Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 26 March - 1 April 2015 Issue 1551

ISSUE NO. 1551

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Museum grant ALMERIA Provincial Government has renewed its €30,000 grant to Olula del Rio’s Casa Ibañez museum. Its permanent collection is dedicated to the work of painter Andres Garcia Ibañez.

Fast work TENDERS are being invited for the PulpiCuevas del Almanzor section of the highspeed AVE Almeria to Murcia line.

Early tenants ALMERIA CITY Mayor Luis Rogelio RodriguezComendador has visited the remains of 12th and 13th century dwellings found on the slopes of the Alcazaba. City Hall will protect the unique finds, he pledged.

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Trial under way to decide outcome of ‘illegal’ builds

THE trial began yesterday (Wednesday) of Partaloa’s former mayor, Federico Molina. He, his partner Antonio Peñuela, and three former councillors, face charges of building on land in the Retamar area not zoned for development. In October 2006, the court will hear, their “administrative silence” allowed building to go ahead although they knew that this was illegal. The Prosecution Department plans to recommend the demo-

lition of 29 villas, most of them belonging to foreign owners. Seventeen of them are taking

part in the proceedings to defend their interests as the Public Prosecutor will recommend

that the developer, also on trial, should compensate those who bought in good faith. Last week the Euro Weekly News reported that the Senate had decided to ensure compensation is paid to people who bought property in good faith before demolition orders are carried out. It is not known whether that decision will come into effect in this case. Several ‘illegal’ homes have been demolished in the past with, in most cases, the owners still awaiting compensation.

Almeria casts its vote in elections THE province had its say in the regional elections with a technical draw between the two principal parties. With a 60.41 per cent

participation - nearly four percentage points more than in 2012 - the PSOE and PP parties each won five seats in the Andalucia Parliament.

The PP took 37 per cent of the poll against the PSOE’s 33 per cent, making Almeria the only province where it was the most-voted party. It nev-

ertheless lost two seats in the regional parliament, while the PSOE gained one. Podemos and Ciudadanos both won a seat each.

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INDEX News 1 - 36 Finance 37 - 42 Leapy Lee 43 Daily TV 52 Time Out 56 - 57 Letters 58 Health & Beauty 67 - 69 Food 70 - 75 Albox 76 - 82 Homes & Gardens 83 Property 86 - 88 Classifieds 89 - 91 Motoring 92 - 93 Sport 95 - 96

VISIT: Rafael Catala with Lourdes Molina, President of Almeria Provincial High Court.

Minister heaps praise on lawyers

THE public should thank lawyers for the central government’s decision to backtrack on legal fees, according to Justice Minister Rafael Catala, while addressing members of Almeria’s College of Lawyers. Catala highlighted lawyers’ readiness for dialogue and the active participation of the Consejo General de la Abogacia (equivalent to the Bar Association) during structural reforms to Spain’s justice system. The consejo represents Spain’s 83 professional associations and its perceptions and

proposals helped to abolish the charges for launching many civil lawsuits. The government was keen to dissipate all doubts that an effective justice system was not accessible to all members of the public, Catala said. The unpopular fees were launched by Catala’s predecessor, together with plans to redraw the boundaries of Spain’s legal districts. Derogating both measures, allied to massive use of technology, were at the centre of an “effective and solid” justice system that is available to all, the minister said.

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Bitter pill A ROQUETAS man received a six-month sentence and a €540 fine for dealing a Viagra-type drug. Its principal ingredient was a compound whose use is vetoed in Spain.

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

A SEVILLA train derailed at night on a bend at El Puche, two kilometres from the Almeria terminus. No-one was injured but the derailment occurred on a hard-toaccess spot on a high embankment and passengers waited two hours to be freed while emergency services dug a pathway to the stationary train.

They were transferred by bus to Almeria bus station but the accident also held up the MadridAlmeria Talgo express. Scheduled to enter Almeria station after the Sevilla train, it stopped in Gador and passengers were ferried by coach to the city. The derailment was caused by accumulated mud on the line following heavy rain earlier, said

Adif, Spain’s track operator. It was the second incident that day, as the line was blocked from 4.30pm until 8pm while a car became stuck in a pothole caused by torrential rain at the El Puche level crossing. A crane towed the train to the Almeria terminus next morning and normal services resumed by early afternoon.

Novice voters A TOTAL of 17,992 of Almeria Province’s young residents voted for the first time in the regional elections. They accounted for 3.60 per cent of the 487,000 people registered to vote.

In the dark THIRTY PER CENT of Almeria Province’s night sky is an officially-designated ‘dark area.’ Most areas protected from light pollution by the Environment department coincide with national and marine nature reserves.

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It’s time to spring forward!

THIS Saturday night, March 28, it’s time to put the clocks forward an hour. Losing an hour’s sleep is the price we pay to welcome back those long, sunny evenings.

Road death A 43-YEAR-OLD cyclist injured in Sorvilon (Granada) was taken by intensive care ambulance to El Ejido’s Hospital de Poniente but died on the way.

Caterpillar war HUERCAL DE ALMERIA launched its annual campaign to control processionary caterpillars. Residents who locate them are asked to notify the town hall which will take the steps needed to destroy them.

Musicmakers MOJACAR added two tenor saxophones, a baritone saxophone, a euphonium and cymbals to the municipal music school’s instruments. The school is attended by amateurs and professionals aged between four to 65. LGBT pledge REGIONAL politician Noemi Cruz declared that the PSOE is committed to guaranteeing the rights of lesbians, gays, transsexuals, bisexuals and intersexuals. The party will fight tirelessly for their rights, she promised.

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Passengers escape derailment

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Cut prices ALMERIA Province exported 2.34 million tons of fruit and vegetables last year. Although this was 3.1 per cent up on 2013, earnings fell almost 2 per cent to €1.745 billion.

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RELIGIOUS SPECTACLE: Holy Week processions take place throughout Spain.

Prepare to be amazed! FOR the last week of Lent (leading to Good Friday) and throughout Easter, Holy Week or ‘Semana Santa’ will be celebrated throughout Spain. Semana Santa is an event that truly envelopes Spain’s love of religious pageantry, and one that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Holy Week is the annual commemoration of the ‘Passion of ‘Christ’, celebrated by Catholic brotherhoods and fraternities, draped in hooded robes that date back hundreds of years, who undetake the ‘Penance Processions’ on the spectator-crammed streets of almost every Spanish town and city. The passionate roll of the costaleros bearing the huge floats, and the mournful trumpets that accompany images of Christ and the Virgin Mary evoke

Quote of the Week We had reserved our tickets for the tour, but we missed it. When we arrived back at the ship they told us about the attack and we were in shock. It was chaotic,’ a couple from Mallorca explained upon arriving in Palma on board the Costa Fascinosa cruise ship, involved in the terrorist attacks last week in Tunisia.

another world, and the ambience and aroma lingers over the cries of the wailing saeta singers. The stars of the show are the processions. Every brotherhood’s penance is to carry the magnificent ´’pasos’ or floats. These masterpieces (many sculpted by artists and some hundreds of years old) typically weigh more than a ton, and will normally be accompanied by sorrowful marching bands. Don’t be surprised if for a moment the parade stops as an outburst of flamenco song wails out in the night air. It is sung from one of the balconies in the narrow streets by a saeta singer, who in times gone by spontaneously cried out when so totally overcome with fervour that only a flourish of flamenco would be enough to convey their emotions.

Number of the week

6.5

million is the number of tourists that visited Spain from abroad in the first two months of this year. The UK produced the most visits, followed by France and Germany.

ALMERIA City Hall announced that it will equip the upper floor of the fire station in Calle Santa Barbara. The project, long-requested by the firemen, will be put out to tender for €150,000.

Support plea THE mayor of El Ejido called for a Down’s Syndrome early support centre. This was urgently needed, he said, and would also benefit other children with Down’s who live in surrounding areas.

Tourist draw CABO DE GATA’S fishing boats need younger crews and more experts to repair nets. Freshly-caught red mullet, snapper and bream are as important to tourism as apartments, fishermen recently pointed out.

And finally... A man out partying in Madrid with friends decided six stab wounds received during a fight were certainly not a good enough reason to ruin an evening out and continued to drink at a bar until his friends eventually called for an ambulance hours later.

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Not-so-fragrant robbers found WHEN the Guardia Civil arrested two young men in Cuevas del Almanzora, they found more than they bargained for. They were initially de-

tained for robbing two Vera and Cuevas del Almanzora properties where they took objects including a computer, cameras, a 22-calibre rifle, a dagger

and silver coins said to be worth more than €1,000. The Guardia Civil’s investigations soon linked them to another robbery, this time a perfumery in El Ejido which they stripped of cosmetics and perfumes. A search of the Palomares property where they both lived revealed their booty from Vera and

RECOVERED GOODS: Including a rifle. Cuevas and 624 items of perfume and make-up worth €32,000, presumably taken from the El Ejido shop. The two are now charged with breaking and entering and illegal possession of firearms.

It never rains, but it pours down TORRENTIAL rain as winter evolved into spring brought the usual chaos to Almeria City.

A total of 21.7 litres fell within two hours, producing 100 instances of flooding and complicating private and

public transport inside the city. As reported elsewhere in the Euro Weekly News, a car was trapped by sudden subsidence in the level crossing at El Puche, causing a two-hour hold up. A train later derailed nearby, owing to mud and earth washed onto the line, halting normal services until next day. Police also had to rescue a man who was almost swept away by floodwater HIS week will see the your garage one morning. You will after falling from his start of major transfor- n e e d t o b e a l i t t l e p r e p a r e d t o moped. mations in our towns avoid frustration this week, as The Tormentas park in and villages, as Sem- everybody involved in the celebrathe Villablanca neighbourana Santa approaches tions will be oblivious to the fact hood took on the appearand the biggest festival season in that you need to work. ance of a lake even though Because of the changes that ocSpain this side of Christmas bursts its infrastructure is delibercur before the festival - temporary onto the streets. ately designed to withstand Semana Santa (Holy Week) and street barriers, road closures, diflooding. Easter is a time of year that liter- versions and such that will surely Downpours routinely ally transforms towns and cities be put in place - moving around cause problems at Almeria may be difficult. across this region. University but this time did Typically most small shops close But while we think about spendeven more damage than ing time enjoying the spectacle, f o r t h e w h o l e w e e k , a n d f r o m usual. Rain seeped into Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunthere is a price to pay. the library as well as laboIf you are one of the millions of day traffic is closed off in city cenratories located in the CITE people living here amongst the tres. Forewarned is forearmed, as IV building, destroying s p l e n d o u r o f t h e p a r a d e s a n d they say. valuable investigation If you think that Holy Week will need to get to work, or have a equipment. hospital appointment, or need to interfere in anyway with daily rouDrains were unable to get the kids to school, you might tine (getting to work, etc) ask at cope with the sudden inwant to think about the difficulties your local town hall for a guide. flux of water causing probAnd be sure to do your shopping that may arise when you discover lems at the Bola Azul a one-tonne float standing outside early! health centre and to a lesser extent, at Hospital Torrecardenas, where some Have your say and leave your comments at www.euroweeklynews.com patients were relocated.

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Sticky task

GARRUCHA is continuing its Beautification Plan which began earlier this month, providing jobs for 22 people. Tasks include removing chewing gum from Calle Mayor and the Paseo Maritimo.

Long walk AN Alboloduy centre will detail the history of the Pilgrims’ Way from Anadalucia to Santiago de Compostela in the Mozarab period.

Pitching in PECHINA has asked residents to help eradicate the recent spate of robberies, burnt rubbish containers and destroyed urban fittings. Witnesses to vandalism are urged to contact the police.

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Roads get safer

ONLY one main road in Almeria Province, the N-340, is considered among Spain’s 125 most dangerous roads. The list compiled by the European motoring association, AEA, cites the N-340 main road’s Kilometre 427 and Kilometre 450 near Sorbas and Tabernas. A separate report ruled out both of the two motorways that cross the province as especially hazardous.

There were 22 fatal accidents on sections of the province’s roads regarded as dangerous between 2009 and 2014, according to details from the Ministry of Public Works’ Medium Danger Index. In the nine accidents on the old N-340, four occurred at Kilometre 427 where eight people lost their lives. Twelve people were killed in the five accidents at Kilometre 450 during this fiveyear period.

Osaia aims to fly high ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Osaia Reding has been selected for the European Junior Freestyle Kitesurf championships in France next month. Osaia will compete in the Ladies’ nine to 19 category in the competition to be held between April 10 and 13. This will be her first European championship although last year Osaia competed in the Junior World Kitesurf championships in San Pere

KITESURFING: Osaia practises off Mojacar coast. Pescador (Cataluña), coming third in her category. Osaia, who practises off

the Mojacar beaches whenever the wind is right, has high hopes, she said.

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Caritas initiative will provide employment FOR the Caritas charity, used clothes are not money-makers but signify

‘work, encouragement and dignity.’ Few stop to think what happens to

Mountain bikers time trial HUERCAL-OVERA’S first mountain bike time trial will be held on May 10. The race’s full name, ‘I Crono MTB Las Tres Torres HuercalOvera’ pays tribute to the town’s Ballabona, Overa and El Castillo towers. The race, which will be run over an 18-kilometre circuit mainly on off-road paths, ends with a taxing ascent on asphalt up to El Castillo. There is just one category for women riders but male contestants will be divided into Cadets, Under23s, Masters and over-40 Veterans. There is also a special local category, the organisers announced. It costs €10 to enter now or €15 on the day of the race. Numbers are limited to 100 and participants

TIME TRIAL: An 18km circuit. should register at www.asuspuestos.com.

the clothes they give to charity although Caritas is traditionally associated with transparency and ethical use of donations. In Almeria City the charity is taking this a step further with its Proyecto Textil Koopera and the installation of 100 containers in the capital and other towns in the province for used textiles and footwear. This project will also provide work for the 12 people who will be needed to sort, disinfect and label donations, while adhering to European Union recycling directives aimed at protecting the environment. Ten per cent of the clothes are distributed amongst those in economic difficulties although a proportion of these items are sold at symbolic prices so that those at the receiving end can avoid the ‘charity’ stigma. Fifty per cent goes to Caritas organisations abroad, 30 per cent is processed for upholstery and fillings and the unusable remainder is processed for use as fuel.

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Abuse victim had 33 stab wounds A POST-MORTEM examination has confirmed that Maria del Carmen Marin died of 33 stab wounds, allegedly inflicted by her former partner. The 43-year-old’s killer used a kitchen knife with a fine, wide blade, pathologists concluded. Ten wounds were lifethreatening but only one was fatal, the report stated, and some were defence wounds. All contributed to the bleeding that finally caused the victim’s death, the

post-mortem continued, although it was ‘complicated’ to determine the order in which they were inflicted. Maria del Carmen was killed in Berja in August last year and the Public Prosecution Department has asked the courts to examine the circumstances of the stabbing. The dead woman’s former partner, a 31-year-old Moroccan now remanded for the crime, had ignored a restraining order for the second time. He still had keys to her apartment and on the day of the murder hid in the entrance, waiting for her to return home. He fled after the crime but was found the THE Guardia Civil and National Police were out on next day in Dalias. election day to ensure a peaceful ballot. The case was raised in To the 1,085 Guardia Civil members and 444 the regional parliament National Police officers were added 249 members and led to an investigation of the Local Police, the Interior Ministry revealed. by the Ombudsman after The first shifts went on duty at midnight last Satit emerged that the Interiurday at the 323 polling stations which were set up or Ministry’s anti-abuse for the regional elections throughout Almeria protection system Viogen Province. Units remained on guard until 8am on failed to detect that Maria Monday when vote-counting concluded. del Carmen was at risk.

Guarding polling day

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Investing in music MOJACAR Town Hall has acquired new musical instruments for the municipal school of music. Two tenor saxophones, a baritone saxophone, a euphonium and a set of cymbals have been purchased. This represents an investment of €8,500 in the school and its students. The aim is to make it easier for those interested in music to start learning or improve their level of skills and is aimed at both amateur and professional musicians. The music school provides lessons using all types of instruments including piano, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet as well as percussion. There are no age barriers either, as the students range in age from four to 65.

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‘Mojaqua’ has many activities on offer LA FUENSANTA indoor pool and sports centre in Mojacar offers a number of activities both in and out of the water. Floor exercises and classes are available to

suit every taste, including spinning, GAP, aerocombat, toning, etc. The centre also features a fitness gym. Since its construction in 2011, each year the equip-

ment, infrastructure and number of subscribers has improved. A climbing wall is planned for the future. There are swimming lessons for all ages, from

Anglican chaplaincy Holy Week services PALM SUNDAY, March 29 San Pascual Church, Mojacar and Llanos del Peral: Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist, both at 11am. Aljambra Chapel, Albox: Prayer and Praise at 6pm. TUESDAY of Holy Week, March 31 Aljambra Chapel, Albox: Night prayer and Reflection, 6pm. MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 2 Llanos del Peral: Commemoration of the Last Supper, 6pm. GOOD FRIDAY, April 3 San Pascual Church, Mojacar: ‘At the Foot of the Cross’, 11am. EASTER DAY, April 5 San Pascual Church, Mojacar: Celebration of Holy Eucharist, 11am. Llanos del Peral, Easter Praise, 11am Aljambra Chapel, Albox: Celebration of Holy Eucharist, 6pm

IN THE SWIM: Lessons are available for all ages. beginners including young children, to seniors.There are also courses for training lifeguards ahead of the

summer season, thus offering a possible career opportunity for those who enrol.

Mining hopes likely to be dashed A NIJAR couple could thwart plans to reopen Alquife iron oxide mines in Marquesado (Granada). Manuel Sanchez and his wife Carmen Redondo formerly owned 700 hectares of land where the mines are located. In 2008, they sold the land to a Luxembourg-based consortium on the understanding that the land would revert to them if the full purchase price was not met.

The Luxembourg group failed to pay the outstanding balance of €3.5 million and the couple have initiated legal proceedings to reclaim the land. The consortium had ceded land to Minas de Alquife which wants to reopen the mines. These could produce four million tons a year that would be exported via Carboneras but plans might be halted if the land reverts to the original owners.

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No more obstacles for Tindouf doctors DOCTORS specialising in Family and Community medicine can acquire experience in Saharawi refugee camps after all.

After systematically withholding permission for doctors to complete their training there, the regional government’s

A-hunting we shall go... THERE are 15,000 huntsmen in Almeria Province, of whom 8,000 are officially registered. They welcomed changes in regulations set out by the regional government in 2005. These have been modified and previouslyvetoed traditions reinstated. Night hunts to eliminate the wild boar that cause damage to crops and cultivated land will be permitted, as will hunting red-legged partridge with decoys. Dogs can also be used to hunt foxes in their earths. “We’re pretty satisfied with the results. In fact, half of our suggestions have been accepted,” said Victor Lopez, a delegate from the Andalucia hunting federation (FAC).

health department has finally rubberstamped applications. For the last 15 years, dozens of doctors from Almeria have gone out to the Tindouf camps in Algeria, said the Granadabased association Agarasd, which arranges the appointments. In 2014 alone, a third of those working in Tindouf came from this province. Agarsd explained to the provincial press that the health department refused to approve submissions made at the end of last year, claiming they did not comply with regulations. These problems have now been ironed out, Junta sources revealed and the health department announced that the tours of duty can continue as before.

