ISSUE 614 • 1st - 7th December 2017
EST 2005
Drop-dead gorgeous! THE Association of Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Spain will hold its sixth national assembly in Mojacar this weekend. The mayors of the 57 towns belonging to the network will meet with the aim of creating specific plans for investment and innovation to improve tourism in Spain’s rural
communities. The Association, which already has 57 members including Mojacar - promotes small municipalities through promotional activities and cultural events both inside and outside of Spain. Prospective candidate towns must have a population of fewer than 15,000 inhabitants.
THE Andalucian Women’s Institute has participated in an awareness campaign for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Los Gallardos. The provincial coordinator of AMI in Almería, Francisca Serrano was joined by the mayor of Los Gallardos, María González and Guardia Civil sergeant and commander Andrés Avilés. The day included talks in schools to promote equality and to stress the importance of fighting sexism and violence against women. The day concluded with a protest march around the city where students carried posters made in class with messages of support for women and against ‘machismo’ culture.
Festive fun ALMERIA’S Christmas lights will be switched on at 8pm today (Friday) as the city gears up for the festive season. A total of 25 streets will be illuminated with 965,000 LED bulbs, including archways, lamp posts and a number of artificial trees. Musical performances and children’s activities will take place every evening until Christmas Eve.
CREDIT: PEXELS
No macho STUNNING: Mojacar.
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News
1st - 7th November 2017
FESTIVE FUN: APSA volunteers Margaret and Hilary with and Charlotte from Chapman’s (middle).
A fayre-ly good time! CHAPMAN’S in Albox held their first ever Christmas Fayre recently and donated €60 to APSA, the animal charity based in Albox. The bar is handily across the road from the APSA shop so volunteers were able to take clothes and bric-a-brac to sell at a stall in the fayre and they raised €120.
Hilary, one of the volunteers said that the best sellers had been the sparkly evening wear as everyone is now planning their Christmas wardrobes. APSA would like to thank the staff of Chapman’s for being so hospitable and providing such good food, all the stall holders and to everyone who came to support the event.
News
READERS are advised that next week’s issue of Sol Times will be available from news stands on Thursday December 7 rather than Friday 8, which is a public holiday.
Green line launched CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA has joined more than 300 municipalities across Spain in adopting the ‘Green Line service’ app. Through this direct communication channel, residents can notify the town hall of any damage or issues they experience in their communities entirely anonymously. To use this new service, users must download the Green Line app to their smartphone. To report an incident, users just click on the button ‘notify’ allowing them to relay their issue directly. City staff automatically receive notification of the complaint and citizens, in turn, receive any updates. The town hall ‘encourages residents to use the Green Line service’ which can be downloaded from: http://is.gd/ UJWazT.
NEWS BITES
Níjar water work disruption NÍJAR Town Hall has reported there will be a large number of construction works on the water network throughout the municipality. This is an ‘ambitious action plan’ which will gradually cover all population centres where problems have been identified. As a result of the work, there will be sporadic water outages
which the city hall assures citizens are because of the “very necessary improvements in which a substantial sum of money [half a million euros] is invested.” Because of the nature of the work, there is no fixed timetable and they will update residents both on their official website and social media channels.
Curtain closes MOJACAR Council’s theatre season, which ran throughout November, recently closed with a play by the great master Moliere at the town’s Centro de Usos Multiples. CREDIT: AYUNTAMIENTO DE NÍJAR
Extra, extra
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1st - 7th December 2017
More migrants
Water disruption in Níjar.
Alcohol abuse soars in Almeria FIGURES released by the Andalucian government reveal that nearly 400 people have begun treatment for alcohol abuse in the province of Almeria. The territorial delegate for Equality, Health and Social Policies, José María Martín, said of the figures that “alcoholism is a chronic, progressive in nature... which carries a large number of health problems... not only the individual concerned but also for their family and the social environment.” Martin reported that “between January and No-
vember, a near total of 390 people have joined one of the centres run by public and private non-profits in Almeria for addiction to alcohol.” Of the total treated so far this year for alcohol abuse, there remains a high percentage of males, accounting for 81 per cent of cases, compared with 19 per cent of women. The average age stands at 44 years for men and 45 years for women. Alcohol accounts for 32 per cent of substance abuse treatment in Almeria, a trend unchanged since 2005.
MORE than 60 Africans were rescued from three boats off Cabo de Gata, with two babies among them, after the Salvamento Maritimo swooped into action.
Church call THE Anglican Church of Mojacar is holding a Christingle Service on Wednesday December 13 at 5pm. All are welcome to this special service and the church would love to welcome your children, grandchildren and friends.
News
1st - 7th December 2017
CREDIT: DIPUTACION ALMERIA
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALMERIA: Celebrating ‘Day of the Province.’
Council celebrates 182nd birthday THIS week Roquetas de Mar hosted the ‘Day of the Province’ celebrating the 1835 decree signed by Queen Elizabeth II which formed the Council of Almería. According to the Council, the ‘Day of the Province’ “helps to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between the municipalities, but highlights the historical, social and cultural references of Almeria and enhances the sense of belonging and attachment to
an institution and a common territory.” This year top awards were given to five people and institutions who best represented the values of Almeria, including photographer Carlos Pérez Siquier; the Maritime Rescue team; the band Culture Points and windsurfing champion Víctor Fernández. The ceremony was presided over by the President of Council and mayor of Roquetas, Gabriel Amat.
News
1st - 7th December 2017
ALL SMILES: From left, Inge brown, Chrissie Cremore and Kris Wessels-Coles.
Paws for thought INGE BROWN, Company Director/Accountant at Price Brown Estate Agents in Mojacar came up with a wonderful idea at the beginning of the year to help all local charities. They kindly offered to donate â‚Ź50 from each property listed with them during the month of October to help Paws-Patas. Chrissie
Cremore (Communications Officer) and Kris WesselsColes (Acting Treasurer) gratefully received a wonderful donation of â‚Ź500. This is the first year that they have raised money from this idea they have also supported MACS, Asprodalba - and in November they will be raising
money for the Vera Orphanage Roof Appeal. PAWS-PATAS is in desperate need of volunteers to work at the shelter, even if you can spare a few hours or one day a week to help care for the dogs please contact: 678 490 217. For all other enquires and information visit their website: www.paws-patas.org.
