5Ws Magazine November 2012

5Ws Who? What? Where? Why? When?

November 2012

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5Ws November 2012

WELCOME!

We want this to be a quality magazine that people who live, work and visit in Spain will all enjoy There are real magazine articles and genuine content. We want to make this magazine a cross between the popular Country Living, Digital Camera, Homes & Gardens, National Geographic, The Economist, Spectator, Total Film and Readers’ Digest!

As this is a niche publication for a wide audience it will be free on all platforms except where we are charged a download fee. For example, on iTunes Newsstand it will be a c. ¤1 per issue, but as a multi-platform magazine it will also be available free using PDF, ePub, multi-site embedding, Facebook etc.

Let us know where you see us and if there is somewhere where you can’t find us but we should be there - please tell us!

If you have articles you would like to submit the deadline for all issues will be the 7th of the month If you would like information on the advertisers - The adverts are all live - just click on them to find out more. If you would like to advertise the details can be found on www.5Ws.biz Gaile Griffin Peers Marina Alta Business Club www.mabusinessclub.com

November 2012

CONTENTS 14

24

8 featured

08 14

From the Hoi An Hoard 12 Prisons 500 year old Vietnamese Cermaics explored with identification tips

Finding Treasure in Jรกvea

restoring a 400 year-old Town House

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On Again, Off Again... ...Railways in Spain

5Ws November 2012

28 Old Mistresses 48 VBP Cemetery 52 Estepona HGOL 56 Art Centre Assoc

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56

regular 06 22 26 27 29 30 32

What’s On? Photo of the Month iTunes App Picks Films & DVDs Currency Urbanisations Property of the Month

36 38 42 66

Interior decor Destinations Serial Part 1 MABC Links

All the information in the magazine is the copyright and responsibility of the contributors. If you wish to know more about 5Ws please contact the Editor at manager@mabc.biz

Published by Marina Alta Business Club SL CIF: B54067996 Tel: 966 461 913

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5Ws November 2012

Concerts Costa Blanca present in association with the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (Valencia Opera)

RIGOLETTO on Friday 16 November at 20:00h Tickets € 80 (including bus)

Opera in three acts • Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based upon Victor Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse Première: Venice, 11th March 1851, Teatro La Fenice Production from Teatro Wiekli, Warsaw http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigoletto Rigoletto : Juan Jesús Rodriguez / Gilda : Erin Morley / The Duke : Ivan Magri Sparafucile : Paata Burchuladze Conductor : Omer Meir Wellber Booking & travel : Two 55-seater coaches have been booked as follows : Moraira : Departing from the other side of the road from the La Senieta Theatre (in front of the Wok Restaurant). You should use the large Moraira car park and then cross the road.

Jávea : Departing from Ausias March (opposite the shop called Interiors) Mas-y-Mas (on N332 north of Gata) : Buses will stop here for further passenger pick-up Tickets (good stalls) at € 80 per person (including bus).

VERY IMPORTANT, please - If you wish to book email info@concertscostablanca.com please put your surname in CAPITALS into the SUBJECT line - Specify the number of tickets required. print your e-mail address in the body of the reply and specify exact pick up point required.

From the Hoi An Hoard

In recent years Vietnamese Blue and Grey/dull White pottery and porcelain has been under the spotlight. Reference material from wrecks like the famous Hoi-An Hoard has made Vietnamese pieces easier to spot and identify, because more dealers, museums and specialists have been able to study, handle and feel the texture and familiarise themselves with the decorative techniques in ways that were not available to early 20th Century collectors.

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Numerous dishes that used to be dismissed as 'provincial Ming' (suggesting that they were provincial and crudely made Chinese pieces) are gradually emerging from antique and museum collections as actually being part of the early Vietnamese Ceramic Industry. The pieces from the Hoi An Hoard have now been dated back to around 1480 -1510 so are contemporary with either Henry VII or just as Henry VIII became king.

So perhaps it is surprising that unidentified pieces this old can still be found in Country Auctions, private collections and in boot sales.

So what should you be looking for? Start with the colour of the pieces. Quite a lot of the Hoi An Hoard was painted under-glaze in a deep, but thinly applied cobalt blue.

After more than 500 years it often looks faded and pale, particularly when pieces have been buried or submerged. The patterns and pictures are often crudely painted and more apocryphal than accurate portrayals of the animals, flowers, birds and fish that are typical subjects.

Sold by Butterfields Auction House San Francisco Hoi An Hoard Sale 11-13 October 2000 The later pieces from the 1500s are often slapdash abstract patterns, quite jazzy and modern looking - which is helping to make them even more desirable as decorative pieces in the 21st Century than they were a few years ago.

The clay under the glaze is a dull creamy colour that greys then whitens with later pieces - at this time, however, only the high end and more expensive exports used fine clay.

Most of the Hoard has a reddish brown crude wash on the bases of the food and drink related items at odds with the dull creamy grey of the clay.

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Where the action of the sea has not worn the glaze away, it seems to be inexpertly applied and is often uneven and "lumpy" on all but the high end items.

Ayutthaya was the original capital City of Ancient Thailand.

Founded around 1390 and spread over several acres, laced with waterways, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River that also runs through Bangkok, it was easily accessible to water-borne traders.

Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. In its heyday, it was a heavily populated city with an enormous hunger for blue and white, much of which it imported from the Vietnamese potteries in bulk.

Up until the 1980s, Historians believed that Vietnam ceased being able to sell to the Thai Capital by the middle of the Fifteenth Century. However, in the 1980s, excavations (especially in and around wrecked cargo ships) revealed that Ayutthaya was still actively buying and selling Ceramics in enormous quantities until around 1560-80.

The photos are documented pieces from the Hoard, from my own collection, and show the simplicity of the artwork and the crudity of the potting. At least one of these pieces will be on display at the Canor Antiques Fair on Decenber 6th, 2012 (nr Teulada).

This is the first of six short videos - to see the rest please click here to view them via YouTube

Prisons by Christine Duffin

Imagine

what you would say, as a Mother, if someone asked your child, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” and your sweet little girl said, “I want to work in big prisons with mass murderers and multiple rapists, not forgetting the odd bank robber.” You would have that child taken to a child psychologist immediately.

Well, I didn’t know it was what I wanted to do, but that is certainly what I ended up doing.

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Over many years since leaving school at 16, I had tried more jobs that I can remember. My parents (who were from working class backgrounds but who saw themselves as upwardly mobile) had drilled into my sister and me that working hard, whether it be with your hands in a trade or through education, you could progress in life.

My sister chose the apprentice route but I had passed my 11plus and secured a place at Grammar School so they thought Local Government, Civil

Service as ‘jobs for life with a good pension at the end of it’.

Why anyone thinks a 16 year old has any thought about what they are going to live on at the age of 65 (or 70 as it looks like being soon) is a mystery to me, however I did as I was told and got a job in the Town Hall as a telephonist/receptionist.

After trying local government, I became a tax officer for the Inland Revenue, I tried the construction

What would you say, as a Mother, if someone asked your child, What do you want to be when you grow up?, and your sweet little girl said, I want to work in big prisons with mass murderers and multiple rapists, not forgetting the odd bank robber.

industry and all manner of clerical jobs, all of which bored me rigid. As soon as I had learned how to do any job, I lost interest.

I even started my own Security Company which I sold to Group Four (now G4S) but that was when they were a small company back in 1970.

I then tried the leisure industry and managed a holiday village in Cornwall for a few years, followed by a great job as secretary to the Consulting Engineer on the Tamar Dam and Treatment works, so I now have a fascination with concrete! At that point I married and thought I would be a wife and Mother for a while with part-time work to help pay the bills.

Sadly, both for me and my husband, parenthood proved too elusive and after losing three babies, I gave up that career as a lost cause. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t cope with the pain barriers and I was left with a mortgage, redundancy from my job and little chance of finding a job locally.

For the very first time in my life, I had to ask the State to keep me. As a teenager, I had applied to Stockport Police to become a cadet, been through exams and interviews, and was accepted. They took so long to inform me that I’d taken another job and decided not to bother, but then wondered if Devon and Cornwall Police might take me on, so I called them.

After deciding that I sounded exactly what they were looking for, almost as an afterthought, the woman on the phone asked me how old I was and quickly said that they only took women under my age. It’s not very nice to be told you are on life’s scrap heap at 30.

Biting the bullet and inching up the queue at the dole office, I saw a pile of booklets headed ‘Join The Modern Prison Service’. With true vocational spirit I picked up the leaflet and turned to the back page, which said

they would take women up to the age of 40, or 42 and a half if they had been members of the armed forces.

