Sol Times Newspaper issue 231 Costa Calida Edition by nigel judson

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PREMURSA starts work on the first Paramount theme park in Europe! ...and the LifeStyle Center in Alhama de Murcia

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The formal ceremony gathered, among other dignitaries, Ramón Luis Valcárcel, President of the Autonomous Community of Murcia; Joaquín Bascuñana, Delegate of the Government for the Region of Murcia; Alfonso Fernando Cerón, Mayor of the Town Hall of Alhama de Murcia; Michael Bartok, Executive Vice President of Paramount Licensing Inc.; and Jesús Samper, President and CEO of PREMURSA. The project, opening in 2015, is estimated to welcome more than 3 million visitors per year and will generate more than 22 thousand jobs. Proyectos Emblemáticos Murcianos S.A. (PREMURSA) achieved another milestone inthe development of the Paramount theme park and LifeStyle Center in Alhama de Murcia this morning, during a formal ceremony presided over byRamón Luis Valcárcel, President of the Autonomous Community of Murcia;Joaquín Bascuñana, Delegate of the Government for the Region of Murcia; Alfonso Fernando Cerón, Mayor of the Town Hall of Alhama de Murcia;Michael Bartok, Executive Vice President of Paramount Licensing Inc.; andJesús Samper, President and CEO of PREMURSA. After purchasing the project land on March 7th, 2012, the groundbreaking ceremony took place today and, according to Jesús Samper, “the project will become an international tourist destination estimated to welcome more than 3 million visitors per year.” Michael Bartok declared Paramount’s goal in Spain is the “establishment of a state-of-the-art theme park intended to attract and entertain both locals and tourists alike.” That goal, according to Mr. Bartok, is bolstered by the region of Murcia “because of its outstanding location and climate as well as its variety of cultural and leisure attractions.” Furthermore, the first Paramount theme park in Europe and the LifeStyle Center will contribute to the economic development of the Region of Murcia by generating more than 22 thousand jobs, both directly and indirectly. In anticipation of receiving thousands of job applications, PREMURSA will create a virtual office on its website (www.premursa.com) in the coming weeks to facilitate the processing of applications from individuals and companies interested in participating in the project. Today’s ceremony is a milestone in the development of a project that will come to fruition in the spring of 2015, with the opening of the Paramount theme

park and the LifeStyle Center.

The Paramount theme park will include state-ofthe-art attractions for all ages and will feature a retail spine along with four themed lands and two themed hotels. Adjacent to the Paramount theme park, the LifeStyle Center will include a large hotel, commercial and leisure area that will be home to a street mall, restaurants, bars, night clubs and a casino. About PREMURSA: The Paramount theme park and the LifeStyle Center are promoted by Proyectos Emblemáticos Murcianos S.A. (PREMURSA), constituted by Santa Mónica Financial Services S.L., Región de Murcia Turística S.A.(REMUTURSA), and Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO. This company is the holder of an exclusive, long term, license from Paramount Licensing Inc. for the construction and operation of a Paramount-branded theme park and hotel in Spain.)

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Paramount Resort Development moves ahead with ‘La Primera Piedra’

Thursday 31st May was an important date for Costa Calida and surrounding areas. “La Primera Piedra” (first ground breaking and stone laying) at the Paramount Park Life Style Centre went ahead under the watchful eyes of various dignitaries and invited guests and press. Sol Times were pleased to be invited to the event and see first hand the speeches, the latest promotional video and the burial of the Perspex time capsule, containing newspapers printed on the day and a signed document. The event was quite an affair and was attended by the Regional President of Murcia, Ramon Luis Valcarel, President & CEO of Premurser, Jesus Samper, Vice President of Paramount Licensing Michael Bartok plus a couple of hundred other dignitaries representing Local and Regional Authorities. Rosemary Wallsworth, Group Sales and Marketing Manager with Sol Times said “I was thrilled to be invited and experience first hand this eventful day. This fantastic project is exactly what the area wants and needs and Sol Times are happy to keep our readers updated as and when things happen.” See the link below to download the video of the ceremony in short: www. premursa.com/videos/premursa_highlights_2012.mp4

Murcia calls for A Clean-up!

The Grupo Socialista has called for the immediate cleanup of grounds in sites in El Puntal, which are full of weeds, rodents, snakes and insects. The Councillor of the Grupo Socialista, Susana Hernández, denounced the abandonment and neglect of some plots in El Puntal, particularly those in the block formed by the Calles Federico Balart, Escuelas and Tierno Galván, which were in ‘a deplorable state.’ The overgrown state of the plots is causing the proliferation of rodents, snakes and insects. The neighbours have already expressed their displeasure over the poor image it offers, but above all, the risks it poses to health. Two years ago the residents reported the problem to the Planning Department, the Gerencia de Urbanismo. No action has yet been taken. In addition, action is to be taken on environmental improvement and signage in the Municipal Gardens. Children’s play areas are to have signs indicating the emergency number, the nearest hospital and the nearest telephone. The Concejalía de Medio Ambiente is installing new signs in the green areas of the municipality. Children’s areas will for the first time have emergency phones for use in the case of an accident and information on the nearest hospital. 500 new bins are to be installed with drawings that show four simple rules such as keep off the grass, do not allow pets to relieve themselves in the gardens, keep dogs on a collar and leash and dispose of rubbish in the bins. The new bins will replace the old, damaged ones. Panels will be put up in 17 playgrounds in the garden of La Seda, Malecón, Jardín Chino, La Pólvora, Floridablanca, Tres Copas, Plaza Circular, Juan Carlos I con Príncipe de Asturias, Fofó, La Fama, Santa Isabel, Pedro Flores y La Constitución. These panels indicate that the playground is for children aged 2 to 12 years, children under 3 years must be accompanied by an adult, the games or installations are age specific, areas where dogs, bicycles or motorcycles are not permitted, areas where ball games and glass bottles or glasses are not permitted. The panels will list the nearest hospital and emergency telephone (112) in case of accident. In addition, 200 notices will be installed to underline that the green areas of Murcia are irrigated with untreated water. The posters will also read: ‘The water that is not good you is good for me.’ ‘El agua que no es buena ti, es buena para mí’. All signs are made with galvanized steel and thermolacquered paint. The wood panels are water and high temperature resistant. The panels are backed with vinyl printed with acid-free ink. The Concejal de Medio Ambiente, Adela MartínezCachá, explained that the aim is to improve the signage in parks and gardens and provide more information for citizens so that they become more aware of the need to protect and respect the gardens and children’s play spaces.

Calpe.....................................

can be balanced.’ He said. He explained how the situation came about – the previous Government operated on the basis of spending a figure of 40 million euros even though income was going down, in 2011 it was 27 million euros, which explains the debt situation. ‘The municipality had spent what it did not have and now it has to be paid for.’ An audit of the situation showed that spending had to be drastically slashed - 76 Town Hall staff were made redundant, while the wages of staff, politicians and advisors had been cut and many council services, such as the indoor swimming pool and nursery school, had been privatised. Mr Sanchez explained that this new budget accounted for a reduction of 40% of overall costs, and spending in the mayor’s office had been reduced by 82%. ‘One has to make assumptions but I feel it is realistic. I am aware that there could be small surpluses or deficits, but the prime objective is to ensure there is no increase in the overall burden of debt.’

Mayor Cesar Sanchez told residents that he had drawn up a ‘realistic’ budget - 28 million euros for 2012. This is the first budget that the Town Hall has drawn up for 4 years, in fact the first budget since he took office in 2011. Speaking at his first public meeting with English-speaking residents, he said that the town was 60 million euros in the red after years of reckless spending. He told the meeting that he had inherited a situation where the accounts bore no resemblance to what was actually going on. ‘Between 2007 and last year Calpe had failed to comply with the law and present a budget, but instead had continued to spend on the basis of the figures agreed in 2006 – 40 million euros.’ He admitted that it was a very complicated budget, painful cuts had to be made but the new budget was realistic, truthful and just. He underlined that the debt had to be managed and, most importantly, not increased. ‘We have balanced the budget to the extent that any budget

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The Secretario General of the PSRM, Rafael González Tovar, expressed his absolute rejection of the night closing of emergency services in various Health Centres. González Tovar said that ‘the accessibility and quick response to patients in emergency situations is vital to the sick and fundamental to the health system and such measures will surely backfire.’ The Consejería de Sanidad has announced this measure, contained in the Plan de Reequilibrio Económico Financiero, approved by the Gobierno Regional and submitted to the Gobierno de España. It is aimed at saving one million euros. ‘Emergencies are more expensive than Health Care, and what should take priority is the quality of care.’ He said. The measure affects the Centres Campos del Río, Librilla, La Parroquia (Lorca) and Cañadas de la Cruz (Moratalla), which will close at night, while Benízar and El Sabinar will open alternately. Patients from Moratalla who require hospitalization will

Sport

go to Caravaca. González Tovar denounced the justification of these savings, pointing to the enormous social harm caused to the residents of these villages with the total or partial closure of these Centres. ‘People will be forced to move to other locations for emergency treatment, let alone that the doctor on duty will have to move from one place to another to meet someone too ill to be moved. ‘ He added ‘This measure will cause 061 calls to increase to address incidents that could be solved by the emergency services in these Centres, and will increase overheads in hospital emergency rooms, where many people will come to have no other course open to them.’ The Socialist Party believes that the expense of keeping open the emergency Centres could be solved by removing advisers and positions of trust in the counseling.’ González Tovar said that one million euros is what is spent on the salary of 16 senior management positions annually.

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Spain presented and discussed to socio-economic development opportunities offered by protected areas. The Conference will develop five workshops to present and discuss new methodologies aimed at job creation, cooperation and volunteerism for protected area management, quality planning and assessment of natural heritage conservation, models for space management of Natura 2000 and the impact assessment of plans, programs and activities in protected areas. There were trips to the Regional Parks of Espuña, Salinas, Arenas de San Javier and Calblanque, and commemorates the 20th anniversary of the declaration of natural areas in the Region of Murcia, which has 19 protected areas, 22 Special Protection Areas for Birds and 50 Sites of Community Importance.

ALICANTE..............................

was usually the independent travellers who were most likely not to have emergency cash or adequate travel insurance. Mr Rodwell praised the reps in general, but appealed for them to inform the Consulate of any deaths in suspicious circumstances. ‘We haven’t seen the ‘balconying’ craze here – if you jump from a building in Benidorm, the chance of surviving is pretty remote given the height of the buildings.’ He asked reps to contact his team about vulnerable people who might aimlessly wander off, get lost or simply go missing, saying that a rep from another group or hotel might have reported them missing. And he said the Consulate could help the victims of serious crimes such as assault or rape. ‘The way the victim is treated in the first couple of hours can affect how they survive this horrific experience.’ Mr Rodwell said reps could access the constantly updated ‘ukinspain’ website and pass on safety tips to visitors, especially the ‘Know Before You Go’ initiative.

The Director General de Medio Ambiente, Amador López, closed Europarc XVII Annual Congress of-Spain, in which over 120 experts have discussed the management and future opportunities of protected areas. He defined protected areas as ‘areas of interaction between the natural and socio-economic, which as well as conserving biodiversity, landscape and its processes, become engines of cultures and local economies, support research and development and strengthen social bonds.’ The director general said that one challenge is to plan a ‘proper conservation of biodiversity, to ensure a sustainable and harmonious development of society.’ Under the motto ‘Protected areas: future opportunities’, national experts in planning and management of protected areas in

The representatives of Thomas Cook, TUI UK and Ireland, Jet2holidays.com, SAGA and Med Hotels had a meeting with Mr Rodwell, of the British Consulate in Alicante. He was giving them a talk on the role of the Consulate, and on measures whereby the Consulate, the Tour Representatives and the tourists could work together for their mutual benefit. He stressed that the Alicante consulate was one of the busiest in the world, and appealed for the companies to keep tourists informed of what the consulate team could do to help. The reps were shown a new information video encouraging people to take better care of their passports with the message: ‘Lose your passport, lose your holiday.’ Last year the consulate issued 1,250 emergency passports after travel documents were either lost or stolen. With emergency travel papers costing 122€, Mr Rodwell said it was important passports were kept safe, and added that it

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Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Calida and Sol Times Blanca are independent publications. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Murcia & Blanca. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. Deposito Legal Sol Times Calida AL 851-2010. Sol Times Blanca AL 852-2010

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Spain’s poor economy puts Retail 2020 Olympic bid at risk sales see record fall

Madrid’s application to host the 2020 Olympic games could be in jeopardy because of Spain’s precarious economy – despite the city having netted the highest score out of the three remaining candidates. Istanbul - applying for the fifth time - has 6.98 points, whilst Tokyo – applying for the fourth time – has 8.02 and Madrid, 8.08. However, the International Olympic Committee says it is conscious of the country’s delicate finances, which could act as a barrier to Spain’s hosting the games in eight years’ time. Additionally, the former Brazilian capital, Rio de Janeiro, was neither

the favourite nor the highest-scoring candidate when it won the honour of hosting the 2016 Olympics three years ago. The Olympic Committee has reservations about all three cities, although mainly with Madrid, given that the poor state of Spain’s economy could mean difficulties in finding sponsors for the games. Tokyo, although it has the cash, the infrastructure and the experience – having hosted the 1964 Olympics – may have problems with power supplies following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear explosion in 2011, and Istanbul is also vying for the chance to host the football Euro Cup in the same year, which the

Committee considers unrealistic. And if the Committee follows its own unofficial rule of alternating continents, with Europe hosting this year’s games, in London, and the Americas having been chosen for the next games, in Rio de Janeiro, it will be Asia’s turn to act as venue for the 2020 Olympics. All three candidates have been invited to the London 2012 Olympics to see how the games are run, and at the beginning of next year, the Committee will visit each city, which will then have to submit a full report and verbal presentation. The final decision will be made in September 2013.

Out-of-work doctor delivers baby in dole office

A woman who went into labour in the dole office in Alcorcón (Madrid) on Wednesday gave birth with the help of an unemployed doctor. The Nigerian mum, aged

40, was in the queue at the INEM centre when her waters broke.

Dr Simone Cristina Saurim, a Brazilian psychiatrist who had been made redundant and was waiting to sign on, sprung

Interior Minister gets hard time from opposition MP after losing iPad and iPhone The former coordinator general of the left-wing Izquierda Unida (IU) and current MP for Asturias, Gaspar Llamazares, has lodged a barrage of questions with Congress, to find out the extent of the consequences of the Interior Minister’s latest “absentmindedness”. In the past two weeks, Jorge Fernández Díaz has managed to lose both his iPhone and his iPad, although both have since been returned to him. Llamazares has asked the government to confirm whether the iPad stolen from Fernández Díaz on the AVE and the iPhone he left behind in a radio station studio, are his own personal property or “work” items. Furthermore the IU MP wants to know whether either the iPad or the iPhone, which have “luckily” been returned to their owner, contained and “sensitive” information related to his position as Interior Minister. Llamazares says that if this information has fallen “into the wrong hands” State security could potentially have been compromised and has thus asked: “What is the Government’s evaluation of what has happened with in terms of State security”.

into action when she saw the woman’s predicament. “I had been watching her for a while and saw that she was not feeling very well,” admits the doctor, whose spell as an intern at a hospital in Leganés (Madrid) had just ended. “Then I suddenly noticed her waters had broken and contractions had started.” With the help of two other women who became impromptu midwives at the scene, Simone delivered the baby in under 10 minutes – despite not having performed such a task since her training days.

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Retail sales in Spain took a record dive in April, showing the biggest fall since figures records were first recorded in 2003.

According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics, sales fell 9.8% last month compared with April 2011, having already fallen by almost 4% in March. The drop was much worse than had been expected, and marked the 22nd consecutive month of declining sales. It is the latest bad news from the Spanish economy, which saw the level of risk attached to its government bonds hitting record levels on Monday after it emerged on Friday that banking group Bankia was going to need a bigger bail-out than had been expected. Spanish shoppers are being discouraged by government austerity measures, rising taxes and Europe’s highest rate of unemployment at over 24%. The economy is back in recession having contracted in the last three months of 2011 and the first three months of 2012. On Tuesday, a report from the Bank of Spain predicted that the recession would continue in the second quarter of this year. “Available indicators for the second quarter are still scarce but they do anticipate that activity will continue contracting in this period,” the report said.

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She then wrapped the newborn boy in blankets. Although the dole office manager had called 112, by the time the ambulance arrived, the baby was in his mother’s arms. Mum and baby were taken to hospital anyway, but were said to be in good health when they left. The woman already has several other children and has lived in Spain for many years, sources reveal.

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Spain says 70% of its banks will pass IMF stress tests

The majority of Spanish banks, 70 percent, will pass the International Monetary Fund’s stress tests of the country’s lenders, Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said Thursday. The IMF will on June 11 publish results of its tests of how Spanish lenders -- struggling with bad real estate loans following the 2008 collapse of a property bubble -- would fare if the economy were to decline further. “What it will say fundamentally is that 70 percent of Spanish banks are perfectly healthy and that problems are concentrated in the remaining 30 percent,” De Guindos told an economic conference in the resort town of Sitges. Bankia, which is asking the state for the biggest rescue in Spanish banking history, is responsible for “an important percentage” of the 30 percent of lenders “that have more

difficulties”, he added.

