Grapevine 168 2014

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Issue No. 168

February/ March 2014

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Jávea Grapevine Editor: Gaile Griffin Peers email: editor@grapevinespain.com movil: 681 001 300 www.grapevinespain.com www.facebook.com/groups/JaveaGrapevine/ Jávea Grapevine (a.k.a. as The Grapevine Spain) is Published in Jávea, Spain

by Marina Alta Business Club SL - CIF B54067996 est. 2006 In accordance with the Ley 22/1987 de Noviembre, de Propiedad Intellectual (BOE no. 275) - All adverts, images and articles are copyright-protected and belong to/are the responsibility of their originators. Sources are normally clearly stated within the accompanying text Invoices/post only - no visitors without appointment: Marina Alta Business Club, Calle Badalona, Jávea, 03737 España. Advertising responsibility: All advertisements are accepted and published on the understanding of the agency and the advertiser that they are each authorised to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof and that they have complied with all the laws, governmental rules and regulations applicable to the purchase order and the placement in and publication of such advertisement by Jávea Grapevine. Advertisers and agents represent and warrant that their advertisements, contents and subject matter are in no way false, deceptive, misleading, fraudulent, libelous or defamatory, that they do not infringe on any privacy, intellectual property, or publicity right, or constitute or encourage a criminal offense, or are abusive, prohibited, illegal or objectionable, violate any legal duty under criminal or civil law, or otherwise violate any applicable law or regulation of any kind. In consideration of the publication of advertisements, the advertisers and the agencies, jointly and severally, shall unconditionally indemnify Jávea Grapevine, its parent, and their directors, officers, agents and employees from and against any and all loss, liability and expense (including reasonable legal fees) suffered or incurred by reason of any claims, proceedings or suits, including but not limited to, libel, violation of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright infringement, fraud, negligence, or any other claims or suits based on the contents, subject matter, or publication of or otherwise on such advertisements. The liability of Jávea Grapevine for any act, error, or omission for which it may be held legally responsible shall not exceed the cost of the space ordered or occupied by the advertisement that is the basis of Jávea Grapevine’s liability. Jávea Grapevine shall not, in any event, be liable for any consequential damages, including lost income or profits. Jávea Grapevine disclaims all responsibility for errors in key numbers or the type set. Omission of insertion: Unintentional or inadvertent failure

by Jávea Grapevine to print, publish or circulate advertising matter invalidates the insertion order for such matter, but shall not constitute a breach of contract or affect any earned discount. Advertising matter may be cancelled by Jávea Grapevine at any time.

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Now the Storms are Over Lots of news hitting the street about the old regime and ex Councillors from the old days - along with allegations and court cases. In the second week of February, two former mayors of Javea, Juan Moragues and Eduardo Monfort and the seven councilors who were part of the Municipal Corporation of the city in 1997 were acquitted of an offense against land use for which they had been charged in the case known as El Rodat. The decision of the Audiencia Provincial de Alicante also exonerates key defendents of five other felony charges including the alleged forgery of public documents. The prosecution is to bear costs.

This court decision puts an end to a process that began 17 years ago and which accused municipal officials of giving a building permit, in 1997, for an extension of the El Rodat hotel on a plot of 30,605 square metres, in preference to building homes for sale.

We think there has probably been enough in the papers without rehashing it all here or expressing opinions, except to remind people it is an election year - so I hope that everyone will remember what things used to be like in Jรกvea - before this Council introduced the Help Desks in Portal el Clot - and how hard the current group of Councillors from all parties has worked TOGETHER to make Jรกvea free of debt and able to afford the improvements and changes that are taking place across the area right now.

Gaile

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January was a very positive month for me in my job as Mayor and Provincial MP. But after the Christmas holidays, I enjoyed returning to my normal activities. As usual during the first few weeks of the year, various council meetings took place, during which we took important decisions and made further progress on many of the day to day issues affecting the Town.

Dear Grapevine Friends,

Apart from being present at fiestas such as San Antonio and San Sebastiรกn, in January I inaugurated the new skate board park, opened as a result of the numerous requests by many of our young people.

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The proposal came from the Children’s Council of Xàbia, who saw their dream come true. It was a pleasure to see the happy faces of all the children and their parents.

On the 16th of January I attended the plenary session of the Alicante Provincial Government, an important session for Xàbia, as I received support for my proposal for the refurbishment of the Central Cinema which was adopted by the Provincial MPs.

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In addition to this as a member of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board I was able to obtain a grant of 15,000 euros for our Jazz Festival so that we can improve the quality of the programming which although it improves every year, with this subsidy it can be even better.

This month I convened a meeting with the Councillor for Public Works Paco Torres and his senior engineer to plan the many projects we have scheduled for this year. Good forward planning is the key element for the successful development of the public works.

With regard to water, I organized a meeting at the desalination plant with the mayors of other towns in the area, to share with them my proposals to work together to better optimize all existing water resources and to offer a better service. The response was excellent and we have convened another meeting to be held in Gata. I am proud that XĂ bia is taking the lead in such an important issue.

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Also during January, the Councillor for Tourism Toni Miragall and I attended the International Tourism Fair in Madrid, the second largest in the world after London. Our participation can be quantified as a great success, and our commitment to social networks has meant that hashtag # xabia365 had over one million hits on Twitter. We also presented the Marina Alta route of Riu Raus.

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Addressing the problems of our citizens is another issue which concerns me and although I try to resolve them, there are unfortunately some issues that are more difficult or even impossible to solve but I always try to find some compromise solution. Fortunately many things are being currently addressed which had been left outstanding and unresolved for many years.

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In late January I received a visit of pupils from I showed them around the Town Hall and the the Raquel PayĂ special needs school. council chambers and answered the many interesting questions they put to me.

The children have various types of problems, but they filled my heart with their spontaneity I also promised them that I would visit their and affection. school and play basketball with them.

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Time flies but I gain great satisfaction from This is a significant year for me with great fulfilling my goals. challenges, and many infrastructure projects to manage, in my wish to constantly improve None of this would be possible without the Xàbia. The date of the European elections is work and support of all the members of the fast approaching, but more about that later. council, and the encouragement that I feel every time I meet and speak to our citizens. Best Wishes, José José Chulvi

Updates

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Accreditaion Denia Hospital

from XD

This is a brief presentation about each one of this points: 1. Accreditation Department

1.

2.

-

Advantages of being registered in your town hall (padrón)

3.

SIP and EHIC cards

4.

-

What to do when you live in Spain for a long time

The padrón allows you to have a family doctor, it means you will have always the same doctor.

Besides, the padrón allow us to know the real population of the area, so we can optimize our existing resources to improve our services.

For example: we know there are living in the area 200.000 people, and we have registered 150.000. That means that are 50.000 people and we don´t have any information about them. Where they are?

When are they here? How long are they here? This situation makes quite difficult for us to know to adjust our resources or how to improve services.

Accreditation Department.

At the Accreditation Department our job is to help people about documents, forms, procedures and any issue about health care in Spain.

We have two phone numbers and a e-mail address and you can contact us through the call center or through the HELP desk at the hospital.

2.

-

Being registered in your town hall: advantages.

The padrón gives you access to our public health programs (prevention plans of colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, flu vaccines or children oral health).

3.

SIP card and EHIC card.

The EHIC card is for: -TEMPORARY visitors - students on a gap year - workers posted to Spain up to two years

If you are on the padrĂłn and you have a EHIC card, please remember to renew your SIP card every 6 months or every time you come back to Spain. It takes you a few minutes and is a big help for us.

4.

-

What to do if you live in Spain for a long time.

S1 and S2 forms: these forms qualifies access for UK funded health care for: - persons who have a pension or a long time benefit in UK - early retirees for 2 years - posted workers up to two years - dependant family members of someone living and working in UK - dependants of all the above The procedure is: ask for the form to the NHS, take it to the INSS office, and they will give you your form stamped or a new Spanish form (it depends on your situation), which is the document you have to give in your health center to get full medical assistance.

These generalities cover most of the cases, but there are some special situations that have to be analysed individually. For more help on your elegibility or for Accreditation Accreditation contact 966.429.137 966.429.327 acredita@marinasalud.es CALL CENTER 966.429.000 HELP 966.429.346 (09:00 – 13:30), 686.320.435

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The Granadella Trail The Granadella Trail launched with 1,300 runners. The winner was the local broker Nasio Cardona. For the full Gallery of the competitors please visit http://www.afxabia.com/granadella-trail-2014.php

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Javea adds the chapel of St. Llucia into the network of viewpoints of Javea

The Department of Environment of Javea has made a series of improvements in the area of Ermita Santa Llucia. After the first session pruning and thinning the pine forest and the removal of invasive species, it has now addressed the sections affected by erosion and they have installied a talanquera wooden closed platform top. The chapel of Santa Llucia perches on top of a hill from which the greater part of the municipality and the end of the Gorgos River Valley can be viewed. To access there are several hiking routes from the small path that leads up from the parking area at the base . It will bring the Miradors in and around JĂĄvea to 16. An idea of the spectacular view follows (Copyright El Departamento de Medio Ambiente de XĂ bia 2014)

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Students in 5th grade school Vicente Tena of Javea have made a visit to the Iberian villages Montgo, The trip was in order to discover the impact of human beings on the area from the old settlers to the present. Accompanied by a team of environmental educationalists from the Montgo Natural Park, scholars studied the flora and fauna from this part of the Nature Reserve. Another group of fourth graders visited the Natural Park in Pego-Oliva. These extracurricular activities were for environmental education.

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Bringing Business together across Spain

Healthy

by Gaile Gr

iffin Peers

Not for one tend to you minute am I going to that I am an expert an avid cyclispreon t or would ‘out Cycling tours - my friends me’ in ten armchair seconds flat tourist of as an However, the worst I do have a lot of very kind. friends, so health I the sort of am becoming an exper y holiday they they visit. like to have t on when When you have book ‘cabin lugga ed your bargain the bijoux ge only’ flight and hotel that found is purse, it is often distre perfect for your that, reach ing the hotel ssing to realize rural offeri and its uniqu ngs will e blow budget out of the water your holiday fortune in and cost car hire. you a Cycling holid ays, howe friendly, ver, are an enomical ecoand health keep costs y way to down and value to add some your trip real to opportunit y (if you go Spain. It is an for options) to meet some the guided tour and see parts really nice people of Spain you found on might not your own. have Equally, if independen you t can go wher and want to explore, are e hire cars bikes wander! are not mean t to We had been and I thoug visiting Spain for 15 years ht we knew well when my ex boug this area fairly than a 100 ht Euros (anci a bike for less on the cover ent, batter ed and ) and starte d to explo re.

His next trip ancient laund out by car took us to an ry site that bished as has been a Herit refurused by famil age site - but had several hund ies in Gata de Gorg been os washing and red years as a comm for laundry point unal from a busy highw . Barely yards hoardings, ay, hidde I had never n by was easy notic ed it to see and access from but it a bike!

Bike hire does not have sive optio n, it is availa to be an expenand prices ble across seem Spain Euros a week to start from aroun d 50 (or a few All Touri euros for st Offices a day). will have local, envir details of onmentally routes and friendly, most scenic link will take provide free maps . a selection you to a google page This of options. with

Adam Simmons Andrew Kings Easy Flatpax Colin Rich RTN Copi Shop Online Fidelma Matthews Solar in Spain Glenn Tullett Infinity International Glynn Griffiths Grapevine Magazine Javea Photos Juan Luis Millet Sancho

Lifestyle Spain Lorely Griffiths Loriah Rajah Tuxedo Hire Lucia Rajah Social Media Marketing Lynn Cobb Learn Aprender, Javea Mai Griffin – Author, Artist M Alta Business Com. Mike Peers – Design Antiques Review Peter Williamson LABC

Phoenix Computers @ The Sign Shop Javea Sarah Farrell My Destination Alicante Steve Mitchell Fontana Design The Sign Shop, Javea Tom Parkinson Jacksons Adminstradores U P Publications Ltd UKTV4U Vincent Burke

ways to see S pain

Issue 8 Live in Spain |

Gata de Gorg

os

Inland from

Benidorm

on the old

road to Guad

Gaile Griffin Peers www.mabc.biz www.mabusinessclub.com

alest

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Celebrating Six Years in Jávea & Denia

Celebrating our First Anniversary in Lanzarote

Working for you,

your business and your customers every day

MARINA ALTA BUSINESS CLUB and Lanzarote Business Club We are not just for meetings!

We provide excellent advertising opportunities through the magazines that we run online ourselves and we include promotion on a wide range of other platforms.

Join us - you can interact with other members once a month at business dinners around Javea AND you will also be able to put your news, views and adverts in front of audiences locally + across Spain + the UK and across the world, all part of the package. See our media pack on www.mabc.biz for more info.

We run Javea’s Grapevine Magazine with more than 70 pages monthly (www.javeagrapevine. com) as well as the iPad ‘Live in Spain Magazine’. For Facebook, we started (host and support) Like-Spain.com and Tweet-Spaincom plus a lot of other very successful projects including the Javea Grapevine Group.

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RENTING YOUR HOME LONG TERM IN SPAIN what you need to know & what you should be asking

by Lynn Cobb Firstly – this article isn’t in any way intended to be legal advice –although you can’t get away from the legalities, so the law will be referred to.

(All references to the law are based upon the recent changes to the LAU in June 2013) .

Secondly – this isn’t an ‘all agents are bad, all tenants are good’ article. There are bad agents – there are some who have no idea what they are doing as far as the legalities of long term rental - & worse, there are some who DO know the rules & still break them left, right & centre. But there are good agents who do their best for both clients – the tenants and the property owner.

There are of course also bad tenants. You only have to look at the ‘name & shame’ sites on Facebook to see what dreadful things some tenants do to the properties they rent.

Thankfully (hopefully) the bad agents & the bad tenants are the minority.

This article is intended as a guide to what questions you should be asking of the agent, both as a prospective tenant, and prospective landlord – or if there’s no agent involved – what the tenant & owner should be asking each other.

Be up front & honest about how long you want to rent for.

• Tenants – if you truly only want to stay 3 months, that isn’t a long term rental. There are different contracts for short term, essentially holiday lets.

• Owners – if you don’t truly want a long term tenant – just do short term holiday lets. A long term contract is for a minimum of 6 months.

Long term rental contracts, according to the law, should be for 6 or 12 months.

Once the initial period of the contract is reached, it is automatically renewed for a period of three years. No

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new contract needs to be signed. There needs be no further negotiation, it simply continues.

Providing the tenant isn’t in any way in breach of the contract they have the right to stay in the property for that period of time. Should they wish to leave before the end of that time they need give just one month notice, although there can be penalties written into the contract in the form a proportional compensation, according to the new rules. For example, if it’s a one year contract, it can be written in that there is a penalty equivalent to one month’s rent, proportionally, should the tenant leave before the end of the contract. So if they leave after 9 months, they would have to pay the equivalent of half a month as compensation.

Pretty much the only way a tenant who is not in breach of the contract can be made to leave before the end of the three years, is if the owner or immediate family needs the property to live in themselves, due to homelessness on their part, for one reason or another.

If you are using an agent – find out exactly what ‘the deal’ is.

Some agents should really be called ‘property finders’. They have lists of properties, sometimes working on behalf of rental agents. They show the properties to prospective tenants for a commission. The commission might be the equivalent of half a month or a month (or more) rent.

It might be paid by the owner of the property, it might be paid by the tenant, and it might be shared. Whatever the ‘deal’ is, make sure you know (in writing) before you list your property with one, or before, as a prospective tenant, you view a single property.

Some agents will offer an ongoing support service. This could simply mean phone or e-mail support, with little or no face-to face contact.

They might arrange for a plumber when the heating breaks down, or they might give the tenant a number to call. Or they might offer a ‘Complete Service’ – that could mean that they collect the rent, contact the plumber, check that the work is done properly, pay the bill etc..

Whatever the arrangement is, both the property owner & the tenant need to know right from the start. So from a tenant’s point of view – ASK! Who pays for the new washing machine?

If the property is rented furnished, then all ‘white goods’ will be supplied & must be in good working order. As must heating/aircon systems, pool pumps, irrigation systems etc., even in unfurnished properties. Basically, if it’s there when the tenant moves in, it must be in working order.

But what happens if it breaks down?

Unless there has been misuse by the tenant, the property owner is responsible for the repair or replacement of these items. The logistics of payment can vary.

The property finder might deal with the signing of the contract, but their responsibility will end at that point.

The law says that the property owner should arrange for the repair/replacement as quickly as possible & pay for it himself.

Any problems with the property or between the tenant & owner would have to be sorted out between themselves.

As I said earlier, the rental agent might take responsibility for this – but many don’t. If there is no agent, or if it’s a telephone/email support service, and the owner is unable to transfer funds quickly enough, it’s not unusual for the tenant to pay for

The rent is paid directly to the owner.

the repairs himself & with the agreement of the owner, deduct it from the next rental payment. It is of course best to get the agreement in writing, and receipts would have to be supplied.