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News
1st - 7th December 2017
Carboneras celebrates Constitution Day PHOTO CREDIT: AYUNTAMIENTO DE VERA
Building big for Vera
Youth coordinator, mayor and councillors of Vera, students and educators from Alyanub. STUDENTS from the IES Alyanub de Vera have won a series of championships and participated in the International Lego League. The competing team, ‘The Paws’ competed to build and programme a robot with LEGO technology while developing skills and competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication. The provincial coordinator of the Andalucian Institute of Youth, Ramón Soto, and the mayor of Vera and the councillor for Youth and Culture of the City, presented the award to the winning team after they won first prize in Logroño and in Bath.
CARBONERAS is celebrating Constitution Day (December 6) with the launch of a series of Open Days. Activities centre on allowing citizens, and particularly young students, access to see the work performed by the local government. The Guardia Civil, Local Police and Civil ProOPEN DAY: To learn the functions of the council. tection are taking part, including opportunities to meet of our youngest citizens and give a senior town hall officials. response to their demands. It is also a The mayor of Cargood opportunity to boneras, Salvador know first-hand H e r n á n d e z , the ser vices prostressed the educavided by the City Latest news and more as it happens tional nature of this Council and the www.soltimes.com functions they perday “that allows us to meet the concerns form.” PHOTO SOURCE: AYUNTAMIENTO DE CARBONERAS
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SOLTIMES Online
NEWS BITES
Free classes ALBOX Town Hall has organised free English courses in the municipality aimed at young learners.
Child theft A 34-YEAR-OLD man has been held after holding up a child at knifepoint and stealing a mobile phone in Adra.
Not clean AN activist group has installed a series of cardboard trees around Almeria City in protest at poor sanitary conditions.
Town facelift STREETS in Zurgena are being cleaned up and resurfaced as the council aims to improve the image of the town.
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News
1st - 7th December 2017
NEWS BITES
Fire prevention week
THE MAPFRE Foundation and the Technical Association of Professional Firefighters (APTB), in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Almeria, have launched Week Fire Prevention. The initiative has the support of 35 fire services across Spain to focus on preventing fires in homes across Almeria.
Activities will be organised to disseminate guidelines for citizens to become aware of the fire hazards that may arise in their homes and how to avoid them, particularly during the festive period. The full guidelines can be found online here: http://bit.ly/2nfp62U.
Horror crash A MAN was killed when he crashed his car down an embankment on the N-340 at Vera. He was trapped in the vehicle and died before emergency ser vices arrived.
No means no ‘WE love you all, and we want you alive’ is the m e s s a g e A l b o x To w n Hall delivered on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ARTISTS FORUM: Is in its seventh year.
Animal art MORE than 60 artists from the province of Almeria gathered at a forum for artists to animal art. The event, organised by the Provincial Council, is in its seventh year and aims to generate a meeting place for discussion and reflection for all artists in the province. Deputy Culture Counc i l l o r, A n t o n i o . R o dríguez, inaugurated
the event and was accompanied by the chairman of the ‘Animal Capital’ Association, Rafael Doctor. Rodríguez Segura said he hoped that “a meeting place for discussion and reflection on the arts in general and particularly on current issues would generate interest among ar tists of our province and the general public.”
Pure classics LA CASA DE LA MUSICA in Carboneras will host a series of classical music performances featuring such pianists as José Luis Nieto beginning from December 2 to 16.
Phone call THE town hall is encouraging residents to recycle their old mobile and electronic devices in the centre of Carboneras in collaboration with the TeloReciclo initiative.
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News
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Ed. 614
General Enquiries 950 633 217 Albox Office 950 633 217 Mobile 642 454 311 Sales enquiries: sales@ewnmediagroup.com Accounts: accounts@ewnmediagroup.com International enquiries: marketing@ewnmediagroup.com Distribution enquiries: distribution@ewnmediagroup.com Complaints enquiries: complaints@ewnmediagroup.com Call now for rates and distribution areas SOLTIMES Publishing and Media SL
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Fundraising success A CHARITY appeal has success- maintain a safe and healthy envifully raised €22,000 to repair the r o n m e n t f o r t h o s e w h o l i v e a n d roof of Vera Orphanage. work in Casa Hojar.” The target was reached after an Chief fundraiser Keith Holland anonymous doadded: “I felt that nation of the team had €10,000 boostachieved more ed funds raised than it could Latest news and more as it happens at S h e a ’s have dreamed www.soltimes.com Restaurante La of by raising Parata. over €11,000 at R e s t a u u r a n t o w n e r S h e a F o x the event at Shea’s on November s a i d : “ T h a n k s t o t h e e f f o r t s o f 6. Now we have the unexpected Mojacar residents, the people of bonus of another generous beneAlmeria and those from other ar- factor who has made a massive e a s a n d n a t i o n s , w e h a v e n o w contribution that means that the b e e n a b l e t o g u a r a n t e e a n d appeal has reached its target.”
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YOU do not need to have served in the Armed Forces to be a member of the Royal British Legion. Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please contact the Chairman, Andrew Richardson, on: 682 405 858 or email: rblmojacar.socialevents@g mail.com.
Mojacar RBL Friday December 1, 7.30pm: Fish ‘n Chips night with quiz at The Oasis Bar, Palomares. €2 per person. Thursday December 7, 11.15pm: Branch Meeting at Centro de Multi Usos (Artisan Centre). Friday December 15, 1pm for 1.30pm start: Christmas Lunch at Kuki’s Restaurant, Mojacar.
NEWS BITES
Cyber week CHEAP train tickets from Almeria to Madrid, Malaga and Sevilla are still up for grabs, Renfe’s ‘Cyber Week’ ends on Sunday with tickets to the capital on sale for just €18.50.
Check mate JOSE CARLOS IBARRA has won the international chess open ‘Vicente Bonil’ chess championship in Albox for the second consecutive year.
Job help A L B O X To w n H a l l h a s launched a new free weekly coaching workshop for information and communication technologies jobs.
