ISSUE 649 • 24th - 30th August 2018 By Jose Artur AUTHORITIES in Chirivel began working to repair damage last weekend caused by flash storms and floods which struck the town and the wider Almanzora area and trapped some British families. The town’s council deployed heavy machinery on rural roads that had been flooded in an effort to clear them of debris and damage. Chirivel authorities have also requested that the area be designated an official Catastrophe Area which would give them access to additional resources. The floods left five British families trapped in their homes after water cut off access roads to the properties. They were later rescued. Chirivel Council said on social media this week that they were still repairing the damage to roads, streets and public areas such as parks. “We have been taking stock of the damage over the past few days. Thank you for your co-operation and thanks especially to the town’s work-
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl was taken to hospital after falling from a balcony in Almeria City. The incident took place last Wednesday at 4.45pm, when the emergency number 112 received the first warning from a
EST 2005
Cleanup efforts
DAMAGE CONTROL: Roads in Chirivel were awash with water. ers who are doing everything so we can return to normal as soon as possible,” the statement said. Emma Sola, the mayor of Chirivel,
private person who told them an injured minor had fallen from a balcony in the neighbourhood of El Zapillo. Some of the facts are still being investigated by the Local Police of Almeria.
Motor show ALMERIA City’s council hosted a motor vehicle exhibition last Saturday, where they received the Seat 600 and Mini Cooper presenting a piece on motor history from 10am to 2pm. Visitors were able to contemplate the vehicles and take photographs with them, throughout the second day of the show. The display showcased the most popular cars from the 60’s and 70’s in Spain and saw many locals and tourists attend the event.
said the extent of the damage was still being assessed but initial findings suggested the cost of repairing roads could run as high as €180,000.
Balcony fall According to one of the witnesses the girl had fallen from the second floor when yielding the railing balcony where the
Sola added the storms had dislodged sediment from the town’s ravine, which had burst its banks and caused roads in the town and in Albox to be submerged in water. The dislodging meant the ravine flowed faster making it harder to stem the water. Estimates have stated that around a quarter of the town’s almond crop was destroyed during the storms. There are also concerns unseasonal hail fall could have had a further impact. Almond trees in the Albox area were also damaged due to hail fall from earlier storms, according to Spain’s Met Office. Farmhouses were also affected, AEMET added. Francisco Torrecilla, the mayor of Albox, said: “There were storms over the fields of Oria and many of the districts and towns on the edge of the Chrivel ravine which meets with that of Albox, with both of them flowing into the River Almanzora. “It is good to have water in the ravines because it helps to boost supply, but damage has been caused.”
witness was. The coordinating centre reported the case to emergency services medical personnel and the Local Police. It has been confirmed by the health ser vice that the five-
year-old girl had been transfered to the hospital in Torrecardenas to receive health care. Police are still investigating the circumstances of what had happened.
2 NEWS BITES Company call stats
Port numbers MORE than 370,000 people passed through Almeria City’s port during the first two months of Operation ‘Cross the Strait’ which sees people travel between Spain and Morocco in larger numbers during the summer.
Man held GUARDIA CIVIL officers have arrested a 28-yearold man in connection with four robberies and gender violence crimes in the Punta Entinas-Sabinar area and proceedings for the case have been sent to a court in Roquetas de Mar.
Access denied By Gabriella Elkhouri A GROUP representing migrants has claimed a stall in the Feria of Almeria prohibited access to two asylum seekers for ‘being black.’ What started as a cultural activity by the Cepaim Foundation ended up becoming an alleged case of racial discrimination. The two Malian refugees affected by this incident were visiting the Feria along with other asylum seekers and members of the Cepaim Foundation. The two men were forbidden to enter because of their inappropriate clothes, the people responsible for the booth allegedly told them. The two refugees had been in the province for four and nine months respectively and lived in shelters in the Nijar region. “Imagine how they felt, it was very shocking, that you are in a country trying to rebuild your life and that they treat you like this,” said David Elias Torres, one of the foundation’s psychologists. “At the moment when we began to argue with the guard, one of them approached me and told
CREDIT: Rob Debenham, via Twitter
STAFF at the Junta de Andalucia have dealt with a total of 2,676 calls in Almeria Province through its Andalucian Employment Service, including 2,492 calls relating to businesses in the area.
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RACISM CLAIMS: The incident is said to have happened at Almeria’s Feria. me to leave it, that nothing had happened, that it was not worth it,” he told the Spanish media. The president of the Provincial Union of CSIF in Almeria, Juan Fernández, told the Spanish media that in all his 10 years he had been working in this company he had never had a problem like this occur to them.
He added they would try to clarify what happened and to find out who was responsbile. Sources from the Autonomous Administration in Almeria are establishing which department the claim corresponds to. When completed they will decide whether to open a sanctioning file or take it to court.
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Supercharged
By Jose Artur
Towns set for green energy funding CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons
SEVEN towns in Almeria have been chosen to receive a s h a r e o f a n a l m o s t €8 6 million Junta de Andalucia fund for hundreds of green energy projects across the region. Cantoria and Vera, along with Alba, Alcolea, Enix and Felix, have been chosen as part of a programme to update their street lighting. Low efficiency sodium vapour and fluorescent mercur y lamps are set to be replaced with more environmentally-friendly LED lights. The town of Sorbas is set to have air conditioning equipment changed, thermal insulation installed and better windows put in as part of the programme. Sorbas falls under a scheme that involves a total of 218 projects throughout Andalucia. The replacement of street
ECO CASH: Almeria is home to the Tabernas Solar Field.
A GROUP of volunteers put on a charity event in support of migrants and refugees coming to Spain in Garrucha last Sunday. The event, put on in support of the Proactiva Open Arms group, saw poetr y readings, dances and musical performances take place. It was organised by the local branch of the Izquierda Unida, the
Event for refugees Somos Mojacar group and received suppor t from local businesses and politicians. The event featured a banner put up by the organisers which read: ‘A life is saved or someone dies at sea.’
Proactiva Open Arms runs boats which aid in the rescuing of migrants and refugees from the Mediterranean. The organisers of Sunday’s event said in a statement that Proactiva
lighting across the region is set for around €20.4 million in Junta funding. The project that includes public building improvements in Sorbas has about €34.8 million set aside for it. Part of the funding for all the projects is set to come from the European Union Regional Development Fund’s Andalucia 2014-20 round of spending. The schemes are part of a total of 657 energy improvement projects due to go ahead across some 185 localities in Andalucia under the Sustainable Energy Development Plan. The Junta said the works were expected to generate some €121.5 million in investment for the region. Almeria is already home to sites that produce a significant amount of renewable energy, such as the Tabernas Solar Field in the deser t of the same name.
Open Arms was the ‘benchmark’ in rescuing migrants. “We believe that the abandonment of people in the Mediterranean cannot be defended. It is unjust and inhumane,” the organisers said. Efforts from the event organisers resulted in the raising of a total of €2,435 for Proactiva Open Arms to continue their rescue efforts.
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THE town centres of Illar and Paterna del Rio are due to receive a facelift after the Diputacion de Almeria announced it would grant them €160,000 in funding. Illar’s Avenida Principe de Asturias is set to be repaved, as are the streets that surround it. The asphalt there currently is in a bad state of repair, the Diputacion said.