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Maintenance of private pool & garden.

This is a matter for individual contracts.

In some cases the tenant will deal with it or pay someone to do it for them, in some it is included in the rent & paid for by the owner, & in others, the owner contracts an individual or company & the tenant picks up the bill.

It’s important that this is clear in the contract, so both tenant & owner need to discuss their needs.

How do I know the property I’m renting won’t be repossessed or sold?

Maintenance of the structure of a property.

The owner is responsible for the maintenance of the structure of the property.

For example, if the roof leaks, the tenant isn’t responsible for the repair.

If the door or window frames rot, it’s up to the owner to deal with it.

If the terrace collapses into the cesspit, or the swimming pool springs a leak, it is not the tenant’s responsibility. Even with a long term rental.

This seems to be a growing problem. I’ve known several people & families in the last year or so who have had to move because the owners of the property they are renting haven’t paid the mortgage & the bank has started repossession proceedings – it has happened to one family I know twice in around 6 months!

So what can you do to protect your home?

Some agents will insist that the property owner sign a declaration that there are no debts against the property, including mortgage payments & utilities.

There is provision for the rental contract to be registered with the Land Registry.

If registered then, if the property is sold or repossessed, the tenant has ‘sitting tenants’ rights AND the contract has to be honoured.

It’s also possible to get a “nota simple” for the property at a small cost, which will also show any debts or legal proceedings against the property.

How can I be sure that the tenant will pay the rent?

It is of course possible to check references – although that can be difficult if the tenant has just arrived in the country.

However – if the window is smashed/ the shelf in the bathroom get damaged as a result of negligence by the tenant, then the tenant is responsible for the repair.

It’s not unreasonable, in that situation, to ask pointed questions about income. Many agents will share information about the reliability of tenants too.

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If you’re using an agent, check if this is part of what they will be doing for you.

Tax.

If the rental contract is registered with the Land Registry, eviction for non-payment of rent can be initiated when the rent is just 10 days late.

Landlords are supposed to declare the rental income for tax – they can then claim tax breaks for all sorts of things regarding the upkeep of the property.

What about the deposit & the rent?

Many tenants can also declare their rental against their income tax. Not all landlords do declare The law requires 1 month deposit, equal to a the income, unfortunately. Tenants who will be month’s rent – however the tenant & landlord can including their rental in their tax returns need to agree to more should they wish to. be sure that the landlord is also declaring. This is best discussed before a contract is signed.

Rent is usually paid a month up front/ in advance.

Energy efficiency certificate.

The deposit is supposed to be held in a separate account (in escrow) so that it is available for return when the tenant leaves.

It should be returned to the tenant when they leave, less any costs incurred for damages (actual damage, not wear & tear or cleaning) & any unpaid bills.

All long term rental properties now have to have an Energy Efficiency Certificate. It is the owner’s responsibility to arrange & pay for this.

Access to the property.

The agent or owner of the property can have reasonable access. This means that they can To avoid disagreement as to the condition of the periodically visit to ensure that all is OK. property it is highly recommended that both tenant & landlord have a set of photos & a full All visits should be arranged in advance & should inventory of equipment, when the tenant takes only take place when the tenant is present. possession of the property.

The agent or owner should never enter the Some owners prefer to have the rent paid in property (even the garden) without the tenant’s cash. If so, a proper receipt should be issued knowledge or consent. each month.

Most of the time all that is required is a quick It is recommended that a standing order for the phone call to agree on a time. rent to be set up to pay the rent directly from the tenant’s account to the owner’s.

Utility Bills.

These are usually the responsibility of the tenant.

It is common practice for utility bills to remain in the owner’s name, but be paid by direct debit by the tenant. Some owners prefer to pay the bill & collect the cash from the tenant, and sometimes the bills are put into the tenant’s name.

Agree on how this is to be dealt with before the contract is signed.

Local taxes are usually the responsibility of the owner. This should be made clear in the contract.

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The contract.

It should be written in Spanish – if there was ever reason to go to court it would have to be in Spanish, so it’s best to just have it in Spanish in the first place.

If you - owner or tenant – don’t speak a good level of Spanish, make sure that you get an independent translation (not a googletranslate version) – or at the very least get a Spanish speaker to check over any translation you might have been provided. Don’t sign anything unless or until you are happy with what you are signing.

A link to a pro-forma contract The LAU / Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos – the law governing long term residential rental

The most important thing really is to COMMUNICATE either with the agent or directly with the owner or tenant.

With thanks to Jo Ivory of Sunset Properties for helping with an ‘agent’s point of view’.

with Lynn Cobb www.learn-aprender.blogspot.com.es www.facebook.com/LearnAprender Private and Business Clients accepted Legal Factura and registered with the Agencia de Protección de Datos Based in Jávea Spanish Classes / Written Translations

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with Lynn Cobb www.learn-aprender.blogspot.com.es www.facebook.com/LearnAprender

JUST SAY IT! Pronunciation – the finer points When learning a foreign language it’s very tempting to try to ‘put on’ an accent – to try to sound Spanish/French/German/etc.

But what about the rhythm of the language?

Once your ears are ‘tuned in’ it can sound very musical.

Unless you’re a good mimic, however, or learning from a very young age, or by total immersion – it’s unlikely that you’ll ever acquire an authentic-sounding Spanish accent …… so it’s best not to even try!

This is largely due to the fact that every word has one syllable which is emphasised more strongly than all the rest. (The syllables are the ‘beats’ of a word – so the word ‘cerveza’ has three, ‘vino’ has two, & ‘sí’ has one!) .

This syllable is known as the sílaba tónica or sílaba fuerte.

Just speak Spanish in your own ‘voice’, learn how to pronounce the words correctly……. and you’ll be understood!

I covered the basic rules back in the September 2013 issue of Jávea Grapevine – what sounds the vowels (a, e, i, o, u) make, which consonants (all the rest) sound different to the way they do in English…… and that you pretty much say every letter every time.

There are three simple rules for deciding which syllable is the strongest : Rule 1: You may have noticed that some vowels have an ‘accent’ above them – this is known as the ‘tilde’. The tilde is very useful, because if there is a tilde on a vowel, then that syllable is the sílaba tónica. e.g. café, alemán, lección, autobús

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Rule 2: If a word has no tilde at all, but ends in a vowel (a, e, i, o & u) or n or s, then the syllable before last is the sílaba tónica. e.g. libro, madre, mesa, familia Rule 3: Again if a word has no tilde at all, but ends in a consonant except n or s, then the final syllable is the sílaba tónica. e.g. español, vivir, hablar, hospital Even this 14 syllable word follows the sílaba tónica rules!!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious !!

Try these tongue twisters!

Perejil comí, perejil cené, y de tanto comer perejil me emperejilé.

El que sabe no es el que todo lo sabe, sino el que sabe donde está lo que no sabe.

Erre con erre, guitarra, erre con erre, barril, qué rápido ruedan las ruedas del ferrocarril.

- ¿Parará, papá, parará?

- Parará. Pepín, parará - tres tristes tigres and something to sing along with Malú y Bisbal – Doy la vida

Just in case you missed it – here’s a recap of the key sounds: • A sounds like the A in Apple – always, every time you see it • E sounds like the E in Egg - always, every time you see it • I sounds like the I in Igloo - always, every time you see it • O sounds like the O in Orange - always, every time you see it • U sounds like the OO in sOOn - always, every time you see it • Most of the consonants are pronounced more or less as in English (at least in some part of the Spanish speaking world) so here’s a recap of the exceptions: • G – there is a soft G & a hard G sound, just as there is in English – the hard G is the same as in English, the soft is more like a H sound – or that throat growl GGHH if you can manage it & look – the rules are the same as in English – so just say it instinctively!

• • • • •

GAvel hard GAto GEntle soft GEnial GIrate soft GIrar GOne hard GOta GUitar hard GUitarra

• H – is silent – always – no matter where it is in the word, it’s silent – so Hotel is ‘otel’, & alcohol is alco-ol • J – that shouldn’t be too hard for us living in Jávea! The J makes the same sound as a soft G – so a H or GGHH sound if you can manage it.

• Ñ – not to be confused with N – that squiggle on the top makes a huge difference – it’s a different letter called ‘enyeh’ & makes a ‘NYE’ sound.

• QU makes the K sound – not kw – so queso (cheese) is keso – not kweso • And all the rest are pretty much the same as in English!

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Meet Tim Hardy Meet him at the Javea Players’ Studio Theatre one evening between Monday March 24 and Friday March 28.

After a very successful tour of the States, sold out runs at the Brighton and Edinburgh Festivals and a successful UK tour, Tim is bringing his one man show, ‘The Trials of Galileo’ to Spain for a five night only run at this small, very cosy, theatre in Javea.

Tim Hardy is a highly acclaimed actor and director and a teacher of dramatic art of international repute.

With a London County Council scholarship he won a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. In 1994 he became a faculty member of RADA and is now a member of the Academy’s admission panel.

His work for RADA includes being a director of its summer course, an introduction course and a showcase for graduates.

Tim is a director of the twice-yearly ten-week course at the New York University which gives young American actors the opportunity to experience major theatrical disciplines.

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He created the three month course, ‘Theatre Appreciation’ for the Syracuse University, London. In Spain he is holding a one-day theatre workshop for Javea Players members Tim’s work for the Royal Shakespeare Company includes Marat/Sade directed by Peter Brook which following its run at the Aldwych Theatre played Broadway for six months and won the 1966 Tony Award for Best Play. It was then made into a Pinewood film London stage performances include Hotspur in Henry IV and Dauphin in Henry V opposite Tim Dalton at the Roundhouse Theatre; Rupert in Melon opposite Alan Bates at the Haymarket; the Spartan Leader in Lysistrata directed by Sir Peter Hall at the Old Vic, Wyndhams and the Harod Atticus Theatre, Athens; Alan in Mary Barnes opposite Simon Callow at the Royal Court and Vladmir in Waiting for Godot at the Tricycle Theatre.

In addition to narrating well over three hundred documentaries for television Tim has played the title role in the BBC’s production of Galileo; Jesus in Son of Man for American television; the young John Rampayne in The Trial of Sir John Rampayne opposite Sir Ian McKellen; the doctor in The Wife of Bath opposite Julie Walters; Arthur Taylor in Oscar opposite Sir Michael Gambon; David Manners in East Enders; leading roles in Midsomer Murders and Casualty 1909; Ross in Macbeth.

Tim’s film credits include Captain Corelli’s Mandolin; The Duellist; Nothing But the Best and Marat/Sade.

The Trials of Galileo was specially written for Tim Hardy by the award winning writer, Nic Young. One critic described Tim’s performance as Galileo phenomenal,passionate, intelligent, hilarious,chilling.

It plays the Javea Players’ Studio Theatre ( in the street behind Bookworld for just five nights, Monday March 24 to Friday March 28.

Curtain-up 8pm. Tickets are priced at 12 euros and are available on 96 579 4937 and from boxofficejp@gmail.com Pre-theatre dinner can be enjoyed at the La Cocina restaurant, two-courses are priced at 15 euros & three courses at 19 euros, both include a half-bottle of wine. Ring 96 579 5140 to book...

More follows on pages 32 & 33.

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One Man and His Telescope

He is brilliantly portrayed by the highly acclaimed British actor, Tim Hardy and recounts for us not only the trial for which he is serving sentence but the trials of his long conflict with Galileo, who you are invited to share an the Catholic Church and with himself that he evening with at the Javea Players’ Studio has endured since he started exploring the Theatre between Monday March 24 and Universe through his telescope.

Friday March 28, not only invented the telescope, he was in love with it. A love which He is angry that in spite of recanting he is under house arrest, angry with himself for almost cost him his life. misjudging the forces that were against him, Within a few years of taking up his first lec- yet, at times feisty, at times sardonic, at times tureship at the University of Pisa at the age of even hilarious. twenty-five, Galileo had earned a reputation throughout Europe as a brilliant scientist and Tim Hardy’s phenomenal performance makes a superb lecturer. He soon became rec- our audience with this complex, mesmerizognized as the father of experimental ing, hospitable old genius thrilling and very physics and enjoyed the utmost respect from entertaining theatre. A theatrical experience the scientific and intellectual community of not to be missed.

Europe for some twenty years.

‘The Trials of Galileo’, written by Nic Young Then, at the age of forty-five, he invented the and performed by Tim Hardy, plays the Javea Players’ Studio Theatre (in the street behind telescope. He was overjoyed.

Bookworld) from Monday March 24 to Friday Through his invention he became the first ob- March 28. Curtain-up 8pm. Tickets are priced server of marvels kept hidden in obscurity for at 12 euros and are available on 96 579 4937 and from boxofficejp@gmail.com all previous centuries.

He gave his infinite thanks to God. His contemporaries were at first indifferent, for the most part steadfastly refusing to cast even a glance through the instrument.

When Galileo claimed his observations proved the Copernicus theory that the Earth revolves around the sun, indifference gave way to hostility and the Catholic Church added condemnation.

Condemnation that was to lead to his trial for heresy, to escape the rack by the skin of his teeth and be condemned until his death in 1642 to house arrest.

It is under house arrest in his small farmhouse in Arcetri that we find Galileo on the Javea Players’ stage.

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Spectrum FM The Gentle Giant!

Spectrum FM may be Spain´s largest English speaking radio station but it doesn´t stop it being your local community radio station.

Spectrum FM has coverage all along the coast from North of Gandia on the Costa Blanca, right down to the Costa del Sol (plus the islands of Mallorca and Tenerife!), however their extensive network is split into 6 individual areas, each having their own shows and advertising areas.

Each area also offers its own support for local charities, it is rare to find a month when Spectrum FM isn´t helping out with local charities in your area helping to raise literally tens of thousands of Euro each year.

This Spring with help from the RTN, Spectrum FM has charity events already planned for February, March and June and are actively seeking charity events to support in April and May.

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If you are involved with a charity or have an idea for a charity event then let Spectrum FM help you, we can help publicize your event, also help with P.A. equipment, hosts, DJ´s whatever it is, if we can help we will and the best part; as your local community radio station we´ll offer whatever we can totally for FREE! Email your ideas to costablanca@spectrumfm.net and let´s see how we can all help our community!?

Spectrum FM has been broadcasting to the ex-pat community in Spain for over 15 years.

Their professional line up of presenters have vast experience in radio broadcasting, the current lineup includes; Tim Smith, Mark Dennison, Nic Foster and Mark Goodier, all who have worked at the very highest level of UK radio broadcasting in their impressive careers!

Then of course the music - the policy is simple; Spectrum FM play ´The Music You Love´ whether you are 16 or 60 plus, the carefully selected playlists appeals to a huge age span.

Whether it´s a track from ´yesteryear´ to now, if it puts a smile on listeners faces or brings back fond memories it makes the play lists!

Spectrum FM also never forgets the importance of local, national and international news and information, of course with the help of the RTN! Feel free to send your requests, comments or charity information to costablanca@ spectrumfm.net Dont miss the all new service that everyone is talking about – Welcome to Spectrum FM. John Migan ..and listen in on 90.2FM or online www.spectrumfm.net

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Featured Outfits from the Cancer Care Boutique in Jรกvea Park

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Most items are between 5 and 15 Euros from the Cancer Care Boutique in Jรกvea Park

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Day Wear, Accessories and Evening Dresses from the Cancer Care Boutique in Jรกvea Park

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The Boutique specialises in “labelled” items. Try before you buy AND support Cancer Care

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APASA celebrated San Antonio with the traditional blessing of the dogs in the shelter in January, and many visitors also came along with their dogs to be blessed.

The new padre of Javea, Don Julian Puras, came to bless the animals and being young and modern, read the blessing from his iphone!

Everyone who came enjoyed a rachlette of cheese, sausages done on a barbecue, and homemade cakes. A good time was had by all and we were very lucky with the weather as it rained in the evening.

Apasa is celebrating their 15th birthday this year and to mark the occasion are having an evening at el Canor on the 7th June with dinner and dancing.

Once again, everyone at APASA wishes to say thank you to our supporters, volunteers and all the ladies that give their time to help in the APASA charity shop.

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Asociaci贸n Protectora de Animales de San Antonio A.P.A.S.A. Cif: G-53334454 Reg. No. 6692 Cami de les Sorts s/n, Perrera Municipal de Javea Apartado de Correos 577, 03730 Javea (Alicante) Tel: 807 429 454 / 966 463 976 www.apasa.eu / email: apasa.javea@gmail.com Sabadell / CAM, Calle Pla 55, 03730 Javea IBAN / BIC: ES 2600811045900001042507 / BSAB ESBB

BUDDY, male, Shelter since 24.02.2013 - Crossbreed, DOB 24.02.2013, 58 cm Our new darling Buddy was tied to our gate during our working time. He is a tall, nice boy who likes all dogs and all the people working here. He likes to play and to run about but he is clever enough to stop everything as soon as he is fed up. He would be a good companion for a family without or even with children. Buddy is a very sympathetic dog, easy going and he will love you forever if you give him a chance to be your best friend.