Earth moves THE National Geographic Institute of Spain recorded an earthquake measuring 2.2 on the Richter scale within the municipality of Dalías.
‘Save Christmas’ THE Provincial Council of Almeria has launched ‘Save Christmas’ workshops across 45 municipalities for more than 3,500 students to encourage ecological awareness and environmental education across the province.
Logo agogo FOR a cash prize of €200, Carboneras has launched a competition to find a new logo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the patronage of San Antonio De Padua.
Weekender
1st - 7th Dec 2017
Emergency Numbers
Pages 16-17
Sales soar
Winter light
Page 18
Page 20
Creamy eggnog Page 22
Film review Page 27
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News
1st - 7th December 2017
What? Again! By Jos Biggs NICK NEXT DOOR, so called because he lived next door to us in England and also to distinguish him from all other Nicks in the world, was visiting, and I felt it my duty to show him Lorca’s Castle. ‘Do you remember the way?’ Pete queried, as Nick and I prepared to set out. ‘Not exactly - but I’m sure it will come to me.’ I think Pete made some remark about the probability of porcine flight, but we set off, all sunny optimism and blind faith. It did come to me; we sailed, confident and unhindered into town, unaware of our approaching Nemesis road works! However, by dint of guesswork and much use of indicators, we approached near enough to our goal to be able to see, not only the Castle, but the road
that we should have been on to get to it. We pushed on, weaving our way between road cones, red and white tape and a steady stream of Muslim women, all of whom had at least one child and a pushchair, and who seemed completely unaware of pavements and their usage. We passed a dirt track. ‘What about that one?’ Nick murmured hopefully. ‘Nah’ I countered. ‘That’s not a proper road. We’ll probably end up in somebody’s yard.’ As we began to leave Lorca behind we made the bi-lateral decision to turn round. We passed the dirt track again, pushed on into the town, and soon passed the dirt road for the third time. Will we get to the Castle, or are we fated to permanently perambulate Lorca’s highways?
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
Weekender
by Sandy Shore I SEEM to recall there being no inflation between Queen Victoria’s ascendancy to the throne in 1819 and the near end of her reign in 1901. Imagine, what you pay for goods is the same as your great-grandma paid. In my lifetime I recall being paid £9.12.6 (€11) per month and paying 10/- (60c) for 200 cigarettes. A single pack of 20 Benson & Hedges is now £7.65. By adding a Christmas card to my purchase the bill comes to the equivalent of my month’s salary in 1959. Back then I imagined earning £20,000 each year. My fantasies bought me a nice home, exclusive holiday, a dream car. Today, £20,000 would mean I couldn’t afford to eat and pay the rent. It is charming to see an elderly person explaining what life was like ‘in their day.’ Even more fascinating would be for grandpa to sit back and let the children tell him how they picture his life. The chances of having a home
Feature
1st - 7th December 2017
The forgotten land
@ROSSPARRY.CO.UK
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SIMPLER TIMES: Blackpool was the place to holiday in 1950’s England. telephone, let alone a smartphone, are slim. You need to call someone; you use a state-owned telephone box - if it is working. A friend expects to hear from you so you pull up a chair. Taking your pen and pad you spend up
to an hour writing your letter. It will be posted tomorrow after you have purchased a stamp from the Post Office. Your friend will receive your letter a few days later. But, what joy there was to hear the clatter of the letter box and to
find on the hall mat a handwritten letter from someone dear to you. It isn’t the same when you open an email. We could fix our own cars, grow our own food and look forward to a holiday at Margate or
Blackpool. You have a problem with that? Where does youth go when they leave school today? My classmates went into the armed forces. Did they like the experience? They haven’t shut up talking about it since. I enlisted in the Merchant Navy and I saw a world that James Conrad and Albert Schweitzer had experienced. Torrevieja and similar were quaint fishing villages then. Sorry, you don’t get the same buzz alighting at an airport as you do mooring as flotillas of African canoes and Arab bumboats arrive with their colourful cargoes accompanied by a bedlam of chattering. My evocations would raise a smile on the lives of children today but the broadest smile is mine. You see, I just managed to enjoy the last days of Nirvana before being suffocated by a materialist self-obsessed world that is constantly at war and values only the tinsel and not the tree.
Home & Garden
1st - 7th December 2017
Advertising feature by Homes 24 Seven Property
Your chance to get in at the start Amazing value Single and Double villas available in New ‘Over 50s Retirement Village’ in Murcia
A well deserved retirement AN exclusive and secure complex with 24-hour security, designed with the rest of your life in mind. Set in the vicinity of Ramonete, and close to the historic town of Llorca, the retirement village will have stunning views and tranquil surroundings being between mountain ranges and close to the sea. The village is designed for
those who, although independent now, appreciate the different stages of life yet to come, and wish to grow old in the caring environment of a small community. At the hub of the village will be a Community Residence incorporating a number of buildings including a cafe, restaurant, hairdressers, indoor gym, craft shop, library, geriatric nurse and
therapy rooms, and 24/7 assistance. There will be a swimming pool (covered in winter and open to the air in summer), vegetable gardens, an observatory to the sea, and activities such as walking, hiking, and golf will be available. In short, this is a fantastic opportunity to plan for the future for a stress free and enjoyable older age.
For more details email contact@homes24seven.property, telephone 0044 750 660 6091 or office 0044 208 214 1106
A bungalow for couples.
A single bungalow.