Bankia, born out of the merger of seven savings banks in 2010, is asking the state for 19 billion euros ($24 billion) to repair its books, in addition to 4.5 billion euros already injected. Spanish banks are at the heart of fresh market fears that the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy might have to seek an international financial bailout. Moody’s on Thursday cut the debt ratings of 16 Spanish banks by one to three notches, citing the effects of the ongoing recession and the Spanish government’s own reduced creditworthiness. The leading bank, Santander, and the number two, BBVA, were both hit with threenotch downgrades from Aa3 previously to A3, which for Moody’s is a upper-medium credit grade, with still low credit risk.

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Investors pull record amount of money out of Spain

Investors pulled a record amount of money out of Spain during the first quarter, official data showed Thursday, in a sign of deteriorating confidence in the country’s debt-ridden economy. Capital outflows totaled 97 billion euros ($120.7 billion) during the first three months of the year, the highest amount since records started being kept, the Bank of Spain said. The figure compares to a net entry of capital of 20.9 billion euros during the first quarter of last year. The amount of money which both domestic and foreign investors pulled out of Spain in March alone hit a record 66.2 billion euros compared to a net entry of capital of 5.4 billion during the same month last year. Speculation has mounted that Spain will seek a Greece-style rescue loan from the IMF and the European Union as the country endures economic recession and its banks crumble under the weight of massive bad real-estate loans. The sharp rise in capital outflows took place before the nationalisation earlier this month of Bankia, Spain’s fourth-largest bank, which has heightened fears over the state of Spanish banks. Bankia is asking the state for 19 billion euros to repair its books, in addition to 4.5 billion euros already injected, the biggest rescue in Spanish banking history.

EU urges Spain to explain Bankia rescue

The European Union urged Spain on Thursday to rapidly clear up doubts over its mammoth rescue of stricken lender Bankia so as to calm investors fearing a financial breakdown.

As Spanish government bonds and stocks took a hit, the bloc called on Madrid to provide details of its bailout of Bankia, which is seeking a total 23.5 billion euros ($29 billion). Bankia has asked the state for 19 billion euros to repair its books, in addition to 4.5 billion euros already injected, the biggest rescue in Spanish banking history. “What we need from the Spanish government is for it to communicate the restructuring plan for Bankia and the options it is considering to restructure and if possible recapitalise,” said EU spokesman Amadeu Altafaj. “We will then study it to see if is fulfills conditions for public aid,” Altafaj, who is spokesman for EU economics commissioner Olli Rehn, told Spanish public broadcaster Radio Nacional de Espana.

with these negative results from some banking entities the markets are going to react with euphoria. So the sooner we eliminate uncertainties the better.”

10-year on rate The hit bonds government 6.68100, only a little down from six-month highs hit the day before and still at levels regarded as unsustainable over the longer term. The extra premium over safebet German bonds spiked to 5.41 percentage points, matching the previous day’s before record, euro-era easing to a still-punishing 5.27 percentage points. Stocks also suffered. Madrid’s IBEX-35 index floated just 0.22 percent above the previous day’s close, a nine-year low. Altafaj said that although the Europe Union had a rescue mechanism, any use of it would require negotiating a bailout of the Spanish economy, even if it was focused on only one sector.

“We cannot keep up this uncertainty which is weighing on confidence in the markets,” the spokesman said.

“If it is possible to raise the funds through market mechanisms or through actions by the Spanish government, that is better than resorting to a rescue, which has negative connotations,” he warned.

“No-one can expect that

Economy Minister Luis de

Guindos said this week the save would government Bankia through a bond issue by the state-backed Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (FROB), which would inject capital as needed. But his plan, coming at time when markets are demanding exhorbitant rates of return, fed expectations among investors that Spain will need an international bailout. A report in business daily Cinco Dias said the government was considering recapitalising Bankia in stages, progressively pumping in capital according to liquidity needs so as to avoid the expense of a single rescue. That would also give the European Union time to agree on a possible rescue, the paper said. The government this month instructed banks to set aside an extra 30 billion euros ($38 billion) in 2012 in case property-related loans go bad, on top of 53.8 billion euros required under reforms enacted in February. Bankia, with a huge exposure to the property market, which crashed in 2008, would need seven billion euros to meet the requirements of the new banking reform.

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• Established for more than 35 years • Removals full & part loads in the UK & Europe • Door to door service uk - Spain 50 weeks of the year • container storage in professionally packed containers • Storage facilities comprising modern secure alarmed warehousing • experienced piano & antique removals • Car & motor cycle transporters • Online quotations • Members of British Association of Removers

Contact us via email david@daviddale.co.uk or write to us at: Unit 3, Langby Ind Est, Milby Road Boroughbridge Y051 9BW Website www.david dale.co.uk

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

TONY ELLIS 50

CELEBRATING

YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

TORREVIEJA INDUSTRIAL J1A E I V 9 E AVD DELPENA VIUDES 13 RIERGO RAMIRE–Z8 TO OPEN 11 – 5PM VD D 2&5 A

OPEN

10 –

CABO

ROIG

C.C.B ELLAV ISTA OPEN 10 – 6

COVERING ALL AREAS VILLAMARTIN, PILAR, CAMPOVERDE, CABO ROIG, PUNTA

COVERING ALL AREAS VILLAMARTIN, PILAR, CAMPOVERDE, CABO ROIG, PUNTA PRIMA, TORREVIEJA, LA MATA, LA SIESTA, SAN LUIS, QUESADA, BENIJOFAR, ALGORFA, LA MARINA

PRIMA, TORREVIEJA, LA MATA, LA SIESTA, SAN LUIS, QUESADA, BENIJOFAR, ALGORFA, LA MARINA

GOING BACK, JUST BOUGHT OR SIMPLY FANCY A CHANGE DON’T HESITATE TO CALL US FOR SELLING YOUR UNWANTED HOUSEHOLD GOODS ‘TOP PRICES’ OFFERED FOR ‘QUALITY USED FURNITURE’ & ‘WHITE GOODS’

CALL JOANNE

620 998 997 OR

CALL OUR HOTLINE

965 067 645

GREAT GREAT GREAT QUALITY choice value 4 SHOPS – MORE CHOICE

FULLY LEGAL COMPANY

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Cardenal TORREVIEJA ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Belluga JOIN IN THE FUN AT LA ZENIA Theatre Group

The Royal British Legion Torrevieja Branch joined the Orihuela Branch to celebrate The Diamond Jubilee Grand Charity Event in support of Cruz Roja and the Royal British Legion at La Zenia. All branches assembled at the start of the parade in Consum car park, La Zenia and the crowd were entertained by The Torrevieja Pipes and Drums followed by a display of Scottish Dancing by one of their members Mr Mark McMillan. The parade led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, along with various branches of the Royal British Legion set off at 12.00 to march down Calle San Antonio to La Zenia Village, During the afternoon many local artist performed and there were various stalls selling brick a brack and various raffles. All the proceeds for the day went to Cruz Roja. The Torrevieja Branch have a newly formed RBL Legionnaires Bowls Club who will welcome you, we meet every Tuesday and Saturday 1.30 for 2.00pm at La Siesta Bowls Club. Membership to Torrevieja Royal British Legion is open to ex-military and non-military, all are welcome and we hold meetings on the second Friday of every month at Casa Ventura, San Luis. For further information contact Pauline on 966704146.

Another Great Donation from The Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group. At the end of the show on Friday night a cheque for 1000 euros was handed to the local ambulance service SEM who serve the San Fulgencio and La Marina Urb. This was only possible due to the wonderful generosity of the public who had bought tickets to see the latest production “Here we go again”, a night of musical variety. Judging by the comments and feedback a good time was had by all, with lots of audience participation during the first half which was a visit back to the Old Time Music Hall days. The second half brought back all those fond memories of being beside the seaside before we all started travelling abroad. That feel good feeling has got last through to October when the show will be presented again, so don’t worry if you missed the May show, “We’ll have to do it again then”! Check out our new website www.thecardenalbellugatheatre group.com

MARKET UPDATE The

The ever popular San Miguel de Salinas Wednesday street market has, after months of negotiation with the Ayuntamiento, allowed HELP Vega Baja to run a Charity Stall there on a regular basis.

The stall will offer a range of goods for sale from clothing and shoes to books and brica-brac, all of which have been donated to HELP VB by the public for us to sell to help boost the HELP VB funds. This stall will complement the already successful stall we run at the Thursday street market at Campoamar. HELP Vega Baja is a long established and entirely self-funded Charity that relies on funds raised through memberships, donations and charity sales

to enable it to continue its charitable works in the local community.

If you can support us by donating any of your unwanted clothes, bric-a-brac, household items or books (not large items of furniture) please bring them to our San Miguel Office in Calle Lope de Vega, San Miguel. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm. If transportation is a problem we can often collect so please phone us during office hours on 96 672 3733. If you have a few hours a week to spare, and would like to join us and become a volunteer please telephone the above number for more information, or call into our San Miguel Office for a chat.

Club

Bowling ∙ Snooker Quiz Nights ∙ Darts Pool Table Social Dancing Comedy & Entertainment Nights

BEST EVER

LIVE SHOWS

EVERY SATURDAY

Open 10am - late

Late licence (3.30am) if needed

All you need in one place: monday

T he Cadillacs 4.30pm to 6.15pm , Entry 5€ tuesday Ballroom Dancing 8pm to 10pm Wednesday Live music from 9.30pm Friday Closed from 6pm for private parties Book yours NOW! Saturdays See guide below Sundays Happy hour 8 - 9.30pm PLUS Karaoke 9pm

saturday 9th JUNE Patsy Cline tribute plus male guitarist Curtis plus DJ Helen

our thursday

fun quiz is coming back!

2 course meal + show 8pm 10€. Show only 9.30pm 3€

saturday 16th june Lennon & mccartney Tribute plus female vocalist Sandy plus dj helen

2 course meal + show 8pm 10€ Show only 9.30pm 3€

saturday 23rd june Status quo tribute plus dj helen

???

Starts 8.30pm Every Thursday

2 course meal + show 8pm 10€ Show only 9.30pm 3€ From Thursday 14th June

Friday 22nd June

jukebox promotions presents

Chas Hodges

(from Chas and Dave)

Plus David Seccombe & Fiona McLean Tickets €13 Show Starts 8.30pm Pre – show meals available

966 717 028

Calle El Pino esq. Calle Abedul, Ciudad Quesada theclubatquesada@gmail.com www.theclubquesada.com

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

CALIDA COUNTRY

Country MUSIC CLUB LA MOLATA, LOS MUÑOCES, CAÑADAS DE ALHAMA

Here Comes Summer!

Plan for next winter with Neater Heater

By Tony Sim, from Neater Heater

In today´s climate of austerity and rising fuel prices it is more important than ever to research your heating options. Many people wait until winter has arrived before rushing out to get a heater and by that time all the good, affordable, and reliable ones have already been sold, and you are put at the bottom of a long waiting list. The time to buy heaters is before they are needed, so you can get what you want without compromise. Neater heater has plentiful in stock so install them now and you can be happy in the knowledge that when winter arrives you won’t be cold. If you are limited for wall space, now available for your favourite heater we are able to offer custom designed brackets to enable the heater to be used freestanding and to be moved around your house to suit. You can now choose between wall mounted options or mobile versions. Our heaters can be used for full central heating of the home or can be purchased individually for one or more rooms, with a large variety of models available. Neater Heater are waiting for your call, and can readily advise you as to your requirements. Alternatively visit one of our distributors or book a home survey with one of our mobile agents to discuss your needs. (Neater Heaters are now available with custom-made feet, for a freestanding alternative)

NEATER HEATER AT A RECENT EXPO IN SAN MIGUEL NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

LA MARINA Foreign Trust Financial Services Tel. 965 993 275 BENIJOFAR: Vincent Real Estate Tel. 966 712 440 For home inspections throughout the Torrevieja area, call Colin Tel: 636 537 338 TORREVIEJA: S J & A. Digital Tel. 966 319 253 Playa flamenca: Buster’s Bar Tel: 965 325 120 BLUE LAGOON: The Electrical Shop (Euronics) Tel: 966 188 169 NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

COSTA calida

€2,000.00 and we understand that they hope to add to this total in the very near future. Boasting a large dance floor, the venue is also a licensed premises, with drinks at Spanish prices and their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, maintain a superb kitchen. The ‘fish and chips’ are, reportedly, ‘to die for!’ Advance bookings for meals are recommended and should be made direct to Cheryl on 619 003 022 to avoid disappointment on the night. The club’s ‘live’ act for 15 June is the ever popular Marty Ross of Beagles fame, and on the 06 July (first Friday) they have the superb CM songbird, Christine King. Both have appeared at Calida Country before and are firm favourites. Both promise, once again, to be tremendous nights! Moving on to 21 September, making their debut appearance at Calida Country is a fantastic 5-piece CM band calling themselves ‘Grumpy Old Men’. You may have seen and heard them at the recent CM Festival at the Eco Marjal Site near Catral? A very accomplished and entertaining band! With the fabulously talented CM duo, The Prospectors scheduled to appear on Friday 19 October, the club appears to be going from strength to strength. If you fancy a ‘bit of a boogie’ on a Friday night – or simply want to put into practice what you’ve been learning at your line dance classes – give it a try! Just remember to... KEEP IT COUNTRY!

SALES MANAGER required

LOS ALCAZARES: For home inspections call Edmund. Tel. 966 765 552 BALSICAS/ SAN JAVIER Sierra Golf Tel 968 018 257 san Javier DFS Spain Tel: 968 334 194 MAZARRON Camposol B. La Red Solutions (Mapfre) Tel. 968 199 025 NEATER HEATER DISTRUBUTORS:

ALMERIA

ANTAS. Iron Art Factory Outlet. Tel: 637 259 033 MOJACAR PLAYA. D Match Digital Services. Tel: 950 472 947

info@neaterheater.es www.neaterheater.es Tel: 634 312 171

Sundance Spas ®

Pool Maintenance S.L.

Come Along To Our Showrooms Lots Of

Special Offers

On Genuine Sundance Spas

Just arrived Barbecook BBQ’s

Well, the new doors & windows are all fitted and La Molata’s Club Socio is nice & snug during the colder months but – sadly – they’re still waiting for the air-conditioning to be fitted! Those regulars amongst you will know just how uncomfortably hot the venue can get during high summer so, once again, the club has decided to take a break during the hottest period Calida Country CMC, one of the more popular entertainment venues on the Costa Calida, have just released their schedule for the next few months (see below). Normally held twice monthly – on the first and third Fridays – from 8.00pm, at the Social Club in La Molata, Los Muñoces – near Cañadas de Alhama and located just off the RM23/MU 603, only around 10km from Camposol. This non-members club is a non-profit making organisation but, having said that, they do charge a small entrance fee. For country music disco dance nights (normally first Fridays) the cost is just €5.00 per couple (or €3 per single) together with a raffle, held on each club night to help subsidise the cost of ‘Live’ Artists appearing (third Fridays), and the club’s running costs. Currently the entrance fee is the same for both disco and ‘Artists’ nights, but from 21 September, this is to change to €5.00 per person when ‘live’ acts are performing (normally 3rd Fridays). Net profits from all income are donated, via the Lions Club of Mazarrón Bahía, to the joint Lions/PALS C.A.F.E. appeal. The total that they have donated to this deserving cause currently stands at an astonishing

Mojacar Showroom

950 472 845

www.sundancespas.com

sundancespas@telefonica.net

To continue the success of

SOLTIMES in this area

We are looking for someone special to work with local businesses to help them create more business from the large weekly distribution and readership of Sol Times � Are you local to the Costa Calida area and enjoy meeting new people? �C ould you sell advertising to new business owners whilst looking after our loyal base of regular clients?

� S ol Times needs an outgoing friendly professional….could this be you? � Are you able to work to deadlines? � Are you well organised and able to manage your own territory?

If you can say yes to the above, then we want to meet you! We provide on going training from our head office in Almeria We offer a good package, including contract and petrol allowance, plus the opportunity to work for the best weekly “Good News Paper” in the area.

Please send your CV to cmm@soltimes.com or call Chrissie on Tel: 647 379 878

www.soltimes.com

camposol Upper C

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

camposol D

€47,500 + Tax

d re

• 2 Bedroom Rebecca style villa. • Great views down valley. • To be sold fully furnished. • Great value Campsol Lower C

€129,950 + Tax

e uc

• Glazed in front terrace.

• 10m x 5m pool in landscaped gardens.

• Full with many extras AC, fans etc….

• Many extras

• Will sleep up to 8 people.

(0034) 608 631 700

“We have clients waiting for Long Term Rental properties in the Country & Camposol A & B” “can you help?”

Camposol D Long Let 500€ pw + bills pcm

• 1 Bedroom Victoria villa.

• 2 Bedroom Fortuna style villa.

• Access to communal pool.

• 1 bedroom upper apartment.

• 2 mins walk from all amenities.

• Fully furnished & equipped.