Migrant rescue
CREDIT: Diputacion de Almeria
Centre cash
STREET SPENDING: The hearts of Illar and Paerna del Rio are due for works. Paterna del Rio’s Calle Real is also set for improvements to ensure better accessibility. Some vehicles are currently unable to get through the nar-
Silver screen
MORE than 6,000 schoolchildren from almost 30 schools in Almeria took part in a programme which aims to teach youths about cinema during the 2017 to 2018 academic year.
A total of 579 teachers were also involved in the project, which was launched three years ago with backing from the Junta de Andalucia.
ZURGENA is set to benefit from an almost €200,000 project designed to improve its water supply network after Almeria’s Diputacion approved the tendering for the works’ contract. The provincial authority’s decision to fund the project to the tune of some €191,000 comes as part of an €8 million Almeria-wide project to renovate pipelines and other infrastructure. The hardware comes under the Integrated Water Cycle, which is managed by the state-owned water firm Galasa. The Zurgena project is due to see drinking water supplies improve in the La Alfoquia, Cañada del Herrero, Calle Nueva Avenida, Virgen del
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It aims to improve media literacy and expose children to European film culture, as well as fostering critical analysis skills and encouraging opinion forming and debate.
Saliente, Marquesado, Barrio Alta, Camino Real, Los Limoneros and Avenida Andalucia areas of the town. More than 1,700 metres of pipeline are set to be replaced, af fecting around 100 domestic connections according to the Diputacion de Almeria. Oscar Liria, the authority’s development spokesperson, said ensuring towns had quality water was one of his and the Diputacion’s main priorities. “Since 2011 we have invested €30 million in water and we continue to approve new projects to improve the quality of water and networks. “We have solved earlier shortages and made sure that water continues to reach everyone’s taps,” Liria said.
Wa-ter result
row and sloping streets. The tendering of the contracts for the projects has now been approved by Diputacion officials.
GUARDIA CIVIL officers were called out yesterday (Thursday) after 57 migrants, including seven children, arrived in a small inflatable boat on a beach in the Roquetas de Mar area. Personnel arrived at Patera to find a small blue inflatable boat powered by a 25 horsepower which had carried the migrants across the Mediterranean. They are all believed to be from sub Saharan Africa. All those on board were found in good health, according to National Police who added they had been taken for processing.
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Minister works visit SPAIN’S Development Minister is set to tour towns and cities across Almeria as part of a visit scheduled for next September which will include examining plans for new railway lines. Jose Luis Abalos is due to attend meetings with members of the Defence of the Almeria Railway association. The group is made up of around 200 organisations including neighbourhood associations, trade unions, businesses and political parties. The government in Madrid is currently in the process of analysing projects that were planned under the previous conservative Partido Popular (PP) ad-
ministration but that have yet to be tendered. Abalos is due to review plans for high speed rail lines between Almeria and Murcia which cover routes between Pulpi and Vera and Rio Andarax and Puche. Companies are currently bidding for the contracts. The visit comes as a group recently called on the government to draw up plans to restore a railway line that once ran through the Almanzora Valley. The Friends of the Railroad of Baza Association claimed towns along the line which closed around 30 years ago, including Cantoria, have become depopulated since it ceased operations.
FIREFIGHTERS extinguished a blaze at a plastic recycling plant on Sunday evening which saw several people evacuated and roads closed. Emergency services were called out to the fire in the Paraje de La Monlina in the Las Norias area at about 6.25pm. Local Police warned locals at around 9pm not to leave their homes and to shut their doors and windows in order to keep smoke out. Guardia Civil of ficers joined those from the Local Police and firefighters at the scene, with emergency services personnel receiving reinforcements at around midnight. A total of 15 people were evacuated from the area and the A-1050 road nearby was closed. It has since reopened. Andalucia’s 112 emergency ser vices line confirmed the fire had been put
Plant fire
EXTINGUISHED: The fire broke out on Sunday evening. out at around 9.15am on Monday morning. Gracia Fernandez, the Junta de Andalucia’s representative in Almeria, visited the scene to watch
over the firefighting efforts. The mayor of El Ejido Francisco Gongora and Manuel Gomez, the town council’s farming spokesperson, also went to the blaze.
NEWS NEWS BITES
Boat visit off A VISIT from the Atalaya P-74 patrol boat scheduled for Almeria City this weekend has been cancelled due to the vessel currently undertaking a surveillance and security mission in the Mediterranean Sea.
More ferries THE shipping company Trasmediterranea has said it will put on extra services to and from the Spanish African enclave of Melilla to Almeria City from tomorrow (Saturday) to Sunday September 2 following increasing passenger demand.
Alleged fugitive held NATIONAL POLICE officers have arrested a 40-yearold Estonian man at Almeria Airport subject to a European Arrest Warrant in connection with public order and security offences in his home country. Officers detained the man, who is suspected of committing the offences in April, last Saturday August 18 while attempting to
board a flight to the Irish capital of Dublin. He was found while border staff checked passengers’ travel documents, police said. Proceedings for the 40year-old’s case have been sent to the National Court’s Court of Instruction Number Two which is set to rule on his extradition back to Estonia. The case continues.
Schools call FRANCISCO GONGORA, the mayor of El Ejido, has called on the Junta de Andalucia to draw up plans for improvements to schools in the area following what he said was concern among parents over a lack of capacity.
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HELD: The suspect was arrested after his documents were checked.
Call out stats ENVIRONMENTAL police attended a total of 85 incidents in Almeria Province in the first half of this year, according to Justice and Interior Ministry data. Illegal dumping and breaking animal protection rules made up the majority of these. There were 41 complaints made in relation to the former and 40 in connection with the latter. There were two call outs in connection with forest fires and two related to allegedly illegal workshops being set up on rural land. Officers charged a total of 47 people in the province during the first half of this year, the majority in connection with illegal dumping allegations. Three people were
ECO CRIMES: Police have attended 85 environmental incidents so far this year charged over forest fires and 41 were probed and charged over animal protection laws being broken. Government statistics showed environmental officers travelled a total of 13,529 kilometres as part of patrols in natural and forest areas. They found 123 vehicles
they suspected of breaking regulations and indentified 229 people in connection with them. Environmental officers oversee a number of areas and work in tandem with the Environment Ministry as well as with firefighters, Local and National Police and the Guardia Civil.
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Police stop bridge jump PHOTO CREDIT: Google Maps
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JUMP ATTEMPT: Officers found the girl on a bridge on the Avenida del Mediterraneo. NATIONAL POLICE of ficers have stopped a 17-year-old girl from jumping off a bridge onto a railway line below in Almeria City. Police sources said they were alerted to the girl on their 091 line by a witness at around 3am last Thursday. The onlooker told them she was on a bridge on the Avenida del Mediterraneo. Officers arrived at the scene to find the 17-year-old standing on the bridge and cr ying, looking down onto the tracks and breathing heavily. Two officers spoke to her in an effort to calm her down and learn her name
and personal information. Two others approached her from behind as they did so and were able to grab her and pull her away from the edge of the bridge. The 17-year-old tried to break loose and throw herself onto the tracks. Police were able to hang onto her by the abdomen and brought her to the road side away from the edge. Officers took the girl to Almeria City’s Torrecardenas Hospital where she was examined by the duty doctor. She was then taken to a police station where her mother came to meet her.