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Weekender
EMERGENCY Numbers
1st - 7th December 2017
Useful local nu EMERGENCIES
HOSPITALS
(Fire, Police, Ambulance or Civil Protection) Multilingual 112 Ambulance 061 Guardia Civil 062 Local Police 092 Fire 080 / 085 Coast Guard 900 202 202
GUARDIA CIVIL • 062 Albox Carbonares Cuevas Del Almanzora Garrucha Huercal-Overa Mojacar Turre Velez Rubio Vera
950 950 950 950 950 950 950 950 950
430 454 458 617 470 468 468 412 393
029 082 094 079 429 222 822 494 193
950 609 950 950 950 950 950 950 609 950
121 456 621 136 548 460 470 472 693 390
080 679 205 / 6 136 700 002 585 000 339 010
LOCAL POLICE • 092 Albox Arboleas Almeria Carbonares Cuevas Del Almanzora Garrucha Huercal Overa Mojacar Velez Rubio Vera
Almeria, Torrecardenas Almeria, Virgen del Mar (emergencies) Almeria, Virgen del Mar (private) Huercal-Overa, La Inmaculada
950 950 950 950
016 217 217 290
000 240 100 000
FIRE BRIGADE • 080/085 Albox Almeria Garrucha
950 120 128 950 621 048 950 120 128
UTILITIES ELECTRICITY Sevillana - Endesa, Breakdowns Sevillana - Endesa, Enquiries
900 850 840 800 760 333
GAS Repsol (Red Bottles) Leaks Repsol Information Cepsa (Silver Bottles) Leaks Cepsa Information
901 901 902 902
121 100 100 416
212 100 224 416
WATER Galasa, Breakdowns Galasa, Enquiries Gestagua (Albox)
902 355 575 950 391 200 950 120 649
EMERGENCY Numbers
umbers
I need to c ancel my credit card...
as Someone h . b r o k e n i n .. BRITISH EMBASSY Madrid
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1st - 7th December 2017
In th e ev en t of a de at h w h o do I ca ll ?
I can smell g a s .. .
My car ha s b e e n s to l e n ..
.
I h av e lo st m y pa ss po rt ...
UK PASSPORT 917 146 300
UK Passport Information www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports Emergency UK Passports www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document
BRITISH CONSULATE Enquiries, All Areas, 24 hours.
902 109 356
CREDIT CARD EMERGENCIES
TOWN HALLS Albox Antas Arboleas Cuevas del Almanzora Garrucha Huercal-Overa Los Gallardos Mojacar Turre Vera
950 950 950 950 950 950 950 950 950 950
120 619 449 456 460 134 469 615 479 393
908 015 430 488 058 900 000 009 011 016
4B (Visa / Mastercard) American Express Diners Club Red 6000 Servired (Visa / Mastercard) Visa
902 900 900 915 902 900
114 814 801 965 192 991
400 500 331 335 100 124
AIRPORTS Alicante Almeria Murcia, San Javier
966 919 000 950 213 700 968 172 000
SUPPORT GROUPS TOURIST OFFICES Almeria Mojacar Village Velez Rubio Vera
950 950 950 950
280 615 412 393
748 025 560 142
Age Support Harmony Community Support MACS Cancer Support Group Parkinson’s Disease Support Samaritans In Spain
634 333 544 634 339 192 634 328 334 (General) 634 656 555 (24/7 Careline) 677 688 057 900 525 100
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Weekender
Property
1st - 7th December 2017
ON THE MARCH: Malaga home sales.
Sales soar in 2017 AN average of 85 homes has been sold every day of the year so far in Malaga Province. A dynamic market has
seen the province register the fourth-largest number of sales in Spain. Only Madrid, Barcelona, and Alicante provinces
sold more homes than Malaga from January until September. With the bulk of its 22,823 sales made in the Costa del Sol, Malaga Province has recorded a 12.5 per cent rise in transactions on last year. Adjusted for population, in Malaga Province there were 17.8 sales per 1,000 inhabitants. Only Alicante performed better with 17.9 sales. Even in the strong Balearic market the figure was 13.54 according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). In 2016 an average of 75 homes were sold each day. The record year for sales was 2007 when 33,264 properties were sold from Januar y until September, an average of 123 each day. The worst year recorded was in 2012 when just 50 homes were sold daily as the market reached rock bottom. Though Malaga Province is still some way from the frenetic energy of 2007, few people are interested in seeing a return to that unstable period. Broken down, Malaga Province sales show that the number of new homes sold is on the rise. Almost 30 per cent of all purchases were made by foreign residents. In Alicante Province the figure is 40 per cent and on the Balearic Islands just over 30 per cent.
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Weekender
Health & beauty
1st - 7th December 2017
DO you find it harder to roll out of bed in winter when the temperature drops and the mornings are darker? If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel tired and sluggish during winter, even in Spain where the effects
of winter are still felt. Here are five energygiving solutions that may help, and some conditions that can sometimes be the cause. 1. Let in some sunlight As the days become shorter, your sleep and
waking cycles may become disrupted. The lack of sunlight means your brain produces more of a hormone called melatonin, which makes you sleepy. Open your blinds or cur tains as soon as you get up to let more sunlight into your home, and get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible. 2. Get a good night’s sleep Getting enough undisturbed sleep is vital for fighting off winter tiredness. It’s tempting to go into
PIXABAY
Don’t hibernate in winter... it could harm your health
IN THE MIND: Let winter light into the rooms as early as possible. hibernation mode when winter hits, but that sleepy feeling you get doesn’t mean you should snooze for longer.
We don’t actually require any more sleep in winter than we do in summer - aim for about eight hours of shut-eye a
night, and tr y to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. 3. Get regular exercise Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling tired on dark winter evenings. But you might be surprised by how energetic you feel after getting involved in some kind of physical activity ever y day. Exercise in the late afternoon may help to reduce early-evening fatigue and also improve your sleep. 4. Learn to relax Are you feeling pressured to get ever ything done during the shorter daylight hours? If so, it may be contributing to your tiredness - stress has been shown to make you feel fatigued. Many people find adding meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques into their day helps them to calm down and feel more relaxed. 5. Eat the right food Being over weight or under weight can affect your energy levels and leave you feeling sleepy. So it’s important to make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Once the summer ends, there’s a temptation to ditch the salads and fill up on starchy foods such as pasta, potatoes and bread. However, you’ll have more energy if you include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your comfort meals.
