Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 21 - 27 January 2016 Issue 1594

SSUENN 1555 //21 23 29 APRIL2016 2015 IISSUE OO . .1594 - 27- January

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

Success story on the small screen HOMAGE to Mojacar in hit British television show Not one to shy away from the limelight, Mojacar featured exclusively on one of Britain’s favourite prime time television shows ‘A Place in the Sun’ this week, stealing the show in its special ‘Winter Sun’ edition.

Proud long-term residents will have shared a knowing smile as the team toured the stunning village spilling its seductive secrets to the lucky couple of the week.

Ted and Diana Brewer were exploring the Costa de Almeria and saw Mojacar as their dream destination, leading the Channel 4 experts to help them realise their ambition.

Roaming around Mojacar Pueblo and the surroundings areas, the show highlighted five terrific properties to match the couple’s £110,000 (€144,000) budget. With the children grown up and retirement firmly on the horizon

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Mojacar Town Council’s website makeover A new look for a new year HELPING visitors and residents alike, the Mojacar Town Council has completely renovated its official website. Ease of use, more information and Facebook access were the key priorities as the town scales new heights.

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Homegrown honours will be handed out Local awards at a global event in Madrid ACCOLADES will be handed out to BMW and the Provincial Tourism Service as Mojacar awards its Golden Indalo prizes.

Years of fruitful collaboration and hard work have seen the two enhance Mojacar’s already stellar reputation.

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Search success Local heroes came to the rescue AN elderly man was found after heroic Arboleas residents conducted a huge rescue mission. More than 150 people joined the arduous search uniting the town in neighbourly spirit.

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the two felt the time was ripe for adventure.

Evergreen presenter Laura Hamilton, who has hosted the show since 2012, played her role perfectly as the informative guide and was ideal for the task, being no stranger to Mojacar. The town has featured

before on ‘A Place in the Sun’ and Hamilton has described the area as one of her favourite places in all of Spain.

Almeria Province has also featured prominently on the popular show with a whole host of episodes filming in the area, and Mojacar in particular,

as Brits clamour for a quiet place amidst its rare, unspoilt beauty.

With the property market finally looking up across southern Spain and blooming international recognition of this place beyond compare, 2016 is already shaping up to be an electrifying year for both Mojacar and Almeria.

Cultural contribution Good deeds know no borders A SPECIAL volunteering project has led two young people all the way across Europe to Purchena.

The newcomers will help run social and youth activities and were given a hearty welcome by See Page 63 the mayor.

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LOCAL NEWS

Tidying roads SAFETY is the priority as public works in Almeria Province initiated by the Andalucian government will prune the vegetation on key motorways to improve driving

conditions and reduce fire risks. The A-92N and A-334 will see hedge trimming and weeding to increase road visibility during the works which have been put out to tender.

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NEWS

Hollywood fame for Almeria?

Three targeted PROSECUTORS are targeting three men who are accused of masterminding a counterfeit money scheme which saw them scam small businesses with falsified Spanish notes in Almeria in 2011. As the accused were living in Spain illegally, with one Mauritian and two being Romanian, prosecutors have asked that they either be deported or face eight years in prison.

Pet pandemonium AN ANIMAL takeover of Pedro Gea Square in Garrucha, Almeria was launched on January 17 during the first Pet Contest organised by the local council on the holiday of San Anton, patron

saint of domestic animals. Dogs of all shapes and sizes, birds, guinea pigs, and even full blown pigs were brought by around 70 participants as hundreds of spectators enjoyed the show.

A FILM partly shot in the Tabernas desert in Almeria is in the running for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, according to the Hollywood Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Danish film A War opened last September at the Venice Film Festival and tells the story of a Danish military company captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Directed by Tobias Lindholm, the film briefly paused in Almeria Province in January 2015 to shoot for one day in the Llano del Buho area in Tabernas.

The 88th edition of the glitzy ceremony will take place on February 28, with The Revenant, by Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, leading the nominations.

Photo by Mido Semsem via Shutterstock

FILM partly shot in the Tabernas desert in the running for an Oscar

OSCAR CEREMONY: Will take place on February 28.

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FEATURED NEWS

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Ruling party

King and country face a quandary

Not so popular THE Popular Party (PP) whose leader is Mariano Rajoy was shown to be not so popular with the electorate, losing 64 seats in the election with no overall majority but may form a minority government.

Bad performer Lost 20 seats Photo Credit the European Union

MINORITY government or another election within two months

PSOE, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party also performed very badly at the polls losing 20 seats, although remaining the second largest party in Parliament, but only able to govern in a coalition.

The new boys A wild card PODEMOS, a left wing party created by economist Pablo Iglesias surprised everybody by taking 69 seats (43 in the name of Podemos and the balance from minority supporters) is the wild card which could form a government with PSOE and others.

Also did well Based in Catalonia

STRONG POSITION: King Felipe VI with Martin Schultz, President of the European Union.

By John Smith THIS and next week are possibly going to be the most important in the history of modern Spanish democracy since the death of General Franco.

A lth o u g h t h i s i s o n ly th e 11 th parliament of modern times, it has raised a number of constitutional questions that have not been encounter e d b e f o r e a n d it ac tu ally places King Felipe VI in a very strong p o si t i o n wh e r e h e c o u ld move from a facilitator to a decision maker.

The problem of course is that the traditional political parties have lost so much public confidence that neither the right of centre Popular Party or the left of centre PSOE obtained enough votes to allow for the formation of a majority government and the new, radical party, Podemos is in a position to be part of a coalition government after participating in its first general election.

In theory, those on the left of centre are the only parties able to form a majority coalition as they have all

350 is the number of MPs in the Spanish Parliament, but the largest party only holds 123 seats.

made it clear that they will not work with current interim Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, but there are some major party differences on the left, particularly with regards to a referendum for Catalonian independence which Podemos is in favour of and PSOE is opposed to.

There are a number of local parties for such areas as the Canary Islands, the Basque Area, and Catalonia who have to be courted and even Podemos which claims to have 69 seats, obtained that number by the

fact of other smaller parties aligning themselves and they could switch overnight if it suited them.

Parliament could not even sit before a speaker was elected and that itself required compromise and agreement, but now that all of the members have been sworn in, it is the King’s duty to meet with representatives of all of the parties, no matter how small, to discuss the options that exist and he knows that the eyes of Europe as well as Spain are on him.

Friday January 22 is ‘crunch time’ when he meets with the PP, PSOE and Podemos and unless he can persuade the leftist parties to bury their differences, it may well be that upon receipt of advice from the Speaker he will appoint Mariano Rajoy to try to run a minority government which will then only be able to function if he receives a vote of confidence from other members of the house.

In the e ve nt tha t he re c e ive s a vote of no confidence immediately or at some stage in the future, then the King will have to call for new elections within two months.

Catalan backdown New constitution first THE NEW first minister of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont admitted in an interview on TV3 that a 48 per cent share of the vote did not give him a mandate to call for independence. He therefore intends to create a Catalan constitution which would allow for a referendum on the matter within 18 months.

Quote of the Week Spain is not a single map or identity, it is an agreement of citizens for freedom and collective progress” Patxi Lopez newly elected socialist Speaker who beat the PP candidate for the post.

THE other new party Ciudadanos also performed well with 40 seats but as it is centre orientated and based mainly in Catalonia it almost certainly attracted votes away from the PP and may consider supporting a minority PP government.

Most likely Possible alliances NO two parties can realistically form a majority coalition government. There are a number of possible alliances, but the most likely would be PSOE, Podemos and some independents yet that is unlikely due to inherent differences so a new election seems on the cards.

New speaker Attracted votes IT was unheard of for the party with the largest number of votes not to appoint the Speaker, but the veteran leftist representative from the Basque Country managed to attract the votes of PSOE and Ciudadanos.

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INDEX News 1 - 26

Featured News 3

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Almeria’s star shines at festival NEW video show

Russian Press 29

Finance 31 - 35

Stocks 32

Leapy Lee 37

Our View 38

Colin Bird 38

Letters 43

Daily TV 44

by Matthew Elliott

AS Ambassador for Almeria, popular singer David Bisbal attends the International Tourist Festival in Madrid this week to represent the town from January 20-24.

The grammy award-winning Latin icon, who has sold more than five million records, presents the new promotional video for ‘The Coast of Almeria’ in the Casa America at 11:30am on January 20.

Showing the 36-year-old star diving, kayaking, cycling, and surfing across the province, the video aims to show the glorious conditions Almeria has to offer sport and nature tourism. Produced by local firms Helifilm and Imagen Visual Arts, the video hopes to capitalise on Bisbal’s strong international appeal, especially in Europe and Latin America.

Meanwhile the Almeria based show which stole the heart of critics throughout Spain will exclusively present its second season on January 22. Members of the creative team behind ‘Mar de Plastico’ will be in attendance at the Almeria stand, as the province hopes to take advantage of the show’s hit ratings.

Sandwiched between these two star-studded events is today’s Day of the Province on January 21, and the 103 square metre Almeria stand will reflect this with a variety of exciting promotional events.

Photo by Criben via Shutterstock

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DAVID BISBAL: Ambassador for Almeria.

Time Out 47 - 50

Initiative to create employment

Health & Beauty 52 - 53

MORE than €20 million will be furnished on Almeria councils in order to facilitate the hiring of at least 1,975 unemployed people in social or local services. The windfall comes as part of a massive initiative from

Social Scene 54 - 55

Albox 60 - 65

Homes & Gardens 66 - 67

Pets 68

Legally Speaking 72

Classifieds 73 - 75

Motoring 76 - 77

Sport 78 - 80

the Andalucian government to generate permanent employment with €382 million allocated across 2016.

Taking effect on January 12, the new law hopes to “create long-term work and trans-

form Andalucia and Almeria into lands of opportunities able to generate confidence,” according to government representative Gracia Fernandez Moya. The law will focus on providing under-30s with long term jobs.

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Stalker sent to prison for three months A MAN from Almeria identified as BVP was sentenced to three months in prison for harassing and threatening two women whilst holding an open ‘Stanley’ type knife.

Although the events occurred in February 2013 the decision concerning the prison sentence

was only imposed in the third week of January 2016. The prosecution revolved around evidence that the offender approached two women on the Almeria promenade and asked them for a light.

Feeling intimidated by his presence and the way that he was staring at them, the two women

returned home but found that not only had he followed them, but he remained outside their house just staring in. A few days later when they left the property, he followed them with an open blade in his hand, chasing them when they ran away.

Illuminating Cuevas del Almanzora in Madrid

RALLY FANS: More than 25,000 will descend on the town.

ALMANZORA will be thrust into the limelight this weekend as the town council take full advantage of the FITUR exhibition in Madrid, while 25,000 4WD Rally fans swarm the town and a flamenco festival is announced.

The town council of Cuevas del Almanzora aim to be the star of the national tourism conference at FITUR 2016, which runs until January 24 in Madrid, by promoting their new corporate image with the theme Discover

Biker killed in crash A MOTORCYCLIST died after a serious collision with a car on the N-340 motorway near Tabernas, Almeria on Friday January 15 at approxim a t e l y 11 p m . T h e e m e rg e n c y s e r v i c e s c o n firmed the death of the 44year-o l d i n t h e i n c i d en t, while a 5 0 - y e a r- o l d ma n was taken to the Torrecardenas hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

Your Soul, and at the same time announcing the programme for this year ’s immensely popular Jarroso Flamenco Festival.

While this is going on and starting on January 21, the ‘Baja Almanzora’ leg of the Spanish 4WD Rally Championships will be taking place. The event based in Cuevas del Almanzora, will for the first time become the main headquarters for this international competition, where it is estimated that more than 25,000 rally fans will descend on the town.

He was apprehended by police officers and as there was no proof that the man was suffering from a mental disorder, the head of the Criminal Court No. 1 of Almeria, Luis Miguel Column had no hesitation in passing a sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

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Living legend honoured by town of Nijar

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The Andalucia School of Marble WILL offer six different courses by July of this year

AN ASTONISHED artist was kept out of the loop as wellloved local painter Jesus Andres Diez, affectionately known as Nane, was paid a surprise tribute by the town of Nijar. Nane was accompanied to the San Isidro cultural centre by his family where, unbeknownst to him, neighbours, friends, students, town councillors, and even the mayor were waiting for him.

The self-taught painter, born in La Rioja, began to draw and paint aged just nine, and has lived in Nijar since 1978, participating in 50 exhibitions and offering painting classes to town workshops. Students thanked him for his dedication, patience, and knowledge and he was given a tremendous round of applause as his face lit up the room.

CUTTING MARBLE: Course will cover new technologies.

THE Andalucia School of Marble, located in Fines (Almeria), expects to be open and running its first course by February now that the head office of the Educational area of the Junta de Andalucia local government has finished the training programme which will be taught in this school.

It is anticipated that the school will be able to

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Seriously injured

Photo Credit Vadim Ratnikov Shutterstock

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teach six different courses by July of this year. Although the content of the first course has not yet been unveiled, the principle of the school Miguel Morilla said that the programmes would be focused on meeting the needs of the marble sector regarding new technologies, productive processes, and stone commercial management.

A WOMAN is in a critical condition after falling 13 feet from the first floor of a building in Las Cabanuelas, in Vicar, Almeria. Emergency workers attended the scene and the 56year-old is understood to be in a deep coma. The circumstances of the incident are as yet unknown and an investigation has been opened.

Change to visiting A MAXIMUM of two guest s wi l l be al l owed t o vi si t pat i ent s i n t he Tor recardenas Hospital in Almeria under a new system in place from January 18, following requests from both patients and medical professionals. Hospital authorities are hoping to enhance the rest and comfort levels of patients while allowing for more intimacy during visits.

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Brutal gang leaders on run COURT has decreed that details of the case remain secret A HARROWING scheme in which a criminal gang would impregnate female members and then force miscarriages to coincide with ‘traffic accidents’ has been uncovered by the Almeria Guardia Civil.

At least 17 people have been arrested while the hunt for the ringleaders continues, with the accused appearing before court on January 13.

The plot was conceived to

defraud insurance companies with the women intentionally injuring themselves in traffic incidents just as a toxic cocktail of pharmaceuticals took effect, killing their foetuses. The 17 have been charged with various offences including fraud, injury to a foetus, and belonging to a criminal organisation.

Police headquarters explained the modus operandi, stating “when one of the mem-

bers of the organisation was in the first weeks of pregnancy, they planned a traffic accident in the urban centre. Before provoking the accident, they ingested some substance to cause the miscarriage in a few hours.”

Court edict means that the details of the case remain secretive, though it is understood that the women were of Spanish, Moroccan and Romanian nationality.

Drill used in domestic attack A DRILL wielding man has been arrested by the Guardia Civil for gender violence crimes after trying to attack two women and a child in Huercal-Overa.

A resident alerted police to loud banging and cries for help, and when officers arrived they saw

a woman screaming on a balcony that the three were trapped behind a door by her partner.

As they entered the residence, police were confronted with the man trying to force his way through the door with a drill. One officer suffered light injuries, but they managed to arrest him.

Mojacar reveals new website MOJACAR Council has redesigned and improved its official website.

The new site has been completely redesigned and more content added and it has been adapted to the new Almeria Provincial Council guidelines.

It now includes more information on Mojacar and is easier to use. Plus it can now be used in English and Spanish to allow people from all over the world to obtain information, and can be directly accessed from Facebook.

On Mojacar.es all information regarding the town can be found, from official council information about plenary sessions, the police force, town planning, bylaws etc to culture, sports, current affairs and, of course, tourism.

Tourist information includes where to go: routes or beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping and leisure and culture activities.

It is a very useful tool which contains all the important information residents and visitors need about Mojacar.

Golden Indalo prizes to be awarded at tourism fair AT FITUR, the international tourism fair currently running in Madrid, Mojacar Council will be awarding its 2016 Indalo de Oro (Golden Indalo) prizes which this year are going to BMW and Bike Promotion and to the Almeria Provincial Council’s Provincial Tourism Service.

Since the awards were created in 1992, when they were won by Miguel Rios and Pe-

dro Piqueras, 24 years have passed which in their own way sum up the recent history of the small town which made itself a place in the tourism panorama and earned a place in the hearts of international personalities.