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Dames gather at Desert Springs DAMES IN SPAIN held their annual International

Women’s Day lunch at Desert Springs Golf and Country Club. Sixty ladies attended, including the mayoress of Mojacar, Rosa Marie Cano. The next Dames in Spain event will be the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 20 at the Parador Hotel, Mojacar. Lunch will be available

LINE-UP: Dames in Spain on Women’s Day. after the AGM. For further information,

contact Myra 950 475 491 or Iris on 666 107 364.

Outsize mortar minus the pestle

Mojacar signs up to SICTED

MACAEL now boasts the world’s largest mortar. A crane was needed to place the mortar made from local white marble on the roundabout at the Avenida de Ronda and Avenida de Andalucia at the entrance to town. It weighs 50 tons, is 5.4 metres across and stands 5.8 metres high, measurements that have earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records. One of the people behind the initiative is the local mayor Raul Martinez, who revealed that the idea grew from a casual conversation with businessmen friends. “The idea took shape as each of them offered to collaborate on an initiative with a market value of €250,000,” Martinez explained. The mortar has cost marble-producing Macael a 10th of that amount, the mayor continued. “It was worth the effort as it promotes the Macael name and brand throughout the world,” he said.

NEARLY a dozen Mojacar businesses have begun the process of signing up to SICTED. This will entitle them to display the SICTED seal endorsing the quality of the services they offer. The project is backed by Turespaña, the official body that markets Spain throughout the world. Mojacar Town Hall is promoting the system in collaboration with FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) and other business federations and organisations.

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A trip to Valencia for multinational seniors FIFTY-THREE Club Macenas Mojacar seniors visited the Valencia coast recently. The multinational party with members from the UK, Holland, France, Germany and South Africa as well as Spain, stayed the night in Gandia, also visiting the inland town of Xativa and Valencia City. It was great to see the broad mix of nationalities together, socialising and appreciating the places

App saves the day A MAN allegedly seen beating his partner on an Almeria City street has been arrested thanks to a passerby. He used a mobile app to alert the police who, after the arrest, thanked the witness publicly via Twitter and encouraged the public to use the app, Alertcops, to report crimes quickly and efficiently.

CLUB MACENAS: President Luisa Flores with husband Cristobal in Valencia. they visited, new members said. Club Macenas Mojacar known as ‘Los Pensionistas’ - is a multinational group open to seniors over 60 who are registered on the Mojacar padron although a member’s younger partner is also eligible.

Membership costs €12 a year per person but thanks to town hall subsidies, the club offers benefits including free recreational and fitness activities, excursions, lunches and social evenings with live music. Those wishing to join should take their padron details to the basement office at the Centro de Usos Multiples between 5pm and 7pm on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

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Flamenco talk

ALMERIA University and cultural association, La Guajira are promoting flamenco. The first in a series of talks is at 7pm on April 16 in the Paraninfo.

A walkover PULPI Council has asked the Junta to open the blocked section of Cuesta del Capitan on the old A-350 which it says could be adapted for ramblers or cyclists.

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No light or water for La Vaguada squatters POLICE are keeping three phases of Almeria City’s La Vaguada urbanisation in the Villablanca area under surveillance. Half of the properties there

remain unsold and for three years have been targeted by squatters who now occupy 36 properties, La Vaguada homeowners complained. Local Police officers now

carry out intermittent patrols on the streets where the illegally occupied duplex properties are located. The stepped-up police presence coincided with power

Fugitive awaits court decision MADRID National High court will decide the future of a Berja businessman wanted in Poland for alleged fraud. The 53-year-old businessman was arrested at the end of February upon visiting police headquarters in Almeria to renew his identity card. As soon as his information was typed into the computer system, alerts popped up informing officers that Poland had issued an extradition order for him. The man, who is wanted for alleged involvement in financial fraud and the issuing of a €15-million bill of exchange, now awaits a decision from Madrid as to whether or not they will hand him over to the Polish authorities.

and water cuts by electricity company Endesa and water company Aqualia to discourage the long-term squatters. This is the second time that electricity and water supplies

have been cut off in the immediate area although both companies ensured that legitimate occupants of two adjoining properties were not affected.

Vera Playa bar Frankie’s raises the roof for MACS FRANKIE’S BAR in Vera Playa organised a fun night in aid of Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS). DJ Steve King, dressed as a pink fairy, kept it all going and made it a night to remember. The evening was sponsored by Ibex, who supplied the auction hampers, Totus Financial who supplied €100 for the top raffle prize, and Luxury Almeria who donated a limited edition Elvis gold disc for the auction. Frankie’s Bar gave the second prize of a drink per day for 90 days. All the guests gave generously, raising an astounding €1,500. MACS now has four shops in Albox, Mojacar, Turre and Huercal

MACS AUCTION: Going, going, gone! Overa, which opened in November 2014. Helpline telephone: (0034) 634 656 555.

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Easter aid for processions EASTER aid has been delivered to the brotherhoods and cofradias of La Borriquita, Paso Morado, Paso Blanco and Paso Negro by Huercal-Overa

Town Hall to help them cover part of the costs of the Easter processions. Mayor Domingo Fernandez said: “The government team has com-

mitted itself to the fraternities. We are also delivering the annual subsidy which has been increased according to what we established three years ago, fulfilling the commitment to the Easter parades, declared of tourist interest.” For those unable to make the town’s processions, they will be streamed live via www.huercal-overa.es with eight cameras being placed in strategic locations to capture the best of the celebrations. Meanwhile, the Depart-

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Cycle tracks WORK has started on the cycling network in Almeria. The city will have 27 miles of bike paths built with a budget of €2.78 million.

Illegal tablets

COMMITTED: The Huercal-Overa Town Hall team. ment of Works and Services is currently making last-minute improvements ahead of Semana

Santa (Holy Week) painting roads, chapels and tidying gardens along the parade routes.

Internet fraudsters arrested TWO people have been arrested in Gador suspected of committing fraud over the internet. Officers believe the pair have carried out at least eight offences in seven Spanish cities through a scam whereby they offered the latest mobile phones for sale. Buyers would deposit the mon-

ey into a bank account but the phones were never sent. Victims reported the same story in Valladolid, Granada, Salamanca, Las Palmas, Malaga, Valencia and Almeria. A 29-year-old man from Gador was arrested along with his girlfriend, aged 34, accused of impersonating the seller.

ALMERIA court has sentenced a man, 35, to six months in jail for crimes against public health after being found with a shipment of tablets unauthorised in Spain, to treat erectile dysfunction.

Teen trouble TWO teenagers have been arrested by police in Cabo de Gata for burglary. The 18 and 19-year-old were also charged with two offences of road safety.

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Pair arrested as police claim they staged bar robberies TWO men from Adra in Almeria have been arrested by the Guardia Civil for allegedly faking two robberies at a bar they owned in La Rabita, in Albuñol. The detainees, a 40 and 44-year-old, told police in December last year that someone had broken into their bar in Costa Tropical and stolen several professional speakers, as well as the takings from slot machines, which amounted to more than €3,000. After that, in February, both issued a com-

plaint claiming that another robbery had taken place. The suspects said that the thieves had taken alcoholic beverages, a complete sound system and a laptop, valued at a total of €9,800. However, Guardia Civil officers started an investigation, which found that the entrance of the bar had been broken from the inside of the property. Both men have been charged with two crimes of theft, two crimes of theft forgery and one of fraud.

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A positive outlook for hotel occupancy HOTEL occupancy in Almeria Province is expected to reach 80 per cent this Easter. President of the Provincial Federation of Hotel and Tourism, Javier Arnedo, said the strongest period was the Easter weekend itself from Maundy Thursday through to Easter Sunday. “The coastal resorts are open and will be practically full with occupancy reaching around 80 per cent,” he said. Arnedo added that Roquetas de Mar would be busiest as it has more hotel beds in the province, followed by Mojacar and Vera: “The natural park of Cabo de GataNijar has its specific audience and is expected to be near full capacity.” However, the success of local businesses over Easter is also dependent on the weather with higher occupancy always reported during good weather and affecting the summer season. Arnedo said: “If someone visits Almeria in good

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EASTER HOPES: Almeria expects to have a busy weekend for tourists. weather they enjoy it and take away the best feelings and are then more likely to choose it as a

destination for their summer break.” Last-minute bookings also increase when the sun shines.

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TB at UAL HEALTH protocols have been activated after a case of tuberculosis was detected at the University of Almeria (UAL). The person suffering from the disease is a third grade student of psychology. The student began to feel sick last week and went to the doctors before being diagnosed with TB. The Department of Public Health has confirmed protocols have been put in place to test those in close contact with the student in recent weeks.

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NEWS

Water metre theft TWO people have been arrested in Viator over the alleged theft of 48 water metres. The thefts took place mainly on weekends in industrial estates, cottages and isolated farms. In addition to the arrest of the 28 and 25-year-old, a 42-yearold resident of Almeria was arrested for receiving the stolen material. Police from Huercal de Almeria carried out an investigation following reports of a spate of thefts. METRE THEFT: Two arrested following thefts from industrial estates and farms.

Dancers wanted in Los Molinos DANCING is back in Los Molinos. The neighbourhood association San Antonio de Los Molinos, has reopened their dancing in Calle la Escuelas, after eight months of being closed due to noise problems. Juan Molina Sanchez, known as ‘Lloreta’ is now inviting local residents to come back and enjoy their dancing, which should never have been stopped: “We had the best dances, but I

had to close after continuing complaints from a neighbour who complained about the music.” Now, following lengthy legal battles, a judge has permitted the dances to go ahead. During its heyday the weekly dances, popular with the elderly population, would attract 80 or 90 people and now Lloreta is trying to bring back those dancers who moved to neighbouring areas to enjoy the social activity.

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NEWS

Easter celebrations start in Mojacar MOJACAR has released its Easter programme with events starting on Saturday with a concert by the Mojacar

music band at the Parish Church from 8pm. Palm Sunday sees the procession of the Donkey at 11am from the Parish Church followed by the blessing of the palms and olive branches. On April 2, Holy Thursday, at 7.30pm, there is a Holy Mass at the Parish THE dredging of the Port of Adra is due to start. The work has been awarded by the Ministry of Church and then the proDevelopment of the Government of Andalucia, and c e s s i o n o f t h e V i r g i n o f the countdown now begins to the start of construc- S o r r o w s t h r o u g h t h e tion. Weather permitting, the dredging can start in streets from 10.30pm. April 3, Good Friday, the coming weeks. The fishing industry in Adra has been highly antici- starts with the procession pating the work for the last year and now the need of the Holy Encounter at to dredge has been declared a matter of urgency as 12.30pm through Mojacar the mouth of the port is continually narrowing and village and the burial profishermen fear the access channel will become cession at 10.30pm. The Easter Vigil is held blocked. The work, with a budget of â‚Ź343,000, is expected a t 1 0 . 3 0 p m o n A p r i l 4 , to last two months and will consist of the dredging of H o l y S a t u r d a y a n d t h e the mouth and access channel to prevent intrusion Procession of the Risen Christ will take place of sand into the channel. The extracted sand is likely to be reused for the through the village streets at 12am on April 5. regeneration of the coast.

Dredging of Adra port due to start

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NEWS

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Council works with local traders THE local Board of Trade in Huercal-Overa is working with local associations and businesses on how to give new ‘life’ to the area. The latest meeting discussed upcoming events in the municipality. It also gave entrepreneurs

the chance to learn about projects and plans and contribute ideas, suggestions and initiatives for the events of the coming months, especially for the Food Festival celebration to be held from April 11-13 at the municipal sports hall.

The council also announced new aid plans of up to €1,500 for owners of restaurants and bars with terraces to help cover the costs of modifications to ensure they meet the new ordinance. For more information contact the town hall.

Road safety in Spain rates well IN a startling report from the European Commission regarding road safety throughout the EU, it has emerged that Spain is one of the safest countries in the EU in which take to the road. The report, part of the long-term push to improve driving and road safety across the EU, places Spain as one of Europe’s safest areas overall with 36 deaths per million recorded in the year between 201314. This figure contrasts boldly against the European average of accidents which sits at around 51 fatal accidents per million across the EU. Malta, with 26 deaths per

million, was the overall safest country to drive in the EU, with the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK close behind. Statistically the most dangerous countries to drive in were Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania and Latvia. Latvia registered a disappointing 106 fatalities per million over the last year. Although Spain’s figures didn’t improve from the last year, since 2010 Spain has improved its road safety dramatically, reducing fatal accidents by 32 per cent in total. Spain also fared well for cyclists, with only Greece recording better results within the EU.

Sports month in Adra ADRA is hosting a series of activities, workshops and games for schoolchildren in the municipality as part of the town’s ‘Health Month’. The sports pavilion is hosting different activities and games and offers introductions to sports such as handball, football, basketball and badminton. Talks will also be given about the importance of sport for maintaining a healthy life.

NEWS

NEWS EXTRA

SAE arrests EX- DIRECTORS of the Andalucian Employment Service (SAE) have been arrested over alleged irregularities in the training services across the region.

Desert trial AROUND 800 national and international athletes took part in the Tabernas Desert Ultra Trial consisting of cycling and running challenges.

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Tapas route is a top tourist draw THE eighth tapas route of Almeria has been confirmed as a true tourist attraction. Following the end of the latest edition of De Tapas Almeria, a survey of 63 participating establishments said it was definitely a tourist attraction as it encouraged residents of neighbouring provinces to visit the city and enjoy what it had to offer. The event, organised by the Provincial Association of Hospitality Almeria (Ashal), also attracted foreign tourists during

the three weeks of its celebration, with the city becoming a centre of gastronomy. Diego Garcia, President of Ashal, said they had received satisfactory comments from the establishments taking part across the five routes. “The routes worked very well especially on weekends,” he reported. The hotel industry also fully endorsed the initiative and acted as an intermediary for the promotion of the route between the venues and their customers.

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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New quieter waste vehicles for Almeria ALMERIA’S waste collection service is adding 21 new vehicles to its fleet. The concessionaire, FCC, providing the service for a year, has made an investment of €2.46 million in the new vehi-

cles as well as €2.27 million for the replacement of all containers. The new vehicles are quieter, said Mayor RodriguezComendador, and comply with the latest EU regulations on CO2 emissions.

Two-vehicle roundabout crash leaves eight in hospital THREE children and five adults were injured when two vehicles crashed in Nijar. All eight, including a seven-month-old baby, were taken to the El Toyo Hospital after the two cars collided at the exit of a roundabout on the AL-311 at the top of San Isidro, Nijar.

E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

NEWS

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A320 Airbus crashes en route from El Prat TUESDAY morning saw the sad news that an A320 airbus belonging to Germanwings, (a subsidiary of Lufthansa,) flight number GWI9525 had crashed in the French Alps carrying 150 passengers and crew. The small village of MeolansRevel became the focal point of the emergency services, as by 4.30pm searches of the local area revealed pieces of fuselage, wreckage and dead bodies. Aviation and police officials stated that, with the rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions hindering the rescue operation, and the fact that darkness falls around 6.30pm in that area, the rescue services predicted that the operation will take days. The French President Francois Hollande said: “It is unlikely that there will be any survivors.” He also confirmed that 42 of the passengers were Spanish, however, the Spanish deputy prime ministers office stated that 45

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FRENCH ALPS: It is unlikely there will be any survivors. people on board had Spanish surnames. The Germanwings Airbus took off from El Prat at 9.35am on Tuesday, but disappeared off radars around 11am and crashed down in the mountains near Barcelonnette, in the Alpes-deHaute-Provence, according to French media outlets. Reports from the BBC indicated that the aircraft, reportedly carrying a German school class on its way back from an exchange

trip in Barcelona crashed after an eight minute decent. Angela Merkel the German Chancellor told reporters, “This is the hour in which we all feel deep sorrow,” adding that she was planning to travel to the crash site. The French Foreign Ministry also confirmed on Tuesday that the A320 which has crashed was one of the oldest planes in the company’s fleet. The Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve will be at the site later today.

Easter family fun day

REMOVED: Building site was cleared and items loaded into van by three thieves.

Building thieves caught red handed POLICE caught three men in the act as they tried to steal materials from a construction site in Cuevas del Almanzora. An anonymous call was made to the 062 number by a citizen reporting the suspicious activities and the quick response from officers led to the arrest of the trio, aged 25, 28 and 43. They were caught removing the security grills from a property in the middle of construction and other items had already been loaded into a van including three lamp posts, four manhole covers and wrought iron railings. Failing to provide police with a reasonable explanation as to why the items were being removed the Guardia Civil contacted the owner of the construction who confirmed no one had been authorised to remove anything.

THE ACRAA fundraising association in Arboleas, are hosting an Easter Family Fun Day on Sunday April 12 from 4-7pm at the New Hall beside the El Roulador (Pool Bar) and Sophia’s. There will be various stalls and events including children’s Flamenco dancing and a prize for the best Easter bonnet as well as face painting. Refreshments will be available along with a bar and music will be supplied by Ray Peters of Smooth FM radio station. Proceeds will be shared between the children of Arboleas and families in need of Arboleas. Entry is €1. Children free.

NEWS

It’s happy days in Spain NEW life satisfaction studies have revealed how happy people feel with their lives in Spain and throughout the EU. The surveys, carried out by Eurostat, found that in Spain young people were generally slightly happier than older people. Men and women were equally satisfied with their lives. People in Spain had a slightly above average degree of satisfaction with their lives in comparison to other EU member states, with some of the least happy people living in Serbia, Greece and Portugal. The happiest nations, according to the survey, were the Scandinavian countries and Switzerland. So what drives people’s happiness? Good health and not wealth, apparently, give the most satisfaction.

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26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Great news for brain tumour boy Ashya BRETT and Naghemeh King, who were detained after bringing their fiveyear-old son Ashya to Spain for brain tumour treatment last year, say their son is now free of cancer. The Kings were held in prison in Madrid last summer after taking their son

Ashya is cancer free, his parents have revealed.

from hospital in Southampton against medical advice, and, disagreeing with doctors, took it upon themselves to seek proton beam treatment abroad. The couple were kept in jail in Spain for more than 24 hours before being released when efforts to

extradite them to the UK were abandoned. Ashya was then transferred to Prague in the Czech Republic for proton beam therapy. Mr King told The Sun newspaper on Monday (March 23) that a recent scan showed “no evidence” of the tumour.