Health & beauty
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Coffee brings more health benefits than not tested in randomised trials. Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beve r a g e s worldwide and could have positive health benefits. But existing evidence is of l o w e r quality from obser vational research and randomised controlled trials are needed to strengthen the WIKIPEDIA
DRINKING coffee is “more likely to benefit health than to harm it” for a range of health outcomes, say researchers in The British Medical Journal (BMJ). They bring together evidence from over 200 studies and find that drinking three to four cups of coffee a day is associated with a lower risk of death and getting heart disease compared with drinking no coffee. Coffee drinking is also associated with lower risk of some cancers, diabetes, liver disease and dementia. However, they say drinking coffee in pregnancy may be associated with harms, and may be linked to a ver y small increased risk of fracture in women. The included studies used mainly observational data, providing lower quality evidence, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, but their findings back up other recent reviews and studies of coffee intake. As such, they say, excluding pregnancy and women at risk of fracture, “coffee drinking appears safe within usual patterns of consumption” and they suggest that coffee could be safely
1st - 7th December 2017
HEALTHIER: Studies back up previous beliefs about coffee drinking.
evidence of benefits. Drinking coffee was consistently associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and from heart disease, with the largest reduction in relative risk of death at three cups a day, compared with non-coffee drinkers. Increasing consumption to above three cups a day was not associated with harm, but the beneficial effect was less pronounced. Coffee was also associated with a lower risk of several cancers, including prostate, endometrial, skin and liver cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes, gallstones and gout. The greatest benefit was seen for liver conditions, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Finally, there seemed to be beneficial associations between coffee consumption and Parkinson’s disease, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Weekender
Food & Drink
1st - 7th December 2017
Home-made Eggnog Ingredients 4 cups milk, 5 whole cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ,12 egg yolks, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 1/2 cups light rum, 4 cups light cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preparation Preparation time – 20 minutes. Cooking time – 8 minutes. Method 1. Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly
bring milk mixture to a boil. 2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks a n d s u g a r. W h i s k t o g e t h e r u n t i l f l u f f y. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour. 3. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before ser ving.
EGGNOG: Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Food & Drink
1st - 7th December 2017
Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole
White Cranberry Walnut Nutmeg Fudge Ingredients 1 teaspoon butter, 3 cups white chocolate chips, 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 1/3 cup butter, 2 teaspoons rum flavouring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or to taste, 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries, 1 cup walnut pieces Preparation Preparation Time – 10 minutes. Cooking time – 4 minutes. Method 1. Grease a 9-inch square pan with 1 teaspoon butter. 2. Combine white chocolate chips,
Weekender 23
SWEET TREAT: With a rum flavouring. sweetened condensed milk, and 1/3 cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave until white chocolate starts to melt, about 3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each inter val, until chocolate is completely melted. 3. Stir rum flavouring, vanilla extract, and nutmeg into the white chocolate mixture. Fold in cranberries and walnut pieces. Pour fudge into the buttered baking pan, spreading it evenly into the corners. 4. Let fudge cool until set, 8 hours to overnight.
Ingredients 1 pound ground pork sausage, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 eggs, beaten, 2 cups milk, 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes, 8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, grated. Preparation Preparation Time – 20 minutes. Cooking time – 90 minutes Method 1. Crumble sausage into a medium frying pan. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking
TASTY BREAKFAST: Baked in the oven. dish. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
3. Cover, and bake 45 to 60 minutes. Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325ºF (165ºC). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.
24
Weekender
Puzzles
1st - 7th December 2017
Wordsearch Jennifer López
Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.
TARGET:
ANTZ EMME MARIBEL GOIN’ IN SELENA PLAY
REBIRTH MAXIMILIAN JENNIFER LOUBOUTINS GET RIGHT
I’M REAL BRAVE DANCE AGAIN GIGLI LOVE
ANACONDA LOPEZ PAPI I’M GLAD
Quick
Across 1 Rough or vulgar (6) 4 Horse's fastest pace (6) 9 Oblivious (7) 10 Fierce stare (5) 11 Sugary (5) 12 Outlive (7) 13 Fix firmly (6) 15 Implored (6) 18 Reached a destination (7) 20 Tumbles (5) 23 Lag behind (5) 24 Egyptian monument (7) 25 Domesticated ass (6) 26 With a light touch (6)
Down 1 Societies (5) 2 Cognisant (5) 3 Disperse (7) 5 Wrath (5) 6 Act of departing (7) 7 Make believe (7) 8 Thick, closely spaced, compact (5) 13 Commenced (7) 14 Sure, confident (7) 16 Compel to behave in a certain way (7) 17 Make fit or suitable (5) 19 Worth (5) 21 Greatest possible degree of something (5) 22 In an unfortunate way (5)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
• Average: 16
• Very good: 33
• Good: 23
• Excellent: 42
glen glare glared glens goer gone goner cisco cogs code coder cons cone coned conch icon icons ions elder earl eared dogs docs doer dons done drench drum dele dens demur demure alter altered alder arum armed aura eons area areal aurae aural
SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points
Cryptic
Across 1 Wish for something ornate (5) 4 Kind of rash letters from National Archives (5) 9 I sing about first independent red wine (7) 10 Empty shower after last showered (5) 11 Tight for time (5) 12 Tearing around monumental rock (7) 14 She hides a ring in her footwear (4) 16 Part of St Jerome's Symphony is sloppy (5) 18 I read about broadcast (5) 21 Damages the fourth planet (4) 24 The fish in the ring is in a spin (7) 26 How come Galileo has the last letter? (5) 28 Buddies forming teams (5) 29 Journey Tristan made (7) 30 Gym in the vehicle, that's a lark (5) 31 Aristocrat keeps a car for him (5)
Down 2 Foreign ale in disguise (5) 3 Reveal criminal starts finding exotic solid silver (7) 5 Asian country found within diagram (5) 6 Think about former dictator and England (7) 7 Someone calling out in jargon (5) 8 Inferior to a couple of foreign articles (5) 9 Mention view, we hear (4) 13 Raise the back (4) 15 Sound chap of sacred song (4) 17 Treacle pie for mythical being (7) 19 Is Opposition leader not on time, then keep apart (7) 20 Muck in mug rim edge (5) 22 Rock a barrier (5) 23 Turns up in non-negotiable inducement (4) 25 Offspring is with little Susan (5) 27 Lee is out to get her (5)
Puzzles
1st - 7th December 2017
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : COPS ON THE BOX 1. In which city was the early American police series Dragnet set? 2. Which Canadian-born actor played wheelchair-bound police chief Ironside? 3. In which television drama series that ran from 1982 to 1986 did Star Trek actor, William Shatner, play the part of a police officer? The show also starred Heather Locklear as Officer Stacy Sheridan, Adrian Zmed as Officer Vince Romano, Richard Herd as Captain Dennis Sheridan and James Darren as Officer Jim Corrigan. 4. In the television police series The Bill, what was the nickname of the character Alfred Lines, played by actor Kevin Lloyd? 5. Which police drama series that aired from 2007 to 2008, was a spin-off of the successful medical dramas Holby City and Casualty?
