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ISSUE NO. 1503
EWN FRONT EXTRA
The men are coming ACCORDING to statistics released today by Andalucian Social Security, 98 per cent of new people registering for work in Almeria are male.
Rural roadworks ROADS in villages in Almeria are to be repaired over the next month. Areas covered include El Bobar, La Ca単ada, El Alquian and Cabo de Gata.
Vera book week IT is book week in Vera currently, with the town hall hosting a number of activities. Visit www.vera.es for the agenda.
Bumper haul ALMERIA landed 1.6 million kilos of fish in the first quarter of 2014, 87 per cent more than the same period in 2013.
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300 tackle inferno Strong winds fan flames MORE than 300 people were needed to fight two scrubland fires which swept across Almeria. Nine helicopters and planes and 11 fire engines battled for hours to bring the blazes, fanned by high winds, under control. At Somontin the fire services were alerted early on Sunday morning to flames taking hold of forest and brushland. Despite being on the scene quickly, work was difficult, due to uneven terrain hampering vehicle access. By late morning, INFOCA (official body for the prevention and suppression of forest fires in Andalucia) advised that the fire seemed to be slowing, due to a favourable wind. Nobody was hurt, although a couple had to be evacuated from a caravan. INFOCA declared the fire as being stabilised at 3.56pm on the Sunday, and controlled just before noon on Monday. Unfortunately, just as
the Somontin fire was stabilised, a second fire broke out, this time close to Lucainena del Torres and Sorbas. The area is predominantly scrubland, and the wind did not help as the blaze quickly took hold. Within a couple of hours, the flames and smoke could be seen from as far away as Vera, Turre and Mojacar. Mojacar residents spoke of ash landing on their properties, whilst Turre people could smell the burning. The red glow of flames against the clouds
at dusk could be seen as far away as the hills beyond Albox. A number of people left their homes on the outskirts of Sorbas and moved further afield, whilst the crews battled the flames. Overnight on Facebook, members of the
local fire and weather watch group for Almeria and Murcia organised places for people to stay if needed. The fire at Lucainena del Torres eased on Monday morning, and INFOCA said it was stabilised just after noon on Monday.
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THIS WEEK IN
EWN News 1 - 34
Finance 35 - 40
Letters 47 MOJACAR: One of towns set to benefit from works.
Almeria projects given green light
ALMERIA Provincial Government has granted permission for an initial number of projects to go ahead in the region, with a value just over €1.25 million. Works include housing in Alcudia, building improvements in Lijar, and restoration of the church in Albanchez, worth a total of €217,500. There is also an allocation of €314,936 for housing in Finana, Fondon and Armuna. A further €751,610 has been awarded for the church restoration in Albox, paving in
Mojacar, building improvements in Ohanes, a day centre, cemetery works and building improvements in Alhama de Almeria, municipal units and housing in Oria, improvements in Pechina and Bentarique as well as housing developments in Alcudia, Arboleas, Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, Carboneras and Beires. Other projects in the pipeline are works for the pool in Olula de Castro, entrance areas for a number of municipalities as well as a number of other municipal pools.
Daily TV 52
Leapy Lee 54
Time out 56 - 57
Classifieds 81 - 83
Sport 87 - 88
NEWS Must-y be gone CIVIL WAR shelters in Almeria are to have ventilation put in to remove the strong smell of damp. Non-invasive remedial measures are to be taken. Midwife petition MIDWIVES have collected 40,000 signatures to demand recognition for the specialty, and to increase their presence in health centres across the region.
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German students pay a visit AS part of a school partnership project, 23 students and four teachers from the Gymnasium Willibald Institute in the Bavarian town of Eichstätt visited IES Jose Marin in Velez Rubio for 11 days this month. During their time here, students and teachers stayed with host Spanish families, and experienced life in a Spanish school, as well as socially. They also spent time at local centres of interest including the Velezano Miguel Guirao museum located at the hospital.
The trip also enabled the students to experience some of the natural beauty of the area, including visits to Sierra de Maria-Los Velez, Los Cuevas de Los Letreros, the castle at Velez Blanco, the Memorial Museum in Almeria and Cabo de Gata. All students were also treated to watching the procession on Easter Sunday in Velez Rubio. Last year Spanish students travelled to the partner school in Germany to experience life there and to visit places of interest.
GRATIFYING: Most grandmothers enjoy looking after their grandchildren.
Rather be green STATISTICS from Ecobarometer 2013 revealed that Andalucians are more focused on green issues than ever. Fires top the list of concerns.
Huercal-Overa music THE Department of Tradition and Culture in Huercal-Overa has signed agreements with musical associations, bands and a choir to accompany live events for the next year.
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ews watch
Early edition
DUE to the May Day bank holiday next week’s edition of the Euro Weekly News will be out a day early, on Wednesday.
Crime spree
Murder charge NATIONAL POLICE have arrested three people in Almeria in relation to attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery from a case in 2012.
Pensioner hit
Almeria honours poet MARIA VICTORIA ATENCIO was honoured in Almeria as part of International Book Day. Activities took place on April 23.
Asphalting started WORK on asphalting El Benzal in Pulpi has begun in earnest this week. Pulpi mayor, Juan Pedro Garcia, visited the works and welcomed the improvements.
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GUARDIA Civil have arrested two more people from an suspected organised gang as part of an investigation into a spate of 30 buglaries in Almeria.
Cleaners laid off The mayor of Almeria City has laid off 24 Sunday employees recently to cut costs. The Socialist party has criticised the move, warning of a ‘dirty city’.
Fashion show APSA is hosting a fashion show at Albox Tennis Club on June 9 at 5pm to help raise funds. Tickets are available for €6 from the APSA shop in Albox.
EWN
AN 80-year-old woman was transferred to Torrecardenas Hospital at the weekend after being struck by a car. The male driver, 36, claimed he did not know he had hit anyone.
The family solution....
E
IGHTY-TWO per cent of children under the age of three in Spain are cared for by their mothers. According to the Centre for Sociologic Research, when the mother is unable to care for her children, the next most popular solution is for the grandmother to do so, in 7.5 per cent of cases, followed by the father (4.8 per cent) and 3.1 per cent of children attended a kindergarten. However, according to a different survey, carried out by the Ministry of Health and Social Policies, more than 50 per cent of Spanish grandparents currently look after their grandchildren every day, and one in four does so for more than eight hours per day. While 61.3 per cent of people who took part in the survey claim to be totally happy with their families,
Quote of the Week I’m worried that the path taken by Cataluña could eventually lead to social frustration’ Iñigo Urkullu, President of the Basque Government, who said that the desires for independence in the two regions were being handled very differently.
caring for children is a full-time job which for the elderly can cause fatigue and health problems. Despite most grandparents being retired or never having had a job outside the home, in the case of many grandmothers, they have responsibilities which are added to by having to look after children on an almost daily basis. While most say that it is a gratifying task, some do admit that it can lead to apathy, lack of vitality, mental confusion and even depression. Grandparents nowadays are more active than ever, and if they do not have a balanced diet and some time to themselves, especially to get some rest, their good intentions in helping to look after their grandchildren could eventually prevent them from doing so altogether.
Number of the week
died in 25 traffic accidents over 32 people Easter this year. This is six more than
over the same period last year. The accidents occurred between 3pm on April 11 and midnight of April 20, and the worst day was April 12, when nine people lost their lives.
Kids love sugar! ADRA’S old sugar factory has been welcoming children this week for cookery classes. Sel Rodriguez, the assistant chef at Garum restaurant, has organised the activities for local families.
Fancy owning a piece of history? FONDON’S Palacio del Rey has been listed for sale on milanuncios.com. With 20 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms, it is sure to be big enough for the whole family.
And finally... F1 driver Michael Schumacher has been reported for causing a traffic accident in Bormujos, Sevilla, last November. He was reportedly driving a hired Audi when he failed to give way at a sign and knocked a motorcyclist off his vehicle, causing him to break his wrist.
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A week of pomp and ceremony ACROSS Almeria, town squares came to life as their residents celebrated Semana Santa with pomp and ceremony. Churches everywhere provided colourful processions to celebrate Holy Week. Very much a family affair, children and adults alike embraced the chance to dress up in ornate clothing, chosen according to the
SOLEMN: A Semana Santa procession. brotherhoods
of
their
relevant churches. Black, red and purple costumes were worn, and the shoulders of strapping young men carried the ornate religious floats through the streets. All of this was accompanied by music. Traditional pointed hats and long velvet gowns were the order of the day for many procession participants, as well as
the smart dress of the float bearers. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the towns were buzzing with respectful excitement from the participants and their audiences. The great Easter weather contributed to the success, with crowds venturing out to observe and to get involved in the events in their town.
NEWS
Oil recycling made easy MOJACAR COUNCIL has signed an agreement with Fundacion Sigoleo enabling the recycling of cooking oil. The president of Sigoleo, Manuel Romero Nunez, explained that “one litre of oil can contaminate one thousand litres of water, so it is imperative that households are aware of this.” He also pointed out that cockroaches and rats thrive on used oil when it is disposed of incorrectly; for example, down sinks and drains. Disposal is now simple in Mojacar; decant the oil into an everyday sealable plastic bottle and place it in one of the new orange bins around the town. The bottles are then passed to Sigoleo for recycling.
A day of sport in Almanzora CUEVAS de Almanzora held its first sports day with great success. The events were held near Castillo del Marques de Los Velez, and saw hundreds of athletes compete in a
variety of disciplines. The tournament, in collaboration with the local government, was attended by Mayor Jesus Caicedo and the deputy sports representative, Angeles Martinez. Football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and kick boxing were all featured, as well as a huge Zumba and spinning class. There was also a hike into the surrounding countryside, which many people took part in.
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Celebrities join in Purchena’s International Book Day PURCHENA celebrated International Book Day last week with a series of events aimed at promoting books and their authors. Amongst the events was a storytelling session with Juan Gamba,
a popular Spanish actor and comedian, who the took time to read aloud to a number of excited children. There was a presentation of a documentary by director Antonio Ramos, showcasing the poet Antonio
Machado’s last days as told by Machado’s mother. Additionally, people had the opportunity to meet and speak with Fernando Valverde, who is an author, poet and journalist.
Country fire scare
NEWS EXTRA
Almeria oil ALMERIA generates 4,775 tonnes of used oil annually that could be treated and used to generate power, according to the Andalucian Energy Agency.
Alvaro rides in ALBOX ladies’ hearts were aflutter last week when famous jockey and polo player Alvaro Munoz Escassi visited the town to open the new fashion outlet, ‘Polo 7’.
The initiative was spearheaded by the municipal library and the book clubs of Purchena. It also benefited from the support of the European project, ‘Books like acting’.
Protecting pigeons ALMERIA has become the first province in Andalucia to approve legislation to protect pigeons. The mayor of Albox, Rogelio Mena, stressed that the town has been “pioneering” in its protection of sporting pigeons, and has a number of ardent fans not only in the town itself, but in the whole region. He described it as a “great hobby”. It is this, and the vast history of pigeon
sport in the area, that has led the town hall to announce new protection and “establishing a series of rights, not only for pigeon lovers, but also for the pigeons themselves.” Deputy Mayor Francisco Perez Conchillo spoke at length about the place of pigeons in history, specifically mentioning the Catholic Monarchs of 1488 having launched a protection order at that time.
A FIRE at Aljambra, close to Albox, brought the emergency services out in force at the end of last week. The rural fire, which was visible for a number of kilometres around Aljambra, began at around lunchtime last Thursday. Guardia Civil, National Police, the
Guardia’s environmental arm Seprona, Albox fire service, three pump trucks and a watercarrying helicopter were at the scene. The blaze was extinguished by mid afternoon. Although around six acres are thought to have been affected, nobody was hurt.
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NEWS EXTRA
Woman found SEVENTY-ONE-YEAROLD Maria Sanchez has been found after disappearing for two days from her home in El Ejido. She is recovering in hospital.
Goodbye Mel A FUNERAL was held at Arboleas Tanatorio on April 22 for Mel Chantler who passed away a week earlier. A popular character, Mel leaves behind his wife, Terri.
Fire rescue A GERMAN couple had to be rescued during a forest fire at Somontin. Thirty-six people helped extinguish the flames. The cause is yet unknown.
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Albox ‘gets happy’ MEMBERS of the Royal British Legion were treated to a musical performance last week by the Voices of Almanzora in La Parrilla, Albox. The 36-strong choir opened with ‘Get Happy’ before launching into an Abba medley, songs from well-known musicals including Carousel and Kiss me Kate as well as Mack The Knife. ‘Who will buy’, from the musical Oliver, most delighted the audience, whose toes were tapping and heads nodding
ON SONG: The Voices of Almanzora. in time to the songs. Nick Duncan, the musical
director, introduced each number with a splash of
PSOE praises Purchena REPRESENTATIVES from the socialist PSOE party visited Purchena and met the town’s mayor to praise the work being done to help and support children in the area. The socialists visited two centres, La Casa and Los Carmenes de Purchena, and held them up as a shining example, stating: “It is imperative that the government continues to support these
ventures.” They congratulated the town, and especially the council’s and residents’ commitment to these projects. La Casa looks after children in care up to the age of 18, developing programmes for youngsters with behavioural disorders. Los Carmenes Purchena develops orientation programs and schemes to help youth get into employment as they leave the care support network.
humour, inviting people to join in. Nick has been running the choir for three years and also plays the keyboard whilst directing the singers. The choir has about 24 women and a dozen men, all adults, and across a wide range of ages. They even have contestants from Britain’s Got Talent, as well as a number of strong soloists. Their next performance is in June at the Pedro Gilabert Gallego museum in Arboleas.
NEWS Zamora criticises mayor SPOKESMAN for the PSOE in Mojacar, Manual Zamora, has accused the mayor of “neglect and lack of foresight” causing supermarkets to be closed on Easter Thursday and Good Friday. He specifically reminded the mayor that Mojacar is a tourist destination and as such should have pushed through Mojacar’s expired status request to the Andalucian court earlier to avoid supermarket issues. He added: “Mismanagement has led to a lack of permission for supermarkets to open, thereby driving customers to the surrounding towns of Garrucha, Vera and Carboneras for their shopping needs.”
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Gifts from very special people CUEVAS DE ALMANZORA and Vicar Councils received a bumper gift this week from some very special craftspeople. Alfredo Valdivia, the delegate for Equality, Health and Social Policies in Almeria, made delivery at the weekend of furniture and toys to the councils. The gifts had been donated by users of the occupational day centre, Javier Peña. The Javier Peña centre assists people with learning disabilities, and helps them to improve their social interaction and work skills in the outside world. The services are provided for people who, either temporarily or permanently, are unable to be integrated into a normal working environment, providing occupational tasks, social integration
and, where possible, introducing them to the mainstream workforce. This support and nurturing is all with the goal of ensuring equal opportunities for men and women with learning disabilities. The work-based activities include pottery, carpentry, painting and upholstery, dependent upon the individuals’ choices and capabilities. Currently the centre cares for 53 men and 17 women, between the ages of 23 and 63. Cuevas del Almanzora received more than 100 handcrafted educational games, worth €1,000 in retail value. The mayor of Vicar, Antonio Bonilla, was present to receive the gift of 20 upholstered chairs with a value of €1,800. Asprodesa received 40 upholstered chairs and 10 tables, worth €4,710, which will go to the centre for people with learning difficulties in El Ejido. During the presentation of the gifts, Alfredo Valvidia reminded people of the sterling work the Javier Peña centre carries out. He referred specifically to the “double social role that first serves and trains people with learning disabilities, and continues with the supply of gifts and materials.”
ROAD DEATHS: Up 29 per cent.
Road deaths rise since March
THERE have been 132 deaths on Spanish roads for the period between March 1 and April 10 compared to 103 for the same period last year, up 29 per cent. Now the RACC motorists organisation is advising drivers to be aware of the dangers on the road and is recommending measures, some obvious and some not, to help avoid
accidents. Among the advice given by the RACC is a warning not to drive while under the influence, be it of drink or drugs. The organisation also recommends taking frequent breaks if going a long way and to check your car before setting off. It also advises to not search the glove box, fiddle with the radio or the GPS while at the wheel.
Foreign trips on hold THE Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has suspended his foreign visits until after the European elections on May 25. Rajoy does not plan to leave the country again before a planned trip to Brussels at the end of May unless an emergency meeting is called to deal with the Ukranian situation. This will allow him to give his full attention to his party’s national campaigns in the runup to the elections.
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NEWS
Legalised hotel causes anger PROTESTS were raised for a second time this week by the ‘Desmontando El Algarrobico’, made up of around 25 groups, against the decisions of four judges from the Andalucian Court of
Supreme Justice (TSJA) who ruled that the Hotel Azata del Algarrobico could go ahead. The groups, comprised of disgruntled residents and environmental groups are incensed at the decision, which they see as being ‘inconsistent’ with existing legislation. The hotel, in Chercos, Lijar, Albanchez, Carboneras, has been the Lucar, Laroya, Macael, subject of controversy for Oria, Partaloa, Cantoria, some time. Many locals Purchena, Somontin, are angered that this seaAlcontar and Seron. Each front hotel has been given town provided around 50 the go-ahead when many residential properties in visitors. Participants simply had the area are yet to be to register at their fully legalised. There are that by relevant town hall, with concerns their ‘empadron’, Social legalising this hotel, it will Security number and a lay the path open for hotels and registration fee, to enjoy further the visit to Murcia, where urbanisations to be added they could visit the despite there still being a ancient waters which number of properties the correct have both curative and without licences and permissions. preventative qualities.
Spa treatments ALMERIA councils arranged this week for residents from a number of towns to travel to Archena in Murcia to enjoy spa treatments and thermal baths. The activities were aimed at those who would most benefit from the treatments, whether on an individual basis or as a group. Almeria towns which took part in the trips were Taberno, Zurgena, Arboleas, Sierra, Rio Olula, Fines, Bacares, Tijola,
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THE MUSICAL CHARITY EVENT OF THE YEAR IS COMING TO TOWN!
May 31 2014
In aid of local schools
st
Renfe Site La Alfoquia
7.00pm
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NOT 1, NOT 2, BUT HEADLINE ACTS CHOSEN BY YOU!
ss Errol Ro & n Brit e e u Q
Queen Tribute CHESS
UK N Micha o.1 e Tribut l Buble e-
Kris K
Supported by the incredible Lenny Mitchell & His Rock n Roll Time Machine Steve Fisher as Rod Stewart
Compere for the evening Danny B
Tickets
10 €
Further information of this event on 660
306 692
Tickets available from Bar La Union, Bar Trabalon and C.A.T. Services in La Alfoquia and Total Entertainment in Albox
All of the initial tickets for this show have now been sold. However the remaining tickets are now available, providing the concert can be held in the open air. Should this not be the case the monies paid will be refunded, these tickets now will be €200 onwards. Apart from the outlets listed, Spectrum Radio in Mojacar are now selling these additional tickets from their office, together with a return coach transfer for only €5 with pick ups in Mojacar at 6pm and 6.15pm in Vera, with the return leaving Alfoquia at 12.30am. Please note your ticket number is your seat number, so please ensure you book all your requirements at the same time so you and your friends are all sitting together.
Calm down my dear! THE PP candidate for the European Parliament from Almeria, Pablo Venzal, has given his support to Minister of Agriculture, Miguel Arias Cañete. Venzal has voiced his opinions towards the PSOE by telling them to “calm their nerves” and stop trying to “discredit the great work” that Miguel has been carrying out. He described Cañete as “the best European ally for
the recovery of Almeria and Spain.” He said: “Almeria will be able to choose between the future with PP and Miguel Cañete, or a retreat with the PSOE and Elena Valenciano.” He concluded: “Faced with an Andalucia in which unemployment increases from month to month, we are a country in which the PP government has implemented reforms already bearing fruit.”
Almeria has the fewest black spots ACCORDING to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), Almeria has the fewest number of black spots on its roads with just two. This figure is the lowest in Andalucia, with Huelva and Jaen having three each, Cordoba having four, Cadiz and Granada have 18 and Sevilla seven.
