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Homeowners Associations unite to press for changes to Planning Laws AUAN press release 7th april 2013

Almería............................................

The Delegada del Gobierno en Andalucía, Carmen Crespo, will hold a meeting with agricultural organisations to tackle the problem of thefts in the area. She said that crime is down about 3% in Andalucia but acknowledged that there is a problem with robberies in second homes, garages and in the countryside.

The meeting will address such matters as the amount of time spent at a police station by victims reporting petty crimes, and means by which this could be reduced to encourage the reporting of small thefts. Another point will be the investigation of how stolen goods are disposed of by the thieves. A suggestion is that the police presence should be strengthened in Almería Poniente, where there had been several thefts from cortijos.

Albox.................................................

The Asociación de Personas con Discapacidad ‘El Saliente’, who manage the the Residencia y Unidad de Estancia Diurna para Personas con Discapacidad Física Gravemente Afectadas ‘Francisco Pérez Miras’, (Residence and Day Care Unit for People with Severe Physical Impairment ‘Francisco Perez Miras’) in Albox, has engaged the construction company Jarquil to improve the swimming pool in the courtyard of the residence so that the facilities may be used for recreation, and not only by residents.

In early 2012 the doors were opened on this new social resource in the Comarca del Almanzora, which also houses the Residencia y una Unidad de Estancia Diurna,(Residence and Day Care Unit) as well as the Centro Ocupacional ‘El Saliente’ (Occupational Therapy Centre El Saliente).

Thanks to the works by Jarquil in these facilities are now able to provide recreational, rehabilitative and therapeutic treatments, in order to achieve both physical and psychological improvements for those who need them. The therapy area has the necessary equipment adapted with several showers and a swimming pool, and therapeutic treatments, with the help of the physiotherapist, as well as leisure and rehabilitation, can be offered with all the consequent positive benefits of aquatic therapies to this group of severely disabled people.

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic adjunct in the treatment of

Homeowners groups representing some 80,000 families affected by planning issues throughout Andalucía met in Cordoba on the 6th April.

After an intensive exchange of views and problems the representatives of both Spanish and foreign homeowners associations from Córdoba , Málaga, Sevilla, Almería , Jaén y Cádiz agreed to form a confederation of associations in Andalucia provisionally called “La confederación Andaluza para la regularización urbanística (“CARU”) or, in English, “the Andalucian Confederation for Planning Regularisation”.

The problems discussed ranged from homeowners unable to rebuild houses destroyed by fire in Mijas to flooding, retrospective application of protected land status, revocation of planning permissions, problems with

land division, denial of access to public services etc.

CARU emphasises that it is non political and open to dialogue with all institutions and industry groups.

The next step is to organise an initial meeting to constitute the confederation, to which other groups will be invited.

It was also agreed to set up a working party formed of experts with the objective of analysing and promoting legislative change as well as requesting meetings with the planning spokespersons of the various political parties at a regional level.

Francisco León provisional president of the confederation stated: “I have attended many meetings with those affected but I have never seen such unanimity and desire for change and progress”.

For more information contact: info@almanzora-au.org or Call Maura Hillen on 661 329 919

people with functional disabilities; it generates significant psychological benefits and contributes to improving the quality of life for severely disabled people.

Vícar..................................................

Officers from the Guardia Civil of Vícar were able to thwart a robbery on an agricultural storehouse and to arrest R.E.O., 33 years old, of Vícar, for attempted burglary. The arrest is part of the Guardia Civil’s plan against thefts in agricultural and livestock facilities, with increased surveillance.

The Civil Guard were in the course of regular patrol when they learnt of a robbery at a farm store in El Algarrobo, in the municipality of La Mojonera.

The officers made a thorough visual inspection of the warehouse, and found that the lock had been forced, though access had not been gained, as the door was blocked.

The officers learnt that the perpetrator, realising the presence of several nearby neighbours, ceased his efforts and fled the scene.

Acting on information received the officers were able to place a Volkswagen vehicle at the scene. The officers located a vehicle with similar characteristics in the area, and identified R.E.O. as the owner. After conducting enquiries they were able to collect enough evidence to arrest him for attempted burglary.

Albox.................................................

In a full session the Ayuntamiento of Albox has unanimously approved the creation of a tax to be levied for the use of its landfill by other municipalities.

The Alcalde, Rogelio Mena, has maintained that this tax is ‘a matter of historical justice’, pointing out that for 15 years Albox has been accepting waste from 44 municipalities in the province of Almería, which over this period of time has amounted to a quantity of more than one million tons.

The tax has been set at a fee of 12 euros per ton, and with the revenue raised the Ayuntamiento aims to ‘correct environmental deficiencies and to fix the deteriorating infrastructure consequent upon the provision of this service.’

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SPAIN’S Under-26’s have stopped looking for work

Over 860,000 young people on the dole say they have simply given up looking for jobs, because they no longer believe they will find one.

According to a report by ThinkSpain, research by ASEmpleo says those who were aged 25 and under when they were made redundant between the end of 2007 and late 2012 and have not found work since do not believe they will ever get a job again.

The number of people in this age-group who are out of work has gone up by over a third in this five-year period.

Cantabria is the region with the most under-26s who lost their jobs and have not worked since in this time, and even in

the Canary Islands with the lowest level of loss of active inhabitants of this age-group, the number has still gone down by 29.5 per cent.

In all, 55.1 per cent of 25-year-olds and under who want to, and are able to, work, are unemployed, and nearly half of these – 45.6 per cent – have not worked in over a year.

And in 2012 alone, Spain lost 1.33 million workers aged under 26.

An average of seven in 10 people of this age are registered as unemployed in the Canary Islands, the region with the worst statistics, and 4.6 in 10 in the Basque Country, the region with the lowest youth jobless figures.

Duchess of Palma to testify over Nóos Institute corruption case

King Juan Carlos’ daughter, the Infanta Cristina is finally thought to have been involved in the infamous Nóos Case surrounding her husband, Iñaki Urdangarín, and will be called to testify in court on April 27 at 10.00hrs.

Her summons comes just days after Urdangarín’s former co-director, Diego Torres, sent new emails to the judge in charge of the money-laundering and corruption trial which hinted at the involvement of the Duchess of Palma in the activities of the Nóos Institute, which was set up as a non-profitmaking organisation in order to benefit from public grants but which in fact was anything but.

The emails suggest the Infanta Cristina was consulted by her husband over the activities

of the Institute.

Sources from the Zarzuela Royal Palace declined to comment on the matter, saying it was not their policy to make statements concerning ‘court decisions’.

Initial suspicions about Cristina – who is an ‘Infanta’ rather than a ‘Princess’, like her sister Elena, because she is not an immediate heir to the throne – arose on January 12, 2012 when the national daily newspaper El Mundo published that the Duchess of Palma earned 571,000 euros ion just three years of activity with Aizoon, a company she set up with Urdangarín.

But on March 5, 2012, just days after Urdangarín first testified in court in Palma de Mallorca, Judge José Castro ruled out any involvement of the Infanta Cristina.

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Earthquake of 4.3 on the Richter scale in Lorca causes widespread panic

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale has terrified residents in Lorca (Murcia) who are still reliving the horrors of a quake reaching 5.6 nearly two years ago.

Detected at 04.27hrs yesterday (Thursday), the epicentre of the quake was in the nearby village of La Paca, which comes under the jurisdiction of Lorca, reaching number III on the Intensity scale – around the middle – and 11 kilometres underground.

According to the National Geological Institute, the tremor was felt in the whole of the north of Lorca, the city centre itself, and in the nearby towns of Aledo, Totana, Cehegín and Archena, and even just over the border in Almería, the province immediately south of the Murcia Region.

The Institute says this was an aftershock of a quake of 2.7 on the Richter scale at around 23.30hrs on Wednesday, at eight kilometres underground, and that a further aftershock of 1.6 on the Richter scale was felt at 05.33hrs with its epicentre just to the north-west of Aledo.

Emergency services received a flood of calls and the city council has

posted information on its website as to how to stay safe in the event of an earthquake.

So far, no reports of injury or damage to property have been registered.

On May 11, 2011, a quake reaching 5.6 on the Richter scale – an aftershock of a much smaller one – destroyed the city, leaving thousands homeless, hundreds injured and nine dead, including an eleven-year-old boy.

Earthquakes are a regular feature in Spain, particularly in the Murcia and Almería areas which sit on a fault line, but the majority reach no higher than 2 or 3 on the Richter scale.

At this level, most people feel the ground move suddenly and occasionally suffer a crack in a window or ornaments falling off a shelf, but the intensity of vibrations is little more than a heavy lorry driving past.

In March 2006, a quake of 4.5 on the Richter scale in Casas Bajas, a village of 200 inhabitants in the province of Valencia on the Teruel border, caused tiles to fall off roofs and panic to break out among residents, but no injuries or real property damage occurred.

And in summer 2011, over 8,000

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For those that become residents of Spain, we can also assist in other legal matters, such as matrimonial issues or business contracts.

earthquakes were registered in El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, caused by an underwater volcano erupting.

Volcanic activity has reawakened on the island and at least 2,000 quakes have been recorded in less than a week, although none over 4.6 on the Richter scale and most of such low intensity that inhabitants would not have felt them.

Neither in summer 2011 nor in the past

week have authorities been concerned for inhabitants’ safety, with the worst of the damage being rockfalls in a tunnel near the village of La Restinga, largely due to the epicentre being between 12 and 20 kilometres below ground.

In the case of the devastating Lorca earthquake two years ago, the epicentre was only a kilometre below the surface, which heightened its intensity.

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Body Found In Sea Off Iberia agrees to an alternative to major job massacre Torrevieja Beach

The body of a man was found floating off the coast of Torrevieja (Alicante) by rescue services last Tuesday. Various walkers called 112 when they saw what looked like a corpse in the sea at around 19.30hrs last night in an area of rockpools just off one of the beaches in the popular holiday resort town.

Sport

Coastguard workers, who managed to bring the body ashore, say the man was too far gone to be able to save him and was thought to have died long before they got there.

The cause of death is as yet unknown, but a post-mortem is due to be carried out. They have not given the victim’s name or revealed his nationality, since he has not been formally identified, so it is not known whether he is a tourist or local resident. Emergency services say the deceased is around 52 years of age.

Village Evacuated Due To Floods

Torrential rain sweep across Andalucía and high winds hit the Canary Islands with a vengeance last week, whilst an entire town in the province of Badajoz ws been evacuated due to flooding. Cádiz, Sevilla and Huelva provinces were all on ‘yellow alert’, denoting risk of floods and storms.

At least 659 people had to be evacuated from Barbaño, a hamlet belonging to the town of Montijo (Badajoz) due to a very real threat of floods. They were taken in a fleet of 12 coaches to Montijo sports centre where they spent the night.

Ambulances were on standby and the Red Cross is attending to residents’ basic needs, supplying food parcels and toiletries.

The river Guadiana runs through the province of Badajoz, & had already caused extensive flooding after bursting its banks.

IBERIA plans to retire off a number of its cabin crew early by paying them 2,761 euros a month until age 60.

Voluntary redundancies and a maximum number of jobs axed per year are other measures on the cards to help soften the blow of the Spanish airline’s restructure, which has led to numerous strikes in the past year and multi-million losses.

They have agreed with unions to stagger redundancies until 2015 and to give priority to those who can be retired early and those who agree to leave voluntarily with a severance pay.

In total, 2,256 ground staff and 627 cabin crew and pilots will be affected.

If the process goes smoothly, IAG, the holding company of Iberia and British Airways, with which it merged in recent years, will agree to increase the capacity of the Spanish side of the firm, including

providing a Boeing 787 to add to the fleet.

Ground staff will be retired early from age 58 and cabin crew and pilots from 55, with the company guaranteeing a monthly income for each of 2,761 euros a month by topping up their dole money if they are entitled to it or paying them in full if they are not, until the age of 60.

At this point, they will get 80 per cent of this figure, unless they are then able to claim their State pension.

Relocation agreements are also being considered for those staff members who are willing to move to another part of the country or abroad.

Whilst the unions for most of the staff are in agreement with the proposals, Iberia pilots are the exception and have threatened further strike action.

applications soar for Australia’s ‘best jobs’

More than 70,000 people from the UK have applied for six dream holiday jobs in Australia.

Tourism bosses say that figure could climb another couple of thousand before applications close next Wednesday for the temporary posts which are being advertised as the ‘best jobs in the world’. Among the roles on offer are a park ranger in Queensland, a wildlife caretaker in South Australia and a ‘lifestyle photographer’ in Melbourne.

Other roles up for grabs include an Outback adventurer in the Northern Territory, The job description involves getting ‘up close and personal’ with the wildlife, sleeping under the stars in a bush camp and soaring across ‘postcard-worthy’ landscapes in a hot air balloon.

Meanwhile others have applied to become a ‘taste master’ in Western Australia, which involves visiting the state’s many restaurants, pubs and vineyards; and a ‘chief funster’ in New South Wales who will live in Sydney and review festivals and events.

The jobs, which start on August 1, last six months and receive a package of around £67,000, including a salary of £35,000.

Each winner is expected to take on a promotional and PR role for each state.

As a company we have over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and have been doing pension transfers since inception in April 2006. We are now in a position to offer ex-pats our services due to a new product launch.

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With youth unemployment at 20.8 per cent among those aged 16 to 24 in Britain, the prospect of earning £34,000 for six months’ work has attracted a surge of applications.

A spokeswoman for Tourism Australia in London said: ‘The response has been phenomenal. Maybe it’s been the cold weather we’ve been having but the number of applications has been unbelievable.’

In total Tourism Australia says it has received 515,308 applications from across the globe, including 76,658 applications from the UK. Some people apply for one job while others apply for more. After applications close next Wednesday, the huge number will be shortlisted to 150 within two weeks.

The 18 finalists, who will be announced on May 15, will be flown out free-of-charge to Australia in mid-June for six days of interviews. The six winners will be revealed on June 21.

The spokeswoman added: ‘We’ve had applications from nearly every country in the world, but Britain has the highest proportion. Of the total, 76,658 applications have come from Brits looking to escape the uncertain job market here. This is more than from any other country - not surprising when you consider youth unemployment figures, the cold weather in the UK, and the appeal of Australia’s incredible experiences.’

The job competition follows Tourism Australia’s successful campaign in 2009 to find a caretaker for Hamilton Island off the Great Barrier Reef won by Briton Ben Southall. He beat more than 34,000 applicants from 200 countries to spend six months snorkelling, swimming, feeding the fish and cleaning the pool at a three-bedroom luxury villa, as well as publicity duties such as blogging, compiling web diaries and videos.

(Article Courtesy of www.mailonline.co.uk)

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Spain And Cyprus Will Be The Only Two Eu Member States In Recession By 2014

Spain and Cyprus are the only EU countries currently in recession, according to British bank HSBC. In 2012, Spain’s GNP suffered a fall of 1.4 per cent and economic activity is expected to drop further this year, by another 1.9 per cent – and even next year is not looking good with a predicted GNP reduction of 0.2 per cent despite over-optimistic claims to the contrary by the Spanish government.

Spain seems to believe that in 2013, the GNP will only fall by 0.5 per cent and next year will grow by 1.2 per cent.

And president Mariano Rajoy claims that by next year, the country will start to create employment again.

This means that along with the recently-bailed out Cyprus, Spain is likely to be the only country which continues to be in recession by 2014, claims a report by HSBC.

Harsh austerity measures have hit public funding, consumer spending and demand in the market in Spain hard, leading to economic decline of up to seven per cent lower than its maximum growth seen in 2008, the bank claims.

“The [Spanish] government assumes that the pace of its cutbacks will relax in 2013 and will be reversed in 2014, but we are more pessimistic in our expectations,” the report states.

According to the British bank, Spain will reduce its deficit to 5.5 per cent of the GNP this year and to up to 4.5 per cent next year, but says this will be difficult given that it depends entirely on public spending cuts.

And it is far less optimistic than Spain about employment creation – the HSBC believes the jobless rate will rise to 27.2 per cent this year and to 27.4 per cent in 2014.

Mortgage repossession protesters stage flash-mob siege

At least 200 protesters gathered outside what they believed to be the home of government vice-president Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría yesterday chanting and calling for mortgage laws to be changed and more protection against repossession.

According to a report by ThinkSpain, they targeted a property near the Plaza de Manuel Becerra in Madrid’s upmarket Salamanca district and also left an envelope addressed to the vice-president filled with fake 500euro notes, alluding to the recent scandal in which former PP treasurer Luis Bárcenas is alleged to have paid top-flight party members, including the president, cash-in-hand extra wages over a period of 10 years.

The crowd included Jorge Verstrynge former secretary-general of the Alianza Popular (‘popular alliance’), as the PP used to be known.

When quizzed over his involvement in what is technically an illegal practice, Verstrynge said that if, during his time as a political leader, he had suffered a similar ganging-up from a flash mob outside his house, he would have ‘understood’.

“If I had behaved badly as a politician, I would have fully understood being targeted in this way,” Verstrynge stated.

“The whole point of politicians is that they are there to serve the public – and when they fail in this duty of service, they have to bear the consequences.

Over 40 per cent of the population of Spain suffers from high blood “I don’t dislike Soraya (Sáenz de Santamaría), I think pressure, or an estimated 14 million people, medics say. she’s an okay person – but that’s not the point.

And around 14 per cent of sufferers have no idea of their condition, so “People want to see the law changed to protect they are unaware that their arterial pressure is potentially causing them their interests and basic rights, that of being allowed dangerous health problems. to have a roof over their heads.

A reading of 140 over 90 (140 sistolic and 90 diastolic) is considered “Politicians therefore have to listen to these people ‘high’ and could lead to possible heart problems or strokes. and not just treat them with contempt.

According to Dr Nieves Martell, 20 to 30 per cent of cases can be “If they treat them like dogs, they’re going to bite prevented by monitoring blood pressure at home and taking steps to – and right now, they’re only barking.” reduce it, such as eating Omega 3-rich food, cutting down on salt, red This is the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed meat and alcohol, for example. at individual politicians outside their homes, known as And in 15 per cent of cases, minor adjustments to lifestyle could bring escraches. blood-pressure readings down to normal levels without the need for The escrache phenomenon originated mostly medication. in Argentina but also in Paraguay and Chile, where members of society decide A mother has been fined out if there was any justifiable ‘total lack of interest’ in to publicly embarrass, target 1,500 euros for allowing her reason why her daughter was the child receiving proper and photograph politicians for ‘bad behaviour’ or anti-social daughter to bunk off school. not going to school and to education.

Education authorities say remind her of her obligation In some cases, parents policies.

When a homeowner is unable the 13-year-old only went to to ensure her daughter who allow their children to school for five weeks in the received an education. But continually skive off school to pay his or her mortgage, many first years – and in the second in spite of promises to do can end up losing custody lenders apply clauses which the year, she only attended class so, the mother ignored the and the kids are put into European Union has deemed for four days. warnings. The headmaster of care, but it has not been ‘abusive’ – upping the interest She was at primary school the school in Motril said the revealed whether this may rate to 18 per cent as soon at the time, in the academic accused failed to enrol her happen in the case of the as the first monthly quota is unpaid – and then repossessing years of 2008-2009 and 2009- daughter for the year 2009- Motril schoolgirl.

2010, say social services in 2010, but after contacting Motril (Granada) where the them, managed to get the mother and daughter live. child a place, albeit late.

They contacted the mother And the school secretary during the first year to find remarked on the mother’s

high blood pressure concerns

the property when the second or third one is not.

A large number of banks are not prepared to negotiate in any way to enable the homeowner to continue to pay a smaller amount, increase the loan term or take a payment holiday until they are able to get a job and resume full payments. And once a house is repossessed, the homeowner is still left with the full debt to pay – less what the house is auctioned for but plus legal fees and commission, which nearly always ends up being the full amount of the loan – despite no longer having a home to show for it.

Two major protest groups – Stop Desahucios (‘stop evictions’) and the Plataforma de Afectados de la Hipoteca, or PAH (‘Mortgage Victims’ Association’) are fighting to change the law to allow those homeowners who know they will never get on top of their mortgage payments to simply hand back the keys to the bank and wipe out the loan, and to force lenders to negotiate with homeowners at risk to give them a chance to get back on their feet.

They also want to see council housing at a token rent, or none at all if the occupant has no income, provided to those whose homes have been repossessed.

Numerous suicides have hit the headlines across Spain in the last six months among homeowners who were facing repossession.

They have included both men and women, mainly in their 50s and having been made redundant, although one victim in Alicante was a 36-year-old father of two.

Cases in Valladolid, Navarra, the Basque Country, Granada, Mallorca and Valencia have been reported.

The majority threw themselves out of a window to kill themselves, although two men – including the young Alicante father – hanged themselves.

Both pressure groups, the PAH and Stop Desahucios, have appealed to homeowners in trouble to contact them at the first sign of being unable to pay their mortgage where the lenders are inflexible.

They have called for those facing possible repossession ‘not to commit suicide’ but to ‘join them and fight for justice’.

Mum fined 1,500 euros for letting daughter play truant for months

STEVE HAYES INFORMATICA

Serving the local community since 2003

• PC’s • Laptops • Printers etc...

• Sales & Repairs • On-site Call Out &Tuition • Consumables Website: www.shinform.net Email: info@shinform.net Contact us on Skype at Shinform

Greeting Cards A Full Selection

Now Available

Great Prices Great Selection

Telephone 950 120 900

Address 28 de Febrero, s/n, 04800, Albox, Almeria

7

All Cards One Price

2€

Monday - Saturday 10am - 2pm Ics Shop within Knights Insurance Office Calle Malaga, Albox by Cutting Edge

Oak Exceptionally Furniture Low Prices...

For Your Home & Garden ces nique pie ...many u . e ’ve gon .. once they ! e on they’ve g

Find us at Los Carasoles Zurgena (Almeria) On the Baza Road

950 10 42 72

www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com

8

ALMERIA/RQ

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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

take a trip to turre...

STOP ‘N’ SHOP IN YOUR...

Super Corner

ENGLISH SUPERMARKET ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS AND MORE IN ONE SUPERSTORE!!