6. Actor Nicholas Ball first found fame on television in 1978 starring as which policeman turned private detective? 7. What was the name of the NYPD police officer in the cartoon series Top Cat? 8. Which television series of the 60s and 70s was developed from Police Surgeon starring Ian Hendry? 9. Which number completes the title of comedy police show set in New York’s The Bronx, which premiered in the US in 1961: Car [number] Where Are You? 10. In which 1960s television police series did actor Gene Barry play the part of a multi-millionaire captain of the Los Angeles homicide squad, who was chauffeured around to solve crimes in his Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II?
Kakuro
Answers: 1. LOS ANGELES, 2. RAYMOND BURR, 3. T J HOOKER, 4. TOSH, 5. HOLBY BLUE, 6. (James) HAZELL, 7. OFFICER Charlie DIBBLE, 8. THE AVENGERS, 9. 54 (CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU?), 10. BURKE’S LAW
SUDOKU
Weekender 25
Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
CrosswordSolutions from last week Quick
Cryptic
Sudoku
Irregular Sudoku
26
Weekender
Leisure
1st - 7th December 2017
YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Rarely has your mind been as sharp as it is at the moment. There have been some awkward and downright bad periods in the recent past, but this week everything falls into place. Why, you wonder, have you worried so much about things which could not be changed?
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) For all of the things that you want to do, there are three others that you wish to do. Maybe they are waiting for their own time to come. During the course of this week you will be thinking of what the future could hold, even though dealing with practical issues.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) When it isn't possible to change something, often it is just as effective to rearrange it. That is the solution which comes to you this week. Instead of being frustrated at a delay, try changing the conditions or times. This may mean that you save money or delay a payment to your advantage.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) When we have long-standing friendships, these are often taken for granted and yet often we could make so much more of them.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Consider what is the most important thing to you at the moment? Is it wealth or social position? Your work, or how it may be possible to afford that new conservatory are minor considerations compared with your greatest asset which is your health.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) As the saying goes, ‘no one ever said it would be easy’. In the past few months you have found this to be true. Hard work is not alien to you, but there is a point where you want to shout ‘enough’. It may be that business or home life needs some rearranging, or that someone is moving job and the routine is severely disrupted.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) As a home-loving Libran, you are torn between making changes to your surroundings and getting some cash in on the business side. Apparently, it is not possible to do both because energy levels fluctuate.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) There is so much in you that is determined and looking forward to a fresh start, but something that you are trying to get rid of, or give up, may be giving you more trouble than anticipated. Some things have to be done alone, or so you think, but others have gone through this before you so they are able to give support.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Is playing the waiting game really to your advantage? Your Sagittarian character naturally leads you to be optimistic, and why not? Even so, it won't hurt to hurry someone along rather than having them go at their own pace. Bear in mind that, in letting someone get away with sloppiness, you are doing them no favours at all.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) The enthusiasm of your bright Capricorn mind is also capable of making you restless. There are mixed feelings about being at or near home this week, with thoughts of more progress being possible elsewhere. Your need to make things better for those round you may not make you money but it can bring great joy.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) When you are at home this week I would like you to consider how you view your surroundings. This is a good week to make changes and have discussions about future directions. It is assumed that those close are happy with the status quo, but this may not be the case.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Pat yourself on the back for all of your efforts of recent weeks. Looking back just a few months, would you have thought so much progress could be made? Because of your efforts, home life is enhanced and you are more appreciated. Give yourself a break at the weekend and do something with a loved one that you have not done together for some time.
BOOK REVIEW
Artemis
by Christine Brown
by Andy Weir Jazz soon finds herself caught up in a plot to take control of the entire city, and her life is at stake if she doesn’t succeed in her mission. ‘Artemis’ is the latest effort from ‘The Martian’ author Andy Weir. Weir really comes into his own when describing the nittygritty details of the heist, such as how to weld aluminium in low gravity or how to break into a vacuum-sealed hull. Jazz makes a likable protagonist, despite the fact we learn precious few details about our hero-
ine, other than she is of Saudi Arabian descent she enjoys checking out Saudi gossip blogs every now and again - and likes to go out and have a good time, much to the disapproval of her father. Ultimately, ‘Ar temis’ makes a readable, paintby-numbers heist tale set which offers captivating insights about lunar-related science, which is where Weir’s writing truly comes to life.
EMA /TWITTER BRISTOLSUNSETCIN
JASMINE BASHAR, or Jazz for short, is a petty criminal who has lived on Artemis - the first city on the moon - since she was six years old. However, living on the moon turns out to be no fun unless you’re a local billionaire or rich tourist. Jazz has debts to pay, plenty of them, and her job as a porter barely covers the rent. To help make ends meet, Jazz smuggles in various bits of contraband, such as boxes of fine cigars, for the moon’s wealthier residents. However, her ambitious nature gets the better of her when she spots an opportunity to commit the perfect crime, which would reap lucrative rewards if she pulls it off. All she has to do is sabotage the anorthite harvesters owned by one of the aluminium factories.
SPACE AGE: Artemis is out of this world.
Leisure
1st - 7th December 2017
Weekender 27
FILM REVIEW
Film & TV Guide OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE
FILM OF THE WEEK
WONDER: An inspiring story.
R E M E M B E R J a c o b Tr e m b l a y, t h e adorable breakout star of Oscarwinning film The Room? His fledgling career takes an exciting turn with his new project. Based on the New York Times bestseller, Wonder tells the incredibly inspiring story of Auggie Pullman. The
It’s a ver y tasteful heart-tugger a drama of disarmingly levelheaded empathy that glides along with wit, assurance, and grace, and has something touching and resonant to say about the current climate of American bullying. At the same time, the film never upsets the apple cart of convent i o n a l i t y. Wo n d e r i s a n h o n e s t feel-good movie.