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ELTON, male, Shelter since 29.04.2013 Hound Mix. DOB 15.09.2012 – 49 cm He was found on the street together with his buddy Enzo. He is a typical hunting dog, very lively.

He has a friendly nature but if his food is concerned, he gets very protective. Elton likes to run a lot, he cannot stop playing and he would be grateful to be taken out for long walks. This is a rather easy going dog with a lesser pronounced character that likes to do his job, i.e. to nose around all day.

PUNA; female, Shelter since 14.12.2012 Podenco, DOB 15.12.2010– 51 cm Puna and her companion another podenco were “lost” in the field. She is still young, very lively and energetic and she has a pretty face.

Puna is one of the podencos which is not as social as others, she knows people and she likes to have attention and cuddles but only after she has got acquainted with someone. And she still has to learn a lot. She would the ideal “second dog” for a family with a garden in which she could run about and play.

SHANA, female, shelter since 12.05.2013 Shapei, DOB 15.09.2012 – 38 cm She was thrown over the fence of our shelter.

The poor dog had a short cord around her neck and she was scared and shivering all over. But this lasted only one day and now she is the funny, lively dog that likes to play, to run, to jump and to be in the centre of the attention of the whole world that she might have been before.

You will soon fall in love with her if you have an addiction to this breed. Shana is ready for adoption. She is waiting for a nice family who would give her a lot of training – which is required – lots of exercise but most importantly lots of attention and love as well.

Apasa was founded 15 yrs ago by a group of Spanish, English and Germans. It started from humble beginnings: a few concrete kennels and no fencing, but over the years it has grown so much and we now have upwards of 200 dogs, we also have quarantine kennels for when new or sick dogs are bought in. We work with the town hall and the police in collecting dogs that have been lost or abandoned. We need the support of our members and all the fundraising events to keep us going.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

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Please send your pics and news to the editor@grapevinespain.com

The animal blessing on the Walk of La Grava. The parish priest of Our Lady of Loreto, Vicente Mañó, blessing pets and owners

Out & About in and Around Jávea

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2013 = A BUMPER YEAR FOR DONATIONS! The Original Charity Shop and Library, Javea, donated an amazing â‚Ź64,589 This brilliant amount has been made possible due to clients, hardworking voluntary staff and donors.

Of course, not forgetting local businesses. Every year, they very kindly donate to the Christmas Raffle which then provides presents ( for 75 children) and equipment to the Raquel Paya School in Denia.

They pride themselves on helping as many worthy causes as they possibly can. The following list shows where funds went last year.

If you wish to help any of these good causes directly, please ask for details.

The Original Charity Shop & Library * Javea, Alicante * Spain Charity Shop: Tel * 0034 96 646 0803 Library: Tel * 0034 653 630 413 info@CharityShopLibrary.com

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Thank you - The Original Charity Shop and Library, Javea for the great work you do Here are a few highlights from your website

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Jana Petken - Secrets Revealed?

Many of you will know local Author Jana Petken, whose first book “Guardian of Secrets” was published last year to critical acclaim. We thought it might be fun to ask Jana to tell us a little about her life before she came to back to live in Spain - and to share one of her own “secrets” with us...

I love Spain. It is my adopted country but has never held me completely. My adventurous nature has not diminished, it is simply on hold, as I recover from yet another operation on my Spinal cord.

“A bodyguard! You don’t look like a bodyguard.” People exclaim every time I tell them I was one.

Well, it’s like this. Sometimes a path in life opens up and you step onto it, allowing yourself to travel to a destiny you never thought possible. My journey into this field of work came upon me quite suddenly and quite by accident and changed my life forever.

I told my parents, yet again, that I wanted to leave Spain and find a future elsewhere. Spain (and Denia, in particular), has always been and will always be home, but it has never held me permanently.

I packed my bags and left for London.

The year was 1991, during the first Gulf War. I worked 12 hour nightshifts at the, BBC World Service, radio station in a building called, Bush House. We were at war and my job was to protect an Iraqi Journalist who was famous and infamous in his own country, making him a target for different political factions who disagreed with his political nightly rhetoric on air.

From 7pm until 7am, I sat just outside his recording studio and half the time, wondered what the hell I would do if terrorists, Iraqi, Sadam Hussein supporters, or just a good old fashioned mentally disturbed person should actually make an attempt on his life. I had no firearm, no baton, handcuffs, or any other weapon... oh I lie, I did have pepper spray in my bag. The nights were long and boring, except when he took his breaks and we crossed over to The Strand Hotel before the bar closed at midnight.

One night I walked back inside Bush House with him, after having a cup of tea across the road and unbeknown to me at the time, was spotted by a man who worked for a Saudi Arabian Prince. I was in the private security firm’s uniform and must have looked as though I knew what I was doing and of course, I did.

Two nights later I was approached by this man who was waiting on the steps of Bush House at 7pm.

He quickly told me that he was looking for a bodyguard for a top tier, Saudi Princess, asked me if I was interested in having an interview, and left me with his business card.

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I allowed two days to go by before phoning the number. I then arranged to meet the man at the Sheraton hotel in Knightsbridge the following afternoon. The interview went well, I thought. He said he was interviewing all week and would let me know. These interviews were being conducted on behalf of the princess and the only candidates were former Military Police personnel, which I was, policewomen, and Special Branch officers.

A week went by and I got the call. The job was mine if I wanted it but I had to start straight away. By this time the first Gulf war was coming to a close and I told the man who had interviewed me that him I could start within a week. I said goodbye to my Iraqi journalist, handed in my notice and flew to Cannes to meet the Princess, where I would hopefully pass a couple of final field tests.

Day one - Checked into the Cannes, Ritz Hotel and was given a suite of rooms all to myself and as much room service as I wanted. I was picked up in a Mercedes early in the evening and was driven to the private motor boat, which actually looked more like a small ship with four decks. I was then met by the man who had interviewed me. “You are going shopping with the Princess. Do not call her: Your Highness, call her ma’am. Do not look as though she is important and you are a bodyguard.

Make it look as though you and she are friends but where she goes you go and that includes the bathroom.”

I met the princess, her English was pretty good and her first words to me were, “You are very thin.”

We set off shopping to Dior, Versace, and every other designer shop you can think of. In the second shop she wanted to try on a dress. I saw a door and led her towards it, thinking it was a dressing room. I opened the door and just as she walked in behind me, switched on the light, only to find that I had taken her into a rather large broom closet...First disaster.

Later, in a tea room, she introduced me to another Princess, who was married to her husband’s brother. They spoke together in Arabic and I sat and did the body-guarding stuff, which entailed looking around me, keeping my eyes on the two women’s handbags, worth more than I made in a month, and generally making sure that no one came too close.

Disaster, number two - A man approached the table where we sat and where I had eaten all three cakes ordered; you see it was the, done thing to order the cakes, but not to actually eat them. Their figures were most important to these Saudi women who are naturally big hipped anyway. It was, I learned later, my job not to embarrass the waiting staff by leaving uneaten cakes on the table and I was therefore expected to scoff the lot, and the Princesses would not take no for an answer amidst my protestations.

Now back to the man. He came closer and closer to the table and I swear I thought he was going to do a runner with one of the handbags. I stood up and when he got to within touching distance of one of the princess’s, I put my hand on his shoulder and told him in my toughest voice: “To back off.” The princesses looked at me in dismay. They were not amused. The man continued to stare at them and then back to me: “This is our cousin,” my princess told me. Go, wait in the car.”

It was a terrible first day on the job. That night after I had gone to dinner with the Prince, Princess and their rather large entourage, the man who had interviewed me came back to the hotel with me. He gave me a beautiful string of pearls and earrings; a gift from the princess. She had told him I wasn’t suitable but, now here’s the funny thing. The other princess, the sister in law, was newly married, naive, and had hardly ever travelled. Everything frightened her; crossing the road, crowded places, western life in general. She asked for me, told me I had made her laugh, asked me to work for her, travel with her, and everything was signed and sealed within two days. I spent the next twelve years with her and had one adventure after another, good times and very bad times, but will leave these stories for another day.

By the way, I learned over the years that the original princess, the one I was supposed to work for in the beginning, had no sense of humour at all, in fact she was unlikable in so many ways that I thank God to this day, I shoved her into that broom closet!

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Javea Residents Asked to Help With Ambulance Appeal !

The Red Cross needs the help of the community to raise the money for a much-needed ambulance.

The Red Cross Organisation is free to everybody and helps anyone regardless of race, creed, colour or financial situation - they are there for you in a crisis but they now need YOUR urgent help to maintain these vital services to a high standard.

They need to have 4 ambulances for the Javea community and surrounding areas to provide this service and operate 24 hours a day 365 days per year but unfortunately three of their ambulances are past their best and must be retired this year. This will leave them exposed with only one ambulance to service the community. This will affect all of us in Javea and therefore we are asking everyone to help.

There are many private ambulance organisations (require a yearly subscription) and this may make some Javea residents feel that their needs are provided for. However the reality is that if they fall ill in a restaurant or collapse on the street then it´s highly likely that it will be the Red Cross who will attend and not their private ambulance.

According to the latest statistics, there are 37,000 on the Padron of Javea. If each person gave 2€ Javea would have a new ambulance but nothing is that simple!

Ambulancia Para Javea is a new idea by a Javea Resident Sandy Tsalikidis who hopes that the Javea community will all help to try and raise the money. She is asking for fund raising events to be held throughout the year with a possible special Ambulance Awareness Week.

The idea is for a “Wear Red” campaign and community based projects being held locally and it would be great if businesses, restaurants, schools, clubs and residents did at least one thing to raise money for the appeal and for Javea residents to give something back to their community and help to fund a new ambulance at a cost of 64,000€ Together we can make a difference!

Anyone who would like to help support this worthy cause can contact Sandy on 626 681 720 or email ambulanciaparajavea@live.com or Facebook Ambulancia Javea.

Update for our ex-Pat British Readers Expatriate VOTERS and Marginal Seats in the UK A Correspondent [Anita Rieu-Sicart] has been studying the distribution of marginal seats prior to next year’s general election.

The list (compiled from a BBC listing and her own researches) follows.

As UK law stands at present, expatriates who have been non-resident in the UK for less than 15 years can vote in the home based constituency where they last lived. Many fail to register this right. If they did they could have a marked effect on the outcome of the next election.

Some MPs and their Parties seem to assume that most expatriates would vote Conservative and you get the feeling that these parties do not encourage any moves to get more expatriates to register. This attitude is quite mistaken.

The leading light to get the 15 year limit removed is 93 year old Harry Shindler – a life long supporter of the Labour Party.

The Conservative Party on the whole are trying hard to get expatriates to register their right to vote. They sense an undercurrent of complacency. They also are probably mistaken.

There again, there is the feeling amongst expatriates that they do not want to vote for an MP of an existing constituency, but that they want to be Represented by an MP who is directly interested in their lives – as in the

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French system where Députés directly represent the expatriates.

If that idea appeals to you, then you should sign up to this petition. http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/55085

It is very unfortunate if the overseas electorate is only considered by any political party as ‘voting fodder’ to obtain or maintain the power of a particular political party.

But if they thought differently what then?

If such thoughts can make each party realise that the overseas citizens have needs which the UK Government should address, that they deserve the same attention and respect as citizens resident in the UK – then something will have been achieved.

Till now the UK citizen abroad has been considered something of a second class person. If all parties - as the election date draws near - can get themselves to change this attitude then they might just win the votes of the overseas electorate.

There are 91 constituencies which could change hands, or be confirmed, by expat voters from all over the world. The U.K. Constituencies and their sitting MPs can be studied here; http://www.parliament.uk/mpslords-and-offices/mps/ If you would like to find out more on this issue that affects all British expats, regardless of your political position, then please contact Brian Cave - lefourquet@gmail.com www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com http://pensionersdebout.blogspot.com To register your Vote please visit http://www.metoo.info/

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Mar i Vent Bar 路 Caf茅 Calle Andres Lambert, 5 bajo, 03730 Javea 665 10 90 78 https://www.facebook.com/ MariVentXabia

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Photos from the Opening night in February 2014

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The New UK TV Satellite Update Our feature from Jon Worby

After months of waiting speculation and guessing about the new UK TV Astra 2E satellite, we now know what its reception is like and what the required satellite dish sizes are for the area.

On the morning of the 6th February, the BBC channels moved from their temporary satellite to the new Astra 2E satellite. And on Tuesday 11th February the ITVs and Channel 4 channels also made the move.

This new satellite has been a hot topic of conversation for many expats, and has been often been quoted as having a beam that would severely restrict the signals from reaching Spain. Some scaremongering rumours, usually from people wanting to sell internet TV solutions, have gone as far as saying this will leave expats in Spain without any UK TV at all. For our area, this has simply not been the case.

In fact the Costa Blanca area now has one of the best satellite signals in Spain, and has not really been affected by this so called “big UK TV switch off in Spain”.

So what does this mean and what is reception like for the Javea area?

People with 90x100cm (so called 1m) satellite dishes may find they have lost some BBC channels.

After visiting a number of these dishes in the Javea area in the last few days, I have found that these dishes are now operating on the very limit of reception for these new satellite signals. In some cases a small realignment has brought the channels back, but with no margin in heavy cloud or rain or “dish wobble” due to winds.

A 100x110cm or 125x135cm satellite dish offers much better and stable reception.

People using the larger 1.8m / 1.9m or 2.4m dishes should have notice no change at all. If you are using one of these dishes, and are losing BBC channels, then it will usually mean your dish is not correctly aligned.

IF you think you require your satellite dish to be realigned, or you think you may need a larger dish, to continue to watch the BBC and ITV channels, subscription free on satellite TV, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

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There have been some more benefits as a result of these satellite changes.

One of these benefits is that correct default transponder frequency of 11778 that a Sky digibox uses during its boot up process is now available 24 hours a day, since it has now moved to a beam that is easier to receive than before.

This means that you should no longer have to change the default transponder frequency from 11778 to another frequency to help your Sky digibox download the channel list when it is first powered on.

Note that changing default transponder frequency does not help restore lost channels, or have any effect with channels pixelating.

Jon Worby - The Sat and PC Guy www.satandpcguy.com - our main website with information about UK TV in Spain www.satandpcguy.com/blog - the latest satellite TV news for the Costa Blanca and Spain email: info@satandpcguy.com telephone: 962819796 / 620130292 www.facebook.com/satandpcguy

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Easy

computer-talk

by

JPG

Finalizing with the list of Android’s versions, on this post we are going to talk a little about their last (so far) operating system for mobile devices: the 4.4 version named KitKat. To start, we must point out that those expecting extensive visual alterations in this version will be a little disappointed as to the untrained eye there’s very little difference between 4.4 and 4.3.

Apart from the removal of the black background on the notification bar and that the static icons are white, not many other visual changes, at first look. This is not a big change in the grand scheme of things, but it is change nevertheless.

The application dock at the bottom of the screen now feels less like a walled-off part of the home screen and more inclusive, all thanks to the simple fact that the horizontal line which cut it off in 4.3 has been removed.

Another change is the slow but sure transition from the blue text introduced in Android 3.0 to predominantly white lettering.

Android feels warmer, friendly and less ‘nerdy’ as a result – very much like Apple’s revised iOS 7, in fact.

One of Google’s key objectives with Android 4.4 was to make an OS that would run on devices with little amount of RAM, and now Android can finally claim the same responsiveness as Apple’s iOS, with navigation and movement between applications being fast and largely delay-

free. Of course, there are moments when things do become a little rough, hardly a shock when you consider how much Android is doing behind the scenes, but these are less common than they were in former releases.

Regarding the messaging service Google has taken the rather extreme step of sacrificing the default Android messaging app and totally replacing it with their own application, Hangouts.

This makes sense on one level.

Conversations over SMS and IM are both found in the same app, but it does cause some issues. Even though you can tie a contact to a phone number and a Google account, Hangouts keeps them separate should you be involved in both a text and online conversation with that particular person.

Although the Android 4.4 phone app might seem the same, there are changes happening here too. Firstly, the new menu system helpfully highlights your three mostcontacted people, complete with a photo for quick reference. Secondly, Android 4.4 will use online records to tell you who is calling.

So, if you get an unscheduled phone call from a retailer trying to get business out of you, you can decline the call before it even begins. This is one of those improvements, which seems minor at first, but could be a massive help.

Not a great deal has changed in Android 4.4 when it comes to taking photos and recording videos, which is actually a bad thing, I guess they’ll improve this point at later releases (4.4.1 is nearly ready to be released).