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ALMERIA City has hosted its annual Battle of the Flowers event which saw about 20,000 of the plants on display throughout the city. Giant model heads were also on show, as well as a total of 11 parade floats and music from the city’s Municipal Band. The event was full of ‘colour,’ ‘flavour’ and ‘good atmosphere,’ Almeria City Council said in a statement. ‘The Battle of Flowers gave tradition, carnations and joy to thousands of people,’ the local authority said on Twitter. Some of those on the floats also performed as part of a 25th annual International Folklore Festival. The Festival saw them per-
CREDIT: Almeria City Council, via Twitter
Battle of the Flowers
IN-CARNATIONS: The event took place earlier this week. form music, songs and dance from their home countries of Paraguay, Senegal and Armenia, as well as from other parts of Spain. A group of Latin dancers and musicians also per-
formed and paraded through the city. They began at the Avenida Pablo Iglesia before going onto Obispo Orbera, the Rambla, Canonigo Molina Alonso, Artes de Arcos, Mastro Padilla, Altamira,
Doctor Carracido and Avenida Federico Garcia Lorca. Their route ended at the city’s amphitheatre. The event came as part of the city’s Feria which is taking place this week.
24th - 30th August 2018
Weekender Health & Beauty Page 21
Property on water Page 14
House proud Page 26
Forgotten region Page 18
Renault record Page 31
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Pause to declutter I GUESS many of us tend to acquire all sorts of rubbish over the years, which we then find difficult to relinquish due to emotional or other ties. How true that is proving for me right now. Fifteen years ago, when we moved to Spain we determined to be very strict in rationing the amount of clutter we collected, but now, as we prepare to move on, we’re all too aware of how badly we failed in that resolve. You’d think it would be easy to pack up everything into a few boxes and move on, but, although most of the furniture was quickly moved to the new home, we find ourselves laboriously picking through mountains of paper, photos and other mementos of our past life, agonising over which, if any, can be consigned to the bin. And what’s true practically as we prepare to move house is, I suggest equally true in our lives as numerous relationships, ambitions, ideas and pleasures so easily distract us from the purposes and ideals we really want to follow. In the Biblical let-
ter to Hebrew Christians, the author likens our need to declutter our lives with an Olympic athlete preparing for a race as he encourages his readers to: ‘lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and run with fortitude the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the starter and finisher of our faith.’ Can you imagine an athlete carrying extra weight as they start a race? Or wanting to wear their best suit so as to look smart? Or parade expensive jewellery? No of course not, for an athlete has to be single minded, taking nothing to the race but the bare essentials, and on the starting line, not waving to the crowds around, but fully focused on the starter, ready to spring into action the instant the signal is given. And that’s how the writer of this letter suggests we should live our Christian lives, totally committed and focused on Jesus Christ and our service to and for him. So how do we measure up? Just how much clutter do we have in our lives distracting us from the essentials?
Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida (further details available at www.mojacarchurch.org) and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com
Fishy business MR TOMMY FLUFFIPANTS, seven kilos of wide-eyed fluffy innocence, had to go for his annual jabs, so I picked him up, stroked him as a diversion tactic, then swiftly shoved him into the catbox and closed the lid. He let out a truly feral yowl, and the catbox exploded in a resounding plaatch; pieces of plastic flew across the kitchen as Mr Fluffipants flew out of the catflap. I surveyed the wreck that had once been a catbox, and fetched the other catbox. Mr Fluffipants was reclining peacefully outside, so I picked him up, diversion tacticed him, then shoved him very quickly into the other catbox, which I hastily covered with a large thick towel. He crashed about inside the box, mewing pathetically.
By Jos Biggs
As I got ready to take him into Albox silence reigned. Good, I thought, he’s settled down. I picked up the box, and divined by its lightness that all was not as it should be. Suspiciously I lifted the towel - to reveal a broken box and no Tommy! He had evaporated into thin air, leaving behind no more than the destructive evidence of his displeasure! I would have to go to the vet without him, and explain his absence. Maria saw my Tommy-less state. ‘You couldn’t catch him?’ ‘Yes, I caught him, but he broke out of both catboxes. They are both wrecked.’ ‘You need a tranquilizer. Give him half of this pill, wait an hour.’ I took the pill in the certain knowledge it wasn’t going to be that simple.
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
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Weekender 13
Local Estate Agents help PAWS-PATAS keep the cat and dog population under control PAWS-PATAS applauds and cheers NICLA Property Consultancy in Las Buganvillas. For the second year, they have renewed their sponsorship pledge and have donated a further €250 towards the neutering programme for stray dogs and cats in the local area, which is aiming to reduce the stray animal population in Spain. Owner, Claus Van Mierlo has a wealth of experience in the buying, selling and building business, plus the integrity of someone who is dedicated to this industry. Claus followed his Father’s footsteps as an estate agent and worked with him in Holland, prior to moving permanently to Spain in 2005 and obviously, the terrain has changed immensely since then. However, since 1996, Claus has been travelling throughout this country with his Dutch and Bel-
NICLA: Claus and Ali are proud to support PAWS-PATAS. gian clientele guiding them through the buying and selling process. And when making the decision to finally move he travelled from the north to the south of Spain; finally deciding that the most interesting area for him was around Vera. After 10 years working from their office in La Cabuzana
NICLA moved to their current office in Las Buganvillas in the summer of 2015 where they welcome their international clients. Claus specialises in buying, selling and building and although he has been involved in renting properties in the past, he now just dedicates his time and energy to the field that he is most
knowledgeable about. Claus is also passionate about the fact that Estate Agents should be legally registered with API or GIPE, which provide the complete foundation to being a professional Estate Agent which also includes education, company insurances, checking all relevant paperwork and liaising with lawyers. Claus and his partner Ali are proud to support PAWS-PATAS and have withheld their values through good and bad times, survived the ‘crash’ of 2007/8 and indeed are now busier than ever, even though property prices are beginning to rise. Claus and Ali live in a house that they built with three cats and one dog - all of them rescued animals. What advice can Claus recommend to potential buyers… ”please research regarding the
kind of property you want, can afford and location. It’s not easy when someone comes into the office and simply states {I have €250,000 - what have you got?}…” Claus and Ali have a simple motto - they continue to work the only way they know and love. Some call him Claus and others Nicla…but the man with two names only delivers one promise… THE BEST! WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR PAWS-PATAS NEUTERING PROGRAMME? FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE. VOLUNTEERS ALSO DESPERATELY NEEDED IN ALL AREAS OF OUR CHARITY AND YOU CAN WORK FROM HOME. www.paws-patas.org email:info@paws-patas.org
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Weekender
WHY pay millions of euros to buy a beachfront property when you can build a house on water? Well the first sustainable houseboat has been built in the marina of Torrevieja in Spain. The contemprar y design home, manufactured from carbon fibre, p o l y e s t e r, concrete, galvanized steel, and wood is categorised as an unmanned and non-motorised floating fixture, but ser ves more as a house than a boat. Sporting modern wooden floors, American style kitchen and floor to ceiling doors a d d a b i t o f l u x u r y, thanks to the clever design and the stability of the houseboat meaning there is no feeling you are floating on sea. The cost of building a
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Property on the Water
HOUSEBOAT: With the help of a trailer or tugboat you can relocate it as many times as you want. houseboat is considerably cheaper than buying a property near the coast. A two bedroomtwo bathroom model will set you back about
€1 0 0 - 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 . T h e model built in Torrevieja which is slightly more expensive, has two bedroom suites, two other bedrooms,
two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a terrace and another impressive sun terrace of 62m2 or 666 sq ft. With regard to the
installations and elements that make it efficient, ‘the houseboat has sanitar y hot water panels, solar panels, high quality thermal
and acoustic insulation and can obtain aerothermal energy’ says the architectural firm ADOSN who designed it. Another advantage of this type of housing is the construction time which takes between three to five months to build, depending on which size is ordered. With the help of a trailer or tugboat you can relocate it as many times as you want. “There are other similar products, but not with the same creature comforts and characteristics. The rest of the markets have specialised in motorised houseboats or having the maximum surface area. We want them to be comfortable and, above all, efficient, sustainable and affordable,” stresses Manuel.