It took me about 30 seconds to decide that I quite fancied the idea and having filled in the application form I posted it on my way home.

Within three weeks I’d had a reply and sat the entrance exam. It took a little longer than anticipated due to some personal problems but in 1978 I walked through the gates of Styal Prison as a trainee Prison Officer. I immediately loved the job and despite the fact that not everyone approved of me and my thoughts on how prisoners should be treated, I was asked to take an ‘Accelerated Promotion Exam’ and after 15 months as an Officer, I became a Trainee Governor.

After serving at Stoke Heath Borstal, I became the first female Governorgrade at Strangeways and then Dartmoor. I was a tutor-Governor at the Prison Service College in Rugby before being posted to Pentonville.

After that I was Deputy Governor opening a new Prison on the Isle of Sheppey called Elmley, before Governing Cookham Wood women’s prison in Rochester.

Afterwards, I worked on the Learmont Security Team before taking an early retirement package in 1997.

It took me many years and lots of twists and turns in life before I found the job I wanted and loved so much.

We should always be open to new experiences and sometimes allow life to interfere with our plans. What we think we want, or what we are told we need, is not necessarily allowing us to flourish.

Sometimes it is worth just trying things, decisions can be changed and lives can improve in so many different ways by sometimes taking a risk.

Editors note - To read more about Christine’s experiences as a Prison Governor you can get her latest book “Jail Tales” on Amazon

Finding Treasure in Jávea

In 2003 we found a ruin in Jávea Old Town, the house was about 400 years old.

The owner had died in 1975 and the family had not done anything to it since. Part of the roof had collapsed letting water pour in.

Although it was possible to explore the building the floors were very unsafe.

At the back of the house was the ri-rau. The manger for the donkey was still in place, tucked in one corner was an earth latrine.

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The Conversion of Calle Gual 8 Jávea

by Cherry Cabban

Next to the ri-rau, there were storage rooms. In one, the old scythes, saws and baskets were dumped. In the other was the kitchen.

The “nevera” – one of the first ever fridges (which was cooled by placing ice in a metal container) sat in a corner rotting away, we tried to save it, but the frame was made of wood which was riddled with wood worm. The cooker was an antiquated gas one. On the oil cloth covered table sat a collection of aluminium pots and pans.

The internal courtyard, complete with its own well was dominated by a very small part of the original 11th century town wall. The steep narrow staircase led to the next level where there were a higgly-di piggaldy series of rooms. All had various pieces of furniture in varies states of decay.

Under the roof were the traditional store rooms. For drying meat, fish and raisins. Trunks of clothes and toys were scattered everywhere.

Including several newspapers reporting the illness and eventually the death of Franco. We had arrived in Madrid to work in Spain at that time, so we really felt some empathy with the house.

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We fell in love with the ruin and set about trying to find out the cost of renovating it. Hector Morris, an architect we had worked with before, came to see the building. His eyes lit up as he walked through the door and saw the wall at the far end of the building. A very quiet, thinking man he nodded and said “Yes, I am sure we can do something with this”. A “technico” came to see it and advised that we pull it down and start again. Which we decided to do. It took 18 months to put the plans in place.

The rebuild would result of 4 en-suite bedrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, bodega, storage room, a roof garden with a summer kitchen and a small splash pool. We also decided to make it a high quality build. The style would reflect the old house with terracotta floors and old style tiles in the bathrooms, but with the advantage of modern amenities.

Before the destruction of the old house took place we salvaged as much as possible for recycling in the new building. I spent a summer taking up, cleaning and saving as many of the 400 year old terracotta tiles as possible.

The house was built of Jávea Tosca blocks, these were taken away to be cut into three thin slivers to use as facing to the modern building blocks and arches. The rustic exteriors were used on the outside of the house and in places where we felt they would look best. The smooth interior slivers were used in the bedrooms and on one wall of the lounge. There were several old tosca walls that were not removed. This gives a real old feel to the house. In the past people painted over the Tosca, we cleaned the old paint off – it is now in its natural state.

after the restoration...

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The old furniture, and personal belongings left by the family were salvaged and stored ready to be incorporated into furnishing the new house. Probably the most used is the old kitchen table – it is in the new kitchen, covered by a new check oilcloth.

A lot of the design changed over the months and new ideas kept popping up, the builders Candido Moreno were a pleasure to work with, his South American workmen were real artists. The rebuild time was 14 months, when it was finished we were delighted with the result, we sometimes dream of taking on another project, but to do this we must sell Calle Gual!

Of course we we would be happy to consider expressions of interest.

If you would like to find out more about the possibilities of buying please email cherry@5ws.es

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5Ws November 2012

Picture courtesy of www.javeaphotos.com

5Ws November 2012

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Marina Alta Business Club Meetings are at 7:30pm for 8:00pm November 1st 2012 Peri Pera, Jávea Port Near the Dolphin Roundabout

November 15th 2012 Digby’s Bar, Jávea Arenal in Jávea Park

www.mabusinessclub.com & www.mabc.biz manager@mabc.biz 966 461 913

On Again, Off Again...

In light of the “on again, off again” decision to close line 9 of the Alicante Tram network between Denia and Benidorm, it is worth examining some of the causes behind the closure proposals and to demonstrate the absence of efficient government expenditure in one area of government at least.

FGV runs two rail networks, mainly the Valencia Metro and Alicante Tram, of which Denia-Benidorm is part. The following statistics are derived from the latest annual report available, which is 2010.

The longest lines for each network are included in the above table to demonstrate that the two networks have broadly similar characteristics, with one long line and several smaller ones.

10% of the Valencia Metro.

Even allowing for the fact that the Valencia Metro passes through more densely populated parts of the Comunidad Valenciana (CV) than Alicante TRAM, it is worth investigating what could be done to reduce the €34 million that the Generalitat in Valencia had to invest in Alicante TRAM in 2010, given that the Generalitat is effectively bankrupt.

Organisation One of the critical success factors for any network is that there is coordination between different lines and modes. Buy an airline ticket from Valencia to New York and you will be presented with options to fly via Madrid, Paris or London, with competing airlines offering the two separate legs of each journey. Take you mobile phone abroad and you will often be roaming on a competitor’s network.

In the CV, the railway is operated by the Generalitat, whilst the buses are

What is immediately apparent from the table below right is that, in spite of the fact that the Alicante TRAM network serves a population not much smaller than Valencia Metro, the patronage of the system is woefully inadequate. Even in 2011, with Population served (000) Alicante increas- Passengers (m) ing to 6.1 million passengers Length of network (km) Alicante-Benidorm (km) and Valencia actually declinVillanueva-Valencia (km) ing to 64.9 milAverage fare (€) lion, passenger Revenue as % of operating volume on the Alicante TRAM costs is stlll less than 24 |

5Ws November 2012

contracted by municipalities. In Alicante, for example, the bus operator, Subús, is contracted by the municipality of Alicante rather than the Generalitat. In principle, this should not be a problem: in the UK, there is a scheme called Plusbus, which links the buses operating in dozens of towns with the same town’s railway services. See http://www.plusbus.info/ about-plusbus#about as an example of how it is possible for private operators to co-ordinate services.

There are two stages of co-ordination between public transport modes.

Alicante 643 5.24 104 51 -0.97

Valencia 972 67.75 79 -49 0.71

18%

59%

...Railways in Spain

The first is route co-ordination, which is quick, simple and cheap.

The second is fares co-ordination, which requires rather more investment but promises greater returns.

We will now look at each of these in turn.

Stage 1: Route Co-ordination Unfortunately, the concept of coordination simply does not exist, even when there is no competition between municipal bus operations and Alicante TRAM. To give several examples: The urban buses in Denia do not pass by the railway station; Although the Denia-Benidorm railway passes within 100 metres of the new Benidorm bus station, there is no stop allowing passengers to switch between interurban buses and the railway; and It is extremely challenging to find out which Alicante buses pass by each TRAM stop within the urban area of Alicante.

So, what we have here is a classic “silo mentality” with each operator only considering its own little patch and not taking account of the wider transport needs of the population of Alicante province.

In no way am I suggesting that more altruism is needed on the part of these operators; on the contrary, it demonstrates extremely poor business judgement to only consider a business market in the narrowest and parochial sense. The cost of such route co-ordination is negligible; all that is required is publicity at tram stops, linking of websites, and perhaps developing a “how to get to…” website. If a small island like Fuerteventura (population: 104,000) can manage this, it should not be beyond the means of the Generalitat – see http://www. fuerteventuratransportes.com/calculo_ rutas.asp.