• Fully furnished and equipped.

• Jacuzzi in beautiful gardens

e uc

• 3 bedroom/3 bathroom Neptuno villa. • Glazed in front terrace. • Beautiful alfresco covered dining area • Mature garden & jacuzzi. Los Ventorrillos

€399,999 + Tax

• Close to all amenities on B Sect.

www.paramountresortvillarentals.com

€64,950 + Tax

• 3 bedroom Rebecca style villa.

resort

€139,950 + Tax

• 3 bedroom/3 bathroom Neptuno villa.

your way

• 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom villa. • Private 10m pool & terrace. • Close to Sensol Golf Clubhouse • Furnished & equipped to high standard.

Camposol Upper C

your holiday

holiday lets from 750€pw

e uc

Camposol B

Your choice

Camposol

€184,950 + Tax

Camposol Upper C

€82,000 + Tax

• 2 Bedroom Rebecca Style villa. • Situated in elevated position, great views. • Jacuzzi & many extras. • To be sold fully furnished.

villa rentals

camposol A Long Let 200€ + bills pcm

e uc

camposol Lower C

• 2 bedroom Rebecca style villa. • Situated in elevated position, great views. • AC/Wood Burner/ many Extras. • Priced for quick sale.

• 2 bedroom/2 bathroom Rosa style villa. • Large L shaped pool. • Close to Sensol Golf Clubhouse. • To be sold fully furnished.

paramount

€37,500 + Tax

Camposol D holiday lets from 550€ pw

• 2 bedroom/2 bathroom Rosa Style Villa. • Additional detached bedroom. • 8m x 4m private pool and terrace. • Furnished & equipped to high standard..

El pareton

• 5 bed/5 bath Spanish country house. • 8,200sqm plot close to Paramount Theme Park. • Planning permission for further villa. • Fantastic mountain views

Sensol golf villa sales Your dream your future your way

www.sensolgolfvillasales.com

(0034) 671 188 808

Long Let 800€ pw + bills pcm

Camposol

Long Let 450€+ bills pcm

• 4 bedroom/3 bathroom restored finca. • Secluded 3,500sqm rural plot. • Furnished & equipped to high standard. • Ideal extended family home.

• 2 bed/2 bathroom Rosa style villa. • Large L shaped pool, terrace outside bar. • Close to Sensol Golf Clubhouse. • Furnished & equipped to high standard.

Bolnuevo Punta Vela holiday lets from 400€pw

Camposol Holiday lets from 300€ pw

• 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment. • 2 minutes walk to golden beaches. • Furnished & equipped to high standard. • Wonderful sea views.

• 2 Bed Rebecca style villa. • Jacuzzi. • Furnished & equipped to high standard. • Close to Sensol Golf Clubhouse.

Many more can be seen on our websites office spain (0034)

968 970 614

office Uk (0044)

1733 592 002

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Look Good Feel Great Aspirin ‘may prevent skin cancer’

WE HAVE OVER 42,000 PEOPLE READING THE SOL TIMES EVERY WEEK....PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THEIR HANDS!

CALL PAULETTE ON 950 121 936

WARNING... WARNING...

The ‘Sock & Sandal’ Fashion Disaster is upon us! This seemingly only affects men and results in an immediate reaction from the female population of “YIKES!” Be on your guard!!

telephone:

tyles hair & Beauty

644 496 198 678 992 093

Top stylists at credit crunch prices

beaut y JUNE OFFERS... Rejuvinating facial €25 by wendy

Mini facial, back massage & mini mani or pedi €40

saturday’s - gent’s cut only 5€

Lose inches, drop dress sizes the easy way

crazyfit massage machine only 25€ per month unlimited use! Opposite JP’s Place, Turre - call us for more info or visit www.styleshairdressers.com

k.f.s

{

Kennedy Financial Services

An aspirin a day may protect against skin cancer, some experts believe. People who take aspirin tablets or similar painkillers on a regular basis cut their risk of developing skin cancer - including the most deadly type - malignant melanoma - by about 15%, research suggests. The work in the journal Cancer involved nearly 200,000 people in Denmark. But experts say using sunscreen and avoiding too much sun are still the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Anti-cancer pill? In the study, approximately 18,000 of the 200,000 participants had been diagnosed with of one of

three types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or the rarer but more dangerous malignant melanoma. The researchers looked at the medical records of the individuals to calculate how many had been prescribed non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen over an eightyear period. Many were taking them for heart conditions or arthritis. Those who were more frequently prescribed NSAIDs were less likely to have skin cancer. The higher the dose and the longer a person had been on the medication, the greater the

protective effect. Individuals with more than two prescriptions for NSAIDs had a 15% decreased risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma and a 13% lower risk of malignant melanoma. NSAIDs did not appear to lower the overall risk of basal cell carcinoma - the most common and least aggressive type of skin cancer. But they did cut the risk of basal cell carcinomas developing on certain parts of the body other than the head and neck. The researchers from the University Hospital in Denmark say more research is needed to confirm and further explain their

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To find out more and how you could benefit email: admin@kennedyfinancialservices.com or go to: www.kennedyfinancialservices.com complete the free assessment form. Contact Kennedy Financial Services on 951 206 138/139 or contact David on 678 035 992 Apto de Correos 129, 29100 COIN, Malaga

Osteopath Naturopath Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O

Tel. 629 289 385

for info and appointments

Health Care For Adults and Children • Emergency Home Visits • English • Spanish • French • German • 20 Year’s Serving the community

UK Registered - Treating

Sciatica - Back Pain - Sports Injuries Digestive and Cardiovascular Disorders Headaches - Arthritis - Skin Conditions Centro Cueva Del Lobo Paseo Mediterraneo 10, Mojacar Beach Centro Medico Indalo C/ Manuel Azaña, Almeria

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15€

super new colours

gift vouchers always available

his ‘n’ hers Special

25.00€

ONLY

Beauty

Special Offers

1 hour ONLY facial 1/2 leg, ONLY Bikini, underarm wax

Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona)

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm Saturday 9.30am - 3pm. No siesta

30€ 20€

Call for an appointment

950 633 086

Prices are subject to change without notification. Please confirm on booking. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.

Podiatrist (Chriropodist)

Lois Benson BSc (Hons) MChS Many years NHS

• Nails & Ingrowing • Callus & Corns • Diabetic Footcare • Biomechanics • All Foot Problems

Mobile Service Available Clinics: Albox at Cutting Edge, Arboleas at Sophias Cucador at R.Retreat and Turre at Styles Many years experience with NHS Tel: 617sure 878 864 Make your feet are in safe hands Make sure your feet are in safe hands

findings. Studies in animals suggest NSAIDs may block the growth of early pre-cancerous skin lesions, but it is not yet clear if this is also the case in humans. Scientists already suspect that these drugs may protect against many other cancers, including bowel cancer. The researchers point out that although they found a link with prescriptions they were not able to monitor precisely how much of the drug a person actually took. Also, people can buy drugs like aspirin from a pharmacy without a prescription. And they did not look at sun exposure - the root cause of skin cancer. Experts say even if NSAIDs do offer some protection against skin cancer, people still need to be sensible in the sun. Hazel Nunn of Cancer Research UK said: “By far and away the best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to enjoy the sun safely, and take care to avoid sunburn. “Sunburn’s a clear sign that your skin’s been damaged, and this damage can build up over time and lead to skin cancer in the future. When the sun’s strong, use a combination of shade, clothes and at least SPF 15 sunscreen to protect your skin. “There is mounting evidence that aspirin does reduce the risk of some cancers, but it’s too soon to say if this includes skin cancer. Aspirin can have serious side effects - so it’s important to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits if you’re thinking of taking it regularly.”

Aspirin Also known as acetylsalicylic acid... Used for many years as a painkiller...Has an antiinflammatory action...Lowdose (75mg) is already recommended for people with known cardiovascular disease to prevent stroke and heart attack...Benefits for healthy people are still unclear...Can cause fatal internal bleeding, although this is relatively rare...

Free delivery within the radius of 50km of Arboleas

EasyCare Mobility.es

in Arboleas

Tel: 650 626 460 / 950 951 823

Locally-based Rental & Sales of: Scooters, Wheelchairs, Walking aids (frames, tri-walkers, rollaters and crutches)

Other mobility aids: Call for availability.

Servicing and repair of all types of mobility aids Call us for our range of mobility products www.easycaremobility.com enquiries@easycaremobility.com

Now available at Sophia Wellness Centre

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

The Miracle of Green Tea

Retreat

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.” Ancient Chinese Proverb

Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of oesophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful - cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cariovascular disease/infection and impaired immune function.

What makes green tea so special? The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant; besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the “French Paradox.” For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers. Why don’t other Chinese teas have similar healthgiving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed; green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

elax

ejuvenate

evive

retreatcucador@gmail.com | 950 634 562 Peaceful and affordable treatments in a private, well appointed, accessable retreat in Cucador

Podiatry with lois

Mondays t: 617 878 864

Shiatsu with Wendy

massage & beauty with Melissa Thurs & Fri 9.30 - 1.30 t: 626 144 680

beauty waxing Gellish nails At €15 per set Weds & Thurs 9am - 1.30pm t: 661 858 949

Afternoons from 3pm t: 671 851 135

relaxation class on Tuesday with Liz

Tuesday afternoons t: 667 979 445

...and much much more, from fully qualified UK Practitioners 1st class service at an affordable price

CALL THE THERAPISTS DIRECTLY FOR MORE INFORMATION OR EMAIL RETREATCUCADOR@GMAIL.COM FOR A FULL PRICE LIST

ICE WHITE

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

www.anotherworld-properties.com

Happily due to our recent increase in sales, we require properties on Camposol and surrounding areas NOW! villa

€75,000

This Semi detached 2 beds, 1 bath Fiesta style villa with communal pool is located on the first phase of the Camposol complex, Mazarron, Murcia Ref: 1354

villa

€125,000

detatched villa €125,000

A 3 bedroom, extended detached Fortuna Deluxe villa with a 1 bedroom self contained apartment and own swimming pool Ref: 1156

villa

€52,995

villa

€160,000

This very well presented Neptuno style villa has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms & is located on the Final phase of Camposol & is in excellent order throughout. Ref: 1377

villa

€110,000

fully furnished 2 bed, 2 bath. The lounge has a log burner, there is oil central heating and free view TV installed. large under build just ready for conversion ref: 1382

An attached furnished, 2 bed 1 bath Clasico style villa, situated on the third phase of Camposol. Walking distance to the Golf Club. Ref: 1243

**REDUCED** A 2 bedroom detached Fortuna style villa with private pool in a first line position on the 3rd phase of the Camposol Golf Complex Ref: 1106

apartment

Country Finca

duplex

€98,000

A Great Two Bedroom 1 bathroom, furnished apartment, in the popular town of Bolnuevo. Ref: 1366

duplex

€99,950

REDUCED This 2 bed 2 bath duplex property, has sea views from main balcony and benefits a large communal pool. Excellent rental potential. Ref: 257

€199,000

A fantastic 2 bed, 2 bath Finca on a 2000 m2 plot with breath taking mountain views. Open plan lounge, fitted kitchen with white goods. Ref: 1357

Detached Finca €299,950

A unique, large renovated, 4 bed, 2 bath detached family house, in the quiet village of Canadas del Romero. Fabulous location, well worth viewing Ref: 1374

www.anotherworld-properties.com

€199,950

4 bed, 2 bath Duplex villa is located in El Alcolar, 5 min walk to the blue flag beaches of the Puerto De Mazarron. Ref: 1233

Village House

€99,950

A 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom detached village house in the quiet village of Los Paganes. View to appreciate. Ref: 1328

sales@anotherworldproperties.net

TEL: 968 592 679

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Rising from the depths

Tourist captures the incredible moment the bottom of an iceberg emerges from the ocean as it flips over

Bear takes a dip in family’s pool A video of a bear which sneaked into a family’s backyard to take a relaxing dip in their pool has gone viral online. Sisters Rachel and Valerie Gasparini returned to their home in Monrovia, California, to find the black bear cooling off.

It appeared to be enjoying its time in the luxury pool and the stunning panoramic views as it looked out across the Golden State. His unlikely excursion was filmed by the teenagers from the safety of their kitchen on a

camera phone. “It kind of like walks over to the pool, and we thought it was gonna drink some water,” revealed one of the sisters. “It ends up jumping over the ledge, and it’s kind of like floating

around there, chilling.” The girls called their parents following the incident but said they found it more entertaining than scary “It wasn’t any making a ruckus or it wasn’t like destroying things in our backyard, so we didn’t really feel the need to call anybody,” she added.

Giant, imposing and strong enough to bring down ships, they aren’t often associated with sudden, dramatic movement. But, as this astonishing video shows, icebergs can move very quickly when conditions suit - and without warning. A lucky tourist on a boat journey was on hand to capture the incredible moment that an iceberg flipped over, bringing a huge mass of ice above the surface of the water. The phenomenon is not uncommon for icebergs, but it is rarely seen on video. Icebergs flip because they become unbalanced after melting and changing shape. The video, which is less than two minutes long, was only uploaded on to the site yesterday, but it has already been viewed more than 37,000 times. About 15 seconds into the clip, the top of the iceberg begins to sink into the water. As it disappears beneath the surface, previously-unseen ice from the bottom rises out of the water, creating waves and spray. Spectators on the boat can be heard hollering and laughing as the ice comes into view. The iceberg’s transformation was witnessed by tourists visiting the Upsala Glacier, which is found in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier, which stretches for 60 kilometres, was once the biggest in South America, but scientific tests suggest it is disappearing at a rate of 200 metres per year. Excursions to the area are popular among holidaymakers visiting the south of Argentina. Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ox0gdewCGgU

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

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Mortgage Sucks 39% of Spanish Family Income

According to a recent real estate analysis carried out by Deloitte, Spanish households spend 39.4% of their income on mortgage payments, despite the fall in house prices in recent years. A fact that explains why the ‘stock’ of unsold new homes is not being absorbed at the speed desired by the domestic property sector.

The average effort needed by households to pay the mortgage is higher than estimated by the Bank of Spain even after allowing for deductions in the first quarter of 2012, of 36.2%, and is above that recommended by the current State Housing and Rehabilitation Plan, of 33.3%. Despite this fact, Deloitte says that the ‘stock’ of housing, which the Ministry of Development puts at 680,000, has remained “fairly stable” over the last year. In addition, they specify that most of these properties are located in Barcelona (60,000), Madrid (51,000) and in the main Levante provinces, which collectively account for around 150,700 homes and where the assets have less exposure to the market. The report states, published El Mundo, that the ratio of unsold new homes per 1,000 inhabitants, which stood at a national average of 17 properties, has started to decline in 37 Spanish provinces. The most significant decreases from last year are those in Álava (-38%), Cantabria (-27%) and Navarra (-19%). According to the study, the provinces that have most

UN seeks Spanish graduates for jobs

The United Nations is seeking young Spaniards to apply for jobs in all areas, including architecture and social, economic and political affairs. Candidates must be under 32 years of age, with a good university degree, work experience, and an excellent level of French and English. Other ‘official’ UN languages, such as Russian, Chinese, Arabic and of course, Spanish, will gain points. The organisation’s work with Africa also means that in addition to English, French and Arabic, languages such as Portuguese and Swahili will be highly valued. Applications are accepted between July 13 and September 12 this year, and an examination for selected candidates will be on December 5 in Madrid. Next, a total of 40 Spanish candidates for each area will be called forward for a written examination.

Homes Sales up 21.9% Over Last Quarter of 2011 ‘stock’ for every 1,000 inhabitants are Castellón (76 homes), Toledo (38) and Almeria (34). On the other side, the provinces with the lowest proportion of unsold homes per 1,000 inhabitants are Badajoz (2.9), Cáceres (3.9) and Vizcaya (4.1). The Deloitte report says, however, that six northern Spanish provinces – Álava, Cantabria, La Coruna, Guipúzcoa, Navarra and Vizcaya – in addition to Madrid, are in a better position from which to recover their real estate activity, taking into account both their macroeconomic situation as well as their real estate fundamentals. In addition, they say that another group of 22 provinces, which includes Asturias, Barcelona and Zaragoza, who do not present such a favourable situation, would be able to normalise their activity, but at a slower rate. Finally, they say that a third group of 21 provinces would need more time to absorb the existing ‘stock’ and boost the confidence of the local real estate sector.

According to statistics from the College of Property Registrars released on Friday, home sales fell by 26% in the first three months of the year, over the same period last year, but increased by 21.9% over the last quarter of 2011.

The number of transactions recorded in the first quarter is a “relative recovery” over the last nine months, which the registrars attributed to the “especially intense” lowering of prices. This drop in house prices has been facilitated by the disposal of real estate assets in the financial sector, and from the continuation of the 4% super tax levied on the purchase of new homes. Therefore, El Economista reported that, compared to the previous quarter, new home sales rose 29.4% (48,691 sales), while second hand home sales grew by 14.4% (43,520 transactions). All regions experienced increases in home sales over the previous period, with the greatest volumes being reached in Andalusia (17,240), Madrid (13,685), Catalonia (12,760) and Valencia (11,590).