NEWS Arts and letters THE Delegate for Education, Culture and Sport, Isabel Arevalo, has opened the third national meeting of ‘Mediterranean Arts and Letters’. She was accompanied by Fernando Barrionuevo, the president of MECA (Mediterranean Arts Centre), Professor Jorge Chalmeta and the artist Mario Sanz. The meeting aims to promote Almeria as a platform for pooling resources, as well as disciplines including poetry, performances and visual arts. The meeting is taking place at the Mediterranean Arts Centre in Almeria. This year, the event lasts nine days, from Monday April 21 until Saturday May 3.
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Busy week for 112 EMERGENCY services in Almeria responded to a total of 855 incidents during the entire Easter period, predominantly health related, resulting in 359 actions. From 3pm on Good Friday until midnight on Easter Sunday, the telephone operators responded to 142 emergencies involving public safety, 83 traffic related incidents, and 65 accidents. Almeria was the province with the second lowest number of incidents. With just 796, Huelva had less. The multilingual arm of emergency telephone number 112 in Andalucia provides services in Spanish, English, French, German and Arabic. Over Easter, of the 24 calls routed to them, 15 were English, five Arabic and four French.
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Cannabis crew arrested CUSTOMS intercepted a merchant ship at the weekend, and discovered a haul of 18 tonnes of cannabis. The ship was known to have docked in Casablanca, and was being observed closely as part of
an ongoing investigation of travelling vessels. Two Customs officers boarded the ship for inspection, a little south-west of Almeria City, discovered the cannabis, and placed seven crew members under arrest.
This is the seventh operation since June 2013 with a positive outcome, adding up to a total drug haul of 90 tonnes. The tight cooperation between authorities in Spain, France and Italy has been instrumental in the interception of
12 ships. In order to control the route, and to stop the trafficking, Customs have established an intensive and constant surveillance of the area, assessing risk and making the best use of international co-operation.
Third fire in 24 hours PARTALOA became the third site for a fire in the early part of the week. INFOCA (official body for the prevention and suppression of forest fires in Andalucia) was called to the fire at 4.15pm. The blaze is thought to have been caused by lightning from a thunderstorm a little earlier in the day. While crews were dampening down the
last of the fires at Somontin and Lucainena /Sorbas, the call came through and services were reorganised to stabilise the new blaze. Three helicopters were quickly on the scene, fetching water from a nearby source. The fire was brought under control swiftly, and the INFOCA crews could finally take a breather.
BUSY: Fire crews had their work cut out.
Naked stroller arrested A MAN was arrested in Calle Baza in Comarca on Sunday, whilst he was taking a naked stroll and performing a strange dance around the town. Bemused residents of the town observed as he disrobed whilst performing a curious dance by a fountain. He then strolled
casually up to Parque del Alameda where Police finally stopped him at the playground. A number of people recorded videos of his striptease, and uploaded it to social networking websites. So far the man’s identity, his motives, or the outcome of his arrest are unknown.
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NEWS
Many coastal hotels still closed A TOTAL of 38 hotels on the Andalucian coast remain shut due to seasonal closures, labour disputes or management problems. The majority of these are in Malaga Province.
However, Almeria also holds claim to 10 of these hotels, which, in total, account for 3,400 beds and 1,000 jobs. They include Playa Tropical, Playa Azul, Playa Linda, Hotel Roc
Golf Trinidad, Protur Portobello, Vera Playa, Zimbali, Best Mojacar, Puerto Aguadulce and Plaza Suite. These figures, according to the union CCOO, fly in the face of
the good occupancy figures already being announced elsewhere. The union leader said that the reduction in open hotels causes harm both to employment and the
FOR centuries, a proud swordsman had been watching Albox as it grew, and nobody knew. That is, until now. The current restoration work
on the Santa Maria church clock tower has thrown up one or two surprises, one of which is a weather vane in the shape of a swordsman.
The Chacon brothers, David, Agustin and Juan, who are responsible for the metalwork restoration in the church, are responsible for resur-
recting the two vanes that formerly presided over the church - the swordsman (or king) being one. Whenever possible, they are using the same traditional crafting techniques that would have been used three centuries ago. Once replicated, this proud swordsman will once again stand aloft on the church, the tallest tower in Albox, sword raised, surveying and protecting the town.
families affected by this, and also motivates the closure of shops and
complementary businesses in the close vicinity.
Fewer banks Hidden treasure in tower than ever ACCORDING to latest figures, Almeria now has 279 fewer bank offices than in 2008. After the merger of Bankia and Bancaja, a number of branches were closed but a number of other banks are also affected. In Mojacar, most banks concentrate their efforts at the beach area, Mojacar Playa, rather than Mojacar Pueblo, with the higher footfall making it beneficial to have a physical presence in the town.
Mojacar Pueblo had Banesto, Unicaja and Banco Jerez until fairly recently. Banco Jerez closed its doors, followed by Banesto and then Unicaja. Now the only cashpoint available in the village is Cajamar, placed thanks to the council. Rural areas are more affected, and are especially problematic for the elderly, or those without transport. This week, 50 residents have demonstrated against the closure of Cajamar in Cartagena.
NEWS NEWS EXTRA
Tax fraud arrest NATIONAL Police arrested eight people accused of tax fraud this week in Almeria, for falsifying employment contracts and forging documents.
Rally driving NINE years in, and the Baza Almanzora rally is as popular as ever. Spain, France, Portugal and Hungary all have teams making an appearance. .
RBL meeting
ROYAL British Legion members are meeting at the Beachcomber Restaurant, for a quiz night with fish and chips tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm.
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Diego Martin in town COLISEUM partygoers in Albox are in for a treat on April 30, when Diego Martin appears at the venue to promote his latest album, ‘Sieno’ (Being). This is Diego’s fourth album, and he is keen to bring it to the residents of the town. He says about the album, “I have returned with a few good songs, and I wanted to make them available to everyone. “What I have made comes from my soul, and I have not stopped writing. I needed to find myself, to write what I wanted, and not what others would want me to write.” He adds: “I have made the album to be timeless, regardless of current styles and trends...simply what is in my soul...an album that I hope will be the spark in other people’s hearts.”
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RIP brave Rodriguez
MARTIN: The singer is promoting his fourth album. Tickets are available from Sala Coliseum on Avenida 28 de Febrero
or from Diego’s website www.diego-martin.es.
at
MUSCULAR dystrophy is without doubt one of the most debilitating illnesses known to man. Jamie Jimenez Rodriguez was one man who battled this muscle weakening illness for two decades. Jaime passed away at the weekend. His funeral on Monday, in Madrid, brought friends and family from all over the country. Jaime, an Atletico Madrid fan, was diagnosed when he was just four years old, and throughout his life displayed an optimism and drive that inspired everyone he met. Jaime never missed a festival, and was always at the centre of things, surrounded by friends. An active member of the Isabel Gemio Foundation, Jaime organised numerous fundraisers, charity dinners, marathons and tournaments. This led him to receive a number of accolades during his life.
NEWS
Easter hotel occupancy RAFAEL Rodriguez, Minister for Tourism and Commerce, has announced improved figures for hotel occupancy during the Easter weekend. Andalucia registered 1,084,884 overnight stays with an average occupancy of 65.2 per cent and registering an increase of 2.6 per cent compared with the same period last year. The highest concentration of overnight stays was along the coast, with 66.8 per cent of the total results. At a press conference Rodriguez presented a preview of the main results recorded between Palm Sunday and Easter Saturday from a survey of 330 establishments in the region. He described the data as “very positive, demonstrating great ability to attract visitors to Andalucia.” He mentioned Andalucia’s great diversity and strength, classifying it as a unique destination in the Mediterranean, and suggested that the increase was due in great part to the ramp in publicity in the weeks leading up to the holiday period. He stressed that the Easter figures were vitally important, as they ‘mark the path’ of the upcoming summer season. Rodriguez concluded, “It is important that these figures are recorded, and it is key to remain a competitive destination.”
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Cañete criticised over Food Chain CLARA AGUILERA of the PSOE has levelled accuations at Miguel Arias Cañete, the Minister of Agriculture, and the number one candidate for the PP in the upcoming May elections. During a recent press conference, during which she was accompanied by the Secretary General for Almeria PSOE, Jose Luis
Sanchez Teruel, and the European Parliament nominated candidate Mari Carmen Ortiz, Aguilera stated that as Cañete had been left in the province, he should have “resolved the crisis management” and criticised him for not having started any controls on the margins of the Food Chain Act, which should “already
BENEFICIAL: The important project is to go ahead.
A-1100 proceeds
CANTORIA Council has signed an agreement for works to be carried out on the A-1100. This continues a project first launched in 2010. The street is to be widened to include pavements and a separation between the lanes, as well as a barrier, street lighting and drainage. The works are of great importance for Cantoria, and the project will improve and prepare the town for the future.
have been in effect and effective”. Aguilera also spoke about about Rajoy’s decision to cut the polling stations arranged by 21 per cent, stating that “it does not help democracy” and that its implementation would increase queues and inconvenience those in Almeria who decide to exercise their right to vote.
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‘Supernanny’ app is launched TWO young Almerian entrepreneurs have launched an app that is inspired by the television programme ‘Supernanny’. Luis Castillo and Francisco Nieto have called their invention
BabyEduca, and it aims to assist parents in the education and motivation of their young children. Getting children to perform activities or jobs at home isn’t always easy, but this application
motivates them to earn stars which can later be exchanged for goodies such as sweet treats and trips to the park. Luis Castillo explains that it is a “tool that helps parents to train their children without them
noticing. You are playing with child psychology, educating them in the theory of ‘effort reaps reward’. This is proven to be beneficial in correcting bad behaviour. What we want is to make it as easy as possible for
parents to improve certain skills and behaviour patterns in their children, with a simple tool.” The inventors of BabyEduca were assisted by Bruno Nievas, paediatrician and author of ‘Realidad Aumentada’.
Hikers route gets busy HIKING route, ‘The Barrancones in Bacares’ was attended recently by a great turnout of 65 people (33 women and 32 men). The hike formed part of the Provincial Routes and Trails Programme 2014. Participants faced a journey of 10.5 miles, through a circular route, taking approximately 3.5
hours to complete it. The route was rated as one of medium difficulty, and took the hikers past Poste de Flechas, Sendero Carrascal, PR-A 362, Corral de Blas, La Solanilla, Sendero del Barrancón, Antiguo Molino, Chozo, Bancales de los Barrancones, Cortijo del Soto, Cortijo de los Monteros, Diedro,
Prado Bermejo, Casa de Prados Altos, Barranco de los Codos, Los Corralillos and Altillo de Medina. This route is a particularly beautiful one with stunning views throughout, making it all the more enjoyable to the participants who walked and ran through less traversed areas.
Having a hash of a time THE Indalo Hash House Harriers gathered at the Bar Carillo, on the main street of Almanzora, for coffee and catch-up and then onto the ‘chalk talk’. Visiting hashers from Andorra and Delhi hash groups, and a ‘virgin hasher’ were officially welcomed, then their ‘hare’ explained the route and the markers. The route took the runners along part of the
HARRIERS: Enjoying the sunshine on their walk. old railway line, and tunnels and bridges were a major feature of this hash, and while they were playing trains, the walkers went sedately through orange and lemon groves, where the blossom gave off a delightful aroma. When the walkers got back to the start, they found the runners there, waiting impatiently
because one of the walkers had the key to the car with the refreshments in it. The next hash will start from the Albox Tennis Club at 11am on Sunday, April 27. If you want to know more about hashing, check website: www.indaloh3.com or email indaloh3@gmail.com.
Dames meet up DAMES in Turre’s next meeting will be held on Monday, April 28 at Centre de Usos Multiples, Turre at 11am. During this meeting they shall be presenting cheques to four Local Charities followed by a very informal ‘Getting to Know You’ meeting, where all members and friends will be able to participate. They are a very friendly group so go along and see for yourself. For more information contact Secretary Pam Smith on 950475418 or President Lesley Barlow on 950478633.
NEWS EXTRA
Rambla work begins RESTORATION has begun where Rambla de Montacar joins El Saltador at HuercalOvera. The work is to improve water flow in case of heavy rains.
Dog walkers APSA are always looking for more dog walkers. If you can help, please pop into the shop on Avenida Lepanto in Albox. Lifts to the kennels may be possible.
Imserso increases places DUE to last year’s success in Imserso’s hydrotherapy programmes in Almeria, it has decided to increase its places by 44 per cent. In the 2012/2013 season, it exceeded all expectations by filling 61,844 places, generating more than €17 million and creating 3,705 jobs. Almeria is a favourite destination of older Spanish people, especially the resorts of Aguadulce, Roquetas de Mar and Mojacar during the summer.
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Rise in skin cancer linked to cheap holiday deals in hot countries EXPERTS have linked the rise of package holidays to places like Spain, along with sun-bed use, to a fivefold increase in rates of the deadliest form of skin cancer since the 1970s. Cancer experts say that the quest for a ‘healthy’ tan has contributed dramatically to an increase in cases of malignant melanoma. More than 13,000 people are now developing the disease every year compared to about 1,800 in 1975, according to Cancer Research UK. This means that the incidence rate has shot up from just over three per 100,000 of the population 40 years ago to around 17 per 100,000 today. Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with more than 2,000 people dying from the disease each year. Sunburn is a known factor that increases the risk of skin cancer, especially for those with pale skin or a large number of moles or freckles. Head of Statistics at Cancer Research UK, Nick Ormiston-Smith, said: “Since the mid-1970s, malignant melanoma incidence rates in the UK have increased more rapidly than any of today’s 10 most common cancers. “Holidays in hot climates have become more affordable and sunbeds are more widely available since the 1970s. “But we know overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun or sun-beds is the main cause of skin cancer. “This means, in many cases, the disease can be prevented, and is why it’s essential to get into good sun safety habits, whether at home or abroad.
“The good news for those that are diagnosed, is that the survival rate for the disease is amongst
the highest for any cancer. More than eight in 10 people will now survive it.”
Aside from avoiding sunburn, other advice includes spending time in the shade - especially
during the hottest part of the day - covering up, and using a minimum factor 15 sunscreen.
Parents are also advised to make sure their children follow the same rules.
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NEWS EXTRA
Repairs done A CLEAN-UP has been completed on the barranco at El Toril, Adra. Around 200 metres have been repaired
Seven saved GUARDIA Civil and Civil Protection launched a joint mission on Sunday to rescue seven hikers trapped by a snowfall in the Sierra Nevada.
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Almeria’s beauty captured on film NINE municipalities in Almeria will host an exhibition until October this year, displaying photographs of the region. Ten thousand photographs and videos were entered into an international competition, aimed at promoting Almeria and its beauty. Desert landscapes, nature, urban structure and skies are heavily featured in the collection. Deputy of Culture Maria
Vazquez is spearheading the exhibition, and pointed out its three main objectives. Firstly, to support cultural programmes throughout the municipalities of Almeria, and secondly to showcase photographs as selected from the contest, ‘Almeria, Earth Film’. The third objective is to promote Almerian landscapes, particularly those used as backdrops
and settings for filmmaking. The exhibition started on April 22 and will run through to October 2014, starting in Mojonera, and travelling through Albanchez, Alhama de Almeria, Carboneras, Fines, Gador, Paterna del Rio, Tabernas and Uleila del Campo. For further information about when the exhibition visits your town, contact your local town hall.
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Doctor sentenced for harassment A DOCTOR has been fined for the sexual abuse and harassment of a nursing assistant who worked alongside him at an Almeria hospital. The doctor, 62, has been fined €12 per day for 21 months for the sexual abuse, €12 per day for 10 months for sexual harassment, and a further €6,000 direct to the victim for damages, by an Almeria court. The defendant allegedly made sexual advances to the assistant, whilst threatening her with dismissal. The judge noted that the doctor “hugged her from behind while her hands were full and could do nothing to stop him” and also “rubbed his genitals against her back, whilst also reaching beneath her clothing to touch her breasts.” The judge noted the victim’s fragile state of mind and high anxiety caused by the situation, and reflected this in his judgement.
Police probe Molotov cocktail claims GUARDIA CIVIL are investigating a fire that originated on a fishing boat in Adra at the weekend. A man, who had been affected by smoke inhalation lodged a complaint with the Guardia Civil, in which he claimed that the fire was started by two men who threw Molotov cocktails. The Guardia Civil have opened a formal investigation.
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Spain still leads the way in organ donation and transplants Spanish National Transplant Organisation (ONT) has overseen more than 90,500 organ transplant operations. ONT has managed some 57,000 kidney transplants, 21,576 liver transplants, 7,024 heart
transplants, 3,200 lung transplants and over 1,500 pancreas transplant operations. These impressive figures have been helped by the fact that Spain has the highest rate of organ donors in the world.
The Blairs on Costa holiday TONY and Cherie Blair have been spotted together in public for the first time in months, on an Andalucian getaway. The pair have been on holiday in Marbella, on the Costa del Sol. They looked relaxed in each other’s company as they enjoyed the Mediterranean sunshine. The holiday comes after a stressful period in their marriage following allegations of an affair between Blair, 60, and Wendi,
Deng, 45, the former wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch has recently spoken out publicly over the allegations, saying that he divorced wife Wendi because of claims she was close to the former prime minister. In February it was revealed that Murdoch’s wife had written in her diary about Tony Blair, praising his ‘good body’ and his ‘butt’.
Last year, around 1,655 people in Spain donated their organs, with an average of 35.1 donors per million people, well above the European Union average of 19.2 per million. According to ONT, in
cordon press
DESPITE a series of cutbacks to the health service as a result of the economic crisis, Spain is still leading the way in terms of organ donations and transplants. Since its inception 25 years ago in 1989, the
2013 the average number of donors in Spain was between five and six donors per day. However, these figures vary, with peaks of 14, 15 or 16 donors at times. It was during one of
these peaks that the ONT set a new record, achieving a record 45 transplants in one day. In 2010, ONT was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation.
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Guardia train private guards THE Guardia Civil has begun a series of selfdefence training courses for the employees of Spanish security companies. Two major programmes have been set up to develop co-operation between the Guardia Civil and private security firms based in Spain. As part of
these initiatives, Guardia Civil officers will train personnel who are destined to work abroad. The courses will cover a broad range of activities including dealing with kidnapping situations, basic arms training, defensive driving techniques and optimising personal
Foreign trips on hold for Rajoy THE Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has suspended his foreign visits until after the European elections on May 25. Rajoy does not plan to leave the country again before a planned trip to Brussels at the end of May unless an emergency meeting is called to deal with the Ukranian situation. This will allow him to give his full attention to his party’s national campaigns in the run-up to the elections.
security in a variety of situations. In an aim to improve global security and facilitate information exchange between private security companies and the Guardia Civil, the latter’s network of contacts throughout the world will also be made available. This information will help improve security measures, particularly for employees who are operational outside Spain.
Fast selfie POLICE caught a driver who was travelling at 140km/h on the A6 in Leon whilst filming his exploits on his mobile phone. He was driving a 40tonne truck at the time.
Spanish town wants Jewish-friendly name A SPANISH town is aiming to change its anti-Semitic name, with locals admitting that it is not fit for the modern age. Residents in Castrillo Matajudios (which translates as ‘Castrillo, Kill Jews’) will be given the opportunity to vote on the name change on May 25. The small town is home to some 56 residents, and lies near the northern city of Burgos. The town’s mayor, Lorenzo Rodriguez, has promised that everyone will have the chance to vote and hopefully a new name can be found, something that celebrates the location’s Jewish heritage. If residents agree to the change, they will be able to choose between the less offensive Mota Judios and Mota de Judios, both meaning ‘Mound of the Jews’. Rodriguez told a French news agency: “Those of us who have lived all our lives in Castrillo Matajudios don’t give it a second thought. But the moment you go elsewhere it sounds bad. “Nowadays when people hear Castrillo Matajudios they go, ‘What a village. They kill Jews there. You have killed
NAME-CHANGE: Castrillo Matajudios. Jews’,” he said. “There are some villagers, business people who travel to Israel, and they try not to show their identity card. It is a name that we know today is not very correct.” The town hall also intends to commission an archaeological study and excavations to unearth the Jewish history of the site and, in the future, hopes to attract tourists with its history. Spain is now attempting to rectify centuries of anti-Semitism. Historians say that at least 200,000 Jews lived in Spain before the 1492 expulsion. Many of those who refused to convert or leave were burned at the stake.