Stage 2: Fares Co-ordination Stage 2 co-ordination is more complex and requires more investment but the benefits are greater. Fares co-ordination, however, is commonplace and, indeed, the rule in most of northern Europe. In brief, fares co-ordination would allow a customer to buy a combined ticket for the TRAM plus a one day ticket to be used, say, on the buses in Benidorm or Alicante. The tram network is quite small and many of the stations are away from the won centre

(Benidorm, Calpe and Benissa are three examples), so a combined ticket would allow customers to reach their final destination by public transport. A second type of fares co-ordination is tickets combined with attractions, e.g. a combined ticket including transport and entrance to Terra Mitica. These tickets do not need to offer any significant discount; rather, the key factor is making life more convenient for customers.

Impact on Revenue None of the proposals above involve increases in new routes, frequency, drivers and hence cost.

What they will affect, however, is the revenue side of the profit equation for a relatively small outlay.

In other words, the annual cost of running the Alicante TRAM could be significantly reduced by generating more revenue and simultaneously providing a higher quality public transport service to the residents and tourists in the TRAM’s catchment area.Outside the major cities in Spain, public transport is lamentable and takes no account of the demands of the population, contributes little to sustainability and overall adversely affects the quality of life in urban areas.

Adam Simmons www.adamsimmons.co.uk “My objective is to be able to work with entities in Spain which are responsible for managing and improving transportation in areas such as the Marina Alta.”

iTunes App Picks

HootSuite for iPad and iPhone: • • • • • • • • • Basic App is Free and comes with over 170 Classic Starter Recipes Special Offer - The Seven add-on Recipe Packs that are normally sold for £1.49 plus EACH (and are what makes this App as useful as it is) are currently FREE - each App has an additional 170 inspiring recipes covering - Good Food for Friends, Onepots, Healthy, Cakes, Quick, Seasonal and Festive cookbooks. What makes the App particulalry appealing is that it includes a handy shopping list for ingedients, so you can tick what you don’t have in the cupboard for a heap of different meals it then th e list is handy when you are out!

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Manage Twitter accounts, lists, and search streams Update Facebook Profile and Fan Pages Check-in and shout via your Foursquare account Translate messages to and from 50+ languages Schedule messages to send in the future Examine click-through statistics Add geo-location coordinates to messages Share and store photos and files Shorten URLs with built-in Ow.ly tool

The blurb continues “Social Network Management - Save your time and your sanity. Improve productivity by managing all of your social networks within HootSuite. The dashboard is designed for you and your team to listen, engage and measure all from one simple interface.”

So does it work? In short - yes!

It links with the free PC App and integrates both. As always, with this type of software, it you are serious on Facebook and an avid Tweeter, you will want to upgrade @ $5.99 a month - but for most people and clubs with 5 or less Social Media sites to manage, the free version is enough and saves lots of time!

Full App is £1.99 but there is also a Free ‘Lite’ version available if you want to Try before you buy This is an incredibly annoying game which starts off really easy and gets progressively more difficult as you progress through the levels. Good old fashioned fun for all the family with some clever use of Hidden object and Brain Teaser puzzles - have fun!

40 Puzzles - against a Timer available on iPhone and iPad

Films & DVDs Although this made for TV series on DVD from the BBC and David Attenborough is six years old the filming is still aweinspiring that the quality of the photography is still superb.

Available from Amazon at less than £10, it is the perfect stocking filler for anyone who missed it first time round.

The Blurb Filmed entirely in high definition on 5 DVDs, every episode but the first one looks at one of the Earth’s natural habitats and examines its local features, together with the breadth of fauna found there. While filming it, the crew caught several firsts - places and animals never before caught on camera. The fact that it was co-funded by Discovery Channel, BBC and Japan’s NHK, took 5 years to make and was shot in over 200 locations is apparent and the series is everything you’d expect from Sir David Attenborough and his team... It includes subtitles in English for the Hard of Hearing.

Production began in 2002 and was completed in autumn 2006, shortly before the final six episodes went to air. The first year after commissioning was spent on researching and planning the shoots. To capture all the footage required by the producers, 71 camera operators filmed in 204 locations in 62 countries on all seven continents, spending more than 2000 days in the field.

Hugo - Scorsese goes stereoscopic, in style By Rob James ‘For once, no one gets whacked, stabbed with a pen or beaten to a bloody pulp. For once, it isn’t that kind of ‘family’ movie. In fact, the film most unlike anything Martin Scorsese has ever made is one of the most personal of his career.

Swooping from the sky through tumbling snowflakes, volcanoes of steam and crowds of travellers, Hugo’s exuberant opening shot arrives at a pair of peering wide eyes. Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas) is a 13-year-old orphan who lives behind the giant clock in a Paris train station in 1931. We spend almost half the film scampering after Hugo – as Scorsese’s camera whooshes joyfully through a labyrinth of ladders, shafts, cranks and cogs – without ever seeming to get too far, in narrative terms at least. Our hero’s chased by the orphan-hunting station guard (Sacha Baron Cohen); he tries to fix a broken automaton left by his father (Jude Law, seen in flashback); he’s bullied by a grumpy toy-shop-owner named Papa George (Ben Kingsley). After about an hour of this – enjoyable though it is - Hugo finally gets where it’s going. And what emerges is something wonderful: an enchanting, funny, heartfelt loveletter to French film pioneer Georges Méliès – and to cinema itself.’

A beautifully choreographed Family Film - well worth watching

Old Mistresses

One hears about the work of old Masters, but seldom old Mistresses. Of course, oil painting, as a full time occupation was not as easy for women to take up in the ‘garret artist’ sense. Painting in watercolour was regarded as a suitably genteel pursuit for ladies but females in the lower orders were probably too busy looking after their men to even think about art. Women who married artists were often expected to model for them and when their looks faded – that’s where the mistresses came in.

When ‘Old Masters’ were young and struggling, many of them had wives or mistresses on tap (sometimes both). The wife of Andrea del Sarto was insanely jealous and wouldn’t allow him to have other models … so all his women have the same face – hers. In 1518 Andrea was summoned to the court

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of Francis I of France where he was a great success. All went well until his wife, still in Florence pleaded for his return. He asked the king’s permission to go, promising that he would return in a few months, bringing his wife with him. Trustingly, the king gave him money to purchase and bring back Italian works of art.

The time for his return to France came and went when, against his own best interests, he allowed his wife’s tears and pleading to prevail. He had spent all his own and the king’s money anyway, so had nothing to take back to the King. Naturally, Francis was furious and went off all Florentine painters. Andrea’s wife had a lot to answer for … he probably wished she had stuck to housekeeping and he to models.

A male artist today, with a wife or partner, can expect her to cooperate if he needs a sitter – she is, after all, just pottering

about the house. If he is unattached he’s likely to have women queuing up to pose for him, but everything is against his female counterpart. Even if she has a man, he is unlikely to be on hand to be painted. He’s out all day earning money to keep her and when he come home from a hard day in the fields or at the office, he expects to find his dinner on the table and the last thing he wants to do is spend his precious free hours sitting still while she abandons herself to her oils.

Even if she’s single, the prospects aren’t too good.

Inviting strangers to her studio could be risky … losing her reputation might be the least of her worries. The solution of course, is for aspiring artists to stick to painting still life …or take lessons where, with a dedicated group, they can study real life, clothed or unclothed, together! ©MG 2004, 2012

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WHAT SHOULD A COMMUNITY EXPECT FROM THEIR ‘ADMINISTRADOR’ ?

by F. A. L. Parkinson

Jacksons Administradores de Fincas This a popular question asked by many Community Presidents and their property owning members.

The recurring reason for this is mainly due a lack of transparency in the Administrator’s operation or simply down to them not providing the service expected of them by the Community.

There are different opinions in the interpretation of the extent of the Administrator’s role to provide services - which can be anything between basic accounting for some Administrators (including service charge invoicing and collection with lawyers instructed with regard to non–payers) to a comprehensive hands-on role which is the style in similar appointments in North European practices regulated by their own professional bodies.

It is prudent for the President to insist on a detailed appointment /engagement letter listing the Administrator’s services to be provided along with the fees and disbursements prior to seeking the approval of the members to make the Administrator /Secretary appointment for a Community.

The type of service I expect to offer and the reason for the same should include: full accounts procedures (service charge invoicing & collection in the most cost effective manner, monthly debtors & creditors update, quarterly accounts with annual audited accounts), a monthly visit to the Community to inspect & prepare maintenance schedules with budget costings & the financial timing projections for the works, availability once a

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month at the Community for the members to ask their questions in private with the Community board, monthly meetings with the Community board to discuss all matters arising from the Community with regard to both financial & operating issues.