ONE TO WATCH
The X Factor: Live Final Saturday, 7:05pm - 9:10pm; Sunday 7:15pm - 9:00pm D E R M O T O ’ L E A RY p r e s e n t s t h e grand final of this year’s competition. GRAND FINALE: The X Factor It comes after weeks of gruelling auditions, boot camps, the six chair challenge, judges’ houses and live shows have seen most of the acts voted off the show. Now, the final three - Rak-Su, Grace Davies and Kevin Davy White - will battle it out in a bid to be crowned X Factor champion 2017, and bag a lucrative recording contract.
ITV
Wonder
central character in Stephen Chb o s k y ’s ‘ Wo n d e r, ’ i s a b r a i n y 1 0 year-old boy with a sweet high voice and a congenital facial defor mity, whom numerous corrective surgeries have left him looking like a cherub after a car accident. His left eye tugs downward as if a teardrop were falling from it; his ears are bulbs of flesh, and his face is framed by a pinkish ring of scar tissue. H e ’s j u s t a n o r d i n a r y k i d w h o s e looks take a bit of getting used to.
OUR CHOICE
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Saturday 9:00pm - 11:25pm, Channel 4 Starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie THIS acclaimed comedy-drama follows a group of British retirees who decide to ‘outsource’ their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.
Wild Cameramen at Work Monday, 7:30pm - 8:00pm IN the first of four episodes, this new series sees five of the best wildlife cameramen in the world, all of who reside in Scotland reflect on their favourite career moments. Narrated by David AttenborRENOWNED: Doug Allan. ough, the first episode reveals the hardships and hazards involved when filming wildlife in the world’s most extreme environments - the Arctic and Antarctic. Legendary polar cameraman and diver Doug Allan recalls some of his most hair-raising encounters and returns to the place where his underwater career began - the freezing depths of a Highland river.
SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST
ENSEMBLE CAST: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
28
BUILDERS ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.c om (253556)
CARS WANTED CARS WANTED For Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
Sunday 3rd December will be taken by Ray Bailey. The Christmas Carol Service is on Tuesday 5th December (ticket only). We are then closed until Tuesday, 9th January 2018 with the service taken by Len Cox. Contact Wendy on 965 323 028. www.spiritualistcentre -benijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gm ail.com or info@spiritualistcentre -benijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.
CHARITIES/CHURCHES GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170 THE SPIRITUALIST Centre, Benijofar meets at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. The Divine Service, with Mediumship, on
Classifieds
1st - 7th December 2017
DRAINAGE
HEALTH & BEAUTY GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP, Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food powders, organic eggs and veggie box scheme. Est 2006. Tel 639 089 170
INSURANCE ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399 MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweeklyn ews.com for more details.
MOTORING WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
REMOVALS/STORAGE FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.c om 634 33 64 68 or Freephone Uk 0800 999 33 68 (253596)
SITUATIONS VACANT WE ARE looking for a full time local reporter for the Almeria edition of our newspaper. Candidates must have relevant experience and Spanish is a bonus. Please contact me for further details jackie@euroweeklyne ws.com
ARE YOU self motivated and hard working? We are looking for administration/telesal es candidates. Experience not essential as full training is given. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@eurowee klynews.com.
HGV CLASS 1 Drivers Required. Earnings up to £1000.00 per week. Tramping in the UK. Various shift patterns/ depots. Work for a couple of weeks, months or ongoing. Guaranteed tramping for the duration you are here. You choose your location. We supply the work. Trusted, reliable, professional. Enquire today: 0044 1487 842165 Text/ WhatsApp - 0044 7846 624 312 info@cambscontractor s.co.uk www.cambscontractor s.co.uk Find us on Facebook (252187)
SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria.c om (256950)
Services BABY EQUIP HIRE
1st - 7th December 2017
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CAR VALETING
29
30
Sport
1st - 7th December 2017
SPORTS
A former player, Tony is now the world’s most prolific author of football books with 150 published since 1975. He has also been a PE teacher and a policeman, and is now a quiz-organiser, fundraiser, for various charities, and sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio.
By Tony Matthews
1,000 winners and 10,000 rides Maamur in the 1996 William Hill Trophy, French Holly in the 1998 Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle and Cool Dawn in the 1998 Gold Cup while among his many other big wins have been on See More Business in the 1997 King George VI Chase; French Holly in the 1998 Christmas Hurdle; Gingembre in the 2002 Hennessey Gold Cup and Miko De’Beauchener in the 2007 Welsh Grand National. For the record (up to last weekend) Andrew had rode in a total of 9,775 NH races in Britain and 23 in Ireland, as well as taking part in 10 flat races in the UK. And he has now joined an elite band of
jockeys who have achieved this unique double of riding 1,000 winners and competing in 10,000 races… along with Sir A P McCoy, Richard Johnson, Richard Dunwoody and Peter Scudamore. Take a bow, Andrew… you’re a top horseman without a doubt. ANDREW THORNTON: Started riding at the age of 17.
Soccer Digest SEVENTY-TWO Birmingham City fans were arrested last season - more than any other club in England’s four major Leagues. This is the second season running that Blues’ suppor ters have topped the ‘hooligan’ list. West Ham (67), Leeds (62), Aston Villa (52) and Manchester City (48) follow on. Former AC Milan, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Brazil striker Robinho has been handed a nine-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a 2013 sex offence. The compere at the recent NorthWest Football Awards dinner mistakenly announced that England’s 1966 World Cup goalkeeper Gordon Banks had died. He’s still alive, aged 79! At 4pm Spanish time today, the draw for the group stages of next year’s World Cup takes place in Moscow. England are number 3, Spain number 10. Ex-Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, Stoke, Real Madrid and Eng-
HERE are the 12 nominees for this year’s award: Elise Christie (skater), Sir Mo Farah (runner), Harr y Kane (footballer), Chris Froome, OBE (cyclist), Lewis Hamilton, MBE (F1 driver), Anthony Joshua (boxer), Joanna Konta (tennis player), Jonny Peacock (paralympian), Adam Peaty (swimmer), Johnny Rea (super-biker), Angia Shrubsole (cricketer) and Bianca Walkden (taekwando).
land striker Michael Owen has become a jockey and last Friday finished second on Calder Prince in a seven furlong race at Ascot. Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti could become President of the Italian FA. Bournemouth and Swansea are to offer transgender and non-binary fans a gender-neutral title prefix of ‘Mx’ pronounced Mix or Mux. The lowest Goodison Park attendance for 18 years, 17,431, saw Everton walloped 5-1 by Atalanta in last week’s Europa League game Darren Fletcher (Stoke) has joined the band of players who’ve made 100 consecutive PL appearances. Ten days ago, with his wife Steph in labour, Ryan Colclough was substituted after scoring his second goal in Wigan’s 3-0 win over Doncaster. Still kitted out, he reached the hospital just in time to see his son born, completing a unique hat-trick for the winger!