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com Mortgages: Please note that mortgages are gradually getting more and more difficult to obtain due to the credit crunch, so do not put a non returnable deposit down on a property until the mortgage has been granted as you can be in for a nasty surprise Q. What do we do to get the best loan possible? A. Spanish banks are competitive and is is worth shopping around. The following advice refers only to variable mortgages. On fixed mortgages you pay a high premium for the risk that the bank takes regarding the changing interest rates.). What you need to look out for when comparing the offers made to you on variable mortgages are: (you are entitled for the bank to provide their in principle conditions in writing to allow you to compare with other banks) a. Start up commission: this will range from 0.5% to 2% of the loan. b. R eference rate: the banks use different reference rates. The most transparent reference rate is the EURIBOR, which is published daily in all the newspapers. This is the most widely used and the one we recommend. The EURIBOR at present is running at aprox. 1.25% c. D ifferential: This is the percentage that the bank charges on top of the reference rate. If the reference rate is Euribor, the differential applied will be between 1% and 2%. d. Early repayment commission. This will range from 0% to 2%. Beware also that most banks offer a special deal over the first year. There is nothing essentially wrong with this as long as it is not hiding bad conditions on the rest of the duration of the mortgage. You need to count also on the following extra expenses (apart from the ones on the purchase itself) : a. T he bank will charge you for the valuation, which will be done by an independent company chosen by the bank. The charge will be between 200 and 300 euros. You will lose this even if the mortgage is not granted. b. Notary fee for the mortgage deed: between 270 and 600 euros. c. Registrars fee for registration of the mortgage deed: between 150 and 250 euros. d. D ocument tax: 1,2% of the responsibility, which is normally aprox. 50% more than the amount borrowed. (i.e. on a loan of 100000 euros, the document tax would be apron. 1800 euros) When cancelling the mortgage apart from the cancellation commission to the bank, you need to count on the following fees to complete the documentation: a. Notary fee for the cancellation deed: between 70 and 250 euros. b. Registrar’s fee: between 50 and 150 euros. c. Document tax:exempt. Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.

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5km walk for AECC

It’s getting close to the time of year again when Maria and The Pink Ladies hold their annual 5 kilometre walk in aid of AECC, to raise much-needed funds to help in the fight against cancer. This year’s walk will be held on Sunday 10th June at the promenade in Playa Flamenca, in front of Surfers Bar, adjacent to the Post Office. Last year’s event, with over 470 people walking, raised nearly €14,000, all of which was donated to AECC. In the two years since they started raising funds for AECC Maria and the Pink Ladies have raised over €38,000 and this year aim to improve on the money raised at last year’s walk. In addition to the walk there will be a full day’s entertainment, with live music provided by some of the top acts on the Costa Blanca, fitness and Flamenco displays. Supported by Vibe Radio, who will be broadcasting live programmes throughout the day, the named groups and artists are: Suzy4Fitz Dance Routine, Raquel Penya Flamenco Dancing, Jason from Fit4All, Nikki G, Zumba Demo from Fit4All, Incognitos, Blues Sistas, Kids Karate Demo, Body Combat Demo, Showaddywaddy Legends, BackBeat Beatles Tribute, Bono Tribute, Chris Jonson Reggae Tribute, Inside the Lines, Nick Gold, Dan Davy, and Pinnacle. There is something for everyone, old and young alike, with a Bouncy Castle, face-painting and a number of market stalls. There will be bars on site and plenty of food for sale, including paella, tapas, hog roast and much more. Maria, who is recovering from breast cancer and a further secondary cancer said she is hoping for an even bigger turnout this year and invites all bar and restaurant owners to enter a team of walkers to help raise funds for this very worthwhile charity. Maria said to business people “Why not advertise your business as you walk the 5km?” and also appealed to urbanisations and communities to enter a team, have a fabulous day out at the same time as helping in the fight against this terrible disease. The registration fee for all walkers is only €5 and for those who wish to raise more there are sponsorship forms available. There will be prizes for the best fancy-dress and most money raised, for both individuals and teams. For more information and to register either a team or individually call Maria on 603292963 between 10.00am and 4.00p.m., log onto www.pinkladies.es, or email info@pinkladies.es.

CORO PILAR IN TOP FORM

After many years of giving concerts at the Iglesia La Caridad in Los Alcazares, Coro Pilar was delighted to be invited to present a musical evening at the Las Claras Community Centre. Having sung there previously this was the choir’s first performance under the leadership of their Musical Director, Zinoviy Harvat. With members of the public starting to arrive in the hall an hour before the concert was due to start it looked set for a full house as indeed it proved, with the organisers squeezing in more seats to accommodate the ever increasing arrivals. The choir opened the programme of international songs with Tim Rice’s ‘Anthem from Chess’ followed by songs sung in Spanish and German which were well received by the mixed audience, ‘Jesus Blieibet Meine Freude’, accompanied by Nazariy Harvat on his flute was a favourite with the Choir’s German supporters. The main choir then took a break whilst a quartet of the ladies gave a beautiful rendition of the Titanic theme song followed by a surprise solo performance from Zinoviy who played ‘Hungarian Dance No. 5’ by Johannes Brahms on his accordion. A mixed group performed ‘One Voice’ followed by Nazariy who gave another stunning performance on his flute with ‘Dedicatoria de Federico Moreno Torroba’, the gentlemen of the choir then gave a rousing performance of ‘Blow High, Blow Low’ from the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical ‘Carousel’. The full choir re-assembled and performed several

other pieces including ‘Any Dream Will Do’ from the musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Unchained Melody’ and ‘I Have A Dream’, quickly followed by ‘Gloria’ at the end of which the audience were on their feet applauding. Having explained that the concert was not over calm returned and Zinoviy led the choir into one of his country’s most well-loved pieces, ‘Kalinka’ which the audience joined in with enthusiasm. Coro Pilar have been asked to perform another concert in October, details will appear in the Press nearer the date. This concert was made possible with the help of Pedro and Pepe who work part-time at the Las Claras and the Ayuntamiento de Los Alcazares. Pepe presented flowers to Natalia Khomyak, the choir´s pianist, at the end of the evening The Choir are always looking for new members so if you would like to join us please telephone John Robinson on 966763446 for more details. If you would like to receive advance notice of future performances by Coro Pilar please contact June Marsh on 966763258 or via email, rayandjune@ costacomputers.com (please mark as ‘Coro Pilar Info’). Our next concert will take place on 9th June 2012 at the Casa Culture in Pilar de la Horadada commencing at 19.30 hrs and entrance is free. We hope to see you there.

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separate dining room, fully fitted and well equipped kitchen, hallway, internal stairwell to the 1st floor, downstairs toilet with built-in wardrobe, built in storage cupboard under the stairs, court yard with a built in storage place, large front terrace with terracotta tiles and built-in barbecue. 1st Floor: landing, double bedroom with built in wardrobe and terrace, another double bedroom with built in wardrobe and a west facing terrace and also a separate south facing terrace, a large family bathroom, and internal stairwell leading to the second floor.

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

PREVIEW of EURO 2012 by Tony Matthews

The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (formerly the European Nations Cup) is the 14th such competition organised by UEFA. The joint hosts this year are Poland and Ukraine, who will stage the Euro 2012 Championship from the 8th June to the 1st July. It’s the first time that either nation has hosted the tournament. Sixteen nations will take part, 14 having qualified from a total of 51 others between August 2010 and November 2011, to join the two host nations in the tournament. The winners of Euro 2012 automatically gains entry to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup which will be staged in Brazil. I haven’t a clue which of the 16 nations will lift the trophy on the 1st July. All I can say is that I am looking forward to the tournament immensely. It will certainly be interesting. There will be some great action, plenty of goals I’m sure, a few sendings-off (there always is in major competitions), some dubious refereeing decisions (penalties awarded, some not), a lot of controversy and without doubt, there will be plenty to talk about in the bars and cafés as the days and weeks roll by. At the time of writing, a handful of coaches/managers had not finalized their squads, but I have a good idea as to who will be out there on the pitch, giving everything he has for his country, striving to become a national hero.

Sport

Let’s hope we see some exciting football, especially from the countries who I and you expect to produce the goods, namely Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and hopefully England and perhaps the Republic of Ireland, who always tend to come up with something special!

The Venues & Grounds At Euro 2012

The 31 games will be played in eight different cities – four in Poland, namely Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań, and four in the Ukraine, in Kiev, Lviv, Donetsk and Kharkiv, the latter having replaced Dnipropetrovsk. Six of these cities have had a brand new stadium erected for the Championship. • National Stadium, Warsaw; capacity 50,250; three Group

A matches, one QF, one SF • P GE Arena, Gdańsk; capacity 40,200; 3 Group C matches; one QF • Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw; capacity 40,350; 3 Group A matches • Municipal Stadium, Poznań; capacity 40,220; 3 Group C matches • Olympic Stadium, Kiev; capacity 70,050; 3 Group D matches, one QF, the Final • Donbassa Arena, Donetsk; capacity 50,450; 3 Group D matches; one QF, one SF • Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv; capacity 35,125; three Group B matches • Arena Lviv; capacity 32,767; 3 Group B matches

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EURO 2012

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

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Spain’s jobless level falls for second month The number of people looking for work in Spain fell for

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which, even if it is not as brutal and deep as the first, has had a negative impact on employment,” said Engracia Hidalgo, the Spanish junior labour minister. The Spanish government is implementing a number of labour market reforms to try to reduce unemployment, including cutting back on severance pay and restricting inflation-linked salary increases. These have proved very unpopular with unions and workers. However, it has been forced to approve billions of euros of spending cuts and tax increases in an effort to reduce its debt levels, which have a negative impact on employment within the economy.

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George Soros says three months to save the euro

Billionaire investor George Soros has warned European leaders they have a “three-month window” to save the euro. He said he believed Greece would elect a government willing to abide by loan conditions imposed by the EU in this month’s elections. But he said the German economy would begin to weaken in the autumn, making it much harder for Chancellor Angela Merkel to provide further support. He said leaders did not understand “the nature of the crisis”. He said that while European leaders were focusing on debt levels, the crisis was “more of a banking problem and a problem of competitiveness”. For this reason, he said they had “applied the wrong remedy”. “You cannot reduce the debt burden by shrinking the economy, only by growing your way out of it,” he added. Mr Soros, speaking at a conference in Italy, was referring to the drastic austerity measures that have been implemented across Europe, measures that are now being questioned by a growing number of politicians and commentators. Without policies to boost growth, which would enable governments to raise revenue to pay down debt, Mr Soros said time was running out for the euro. “I expect the Greek public will be sufficiently frightened by the prospect of expulsion from the EU that it will give a narrow majority of seats to a coalition that is ready to abide by the current [bailout] agreement,” he said. However, this would provide only temporary respite, he warned, as the

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German public becomes less willing to continue bailing out its weaker European neighbours. “The crisis is likely to come to a climax in the [autumn]. By that time, the German economy will also be weakening, so that Chancellor Merkel will find it even more difficult than today to persuade the German public to accept any additional European responsibilities. “That is what creates a three-month window.”

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Ballroom & Latin American Dancing The Quickstep is the light hearted member of the ballroom dances which is danced to 4/4 time. The movement is fast and powerful, flowing and scattered with syncopations. The upbeat music that quickstep is danced to make it popular with many and a dance that you will want to learn. The frame (hold) for the Quickstep is the same as for the Waltz and Slow Foxtrot and retaining this is critical to performing a good Quickstep. When watching a Quickstep the dancers should appear to be moving effortlessly at speed and very light on the feet, almost as if gliding along the floor. Elegance again is very important and dancers will look as if their feet barely touch the floor because of the speed involved. One of the most difficult things to master is moving together as one without bumping along the

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ MUKA (class details 635 584 431) the speed of the music and the character of the dance invites a free flowing light dance. Beginners will find the basic steps easy to learn and easy to fit to the music. But as you progress you will discover that the music lends itself to an infinite variety of steps. The dancer who masters the basics of the Quickstep will have command of a dance that can never grow stale, a dance that is unquestionably the most attractive expression of rhythm the world has ever known and which is undoubtedly the most popular dance today. Although the advanced Quickstep is difficult to master and perform, it is undoubtedly lots of fun to watch and extremely energetic at this level.

way! I’m sure if you have danced a Quickstep you will know what I mean! Girls remember not to drop your weight back too early! Unlike the Slow Foxtrot, the man closes his feet more and syncopated steps are common. The complexity of Quickstep as done by advanced dancers (and which you will see on ‘Strictly’) has increased, due to the extensive use of syncopated steps using an eighth of a beat. In the past, quickstep patterns were counted with “quick” (one beat) and “slow” (two beats) steps, (as known from Victor Sylvester slow, slow, quick quick slow). Many advanced patterns today use syncopated rhythm, such as “quicka n d - q u i c k- a n d - q u i c k , quick, slow”, with there being further steps on the ‘and’s.

Don’t forget that you can come along and join one of our master classes to learn this along with all the Ballroom & Latin American dances and remember you don’t necessarily need a partner. Next week we will look at the history of the beautiful, elegant Slow Foxtrot.

Whilst the basic figures are quite simple to learn,

WHAT MAKES A GOOD Quickstep

MONCAYO MARKET

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opportunity to trade within our Retail Village, which is situated alongside the busy Moncayo market which is currently open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. With over 20 units already let and another 20 reserved, there is limited space available within this unique marketplace – but you need to move quickly! Anyone interested should either come along to the Moncayo Market, which is situated behind the Procomobel Home Centre or call Paul on 660 249 876

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

REVIEW it... film review - the artist

Alqueria ‘Peña de los Jefes’

The favoured eastern side of Alqueria is the home to Los Recién Llegados the Newcomers, the wealthier of the two main groupings of the Pueblo. Fernando Rodriguez is the owner of the village’s only industry, the olive mill and undisputed leader of the Newcomers, both in ideology and wealth. He and his associates take their ease at the social club located in the tree lined Avenida del Rico. A stone carved inscription by the door reads ‘Peña de los Jefes (Sólo Los Recién Llegados)’. The bar was stocked with the finest wines, Remitroot Liquor and best single malt whiskies. The olives are not Rodriquez’s needless to say. The quality of Alquerian olives has been in decline ever since he inherited the mill from his Father. It had been a long and difficult day at Olivarera de Alqueria. Rodriguez wanted answers. The last of his major customers, La Compañía de Medicamentos de Almería, had cancelled their contract. They had utilised the olive oil to lubricate a piece of medical apparatus used in the treatment of a male geriatric condition. It was however discovered that the Alquerian oil was causing the patients to become hyperactive during treatment. This proved traumatic for patients and medical staff alike. Rodriquez had organised his usual witch-hunt, looking for an imaginary conspiracy and punishing the innocent.

Jean Dujardin, playing the famous Hollywood movie star, George Valentin is the artist, an egotistical, silent movie star with the charisma and plenty of the good lucks to attract the interest of the ladies. It’s not surprising that his accolades include best actor awards for the Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Academy Awards. I love his arrogance and his acting which typifies melodrama at its best. Melodrama is one of the features that interested the French director, Michel Hazanavicius in recreating silent movies during the 1920s. The Artist highlights the superficiality of Tinsel town, the glitter and glitz of fame while it lasts. And does it last? Of course not! The silent movies were becoming tedious and dated, the directors wanted something to excite their public and of course, the public yearned for something modern and exciting. This seems to mean the end of a f lourishing career for Valentin whose stubbornness and pride lead him to reject any advancement in cinematography. He is ruined, his marriage ends, he auctions all his possessions, his material wealth and hits rock bottom. A sad demise but an inevitable one. The contrast? A beautiful and enchanting up and coming, aspiring actress, the director’s wife, Berenice Bejo who plays an ambitious and vivacious Peppy Miller whose chance meeting with Valentin and a photograph splashed on the front page of Variety with the headline: Who’s That Girl? is the catalyst needed to propel her career into orbit and attract her leading man into a romantic liaison. She has the beauty, the charisma, the charm and most importantly, the humility, a redeeming quality. Within five years their roles are reversed: she is famous and adored by the public, he is a has-been, no longer enamoured by the fickle masses, a drunkard and suicidal. The romantic link is slow in developing but once the chemistry is in place it is electrifying to watch, especially at the end. I loved the unappreciated, taken for granted valet, Clifton ( James Cromwell) for his ten years of dedication to his master without being paid a cent. That is true devotion. The other star? As an animal lover I loved Uggie, Valentin’s faithful dog who saves his master’s life after his first suicidal bid and who also entertains us throughout with his amazing tricks. An interesting film to watch with large doses of tragedy and comedy. You need to watch the film a couple of times to appreciate what a wonderful film it is, but you will, I am sure about that.

Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times: Naylorcl@hotmail.es

UNESCO Award For Plácido Domingo

Those of El Gente del Cerro, the Hill People who worked at the olive mill took the brunt of his paranoia. Bonuses were stopped and privileges withdrawn. The cause of the decline in business was obvious to all apart from Rodriguez himself. His ruinous love of Abyssinian Mountain Goat Shirling financed by the firm’s meagre profits and total incompetence have taken their toll. Manuela, unofficial leader of the Hill People plotted revenge. That night the ‘Peña de los Jefes (Sólo Los Recién Llegados)’ burnt down. The two factions within Alqueria manned the fire engine on alternate nights. That night by coincidence the Bomberos were Hill People. It took them two hours to travel the half a mile to the Peña. Stopping at every bar in the village and on one occasion even stopping for dinner. Invited by Nestor Clacketo the baker who coincidently was also a Hill Person. When they finally arrived a gutted shell was all that remained. Rodriquez stood black faced, holding the singed and dented remains of his goat shirling trophies rescued from the inferno. The cause of the fire was officially accidental but Rodriquez knew better. Manuela denied all knowledge though she was seen throwing brushwood into the flames while standing on an empty Jerry Can. Rodriquez thought twice when dealing with El Gente del Cerro after the night of the fire. He never again had things entirely his own way

Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo has won the UNESCO Artist of Peace award in recognition of his lifelong career in opera and his work for European heritage conservation. Domingo, who has worked in the UNESCO headquarters and is head of the Europa Nostra heritage foundation, only discovered two or three days before the award ceremony that he had been granted the prize. It was presented to him at the National Cultural Centre in Lisbon, Portugal, by its president Guilherme de Oliveira. Other Artists of the Peace to date include Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil, Bangladeshi fashion designer Bibi Russell, Cameroon-born musician Manu Dibango, Portuguese singer and actress Maria de Madeiros, Haïtian writer Frankétienne and French actress Guila Clara Kessous, among others.

Honorary doctorate for Spain’s minister of justice

Minister for Justice and former mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the university of Haifa in northern Israel. He was awarded the PhD along with eight other honorary doctors, including Australian health investigator Patrick McGorry, Nobel prizewinner in chemistry, Israel’s Dan Shechtman and Salim Joubran, the first Arab magistrate to have gained access to the Israeli Supreme Court. Ruiz-Gallardón’s award was in recognition of his work in promoting peaceful relations between the two countries. This included setting up the Sefarad-Israeli house in Madrid, to promote intercultural relations, and naming a square in the city after the Israeli prime minister Isaac Rabin, who was assassinated in 1995. Dean of the university, Aaron Ben Ze’ev, said RuizGallardón’s ‘support for multiculturalism and tolerance’ within society are ‘values shared by all faculties’ of the ‘most cosmopolitan and multi-religious’ higher education institution in Israel.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

coffee break STANDARD CROSSWORD

Down 1 An Islamic religious leader (6) 2 A small fish (6) 3 A valuable thing or property (5) 4 Degrades (7) 6 Measures atmospheric pressure (9) 7 Sufficient (8) 8 Acted in an undecided manner (8) 11 Yield (4) 15 Coordinates (9) 17 Adopted (a cause) (8) 18 From Dixie (8) 20 Utterly defeat (4) 21 Effeminate (7) 22 Japanese robe (6) 23 Practical (6) 26 Parts (5)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 9 Country morning girl (7) 10 Relative to a thousand thousand before Asian leader (7) 11 T ook a photo of Shanghai initially, then had a short sleep (7) 12 A nest lies disturbed, as is vital (9) 14 Lift more money? (5) 15 Incomings of headless guards (7) 18 C ounts on parts of swimming pools lacking extra opening (7) 19 Train manager? (5) 20 Choices made by icon’s side? (9) 24 Sanction a very soft wander (7) 25 F irst in Italy, almost - I moved around (7) 27 All-purpose military man? (7) 28 Good start, way to go outside - northeast complained (7) Down 1C omplication of Taiwan’s first fish (6) 2C ame across Alex’s substances (6) 3B ound to be on the same score (4) 4S tarts to help animal with an increasingly irate state (6) 5 Card game came first, and made a shrill sound (8) 6P arts of a text are standard, as surrounding diagram (10)

7 Tangy pie cooked from an African country (8) 8 Large numbers shudder all over the place, taking in new leader (8) 13 Enough ribs to change those living nearby (10) 15 Switch former partner’s money? (8) 16 Snaring and bugging without redhead (8) 17 Dens duly collapsed without warning (8) 21 Holds on tight to China’s first adapted sling (6) 22 The East part of Bangor I enthralled (6) 23 Half of soap covers shapes (6) 26 Smooth element (4)

HARD SUDOKU

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Bernard M. Baruch

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

Across 1 Orders (8) 5 On a ship or train (6) 9 Solitary (8) 10 Requiring immediate attention (6) 12 Bow down (9) 13 Rodent (5) 14 Murmurs (4) 16 Ennoble (7) 19 Moocher (7) 21 Goes astray (4) 24 Frequently (5) 25 Heat, water and electricity (9) 27 You do this when you have a cold (6) 28 Appears with the full moon (8) 29 Citizen of Denmark (6) 30 A wastewater cistern (8)

“Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”

STANDARD SUDOKU

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Torrevieja U3A visits the Galapagos Islands!

Well it certainly felt like we were there anyway when Ray Marsh came to speak at our monthly meeting on 28th May about his trip to the Galapagos Islands and we were able to view his wonderful slides showing the abundant and varied wildlife and spectacular scenery to be seen in the Islands. The talk he gave us was really interesting, as he told how many different sub-species of birds and animals there are in this small group of islands and how this influenced the work of Charles Darwin. The story of ‘Lonesome George’, the last surviving Pinta Island giant tortoise, who is about 100 years old, was particularly poignant As if that wasn’t enough we were then introduced to a new group called the Friends of Avinença (FoA) and Paul Pruden introduced the projects that are undertaken by this Group in the north of the Valencian region and told us about some of the field trips that have been taken by the FoA. The field trips are to places not usually open to the general public and include a visit to the Loggerhead Turtle Rehabilitation Reserve, The Vulture Re-introduction Project in Alcoy and the Aitana Radar Station (where there was still snow on the ground in April). The projects include clearing invasive species, plants and turtles, from a lagoon in Moraira; volunteering to help monitor the health of rivers and helping to manage an olive grove – eventually hoping to produce their own olive oil later this year, albeit on a small scale! We have now set up a new

at the gre n n i en The Tapas Now available from Emma’s Kitchen

Fri 8th June Sat 9th JunE Samantha Curtis

Friends of Avinença (South) group to expand the activities into this area. If you are interested in finding out more, and you don’t have to be a member of Torrevieja U3A to join us, please visit the website www.avinenca.es or email the Co-ordinator in this area, Sue Kenyon on torrevieja4all@ gmail.com The next three meetings of Torrevieja U3A take a different format during the long hot summer months. They are very informal, there is no speaker and it is an opportunity for members and new members to come along and have the opportunity to talk to each other – something that we don’t always get time to do during our usual busy monthly meetings! So if you would like to come along on the last Monday of June, July and August for a social get together, or even to play some board games or join in the discussion group or try your hand at some Spanish Conversation, then we would like to see you. Doors open at 10.00 a.m. Refreshments and snacks are available all morning. For more information about Torrevieja U3A please visit out website www.torreviejau3a.org or contact one of the Committee. We look forward to seeing you soon!

ORIHUELA COSTA R.B.L AT THE CASTLE

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion had a stand at the Homes, Gardens and Outdoor Living Exhibition at the Castillo de Conesa in San Miguel on the 22 &23 May 2012. The Branch´s aim was to was to inform the public of the R.B.Ls work within the community, recruitment and raising funds for the 2012 Poppy Appeal. A hamper was raffled and the winning ticket was drawn by UK´s TV gardening guru Charlie Dimmock.

The winning ticket number was 124 and was won by Mr. Neuton from San Pedro. Over €400 was raised over the two days. Keith Carter, Branch Chairman would like to thank everyone who helped raise this amount and to all of the Branch members who assisted over the two days. For further information about the Orihuela Costa and District Branch please visit our web site www.orihuelacostarbl.com You don’t have to be ex services to become a member.

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

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Jumbo Hot Dog & Onions ..............€2.50

Feta And Mint ‘Cigaret tes’

Gammon Bap & Salad .....................€2.50

5 sheets filo pastry 5.5oz feta cheese 2.5oz goat cheese Olive oil 2.5oz pine nuts 1 Large bunch fresh mint Pepper

Lasagne, Garlic Bread & Salad .....€3.50 3 Sausages, Mash, Onions & Gravy.................................................... €3.50 Tandoori or Cajun Wrap, Coleslaw & Crisps ...............................................€3.50 Fish, Chips, Mushy Peas or Salad €4.50 Homemade Cottage Pie, Chips & Peas ................................................................€4.50 Chicken, Chips & Curry Sauce ......€4.50

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Chicken, Chips, Peas or Salad ......€4.95 Homemade Steak Pie, Chips & Peas ................................................................€4.95

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Indian Restaurant & Takeaway Menu del dia €8.50 Menu de la Noche €10.95 includes poppadoms & chutney choice of 4 starters 4 main dishes 4 vegetable dishes rice or naan bread coffee or tea

METHOD

Preheat your oven at 425F (220C). Toast the pine nuts in a frying pan without oil and set aside. Mix together the 2 types of cheese. Wash the mint leaves and keep 10 nice leaves. Chop the rest and add them to the cheese preparation. Add the pine nuts and mix well. Season with pepper. Lay a sheet of filo on your counter top. Brush with olive oil. Cut in two halves. On each sheet, place a small amount of cheese at the bottom, in the middle. At the top part, in the middle, place a leave of mint. Fold each side on top of the cheese and start rolling, fom bottom to top, as if to form a cigarette. Brush with olive oil ~ repeat with the other cigarettes. Place them in the oven for 10 min, until golden. Take them out and let cool for 5 min before serving

Shrimp Spaghet ti & Aspar agus Pesto MAIN

METHOD

Tapas now available all day as previously served in Chili restaurant in Turre

Open 11am til late 7 days a week

Tel: 950 475 742 - www.cocinaindiomojacar.com Paseo del Mediterraneo, 199, Mojacar Playa

INGREDIENTS

To make the shrimps: Start by cleaning the shrimps (remove heads and shells); keep a few intact for decoration. Take a frying pan and melt 1.5 tbsp butter. When hot, add 1 chopped garlic clove. Cook for 1min on medium to low heat without turning it brown, then add the shrimps and bring the heat to high. Cook until the shrimps are pink on all sides (only a few mins). Away from heat and quickly, add the cognac and flambé the shrimps. Return to the stove and set aside, keeping them warm. To prepare the vegetables and pesto: Clean

INGREDIENTS Spaghetti (about 12.5oz dry for 4) 10.5oz green asparagus 1lb shrimps fresh basil leaves 2 tbsp pine nuts 3 tbsp cognac 4.5 tbsp butter 4 garlic cloves 3/4 cup grated parmesan olive oil salt & pepper

the asparagus (remove the end parts). Blanch them for a few mins, then rinse under cold water. Cut the tips that you keep for the dish itself and keep the stems for the pesto. In a food processor, mix together the 3 remaining garlic cloves, the basil, 3 tbsp of butter (soft), the pine nuts, a dash sea salt, pepper and the asparagus stems. Keep on the side. To finish the dish: Grate your parmesan cheese. Cook your spaghetti. Take a large bowl and mix together the spaghetti with the pesto sauce and parmesan. Keep 2 tbsp of the pesto for decoration. Take a plate and place a ring mould in the middle. Start by placing spaghetti twirled around your fingers at the bottom, 2/3 to the top. Add a layer of shrimps. Finish with spaghetti and some pesto sauce on top. Decorate with a few shrimps and asparagus. Sprinkle with a dash of olive oil, a few roasted pine nuts and serve.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

As I walk towards the Beachcomber, on Mojacar Playa, I hear the bustle before I see the entrance. The restaurant is busy with two long tables of the local slimmer’s club and several tables of a mix of families, couples and the tail end of the photography club, the whole front of the restaurant is opened to let in the breeze off the Mediterranean and the view is fantastic. I think I am in for a treat!

Dia which is just €10 for 3 courses, though the prawn cocktail is only on occasionally in the day, it is always available on the Menu de la Noche at €11.50, other subtle differences like the opportunity to have crepes suzettes with orange liquor and brandy, make the nighttime menu a little more special. We still have one more course to enjoy, and to top everything off, I have chosen the After Eight & White chocolate cheesecake, which comes with ice cream and lashings of warm chocolate sauce and real after eight pieces! My partner has chosen the banoffee pie, a must for anyone with a seriously sweet tooth, this came with cream and ice cream and gave us a scrumptious ending to our long summer’s afternoon made up of great company, great service from Stacey, Alan and John, great food from all the team in the kitchen and great views.

We are seated at our table and presented with the menu. For starters I have chosen the prawn cocktail classic 1970’s style which when it came out was made up of loads of prawns, lashings of marie rose sauce, salad, fresh, soft wholemeal bread and butter all topped off with a huge langoustine! My partner had the garlic mushrooms which were by no means button-sized but 2 to 3 times the size in fine, breadcrumbs, garlic and herbs, served with salad and freshly made alioli. Both are large portions and I am left wondering whether I will be able to cope with the main course and pudding still to come! For the main course, I have chosen the famous fish and chips, I couldn’t come to the Beachcomber without trying this and when it arrives, the plate full doesn’t disappoint! The batter is light and crispy and the fish beautifully flaky. I had mine with homemade chunky chips and salad, though you can choose garden peas, mushy peas or beans. My partner, upon advice given to us, is trying a new addition to the menu, the Cornish style pasty baked using the latest technology which has made it puff up to double the size expected! The oven they use goes up to over 1100 F and blows the heat around at 60mph allowing them to cook this pasty in less then 3 minutes and it really crisps up the pastry (I had a sneaky taste!) Everything we have had so far is available on the Menu del

dessert INGREDIENTS 2 large eggs 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, slightly cooled 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp finely ground blanched almonds 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp sugar (or light brown sugar) 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out, or 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2.5 tablespoons crème fraiche or mascarpone 12.5 oz cherries

METHOD Preheat the oven at 400 F and butter four small ovenproof ramekins. Wash the cherries (remove the pits, if you prefer); set aside. In a bowl, beat the butter with the almonds, vanilla seeds and sugar. Add the eggs, one by one, until well incorporated. Beat in the cream. Divide this batter between the ramekins and arrange the cherries on top. Bake the desserts for 20 minutes, or until the flan is set and golden in colour. Let cool before eating

advertising feature

beachcomber bar & restaurant - review

For more info on their live regular entertainment evenings call 950 473 099.

free wifi

Los Gallardos Tlf 950 398 799 Ali & Mick welcome you! FREE WIFI

Tapas - Snacks - Breakfasts - Evening Menu pizzas Freshly made-to-order from 7pm Eat In or Take-Away

Home-made Pies, Pasties & Quiches To Order

Upcoming entertainment

Downstairs on the sea front next to the Irish Rover Look out for our live entertainment evenings

Mel J

sunday Roast menu of the day

3 courses €10 3 course - €10.50 main course - €7.50 menu of the night

Bar open 10am - LATE Food served all day from 10.30am Last orders 9pm

Cherry Amandines

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

darren

anthony

Sunday 10th Sunday 17th June June Private Functions catered for

3 courses €11.50

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

courses for 15€

Sky Sports shown on Large Screen TV

Quiz Night Thursdays 8.30pm Karaoke Fridays 8.30pm

The Original & Only La Cabaña

Established 2002

La Cabaña

Argentinian steak house

tango dancing show With Belen & Tupac every Wednesday Open Monday to Sunday: 7pm - 12am (dinner only) Sunday Lunch and Dinner

Tel: 950 615 179

www.laparrillamojacar.com Paseo del Mediterraneo, 163, Urbaniacion Pueblo Diana, Mojaca Playa Mojacar Village Hotel Best Indalo

‘La Cabana’ old location

‘La Cabana’ new location

Chemist

Stables

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Age Concern in June

The main event is the second Grand Auction on Friday 22nd June at 1PM in Marianos.on Camposol A. The first auction brought 150 in the audience bidding for over 100 items! It’s a simple process, all items for the sale must be registered beforehand by the 16th, at a cost of 10Euros for up to three items. You keep whatever is made. You can put a reserve on any item. Items for the auction must be brought to Marianos on the morning of the 22nd between 9 and 10AM; viewing is between 10AM and noon and the gavel comes down at !PM. At the end of the month, on Wednesday 27th June the Menu Del Dia returns to the port to the Restaurant Payma which is by the Tourist shop not far from Arbol. Its 10 Euros for the menu plus entertainment and starts at 1.30PM. It will be a really good afternoon out. Tickets can be had Thursday morning in the Puerto Mazarron at the Bar Peyma, near tourist information or on a Friday outside the Salud Bar Camposol B. The new office on Calle Retama (968 970 687), Camposol C5 is open for tickets, information and advice on Monday and Wednesday mornings, 11AM until 1PM and for advice on a Friday morning

MABS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MAZARRON EVENTS FOR JUNE & JULY 2012

Thursday 7th June - PETANQUE COMPETITION - Cañadas Social Centre, El Paretón 4pm 7€ to include Fish and Chips or Sausage and Chips. Come along and join in the fun - for further details call 620 582 418 Tuesday 26th June - VOLUNTEERS MEETING- Trevi Bar, Camposol Sector B - 11.30am If you would like to find out more about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting. For further information please ring David on 634 362 954. Friday 29th June - JIGSAW BEREAVEMENT GROUP - Cats Bar, Sector A – 2pm The MABS Mazarrón Bereavement Group - Jigsaw meets on the last Friday in the month at Cats Bar, Camposol Sector A. Call 620 582 418 for further details. Sunday 8th July – MABS BARBECUE- Calle Juviles 9 D 20 Camposol 8pm Tickets 10€ each to include Food, Wine, Beer, Water, and Disco. Call 620 582 418 for further details. Friday 27th July- JIGSAW BEREAVEMENT GROUP-Cats Bar, Sector A – 2pm The MABS Bereavement Group – Jigsaw meets on the last Friday in the month at Cats Bar, Camposol Sector A. Call 620 582 418 for further details. Tuesday 31st July – VOLUNTEERS MEETING- Trevi Bar, Camposol Sector B – 11.30am If you would like to find out more about how you can help MABS come along to our meeting. For further information please ring David on 634 362 954. Every 2nd and 3rd Friday – BOOK SALE – Camposol Sector B Commercial Centre. Event tickets are on sale outside Alley Palais every Friday between 11am and 1pm.Keep watching the press or visit our website www.mabsmurcia.com for more events For further details, please call 620 582 418

FANTASTIC 2 DAY EXHIBITION OF GARDEN FURNITURE

Camposol B (outside Euronics, Dental Care & Steak Out) Tel: 966 726 891 www.ironartfactoryoutlet.com

Rocking Swivel set €350

Patio Suites from €199

Shade Sails from €49

corner suite €499 Toledo White Patio suite €699

of ionn of ctio lect Ma sele ivee se ssiv Mass

Sunloungers €175 each or €300 for 2

Friday 8th June GARDENcredFURNITURE es ices pric le pr At In credib 10am to 5pm Don’t Miss It ! ible At In

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

EMAIL YOUR event s and ANNOUNCEMENTS TO

COMMUNITY NEWS... WELCOME EVENTS...............

EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

Forthcoming events are Ladies Day on 13th June - still a few tickets left @ €12. Summer Ball on 20th June at Pinito de Oro, Aledo, @ €29. Barcelona trip, leaving on 10th September, staying overnight in Valencia, then on to Barcelona on 11th for 3 nights at Hotel Montblanc at the top of the famous La Rambla. Overnight again on the return journey in Valencia and back to Camposol on 15th. All 3-star hotels, bed and breakfast, all coach travel at €325 per person. Call Rosemary on 620105179, or e-mail rosemarybeak@hotmail.com.

PALS EVENTS 2012 BBQ on the Beach friday 29th June bring the kids. An evening event from 6 till 9 food and drink included 13 Euros Sponsored Bike Ride – 22nd - 30th September TJ’s bar are organising a bike ride from Camposol to Madrid and back. All proceeds to PALS. Forms in TJ’s or from PALS

Camposol sector a tel: 699 518 535 Entertainment quiz monday from 9pm

Cruise – 20th to 27th October 7 nights, 8 days FULLY INCLUSIVE from Camposol to Valencia, then Malta, Sicily, Naples, Sardinia, Palma de Mallorca. Pullman tours from 600 euros per person sharing. Tickets going fast. Please ensure you GET YOUR tickets early... For more info: www.pals.sm4.biz or call 626 460 465

The first Mazarron Festival de Baile Volunteers Meeting will take place at the Business Centre, Camposol A on Friday June 1st from 35.00pm. It’s a drop in meeting which will give information on the MFDB event and the support that is needed. The festival is now in its 3rd year. There will be 150 dancers with family and friends from 7 different dance schools travelling to the event. The event will take place at Mariano’s, Camposol A on the 23rd June and at the Playa Grande Hotel, Mazarron on the 24th & 25th June. From 10.00am to approx 10.00pm each day the programme will consist of Dance Workshops for participants, Competitions and Awards Presentations. Dancers of all ages and abilities will present many different styles of dance to celebrate the hard work that they and their teachers

dedicate throughout the year. Do you think you could offer 4 hours or more on one or more of the days? Would you like to be part of the development of arts in the region? Can you support the delivery of quality leisure activities for the community of Murcia and its’ visitors? Volunteer roles are needed in the following areas:Supporting visiting dance schools / judge & compare liaison / checking marks and completing forms / front of house.

If you would like to find out more then please do come and visit us on Friday 1st June at the Business Centre Camposol A . If you are unable to make the meeting but would still like to help please call Louise on 655 421 120. All volunteers will get lots of information about their role and get a free spectators pass for the whole weekend. Refreshments will also be funded and where volunteers are supporting 8 hours or more they will receive a MFDB T-shirt and food.

TROPICAL CABARET NIGHTS HOTEL SENSOL, ‘C’ CAMPOSOL ~POOLSIDE~ 12 JUNE Exciting ‘ROLLING STONES’ 5pc Band Tribute + the excellent TIMEWARP duo from Benidorm

Buy a ‘STONES’ ticket get MICHAEL JACKSON 5.50€

19 JUNE Fantastic ‘MICHAEL JACKSON’ Tribute + Dance + the finest ‘NEIL DIAMOND’ on the Costas 26 JUNE ‘HOLLIES’ UK Tribute + DOGHOUSE BLUES BAND STOP PRESS! ‘IL DIVO’ Tribute Fab 4 10 July 1€ Tickets 11€ Tel Kim: 699203136 + Mondays Hotel 11-11.30 Special price drinks eg Beer 2€/pint, Wine 6€/bottle, G+T 3.80€

The team at The Condado welcome you Situated on: Condado de Alhama Jardines Between Gardens 5&7

What’s coming up in June? 26th June:

Rock’nRoll Show with meal included, 15€

28th June:

Condado Club’s first Curry Night, all authentic & homemade plus background singer

Bike hire ONLY €7 a day Padel tennis courts 5€ per hour

Zumba every Thursday YOGA - Monday - Friday morning

Opening times: 10am to midnight Food is served daily, Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm, 6pm -10pm. Friday, Saturday Sunday 10am–10pm

go online www. soltimes. com

karaoke

Thursday Market Day Special Sausage or Bacon Sandwich plus Tea or Coffee only 3€

Beefburger plus Tea or Coffee only 3€

Homemade Pies Full english breakfast & Full menu also includes bread & butter or toast & available 50 tea & coffee. Mon - Sat 10 - 3

€4.

The Centro A family run bar within the Comercial, Condado del Al Kasar Alhama Resort 868 082 057 Snack Menu live entertainment live sports 16th June

9th June

Martin Ross Robbie James’ 23rd June Rock’n’Roll - with singer Byron - Dance the Night and performer - proved Away with Byron’s Disco 30TH June very popular when he last lenny Mitchell & his appeared so don’t miss Musical Time Machine this one... from 9:30pm

R a o y l w e N

Bar & Restaurant

7th June Friday

Saturday 8th may Race Nite Martin Ross with fish & Chips 6€ A New

Mazarron Festival de Baile 2012 Call for Volunteers...............................

Friday 8th june

General knowledge quiz tues & thurs from 9pm mon from 9pm Sunday Lunches from 12.45pm onwards 2 menus 4.50€ or 6.50€... Booking Advisable

nu Sunday Mer Summe Selection

El Alamillo Plaza ~ Pto de Mazarron Details & Reservations 968 595 864

find us on

New royal costa calida

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

SOL CLASSIFIEDS air conditioning

ALL SEASONS I Fully fitted by R C City & Guilds O Trained Installation team N Fully Legal & Insured S.L. company Prices from as little as 349€ supplied and fitted Free no obligation survey and quotation www.allseasons-spain.com email:info@allseasons-spain.com AUTHORISED INSTALLER FOR SIMULSAT TV Call John on 608279075

building services

COMPUTERS

Private sale ads are free under 300€ (3 ads per week) email them to: blancasales@soltimes.com

Furniture

Furniture first

est 10Mbps Internet 2006 ANYWHERE in A1 sl Europe. Phones Constuction for ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE OWNED immediate FURNITURE & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES installation from for skip hire, house clearance specialist tipping, digging, less than 1 cent FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE minute, no monthly WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE rubbish removal fee. Computer QUALITY FURNITURE sales and repairs & all building Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 Denia to Mazarron. C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales work, Tel: 628 Call Clive 966 260 PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: 505 733 or 608 403 or 648 883 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 202 www. clivegray www.southcostablancaonline.com 179 450 (tc) computers.eu

electricians

awnings

ELECTRICS & PLUMBING

AWNINGS DIRECT

• Retractable Awnings Plano • Toldo (Glorieta) • Balcony Blinds

to place your advertisment....

IN THE COSTA BLANCA

no job too small & free estimates!

• Vertical Blinds • Window Blinds • New Covers • Repairs

specialists in all electrical & plumbing works

At least 150 Colours To Choose From

Tel: Mick 676 583 246

new icp’s fitted - swimming pool heaters & air-con, electric gates & burglar alarms hot water boilers,gas heaters & solar new bath/shower suites - spanish legal

call clive: 617 268 346 or frank: 639 988 487 www.electriancostablanca.co.uk

from la Marina to San Javier

beauty

boats

Electrician available for all works. Small or large. Call Dave 693 251 562.

ELECTRICITY, PLUMBING, AIR-CON in Torrevieja & surrounding areas. No call out fee Tel: 622 381 979 Tel: 658 632 056 www.hacerman.webs.com

for all your beauty needs, Call B O A T I N G Jan on 672 880 353 LICENSES ARE beds NOW A LEGAL RE Q U I RE M E N T IN SPAIN Serenity davendonc@aol.com Sailing RYA Training Centre, doors Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat (Quesada) tuition on sail and uk manufactured, made to power. If you have a measure, composite & pvc See our Advertisement on yacht or powerboat doors & windows qualified and with up to 25 years guarantee page 13 for more information get certified. Contact Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, Richard +34 638 over 40 styles to choose from with colour options on composite doors La Planta, Playa Flamenca 056 224 Email: e n q u i r i e s @ from €595 fully installed s e r e n i t y s a i l i n g . Calle azul, cuidad quesada tel: 966 718 738 com or visit: www. businesses for sale see our main ad on page 17 serenitysailing.com

Sweet Dreams

50% off all matresses

Simply Doors Espana

Tel: 965 321 701

Mañanas

Popular Cafe Bar in Algorfa Traspaso/Lease for sale full legal license 40 covers inside 20 covers outside Fully stocked Existing business ready for immediate takeover

Please contact Tel: 966 781 307

cement paving

for sale

bottles The ultimate in Butano 15€ each Tel: 606 concrete design 075 644 Heater Butano New catalytic, thermostatic. 50€. Weed Free ~ Non Slip Tel: 606 075 644 Matt or Gloss finish Butano BBQ No Wide variety of lava rock needed all gas. 80€ Tel: 606 colours & patterns 075 644 Free survey & quotation Portable DeTel / Fax 966 797 651 Mobile: 606 869 121 humidifier, 100€ Tel: email: info@pbpavingspain.com www.pbpavingspain.com 606 075 644 Aluminium double extending ladders each 2,75 mt,Good condition ,cost 150e Pattern Imprinted Concrete

Low maintenance

OFFICES & SERVICE CENTRE LOS CARASOLES, NEAR CUCADOR

SOLTIMES N E W S PA P E R G R O U P

www.soltimes.com

TEL: 902 750 190

OFFICE SPACE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Tel: 902 750 190 Move in and start work immediaTely TELEPHONE & INTERNET ACCESS CONVENIENTLY SITUATED - FREE PARKING

By PERSON: Quesada business centre, calle los arcos 7, quesada Costa blanca areas christine 966 718 979 Costa calida area Paulette 902 750 190 ext 334

for sale Mobility Scooter from Sunshine Mobility, Royal Blue, hardly used as new, With Basket

495€ o.n.o.

Tel:966 717 147 Sheets from 3.45€ Linen Mills, Calle Los Arcos, Ciudad Quesada Tel: 653 634 714

health & beauty Jane Salon in Bolnuevo for all health & beauty treatments including hair, nails, massage, skin care & much more. Tel: 968 158 433 or 611 611 858 (tc)

heating NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

insurance asssa medical insu r anc e s Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es

Safe high quality, not battery, locksmiths combination plus key. Solid Steel Locks r us 24hr emergency locksmith, Swedish make. 80€. tel: 653 145 300, see main ad on front Tel: 606 075 644 page. 2 upright jewellery freezers, Phillips 50€ Zanussi New 100€. Tel: 606 075 644 English jeweller wishes to buy

GOLD WANTED

K a r ch e r pressure washer plus accessories 80 € Tel: 606 075 644

P hillips telephone fax copier answer machine for sale with manual 25€. Over 40 composite Tel: 606 075 644 and PVC doors, Home garage fully installed from equipment, drills, only €595, Tel: grinder, cutters, Simply Doors on compressor, electric 966 718 738, or call at our showroom at welder etc. various Calle Azul, Ciudad prices. Tel: 606 Quesada, see our 075 644 from main ad on page 17 Pillows 4.95€ Linen Mills, Pool tables, snook e r Calle Los Arcos, table Ciudad Quesada Tel: tables, tennis tables, darts. 653 634 714 Tel:666 933 726 VHS Videos, www.spainpool.com Brand New, 4 Sets inflatabl e of 6 ER’s, 4 Sets of boat, 8ft J-Z Cold Feet, 2 Sets of excellent condition Friends, and three 299€, Tel 634 325 Sets of Sex in the 508 City. Tel Evenings: Wilson staff 654 666 686 clubs and bag 60€ Martial Arts Tel 634 325 508 – 6 M att r e ss e s , Equipment Mats, Punch Bag brand new from 49€ Linen Mills, Calle with Gloves, Rubber Los Arcos, Ciudad Knives and Batons Tel Quesada Tel: 653 plus pads. evenings: 654 666 634 714 2 years ago will 686 take 75€ Camposol Bed bases from area can deliver,Tel 35€ Linen Mills, Calle 676028725 Los Arcos, Ciudad suite Quesada Tel: 653 3-piece for sale in good 634 714 condition: wooden Phone, fax, arms; zip-on answer phone, cleanable cushion covers; 3-seater olivetti ofx 121 in settee converts into good working order, a bed. 80€ Tel 966 15€ Tel 661 016 295 848 561 Quesada area

hearing aids

Digital hearing calle los arcos 7, quesada business centre

digital hearing aids

‫٭‬30 day free trial-money back guarantee ‫٭‬free no obligation hearing tests ‫٭‬fully qualified UK dispenser 95 4 ‫٭‬Michael Burke RHAD MAHA € m fro

Tel: 698 418 642 www.prestigeguides.com/hearing

broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

musician

drummer seeks a band 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or

musicians wishing to form a band

contact mick tel: 965 701 525 or 676 122 051

Lenny Mitchell, guitarist singer, international, professional, solo act. lenny Mitchell & his musical time machine invite you on a trip back to the 60’s & 70’s. Available to play in any venue. tel: 658 321 891 or email lennymitchell@live.co.uk

photography

piano tuner

Piano Man Qualified piano tuner & technician-piano man

607 346 658 + 665 786 226

info.pianoman@gmail.com plastering

English Plasterer internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. Call Chris 671 444 246 email: c_pettit@hotmail.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

property for sale

removals cont...

FOR SALE

Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi, Costa Blanca 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings Spacious apartment overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, views of the church & mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course

VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service Also Spain-UK

See our main advert on page 5

Tel: 693 251 562 E MAIL: davendonc@aol. com

Tel: 968 654 667

LWB Sprinter

simply removals

van going from south to North

Spain ‹ UK › Spain

of the UK & back

• Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)

every 2 weeks,

Price (Private Sale)

based near Murcia

Tel: (0034) 676 534 978

7519 186 355. or

Airport. Tel: 610

€ 79,950

846 260/ 0044

Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com

email: van.man@

for SALE

hotmail.co.uk

For Sale

massive detatched cortijo with 50m2 workshop 20mins from mojacar

Linen Mills

1 bedroom apartment on Cortijo Grande This is a unique spanish country cortijo Golf Course. with 4 beds, 2 bath, Open plan living areas, New kitchen & kitchen & dining room as well as a workshop, white goods courtyard front & Lovely views. back & room for a Parking. pool. Mountain views. Close to Mojacar. possible B& B All legal with Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200 m² paperwork.

Telephone 649 186 107

Express

International relocation & storage specialists

Telephone

664 291 793

• International relocation & storage specialists • Professional family run business for over 35 years with prestigious trucks • Door to door - UK - France - Spain • All year service • Secure storage in UK and Spain

property wanted

SALE & RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida

• All areas covered - Export packing service Internal Removals available • Part / Full loads - Free in-transit insurance • Cars and motorcycles transported

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE tel: 965 325 601 Email:

Selling Homes In Spain Since 2001 WE URGENTLY REQUIRE PROPERTIES IN COSTA BLANCA / COSTA CALIDA FOR OUR SERIOUS CASH BUYERS...!