Finally a Community website with access for all Community members to act as a multi-lingual information centre providing the members with an immediate source of historical data with regard to meeting minutes, orders of the day along with forthcoming meeting dates and agendas.

In addition the up to date financial information of the community with updates in a news section of current matters are displayed. The positive effect of a website can be seen quickly with members who do not live full time in the Community being able to establish the facts first hand while at their other home & also being aware of forthcoming official meetings which gives them the opportunity to vote by proxy.

Full time members benefit from the same transparency & all members are able to communicate quickly with their board. The site also serves as a medium to bring Community members together which in turn leads to less disputes & a better Community payment record with both on-line Visa /Mastercard and Paypal facilities.

Community Administration by English Chartered Accountants & Surveyors providing premium quality services at competitive fee rates to communities across the entire Costa Blanca from Denia to Murcia.

Sevices include- Monthly site meetings with Presidents & community members; monthly accounts, community website, ,maintenance schedules & estimates , professional advice on all aspects of the running of communities.

Cabo La Nao, El Pla no135, Buz贸n: 37, 03730, J谩vea, Espana t: + 34 966 460625 m: + 34 606 0061241 e: info@jacksonsadministradoressl.es w: www.jacksonsadministradoressl.es

Administradores:

Jacksons Administradores S.L. CIF: B-54485834 David A Mayer FCCA ACA

F.A.L. Parkinson

Enchanting villa with panoramic views to the sea, sunny terraces and guest apartment in urbanisation Altea Golf.

The plot is flat and the beautiful landscaped garden is well maintained like a park and has Mediterranean plants and palm trees.

KV825 Altea Golf • estilo de la vivienda mediterráneo • estado de la vivienda buen estado • orientación sureste • suelo mármol • trastero • terrazas de 100 m² • terrazas acristaladas Dormitorios • 4 dormitorios • dormitorios amplios • dormitorio en suite • armarios WC • 3 wc • 1 bañeras • 1 duchas • 1 aseos Aparcamiento • dispone de aparcamiento • aparcamiento cerrado • aparcamiento con puerta automática

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The villa was renovated in 2009 and is very comfortable with main living area all on one level. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living and dining room with gas fireplace, American style kitchen, marble floors, air-conditioning and gas central heating plus a guest apartment

Exterior • • • • • • • •

piscina privada iluminación exterior pérgola jardín árboles riego automático lavadero barbacoa

Servicios • aire acondicionado • calefacción gas propano • chimenea • ventanas aislantes • TV • TV satélite / cable • DVD • puerta blindada • alarma • despacho Entorno • bien comunicado • vistas al mar

with bedroom and bathroom. From the villa’s living room you access a covered terrace overlooking the pool and to the sea.

The terrace area surrounding the pool has approx. 100m2 and has an outdoor kitchen and bbq. A property that should be seen, sold furnished.

Altea Chalet Independiente 4 Bedroomss 156 m² Build on 1.700 m² with 3 wc

KV825 Altea Golf

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(continued)

Solana Casas Info A perfect house purchase begins with perfect local knowledge, so best to use a local property broker When searching for a property (abroad) a lot of time is spent on the internet surfing, contacting agencies and filtering through all the information. Often with a lot of confusion because of duplicates and different pricing.

On behalf of the client, Solana Casas goes hunting amongst a close network of estate agents in Costa Blanca northern region for a bespoke selection of relevant prospects which are sent via email for studying and evaluation at the client’s leisure, in peace and comfort.

Located in Altea, Danish property broker Marianne Klauber cooperates with local agencies to find the right home for each client, a tailor made search to suit any individual/personal requirements.

Solana Casas also works as an intermediary between the client and the local contacts involved in a property purchase to make the property purchase complete, such as lawyers, banks, accountants, and other relevant Spanish authorities. This combined with a personal guide during viewing trips, makes the property search more focused and successful.

V.I.P services also available through a fixed advance fee, which is refunded when a property is purchased through Solana Casas, please enquire for further details.

Marianne Klauber Solana Casas Altea, Alicante, Spain Mob: (00 34) 607 899 352 Email: mk@solanacasas.com www.solanacasas.eu We look forward to receiving your enquiry

Furnishing and decorating a rental property...

Buy items that are easy to clean.

That suede sofa or white fluffy rug may look nice now, but how nice will it look after being lived on by your tenants for a summer or even for a few years? The cleaning bills soon mount up so choose wisely!

Comfort is a key factor. If you are short-term renting then your guests are most likely to be on holiday. On holiday you just want to get away from all the stress and pressure, you just want to relax!

That means you should make your apartment or villa inviting and cosy. Make sure you have a place for them to lie down with their feet up and read a book or watch TV. Buying cushions, pillows and blankets can also give the feeling of luxury; they don’t need to know that those gorgeous embroidered cushions cost just five euros each at IKEA or that the faux sheepskin rug only cost 10 euros!

Know your audience and keep them in mind when furnishing your property. If you are renting your house at a high price then your tenants will expect more stylish, luxurious furniture, if you are aiming at low budget couples or families and then they would probably opt for practicality.

You should also base your budget on how much you are charging per week/month; remember, you may have to replace things in the house once the rent is over, so buying expensive furniture is not a good idea if it then costs you a few weeks rent to replace it.

Give your guests storage space.

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They will appreciate being able to put their belongings away in a chest of drawers or wardrobe, no one likes living out of a suitcase!

Buy a nice vase with some artificial flowers (so that they don’t have to worry about keeping them alive) or a centerpiece to decorate.

It’s the little things that count.

Families with small children may appreciate plug socket covers, table corner covers, stairgates, etc.

Candles and plants make a nice atmosphere.

If you want advice about which IKEA products we recommend just get in touch! Get your stylish, affordable IKEA furniture delivered straight to your home safely and stress free! We cover the Costa Blanca & Costa Calida. We guarantee to beat any other quote you receive and we are faster than any other shopping service. www.easyflatpax.com. We can also assemble your furniture for you so your dinner chairs don’t end up with the legs on the wrong way! Just ask for a quote, our assembly work is guaranteed for 2 years!

Delights of Denia Denia, midway between Valencia and Alicante, is a magnet for yachties, food lovers and sun worshippers.

It’s also a bit of a party animal with fiestas held throughout the year.

If you visit in March, you can witness the crazy fallas fiesta with giant statues looming large in the main streets before being burnt to the ground accompanied by the noisiest firecrackers you’ve ever heard.

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In June, you can jump over bonfires on the beach while in July you can witness – or join in bull-running in the streets.

If you only have a limited time in Denia, you will find plenty to charm you. In a weekend or short break, you can still take in many of Denia’s delightful areas, such as the old town, marina, castle, the Montgo nature reserve and the beaches, of course.

Denia has more than 15kms of coastline. The Las Marinas area boasts sandy beaches as far as the eye can see and is a firm favourite with families. At the other end of town, the Marineta Casiana and Las Rotas beaches are quieter and good areas for snorkeling or windsurfing.

After a few hours on the beach, one way to cool off is to wander around Denia’s shopping streets and old town. The main shopping street, called Calle Marques de Campo, is a long tree-lined street with a pretty square at one end, and the port at the other. Here you will find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. One street further on is the start of the old town with plenty of bustling bars serving typical Valencian fare such as paella, puchero (stew) and dozens of tapas dishes to try.

You’ll never run short of places to eat in Denia as it is home to more than 300 restaurants serving everything from traditional regional food to Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Italian. Many will serve the exquisite delicacy, the Denia red prawn, which is said to be the best in the world.

World-famous Spanish chef Quique Dacosta has a restaurant in Las Marinas, which proudly boasts two Michelin stars and is definitely worth a visit, budget permitting.

Early evening is a good time to visit Denia castle, once an Arab fortress, overlooking the town. It is worth the climb as the views over the marina and old town are fantastic. You also get a feel of Denia’s history by wandering through the ruins and soaking up the atmosphere within the castle walls. The old walls have recently been restored and there is a lift leading to the entrance to save you from a climb up the narrow, cobbled streets. You can also take the tourist train if you prefer.

Wandering down from the castle, you can head for the old fishermen’s quarter to be transported to another world of seafaring adventures. Cross the main road to the port to watch the fishermen auction off their catches with baskets filled with fish, squid and shellfish, at around 5pm.

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At sunset, it’s time to eat, drink and party!