The fact that very little has changed in Android 4.4 over 4.3 isn’t a sign that Google is getting lazy, but instead illustrates just how good they have designed and accomplished Android. And how mature it is right now. After years of flux and one or two failed experiments (the Honeycomb release mentioned on our previous post, for example), Google’s mobile operating system has finally found its feet, and looks and performs better than ever.

In fact, there’s an excellent case, as

per several paralleling tests have shown already, for this being the best mobile OS on the market right now. Android offers power, flexibility, customisation, economy and much more besides.

Version 4.4 may not have the headlinegrabbing upgrades that previous iterations have boasted, but that matters little, because what we have here is a world-leading platform, and the intelligent tweaks performed by Google prove that the company has finally gotten the hang of creating a good OS and evolving it, rather than unnecessarily tearing up the rulebook with each update.

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Also, please visit our new Facebook page, where we will try to keep you all posted on latest news about computers and the world around them. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ValenciaJavea/JPG-Asistencia/121514197877746 you will find a link to the Grapevine’s website too, where you’ll be able connect to the latest edition for online reading.

Back to work till the next post! Until then, keep clicking!!

Please find our contact details on our Please find our contact details below; in case advert in this edition; in case you have any you have any questions or queries, we can questions or queries, we can assure a quick assure a quick and professional reply. and professional reply. grapevine@jpg-asistencia.com If these queries are of general benefit, we www.jpg-asistencia.com will post the reply on further editions of the Tel. : +34 644 46 41 49 Grapevine so they can be for everybody’s The JPG team benefit.

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Compiled by Christine Betterton - Jones

Follow Agenda 21 on agenda21-xabia.wikidot.com Xàbia’s municipal bus service extended The bus service between the old town and Toscamar is to be expanded to incorporate two new stops in the Carretera Cabo de la Nao (also known as Avenida del Pla) to offer a better service through the Arenal area of town. Councillor Tere Bisquert (Transportation) explained that a small loop will be included in the ‘Pueblo-Toscamar’ route to serve residents in the Javea Park, L’Arenal, Plaza and Urbatenis urbanisations amongst others. For full story see: Javeamigos Do your Town hall admin in the Tourism Offices Xàbia Town Council has signed an agreement with the European Foundation for the Information Society , whereby in each of the three Tourist Information offices and the Citizens Advice Office (OAC) will have computer terminals from which most processes with the administration can be carried out . . “It will be a very useful resource especially for those who have secondary homes in Xàbia . Since at weekends the municipal offices are closed, citizens will now be able to process transactions through the tourist offices which are open 363 days a year,” commented Cesc Camprubi the councilor for New Technologies. It will also be useful “for those who go to the OAC and wish to avoid queuing,” added the mayor. Camprubi mentioned that Xàbia along with the city of Valencia , will be pioneers in the Province of Valencia with this electronic equipment enabling access for all registration services , the machine also scans and prints documents. From Mayor Chulvi Facebook.

Over 5000 demonstrate against oil exploration Over 5000 people gathered in Castellon on Saturday to demonstrate against the proposed exploration for oil in the Gulf of Valencia. The crowd was notable by its diversity, including fishermen’s associations and environmentalists (rarely seen together); politicians from all parties in the regional government, tourist sector businesses, municipalities of diffierent political colours ( including the ruling PP), universities and the general public. The demonstration coincided with those in the Balearics. Jose Ortega, secretary of the organizing committee and legal expert on coastal issues said that the oil exploration company Cairn’s environmental impact report is based on theoretical studies which cannot be verified and that the noise of the air guns used to search for oil fields will not

only impinge on the wildlife which passes under the survey vessels boats, but affect the seabed elsewhere, including the Columbrete marine reserve.

From [* http://www.lasprovincias.es/v/20140223/comunitat/pescadores-ecologistas-partidos-empresarios-20140223.html Las provincias - Pescadores…]

Pavements at Avda Libertad (the Arenal) to be repaired This week, work will begin to repair the pavements of Avenida Libertad in the Arenal. This is the section in front of the building housing perfume, shoe and veg shops, which is currently in the worst state of repair. The old pavement will be pulled up and replaced with paving stones and curbstones. Amjasa will take the opportunity of this work to change an old section of pipe. This work is scheduled to begin this week and continue for 2 or 3 weeks. The budget for this repair to be executed by a local company is 25,000 euros. From XAD: Obras...

Marina Alta flatly rejects oil exploration project Town halls from across the Marina Alta have rejected the environment impact statement for the proposed exploration for oil in the Gluf of Valencia. Xàbia has joined voices with Denia, Ondara, Teulada, Benissa, la Xara and Jesus Pobre. In addition Cedma - a business federation which represents some 1300 businesses accross the Marina Alta has lodged a petition with the EU parliament asking for the administrative procedures for the project approval to be suspended and oblioge the company to seek the approval of the EU. From: Las provincias....La Comarca...

Denia promotes value of its marine environment Deciding that the best way to protect a marine ecosystem is to make it well known, Denia Town Hall together with the departments of fisheries and the environment is launching a series of initiatives to publicise the richness of Denia’s marine environment.

There will be a brochure, showing the species of whale, dolphin and sea turtle most commonly seen around here, and asking the public to get involved in reporting sightings of these creatures; interested people can also sign up to be marine environmental volunteers, learning about the different sea animals

and birds, and different fishing methods used, their instruction including guided trips out to sea. They are also setting up a whale and bird-watching observatory near the resuarant Mena at la Rotas. From Las provincias: Denia Pone en Valor....

Iberdrola to cut investment in Spain in wake of energy sector reforms The chairman of Spanish power utility Iberdrola, Ignacio Sánchez Galán, on Wednesday lashed out at the government’s energy policy and announced that his company “will make a testimonial reduction in its investments in Spain in the period 2014-2013” and not invest any more in developing its domestic renewables business, at least until 2016. Galán said during the three-year period Iberdrola plans to invest 9.6 billion euros, but will concentrate its efforts on Britain, the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Investment in Spain will be reduced to 15 percent of the total. “Iberdrola feels more British, Mexican and American than Spanish,” he said. from El País in English Letting polluters off the hook Potentially contaminating businesses had to take out insurance to cover cleanup costs, but a new reform will let 98 percent of firms opt out They called it “green insurance,” and it was one of the most ambitious environmental laws passed by the previous Socialist administration. In 2007, tens of thousands of potentially contaminating businesses were forced to take out guarantees to cover the cleanup costs of any accident that might result from their activities.

Essentially, it was about putting into practice the “polluter pays” principle…The fact is, the 2007 legislation was so ambitious that the financial guarantees were never effectively implemented, bogged down as they were by regulatory development…

Environment Ministry claims that it has exempted businesses “with a low potential for generating environmental damage and with a low accident rate.” and …nearly 315,000 companies have been left out of the green insurance requirement . From El Pais in English Xàbia opens up tenders for beach services 2014 The town hall has opened up the beach service contracts to tender for the period 2014-2017. Services include the hiring out of loungers and umbrellas on the beaches, the beach bars (one less than last year), canoes and pedaloes - and a new feature… flyboards. For full details of the tender prices see: Tenders for beach services 2014

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Report reviews impact of oil and gas drilling activities on EU fisheries According to report by Dr David Green and Dr Cristina Gomez of the University of Aberdeen’s Institute for Coastal Science and Management (AICSM) we currently do not know enough about the spread and persistence of oil pollution and chemicals in the environment or on fisheries and we need to know more about where the oil ends up, how toxic it is, and how long it will affect different fish species. Indeed it could remain in the ecosystem much longer than we think, in the food chain, and we need to know more. There are still many gaps in the scientific understanding that require more funding and more studies.” Dr Green added: “The impact of any major incident goes beyond the environmental fallout. After the Braer tanker spill off Shetland in 1993, there was a direct and sustained negative effect on local fisheries. “In many European countries—such as Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands (and to a lesser extent the UK)—where fish consumption is high—there is growing concern about what impact oil and gas drilling may have on the fisheries resource—not to mention the effects on tourism and the economies of these areas.” From: Dailyfusion The full report can be found at: The Impact of oil and gas drilling activities on EU Fisheries.

If you are serving, have served or are the dependant or carer of someone who has served in the UK’s Armed Forces, then you may be eligible for help.

The Royal British Legion can offer financial aid in an urgent crisis, help homeless ex-Service people get back on their feet, advise on compensation claims, offer careers advice for those looking to make a fresh start after leaving the Forces, arrange home or hospital visits and much more.

Please contact our District Welfare Officer on 676 451 780 to see if she can help you. Or if you would like to help others please visit here

The Royal British Legion Javea - BR 3457 Meets every 2nd and 4th Tues in Scallops Restaurant, Arenal, Jávea at 11 a.m.

Chairman Mr Roger Dawes Secretary Mrs Jacky Cleary

64 | The Grapevine Issue 168 2014

Bringing Business Together in and around Jávea and Denia www.mabusinessclub.com & www.mabc.biz Dear Gaile, So when will the meetings be in 2014?

Our next meeting in March will be held at Mar i Vent in the Port. Please check the website www.mabc.biz to check dates and locations.

What is the newest website that the Club sponsors?

The most recent website that we have started is all about Spain, it includes articles from over twenty writers who write about Spain, from Spain. “Writers in Spain” www. writersinspain.com and the 65 plus articles includes several from local Jávea Authors. We have featured one of our writers in the magazine this month - Jana Petken.

Can more than one business in a particular genre join?

Yes - we follow the Chamber of Commerce Template - so we do not limit the number of businesses from any sector.

How do the Magazine and the Club’s aims coexist?

Both are concerned with promoting Jávea, its people and its businesses in a positive way - to encourage economic growth in order to benefit all its citizens.

Can anyone come to the Business Dinners?

You are welcome to attend with a current member as their guest, you are also welcome to contact me using the details below and we can arrange for you to attend - to try the Club out.

How do we know that you understand about business What have you done in the past that will help us now?

Please visit www.gaile.biz to read more about me To join or to visit and try out the club contact Gaile on manager@mabc.biz 966 461 913.

The Grapevine Issue 168 2014| 65 |

966 461 913 & 681 001 300 www.mabusinessclub.com manager@mabc.biz www.mabc.biz

Bringing Business Together in Spain

Marina Alta Business Club

Sarah Farrell is a journalist and managing director of the online travel guide www.mydestination.com/alicante

Your Health

66 | The Grapevine Issue 168 2014

Food for a Healthy Heart

General dietary advice for reducing heart disease risk includes eating a balanced diet with less saturated fat from red meat; more fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber, and fish; less sugar and sodium, and for many people, fewer total calories.

Changing your diet is a great start. You can upgrade your diet even more by adding more of these heart-healthy foods: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart by reducing both inflammation and the risk of blood clots. These fats also work to keep your cholesterol levels healthy. Eat salmon or other oily ocean fish like tuna, sardines or herring at least two times per week. For a heart-healthy meal, try grilled salmon steaks with a green vegetable and a side salad with a sprinkling of lemon juice instead of high-calorie salad dressing.

Olive oil reduces your risk of heart disease by lowering your LDL cholesterol levels and it’s an essential component of a Mediterranean diet.

Choose olive oil for cooking, or make a nice dip for whole grain bread by pouring a bit of olive oil in a small bowl and add a bit of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of oregano.

Oats contain a soluble fiber called beta glucan that helps reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber also helps keep your digestive system healthy. Enjoy oatmeal with just a small amount of brown sugar and plenty of strawberries and walnuts for breakfast. Cold cereals made with oats are also good for you.

Apples contain a phytochemical called quercetin which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and may help prevent blood clots as well. Apples contain vitamins and fiber, come in several

delicious varieties and are portable. Eat an apple with a handful of walnuts or almonds as a healthy snack or add apple slices to your salads.

Almonds and other nuts contain healthy oils, vitamin E and other substances that will help keep cholesterol levels in check. Almonds are also a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds make a great snack on their own, or sprinkle slivered almonds on green beans or asparagus with lemon juice as a deliciously healthy side dish.

Red wine contains polyphenols that may be good for your heart. Be sure to enjoy red wine in moderation. Studies show that only four to eight ounces of red wine per day is all you need - and dealcoholized wine is good for you too.

Whole grains provide vitamins and fiber that will help to keep your heart healthy. Make a sandwich with two slices of 100-percent whole grain bread, three ounces of lean turkey breast, lots of sliced tomatoes and avocado, plus lettuce and a bit of mustard. Switch from white pasta to whole grain pasta.

Green leafy vegetables contain folate, which helps to keep homocysteine levels down, and vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables have also been associated with better retention of memory as age. Try using fresh spinach leaves or other greens for your favorite salad instead of iceberg lettuce.

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and lycopene, which has been associated with a reduced heart disease risk. Add thick slices of tomatoes to sandwiches and salads or enjoy tomato sauce on whole wheat pasta. In fact, cooked tomato sauce and canned tomato sauce that you buy in the store both contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes.

Soy protein may prevent heart attacks and it makes an excellent protein substitute for red meat, which will reduce your saturated fat intake.

Add tofu to your favorite stir fry or pour soy milk on your morning cereal.

by Shereen Jegtvig, MS.

The Grapevine Issue 168 2014| 67 |

Save thousands against used car showooms SANDYCOASTAL is a specialist used car dealer based in Jávea on the Costa Blanca, Spain.

We offer a first class service and highly competitive pricing on all our second hand cars, vans and motorcycles.

SANDYCOASTAL also buys used cars for cash, or trade your second hand vehicle in part exchange. With 25 years main dealer experience behind us, you can be confident you’re talking to the professionals.

Call Gary 0034 622431788 OR VISIT SANDYCOASTAL.COM

68 | The Grapevine Issue 168 2014

Spain +34 68 864 0092 (Glenn Tullett) glenn@infinityinternational.co.uk www.infinityinternational.co.uk Regulation - Infinity International is registered by the Financial Services Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 for the provision of payment services.

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, Buzón: 37, 03730, Jávea, Espana t: + 34 966 460625 m: + 34 606 0061241 e: info@jacksonsadministradoressl.es w: www.jacksonsadministradoressl.es

Our firm reference number (FRN) is 67835.

Jacksons Administradores S.L. CIF: B-54485834 Administradores: F.A.L. Parkinson

Infinity International is also registered with HM Revenue and Customs as a money Services business. Our registration number is 12273818. As a Money Services Business we follow a strict code which incorporates all the requirements of the 2007 Money Laundering Regulations and other legislation. You can look us up on the HMRC website https://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/msbregister/checkTerms.do

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The Grapevine Issue 168 2014| 69 |

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES - IT HELPS EVERYONE Sensible comments and updating of information etc. are always very welcome at : gastro@campobello-javea.es © 2013 J.G. DEACON BOOKING: Good restaurants are busy; best to book.

Prices are only a rough guide. * = A MICHELIN STAR “f.” means when closed (fermé) tlj (tous les jours) = 7/7 = everyday

The PARADOR OF JÁVEA

ENGLISH SUNDAY ROAST ENJOY A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH SUNDAY ROAST OVERLOOKING THE BAY OF JÁVEA EVERY SUNDAY AT 13:30h The menu consist of two different roasts, roast & mashed potatoes, a selection of vegetables, “gravy” (& apple sauce) and includes a ½ bottle of wine, water, dessert and coffee or tea < €25 >.

THURSDAY : MARCH 6th ENGLISH TEA - JÁVEA PARADOR We celebrate that these superb teas have become such a popular and well established feature of Jávea life and if you haven’t yet been – don’t hesitate ! The hotel offers perfectly made tea (incl. Earl Grey) as well as cucumber sandwiches, delicious scones (with clotted cream and red jam) and carrot & walnut cake and a glass of Cava to finish. A delight. Yes, readers .... this is a triumph and all for €11. Because the teas have been so successful it remains essential to book [96 579 0200]. Make up a small group - and book early.

List of newly starred Michelin restaurants in Spain and Portugal http://ph.celebrity. yahoo.com/news/list-newly-starred-michelinrestaurants-spain-portugal-115156483.html?. tsrc=mtk VERY TOP OF THE CLASS - for all true Gastronauts !

JÁVEA : Restaurante BONAMB November 2013 saw this superb Dutchowned restaurant the proud winner of a Michelin star. BRAVO ! But have you been yet ?

Situated on the Tarraula roundabout at the end of Cabanes and the beginning of the Benitachell/ Golf Club Road BonAmb offers a sophisticated and comfortable interior and beautifully laid out gardens and terraces and truly the best cuisine in Jávea. This award confirms that this most important gastronomic investment in Jávea has been recognised by the professionals and – as we have said before - really puts Jávea “on the gastro-map” completing the triangle of worldclass restaurants formed by Quique Dacosta (Denia) and Casa Pepa (Ondara).In October, after their 28-year old chef Alberto Ferruz had received the honourable invitation to attend ‘Millesime Madrid’, we wrote, confidently: “We have little doubt that a Michelin award cannot be far away?”