TURRE, NEXT TO MESON DEL POBRE OPEN MON-SAT 9:30-6PM & SUN 9:30-1:30PM C/Avda de Almeria 17, 04639, Turre, Almeria, Tel: 950 47 96 46

Restaurante pizzeria

Mari Cruz for one week only

special mixed meat BBQ Served With Salad, only Chips or jacket Potato 1 4 € p p

Ask about our special menu

Sunday Paella & mixed salad 12€

Find us on “Pizza Mari Cruz”

Evening special

free Bottle of Cava when ordering 2 courses from the Menu - min 4 people

The Fundraiser Charity & Community Shops

The people’s charity, The Peoples Choice

Run totally by volunteers

Helping the disabled Cancer Research Vera Orphanage We put our hearts Asprodalba into helping and many more

vera shop has now moved to just before the guardia civil & next to the chinese shop

Opposite Super Turre in Turre & Just before the Guardia Civil in Vera Open 6 days a week... times on shop doors Contact 664 620 288

selecciones displaying a great selection of new & used furniture

new in!!! moroccon pots in all sizes we also stock Sportswear supplied direct from the UK

Find us in Turre near the Fundraiser. Open Mon - Sat from 10am

Tel: 634 347 295

K

ash barturre

open Tuesday - Sunday 9am - late • Closed Monday

orts Live music Special p s l l a Find me n nus w us on o h s darts

Large selection of drinks

le

pool tab

karaoke

tel: 950 479 593 or 634 311 163

DONNA’S BOUTIQUE has a fabulous collection of quality & affordable clothing all from the UK, catering for sizes 8 - 28 which are constantly being updated. There are also many accessories to admire inc sparkly costume jewellery, hats, handbags & shoes to name a few, all at excellent prices! Donna’s eye for fashion makes every lady feel good in their outfit & that’s why her customers come back time after time!

If you cannot go to the shop the shop will come to you! Private parties are catered for, minimum 10 persons! Donna has a face book page which keeps everyone updated, so type in Donnas Boutique & hit the LIKE button, to see what’s new in! Donna can deliver to you anywhere

Bugs

in Europe!!!!

SUPER CORNER has opened earlier this year under the friendly ownership of Simone and Nabil. You can shop for all your British branded supplies whether the food you require is tinned, frozen, packet, or fresh, all at bargain prices. Open everyday. Now selling a selection of wines & chilled soft drinks If your missing all your favourite British foods pop into Super corner & treat your tastebuds.

CONNEXIONS has been up and running now for 10 years and is constantly keeping up to date with modern technology. Ken and Gill offer a great service. There is a wide range of laptops, tablets, mobile phones, books as

Mosquito Screens & Blinds

well as art piece . Also in store is the new Android TV box, no satellite dish needed just an internet connection of at least 2mbs. If you need a new TV to cope with the swap over we can help! We still do a full repair & upgrade service. Come and visit their shop for more info and to see it working.

MARI CRUZ is situated in Turre high street. It has a lovely outside terrace & roomy indoor area.

Specialising in grilled meats & fish cooked on a BBQ. A variety of wine, beers, tapas, homemade pizzas & pastas is available to eat in or take away. There is Lounge for meetings, company dinners, small events & birthdays.

Come & buy any pizza to take away and get a free

margarita pizza absolutely free. Special menus of the day are available changing every week and if you fancy something special try the evening menu, 2 courses min 4 people and receive a free bottle of cava.

GILLEE’S BAR is the bar to go for all football, English/ Spanish & major sports events. The menu is full of great British classics such as Full English breakfasts, served all day, Atlantic cod is served on Friday’s Fish & chip day eat in or take away and on Sundays a traditional roast dinner is served. Special dishes are served everyday They now cater for private functions & parties call in for more info you will definitely receive a warm welcome from Dave &Tina. telephone:

tyles hair & Beauty

644 496 198 678 992 093

come in for our april offers gents hair pedicures & new micro from €5 manicures hair extensions

• Pull down / Sliding Blinds & replacement windows & doors Screens, Windows & Patios Aluminuim & UPVC fitted • Vertical Blinds & made to measure • Security Grills Supplying & fitting windows • Awnings & doors for 25 years

crazyfit massage machine

Tel: 600 049 515 Get The Best For Less

call us for more info or visit find us on www.styleshairdressers.com

All areas covered ~ speedy Response Call now for your no-obligation quote

Lose inches, drop dress sizes the easy way

only 15€ per month unlimited use!

ALMERIA/RQ

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

9

Indian restaurant & tapas bar STYLES has been in Turre for 2 year in April. Thanks to the commitment of Michelle and Wendy, they do their best to offer their clients up-to-date hairdressing & beauty treatments. April has some amazing offers.

Now in stock are the new micro hair extensions, the latest new technique to apply hair extensions by using micro ring instead of glue. It also benefits from the light weight & is very easy to use. It is very safe for the natural hair. Tooth gems & hair gems are also available. You won’t be disappointed with any of the treatments they offer.

Calling all you men haircuts are now from only 5€ SOLSHADERS has been operating in this area for more than 7 years & is a fully legal Company. Their fantastic range of Awnings (which can protect your terrace from the wind), Insect Screens and Internal Blinds are available in a variety of colours & styles with a sign writing service also available.

Justin is committed to giving all his clients 100% satisfaction & offers a free on site quotation without obligation & with his outstanding prices & excellent after sales service you are guaranteed a professional job from start to finish. Give us a call on 627 907 207 / 634 319 882 or Email: solshaders@live. co.uk.

FUNDRAISER’s Adene is involved in helping to raise monies for a number of local charities in the local area.

They are always welcoming

quality clothes, hangers & plastic bags aswell as books & all household items.The Vera shop has now moved next to the Guardia Civil and the Chinese Shop.

KASH BAR has been up and running now for 6 weeks. After a full refurbishment, Ashley welcomes everyone and is anxious to please. Serving all day breakfasts, snacks & special dishes cooked by their Russian chef, there is plenty to choose from. Their wide range of beers, ciders and wine is next to none and you can enjoy sitting on their sunny terrace or watching any of the live football games on one of the HD TV screens. A separate room featuring a pool table is also available as well as a game of darts.

Live entertainment & karaoke every week.

BUGS has been supplying & fitting windows & doors for 25 years. Pull down / Sliding Blinds & Screens, Windows & Patios, Vertical Blinds,

Security Grills, and Awnings as well as aluminium and UVPC replacement doors and windows, Peter will give you a friendly, speedy response and covers all areas.

CHILI BAR AND RESTAURANT situated at the top end of Turre. It boasts a spacious terrace where you can sit in the sun or shade every day serving delicious authentic Indian tapas, Menu del dia at €8.50 /noche at €10, Indian themed pizzas and kebabs and a full range of house and special dishes to sample eating in or Take away. Meet Ali and his friendly team who will always give you a warm welcome.

John & Fiona from Price Busters have now moved to Turre. THE BUTCHERS next to the fundraiser is open 6 days a week and specialise in all English cuts of meat including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, cooked meats and homemade

connexions

tel: 950 468 425 www.chiliturre.com open everyday 11am till late Avenida de Almeria 36, 04639 Turre, Almeria

Cafe Sports Bar - Avenida de Almeria 55, Turre, Almeria

all day breakfasts from €3.50

Sunday Roast

2 courses 10€ 1 course €7.50

friday Fish & chips atlantic cod only 7 .50€ private parties & functions are now catered for speak to tina for more info

telephone: 634 309 540 closed Thursday

950 479 502

broadband internet, New wireless internet

service available 4&6mb from €24.95 p/m No landline required Call us for details if you are a part time resident. to find out if your area is covered go to

www.connexionsonline.net

computers ~ laptops Distributor for mobile phones, sales, repairs & unlocking full repair service printers ~ inks area distributor for Photo papers hits sim cards routers ~ monitors Don’t lose your TV channels wireless devices Android TV boxes available internet dongles at low cost No Satellite dish needed

Call into our shop in Turre town square just along from the Cajamar bank

The BUTCHERS Carnicera

Quality English Cuts Especialistas en carnes Ingles

Specialising in English cuts of meat homemade sausages & burgers English Cheese, Bread,Pies, Pasties and much more......

ARRIVING SOON

Oak Cask Wines & fruit & vegetables

Tel: 634 31 26 12

sausages & burgers to name a few. Also on offer is a great selection of baked goods such as pies, Cornish pasties & sausage rolls. Come in and browse and let John & Fiona prepare your perfect cut of meat. Arriving soon Oak Cask Wines and fruit and vegetables SELECCIONES situated next to the butchers has now been opened for nearly 6 months. They sell good quality, good conditioned, new and used furniture as well as selling items on consignment. There onsite man with a van is happy to deliver and collect various items and will make sure they reach you in one piece. New branded sportswear direct from the UK is also available and for something a little bit different come and look at the variety of Moroccan pots, hand painted lamps, leather bags & shoes . You are guaranteed to receive a 1st class excellent service.

Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm & Saturday 9.30am - 4pm

Fabulous clothing & accessories sizes 8 - 28 catered for

Big sale Tel: 677 542 931 coming so www.donnasboutique.es on

find us on

up t

Donna’s boutique o

50% off Th e N o .1 su pp li er

ar ea in stal le r in yo ur AWNINGS & Internal blinds DIRECT FROM MANUFACTURERS

our prices cannot be beaten

guaranteed!

Established 5 years with 100% customer satisfaction

Turn your outside area into a dry & wind free enclosure & enjoy the outside while still being inside P.O Box 133, Cortijo Cabrera, Turre Almeria, SPAIN

Tel: 627 907 207 / 634 319 882 Email: solshaders@live.co.uk Web: www.solshaders.com

10

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Deborah Cubel fisher

“on parle francais”

7 years experience in this area legal & fiscal advice for residents & non-residents Tax Payments and refunds

• Wills and Inheritance process • Translations / Interpreter • Purchase / Sale private contracts • NIE’s, Residencia, Medical Cards....

• Land property and Catastro • Vehicle registration / driving registration licenses licenses • Conveyancing / Notorial documents • Mortgages • Taxes (local rates, rubbish collection, vehicle, tax returns for residents and non residents and refund of the capital gains tax)

Special offer !!!

Wills €125 / each Including Notary Fee

Yearly contract €149 Including VAT 21%

• Yearlytax returns (no increase if more than one owner, or more than one property) • Legal and fiscal advice FREE throughout the year • Free assistance / advice for any visitors staying at your property • Free visit from a technician / architect to offer independent expertise on matter such as: putting in insurance claims, confirmation of the legality of an extension / building work, free estimate for any work to be carried out

If you introduce another client to us you will not be charged your next annual fee

C/ del Mar, 33 - Galeria Alcana Local 11 Vera 04620 (Almeria) Tel: 950 39 06 21 Fax: 950 39 02 12 email: dcasesores@notin.net

ASSSA - your private health insurer in Spain

SIP, EHIC card or private medical insurance? www.asssa.es – info@asssa.es

Currently, many European citizens are experiencing changes which are bringing the effects of the crisis in Spain much closer to home. Some of you may be losing your entitlement to a SIP card while others of you may still be using your EHIC – European Health Card. This card is only for access to medical state treatment for english residents that are on a temporary stay in Spain and many of the medical centers in the Region of Murcia are now clamping down on the cards use and only treating emergencies. Are you in either situation? Would you consider a reasonably priced private health insurance with ASSSA so that you can visit local, English speaking doctors in Spain? Are you privately insured, but dissatisfied: premium increases; no customer service in your language; your insurance company has radically reduced and changed their services? ASSSA offers you impartial advice and tailor-made solutions with special offers available and special conditions for those transferring in from another private insurer.

Personal advice and support even after signing your contract? With our insurance company, this comes as a matter of course. ASSSA has, for over 75 years, offered its customers in Spain excellent private health insurance at an affordable price. For the last 20 Years we have specialized in meeting the private health insurance demands of our European fellow citizens along the Costa. In order to achieve this superior customer service and customer proximity, we have set up a chain of customer service offices along the coast

ASSSA - Experience, Expertise & Customer Service

Our personal service is unique. Our friendly, multi-lingual employees are pleased to inform you of both our achievements and policies without any obligation to purchase. Our philosophy is to answer all client queries fully and with complete honesty. Many of our clients join us on recommendation from existing ones, which is a clear indication of our unique service. After joining ASSSA you are allocated a personal contact that speaks your language and assists with any questions that you may have. Your personal contact will deal directly with you for medical assistance, offering her personal empathy, help and support.

Doctors and Hospitals

We offer our customers an extensive directory of private clinics, GP´s and Specialists working from some of the best private healthcare hospitals. In order to comply with the wishes of our clients, we make contracts with facilities most of whom speak your language or offer a free translation service. For this reason, we have many English speaking medical professionals under contract with ASSSA.

Quality insurance

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FUNERAL PLAN ?

IS IT A FIXED PRICE ?....

Some companies may charge extra at the time of need

ARE THE SERVICES FULLY GUARANTEED ? .... will you get everything specified in your plan

IS THERE A 24 HOUR LOCAL BEREAVEMENT LINE ?.... or will you have to phone overseas

CAN YOU TRANSFER THE PLAN IF YOU RELOCATE ?.... does it cover all E.U. countries including U.K.

ARE YOUR FUNDS TOTALLY SAFE ?....

or are they subject to the fluctuations of the stock market like trust funds

ARE YOU COVERED IN SPAIN AND THE U.K. ?....

Insurances generally only cover you in the country of residence We advise people to check terms and conditions fully before choosing a plan provider

WITH A FUNERAL PLAN FROM IBERIAN YOU CAN SAY YES TO ALL OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS PLUS LOOK AT THESE EXTRA BENEFITS TOTALLY FREE OF IVA/VAT 5 YEARS INTEREST FREE INSTALMENT OPTION PRICES FROM 48.16€ PER MONTH ** THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY ** PRICES BASED ON A DEPOSIT OF 500€ FOLLOWED BY 60 MONTHLY PAYMENTS FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE 952 595 691 OR

Visit www.iberianfuneralplans.com

We provide flexible levels of health insurance - depending on the cover level and premium best suited to the client’s requirements - from a supplementary insurance (from 44 € a month) to a more fully comprehensive insurance cover (from 80 € a month). During the current economic crisis we are pleased to be able to offer the following discounts until the 30.06.2013, of 12% for the entire contract lifetime at our Summum level; 10% on our Plus or Master level cover; 50% discount for children under 16 insured with parents, plus comfortable monthly payment without surcharge. In addition, we offer dental insurance reduced by up to 20% (from only 68 € per annum).

Insure your health!

The benefits of ASSSA insurance: ASSSA offers a variety of unique, written, contractual guarantees. The age at which you sign your contract is always used as the basis on which to calculate your premiums, i.e. the premium does not increase due to increased age. In addition, ASSSA provides protection against policy cancellation from the first day of insurance.

Contracts with ASSSA are of course, in your native language as transparency is important to us.

Visit us for a chat and without any obligation, receive a personal premium calculation.

Our employees will be pleased to answer all your questions.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09: 30-13: 30, later appointments or home visits by arrangement.

We look forward to your visit!

Customer service office: VERA Tel: 950 392 487 Louise Zarb vera@asssa.es

advertising feature

“English spoken”

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

11

12

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Dean’s Gentleman’s





Barbers

Plaza Nueva, Albox (opposite Banco Popular)

Gent’s Haircut - 8€ Children’s cut (0-3years) - 6€ Cut & Style - 9€ Traditional shave - 5€

Tel: 666 618 122

Open Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm & sat 10am - 2pm

Lulu’s

Peluqueria Canina

professional dog grooming parlour Lisa is City & Guilds qualified she sets the standard Others Try to follow

Nail Clipping and Anal Glands - Only 5€ each!

No need for appointment closed mondays - you can still call 697 569 750 for appointments

Open 10.30am - 6pm Tuesday - Friday Avda LePanto, 20, 04800, Albox, next door to Eurowise

Tel: 950 952 940 . 697 569 750

we sell

we buy

Start your swimming season with a sand or glass change special offers on both for the next month. glass change reduced to 200 euros for 5 sacks and sand 80 euros for 5 sacks. extra charges long distances. We sell water 140 euros for 18000 liters drinking water you will need a big glass.

and many other household items. They can also take the stress out of clearing your or a loved one’s house for you. Business is open as usual from 9am - 2pm Monday to Thursday & Saturdays, Friday (eve) opening 5pm - 9pm. for further information please call them on 950 06 4576 or 661 759 882.

Do you need a re-grout, some pool repairs, pump replacement or repair call us for a quote We carry a vast range of spare parts for your pool , seals, gaskets, skimmer, flaps etc, Dont for get the mix n match, 2 tubs for 36 euros were still running with this offer. Pool cleaning contract available for long or short terms or even a 1 off pool clean. All you need for your pool at your 1 Stop Pool Shop. Longos Courtyard Albox.

April sees a new updated logo for Total Entertainment in Albox, but you’ll still find the same warm welcome and all your entertainment needs. There have been many changes recently: the introduction of the Mini Cinema, shopping trips & mini breaks, art classes, slimming club, a 2nd hand book exchange, Avon cosmetics, Elaine’s Wools, translation services with Kathryn & regular visits from Frillies UK Lingerie. You’ll also find all the old favourites that have kept people coming through the doors for 10 years: English newspapers & magazines, books, stationery, DVDs for hire & sale, cards & gifts, Internet and Office Services & mobile phone top-ups to name but a few. See www.totalentertainment.es to keep up to date with all of the products and services available at Total Entertainment. You can also find details on Facebook, just search for Mini Cine. Or phone Claire on 950 121 318.

Another business outside of Longo’s ferreteria is Inford@tox, a family-run computer shop full of ink cartridges and many other accessories.You can also order letter-headed stationery and marketing material and they have some stationery in store too! Andres and Rosa can also help you with servicing , maintaining, repairing, upgrading your computer. Every morning there is an English-speaking assistant to help you with any queries. For more information call 950 633 223 or find them on Facebook or Twitter.

Bekki, Miguel, Mike & Maureen of A&A AUCTIONS & SALESROOMS have been running this successful family business in Albox for over 3 years and are going from strength to strength. Having already moved into more spacious premises, they are now about to expand into the area next door (formerly Animalbox), giving them even more space to display their stock and for you to browse! They have a large range of household furniture, garden furniture, electrical goods,

S

l Supermercado Tel: 950 43 00 43

Email: solsupermercadoalbox@gmail.com

sales rooms

Arboleas

sales rooms open daily for sales HOUSEHOLD ANTIQUES GARDEN FURNITURE sales rooms HOUSE CLEARANCES sales rooms

73 Ctra Lorca - Baza, Albox, Almeria 04800 ON THE LONGO’S SITE

950 06 45 76 661 75 98 82 M o n - Tu e s - We d s - T h u r s & S a t 9 a m - 2 p m F r i d a y E v e n i n g s 5 p m - 9 p m ( s a l e s & v i e w i n g s)

EUROWISE

UK SUPERMARKET

Spend at least

10% 10€ & get off

when you present this advert

Mobile top-ups available

We now have Post Boxes available for just 10€ per year!

Post office services & passport checks

view our new website www.eurowise.eu

Tony and Catherine of Eurowise would like to give a special thank you to all their customers for their support… So, for a limited period only, you can received 10% off your shopping when you spend at least 10€ - just bring a copy of their advert with you. Located in Albox just up from Mercadona, they have successfully run Eurowise since April 2011 and aim to provide you with a one-stop place to get all your English essentials. With regular deliveries from the UK, their huge selection of chilled, frozen, dried and ambient foods, including pies and pastries, changes regularly, so pop in today in case you miss any goodies; you won’t be disappointed! You can also top up your Hits mobile with them and they have a limited amount of post boxes available for just €10 per year! Visit their new website www.eurowise.eu for more information and new offers!

 We are here

Mercadona

BP Garage Baza



Girasol Gymnastics Club

How many times have you heard “I’m bored” How many times do you see them glued in front of the TV or on a games console?

How many times have you said “I really need to get them involved in some sport?”

Then waste no more time and bring them along to a fun packed Gymnastics club, where they can learn a disciplined sport, work towards their Badges (were known as BAGA badges) burn off some energy and gives you an hour restpite for only (discount for siblings)

4.00€

For some more information call Stacey

678 207 205

Computer Services Internet & Email Virus Cleaning

Visit Us on the web: www.infordatox.com Phone: 950 633 223

Next to the Centro Comercial LONGO Find us on & @Infordatox1

POOL SHOP

Mix & Match

any 2 Tubs Of either Multi, Shock or Chlorine tablets for just 36€ tighten up on security with an alarmed paddlock at ony 15€

FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

www.serendipitycrafts.es

• Latest Hunkydory • Sheena Douglas latest • Crafters Companion • Peel offs • New Debbie Moore’s CDs • H20S • Payperbox Pick & Mix • Dies/Embossing folders An Aladdin cave for all your crafty needs OPENING HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS,FRI & FIRST SAT of every month 10-2PM

avda Lepanto, Albox

CALL MARGARET ON 634 338 832

Tel: 950 439 801

(Between Sol y Mar / The Post Shop & jacks)

Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 3pm Sun: 10am - 3am

Avda. 28 de Febrero, Albox

www.soltimes.com TO ADVERTISE ON THIS FEATURE IN A FORTHCOMING ISSUE CALL ROSEMARY ON 647 379 795 OR EMAIL ROSEMARY@SOLTIMES.COM OR CALL OUR hq ON 950 121 936 Lisa opened Lulu’s Dog Grooming Parlour after years of working for Nexo in Albox, Olula and Velez-Rubio and for different vets in Huercal Overa. So much was the demand for her skills that she opened a brand new parlour of her own next to Eurowise on Avda. Lepanto in Albox. Lisa is fully City & Guilds trained and looks after and handles all dogs with the utmost care and attention. Your beloved pet is sure to be pampered after a visit to her! Lisa also stocks many accessories for your pooch including leads, collars, beds, bedding, bowls, shampoo and conditioners… and, in stock now are Scalibor, flea, tick & dental treatments. Lulu’s can now offer the cheapest prices on Royal Canine food in the area! For more information or to book an appointment call 950 952 940 / 697 569 750.They are closed on a Monday, but please do still call the mobile number above to book an appointment for another day.