RING NOW 0034 966 733 079

CALL

removals low cost spain - uk - uk - spain local moves full or part loads pets welcome

brian Playa Flamenca Tel: 9 65 326 920 666 847 648 email: beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

902 750 190

ext 330

removals

UK and Spain

professional& experienced

Anthony Foster

for hire

we shift most things

• Gates 7 Grills to order • Home Security by Experts • Pool Cleaning • Car Hire & more

Export Packaging Service

CLASSIFIED

LowCostaMoves

christinetaffe@hotmail.co.uk

620 582 063

SOLTIMES

FOR AN APPOINTMENT

• Key Holding • Changeovers • Cleaning Services • Starter Packs • Regular Checks

weekly service

Spain: 968 432 599 / 646 600 898 UK: 0044 1295 275074 colesremovalsinspain@gmail.com

tony@casasolrealestate.com

property services

UK Spain Uk

€59,950 o.n.o

email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

an absolute bargain! only €150,000 ono

Local moves & deliveries Playa Flamenca

Mob: 616820232 0044 7976367559 tony-foster@live.co.uk

man & large van

local deliveries, pick ups & removals call robbie

644 131 825

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

satellite tv

body repairs

Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es

swimming pools

Swimming Pool Maintenance • weekly cleaning visits • private & communal • repairs & re-grouts

661 208 917

BODYWORK & PAINT SPECIALISTs

FULLY LEGAL WORK GUARANTEED LATEST PAINT TECHNOLGY COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE PLASTIC WELDING (BUMPERS) SAME DAY SERVICE FOR MINOR DAMAGE HEADLAMPS REFURBISHED

Approved Insurance Repairers

vehicles wanted

system. instualtions www.watermaideurope.com

tel: 636 698 501 swimming pool safety NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

wanted

Wanted

Scrap Gold Cash paid for all gold, jewellery or exchange for new

The Treasure Chest: 966 718 100 or 966 765 374

Spring cleaning, decluttering, moving or just have too much.

Ring Bill 676 527 348 or Rita 676 527 186 we are interested in your unwanted items including bric a Brac electricals and small furniture. Also Light Removals. wigs

Salon Margarethas 24 years in Torrevieja hair/wig specialist for medical illness and hair loss problems. We offer different hair replacements, top fillers, hair prostheses, toupees & wigs. Natural & artificial hair & much more. Also fashion/ festival accessories. TV/TS are welcome to our service. Call Margaretha on 966 921 846 for an appointment.

ALL VEHICLES

Starter Motors, headlights

FOR CASH

www.carpartsinspain.com

699 805 995

for sensible prices on all parts Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Free quote go online or phone or telephone 692 930 326

SPECIALISTS IN SUPPLY OF LHD HEADLIGHTS & RESTORATION OF LHD HEADLIGHTS

NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF MURCIA

Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility. We also take Certificates issued House & garden fridges, washing cle arances machines, , skips supp lied microwaves, CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, all electrical TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY appliances

FOR SERVICING TO PRE-ITV CHECKS TO AIR-CONDITIONING RECHARGE

TEL: 966 877 145/618 547 491 EMAIL: admin@headlights4u.com

All vehicle repairs, servicing, small bodywork repairs, ITV and paperwork needs. Ken Sherwood, British Mechanic - Tel: 679 646 859 (Costa Calida area only).

Vehicles wanted

C AR S

WANTED

Spanish or English Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763

Vehicles registration

“RE-PLATE” MATE

Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

vehicle imports & matriculation.fast and competitive rates. call 687 845 730

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.

605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com

Telephone:

Used

cars for sale Ford Mondeo 2003 5 door hatch 2.0 TDCi Auto,Guia Diesel 87,000 kms, 2 owners Alloys, Climate, High Spec model Full service history Metallic silver

€5,950

600 726 221 965 687 976 Looking for a car we have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles available for sale or exchange. Tel: 600 726 221 / 965 687 976. www. fwreurocars.com ToyotaRav 4 2003 - 4x2 1.8 VVTi 16v 107,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Roof rails Multi CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Dark metallic blue

€6,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

transfer on Spanish reg home service pickup Guardamar

recruitment

Established

International Real estate Company in the La Zenia Requires

Swedish/English

Speaking Personnel for Immediate Start

Call 0034 966 733 079

for an interview

4 CASH wanted cars for cash

WE BUY

Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

603 100 692

WANTED

JCB’s, Mini-Diggers (All Makes), Tractors, Trailers & all other types of plant machinery. Any age, any condition.

Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles

Urgently Required

ALL Mitsubishi Shogun, Monteo, Pajero, Landrover & all other makes

collect from anywhere

www.fwreurocars.com

sell, buy & repair

Call Marcel 644 166 347

mechanic

RECYCLING

dea d or ali ve

d on ’t i’ll ch uck ta k e it it

Need quality new parts for any car

Motorbikes

JT METAL

GB ed want

WANTED

Ken brooks: 645 162 808/654 907 247

watermaid europe

pumps, saltwater & Filter

Car parts

headlights

www.swimmingpoolmaintenance.eu

maintenance, heat

Vehicles wanted

jig facilities Behind the Sunday Zoco Market CV940 Benijofar • San Miguel Finca Garroferos • Nave 8 • Algorfa 03169 Email: rapidrepairs2668@yahoo.co.uk

swimming pool

car parts

Tel: 645 094 339 or 950 064 763

CASH CASH CASH Same day collection

We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

CALL

SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

902 750 190

ext 330

Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered telephone Tim on 662 211 993 personals

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Doble Sobre.......

Tea, as long as it is proper English tea, made with boiling water and with the addition of milk in one form or another, will disappear down my throat without let or hindrance at any and every opportunity. To my palate it is the elixir of life, yet Spanish tea I can not manage, even if it is made with an English teabag – unless tea is made with boiling water then to call it tea, to my mind, is to run the risk of a visit from the Trade Descriptions Inspectors. But as far as coffee is concerned I am a waste of space. My ideal cup of coffee is an insipid, semi-opaque liquid, which even then has to be heavily disguised with copious quantities of milk. If somebody describes the coffee served in any particular café as ‘wonderful’ or even ‘good’ then I know that I will have to take avoiding action. I know it will not be for me, and as the café in question will be here in Spain, then the tea that it will serve will also be of medicinal quality. Thus I have a problem. Both Spanish tea and coffee are unacceptable to me, and as I am usually driving and have no wish for a close encounter with green men carrying guns, alcohol is out of the question.

viewpoint

But I have grown wily in my more mature years; I have discovered an alternative – a cup of hot milk served with a sachet of decaffeinated coffee, in other words ‘sobre descafeinado con leche.’ This handy ruse allows me to exactly monitor the coffee content of my cup, so that the resulting drink, which hardly qualifies as coffee, finds favour with my taste buds. I was sitting at an expensive and busy café when a waiter swept up. Hardly breaking stride he took my order and continued on his way as fluid and inexorable as an Atlantic breaker. In due course he glided back, and in passing slid a cup of gloopy black liquid onto my table. I gazed in horror at it, half expecting a miniature version of the Loch Ness Monster to rear out of its obsidian depths. I caught him on his next traverse, and queried the correctness of the order. He halted with the amazed expression of a swallow which had just flown headlong into a brick wall. ‘I thought you ordered descafeinado doble’ he said as he engaged Drive and sped away to replace my order. I suppose, travelling at 30kph with a loaded tray, doble and sobre do sound pretty similar!

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

From Dungarees to Bolero Tops – This is Chelsea

Before Spain, we would often watch Gardeners World on a Friday evening. This was when we actually had a large garden and before we downsized to a pocket handkerchief. So it came as something of a pleasant surprise to see the same old familiar faces, still strutting their horticultural stuff on the recent television coverage of The 2012 Chelsea Flower Show. Good old Alan Titchmarsh was there as presenter-in-chief of course and waxing lyrical in his distinctive Yorkshire falsetto - hasn’t he done well for himself by the way. Presenter, chat show host and novelist – he has also featured in various TV commercials and can be heard in an assortment of voice over’s and is an MBE and Deputy Lieutenant of the county of Hampshire to boot. The list of credits seems endless. Not bad for a lad who left school at 15 and made his early living potting geraniums for Ilkley Council. I wondered who the impressively coiffured presenter was wearing an expensive looking bolero top and matching dress – not that I know anything about Bolero tops or what is and what is not expensive in the women’s clothing department; only when my wife informs me – although she looked and sounded familiar. Then I realised it was Carol Klein. The last time I saw her was as a regular on Gardeners world yonks ago, when the most fashionable things she ever wore were muddy anoraks, dungarees and wellies; sporting

a hair style reminiscent of Ken Dodd and who seemed to like nothing better than digging her hands into endless buckets of horse poo and talking about parsnips. It’s amazing what a bit of TV exposure and BBC cash can do. And who was that other elderly lady wearing a mauve coat and hat? It clashed with the Titchmarsh tie; but again she did look somewhat familiar . . . Ah, sorry Ma’am! I was pleased to see Rachel de Thame there of course and just as fragrant as any of her flowers – she could attend to my hanging baskets any day. Others must be of the same opinion because she has been commissioned to design and craft the floral motif for the Royal Barge at the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the Thames. We have never been to The Chelsea Flower Show and discussing it yesterday, we decided that we have mixed feelings about possibly visiting next year. I mean

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

it’s all very well watching the coverage on TV where you get to see everything of interest in the comfort of your own arm chair, but the reality of attending is that you are elbowed and shoved by the hordes of Genghis Khan and joining endless queues to view the various exhibits and prize winning gardens. And that’s another thing. I’ve said it before, but being a country boy at heart I like gardens to be gardens, not the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise or an expanse of plastic, concrete tubes or coloured marbles where there is often not even a tea cup full of soil present. British gardens are about flowers, carrots, grass and good old fashioned earth for goodness sake, where the only evidence of manmade accompaniments should be winding crazy paved pathways and gnomes. Water is good too, but not when it comes spurting out of a two storey edifice that resembles a glass condom. Yes, yes I know that it would probably be a little bit samey

and boring if all the exhibited plots were restricted to just one basic theme, but it’s a bit like modern art. In what I remember as the abstract art days, it was a case of enjoying or not - what you saw without the need to have it explained by the artist, but now like some of these gardens, it has become not so much a visual but a cerebral experience. Then there is always the distinct possibility, being England, that it will rain like billy-o and the only things we get to see will be the tea rooms and public toilets where there will be still more queuing. I’m as partial as the next man to a nice cup of tea and a slice of Battenberg, but I can get that here without giving a wedge of cash to Mr O’Leary for the privilege of getting us there in one of his flying battery units. On the upside, we would not have to listen to an endless stream of opinions and gardening philosophy from and equally endless stream of celebrities who probably know as much about gardening as a Royal Corgi, or heaven forbid – me! So all in all it looks as if we will again watch the proceedings on the box, although . . .I wonder if Rachel de Thame will be there?

SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

Treasure chest hoax fools beach goers

Practical jokers buried a treasure chest on a popular beach under the cover of darkness - then ‘discovered’ and dug it up the next day. The pranksters staged the stunt on LA’s busy Venice Beach and posted a video of beach goers’ reaction to their ‘find’ on YouTube. They used metal-detectors to supposedly find the old chest, which they had filled with gold foilcovered chocolate coins, reports the StandardExaminer. They then dug it up with spades, as a growing crowd gathered around them, before finally opening the chest to reveal the ‘treasure’. Joker Johnny Burdock said one of his friends came up with the idea. They bought a chest for $100, piled it on top of Burdock’s car, then drove it to LA. They buried it in the early hours of Sunday morning and then returned later that day when the beach was packed with visitors. “By the time we hit the treasure with the shovel - thump! - there was a pretty big crowd. The people gathered around start screaming with excitement,” he said. “We had maybe 100 to 150 people surrounding us, and we pry one of the ends of the chest lid open and we act like we’re trying as hard as we can. “Me and my friends flip the lid open all at once, quickly, and everyone sees shining, shimmering gold coins, and everyone goes crazy, and some of them start jumping in to try to steal the coins.”

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

braben’s blog.... There are still many things on this planet we haven’t yet explored. Obviously there are parts of the ocean that are so deep that we can’t get close to meeting the scary things down there, some hidden valleys I am sure house creatures that people have yet to be eaten by, whilst there is a cupboard in everyone’s house that hides unimaginable stuff that has exceeded its sell by date by many years!

On this theme, recently a tribe was discovered, somewhere in South America, which has had no contact with the modern world yet, are still living in a very primitive way and who are unable to communicate with outsiders because nobody else can understand them-reminds me of the Sex Pistols. Apparently, every time explorers come close, they throw their rather dangerous and excessively pointy spears in their direction to keep them away-I wonder if we could try that on unwanted summer visitors? Mind you, I can’t say I blame them; aren’t there times when you wish you were in an impenetrable forest? I do wonder what tribes such as this one would think of us, the supposed civilised ones, if they were to experience our lives. For example, there is an exhibition in London by a Chinese artist showing all the things his mother has collected over the last 50 years. Really, this is true! On show are such rarities as, used toothpaste tubes, old kitchen implements, false teeth and so on. I imagine the tribe would be scratching their heads-as indeed am I! Reading about this started me thinking; what could there be that represents our culture today? What could we possibly find that will show those poor deprived people deep in the South American jungle exactly what they are missing in our ultra civilized world? Well, we could reasonably start with football, what else? To represent all that the beautiful game stands for we could have a small Argentinean doll in a sky blue football kit which simply sits and sulks! It isn’t only lost tribes who can’t communicate. What then? Well how about a copy of “The Sun” so they can follow in depth news-no need to understand English, they can look at the pictures. A CD of Boney M’s greatest hits, that would surely help them to appreciate our musical heritage-wouldn’t it? No, stop! The best thing? A map…showing the way back to their jungle! Lucky people.

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo.co.uk

I Never Saw Star Wars!

Prometheus - Ridley Scotts latest Sci-Fi epic has been released; I will wait for the video to be released and hope that Mini Cine in Albox or La Montana in Bedar screen it as films are much better on the big screen. Star Wars was released in 1977 and Alien in 1979 with both getting many of us hooked on Sci-Fi. Growing up in Guildford cinema was a big part of my life; Saturday Cinema at the Odeon was a cunning way for parents to get a few child free hours. We kids loved it as apart from the ushers and Scary Manager patrolling the aisles we were left to our own devices. When Star wars was released in May 1977 my dad caved in to my pleas to see it and drove us both into town. The queue was huge and snaked round behind the cinema. My dad being a sensible sort dropped me off at the back of the line with instructions to hold the place in the queue whilst he went off to park the car. I was only 10 at the time and nervous of being left alone. The queue quickly shortened and I got nearer and nearer to the ticket office and still he wasn’t back. Then horror of horrors it was my turn at the counter and dad was nowhere. I awkwardly stood to the side willing my dad to come and save me. Nowadays a quick call or text on a mobile would have reassured me but in the prehistoric 70s no such luxury. After what seemed an age I got it into my head that dad had forgotten me and gone home; so I thought I should take the bus home. Mum was surprised to see me as dad was nowhere to be seen. An hour or so later my dad came home thinking his eldest son had been kidnapped. He had finally found a parking space but could not find me in the ticket hall. Thinking I must have gone into see the film he spoke to Scary Manager (who always wore a morning suit) and the two of them walked up and down every row of seats with a torch trying to find me. The incident traumatised me and I stopped going to the cinema for a few years as I feared the scary manager would recognise me and tell me off. Then when I was 15 my mum got a secretary’s job at the Odeon. As a perk she got a little booklet. This magic booklet quickly helped me overcome my cinema phobia as it entitled the holder to two free tickets a week. My mum never liked the cinema and my two brothers were too young so the booklet became mine. I generously treated my girlfriend nearly every week and in those days it was also easy to sneak into anything ‘X’ rated so over the years we saw loads of films; but I never saw Star Wars! Stephen Amore has lived in Almeria since July 2006 and owns Findmeahome estate agency. Writing on a variety of topics close to his heart such as environmental issues, animal welfare, food and drink, music and travel, as well as commenting on the absurdities of living in Spain! email: stephen@findmeahome.es - www.facebook.com/stephen.amore

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

sport with a prize awarded for anyone who could get close to him. Ken Brett duly obliged and we were off for a game of many prizes, one or even two on every hole. The Captain had graciously provided everyone with a “doggy bag” of refreshments to sustain us on a hot day. The list of prizewinners for each hole is too lengthy to list however one must observe that a female impersonator infiltrated the field recording her name (Robina) on the nearest the pin markers for women competitors. After some alcoholic consumption later the true identity was revealed (Big Robin). After the competition ended we all retired to our clubhouse (Clapton’s Bar) were

EL RASO CAPTAIN’S DAY

34 members and 6 guests arrived at our home course, La Marquesa, on Friday 1st June for our Captain’ Day competition. On a glorious sunny day with little wind the Captain (Bob Shorley) drove off the first tee to begin the competition

Chris provided us with a much needed repast. Some decent scores were recorded and a number of positions were decided on countback. The best guest of the day was won by our Caledonian friend Willy Buchanan with a score of 34 points. The front nine went to Jan Shorley (on countback) with 17 points. The back nine was won by Stan Matthews (a guest) with 18 points again on countback. Third position, again on countback, was won by our President, John Fairhurst with 33 points. Second position on his own was won by Dave Smith with 34 points. Finally the winner of El Raso Captain’s Day competition with a score of 37 points was no other than the Captain himself, Bob Shorley. The photo show a a number of the winners outside Clapton’s Bar. John Fairhurst

CASUAL WEEKEND FOR ITV ORIHUELA RFC................... At the weekend the club had an extra training practice where over 20 players took part to practice some new plays for the Miguel Hernandez Cup as most of the training has been geared to 7’s rugby with all of the tournaments taking place. This coming weekend ITV Orihuela RFC are at the Lorca 7’s, while I will be at the Murcia 7’s on 9 June with all of my rugby gear, after I was invited by the organisers, starting at 10.00, this will be followed by the Miguel Hernandez Cup in Orihuela on 16 June. After this there is an exhibition 7’s tournament, on 23 June with local teams taking part, to promote the Centurion Rugby Summer School at the Formentera del Segura football stadium, where there will be a bar open for drinks and food. You can also enrol your children at

this event for the summer school, which has been given fantastic support by the local council. The Centurion Rugby Summer School is now up and running with two weeks already been organised in Formentera del Segura, 9-13 and 16-20 July, with the council giving us permission to use the football pitch, and a huge support to the new venture. For more information of this contact Garry on 692 767 242 or Ian Morrison the head coach on 634 367 295 and join the rest of the children already signed up for the rugby school. It is not important if you have not played before. The summer school is for U10’s, U12’s, U14’s and U16’s. This is then followed by the Alan Davies memorial 7’s tournament in Elche on 30 June. So come along and see some

great rugby in the area by local teams. The club is training on Tuesday and Thursday at the Miguel Hernandez University for the juveniles and seniors starting at 20.30, while the juniors are on Tuesday and Thursday at 18.15. So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter of what age or skill level you are. If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish) So come along and join in the fun and great friendly atmosphere at the club.