BMW and Bike Promotion have been working in Mojacar for seven years and have helped put the area on the international maps for motor-

bike lovers, a sector with a high spending potential.

The other Golden Indalo will be going to the Provincial Tourism Service for its collaboration with Mojacar Council over the last six years, which has allowed hoteliers and the tourism sector in general to recover their confidence, and will be collected by Gabriel Amat, president of Almeria Provincial Council.

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CASINGS: Of two of the nuclear bombs involved in the Palomares incident.

Nuclear memories CONFERENCE held to remember the Palomares disaster of 1966

by Matthew Elliott AN ecological society has held a conference to remember the 50th anniversary of the Palomares nuclear accident in Almeria Province, and conducted research into the lingering effects of the catastrophe.

Ecologistas en Accion gathered together

a panel of experts to discuss the causes and consequences of the event which occurred on January 17, 1966, when a B-52G bomber from the US Air Force collided with a tanker during mid-air fuelling at 31,000 feet over the Mediterranean.

The bomber was carrying four hydrogen bombs, three of which landed in the small

fishing village, with two exploding non-nuclear material around the area, resulting in plutonium contamination.

Declared one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters, the incident caused a furore in the Spanish press, with the US Ambassador to Spain swimming in a Mojacar beach in an attempt to defuse alarm.

Local hero saves lives A BIG-HEARTED doctor from the La Immaculada hospital in Huercal-Overa has helped close to 3,000 people by volunteering his services in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Agustin Gomez uses his holidays to participate in Project 100, which helps treat children of diseases and deformities, with the volunteers performing surgeries and training doctors in the countries they visit.

In December the traumatologist travelled to Honduras with more than 200 kilos of medical equipment.

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OPENING CEREMONY: The tape was in the colours of the Swedish flag.

Estate agency moves to Mojacar A PARTY was held to celebrate opening of the new office MOJACAR’S newest estate agency opened its doors with a huge fanfare.

Leading Swedish company, Fastighetsbyran, moved from its previous location in Roquetas de Mar into new premises in the Parque Comercial and a party was held to celebrate the opening.

Franchisees, Stein Capsto

and Ingrid Grahn, live in Mojacar and have a wide knowledge of the province. Mr Stein said: “Mojacar is a beautiful location, I am sure we will be able to introduce many new clients to the area.”

Attending the opening ceremony were many local business people, together with representatives from Mojacar Council.

Following a speech by Mr Stein, councillor, Diego Garcia, did the honours and cut the tape - in the colours of the Swedish flag - and wished the team all the best in their new venture.

Fastighetsbyran is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swedbank.

The company began operating in Spain in 2008 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

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Five new Almeria MPs sworn in ALL will now await news of who will govern the country or whether there will be a new election THE 10 members of the Cortes from Almeria were sworn in on January 13 on a long and fairly tedious day as part of the 11th, and what could be the shortest parliament in Spain since

Officers arrest burglary suspect A MAN has been arrested as one of the accused culprits in a spate of burglaries that targeted empty homes in Velez-Rubio while the owners were out.

While he languishes in custody, police are seeking other perpetrators of the criminal spree which has seen 25 home invasions.

Forcing the windows of neighbouring properties, the gang have escaped with money, jewellery, watches and electronics.

The 41-year-old was apprehended after tripping an alarm and fought with officers during his arrest. He is charged with assault and burglary with forced entry, although the others remain at large.

Popular in Ireland SPREADING its wings to sunny Ireland, the Almeria Council will be in attendance at the 27th edition of the Holiday World Show in Simmoncourt Pavilion, Dublin from January 22 to 24.

The council is keen to promote the ‘Costa de Almeria’ brand among the tour operators, business people, and wider public that will attend the event, and will hope to take advantage of the huge Irish tourist market in Spain.

The Spanish Tourism Office in Ireland has reported that more than one million Irish citizens visited Spain in 2015, which Almeria Council has heralded as ‘proof Irish tourists are in love with our country.’

democracy was restored.

There were five new representatives, Sonia Ferrer and Juan Jimenez (PSOE), Diego Clemente (Ciudadanos), David Bravo (Podemos) and

Maria Isabel Sanchez Torregrosa (PP), who joined old hands Rafael Hernando, Juan Jose Matari (PP) and Juan Carlos Perez Navas (PSOE).

In addition two senators, Luis Roge-

lio Rodriguez-Comendador and Eugenio Gonzalvez, (PP) were also sworn in.

Swearing in so many MPs and Senators meant hard work for the speaker

and his deputies but allowed those who were early in the parade to make their own comments and every new Podemos representative gave a speech as each was sworn in.

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NEWS

Parents anger over PP photos of the Three Kings parade A GROUP of parents from Vera were enraged by photographs which were posted on Facebook by the local political party PP, of the Three Kings parade on January 5, in which their children’s

faces appear without their permission.

Although it would appear that the photos posted were being used by the PP in an attempt to criticise the opposition organis-

er ’s interpretation of a parade, they forgot to omit or blur-out the faces of the children attending the event.

According to the parents, the reason of the annoyance was

that, “firstly their permission hadn’t been asked, and secondly the images of the children were being used to make a political comment.”

Following all the criticism and

negative posts that began to appear on their Facebook wall, the PP political party have removed all the photos on the page in which the children could be recognised.

Almeria guided tours REGION hopes to boost its image as a place ‘where the sun spends the winter’

GUIDED visits across Almeria are being promoted by the council as the region seeks to bolster its image as ‘where the sun spends the winter’.

Councillor Lola de Haro cited this new slogan, and a tweet from famous singer David Bisbal highlighting some January diving in Los Escullos, as evidence that in Almeria ‘tourism is timeless’.

At the beginning of 2016, a new series of tours commenced which will see 58 visits take place in 2016 to interesting cultural sites, with gastronomic, artistic and architectural affairs on the agenda. The tours will typically take place on weekends.

Photo by David Caparros Lorenzo via Wikipedia

by Matthew Elliott

CABLE INGLES: One of the sites that will be visited.

Your Belgian Belg estate agent at the coast!

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First work fatality UNIONS gathered on Friday January 15 to mourn the firs t v i c t i m o f a work a c c id en t in 2 0 1 6 in A lme ria Province.

The 51-year-old man, who worked for Acrena, was killed in a collision on the A-358 motorway near Berja in what the Andalucian government has designated a work accident.

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Fraud barometer clocks Almeria LISTED in the top 10 for car insurance scams A PERIODIC analysis of insurance fraud across Spain has listed Almeria in the top 10 provinces where car insurance scams are most prevalent.

Linea Directa has released the damning report which compiles more than 30,000 cases of fraud throughout the last two years.

The document indicates that of every 100 car accidents declared to insurance companies, six are fraudulent, leading to a €1.2 million cost for the sector.

Almeria comes in behind only Cuenca, Murcia, Jaen, Granada and Cadiz as provinces where most

incidences of fraud are uncovered. When it comes to the average amount fraudulently claimed, however, Almeria rises to third spot, with a median of €3,200 against the national average of €1,284.

The study unveils that men participate in more fraud than women, and that while 94.5 per cent of the attempts are related to material damage, the amounts paid out for injury related claims are much higher, despite accounting for only 4.5 per cent of the quantity. Monday is the day when fraud is most abundant, while May, June and July are the worst offending months.

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Masked assailants TWO men have been arrested as the alleged villains behind a vicious armed robbery with the second suspect being apprehended by Almeria police on January 12.

Police believe that the two are responsible for an assault on a family residing at a farmhouse near an industrial estate in which they donned balaclavas and wielded a sawn-off shotgun.

Robbing the family of a car and mobile phones in May last year, they fled at speed in the stolen vehicle with a security guard hearing two shots fired.

Rescued from the brink of death A TRAGEDY was narrowly averted off the Almeria coast on January 14, when patrols from Maritime Rescue successfully saved the lives of 27 people, including a baby, from a drifting overloaded dinghy in danger of sinking.

According to the authorities, the 27 sub-Saharans were found at around midnight, huddled together and drifting 13 miles northwest of Alboran Island in an unseaworthy dinghy whose motor had failed.

The group, which included a mother and young baby, and t hat had set out from Bouyafar, Morocco, at around 6am that morning, were drifting dangerously and taking on water when di scover ed by t he r escue services.

Once they were safely landed at Almeria Port, the Red Cross teams and police treating them described the refugees as “wet, exhausted, scared, and freezing,” but not in need of hospitalisation.

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Refuge for victims of gender violence THE Andalucia Women’s Institute took in 133 victims in 2015

FOREIGN WOMEN: Have the same rights as Spanish women when seeking help.

By Matthew Elliott SHELTERS run by the Andalucia Women’s Institute (IAM) across Almeria took in 133 victims of gender-based violence in 2015 alone, according to the organisation which offers a safe place to those needing refuge.

Francisca Serrano, the IAM co-ordinator in the province said: “These figures show how big this social problem is and also demonstrates that it

should constantly be a priority in the social, political and media agenda.”

She also pointed out that roughly 30 per cent of the women were foreign and this ‘is not a handicap in order to access the service’, as they have the same rights as Spanish women seeking help.

The IAM provides psychological, legal, financial, and social support to women fleeing violence and has 34 shelters throughout Andalucia, including nine emergency centres.

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Almeria showcase at Nordic fair BRACING the Nordic winter, a brave delegat i o n f r o m A l m e r i a ’s Provincial Tourism Service will attend the Feria Matka tourism fair in Helsinki, Finland which will take place from January 21 to 24.

With tens of thousands of participants and guests crowding into one of the Finnish capital’s most important fairs, the event will provide a prime opportunity for Almeria to showcase its beauty.

With 739,000 visits to Spain enjoyed by Finnish tourists in 2014, the country is widely regarded as a national favourite.

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Parent classes to beat addiction

REGULAR CLASSES: Aimed at educating parents to take place.

by Matthew Elliott CITIZENS Against Drugs sessions will begin again under the auspices of the town council of Huercal-Overa, with regular classes aimed at educating parents to take place.

The role of parents as instructors and mediators will be discussed, as will the

methods and habits of drug consumption and understanding adolescence and addiction.

Taking place at the Tierno Galvan de San Francisco primary school on Tuesdays at 6pm, the classes will last from January to March and are being reintroduced in response to highly positive feedback from previous years.

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School works planned IT is expected that work at the El Toyo school in Almeria will begin at the end of January, with the project to finish school classrooms being put out to tender.

Parents association spokesman Miguel Borrego has said that the classrooms will take top priority and will be used as soon as they are complete.

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New swimming lessons TO stimulate physical and cognitive development and elevate levels of self-esteem YOUNG people with autism will have the chance to reap tremendous benefits from regular swimming lessons in the Vera municipal pool under new plans by the Reyes Catholicos primary school.

The weekly classes will help the students improve their motor skills, balance and awareness, as well as assisting with tension and anxiety, and enhancing independence.

Education councillor Maria Montoya has lauded the project, named ‘Piscina en el

SWIMMING LESSONS: The classes will help the students improve motor skills. aula’ (Class in the pool), as important “to stimulate physical and cognitive develop-

ment and elevate levels of self-esteem and motivation.”

Just small tasks such as

dressing independently can make a huge difference to autistic students over time.

NEWS

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

RUSSIAN P RESS

Car sales worry SALES in the country were at their lowest level

NEW CARS: Sales plunged by 36 per cent in 2015.

WESTERN car manufacturers are feeling the earth tremble as Russia’s new-car sales plunged by 36 per cent in 2015, a disastrous year for Western automakers with operations in the country. Sales fell to 1.6 million last year to the lowest level since the country’s previous recession in 2009.

Ebola cure RUSSIAN Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova, said last October that Russia would be producing three vaccines within six months against Ebola. This week Vladimir Putin has stated that Russian scientists have now developed an Ebola vaccine “more effective and stronger” than any other.

Space engine ROSCOSMOS space agency has announced that a Russian company has successfully performed the first tests of an ionic engine. The energy-efficient, low-emission alternative to conventional propulsion technologies like jet engines creates thrust by accelerating ions with electricity intended for spacecraft propulsion.

No reduction ACCORDING to Stateowned oil transportation company Transneft, Russia will be transporting 6.4 per cent less oil than last year. However, Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak, has repeatedly

Suspended weight RUSSIA has suspended its top men’s and women’s weightlifting coaches after world champion Alexei Lovchev failed a drugs test testing positive for ‘Ipamorelin ’ in December. Both Coaches Alexander Venkov and Alexander Vidov could possibly be reinstated after an investigation of Lovchev’s positive test. Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said, “someone must take responsibility.”

ALEXEI LOVCHEV: Failed a drugs test.

said Moscow does not intend to reduce production, as oil companies do not want to lose their global market share.

Bitcoin ban ALEXANDER BASTRYKIN, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, said “trading in the cyber currency ‘bitcoins’ may become a crime in Russia” and added “criminal responsibility for the trading in monetary surrogates, which are not considered under the law as a method of payment, have been directed to the Investigative Committee.” Basically, Russian law bans the issue of any currency not approved by the Central Bank of Russia.

Patriot lessons THE Russian government has approved the spending of 1.7bn roubles (€21.4m) in a five-year plan for ‘patriotic education.’ The programme takes effect this year and runs until 2020, instilling patriotism in Russians. Most of this money is from the federal budget.

ISS missions A STATEMENT from the Russian space agency Roscosmos, said that Russia is to carry out four manned space missions including three cargo spacecraft in 2016, launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

EWN

29

FINANCE

Costa de Almería

21 - 27 January 2016

LONDON - FTSE 100

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

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NASDAQ

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C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 18

Bankia eliminates some bank charges A REFRESHING change of direction for a bank

€40M

By John Smith THE Bankia group has announced that it will not make any charges in respect of operating a personal account provided they credit their account with a minimum of €450

NEW HOTEL: A typical easyHotel room.

Travelling getting a little easier TAKE an easyBus to the airport, an easyJet plane to Barcelona, hire a vehicle through easyCar and then stay at the group’s first easyHotel in Spain, which is planned to open in the city of L’Hospitalet in 2018. easyHotel chief executive Guy Parsons said when announcing building plans “The

a month from wages or €200 from a pension.

In addition to the account itself there will also be no charges for use of debit cards, deposit of cheques or transfer of funds in an effort to retain customer loyalty

Big Brother bosses don’t get the best out of employees. Staff who are being snooped on are less productive and less healthy.” TUC Frances O’Grady on decision that employers can read staff emails.

Photo Credit givingnot@rocketmail.com flickr

Quote of the Week

is the potential amount Bankia could lose if all of its 2.4 million customers qualify for the no bank charges offer.

strength of the ‘easy’ brand has already driven significant appetite for our hotels from the Spanish market, with Spanish customers currently accounting for 5 per cent of all easyHotel guests.”

Subject to planning permission, the 200 room budget hotel is likely to cost in the region of €15 million.

BUSINESS EXTRA

UK rates unchanged UK INTEREST rates have been left unchanged again at 0.5 per cent by the Bank of England’s rate-setters. Eight of the nine rate-setters on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted for no change, with one voting for a rise on January 14.

UK petrol prices PETROL could soon cost less than bottled water in the UK as the relentless decline in oil prices sends fuel down to 86p (€1.14) a litre, it has been claimed. The wholesale price for Brent crude fell to below $30 (€27.60) a barrel for the first time since 2004, although it did bounce back shortly after, but has fallen by more than 70 per cent since reaching highs of $115 (€106).

World stock markets are falling WITH the exception of the Chinese stock market which has seen a slight recovery after the colossal losses experienced in the first week of January, stock markets around the world have been very nervous and generally show losses,

31

€549.8 million is the total amount that the 28 convicted defendants in the ‘Malaya’ case have been fined by the Spanish courts. Marbella wants the money but the state will keep it.

STAT OF WEEK

business & legal

EWN

although none are currently considered catastrophic.

There is, however, a general fear that the world economy could be about to see another slow down which is inhibiting growth.

and in order to attract new customers.

It appears to be a refreshing change of direction for a bank to actually reduce its charges and if successful, will almost certainly see other banks follow suit.