Opposite Banco Popular and next to the lottery shop in Albox is Dean’s Barbers - a quaint, old-fashioned barber for the gents to have a treat.

Juan Carlos offers a traditional shave for those special occasions or a normal trim or cut and style to make you look smart. He also caters for children at reduced rates. For more information or to make an appointment call 666 618 122 Just before you go over the bridge to get to Deans Barbers, you will find on the left hand side, Khan Doner Kebabs. Opening from noon to midnight they offer daily meal deals to include a kebab/Burger/Chicken pieces with Chips and a choice of cold drink, starting from as little as 4.80€, great when you don’t fancy cooking or for a snack after a night out!!!

Glenn and Jayne would like to announce that they are now sole agents for Liberty Seguros and ASSA Private Health Insurance. We are in the same office that we have been in for the last 7 years, offering the same great service. The only thing that has changed is the name. We still offer excellent offers on Life Policies, Pet insurance, Motor and Health Insurance etc. Call Glenn and Jayne now on 950 121 943 and get the advice you need to live Spanish life comfortably. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 9am until 5pm and on Friday from 9am until 4pm. Calle Malaga 6, Albox.

Infoalbox-libertyseguros@gmail.com

legal team offer a variety of services, all aimed at helping you live your life in Spain without having to worry about the legal or financial side of it.

They can help you with regulation of housing and will check through your paperwork at no charge to inform you of what might need to be done.

They also offer Conveyencing of Purchase & Sale properties , Legal Wills, Tax advice, Company registration, and how to go Self-employed. If you need to change your vehicle registration plates to Spanish ones then this is also a service available.

See their main advert for more information or call them now on Tel: 950 431 720 or 950 121 347.

Serendipity crafts is next to Sol y Mar’s Post Shop in Albox. An Aladdin’s cave of papercrafting goodies including Tim Holtz, Crafters Companion, Hunkydory and Sheena Douglas to name a few! If Margaret hasn’t got what you want she will try and get it. Stockists of papers and the new PayPerBox where you can fill a small or large wallet with your choice of card, plain or patterned paper for a fixed price, embossing and alcohol inks, pads, embellishments, you name it they’ve probably got it! Open 10-2, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri and the first Saturday of each month, or call Margaret on 634 338 832.

Sol Supermercado have now been trading for 6 months and have grown massively in that time. With new freezers in store, we now have a large range of frozen goods. Products change weekly, giving more variety. If there is something we do not have, please ask. This week, on Friday 12th April, from 9.30am until 2.00pm Jane Thomas will be showing her fantastic range of costume jewellery at Sol Supemercado. Prices range from €2.50 and items include necklaces, bracelets, scarves and more. We have extended our pet food/treats range and have all your favourite lines in stock including Felix Ocean Feasts, Felix Meat Favourites and 15 kilo bags of Bakers Complete dog food plus much more. Sol Supermercado are located on Avda Lepanto, close to the front entrance of Mercadona. Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5,30pm and Saturdays 10.00am to 3.00pm. Tel: 950 43 00 43.

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glenn & jayne of Albox Insurance

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same people - same great service - different name Also agents for ASSSA private health insurance C / Malaga, Albox infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTERS & LAWYERS

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We check your paperworks without any cost.

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ILLEGAL BUILDING CLAIMS ENGLISH SPOKEN Tel: +34 950 43 17 20/+34 950 12 13 47 Avda. 28 Febrero, 7 04800 ALBOX (Almeria) Tel 605 090 238 / 625 430 081

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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Pope Francis has called for “decisive action” in the fight against sex abuse of minors by priests.

He told Bishop Gerhard Mueller, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith - the doctrinal watchdog that deals with sex abuse cases - to ensure perpetrators were punished.

It was the Argentine Pope’s first public statement on clerical sex abuse.

He was elected last month, replacing Pope Emeritus Benedict, who became the first pope in 600 years to resign.

When first elected, Benedict XVI promised to rid his Church of the “filth” of clerical sex abuse, but critics accused him of covering up abuse in the past and failing to protect children from paedophile priests.

Victims of sex abuse by clergy have called for a strong response from the new pontiff to the crisis that has rocked the Church.

In his remarks on Friday, Pope Francis said combating the crisis, which has mired the Church in scandal from the US, Ireland and Europe to Australia, was important to the credibility of the Church.

A Vatican statement said the Pope had urged Bishop Mueller to “act decisively as far as cases of sexual abuse are concerned, promoting, above all, measures to protect minors, help for those who have suffered such violence in the past (and) the necessary procedures against those who are guilty”.

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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16

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

The Authority of the Orange Clip I was sitting peacefully, covered in a red gown while Bobbie snipped and Maggie made tea and conversation. All was calm, all was bright, until the magic spell was broken by the entry of two Gentlemen of the Law. Armed with the obligatory guns and handcuffs, and brandishing a threatening piece of paper they homed in on Maggie.

Maggie is built along the lines of petite, but she stood her ground, like a heroic kitten faced by a pair of hunting hounds. Sensing Maggie’s peril, but with no thought to her own safety, Bobbie abandoned her scissors and rushed to the aid of her compatriot.

At least now it was two on two, but the dynamics were still small and harmless women against the King’s armed enforcers, who were insisting on speaking to the establishment’s owner, not at that moment present. Maggie’s heroic kitten had been joined by Bobbie’s valiant puppy, but they were still facing two hunting hounds dressed in green. The whole situation was beginning to resemble a Walt Disney cartoon – all it needed was Bambi to wander in.

For some josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk reason the

By Jos Biggs

Upholders of the Law seemed to be unable to understand any part of ‘no aqui’. No matter how many times or in how many different ways Maggie and Bobbie told them, the fact that the person to whom they needed to speak was not there simply didn’t register.

The encounter was getting nowhere. Time, I felt, for reinforcements. With my red cape billowing around me I joined the fray, 5ft 7 of implacable authority.

The effect was immediate. Silence fell as the eyes of the Law turned towards me. I was the focus of their 100% attention.

I am not easily cowed, either by guns, handcuffs or even pieces of paper, so I drew myself up to my full height and fixed them with a steady return gaze. ‘The owner’ I informed them firmly, ‘is not here. You will have to come back later.’

They exchanged a let’s-get-out-of-here look, and I knew I had them bested. Victory was mine. I had mastered the Force.

With an apologetic mumble they left. By sheer force of personality I had triumphed.

Or could it have been the effect created by the large orange clip holding my hair up in a haystack on the top of my head?

Was the triumph due to my authority, or was it due to the Authority of the Orange Clip?

The Weird Ritual of Shopping

I hate shopping.

No wait . .

I hate shopping with other people.

Nope, not right either . . .

Ah. I hate shopping with women!

When I’m on my own, I can indulge myself if I wish and buy a natty new shirt or another pair of summer slacks (although I know full well there will be consequences later at home).

“Not another shirt!” she’ll say or “You have plenty of slacks already.!”

I can stop for a coffee and a big wedge of cake when I feel like it

(although I know full well there will be consequences later with my waistline). And when I’m fed up, I can get in the car and go home.

Look it’s a scientific fact.... women are hell to shop with.!

I spend most of my time being dragged from shoe shop to jeweller to fashion outlet and have you noticed how a woman just has to touch everything even if she has no intention of buying? It’s like a weird kind of ritual. But if I dare look away for just a nano-second, she’s gone.

Completely.

Women have this amazing ability to disappear from the face of the earth the minute you turn your back and then you spend the next half hour trying to locate them, because you know as sure as hell they won’t come looking for you. So I go to the end of each aisle and peer down – nothing.

I do a complete clockwise circuit of the store but still no sign. Then counter clockwise with the same

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result. I am now giddy, but then lo and behold, with not a care in the world there she is, in more or less the same spot when I last saw her – and what does she say?

Where have you been?

Where have I been?

WHERE HAVE I BEEN? Three times round the bloody shop looking for you, that’s where I’ve been.!

But I don’t say it and leave it to ferment in the darker recesses of my mind where I store all the other unspoken comebacks. I know when to keep quiet.

And listen, because every bloke out there can attest to this . . .

You are both in the supermarket and your wife tells you to take the trolley to the checkout while she goes to the toiletries for her favourite something or other. She’ll be two seconds she tells you. So you do, even though you know from bitter and frequent experience what two seconds to a woman actually means.

Of course it turns out to be the precise moment in the day when there is virtually no one in front of you except some weird bloke in an AC/DC shirt, a bad haircut and blackheads. He is obviously single, and his purchases amount to half a dozen bars of chocolate, two cans

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viewpoint ALQUERIA - The flyover

The weather hadn’t yet turned. That magic day when the rain stops and a precipitation free summer is promised was still a week or so away.

A long shadow began to stretch across the village.

Poyato hummed to himself as he walked to the Bar la Casa Devante for his morning coffee. Stopping in his tracks he noticed an iron girder some fifty metres above and coming from the east while another encroached from the west. The outline of giant cranes could be seen busily hoisting elements of the structures into place. Poyato hurried into the bar indignant and extremely verbal.

Spanish drivers had long complained about the diversion around the secure borders of Alqueria. Many kilometres had been added to journeys.

Any unwary drivers trying to drive through Alqueria are stopped at the border and their vehicles searched. Anything which isn’t bolted to the bodywork is confiscated and auctioned in one of the Alquerian bars during the evening. The situation became intolerable when the Camino de Alqueria, the only unrestricted route south of the village became a toll road over night. Alquerian mobile toll booths appeared along a three kilometre stretch. Individuals from the village with an eye for a profit simply set up their own booths. One unsuspecting driver paid more in tolls than his car was worth, another had to re-mortgage his house simply to get to his place of work.

Questions were asked in the Spanish parliament. Funds put aside for the Distressed Politicians much needed Erotic Dancing and Strong Liquor Fund were re-allocated for the construction of a bridge spanning the whole of Alqueria.

If Alqueria had had an air-force they would have scrambled it but they settled instead for hurling cobblestones and insults at the construction workers. Poyato and his colleagues raised the issue with the United Nations. That illustrious body regarded Alqueria as one would regard a troublesome verruca and took no action. It was left to the good people of the Pueblo to take the law into their own hands.

Before the Winter weather breaks the strange Alquerian mist usually puts in an appearance and this year was no exception. The foul smelling green fog descended reducing visibility to a few metres. The people of Alqueria seized their moment.

A midnight visit to the road builder’s site-offices and a few alterations to critical coordinates was all that was necessary. For the next two weeks the eerie sound of construction work drifted through the dense fog.

When the green haze finally lifted the results of the sabotage became apparent. The two ends of the bridge took a neat ninety degree turn to the north and disappeared into crevices in the sierra’s cliff face. The first cars to use the new route thundered past, never to be seen nor heard of again.

The legend of the Alquerian Triangle was born. More of that later...

of beer and a microwave dinner.

His appearance indicates that he is certainly eating alone tonight and is destined to do so until income tax is abolished. The point is, he is obviously only going to be a few seconds checking in his acquisitions and paying.

You will your wife to appear and even offer up a little prayer, but of course now that there is a free run at the till, there is no sign of the little lady. A decision is needed and naturally it is going to be the wrong one, because you decide there is no point in checking through twice and so decide to wait.

Huge mistake.

As you back off to wait for the light of your life to put in an appearance, there immediately appear three thousand shoppers who converge on the only two checkouts that are open, all with trolleys piled two storeys high with groceries and supplies for the Orihuela Fiesta.Your better half arrives at this point and now it’s only a question of whether you will miss lunch or dinner.

And of course, it’s your fault.

Then there are the dreaded sales.

Hitherto there has been no mention of the need for a new dress; a sensible pair of walking shoes or even the desire for another handbag. Not until you get to the shops where that magical SALE sign resides tantalisingly to all women in the window and burns like a white hot brand into every long suffering husband’s brain.

More touching and feeling ensues – not with me unfortunately, but the shop goods - but this time there are gasps of surprise and joy as bargain after bargain is unearthed on the endless racks, shelves and cabinets.

Then with debit card in hand, the words that I have become all too familiar with . . . “You can’t go wrong at that price!”

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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proceed.

For further Information regarding F.A.C.E Please ring Adele Wrigglesworth on 667 255 094 or go to www. face-charity.com. For further Information regarding Age Concern Almanzora call 634 333 544 or go to www. ageconcernalmanzora.com or e-mail ageconcernalmanzora@ live.com.

For Further Information regarding Grupo Scout 106 Del Saliente call Magdalena Muñoz Oller on 630 778 187 Photos: Photograph Courtesy of Kevin Wrigglesworth - Cheque Presentation of 500€ Outside Age Concern Almanzora Shop in Arboleas - From Left To Right - F.A.C.E President Adele Wrigglesworth with Cathy Stott (President Age Concern, Almanzora Valley Area), Margaret Ridyard (Age Concern Almanzora, Shop Manager), F.A.C.E. Vice President Carrie Green and F.A.C.E.

F.A.C.E. Present Double Whammy! damage internally to the rondel scout huts, which are situated below the old bridge in Albox, and much equipment was destroyed. After many years of neglect the roof needs refurbishing, and after several break in attempts, the security of the Scout rondels also needs to be improved. Parents of the youngsters that attend

F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone) recently performed a double whammy by presenting two cheque’s on the same day to two different groups.

The first cheque to the value of 500€ was presented Age Concern Almanzora, a fully legal organisation that is celebrating its first Birthday.

It offers help to the over fifties. Age Concern has a shop in Arboleas, courtesy of the Arboleas Council and does a range of fundraising activities in its own right.

As it is a young organisation, it is still developing the services it offers, but so far it has appliances for hire, an information service and a care group. It is also capable of undertaking visits when appropriate.

Age Concern Almanzora’s big project is to have a main drop-in centre in Arboleas.

The project is dependant on the completion of the new Medical Centre, presently under construction, and also the construction of a Day Centre, which is planned to be opposite the new Medical Centre. The Arboleas Council has already promised Age Concern Almanzora that space will be available for them upon completion of the building. It is just hoped that the Junta de Andalucía will make agreed payments that will enable all the building work to be

completed. It will then become Age Concern Almanzora’s responsibility to provide the equipment required for this Drop-In facility, which will be a very big expense for this new charity to undertake.

Although F.A.C.E. Was instrumental in providing funds along with the Arboleas Council, towards the training and set up of Age Concern Almanzora, this was the first occasion that F.A.C.E. Had actually donated to the charity its self and the 500€ will be used to eventually purchase some of the equipment that will be required at the Drop-In facility.

On the very same day F.A.C.E.

Also presented another 500€ to the Grupo Scout 106 Del Saliente. Although the Scouts as a group are known and recognised through out the whole world, their presence in this part of Spain is not so well known about. In fact there are several Scout groups in Almería, however the Albox Scout group, comprising of over ninety youngsters, is the only Almería Group which is not based in Almería City. It is just coming up to celebrating its one hundredth Birthday in 2016.

Unfortunately the Grupo Scout 106 Del Saliente has suffered a run of bad luck over recent times. A fire caused

the Scouts group have been diligently been trying to raise funds for over a year, so that some of these works can be undertaken. To undertake the works in question over 10,000€ will be required. F.A.C.E. Are hoping that the donation they have made will enable some of the work required to refurbish the rondels will be able to

Committee Members Gilly ElliottBinns and Richard Tolman; F.A.C.E. President Adele Wrigglesworth (Centre) Presents 500€ to Scout Leader Javier Carrillo García with members of Grupo Scout 106 Del Saliente; F.A.C.E. President Adele Wrigglesworth (Centre) Presents 500€ to Scout Leader Javier Carrillo García with members of Grupo Scout 106 Del Saliente.

Established since 1969

Accountancy, Tax & Legal Advice Taxes for Businesses & Individuals Payroll and Social Security Services for residents & non-residents Vehicle Transfer & Matriculation New office opening in Mojacar Manager Required Gestoria Salvador, a consulting company established in Almeria since 1969 is opening a new office in Mojacar and requires a Manager with excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Mojacar area.

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18

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT

CLEARING OUT MIND CLUTTER THROUGH MEDITATION

The term Meditation refers to a broad variety of practices (much like the term sports) that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy (chi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration.

Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. Meditation can help clear the mind and ease many health issues, such as high blood pressure depression, and anxiety to name a few. It may be done sitting, or in an active way, for instance Buddhist monks involve awareness in their day-to-day activities as a form of mind-training. Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation in order to keep track of or remind the practitioner about some aspect of the training.

The term “meditation” can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state. In brief, there are dozens of specific styles of meditation and we must all choose what style suits us..

How do we live our lives?

We live most of our life through three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming and sleeping. In the waking state of consciousness, we experience the world through the five senses. We seek elevation and joy from these senses. The mind is higher than the senses. The mind is infinite, its desires are many, but the capacity of the senses to enjoy is limited. Greed is wanting more and more of sensory objects. Even though one can only enjoy a limited amount during a lifetime, one wants all the wealth in the world. Giving too much importance to sensory objects leads to greed; giving too much importance to the senses leads to lust; and giving too much importance to the mind and its desires leads to delusion.

We hold on to the concepts of the mind and want things to happen in a certain way. Thus, the concepts in our mind impede us from perceiving the infinite consciousness that is a part of us. This is not to say that the senses or the mind are bad. But we must learn to discriminate between things and be aware of what is happening at all times; that is when clarity dawns on us. This is the first step toward the higher state of consciousness.

In the waking state, one is constantly engaged in looking, eating, working, etc. The other extreme is the sleeping state where one is completely cut off and dull. The dullness and heaviness linger even after waking. The more one sleeps, the duller one feels since a lot of energy is expended in sleep. Then there is the dreaming state where one is neither asleep nor awake. Here, you neither feel at rest nor are aware of your surroundings.

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Meditation helps in two ways -- it prevents stress from entering the system and simultaneously releases accumulated stress. With the assimilation of meditation into daily life, a higher state of consciousness called cosmic consciousness dawns within us. Cosmic consciousness perceives the whole universe as part of oneself. When we perceive the world as a part of us, love flows strongly between the world and us. This love empowers us to overcome the opposing forces and the disturbances in life. Anger and disappointments become fleeting emotions that occur momentarily and then vanish.

A higher state of consciousness will not simply happen one fine morning. The consciousness is within you -- it needs to be nurtured through spiritual practices like meditation. Some trees yield in three years, and some in 10 years. And those that are not nurtured never yield, they simply exist.

Letting Go and Acceptance Attaining higher states of consciousness does not require any complicated strategy; one just needs to learn the art of letting go. This is the difficulty generally and requires a lot of forgiveness within ourselves.

Even when you grow into higher states of consciousness, you find that you may be thrown off-balance by different situations and disturbances. At this time you become strong yet soft -- a delicate and beautiful individual capable of accommodating different values in life without any conditions. As your consciousness opens and the whole system gets physically, mentally and spiritually elevated, your life truly becomes worth living. The key is to be kind to yourself and others, keep forgiving yourself and others every day.

Remain open to change, and above ALL smile…………..we take ourselves too seriously!

In the past, as in some circumstances today, this education would often involve, periods of retreat in communities (ashrams, monasteries, meditation centers, etc.) whose sole purpose is the cultivation of awakening. Nonetheless, such states can also be developed by any serious practitioner who undergoes skillful and whole-souled training, that’s anyone of us!

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The higher state of consciousness is somewhere in between the waking, sleeping and dreaming states.

Here, we know we “are” but we don’t know “where” we are. This knowledge that I “am,” but I don’t know “where” I am or “what” I am? This state gives the deepest possible rest that one can experience. And one can achieve this through meditation.

Meditation is a way to improve one’s awareness of the world and to become better equipped to play a better, more finely tuned and fairer role in life. The essential attitude for correct meditation is one of listening. To listen clearly one must subdue the level of interference that is exerted on one’s mind in our daily life; to still the mind and to listen to the “internal vibrations” of the mind. Listening will assist in ALL relationships. Be prepared to really listen to someone else (just listen) without thinking about what you want to say half way through. As you keep listening you will not only begin to know yourself more, you will see the other person, a miracle!

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Being Optimistic May Help You Live Longer!

We all like to feel needed. But new research suggests having a sense of purpose is good for our health, too.

An article by the Daily Mail reveals that a study of 7,000 people, those with the strongest sense of direction in life were over 70 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke. The researchers accounted for other aggravating factors such as blood pressure and alcohol use and believe the effect comes through regulating the immune system.

It appears that by maintaining a purpose in life not only increases our quality of life but may also improve our physical health and increase longevity.

It has long been thought that pursuing meaningful activity after retirement is important for physical and mental health – which often declines dramatically soon after retirement.

But while past research focused on the detrimental effects of negative psychological traits, such as depression

chewing gum can boost your brain power

Most of us don’t think twice about it, but chewing — mastication — has implications for our health. The way we chew, for instance, can alter our digestion, teeth and even our face shape. And new research suggests how often we chew could even affect our brain power.

We’ve all heard the dictum about chewing each mouthful 20 times before swallowing, but actually how many times we should chew depends on what we’re eating, says gastroenterologist Dr Nick Read, chief medical adviser for charity The IBS Network.

‘The Victorians thought you needed to chew food 14 times but we generally wait until it feels right and then swallow — it’s intuitive.’

He says that because our diet has become softer, thanks to all that processed food, we now don’t need to chew for so long.

However, raw fruit and vegetables, and meat, demand more chewing. ‘If you don’t, lumps of food will pass through your digestive system and not be completely absorbed,’ says Dr Read.

Chewing breaks food down into small pieces, which increases the surface area for the digestive enzymes to react with and so helps swallowing and digestion. Chewing also sends messages to the brain through the trigeminal nerve in the face. The brain then sends signals down the vagus nerve (the long nerve connecting to the abdomen) to tell the stomach to start acid secretion in preparation for the food arriving.

Chewing also generates saliva from the salivary glands, which mixes with the food, ensuring it’s the right consistency to be digested and travel through the digestive system. Saliva is also essential for cleaning our mouths when we’re eating.

When we eat slowly, our bodies are more relaxed, allowing the

parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion, to do its job properly. However, if you’re eating on the hoof and rushing about, you also stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with ‘fight or flight’ responses.