Reports from serious gastronauts are consistently full of praise. Look out for their Azpilicueta (Rioja), Crianza 2009 – a delight. We suggest that you telephone for details of menus. Booking strongly recommended. The menu-del-día is €24 - Aperitif BonAmb/ two starters/ 4 main courses/ 2-3 desserts + one beverage or glass of red or white house wine). DINNER : The 7-course dinner is €49.50 and the 9-course dinner is €70. f.Sunday p.m & Monday.Tel : 96 508 4440 / E-mail: Reservations reservas@bonamb.com / Website: http://bonamb.com/index.html

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JÁVEA’s TOP MENUS DEL DÍA [ between €14 - €20 : full details in text ] Many restaurants are now producing menus-del-día of such outstanding quality that we thought it best to recognise their achievement in listing them here.

Fuller details in the main text.

Amarre 152 - Masena - El Rancho - Parador (€33) - Piri-Piri - La Plaza Los Remos - La Renda - Sofia’s (Thurs. only) - Tosca - THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE MOVIES are on Tues., Wed., Thurs. and Friday and the special dinner menu offer at La Renda continues.

JÁVEA : CINEMA JAYAN - special offer (dinner + cinema ticket on Tues - Wed - Thurs – Friday at 18:45h for only €14) : The excellent Restaurante LA RENDA is right beside the Cinema Jayan and offers a pre-performance menu del día including your cinema ticket for €14 (which means a meal will cost you €8 !). This beautifully appointed restaurant offers some some serious, adventurous and very creative cuisine. To take up this offer you must book. Tel: 96 579.3763 / f. Monday / E-mail: larenda.javea@gmail.com To find out what film is showing, go to : http://www. cinejayan.com/ click “English version”.

IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN (from €35+ per head)

Restaurant ATALAYA : On the right side of Jávea’s Arenal beach. This restaurant serves creative dishes of superb quality. Previously held to account for appalling muzak, we learn that this is now less of a problem so we are pleased to acknowledge their excellent culinary skills with the proviso that we hope that common sense has now prevailed and that clients are now spared the (previous) infernal noise !

Tel: 96 628.9666 / f. / Web: http://atalayajavea.com/ Restaurante LA BOHÈME (Jávea, Arenal beach front) : This restaurant is now the best of the best of French styled restarants on the Arenal beach front (Los Remos de la Nao, La Perla & Atalaya are the others). Fine tapas, superb steaks. Menu del dia €15.95. Consistently excellent reports throughout the summer but comments reveal this is an expensive place (revealed, perhaps, by the excellent refurbishment). Parador end of Arenal promenade.

Tel : 96 579.1600 / open daily. / http://www. javeacompany.com/javeacompany/boheme/index. html

Restaurante LE GOURMAND : Carretera Jesús Pobre 202. It is over a year since Le Gourmand moved to their new premises and have very clearly, and widely, established themselves in the affections of the community as one of the very best restaurants in the area. We have organised two group lunches there – a success with everyone ! Away from the beach, they are flourishing and are admired amongst serious eaters. Booking essential ! For summer there is a large (muzak-free) covered area in the garden. Beware - occasional jazz evenings. Menudel-día €17.

Tel: 96 628.9686 / f. Monday / E-mail : legourmand. javea@gmail.com Restaurante MASENA (Jávea) : Go to the end of Cami Cabanes road (behind Barclays) and immediately left onto the Benitachell (Golf Club) road.

Beautifully appointed Belgian-owned restaurant with a stylish air of quasi-Mexican decoration. Menu del dia €17 (but not Sundays). Good meat a speciality, notably Châteaubriand and steak cooked on hot stone. They are always busy so must book! Muzak always turned down on request.

Tel : 96 579.3764 / f. Tues Web : http://www.restaurantcostablanca.com/ restaurantes/Alicante/Javea-Xabia/Masena/

Sister restaurant to Masena (above) :MASENA at <VALL de CAVALL> (Gata) : Their sister restaurant is situate in beautiful open countryside, with spectacular mountain views, attached to the riding centre; off the N332 outside Gata. Heading southwards out of Gata, close to the northern entrance to the gorge, take the last turn, where the buildings end, down to the left. Also with pool. Menu del dia €17 (but not Sundays).

Tel : 96 505.8475 / f. Mon http://vall-de-cavall.com/ seitespa.htm (click on gastronomia) Restaurante LA PLAZA No.6 : (in the “triangular square” (sic) opp. Humpty Dumpty). All-yearround successful and delightful German-owned establishment offering excellent international cuisine (which can even include an excellent Wiener schnitzel !). A favourite with residents and in tranquil surroundings. Menu del dia €12 (midday) & €19.50 evenings. Kitchen open till 23:30h. Beware : live music one evening a week (Thurs).

Tel: 96 646 2314 /f. Monday / / www.laplaza6.com / E-mail: oliver@laplaza6.net Restaurante (Hotel) EL RODAT (Jávea) : We have heard that this superb restaurant has been closed.

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Spanish & international cuisine. What is remarkable is the pricing structure of €16 (two courses) or €19 (three courses) making the whole experience, in terms of quality/price, “top of the class” ! The wine Continued... list is fascinating and very honestly priced; it is also a Restaurante SOFIA’S : Avda. del Pla 20, Jávea. challege but do not be intimidated as you will receive Really delicious and excellently prepared food. good advice if needed ! Quality wines also available Muzak now tamed ! The Menu-del-día is one of by the glass. Open evenings ……. *** ….. BUT the best, cost/quality, that we know (currently Euros they have announced that .. “We are now open 14.50h with a glass of wine - but available Thursday for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:30h lunch only). High standards pervade all their dishes until 15:00h offering a fixed price menu for €15.95 and the restaurant is beautifully appointed. Easy alongside our usual menu. We have put together a parking. Tel: 96 646.2903 / Open 19:00 - 22:30h / f. set lunch menu and to enable us to monitor numbers we would appreciate it if you could make a reservation Sun/Mon www.sofiasrestaurantspain.com if you decide to come along”. Please e-mail them

Restaurante (Hotel) LA SORT : Avda.Madrid 1, for details in advance of your visit. Better ask to go Moraira : Excellent “gastro-menu”. Muzak was on their mailing list. Tel: 96 579.5140 (f. Sunday & turned off on request. Tel : 96 649.1161 / daily Monday) / Web: www.lacocinajavea.com / E-mail : info@lacocinajavea.com TO BE NOTED : This http://www.lasort-restaurante.com/index-engl.htm restaurant offers many of its main courses deepRestaurante TOSCA (Arenal beach, on the frozen at about €5 each to be taken home. We’ve bridge overlooking the creek and close to Jávea had several so far – marvellous – often essential Parador); Creative cooking. Approx. €35.00. when you don’t feel like cooking !

Excellent Menu-del-día €17.90. Muzak here TAPAS – JÁVEA OLD TOWN can be irritating (they say they play it to cover the noise from the kitchen !). BYO is a good idea but CASA MIA (old town Jávea behind the old church in “corkage” is charged at an outrageous €9 !! Tel : 96 the corner - used to be “Patissería Diego”). Beautiful 579.3145 / f. Monday midday / Web: http://www. interior – modern and old. Run by a young man buscorestaurantes.com/restaurante/Restaurante- from Dénia, Jonatan (a guitar musician) & his Cuban partner, Liuva (former ballerina). Good sandwiches Tosca-105829-0.html / salads / tapas – and cakes from Patissería Diego. Lovely, quiet location & friendly service.

EXCELLENT (c. €25-30 per head) Most Saturdays live flamenco & singing. Great Restaurante CALIMA (Jávea port, Avda. de la atmosphere. On music nights: special tapas menus Marina Española - pedestrianized seafront). Next - reservation necessary. Tel: 670 539 806 / info@ www.casamiaxabia.com to Piri-Piri and recently refurbished. Imaginative casamiaxabia.com

and sometimes rewardingly experimental. Beware : jazz on Thurs. Menu del dia €11.95 (Mon-Sat) but IBERIA GASTRO BAR, C/ de San Buenaventura Sun. €13. Tel : 96 579 4821 / open daily. Email: 9 (off town hall square, Jávea). Tapas of a very restaurantecalima@gmail.com www.restaurante- high quality indeed (chef did a stretch at the Savoy, London). Portions designed for two so choice of calima.com 3 tapii makes a meal ! Try their “Other tortilla” for Restaurante CHEZ ANGEL (Jávea Arenal - close a delicious surprise. Good reports continue to be to Humpty Dumpty on right after Arenal traffic received. Cost 20-30€ per person. English spoken. lights). Brasserie style. Excellent meat - absolutely Muzak inside is variable but controlled. Tel: 96 599 the best Châteaubriand in the area (with Masena at 6716 / E-mail: www.iberiagastrobar.com / info@ No. 2 !). Wonderful Cous-Cous. Serves copious iberiagastrojavea.com Open Mon-Sat 13:30–15:30h & 19:30–22:30h (Sat. to 23:00h) vegetables. Menus del dia c.€16.00 & €25.00.

Tel : 96 579.2723 / f. Tues [ no web site found ] Restaurante NESFOR : Cta. Cabo de la Nao-Pla Restaurante LA COCINA : leaving Jávea port 25. Re-opened by the same family after 14 years, towards the old town - on the corner of the last of this restaurant has immediately impressed. A lunch row of shops before petrol station. This restaurant visit (we ate à la carte) proved excellent. New is acclaimed all over the Jávea community. The parking area at the back. Tel: 96 646 3872 / E-mail: food is truly excellent, well presented and served reservas@restaurantenesfor.com / Web : www. restaurantenesfor.com with charm and showing flair. Adventurous regional

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Restaurante LA PERLA de JÁVEA (Arenal beach front, right hand side). Menu-del-día €14. Some very good reports have been reaching us. Tel : 96 647 0772 / open daily / Web : www.laperladejavea.com

Restaurante EL RANCHO : Cta. Cabo de la Nao (between the German clinic & Saladar Supermarket). A young British couple (Simon & Danielle) have taken over El Rancho and, with their French chef, have re-established this landmark restaurant on the gastro-circuit of Jávea. Well appointed and in delightful surroundings the kitchen team has settled down well and the food can again be taken seriously ! Sunday lunch recommended.

Reports are good to excellent. Menu-del-día (€13.95 & €22). We think you need to book ! Good parking either side of main road. Tel: 96 577.1126 / f. Sunday p.m. & Monday. E-mail: elranchojavea@hotmail. com / Web : (under construction)

Restaurante LOS REMOS de la NÃO (Jávea, Arenal beach front) : French owned and was probably the best of all the Arenal beach restaurants. There are now reports of improved standards. Lies at the extreme right hand end of the bay on the edge of the large car park overlooking the beach. Fish a speciality. Great views. Menu del día €15 (Sunday €20). Best to book. Tel : 96 647.0776 / f. Tues. www. losremoslanao.com Restaurante LA RENDA : Cristo del Mar, Jávea Port, right beside the Cinema Jayan. Beautifully appointed restaurant with some serious, adventurous and very creative cuisine - we even found sweetbreads on the menu. Menu del día €12.50. Live music on Friday.

Muzak turned off on request. Tel: 96 579.3763 / E-mail: larenda.javea@gmail.com www.larenda.es N.B. This restaurant offers a bargain pre-cinema special menu from 18:45h (Tues-Fri) at €14 which includes your cinema ticket !

Restaurante AZORIN : Jávea Port (in street behind Napoli). Superb fish (especially sole) /chicken & chips. Menu del dia €9. Kids love it. Tel : 96 579.4495 / f. Sat.

Restaurante BACCHUS (Jávea) : Wonderful quality, Swiss owned. Cook your own (superb) steak on stone. Pinosol-Cansalades road. Must book. Menus-del-día from €15 (W/ends €18). Tel : 96 647.3096 / f. Mon. / http://www.infocostablanca. com/bacchus/first%20en.htm Restaurante L’ÉCHALOTTE : Jávea Costa Nova, beside the tennis club just before the La Guardia cross roads. International cuisine of excellent quality with covered terrace behind. Good parking.

Tel: 96 647.3364 / [ no web site ] Restaurante EL GAUCHO (formerly Las Brisias on the Jesús Pobre road). This re-opened restaurant has gained many plaudits under the management of the excellent Pizzeria Pepa (at Arenal) and offers an especially worthwhile restaurant for the residents of Montgó. Superb meat is their speciality. Best to book. Tel: 96 646.1338 / www.pizzeriapepa.com

Restaurante LUNGO MARE (Jávea, Arenal beach front) : Italian restaurant - beware large portions (some can be shared !) and, also, muzak can be bad ! Often fairly full so best to try to book. In spite of hot competition next door recent reports have not been as good as previously ! Tel : 96 647.1196 / open daily http://www.verema.com/restaurantes/46085-lungomare-javea

Restaurante MEZQUIDA : Main road from Jávea old town towards Arenal, on right side, just before the SuperCor/Iceland roundabout but after Sol-Mar offices. Good ambience/very popular Spanish ‘family’ restaurant. Serves the best Arroz negro (a delicious rice and squid dish) that we know of. Superb meat.

Spotless & mostly muzak-free. Delightfully large and musak-free terrace. Menu-del-día €16. Tel : 96 579.3620 / open daily / E-mail: rtemezquidaxabia@ hotmail.com http://www.restaurantemezquida.com/

Restaurante MINTT RUSTICA (Jávea - Cami Cabanes). Take road to right of Barclays, right at roundabout; it’s along on the left after the first burmp. Formerly La Rustica and now under new management. One good report has reached us.

Tel : 96 577.0855 / Open 7/7.

FAMILY RESTAURANTS / GOOD & RELIABLE (Euros 20 - 35 per head)

Restaurante AUSTRIACO has been sold and a new Italian restaurant has taken its place - see under LA TAGLIATELLA.

AUSTRIACO Bakery (Jávea; Arenal beach front).

This excellent bakery continues to offer their superb bread/croissants & gâteaux from 07:00h daily. (also served at their café. Tel : 96 647.1004 / open daily / (Another source of very excellent bread is the Restaurante MONTGÓ : 2-3kms along Jávea expensively-priced Saladar Supermarket).

-Jesús Pobre road (on left, with large stone tablet

outside). Amazing choice/ value/ quantity/quality &

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Continued... well presented. Excellent fish ‘n’ chips (with Azorin in the puerto). Menu-del-día €11.50. We remind readers of the slightly more up-market ALMENDROS restaurant (slow service) on the opposite side of the road and for which there have, quite recently, been some good reports. Tel : 96 579.5020 / f. Thurs.

NEW ADDITION Restaurante / bar PERI-PERA : Jávea puerto (by the Dolphin roundabout; left on road to the Guardia).

Reports have reached us of two French chefs at work here producing excellent dishes. We will report later but comments will be appreciated. Tel: 96 579 1894 (ask for Tracy).

Restaurante PIRI-PIRI : Excellent/imaginative (copious) ‘tapas’. Widely praised and popular with residents. On the port’s pedestrianised seafront, leading from the bridge. Arrive early for lunch, but best to book. Excellent Menus-del-día €11.50 (w/ ends €14.50). Charming host & very professional one of our favourites. Tel : 96 579.4745 / barpiripiri@ hotmail.com f. Sun.pm & Mon (closed early New Year).

Restaurante PIZZERIA PEPA (Jávea: Arenal beach front, nr. middle). Spanish; excellent value, swift service. Pizza takeaway. VERY efficient, popular with good atmosphere; muzak low; must book ! Menu-del-día €16. The best quick-service “family” restaurant at the beach. But beware when ordering water : Bottle arrived at the table opened and was charged at €2.90 both of which are unacceptable. Tel : 96 579.2572 / open daily http://www.pizzeriapepa.com

Restaurante LA TAGLIATELLA : (Jávea, Arenal beach front) : Another elegant looking Italian restaurant, close to Lungo Mare, but with dark 19thC décor. Reports (4) have commented upon poor service and high prices. Tel: 96 647.2984 / www. latagliatella.es / 7/7 BREAKFASTS – COFFEE BARS & BAKERIES : BREAKFAST at Jávea’s Arenal beach : For those looking for a breakfast of some quality on the sea front – especially what is known as a “Full English” - we recommend the Champagne Bar and Black Beluga.

LE PARISIEN (Horno y pasteleria artesanal) : Next to Deutsche Bank (or opposite Humpty Dumpty) at Jávea’s Arenal: French coffee bar with superb bakery & patisserie – everything here is to be praised.