Brit sales rising THE number of British people who bought properties in Spain has increased by 27 per cent during the first half of this year in com-
parison to last year. Figures from the Spanish property firm Lucas Fox showed there were significant levels of growth in traditional
holiday home hotspots such as Marbella, Ibiza and the Costa Brava. Analysts had previously been concerned that the looming spectre of Brexit may have had a negative impact on sales. Tom Maidment, a partner at Lucas Fox, said the Costa Brava had seen a record-breaking year in terms of the sales. “The volume of sales so far in 2019 has already exceeded our forecast for the whole year. Properties above €1.5 million and new homes are selling particularly well,” he said. Maidment added British and French buyers were leading the increase in sales and demand. More than 50 per cent of all Lucas Fox sales in the Costa Brava are to British buyers.
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Advertising Feature
Our house, our refuge, our castle... In short, our home NOT everyone knows that taking out a home policy is not mandatory except when the house is mortgaged. That is the only situation that requires a person to have a policy which protects their home in Spain. However, it is worth saying that, although it is not mandatory, it is advisable and necessary to be prepared for any eventuality. Our home is our most precious asset and if we want to avoid surprises and unforeseen events, it is important to get an insurance that gives us the peace of mind knowing that whatever happens in our home there will be someone who is responsible for solving it.
The first thing you should know is that you do not have to contract your home insurance with the entity that is granting you the mortgage, but you can compare prices and hire the product which provides the coverage that best suits your needs. Banks are now prohibited by law from linking a mortgage to the purchase of insurance. Your insurance company might include a clause in your policy registering your lending bank as mortgage beneficiary, to cope with the request of the bank. Then, the key question is, what is the best insurance for my house? In this article
we give you the keys so you can make the best decision when taking out your home policy insurance. The value of the Building The ‘Building’ section of your policy refers to the costs of rebuilding your home, not to the market value or the cadastral value. However, it is of key importance to declare the whole size of the property, according to the cadastral property details. The value of the Contents The ‘Contents’ section of your policy refers to economic valuation of all the household goods: furniture, including kitchen furniture, electronic devices, musical instruments, jewellery or
other objects of special value. Check the imputed valued of the content can cover the value of those things. Although in many cases the sentimental value is higher than the economic one, the best advice is to add all the important items to secure them. Special features Besides worrying about the Building and the Contents, there are other very interesting and useful covers to consider that not all insurance companies offer. Liberty Seguros is offering among others the following great covers: • Up to €1,000 compensation for the additional water consumption costs
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Advertising Feature
The summer sale is on at Sleepcentre in Albox SLEEPCENTRE, on Calle Malaga, Albox, has started its summer sale on selected beds and mattresses to make way for new and exciting autumn stock. There are some great bargains to be had with limited availability, so once its gone its gone! The current range of beds includes divans, lift up storage beds, and a wide range of styles from contemporary to traditional, in metal, fabric, faux leather and solid wood. Beds are available in sizes single, double, king and superking and prices range from €99 to €800 for the premium luxury range. Mattresses can all be tried in store with expert advice to ensure the correct specification for you and there is a large selection of price and type including classic and pocket spring, memory foam and temperature regulating gel. They also have a fantastic
BOTH SHOPS: Have a multitude of furniture available for the home.
choice of quality UK bedding at reasonable prices, two towel ranges, and a wide variety of pillows, duvets, mattress toppers etc. Not forgetting unusual artwork, hand finished pictures and metalwork and a huge range of giftware and home accessories. A complementary gift wrapping service is available for every
purchase no matter how small. Still in store and expanding steadily is the amazing Dandy Lion Apothecary’s natural range of soaps, candles, creams, lip balms etc as seen on Channel 4’s programme New Life in the Sun. Homecentre, Sleepcentre’s sister shop has had a new look and expansion and now has a fantas-
tic range of bespoke modular sofas, chaise longues and chairs all with reclining options in manual or electric. Available in a wide range of fabrics, suede and leather effect and with washable covers. There is a new dedicated Rug Room with some fantastic quality rugs, available in a variety of sizes and
all with 10 per cent off at the moment, why not pop in and have a look ready for those cooler autumn evenings. Both shops have a multitude of furniture for all the home in solid wood through to contemporary high gloss or glass finishes. Styles are also available in white or cream painted wood or this year’s favourite of soft grey. All beds, mattresses, and furniture are delivered and assembled free of charge by their in-house delivery team. Sleepcentre and Homecentre put customer satisfaction as their main goal, teamed with quality products and competitive prices, as seen by their five star reviews on Facebook. Both shops are open six days a week and take all major credit and debit cards. www.sleepcentrespain.com 671 715 294/868 931 872
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Weekender
Lifestyle
24th - 30th August 2018
Extremadura the It’s not just Forgotten region of Spain the wine... EXTREMADURA which consists of two provinces, Casares and Badejoz is considered the forgotten region of Spain, rarely visited by Spaniards and far less by foreign tourists. Bordering Portugal and neighbouring Andalucia, Huelva and Sevilla it is one of the poorest provinces of Spain. Despite signs of recovery following the recent financial crisis the economy is lagging and its Research and Development System is among the least advanced. Considering its proximity to three major cities, Madrid, Lisbon and Sevilla this advantage, so far doesn’t seem to have been exploited. However - the region does have potential; the climate is perfect for the acres of olive groves that produce some of the finest olive oil. Two of the most important rivers in Spain cross the territory, making the land extremely suitable for agricultural purposes including the
HISTORICAL: Merida is the capital of Extremadura. growth of tobacco of which it is one of the largest producers. Arable farming provides most of the employment. Meat products being widely distributed throughout Spain and the famous Iberica ham (Pata Negra) exported to all corners of the world. Tourism is gradually increasing due to both the Natural and Historic Heritage. The beautiful countryside is the perfect environment for the variety of wildlife roaming the plains and hillsides. There are numerous nature reserves that are well
worth visiting. The Monfrague Wildlife Reserve which was designated a National Park in the year 2007 and the International Tagus River National Park being the most popular. Driving through the countryside there are fairy-tale type villages nestled among the rolling meadows. In the northern province of Casares the buildings reflect the Roman influence with stone-built houses where as in the more southern province of Badejoz, the architecture is more Mediterranean with whitewashed houses. The most interesting fea-
ture of the province to attract tourism must be the Historic Heritage. Merida the capital, is known for its Roman ruins including the Roman theatre that is still in use. It became the capital of Lusitania as it was then known and one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Many Roman monuments were destroyed when Forces swept through Extremadura during the Napoleonic Invasion but somehow they bypassed the town of Trujillo north of the capital and to this day they have more Roman monuments than any other city in Spain. This area known as ‘The Land of the Conquistadores’ was home to many famous poets and explorers. Francisco Pizarro an impoverished gambler had dreams of finding gold, he eventually went on to conquer the Inca Empire. His life is documented in the Casa Museo de Pizarro in Trujillo, his former home.
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ONE single word in Spanish conjures up only one image... and that word is Rioja. And with Rioja comes the fine wines that are made in the region in Spain that bears its name. The wine is produced from grapes harvested in both the autonomous communities of La Rioja and Navarre and the Basque province of Alava. Rioja itself is divided into three zones known as Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa, and a significant number of the famous wines from the region are blended from fruit grown in all three. La Rioja is located south of the Cantabrian mountains along the River Ebro, and benefits from a typical continental climate with the mountains helping to protect the many vineyards from the fierce winds. The name Rioja is believed to have taken its name from the River Oja (Rio Oja), and most of the area is situated on a plateau around 460 metres (1,500 feet) above sea level. Yes, wine is the dominating feature of La Rioja - not a surprise when you consider there are over 500 wineries - but as well as wine tasting (and buying the odd crate to sample at a later date) a visit to the region also offers a wide range of other activities. The more adventurous can take part in horse-riding, hot-air ballooning and quad biking, whereas the more relaxed can investigate La Rioja’s links to the Saint James pilgrim route. Declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, the Santo Domingo de la Calzada and its cathedral, San Millån de la Cogolla, site of the Suso and Yuso monasteries, are known for being the birthplace of the first written words in Spanish. The unbeatable combination of culture and wine makes the La Rioja region a place not to miss out on. Add to that the forest areas, lunar landscapes and mountainous areas, there is every opportunity for some spectacular photography.
Food & Drink
24th - 30th August 2018
GETTING HOT: Spices are sought after by cooks.
The spice of life SPICES are an important part of any cooks kitchen. It isn’t something we can grow at Olive Tree Farm, but it doesn’t stop me from collecting them. When we first came to Spain 15 years ago, I struggled to find them. Now however they are easy to source due to local UK supermarkets and Asian stores. When you look back into the history of spices, it is amazing to find that as far back as 7,000 years ago, even before Greek and Roman civilisation, spices were a key part of life and trade within Mesopotania, China, Egypt and Arabia. Getting the spices to where they wanted them was a risky business. Long sea journeys and perilous travelling on land were the only way to succeed. The Arabs sold Indian spices to the west and made up fanciful stories to protect their sources, often telling people cinnamon was found in some far away valley,
infested by poisonous snakes. When the Europeans started to trade they set off on dangerous expeditions to unknown territory to find the spices that livened up their food. Some of them proved very difficult to procure and were more valuable than gold. In the Middle Ages it has been said that one pound of ginger was worth a sheep, and a sack of pepper was worth a man’s life. Today procuring spices is thankfully much easier and our love for Indian spices remains,which has made India, the world’s largest producer of spices, growing 75 of the main 109 listed on massive plantations. I must confess, I have a whole cupboard dedicated to herbs and spices. Some I use far more than others and replace often. Some last me for a very long time, mace being one of them as I only ever use that in a Christmas
cake. Incidentally, talking about mace, did you know it is the lacy coating found on a nutmeg seed that it is made from? The coating is dried and then sold in blades, although it is more common to find it ground to a powder. My favourite spices • Chilli powder • Turmeric • Coriander - ground and seed • Cumin - ground and seed • Cardamom • Mustard seed Black and yellow • Ginger - Fresh and dried/ground • Saffron • Fennel seed • Black pepper • Cloves So, for anyone who has recently moved here and thinks finding spices means ordering over the internet, think again. Every spice I have, I have bought within 15 minutes’ drive… no perilous journeys and certainly no voyages required!
If you would like to join me in my cooking group on Facebook, search out ‘Cooks In Spain.’
Weekender 19
20
Weekender
Health & beauty
24th - 30th August 2018
Weight loss: drinking w the right temperatu WEIGHT loss is on the minds of many people around the holidays, with temperatures rising and the amount of layers worn reducing. Losing weight can be very difficult, however you can speed up the process by drinking water at a certain temperature. Drinking water that is not at room temperature - either colder or warmer aids weight loss and improves overall health. Drinking water is important during weight loss; because it provides hydration without unwanted calories. It also helps to
flush wastes from the body. Water is a natural appetite suppressant. Drinking water reduces feelings of hunger and prevents you from overeating. A study has found that drinking water at a certain temperature can actually increase weight loss benefits. The research tested 12 people who drank 500ml of cold, and 12 who drank room temperature water. Both groups tested burned between 2 and 3 per cent more calories than usual in the 90 minutes after drinking water. Drinking cold water further enhances the body’s
calorie burning as the body burns calories by heating up the water for digestion. Heating warm water can also help to speed up weight loss, with the body burning calories by working to bring the water back down to body temperature. Sleeping a certain amount of time plays a big role regarding weight loss. Sleeping less than seven hours per night can reduce the benefits of dieting, according to the research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In the study, dieters were put on a different sleep pattern. When their bodies re-
Face workout YOUR face has over 50 dif ferent muscles and they are rarely used unlike other muscles in the body. By exercising face muscles blood circulation activates in different areas of the face, replenishing the oxygen supply in skin and muscles. This helps to achieve a bright and healthy glow. Exercising the face will keep fa-
cial muscles fit for the long term. Facial muscle exercises improve the blood flow and supplies skin with nutrients and prevents wrinkles from forming. In order to achieve results quickly, it is recommended to exercise the face three to five times a week for around 20 minutes. Results should be visible within two months.
HEALTHY FACE GLOW: Can be achieved by face exercising.
Health & beauty
water at ure ceived adequate rest, half of the weight they lost was from fat. However when cut back on sleep, the amount of fat lost was cut in half even though they were all on the same diet. They felt a lot hungrier, were less satisfied after meals and had lack of energy to exercise. Overall, those on a little sleep diet experienced a 55 per cent reduction in fat loss compared to the ones who had been sleeping around seven hours a night. Sleep well, drink water, and see the results.
24th - 30th August 2018
How to ‘get along’ with ANYONE can have anxiety, but learning to live with it is possible. Anxiety is a broad condition, where fear and worries do not go away. This can affect school, work and relationships. For some, anxiety means feeling nervous before attending a meeting. For others it is a feeling of constant worries or panic, not allowing them to feel safe anywhere. It is normal to get ner vous before an upcoming event, going to the dentist, buying a house - most people worr y about major events. However someone who will not leave their home for a long period of time because they are afraid of being out there, that is not a normal feeling.
Anxiety is caused by a variety of factors. Some may include: a received threat, previous trauma, losing a loved one unexpectedly, a car or violent accident. Meditation and mind-set helps with anxiety. Yoga releases stored emotions, relaxes both body and mind and enables you to see things for what they are.
Taking care of your skin SKIN is one of the largest body organs. Caring for your skin can directly affect overall health. Skin acts like a protective shield and is most vulnerable to outside elements. Factors that affect it are: • Exposure to UV radiation in tanning beds • Exposure to chemical toxins in tobacco • Unprotected sun exposure for a long time • Not getting enough rest, water or nutrition • Ageing
Weekender 21
Skin should be cleansed regularly, typically twice a day. Toner applied for oily skin, moisturiser for dry. It is recommended to get examined by a doctor or dermatologist annually for any changes if any irritations occur. It is important that the skin is
protected from too much sun, as this could increase wrinkles or lead to skin cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants, including blueberries, avocados and wholegrain protect from free radical damage to keep the skin looking plump and healthy.
anxiety
22
Weekender
24th - 30th August 2018
Leisure
Channel 4 re-teams with Kiri and National Treasure writer Jack Thorne for disaster drama COMEBACK: Throne also wrote National Treasure.
Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
NATIONAL TREASURE and Kiri writer Jack Thorne is once again teaming up with Channel 4 for his new drama series The Light. The Light will focus on the aftermath of a catastrophic disaster that strikes a small Welsh town. Many are killed, including children, and the community tears itself apart as it’s left to deal with the grief, anger and blame. The Light will complete Thorne’s trilogy of four-part dramas, the other two being National Treasure and Kiri. The latter is Channel 4’s most-watched drama of all time. On the show being commissioned, Thorne said: “I cannot believe Channel 4 has afforded us this opportunity. At the beginning of National Treasure we started talking about the possibilities of a trilogy which peeked behind the curtains of this country and tried to ask difficult questions about who we are and how the media paints us. "”I am so delighted we are going to get to finish that trilogy off. I’ve loved working with Beth, Channel 4 and The Forge on this.” Beth Willis, head of drama at Channel 4, said: “We are delighted to be working once more with the immensely talented Jack Thorne.”
NEW SHOW: The writer of Kiri is on board.
If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
PETS
24th - 30th August 2018
Weekender 23
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Socialisation of dogs
ATION: SOCIALIS ring for Makes ca s easier. your dog SOCIALISING dogs can help prepare them for new encounters. Pet sitters can find themselves caring for dogs who are not prepared to meet new dogs or go out in public. It can be a challenge. Last week David the Dogman discussed a method of early ‘socialisation’ of dogs as a good preparation for their behaviour when meeting new dogs. As regular dog sitters will tell you, it can make all the difference if a dog is prepared through socialisation for new canine encounters. As a dog owner ‘socialisation’ of your dog can help make your dog easier to look after and more importantly it makes them more comfortable and relaxed in public places. It is also easier for the dog
and the owner if they understand the process of befriending other dogs. If you have dogs to care for while you are away on holiday please get in touch. We can find you experienced pet sitters to help. How we work All new members register to join our online HouseSitMatch network. On registration we ID check every new member to ensure we know who you are and in addition sitters are police checked by us. We charge for membership to ensure that there is a commitment from both parties and that we can afford to manage our network online professionally. How do you benefit as a home and pet owner?
Our membership offers you a secure network to help you find suitable sitters. You post an advertisement ahead of your travel dates, which we publish and housesitters can then apply. You can view their profiles and chat with them before you accept your choice of applicant. If you join as a Premium member, we help you at each stage of the process to get you started and to manage your account. How you do join? Please register online via our website www.housesit match.com • Choose a membership plan • Standard (DIY option) = £49 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £79 pa
Do you need a house or pet-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 – an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742 or email admin@housesitmatch.com
What the ‘Fox’? TINY face and wing-looking ears obsessed, this small fox is becoming one of the most wanted new pets in the north of Ireland. The smallest fox in the world and native to Africa, the Fennec fox has been brought here from a breeder in Europe by Jungle Pets in Ballymena according to the Irish media. A shop specialising in exotic pets had two of them delivered around a week ago. These unusual pets are about the size of a Chihuahua, and weigh just 1.5 to 3.5 pounds and are only eight inches tall. As well as being the world’s smallest fox it has the biggest ears in proportion to its body. Richard Potter, the owner of the exotic pet shop said: ”They make a great pet and are just as intelligent as a dog.”
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Weekender
Puzzles
24th - 30th August 2018
Wordsearch Popular Pizza Toppings
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TARGET:
SPINACH
SALAMI
ONIONS
CILANTRO
AVOCADO
CHICKEN
BEEF
LOBSTER
PEANUTS
ZUCCHINI
BACON
MUSHROOMS
SAUSAGE
EGGPLANT
PROSCIUTTO
• Very good: 40
• Good: 28
• Excellent: 52
SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points
arty fist fists fits foist foists fora foray fort forty foot foots food foods fray frat footed foam foams foamed dost door dots dotty dote dams damp dame debt debut dept demo boos boost boosts boot boots boyo bods bode boas boast boasts boat beds beast beasts bead beads beam beams beat betty bema bemas butt butty butte butted bummed ados adobe adept aped ammo east easts
Cryptic
Quick
Across 1 Not moving quickly (4) 3 Offer (8) 9 Talks idly (7) 10 Exchanges (5) 11 Japanese fish dish (5) 12 Winding sheet (6) 14 Join the military (6) 16 Skin disease (6) 19 Traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat (6) 21 Have in common (5) 24 Similar (5) 25 Become bigger (7) 26 United (8) 27 Charges (4)
• Average: 20
Down 1 Indicating evil intent (8) 2 Sworn promises (5) 4 Strive against (6) 5 Baffling problem (5) 6 Act passed by a legislative body (7) 7 In smaller quantity (4) 8 Unusual mental ability (6) 13 Slapdash (8) 15 Showing the way by going first (7) 17 Expensive (6) 18 Remove or make invisible (6) 20 Completely skilled at or in (5) 22 Be in accord (5) 23 Lure (4)
Across 1 German listener device? (4) 3 Virginia gets accountant into trouble on holiday (8) 9 Mob rage destroyed bar (7) 10 Appeal before first of team make crease (5) 11 A once wild body of water (5) 12 Canter off to get a fruit drink (6) 14 Plant in funny line around church (6) 16 Keep actors and the French (6) 19 Trouble held back plant (6) 21 Offend by using some cheap pale ale (5) 24 In pursuit of a later time (5) 25 Sell kit ingredients for a pan (7) 26 Buy a grip (8) 27 Employed some famous editors (4)
Down 1 Beer, long drunk in French city (8) 2 Blame design for promenade (5) 4 A party on the navy's decks (6) 5 Jelly snake, initially in charge (5) 6 Imprecise in former legislation (7) 7 Register the money (4) 8 Edge hoop in iron (6) 13 Flat indeed! (8) 15 Talk by many a milliner (7) 17 Slow passage of an American soldier through a party (6) 18 Dad employs brief rests (6) 20 Left bow in tree (5) 22 Votes for Europeans, by the sound of it (5) 23 Complain about freshwater fish (4)
Puzzles
24th - 30th August 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : 1. By what name was the English dandy, born in London in 1778, who was an iconic figure in Regency England, the arbiter of men’s fashion, and a friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV, usually known? 2. Named after a British minister of transport, what name is given to an ambercoloured globe lamp atop a tall black and white pole, marking pedestrian crossings of roads in the UK? 3. What is the name of the table game in which short cues are used to knock balls into holes that are guarded by wooden pegs? Penalties are incurred if the pegs are knocked over. 4. What name is often applied to a person born in the years following the Second World War, when there was a temporary marked increase in the birth rate? 5. What name is frequently given to Southern and mid-western United States where Protestant fundamentalism is dominant? 6. What was the name of the Hungarian composer and pianist who was
B & B: ALL THE ANSWERS BEGIN WITH THE LETTERS B B
considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century? He and Liszt are regarded as his country’s greatest composers. 7. What was the nickname of Oliver Cromwell’s parliament of 1653, given to it by one its members, Praise-God Barbon, an Anabaptist leather seller of Fleet Street? It replaced the Rump Parliament, but was itself dissolved within a few months. 8. Which body of water between Greenland and north-eastern Canada is connected with the Arctic Ocean to the north and with the Atlantic Ocean, via the Labrador Sea, to the south? 9. Which English composer, pianist and conductor founded the Aldeburgh festival with Peter Pears in 1948 and, in 1976, became the first composer to be made a life peer? 10. Which recreational vehicle with large tyres, was designed for use on sand dunes?