Popular areas are Las Marinas, the old town, Marques de Campo and Denia marina. Whether you fancy cool chill out zones, live music or fine food, you will find somewhere to take your fancy. The marina is certainly a beautiful spot for a cocktail or meal with fine views over the luxury yachts and the Montgo providing an imposing backdrop at sunset.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to chartering a boat, you can still enjoy a day out at sea. From the port you will find boat trips along the coast including a lovely few hours on a catamaran. From here, you can also take the daily ferries to Ibiza and Mallorca.

Turn your back to the sea for a moment and the impressive Montgo nature reserve dominates the skyline.

Time permitting, the Montgo is worth a visit as you will be rewarded with great views, so don’t forget your camera. It stands 753 metres high and is home to a range of wildlife, birds, trees and flowers.

Cyclists love the challenge of riding over the Montgo between Denia and Javea. There are some easy walks too and you will be rewarded with farreaching views, including a sight of Ibiza on a clear day. Look out for the little shelter which was once a refuge for Pare Pere, who prayed and meditated there.

Where the mountain meets the sea, Denia is sure to delight tourists with a discerning eye for beautiful beaches, fine food, cool nightlife and a passion for over-the-top fiestas.

Sarah Farrell is a journalist and managing director of www.mydestination.com/alicante

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Part one of our serialised Thriller...

A Poisonous Shade of Grey by © Mai Griffin 1997, 2008, 2012

In Death’s dark realm, where none of us may stray, The light glints through a Poisonous Shade of Grey.

A Glimmer glimpsed, beyond a heart’s endeavour, Where lost souls wander in their dark forever.

Anon

1. Monday 20th May

H

e had wiped her out with the ‘fast erase’. He couldn’t believe he had been so stupid…

Swearing furiously under his breath, he pressed a few more switches: nothing! Perhaps there had been nothing to wipe. No way! Although she might not have rung, there were other people in his world! There were usually a few callers over weekends.

His anger with himself, the wretched answering machine and most of all with Joyce – who had no right to treat him like this – boiled over. He grabbed the ‘phone violently from its cradle and dialled, hoping she was still at home.

She had been in a strange mood when they left the office together on Saturday. She had cornered him... forcing him to admit that there was no way he’d ever leave his wife or risk losing the children. He could have gone further. He could have admitted that he never had considered such drastic action. Showing compassion, however, he spared her the truth. He would definitely let things cool between them from now on, but dared not risk allowing the liaison to end with an all-out fight; she had the power to wreck his life! He would persuade her that what they had was worth hanging on to, and then gradually ease away from her clutches. They might eventually be able to remain good friends.

He felt aggrieved, it wasn’t as if he’d set out to cheat on his marriage but, once started, the affair drifted on casually for years, until he’d come to accept Joyce as a permanent, undemanding feature. Her flat being only a few miles from the office often enabled them to enjoy long lunch hours – she was a good cook – and they took in a show sometimes when he ‘worked late’! He had kidded himself that he was being good to Joyce rather than perfidious to the family that he would certainly lose if the silly bitch carried on in this way! All that inane rubbish about ‘setting him free’; what in Heaven’s name had she been babbling about as she dashed off? He had tried to catch her, but she took an unusually convenient taxi, which accelerated away and melted into the throng of lunch-hour traffic.

Going immediately to her apartment, he had waited ages before giving up and going home. In the evening, and again on Sunday morning, he had tried ringing her from the village pub, without success. Later the problem seemed less pressing, it was difficult to keep finding excuses to leave the house to try again without arousing comment. He had been convinced he would be able to sort things out this morning – now the dumb bitch hadn’t come to work!

He was unaccustomed to dealing personally with office gadgets and

in a careless second, because his mind had been on her and her parting threats, he had erased God only knew how many important calls. Still rattled, he misdialled... then, drawing a deep breath, he realised that ringing her was the worst thing he could do.

It would increase her advantage.

She must have been serious about absenting herself for a few days, giving him a taste of life without her, stupidly imagining that it would be enough to convince him and he would give in! If she really thought he’d choose her in preference to his wife and family, she was crazy. He felt ill as he wondered just how crazy! Joyce had threatened to confront his wife, with or without him – she didn’t care – to tell her he wanted a divorce! Surely, Joyce had said it only to goad him.

Would she really carry out her threat?

He knew very well that if his wife heard what he’d done he would be out on his ear! If only he hadn’t been so weak... If only!

It had started more by accident than any real desire to seduce Joyce or stray from the fold. After a staff dance, deciding he was too drunk to drive to his hotel, Joyce had given him a lift – back to her own bed!

The first thing he’d been aware of the following morning was the moist warmth of naked flesh pressed against his, and the weight of an arm over his stomach.

He was comfortable and naturally assumed he was at home, although he did wonder vaguely how he came to be there. Then, unfamiliar traffic sounds had penetrated his dimly throbbing senses.

Joyce had stirred and murmured as he turned in alarm, making his senses swim and he had felt so rotten, having lifted his head, that it was easier to accept the situation rather than fight it. He had dozed off and came round again to find her standing above him, her shining red-gold hair tumbling over her bare shoulders: deliciously alluring, charmingly shy, holding a breakfast tray.

“Don’t be alarmed,” she said, “it’s only coffee and toast – perhaps you’ll be able to face something more substantial later.” Then she’d whispered, as their eyes met, “In fact my darling, you can have anything you like – after last night.”

He groaned aloud at the memory of the moment when, groaning inwardly, he had realised that despite having no recollection of the previous night, things had gone far enough for him to be completely compromised. Had he left immediately, the situation might have been retrieved – after all, it had been his wife who insisted he should stay and enjoy the annual ‘do’.

She had been heavily pregnant and unenthusiastic about going with him, insisting that it would do him good to unwind at a party instead of spending a dull evening, at home, with her and the television... there were friends close by, if she went into labour, she had reminded him.

She had teased his horrified reaction – they had three more boring weeks to wait before he really needed to worry about her! She had even insisted he should stay in town rather than drive home afterwards, so that she could enjoy an early night… if she woke in the early hours, she wouldn’t have to worry about his possible non-appearance.

He stared at the telephone, remembering how sweet his wife had been when he eventually spoke to her.

Knowing how much he had enjoyed the New Year celebrations the previ44 |

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ous year, when she had been the designated driver, she’d been amazed that he was up before midday! If only she’d been present to look after him again! He had tried to tell her what had happened several times during the following week; it wasn’t his fault; his lapse into promiscuity hadn’t been intentional – but how could he risk upsetting her in her condition? The words had choked him, unsayable.

At the office, his secretary had adopted a conspiratorial self-satisfied air that he was sure had not gone unobserved by the gossipmongers! In private, she had seemed to regard it as the beginning of a grand passion, saying she had always known, from the way he looked at her, that they were ‘destined to mean so much to each other’! All those years ago he had thought naively that, if he kept coolly aloof, Joyce would get the message, but she had thought he was merely being discreet. Two weeks later, to his great relief, she seemed more normal and he felt safe reverting to his earlier, easy manner when, as a raw eighteen-year-old, she was first assigned to him. His previous secretary, starchy, in late middle age, had made him feel like a wayward boy in need of a keeper! The freshness of pretty little Joyce and her wide-eyed need for his approval had been flattering. Privately, he admitted to being attracted to her sexually, but he would never have acted on it if she hadn’t forced the issue.

One evening, when his barely remembered one night stand was a month old, his last meeting of the day had badly over-run. Wearily pushing his papers into his briefcase, at the end of the session, he had checked his watch, the weather and the timetable and realised that he had three hours to wait for the next train. His wife always worried when he used the car in icy road conditions; so that morning, with great reluctance, not wanting to add to her post-natal depression, whatever that was, he’d agreed not to drive in, so with no car available he had no choice but to wait. One of the typists was sitting on the outer office desk... he could see her long slim legs swinging as she waited for someone out of his line of vision to finish a telephone

call. Walking past, on his way out, he realised that it was Joyce trilling away to whomsoever was on the line, “Nothing elaborate – just a re-heat in the microwave” and then, covering the mouthpiece, she had smiled at him. “As my place is so near I’m making eats for a few weary souls. Would you like to join in? You could probably use a drink.” He had hesitated, eyeing the other girl who, taking advantage of the interruption, eased herself off the desk.

“See you,” she said, waving to Joyce as she departed.

He had naively assumed that she was one of the other guests and had accepted the invitation; anything was better than a long wait at the railway station.

Later, sitting in her otherwise empty apartment, he asked with surprise where everyone else was. The invitation he had obviously been meant to hear had certainly not been for that night ... except for him alone! They must have been seen leaving together an hour earlier so he was already guilty in the eyes of the world and after all, he was only human. Now look where his feeble-mindedness had landed him!