IBEX 35

+0.53%

C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 18

No bail for energy pair THE Former President Felipe Benjumea and the former CEO Manuel Sanchez Ortega of Abengoa, the ailing energy giant which could fall into administration at any time have been refused permission by the courts in Spain to use existing insurance policies as guarantees for their bail. The two men have a very short period of time in which to deposit €11.5m and €4.5m respectively.

32

E W N 21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almeria

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LONDON - FTSE 100

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY Anglo American 237.58 4.83 Associated British Foods 3,010.00 24.00 Admiral Group 1,635.00 5.00 Aberdeen Asset Management 229.60 3.20 Ashtead Group 977.50 17.50 Antofagasta 351.25 0.65 ARM Holdings 952.75 19.75 Aviva 469.80 5.30 AstraZeneca 4,268.00 38.00 BAE Systems 517.75 4.25 Babcock International Group 951.00 6.50 Barclays 193.20 1.40 British American Tobacco 3,633.50 -87.50 Barratt Developments 582.75 4.25 BG Group 933.35 -1.65 Berkeley Group Holdings 3,544.00 34.00 British Land Co 721.50 6.50 BHP Billiton 621.90 6.90 Bunzl 1,793.50 -18.50 BP 339.28 -8.42 Burberry Group 1,126.00 6.00 BT Group 465.73 2.43 Coca-Cola HBC 1,365.00 -1.00 Carnival 3,635.00 28.00 Centrica 208.20 1.20 Compass Group 1,139.50 18.50 Capita Group (The) 1,154.50 12.50 CRH 1,808.00 24.00 Dixons Carphone 449.95 4.55 DCC 5,137.50 -2.50 Diageo 1,802.00 11.00 Direct Line Insurance Group 370.55 0.95 Experian 1,141.00 12.00 easyJet 1,629.00 17.00 Fresnillo 686.25 -3.75 GKN 284.00 2.30 Glencore 74.06 0.56 GlaxoSmithKline 1,377.75 14.25 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,023.50 -1.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,238.50 18.50 Hammerson 575.00 4.00 HSBC Holdings 484.30 -1.40 International Consolidated Air 558.25 7.25 InterContinental Hotels Grp 2,293.50 25.50 3i Group 435.70 2.70 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,550.00 35.50 Intu Properties 294.40 1.10 Inmarsat 1,042.00 10.00 Intertek Group 2,686.00 30.00 ITV 261.35 1.95

% CHG. 2.08 0.80 0.31 1.41 1.82 0.19 2.12 1.14 0.90 0.83 0.69 0.73 -2.35 0.73 -0.18 0.97 0.91 1.12 -1.02 -2.42 0.54 0.52 -0.07 0.78 0.58 1.65 1.09 1.35 1.02 -0.05 0.61 0.26 1.06 1.05 -0.54 0.82 0.76 1.05 -0.07 1.52 0.70 -0.29 1.32 1.12 0.62 1.01 0.38 0.97 1.13 0.75

NET VOL 3,244.55 24,074.81 4,563.42 3,220.30 5,249.88 3,635.84 13,836.73 19,492.42 55,556.00 16,595.18 4,996.59 33,831.93 69,366.30 6,102.13 31,648.56 5,056.32 7,578.57 13,086.40 6,158.72 61,409.64 4,946.55 39,699.47 5,152.52 8,427.82 10,456.47 19,061.81 7,909.38 15,366.53 5,407.26 4,710.85 46,555.82 5,589.00 11,297.72 6,712.82 5,099.30 4,804.08 10,483.10 67,372.65 4,397.24 6,355.87 4,611.75 98,502.71 12,021.88 5,874.60 4,469.43 34,589.26 3,997.14 4,994.77 4,440.68 10,792.12

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Johnson Matthey 2,413.00 -1.00 Kingfisher 333.55 -0.65 Land Securities Group 1,085.00 9.00 Legal & General Group 241.75 2.65 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 65.54 0.83 London Stock Exchange Grp 2,440.50 36.50 Merlin Entertainments 412.40 5.60 Marks & Spencer Group 424.95 2.15 Mondi 1,201.00 15.00 National Grid 939.55 4.95 Next 6,762.50 22.50 Old Mutual 155.55 3.85 Provident Financial 3,002.50 31.50 Prudential 1,354.00 17.00 Persimmon 1,925.00 8.00 Pearson 705.00 -3.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,026.50 18.50 Royal Bank of Scotland Grp 267.20 2.70 Royal Dutch Shell 1,355.00 4.00 Royal Dutch Shell 1,357.00 5.50 RELX 1,163.50 4.50 Rio Tinto 1,655.50 12.00 Royal Mail 432.35 4.45 Rolls-Royce Group 548.25 4.25 Randgold Resources 4,365.00 -22.00 RSA Insurance Group 404.85 1.55 SABMiller 4,088.75 6.75 Sainsbury (J) 244.30 0.40 Schroders 2,571.50 24.50 Sage Group (The) 561.75 4.75 Shire 4,249.50 70.50 Sky 1,041.50 -5.50 Standard Life 365.05 4.15 Smiths Group 904.50 8.50 Smith & Nephew 1,113.00 10.00 Sports Direct International 410.85 1.45 SSE 1,431.00 7.00 Standard Chartered 504.85 8.55 St James's Place 902.25 9.75 Severn Trent 2,097.00 13.00 Travis Perkins 1,857.00 18.00 Tesco 165.53 1.08 TUI AG 1,188.00 10.00 Taylor Wimpey 184.35 0.45 Unilever 2,821.25 22.75 United Utilities Group 916.00 6.00 Vodafone Group 217.45 1.20 Wolseley 3,390.50 -68.50 Worldpay Group Ord 3p Wi 305.85 2.35 WPP Group 1,438.50 3.50 Whitbread 4,010.00 28.00

% CHG. -0.04 -0.19 0.84 1.11 1.28 1.52 1.38 0.51 1.26 0.53 0.33 2.54 1.06 1.27 0.42 -0.49 0.31 1.02 0.30 0.41 0.39 0.73 1.04 0.78 -0.50 0.38 0.17 0.16 0.96 0.85 1.69 -0.53 1.15 0.95 0.91 0.35 0.49 1.72 1.09 0.62 0.98 0.66 0.85 0.24 0.81 0.66 0.55 -1.98 0.77 0.24 0.70

NET VOL 5,272.53 7,905.40 8,885.71 14,713.86 48,391.39 8,817.46 4,357.08 7,066.10 6,171.39 35,253.47 10,250.17 7,940.96 4,643.74 35,582.45 6,158.43 5,746.12 43,876.79 18,136.81 52,421.11 32,835.73 13,260.10 23,682.25 4,433.00 10,305.32 3,961.74 4,170.74 65,859.44 4,758.13 6,061.92 6,286.62 25,257.61 18,616.96 7,384.45 3,523.39 10,285.50 2,560.23 14,727.17 13,144.78 4,894.14 5,075.92 4,799.97 12,880.08 7,367.74 6,474.39 36,713.36 6,419.98 58,990.76 8,995.37 N/A 19,278.31 7,516.73

Kleinwort Benson Elite PCC Ltd

0.76021

1.31542 Units per €

US dollar ...................................................................1.08819 Japan yen .................................................................127.682 Switzerland franc.................................................1.09592 Denmark kroner...................................................7.46292 Norway kroner .....................................................9.66735

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

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 18

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 138.69 -2.49 -1.76% 4.7M 62.91 -0.38 -0.60% 8.6M 97.13 -2.39 -2.40% 79.8M 125.63 -3.57 -2.76% 6.7M 59.87 -2.40 -3.85% 12.7M 83.67 -1.80 -2.11% 17.9M 23.62 -1.04 -4.22% 64.1M 41.50 -0.38 -0.91% 21.2M 93.90 -5.21 -5.26% 22.3M 54.09 -3.31 -5.77% 7.9M 77.58 -1.54 -1.95% 28.3M 28.49 -0.57 -1.96% 69.4M 155.61 -5.78 -3.58% 6.2M 119.23 -0.39 -0.33% 10.5M 130.03 -2.88 -2.17% 9.0M 29.76 -2.98 -9.10% 76.4M 97.00 -1.89 -1.91% 12.7M 57.04 -1.16 -1.99% 38.1M 115.18 -1.44 -1.23% 10.2M 51.14 -0.66 -1.27% 15.5M 50.99 -2.12 -3.99% 71.8M 57.56 -0.95 -1.62% 12.2M 30.81 -0.30 -0.96% 46.8M 74.98 -1.17 -1.54% 17.0M 105.10 -1.88 -1.76% 2.5M 85.63 -3.38 -3.80% 10.5M 109.27 -1.49 -1.35% 6.4M 44.43 -0.44 -0.98% 28.0M 71.83 -1.97 -2.67% 18.5M 61.93 -1.13 -1.79% 15.2M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 18

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced Strongbridge Biopharma plc Synutra International, Inc. region Nivalis Therapeutics, Inc. Wynn Resorts, Limited Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc. American Superconductor Corporation VIIX region TVIZ region ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ

$ 5.49 $ 4.85 $ 10.58 $ 5.75 $ 58.37 $ 9.21 $ 18.43 $ 6.39 $ 36.08 $ 18.21 $ 24.87

1.25 ▲ 29.48% 1.02 ▲ 26.63% 1.79 ▲ 20.36% 0.77 ▲ 15.46% 6.87 ▲ 13.34% 1.01 ▲ 12.32% 1.79 ▲ 10.76% 0.58 ▲ 9.98% 3.23 ▲ 9.83% 1.56 ▲ 9.37% 2.12 ▲ 9.32%

$ 14.28 $ 2.78 $ 2.84 $ 2.26 $ 4.50 $ 2.98 $ 12.30 $ 7.28 $ 5.5001 $ 5.44 $ 5.56

17.35 ▼ 54.85% 1.61 ▼ 36.67% 1.43 ▼ 33.49% 0.99 ▼ 30.46% 1.31 ▼ 22.55% 0.67 ▼ 18.36% 2.71 ▼ 18.05% 1.50 ▼ 17.08% 1.1299 ▼ 17.04% 0.92 ▼ 14.47% 0.93 ▼ 14.33%

Most Declined Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Legacy Reserves LP Breitburn Energy Partners LP Legacy Reserves LP Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc. Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

34

E W N 21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

Iran to invest

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

in Spanish oil

HASSAN ROUHANI: It is just a few weeks before the next general election for the President of Iran. tions are relaxed (and the recent arrest and almost immediate release of a US military vessel in Iranian wa-

ters shows how anxious the country is to improve the view that the west has of it), no final contract can be

signed, but the matter has clearly reached the last stages of discussion.

With the current very low price of

New refineries are known to be efficient and therefore more profitable than older ones.

crude oil, the Iranian government will not see the volume of foreign currency earning that it had originally hoped for, so it is looking to add value to its exports, especially as new refineries are known to be efficient and therefore more profitable than older ones.

It is said that Iran is looking to invest in other external markets and the additional flow of Iranian oil will not help the economy of its traditional ‘sparring partner’ Saudi Arabia which is suffering economically already and all of this is happening just a few weeks before the next general election in Iran.

Homebase may be sold to Australian retailer Credit Chris Warham Shutterstock

IN a statement to the Islamic Republic News Agency on January 9, Deputy Petroleum Minister and Managing Director of National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC) Abbas Kazemi said that Iran is to invest in the construction of an oil refinery in Spain.

Their ability to do this comes about following the anticipated relaxation of sanctions against Iran thanks to its agreement to drastically reduce its atomic capability. Whilst it is looking for inbound investment as well as sales of oil to the west, it also sees some major advantages to external investment and Spain has shown an early interest in partnering with the country.

This is a very sensible move by Iran as by being a 50 per cent investor in the new refinery which is expected to be able to refine 200,000 barrels a day, it is guaranteeing sales of crude oil for use in Spain and its refinery.

Until such time as all of the sanc-

Photo Credit UN Photo/Loey Felipe flickr

By John Smith

HOME RETAIL GROUP: Has been in discussions over the sale of DIY business Homebase since September and an offer is being considered.

BRITISH company the Home Retail Group, owner of both Argos and Homebase, has revealed that it has been in discussion with Australian retailer Wesfarmers over the sale of DIY business Homebase since September and has received an offer of £340 million (€450 million) for the company which is being considered.

Wesfarmers owns both DIY company Bunnings, and the very well-known Coles supermarket chain.

According to the BBC, John Walden, chief

executive of Home Retail, said the sale would allow the company to focus on Argos with an improved financial position, which represented “an even greater opportunity for building longterm shareholder value.”

Earlier this month, Sainsbury’s said that Home Retail had rejected its bid to buy the Argos chain which it planned to incorporate into its own supermarkets. Perhaps if this sale went through, it would result in two queues for shoppers instead of one at busy periods.

Italian restaurants based in the UK A SPANISH recruitment agency has been given the job of finding up to 300 Spanish employees, especially chefs to work in an expanding chain of Italian style restaurants all over the UK. Formerly known as Bella Pasta, Bella Italia is being relaunched by its owners, the Tragus group, which also owns the Café Rouge and Strada chains.

It appears that the chain is looking in Spain because they want staff who are used to working with Mediterranean cuisine, much of which forms the basis of the restaurant’s menu and it is suspected that with the very high level of unemployment in Spain that Spanish chefs will be more affordable, but they will need to have a decent level of English if they wish to be employed.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

EWN

35

Photo Credit Gerard Stolk flickr

Food up, underwear down at Marks and Spencer as it appoints new CEO

By John Smith ALTHOUGH it continues to be a popular household name and despite the fact that its food prices are higher than many supermarkets, the food division of Marks and Spencer continues to perform well showing a small overall increase in turnover during 2015 and a phenomenal surge of 17 per cent in the Christmas week.

This upswing in food has not been reflected in general merchandise sales which includes underwear as well as clothing, and furnishing shows a 5.8 per cent drop in the last quarter of the year blamed in part on warm December weather as well as unavailability of certain products.

In keeping with an announcement made during 2015, the Chief Executive Marc Bolland will step down after six years in the role and will be replaced by another internal promotion in the form of Steve Rowe who is the current executive director of general merchandise and will receive a salary of £810,000 (€1.1 million) from April 2 when he takes over.

According to the company chairman Robert

NEW STORE: Marc Bolland (right) at the opening of a Marks and Spencer store.

Food division continues to perform well showing a small overall increase in turnover.

Swannell, investors had not been pushing for Mr Bolland to resign and even though the new CEO has presided over the department which has lost business, the market reacted well with a slight increase in share price.

One area that has seen growth is in the internet which has seen an increase of 20 per cent, much of which will be on general merchandise.

There is currently only one Marks and Spencer franchise store in mainland Spain which is in La Cañada, Marbella as well as one in Gibraltar, but the company does offer customers based in Spain the opportunity to purchase in Euros from its dedicated site www.marksandspencer.eu/.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

EWN

37

It’s a disgraceful witch-hunt HIT this bunch of pocket-liners where they’ll feel it most LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I FIND the claims for compensation by families of Iraqi and Afghanistan insurgents killed

by British troops, somewhat akin to the car crash ‘victims’ who claim exorbitant whiplash payouts.

Actions, often completely unfounded, encouraged by the despicable ‘ambulance chasing’ lawyers, who have sprouted like cancerous tumours since the introduction of the ‘uman rights’ bonanza championed by Cherie Blair.

This mercenary and unfeeling bunch will stop at nothing to swell their ever increasing coffers. They have gone to extraordinary lengths in their endless quests of greed to hound and harass our brave servicemen and women, even sinking as low as sending people to knock on doors and encourage the families of insurgents killed in battle to sue the MoD. They have managed to drag up over 1,100

HEROES: Suffer and experience completely undeserved traumas.

compensation claims from the Iraqi war alone.

Some of these cases will not be resolved for years. As far as the lawyers are concerned, the longer the better, but for the military personnel

accused it can be a living hell, possibly for the rest of their lives.

While our heroes suffer and experience these completely undeserved traumas, many

of the ‘victims’ who have already received payouts, have bought luxury cars and large homes in wealthy areas of Basra.

And who foots the bill for this disgusting travesty? Why the good old British taxpayer of course. Who else?

