony explain: “The basic choices for heating your home are either a full central heating system with water-filled radiators and pipes, or gas heaters, or electric. Or a combination. Obviously with central heating the main obstacle is the high installation cost.

Also, there is quite a high ongoing maintenance cost.

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This brings us to electric. Until we started Neater Heater the options were awful. You either bought Jellfilled heaters that were as expensive as a central heating system to buy, or cheap - but mostly inefficient - heaters that would make your electric meter wheel spin like a helicopter. There was nothing affordable, economical, and effective available in Spain. We know, believe us, we looked.”

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house he was doing some work in and it fit the bill perfectly. It was a neat and efficient wall-mounted Norwegian convector heater. It could be used as an individual room heater, or as part of an integrated system.

The rest, as they say, is history and six years down the road he, and Richard, are making Neater Heaters available to us all.

They can be wall-mounted or if you are limited for wall space additional feet can be purchased to enable them to be freestanding.

With our online shop, where you can view and purchase our heaters, and with phone facilities for credit card payment, bank transfer and PayPal, now purchasing these fantastic heaters couldn’t be easier.

Neater Heater also has a network of agents offering local sales and support from Moraira in the North, down to Almeria/Costa del Sol in the south.

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: ALMERIA ANTAS: Lifestyle Enclosures. Tel. 950 459 060 Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery UNOBTRUSIVE: Sleek wall-mounted units.

WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES OR Tel 634 312 171

HOMES & GARDENS

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Now is a good time to take cuttings ROOTS will soon grow whether replanted in the open ground or in pots Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.

AFTER the recent wet spell and with continuing temperatures in the 20s, now is a good time to take and plant cuttings of herbaceous plants and succulents. Cuttings can be easily taken and roots will soon grow whether replanted in the open ground or in pots.

• Rose cuttings Roses are easily propagated from cuttings in Spain. Take a cutting of 40 to 70 centimetres long, trim off the base at a budding point, trim off any side shoots, trim the top at a bud or group of existing leaves, cut a tight slit in the base and slide in one or two dry sweetcorn seeds tying these in with raffia if they won’t stay in place. Then make a deep slit in good soil with a spade and fill it with water.

SHRUBS: A cutting from any side branch has a good chance of rooting and flowering even next year.

Then when the water has drained away dip the end of the cutting in rooting powder and slide into the slit pushing it in so that 70 per cent is below the soil level. Finally fill in the slit with potting compost tapping it down as you do so. You can grow bushes, standards and climbers/ ramblers in this way.

• Succulents Just cut off branches from

the base or stem and plant directly in the garden or in pots in a gritty compost/soil mix. It is preferable to let the open base dry out for a couple a days before planting to avoid the loss of sap and rotting.

• Bulbs Clumps of bulbs like Tulbaghia, Irises, Clivias, Crocosmias, Agapanthus, Hemerocallis, Canna Lillies and Fressias

The effect of rainwater on swimming pools HOW much does it actually influence the composition of your pool?

GIVEN that most swimming pools are, on average, 1.2 metres in depth, two centimetres of rain (which is quite a bit) would only change the make-up of the water by 1/48th. The other 47/48ths are still the original chemistry; therefore, should still be very near its original composition.

There are other factors to take into account: acid rain or

excessive pool deck run-off, for example, may affect the pH levels to a degree.

However, if the water had an original balance of 7.5 and given that acid rain would have a pH of around 5, 1/48th of the volume would bring the total down to around 7.3/7.4.

In almost all cases the only significant impact of rain is that it brings contaminates, caused

more by the wind than the rain.

More frequent vacuuming after a storm would help with this.

Shocking your pool isn’t necessary, although, it’s not a bad idea either. If you get an extremely heavy rainfall, you could shock your pool for good measure. This will help fight off any contaminants that the rain may have brought to your pool.

can all be split and replanted and should flower next year.

• Shrubs If you wish to have additional plants of a favourite shrub, a cutting from any side branch has a good chance of rooting and flowering even next year whether planted in deep pots or directly into the ground. My garden has Hibiscuses, a Buddleja, Neriums, Pittosporum,

Callistemons, Cistus, Echiums and Hydrangeas started this way.

• Climbing shrubs These can be propagated from cuttings or by burying the end of hanging branches into the soil for six to 12 months.

Indeed if you look you may find that rooted ends exist already. Bignonias, Jasmines, Honeysuckles, Ivies, Solandras,

Solanums and Wisterias all propagate freely.