Rather than a torrid romance, it had been a spasmodic affair that drifted on for three years before Joyce began to press for more of his time, then marriage. Her first hints had come almost jokingly and he’d ignored them – fool that he was! He had come to regard her as a modern, independent woman using him no less than he was using her. Even had he been free to do so, he would never marry anyone so brittle ... but there was no way anyone would understand how their association had survived without his wanting it!

His wife certainly would never appreciate how, once established, Joyce’s hold had been difficult to break. He really had tried to shake the girl off at first but had, understandably, relaxed when he seemed to be getting away with the deception; the belief that he was keeping two women happy with such little difficulty boosted his ego!

Now, he faced the fact that he had been a fool, expecting it to last forever. Yet, even so, he still felt

more persecuted than culpable. He reflected that his wife was actually more at fault than himself for making him go to that wretched party without her, and felt a momentary surge of resentment towards her, too. Then he shrugged and tried to pull himself together. He must think clearly if he were to come out of this unscathed.

If Joyce really did intend to keep away for a few days she would have had to inform somebody so, at last, common sense took over; he contacted the personnel department. The assistant was amazed he didn’t know; Miss Hamilton had booked leave for a week, to attend a wedding in Oxford. She asked, “Has your temp not arrived then sir?” ...and at that moment, there was a timid knock on his open door.

2. Farlow Hollow

F

arlow Hollow station was almost deserted when the train pulled in, making the halfdozen people who descended from it seem like a crowd, as they surged through the barrier to the road outside. One or two strolled to parked cars, jingling keys; a young couple with backpacks started walking briskly towards the village. A shabby, stooped figure in a raincoat – waterproof hat pulled down, almost hiding her steel rimmed glasses – went unhesitatingly through a field gate opposite. It swung back easily with only a slight creak and the woman hurried away keeping close to the hedge.

Although taking advantage of its shelter she didn’t really care if anyone noticed her. She had gone to the trouble of ‘borrowing’ her outer coverings from the apartment Janitor’s broom closet; his wife was away and wouldn’t miss them for a few days. The overshoes were uncomfortably large but she didn’t have far to walk. It was worth suffering a bit, but she wished she had left off the black woollen stockings. They made her skin itch even through her nylon tights and the elastic bands holding

them above her knees were painfully tight.

At the opposite corner of the second field, she paused to get her bearing. She had followed him by car one night to find out where he lived and had seen him turn into his home lane. She had then explored the quiet village roads, planning what she was now actually doing, so knew exactly where to go. She felt exhilarated. The road to Farlow was on her left and Old Farm Lane, signposted, wound away to her right, on the other side of the bushes that skirted a dry ditch.

Her timing was perfect. She even glimpsed him driving off to work.

Careful to avoid being seen, she waited for a cyclist to whirr past before picking her way quietly along the crumbling edge of the ditch to find the house. The hedge wasn’t too dense for her to see that the lane was empty and she hurried as her excitement mounted. Everything was going perfectly to plan. Soon she sighted a wide driveway; the gates stood open.

A low wall, on which she could read the house name, edged a grove of tall trees on the right. Under her breath she cursed quietly as she saw a car at the front door and someone waiting on the porch steps. It was far too early for a coffee party – she could only hope the woman wouldn’t stay long.

A glance around reassured her that no one else was in sight, but she decided not to remove her rough outer clothing yet; it would protect her, as she crouched, hidden in the ditch.

To occupy her mind she checked over her strategy for possible flaws.

She had left her apartment that morning much earlier than she would have departed to go to the office. It had crossed her mind to ring and leave a message on the answer-phone for him but, deciding he would worry more if she didn’t, had rejected the idea. Anyway, she couldn’t afford to be distracted, she needed to concentrate; an oversight could prove catastrophic.

It had been essential for the porter to see her leave so she’d been irritated when she’d walked from the lift to find his door and reception window

shut. Dismissing the possibility that he might not even be up, she was aggravated – he was the nosy sort, likely to poke his head out at any time, day or night. He never seemed to sleep! Today of all days, where the hell was he?

She walked quietly back to the lift and clanged the door several times before crossing the hall again. This time the window was open, the porter sitting in place as if he had been there all night! He smiled, lowering his morning paper, “Forgot something did you, Miss Hamilton?” So, he had heard her after all!

“Oh, no... I thought so, but suddenly remembered it’s in my weekend bag,” she laughed. “It would never do to go to a wedding and forget the gift would it.” Ned eyed her up and down appreciatively.

“You certainly look smashing miss if you’ll excuse the liberty saying so. A wedding is it? Bit early though! You got far to travel?”

It was just what she wanted – the opportunity to tell him her plans: how she would catch up on her beauty sleep on the train to Oxford. Nobody would expect her to do what she really intended, take the inter-city express to Reading with a ticket already tucked safely in her wallet... later, after her mission was completed, she would go on to Oxford. Ned called a taxi for her with more flattering asides about putting the bride’s nose out of joint and she was at last on her way – no turning back, nor indeed any desire to do so. Elation was her only emotion.

Oblivious to the heavier traffic as they neared the centre of town and the streets that would soon be jammed with shoppers, commuters and tourists, Joyce day-dreamed … envisioning herself – sophisticated, noticeable – making conversation with the ticket-office clerk so that he would be sure to remember her, the vision in blue, travelling to Oxford.

She then visualised herself, as she would emerge from the cloakroom fifteen minutes later! She planned to be in there, out of sight, when the attendants changed shift; it was the

first critical stage. The drab, unremarkable figure hurrying to catch a train was unlikely to be remembered by anyone.

It didn’t matter a jot if she wasn’t seen on the Oxford route; thousands of passengers travelled anonymously so why should anyone be asked about her anyway?

At the cloakroom, all went according to plan. She had stayed out of sight, her blue leather grip hidden inside a huge plastic bag found in a car park.

She had known immediately that it was perfect for her needs: having no idea herself where the advertised shop was, the staff would certainly not know her! Ten minutes dragged by slowly – then, at last, she heard the cheery exchange of greetings between the two attendants. The one who had seen her looking normal informed the newcomer, “All okay luv, only one, in number four! ‘Bye, see yer...”

After the footsteps receded she had emerged slowly, differently garbed, with old cloth gloves concealing her varnished nails. Clutching her shopper and the strap of an old shoulder bag with one hand, she dropped a coin onto the strategically placed saucer with the other and made her way out to the platform. She giggled aloud, delighting in her own cleverness. Anyone could look different by resorting to a wig and thick make up, but facial expression was far more important. Sponge inside her cheeks, lipstick cleaned off, steel-rimmed glasses, and a rain hat pulled over her hair had transformed her, yet it would be easy to restore her appearance to normal before she went to the house.

Joyce wanted his vapid wife to see her at her best. It was the moment she anticipated with the most pleasure. As she reviewed the last few hours she hugged herself with glee…

Surely nothing could go wrong now.

Resting in the shallow ditch, she trembled with excitement.

Seeking reassurance that it was still there, she felt the small packet of powder through the fabric pocket of her suit and smiled smugly, reflecting that all those years ago, after

discovering how effective it was, she had been shrewd enough go back to the shed later, to check the label on that rusty tin...... Sodium Fluoroacetate. She had later looked it up in the library: water soluble, tasteless, colourless and fast acting.

Joyce had lived with foster parents until old enough to work and take rooms of her own. They hadn’t invited her to stay on with them – not that she wanted to anyway. They were a plain, quiet couple, dull and unremarkable; she could hardly recall their faces. She remembered the cat however – sleek and fat, always eating or sleeping, usually on someone’s lap! They pampered it sickeningly, talked to it in ‘baby talk’ and were even annoyed with her when she wouldn’t adore it with them! How she hated stroking it and shuddered even now at the memory of her foster-father’s harsh grip on her wrist as he forced her hand to slide down the warm, silk, animal back. She had been six when she went to them and nine when the cat died; she felt virtuous, having put up with the thing for so long.

The solution to her dilemma had presented itself when a friend took her to their garden shed where they sat in the shade eating bruised plums, scraping out wasp-holes with a piece of stick to be sure that no drowsy wasps still lurked. When her eyes grew used to the dimness and she saw an old tin bearing a red skull and crossbones, the plan came instantly to mind: no tedious thinking: a sure mark of genius. Quickly snatching the last plum, she pushed her companion out of the hut with instructions to shake the trees for more.