To me, the answer to this disgraceful witchhunt, is to place a cap on the fees and remunerations these lawyers and their ‘clients’ receive. Not only should the practice be made far less lucrative, including time duration penalties, but in the event cases are not proven, these exploiting lawyers should themselves be investigated.

If then found guilty of any misconduct or questionable actions, subsequently disbarred or struck off altogether. Hit this bunch of pocket-liners where they would feel it most, in their bulging wallets. Their civil actions have already cost the taxpayer millions, and heaped untold misery on hundreds of our brave military personnel. The sooner they are all hung out to dry the better.

Keep the faith Love Leapy Leapylee2002@ gmail.com

E W N 21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Oil and water don’t mix

OUR VIEW Mojtaba Salimi Wikimedia

38

Paolo Bona / Shutterstock.com

UNBELIEVABLE hypocrisy at the highest levels which threaten the Western world 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.

THERE were two major items of news recently that, although not directly linked, gave me serious pause for thought and strengthened my belief that not only do we live in a world ruled by vested interests, but that there is unbelievable hypocrisy at the highest levels which threaten the very existence of Western civilisation.

The first involved the widespread sexual assaults on women by men of Arab and North African origin during the New Year celebrations in Germany.

This followed widespread coverage over the internet, but largely overlooked by the press, of reports from health workers and independent witnesses, of chaos in German

PROPER INTEGRATION: Needs to be carefully managed. hospitals involving large numbers of immigrants demanding their ‘right’ to health care, and using threatening behaviour to staff.

In some cases, children were simply dumped at hos-

pitals to be taken care of.

If we needed reminding of what many of us have been banging on about for years, that unless proper integration is carefully managed, then throwing large numbers of di-

ametrically opposed cultures together is a recipe for disaster.

Then just two days later we heard of the execution on the same day of 47 Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia - most of

them by beheading.

Forget for a moment the stated justification for this action – that they were guilty of terrorist acts – but just look at the guarded response to the trial of these people conducted in camera by heavily biased Sunni Muslim courts.

The legal system in this undemocratic oligarchy is based entirely on Sharia law which involves punishments such as beheading, stoning, mutilation and flogging.

Much of Sharia is justifiably regarded by the Western world as barbaric and harkens back to a medieval past, and yet whilst we rightly condemn and express our horror at the atrocities carried out by ISIL, our leaders stay strangely muted about the Saudi’s actions.

The relationship that we have with that country is based on mutual convenience and financial interests but make no mistake, like most of Islam they are no friends of ours.

Old style light bulbs may return Photo Credit Csaba Deli Shutterstock

SCIENTISTS in America believe they can make traditional bulbs more efficient John Smith Random thoughts...

THOSE who think that the ‘new’ style light bulbs are ugly, expensive and do not generate enough light, will be pleased to learn that scientists at the world famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology believe they have developed a way in which they can make the ‘old style’ traditional incandescent light bulb more efficient.

A number of countries have already phased out the old bulbs (as they waste large amounts of energy through heat), although it appears in Spain that they can still be purchased in Chinese Bazaars but are not always guaranteed to light without blowing fuses or exploding.

According to a report which has been published in the Nature Nanotechnology journal, these researchers have discovered a way in which they can improve the efficiency of the bulbs by recycling this waste energy

RESEARCHERS: Have found a way they can improve a bulb’s efficiency. and transferring it back to the filament, thus allowing the bulb to become more efficient and environment friendly.

It appears that there has been very little development in the technology behind the incandescent light bulb, which was launched by Edison in the

President Rouhani.

One area of world tension reduces IT seems that each of the major world powers needs to have at least one country that it can identify as being its ‘bête noir’, and for at least two decades Iran has been America’s and vice versa.

During the reign of the Shah, western powers were falling over each other to obtain oil and sell anything from car plants to sophisticated weaponry to Iran, but with his overthrow and the arrival of Ayatollah Khomeini, Shiite Iran changed almost overnight and America became Satan in the eyes of that nation.

The West helped to equip the Iraqi army in the eightyear long war with Iran, which saw the death of around 500,000 combatants and then had to take action against the ever belligerent Saddam Hussein in two separate wars, which left Iraq in chaos and has inspired the Daesh offensives.

For years, Saudi Arabia was seen by the UK and US in particular as a friend and supplier of oil, and the fairly totalitarian regime there was backed heavily as it became the leading Sunni nation in the Middle East.

Now, however, with the drop in oil prices, the Saudi economy is almost in tatters but for Iran, which has coped with sanctions for so long, their disappearance in the main means they can actually see a massive improvement in their financial position, as they look to re-equip their industry, purchase a large number of new passenger aircraft and invest in the West to support their own oil industry.

late 19th century but as the bulbs are so inefficient, converting only a tiny percentage of their energy into light, they were a natural target for enquiring scientists to review.

Even the new bulbs which are much more expensive using compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED, whilst significantly more efficient, still only convert a small percentage of the energy used into light.

By using nanotechnology (the study of very small things), they have managed to surround the filament of the bulb which captures the leaking infrared radiation, reflecting it back to the filament where it is used for the production of visible light.

Calculations and early experiments suggest that this new development, which updates very old technology, could make the light bulbs they are developing three times more efficient than CFL or LED bulbs.

Now we It may not happen immediately but want to if the researchers can produce a stable hear your views. bulb at a reasonably cheap price, then we may see the return of a YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE bulb that not only looks like a - YOUR OPINION light bulb, but is even better for www.euroweeklynews.com the environment.

OPINION & COMMENT

LETTERS

www.euroweeklynews.com

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

EWN

43

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

New Spanish ATM charges are in breach of the EU law MOST Spanish banks are in breach of EU law in charging for IBAN transfers inside the Eurozone, indeed even inside Spain itself.

Scandalously the Caixa Bank charge you €3.75 for doing your own transfer online and then a further €0.36 for sending an email to the person being paid! They are totally shameless. I closed our account.

EU law (confirmed to me by ABN-AMRO and HSBC) states that ‘transfers by private citizens up to €12,500 and inside the Eurozone must be free.’

And how can we be sure this is a law? Well, if you know the Dutch you’ll understand this: When the law came in I asked ABN-AMRO why there were no longer any charges, and they explained.

Thus you will understand that the Dutch would never refrain from c h a rg i n g so m e o n e u n le s s they were obliged to.... by law!

HSBC also confirmed this to me, and did so rather smugly because they are outside the zone, and thus can continue ripping people off.

Don’t hold your breath on this switch to a bank that doesn’t charge you.

John G. Deacon, via email

One of life’s characters Hi Leapy, We often holiday in Torrevieja and I get the EWN, I enjoy your column, also get the online version, so I keep up with things in Spain.

You sound as if you are thinking on the same plane as a cousin of mine, who knew you years back.

His name is Martin Carter, alias Spida.

He is one of life’s characters and describes himself as a troubadour.

He has written and sung many great songs, some controversial and is in the folk scene. He has played in Majorca, Spain, Portugal and latterly Tenerife, where he recently had a heart attack, after a gig.

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

Poor New Year’s Eve

Then the dog runs in and jumps on the settee and bed. Is the dog Dettol-ised as well? Then he licks people’s faces after licking his own tail end and those of the other dogs he’s met! Maybe the dog gets scrubbed with Dettol too?

Finally (for this time) does noone use a handkerchief these days?

It’s bad enough seeing grown men cry at almost nothing, but the sight of runny, snotty noses is revolting, UGH! It’s bad enough with kids.

Come on folks, let’s see your pet hates on TV Mrs Jenny Hollowell, Malaga

We are a flawed species, sad as it is

AFTER spending seven New Year’s Eve celebrations in Benidorm, which to start with were at the Triangle (and wonderful), they were then moved to near the council offices. It went down a bit, but was still good with the big screens, stage and great bands with good singers. One could have a lot of fun, and with the countdown - and the eating of the grapes and drinks everyone had a dance if they wanted and enjoyed themselves.

What happened to this year 2016? It was so disappointing, the dreadful loud speakers, music and loudmouthed DJs. No lovely band and no countdown, which caused many people not to eat their grapes or toast in the New Year.

The fireworks were miles away up at the point, the whole thing lost its lovely atmosphere and most people just drifted off straight away. Several friends, myself included, said we wouldn’t bother to go back next year.

Mrs J Bare, Benidorm

Fortunately he is recovering well and is now in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am also living there and have visited him and Emer. He is hoping to get back to doing what he does best, singing, soon.

Keep up the good work. By the way, I remember when Little Arrows came out, like many other people, yes I am that old too.

Michael Carter, NI

Happy New Year to everyone!

LET’S start the New Year right, with a whinge! Television.

Has anyone noticed? Men and children (never the women) leav-

ing the house still eating their breakfast, don’t they clean their teeth now? No wonder so many dentists in England have private planes and luxury cars!

Then the Dettol adverts. Everything must be ‘dettol-ised,’ worktops, floor, clothes, bedding etc.

The house is so sterile; no wonder the kids pick up germs as soon as they walk out the door.

Hi Leapy Glory be, ‘Spiritual Revolution!’

Hey man, sounds very 70’s Gordon Bennett!

Whatever next, having heard it before way back, it’s a great idea I’m with you totally on this. But really, if one takes time to think about it really it’s us humans that screw it up ‘Big Time.’

Looking at most religions, and I don’t claim to be an expert, I don’t think they tell us to kill, maim, blame and all other ghastly atrocities etc.

It’s our interpretation that’s at fault. As a species we are flawed, sad though it is, I think your thousand years a very optimistic estimate.

But here’s hoping.

Kindest regards, C, via website

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.

44

E W N 21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

www.euroweeklynews.com

TV LISTING

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY

FRIDAY 22 JANUARY

8:00pm 8:30pm 8:57pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:45am 8:30pm 8:57pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:25pm 11:35pm 12:25am

SATURDAY 23 JANUARY

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY

MONDAY 25 JANUARY

7:50pm 8:45pm 10:05pm 10:55pm 11:05pm 11:20pm 11:25pm 12:55am

6:30pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:25pm 11:30pm 12:30am 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 11:45pm 12:15am

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY

7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 11:45pm 12:45am

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY

8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 11:45pm

12:45am

The One Show EastEnders BBC News and Regional News Dickensian Room 101 Death in Paradise BBC News at Ten BBC London News Question Time This Week A Question of Sport BBC News and Regional News EastEnders Dickensian Shetland BBC News at Ten BBC London News The Graham Norton Show Would I Lie to You?

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am 1:15am 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am

The Getaway Car The Voice UK Casualty The National Lottery Live BBC News Weather Match of the Day Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

2:30pm

Countryfile Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur Still Open All Hours Call the Midwife War and Peace BBC News Regional News Weather Match of the Day 2 Private Peaceful

12:30pm

Inside Out EastEnders Panorama Silent Witness BBC News Regional News Weather Tracey Ullman's Show Have I Got News for You

8:00pm

Regional News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Silent Witness BBC News Regional News Weather Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur Live at the Apollo

7:00pm 7:30pm

The One Show Dickensian Great Sport Relief Bake Off Would I Lie to You? BBC News Regional News Weather Children Saved From the Nazis: A Hero's Story Film 2016

7:00pm 7:30pm

4:00pm 5:50pm 6:50pm 7:50pm 8:20pm 10:35pm 11:20pm 11:50pm 12:35am

1:15pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 1:10am

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

Celebrity Antiques Road Trip World's Sneakiest Animals The Story of China The Clare Balding Show Newsnight Barely Legal Grafters World Indoor Bowls Highlights Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Mastermind What to Buy and Why Britain's Trillion Pound Paradise: Inside Cayman QI Newsnight The Story of China Day of the Evil Gun Four for Texas Flog It! Victorian Bakers Dad's Army War Horse QI XL Insert Name Here Live at the Apollo Bowls James Martin: Home Comforts MOTD2 Extra Tennis Bowls Ski Sunday Real Steel Dragons' Den Cars of the People Blood Diamond Heist Celebrity Antiques Road Trip University Challenge Mary Berry's Foolproof Cooking Immortal Egypt with Joann Fletcher Insert Name Here Newsnight Weather

7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:10am 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:45pm 12:10am 7:15pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:15pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 1:30am 7:15pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 12:15am 1:15am 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:40am

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

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

Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Winterwatch The Real Marigold Hotel Phone Shop Idol Newsnight Weather Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Holocaust Memorial Day Event Winterwatch Trust Me, I'm a Doctor Russell Howard's Good News Newsnight Weather

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:10am 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:40am 1:10am

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale Birds of a Feather Jericho ITV News at Ten and Weather The Late Debate Trawlermen Tales

5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Location, Location, Location The Restoration Man Date My Mum Rich Kids Go Shopping

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

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

6:20pm

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street The Martin Lewis Money Show Coronation Street Mr Selfridge ITV News at Ten and Weather Birds of a Feather You Only Live Twice

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

11:00pm 12:05am 1:10am

Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown First Dates Rude Tube Virtually Famous

ITV News and Weather You've Been Framed!

Ninja Warrior UK Take Me Out The Jonathan Ross Show ITV News and Weather The Chronicles of Riddick Jackpot 247

2:35pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:05pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:30am

Channel 4 Racing Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News Great Canal Journeys The Restoration Man Oblivion Priest

ITV News and Weather Planet's Got Talent Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands Endeavour ITV News and Weather The Day Hitler Died Perspectives Jackpot 247

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm

The Simpsons Channel 4 News Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian Walking the Himalayas Deutschland 83 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 48 Hrs

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Griff's Great Britain Coronation Street Benidorm ITV News at Ten and Weather The Jonathan Ross Show Saved

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Local News and Weather ITV Evening News Emmerdale The Kyle Files Sugar Free Farm Saved ITV News at Ten and Weather On Assignment The Nick

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

The Chase Local News and Weather ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Midsomer Murders ITV News at Ten and Weather Parking Wars The Kyle Files Jackpot 247

10:00pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 1:30am

9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 4:10pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am

7:20pm 8:10pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 1:30pm 2:30pm 4:25pm 6:25pm 8:20pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 2:10am

Home and Away 5 News Tonight Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild Britain's Bloody Crown Celebrity Big Brother 10,000 BC Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side

3:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm

Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Pets Make You Laugh Out Loud That's So 1980 Celebrity Big Brother Lip Sync Battle UK Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side

6:30pm

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild Ice Road Truckers World War II in Colour World War II Battlefield Recovery The Championship Goal Rush Celebrity Big Brother Lip Sync Battle UK

The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Tricks of the Restaurant Trade Travel Man The Mad World of Donald Trump The Last Leg Australia Kid Criminals

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Neighbours Home and Away 5 News The Dog Rescuers Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun Celebrity Big Brother The Secret Life of the Family Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

8:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am 4:15pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:30am 2:00am

6:30pm

Willed to Kill 5 News Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Ice Road Truckers Celebrity Big Brother Gotham Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side

Countdown A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Mary Portas: Secret Shopper 24 Hours in A and E Bodyshockers The Undateables

7:00pm

8:30am 10:00am

4:15pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

12:00am

11:30pm 11:45pm 12:00am

Police Interceptors SpaceCamp Drillbit Taylor Labyrinth Jumper 5 News Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Botched Up Bodies Mr. & Mrs. Smith Super Casino

Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News How to Lose Weight Well The Undateables Crashing Tattoo Fixers First Dates Bodyshockers

10:00pm 11:00pm

7:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm

5 News Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords GPs: Behind Closed Doors Celebrity Big Brother 10,000 BC Capital One Cup Highlights

11:30am 1:30pm 4:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 12:30am

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

5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 12:00am

4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 11:15pm 11:45pm 12:00am

Big Bash League Cricket's Greatest Barclays Premier League World World Rugby European Rugby Barclays Premier League World Football Gold Football Gold La Liga Show 2015 Barclays Premier League World The Fantasy Football Club International Netball Barclays Premier League Review The Fantasy Football Club Barclays Premier League Review Sporting Triumphs Boxing Gold Boxing Gold Boxing Gold Ford Saturday Night Football SNF: Game of the Day SNF: Match Choice SNF: Match Choice SNF: Match Choice SNF: Match Choice The Sunday Supplement Goals on Sunday Ford Super Sunday Ford Super Sunday Football League Goals NFL NFL

Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Football League Goals FL72 Football League Goals SPFL Round Up Fantasy Football Club Highlights Barclays Premier League Review Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Barclays Premier League Review Football Football Gold La Liga World 2015 Barclays Premier League Review SPFL Round Up Capital One Cup Highlights Football Gold Football Gold The Mavericks Capital One Cup Highlights Football The Mavericks Football Gold La Liga World 2015

46

E W N 21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Changes To UK Bank Deposit Compensation Scheme Since the banking crisis, the EU compensation scheme means that any savings you have in a bank in the EU up to €100,000 are protected. If a bank fails, your savings are refunded. The UK’s equivalent has been £85,000, but if you have savings in a UK bank you should note that from 1st January this deposit guarantee has fallen to £75,000 per institution.