YOUTUBE
NATIONAL HUNT jockey Andrew Thornton has completed a historic double - riding 1,000 winners and competing in 10,000 races. The 45 year-old, who was born in Cleveland, County Durham on October 28, 1972, had his first ride as a 17-yearold back in the autumn of 1989; recorded his first win two years later, in November 1991, when he rode Wrekin Hill to victory at Sedgefield and celebrated with his 1,000th race victory at Wincanton last year on Kentford Myth, with his 10,000th ride following recently. He has ridden three winners at the Cheltenham Festival -
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017
* The winner will be announced, live on BB1 TV, on Sunday December 17.
Fascinating Sporting Facts THIS is part five of a new series covering fascinating, interesting, even sensational and quite bizarre incidents and achievements that have occurred in the world of sport over the course of time. These ‘facts’ have been selected at random, in no specific date order or significance. Take a breath and read on. • American swimmer Michael Phelps, born in Baltimore, Maryland in June 1985 and nicknamed the ‘Flying Fish’ is the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals. He also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (23), Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16). In winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, Phelps broke fellow American swimmer Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven firstplace finishes at any single Olympic Games. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, he had already tied the record of eight medals gained of any colour at a single Games by winning six gold and two bronze medals. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps added four more gold and two silver medals to his collection, and at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he gained another five gold medals and one silver. This made him the most successful athlete of the Games for the fourth Olympics in a row. The imperious Phelps is also the longcourse world record holder in the 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley events as well as being the former long-course world record holder in the 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley. He has won a staggering 82 medals in major international long-course competitions, of which 65 are gold, 14 silver, and three bronze, spanning the Olympics, the World Championships and Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps’ international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and American Swimmer of the Year Award 11 times, as well as the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award in 2012 and 2016. What a swimmer - what a guy!
Motoring
31
1st - 7th December 2017
Jaguar Land Rover looks at inter-car communication AS part of the £20m UK Autodrive project, Jaguar Land Rover is testing a range of research technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other as well as roadside infrastructure, such as traffic lights on the roads of Coventry. The trials will explore how
future connected and autonomous vehicles can replicate human behaviour and reactions when driving. With the launch of the trials, Coventry joins just 12 other cities in conducting tests on public roads globally. Jaguar Land Rover is developing both
fully and semi-autonomous vehicle technologies to offer customers a choice of an engaged or autonomous drive, while maintaining an enjoyable and safe driving experience. The company’s vision is to make the self-driving car viable in the widest range of real-life, on- and off-road driving environments and weather. Nick Rogers, Executive Director of Product Engineering
JAGUAR LAND ROVER: Testing a range of technologies.
Vehicle vandalism on the rise ACCORDING to data seen by RAC Insurance, the number of vehicles vandalised in England and Wales has increased by 10 per cent in the last three years. A total of 210,418 vehicles were reported to have suffered criminal damage such as deliberate scratches, slashed tyres, snapped windscreen wipers, smashed wing mirrors and broken windows in 2016 - 19,238 more than in 2013 when 191,180 were vandalised. Responses to a freedom of information request from 40 police forces in England and Wales made by RAC Insurance reveal that the Greater Manchester Police area experienced the biggest rise with 37 per cent more vehicles being damaged in 2013 than 2016 - 10,670 incidents compared to 14,588 last year. The area also recorded the highest number of vehicle vandalism offences outside of London (the Metropolitan Police force area) which had 26,064 in 2016, equating to 12 per cent of all cases across the country. Hertfordshire Constabulary and West Yorkshire Police both had the second great-
est increase at 25 per cent each. Due to the higher population in West Yorkshire, however, the number of incidents was far larger - 10,051 in 2013 versus 12,542 in 2016. The West Yorkshire force had the second largest number of offences of this type outside of London. Hertfordshire experienced 3,766 four years ago compared to 4,714 last year. Twenty-four forces saw increases in cases of vehicle vandalism while 12 forces experienced a drop in the number of reports with Gloucestershire seeing the biggest decline at 17 per cent with 2,301 instances in 2013 falling away to 1,907 in 2016. RAC Insurance director Mark Godfrey said: “Vandalism is one of the most frustrating and annoying crimes. Just a moment of selfish intentional criminal damage causes vehicle owners no end of grief. “Not only do many motorists who experience this have to go through the insurance claims process and the time-consuming and inconvenient experience of getting the vehicle repaired, they will also suffer an inevitable premium rise and then have to declare the claim for three years.”
AUTODRIVE PROJECT: The trials will continue into 2018.
said: “Testing this self-driving project on public roads is so exciting, as the complexity of the environment allows us to find robust ways to increase road safety in the future. By using inputs from multiple sensors, and finding intelligent ways to process this data, we are gaining accurate technical insight to pioneer the automotive application of these technologies. “Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be a leader in collaborative research projects for autonomous and connected cars. “We are supporting innovative research that will be integral to the infrastructure, technology and
legal landscape needed to make intelligent, self-driving vehicles a reality within the next decade.” UK Autodrive is the largest of three consortia launched to support the introduction of self-driving vehicles into the UK. It is helping to establish the UK as a global hub for research, development and integration of automated and connected vehicles into society. The consortium has already proven these research technologies in a closed track environment and the start of real-world testing is the next step to turning the research into reality. The trials will continue into 2018.