Tipping the remaining crisps out of the packet – she hadn’t intended to share them but it was an emergency – she filled the bag with powder from the tin, concealed it in her schoolbag and later transferred it to a small screw-top jar, innocently labelled ‘CHALK’. She had been too excited to stay for the rest of the feast and glad she hadn’t when her friend was off school next day with severe stomach cramps caused, her mother said, by eating too much over-ripe fruit.

Without the faintest stab of guilt,

Joyce remembered using the waspstick to lever off the lid of the tin and scoop out some of the contents.

She experienced only smug satisfaction... the stuff was definitely poisonous!

During the ensuing weeks, the cat had several bouts of sickness, which worried and puzzled Joyce’s foster mother who alternately blamed the animal’s natural greed and the hot weather. Judging the time right for the final touch, Joyce mixed a whole spoonful of the powder in the animal’s dish with a spot of water and watched it disappear as it melted. Just before leaving the house the old lady emptied a tin of nutritious cat-food into it, and became instrumental in poisoning her own pet! The cat pounced on the meal immediately and within minutes of licking its dish clean, the creature went berserk.

Unaware of the drama unfolding below Joyce sprawled on her bed reading a comic until she heard the frantic meowing and crashing. She rushed down but was too late to enjoy the death throes. The black body was stretched rigid: eyes staring: mouth agape, tongue thrust out.

It was definitely dead. Joyce recalled with satisfaction that even at that age she’d been sensible enough to wash the dish and retrieve the meat tin smearing some liquid from it into the clean bowl. She then tried to make the cat look less gruesome, by re-shaping the limbs, and threw it out near the dustbin. They all mourned the sad demise. Her foster-parents, touched by Joyce’s tears, thought she had, after all, been quite fond of poor puss! It had been so easy that she afterwards whiled away many a happy hour planning to use the same stuff again one day... maybe on them!

Her thoughts were suddenly jolted back to the present when the car started up and she risked a quick peep as it emerged into the lane.

Crouching flat on the dry earth she didn’t move until it drove down the road out of sight. She was relieved.

Only the driver had been in it. Her quarry was still inside the house... alone. ...to be continued

Can’t wait for the next instalment? The book is on Kindle and as a paperback on Amazon 46 | 5Ws November 2012

U P Publications Ltd www.uppublications.ltd.uk www.uppbooks.com

www.amazon.co.uk/shops/uppublications www.writeknowhow.com

The British Protestant Cemetery

The Valencia British Protestant Cemetery ''A multi national, multi denominational Cemetery for the Valencia Region''

The British Protestant Cemetery is considered by local authorities as an “Historic site of local interest”.

Among the British cemeteries in Spain the oldest are those in Tarragona, Malaga, Cadiz, Cartagena and Valencia which began after 1831 when, on 13th November, a Spanish Royal Degree authorised the establishment of suitable places for the interment of non-Catholics whose lives ended in Spain or on its shores, but without any church, chapel or any sign of public religious worship. Though British in name, the British Protestant Cemetery is actually a NonDenominational one with over 21 different nationalities laid to rest in peace together.

In addition to British, there are Protestants from all parts of northern Europe, and even Askanarsi and Sephardic Jews, who as such, could not be interred in the usual public cemetery until 1989. There are even of some Catholics who wished to be laid to rest beside their loved ones.

“Historical site of local interest”

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Located opposite the Municipal Cemetery, the cemetery has a surface of approximately 2.376 m2, with an ornamental facade designed in 1879 by the Valencian artist, Antonio Martorell.

A metal fence topped by owls with funeral resonance, protects the entrance to the grounds. The gate that leads to the cemetery itself, the stained glass door to the hall and the chapel, were designed by the architect Vicente Sancho i Fuster.

British Protestant Cementery

British Protestant Cementery

These elements of medieval style, typical of the religious buildings of the time, together with some pre modernistic ones, have held out as best they can against the passage of time. Gravestones and crosses have not always been so lucky; in recent years people have carried off decorative friezes and carved angels, and damaged some stones.

Dart, and others bought land to extend the cemetery and by 1880, as about half those buried were British, the land was assigned to become British Crown property.

There are around 350 graves but only 296 are actually recorded. We know that previous decades witnessed burials, but we are not sure where or when. Unfortunately during the Civil War, records were lost in the chaos, inspite of the efforts of the Swiss Consul and Red Cross to continue its supervision.

We should be proud of the contribution of the men and their families who came south, throughout a century, to help build Valencia’s industries and commercial success. Henry Fink, for example, was a train driver sent here to drive the first train, but he had the initiative to extend his activities into other railway work and production.He and subsequently members of the Rees, Bartle, Morris and Tapp families spent their working lives improving Valencia’s infrastructures … and now lie at rest.

The cemetery bears witness to the history of whole families – Morris, Eknes, Bartle, Tapps – who participated in the industrial production and railway building epoch that brought them here to stay, in addition to those serving on the merchant ships that carried them here. In 1918 Spanish flu brought havoc and death; and later their commitment to defend the Spanish Republic to the death meant several International Brigade volunteers were anonymously interred; young lives that contrasted with the death at 70 of Alfred Faulconbridge, the founder of the Valencia Tennis Club, or Albert Hindley a President of Blackpool Football Club. Old and young alike lie at rest in the same quiet surroundings.

Throughout the 1870s, the British Consul, Henry

The first recorded burial was 8-year old Charles, son of Henry and Emma Morris, who died on 6th June 1863. There are 19 children’s graves, sadly 13 of infants.. However, Greek born Ino Mauricio Jahiel Matalon, died in September 1985 at the age of 99 and was buried with full Jewish rites. The most recent burial was of Guillermo Fink Herreros on 21st August, 2012, a descendent of a British train driver, Henry Fink.

Sadly since then, vandalism and insufficient funding for serious maintenance, has resulted in a rather lamentable condition. However, hopefully with the help of the Bonnie Project, the IWC-Valencia, and members of the public we can bring this place back to its former dignity.

British Protestant Cementery

British Protestant Cementery

CEMENTERIO PROTESTANTE BRITÁNICO

The Bonnie Project

SANTO DOMINGO DE GUZMAN, 5 46017 VALENCIA

While funds from Britain will pay for restoration of the Chapel ceiling and broken fences, the International Women’s Club of Valencia has created The Bonnie Project with the idea of at least making some practical improvements to the look of the place. Funds will pay for some professional tree loping, and organised groups will attempt a bit of gravestone cleaning, weeding and gardening to make the cemetery a more attractive resting place.

Bonnie Hinzpeter, a much loved member, who lost her short, fierce battle to cancer in Spring 2012, has inspired IWC members to do something in her memory. She was a lovely person, full of altruistic enthusiasm and full of fun. For many years she led the Bilboa IWC in a battle to save a hermitage and cemetery up there. After moving to Valencia she became involved with the IWC here, participating in many coffee mornings, lunches, the book club and generally making local friends.

As time went on she got wind of the British cemetery in need here and wanted to do something about it.… sadly her health took an unexpected turn for the worse in such a short time that she couldn’t see her ideas through. So the Valencia Club decided it most fitting to work on our cemetery in her name. We hope with this collective effort to keep her memory alive.

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For further information: Hon. Cemetery Administrator: Trevor Nicholas, Tel. 96 334 4804 or 670 400 622 britcemvlc@gmail.com The Bonnie Project: Diana Clifton Sewell, Tel 96 382 2382 or 666 447 561 www.iwc-valencia.ning.com

The Homes Gardens & Outdoor Living Show... ...is blooming in to action at the Palacio de Congresos, Estepona on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th November 2012 from 11 am till 8.00pm

Estepona are you ready?

www.homesandgardens.es

Creating your dream home and garden has never been easier as SOL Productions & GM Events bring this high profile event to the Costa del Sol, our next location is Estepona with our very own favourite gardening guru Charlie Dimmock from UK TV’s Ground force who will be there on the Saturday to chat, give advice and sign autographs, along with our other highly respected gardening experts and authors who are at the show on both days, Dick Handscombe, Sue Rodgers and the Grapevine’s very own Lorraine Cavanagh.

Instant interior design ideas and gorgeous gardens are high on the agenda, but as the Show grows, last staged in the Alicante province in May, our next stop is the Costa del Sol…..

Estepona are you ready?

This show has it all…….With celebrities and classic cars, objects d’art to photography and plants, furniture and soft furnishings, gastronomy and bodegas with wine tasting, we have even introduced a dedicated beauty and holistic area in the upstairs salon. The forthcoming Homes, Gardens and Outdoor Living Show has it all and this is no ordinary exhibition! It’s Show Time! So don’t miss this fantastic day out for all the family just 2.50 entry per adult and children under 14 go in for free, with everything on offer to improve your home, garden and lifestyle, be sure to get your free Show guide at the entrance, packed with advice and local information.