The guarantee is per individual, so when a couple holds a joint account it will be protected up to €200,000/£150,000. However, it is also worth noting that an institution is not the same as a bank – the Halifax and Bank of Scotland are one institution, for example.

The UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme is based on the EU compensation scheme.

Regulators have a duty to review the amount every five years to make sure

The £85,000 limit was maintained until 31st December 2015.

Spain has the Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos and the limit here remains €100,000 as the Euro amount has not changed.

By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks the protection is similar to the rest of the EU. In July 2015 the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority announced that it will reduce its guarantee to £75,000 to be in line with the current exchange rate - the Euro had fallen against the pound, impacting the deposit guarantee.

In July 2015, a new rule was introduced in the UK to protect savings of up to £1 million for a period of up to six months to cover ‘life events.’ These are situations that could lead to you having a temporarily high balance, such as selling your home, inheritances, compensation payments etc. The rule allows you time to make other arrangements for your funds.

If you have more than the guaranteed limit (£75,000 in

the UK, €100,000 in Spain) in a single institution, any excess will not be protected. You may wish to consider spreading your savings between institutions (the balance in any one should be lower than £75,000/ €100,000 to cover interest).

Another way to decrease risk is to diversify across different investment assets, which can also increase the potential for improved returns.

You can also move capital into alternate investment arrangements that provide a higher level of protection.

Luxembourg stands out among EU states with its strong culture of investor protection and a regime that provides maximum security to investors without limit.

The Isle of Man, Jersey and

Guernsey are not in the EU, so neither the EU scheme nor the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme covers banks there, even if they are divisions of UK institutions. If a bank failed, you would need to rely on the local guarantee scheme, where the compensation limit is £50,000.

As always, your savings and investment decisions should be based on your personal circumstances. Speak to an experienced wealth manager to get tailored advice on asset protection and allocation.

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

TIME OUT

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

Famous quote

This week

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

‘

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

M.K Gandhi

in history 41 - Claudius succeeds his nephew Caligula as Roman Emperor after his assassination by Praetorian Guards.

871 - Battle of Basing: Danish invasion army beats Saxon Ethelred of Wessex.

1287 - The treaty of San Agayz is signed. Minorca is conquered by King Alfonse III of Aragon.

1371 - King Robert II Stuart of Scotland crowned.

1571 - Queen Elizabeth I of England opens Royal Exchange in London.

1846 - First edition of Charles Dickens’ ‘Daily News’ is published.

1879 - Battle of Rorke'’s Drift: British garrison of 150 holds off 3,000-4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses and a number of other decorations were awarded to the defenders.

1880 - Thomas Edison patents the electric incandescent lamp.

1881 - Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell form the Oriental Telephone Company.

1903 - Harry Houdini escapes from Halvemaansteeg police station in Amsterdam.

1939 - Franco conquers Barcelona.

1943 - Hitler orders German troops at Stalingrad to fight to the death.

1944 - 447 German bombers attack London.

1956 - Elvis Presley releases the single ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’

1969 - Spanish dictator General Franco announces state of emergency.

1973 - George Foreman TKOs Joe Frazier in two for heavyweight boxing title.

1977 - US President Jimmy Carter pardons almost all Vietnam War draft evaders.

1983 - Bjorn Borg announces his retirement from tennis.

1990 - John McEnroe becomes first ever player to be expelled from the Australian Open.

1998 - Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and footballer player David Beckham get engaged.

Women’s wit

‘

Be brave and fearless to know that even if you do make a wrong decision, you’re doing it for a good reason.

Adele

World of English

‘

If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? And why if teachers taught, didn’t preachers praught?

‘THE EU REFERENDUM THEME SONG CHOIR PRACTICE’

Costa de Almería

weather

Kakuro

for next 7 days

Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

TODAY VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW ALBOX

HUERCAL OVERA

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR HUERCAL OVERA ALMERIA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

Alicante TODAY: Fri Sat Sun -

Benidorm

CLOUDY MAX 15C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

15 8 Cl 15 8 Cl 17 9 S

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

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

16 9 C 18 9 Cl 18 11 S

MAX 17C, MIN 9C Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 18 10 C Wed - 18 10 C

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

14 9 C 16 10 C 17 10 Cl S Sun,

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 11 C Tues - 17 9 C Wed - 16 8 C

18 11 C 18 11 C 19 11 C

Madrid MAX 15C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Mon - 17 11 Cl Tues - 15 11 Cl Wed - 16 10 Cl Cl Clear,

TODAY:

Fog,

TODAY:

CLOUDY MAX 15C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

15 9 S 15 8 C 16 8 C

SUNNY

MAX 11C, MIN 2C

13 4 Cl 14 4 Cl 16 4 Cl C Cloudy,

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 15 6 Cl Tues - 14 4 Cl Wed - 13 3 Cl

MAX MIN

Mon - 16 10 C Tues - 15 10 C Wed - 16 9 Cl

Sh Showers,

SUNNY MAX 19C, MIN 7C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

18 8 S 18 7 S 18 7 Cl Sn Snow,

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

Saturday January 16

Saturday January 16

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 11 S Tues - 17 10 Sh Wed - 19 11 C

Murcia

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 10 Cl 17 9 C 17 9 S

Mallorca SUNNY MAX 17C, MIN 7C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

CLOUDY MAX 19C, MIN 11C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 10 S Tues - 17 10 S Wed - 18 9 S

16 8 S 16 9 S 17 9 S

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

Malaga

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 8C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

ROQUETAS

ADRA

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 9 C Tues - 19 9 C Wed - 19 9 Cl Th Thunder

LOTTERY

ADRA

47

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

SPONSORED BY

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

EWN

Saturday January 16

1

8

3

14

18

Friday January 15

10

5 12

25

27

43

52

39

Saturday January 16

Sunday January 17

12

17

6

19

27

15

32

48

22

19 25

27

38

33

44

46

8

43

38

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

38

10

38

LUCKY STARS

1

11

19

REINTEGRO

26

6

REINTEGRO

2

E W N 21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

The Martian Directed by: Ridley Scott Distributed by: 20th Century Fox Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig and Kate Mara In The Martian, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is an astronaut stranded on a desolate planet.

He is presumed dead after a fierce storm wiped out the rest of the crew.

Surviving alone with little supplies, he must find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists are creating their own plan for a rescue mission.

Placido Domingo, January 21, Opera Singer

José Placido Domingo Embil is a Spanish tenor and conductor who has recorded over 100 complete operas and was part of the famous Three Tenors which consisted of himself, Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras.

75

John Hurt, January 22, Actor, 76 Well-known British character actor who played the Elephant Man in the film of the same name and gay civil servant and writer Quentin Crisp in the TV programme The Naked Civil Servant as well as literally hundreds of other roles.

Lisa Snowdon, January 23, Former Model and Presenter, 44 Known for hosting three seasons of Britain’s Next Top Model and host of Capital Radio’s Breakfast show, she was involved in a five year relationship with George Clooney.

Adrian Edmondson, January 24, Comedy Actor, 59 Comedian and aspiring musician who is married to Jennifer Saunders, he came to fame as part of the Comedy Strip and appeared in the Young Ones, Bottom and many other comedy programmes but is now also a straight actor.

Alicia Keys, January 25, Singer, 35 The first singer to receive five Grammy Awards at one time after releasing her debut album, Songs in A Minor in 2001. Her hit album Girl on Fire earned her a 15th Grammy Award in 2014 when it was named Best R&B Album.

Jose Mourinho, January 26, Football Manager, 53 Perhaps the most controversial and certainly one of the most successful football managers in history, he was a fairly uninspiring football player but went on to win managerial honours in Portugal, Italy, Spain and England, but was recently ‘let go’ by Chelsea.

Nick Mason, January 27, Drummer, 72 One of the founder members of immensely successful British rock group Pink Floyd who is also known as a major collector of vintage and fast cars. He last played with all of the living former members of the group at the Live 8 concert in 2005.

Funagram

Just Joking

Unscramble the name of a famous American singer/songwriter: AYE, ARMCHAIR Unscramble the name of a famous adventure novel first published in 1844 (five words): FETCH CONTENTIOUS MOTOR

Hexagram

How do you make a tissue dance? … Put a little boogie in it.

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

ACTUAL BUREAU CHALET CITRON DECREE DILATE INHERE MAMMAL MEMORY MYTHIC (10)

PATRON PAYOUT POETRY RADIUM RESUME SWEATY TELLER TINDER TURRET

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Teeter 2 Meager 3 Pretty 4 Hatred 5 Meteor 6 Strand 7 Writer 8 Beetle 9 Cerium 10 Wobble 11 Social 12 Laurel 13 Beadle 14 Marvel 15 Allele 16 Indeed 17 Larger 18 Allege 19 Spread

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

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Everything on the home front is emphasised and there will be a flurry of activity. Get others involved in any changes. Work in the garden or painting is much more enjoyable and half the work if you enlist the help of someone you get on well with.

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

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) After the 22nd it is much easier to see the path ahead. This is particularly true of a financial situation, so there's no sense in fussing until you understand what needs to be done. Someone who

AQUARIUS

(January 21 - February 19)

It is difficult to avoid repeating mistakes made in the past. Your approach to certain situations has not changed and therein lies the problem. Someone who blames you for a mistake shows ignorance but that does not make it less upsetting.

has in the past been uncooperative is more flexible. You wonder at this and try to see an ulterior motive, but it is most likely that they have seen the error of their past actions. Is it possible for you to take them on trust?

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Your attention is needed on more than one front, and some decisions are at odds with your personal thoughts and attitudes. Being reminded that 'business is business' does nothing to relieve your conscience. You may have to upset someone by telling the truth, which may affect your longerterm finances but do you really have any choice?

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

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

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA

LOL 1. Born in Prestwich in September 1947, who was the longtime song-writing partner of Kevin Godley? In 1998, he became a member of the band Art of Noise, with Anne Dudley and Trevor Horn.

2. First coined in the summer of 1989 in the now-defunct magazine Glamour, what nickname is given to the Pakistani film industry based in the city of Lahore?

3. ‘I met her in a club down in old Soho, where you drink Champagne and it tastes just like cherry-cola’ is the opening line of which 1970 UK hit single by the Kinks?

4. The name of which variety of lettuce having curly redtipped leaves and a slightly bitter taste, is derived from the Italian for ‘red husk’?

5. What name was given to followers of John Wyclif who believed that the Church should help people to live a life of evangelical poverty and imitate Christ?

6. What nickname is often applied to a man or a woman who is employed to help children cross the road safely near a school by holding up a circular sign on a pole to stop the traffic?

7. What was the name of the Irish dancer, born Marie Dolores Eliza Rosanna Gilbert, who became the mistress of Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1846 and exercised great influence over him until banished the following year?

8. Which controversial novel by Vladimir Nabokov, first published (in Paris) in 1955, tells the story of literature professor Humbert Humbert who is obsessed with the 12-year-old Dolores Haze?

9. Which Italian-born actress appeared in the films Trapeze (1956), co-starring with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis and in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956) as Esmeralda with Anthony Quinn as Quasimodo?

10. Which verb means ‘to move in an ungainly way in a series of clumsy paces or bounds: the bear lolloped along the path’?

Not a lot of people know that… the internet slang LOL, meaning ‘laugh(ing) out loud’, was first coined on a BBS (bulletin board system) called ‘Viewline’ in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in the early-to-mid-80s

YOUR STARS PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Who is trying to push you into a corner? Maybe it is being done so subtly that you have not even noticed. Who wants a decision from you? Appear to take pressure lightly and not give in to an irritation. There is some jealousy this week but refuse to be drawn into petty matters.

TIME

10-Star Quiz

What is it called when a cat wins a dog show? … A cat-has-trophy!!

FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: MARIAH CAREY, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.

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a situation in the future, look at how you should have dealt with it.

There is always something to know that guides us to a better position. It will make you smile that someone has taken you for a fool because you have the last laugh.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A great feeling of joy comes over you more than once in the week ahead.

Your inner child has been set free, and this is likely to be because of recent restrictions, which are now lifted. Do not feel guilty about this because it is a choice that will serve you well in the future. Right now, things may seem like a bit of an effort for small reward.

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

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) The need to plan ahead is frustrating when you know exactly what ought to be going on. Patience is something that you need to cultivate, or you risk upsetting someone close. Spending time with a colleague makes you realise how good things could be, but a lot of effort is involved. Pushing ahead does not guarantee results.

1. LOL CRÈME, 2. LOLLYWOOD, 3. LOLA, 4. LOLLO ROSSO, 5. LOLLARDS, 6. LOLLIPOP MAN/LOLLIPOP WOMAN (LADY), 7. LOLA MONTEZ, 8. LOLITA, 9. GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA, 10. LOLLOP

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

TARGET: Average: 17 Good: 22 Very good: 31 Excellent: 38

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION abet arty bate beat beta boat bort brat byte fate feat feta fort frat fret raft rate reft rort rota rote tare taro tear toby tore torr tray tref trey troy tyre tyro abort after fetor forte forty orate rater retro retry tabor tarry teary terra terry artery barter betray boater borate rafter rotary FERRYBOAT

Purpose Justin Bieber Released by Def Jam Recordings on November 13, 2015.

The fourth studio album by Canadian wild child Justin Bieber. Unlike his first three albums which hailed and accompanied the growth of a ‘boy next door’s’ transition to wild and sometimes raucous teenager, this collection would appear to see a maturing of the boyish spirit.

AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

Crossword Cryptic

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OUT

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC

Quick

Across: 1 Asset, 4 Voices, 9 Rat race, 10 Shame, 11 Dent, 12 Service, 13 Cue, 14 Cava, 16 Chef, 18 Bat, 20 Inspire, 21 Cone, 24 Idaho, 25 Station, 26 Singer, 27 Keeps.

Across 1 Chess wins for pals (5) 4 Judas formed art trio (7) 8 Many nieces reconsidered area of study (7) 9 Salem goes off dinners (5) 10 Try to catch fish in the corner (5) 11 She may be drunkenly elated around end of night (7) 13 Lively dance that’s authentic, so we hear (4) 15 Old coin from an African country (6) 17 Swords made from English brass (6) 20 Bush, dull to listen to (4) 22 Church, if not then, a football team (7) 24 Relation broke up a riot (5) 26 That’s enough of the cold comfort! (5) 27 Say again "Others had food" (7) 28 Recasts different performer (7) 29 The French saint’s remains (5)

Down: 1 Abrade, 2 Satin, 3 Teak, 5 Obstruct, 6 Cyanide, 7 Seemed, 8 Verse, 13 Camisole, 15 Abstain, 17 Sirius, 18 Beast, 19 Tennis, 22 Olive, 23 Back.

QUICK Across:

Across 12 Part of Balmoral sold as well (4) 1 Stiff (5) Down 14 Part of her striptease act is simplicity itself (4) 4 Lines of poetry (6) 1 Feral horse has to, nag is different (7) 16 New cine tax is not right (7) 2 Slender girl’s first object (5) 9 Alters (7) 18 Adapt or lose a vaporiser (7) 3 Might be nicer in the South-East to be honest (7) 19 Hesitation in show’s sprays (7) 10 Hall of justice (5) 4 Three times higher than bass (6) 21 Boys around Ireland becoming Scottish landowners (6) 11 Catalogue (4) 5 Injured leader departs, carrying a weapon (5) 22 Chanel with a drink (5) 12 Outermost (7) 6 Discovered contract order for vehicle (7) 23 Screen out Spanish approval for the First Lady (5) 13 Father (3) 7 She’s just the cup of tea for a Cockney (5) 25 Times leader censures pitfalls (5) 14 Land measurement (4) Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of 16 Require (4) the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 15 represents W and 24 represents D, so fill in W every time the figure 15 appears and D every time the 18 Large (3) figure 24 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, 20 Sheltered port (7) 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 21 Quick (4) main grid and the control grid.