• Herbaceous plants Rootballs split off from clumping and spreading perennials like Salvias, Gazanias, Heliopsis, Leonotis, Strelitzias soon produce new flowering clumps, and with all cuttings inexpensive new plants.

• Ground cover plants Most ground cover plants spread by putting down roots from spreading branches. New plants are therefore easy to obtain by digging up a rooted end and cutting it off from the parent plant.

Today I am about to go out and take cuttings for planting elsewhere in the garden. In some cases the propagations are being stimulated by the need done to tidy overgrown areas of the garden. But better to pass on unwanted rooted plants than composting them or throwing them in the garbage.

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FEATURE

Hamming it up over ban An inside story

Cassandra Nash A weekly look

POLITICAL harmony never comes amiss and witnessing the united front shown by the PP, PSOE, Cs and Podemos regarding Cataluña’s independence ambitions was encouraging.

Unfortunately, they can agree to their hearts’ content but nothing the national politicians can come up with will deter Cataluña’s pro-independence faction.

As last year’s referendum-that-wasn’t and September’s plebiscite-that-wasn’t demonstrated, the Catalans aren’t unanimously sold on independence. Politicians from outside the region won’t make a jot of difference. Only the 72 per cent of Catalans who would prefer to remain inside Spain rather than leave the European Union will do that.

- and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

THE Spanish are spitting feathers and chorizo over the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) blanket ban on cured and processed meat.

Politicians of all hues and all ideological shapes and sizes have had little to say on the subject and who can wonder? With an election in just over six weeks not one has suggested measures that would leave a chorizo and ham-shaped hole in the much-praised Mediterranean diet. They need votes, not voters cheesed off with WHO-endorsed healthy living.

No regrets UNLIKE Tony Blair, who recently came as close as he ever will to admitting that the Iraq invasion and occupation was a mistake, Jose Maria Aznar has no regrets.

The former president took Spain into the war despite fierce public opposition and claimed not long ago that the country benefit-

CHORIZO/JAMON THREATENED: Outcry over ban on cured and processed meat. ted from the conflict. Depends how you look at it: relatives and friends of the 193 people killed by 10 terrorist bombs on four Madrid commuter trains in March 2004 would probably disagree.

Doubtless Spain’s police and intelligence services who have arrested 60 pro-ISIS

jihadists this year feel differently about it, too.

Rear-view mirror PSOE presidential candidate Pedro Sanchez can ignore the classic pantomime warning:

“He’s behind you!” because Cs leader Albert Rivera is catching up with him. A Metroscopia poll shows Cs currently scooping more votes but fewer seats than the PSOE and it’s not far-fetched to speculate that come December 20, Sanchez will be contemplating Rivera’s well-tailored back.

PETS PAGE www.euroweeklynews.com

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Canine friends TRAINED dogs are happier and their owners are too

David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am 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

DOGS want to be trained and there is so much proof that trained dogs, and their owners, are happier than untrained ones.

Great satisfaction can be derived from training a dog.

It is not time consuming and most training can be done whilst exercising the dog. If you do not have time to exercise your dog then you should not have one. Training classes undoubtedly contribute to better training of dogs. One great advantage is that they accustom

the dog to meeting others.

Many people are regarded as experts when they have trained a dog of one breed to a very high standard. Faced with a difficult dog they would not know where to start. Training methods vary just as much as dogs and their owners do. There are however, many accepted exercises that form a useful basis for most dogs and most owners.

Many people do not fully realise their responsibilities and try very hard to comply and end up with a dog that will bite, cause a road accident, etc.

Why? Because few owners understand canine mentality.

Owners must not regard dogs as almost human as this is an insult to them. In this day and age we still do not know how dogs do some things, such as detecting mines and drugs. Intelligence is not an important factor in a dog’s make up.

It is a fact that nearly all problem dogs are very intelligent and certainly a fact that few dog owners understand their instincts.

Dogs and indeed all animals learn by association of ideas, they do not reason at all, but simply react to what is happening and do not think about what has happened or is about to happen. It is believed they sometimes work out a problem for themselves. All training

should be based on this.

For training purposes we try to create associations we want and avoid those we do not want, by what is known as correction and reward. Correction means any act which forces the dog to obey, like pushing him into the sit position.

A dog will accept a human substitute for a canine leader and this willingness to accept a human makes him easier to train than most other animals.

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V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W . E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M

TO READ MORE

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Euribor hits another all-time low THE Euribor rate, used to calculate interest on most of the mortgages signed in Spain, still hasn’t found its base and ended October at a new historical low of 0.134 per cent.