‘The sympathetic side puts the whole body on alert and diverts energy to the heart, brain and muscles, while the parasympathetic nervous system’s functions, such as digestion, are halted,’ says Dr Read. In practical terms, the sympathetic system inhibits the secretion of stomach acid, and slows down gastric emptying so food stays in the stomach longer, making us feel over-full and sick. This can also cause painful spasms in the intestine. Eating quickly and not chewing enough also makes us swallow more air, which may cause bloating, belching and discomfort.

While the evidence is mixed, it’s thought chewing gum may stop you forming some kinds of memory, says Professor Andrew Smith from Cardiff University, a specialist in healthrelated behaviour.

‘Many aspects of memory rely on using sub-vocal rehearsal (when you repeat words to yourself in your head) and it’s difficult to do that while chewing because it’s a competing activity — but this area needs more research.’

Gum may also have a negative effect on the gut. Chewing gum stimulates acid secretion in the stomach but then doesn’t deliver food to it, leaving excess acid. It could cause gastritis - inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers, blistering, indigestion and soreness and as most gum contains sorbitol, which is a poorly absorbed sugar and can go through the intestine without being absorbed and ferment in the colon, this can lead to excess gas and bloating.’

Further research is underway!

and anxiety, new research is investigating how positive traits, such as optimism, protect against illness.

In the recent study, men and women aged 50 and over were tracked for four to five years and completed psychological tests while researchers recorded strokes.

The results show that the higher someone’s sense of purpose, the lower their risk of a stroke.

Those with the greatest sense of purpose were 73 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke compared to those with the lowest.

Other research has shown that positive mood can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, also implicated in stroke.

‘This is significant as we have an ageing population and it helps show what behaviours inoculate people from getting ill,’ says Cary Cooper, professor of health psychology at Lancaster University.

‘Maybe retirement is not good for some.’

...don’t forget to send your beauty tips to editor@soltimes. com & we’ll print them HERE!

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

Tel. 629 289 385

for info and appointments

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

UK Registered - Treating

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

kim clark benefits consultancy

■ if you suffer from... ■ or you need...

• mobility problems •h elp with washing/ • pain/breathlessness dressing • falls/stumbles • supervision rule changes mean that you could now be entitled to extra income by claiming UK Sickness/Disability Benefits while living in Spain For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

Hair & Beauty Studio Join us on @ Room 97 Hair & Beauty Studio

for current offers & giveaways

La Alfoquia

Tel: 683 479 261

Dra Monica Algañaraz –has over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken

Tel: 695 355 381 Olula Del Rio

20

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

• Your home or ours • Honest & trust worthy • 5 years experience of all types of animals • References available on request

676 389 592

Let us transport your loving friends to and from the UK & Europe in comfort with loving care in our air-conditioned van Tel 950 092 096 or 661 402 493 - Email jt.transport@yahoo.co.uk

...take care of your pets Huerca - Overa Veterinary Centre is run by Husband and wife team Angel and Elena who both speak an excellent level of English. Since May 2011, they have offered an invaluable service to the pets in the area.

The veterinary Centre can help and advise you on any concerns that you may have about your pets welfare.

In particular now that the weather is getting warmer remember there will be more parasites about such as fleas, ticks and sand flies. As always it is necessary to use a system to prevent them and the illness that they cause by the use of Pipetes and Collars.

Also we now provide the new vaccination against leishmania. With this vaccination we will do the leish test for free. Now is the best

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery arboleas

Comercial Carmona

e h I j o s

time to prepare your dogs for the spring and summer so why not make an appointment to come along and see us now. Dog and cat grooming services are now available.

For more information or to book and appointment call 950 61 67 You may already know Tracey and her husband Bob from the television programme Living the Dream. They are now running WOODHOUSE BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY in Los Uteras which is situated just 15 minutes away from Arboleas.

Tracey has been running the kennels here for 6 years and also is heavily involved with the dog charities in the area. Woodhouse kennels is fully legal and Ministry approved with a 24 hours veterinary service available.

For all your pet needs

SUMINISTROS INDUSTRIALES, S.L.

Small friendly kennels 24hr vets service pet transporting arranged welcome to view €350

€200

Dalmation Pups

Chihuahua

€360

Bichon Maltese

Having kept fish for over 15 years in the UK and here in Spain, Ben prides himself on being able to offer helpful advice to anyone buying new fish stock or equipment.

NOW IN - Hens & Chickens 8 Different Breeds Cheapest in the Area APRIL OFFERS

Animal feeds special prices

emergencies 663 524 003

quality

English Speaking Tel: ben 687 497 892

Warehouse & Pet Shop - Olula Tel: 950 613 130

Open: Monday - Friday 8.30am-2pm & 3.30pm - 8.30pm, Sat 8.30am - 2pm

olula del rio

From Albox on A334 do not turn off for Olula Mercadona, take the turning after the Tanatorio

tanatorio 54 km

Ctra. Nac. 340, 208 Huércal Overa (Almeria) Tel: 950 61 67 81 www.cvhuercalovera.es Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 1.30pm, 5pm - 8pm Saturday 10am - 1.30pm

Huge selection of fish & Equipment Top quality pet foods always in store Full range of all pet accessories All breeds of birds from only 3€

whole corn....................................25g....€8.30 barley ...............................................25g....€8.30 broken corn ..................................25g .... €8.45 wheat...............................................25g....€ 9.00 hen food.........................................25g...€12.65 dog food rabbit food...............................25g....€11.35 20kg..€14.95

Olula Fines del rio

albox

a334

mercadona

baza 4

a33

We are here comercial carmona warehouse & petshop

If you want the best for your pet, contact the Bo and Antoinette – 639 722 197 or info@animalhotel. es – and make a booking or arrange to drop by and see the accommodation for yourself. The Animal Hotel can be found on Facebook or at www.AnimalHotel.es Comercial Carmona in Olula del Rio have the pet store that we all love to visit. Ben, the store manager is English and a true animal lover that also an extensive knowledge of fish keeping, reptiles and birds.

ministry approved

Tracy 650 211 952

Cats and dogs receive 5star treatment at the Animal Hotel, near Águilas. Bo and Antoinette have designed the unique accommodation which even includes the option of communal living rooms for the cats. In the kennels, the emphasis is on safety as well as comfort – all the dogs sleep indoors to prevent sand fly bites and leishmaniasis but have private outside areas during the day.

They also have a huge range of quality pet foods in store including products by Kiki, Royal Canin, Brekkies and Advance just to name a few.

Why not take a trip to Olula and pay them a visit, you will not be disappointed. Give Ben a call now on 687 497 892

www.soltimes.com

Raking the Ashes BY Anne Fine

“In the end everyone gets to choose. And you can settle for emotional fog blurring the edges of failure. Or you can get out.”

When you read this novel you get the impression that relationships are doomed!

Condemned for being too nice a guy, kind and amiable, one who never sees the bad in people, never fearing the worst, Geoffrey is deemed weak and useless by the feisty Tilly. She finally discards him, throws him on the rubbish heap as if he is a piece of garbage and lets him fester. Tilly is strong, pushy and outspoken. She gets what she wants and is used to pushing people in and out of her life when it suits her. It seems incredible that these two people would stay together for so long before the final crunch!

Polar opposites.

The novel focuses and refocuses on conflict mainly between Tilly and Geoffrey as well as his ex-wife, Francis and their two children, Harry and Minna. Fine tells us from the start that the relationship will not last by describing the “death rattle” that was always present. The story is not just unsettling, the outcome is absolutely shocking. Tilly always seems to be plotting her escape and around 14 or 15 years later she finally succeeds.

“I was seduced along with him into living the lie.”

Fine has explored the difficult role of the step-parent in many of her other novels. She describes the modern British family as a “mix and match” because of divorce and remarriage. For a stepparent the future can be a daunting prospect. Tilly shows kindness and consideration towards Minna and Harry but it is a thankless task when she is constantly criticised by Francis or Geoffrey for interfering. It is not surprising that with all of the bickering and insecurities the children grow up with serious issues. Minna truants from school then gets pregnant. Harry steals then pumps himself with drugs. Tilly felt as if she were “some pleat in their family economy-there to be taken in and let out again just as it suited them.”

Tilly likes to think that she lives in the real world of honesty and truth and criticises Geoffrey for living in a “comfortable and unthreatening cloud cuckoo land.” When she works on the rigs as an engineer she “kicks men’s butts.” She is unable to remain faithful and admits to having one lover after another. She was constantly irritated by Geoffrey who adopted a “weasel way” of blocking discussion. She felt that he treated his children more like pets than children.

It’s not surprising that Tilly snaps and reaches the end of her tether in planning his demise or her escape, whichever is the most convenient method to end it all. Her growing hatred seems un-natural and unhealthy considering his only fault is his weakness in her eyes. Out of the blue, a timid Geoffrey loses control and accuses her of feeding on other people’s weaknesses.

“You have an evil gift for twisting what you know about people round into knowing how to upset them.” And he is right. This proves too much for Tilly who wants OUT! “I want to pack in this small life and pick another-Choose to be anything. Fly!” An idealist? Or just grossly unhappy?

There certainly seems to be a void because she states that life is “worthless, pointless and drab” and that nothing matters anymore. She experiences extreme emotions from exhilaration to depression. Manic.

Over time she grew to despise Geoffrey then became poisoned by hatred. In her own words, the relationship shrivelled rather than thrived. When Francis died, Geoffrey was close to bankruptcy so Tilly delayed the inevitable. Harry’s wedding finally clinched it and once she had decided, there was no going back. She felt released and happy: no guilt to “live my own life and feel time my own again” was her natural right after years of sacrifice and misery.

She believed that Geoffrey had destroyed many of her good years from her late twenties to her early forties. Not only did she want to leave him for good, she wanted to make him pay with “interest.” Ominous. Remember the saying “Revenge is sweet?” Tilly might be “blissfully happy” at the end but for Geoffrey, the penalty was a heavy price to pay. Be warned. The ending is shocking and Tilly seems more the persecutor than the victim. My final warning is don’t cross swords with her. She is a dangerous woman.

ISBN: 0-552-77285-2

Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

21

SLIM YOUR WAY TO A NEWER YOU WITH ‘GASTRIC MIND BAND‘ THERAPY

Gastric Mind Band Therapy, developed and perfected right here in Spain, at the Elite Clinic in Fuengirola over a five-year period, is the surgery free way to begin your journey to a brand new way of life as a slimmer and healthier person.

treatment. The treatment is even available from a small number of selected and accredited therapists around the world, Gastric Mind Band Therapy is now regarded by many as the ‘Gold Standard’ provider.

This totally painless weight-loss procedure is a massive favourite with the stars, and simply involves a clever combination of a number of proven psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Time Perspective Therapy and Pause Button Therapy (A book is also available from Elite written by Martin and Marion too), along with Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis and Guided Imagery.

GMBT, has had extensive coverage in the Media, being featured on TV shows such as ITV Daybreak and Good Morning America, as well as in Hello Magazine, Vogue, Marie Claire and Easy Living, to mention just a few magazines.

GMBT was developed by Martin and Marion Shirran at their Fuengirola Clinic who have now accumulated close to 6,000 hours with one to one clinical time with clients from around the world and are constantly improving and perfecting the

Clients undertaking treatment in the Elite Clinic in Fuengirola however, will be seen exclusively by the founders and developers of the ‘Gastric Mind Band’ Therapy, Martin and Marion Shirran. By visiting the web site, you will find an FAQ section, which should answer all your questions as well reading some real life case studies including their successes and opinions.

For more information and an initial free consultation contact Martin or Marion at the Elite Clinic in Fuengirola on: 951 311 591 or go to www. gmband.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

REVIEW it...

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

22

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

braben’s blog...

Do you remember that song about wearing flowers in your hair if you’re going to San Francisco? The words were maybe closer to the truth than we thought because only this week a law has been passed that makes walking naked in that city a crime. Aha! Perhaps all they were wearing were flowers in their hair. I wonder if many people suffered from embarrassing pest invasions-no, let’s not go there.

But it seems that an awful lot of people in the city by the bay have been protesting; they think they should be allowed to roam naked through the streets without hindrance. Now look, have you ever been to San Francisco?

Well, it gets chilly and when that cold mist comes down I wouldn’t want any of my bits exposed to anything approaching the chilly zone. What’s more, standing too close to the lift doors when they close suddenly could have major bits changing implications. On reflection perhaps that last sentence should have started with, “What’s less”!

After that, mull over running for the bus. No, on second thoughts, banish all thoughts of such unbridled wobbliness from your consciousness or risk nightmares. You know the image becomes worse if we factor in the recent record breaking feats of a Japanese man, who sprinted one hundred metres on all fours in less than 18 seconds. I don’t know why either, but he predicts it will be an Olympic sport in the future and that one day we will all run that way. No please, put that image in the same distant corner of your memory as the wobbly bus running one.

I think we’ll need a stiff drink after this.

Then there are Twinkies! Are they connected to naked city life? Now, don’t be naughty, it’s a cake and the makers of Twinkies are going out of business; the whole of America will now be a Twinkie free zone.

What is a Twinkie you may ask? I don’t know, but like Graham is married Helen and has Tootsie Rolls, whatever they are, I would get a great atodaughter, Alice. deal of satisfaction asking for them in a shop. Have you He lives part of the year near Albox, ever asked for a Twinkie? No, don’t answer that, you but works in Qatar, never know who may be listening. teaching. If you wish Naked San Franciscans, Twinkies, wobbly bus catchers, to contact Graham regarding this all fours runners, this has been strange. Now I need to article email: sit in a darkened room and search for my Twinkie! helenandg@yahoo.

Shh, don’t tell anyone! co.uk

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

The Iron Lady

A few weeks ago I pondered the reason for the existence of yellow cars and asked readers for comments; one man commented that they reminded him of spring and said he has always hankered after one. I replied asking why then did he not have one. Another reader thanked me for bringing the subject up and admitted that her boyfriend owns a yellow car. Hilariously she explained that it in the summer it attracts wasps and other buzzing pests so yet another reason never to own a yellow car. Wasps, they are yellow too and again I have no idea why they exist apart from to cause misery.

If supermarkets set different prices for every town there would soon be uproar. Why then do petrol stations get away with charging different prices depending on location? When running low on a motorway there is no choice but to pay a premium, prices also differ within the same brand from town to town. Luckily Almeria has the cheapest fuel prices in Andalucía but it’s a huge expense none the less.

The AP7 motorway near Malaga has two toll points on it which charge over 8 Euros to get to Estepona.

Arriving there on the Monday before Easter the cheeky bleeders had bumped the price up by over 50%. The toll gate man gave me a Spanish shrug and said ‘Its Easter!’ But it’s only Monday I decried. I then tried to shrug back asking if we could drive 50% faster, he said yes and we also get free tuna sandwiches.

After driving for the first time recently through the cess pit that is otherwise called Fuengirola on the A7 the toll road is certainly worth any money to avoid it.

With the days getting longer in

April us men get the annual conundrum of when to remove the socks; leave them off in the day and the still chilly nights will soon bring regrets. Wear them and the feet are soon too sweaty and toasty by mid-afternoon. I was told the other day that May 1st is the official Spanish day to consign the damn things to their drawer until autumn. This now makes sense as to why our hosts are still wrapping up as if braving an Arctic storm even when the sun is shining.

After the sad news recently of the whale that died from ingesting plastic in Almeria waters; it’s heartening to see that another country has started to charge for plastic bags. Northern Ireland has now followed Wales with Scotland about to do the same.

As ever England has done nothing. Plastic bag waste accounts for nearly 3/4s of all plastic waste found in the seas around the world. Spain brought a 2c charge for bags in last year and those Mercadona bags for life are great as well when moving house.

And lastly, may the Iron lady rest in peace! Maggie Thatcher made British history in 1979 as the first ever female Prime Minister. Love or loath her for her decisions during her 11.5 year term, no-one can disagree that she was a real character who ensured Britain was respected again on the world stage. Five years into her Prime Ministership the IRA bombed the Grand Hotel during the Tory party conference leaving 36 people injured or killed. The IRA statement released the day after contained an all too memorable quote – it read ‘Today we were unlucky, but remember we only have to be lucky once. You will have to be lucky always!’ Her luck lasted for another 30 years!

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com

Q. Please explain the situations in which a resident qualifies for non-payment of capital gains tax?

A. The first thing is to be able to prove to the notary the day of the sale

that you are in fact a Spanish tax resident. It is very important to realize that having what everyone calls the “residencia” issued by the police does not in fact prove you are a tax resident of Spain, and that if this is the only document you take to the notary to prove tax residency, the notary will consider you a non resident and you will be subject to a 3% retention.

To prove you are a tax resident your solicitor needs to request a certificate from the tax authorities, which can then be taken to the notary. If you suffer the nasty surprise of them saying that in fact you are a non resident, you will need to get this amended by proving to them that you are in fact a resident before they will issue you with the correct certificate for the notary. The best way to secure tax residency status is making a resident income tax declaration in Spain in June of every year. If you are going to sell shortly, request this certificate in advance to avoid last minute surprises.

1. The possible total or partial exemption from capital gains tax due to reinvestment (roll-over): If you are a resident and sell one property to purchase another of the same or higher price you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax. To benefit you have to have been a resident for at least 3 year before the sale takes place, and you must purchase the next property within 2 years of the sale. If you are moving to a smaller property, you can claim exemption of a percentage of the capital gains tax.

2. Claim of total exemption if you are over 65 years old: If you are over 65 and sell your main home (where you must have lived for at least 3 years as a resident), you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax even if you do not reinvest. If the property is owned by a couple and one member is over 65 and the other is not, you are allowed to claim the exemption in respect to half the price.

I f you do not qualify for any of the above exemptions the rate of tax applied to your profit is 21% for profit up to 6000 euros, 24% for profit between 6001 euros and 24000 euros and 27% of profit above 24001 euros.

Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

property of the week ref.588 MOJACAR pueblo 44.950€

Choice of 4 apartments with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, 1 – 2 baths, lounge/ diner, fully fitted kitchen with all white goods, fitted wardrobes, with outside terrace space, communal swimming pool, private parking & store room optional.

FROM 44,950€ REF.583

mojacar

99.000€

REF.548

tabernas

154.000€

REF.586

mojacar

124.950€

bargain

bargain

First line apartment with 3 beds, 1 bath, terrace with fabulous sea views, newly equipped kitchen, living/dining room, beautiful swimming pool, semi furnished, A/C hot and cold, easy access.

Beautifully renovated detached Cortijo, full of charm and light, in excellent condition, set on an elevated plot of 2,200m2 with amazing mountain views.

Main house - 2 bed, bath. Separate annexe with bed and bath. Large front porch.

1st floor apartment, 3 double beds, 1 family bathroom, lounge-Diner, kitchen, 30m terrace with sea views, 3 swimming pools, tennis court, private parking space, lifts, furnished.

REF.542

REF.487

REF.466

las negras

185.000€

mojacar

179.000€

mojacar

74.950€

reduced

300m from the beach, small development of brand new modern houses, with large basement , 275m2 built on a 580m2 plot, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, large independent kitchen, sea and mountain views, in an excellent condition, 5 available.

Luxury 3 beds, 2 baths 2nd line Penthouse, with 90m roof terrace, open sea views, complete equipped kitchen, large living/dining room, beautiful pool & Gym, private secure Parking & store room, A/C, fully furnished.

Beautiful Penthouse apartment with 1 beds, family bathroom, 39m terrace with fabulous sea views, equipped kitchen, living/dining room, 2 beautiful pools, fully furnished, private locked garage, easy access.

REF.579

REF.584

REF.576

la alfoquia 79.000€

turre

58.000€

carboneras

110.000€

Amazing village house, full of rustic character and charm offering incredibly versatile accommodation - 219m2 - B+B potential for 6 bedrooms,3 bathrooms. In good condition needing some minor updating.2 roof terraces, covered patio, pool.

Brand new Penthouse apartment with 3 beds, 1 bath, fabulous mountain views, kitchen, living/dining room, 80m private solarium, in the central of Turre, walking distance to all amenities..

Excellent attic duplex in very good condition with 2 large terraces giving wonderful sea views - only 50metres to the beach. 2 double bedrooms,2 bathrooms, air-con - hot and cold - throughout. Excellent location.

REF.587

REF.577

REF.578

turre

57.000€

Brand new apartment with 2 beds, 1 bath, kitchen, living/dining room, communal swimming pool and sun lounge area, in the central of Turre, walking distance to all amenities, choice of Ground floor or 1st floor with lift.

arboleas

135.000€

Wonderful villa in immaculate condition with 2/3 beds,2 baths, swimming pool, garage. Beautiful garden full of mature trees and plants. Air-con hot and cold throughout sat TV, internet + many extra features - delightful property.

arboleas

145.000€

Reduced price -Fantastic villa of 145m2 set in a great location with 3 double beds, all with fitted wardrobes,3 baths, fitted kitchen, utility room,600m2 plot with covered porch and off-street parking. Large terrace with wonderful views.

23

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

your HOME - your

Clean team - offer the complete property management service. We can your property look after your laundry needs, clean and tidy your garden and c all surounding areas including the almanzora valley. We offer an excellent ser to big or small.

David A Pritchard Construcciones - are legal honest and professional work personally undertaken to the highest standard. Quality pools of distin work, extensions, kitchens and bathrooms, painting, stonework, everything great reputation with hundreds of satisfied clients in the Mojacar area durin recent clients had to say: “exellent workmanship, hassle free and completely and within the estimate.Best workman ever used and thoroughly recommen

Koala Furniture - A friendly furniture company in Antas Ind. Estate s furniture. With a huge selection of fantastic leather and fabric range of sofas or fix, in response to your needs. Fantastic range of quality garden furniture m mosaic or wood. Looking for a new bed? You can find all that you need for yo mattresses + memory foam mattresses , combining them with a solid bas depending what you need. Come along to our showroom and look at our spec a warm welcome awaits you. Call 950 392 307 www.koalafurniture.es

Lifestyle enclosures - more than just an enclosure company: the comp name is now synonymous with Florida style fly free enclosures and all type more lifestyle enhancing products have been added to their range. They are th systems, working closely with three manufacturers to ensure that they have budget. Frameless glass curtains are ideal to turn your outdoor terrace are is very warm they open up fully and stow neatly away. Upvc and aluminium growing portfolio. From a porch to a patio enclosure, lifestyle enclosures ha living. As Andalucía’s only approved stockist of Flo-plast rainwater systems, li and styles of guttering for DIY or a full installation service is available. A range available. A full range of fabrics and designs can be viewed in the showroom.