13-year-old girl breaks climbing record ASHIMA SHIRAISHI has conquered a tough climb in Spain and may have shattered the record as youngest female to climb the Catalonian route ‘Open Your Mind Direct’ in only 10 minutes. The 13-year-old girl from New York is believed to have completed the most technically difficult rock climb ever by a female. It’s

also believed to be the hardest piece of rockface ever mastered by anyone of her age. The experienced climber, who got started in her sport at seven years of age by scaling boulders in Manhattan’s Central Park, spent four days studying the route before finally making her record-breaking ascent of the notoriously hard climb in Santa

Linya, Catalonia. Ten minutes later she had become a double world record holder and an inspiration to female climbers. She told The Guardian : “I’m happy, my hands are wrecked. It just shows the way girls can excel in climbing.” TOUGH GOING: Ashima made the climb in Catalonia.

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E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

Shane Walford.

Killer held in the Canaries WANTED British criminal, Shane Walford, was arrested in the Canary Islands last Saturday as a result of Operation Captura. Walford had previously been imprisoned for manslaughter in 2010 after killing fireman Paul Gibbons outside a bar in Coventry. He was released after serving half of his sentence, but this was later rescinded when he broke the terms of his release.

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Frenchman wins damages after ‘dope’ on a rope error FRENCH businessman Jacques Benoit Fiocconi has been awarded €8,400 in compensation for being imprisoned in Spain while accused of drug smuggling. The consignment was in fact made up of soap products. According to a report from the French site Societe.com , the mistake was due to Fiocconi’s criminal past. His nickname is ‘The Magician’ (Le Mage), and he once worked for a time with the cartels and Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. He was arrested in Spain with his father in November 2011 on suspicion of smuggling cocaine to Corsica. But the 350-kilogramme cargo of soap, which was purchased from a factory in Girona, was simply on its way to the family perfume shop on Cor-

CLEAN CARGO: Suspected cocaine was in fact soap. sica where the Fiocconis live. He was released 10 weeks later when the toxicology reports revealed that cocaine was not present in the samples they had received for testing. Fiocconi’s time in prison after the wrongful arrest prompted him to claim €83,000 in compensation for economic losses and

psychological damage. However, the judge awarded him just €8,400. His father, Laurent, remained in prison in France because of his connections and alleged involvement in drug trafficking and the transport of 400 kilogrammes of cocaine between Corsica and Marseilles.

NEWS

Spain’s high level of harmful products SPAIN reports some of the highest levels of hazardous products in the European Union, according to a European Commission report released on Monday. The report found Spain recorded the third highest number of alerts regarding dangerous products, receiving 280 calls in total. The country was only exceeded in complaints received by Hungary with 291 alerts, and Germany with 296. The higher level of reports does not necessarily mean a higher risk to the public; it could also represent a higher level of awareness of dangerous items on the streets and higher standards in the consumer market. Dangerous toys made up more than a quarter of all alerts, with clothing and fashion items representing the second greatest risk group.

NEWS

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North African nations to control immigrants THE EU is discussing new plans to outsource immigration controls in the Mediterranean. According to a report by Britain’s Guardian newspaper, it appears a new policy proposal to hand responsibility for immigration patrols to North African nations is under consideration. The policy suggests that once migrants crossing the Mediterranean were picked up, they’d either be returned to the country from which they began their crossing or the country that saved them. Italy, the country that initially tabled these proposals, argues that this policy would help to reduce illegal immigration to Europe. Also being discussed are plans to develop a system of European Union-funded refugee camps in Africa. Not all countries in the

MED CROSSING: In southern Spain appears easy. EU are equally enthusiastic about the proposal, with Britain opposing the policy due to worries that addressing people’s asylum claims outside of the EU would result in dividing refugees equally amongst European Union states. In the report it noted more than a quarter of a million migrants were rescued by the Italian navy last year. Hundreds of mi-

grants are believed to have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean at the start of this year alone. Spain also has a major problem with controlling migration across a part of the Mediterranean where both continents can be seen simultaneously at many points. In southern Spain the distance appears easily crossable to many immigrants.

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Mayoral candidate court date ISABEL GALLEGO, the media chief of the Popular Party (PP) in Madrid, has been called to go before the High Court next month as a part of an investigation into an alleged bid-rigging scheme known as ‘Punica.’ Gallego, who is also the head of press for the party’s mayoral candidate for the capital, Esperanza Aguirre, has now been named a formal suspect and will be questioned by Judge Eloy Velasco. The PP media officer is under investigation regarding the suspected spending of €60,000 of public money on improving the image of Madrid government officials.

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Parents protest for new custody laws SEPARATED and divorced fathers and mothers gathered at the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid on Spanish Father’s Day (March 19) calling for a legal change to give preference to joint custody. People at the rally, called by associations from across Spain, carried signs declaring ‘Not with Mum, not with Dad, with both of them,’ ‘Joint custody now,’ ‘No more orphans with living parents,’ and ‘Don’t allow Dad to be deleted from childhood.’ Association representatives explained their aim was to put an end to the generalised standard habit of awarding custody to one parent, still used in most Spanish courts. “Children are born under joint custody, then a judge comes along and leaves them fatherless for no apparent reason,” said Miguel Rodriguez from Custodia Paterna (Paternal Custody) association. Maite Disdier, president of Segundas Mujeres e Hijos por la Igualdad

PEOPLE’S RALLY: Calling for a legal change to custody laws. (Second Wives and Children for Equality), said the aim of the rally was to get politicians’ attention and stressed that step-families, like her own, should be allowed equal rights and relationships without the financial

setbacks caused by high maintenance payments. Disdier said she believed children have the right to joint custody: “Kids should be allowed to live and grow up with their dad and their mum.”

NEWS

Chef Adria joins fish campaign FAMOUS Spanish chef Ferran Adria was amongst several cooks getting behind a push to promote sustainable fishing in the world’s oceans. The campaign, which is led by NGO Oceana, is aiming to promote more sustainable, smaller fish such as anchovies, sardines and mackerel in restaurants throughout Europe. Many of these relatively abundant fish are ignored on menus, while larger, more popular species such as tuna and swordfish are severely over-fished or facing commercial extinction in many regions. The campaign, known as ‘Save The Ocean, Feed the World’ was launched at an exclusive event held at the Basque Culinary Centre on Tuesday.

People in Spain are still reluctant to buckle-up A TOTAL of 4,516 people have been caught not wearing a seatbelt by Spanish traffic authorities in just one

week of an intense surveillance campaign. Of the total, 2,824 were drivers and the remaining 1,692 were passengers. Two hundred and eighty seven children under the age of 12 were also spotted not using correct car-seats, 70 of them travelling in the front seats of cars. The authorities carried out spot checks on 416,917 vehicles during the campaign, which INSULTED: The king of Spain and his family. brought to light the limited influence various awareness campaigns have had on the number of people who still fail to buckle up. TWO people have been fined €380 each by the NaThe General Traffic tional Court for insulting and threatening the King of Authority (DGT) stated Spain and his family. that in the first two One was sentenced for insulting the royals on Twitmonths of this year, 21 ter and the other for carrying a poster stating ‘death to of the 109 people who the Bourbons’ at a republican rally. died in traffic accidents The sentences were given after an agreement was were not wearing seatreached with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. belts.

Two people get off with €380 fines for insulting the royals

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E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería AXARQUIA

Down syndrome day MOTRIL joined the World Down Syndrome Day celebrations held last Saturday (March 21) and launched by the United Nations under the slogan ‘Life’s not about chromosomes,’ to raise awareness amongst citizens and promote integration.

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News from our editions With six editions and read by more than half a million people, EWN is Spain’s largest free local English-language newspaper

Port improvement THE Port Authorities of Motril will spend €480,000 on a comprehensive series of improvements on the maritime station used by passengers travelling from the town to destinations such as Melilla and Moroccan cities Nador and Alhucemas.

Home works SALOBREÑA Council has improved subsidised homes in the area of La Caleta. Street paving was overhauled and other improvements made, with the work lasting two months.

COSTA DEL SOL

Top buyers ITALY is the country that imported the most food and drink products (20 per cent of the total) from Malaga Province in 2014, the Junta de Andalucia regional government has announced.

Custody protest A PROTEST was held last Thursday, March 19 (Fathers’ Day in Spain) outside the Malaga City courts to demand changes to the law to give parents equal rights and joint custody in divorce cases.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Whale of a time

Gang trial

THE Andalucian Party of Motril have raised complaints due to the poor conditions of an abandoned home in Calle Buen Pastor, which is affecting neighbours as it is used as a dumpster and urinal.

A SMALL earthquake was felt last week in Almuñecar. It measured 2.4 on the Richter scale and had its epicentre in Lentegi (Granada).

www.altea.es/bic is in six languages and details four routes to explore, including maps and colour photographs.

TWO large whales have been spotted swimming off the coast at San Juan. A woman recorded the animals from her balcony just a few metres from the shore.

Dumpster home

Earth tremor

NEWS DESK

MIRADOR CHALLENGE: Five weary but happy walkers.

Challenging walk DO you fancy a challenging walk along the spectacular Northern Costa Blanca coastline? Some 150 walkers are to take part in the fifth edition of the annual javeaamigos.com Mirador Challenge, a 29 kilometre trek following Javea’s stunning coastline. The route links 15 official viewpoints (miradores) and is one of the premier events in the town’s sporting calendar, starting at Mirador La Granadella and ending at Mirador Els Molins. Thirty teams of five walkers are registered in the Sport category for the more competitive racing walkers, while the Leisure category, taken at a more com-

fortable pace, has rest spent at the miradores taken from the final time. In 2014 the winning Sport team finished in 4hrs 16mins. This year, the Challenge is sponsored by Villas-Plots.com and Bar Quo Vadis and is supported by Javea Town Hall. The walk will be supervised by a team of almost 50 checkpoint supervisors, marshalls and route support teams. The organisers would like to thank all the volunteers for their time and effort. The walk is scheduled for Sunday April 12, but check website www.javeamigos.com and Facebook page ‘The Mirador Challenge.’

Salad to go

Fiesta ban?

ANDALUCIA’S first registered healthy fastfood brand, Lettus, is doing such a roaring trade at its new stand in Fuengirola the three entrepreneurs who came up with the idea are considering opening more.

ALFAZ opposition PP Councillor Maite Huerta has sparked outrage suggesting that age-old fiesta La Crueta, celebrating the arrival of spring, should be scrapped.

First time display NO COMMENT, the first exhibition by Shanghai-born artist Yan Pei-Ming to be held at a Spanish museum, is displaying 26 pieces at Malaga’s CAC Contemporary Art Centre until June 14.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Effective measures

Top marks

THE amount of electricity the MalagaCosta del Sol Airport has saved since efficiency measures were adopted in 2012 is enough to supply a village of 9,000 inhabitants for one whole year, according to government figures.

ONLINE travelogue company Minube has ranked the Mirador del Castillo in Benidorm one of Spain’s top 25 beauty spots. The Old Town viewpoint boasts panoramic views of the Levante and Poniente bays.

Happy actor ACTOR Tony Maudsley, currently filming ‘Benidorm’ has tweeted his delight that he can now get his Prawn Rings and Fish Fingers thanks to Iceland next door!

Portuguese party AROUND 7,500 young Portuguese are in Calpe celebrating at Calpe Festival Village organised by XTravel. They will spend an estimated €1.5 million over their sevenday stay, ending 30 March.

Altea made easy ALTEA Council has launched a website promoting the town’s cultural heritage.

THE trial has begun this week in Alicante of those accused in the shooting between two rival family clans, which occurred in San Vicente del Raspeig in July 2013. Police initially made 21 arrests.

Pets allowed DISABLED pets are now allowed on public transport in Murcia. The change in law is following a campaign about a dog called Moma who uses a set of wheels after being left partially paralysed.

Travelling art TWO Elche artists have travelled to Bangladesh to participate in two art exhibitions; one at the University of Dhaka and the second at the Shilpokala Academy of Chittagong.

Flamenco teaching THE Virgen de la Puerta school in Orihuela, one of the poorest schools in the province, has won the Award for Teacher Action with a project to instil poetry in the classroom through flamenco.

MALLORCA

Visits increase THE Bellver Castle in Palma received a total of 292,617 visitors in 2014, which generated revenue of almost €560,000, 8.7 per cent more than the previous year.

Better facilities A NEW maritime station will be built at Palma Port with a cost of €14.8 million. Works are expected to start by the end of this year and will be completed in a period of 15 months approximately.

Altruistic teaching THE fourth edition of the English Course tailored to the needs of the hotel industry, launched by Algaida Council, has finished. It was conducted free by teacher Sylvia.

For more local news from our regions see www.euroweeklynews.com … EWN top for all the news from Spain.

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S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

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Stories making headlines in Europe

Bell bottomed bygones

DENMARK: Danish toy maker Lego has sparked a sexist row in the USA with their new range of figures aimed at girls. The new product suggests how girls should wear their hair to complement their face.

FOR the first time in 70 years, the Royal Navy have had a fashion makeover and said goodbye to the famous bell bottom trousers. A new uniform has been issued and the official opinion is that, although they look boring, they allow the sailors to do their job effectively.

Killer bear

A GOVERNMENT IT system to process EU subsidies for farmers has been scrapped. Again! The IT system costing £154 million, had to be dumped for the second time because it was inoperable. The first system in 2005 cost £350 million.

NORWAY: A man was killed by a Polar bear while waiting to watch the Solar eclipse. The Czech tourist was with a group who had travelled to the north when he was dragged from his tent and mauled to death.

Glove slap DENMARK: The country suffered a glove slap to the face from the Russian Ambassador when he advised in reports that Denmark would be at risk of nuclear strikes if it joins the NATO missile programme.

In hot water SWEDEN: The country is in hot water with the Arabic world as the Foreign Minister kicked up a sandstorm saying: “Saudi Arabian policy violated women’s rights. They may not even drive a car, and the Royal family has absolute power. There is no other word for it than a dictatorship.”

Super trains NORWAY: The Norwegian Government has just secured an order with Spanish train makers CAF for eight new high speed trains. The famous trains will form part of the airport expansion programme.

Help wanted DENMARK: SWEDISH Superstar Benny Anderson from ABBA will be opening his new musical ‘Help Wanted’ in Copenhagen, Denmark.

GERMANY is setting up a new elite anti-terror unit for emergency operations in response to recent attacks in Northern and Western Europe.

Equal wages

Useless IT

Immigrant smuggling NOT satisfied with smuggling illegal immigrants into the UK from Europe, gangs are now smuggling them out as well. A lucrative business for the smugglers has developed enabling illegal immigrants to avoid deportation from Europe.

Why not vote? WITH the UK General Election on the doorstep, only a small percentage of expats in Spain have reg-

FASHION MAKEOVER: New uniform for the Navy.

istered to vote. UKIP’s Nigel Farage believes he knows why. “Basically, the first past the post system of voting is bust. We need to rethink the whole system.”

Holy ginger hair DID you realise Jesus Christ had red hair? No? It would seem that Holy Trinity Church in Sunderland thinks he might. The depiction of a red haired Jesus in a 19th century stained glass window was released by the Churches Conservation Trust to coincide with National Ginger Awareness Day this week.

RUSSIAN PRESS

TIGER CUBS: Released back into the wild.

A MANUFACTURER is in the process of putting together a contract to supply clean, emission-free trains to the district of Calw in Germany, close to the Black Forest.

Under attack

FOUR out of five tigers cubs nursed to health and released back into the wild seem to be doing well and have adapted to their natural environment. Three of the tigers were released personally by Vladimir Putin.

FORMER Soviet Union leader Mikael Gorbachev has called on Russia to help in preventing ‘Global Chaos,’ recalling the major reforms he initiated to end the ‘cold war’ between the East and West more than 30 years ago.

INDIAN Motor manufacturer Tata Motors will work together with German Company Marquardt to supply a ‘keyless’ entry system in cars. A new factory is setting up in Pune, India in 2016.

Clean trains

Sanctions go on

‘Chaos’ fight

Tata deal

GERMANY has sold almost 3.2 million CO2 carbon dioxide allowances as part of the EU Emissions Trading system .

US car giant General Motors is closing down its Opel factory in Saint Petersburg with the possible loss of up to 1,000 jobs. Russia’s car market has contracted significantly over the last year.

Tiger success

CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel has given her support to a proposed equal pay law between men and woman in Germany. It has caused controversy amongst German businesses, which have a pay gap between men and woman of similar skills of around 7 per cent.

Green sales?

Car shutdown

ECONOMIC sanctions against Russia will continue until the end of 2015 said the EU. The sanctions were initially initiated due to the conflict in Ukraine and specifically Crimea.

GERMAN PRESS Anti-terror

BRITISH PRESS Lego row

EUROPEAN PRESS

Arms concern DESPITE an arms embargo to Russia due to ‘humanitarian’ concerns Britain is still tied into £168 million worth of arms contracts. Overall Britain has more than €6 billion worth of deals outstanding to countries on the government’s ‘human rights concern list’.

POLICE are investigating an attack on the Bundestag Building in Berlin. A group of unknown attackers threw a Molotov cocktail at the buildings early in the morning on Monday 23. The buildings were undamaged.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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inance F

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

business & legal Ortega richer than ever AMANCIO ORTEGA, founder of Inditex and the Zara label, has a fortune topping €60 billion. Recently relegated from third to fourth on the Forbes Rich List his fortune had not shrunk, the magazine stressed, but the euro had depreciated against the dollar. Now the Galician, president of

the world’s largest retail clothing chain, is richer than ever with sales increasing by 8 per cent last year. Days before Bloomberg put a €59.55 billion price tag on Ortega’s 59.2 per cent holding of 1.848 billion Inditex shares. Two days later this increased to €60.75 billion when the shares

Temporary halt to bankruptcy BANCO DE MADRID’S request for a creditors’ meeting - an overture to bankruptcy proceedings - has been put on hold. A Madrid court handling the case suspended the application until Spain’s Bank Restructuring Fund (FROB) decides whether the bank should be liquidated or restructured. Banco de Madrid - not to be confused with scandalhit Caja Madrid which merged with other savings’ banks to create Bankia in 2011 - is the small Spanish offshoot of Banca Privada d’Andorra (BPA). The latter was accused in a US government report of money-laundering on behalf of government officials in Venezuela and

organised crime groups in China and Russia. This triggered a €76 million run on Banco de Madrid, the board walked out and Spain’s supervisor Banco de España intervened, appointing an interim board which suspended operations and requested a creditors’ meeting. FROB’s entry into the picture responds to legal formalities rather than the likelihood of rescue, said insiders who are conversant with the case. Banco de Madrid’s situation does not imperil Spain’s financial system, they said, and FROB will leave the way clear for the Madrid court to go ahead with liquidating the bank’s assets.

jumped to a record €28.81. In October 2012 Inditex shares rose above €100 for the first time but last summer a fivefor-one share split made them more affordable to encourage trading. The strategy paid off and the present €28.81 is equivalent to a pre-split value of more than €144 per share.

B

usiness extra

Job choices SPANIARDS would happily work for Google, L’Oreal and Mercadona in that order, they told human resources consultants, Adecco. The Spanish chain also headed job preferences in the supermarket sector.