This new low means mortgage-holders due for revisions this month will save an average of €11 per month on their repayments.

So far this year the rate has suffered almost 67 per cent drops as it started 2015 at 0.323 per cent.

Is the rate heading for 0 per cent? XTB analyst Jaime Diez has said he believes it is. Following the latest meeting of the European Central Bank, he said, the fall has picked up speed.

“The tendency is likely to continue over the coming months,” Diez predicted.

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Property values are rising but stabilisation needs to strengthen

By Eleanor Hawkins PROPERTY prices are on the up in Spain, Tinsa valuators and real estate assessors have reported.

The average price for homes this October increased by 0.8 per cent compared to the same month in 2014, Tinsa has reported, the first year-toyear increase since 2008.

Yet, the valuators stressed, price stabilisation still needs to strengthen.

The Tinsa IMIE General and Large Markets index reported that the Balearic and Canary Islands and the Mediterranean coastal areas of Spain were mainly responsible for the October increase, with progress of 4.2 and 3.6 per

ISLAND and coastal homes were mainly responsible for the price increase. cent respectively.

Prices also increased by 0.6 per cent in regional capitals

and large cities, while in metropolitan and smaller areas they fell by 0.6 and 0.2 per

cent respectively.

Overall averages since January have increased by 0.4 per

cent compared to the end of 2014, the index revealed, with the greatest rises registered on the Mediterranean coasts (+5.6 per cent) and capital cities (+3.2 per cent).

Since they peaked in 2007, average house prices in the country have fallen by 41 per cent. The Mediterranean coasts are the area where prices fell the most since the property bubble burst, with cuts of 46.7 per cent. Meanwhile, metropolitan areas registered a 44.4 per cent drop and capitals and large cities fell by 44.5 per cent.

The smallest falls since prices peaked were in the Balearic and Canary Islands (29.2 per cent) and small towns in general (-36.6 per cent).

Buyers first impressions could be the difference between a sale or no sale John Graham The property expert

I WAS recently shown around a property for sale, the owner was showing off the different building materials and highlighting all the designer aspects of the building.

He was obviously very proud of his home and asked me to sell his property for him to one of my clients.

I then asked him a very simple but important question, how will you dress the house for the sale?

The reply was a blank look and the question, sorry dress what?

I wasn’t surprised, in fact, I’m used to getting the same reaction.

It’s true that property sales are increasing in the most popular regions of Spain, however it is still a very competitive market and property owners should not be complacent.

BUYERS ARRIVAL: Your home should be appealing from the outside.

More than ever the appearance is key, especially if you are looking to get the best price and sell quickly.

Therefore it’s an important and simple rule that I always tell my clients, remember that first impressions count and could make the difference between a sale or no sale.

Many home owners, who are looking for professional help in selling their homes, contact me to arrange an inspection and have a

professional report on how their property should be presented or dressed for a sale.

Dressing your home begins with the buyers arrival at your home.

When the buyer arrives it is your first challenge, you have to dress the outside of your home to make sure the buyer is sufficiently attracted to get out of the car and view your property.

It’s called ‘kerb appeal’.

This is a crucial moment in the sale, you have to make sure your property looks inviting from the street, in the day time and the evening (often buyers drive past the property in the evening for a second look).

You need to look at the outside appearance of your property and start by checking for necessary repair and paintwork, especially to the front entrance walls, gates, and fences.

The garden should be well maintained, make sure the hedges and trees are tidy, especially around windows and patio doors etc.

Clear paths and terraces, clean windows and place plant pots or hanging baskets with colourful flowers at the entrance and front door.

Keep everything clean and tidy, store unsightly items such as bins out of sight, including bicycles and toys.

We are now in the winter season and it gets dark early, so check all

outdoor lights are working. To make the outside of your home more attractive, fit extra outdoor lighting, and make sure all pool lights are working.

If you have pets, keep them secured and away from the entrance when buyers arrive, barking dogs can put people off.

Make sure you have a parking space available for the buyer’s car at the time of the appointment.

So the buyers have arrived at your home they have got out of their car and are ringing your door bell, excellent! Phase one of selling your house is now complete.

Next week we will talk about dressing your home for the first impression of the buyer entering.

If you would like a professional report on how to dress your home to maximise the price and sell your property please contact me: John Graham Property Advisor.

Fellow of The Architecture & Surveyors Institute.

Email: Gk.ipad@me.com

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PROPERTY

First rotating house launched which will save on energy bills Credit: MA-Arquitectos.