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Fishing boat accident TWO crewmen have died and three are still missing after a fishing boat upturned off the coast of Asturias. The Coastguard is searching for the remaining members of the crew of a small fishing boat which got into difficulties 20 miles off the coast. The alert was raised by another boat which was in the area at the time and which then proceeded to rescue seven of the fishermen from the sinking vessel. The men were transferred to hospital by helicopter and are being treated for hypothermia and injuries sustained during the accident. Two are in a serious condition.
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Barcenas in more trouble after insulting officers
THE former treasurer of Spain's ruling PP government will be barred from walking the prison courtyard for 140 days, after he insulted Guardia Civil officers and refused to be handcuffed. Luis Barcenas, who has been in prison since June 2013, is currently being investigated for multimillion tax fraud. He is currently under investigation for allegedly receiving sizeable illegal payments in the country’s Gürtel case. The former treasurer, who has seen his reported €48 million in Swiss bank accounts frozen by the Spanish courts, is, according to reports, becoming increasingly more aggressive as the prospect of spending many years in
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BARCENAS: Insulted Guardia Civil. prison hits him. Reports indicate that there was an incident on January 8, with Barcenas
confronting a van driver who was employed to take prisoners to a Madrid hospital for routine
medical check-ups. Barcenas was said to have shouted “I’m not a criminal!” and refused to
be handcuffed behind his back. The discredited politician was said to have continued with the bad behaviour, even threatening to sue the officers for handcuffing him. Spanish newspaper 20minutos reported on Wednesday that the former treasurer continued to behave childishly, pushing one of the officers on the shoulder, calling them “show-offs” and complaining about his superficial injuries. A medic checked Barcenas soon after the incident, highlighting a “reddening of the wrists in line with wearing handcuffs, which won’t require further treatment.”
Suspected art swindler arrested in Sevilla A SPANISH art dealer, wanted in the USA as a central figure in one of the biggest art swindles in the last decade, has been arrested in Sevilla, Spain. Reportedly, the art dealer Jose Carlos
Bergantiños Diaz, who has been sought for many months, was arrested by Spanish police last Friday at a luxury hotel in the city. Allegedly, Bergantiños has been fooling the art world for years, convincing a number of collectors to spend more than $80 million on fake masterpieces purportedly by painters like Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Prosecutors said the galleries earned nearly $48 million in profits from the counterfeit paintings. The fakes were made by a painter in Queens, New York, and were then artificially aged through exposure to extreme heat and cold before Bergantiños forged the signatures of artists like Pollock and Motherwell. The painter is yet to be apprehended.
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Mountain plans MARBELLA City Hall has requested that the Junta de Andalucia include the southern face of Sierra Blanca in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
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Monument wrecked
A PLUMBER was seriously injured when unblocking a drain at a bar in Torremolinos, when acid splashed in his face, causing severe burns.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Mazarron marihuana A COUPLE have been arrested in Mazarron for cultivating more than 100 marihuana plants; police also found pellets of cocaine when they searched the house.
Easter clean-up ORIHUELA Council has contracted an extra 20 cleaners to help with the aftermath of Easter; among other jobs they have to clean all the wax off the streets as it is a danger to traffic.
MALLORCA tennis player Rafa Nadal will be named an ‘Adoptive Son’ of Madrid at a council meeting, to be held on May 5. PENITENTS: Alicante centre was full of processions.
Parade of joy and happiness
MORE than 400,000 hallelujahs were launched from the balconies of Alicante over the weekend. Thousands of tourists and residents took to the streets to witness one of the most beautiful of Easter traditions in Alicante: the meeting between the Virgen de la Alegria (happiness or joy) and Jesus in the Ayuntamiento Square. The sunshine which accompanied the Easter processions made for a great end to the week, although the last processions of the week were marred by a little rain. The president of the brotherhoods, Manuel Jimenez, was with the throne, and the mayor, Sonia Castedo, saw the procession from the council’s balcony. The procession went off without a hitch and in good weather. This procession represents the ‘Easter Bonfires’ of the Alicante Easter celebrations and marks the beginning of the preparations for the Santa Faz which takes place on May 1. This year’s procession had special significance, as it is a jubilee year and the 550th anniversary of the Miracle of Tears.
European parliament in which the students can debate current events.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Nursing course
Mild quake
THE association for equality in Orihuela is promoting a 70-hour course in geriatric nursing between May 6 and June 10, which is directed towards the long-term unemployed.
A 2.2-MAGNITUDE earthquake was felt recently in the Vinalopo area. Its epicentre was 12 kilometres below the surface in Hondon de los Frailes, said the National Geographic Institute.
Best actor
ORIHUELA actor, Daniel Ibañez, has won the prize for the best actor in the National Theatre Competition in Cartagena for his role in ‘Tres papas para Toto’.
Euroscola in Orihuela TWO groups of students from Orihuela high schools have participated in the Euroscola event. It consists of a mock
TWO people were injured after a bus carrying some 60 pensioners was involved in a collision with a van on the Manacor road in Sant Jordi. They were taken to Son Llatzer Hospital.
Adopted son
A MAN has been arrested in Ronda for allegedly raping his daughter, 11. He attempted to flee the country but was stopped at Algeciras Port.
Plumber injured
Two injured
A TOTAL of 416,000 foreign tourists visited the Balearic Islands between January and March, 24.4 per cent fewer than the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Girl raped
A WOMAN, 77, died in a fire at her home in Alameda, and two men in their 80s were injured. They had to be taken to Antequera Hospital.
MALLORCA
Fewer visitors
THE monument in Torremolinos dedicated to Manuel Fraga, a key Spanish political figure of the transition between the Franco regime and democracy, has been damaged.
Fire death
NEWS DESK
Smart idea ALTEA has a smartphone app giving details of local events and places of interest. The app is another milestone in the town hall’s VisitAltea campaign, said Tourism Councillor Vigela Lloret.
Hard lines EACH day a Valencian Community
university student has to request an emergency grant. Reduced family income through unemployment, illness or death is the most common cause, the Education Department has revealed.
Consumption up CONSUM’S co-operative franchise Charter reported a €140-million turnover last year, 22.3 per cent more than in 2012. The supermarket chain expects sales to top €163 million this year.
Film man dies LIVERPOOL-BORN cinematographer John Cabrera has died in Denia, aged 89. His parents were from Denia which became well-known in the 1960s after he suggested it as the location for Hollywood production John Paul Jones.
Flag stolen TWO youths were arrested by the Guardia Civil for allegedly stealing a Spanish flag from the monolith at the entrance to Palmanova and causing damage.
Charity concert VIOLINIST Ara Malikian will be performing at a charity concert today at the Palma Conservatory Auditorium with 20 of the conservatory’s professional musicians.
AXARQUIA
Tax break THE Spanish Association of Tropical Fruit Growers in Velez-Malaga has asked the government for tax breaks due to the influx of foreign fruits in the area.
Cultural week MARIA ZAMBRANO cultural week, which will last until April 30, will be attended by the 2013 Premio Planeta winner Clara Sanchez.
Blaze danger MALAGA fire brigade is to hold workshops for children to make them more aware of the dangers of fire and how to prevent it.
Stay independent TORROX Council has requested that the port not be dependent on the Andalucia general ports plan which is in economic difficulties; they would rather remain independent.
Innovation factory VELEZ-MALAGA Council and the industrial school have started a movement under the name of ‘innovation factory’. Its aim is to promote entrepreneurial skills among the young people of the area.
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Spain’s most wanted found A SUSPECTED killer who is on Spain’s Most Wanted list is now behind bars in Spain list after being arrested in Britain. Romanian Vasile Lupu, 36, was tracked down weeks after being named in a top 10 most wanted gallery of Spain’s most dangerous fugitives. UK police swooped on a Bedfordshire address after receiving a tip-off that Lupu was there. UK officials are currently investigating how Lupu managed to enter the UK despite a European arrest warrant being issued for his capture. Lupu has been extradited to Spain, where he stands accused of the murder of Vicente Almela, 90, during a violent armed robbery. The suspect’s brother is
Romanian Vasile Lupu was arrested at an address in Bedfordshire, UK, after a tip-off.
also in a Spanish prison following extradition from Romania over the death of Mr Almela. Mr Almela was found dead at his home in the village of Vall d’Uixo, near Castellon in eastern Spain, on February 24. The pensioner is believed to have died of a heart attack after being bound by a gang of armed robbers. The man’s 87year-old wife Consuelo survived the attack. The mayor of Vall d’Uixo, Oscar Clavell, said
Mr Almela died from “anguish or fright” and declared three days of mourning following the funeral. Lupu, who stands accused of murder, illegal detention, robbery with violence and wounding, is currently being held in a maximum-security prison in Madrid. The UK’s National Crime Agency said: “Vasile Lupu was arrested on April 2 and handed over to the Spanish authorities on April 11.”
Crashed helicopter located THE Spanish government has revealed that a military helicopter that crashed into the sea near the Canary Islands was found on Sunday with the bodies of its four missing crew members inside. The Super Puma helicopter crashed while practising a routine rescue operation on March 19. One crew member survived the accident. Spain's Defence Ministry said in a statement that the helicopter was found by a deep-diving robot in the early hours of Sunday morning at a depth of more than 2,300 metres. The statement said: “According to images sent by the robot from the boat ‘Ares’, the four missing crew members are still inside.” The statement continued: “The helicopter was found at a depth of 2,363 metres, which has complicated the recovery operation.” Naval, police and maritime rescue services had been searching an area about 45 kilometres from Fuerteventura for the wreckage. The island is one of the largest of the archipelago which lies off the northwest coast of Africa.
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Stories making headlines in Europe
S CANDINAVIAN P RESS
GERMAN PRESS Cancelled flights
BRITISH PRESS McDonald’s tattoo NORWAY - A Norwegian teenager has found worldwide fame after tattooing a McDonald’s receipt on his forearm. “This is absurdly cool,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Green capital NORWAY - OSLO has been shortlisted for the Green Capital in 2016. The city is one of five finalists announced by the European Comission. A team will argue their city’s claim before a jury in Copenhagen in June.
KILLER: Alien species A BRITISH pensioner has tried to cross the border invading between Germany and Luxembourg with €250,000 in the UK. cash strapped to his genitals. His wife had another €8,000 strapped to her clothing.
Smuggling cash
Mystery ring SCIENTISTS are baffled after a schoolgirl photographed a mysterious black ring floating in the sky above Warwickshire. It was visible for around three minutes and then disappeared.
Twitcher warning BRITISH twitchers have been warned of the presence of a South American rhea in Hertfordshire. The bird is 1.8 metres tall and can run at 40 miles per hour; with 15-centimetre claws, it can disembowel humans.
SWEDEN - MORE than a thousand Swedish shoppers have signed up for a new system to make payments with the swipe of their hand; machines will scan the unique pattern of the veins.
Gas leak SWEDEN - AN unknown gas leak at a school in Southern Sweden sent 25 to hospital complaining of headaches. Police are still looking for the source of the leak. HANDY: New way to pay.
AMID concerns about the deteriorating security for foreign tourists, Air Berlin has cancelled all its flights to the Sharm el-Sheikh resort on the Red Sea in Egypt.
Killer prawns THE British government has warned that killer shrimp and other alien species are invading the UK’s ecosystems. The shrimps get their name from killing even what they do not eat.
Giant rat A GIANT rat has been found in Kent. This is just the most recent of a series of massive rats which have been discovered across the country, including one that measured two feet.
Bumpy road CRIMEA is on the bumpy road to becoming a Russian province. Since Putin’s annexation, on March 21, there has been a lot of confusion but now it seems that moves are being made to formalise the matter.
Smuggling professor RUSSIAN law school professor, Alexander Gorbachyov, has been acquitted by an Islamic Sharia court in Iraq. He was detained on suspicion of smuggling pottery which had cultural value.
Muscovite cyclist
IN a bid to promote healthy living, 21-year-old Muscovite, Oleg Zavodov, has set off on his bicycle from Murmansk with the aim of covering 1,600 kilometres and reaching Vladivostok in November.
Part-timers EUROPEAN statistical office Eurostat has found that Dutch part-time employees, who form a European record of 50.7 per cent of all workers, are the most satisfied in the European Union as far as their working situation is concerned.
POTTERY: Professor cleared of smuggling.
Dagestan siege RUSSIAN security forces have killed four suspected militants after laying siege to a home in the republic of Dagestan. According to the BBC, seven people were killed.
Patriotic sentiment PRESIDENT PUTIN has chaired a meeting of the Russian Geographical Society in a bid to bring to prominence the organisation, which was recently revived, to promote patriotic sentiment in the country.
DUTCH PRESS Money tracker
Golden catch
A SO-CALLED money sniffer dog found €2.5 million in cash in the bedroom of a 36-year-old suspect in Nieuwegein. The money was hidden in a space behind the headboard of his bed.
DUTCH Customs at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport encountered a German travelling from Argentina to Germany with five kilos of gold worth €140,000 hidden in a chess board. After paying
First and only female THE German navy has welcomed its first, and so far only, female officer to serve on a submarine. Twenty-seven-year-old Asseln holds the role of fourth watch officer on the U-31 Delta.
Horse kebab
RUSSIAN PRESS
Hand swipe
EUROPEAN PRESS
€37,000 in duties, the man could continue his journey.
ICT-hotspots ACCORDING to the European Commission, Eindhoven (ninth) and Amsterdam (10th) are in the
BIOLOGY students at a school in Western Germany analysed a kebab for a biology project and found it to contain horsemeat. This comes just a year after the scandal of ‘mis-labelled’ meat in Europe.
Tax evaders THOUSANDS of tax evaders have come forward to declare in order to avoid prosecution. Selfdeclarations have trebled in the first quarter of the year.
Fewest jobless UPPER BAVARIA has the lowest unemployment levels in the EU with a rate of only 2.6 per cent. Almost all the regions with high employment levels were in Germany.
top 10 of best performing areas in the field of information technology. The city of Delft is in 18th place.
Hourly wages LAST year hourly wages decreased by 6 per cent on average in The Netherlands, from €15.50 in 2012 to €14.60 in 2013.
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A note from the
Editor
Learn a little humility… O
NE thing former Partido Popular Treasurer Luis Barcenas cannot be accused of is humility. Languishing behind bars as he awaits trial in the infamous Gurtel corruption case, he is said to be becoming more and more aggressive as the days go by. You would have thought having been caught with a reported €48 million stashed away in Swiss bank accounts he would have decided to keep a low profile until judgment is made in his case. But no, he is alleged to have confronted a van driver taking him for medical check-ups. He is also reported to have pushed a prison officer and refused to wear handcuffs, shouting: “I am not a criminal.” That ‘disagreement’ has led to
him being barred from exercising in the prison courtyard for 140 days as punishment. It also shows the attitude all too prevalent in politicians that they are above the rules that everyone else in society has to follow. It is time for Barcenas to reflect on his behaviour and, who knows, maybe lessen his overinflated opinion of himself. A little humility earlier in his life would have saved him from finding himself now behind bars. And maybe others, who seem to think they can do no wrong despite plundering millions from the Spanish people, should also reflect that they too could end up behind bars for a long time to come. Who knows, they may change their ways. I am not holding my breath.
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Get your own Spanish hamlet free A SPANISH mayor is offering to give away an entire hamlet for nothing. There’s just one condition. Whoever buys A Barca has to restore it to its former glory. The 15,000 square metres in northwestern Spain is a great project for those looking to do some renovation and restoration. Local communities are hoping that the area will be rejuvenated by the project. A Barca consists of 12 houses, nestled amid overgrown vegetation. Whoever takes on the project will have to preserve the houses. Another requirement for the development plan is to provide employment for people in the community. Centuries ago, A Barca (which translates as ‘small boat’ in Galician), was part of the royal road to Castille. It later served as a transportation hub for
people, animals and goods crossing the Miño river. The mayor of the municipality, Avelino de Francisco, said he is still looking for the right owner, despite more than 1,000 proposals made since March. According to Spanish newspaper El Pais the project being considered the most seriously at the moment is a British company which wants to turn A Barca into a rehabilitation centre for people suffering from cardiovascular disease. The mayor told BBC News: “[For] the person who comes here, the goal is to come and relax, there is no stress here... “We have hot springs, areas of rivers, mountains, we have wonderful hiking areas.” Reportedly, there are nearly 3,000 other empty villages in rural Spain, with more than half being in Galicia. Many people left the villages to go to the cities in search of a better life.
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STAT OF WEEK MAPFRE, Allianz and Plus Ultra are providing insurance cover for ‘bad bank’ Sareb’s 90,600 properties worth €11.4 billion. The policies cost €2.7 million and will provide cover until March 2015.
26. Departure times will depend on how long the concert lasts, Renfe said. There will be reductions of up to 60 per cent for return tickets on selected AVEs between Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza, Cordoba, Sevilla and
Spain is worst for employment SPAIN’S economy might have returned to growth but this is not reflected in the employment market. Seven of the 10 European Union regions with the highest unemployment rates last year are Spanish, the Eurostat statistics office announced. Little has changed since the 2012 rankings when Spain’s autonomous regions also occupied the upper reaches of the Eurostat list although this was then headed by the North African enclave of Ceuta. That unwelcome honour now goes to Andalucia, whose 36.3 per cent unemployment
rate is the EU’s highest, with Ceuta in second place with 35.3 per cent. Next comes Melilla, Spain’s other North African enclave (34.4 per cent) followed by the Canary Islands (34.1 per cent) and Extremadura (33.7 per cent). The Greek region of Western Macedonia occupies the seventh position with 31.8 per cent, followed by Castilla-La Mancha with 30.1 per cent. Eighth place goes to Central Macedonia (31.8 per cent) with yet another Spanish region, Murcia, ranked ninth with 29.4 per cent unemployment.
Malaga. The trains will be accompanied with a guitar symbol on the Renfe website and all seats will be tourist class on the earlymorning June 26 trains. It will not be possible to change tickets and cancellations will incur a 50 per cent penalty.
B
usiness extra
Hotel deal for NH SPANISH-based hotel chain NH bought the remaining 44.5 per cent of its Italian subsidiary from Intesa Sanpolo for €200 million. In exchange, the bank increased its NH stake to 16 per cent.
Don’t bank on it! SEVENTY PER CENT of the public believe that banks are neither reliable nor solvent, found a CEACCU consumers’ association survey. Sixteen per cent kept their cash at home, they said.
Eating out on the cheap TWENTY-TWO PER CENT of Spanish diners are now foregoing dessert and coffee when eating out. And they do this to save money rather than calories, according to marketing consultants Nielsen. Thirty-five per cent choose cheaper restaurants and 90 per cent are ‘hypersensitive’ regarding price, Nielsen
revealed. Forty per cent admitted sticking to a ‘menu del dia’ instead of eating A La Carte as they would have done in the past. Despite the extra expense the number of Spaniards buying organic products has increased by 10 per cent over the last 12 months, even though it costs more, the researchers discovered.
AOO3771
RENFE plans to put on extra trains for the Rolling Stones’ Madrid concert on June 25. So that those attending can return home without problems, Spain’s passenger train operator is scheduling seven high-speed AVE trains for the early hours of June
/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Renfe rolls out high-speed AVEs for Stones’ gig in Madrid AVE: Concert-goers offered discounted tickets.