WiFi on high BUDGET AIRLINE Vueling will be the first European airline to offer free high-speed broadband on flights. Passengers will receive a 20 megabyte per second connection provided by Telefonica.

Chickenfeed profits for farms IN 2011 there were 8,800 chicken farms in Spain and now there are 5,000. Andalucia, the Valencian Community, Murcia and Galicia are worst-hit, with a knock-on effect on hatcheries and feed suppliers. An average 11 million chickens are slaughtered each week in Spain where even in 2011 the ministry of Agriculture calculated that it cost

around €2.70 to produce a kilo of supermarket chicken. Feed is now cheaper, but energy and labour costs have risen and intensively-raised supermarket chicken sells at between €2.15 and €2.20 a kilo or - in a minority of cases - at around €2.30. With these prices they cannot cover overheads, producers complained.

37

STAT OF WEEK SALARIES continued to fall in 2014, with an average wage of €1,991.84 a month during the last quarter of the year, 0.2 per cent below the same period in 2013.

GUOZHONGHUA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

EWN

INDITEX: Zara is part of the world’s largest retail clothing chain.

38

E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 23

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group 502.25 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 474.25 Admiral Group 1,552.00 Aggreko 1,571.00 Anglo American 1,084.00 Antofagasta 712.25 ARM Holdings 1,197.50 Ashtead Group 1,132.00 Associated British Foods 3,026.50 AstraZeneca 4,837.50 Aviva 568.25 Babcock International 987.50 BAE Systems 543.00 Barclays 257.43 Barratt Developments 530.00 BG Group 877.60 BHP Billiton 1,529.00 BP 445.08

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. 5.55 1.12 -1.35 -0.28 11.00 0.71 -7.00 -0.44 -16.50 -1.50 -2.25 -0.31 -4.50 -0.37 -0.28 -0.02 -11.50 -0.38 -9.50 -0.20 -1.75 -0.31 -8.00 -0.80 -2.50 -0.46 2.13 0.83 -1.50 -0.28 -6.40 -0.72 -10.00 -0.65 -5.92 -1.31

NET VOLUME 4,829.09 6,333.16 4,294.61 4,041.55 15,370.37 7,043.95 16,879.79 5,697.85 24,051.06 61,228.20 16,825.21 4,999.37 17,202.31 42,125.25 5,272.26 30,182.25 32,504.79 82,266.05

See our advert on opposite page

Units per €

US dollar ................................................................1.07930 Japan yen ..............................................................129.555 Switzerland franc..............................................1.05830 Denmark kroner ................................................7.45424 Norway kroner ..................................................8.68494

currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 C O M PA N Y

PRICE(P)

British Amrcn Tobacco British Land Co BT Group Bunzl Burberry Group Capita Group (The) Carnival

3,655.25 869.50 467.18 1,870.50 1,836.00 1,190.50 3,136.50

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 23

C LOSING P RICES M ARCH 23

C O M PA N Y MMM 3M AXP American Express AAPL Apple BA Boeing CAT Caterpillar CVX Chevron CSCO Cisco KO Coca-Cola DIS Disney DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil GE General Electric GS Goldman Sachs HD Home Depot IBM IBM INTC Intel JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase MCD McDonald's MRK Merck MSFT Microsoft NKE Nike PFE Pfizer PG Procter & Gamble TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies UNH UnitedHealth VZ Verizon V Visa WMT Wal-Mart

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 166.49 82.70 125.90 154.50 81.19 107.03 28.44 40.65 108.43 74.34 84.54 25.40 193.13 117.49 162.88 31.31 102.40 61.75 97.05 58.58 42.88 101.98 34.25 84.74 109.73 119.46 119.14 49.56 67.41 83.24

+0.83 +1.16 -1.59 +0.39 +1.10 +2.28 +0.18 +0.63 +1.06 -0.17 +0.13 +0.07 +3.16 +2.33 +3.07 +0.57 +0.71 +0.55 +1.07 +0.37 +0.60 +3.66 +0.10 +1.36 +0.62 +0.08 -1.62 +0.26 +0.60 +1.72

+0.50% +1.42% -1.25% +0.25% +1.37% +2.18% +0.64% +1.57% +0.99% -0.23% +0.15% +0.28% +1.66% +2.02% +1.92% +1.85% +0.70% +0.90% +1.11% +0.64% +1.41% +3.72% +0.29% +1.63% +0.57% +0.07% -1.34% +0.53% +0.90% +2.11%

4.4M 9.3M 68.7M 4.5M 8.2M 14.1M 37.6M 31.6M 8.7M 8.5M 36.1M 50.6M 3.5M 8.4M 9.0M 64.8M 12.4M 18.4M 10.0M 26.1M 71.9M 14.9M 59.2M 22.6M 4.4M 8.2M 7.2M 26.3M 15.4M 12.4M

1.37554

0.72698

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -1.75 2.50 1.78 -7.50 -40.00 -0.50 -64.50

C O M PA N Y

-0.05 0.29 0.38 -0.40 -2.13 -0.04 -2.01

NET VOLUME 68,170.57 8,841.38 37,907.46 6,285.84 8,341.46 7,882.76 6,914.69

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

$ 38.66 $ 57.58 $ 5.75 $ 12.36 $ 6.65 $ 4.91 $ 14.31 $ 15.75 $ 3.14 $ 21.12 $ 2.68

9.43 ▲ 32.26% 11.44 ▲ 24.79% 1.01 ▲ 21.31% 1.70 ▲ 15.95% 0.81 ▲ 13.87% 0.55 ▲ 12.61% 1.55 ▲ 12.15% 1.68 ▲ 11.94% 0.32 ▲ 11.35% 2.11 ▲ 11.10% 0.25 ▲ 10.29%

$ 4.63 $ 7.31 $ 53.1227 $ 8.46 $ 2.62 $ 10.63 $ 24.86 $ 3.32 $ 14.20 $ 14.63 $ 46.94

0.71 ▼ 13.30% 0.99 ▼ 11.93% 7.0643 ▼ 11.74% 1.04 ▼ 10.95% 0.28 ▼ 9.66% 1.12 ▼ 9.53% 2.51 ▼ 9.17% 0.33 ▼ 9.04% 1.40 ▼ 8.97% 1.43 ▼ 8.90% 4.40 ▼ 8.57%

Most Advanced Prothena Corporation plc Ctrip.com International, Ltd. Vascular Biogenics Ltd. Vitae Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cnova N.V. Gordmans Stores, Inc. Tuniu Corporation Calithera Biosciences, Inc. SAExploration Holdings, Inc. VelocityShares 3x Long Silver ETN linked Cumulus Media Inc.

Most Declined Erickson Incorporated Veracyte, Inc. VelocityShares 3x Inverse Silver ETN Nexvet Biopharma plc Tecumseh Products Company 1st Constitution Bancorp (NJ) Vital Therapies, Inc. Arotech Corporation TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. Zafgen, Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Centrica 256.70 0.90 Coca-Cola HBC 1,194.00 -7.00 Compass Group 1,191.50 -11.50 CRH 1,835.00 -5.00 Diageo 1,917.00 -7.00 Direct Line Insurance 327.80 -1.00 Dixons Carphone 422.20 -5.00 easyJet 1,860.00 -10.00 Experian 1,148.50 5.50 Fresnillo 698.50 -8.00 Friends Life Group 432.80 -0.40 G4S 296.80 -2.90 GKN 370.35 -5.25 GlaxoSmithKline 1,624.25 -10.75 Glencore 297.80 -1.50 Hammerson 686.75 1.75 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,187.00 -8.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,148.50 -36.50 HSBC Holdings 583.45 -1.25 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,110.50 5.50 InterContinental Hotels 2,664.00 -34.00 International Consolidtd 590.75 -2.75 Intertek Group 2,562.00 -8.00 Intu Properties 356.65 1.45 ITV 255.35 -1.45 Johnson Matthey 3,361.50 -27.50 Kingfisher 368.80 -1.20 Land Securities Group 1,275.00 -1.00 Legal & General Group 291.70 -1.60 Lloyds Banking Group 80.81 0.18 London Stock Exchange 2,565.00 -18.00 Marks & Spencer Group 533.75 -3.75 Meggitt 561.00 -13.50 Mondi 1,330.50 -17.50 Morrison (Wm) Suprmrkts 205.30 -1.00 National Grid 888.05 -1.15 Next 7,205.00 -70.00 Old Mutual 230.50 -1.20 Pearson 1,481.50 -10.50 Persimmon 1,689.00 1.14 Prudential 1,742.50 -5.00 Randgold Resources 4,831.50 -43.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,965.00 5.00 Reed Elsevier 1,170.50 -2.50 Rio Tinto 2,901.00 -13.50 Rolls-Royce Group 984.00 -3.50 Royal Bank of Scotland 355.65 -0.65 Royal Dutch Shell 2,072.25 8.25 Royal Dutch Shell 2,178.75 7.75 Royal Mail 444.50 -1.90 RSA Insurance Group 432.95 -3.05 SABMiller 3,679.50 -30.50 Sage Group (The) 476.80 -3.50 Sainsbury (J) 272.00 -0.10 Schroders 3,280.00 -5.00 Severn Trent 2,077.00 9.00 Shire 5,592.50 -92.50 Sky 1,024.00 -8.00 Smith & Nephew 1,152.00 4.00 Smiths Group 1,199.50 -4.50 Sports Direct Interntnl 643.00 -6.00 SSE 1,558.50 4.50 St James's Place 983.50 5.00 Standard Chartered 1,112.50 41.00 Standard Life 479.10 -7.50 Taylor Wimpey 154.20 -0.50 Tesco 245.05 0.20 Travis Perkins 1,985.00 1.00 TUI AG 1,170.00 -9.00 Unilever 2,884.50 -15.50 United Utilities Group 957.00 8.00 Vodafone Group 227.05 -1.20 Weir Group 1,807.00 -34.00 Whitbread 5,395.00 -35.00 Wolseley 4,215.00 0.00 WPP Group 1,572.50 -7.50

% C H G. 0.35 -0.58 -0.96 -0.27 -0.36 -0.30 -1.17 -0.53 0.48 -1.13 -0.09 -0.97 -1.40 -0.66 -0.50 0.26 -0.67 -1.67 -0.21 0.18 -1.26 -0.46 -0.31 0.41 -0.56 -0.81 -0.32 -0.08 -0.55 0.22 -0.70 -0.70 -2.35 -1.30 -0.48 -0.13 -0.96 -0.52 -0.70 0.07 -0.29 -0.89 0.08 -0.21 -0.46 -0.35 -0.18 0.40 0.36 -0.43 -0.70 -0.82 -0.73 -0.04 -0.15 0.44 -1.63 -0.78 0.35 -0.37 -0.92 0.29 0.51 3.83 -1.54 -0.32 0.08 0.05 -0.76 -0.53 0.84 -0.53 -1.85 -0.64 0.00 -0.47

VOLUME 12,710.45 4,376.13 20,061.82 14,992.54 48,396.26 4,932.00 4,918.05 7,427.79 11,314.34 5,206.15 6,104.01 4,650.13 6,236.95 79,522.82 39,188.69 5,372.42 5,668.11 4,340.11 112,357.75 29,717.67 6,370.44 12,100.86 4,147.00 4,677.41 10,353.94 6,944.66 8,697.88 10,087.19 17,428.09 57,548.64 8,961.89 8,789.49 4,595.68 4,950.41 4,817.27 33,436.08 11,121.55 11,368.52 12,232.65 5,176.12 44,871.96 4,517.26 42,772.21 13,296.73 41,215.30 18,494.78 22,681.69 80,414.78 52,981.31 4,464.00 4,427.52 59,871.56 5,171.80 5,208.57 7,424.84 4,955.61 33,543.64 17,740.26 10,262.71 4,752.84 3,884.04 15,347.67 5,082.79 26,494.89 11,651.02 5,033.11 19,889.15 4,934.27 N/A 37,220.32 6,471.12 60,507.98 3,928.35 9,854.17 10,961.07 20,785.56

40

E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Advertising Feature

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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41

Milking an intelligent debate ANOTHER survey has just been released claiming that breastfed babies grow up to have higher IQs and earn more money. The study followed 3,500 newborns for 30 years. At the age of 30 all the participants were given an IQ test and the breastfed babies scored the highest. The researchers maintain that the presence of long-chain saturated fatty acids (DHAs) found in breast milk are essential for brain development - and that the longer the child is breastfed the more benefits experienced. I can just feel my good friend

Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

Claire’s blood boiling as I gaze over this most recent ‘breastfed good formula bad’ study. Claire is probably one of the most intelligent women that I know - she’s a director of a multinational company, a history scholar and an all-round smart cook-

ie, who didn’t receive even a drop of breast milk her entire life. And her brother, who also wasn’t fed breastmilk, works for the British intelligence agency, MI5. As she would quite rightly argue, it’s important to also consider in these studies the intelligence of the parents and their social status, as well as point out that genetics play a major part in a child’s IQ. That said, of course, breastfeeding is a beautiful thing. It helps to protect babies against stomach bugs, chest infections, asthma and allergies, while also helping new mums lose their extra baby pounds more

quickly. And if a woman wants to breastfeed - that’s great! Go ahead! But what isn’t fair is the ‘guilt’ that these studies instil in expectant mothers. Breastfeeding is a choice. But for some mothers it’s just not an option, so they shouldn’t be made to feel that their child will grow up to have lower intelligence and less potential to get a good job than those that are breastfed. Whether your child ends up being a highflying business entrepreneur or the CEO of Microsoft has more to do with love, nurture and a good education than it has to do with a bottle or breastfeeding.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

26 March - 1 April 2015/ Costa de Almería

EWN

43

Just let them go! LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

W

OW! Just read a report about even more ‘radicalised’ individuals being returned to the UK after being stopped at some Mid East border or another. Great. That’s a few more, now severely disgruntled extremists in our midst, no doubt prepared to strap on a suicide bomb or spray innocent shoppers with the contents of an Uzi or Kalashnikov at the drop of a burka. As I stated a couple of weeks ago, why do we insist on and indeed appear to crow about bringing these demented people back into a place they obviously hate and simply don’t want to be?

FLYING OFF: Runaways must learn the hard way. For God’s, and indeed all our sakes, let them go. The money these operations must cost is probably mindboggling. Of course I feel sorry for the parents of these misled youngsters, but I’m afraid that’s the way it goes. If your kids are old enough to make these decisions and act on them, so be it. Kids run away from home all the time, for various reasons. It’s a tragic fact of life and believe me, forcibly getting them to return is NEVER the answer. If these misguided parents and guardians think that bringing them back to the family abode will result in

everything in the garden being rosy, then they are more demented than their offspring. Teenagers are notoriously difficult at the best of times; the idea of sitting on the sofa or at the breakfast table with one who would rather be fighting alongside, or become the third or fourth wife of someone who, among unimaginable atrocities, also beheads and burns his enemies alive, is to me positively horrific. I mean what on earth do you talk about? Have these misfits anything in com-

mon with any reasonably-thinking civilised person, family or otherwise? Of course they haven’t. Kids of this type can only learn the hard way. So, parents, the next time your little loves appear to be endeavouring to flee the coup (and they will), give ’em your blessing, give ’em a few quid and drive ’em to the airport. Hopefully, if they’re still alive and manage to finish up in a tent with a computer, they’ll Skype you and show you how well they’re doing - but don’t

hold yer breath. Well, by the time you read this, the ol’ boy will have once more disgraced himself on OAPs Behaving Badly. Swore I’d never do it again. Ah well, in for a pound as they say. As a final word on the saucepans, I’ll leave you with a quote from Dean Martin who informed guests in an afterdinner speech that he had seven children and the three words he heard most around his house were: ‘Hello’. ‘Goodbye’ and ‘I’m pregnant!’ Yep.

Keep the faith Love Leapy Leapylee2002@gmail.com web: leapylee.co.uk

44

E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

BBC Two’s thriller The Fall is to return for a third series in 2016 Richard Shanley

DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL

THE Fall will return for a third series, it has been confirmed. The BBC Two thriller’s next run of episodes is expected to air in 2016. Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan will both return to the show as Stella Gibson and her nemesis Paul Spector respectively. “The story is far from over,” said the BBC’s Controller of Drama Commissioning, Ben Stephenson. “Allan [Cubitt] has known the end game from the beginning - the cat and mouse game between Gillian and Jamie has one last act to play out. Who will win?” Series two ended on a cliffhanger, with Dornan’s

character on death’s door after being shot by a rogue gunman. Mr Selfridge has been recommissioned for a fourth series by ITV. The period drama - which stars Jeremy Piven as the eponymous Harry Selfridge - will air 10 new episodes in 2016. The broadcaster has confirmed that Piven and Katherine Kelly will return to the show, alongside series regulars Tom Goodman-Hill, Ron Cook, Amanda Abbington, Amy Beth Hayes, Trystan Gravelle, Sacha Parkinson and Samuel West. Line of Duty actor Sacha Dhawan will join the cast for the new series playing a major new character, while newcomers Lottie Tolhurst and Mimi Ndiweni have been cast in guest roles. ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November, said: “We’re delighted to commission a fourth series of Mr Selfridge. It’s so pleasing to see the audience take the characters and storylines into

GILLIAN ANDERSON: To return for a third series of The Fall. their hearts. We’re looking forward to seeing Jeremy reprise his role as the visionary, yet deeply troubled Harry, alongside simply stunning production values.” Sky has announced that its Restart feature is coming to the UK later this year. The service, which allows customers to jump back to the start of a movie

broadcast that has already begun, has been available in Italy for some time. “One of the most popular features among our Italian customers is called ‘Restart.’ “It’s a simple, but very clever idea, that allows customers to go back to the start of a movie,” Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch told a press conference. “We’ll bring it to the UK later this year - just

one easy example of sharing best practice across the group.” Restart is currently limited to movie content and there is no word about whether Sky has plans to offer it for TV programming. The feature is expected to be available in the UK before Christmas, but a specific roll-out date is yet to be announced. 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@europadigital.com I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 & 106.8FM, now covering over 2,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

45

Plastic rubbish, polluted seas? Plastic rubbish is thrown on the street with incredible regularity in Spain and often ends up in our oceans, affecting hundreds of marine species. Would you pick it up or comment if you saw someone throwing rubbish on the street? ALAN, owner Of Eurodog Kennels and Caravan Hire, Camino de Coin, Mijas Costa: said: “I think some people are generally lazy all round. I hate to see any kind of rubbish thrown on the floor when it is so easy to use the appropriate bins. Why do some people think that others are going to pick it up for them? When I go to

ALAN: People should use the appropriate bins.

STREET TALK the bins, if I see any on the floor I end up picking that up too! As for plastic and pollution in the sea, that again is a result of people being lazy and inconsiderate. Rubbish pollutes seas and attracts all kinds of vermin.” Jason Hutchinson from Airbox TV is against littering and fly tipping and its effects and

believes it is a growing problem: “I would absolutely tell someone if I saw them deliberately drop litter, they would tell me and I think the Spanish are the worst culprits.” Meanwhile Anne Bowles of the Diabetic Support Group and President of La Cala Lions, Malaga, said: “I hate to see rubbish on the streets, but don’t think I would confront anyone if I were on my own. However they say that wet wipes contain plastic and are not bio-degradable and they are found all over in the sea, sewage and on the beaches. “Most of these are thrown down the toilets. Why don’t the manu-

JASON: Would tell someone if he saw littering.

facturers make them so they are biodegradable? Maybe we should only use those that are? As Eamonn Holmes said on Sky TV - only the three Ps should go in the loo. Pee, Poo and Paper!” ANNE: Manufacturers should make wet wipes so they are bio-degradable.

52

E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

Thursday BBC ONE 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm MasterChef 10:00pm The Truth About Calories 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am This Week

BBC TWO 5:15pm Three Up, Two Down 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Portillo's State Secrets 8:00pm Britain's Got the Builders In 9:00pm Natural World 10:00pm Banished 11:00pm Inside No 9 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Eat to Live Forever with Giles Coren

ITV 5:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Double Decker Driving School 10:00pm The Triplets are Coming! 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Late Debate 12:10am ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Richard III 10:00pm Coalition 11:35pm Britain's Benefit Tenants 12:35am Raised by Wolves

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Classic Car Show 9:00pm The Killer Next Door: Countdown to Murder 10:00pm Holiday Love Rats Exposed 11:00pm The Mentalist 12:00am Aidan: The Rarest Boy in the World

SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Arrow 10:00pm Forever 11:00pm Quiz Nights 12:00am Flintoff: Lord of the Fries

Friday BBC ONE 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Rooms, Rogues and Renters 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm MasterChef 10:00pm The Musketeers 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm New Tricks 12:35am EastEnders Omnibus

BBC TWO 5:10pm 'Allo, 'Allo! 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Portillo's State Secrets 8:00pm Britain's Got the Builders In 9:00pm An Island Parish 9:30pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm Mastermind 11:00pm Blackadder the Third 11:30pm Newsnight 12:00am Artsnight

ITV 5:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:45pm Emmerdale 8:15pm Euro 2016 Qualifier Live 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Euro 2016 Qualifier Highlights 12:40am Coogan's Bluff

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:35pm Unreported World 9:00pm Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man 12:10am Troy 1:05am Brooklyn Nine-Nine

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Gadget Show 9:00pm Mysteries of the Bible 10:00pm NCIS: New Orleans 11:00pm NCIS 11:55pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 4:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Simpsons 10:00pm Stella 11:00pm Quiz Nights 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Saturday BBC ONE 5:00pm Over the Hedge 6:20pm Celebrity Mastermind 6:50pm Pointless 7:40pm BBC News 7:50pm Regional News 7:55pm Weather 8:00pm The Voice UK 10:05pm Casualty 10:55pm The National Lottery Live 11:05pm BBC News 11:20pm Weather 11:25pm Meet the Parents 1:05am Rogue

BBC TWO 4:00pm Growing Up Wild: Natural World 5:00pm Athletics: World Cross Country Highlights 6:05pm Flog It! 7:05pm Gardeners World 7:35pm Kew on a Plate 8:35pm Dad's Army 9:05pm Pavlopetri - The City Beneath the Waves 10:05pm Looper 11:50pm Apocalypto

ITV 3:00am This is BBC Two 4:30pm River Monsters 5:00pm Off Their Rockers 5:30pm Big Star's Little Star 6:30pm Local News and Weather 6:45pm ITV News and Weather 7:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:00pm Saturday Night Takeaway 9:25pm You're Back in the Room 10:25pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:25pm ITV News and Weather 11:45pm Nutty Professor II: The Klumps 1:40am Jackpot 247

CH4 5:05pm Channel 4 Racing 6:35pm The Simpsons 7:05pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Stonehenge: Walking Through History 9:00pm The World's Weirdest Weather

CH5 5:25pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 6:25pm The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 7:20pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 8:10pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm 5 News 9:05pm NCIS 10:00pm NCIS 10:55pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 11:55pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 4:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 5:00pm The Simpsons 5:30pm The Simpsons 6:00pm Greatest Disney Songs 7:00pm Cinderella Special 7:30pm Wild Things 8:30pm Modern Family 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm The Simpsons 10:00pm Alien Autopsy 11:50pm Hawaii Five-0 12:50am NCIS: Los Angeles

TV LISTING

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Sunday BBC ONE 5:00pm The Truth About Calories 6:00pm Songs of Praise 6:35pm BBC News 6:50pm Regional News 6:55pm Weather 7:00pm The Big Painting Challenge 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow 10:00pm Poldark 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Have I Got a Bit More Old News for You 12:10am Déjà Vu

BBC TWO 4:00pm Flog It! 5:00pm Triathlon 6:35pm Operation Stonehenge: What Lies Beneath 7:35pm Pompidou 8:00pm The Sea King: Britain's Flying Past 9:00pm Caribbean with Simon Reeve 10:00pm Louis Theroux 11:00pm Bluestone 42 11:30pm Dream House 12:55am The Mission

ITV 3:40pm Brazil v Chile Friendly 6:15pm Catchphrase 7:05pm Local News and Weather 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:30pm Celebrity Chase 8:30pm Off Their Rockers 9:00pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:15pm ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights 12:15am Aviva Highlights

CH4 3:20pm The Simpsons 3:50pm Leap Year 5:50pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 6:50pm Channel 4 News 7:00pm Johnny English Reborn 9:00pm Great Canal Journeys 10:00pm Indian Summers 11:00pm Gogglebox 12:05am End of Days

CH5 4:50pm Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son 6:55pm Happy Feet 8:55pm 5 News 9:00pm World's Scariest Animal Attacks 10:00pm Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters 11:50pm Step Brothers 1:45am Jackass

SKY1 3:00pm Harrow: A Very British School 4:00pm Modern Family 4:30pm Modern Family 5:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm Moone Boy 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm About a Boy 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm Wild Things 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Hawaii Five-0 11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Monday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Panorama 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm The Ark 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm The Richard Dimbleby Lecture 2015 12:30am Live at the Apollo

BBC TWO 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Portillo's State Secrets 8:00pm Racing Legends: Vic Reeves on Barry Sheene 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Only Connect 10:00pm Kew on a Plate 11:00pm House of Fools 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Tales From Northumberland 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm The Mafia with Trevor McDonald 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:45am Carry on Henry

CH4 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Food Unwrapped 9:30pm Travel Man: 48 Hours in Barcelona 10:00pm Britain's Benefit Tenants 11:00pm Raised by Wolves 11:30pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:35am 24 Hours in A and E

CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm The Gadget Show 9:00pm Police Interceptors 10:00pm Gotham 11:00pm Person of Interest 12:00am Daybreakers

SKY1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Modern Family 9:30pm Driving School of Mum and Dad 10:00pm Moone Boy 10:30pm The Simpsons 11:00pm Arrow 12:00am Critical 1

Tuesday BBC ONE 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Ordinary Lies 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Costa Del Sol: Last Brits Standing 12:45am When a Man Loves a Woman

BBC TWO 4:45pm Are You Being Served? 5:15pm 'Allo, 'Allo! 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Portillo's State Secrets 8:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 9:00pm Back in Time for Dinner 10:00pm Dara and Ed's Great Big Adventure 11:00pm Nurse 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Italy v England Friendly 11:10pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:50pm Italy v England Friendly Highlights 12:50am Carry on Matron

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Burger Bar to Gourmet Star 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm Teens 12:00am First Dates

CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm Costa Del Casualty: Benidorm ER 10:00pm 40 Kids by 20 Women 11:00pm Nanna Love: 50 Shades of Granny 12:00am OAPs Behaving Badly

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Critical 11:00pm Forever 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Wednesday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm MasterChef 10:00pm The Billion Dollar Chicken Shop 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm A Question of Sport 12:15am No Strings Attached

BBC TWO 5:15pm 'Allo, 'Allo! 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Portillo's State Secrets 8:00pm Alex Polizzi: The Fixer Revisits 9:00pm The Ladykillers: Pest Detectives 10:00pm Strangeways 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Big Star's Little Star 10:00pm DCI Banks 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Pop Gold 12:40am Gary Barlow and Friends

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Three in a Bed 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm First Dates 12:00am One Born Every Minute

CH5 3:15pm NCIS: New Orleans 4:15pm Deadly Revenge 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 9:00pm The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 10:00pm Oaps Behaving Badly: Grannies on the Loose 11:00pm Grand Theft Auto: UK 12:00am 40 Kids by 20 Women

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Wild Things 10:00pm Alien Autopsy 11:50pm Stella 12:50am NCIS: Los Angeles

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

53

Gone girl - plus baby! Health tourists’ poorly excuses for not paying their bills I

AM angry. Again. So angry I need to lie down in a dark room for a bit to calm down. Meanwhile, why not flick ahead to the crossword page or go and make that cup of coffee… Hey, me again. Apologies for the short break but pleased to report my blood pressure’s just about stabilised. But why so angry? The reason is the article I just read about yet another ‘health tourist’. Caroline Nyadzayo, an advertising executive in Zimbabwe, is still being chased for £3,000 after giving birth in a Norfolk hospital way back in 2013 - all part of a £62 million unpaid bill for health tourism. One London hospital

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

trust alone is owed more than £17 million. One patient owes over £420,000, several patients over £100,000 for dialysis, bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy while another £15,000 for treatment for alcoholism! NHS treatment is not ‘free’. It’s paid for by the UK taxpayer and a ‘health tourist’ like Ms Nyadzayo isn’t one. She’ll never repay a penny and doubtless will be back again for the next birth. Now, any Brit knows

HEALTH TOURISTS: Should understand NHS treatment is not free. that payment in advance for medical treatment, or proof of ability to pay via medical insurance, is the norm in most other countries. People like Caroline Nyadzayo go to Britain with the sole purpose of taking advantage of the NHS - knowing they don’t

have to pay upfront a huge incentive. Unless the individual falls ill during their visit, the NHS should insist on payment first and treatment second. Health administrators need to be much more vigilant and proactive in recouping these costs as a

matter of principle. Especially at a time of strict constraint on budgets in the public sector - with the NHS itself on life support. What’s particularly interesting about these unpaid bills, however, is the fact that these so-called ‘visitors’ apparently remain

resident in the UK for a considerable period of time in order to receive continuous medical treatment. You really have to wonder if they receive full benefits and free housing for the duration, too. Is it really surprising that individuals like the Zimbabwean ‘health tourist’ above effectively ‘steal’ from the British taxpayer when the UK’s International Health Service is not only still keeping the door open for them but carrying them over the threshold? Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.

E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Costa de Almería weather

NEW ON DVD MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

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The Imitation Game. The Imitation Game, a multi-Oscar nominated movie to be released on DVD at the end of the month is based on the story of Alan Turning, a mathematician who’s employed by the British government to break the German Enigma Code. An elegantly scripted story, the movie features some excellent performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Directed by: Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Beard and Charles Dance. Runtime: 1 hr 56 minutes. Rated PG-13.

TODAY

VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA

ADRA

ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

ROQUETAS

ADRA

Visit the stars, for details on our expanded range of services

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) The brick wall that you start banging your head against this week is not an illusion. It is, indeed, true that others are not responding to you in an expected way.

THE GREATEST

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 18 12 S Tues - 19 13 S Wed - 21 12 S

21 14 Cl 21 13 S 20 11 S

CLEAR

Y S

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Be a social animal this week and you will strengthen both people and business contacts. After being busy last week, you may be inclined to take it easy. Use the telephone or email to full advantage to keep in touch.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Be cautious this week with your money. You have been aware for some time now that a change in your finances is likely.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Someone well and truly treads on your toes this week and it really puts your teeth on edge. There are some bridges that may not be mended at the present time and are best left alone.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) A special chance to try something new should not be passed over. No one expects wonders from you, they are happy just to see you enjoying life.

Sudoku

CAPRICORN (December 22 January 20) Your home life gives you the most satisfaction at the moment even though someone seems to be challenging you. Some things are best ignored until they go away of their own accord and that also often applies to people.

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

AQUARIUS (January 21 February 19) Involvement in a situation connected with someone close may not be the best option this week. Giving advice is all well and good so long as you are sure of your facts. PISCES (February 20 March 20) Some disruption to your plans annoys you but there’s no point getting in a huff. Outside influences cannot be stopped but you are able to keep calm yourself.

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

Saturday March 21

Saturday March 21

Saturday March 21

Friday March 20

1

5

7

21

37

49

7

8 14

12 18

6

17

20

24

28

38

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

30

4

11

3

14 42

LUCKY STARS 1

10

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

4

5

11

23

40

44

REINTEGRO 19

3

11

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY

15 42

Fri Sat Sun -

23 14 S 24 13 S 24 13 S

18 9 S 19 11 S 18 8 Cl

CLOUDY MAX 14C, MIN 7C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 22 12 S Tues - 22 13 Cl Wed - 23 13 S

19 7 S 22 7 S 21 6 S

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 9 S Tues - 19 10 S Wed - 19 10 S Cl Clear,

CLEAR MAX 19C, MIN 13C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

24 14 Cl 27 13 S 26 12 S

Mon - 24 12 S Tues - 25 12 S Wed - 26 13 S

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 C) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

Average: 7

Very good: 14

Good: 9

Excellent: 17

cede, code, cord, cred, deco, deer, doer, dote, redo, reed, retd, rode, teed, toed, trod, cered, coder, cored, credo, creed, decor, derro, deter, doter, erode, erred, order, treed, decoct, record, retrod, teredo, coerced, CORRECTED

Word Ladder STOP

Move from the start word (STOP) to the end word (DEAD) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

36 48

REINTEGRO 4

MAX MIN

Mon - 23 8 S Tues - 23 7 S Wed - 24 7 S

Murcia

CLOUDY MAX 14C, MIN 8C

S Sun,

MAX MIN

Mon - 20 13 S Tues - 21 13 S Wed - 21 13 S

Madrid

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

21 13 Cl 21 13 S 22 13 S

TODAY:

MAX 19C, MIN 13C

Mallorca TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 20 13 S Tues - 21 14 S Wed - 22 14 S

CLEAR MAX 18C, MIN 12C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 12 Cl Tues - 19 13 S Wed - 20 12 C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX 16C, MIN 12C

Benidorm

Malaga TODAY:

18 14 Cl 21 14 S 21 13 S

TODAY:

MAX 17C, MIN 9C

19 12 Cl 21 13 S 18 12 Cl

Sunday March 22

Saturday March 21

37 48

LA PRIMITIVA

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) What a lovely surprise to find that something you have always wanted is coming your way at last. Keep a firm hand with finances and take control if you want to organise things for the better.

tars

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

our

7-Star Quiz

Almeria

CLEAR MAX 17C, MIN 12C MAX MIN

www.fiduciarywealth.eu

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Everything seems an effort at the beginning of this week but as energy levels pick up you will gain momentum. Tackle one thing at a time and realise that Rome was not, indeed, built in a day. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) You really do need to come to an understanding with friends over a social matter, although this may take a little effort this week. It is clear that there are those who are less helpful than others, but this could be because of a misunderstanding.

Alicante TODAY:

DEAD

DEED DEAD

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) It seems that you are putting a lot of effort into whatever you do without getting as much out as you would like. However, as the week goes by, you will realise that it is only a temporary situation.

1. According to the CIA Factbook, which Latin American country has the greatest number of Roman Catholics? 2. Philip Van Doren Stern’s 1939 short story The Greatest Gift was the basis for which famous 1946 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film starring James Stewart? 3. Greatest Day, released in 2008, was which band’s 11th UK Number One hit single? 4. The 1977 film entitled The Greatest, was about which boxer? 5. What kind of entertainment was ‘the Greatest Show on Earth,’ established by Phineas T Barnum in the 19th century? 6. Which American group’s Greatest Hits (1971–1975) album is the best-selling greatest hits compilation by a group and also one of the 10 best-selling albums in history? 7. Which American swimmer has won the greatest number of Olympic medals, 22 (18 gold, two silver, two bronze)?

T

isers

STOP STEP SEEP SEED

56

1. BRAZIL (127 million), 2. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, 3. TAKE THAT, 4. MUHAMMAD ALI, 5. CIRCUS, 6. THE EAGLES, 7. Michael PHELPS

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CROSSWORDS

Crosswords

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

57

SPONSORED BY

For more information about the sponsor go to www.lineadirecta.com

Cryptic

Quick

Across 1 Medicine man has transformed an isle (6) 4 Beat the one at the crease? (6) 9 Deal with skilled occupation (5) 10 Bats are hidden when side by side (7) 11 Hit friend’s back (4) 12 Sally’s pear tree chopped down? (8) 13 Took out old hat (5) 15 Birds begin getting extra essentials surprisingly easily (5) 18 If they’re paid last, you’re dead! (8) 21 Armour in the post (4) 24 Tie a tag around whisk (7) 25 Like a made up uniform (5) 26 The merchant is in the basement we hear (6) 27 Game with first of threes and nines at sixes and sevens (6) Down 1 If Spanish set back places (5) 2 A Los Angeles graduate’s mother in the US (7) 3 Abraham Lincoln’s first murder victim in good book (4) 5 Braise a stew in a military installation (3,4) 6 Grilled bread for health? (5)

7 Row in London park is deplorable (6) 8 Cabbage is an ingredient of cock-aleekie soup (4) 12 Colour a point in the road (3) 14 Lift characters at levee (7) 15 Games without me will result in idle chit-chat (3)

16 Class Australian sheep farm (7) 17 Fears make it sadder (6) 19 Saint, not well yet (5) 20 River in the north of England used by golfers (4) 22 Yorkshire city is first to be heard (5) 23 Passion in fashion (4)

Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 2 represents J and 20 represents T, so fill in J every time the figure 2 appears and T every time the figure 20 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: 1 Duplicates, 7 Entreat, 8 Teems, 10 Airgun, 11 Camera, 13 Aussie, 15 Rattle, 16 Scones, 17 Stigma, 20 Larks, 22 Everest, 23 Celebrated. Down: 1 Deter, 2 Prejudice, 3 Iota, 4 Art, 5 Element, 6 Metatarsal, 9 Spare parts, 12 Apartment, 14 Scourge, 18 Greed, 19 Bear, 21 See. QUICK Across: 5 Beach, 8 Previous, 9 Open, 10 Corridor, 11 Basic, 14/18 Fun run, 16 Rumba, 17 Unite, 20 Basil, 24 Treasure, 25 Ibex, 26 Familiar, 27 Unity. Down: 1 Speck, 2 Learn, 3 Limit, 4 Sudoku, 6 Emphasis, 7 Consider, 12 Creation, 13 Imminent, 14 Far, 15 Nun, 19 Uproar, 21 Cabin, 22 Humid, 23 Beard.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Sound, 3 Types, 7 Postre, 9 Hake, 10 Traveller, 13 Asar, 14 Agosto, 16 Abeto, 17 Globo. Down: 1 Sopa, 2 Nut, 4 Prayers, 5 Seed, 6 Recetas, 8 Surname, 11 Baya, 12 Mono, 15 Owl.

injury (6)

17 Humped beast (5) 19 Utter a sudden loud cry (6)

22 Play (5)

20 Freed from illness or

24 Conscious existence (4)

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English. Across 1 Houses (5) 4 Silver (metal) (5) 7 Goose (domestic) (3) 8 Customer (7) 9 Semilla (4) 10 Más rápido (6) 14 Tattoo (7) 16 Y (3) 17 Paz (tranquilidad, no guerra) (5) 18 Arriba (indicando situación) (5) Down 1 Cruz (figura) (5) 2 Esclavo (5) 3 Sack (bag) (4) 4 Spring (season) (9) 5 Still (even) (3) 6 Bird (large) (3) 11 Cloth (for cleaning) (5) 12 Caballete (de tejado) (5) 13 Carrera (4) 14 Punta (de dedo, lengua, pincel) (3) 15 Té (3)

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 (GUTTER) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues. BARELY

MOTHER

BILLED

MUSTER

BORROW

SEARED

CLEATS

SEATED

ENTERS

SECURE

FINELY

SILVER

FOURTH

STEEDS

GUTTER (10)

UNSURE

INSERT

WELLED

LINGER

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Funagram Unscramble the name of a popular 1990s computer game (one word): SLIM G-MEN FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: JOHN CONSTABLE, LEMMINGS

Unscramble the name of a famous English Romantic painter: CLASH ON JOB TEN

Across 1 Clearly defined (5) 5 Skull (4) 8 Isn't active (5) 9 Person engaged in military service (7) 10 Share (7) 11 Places to sleep (4) 12 Faucet (3) 14 Round object (4) 15 Intense anger (4) 18 Affirmative response (3) 21 Calculates a total (4) 23 Small house (7) 25 Look at closely (7) 26 Savage (5) 27 Feel concerned about (4) 28 Firm and stable in shape (5) Down 1 Scratch repeatedly (6) 2 European country (7) 3 By chance (8) 4 Being away (6) 5 Fifty per cent (4) 6 Come into existence (5) 7 Alloy of copper and zinc (5) 13 Safeguards (8) 16 Proceeding in small stages (7)

1 Portal, 2 Millet, 3 Learnt, 4 Metres, 5 Island, 6 Streak, 7 Flares, 8 Reeled, 9 Hearts, 10 Fierce, 11 Cheery, 12 Leader, 13 Lector, 14 Mutter, 15 Deacon, 16 Chinks, 17 Burden, 18 Events, 19 Gander

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Vanishing act keep an eye on your passport! REGARDING your article ‘Passport theft alert,’ I was in a group of four people travelling to Luton airport from the old Alicante airport a few years ago. We handed over four passports together at the check-in desk but only three were handed back with four boarding cards. No matter how we queried this with the check-in employee, he denied giving us back only three passports. We went to the police to report a missing passport and they weren’t interested at all. With the clock ticking on we were aware that we didn’t have much time before boarding the plane, which we all did. On arriving at Luton, officials there couldn’t understand how someone could board a plane with only a boarding pass or why they were not notified in advance. The person without a passport was the youngest in our group and he had a great deal of difficulty in obtaining a replacement. So beware of the person you hand your passport to at the airport! Ireti Olusanya, Catral (Alicante)

Yellow peril REGARDING the yellow flowers that a reader mentioned, the first year we arrived to live in Spain I spent hours dead-heading them. Then I realised they were growing wild all over the area where we live. Aargh! Pretty as they are they are definitely weeds and not easy to control. Jacquelin Mawson, Albox (Almeria)

Trust required SORRY if I’m monopolising your columns these days! In reply to Peter Fletcher, I do appreciate that he has his own experience, as do I. All I ask is that we should not gen-

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eralise about Muslims, who are a very varied set of people coming from different cultures and backgrounds, as do Christians and the members of other faiths. I stick to what I said about what other Muslims think about Saudi Arabia. I have heard Sudanese Muslims who have worked in Saudi complain bitterly about the hypocrisy they saw there. And Pakistanis who were really embarrassed to see that Christians in Saudi were not allowed to practise their religion openly. I take on board what Peter says about the reported sympathy with the Paris attacks, and it worries me too, but we have to stop the mutual distrust from escalating. Whatever one thinks about those attacks, the fact is that a large number of French and probably British Muslims have the impression that we are failing to understand them and they do not see a good future in our society. Seeing some of the Islamophobic rants that have appeared since then, I cannot say that I am surprised that some should hit back by saying they support the attackers, though in my view very few would really take any such action. To Jonathan Allso, I would only ask “How often do you sing the National Anthem yourself ?” Most people stand up, but don’t sing.

known. However, I must tell you that if they post the ballot papers four days before the election they are worth absolutely nothing in the election. Before the last election I was chairman of Conservatives Abroad and I received phone calls on polling day asking me when I was going to pick up the votes, which was totally impossible. If you want to vote, and I know many do, you should organise someone to vote for you by proxy in the UK. Philip Sadd (by email)

SUCH a vertigo-inducing photo of my nine-year-old grand-nephew and friends on his birthday outing! Whatever happened to jelly, ice-cream and musical chairs? Biddy Kearns (by email) I have often seen Muslims standing alongside everyone else, and that should satisfy you! Bill Campbell (by email)

Small mercies HAVING stirred up some readers with my comments, perhaps I can make some recompense by listing a few things that the UK government does not advertise widely. Firstly, the new Marriage tax allowance from April 2015, not to be confused with the existing Married Couple’s version that only applies to those born before 1935, God bless them. If you are younger, you can transfer £1,000 of a spouse’s unused tax allowance: £212 profit. With regard to inheritance tax, don’t forget that the surviving spouse acquires the deceased spouse’s tax-free allowance. This could affect future financial planning for some, but you have to apply for it. If you are away from the UK for more than six months a

year, you can register for tax in the country of your choice. In Europe where double tax regulations apply this isn’t so necessary but in the US, for instance, it can get messy. Finally, all dog owners should note that the laws have been tightened up and it is now an offence if your dog causes another dog or its owner to ‘worry’ that it might be attacked, even on your own private property! I learned all these things on the grapevine recently, but you can check online at the UK GOV website and choose the appropriate link. Michael Warren, Vera Playa (Almeria)

Snail mail I HAVE now read all the letters re the heating allowance taken back by Iain Duncan Smith. When does bad news come out? After the election, usually, so this is an own-goal for the party. Hundreds of thousands of expats should register and vote in May to let their feelings be

PERHAPS the BBC should focus their cameras more closely on Ed Miliband during his speeches in the House of Commons. Then we can all avoid looking at Ed Balls oscillating between an impersonation of Noddy and Woody Wood Pecker. It is excruciatingly annoying. God forbid that he ever becomes Chancellor! Richard Beames, Los Boliches (Malaga)

Heartless airline WELL, Ryanair has reached an all-time low, not helping the young boy at Gran Canaria airport who needed urgent transplants. He was struggling for life, how on earth could the company not reply to the request to travel to Madrid to have a kidney and liver transplant? Time is of an essence on these occasions and Michael O’Leary and his company failed miserably to help. I did not think Ryanair could get any lower in my estimation but they have with this. If a customer can only book an internal flight online what happens to the millions of old people who have never even seen a computer, never mind ordered air tickets through the Ryanair website? The Ryanair charm offensive will come to a shuddering halt once readers see this, and rightly so. Well done to Air Europa, and shame on Ryanair Malcolm Wise (via Euro Weekly News website)

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

One way Yellow Brick Road

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T was always a good idea to get to our favourite nightspot before the pubs called time on a Saturday night. It was a cellar club and previously used as a ‘storage’ area for a firm of undertakers, but because of its popularity and strictly limited capacity, it was sensible to get there extra early. On a particular Saturday night in 1970, we arrived before the crowds and to kill time we tucked into scampi in the basket whilst watching ‘In Concert’ - a regular Saturday night BBC programme - on the small television at the back of the bar. Sitting at the piano was a nerdy looking guy with big glasses that we had not seen before, and when he started to sing, the hairs on the back of my neck stood to attention - this was something special. The song was ‘Your Song’ and the man of course was Elton John. We were all trans-

Colin Bird Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

fixed and our scampi went limp. I mention this, only to emphasise my credentials as a massive fan of the man and his music. Following the comments of Dolce and Gabbana in the magazine Panorama , Elton saw fit to lambast the pair publicly and criticised them for being out of step with the times, ‘just like your fashions.’ And, he continued: ‘I shall never wear Dolce & Gabbana again.’ The Italian fashionistas stated they were opposed to gay adoptions and that in their opinion, the only family is the traditional one. More controversially, they referred to: ‘Children of chemistry being

synthetic. Rented uterus, and semen chosen from a catalogue.’ Some of those comments were ill-judged to say the least and were bound to attract a tsunami of protest, but others were only echoing the thoughts of many people - in spite of Elton’s assertion that they are out of step with the times. It was significant that these were the views of two gay men, thus depriving the usual suspects of crying homophobia from the rooftops. I do not necessarily go along with the Italians’ views, and it’s not important, because what is at issue here is their right to say it. It is also the right of course, for members of the public to turn their backs on the D&G brand if they so wish, but let’s stop and think.

It is only in recent times that gay people have been able to emerge from the shadows and proclaim their sexual-

ity openly. They of all people should embrace the Yellow Brick Road of tolerance. And here’s an extra thought. If a woman expressed the desire to have children in her late 60s, she would be labelled by many as selfish. Not so it seems with Sir Elton.

ELTON JOHN: Following the comments of D & G has vowed never to wear their fashions again.

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OPINION & COMMENT

All over bar the shouting Cassandra Nash

A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

ANDALUCIA’S regional elections are all over bar the shouting but unfortunately for voters, shouting counts in Spanish politics. Election promises have been swallowed and will either be digested or regurgitated but one big question remained unanswered and will not be answered in the next round of elections. When will politicians stop accusing and counter-accusing each other and concentrate on the job in hand? And fight the electorate’s corner instead of their own?

Another Iron Lady ESPERANZA AGUIRRE, who hopes to become Madrid’s next mayor, is a survivor. She has survived breast cancer and a helicopter crash. She emerged bare-

foot from the Taj Mahal hotel in Bombay during the Islamist siege that killed 90 in 2008. Her political career survived even after she tried to topple the PP leader Mariano Rajoy and she remains standing while politicians close to her during her spell as Madrid regional president have fallen. She almost mowed down a Madrid traffic policeman as she sped off to avoid a fine. All of this could win her votes but not her politics which are to the right of Right. No wonder Rajoy ignored his misgivings to give her the candidacy.

Split loyalties PODEMOS appeared out of nowhere to win five seats in last year’s European elections. Its Euro-MPs recently voted against a call for Venezuela to release jailed opponents to the practically totalitarian system. Not surprising for a party whose leaders were close advisers to

In a manner of speaking DESPITE chuntering in the wings from Podemos and IU, the PSOE socialists welcomed substituting ‘imputado’ for ‘investigado’ in the early phases of court cases. It’s only semantics but ‘imputado’ with its meaning of ‘attributed, imputed, implicated, accused, charged’ whiffs of prejudgement. As an instructing judge’s investigations progresses, someone called to declare either walks out of chambers or sets out on the road leading to prison. Predictably the governing PP conservatives are grateful for the change. Both parties have countless politicians imputed for the late president Hugo Chavez and his hapless successor Nicolas Madura.

PODEMOS CO-FOUNDER: Juan Carlos Monedero. corruption and are confident the subtle shift will be appreciated by voters come May and November. That confidence Even less surprising when we know Podemos co-founder Juan Carlos Monedero has made a

could be misplaced, however, as Spain’s miscreants are guilty in the public mind until proven otherwise. pretty penny out of it. Just a little something to bear in mind next May and November.

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OPINION / FEATURE

In search of Franco’s illusive tomb! 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.

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HAVE decided to change my profession. I am to become a full time archeologist. Why you might ask? Well, have you been following the earth shattering, breathtaking discoveries happening in Madrid? Following last year’s announcement to the world, Spain as a nation decided it was to honour its prodigal son, Miguel Cervantes, author of the surreal tome Don Quixote. If you’ve read his masterpiece you will well know why the author is deserving of such veneration and why the search for his remains kept an

LOOKING BACK IN MOJACAR

MIGUEL CERVANTES: Author of Don Quixote honoured by Spain.

entire nation riveted to their screens and radios rapturously awaiting the next instalment. We waited. Then, praise god, a long filled heave of relief sighed from the country’s caring bosom - the lost one had been located and work immediately began on forensic confirmation. So, what talents do I bring to the table to share? I can read, have read and am continuing to do so. For instance if you had asked me a year ago where might the illustrious author of Don Quixote be located I could have told you exactly where he was. The same place all the guide books had placed him since guide books were written. Every biographer on the subject tells you too. But, oh how the media worked the listening masses into a white foaming lather awaiting the great expectation. So, I have concocted this

newest ‘search and find’ to demonstrate my unique qualities in this illusive field: Francisco Franco Bahamonde was Spain’s longest serving ruler. Now, where could he be buried? I know my fellow researchers will head directly up to Galicia where he was born. Me? I am off to the Bahamas. I’ll have to spend at least a month there examining all the excess cleavage and severely observe the meanderings of the passing beach beauties. Why? It’s a better place than the cold north of Galicia right now. Besides he might have held some fantasies historians hadn’t spotted. While there I will spend the evenings reading about the deeply religious personage he was. This will allow me to deduce his demonstrative rule governed by an iron fist he probably psychologically compensated for that trait by having a

very large cross erected above his self righteous tomb. Then I will search the archives for just such a meaningful cross; immense in proportions and easily recognisable. Hmm, didn’t I read something about that? Could it be in the vicinity of Madrid? Absolute rulers leave nothing to chance so his tomb would have been of deliberate design and purpose. Sanctified, beatified and blessed by a silent congratulatory world. BINGO, got it! Do you know where it is? This discovery should make me as well known as Indiana Jones, Vlad the Impaler or Spongebob Squarepants. I wonder who the committee will select next to be ‘found’? Probably some guy that hasn’t passed yet, these last two exploits were dumb and tricky only if you couldn’t read and an insult if you could.

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H

ISTORY is the propaganda of the victors. We have all been conditioned to accept the conventional version of events; Germany was the bad guy, we sacrificed all to liberate Europe from Nazi dictatorship. Whoa. Not so fast. Modern Russia is seething because no significant Western heads of state will be present at the 70th Victory Day anniversary to be held in Moscow on May 9. The snub is seen as lack of recognition of Russia’s part in defeating the Reich; at worst an ambivalence that quietly exonerates Germany from its past. Not guilty as found, Ivan. The Russian president has a point. On March 16 an event took place in Latvia, as did similar in other Baltic States. The parade was held to commemorate the Latvian Legion that fought on the side of Germany during World War Two. Such marches usually receive front page

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OPINION & COMMENT

Moscow’s victory parade Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

disapproval. Not this year. Across the board, mainstream media seems to have toned down the antiNazi rhetoric. Is it orchestrated? Is Russia’s President Putin right in saying history is being re-

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Demonised as the new Hitler. written? Was the recent murder of a Russian politician, the downing of an airliner over Ukraine, the new Reichstag fires? As Western hostility towards Russia increases, could there be a return to the post-war view that a strong Germany is needed to curb Russian ambitions. In 1946, Winston Churchill remarked: “We have killed

the wrong pig,” too quick to destroy the main bulwark between Britain and the expansionist USSR. In 1946, Britain’s wartime leader, in conversation with US President Harry Truman at Fulton, surmised: “The war wasn’t only about abolishing fascism, but to conquer German sales markets.”

In 1992, US Secretary of State James Baker, agreed: “We made a monster, a devil out of Hitler. Therefore we couldn’t disavow it after the war. In no way could we have pointed out to our people that the war was an economic preventive measure.” Today, it is Russia not the Reich that threatens the trade interests of the

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US, EU and UK. History appears to be repeating itself. Now Vladimir Putin is demonised as the new Hitler, Russia the new Reich. About turn, Tommy Atkins. This is where that extraordinary prophet George Orwell made his point in his great novel, 1984: “This government department spent its time around the clock falsifying the past. It did so by excising all uncomfortable previous events from the public record and burning them, and reprinting continuously revised editions brought up to date in harmony with the latest twist in the political line of his fictional, but terribly real, in fact, regime.” I doubt very much that New York’s Central Park or London’s Whitehall will be renamed to honour Adolf Hitler. However, don’t be surprised if the laundering of Germany’s image now goose-steps in harmony with the character assassination of Herr Putler and the Russian Reich. Pick up tha’ rifle, Sam!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Big relief after a strange week but a little more tired than usual Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving

20th March WELL I mentioned in my last blog that I felt like I was in a boat paddling madly upstream, and at some times against the current, but today I feel I have emerged. The sunshine hasn’t quite come out for me which I think is more down to the torrential rain we have been having! Never mind I am certainly not going to complain because you can count the number of days it rains a year on two hands here in Andalucia!

I had a strange week all in all. The biggest relief was that I didn’t succumb to a fever and the aches and pains were much lighter than the effects of the last chemo treatment. I have noticed I am a little more tired than usual, but I imagine that must be an accumulative effect of nearly five months of chemotherapy, so to be expected.

I have had a strange week all in all I think I have about three eyelashes left and hardly any eyebrows now, so I look a little strange! The hair on my head is sprouting away and I look like a little gosling! All fluffy and a dif-

ferent colour! Too many greys for my liking, but I have sustained a huge amount of pressure and stress over the last few years so something has to give! I can always experiment with new hair colours in the future but it is obviously not advisable until the hair growth is much stronger. It is hard to believe that all things being well I will finish my chemo next month. I have an appointment with my surgeon next month too so I feel like I am making progress. I am a patient person, but at times it is difficult because all you want to do is get better and get on with life. It is the same for the children. We are in a holding pattern at the moment taking each week as it comes. The mind, heart, body and soul are strange things.

You think you know yourself but when you suffer a trauma of some kind you find yourself reacting in ways completely foreign to you. I am normally in control at all times and very philosophical and realistic.

I will spend the weekend doing ‘fun things’ This week, however, has been a roller coaster of emotions for me primarily as I watch my children struggle to come to terms with losing their father. I too have had teary moments. My daughter has become anxious and very clingy emotionally, which is understandable. My son has his distant moments and then returns from the blue yonder when things

come back into focus for him. Both continue to keep their heads down, study hard and press on with life. I admire them hugely, but each day there is always an event or a moment that threatens to tumble them. Yesterday was Father’s Day here in Spain. So they had to endure a day at school with everyone making presents and cards for their Dads. Then there were the endless TV adverts. The stark reminders went on at every turn. They got through the day and I am thankful it is Friday today so they can rest as they both are mentally and physically exhausted. I will spend the weekend doing ‘fun things’ with them and look forward to Easter and the imminent arrival of spring which always brings so much hope.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ARGAN OIL: Can be used in many ways in your daily beauty regimen.

Liquid gold for beauty ARGAN OIL is pressed from the nut of the fruit of the argan tree, which is only found in Morocco. The argan tree lives to be about 150 years old and does not start producing the fruit until it is 30 to 50 years old. Because the tree is found only in a limited

area, the oil itself is quite rare. Known Argan Oil Beauty Benefits Many would declare that argan oil is the best beauty ingredient ever. So here are some easy ways you can include argan oil in your beauty regimen.

• Hair: Argan oil is a great product to calm frizzy ends, add moisture to dry hair as well as add a little shine. Apply to your hair while it is still damp for an all over treatment or apply just to your dry ends after your hair is dry. • S c a l p : If you’re dealing with dry scalp, apply some oil to a cotton ball and dab your scalp with the oil. If you do this before bed, you’ll give the oil plenty of time to moisturise your scalp before you wash your hair in the morning. • Face: It might seem scary to apply a pure oil to your face, especially if you have finicky skin,

but people that have used it on their skin found it completely turned it around. Many find their complexion becomes smooth, clear and radiant, thanks to using oil as the daily morning moisturiser. • Body: You can use argan oil for a full body moisturiser, applying just as you would a body lotion or cream. Apply the oil right after you get out of your shower for best moisturising results. • Hands: Argan oil is a great oil to use on your hands, especially on your cuticles and on your nails if they are prone to cracking and peeling.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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DIABETES: The number of sufferers is set to soar.

Diabetes epidemic DIABETES has been described as a global epidemic affecting one in 12 adults around the world. Scientists say the number of sufferers is set to soar by 55 per cent in the next two decades unless the human population drastically changes the way it eats and exercises. A study by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UK) estimates that 382 million people had diabetes in 2013 and at current rates, that figure is expected to reach 592 million by 2035. Around 10 per cent of sufferers have type one diabetes; an auto-immune disorder that is usually present from childhood. But the other 90 per cent have type two diabetes which derives from an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. The study cited data from the International Diabetes Federation estimating that 8.3 per cent of adults aged 20 to 79 now suffer from diabetes.

DO you copy recipes made by TV chefs? If so, it could be to blame for you putting on weight. Research shows that women who make the dishes they see on TV shows are larger than others who don’t, being an average 11lb heavier; the equivalent of two dress sizes. Researchers from Cornell University in New York state asked 500 young women where they got new recipes from; word of mouth, magazines, cookery classes or TV shows. The women were also asked how often they cooked from scratch and how much they weighed. It found that women who watched TV cookery shows weighed 11lb more on average, but only if they tried to make the dishes themselves. Those that watched celebrity chefs, but didn’t follow their recipes were no larger than those that didn’t watch the shows. It is believed the ‘naughty’ ingredients used by television

Mr Pics / Shutterstock.com

Copying TV chefs can make you put weight on

JAMIE OLIVER: Those that only watched celebrity chefs were no larger. chefs to make their meals more tempting, such as butter and cream, could be to blame or that

you simply eat more or eat because of the gratification of cooking it yourself.

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Costa de Almeria’s best guide to local restaurants

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Bar Trabalon... come and sample proba best tapas bar this side of Albox at great RICHARD and his staff welBAR TRABALON: Sample come you to Bar Trabalon to the many delicious tapas come and sample some good food at even better prices than available with a pint or two. most. Open daily Tuesday to Sund a y 1 0 . 0 0 a m u n t i l l a t e , t h i s at a great price. Many delicious tapas welcoming bar offers an combinations are extensive menu and available while you food is served The choice have a pint or throughout the includes two, but if you day. something want to eat someIt has been said for thing more subthat this is the stantial, then more best tapas bar this everyone is on offer. side of Albox as the Every Friday fish and choice includes something for everyone and all chips are served from

12.00pm right through to 9.00pm and the beer battered

fish is always popular with chips and mushy peas or salad,

it is a steal starting at 4.50 euros.

FOOD & DRINK

ably the t prices Sundays tend to be busy, as the roast dinner has many returning week after week. There is a choice of three meats, or mix them, Roast Potatoes, Vegetables, Stuffing, Yorkshire Puddings and Gravy for only 6.00 euros. As these two days are particularly busy, it is advisable to book your reservation.

Bar Trabalon is located in the road in front of ABC vets, La Alfoquia. Visit the website www.bartrabalon.com. Tel 687 098 959

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RESTAURANT AZUL: All dishes are lovingly prepared.

FOOD & DRINK

WINE SHOP: Find the perfect wine for any occasion.

Take a charming trip to taste wine from Hotel Tikar IN this case, small is definitely charming, as Hotel Tikar offers only six junior suites with attention to charming being the key factor here. Beatriz and Sean, the owners believe in offering all of the right things and in order to provide quality within each of the rooms. All rooms have heating and air conditioning,

wooden floors, crisp white linen and tea and coffee making facilities. Set in the small fishing village of Garrucha makes this the perfect place to stay and take in the history of the surrounding area and also discover the uncrowded white beaches and coves. Sean and Beatrice are very proud of the Restaurant Azul and you will see and taste why if you eat there. All the dishes are lovingly prepared in small batches and quality and freshness is always present. Antonio who is the local butcher makes sure all the meat is fresh daily and the restaurant also welcomes vegetarians who are well catered for.

In the heart of the hotel you will find a delightful wine shop where you can browse and find the perfect wine for that special occasion. Not only can you find out about what events are on the horizon, but also ask about the ever popular olive oil and wine tasting trips. This is an educational venture and begins at the Castillo de Tabernas olive oil mill where you can sample their ‘Oro del Desierto’ (Desert Gold). Following that you take a

short journey up the road to Bodega Perfer in Uleila del Campo to visit the winery to see how the wine is made. After the presentation you can taste the wine accompanied by lunch at the bodega. The trip includes transport, tours, tastings, and lunch for €37.50 per person. Sean advises that you book early as spaces are limited on this popular tour. The next trip is on April 6, so please reserve by tel 950 617 131 or email hoteltikar@hoteltikar.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Advertising feature

Los Angeles: bar and restaurant LOS ANGELES restaurant is one of those restaurants where good news travels fast. Extremely popular with expats in the area, this spacious and friendly venue is located on the Palomares to Villaricos road, 1.5 kilometres past the petrol station, on the right hand side as you approach Villaricos. It is open every day except Monday evenings and has been open since 2009. The menu at Los Angeles is varied and of great quality using fresh ingredients and prepared lovingly in the kitchen by Maria. Violeta is front of house, ensuring the highest standards of customer service are consistently met. You can enjoy a menu del dia including a drink during the day for €10 from Monday to Saturday 12.30 to 4pm and an evening menu del dia is also available from 7pm until 9pm including a drink for €12.50. Of course if you don’t fancy the menu del dia options, you can order from the a la carte menu with such de-

LOS ANGELES: A spacious and friendly venue. lights as steamed mussels, grilled swordfish, lamb chops and duck with plum sauce. Paella is a house speciality with vegetarian, seafood and meat versions available. There is a good selection of vegetarian dishes too such as the vegetable and cheese tartlet or penne pasta with spinach and blue cheese. Love your meat? Then you must try the barbecue pork rack of ribs, a popular

item on the menu and great for the hungriest among you. S u n d a y lunches are available but these are extremely popular so we advise that you book in advance. Roast beef, roast lamb are the core offerings but there are

VARIED MENU: Using great quality fresh ingredients. also fish and vegetarian options available. There are three courses for the superb price of €12.50 per person. Let’s not forget Friday fish and chips where you can enjoy a hearty meal at lunchtime or in the evening for just €7.50. The offering is completed

with a variety of local performers regularly appearing in the venue. On April 10 there is Lady Ellen, Brandon O’Dee appears on April 24 and Chris Bottle will be there with his guitar on May 8. Los Angeles Bar and Restaurant Tlf: 617 952 760 www.losangeles-vera.com www.Facebook.com/ losangelesvera

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Dinner ladies swing in to action for the Luvvies MALOANS in Arboleas was packed for the auditions for the Luvvies Theatre Group’s next production; Dinner Ladies. The Luvvies were pleased to welcome members from other groups and without delay the auditions were under way. This funny Victoria Wood sit-com first appeared on TV screens in 1998, yet despite the intervening years those auditioning seemed to step into the characters without so

much as a second thought. It is a tribute to Victoria Wood’s comedic control of dialogue that even at the first reading, the puns and interaction between the characters is laugh-out-loud funny. A large cast is required for this play and some members will be treading the boards for the first time, while some others will be making their first appearance on stage for the Luvvies. Full rehearsals start mid-April

under the watchful and very experienced eye of Jakki Higginbotham, at the Kubatin in Arboleas. The show is planned to be performed at the end of June. The Luvvies is an amateur theatre group, started in 2004, aimed at bringing stage entertainment to local communities. For more information visit www.theluvvies.com email info@theluvvies.com or call 634 346 309.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

A 1st as Albox and El Ejido celebrate world water day WORLD water day was marked in Albox and El Ejido.

Mayor of Albox, Rogelio Mena, said it was the first time the town has celebrated and marked world water day and is particularly significant for the town as it comes when the residents are benefiting from better and stronger water pressure through their taps: “It’s exciting when a neighbour tells us they notice it while showering, cooking, when they open the tap at home... it

is the greatest reward that a politician can have.”

Water is an important resource According to the company running the water service, Albox residents consumed more than 400,000 cubic metres of

water in 2014. El Ejido marked the day with a comprehensive programme of proposals, all aimed at raising awareness of the importance of responsible water consumption. The day was particularly aimed at the younger generations and 330 students enjoyed workshops and a theatre presentation to help them learn that water is an important resource for the planet.

*

NEW VENUE - FINE DINING - WARM WELCOME TO ALL

La Alfoquia Opposite the football ground, top end of La Alfoquia, in the urbanisation behind the petrol station

… s o l e i C t a n o s ’ t Wha Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Quiz 8pm – Full menu available Thai Night 6pm till late Free fun quiz 4pm – 7pm Karaoke with Graham Dee Icelandic Cod & Home-made Chips Cabaret every Saturday night Sunday Roast 1pm – 5pm live music in the bar 4 - 7pm (acts change weekly)

Entertainment for March

Entertainment for April

Saturday 28th Sunday 29th Save 5

Saturday 4th Dinner & Dance with Brendon O’Dee Hot & Cold Buffet to include desserts 12€ Saturday 11th Nick Spatoni Saturday 18th Melanie Howard-Coles Thursday 23rd From 3pm St George’s Day Traditional English Lunch Saturday 25th U2 concert Bookings being taken. Sunday 26th Live Music

Brian Dee Charity Gig The Dog House Fund. Live Bands Free entry book your table now

Live Premier Football on large screen

We cater for private parties – weddings, birthdays etc Large events room and roof terrace for 40

Thai Night

every Tuesday at Bar Cielos. Over 35 authentic Thai dishes to choose from.

Booking essential. Tel 634 393 235 Opening Hours: Mon: 6pm to late & Tue - Sun: Noon to late

For bookings and information email: barcielos@hotmail.com Call Glenn on 634 393 235

Cards Accepted

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Wine club hosts first competition THE Wine Club of Almanzora has hosted the first wine competition of Almanzora Valley. The cultural centre was filled with people from nearby villages with most being part of the jury to judge, document and score the 30 wines presented from different municipalities of the region. Five professional jury members were also evaluating the quality of the wines. Juana Reche and Maribel Lopez, organisers of the event, said they aimed to promote local wines and highlight the different features and processes of wine

making and vineyard management: “With the contest we are trying to encourage the cultivation of land (in this case the vines) and to promote responsible regional wine consumption.” They also aim to regenerate lost traditions and create links within the Almanzora Valley. Jose Yeste (best red and best white) and Jose Antonio Plasencia (best rose) won the awards from the professional jury consisting of winemakers, wine experts and keen amateurs while Cecilio Martos and Jose Moreno won the popular vote.

The Wine Club of Almanzora was created a few months ago to try and regenerate and boost the declining tradition. The club offers wine tasting, activities and events.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Albox team in 2 different races MEMBERS of the ‘All Bike All Run’ Mountain Bike Team in Albox have re-

cently competed in two different races. Team owner Jose

Ibañez raced Mililla (Africa) along with 1,400 others over 72km. He finished in an impressive fourth place overall and first in his Master 40 category. Other members raced more locally in Macael over a tough 56km route with a 20km climb to 1500m from the start. There were good results for all members with junior rider Christian Jimenez coming second in his category. Master 30 Juan Sanchez was sixth. Master 40 Pedro Perez was ninth. Master 50 Mark Saunders came in sixth place. The good results continue the form of the team which has been entering various races over recent months with great success.

HOMES & GARDENS

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Retirement gardening for pleasure and health

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.

G

ARDENING remains a major retirement activity in Spain although surveys suggest more women than men garden on a regular basis. This is a pity as gardening offers interesting mental and physical activity in touch with and managing nature. In spite of the amazing achievements of technology over the past century, a garden designed, developed and nurtured over 10 or 20 years is probably one of the most complex, challenging and continuous projects one can undertake in retirement and even a lifetime. But many do it because the results are very visible, satisfying, self-fulfilling and if done in partnership with a spouse can rebuild relationships that declined during busy working lives. Also gardening can be practised even into one’s 90s, for gardens can be reduced in size and enviable mini gardens can be created even on apartment terraces and balconies as described in the book

ACTIVE GARDENING: Satisfying and self-fulfilling.

‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style.’ Some of the other reasons retirement gardening is popular are as follows: • It can be practised in gardens and allotments, patios and on terraces, balconies and window sills. Yes, even on window sills where we have seen interesting succulent collections, mini strawberry beds and trays of cut and cut again salad leaf collections. • Having a garden to potter around in can help the transition from paid work to retirement as it has different and interesting demands season by season. • Gardens provide opportunities for both brain and brawn. It provides for both partners to combine their relative strengths and weaknesses. • Men, if you are not keen on gardening, at least

help your spouse/partner to change plantings to the more drought and frost resistant varieties including wild naturalised varieties and establish systems for collecting, storing and distributing more rainwater. Several hundred practical ideas for reducing your watering bills and efforts are included in the book ‘How to use less water in your garden.’ Hard copy and Kindle versions are available from Amazon Books. • Moving to the south of Europe allows one to enjoy gardening and gardens on many more days of the year than in the UK and other northerly countries and also allows one to experiment with a new range of flowering plants, fruits, herbs and vegetables. • With just a few hours a week it is perfectly possible to become self-sufficient in

ecologically grown herbs, vegetables and fruit, again even on a mini scale. • As one becomes infirm it is possible to work sitting down, by gardening in tall containers and on specially constructed growing tables. • Working in the garden, especially in the winter sun, helps build up and maintain one’s natural vitamin D production as well as exercising limbs. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com March 2015

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Chocolate is banned!

David THE Dogman

Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10 thru 11. Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm

WITH Easter coming up and the prospect of chocolate treats in store be careful not to let your dogs near those tasty eggs. Chocolate made for human consumption can cause death in dogs. Dogs are sensitive to a class of chemicals called methylxanthines. Caffeine and theobromine are members of that family. Dogs simply cannot metabolise and excrete methylxanthines as efficiently as hu-

EASTER EGGS: Not good for dogs.

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mans. The half life of those compounds in the human body is in the order of two to three hours, in the dog it is more like 18 hours. In a dog the compounds are taken up by the liver and transmitted via the bile into the intestine. They are then converted back into the original methylxanthines for another circuit through the animal. This repeats itself a number of times and instead of getting rid of the substances the dog keeps repoisoning itself. There are many formulations of chocolate with varying amounts of caffeine and theobromine. The lethal dose of sweet milk chocolate for a dog is

two ounces per kilogram of bodyweight. For a five kilogram dog this would be about 280 grams. A lethal dose of milk chocolate for a 25 kilogram dog would be about 1.4 kilograms. Dark chocolate is at least 10 times as lethal. A 25 kilogram dog could die from the methylxanthines in five ounces. Symptoms include vomiting, hyperactivity, restlessness, hypersensitivity to touch (a dog will jump when

touched), very rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing rate. A loss of control of leg muscles, muscle tremor seizures, general weakness, coma and finally death follow. It would be a tragic mistake to encourage a dog to develop a taste for chocolate. A small dog left alone in a house with a box of chocolates might well follow his nose to the goodies and commit suicide by poisoning.

PETS

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Mongrels still favourites for pet-owners in Spain IF a mongrel was a breed of dog it would be the most popular for pets in Spain, a recent study has confirmed. Murcia, Valencia and Aragon were found to be the regions where the most mongrels are kept as pets, while for crossbred cats the top regions were the Basque country and Valencia. The study by Veterinary Management Studies for QVET analysed data for 448,924 pets registered in the country in 2014, 368,473 dogs and 80,451 cats and found that 52.1 per cent of dogs in Spanish homes were mongrels or crossbreeds. The most popular purebred pets were found to

be Yorkshire Terriers, German Shepherds and Labradors followed by French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Chihuahuas. The average age of dogs was found to be five years, three months, and pet cats were also reported to have an average age of just over five. Size-wise, an increase in popularity of small dogs as pets was noticed, with an increase from 47 per cent in 2011 to 49 per cent last year. The breeds that registered the highest increases in popularity were Maltese and Chihuahuas followed by Labradors and Retrievers. Cats were classified by hair length rather than size, with 85.7 per cent

of pet cats reported to be of short-haired varieties. Pure-bred European cats were the most frequently registered pets at 32 per cent, while crossbreeds accounted for 26.8 per cent. British Shorthairs and Maine Coons are the breeds that have increased the most in popularity over recent years, the study found. MONGRELS: The most popular dogs for pets in Spain.

ABANDONED: But laws may now change.

Good news for Madrid’s pets on death row MANDATORY euthanasia for abandoned pets that end up in pounds and shelters across Madrid may soon end now that regional lawmakers have decided to study changing the local animal protection law. After a successful initiative put forward by animal protection society El Refugio through a campaign to push for changes to the local pet laws, Madrid’s regional parliament unanimously voted to back a proposal presented by the

United Left (IU) group calling for, among other things, an end to the killing of abandoned animals. Catalonia is currently the only Spanish region to prohibit the euthanasia of abandoned animals. There is no national legislation regarding this issue. The draft bill in Madrid also calls for mandatory sterilisation of all pets whose owners do not plan on breeding them and fines of up to €3,000 for people who abandon animals.

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Laurie and Keith sit for family of spaniels By Lamia Walker of HouseSitMatch SALT, Pepper and Chips are the King Charles Spaniels of an expat living in the Costa Almeria. They are a family, mother, father and son. Laurie and Keith are an American professional couple who retired from their marketing and wholesale businesses in Texas a couple of years ago and finally realised their lifelong dream to travel the world. But rather than pay for expensive annual cruises like many of their friends they decided they would indulge their other love for pets by pet sitting their way around the world. Living in each location where the home and pet owners live, allows them to savour each new location, to live like locals and really take

time to sample the delights of each country. And, as they get free accommodation in exchange for caring for the owners’ pets and homes it makes their extended tour of the world much more affordable. One day while surfing online they came across a darling picture of three Spaniels living the highlife by the beach in Spain, on a housesitting website. They registered, applied and immediately secured a telephone meeting with the owner who was thrilled to get their application. They stayed for a month, and took care of her family while she returned to Ireland for a wedding. It was a happy match. Download your Free Easy Guide to Housesitting from www.bit.ly/eurown001

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PROPERTY

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Quality service from award-winning firm

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MARTINEZ DE LA CASA Architects is a leading and highly reputable practice operating across Alicante, Murcia and Almeria provinces. The company has been recognised and awarded within Spain and abroad for its engaging approach to public environments and innovative design. As members of the Forensic Experts of the Murcia College of Architects (COAMU) the company provides full surveys and assessments, appraisals, valuations, property reports and assistance with judicial tribunals. Owner Antonio Martinez said they do more legalisation documents and retrospective licences than any other company within these areas: “We are experts in retrospective licences which are quick and affordable. We have issued over 5,000 between retrospective, occupation/habitation licences, appraisals and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).” For property owners in the Almeria area, certain conditions are needed to obtain a retrospective licence or antiquity certificate for extensions or pools: the extension or pool need to be over six years old, except for protected areas; the extension or pool have not received any fine and the property needs to have the title deeds and owner’s NIE.

By having a retrospective licence/antiquity certificate you avoid putting off potential buyers. You also need this document for updating the title deeds (escritura) at the notary. Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment and deliver the certificate stamped by the Official College of Architects within 7-10 days. The cost of a pool licence is now €190 + IVA and for extensions and pool €270 + IVA. Only one certificate is needed to cover all alterations done on the property. If your solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact Martinez de la Casa and they will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper for you. They also offer discounts for groups or if you require an EPC, Occupation Licence or Retrospective Licence done at the same time. Martinez de la Casa Architects are the number one company in EPC certificates (€121 inc IVA) and for AFOs (from €550 + IVA). Martinez de las Casa Calle Floridablanca, no 38 Aguilas Murcia Tel: 968 446 077 Visit: www.martinezdelacasa.com

PROPERTY SPECIAL

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FOR RESULTS EVERY WEEK

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INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email serena@eu roweeklynews.com for more details.

MOBILE HOMES

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MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

WE BUY, Sell, Store, 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 (228718)

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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. (200726)

Price per word: 0,42€ + IVA minimum 15 words - Discount: Book 10 weeks, get 2 weeks free - Deadline: 4pm Mondays Contact: Phone (0034) 950 472 109 • Fax (0034) 950 478 789 • email mojacar@euroweeklynews.com • www.euroweeklynews.es

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E W N 26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters ROM just 65€ Aguafuerte is not the answer! Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962. Email carlos.saliente@gmail.com (228425)

SOLAR POWER

CERTIFIED Pool Cleaner/Handyman/Gardener/House Sitter, cheap rates. Phone Neil 642 764 741, email totalpools@out look.com (228569)

PROPERTY TO LET RENT/SELL 3 bed villa, 2 bath and lovely views. Seron 1.5 from airport, 50 mins from beach. €300 monthly. 678 527 602 (233650)

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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

REMOVALS/STORAGE

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 15 years installation experience. Established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria.com (230097) CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs, call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@gmail.com (228425)

SWIMMING POOLS GENECO Pool construction. Tel 950 478 086 for no obligation quote (93401)

EL MARGEN close to Oria. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, large kitchen/diner. South facing garden + patio. 100m2 plot of land. 70,000€. 642 785 780 / semcoteakcare@yahoo.co.uk (232249)

TILING FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (228474)

PROPERTY WANTED WANTED. Unfurnished, 2 bed apartment for long let. 950 472 551 (232248)

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POOLS PAINTERS

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Basics to remember on the road in Spain ALTHOUGH rules of the road tend to change from time to time, here is a brief reminder of what is presently required on Spanish roads. Driving licence: Visitors driving in Spain must have reached the minimum age laid down for residents of Spain, even if they are qualified to drive at a lower age in their country of residence. A foreign driving licence does not entitle the holder to drive a motor vehicle in Spain until the age of 18 years old. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted.

Vehicles from the UK may be imported into Spain for up to six months in any one year. The following documents should be carried: • Full, valid driving licence • Proof of insurance (third party or above) • Proof of ID (Passport) • Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate) You are required by law to carry the following items: Reflective jackets, Warning triangle and Headlamp beam deflectors. Crash helmets are compulsory for motorcycles.

MOTORING

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SPONSORED BY For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80

New Ford Mustang

FORD Motor Company has announced the prices for the 2015 Ford Mustang in Europe. It is the first Mustang ever to go on official sale across Europe in its 50 years of production. Up until now every Mustang on the roads of Europe has been ‘privately’ imported from the USA. After some time of guessing about the release date and debut of 2015 Ford Mustang, the company officially announced that their trademark car will be out on December 5. While Executive Chairman Bill Ford introduced the new Mustang at Ford’s special ‘Go Further’ event to an audience of around

FORD MUSTANG: A nice Christmas present! 2,500 journalists, dealers and employees in Barcelona, Spain in 2013, one of six cities across four continents where the new Mustang was simultane-

ously revealed, it has been a long time coming. The 2015 Ford Mustang, which this year starred at the Geneva Motor Show, will be available in two

forms for Europe: the EcoBoost and the GT. The EcoBoost Fastback with a six-speed manual transmission will have a starting price around €34,000, and the Mustang GT Fastback (manual transmission) will begin at around €39,000, with a hefty €4,000 extra for the Convertible. “Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonate with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car - it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

MOTORING

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RE-PLATE MATE Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the law! Take the hassle out of re-registering your vehicle onto Spanish plates We endeavour to better any genuine quotation 490 Euro + Road Tax + CO2 emission tax if applicable

BLOODHOUND SSC: Took a tour around London streets.

Alan 662 249 159 www.replatematecostablanca.com

Breaking barriers A BRITISH car hopes to break the land speed record by shooting through the desert at over 1,000mph, and its body has to be made bulletproof to withstand the huge impacts it will undergo as it rockets into the record books. The Bloodhound SSC car, took a tour of London’s streets this week, but won’t be getting any speeding tickets. The car which has been assembled just outside Bristol, is counting down to its final test, but first it must ensure that the car can withstand its journey. As it hurtles through the desert, it will be going at such speeds that even a small pebble could cause huge damage. If a bag of sugar hit the centre of the wheel while the car was travelling at full speed, for instance, it would be the equivalent of 50 tonnes of blast, the weight of a fully loaded lorry. To ensure that it can withstand such hits, the team behind the project has fired projectiles at the panels on the car. By ensuring the panels are

essentially bullet-proof, they can make sure they are pebble-proof too. The panels will protect the car’s driver, Andy Green, as he drives the car through the desert. The project has been seven years in the making and has been a dream of former RAF pilot Andy Green since he set the current record in 1997. The supersonic car will use one Nammo hybrid rocket in high speed testing scheduled for 2015 and a cluster of three rockets in its 1,000mph (1,609 km/h) campaign in 2016. This is in addition to the main engine, which is normally found powering a Euro-fighter Typhoon, weighs a tonne and produces 20,000lbs (90kN) - or nine tonnes of thrust. The two power plants together produce 135,000 thrust horse power, or the equivalent to 180 Formula 1 cars. The team behind the car hope it will be able to beat the 763mph record, which was set by Thrust SSC in 1997, which was the first car to break the sound barrier.

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FEATURE

Thornbury Castle Kevin Pilley Pilley’s Planet Kevin is an ex-professional cricketer and the former chief staff writer of PUNCH. He is the UK's most published travel writer. His work appears worldwide. He once went to Vienna and dressed up as Mozart.

T

HERE is an atmosphere to Thornbury. It is hard to pin down. Until the staff tell you. It’s a combination of boiled-up molehills, mashed conkers, gin and brown ale. A former staff member, who enjoyed upholstery and respected history, used to make his own woodstain. He didn’t believe what it said on the tin when it came to looking after the oak panelling, floorboards and woodwork throughout the only Tudor castle hotel in the UK. So he made his own eccentric lustre. And preservative. His is not the only presence that lingers on at Thornbury Castle in South Gloucestershire, not far from Bristol and the Slimbridge bird reserve. After dinner, thanks to chef Mark Veale, his Gordon Ramsay roots, his candle-lit grown, lovingly forced rhubarb and signature rhubarb and beetroot dessert, his Brixham fish, totally local lamb and wine pairing proposals from sommelier Jerome (‘Armagnac’ with the foie gras and game terrine), I returned - goutishly - across the courtyard and up the spiral stone stairwell to my bed chamber. To find Henry VIII and his six wives sitting on my pillow. After dinner, turn-down mints unwrap the history of Thornbury, the only town in the world with a fish and chip shop in a wedding registry office. Read your en suite, handmade ‘House of Dorchester’ complimentary chocolates and you learn about the Tudors from Catherine of Aragon to Catherine Parr, the only monarch buried in a public

HENRY VIII: Came to the throne at the age of 17 and had six wives.

church, in St Mary’s Chapel at Sudeley Castle near Cheltenham. Don’t bother with George, the concierge at the front desk. He is the one in full body armour. The gorget, pauldrons, spaulders and chainmail gusset. He doesn’t say much for the castle’s official meeter and greeter. Talk instead to Jenni, Faye or Katrina and you hear about Henry VIII. And his Thornbury disconnections. Henry beheaded the castle’s original owner, Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. A man who perhaps had more right to the

throne than the betterknown bald, adipose, 54-inch waister, hunter-humanist cuckolding Renaissance prince with a pronounced joustingrelated limp. And renowned fertility difficulties. Losing your head ran in the Buckingham family. Richard III executed Edward’s father. Henry VIII honeymooned for 10 days at Thornbury Castle with his second wife, Anne Boleyn, as part of their lengthy nuptials tour in 1535 which also took in Dover, Sittingbourne and innumerable four posters and coronet beds in between. There was no ‘Voya’ Irish hand-harvested seaweed luxurious bath gels and hand wash or perfectly behaved monsoon showers then. Nor an on-call massage therapist offering warm bamboo treatments, eyebrow tidying, groom facials, bridal hair trials

and French pedicures. Doubtless, on her honeymoon at Thornbury, newly-wed Anne nee Boleyn stared up at the same ornately carved ceilings, mused at the tapestries, pulled the tasselled ropes, stared into the open fireplaces and whistled lute rifts and hummed virginals while dreaming of treasonable adultery. She was executed in 1536. Arguably, Boleyn and Thornbury Castle (as well as the ‘last orders grill’ in the Tower of London) patented the ‘dining in a dungeon’ concept. Thornbury has a special occasion dungeon restaurant and wine cellar, as well as the Great Hall conference, banqueting and function room where Henry VIII held court. Reportedly the infamous syphilitic, diabetic Henry’s legitimate daughter Mary (later Queen Mary I) by Catherine of Aragon also visited the castle, bringing her dogs. The castle has been pet and ghost friendly for over 500 years.

As well as reported canine spectres, there is the obligatory grey lady and very occasional sightings of a transparent man, possibly Jasper Tudor, the first owner’s stepson. Thornbury has it all. From arrow loop windows and a minstrel gallery to a hexagonal dining-room and cuddly, jovial local ladies dispensing buttergrilled kippers and porridge with strawberry and maple syrup at breakfast. And the petits fours, scones and huge cake-stands at afternoon tea. Thornbury was the first restaurant outside France to earn a Michelin star and the sticky toffee pudding has remained on the menu since the 60s. A three-course dinner costs £50. Lunch £20. The roasted monkfish cheeks, seared scallops and venison haunch carpaccio with juniper baked celeriac make you forget you are a commoner for a while. Nothing much else has been changed over 500 years. The turrets and crenellations remain. The parapets are embattled. The gilding is 24-carat gold. There are mullions, applewood chandeliers, wrought-iron candelabras, clanking thick arched doorways, portraits of rakes in ruffs, silks and tapestries, bee boles, gargoyles, heraldic knots and antelopes, secret passageways, priest holes and hidey-holes. There are 26 authentic bedchambers including one in the tower up a 77-step spiral staircase and looking out over the Severn and into the Principality of Wales. Historians agree that Henry VIII may have urinated off it. Henry, who came to the throne when he was 17, was a keen hunter and didn’t have to hunt very far to find Stafford’s ‘palace within a castle’. Although, in those days, maybe there was no eggy bread for the children. Or Knickerbocker Glories for anyone. The ‘H’ depicted in stone on the lawn stands for ‘helipad’. Rather than the portly king.

Thornbury Castle, BS35 1HH 0044 01454 281182 www.thornburycastle.co.uk

SPORT

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WE DO!

26 March - 1 April 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

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Irish eyes are smiling and Barca win There’s plenty of sporting action to suit everyone this weekend Tony Matthews

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.

Costa de Almeria

DIARY OF EVENTS • This weekend, Spain’s superrider Marc Marquez begins the defence of his World MotoGP title in Losail, Qatar... Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to make it two F1 wins in a row in the Malaysia Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur... England’s footballers take on Lithuania in a 2016 European Championship qualifier (Harry Kane’s debut perhaps?)... and New Zealand or South Africa will play either Australia or India in cricket’s World Cup final which takes place in Melbourne on Sunday. SOCCER ROUND-UP • Barcelona (with a winner by Luis Suarez) beat Real Madrid 21 in the 229th El Clasico at Camp Nou to go four points clear at the top of La Liga. • In the Premiership, Manchester City beat 10-man WBA 3-0. Baggies’ defender Gareth McAuley was wrongly sent-off after 89 seconds... it should have been Craig Dawson, and City’s second goal, scored by Fernand-

inho, was their 1,000th in the PL. • Chelsea, leaders by six points, won 3-2 at Hull; Manchester United triumphed 2-1 at Liverpool, who had substitute Steven Gerrard red-carded 38 seconds after half-time and Arsenal won 2-1 at Newcastle. • At the bottom, there were defeats for Aston Villa, Sunderland, Burnley, QPR and Leicester, the latter losing 4-3 at Tottenham for whom hot-shot Kane hit a hat-trick. • Bournemouth beat Middlesbrough to return to the top of the Championship, ahead of Watford. Norwich, Ipswich and Wolves, 2-0 winners over Derby, are all in contention for the play-offs at least. And Sheffield Wednesday scored twice in the 96th and 97th minutes to win 3-2 at Rotherham. • Bristol City lead PNE by 10 points (83-

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

Mojacar Bowls ladies and men’s championships MOJACAR Bowls Club held its Ladies and Men’s Club Championships watched by a very supportive crowd of Mojacar bowlers. The Ladies Singles Final was between Diane Reynolds and Janet Lawrence, where Diane took an early lead and remained in front to reach 21 and win the final. The Men’s Final was between Dave Brannon and Gordon Blakeman. This was a very closely contested game. On the last few ends Dave just had the edge over Gordon and won the Final. Well done to both sets of finalists for giving the supporters two exciting games to watch.

BARCELONA: Luis Suarez scored the winner against Real Madrid.

50th title win NOVAK DJOKOVIC won his 50th major tennis title by beating Roger Federer in the final of the men’s singles final in Indian Wells. Simona Halp beat Jelena Jankovic in the women’s final which had 18 breaks of serve.

73) at the top of League One and Burton Albion are five points clear of Shrewsbury (76-71) in League Two. • Celtic defeated Dundee United for the third time in a fortnight (2-0 in the SPL) after 4-0 wins in the Scottish Cup and 2-0 in the League Cup final. • Rangers beat Hibs to hand Hearts the Scottish Championship crown. • The Champions League quarter-finals are: Atletico Madrid-Real Madrid, JuventusMonaco, Porto-Bayern Munich and Barcelona-PSG. So we could have an all-Spanish or all-French final. OTHER SPORT • The season’s last three Six Nations matches produced a

record 221 points. Wales set the day’s pattern by battering Italy 61-20 in Rome. Ireland then beat Scotland 40-10 to top the table. This left England needing to beat France by 26 points to pip the Irish at the post. They missed out, just, winning 55-35, to finish second as the ‘smiling’ men in green retained their crown. Next up for the rugby stars is the 2015 World Cup. • Ireland’s ladies emulated their male counterparts by thrashing Scotland 73-3 to win the 2015 women’s RBS rugby title. • Ben Spencer’s last-minute penalty gave Saracens a 23 points to 20 victory over Exeter in Rugby Union’s a thrilling LV=Cup final. • Former world number one Tiger Woods (now 87th in the rankings) hopes to return to action at the US Masters at Augusta (April 9-12). • And Mo Farah set a new European record as he became the first Brit to break 60 minutes in winning the Lisbon halfmarathon. CHARITY QUIZZES I have organised the following charity quizzes: April 3 - Hole in One Bar, Valle del Este golf complex (for Vera Lions); April 10 Beachcomber, Mojacar (RBL); April 30 - Irish Rover, Mojacar (PAWS) and a football quiz at The Loft, Mojacar in late May.

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Sport

Marc Marquez Begins the defence of his World MotoGP title in Losail, Qatar. See Page 95

Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

Boxers in the sun

WHILE everyone else was getting soaked from Arboleas to Albox, Boxers were playing golf in the sun at Marina Playa Golf. Results for the day were in Division One Tony Harwin (37), second Steve Peete (36) and third Dean Grayston (33). First was Colin Foster (32) with Martin Allen (30) second and Tom Harris (26) third. Nearest the pins were won by Tony Hammond, Dean Grayston and Paul Holley. Next Outing is at La Serana in Murcia on Friday April 3/Price €35 + €10 for a buggy if required. More information: Tony Hammond info@boxers golfsociety.eu

TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Marina Phoenix GS

THE individual Stableford competition at Marina Phoenix, on Monday March 16, witnessed a three-way tie for first place, with 35 points. On countback Bob Craig won followed by Eddie Vaughan in second and Don Atkins third. Linda King took the Ladies Division on 33 points and another countback put Maxine Mayhew (31) in second with Penny Craig (31) in third. There were twos prizes for Isobel Jones and Derick Dale. Thursday’s team game encountered wet and windy conditions for the 9.30am start and many of the players withdrew. In the event, however, there was very little rain during the round. The fourball teams played best two to count, won by Liam MacNamee, Frank Conmy, Ali Mahmud and Jim Budd on 78 points. Second on 76 were José Nistal, Margaret Budd, Nigel

SPORT

Thursday winners at Marina Phoenix Golf Society. Greenwood and Les Armfield. There were nearest the pin prizes for Liam MacNamee and Les Armfield. Marina Phoenix play Mondays

(individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee, ring Jim on 950 162 727/600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

A warm invitation IT was a lovely day to play golf at Cortijo Grande, which gets better as it gets older. You will be made very welcome when you come and join them on any Sunday morning, Last Sunday, the winner with a great score of 39 points was David Bezer and second with 32 was Derek Mulroone. In third with 30 was Mike Picken. To join them at Cortijo Grande, the oldest golf course in this area, ring Patricia on 666 648 295.