Kakuro
Answers 1. BEAU BRUMMELL, 2. BELISHA BEACON, 3. BAR BILLIARDS, 4. BABY BOOMER, 5. BIBLE BELT, 6. BÉLA BARTÓK, 7. BAR BONES (Parliament), 8. BAFFIN BAY, 9. BENJAMIN BRITTEN, 10. BEACH BUGGY
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
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Weekender
Feature
24th - 30th August 2018
A quick lick and a promise by Sandy Shore MARRIED to a fastidious wife I ponder on different approaches to house cleaning. My dear mother was very house proud. If visitors were expected then a quick lick and a promise; presumably to do better next time, was the order of the day. This has been my approach throughout life and it has never let me down; why gild the lily. Given just an hour or so I can quickly turn an eyesore into a show home. It isn’t that I am sloppy; it is due to my preference for fuss-free pragmatism and efficiency. I was a British Merchant Navy sailor for seven years. Serving under the red duster one is obliged to ensure that all is as it should be. After all, we Jack Tars did coin the term, ‘shipshape and Bristol fashion.’
HOUSE PROUD: Sandy and his wife differ on cleaning. Little passed the notice of the ship’s captain and his first mate as each week they inspected the sailor’s accommodation. I recall a tetchy Cunard skipper whose cunning strategy was to sneakily leave a penny on an unseen ceiling (deck head) ledge on inspection.
If during the following week’s check-up the clandestine coin was untouched he knew the shelf had not been dusted. The captain was reminded of his sinful ways by an equally crafty sailor. One of the cabin’s occupants exchanged the skipper’s penny for two-half pennies; the
point was made. Later on in life I was a tenant of a rather grand Victorian house, or rather its substantial annex. Think of the TV series, To the Manor Born and you will better understand my lifestyle. My extensive home, stairways, bedrooms and with a
bathroom to die for, were clean as a sailor’s whistle in an hour or so. Nowadays, my home is much more modest with a bathroom not much bigger than a reasonably sized glory hole. But, ‘er indoors can spend two hours or more bringing just our loo up to pristine conditions. Why she does so I have no idea as Her Maj’ is yet to make a surprise call on us. My slapdash approach to house cleaning is totally alien to her. I recall her efforts to prepare our home for the arrival of my grown-up son; he was to visit us for a few days. I think my wife took longer to prepare the home than he spent in it. And, do you know what, surprise, surprise, my visiting son never even noticed. I rest my case; let us remember the wisdom of ages past, ‘a quick lick and a promise.’
Behind THE MUSIC The Eagles V L James vljamesinfo@gmail.com Facebook: @vljamesinfo L A S T M o n d a y, t h e R e c o r d i n g I n dustr y Of America let it be known that The Eagles Album ‘Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975’ - is now the biggest selling album of all time with sales of 38 million. S u r p a s s i n g M i c h a e l J a c k s o n ’s 1982 album ‘Thriller.’ Released in 1976 The Eagles commented that the album was for people who were too lazy to play a whole Eagles. The Eagles managed to blend two of the most popular American genres, Rock and Countr y. Their sound would go on to make them Americ a ’s m o s t p o p u l a r b a n d o f t h e 7 0 ’s … w i t h t h e i r p o p u l a r i t y spreading across the globe. It’s even more incredible to think that their 1977 album ‘Hotel California’ is now the third biggest selling album of all time. One
THE EAGLES: Quality musicians. band now has the first and third biggest selling albums of all time! Through all the acrimonious fighting, break ups and reunions one thing has always remained constant… the quality of the musicians within the band. Founding member Glenn Frey died in 2016, but The Eagles are touring again in 2018, with Frey’s son Deacon taking over from his legendar y Father. The Eagles are a financial juggernaut too big to stop!
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Classifieds
24th - 30th August 2018
Evensong, second Sunday of each month 6pm. Llanos Del Peral, Cucador, Eucharist or morning worship, Sunday 11am. Church Wardens: Pam Carter 667 947 573. Janet Smith 671 451 838. For more information go to their website at www.mojacar church.org
HOME MAINTENANCE MARKS Home Maintenance services. Painting General Maintenance. Kitchen Unit Renovation. References available. 634 908 475 (259695)
INSURANCE
HEALTH & BEAUTY
COSTA Almeria and Costa Calida. Mojacar Eucharist Sunday 11am, at San Pascual. Aljambra Chapel, Albox, Eucharist, second and last Thursday of each month, 11am.
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
BUILDERS
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INTERNET CHURCH SERVICES
FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.co m 634 33 64 68 or Freephone UK 0800 999 33 68 (258237)
Next Week
CHARITIES/CHURCHES
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@euroweeklyne ws.com for more details.
REMOVALS AND STORAGE
PHILL THE PICK, LOCKSMITH-24hr. Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded, house safes. Arboleas and surrounding. Special Weekend Rate. Tel 697 243 181 (257799)
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DRAINAGE
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
LOCKSMITH
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)
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HOUSE CLEARANCE
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Services BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE
24th - 30th August 2018
BUILDERS
PAINTERS
REMOVALS & STORAGE
DRAINAGE
29 REMOVALS/STORAGE
30
RIDING HIGH: San Javier is preparing to welcome the cyclists.
La Vuelta rides into town By Tom Woods S PA I N ’ S f a m o u s L a Vuelta cycling race will once again see its sixth and final stage pass through Alhama de Murcia next Thursday. The competitors will cycle 124 kilometres across the autonomous region, starting in Huercal-Overa and ending in San Javier. Race Director Javier Guillen said: “This is a short stage which makes it extra intense and full of emotion.” The race will pass through the towns of Aguilas, Mazarron, Car tagena, La Union and Los Alcazares, along the entire Murcian coast, before ending at Avenida del Mar Menor, in San Javier. As with the Tour de France, the final stage o f L a Vu e l t a i s a chance for the sprint
Sport
24th - 30th August 2018
specialists to make their mark. Slovak Peter Sagan, triple world champion, has already announced his par ticipation and the race will be broadcast globally. “From a tourism promotion point of view, this is a hugely important event,” added Mr Guillen. Councillor for Sports and Education, Adela Martinez Cacha, also highlighted the wonderful opportunity for exposure that the event offers, and said: “All the beauty of the beaches of Aguilas, Mazarron, Cartagena and the Mar Menor will be seen by more than 350 million spectators in 190 countries around the world.” The seventh stage will see the race move on towards Andalucia, ending in Pozo Alcon (Jaen).
PREPARATIONS for the upcoming female handball league are well underway at CBM Bahia de Almeria. The team are in the First National Division, and trained by Agustin Collado, they met for their first joint training in the face of the new season this week. Collado stressed at the start of the pre-season that the squad has been “rejuvenated with respect to last season, they have recruited four youth players who join those who have retur ned to the team and will be important reinforcements.” He added that “the feelings on this first day have been ver y good, I’ve seen a lot of desire and excitement to make a great year and the players are prepared to face ambitious challenges, both collectively and individually.” The next week will be a
All in hand
HIGH HOPES: Pre-season training promises good results this season. significant test before the star t of the league, as there will be five more training sessions, twoand-a-half hours each. These will be carried out alongside a friendly against Vicar, before the University of Granada of
Silver Division of Honour. The university team will return the visit to Almeria, although a date has still to be set. Collado said that the squad has recently lost impor tant members of the team, but was confi-
dent that they could rebuild and grow, adding that he “really wants ever ything to begin to roll and see the team compete.” The women have until the end of September to fine tune their game.
‘Bodybuilding capital’ AUTHORITIES in Cuevas del Almanzora are positioning the town to become the ‘Capital of Bodybuilding’ with an event planned for tomorrow (Saturday). The town’s council has scheduled the Mr and Ms of Cuevas del Almanzora event in partnership with the National Summer Circuit of the Spanish Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness. Antonio Fernandez Liria, the mayor of Cuevas del Almanzora, said the town was poised to become the capital of the sport as a result. “The Mr and Ms of Cuevas del Almanzora will be chosen at the event. I wish to thank the Spanish Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness for choosing our town as one of the venues for the championship,” the mayor said. Miriam Quintana, the council’s sports spokesperson, said the town was “very pleased” to be able to host the event. “I hope that locals and visitors take advantage of this event to learn more about this sport,” she said. The competition is free to attend and begins at 10pm outdoors in the town’s Castillo del Marques de los Velez. Carlos Roman, of the Spanish Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness said the event would be spectacular. “It will be held outdoors in a unique environment. It is a
GAME FACE: The council unveiled the event.
competition which is classed as being at the highest level and it will involve more than a score of athletes from across Almeria and other nearby provinces,” Roman said.
Motoring
24th - 30th August 2018
ONE of the most frustrating problems if summer driving in Spain’s tourist hotspots is that of ‘phantom’ traffic jams. All of a sudden traffic grinds to a halt, and then speeds up again for no apparent reason. These frustrating jams are easily caused by human factors - such as merging into traffic without signalling, distracted driving, poor driving habits and reaction times, or unnecessary braking. The problem is that when one driver hits the brakes - however fleetingly - then those behind do so too, leading to a chain reaction that ends with a gridlocked road. But now researchers from Vanderbilt University, a private research university in Tennessee, US, have demonstrated that such hold-ups could be minimised if more
Ford’s ghost busters use was made of technology already offered on Ford vehicles from the Fiesta small car to the Transit van. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) technology can automatically slow down and speed up to keep pace with the car in front without the driver getting fatigued or distracted. “A fun summer holiday family road trip can quickly become irritating when traffic slows to a crawl - especially once you learn there was no reason for the gridlock,” said Torsten Wey, manager, Driver Assistance and Safety Technology, Ford of Europe. “We encourage Ford owners who have Adaptive Cruise Control to use
it during their summer travels in the hope this smart technology today can be that first step to help ease commutes.” As part of the research, 36 drivers on a Ford test track simulated normal highway traffic using ACC technology. They then drove the same course, but without the technology. The results: vehicles using ACC reduced the impact of a braking event more than those vehicles without the activated technology. Even with just one in three vehicles using ACC, the test yielded similar traffic-busting benefits. “For years, traffic researchers and engineers have been looking to smart vehi-
New record for Renault RENAULT group companies sold a record 2.1 million vehicles in the first half of the year - up 9.8 per cent. The entire group as well as its Renault and Dacia brands set a half-year sales record. The Group sold 2,067,695 vehicles with the Renault brand accounting for 1,378,583 vehicles and the Dacia brand 378,095 vehicles. While LADA sales increased 24 per cent, Renault Samsung Motors sales decreased 26.9 per cent. These figures for the first time include sales volumes of Jinbei and Huasong, which totalled over 85,000 units. “For the third consecutive year, we have set a new sales record, with nearly 2.1 million vehicles sold in the first half. In Europe, the group continues to gain market share, while internationally we are posting excellent performances, notably in Latin America, the Eurasia region and Africa,” said Thierr y
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GOOD RESULTS: Sales are up for the car maker. Koskas, Member of the Executive Committee, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. In Europe, Group registrations rose 4.4 per cent in a market that grew 2.8 per cent, with 1,070,718 vehicles registered in the first half. The group took an 11 per cent share of the European market, up 0.2 points. The Renault brand alone grew its sales 1.1 per cent for a market share of 8.1 per cent. Clio 4 is the second best-selling vehicle in Europe, Captur the num-
ber-one crossover in its segment and Scenic the top-selling model in its category. The Dacia brand posted a half-year sales record in Europe with 281,225 vehicle registrations (up 14.6 per cent) and a record 2.9 per cent share of the market (up 0.3 points). The increase was driven by the performance of Sandero phase 2 and New Duster, which posted 63,900 registrations in six months. Outside Europe, group registrations rose 16.4 per cent. The group achieved
sales growth in the Americas (+18.1 per cent), AsiaPacific (+69.5 per cent) and Eurasia (+15.1 per cent). Sales were down in Africa, Middle East, India (-4.5 per cent). In the Americas region, sales rose 18.1 per cent in a market that expanded by 6.3 per cent. The group achieved a record 7.3 per cent market share for a half-year period, up 0.7 points. The performance notably resulted from an unprecedented product offensive comprising the complete SUV.
JAMMING: Delays can be frustrating. cle technologies to reduce traffic congestion, whether that’s vehicles that talk to each other or vehicles that can predict the road ahead,” said Daniel Work, civil engineering professor at Vanderbilt University. “This demonstration was a unique opportunity to understand how commercially-available active driver-assist technologies can be used to positively influence traffic flow.”