Never before has there been so much under one roof, giving visitors the chance to browse the hundreds of exhibitor’s stands, with products to try, taste and buy as well as being entertained with a great line up from flamenco and fashion shows to singers. With guest appearances by the ever popular UK TV gardening guru Charlie Dimmock, plus ex-footballing star, and now respected BBC TV pundit Steve Claridge, who is on hand both days to help you enter the free draws to win a luxury weekend away, and even a Mediterranean Cruise!”

The Homes Gardens & Outdoor Living Show focuses on a fun and informative day out, join our local Mediterranean gardener’s and interior designers, along with a great line up of other local experts in their fields all there for YOU so you can ‘Ask the Experts’ for their advice to help you create your dream home.

With Christmas just around the corner this is the perfect time and place to start your Christmas shopping, with many exhibitors offering ‘Show Specials’.

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Homes, Gardens and Outdoor Living takes place at the Palacio de Congresos in Estepona on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th November, from 11am – 8pm.

Santa will also be at home in his Grotto – spreading Christmas cheer….. Well Christmas is just round the corner and what better way to start finding that perfect Christmas gift, and sampling some mulled wine!

Besides all things Homes, Gardens and Lifestyle there are competitions and give-aways galore, try your hand at Green Bowls, sample the fine wines the Bodegas have on offer, along with a superb array of International refreshment areas to quench your thirst’s and satisfy your appetite whilst you enjoy the best Show on the Costa del Sol this year!

Visit the website for continued updates www.homesandgardens.es or follow us on Facebook (Homes, Gardens and Outdoor Living).

GM Events are looking forward to welcoming you to this high profile event right here on the Costa de Sol. 54 |

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If you would like to participate in the Show and see your business bloom please contact the sales department at GM Events on the Spanish/ English phones 695 399 841 966 761 050 or email office@solproductions.tv and we will provide you with further information.

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ART CENTRE ASSOCIATION JAVEA The aim of the Art Centre is to encourage both beginners and experienced artists alike, by offering tuition in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.

There is an occasional newsletter, an ‘Arty Farty Garden Party’ each year and various exhibitions.

Membership is €5 per year from September to September. Members are welcome to use the Art Centre as a meeting point at any time.

The Art Centre is in a quiet country house not too far away from ‘Inn On The Green’ bowling club and near Las Laderas Urbanization in Javea.

Part of the house has been remodelled with extra windows, special lighting and central heating for the two studios, reception area and coffee lounge.

There is easy parking and wheelchairs are welcome.

Subjects usually available are: Painting in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Pastel, Drawing,

Lorely and Glyn Griffiths have retired after more than 35 years working around the World. Glyn had previously been involved in telecommunications (now promoted to car park attendant and janitor for the Art Centre !! ) This is the 4th Art Association Lorely has run. She started the first Design College in Nairobi more than 30 years ago and finally was looking after the Art Society in Dubai for many years.

All of the subjects are available for absolute beginners or for those more advanced. Although the Art Centre is a non-profit association, there is a flat charge of 20 Euros per 3-hour session, whatever the subject, this pays the teachers and covers the overheads.

Everyone is welcome to arrive early and leave late or come for a coffee any morning.

Usually groups will meet (3hrs per session) once a week, in the mornings, 10am to 1pm which includes free tea, coffee & ‘choccy bikkies’ at any time !!

We always welcome enthusiastic and experienced people to teach any existing or new subject.

With limited spaces available it is advisable to pencil your names in to secure a place. Didn’t you always say when you had time, you would learn to paint ! !

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Mixed Media, Portraiture, Creative Textiles, Creating Websites Porcelain Restoration

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For the last few years, The Art Centre Association has worked with HELP of Denia to organise and sponsor events to raise funds for the charity.

Events have included two Antiques Roadshows, drawing on the expertise of local dealers and collectors to value and identify a myriad of antiques and collectibles with all donations going to Help.

The Art Centre Association has studio/meeting rooms available for ANY group or club who want somewhere to meet on a ‘one off’ or regular basis or, who just want to come along and make a bit of a mess !!

Fully equipped studios with tables, comfortable chairs, easels, good lighting, projector screen, paper roll, white spirit, art & antiques reference library, car park, central heating, wheelchair access, coffee lounge, ‘choccy bikkies’ and as much tea/coffee/softies as you can drink (but bring your own wine ! !).

All of the above included free for €5 per head per morning or afternoon session. As this is a non-profit association, if the meeting is cancelled you don’t have to pay.

Come and visit the Art Centre, (we can fax, E-mail or post you a map) or for more details please phone Chairwoman Lorely Griffiths Javea 966 47 20 49.

E-mail: artcentrejavea@yahoo.com

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www.roundtownnews.co.uk Josie Mitchell Sales Executive 607 744 153 josie@roundtownnews.com Colin Rich Advertising Sales 607 553 870 colin@roundtownnews.com

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Over 17 years of faithful reporting Local news Local views Local Advertisers

Your Voice!

Published by The Copi Shop www.grapevinspain.com

MABC Directory - Our Members represent Adam Simmons and Associates Anglo Info CatalunyaCaixa Antiques Review Copi Shop Digby's Bar, Javea Park Easy Flatpax Ground Up Magazine Gaile Griffin Peers, Business Consultant Jacksons Contables SL Jacksons Administradores SL Jacksons Chartered Accountants Ltd, UK Javea Photos Spectrum Financial Advisers Lawns In Spain Notary, Xabia Marina Alta Business Club Mike Peers Peri Pera Cafe, Javea Port Peter Hoffer Peter Williamson MA MSc Phoenix Computers @ The Sign Shop Javea Rabbit FX Currency Exchange, Glenn Tullett Richard Griffin Peers Ricor Solicitors RTN Solana Casas, Solana Spanish Properties St James Place Wealth Management Fontana Design The Grapevine Magazine The Sign Shop, Javea U P Publications Ltd Tuxedo Hire UK TV 4 U Wising UP! Online Clubs / Associations Porcelain Painting Club Lavender Studio The Art Association, Javea (email) Writers / Authors / Artists Andy Crabb Chris Sinclair Mai Griffin 66 |

5Ws November 2012

20 Years in Spain

GBP £10.00 ISBN 978 095 574 4747 20 Years in Spain – available online or by order from all major UK Book sellers and from www.amazon.co.uk All Proceeds less cost go to Branch Funds Forward by David Cameron – features articles from members in Spain and UK as well as Members of both houses www.javeaconservatives.org

NOTES FOR APPLICATION AS AN OVERSEAS VOTER DID YOU KNOW? • • •

2.5 million British citizens are eligible to register to vote from overseas.

At the end of 2007, just 14,000 expatriates were registered to vote.

Last year 198,000 Britons left the UK to live overseas, all of whom are eligible to vote in the upcoming UK Parliamentary Election.

COMPLETING THE FORM

You will need: • The address of where you were last registered in the UK • The date you were last registered in the UK • Your Passport number

please contact Lesley Taylor; lesley.taylor@conservatives.com; 0044 (0)20 7984 8015, or contact your former local Conservative Party Association Office - contact details can be found on www.conservatives.com

RETURNING THE FORM

Send to the Electoral Registration Officer covering the You will have to find someone to support what you say in your constituency where you were last registered. To find the declaration. He or she can be anyone who: address of your Electoral Office visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/overseas and insert your postcode • Is aged 18 or over; from your last address in the UK. • Has a British passport which describes his or her status as a “British Citizen” and lives overseas; FOR FURTHER INFORMATION • Knows you but is not a close relative (husband, wife, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child, or If you require further information or assistance in grandchild). registering as an overseas elector you can contact: If you left the UK before you were old enough to register, you Lesley Taylor Or visit: www.conservativesabroad.org or will have to provide a copy of your full birth certificate and www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com or information about the parent or guardian whose registration www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/overseas you are relying on.

NOMINATING A PROXY VOTE

If you are unable to nominate a close family member or friend to vote on your behalf the Conservative Party can help. For help appointing a proxy vote

CONSERVATIVES ABROAD www.conservativesabroad.org

Promoted and Printed by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party, both at 30 Millbank, London, SW1P 4DP

Due out in the first week of December don’t miss it !

Want to write for 5Ws? Want to advertise in 5Ws? visit www.5Ws.biz or email manager@mabc.biz 68 |

5Ws November 2012