24 Play (5) 25 Bravery (7) 26 Roam (6) 27 Melodies (5)

Code Breaker

Down 1 Remember (6) 2 Seizes suddenly (5) 3 Canines (4) 5 Stimulating (8) 6 Grasp tightly (7) 7 Sofa (6) 8 Requested (5) 13 Adorn (8) 15 Sure (7) 17 Follow closely (6) 18 Building block (5) 19 Strain (6) 22 Once more (5) 23 Fair, impartial (4)

1 Robbed, 4 Pipes, 8 Scrap, 9 Lantern, 10 Uniform, 11 Cell, 12 Bin, 14 Free, 15 Oral, 18 Sin, 21 Able, 23 Observe, 25 Compare, 26 Never, 27 Range, 28 Ceased.

Down: 1 Rescue, 2 Barrier, 3 Explodes, 4 Pans, 5 Piece, 6 Single, 7 Climb, 13 Nonsense, 16 Arrives, 17 Dancer, 19 Nosey, 20 Feared, 22 Lemon, 24 Gale.

ENGLISHSPANISH Across:

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

1 Lider, 3 Ducks, 7 Tongue, 9 True, 10 Tenedores, 13 Alli, 14 Rosada, 16 Rusty, 17 Cards.

Down: 1 Lata, 2 Egg, 4 Ciruela, 5 Shed, 6 Sendero, 8 Needles, 11 Pair, 12 Mats, 15 Sea.

CODE BREAKER

Across 1 Escamas (zoología) (6) 4 Other (f) (4) 8 To open (5) 9 Agente (5) 10 Religious (9) 13 Sapos (5) 15 Sand (5) 16 Love (between people) (4) 17 Cherry (6)

Down 1 Foca (4) 2 Acordar (5) 3 El más temprano (8) 5 Corbata (3) 6 Hormiga (3) 7 Skating (8) 11 Seven (5) 12 Nothing (4) 13 Aunt (3) 14 Garlic (3)

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By: Nicholas Searlea

ROY is a man who has lied all his life.

He is now in his 80s and about to pull off one last con.

He’s decided to target wealthy women he meets online.

Roy is a man who is full of self-belief and at first Betty seems like an easy target, but she is more of a shadowy character and there are signs she could be playing her own game.

Roy has his eyes set on Betty’s accounts, but the presence of her grandson Stephen may hinder his attempt.

She has a troubled history with sensitivity, but why does she seem so willing to be compliant? books@euroweeklynews.com

WITH the New Year fully in swing and those New Year resolutions possibly already taking a back seat to the hectic post-holidays schedule, we thought we would dedicate this week’s Top 10 to health and hopefully help you see at least a few of those resolutions through to 2017. As always, the best advice is rarely anything fancy, and is simply a double dose of convenient common sense. Heed these tips for a healthier new year, and, if you already are, keep up the good work!

1. Embrace your passion: Devote some time every day to following your passion, whatever it may be. You’ll be amazed at that extra spark it can provide, whether you’re playing cards, gardening or writing blogs. So read up on it, join clubs, and get cracking. Your energy levels will soar, your mood will skyrocket and, most likely, you’ll soon be very good at it!

2. Read a book: You don’t have to plough through War & Peace and other heavy classics once a week, try reading a book of your preferred genre each month and see the results for yourself. They said reading keeps the brain young so why not make a real effort this year. The best way to make reading a consistent habit is to choose books that you enjoy, especially ones which invoke your imagination, bringing you back to those childhood years.

3. Alarm Clocks: Throw them out! This may not be entirely helpful if you’re retired, however, if for any reason you’re still using one, indulge your inner child and immediately dismantle it. A key reason many people are tired in the morning is because they are unnaturally woken up at the wrong time. Sleep patterns have evolved over millions of years and waking up in the midst of deep slumber will do nothing but rattle your cage.

4. Diet: Yes, you’ve probably heard too much about fads and food over the past decade(s) but follow this simple and common sense advice to kick start a healthy 2016. No processed foods, drink plenty water, eat your fruit and veg, done.

The more you overdo worrying about your diet, the less likely you are to stick to one,

Sudoku

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

App of the Week

Tips for a healthier 2016

Google Launcher update GOOGLE updated its Google app, which includes the Google Now Launcher, with some cool new tweaks. If you’re using a Nexus device and haven’t installed a third-party launcher app, such as Action Launcher 3, you’re already using the Google Now Launcher. On other devices, such as Samsung’s Galaxy line you have to explicitly enable Google’s launcher in the device’s settings menu.

Play on Words M1Y L1I1F1E NATURE: Keep fit while enjoying the sunshine. so forget diet and just cut out all the rubbish.

5. Medication: Ease up on the medicine.

Now this advice doesn’t apply to anything recommended by your doctor, or which is essential for your good health. It is a simple suggestion that, before you reach for the cabinet to help you sleep, wake up, or fight an ache, you stretch, breathe deeply, move around, get some fresh air, and then see how you feel.

6. Pets: If you normally need a dance partner to go outside to walk or exercise, then get a dog, or any other adventurous animal that’ll demand your attention.

Looking after another creature is a sure fire way to get you up and about, as well as establishing your own firm routine, if not for your own sake then for theirs. Studies repeatedly show that pet-owners lead longer, happier lives.

7. Weights: Lifting weights might seem like the preserve of bronzed bodybuilders fawning over themselves in the mirror but doesn’t have to involve expensive trips to a smelly gym. Simple home exercises include curling bottles or jars, lifting them above your head, squatting against a wall, and raising your legs from a chair. Just following an easy routine can help increase both your strength and bone density.

8. Volunteer: The joy of helping others is quite unlike any other and goes a long way

towards increasing your happiness levels.

It will also keep you active and mindful of your own station in life. There are so many possibilities, from children’s hospitals to care homes, and, if you have a skill or passion, you can easily put it to good use in the service of others. Think outside the box and remember volunteering comes in many forms, even just a daily good deed will work wonders.

9. Nature: Many people will have come to Spain in order to enjoy the great outdoors, without the great British rain.

Well, do it! Being in touch with nature, whether through long countryside walks, swims or paddles in the Mediterranean, rounds of golf, or tending to the garden, are all simple and free ways to enjoy yourself and keep fit while you do so. Abundant sunlight will help you produce more vitamin D and reduce your risk for many ailments, just remember the suncream!

10. Sleep: How deep and restful, or restless and light your sleep is can have an enormous impact on your overall health over time, especially by raising or relaxing your stress hormones. To ensure you’re always at your best, try and develop a solid sleep routine. No to bright electronic lights before bed, no to weekend catch-up sleep, yes to hot baths in the evening, and yes to finally prioritising your sleep.

IT’S E D H N T A

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms.

No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

TARGET: Average: 28 Good: 36 Very good: 53 Excellent: 65

SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION suit suite some open poodle pious pitied pent omit omen omens omelet odious iodine idle item goos good gent genie gene emit moos mood mode model midge midget mite meld melon melons mete meting doom dome dime demo debit debt ding dingo dine dint diet time tide tiding tepid tenet tinge tine title tile tilt noble lens ledge lone lobe lobed edit edge edible eons idiom inti elite snob sled sloe slob sole solemn sold soled oldie bled being bide bidet bite bingo binge bile bone bole bold tint tent lite lingo line lint lien libel lent

Word Ladder ACID

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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.

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The Good Liar

TIME OUT

RAIN BACK

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

ACID ARID GRID GRIN GAIN RAIN

TOP 10

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Answers:For once in my life, It’s on the up and up.

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21 - 27 January 2016

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Birthing dolls help train doctors BIRTHING dolls are being used to help train doctors on how to deal with complications during birth.

These simulators are full body, anatomical, interactive models that can allow doctors to go through the steps of delivery, including complications such as haemorrhaging, so that they can be well prepared when faced with real life complications.

This hands on training allows doctors to have the necessary training without ‘training’ on real life patients in the middle of a complication, which can be risky to the patient.

The life size simulator also allows medical teams to practise epidural procedures on spinal cord insertion, which are aided by sensors that monitor needle progression.

They also have ‘pregnant’-looking stomachs that feel lifelike, and C-section deliveries can also be practised.

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

You’ll be surprised at the range of natural & organic products available to inspire you.

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

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HEALTH BEAUTY

&

Ladies… CARDIO exercise is NOT ENOUGH… FitFoxy

Looking Good, Staying Trim

TIME and again I get asked the same question, will weight training make me too muscular?

From my 25 years of gym experience I am all too aware that the ladies love to use the cardio equipment such as the stationary bike, cross-trainer, treadmill and rowing machines, and they are all great pieces of kit, however the resistance equipment is often neglected in favour of these machines and I feel it is often because women do not have a full understanding of the importance of weight training.

Common fears for women regarding weight training would be that you would grow bulky and create huge muscles.

This is amusing to me, as I can remember 15 years ago when I would be in the gym four days a week training hard to just create a nice shoulder curve or shape my triceps. It takes time and effort to create a curve of muscle and I’m not talking bulging biceps ether.

Take for example Cindy Crawford or

Elle McPherson, both in their early 50’s, yet both have naturally toned beautiful bodies I assure you were not created by cardio exercise alone.

The most pleasing aesthetic look on a body would surely be curves in the right places, and that is what I aim for with my clients.

Still not convinced?

The female body is genetically very different to that of a male. Men produce different hormones in different quantities to us, which is why they can create large muscles. It is very rare for an average female to produce a large muscular body unless she was using steroids as some female body builders do or she was an elite athlete training seven days a week to become Miss Universe.

We can however do weight training exercises similar in structure to ones that the men are doing, but when training women, we would adapt the exercises and equipment to concentrate on different areas using lighter weights.

I’ve saved the best nuggets of information until last...

I would say the most important thing

WEIGHT TRAINING: Keeps your bones strong.

about weight training for women, is that it helps to keep your bones strong and healthy, greatly reducing chances of fractures or osteoporosis which is a serious disease involving a crumbling of the bones and unfortunately more common in women. If caught in the early stages osteoporosis can be reversed, but that would require dedication to carry on with a beneficial fitness programme involving resistance exercise for life.

Another important thing about weight training exercise is... if you are aiming for weight-loss, cardiovascular exercise can help to a degree, but using weights, you are building lean tissue, this in turn speeds up your metabolism which allows you to BURN ENERGY FASTER.

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-2pm email: alboxgirasol@hotmail.com

Ea r w a x s h o u ld b e l o o s e n e d Nisin could wipe out with alcohol and vinegar ALCOHOL and vinegar is being recommended to help remove ear wax.

A paediatrician from North Carolina, USA, said the mixture helps to soften the wax al-

lowing it to flow out of the ear more easily.

Ear wax, or serumen in medical terms, helps form a protective barrier to protect the sensitive skin in the external

auditory canal from harm such as dirt and insects. The paediatrician said as it plays a protective role in most cases it should be left alone in the majority of cases, but when a build up occurs it can be loosened by soaking a cotton bud in baby oil and squeezing a few drops in to the ear, or from a mixture of one part alcohol and one part vinegar. However the mixture should not be flushed forcefully in the ear because if there is a hole in the ear drum it can lead to infections in the middle ear.

Q-tips can end up pushing the wax further in to the ear.

cancer cells A NATURALLY occurring food preservative, called nisin, that grows on dairy products could wipe out cancer cells.

Researchers have studied the effect of nisin on cancerous tumours and as an antimicrobial to fight diseases in the mouth. Tests on rats showed that after nine weeks of treatment they found the tumours had shrunk, more comparable to tumours at three weeks.

Nisin is a colourless, tasteless powder that is added to food.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask The Doctor

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Natural remedies

Tap water spreads bacteria in the air

SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte.

THIS week we have asked the doctor about alternative and natural remedies and the healing qualities of certain foods and substances, which have recently been receiving a lot of press.

- Are home remedies for certain problems, such as onions as a natural way to reduce mucus, really useful or are they all just old wives tales?

Certain foodstuffs and natural substances can often be very helpful in reducing symptoms of certain illnesses and complaints and they are not simple old wives tales. Food is an important part of our lives and the well-known expression ‘we are what we eat’ is the best way to sum up the benefits of some foodstuffs.

Some conditions have been linked to consumption of foods which favour the appearance of heart problems, cancer, etc meaning it is very important for everyone to ensure they follow a healthy, balanced diet. The Mediterranean diet is a good example.

Onions and other vegetables provide many essential minerals and vitamins which help the body function correctly. Onion in particular has been traditionally used to alleviate breathing problems such as

nasal congestion, although how helpful it really is has sparked many a heated discussion as there is no scientific research to back it up.

Yet many people do find it helpful.

- Can these substances substitute medicines?

Definitely not! For some minor ailments which do not strictly need medication some foodstuffs or natural substances can be used to alleviate symptoms but this should always be done under the control of an expert.

- Can abuse of this type of remedy be dangerous?

Yes. This type of remedy should be used with caution, especially if the condition is serious enough for a doctor to prescribe medication. Home remedies can be used to complement medication in these cases but never as a substitute.

- What about to prevent rather than cure ailments?

Under the supervision of a professional, there are some foodstuffs which can help prevent certain ailments.

The Coast’s Home GP service - wherever you are - at home - in the office - in the car - on the golf course your GP will get to see you any time, anywhere.

A priceless service at an affordable price.

TAP WATER: Spreads more germs than the toilet.

NEW research has shown that we breathe in more germs from tap water than from the toilet.

The study found bacteria gathers on objects and surfaces in the home and travels into the air.

As the researchers assessed which objects breed the most bacteria, it was revealed tap water released a significant amount of bugs into the air, more so than other surfaces in the home. More bacteria in the air in homes comes from their tap water (9 per cent) than their toilet (0.4 per cent).

The team, from University of California, Berkeley, looked at bacteria in the air of 29 homes, taking samples from kitchen surfaces, carpets, pets, bathroom tiles, shower heads, toilets and the people who lived there. , in a bid to show which surfaces contributed to the most bacteria entering the air.

The study also found the number of bacteria increased significantly in homes that were ventilated frequently, as well as those with more family members, and where residents were more active.

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

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Winners of APSA December raffle THE winners of APSA’s December raffle were as follows: Amigos Bowling Centre two course Sunday Lunch for

two or Fish & Chips with Dessert for two to Ian and Lyn Williams.

Colin The Card - A 10€ voucher to Lindy Benjamin.

Eurowise - A €15 voucher to Jim Forrest.

Pricebusters - A €15 voucher to Brian and Jenny Price.

Winning tickets were drawn by Carol Limberg APSA shop volunteer.

Sellers were Jean and Mac, 44, and Keith, 82, with a total value of €126.

Animal Protection Society Albox is grateful to the Amigos Bowling Centre, Colin The Card, Eurowise and Pricebusters for their monthly prizes and to all who purchased raffle tickets. The proceeds will go towards helping APSA.

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OCIAL CENE

Dames in Turre explain Windows RANGE of questions on computer software will be explained Photo Credit Rvisoft Shutterstock.

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By John Smith

D A M ES IN TU R R E is a women’s association, made up of me mbe rs of the British community residing in the town of Turre, whose aim is to organise events of interest for members such as conferences, trips and actively participates in charity work for different associations in the area.

The ir firs t me e ting of 2016 will be held on Monday January 25 at 11am at the Hostel Rural in Turre when the speaker will be, Ken Newbold from Connexions in Turre.

WINDOWS 10: A guest speaker will explain all.

He will explain the intricaci es of Wi ndows 10 as well as answer questions on a range of computer software matters.

Please contact the secretary Pam Smith on: 677 543 031 or the president Lesley Barlow on 950 095 980.