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www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL2013

r GARDEN

meet and greet your guests, fully clean clean your pool! Based in vera we cover rvice at a very competative price, no job

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Color Obsession of the Week:

Bright Salmon Pink

l - All building reforms and maintenance nction, tiling and plastering, renovation g for the home and garden. David has a ng the 20 years. This is what one of his y trustworthy. Work completed on time nded! Mr & Mrs King Mojacar Playa”.

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pany was formed back in 2005 and their es of insect screening. Since then, many he area’s leading installer of glass curtain a system to suit your requirements and ea into a winter suntrap, when the sun m glazing systems are also part of their ave a solution to enhance your outdoor ifestyle enclosures offer several colours e of awnings, toldo’s and blinds are also .

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

property guide....

Holiday Rentals Up 29% at Easter

O Olive

Serena Bedar

Global demand for holiday rental accommodation in Spain during Easter Holy Week this year increased by 29% compared to Easter of 2012, according to statistics from the Spanish Internet holiday rental portal, Homeaway.es.

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

Demand for accommodation in Spain by European and American tourists saw an increase of 33%, and domestic tourism growth stood at 24% compared to 2012. El Mundo reported that among the foreign tourists, the Germans were the ones showing greatest interest in Spain this Easter, followed by American, British and French tourists.

C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant)

Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

169,950€

This beautiful property is situated in the much sought after village of Serena, close to Bedar. The property boasts many interesting features and outside areas , 3 beds and spacious living accommodation. A MUST SEE.

Andalusia was the main preferred destination for Spanish tourists over Easter, accounting for 30% of the total enquiries received by all the Spanish regions

for holiday bookings during this period. Seville, Cadiz, Granada and Malaga were, in that order, the Andalusian provinces to receive most enquiries for holiday bookings during Easter 2013.

Catalonia, with 16% of all the enquiries received for Easter holiday bookings via the Internet portal, is second place in their rankings, with Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona being the Catalan provinces most in demand.

Madrid received 7% of the domestic tourist enquiries and Mallorca received 4%, placing the Balearic Islands in fourth place in the ranking, with Asturias (3%) closing the list of the ‘Top 5’ destinations most in demand for holiday homes to rent in Spain this Easter.

Article courtesy of www.kyero.com - for all the latest property news

OLV667

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

Apartment For Sale on golf course

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS

cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com

Vera Playa Apartment

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen with white goods, Nice views of golf course parking, Mojacar approx 7 mins

now only

€39,950

T: 664 291 793 jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

Returning to UK?

£69,000 ono

MODERN PARKHOME (NW Leicestershire)

Private sale of this lovely home on a secure, well established, residential park and at an extremely attractive price. > 2 Fitted Bedrooms > Large lounge/diner > Inclusive fitted kitchen > Luxury shower room/WC Email: ronlen@btinternet.com

UK: 01455 293603

...CALL 902 750 190 OR 950 121 936 ~ EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Just reduced!

Large townhouse with garage in Mojácar for only €169,000!

End of terrace spacious townhouse with sea views within 200 meters from the beach.

The property is south facing and is set in a sought after, very residential area, on the grounds of a gated private community with a private road which can be accessed via two different streets.

It also has a lovely communal lawned

gardens and large swimming pool.

The property has a total built area of 138 mts² distributed between ground and first floor, and basement. The basement where the garage is can be accessed from the property or from the underground road that runs through the community.

On the ground floor there is a large entrance hall, an independent fully

fitted kitchen, a cloakroom with shower, and a large dining / living room with a fire place. The private terrace leads to the gardens and swimming pool. Upstairs there are the master bedroom, a family bathroom and two further bedrooms.

Like the rest of the house, the garage also has marble floors and natural light.

The house is very airy and light. All in

all a very nice house throughout which can be used as a permanent home, a holiday home or as an investment property.

This is a must see property and the low asking price makes it very attractive.

For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail.

Ref: 1483

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

LANGUISH iN lUXURY

27

If you are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, or a room suitable for a second bathroom, you might like to choose a true wet room – a fully waterproofed or “tanked” room tiled and with an open shower area – in which underfloor heating is a possibility, if you want to take advantage of green energy.

The addition of a wetroom can add value of a property in the best cases, but at the very least will add value and appeal to your home if you want to sell it.

If your space, and your budget, is a little more modest a fitted bathroom can still be a beautiful bathing space.

A bath may be the focal point of your bathroom, so whether you opt for a traditional rectangular bath with paneling or a freestanding bath tub, you do need to think about styles and materials to suit your overall design.

If space is at a premium, storage needs to be well planned, but bathroom cupboards do not need to be very deep as their contents are generally small and narrow. A wallmounted towel rail can not only be functional in terms of providing warmth and, of course, holding your towels but can have significant aesthetic value too.

For many people the creation of a luxurious, tranquil space in which to escape from the world, if only for a while, is the ultimate aim of their bathroom design. The actual design, of course, depends on the size of your bathroom – or on the size of your house if you are considering a wet room for example, as an ensuite or second bathroom – and your budget but there is any number of designs for you to choose from.

Getting Your Home Ready For Summer!

Match Your Garden...

Just as a favorite chair’s upholstery may inspire a room’s colour scheme, a few dominant hues in your flora can anchor an area’s composition. Use green-glazed pots and mix with chartreuse-greensquare pillows. Add in some tones of blue and aquamarine for seat cushions too for a really fresh feel!

Create Festive Decorations...

With a few snips and folds, and a little imagination, you can turn humble paper into party-perfect decorations.

Create A Shady Spot...

All by itself, a simple canopy can turn an empty space outside into a “place.” Although trees might take years to grow, an expanse of cloth goes up in minutes

28

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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

Code of ethics for police officers AGREED

A new ‘code of ethics’ is about to be launched for the Local and National Police in Spain, instructing officers to work with ‘empathy’, avoid brute force and to put political values aside in the course of duty.

In response to various claims of police officers beating up, torturing or otherwise using undue force against members of the public during demonstrations – some of these mere bystanders and many claiming they were not causing any disorder or disturbance – the force is now expected to adhere to 26 articles in a new code which demands ‘self-control’, ‘empathy’, ‘respect’, ‘elegance’ and ‘impartiality’.

are illegal,” the code states.

It also adds that officers’ political views should be kept out of their duties and that they should work towards combating corruption.

“All officers shall receive the full support of their colleagues and superiors where they become aware of any act of corruption or violation of professional ethical principles, including persons who perform these acts, those who sanction or tolerate them, those who are aware of them and do not take action to prevent them or do not report them,” the text reads.

Likewise, there will be no sanctions applied to officers who disobey their superiors if the orders given to them are illegal.

Any form of physical force or violence either by or towards a police officer or between other persons must be stopped or prevented at all costs, and ‘torture’, brutality or violence to get prisoners or arrested parties to confess is prohibited.

“Every officer shall be personally responsible for his or her own acts, omissions and, where applicable, orders given to his or her subordinates, but shall not be held responsible for failing to obey orders which

Officers are also requested not to drink alcohol or take any ‘mood-altering substances’ such as illegal drugs whilst on the job ‘where this may affect their personality or judgment’.

The code is ethically rather than legally binding, meaning in theory officers who breach it cannot be sanctioned.

Signs of property market improvement

Sol Insure A New Ray Of Light For Insurance

Looking Around for Insurance or Renewal Due?

Sol Insure

Let find the best policy for you!

Providing the best cover at competitive rates

info@bwispain.com

950 472 098

UK House prices rose by 0.5 per cent in February, which means they are up by 1.9 per cent in the last three months compared to the same period 12 months ago - their biggest year-on-year growth since September 2010, Halifax reported.

In a report by the Mail Online, the average house price moved up to £163,600, though that remains 3 per cent below the last peak of £168,593 in April 2010 - and 18 per cent below the all-time high on the Halifax measure of £199,612 in August 2007.

Nationwide earlier reported prices rising by 0.2 per cent in February after a 0.5 per cent increase in January.

Prices had previously been flat in both December and November. As a result, house prices were flat year-on-year in February on the Nationwide’s measure.

‘Overall modestly improved housing market activity since mid-2012, supported by the Funding for Lending Scheme, and a moderate recent firming of prices suggest that there is a growing prospect 2013 could be a slightly better year for the housing market,’ said Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight.

Housing activity has picked up modestly in recent months too, although still muted compared to the long-term picture - with the latest Bank of England figures showing mortgage approvals on the rise for five months running. In addition to the recent modest rise in mortgage approvals, the latest Bank of England’s credit conditions survey reports that lenders made significantly more capital available for home loans in the fourth quarter last year, and

expected a further marked increase in the first quarter of 2013.

Commenting, Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: ‘This increase in both house prices and activity in recent months is consistent with evidence of some improvement in market conditions.

‘The more than half-a-million increase in the number of people in employment over the past year is likely to have been a factor supporting housing demand.

‘We expect to see a national increase in house prices over the course of 2013.

Weak income growth and continuing below-trend economic growth, however, are likely to remain significant constraints on housing demand.’

He also pointed out that the national house price averages mask strong market variations across the country.

Property analyst Hometrack recently found that three-quarters of the increases in house prices it recorded in February across England and Wales were due to rises in London and the South East.

Hometrack found that while prices increased in London by 0.3 per cent on a monthly basis in February, they dropped by 0.2 per cent in the North East.

Harris said: ‘Lenders continue to cut mortgage rates, undercutting each other almost on a daily basis.

‘More options at better rates at higher LTVs (loans to value) are filtering through, and we need more of these to support the first-time buyer market.’

www.soltimes.com

Est 25yrs

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR

SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENAMIENTO

149,500€ Mojácar Playa SDV612 139,950€ Mojácar Playa LV602 349,995€ Mojácar Playa DV1220

118,000€ Mojácar Playa LV590 Charming linked bungalow of 70m2 + large roof terrace & terraces of 15m2 & 16m2 respectively. Super views & only a 2 min drive from the beach. 2 bed, 1 bath. No community fees.

Lovely semi-detached 2 bed townhouse of 66m2, not inc. terraces, across the road from the beach. Completely renovated to a high standard with community parking, gardens & pool.

Superb linked villa of 81m2 with a private terrace of 22m2 just 400m2 from the beach. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms & furnished. Well maintained community gardens & pool.

Very attractive detached villa, with self– contained 1 bed, 1 bath, apartment, of 109m2 on 492 m2 & great sea views. 2 bed, 2 bath. Private garage & pool. There is also a basement of 44 m2.

109,950€ Cortijo Grande LV626

39,950€ Cortijo Grande A1140

97,500€ Cortijo Grande LV640

395,000€

Pretty linked townhouse of 85m2 + garden/ terrace 22m2 with superb views over the golf course. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, nicely furnished. Only 15 minutes drive to the local beaches.

Very attractive 1st floor apartment of 49m2,next to the beautiful Cortijo Grande Golf course. 1 bedroom , 1 bathroom.

Furnished with a brand new fitted kitchen.

Perfect holiday home.

Lovely furnished front-line golf townhouse of 89m2 with breathtaking views over the golf course. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, private terrace. Short drive to towns & beaches.

An extremely private detached villa of 249 m2 on 20,462 m2 with superb views to the sea. In superb order throughout.

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Garage, terraces, gardens & plenty of room for a pool.

85,000€ Valle del Este A1148 A quality 2nd floor apartment of 70m2 in a well kept community next to the golf course. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Garage parking & storeroom. 2community pools.

Country views.

52,000€

Turre

A1161

Quality 2nd floor apartment of 59m2 + south-facing terrace with lift access in walking distance of the town centre.

Communal roof terrace with fabulous views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.

Furnished. Parking.

La Parata

DV1253

125,000 € Mojácar Playa LV656 425,000 € Mojácar Playa DV1266 Extremely attractive furnished bungalow of 77m2 on 193m2 less than 5 minutes drive to the beach. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, terraces, garden & roof terrace.

Community gardens & parking.

South-facing detached villa with separate apartment less than 250 metres from the beach. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms & furnished. Private pool, ample terraces & garage. Amazing sea views.

www.pricebrown.com Tel: +34 950 478 915 Fax: +34 950 478 963 sales@pricebrown.com

rentals@pricebrown.com

Mondays 10.00 - 13.30 & 16.00 - 19.00 Tuesdays - Fridays 9.30 - 13.30 & 16.00 - 19.00 Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

Prices are correct for 7 days from going to print for all properties on these pages

29

30

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

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

food news...

UK farmer makes world’s first MILK VODKA

It is the drink of choice in Russia, typically made from grain and consumed by hard-bitten drinkers in sub-zero temperatures. But now farmer Jason Barber is making the world’s first milk vodka – from his herd of 250 cows at Beaminster, Dorset.

Black Cow vodka has become the must-have tipple at restaurants owned by Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Celebrity fans include 007 star Daniel Craig and Liz Hurley.

The milk from Mr Barber’s cows is separated into curds and whey. The curds are used to make cheese while the watery leftovers – whey – are fermented into a beer using a special yeast that converts the milk sugar into alcohol.

This is distilled and treated in a secret blending process. The vodka is then triple-filtered before being bottled – with a gold top.

It has taken Mr Barber three years to perfect the process and produce a vodka that approving experts say has ‘a creamy nose’.

Mr Barber, 47, a sixth-generation farmer, had the idea after watching a TV documentary about Tuva, a small republic in Siberia, where locals make vodka from yak milk.

He said: ‘I’m a big fan of vodka – it’s the only drink that doesn’t give me a hangover.’

Black Cow is made from the same milk used to make Barber’s 1833 cheddar, winner of the World Cheese Awards Cheddar Trophy 2012.

scientists: Red meat chemical ‘damages heart’

A chemical found in red meat helps explain why eating too much steak, mince and bacon is bad for the heart, say US scientists. A study in the journal Nature Medicine showed that carnitine in red meat was broken down by bacteria in the gut. This kicked off a chain of events that resulted in higher levels of cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.

There has been a wealth of studies suggesting that regularly eating red meat may be damaging to health. In the UK, the government recommends eating no more than 70g of red or processed meat a day - the equivalent of two slices of bacon.

Saturated fat and the way processed meat is preserved are thought to contribute to heart problems. However, this was not thought to be the whole story.

“The cholesterol and saturated fat content of lean red meat is not that high, there’s something else contributing to increases in cardiovascular risk,” lead researcher Dr Stanley Hazen told the BBC.

www.soltimes.com

31

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

send your recipes to editor@soltimes.com

the rise of the cupcake

The humble cake has become a hero of our times. We’re baking them, buying them, selling them, reading and watching TV programmes about them.

While the global economy crumbles, an army of bakers has been beavering away in kitchens throughout the land, selling scones and cupcakes and, more importantly, acting as a powerful rising agent for national revenue.

Where once hemlines were an indicator of the state of the stock market, with this recession we seek sweet salvation.

According to a report by the Mail Online, last year we bought more than 110 million cupcakes – nearly two each for every man, woman and child. And that’s not counting the confections we made at home, quite a sum when you consider that 58 per cent of us tried baking in 2012, up from 27 per cent in 2011.

Georgi Gyton,

associate editor of industry magazine British Baker says, “Cakes are an affordable luxury. Where once we treated ourselves to a meal out, now we’ve downscaled to tea and cake. What’s more, baking fits in with the back-to-basics mentality of austerity, and cupcakes and layer cakes are easy to make. The satisfaction of making a cake and decorating it yourself is incredibly uplifting. That’s why TV shows such as The Great British Bake Off have been so popular. It’s all about the feel-good factor.”

Sales of bakeware and ingredients have also shot up: kitchenware specialist Lakeland sold 3,500,000 disposable piping bags in the first half of 2012, while homeware retailer Dunelm Mill has seen a surge in sales of cake tins and cooking utensils. As its chief executive Nick Wharton says, ‘Baking is becoming ingrained in the British psyche again.’

have you caught the baking bug? then Why not send us a photo of your cakes and we’ll print them here for all of our readers to enjoy! editor@soltimes.com

Grea s e tF m Ti rie d nds YELLOW Goo

STONE BAR

Food Around The World Dining Group On the last Sunday of every month starting 28th April from 12 noon

On the last Sunday of each month The Yellow Stone Bar will be holding a “Food Around The World” dining experience. You will need to pre-book your table and pay a 5€ deposit. We will visit a new country each month and sample traditionally cooked food of that country. The menu will consist of a salad followed by a choice of starters, choice of main courses and a choice of desserts. A glass of Red, White or Rose wine will be served with the main course and the total cost will be 11.95€ per person.

On Sunday

28th April

we are going to visit

THAILAND

so book early to avoid disappointment!

It will then be down to the Diners to decide the next destination for the following month and this will be announced the following day on the notice board.

We can also keep you up-to-date by email or you can follow us on Facebook!

Bookings are mandatory and on a “first come first served” basis.... we look forward to seeing you!

ITV Find us in Piedra Amarilla CENTRE For more information and phone orders ← Albox Fines → call Paul: 634 332 178

yellowstonebar@gmail.com

Yellow Stone 1km Piedra Amarilla →

Los Mellizos Restaurant

La Alfoquia, Zurgena

We have a new chef and a new Menu !

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover

Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Fantastic New menu of the Day only 10€ per person MAD

MONDAYS

Chicken, Chips, Salad & a Bottle of Wine per 2 People

Eagles Tribute

Only 12€

ABBA

Madness

Friday Friday Friday 31st May 10th May 12th April Chips telephone: 950 473 135 Fish w&ith

mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach

Open 10am till late 7 days a week

tter

Bread & Bu

5.95€

friday night mixed grill & steak special menu from Friday 12th April -- Abbie Lou Friday 19th April -- Dee Sharp Friday 26th April -- Steve Fisher

Open Mon - Fri 8am - late. Sat & Sun 9am - late

8€

Tlf: 667 919 025

32

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

view us online www.soltimes.com ALBOX

Bar Menu & Snacks Home-made puds

MENU DEL DIA

Burgers, Lasagne, pies, Omelettes, chilli plus

5

served 12 - 3 except Fri & Sun

All Day Breakfast from 9am

onl y €

2 Courses

Includes FREE Tea or Coffee

friday & SATURDAY

Cod ‘n’ ChipS

Beerfrom battered 5.95€ Atlantic Cod, Homemade Chips, Mushy or Garden PeaS SERVED 12-9pm

Friday & Saturday

Our Restaurant is Open 6pm-9pm

EVENING from MENU 5.95€

Traditional SUNDAY LUNCH

ly Delicious & Home-cooked n o served A Choice of Topside Of Beef & 12.30 - 5pm Yorkshire Pudding; Roast Pork With Crackling And Apple Sauce Tender or Roast Chicken With Stuffing - all served with Locallygrown Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables & a Glass Of House Wine, Tubo of Beer or a Coffee

6.95€ to include a FREE Drink

Starters, Puddings - 2€ each

SUNDAY SERVED 10AM-12PM

BREAKFAST

Activities at

Monday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Thursday

Rock ‘n’ Roll - 7:30pm Line Dancing 7:30pm

Quirky Quiz - 7:30pm

Ceroc Dancing & Fun Social Night 7:30pm

all welcome ...Art Classes (held most days) ... plus Computer Club...Keep fit & slimming classes check the board for times ALBOX

•••

← ARBOLEAS BAZA → Av•••AL . L BO ep an X → to jacksalbox@gmail.com

OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN @

BP Garage

950 120 718 / 610 641 567

g n i n e t h g i r f The . . . t u o b a h t u r t

crisps

Should packets of crisps carry a health warning? You might scoff at the suggestion, but it comes as evidence emerges to show the snack is bad news — fuelling not just the obesity and heart disease epidemics, but linked to developmental problems in unborn babies, hyperactivity in children and potentially cancer in adults.

The risks would not be so critical were it not for the alarming extent to which Britain’s crisp-munching habit has grown. Last week a YouGov poll found that a third of British children eat crisps every day. The other twothirds of UK children eat them several times a week.

In fact, Britons polish off six billion packets a year — the equivalent of one ton of crisps every three minutes or almost 100 packets per person.

Snacking on a packet a day — as so many of Britain’s children now do — can add up to the equivalent of drinking almost five litres of cooking oil per year to their diet.

That is not to mention fat, sugar and salt the packs contain.

All this may seem difficult to believe of those innocent-looking grab bags crowding the shelves at the corner shop, supermarket and petrol station.

But the fun logos and bright colours mask a product that has been industrially perfected to tantalise our taste buds to the point of addiction.

So claims Michael Moss, the author of newly published book: Salt, Sugar, Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us. His investigations have revealed how decades of research by food-making giants have transformed crisps from the mildly enticing snacks of the Seventies into products designed to smart-bomb our brains’ craving centres with precision chemistry.

When you pop a crisp in your mouth, he explains, the taste of salt hits you almost immediately. It’s an effect that the salt industry calls ‘the flavour burst’.

Modern crisps are also loaded with fat to provide something that the industry calls ‘mouthfeel’. This makes the experience of eating modern-day crisps similar to the pleasure sensation you get when you bite into gooey cheese.

We feel this fat through a nerve called the trigeminal, which sits above and behind the mouth. It sends tactile information to the brain. The better the mouthfeel, the more we desire it. Combined with the salt and fat is the sugar that is naturally packed in the potato starch. This completes the trio of flavours that our instinctive brains naturally crave, says Moss.

But the ultimate secret weapon of today’s crisps is their scientifically honed crispiness.

‘Research has found that the more noise a crisp makes when you bite into it, the more you will like it,’ Moss says.

This has set snack giants in search of the perfect crave-inducing crunch.

They have discovered things such as ‘the perfect break point’ (apparently, we love crisps that snap with four pounds of pressure per square inch).

Another trick is to label such products ‘gourmet’, as if that makes their ingredients really any less bad for you when overeaten.

All this helps to explain why so many of us ‘love’ crisps.

But this highly seductive high-intensity burst of fat, sugar and salt comes at a potential price to our health.

Consumed in excess, these ingredients are well-proven by research to increase our risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and coronary disease.

In children, over-consumption can put them on the path to a lifetime of ill-health.

Moreover, science is now revealing a host of more insidious threats specific to crisps.

Crisps are now the single largest contributor to the obesity epidemic in the U.S., according to research published in the authoritative New England Journal of Medicine by cardiologist and food researcher Dr Dariush Mozaffarian.

He says: ‘All foods are not equal, and just eating in moderation is not enough.’

In his research, of all foods potatoes stand out as weight-pilers, but especially crisps.

It is not just that crisps are easily available and highly fattening, he said.

They also make you physically crave more of them.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

STARTER

e N i r r e t ricot ta to salad

...FOOD & ENTERTAINING METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Peel the beetroot, leaving a little stalk on each one, and cut into 4.

Line a baking tray with tinfoil. Then, on another large sheet of foil, add the beetroot and scatter with half the thyme, 2tsp of oil and half the honey. Season and toss together to coat evenly. Bring the edges of the foil up to make a parcel. Put onto the lined tray and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the cod into 4 pieces and place them on a foil-lined baking tray, dust with paprika, salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2tsp of the oil. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus stalks.

Remove the beetroot from the foil and place on the tray, then add the asparagus, together with the rest of the thyme, honey and remaining oil. Season and return to the oven, along with the fish, and cook for 8-10 minutes.

This dish can be served hot or cold.

with toma

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 6 small beetroot, around 350g (12oz) 3 large sprigs of thyme, leaves picked off 4tsp runny honey 2tbsp olive oil 750g (1lb 10oz) cod loin ¼tsp sweet paprika, plus extra for serving 250g (9oz) whole asparagus Salt and freshly ground black pepper

& y e n o H Cod With ot Beetro

INGREDIENTS Serves 4- 6 4 eggs & 1 egg yolk 250g (9oz) ricotta, drained 75g (2½oz) manchego cheese, grated 20g (¾oz) plain flour ½tsp dried green peppercorns, roughly crushed Sea salt 1tbsp chopped chives 2tbsp chopped chervil 1½tbsp tarragon For the basil dressing 1 small basil plant 5tbsp extra virgin olive oil Pinch of sugar 2tsp white wine vinegar 1tsp Dijon mustard 2tbsp finely grated manchego cheese To serve Assorted coloured tomatoes, quartered

33

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4.

Line a 500g (1lb 2oz) loaf tin with waxed paper, leaving a slight overlap.

Whisk together the whole eggs and the single yolk in a bowl. Tip the ricotta into a large bowl and whisk in the egg a little at a time. Add the herbs, pepper and salt, and spoon into the loaf tin.

Place the tin in a deep, large roasting tray and fill this with hot water to half way up the sides of the loaf tin, then place in the oven Bake for 45 minutes until golden and firm to touch. Lift the tin out of the water and cool for about 15 minutes. Remove the terrine and gently peel away the paper.

To make the dressing, pluck the leaves off the basil plant and place in a heat-proof bowl. Pour over boiling water to cover, leave for 30 seconds, then drain in a colander.

Refresh the leaves under cold water, then pat dry with kitchen paper and place in a small food processor with the other ingredients and whizz to a fine purée.

Slice the terrine and serve with the tomatoes, a spoonful of the basil dressing

MAIN

DESSERT

urt h g o Y n e z o Tropical Fr pple Crisps With Pinea INGREDIENTS 1 small ripe pineapple (about 375-400g/13-14oz) 2tbsp golden caster sugar 175g (6oz) golden caster sugar 600g (1lb 5oz) thick coconut yoghurt Finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes 20g (¾oz) mint leaves, finely chopped

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 100C/gas ¼. To make the crisps, peel the pineapple and cut off 8-12 paper-thin slices.

Put them on a baking tray lined with a cooling rack, sprinkle over the 2tbsp of sugar and bake for 3 hours, or until the edges are turning brown. Leave to cool in the oven and then remove and store in an air-tight container until needed.

To make the tropical frozen yoghurt, core the remaining pineapple, roughly chop and blend the flesh in a food processor to make a purée.

Mix together the sugar, yoghurt, lime zest and juice, and mint in a large mixing bowl and add the pineapple purée. Now pour the mixture into an ice-cream maker and churn until thick, then freeze.

To serve, scoop the frozen yoghurt into dessert glasses or bowls and serve with the pineapple crisps.

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

Down

1 Female singing range (7) 2 A skin softener (9) 3 A daughter of Agamemnon (Greek mythology) (7) 4 Long and thin (9) 5 Savor (5) 6 Show religious devotion (7)

7 Revolutionary (5) 8 One who twists fibers into threads (7) 14 Longing for something past (9) 16 Simple or naive in style (9) 17 An officer of the court (7) 18 A loose African men’s tunic (7) 20 Manifestations of a Hindu deity (7) 21 Candidate (7) 23 Bearskin (5) 24 A group of south Pacific islands (5)

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

1 Celebration of funny, fat Elvis (8) 2 Unemotional woman returning with plenty! (6) 3 Gold, headless insect without soldiers’ decoration (8) 4 Heard every street for ever (6) 6 Both sides in a

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Down

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

1 Searchers (7) 5 Hinders (7) 9 Children (9) 10 Jewish teacher (5) 11 Allocated (7) 12 A military unit (7) 13 Surgical procedure (9) 15 What we write on (5) 17 Restrained (5) 19 Pregnancy (9) 22 Asserts (7) 25 Reversion (7) 26 Pertaining to modern

day Persia (5) 27 The moving of a group (9) 28 A southern state (7) 29 Spartan (7)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

5 Worthless sailor with aeroplane going round Cuba (6) 7 Safe hospital member with the foreign ship (8) 9 Voting system taking toy for one who talks idly (8) 10 Slowly notice a soldier with nothing (6) 11 Reds’ revival’s making for harsh employers (5,7) 13 Reported part put in by handheld shelter (6) 15 Sailor quiet on fish (6) 18 Change crosspiece to be appearing threedimensional (12) 21 A French daughter after official pay back (6) 22 Way out of my left overs initially, given back to knowledgeable person (8) 23 Con upset person out of a half-rial (8) 24 In chrome thy Lada’s radical (6)

rugby fabrication - a felony (8) 7 That man has control (almost) within this place (6) 8 List awfully with a little gap (4) 12 Fiddled pay centre missing with adroit footwork? (8) 14 Die, lying devastated and giving up (8) 16 Open land up pal - for fellow lodger (8) 17 Very quiet - look outside for hot stuff! (6) 18 Game of drink? (6) 19 I’m unfortunately bringing up meat (6)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

view us online www.soltimes.com Climate Change May Drastically Reduce Traditional Wine-Producing Areas, Study Says Amid growing concerns that climate change may be negatively impacting agriculture and food industry operations worldwide, a new study suggests that the winemaking industry as we known it may soon be forever altered.

A report by the Huffington Post indicates that rising temperatures and changes in rainfall are already rendering traditional grape-growing regions in the Mediterranean, such as areas in southern France and Tuscany, Italy, less suitable for producing quality crops, according to the study, published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences.

“The numbers that came back were so mind-boggling,” said Dr. Lee Hannah, lead author of the study, which was conducted by Conservation International and the Environmental Defense Fund.

The study predicts that by 2050, areas suitable for grape cultivation will decrease between 25 and 73 percent in major wine-producing regions. Some wineries may be forced to move to higher elevations, which could have negative environmental consequences for native wildlife. Those that stay put may resort to using irrigation techniques to maintain production levels, which the study’s authors worry may have problematic consequences for freshwater conservation.

Wines from traditional regions may also be more difficult to find in coming years. “It’s going to become more expensive to grow wine in those regions,” Hannah said.

Wine is very susceptible to changes in climate and temperature, Hannah said, because climate changes affect terroir, or the environmental conditions in which grapes are grown. This in turn influences the taste of wine.

On the flip side, some areas are experiencing better conditions for making wine. In New Jersey, winemakers shocked industry professionals last year at a storied tasting dubbed the “Judgment of Princeton.” There, wines from the so-called “Armpit of America” held their own against much more established and celebrated French wines.

Although that’s good news for some people -- could New Jersey be home to the next Sonoma or Napa? -- the study’s authors question what the shifting landscape may mean for other regions. Areas near Yellowstone National Park and the mountains of central China will become suitable for grape growth, they say, and that could be detrimental to local wildlife. Areas expected to enjoy improved terroir in China fall mainly in giant panda habitats.

Wine consumption in China has expanded exponentially in recent years. Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reported that sales of wine in China increased by 20 percent to about $41 billion in 2012, compared to the year before.

“Future conservation efforts for the giant panda need to incorporate consideration of viticulture as a potential land use and viticultural suitability trends in response to climate change,” the study says.

But climate change itself may not present the gravest threat to wildlife.

“It’s likely that the indirect impacts of the agriculture sector adapting to climate change as crops begin to move ... will be bigger on wildlife than the direct effects of climate change,” said Dr. Rebecca Shaw, an author of the study who is also a senior scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund. “That, particularly in places like China, is going to have implications for wildlife.”

Bay bistro Next to Mediterraneo, Mojacar Playa

The Fresh Food Restaurant

Menu del Dia Deli Sandwich ONLY 9.95€ Menu Menu de la Noche from 6.95€ ONLY 12.95€ Full a la Carte all new e Menu spring tim Available menu open e a d ytim gs in n & eve

Sunday Lunch Special

3 Courses

Including Roast of the Week

closed tuesday’s

Only 9.95€

628 Tel:Tel: 950 450 199761 • 628391 761 391

To avoid disappointment please call and reserve your table

La

35

el Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue

this week’s restaurant specials

Enjoy Wonderful Views over the Olive Groves from our Candelit Restaurant wed - sat evenings Open 6pm-9pm

Savoury Stuffed Chicken 7.45€ Tender chicken breast filled with olives, onion, carrot & tomato served on a bed of peppered cabbage Chinese Pork Tenderloin7.95€ Medallions of pork in ginger, garlic & soya sauce served with rice

full selection of all your favourites - all homemade

Salmon & Asparagus 7.95€ Steamed salmon & asparagus served with a dill butter sauce on wilted spinach THE ABOVE MAINS ARE SERVED WITH A CHOICE OF POTATOES & SEASONAL VEGETABLES

menu changes weekly plus specials board

Starters: Ask for today’s choice of Starters, 2.50€ each

incl: fish of the day

Scrumptious Homemade Puddings Ask your waitress for the specials of the day, all 2.50€ each!

16oz steaks & mixed grills always available

Cheese & Biscuits Selection A selection of Cheeses served with biscuits & homemade chutney 3.50€

traditional sunday lunch served 12.30PM - 5PM

to include a complimentary coffee & chocolate

booking recommended

fridays

Beer-battered cod

from

5.95€ in the Bar

homemade chips & peas

bar lunches

served 12.30pm - 9pm booking advisable

6€ FOR TWO COURSES SERVED 12:30-3:30PM

lite menu

ALSO served from 12-9pm

~ bar specials ~

cod, chips & peas only 6 - 9pm or chicken curry & rice 5€ 1/2 roast chicken, onl y wednesday chips & salad 5€ 6 - 9pm or gammon chips & peas

Tuesday

thursday ...is pie night! only 6 - 9pm delicious homemade pie, 5€ chis & peas

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

book the Venue

For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

36

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

out & about

At The Beachcomber on Wednesday 24th April enjoy A Musical Journey Through The Decades with singer Kay Francis….Friday May 3rd sees another Anglican Church Spring Fair which is held just about 200m past The Beachcomber, so close enough to call and see John and the team and enjoy a snack and a drink…..

Wednesday 22nd May brings a warm welcome back to Kris Kelly singing Country and Western. Call now to reserve your table for any of our events on 950 473 099 or visit the website for more information http://beachcombermojacar.com Julie and Cliff at The Welcome Stranger in Limaria welcome customers to one of the prettiest rural restaurants in the area. With a range of specials including Sunday lunches from only 4.50€, your hosts

Rafa and Vanessa, a husband and wife team, are the managers in the Restaurant at Albox Tennis Club. They have been there for over a year and in that short time have made the restaurant a great success already! They would like to invite you to visit their humble restaurant situated within the grounds of the tennis club, they enjoy great views from the large terrace, surrounded by nature and benefiting from a private car park. They have two large rooms for events, and are able to offer an economical but

Lunchtime Specials – from 4€ Thursday & Friday – Steak Night 7.95€ A La Carte always available Evening Set Menu – 3 courses plus a drink 9.95€

SUNDAY LUNCH 1 course €4.50 3 courses €9.75 Open: Wed - Sat 12-3pm & 7-9pm (Last Orders) Sun 12-3.30pm

free wifi

950 432 719 / 677 378 952

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

sunday Roast

3 course - €10.50 main course - €7.50 Winter Opening Times 10 til close Food orders taken from 10:30 til 4pm

like Chris to host a party for you for any special occasions, then he is happy to plan a tailor made menu and can also organise the entertainment....For people that fancy one of his fabulous pies, but didn’t want to eat in the restaurant, then see what he has ready to takeaway! You will spoilt for choice with scrummy pies, all baked and ready to just warm up at home, you can choose from steak, steak and ale, chicken, and even chicken curry....just to name a few! And remember Sunday lunch is only 8.50€ for 3 courses. Give Chris a call to reserve your table on 650 599 739.

will ensure a fine dining experience in a friendly environment. To tempt you even further they also offer Steak Night Specials every Thursday and Friday evening and at only 7.95€ per person, it’s got to be worth a try! Give them a call to reserve your table on 950 432 719.

tranger come S WelRestaurante, Limaria

Established 7 years

...to advertise on this page call 950 121 936

menu of the day 3 courses €10

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

quality Menu del Dia for just €8.50 through the week and €10 at the weekend, they have different tapas every day and special Carne a la Brasa (grilled meats) on weekends.

If you pay them a visit, they are sure not to disappoint! To those who have already been, thank you for your support, to those who are yet to come - we look forward to seeing you soon! Tel: 667 671 578.

Bistro Bonita set in the pretty hamlet of Cerro Gordo, just minutes outside Albox, continues to delight diners with tantalising dishes. On Wednesday 17th April it is Party Karaoke Night, see his advert for more information. Chris who cooks using local fresh produce, takes great care when organising his menus and anyone that has eaten there will agree that you leave more than satisfied. If you would

La Cena

Restaurante

Albox

menu del noche 3 starters, 5 mains & 3 deserts Full A La Carte also available

Sunday Sizzler mixed grill €9.95

MARI CRUZ is situated in Turre high street. It has a lovely outside terrace and roomy indoor area. Specialising in grilled meats, fish all cooked on BBQ & regional dishes as well as a great variety of wine, beers, tapas and an excellent variety of freshly homemade pizzas & pastas is available to eat in or take away. There is Lounge for meetings, company dinners, small events & birthdays. Come & buy any pizza to take away and get a free margarita pizza absolutely free. You can now also enjoy a new weekly menu served every day and evening including a starter, main and dessert or coffee for only 9€ per person.

LA CENA, in Albox is a fine dining experience without the expense. A beautifully decorated restaurant run by husband and wife team Simon and Carol. At the moment they are serving a superb Menu Del Noche, where you can choose from a choice of 3 starters, 5 mains and 3 deserts.

They also offer an alternative to the Sunday lunch, a Sunday Sizzler Mixed Grill at just €9.95 per person, with a carafe of wine per couple included! If any of this has whetted your appetite, call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm today!

BAR RESTAURANT

CERRO GORDO

party karaoke night with graham ‘d’

wednesday 17th april - 9pm til late

including a carafe of wine per couple

remember sunday lunches only €8.50 for 3 courses best value in town

Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm - late. Sunday 2pm - 6pm Closed Monday. Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

GPS Sat Nav: N37o24.511’ W002o11.479 Call for all enquiries & reservations Tel: 650 599 739 / 950 930 169

Great takeaway menu

Menu del Dia

Traditional Takeaway Fish & Chips

Tues - Thurs 8.50€ Fri - Sun 10.00€

Opening Hours

Mon:12:30-3pm, Tues-Fri 12.30-3.30pm & 5-9pm Sat: 12.30-3.30pm & Closed Evening Opposite Iceland Car Park,Vera

Tel: 667 333 361 www.thechippyvera.com Eat in or No more sitting in your cars to eat...

Take-Away The Chippy now has tables & Chairs

RESERVATIONS 667 67 15 78 666 55 98 77

restclubtenisalbox@yahoo.es

RESTAURANTE Club de Tenis Albox

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

37

COMMUNITY NEWS Happy Birthday Rob Enjoy your birthday in the sun, from Ged, Hudson & Steve XXXXX

Alpujarra Wine Tasting Trip

Sunday April 14th at 10:00 am a wine tasting bus from Hotel Tikar (10:10 in Los Gallardos) will travel to the Alpujarras on the western side of Almeria. The first tasting will begin in the Cortijo del Cura bodega where there will be a personal tour through the vineyards and a tasting of several of their organic wines. Next stop will be lunch in the Meson Ruta Lalpujarra in Laujar for a traditional “Alpujarreño” meal. On the way back one more stop in the Cortijo de la Vieja winery for another tasting of more local wines for the journey home.

The cost is 35 euros per person including transportation, winery tours and tastings and lunch. Due to the popularity of these trips please make your reservations asap. For reservations and further information please contact Sean at Hotel Tikar in Garrucha 950 61 71 31

CHURCH OF ENGLAND

ANGLICAN CHURCH SPRING FAIR.

This will be held on Friday 3 MAY at the Levante Car Park Mojacar Playa starting at 10.00am.

There will be something for everyone.

A large range of stalls. Everything from Ladies and Gents clothes, Bric a Brac. and childrens clothes, homemade cakes and plenty of books. Raffles. Hot dogs, cava and shortbread.

This is one of the Church’s main fundraising events of the year. The Church is totally self funding and gives generously to Charities.

Come and join in the fun!

weekly quiz nights

with CHERRY Original Quizzes

Questions to make you think! Smile & Ponder...

Back to having a word to look up this week ~ and that word is ANGLEWITCH ~ but perhaps you already know what it is?

If you can find out the meaning it will earn a point for your team in next week’s Quiz!!!

A really enjoyable night out - All levels welcome from 7.30pm Come on your own or bring a team Prizes & Wooden spoon presented on the night!

La Albox

tuesdays 7.30pm

VidaVenue

el Cucador

Monday evenings 7.30pm

Monthly Raffle Prize Winners For March 2013 Amigos Bowling Centre – 2 course Sunday Lunch for 2 or Fish & Chips with Dessert for 2 any day of the week (Closed Mondays) Brenda Marley Bar International – A €15 Voucher Olga Bunting Eurowise – A €15 Voucher Nigel Tickner Pricebusters – A €20 Voucher Barbara Dickinson Winning tickets drawn by John from Living Design.

Sellers Cash Received Jean +Dolores 82 Keith 52 APSA Shop 6 Total Collected € 140 APSA is grateful to the Amigos Bowling Centre, Bar International, Eurowise, & Pricebusters for their monthly prizes and to all who purchase raffle tickets. The proceeds of which will go towards helping the many animals in the care of APSA. Many Thanks for your continued support Keith Roberts

THE ROSE SINGERS

10th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT 2003 – 2013 “A BOUQUET OF ROSES” Friday APRIL 19TH LIVING WATER CHURCH MOJACAR (NEAR RED CROSS ROUNDABOUT) Saturday APRIL 20th LOS GALLARDOS CAMPING Time 7.30pm Tickets 8 euros from Mojacar Playa: GILLS TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT, Turre FORGET- ME- NOT Las Buganvillas CHOIR MEMBERS or telephone 950 617 737

Face

sale

Fundraising in Arboleas Caring for Everyone Reg No. G04667432 www.face-charity.com

Nearly new clothes sale

at the Bar International (Diner) Tuesday 16th April 10am - 2pm If you are spring cleaning your wardrobe and have clothes, handbags etc, to donate please pass them our way call for more information Adele 667 255 094 Carrie 627 279 584 Gilly 678581794 We NEED your help! Thank you.

Junior & Adult Classes (9 yrs - 15 yrs) (16 yrs - Adult) Mondays: 7pm - 8.30pm Wednesdays: 5.15 - 6.45pm Saturdays: 4pm - 5.30pm Kids Classes: (4 - 8 yrs) Wednesdays: 4.15 - 5.15pm Saturdays: 3pm - 4pm

Taekwondo

Indigo Gym - Mojacar Playa Tel: 646 844 708 www. tkdspain.webs.com

Mesón de

Irene

Unmissable offer!

#

COSTA CALIDA AND COSTA ALMERIA Assistant Priest: Canon Alan Bennett 950 956 152 / 634 339 250 Mojacar: Eucharist every Sunday at 11:00 in the church of St. Pascual, Aqua de Enmedio, Albox: In the Community Hall Aljambra. Eucharist last Thursday in month at 11:00 Evensong second Sunday in month at 18:00.

Details: Church Wardens Alan Smith 950 478 066, Eric Dore 950 615 105 or visit www.mojacarchurch.org

Animal Protection Society Albox (APSA)

Free Bottle

of La Mancha Red or white wine per couple to take away with any of our night menus

Valid only with this voucher Mon - Sat: 19.00 - 22.00

FREE La

VidaBar El

Cucador

TUESDAY bar specials

5€ wednesday supper 5€ Thursday Pie Night 5€ Spicy Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

Half Roast Chicken Chips & Salad Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas SERVED 6-9PM ladies friendly darts wed 8pm

all welcome

all Premier league Luncheon football live 2 courses

tapas 6 €uro

Selection

1€ Each

Open Every Day 12pm - Late Tel: 950 634 562 • lavidacucador@gmail.com book the Venue: For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

38

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

SOL CLASSIFIEDS SOLTIMES Air-con

www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

BY TELEPHONE

Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday

950 121 936 or 902 121 936

BY E-MAIL Send your advert or Classified lineage to

sales@soltimes.com IN PERSON

los carasoles, 27 Zurgena, 04650, Almeria

Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm above New Horizon Villas

DEADLINES

All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication FOR SALE

advertise all your unwanted items

for sale in this section

any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email: sales@soltimes.com

Scuba Diving Equipment for sale.

Too much to list. 260€ Tel: 620 112 193 Timber shed 7ft high, 6ft wide, 5.5ft length, good condition €300; Octagonal bird cage 7ft tall, 5ft wide €300; Roof rack Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer €200 Tel: 674 515 770 (Cantoria area) STURDY BED SETTEE, Green, VGC, 100€ ono, Urbanisation Roquetas De Mar, Tel 950 334 544 Wii Game Console complete with controllers,Balance Board, Wii Fit game and more can be seen working,all as new. 150€ Ring Vera area 634302967 Dunlop golf

Carry bag colour black with stand 30€ Ring Vera area 634302967 White bathroom glass shelve and matching towel rail made by Tatay as new all complete.

5€for both Ring Vera Area 634302967 Pair of lilac voile tab top curtains plus matching voile scarf curtain 10 euros. Health grill good condiion 10€ Tel 634873035 (Arboleas) Large Daewoo TV and pine TV unit on wheels both for 35€! Also free real leather cream armchair!

Tel 676827525 or 950930721 CHEST FREEZER - Compact size,

Airport services www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking

Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

A i r p o r t t r a n sf e rs pick up all areas, competitive rates.

For a quote please visit www. spanish estateagent.c om or call 661 143 871

excellent working order, slight superficial damage.

30€ BREVILLE silver jug kettle. 3 months old, as new. 15€ TEL: 689 581 752 (Cantoria) GEO R GE FOREMAN family sized grill, c/w stand.

Excellent condition.

30€ TEL: 689 581 752 (Cantoria) PHILLIPS stainless steel 2 cup Expresso machine, integral coffee grinder. As new. 30€ TEL: 689 581 752 (Cantoria) MOULINEX bread maker, as new. c/w 2 recipe books. 30€ TEL: 689 581 752 (Cantoria) S ILVE R C R E S T ultrasonic cleaner.

As new. 7€ TEL: 689 581 752 (Cantoria)

wanted w a n t e d tiles mosaic small swimming pool tiles odd bits & pieces, can collect, any selection, any coulour, 647 379 878

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L. City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

MD S.L

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone

construction

electrical cont...

Constructions

A & B electrical for all your electrical needs, Tel: Aran 678 942 314 or Blas 662 470 647 Knowles & Abbott no.1 for electrics and plumbing. Re-wires, free to air UK satellite systems 950 137 208 or 638 010 691

Martinez moreno cb (Rambla de Oria) All types of building work undertaken inc plumbing & electrics

email: info@md-aircon.com

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

tel: 609 421 734 (Spanish) tel: 696 052 044 (English)

alternative energy

drainage

950 432 110 / 607 364 917

607 364 917 or 950 432 110

Solar Wind Power Solutions.

Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email:info@ s un e r g ya l m e r i a . com www.sunergy almeria.com

c a r l o s s a l i e n t e plumbing & heating for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com

business opportunity

Business Opportunity

Good size beauty room to rent in busy salon call cutting edge on 950 633 086

FOR SALE

25% share of well established wellness centre that is due for expansion. genuine reason for sale for further information telephione

634 353 862

genuine enquiries only

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria

Tel: 950 120 900

SOLTIMES

Now offer our Classified advertisers

5 LOCAL EDITIONS

...Let the Soltimes team help your business grow...

www.soltimes.com for more information

online at

950 121 936 or 902 121 936 EXT 332

equipment hire

Cleaning of Septic Tanks ▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808

BABY HIRE

furniture

Everything for

Linea

the visiting baby Car seats,high chairs, stair gates, cots etc Tel: 950 436 581

LICENSED POZO/CESSPIT EMPTYING • Installation of fibreglass

septic tanks

or 666 375 688 expectingababy@ hotmail.co.uk

• Blocked Toilets, Sinks, Baths & Drains • CCTV Surveys • Drain Tracing • Turbine Root Cutting • All types of domestic plumbing carried out

Nueve sofas kitchens bedroom furniture Arboleas

Tel: 950 120 630

gardening

landscape gardening

950 091 109 or 648 768 587

Drainage Solutions

• Emergency Drain Cleaning • High Pressure Water Jetting • CCTV Surveys • Drainage Repairs • Location of Cesspits • Qualified Engineer • Expert Reports

Established 7 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966 electrical

ELECTRICIAN Neil Godwin

25 years experience

Full City & Guilds

Fully

insured & legal

Boletins supplied

Tel : 687 245 569

• Block work • Balustrades • Paving Driveways & Paths

Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate 620 112 193 or 667 853 062 potty finca services professional tree felling & pruning, including all types of palm trees

strimming of overgrown gardens & hedge cutting spanish registered. logs available ring john on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

heating neater heater See our main ad on the news pages Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services. If it involves water, we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel: 968 969 962

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

39

www.soltimes.com health & beauty

NUMBER PLATES

avon cosmetics

“RE-PLATE” MATE

claire Tel: 691 987 454

avonfromclaire@yahoo.es house clearance

THE HOUSE CLEARING SPECIALIST

Immediate Cash. Quick decision. * We cover all areas * We turn up, give cash & carry * We buy almost anything – The Highest Cash Prices Paid **ONLY serious & immediate sellers should call please**

Tel: 679 207 545 or 636 411 540

insurance

hobby/craft

GB

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

Elaine’s Wools

www.replatematecostablanca.com

quality UK wool &

OPTICIANS

accessories. Come & view my display Also at

available Camposol,

Mazarron Call 667 273 889 elaines

glenn & jayne

have great offers on Life Insurance same people same great service new name

Tel: 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

Optica Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

PAINTER / DECORATOR

painter & decorator

over 25 years experience

PROPERTY FOR SALE/rent

Personal cont...

Refined Mature lady 60+ would like to meet a single kind gental man aged 65/75 who is looking for love & friendship. a smoker ok but not a heavy drinker good sense of humour finacially stable Palaces Nr Zurgena area call between 4pm - 8pm evening

633 823 255 PETS SECTION

pet taxi TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

young budgies for sale

Property for rent in Cucador Self contained 1 large bed casita, bathroom, lounge & kitchen area, partly furnished, A/C, Private, Fabulous views, use of pool & jacuzzi

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

60€ a week

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

Call 647 379 878

for SALE detatched cortijo

plus utilities (suit lady, small dog welcome)

Reduced €39,950

Apartment For Sale

cortij0 grande golf course

1 bed, 1 bath apartment fully fitted kitchen, white goods, parking, lovely views. Ideal golfing holiday apartment.

Close to Mojacar / Turre.

T: 664 291 793

jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

PLASTERER B r i t i s h All plasterer work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201

20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool.

Mountain views.

Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200m²

€150,000

Tel: 649 186 107

thunderpaul2003@hotmail.ccom

PROPERTY TO RENT – URCAL 2 Bedroom Casita.Furnished or Unfurnished. Fully Fitted Kitchen, Log Burner, Internet Connection, Large Fly Free Patio within a large Fenced area. Available from the middle of March.

plumbing lilacs,blues, greens & CARLOS SALIENTE iron/metal works Plumbing and yellows Heating offer T & T Metals Avery bred 300€ pcm inc. water The Metal machined boiler For all quality male & female decals for gas water works Tel: 666 281 323 metal works, heaters for just €65 only €10 Grills, railings, gates – aguafuerte is not including gates, Now! the answer! Call 950 of all types, security/ email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com Ready railings, rejas, ARBOLEAS Tel: 930 900 or 968 969 staircases, sliding/roller, rejas, For all your painting needs inside 647 379 795 self contained 1 bedroom 962, email carlos. gazebos & saliente@gmail.com apartment with B & B facilities concertina doors etc. & out contact Graham on 620 112 193 chain-link offered starting from 25€ per No need for Tel: Keith Wood on Plumber fencing now covering mainland spain

wools@gmail.com

give your property or business a fresh look this spring

Tel: 649 186 107 or

Tel: 950 431 738

638 900 949

legal

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 21, please email info@daviessolicitors.com locksmith

commercial & major retail painter’s

expert quality workmanship visit our website for more info tntpainters@live.co.uk woodhouse www.tntpaintersltd.co.uk boarding kennels Personal

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisments in this section offensive”

VERA PLAYA

Tel: 697 243 181

& cattery arboleas Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view ministry approved

YOUNG PRETTY GIRLS

Tracy Mobile 650 211 952

24 HOURS • STRIPTEASE tEL: 687 891 515

friendly mare 9 years old 14.3hh 1.50m 500€ telephone 678 838 547

with barbie bodies 90-60-90 french, brunettes & columbians

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours.

Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates.

kennels or cattery, Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & local area.

Call Vanessa on 637 061 482

KNOWLES AND ABBOTT No 1 for Plumbing & Electrics All types of Plumbing

Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems

TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797

Gas Safe Registered

For all your plumbing needs Fully Qualified heating engineer

contact barry 667 853 062 or graham 620 112 193

night, walking distance of Arboleas & Zurgena

Tel: 950 449 074 or 634 368 071

Long term rentals also considered 175€ + bills chalmersj8@hotmail.co.uk

PROPERTY management

Clean Sweep

Property Management

Everything For You Not Just Cleaning

Any Repairs Painting, Plastering, Window Cleaning, Replacement Windows, Gardening Translations ITV’s, Hospital, Endesa & Any Phone Calls

VERY GOOD RATES English: 622 034 479 or 633 831 877 Spanish: 622 769 332

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word - Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 REMOVALS

recruitment

SOLTIMES are looking for A

spring e into th e r futu with es sol tim

Bright, enthusiastic person with an outgoing personality to join our sales team as a Sales Representitive for the Mojacar & the surrounding areas Experience not essential as full training will be given. as long as you’re cheerful, organised, self motivated & can work to deadlines!

Send your CV to cmm@soltimes.com or telephone Chrissie on 647 379 878

We are a well established company operating both in the UK and in Spain for over 20 years.

Due to company expansion we are recruiting individuals to join our existing direct sales team.

We are looking for experienced, motivated individuals with use of their own car. In return we offer and attractive package including paid holidays, expenses and commissions.

please contact Chelsie on 608 817 689 or email chelsie@avalonsl.es

Gestoria Salvador, a consulting company established in Almeria since 1969 is opening a new office in Mojacar and requires a Manager with excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Mojacar area. The individual must have experience in tax consultancy, legal work, book keeping and other administrative services, Spanish and English speaking is essential. An additional language is advantageous.

Send your CV with photo to our email ags@gruposalvador. es Tel 950 237 155

satellite/television

A1 Sky Television Systems

Fully Qualified Stylist

Required for busy Satellite TV installations, alignment of dishes etc. salon in Albox Please call Also Spanish “freeview” systems Cutting Edge for supplied & installed details

Tel Dave: 628 607 778

Tel: 950 633 086

Sky Digibox Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5

swimming pool safety

can deliver.

60€

Tel: 667 235 205

DAVE’S TRANSPORT 7.5 Ton, Lorry Part loads, Self load/Unload Minimal rates, Owner Driver Spain/uk/Local

motoring section for sale

car & van hire

Sell your vehicle with this size advert for only 10€

Van, car & driver

for hire

house & garden clearances, collections & deliveries, weekly collections from IKEA,

Storage available, based “Los Gallardos” &”hertfordshire”

Call now 0034 620 049 524 (Es) 00 44 794 3135 214 (UK) woodnco@hotmail.com

Airport transfers Almeria 60€ one way, 110€ return Alicante 80€ one way, 150€ return

call paulette on

950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ford Focus 1.8CDTI GHIA 100BHP Silver Estate: 144,000km 2003/04, LHD, tow bar, Electric Mirrors & front windows, CD player, AC, economical & reliable family car, good condition, genuine reason for sale ITV till Aug 2014 Recently serviced (new brake pads) 3.300€ o.n.o Call 633 234 635 or 677 849 153 or emailnessgav@hotmail.com

mobile mechanics

634 337 185

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals

Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deals from UK - Spain Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@hotmail.com

Mikes

Mobile Mechanics

All types of service, repair & ITV testing Fully qualified & legal with over 35 years experience

Ring Mike or Chris: 628 350 178 or 636 824 974

solar power system

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Solar Power System kits Telephone 671 716 597 or 950 030 187

for UK phones 01332 896510

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stables

Rancho Luz Del Sol, Retamar, Partaloa. One to one or group lessons, NEATER HEATER latest EN standard hats provided.

See our main Escorted hacking and treks. Qualified advert on the news BHS Instructor. Call Erika Drew on 678 pages 838 547

ONE WAY



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TEL: 667 235 205

Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain

car parts

wanted

Car parts

URGENTLY REQUIRED

ENGLISH & SPANISH CARAVANS, CARS, MOTORHOMES & VANS ANY CONDITION WE COLLECT! THROUGHOUT SPAIN

Need quality new parts for any car

for sensible prices on all parts Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone

From a parcel to a small house move

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk +44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389

Van hire

UK to Spain or Spain to UK

UK - SPAIN - UK Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service

Tel: 634 345 257

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TEL: 636 411 540 OR 664 619 819

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

Any age, any condition.

Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles buyer of all caravans, any condition, value from 200€ to 20,000€

Urgently Required

ALL Mitsubishi Shogun Monteo Pajero Landrover & all other makes

collect from anywhere

Tel: 645 094 339 or 950 064 763

or telephone 692 930 326

JT METAL RECYCLING NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF Almeria & MURCIA Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility.

We also take fridges, washing machines, microwav es, all elect rica l appliances

Certificates Issued

WANTED CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY

Hou s e & g a rden cle a r a nc es, sk ips supplied

Spanish or English

Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

41

42

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

A&B

Electrical Installations -Electrical installations -Maintenance -Repairs

no jo b too smal l

English & Spanish

- Aran 678 94 23 14...............English & Spanish - Blas 662 47 06 47................Spanish

OPEN for business

The initial plan to make small savers pay for the Cyprus bailout was “not smart”, the European Central Bank (ECB) president has said.

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962

A report by the BBC indicates that ECB president Mario Draghi had said a proposal to make “insured depositors” pay did not come from the ECB, the European Commission or the IMF. He said the proposal only arose in talks with the Cypriot authorities, and was “swiftly corrected”.

Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet

He was speaking after the ECB held eurozone interest rates at 0.75% again.

carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com

He also suggested that the problems seen for some time in smaller, weaker economies such as Spain, were spreading to stronger economies.

Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

fully legal company with public liability insurance Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

It was the ninth month in a row that they had been kept unchanged, but Mr Draghi indicated that the bank was ready to act, if necessary.

Cyprus eventually agreed a 10bn-euro (£8.5bn; $12.8bn) international bailout, which will see depositors with more than 100,000 euros lose some of their savings.

Accounts which have less than 100,000 euros in them will not be affected, but would have been under the original bailout proposals.

Speaking about the bailout, Mr Draghi said that the initial plan to impose a levy on all depositors “was not smart to say the least”.

He said the ECB did not envisage savers covered by a guarantee - that is, those with up to 100,000 euros in

TNT

elite plant hire construction & drainage

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Professional, reliable, handy man available... ...for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting Exterior/Interior, Small Plumbing Jobs, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work - Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc... Property Maintenance Good hourly/daily rate - 7 yrs in the area.

Call Jim 677 557 190 Evenings 950 930 596 References available & Pics of work completed

New Walls New Roofs Structual Alterations professional bricklayer Building for you Phone Gerard - 626 730

Cyprus bailout: ECB says first Cyprus bailout plan ‘not smart’

savings - being forced to contribute towards the country’s rescue plan.

“You have a pecking order, and here the insured depositors should be the very last category to be touched,” said Mr Draghi. “The (European) Commission draft directive foresees exactly this.”

Mr Draghi also told a news conference that the Cyprus bailout was not a blueprint for what would happen in further bailouts.

“Cyprus is no template,” he said.

Mr Draghi was asked whether it would have been better for Cyprus to leave the euro.

“What was wrong with Cyprus’s economy doesn’t stop being wrong if they are outside the euro,” he said.

“So, the fiscal budget stabilisation, consolidation, the restructuring of the banking system would be needed anyway, whether you are in or out. To be out doesn’t preserve the country from the need for action.”

He said that leaving the euro would entail a big risk for Cyprus, and that an exit from the currency could find the country having to pursue reforms “in a much more difficult environment”.

The ECB president also said that the recent crisis in Cyprus had “reinforced the Governing Council’s determination to support the euro”.

AWNINGS - FLY SCREENS - INTERNAL BLINDS SHADING SPAIN, WITH...

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domestic & commercial supplied & fitted many colours & styles all areas covered free quotations signwriting service FOR COMMERCIAL

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Email: solshaders@live.co.uk

S.M.S. BUILDING MAINTENANCE

All Building Work Undertaken Garages, Patios, Boundary Walls, Cladding Driveways, Tiling plus more...

Painting & Decorating ( from 50€ per room including paint) Also All Exterior Painting and Damp-Proofing GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY QUOTE For free estimate or advice please call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

German economic output ‘at near stagnation’

Germany’s economy slowed to “near stagnation” last month, while France’s recorded its biggest contraction for four years, according to a closely watched survey.

The Markit composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI), which measures both the manufacturing and services sectors, declined to 50.6 in Germany last month, from 53.3 in February.

According to the BBC report, any figure above 50 indicates growth.

France’s reading fell to 41.9 points, its worst since March 2009.

For the eurozone as a whole, the index fell to 46.5 from 47.9 in February.

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said the latest data painted a gloomy picture.

“The [eurozone] recession is deepening once again as businesses report that they have become increasingly worried about the region’s debt crisis and political instability,” he said.

“The unresolved election in Italy was commonly cited as a key factor clouding the economic outlook in March, and the botched bail-out of Cyprus could well filter through to a further worsening of business sentiment across the region in April.”

Mr Williamson added that the weak showing from Germany “suggests that the only source of bright light in an otherwise gloomy region has once again begun to fade”.

Germany’s index reading was the worst in the country for three months.

FOR GREAT winter ADVERTISING RATES CALL 950 121 936 Need a Translator?... or help with NIE, Cadastre etc?

Working in conjunction with Lawyers & Spanish officials Translation Services

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other Services

• NIE & Residencias • Cadastre • Conveyancing of properties • New Building Declarations • and many more!

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43

elite plant hire construction & drainage

• general builders • jcb 3cx hire • patios • roofing

• walls • paving • extensions • cladding

Digger Hire available references available

call lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

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FREE KINDLING WITH EVERY LOAD - Grade a Olive - No Roots - Best Prices Available

Tel: 687 314 775 Same Day Delivery & Stacking Service Available

OFFICIAL HITS AGENTS IN ALBOX

WE HAVE THE FULL RANGE OF HITS PHONES & SIM CARDS IN STOCK Contact us now on: Tel: 950 064 584 | Mob: 654 590 258 Email: info@solymarspain.com | Web: www.solymarspain.com We also offer all major mobile top ups from our office

Tel: 950 930 527 & 646 341 575

James & Son Removals / Storage

Upholstery

• We Upholster Chairs, Sofas and Wing Chairs • 30 years of experience • Large fabric selection • Free pick up & delivery • In home free estimates

UK, France & Spain personal shopping from the UK (Argos, Screwfix, Wickes etc)

Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates 950 529 731 / 627 968 434

Tel: 692 17 60 69

Clean Team British Plasterer Brighten up your Walls!

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services Quality Cleaning at an Affordable Price 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Regular or One-Off Service No Job Too Big or Too Small All Areas Covered

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€ 35 .0 0

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• 8 years in Spain with 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

Tel: 634 327 201 / 661 129 028 Email: atpspain@gmail.com www.paulmorrison.es David

665 517 643

Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com

Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

Stunning Prints & GIANT posters A3 x 9 100’s to choose from or email your own photos...

Tel: 634 388 243

newallprints@hotmail.com

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

€ € € € € € € € € € € € €

€ € € € € € € € € €€ € R ASHMAN € Urgently requires any goods.

We buy absolutely anything from € single items to complete house clearance or business liquidation € clearances, with highest cash paid € IT’S SIMPLE AS 1. 2. 3. € 1. Call us with the list of what you have € and how much you want 2. We will turn up the same or next day € € 3.

We pay cash and collect NO HASSLE + SIMPLE € € € € 679 207 545 € € € € € € € €€

M C

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La Concepcion

We are here



44

on all all orders orders on placed in in May May placed 2013!”

2013!”

WANTED URGENTLY

ANY CONDITION – ANY AREA ENGLISH OR SPANISH

CARAVANS, MOTORHOMES, 4x4’s & Cars

TEL: 681 095 096 or 636 411 540

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

TEST DRIVE: SEAT TOLEDO

We live in extremely straitened times where most countries including the UK continue to accumulate debt. The prospect of a career for life has become virtually nonexistent. UK house prices have risen to such an extent that first time buyers are now nearly 40 years old.

In fact when my father was my age he borrowed three times his salary to purchase our family home - a beautiful four bed detached property in need of updating with two acres of land in a picturesque part of Dorset. That would barely get me a one bed house in a rundown part of the next county now.

Why has life become such a struggle? Most of us feel that there’s less money with which we have to do more.

Consequently, the hard up motorist craves a good deal and Seat, realises this. It has responded with its Toledo, the family hatchback priced from under £13,000 to just below £18,000. And its diesel model also happens to be super economical. Thank goodness – perhaps life is

not so bad after all.

also owns Skoda. The rear wash/wipe on both models has been borrowed from the Audi A1. The washer is built into the wiper and effectively projects a jet of spray across the window unlike any other wiper I have come across.

Buyers pay a premium for such innovative features on the Audi, too. Inside, the dashboard is very similar to the Rapid with the same layout and controls. Then there’s the good build quality and the hardwearing interior

Named after the historic Spanish city, this is an extremely sensible car for our times. With its clean lines it one to be proud of; the 1.6TDI SE test model significantly helped by its rich burgundy finish.

Sharing the same chassis as the Skoda Rapid, which I tested only a few weeks ago both models clearly share a good deal. This comes as no surprise as Spain based Seat is owned

by Volkswagen, which

trim. Its seats could do with being more supportive, especially over longer journeys. Generally it has a competent if bland ride.