DESIGNERS claim it can save owners up to 70 per cent on energy bills compared to traditional buildings

By Eleanor Hawkins

AFTER three years of investigation and work, Sun House, based in Marbella, has launched the first intelligent spinning house in Europe.

Malaga architect Jose Carlos Moya and his partner have come up with the latest in green homes: a house that turns 360 degrees to f o l l o w, o r h i d e f r o m , t h e s u n , which they say will save owners up to 70 per cent on energy bills compared to a traditional building.

Thanks to its rotation system, powered by two low-energy engines, the creators have said the house is also able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 68 per cent and reduce the cost of

SUNHOUSE: 360º rotation makes the most of the power of the sun to reduce costs and damage to the environment.

water heating by up to 80 per cent.

Although there are other green homes on the market, this one boasts the latest in contemporary design and technology, and can even be ordered with personalised interiors and up-to-the-minute designer furniture.

Made with a wooden and metallic structure, the standard unit covers 251 square metres and comes with 237 square metres of covered terraces.

The rotation system can cope with temperatures ranging between -20ºC and 40ºC and can be rotated manually or programmed to follow the sun, turn to make certain rooms face in a particular direction or have a particular room follow the sun to receive direct sunlight all day long.

FTSE-100 company Intu, which owns such British shopping malls as the Trafford Centre in Manchester, is planning a £500 million (€707.75 million) investment in Spain over the next five to seven years.

One site for a new development in Malaga is already owned by the company and they also have options on another three in Spain.

Chief Executive David Fischel said that Intu plan to do more developments on new sites instead of taking over existing malls.

“The market has got a lot more competitive for acquisitions and there aren’t actually that many quality centres that we would want to buy,” said Fischel Intu owns or has part ownership in 18 of the UK’s largest shopping centres regionally which are reported as having around 400 million yearly visitors.

Hamed Masoumi, Wikipedia

British shopping mall owner Intu to expand in Spain with new developments The British model of owning and operating big centres with renowned retail brands as well as entertainment outlets will be implemented in Spain.

Intu took over its first shopping

4.6

Intu’s Trafford Centre in Manchester, England.

billion pounds is the market value of Intu

mall in Spain over two year ago, The Parque Principado centre in Asturias, which is home to such brands as Hennes & Mauritz’s H&M, Zara and Associated British Foods’ Primark.

Its second Spanish mall opened close to Zaragoza last December and the company’s development site is in Malaga.

Intu has a market value of around £4.6 billion (€6.48 billion) and its shares are up 3.2 per cent for 2015.

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Motoring shorts

A turbo engine for motorbikes AS if a 600cc model wasn’t quick enough already, Suzuki has been busy developing a turbo- powered bike engine.

The engine, (no bike, just the engine) was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. Suzuki say it is a turbocharged eight-valve DOHC paralleltwin, and that it is productionready. The project, and what bike it will be installed in, are still a secret; officially, the only thing they would say about it was: ‘Turbo engine for motorcycles’, and not a word more.

New VW declaration ANOTHER emissions issue has arisen at Volkswagen.

The German car-maker said it had found a C02 emissions problem during an internal review. “Under the ongoing review of all processes and workflows in connection with diesel engines, it was established that the C02 levels and thus the fuel consumption figures for some models were set too low during the C02 certification process,” they announced in a statement.

Clarkson Quote of theWeek

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This Maserati Quattroporte GTS is like having a three-year old child. It’s really annoying most of the time, but if someone tried to take it away from you, you’d kill them for it.”

Some might say...

2002 – M2: The legend lives on

ICONIC: BMW 2002 Turbo.

A CAR that stirs envy in all BMW fans

By Steve Walsh NEARLY 45 years after the launch of the legendary 2002 Turbo, it has grasped the status of Automotive Icon.

The leap in engineering taken by BMW, as well as their foresight in creating such an awesome car has set its place in more ways than one, as what BMW heritage stands for. The 2002 Turbo is the car that stirs envy in all BMW fans.

The countless touches that make the car so unique, from the bulged fender arches to the mirrored air dam script, not to mention the outstanding performance for its time, sets the 2002 Turbo apart from any other BMW ever built… Or does it?

Can the spirit of such a car be improved? A car that straddles the boundary between comfort and practicality versus mindless fun? Yes, it can!

That compact high-performance BMW sports car that was already causing heads to turn and hearts to flutter over

LATEST INCARNATION: M2 carries on the heritage that BMW stands for.