Stylish and clean and delicious snacks. Open 08:30h – 19:00h (Sundays till 14:00h). Tel : 96 579.1466 / www.elparisien.com EASTERN RESTAURANTS (Jávea) : INDIAN RESTAURANTS

Restaurante TAJ MAHAL (Indian) : The “top rank” Indian restaurant at Arenal beach, overlooking main car park. Lunch buffet €7.40. Tel : 96 647.1684 / open daily / http://www.javea247.co.uk/restaurants/ taj-mahal-indian-cuisine/ NEPALESE RESTAURANTS Being largely ignorant of Indian cuisine I have wondered why these next two restaurants are talked about over and above all other (Indian? style) restaurants and both are listed at Trip Advisor higher than the other Indian restaurants. We can only assume it must be the Nepalese influence ! Now there are 3 of them – so go and try them.

Restaurante BUDDHA PALACE : Arenal - opposite Banca March (newly opened). This was a most enjoyable experience ! Tel: 96 579 2894 / E-mail: buddhapalace1@gmail.com / Open: tlj Restaurante GURKHA PALACE : Avda. Jaime 1, No.8 in Jávea port. Fine food with good ambience.

Take away service. Menus del dia : €9.50 & €11.99 A la carte €20-30. Tel: 96 579. 3331 / f. Tues.midday.

Restaurante EVEREST SPICE (previously Riu Rau) (Costa Nova): Another Nepalese restaurant with charming décor; top of road up from Saladar to Costa Nova Panorama just after hairpin bend on the road towards La Guardia and Granadella (just after the closed kindergarten). Pleasant atmosphere.

One good report so far. Tel : 96 577.0230 / INDONESIAN TAPINDO (& “Take-Away”) : In the last row of shops on the right side as you leave Arenal shopping area towards Mercadona. Produces excellent Indonesian food (especially Bami Goreng & Nasi Goreng). All sorts of combinations can be served to take home although there are facilities for eating on their terrace.

Ideal for the hungry ! Tel: 96 646.4191 / f.Sun.

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CHINESE

almost all Spanish. They are often fully booked so you must go early (say 12:30h). Very good prices.

Restaurante < The WOK BUFFET > : Jávea, at Their fish menus consist of the catches of the day. the Barclays roundabout. Very good. Recently They are serving all day long (and even after the refurbished and now with an extensive choice of cinema). Tel: 96 579 2190 / open tlj : 7/7. shellfish included in their bargain price. Eat all you like for Euros 9.95 (special price for kids under 7). Restaurante SUR : ...at the beautiful Granadella Go early (12:30h for lunch, 19:30h for dinner) when creek (down off the Cabo de la Nao and the No.1 beach the huge spread is at its best. Attentive service. No of the Marina Alta); certainly the best fish restaurant muzak. A bit of a “canteen” ambience but a great in Jávea (they own their own boat!). Our absolute quality “fill-up” if you are hungry and feeding hordes favourite for fish and a beautiful location. Sensational of kids. Tel : 96 579.7016 / daily 12-24h. puds ! Highly rated in Spain’s Gastronomía Guide.

Best to book. Tel : 96 577.1612 / July/Aug daily 10Restaurante (the 5-star) BENI ASIA !! : On right side 23h / otherwise open lunch only (closed mid-Dec of the Cumbre del Sol road which leads off Benitachell end Feb). http://www.restaurantesur.com/ high street (left at traffic lights just after Mas-y-Mas).

This is regarded by very many (including your writer) AND ANOTHER EXCEPTIONAL (FISH) ITEM ! as the best Chinese restaurant in the whole area, Outside the Ermita supermarket (by the little church lead by the charming owner, Fan-Fan. Recent visiting on the Jesús Pobre road) at 10:00h on a Saturday residents of Singapore and Hong Kong have strongly morning is to be found an enterprising Dutchman confirmed this view. Peking Duck a speciality - of (Arjen) who is selling fresh martjes, smoked eel, rollcourse ! Every dish tastes different and the food is mops, smoked mackerel, buckling (a herring smoked free of MSG. Take a group of 6 people and order whole – as opposed to kippers which are smoked these dishes : 10, 24, 34, 51, 54, 70, 89, 99 & 121 flat), smoked trout and potted shrimps ……. AND and then tell us that wasn’t the best chinese meal of (only to order) fresh/frozen HERRINGS (mostly with the year ?? Tel: 96 649.4042 / fanfan@beniasia.com their roes – and at €1.25 each). When did you last enjoy a fresh herring ? Surely the most marvellous of Bar/Restaurante LAS OLAS : HAVE YOU EVER fishes ? Orders to : 667 997300 (every Sat. morning WONDERED ...... why there are always so many from 10:00h) or argentocorazon@gmail.com cars outside the Bar LAS OLAS (on the Cabo de la [ and inside this supermarket, at Xavi’s excellent meat Nao road, on the right, half way between Barclays counter, can be found the very best STILTON in the and the Ferreteria PLA48) ? Well, go discover it for whole area ].Arjen is in MORAIRA on Thursdays yourselves. Here is, indeed, a real surprise. A huge 10 - 14h at Tabaira – Palco. range of really good, copious tapas far cheaper than the Arenal beach front ! The size of the portions INCODNITO < Fish ‘n’ Chips > : Jávea, Arenal means this is perhaps 50% of the cost of the beach beach, on main car park. It is not usual for such establishments ? Be careful how much you order - an establishment to find its way onto this list but it has you may not be able to finish. Ideal for hungry kids proved to be very reliable with both fish and chips of ! Clean tables, good service, bi-lingual menu. TV excellent quality. Tel : 95 577.0068 / f. Sunday. inside but mostly quiet outside. Tel: 96 577.0175 FISH (from Euros 25.00 per head) :

Restaurante AMARRE 152 (Jávea) : literally “Mooring 152”, tranquil situation by the bobbing boats at the very head of the mooring creek that goes inland from the Parador. Menus del dia €18 & 20 (fish). Excellent for rice/ fish dishes. A recent visit showed them on top form. Tel : 96 579.0629 / f. Monday http://www.verema.com/ restaurantes/36008-amarre-152-xabia-javea Restaurante LA CANTINA DE JAVEA : Situated right in front of the fishing fleet of Jávea’s port (on the ground floor right around the back – left side - of the one storey building by the fishing boats). Clientele is

BOOKING: Good restaurants are busy; best to book. f. = fermé = Day closed (if known)

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES - IT HELPS EVERYONE NOISE ANNOYS : Your editor/complier interviewed. RTN headline on subject of noise (and most especially the scourge of muzak in restaurants and shops) : www.roundtownnews.com/ rtn-newsflash/item/44154-noise-annoys.html “Tranquillity lubricates the soul, muzak destroys it” (Spike Milligan) “Like a loathsome monster, muzak spreads its tentacles wider and wider” (John Humphrys, BBC Radio 4) Pipedown: Campaign for Freedom from Piped Music www.pipedown.info E &OE © 2014 J.G. DEACON

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Have you ever been to IKEA? You go to the nearest store, miles away, wander round picking up pretty things you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really need, find the checkouts, pay, figure out how to fit it all in the car, load up then drive it all back home. The next day you open the flatpack box and find a set of cryptic instructions, a bag

Putting it all together of screws and different sized bits of wood with holes in odd places only to find yourself at war with your own sanity. It is tedious at best and tantrum-inducing at worst - which is where we come in, we take the stress away completely! We buy, deliver and assemble IKEA furniture on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

For more information about easy flatpax visit www.easyflatpax.com or like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/easyflatpax 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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end up with the legs on the wrong way! Just ask for a quote, our assembly work is guaranteed for 2 years!

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If you are a British Citizen over 18 who has lived outside the UK for less than 15 years you are entitled to vote in the UK General Election Register by filling out the form here - Please print off, sign and date this form and return it to your local UK electoral registration officer. For the address of your local officer, visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and fill in the postcode of your last permanent UK residence www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com/reg_form.html

Tony and Corinne - www.signshopjavea.com

The Sign Shop, Jávea is next to Sparta Gym in the Arenal info@signshopjavea.com Telephone 96 579 0710

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JUAN LUIS MILLET SANCHO NOTARY AV. DEL PLÀ 130, C.C. ARENAL IV, PL. 1ª 03730 JÁVEA (ALICANTE) TEL. 96 646 33 53 – FAX 96 646 30 28 Winter Opening Times from October Mornings:

Monday to Friday from 9h a 14h Evenings:

Monday to Thursday 17h a 19h

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Antiques and Oddities Kris A recent conversation reminded me of an article my father wrote for an Antiques magazine in the nineties apart from the pictures being a little old - the content is still current, so thought I would share it

The blade should only be exposed for use - wall display sheathed to avoid offense and bad luck - Ed

The sinuous blade on display was definitely a Kris – the mystical and lethal, traditional weapon of the Malays. The stallholder in Needham Market issued a warning. “There are many copies and I can’t really tell, but I think it’s a good one”. ‘It’ was a beautiful example, in the sort of condition which told that it could have been a cosseted antique or a ceremonial wedding Kris preserved by a family proud of its tradition. The abundance of curios for sale from, and in South East Asia can be confusing. The casual buyer, seeing a poorly plated Kukri offered alongside a replica samurai sword, near a Bornean hilang or Malay kris might dismiss all, without further thought, daunted by the task of authentication.

Allegedly over a thousand years old, the Kris is supposed to have been the successor of daggers made from the bones of stingrays and it figures in stories of the Mahajapit Empire of the 13th century. It also appears in tales of the early Malaccan Sultanate, in particular the Hang Tuah legends, which feature acts of heroism and chivalry. Hang Tuah, the hero, was a bodyguard of the Sultan Mansur Shah who rewarded his bravery by presenting to him, the kris of a vanquished enemy. The name of the famed weapon was Tamin Sari. It is now the property of the Sultan of Perak.

A Kris is made in three parts. The blade, usually over twelve inches long, is wrought from iron. When red-hot, it is heated, beaten and drawn, then laminated with different iron ores often including meteoric metal, until the sinuous shape begins to form. It is filed and shaped into an uneven number of curves and small steps in the laminations serrate the edges.

Bone handled straight edged Kris (Early to mid 19th Century)

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The flat, usually given a ‘damascene type’ finish, is sharpened to warrant the description “sharp as a razor.” The modern welding, forging process, often includes pieces of hardened metal from vehicle parts – even bicycle chain – offering a superior alloy. However, the early iron from Persia, with meteorite additives, added mystery as well as strength.

Bent Garuda Handles - The traditional poisoned man in pain

Unusual blade with eleven twists as opposed to the conventional nine

Unlike most foreign daggers, the Malay hilt appears bent, to provide a four or five inch “pistol grip” facilitating its use as a thrusting weapon.

Balinese or other Indonesian hilts are usually straight. The woodcarving represents Hindu deities.

Local carvers work freehand on the hilt but the sheath, traditionally made from finely grained “ornamental wood”, is rarely carved. It will be polished and may be decorated with silver or ivory trim.

There are relatively recent examples of ivory hilt, sheath and trim but these are usually modern “bridegroom ornaments” and they probably became popular with Asian carvers, due to the increased availability of African ivory.

Amongst the historic weapons are regional variants where Arabic, Quranic quotations may be displayed on the blade. These were etched or engraved, then filled with silver. There is a smaller defensive kris, which has a curved (six inch), one-sided blade. Its name in Malay might remind you of the spurs of the fighting cocks – Lawi Ayam. It has been fascinating to meet a number of Malay ironsmiths in workshops as far apart as Trengannu and Brunei who still make a few ceremonial Kris for weddings and national display. All these craftsmen have a fund of ‘Kris’ stories, from those featuring the legendary Hang Tuah, to the more contemporary about ‘The Father of Malaysia’, Tungkhu Abdul Rahman. If you travel east, intent on buying in village markets, it would be worth learning some Malay language. Being able to discuss the history and mystery associated with the weapons will help your price and extend to you folklore, hospitality and, with luck, some of the mystery and fascination of the antique Kris. © Michael A W Griffin 1999

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Local Masonic Lodge Donates €1000 to The Alzheimer’s Day Center in Teulada On the 6th January, Laurence Baehr, the Master of Arenal Lodge No 65 in the Province of Valencia held a fundraiser in his home to support The Alzheimer’s Day Centre in Teulada.

Together with his wife, Shirley, who prepared all the catering, they started promoting this event in December 2013. They were overwhelmed by the support they received from Masons, friends and from Moraira Teulada U3A and had to turn people away once 70 tickets had been sold.

The Alzheimer Day Centre is well known to a lot of people who came to the party as one of their friends attends there, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a couple of years ago, and it is therefore very dear to their hearts. The Day Centre has been invaluable in looking after him twice a week.

Jazzify, the local trio, donated their services and everyone enjoyed their unique style of music together with non-stop hot and cold food being served and plenty to drink - the party was a great success. Local restaurateurs, Abi Satari from Sataris restaurant in Moraira and Vicky Sohail from L'echelote restaurant, Costa Nova, Javea, helped that night as sou chefs and waiters, together with other guests.

Jazzify: Rudy (guitar) Stella (vocals) Grahame (saxophone) Laurence and Shirley were met by the board of The Day Center this week when they came to present a donation for €1000, €500 raised from the party and matched by a further generous donation of €500 from the masons of Arenal Lodge. This money will go towards

The Grapevine Issue 168 2014| 81 |

essential building work and desperately needed furniture. Donations are the lifeline of The Day Centre, which needs money for day to day running costs.

Laurence and Shirley Baehr (center) with members of the Board.

At present 13 local patients attend the center, however it is not currently at its full capacity of 20 people. The patients are picked up in the morning from their homes, receive constant care at the center, consisting of 3 meals, drinks and snacks in between, exercise, physical and occupational therapy by licensed professionals, and above all, tender loving care. In the evening, they are returned to their own homes, fully bathed and cleaned, ready for bed.

It is a help to not only the patients but also their families, who are often hard pressed to look after their own relatives without professional help.

The Center is open Mondays through Saturdays, closed on Holidays For further information about the Teulada Moraira Center, please contact WILHELMINA HARDEE willyhardee@gmail.com (639 371 625) Arenal Lodge will be holding a Quiz supper on the 1st March to raise more funds; entry tickets are now available now from Bill Russell at billbrenda2@gmail.com and laurencebaehr@mac.com.

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Partners’ Newsletter Bringing you the news from our Official Partners across Spain

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT LIFE IN SPAIN? Our Partners

Follow “Brits Living in Spain” on Facebook, says British Embassy.

Unsure how to report a crime to the Spanish Policía Nacional in English? What are your healthcare rights? Know how to renew your passport or get one in an emergency? The answers to these and many other important issues can be found on the Brits Living in Spain Facebook page.

Since its launch in November, a massive 6000 people have already “liked” Brits Living in Spain on Facebook. The secret to its popularity is that it offers both factual information and a lively forum for sharing experiences and reliable information about life in Spain.

“Brilliant..keep up the good work.”

“Great page…excellent idea and comments for ex-pats here in Spain.”

“It’s an interesting way to get

in touch with other Brits in Spain – and the passport and legal info is good.”

These are just a few of the comments posted by followers and contributors to the page. Will Middleton, Consular Director for Spain, says, “We are really pleased with the response so far and with how British residents are sharing the information they find useful with others.”

“If you are not yet following us and want to benefit from independent advice and others‟ experiences, then please do search for Brits Living in Spain on Facebook and “like” our page.”

Brits Living in Spain is run and moderated by the British Consular network. It is a sister channel to the British Embassy‟s UKinSpain Facebook channel, which focuses on institutional and po-

litical information.

Residents who are Twitter fans and want to keep up with the latest news from the Consular network can also follow @BritsliveSpain , as well as the comments and thoughts of the British Ambassador on @SimonManleyFCO. How to: Go to www.facebook.com/ BritslivinginSpain and “like” us. If you don‟t already have an account you will be prompted to create one. If you are already on Facebook, then search for the “Brits living in Spain” Facebook page and once on it, click on “like”.

HEALTHCARE IN SPAIN UPDATES For more information on Living in Spain, see www.gov.uk/living-in -spain

Happy New Year 2014 from the Healthcare Team to all readers! This edition we would like to give you the latest updates on healthcare that have taken place these past few weeks.

care can pay a monthly fee to get cover. For further information, please see the Valencia Government website at: http:// www.gva.es/es/inicio/ procedimientos?id_proc=17044

The Convenio Especial is finally out in Valencia! This is the public health insurance scheme through which those who don„t have access to state-provided health-

You will need to apply in writing to the various regional offices stated in the link provided.

And if you can´t wait for the Partners Newsletter every quarter, we post regularly on the British Consulate´s Facebook (Brits living in Spain) and Twitter (@britslivespain) accounts. You can also follow our hashtag #healthcareinspain or if you have any questions about accessing healthcare in Spain, you can contact our team via our website www.healthcareinspain.eu

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AGE CONCERN ESPAÑA'S CASEWORK SERVICE MAKING WAVES Thanks to a donation from Seafarers UK, Age Concern España's Casework Service is helping seafarers in need and their families who live in Spain. The Casework Service provides information and support through a small, national team of volunteer Caseworkers. The service operates across the whole of Spain and is wholly dependent on public support.