There’s a folding armrest in the centre of the cabin, which is useful for long motorway jaunts when gear changes aren’t required.

At speed the Toledo does buffet a bit in the wind but this is quickly forgotten when realising that this little gem returns over 50mpg at 70mph. Engine stop/start helps this model easily cover 700 miles on a tank of fuel. It’s pretty gutsy, too, hitting 60mph from standstill in just over 10 seconds. The five-speed box is as reasonable as you might expect; I don’t have a bad word to say about it.

Families need a massive boot and they won’t be disappointed with the 550 litres of luggage space as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. If more room is required the rear seats fold down and the centre rear armrest conceals a hole for long, awkward objects such as skis or piping. Luxuries include electric front windows, electrically adjustable wing mirrors

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk

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“Seat will be hoping that the Toledo can help dent the sales figures of popular established hatchbacks like the Ford Focus while pinning back newer entries in to this market such as the Volvo V40,” writes Parkers, the car experts. While it may have the appearance of a saloon, this latest version of the Toledo comes with a large, wide-opening rear hatch.”

2013 onwards New price range: £12,495 - £17,840 Economy: 64mpg 0-60mph: 10.1secs Top speed: 118mph Power: 103bhp

The Toledo, just like the Skoda Rapid, makes an ideal family proposition.

Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

Pit Stop

Tel: 950 124 828 pitstop-oria@live.co.uk

TYRES • SERVICING • REPAIRS Part Worn Tyres from 20€ New Tyres from

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• Petrol up to 2L from 85€ • Diesel up to 2L from 95€

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46

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

SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

sport

19th Hole Golf Society. Cucador

Tuesday 2nd April a less than normal group of 17 players arrived at Aguilon to play a singles stableford and a Mickey Mouse’s ball game The weather was pleasant with lovely sunshine but a slight cooling breeze.

As always the Aguilon course was in pristine condition as our smallish band of seventeen 19th Holers, including a couple of guests, started off from the 1st Tee. Tension was

apparent as each team had been trusted with a “ Mickey Mouse Ball” which if lost on the way round the course could not be replaced and, therefore, Mickey’s score ended when the ball was lost.

The earliest loss of a Micky was on the 3rd Hole (really Pete Dow you shouldn’t feel bad about putting our team out of the comp before we had really started!) but of the 5 teams two teams managed to

Can we start with a riddle? What effect does a virus have on the system?

Answer: On a computer, usually, very little other than inconvenience. For You and I a virus may mean days or weeks of misery trying to be normal and failing abysmally. This is what happened to me last week, but as it hasn’t happened in nearly 8 years I consider myself really blessed. So for anyone who looked for, and couldn’t find my ‘Thoughts of the day’, I would like to apologise and attempt to start to make up for that, today.

You have just got a new toy to play with. It has ‘Apps’ and ‘Widgets’ for it.

What are they? Where did they come from? What use are they (this is the £64K question!)?

Some of us who were old enough in the late 70’s and early 80’s to see computers starting to become small enough to be called ‘Personal’ (although they were still, in real terms, enormous!).

Back then we didn’t have apps, widgets, doo-daa’s and thingy’s. What we did have was ‘Programs’. There were 2 basic types – Binaries and Script files.

Binaries are a system of zero’s and ones that a computer naturally understands. Difficult to write in but having maximum speed when performing its task and were the workhorses of the computer. There were 2 common types of binary files *.com and *.sys System files (*.sys) were used to drag the computer, kicking and screaming, into life. Containing the basic code (io.sys) to allow the box of electronics to talk to the Operating System (msdos.sys or drdos.sys) and then – to you! This was what was called ‘Boot Strapping’ or shortened now to ‘booting’.

Command Files (.com – NOT to be confused with the .com in an internet address) were one of the first forms of executable binary files. They were a neat little package of less than 64Kb holding all the program and data needed for it to work.

These were superseded by an innovation called the Executable (.exe) as program designers wanted to be able to produce bigger and more complex programs! . Somewhat different in structure and a massive leap in the ability to create larger and far more complex programs.

Somewhere along the line due to the increased size and complexity, these ‘Programs’ became ‘Applications’. With the introduction of Win95, the ‘wimp’ interface and time, these were shortened to ‘Apps’ (with fewer functions than the original and usually relying on other ‘Apps’ to provide these missing functions).

So finally, what is a ‘Widget’? According to Wikipedia, it is a ‘WInDows GadGET’. A small window, usually sat on your desktop, that allows the display and modification of information from the main application. Anything can be a ‘Widget’ – today’s weather, stock market results and currency exchange rates (important to all of us :-) Now when someone tells you that they have a new widget you can look at them with a knowing smile and say “How Sad”.

Are there any questions, subjects or computer related issues that we can share with all the SOLTIMES readership to help everyone understand the ‘beast’ more and fear it less? Drop me a line at the email address below or come to the “La Vida Faire” in Cucador on the 25 April where I will be hiding in a corner somewhere.

Have a lovely week until next time. T. For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

safely transport Mickey around all 18 holes. Our winners of the Mickey Mouse competition were Ron (The Rocket) Curtis and Nekane( One of the brilliant team of Caddie Masters at Aguilon) : Ron and Nekane( pictured) scored 21 points and nursed Mickey back to the Club House.

In the stableford competition another of our guests Darren Banks with 33 points took first place with Nekane taking second with 30 points. Clearly with an increasing wind gusting to gale force most players had real problems, but Nekane and Darren coped best along with Alan Chippendale who secured 3rd place with 29 points and had a Two on the 10th Hole.

Nice to see Ralph Hunter take the nearest the pin on the tricky 4th Hole. Following on from last week Nigel Greenwood seems to have come to grips with

his 7 degree driver by taking the longest drive on the 14th Hole by about Taxi ride from all other mortals. Really good fun day with some impressive golf on yet another day when the weather was the main handicap.

Results: Stableford 1st Darren Banks 33 points (18); 2nd Nekane 30 points (36); 3rd Alan Chippendale 29 points (14) Twos: Alan Chippendale 10th Hole Nearest the Pin: 4th Hole Ralph Hunter Longest Drive 14th Hole Nigel Greenwood The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653. Or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

CORTIJO GRANDE

Wednesday 3rd April and a close family finish to our second division with Robina beating Eric Dore on a countback 35 points for first place . Hope they do not take it home. Our first division winners John Park 34 points Greg Ward 34 No ball sweep winners Sunday and our monthly medal a competition that brings the cream to the top and we had a score of 66 by one of our senior ladies Lilly Pepper to prove it. In second with 70 Tony Stubbs. Our first division winner with anet 69 Mike Picken and second with 71 John Dempster. No ball sweep winners Enjoy your golf with Cortijo Grande visitors and guests welcome

VALLE DEL ESTE GOLF SOCIETY

HOLE IN ONE

What a wonderful day for our handicap secrectary sue hull who had a hole in one at the par 6th. sue excited phoned husband dick to tell him the good news: what? replied dick who didn’t play well after that,the thought of what it was going to cost him affected his game. well done sue treasure the moment and display the golf ball for everyone to see. tuesday this week we had a team game and the winners on the day were the jones gang consisting of ian jones, mike jones, & mike (the pro) jones also there leader the ghost jones.

friday and 28 players taking part in our monthly medal comp. the winner was our hole in one girl sue hull gross 101 (hcp28) nett 73 2nd harry wilson gross100 (hcp26) nett 74 3rd fiona anderson visitor gross 79 (hcp3) nett 76. good scoring in the windy conditions. nearest the pins margaret bennett & fiona anderson, longest drive mike jones. good old harry saved the lads bacon on the day getting in the mix and avoiding a clean sweep by the ladies.

Enjoy your golf at valle del este.

Boxers GS Struggle to Real Murcia Imperial Beat Seve Ballesteros 0 Huercal Overa CF 2

Tues 3rd April saw Boxers making a pilgrimage to a Seve Ballesteros designed course at Peralaja, near the Mar Menor in Murcia. It was the society’s first visit and, despite receiving a warm welcome from the management who offered a well presented course, Seve showed his teeth - posthumously insisting that his track needs respect and a bit of learning. Scoring was poor in all divisions except for Dave France’s notable 35 and a fantastic par 4 eagle from President Tony Hammond; unsurprisingly it was these two players who scooped 1st and 2nd in Division 1 and recorded the only 2’s of the day. Division 2 first and second places went to the ‘Welsh’ pairing of Vorn Simons and Richard Measures, with Gordon Batchelor continuing to benefit from his tuition with Professor Ray Dixon and furthering his climb up the Division 3 ladder by beating Alf Walker on countback.

NTP’s fell to Tony Harwin, Dave France and Eric Bence.

The Captain and Competition Secretary have been busy striking attractive deals with all of the great courses within striking distance and the rest of April brings plenty of golfing action, with a visit to Valle del

Este on the 15th, the next round of Home Internationals at Desert Springs on the 17th, a 3 day break to play 3 different courses, restaurants and bars near Costa Naranjas in Murcia 22nd-25th and give the wives a shot at the Murcia shopping centres, then closing out the month with a trip to Playa Serena on the 30th.

For details and a warm welcome to any of these games or our wide variety of social events please call Captain Derek Leonard on 690 35 28 60.

Another clean sheet for Huercal Overa as Real Murcia slips up at home.

In front of a crowd of 150 at the Municipal Santiago El Mayor in Murcia (40 Huercal Overa Fans) Real Murica couldn’t break down a resolute defence that has kept another clean sheet. In a match that could have been tricky for the visiting team it was a fair and equal battle on the pitch.

In the first half both sides found it difficult to penetrate, with both defences looking solid. It was in the 32nd minute when a cracking through ball by Heredia found Sele one on one with the Murcia keeper, but strong fingers saved the day for the Home team! It was only in the second half the game came alive with Real Murcia coming out of the traps early and putting pressure on the visitor’s goal with Pifarre and Perico coming close. Juanjo in the Huercal Overa goal made a few good saves but nothing to really trouble the score line… Then in the 83rd minute the ball was flicked over the Real Murcia back line with Benitez looking to latch onto it Miguel swiped at the Huercal Overa winger’s legs and the ref was forced to show the red card. A free kick was awarded roughly 25 yards out, Alex the Huercal Overa number 9 stepped up and floated it over the wall into the top corner of the net. 0-1 to the Visitors.

With Real Murcia down to 10 men they had to chase the game through the last 10 minutes, this showed as another free kick was given to Huercal Overa on the half way line, the ball found Forroga on the left hand side of the box and with a little look up he fired home to make it 0-2 in the final minute. A fantastic effort by the team from Huercal Overa and special praise goes to the new coaching line up of Juanma and German. Next up for Huercal Overa is a home tie Vs Pinatar at El Hornillo this Sunday at 17:00. Everyone is welcome, so come along and we can guarantee a fantastic afternoons football.

Lee Rickard Graham www.huercaloveracf.com huercaloveracf@fastmail.es

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SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

ANGLING NEWS

Boat Fishing: An unexpected break in the unsettled and windy weather conditions gave ‘Orca Steve’ the chance to get out for a day’s fishing joined by Oria residents Les and Mohamed WITH BEACHCOMBER JOHN along with Mojacar visitors Steve and son James who were out on a short break from Manchester, UK. The swell was below half a meter with the wind coming from the west giving flattening conditions although it was chilly first off until the sun got higher in the sky.

They initially fished an area opposite the Mojacar Pueblo where they got some shelter from the wind but unfortunately the fish were elsewhere and they only got a couple of pickerels. Steve made the decision to move the boat to another popular area near the Repsol petrol station on the Garrucha/Mojacar road where they were soon into fish with Mohamed first to catch landing a couple of Atlantic mackerel. James, Steve and Les caught small pandoras and combers but the fish stopped feeding as quickly as they started and the catching dropped off.

Steve moved the boat again and dropped anchor over a 360’ hole behind the Garrucha harbour wall where they were soon into fish again catching decent sized pandoras and blue mouths, James landed a nice Spanish mackerel. All the lads got troubled by a conger which took and then released the bait and hooked fish. Steve set Les up with a heavy duty conger rig to see if he could hook the troublesome eel but time was against him. The wind turned and came from the south and the waves got big and they had to return to port, at least they had wet nets!

See photo of James with a blue mouth.

Shore Fishing: ‘London Bill’ bagged up at a Garrucha mark he is keeping secret for the moment.

Rag worm tipped with baby squid tentacles accounted for 30 dorada and other bream in just two hours. I’ll bend his arm up his back to find out where it is for next week.

Coarse Fishing: ‘Puentes Ray’ and ‘Birds Nest Phil’ managed to get a day out on Lake Puentes near Lorca but unfortunately were not joined by ‘Casa Verde Barry’ as hoped as he wasn’t feeling too well. Get well soon pal.

The two of them tried a new spot opposite where Ray normally fishes. The weather was warm and barely any wind to start with.

Phil fished a conventional swim feeder and Ray a swim feeder also but on a carp rod with an optonics alarm. To start off bites were slow and they only took two carp each during the first 3 hours.

Then the wind picked up to around 20km an hour and so did the bites. It went crazy and they were getting bite after bite as soon as the feeders hit the water, carp were being landed one after another.

Ray lost count as to how many they landed but it was a lot of fish. Phil caught most of his on bread and Ray caught on corn and maggot. The weather changed from very windy to flat calm about eight times during the day but they kept on catching. Phil left at about 6pm with his aching arm poor thing!

And Ray stayed on till 7pm and landed another 12 carp. Weights varied from 1lb to 3lb so no biggies but all in all a really magic day. Ray said sorry no piccies this time as he was too busy catching fish.

Murcia matches were won with weights of 25lbs and 22lbs, both matches held on Lake Pedrera.

The Albox fishing club meets every two weeks or so at Bar Wassy. For details of the next meeting tel Sid 634 313 650.

Latest license information: There is now a loophole for those wanting coarse fishing licenses for Andalucia who don’t have NIE documents or/and don’t want to do the 24 hour course in Spanish, see me for more details. The only loophole left for fishing the beaches and boats in Andalucia without an NIE document is to The Best Deal for Miles make a trip to Murcia. For up to date information on any car - motorcycle - van - 4x4 - motorhome - quad - trailer - wheelbarrow of the above see me at the ● All new tyres supplied have manufacturers warranty Beachcomber Bar Restaurant ● Computerised tracking including 4x4s on Mojacar Playa or tel 950 ● While you wait service 473 099. You can also contact me on Facebook @ ‘John ● Motorbike tyre specialists Beachcomber Mojacar’. balancing - computerised laser tracking - puncture Tight lines, Poligono El Real, Calle El Garcel F19, Antas - 950 459 253 Beachcomber John e: tyreking@ymail.com - Mon - Fri: 9.30 - 17.30

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Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol

sport

Compiled by Tony Matthews

sport shorts

• Tomorrow night, the return legs of the Europa League quarter-finals take place: Basel-Spurs (currently 2-2), NewcastleBenfica (1-3), Lazio-Fenerbahce (0-2) and Kubin Kazan-Chelsea (1-3).

Also tomorrow, the US Masters - golf’s first major of the year - gets underway in Augusta where Tiger Woods will be chasing his 78th PGA title.

On Sunday, the second F1 Grand Prix of 2013 takes place in China and the BTCC continues at Donnington Park with Jason Plato and Matt Neal in action.

And there are two FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley this weekend - Millwall-Wigan (Saturday) and Chelsea-Manchester City (Sunday).

• Recent action at the top and bottom of the Premiership, United were beaten 2-1 by rivals City in the Manchester Derby… Chelsea beat Paola Di Canio’s Sunderland, Spurs and Everton draw…Arsenal win at WBA… Newcastle beat Fulham… Aston Villa win at Stoke… Southampton likewise at Reading… and 10-man QPR draw with Wigan.

• Five of the top six teams in the Championship drew, leaving Cardiff on top ahead of Watford and Hull.

winning, jockey Mania was badly injured in a fall at Hexham.

• There were wins for Clermont (v.

Montpellier), Saracens (v. Ulster), Toulon (v. Leicester) and Munster (v. Harlequins) in Rugby’s Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

• The first MotorGP race of 2013 in Qatar was won by Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo.

• Serena Williams claimed her 49th career title by winning the Family Circle Cup in South Carolina.

• For the first time in 83 years a GB team came back from 2-0 down to win a Davis Cup game, beating Russia 3-2 to earn a place in the play-offs.

• Ex-England international Matt Le Tissier (now 44) is returning to football with his native Guernsey who must play 17 League games in four weeks.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Doncaster Rovers lead League One and Gillingham have officially gained promotion from League Two. • Chester have climbed back into the Conference and Crewe beat Southend 20 in the Football League Trophy final at Wembley.

• Celtic must wait until this weekend before claiming their 44th SL title but it was celebration time for Queen of the South who won first trophy in 10 years by beating Partick Thistle on penalties in the Challenge Cup final.

• 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore, ridden by Ryan Mania and trained by Sue Smith, wife of ex-show jumping star Harvey, won the 2013 Grand National. Twenty-fours after

• Manchester United have more season ticket holders - 48,500 - which is more than rivals City can get into their Etihad Stadium, capacity 47,726.

• This week in 1892, WBA beat Darwen 120 - the biggest-ever top-flight League win (equalled by Nottingham Forest in 1909).

And in April 1959, Billy Wright became the first player in football history to win 100 international caps.

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Tel: 609 199 394 Open Mon - Fri 10.00pm - 2pm Located within Knight Insurance Office, C/Malaga 6, Albox

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48 SOLTIMES APRIL 2013

Forthcoming fixtures are.

Wednesday 10th Desert Springs, Saturday 13th Macenas, and Wednesday 17th Macenas.

Badgers Golf Society also plays every Saturday at Macenas.

Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wed and Sat comps and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950478525.

Fixtures can be found on www. badgersmojacar.com

Marina Phoenix Golf Society Monday 1st April was an individual stableford competition at Marina, Mojacar and again close scoring. There was a tie in the Ladies division with Maxine Mayhew winning on countback from Val Cooke, both on 33 points. Linda King was in third. The Mens division saw Ali Mahmud return to winning ways on 34 points from Jarlath Staunton (32) and Tony Cordingley (30).

The Thursday Team Competition was a Texas Scramble played in threeballs.

All seven teams shot under par scores in the excellent

playing conditions.

1st Tony Scott, Ali Mahmud and Jim Budd 62 2nd Kevin Heery, Bob Webb and Nadia Hall 63 3rd Tony Cordingley, Salva Morales Valero and Hylton Smith 66 Nearest the pin prizes went to Robin Hind (14th) and Bob Webb (5th) Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

over the six month period counted for the best aggregate 1st Colm O`Keeffe 59pts 2nd Mike Hill 58pts on a card play off 3rd Ian Jenner 58pts 4th Pat Sayer 57pts on a card play off 5th Derrick Stephenson 57pts

Wednesday April 3 – Monthly Medal Good scoring on a perfect day for golf and it is some time since we had under par scores in a medal 1st Bill Gibb 80-12=68 2nd Peter Ayres 94-25=69 3rd Mike Hill 98-28=70 Twos: only one Peter Ayres 8th Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Mon, Wed and Friday For information contact 634641199

AMIGOS BOWLING LEAGUE

Forum Golf Society

902 750 190

Wednesday 3rd April, Badgers Golf Society visited Macenas Golf. With some absolutely glorious weather, scores were sure to be good. Winner of the day’s stableford was John Conely with 39pts, 2nd place going to Lynn Sefton with 37pts and 3rd place was Steve Casburn with 36pts. Nearest the pins went to Badger( Keith Bradley), Dennis Hobbs x2 , Richard Jones and Chris Ottero.

Saturday’s competition at Macenas was won by Mike Knowles with 37pts

Glorious Day AGUILON GOLF MEMBERS REPORT The end of March saw the completion of our Winter Eclectic, for Golf a comp were the players best score on each individual hole

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LAST WEEK’S SCORES for Wednesday Bowling League Sponsored by SOL SUPERMERCADO ANGLOCELTS 10 DOUBLE D’S 7 LOS AMIGOS PP THE HILLBILLIES BYE Highest score of the week was by Mick Gardiner with a 216 scratch score LAST WEEK’S SCORES for Thursday Bowling League Sponsored by BODEGA REGINO PUERTOS LUMBRERAS BLUE BOYS 10 LOS CORDEROS 6 THE STRIKERS 3 LOS CORDEROS 13 THE STRIKERS 1 DYNAMIC DUO 15 THE LASSIES PP LIMARIA BABES PP SIMPLY THE BEST PP BAD BOYS PP Highest score of the week was by Trevor Stockley with a 198 scratch score LAST WEEK’S SCORES for Thursday Bowling League Sponsored by THE CORNER SHOP ALBOX NORTH & SOUTH 0 X FACTOR 8 DOUBLE TROUBLE 4 TRIPLE X 4 LIMARIANS 0 THE STRIKERS 8 THE COWBOYS 0 THE SPITFIRES 8 Highest score of the week was by Ian Williams with a 201 scratch score All the league tables are available on the Amigos Bowling website ww.amigosbowlingcentre.com

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Forum Golf Society´s members played at Desert Springs for the first time this year on April 4th, and surprisingly the most difficult format that the society play, a Double Par Medal produced some of the best scoring so far this year, with the top seven players all shooting under handicap.

John Smith won the event with an excellent net 66, with Richard Swaine second (68, gross 73 the best of the day by far), Brian Gyer (69) third, Wendy Greaves (69) fourth & Bob Cowan (70) fifth.

Nearest the Pin prizes went to Derek Manning, Terry Moore & Tony Morgan, with Andy Birch taking the longest drive honours on the tricky sixteenth hole and happily telling everybody

that he didn´t even use his Driver !

Although it is still relatively early, there is some clear daylight in the race for Forum´s Golfer of the Year competition, with Brian Gyer extending his lead at the top. Current pacesetters are Brian Gyer 81pts Bob Cowan 64pts Terry Moore 54pts John Smith 53pts Adrian Lawrence 51pts Forum´s upcoming fixtures are April 14th Ford League Regional finals at Las Colinas April 19th Team Coloured Ball At Aguilon May 3rd Stableford at Lorca For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@ yahoo.co.uk, or see www. forumgolfsociety.webs.com

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