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LONDON - FTSE 100
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C LOSING P RICES APRIL 22
C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 444.00 Admiral Group PLC 1357.50 Aggreko PLC 1528.00 Anglo American PLC 1540.75 Antofagasta PLC 831.50 ARM Holdings PLC 985.50 Ashtead Group PLC 916.50 Associated British Foods 2713.00 AstraZeneca PLC 4080.50 Aviva PLC 512.50 Babcock International 1203.00 BAE Systems PLC 388.60 Barclays PLC 247.70 Barratt Developments 374.70 BG Group PLC 1133.50 BHP Billiton PLC 1915.50 BP PLC 485.85 British Amrcan Tobacco 3412.50
C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 7.40 1.69 8.00 0.59 12.00 0.79 -6.00 -0.39 3.00 0.36 9.50 0.97 9.00 0.99 0.00 0.00 299.00 7.91 3.22 0.63 -13.00 -1.07 -0.50 -0.13 1.20 0.49 0.10 0.03 -0.50 -0.04 2.50 0.13 3.80 0.79 5.00 0.15
NET VOLUME 449.02 38.91 21.25 242.30 132.00 215.74 103.18 57.85 2,251.44 519.78 463.00 627.55 5,009.03 161.55 210.74 680.93 1,300.40 185.67
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0.82085
Units per €
US dollar.................................................................1.37993 Japan yen...............................................................141.463 Switzerland franc ..............................................1.22085 Denmark kroner................................................7.46609 Norway kroner ..................................................8.25403
currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 C O M PA N Y
PRICE(P)
British Land Co PLC British Sky Broadcasting BT Group PLC Bunzl PLC Burberry Group PLC Capita PLC Carnival PLC
679.00 902.00 371.35 1619.50 1447.00 1078.00 2252.50
DOW JONES
NASDAQ
C LOSING P RICES APRIL 22
C LOSING P RICES APRIL 22
C O M PA N Y MMM 3M Co AXP American Express Co T AT&T Inc BA Boeing Co CAT Caterpillar Inc CVX Chevron Corp CSCO Cisco Systems Inc DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil Corp GE General Electric Co GS Goldman Sachs Group Inc HD Home Depot Inc INTC Intel Corp IBM International Business Machine... JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase and Co MCD McDonald's Corp MRK Merck & Co Inc MSFT Microsoft Corp NKE Nike Inc PFE Pfizer Inc PG Procter & Gamble Co KO The Coca-Cola Co TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc DIS Walt Disney Co
PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 138.62 86.67 36.06 127.82 102.64 124.24 23.40 67.03 100.93 26.59 157.80 77.96 26.95 192.27 100.00 55.03 99.67 57.25 39.94 73.90 30.86 81.56 40.75 86.40 118.30 74.95 47.98 209.13 77.60 79.11
+0.89 +0.45 +0.02 -0.10 -0.19 +0.56 +0.19 +0.05 +0.51 +0.03 +0.36 +0.87 -0.09 +2.26 +1.04 -0.19 -0.58 +0.78 -0.07 -0.13 +0.61 -0.20 +0.03 -0.28 -0.27 -0.83 +0.38 +1.18 -0.06 -0.88
+0.65% +0.52% +0.06% -0.08% -0.18% +0.45% +0.82% +0.07% +0.51% +0.11% +0.23% +1.13% -0.33% +1.19% +1.05% -0.34% -0.58% +1.38% -0.17% -0.18% +2.02% -0.24% +0.07% -0.32% -0.23% -1.10% +0.80% +0.57% -0.08% -1.10%
1.8M 3.8M 18.8M 2.4M 3.8M 6.4M 38.8M 3.7M 8.0M 25.1M 4.6M 6.3M 20.4M 5.4M 7.0M 12.4M 6.4M 6.2M 22.2M 3.4M 30.3M 6.4M 12.6M 2.3M 2.7M 6.9M 13.3M 2.5M 4.6M 7.1M
1.21824
C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 6.50 12.00 2.00 11.00 6.00 -1.00 18.00
C O M PA N Y
0.97 1.35 0.54 0.68 0.42 -0.09 0.81
NET VOLUME 95.13 161.24 790.58 12.30 30.36 58.14 20.96
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
$ 33.97 $ 9.81 $ 30.83 $ 7.76 $ 9.10 $ 15.83 $ 14.95 $ 22.6099 $ 3.45 $ 4.33 $ 7.11
9.57 ▲ 39.22% 2.73 ▲ 38.56% 5.28 ▲ 20.67% 1.02 ▲ 15.13% 1.14 ▲ 14.32% 1.70 ▲ 12.03% 1.57 ▲ 11.73% 2.3699 ▲ 11.71% 0.35 ▲ 11.29% 0.43 ▲ 11.03% 0.68 ▲ 10.58%
$ 12.80 $ 7.62 $ 4.1296 $ 2.51 $ 15.86 $ 135.59 $ 13.43 $ 4.25 $ 3.17 $ 7.13 $ 36.32
2.01 ▼ 13.57% 1.13 ▼ 12.91% 0.3404 ▼ 7.62% 0.20 ▼ 7.38% 1.20 ▼ 7.03% 9.99 ▼ 6.86% 0.89 ▼ 6.22% 0.26 ▼ 5.76% 0.19 ▼ 5.65% 0.42 ▼ 5.56% 2.09 ▼ 5.44%
Most Advanced Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. Cbeyond, Inc. ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tarena International, Inc. Empire Resorts, Inc. Maxwell Technologies, Inc. Cara Therapeutics, Inc. Weibo Corporation Vimicro International Corporation Forbes Energy Services Ltd China XD Plastics Company Limited
Most Declined Moneygram International, Inc. TOP Ships Inc. SMART Technologies Inc. Charles & Colvard Ltd Acacia Research Corporation athenahealth, Inc. TriVascular Technologies, Inc. RMG Networks Holding Corporation EveryWare Global, Inc. Five9, Inc. Acceleron Pharma Inc.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
C O M PA N Y Centrica PLC Coca-Cola HBC AG Compass Group PLC CRH PLC Diageo PLC easyJet PLC Experian PLC Fresnillo PLC G4S PLC GKN PLC GlaxoSmithKline PLC Glencore Xstrata PLC Hammerson PLC Hargreaves Lansdown HSBC Holdings PLC IMI PLC Imperial Tobacco Group InterContinental Hotels. International Cnslidtd Intertek Group PLC ITV PLC Johnson Matthey PLC Kingfisher PLC Land Securities Group Legal & General Group Lloyds Banking Group London Stock Exchange Marks & Spencer Group Meggitt PLC Melrose Industries PLC Mondi PLC National Grid PLC Next PLC Old Mutual PLC Pearson PLC Persimmon PLC Petrofac Ltd Prudential PLC Randgold Resources Reckitt Benckiser Group Reed Elsevier PLC Resolution Ltd REXAM PLC Rio Tinto PLC Rolls-Royce Holdings Royal Bank of Scotland Royal Dutch Shell PLC Royal Mail PLC RSA Insurance Group SABMiller PLC Sage Group (The) PLC Sainsbury (J) PLC Schroders PLC Severn Trent PLC Shire PLC Smith & Nephew PLC Smiths Group PLC Sports Direct Int SSE PLC Standard Chartered PLC Standard Life PLC St. James's Place PLC Tesco PLC Travis Perkins PLC TUI Travel PLC Tullow Oil PLC Unilever PLC United Utilities Group Vodafone Group PLC Weir Group PLC Whitbread PLC William Hill PLC Wm Morrison Sprmrkets Wolseley PLC WPP PLC
PRICE(P) 348.55 1528.00 924.00 1722.00 1870.25 1701.50 1094.00 867.50 244.20 397.55 1625.00 312.95 570.50 1213.00 620.00 1502.00 2525.50 1945.50 408.15 2938.00 189.05 3211.00 419.20 1050.00 212.40 74.53 1846.50 439.35 474.55 285.50 1011.00 829.50 6535.00 202.50 1066.50 1302.00 1404.00 1331.75 4663.00 4957.50 889.00 292.00 507.25 3265.00 1055.50 304.45 2391.25 522.25 94.80 3102.25 406.20 317.30 2571.50 1793.50 3062.00 883.00 1260.50 809.75 1505.00 1324.50 382.50 789.00 291.82 1808.00 425.35 872.00 2627.50 775.50 215.72 2571.00 4066.00 325.75 202.75 3326.00 1278.00
CHANGE 3.50 9.00 5.00 6.00 41.50 17.15 13.00 -1.50 2.10 6.90 65.61 -1.25 2.50 11.00 2.60 9.00 15.00 23.00 0.50 17.00 2.80 18.00 2.30 3.00 1.60 0.26 7.00 4.70 1.20 3.60 7.60 5.95 45.00 1.30 5.00 10.28 -0.95 7.50 -54.00 43.00 4.50 2.50 5.50 -23.50 10.00 1.60 -1.25 13.50 0.10 33.50 3.30 3.30 13.00 12.67 137.00 16.50 5.72 11.00 2.00 -1.00 4.50 7.00 2.05 4.00 3.30 4.50 11.00 6.00 1.60 8.00 10.00 3.50 1.62 30.00 15.00
% C H G. 1.01 0.59 0.54 0.35 2.27 1.02 1.20 -0.17 0.87 1.76 4.21 -0.40 0.44 0.91 0.42 0.60 0.60 1.20 0.12 0.58 1.50 0.56 0.55 0.29 0.76 0.35 0.38 1.08 0.25 1.28 0.76 0.72 0.69 0.65 0.47 0.80 -0.07 0.57 -1.14 0.87 0.51 0.86 1.10 -0.71 0.96 0.53 -0.05 2.65 0.11 1.09 0.82 1.05 0.51 0.71 4.68 1.91 0.46 1.38 0.13 -0.08 1.19 0.90 0.71 0.22 0.78 0.52 0.42 0.78 0.75 0.31 0.25 1.09 0.80 0.91 1.19
VOLUME 957.10 20.77 84.69 95.59 851.28 59.39 60.13 34.05 106.18 157.59 2,641.92 2,463.11 61.39 60.09 1,441.51 29.69 116.10 27.39 260.53 14.05 1,468.10 16.06 403.92 164.53 515.54 8,364.03 12.55 228.71 71.78 130.97 24.29 233.31 22.07 345.15 72.98 58.49 11.42 121.64 25.44 182.76 121.86 461.19 36.53 388.27 200.43 989.44 317.66 193.20 1,268.50 133.05 52.82 552.85 9.31 27.44 911.60 306.09 47.53 86.65 67.88 362.98 224.42 73.53 1,707.27 114.86 31.36 189.71 207.91 41.71 4,322.25 15.23 23.86 217.73 549.41 30.22 161.91
Some improvement for mortgage victims BANKS rejected four out of every 10 requests to renegotiate mortgages under new government regulations in late 2013. This was an improvement on the 80 per cent rejection registered when the amendments first came into force, the Economy Ministry revealed. Changes announced in November 2012 to protect households and families in financial difficulties have since been extended and made more flexible. “Gradual acceptance has increased the number of applications,” said the ministry. A total of 4,523 applications were made to renegotiate mortgages in the last quarter of 2013. This exceeded all of those registered between March 2012 when the measures were introduced and March 2013 when 4,385 requests were received. Further changes now make it possible for families earning up to three times the minimum wage to apply for renegotiation where previously it was necessary to prove they had no income at all. The measures also include those whose financial circumstances have altered significantly in the last four years and whose repayments account for 50 per cent of their net income. Despite the new flexibility this does not mean that every mortgage can be renegotiated or that a property may be returned to the lender in lieu of settling the debt (dacion en pago).
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Hacienda check-up for health insurance group PRIVATE health insurance group Bupa Sanitas is in the sights of Spain’s tax inspectors. The AETA agency, Spain’s equivalent of Inland Revenue, suspects that the group could owe Hacienda of up to €28.07 million. Sham share transactions within the Bupa Sanitas group allegedly enabled it to avoid paying €14.6 million in tax in 2007, revealed sources close to the current audit. Between 2008 and 2010, the group allegedly eluded payment of an annual €4.4 million, the same sources said. Agency inspectors are examining Bupa Sanitas’s acquisition of shares in UKbased Bupa Care Homes and Bupa Treasury, both belonging to the Bupa
druidabruxux
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
MADRID: Bupa Sanitas headquarters. Group (British United Provident Association). The AEAT believes that Bupa Sanitas’s expenses and adjustment of goodwill arising from the transactions were intended to suggest depreciation. If this proves to be true, it would not be eligible for tax exemptions.
The operation was set up expressly to avoid tax, agency inspectors maintained, challenging Sanitas claims that buying shares is habitual between different companies within a group. “We are undergoing a tax inspection like those routinely and periodically
carried out in large firms,” the company said, pointing out that it has yet to receive any official communication from the tax agency. “Sanitas goes back more than 50 years and has always met its tax obligations in accordance with Spanish regulations.”
Advertising roundabouts Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.
www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932
COMPANIES advertise; it is what they do. Having first-hand experience of some of them, it occurs to me that their purpose in life is not to build their business but to invest in the advertising billboard industries. Is their spiel set out to attract new customers to replace the haemhorrage of disenchanted clients? Can it get worse? Yes. It is an anti-sell: research shows that victims of poor service on average tell 19 people about their bad experience. “Products today are getting very similar,” said David Beckinsell, formerly of National Opinion Polls. “There’s not that much difference between a small Ford and a small Nissan. It is service and image that sets a company apart from the rest.” Did you know that it costs three times as much to attract a new customer as it does
to retain an existing one? General Motors know it because they conducted the research that revealed this gem. I once spent an hour or so with Pam Morgan. Her advice: “Always exceed your customer’s expectations; they will then do your advertising for you.” Ms Morgan was largely responsible for their family company, Redrow Homes, becoming the UK’s biggest independent house builders. This wise advice is followed by 58 per cent of new businesses who put their survival down to providing quality service. A Red Star Parcels survey revealed that the most frequently cited reason for a company losing business were regular failings in quality, no longer offering value for money, and lack of basic courtesy. Don’t we know it. I was quick to learn that on the Costas. There are many companies, especially in the internet services, that sell on price rather than on quality. I have a suggestion. Why not treat customers not as sheep to be fleeced but as partners in your business? It is hardly rocket science, is it? NEXT WEEK. How to find out what others think of your business.
GAS: Pipeline from Africa lands in Almeria.
Ukraine’s loss could be Spain’s gain EUROPE will be materially affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Thirty per cent of EU gas comes from Russia and it will be Ukraine’s fault if it shivers once summer ends, Moscow claims. This could be Spain’s moment to step in. It has seven gas re-aeration plants where ships can load and unload and it receives Algerian gas via the Magreb and Medgaz pipelines. Were Russia to cut gas exports via Ukraine, or should the latter siphon off gas for its own needs, Spain could ship gas to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece and Turkey. At a pinch Spain could use its two
pipeline interconnections with France, although only in impracticably small quantities. For this reason the Spanish government wants Brussels to give priority to the Midcat pipeline in Cataluña which is already classed as ‘infrastructure of community interest’. This would connect Algeria’s Hassi R’mel fields with Central Europe, the government has pointed out, although it will not be operational until 2017, unlike the coastal gas plants. Operating at only 20 per cent capacity last year, they would welcome more tankers “with open arms,” according to industry sources.
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Blog yourself towards a new successful financial future Loose change A look at finance for females
Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
NOWADAYS people are fanatical about social media and the internet. When we have a question we consult our wise friend Google, while for many each step of the day is documented through posts and photography. It’s an online world and, love it or hate it, the trend looks as if it’s going to stick around for a while. Therefore, it may be a good time to take advantage of this obsession and even attempt to make a living out of it. For women who are unemployed or
somewhat homebound because of children, it might be a good idea to get into the world of blogging. It is not for everyone. But it is for those that are good at storytelling, photography, enjoy and understand video blogging, or can lead fun, interesting social media conversations. It won’t be an overnight transformation from rags to riches but with perseverance and a good following it can become a satisfying moneymaker. The trick is to get enough people following your blog so that it becomes an attractive place for advertisers to publish their goods on. To blog about something it has got be a topic that you and others are passionate about. A blog on something obscure like ‘the eating habits of antelopes’ might not get you the
MONEYMAKER: Setting up a successful blog. following you need to make money, but something like a ‘Mommy Blog’ will get people clicking. Mommy Blogs are sites dedicated to the life of mums and raising children and their following can be enormous. Tons of advertising is related to family life - food products, clothing, healthcare products, entertainment,
Are president’s actions legal? Q. Our community owners have received an email from the president stating that You and the he has formally resigned because of other commitments. He says he Law in Spain presented his resignation at the last By David Searl committee meeting and handed over the position to the vice president, who agreed to accept. We must now hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to vote for a new vice president. I believe this action contravenes the Law of Horizontal Property. Can you comment? R P (Costa del Sol) A. You are quite right. The Law of Horizontal Property basically prohibits the president from resigning, let alone naming a new president. He must either call an Extraordinary General Meeting for the election of a new president, or he must go to court and ask the judge to remove him, giving sound reasons. At this moment, he continues to be the legal president of your community and his actions are null and void. The committee must now schedule an EGM for the election of a new president. Only the vote of the general assembly can do this. On the other hand, your vice president can carry out the duties of the president until the regular AGM, as long as everyone is happy with the arrangement, and keeping in mind that legal documents must be signed by the elected president. Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
holidays – so much so that a good Mommy blogger
BUSINESS EXTRA
LIDL increase
has the potential to make a lucrative living and climb the corporate ladder from the comfort of their own home. Other blogs that can attract a big following are related to music, fashion, beauty, food and wedding stuff. But remember if you want to make money, your blog has to stand out from all the others out there. Do your research, but don’t copy, be original, be creative, encourage comments and spread the word as much as you can!
LIDL’s Spanish turnover reached €2.5 billion last year, a 4 per cent yearon-year increase. A wider product range, more fresh produce and local products were responsible, the company said.
High flyers PUBLICLY-OWNED airports’ operator Aena and engineering group Ineco have won a €15-million contract to build Abu Dhabi’s new airport. Ineco is opening a branch there and will participate in other airport projects.
Spanish don’t see sweet reason like the Germans WHILE the Western European chocolate confectionery market reached a sweet £19 billion (€23 billion) in 2012, the Spanish trail way behind the Germans when it comes to a sweet tooth. Indeed, according to latest research by market analysts Mintel, Germany accounted for a quarter (24 per cent) of the Western European chocolate confectionery market in 2012, equating to a retail market value of £4.6 billion (€5.6 billion) in 2012. And despite falling by 7 per cent since 2010, sales were expected to grow by almost 4 per cent by the end of 2013. Meanwhile, France and the UK each hold a 20 per cent share of the market, with a retail value of £3.7 billion (€4.5 billion) respectively in 2012. The Spanish market was worth just £590 million (€717 million). And Germany’s reputation as a ‘chocolate nation’ is also reinforced by a per capita consumption of over eight kilos annually, by far the highest in Western Europe. In comparison, Brits eat 6.5 kilos per year, the French 5.7 kilos and the Italians and Spanish 1.7 kilos. Marcia Mogelonsky, Director of Innovation and Insight at Mintel, said: “Germany remains Europe’s largest chocolate market, despite the small fall from 2010. In order to keep up that pace, manufacturers would do well to look at what motivates German chocolate consumers, as they have some unexpected patterns in their eating and purchasing habits. Germans have a
strong tradition in the category, supported by a number of wellestablished and respected brands.” Looking at motivation for purchasing chocolate amongst buyers in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, it is the Germans who are the most likely to buy chocolate on impulse. Indeed, some 45 per cent of Germans buy it on impulse, while just 33 per cent of French, 30 per cent of Italians and 20 per cent of Spanish do so. As for Brits, 54 per cent of chocolate eaters buy chocolate on impulse. And not only are Germans impulsive chocolate buyers, but they are also second only to French consumers when it comes to buying chocolate to treat themselves. Indeed, more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of Germans and 84 per cent of French purchase the products as a special treat for themselves, or as something special to improve their moods. Meanwhile, two fifths (41 per cent) of Brits buy chocolate to eat it as comfort food. Just over half (58 per cent) of Italians and 66 per cent of Spanish chocolate-eaters buy the products to lift their moods or to treat themselves. Furthermore, satisfying a sweet craving is also one of the most popular reasons for purchasing chocolate among European consumers. Almost seven in 10 (66 per cent) Italian and six in 10 (60 per cent) German and Spanish chocolate buyers make product purchases to satisfy a sweet craving.
OPINION & COMMENT
EUROPEAN PRESS
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Culture shock struck home Ric Polansky Ric Polansky moved to Mojacar in 1969 as a pioneer developer. He reads extensively and has travelled in South America panning gold and looking for El Dorado.
TWO surprising cultural aspects stood out vividly the day I arrived in ‘69. First were the smells, the new and frequent pungent odours that invaded much of everyday life in this new land. Secondly, the personal inquisitiveness of each individual Spaniard in studying our very appearance and movements. The Spanish ‘self obsessed alertness’ bothered me for about a month and then it was forgotten; well, until summer came and it became HOT. Spain could be scorching in those days.
Blistering such that no one ever went out in the sun, not English ING men or mad dogs. LOOK IN And when the BACK AR C people of the MOJA campo (fields and small villages) did it was only to accomplish some important errand. The men adorned themselves in long corduroy pants (the same as they had in winter), a long-sleeved shirt (winter LEGENDARY STATUS: I was once an innovative stylist. collection) and a tiny black beret (same) coloured clothing, but not world I was living in! I would wander in a balanced neatly on the here. What was wrong bar looking for a cool drink top of the head that didn’t with these people? It perturbed me after a long drive and the shed enough shade to shelter or cool an considerably so when the waiter would shout: “Papa, coals of summer’s there is a man here half eyebrow. I found the situation furnace heated up I naked.” “Tell him to put on a preposterous and down- instinctively fought the right ridiculous. How situation by ADJUSTING, shirt,” was the brisk reply. sunglasses And the son would shout could generations of wearing country folk not adopt to (totally unheard of then) a back: “He got no pants.” their severe climatic short-sleeved shirt and And within nano seconds conditions? In Texas nice Bermuda shorts. someone would come everyone wore big hats or Whoops, that was too flying around the corner, and sombreros and light- much for the fashionable bug-eyed
outraged. Pause, while his head bobbed up and down drinking in the entire picture to its fullest. I could hear the mechanisations of his cerebral gear changes as he contemplated the incorrectness of my situation (especially if it was a village bar quite far from the sea) and then
render a judgement which was always the same: “What happened to your clothes?” Do you really think I could explain it? That I had been for a drive and just dressed this way. Nope, I tried and failed more often than I got cold drinks, so innovated an alternative dress of full-length Levis, sandals and a T-shirt. Everyone was happy. Well, at least, the deep interrogations were dropped and I got some summer cold refreshments. Unfortunately, so much time has passed, my legendary status has almost vanished but there once was a time, long, long ago when I was something of an innovative stylist even beyond my recollection. Nevertheless, if you need any fashion advice, I am still liberal with my distribution.
The untouchables... Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
S
CANDALS revealing the sordid behaviour of Britain’s elite clearly suggest the establishment closes ranks to protect its accused. Mainstream media are investigative but two lines of enquiry are shunned by news desks. Media names and shames but those exposed are the tip of the iceberg. Others are untouchable. Why are so many in public life corrupted and compromised? The numbers involved are out of proportion to the general population. Stanley Baldwin, Benjamin Disraeli and David Lloyd George are just three prime ministers who alluded to covert forces behind the theatre of parliament and congress.
US President Woodrow Wilson: “There is a power so organised, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.” US President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919): “Behind ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.” Our less sophisticated electorates cannot comprehend why government is so out of touch. Is it because politicians serve neither the public nor national interests but those of others? The elite’s salaries are insignificant compared to other perks of power. These include a get-out-of-jail guarantee for fiscal crimes or debauchery likely to get lesser men years behind bars. A token few sordid individuals like Cyril Smith MP and Jimmy Savile are fingered only after death. Alive, they are ring-fence
WOODROW WILSON: Warning on behind-the-scenes power. protected and the police are told, don’t go there. Former PM Tony Blair, in March 2003, placed a section of Operation Ore, under the Official Secrets Act for 100 years. A police investigation, it delved into procured paedophilia for those in high places. The highest figures in ministerial government, the judiciary and church were implicated. Are many of those who make up the elite deliberately compromised as a control mechanism? If so it explains much. When the KGB did it they were called honey-traps. However, the Soviet secret services were amateurs compared to their Western counterparts. Why else does Britain’s secret service protect the likes of Cyril Smith, the Kray twins, Jeremy Thorpe? Former Labour Home Secretary Roy Jenkins oversaw the decriminalisation of
homosexuality. A miner’s son, Jenkins was seduced by public school toff Anthony Crosland, MP. Such behaviour was almost procedural. Card-carrying Communist and double agent Labour MP Tom Driberg, like Cyril Smith MP, was constantly arrested for gross behaviour in public toilets. A telephone call was enough to get them away from the desk sergeant. Too many to name yet those involved make up a
debauched microcosm of British society. What of the debauched behaviour of Noel Coward, novelist Somerset Maugham, occultist Aleister Crowley, Winston Churchill, Lord Boothby and others who used the Krays, later Jimmy Savile and others to arrange ‘parties’ that shame Britain. Is it because once ensnared these individuals can be counted upon to do as they are told?
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FEATURE
James Corden and Gary Barlow team up to take a UK road trip Richard Shanley
DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL
JAMES CORDEN and Gary Barlow will embark on a road trip of the UK for a one-off BBC One documentary. Take That singer Barlow will discuss his almost 25-year career with the Gavin & Stacey actor on the show, including his wilderness years and successful comeback. When Corden Met Barlow will see the pair drive around the country, visiting the places of Barlow’s upbringing and adult life. Robbie Williams, Sir Elton John and Chris Evans will also appear in the documentary, along with family and friends of the singer. Charlotte Moore, controller of BBC One, said:
CODE-BREAKERS: ITV has axed The Bletchley Circle. “BBC One brings you this special documentary starring two of Britain’s biggest characters, which sees James Corden take a road trip with Gary Barlow to discover the real story of his remarkable career.”
The show is expected to air later in 2014. James Corden previously interviewed Robbie Williams for a one-off documentary for Sky1 in 2012. The BBC was previously criticised after arranging a day
devoted to Gary Barlow last year. The Bletchley Circle has reportedly been axed by ITV. The period drama, starring Anna Maxwell-Martin, Rachael Stirling and Julie Graham, was
set in the early 1950s and focused on four women who worked at the wartime codebreaking centre Bletchley Park. Cast members including Julie Graham have retweeted the news of the axing, and encouraged viewers to protest the decision. A second series of the drama aired earlier this year, with the broadcaster describing The Bletchley Circle as a ‘wonderful addition to our drama slate’ when announcing the new run in May 2013. ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning Steve November added at the time: “We're delighted that it’s returning to ITV with two new and exciting stories.” If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com.
OPINION & COMMENT
Chirpy invasion means no more days of peace... IT would be interesting to learn if any of your readers are experiencing this problem, which this year seems to be worse. There is a positive plague of house sparrows. With no natural predators, few cats, a mild climate and abundant food supplies, these birds are able to breed uncontrolled where I live. Dozens and dozens of them nest in neighbouring roofs and even more roost in surrounding trees. The summer has barely begun and I am already unable to leave terrace doors and windows open because their incessant noise, literally from dawn to dusk, is becoming intolerable. They move around in packs, fight continuously with each other, squawk loudly if anyone or anything approaches them and leave their droppings all over the terrace, walls and roof. All other wildlife is being driven away as they attack and chase away any other birds which come near. Each pair can breed up to four times a season, and will return to the same place each year to nest. Is there anything that can be done to stop this feathery infestation? A Wade, Benahavis (Malaga)
Welcome abroad WITH reference to Ulrica Marshall’s question “Is the world really your oyster?” I am English, living in Spain but with a business in the UK. There is another location that I am tempted by, which is Costa Rica. One of the happiest and healthiest places to live and they have no tax on dividends earned outside Costa Rica. I love it there! Jackie (by email)
Roadworks EMPEROR CAESAR AUGUSTUS was one of the earliest road builders, starting his work in 20BC. Since then, there have been many of note leading up to the Blessed Margaret who opened the M25 in October 1986. However, they all have a worthy successor here in little Mojacar
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24 - 30 April 2014 / Costa de Almería
Letters YOURSAY@EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com, posted to Euro Weekly News, C/Moscatel 10, P-62, Polígono Industrial, Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 Benalmadena, Málaga, Spain or faxed to 0034 952 440 887
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WHO said you can’t have a garden? We have one and think it is beautiful so please show this to disillusioned green-fingers who live in apartments.
Tony and Dorothy, Calpe (Alicante)
who will no doubt enter history alongside these ‘greats’. He has, with typical modesty, started with car parks and the opening of Tito2 is his finest achievement to date. The opening ceremony at midnight was a fairly low-key affair consisting mainly of me and my house guest raising a glass. We have been privileged to watch construction over the last weeks and cannot now remember what was there before due to its seamless integration into the playa. First guests included some who did not park but just drove around in amazement at the quality of surface and the parallelness of the lines produced by the town hall artists. David P, AD 2014 (by email)
on leaving or remaining in the EU takes place, as some people may choose to leave in an effort to counteract a problem that possibly need not exist. S Hopkinson (by email)
False alarm
Be prepared
IT was interesting to read in this week’s Euro Weekly News that apparently both Belgium and Germany are managing to protect their benefits system from potential overuse by EU immigrants. The UK government, on the other hand, always insists that the EU will not allow them to make any distinction! This could be an important consideration when the proposed referendum
THERE was a recent robbery from an apartment at La Finca in Los Arqueros. The owner was at the pool only yards from his apartment so he did not lock the doors. He heard a noise and saw a man in his apartment. The thief ran out of the front door and got into a burgundy-coloured Alpha Romeo. This car was caught on security cameras entering Los Arqueros at 2.57pm and leaving
WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
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at 3.37pm. A watch and cash were stolen and it took the thief 40 minutes to enter Los Arqueros, find an unlocked property and leave. These details have been passed to the police. This is again an opportunist robbery. All owners of apartments and villas should be made aware of the risks of leaving their property unlocked, even when they are only a few yards away at the pool. Peter (by email)
Going it alone SPAIN’S President Mariano Rajoy should have reacted immediately eight months ago in response to Catalan President Artur Mas’s call for an independent and sovereign nation. He should have imprisoned the rebel for treason. Instead, Rajoy simply repeats that he won’t allow the illegal and unconstitutional November referendum in Cataluña. As commander-in-chief of the only legitimate Spanish nation he should stop talking so much and act decisively to put an end to this seemingly endless but harmful farce that is undermining the already downtrodden morale and confidence of Spanish citizens.
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47
Time to practise a bit of the old ‘actions speak louder than words’. Mas refers to Scotland’s referendum regarding national sovereignty but I suppose that most UK citizens see a clear difference. Cataluña is only one of many Spanish regions, not an individual entity or unit by itself. Richard M McBride, Benidorm (Alicante)
Disorientated SEEN in online edition of Homes and Property: “From £556,820 for newly released villas and from £189,700 for plots 10 minutes from the sea and 45 minutes from Alicante airport on the southern Costa Brava.” Seems to me that whoever wrote the blurb needs a geography lesson and a crash course in Spanish nationalism. Alec Finlay (by email)
Dual definition ‘PERPLEXED’ Valencia is wondering what he was eating when he ate knackerbrod. Of course he was eating crispbread Knäcke Bröd in Swedish. What is the problem? Not perplexed, Moraira Editor’s note to non-native English-speakers: the word ‘knacker’ has an unofficial meaning in English that is farremoved from crispbread.
Turn of phrase AN earlier correspondent referred to the dangers in taking a nonprofessional to act as an interpreter in court and on visits to doctors or hospitals. These are obviously two areas where anyone who translates for someone else needs a wide vocabulary and a good dose of common sense. But the writer failed to warn of the hazards posed by doctors who insist on practising their English. I recently accompanied a friend whose specialist – a charming man – wanted to speak English throughout. She thought he was telling her she needed to work when he was actually telling her she needed to walk! We only cleared up the misunderstanding when I asked him – in Spanish – which he meant. Sybil Latimer (by email)
The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.
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OPINION & COMMENT
Naming and shaming: true tales or a case of sour gripes? Nora Johnson
Breaking Views A Costa del Sol resident for a number of years, Nora is the author of psychological suspense and crime thrillers. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/ nora-johnson
T
HE picnic protest organised by feminists on London’s Circle Line recently was a counteroffensive to the ‘Women Who Eat on the Tube’ Facebook website which mocks women eating on public transport. Well, if we’re into naming and shaming, why stop at eating on public transport? What about in restaurants where it’s quite routine now to see iPhones on tables primed to Tweet or Instagram everything you eat. Tell me, why is it necessary to take, from every imaginable angle, an endless, flashing shedload of images of your food and of everyone else’s at your table? In fact, the whole handset etiquette thing (whether it’s an iPhone, iPod, iPad and so on) in a restaurant is something
ANNOYING: Using mobiles at the table and iPhones primed to Tweet or Instagram everything you eat.
that gets lots of people in quite a lather. If business colleagues forgot an agreement to switch off their phones at the table, friends of mine used to give them a minute’s grace to say they’d call back, otherwise they’d simply leg it. And if kids positively have to play ‘Minecraft’, or whatever, please can they switch the
sound off? Nothing drives others madder than trying to enjoy a nice meal in a restaurant or to read a good book on public transport only to be trapped next to that jerky, tinny racket. And while we’re on the subject of public transport, what about those people on the Tube who keep their backpacks on in the
rush hour, steamrolling everyone else around? And men who sit opposite you with their legs stretched right out, their shoes almost touching yours or who hold their newspapers so wide open they touch you? Not to mention those weirdos who try to start daft conversations with all and sundry, and loudly and irritably complain when nobody answers back. Another transport gripe is about people who insist on standing on the wrong side of the escalator in Tube stations, especially couples or groups of chatting tourists who don’t twig that others will want to get past. And what about those who stop dead at the top/bottom of escalators to consult a map or who crash into you while texting? Even if you manage to survive that, you’ll probably end up with half of your shin taken off with their case on wheels as they shoot past. Happy days!
Nora Johnson’s thrillers Retribution and The De Clerambault Code (www.norajohnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/ eBook (€0.89; £0.77) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.
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OPINION & COMMENT
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UK or Spain: Which is most sexist? A UN inspector has recently caused controversy by calling the UK the world’s
O
NE business owner in La Marina said she doesn’t believe the UK is sexist. “I think they have more things to worry about,” although Bridget said she does work in a predominantly male environment and has experienced some form of sexism. “Men do come in and want to speak to other men but then equally women like coming in knowing they will deal with a woman,” she said. Barbara Mosley, retired and now living in La Marina, believes Spain is a lot more sexist than the UK. “When we have had builders in I’ve told them what I want doing but they won’t listen. They’ll ask my husband. Even in restaurants men get served first.” She added: “I think there was sexism in the workforce in the UK but they can’t really get away with it now with all the laws in place. People are afraid to speak out of turn in case they are taken to court!” That is something Jim Kennedy from Liverpool has experienced. Now retired BARBARA: Spain is more sexist than the UK.
most sexist country. Do you agree that the UK has a ‘boys club’ sexist culture? How
STREET TALK
does it compare to the ‘machismo’ many say is still found in Spain?
and on holiday on the Costa Blanca, he said: “I once had a lad take me to a tribunal in the UK because I said I wanted a female behind the bar.” Carmen Gil, 46, from Torremolinos, Malaga, used to work in London. She has noticed a difference in Spanish and British men. “In
a way men from both countries can be sexist, but in Spain attitudes tend to be a lot more old-fashioned, particularly in the older generations. There is an assumption that women should do the housework and cooking, and generally look after the men, often while holding down a full-time job as well. To be honest that is partly the woman’s fault for letting the men get away with it!” she said. John Hoseman, 26, on holiday in Marbella from his home in Richmond, Surrey, said he did not think young men were allowed to be sexist in the UK. The city worker said: “Women of my age just won’t stand for it. To be sexist means to live a life without a girlfriend these days. The UN report may have a germ of truth amongst some older people, but times have moved on for the younger generations. “As for the Spanish, they do have this image of a ‘machismo’ culture, but how true that is these days I do not know.” CARMEN: Spanish old-fashioned.
Right royal carve-up P
ILAR URBANO is a veteran Spanish journalist and author. Anyone around then will remember her exhaustive examination of the 1981 attempted coup d’état. Rightwing and linked to the Catholic sect Opus Dei, she raised blisters with her biography of Queen Sofia published in 2008. Marketed as ‘authorised’ its only claim to royal approval was having sent the proofs to the Zarzuela Palace. Those blisters became open wounds following her latest book, La gran desmemoria, which claims that the King was behind the failed February 23 coup. He was the Elefante Blanco whose
Cassandra Nash
A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
arrival Tejero and others awaited in the occupied parliament chamber, Urbano insists. White Elephant’s identity was never revealed but was probably either General Alfonso Armada, once royal household secretary but distanced by then, or General Fernando de Santiago. Armada’s implication in the coup emerged later but not De Santiago’s although he was having coffee in a cafeteria near the parliament building on
Hard times for Mrs Iglesias ROSALIA IGLESIAS is the wife of remanded ex-PP treasurer Luis Barcenas and both are embroiled in the Gurtel case. They allegedly salted away around €48 million in Switzerland, but the couple’s funds are blocked and she is allocated €300 a month for living expenses. Iglesias has told the courts that she cannot get to the end of the month on this amount and for once a statement connected to the Gurtel investigation can be categorically ranked as 100 per cent true.
February 23. Later, a play on a popular Spanish riddle did the rounds, asking: “What was the colour of De Santiago’s white elephant?” Urbano knows all this. But like every writer she has her eye less on royalty than royalties. What better way to rake them in?
So there!
Delayed reaction
NARCOTICS dealers brought ashore and remanded following anti-drugs operations in international waters off Spain, are being released by high court judges. They are complying with the new International Justice Law, they claim. Naturally they are not punishing the government for clipping their wings and hindering their investigations of international human rights’ violations. Perish the thought.
LUIS DIAZ ALPERI, ex-mayor of Alicante, resigned as a regional Member of Parliament. Accused of fiscal offences and regional corruption, Alperi blames Eduardo Zaplana for his problems. Ex-president of the Valencia Community and later a minister in Madrid, Zaplana thought he would still pull the strings when he left the region. Francisco Camps, his successor, thought otherwise and Alperi supported him, hence his subsequent woes, he believes.
LA GRAN DISMEMORIA: Urbano’s controversial book. Camps later resigned, tarnished by the Gurtel corruption scandal which was also Zaplana’s fault, according to Alperi. Zaplana, he maintained, brought main players Francisco Correa and Alvaro Perez ‘El Bigotes’ to the Valencian Community where much of the nationwide buying, bribery and invoice-padding occurred. There’s nothing like putting the boot in when a politician no longer has anything to lose.
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SPOTLIGHT RS E IS R T E R RNE V A D CO
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Advertising Feature
Professional canine care by experts at Country Kennels
F
OR all of you out there who love your pets and want them well cared for during your travels, Country Kennels is a long-standing business you need to know about. Country Kennels is situated just outside Mojacar on the road to Turre. It is owned and run by Silke Montanus who is originally from Germany but has lived and worked in Spain since 1989. Silke speaks fluent English and Spanish in addition to her native German. She has been working with dogs for more than 30 years and has been running Country Kennels for over 10 years. By day, Silke works as veterinary assistant at Clinica Veterineria. This means clients’ dogs would have access to 24-hour veterinary service, a major perk. Clients can rest assured that if their dog is on medication or has special
COUNTRY KENNELS: Large and accommodating. HAPPY: Your canine companion will be happy at Country Kennels. dietary needs, they are in very professional hands. Situated in the countryside, Country Kennels has a securely fenced area so that all dogs are able to run freely in the campo (within the boundaries!) which makes her kennels so unique to the area. The grounds enable each dog to run around for at least an hour a day to
release all their energy and remain fit. In addition to the wide grounds, there is also a large area within the kennel compound where the dogs are able to run freely. As far as the kennels are concerned, each one is 21 square metres with a run built into each one. Four additional kennels are currently being built.
County Kennels is quite flexible with its opening hours. Dogs can be dropped off any time before 9:30am and then between 3:00-7:00pm. For those clients needing more flexibility, a suitable time can be arranged by telephone.
For more information, please call 627 564 640 or feel free to visit us! Country Kennels, Silke Montanus Carretera Turre/Mojacar km2
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•Tom Cruise •Ken Watanabe •William Atherton •Chad Lindberg
The Last Samurai (Film, 2003) Civil War soldier Nathan Algren leaves the USA for feudal Japan. After signing up to help defeat a warlord, he is captured. Algren knows the fate of enemy prisoners, but he is surprised to be spared and then find himself drawn to the samurai's way of life.
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CH4/ 5:30pm Fifteen to One 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Embarrassing Bodies 10:00pm Mr Drew's School for Boys 11:00pm The Last Chance School
ITV2/ 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Miami 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Vampire Diaries 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 11:50pm Forgetting Sarah Marshall
BBC2/ 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast for the European Parliament by the Conservative Party 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Menu 8:00pm World Championship Snooker 9:00pm Under Offer: Estate Agents on the Job 10:00pm The Birth of Empire: The East India Company 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Newsnight
ITV/ 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Ejector Seat 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm ITV News London 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast by the Conservative Party 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Big Star's Little Star 10:00pm Law and Order 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:35pm On Assignment
CH4/ 4:30pm Deal or No Deal 5:30pm Fifteen to One 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Secret Eaters 10:00pm How to Get a Council House 11:00pm Derek 11:30pm Cardinal Burns
ITV2/ 4:00pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:05pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:10pm The Real Housewives of Miami 7:00pm Dinner Date 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Through the Keyhole 11:00pm 40 Days and 40 Nights
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OPINION & COMMENT
A bunch of hypocrites I
T’S the hypocrisy of some Islamists that really gets to me. Of course, I can only speak for Saudi Arabia where I lived for some eight years, but I’ve no reason to believe other Islamic states aren’t the same. They frown on homosexuality, with the direst of consequences for anyone who practises it, yet homosexuality is rife in the country. I was propositioned on an almost daily basis, even by the taxi driver who drove me from the airport on my first visit. (I was, of course, much prettier then!) They insist on their right to build mosques in every country they land on but would NEVER give permission for a church to be erected in their domain. Adultery is punishable by death, yet they allow a man to have five wives; if that’s not legalised adultery, I don’t know what is. Paedophilia is also punishable by death, but
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT they consider a female ready for marriage at their first menstruation. They frown on gambling, but, in the casinos of the world, are the biggest gamblers of all. They ban the use of alcohol, but when I was there I had it on impeccable authority that at that time Saudi Arabia was one of the biggest importers of Johnny Walker whisky in the world - and JW couldn’t even show it on their books. (I wonder where all that black money went!) The list simply goes on and on. No, to me hypocrisy is one of the cardinal sins. Mind you when you look at the antics of some of our politicians, glass houses and stones come firmly to mind. Ah, well. As far as the schools now
being investigated in the socalled ‘Trojan horse’ affair are concerned, I maintain that any establishment believed to have been taken over by extremists or indeed any discovered segregating pupils, being taught by women shrouded from head to foot, refusing to have English as a first language or indeed retaining any curriculum that goes against the democracy and customs of the UK, should immediately be closed down. They should have all assets and grants frozen and only be reopened after being completely reorganised and re-staffed. Any threat to the welfare of our children should be dropped on like a ton of bricks. Don’t hold yer breath! I’m delighted and proud to report that my lad David won gold for Spain in the individual class European Karate championships last week. In the team events they also took a bronze and silver. A
TWOFACED: Do as I say not as I do.
magnificent effort all round. Many congrats from a very proud dad. Well done. Now bring on those Olympics! Once again thanks for all your mail. Although I can’t
answer every one, believe me they all get read. Keep ‘em coming, I can take it! Keep the faith Love Leapy Leapylee2002@gmail.com
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Time Out EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
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NEW ON DVD
for next 7 days
MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
The Railway Man This is the true story of a British officer who was imprisoned in a POW camp in Burma where he was tortured for building a radio and forced to work on the Burma-Thailand railway. Years later, suffering from psychological trauma, the officer decides to track down his Japanese tormentors in order to rid himself of the constant nightmares.
TODAY
VELEZ RUBIO
TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA
ALBOX
VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR
ALMERIA
HUERCAL OVERA
RETAMAR GARRUCHA
ADRA
ROQUETAS
Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, Starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman, has a running time of 116 minutes and is rated R.
MOJACAR ALMERIA RETAMAR ADRA
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Social life is squeezed because of business commitments. As you are a people person, there will be fun and times out aplenty this week. Burning the candle at both ends works for a while and there is the chance to meet someone that you admire. LEO (July 24 - August 23) May we consider for a moment
1. I’m a Wonderful Thing, Baby, Stool Pigeon and Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy were all UK Top 10 hit singles for which musical group created and led by August Darnell? 2. Pesto sauce traditionally consists of crushed garlic, basil and which nuts blended with olive oil? 3. The characters Woodstock, Snoopy and Charlie Brown all featured in which American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M Schulz? 4. The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by which famous Russian composer? 5. What was the title of the 1980s spoof soap opera written by Victoria Wood, that featured Julie Walters as Mrs Overall, Victoria Wood as Berta, Rosie Collins as Trixie and Celia Imrie as Miss Babs?
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Taking a step back from the activity appeals right now. After an active time, energy needs building up. Basking in someone's glory shows you just how things could be. Give a new relationship more of a chance to grow.
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contact with someone leads to a bit of bother. Not that there is anything wrong with a few hugs and kisses. It is the person or the timing that could be wrong.
ask yourself, 'Why didn't I do that?' Let me help you to see the possibilities. The emphasis is firmly on your social life and someone special is about to step into it.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) The past has been kind to you but also unkind. It is the same for most of us, so don't think that you have been singled out for a bumpy ride. Be aware that basing a decision made this week on what happened a long time ago could be a mistake.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Feeling really balanced and calm? Being aware that you have full knowledge of a situation is good, isn't it? Absolutely anyone could snap at you this week and have no success at all in upsetting you. AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) More than one possibility presents itself in connection with a problem. A foreign visit or visitor figures highly in plans and solutions. A change in someone close is brought to your attention. Get people talking to make real progress.
Sudoku
PISCES (February 20 March 20) A date on your calendar draws near. It seems less important than it did and you may be tempted to cancel. Think twice. The question of who to go on holiday with comes up and someone is keen to tie you down. Keep options open because things this week are changeable, indeed.
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) An opportunity to do something socially arises. It is not earth shattering, but could have a great long-term impact. Others seem to have confidence in you and enjoy your company this week. Having been given the chance to show what you are really capable of, allow your talents to show through.
LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
Saturday April 19
Saturday April 19
Saturday April 19
Friday April 18
13
20
31
34
36
44
1
7 24
9 38
13
16
22
26
36
43
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
11
6
24
Alicante
Almeria
SUNNY MAX 24C, MIN 14C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
24 15 S 26 16 Cl 26 15 C
21
24 39
LUCKY STARS 3
7
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
Mon - 24 15 S Tues - 23 15 S Wed - 24 16 S
11
17
27
29
40
45
REINTEGRO 44
6
1
9 29
Fri Sat Sun -
20 13 Cl 20 14 C 19 13 C
Benidorm
CLOUDY
Fri Sat Sun -
22 14 S 24 16 S 24 14 C
Fri Sat Sun -
Madrid Fri Sat Sun -
20 13 C 22 14 Cl 22 14 Cl S Sun,
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Mon - 21 14 Cl Tues - 21 14 Cl Wed - 22 14 S Cl Clear,
CLEAR MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
Mon - 22 8 C Tues - 23 9 C Wed - 24 10 Cl
Fog, Sn Snow,
MAX 29C, MIN 14C MAX MIN
27 15 S 29 17 Cl 30 16 C
Mon - 28 15 S Tues - 28 16 S Wed - 28 16 Cl
C Cloud,
Sh Showers,
Th Thunder
Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case N) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
TARGET:
Average: 14
Very good: 26
Good: 18
Excellent: 32
acne, acre, cane, cant, care, cart, cent, cert, cite, cran, cure, curt, cute, ecru, narc, nice, race, rice, uric, actin, acute, antic, auric, cairn, caner, caret, carte, cater, ceria, citer, crane, crate, cruet, curie, cuter, cutie, enact, erica, eruct, incur, nacre, nicer, react, recta, recti, runic, trace, trice, truce, tunic, acuter, canine, canner, canter, cretin, cunner, curate, enatic, nectar, nuance, recant, tannic, trance, uranic, ancient, cannier, centaur, certain, curtain, uncrate, UNCERTAIN
Word Ladder PAID
Move from the start word (PAID) to the end word (HEED) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
17 53
REINTEGRO 0
MAX MIN
19 9 C 22 9 C 21 7 Sh
Murcia MAX 23C, MIN 13C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
CLOUDY MAX 19C, MIN 5C MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Mon - 24 14 S Tues - 23 14 S Wed - 23 14 S
Mallorca SUNNY
MAX MIN
Mon - 22 17 Cl Tues - 22 17 Cl Wed - 22 17 S
23 17 S 23 17 Cl 23 17 C
TODAY:
MAX 22C, MIN 13C
MAX MIN
TODAY:
SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 16C MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Mon - 18 13 S Tues - 18 14 C Wed - 19 14 Cl
Malaga TODAY:
MAX MIN
Mon - 21 16 C Tues - 23 17 S Wed - 24 17 S
22 15 S 23 17 S 24 17 S
TODAY:
THUNDER MAX 18C, MIN 13C
Sunday April 20
Saturday April 19
31 47
LA PRIMITIVA
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX 23C, MIN 14C
MAX MIN
Barcelona TODAY:
SUNNY
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) At some time in the future you may look back on this week and
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) The strong urge to make physical
5-Star Quiz TOUGH NUTS TO CRACK
what you thought that you would be doing, right now, five years ago? Yes, do you see what I mean? Breaking away from an old habit could be the best thing that you have done for a long time.
April 26: Imanol Arias. Actor. Born in Leon, Arias is most famous for his recent role in hit TV series “Cuentame como paso”. He debuted in the cinema in 1976 in “La Corea” and has since been in over 40 different films, 15 TV series and 11 theatre plays; he has even been in a videogame. In 2008 he won a gold medal for fine arts.
HEED
SEED HEED
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Should things go absolutely perfectly for you this week, then I would eat my hat. I don't usually wear one but would go to a charity shop immediately. Rolling round in your mind is the thought that, just as things start to go well, another problem crops up.
Your Stars
IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Leave nothing to chance and be more controlling than your Taurean nature would dictate. The months ahead give you the chance to seize opportunities, some of which will already have proved themselves. It's a year of romance and new beginnings.
PAID SAID SLID SLED
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) A new start with someone, socially, shows great promise. Consider what you want to get rid of in your life and plan how to approach the task. A bit of military precision goes down well. Cast your net wide.
ROQUETAS
1. KID CREOLE AND THE COCONUTS, 2. PINE NUTS, 3. PEANUTS, 4. PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, 5. ACORN ANTIQUES
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Crosswords
24 - 30 April 2014 / Costa de Almería
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For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com
Cryptic
Quick
Across 1 Stare foolishly at the eye drops (5) 4 Is back during shower for dried fruit (6) 9 Eastern chappie digested ooze (7) 10 Send off second pastry (5) 11 Shangri-la is discovered in Sweden (4) 12 Red vehicle is next to a pit (7) 13 She can prosecute (3) 14 Lots of the aphids (4) 16 Big cheese is back in the Atacama Desert (4) 18 Fifty-one and five hundred got to the top (3) 20 Store damaged car at Queen's home (7) 21 Poor foundation (4) 24 Believe the skinny kid I'd gone off with (5) 25 Portrait of pro-life eccentric (7) 26 Grudge damaged firm (6) 27 Possession as fixed (5) Down 1 In the midst of conflict he besieged an ancient Greek city (6) 2 Parts of Delaware are well informed (5) 3 Mac's smashed the fiddle (4) 5 Diverse as Dorset variety (8)
6 Request a minaret, find strength (7) 7 Lower rent he arranged (6) 8 Serenity, sounds like part of something greater (5) 13 Spit Pilsner cocktail out (8) 15 Could be key ethnic engraving (7) 17 Hard to change horse's headgear
(6) 18 Jumped in meadow and a gym (5) 19 Wager he’s in command (6) 22 A young woman is out of order (5) 23 Indian region harbours unknown painter (4)
Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 15 represents M and 26 represents Q, so fill in M every time the figure 15 appears and Q every time the figure 26 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 7 Fathom, 8 Iberia, 9 Stud, 10 Step on it, 11 Tresses, 13 Caged, 15 Assay, 17 Lateral, 20 Recitals, 21 Perm, 22 George, 23 Abroad. Down: 1 Faster, 2 Chad, 3 Smashed, 4 Hives, 5 Lemonade, 6 Finite, 12 Spaniard, 14 Capstan, 16 Sweden, 18 Air bag, 19 Mares, 21 Port. QUICK Across: 1 Severe, 4 Scare, 8 Larks, 9 Opulent, 10 Clothes, 11 Star, 14 Menu, 15 Lack, 18/12 Rip off, 21 Edam, 23 Ammonia, 25 Serious, 26 Noise, 27 Sweet, 28 Lovely. Down: 1 Select, 2 Verbose, 3 Rush hour, 4 Shun, 5 Adept, 6 Entire, 7 Torso, 13 Flamingo, 16 Confine, 17 Versus, 19 Pause, 20 Lately, 22 Agree, 24 Boat.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English. Across 1 Calcetines (5) 3 Tiza (para escribir, de billar) (5) 6 To praise (4) 7 Cheap (inexpensive) (6) 9 Snails (9) 12 Letters (mail) (6) 13 Turkey (bird) (4) 14 Onza (5) 15 Lágrimas (5) Down 1 Room (in a house) (4) 2 Cloudburst (9) 3 Nails (metal) (6) 4 Housewife (3,2,4) 5 Nudo (en hilo, cuerda) (4) 8 Passage (between buildings) (6) 10 Leisure (4) 11 Perros (4)
Hexagram The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (LENDER) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Ostriches, 8 Erizo, 9 Usado, 11 Taza, 12 Casi, 14 Dawn, 16 Cada, 19 Towel, 21 Libre, 22 Solomillo.
BREACH
METERS
CHEERS
PALLET
DEALER
PLUMED
DEEPER
REACTS
DESERT
READER
EITHER
RENDER
Down: 2 Shins, 3 Root, 4 Cruz, 5 Esa, 6 Rescate, 7 Younger, 10 Sad, 13 Ice, 15 Arbol, 17 Algo, 18 Alli, 20 Who.
ELDERS
RIVERS
FORMED
RULERS
HEALER
SEDUCE
LENDER (10)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Funagram Unscramble the name of a Scottish Premiership football team (two words): TICKLISH PET RAT FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: MIRANDA HART, PARTICK THISTLE
Unscramble the name of a female English actor, comedian and writer: MAD HAIR RANT
Across 1 One-humped camel (9) 4 Small horse (3) 6 Informed or conscious (5) 8 Military uniform colour (5) 9 Alter to make better (5) 10 Arrive at (5) 11 Neckwear (6) 13 Earnest or urgent request (6) 16 Fashion sense (5) 17 Bring up (5) 19 Bright-coloured parrot (5) 20 Seaweed (5) 21 Completely (3) 22 Shrove Tuesday carnival (5,4) Down 1 Extremely severe (7) 2 Japanese city (5) 3 Japanese martial art (6) 4 Stir violently (7) 5 Cut open (5) 7 Raise to a higher position (7) 10 Duplicate (7) 12 Very bad (7) 14 Food stores (7) 15 Beer maker (6) 16 Latin American style of music (5) 18 Keen (5)
1 Leaden, 2 Blouse, 3 Stripe, 4 Source, 5 Prison, 6 Rotund, 7 Grouse, 8 Stride, 9 Nursed, 10 Either, 11 Repent, 12 Grunts, 13 Splash, 14 Retain, 15 Guests, 16 Bubble, 17 Manger, 18 Tablet, 19 Estate
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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ealth & beauty H TO READ MORE VISIT OUR
New dads also at risk of baby blues A NEW study has revealed that new fathers are at risk of depression as doctors call for fathers, as well as mothers, to be screened for postnatal depression. The research has also shown that new fathers aged in their mid-20s are most likely to succumb to depression. In the first five years after the birth, depression in fathers increased by 68 per cent in a survey of more than 10,000 men whose average age was 25. Previous research has shown depressed
fathers will use more corporal punishment and read and interact less with their children and are more likely to be stressed and neglectful. It is estimated that between 4 and 5 per cent of new fathers suffer from post-natal depression, compared with 10 per cent of women. OF CONCERN: Post-natal depression in new fathers.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Screen-loving teenagers in danger from long-term spinal damage FOUR in 10 teenagers have suffered from back or neck pain. chiropractors claim is through spending too much time slouched in front of the
TV or computer screen. They say teens are in danger of doing long-term damage to their spines as a survey of more than 460 parents of 11 to 16-year-olds found that 23
per cent of teens are spending between two and four hours a day watching TV, while a quarter spend the same amount of time on a laptop, tablet or computer.
Experts raise alert to skin cancer EACH year the number of cases of melanoma skin cancer increases in Spain by 10 per cent. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the odds of getting skin cancer are tripled every decade and the disease currently affects around 160,000 people worldwide. In Spain, cases have increased 38 per cent in the last four years and it is estimated that the incidence in the country of non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) is seven times higher than that of melanoma.
CANCER RISK: Take care in the sun. As a result, medical professionals have
decided to launch the ‘Euromelanoma 2014’
campaign, led by a network of European dermatologists. It aims to raise awareness of the risks of sun exposure, educate people about using proper sun protection and to encourage getting any unusual moles or marks on the skin checked out. It also aims to educate primary-care physicians and pharmacists to be involved in informing the general public about the dangers of the sun and tanning booths. Across Europe, there are currently 30 countries participating in the campaign.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Help at hand to control shaking SPANISH neurologists are working on developing a ‘smart’ glove able to control shaking caused by Parkinson’s disease. The team in Madrid are working on the final phase of the Neuro-Tremor Project with the Centre for Advanced Scientific Research at the University of Gottingen, Germany. The glove has been tested on 80 patients aged between 40 and 80, and measures how muscles behave during the shake. The data obtained then works to send impulses through a set of electrodes to regulate the tremor through neuro-stimulation. The project was launched three years ago with funding from the EU, aimed at finding alternative methods to drugs and surgical treatments to improve the quality of life for sufferers.
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Think yourself thinner IF you want to get slimmer, think you are eating something unhealthy. It may seem a little unusual, but scientists say they found people’s metabolisms speed up when they believe they are consuming something high in calories, regardless of how fattening the product actually is. The study saw participants given the same 380-calorie milkshake but half were labelled as containing 620 calories, while the other half were said to contain 140 calories. The results found that those who drank the ‘high-calorie’ milkshake saw their ghrelin hormone levels drop three times as quickly as those of the people who thought they were drinking low-calorie milkshakes. This hormone not only makes people feel hunger, it also influences the speed of metabolism. WEIGHT LOSS: All in the mind?
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The benefits of beer IN Spain, more than 47 litres of beer are consumed per person, per year and now, recent studies show that their properties can actually be beneficial to some people. A study entitled ‘Moderate beer consumption in patients with arterial hypertension’ has shown that beer, with or without the alcohol, can aid patients with high blood pressure when drunk in moderation and a healthy Mediterranean diet is followed. The benefits of the beverage come from it being rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds, which come primarily from hops and malt. The bioactive compounds found in beer may have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and estrogenic action. The investigation also determined that moderate beer drinkers have a lower prevalence of diabetes. The high content of folic acid can also be beneficial to the health of pregnant women.
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FOOD & DRINK
& DRINK
ood F
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Diet and health advantages of drinking green tea ASIANS have been drinking green tea for its health benefits for thousands of years but it did not become popular in Europe until relatively recently. Green tea flavoured with lemon, jasmine or mint is now readily available for those who find the taste of the basic beverage not to their liking. The benefits of green tea are so numerous that it’s worth persevering to find a flavour which appeals. It is rich in a special type of polyphenol, an antioxidant substance, which is also present in other tea varieties but is destroyed during processing. Green tea leaves are steamed rather than being fermented and this preserves the health-giving substances. Scientific studies continue but green tea has already been shown to inhibit
GREEN TEA: Rich in a special type of polyphenol, an antioxidant substance.
the growth of many different types of cancer cells. It also provides cardiovascular benefits by preventing abnormal blood clotting and reducing plaque formation in arteries. It lowers total cholesterol but increases HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol levels, helps
regulate blood sugar and even prevents tooth decay. An additional benefit for bodyconscious individuals and dieters is that the tea speeds up metabolism and therefore helpful for reducing weight.
Salt: vital but can be dangerous SALT is the world’s oldest condiment; Ancient China, the Egyptians and the Phoenicians all used it to make their food more palatable. It was even used as money: the word ‘salary’ comes from the Latin ‘salarium’ which, some scholars believe, was a form of payment for soldiers. Sodium chloride, salt’s chemical name, helps the body to regulate liquids and process nutrients like potassium but too much salt can have negative effects on the body. High consumption of salt is considered to be
1.25 grams or more per day so extra attention must be paid not only to what we put on our food when it’s on our plate but also to the salt content already in the food we are eating. Foods like Serrano ham obviously have a lot of salt as we can taste it but there are less obvious high-salt-content foods, including cheese and almost any ready-to-eat meal, these can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. To avoid any health problems it is best to eat around 0.75 grams a day.
FOOD & DRINK 102 TAPAS is situated in the heart of the attractive square in Palomares. As the name indicates, 102 Tapas specialise in the best tapas around. In fact, you’ll find over 40 different types of homemade tapas there, all prepared and cooked freshly daily on the premises. It is run by Andreas, who is a native of Palomares but speaks fantastic English, having studied for a few years at Bath University. 102 Tapas has been open for about seven years. Andreas has four additional staff working with him and together they serve clients daily. The restaurant is open daily from 9am through to 2am during the winter and spring. And all you night owls should know that they are open until 4am in the summer months!
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Advertising feature
Enjoy great tapas and open-air music in the plaza at Palomares SUMMER MUSIC: Enjoy live music while you eat summer things get started a little later due to the heat.
For more information, give Andreas and his team a call on 615 157 905. GREAT LOCATION: Overlooking the square.
FRIENDLY: Tasty tapas, pleasant environment. Andreas has owned another bar/club in Palomares for the last 10
years also, so he’s well experienced in the industry. 102 Tapas boasts a busy, welcoming interior. The tapas all look and taste beautiful; they try to change the tapas on a regular basis, but there are obvious favourites! In addition to the tapas, 102 Tapas also features
paella on Tuesdays and Fridays, and they also do Migas on the days that it rains (which isn’t that often!). You get fantastic value for the money at 102 Tapas, where a tapa is €1 and a beer is also only €1. It is situated in a great location right in the square, where every Saturday you can enjoy live music with different bands performing each
week. Music usually starts at around 2.30pm until 5 or 6pm, while during the
102 Tapas Plaza Constitution 2 04617 Palomares 615 157 905
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FOOD & DRINK
Ten benefits of red wine MANY scientific studies have found that drinking red wine has health benefits, just so long as it is drunk in moderation. Very few alcoholic drinks have so many positives. Here are some you may not have known about: 1. Red wine activates a gene which impedes new fatty cells from forming and helps existing ones to die. 2. It combats mouth bacteria making your breath fresher as it slows the growth of streptococcus. 3. It improves cognitive function. More than 70 studies have shown that red wine improves brain functionality. 4. Red wine gives you pleasure; it stimulates two areas of the brain which release endorphins. 5. Exercise in a bottle. The resveratrol in grapes decreases the negative consequences of a sedentary life. 6. It cleans the palate. We all know it makes food taste better but it also has astringent
RED WINE: Exercise in a bottle. cleansing properties. 7. It reduces the risk of cancer. It blocks the cells responsible for breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men. 8. It’s good for the heart; a glass a day reduces cholesterol and helps with blood flow.
9. It reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men over 40. 10. Healthy habits; studies show that red wine drinkers have healthier eating habits and a more balanced diet. So now you know, time for a glass of red, but just the one!
FOOD & DRINK
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Cafe Bar Mi Casita - the newest bar in Velez Rubio for all the family to have fun
T
HE staff at Cafe Bar Mi Casita are proud to offer a wide variety of food, from breakfasts, snacks and tapas to main meals. Everything that they serve is made with their own fair hands – even the chips! They offer weekly specials, including vegetarian and, they are told, possibly the best Fish and Chips for miles around! The staff at the family-run cafe-bar understand the importance of creating a family atmosphere as well as a comfortable and relaxed environment. There are sofas on which to lounge with a book or magazine and a children’s area to give you that little bit of peace. And to keep the family atmosphere going the owners’ daughters are normally around to help out and keep your children entertained with
puzzles, games and colouring while you enjoy your drink. Andrea, has spent many years working in customer service including a number of years managing a large hotel. Supported by her partner Paul they believe they are able to cater for most people’s culinary tastes and requirements. As well as a wide range of international dishes, they provide well-loved English favourites including homemade cakes, pasties and scotch eggs, which are becoming ever-more popular with their Spanish clients! As well as Spanish bottled beers they serve Amstel on tap at €1.60 per pint or a jug of beer to share for only €3. Local wine from the barrel is also available at €1 per glass. Saturday is Market Day and as Mi Casita is situated at the
ALL HOMEMADE: Probably the best Fish & Chips for miles around.
end of the market they offer an Earlybird Special between 8.30am and 10.30am. English Breakfast (bacon, egg, sausage, tomato, mushroom, black pudding, beans, toast) with tea/coffee is only €3.25. They hold regular events including Friday Food Specials. International Cuisine Night is on the first Friday of the month, Quiz Night on the second Friday and Prize Bingo on the third Friday. For more information, pop in, or call 671 114 116, follow them on Facebook Mi Casita Velez Rubio or e-mail micasitavr@outlook.com. OPENING HOURS Monday & Friday 8.30am3pm then 7pm to11pm. Tuesday 8.30am-6.30pm Wednesday & Thursday 8.30am-3pm. Saturday 8.30am-3pm Closed Sunday
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HUERCAL OVERA
A long history‌
The town of Huercal-Overa, which is part of the Association of Municipalities of Almeria, was at one time the centre of the cultural region of Bastetania. It was the central point between the Mediterranean corridor and Bajo Almanzora basin. Since prehistoric times, the town has had the mission of bringing together inhabitants of the southeast peninsula and the farmers of the fertile Grenadine lands. The mineral wealth of the
Nazari tower: th of Huercal-Over T
E: Huerta-Overa. ANDALUCIAN HERITAG
he Castle, of huge cultural interest and inscribed in the General Catalogue of Andalucia Heritage since 1985, is the most emblematic symbol of Huercal-Overa. It can be seen from the edges of the province of Murcia right up to Cuesta Alta and has been reproduced innumerable times in paintings and photographs. Traditionally the tower has always been interpreted as a defensive structure - a watch tower
to alert residents to the danger of approaching armies but after excavations done in the area it has been discovered that it is a fortification. It forms part of the exterior wall with twin towers and intramural spaces. Possibly the original castle in Huercal-Overa had a rectangular wall with a big tower on the north wall, next to the precipice, and towers on all corners. The 15-metre-tower is built on a plinth of solid stone and mortar with very
HUERCAL OVERA
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surrounding mountain ranges attracted the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians to settle the coast. The town’s proximity to important coastal cities like Cartago Nova (Cartagena) and Baria made this area become part of the powerhouse where the futures of the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula were resolved during the Second Punic War (218 -201 a.c. ). Carthaginians and Romans have bloodied
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Huercal Overa’s soil and it is thought that Roman general Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio died in the Cave of Scipio. After the final Roman victory Huercal-Overa became dependent on the province of Tarragona and was the dividing line between the Visigoths and the Byzantines, as well as between the Visigoths and Muslims. This produced a society of free, warlike entrepreneurs.
he emblematic historical castle ra revealed in all its glory TOWER: Excavations are planned.
CHURCH: Andalucian heritage.
tough walls made of concrete and interior brick vaulting. The interior has three habitable floors, all with very high ceilings. The first and second floors are formed by two large vaulted rooms and the third is divided into three storerooms, all with vaulted ceilings.
The floor on the first storey has a hole in it which communicates with what would have been the dungeon or storeroom. Right next to the west wall is the homage tower, with modern access, and the semi-submerged reservoir which is in two parts, both vaulted with bricks; there is also room
for troop accommodation. These historical ruins correspond to a time in history when King Muhammad V was planning the reorganisation of the defensive systems of all of the Nazari Kingdom, which was taking advantage of the war between Castilla and Aragon. So this castle was built
on old defensive structures with a view to becoming an administrative centre. Archaeological excavations, which are to be started soon, will reveal the whole fort and will help to define the complete wall that encircled the tower, as well as defining the living spaces within the tower.
Small town church with big time historic value THE church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in HuercalOvera forms part of the rich Andalucia Heritage. The church is known for its compositional harmony and its Baroque style which is closer to the sober aesthetic of Murcia rather than the ornamented style of many of Andalucia’s churches. The ceiling of the central nave is a half-barrel vault with edged sides while the transept is covered with a hemispherical dome supported by Corinthian plinths. Inside the church is the altar which was finished by Jose Ganga in 1748 and is one of the most significant baroque altars in Spain, with pairs of pillars flanking a central alcove where the effigy of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion can be found.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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Witnessing history unfolding…
H
ELLO and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. During the week I had a chat with someone whose opinion I have come to trust. He said that although he enjoyed the articles that I have written, he pointed out that I have trouble ‘pulling my punches’ and have a very large ‘soapbox’. My friend said that I am very anti Microsoft and get on my soapbox too often, and he was right! I can only apologise, without reservation, for enforcing my attitude on you, my good readers. Being in the trade for 36 years, I’ve been privileged to witness history unfolding, most of it only bringing benefit to all of us. Unfortunately, there have also been meteoric rises of certain individuals, motivated and empowered by greed and avarice, and they are considered successful! History, before it is rewritten by the winners, will give an accurate report of Microsoft, its highs (Windows 95 through to XP) and its lows (Windows
Trevor Spencer Computers Vista, 8 and getting caught committing industrial espionage). Just as it has for many other ‘great’ historical events. I have seen the greed and cynical manipulations done by Englishmen to his fellow Englishmen in this country and have chosen not to follow their examples. The few true computer specialists left in this country will not overcharge or encourage unwarranted repairs. Neither will they sell you something that you don’t want or need, just to line their pockets. I will look forward to meeting some of you at the clinic (Jack’s Bar Friday 12-4, just in case you have forgotten) and maybe get a few ideas of really helpful topics. See you there.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Albox photograp
ALBOX came alive this weekend, with daily processions from Sa On Good Friday, the icon of ‘San Juan, First Lady of Pain and Christ’ was accompanied by horns and drums band, Caniles. ‘Our Lady del Rosario’ was accompanied by musical group, Crevillente Alicante. Finally, ‘Christ Olula del Rio’ was escorted by the municipal Band of Albox.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
phs
an Francisco church
TRADITION: The Good Friday religious processions last week.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Santa Maria church WORK paused over Holy Week at the church of Santa Maria in Albox, but started up again with renewed energy. Renovations began in the summer of 2013 to repair the clocktower, flooring and some structure. Churchgoers are currently able to attend Mass in Calle Ramon y Cajal.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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OPINION & COMMENT
Toledo and El Greco A
LL the THE Parish Church Peter Fieldman great of Saint Tome London-born journalist and artists tend author, Peter spends his time houses what is between Paris and Madrid. to be His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ arguably El Greco’s associated with the available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com cities where they most famous work, produced their works. the Burial of the www.pfieldman.blogspot.com In the same way that Count of Orgaz, Tiziano is linked to which has been its Venice, Velazquez to Madrid and home since 1586 when it was Rembrandt to Amsterdam, El Greco is commissioned by the count who had synonymous with Toledo. This year is the rebuilt the original medieval church. 400th anniversary of his death and the El El Greco did not have to travel far Greco Foundation has organised a major to work on the painting. His home is exhibition of his works as well as nearby in the Jewish quarter of the concerts and events which will take place throughout the year in the city, which is city. The rented house and studio a World Heritage Site. overlooking a patio garden, is where Born in 1541 in the town of Candia in he lived and worked until his death Crete, part of the Venetian Republic, in 1614 and has been a museum for Domenikos Theotokopoulos learnt his many years offering an insight into craft painting icons on panels. When he the artist’s life. was 25 he left for Venice and found himself in the company of the great artists, Tintoretto and Tiziano, to whom he became apprenticed. He mastered the Venetian style with its colours, light, shadows and reflexions. In 1571 he moved to Rome where his work brought him to the attention of patrons. He was invited to reside in the Palace of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and for two years led a privileged lifestyle among the intellectual elite. But it was short-lived as some of his works and his criticisms of other artists were not appreciated and he was asked to leave. He VIEW: Toledo circa travelled 1597, courtesy of to Madrid Metropolitan Museum where he stayed for of Art New York. a short time before choosing to make his home in Toledo in Toledo was the religious capital of 1577, where he spent the rest of his life. Spain and given the importance of the Toledo was a prosperous city, with a vast cathedral dominating the city, the large textile and armaments industry main patrons of art were the religious and for many years King Felipe II held orders. El Greco was astute enough to his court in the city. But when the king realise he needed to produce different moved the Court to Madrid in 1561 works for different clients and in his Toledo’s influence declined. Although he studio he was as adapt at painting small was unknown, El Greco - the Greek - as portraits for private clients as he was he was called, tended to charge more large scale religious works. The market than his contemporaries and objected to for religious paintings was flourishing clients suggesting modifications to his and he obtained many commissions for works. Nevertheless, despite his prima altarpieces in the city’s hospitals, donna attitude he managed to establish convents and churches. the right contacts. His imagination led him to create
The Burial of the Count of Orgaz 1586-88, courtesy of Parish Church of Saint Tome.
supernatural, religious scenes with an almost celestial vision using vivid colours and light to emphasise the cloaks and robes of his main figures. He was more interested in the grace of his compositions than realistic proportions. He had developed an original and unique style and the elongated thin faces, bodies and dramatic expressions of his subjects made it hard to place him in any particular school. What makes the exhibition so unique is that many of the works are housed in the convents, hospitals and churches where they were originally painted.
Mostly comprising altarpieces, they are within walking distance of each other in the maze of narrow, hilly cobbled, streets and squares of the city, little changed since El Greco’s time. These include the Chapel of San Jose, Sacristy of the Cathedral, Parish Church of Saint Tome, the Convent of Saint Domingo the elder and the Tavera Hospital in which there is a rare and controversial nude sculpture of Christ. The only works which are not in the city are the altarpieces in the Hospital of Our Lady of Charity in the nearby town of Illescas. The foundation has also procured several major works of El Greco from public and private collections. These are on display in a specially designed section of the Santa Cruz Museum, divided into the spheres of portraits, altarpieces and settings, devotional works and the supernatural. The works include the Nobleman with a Hand on his Chest, from Madrid’s Prado, portraits of Saints including the Tears of Saint Peter from the Sitges Museum, Horseman with a Beggar from the Washington National Gallery and View of Toledo on a Stormy, Overcast Day, from the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. ©peterfieldman
OPINION & COMMENT
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George Washington and Spanish King Carlos III: Jackass diplomacy? Jack Gaioni Consider This US citizen Jack is spending the first years of his retirement in Almeria. His articles have been published in Spain and the US.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is an American icon. As the first president of the United States, he is forever recognised as an accomplished statesman, inspirational leader and military strategist. He heroically led a disorganised rag-tag group of colonist farmers over the mighty British in America’s War of Independence. He is the ‘Father of his Country’. His many biographers portray Washington as a modest man with great physical strength, patience, integrity, courage and resolve. There is another dimension to this man’s life, however - a seldom-told dimension - with some very Spanish overtones. Consider… In spite of all the above accolades, agriculture and farming meant more to George Washington than those honours he gained on the battlefield or at the seat of government. Certainly no theme appears more often in Washington’s own personal letters than the love of his Virginia plantation, Mount Vernon. Some biographers have noted that Washington, “… whether a patriot statesman or soldier, never ceased to be a farmer. In fact, he was a better farmer
AMERICAN ICON: George Washington. than a general.” High praise indeed considering the man’s many achievements. Washington was an agricultural pioneer. He experimented with rotating his lucrative tobacco harvests with grain crops to maximise soil efficiency. He was among the first to suspect that tobacco invasively depleted the soil and drained it of its vitality. By rotating the ‘cash’ crop of tobacco with multiple grain crops, Washington was able to successfully restore his fields to maximum resilience and, in fact, increase tobacco production in the long term. Furthermore, he continually experimented in
SPANISH ROYAL GIFT: Jackass-mules became the dominant work animal of choice in America’s agricultural tradition. They also played an important role in American military history. In fact, the mule is the official symbol of the US Army.
fertilising the soil with what was at hand. For example, he used various animal manures combined with the mud and fish from the nearby Potomac River as ways to further enrich his soil. By the end of his life (1799), he had raised or at least experimented with, as many as 60 different crops. Washington’s true passion involved horses. He has been described as one of the finest horsemen of his day. He raised working farm animals, but also bred some of the finest race horses in America. He had over 100 horses stabled at his Mount Vernon farm at any given time. Washington, always the avid student of all things agricultural, knew instinctively that jackass mules (a cross between a horse and a donkey) could do much more than a typical farm horse - they lived longer, were more manageable, ate less and were much hardier. Horses, Washington concluded, were fine for racing, riding and show but what was needed was “an excellent race of mules.” The problem was there was a paucity of breeding stock in early America. It was no secret that the world’s best breeding donkeys and jackasses were Spanish. Prized Spanish donkeys were noticeably larger, had more endurance, could pack more, and were much less sensitive to the elements of rain, snow and sun. In 1785, Spanish King Carlos III, hoping to gain favourable diplomatic relations with the new president and new nation (and to spite America and Spain’s shared archenemy, namely, England) sent Washington two prized donkeys. One of the jackasses, aptly named Royal Gift, would prove to be monumentally successful in his duty as stud. Records indicate that prior to King Carlos’s gift there were 98 horses and two mules housed at Mount Vernon but by 1799 those statistics had changed to 25 horses and 58 mules. The offspring of Royal Gift often toured the American East Coast producing a progeny that vastly improved the mule stock of the country. Washington was so pleased with this gesture of jackass diplomacy that he wrote to King Carlos saying: “My honor is due to his Catholic Majesty for the honor of his present… my thank-you for the jackasses which you have graciously pleased to compliment me and to assure his Majesty of my unbound gratitude.” Washington’s instincts were prophetic. Mules would go on to play a very significant role in America’s development. Spanish jackass-mules became the dominant work animal of choice in America’s agricultural tradition. They became the trucks and tractors of their day. Mules pulled canal barges, stage coaches, firefighting equipment and ambulances. Frontiersmen and explorers knew the value of a mule over a horse. One mountaineer wrote: “…live on intimate terms of brother/explorer with your mule.” Mules have also played an important role in American military history. Pack mules provided unlimited mobility to cavalry, infantry and artillery units. In fact, the mule is the official symbol of the US Army. In addition to being the ‘Father of his Country’, Washington is also revered as the ‘Father of the American Mule’.
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omes&gardens
HOMES & GARDENS
H Brightening up evergreen trees SPONSORED BY
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Dick Handscombe Spain’s best known expat gardening author about to start his 26th winter cut back.
I WOULD be the first to agree that mature pine oak and carob trees can be boring in gardens. However, they can be brightened up in interesting ways without losing their benefits for shade, wind-breaks and blocking out adjacent houses and nearby blocks of apartments. Firstly climbing plants like roses, bignonias, bougainvillaea, jasmins, passion flowers solanums and wisterias can be trained up the trunks
Monkey’s tail
COLOUR SPLASH: Bougainvillaea can provide a cap of blooms.
to the first branches or allowed to grow on upwards to emerge
above the highest branches to provide a cap of colour. You may react that the soil at the base of the trees is full of roots and lacking nutrients as the trees used these up in growing to their high heights. True, but there is an easy solution, except for the digging of a hole.
The result of the Citrus fruit questionaire THE winner of the book prize related to the citrus growing questionaire was Brigitte Germershaus. Thanks to all those readers who answered the questionaire. I will prepare an article covering the main points arising.
Excavate, pickaxe or dig a hole about 30-40 centimetres from the tree trunk and deep and wide enough to be able to drop a small dustbin into it. Fill this with a rich, water-retaining but draining soil and compost mix and any of the climbers mentioned above will soon settle in
Mature Spider plant
and grow. Watering can branches in the constant be made easy by dappled shade of the burying a length tree. of four to fiveOther plants Train centimetre that look climbing water pipe attractive alongside the plants up hanging roots and below the the trunk lowest finishing just below the deepest branches include roots. sedum morganianum Then water once or (monkey’s tail), epitwice a week down the phylums and epicactus, tube until the climber is and tradescantias. The botanical English well established. To prevent water- and Spanish names plus logging make a five- photographs of most will centimetre hole in the be found in ‘Your base of the dustbin Garden in Spain – From before dropping it into planning to planting and maintenance’. the hole. An alternative is to © Dick Handscombe hang large pots of www.gardenspain. training petunias, spider com plants, money plants, April 2014 bromeliads on the lower
PROPERTY
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The family bathroom has been refitted with sunken bath and large walk-in shower. Outside: Myriad paved areas to sit and enjoy the sunshine. Also features outdoor kitchen with BBQ area, separate relaxation/meditation room. Large adjacent stables have scope for development. Finally, a fully-laid artificial grass croquet course. Connected to mains water and electricity with landline
telephone and internet. A superb example of true Spanish living at a very realistic price. Contact Sharon Garner, Sales Director Spanish Property Choice Av. del Mediterraneo 363, Mojacar Playa 950 615 388 UK cheap rate: 0843 313 3639 www.spanishpropertychoice.com country@spanishpropertychoice.com
Homes are set to get quieter STRICTER regulations and improved technology have reduced noise levels in the environment and this has led to a change in what is perceived as being loud or disturbing noise. Most people would like their homes to be a haven of peace and quiet. This is important not just for relaxation but for health in general. Studies have shown that high noise levels can affect blood pressure and may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, as well as affecting sleep. Household appliance manufacturers are responding their customers’ desires for quiet living and are striving to make their machines as silent as possible. Dyson led the way with vacuum cleaners,
QUIET: Home noise levels dropping. traditionally one of the most intrusive home devices, and
washing machine dishwasher suppliers
and have
quickly followed suit. Consumers can now find an ever-increasing range of kitchen tools, including kettles, blenders and food processors, which are considerably less noisy than their predecessors. Getting ready for work in the morning can be quieter too, with the latest hair-dryers emitting a soft whisper rather than waking the rest of the household. When buying a new home sound insulation is one of the customer’s prime considerations and with double and even triple-glazing now almost standard, construction companies are having to include elements like acoustic doors and fences to stay ahead of their competitors.
Recovery in second home market REAL estate investor visas in Spain have helped to revive some second home markets, according to a new analysis of property markets. After a long recession there are signs that the second home market is looking brighter, says the report from international property firm Savills. Prices for quality second homes have fallen by between a quarter and a third from the peak of 2007 and this means there are still some bargains to be had. Properties at the top end are still in demand and there has also been a resurgence in smaller town houses and the apartment market, the report explains.
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PETS
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Early socialisation is key for a pup A DOG which fights another has nearly always lacked early socialisation. Normally, as long as there is no human interference, dogs will quickly sort out which is the dominant one without causing much damage to each other as long as they are off the lead. Putting a leash on a dog, when you see another dog approaching, teaches it that it must get to that other dog quickly to escape the punishment of being put on the leash. Take the dog to a training class where it can socialise. One dog is a pet and two is a problem. That is the saying in our profession. Two male dogs fight over status or through jealousy
over you. A behaviourist can analyse who is the top dog. Once this has been established, and there must be no error, then the junior should be castrated to reduce his status. This normally stops the fighting. Two female dogs which
TOP DOG?: It is important to establish status.
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fight are another matter David THE Dogman altogether. It is Listen to David Costa del Sol on TRE every Saturday 10 no good (San Roque to(Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fam to 11am m (Calahonda to Calahonda) 91.9fm having one of Costa Blanca Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida (To 92 .7fm rre vieja to Elche) (Elche to Calpe them spayed 105.1fm (Denia to Valen) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia cia & Ibiza) 104.6fm ) 95 .3fm Mallorca 103.9 and the only , fm real answer is to find one of them another home. An older dog newly acquired puppy can and a work out how to live together if you allow nature to take its course. Simply walk away when the older one gets vocal. Feed and pet the older dog first. If they start fighting always walk away for your presence causes jealousy. Similarly when you touch the young pup you put your scent on it so the older one gets jealous. For your local radio frequency log onto www.talkradioeurope.com
The History of the FIFA World Cup: Spain 1982 By Tony Matthews The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th in 52 years, was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. And in the end the tournament was won by Italy, who defeated West Germany 3–1 in the final. It was Italy’s third victory in the competition win, their first having come in 1934
and the second in 1938. The holders from 1978, Argentina, were eliminated in the second round. The tournament’s top scorer was Italian striker Paolo Rossi with six goals, including a hattrick in a second group game against Brazil and one in the final. Twenty-four countries took part, playing in six
groups of four. Poland and Italy progressed from group 1, West Germany and Austria from group 2, Belgium and Argentina from group 3, England (with three wins out of three) and France from group 4, Northern Ireland and Spain from group 5 and Brazil and the USSR from group 6. France, Italy, Poland and West Germany then moved into the semifinals after topping the four second phase groups. Italy subsequently knocked out the Poles 2-0 and the Germans ousted France 5-4 on penalties. And in the final, before 90,089 fans in Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium, it was Italy who
came good with Rossi, Marco Tardelli and Alessandro Altobelli their scorers, while Paul Breitner replied for the Germans. The 52 matches attracted an aggregate of 2,064,364 spectators, giving an average of 38,816, marginally down on 1978. Norman Whiteside, aged 17 years and 42 days, became the youngest-ever World Cup player at that time, when he made his debut for Northern Ireland against Yugoslavia and Hungary set a competition record by beating El Salvador 10-1 in a group 3 game. * Next: Mexico 1986 and joy again for Argentina.
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WE BUY, Sell, remove all types of mobile homes. We pay CASH and cover all of Spain. More details call Suzi Caley 616 250 727 / 951 063 059 or email suzicaley@gmail.com (215521)
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MOTORING
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. VELOC TUNING ECU Remapping Services. Save 20% on your vehicle fuel costs, plus increased performance. Guaranteed. www.veloc-ecu-remappingspain.com. 950 104 488 / 600 827 517 (220618)
PARKING
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PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required for further information call or email us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (206497)
PROPERTY
SPECIALIST Pet Transport (DEFRA & TRACE). Fixed price €200 per cat or dog (England only) plus €50 Wales and Scotland. Find me on Facebook EDDY PETS (223479)
PLASTERING
ELITE DOG GROOMING. All dogs clipped, bathed & beautifully groomed. Tel 617 313 587 (223492)
PET INSURANCE PROTECTAPET. Spain’s leading pet insurance. 965 756 371. www.protectapet.eu (216721)
PET TRANSPORT INTERPAWS: 20 years’ licensed pet transportation. Competitive rates. Difficult dog? Effective behavioural training in your home. www.interpaws.com, janette@interpaws.com 689 742 289 (218076)
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PLUMBING SERVICES KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197or 606 807 797 (223395)
PROPERTY FOR SALE FARMHOUSE with plot for sale, close to beach and village. Las Negras. 635 652 975. www.alquil ereslasnegras.com (223244)
CLASSIFIEDS PROPERTY TO LET
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MOJACAR BEACH furnished flat to rent for almost a song. Short or long term. 2 bed + 2 baths. Tel 0049 271 3757320 or ferass@freenet.de (220689)
Staff required for busy warehouse. Must be good with computers, hard working and ambitious. Call 622 288 750 (222810)
SOLAR ENERGY
REMOVAL/STORAGE EUROPEAN removals and transport with scheduled UK routes. UK Company, fully legal, taking loads from 5kg to 24,000kg. Lowest prices and the best service. 952 816 582 or www.focustransport.com (221351) SPAIN - UK/UK - SPAIN. Deliveries. Best prices. Best service. Indalo Transport. 634 336 468 / www.indalotransport.com. Find us on Facebook & Twitter. (220594) CAR TRANSPORTER. Call for excellent rates, fully insured, professional service. 951 319 320, email move@freinternational.com / w w w. f o c u s - t r a n s p o r t . c o m (215605)
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SWIMMING POOLS GENECO Pool construction. Tel 950 478 086 for no obligation quote (93401)
TILING FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (223491)
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17 - 23 April 2014 / Costa de Almería VETS CENTRO Veterinario ABC La Alfoquia. Traditional veterinary medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, open Mon-Fri 10-2, plus emergency cover Tel 617 516 115 / 950 449 064 (223461)
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WANTED Property to rent, long-term. Must be unfurnished and have a garage or at least, secure parking. One or two bedrooms only necessary. Mojacar, Garrucha, Vera, Turre, Antas areas - Or i might consider elsewhere if suitable. Please call 634 357 250 with info. (220660)
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Lexus unveils new premium crossover LEXUS has released photographs of its allnew, premium crossover, which was launched at the 2014 Beijing International Auto Show. The NX, Lexus’s first entry into the mid-size SUV market, has been conceived as an edgy, emotional design to appeal to new customers, say the manufacturers. Two LF-NX concept vehicles (LF stands for Lexus Future) introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows were well received and substantially influenced the final design of the production NX . The NX has been designed to appear as though it was cast from one piece of metal, with flared wheel arches housing 17- or 18-inch wheels to provide a crouching, ‘muscular’ stance, say the designers. The angular shape uses the aggressive Lexus signature spindle grille as its centrepiece, reinforced by innovative LED
DESIGN: Edgy and emotional.
headlamps and daylight running lamps. The spindle grille blends seamlessly into a sculpted bonnet, creating a strongly contrasting surface expression with a sense of depth. The side profile is supposed to make the car instantly recognisable as a Lexus, accentuated by a roofline set towards the back of the vehicle for maximum visual effect. An innovative outer mirror and a world first door handle mechanism with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting
add to the premium appearance by creating a smooth finish along the side of the vehicle. The rear is punctuated by Lexus’s signature ‘L’ shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting. The bodywork echoes the spindle grille design at the front. The interior of Lexus NX brings a sense of excitement; with a design more like that of a sports car, says Lexus. With a highly-sculpted dash panel, the NX interior complements the angular styling of the exterior.
A thick-rimmed sports steering wheel conveys the dynamic capabilities of the NX, and contrasting interior trims add to the attractive design of the cabin. Interior space and seating played a significant role in cabin design. Intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s controls, instrumentation and Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology is at the heart of the interior design. The NX continues Lexus’s display and operation zone concept.
SIDE PROFILE: Instantly recognisable. The Lexus NX introduces a highly efficient petrol-electric hybrid in NX 300h, a Lexus first 2.0-litre petrol turbo in NX 200t, and a naturally aspirated variant of the same engine in NX 200. Each will offer the choice of front and allwheel drive system. The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including a Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a portable device to be charged; the first
application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad, Panoramic View Monitor and a comprehensive Multiinformation Display including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Head-Up Display, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Chief engineer of the NX, Takeaki Kato, stated that the NX was developed as a vehicle that suits an active urban lifestyle.
MOTORING
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Supermoto first round kicks off in Alicante THE first round of the Spanish Supermoto championship takes place at the Chicharra Karting circuit in Villena, Alicante on Sunday, April 27. With both of the Ford-Dunn brothers from Murcia competing in the Open and Master championship classes the action is sure to be fast and exciting. The Chicharra race circuit features a variety of both high and low speed corners before the riders fire themselves off one of the faster curves into the off-road section with high-speed jumps and turns before rejoining the circuit to complete the lap. The racing is always close in the tight and technical circuit. Mat and Anthony Ford-Dunn have been busy already this season with both brothers taking a double win each, in their respective classes at the first round of the Catalan championship held back in March. But their next biggest challenge comes over the Easter weekend when the brothers travel to France for the first round of the world championships where they take on the world’s best Supermoto racers. The learning curve will be steep but what better way to prepare for the
COMPETING: Brothers Mat and Anthony Ford-Dunn. following weekends Spanish championship round at Villena? As usual the Supermotoland race team with their sponsors, Advance Moves International Removals and Stratton Motorsports, will be in the race paddock to welcome anyone wishing to attend the Villena race meeting. Racing starts at 10am on the Sunday and the circuit is easy to locate on the CV-81 road from Villena to Yecla.
More information and directions can be found at www.chicharrakarts.es and www.supermotoland.com
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Land Rover debuts its invisible car technology for ‘augmented reality view’ PIONEERING technology is being developed to give Land Rover drivers a digital vision of the terrain ahead by making the front of the car ‘virtually’ invisible. Cameras in the vehicle’s grille capture data used to feed a Head-Up Display, effectively creating a ‘seethrough’ view of the terrain through the bonnet and engine bay, breaking new ground in visual driver assistance.
GROUND-BREAKING: Digital vision. The technology, named Transparent Bonnet by its creators, shows how
advanced technology will take Land Rover’s unrivalled capability to the
next level, says the car manufacturer. The technology enables
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a driver climbing a steep incline or manoeuvring in a confined space to see an augmented reality view capturing not only the terrain in front of the car but also the angle and position of the front wheels. Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic the automotive industry has ever experienced. “There will be huge strides in environmental innovation, in safety and capability,” Dr Epple predicted, adding: “As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road, we will ensure the driver has the confidence to allow the car
to continue to progress, over any terrain. We are developing new technologies including the Transparent Bonnet to give drivers an augmented view of reality to help them tackle anything from the toughest off-road route to the tight confines of an urban car park.” Opening the doors to Jaguar Land Rover’s advanced research, the Discovery Vision Concept car is a design and technology showcase which was unveiled in full at the New York International Auto Show. The concept demonstrates Land Rover’s design vision for a future family of premium SUVs built on Land Rover’s key principles of emotive design, capability and versatility.
SPORT
Badgers visit Marina del Torre BADGERS Golf Society visited Marina Golf for the second time this year. The course was in good condition, albeit the greens were running on the slow side. Winning the day’s competition with 37 points was Danny Caton, Dave Wright (35) was second and Andy Kaye (34) third. Nearest the pins went to Peter Blakeley, Matthew Bourne and Dave Wright. Saturday’s Stableford at Macenas was won by Alan Thomas with 39 points, from Jan Page (36) and Lynn Sefton (35). Badgers Golf Society also plays every Wednesday at various courses and every Saturday at Macenas for their weekly roll-up. Guests are welcome to join the society on both days and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950478525/6860388259.
Villaricos at Aguilon EIGHTEEN members of Villaricos Golf Society played a singles Stableford competition at the Aguilon course. Conditions were good, and the course with its new formation was in excellent condition. The new white bunkers against the immaculately green fairways were a lovely sight, and the members enjoyed their day. The winner of division One was Dell Kratzke with 33 points, second was Val Oulton with 30 points and third Rick Bird. Division 2 was won by Colin Morgan 26 points, second was Alan White and third Tony Barker.
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Moyes goes and red alert as Liverpool head for glory Tony Matthews
DID YOU KNOW?
International Sports A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains.
• Five penalties were awarded in the Second Division League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace in 1988. Each side scored once but Palace missed the other three. • Batting against Australia in a Test Match in 1947, England’s wicket-keeper Godfrey Evans took 97 minutes to score his first run.
Costa de Almeria
DAVID MOYES has been sacked as manager of Manchester United after a dismal season. He is reportedly in line for a £13-million payoff! This weekend, I believe the Premiership title WILL be won... if Liverpool beat Chelsea at Anfield and ‘outsiders’ Manchester City fail to get a result against in-form Crystal Palace. There are four basement battles as well, involving Fulham-Hull, Sunderland-Cardiff, Swansea-Aston Villa and WBAWest Ham, and in the chase or fourth place, Arsenal play Newcastle, Everton visit Southampton and Tottenham travel to Stoke. Twelve clubs in the running for four play-off places in the Championship, the key games being Bournemouth-Nottingham Forest and Derby-Watford, whereas Barnsley, Birmingham, Doncaster, Millwall and Yeovil are fighting to stay up! Earlier this week we saw the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals with Atletico Madrid
EVENTS This Friday, I have a charity quiz for the British Legion at The Beachcomber, Mojacar Playa, 8.30pm. And before the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 17, there will be a football/sports quiz at The Loft, also on the Playa (4.30pm).
Wawrinka’s first Masters In the all-Swiss Monte Carlo Masters tennis final, Roger Federer was beaten by ‘Stan’ Wawrinka two sets to one. playing Chelsea on Tuesday and Real Madrid taking on holders Bayern Munich last night. FOOTBALL NEWS • Liverpool, for whom Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez both found the net, won 3-2 at Norwich last Sunday and so enhance their Premiership title hopes. • Chelsea’s chances had been severely dented 24 hours earlier when they lost 2-1 to bottom club Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. This was Jose Mourinho’s first home League defeat in 78 matches as Chelsea manager and he wasn’t a happy chappie! • On Monday. Manchester City beat WBA 3-1. • Arsenal, in a dress rehearsal of the FA Cup final, beat Hull City 3-0 with two Lukas Podolski goals, Everton eased past Manchester United 2-0 and Tottenham Hotspur defeated lowly Fulham 3-1. These three ‘winners’ are still in with a shout of claiming the remaining Champions League spot for 2014-15.
• Elsewhere the two Cities, Cardiff and Stoke, drew 1-1; another City, Swansea, won 2-1 at out-ofsorts Newcastle United and Aston Villa and Southampton shared the points at 00 at Villa Park. • Atletico Madrid (2-0 winners v Elche) are still in pole position in La Liga and Juventus are in sight of claiming their third successive Serie A title in Italy ROUND AND ABOUT • Lewis Hamilton made it a hattrick of F1 wins in China. He finished ‘miles’ ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg with Fernando Alonso third. Hamilton was clear and away after the second bend and never looked in danger of ‘not winning’ to complete his first ever
hat-trick in F1. He’s got a terrific car as Mercedes once again dominated the race in Shanghai. Rosberg leads Hamilton 79 points to 75 in the drivers’ championship. • Holder Ronnie O’Sullivan, and a handful of other challengers, are looking strong and in form in the World Snooker Championships. • Lee Westwood won his first senior golf title for almost two years when he easily coasted home in the Malaysian Open to pocket over £270,000. • American boxer Bernard Hopkins, the oldest world champion at 49, added the WBA belt to his IBF title with a masterful points win over Beibut Shumenov in Washington. • GB Olympian equestrian gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin won the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Grand Prix in Lyon riding Valegro, breaking her own world points record in the process.
Terreros play in memory of Jack THE Terreros Petanque Club, based in San Juan de Los Terreros, held its annual competition on April 16 in memory of Jack Brown, a founder member of the club. It took place at the Meson
Pepa restaurant with 14 teams from the village and surrounding area taking part. A sum of €465 was raised from entrance fees and a raffle. This money will be handed to the local primary school in San
Juan de Los Terreros to be used for a specific project. Jeanette Brown, widow of Jack, presented the trophy and medals. Winners were Team GB with The Kent 4 second and in third
Abinicos and The Village People (tied). Congratulations to Terry and Marie Taylor and Rick Mathers for making the competition a huge success… further fundraising and social events are planned.
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Sport Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport
David Moyes Sacked as manager of Manchester United. See Page 87 TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
A very good day for the Greaves family! IT was a very good day for the Greaves family at Aguilon playing in Forum Golf Society’s Double Par Medal competition, with Wendy winning the overall competition with a net 68 and husband Dave winning the Blue tees category with a net 69. Peter Tinsley (69) was second off the Blue Tees and Keith Jackson (72) third, while in the main
competition Richard Swaine (70) was second, Fran Elam (71) third, Keith Ryder (71) fourth and Stan Whitty (72) fifth. Wendy Greaves rounded off a very good day by also taking one of the nearest the pin prizes, the others going to Tony Morgan, Peter Harrington and Ann Lawrence. These results have also made the leaderboard in Forum’s Claret Jug League extremely tight, with just four points separating the top four players and Derek Manning still keeping clear of the rest but now only by a solitary point ! For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847 840.
Cortijo winners
GOOD SCORING: Marina Phoenix played an individual Stableford.
Marina on course MARINA PHOENIX played an individual Stableford on April 14 and with the course playing very well scoring was high. Tony King registered another eyecatching 38 points, from his new, lower handicap but was out-pointed by Terry Oliver on 44 points. Tony Cordingley (38) was in third. The ladies division was won by Glennys Oliver on 35 points followed by Isobel Jones (33) in second and Linda King (30) third. Jim Budd received the only two’s
SPORT
prize on the 14th. Thursday’s team game was a par waltz, played in fourballs and all teams scored par or better. In first place with an impressive 116 points were Hylton Smyth, Pat O’Brien, John Lally and Jim Budd, followed by Dave Easton, Maxine Mayhew, Derick Dale and Terry Oliver (109) in second and Tony Cordingley, Tony King, Glennys Oliver and Carole Donoghue (107) in third. More information: Jim on 950 162 727 /600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117.
CORTIJO GRANDE had two divisions for their mid-week competition. The winner of the first division with 33 points was Frank McGovern, second was John Park (32). In the second division Chris Linforth won with 33 and Carol Hardy was second with 32 . On Sunday April 20 a countback was needed to find the winner, who was John Geaves (37) from captain David Hard. The second division winner with 33 was Carol Hardy and second was Pam Webster (32).