(in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Alenda 31st May 2012. For this month’s meeting a group of 26 players visited the established course at Alenda taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services. The weather was superb and the course was in good condition with the greens recovering well from the recent hollow tining. There were some good scores

on the day with the winners as follows: 1st – Seamus Martin – 38 points 2nd – John Chatham - 37 points 3rd – Mike Probert – 36 points 4th – Julie Blinston – 35 points Best Front 9 – Arthur Walker - 22 points Best Back 9 – Sam Matkin -19 points Nearest Pins – Mike Probert, Dave Mason, Dave Marriott and Brian Smith After the game we returned to

the Lo Marabu, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation. Our next society meeting is our Benidorm away trip on 13th & 14th June 2012 and there are still a few spaces available. Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costablanca-greenfees.com.

7 Of the best for C.F Mil Palmeras............................ Lo Marabu Golf Society................................................. the players aged 6 upto 15 came to fruition with this outstanding trophy haul.

On finals day held on Saturday in Rojales no other team came away with more silverware than Mil Palmeras. Coach Martin Naylor said.” The players deserve everything they have got this season through sheer hard work and determination.” C.F Mil Palmeras is running a summer soccer camp running right through July and August, and welcome children from the ages of 6-15 years. C.F Mil Palmeras had their most successful season yet in this years Vega Baja league. Grabbing an incredible 7 trophies in 5 different

age groups. The football club continues to go from strength to strength and all the hard work and effort from

For further information on C.F Mil Palmeras contact Scott on 619700439 or email cfmilpalmeras@yahoo.co.uk

CARTAGENA END SEASON ON A HIGH.............................. RECREATIVO HUELVA - 1 FC CARTAGENA - 2 BY STEVE HIBBERD Following the previous weeks demolition job of Villarreal, Cartagena ended a season to forget with a deserved victory at lowly Huelva. Since relegation to div 2b has been confirmed, Carlos Rios’s men have done what they should have been doing all season - performing with flair and confidence! Inside Nuevo Colombino Stadium, only 3,500 bothered watching, what in reality, was a ‘nothing match’. The first half started off in tentative fashion, and it wasn’t until the 11th min before Braulio

had a shot on goal well saved by the Huelva keeper. Midway through the half, an excellent through ball found Collantes, who having beaten the offside trap, ran from just inside the opponents half, before placing a low drive beyond the keeper. Towards the end of the half, twas the visitors who doubled their advantage. From a counter attack, Lafuante, then Braulio, fed the ball to Hector Font, whose assist provided Anton the perfect opportunity to score at the far post.

Huelva started the 2nd half in a much more positive frame of mind, with Berrocal heading

wide from a corner shortly after the restart. Unlike the first half (in which Huelva failed to put in a shot on goal), the 2nd half was all the home side. Chuti, Aitor, Berrocal and Matamala, all had good attempts on goal, before the latter took the ball past keeper Reina, only to shoot over the bar. Home fans were booing and whistling their under performing players for long periods, interrupted briefly when Berrocal scored from a header in the 75th min. With less than 10 mins remaining, the same player should have added to his goal tally, but from a good position shot wide.

MAGGOTS END........................................................................

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RODS AND REELS This weeks competition was the 5th round of the Summer League. The venue being the Embalse de Argos. The water level has dropped slightly and there is now some colour coming into the water. The strange part for this week was, where barbel have been the predominant fish, this week it was carp. The weights are slowly creeping up, but I do not see a return to the 100 lb bags of a few years ago. 1st Doug ( Welsh Goldminer ) Hornblow fishing the feeder using pellet with 42.08 kilo’s 2nd Lenny ( Ex Cultural Attachee ) fishing the pole using paste with 33.78 kilo´s. 3rd Ian ( Irish Wizard ) Dalzell fishing the pole using pellet and tares with 28.32 kilo’s. PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966729293 or 603535771. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS Supplied by Terry Screen The 11th and final match of the Spring Series was fished on the Eden Stretch on 29th May, the bamboos have now grown back to their full height and the

pegs are clear and safe after the working parties. The water level is really low with hardly any flow at all, there seems to have been an explosion of baby Terrapins I counted five in my swim at one time, and the other anglers were also plagued with them. The fish have cleaned off after spawning and weights are improving. 1st Bill (The Master) Reade with 10.200kg fishing pole bread and paste 2nd Lennie (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton with 10.060kg fishing pole paste and pellet 3rd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson with 9.760kg fishing pole paste and pellet The final results of the Spring Series are Winner Lennie Bolton with 81pts 2nd Ian Dalzell 78pts 3rd Bill Reade 66pts WARNING On Friday afternoon whilst fishing opposite Mercadona at Guadamar with my other half, she was sitting at the back of the car with the boot lid up and I was fishing 7 metres away. During the time we were there

someone managed to creep up unnoticed and open the front door of the car and steal our personal belongings out of a beach bag in the well of the car. Another Angler was fishing along side us approx 30 yards away, he did not see anything out of the ordinary either. So, lock your car at all times All details are available on our website www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on Tel No 965 328 368 ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together has been reached ( which was to introduce anglers to each other ). Now that newcomers to Spain are few and far between, we have decided that monthly meetings are serving no useful purpose and the friendships that have been made over the past 4 years are now firmly established. We will continue to provide information through our email address if contacted but there will be no membership renewals in May. Thanks to all past members for their support. Email : anglerstogether@hotmail.com TIGHT LINES DAVE HOARE

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SOLTIMES JUNE 2012

sport

SAN MIGUEL GOLF SOCIETY AWAY

FC TORREVIEJA – THE FUTURE...... Torry finished last season in 7th place and next season will be hoping to achieve a higher finish in the top 4. It is understood that Senor Boix will be seeking re-election again as President of the football club and will be ably assisted by the exuberant and ever optimistic Irishman Jeff Scott. Hopefully they will be assisted by a few from the local community. Senor Boix will have learnt from the lessons of last season in not going for broke again and next season setting a budget at a level which will enable the expenditure for the season to be met with the players being paid on time throughout the season. I know this isn’t commonplace in Spain in football and indeed in the public sector, chemists for prescriptions, teachers etc but it is something that needs to be a priority. The smaller decimated squad for the second half of the season kept the dream of reaching a play-off place alive until the last couple of weeks of the season. This demonstrated that the “model” at this level should perhaps be something along the same lines. A squad of 16 to 18 players supplemented by players from Torrevieja CF senior and juvenile teams when the need arises. The players should be from places within a 45 minute drive of Torrevieja.

The players are part-time and generally train 3 evenings a week and on Saturday mornings so travelling can become a burden. Torry should retain the bulk of the squad which finished the season, if the wage demands are realistic and affordable. Torry have some young players on their books who should develop and improve and they should be retained. Local lads Manolo, Burguillos, and Manu Amores. More experienced players and local lads Ramiro, Jorge and Abel. Vicente, Rafa and Manu who are still youthful, should get better with experience and don’t live too far from Torrevieja . If possible Juande and Corella who are good players at the level. Also Meijide should, if possible, be lured back for one more season. 2 or 3 new signings are required in attacking positions. A couple of central strikers are the greatest need followed by an attacking central midfielder with an eye for a pass and goal. Hopefully next season the local community will get behind the team in greater numbers. Enjoy the summer and the Euros and get behind England if they have a team left to field ! Darrylldinho looking forward, in a positive mood, to following his adopted team in Spain again next season.

LA DOLORES MIXED TRIPLES...........

The home of the Peacocks is the picturesque setting for this mixed triples, which takes place this Saturday June 9th, start time is 10 for 10-30. This will be the first competition to be held here with twelve pistes now available. The club recently staged the KO Cup final between Rocajuna and Lakeside, this went down well, with a good turn out to round off the day. ALTOS DE LIMONAR This will be the new home for Torreta and Torre Bears, with 18 pistes now ready, and toilet and storage facilities expected to be ready by September. The club were advised three years ago that they would be relocated now this is happening, hopefully it will

attract new members from this large catchment. The Grand Opening will be on October 10th, with a mixed triples for openers this will be a good opportunity for pre league practice in both the Costa Blanca serie, and the Las Salinas League. Many more events will be held once everyone is back from the summer break. LOS BALCONES This is a new 12 piste facility which should help the club build its membership and attract more players. Torrevieja Ayuntamiento have again excelled with both of these new Petanca facilities, which are envied by many other areas. Roger Seymour

EUROGOLF SOCIETY............................ The May Monthly Stableford competition, was played by the Eurogolf Society on Thursday 31st May, 2012, at La Marquesa Golf & Country Club, Rojales. The previous week we had played on temporary greens and, whilst we were back on the normal greens, they were a little difficult to read to say the least! The weather was good for golf, although a little on the humid side, there was a pleasant, cooling breeze present most of the day. The somewhat uneven greens clearly did not effect everyone and there were some very good scores in the Club House, but our May Monthly Stableford winner, with a score of 37 pts, was Nico Baken. Full results were as follows:Gold Division 1st Nico Baken 37 pts, 2nd Tony Stanley 35 pts 3rd Alan Bridges 34 pts Silver Division 1st Jill Young 36 pts 2nd Bryan Fenwick 35 pts 3rd Julian Frutos 34 pts Bronze Division 1st Mike Gillett 36 pts 2nd Liz Menzies 35 pts (c/b) 3rd Mary Sanderson 35 pts Nearest the Pins 5th – Robin Richards, 11th – Connie Parker, 12th – Margaret Perito, 15th – Mike Harris & 17th – Cindi Green

Quesada Golf Society

...at Lorca Golf Resort on Wednesday 30 May 2012. The Societies annual golfing “away day” was to the Lorca Golf Resort which was opened towards the end of last year. 44 players including 14 guests boarded the coach at Quesada Arches for an eagerly awaited “fun” day out. Thats what we play golf for isn’t it – fun. On arrival at the golf course, which is situated in “cowboy” country between Lorca and Aguilas, the couple of people at the property sales office on entry to the resort got up on their feet and looked out of their big glass window and rubbed their hands together after seeing our coach arrive with “Atlas” emblazoned on the side. The poor souls were to be disappointed because the occupants had come for the golf and not their sales pitch. When

we got to the clubhouse we were informed that we had the course to ourselves. After a cup of coffee and a buggy ride to the designated tees, the golf got underway at “high noon” with a shotgun start. There were no cowboys and bandits amongst us, just a group of willing golfers keen to pit their wits and golfing skills against what was to prove a very challenging golf course. The course was in good condition. It was not overly long but was narrow in places with its main feature and the greatest degree of difficulty being its long carries over deep ravines with no get outs. You quite simply had to go for it ! Many balls were lost and many balls were found for those brave enough to venture down into the ravines. Our honorary President, 80 +

year old Ken Parker, ventured down one and managed to retrieve his ball + another but when he got out of the ravine had to signal for the buggy as he had just about seized up. Big John Dunnion hit the shot of the day which nearly cost him dearly as his tee-shot on the short par 3 10th landed within a foot of the hole – hard luck John. Some really liked the course while others thought it was possibly a bit too difficult. After the game we all enjoyed a tasty 3 course meal in the restaurant in the clubhouse complex washed down with copious amounts of beer ,wine and the odd spirit. The presentations to the winners on the day were made to loud applause from those gathered. The staff at the golf course and in the restaurant were very efficient and treated us exceptionally

Best Front 9: Dave King - 20 pts Best Back 9:Ken Brett 19 pts Best Par 5’s:- David Gregson – 10 Best Par 3’s:- Tony Stanley - 11 This month’s proud winner of the Buddha Award, for the lowest score of the day, was Brigid Foran, with 21 pts. Many thanks go to the sponsors of the competition – El Corazon Hotel & Restaurant, Lo Marabu Restaurant & Bar, Super Valu supermarket, Le Tournesol Restaurant and Manolo’s Restaurant. TOFF’s Stableford results, on Tuesday 29th May, were as follows:Gold Division: 1st Tony Hitt 36 pts 2nd Mike Edwards 35 pts (c/b) 3rd Sue Gillett 35 pts Silver Division: 1st Tony Stanley 36 pts (Overall Winner) 2nd Margaret Richings 33 pts (c/b) 3rd Margaret Perito 33 pts Bronze Division: 1st Gordy White 36 pts , 2nd Alan Marshall 34 pts 3rd Cindi Green 33 pts Nearest the Pins: 5th – Pino Perito, 11th – Roger Richings, 15th – Bryan Fenwick and 17th – Harry Armstrong Diary Dates: Friday 29th May – ‘End of Season’ Dinner & Dance at the Sierra Golf Restaurant www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk well. All in all a great day out at a very reasonable price. The main competition was a 4 player team Boggie Ball + 2 with also an individual stableford competition. Results Winning Teams 1st Place: Brian Smith, Tony White, Damian Elliot, Dave Westerman 2nd Place: Ann Hobbs, Trevor Hobbs, Cliff Ellis, Darren Finucane 3rd Place: John Sanchez, Dessie Rogers, Dave Bartram, Brian Airey Wooden Spoon: Rod Day, Anne Day, Stan Earl, Susan Westerman Individual Winners 1st Place: Carl Peden 37 pts 2nd Place: Brian Smith 30 pts on C/B 3rd Place: John Sanchez 36 pts Nearest the Pins: Hole 4: Cliff Ellis, Hole 6: Ken Parker, Hole 8: Martin Collins, Hole 10: John Dunnion, Hole 12: Carl Peden Longest Drive: Men: Dessie Rogers, Ladies: Ann Hobbs Our next game is at Las Colinas on Wednesday 13 June and our next members meeting is on Tuesday 19 June at Quesada Country Club 10.30am. Darrylldinho standing in for ace reporter Pam Martin

DAY 30th MAY, 2012 Today was our away day to La Pinaillas Golf Course, Albacete, with 47 players and guests in high spirits has they boarded the coach from Playa Flamenca, Quesada and Alenda to take us on a 2.1/2 hour journey to this beautiful golf course. With major road works going on not far from the course, this resulted in our driver missed the turning, which put 20 minutes on to our time. On our arrival it was a little hectic, with the road up to the club house being too narrow for the coach to use, so everyone had to grab their belongings and walk from the car park, which was uphill, to the club house, with a little moan here and there, we all made it. With not much time to spare, the majority where able to go straight off from Tee 1with 4 other groups going off Tee 10, which certainly helped. The course was in immaculate condition throughout, you could not fault anything. For the ones who had not played this course before, they all loved it, and look forward to playing it again. On the day the weather

turned out to be rather warm with overcast skies appearing later in the afternoon, followed by a light breeze, which by then was more than welcomed. After the game we all sat down for our meal, and with the service being very good, I’m sure it was enjoyed by all. This was followed by the presentation and then it was back to the coach for the journey home. It wasn’t long before some started to close their eyes, but others left one eye open, knowing that camera man Joe might catch them napping, and he did, which can be seen on the website along with the interesting results of the day. Anyone is more than welcome to join us for a game any Wednesday whether you wish to become a member or not. We’re a friendly bunch so even if you’re just here on holiday and you want to squeeze a game in, give us a call and we’ll do our best to oblige. More society info is available by emailing info@smgs.org, visiting www.smgs.org or calling the match sec. on 966719604.

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