SOCIAL SCENE

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The Vicar of Dibley TWICE a week Total Entertainment in Albox pushes back the chairs and tables for rehearsals for the Luvvies Theatre Group’s presentation of the Vicar of Dibley.

Based on the hugely successful comedy about the life of a small village with a female vicar, the TV production has been adapted for the stage, and has retained the essential spirit, the sharp wit and the downright funny bits.

However, there are some unexpected problems with the rehearsals! Some cast members, and in particular the producer, have been seen in tears - tears of laughter. This does hold up rehearsals a bit, while they get a grip on themselves.

What is so funny about a vicar’s struggles in a rural backwater parish? This play is not just about who arranges the flowers and puts up the hymn numbers - It’s got chocolate, cake (!), the Invisible Man and Velociraptors, not to mention numerous handy hints for those who are less than confident in the art of wooing and proposing marriage. No, no, no, yes it has!

If the above leaves you feeling a little confused, then come along to Teatro Pedro Gilabert Arboleas in March on Friday 11, Saturday 12 or Sunday 13 and all will become clear. Any donations at the performance will be given to Comic Relief.

If you fancy being part of this merry gang of actors or want to know more, phone 634 346 309, contact the Luvvies on info@theluvvies.com or visit website www.theluvvies.com.

Choice of 3 draught lagers, draught cider, football competitions, pool, darts, table football.

Comfortable inside lounge area, large sunny terrace with sea views and much more.

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almería

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Mandatory bank insurance is against the law WE recommend that you shop around THE EU Directive gives authority for mortgage owners to insure their property w ith a ny ins ura nc e com pany t hey choose.

The traditional practice of banks insisting you take their insurance if you have a mortgage is now illegal. While your bank or moneylender rightly require s proof tha t you have adequat e buildings insurance to protect your property, you are not bound to use their insurance. We recommend you shop around and ignore compulsory insurance tieins, no matter how urgently you want the mortgage.

• UNTIE your home insurance from your mortgage A large number of Spanish homes have their insurance policy tied to their mortgage.

You can decide not to renew your policy, but the process is long and drawn out as these financial institutions try to keep you renewing year after year. If you want to change your home insurance policy, there are three steps as follows.

• STEP 1. Anticipating the insurance policy renewal date A pproxima te ly tw o t o t hr ee months prior to the renewal da te , your ba nk or moneylender

will send you a renewal letter. You need to advise them that you wish to cancel your policy. If you fail to do this two months prior, then your policy will automatically be renewed. But before you cancel, you need to have already contracted your new insurance policy.

• STEP 2. Shop around for the best home insurance Find out which is the right insurance cover for your home by calling the insurance com pani es and di scussi ng your needs with them.

Policies from specialist insurance companies like Linea Directa will general l y be cheaper t han banks or moneylenders policies.

• STEP 3. Contract your new insurance When you cancel your existing insurance policy, your mortgage lender will request documentation to prove that your pr oper t y i s st i l l adequat el y i nsur ed.

Without it, your mortgage lender will not cancel their policy.

So when you take out your new policy, you must request that it begins immediately after the previous policy expires.

It may mean that you are paying for two policies during the short initial period. As soon as your new policy is contracted, the provider will give you the relevant documentation required by your mortgage lender.

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.com.

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NEWS

No one was ever prepared for the cold FROM peasant to banker, they all walked like penguins surviving by wearing layers ing layers and coatings of various paraphernalia they owned. In reality we all looked as though we belonged in a circus as novice clowns.

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

THAT first year in Spain was a matter of adjustments. The standard European phrase of ‘Spain is different’, used by Francisco Franco to defend his authoritarian rule over the Spanish people actually had more derivatives.

When it finally rained, it really poured. And the summer heat was intense but following months it became oppressive. And cold, well you just never expected it to be so cold.

No one living here was ever prepared for the cold. How could you?

The blistering summer months hadn’t yet been forgotten. But when it came, the thermometers might not read so drastically, but it was cold. Shivering cold and no one was ever prepared for it.

It took us one day to adjust by simply watching everyone else. From peasant to banker they all walked like penguins having to survive by wear-

Lots of early morning brandies were knocked back, or red wine for the weak.

FIRST YEAR: In Spain was a matter of adjustments.

The chilling weather got all the chimneys cranked up with wood burning fires and the rich aroma was a soothing blessing.

Inside everyone was always in a convivial frame of mind. Lots of early morning brandies were knocked back, or red wine for the weak. Plenty of jokes flew about the conversations but no one EVER made fun of the dress of another, unless of course you dressed like Superman wearing your underwear over your tights.

The assortment of headgear was the most intriguing. No Easter bonnets here. But turbans came out in mass.

Neck scarves wrapped around the neck and the caps perched on the top.

We were all fine and comfy until we had to go somewhere and then the gag was let loose on the observant audience, your waddle, your distinctive stroll. That did too bring smiles to all faces. Avoiding that was best to remain sedate and propped up against the wall yet still near the fire.

The allure of the drifting smoke soon brought in fresh clowns, many of which had their own personalised ritual when entering a room, stomping their feet, spinning about and peg leg walking it to the fireplace.

In those winter rooms you sincerely couldn’t tell the difference between the foreigners or local Spaniards from their costumes or deportment.

We were all just one big humanity united in survival and earnestly waiting for those rare chilled moments to pass and get back to what we knew best, surviving the summer months, the flies, sweat, the blowing wind full of sand and constant discomfort, always cured by cold beer.

Until then the days always began with a brandy washed down by steaming black coffee, and then another shot of brandy on the off chance you might get bit by a snake.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Joint forces hunt for missing man AFTER exhaustive search he was found under a tree

By Eleanor Hawkins THE story of Pedro Pedrosa Rodriguez, a 78-year-old man from Arboleas who went missing for three days, had a happy ending thanks to an exhaustive search which both Spanish and British residents joined earlier this month.

Pedrosa, who lives alone, was dropped off near the village square on Friday, January 8, by an ambulance after receiving treatment in hospital in Huercal-Overa. Yet the elderly man, possibly due to medication he had been given, is believed to have been disorientated and never reached his home.

By the time the alarm was raised he had spent two nights

wandering the countryside alone, and a search party organised by the local council drew more than 150 people from the village, both locals and expatriates, along with three Guardia Civil patrols and Local Police officers.

At about 4pm, following an exhaustive search, the missing man was found under a lemon tree in an area that proved difficult to access. Once reached, those who found him reported that he was delirious and freezing cold and was immediately taken to La Inmaculada hospital to recover from his ordeal.

Local Mayor Cristobal Garcia later complained that the end to the story could have been a tragic one and explained that it has brought to

light a local problem the council has been demanding a solution to for some time.

With more than 5,000 inhabitants, 36 per cent of them elderly, the village requires a social worker to ensure those in need such as Pedro Pedrosa are not left alone to struggle. Yet the worker posted in the village has been on a leave of absence since March last year, and substitutes have been coming and going sporadically. “At least eight times we have requested that the provincial council, which is responsible for this service, fills the post, yet nothing has been done. It has taken a dramatic situation like this to bring the problem to light,� Garcia stated.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Lucky local winner THE holder of a Euromillions lottery ticket validated in Albox is to receive €67,898 as it is one of nine tickets eligible for a third prize (five correct numbers) in the Friday January 15 draw.

The State Lottery and Betting Agency reported that the ticket was stamped at the number 5710 lottery office in Albox and was one of five winning tickets in Spain along with one in Cordoba and three in Gipuzcoa.

The winning combination was formed by the numbers 43, 38, 19, 10 and 46 and the lucky stars were 1 and 11. As there were no first prize winners the money rolled over to the next draw, with a single first prize winner able to pocket €89 million.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS European volunteers PURCHENA welcomed two young people from Turkey, Sev and Mine, who have arrived to spend eight months in the village as part of a European volunteering project.

The new arrivals, who have joined one German and one Polish volunteer already stationed in the village, were welcomed by local mayor Juan Miguel Tortosa, who encouraged them to make the most of their stay.

Style Your Future Through EVS is the name of the European volunteering project, which takes young adults from all over Europe abroad to help organise and run cultural, social and youth activities in collaboration with local youth departments and groups while improving their language, social and professional skills and immersing themselves in foreign cultures and lifestyles.

Purchena has received 15 volunteers since the scheme started.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

A little extra help for new parents from the council BASKETS contain shampoo, nappies and bottles

By Eleanor Hawkins WHEN babies are born to Albox

families they do not enter the world empty-handed, they come with a basket of basic products

which the council provides to help new parents face the additional challenges of the first weeks with a newborn baby.

The baskets, which contain baby shampoo and soap, body lotion, dummies, nappies, bottles and other useful items, are handed over to new parents by the mayor or local councillors and so far 50 families have benefited.

Mayor Rogelio Meno said: “this is one way we are able to make life a little easier for a baby’s first few days of life.”

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HOMES

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GARDENS

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Detect undeclared or illegal extensions IT’S essential to make sure the property is correctly described in the title deeds and Land Registry IF you are purchasing a property in Spain it’s essential to make sure the property doesn’t have an illegal extension or pool and that it is properly described in the title deeds with its size registered in the Land Registry.

Often a solicitor will base their conveyancing on the property’s dimensions in ‘Catastro’ (the official body in charge of council tax/property taxes), but more often than not Catastro isn’t actually up to date.

Therefore, leading architects, Martinez de la Casa, advise to follow these tips: - Ask the vendors if (and when) they’ve had any extension or pool done.

- Ask if they applied for licences and make sure these licences are correct.

- Always check a pool as they are generally not declared and should be.

- Underbuilds, sheds, workshops, outside kitchens and exterior storage areas are rarely declared correctly.

- Check the description in title deeds for the dimensions and compare with the physical property measurements to make sure they match.

In all those scenarios the document need-

LEGALISED: Satellite image example for Antiquity Certification. ed is a Certificate of Antiquity also known as a Retrospective Licence, as it is used to guard against sanctions in cases of lacking a licence, and is needed to update the title deeds and Land Registry.

The vendor is responsible for the cost but please be aware that if your solicitor doesn’t detect any illegal/non-declared extensions or pool and you go ahead and purchase, there is no come back. It will later be at

your expense to upgrade the Land Registry, even if it is some years on or you decide to sell.

Solicitors don’t usually inspect the premises and don’t have the tools to measure a property. Martinez de la Casa Architects offers a check-up service for the property you are purchasing for only €84 (IVA included) which includes an on-site inspection, survey and laser measuring.

The company only needs the property title deeds or Land Registry information and they will give you a verbal answer within 72 hours of the inspection (certified information is also provided for €250 plus IVA, although when they detect extensions it’s advisable just to have a Retrospective Licence).

If your solicitor is studying your case, ask them to contact Martinez de la Casa Architects to check the property so you can be assured of a safe purchase.

Martinez de la Casa Architects also offer good discounts if you require a structural survey (€70 plus IVA minus discounts for multi services contracted) or a full technical report (€450 plus IVA minus discounts for multi services contracted) done at the same time.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practices in the area, providing all types of certificates and licences, amongst other services.

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com.

HOMES & GARDENS

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Advertising feature

Dedicated to your property dreams THE experienced and friendly team at Grupo Platinum will guide you through the whole buying process ARE you looking to buy or sell a home in 2016? We URGENTLY NEED additional properties for our portfolio for waiting clients.

Our successful office is located in Calle El Puntal 2, San Juan De Los Terreros, Pulpi. It’s on the road next to the town hall, in the centre of the popular beach village.

Grupo Platinum Estates SL is an independently-owned and legallyregistered estate agent with over 25 years experience selling property in Spain.

The whole team and the owner Caroline Smith understand that buying a property abroad can be a daunting experience, especially when you do not understand the language. Our experienced and friendly sales team will guide you through the whole buying process, and also offer an exemplary after sales service.

At Grupo Platinum we always

GRUPO PLATINUM: Urgently need properties for their portfolio. put you, the client, at the centre of our business. We believe that you should find the right property the first time.

Our property services, which cover all of your buying needs including mortgages, currency transfer and legal services, are designed for the discerning client who wants solid advice from

knowledgeable and friendly staff, who work with integrity and a commitment to professional customer service.

We take great pride in finding and selling only the best, most cost-effective properties available, both new and resale, to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We ensure that each client finds the

SERVICES: Cover all your buying needs including mortgages. right property the first time.

We have a dedicated multi-lingual team of property professionals who can help to make your desires of owning a home in Spain a dream come true.

Please pop into the office to talk to us or visit the website to browse hundreds of properties for sale along the coastline, and see for

Painting with plants CREATIVE planting is about choosing basic colour schemes Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

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

THE basic design of your garden will give it shape, space and privacy and include those features you consider essential to your use and enjoyment of the garden throughout the year.

Creative plantings, like creative interior house design, is very much about choosing basic colour schemes and then implementing them intelligently across the space available.

This week’s column is stimulated by four things: • On chapter 2.6 ‘Painting with plants’ in our book ‘Your Garden in Spain’ the handbook for many new and experienced gardeners to Spain and other challenging Mediterranean gardening situations.

• Seeing the progress made by friends developing a new area of garden with half with red, purple and blue flowering plants and the other half with

yellow and orange flowering plants, while being conscious of the possible backcloths for the flower colours.

• The winter cutback now in full swing being the time to size and shape existing plants and

thinking about the mature size and shapes, as well of colours, of possible infill plants to include in this year’s spring plantings.

• My using a quiet festive season to take up my artist’s

brush for the first time for a year. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com and Facebook page ‘gardening in spain’ January 2016

yourself what it’s like to live your dream in this beautiful part of the Mediterranean.

Just visit www.grupoplatinum.com. Or why not call for a chat on 0034 950 466 112 or 0034 666 687 251.

Follow and like us on Facebook at Grupo Platinum Sl.

The seven Cs of colour co mbining

1. COMMON COLOURS Planting a single type or mix of different plants with a sing colour of flowers and similar folia le ge colours to create a mass colo ur effect.

2. COMPATIBLE COLOUR S - Planting plants with diffe rent but close shades or hues of colours in the flowers and folia ge.

3. COMPLEMENTARY COL OURS - Co-planting several different plants with vivid contrasts but harmony between the flower or flower and leaf colo urs.

4. CLASHING COLOURS Purposely close planting a num ber of plants with violently different colours from either side of the artist’s pallet and rainb ow perhaps creating a kaleidoscope type effect.

5. CALMING COLOURS - Purp osely co-planting plants who se flower and foliage colours create no clashes but rather a sense of restful harmony.

6. COLD COLOURS - An exte nsion ‘5’ with a mix of cold white and mauve flowers and grey-blue leaves that look cool even at midday on a mid-sum mer day.

7. CALIENTE (H0T) COLOUR S - Purposely mixing the mos t vivid reds, oranges and yellows to create a garden hot spot .

Excerpt from chapter 2.6 ‘You r Garden in Spain’

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Country Kennels: A home away from home for some lucky dogs YOU can be assured that if you’re going away on holiday, your dogs will be comfortable and well looked after EXPATRIATES treat their dogs very well in Spain and gain a great deal of pleasure from their company, but one of the few downsides is you need to be assured that if you take a holiday or need to go away for any other reason,

they will be comfortable and well looked after.

One very attractive option is Country Kennels just outside of Mojacar, which is run by long-term resident and dog professional Silke Montanus, who is able to offer a person-

al and knowledgeable service to those who have to be parted from what will have become a member of the family.

As can be seen on the kennel’s Facebook page there have been some very happy residents as well as highly satisfied owners, who have clearly been pleased by the facilities and treatment at the spacious property, and the fact that it has been in business for so long speaks volumes for the success of the operation.

Silke has a natural affection for animals and has been involved with the Mojacar Veterinary Clinic for more than 10 years, so not only

metres with its own run.

Potential clients are welcome to make appointments to see the facilities and owners are asked to try to leave or collect their animals before 9.30am or between 3pm and 7pm, although those times may be amended by prior agreement.

Appointments can also be made outside those hours by telephoning and leaving a message.

KENNELS: Happy residents as well as highly satisfied owners. does she have a wealth of knowledge on animal care herself, she can also obtain advice and assistance from the clinic’s vet.