40 years ago, has been reincarnated for today’s roads. Indeed, the BMW 2002 turbo perfectly encapsulated BMW’s resolution to deliver outstanding dynamics, exceptional agility and optimum car control, as it does today with the unveiling of BMW’s new M2.

With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe has all the ingredients to stand beside its ancestor, and deliver the last word in driving pleasure.

Design A single glance is all it takes to pick the new M2 Coupe out as a member of the M family, with its ‘in your face’ styling.

Inspired by models from BMW motor racing, the new M2 Coupe makes no secret of its performance potential. The low front apron with large air

intakes, muscular flanks with characteristic M gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust system, all play impressive roles.

Performance figures The newly-developed, threelitre six-cylinder in-line engine in the M2 deploys cuttingedge M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 370bhp at 6,500rpm and still returns around 33mpg. And in so doing, it lays down a marker in the high-performance compact sports car segment.

The same applies to power delivery. Peak torque of 343lbft can be increased to as much as 369lb-ft in short bursts with ‘overboost’. All of which enables the new M2 Coupe with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission and Launch Control to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.3 seconds. However, top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph).

MOTORING

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Peugeot: Leading from the front NOT only has Peugeot overtaken SEAT as Spain’s leading car retailer this month, but the 2015 Peugeot 208 has been officially recognised as Europe’s most economical car.

The new face-lifted model currently on sale has a more efficient engine range than ever before, to the point now that the French firm officially makes the most efficient non-hybrid engine in European mass production, with the 1.6 BlueHDI achieving over

94mpg (3lt/100km) on the combined cycle.

All diesels except base 75bhp trim get stop/start as standard, while that model and the 100bhp BlueHDI diesel offer a class-leading 94.1mpg and 79g/km of CO2. A 120bhp unit is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox and emissions of 94g/km.

MOST ECONOMICAL: Peugeot 208.

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SPORT

12 - 18 November 2015 / Costa de Almeria

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Djokovic in masters win

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Autumn medal golf

BEAT Andy Murray in straight sets From back page

Leicester’s Jamie Vardy scored in his ninth successive PL match as City beat Watford 2-1.

Only Ruud van Nistelrooy, who netted in 10 games in a row, is ahead of him. Manchester United (555 minutes without conceding a goal) beat WBA 20. Newcastle won the basement battle, defeating Bournemouth 1-0. Crystal Palace beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield (Jurgen Klopp’s first defeat as Reds’ boss).

Southampton (at Sunderland) and Norwich (v Swansea) registered 1-0 wins, while the games involving lowly Aston Villa and leaders Manchester City (excellent 3-1 CL winners in Seville), second placed Arsenal (with a slight hangover from their 5-1 CL hammering by Bayern Munich) and Spurs, and West Ham v Everton all ended in draws.

Hull beat Middlesbrough 3-0 to remain top of the Championship on goaldifference from Brighton who set a club record 17 League games without defeat with a 2-1 win over MK Dons. Ipswich at Rotherham and Birmingham at Fulham, both won 5-2.

There were five giant-killing acts in the FA Cup 1st round: Altrincham, with their 17th League scalp, knocked out Barnsley, Chesham United eliminated Bristol Rovers, Eastleigh won at Crewe, Forest Green Rovers ousted Wimbledon and Salford City, owned by five former

JAMIE VARDY: Scored in his ninth successive Premier League match.

Manchester United players, beat Notts County.

Celtic (4-1 winners at Ross County) are now six points clear of Hearts at the top of the SPL and Barcelona (3-0 victors over Villarreal) have overtaken Real Madrid (beaten 3-2 by Sevilla) as leaders of La Liga.

There will not be any Premiership/Championship matches this weekend due to a series of internationals.

Tomorrow - Friday the 13th – the Republic of Ireland visit Bosnia & Herzogovina for the first leg of their Euro 2016 qualifying play-off tie. The second leg is in Dublin on Monday night, and the away goal rule applies.

Also tomorrow evening, it’s Spain v England in Alicante. Of the previous 24 meetings between the countries, England have won 12 and Spain eight. A crowd of 28,000 is expected in the Estadio José Rico Pérez.

Then, next Tuesday, England play Euro 2016 hosts France at Wembley, and these games are live on ITV. Other friendlies tomorrow include: France-Germany, Northern Ireland-Latvia and Wales-Holland while in U21 Euro Championship qualifiers, Bosnia & Herzogovina entertain England, Northern Ireland

play France and Spain take on Georgia.

In FL2 on Saturday, Plymouth will make a 670 mile round-trip to play York.

Three Championship managers were sacked last week – Kit Symonds (Fulham), Chris Powell (Huddersfield) and Chris Ramsey (QPR).

TENNIS – Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray in straight sets to win the Paris Masters title. This was the Serb’s 6th win out of the last seven matches against Murray.

BOXING – Callum Smith stopped Rocky Fielding to claim the British supermiddleweight title.

SAD NEWS – Tom Graveney, the former Gloucestershire, Queensland Worcestershire, and England cricketer, and ex-MCC president, has died aged 88.

A majestic batsman, between 1948 and 1972 he scored 52,675 runs (4,882 in 79 Tests) at an average of almost 45.

Also the former Chelsea, Fulham and Portsmouth manager Bobby Campbell has passed away, aged 78.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP: Second leg of the competition for Marina Phoenix golf society.

MONDAY November 2, at Marina Phoenix saw the second leg of the Autumn Medal for the club championship.

Jim Budd, posted the only nett score below par as he returned a 67. Terry Oliver, was second on 72. The ladies division was won by Carole Taylor, on a nett 77, followed in

second by Margaret Budd (79).

The team game on Thursday, was two/three to count with a par of 82. The winners with an impressive 94 points, were Janet King, José Urroz, Marcos Caparros and Jim Budd, ahead of second placed team; Ali Mahmud, José Nistal, Steve Lyons and Margaret Budd (89).

There were nearest the pin prizes for José Urroz (5th) and Victor Bee (17th).

Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join them for a €25 green fee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117 / 697 512 882.

Badgers Golf Society AT Marina Golf course Keith Bradley, president of Badgers Golf Society, presented the Mojácar Area Cancer Support group (MACS) a check for €1,000 raised from their Gala Dinners.

Wednesday November 4, saw the sun shining and the birds chirping.

For the 10am kick off at Marina Golf. Some good shots, some not so good, however a fun day was had by all.

What made the day a bit special was that Badgers golf society were able to present a cheque for €1,000 to one of their charity’s, MACS cancer support, following donations made during their annual President’s dinner, with Elaine Brown present to collect the cheque.

The day’s results were:

First place went to Tony Rowbottom, with 37 points. Second spot was held by Seamus Corbett, with 36 points on count back from Kevin Riley, in third place with 36 points.

NTP. In 2: Keith Bradley on hole 12, David Wright on hole 17, Wendy England on hole 17, and Bethel a ‘2’ at the 5th.

MACS has charity shops in Mojácar, Turre, Albox and Huercal-Overa.

For information about the location of the shops, general enquiries or serving as a volunteer, please call 607 598 470 weekdays between 11am and 4pm. If you or a loved one needs the support of MACS, please call 634 328 334 / 5.

For information about Badgers Golf Society, please call 607 305 472.

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12 - 18 November 2015

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Has won six out of his last seven matches against Andy Murray.

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Lorenzo wins his fifth MotoGP title THIS win makes it nine in a row for Vardy Tony Matthews International Sports A former player and now the world’s most prolific author of football books with almost 150 published since 1975, Tony is also the sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio and lives on La Pilica in the Sierra Cabrera Mountains overlooking Turre.

Costa de Almeria

MOTOGP – A crowd of 112,000 saw Jorge Lorenzo, leading from start to finish, win last Sunday’s Spanish

MotoGP to clinch his fifth world title ahead of Valentino Rossi. Marc Marquez came second in Valencia, Dani Pedrosa third and Rossi fourth. And at the same venue, Danny Kent became the first Brit to win the Moto3 world title for 38 years, since Barry Sheen in 1977.

FORMULA ONE – The penultimate Grand Prix of 2015 takes place at Interlagos, Brazil on Sunday.

Last year’s one-two-three was Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa.

HORSE RACING – Hayley Turner, the most successful female jockey of all-time with 763 winners in 15 years, has retired.

Trainer Gary Moore, father of jockeys Ryan and Jamie, is recovering in hospital after being kicked by one of his horses.

CRICKET – England lost

the third and final Test against Pakistan by 126 runs and with it the series by 2-0. Let’s hope they do better in the One Day matches FOOTBALL ROUND-UP – Last weekend struggling Chelsea went down 1-0 at Stoke. It’s the third time in 16 years that the Blues have lost three PL games in a row and they’ve now suffered 10 defeats this term.

Turn to page 87

JORGE LORENZO: Has clinched his fifth world title ahead of Valentino Rossi.