The support from Seafarers UK, together with the Soldiers Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, enables Age Concern to run the Casework Service for people with military connections. Funding is currently being sought to cover the costs of maintaining the service for civilians.

Pat Neal, Casework Manager, who coordinates the service, is looking for people to join the Casework team so that the service can reach more people.

“Being a Caseworker does not involve a lot of time on a regular basis, but it does need commitment, an ability to listen, assess a person's circumstances without being judgemental and maintain confidentiality. Some of our clients need just a little bit of help to maintain their independence. Others need a lot of support from different agencies. The Caseworker is key to unlocking that support by providing an independent and unbiased assessment. We provide training and support and reimburse the travel costs for each casework visit, so that the caseworker is not out of pocket. Just one Casework visit can be the key to changing a person's life, by getting them the help they need.”

GET INVOLVED! The British Benevolent Fund of Madrid (BBF) is one of the oldest English speaking charities in Spain with records dating back to 1929. It works in conjunction with the British Consulates in Spain and other charitable organisations to provide financial support and other assistance to British nationals who find themselves in severe distress in Spain.

It matters not whether you live here or are just visiting. The committee, which meets once a month, will consider all cases on their individual merit. It is the

Can you help? Contact us on the Age Concern INFOLINE 902 00 38 38 or email casework@ageconcern-espana.org.

Age Concern España provides support and promotes the well being of the over 50s in Spain. Through our volunteers we provide a range of services to help with integration into Spanish life and to provide information, advice and support for common issues that affect the over 50s.

Visit the Age Concern España website www.acespana.org to find out more about our local Age Concern organisations and national services. charity of last resort and cases are referred to us when all other avenues of support have been exhausted, such as UK or Spanish social services, other local charities, family and friends.

Over the years The British Benevolent Fund has helped people suffering from Alzheimer's, mental health problems, cancer, learning disabilities, stroke and heart attack victims to name but a few. It has also helped many without any health issues who find themselves isolated and without support due to circumstances beyond their control. Our main base is in Madrid but assistance is provided to British people throughout Spain.

YOU TOLD US...

Many of the partners working across Spain gave their opinions in a recent survey carried out by the British Consulate in Alicante on behalf of the consular network in Spain.

The results highlighted the increasing complexity of cases and the growing demand from British residents in Spain for support .

The survey also showed that some organisations had difficulty in attracting new volunteers, particularly those who speak Spanish, but that half of the organisations questioned said that they have good links with the Spanish volunteer network, and organisations such as Caritas and Cruz Roja. Most organisations said that they would like to see the Consulate playing a continued role in facilitating inter-agency joint working, and for the Consulate to continue to raise awareness amongst the resident community, by providing briefings to cover healthcare, benefits and moving back to UK. Concerns for the future covered a lack of long-term social care and issues following hospital discharge as well as worry over cases becoming more complex and the impact this will have on local resources.

All organisations said that they had been asked by at least one British national for help and support in returning to the UK, and each charity said that they could provide emotional support whilst people made a decision about their future. We are now using the information you provided to help us see how we work with our partners in future, and how we can develop the information we provide to help you continue to provide excellent help and support to British nationals in Spain.

week to spare then please contact us at info@britishbenevolentfund.org or call +34 681 063 462.

If you wish to apply for help and can demonstrate that you have exhausted all other avenues of support then please check out our website for details of how to do so www.britishbenevolentfund.org.

The BBF is currently looking to increase the number of volunteers, so if you live in the Madrid area and have a few hours a

The information provided in this publication is given in good faith. At the time of publication, all efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate. The contributors of this document accept no liability for the content of this publication, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

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Avda Lepanto 2, Puerta Real E-30, Jávea Tel: 965 790 803 email info@javea-hamiltons.net THE PROACTIVE JÁVEA ESTATE AGENCY FOR SALES AND LONG TERM RENTALS. We speak English, Spanish, French, Dutch and German

BY SOLD

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DRYCLEAN • WASH • DRY • IRON Domestic & Commercial.

From 1 sheet to a 100 sheets or more!

Clothes, duvets, bed covers, blankets, pillows, cushions, cushion covers, sofa covers, sun loungers, curtains etc

Tel: 96 647 1594 info@lavanderiajavea.com

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VINTAGE GEMS 11. Get more protein into your children (without them knowing). Heat tinned spaghetti, hoops or baked beans in a saucepan. Beat an egg very well in a separate bowl. Add to saucepan off the heat, stirring rapidly. Also works with mashed potato.

2. To line drawers, use family heirlooms, lace and embroidered, tray cloths, pillowcases and table runners. Fold edges under to fit, don’t cut !

3. To clean glass on pictures and mirrors. Don’t spray direct onto glass as this can run down inside the frame. Spray onto kitchen roll first.

4. Buy a box of disposable latex gloves, useful for yucky jobs and opening jars.

5. If you want to drink a cup of soup quickly, stir until thickened and ‘cooked’ then add an ice cube to cool it down.

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Costa Blanca Astronomical Soc. Meets on first Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. in Montgó Visitors Centre in Dénia. For details and directions call Ed Morley on 96 574 4612 or cbastronomy@gmail.com Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir rehearse every Tuesday 7-9pm, at Bar Mediterraneo, Teulada. New members always welcome, no experience necessary. Come along and give us a try! Tel: Mike Evans 965744577 or go to our web site: www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com Crib Club every Thurs 8pm at Bombers Bar in the Port Costa Blanca Yachting Assoc.The CBYA welcomes all boat owners; We meet every week, please our for details & location of the meeting website www.cbya.org.

Local Club Directory Al-Anon Support Group The Al-Anon group for friends or relatives of alcoholics to share their experiences. No membership fee. 96 646 3689.

Arsenal Costa Blanca Supporters Club, meets every match day at Cheers Bar, Javea Port under the archway. All club matches are shown live. All made welcome, young or old. Any further information, e-mail, Bob at arsenalcostablanca@gmail.com ARNAAP - Association of Royal Navy, Army and Air Force Personnel. If you enjoy lunching in congenial company join us. It is not essential to be Ex-Service, just like minded. Call Susan 966 404650, shollister@hotmail.com Art Centre Association - Javea Subjects available are: Painting in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Pastel, Drawing, Mixed Media, Portraiture, Creative Textiles and Restoration of Porcelain. Join any time. Visit us, we can fax, E-mail or post info and map or more details tel: Lorely Griffiths, Javea 96 647 20 49. artcentrejavea@yahoo. com Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ArtJavea Art Clubs for Oils, Watercolurs, Pastels, Acrylic now meet in Javea at ArtyFacts, Denia, Cumbre del Sol & Benimeli.

Call Lesley Clark 96 579 4462 or email lesleyclarkjavea@ gmail.com

Expatriate Ostomates of Spain EOS Contact Cynthia on 96 646 0063.

Javea Book Circle We meet on alternate Tuesdays at 19.30 for 19.45 at the Centro Social, behind the Centro de Salud Contact Eleanor Joy on 96 647 2876 Javea Bridge Club Avd de Paris 2. www.javeabridgeclub.com or call Margaret on 96 579 3413.

Javea Computer Club (More than just Computers) www. javeacomputerclub.org JCC meets every Mon/Tues and Thurs morning from 09.30 until 12.30. (Check our Web Site for how to find us) Something of interest for everybody; whatever your ability or knowledge. We’ve been teaching beginners for over 25 years and cover - ‘connecting your PC to your TV’, ‘Smartphones’, ‘Apple devices’ (iPads, iPhones, Apple Macs), various ‘Special Interest Groups’...e.g. Video Editing, Genealogy (even Hand Made Cards). Pop in look around and ask for Morris.

Javea Grapevine Group interact with The Grapevine, its readers, contributors and friends on Facebook - add your photos, club and event news for the next issue, via the Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/JaveaGrapevine/ or through www.grapevinespain.com Javea Green Bowls Club - Inn on the Green - www. bowlinginspain.com/clubs/IndClubs/JaveaGreen.htm Javea International Civic Society Enquiries to Jeni Jackson Phillips 96 579 0470, 619 270 493.

Javea International Magic Club For more information please call - 627 046 897 or 96 579 2808.

Backgammon Club We meet on Mondays at the Grand Cafe residential Toscamar at 20.00. For more information please call Steve on 96 647 1708 or 635 377 335.

Javea International Tennis Club (JITC) is based at the idyllic setting of the La Sella Tennis Complex near Pedreguer on the Costa Blanca. www.javeatennis.net

Benitachell Christian Fellowship Sun. 11am in the Arts Museum Tel David Newman 650738638 Ray Davies 96 649 4036

Javea Netball Club Playing Wednesdays, 20.00 - 21.30 at L’Ancora Playa Tennis club. contact Anita on 96 647 2169 or 660 782 165.

Club Nautico, Javea Yacht Club www.cnjavea.net

Javea Public Lending Library Borrow books in English from Javea Public Lending Library, FREE! The English section is open every Tues and Sat morning 10.00 - 12.00. Javea Public Library, Calle Mayor 9, Javea Pueblo, old town. Contact Alma Dorndorf on 96 646 3262 or 636898162

Conservatives Abroad Jávea (JCA) website www. javeaconservatives.org meets socially 6 to 7 times a year contact secretary@javeaconservatives.org Crochet & Soft Yarn Club Meets fortnightly in a private house in Javea. Contact lesleyclarkjavea@gmail.com or phone 96 579 4462.

Costa Blanca Anglo Spanish Association Furthering knowledge & understanding of Spain; history, culture and institutions. New members welcome. Visit www.anglospanish.org or email secretary09@anglospanish.org

Javea School of Bridge and Social Club Edifico 80, Avenida Tamarits. Tel 96 649 1539.

Javea U3A - 1,155 members, new members always welcome. Anyone interested in joining can turn up at the monthly general meeting at the Parador Hotel at 10am on the last Wednesday of the month. www.u3ajavea.org

Jávea Welsh Society - meets in Jávea - for more info see our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pages/ Javea-Welsh-Society/553465378018197 Javea Whist Club meets every Monday and Thursday (7.45 for 8 p.m.) at L’Ancora Playa, Arenal to play progressive partner whist. All players welcome particularly at the Thursday session when the numbers are lower.

Labour International welcomes new supporters. Monthly meetings in Javea. Social events around the Costa Blanca. Contact Lorraine 679231412 or www.labintspain. org.uk Los Leones - Lions Club meets every second Tuesday of each month at 19:30 clock (only men) in our club rooms at the hotel “El RODAT” in Jávea (Urbanizaction “Tosalet”). At every 4th Thursday of the month will be held an event with ladies and guests each at 19:30 clock. http:// www.lionsjavea.com/ MABC - Marina Alta Business Club meets in in and around Jávea & Denia All nationalities welcome. Business Dinners conducted in English www.mabc.biz - Contact Gaile on 96 646 1913, email manager@mabc.biz MABS Cancer Support Group Jacqui 96 579 4083 or 686 305 006 Brenda 678 843 666 or for Valencia area Cynthia 652 835 063 Kirsten 646 865 308 Rian 619 876 062 www.mabscancersupport.org Montgó Vegetarians - delicious meals out in Javea and surrounding areas, special menus created just for us, all welcome don’t have to be veggie! https://www.facebook. com/montgovegetarians Montgó Residents´Association (APMJ) Asociación Propietarios Montgó Jávea - meets monthly throughout the year - multilingual local residents with homes along the slopes of the Montgó - includes access to Neighbourhood watch information http://www.montgoresidents.com/ Mujeres Emprendedoras De Jávea Javea Business Women - meets in Javea for lively business networking! www.facebook.com/Mujeres.Emprendedoras.de.Javea New Country Line Dancers - Jávea Classes: Intermediate - Wed 11.30 - 12.30 at L’Ancora, Beginners - Thurs 7.00 - 8.00 at the Dance Cafe Toscamar, Intermediate Thurs 8.00 - 9.30 at the Dance Cafe 96 647 0632 Patchwork/Quilters Group meet Wednesday 10.00 13.00 at the Centre Public Formacio e Persones Adultos in Javea, Calle Ramon Llido, Javea. Contact Debbie on 96 579 0086 Peña Javeamigos The international supporter’s club and now the primary source of info for CD Javea. For more details, see www.javeamigos.com Royal Air Force Association. The North Costa Blanca Branch meets at Los Arcos Restaurante, Pedreguer (N332, west side) on the second Monday of each month at 12:00 to 13:00, followed by lunch. We have nearly 140 members, who enjoy friendship, help and support with RAFA; and we always look for new members who have, or have not, served in the RAF. For more information, www.rafa-ncb.org or call 966 430 215 Royal Naval Association, Costa Blanca North - Regular events, monthly, including the annual and special Trafalgar Night event contact haydn.gunningham@gmail.com for more info

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Scottish Country Dancing To book and for Enquiries please call 96 645 6881.

Stamp Collectors /Philatelists /Postcards meets - 2nd & 4th Monday every month 10.00. For more details please call Derek Guyett on 96 579 5499 or Dave Anderson on 96 647 6034 Stress Busting Yoga Club in Javea Yoga for beginners.

We meet Tuesday at a house on the Jesus Pobre Road.

For more infomation call Maria Palomar on 96 646 0851.

Club de Tenis - includes a Veterans Team for the over 40s http://www.clubtenisjavea.com/clubtenisjavea/ Toscamar Tennis Friends - Join us for a friendly game of tennis on Mondays and Wednesdays 10.00 - 12.00 at Ciudad Toscamar, Javea. Just turn up or ring Christine on 96 649 3900 The Firs Nursery Mother & Toddler Group Every Monday from 14.00 - 15.30. Children aged from 18 months to school age. Call 96 647 2929 for more information.

The Javea Branch of the Royal British Legion meets every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at Scallops.

11.00am for coffee etc, before our meetings. You don’t have to have been in the services to join the Legion, anyone can join or come along. We have a great social programme thoughout the year, so come and join us, you will be most welcome. Chat to Pam and Roger.

The Javea Players produce 5 plays a year at Gata theatre and in their own Studio theatre. Cine evenings & socials.

New members welcome, contact Gerald on membership. jp@gmail.com or 96 647 2876 www.javeaplayers.com Taoist Tai Chi Society of Javea Beginners welcome anytime Mon and Wed 11.30 at Danza Ronda Sur (near paint shop in old town) Info 649 161 290.

UFO Discussion/Research Group Meets first Friday of every month at 10.00 for 10.30 in the Social Services Centre Javea. President, Jeanine El Khouri. 965795148 Christine Newton 618111376. ufojavea@gmail.com Facebook www.facebook.com/UFOandWorldMysteries Wall Hangings and Rug Making Club We meet every other Tuesday in Javea from 09.30 - 12.00. Contact Amanda on 639 987 301 or email amrug@telefonica.net Women in Business Club Monthly Business Meetings open to all members and non members, but you must be a WOMAN 3RD MONDAY OF THE MONTH JAVEA - L’Ancora Tennis Club from 2pm to 4pm Location: L’Ancora Tennis Club Xabia Rugby Club formally Javea Bulls. Our 1st Team plays rugby in the Valencia 2nd division with a multi cultural mix of players and a wide range of ages! We are proud of our Junior section which has continued to grow and is now producing some good players for the future. www.javearugbyclub.com

If you have changes to make, or have a club you would like to add to this list please email editor@grapevinespain.com or use the Contact Form on www.grapevinespain.com

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Badminton There are now two sessions for badminton – on Mondays from 10am-midday and on Thursday from 10am-midday.

Any U3A members interesting in finding out more should contact group Philip Gauron at badminton@u3ajavea.org.

Pilates The Beginners and Intermediate groups have proved very popular and are full. Any members who are interested in being part of a new beginners group with a minimum of 8 people should contact the group leader, Carol Pilgrim.

Book Club Javea U3A has more than 50 groups, but ideas for new ones are always welcome. Among those currently being considered are Floristry for Beginners. Karen Smith, a qualified florist, is interested in setting up a new group to teach the art. The workshop would be for 2 hours, 1 hour of demonstration, followed by 1 hour of practical. Fresh flowers will be supplied. For more information, contact Karen at flowersforyouspain@gmail.com.

Ladies that Lunch This new monthly group is a way of meeting people over lunch and a jolly good chin-wag. It is likely to be limited to 40 ladies, so if you are interested be quick and contact group leaders Sally Wells or Katrina Frost on ladies.that.lunch@ u3ajavea.org.

KARATE - For Grown-Ups! At The Gym Moraira Classes 2014 WATCH THIS SPACE! KARATE - For Grown-Ups! At The Gym Moraira

The group meets at 3pm on the third Monday of the month and the morning group at 10.30am on the first Tuesday, both at the Parador Hotel. If you are interested in joining either group, please contact Kay Thomas (morning group) on bookgroup@u3ajavea.org or Pru Hughes (afternoon group) on bookgroup.two@u3ajavea.org.

Cycling The wheels are truly turning for this relatively new group, but any Javea U3A members interested in joining enthusiastic riders “on the road” can contact group Philip Gauron at cycling@u3ajavea.org.

Dining Out Around 88 members have enjoyed recent eating out experiences locally with great service and high quality food. Membership is full, but to join the waiting list contact group leader Peter Speer at dining.out@u3ajavea.org.

Discussion If you would like to have a say, contact Gill Birch, group leader at depgroupcoord@u3ajavea.org.

Foodies Any Javea U3A members who would like to get a taste of what’s going on among Foodies can get in touch with group Gillian Breen at foodies@u3ajavea.org.

History By definition, everyone in the Jávea U3A is a member of the History Group so anyone is welcome to go along; there is no need to book. Contact group leader Travellers Tales Meetings are in the Javea Players’ Studio in the Old Town at 11 am for an 11.30 am start. Members are asked to contribute 1€ pp to cover the cost of room hire, which includes tea/ coffee and biscuits. New members always welcome! Just contact Angela Chantry at travellers.tales@u3ajavea.org Some of the smaller groups such as Backgammon, Bridge, Digital Photography, Poetry and Spanish, do need new members. Anyone interested in these groups should contact the group leader in the first instance.

* Javea U3A currently has 1,155 members, but new members are always welcome. Anyone interested in joining can contact the website or turn up at the monthly general meeting at the Parador Hotel at 10am on the last Wednesday of the month.

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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, and an ‘Antiques Road Show’ for charity each year. Membership is €5 per year from September to September.

Members are welcome to use the Art Centre as a meeting point.

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

There is easy parking and wheelchairs are welcome.

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 will be the 4th Art Association Lorely will be running. 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.

Subjects usually available are: - Painting in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Pastel, Drawing, Mixed Media, Portraiture, Creative Textiles, and Porcelain Restoration.

All of the subjects are available for absolute beginners or for those more advanced. Although the Art Centre is a non-profit association, there will be a flat charge of 20 Euros per 3-hour session, whatever the subject, this pays the teachers and covers the overheads. Also 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 will always welcome enthusiastic and experienced people to teach any existing or new subject. Those who would like to attend could add their names to the subject “Wish List” and in that way everyone can be tied in together. 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 ! !

In addition 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 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 E-mail or post you a map) or for more details please contact Chairwoman: Lorely Griffiths on Javea 966 47 20 49.

E-mail: artcentrejavea@yahoo.com

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Saturday March 1 (North) Gig Guide

ALFAZ/ALBIR: Bar Escandalo, N.332 – Live Rock & Blues Music. 23.00 BENIDORM: Vincents, Old Town – Karaoke Night. 21.00 CALPE: Bar Texas, N332. Entres Calpe North – Live Music with Robby Derringer. 19.00 DENIA: Steinways Jazz n Blues Bar – Live Music. 00.15 JALON: La Tortuga Bar/Rte, C/Iglesia – John Curtis. 21.30 JAVEA: Nostro Café/Bar/Rte./Lounge – Demi Victoria. 22.00 MORAIRA: Rte. Los Leones, Sol Park – Soul & Motown Disco.

20.00 Tropicana Bar, Paichi Centre – Karaoke with John John.

20.00 ORBA: Pasaje Bar/Rte. – Malcolm Adams. 21.00 PARCENT/TARBENA: Coll de Rates Rte. – Live Music. 13.30 TEULADA: L’Almacera Restaurant – Timewarp Duo (50’s & 60’s Show). 20.00

Sunday March 2 (North) Gig Guide

BENIDORM: Vincents, Old Town – Karaoke Night. 21.00 Jail Rock Music Bar - JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute).

21.15 Tower Lounge - JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute). 22.30 CALPE: Bar Texas, N332. Entres Calpe North – Live Music with Robby Derringer. 19.00 Bar Texas, N332. Entres Calpe North – Jam Session with Robby Derringer. 15.00 DENIA: Café Alter Ego, C/Loreto –Live Music. 19.00 Arena Bar, (near Port Hotel) – Colin Fraser Quintet.

15.30 JALON: Aleluya Bar – RIO Band. 19.30 JAVEA: L’Echalotte Rte., Costa Nova – Gill Henry. 13.00 Bar Quo Vadis – Back to Back Duo. 16.00 LLOSA de CAMACHO: Bar Emilio - Jam Session with The Soggy Bottom Band.

16.00 MORAIRA: Bar Ambiente, Moravit – Karaoke Night with Eleanor & Dougie Bar No Nonsense, (ctra. Moraira - Calpe) – Match Trio.

15.00 The Ivory, Moravit – Piano with Ian Henry. 13.30 Colby’s Bar, (ctra. Moraira - Calpe) – Jazz Manhatton.

13.00 Spencer’s Bar, Moravit – Karaoke Night with DJ Darrell.

21.00 Don Quijote Bar, Paichi Centre – Mr Pink. 22.00 Café Del Mar, Cala Andragó – Modern Jive & Ceroc Classes. 20.00 OLIVA: Magnum’s Bar – Celtic Knot. 15.00 PARCENT/TARBENA: Coll de Rates Rte – Live Music. 13.30

Monday March 3 (North) Gig Guide

BENIDORM: Vincents, Old Town – Karaoke Night. 21.00 Hotel Rio Park – Zodiac Duo. 20.30 Tropical Cabaret Bar – JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute).

21.00 Ambassador Hotel - JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute).

23.00 BENITACHELL: Rusty’s Rte. & Bar –Jools Cooper. 20.30 CALPE: El Bolero, Playa La Fossa – The Not Necessarily Folk Club. 20.00.

MORAIRA: Café Del Mar, Cala Andragó – The Brink Band Jam Session. 20.00

Tuesday March 4 (North) Gig Guide

BENIDORM: Vincents, Old Town – Karaoke Night. 21.00 Jail Rock Music Bar - JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute).

21.15 CALPE: Bar Texas, N332. Entres Calpe North – Live Music with Robby Derringer. 19.00 MORAIRA: Chino Shang Hai, (ctra. Moraira - Calpe) – Sharni. 20.30 PEDREGUER: Monroe’s Carvery – Limehouse Quartet. 20.30.

Wednesday March 5 (North) Gig Guide

BENIDORM: Vincents, Old Town – Karaoke Night. 21.00 Tropical Cabaret Bar – JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute).

21.00 Tower Lounge - JJ Jones. (Neil Diamond Tribute). 22.30 CALPE: Bar Texas, N332. Entres Calpe North – Live Music with Robby Derringer. 19.00 EL VERGER: Casa del Cultura – Jools Cooper & Friends Concert.

20.00 MORAIRA: Bar Ambiente, Moravit – Karaoke Night with Eleanor & Dougie

Thursday March 6 (North) Gig Guide

BENIDORM: Vincents, Old Town – Karaoke Night. 21.00 Hotel Rio Park – Zodiac Duo. 20.30 CALPE: Bar/Rte.El Bolero, Playa La Fossa - Hot Dogs Jazz Band Bar Texas, N332. Entres Calpe North – Karaoke Night. 19.00 JALON: La Tortuga Bar/Rte, C/Iglesia – Ceroc Dance Class. 20.00 JAVEA: Mintt, Cami Cabanas, 39 – The Jazz House Band. 20.00 MORAIRA: Katmandu Rte. – Bollywood Night for AKIRA – Chill Factor.

19.30 All the information in this gig list is compiled a week before publication date and was correct at time of North gigs email:etinspain@hotmail.com You can listen to Eric live on air every weekday from 2 o’clock until 5 pm playing the 50s to the present day, he has all also organised the Moraira music festival for the past 8 years. Pure Gold FM

www.profigura.com 96 579 5656

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THE MOST VARIED EXERCISE CLASS PROGRAMME IN JAVEA

Spinning Fitball Boxercise Spin/Tone Yoga Aerotone Body Pump Body Tone Pilates

FULLY EQUIPPED HEATED AND AIR CONDITIONED GYM FOR MEN & WOMEN includes H.I.I.T (high intensity interval training) Special Offer for New Members

For your free information pack call Carol now on 649123238 or visit www.stopsmokinginspain.com

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Useful Telephone Numbers

With thanks to Amparo Botella for this list of contact numbers extracted from Seminal Jรกvea Magazine (has English pages) www.semanaljavea.com

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Free Classifieds

To add your FREE advert (text only) to the classified section you can fill in the form on www.grapevinespain.com or join the Javea Grapevine Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/JaveaGrapevine/

Where to look for Local Information: Whats on and Where - Mike Smith - Javeamigos - http:// www.javeamigos.com/news/index_whatson.htm Jávea Ayuntamiento website link http://www.ajxabia.com/ Jávea Buses http://www.javeamigos.com/dir_holiday/pages/ Buses%202013.htm Useful phone numbers http://www.ajxabia.com/ciutat/directori Street map http://www.ajxabia.com/ciutat/guia-de-carrers Farmacias http://www.ajxabia.com/ciutat/farmacias

Comparison websites banks http://www.mejorescuentascorrientes.com/ energy http://www.comparador.cne.es/ Mortgages, bank cards http://http://www.comparador.com/ Car ins https://www.rastreator.com/landing/s...&utm_campaign= Insurance - house, health, car, life http://www.asesorseguros.com/seguros-salud/ Bars/Restaurants/Entertainment Live Entertainment

Neighborhood Watch for better security through contact with neighbours nhwjavea@gmail.com or 96 579 6110.

Irish Des http://irishdes.webs.com/

Transport http://www.ajxabia.com/ciutat/mobilitat-i-transport

The Shamrockers http://theshamrockers.webs.com/

British Consulate https://www.gov.uk/government/world/spain Amjasa water company on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aguas-Municipales-de-J%C3%A1vea-SA-Amjasa/118621461633526?fref=ts Ajuntament de Xàbia on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/ajuntament.xabia?fref=ts

Sharon Crowson-Sharni Professional singer/entertainer. www.thesharnishow.com Restaurants, Cafés and Catering Mar i Vent - Bar · Café Calle Andres Lambert, 5 bajo, 03730 Javea 665 10 90 78 https://www.facebook.com/

Protección Civil Jávea-Xàbia on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/proteccioncivil.xabia?fref=ts

Cafe Cortado - https://www.facebook.com/Cafecortadojavea

Driving in Spain as a Resident from the UK consulate https:// www.gov.uk/living-in-spain#driving-licences-in-spain

GJ´s Café – Arenal https://www.facebook.com/ events/131347643723010/?ref=3

The DGT http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/la_dgt/bienvenida/ Child safety in cars http://www.seguridadvialinfantil.org/ legislacion-asientos-ninos-coches/legislacion-asientos-para-ninos-en-espana-2/ Legal aid in Spain http://ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/legal_aid/ legal_aid_spa_en.htm

Tribus - Diner - Av Alicante 5, Benitachell / El Poble Nou de Benitatxell 672 26 43 64 Iberia: Café, Tapas & Copas Iberia Gastrobar a New Concept to eating tapas in Javea. reservas@iberiagastrobar.com or call us on 96 599 67 16.

Fiesta days http://www.seg-social.es/Internet_1/Masinformacion/CalendarioLaboral/index.htm

Pizzeria & Grill Bótanico ( Arenal, Jávea) Sat 27th July 20:00 until 23:00 Dancing & Dinner € 15,00 P.p. Kids FREE

autónomo system http://www.advoco.es/hot-topics/43-guideto-spains-autonomo-system.html

Ann Martin - CELEBRATION CAKES Delicious cup cakes, themed birthday cakes, cakes for all celebrations tel Ann on 680673871

reporting illegal workers http://www.empleo.gob.es/itss/web/ Sala_de_comunicaciones/Como_denunciar_ITSS.html fuel prices & petrol stations - select your fuel, input you location, and up pops a list of petrol stations and their prices http://geoportal.mityc.es/hidrocarburos/eess/?l=sl#/ location of speed cameras! Useful if you are going elsewhere... also good for latest traffic flows, and petrol stations in the area with their prices! http://mapas.race.es/ Telecoms where to complain about Telecoms companies http://www.usuariosteleco.es/Paginas/index.aspx

Passive Entertainment Jávea Grapevine – www.grapevinespain.com UKTV4U - www.uktv4u.com Live in Spain Magazine iPad and Kindle Magazine www.liveinspainmagazine.com Kindle Books and paperbacks - U P Publications - www. uppbooks.com (includes Jávea authors)

Polly’s Bookshop Javea www.facebook.com/pages/Pollys-Bookshop-Javea/322859944483274 Maya Middlemiss http://beyondmanana.com/keeping-ourchildren-safe-uk-and-spain/ Body Beautiful Beauty and Fashion Lenceria Susan Body Beautiful ! www.lenceriasusan.co Shop in Javea old town, in the lane between the post office and church. Something for everyone at anytime Fitness and Health Bernadine Davis Turpin - www.massagepilatesjavea.com Chiringuito Moskito ( Montañar, Jávea) Sundays 16th and the 30th June FREE Salsa Lessons Hora/ Time: 19:00 - 21:00 Clubs & Associations and Education Clubs and Associations (also see our Club Page) Marina Alta Business Club Bringing Business Together in Spain www.mabusinessclub.com & www.mabc.biz - meets in Jávea and Denia and sponsors many projects including the Javea Grapevine Costa Women http://costawomen.ning.com @costawomen Costa Blanca Business Association - The CBBA is a group of established businesses on The Northern Costa Blanca. For more information visit www.cbba.es Mujeres Emprendedoras De Jávea https://www.facebook. com/Mujeres.Emprendedoras.de.Javea Montgó Vegetarians - delicious meals out in Javea and surrounding areas, special menus created just for us, all welcome don’t have to be veggie! https://www.facebook.com/montgovegetarians Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir - always looking for new singers, rehearse in Teulada every Tuesday at 7.00pm...great cameraderie, a few beers and enjoy our singing, come along for a try www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com Javea Welsh Society - https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Javea-Welsh-Society/553465378018197

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Floor-Restore - Restore Marble, Terazzo, Terrocotta,Tiles and bring them back to their former glory you can contact us on 689075125 or email floor-restore@live.com IT & Electrical Satpc Guy- Jon Worby IT & Satellite - The Sat and PC Guy - www.satandpcguy.com Sky TV Freesat and UK Satellite TV Installers For Javea Miscellaneous inc Money Matters Miscellaneous My Destination Alicante can bring your business to life with videos and 360º tours. www.mydestination.com/alicante www.facebook.com/mydestinationalicante Sarah Farrell Krazykidz - come along to Krazykidz in Javea Port www.facebook.com/krazykidz.rentals Childcare and Housekeeping Services, As a mother of 2, I am very aware of the work required in caring for my children whilst running the house. Larisa Cirstoiu larisacirstoiu@yahoo. com Pet/house sitting, dog walking, garden care My sister in law is a very experienced house/pet sitter/dog walker, looking for sit(s) approx Aug 21 to Oct 3. Has own car. tamasine. leadchanges@gmail.com Written Translation Service Available – English / Spanish / Valenciano - confidential service E-mail learn-aprender @ hotmail.com for a quote - fully legal IVA invoices Money Matters Glenn Tullett https://www.facebook.com/SpainCurrency, www.infinityinternational.co.uk Fully Regulated Independent Foreign Exchange Broker. (v) John Hayward Financial Adviser Spectrum IFA http://www. financialadviceinspain.es (v) Peter Sharp Email: petersharp4u@telefonica.net - conserve your assets Worried the Euro will fall lower or fail; avoid IHT, all legal, no risk - 96 579 3081 Arts, Crafts, Cakes & Gifts

Costa Blanca Yacht Association - www.cbya.org

Art Association, Javea – Art Classes, Porcelain Restoration and more https://www.facebook.com/ArtJavea

Art Association, Javea – Art Classes, Porcelain Restoration and more https://www.facebook.com/ArtJavea

Javea Photos – local photos and photographers (includes mild “adult” content) www.javeaphotos.com

Education Howard Westcott ...education, home tuition UK exam subjects www.cbhometuition.vpweb.co.uk Lynn Cobb - learn-aprender www.learn-aprender.blogspot. com.es Mike Martin - Home tuition English classes, reading, literacy all ages, from Benitachell. Tel 660930171 stagedoor-spain@ hotmail.com Homes and Gardens – cleaning, maintenance, building A D Lawton Construcciones www.adlawtonconstrucciones. com

Tanya Lacey Organic home-grown herbs, scented sweet peas and more. Every Sunday 3-7 Casa Vegana. Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell www.facebook.com/VeganLifeEnergy?

Hibiscus Cakes for your cupcakes and celebration cakes..... https://www.facebook.com/hibiscus.cakes?

To add your FREE advert (text only) to the classified section you can fill in the form on www.grapevinespain.com or join the Javea Grapevine Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/JaveaGrapevine/

96 | The Grapevine Issue 168 2014

www.javeaphotos.com