Country Kennels is laid out so that the canine guests can roam within a secure fenced area and each kennel enclosure is more than 21 square

Country Kennels Carretera Turre-Mojacar, km2 Telephone 627 564 640 www.facebook.com/Residencia -Canina-Mojacar-CountryKennel-212844025493034

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OPINION & COMMENT

Bugged by thieving seagulls and chased by badgers? Don’t call 999!

METROPOLITAN POLICE have appealed for the public not to make unnecessary emergency calls Nora Johnson

Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson

TOURISTS may think exorbitant London prices are daylight robbery, but police see things differently. A woman called 999 because she was outraged that a clown was selling balloons for £5 each, which was “much more than other clowns were charging.” She was one of the 10 worst offenders for time-wasting revealed by the Metropolitan Police in its latest appeal not to make unnecessary calls.

Others to call 999 in London last year included people complaining about being served a cold kebab, being kept awake by noisy foxes and asking where to get a bacon sandwich.

My favourite has to be the woman who said there were “men” in her house trying to take her away. The “men” were in fact police officers who had come to arrest her!

Avon and Somerset Police received a call from

DIALLING 999: Should only be for real emergencies. someone enquiring about their application to Avon the cosmetics company. They also received a call from a man who reported criminal damage had been done to his noodles, another claiming a

badger was chasing him, and yet another to say a seagull had stolen and eaten his sandwich.

Ambulance staff in Essex were called to someone hurt in a hit and run - which turned

out to be a squirrel in Epping Forest.

Not to be outdone, what about all the daft insurance claims made? One home insurer has revealed some of its favourite claims from the past few years. One involved a proud grandfather from Guildford who held up his new grandson to show him off to a relative via Skype then the baby promptly threw up all over the keyboard.

While painting the hallway, one Cardiff family accidentally let the dog out of the kitchen. And surprise, surprise: the excited pup jumped in the paint and ran around the carpet. Attempting to catch it, the daughter also knocked a hot iron off the ironing board, adding burns to paint stains on the carpet. Paws for thought, eh?

You couldn’t make all this up, could you? Well, let’s finish where we began: on a low note, and the poster I recently saw in a maternity ward.

“The first three minutes of life are the most dangerous,” it read. Underneath someone had scribbled: “The last three can be pretty dodgy too.”

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon. All profits to Cudeca charity.

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A cup of hot water, sachet and a spoon!

Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man

I DRINK decaf black coffee. So what, you may ask. Well it’s not as simple and as easy as you may think.

For example you would be amazed at the amount of top class restaurants that either don’t serve it or what they do serve is instant and in a sachet.

Now I don’t have a problem with instant coffee - I use it a lot at home. But when I’m in a restaurant or hotel paying top dollar, pound, or euro, I don’t expect at the end of my meal, whilst everyone is having their mocha or latte or skinny white or whatever poncey overpriced coffee they want, for me to be told “Here is your sachet pal, make your own!” Because that’s what happens.

I get a cup of hot water, a sachet and a spoon! Plus I’m getting charged the same as everybody else.

I was in a Hilton hotel in Sheffield once and was looking at the menu and decided to have a sandwich and a cup of coffee. When the coffee arrived it was a sachet of Kenco so I said, “Excuse me, are you charging me £3.20 for this coffee?” “Yes why?

“That’s the price of our coffees.” “But don’t you think it’s a bit overpriced because it’s the same sachet of coffee that you give me for free in my room, plus I get a ginger hob nob as well!” “Sorry sir, that’s the price.” “Oh is it. OK how much for a cup of hot water?” “Nothing.” “OK, I’ll have a cup of hot water.”

I got that and went to my room and got a sachet of coffee.

It’s not the money really because if they made it with the ground coffee in the machine I’d pay for it the same as I do in the overpriced coffee shops. It’s the principle. The sandwich, by the way, was about £12, but that’s another column for another day.

Oh well that’s it for today. I’m just off to have a coffee - a Nespresso - you know the one that turns you into George Clooney. Mrs S would definitely pay £3.20 for that!

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OPINION & COMMENT

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Road markings PROVIDE the driver with information 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.

YELLOW ZIGZAGS: Indicate that parking is generally prohibited.

ROAD markings are there to serve as a means of separation for traffic, but they also provide the driver with information about the type of road and potential risks ahead.

Continuous White Lines A continuous white line on the road means no vehicle is allowed to cross that line. A longitudinal mark consisting of two continuous lines has the same meaning. You are not allowed to cross the solid white line for any reason, such as turning into another road or overtaking. The only exception is in order to pass a cyclist.

Broken White Lines A broken white line is intended to guide the movement of vehicles within lanes and no vehicle should cross that line unless it is necessary and the flow of traffic permits it.

You are permitted to cross the broken

white line in order to carry out a manoeuvre such as overtaking, so long as the way is clear, and you don’t impede movement of other vehicles. Broken white lines are also used to indicate the approach to hazardous areas and locations.

Stop Line A solid line arranged across the width of one or more lanes indicates that vehicles must not cross that line unless the obligations of the road are complied with.

Cycle Crossing A cross consisting of two parallel dashed lines on the roadway indicates a pathway crossing for cyclists.

Yellow Zigzags Locations marked with yellow zigzag markings indicate zones where parking is generally prohibited.

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

We stand corrected I AM a retired building services engineer and was uncomfortable with your comments in the Jan 7 issue that, ‘there is really no need for a specialist company to clean a water tank.’ My main concern is that you say people are drinking the water.

A tank large enough to support 27 units would hold several cubic metres of water. To clean it correctly, people would need to enter it. When they do, they could take in biological contaminants with them. This filth could contaminate the water that then fills the tank.

We stand corrected.

I can only say that my brief answer was strictly concerned with the legal-

After any work the insides of the container should be sterilised, normally by ‘super chlorinating.’ The water is then tested and proved to be safe to drink. The tanks should be sealed and insulated to prevent the growth of the Legionella bacteria.

I would be VERY concerned if a non-specialist worked on a water system I was expected to drink from. Perhaps you should consult a professional before giving advice outside your field.

M.S. (e-mail)

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

ities.

However, t hank you very much for your cogent explanation of the real issue.

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

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VW and Renault in the headlights THE boss of VW in the UK Paul Willis, while talking to MPs from the Environment Committee on January 13, said that the ‘fix’ devised to clean up 1.2 million vehicles in the UK would not affect their fuel consumption, and that there would be ‘no difference in driveability.’

However, this has left many people asking how the fix can be made without affecting the performance.

At the same time, Renault insists that it does not use emissions-cheating devices as police raids on several of its factories leads to a 20 per cent drop in share prices.

Although Renault are staying tight lipped over the raids at the moment, the company did confirm them, and said only, “The investigators wanted to check equipment at the factories.”

Clarkson Quote of theWeek

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The BMW M3 CSL is going to be bought by the type of person who lies in bed at night thinking of his gearshift aggression strategy for his drive to work the next morning.

Some might say...

All-new American Super Car in Detroit PRODUCTION commences at end of April

By Steve Walsh MOTOR CITY as the backdrop for the new product reveals of 2016, could not have been a better choice for the world’s car manufacturers to show off their wares.

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which will be running until January 24, finds itself playing host to more than 50 major exhibits.

NAIAS Chairman Paul Sabatini said, “Of the 57 introductions at NAIAS, nearly

90 per cent were worldwide debuts.”

Amongst the many people carriers, concepts, 4x4’s and saloons, one of the stars of the show is the 745-HP Force 1 V10: ‘The New American Super Car.’ The legendary auto designer Henrik Fisker, and race car driver Ben Keating, unveiled their vision of the future with the 2016 Force 1 V10, an all-new American Super Car. Proudly debuting at the NAIAS and remorselessly

FORCE 1 V10: One of the stars of the show. taking people’s breath away is the two-seat carbon fibre monster from Force 1.

This high-performance, low production sports car, manufactured in Michigan by VLF Automotive - of which Fisker is a partner and design chief is capable of launching itself from 0 to 60mph in three seconds, and ultimately moving you through time and space at 218mph (350 km/h).

It features an all carbon fibre lightweight body and 21inch wheels with high performance Pirelli P Zero tyres and Brembo high-performance brakes. The car is hurled down the road by means of a 745-HP 8.4 litre V10 engine (one of the most powerful naturally aspirated road engines in the world)

through a six speed manual or auto with paddle shift gearbox.

Production commences at the end of April 2016 in Auburn Hills and deliveries begin in third quarter 2016, with the base price starting at $268,500 (€245,000). Initially, only 50 units will be available.

MOTORING

21 - 27 January 2016 / Costa de Almeria

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SUPERMINI: Maximum rating.

HONDA JAZZ: Has been awarded with the Best in Class 2015 award.

Jazz 5-star safety rating TOOK the title from a field of nine superminis THE all-new Honda Jazz has been awarded with independent safety organisation Euro NCAP’s prestigious Best in Class 2015 award in the supermini category.

Earlier in 2015 the Honda Jazz achieved a maximum five-star safety rating. Jazz took the title from a field of nine superminis in total.

Each year, Euro NCAP publishes a list of

cars that have performed the best in their respective categories. To achieve a ‘Best in Class’ award from Euro NCAP, cars from each category are assessed against a weighted sum of the scores in each of the four key areas of assessment: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety assist. This sum is used as the basis for comparison of the vehicles.

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Root and Broad batter the Proteas, ‘Rocket’ launched again, new record for Rooney A FEW goals scored last weekend in the UK and Spain 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

FOOTBALL - There were a few goals last weekend in the UK and Spain! In the PL, Manchester City (3rd) beat Crystal Palace 4-0, Chelsea and Everton drew 3-3 (John Terry in his 700th League game, scored at both ends)

and Spurs (4th) defeated Sunderland 4-1. Manchester United won 1-0 at Liverpool, courtesy of Wayne Rooney’s 176th League goal - a record tally for one club in the PL. There were also wins for Bournemouth, Newcastle and Southampton, bottom club Aston Villa drew 1-1 with secondplaced Leicester and Arsenal, leaders on goal-difference, shared the points at Stoke while Swansea and Watford played on Monday.

There were Championship defeats for leaders Middlesbrough (at Bristol City), Derby (at home to Birmingham City), Leeds United and Wolves, and

wins for Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City, Hull City (60 over Charlton Athletic), QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion beat Coventry City 2-0 in the ‘big’ FL1 game, while Walsall won at Bury. FL2 leaders Plymouth Argyle defeated Stevenage and second-placed Northampton Town beat Dagenham & Redbridge.

Celtic whipped struggling Dundee United 4-1 to stay top of the SPL ahead of Hearts, who walloped Motherwell 6-0.

Rangers still lead the Scottish Championship after beating Livingston 4-1.

In La Liga, Real Madrid (3rd) beat Sporting Gijon 51. Barcelona (2nd) walloped Athletic Bilbao 6-0 and Atletico Madrid (top) won 3-0 at Las Palmas.

Earlier this week there were several 3rd round FA Cup replays including Aston Villa v Wycombe, Bolton v the minnows of Eastleigh, Bristol City v WBA, Leicester City v Spurs, Liverpool v Exeter City, MK Dons v Northampton Town and Portsmouth v Ipswich Town, while coming up on Saturday/Sunday we have four derbies - Arsenal v Chelsea, Crystal Palace v Spurs, Leicester City v Stoke City and WBA v Aston Villa JOE ROOT: Scored 110.

DID YOU KNOW? In last Sunday’s PL game at Anfield there was not one Scouser or Manchester-born player in the respective starting line-ups.

plus Manchester United v Southampton, a crunch match between Sunderland and AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United v Manchester City.

The top Championship games are Birmingham City v Ipswich Town, Burnley v Derby County and Middlesbrough v Nottingham Forest; it’s Burton Albion v Shrewsbury Town and Walsall v Blackpool in FL1; Portsmouth v Oxford United in FL2; Celtic v St Johnstone and Morton v Rangers in Scotland, and Malaga v Barcelona and Real Madrid v Real Betis in La Liga.

Then next week (January 26/27) we have the second legs of the League Cup semi-finals involving Manchester City v Everton and Liverpool v Stoke City. Both Merseyside clubs hold 1-0 leads.

CRICKET - England (323 with 110 from Joe Root and 743) ‘hammered’ South Africa (313 and 83, Stuart Broad taking 6-17) by seven wickets to win the third Test in Johannesburg and the four-match series.

Springboks’ skipper AB De Villiers said: “We were hammered.’

The final Test starts tomorrow.

Meanwhile, New Zealanders Martin Guptill and K a n e

Williamson amassed an opening partnership of 171 - a T20 record - as the Kiwis beat Pakistan by 10 wickets. And Australia achieved the biggest runchase ever in a One Day International, scoring 309-3 against India’s 308-8 with one over remaining.

SNOOKER - Judd Trump’s 6-5 victory over Neil Robertson in the Masters quarter-final featured six century breaks, including the tournament’s highest of 140. The match has been hailed as one of the greatest in Masters’ history. Ronnie O’Sullivan crushed Barry Hawkins 10 frames to one in

WAYNE ROONEY: 176th League goal.

the final… the ‘rocket’s’ first big win for eight months and his sixth Masters title overall.

SPORTS EXTRA - The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is under way in Australia… Saracens beat Ulster 33-17 to reach the last eight of Rugby Union’s European Champions Cup and England’s coach Eddie Jones wants to engage Jonny Wilkinson as coach… Darren Clarke’s European golfers including Victor Dubuisson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Chris Wood, beat Asia by 13 points to win the Euro/Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur… David Haye (35) knocked out Aussie Mark De Mori on his return to the ring after a three-and-a-half year lay-off… and ex-England leftback Ashley Cole will soon be joining LA Galaxy.

JUDD TRUMP: Victory in the quarter final.

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SINCE his debut in the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1988, Stéphane Peterhansel has now taken his 12th title, making him most successful competitor ever in the event.

TO READ MORE

Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

Marina Phoenix Golf Society THURSDAY’S team game was a truly international affair, 10 fourballs and 10 different countries represented, playing the best two scores on par 5’s and the best three on the rest.

The winning team, with 106 points was Ali Mahmud, José Urroz, Derick Dale and Margaret Budd. Second, after countback, was Jackie Dale, Liam MacNamee, Marcos Caparros and Jim Budd (103), followed by George Waghorn, Chantal France, Tony King and Joanna Belgium.

The individual highlight of the day was a hole in one for Kenny Nicol, at the par three 5th. Nearest the pin prizes went to Vic Bee (17), Linda King (5) and Alf Taylor (2).

Monday’s individual Stableford was a success for the consistency of Terry Oliver with 40 points and three two’s prizes.

Second was George Waghorn (38), followed by Rod Ambrose (36).

The Ladies Division scored well as Isobel Jones won with 37 points, on countback from Jackie

WINNING TEAM: Ali Mahmud, José Urroz, Derick Dale and Margaret Budd.

Dale (37). Linda King (36) was third. Other two’s prizes went to Isobel Jones and Rod Ambrose.

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.

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Match report for 19th Hole Golf Society JANUARY 11 and 12 saw 36 members of the 19th Hole Golf Society descend on the Valle del Este Golf Resort to celebrate its 2015 End of Year Bash.

The Society took full advantage of this beautiful venue by staying overnight in the hotel and enjoying a really impressive evening buffet meal and generous breakfast in lovely surroundings. They also enjoyed Karen’s hospitality in the Venues Bar where the presentation took place followed by a great disco by Ray Peters of Smooth FM fame.

The golf on Monday was to a pretty good standard, despite a cruel wind, with the team of Brian Lowden, Brian Hunt, Pat O’Dwyer and Steve Tucker, taking a comfortable win in the Texas Scramble with nett 62.

Tony Mackay and Karyn Esposito, both Holed in One in the R&S sponsored Golf Putting competition to share the awards.

Doug Birrell, had a very lucky escape from an enraged frog on the 19th that took exception to Doug’s trespassing into its territory and clung viciously to his leg. Finally, froggy was discouraged by a firm thump with a three iron.

On Tuesday, Peter Dow just scraped home with 33 points from Mike Palmer in second on a card countback, in a Traffic Light competition that used White, Yellow and Blue Tees. The Ladies Traffic Light competition was won by Nekana Galindez, with 33 points.

Call 610 340 653 or gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk.